HORNBAKER, JOHN, an enterprising and pushing business man of Springfield, was born at Clear Lake, Sangamon County, Ill., May 4, 1871, a son of Robert and Elizabeth Hornbaker. The father was born in Anamosa, Ohio, in 1835, and the mother in Pennsylvania, also in 1835. They came to Clear Lake, Ill., from Ohio, many years ago, the father followed the business of blacksmith and wagon maker until his death, in 1874.

John Hornbaker spent his boyhood in Sangamon County and attended Oak Ridge School on the old State Road. As a child he was fond of outdoor sports, such as hunting, fishing and swimming. After leaving school he went to work in the mines in Sangamon County and followed this occupation eighteen years, then took up the trade of carpenter, thinking he would have more steady employment. He has been able to establish a good business as contractor, and has erected many houses for sale, which have met with a ready market. He is straight-forward and reliable in a business way, quick in his calculations and careful in the management of his affairs. He is a member of the Christian Church and a Socialist in politics. He joined the Odd Fellows Order in 1899 and is a prominent and popular member of same.

Mr. Hornbaker was married in Springfield, March 4, 1892, to Miss Myra Campbell, who was born April 25, 1873, daughter of Monroe and Elizabeth G. Campbell, the former born in 1851, and the latter in 1853. They lived in Rochester, Sangamon County. Mrs. Campbell is a native of Springfield. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hornbaker: Etta, October 16, 1894; Ethel, September 19, 1897, and Edith, October 16, 1904, all living at home. The family reside at 1629 East Washington Street.