Vermilion county Illinois, WILLIAM DICKINSON ==================================================================== Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives Joy Fisher ==================================================================== p. 212-213 WILLIAM DICKINSON, an honored resident and well-to-do farmer of Catlin Township, is numbered among the far-sighted men of practical ability and cool judgment, who have been instrumental in promoting its growth and making it a rich agricultural centre. He owns a well-ordered farm on section 26, every acre of which is highly cultivated, and, with its neat buildings and other appointments, it does not compare unfavorably with the many other fine farms of which Vermilion County can boast. Here Mr. Dickinson has passed thirty-six of the best years of his life, coming here while yet in the prime of a stalwart manhood, and that these years have been well spent, in diligent and cheerful labor, is shown by the substantial home that he has built up, in which, now that the infirmities of age are upon him, he can rest from his toils, and enjoy its comforts without the necessity of labor and drudgery. Our subject is of English antecedents and birth. His parents, John and Hannah Dickinson, were both natives of England, and they died in Lincolnshire. Their son, William Dickinson, of whom this sketch is written, was born in the old home in Lincolnshire, April 27, 1819, and amid its pleasant surroundings, he grew to man's estate. He early engaged in farming, and became quite a farmer before he left the old country to try life in the new world, coming here in 1853, lauding in New York city the first day of May. He came directly to Vermilion County in this State, having previously heard of its wonderful agricultural resources, and has been engaged in tilling the land in Catlin Township ever since, though on account of his advanced age he has retired somewhat from the active duties of the management of his estate. His farm comprises 197 acres of choice land, well cultivated and supplied with all the necessary buildings and machinery, and is indeed one of the most desirable places in the vicinity. Mr. Dickinson was a married man when he emigrated to this country, he having been previously wedded in the historical old town of Boston, in Lincolnshire, to Miss Emma Barker, a native of that shire. Ten children were born of their union, as follows: Harriet A., wife of Frederic Jones, whose sketch appears on another page of this volume; Elizabeth M., wife of George Stonebraker; William, who married Callie Lallen; Emma, the wife of Arthur Jones, whose sketch appears on another page of this work; James; Matilda, the wife of James Bentley: Henry, Hannah B., John and Joseph. Aug. 14, 1888, she who had walked by the side, of our subject many a year, leaving, for his sake, home and friends in the dear old England, and for many a year cheering and strengthening him in his work, passed out of his life, and entered into the rest that passeth understanding. "Her work is compassed and done; All things are seemly and ready And her summer is just begun." MRS DICKINSON-—OBITUARY. Mrs. Emma Dickinson, to whose memory this notice is inscribed, was born in, Boston, Lincolnshire, England, Sept. 22, 1823, making her age at time of death, sixty-four years, ten months and twenty-two days. Her maiden name was Emma Barker. She was married to William Dickenson, March 2, 1847. They emigrated to this country May 14th, 1853, and located within three miles of where the family now reside. Her sister, Mrs. Matilda Clipson came over at the same time. She was the mother of ten children, five girls and five boys, of whom the following were born in England: Harriet A., wife of Frederic Jones; Mary E., wife of George Stonebraker; Emma, wife of A. Jones, and William, the eldest son. The following were born in America: James, Henry, John, Joseph and Matilda, wife of James Bentley, and Hannah R. the youngest daughter. The children are all of mature age, and the family have never before been bereaved by death. The deceased was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church in England, and although she did not identify herself as a member here, she was an attendant on divine services, and lived an exemplary and Christian life. Her illness dates back several years, however, she was not confined to her bed until about the beginning of September, since which time she was unable to help herself. Her sufferings were very great, but were borne with a resignation which none but a Christian woman could possess. She was a devoted wife, a faithful mother, the light of the home and the pride of the family. While we must bid her a fond farewell, her virtues will not be forgotten. A short funeral service was held at the home by Rev. A. C. Cummings. The music was under the direction of Mrs. Elsie McGreggor, and the following persons were chosen as pall bearers: A. G. Olmstead, G. W. L. Church, Jno. Parker, jr., T. Brady, J. M. Douglass and G. W. Tilton. By request of the deceased, a sacred song was sung during the services by little Benny Louis, accompanied by his sister. A large procession of friends accompanied the family to the Jones cemetery, where the body now reposes. Mr. Dickinson is justly regarded as one of the solid, reliable citizens of this township, as during the many years that he has resided here, he has ever shown himself to be faithful to his duties and responsibilities in every department of life in which he has acted, as a husband, father, neighbor and citizen, and it may truly be said that his character is such as to inspire respect and esteem.