MCTAGGART, WALTER NEIL. - Farming is the oldest business in the world, and since the creation of man, mortals have been forced to depend upon the soil for sustenance. Aggregations of people may build cities; inventive genius may manufacture many articles, but without the skill and patience of the agriculturist, the world cannot exist. One of the substantial young farmers of Sangamon County, who is fully alive to the responsibilities and possibilities of the twentieth century agriculturist, is Walter Neil McTaggart, of Section 30, Pawnee Township. He was born on his present farm, January 26, 1872, a son of Robert and Jane (Carswell) McTaggart, both natives of Scotland who came to Sangamon County in pioneer days. Robert McTaggart had a twin brother named Duncan and both were farmers.
Walter Neil McTaggart attended the common schools of his township, assisted in farming, and with the exception of six months, has always lived on his present farm. On January 14, 1897, he was married, in Cotton Hill Township, to Ethel Sarah Funderburk, a daughter of David and Sarah A. (Torry) Funderburk, the former born in Sangamon County, the latter in New Jersey. Mrs. McTaggart was born April 18, 1876. There were two children by this marriage: Ray, born December 7, 1898; and Freddie, born June 26, 1901, died four months later and was buried in Zion Cemetery.
Mr. McTaggart has been a member of the Court of Honor for eight years, and of the Modern Woodmen for five years, while Mrs. McTaggart is a member of the Court of Honor and Royal Neighbors. Since casting his first vote, Mr. McTaggart has been a Republican, and he and his family are members of the Methodist Church. In addition to his large holdings in farm land, he is a stockholder in the Pawnee State Bank. By pursuing industrious and economical business methods, Mr. McTaggart has established for himself a sound financial reputation and has a right to be proud of what he has accomplished. He understands farming thoroughly, and is regarded as an authority on agricultural matters.