Book^^Ml^JPl \ t T -4•- •►-■i-4* O^^ BlPif^^^^i^ID «nls^ r^p -OF- IcLean County, 111 CONTAINING Full Page Portraits and Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens of the County, TOGETHER WITH PORTRAITS AND BIOGRAPHIES OF ALL THE GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS, AND OF THE PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES. CHICAGO: CHAPMAN BKOTHERS, 1887. B^4»- f ,t -^•- n A\A^AU 'm. 1 HAVE completed our labors in writing and compiling the Portrait and Bio- jRAPHiCAi. Album of this county, and wish, in presenting it to our patrons, to speak briefly of the importance of local works of this nature. It is certainly the duty of the present to commemorate the past, to perpetuate the names of the pioneers, to furnish a record of their early settlement, and to relate the story of their progress. The civilization of our day, the enlightenment of the age, and this solemn duty which ' ^ men of the present time owe to their ancestors, to themselves and to their posterity, deni md that a record of their lives and deeds should be made. In local history is found a power to uistiuct man by precedent, to enliven the mental faculties, and to waft down the river of time a safe vcisel m which the names and actions of the people who contributed to raise this region from its Wwn^ puimtive state may be preserved. Surely and rapidly tiie noble men, who in their vigor and prime (W|a came early to the county and claimed the virgin soil as their heritage, are passing to their graves. The number remaining who can relate the history of the first days of settlement is becoming small indeed, so that an actual necessity exists for the collection and preservation of his- torical matter witliout delay, before the settlers of the wilderness are cut down by time. Not only is it of the greatest importance to render history of pioneer times full and accurate, but it is also essen- tial that the history of the county, from its settlement to the present day, should be treated through its various phases, so that a record, complete and impartial, may be handed down to the future. The present the age of progress, is reviewed, standing out in bold relief over the quiet, unostentatious olden times; it is abrilliant record, which is destined to live in the future; the good works of men, their magnificent enterprises, theii lives, whether commercial or military, do not sink into oblivion, but, on the contrary, grow brighter with age, and contribute to build up a record which carries with it precedents and principles that will be advanced and observed when the acts of soulless men will be forgotten and their very names hidden in obscurity. In the preparation of the personal sketches contained in this volume, unusual care and pains were taken to have them accurate, even in the smallest detail. Indeed, nothing was passed lightly over or treated indifferently ; and we flatter ourselves that it is one of the most accurate works of its nature ever published. As one of the most interesting features of this work, we present the portraits of numerous represent- ative citizens. It has been our aim to have the prominent men of to-day, as well as the pioneers, represented in this department; and we congratulate ourselves on the uniformly high '-haracter of the gentlemen whose portraits we ])resent. They are in the strictest sense representative men, and are selected from all the call- ings and professions worthy to be given. There are others, it is true, who claim equal prominence with those given; but of course it was impossible for us to give portraits of all the leading men and pioneers of the county. We are under great obligation to many of the noble and generous people of this county for kindly and material assistance in the preparation of this Album. Chicago, August,]! 887. CHAPMAN BROTHERS. •►-■— 4^ I t I .1 m&WW^&^M ;mmm^m ■^■Tf^-- ■^^^^^^cv^ ■■■%■■ ^*- - m ^..^m^^- %^ m %. 't-^Vs-;.-^ OF THE ^07^[f3[;ili)lri£}iE3LF'tld.d... "and r^" THEl i )T) 'n. -^ i} Is* ^y^i ijv^'ii __^. -.^., „„,,,. __ s 7>'^5^-'- 4-^'r^f' h -•► i t •►-■-<^ f 'h COPi'RTGHTED "■"'k^jij V« 1'-—. , uif 18S5. '^ -*" ' ^^i^tl iHgaaHgHsggFf^TJssBasEHriaHr i a ■(lY <5.C-«i=i.f-», 1* 4 I)-' it t^ -•► i t '^y:V-. y"^ >q %.yl ■•► i t ■<^ FIRST PRESIDENT. 19 ^-su ;.«. ^.^l:'^'>^•'.;'^'^.:'e^.^^•^.^l•'.^i•„>^•.•' . '. •■'>•'■■•)'.• 1' .•'i'..'i'..-v..''i'..';i'v^';^N'.^'^'g5i'^ta^ [N^TttN, V\Kt\'ii'ti*<^tii'i^^ I t HE Father of our Country was i'), horn in Westmorland Co., Va., 'Feb. 22, 1732. His parents were Augustine and Mary (Ball) Washington. The family to which he belonged has not l)een satisfactorily traced in England. His great-grand- father, John \Vashington, em- igrated to V^irginia about 1657, and became a prosiierous planter. He had two sons, Lawrence and John. The former married Mildred Warner and had tliree children, John, Augustine and Mildred. Augus- tine, the father of Ceorge, first married Jane Butler, who bore him four children, two of whom, Lawrence and Augustine, reached maturity. Of si.x children by his second marriage, George was the eldest, the others being Betty, Samuel, Jo'.in Augustine, Charles and Mildred. Augustine Washington, the father of George, died in 1743, leaving a large landed property. To his eldest son, Lawrence, he bequeathed an estate on the Patomac, afterwards known as Mount Vernon, and to George he left the i)arental residence. George received only such education as the neighborhood schools afforded, save for a short time after he left school, when he received private instruction in mathematics. His spelling v/as rather defective. Remarkable stories are told of his great physical strength and development at an early age. He was an acknowledged leader among his companions, and was early noted for that nobleness of character, fair- ness and veracity which characterized his whole life. When George was i4yearsoldhehad a desire to go to sea, and a midshipman's warrant was secured for him, but through the opposition of his mother the idea was abandoned. Two years later he was appointed surveyor to the immense estate of Lord Fairfax. In this business he spent three years in a rough frontier life, gaining experience which afterwards proved very essential to him. In 1751, though only 19 years of age, he was appointed adjutant with the rank of major in the Virginia militia, then being trained for active service against the French and Indians. Soon after this he sailed to the West Indies with his brother Lawrence, who went there to restore his health They soon returned, and in the summer of 1752 Lawrence died, leaving a large fortune to an infant daughter who did not long survive him. On her demise the estate of Mount Vernon was given to George. Upon the arrival of Robert Dinwiddle, as Lieuten- ant-Governor of Virginia, in 1752, the militia was reorganized, and the province divided into four mili- tary districts, of which the northern was assigned to Washington as adjutant general. Shortly after this a very perilous mission was assigned him and ac- ce[ited, which others had refused. This was to pro- ceed to the French post near Lake Erie in North- western Pennsylvania. The distance to be traversed was between 500 and 600 miles. Winter was at hand, and the journey was to be made without military escort, through a territory occupied by Indians. The i h -•► GEORGE WASHINGTON. trip was a perilous one, and several limes he came near losing his life, yet he returned in safety and furnished a full and useful report of his expedition. A regiment of 300 men was raised in Virginia and put in com- mand of Col. Joshua Fry, and Major Washington was commissioned lieutenant-colonel. Active war was then begun against the French and Indians, in which Washington took a most important part. In the memorable event of July 9, 1755, known as Brad- dock's defeat, Washington was almost the only officer of distinction who escaped from tiie calamities of the day with life and lionor. The other aids of Braddock were disabled early in the action, and Washington alone was left in that capacity on the field. In a letter to his brother he says : "I had four bullets through my coat, and two horses shot under me, yet I escaped unhurt, though death was leveling, my companions on every side." An Indian sharpshooter said he was not born to be killed by a bullet, for he had taken direct aim at him seventeen times, and failed to hit him. .