JOHN G. PARK. - Prominent among the citizens of Maxwell township who have witnessed the marvelous development of Sangamon county in the past seventy-five years and who have, by honest toil and industry, succeeded in acquiring a competence, and are now able to spend the sunset of life in quiet and retirement, is the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch. He dates his residence in this county from the 28th of November, 1828, and is today the owner of a well improved and valuable farm of two hundred and fifteen acres on sections 5, 6, 7 and 8, Maxwell township, where he makes his home.

A native of Tennessee, Mr. Park was born in Franklin county, that state, on the 7th of July, 1822, and is a son of James Park, whose birth occurred in South Carolina in December, 1799. His paternal grandfather, John Park, was born in County Antrim, Ireland, about 1762, of Scotch parentage, and was about two years old when brought to the new world, becoming a resident of South Carolina. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Sarah Mabin, was also a native of Emerald Isle and came to America on the same ship on which her future husband sailed. They were reared in the same neighborhood and after their marriage continued to make their home in South Carolina for several years. From there they removed to Kentucky and in 1828 came to Sangamon county, Illinois, where they spent the remainder of their lives, both dying in September, 1853, the grandfather being then ninety-one years of age and his wife ninety-three.

James Park, the father of our subject, was a young man when he accompanied his parents on their removal from South Carolina to Kentucky, in which state he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Modrall, who was born in Alabama, but was reared in Tennessee. For one year they made their home in Tennessee and at the end of that time joined his parents on their removal to this state. Settling in Maxwell township, Sangamon county, in 1832, he opened up and improved a farm, which continued to be his home until death claimed him on the 18th of October, 1865, when he was sixty-six years of age. His wife died in 1869. In their family of fourteen children John G. Is the eldest son and second in order of birth. Five sons and four daughters are still living.

John G. Park was only six years old on the arrival of the family in Sangamon county and he remained with his father on the old home farm until thirty years of age, assisting in the work of field and meadow. His educational advantages were limited, as he was only able to attend school a few weeks during the winter when his services were not needed at home. On the 1st of March, 1855, he married Miss Nancy E. Rigg, a native of Sangamon county and a daughter of Ewell Rigg, who was also one of the early settlers of this region and was married here during the winter of the deep snow in 1830-31. Of the six children born to Mr. And Mrs. Park four died in early childhood. Those living are Professor Henry A. Park, who is married and is now teaching in the Humboldt school of Alton, Illinois; and John W., who is with his parents on the home farm. He is also a well educated man and formerly engaged in teaching school.

It was on the 2d of April, 1855, that Mr. Park located upon his present farm, which then consisted of only ninety acres of partially improved land. In its operation he met with good success and added to it from time to time until he now has two hundred and fifteen acres of very valuable property, on which are good and substantial buildings. He continued to operate all the land until 1893, when he commenced renting a part of it and now rents the entire tract, while he lives retired, enjoying a well earned rest.

Politically Mr. Park was formerly an old line Whig and cast his first presidential ballot for Henry Clay in 1844. In 1856 he voted for John C. Fremont and was identified with the Republican party for many years, but being a strong temperance man he is now a stanch Prohibitionist. He has never taken a drop of liquor or used tobacco in any form, nor does he even use coffee. For two terms he filled the office of commissioner of highways and also served as a member of the school board for years, but has never cared for political honors. He is an active and prominent member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, in which he has served as elder since 1862. His life is exemplary in many respects and he well deserves the confidence and respect so freely accorded him by his fellow citizens. As an honored pioneer and representative citizen he is justly deserving of prominent mention in this volume.