William Stonestreet, who for for many years was identified with the agricultural enterprise of Kerr Township, was head of one of the most industrious and honored families in that section of Champaign County, and the name is one that is spoken with the greatest respect and esteem, due to the many worthy virtues manifest in their “home and lives.
Mr. Stonestreet was a native of Kerr Township, a son of Adam and Nancy (Stonestreet) Stonestreet. His parents were both natives of West Virginia and were among the pioneer settlers of Champaign County, arriving in 1853.
The late William Stonestreet married Mary E. Clifton. She was born in Champaign County, next to the youngest in a family of eight children of Jackson and Jane (Allsop) Clifton. Mrs. Stonestreet was educated in district school No. 9, the Obenchain schoolhouse.
After their marriage Mr. Stonestreet began his career on land belonging to his mother, and which he subsequently inherited. He and his wife had industry and enthusiasm and gradually their efforts were crowned with pleasing success.
Into their home were born six children, two of whom died in infancy. The other four are named Andrew Adam, Ira Elmer, Emma Jane and Charles Gilbert. The children have received the best of advantages in the local schools, known as the Stonestreet school, while Gilbert is now a student in the high school at Penfield. Miss Emma took besides her literary instruction piano lessons from Miss Alice Gordon.
It was after a career of years of strenuous and successful labor that Mr. Stonestreet passed away August 27, 1909, after a brief illness. He was a man who commanded and enjoyed the high respect of the community wherein he long resided and was an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. After his death Mrs. Stonestreet, left alone, continued the responsibilities of the old farm, and has shown unusual executive ability in the management of the farm as well as the home. She has devoted herself to the rearing of her children and already sees the fruits of her instruction and the lessons she has endeavored to impress upon them. Her older sons have already assumed the management of the farm and the well kept condition of the place indicates their ability and industry. Since the death of her husband Mrs. Stonestreet has been able to buy forty acres additional land and now has a very complete and well equipped farm of eighty acres, worked by her sons. The family also farm 120 acres of rented land. Mrs. Stonestreet believes in enjoying the good tidings of life and owns a car in which she and her family find much recreation in tours about the county and in visiting their many friends. Mrs. Stonestreet deserves the greatest credit for what she has accomplished. She bravely faced the duties of life and has proved herself one of the noblest of American women. Politically she is a stanch Republican, having grown up in the atmosphere of that party. She is active as a member and supporter of the Penfield Methodist Episcopal Church and her children are attendants of the Sunday school. Each year finds her in greater comfort, since her sons and her daughter are gradually relieving her of many of the heavy responsibilities in connection with the farm. Her daughter Miss Emma is a cultured girl who does much to assist in the home work. Her sons, as they grow to manhood, have manifested a lively interest in home duties and have proved a comfort to their mother and a credit to themselves and the community.