WILLIAM CALVIN HOLTON, a retired farmer residing at Arthur, became a resident of Moultrie County, in 1871, at which date he settled on section 2, Lowe Township. He was born in Claiborne County, Tenn., February 20, 1835, his honored parents being James W. and Martha (Goines) Holton, both of whom had their birth in Tennessee. In 1847 the family removed from that State to Pulaski County, Ky., where the mother was called from them by death some thirty years ago. The bereaved father remained there with his family for many years, but in 1888 came to Illinois and died in Moultrie County, not long after his removal to this State. He had a truly patriarchal family of nine daughters and three sons, William being the eldest of the sons.

Our subject was twelve years old when the family settled in Kentucky and he there grew to a vigorous young manhood, receiving a practical drill upon the farm which has ever been of benefit to him both physically and in a business way. Amanda J. Thuman, a lovely young Kentucky lady, became his bride January 14, 1855, she was born in December 25, 1835, and is the daughter of Marshall Thurman, who was well known in that region.

Young Mr. Holton came to the Prairie State ten years after his marriage and renting land in Douglas County continued there until 1871; when he removed to Moultrie County and settled upon a beautiful tract of unimproved land, to which he gave his undivided attention and which he brought from its wild condition to its present productive and highly cultured state. He is now the owner of two elegant farms, comprising some two hundred and thirty acres in all and upon each of them he has placed excellent improvements. In the spring of 1889 he removed to the village of Arthur although he still continued to carry on the farm until 1891 when he placed it in the hands of a tenant. He is now enjoying the pleasant home which he built for himself in Arthur and without the care of a farm is receiving the benefits of his former labors and enterprise. The five children who have blest this home are John R., Lucy (wife of George Ketzel), William, Hattie (Mrs. A. Kinney), and Cordelia. The principles of the Republican party very clearly define the political views of Mr. Holton and his earnest efforts and advocacy are given to securing the success of this party.

Portrait and Biographical Record of Shelby and Moultrie Counties, 1891 - p. 391/392

Transcription copyright 2003/2007, Moultrie County ILGenWeb/USGenWeb