Biography - Jacob Paul
JACOB PAUL. It is gratifying to trace the history of those of the early pioneers of Montgomery County who have persevered through trials and hardships and have at last reached the point where they can enjoy the wealth and prosperity which rightly belong to them. In the life of the gentleman whose name we now give, we find such a history, and the popularity which belongs to such a man is the just meed which his neighbors are glad to pay to his worth and work. This honored representative of one of the best old Eastern families is now residing in Bois D'Arc Township, and is one of the most esteemed and respected citizens of the same. He was born in West Virginia on the 19th of September, 1815, a son of John and Keziah (Mills) Paul, the former a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter, it is supposed, of Virginia.
Philip Paul, an uncle of our subject, was a soldier in the War of 1812. John Paul and his wife emigrated to Morgan County, Ind., and came down the Ohio River on a flat-boat to Cincinnati. Then with horse and wagon they went to Southern Indiana and there located, being among the early settlers, and there the father died about a year later. The youthful days of our subject were passed amid the scenes of pioneer life and his muscles were early hardened to the duties of the farm. Indians at that time were plentiful and wild game abounded in the wood. On account of the scarcity of schools, young Paul received very limited educational advantages and is mainly self-educated. He has ever been a great reader and books are his delight, he being enabled through that medium to become thoroughly posted on all important subjects.
The original of this sketch selected his wife in the person of Miss Ellen McLean, a native of Kentucky, and six children blessed this union, viz.: Frank, John, Douglas, Levi; Alice, wife of Nelson Darr; and Keziah, wife of Albert Taylor. A short time before the Tippecanoe Presidential campaign, Mr. Paul and wife removed to St. Clair County, Ill., and resided there a few months, after which he went to Missouri. Shortly afterward, he came to Alton, Ill., and remained there until early in the '50s, when he located in Macoupin County; after residing there a few years he came to Montgomery County, settling on his present farm in Bois D'Arc Township. He broke the first sod on this place and has spent a good number of his days in developing and improving this fine tract of land. He is now the owner of two hundred acres of land, all the result of honest toil and industry on the part of himself and his worthy wife, who was a true helpmate to him in the trials and privation of pioneer days. In those times, he used a wooden plow, drawn by oxen, in breaking the prairie. He has done much pioneer work, and in every public enterprise that had for its object the upbuilding of the county, he has taken a prominent part. October 4, 1892, he suffered a severe blow in the loss of his wife, who was called to the better land.
In his political views, Mr. Paul is a stanch Democrat and has ever been interested in the triumphs of his party. In every walk of life, he has acquitted himself in an honorable and upright manner, and his word is as good as his bond. His history is an example of what frugality, industry and integrity will accomplish and he enjoys a success as great as it is pronounced. He had two sons, Frank and John, who were soldiers in the Civil War. As before stated, Mr. Paul is a Democrat and has voted the straight ticket with one exception and that was when he voted for Abraham Lincoln when he was nominated the second time. Mr. Paul has worked at many different occupations during his life and for a time was a steamboat hand on the Mississippi River. This was while he was a resident of Alton, Ill. He is one of the oldest citizens of the county and is well known throughout its length and breadth, and has a host of warm friends. He is very popular with all, and we take great pleasure in representing him in these pages.
Extracted 04 Dec 2016 by Norma Hass from 1892 Portrait and Biographical Record of Montgomery and Bond Counties, Illinois, pages 234-235.
