JOHN HAMIL, farmer and dealer in live stock, Sec. 23; P. O. Greenview. As one who has fully identified himself with all the interests of Menard Co., for a period of forty years, none is more deserving of notice than John Hamil. He was born in Shenandoah Co., Va., Aug. 7, 1821; his father died when he was a child, leaving him in care of his grandfather, on his mother's side, and his mother. In an early day, the grandparent moved to Tuscarawas Co., Ohio, taking young Hamil with him; there the boy passed his youth and early manhood, working on the farm of his grandfather, and remained until 1839, when he came to Illinois, and located in Shelbyville; there he engaged in carrying the mail from that point, by way of Clinton, to Bloomington, and from Bloomington to Springfield, by way of Postville; he continued at this about two years, and then came to Irish Grove, and, for a number of years, worked by the month for the farmers in that locality. During this time, he had saved enough money, from his wages, to purchase eighty-five acres of land; soon after doing so, he married Mary A. Borders, May 12, 1844. They had nine children, four of whom are now living -- William A., John D., Charles and Lawrence. The names of those deceased are - Nancy E., Mary C., and three infants. Mrs. Hamil died on March 22, 1870. He was married, on July 25, 1871, to Mrs. Agnes M. Anderson, whose maiden name was Young. By this union there are two children - Mary M. and Frederick L. He owns a nicely improved farm of 570 acres, all of which is under a high state of cultivation. Is a Democrat, but quite conservative, and a consistent member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.