Biographies

SAMUEL GALBRAITH, who follows farming on section 27, township 10 north, range 5 west, was born on the 6th of November,1824, in Roane County, Tenn.

On the paternal side he is of Scotch-Irish descent, and on the maternal side is of Irish lineage. His father, Thomas Galbraith, was a native of Tennessee, and a farmer by occupation. He married Miss Margaret White, who was born in Tennessee in 1800, and they became the parents of eight children, namely: Elizabeth, Alexander, Mary, William, Eveline, Robert, Samuel and Franklin. Only two of the number are now living, Samuel of this sketch, and Eveline, widow of Sanford Harned.

When our subject was a child of five summers he accompanied his parents on their removal to Illinois, the family locating in Morgan County, from whence they removed to Adams County in 1851. There they resided until December, 1834, when they came to Henderson County, locating on section 26, township 10 north, range 5 west. Two years later they removed to the farm on which our subject now resides. The father became owner of one hundred and twenty acres of land, and continued its cultivation until his death, which occurred in 1843. Samuel and his brother Franklin then took care of the family, and continued to work in partnership until 1857, when they divided their property, which by that time had been increased to a tract of six hundred and forty acres. Each took half a section and began farming in his own interest. The elder brother has met with excellent success in his undertakings, and is now the owner of seven hundred and twenty acres of valuable land, all in one body except one tract of eighty acres, which lies separate from the other.

On the 25th of June, 1849, Mr. Galbraith was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Evans, a daughter of John Evans. She was born in Ohio, but her father was a native of Maryland, and her grandfather Evans was a native of England.

To Mr. and Mrs. Galbraith have been born the following children: Amanda Belle, who is living in Emerson, Iowa; James F., who carries on farming near Emerson; Mrs. Minerva Slump, who resides in Oakland, Iowa; Mrs. Mary Pratt, of Parson, Iowa; John, who died in infancy; Mrs. Eveline Bacon, of Henderson County; Margaret Jane and George M., at home; William Thomas, who carries on fanning in Henderson County; Charles Edward, an agriculturist of Oakland, Iowa; Clyde E., a farmer; Addie Clair, at home; and Sarah Myrtle, who died in infancy.

Since casting his first Presidential vote for Gen. Zachary Taylor, Mr. Galbraith has been a supporter of the men and measures of the Democracy. He has twice been elected Township Trustee, and for a period of ten years served as School Director.

His family all hold membership with the United Presbyterian Church, and since 1869 he has been a member of the Masonic fraternity.

His word is as good as his bond, for he is honorable and upright in all his dealings, and has the confidence and trust of his fellow-citizens. His success in life is due to well-directed efforts, enterprise and industry, and is the just reward of his labors.

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.