RICHARD CROMWELL, deceased, was one of the prominent citizens of Bunker Hill, where he died on the 30th of June, 1889, respected by all who knew him. He was born in Washington County, Md., January 30, 1810, and trace4d his ancestry back to the great English protector, Oliver Cromwell. His father, Richard Cromwell, was born in this country of English and Scotch parentage and became a prominent farmer in Washington County, Md. He was a second cousin of Oliver Cromwell, and his death occurred in Maryland in 1821. His wife, whose maiden name was Susan McLaughlin, was a native of Washington County, Md., born of Scotch ancestry, and after her husband's death she lived a widow for about fifty years. In the meantime she removed to Greene County, Ohio, where for a long time she made her home with her son-in-law, J. B. Hawkins, dying at that place February 20, 1872, at the age of eighty-nine years. Both Mr. and Mrs. Cromwell were members and active workers in the German Reformed Church. Their family numbered six children, three of whom are living near Xenia, in Greene County, Ohio.

The early life of Richard Cromwell, of this sketch, passed uneventfully, he spending his days in the county of his nativity until he had arrived at the age of twenty years, when he accompanied his parents to Greene County, Ohio, where afterward he was united in marriage with Miss Caroline, daughter of Jacob and Margaret (Fout) Eichelberger. She was born in Frederick County, Md., August 24, 1817, and her parents were natives of Germany. They came to America when young, locating in Maryland, where they grew to manhood and womanhood and were married in 1806, in Frederick County, where for some years the lived upon a farm. Mr. Eichelberger died in that county in the prime of life. His widow, accompanied by her eight children, afterward emigrated to Greene County, Ohio, where she became the wife of John Cramer. She died in Bellbrook in the faith of the German Lutheran Church, of which Mr. Eichelberger was also a member. Of the seven children born unto that worthy couple Mrs. Cromwell is the fifth in order of birth and the only one now living. She was about twelve years of age when her father died and had attained to her twenty-first year when the family removed to the buckeye State. In 1842, with her husband and four children, she came to Illinois. They settled in Hilyard Township, Macoupin County, where they began their life in the West in true pioneer style upon a rented farm. As Mr. Cromwell was successful in his undertakings, he afterward became able to purchase land, and at the time of his death his possessions aggregated two hundred and eighty acres, two hundred of which were comprised in the home farm. He was enterprising, industrious and persevering, and by good management he won a comfortable competence. Following farming until 1880 he then laid aside business cares and removed to Bunker Hill, where he lived a retired life. His death occurred June 20, 1889, being caused by a fall from a moving wagon driven by a neighbor. Mrs. Cromwell is yet living in Bunker Hill, where she has many friends and acquaintances. She is a member of the Lutheran Church and a good Christian woman.

Nine children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Cromwell, and all are yet living, have married and are prospering in life. John D., who wedded Miss Mary C. Hutton, is living on a farm in Honey Point Township; Susan M., is the wife of James White, an extensive and successful farmer of Montgomery County; Margaret A., is the wife of Matthew Hayes, who is engaged in agricultural pursuits in Gillespie Township; Comfort C., widow of W. J. Baird, resides in St. Louis; Samantha M., is the wife of Charles Lockyer, a resident farmer of Hilyard Township; Sarah C., wedded David A. Smalley, a successful agriculturist of Spivey, Kingman County, Kahn.; Mary E., is the wife of Eugene R. Smalley, also a farmer of Kingman County; Joseph O., wedded Mary Elliman, and is farming in Hilyard Township, and William A. Is engaged in the same pursuit in Bunker Hill Township. He wedded Mary Roberts, but his wife is now deceased. The sons are all Democrats in politics and all the children have become useful men and women, and respected members of society.

Mr. Cromwell was also a stalwart supporter of Democratic principles, and for some years served as Supervisor of Hilyard Township, proving an efficient officer. In religious belief he was a Universalist and lived an upright life which won him the confidence and regard of all. By those who knew him he was highly respected for his sterling worth, and no man is more worthy of a representation in this volume.