VACHEL D. MULLEN. It being the purpose of the biographical writer to record for the benefit of posterity the names and deeds of those worthy of remembrance, he would fail in his purpose were he to omit from this volume some account, however brief, of Mr. Mullen, who now represents Lowe Township on the Moultrie County Board of Supervisors. He has been the recipient of this honor, as well as others, from his fellow-citizens, who have recognized his sagacity and ability, and have often called upon him to assist in the management of public affairs.

The family of which Mr. Mullen is an honored member included six children, as follows — Harriet, Vachel D., Isabella, Harry, Mary and Edwin. The parents were Francis C. and Nancy (Dean) Mullen, natives respectively of Delaware and Indiana. They were married in Vigo County, Ind., where they first settled and whence they removed to Illinois in 1850. They settled in what is now Douglas County, of which they have since been residents. The father follows the avocation of a farmer, and is honorable and conscientious in his dealings with those about him, considerate and kindly in social and domestic life, and with his good wife enjoys the esteem of the community where they reside.

Our subject, the eldest son in the family, was born September 28, 1845, upon an island in the Wabash River, in Vigo County, Ind. In the home of his birth he spent the first five years of his life, and was then brought by his parents to Illinois. He grew to a stalwart manhood in Douglas County, where he attended the common schools of the district and learned by experience many lessons even more valuable than those conned on the rude benches of the temple of learning. He began his career a poor boy, but put his shoulder to the wheel with so much energy that his present property is the result.

For twenty years Mr. Mullen has received the active and devoted assistance of a faithful wife, who has shared his joys and sorrows, his hopes and disappointments, and who with him can now reap the harvest of the efforts of former years. This estimable lady bore the maiden name of Catherine Crist, and was born in Muhlenberg County, Ky., February 22, 1848. The ceremony which united her in marriage with Mr. Mullen was performed in Douglas County, Ill., March 2, 1871, and after that important event the young couple settled in Lowe Township on section 4, of which they have since been residents. Their family comprises five children — Myra B., Alfred H., Effie N., May and Winona.

In his chosen life work, farming, Mr. Mullen has been greatly prospered, and one hundred and twenty acres now pay tribute to his care and cultivation. In political affairs he takes a lively interest and is a prominent member of the Democrat party. He has held the office of School Director, a position for which he was well qualified by education, deep interest in the cause and energy of character. He was elected Supervisor of Lowe Township in the spring of 1889, and in that responsible position is doing much to advance the interests of his community. In his religious views he is liberal. He is one of the most enterprising and public spirited of men, and without neglecting his personal affairs finds time to do much to advance the common welfare.

Portrait and Biographical Record of Shelby and Moultrie Counties, 1891 - p. 377/378

Transcription copyright 2003/2007, Moultrie County ILGenWeb/USGenWeb