JAMES HOGAN, who departed this life at his home in Scott County in July, 1879, established one of its most valuable homesteads and became the owner of 240 acres of land, which he brought to a fine state of cultivation and upon which he effected modern improvements. His career was a fine illustration of the results of energy and perseverance, and he came to Illinois at a time when men possessing those qualifications were most needed. His widow, Mrs. Permelia Hogan, carried on this large farm for about two years after the death of her husband, then divided the property with her children and now has her homestead of eighty acres on section 14, where she is surrounded by all the comforts and conveniences of life.

Mr. Hogan was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, in 1803, and came to America when twenty years of age. He sojourned for a time in New York City, then came to Morgan County, this State, and purchased 100 acres of land, the nucleus of the present estate. He was one of the earliest pioneers of this section, coming at a time when wild game was plentiful and when sometimes as many as fifteen deer could be seen in one herd. He battled with the difficulties attendant upon life on the frontier, and for a series of years labored early and late in the building up of his homestead and the accumulation of a competence.

Mrs. Hogan was born in Christian County, Ky., Aug. 10, 1824, and is the daughter of Peter and Mary (Williams) Chrisman. Her paternal grandfather, George Chrisman, was a native of Christian County, Ky., and served in the War of 1812. He carried on blacksmithing and farming combined, and lived to be eighty-eight years old. The Chrisman family is of German descent and George Chrisman was one of the earliest settlers of Morgan County, this State.

The father of Mrs. Hogan, upon reaching manhood, engaged in farming and sawmilling. He also operated a gristmill and a distillery, and became well-to-do. He died at the early age of thirty-four years. The mother was born in Christian County, Ky., where she was married. Her father did good service in the Revolutionary War and was killed in the battle of New Orleans.

The mother of Mrs. Hogan, after the death of her husband, went to Arizona and spent her last days with one of her daughters, passing away in June, 1887, at the age of seventy-nine years; she was a member of the Presbyterian Church. The parental household included five children, of whom Permelia was the eldest. Catharine is a resident of Chicago, Elizabeth lives in Salt Lake City, Henry is engaged in mining in Colorado, Barbara is deceased. Miss Permelia came to Illinois with her parents and was reared to womanhood in the vicinity of Lynnville, Morgan County. She was but nine years old at the time of her father's death, and remained at home with her mother until her marriage with Mr. Hogan, which occurred in 1842. Of this union there were born ten children, the eldest of whom, a son, Thomas, died when a promising young man of twenty-one years. Frank is a resident of Springfield. During the late Civil War he enlisted in the 18th Illinois Infantry, in 1861, and served until the close, receiving a wound which crippled him for life. Elizabeth is the wife of Henry Bingham, a resident of Springfield and employed as an engineer on the Wabash railroad. Catherine is the wife of Thomas Sidles, who is a fireman on the Wabash railroad and resides in Springfield. William is farming. John remains at home with his mother. Peter was killed on the railroad. Della and Mary are both dead. George is at home. Mr. Hogan, politically, was a Democrat, and belonged to the Catholic Church. The residence of Mrs. Hogan is situated within one mile of Chapin, and forms one of the most attractive spots in that section of country, everything being kept up in good shape and denoting cultivated tastes and ample means. She is a lady universally respected, and has reared her children to become honest and praiseworthy citizens.