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MEAD WOODSON COLEAN. Cotton Hill Township is not without its share of the well regulated farms, the income from which forms so large a part of the wealth of this county. One of these carefully cultivated tracts of land belongs to the gentleman whose cognomen introduces these paragraphs. It is located on section 29, and consists of four hundred and twelve acres, on which buildings of substantial construction and good design have been erected. A visitor to the estate will find that modern methods are used in the work performed, that improved machinery is at hand, and various arrangements have been made by which the soil can be more easily tilled and the crops more perfectly garnered and disposed of.
A few items regarding the parents of our subject will aid th reader in his comprehension of the character of the son. Joseph H. and Maria (Gilliam) Colean were born in Jersey County, this State, and there began their wedded life. In the fall of 1854 they removed to this county, taking up their permanent residence on section 29, Cotton Hill Township. There the wife breathed her last in June, 1889, and the husband in September, following. Mr. Colean held the office of Justice of the Peace for eight years and was also Township Supervisor. In the years prior to the emancipation of the slaves he was an Abolitionist, and until his death he voted the Republican ticket, with the exception of the last two years when he supported the Prohibition ticket. He and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church and in the right principles of living they earnestly endeavored to rear their family. They had eight children of whom our subject is the fifth in order of birth.
Mead W. Colean was born in Jersey County, Ill., September 9, 1852, but from his infancy has resided in Cotton Hill Township, this county. In her common schools he was educated, gaining a practical understanding of the branches taught therein, and in his contact with humanity here he has learned other and even more important lessons. While quiet young he became acquainted with farm work, which his tastes led him to adopt as his avocation. He was married in Springfield to Emma Bateman, a native of that city, with whom he lived happily until May 2, 1874. The wife was then called from time to eternity, leaving to her husband's care a son, Joseph H.
In Pawnee Township, March 29, 1877, Mr. Colean led to the hymeneal alter Abbie L. Babb, the eldest of the six children born to Lemuel M. and Helen (Boardman) Babb. Her ancestry is further noted in the sketch of L. M. Babb, found elsewhere in this volume. Mrs. Abbie Colean was born in Cotton Hill Township, November 2, 1856. She finds her greatest pleasure in looking after the wants of her husband and children, but still has time for the social and religious duties which she owes. Five children have come to bless the home and upon them have been bestowed the names of Angie, Cora E., Helen, Mead and Lydia.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Colean belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church and the former has filled the office of Steward. He has also been a School Director, in which position he acted with credit. Politically he is a Prohibitionist. A reliable citizen, a man of intelligence and kindly spirit, and one who is considerate in his social and domestic relations, Mr. Colean is well regarded by his fellowmen.