WILLIAM SMALLWOOD, living on section 22, Harlem Township, is an energetic farmer of English descent. His parents were Charles and Hannah (Darlington) Smallwood, who were natives of England. They came to America in 1840, first settling in Pennsylvania, and in 1848 came to Stephenson County, and located in Harlem Township, where the father died Aug. 8, 1878. The mother still survives. They had five children, all boys.

The subject of this sketch was the youngest of the family, and was born in Lycoming County, Pa., June 3, 1845. He was but three years old when his father migrated to Stephenson County, and consequently is one of the oldest settlers in the county. He is a pioneer who did yeoman's service in rescuing Stephenson County from the wilderness. His education was acquired in the common schools here, and he has always been a plain, practical farmer. He lived at home until he was about twenty-three years old, when he married. Mr. S. has been an actual resident of Harlem Township since 1848 and is the owner of 175 well-tilled acres, upon which he has placed fine buildings, comprising a residence and out-buildings. Mr. Smallwood's marriage took place in Harlem Township, on Oct. 22, 1868, to Miss Harriet Garlock, daughter of Andrew and Miranda (Thompson) Garlock, who were natives of New York State. Mrs. Garlock died in Schoharie County, N. Y. Mr. Garlock survives. They had by this marriage three children, one girl and two boys.

Mrs. Smallwood was the eldest of the family, and was born in Schoharie County, N. Y., April 6, 1845. Mr. and Mrs. Smallwood have had three children - Andrew C., Bertha E. and Grace. Andrew C. died in Harlem Township, March 30, 1887, of scarlet fever, when nearly eighteen years old; Bertha is at home, a young lady of fifteen summers; Grace died also of scarlet fever, in Harlem Township, April 7, 1887. The deceased, Andrew, was a bright boy, and bade fair to make a brilliant man. He had received a good common-school education, entered the High School at Freeport, and would have graduated there in June, 1887, but two months before he was stricken with death. He stood at the head of his class, and was a young man highly esteemed by all who knew him. Andrew C. Smallwood was also a member of the Embury Methodist Episcopal Church at Freeport. His ambition always was to enter college and become a great man. Had the boy lived, he doubtless would have proved a useful member of society.

Mr. Smallwood has held some of the minor offices in the township. Mr. and Mrs. Smallwood and their daughter Bertha are consistent members of the Embury Methodist Episcopal Church of Freeport. Mr. S. has four brothers whose histories are worthy of record. Their names are Henry, Charles, Jr., John and James. Henry died in Harlem Township when thirty-seven years old. The other brothers are living: John in Delaware County, Iowa; James in Howell County, Mo., and Charles, Jr., near Dallas, Tex.

Cotnributed by Carol Parrish Portrait and Biographical Album of Stephenson County, Ill. (1888), p. 553.