Biography of John WEEDMAN, Jr., DeWitt County, Illinois Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives Copyright 1999 Earliene Kaelin Source: The People of History 1882 History WILLIAM BOOTH The present efficient Prosecuting Attorney for De Witt county, was born in Greene county, Ohio, on the 24th of April, 1849. His father, John by name, was a farmer, who brought his family to this county in 1857, locating in Waynesville township. William Booth attended the common district school until 1864, when, full of patriotic fervor- although both too young and too small to carry a musket, he slipped away from home and became a drummer-boy with Co. 1, 145th Regiment, Illinois Volunteers. It is related that both himself and in associate got into the breeches he drew when be first became a "soger-boy." He was with the command about five months. Upon his return home he applied himself to his books with renewed zeal, attending a select school in Waynesville, taught by Prof Turner, then the Wesleyan University at Bloomington, where he graduated in 1873. To him belonged the honor of being valedictorian in a class of nine. Returning home, he accepted the Principalship of the Waynesville Public Schools, in which position he continued for three years. He next entered the law office of Rowell & Hamilton, in Bloomington, as a student; then went to Springfield, where he continued reading under the guidance of Orendorff & Creighton. In January, 1879, he was admitted to practice at the bar, and at once located in Clinton, where he was elected Prosecuting Attorney. He was dependent upon his own exertions largely in securing an education. At college he refused to join other students in many pastimes engaged in from sheer necessity. At Springfield his last five dollar bill went for board just before his admittance to the bar. The firm with whom he studied loaned him money with which to pay for his license. Possessed of plenty of pluck and energy, he is acquiring a fine practice in his chosen profession, and is making many friends. In politics he is a straightforward and outspoken Republican, one who is proud of having cast his first ballot for Gen. U. S. Grant for President. He is a member of the Order of the Knights of Pythias, in whose workings he takes a lively interest. ------------------------------------------------------------------ USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organiza- tions or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contri- butor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. ----------------------------------------------------------------- File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Earliene Kaelin