Biographies

FRANCIS WHEATLEY, one of the early settlers of Henderson County, who now carries on general farming on section 11, Gladstone Township, was born in Breckenridge County, Ky., on the 29th of January, 1824.

His parents, Thomas and Susan (Mattingley) Wheatley, were also natives of the same county. The former was born about 1791, and the latter in 1787. Their childhood days were spent in the State of their nativity, and after attaining to mature years they were united in marriage, in 1814. Nine children were born to them, three sons and six daughters, namely: Austin, Ignatius, Francis, Maria, Mrs. Nancy Lewis, Mrs. Jane Coons, Mrs. Amelia Wheatley, Sarah A. and Lucy. The father was a cooper by trade, and in connection with that pursuit, followed farming. He remained in Kentucky until his death, which occurred in August, 1841. The mother was then left with a family of nine children to support.

Francis Wheatley, who was a young man of seventeen years at the time of his father's death, remained at home until twenty-eight years of age, and aided his mother in the care of the family. She was called to the home beyond in 1867. Thus to farm work Francis Wheatley gave his time and attention from early life. He unselfishly devoted his labors to the interest of the family, and the mother placed much dependence on her son.

At length he left home, and on the 15th of April, 1865, was united in marriage with Miss Mary Effort, a daughter of James and Melinda (Stemper) Effort, who were numbered among the early settlers of this locality. The daughter was born in Tennessee, on the 23d of January, 1841, and when a maiden of eight summers came with the family to Illinois. They settled in Henderson County, and were soon recognized as leading citizens of the community.

Mr. Wheatley dates his arrival here from the spring of 1856, at which time he located a mile east of his present farm. He there remained for eleven years, after which he purchased his present farm, and when married began his domestic life thereon. He now has twenty-three acres of good land and a comfortable home, and although he started out in life empty-handed he has always managed to live well.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Wheatley were born five children, two sons and three daughters, namely: Cora A., born November 30, 1866; Laura J., August 20, 1869; Edgar W., December 18, 1873; Mary F., November 20, 1876; and Charles A., April 1, 1879.

Mr. Wheatley is a Democrat in politics, but has never sought or desired political preferment, desiring rather to give his entire time and attention to his business interests. He has lived in Henderson County for thirty-five years, and has seen much of its growth and upbuilding. He has also aided in its advancement, and gives his support to all interests which are calculated to promote the general welfare. Although his life has been quiet and unassuming, it has been an honorable one, and has gained him universal confidence and esteem.

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.