ALEXANDER GILES
Alexander Giles was born in New Jersey July 5. 1824, and received his education in the public schools of that state. He worked on the farm for his father until two years after his marriage, when he himself purchased a farm which he conducted for about twelve years. Selling his property he moved to Tazewell County, where he bought 210 acres of land, making this tract his homestead for fifteen years, when he located in Delavan Township and there became proprietor of 320 acres two and three-quarters miles southwest of the city. Here he engaged in argriculture in 1873, remaining on the homestead until 1880, when he retired from active farming and took up his residence in Delavan, where he has since lived. He has gradually added to his possessions in Delavan Township until now he is the proprietor of 700 acres of land.
Mr. Giles is a Baptist, in religious faith, and was a trustee in his church for ten years. In politics he is a Republican, and held the office of School Director for nine years.
Mr. Giles’ first marriage occurred at Plainfield, N. J., January 18, 1846, when he was united to Miss Rosanna M. Brokaw, who was born September 12, 1824. They had nine children, six of whom are living: Margaretta A., Manning S., M. Augusta, Alexander, Jr., Eliza and Elmer E, Mrs. Giles died in Delavan January 9, 1902.
On November 3, 1903, he was married at Amboy, Ill., to Mrs. Fidelia Miller, who was born at Terra Haute, Ind., November 21, 1832. Besides his farms in Delavan Township, Mr. Giles owns four houses and lots in Delavan, 200 acres near Atlanta, Ill., and 317 acres in Pike County, Ill. His paternal grandfather, Ebenezer Giles, and his maternal grandfather, John Clawson, were both natives of New Jersey. The parents of our subject, Benjamin E. and Mary (Clawson) Giles, were also born in New Jersey, the former in 1777 and the latter, in 1792.
Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Tazewell County - page 1007