My Genealogy Hound

FREDERICK RAZOR, farmer, Sec. 25; P. O. Le Roy; is one of the old settlers; born in Owen Co., Ky., Jan. 30, 1827; at 19 years of age, he engaged in farming and working by the month, which occupation he followed until he emigrated to Illinois, in 1856. He first purchased 101 acres at Randolph Grove, upon which he lived until 1867, when he sold out and purchased 160 acres of his present place, where he has since lived. He now owns 300 acres of land, with good farm buildings. His marriage with Minerva Dyke was celebrated Aug. 4, 1845; she was born in Clark Co., Ky., Jan. 3, 1827. They have twelve children now living — Lurinda, born Aug. 7, 1846; Sarah J., Aug. 10, 1848; Julia A., April 4, 1850; James William, Sept. 13, 1851; Charles, April 3, 1853; Henry, Nov. 29, 1854; Alva, Dec. 4, 1856; John B., April 21, 1858; Belle, Dec. 29, 1861; George, Oct. 2, 1863; Jacob, Oct. 3, 1865, and Katie, Jan. 26, 1872. Upon the marriage of Mr. Razor, he had no capital save a strong arm and willing hand. He commenced housekeeping in an old deserted log cabin, with nothing but a straw bed and a few dishes. They made use of an old box for table and cupboard; for chairs, he made use of stools of his own make. He rented land, and for a portion he paid $4 per acre rent. He had neither money nor tools, and was obliged to obtain their provisions upon credit. After two years of toil and privations Mr. and Mrs. R., when they had obtained some few things of household furniture, they lost their all by fire. Commencing in life again, with renewed energy, they have labored together for upward of thirty-four years; they have raised a large family of children, of whom all are now living, their family circle having never been broken by death. Mr. R. is now considered one of the large land-holders, and among the most prosperous farmers of Downs Township. His struggles against poverty and his perseverance to accomplish what he has attained are well worthy of imitation by the young men of the present day.