Richard Avey, farmer and stock-dealer; P. O. Arcola; the subject of this sketch was born in Suffolk Co., Eng., Aug. 19, 1837. He married Miss Celia Oakland May 31, 1858; she was born in Norway, Feb. 7, 1841; they had eight children – seven living, viz., Mary J., William T., John L., Maud I., Richard G. N., Martha C. and Oscar L.; Leander R. died Sept. 25, 1866; he lived in England about eighteen years, when he came to the United States, and settled in LaSalle Co., Ill., where he lived about two years; he then came to Coles Co; this was in 1857; he settled on his present place and has lived here since. He has held the office of Commissioner of Highways two terms, and School Director some nine years, also Town Collector and Treasurer of Commissioners of Highways. He owns 125 acres in this township, which he has earned by his own labor and management; he is a member of the Episcopal Church, and has been connected with the same all his life.
