The subject of this sketch, George Hum, is ranked with the prosperous and enterprising farmers of Mission township, LaSalle county, Illinois. Although a native of Pennsylvania, he has never known any other home than Illinois, whither he was brought in his infancy by his parents, Henry and Anna (Keck) Hum.
Henry Hum was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, July 4, 1811, of German parentage. In his youth he received a good education in both German and English, and for some time taught a German school. Farming, however, was his life occupation. He was married in Pennsylvania to Miss Anna Keck, who, like himself, was a native of that state and of German extraction. In 1851 they came west to Illinois, settling first in Northville township, LaSalle county, and later moving to Adams township. He carried on farming in this county for a number of years; lived to a ripe old age, and died in 1893. His wife passed away in 1888. They were the parents of thirteen children, six of whom are now living.
George Hum was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, December 27, 1849, and at the time his parents emigrated to Illinois was two years old. He was reared on his father's farm, receiving his education in the common schools, and remaining a member of the home circle until he was twentyseven years of age, when he married. For four years after his marriage he was engaged in farming in Earl township. Then he farmed three years in Serena township, four years in Adams township, and from the latter place came to his present farm in Mission township, where he owns one hundred and thirty-three acres of fine land and is carrying on general farming. Also he has for a period of thirty-four years been operating a threshing machine, in season, doing a successful business. In the fall of 1899, Mr. Hum purchased a hardware store in Sheridan, to which place he then removed.
Mr. Hum was married in 1878 to Miss Olive A. Beardsley, a daughter of Edwin and Margaret (Townsend) Beardsley. Mr. Beardsley was born in Williamstown, Berkshire county, Massachusetts, February 24, 1824, and came to Illinois about 1834. He was married in LaSalle county, this state, in 1844, to Miss Townsend, a native of Sullivan county, New York, born August 19, 1826, who came to Illinois about the time of his arrival here. In 1849 they made the journey across the plains to California, but some time later returned to Illinois, and are now living in Sheridan, LaSalle county. Mr. and Mrs. Hum have one son, Laurin V., and an adopted daughter, Leona.
Politically Mr. Hum is a Republican; and while he has never sought official honors for himself he has always taken a commendable interest in the success of his party.
Extracted by Norma Hass from Biographical and Genealogical Record of LaSalle County, Illinois published in 1900, volume 1, pages 356-357.
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