AUGUSTUS AKIN
Was born in Smith county, Tennessee, May 24, 1818.
His father, John Akin, was born in Virginia, in the year that independence
was declared, 1776. Three of his elder brothers were soldiers in the
revolutionary contest, and served with honor to themselves and credit to
the "Old Dominion." After the war they returned to their farms. John's time
was alternately employed at work on his father's farm, and at school, until
he emigrated to North Carolina, where he became acquainted with, and married,
Miss Frankie Davis. They had a family of fourteen children, of whom the subject
of this sketch is the thirteenth. Soon after their marriage they removed
to Tennessee, where they resided several years, Mr. Akin following his former
occupation, that of farming.
Mrs. Akin died in Tennessee, and in November, 1829, Mr. Akin
emigrated to Pike county, Illinois, settling on the territory which now comprises
Perry township. Previous to his leaving Tennessee, Mr. Akin married
his second wife, Polly Moses.
Mr. Akin was amongst the earliest settlers of Perry township.
The county being new, the settlers had to undergo all the inconveniences
incident to an early pioneer's life. By industry and perseverence, he opened
up a farm, and in 1859 he died at his residence.
The subject of this sketch received his early training in Pike
county. He worked with his father, on the farm, for several years. He was
married at the age of twenty-seven to Miss Phebe Ann, daughter of Brice and
Rachael Alsbury. They were also natives of Virginia. The fruits of their
marriage was a family of twelve children, three of whom are deceased.
Mr. Akin's vocation is that of a farmer and stock grower, and
he has met with ordinary success, having a good farm which is under a good
state of cultivation. He came here with his father, as above stated, and
should be classed as among the early settlers of the county. In politics
he is a democrat. He is a gentleman highly respected by his fellow citizens.
At present he is residing on his farm, enjoying excellent health.