J.A. LINVILL. In these days of evolution in every branch of industry it seems that every man who has any originality is in himself a centrifugal force, attracting to himself new ideas and methods that go to make the system of his small work and interests complete. While we know more of the world at large than ever before, in our specialties we are all specialists and egotists. Mr. Linvill, who devotes himself to the work of preparing flour for the use and consumption of mankind, is a specialist in his branch and bends every energy and power to bringing to his work all improvements and advantages that can give him the best results. He is the proprietor of the New Era Roller Process Mills, in Windsor, this State, and under his able management the mills turn out an immense quantity of the farinaceous product.

He of whom we write was born in Fayette County, Ind. March 17,1837. He was reared on a farm until he attained his nineteenth year; at that time he made his first journey out into the world and went into the eastern part of Kansas where he took up some land claims and dealt in stock to some extent. The young man remained in the then perfectly new state for two years, during which he had many exciting and strange adventures. However, at the end of that time he came to Moultrie County, this State, and purchased a farm in Whitley Township, where he settled and remained for six or seven months, being there engaged in farming. He came from this farm to Windsor and engaged in the drug business with Dr. C. H. Brunk, the firm name under which they conducted their business, being Brunk & Linvill. They continued this partnership for a period of about ten or twelve years, and then our subject sold out his interest and confined his attention to the operating of his farm and dealing in stock. He bought the flouring mill of which he is proprietor in May, 1890. It has a capacity for turning out fifty barrels of flour daily.

The original of our sketch while in Moultrie County, took upon himself the duties and obligations of marital life. In October 30, 1860, he was married to Miss Mary J. Reed, who was born in Shelby County, Ill. Three bright children have come to gladden their home and brighten, by their intelligence and beautiful merriment, the daily lives of our subject and his amiable wife. Their names are Elizabeth J., John F. and Mary B. Mrs. Linvill is a charming, matronly little woman and is devoted to her children, although one of the favorites in Windsor society, her home is the first and most important object in her estimation.

Our subject owns three hundred and forty-six acres of land which is located partially in Shelby County and partially in Moultrie County. This is well cultivated and highly productive and yields a handsome income to its owner. Mr. Linvill is a member of the Democratic party. He was elected under his party as first Collector of Whitley Township, which was also the first Township Collector in that county. Both our subject and his wife are members and attendants of the Christian Church of which Mr. Linvill is Deacon.

The parents of him of whom we write were John and Elizabeth (Donelson) Linvill. The former was probably a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Virginia. They were, however, both reared in Kentucky, near Lexington, where they were married and first settled. From there they removed to Fayette County, Ind., where they spent the remainder of their lives. Our subject's father was at one time a Methodist preacher but about 1843 he espoused the doctrines of the Christian Church, and died in that faith. They were the parents of eleven children, of whom our subject was the tenth.

Mr. Linvill is a public spirited man, whose generous impulses are governed by a firm and steady intelligence. He and his wife are associated with the best people of the place.

Portrait and Biographical Record of Shelby and Moultrie Counties, 1891 - p. 661/662

Transcription copyright 2003/2007, Moultrie County ILGenWeb/USGenWeb