Robert G. Rayburn

 

SOURCE: "Portrait and Biographical Album of Champaign County, Illinois," Chapman Brothers, Chicago, 1887
SURNAMES: EATON, RAYMOND, STEWART ISAAC S. RAYMOND.

The subject of the following biography is a gentleman highly esteemed in the farming community of Raymond Township, and favorably known throughout Champaign County as a fair representative of its progress and enterprise. He is a son of Nathaniel Raymond, one of the early pioneers of this county, who emigrated from Ohio to Illinois in 1864, before the organization of the township which now bears the family name, given it in honor of this most estimable man and citizen.

Our subject was born in Union Countym, Ohio, Jan. 29, 1849. His mother was formerly Miss Melissa STEWART, of that State. He resided with his parents in Ohio until fifteen years of age, and since that time has been a resident of this county. Here he completed his primary education, and when the State University at Urbana was opened for the reception of students, he was among the first to enter. After a thorough course of three years he returned to the farm and assisted his parents in tilling the soil. He was thus occupied until his married, in 1875. At that time he united his fortunes with those of Miss Edith, daughter of Lucius and Lucy EATON, who were among the early pioneers of Philo Township.

After their marriage, the young people located in Raymond Township on section 8, upon a tract of land which our subject had purchased previously, and which comprised 160 acres, partially improved. He resided upon and occupied this until November, 1884, in the meantime having brought the land to a good state of cultivation, and embellished it with a fine set of farm buildings. At this time he traded farms with his father and now owns and occupies the old Raymond homestead. This includes 360 acres of choice land, well drained, and supplied with good farm buildings. Of late years he has given most of his attention to the raising of graded stock.

Two children came to bless the union of our subject and his wife, namely, John and Ruth, who are still at home with their parents. Mrs. Raymond is connected with the Congregational Church, and a lady of much refinement, greatly respected for her personal worth and kindly disposition. She was born in Monmouth, N. J., Sept. 1, 1853, and came with her mother to Illinois two years later, her father having already located in Philo Township, this county. Her education was completed in the public schools of the city of Champaign and the State University. She taught a country school for six years, and afterward presided over one of the village schools at Philo.

Mr. Raymond, politically, casts his vote with the Democratic party. He has served as School Trustee in his township for a period of fourteen years, and with his excellent wife takes an active interest in the establishment and maintenance of institutions of learning. He was also Collector of the township four years, and has been the encourager and supporter of everything pertaining to its progress and welfare. The home of our subject and his family is the abode of peace and refinement, and they enjoy the society of the most cultivated people of their locality.