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Amos Haines
From the Portrait and biographical record of Hancock, McDonough and Henderson counties, Illinois : containing
biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county (1894)
May, 1894. Lake City Publishing Co. AMOS HAINES, deceased, was born in Belmont County, Ohio, on the 5th of
December, 1813, and the days of his boyhood and youth were spent upon a farm. His education was acquired in the
old-time subscription schools, which were held in a log schoolhouse, the exercises being conducted in a primitive
style. On attaining his majority he started out in life for himself, working as a farm hand, and in compensation
for his services he received $10 per month. He also learned the carpenter's business, which he followed for about
six years, when, with the capital he had acquired through industry and economy, he purchased eighty-eight acres of
land in Pickaway County, Ohio. This was entirely unimproved, being covered with heavy timber. In the midst of the
forest, however, he built a log cabin, and at once began the development of his farm. There he lived until 1840,
when he sold out, preparatory to moving westward. He came to Henderson County, Ill., and cast in his lot with its
early settlers, for the county at that time was just being opened up to civilization. Purchasing one hundred and
sixty-seven acres of land on section 27, Rozetta Township, at $4.40 per acre, he at once began the development of a
farm, for the land was still in a primitive condition, not a furrow having been turned or an improvement made
thereon. His enterprising and industrious labors, however, greatly changed the appearance of the place. The
boundaries of the farm he also extended, until it comprised two hundred and sixty-seven acres. On the 4th of April,
1839, Mr. Haines was united in marriage with Miss Catharine Miller, a native of Madison County, Ohio, born December
17, 1819. They became the parents of seven children: Mary J., now deceased; Sarah, wife of George Palmer; Hugh, a
farmer residing in Henderson County; Newton, who is now engaged in the operation of the old homestead; John M., who
carries on agricultural pursuits in Rozetta Township; Emma, who is living with her mother; and one child who died
in infancy. The father of this family passed away August 15, 1855, and was laid to rest in Reed Cemetery. He was a
member of the Christian Church, and was one of the most highly respected citizens of the community. After the death
of her first husband, Mrs. Haines, on the 17th of September, 1857, became the wife of William C. Mitchell. Two
children were born to them : Edward B., who is now living near Waverly, Neb.; and William H., who resides on the
home farm. Mr. Mitchell was also a native of the Buckeye State, and his death occurred in August, 1881. He held
membership with the Christian Church, and was held in high esteem for his many excellencies of character. Mrs.
Mitchell also belongs to the same church. She is now living on the old homestead, and in this neighborhood she owns
three hundred and sixty-five acres of valuable land, which is under a high state of cultivation, and therefore
yields to her a good income. Her long residence in the county has made her widely known, and her friends in the
community are many.
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