PEYTON R. KEITH, a prominent farmer of section 29, Missouri township, is a native of that same township, having been born here, July 26, 1856. His father, Peyton A. Keith, was born in Kentucky, January 15, 1824, was a son of Peyton R., who reared a family of the following children: Isham, James, John, Alexander, Peyton A., Mary, Eliza A., America, Susan, Caroline and Mary J. The grandfather of our subject lost his wife in Kentucky, and in the fall of 1837, came to Illinois and passed the winter of 1837-�38 in Missouri township. He then rented land in Mt. Sterling township and later purchased land in the same place, becoming the owner of a good farm, where he finally died. His body rests in Mt. Sterling. His son, father of subject, was only a boy of thirteen when he came to Illinois, and continued to live at home during his father's life, settling his estate after his death. He married Mary Moses, a native of Ohio, born in September, 1830, daughter of William and Rhoda Moses, pioneers of 185_. After his marriage, the father settled on section 33, Missouri township, where he became the owner of 320 acres, improving it considerably. He lived here for many years, dealing in live stock, but the last fifteen years of his life he was an invalid and so was unable to carry on the work of his farm. His death occurred January 12, 1887, but his wife is still living, on the old homestead. He was a stanch Republican, but was no office seeker. He lived and died in the faith of the Christian Church. He and his good wife had eleven children, as follows: Peyton; John A., resident of Pea Ridge township; Joseph D. is on part of the old homestead; Francis Marion is on the old homestead with his mother; Charles I. is also with his mother; Mary J. is the wife of John W. Bell, and they are residents of Missouri township; and the other children all died in childhood.

Peyton, the namesake of his grandfather, was reared in his native county, where he attended the district schools and learned the vocation of farming. He remained at home until his marriage, when he settled on his present farm, where he owns 100 acres of fine land and carries on mixed farming.

Mr. Keith was married January 5, 1880, to Mary E. Bell, daughter of Ira and Emeline Bell. Mr. and Mrs. Keith have three children, Bertie Arthur, William Austin and Ira Anderson.

Mrs. Keith has nine brothers and sister, namely: Isham died in Columbus, Indiana; James died in Missouri; Alexander, resident of California; Mary married James Kirk and died in Iowa, 1891; Mary J. married Richard Bruce and died in Iowa; Eliza died in Mt. Sterling; America and Susan, married are both deceased; and Caroline, who married General H. Roberts and died in Missouri township.

Mr. Keith is a strong Republican in politics and always supports the principles of his party. He is a worthy member of the Christian Church, and he and his estimable wife enjoy the respect and esteem of all their fellow citizens.