James E. Bycroft, junior member of the widely known milling firm of
H. F. Bycroft & Son, was born in St. Louis, March 28, 1878. He is a son
of Henry F. and Mary E. (Dillon) Bycroft, a record of whom appears
elsewhere in this work. He grew to maturity under the parental roof and
up to thirteen years of age possessed advantages of education in the
public schools of Litchfield. In 1891 he came with his parents to
Gillespie and attended school for one month in this city. He then became
associated with the business of which his father is the head, beginning
at the foot of the ladder as driver of a delivery wagon. After several
years he entered the office of the firm and in 1900, having mastered the
details of the business, was admitted to partnership under the title of
H. F. Bycroft & Son. He has ever since had charge of the office,
displaying a discrimination and ability that give bright promise as to
his future.
On the 27th of April, 1909, Mr. Bycroft was married,
at Gillespie, to Miss Alice M. Poivey, whose father, Modeste Poivev, was
born in France. He was one of the early miners of this section and is
now deceased. One child, James Fenwick, has been born to Mr. and Mrs.
Bycroft.
Politically Mr. Bycroft has followed in the footsteps
of his father and adheres to the republican party. He served two terms
as city, treasurer, being elected in 1901 and reelected in 1905. He also
filled the office of clerk of the school board from 1905 to 1908 and is
at the present time chief of the volunteer fire department of Gillespie,
a position which he has occupied most efficiently for the past ten
years. He is a member of Black Gum Camp, No. 959, M. W. A., and has
served as clerk of the camp for eight years past, being also identified
with Carlinville Council, No. 663, K. C. He and his estimable wife are
valued members of the Catholic church. As is indicated by his many
activities, Mr. Bycroft is an earnest and efficient worker in anything
he undertakes, and he is recognized as a man of unimpeachable character
and sterling worth, who is willing to make any reasonable sacrifice in
order to promote the comfort or happiness of those with whom he is
associated.
Extracted 20 Oct 2018 by Norma Hass from History of Macoupin County, Illinois: Biographical and Pictorial, by Charles A. Walker, published in 1911, Volume 2, pages 229-230.
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