STRATTON, William R.

William R. STRATTON, a well known resident of Toluca, was born on the 25th of August, 1854, in Richland township, Marshall county, Illinois, and is a worthy representative of one of its honored and highly respected families. His parents, James and Marcia (CHALCRAFT) STRATTON, were both natives of England, the former born in 1820, and the latter in 1826. When children they accompanied their respective parents to America, and both became residents of Indiana, where they met and were married. The paternal grandfather, John STRATTON located near Evansville, where he engaged in farming until his death.

For some time after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. STRATTON continued to reside in the hoosier state, and there two children were born to them, while the birth of our subject occurred the year after their arrival in Marshall county, Illinois. For a few years the father rented land here, and then purchased a tract on section 9, Bennington township, near the present site of Toluca. He became a well-to-do and prosperous farmer, making the most of his opportunities, and in politics was an adherent of republican principles. He has now passed away, but his excellent wife still survives him, making her home near Toluca.

Ten children were born to this worthy couple, nine of whom are still living, namely: Mrs. Ruth A. BALL, now a widow, living west of Toluca, and the mother of four children; James, who died at the age of eight years; William R., of this sketch; David, a resident of Memphis, Missouri, who is married and has four children; Mary E., wife of Marion J. FRENCH, of Evans township, Marshall county, by whom she has three children; Marcia Louisa, wife of Frank L. CARITHERS, of Bennington township, by whom she has three children; Sarah L., wife of J. P. LITCHFIELD, of Toluca, by whom she has two children; Ada Naomi, Wife of R. I. LITCHFIELD; and James L. and Emma M., still at home with their mother.

During his boyhood and youth our subject attended the common schools near his home, and remained under the parental roof until thirty-four years of age. For his faithful service there his father gave him eighty acres of land, on which there was an indebtedness of one thousand dollars. For three years he continued its cultivation and improvement and then removed to Toluca, where he has now made his home for over five years. At first he was employed in a lumber yard.

On the 2d of November, 1887, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. STRATTON and Miss Martha J., daughter of John and Emily LITCHFIELD, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work. Four children have come to bless this union, namely: Arthur, born February 26, 1890; Lucile, born February 5, 1892, and Earl, born February 3, 1894.

Mr. STRATTON has been a strong republican in politics since voting for R. B. Hayes in 1876, but cares nothing for the honors or emoluments of public office. He is a straightforward, honorable citizen, and has made many warm friends throughout the community.

Extracted May 2011 by Norma Hass from The Biographical Record of Bureau, Marshall and Putnam Counties, Illinois, 1896.

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