Transcribed by: Mary Ann Kaylor

One of the leading farmers and stock-raisers of South Otter township, was born in Rush county, Indiana, January 6th, 1837. His father, James Mahan, was a native of Bourbon county, Kentucky and emigrated to Indiana about 1834, where he lived and was extensively engaged in handling stock until 1850, when he moved farther west, arriving at Waverly, Morgan county, Illinois, in the fall of the same year. The following spring he came to Macoupin county, and settled in South Otter township; he lived in the same vicinity and followed farming until his death, in 1868. The subject of our sketch was the third child in a family of ten children; during his minority he assisted his father on the farm, and went to school during the winter months, whereby he received a fair education. At the age of twenty-four he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Ditson, a native of Macoupin county, and daughter of Jesse Ditson. They have a family of eight children. As Mr. Mahan was raised and educated to farm life and the handling of stock, he has made that his exclusive occupation. He has a fine farm, which is well adapted for stock raising, a view of which can be seen elsewhere in this book. In politics he is a staunch republican, and cast his first vote for the martyred President, Abraham Lincoln. He has filled the office of collector in his township two terms. In 1878 he was elected supervisor; he received the whole vote of his township, as he has no opposition. He is a member of the Christian church. Mr. Mahan has lived a truthful and honorable life, and stand well in the community in which he lives.