William J. Hart, a prominent farmer of Honey Point
township, Macoupin County, owning a fine farm of 160 acres, situated in
section 29, was born August 31, 1832, in Morgan County, Illinois, and is a
son of Capt. Washington and Mary (McDonald) Hart.
Capt. Washington
Hart, so called on account of his rank in the Illinois State militia, was
born at Nashville, Tennessee, and was the sixth son of David Hart, the other
sons bearing the names of: Solomon, David, Charles, Anderson, Nathan, Daniel
and Caleb. Of this family all came to Illinois except one who remained in
Tennessee and one who settled in Missouri. The Hart brothers settled on the
prairie near Jacksonville, giving the name of Hart's Prairie to that
locality. There Washington Hart was reared and in his younger days was a
drover and stock dealer, later becoming a merchant at Hornsby where he built
the first house, locating there in our subject's childhood. He was a man of
considerable prominence in politics and was widely known on account of his
connection with the militia. His death took place in 1865, at the age of 54
years. In religious connection he was a member and liberal supporter of the
Christian Church. He married Mary McDonald, who was born at Nashville,
Tennessee, a daughter of John McDonald, and they became the parents of four
children, namely: William J.; John, who is in a real estate business at
Lincoln, Nebraska; and Mahala and Martha, both of whom died young.
William J. Hart attended the local schools during boyhood, and has resided
in Macoupin County since he was six years of age. His vocation has always
been farming and the raising of stock, and he is one who has met with much
success. He has made a leading feature the raising of high grade cattle and
stock, favoring Poland-China and Chester White swine, on several occasions
having animals of the latter breed that weighed 800 pounds. Formerly Mr.
Hart raised much wheat but has entirely given up wheat growing, raising now
more corn and oats than any other products. He is comfortably and
conveniently located and well situated to enjoy all the blessings which
attend the independent life of the Illinois farmer.
On September 30,
1851, Mr. Hart was married to Sarah J. Mitchell, who was born November 16,
1831, in Kentucky, and is a daughter of Elisha and Elizabeth (Coffee)
Mitchell, both of whom were natives of the Blue Grass State. Five children
were born to this union, namely: Mahlon E., who at death left a widow and
two children, — Bessie and Ora; Sylvester, a resident of Honey Point
township, who has eight children, — Samuel, Sylvester, Verne, Orvil, Vergie,
Icy, Myrtie and Ross; Walter C, also a resident of Honey Point township, who
has six children, — Larkin, Myrtle, Gertrude, Hattie, Washington and Daisy;
William W., a resident of Hilyard township, who has one son, — Edward; and
Ida J., who resides at home. Mr. Hart has also one great-grandchild, little
Sybil Hart, daughter of Larkin Hart.
In politics Mr. Hart, like his
ancestors, has always supported the Democratic party, but has never accepted
any public office except that he served as a member of the School Board for
12 years. Both he and his wife have been consistent members of the Baptist
Church for more than 50 years. They are well known all through Honey Point
township and are among its most respected residents.
Extracted 2018 May 06 by Norma Hass from Biographical Sketches of Leading Citizens of Macoupin County, Illinois, published in 1904, pages 107-109.
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