The farming interests of Barry Township are no better represented than by this gentleman, who owns and is managing one of the finest farms, comprising the northeast quarter of section 28, and pleasantly located two miles west of the village. Mr. Hoyt has placed upon it many substantial improvements thus substantially adding to it's value since it came into his possession. He has erected a fine and well appointed set of frame buildings, has planted fruit, shade and ornamental trees and has otherwise beautified the place. In addition to this farm he owns another eighty acres, with good frame buildings and under excellent cultivation situated on the south one-half of the southeast quarter of section 28.

My. Hoyt was born in Delaware County, New York on 29 Oct 1838. His Father, Elder William Hoyt, was born in Schobarie County, New York and was the son of Ebenezer Hoyt, who was a native of Connecticut, and derived from Early English ancestry. He removed from that New England State to Schobarie County, New York, of which he was a pioneer. He bought a tract of land, cleared a farm and there made his home till death called him hence. The maiden name of his wife was Hayes, and she was also a native of Connecticut. She came to Pike County with her son, William, and died in his home in Barry Township. she reared five children as follows: Lydia, Ebenezer, Hannah, Abigail, and William.

Our subject's father, learned the trade of carpenter and followed it a greater part of the time while he lived in the State of New York. In 1845 He came to Pike County, by way of the Erie Canal to Buffalo, and thence by Lake to Erie, Pennsylvania, from there by canal to Pittsburgh, and so on down the Ohio and up the Mississippi Rivers to St. Louis, Missouri. the night they arrived in the latter city the river froze, as the little company could proceed no further by boat, they crossed the crossed the river with teams on ice, and came overland to Pike County. Mr. Hoyt had visited this section of the country in 1839, and had then bought the east one-half of section 28, in Barry Township, and at that time built on the place. The family located on his land and were obliged to live in the most primitive manner, as the surrounding county was wild and sparsely settled , and was but very little improved. the most of the settlers were living on log houses then, and deer and other kinds wild game still abounded. Mr Hoyt was very industrious and improved a good farm which he occupied for some years. He spent his last days in the village of Barry , where he died in the month of May 1890 at the venerable of age of eighty-five years; thus passed away one of the most respected pioneers of Barry Township. In early life, he had married Nancy Bain, a native of the Empire State, and she died in 1880. they reared eight children namely: Ebenezer, Katherine [Katie], Hannah Bain, William, James, Lydia, Mary and Maria.

He, of whom we write, was seven year old when his parents came to this county, so he has grown up with the country. He commenced when very young to assist his father on the farm, and remained with his parents til he grew to manhood. He rented land for a time and subsequently purchased the place he now occupies.

29 Dec 1859, Mr. Hoyt and Miss Mollie McDaniel were united in marriage. Mrs. Hoyt is a native of this township and a daughter of Levi McDaniel who was born in Edge filed District, South Carolina. His father John McDaniel, was born in the same State, and his father was a native of Ireland, of Scottish ancestry, who came to America in Colonial times. He settled in south Carolina and passed his remaining years. Mrs Hoyt's father served five years in the regular Army, and with that exception spent his entire life in his native State.

Levi McDaniel was reared and married in South Carolina, taking as his wife, Elizabeth Jennings. She was the daughter of William Jennings who was a native of Edge field District, South Carolina where he spent his entire life. Mrs McDaniel died on the home farm in this township in 1879.

After marriage, Mr. McDaniel continued to reside in his native State till 1836, when he started for what was then the far West, and made the overland journey to Illinois. His wife drove a pair of horses attached to a carriage the entire distance. He located in what is now Barry Township, bought a tract of land and built thereon the log house in which Mrs. Hoyt was born. It was a double-hewed dwelling, and was one of the best in the country at that time. Both Mr. & Mrs McDaniel are both devoted members of the Baptist Church and religious meetings are frequently held in their home.

Mr. & Mrs. Hoyt have six children: Nancy, Ella, Elvira Elizabeth, William Henry, Levi W., Roscoe Dwight, Floyd Eben. Our subject and wife are sincere Christain people, is betokened by their everyday life, which is guided by high princi[ples, and they are zealous members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Source: Biographical History of Pike & Calhoun Counties of Illinois
Mr. Hoyt and his wife are buried at Park Lawn Cemetery