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J. A. ESPY Biography - Anchor Township


J. A. ESPY, farmer and stock-raiser; P.O. Garda; was born in Pennsylvania July 6, 1829; he remined 
in Pennsylvania, working on a farm, until 20 years old, at which time he moved to Peoria, Ill., 
engaging with his brother in the boot and shoe business for four years; he then moved to Tazewell Co., 
engaging in farming for one year; from there to Peoria Co., farming there for fourteen years; from there 
he located on his present farm, in Anchor Township, of eighty acres, which he earned entirely by his own 
labor and management. He was married the first time to Martha FRY, a native of Pennsylvania, Feb. 2, 1855; 
there were six children by this union - Mary E., Iabella F., Winfield S., William E., David E., and Charles E. 
His second marriage occurred Oct. 4, 1871; two children were the fruit of this union. He has been Pathmaster and 
connected with the schools as Director. He has followed chair-making and painting; was agent for State map of 
Pennsylvania and one of North America and Europe; was also agent for a book entitled "Beyond the Mississippi."