JOHN M. TOLER, P. O. Anna. The gentleman whose name heads this biography is a native of Wayne County, N. C, born July 16, 1806. His father, Stephen Toler was born in the same State in 1762, and was a farmer during his life, which ended in 1818. His paternal ancestors emigrated, at an early date, to America from Ireland. Elizabeth Powell, the mother of our subject, was born in North Carolina in 1763, and was the daughter of Peter Powell, a native of Scotland. The union of Stephen and Elizabeth resulted in sixteen children, all of whom are deceased, save John M., whose school advantages were very limited. Such education as he did get was obtained within the log cabin, with slab seats and writing desks, etc. While yet in his" minority, perhaps when about fifteen years old, he began “paddling his own canoe" as a laborer on a farm, at a small compensation. At the age of sixteen, he assumed the management of a store and fishery along the Neuse River for Silas Cox, from which he withdrew in 1829, and immediately came to what is now Stokes Township, where he remained until 1868, in the meantime entering 1,100 acres of land. Here he devoted his entire efforts and time to the labors of the ruralist, and was always well repaid for the same. In the year mentioned above, he removed to his present farm of 125 acres, lying a short distance from Anna, where he gives his attention to horticulture, especially in small fruits. In 1830, he married Mary Throgmorton, born November 15, 1812, in Kentucky, and who came to this county when quite young. She died in 1866. Her union with Mr. Toler gave her nine children, three of whom survive, viz.: Martha, the wife of Ezekiel Bishop; L. H., born February 15, 1844 (married, March 22, 1868, Amanda Sivea, and has four of six children living, viz.: Ary, A. J., Charles L. and Ed L.); J. M., born July 18, 1847 (married, October 13, 1867, Susan M. Helton, the result being ten children, seven of whom survive, viz.: Isa A., Preston E., Olive B., Ida A., Alice G., John A. and Clarence E.). Three of our subject's sons joined the patriots to defend their country, and lost their lives in the service. Dr. S. E. raised the Sixtieth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and was commissioned General, but died before the time to take command. John W. was assigned the position as Quartermaster, and Josiah served as Lieutenant. June 17, 1869, Mr. Toler was married to Mary Baker, a daughter of Charles and Celia (Clark) Baker, the former born March 25, 1794, in Alabama, where he died in 1861, and the latter born in North Carolina November 10, 1797, and died in Alabama in 1865. The present Mrs. Toler was born in Georgia November 6, 182-4, and belongs to the Methodist Church. Mr. Toler was early identified with the Whig party, and is now a stanch Democrat. He served his township for several years as Treasurer and Trustee, and has held other small offices.
Extracted 02 Apr 2017 by Norma Hass from 1883 History of Alexander, Union, and Pulaski Counties, Illinois, Part V, pages 87-88.
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