Biography - JUDSON P. ENSLOW

A successful farmer, and also prominent in financial circles of Macoupin county, being cashier of the Bank of Atwater, Judson P. Enslow has gained an enviable reputation and is recognized as one of the most enterprising and progressive men of this section. He was born in Nilwood township, March 20, 1865, a son of David C. and Milby J. (Gibson) Enslow, both of whom were born in this state. The father came with his family to Macoupin county in 1865 and purchased two hundred and forty acres of land in Nilwood township, which he cleared and improved. He later acquired more land and became the owner of nine hundred and forty acres, becoming one of the prominent land owners of this section. He began his search for fortune by working as a farm hand by the month, and drove hogs from Jersey and Greene counties to St. Louis, often collecting as many as eight or nine hundred head of hogs in one drove. His active and useful career was closed by death in September, 1894. Mrs. Enslow still survives and makes her home at Pontiac, Illinois, being now seventy-five years of age.

Judson P. Enslow was a member of a family of eleven children, ten of whom are now living. He attended the district schools, but as he grew to manhood was not satisfied with the limited training afforded in the country schoolhouse and, therefore, went to Valparaiso, Indiana, and carried his studies further in the noted college at that place. After returning home he worked as a farm hand for about six months, but he is not of a nature to remain long in a subordinate position and he rented four hundred acres, which he cultivated to excellent advantage for five years. He then rented a farm of three hundred acres and, after two years’ additional experience, purchased one hundred and sixty-five acres in Shaws Point township, which he has improved until it is one of the highly productive properties of this region.

In 1904 he associated with O. B. Cain, John M. Wagner, W. A. Trout and Charles P. Brown in the organization of the Bank of Atwater and was elected cashier, a positipn which he has since held to the satisfaction of the stockholders and of all who have business to transact at the bank. He still retains his farm, which is cultivated under his direction, and his industry and good judgment are meeting with well-earned reward.

In January, 1893, Mr. Enslow was married to Miss Martha Ellen Trout, a daughter of E. D. and America (Anderson) Trout, both of whom were born in Kentucky. They removed to Missouri and about 1865 came to Macoupin county. Mr. Trout purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Shaws Point township, which proved a lucrative investment. Here he continued until his death in 1901. His wife passed away eight years later, in 1909. Mr. and Mrs. Enslow are the parents of six children, four of whom survive, namely: Leon J., who is thirteen years of age; Edward A., aged eleven years; Homer D., aged eight years; and Ada Lucille, six years of age. Ralph Harold died in 1896 and Milby is also deceased.’

In politics Mr. Enslow gives his support to the democratic party. He takes an active interest in public affairs and filled the office of supervisor of the township in 1891, also serving as county commissioner in 1908. Fraternally he is identified with the Masonic order. He is not connected with any religious denomination, but his wife holds membership in the Christian church. From his boyhood he has been remarkably energetic and efficient in all his undertakings, showing an interest in his work, and an ability in carrying out plans, which are important elements in the attainment of all worthy objects. He is a representative of a class of men who never lose faith in their power to meet and overcome difficulties, and who are natural leaders wherever they may be found. His friends have great faith in his continued advancement to larger responsibilities as the years pass.

Extracted 18 May 2018 by Norma Hass from History of Macoupin County, Illinois: Biographical and Pictorial, by Charles A. Walker, published in 1911, Volume 2, pages 11-12.