Joseph White. Among the numerous families of Champaign County, Illinois, whose industry and activities of life have aided in its upbuilding is that of White. Joseph White is one of the prosperous and successful farmers located east of Rantoul, some three miles. In the early years of his young manhood he came to Champaign County, and there with his good wife, whose maiden name was Jane Osborn, they began to found a permanent home for themselves. The young couple experienced many trying hardships incident to pioneer life, but possessing strongly those qualifications which go to make up a splendid citizenship, industry, progressiveness and economy, they went to work with that determined energy that always marks the life of successful men and women of earth.
Progress was the keynote of their lives, and during the passing years their industry has met with pleasing success.
One especially pleasing feature of their life’s work was the pains they exerted in the education of their children, fully realizing the advantage to them in future years of possessing this needful equipment for life’s duties. It was especially gratifying to see them manifest an admirable interest in the pursuit of their studies, and, after graduating from the state university in Urbana, become popular and successful teachers in Champaign County. Anna, the daughter, is the wife of V. B. Rusk, and their two children are Mildred and Walter. Mary is the wife of Frank Rusk, and their home is near Armstrong, Illinois. Their children are Nellie, Rea, Russell, Harold and Lloyd.
The. White family have experienced the usual joys and sorrows incident to the human family. The death angel visited the home at different times and the dear mother entered into rest after a long and useful life, in which her many acts of Christian kindness endeared her to a large circle of friends. She rests today with heaven’s benediction resting upon her, “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.” The daughter Tillie, who for years had been a beloved teacher in Champaign County, was also claimed by death. She was an admirable character who left a large circle of friends to mourn her loss. The remaining daughters, Grace, Florence and Margaret, are at home, being home makers for their father and their brother Thomas, who manages the farm.
The family are honored members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and their lives have been closely identified with the interests of Champaign County. In fact so much so that a history of Champaign County would be incomplete without a compilation of their lives in the records of the county’s community builders. Therefore it is with pleasure that the above is compiled of this most worthy family.