WILLIAM P. LARRABEE, who is engaged in farming and stock raising on section 30, Auburn Township, was born in Hartland, Me., March 21, 1825. The family was founded in America by three brothers of English birth, one of whom settled in Tennessee, another in Portsmouth, N.H., and the third in Maine. It is from the last brother that our subject is descended. His grandfather, William Larrabee, a native of the Pine Tree State, followed the sea during the greater part of his life, and for several years was a captain. He went on several whaling voyages, and visited many different countries on the face of the globe. At length he left the sea, and in Danville, Me., spent the remainder of his life, dying at the advanced age of ninety-four years. His father, who was also a seafaring man, served in the Revolutionary War, and he enlisted in the War of 1812.

Hon. William Larrabee, father of our subject, was born in Danville, Me., and was a prominent citizen of the community in which he made his home. He filled various offices of honor and trust, for many years was Justice of the Peace, for one term was County Commissioner, and twice represented his district in the State Legislature. Farming was his life occupation, and he owned, cleared and developed one hundred acres of land in Somerset County, Me. He was accidentally killed by falling upon a rake while throwing down hay from the barn loft. The handle pierced his body and caused him to bleed to death. He was a most popular man, well educated, genial in manner and courteous in deportment. He died in the faith of the Universalist Church, at the age of fifty seven years.

The mother of our subject, whose maiden name was Sallie Plummer, was born in Danville, Me., and was a daughter of Capt. Plummer, who lost his life at sea near the Isle of Wight. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and her death occurred in the Pine Tree State, in 1877, at the age of eighty-three years. Their children were as follows: William P., Jacob, who died in Massachusetts at the age of twenty-one; Mrs. Jane Merrifield died in Maine, in 1888; H.W., who was born in Maine, in 1830, and went to California in the spring of 1852, where he engaged in mining, returned to his native State the following year, and in 1860 came to Sangamon County, where he owns and operates eighty acres of land in Auburn Township; Andrew J. makes his home in Denver, Col., but is now traveling over the country on a pleasure trip; John died in Maine; George is living in Wheatland, Cal., and Stephen died in 1839, in Cloverdale, Cal.

Our subject passed the days of his boyhood and youth in the usual manner of farmer lads, and received such educational advantages as the common schools of that day afforded. As soon as he was large enough to reach the plow handles he began work upon his father's farm where he remained until the age of twenty-one. He then left the parental roof and went to Somerville, Mass., about two miles from Boston, where he engaged in brick making for nine summers, his winters being spent in the timber land of his native State. He made two trips to the West Indies for pleasure during that time, and has traveled extensively over this country, both north and south, east and west. He visited the Crystal Palace in New York City, and in the winter of 1852 started for California, going by the Panama route. The vessel drifted upon a sand bar near San Diego, and they were twice transferred, reaching their destination after two months.

Mr. Larrabee spent about a year and a half in the mines, and in the spring of 1854 returned to Maine. The spirit of adventure was still upon him, and in that summer he visited Illinois and other Northern States, traveling for pleasure. So well pleased was he with the southern portion of the Prairie State that in September, 1854, he made a permanent location in Auburn Township, purchasing two hundred and thirty-two acres of raw land. This he placed under the plow, transformed the wild prairie into richly cultivated fields, and added many improvements which greatly enhanced its value. He has put up two good windmills, erected two large barns and a comfortable residence. Corn is the principal cereal which he raises, and he does quite an extensive business in the line of stock dealing, making a specialty of Poland-China hogs and full blooded Holstein cattle. A man of more than ordinary business ability he has met with prosperity, and is recognized as one of the leading and prominent farmers of the community in which he makes his home. A view of his residence and pleasant farm surroundings will be found on another page.

In the Capitol City, in 1859, Mr. Larrabee wedded Miss Mary Church, a native of Hartland, Me., and a daughter of Hanson Church, a Maine farmer. Their union has been blessed with four children: The eldest, Prof. William H., was educated in Dixon, Ill., Lebanon, Ohio, and the college of Valparaiso, Ind., and is now a successful teacher of the county; Francis H., James and Sarah A. are at home. Mr. Larrabee has served as School Director, and is a supporter of democratic principles. A public spirited man he gives his hearty support and co-operation to every worthy enterprise calculated to benefit the community. His wife, an estimable lady, is a member of the Methodist Church.