After faithfully discharging his duties as a citizen and head of a
family until his children had grown to maturity and taken their places
in the world, David Stead retired from active affairs and is now
enjoying a well earned rest. He is now eighty-two years of age, and
since 1839—a period of seventy-two years_ has been a resident of
Macoupin county, where he was engaged a large part of the time as a
farmer and stock-raiser. He is a native of England, born November 22,
1829, a son of Benjamin and Martha (Taylor) Stead, both of whom were
born in England. The parents came to America In 1839 and were among the
early settlers of Macoupin county.
At the age of ten years,
David Stead arrived in the United States which has since been his
adopted country. He completed his school education in 1840, in a
subscription school of Macoupin county, and then turned his attention to
the home farm upon which he continued until 1852. He engaged in farming
and stock-raising on his own account in Nilwood township for many years,
gaining by his application and good judgment a high standing as one of
the substantial men of the township. On account of the encroachments of
age, he gave up active labor a few years ago and has since lived among
his children. The home farm which is one of the valuable properties of
this section is being cultivated by younger members of the family.
In 1851, Mr. Stead was married in Nilwood township to Miss Mary Ann
Boston, a native of Indiana and a daughter of Beverly Boston, of
Virginia. To this union four children were born. Benjamin married Miss
Angie Hicks and resides in Montgomery county. They have one son. Norman,
who is the father of three children. George, who is now deceased, wedded
Maggie Cheney. They lived in Nilwood township and were the parents of
four children, John Henry, the third son of Mr. and Mrs. Stead, married
Miss Alice McBride. They make their home in Nilwood township and are the
parents of two children. James, of McVey, married Miss Mary Hamilton and
they have a family of three children. Mr. Stead is proud of the fact
that he has ten grandchildren and fourteen greatgrandchildren.
Politically, David Stead is a supporter of the republican party. He has
never cared for public office but has served as school trustee.
Religiously, he is identified with the Christian church and for many
years has filled the office of elder in that denomination. A firm
believer in the efficacy of labor, he was diligent in his business and
thus attained a competency. He can claim many stanch friends who know
personally of his worth and recognize that he richly deserves the
blessings with which his efforts have been crowned.
Extracted 15 Nov 2018 by Norma Hass from History of Macoupin County, Illinois: Biographical and Pictorial, by Charles A. Walker, published in 1911, Volume 2, pages 510-511.
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