1426
WILLIAM E. TRAINOR.
One of the most prominent, promising and highly respected young citizens of Jasper county is William E. Trainor, who was born here and who is one of those particularly excellent native sons whom the county is so well pleased to claim as its own. He has
1427
identified himself with all movements which seem likely to contribute to the advantage of the community and is a leader in all worthy enterprises. Mr. Trainor was born in St. Marie township, Jasper county, January 15, 1876. His father, William Trainor, was a native of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, the date of his nativity being May 4, 1836. He became a citizen of Illinois and was engaged here in agricultural pursuits during his active career. He was a youth fifteen years of age when his parents came to this state from the Keystone state. In 1864 he was married to Rebecca Bowen, of Lawrence county, Illinois, and seven children were born to them, William, the immediate subject of this review, being the youngest in order of birth. The elder gentleman removed to Newton with his family in 1880 and went into the office of the sheriff. He was subsequently elected to that office and remained continually in some public capacity until his demise in 1898, being a member of times elected to the offices of sheriff and treasurer. He was a tried and true Democrat and he will long be remembered as a man who lived in accordance with the Golden Rule. He was reared a Catholic, but eventually affiliated with the Baptist church. His widow, a much respected lady, survives and makes her home in this place. William Trainor, Sr., was a soldier in the great conflict between the states, becoming second lieutenant in Company B, of the One Hundred and Fifty-fifth Illinois Infantry. He was one of the leading members of the Grand Army of the Republic.
The earliest years of William Trainor, the son, were passed on his father's farm, but when he was about five years old the family came into Newton. He received his education in the Newton public schools and was graduated from the high school in the class of 1894. Upon leaving school he went into the treasurer's office, under his father, who was then the incumbent of the office. When his father was succeeded by John H. Isley as treasurer he was made deputy treasurer and he held the same office with the two succeeding treasurers, Taylor Randolph and John W. Hamilton. It is safe to say that no one is more familiar with financial affairs in Jasper county than Mr. Trainor, who was identified with them for so many years and in so many administrations. In 1908, in recognition of his ability and fitness for public trust, he was elected by the Democratic party to the office of circuit clerk and still holds the office, his services having been of such character as to redound to his credit and to the honor and profit of his constituents.
On November 14, 1906, Mr. Trainor became a recruit to the Benedicts by his marriage to Mayme E. McCullough, of Newton, daughter of Nicholas McCullough, and they now share their delightful home with a small daughter, Emma Katherine. Mr. Trainor belongs to the Presbyterian church, but his wife and daughter are Catholics. His only fraternal order is the Ben Hur lodge. He stands as one of the most public spirited citizens of the township, ever ready to aid in all things that tend toward the public weal, and with such citizens as he the prosperity of any community may be well assured as a certainty.