Source: Past and Present of Bureau County, Illinois
Originally published 1906
Pioneer Pub. Co.
Chicago, IL

Transcribed by: Denise McLoughlin
Tampico Area Historical Society
www.tampicohistoricalsociety.citymax.com

Pages 683-684

FRANK C. THACKABERRY

Frank C. Thackaberry is a prominent farmer and breeder of thoroughbred Poland China hogs, shorthorn cattle and Oxford Down sheep. He resides on his well equipped and finely improved farm on section 9, Fairfield township, and has thus been engaged in business here since 1885, with the exception of three years spent in California. A native of Pennsylvania, he was born in Chester county in 1859 and is a son of Israel and Ruth Anna (Stanley) Thackaberry, who were native of Pennsylvania, where they spent their entire lives. The father was a contractor and builder, and for many years was identified with building operations in Chester county. He was a son of Henry Thackaberry, whose grandfather was a soldier in the Napoleonic wars and who came to America from Ireland. Taking up his abode in Pennsylvania, he there followed the ocupation of farming and reared his family. Unto Israel and Ruth Anna Thackaberry were born twelve children, of whom the following are living: Milton, Mrs. Lizzie Albright, Mrs. Florence Adams, Mrs. Lou Davis and Mrs. Lorena Morris, all of Coatesville, Pennsylvania; Norman G. Who is living in Philadelphia; Harry C., a resident of Grants Pass, Oregon, and J. W., of Princeton.

The other surviving member of the family is Frank C. Thackaberry, of this review, who was reared and educated in Pennsylvania, and, after completing the common school course, he learned and followed the milling business for four years. He then came to the middle west, for a consideration of the business outlook led him to believe that he might have better opportunities in this section of the country. For some time after his arrival in Bureau County he was engaged in mechanical pursuits, devoting four years to such work in this county and in California. For twenty years, however, his attention has been largely given to general farming and stock-raising, and he is now one of the prominent agriculturists and breeders of thoroughbred stock in Fairfield township. His home is pleasantly and conveniently located on section 9, and there he tills the soil, bringing forth good crops, while at the same time he is extensively engaged in breeding and raising thoroughbred Poland China hogs, shorthorn cattle and Oxford Down sheep. At the fair held in this county in 1906 he made five entries and carried off five ribbons, all being first premiums on the sheep which he exhibited. His flock is headed by an undefeated buck that carried all first honors in Michigan from the tie that he was placed on exhibition. Mr. Thackaberry also keeps about two hundred of Poland China hogs and about fifty head of sheep, keeping only the highest grade stock. His farm is thoroughly equipped with all modern accessories and conveniences, his buildings being specially arranged for the care of his fine stock, and throughout the county it is regarded as one of the model farms.

Mr. Thackaberry was married in 1882, before going to California, the lady of his choice being Miss Alvaretta Thackaberry, a daughter of Marcus Thackaberry, who is mentioned elsewhere in this volume. She was born in Fairfield township, and by her marriage has become the mother of five children, of whom two were born in California. Frank is now preparing for the ministry at Eureka (Illinois) College, and has been engaged in teaching, and filled a professorship at Big Rock, Illinois. Wayne die in 1893, when sixteen months old. Forrest G., who was born in Fairfield township, is at home. The family has resided continuously in Fairfield township since 1892, and in the intervening years Mr. Thackaberry has given undivided attention to his stock-breeding and raising interests, which he has very successfully controlled, being recognized now as one of the leading stockmen of this part of the state. He has a new residence upon his farm, and it is a most splendidly improved place. He has served in various local offices, and was a candidaate of the prohibition party for state legislature, at which time he made a good run. Socially he is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America and with the Mystic Workers. They are also members of the Christian church. Mr. Thackaberry is public-spirited and recognizes the duties and obligations of citizenship and at the same time finds pleasure in aiding in support of the measures and movements which he deems of benefit to the county. His life is illustrative of the fact that prosperity and an honored name may be won simultaneously, for while gaining success in an active business career he has at the same time so directed his affairs that naught is said against his integrity and the methods which he pursues in conducting his business interests.