The subject of this review is one of the sturdy spirits who has
contributed largely to the material welfare of the township in which he
resides, being a farmer and stock raiser, and as a citizen, public-spirited
and progressive in all the terms imply. For a number of years he has been
actively identified with the agricultural interests of the county. He
represents that class of earnest, foreign born citizens, who have done so
much for the development of the United States, while at the same time they
have benefited themselves in a very material manner.
Thomas M.
Hargrave was born in England October 20, 1851, and was ten years old when he
came to America with his father and only brother, George, who now lives in
Fayette county, Illinois, is married and the father of five children.
Our subject received his early education in the common schools of this
country, but leaving school when sixteen years of age he did not have the
opportunity to take a high course, but is, notwithstanding this fact, a well
educated man, having always' been a close observer and an extensive reader,
keeping well posted on current events at all times.
Mr. Hargrave has
won his way to a position of prominence and comparative affluence in his
community by reason of his own individual efforts. Starting life with but
little means, he has succeeded admirably well and is today the owner of a
fine farm consisting of one hundred and sixty acres, all under an excellent
system of fencing and a high state of cultivation, for he understands well
the proper rotation of crops so as to preserve the natural quality of the
soil and the many other methods known to up-to-date farmers. His farm is
located in Kinmundy township, and it ranks well with the other excellent
farms of this community. He has a number of good horses and herds of other
stock, besides much good poultry, in fact he carries on a general farming
and stock raising industry with that discretion and industry which always
insures ultimate success. Mr. Hargrave has a comfortable, well furnished and
substantial residence, which is neatly kept, and it is surrounded by a
sufficient number of convenient out buildings.
When twenty-five
years old Mr. Hargrave was united in marriage with Anna McHatton, the
representative of an excellent family, and she passed to her rest when
forty-four years old. Our subject has four children, all boys, namely: John,
Emmett, Harry and Roy. The first two named are both married. Emmett lives in
Alma township on a good farm, and is the father of one son. John, who is
employed on the Illinois Central Railroad, lives in Clinton, Illinois. Mrs.
Hargrave was one of a family of three children. She was a member of the
Methodist Episcopal church.
Our subject has always taken a great
interest in the affairs of his children, and has spared no pains in
assisting them in life's struggle.
Mr. Hargrave is a man of
commanding personal appearance, easy in disposition, courteous in manner,
and possessing a large social nature and is regarded by all his neighbors as
a most excellent citizen. He believes in good government and honorable
citizenship. He was raised by Methodist parents and consequently is a
believer in the fundamental principles of Christianity. In his political
relations he is a stanch Republican.
Extracted 27 May 2019 by Norma Hass from 1909 Biographical and Reminiscent History of Richland, Clay and Marion Counties, Illinois, pages 468-469.