PILGRIM McRAVEN, farmer. P. O. Clear Creek Landing. One of the leading farmers in Clear Creek Precinct is the gentleman whose name heads this sketch. Benjamin McRaven, the father, was a native of North Carolina, and lived there until he reached manhood, and then came to Tennessee, where he married Millie Vick. Soon after his marriage, he came to Illinois and settled in Dongola Precinct, Union County, being one of the earliest settlers in that section. There subject was born October 15, 1830. His father came to Alexander County when subject was about seven years old, first settling about four miles northeast of Clear Creek; then, four years after, he came to the farm now occupied by subject, where he lived until his death in 1845. Subject received his education in the subscription schools of his county. After his father’s death, he remained on the farm with his mother until 1849, when she died. He then took charge of the place himself. It was first a farm of sixty-six acres in Section 9. This has been increased since by ninety-four acres in same section, 120 acres in Section 16, 320 acres in Section 15, 165 acres in Section 25, and forty acres in Section 26. Of this about 350 are cleared. He also pays some attention to the raising of fine stock. Subject was married, in 1851, to Elizabeth N. Phillips, of Alexander County. She is the mother of eight living children — P. H., J. S., Thomas W., Nellie Jane, Luella, Benjamin, Elmer E. and Mary. In politics, Mr. McRaven is a Republican, voting that ticket first in 1865.
Extracted 29 Mar 2017 by Norma Hass from 1883 History of Alexander, Union, and Pulaski Counties, Illinois, pages 244-245.
| Cape Girardeau MO |
Union | |
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Pulaski | |
| Scott MO | Mississippi MO | Ballard KY |
