Portrait and Biographical Album of Fulton County,
Illinois: containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of
prominent and representative citizens of the county: together with
portraits and biographies of all the presidents of the United States,
and governors of the state; Biographical Pub. Co., Chicago, IL; 1890;
page 326-327; Transcribed by Margaret Rose Whitehurst
John F. Randolph. This county is preeminently the home of
the agriculturist, and everywhere throughout its expanse the eyes of
the traveler rest upon thoroughly cultivated fields, fine orchards,
substantial buildings and all the appurtenances which indicate
well-directed and successful efforts. The estates which are held by its
many farmers are not, as a general thing, so wide in extent as those of
the dwellers in the prairie States beyond the Mississippi, but are more
valuable on account of their exceeding fertility and fine improvements.
One of the largest landowners in this county is John F. Randolph, who
is the fortunate possessor of eight hundred and sixty acres in Joshua
and Canton Townships. His dwelling stands on section 19, Canton
Township, and is a commodious and well-built structure, accompanied by
the various outbuildings which are necessary to carry on the work in
which the owner is engaged. Besides this fine property, Mr. Randolph
owns other real estate in Canton, where he has erected a brick building
known as Randolph's Block.
The father of our subject also bore the name of John F., and was
born in Yates County, N. Y. He married Nancy Rawalt, a native of the
Keystone State, and their first home was made in Utica, Ind. They
remained there a few years, the husband being engaged in teaching and
running a flatboat down the river to New Orleans. In September, 1835,
they came to this county, settling in Joshua Township, where they
continued to live until called hence. Mr. Randolph became the owner of
a large tract of land, and was one of the most extensive agriculturists
of those early days. As a pioneer laborer in the development of the
county, and an active participant in all matters of public importance,
he proved a benefactor to the community in which he lived. For many
years he was one of the three County Commissioners. He and his wife
were of a religious turn of mind, and Mr. Randolph was an enthusiast
regarding the doctrines of Swedenborg.
Our subject was the fourth in a family of ten children, five
sons and five daughters. He was born in Utica, Ind., May 26, 1833, and
was therefore a child of two years when brought to this county. His
earliest recollections are of the pioneer surroundings and his earliest
labors were those of a frontiersman's son. He grew to manhood in Joshua
Township, and after the death of his father, which occurred in April,
1845, virtually had charge of the farm. He continued to reside thereon
with his mother until his marriage, when he settled on the location he
still occupies in Canton Township.
The wife of Mr. Randolph bore the maiden name of Louisa
Havermale. She was born in the Buckeye State March 3, 1836, and
accompanied her parents, Peter and Maria (Gardenhour) Havermale, to
this county about 1845. Her parents lived for a short time in
Farmington Township, then settled in Joshua Township, where the balance
of their lives was spent. After having passed many years in wedded
bliss, in death they were not long divided, the wife passing away March
24, and the husband March 27, 1888. The ceremony which united the lives
and fortunes of Mr. Randolph and Miss Havermale took place February 14,
1856.
They have five living children - Flora, Thurston, Viola, Artie,
and Johnie. The oldest of these is now the wife of Alba Page, and lives
in the State of Washington; Viola is the wife of George Miller, of
Canton Township. Mr. and Mrs. Randolph have lost one child, Orpha, who
died when a year and a half old; Artie and John are at home, while
Thurston is engaged in business in Wallace, Idaho.
Mr. Randolph is undoubtedly the leading member of the Patrons of
Husbandry in this county, taking great interest in the work of the
order, and ready at all times to assist in its affairs. He formerly
acted with the Republican party, but is now identified with the Union
Labor party, and in sympathy with the reform movements in the United
States. He is liberal in his religious views, while his wife is a
member of the Methodist Church. His ability and interest in the good of
those about him, was long since recognized by his neighbors, who called
upon him to serve as School Director, in which office he has labored
for some twenty years. The fine property belonging to our subject is a
standing monument to the energy which he has put forth in the labors of
life, and the good judgment which has characterized his efforts, while
his high standing among his fellow-men, is an equally satisfactory
proof of his worth as a neighbor and citizen.
