George Otis Withrow

As printed in 1910

GEORGE OTIS WITHROW.

George Otis Withrow, a farmer who has engaged extensively in raising, feeding and shipping stock, lives at what is known as Valley Farm, on section 1, Hanna township, and owns one hundred and sixty acres in addition on section 2. He was born November 4, 1870, in Phenix township, in the old brick house which was erected by his father, J. W. Withrow, whose sketch appears in another part of this volume. He was only six months old when his parents removed to the place which is now his home. Here he grew to manhood, receiving a fair education in the public schools. Until he attained his majority he worked on the farm for his father, but when twenty-one years of age he assumed charge of a part of his father's land. For about a year after his marriage, which occurred in 1892, he lived in a Httle frame house on that part of the homestead and then removed to the main farm, which he managed until the fall of 1900. Then he bought the one hundred and sixty acres he now owns on section 2, Hanna township, and for six years made it his place of residence. During that period he made a number of important improvements, such as in 1901 building a fine barn and a little later putting up a corn crib, and doing other things of like character. In 1906 he returned to the home place, where he has since resided. Here he follows general farming but has given his attention particularly to the stock business, in which he has been very successful, shipping many head of fine cattle to market annually.

On the 2ist of September, 1892, in Phenix township, Mr. Withrow was united in marriage to Miss Florence May Fuller, a native of Hanna township, and a daughter of T. Dexter and Josephine (Mann) Fuller. Five children have been born to them: Otis Dexter, Ethel Arvilla May, Charles Raymond, John Wesley and Albert Mann. The last did not survive the period of infancy.

Mr. Withrow is a republican in his political views, and has played no inconsiderable part in local affairs, for not only has he held several offices within the gift of the people, but while he has been a public servant numerous changes of moment have been inaugurated. After having served as road commissioner for one term he was made supervisor of the township. During his term the board employed an accountant to go over the county books, which led to the installation of a new system of accounts, for though no intentional fraud was discovered there were several discrepancies and inaccuracies. While supervisor, Mr. Withrow was also a member of the educational commission and advocated the installation of a heating plant which his brother vigorously opposed. Upon the expiration of his term as supervisor he was appointed road commissioner, a position he holds to the present. In camp No. 40, M. W. A., Mr. Withrow finds relaxation from his daily cares in the congenial society of his friends, and in the Methodist Episcopal church, in which both he and his wife were reared, he finds the necessary spiritual guidance. A successful farmer and stockman, he is also a loyal friend and a good citizen, who enjoys the respect of his fellowmen.

As printed in History of Henry County, Illinois (1910). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.