^fter having been five years in the military service, and vainly sought promotion in the royal army, he took advantage of the fall of Fort Duquesne and the expulsion of the French from the valley of the Ohio, to resign his commission. Soon after he entered the Legislature, where, although not a leader, he took an active and im])ortant part. January 17, 1759, he married Mrs. Martha (Dandridge) Custis, the wealthy widow of John Parke Custis. \Vhen the British Parliament had closed the port of Boston, the cry went up throughout the provinces that "The cause of Boston is the cause of us all." It was then, at the suggestion of Virginia, that a Con- gress of all the colonies was called to meet at Phila- delphia,Sept. 5, 1774, to secure their common liberties, peaceably if [xissible. To this Congress Col. Wash- ington was sent as a delegate. On May 10, 1775, the Congress re-assembled, when the hostile intentions of England were plainly apparent. The battles of Con- cord and Lexington had been fought. Among the first acts of this Congress was the election of a com- mander-in-chief of the colonial forces. This high and responsible office was conferred upon Washington, who was still a member of the Congress. He accepted it on June 19, but upon the express condition that he receive no salary. He would keep an exact account of expenses and expect Congress to pay them and nothing more. It is not the object of this sketch to trace the military acts of Washington, to whom the fortunes and liberties of the people of this country were so long confided. The war was conducted by him under ever)' possible disadvantage, and while his forces often met with reverses, yet he overcame every obstacle, and after seven years of heroic devotion and matchless skill he gained liberty for the greatest nation of earth. On Dec. 23, 1783, Washington, in a parting address of surpassing beauty, resigned his <■ =- — . commission as commander-in-chief of the army 10 to the Continental Congress sitting at Annapolis. He- retired immediately to Mount Vernon and resumed his occupation as a farmer and planter, shunning all connection with public life. In February, 1789, Washington was urianimously elected President. In his presidential career he was subject to the peculiar trials incidental to a new government ; trials from lack of confidence on the pari of other governments; trials from want of harmony between the different sections of our own country; trials from the impoverished condition of the country, owmgto the war and want of credit; trials from the beginnings of party strife. He was no partisan. His clear judgment could discern the golden mean; and while perhaps this alone kept our government from sintcing at the very outset, it left him exposed to attacks from both sides, which were often bitter and very annoying. At the expiration of his first term he was unani- mously re-elected. At the end of this term many were anxious that he be re-elected, but he absolutely refused a third nomination. On the fourth of March, 1797, at the expiraton of his second term as Presi- dent, he returned to his home, hoping to pass there his few remaining yeais free from the annoyances of public life. Later in the year, however, his repose seemed likely to be interrupted by war with France. At the prospect of such a war he was again urged to take command of the armies. He chose his sub- ordinate officers and left to them the charge of mat- ters in the field, which he superintended from his home. In accepting the command he made the reservation that he was not to be in the field until it was necessary. In the midst of these i)reiiarations his life was suddenly cut off. December 1 2, he took a severe cold from a ride in the rain, which, settling in his throat, produced inflammation, and terminated fatally on the night of the fourteenth. On the eigh- teenth his body was borne wi'h military hoix)rs to its final resting place, and interred in the family vault at Mount Vernon. Of the character of W.ashington it is impossible to speak but in terms of the highest respect and ad- miration. The more we see of the ojierations of our government, and the more deeply we feel the difficulty of uniting all opinions in a common interest, the more highly we must estimate the force of his tal- ent and character, which have been able to ch.Tllengc the reverence of all parties, and princii)les, and na- tions, and to win a fame as extended as the limits of the globe, and which we cannot but believe will be as lasting as the existence of man. The person of Washington was unusally tan, erect and well proportioned. His muscular strength was great. His features were of a beautiftil symmetry. He commanded respect without any appearance of haughtiness, and ever serious without being dull. * * /p •^•- SECOND PRESIDENT. t ,p '%'^W^^^' \" Ji,"^:'^-^:^- y ■+•%•'M;%"^^r"?"+'•+•i■'"+'*°+''*%'T°^■'T^^^ ■^v ^: '^..ti-.A. t..tA.i..t«.t^«,t.A.t4-.t..t..t.t.4A,AA ■■H.A. ■■!■■, .•fc..-h..t,.feA,4-t»ifci AM^^ 4.-M- .AAAA, -f ! OHN ADAMS, the second ['resident and llie first Vice- President of the United States, was born in Braintree ( now Quincy ),Mass., and about ten miles from Boston, Oct. 19, 735. His great-grandfather, Henry- Adams, emigrated from England alwut ".640, with a family of eight sons, and settled at Braintree. The parents of John were John and Susannah (Boylston) Adams. His father was a farmer of limited means, to which he added the bus- iness of slioemaking. He gave his eldest son, John, a classical educa- tion at Harvard College. John graduated in 1755, and at once took charge of the school in Worcester, Mass. This he found but a "school of affliction," from which he endeavored to gain relief by devoting himself, in addition, to the study of law. For this purpose he placed himself under the tuition of the only lawyer in the town. He had thought seriously of the clerical profession but seems to have been turned from this l>y what he termed " the frightful engines of ecclesiastical coun- cils, of diabolical malice, and Calvanistic good nature,'' of the operations of which he had l)een a witness in his native town. He was well fitted for the legal profession, possessing a clear, sonorous voice, being ready and fluent of speech, and having quick percep- tive powers. He gradually gained practice, and in 1764 married Abigail Smith, a daughter of a minister, and a lady of superior intelligence. Shortly after his marriage, (1765), the attempt of Parliamentary taxa- tion turned him from law to politics. He took initial steps toward holding a town meeting, and the resolu- tions he offered on the subject became very ix)pular throughout the Province, and were adopted word for word by over forty different towns. He moved to Bos- ton in 1768, and became one of the most courageous and prominent advocates of the popular cause, and was chosen a member of the General Court (the Leg- lislature) in 1770. Mr. Adams was chosen one of the first delegates from Massachusetts to the first Continental Congress, which met in 1774. Here he distinguished himself l)y his capacity for business and for debate, and ad- vocated the movement for independence against the majority of the members. In May, 1776, he moved and carried a resolution in Congress that the Colonies should assume the duties of self-government. He was a prominent member of the committee of five appointed June 11, to prepare a declaration of inde- pendence. This article was drawn by Jefferson, but on Adams devolved tlie task of battling it through Congress in a three days debate. On the day after the Declaration of Independence