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CHARLES E. VIGAL , who resides on section 8, Cotton Hill Township, has spent his entire life upon the homestead farm of the Vigal family. His father John T. Vigal, was born in Jefferson County, Ky., in 1808, but we know nothing definite concerning the early history of the family or its establishment in America. During his youth John Vigal emigrated westward locating in Clark County, Ind., where he became acquainted with and married Miss Hannah Coble, who was born in that county in 1811. In the autumn of 1830 he came to Sangamon County, and settled upon the old homestead where he spent the remainder of an active and useful life. He was an ardent supporter of Republican principles, labored earnestly for the success of his party and did all in his power to promote the general welfare of the community. He was indeed a worthy citizen, and his death which occurred April 26, 1887, was sincerely mourned. He had long survived his wife who died on the old farm in May, 1853. They were parents of five sons and four daughters as follows: Melvina, William H., Alfred, Mary A., John F., Sarah J., Nancy C., David M. and Charles E. With the exception of Nancy who died at the age of nine years all grew to manhood and womanhood. John F. gave his life in defense of his country during the late war. He enlisted as a member of Company E, One Hundred and Fourteenth Illinois Infantry and was killed at the battle of Tupelo, Miss., July 15, 1864, when about twenty-four years of age.

On the 10th of March, 1852, Charles E. Vigal first opened his eyes to the light of day. The home which has been the scene of his manhood successes witnessed his childish efforts and youthful amusements. In the common schools of the neighborhood he acquired his education, pursuing his lessons during the winter months, while in the summer season he aided in the labors of the farm. Only six months has he spent elsewhere than on the old homestead - that short period being passed in Rochester Township, where on the 7th of January, 1875, he was joined in wedlock with Miss Mary A. Miller, daughter of Samuel and Eliza Miller, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume. She was born in that township, September 19, 1855, and by her marriage has become the mother of three children - Luther F., Eliza E. and Mary Ethel, but the last named died at the age of ten months.

Mr. Vigal has made farming his life work and in connection with the cultivation of his land has engaged in stock-raising. He also for about four years engaged in carpentering but devoted the greater part of his attention to agricultural pursuits. He now owns one hundred and forty acres of good land under a high state of cultivation, where may be found all the modern improvements, including barns, and outbuildings that are models of convenience. In his political affiliations he was formerly a Republican, having supported that party since attaining his majority, but the last year has found him in the ranks of the Prohibition party which he supports by voice and vote. The offices of Township Clerk, Highway Commissioner and School Director he has filled, discharging their varied duties with a promptness and fidelity which have won him the confidence and respect of all with whom he has come in contact. He and his wife hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church, are among its active workers and have done not a little for its interests for and for its upbuilding. Mr. Vigal in the congregation to which he belongs has held the offices of Steward, Trustee and Sunday-school Superintendent.