Henry W. Myracle, a well known farmer of the Fourth District, was born in Decatur County, in 1833. The father, Lawrence L., was a native of Warren County, but came to Decatur County at an early day, where he married Jane Cox, a native of North Carolina. Lawrence L. was a Baptist minister and farmer, was influential and possessed great nobility of character; he was successful in all his undertakings and managed to accumulate considerable property. He was a strong Union man, and died in March, 1881. The mother bore twelve children; two only are living. She lives near the old home place with her son, J. C. P. Myracle. James K. served in the late war, in the Federal Army; after brave and daring service was captured at Union City, Tenn., confined in the notorious Andersonville prison until the time of his death, five months afterward. J. C. P. is a resident of Decatur County, and chairman of county court. Our subject was raised on a farm, and accustomed to labor. His educational advantages were limited, but by pursuing a course of study, and reading at home, he has become well informed. He enlisted in the Eighty-first Illinois Infantry, Company E, under command of Capt. Dallins, in 1862, serving actively until the close of the war. He participated in the battles of Vicksburg, Jackson, Raymond, Champion Hill and the engagements of the Atlanta campaign, until the capture of Atlanta, from there to the Mississippi River, at Nashville, and during the campaign of General Hood; was afterward sent down the river and took part in the battle at Spanish Fort, Mobile. He returned home at the close of the war without wound, and located in Decatur, where he has since been engaged in agricultural pursuits and now owns a valuable farm of about 200 acres, all well improved. He was married in 1868 to Miss Rushing, who died in 1878, leaving two children: James W. and Emma J. His second marriage was with Nancy E. Newsom, in 1879; her death occurred in March 1880. He married the third time to Catherine Keeton, who has borne him two children Arthur and Allan. Mr. Myracle has been a devoted member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, since 1867. He is a Republican, and a man well known and respected

Source: Goodspeed 1886