J. H. MICHAEL, a wealthy and public-spirited farmer residing on section 20, Sullivan Township, Moultrie County, was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, February 26, 1849. His father, Hamilton Michael, was born in Ohio in 1813, and his mother, Martha Bragg, was born in Savannah County, Va., in 1814. They had both removed to Ohio before their marriage, which occurred there in Ross County in 1833. After sixteen years' residence in that section they removed to Pickaway County, which they made their home until 1868, when they removed to Moultrie County, Ill.

Nine children were born to Hamilton and Martha Michael namely: Anna E. born in 1834 now Mrs. David Dyer, resides in Hall County, Neb.; Mary C. born in 1836, married Mr. J. J. Swank in Ohio and died in this county; Andrew L. married Cynthia A. Frantz and resides at Broken Bow, Neb.; Sarah who was born in 1840, died unmarried in her young womanhood; John F. has been married twice and resides in Indiana; Isaiah died at the age of four years; George W., married Mary Nagles, and resides in Decatur, Ill.; our subject; Martha Jane, born in 1852 died when fourteen years old. The father of these children passed away after his removal to Illinois in the year 1879, but his venerable and honored widow still remains and resides with her son, our subject, by whom she is most tenderly cherished.

J. H. Michael came to Illinois with his parents when he was a lad of sixteen years and his education which had begun in the public schools of Ohio was continued in this State. He was married February 7, 1875, to Miss Laura A. Hudson, daughter of J. J. Hudson. For further particulars in regard to the history of this interesting and prominent family, the reader is referred to the sketch of Isaac Hudson to be found upon another page. This lovely lady, Mrs. Michael, died of consumption, March 30, 1891, leaving no children to mourn her loss.

The fine farm of two hundred and fifty-five acres, which is partly prairie and partly timber land, has received from the hand of Mr. Michael excellent improvements, and he has taken a great deal of pains with it. The crowning beauty of this farm is a delightful park and carp pond which he has spared no expense in fitting up for the pleasure of his own family and that of the general public. Oak Park as it is called, contains comfortable seats, swings, hammocks and other pleasant accommodations for those who would enjoy outdoor life. The pond is plentifully filled with excellent fish and has boats for the accommodation of visitors. It is a beautiful place and a general pleasure resort for the people for miles around. The trees are mostly of hardwood varieties and are of suitable size to afford excellent shade. The park is five miles northwest of Sullivan, the same distance southwest of Lovington and northeast of Bethany, a location which makes it very convenient of access. The farm is on sections 20 and 21.

Mr. Michael is now giving his entire attention to the breeding of Englishshire horses. His fine animal "Nail Stone Honest Boy" is an imported horse of great beauty and a universal favorite among horsemen and represents a little fortune in himself, having cost $2,000. This gentleman is a Democrat in politics but is not aggressive, and was a member of the Town Council of the city of Lovington for six years. He has declined other offices and even failed to qualify after being elected. His departed wife was a worthy and devoted member of the Christian Church and her loss was deeply deplored by those who had been with her in Christian communion.

Portrait and Biographical Record of Shelby and Moultrie Counties, 1891 - p. 543/544

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