PORTRAIT & BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF TAZEWELL & MASON
COUNTIES, ILLINOIS, 1894
JAMES DEAN, a retired farmer now living in Tremont, was born in
Tremont Township, October 21, 1846, and is a representative of one of the early families
of this community. His parents were Joseph
and Mary (Brittnell) Dean. His father was
born in Alfredshire, England, November 15, 1809, and with his wife and three children
crossed the Atlantic in June, 1844. Coming to
Illinois, he purchased a farm in Tremont Township, Tazewell County, upon which he spent
his remaining days. He first bought only
eighty acres, but to this he added from time to time until four hundred acres of valuable
land paid to him a golden tribute in return for the care and cultivation he bestowed upon
it. He was recognized as a successful farmer
and enterprising man. In early life he was a
supporter of the Whig party, but in later years became an earnest adherent of the
Republican party. He passed away January 15,
1887, at the age of seventy-seven, and his wife was called to her final rest April 15,
1893, at the advanced age of eight-four. They
were the parents of eight children, six of whom are yet living; James; William, of Tremont Township; emma, wife of
G. S. Higgins, of Iroquois County, Ill; Anna, wife of W. D. Sperry, of Allentown Station;
Kate; and Susan, wife of J. N.Shanholtzer, of Manity, Mason County, Ill.
In his boyhood, James Dean attended the public schools of
Tremont, and completed the course in the high school.
Thus well educated he started out in life for himself at the age of
twenty-one years. He turned his attention to
farming, and began the operation of the old homestead, one mile from the village. From that time he successfully and continuously
carried on agricultural pursuits until 1892, when he came to Tremont, and here he has
since lived. He now rents his farms, of rich
land in Tremont Township, and he derives a fine income therefrom. In August, 1893, he entered into a partnership
with H. G. Woost, as dealers in furniture, paints and wallpaper. Recently, they have removed to a new building
which was erected especially for them, and which is one of the finest business blocks in
the town.
In politics, Mr. Dean has always been a stalwart Republican,
warmly advocating the principles of the party. In
1889 he was elected Supervisor of Tremont Township, and served in that positon for two
years. He won his election by
overcoming a Democratic majority of fifty, and carrying the township by a vote of
fifty-three, which fact indicates his personal popularity and the high regard in which he
is held. He has been for four years, and is
now, School Director of Tremont and during this time the new school building was erected. He is ever alive to the best interests of the
community, and does all in his power for the promotion of the general welfare. The cause of temperance finds in him a warm
advocate. Socially he is connected with
Tremont Lodge No. 320, I. O. O. F., and also belongs to Pleasant Grove Camp, M. W. A.
Submitted by Betty Doremus