BIOGRAPHY - WYLEY POPLETT
Wyley J. Poplett has resided upon his present farm on section 20, Dix township, since the spring of 1901, and has brought the place into a state of rich fertility and development, owing to his carefully directed labors and sound judgment in agricultural matters. One of Illinois' native sons, he was born in Peoria county, in 1858, and is a son of William and Clarissa (Clifton) Poplett, both of whom are living in the village of Peoria Heights. The father who was a native of Indiana, came to Illinois in his childhood days and devoted his time and energies to farming until recent years, when he retired and is now enjoying a well earned rest.
Wyley J. Poplett was the second in order of birth in a family of nine children. He is indebted to the district school system for the educational privileges he enjoyed, attending a little school about seven miles north of the city of Peoria. Through the periods of vacation he worked in the fields and as the years passed became thoroughly acquainted with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. He aided in the cultivation of the home farm until twenty-five years of age and then began farming on his own account, being thus engaged for two years prior to his marriage. In 1883 he won a companion and helpmate fur the journey of life, Miss Anna Perkins becoming his wife. She was born in Peoria county and is a daughter of B. H. and Elizabeth Perkins, who were farming people but are now deceased, their daughter Anna being the second in order of birth in a family of seven children. Following his marriage Mr. Poplett engaged in farming in Peoria county until 1889, renting land there, after which he removed to Ford county and rented a farm in Dix township from T. J. Brassfield. In the spring of 1901 he removed to his present place, which he had purchased in July, 1900, buying one hundred and sixty acres on section 20, for which he paid seventy-five dollars per acre. He has greatly improved the place since that time, has added considerable tile each year and has converted the farm into a productive and up-to-date property. Here he raises the cereals best adapted to soil and climate and also keeps some good stock upon his place for his own use.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Poplett have been born four children, namely: Stella M., who is now attending Normal School; Ray E., who pursued a two years course in Normal and also attended two terms in Gibson and is now teaching; Lee L., who is a student in the district school; and Orris P.
The family is well known in the community, the parents and children having many warm friends. Mr. Poplett gives his political support to the democracy and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability have called him to office. He is now serving as commissioner of public highways, filling the position in the sixth year. Since 1891 he has been a member of the Odd Fellows society and he is also connected with the Modern Woodmen at Guthrie. His life has been actuated by a laudable ambition to attain success and as the years have passed he has achieved a measure of prosperity which has come to him as the reward of persistent, earnest and indefatigable labor, so that he has gained place with the representative agriculturists of his community.
Extracted 16 Oct 2016 by Norma Hass from History of Ford County, Illinois, From Its Earliest Settlement to 1908, author E. A. Gardner, Volume 2, pages 591-592.
