Q.A. WILBANKS, farmer, P.O. Belle Rive.

Of the many men in the county who are descendants of the old pioneers, and who have given strength, stamina and prosperity to their immediate neighborhood, we count him whose name heads this sketch. He was born in February, 1825, in St. Clair County, ILL. His father, Joseph Wilbanks, a native of South Carolina, he came here about 1825, in company with his father. Daniel Wilbanks, who was a mechanic by occupation. He settled on Moore's Prairie, fourteen miles southeast of Mount Vernon, where he died. Joseph Wilbanks died in South Carolina, where he had gone on account of his health.

The mother of our subject, Candace Pickering, is well remembered by many old settlers as one of the noblest women in this county. She was the mother of four children, viz., John, Luke, Quincy A. and Margaret (deceased). Her second husband S.H. Anderson, was the father of five children, viz., William B. Anderson, our present County Judge; Sarah, the widow of Judge T.B. Tanner; Dewitt C. Anderson; Nebraska, deceased, former wife of R.A.D. Wilbanks, and Edward Anderson, deceased.

Our subject was educated in our old-fashioned log home subscription schools, and in early life tilled the soil on his uncle, R.A.D. Wilkbanks, Sr.'s farm. After he had attained his majority, he went to the Mexican war with the Third Illinois Regiment, Capt. Hicks, of Company H. After one year's service, he returned to Moore's Prairie, where he engaged in the mercantile business and farming, with splendid success, which is the sure result of honesty, industry and frugality.

Since 1873, he has been identified with Belle Rive, then a mere station on the L.& N. Railroad. In January, 1883, he sold out his mercantile interest, and now devotes all his attention to farming, owning 150 acres of good land. He is an I.O.O.F., and in politics is a Democrat. He also served one term as Township Supervisor.

He has been married twice. His first wife, Hester Wilkey, died in 1861. She was daughter of Dr. Wilkey, and was the mother of

1. Eldorado C., deceased;
2. William H., born December 3, 1851, he married Josie Park, and is now a resident of Texas;
3. Douglas P., deceased;and
4. Sallie N., born July 30, 1856, wife of Dr. R.J. Eaton.

His present wife, Mary Riddle, born June 28, 1850, in Hamilton County, ILL., is a daughter of Charles and Harriett (Irvin) Riddle. Her grandfather, Abraham Irvin, was a native of New York. He came to Illinois about the time it became a State. Mrs. Wilbanks is the mother of three children, viz.,

1. Lena, born December 8, 1872;
2. Robert E.J., born February 3, 1875, and
3. Lottie Lee, born July 2, 1879.

Mrs. Wilbanks is religiously connected with the Christian Church.

Source: The History of Jefferson County, Illinios
by William Henry Perrin
Published by Globe Publishing Company, Chicago - 1883

Submitted By: Sandy (Whalen) Bauer