MCTAGGART, A. T. - The Scotch people have always been noted for their frugality and industrious habits, and those coming from Old Scotia have transmitted to their children the same characteristics which have made for their own success. The McTaggart family comes of Scotch ancestry, and one of its leading representatives in Sangamon County is A. T. McTaggart, a prosperous farmer, residing three and one-half miles south of Pawnee, on Section 19 in the township of that name. He was born on the farm where he now resides, July 15, 1878, a son of Robert and Jane (Carswell) McTaggart, natives of Scotland. Robert McTaggart is now living retired, but for many years was a farmer and stock raiser of this county. A somewhat unusual feature in the McTaggart family is that three McTaggart brothers married three Carswell sisters, Robert McTaggart being one of these brothers.
A. T. McTaggart attended the schools of Pawnee Township, and was brought up sensibly and quietly, although he enjoyed the pleasures incident to farm life. Although engaged in farming Mr. McTaggart planned to engage in other lines. For three years he was in the regular army, enlisting in 1899 and serving until 1902, two and one-half years, in the Philippines and participated in four battles while there.
On February 14, 1906, Mr. McTaggart married Edith L. Fallenstein, born in Springfield, March 8, 1885, daughter of German born parents. Mrs. McTaggart's father is dead, but her mother resides in Peoria. Mr. and Mrs. McTaggart have two daughters: Martha Louise, born February 23, 1907, and Hellen Margaret, born March 20, 1910. Mr. McTaggart joined the Modern Woodmen of America in July, 1906, and the Royal Neighbors in 1909. He is a Methodist, but his wife is a Presbyterian. In politics, he is a Republican.
An excellent farmer and good citizen, broadened by his years in the possessions of the United States in the Pacific, he commands the confidence of his neighbors, and is a man who is worthy of respect. Never shirking his duty, he has faithfully discharged it both as a soldier and private citizen, and has a pleasant home on his father's farm.