WILLIAM M. WHITE, contractor and builder, Petersburg; is one of the pioneers of Menard Co. He came with his parents, Aaron B. and Elizabeth (Murray) White, to this county at a very early day, and well remembers when this was a wild region, with but not and then a settler. He has witnessed the entire growth of the county. His parents settled at Clary's Grove, and here his father operated a saw-mill for a number of years; then settled in Petersburg, following contracting and building. William chose the trade of carpenter and joiner, which he learned under his father. After a time, his parents removed to Ohio, but he remained her and followed contracting and building, and many of the principal public and private buildings have been erected by him. He was born near Lexington, Ky., Jan. 30, 1824. His life has been one of industry and energy. His wife was Miss Rebecca Perkins; they were married April 21, 1846. They raised a large family, seven of whom are now living.