JOHN D. WATERS is one of the foremost stockmen of Sangamon County, and to his active interest in his business and practical enterprise is it much indebted for the improvement of the standard of cattle raised within its bounds during the last decade. He is conducting his interests in Mechanicsburg Township, where he has a large well ordered farm finely adapted to stock raising purposes and he has here one of the finest and best kept herds of cattle in the State.

Mr. Waters was born November 2, 1851, in Sangamon County. He is a son of John and Jane (Near) Waters. His father was a native of Virginia, and was one of the early settlers of this county, being a prominent and respected citizen. Of the children born of the parents of our subject seven are living. The son of whom we write was bred to the life of a farmer, early displayed a genuine liking for the calling and at the age of twenty two years adopted it for his life work. He then began farming for himself on eighty acres of land has met with rare success in his vocation. To tireless industry he adds business sagacity of a high order, and by these means has placed himself amongst the wealthy men of Mechanicsburg Township. He owns here three hundred and forty four acres of fine land, admirable for stock raising. His cattle are of the best, being bred from thoroughbred Short-horns, and in addition to the care he takes in breeding our subject gives them his personal attention as to health and feed, and the result is that he excels all others in the production of fine cattle, his herds being the most perfect, considering the number, that enter the Chicago market. In hogs he handles only the best and in cows for variety and excellence his herds stand without a rival. He is ever on the lookout for improvement, attending all the great fairs and sales for that purpose. He seems to be entirely absorbed in his stock business and has made it a conspicuous success. He stands high in financial circles for square and honorable dealing, and his judgment on stock is taken without question, those depending on his word never having any cause to regret taking his advice in regard to cattle. He is a member of the Society of Modern Woodmen and belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is frank and open hearted, is liberal to a degree and his public spirit has contributed to the growth of his township.

Our subject has a cozy home and is happy in his domestic life. He was married March 3, 1874, to Amanda Lowe, a native of Indiana. He finds in her a wife who is devoted to his interests and rules the household with a firm and judicious hand and is a wise mother to their children, of whom they have three - Eva May, Nellie Florence and Homer Forest - all of whom are at home.