My Genealogy Hound

H. I. DEAL, farmer; P. O. Danvers; was born in Waynesboro, Augusta Co., Va., Oct. 13, 1817. He is the son of John and Ellen (Imboden) Deal. His father was a tanner by trade. Young Deal attended the village schools until 14 years of age. He worked upon the farm owned by his father for the space of four years. At the age of 18, he began the saddler’s trade, and served an apprenticeship of three years in the village of Greenville. He followed his trade about twenty-five years. In the fall of 1849, he came to McLean Co., Ill., and settled on the farm now owned by J. L. Shorthose, purchasing at that time 140 acres of land. In 1851, he sustained an injury in the fracture of his left leg, and was thereby rendered unable to follow farming for some years. He rented his farm for some time, moved to Danvers (then Concord), and again worked at his trade. In 1857, he purchased a stock of dry goods and groceries and engaged in merchandising about two years. He purchased his present farm in 1881, improved it, and moved to it in 1864. He was married Jan. 2, 1841, to Catharine G. Swope, a native of Virginia. Four children have been born to them — John H., Elizabeth M., James H., Ella E. Of these, John H. and Elizabeth M. are deceased. Owns 171 acres, valued at $11,000. Has held the office of Justice of the Peace for a number of years. His finely-improved farm is in perfect keeping with those of his surrounding neighbors.