was passed, while his soul was yet warm with the glow of excited feeling, he wrote a letter to his wife, which, as we read it now, seems to have been dictated by the spirit of prophecy. "Yesterday," he says, "the greatest question was decided that ever was debated in ."Xnierica; and greater, perhaps, never was or will be decided among men. A resolution was passed without one dissenting colony, ' that these United States are, and of right ought to be, free and inde- pendent states.' The day is passed. The fourth of July, 1776, will be a memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe it will be celebrated by succeeding generations, as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to Almighty God. It ought to be solemnized with pomp, show* ■► i v^ I JOHN ADAMS. games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations from one end of the continent to the other, from this time forward for ever. You will think me transjxjrted with enthusiasm, but I am not. I am well aware of the toil, and blood and treasure, th;it it will cost to maintain this declaration, and support and defend these States; yet, through all the gloom, I can see the rays of light and glory. I can see that the end is worth more than all the means; and that posterity will triumph, although you and I may rue, which 1 ho[)e we shall not." In November, 1777, Mr. Adams was appointed a delegate to France and to co-ojjerale with Bemjamin Franklin and Arthur Lee, wjio were then in Paris, in the endeavor to obtain assistance in arms and money from the French Government. This was a severe trial to his patriotism, as it separated him from his home, compelled him to cross the ocean in winter, and ex- posed him to great peril of capture by the British cruis- ers, who were seeking him. He left France June 17, T779. In Septeuiber of the same year he was again chosen to go to Paris, and there hold himself in readi- ness to negotiate a treaty of peace and of commerce with Great Hritian, as soon as the British Cabinet might be found willing to listen to such pioposels. He sailed for France in November, from there he went to Holland, wliere he negotiated important loans and formed important commercial treaties Finally a treaty of peace with England was signed Jan. 21, 1783. The re-action from the excitement, toil and anxiety through which Mr. Adams irad passed threw him into a fever. After suffering from a con- tinued fever and becoming feeble and emaciated he was advised to go to England to drink the waters of Bath. While in England, still drooping anddespond- ing, he received dispatches from his own government urging the necessity of his going to Amsterdam to negotiate another loan. It was winter, his health was delicate, yet he immediately set out, and through storm, on sea, on horseback and foot, he made the trip. February 24, 1785, Congress ap]X)inted Mr. Adams envoy to the Court of .St. James. Here he met face to face the King of England, who had so long re- garded him as a traitor. As England did not condescend to appoint a minister to the United States, and as Mr. ,\dams felt that he was accom- plishing but little, he sought jjermission to return to his own country, where he arrived in June, 1788. When Washington was first chosen President, John Adams, rendered illustiious by his signal services at home and abroad, was chosen Vice President. Again at the second election of Washington as President, Adams was chosen Vice President. In r796, Wash- ington retired from public life, and Mr. Adams was elected President, though not without much opposition. Serving in this office four years, he was succeeded by Mr. Jefferson, his opponent in politics. While Mr. Adams was Vice President the great French Revolution shook the continent of Europe, and it was upon this point which he was at issue wuh the majority of his countrymen led by Mr. Jefferson. Mr. Adams felt no sympathy with the French people in their struggle, for he had no conlidence in their IX)wer of self-governnrent, and he utterly abhored the classofatiieist philosoi>hers who he claimed caused it. On the other hand Jefferson's sympathies were strongly enlisted in behalf of the French |)eople. Hence or iginated the alienation between these distinguished men, and two powerful parties were thus soon org;ii.- ized, Adams at the head of the one whose sympathies were with England and Jefferson led the other in sympathy with France. The world has seldom seen a spectacle of more moral beauty and grandeur, than was presented by the old age of Mr. Adams. The violence of paity feelir.g had died away, and he had begun to receive that ju^t appreciation which, to most men, is not accorded till after death. No one could look upon his venerable form, and think of what he h:ul done and suffer'..il, and how he had given up all the prime and strength of his life to the pul)lic good, without the deepest emotion of gratitude and respect. It was his peculiar good fortune to witness the complete success of the institution which he had been so active in creating and supporting. In 1824, his cup of happiness was filled to the brim, by seeing his son elevated to the highest station in the gift of the people. The fourth of July, 1826, which com])leted the half century since the signing of the Declaration of Inde- jiendence, arrived, and there were but three of the signers of that immortal instrument left upon the earth to hail its morning light. hwA, as it is well known, on that day two of these finished their earthly pilgrimage, a coincidence so remarkable as to seem miraculous. For a few days before Mr. Adams had been rapidly failing, and on the morning of the fourth he found himself too weak to rise from his l)ed. On being requested to name a toast for the customary celebration of the day, he exclaimed " In- DF.PKNnF.NCE FOREVER." When the day was ushered in, liy the ringing of bells and the firing of cannons, he was asked by one of his attendants if he knew what day it was? He replied, "O yes; it is the glor- ious fourth of July — God bless it — God bless you all." In the course of the day he said, "It is a great and glorious day." The last words he uttered were, "Jefferson survives." But he had, at ore o'clock, re- signed his spiiit into the hands of his God. The personal ajipearance and manners of Mr. .^dams were not ])articularly piepossessinp . His face, as his ])ortrait manifests.was intellectual ard expres- sive, but his figure was low and ungraceful, and his manners were frequently abrupt and uncourteous. He had neither the lofty dignity of \\'ashington, ncr the engaging elegance and gracefulness which marked the manners and address of Jefferson. i" ^1 iJrr--*^ .^!^^ ^'" >' ;^,s ^\ ? TjU^' <^^kr?U t -^^ :i^^i-4. THIRD PRESIDENT. 27 HOMAS JEFFERSON was ^ burn April 2, 1743, at Shad- ; i#well, AU.'ciniarle county, Va. His parents were Peter and lane ( Randolph) Jefferson, the former a native of Wales, and tlic latter born in Lon- don. To them were born six daughters and two sons, of whom Thomas was the elder. When 14 years of age his father died. He received a most liberal education, hav- ing been kept diligently at school from the time he was five years of a"e. In 1760 he entered William and Mary College. Williamsburg was then the seat of the Colonial Court, and it was the obodeof fasliion aad splendor. Young Jefferson, who was then 17 years old, lived somewhat e.spensively, keeping fine horses, and much caressed by gay society, yet he was earnestly devoted to his studies, and irreproacha- able in his morals. It is strange, however, under such iiil1aences,that he was not ruined. In the sec- ond year of his college course, moved liy some un- cxpUiined inward impulse, he discarded his horses, society, and even his favorite violin, to which he had previously given much time. He often devoted filteen hours a day to hard study, allowing himself for ex- ercise only a run in the evening twilight af a mile out of the city and back again. He thus attained very high inlellectual