1882 History
W. Y. McCORD
It is eminently fitting that in a history of De Witt county proper mention should be made of him whose name heads this sketch. Few men in the northern part of the county exercised more influence for good, or took a more active interest in promoting enterprises that had for their object the increase of the material wealth or prosperity of Santa Anna township, than W. Y. McCord. He was born in Tennessee, October 29, 1816. He came to Illinois with his parents, James and Mary McCord, in 1831, and settled in DeWitt county, near Fullerton. In 1837 he moved to section thirty-two in Santa Anna township. He then entered a tract of land, which he improved, and afterwards added to it, and there he made his home until his death, which took place January 18, 1880. On the 8th of February, 1838, he married Miss Harriet, daughter of John and Rachel Weedman. She was born in Ohio, October 8th, 1819. By that union there was one son, named John Henry McCord, who was born Dec. 19, 1838. He married Sarah A., daughter of Thomas and Rachel Slick, February 4th, 1864, by which marriage there are two children, named Lora Nettie, and William H. McCord. In his life, William Young McCord was an earnest and consistent member of the M. E. Church. He joined that religious denomination in 1837, and ever afterwards remained true to his religious vows. To him, religion meant all that the word implied. He carried it to his home, in his business and into the world; whereever he went, he never forgot his obligations and duties to his Creator. In the church government he freely gave the benefit of his wise counsels, and he was for many years its chief director and advisor. In the management of the affairs of the township he was for many years a prominent actor. He was supervisor for a long number of years, and was acting in that capacity when the Indianapolis, Bloomington and Pekin railroad was built, and was elected a director of the road, a position he held until his death. He held the office of Assessor for seventeen years, and was Justice of the Peace for a number of terms. In all these positions he so conducted the business of his offices, that there was never a word breathed against his good name. All acknowledge his sterling honesty and strict probity of character. When he died, De Witt county lost one of her best men and most active citizens. This is the universal verdict of all who knew W. Y. McCord.
1882 History
JOHN J. McGRAW
Perhaps no name is more familiar among the pioneers of De Witt County, than that of Judge McGraw. A teacher in early times; an officer in some capacity almost constantly; associated with every thing calculated to promote his county's interests, his figurm prominently upon the pages of the county's history. He was born in Fairfield district, South Carolina, January 18th, 1807. His parents were Charles and Jane McGraw. Both parents were of Irish descent; his mother was born in Ireland. When John was about ten years of age his parents moved to Alabama; a few years after he went to Louisiana to take charge of a plantation as superintendent, which he did before attaining majority. In 1827 he went to Monroe County, Kentucky, where on the 3lst day of January, 1830, he was married to Jemima Lane. The same year in company with others they came to De Witt County, reaching here May 4th. Judge McGraw followed the pursuits of farming and teaching for many years. When De Witt County was organized in 1839, he was chosen Clerk of the County Commimioner's Court, a position he held for eighteen consecutive years. During the same time he was Master of Chancery under appointment of Judge Treat;. nor was this all, he was also School Commissioner. His fitness to fill these positions received universal recognition. In addition to these off ices Mr. McGraw was Police Magistrate of the City of Clinton six years, and Assistant Assessor under the Revenue Laws for four years. Was elected Judge of the County Court in 1877, which position he resigned April 12tb, 1881. In all the places of profit or trust the Judge has held, he has exercised commendable judgment and given eminent satisfaction. Politically he is a Republican. His wife died November 25th, 1877. She was a woman of worth, a helpmeet in pioneer times that did honor to the name. By her the Judge had five children, two of whom, Leander S. and Nellie C. are living, and three are dead, as follows: Mary Elmira, who died in childhood ; Jane, died May 8th, 1876, and Melvina, his oldest daughter, died September 12th, 1881. Judge McGraw is spoken of so frequently in connection with the county's history and in chapter on Pioneers as to render further account here unnecessary.
