**************************************************************************** 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 William C. WILLCOXEN [Surnames: CONLEY, HARRISON, HAVERMILL, JORDAN, SHIELDS, SPRAGUE, STUFFLEBEAM, WALKER, WILLCOXEN] WILLCOXEN, WILLIAM C. A farmer of long residence and marked prominence in Fulton County is located in Section 17, Liverpool Twp. He was born in that section, Nov. 6, 1841, a son of Jesse B. and Priscilla (Stufflebeam) Willcoxen, and a grandson of Captain Elijah Willcoxen. On coming to Fulton County about 1831, he located on Sect. 17 and the tract of land which he then entered up has continued in the possession of his descendants ever since that period. Jesse B. Willcoxen first wedded Priscilla STUFFLEBEAM, a daughter of William Stufflebeam who settled in Fulton County at an early period. From this union resulted nine children, of whom the first born died in infancy. The other were: Francis M. who died at age of six years Zerilda, who married Frank CONLEY, a resident of Macomb, IL, and died Oct 12, 1863, leving three children. Elijah C. who is engaged in farming in Liverpool Twp. William C. subject of this sketch Charlotte T. widow of B. L. HARRISON, resident of Liverpool Twp. Jesse B., deceased, who was the husband of Margaret SHIELDS, whose home is in Lewistown Henry H., who also lives in that town Joseph J. who lives on the old homestead The mother of this family departed this life June 27, 1854, and the father subsequently married Margaret SMITH, by whom he had six children: Sarah E. wife of Jasper N. WALKER, of Lewistown James H. and Jacob S. who are jointly operating the homestead farm Noah L. who carries on farming in Liverpool Twp. Martha O., wife of Peter HAVERMILL, of Canton Ida B. who makes her home with her mother in Joshua Twp. Jesse B. Willcoxen died Oct. 17 1872, and was buried in the Salen Churchyard. He was a plain unassuming man, of upright character, and enjoyed the respect of all who knew him. Together with his father he helped to reclaim the lands from the wilderness, and also participated with his father in the Black Hawk War. William C., the subject of this sketch, was reared on the farm and received his education in the district schools. He now owns and operates a farm of eighty acres and raises a good grade of stock. On Feb. 16, 1871, Mr. Willcoxen was united in marriage with Martha A. SPRAGUE, a daughter of Lauren P. Sprague, who is a resident of Banner Twp., and one of the honored pioneers of the county, his advent into this region occurred at an early period. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Willcoxen resulted in two children: Lora V. who died at the age of nine years Willard R., who was born Aug 23, 1883, and who married Bertha JORDAN, and is engaged in farming in Section 17, Liverpool Twp., his father having given him forty acres on which to begin life for himself. He is a Democrat in politics, and is influential in its local councils, having filled the office of School Trustee for more than twenty years. He takes a lively interest in public affairs and is regarded as one of the most public-spirited members of the community.