culture, alike excellence in philoso- phy and the languages. The most difficult Latin and Greek authors he read with facility. A more finished scholar has seldom gone forth from college halls; and -4^ there was not to be found, perhaps, in all Virginia, a more pureminded, upright, gentlemanly young man. Immediately upon leaving college he began the study of law. For the short time he continued in the practice of liis profession he rose raiiidly and distin- guished himself by his energy and accuteness as a lawyer. But the times called for greater action. The policy of England had awakened the spirit of resistance of the American Colonics, and the enlarged views which Jefferson had ever entertained, soon led him into active political life. In 1769 he was chosen a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses. In 1772 he married Mrs. Martha Skelton, a very beauti- ful, wealthy and higb.ly accomplished young widow. Upon Mr. Jefferson's large estate at Shadwell, there was a majestic swell of land, caMed Monticello, which commanded a prospect of wonderful extent and beauty. This spot Mr. Jefferson selected for his new home; and here he reared a m.msion of modest yet elegant architecture, which, next to Mount Vernon, became the most distinguished resort in our land. In 1775 he was sent to the Cclonial Congress, where, though a silent member, his abilities as a writer and a reasoner soon become known, and he was placed upon a number of important committees, and was chairman of the one appointed for the draw- ing up of a declaration of independence. This corn- mittee consisted of Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman and Robert R. Livingston. Jefferson, as chairman, was appointed to draw up the paper. Franklin and Adams suggested a few verbal changes before it was submitted to Con- gress. On June 28, a few slight changes were made in it by Congress, and it was passed and signed July 4, 1776. What must have been the feelings of that I 'I t 28 THOMAS JEFFERSON. ■ man — what the emotions that swelled his breast — who was charged with the preparation of that Dec- laration, which, while it made known the wrongs of America, was also to publish her to tlie world, free, soverign and independent. It is one of the most re- markable ])apers ever written ; and did no other effort of the mind of its author exist, that alone would be sufficient to stamp his name with immortality. In 1779 Mr. Jefferson was elected successor to Patrick Henry, ;.s Governor of Virginia. At one time the Britisii officer, Tarleton, sent a secret expedition to Monticello, to capture the Governor. Scarcely five minutes elai)sed after the hurried escape of Mr. Jef- ferson and his family, ere his mansion was in posses- sion of the British troops. His wife's health, never very good, was much injured by tliis excitement, and in the summer of 1782 she died. Mr. Jefferson was elected to Congress in 17 S3. Two ye us later he was appointed Minister Plenipo- tentiary to France. Returning to the United States in September, 1789, he became Secretary of State in Washington's cabinet. This position he resigned Jan. I, 1794. In 1797, he was chosen Vice Presi- dent, and four years later was elected President over Mr. Adams, with Aaron Burr as Vice President. In 1804 he was re-elected with wonderful unanimity, and George Clinton, Vice President. The early part of Mr. Jefferson's second adminstra- tion was disturbed by an event which threatened the tranquility and peace of the Union; this was the con- spiracy of Aaron Burr. Defeated in the late election to the Vice Presidency, and led on by an unprincipled amljition, this extraordinary man formed tlie plan of a military expedition into the Spanish territories on our southwestern frontier, for the purpose of forming there a new republic. This has been generally supposed was a mere pretext ; and although it has not been generally known what his real plans were, there is no doubt that they were of a far more dangerous character. In 1809, at the expiration of the second term for which Mr. yefferson had been elected, he determined to retire from [xjlitical life. For a period of nearly forty years, he had been continually before the pub- lic, and all that time had been employed in offices of the greatest trust and responsibility. Having thus de- voted the best part of his life to the service of his country, he now felt desirous of that rest which his declining years required, and uix)n the organization of the new administration, in March, 1809, he liid fare- well forever to public life, and retired to Monticello. Mr. Jefferson was profuse in his hos[)itality. Whole families came in their coaches with their horses, — fathers and mothers, boys and girls, babies and nurses, — and remained three and even six months. Life at Monticello, for years, resembled that at a fashionable watering-place. The fourth of July, 1826, being the fiftieth anniver- <■ ^ ^ sary of the Declaration of .'\merican Inde|)endence, great preparations were made in every |)ait of the Union for its celebration, as the nation's jubilee, and the citizens of \Vashington, to add to the solemnity of the occasion, invited Mr. Jefferson, as the framer, and one of the few surviving signers of the Declara- tion, to participate in their festivities. But an ill- ness, which had been of several weeks duralion, and had been continually increasing, compelled him to decline the invitation. On the second of July, the disease under wliith he was laboring left him, but in such a reduced state that his medical attendants, entertained no hope of his recovery. From this time he was perfectly sensible that his last hour was at hand. On the ne.\t day, which was Monday, he asked of those around him, the day of the month, and on being told it was the third of July, he e.vpres.ied the earnest wish that he might be permitted lo breathe the airof the fiftieth anniversary. His prayer was heard — that day, whose dawn was hailed with such rapture through our land, burst upon his eyes, and then they were closed for- ever. And what a noble cor.suniniation of a noble life! To die on that day, — the birthday of a nation,- - the day which his own name and his own act had rendered glorious; to die amidst the rejoicings and festivities of a wliole nation, who looked up to him, as the author, under God, of their greatest blessings, was all that was wanting to fill up the record liis life. Almost at the same hour of his death, the kin- dred sjiirit of the venerable Adams, as if to bear him company, left the scene of his earthly honors. Hand in hand tliey had stood forth, the champions of freedom; hand in hand, during the dark and desp^er- ate struggle of the Revolution, they had cheered and animated their desponding countrymen; for half a century they had labored together for the good of the country; and now hand in hand they depart. In their lives they had been united in the same great cause of liberty, and in their deaths they were not divided. In i)erson Mr. Jefferson was tall and thin, rather above six feet in height, but well formed; his eyes were light, his hair originally red, in after life became white and silvery; his complexion was fair, his fore- head broad, and his whole countenance intelligent and thoughtful. He possessed great fortitude of mind as well as personal courage; and his command of tem- per was such that his oldest and most intimate friends never recollected to have seen him in a passion. His manners, though dignified, were sim[)le and un- affected, and his hospitality was so unbounded that all found at" his house a ready welcome. In conver- sation he was fluent, eloquent and enthusiastic; and his language was remarkably pure and correct. He was a finished classical scholar, and in his writings is discernable the care with which he formed his style upon the best models of antiquit) . * .^^y ^<«i*.-<;^ss» •^•^1 /i J •^^K^ImS'I ' 1 ^"^^^^1 \ W' / >!><^ aCy^f^/ C^'^ a i. FOURTH PRESIDENT. 3' prilES npDisoi]. 