Edward B. Troxell, one of the leading citizens of Pleasant Valley Township, is closely connected with its agricultural interests as a farmer of more than ordinary ability and intelligence. He manages his farm of section 12 with great skill, although he is suffering from an infirmity - being nearly blind - that would ill-capacitate most men from taking part in any active business. He is not only able to look after his own interests, but takes an important part in the administration of public affairs.

Our subject was born May 10, 1837, in Centre County, Pa., near the town of Bellefonte. He is a son of a well-known pioneer of Jo Daviess County, Jacob Troxell, who was born in Union County, Pa., in 1794. He died in this county. His wife, whose maiden name was Sarah Grimm, was born in Berks County, Pa., in 1798, and she died in this county,

April 9, 1880. They were the parents of ten children, eight of whom are living: Elizabeth, Henry, Mary, Jacob, Leah, William, Sarah J., and our subject. For their record see sketch of their brother, Jacob Troxell, on another page of this volume. The family came to Jo Daviess County in 1842, and the father purchased a tract of wild land, which he subsequently improved into a fine farm. He was much prospered in his ventures, and at the time of his death left 280 acres of valuable farming land to be divided among his heirs, with other property. He took an active part with the other pioneers in promoting the growth of the county in every way possible, and he especially interested himself in securing good educational advantages for the youth of that day, and did much toward erecting the first school-house in this locality. The family lived in Berreman Township the first eighteen months after their arrival in this county, but in 1843 removed to this township, and, from father to sons, have been closely identified with its highest interests ever since.

Edward Troxell was scarcely five years old when his parents came to Illinois, and here he was reared amid the pioneer influences that surrounded his early home in this vicinity; and it has been his pleasure to witness much of the development of this section of the State and to do his part toward advancing its material prosperity. His education was conducted in the pioneer schools of this township, he attending the first school that was opened here, which was not established until 1844. He resides on the old homestead; his sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Pratt, keeping house for him. He has always devoted himself to farming, and pays much attention to stock-raising, with gratifying success. His farm is under excellent cultivation, is suppled (sic) with suitable and well-appointed farm buildings, the necessary machinery for performing the farm labors, and is well stocked with stock of high grades.

Although he has been afflicted with partial blindness for eight years, having totally lost the sight of one eye, and that of the other is threatened by a cataract, yet he manages to keep himself well informed on what is going on in the outside world; a young girl of thirteen lending him the use of her bright eyes, and reading to him daily. Mr. Troxell is a man of unblemished honor, of superior intellect, of temperate judgment, and of marked force of character. He stands high among his fellow-citizens, who have often called him to fill responsible offices, and for eight years he has been Township Supervisor. He is a Democrat in his political beliefs, is ever true to his party, and is a zealous worker in its interests.