John W. Park

SOURCE: "History of Champaign County, Illinois with Illustrations," 1878

SURNAMES: ARNOLD, HANNER, PAISLEY, PARK, PIPPEN, STREETER

 

JOHN W. PARK. To Ohio, probably more than any other one state, is Champaign county indebted for her good citizens. Natives of that state are to be found in almost every township in the county, and in almost every instance are they men of sterling integrity and substantial worth. Among the prominent men of this class is the man whose name heads this history.

He was born October 14th, 1813, and was the third child of John and Elizabeth (HANNER) PARK. His father was born in Berkeley county, Virginia, his family originally coming from Ireland. His mother was a native of the same county and state as her husband and also of Irish extraction. In the early part of the present century, Mr. Park's parents moved to Kentucky, where they remained for a time, moving from thence to Ohio, where their son John W. was born.

His father was a farmer, and his childhood and youth were passed on his father's farm. He enjoyed moderate advantages. When nineteen years of age his parents changed their residence from Clark to Union county, and finally to Ottawa county. He was married March 17th, 1844, to Miss Caroline STREETER, daughter of Solmon and Sallie (ARNOLD) STREETER, who were both natives of New Hampshire. By this union they have had eleven children, in the following order of their births: Elizabeth Ann, an accouut of whose untimely and tragic death may be seen by referring to the history of Mahomet township; Mary J., who married William H. PAISLEY; William W., James S., Clarissa I., Caroline C., now the wife of B. F. PIPPIN; Abraham Lincoln, Hugh V. and David Grant who died in infancy.

In 1863 Mr. Park determined to change his place of residence, and located on his present farm a short distance south of Mahomet, and pleasantly situated on the banks of the Sangamon river, where he is profitably engaged in his favorite occupation of farming. In early life Mr. Park was a. Whig, but since the organization of the Republican party, he has been an earnest advocate of its principles and policy. He never held or sought office, but has confined his entire attention to his legitimate business. He was a great admirer of Mr. Lincoln, whose policy he strongly endorsed during the Rebellion.

He is another of those self-reliant men who commenced life without means, and by a life of uniform industry, economy and sobriety, secure a competency. Men whose example is worthy of emulation, and whose footsteps, if followed will surely bring the seeker pleasure, honor and profit. Mr. Park is recognized as one of the best citizens of his township.