The subject of this sketch is J.F. Pilcher, a brother of Charles Pilcher, and like him is one of those hard working, progressive, self-made farmers. J.F. Pilcher left his birthplace, Livingston county, Illinois, where he was born in 1855, and emigrated to Cloud county with his father's family. When he arrived at his majority he began his career as a farm hand and the same year filed on a homestead, his present farm in Lyon township, eight miles northeast of Glasco. He bought the relinquishment of a man by the name of Correll, who had broken a few acres and built a dugout, for which Mr. Pilcher paid three hundred and fifty dollars. From this raw claim of prairie he has developed one of the finest wheat farms in the Solomon valley, and it is under an excellent state of improvement and cultivation. In 1879 Mr. Pilcher built a small stone residence and in 1899 added a two-story front, which makes a commodious residence of eight rooms.

Mr. Pilcher was married in 1879 to Helen A. Newell, one of the amiable daughters of Adrastus Newell (see sketch). She was a teacher in the early settlement of the country and is an intellectual and cultured woman. They are the parents of seven children living, and one deceased. Myrtella, the eldest daughter, is married to Allen Everley, a farmer of Lyon township. The eldest son, Robert, who has not attained his majority, assists his father on the farm. The younger children are Stella, Claude, Arthur Lois and Glen.

Mr. Pilcher is a sympathizer with the Democratic party and socially is a member of the Woodmen order of Glasco. The Pilchers are all industrious, honest people, and good, reliable citizens, - the kind to be depended upon when any enterprise is on foot for the good of the community.