Transcribed by Mary Ann Kaylor

Page 1186

DOTY, NATHAN who has for half a century occupied his present home in Williamsville, Ill, has for the past ten years lived retired from active life. He is a native of New York State, born March 12, 1827, son of Abraham and Hannah (Campbell) Doty, both natives of New York, the former born in 1801. The parents spent their entire lives in New York. The father was descended from Mayflower emigrant and the mother was of English descent. They were parents of eight children, and Nathan, one of seven sons, is the only survivor.

Nathan Doty received his early education in Berkshire County, Mass. He helped with the work on his father's farm as a young man and when he left home engaged in farming on his own account. He came west in December, 1856, reaching Williams Township, Sangamon County, January 1, 1857, and there engaged in farming for a few years, then located in Williamsville, where for fifteen years he conducted a general merchandise establishment. He was for several years manager of the Council Elevator in Williamsville and for the past ten years has lived retired from active life. He has been fairly successful and has accumulated some other property besides his nice home in Williamsville. He is prominent in local affairs and one of the prominent men of his community, whose good judgment and ability is generally recognized.

The marriage of Mr. Doty occurred in Lakeville, Conn., March 18, 1853, when he was united with Katherine Shaw, born in Cannon, Conn., March 22, 1853, daughter of Hiram Shaw, a native of New York, as was his wife. Hiram was a son of John Shaw and his wife spent their entire lives in the East. Of their ten children all are deceased except two, Katherine, Mrs. Nathan Doty, and of these three sons and two daughters still survive: William, a resident of Racine, Wis.; Nathan, a painter, living in Williamsville; Charles a clerk in the offices of the Chicago & Alton Railroad Company, living in Joliet; Emma, wife of Charles Slaughter, a farmer of Williams Township; Julia, wife of Charles Fishburn, living on a farm near Barclay, Sangamon County. There are thirteen grandchildren in the family.

Mr. Doty is a devout member of the Methodist Church and in politics is a Republican. He was for five years Overseer of the Poor in Sangamon County and served one years as Constable, serving in each office with credit and ability. He was personally acquainted with Abraham Lincoln and has many pleasant recollections of their friendship. He has worked very hard most of his life and has been successful through earnest effort and good business judgment. His integrity and honest have never been questioned and he is held in high esteem by all who know him.