'M%^ AMES MADISON, "Father of the Constitution," and fourth 1-?' President of the United States, was born March i6, 1757, and died at his home in Virginia, ^ June 28, 1836. The name of James Madison is inseparably con- nected with most of the important events in that heroic period of our \\, country during which the founda- tions of this great repubhc were aid. He was the last of the founders of the Constitution of the United States to be called to his eternal reward. The Madison family were among the early emigrants to the New World, mding upon the shores of the Chesa- l)eake but 15 years after the settle- ment of Jamestown. The father of lames Madison was an opulent jlanter, residing upon a very fine es- tate called "Montpelier," Orange Co., Va. The mansion was situated in the midst of scenery highly pictur- esque and romantic, on the west side of South-west Mountain, at the foot of Blue Ridge. It was but 25 miles from the home of Jefferson at Monticello. The closest personal and [lohtical attachment existed between these illustrious men, from tlieir early youth until death. The early education of Mr. Madison was conducted mostly at home under a private tutor. At the age of 18 he was sent to Princeton College, in New Jersey. Here he applied himself to study with the most im- prudent zeal; allowing himself, for months, but three hours' sleep out of the 24. His health thus became so seriously impaired that he never recovered any vigor of constitution. He graduated in 177 i, with a feeble body, with a character of utmost purity, and with a mind highly disciplined and richly stored with learning which emljellished and gave proficiency to his subsf" quent career. Returning to Virginia, he commenced the study of law and a course of extensive and systematic reading. This educational course, the spirit of the times in which he lived, and the society with which he asso- ciated, all combined to inspire him with a strong love of liberty, and to train him for his life-work of a statesman. Being naturally of a religious turn of mind, nnd his frail health leading him to think that his life was not to be long, he directed especial atten- tion to theological studies. Endowed with a mmd singularly free from passion and prejudice, and with almost unequalled powers of reasoning, he weighed all the arguments for and against revealed religion, until his taith became so established as never to be shaken. In the spring of 1776, when 26 years of age, he was elected a member of the Virginia Convention, to frame the constitution of the State. The next year (r777), he was a candidate for the General Assembly. He refused to treat the whisky-lovir.g voters, and consequently lost his election ; but those who had witnessed the talent, energy and public spirit of the modest young man, enlisted themselves in his behalf, and he was appointed to the E.xecutive Council. Both Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson were Governors of Virginia while Mr. Madison remained member of the Council ; and their appreciation of his •^-■-4» k i 32 JAMES MADISON. i intcllecUial, social and moral worth, contributed not a little to iiis subsequent eminence. In the year 1780, he was elected a member of the Continental Coujiress. Here he met the most illustrious men in our hind, ar.d he was iutmediately assigned to one of the most conspicuous jjositio'is among them. For three years Mr. JMadLscn continued in Con- gre-is, one of its most active and influential members. In tne year 1784, his term having ex|)ired, he was elected a member of the Virginia Legislature. No man felt more deeply than Mr. Madison the utter inelticieiicy of the old confederacy, with no na- tional government, with no power to form treaties wliich would be binding, or to enforce law. There was not any State more prominent than Virginia in the declaration, that an efficient national government must be forjned. In January, 1786, Mr. Madison earned a resolution through tf.e General Assembly of Viiginia, inviting the other .States to ai)point connnis- sioners to meet in convention at Anna|c(_l. It makes one's blood boil, even now, to think of an .Vinerican shif) brought to, upon theoce.in, by tlie gui.s uf an English cruiser. A young liealenant steps on board and orders the crew to be paraded before him. With great nonchal- ance he selects any mnnber whom he may please to designate as British subjects ; orders them do\in the ship's side into his boat; and places them on the gun- deck of his man-of-war, to fight, by compulsion, tlic battles of England. This right of search and im- pressment, no efforts of our Government could induce the Biilish cabii.et to relin(]uish. On the 1 8th of June, 18 12, President Madison gave his ai;i)ioval to an act of Coiigress declaring war against Great Britain. Notwithstanding the bitter hostility of the Federal party to the war, the country in general approved; and Mr. Madison, on the 4th of March, 1813, was re-elected by a large m.ijoritv, and e itered upon his second term of offi e. 'I'his is not the [)lace to describe the various adventures of this war on the land and on the water. Our infant navy then laid the foundations of its renown in grap- l)ling with the most formidable [jovver which ever swept the seas. The contest commer.ced in earnest l>y the appearance of a British fleet, early in Febniaiy, 18 1 3, in Chesapeake Hay, declaring nearly the whole coast ot the United States under blockade. The Emperor ot Russia offered iiis services as me ditatt)r. America accepted; England refused. A Brit- ish force of five thousand men landed on the banks of the Patu.vet River, near its entrance into Chesa- ])eake Bay, and marched rapidh, by way of Bladens- burg, upon Washington. The straggling little city of Washington was thrown into consternation. The cannon of the brief conflict at I'.hulensburg echoed through the streets of the metro|X)lls. The whole populaticn fled from the city. 'I'he Presideiit, leaving Mrs. Mailison in the While House, with her carriage dtawn \\\^ at the door to await his speedy return, hurried to meet the officers in a council of war He met owx troops utterly routed, and he could not go back without danger of being captured. But few hours elapsed ere the Presidential Mansion, the Capitol, ar.d all the public buildings in Washington were in flames. The war closed after two years of fighting, and on Feb. 13, 18 15, the treaty of peace was signed at Cdient. On the 4th of March, 1817, his second term of offivC expired, and he resigned the Presidential chair to his friend, James Monroe. He retired to his beau- tiful home at ^fontpelier, and there passed the re- mainder of his days. On June 28, 1836, then at the age of 85 years, he fell asleep in death. Mrs. Madi- son died July 12, 1849. \\ i .»«*' FIFTH PRESIDENT. 35 priQES n]oi]itOE. AMES MONROE, the fifth .Fresidentof The United States, was born in Westmoreland Co., Va., April 28, 1758. His early life was passed at the place of nativity. His ancestors had for many years resided in the prov- ince in which he was born. AV'hen, at t; years of age, in the process of completing his education at \Villiam and Mary College, the Co- lonial Congress assembled at Phila- delphia to deliberate upon the un- just and manifold oppressions of Great Britian, declared the separa- tion of the Colonies, and promul- gated the Declaration of Indepen- dence. Had he been born ten years before it is highly probable that he would have been one of the signers oilliat celebrated instrument. At this time he left scliool and enlisted among the patriots. H ■ joined the army when everything looked hoije- less and gloo;ny. The number of deserters increased liom d.iy to d:iy. The invading armies came pouring ill ; .iiiil the tories not only favored the cause of the mother country, but disheartened the new recruits, who were sufficiently terrified at the prospect of con- tending with an enemy whom they had been taught to deem invincible. To such brave spirits as James Monroe, who went right onward, undismayed through clifficulty and danger, the United States owe tlieir |)olitical emancipation. The young cadet joined the ranks, and es|xDUsed the cause of his injured coimtry, with a firm determination to live or die with her strife •►-■-^ for liberty. Firmly yet sadly he shared in tlie mel- ancholy retreat from Harleam Heights and Wliite Plains, and accompanied the dispirited army as it fled before its foes through New Jersey. In four munths after the Declaration of Independence, the patriots had been beaten in seven battles. At the battle of Trenton he led the vanguard, and, in the act of charg- ing upon the enemy he received a wound in the Icfl shoulder. As a reward for his bravery, Mr. Monroe was ino- moted a captain of infantry; and, having recovered from his wound, he rejoined tlie army. He, however, receded from the line of ])romotion, by becoming an officer in the staff of Lord Sterling. During the cam- paigns of 1777 and 177S, in the actions of P.randy- wine, Germantown and Monmouth, he continued aid-de-camp; but becoming desirous to n.