1882 History
C.H. MOORE
Was the first born of a family of eight brothers and sisters, the children of Isaac and Philena Moore. Isaac Moore was born in Half Moon, Saratoga county, New York, January 31, 1794. His father was a soldier in the war of the Revolution, serving ,the entire pibriod of its duration; he was a man of remarkable physical powers. At the age of ninety he could mount a horse; at, ninety-three he walked a distance of fourteen miles in a half day, he was of English ancestry. Isaac Moore enjoyed the slenderest possible opportunities for the acquirement of even a rudimentary education, the entire, period of his attendance at school not exceeding four months. Nevertheless, possessing bright mental qualities and a will that brushed aside whatever obstacles confronted him, he obtained, by reading and observation, an education sufficient for the discharge in an efficient manner of the duties of an ordinary life. At the age of eighteen, accompanied by his mother, two married sisters and their husbands, and one unmarried sister, he removed to Kirtland, Lake county, Ohio, and now he is spending the evening of a busy life with his sons in this county. His wife, whose maiden name was Philena Blish, died May 14, 1832. Clifton H. Moore obtained a fair reducation in the country schools, in which he studied geometry, trigonometry and surveying, and which advancement was supplemented by reciting a few months to a Presbyterian clergyman, and attendance at Painesville Academy and Western Reserve Teachers' Seminary, which was taught in the old Mormon Temple at Kirtland. During part of this time he was engaged in the labor of teaching. At the age of twenty-one he came to Illinois, locating in Pekin, with less than five dollars in his pocket, where he read law with Messrs. Bayley and Wilmot; was admitted to the bar at Springfield July, 1841. August of the same year found him the pioneer attorney in De Witt county. At the time he was without means, but Possessed of courage, ambition, a mind richly stored with knowledge, an energy resistless in its character. To work he went, no idle moments for him, and success has crowned his efforts. In 1852 he became associated with the Hon. David Davis in the purchase of lands. They jointly own many farms, which are kept in a high state of cultivation. Mr. Moore was a member of the Constitutional convention io 1870, and contributed much to its deliberations. Politically he has been a Whig, and then Republican. He was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Richmond, of Tremont, Tazewell county, Illinois, August 14, 1845. By this union there have been born four children, two of whom, Arthur Moore and Mrs. Winifred Warner, are now living. His wife died May 30, 1871 ; she was the daughter of Arouet Richmond, of Rhode Island, and was a most estimable lady. He was married to Rose Onstine July, 1873. Eminently public spirited, Mr. Moore is foremost in everything tending to the growth and prosperity of his adopted home.
1882 History
A.W. RAZEY
The genial proprietor of the Magill House, Clinton, Illinois, was born February 16tb, 1850, in Perry, Pike county, Illinois. His parents were Nathan and Eliza Razey, (nee Jones). His father was by trade a carpenter. He became likewise a wagon maker, and followed this, and operated a foundry in Pike county. In 1867 he came to De Witt county, where he engaged in farming. A. W. Razey followed farming when a youth. When about seventeen years of age he attended the Normal University at Normal, McLean county, where he remained a year and a half In 1868 he became clerk in the post-office at Normal, then as a clerk he came to Clinton and worked for Humphrey & Smith. In 1870 he changed for a similar position with Magill Bros. After six month's time he thought to reap a harvest with patent lamps and operated a short time in Missouri. The reality was quite unlike his cherished dreams,so he gave up the business and engaged his services as clerk in a dry goods house in Kirksville, Mo., where he remained until 1873. His health failing him, in com pany with others he took an extended buffalo hunt, and after three month's absence he returned to Clinton, where he engaged in handling produce. In a few months he went to Chicago in the same line of business, and in 1875 he again became a clerk for Magill Bros., this time as head salesman and book-keeper. Here he remained until 1881, when he took charge of the hotel he now occupies. He was married December 25th, 1876, to Miss Ettie Phares, at the time a highly esteemed and successful teacher in the public schools; of Clinton. By this union there has been born one child, a bright little girl named Edna. Mr. Razey is an active member of the Masonic order including chapter, Odd Fellow, and Encampment and Knights of Pythias. In the order of Knights of Pythias he is District Deputy. He takes great interest in all manner of public improvements; is treasurer of the fire company, secretary of the literary society and otherwise engaged in numerous like enterprises. In manners, affable, and eminently social, he makes many friends, and is rapidly establishing a fine reputation for the house of which he is proprietor.
