My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM COLAW, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 1; P.O. Downs; one of the old settlers of McLean Co.; born in Highland Co., Va., near the Potomac River, Jan. 30, 1815, where he attended the public schools during the winter until about 18 years of age, during which time he worked upon a farm in summer, and followed farming in Virginia, until March 20, 1833, when he was united in marriage with Sabina Gum: she was born in Virginia, Aug. 24, 1814, and died in Illinois, Jan. 30, 1859; they had eight children, of whom five are now living — William, Amos, Benjamin, Dyer and Jane. He married for his second wife Phoebe Wood, upon the 16th of May, 1860; she was born in Virginia, in 1828; she died in Illinois, Sept. 28, 1868, leaving three children, of whom two are now living — Harvey and George. His marriage with Sarah Ann Wilson was celebrated Dec. 23, 1873; she was born in Tazewell Co., Ill., July 11, 1836; she is a daughter of James H. Wilson, who was born March 19, 1797; he was a patriot in the American army during the war of 1812, and was in many battles, among which was the battle of New Orleans, under Gen. Jackson; he was one of the early settlers of Tazewell Co., locating there in 1834; he now lives in Clark Co., Mo. Upon the marriage of Mr. Colaw, he engaged in farming in Virginia, until he emigrated to Illinois and located upon Section 1, Downs Township, in Dec, 1854, where he has lived for a period of a quarter of a century. He first purchased 240 acres of his present place, to which he has since added, by purchase, until he now owns 700 acres, all of which he has made by his own exertions. He has taken a deep interest in the cause of religion, having been a member of the M. E. Church for fifteen years.