WILLIAM J. KREIDER, whose business qualification and accommodating manner have already made him one of the representative citizens of Roodhouse, although he has made his home here only since 1903, is proprietor of the electric light and power plant, and his education well fitted him for the conduct of an enterprise of this character. He was born in Jacksonville, Illinois, June 2, 1877. His paternal grandfather was Michael Zimmerman Kreider, who became a resident of Illinois. His wife who was born in 1800, died in Jacksonville, in 1886. Their son, Edmund c. Kreider, father of our subject, is a very prominent citizen of Jacksonville, where he is now serving as postmaster. He married a Miss McDowell, a daughter of John T. McDowell, who was a native of Ohio and lived and died in Portsmouth, that state.

Following the master of the elementary branches of learning in the public schools of his native city, William Kreider entered Illinois College, at Jacksonville, from which he was graduated with the class of 1890. Subsequently he matriculated in Illinois University, completing his studies there by graduation in 1897. He was thus well prepared for the responsible duties of life, having completed a full scientific course and a course in civil engineering, and he then returned to Jacksonville. In September, 1903, he came to Roodhouse and purchased the electric light plant from W. P. Gilmore, putting it in excellent repair, adding new machinery and otherwise improving it, but already it has become too small for the demands of a constantly increasing patronage, and a new plant will soon be added. Mr. Kreider employs several men and also gives his personal supervision and assistance to the business, for which he is thoroughly qualified, understanding the practical workings as well as the great scientific principles which underlie the business.

On the 30th of June, 1903, Mr. Kreider was married to Miss Nellie C. Hall, a daughter of John H. and Elizabeth (Holmes) Hall. She was born in Barry, Pike county, Illinois, and they now have one son, Howard Clinton Kreider, born September 13, 1904. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Roodhouse and Mr. Kreider belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity, while in his political views he is a Republican. Concentrating his energies upon his business, he is meeting with the success which is the goal of all business endeavor.