Decatur County Journal
June 6, l890

MR. WILLIAM H. PARIS resides in section 30 of this township.  He was
born in Marion County, MO., in the year l840 and emigrated from there to
Decatur County in l852.  He first lived in Center Township.  His father
was proprietor of the first store in the place now known as High Point,
but at that time it went by the name of PARIS.  He closed out his store
about the time the High Point Post Office was established, which was in
l859.

MR. PARIS enlisted in the late Civil War in l86l.  He belonged to the
Second Illinois Cavalry, Co. L, and served in that capacity four years.
He was afterwards mustered out of service at New Orleans.  He was in a
number of skirmishes, also in the battle of Belmont and that of New
Madrid Island No. l0.  After he was discharged, he immediately returned
home, and being without sufficient money to make any investment, he went
to work, saved his money and in a short time he was able to pay for the
piece of land.  He built a log house thereon and made the best
improvements that he could at that time.

The present day finds MR. PARIS the owner of a fine farm of 240 acres.
The log house is now used to store away farm implements.  His large
magnificent dwelling that he now occupies was erected some few years
ago.  He has a good barn for his horses and good shelter for his cattle
and hogs.  A fine, nice orchard stands near the house, consisting of
different varieties of fruit trees which furnish more fruit than his
family can use.  His herd of livestock are all in fine condition.  It
consists of l2 head of horses, 50 head of hogs, known as the Chester
Whites, and 46 head of cattle.

MR. PARIS is an honored member of Leon Post No. 25l, G.A.R., also a
member of the Decatur County Agricultural Society.  His politics are
that of a republican and he has been elected by that party to fill
different offices of trust in this township.

MR. and MRS. PARIS are citizens that are highly respected by their
neighbors, both being of a kind and social disposition, and those who
enter their home, whether they be rich or poor, receive the same
attention and respect.  Their family consists of five children, one son
and four daughters, and they are all at home.

MR. PARIS and his family are fond of good reading matter.  He furnishes
them with plenty of books and papers; also the Decatur County Journal,
of which he has been a subscriber ever since its first issue.
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