STANDARD ATLAS
OF
SCOTT COUNTY, ILLINOIS
1903
Geo. A. Ogle & Co.Publishers & Engravers
134 Van Buren St.
Chicago
Transcribed by Larry Fearneyhough
Page 110
Mr. Overton was born near Columbia, Adair county, Kentucky, February 23, 1844. His father was born November 22, 1802, and his mother, October 22, 1802, both near Richmond, Virginia. They moved to Kentucky in a very early day and settled in adjoining counties, but after their marriage, in 1825, lived in Adair county. In 1852, when William was eight years old, his parents came to Illinois and settled at Winchester. He was reared upon the farm and received his education at the district school in the neighborhood. Finishing his education he learned the trade of gunsmith, but now does general work in the line of mechanics.
May 30, 1864, he was married to Miss Jane A. Robson, and to them two children, a son, James M., of Winchester, and a daughter, Mrs. Henry Pfenninger, of Alsey, were born. After his marriage he followed farming until 1873, when he moved to Winchester and commenced working at his trade. In 1890 he was elected alderman of the first ward and served for two years. In 1892 he was nominated by the democrats for coroner and was elected. During his term of office he conducted twenty-one inquests. In 1891 Mrs. Overton died. Mr. Overton continued his home in Winchester working at his trade and making his way as best he could.
In May, 1900, he became possessed of a desire to visit the home of his childhood and returned to Columbia, Kentucky, and lived over again some of the happy days of his life. His visit out he came back to Illinois, but returned to Kentucky, and on July 19, 1900, was married to Miss Mary Jane McLeod of Russelville, Logan county, Kentucky. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Overton came to Winchester and are now residing there. Mr. Overton owns a nice residence property and is making a good living at his trade.