Among the leading 1 and influential farmers and stock raisers of Magnolia township, Putnam county, who thoroughly understand their business and pursue the avocation of their chosen calling in a methodical and workmanlike manner, is the subject of this biography. He resides on section 31, where he has made his home for forty years, and his farm, which at the beginning only comprised eighty acres, thirty-five of which were under cultivation, now includes four hundred and eighty acres, three hundred of which have been placed under the plow and are well improved. The tract was entered by his grandfather Glenn, who came from Tazewell county to Putnam county, where he was among the first settlers, locating on the farm now owned by our subject, when Indians were still to be found in the neighborhood.
Isaac D. Glenn, the father, was a native of Kentucky, where he was reared and married Sarah Allen, who was born in the same state and was the daughter of Archibald Allen, who also settled in Magnolia township, Putnam county, at an early day, and there died at the advanced age of ninety-four years. From Kentucky the parents moved to Indiana, and in 1832 became residents of Illinois, but it was not until three years later that they removed to section 31, Magnolia township, on the farm where Y. A. Glenn now lives, securing the land from the government. Upon that farm the father died July 7, 1850, and the mother, August 17, 1876. Both were members of the old school Baptist church, in which he served as deacon for many years. In their family were six children who grew to maturity — Mrs. Nancy H. Young, of Iowa; Samuel, of Varna, Illinois; Mrs. Elizabeth Larkins and Mrs. Margaret Haley, now deceased; Young A., of section 31, Magnolia township; and Isaac A.
The youngest of the family, our subject, was born on the old homestead on section 31, Magnolia township, August 24, 1837, and during his boyhood and youth aided in the operation of the farm during the summer months, and for about three months during the winter attended school, which was one and a half miles from his home. Before reaching the age of nineteen years, he was married, December 20, 1855, to Miss Mary Jane Stewart, sister of Mrs. W. H. German, of Hopewell township, Marshall county, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work. She was the oldest in the family, born at Hennepin, December 30, 1838, and acquired her education in the district schools of Putnam county. Her father, who was born January 7, 1817, died on the 30th of January, 1896.
Mr. Glenn began his domestic life upon the farm, which is still his home, living first in a log cabin, but in 1861 erected his present residence, and has always given his attention to mixed farming. Eight years ago he began breeding roadsters, having at first Hambletonian stock, but now also has some fine specimens of the Wilkes and Norman breeds. He also has full blooded Hereford cattle as well as other fine grades of stock upon his place.
Eight children blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Glenn, as follows: John E., born October 23, 1856, died October 13, 1857; Samuel M., born August 29, 1858, died February 15, 1862; Sarah Sophia, born August 30, i860, is the wife of W. H. Burr (see sketch elsewhere in this volume); Eliza Hall, born August 31, 1862, is the wife of Randolph Disosway, of Iroquois county, Illinois, by whom she has three children — Allen R., William, and Edwin Eugene; Nancy J., born September 18, 1864, died February 23, 1889; Isaac A., born May 9, 1867, died August 15, 1871; Jessie Elizabeth, born February 19, 1873, is the wife of D. W. Dunlap, of Evans township, Marshall county, by whom she has one son, William Glenn; Robert Edwin, born November 4, 1875, died June 11, 1894.
Mr. Glenn is a stalwart democrat in politics, who has served as road commissioner and for fourteen years as school director, and socially holds membership with the Masonic lodge at Magnolia and Magnolia Grange, No. 179, of Clear Creek. He is one of the active and progressive men of the county, and takes great interest in all matters calculated to enhance its value, or to benefit his fellow-men.
Source: The Biographical Record of Bureau, Marshall and Putnam Counties, Illinois published in 1896, page 209.
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