McDonough ILGenWeb

REXROAT, Granville R., a prominent and highly esteemed citizen of Macomb, Ill., and for many years a prosperous farmer in Scotland Township, was born in Russell County, Ky., October 11, 1839, a son of Peter and Mournen (Hopper) Rexroat, who were born, respectively, in Philadelphia, Pa., and Richmond, Va. The grandfather, Adam Rexroat, was a native of Germany. Granville R. Rexroat received his education in the public schools of Illinois and Iowa. He came to Morgan County, Ill., with his parents, where they remained eighteen months. The family then removed to the vicinity of Burlington, Ia., where they spent five years. In 1853 they came to Scotland Township, McDonough County, where the father bought a farm. The subject of this sketch lived with his parents there until his marriage, when he purchased a farm in Scotland Township. The father died in 1875, the mother having passed away in 1873. Mr. Rexroat continued to live on the place, engaged in general farming and stock-raising. The farm at first consisted of about 300 acres which has been increased to 380 acres, 100 acres of which lie in New Salem Township. When Mr. Rexroat gave up active work, he bought a residence on South McArthur Street, Macomb, where he now lives in retirement. Although keeping aloof from business endeavors, he has not lost his interest in public affairs, in regard to which he is well informed, and whatever tends to promote the welfare of the community receives his careful consideration and ready support.

Mr. Rexroat was married in September, 1865, to Mary A. Baldock, who was born in Casey County, Ky., and educated in the public schools of Illinois and Missouri. Ten children have blessed this union, namely: Verinda, Alice M., Hettie V., Eliza A., Minnie, Della, James, Everett, Herman and Harry. Mrs. Rexroat's parents were John P. and Patsie (Riggins) Baldock, natives of Kentucky. Her grandparents on the paternal and maternal sides were William and Sarah (Pinix) Baldock, and David and Polly Riggins, who were also born in that State. Mr. Rexroat is a Republican in politics, has held the office of Assessor of Scotland Township, and served as School Director there from the time of his marriage until his removal to Macomb. He is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

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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, pages 987-988, extracted 29 May 2020 by Norma Hass.