WASHINGTON, JOHN E. - Few of the many fine farms in Cass County, Ill., are in better condition as to cultivation and domestic improvements, and few bear evidence of more intelligent, enterprising and thrifty management than that owned and operated by the subject of this following narrative, whose name appears above. Beyond question, he is one of the best known, most successful and most highly respected representatives of the agricultural element among the citizens of this section of Illinois. Mr. Washington lives in the vicinity of the city of Virginia, Cass County, in township 17, range 10, and owns 300 acres in township 11, range 10, which he rents. Besides this he has 146� acres of the homestead property which belongs to his wife.

John Edward Washington was born in Union County, Ky., October 27, 1860, and is a son of Joseph H. and Sallie Ann (Offutt) Washington. The father was a native of Westmoreland, Va., and the mother of Scott County, Ky., where they were married and where they first settled. At a later period they moved to Union County, where Joseph H. Washington died in 1870. His widow lingered until January, 1901, when she passed away. Her son, John Edward, dwelt with her until 1881. In early youth he attended the common schools of Kentucky, and for three years was a pupil in the military academy at Morganfield, in the same state. In 1881 John E. Washington located in Cass County and was employed at farm work by William Treadway until October 27, 1897, when he was married to Louisa Treadway, born April 30, 1861, a daughter of his employer. Her mother's maiden name was Mary McHenry. After their marriage Mr. Washington continued to work for his father-in-law until 1901, when he began farming on 145 acres of the Treadway home place. Mrs. Treadway died August 30, 1879, and Mr. Treadway passed away July 18, 1912.

Mr. Washington has devoted considerable attention to the breeding of fine stock, raising Aberdeen Angus cattle and Poland China hogs, all registered. The farming land he rents out. He has been successful in all his undertakings, and is looked upon as high authority in handling first class stock. He has many friends among his neighbors and among the public generally in Cass County. He was reared in the tenets of the Presbyterian Church. In political activity he is a supporter of the principles of the Democratic party.