JOHN ALKIRE was born in Ohio December 20, 1825, and was one of the twelve children born to Samuel and Dollie (Alkire) Alkire, both natives of the same State. Samuel Alkire was married in Ohio, and in 1830 or 1831 came with his family to Prairie Township, this county; he remained one year, moved to Illinois for a year, and then returned and entered 600 acres in Prairie and Big Creek Townships, erecting his cabin on the Big Creek portion. John Alkire received an ordinary frontier education, and, at his majority, was presented by his father with forty acres in this township, to which he added from time to time till he became owner of a fine farm of 240 acres, partly in Big Creek and partly in Prairie. December 10, 1848, he married Margaret L. Adam, who was born in Ross County, Ohio, November 21, 1828. She is the (daughter of Robert and Mary (Mowbray) Adam, natives of Virginia and Maryland, and of Scotch and German descent. Robert Adam was a pioneer of White County, having settled in the southern part in 1837. Of the seven children born to Mr. and Mrs. John Alkire, four are yet living-Robert S., William J., Henry N. and Franklin H. Mr. Alkire died at his home in this township, October 18, 1865. In politics, he was a Republican, and he was one of the oldest settlers as well as one of the most respected citizens of the township. Mrs. Margaret L. Alkire still resides on a part of the home farm, a consistent member of the Christian Church. and highly esteemed by all her neighbors.

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