Joseph Cavins, farmer; P. O. Mattoon; was born in Marion Co., Ohio, Jan. 24, 1838; moved to Coles Co., Paradise Tp., in 1840; was married Dec. 25, 1862; maiden name of wife Melissa E. Ferguson. Names of children: Elmer W., Joseph O., Elzy C., William F., Stanley T., Lester B. Owns 80 acres of land worth about six thousand dollars. Public offices held: Justice of the Peace, Town Clerk, School Trustee, Supervisor, and taught school nine terms in the same District; was also in the late war. His father and mother, Joseph and Nancy Cavins, were born in Loudoun Co., Va.; moved to Coles Co., Paradise Tp., Ill., in 1840. His father died about May 12, 1846; his mother Aug. 20, 1852, or there about. Names of their children – boys: John, James, Randolph, William, Joseph and Thomas; girls: Martha, Mary, and Sarah.
