ISAAC LOOSE. - Isaac Loose never sought to figure before the public, but in his life record manifested those sterling traits of character which everywhere command respect and confidence, and thus he became one of the leading citizens of this community, known and honored by many friends. He was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, on the 10th of April, 1808, and his parents, Conrad and Christina (Brendle) Loose, were also natives of Berks county. The father was a farmer by occupation and with his family he removed to Franklin county, Pennsylvania, during the early boyhood of his son Isaac. There were ten children in the family, but all are now deceased, namely: Joseph, formerly of Hagerstown, Maryland; Jacob, of Springfield; Christian, of Greencastle, Pennsylvania; Sarah, also of Greencastle; Mrs. Margaret Abel, of Wichita, Kansas; Mrs. Mary Kiesaker, of Hagerstown, Maryland; Conrad, of Greencastle, Pennsylvania; Mrs. Elizabeth Miller; Mrs. Catherine Stahl; and Isaac.

The last named received only such educational advantages as were afforded by the common schools and, indeed, he had to hire a man to take his place in the fields in order to have the opportunity to attend school as much as he did. His life was characterized by unfaltering industry, perseverance and honorable dealing, and throughout his business career he carried on farming and stock raising. Upon his father's death eh purchased the interest of the other heirs in the old homestead farm near Greencastle, Pennsylvania and there he lived until 1857, when he came to Sangamon county. Three years later he brought his family to this country and here he made his home continuously until his death. He prospered in his undertakings here and as his financial resources increased he made purchase of land until his property holdings were very extensive in Sangamon county. In all his farm work he was progressive and enterprising and whatever he undertook he carried forward to successful completion.

On the 6th of May, 1834, Mr. Loose was married to Miss Eliza Scholl, of Greencastle, Pennsylvania, a daughter of Rev. F. A. Scholl, pastor of the Reformed church of Greencastle, Pennsylvania. They became the parents of ten children: Mrs. Elizabeth M. Brown, who is living in Wichita, Kansas; Frederick A. And Benjamin, who died in infancy; Isaac C. Loose, who resides in Illiopolis, and is represented elsewhere in this work; Dr. Arthur H. Loose, whose biography appears below; Mrs. Amanda M. Irwin, of Wichita, Kansas; J. S. Loose, of Kansas City, Missouri; Mrs. Almira Ide, of Illiopolis; Jacob L., who resides in Chicago; and David A. Loose, of Tacoma, Washington.

Upon his arrival at Illiopolis Mr. Loose found but one building there and that was not completed. He drove the first hitching post in the town in order to have a place to tie his horse. From that time forward he was identified with the substantial upbuilding and improvement of his section of the county and he gave active and substantial support to many movements for the general good. He died upon his farm May 4, 1878, at the age of sixty-two years. His political allegiance was at first given to the Whig party, but later he became a stanch advocate of Republican principles. In early life he was confirmed in a Reformed church and was ever loyal to its teachings and to his professions. He served both as deacon and elder in the church and did effective service in advancing the cause of Christianity in his midst. He was a man held in the highest esteem by all and he left to his family the priceless heritage of an honorable name and the record of a career characterized by straightforward dealings with his fellow men.