JAMES W. ESQUE, farmer, P. O. New Grand Chain, is a native of Pulaski
County, Ill., born February 14, 1851, the eldest child of Booker and Eliza
S. (Bartleson) Esque. The father died about 1853, and the mother is now the
wife of N. P. Tarr, of this precinct. Booker Esque was a tailor by trade,
but in late years he gave his attention to farming. There were two children
in the family — J. W. and J. E. The former received his education mostly in
Duquoin, Ill., where his parents moved when he was about four years old. He
returned to this county about 1868, and engaged in farming. In 1879, he
purchased eighty acres, which constitutes his present place. He also owns
two separators and an engine, with which he does threshing throughout the
country. He was married, March 27, 1873, to Martha S. Boyd, a daughter of
George W. Boyd, of this county. The union has been blessed with four
children, three of whom survive — Ettie, Maud and Chester B. Mr. Esque is a
member of the A.. F. & A. M., and also K. of H. In November, 1881, he was
elected to a constabulary position to serve a period of four years. He is
Democratic in politics.
His brother, John E., was educated also in
Duquoin, and most of his life has been engaged in clerking. He clerked for
his step-father in Duquoin. and afterward was for five years with the
wholesale house of C. O. Patier & Co., Cairo. In partnership with H. Winter,
he went into the general merchandise business in Carmi, Ill., and was thus
engaged two years. He then came to Oakwood, this county, and has since been
in the employ of his uncle, A. C. Bartleson. He is a Republican in politics.
He married Elizabeth Hilbourn, and has one child living, Rosamond.
Extracted 02 Nov 2014 by Norma Hass from 1883 History of Alexander, Union and Pulaski Counties, Illinois, Part V - Biographical Sketches, pages 903-904.
| Union | Johnson | |
| Alexander |
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Massac McCracken KY |
| Ballard KY |
