William Henry Trees has lived a career that entitles him to a place of honor and respect among the citizens of Champaign County. For years he was a successful farmer and is now a local business man at Sidney.
He was born in Champaign County February 5, 1872. He is a son of Ephraim and Helen (Martin) Trees. Both parents were born in Ohio. His father came to Champaign County in an early day and located on a farm near Thomasboro. That farm he cultivated and was getting to a position where he could be considered prosperous when he met death as a result of a stroke of lightning in June, 1876. He left his widow with a number of small children. His widow died in 1904. Eight children were born to them: Louisa, wife of William Arnold, of Iowa; Warren, living in Iowa; Belle, deceased; Marion, of Ohio; John, of Sidney Township; George, living in Ohio; William H., and Jennie, wife of Frank Armstrong, of Sidney Township.
William Henry Trees early learned to be dependent upon his own efforts and with only a common school education faced life on his own responsibilities. He made farming his independent vocation for a number of years, did well at it, and in January, 1917, bought a livery establishment at Sidney, which he now conducts. He also has one of the comfortable homes of that village.
In October, 1895, Mr. Trees married Mary B. Towner, a native of Champaign County. They have three children: Bernice, deceased; Leal Gleason, at home; and Dorothy Hilene. Politically Mr. Trees is a Republican. He has served his district as a member of the school board. He and his family belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church.