-gain his position in the army, he exerted himself to collect a regiment for the Virginia line. This scheme failed owing to the exhausted condition of the State. Upon this failure he entered the office of Mr. Jefferson, at that period Governor, and pursued, with considerable ardor, the study of common law. He did not, however, entirely lay aside the knapsack for the green l):ig; but on the invasions of the enemy, served as a \(ilun- teer, during the two years of his legal pursuits. In 1782, he was elected from King George county, a member of the Leglislature of Virginia, and by that body he was elevated to a seat in the E.xecutive Council. He was thus honored with the confidence of his fellow citizens at 23 years of age ; and having at this early period displayed some of that ability and airtitude for legislation, which were afterwards employed with unremitting energy for the public good. i -^ t 36 JAMES MOA^ROE. V lie was in the succeeding year chosen a member of the Congress of the United States. Deeplyas Mr. Monroefelt the imperfections of the old ■JJonlcderacy, he was opposed to the new Constitution, ';hinkiiig, with many others of the Republican parly, that it gave too much power to the Central Government, and not enough to the individual States. Still he re- tained the esteem of his friends who were its warm sa[)porters, and who, notwithstanding his opposition secured its adoption. In 17S9, he became a member of the United States Senate; which office he held for four years. Every month the line of distinction be- tween the two great parties which divided the nation, the Federal and the Republican, was growing more distinct. The two prominent ideas which now sep- arated them were, that the Republican party was in sympathy with France, and also in favor of such a strict construction of the Constitution as to give the Central Government as little power, and the State Governments as much power, as the Constitution would warrant. The Federalists sym|)athized with England, and were in favor of a liberal construction of the Con- stitution, which would give as much jjower to the Central Government as that document could possibly authorize. The leading Federalists and Republicans were alike nol)le men, consecrating all their energies to the good of the nation. Two more honest men or more pure patriots than Jolin Adams the Federalist, and James Monroe the Republican, never breathed. In building up this majestic nation, which is destined to eclipse all (rvecian and Assyrian greatness, the com- bination of tlieir antagonism was needed to create the light equilibriimi. And yet each in liis day was de- nounced as almost a demon. Washington was then President. England had es- poused the cause of the Boud)ons against the princi- ples of the French Revolution. All Europe was drawn into the conflict. We were feeble and far away. Washington issued a proclamation of neutrality lie- tween these contending jiowers. France had helped us in the struggle for our liberties. All the despotisms of Europe were now combined to prevent the French from escaping from a tyranny a thousand-fold worse than that which we had endured. Col. .Monroe, more magnanimous than prudent, was anxious that, at whatever hazard, we should help our old allies in their extremity. It was the impulse of a generous and noble nature. He violently opposed the Pres- ident's ])roclamation as ungrateful and wanting in magnanimity. Washington, who could apnreciate such a character, developed his calm, serene, almost divine greatness, by appointing that very James Monroe, who was de- nouncing the policy of the Government, as the minister of that Goverimient to the Republic of France. Mr. \ Monroe was welcomed l>y the National Convention V I in France with the most enthusiastic demonstration: -4^ Shortly after his return to this country, Mr. Mon- roe was elected Governor of Virginia, and held the office for three )eais. He was again sent to France to co-operate with Chancellor Livingston in obtaining the vast territory then known as the Province of Louisiana, which F'rance had but shortly before ob- tained from Spain. Tneir united efforts were sue cessful. For the comparatively small sum of fifteen millions of dollars, the entire terrUory of Gileans and district of Louisiana were added to the United States. This was probably the largest t.-anstc-r of real estate which was ever made in all the history of the world. From France Mr. Monroe went to Englarid to ob- tain from that country some rctogniiion of our rights as neutrals, and to remonstrate against those odious impressments of our seamen. but Eng- land was unrelenting. He again returned to Eng- land on the same mission, but could receive no redress. He returned to his home and was again chosen Governor of Virginia. This lie soon resigned to accept the [josilion of Secretary of Stale under Madison. While in this i')ffice war with Engkind was declared, the Secretary ot War resigned, and during these trying times, the duties of the War Department were also put upon him. He was truly the armor- bearer of President Madison, and the most efficient business man in his cabinet. Upon the return of peace he resigned the I)ei)artment of War, but con- tinued in the office of Secretary of Stale until the ex- piration of Mr. Madison's adminstration. At the elec- tion held the [jrevious autumn Mr Monroe himself had been chosen President with but liille opposition, and upon March 4, 1817, was inaugurated. Four years later he was elected for a second term. Among the im[>ortanl measures of his Presidency were the cession of Florida to the Lfnited States; the Missouri Compromise, and the " Monroe doctrine.'' This famous doctrine, since known as the " Monroe doctrine," was enunciated by him in 1823. At that time the United States had recognized the independ- ence of the South American states, and did not wi^h to have Euro])ean powers longer attempting to sul)- due portions of the American Continent. The doctrine is as follows: "That we should (onsider any attempt on the part of European powers to extend their sys- tem to any portion of this hemisphere as dangerous to our peace and safety," and "that we could not view any interposition for the purpose of oppressing or controlling American governments or provinces in any otlier light than as a manifestation liy European powers of an unfriendly disposition toward the United States." This doctrine imniediatel) affected the course of foreign governments, and has become the apjiroved sentiment of the United .States. At the end of his fecond term Mr Monroe retired to his home in Virginia, where he lived until 1830, when he went to New York to live with his son-in law. In that city he died, on the 4th of July, 1831. Liu J. 5, Jrl a.'V'rJi f -4«- SIXTIi PRESIDENT. t 3O5I] Qnil]6Y ^D^IIQS. OHN QUINCY ADAMS, the sixth President of the United iyStales, was born in the rural home of his honored father, John Adams, m Qiiincy, Mass., ^r;^, on