ENDIMON FANSLER is a prosperous farmer of Barr Township, whose farm is on section 4. His father, David Fansler, was born in Stokes County, N.C., and his mother, Polly Shipley, was a native of Sullivan County, Tenn., where the father finally died and where our subject was born, October 12, 1827, the eldest in a family of eight children. Here he was reared to manhood and remained until the fall of 1847, when he enlisted in Company A, Fifth Tennessee Regiment, and served in the Mexican War for about five months. Peace being declared, he returned to Tennessee and resumed the occupations of peace.
The marriage of our subject to Miss Amanda King, who was born in Sullivan County, Tenn., occurred soon after his return from the war. They settled in their native county and there remained until the spring of 1852, when they came to Macoupin County and settled in Barr Township, which has since been a family home. Eight children graced their home, namely: William, who became a teacher in the public schools and died in Palmyra; Thomas, who is a resident of Chicago; Henry, who is farming in Barr Township; Mary, who is now Mrs. James Searcy; her first husband was Allen Duncan and after his death she married Mr. Searcy; Ella, the wife of R. M. McCollom; James, who is living in this township; Joseph, who is a farmer; and Halley. The mother of these children passed away from earth in Barr Township nearly twenty years ago.
The second marriage of Mr. Fansler united him with Mrs. Mary E. (Dalby) Bell, the widow of Stephen Bell and daughter of Israel and Eliza (Ogden) Dalby. They have three children: Jennie, Belle and Carroll. The second child died in childhood.
Mr. Fansler has always been engaged in agricultural pursuits and has made good improvements upon his fine farm of two hundred and forty-five acres. His political views led him to affiliate with the Democratic party and he has been Highway Commissioner of the township. Both he and his excellent wife are earnest and active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which they find a broad field of influence and effort. Mr. Fansler fills the offices of Steward and Trustee and is highly trusted in these official capacities.