The father of our subject was a son of John Sample, a native of Kentucky, where he himself was born. His parents were in poor circumstances and he early became independent and self reliant, and made his own way in the world from a youthful age. IN 1830, ever memorable to the pioneers of this part of Illinois as the "winter of the deep snow," he made his way to Morgan County, and cast in his lot with the few settlers that had preceded him, and has ever since made his home here, and is now living in township 16, range 10.

John Sample, of this biographical review was born in this township, in November, 1856, and here he received the foundation of his education in the local district schools, and supplemented it by a course at the County Schools. He had a natural taste for agriculture, and when he arrived at years of discretion chose it as his life work, and has ever since pursued it with marked success. His farm comprises 244 acres of as fertile farming land as is to be found in this part of Morgan County, and admirably adapted to mixed husbandry, and well stocked with cattle, horses, and hogs of good breeds.

Oct. 13, 1875, the marriage of our subject with Miss Harriet Cox was duly solemnized. Mrs. Sample is a daughter of Charles Cox. (For parental history see sketch of Hardin Cox, on another page of this volume). She was born in Morgan County, Ill. In the happy home of our subject and his wife, two children have been born to them, Bertha L. and Charles C.

Mr. Sample brings a well balanced, well-trained mind to his chosen calling, and is indeed classed among the most active and intelligent of the young men of this precinct. He is high minded and honorable, is exemplary in his habits, and enjoys an enviable reputation both as a man and a citizen. He and his wife are among the most zealous and valued members of the Baptist Church, of which he is a Deacon.