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File contributed to the Fulton County ILGenWeb Project
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Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Fulton County
Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, 1890

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The Biography of David FAILING 

Pages 850 & 853, transcribed in full by Karen CRANE Goggin 

[Surnames: FAILING, MILLER, WHEELER] 

    
DAVID FAILING, deceased, was a well-known and honored member of the farming community of Joshua Township, with whose interests he was closely identified from pioneer times until his death removed a valued citizen, and one who had done much to promote its upbuilding. He was born in Jefferson County, N. Y., on the 20th of January, 1819. He received his education in his native State, and early began his life work as a practical wide-awake farmer. A most momentous step, which had an important bearing on his after life and contributed to its success was his marriage, October 23, 1845, to Betsey Wheeler, daughter of Peter and Polly (Miller) Wheeler, who were natives of Jefferson County, N. Y. Her ancestors on both the maternal and paternal side originated in Germany. 
    
After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Failing lived in New York about eighteen years and in March 1864, set their faces Westward with the intention of building up a new home on the soil of the Prairie State. They took up their abode in Joshua Township, and as they were blessed with some means, Mr. Failing began life here on a farm he purchased, where his widow now resides. He was ambitious to acquire wealth, and with the determination of a true pioneer heart, set to work in earnest to lay the foundation of a snug little fortune. He accomplished all that he tried to do by close economy, hard work, and the exercise of forethought and rare judgment in all that he did. 
    
June 5, 1864, our subject bought two hundred and sixty-seven acres of land on section 22, Joshua Township, which remained in his possession up to the time of his death. He placed on it many fine improvements, put the land under a high state of cultivation, and made it one of the most productive farms in all the neighborhood. Death closed his career in 1878. The people of Joshua then lost a fine representative. His character is spoken of in the highest terms by all who knew him. He was known as a man of decision of character, who was always true to his word, fulfilling his engagements with the utmost promptness, and no man can say that he ever failed to keep his promises. These traits caused his fellow-citizens to place reliance in him. He was kind and accommodating to his neighbors, and all who had relations with him, and was accorded the respect due such an upright man and citizen. During his life he took a great interest in school matters, and served as School Director several years. He was a Justice of the Peace for four years. 
    
The wife of our subject was educated in the common schools of her native State, and remained in the home of her parents until her marriage. Since the death of her husband, she has had the cares and responsibilities of life incidental to the management of a farm, and to the rearing of a large family of children. She has been equal to the position, and has performed her duties nobly. She is much interested in church work, and for some twelve years has been an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
    
Following is the record of the children who blessed the wedded life of Mr. And Mrs. Failing: Peter J., was born August 6, 1846; William H., March 3, 1848; N. D., July 28, 1849; Phoebe E., October 12, 1851; Sylvester E., December 1, 1852; Isaac E., August 5, 1855; Menzo W., December 10, 1857; Myron J., May 19, 1860; Adell, July 15, 1864. They are all living, and have been given excellent educations in the district schools of this county. Mrs. Failing has been blessed with good health in life, and has imparted strong constitutions to her family.