GEORGE D. UTTER, a prosperous farmer and stock raiser of Frederick, Schuyler county, Illinois, was born in that place on November 13, 1846, the youngest child of John and Charlotte (Brines) Utter. Both of his parents were natives of Allegany county, New York, where the father was born November 11, 1810, and the mother April 11, 1807. In 1815, when five years of age, his father came to Palmyra, Illinois, where his youth and early manhood were spent. He was there married to Charlotte Brines, December 5, 1834, and in 1839 removed with his wife and family to Schuyler county, same State, settling on the Rushville road, near Pleasant View. There he and his worthy wife spent their remaining days, rearing six children, two boys and four girls, of whom two boys and one girl now survive. October 15, 1887, the family were called upon to mourn the loss of the devoted wife and mother, who had unselfishly watched over their interests for so many years. On February 14, of the following year, the honest, hard working father also departed this life, as if unable to endure separation from his beloved companion. Both of these worthy people enjoyed the esteem of their entire community.
George, whose name heads this biography, was the baby of the family, and now weighs 240 pounds, which shows what Illinois can produce under favorable circumstances. He was trained to farm life and educated in the public schools of his native county, and now resides within one mile of his birthplace. By industry, economy and careful management, he has accumulated a competence for himself and family. He owns an excellent farm of 240 acres, which was originally purchased by his father, and is numbered among the successful farmers of Schuyler county.
March 14, 1867, he was married in Schuyler county, to Miss Priscilla J. Ward, who was born in Bainbridge, that county, April 10, 1848. Her parents, Apollos and Jane (Bramble) Ward, were among the first settlers of Schuyler county. Her father was a native of Hamilton county, Ohio, where he was born July 29, 1805. Her mother was born February 23, 1815, and their marriage occurred June 23, 1835. Her mother still survives, and is universally respected.
Mr. and Mrs. Utter have seven children: Arthur Frank, born January 9, 1868, married Clara Bradman February 27, 1889, and lives on a farm near by; Albert Marion, born October 29, 1870; Alice May, born September 4, 1873; Pulaski, born November 30, 1876; Amy Florence, born January 10, 1880; Mary Viola, born October 21, 1883; and Cora Minnie, born October 30, 1889. All of these are under the parental roof, and form a typical happy family.
Politically, Mr. Utter affiliates with the Democratic party. Religiously, he and his wife are prominent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.
Mr. Utter's prosperity is due to his persistent efforts and honorable dealings in all the walks of life. He is one of the representative men of his county, and deservedly enjoys the esteem of his fellow men.