John P. Bodine

John P. Bodine, son of Joseph and Rebecca M. (Painter) Bodine, was born in New Jersey, October 26, 1841. In 1846 his parents came to this township, where they purchased a farm, and where they remained until 1858, when they removed to Rochester, Peoria county, where the father engaged in his trade of carriage-building. After some years he retired from active life and is now enjoying the fruits of their successful labors, he in his seventy-fourth year and she in her seventy-second year. Mrs. Bodine, Sr., is a respected member of the Presbyterian church. John P. Bodine is the third child of their family of four children. His early life was spent assisting his parents on the farm. His education was limited to a district school with the exception of one year spent at Lombard University. On September 11, 1867, he married Miss Rachel D., daughter of John and Kezia (Davis) Keller, who was born in West Virginia, of which state her parents were natives, March 19, 1849. In 1856 her people settled in Peoria county, Ill., and purchased a farm in Millbrook township. In 1857 a hurricane completely destroyed their house, the family escaping injury. Mr. Keller was born October 16, 1817, Mrs. Keller, January 12, 1822. Mrs. Rachel Bodine is the third child of their family of six children. She remained with her parents until her marriage. After their marriage they moved to Victoria, Knox county, Ill., where Mr. Bodine engaged in milling, having an interest in a steam mill. Three years later he traded this interest for a farm in West Jersey township, and here he remained eight years, when he sold that place and purchased land on section 29, where he now resides. Their union has been blessed by two children: Addie H., born July 28, 1868, and Don L., born March 11, 1881. Politically, Mr. Bodine is a Greenbacker, and has been active in political matters, and has tilled several of the township offices creditably. He owns 173 acres of choice lands in this township, with a home considered one of the finest in the county.