**************************************************************************** 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 James H. WILLCOXEN [Surnames: ARNETT, CLARKE, CONLEY, HARRISON, HAVERMALE, HUMMELL, SMITH, STUFFLEBEAM, WALKER, WILLCOXEN] WILLCOXEN, JAMES H. A prominent, influential and progressive farmer of Fulton Co, he was born on the farm where he now lives, on Sect. 8, Liverpool Twp., Jan. 16, 1858. He is a son of Jesse B. and Margaret (SMITH) Willcoxen, pioneer settlers of Fulton Co. The former was a son of Captain Elijah Willcoxen, the founder of the family in the county. Jesse B. Willcoxen first married Priscilla STUFFLEBEAM, a native of KY and a daughter of William Stufflebeam, who settled in Fulton Co., at an early period. Ten children were born to this union, of whom the first died in infancy. The others were: Francis M. who died when six years old Zerilda, wife of Frank CONLEY Elijah C., a farmer in Liverpool Twp. William C., also a farmer there Charlotte, widow of B. L. HARRISON Jesse E. deceased Harvey H., of Lewistown and Joseph J. who is on the old home farm. The mother died in 1852. By the father's second wife, Margaret SMITH, he had six children, namely: Sarah E., wife of Joseph N. WALKER James H., Jacob S., Noah L., of Liverpool Twp., Martha E., wife of Peter HAVERMALE Ida, who is with her mother in Joshua Twp. Jesse B. Willcoxen died in 1871. He was an upright and dutiful man in all relations of life, and did his full share of pioneer work. He departed this life honored and lamented by all who knew him. The subject of this sketch was reared on the home farm and received education in the district schools. He has devoted his entire life to farming and general stock-raising. He and his brother, Jacob S., own jointly 203 acres, constituting the old homestead farm. The latter was also born on this place, his birth having occurred in 1860. He [Jacob S. Willcoxen] was united in marriage Nov. 18, 1885 with Maude E. HUMMELL, a daughter of John and Rebecca (ARNETT) Hummell, of whom the former is deceased. Two children resulted from this union, namely: Toland, who was b. in 1886, and Chester W. whose birth took place in Aug 1890. The old Willcoxen homestead is the birthplace of 15 of the Willcoxen children, who grew to manhood and womanhood and married there, and settled in new homes in the vicinity of the spot where their childhood's days were spent. The land was patented from the Government in 1830, being part of a congressional grant. When the Willcoxen family first located in Fulton County, Jesse B. Willcoxen served with his father, Captain Elijah Willcoxen in the Black Hawk War in 1831-1832. His widow who is still living in Joshua Twp. receives a pension from the government for services rendered by her husband. The younger Willcoxens are proud to dwell on the noble record made by their gallant pioneer ancestors. On Mar 8, 1883, Mr. [James H.] Willcoxen was united in marriage with Della M. CLARKE, a daughter of William R. Clarke, a resident of Lewistown, and also a pioneer settler of Fulton Co. This union resulted in four children, of whom the first died in infancy. The others are: Chalmers, and Clarence, both of whom dwell under the paternal roof, and William M. In politics Mr. Willcoxen is a supporter of the Democratic Party. Fraternally he is affiliated with the K. of P. of Lewistown. He is a man of superior intelligence and upright character, and is highly respected by a wide circle of acquaintances.