SAMUEL E. KILLAM, a son of William H. Killam, an Englishman, makes his home on section 2, Bird Township. The mother of our subject was Mary Hall, who was also born in England. This couple came to America when young people and after their arrival here were married and settled in Morgan County, Ill., where they made their home for the remainder of their days. This son, Samuel E., was one of the eldest in a large family of children. He was born in Morgan County, July 7, 1835. Here he resided until he reached manhood, and here he made his home until his marriage when he rented a farm west of Jacksonville and lived there until the fall of 1868 when he came to Macoupin County and made his home in Bird Township, where he has since been a resident.

Mr. Killam has always been engaged in farming and stock-raising, and his farm of two hundred and fifty acres is an illustration of his energy and good judgment. The buildings are commodious and capacious and he has every convenience necessary to the successful carrying on of a farm. His marriage took place in Morgan County, February 20, 1862, his bride being Mary A., daughter of John and Esther (Peekering) Grime, both natives of England. Mr. Grime died in New York and Mrs. Grime in White Hall, this State. Mrs. Killam was born in Onondaga County, NY, January 12, 1840.

To this worthy and prosperous couple have been born five children: Mary E., Frances G., Elizabeth A. who died at the age of twenty years, John W. and Samuel E. Their mother is an earnest and devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and she has faithfully trained her children in the duties of the Christian religion.

Mr. Killam held the office of Supervisor of Bird Township for two years. He has been Justice of the Peace for five years and School Director for many terms. He votes and works for the success of the Republican party, with which he has been identified since its organization. He is a public spirited man and ever active in promoting the best interests of the community.