My Genealogy Hound

JOSEPH LINDSAY, a native of Randolph County, is one of the most intelligent and practical members of the farming community that is building up and carrying on the extensive agricultural interest of township 4, range 6. He owns one hundred and eighty-three acres of finely developed land located on section 24, where he and his family are enjoying the comforts of life.

Thomas and Jane (Strahan) Lindsay, the parents of our subject, were natives respectively of Kentucky and Pennsylvania, the father having been born February 7, 1792, and the mother July 24, 1801. Mrs. Jane Lindsay was the daughter of James and Ann (Blair) Strahan, early settlers in this county. The father of our subject was a patriot in the War of 1812, and during that period took part in the battle of New Orleans. On coming to Illinois, he located on the outskirts of the Irish settlement in Randolph County. Soon afterward he was married, and with his wife made his home on the farm upon which our subject is residing, and which was then a wild and uncultivated tract. For many years the only living creatures near his home were wild animals and Indians; here the parents continued to reside, giving their entire attention to the improvement and thorough cultivation of their farm. The father died in April, 1854, while his good wife, who survived him many years, departed this life August 24, 1880.

The parental family included five sons and four daughters, of whom six are living. Joseph, of this sketch, was born December 16, 1840, on the old homestead, and when old enough conned his lessons in a school which was carried on by means of subscriptions. He remained at home until attaining mature years and thus received a thorough training in farm duties, so that when the estate came into his possession he was well fitted to successfully manage it.

The lady who became the wife of our subject in 1874 was Miss Margaret, daughter of Thomas and Ann (Edgar) Dock, natives of Scotland. On emigrating to America in 1853, the parents came to Illinois, making their first home near Marissa, St. Clair County, and later made permanent settlement in township 4, range 5. Mrs. Lindsay was born in July, 1842, in Scotland, and has become the mother of three children, Fred, Frank and Alfred.

Mr. Lindsay has always resided upon the old homestead and devotes his time to mixed farming. His tract is in a perfect state of cultivation, and by proper rotation of crops is made to yield a good increase. He has given his children good educations, and his eldest son is attending the Sparta High School. He is a close observer and is thoroughly in sympathy with movements of a political and religious nature. In regard to the latter point he is a member of the Presbyterian Church at Sparta. In politics he is identified with the Republican party and is well known throughout the community as an honest, upright and warm-hearted man.