John Colvin
SOURCE: "Early History and Pioneers of Champaign County, Illinois," by Milton W. Mathews and Lewis A. McLean, editors of the Champaign County Herald, published by the Champaign County Herald, 1886
SURNAMES: COLVIN, GARDIN, GOBIN, LAUGHRAN, MCCLUNE, NEU, SALSBURY
JOHN COLVIN. Was born in Hilltown, county Downe, Ireland, December 24, 1824. His parents were Robert and Martha (MCCLUNE) COLVIN. They came to this country in 1842, from Ireland, and settled near Lexington, Scott county, Indiana. The mother died there. The father accompanied the subject of this sketch to Champaign county in April, 1866, and settled on a farm near Tolono. Mr. Colvin received a good common school education in the Hilltown school in Ireland. He was married at Lexington, Scott county, Indiana, in 1847, to Catharine GOBIN. She died, and was married the second time at the same place to Jane LAUGHRAN in 1862, who still lives. There were eight children born by the first marriage, three died in infancy and five are still living. Martha A., the oldest daughter, married Cap. E. A. GARDIN and resides in St. Paul, Minn. May J., second daughter, married B. B. SALSBURY and resides in St. Paul. John Mc., the oldest son, resides in St. Paul. Thomas J., second son, resides in Urbana. Edward, youngest son by first marriage, resides in St. Paul. There were seven children born by the second marriage, four boys and three girls. Two boys and one girl died in infancy. Clyde, the oldest son, is married and resides in Urbana. Court, the youngest son, is living at home. Ella E., oldest girl married Wm. NEU and resides in Phillipsburgh, Montana. Gay, the youngest girl, is living at home. Mr. Colvin was elected treasurer of Scott county in 1860, and in 1862 was re-elected serving four years, the constitutional term. He came to Tolono township in 1866 and in 1869 was elected supervisor of that township and served seven years consecutively. He was elected and served as town assessor three years. Was elected and served eight years as justice of the peace. Was elected and served as police magistrate of Tolono three years and was appointed post-master of Tolono during President Clevelands administration and made of the best postmasters Tolono ever had. He also served, by appoiuntment, fifteen months as village marshall of Tolono. In 1889 was elected president of the board of trustees of the village of Tolono. In 1891 he was re-elected and is now the president of the board of trustees of the village. In 1891 he was elected as supervisor of Tolono township to serve for two years. Mr. Colvin has had a busy life. He is a man of more than ordinary ability and has the confidence of the entire community as is shown by his frequent selection by the people to fill important offices all of which he fills in a conscientious manner and with satisfaction to everyone. He is and always has been a strong democrat yet he has the confidence of the members of all parties. Although advanced in years and in poor health there are few men who do more business than he. He is a firm friend and upright citizen and is honored and respected by all who know him.