PYLE, WILLIAM A., one of the best known farmers of Woodside Township, Sangamon County, Ill., is a large landowner and has been very successful in his operations. He owns a very pleasant home on Section 21 and enjoys all the comforts and conveniences of modern times. He is a native of Sangamon County and has witnessed the remarkable development of his section of the State during the past eighty years. Mr. Pyle was born November 13, 1830, and belongs to one of the earliest families to settle in Sangamon County. His grandfather, Nicholas Pyle, came from England and first located in South Carolina. He was married in Carolina during the Revolution, his wife's maiden name being Ann Black, and some of their children were born there and the others in Kentucky, where they lived later. They moved to Christian County, Ky., and thence to St. Clair County, Ill., remaining there a short time, and about 1825 came to Sangamon County.

Thompson Pyle, the father of William A., was born in Kentucky and became a farmer. He accompanied his father to Sangamon County and settled on a farm near where his son William now lives. He entered land from the Government and both he and his father died on this land, the former December 19, 1870. Thompson Pyle married Margaret Moffit, also a native of Kentucky, whose death occurred in 1896. They became parents of ten children, of whom four are living.

William A. Pyle was educated in Sangamon County and in his boyhood worked on his father's farm, where he has lived ever since. He now owns 340 acres of excellent farming land, part of which was entered from the Government. He has done much himself toward the development of his farm, but now rents most of it to tenants and has practically retired from business life. He was born the year of the deep snow and is a member of the "Snow Bird Club", of Sangamon County.

Mr. Pyle is one of the most highly respected men of his part of the county, is popular with his many friends, and personally is a genial whole-souled gentleman, kindly in manner and nature, and a representative of the highest type of citizen. He is always ready to forward every worthy cause and takes great interest in public affairs. He is a Democrat in political belief. Mr. Pyle is unmarried.