ELLIOTT, WILLIAM. - A considerable proportion of the farming element of Cass County, Ill., and indeed, of other elements in its population which have been largely instrumental in contributing to the public prosperity, is of Irish birth or Irish extraction. In every walk of life are and have been conspicuous men of intelligence, vigor and indomitable energy, who have honored the appellation of American citizenship in the full significance of that name, while cherishing a natural pride in the Emerald Isle as the land of their birth or of the origin of their forefathers. As an illustration of this large and worthy class of Cass County residents, the subject of this biographical record may be adduced in evidence.

County Antrim, Ireland, was the birthplace of William Elliott, as it was also of his parents, John and Nancy (Balia) Elliott. William was born June 28, 1837, and the family shortly afterwards sailed for America, consuming eight weeks on the voyage to this country. Landing in New York, they journeyed westward to Illinois, locating at Beardstown. On arriving, with seven children, the father had but $80 as his capital. For several years he rented farms, working in packing houses at Beardstown in the winter season. In course of time John Elliott bought some improved land in the eastern portion of Cass County, and at a subsequent period entered additional land, so that at one time he owned 330 acres. The latter part of his life he spent in Virginia, dying in 189 at the age of eighty-eight years. His wife passed away in 1872. Their children were: Hugh, deceased; Nancy (Mrs. J. D. Thompson), of Cass County, Mo.; Mary (Mrs. William Mullin), a widow, of Cass County, Mo.; William; John, killed in the Union army; Margaret (Mrs. William Ross), deceased; and David, of Virginia. William Ross, husband of Margaret, is a resident of Cass County.

William Elliott attended the district schools in his neighborhood in Cass County, and lived with his parents until his marriage. In 1863 Mr. Elliott was wedded to Mildred Brady, who died in 1864. His second wife, married in 1866, was Betsy Reagan, who passed away in 1909, without children. His third marriage took place in 1910, when he was untied with Mamie Wilson, a widow, born in Jacksonville. After his marriage Mr. Elliott bought a tract of land lying next to the home place. He also purchased the 330 acre farm belonging to his father, towards which he traded eighty acres of his own. This he cultivated, and fed considerable livestock as well. In 1882 he withdrew from active pursuits and moved to Virginia, where he bought a fine residence, in which he established his home. Since then he has rented out his land.

In politics Mr. Elliott is a Democrat. He has been a very successful farmer, and is enjoying in comfortable retirement the rewards of a long life of industry and economy. He has many friends, and is much respected.