JOSIAH LARD, section twenty-six, was born in St. Louis county, Missouri, May 12, 1819. His parents were John and Lydia Lard, father a native of South Carolina, and mother of St. Louis county, Missouri, and farmers by occupation. His mother died in February, 1824, and his father November 16, 1845. His father moved to this county in the spring of 1836, where he carried on farming. Josiah was married September 22, 1842, to Jemima Jane Crowder, who was born June 5, 1825, in Hardin county, Kentucky, and came to this county with her parents in 1830. Mr. and Mrs. Lard have had six children, five of whom are living, viz.: Job J., Lydia E., Sarah L., Elsie P., and George R. Martha A. is deceased. Four of these children are married. Mrs. Lard died April 3, 1855, and Mr. Lard afterwards married Millie Funderburk, who was born in Sangamon county, March 1, 1833. Four of their children are living, namely: Jacob F., John H., Emma and Minnie E. Four are deceased - Orlena Jane, and three in infancy. Mr. Lard commenced farming on forty acres of land, but now owns one thousand, eight hundred acres, which he has obtained by his own industry. His land is worth fifty dollars an acre. He has been identified with the interests of his township for many years. In politics, he is conservative.