AARON MALSBURY. - For many years a resident of Sangamon county, Aaron Malsbury is now living retired in Pawnee, after many years' connection with agricultural interests, during which he won prosperity that now enables him to rest from further business care. He is familiar with the history of the county from pioneer times and what to others is a matter of record is to him a matter of experience or memory, for he has been witness of many of the events, which shape the history of this locality. His grandfather, Asa Malsbury, was a native of England, and become one of the early settlers of New Jersey. His son, Caleb Malsbury, father of our subject, was born in that state, November 8, 1801, and was married there to Margaret Bennett, who was also born in that state. He was a blacksmith by trade and followed that pursuit throughout his business career. His death occurred in New Jersey about 1841 and his wife died in 1833.

Among their children was Aaron Malsbury, who was born in Monmouth county, New Jersey, July 8, 1821. His brother Caleb, the only other member of the family who grew to mature years, became a resident of Illinois and afterward of Nuckolls county, Nebraska, where he died in 1902. Aaron Malsbury was reared and educated in his native state and there learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed with his father until the latter's death. In 1843 he emigrated westward settling in Jerseyville, Illinois, and conducted a shop near Jerseyville for two or three years. He afterward took up his abode in the town, where he also engaged in black smithing until 1854, when he removed to Virden, remaining a blacksmith of that place until 1875. He then purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Pawnee township, Sangamon county, broke the land and made many substantial improvements. Later he bought another tract of two hundred and forty acres, thus wisely invested his property in the safest way - in more land. This was his first experience at farming, but he carried it on successfully until 1900, when he purchased residence property in Pawnee, where he is now living in honorable retirement from further labor. He today owns over four hundred acres of valuable farming land, besides the home that he occupies.

Mr. Malsbury was married in Virden, Illinois, April 14, 1858, to Miss Lucretia Jackson, who was born in Preble county, Ohio, a daughter of Hugh W. Jackson, who was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, and was married there to Deborah Preble, also born in Pickaway county. He afterward removed to Warren county, Indiana, where he opened up a farm, making it his home until his death, in 1844. His wife survived him only about a year, and the children then returned to Preble county, Ohio, and were reared by relatives. Mrs. Malsbury was one of ten children. Her brother Dutton H. Jackson served for three years in the Fifth Indiana Cavalry and is now living retired in Kokomo, Indiana. He owns a valuable farm in Christian county, Illinois. Another brother, Albert Jackson, was a member of Company G, One Hundred and Twenty-second Illinois Infantry, and died in the service at Corinth, Mississippi. Mr. and Mrs. malsbury are the parents of three children. John A. married and is now living in Christian county. his wife died and his son Arthello is living with his paternal grandparents. Jessie A. is the wife of Matthew Burris, of Springfield. Frank is married and lives on the home farm.

Mr. and Mrs. Malsbury are members of the Presbyterian church of Pawnee, and he has belonged to the Masonic fraternity since 1849, when he joined the lodge in Jerseyville, Illinois. He is now affiliated with the Masonic lodge in Pawnee and he belongs to the Odd Fellows lodge and Rebekah chapter in Pawnee. His first presidential vote was cast for Henry Clay and he was a Whig until the dissolution of the party. He then supported Abraham Lincoln and for some time was a Republican, but is now a Prohibitionist. Both he and his wife have many sterling characteristics which have endeared them to their friends. They have been quick to cheer the discouraged and disheartened, to sympathize with the sorrowing and to give substantial aid to the needy, and hospitality and kindness have ever been dominant features of their home.