JOHN A. HURD, farmer; P.O. Petersburg; was born in Newport, N.H., Nov. 28, 1806, where he was raised and schooled. He is the son of Peter and Meribah (Atwood) Hurd, who were natives of New Hampshire. During early life, he learned the trade of a clothier, which he soon abandoned, as his inclinations were toward agricultural pursuits. He married Miss Elizabeth Jewett, of his native place, Jan. 30, 1828. He then took charge of the home far, which he managed until 1838, when he emigrated to Illinois, settling in Cass Co., where he remained until 1844, when they removed to Petersburg. He took charge of the clothier's department of the woolen mill, continuing there some two years; then removed to where he now resides. Mrs. Hurd died May 13, 1872. They had three children - Martha, John J., who died in the arm, and Celania C., now Mrs. James E. Dickerson, who is the only surviving child. John A. Hurd is an enterprising, benevolent and highly respected citizen. His farm home consists of 160 acres of fine land.