WILLIAM L. DEMAREE is a native of Rushville township, having been born there June 7, 1858, and while a young man is a successful farmer, and one who enjoys the confidence and the respect of his friends and neighbors. His father, Ludwell H. Demaree, was born in Mercer county, Kentucky, and his grandfather spent the last years of his life in that State. Ludwell Demaree, after marrying in Kentucky, a lady by the name of Martha J. Yankee, of Washington county, that State, removed to Illinois in 1857, buying a farm in section 16, Rushville township, where he lived until his death, in 1872. He was one of the founders of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, in this county, and spared neither time nor means for its advancement. His wife survived him by sixteen years. Six of her eight children are living, viz.: Belle, married to Leonidas Scott; Laura, married to Alexander Acheson; William L.; John H.; Nora, married to J. C. Harrison; and George L.

William L. Demaree received his education in the schools of his native town. Appreciating the importance and value of a good education, he sought to improve every opportunity. He was but fourteen years of age when his father died, and he continued as before to reside at the home place, only leaving it at the time of his marriage, in 1883. This event took place very happily in that year, to Rebecca Hamilton, daughter of a worthy and esteemed couple, John and Margaret Hamilton, and he then settled upon the farm where he now resides. In 1891, Mr. Demaree added to his possessions by buying another farm in section 22, Rushville township, so that he now owns 460 acres of land, all in the township named. He carries on general farming and stock raising.

Mr. and Mrs. Demaree have two children, Dwight E. and William P. They are earnest members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, Mr. Demaree being the builder of the McTyeire chapel in 1890. In politics, Mr. Demaree is a Democrat.