Harris W. Sabin is a native, and still a resident of Loran Township, his birth taking place at his father’s farm, May 4, 1853.

He has since continued to reside on the old homestead, which includes a half-section of land, and which he has operated since the death of his father. The latter was a man of great energy and industry, and made extensive improvements upon the land which he took possession of in its uncultivated state. There is now a good set of frame buildings, and all the other appurtenances of a first-class country home. The property lies on section 21, and forms one of the most attractive, features of the southwestern part of Stephenson County.

The parents of our subject, Ralph and Amanda (Die) Sabin, were natives respectively of Ohio and New York, and came to this county after their marriage, in September, 1845. Two years later the father purchased a tract of land in Loran Township, where he afterward turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. He had operated a carding­mill in Ohio, and followed this business for a time after coming to this county. He departed from the scenes of his earthly labors Oct., 28, 1884. The mother still survives, and is a resident of Freeport. The parental household included seven childhen, two sons and five daughters.

Our subject was the second son of his parents, and received his education mostly in the common schools of Loran Township. He continued under the parental roof, and upon the death of his father assumed the management of the farm, which he has since operated. He was married in Logansport, Ind. Jan. 9, 1875, to Miss Cora Sage, and they have become the parents of four children, named respectively, Nellie, Mabel, Ralph and Harris. Ralph Sabin, the father of our subject, was quite prominent in local affairs, and held the various offices of his township, including that of Supervisor and Assessor.

The homestead, built up by the father of our subject, and most worthily perpetuated by his son, is but one among many others so illustrative of the determined and hardy spirit of the pioneers of Illinois, who admitted within their vocabulary no such word as “fail,” and we are gratified in being able to give it its rightful place of honor among other views in the landscape of Stephenson County.

Portraits and Biographical 1888