Fred VINCENT, who for many years conducted the "village smithy" but since 1901 has lived retired, was born in Somersetshire, England, June 16, 1831, his parents being Richard and Elizabeth VINCENT, who were also natives of that country. The father was born in Devonshire and became a successful farmer. He died in 1855 when seventy-two years of age, while his wife passed away in 1841. She was a member of the Episcopalian church. In the family were five children: Eliza, Henry and John, all of whom are residents of England; and Edward and Fred, in the new world.
Mr. VINCENT of this review acquired his education in the schools of his native country and at the age of eighteen years came alone to the United States, landing at New York. He worked at various places in the southern part of New York state as a blacksmith and came to Illinois on the 17th of March, 1856, locating at Sparland. During the first year he built a house and shop here and he continued to follow his trade until 1901, when he retired. He was accorded a liberal patronage because of his good workmanship and was a leading representative of the industrial life of the town, well known to all of its citizens as a man of business activity and integrity.
Mr. VINCENT was married February 1, 1855, to Miss Sarah Adeline EDLAND, who was born March 17, 1840, at West Farms, now a part of New York city, about sixteen miles from the city hall. Her parents were Charles and Elizabeth EDLAND, both of whom died in the Empire state. Unto Mr. and Mrs. VINCENT have been born the following named : Anna Louise, who was born in the state of New York in a district now comprised within the city limits of New York city and who died in Sparland, February 17, 1880; Ed, who is engaged in railroading and lives in Butte, Montana; Fred, who is employed in a wholesale grocery store in Chicago; Tom, who is in the employ of a large contractor in Peru, Illinois, acting as boss of the work; Florence Ida; Anna, who was born February 4, 1856, and died February 17, 1880; Edwin F., born February 13, 1858; Florence, who was born October 9, 1859, and died November 18, 1883; Frederick Oliver, born January 13, 1862; and Thomas- Sherman, born May 28, 1865.
Mr. VINCENT exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the democracy, and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have frequently called him to office. He has served as town clerk for seven years, has been collector and school treasurer. He is now president of the town board and is supervisor of Steuben township. In community interests he takes a most helpful and active part and his labors have been far-reaching and beneficial. His wife is a member of the Episcopal church and they are most highly esteemed people. Mr. VINCENT has now passed the seventy-fifth milestone on life's journey but in spirit and interest seems yet in his prime. The careful husbanding of his resources in former years now enables him to live retired from business cares and his time - is largely occupied with his official duties, which are discharged with promptness and fidelity.
Extracted June 2011 by Norma Hass from
Past and Present of Marshall and Putnam Counties
| Bureau | Putnam | |
| Stark |
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La Salle |
| Peoria | Woodford |
