My Genealogy Hound

ALFRED C. GANT, a son of a well known, highly respected pioneer, Alfred Gant, Sr., and a native of Boone County, Ky., is a most progressive and popular citizen, and is an intelligent, genial young man. He is prominently identified with the farming interests of township 6, range 7, Randolph County, where he is ably managing his extensive agricultural interests on his father’s finely improved farm on section 14, which the latter purchased in his early manhood, and developed by hard and persistent labor into one of the choicest estates in this locality.

The father of our subject was born in 1820, and when a child of four years was brought by his parents to Randolph County, settling on a farm within one mile of the present home estate. Alfred, Sr., had to go a distance of three miles to school, and notwithstanding the long journey, attended very regularly. He improved this opportunity until he became grown, when he gave his entire time to helping his father. After his marriage he started out for himself, and by his industry and economy became possessed of an abundance of property, which included fifteen hundred acres of as fine land as is to be found in the county. This he took great pride in cultivating and improving, and it is without doubt the finest in the township.

Alfred Gant, Sr., was married March 19, 1846, to Martha Milligen, whose parents were early settlers in Randolph County, and to their union were born eight children. He was called to the land beyond March 21, 1882, mourned and respected by his many friends and acquaintances. His good wife followed him to the better land May 29, 1893. In politics Mr. Gant was first a Whig, but on the organization of the Republican party was always found ready to support its candidates. He and his good wife were both devoted members of the Methodist Church.

The subject of this notice, who was born on his present farm, April 25, 1868, obtained a primary education in the district schools, and assisted his father in the farm work until reaching his eighteenth year. At this period in his life he entered the school at Lebanon, Ohio, and was a faithful student there for seven months. He again returned to the farm and continued his agricultural pursuits. Young Gant then made two trips through the west on prospecting tours, but finally settled down to carry on his chosen vocation. He is looked upon as one of the leading young farmers in southern Illinois, and has reason to be proud of his fine possession, which was left him on the death of his father.

October 13, 1892, our subject was united in marriage with Mollie E. Crisler, a daughter of Fletcher and Mary (Harmon) Crisler, both natives of Randolph County. Our subject was formerly a member of the Knights of Pythias at Chester, and is a stanch Democrat in his political affiliations.