WILLIAM ALLEN GROVES was born in Sumner County, Tenn., on the 10th day of Oct., 1856, and is the son of Gabriel Jones Groves. His mother died when he was a mere child. His parents were both natives of Tennessee, in which state his father still lives. William was reared to farm life, and lived in his native state until Nov., 1879, when he came to Greene county, Ill., locating in what is now Woodville township, where he has since continued to reside. He was united in marriage on the 26th day of March, 1884, with Sophronia Brown, a native of Greene county, and a daughter of William Brown, one of the early settlers of this county. He was born in Simpson county, Ky., Dec. 24, 1828, and removed with his parents to Greene county, Ill., in 1829, and here resided until his death, which occurred on the 10th of Oct., 1869. Mr. Groves is now engaged in farming, on Sec. 18, T. 9, R. 12, and by his thrift and energy succeeds in making a comfortable living, and is a well respected citizen of his township.