Biography - Harry M. Rawlings
HARRY M. RAWLINGS. Among the agriculturists of Shelby County who are so
capably carrying on their affairs, both as farmers and citizens, as to be
deserving of representation in a biographical work, may be mentioned Mr.
Rawlings, an esteemed citizen of Ridge Township. His home of one hundred
twenty acres is on section 9, and being well managed, is the source of a
better income than some of much greater extent. It affords a good
maintenance and enables Mr. Rawlings to make some provision for the future,
and as a home, it is comfortable and pleasant. The owner is industrious and
prudent, and care is taken to make the best possible use of the acreage that
he cultivates and to supply it with modern inprovements, such as befit the
home of a cultured and intelligent family.
John Rawlings, father of our subject, was born in Cecil County, Md., in 1817
and upon reaching man's estate was married to Martha E. McMaster, a native
of Maryland. After their marriage the worthy couple located in Guernsey
County, Ohio, in 1856. After a sojourn in that county of nine years, they
came to Shelby County, Ill., in 1865, and located on section 9, Ridge
Township, where their son, our subject, now resides. After improving this
farm and making it their home for a period of sixteen years, they removed to
Pickaway Township, where the father died September 30, 1887. The mother
still survives. Their family comprised eight children, five sons and three
daughters, our subject being the second in order of birth.
The birthplace of our subject was Cecil County, Md., and his natal day
August 10, 1855. He was a mere babe when his parents took him to Ohio, where
he remained until he was ten years old, in the meantime gaining the
rudiments of his education in the district schools. In 1865 he accompanied
his parents to this county, where he has since resided. He has from
childhood been engaged in agricultural pursuits and his thorough knowledge
of agriculture in all its departments has fitted him for an honorable and
successful career. He was married in Ridge Township, February 24, 1885, to
Miss Katie Weakly, daughter of the late Samuel Weakly. For further
information in regard to her parents the reader is referred to the sketch of
Edson B. Weakly. Mrs. Rawlings was born in Ridge Township, September 6,
1861,and is universally esteemed for her noble qualities.
In politics Mr. Rawlings gives his support to the Democratic party;
religiously he and his estimable wife are consistent members of the
Presbyterian Church. His farm is embellished by all buildings necessary for
the shelter of stock and storage of grain, as well as a comfortable
residence, and such arrangements are made for sowing and reaping as show
that the owner possesses progressive ideas and a worthy ambition. He is a
judicious and successful agriculturist and deservedly commands the
confidence of the business community.
Extracted 16 Feb 2019 by Norma Hass from 1891 Portrait and Biographical Record of Shelby and Moultrie Counties Illinois, page 584.
