WILLIS RANDALL PINKERTON was born in Greene county, Ill., March 31, 1827, his parents being David and Celia (Barnes) Pinkerton. They were natives of Virginia an North Carolina, and came to Greene county in 1823, locating on section 25, T. 11, R. 12, where they entered about 300 acres of land, on which they built a log cabin, in which Willis R. was born. They resided here until about 1837, when they built a frame house, a story and a half high, in which his father lived until his death, Oct. 4, 1853. His wife survived him until April 6, 1863. Willis R. was reared to farm life, assisting his parents in their farm labors until he was about 26 years of age. He then began life for himself, locating on 80 acres of land, that was left to him by his father, and has ever since resided there, on the homestead. He was married Oct. 7, 1858, to Mary E. King, daughter of Samuel P. and Elizabeth (Sawyer) King. By this marriage there were seven children, six of whom are living - Eva E., Ulysses S., David S., Rhoda E., Martha R., and Mary D. The one deceased is Celia A., who died April 25, 1865. Mr. Pinkerton has added some to his original 80 acres, so that now he has a good farm of 160 acres, which is under cultivation, and comfortably improved. Mrs. Pinkerton is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church at New Providence. Mr. Pinkerton holds a letter from the United Baptist church at Hickory Grove, this county. He is an industrious farmer, and well respected citizen. His political views are democratic.