To the public school system of Shelby county, Illinois, J. J. Pierpoint is indebted for the educational privileges he enjoyed. At the usual age he entered school and when he was twenty-one years of age he worked his way through the Gem City Business College, of Ouincy, Illinois, earning the money to pay his tuition by work as a farm hand. The elemental strength of his character and his laudable ambition were shown in his desire for an education and gave promise of a successful career in later life. On the 27th of August, 1889. he came to Pana, where he entered upon his business career in the capacity of bookkeeper for the Penwell Coal Company, which position he held for eight years. He then became secretary of the Citizens' Savings, Loan & Building Association, which position he now holds. In 1897 he began handling real estate and doing an insurance lousiness as well, he has secured a large clientage, handles much property and has negotiated many important real estate transfers. He deals in farm lands in all parts of the United States and Canada, also handles some valuable coal and mineral rights. He places and .solicits loans and writes considerable insurance annually, so that his business has become important and remunerative.

      On the 14th of December, 1893. Mr. Pierpoint was united in marriage to Miss Bessie Orr, a daughhter of John Orr, of Pana, and ihev have one son, John Orr Pierpoint. The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Pierpoint is also a leading and valuable member of the Masonic fraternity, the Order of the Eastern Star, the Eraternal Army, the Fraternal Aid and the Royal Arcanum, the Modern Woodmen and the Knights of Pythias, having become a charter member of the Royal Arcanum. His political support is given the Republican party and he keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day. For one term he served as city treasurer and although he has not been active in office he has been interested in public affairs in other ways and has co-operated in the work for the substantial upbuilding and material development of the city and county. He is one of Pana's ardent advocates and aside from his business affairs has done much for the improvement of the city. He has a large circle of friends here, many of whom have known him from his boyhood, and his social qualities render him popular with the great majority of those with whom he comes in contact.