Biography - M Traylor
M. B. TRAYLOR. In compiling an account of the different business enterprises of Coffeen, Ill., we desire particularly to call attention to Mr. Traylor, who is one of the successful general merchants of this thrifty and progressive village. Since locating here he has conducted affairs very satisfactorily on his own responsibility, and owing to the excellent stock which he keeps, and the fair dealings all receive at his own hands, he has obtained a fair share of public favor.
Mr. Traylor was born in East Fork Township, Montgomery County, Ill., November 5, 1856, and is a son of Joel C. and Sarah (Ohmart) Traylor, natives respectively of Kentucky and Ohio. About 1844 the father came to Montgomery County, Ill., and located in East Fork Township, where he kept a general store for forty years. In 1846, he married Miss Ohmart, daughter of George Ohmart, who was born in the Keystone State. She came to Montgomery County when fourteen years of age, and now resides on the old home place. Mr. Traylor died in April, 1887. He was a Jacksonian Democrat and was deeply interested in the welfare of his party. For thirty years he was School Treasurer of the township, and was a consistent and worthy member of the Universalist Church. Our subject's paternal grandparents, James and Nancy (Cardwell) Traylor, were natives of Virginia, and the latter was a cousin of John Randolph, of Roanoke. The great-grandfather, Humphrey Traylor, was also born in Virginia, and was a descendant of a prominent family in that State, and was a Revolutionary soldier.
Our subject was one of thirteen children born to his parents, and was reared in his native place, receiving a good practical education in the district schools. At an early age he displayed much business acumen, no doubt inherited from his father, who was a very successful and popular merchant, and as soon as able was placed behind the counter. He remained with his parents until November 27, 1879, when he was united in marriage with Miss Emma D. McDavid, daughter of Rev. Thomas McDavid, who was a prominent minister of Montgomery County. Mrs. Traylor was born in East Fork Township, this county, and is a lady of good taste and judgment. Four children have been born to this union, but one died in infancy. The others were Joel T., Frank A. and Nellie A.
Mr. Traylor located in Coffeen, Ill., in 1888, and directly afterward started in his present business, which he has carried on very successfully since. He carries a full supply of hats, caps, boots, shoes, clothing, groceries, etc., and is a pushing, active, energetic and enterprising gentleman, fully alive to the requirements of the public and ever anticipating their wants. He is held in high esteem in the community for his social and business qualities. He takes a deep interest in the welfare of the town, and is public-spirited and liberal in his ideas. In politics he is thoroughly identified with the Democratic party, and at all times advocates its principles. He has held a number of local positions, prominent among them being Township Treasurer and Collector, both of which positions he held five years. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America at Donnellson.
Extracted 04 Dec 2016 by Norma Hass from 1892 Portrait and Biographical Record of Montgomery and Bond Counties, Illinois, pages 163-164.
