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 HOMAS J. PEPPER, an extensive landowner and breeder of fine stock, whose operations for the last five years have attracted much attention in Central Illinois, took up his abode in North Okaw Township in the winter of 1880, purchased 600 acres of land, and proceeded, with the aid of a carload of Short-horn cattle which he had brought with him, to inaugurate a system of stock-raising which should be worthy of imitation by his neighbors. In this he succeeded admirably, and has realized from his transactions each year a handsome sum of money. He has lately sold 200 acres of his land, and purchased a good property in the village of Humbolt. Mr. Pepper possesses all the requisites of a desirable citizen; he is interested in the welfare of the community around him, and is a member in good standing of the Christian Church. Since becoming a voter, he has been a warm supporter of Democratic principles, and is a man of more than ordinary ability, as indicated by the position which he occupies socially and financially. The paternal great-grandfather of our subject was a native of England, who emigrated to the United States when a young man, and locating in Virginia, married and reared a family, and it is supposed, there spent the remainder of his days. Among his sons was Jesse, a native of the Old Dominion, who in his youth removed to Mason County, Ky., during its early settlement. He engaged in farm pursuits and was married to a Miss Lampkin. Both were members of the Baptist Church, and Jesse served as Justice of the Peace for a number of years. They never left the Blue Grass regions, but died in Mason County, and their remains were laid to rest near the home which they had occupied for nearly half a century. The five children born of this marriage were, Eliza; James S., the father of our subject; Peter A., a resident of Kentucky; Abner, of Virginia, and William, who died when young. James S. Pepper, who was the second child of his parents, was born in Mason County, Ky., in 1800. He was fairly educated, and remained with his parents until reaching years of manhood. He was united in marriage with Miss Lydia Worthington, in 1823. She was born in Mason County in 1805, and was the daughter of Thomas Worthington, a native of Maryland. After his marriage, the father of our subject rented land in Mason County until the death of his father. He then purchased the home farm, which remained his abiding-place until he was called hence. He was a man of much force of character, becoming prominent in local affairs and serving as Justice of the Peace for a number of years. He officiated as Captain of the State Militia, and with his wife, was an active member of the Christian Church. He departed from the scenes of his earthly labors June 7, 1875. The mother survived until Jan. 20, 1878, also dying at the old homestead. They were laid side by side in the Minerva burying-ground, in Mason County. Their twelve children were named respectively, Elizabeth, Ann, Fannie, Mary, John E., Lydia, Maria C., Amanda J., Thomas J., Alice, Vachel M. and William H. They lived to become men and women, and most of them married and had families of their own. The subject of this history was born in Mason County, Ky., Jan. 8, 1841. He received the advantages afforded by the district school, and remained at home until his marriage, June 2, 1874. The maiden of his choice was Miss Jennie Spencer, a native of his own county, and born Feb. 15, 1858. Her parents, Thomas and Betty Spencer, were natives respectively of Virginia and Kentucky. After his marriage, Mr. Pepper commenced buying and selling leaf tobacco, and was thus occupied for ten years following with excellent results. He came to Coles County in the winter of 1880, and his subsequent life we have already indicated. Mr. and Mrs. Pepper have no children. |
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