Born October 12, 1882 on a farm east of Philadelphia, IL
NON-FARM WORK
"I was born a Democrat." Clerked first election when he was 21. Has served almost continuously until 90 years old. Was precinct committeeman next, then changed to another township, and served 25 years as school director at Oregon School. Appointed supervisor in Panther Creek township in 1936 until 1949.
FARMING DURING GREAT DEPRESSION
Started building bins for corn during the Depression for the Agriculture Stabilization and Conservation Service/Farm Service Agency (ASCS/FSA) in 1949. Became county bin supervisor and stayed for eight years. Glad that banks shut off money or else all of the banks would be gone. Everything was available but money. Was feeding beef calves for profit but during the Depression he thought he would have a net loss. When his check came for the calves he had $1.81 in profits. Corn got as low as 13c per bushel, shipped hogs to St. Louis for $2.90 per hundred, and got 2c per half pound. Taxes were not paid because they did not go down. Tells story about using tax interest to build a new wing for the courthouse.
