J. R. Boofter, farmer, P. O. Robinson, is a substantial and enterprising farmer of Oblong Township. He was born in Stewart County, Tenn., January 19, 1847. His parents died when he was quite small, and he was compelled, as a great many orphan boys are, to shift for himself when very young. When about seven years of age, he commenced working on a farm by the month. His chances for an education was limited to subscription schools of country there.
In 1863, when about sixteen years old, came to Crawford County, Ill., to Portsville, Licking Township, with J. C. Gault, with whom he worked one summer. He continued working by the month until 1867, at which time attended one term of school at the Union Christian College, located at Merom, Ind., after which attended two terms of school at Westfield, Ill., in the spring and fall of 1868, where, in the winter of 1868 and 1869, taught school.
He was married, December 5, 1868, to Dinah Hill. She was born in Crawford County, Ill., February 9. 1849. He farmed with his father-in-law for two or three years after marriage, and at which time removed on a farm of 240 acres, given his wife by her father, of which he has about 200 acres in cultivation, and is successfully engaged in the raising of grain principally. They have one child, namely, Alva. Subject is a member of the Grange.