Biography - HANNAH M. BOSWELL

Mrs. Hannah M. Boswell, widow of the late John M. Boswell, was born at Bunker Hill, Macoupin County, June 2, 1854, and is a daughter of Vincent and Rhoda (Bird) Smith. Mrs. Boswell resides on her excellent farm in Hilyard township, and is widely known in social and religious circles.

John M. Boswell was born in London, England, October 24, 1845, and was a son of John George and Ann (Nightengale) Boswell, both natives of England, the former of whom is now living in the village of Shipman, Macoupin County. John M. Boswell came to America when four years of age in company with his parents, landing at New Orleans, and proceeding to Alton, Illinois. From there they moved to Woodburn, Macoupin County, whence after a short time they removed to Hilyard township, where Mr. Boswell engaged in farming, at which he continued until his death. Mr. Boswell operated a farm consisting of 760 acres, situated in sections 17, 18, 19 and 20, Hilyard township, the farm being known as the "Hazel Ridge Farm." He devoted the greater part of his time to the raising of cattle and sheep, being one of the largest shippers of his community. For many years he conducted a dairy farm. In the early years of his life Mr. Boswell was a member of the Republican party, but in later years became a Prohibitionist. Mr. Boswell was a great home lover and took much interest in his home and family. He was a self-made man and accumulated the fine estate, the benefits of which are now enjoyed by his widow. Mr. Boswell was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and did much as a liberal supporter of that church. He died October 18, 1903, and was survived by his widow, the subject of this brief notice, and five children, namely: Nellie Mabel; Bessie Nightengale; Pauline Bird; Hattie Irene, and Myrtle Katherine, all of whom reside on the homestead with their mother.

Extracted 2018 May 08 by Norma Hass from Biographical Sketches of Leading Citizens of Macoupin County, Illinois, published in 1904, pages 522-525.