William Speer, a prominent member of the agricultural community of Jo Daviess County, and one of the mcst extensive and successful farmers of Elizabeth Township, is a son of a well-known pioneer of this part of Illinois, and was himself reared and educated here, having been brought here when an infant, and literally growing up with the country. He is a native of Philadelphia, Fa., born Aug. 18, 1834, to James and Mary Speer, natives of County Monaghan, Ireland. They came to America about the year 1833, and for a time located in Philadelphia, but in 1836 they left the Keystone State and came to Jo Daviess County, to cast in their lot with the other early settlers of this section of the country. They lived in Galena until the fall of 1838, and then settled on the farm now owned by our subject. In 1847 Mr. Speer purchased 270 acres of land from the Government, paying Si.25 an acre for the same. The farm was wild prairie and woodland combined, but by dint of energetic and persistent labor he brought it into a fine state of tillage. He first built a rude cabin to shelter his family, and it is still standing as a relic of pioneer days. He then went to work in the true pioneer style, and built a comfortable home, became very prosperous and left a large estate to his family. He was one of the first settlers of this township, and was ever active in promoting its interests and that of the county, and at his death, Dec. 25, 1863, they were deprived of a public-spirited, open-handed, generous-hearted citizen. He was a man of fair education, of great natural common sense, and a large degree of foresight and wisdom. He enjoyed an extensive acquaintance, was held in high consideration by all. He took an intelligent interest in politics, and in his early days was a Whig; but on the formation of the Republican party he allied himself with it, and remained its firm supporter to the end of his days. He was an active member of the Presbyterian Church. His good wife, who shared with him the respect of their fellow-citizens, survived him until June 22, 1886, when she, too, passed away at an advanced age. They were the parents of seven children, six of whom are living, as follows: Elizabeth, widow of Richard Steele, of Rice Township; Margaret, who makes her home with Mrs. Steele, in Rice Township; John, a resident of Hanover Township, and a farmer by occupation; James B.; William; Charles, who lives in Hanover Township.

William Speer, ot tuis sketch, was reared to a strong and vigorous manhood amid the pioneer scenes of this county. The educational facilities in this part of the West at that early day were exceedingly limited, so that our subject's schooling was necessarily meagre; but in after years he has made up for this early lack of education by intelligent reading and 03' observation. He early turned his attention to farming and stock-raising, which have been his life-long occupations. In 1865, by the division of his father's estate, he became the possessor of 270 acres of fine farming land; and he has added thereto D3r subsequent purchases until he now has a large farm of 625 acres, on section 8, Elizabeth Township. It is well improved, is provided with a substantial set of farm buildings, and everything to make a pleasant home.

Mr. Speer was married Nov. 2, 1870, to Miss Helena E. Barr. a native of Washington County, N. Y. She was born Nov. 9. 1848, to Robert and Elizabeth Barr, natives of County Monaghan. Ireland. In 1854 they came to Jo Daviess County, and settled in Hanover Township, where the father's death occurred. The mother subsequently moved to Pawnee County*, Neb., and died there Oct. 22, 1886. To her and her husband were born seven children, as follows: William, a resident of Pawnee County, Neb.; Helena; E. Mary A., wife of George F. Mortin, of Gage County, Neb.; Mattie, wife of John H. Wiley, of Pawnee County, Neb.; Sarah, wife of William 11. Dick, of Gage County, Neb.; John and Joseph, residents of Pawnee County, Neb. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Speer has been blessed to them by the birth of the following seven children: Lois and Anna Elizabeth (deceased), James A.. Phebe M., Grace H., Josiah G. and Mary E.

Mr. Speer has an extensive acquaintance in this county, whore most of his days have been passed, and none know him but to respect him for his high moral character, his business ability, and his many pleasant social qualities. His wife is likewise greatly esteemed, and with him is an active and influential member of the United Presbyterian Church. Mr. Specr's fellow-citizens, full}* appreciating his sterling integrity and ability, have often solicited him to take part in public affairs; but he prefers the quietude of his cheerful, pleasant fireside, to the turmoil of public life. Yet he exerts his influence to forward all schemes likely to bo beneficial to the township and county. lie is especially interested in the temperance question, and is an earnest Prohibitionist.

Transcribed by Christine Walters -- Portraits and Biographical 1889