the I ith cf July, 1767. His moliier, a woman of exaUed worth, watched over his childhood during the ahiiost constant ab- sence of his father. When but eight years of sge, he stood with his mother on an eminence, listen- ing to the booming of the great l.)at- tlc on Bunker's Hill, and gazing on upon the smoke and flames billow- ing up from the conflagration of Charlestown. When but eleven years old he took a tearful adieu of his mother, to sail with his fattier for Europe, through a fleet of hostile British cruisers. The bright, animated boy spent a year and a half in Paris, where hi-i f ither was associated with Franklin and Lee as minister plenipotentiary. His intelligence attracted I he notice of these distinguished men, and he received from them flattering marks of attention. Mr. John Adams had scarcely returned to this country, in 1779, ere he was again sent abroad. Again John ()uincy accompanied his father. At Paris he a|)]ilied himself with great diligence, for six months, to study; then accompained his father to Holland, where he entered, first a school in .Amsterdam, then the University at Leyden. About a year from this time, in 1781, when the manly boy was but fourteen years of age, he was selected l)y Mr. Dana, our min- ister to the Russian court, as his private secretary. In tills school of incessant labor and of eiiobling culture he spent fourteen months, and then returned to Holland thiough Sweden, Denmark, Hamburg and Bremen. This k-ng journey he took alone, in the winter, when in his sixteenth year. Again he resumed his studies, under a private tutor, at Hague. Thence, in the spring of 1782, he accompanied his father vo Paris, traveling leisurely, and forming acquaintance with the most distinguished men on the Continent; examining arcliitectural remains, galleries of paintings, and all renowned works of art. At Paris he again became associated with the most illustrious men of all lands in the contemplations of the loftiest temporal themes which can engross the human mind. After a short visit to P^ngland he returned to Paris, and consecrated all his energies to study until May, 1785, when he returned to America. To a brilliant young man of eighteen, who had seen much of the world, and who was familiar with the eti(piette of courts, a residence with his father in London, under such cir- cumstances, must have been extremely attractive; but with judgment very rare in one of his age, he pre- ferred to return to America to complete his education in an American college. He wished then to study law, that with an honorable profession, he might be able to obtain an independent support. Upon leaving Harvard College, at the age of twenty, he studied law for three years. In June, 1794, be- ing then but twenty-seven years of age, he was ap- pointed by Washington, resident minister at the Netherlands. Sailing from Boston in July, he reached London in October, where he was ininiediately admit- ted to the deliberations of Messrs. Jay and Pinckney, assisting them in negotiating a commercial treaty with (iieat Philian. After thus spending a fortnight in London, he proceeded to the Hague. In July, 1797, he left the Hague to go to Portugal as minister plenipotentiary. On his way to Portugal, upon arriving in London, he met with despatches directing him to the court of Berlin, but requesting him to remain in London until he should receive his instructions. ^\'hile waiting he was mairied to an American lady to whom he had been previously en- gaged, — Miss Louisa Catherine Johnson, daughter of Mr. Joshua Johnson, American consul in I,ondon ; a lady endownd with that beauty and those accom- plishment which eminently fitted her to move in the elevated sphere for which she was destined. J •►-^■-^ i f 40 -•► JOHN QUINCY. ADAMS. V \ He reached Berlin with his wife in November, 1797 ; where he remained until July, 1799, when, having ful- filled all the puriwses of his mission, he solicited his recall. Soon after liis return, in 1S02, he was chosen to the Senate of Massat:husetts, from Uoston, and then was elected Senator of the United States for six years, from the 4th of March^ 1804. His reputation, his al)ility and his experience, placed him immediately among the most promment and influential members of that body. E-;pecially did he sustain the Govern- ment in its measures of resistance to the encroach- ments of England, destroying our commerce and in- sulting our flag. There was no man in America more familiar with the arrogance of the British court upon these points, and no one more resolved to present a firm resistance. In 1809, Madison succeeded JelTerson in the Pres- idential chair, and he immediately nominated Jolm Qiiincy Adams minister to St. Fetersuurg. Resign- ing his professorsiiip in Harvard College, he embarked at Boston, in August, 1809. While in Russia, Mr. Adams was an intense stu- dent. He devoted his attention to the language and history of Russia; to the Chinese trade; to the European system of weights, measures, and coins; to the climate and astronomical observations; while he Kept up a familiar acquaintance with the Greek and Latin classics. In all the universities of Europe, a more accomplished scholar could scarcely be found. All through life the Bible constituted an importai t part ot his studies. It was his rule to read five chapters every day. On the 4th of March, 1817, Mr. Monroe took the Presidential chair, and immediately api)ointed Mr. Adams Secretary of State. Taking leave of his num- erous friends in public and private life in Europe, he sailed in June, 1819, for the United States. On the iSth of August, he again crossed the threshold of his home in Ouincy. During the eight yearsof Mr. Mon- roe's administration, Mr. .\dams continued Secretary of State. Some time before the close of Mr. Monroe's second term of oflice, new candidates began to be presented for the Presidency. The friends of Mr. .\dams brought forward his name. It was an exciting campaign. Party spirit was never more bitter. Two hundred and sixty electoral votes were cast. Andrew Jackson re- ceived ninety nine; John Quincy Adams, eighty-four; William H. Crawford, forty-one; Henry Clay, thirty- seven. As there was no choice by the people, the question went to the House of Representatives. Mr. Clay gave the vote of Kentucky to Mr. Adams, and he was elected. The friends of all the disappointed candidates now combined in a venomous and persistent assault upon Mr. Adams. There is nothing more disgraceful in the past history of our country than the abuse which was poured in one uninterrupted stream, upon this high-minded, upright, patriotic man. There never was an administration more pure in principles, more con- scientiously devoted to the best interests of the coun- try, than that of John Quincy Adams; and never, per- haps, was there an administration more ui. scrupu- lously and outrageously assailed. Mr. Adams was, to a very remarkable degree, ab- stemious and temperate m his habits; alwa) s ri.-,ing early, and taking mutli exercise. \\ hen at his Lome 1.1 Quincy, he has been known to walk, before breaklasl. seven miles to Boston. In VV'aslungton, it was ;;aid that he was the first man up in'the city, lighting his own fire and applying himself to work in hi^. library often long before dawn. On the 4th of March, 1829, iVIr. Adams retired from the Presidency, and was succeeded liy Andre.v Jackson. John C. Caliioun was elected Vice Pre.->i- dent. The slavery question now began lo assume l)ortentous magnitude. Mr.' Ad..ms retuniL-d lo Quincy and to his studies, which he pursued with un- abated zeal. But he A^as not long permilletl lo re- main in retirement. In November, 1830, he was elected rei^reseniative lo Congress. For seventeen years, until liis death, he occupieu the post as repre- sentative, towering above all his peers, ever .eady lo do brave battle' ior freedom, and winning the title of "the old man eloquent." Upon taking his seat iu the House, he announced that he i-hoiild hi. Id him- self bound to no party. Probably there never was a member more devoted to his duties. He w.is usually the first in his place in the morning, and the last lo leave his seat in the evening. Not a measure could be brought ft)rward and escape his scrutiny. 