WEBBAKE, JOHN A., of Oakford, Cass County, Ill., an industrious and thrifty farmer, favorably known throughout his section of the county, of which he is a native, was born December 21, 1870. He is of German descent, and has inherited traits of character which have made the men of Teutonic extraction prominent factors in the industrial development of Illinois. The farm operated by Mr. Webbake is located in section 32, township 19, range 8, Cass County, and the family to which he belongs were comparatively early settlers in this vicinity. His father was Anthony Webbake, also a farmer, born in Germany, February 14, 1829, and his mother, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Deighity, born April 18, 1840, came to this country about the year 1859. After working by the month for eight years, Anthony Webbake purchased 160 acres of farming land.

John A. Webbake received his early education in the country schools of his neighborhood and has ever since then applied himself to farming. He has added sixty acres to the home farm, and all the buildings now improving it were erected by him. On January 10, 1893, in Menard County, Ill., he was united in marriage with Anna May Skagg, born February 11, 1870, daughter of James and Ellen (Hayes) Skagg, natives of Cass County, IL., he born in 1833. Mr. and Mrs. Webbake have the following children: Florence E., born December 30, 1893; Mary Helen, born July 28, 1895; Jerome Charles, born July 30, 1898; Nelly Fay, born July 10, 1901; Robert Anthony, born January 2, 1904; and Alvin Franklin, born December 28, 1909. Mr. and Mrs. Webbake and their children are members of the Catholic church. It may be said of Mr. Webbake that one of his strong traits is the partiality he manifests for high-bred horses. Politically he is a Democrat.