1882 History
Rev. JAMES RUCKER
This much-respected and talented Methodist divine was born in Woodford county, Kentucky, January 6, 1817. His parents were Rev. Ahmed and Nellie Rucker. His father, likewise a Methodist Episcopal minister, was a Virginian by birth. Tradition says that a person named Rucker came from Alsace, France, to America, contemporaneous with John Smith, was shipwrecked off Cape Hatteras, and swam ashore, a distance of seven miles, carrying with him a bottle of French brandy; that he settled in Amherst county, Virginia, and from him sprang the honored family of Rucker, now scattered throughout much of the Union. In the Revolutionary war one Amherst Rucker, a brother of the grandfather of our subject, was a colonel. Just before the close of that seven years'struggle, he visited his home, where he was gladly received by many friends, who with him witnessed a wonderful vision from his house of the surrender of the red-coats to the patriots in mid-air. The sign was to them full of meaning and hope, and served to renew their courage upon return to the field of battle. Ahmed Rucker was born during the first year of the Revolu- tion. He had nine brothers, all remarkable for their size and strength. James Rucker received a fair education in select schools at Harrodsburg, Kentucky. An incident in his school life shows the character of the boy. He was struck by one McConnell, a son of Gen. McConnell. He informed his teacher, who, because of the position and wealth of the offender's father, failed to mete out, merited punishment. This made a lasting impression on young Rucker, who from that time forth has hated anything that smacked of the domineering trait of slave-holding. At the age of seventeen, James came to Illinois with his parents, who located in Sangamon county. In 1857 he went to Winchester, where he taught school. Soon after we find him in the law office of Stephen A. Douglas as a student. He remained here two years, when he was admitted to the bar and practiced the profession of law for four years. About a year before he quit the practice, he was converted under the preaching of Rev. Peter Aken, and had no peace of mind until be dropped everything else for the advocacy of the Master's cause. His preaching career commenced in Paris, Edgar county, Illinois, and has continued in various places for a period of thirty-three years. He was married to Miss Rachel Howard, Aug. 29, 1849, by the Rev. John S. Barker. In politics Mr. Rucker is an uncompromising Republican. During the progress of the war he boldly advocated the abolition of slavery, and in a speech made upon the occassion of the ratification of the victory at Vicksburg, said: " God Almighty has written on the broad face of the sky, in letters of burning light, ' that all men are created free, and that slavery shall be destroyed," at the time a bold utterance, and most effectively said. At present Rev. James Rucker is leading a quiet life, which he has richly earned by virtue of faithful, earnest work in the past, in Clinton. His wife, a lady of sweet disposition, though of late years a great sufferer, physically, is loved by all who have come to know her; and, together, they enjoy the society of friends who gather about them, and enter the evening of well-spent lives.
1882 History
JOHN SMITH
Among the old and prominent settlers of DeWitt county was John Smith, lately deceased. He was born in Hardy county, Virginia, February. 23, 1805. He came to DeWitt county in the fall of 1835, and stopped in Mount Pleasant, now Farmer city. When the town rose to the dignity of a village he was elected Justice of the Pence, and decided the disputes arising among the early settlers with impartial justice. He opened a hotel, the first one in the village, and for many years kept the only house of entertainment there. His was the favorite stopping place for many years for the travelers going and coming from Bloomington, Peoria, and western points. In after years he gave his exclusive attention to farming, in which he continued until his death, which occurred June 8th, 1878. On the 8th of January, 1828, he married Mary D. Mitchell, who was born in Frederick county, Virginia, July 10th, 1801. She died July 31, 1878, leaving no offspring. In her earlier years, she taught the first school in Mount Pleasant. Both Mr. and Mrs. Smith were members of the M. E. church: In life they had numerous friends, and were much esteemed and respected for their good qualities of both head and heart. In this life they were noted for their many sets of pure benevolence, and both were charitable to a fault. William W. Murphey was raised by them, and to a certain extent was adopted by Mrs. Smith, who was his aunt. He was born in Frederick county, Virginia, October 15th, 1838, and is the son of Hiram and Grace (Mitchell) Murphey. His father was born April 15, 1797, and died August 20th, 1881. His mother (Mrs. Murphey), was born May 20, 1806, and died December 17, 1880. In 1843 Mr. and Mrs. Smith, while on a visit to Virginia, brought W. W. Murphey with them. It was expected that Mr. Murphey's father would soon follow, but he did not come until 1853. Mr. Murphey remained with Mr. Smith until the breaking out of the war, when he enlisted for three years in Company F, 41st Pennsylvania Volunteers. He was twice wounded, first at Fort Donelson, and then at the battle of Jackson. At the siege of Vicksburg he was one of eighty men who were detailed to scale the out works and advance to the Horse-Shoe Bend, and establish and advance the line, which was a most difficult and hazardous undertaking, but it succeeded. On the 5th of October, 1865, he married Miss Nancie H., daughter of Cary and Ann Burford. There are three children by that union, named Edward C., Grace A. and Mary V. Murphey. Both he and his wife are members nf the M. E. church. He is Republican in politics.
