RICHARD COTTER.

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         The distinction of being the most extensive landowner in Elm Grove township belongs to Richard Cotter, who is engaged in general farming and stock-raising on his homestead which contains six hundred acres. He was born in Franklin county New York, on the 14th of April, 1844, and is a son of William and Mary (Brodrick) Cotter, natives of County Cork, Ireland. Upon their arrival in the United States they first located in the state of New York where they resided until 1850. From there they removed to Kankakee, Illinois, where they remained for thirteen years. In 1863 they came to Louisa county, settling on the farm in Elm Grove township where their son Richard is now living. Here Mr. Cotter passed away on the 13th of January, 1885, but his wife survived until December 19, 1895. Of the six children born unto them all are deceased but Richard. In order of birth the others were: Margaret, Edward, Ellen, Julius and Mary, Richard having been the third.

         In the acquirement of his education Richard Cotter attended the common schools of Illinois until he had obtained such knowledge as he deemed essential to enable him to start in business life for himself. Having been born and reared on a farm, with the work of which he early became familiar, naturally he elected to become an agriculturist. After leaving school he gave his entire time and attention to the cultivation of the homestead, under the supervision of his father. Upon the death of the latter, the property came into the hands of Mr. Cotter, who has since continuously resided there. He now owns six hundred acres of excellent land, all of which is under a high state of cultivation and well improved. During the period of his ownership he has made extensive improvements on the place, having erected some very fine buildings, and now has one of the most valuable properties in Louisa county. In connection with the tilling of his fields Mr. Cotter raises a great deal of stock and is an extensive feeder, always keeping on hand a large number of cattle and hogs as well as horses.

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         For his wife and helpmate Mr. Cotter chose Miss Jennie Blair, their union being solemnized on the 27th of March, 1879. Mrs. Cotter is a daughter of W. T. and Sarah (Duncan) Blair, who were born near Loudon, Tennessee, and were married there December 9, 1845. After their marriage they lived there two years and then came to Louisa county. With the exception of one year they resided here continuously until their death, the father dying July 31, 1875, and the mother September 23, 1899. They were the parents of the following children: James, who is a resident of Buffalo, Kansas; Samuel, of Walter Oak, Oklahoma; Joseph Blair, who is living in Columbus Junction, Iowa; William of Wilmington, North Carolina; and Jennie.

         The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Cotter has been blessed with eight children: William, Francis, Cleveland, James, Dollie, Edwin, Helen and Pauline. They are all still at home with the exception of Francis, who has passed away.

         Mr. Cotter is a communicant of the Roman Catholic church and his wife of the German Reformed. He votes with the democratic party, but has never been an aspirant to public honors or the emoluments of office, finding his time fully occupied in the administration of his extensive agricultural interests. He is meeting with most gratifying success and in addition to his attractive homestead, which is located on section 36, Elm Grove township, he owns a section of land in Stratford, Texas.