 |
 |
 ENRY HAMILTON CECIL, a substantial farmer and prominent citizen of Pleasant Grove Township, is the son of Samuel W. and Kasiah (Bryan) Cecil, and was born Feb. 15, 1826, in Mercer County, Ky. Samuel W. Cecil was a native of Maryland, where he was brought up to the shoemaker’s trade, but subsequently engaged in farming. When a young man he removed to Kentucky, where his marriage took place. Mrs. Cecil was born in Virginia, but her family had removed to Kentucky in an early day. After his marriage Mr. Cecil remained in that State until 1830, and then removed to Putnam County, Ind., making that place his home until 1849. At that time he changed his residence to Davis County, Iowa, where his death occurred in 1870, at the age of seventy-three. His wife died in 1867, and was likewise seventy-three years old. The family of Samuel W. Cecil and wife consisted of nine children, eight of whom attained maturity. Their record is as follows: William, a farmer, residing in Davis County, Iowa; Harriet, the wife of William Vallandingham, a farmer, also residing in Davis County, Iowa; Henry H., our subject; Andrew, a farmer, residing in Kansas; Jemima, deceased, was the wife of Joseph Evans, a farmer, residing in Kansas; Sally, the wife of James Wilcox, a farmer, residing in Missouri; John, a farmer, residing in Davis County, Iowa, and Mary. With his wife, Mr. Cecil was a member of the Baptist Church. He took little active interest in politics, but always voted with the Democratic party. Henry Cecil was four years of age when his parents removed to Indiana. He passed his boyhood and youth at his father’s home in that State, and in 1847 was married to Miss Hannah Elizabeth Robinson. Mrs. Cecil was born July 23, 1827, in Kentucky, and is the daughter of Benjamin and Lydia Robinson. After his marriage Mr. Cecil purchased a small tract of land, and was engaged in farming in Indiana until 1863. He then came to Coles County, Ill., and during the first year was occupied in farming, and subsequently purchased a sawmill, which he operated two years. His preferences, however, inclined toward agriculture, and accordingly he purchased land and settled on the farm where he now resides. His estate contains 130 acres of well cultivated land, with good improvements. Mr. and Mrs. Cecil had a family of six children, one of whom died in childhood. The record of the remaining five is as follows: Fannie, the wife of John Roberts; Margaret Jane, the wife of John Baker; Henry H. married Miss Hester A. Randel, of this county: Mary, the wife of William Adkin, and Daniel E., who married Miss Lena L. Greene. Mrs. Cecil is a member of the Baptist Church. In politics Mr. Cecil supports the Democratic party. In presenting the portraits of leading and representative citizens, none are more worthy of a place than that of Henry H. Cecil, both as a farmer and a leading resident of his township. We are pleased to give as a companion picture that of his esteemed companion. Both are shown on a preceding page. |
 |
| Return To Contents |
|