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ROBERT F. PACE, one of the publishers and proprietors of the Mt. Vernon Daily and Weekly News, was born in Jeffeison County, ILL., August 3, 1845, and is the son of John H. and Louisa M. (Guthrie) Pace. It is worthy of note that the house in which his eyes first opened to the light was also the birthplace of his father and the homestead of his grandfather. The latter, John M. Pace, who was born in Virginia in 1792, came to Illinois in an early day and engaged in farming in Jefferson County, where he continued to reside until his death, in 1846. The Pace family is of English origin, and was represented in this country in Colonial times. John H. Pace was born June 30, 1826, and was reared upon the home farm, receiving his preliminary education in the common schools. The knowledge there acquired was supplemented by an academic course at Mt. Vernon. At the age of sixteen he entered upon the profession of a school teacher, in which he continued until about 1862. At that time he embarked in the mercantile business, in which he continued until his death, August 15, 1873. For nine years he served as Superintendent of the public schools, and also filled the position of Justice of the Peace for several years. In politics he was a Democrat, in social connections a Mason, and in religion a Methodist. He was a man of positive character, quite active in all public matters, and was highly respected by the people. Unto the parents of our subject were born four children, viz.: Robert F., the subject of this sketch; Sarah M., who died at the age of fifteen years; Willis A., who passed away when a youth of eighteen; and Cora A., who was married to William D. Tabb and is now deceased. The mother was born in Brown County, Ohio, and in 1842 came to Illinois with her parents, who were farmers. Mrs. Louisa M. Pace died in December of 1862, and our subject's father afterward married Rachel J. Creasey, their union resulting in the birth of one child, Mary A., now the wife of William M. Manning, of Mt. Vernon. The subject of this sketch was reared on the old homestead, and attended school prior to the age of sixteen years, after which he assisted his father in the store for about four years. Later he engaged in various pursuits. In February, 1886, he received from President Cleveland the appointment of Postmaster at Mt. Vernon, and held that position until October 1, 1889, when his successor was appointed. In 1890 he went to San Antonio, Tex., and engaged in merchandising for a year. Returning to Mt. Vernon in June, 1892, he purchased from John W. Grear a half-interest in the News, which he still holds, the other half being owned by John J. Baker. The News is the outgrowth of the old Jeffersonian, which was established in 1854 by John S. Bogan. For a quarter of a century it has been conducted under the title of the News, and has a large circulation. It is in a prosperous condition and is one of the successful and influential papers of this section of the state. At Mt. Vernon, ILL., June 25, 1873, Mr. Pace was united in marriage with Miss Mary V. Stratton, who died September 28, 1887. Her parents, 8. T. and Isabel J. Stratton, were natives of Ohio, and came to Illinois in 1857, settling in Mt. Vernon. Mr. Stratton, who is now (1894) seventy years of age, is still actively engaged in the mercantile business at Mt. Vernon and is one of the prominent and well known old settlers of that city; his wife died in 1880. Mrs. Pace was a lady of estimable and noble character, and was beloved by all who knew her. Socially, our subject is identified with Mt. Vernon Lodge No. 31, A. F. & A. M.; the H. W. Hubbard Chapter No. 160, R. A. M., and the Knights Templar, Tancred Commandery, No. 50, of Belleville, ILL. In politics he is a supporter of Democratic principles, and perhaps no citizen of the county is better informed concerning party issues than is he. He advocates every measure having for its object the promotion of the best interests of the city or the welfare of the people. In religious belief he is identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church.
"Portrait and Biographical Record of Clinton,
Washington, Marion and Jefferson Counties, Illinois" |
For corrections or additions, please contact me: Sandy Bauer