My Genealogy Hound

CRENSHAW, THEOPHILUS, farmer, Sec. 18, P. O. Lima, whose portrait appears in this work, was born in Jefferson county, Ill., March 16, 1815; received his early education in the schools of his native county. In 1827 he moved to Adams county, making him today one of the very oldest citizens of the county. He was married in 1840 to Miss Martha Martin, a native of White county, Ill. They have had seven children, two of whom, both daughters, are still living. He learned the blacksmiths’ trade and worked at it for several years. In 1845 he purchased and began improving the beautiful farm on which he now resides. In 1846 he started a shop in Lima, and finally a hotel, which is still known as the Lima House. In 1832 he volunteered for the Black Hawk War, and served until its close, and was mustered out at Macomb, the county seat of McDonough county, Ill. In 1845 he was called into active service again on account of the Mormon troubles at Nauvoo, Ill., and served until its close. He is Democratic in politics and a member of the M. E. church South, and is now one of the most prosperous and well-to-do farmers of the township. He began life in very moderate circumstances. He has held various local offices in the township.