1882 History
M. B. SPICER
Among the successful farmers of De Witt county must be placed M. B. Spicer, who after many years of toil and hardship has retired to enjoy a merited quiet. He was born in Clark county, Indiana, July 12, 1820; his parents were Upshur and Nancy Spicer. They came to Indiana from Delaware. Upshur combined cabinetmaking with farming. His father,in turn was Lemuel Spicer, who came to Sangamon county, Illinois, in the spring of 1833; his son Upshur and family followed in the fall of the same year, and located about ten miles south-east of Springfield. Minos obtained a common-school education in Indiana. He came to De Witt county in 1854. Whilst yet in Sangamon county he was united in marriage to Miss Marl Miller, February 13, 1851. By this marriage there have been ten children, four of whom are living. In 1874 Mr. Spicer retired from his farm in Tunbridge township, to Clinton, primarily to give his children, three sons and a daughter, a better opportunity for obtaining an education. Politically, he is a Democrat; has never sought office, but has represented his fellow-men as supervisor, as road commissioner and as school director; he is an active member of the Masonic Order. His wife is a member of the Christian Church. Mr. Spicer the good will of all As a citizen, he is upright, and although possessed of considerable means, unostentatious.
1882 History
JOHN WARNER
In every community there are examples of what maybe accomished in life by mapping out a thorough business course and living to its requirements. Men who reduce every thing to system depending not upon luck, but upon energy and application to business which insure success. To this class belongs tbe subject of this sketch. John Warner was born in the valley of Virginia Rockingham county on the 24th day of July, 1819. His parents were David and Catharine (nee Ketner) Warner. They were of German extraction. His father was a farmer, and here in the beautiful valley were the first sixteen years of John's life spent. 1835 his father having sold the old homestead started for the West leaving the place of his birth and boyish fancies, on the 3day of September, their effects stowed in two wagons, they wended their way across the Alleghenies,and passed through Columbus,Ohio, on the 28th of the month, where they encountered a violent snow storm, and reached Wayne county Indiana late in October, where they wintered. Here they found everything high price; the poorest kind of wheat was $2.00 per bushel, and frost-bitten corn 75c. In March following they moved to Henry county where his father had purchased a farm. One year here, satisfied John with log rolling and plowing among the stumps the beech woods, and as he had acquired a fair education the common schools of his native state, he left the parental roof to teach, which he did in the rude cabins that at the time abounded in Indiana, receiving for his service $25 per month. At the same time he commenced the study of medicine under the guidance of Doctors Wyman and Carmine of Anderson, Madison county with whom he remained until 1840. On the 30th October, he was married to Miss Cynthia A. Gardiner, of Henry county, and on the 2nd of June following started west-ward with about one hundred dollars in money, two ponies and a very poor carriage, with no particular point in view, simply drifting with the tide, he found himself in the old town of Mt. Pleasant, (now Farmer City), about the 20th of the month. At the time there were five dwelling-houses and one hotel in the place. The hotel kept by John Smith furnished him shelter until he could procure a house, which he soon after did, a cabin 12 xl2, all told. Here he practiced medicine for two years, when he moved to Clinton, where he has since resided. When wars alarms aroused our country to the danger of dismemberment the doctor promptly enlisted, engaged to raise a company and was made major of the 41st Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He was at the surrender of Fort Henry, in the battle of Fort Donelson, of Shiloh, of Davis Bridge on the Hatchie river, at the evacuation of Corinth. At Shiloh he contracted that dread scourge of army life, the diarrhoea, by eating part of an old goose captured and cooked by his servant. The goose had by some means escaped being devoured by the Johnnies, a fate the doctor yet wishes, it had met, as from the effects of its eating he was compelled to resign his position, and from which he has scarce recovered. For twelve years the doctor followed his profession in this country, a profession he disliked and which he exchanged for more congenial pursuits at the earliest opportunity. From 1848 to 1852 he was clerk of the circuit court, and in 1864-66, was a member of the 24th General Assembly, Illinois. His wife died February 15th, 1865. He was married to Isabella Robinson of Huron county, Ohio, May 28th, 1874. In 1867 he commenced banking operations, in which he has since most sucessfully continued He is methodical in all things, temperate, industrious, and of that strict integrity which never wrongs a man.
