MILEM ALKIRE, farmer and stock-raiser; P.O. Sweetwater; was born in Madison Co., Ohio, Sept. 10, 1818; oldest son of Leonard and Catharine Alkire, who came to Sugar Grove at a very early day; our subject at this time was 6 years of age; he had always a great fondness for books, and spent all his leisure time in study; the schools of that day afforded but poor advantages, but young Alkire persevered and succeeded in obtaining a good education; at 21, he began life on his own account; he has always been engaged in agriculture and stock-raising and has been very successful in all his undertakings. He was united in marriage with Eliza J. Barnes Dec. 21, 1843; she was born in Bath Co., Ky., Aug. 29, 1823; her parents removed to Logan Co., Ill., at a very early day; from this union there were nine children, six of whom are now living - Eliza C., born Dec. 7, 1848; Franklin V., April 24, 1853; John B., Oct. 30, 1855; Thomas H., Aug. 11, 1859; Alvin D., July 2, 1862, and Milem C., Feb. 7, 1865; the names of those deceased were Louisa A., born Nov. 11, 1844, died Sept. 5, 1845; Leonard M., born Aug. 28, 1846, died Jan. 21, 1859; Mary A., born Jan 22, 1851, died March 24, 1855. Mr. Alkire has held the offices of Associate Judge of Menard County and County Commissioner; owns 750 acres of well-improved land; he is a Democrat, although quite liberal in his views.