JOHN T. HANCE. The years this gentleman has devoted to business have been passed in this county, having come here with his parents when a young man less than twenty years of age. It is proper in this connection to mention that highly respected couple who were early residents of this county and among the most intelligent of its pioneers. They were John and Mary (McCall) Hance, natives of Calvert County, Md., and were united in the holy bonds of matrimony in that State, and as early as 1817 came West to Belmont County, Ohio. About thirty-six years later, in 1853, they took up the westward march, coming to Stephenson County. For a short time they made Freeport their home, and then secured a farm in Florence Township. Here the elder Hance labored actively for a few years, when he returned to Freeport. His energetic habits of life, however, would not permit him to rest in quiet, and we soon again find him on a farm in Florence Township. Here he died in August, 1870. His widow survives. To them were born a family of five children, named respectively: Francis, Mary, Benjamin, John T. and James B.

John T. Hance gives as his place of birth Belmont County, Ohio, and the date thereof, June 13, 1834. He received a good common-school education, and has devoted himself to farming and carpentering thus far through life, the greater portion of the time, however, being passed in farming. He is now the owner of 136 acres of good land, mostly improved, and is regarded as an honest and upright farmer, and one who enjoys the respect of his neighbors.

Christmas Day of the year 1861 was a memorable one to Mr. Hance. It witnessed the marriage ceremony which united the fortunes of himself with those of Miss Sarah C. Babcock. This lady is the daughter of Anson and Harriet (Price) Babcock, both of whom are natives of the Empire State. They came into this county as early as 1840, and located in Ridott Township, subsequently removing into Florence Township, where they remained until they retired to Freeport, in the year 1875. Here Mr. Babcock died, Dec. 3, 1885. There was born to them a family of five children, of whom Mrs. Hance was the third. She was born in Florence Township, May 13, 1844.

Mr. and Mrs. Hance have been blessed by the birth of three children, whom they have named Jessie M., John E. and Charles A. The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church; in his political affiliations John T. labors for the success of the Republican party.

Contributed by Carol Parrish from Portraits & Biographical 1888 Stephenson Co IL Pg 226