Biography - Abel Randolph
ABEL STELL RANDOLPH has passed the uneventful life of a farmer, and has continued steadily to pursue "the even tenor of his way," and is now classed among the prosperous farmers of Montgomery County. His farm is located in the midst of one of the finest agricultural centers of this county, and his laud is conceded to be among the best in the vicinity; and this is saying not a little, for on every hand may be seen superior farms, whose appearance denotes thrift and prosperity. He is one of the early pioneers of Bois D'Arc Township and a representative citizen, giving his hearty support to all enterprises for the good of the community.
Our subject was born in Somerset County, N. J., on the 5th of August, 1831, and his parents, Lewis and Mary (Compton) Randolph, were also natives of that State. In 1837, the parents emigrated to what is now Jersey County, Ill., of which they were among the early settlers. The father survived until October 8, 1892, when, mourned by all who knew him, he passed to his final rest. His death removed a pioneer of Illinois and an upright, kind-hearted man. In Jersey County our subject grew to manhood, and as he was trained to the arduous duties of the farm at an early age, it was but natural, perhaps, that, when starting out for himself, he should choose agricultural pursuits as his occupation in life. He first cultivated the soil with a wooden plow, and at one time drove as many as ten yoke of oxen to break the sod. His early schooling was received in the primitive log schoolhouse of those days, and although he had not the advantages offered at the present time, he improved every moment and became thoroughly familiar with all the branches then taught. He has since been a great observer and reader, is well posted on all important subjects, and is mainly self-educated.
Lewis Randolph entered one section of land with a Mexican laud warrant in what is now Bois D'Arc Township, and in 1855 he sent our subject here to plant Bois D'Arc hedge around it. In 1860, the latter came here and located on his present farm, where he has remained ever since. He owns two hundred acres of land, one hundred and sixty acres in Montgomery County, and has devoted his energies to putting his farm in good tillable condition. June 9, 1869, Mr. Randolph was wedded to Miss Minerva Edwards, a native of Sciota, Ohio, born October 27, 1838, and the daughter of Andrew and Mary (Darlington) Edwards, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Ohio. In 1848, she moved with her parents to Jersey County, Ill., where they were among the first settlers. She was reared to womanhood in that county, and is one of four children, now living, born to her parents, the others being Henry, William and George.
Mr. Randolph is one of the five children, now living, born to his parents: Abel; Harriet, wife of T. Moore; Catherine, wife of James Clopp; Ruth and Peter. An elder sister, Almira, and a younger brother, Moore, are deceased. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Randolph one son has been born, Henry M. In his political views, Mr. Randolph supports the principles of the Republican party, and takes a deep interest in local politics. He is held in high esteem by the entire community, and enjoys the distinction to which an old settler is entitled. He is active in all worthy enterprises that have for their object the upbuilding of the county, and is a public-spirited citizen. He and his wife hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are active members in the same. They take much interest in social circles, and are esteemed in the community in which they reside. By industry and good management they have gathered around them many of the comforts and conveniences of life, and can now sit down and enjoy the fruits of their labor. Their long lives have been replete with good deeds, and no residents of the county are more highly respected.
Extracted 10 Jan 2017 by Norma Hass from 1892 Portrait and Biographical Record of Montgomery and Bond Counties, Illinois, pages 334-337
