GARM, Robert H., cashier of the First State Bank of Beardstown, and a man widely and favorably known throughout Cass County as a man of highest probity and excellent financial standing, was born at a point six miles east of Beardstown, August 30, 1854. a son of Henry and Mary D. (Haywood) Garm. The father was a native of Hanover, Germany, while the mother was born in Cornwall, England. The latter came in childhood to America with the family of John H. Harris, who arrived in Cass County, Ill., in 1842. Henry Garm came to Cass County in young manhood, and here married. Until 1868 he was a farmer, but in that year moved to Beardstown, where he engaged in a grain business later, with his son, Robert H., embarking in a clothing business, they continuing together until the father's death, August 11, 1902. The mother later moved to Springfield, Ill., where she now resides, being now in her eighty-fourth year. they had the following children: John T., who is of Beardstown; Joseph E. who is of Joplin, Mo.; Mary E., who is Mrs. Dr. T. P. Norbury, of Springfield, Ill.; Frank, who died in 1889; and Robert H.

Robert H. Garm, when only eighteen years old, was associated with Nathaniel Benneson in a clothing business at Beardstown. Two years later Christian Pilger bought the Benneson interest, and Mr. Garm and Mr. Pilger continued together for two years, when Mr. Garm became the sole proprietor, and continued as such for ten years, when his father became his partner. After his father's death Mr. Garm sold his interest to his brother and accepted the position of cashier of the First State Bank of Beardstown, and has held it continuously since 1893.

On April 4, 1898, Mr. Garm was married to Tillie C. Dutch, a daughter of Richard and Alice Dutch, natives of England. They have two children: Roy H., a physician of Beardstown; and Clifford C. Mr. Garm is a member of the Methodist church and has held all the church offices, including that of trustee, and has acted as such since 1904. For nine years he served on the city school board, and during one term was mayor of Beardstown, during which time the city had a sound, businesslike administration. Fraternally he is a Mason, is a member of the Commandery, and has held many offices in that order, now being treasurer of Cass Lodge, No. 123. He also belongs to Ark Lodge No. 16, I.O.O.F.; and additionally is identified with the Knights of Pythias, No. 207; the Court of Honor, and the Modern Woodmen of America. he is secretary of the Beardstown Building & Loan Association, and since 1904 has been chairman of the board of managers.