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CANHAM, JOHN - Land in the vicinity of Springfield is so valuable that its fortunate possessors will not sell at any figure. This locality was once the home of Indians and wild animals, but today contains some of the highest priced farming land in the country. One of the men owning some of this valuable land is John Canham, of Woodside Township. He was born in Cambridgeshire, England, April 25, 1845, a son of John and Phoebe (Baily) Canham, both of England. The father was a farmer and came to the United States in 1854, sailing from Liverpool and landing at New York. From that city he came to Jacksonville, Ill., and worked in Morgan County as a farm hand for two years before engaging in farming on his own account. After four years in Morgan County he came to Sangamon County, locating on a farm in Divernon Township and there continuing until his death. There were ten sons and two daughters in the family, five of whom still survive. The education of Mr. Canham was secured in the excellent public schools of his native place, and during his boyhood he worked on the home farm for his father. He did not come to the new home until a year after the father, but after joining the latter worked with him, and came with him to Divernon Township. Still later he located on ten acres of choice land I the vicinity of Springfield, which has continued his home for the past twenty-eight years. He does both farming and gardening on his land, which has been so well developed and in so desirable a location that he has refused $400 per acre for it. His home is a comfortable one and in it his children have been born.

On November 12, 1870, Mr. Canham was united in marriage with Sarah Knight, in the city of Springfield. She was born near Somerset, England, November 12, 1849. Her parents came to America, settling on a farm in Sangamon County many years ago. Mrs. Knight died in August, 1905, but the father survives, although he has attained an advanced age. For a number of years he farmed and conducted a truck garden. Three sons and one daughter have been born to Mr. And Mrs. Canham: George, who lives in Springfield being in the ploy of the Wabash Railroad Company; Louis lives at home; Cleve lives in Springfield. And Minnie lives at home. There are five grandchildren in this happy family, who are the delight of the grandparents. Mr. Canham has taken considerable interest in fraternal matters, belonging to Liberty Camp, No. 1524, Modern Woodmen. His political affiliations are with the Democratic party, but he has never been willing to allow his name to be used on its ticket. An excellent example of the transplanted Englishman, Mr. Canham possesses those traits of character which have made his nation famous the world over for so many years, and is a real homemaker. Frugal and industrious, he has worked hard and saved his earnings, investing them carefully. Developing his property, he has one of the best truck farms in the State. He is an excellent farmer and gardener, understanding every detail of his work. His products are so superior that they find a ready sale at fancy prices, and his ten acres yield him an income larger than many a general farmer enjoys from a farm many times its size, which is unprofitably operated. Never seeking public notice, Mr. Canham endeavors to do his full duty as a business man and as a citizen, and has won the confidence and esteem of all with whom he has dealings