RAWLINGS, DAVID, a prominent farmer living on Section 20, Township 14, Range 9, Morgan County, was born October 11, 1849, the son of Henry and Catherine (Dudhope) Rawlings, the former a native of Yorkshire, England and the latter of Scotland. Henry Rawlings came to Illinois with his father, William Rawlings, and they were among the early settlers of Morgan County. The parents of David were married in Morgan County, and had a family of eleven children, six of whom survive, viz: David; Mary, wife of Jesse Jones; Isabel, wife of Thomas Vanstone; Sarah, wife of George Oxley; Catherine, wife of Marshall Rees, and James. Henry Rawlings was a successful farmer and had amassed a fine estate of between 600 and 700 acres prior to his death, which occurred in 1873.

David Rawlings attended the country schools in his youth and assisted in the work of the farm. He was married February 11, 1874, to Eveline Scott, daughter of E. Scott, to whom four children were born, viz.: Henry E.; Grace, wife of S. H. McDevitt; Nellie, wife of R. Buckner; and Arthur.

On reaching maturity, he began farming as an independent venture, and his success is shown by the fact that he is now the owner of more than 200 acres of fine farming land, which is leased to tenants. His place is well improved and he himself is the author of its continuous development. Mr. Rawlings has served his district on the School Board for six years, votes the Republican ticket, and is a substantial citizen, as well as a prosperous farmer.