WILLIAM D. DERRY, a farmer in Rochester township, was born in Loudon county, Virginia, November 9, 1826; son of Christian and Susan (Carns) Derry. His father was born in Loudon county, Virginia, and his mother in Frederick county, Maryland. They were farmers by occupation, and he so continued until his death, May 19, 1858. His mother still resides on the farm in Loudon county, Virginia. His father was a soldier in the War of 1812, and his mother still draws a pension which she receives from the government. The subject of this sketch received a common school education, and was raised on a farm. He was married February 5, 1852, to Mary A. Rhodes, who was born in Frederick county, Maryland, March 11, 1827, and was the daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (Feaster) Rhodes, who came to Sangamon county in 1863. He died in November of that year. The fruits of this marriage were seven children, of whom five are now living: Elizabeth, now Mrs. William Cantrall; Charles M., Nora A., Mary D., and Jessie Gertrude. Two, John W. and James E., have died. He came to Sangamon county in 1853, and located in Rochester township. He bought land and began farming. He now owns four hundred and thirty acres, which is situated in Rochester, Clear Lake and Cooper townships, the home farm consisting of four hundred acres, situated in Rochester township, is in a good state of cultivation and well improved, and worth about $60 per acre. He and his wife have been members of the M. E. Church since 1846, and he is one of the ardent supporters of the Republican party and its interests.