Biographies

J. FRANK MAINS is the editor and publisher of the Stronghurst Graphic. He is also one of the most prominent citizens of Stronghurst, being recognized as a wide-awake and enterprising young business man, who does much for the upbuilding of the city.

He was born near Olena, Ill., June 28, 1863, and is a son of Alexander and Mary J. (Nichols) Mains.

His father was born in Washington County, N. Y., June 20, 1833, and during his infancy was taken by his parents to Ohio, from whence he came to Illinois when a child of six years, the family locating in Henderson County. This was in 1839, and therefore he is numbered among the pioneer settlers of the community.

Upon his father's farm he remained until twenty-five years of age, and then married Miss Nichols, who was born July 3, 1832, in Ohio, and died in Henderson County, in 1887. Her ancestors had for several generations resided in this country. The Mains family is of Scotch extraction, and was also founded in America at an early day. The paternal grandparents of our subject were both natives of New York, and the grandfather served in the War of 1812.

Mr. Mains, the subject of this sketch, was the second in a family of three children, but Harry E., the eldest, died at the age of seventeen years. Thomas N., the youngest, is now a book-keeper in the employ of G. F. Swift and Co., of Chicago.

Our subject remained at home with his parents until eighteen years of age, and then, in order to complete his education, which was begun in the common schools of the neighborhood, he entered Monmouth College, where he pursued his studies for two years. Later he was a student for a time in the Normal College of Valparaiso, Ind. During this time he engaged in teaching for two or three terms, and from the age of eighteen to twenty-five he was continuously engaged in teaching and attending college. He is a young man of more than average intelligence, of a broad and liberal mind, and his writings show deep and careful thought. In 1889 he purchased the Stronghurst Graphic, and has since been its editor and publisher.

On the 27th of September, 1893, Mr. Mains was united in marriage with Miss Dulcie D. Davidson, daughter of C. P. Davidson, of Stronghurst.

The young couple have many warm friends, and are widely and favorably known in this community. In social circles they hold an enviable position. With them Mr. Mains' father now makes his home. For several years he engaged in the livery business in this place, but in 1892 retired from active life.

On questions of national importance, J. Frank Mains supports the Republican party in its principles, but at local elections votes for the man he thinks best qualified for the office, regardless of party affiliations.

In the spring of 1893 he was elected the first President of the village, when the town was incorporated. He is now the efficient President of the Town Board of Stronghurst, and is a charter member of Magic Lodge No. 394, K. P. The Graphic is the leading paper of Henderson County, and is well worth the liberal patronage it receives. Its editor is an industrious and enterprising young business man, devoted to the best interests of his native county, and is well worthy of representation in this volume.

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.