Transcribed by Mary Ann Kaylor

Page 1203:

ELKIN, William F. Jr. (deceased) - Of the men who are responsible for the present prosperity of Springfield, many have passed away from earthly cares, and among them none was better known or more highly respected than the late William F. Elkin, born near Springfield, Sangamon County, February 29, 1836, a son of William F. and Elizabeth (Constant) Elkin. The father was for some years a farmer in Sangamon County, but later held a government position, and was Sheriff of the county several terms.

William F. Elkin, Jr., attended the country and Springfield schools, and lived on a farm until his parents moved to Springfield. When a young man he conducted a large grocery business, but later in life also held government offices, and at the time of his death was Bailiff at the Court House. His demise occurred July 20, 1890, and his remains are interred in Oak Ridge Cemetery. He was a Mason, a member of the Christian Church and a Republican.

Mr. Elkin was married in Springfield, on October 16, 1860, to Maria Louisa Harvey, born in Springfield October 13, 1839, daughter of William and Eliza (Rice) Harvey, who came from Maryland to Sangamon County, overland, at an early day. The father passed away in 1855, his widow surviving him until 1870. Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Elkin, of whom the following grew to maturity: Emma Clark, at home; Charles F., Robert R., Louis C., Zach C., Lawton L., Hazel L. Mrs. Elkin resides in a beautiful home at NO. 1214 South Fourth Street. She is a delightful conversationalist and her recollections of the days when Springfield was a village are very interesting. Her father could not find a place for his business, so built an addition to his house for an office. This house stood in the center of the present business district. They were neighbors of Abraham Lincoln and Mrs. Elkin is proud of her memories of the great man.