JOSEPH W. LANHAM, who for eighteen years has resided upon his present farm on section 6, Auburn township, is one of the representative and successful agriculturists of the county. In a family of twelve children he is the eldest. He was born near Lebanon Ky., September 3, 1837, and in the same county, that State, his father Edward Lanham, was born in 1812. His grandfather, Zachariah Lanham, a native of Maryland, of Irish descent, removed to Kentucky in a very early day, and in the midst of its wild scenes Edward had ample opportunity to indulge his love of hunting, becoming quite expert with the rifle. He married Elizabeth Bland, a native of Monroe County, Ky., and a daughter of Warren Bland, a farmer and stock raiser who owned a fine farm on the Cumberland River and also engaged in freighting and boating. Tobacco was one of his chief products, and this article he shipped down the Mississippi to New Orleans on flatboats, returning to his home on foot. He served in the War of 1812, participating in the battle of New Orleans under Gen. Jackson, and died in his native State.

In 1850 Edward Lanham brought his family to Illinois, making the journey by boat to Alton, and thence by team to Greene County, where he engaged in farming until his death, which occurred January 4, 1866. He was a Democrat and a member of the Catholic Church. His wife survived him thirteen years and died in Greene County in July, 1879. In the family were twelve children, eight of whom grew to mature years - Joseph W., whose name heads this notice; Lucinda, who died in Greene County; Mrs. Mary Bandy, of Montgomery County; Thomas, of Greene County; Mrs. Nancy Deaton, of Green County; Mrs. Annie McPharon, of Greene County; James, who is living in the same county; and Mrs. Bandy, also of Greene County.

Our subject, on the 3d of September, 1837, on his father's farm, first opened his eyes to the light of day. He was educated in the subscription schools, and when a lad of twelve years accompanied his family on their emigration to Illinois. He shared in the hardships and trials of frontier life in the days when one had to go to market at St. Louis, sixty miles away. Five trips were made to that city during the winter, and it was no easy task, for the roads were in a poor condition and led through a sparsely settled country. In 1864 Mr. Lanham came by wagon to Sangamon County, and for a year worked in Auburn and Talkington Townships, after which he returned to Greene County. He was married in Jerseyville, on the 28th of September, 1871, the lady of his choice being Miss Mary Ezell, daughter of Daniel and Winnie Ezell, both of whom were natives of Alabama, and became early settlers of Christian County, Ill., where her father died. The death of her mother occurred in Iowa. There were eight children in their family - Margaret, now deceased; William, Sol, Aaron, Nancy, Melissa, Martha and Mary.

Mrs. Lanham was born in Christian County February 3, 1841, and being left an orphan at an early age was reared in the family of Samuel Snedeker, of Jerseyville. She has been twice married. She became the wife of William Stout, a native of New Jersey, and they removed to Auburn Township, where the husband engaged in farming until his death, which occurred June 26, 1870. The following year she became the wife of Joseph Lanham, and in the spring fo 1872 they removed to their present farm. Their home has been blessed by the presence of three children - Ida M., Ollie E. and Charles H. The farm at first comprised but one hundred and sixty acres, but now four hundred acres pay tribute to the care and cultivation of the owner, and two good residences, barns, outbuildings and other improvements stand as monuments to his thrift and enterprise. In addition to the latest improved machinery he has a windmill and tank and other farm conveniences. He raises grain, hogs and sheep, making a specialty of Poland China hogs and sheep of the Cotswold breed. A valued citizen of the community, he does what he can for its upbuilding, gives his support to all worthy enterprises, and is widely and favorably known throughout the county. For three years he served as Commissioner of the township, and for five years he held the office of School Trustee. He is a Democrat in politics, has served as a delegate to county conventions, is a member of the Masonic fraternity and the Grange, of Auburn, and his wife holds membership in the Presbyterian Church. The Lanham household is noted for its hospitality, and its members hold an enviable position in the social world. In December, 1864, our subject was drafted and furnished a substitute in the army.