JOHN T. TEMPLE. There is much of interest in the life of a popular and successful man, and people are pleased to learn as definitely as possible the circumstances that trained him for the conquests made during his mature years. The subject of this sketch was born in Lincoln County, Mo., June 2, 1842, and while in his youth he had the usual number of drawbacks and misfortunes that attend the majority of human lives, he has managed to overcome every obstacle and make for himself an enviable position in Hardin Precinct, Calhoun County, where he resides. He is a thoroughly progressive agriculturist and has improved his land after the newest models, and takes great pride in his occupation.
The father of our subject, also John T. Temple, was a native of North Carolina and in that State received his education and was married. He subsequently removed to Lincoln County, Mo., and continued to reside there until 1851, at which date he made a trip to California across the plains. His death occurred about 1851 while he was engaged in mining in the mines of California, and since his wife had died in 1848 in Lincoln County, the four children born of their union were left orphans. The children were as follows: James S., John T., William H. and Jane, and all were quite young when death robbed them of their natural protectors.
Our subject found a home with the family of John Hise, being well cared for and kindly treated by Mr. Hise, who was a farmer by occupation. John assisted in the farm work and continued with the same family until 1863, at which time he removed to Illinois, settling in Calhoun County. He first rented land, and at a later date entered the drug and grocery business, but after devoting his attention to this line of work from 1868 to 1882 he took possession of the farm upon which he now resides. This property embraces the northwest part of section 28, in Hardin Precinct, and under the able management of our subject has become one of the finest farms in this precinct.
Mr. Temple was united in matrimonial bonds with Miss Elizabeth Burns March 1, 1864. The bride was a native of Lincoln County. Mo., and has competently filled her place at the head of the home affairs, looking well to the comfort of those she loves. To her have been born three children — Mollie, Charles and Rosa. Mollie married Dr. George B. Smith and their home is in Batchtown.
Our subject is a member of the Democratic party and has at various times been elected to offices of public trust, being in 1890 elected Assessor and Treasurer of Calhoun County. In 1864 he enlisted in Company G, Twentieth Illinois Infantry, serving through the greater part of the time in Tennessee, Georgia and North Carolina. He was present at the surrender of Johnson, and discharged his duty at all places faithfully and well — with the fortitude and bravery that characterize the true soldier. He at present belongs to Calhoun Post, No. 448, G. A. R. He is held in the highest esteemed by all, being generally popular and conceded by all to be a most influential and public-spirited gentleman.
Extracted 16 Mar 2017 by Norma Hass from Portrait and Biographical Album of Pike and Calhoun Counties, Illinois, published in 1891, page 633
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Pike MO Lincoln MO |
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Greene IL Jersey IL |
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