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NEIL L. MCTAGGART - The Divernon Mercantile Association carries on an extensive trade in various kinds of merchandise, such as are suited to the wants of the people and particularly to those living in the country. The ideas of co-operation promulgated by the Patrons of Husbandry have been brought to a practical conclusion in this establishment, and especially well developed by the present manager, Neil L. McTaggart. First-class goods are kept, and by doing away with the "middleman," the prices are brought down and the gains accrue to the agriculturists who are stockholders in the concern. Since our subject took charge the trade has increased and the footings of the establishment become even more assured than before. Neatness and order prevail in the arrangement and taste with which the goods are displayed, while none but the most courteous treatment is met with from the manager and his assistants.
Mr. McTaggart was born near Springfield, November 26, 1861, and is the eldest of the four children whom his parents reared. He is of Scotch lineage and in the land of the heather both his parents were born. Alexander McTaggart died in Pawnee Township, this county in 1873, and his good wife, Jeanette (Carswell) McTaggart, in 1889. They were persons of more than ordinary intelligence, had been very well educated, and displayed the industry, frugality and true benevolence of the race to which they belonged.
Our subject was reared in this county on a farm where he learned the lessons of prudence and perseverance that have stood him in good stead during all the years that have passed since his boyhood. He gained a fundamental education in the common schools and then entered the High School in Springfield to continue his pursuit of knowledge. He adopted farming as his vocation and steadily pursued his calling until selected to take charge of the "Grange Store" in 1888. In the new line of business he has won the entire confidence of the people, to whom he was already known as a reliable and enterprising farmer.
At the head of the household affairs in the home of Mr. McTaggart is a lady of wisdom and fine character who bore the maiden name of Kittie L. Hoppin. She is a native of this county and became the wife of our subject April 8, 1886. The congenial union has been blessed by the birth of two children - Louisa and J. Irving. The political adherence of Mr. McTaggart is given to the principles of Republicanism and he is unfailing in his support of what he believes to be the best public policy. He belongs to the order of the Modern Woodmen of America and Patrons of Husbandry.