SQUIRE DAVID W. HILYARD
Page 607
SQUIRE DAVID W. HILYARD
Page 607
 SQUIRE DAVID W. HILYARD is a representative and highly respected farmer of Salt Creek Township, Mason County, residing on section 5. As he has a wide acquaintance in this community we feel assured that this record of his life will prove of interest to many of our readers. Born April 1, 1827, he is a native of Cumberland County, N. J., and a son of Henry Hilyard, who was also born in that state. The latter was a farmer by occupation and departed this life in New Jersey at the advanced age of seventy-six years. His father, Christian Hilyard, was a native of Germany and came to this county in an early day, making a location in the above state. Our subject's mother, who also hailed from New Jersey, was Rachel Sneathen prior to her marriage. She was reared in that state and there spent her entire life, dying when fifty-seven years of age. By her union with Henry Hilyard she became the mother of six children, of whom one son died in infancy. The others grew to manhood and womanhood, but the only ones who are now living are our subject and Elizabeth, the latter of whom is the widow of James Evans of Salem County, N. J. David W. was the youngest member of the family and spent the years of his life up to twenty-four in his native place. His education was obtained in the district school, and when ready to start out in life for himself he was married, in 1851, to Miss Catherine F. Tomlin, who was a native of the same state as himself. Four years after their union Mr. and Mrs. Hilyard came to Illinois and made location on section 5, which is his present estate but which at that time bore little resemblance to the highly improved and valuable place of to-day. He owns one hundred and eighty-five acres located in Crane Creek Township. He has always given his attention to farm pursuits, and in addition to cultivating the soil engages to some extent in stock-raising. He possesses good business ability and his well directed efforts have brought him in a good competence. Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. D. W. Hilyard, three daughters and five sons. Mary E., the wife of Lorenzo Chester, lives in Cass County, Iowa. Hannah is Mrs. Amos Jacoby, and is living in Lawrence County, Mo. Preston J. P. makes his home in Cass County, Iowa, where also Lincoln H. and Edward F, are living. Robert F. and Charles B. are at home. Emma E. is the wife of W. W. Baker and lives in Tallula, Menard County, this state. In political sentiment out subject is a stanch Republican and may be counted upon to bear a part in every worthy enterprise, which fact has been recognized by his fellow-citizens, who have bestowed upon his the offices of School Director, Trustee and Justice of the Peace. Socially he is a prominent Odd Fellow, in which order he takes great interest. |