Frank McKearn was born on January 29th, 1885 in Durand, IL (Laona Township). He was the son of Michael and Mary Dolan McKearn. Frank was the second oldest of Mike and Mary’s ten children. The oldest was Alford(b. 1883) whom Frank would work side by side with his entire life. Following Frank was Margaret(b.1886) Rose(b. 1888), Elizabeth(b.1890), Thomas(b. 1892), William(b.1893), Joseph(b.1895) Emma(b. 1898) and Louisa who died as an infant. Mike and Mary farmed on land in Laona Township near her parent’s farm. They lived in a house at Baker and Wheeler Roads. Throughout their time in Laona Township Mike and Mary bought and sold several parcels of land which was a prelude to Mike’s later Beloit dealings as an investor and speculator.