McDonough ILGenWeb

BEGHTOL, William, who formerly carried on farming on an extensive scale in Eldorado Township, McDonough County, Ill., but is now living a retired life in Industry, Ill., was born in Bullitt County. Ky., August 24, 1829. He is a son of Abraham and Sarah (Pohon) Beghtol. The grandparents were Henry and Elizabeth (Horine) Beghtol and William and Elizabeth (King) Pohon, of whom the maternal grandfather was of English birth. The subject of this sketch came to Schuyler County, Ill., in 1853, and worked there one year on a farm. He came thence to McDonough County and bought 160 acres of land in Eldorado Township, where he lived from 1854 to 1873. In the last named year he went to Rocky Ford, Bent County, Colo., and became associated in business with his brother-in-law, George W. Swink. In 1876 he sold out his interest in this concern and returned to the home place in McDonough County. There he lived until May, 1897, when he retired from farming, moved to the town of Industry and purchased a residence, which he now occupies. He is the owner of 680 acres of land, comprising three farms in Eldorado Township, one in Industry Township, and one in Bethel Township. On April 25, 1854, Mr. Beghtol was united in marriage with Martha J. Swink, who was born and schooled in Breckenridge County, Ky., and their union resulted in the following children: Ballard, of Dodge City, Kan.; Maria (Mrs. Meaton), George W., Alice, Abigail (Mrs. Miller), and Samuel E. (all of McDonough County), and Ulysses G. and Anna, both of whom died in infancy. In politics Mr. Beghtol is an Independent. He has been one of the most enterprising, energetic and successful farmers of McDonough County and now, in the prime of life, is enabled to rest in the enjoyment of the fruits of his vigorous endeavors.

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Source: The Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of McDonough County, compiled by Dr. Newton Bateman, and Paul Shelby, 1907, volume 2, page 824, extracted 19 Nov 2018 by Norma Hass.