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EASLEY, ROBERT HENRY - Too much credit cannot be given the veterans of the Civil War, for it is to them and their comrades that we owe the preservation of the Union. Springfield still has some of the old soldiers, although many have answered to the last roll call and gone where neither censure nor praise can reach them. One of those who stand high in the estimate of the people there, is Robert Henry Easley. He was born September 19, 1841, in Sangamon County, and has been one of its most valuable citizens all his life. He is a son of James B. and Margaret (Dodds) Easley, the former a farmer by occupation, who in 1830 came from Kentucky to Sangamon County, where he met and married his wife. The latter was born in what became Sangamon County, in 1820, before the organization of the county. The father became prosperous, served as Constable and Justice of the Peace, and was very useful in the development of the county during its early history. He was popular among the first settlers, as well as among those who came later, and died greatly respected.

After a boyhood spent in working on the farm and attending the schools of the period, Robert H. Easley went to Illinois State University and was barely beyond his majority when he enlisted, in March, 1862, in the Twelfth Illinois Cavalry, serving until his honorable discharge, in April, 1865.

Mr. Easley now owns nearly 600 acres of rich farming land in Sangamon County, and several of his children operate a portion of it fir him. He is a Justice of the Peace and for five terms has been elected Supervisor, on the Republican ticket, being one of the strongest supporters of that party in his locality. Fraternally he is a Mason, belonging to Elwood Commandery, of Springfield. His religious affiliations are with the West Side Christian Church, of which he is a consistent member.

On October 26, 1865, Mr. Easley was married to Mary F. Easley, whose parents also came from Kentucky to Sangamon County at a very early day. Five children have been born to them: Laura E. Engle, who lives at Chatham; Henrietta F. Beardon, who lives on a farm in Sangamon County; James A., of Springfield, Vice President of First National Bank; Arthur K., who lives on a farm in Sangamon County, and Herbert L., who lives at home. Mr. Easley is an excellent example of the solid, reliable man, whose interests are centered on the welfare of Springfield, and enjoys in marked degree the confidence of all who know him.