Biography of A. W. RAZEY, DeWitt County, Illinois Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives Copyright 1999 Earliene Kaelin Source: People from the Histories 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. ------------------------------------------------------------------ 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