Stephenson County
Biographies
THOMAS WYBOURN
Among the best of
our citizens of this country, are those who came from foreign countries with the intention of making a home for themselves here, and at
the same time have endeavored to promote the highest interests of the community in which they
have east their lot. Prominent among this number is the subject of our sketch, who is a native of
England, his birth taking place in that country on the 27th of February, 1838. When at the age of
twenty, he emigrated to America from Sussex County, and founded a new borne in Stephenson
County, 111. Ever since his advent here, he has been engaged in agricultural pursuits, and he now
owns eighty acres of excellent land on section 2, Kent Township. His parents were William E. and
Philadelphia Read, both of whom died in England. Being thus left alone, he was thrown entirely upon
his own resources, and what he has accumulated, and the successes be has achieved, are due entirely to his own efforts and industry. When he arrived
in this country, he came direct to Stephenson County, settling in Kent Township, where his home
has been continuously ever since. His farm consists of eighty acres, which though small, he cultivates so thoroughly that it produces the equivalent
of many farms of much larger area. As shown by the view given on another page, he has erected
comfortable buildings, both for residence purposes and the shelter of his stock, and has one of the
handsome and attractive homes of the township.
Mr. Wybourn was married, in West Point Township, Stephenson County, on the 19th of June, 1861, to Miss Jane Daws, who was born in England, and came to America with her parents when but a child. Her parents were James and Jane Spilstead, both of whom died in Stephenson County. They have Ave children—Robert N., Walter H., Henry T., Charlie and Emma J. Mr. Wybourn holds the office of Highway Commissioner, a position which he has filled with conspicuous success and satisfaction to the community.
Contributed by Christine Walters
Portrait and Biographical Album of Stephenson County, Ill. (1888)
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