Captain Andrew W. Scogin of McLean County Illinois.

Captain Andrew W Scogin of Bloomington Township, whose portrait we give on a preceding page, owns and occupies a finely improved farm estate of 340 acres of well improved land, pleasantly located on section 18. He is carrying on the business of a general farmer, and in the management of large and important interests is meeting with success.

Capt. Scogin is a native of Hamilton County, Ohio, and was born on the 25^th of March, 1823. His father, Joel A.O. Scogin was a native of the same State, and of excellent Scottish and Welsh descent. The mother, formerly Miss Hester Wakefield, was a native of the same State as her husband, whom she survived several years, removed to McLean County, Ill, and died in about 1875, at the advanced age of eighty-three years. Her husband was cut down in the prime of live, and died in his native State and county.

The subject of our sketch was one of the elder children born to his parents and remained in his native county until he arrived at the age of fourteen years. He then sought the more western country in company with his uncle, Joseph Wakefield, and they came to McLean County, Ill., settling in Randolph Township, and the young Scogin remained with uncle until his marriage. This interesting event occurred on the 26^th of November, 1844, the maiden of his choice being Miss Elizabeth Karr, daughter of Thomas J. and Elizabeth (Kitchell) Karr, natives of New Jersey, the father a farmer by occupation. The young wife lived only a short time after the birth of her first child, her decease occurring Oct 13, 1845. The child also dies while young.

Mr. Scogin was the second time married, Jan. 18, 1847, in Bloomington Township, to Miss Eliza Low, who was a native of Licking County, Ohio, and born Aug 29, 1829. She became the mother of seven children, one of whom is now deceased, and died at her home in Bloomington Township on the 15^th of November 1863. The children are recorded as follows: Lee, the eldest born, married Miss Nettie Custer of DeWitt County, Ill., and he is now carrying on farming operations in Dale Township; Jay B. is a farmer and carpenter, residing in Bloomington Township; hw was married to Mrs. Victoria (Grow) Brown, a Kentucky lady. John N., of Bloomington is employed at graying; he was married to Miss Nannie Kinzel, a native of this county. Frank, a farmer, is unmarried and resides at home; Hattie because the wife of Olid Lash, of Dale Township, and is now living with her father; Joseph W. is engaged in farming on the old homestead. These children constitute a fine family, have received a good education, and are all more than ordinarily bright and intelligent.

While yet a young man, Mr. Scogin had severed a thorough apprenticeship at the carpenter trade, at which he was engaged until after his second marriage, since which time he has been successfully engaged in farming pursuits. The homestead is finely located, and in all its appointments is well fitted for the operations of a first-class agriculturist. The soil products all kinds of cereals for the local market, and there is a sufficient amount of timber for the ordinary uses of the farm. Mr. S. owns valuable farm machinery of the latest improved pattern, and his barns and out-buildings are conveniently arranged for the storing of grain and the shelter of stock.

The mother of the family and two of her songs, Jay B., and Joseph, are devoted members of the Christian Church, and the entire family is a marked degree enjoys the confidence and esteem of the community. Mr. S. is Democratic in politics, and has taken a lively interest in the principles which he advocates and believes in. Some years since he was seriously affected by a stroke of paralysis, which greatly interfered which his former busy and energetic life.

During the progress of the late Civil War, Mr. Scogin assisted to organize a company of three months' men and was elected Captain. After they had reached Springfield they were pressed for six months' service or more, but owing to the urgency of business matters at home, some of the company, who had arranged their affairs for three months' absence and not for six, concluded to return home, and did so, with the credit of having the will and desire to serve their county to the best of their ability.