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G. B. TORRENCE. Among the well cultivated and improved tracts of land, so many of which are to be seen in Cotton Hill Township, a good rank is held by that belonging to our subject. It consists of three hundred and twenty-five acres on sections 12 and 13, and is supplemented by eighty acres in Rochester Township. Mr. Torrence now rents a large part of his land, as in connection with his farming he is carrying on a flour and feed mill. This establishment is located on section 12, and was built by two brothers named Hollenbeck, who began the structure in the fall of 1831, completing it in 1832.

The father of our subject was the late Samuel Torrence, who met his death September 21, 1875. It was caused by a runaway team and was instantaneous. The mother of our subject was Polly DeLay, who was called hence in May, 1886. Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Torrence made Cotton Hill Township their home about three years after their marriage, and then settled in Rochester Township, where they continued to reside. To them were born eight children, of whom our subject is the eldest, while he and his brother are the only ones living at the present writing.

The gentleman of whom we write is a native of Cotton Hill Township, born December 8, 1842. He grew to manhood in Rochester Township, and after attaining to his majority, returned to that in which he was born and began farming. He has continued his residence here to the present day and has become well known as a man of enterprise in his chosen vocation and one possessed of many manly qualities.

For three years Mr. Torrence has acceptably filled the office of Highway Commissioner. He received a good practical education in his earlier years and to it has added the still more useful knowledge which can only be obtained by personal observation and experience. He believes in the doctrines of Republicanism and supports the party of his choice with his vote on election day and with his expression of faith whenever Governmental policy is the subject of conversation. He is not identified with any religious body, being very liberal in his views regarding articles of faith, but is one of those men who bear a good reputation as honorable, upright individuals and excellent citizens.

On another page of this volume the reader will notice a vew of the home and surroundings on the farm of Mr. Torrence.