Biographies

JOHN I. HALEY was born in Barren County, Ky., near the city of Glasgow, on the 19th of November, 1831, and came of a family of Scotch-Irish origin.

His parents were Maximillian and Elizabeth (Easter) Haley, and both were natives of Virginia. They had seven children, who in order of birth are as follows: Edwin, who died October 10, 1882; Mary J., who died July 4, 1891; Sarah E., who died January 11, 1883: William H., whose death occurred December 12, 1871; John I., of this sketch; Joseph F, who died December 1, 1S75; and Julia, who is the only one now living.

By occupation the father was a farmer, and followed that pursuit throughout life. He served as a soldier in the War of 1812, and in 1837 came to Illinois, locating in Warren County. The trip westward was made by team, after the usual mode of travel in those days. In politics, he was a Republican, and in 1840 and 1844 was elected to the State Legislature from Warren County, serving for two terms' as a member of the House of Representatives. He held membership with the Masonic fraternity. In 1864 became to Henderson County, and here his last days were passed. His death occurred June 4, 1869, and he was laid to rest in Warren County, by the side of his wife, who passed away March 16, 1856.

Under the parental roof John I. Haley was reared to manhood. He was a child of only six summers when his parents came to Illinois, and amid the wild scenes of the frontier the days of his boyhood and youth were passed. He continued to live at home until twenty-two years of age, when, in 1853, he started out in life for himself. He determined to seek a fortune in the West, and with ox-teams he crossed the plains to Oregon, where he spent about one year. He then went to California, where he engaged in mining and prospecting. His venture proved a profitable one, and altogether his trip was successful.

He remained in the West until 1856, when he returned to Warren County, and there made his home until 1864. In that year Mr. Haley came to Henderson County, and soon after purchased a farm of eighty acres in Rozetta Township, on which he spent his remaining days. He placed his land under a high state of cultivation, and made many good improvements upon his farm, which became one of the best in the neighborhood.

Mr. Haley exercised his right of franchise in support of the Republican party, but never sought or desired office, preferring to devote his time and attention to his other interests. He carried on agricultural pursuits until his death, and his well- directed efforts brought him a comfortable competence. He passed away on the 4th of June, 1893, and was laid to rest in Oquawka Cemetery.

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.