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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 J. Willard LANCE 

[Surnames: CORNELL, LANCE, MARKHAM, MORLEY] 

LANCE, J. WILLARD

    
He is the cashier of the Fulton County Bank at Table Grove, IL, and has had fifteen years experience with the uncompromising and accuracy-compelling methods of monetary science as revealed behind the counters of Illinois institutions. Steadiness of life and practical in his ambitions, have been imparted to him by progenitors who braved the hardships and dangers of pioneer life in the State, and he himself is a product of the prairies, having been born on a farm in New Salem Twp., McDonough Co., IL on Feb 4. 1870. His father, William E. Lance, was born in Cook County, IL, and his mother, Melissa (MORLEY) Lance was born to very early settlers of Fulton County. 
    
On his father's farm Mr. Lance developed a strong constitution and when a lessening of home duties permitted, attended the public schools. 
    
To this preliminary education he added a course in business at the Western Illinois Normal School of Bushnell, IL, during 1890 and 1891, carrying off the highest honors in his class, and thereafter returned to the farm and the larger responsibility of its management. 
    
In September 1891, he became Bookkeeper and Assistant Cashier in the Bank of Good Hope, IL, a position which he creditably filled for nine years, or until offered the position of Cashier in the Swan Creek, IL, Bank. Upon the organization of the Fulton County Bank. Upon its organization at Table Grove, Nov. 1, 1905, Mr. Lance was tendered his present position, the other officers being, A. A. CORNELL of Galesburg, President, and Loren MORLEY, of Table Grove, Vice President. Mr. Lance is a heavy stockholder in the bank and his wide acquaintance with the farmers and business men of the State renders him a valuable adjunct to its success. 
    
Mr. Lance married Agnes MARKHAM, of Randolph, IL, on Nov.24,1892. She is a daughter of Daniel Markham, a prominent and influential farmer of McDonough Co. 
    
Mr. and Mrs. Lance have two children, Roscoe and Marie. Mrs. Lance is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Lance is connected with the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America. Politically he is a Republican, and while a resident of Good Hope, filled many places of local importance.