Beckwith, H. W. History of Iroquois County.
Chicago: H.H. Hill and Co., 1880 p 444. James B. HANDY, deceased, farmer, Hoopeston was
born on Union Prairie, in Illinois west of Terre Haute, July 11, 1822 and died March 1863.
His parents were natives of NY. When he was about 12 he went with his parents to
Newtown, Fountain county, Indiana. They bought a farm there. Young Handy lived with his
parents until 1842. He was married to Keziah POYNER Sept 23, 1842. He bought a farm and
resided in Fountain County until 1858 when he came to the neighborhood where his family
now lives. He bought land here in 1859 and moved to the farm in the spring of 1861. In
1862 his oldest son, Thomas P. enlisted in 76th Ill Vol and died the same year of measles,
at Columbus, Ky. Mr. Handy brought the body home for burial. The other children are
James A., who married Cornelia Koontz; Mary A, wife of JM Houston; Loretta J wife of
Theodore Finch; Emma T, wife of Charles Beebee; and John, unmarried who lives at home with
his mother. Mr. Handy enjoyed the confidence of his fellow citizens. He was the 1st town
clerk of the township and also school treasurer. He was a member of the ME Church as also
was Mrs. Handy. She now belongs to the United Brethren Church.