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DONALD GRANT , who made his home in Springfield during the middle portion of the nineteenth century, and will be remembered by many of her citizens because of his faithful service in public office and his extensive operations in real estate, as well as his pleasing personal characteristics, was born in Nova Scotia, in May, 1825. He followed the sea for many years, having command of vessels as captain, and later took up his abode in Maine, where he engaged in shipbuilding, there residing until about the time of the Civil war. He then removed to Sangamon county, being appointed to a position in the office of the United States collector of taxes. He thus served until the close of hostilities between the two sections of the country and later he turned his attention to the real estate, loan and insurance business, making a specialty of the fire insurance department. He wrote a large amount of business each year and he also negotiated many important realty transfers. In his business dealings he prospered, winning a very desirable competence.

Donald Grant was married to Mahala Payne, who was born, reared, educated and married in Calais, Maine. They became the parents of four children: Mrs. S. H. Oliver, who resides in Denver, Colorado; Horace Grant, a farmer of Kansas; Fred L., and Mrs. E. S. Collette, of Springfield.

Mr. grant became a resident of the United States and a naturalized citizen when twenty-one years of age. He was always interested in the welfare of this city and its substantial progress and witnessed its development from a small town. He died October 15, 1895, and his wife passed away in Springfield in October, 1900. His life was honorable and in harmony with manly principles, and while he never sought the notoriety of office, he was nevertheless alert to the welfare of the city and co-operated in many measures for the public good.

Fred L. Grant, now secretary of the Citizens Saving and Loan Association of Springfield, and son of Donald Grant, was born in the capital city, December 15, 1860, was educated in the public schools and is a graduate of the Springfield Business College. He was thus well trained for the duties and responsibilities of a business life and from the age of sixteen has been connected with the insurance and loan business, having at that time joined his father. He has since continued in this line and is thoroughly conversant with the department of activity to which he has directed his efforts.

Fred L. Grant was married in August, 1900, to Miss Jennie Ellison, of Birbeck, Illinois, a daughter of Thomas Ellison, who was also born in this state and was a farmer by occupation. Both Mr. and Mrs. Grant are widely known in Springfield and have many friends in the city. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Improved Order of Red Men.