Transcribed by Mary Ann Kaylor
Page 1023
BALE, WILLIAM JACOB - The younger generation of farmers is setting an example in agricultural work to those of an older day. One of the progressive young men engaged in farming is William Jacob Bale, of Section 26, New Berlin Township, born near Allendale, Green County, Ky., the oldest post-office in the State, August 26,1 874, a son of John Elliot and Susan (Close) Bale, both natives of Green County, although of New Jersey Dutch Revolutionary stock. The paternal great-grandfather came from northern New Jersey to Green County, Ky., where he conducted grist-mill and saw-mill on Brush Creek, the structure standing for one hundred years, when, in the summer of 1910, a new mill was built on its site, by Barney Marcum. This ancestor was one of the pioneers of Kentucky and a most excellent man, whose efforts to rid the country of Indians made him well known. His son and grandson were also prosperous, becoming well known in Green County. John E. Bale was brought up in this county, where he still resides, and in which his eight children were born, seven of whom survive: William J.; Peter R. on the old home; Katie, wife of Charles Woodward, a farmer of Shelby County, Ill.; Alice Mary, wife of Frank Scott, a farmer of Green County, Ky.; Dennie E., wife of Will Scott, a farmer of Green County, Ky.; John Lewis, on the home farm; Ernest Lee died at the age of six years; Carrie Ann, wife of Frank Howell, also on the old farm. All of these children have been carefully educated and brought up to habits of thrift and industry, and all are members of the Baptist Church, although the family originally were connected with the Presbyterian denomination. Mr. Bales is a Democrat in his political faith.
William Jacob Bale attended district school and worked on the farm, and, being the eldest much was required of him. He remained at home until his marriage, on August 23, 1893, to Maranda Jane Marcum, daughter of Greenbery Marcum and his wife, Rebecca (Trent Marcum, the former also a native of Green County, Ky., while the mother was born in Breckenridge County, but is now deceased. The children by this marriage were: Nannie B., wife of James Bell, a farmer of Green County, Ky.; Mrs. Bale; John M. died in infancy. Mrs. Bale was born March 13, 1877 in Green County. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Bale rented land in Green County, but although successful, he felt that there was more opportunity in Illinois, so in November, 1897, they left their old home to move to Pike County, Ill., where he went to work on a farm by the month. In the fall of 1902 he came to Sangamon County, engaging for five years with William Kerr, but in 1907 he rented 160 acres in Section 26, New Berlin Township, where he has been producing bountiful crops. He takes pride in keeping up the property, and has so improved it that it is now one of the best-kept farms in the township. Mr. Bale is raising the best breed of Duroc-Jersey registered hogs, averaging from forty to fifty head annually. He also has five fine horses and is a modern farmer and stock-raise in every respect.
Mr. and Mrs. Bale are the parents of seven children: Arthur Green, born July 31, 1894; Rebecca S., born August 17, 1896; George William born August 24, 1898; Blanch Ann, born July 9, 1901; Charles G., born April 29, 1903; John E., born March 22, 1905; and May, born April 22, 1908. Mr. Bale is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, No. 531, New Berlin. While not a member of any church, both he and his wife attend the Baptist Church. Politically he is a Democrat and interested in the progress of his party. He and his wife have many friends here whom they are happy to entertain with true Southern hospitality.