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WILLIAM H. VIGAL - A prominent position among the citizens of Cotton Hill Township is that held by the gentleman above named. His standing in the community is important in several respects, including as it does his reputation as a private citizen, a large landowner and the manager of extensive farming interests, and his position as a public servant. His home is on section 21, where a large tract of land is carefully managed, supplied with everything needful in the way of farm buildings, stock and machinery and further adorned by an excellent residence, fruit and shade trees. The late John T. Vigal, the father of our subject, was born in Jefferson County, Ky., in 1808. In Clark County, Ind. he was married to Hannah Coble, who was born there in 1811. In the fall of 1830 the young couple came to Sangamon County and established their home on section 8, Cotton Hill Township. There the wife breathed her last May 12, 1853. The husband survived until April 26, 1887. The parental family consists of five sons and four daughters, he of whom we write being the second in order of birth and the oldest son.

William H. Vigal was born on the old homestead in Cotton Hill Township, January 22, 1833. He grew to manhood upon the estate and has always made his home within the township. He acquired a good education in the common schools, a thorough knowledge of farming on the homestead, and added to his equipment for the battle of life by learning the carpenter's trade. In connection with farming he worked at his trade several years, but he has given his chief attention to tilling the soil and stock-raising. He makes a specialty of cattle and swine, but by now means neglects the crops which are the staples in this section of country. His landed estate consists of five hundred and six acres, the improvements on which were made under his directions or by his personal efforts.

October 31, 1855, in the township in which they are now living, Mr. Vigal and Miss Sarah A. Willian solemnized their marriage rites. Mrs. Vigal is a daughter of the late Thomas and Mary (Crowder) Willian, natives of Delaware and Kentucky respectively. They were among the pioneers of this county, having come hither in 1829 and made their first settlement near Springfield. After living there about two years they removed to Cotton Hill Township. There Mrs. Willian died on July 29, 1856. Mr. Willian breathed his last in Christian County, December 27, 1880. Their daughter, the wife of our subject, is the third of five children and was born August 29, 1833. She is proficient in the accomplishments pertaining to the life of a homekeeper and mother, and furthermore possesses a Christian character and has a good standing in the Methodist Episcopal Church. She has borne her husband six children - Marcia A., Everett A., Metta E., William M., Freddie H. and Ermin C. Marcia is now the wife of Chester G. Williams and Metta of Luther E. Kincaid. Freddie died when eight years old.

Mr. Vigal has taken a very active part in the political affairs of the neighborhood, working with and for the Republican party. He is a member of the County Central Committee and in its workings exhibits the same enterprise and zeal which have led to his worldly prosperity. He has served as Township Supervisor seven terms, Justice of the Peace one term, Township Collector one term, and Township Treasurer for nineteen successive years. During the war he was Enrolling Officer and in 1890 he was Census Enumerator. His continuance in public service year after year is the best evidence that can be given that his neighbors regard him as a man of the strictest honesty, good judgment and financial ability.