**************************************************************************** File contributed to the Fulton County ILGenWeb Project Copyright 2008, all rights reserved. These electronic pages cannot be reproduced in any format without the written consent of the author at http://fulton.ilgenweb.net. **************************************************************************** Source: The Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Fulton County Munsell Publishing Co., Chicago, 1908 **************************************************************************** The Biography of Wilbur CASPER [Surnames: CASPER, HOAG, NORRIS, WHITE] CASPER, WILBUR Among the worthy farmers of Cass Twp., whose industry, perseverance and frugality have brought them into comfortable circumstances is Wilbur Casper, a son of John C. and Laura (HOAG) Casper, natives of Illinois, the mother's birthplace being in the vicinity of Monmouth, Warren County. John C. Casper was a blacksmith by trade, and followed that occupation in Smithfield, Fulton Co., for a number of years. In boyhood the subject of this sketch studied the customary lessons of the district schools of his neighborhood, and since attaining his majority has been continuously engaged in farming. He is the owner of 243 acres of excellent land, which he keeps under thorough culture. His farming operations are careful, systematic, and have been rewarded by favorable results. All the improvements on his property have been made by himself. The marriage of Mr. Casper occurred in 1876, when he was wedded to Mary Alice WHITE, who was born in Cass Twp., a daughter of Thomas and Esther (NORRIS) White. Her father is a native of Illinois, and her mother's birthplace was Pennsylvania. They settled in Fulton County at an early period where the father carried on farming. Mr. and Mrs. Casper became the parents of four children, namely: Lola E., Olive, Cordie, and Dawson. Fraternally, Mr. Casper is identified with the M. W. A. Religiously he adheres to the faith of the Methodist Protestant Church. He takes an earnest and unselfish interest in public affairs and fulfills the obligations of a good citizen.