ROY S. LANDER. This young gentleman is the proprietor of a thriving trade in general merchandise in Sheller, Jefferson County, land though locating here as recent as 1890 has already taken his place as one of the leading dealers of the village. He was born in Christian County, Ky., February 23, 1857, and is the younger of two children born to William D. and Ann W. (Rogers) Lander. The parents likewise were natives of the Blue Grass State and trace their ancestry back to its early settlement.

Roy received his primary education in the country schools of Christian County, and completed his education in Hopkinsville. When seventeen years of age he went to Texas and for two years was engaged in the grocery business, and at the same time bought and sold stock in great quantities. When returning home at the end of that time, young Lander opened an hotel at Cerulean Springs, Ky., which he operated for some time with indifferent success. After again engaging in farming for two years he moved to Eddyville, that state, where he became the proprietor of a livery stable, which he operated successfully. Two years later he disposed of that business, having been appointed Assistant Superintendent of a branch of the Penitentiary of Kentucky, which was located at Eddyville.

Mr. Lander filled the above position for eighteen months, then returned to the farm, where he remained for a short time, afterward engaging in railroad contracting. In January, 1890, he came to Illinois, locating near Sheller, in which place he is now engaged in merchandising.

In 1886 he was united in marriage with Miss Helen W., daughter of Thomas J. and Carrie (Arnold) Watkins, and of their union have been born four children, one of whom died in infancy. Those living are Thomas, Willie D. and Maude.

Mrs. Lander is a member of the Methodist Church and stands side by side with her husband in the esteem of their fellow-citizens.

In politics our subject is a stanch Democrat, and although deeply interested in the affairs of his community, has never aspired to office. His career has been marked by the display of mental ability of a high order, persistence, tact and genuine worth of character which has redounded to his credit, and as one of the prominent business men of Sheller it affords us great pleasure to include this notice of his life.

Source: "Portrait and Biographical Record Clinton, Washington, Marion and Jefferson Counties, Illinois"
Chapman Publishing Co, Chicago, 1894
Page 550-551
Submitted by Sandy Bauer