Samuel White is a fine representative of the citizen-soldiers of our country, who, after taking an active part in the late Civil War, quietly settled down to some peaceful vocation, and have since been important factors in promoting the material prosperity and growth o the United States. He is profitably engaged in farming and stock-raising in Elizabeth Township, owning here a finely-tilled and highly productive farm on section 34. Our subject is a native of Ireland born April 29, 1840 to Robert and Jane (Wilson) also natives of Ireland. When he was about seven years old his parents came to this country, embarking on a sailing vessel at Belfast, and after a voyage of five weeks landed in America, and came directly to Jo Daviess County. The father bought land in this township, and settling thereon,commenced to build up a home. He was however, spared to this family but a short time thereafter, his death occurring while yet in life's prime in 1849. His wife subsequently married William Shannon, with whom she resides, near Mt. Carroll IL. By her first marriage she became the mother of three children - Samuel of whom we write; Henrietta, wife of Robert Moore of Carroll County IL and James W. who lives in MO. By her second marriage Mrs. Shannon has five children, four of whom survive - John a resident of Colorado; Willoughby who lives in Carroll Co IL; Maggie wife of David Doty of KS and Benjamin who lives with his parents.

The subject of this sketch passed boyhood on a farm, receiving his education in the district schools of this county, and being fond of reading, has always aimed to keep posted in all topics of interest, and has a good fund of general knowledge. Aug. 6, 1862 being then a young man of 22 years, he showed his patriotic devotion to the country of his adoption by enlisting as a private in Co I, 96th IL Inf.; his regiment being attached to the Army of the Cumberland during the most of its service. Our subject fought bravely at Lookout Mtn. at the siege of Nashville, of Franklin, and again at the siege of Atlanta, taking an honorable part in nearly all of the important battles fought by the Army of the Cumberland, proving to be an efficient, courageous soldier. He was honorably discharged from the army June 29, 1865. After his experience of military life our subject returned to Jo Daviess County, and with the exception of about five years spent in the lumbering and mill business in California, has resided here ever since, settling on his present farm in the spring of 1874. He devotes himself to the management of his farming and stock raising interests and his 160 acres of land is under a high state of cultivation, is provided with a good set of buildings and everything necessary to conduct agriculture advantageously. The marriage of our subject to Elizabeth Eadie took place March 20, 1873. She was born August 24, 1848, her parents being John and Mary Eadie of whom mention is made in another part of this volume. Mr. and Mrs. White were the parents of five children - Mary J., William W., Jessie E., Blanche E., and Olive M. (deceased).

Mr. White is virtually a self-made man, having had to work his way up to his present prosperous circumstances with no other capital to start on than his own stalwart manhood, a clear head, and good capabilities. He is in every respect a conscientious, straightforward man, and as a good citizen, seeks in all ways possible to promote the good of this community. He and his estimable wife take an active interest in the affairs of the Presbyterian Church of Hanover, of which they are respected members. He is identified with the Masonic fraternity.

From Portraits and Biographical Pg 789