BODDY, MICHAEL, for many years one of the busiest and most enterprising farmers of Morgan County, Ill., was born February 28, 1829, in Yorkshire, England, on a tract of land known as Dalby Valley, which has been in the possession of his family for seven hundred years. He is a son of Robert and Susanna Boddy, natives of England. Robert Boddy died before his son, Michael, was born, and the boy remained with his mother until he was eight years old. He then took up his abode with an uncle, where he spent the next three years. At eleven years of age he went forth to make his own way in the world, beginning on a farm at six pounds per year. This he continued until 1850, when with his mother he emigrated to the United States. On arriving on these shores he proceeded directly to Illinois, settling in Morgan County and being employed by William Richardson for a period of four years. In 1855 Mr. Boddy returned to England, where he engaged in the grocery and notion trade in Thornton, in which he continued four years, when he returned to Morgan County and, after about five years, purchased 80 acres of land one mile and a quarter west of Markham. The tract contained a log cabin as its sole improvement. Mr. Boddy now has all of his land under cultivation, besides owning a 90 acre tract opposite. In addition to general farming and stock raising Mr. Boddy raises choice fruit, and makes excellent wine. He has also been active in the extension of the county roads, and for seventeen consecutive years has been night superintendent of the Fair Grounds.

In 1855 Mr. Boddy was united in marriage with Anna Harrison at Thornton, England, where she lived. This union resulted in three children, who reached maturity, namely: Ann, who resides at home; Sarah, who is deceased; and John, who occupies a farm adjoining his father's. The mother of the family died in 1882, and in 1883 Mr. Boddy married Mrs. Mary Harney, also a native of England. In politics Mr. Boddy is a Democrat. He has filled the office of Supervisor a number of terms, and has been a very reputable and serviceable member of the community.