WILLIAM CHISHOLM is one of the sturdy Scotch-American citizens, who, having made his home in the New World, brought hither with him the habits of industry and frugality and the iron constitution which is the heritage of the Scotch. His father was Robert Chisholm, and his mother, Isabella Patterson. The father was a shepherd by occupation, and lived to complete his ninety-third year. His worthy wife died in her eighty-fourth year.
The subject of this sketch was born in Scotland, September 26, 1820. Here he was reared to manhood. Through his boyhood he served as a shepherd boy and herded his sheep. Later he was employed on the public works, and afterward engaged in fishing on the coast of Scotland. He remained in the Northland until 1848, when he came to America. He landed in New Orleans upon Independence Day, and made his way to Alton, Ill., where he was employed in assisting the civil engineers on the Chicago & Alton Railroad. He followed this line of work for a few months, and then went to Morgan and Sangamon Counties. Here he felt much at home for he found beautiful flocks of sheep awaiting the service of a shearer. At this work he was an expert, and he entered the employ of a sheep farmer for several weeks, clipping some days over one hundred head of sheep. He was also employed upon the farm.
This young man now took to himself a wife in the person of Sarah Killam. The marriage was solemnized in Macoupin County, October 24, 1850. The lady was born in Yorkshire, England, December 5, 1825. Her father was Samuel and her mother Mary (Morris) Killam. They emigrated to Macoupin County, and there spent the remainder of their days. Their daughter was about three years old when they came from the old country. The subject of this sketch settled near Chesterfield, this county, and there he lived for about three years. They then made their home on section 7, Carlinville Township, where they have since been residents. The greater part of his life has been occupied in agricultural pursuits.
Mr. Chisholm has a beautiful farm of ninety-four acres, upon which he has made good improvements. He is a thorough and progressive farmer, and is ever awake to the interests of the farming community. To him and his intelligent and worthy companion have been given four children, whom they have reared to maturity and launched upon the world. These children have all established homes of their own, and are living lives which are a credit to their parents and a benefit to the community in which they reside. None of them are far removed from their childhood home: Mary A. is the wife of John W. Carson; Isabella is the wife of Henry Foltz; Robert A. married Margaret A. Killam; and Sarah E. is Mrs. Charles D. Solomon.
The political views of this sturdy Scotchman are expressed in the platform of the Republican party. He takes a quiet but intelligent interest in local and national affairs, and is every ready to cast his ballot for the principles which he endorses, although quiet in his defense of them. He has occupied a position upon the School Board, and is earnest and aggressive in promoting the educational interests of the community. The Methodist Episcopal Church is the church of his choice in which both he and Mrs. Chisholm are active and efficient members.