William J. Mc Ilwain

William J. McIlwain, farmer, located on section 26, Evart Township, was born May 12, 1849, in Newton-Hamilton, County Armagh, Ireland. His father Isaac McIlwain, was a native of the same county and married Margaret Scott. she died April 12, 1862, and was about 50 years of age when her decease occurred. The senior McIlwain is stil a resident of the Green Isle, and is 62 years old.

Mr. McIlwain, of this sketch, landed at the port of New York, May 21, 1873. After a delay of one week, he came to Evart, where he arrived May 28. His first employment was as a clerk in the store of Mark Ardis. He afterwards formed a partnership with his employer, which continued two years. After their dissolution he resumed his former relation as salesman, in which he still continues. In 1877 he bought his farm, with only five acres uner culture. the place is now in fine condition, with 70 acres under the plow and with excellent farm buildings of all varieties necessary to a high order of agriculture.

He was married Sept. 19, 1876, to Ida M. Wightman. They have had five children: Mary M. was born July 4, 1877; George J., July 3, 1878; Maggie E., July 19, 1882; William Joseph, June 5, 1883, and Allie Louise, June 23, 1884. Once child is deceased. Mrs. McIlwain is the daughter of George R. and Mary (Crandall) Wightman, who were born in Homer, Courtland Co., N.Y. Her father was born Oct. 18, 1808. He is a physician by profession, and is now resident at Wayland, Allegan Co., Mich. Her mother was born Aug. 31, 1815, and died June 17, 1883, in Evart. They had 12 children. Mrs. McIlwain was born Sept. 22, 1855, in Galesburg, Kalamazoo Co., Mich. The brothers and sisters of Mr. McIlwain are George, James, John, Mary, Jane and Samuel.

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