My Genealogy Hound

THOMAS BROCKLESBY. The vast agricultural resources of the United States enables thousands of men to gain a competence by tilling the soil. Randolph County is not without her share of these enterprising workers, and among those in township 6, range 5, who occupy excellent estates is the gentleman above named, who is numbered among the successful men of the county. His property is well improved with substantial buildings, modern farm machinery and good fencing, and the owner raises all the cereals for which this portion of the country is adapted.

Born in Lancashire, England, in March, 1832, our subject is the youngest child of John and Ann Brocklesby, both of whom died in England. Thomas attended school in his native country, and in his youth, being obliged to support himself, he worked at anything he could find to do. At the age of nineteen, having determined to seek a home in the New World, he sailed for America, and at once after landing came to Illinois. Arriving in Randolph County, he located upon the farm where he has since resided. For one year he worked for a farmer in this county, and then undertaking agricultural pursuits for himself, soon achieved success. His estate is pleasantly located within a mile of the city of Steeleville, and its admirable location, as well as the fertility of the soil, renders the property very valuable.

The marriage of Mr. Brocklesby occurred in 1852, and united him with Miss Mary A., daughter of John and Mary (Scott) Stevenson. The father passed away in England, and the mother afterward emigrated to the United States, and resided in Illinois until her death. The greatest sorrow that has come to the wedded life of Mr. Brocklesby and his wife is the loss of their five children, of whom they have been bereaved by death. They are highly esteemed by the people of the community, and justly merit the esteem in which they are held. As a member of the Democratic party Mr. Brocklesby takes an intelligent interest in the welfare of the people and the development and progress of this section of the state. He is, however, disinclined to accept public positions, preferring the tranquility of domestic life to the excitement of an official career. He has given his attention to the improvement and cultivation of his farm, and has the satisfaction of knowing that the property of which he is now the owner has been earned by his own indefatigable and honorable efforts.