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File contributed to the Fulton County ILGenWeb Project
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Source: The Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Fulton County
Munsell Publishing Co., Chicago, 1908

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The Biography of W. J. CHAMBERS 

[Surnames: BOGANREIF, CHAMBERS, SMITH] 

CHAMBERS, W. J. 

    
An evidence of thrift and economy exists in the cozy and comfortable home owned by W. J. Chambers, in the town of Avon, in the midst of four acres of fertile land which has within its borders sufficient gardening and general interests to beguile the comparative leisure of this erstwhile extensive general farmer and stock-raiser. Mr. Chambers adds to the long list of men who come to Illinois from Pennsylvania, in which State he was born on a farm in Union County, Oct 19, 1847. His parents, Robert and Mathilda (SMITH) Chambers also were natives of PA, and followed the occupation of farming for their entire lives. Thoroughly trained in the science of farming and having a practical common school education, Mr. Chambers came to Fulton Co. in 1868, and in 1871, returned to PA where he married Elizabeth A. BOGANREIF. The following two years were spent in Kansas, and in 1873 he engaged in farming in Union Twp., this county. he purchased 80 acres in Union Twp. in 1887, and still later added 40 acres more, all on Sect. 8. Here he made many fine improvements of a former owner and continued to occupy the property until his removal to Avon in 1902. He still owns the farm however, and derives a comfortable income from its rental. 
    
While a resident of Union Twp. he filled the offices of Highway Commissioner, and member of the School Board. For many years he has been a member of the Congregational Church. His only son, Geier CHAMBERS is engaged in railroading. Mr. Chambers is held in high esteem by all who are privileged to know him, and his identification with the county has added to its stability of both character and material possessions.