CHARLES C. VAN METER. The agricultural element that has been so largely instrumental in the upbuilding of Sangamon County is finely represented by this gentleman, one of its native born citizens, who has a valuable farm in Fancy Creek Township, of which he is a leading farmer and stock raiser, and one of its most prominent civic officials.

Our subject was born on the old Van Meter homestead in Fancy Creek Township, October 8, 1854. Abram Van Meter, his father, was born in Hardy County, Va., November 9, 1801. He was two years old when his parents settled among the early pioneers of Ohio from whence he came to Illinois in 1829 and was an early settler of Sangamon County. He married shortly after coming here Miss Nancy A. Hussey, their marriage taking place May 23, 1830. She died in 1881 at the age of seventy-one years. He died in 1879 aged seventy-eight years. His memory is held in reverence as one of the most useful pioneers of the county, who was very active in its development. At the time of his death he left a valuable estate of fourteen hundred acres of land. Socially he was Mason and politically a Republican, but he never aspired to office as the care of his property required all of his time. Henry Van Meter, the paternal grandfather of our subject died in Ohio, where he built up a home in the wilderness.

He of whom we write was educated in the district schools and always remained at home assisting his father in his extensive farming operations. He has three hundred and fifty acres of well improved land all lying in a body, on which he has commodious and conveniently arranged buildings, and has fine farming machinery of the most modern make for the purpose of carrying on his farm labors, and everything about his place indicates the presence of a thoroughly practical and enterprising farmer. He engages principally in the cultivation of his land, raising grain and other products and deriving therefrom a substantial income. He is a man of large public spirit and progressive views and all enterprises likely to forward the interests of his native county find in him material and hearty support. He is a stockholder in the Sangamon Fair Association and his name is connected with other schemes for the benefit of the public. Socially he belongs to the Masonic order. Politically he is a leader among the Republicans of this section of the county and has been a delegate to various conventions. He is closely identified with the public life of township and county, has held the office of Assessor and various other offices and at present represents Fancy Creek on the County Board of Supervisors. He and his wife are both sincere Methodists and are prominent in all the good works of their church. Mr. Van Meter is regarded as one of the rising young men of Sangamon County. He is energetic as well as intelligent and possesses fine business qualifications.

October 13, 1874, Mr. Van Meter and Miss Ida Claypool solemnized their marriage. She is a native of this county and a daughter of Thomas R. Claypool, who came here with his parents when quite young. Mr. and Mrs. Van Meter's happy wedded life has been productive to them of two children, namely: Hattie B., born June 14, 1876; and Abram D., May 7, 1879.