Biography - JOHN HALLIDAY

John Halliday, who is the owner of a well improved farm on section 15, Hilyard township, is a native of Brighton township and was born March 5, 1868. He is a son of Andrew and Elizabeth (Perry) Halliday, the former of whom was born in Ireland and the latter in Missouri. The father was reared as a farmer and emigrated to America many years before the Civil war. About 1856 he came to Macoupin county, Illinois, and worked for a time as a farm laborer. He later engaged in farming on his own account in Brighton township and continued there during the remainder of his life. The mother is still living and makes her home on a farm three miles south of Shipman in Brighton township. There were twelve children in the family, two of whom are now deceased. The others are: John, of this review; Andrew, who is living on the old home place near Brighton; David, who lives in Shipman township; Jennie, the wife of Charles Fritz, of Shipman; Phoebe, the wife of Bird Manning, of Hilyard township; and Thomas, Joseph, Luther, Ira and Lydia, all of whom are at home.

Mr. Halliday, whose name stands at the head of this sketch, secured advantages of education in the district schools of Brighton township and under his father became familiar with the details of agriculture and stock-raising. As he grew to maturity he showed an interest in his work which indicated that he would make a successful farmer. At twenty-one years of age he began farming on his own account and later purchased land, which he subsequently disposed of. Twelve years ago he bought eighty acres of good land on section 15, Hilyard township, upon which he has since lived. He has greatly improved his place, making it one of the most attractive in this section. He uses good judgment in his business and each year witnesses a gratifying increase in his prosperity.

On the 5th of March, 1890, Mr. Halliday was married to Miss Hattie Herrington, who was born on a farm near Farmington, Missouri, June, 30, 1868, and is a daughter of Morris and Susan (Thompson) Herrington. The parents were both born in Missouri. The father came to Macoupin county, Illinois, and engaged in farming but later returned to his native state. He and his wife are both deceased. They were the parents of two children: Hattie, now Mrs. John Halliday; and Thomas, who is living at Shipman. To Mr. and Mrs. Halliday five children have been born, namely: Allen, Edith, Gladys, Morris and John.

Mr. Halliday holds membership in the Court of Honor. He has never served in any public office except that of school director, being at the present time a member of the school board of Hilyard township. Always industrious and progressive, he has recognized his responsibilities to those with whom he has associated and conscientiously endeavored to discharge his duty. He is, therefore, fully entitled to the friendship and confidence accorded him by all to whom he is known.

Extracted 14 Nov 2018 by Norma Hass from History of Macoupin County, Illinois: Biographical and Pictorial, by Charles A. Walker, published in 1911, Volume 2, pages 309-310.