McDonough ILGenWeb

DETRICK, William A. D., a well-known and substantial citizen, formerly of Good Hope, McDonough County, Ill., is a native of Knox County, Ill., where he was born on August 28, 1860. His parents, Jacob and Rebecca (Sweker) Detrick, were born in Virginia at an early period and settled in Illinois, where the father carried on farming in Knox County for several years. He then moved to McDonough County, locating in Walnut Grove Township, where he purchased eighty acres of land. To this he added from time to time until he became the owner of 200 acres in all. He improved the property and cultivated his land until the time of his death, which occurred in 1905. He was a man of sound judgment, industrious habits and recognized integrity. His wife, who was a woman of excellent qualities, and a careful and considerate mother, passed away in 1898.

In boyhood, William Detrick received his education in the district schools of McDonough County, remaining on the farm with his parents until he reached the age of twenty-one years At that period he applied himself to farming on his own account. He first bought what was called the Hartman place, which he retained for a short time. After disposing of it, he purchased a farm of 104 acres situated in Section 20, Walnut Grove Township, where he carried on farming until 1901. He then moved into the town of Good Hope and bought a comfortable residence. For some time he was engaged in the butchering, restaurant and grocery business, has met with gratifying success in his undertakings, and has acquired sufficient means to be exempt trom care. In May, 1906, he sold his property in Good Hope and purchased a farm of 160 acres in Lee County, Ill., which is to be his future homestead. On October 2, 1883, Mr. Detrick was joined in wedlock in Walnut Grove Township, with Sarah E. Rutledge, who was born in McDonough County, Ill., and departed this life in 1898. Their union resulted in seven children, four of whom are still living, as follows: Lewis, Clyde, Charles and Marvel. On April 3, 1901, Mr. Detrick was again married, wedding for his second wife Mary L. Brown, who was born at Roseville, Warren County, Ill. In politics, Mr. Detrick is a supporter of the Republican party, in the local councils of which he is prominent and influential. He has filled the office of Collector of Walnut Grove Township for two terms, served as Road Commissioner nine years, and acts at present in the capacity of City Marshal of Good Hope, being also a member of the Town Board. He is a man of intelligence, energy and integrity, and is wide awake to the best interests of the community in which he lives.

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Source: The Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of McDonough County, compiled by Dr. Newton Bateman, and Paul Shelby, 1907.