GEORGE W. COUNCIL. Among the early pioneers of this county who are mentioned in the "History of the Early Settlers of Sangamon County," by J. C. Power, William Council, the father of our subject, occupied an honorable place. George Council, of whom we write, was reared amid the pioneer influences of this county, and since attaining manhood has been a prominent factor in developing its great agricultural interests. He is a wealthy farmer of Fancy Creek Township, where he owns a large and finely improved farm and is living in one of the most substantial and comfortable homes in this locality.
Our subject was born in Pike County, Ill., January 2, 1820. His father was a native of South Carolina, and came to Sangamon County in 1822, having come to the State in 1818. He settled in Springfield Township, by the Sangamon River, where he ran a ferry boat for several years. He entered land in Fancy Creek Township, when it was a wild, sparsely settled place and Indians were more numerous than white people. He served as a volunteer in the Black Hawk War and was classed among the most useful citizens of his adopted county. While yet in the midst of a busy life his career was suddenly cut short by his untimely death in 1846. The maiden name of his wife was Mary Graves, and she was born in North Carolina. She died about 1855.
Our subject was one of a family of eleven children, of whom five are now living. He was born in a humble log cabin built by his father during his residence in White County. He was only two years old when his parents brought him to this county, and here he was educated in the subscription schools that were conducted in primitive log schoolhouses with rude furniture and greased paper instead of glass for windows.
Mr. Council received a fine practical education in the vocation of a farmer on his father's homestead, and when he was twenty-two years old he began farming on his own account and entered on the improvement of a small tract of land which his father had purchased from the Government for him. As the busy years passed by he saw his labors well rewarded and finally rose to be one of the rich men of his adopted township. He now has a valuable estate comprising six hundred and forty acres of as fine farming land as can be found in this part of the county. He has supplied it with roomy and well made buildings and in 1877 erected a large substantial frame house which is one of the most comfortable homes in the county. He has been a hard working man, has conducted his affairs with economy, prudence and ability, and has shown good management in all his enterprises. He is a man whose genuine worth, kind heart and good citizenship has called forth the highest esteem and confidence of those around him and classes him among our best people. He is a true Republican, has stood by the party since its formation and was personally acquainted with Abraham Lincoln, for whose character he has a great admiration.
Mr. Council was wedded to Jane Mitts in 1843. She was a native of Ohio, and a daughter of Cyrus and Martha (Burbridge) Mitts, who were among the early settlers of Sangamon County.
Of their happy and peaceful wedded life thirteen children were born: William C., Martha, deceased; Mary A., John M., Nelson L., Elizabeth; Charles F., deceased; Henry V., Flora M., Emma E., George G., Anna J., and an infant unnamed.
In 1877 death crossed the threshold of the happy home of our subject and removed the beloved wife and mother at the age of fifty-four years. She was a true, womanly woman, a home maker, and was greatly esteemed far beyond her family circle. She possessed a firm Christian character and was a valued member of the Christian Church, to which our subject also belongs.