1882 History
JOHN WEEDMAN Sr.
The Weedman's were among the finest settlers Central Illinois, and of the few pioneers who settled in this county a half century ago. They are of German ancestry on the paternal side, and English on the maternal. George Weedman, the grandfather of the present Weedman family, was a native of Pennsylvania. He emigrated to Ohio soon after that State was admitted into the Union, and there remained until 1830, when he brought his family, to Illinois and settled in Randolph's Grove in MeLean county, where he lived until his death, which occurred at an advanced age. John Weedman, his son, was born in Pennsylvania, in 1790, and was yet a youth when his parents removed to Ohio. He there grew to manhood, and married. When his father came west, he accompanied him and settled at the place above named in Mclean county. In 1835 he removed to Hurley's Grove, in what is now known as Santa Anna township, and there lived until his death. In his life, Mr. Weedman belonged to the ambitious and progressive class of men, and was actuated by a laudable desire to excel in whatever he undertook. He was by occupation a farmer and stock-raiser, and in that business accumulated considerable property, at least sufficient to render him comfortable in his declining years. Both be and his wife were members of the M. E. church, and both took an active interest in that Christian organization. He married Rachel Wilson, who was a native of Maryland, but was a resident of Ohio at the time of her marriage. Her father, Asa Wilson, was one of the early settlers of that State. By the union of John and Rachel Weedman there were ten children, seven sons and three daughters. Isaiah, the fifth son, with patriotic devotion to his country enlisted during the late war in the 2nd Illinois Cavalry, and lost his life at the battle of Holly Springs, December 20th, 1862. The names of the other children in the order of their birth are Asa, who died leaving a family, and who is mentioned in a separate biography ; Harriet, George, Amos, John, Isaiah (deceased), Lucinda (also deceased), Eliza Emma, Zadok Casey, and Thomas St. Clair. All of the sons who are living are active, business men, and among the leading agriculturists of the county. It may be said of Mr. Weedman, Sr., that in his life every act of his, whether in public or private, was actuated by a desire to do right. He was honorable in everything, and was never known to do that which brought the blush of shame to his cheek, or in the least reflected upon his character as an honest man and a Christian gentleman.
1882 History
ASA WEEDMAN
Asa Weedman; was the eldest son of John and Rachel (Wilson) Weedmam. He was born in Perry county, Ohio, October 15, 1817, and was in his boyhood when the family removed to Illinois, and settled in Randolph's Grove. He came with his parents to Hurley's Grove in 1835, and remained at home until his marriage, when he commenced farming for himself. In 1836 he was united in marriage to Miss Delilah Hand, daughter of Rev. George and Barbara Hand, who were among the pioneers of Illinois, and the first settlers of Randolph's Grove in McLean county. By the union of Mr. and Mrs. Weedman there were eleven children, seven of whom are yet living. Mr. Weedman died June 21, 1866, while yet comparatively a young man. In his life he was an active and useful citizen, and was esteemed by all who knew him. In his personal appearance he was large and well formed slightly inclined to CHARLES M. WELCH
The present Mayor of Farmer City, was born in Marion county, Ohio, September 19, 1839. The Welch family is of Welsh descent on the paternal, and on the maternal side, Scotch. Isaac Welch, the paternal grandfather, was a native of New York. He emigrated to Ohio in 1802, and settled in Delaware county. He married Sarah Shaw, by which union was Daniel Welch, the father of Charles W. He was born in Delaware county, Ohio, in 1817; afterwards lived in Marion county, where Charles was born, and in 1847 removed to De Kalb county, in Indiana, where he remained until 1863, when he came to Illinois, and settled in De Witt county, where he yet resides. He married Miss Eliza Camp, a native of Onondaga county, New York. She was born in 1818. By that marriage there were eight children, three of whom are living. The youngest son, R. B. Welch, is president of the State Normal School at Emporia, Kansas. The subject of this sketch is the eldest of the sons. His advantages in youth for receiving an education were limited, but thanks to his mother, who is a woman of superior mind, and who fostered and cultivated a love of reading and study in her son, he in time, through home and self-culture, became possessed of a good education. At the age of fifteen he taught school. In the spring of 1854 he entered the Vienna Academy at Newville, Indiana, and entered upon a regular academical course. To sustain himself there he was compelled to teach school in the winter seasons in order to pay expenses of tuition and board. In 1860, his health failing, he was compelled to abandon his studies. He came to Illinois and stopped