JOHN LANCASTER
John Lancaster (deceased) was born in Boone County, Ky., March 18. 1826, and came with his parents to Tazewell County three years later. Here he received his education in the public schools, remaining on his father’s farm until twentyone years old, when he began working for himself. In 1850 he bought 160 acres of land in Section 33, Hittle Township, for which he paid $1.00 an acre. He gradually added to his original purchase until he became the owner of 280 acres of land in Sections 32 and 33 in Little Mackinaw Township, on which he resided for the remainder of his life. Politically Mr. Lancaster was a Democrat and held the positions of School Director and Constable of Little Mackinaw. His farm was furnished with all modern improvements, including telephone service and mail delivery.
Mr. Lancaster’s first wife was Miss Alvira Hainline, to whom he was married in Hittle Township. August 1, 1847, and of this union one child, Hannah, was born. His wife, who was the daughter of Henry and Nancy (Darnell) Hainline, was born in Hittle Township in 1829. Her father was a native of Kentucky and came to Hittle Township in 1827, where he was engaged in farming until his death. Mr. Lancaster’s second wife was Miss Rebecca Attbery, daughter of Hiram and Luvica Attbery, born in Logan County, Ill., April 3, 1835. Her father was born in Kentucky, but after coming to Logan County. Ill. spent there the remainder of his life. Twelve children were born of this second marriage, of whom eight are living, namely: Eva, Amanda, Joanna, William, John, Thomas, Elvira and James.
On the paternal side the grandparents of Mr. Lancaster were Henry Lancaster and wife, while his mother’s parents were Richard and Elizabeth (Burt) Burt, both of whom were born in Boone County, Ky. His parents were Joseph and Hannah (Burt) Lancaster, who were also natives of Boone County Ky. The father moved with his family to Illinois, traveling all the way by wagon, and first settled in Hittle Grove, Hittle Township, in 1826. Here he entered land and lived for a while, and then moved about three miles south, where he remained until his death. He was at one time a preacher in the Baptist Church.
John Lancaster, the subject of this sketch, died July 19, 1903, at his home in Hittle, Mackinaw Township.
Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Tazewell County - page 1037