MRS. JANE (YATES) ELLIOTT, widow of John F. Elliott, is a woman of more than ordinary force of character and practical ability. She and her son Henry and daughter Phoebe are conducting extensive farming and stock-raising interests in Island Grove Township, and are managing a large and valuable estate left by her husband with marked success.

Mrs. Elliott was born in Warsaw, Ky., October 23, 1825, and is a daughter of the late Henry Yates, of this county. Her father was one of the early settlers of the State, and our subject relates with interest many events that occurred in early times, and given one vivid ideas of the struggles of the early settlers and of pioneer life. She was carefully trained in all that goes to make a good housewife, and at the time of her marriage with John Elliott, in 1846, when she was blooming into womanhood, she was perfectly capable of taking charge of a home of her own, and her husband found in her a cheerful and ready helper, and her assistance and the wise counsels greatly aided him in his work.

Mrs. Elliott's marriage was blessed to her and her husband by the birth of the following children: Phoebe, Charles Y., Henry and John F., Jr. Mrs. Elliott possesses a true religious nature and for many years has been one of the most esteemed members of the Christian Church, and has always taken a deep interest in its affairs and given much toward its support. She is kind, charitable and neighborly in her relations with all about her and holds a warm place in the affections of her many friends.

Mr. Elliott was born in Upper Sandusky, Ohio, April 14, 1823. His parents were Charles and Phoebe Elliott. Mr. Elliott's father was a Methodist preacher and was connected with the book concern of Cincinnati, and Mr. Elliott lived in cincinnati six or seven years. His father also edited the Western Christian Advocate for several years. His father was of Irish descent and his mother a native of Virginia. He remained with his parents in their pioneer home in Ohio till he attained the age of twenty-five years. Then, in the prime of an active, wide-awake, intelligent manhood, he came to Sangamon County and located in what is now Cartwright Township, where he engaged in farming for three years. He then disposed of his property there at a good price and bought the farm where his widow and family now reside. He led a busy life and in time acquired a handsome property, including a large body of valuable land in Island Grove Township, on section 17. He became one of the most prominent citizens of the township and often mingled in its public and political life. He served the people as magistrate for several years, and for twelve years was a member of the County Board of Supervisors. In politics he used his influence in favor of the Republican party. He was a man of clear understanding, possessing large foresight, rare judgment, and other traits which are essential to success in life. He was a man of weight in his community, was sagacious in counsel, and his advice was often sought by others. He died July 25, 1890, leaving behind him an unblemished life record, and a feeling among the people with whom he had associated so long that one of the most honored and beloved citizens of Sangamon County had passed to his reward.