MEACHAM, JOHN H., who for the past thirty-six years has been a prominent agriculturist of Christian County, Ill., and prior to that time was for a long period engaged in the same pursuits in Sangamon County, is a native of the latter county, born near New Berlin, February 12, 1834, son of Joseph K. and Ann (Hodgerson) Meacham. Joseph K. Meacham was born in Kentucky and his wife in Virginia, and after their marriage they came to Sangamon County, in 1829, settling at New Berlin and entering land from the Government. There they spent the remainder of their lives, the father dying in 1838 and the mother surviving until April 12, 1865, dying the day of President Lincoln's assassination. Both were buried at the old home place. They were the parents of three boys and one girl, but John H. is the only survivor of this family.
Mr. Meacham secured his education in al old log schoolhouse near New Berlin, and worked on the home farm for his mother until he reached the age of seventeen years, at which time he commenced teaching school, and continued as an educator for two years and one-half in Sangamon County. He then took up farming as his life work, and continued operations in Sangamon County until 1875, in which year he removed to his present fine property in Christian County, where he has become well known as an agriculturist. He is a Democrat in politics. He was well acquainted with President Lincoln and often visited the latter's offices when he was but a struggling Illinois lawyer. Mr. Meacham was a School Director for nine years in the Hudson district in Sangamon County, and for a like period since coming to Christian County, as well as Assessor of Mt. Auburn, for three terms. He is a member of the Methodist episcopal church, and for a number of years served as church trustee.
On January 4, 1861, Mr. Meacham was married in Sangamon County, Ill., to Leah Jarrett, who was born August 18, 1842, near New Berlin, Ill., daughter of William and Jane Jarrett. The parents had twelve children, of whom the following survive: Eli, living near Girard, Ill.; Irwin, a resident of Nebraska; George R., living near Modesto; Wellington, of New Berlin; Mrs. Nancy Huggins, of Loami, Ill, Mrs. Harriet Hill, living at New Berlin; John, of New Berlin; and Mrs. Meacham.
Mr. and Mrs. Meacham, who have celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversary, have had nine children, of whom the following are living: James, who lives at Roby, Ill.; Lou Weber, of Astoria, Ill.; Ada, who married a Mr. Belt, merchant at Buckhart, Ill.; Hattie, who married Perry Peal, a member of the Springfield police force; Mrs. Jennie Troxwell, of Bates County, Missouri; and John T., also a resident of that county. Mr. and Mrs. Meacham have nine grandchildren.