My Genealogy Hound

JAMES M. PILLERS, one of the native sons of Randolph County, has since 1886 engaged in dealing in live-stock in Steeleville, where he at present makes his home. He is a man of good business ability, energetic and enterprising, and his well directed efforts have won him a fair degree of success. The record of his life is as follows:

Mr. Pillers was born March 2, 1854, and is the eldest child of P. W. and Jane M. (Wilson) Pillers, both of whom were also natives of Randolph County, being representatives of pioneer families of this community. Both the Pillers and Wilson families originated in Ireland. The father of our subject was a prosperous farmer of Randolph County, and followed agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred on the 7th of April, 1886, His widow still survives him, and is yet living on the old homestead. They were both worthy and highly respected citizens of this community, and bore a prominent part in the work of upbuilding and development.

The subject of this sketch attended the district schools of the neighborhood until twelve years of age, after which his mother taught him at home for a time. Later he spent the winter reasons in the school room until eighteen years of age, while through the summer months he aided in the labors of the farm. At that time he entered the Sparta High School, which he attended for eight and a-half months, when he was quarantined for forty days on account of small-pox near his home. He then returned to the farm, where he worked for some time, operating the old homestead in his own interest. He successfully carried on agricultural pursuits until 1878, in which year he removed to Blair, Ill., where he engaged in dealing in livestock for eight years, when, in 1886, he came to Steeleville, and has since engaged in the same line of business. In 1893 he purchased a hotel here, and is now the genial and popular landlord of the Pillers House.

On the 14th of June, 1875, Mr. Pillers was united in marriage with Miss Emma M. Garven, a daughter of George and Eliza M. (Gordon) Garven. Her father’s family was of Scotch lineage, and her mothers’ of Irish origin. Mrs. Pillers is a native of Randolph County, and is a member of the Presbyterian Church. By their union were born three children, George W., James M. and Rose Gertrude, and the family circle yet remains unbroken. The two sons are attending school.

Mr. Pillers is a member of Alma Lodge No. 497, A. F. & A. M., of Steeleville, and three months after his initiation into the same he was elected to office, and has since continued to serve in some official position. He has held every office except that of Master, which he resolutely refused to accept. In politics he is a stalwart Republican, has served as Village Trustee, and is now Police Magistrate and a member of the School Board. He is ever prompt and faithful in the discharge of his public duties, thus proving a capable officer. He lives a quiet unassuming life, but is admired and respected by all who know him for his many excellencies of character and his sterling worth. He is indeed a worthy representative of one of the honored pioneer families of his native county. The grandfather, John Pillers, served in the Black Hawk War as Major.