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HARNESS SOUTHWICK, a native of Sangamon County, coming of good old pioneer stock and one of the prosperous farmers of Woodside Township, is prominent in the political, social and religious life of this section of the country and is one of its most esteemed citizens. His father was the late James E. Southwick, who was a native of New York. He married Lovica Trumbo, who was a native of Kentucky. Their marriage took place in Sangamon County, whither they had been brought when children, their parents being among the first settlers of the county. They began their wedded life in Woodside Township, and made their home here till death called them hence - the father dying about 1870, and the mother in 1876, while on a visit to her children. They had a large family of children, eight of whom lived to maturity.

Our subject was the fourth child of the family and was born in the pioneer home of his parents in Woodside Township, November 3, 1837. He grew to a stalwart, manly manhood and early in life entered upon his career as a farmer. He has a good farm of eighty acres finely located on section 35, on which he has made many valuable improvements. Its fields are under excellent cultivation and yield rich harvests in repayment for the care expended upon them. Mr. Southwick is a man of keen intelligence and of progressive views, and he carries on his operations after the best methods, so that he has made of farming a genuine success.

Mr. Southwick has long been prominently before the public. His father before him took quite an active part in local affairs and was the first Assessor of Woodside Township. He was also connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church as one of its active working members. Our subject, in whom his fellow-citizens see a man of much capability, decision of character and sound judgment, has been called by them to represent Woodside Township as a member of the Board of Supervisors five different times, and by his conduct in that responsible position he has justified their choice. He has taken a prominent part in political affairs and is a man of enlightened public spirit who in whatever position he is placed strives to forward the highest interests of his township and county. In him the Democratic party has a stalwart advocate. He is a member of the United Brethren Church and his conscientious, upright conduct whether in public or private life testifies to his high character.