My Genealogy Hound

JOHN G. HOY, who carries on general farming near Red Bud, Randolph County, where he owns and operates forty acres of good land, was born on Rails Ridge in 1848. His father, Bartholomew Hoy, was a native of Ireland. He came to this country, and having arrived at years of maturity married Julia Whalen, a native of Maryland. They became the parents of eight children, namely: Thomas, a resident of Red Bud; James M., of New Mexico; Mary; Bridget, deceased; Patrick, of California; Agnes, wife of William Jakle, of St. Louis; John G., and Isabella, wife of James Roscow, of Red Bud.

The father of this family emigrated to Randolph County in 1832, locating in Prairie du Rocher, where he engaged in merchandising for two years. He then sold out and came to this locality, where he purchased a half-section of land which he fenced and improved, transforming it into richly cultivated fields. He was a consistent member of the Catholic Church, and in politics was a Republican. In his business he was sagacious and farsighted and won success. His death occurred about 1870.

Mr. Hoy whose name heads this sketch was reared to manhood on Rails Ridge, and the greater part of his life has there been passed. In his youth he became familiar with the duties of farm life, and to agricultural pursuits he yet devotes his energies. His fields are well tilled, and the neat and thrifty appearance of the place indicates the careful supervision of the owner. He manages the Rail farm of three hundred and forty acres, and also engages in raising sheep, cattle and horses, making a specialty of Holstein cattle.

In 1880 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Hoy and Miss Mary A., daughter of T. Leo Mudd, whose people were the very earliest settlers of the county. Six children have been born of their union, namely: Julia M., Agnes A., T. James, Clara, Patrick A. and John B. Mr. Hoy and his family are members of the Catholic Church and contribute liberally to its support. In politics he is a stanch Democrat and warmly advocates the principles of his party. For four years he has served as Justice of the Peace, proving a capable and efficient officer. His life has been a busy and useful one, devoted almost entirely to farm labor.