CHARLES F. VIRGIN is numbered among the intelligent and wide-awake young Americans, who are actively promoting the various interests of Morgan County. He devotes himself to farming in a general way, raising both grain and stock, and is rightly considered one of the most skillful and energetic of the younger members of his calling. He is a native of Illinois, born in Menard County, Aug. 26, 1857, and is a son of John Virgin, well known as one of the leading agriculturists of this part of Illinois. For his life record see his biography on another page of this volume.

Our subject was quite young when his parents removed to Morgan County, and he was reared to man's estate on his father's farm in this township. He gained the basis of a liberal education in the local district school, and was sent to the Business College at Jacksonville to complete it, and there pursued a fine course of study. He was a bright and apt pupil, and stood high in the estimation of his teachers and fellow students, both on account of his excellent scholarship, and his pleasant, genial manners. He had been bred to the life of a farmer, and as a keen observer and an intelligent lad he had gained a good practical knowledge of the calling in all its branches, and when it came time for him to decide upon a vocation he naturally turned his attention to agriculture, and has since pursued it with characteristic energy, bringing to his work a clear judgment and a good capacity for labor, and the success that has follows his efforts is well merited.

Feb. 2, 1888, Mr. Virgin was united in marriage to Miss Hattie Lathom, daughter of one of the leading families of this section. For parental history see sketch of her father, W. J. Lathom, on another page of this work. Mr. and Mrs. Virgin have a pretty attractive home, whose pleasant hospitality are graciously extended to hosts of warm friends. Mr. Virgin is a member of the Anti-Horse Thief Association, of Prentice, and he is active in every enterprise that is likely in any way to benefit the community, and elevate its moral and social status.