in Farmer City, and here taught school. In 1861 he returned to Indiana and commenced the study of law in the office of Judge John Morris, of Fort Wayne. In August of the same year he enlisted for three years in Co. E of the famous 11th Reg. Indiana Vols., Col. afterwards Gen. Lewis Wallace commanding. The regiment was at first a part of the 1st Division of the 13th Army Corps. The regiment remained in active service until the expiration of its term of enlistment, when it veteranized and re-enlisted for the war. This was in the spring of 1864. It was then sent to Virginia and Washington, and then with the 6th, 8th and 19th Army Corps, constituted the Army of the Shenandoah, under command of Gen. Phil Sheridan. Mr. Welch remained in the service from August, 1861, until the close of the war, and participated with his regiment in all the skirmishes, battles and sieges in which it was engaged. The regiment was the best drilled organization in the war, and in many competition drills invariably carried off the prizes. Mr. Welch was mustered out and honorably discharged in September 1865, having been in active service four years and one month. If space would permit us we would be glad to insert a history of this gallant regiment, which was undoubtedly one of the historic organizations of the war. Its history is Mr. Welch's history for four years and one month. Mr. Welch returned to Farmer City soon after his discharge, and taught school in the surrounding counties until 1873, when he accepted a situation as clerk in the grain business, with J. 0. Peckham & Co., of Farmer City, and remained with them, as their agent, for six years. A portion of the time he was agent for the company at Kenney, Illinois, and while there read law in his leisure moments. In 1877 he commenced his studies under the direction of Judge Ingham, and then with Mr. Herrick, of Farmer City. At the June term of the supreme court held at Springfield, he was admitted to the bar, and commenced the practice in Farmer Citv, where he still continues. Politically, he is a Republican, and a strong, uncompromising advocate of temperance, and was elected mayor of the city on that issue. He is stren uous in the support of the laws made by the majority, and looks carefully and faithfully to their execution. He is a member of the Order of A. F. & A. M. On the 15th of April, 1866, he was united in marriage to T. C. Ryan, of Defiance county, Ohio, youngest daughter of John Ryan, a native of New York. Both he and his wife are members of the M. E. church. During the war he was the recipient, and has in his possession, two general orders emanating from the General in command, publicly complimenting him for personal bravery and gallant conduct in the face of great danger, and in one is promoted to the position of scout, a position which required the combination of sagacity, coolness and great personal courage. Mr. Welch feels justly proud of those souvenirs of respect given him during the dark and trying times of the late war.
1882 History
JAMES A. WILSON
The present efficient Treasurer of De Witt county, was born October 30th 1839, a few miles north-east of Clinton. His father Edward was from Perry county, Ohio, his mother, Martha Wilson, from East Tennessee; both came in 1832 and located in De Witt county. The ancestors of Edward Wilson were from Maryland, those of Mrs. Wilson, from Tennessee. Edward Wilson, a brave sturdy pioneer, who left his impression on the community in which he lived for good, died May 10th, 1863. He had followed farming all his life. James A. Wilson had only the meagre advantages extended the youth of this section of country in the days of log cabin school-houses. Harvey Blunt was his first teacher. He made the most, however, of the advantages offered, and good strong common sense has led him in all business operations he has engaged in. His chief pursuit has been farming and stock dealing. He has represented the fellow citizens of his native township as supervisor and school trustee, and in 1877 he was elected county Treasurer by a majority of seven hundred votes, although a democrat in what is generally a republican county. This can only be attributed to his personal popularity and universally recognized fitness for the position. He was married to Miss Elizabeth Cook, of Waynesville, September 7th, 1862, by whom he has had five children. Politically Mr. Wilson is a democrat, and in the advocacy of his belief is ardent and positive. He is a member of the Masonic order, his membership being with-the Amond Lodge No. 284 at De Witt, and with the Goodbrake chapter in Clinton, also the Knights of Pythias, Plantagenet Lodge. That measure of success which always follows in the wake of energy has been his portion, and now he is the owner of seven hundred acres of fine land, and is somewhat extensively engaged in the stock industry both at home and in company with ,others in Texas. Industrious, reliable, of well established integrity of character, Mr. Wilson enjoys the good will and good wishes of host of friends.
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