CLEOPHAS C. BRECKENRIDGE. The Breckenridge homestead consists of four hundred and two acres of the valuable land that makes Sangamon County a fit home for enterprising and progressive farmers. It forms a part of section 1, Cotton Hill Township, and is furnished with all the modern conveniences for the perfect transaction of the work to which it is devoted and the comfort of the family which made it their home. The buildings are first class in design and construction and include an especially comfortable and well furnished dwelling which, with its surroundings, is represented by a view elsewhere in this volume. In this edifice, a room has been set apart for the large and interesting collection of relics that have been secured by Mr. Breckenridge, and that forms a veritable museum of curious and valuable mementoes of the war and other specimens, such as well repay examination. Many of these relics were obtained at great trouble and would prove a valuable addition to the collection preserved by the State in the museum at Springfield.

In Bourbon County, Ky., near Paris, the late Preston Breckenridge was born August 5, 1807, and in Nicholas County the eyes of Catherine Moler opened to the light, August 30, 1804. This couple were united in marriage at the bride's home November 17, 1827, and spent a few years of wedded life in the county where their marriage took place. They then removed to this county, arriving in October, 1834, and at once taking up their residence on the farm now owned and operated by their son, our subject. The faithful wife and mother died February 4, 1847, and the father subsequently married Lucy D. Robb, who survived until November 18, 1854. Mr. Breckenridge lived until July 26, 1880, reaching a goodly old age. His first marriage was blessed by the birth of seven sons and five daughters. He was a near relation of Hon. John C. Breckenridge, whose connection with politics is well known and belongs to the annals of history.

The gentleman of whom we write was the sixth child of his parents and was born in the township in which he still lives, August 7, 1836. He passed his boyhood and youth amid the usual surroundings of a farm and in the pursuance of the studies and occupations suited to his years, developing his natural abilities, both physical and mental, and fully equipping himself for the battle of life. The vocation in which his respected father was engaged was that which he chose as his own, and the success that has crowned his efforts proves the wisdom of his choice. It needs but a glance over his broad fields to convince the beholder that he makes of his calling both an art and a science, and he is a close student of the physical conditions that increase or diminish the crop prospect.

The patriotism that slumbers in the breast of every true American was aroused to its highest pitch in the heart of Mr. Breckenridge when the attempt was made on the National life in 1861 and before the summer was past he was enrolled among his country's defenders. His name was attached to the muster roll of Company D, Thirty-third Illinois Infantry and ere long he was at the front winning the admiration of his comrades and the commendation of his superior officers for his bravery, devotion to duty and cheerfulness under all circumstances. "My country first, my personal comfort afterward," was the burden of his actions, and no duty was too severe for his gallant spirit to endure so long as it promised to keep intact the old flag. At the assault on Vicksburg, May 22, 1863, he was severely wounded in the right side and was unable to do duty for several weeks. Besides that famed encounter, he took part in the battles of Fredericktown, Cotton Plant, Magnolia Hill, Raymond, Jackson, Champion Hill, Black River Bridge, the siege of Vicksburg, the second battle of Jackson, Ft. Esperanza and Coldwater.

At the residence of Johnson and Mary (Thomas) Cave, in Montgomery County, this State, January 30, 1868, the marriage rites of Mr. Breckenridge and Lillian T. Cave were solemnized. The bride was the second child and eldest daughter of the host and hostess who had removed from their native State, Kentucky, to this county in 1861 and thence departed to Montgomery County. Mrs. Breckenridge was born in Ballard County, Ky., August 12, 1848. She was the recipient of good educational advantages and excellent home training, and developed the graces of mind and heart, that give her influence and prominence in society and qualify her to discharge the manifold duties that belong to wifehood and motherhood. She is the mother of three children, one of whom was removed from earth in infancy. The survivors are Inez A., now the wife of C. F. Spicer, and Ida B., who yet brightens the parental fireside by her presence. The young ladies are educated , refined and pleasing in manners, ornaments to society and useful in religious and benevolent circles.

Mr. Breckenridge has filled some of the school offices in a manner creditable to his judgment and beneficial to the people. Socially he holds membership in Stephenson Post, No. 30, G.A.R., Springfield, Ill., of which he is Past Commander. In politics he is a Republican of the strongest type, who is fully persuaded of the justice of the principles he supports and labors to promulgate. The entire family belongs to the Christian Church and Mr. Breckenridge has held various official positions therein, among them the offices of Deacon and Elder. An hour cannot be spent in his company without instruction and pleasure being derived from his conversation, and his genial manners - those of the best type of the Southern gentleman - win the favor of strangers as well as of more intimate associates.