Biographies

Co. I. T. POGUE follows farming on section 22 Walnut Grove Township. He was born in this township, August 27, 1845, and is a worthy representative of one of the honored pioneer families of Henderson County.

His father, John Pogue, was born in Ohio about 1819, and in 1837 emigrated westward to Illinois. Here he worked as a farm hand until the following year, when, at the age of nineteen, he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Brooks, a native of Ohio, born in 1816. He then entered land from the Government, and began farming in his own interest. His first tract comprised eighty acres, and to this he soon added an eighty acre tract adjoining. Subsequently, he purchased more land from time to time, until he became one of the largest land-owners in the county, having at the time of his death sixteen hundred acres. He was truly a self-made man, for he started out empty-handed, and by his own unaided efforts worked his way steadily upward. In the family were seven children, all of whom are yet living, with the exception of one son, who died at the age of nineteen years. They are: Samuel H.; Maria L., wife of Dr. Stewart, of Henderson County; I. T., of this sketch; William G., one of Henderson County's successful farmers; Margaret J., wife of Jacob Ford, a retired farmer, and one of the enterprising citizens of Media: and James and John, twin brothers, who make their home in Media.

In the usual manner of farmer lads our subject spent the days of his boyhood and youth. He acquired a fair education in the country schools, and early became familiar with all the duties of farm work, for as soon as old enough to handle the plow, he entered upon the labors of the field. On attaining his majority he left the old homestead, but did not go far away, removing to a farm adjoining that of his father's. There he lived one year, when he removed to the farm on which he now resides.

His father died in 1887, leaving deeds to his large estate, which was distributed to the satisfaction of all the heirs.

In October, 1866, Mr. Pogue was united in marriage with Miss Emeline E. Spears, daughter of Alexander and Mary (MeElroy) Spears, natives of Pennsylvania, who came to Henderson County, Ill., in the '50s. Her father was a blacksmith, and followed that trade for some time exclusively, but afterward purchased land. He then devoted his time both to farming and blacksmithing, but at length abandoned the latter on account of ill-health. His death occurred in 1873. In the family were eleven children, and, with the exception of one who died in infancy, all grew to mature years, and are as follows: Matthew, Mrs. Margaret Campbell, Mrs. Jane Stewart, James, Emeline (wife of our subject), Samuel, Clara, William A., Mrs. Many E. Whiteman and Jessie M. Richie.

Nine children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Pogue, of whom seven are yet living: Mary Elizabeth, wife of Jacob Rankin, a stock-buyer of Media; Mrs. Anna Margaret Mathers, of Henderson County; and Blanche L, Lewis J., Mabel M., Ralph S. and Clare.

Mr. Pogue is now successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits, being numbered among the enterprising and successful farmers of the community. He is also one of the valued citizens of the county, and is now serving as County Commissioner.

In politics, he is a Republican. The best interests of the community ever find in him a friend, and he is a wide-awake and progressive citizen.

He and his family hold membership with the United Presbyterian Church, in which he has served as Elder for more than twenty years, and they take an active interest in church and benevolent work.

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.