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JOSEPH W. INSLEE, who is a descendant of one of the early pioneer families of Sangamon County, is a native of this part of Illinois and is now classed among its most progressive and enterprising farmers and stock-raisers. His farm on section 27, Woodside Township, is one of the most valuable in that place, both in regard to cultivation and to the state of its improvements, which are of a high order.

Our subject is a son of Joseph Inslee, who was born in Seneca County, N. Y. He came to this county in 1819 and was among its earliest settlers. He was here married to Sarah Q. Wills, a native of Kentucky, who also came to Sangamon County in the early days of its settlement. Their entire wedded life was passed on the old homestead in Woodside Township, which before it came into their possession was a wild and uncultivated tract of land. The father departed this life in January 1868 at a ripe age. The mother survived him until August, 1885, when she too passed away full of years. These worthy people reared a family of four children, one son and three daughters.

Joseph Inslee, to whom these lines especially refer, was the second child of his parents in order of birth. He was born in their pioneer home in Woodside Township July 4, 1848. Here he grew to man's estate and was educated in the common schools. He continued to live on the old homestead until he was twenty-eight years old when he removed to Auburn Township, where he resided the ensuing three years. Returning to Woodside Township he entered upon the development of the farm where he now lives. He subsequently abandoned farming for awhile and established himself in the implement business at Springfield. Three years later he gave up that business and has since been actively engaged in farming and stock-raising in Woodside Township. He is the proprietor of two hundred and thirty-three acres of as fine farming land as can be found in this vicinity. Its fertile acres are well tilled and he has erected a first-class set of farm buildings which are neat, commodious, and conveniently arranged in every respect.

Mr. and Mrs. Inslee have here a home that is very attractive and cozy and the hospitality that is practiced within its walls is of the most generous kind. They entered upon their married life October 10, 1876, their wedding being solemnized in Woodside Township. They have a family of six children, namely: Edgar D., Nellie R., Ray, George E., Howard and Leila G. Their one sorrow has been in the death of their little son, Howard, at the age of one year.

Mrs. Inslee was formerly Mary E. McGraw and she is a native of Springfield. She is a daughter of A. Dudley and Rebecca H. McGraw, she being one of the younger members of their family. Her father died in 1876.

Mr. Inslee is a man of good mental endowments and has intelligent opinions of his own upon all subjects with which he is familiar. He is classed among our most desirable citizens, and is never backward in aiding any cause that will advance the growth of Woodside Township. He has done good service as Collector and Highway Commissioner. He is a member of the Prohibition party and is active in the cause of temperance. Both he and his wife belong to the Christian Church and in their daily lives practice its teachings.