ZACHARIAH HASH, a widely known and esteemed pioneer of Cass county, Illinois, now one of the most prosperous farmers of this section, residing in township 19, range 9, was born in Green county, Kentucky, April 6, 1812.
He came of a family of patriots and successful agriculturists, many of whom held responsible positions, in the service of their country, and a few were noted hunters in pioneer days, being unerring marksmen and skillful trappers. His parents were Philip and Sarah (Nance) Hash, both natives of Virginia, who emigrated with their parents to Kentucky in an early day, when they themselves were quite young. The paternal grandparents of the subject of this sketch were Thomas and Ruth (Sturgeon) Hash, also natives of the Old Dominion, who spent their last days in Kentucky. The grandfather was a brave and efficient soldier in the Revolutionary war. The Hash family were of English ancestry, while the Sturgeons were originally from Ireland. The maternal grandfather was Zachariah Nance. Grandfather Nance served all through the Revolutionary war, and was a distinguished soldier. He drew a pension for his services, drawing at one time as high as $700. Others of the family were distinguished soldiers in the old wars of this country, who sought to defend their land in her hour of need. The Nances were mostly mechanics, being skilled in their various callings, and all lived to an advanced age. Our subject's parents and paternal grandparents were pioneers in three different States, and were hardy and energetic men and women, inured to hardship and toil. His father was an extensive traveler in pioneer days throughout the frontier, and visited nearly every settlement in the West during the �30s. He was an old Andrew Jackson Democrat, and took an active interest in pioneer politics. He was for forty years an efficient Justice of the Peace in this section of Illinois, discharging his duties with judgment and impartiality. He was born January 31, 1790, and died August 5, 1849; his wife was born October 24, 1791, and died February 27, 1847. Both expired in southwestern Missouri, whither they had removed from Illinois. They were the parents of fifteen children, six or eight of whom now survive, as far as known. Some of these are prominent men in Indiana.
The subject of this sketch worked on his father's farm in Kentucky and Illinois until he was married. On account of the newness of the country and his busy life, his educational advantages were neglected, and he attended school for the first time when he was twenty-one years of age. He is essentially a self-made man, and having inherited a good intellect and robust constitution, has applied himself with such persistency that he is now a well informed and progressive man, interested in everything that pertains to the welfare of his county, and takes a prominent part in all movements tending to the advancement of the community.
When he first came to this State it was wild and sparsely settled, game and wild fowl abounding in great profusion. He first located on Government land a short distance from where he now lives, on which he erected a log cabin. He lived there only two or three years, when he sold out and bought his present farm. He purchased 220 acres, which is now as fine a farm as can be found in Sangamon valley, or in the State. He paid twenty-five per cent interest on money with which he entered his land, but his industry and careful management soon enabled him to pay all indebtedness, and left him a comfortable income. He raises flourishing crops, has erected a comfortable farm house, and has large barns for his grain and stock, and is numbered among the prosperous farmers of the county.
He was first married, June 26, 1834, to Miss Polly Dick, who was born in Kentucky, February 16, 1817, an intelligent and worthy lady, and a daughter of Peter and Christina (Shutt) Dick, well known and highly respected people. By this marriage there were seven children, two of whom survive: Peter, born May 19, 1853; and Martha, born January 11, 1856, who married John Plunkett, a successful farmer, and they have five children. Two of our subject's children were married before their death: Philip, who had a son and daughter; and Sarah J., married to Benjamin E. Bowman, left two children, one of whom, Orpha, was born November 14, 1872, and has been at the home of the subject of this sketch ever since her birth. Mr. Hash's first wife died where he now lives, June 22, 1857, leaving her family and many friends to mourn her loss.
On April 3, 1862, Mr. Hash was again married, choosing for his second wife Miss Bowman, an estimable lady, who was born in Rutherford county, Tennessee, March 17, 1825. Her parents were Daniel and Katie (Horn) Bowman, natives of Maryland and Tennessee, respectively. They were the parents of ten children, of whom, as far as known, only four are now living. The Bowmans were originally from Germany. Grandfather, Daniel Bowman, was on old Revolutionary soldier, and drew a liberal pension for his services. Most of Mrs. Hash's people are successful farmers.
Mr. Hash, like all of his people before him, is an Andrew Jackson Democrat, and although not actively engaged in political matters, takes an interest in all public affairs of importance. He is more of a home man, and his private affairs absorb most of his attention.
He and his wife have been earnest and useful members of the Christian Church for many years.
Whatever success in life has been obtained by Mr. hash, is entirely due to his own exertions; and many a poor young man, just starting in life, would do well to read his history, and adopt the methods pursued by the subject of the sketch. These methods are unfailing, and are persistent industry and careful economy, supplemented by intelligence and uprightness of character.