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 LIAS MONROE, the County Treasurer, has been for many years a well-known resident of Charleston. He was born Feb. 7, 1842, in Shelby County, Ill., and is the son of David and Elizabeth (Deeds) Monroe. His father was in early life a resident of Ohio, where he was engaged in milling. He removed to Illinois and settled in Shelby County, where he successfully operated a flouring-mill for several years. Thence he went to Moultrie County, where his death occurred. His family consisted of three children, of whom Elias is the only survivor. Elias Monroe was reared on the farm, and after the death of his parents worked for his uncle, Isaac Monroe, a farmer residing in Moultrie County. In 1801 he came to Coles County, and engaged in farming. In 1863 he enlisted in Co. H, 59th III. Vol. Inf., and served eighteen months. He was a mere boy of twenty-one before whom life was just opening, but he bravely offered it in the service of his country, not knowing how costly the sacrifice might prove. He was engaged in several important battles, in one of which he received a shot through the right shoulder, and in the battle of Nashville, Dec. 15, 1804, he received a wound in the right leg, which rendered amputation necessary. This misfortune ended his career in the war, and he returned to this county where he attended school six months. His affliction debarring him from physical exertion, he turned his attention to mental cultivation, and attended school at Fulton two years, and on his return, was offered the position of Postmaster at Ashmore, which office he retained until Dec. 25, 1885, when he was elected County Treasurer. During his residence in Ashmore he held the offices of Town Clerk and Alderman, and purchased a farm of fifty-two and one-half acres in that township. In 1881 Mr. Monroe was married to Miss N. E. Lockridge, a native of Indiana, and they have a family of three children—Chester A., Dessie E. and Josie E. Mr. Monroe is a man of much influence in the county, and possesses the respect of all who know him. He is a Republican in politics, and a member of the G. A. R. |
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