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JAMES E. WIKOFF Biography


JAMES E WIKOFF, farmer, deceased; P.O. Chenoa. Among the many self-made men of McLean Co., who have risen 
to eminence in the affairs of their own township by their enterprise, intelligence and integrity, and who 
take rank among the best in their sphere, was James E. Wikoff, who was born in Adams Co., Ohio, in 1828, 
where he followed farming, with the exception of four years previous to his leaving Adams Co., during which 
period he was superintendent of his brother's saw-mill. In 1854, he left Adams Co., and went directly to 
McLean Co., Ill., settling upon Sec. 33, Yates Township, where he entered 200 acres of land, and bought (in Sec. 32) 
forty acres, all of which, except forty acres of pasture, is under cultivation. During the war, he was elected a 
Justice of the Peace, holding that office for several years. He was also elected Supervisor of Yates Township, 
holding office several terms. At the time of the organization of the township, he was elected School Trustee, 
and held that office until the date of his death, Aug. 23, 1878. He was a prominent and respected citizen of McLean Co., 
and leaves a large circle of friends, who sincerely mourn their loss. On July 20, 1854, Mr. Wikoff married Miss Phoebe HOLDERNESS, 
who was born march 25, 1838, at New Marion, Ind., but was raised in Adams Co., Ohio, to which place she went with her husband, 
the year of their marriage. There are four children living - Orra, Sarah E., Hattie and James Grant. Mrs. Wikoff lives upon 
and conducts her late husband's farm, assisted by her sons, Orra and James. Their farm and residence is located on Sec. 33, 
with the exception of eighty acres on Sec. 32, and eighty acres in Sec. 10.