DAVID P. COLBURN whose course as an officer in the late Civil War reflected credit on the soldiery of this his native State, has had an equally honorable career as a farmer and stock raiser, and occupies an important place among the agriculturists of Loami Township. Mr. Colburn is a native of this township, born here in a pioneer home October 4, 1837. His father, William W. Colburn, a native of Massachusetts, coming of sterling New England ancestry, was an early settler of this section of the country, and contributed his quota to develop its agriculture. January 10, 1869, he closed his eyes in death, leaving the record of a life well spent. The mother of our subject was born in New Hampshire. She died in 1882 at a venerable age and now lies beside her husband in Sulphur Springs Cemetery.

David Colburn gleaned his education when a boy in a log cabin in Loami Township. He was reared under pioneer influences, and early developed a manly self reliant spirit. He began the battle of life on his own account by working on a farm, and was soon engaged in breaking prairie, at which he continued for the space of two years. He was engaged in agricultural pursuits when the outbreak of the Rebellion was announced by the firing of the first gun at Ft. Sumter. He was then in the opening years of a manly, vigorous manhood, and he offered his services to defend the Stars and Stripes, enlisting in 1861 in Company B, Thirtieth Illinois Infantry, which was commanded by Col. Fouke. For three years and eleven months he was at the front and took an active part in many of the most hotly contested battles of the war. He faced the enemy at Belmont, fought at Ft. Henry and Ft. Donelson, took part in the campaign that resulted in the final capture of Vicksburg, and for his gallant conduct was promoted from the ranks to the position of Sergeant of Company B. In September, 1864, such had been his record for fidelity to duty, for courage and coolness in the face of danger, and for general efficiency, that he was advanced to the position of First Lieutenant; on September 17, 1864, was breveted Captain. At Washington City in 1865 he was transferred to the veteran corps, accompanied Sherman on his march to the sea, and did good service during that remarkable campaign.

After his return from the South our subject engaged in milling, which business he still carries on very profitably. Besides his milling interests he has a good farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Jefferson County, Ill. He resides on section 11, where he also carries on farming and stock raising. He has placed his farm among the best in the vicinity in point of cultivation and improvement, and has it well supplied with neat buildings and the best of farming machinery.

The marriage of our subject, which was solemnized April 12, 1866, in Loami Township, has contributed much to his comfort and happiness. Mrs. Colburn, whose maiden name was Tirzah Mengel, is a woman of many excellent qualities of mind and heart, understands well how to care for her household, and is untiring in her devotion to her husband and children. Two of the three children born to her wedded life with our subject are now living, Leonard L. and Essie.

Mr. Colburn has always displayed those characteristics that mark a loyal, public spirited citizen, a good man, a kind husband, a wise father, and a true friend. He has labored hard to place himself in an independent position, and by wise and economical management and square dealing has gained an honorable position among the most substantial men of his native township. In politics he is one of the stanch upholders of the Republican party.