**************************************************************************** File contributed to the McLean County ILGenWeb Project Copyright 1997 to present, all rights reserved. These electronic pages cannot be reproduced in any format without the written consent of the author, ilmcleanvcc@gmail.com. **************************************************************************** Contributed by: McLean Co. Coordinator **************************************************************************** JOHN WADE Biography JOHN WADE, farmer, Sec. 30; P.O. Chenoa; and born at Oberlin, Lorain Co., Ohio, Western Reserve, in September, 1840, where he followed agriculture with his father, and, at the age of 14 years, he entered Oberlin College, where he remained two and one-half years, and, at the end of that period, he returned to farming, which he followed until he left home, in the spring of 1861, in which year he enlisted in the 16th Ohio Battery (Capt. James A. MITCHELL commanding), for three years, serving two years in Missouri and the Southwest, under Gen.CURTIS, and participating in all actions under that General. In the spring of 1863, he returned from the army, and, after a trip to England, returned to this country, and, in the spring of 1864, went to McLean County, Ill., when he settled upon Sec. 19, where he had formerly purchased eighty acres. From Sec. 19, he removed to Sec. 30, Yates Township, and purchased 160 acres, all of which he has placed under a high state of cultivation, and said to be as well-improved as any farm in Yates. Mr. Wade's land is all underdrained, and valued at $40 an acre. He contemplates further improvements in the way of a new dwelling, barn, etc. He also uses the best agricultural implements, and believes in improvements in every way. In 1863, he married Miss Susan SQUIRE, born at Oberlin, Lorain Co., Ohio. They had three children - Lydia, Eddy and Emma. Mrs. Wade died Aug. 9, 1871. Mr. Wade was married March 19, 1874, to Miss Mary LEWIS, who was born near Washington, Tazewell Co., Ill., in the year 1840. He dates his descent from the Pilgrim Father, who landed at Plymouth Rock in the winter of 1620, and bears the sturdy, large-hearted characteristics of that race. He is a thorough farmer, and works his farm upon true scientific principles, resulting in a high state of improvement thereof.