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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 John F. RANDOLPH 

Pages 326-327, transcribed in full by Danni Hopkins 

[Surnames: GARDENHOUR, HAVERMALE, MILLER, PAGE, RAWALT, RANDOLPH] 

    
JOHN F. RANDOLPH. This county is preeminently the home of the agriculturist, and everywhere throughout its expanse the eyes of the traveler rest upon thoroughly cultivated fields, fine orchards, substantial buildings and all the appurtenances which indicate well-directed and successful efforts. The estates which are held by its many farmers are not, as a general thing, so wide in extent as those of the dwellers in the prairie States beyond the Mississippi, but are more valuable on account of their exceeding fertility and fine improvements. One of the largest landowners in this county is John F. Randolph, who is the fortunate possessor of eight hundred and sixty acres in Joshua and Canton Townships. His dwelling stands on section 19, Canton Township, and is a commodious and well-built structure, accompanied by the various outbuildings which are necessary to carry on the work in which the owner is engaged. Besides this fine property, Mr. Randolph owns other real estate in Canton, where he has erected a brick building known as Randolph's Block. 
    
The father of our subject also bore the name of John F., and was born in Yates County, N. Y. He married Nancy Rawalt, a native of the Keystone State, and their first home was made in Utica, Ind. They remained there a few years, the husband being engaged in teaching and running a flatboat down the river to New Orleans. In September, 1835, they came to this county, settling in Joshua Township, where they continued to live until called hence. Mr. Randolph became the owner of a large tract of land, and was one of the most extensive agriculturists of those early days. As a pioneer laborer in the development of the county, and an active participant in all matters of public importance, he proved a benefactor to the community in which he lived. For many years he was one of the three County Commissioners. He and his wife were of a religious turn of mind, and Mr. Randolph was an enthusiast regarding the doctrines of Swedenborg. 
    
Our subject was the fourth in a family of ten children, five sons and five daughters. He was born in Utica, Ind., May 26, 1833, and was therefore a child of two years when brought to this county. His earliest recollections are of the pioneer surroundings and his earliest labors were those of a frontiersman's son. He grew to manhood in Joshua Township, and after the death of his father, which occurred in April, 1845, virtually had charge of the farm. He continued to reside thereon with his mother until his marriage, when he settled on the location he still occupies in Canton Township. 
    
The wife of Mr. Randolph bore the maiden name of Louisa Havermale. She was born in the Buckeye State March 3, 1836, and accompanied her parents, Peter and Maria (Gardenhour) Havermale, to this county about 1845. Her parents lived for a short time in Farmington Township, then settled in Joshua Township, where the balance of their lives was spent. After having passed many years in wedded bliss, in death they were not long divided, the wife passing away March 24, and the husband March 27, 1888. The ceremony which united the lives and fortunes of Mr. Randolph and Miss Havermale took place February 14, 1856. They have five living children--Flora, Thurston, Viola, Artie, and Johnie. The oldest of these is now the wife of Alba Page, and lives in the State of Washington; Viola is the wife of George Miller, of Canton Township. Mr. and Mrs. Randolph have lost one child, Orpha, who died when a year and a half old; Artie and John are at home, while Thurston is engaged in business in Wallace, Idaho. 
    
Mr. Randolph is undoubtedly the leading member of the Patrons of Husbandry in this county, taking great interest in the work of the order, and ready at all times to assist in its affairs. He formerly acted with the Republican party, but is now identified with the Union Labor party, and in sympathy with the reform movements in the United States. He is liberal in his religious views, while his wife is a member of the Methodist Church. His ability and interest in the good of those about him, was long since recognized by is neighbors, who called upon him to serve as School Director, in which office he has labored for some twenty years. The fine property belonging to our subject is a standing monument to the energy which he has put forth in the labors of life, and the good judgment which has characterized his efforts, while his high standing among his fellow-men, is an equally satisfactory proof of his worth as a neighbor and citizen.