SOURCE: "History of Champaign County, Illinois," by J. O. Cunningham, 1905

SURNAMES: BOND, BURWASH, CLARK, EDELSIZER, MCCULLOUGH, RANEY, SEYLAR

JOHN MCCULLOUGH was born in December 1862, in Champaign County, and acquired his education in the common schools. His parents were Alexander W. and Elizabeth (SEYLAR) MCCULLOUGH, the first of whom was born in Franklin County, Pa., February 19, 1810, of Scotch-Irish extraction, the mother’s birth occurring July 9, 1824. Alexander’s grandfather, John MCCULLOUGH, was captured by Indians in Delaware, when eight years old, and held a prisoner for more than eight years. Alexander McCullough was an early settler in Champaign County, coming here in April, 1854. He purchased eighty acres on Section 29, Urbana Township, where he resided until his death in 1888. There were eight children in his family, as follows: James S.; Adelia, Mrs. Nelson RANEY, of Sumner County, Kans.; Anna E., now Mrs. John BOND, of Tolono, Ill.; F. F., who lives in California; Margaret, Mrs. Samuel BURWASH, Ayers Township; Benjamin, also in California; Albert and John. The family were members of the Methodist Church.

Politically, Mr. McCullough was first a Jacksonian Democrat, then an old-time Whig, and finally a Republican. John McCullough remained with his father until the latter’s death. Two years later, January 22, 1890, he was married to Anna CLARK, daughter of Joshua and Margaret (EDELSIZER) CLARK, who came to Illinois from Ohio, when Anna was two years old, settling in Philo Township. Her mother died early in life and the father’s death occurred in January, 1900. They were farmers and members of the Christian Church. Six children have been born of this union: James Clark, Helen, Mary Elizabeth, Fred B., Margaret and Joseph. Since his marriage Mr. McCullough has resided on the old homestead and managed the farm.