WILLIAM T. BLACK, a prominent farmer of Woodstock township, was born in Dubois County, Indiana, March 18, 1821. When he was four years old his parents removed to Schuyler County, and here he has since resided. He remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority, and then he started out in life on his own account; he first rented a farm in Woodstock township, which he cultivated one year, and then removed to Rushville township.

He was united in marriage, October 30, 1842, to Matilda Matheny, a native of Morgan County, Ohio, born March 29, 1823. Her parents, Andrew and Sarah (Harris) Matheny were natives of New England and Virginia respectively; they emigrated to Illinois in 1835, purchased a farm in Schuyler county, and there spent the balance of their days. Both the paternal and maternal ancestors were patriots and fought in the war of the Revolution. Mrs. Black is one of a family of four children. After his marriage Mr. Black rented land for a few years longer, and in 1849 bought 120 acres, on which he built a small frame house; this was his home until 1867, when he sold the place and purchased 280 acres in Woodstock township. In 1869 he erected a dwelling, which has since been enlarged and remodeled; he has made all the improvements on the farm, and has developed it into one of the most desirable in the township. He carried on a general farming business, and is considered one of the leading agriculturists of the county.

Mr. and Mrs. Black are the parents of six children: Austin married Nancy King, and they have one son; Athelinda is the wife of Richard Kettenring, and the mother of two sons; Harriet A. died at the age of forty-two years; William H. married Rachel Boiles, and they have seven children, five sons and two daughters; Richard married Jane Stevens, and they have two sons and a daughter; Franklin P. married Sarah Kennedy; and they have two sons.

Politically, Mr. Black affiliates with the Democratic party; he has filled the office of Assessor for three years, and in 1877 he was elected Justice of the Peace and is the present incumbent. He is a member of the Farmers’ Alliance. In his religious faith he is a Baptist. He has endured all the vicissitudes of life on the frontier and has accumulated his property entirely by his own exertions. He has always employed the most correct business methods and has the respect of the entire community.  

Source: Biographical Review of Cass, Schuyler and Brown Counties, Illinois, Biographical Review Publishing Co., Chicago, 1892, pages 132-133.