JACOB LURTON is among the first settlers of this section of country, having come here in 1817, with his father, from Kentucky. He is now living on Sec. 32, T. 7, R. 11, or the township called Mississippi. He is a native of Kentucky, and was born near Louisville, Sept. 16, 1805. In the spring of 1817 the family consisting of seven children, four boys and three girls, bid farewell to their old home, and started from Louisville on a keel boat, landing subsequently at the city of St. Louis. Jacob Lurton, Sr., the father of the subject of this sketch, was a physician, and a minister of the M. E. church, and realizing the importance of an education, determined that Jacob should have a good opportunity, and to this end kept him engaged in study until he graduated from the high school at Louisville. The profession of medicine was chosen as his future avocation, and to become familiar with the many details, he was kept in an "apothecary shop" for four winters, attending school during summers. The effort to make a doctor out of the young man only partially succeeded, and he never became a "full-fledged" physician. Almost constant application to the books of his father and his father's partner, and making collections for them, gave him an insight to that particular branch of the business, and he became disgusted with the whole matter, and made a farmer of himself. Upon their arrival here they settled on Piasa creek, on a farm through which subsequently ran one division line separating the counties of Jersey and Madison. In addition to the family they brought five negroes, a mother and four children, who were indentured and set free at the age of 25 and 27. Thus, in 1817, commenced the life here of Jacob Lurton. He has witnessed the development of this county, and has had no small share in its transformation from a scene of natural wildness to its present condition. He was for eight years a judge of the county court of this county, and for 12 years a justice of the peace in Mississippi township, and was the first postmaster in this township, which office he held 14 years. He was a captain of the militia at the time of the Black Hawk war, the place of rendezvous being Carrollton. They were held as a reserve for 35 days, when the adjutant-general called on them and told them to disband, and to be ready, at a moment's warning, with five days' provisions for self and horse. He went home and has never been called upon, and has never been discharged nor received any compensation. His sword and outfit cost $25, and the sword is in good preservation to this day, and is in possession of his son, N. M. Lurton. He still has his commission, and for many years was known as Capt. Lurton. He is a man of integrity and ability, and performed the duties pertaining to these and other offices conscientiously and well. He was deservedly popular, and was the leading man in the community where he lived. His advice was sought and asked on all matters of every description. At every marriage he officiated, and by him were tied the nuptial knots, uniting the hearts and destinies of many a happy couple. For all these and kindred services he never made a charge, and after so many years, there being no absolute necessity longer, and wishing to be free, he resigned all offices and announced his intention, having done his part, of remaining out of office, and notwithstanding the wishes of the people he has since steadfastly pursued that course. He was married March 20, 1829, to Margaret McDow, a daughter of John and Margaret (Gillham) McDow. There were born by this union eight children - N. M., born Jan. 9, 1830; John C., born April 6, 1831; Julia A., born Nov. 17, 1832; Mary J., born Feb. 26, 1834, and who died February 27, 1876; Sarah M., born March 4, 1836; Jacob P., born July 17, 1838, and died Nov. 8, 1868; Elizabeth C., born Nov. 28, 1842; Olivia M. born Jan. 6, 1850. Jacob P. was a lieutenant in Co. H, 97th Ill. Inf., and died of disease contracted in the army. Mr. Lurton is a remarkable man. He is now 80 years of age and has never been intoxicated, never played a game of cards, never took a part in a dance, never sued but one man, never was sued, never bet higher than a gill of butter-milk, and has always led an upright, honest life. Mrs. Lurton is now (1885) 76 years old, and in good health, and together they are passing down the decline of life, with a feeling of peace and happiness known only to those whose lives have been well spent. they must soon go to their reward. May the Lord grant an abundant entrance to his heavenly kingdom.