SUTTON, BENJAMIN R. - For nearly a century the same family name has been associated with the ownership of some of the most valuable farming properties in western Illinois, and several of these properties are located in the county of Cass. Among them is the extensive and highly productive farm belonging to Benjamin R. Sutton, which is mainly situated in section 19, township 19, range 8. Here its owner, besides conducting general farming operations, devotes a good part of his attention to the raising of stock, making this his home.

Benjamin R. Sutton was born in Cass County, Ill., March 24, 1857, on the farm which is his present home. His father was Nathan Sutton, a native of New Jersey, where he was born January 22, 1819. The maiden name of the mother was Elizabeth Ann Lemar, and her birth took place in the state of Indiana, on September 8, 1822. The father was a farmer by occupation. At the age of twelve years the son accompanied his parents to Michigan, near Ann Arbor, where the family remained a short time, moving then to Illinois and settling in Cass County. Benjamin received a good district school education in his neighborhood during his youthful days and spent his leisure time in rendering assistance on the home farm. Since attaining the age of maturity, he has carried on the farm work along the original lines, bestowing much care on the stock feature of the enterprise. All his undertakings have been crowned with success, and he ranks as one of the foremost farmers of western Illinois.

The marriage of Benjamin R. Sutton took place January 6, 1881, to Jennie Morgan, who was born October 27, 1856. Mrs. Sutton is a daughter of William and Elizabeth Morgan, old residents of Cass County. They have had three children: Estella, who is now deceased, was Mrs. Leeper; William Ernest; and Charrey E., who became the wife of Daniel Kridbaum. In religious belief Mr. Sutton and family are adherents of the Baptist faith. Politically, he is in accord with the principles of the Republican party, and by it elected has filled the office of school director, and served in the capacity of commissioner of two drainage districts. In the matter of fraternal orders, Mr. Sutton has been affiliated with the A.F. & A.M. for about thirty years, and is a member of the Chandlerville Lodge, No. 724. He is a very popular citizen, a man of genial temperament and amiable disposition, always ready to assist any one who is in need, and his charities though undemonstrative, have been numerous and constant.