BURRUS, THOMAS J., farmer and stockman actively engaged on his farm near the bluffs northeast of the town of Meredosia, Morgan County, Ill., and three miles southwest of Arenzville, was born in the locality where he now resides March 10, 1847, the son of William and Nancy (Masterson) Burrus, being raised on his father's farm and educated in the local schools. He was married March 31, 1870, to Eliza Ray, daughter of Samuel Ray, a farmer and early settler in Morgan County, who, with his wife Ellen, came from Ohio, bought land and engaged in farming near the Burrus home. Thomas J. Burrus and his wife have had a family of eight children, four of whom survive: Nettie, wife of Henry Kuhlman; Eliza Jane, Alice and T. Arthur. Those deceased were: William Henry, who died aged twenty-one; Benjamin M., Harry A. and Elmer R., all died in their infancy. In 1894 Mr. Burrus bought a farm near Chapin, Morgan County, which he managed for nine years. Then in 1903, he purchased his father's old homestead, which had been in possession of the family for more than fifty years, and upon which he now resides. It consists of 200 acres of valuable farming land with a pleasant residence and convenient out buildings. Mr. Burrus and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he has served as Superintendent of the Sunday school and is Church trustee. He has also served his district on the School Board and votes the Prohibition ticket.