My Genealogy Hound

JAMES M. TEMPLE, one of the most intelligent and popular farmers of Randolph County, resides in township 5, range 6. He is a son of Robert Temple, who was born in Allegheny County, Pa., in 1813. His father, John Temple, was a native of Scotland, and during the Revolutionary War came to America as a British officer, but later he left that service and joined the Colonial army. After the war he located in Allegheny County, Pa., where he followed farming until his death, although he was a weaver by trade. He belonged to the Covenanter Church.

Robert Temple continued in his native county until 1855, when he emigrated to Randolph County, Ill., and settled three miles southwest of Sparta. Later he removed to the farm upon which our subject now resides, and continued its cultivation until his death. He married Rebecca Gregory, a native of Pennsylvania, whose parents were born in Ireland. To them were born nine children: William, who wedded Mary Cashdollar, a mechanic of Houston, Ill.; Elizabeth, wife of Andrew McLean, a farmer of this county, by whom she has six children; Martha, who became the wife of James McLean, and after his death married William Gregg, of Nebraska, by whom she has two children; Samuel, a furniture dealer of Missouri, who married Julia Sappington; John, who married Amanda Wallace, and died leaving three children; James, of this sketch; Robert, deceased; Joseph M., a merchant of Rolla, Mo., who married Fanny Whittum, by whom he has seven children, and Charles E., also of Rolla, Mo. The father of this family was a Democrat in early life, but afterward became a Republican, and took a very active interest in political affairs. He held membership with the United Presbyterian Church, in which he served as Trustee, and lived an honorable, upright life, which won him the confidence and regard of all. His wife, a most estimable lady, passed away in 1872.

James M. Temple was born in Allegheny County, Pa., October 31, 1840, and there made his home until 1855. He continued under the parental roof until 1863, when he went to the front in defense of the Union, as a member of Company K, One Hundred and Forty-second Illinois Infantry, serving under Captain Childs and Colonal Anchony, of Chicago. In that city he was discharged December 15, 1864. Immediately afterward he returned home, where he remained for a year, and then spent three years and a-half in driving a stage between Sparta and St. Louis. At the expiration of that period he purchased his present farm, which comprises one hundred and twenty-six and a-half acres of good land.

The marriage of Mr. Temple and Rosanna Sappington, a native of Madison County, Ill., was celebrated August 31, 1869. She is a daughter of Anderson and Fannie (Pipkin) Sappington, the former a native of Missouri, and the latter of Tennessee. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Temple have been born seven children: Robert A., who married Ada Moore, by whom he has a daughter, Lula E.; Lillie A., wife of Lyman Morrison; Jessie M., Rosalie, P. Roscoe, Bertha D. and Daisy W.

Mr. Temple started out in life empty-handed, but is now in comfortable circumstances, and in addition to his farm he owns an interest in a creamery. His success is well deserved, for it is the reward of his own labor. He has served as President of the Mutual Insurance Company. In politics he is an independent Prohibitionist, and was the candidate for State Senator on that ticket. Socially, he is connected with the Grand Army of the Republic. Himself, wife and four children hold membership with the United Presbyterian Church of Sparta. For twenty-one years he served as an Elder in the United Presbyterian Church, and has ever been a leading and faithful worker for religious causes. He was true to his country in her hour of peril, and his fidelity and faithfulness are alike shown in times of peace by his earnest efforts to promote the public welfare.