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Below is a family biography included in The Portrait and Biographical Record of Randolph, Jackson, Perry and Monroe Counties, Illinois published by Biographical Publishing Co. in 1894.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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ISAAC R. PINKERTON. It has been often said that invincible determination will accomplish any desired result and already are the effects of its constant exercise visible in the life of this gentleman, who, although one of the youngest agriculturists in township 7, has won a respected position for himself in the community by reason of his industry, perseverance and genial nature. He is a fine type of the native born citizens of Randolph County, and has good reason to look forward to a bright and honored future.

Our subject was born in the Mill Creek Settlement, October 27, 1854, and is the son of David Pinkerton, who came from Pennsylvania in an early day and located in the above place. The father was a farmer by occupation, and also worked for some time at his trade of a carpenter. The maiden name of our subject’s mother was Sarah Rust. She was the daughter of Isaac and Annis D. (Cochran) Rust, who were early pioneers of this county, and at the time of locating here purchased land from the Government.

Isaac R., of this sketch, received his early education in the district school near his home, and although his advantages were not of the best, he improved his spare moments, and has become one of the well posted men of this section. Being the eldest in the parental family of six children, he was obliged to take the lead in farm work, and when quite young, plowed land with a double team. He remained at home assisting his father in cultivating the old homestead until reaching his eighteenth year, when he hired out for a twelvemonth, and at the expiration of that time began farming on his own account, which has since been his life work. He gives his time to raising hay and grain, and is also a breeder of fine stock.

Miss Harriet, daughter of Archibald and Theodora (Tilden) Gilchrist, became the wife of our subject in 1879. The parents of Mrs. Pinkerton were among the earliest settlers of this county, and her father, who was a descendant of Scotch parents, served as a soldier in the late Civil War, and died from the effects of disease contracted while in the army.

To Mr. and Mrs. Isaac R. Pinkerton have been born four children: Lelia, Jessie, and Isaac Glenn and Sarah Eunice, twins. They are all being given the best advantages for obtaining an education. A Republican in his political opinions, Mr. Pinkerton has been elected upon the ticket of his chosen party to numerous positions of responsibility and trust. He has held the office of Constable and was Road Supervisor for one year. He was a strong advocate of public schools, and as Director has done much to promote the standard of scholarship in his neighborhood. He has also rendered efficient service as School Trustee for a period of nine years, and is known for his sturdy championship of every measure calculated to benefit the community, and has always been progressive, fearless and honest.

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This family biography is one of 679 biographies included in The Portrait and Biographical Record of Randolph, Jackson, Perry and Monroe Counties, Illinois published in 1894.  View the complete description here: The Portrait and Biographical Record of Randolph, Jackson, Perry and Monroe Counties, Illinois

View additional Randolph County, Illinois family biographies here: Randolph County, Illinois Biographies

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