History of DeWitt County Illinois: with biographical sketches of prominent representative citizens of the county.
Chicago: Pioneer Publishing Co., 1910
JOHN A. GALAWAY. (Volume II, Page 140)
John A. Galaway, one of the prosperous young farmers of Nixon township, whose home is on section 32, has spent the greater part of his life in DeWitt county, being born here on the 26th of November, 1872. His parents were John and Ann (Rainey) Galaway, both natives of Ireland. The father was born in 1844 and on his emigration to America, about 1867, settled in Sangamon county, Illinois. He is still living, but the mother, whose birth occurred in 1837, died in April, 1909, and was laid to rest in Weldon cemetery. They were the parents of seven children, four of whom still survive: James, now a resident of Morgan county, Illinois; Sadie, who is at home with her father; John A., of this review; and Frank, a resident of Nixon township.
During his boyhood John A. Galaway attended the common schools of DeWitt county and early became familiar with all of the duties which fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He remained with his parents until twenty-seven years of age, when he was married on the 21st of February, 1899, to Miss Lena Olson, whose birth occurred in Piatt county, Illinois, May 28, 1875. Her parents were Nelson and Sophia (Holbridge) Olson, of whom extended mention is made on another page of this volume. To Mr. and Mrs. Galaway were born two children, but the younger died in infancy. Clarence, born September 22, 1900, is now attending school. The wife and mother, who was a remarkable woman, passed away December 1, 1907, and was buried in Weldon cemetery.
For the first three years after his marriage Mr. Galaway engaged in farming upon rented land in Nixon township, owned by his father, but in 1903 he and his father purchased one hundred and sixty acres on section 32, that township, and here he now resides. They have erected thereon good and substantial buildings and are placing the land under a high state of cultivation. Besides this property our subject owns two hundred and four acres in Sangamon and Morgan counties in partnership with his brother Frank. He is a very industrious and energetic farmer and is a business man of good ability, whose success in life is due entirely to his own unaided efforts
Mr. Galaway has been called upon to serve as road commissioner and by his ballot supports the men and measures of the republican party. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias fraternities and is a member of the United Brethren church, to which his wife also belongs. She was to him a faithful companion and helpmate and her untimely death was mourned not only by her immediate family but by a large circle of friends and acquaintances as well. Mr. Galaway is devoted to his home and family and is held in the highest esteem by all who know him.