J. H. Brannon, farmer, Sec. 7; P. O. Oakland; born in Rockingham Co. Va., Sept. 1, 1836, where he engaged in farming until 19 years of age, when, in 1855, he emigrated to Missouri, where his father died soon after his arrival, when he returned to Virginia, remitting during the winter, and, in the spring of 1856, he returned to Illinois, and located in Oakland Tp., Coles Co., and engaged in farming, which business he has since successfully followed; he owns 200 acres of land, mostly under cultivation. His marriage with Sally A. Troxwell was celebrated Nov. 11, 1858; she was born in Coles Co., her parents being among the early pioneers of this county, settling here at an early day; they have eight children by this union-Winfield, Edward, Clara, Semantha H., John W., Hiram L., Franklin and Minnie L.