Mathew Nisbet
Mathew Nisbet, deceased, was a pioneer of Paw Paw Township of 1841. He was born in Glasgow, Scotland, April 1, 1820, and was the son of William and Isabella (Drew) Nisbet. He Emigrated from Scotland to America in 1840 and made his home near London, Canada West.
In 1841 he came to Paw Paw Township, DeKalb Co., Ill., on foot from Chicago, searching for a site for a home. In passing through this township he was delighted by the beautiful appearance of the country about Ross Grove, but he continued on farther west, crossed the Mississippi into Iowa, and traveled several weeks. Not finding anything to suit him better, he returned to Ross Grove and made a claim at the south side of the Grove on section 22, taking up 160 acres of land, which he entered at Government price. He continued to occupy the home of his choice to the time of his death, which occurred March we, 1874. He had increased his acreage to 360 acres.
He was married at Ross Grove, Ill., May 3, 1847, to Agnes Harper, daughter of James and Elizabeth (Black) Harper. Mrs. Nisbet was born in the town of Argyle, Washington Co., N.Y., May 3, 1825, and came to Illinois in September, 1845. Six children were born of their union, – three boys and three girls: Elizabeth, born Feb 3, 1848, is the wife of James Harper (son of Robert Harper), residing in Paw Paw Township; Isabella, born March 1, 1849, is the wife of William Hyde, and is living in Taylor Co., Iowa; William, born Jan. 28, 1851, married Lillian Laport and lives in Paw Paw Township;James, born Oct. 28, 1853, married Lemira Bartlett, and is also a resident of Paw Paw Township; Mary, born Nov 28, 1855, is the wife of Charles V. Weddell of Paw Paw Township; Lawrence, born Sept. 14, 1860, single , is living at home.
Mr. Nisbet was a man of upright principles, and held in high esteem by a wide circle of acquaintances. Although no a member of any Church, he was a frequent attendant at the United Presbyterian Church of Ross Grove. He was one of the most liberal contributors toward the building of that church, and subsequently a generous supporter of it.
His estimable wife survives him, and with her youngest son occupies the old homestead, of 200 acres. She is a consistent Christian and at present a member of the United Presbyterian Church of Freeland.
Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of DeKalb County Illinois; Chapman Brothers, 1885, Chicago, IL
