John Henry Stead, who is numbered among the highly respected citizens
of Macoupin county, was born in Nilwood township August 7, 1857, on the
farm on which he now lives. He is a lifelong resident of the county, and
by his industry, application and clear judgment has gained the
confidence of his associates and the respect of the entire community. He
is a son of David and Mary A. (Boston) Stead, the former of whom was
born in England and the later in Indiana. On the maternal side he is
descended from Beverly Boston, a native of Virginia.
In the
district schools of Macoupin county John H. Stead acquired his early
education which he has largely broadened by reading and an intelligent
observation of men and events. In 1878, he began farming for himself on
the home place, which comprises one hundred and sixty acres, and has
applied himself without interruption to his calling to the present time.
Years ago he established a reputation as one of the competent and
successful farmers of the county. He is a dealer in live stock and also
feeds stock to good advantage for the market. In addition to his
agricultural interests, he is a stockholder in the Farmers’ Mutual
Telephone Company, the Farmers’ Mutual Insurance Company, and was
actively identified with the Grange store at Girard.
On the 15th
of October, 1879, Mr. Stead was married in Nilwood township to Miss
Alice V. McBride, a native of Girard. She is a daughter of Thomas W. and
Marjorie A. (Wiggins) McBride, the former of whom was born in Tennessee
and the latter in Kentucky. On the paternal side, she descends from one
of the oldest families of Virginia. Two children have been born to Mr.
and Mrs. Stead: Minnie Dories, who married J. D. Stutzman, of Girard,
and has one son, John; and Esther Vivian, who is at home.
Fraternally, Mr. Stead is connected with Girard Lodge No. 171, A. F. &
A. M., and has filled all the chairs in this organization. He is also
identified with Lodge No. 132, R. A. M., of which he is master of the
veil, and of Peach Tree Lodge, No. 633, M. W. A. He is interested in all
efforts to promote the welfare of this section and holds membership in
the Farmers’ Protective League and the Anti-Horse Thief Association. He
is a valued member of the Christian church, in which he has served for a
number of years past as elder. He has many friends in Macoupin county
who admire him not only for his energy and success in business but on
account of his genial and friendly manner and his sterling
characteristics of mind and heart.
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 497-498.
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