'I he battle which Mi. Adams fougl.t, almost singly, against the [iroslavery party in the Government, was sublime iu Its moral daiing and heroism. For persisting in presenting petitions for the abolition of sUuery, he was threatened with indictment by the grand jury, with expulsion from the Honfe, with assassination but no threats could intimidate him, and liis final triumph was complete. It has been said of President .'Vdams, that when his body was lient anti his hair silvered bv the lapse of fourscore yeais, yielding to the simple f.iith of a little child, he was accustomed toreiieat every night, before he slept, the prajer which his mother tau|.ht him in his infant years. On the 2 ist of February, 1S4S, he rose on the floor of Congress, with a paper in his hand, to address tlie speaker. Suddenly he fell, again stricken by jiaraly- sis, and was caught in tlie arms of those around him. For a time he was senseless, as he was conveyed to the sofa in the rotunda. With reviving conscious- ness, he opened his eyes, looked calmly around and said " This is llu- oui of eartli .-"then after a moment's pause he added, "/«;// content" These were the A last words of the grand " Old Man Eloquent." J -«*■ J»o t. t -•►■ SEVENTH PRESIDENT. lR~^c^J^£V©-S@-«c5 ^issmm^sM ^iSSJAS'-^Si^i^T^T^^ P'5% j^jirpl^jgl^ ^jkfj^lf fr. m>^ '^^Wm~' m^ ^te I NDREVV JACKSON, the seventh President of tlie United States, was born in VVaxhaw settlement, N. C, March 15, 1767, a few days after his father's death. His parents were poor emigrants from Ireland, and took up their abode in Waxhaw set- tlement, where they lived in deepest poverty. Andrew, or Andy, as he was universally called, grew up a very rough, rude, turbulent boy. His features were coarse, his form un- gainly; and there was but very little in his character, made visible, which was at- ttactive. When only thirteenyears old he joined the volun- teers of Carolina against the British invasion. In 17S1, he and his brother Robert were captured and imprisoned for a time at Camden. A British officer ordered him to brush his mud-spattered boots. " I am a [jrisoner of war, not your servant," was the reply of the dauntless boy. The brute drew his sword, and aimed a desperate blow at the head of the helpless young prisoner. Andrew raised his hand, and thus received two fear- ful gashes, — one on the hand and the other upon the head. The officer then turned to his brother Robert with the same demand. He also refused, and re- ceived a blow from the keen-edged sabre, which quite disabled him, and which probaljly soon after caused his death. They suffered much other ill-treatment, and were finally stricken with the small-pox. Their mother was successful in obtaining their e.xchange, ^3 i^! and took her sick boys home. After a long illness Andrew recovered, and the death of his mother soon left him entirely friendless. Andrew supported hirnself in various ways, such as working at the saddler's trade, teaching school and clerking in a general store, until 17S4, when he entered a law office at .Salisbury, N. C. He, however, gave more attention to the wild amusements of the times than to his studies. In 17S8, he was appointed solicitor for the western district of North Carolina, of which Tennessee was then a part. This involved many long and tedious journeys amid dangers of every kind, but Andrew Jackson never knew fear, and the Indians had no desire to repeat a skirmish witli tlie .Sharp Knife. In 1791, Mr. Jackson was married to a woman who supposed herself divorced from her former husband. Cireat was the surprise of both parties, two years later, to find that the conditionsof the divorce had just been definitely settled by the first husband. The marriage ceremony was performed a second time, but the occur- rence was often used by his enemies to bring Mr. Jackson into disfavor. During these years he worked hard at his profes- sion, and frequently had one or more duels on hand, one of which, when he killed Dickenson, was espec- ially disgraceful. In January, 1796, the Territory of Tennessee then containing nearly eighty thousand inhabitants, the people met in convention at Knowille to frame a con- stitution. Five were sent from each of the eleven counties. Andrew Jackson was one of the delegates. The new State was entitled to but one memlcr in the National House of Representatives. Andrew Jack- son was chosen that member. Mounting his horse he rode to Philedelphia, where Congress then held its Y -•►-■-4» 'i u ■*► l 44 ANDREW JACKSON. sessions, — a distance of about eiL;ht liundred miles. Jackson was an earnest advocate of the Demo- cratic party. Jefferson was his idol. He admired Bonaparte, loved France and hated iMigland. As Mr. Jackson took his seat. Gen. Washington, whose Second term of office was then e.\pi:ing, delivered his last speech lo Congress. A committee drew up a com|)limentary address in reply. Andrew Jackson did not approve of tlie address, and was one of the twelve who voted against it. He was not jvilling to say that Gen. Washington's adminstration had been " wise, fnm and patriotic." Mr. Jackson was elected to the United States Senate in 1797, but soon resigned and returned home. Soon after lie was chusen Judge of the Supreme Court of his State, which position he held for si.x years. When the war of i8r2 with Great Britian com- menced, Madison occu|)ied the Presidential chair. Aaron B.irr sent word to the President that there was an unknown man in the West, Andrew Jackson, wlio would do credit to a commission if one were con- ferred u[)on him. Just at that time (ien. Jackson offered his services and those of twenty-five hundred volunteers. His offer was accepted, and the troops were assembled at Nashville. As the British were hourly expected to make an at- tack r.pon New Orleans, where (ien. Wilkinson was in command, he was ordered to descend the river with fifteen hundred troops to aid Wilkinson. The expedition reached Natchez; and afteradelay of sev- eral weeks there, without accomplishing anything, the men were ordered back to their homes. But the energy Gen. Jackson had displayed, and his entire devotion to the comrfort of his soldiers, won him golden o[)inions; and he became the most popular man in the State. It was in this expedition that his toughness gave him the nickname of "Old Hickory." Soon after this, while attempting to horsewhip Col. Thomas H. Henton, for a remark that gentleman made about his taking a part as second in a duel, in which a younger brother of Benton's was engaged, he received two severe pistol wounds. While he was lingering uiion a bed of suffering news came that the Indians, who had combined under Tccumseh from Florida to the Lakes, to exterminate the white set- tlers, were committing the most awful ravages. De- cisive action became necessary. Gen. Jackson, with his fractured bone just beginning to heal, his arm in a sling, and unable to mount his horse without assis- tance, gave his amazing energies to the raising of an army to rendezvous at Fayettesville, Alabama. 'I"he Creek Indians had established a strong fort on one of the liendsof thcTallauoosa River, near the cen- ter of Alabama, about fifty miles below Fort Strother. With an army of two thousand men. Gen. Jackson traversed the pathless wilderness in a march of eleven days. He reached their fort, called Tohopeka or Horse-shoe, on the 27th of March. 1814. The liend •^ of the river enclosed nearly one hundred acres ot tangled forest and wild ravine. Across the narrow neck the Indians had constructed a formidable brea.st- work of logs and brush. Here nine hundred warriors, with an ample suplyof arms were assembled. The fort was stormetl. The fight was utterly des- perate. Not an Indian would accept of ([uarter. When bleeding and dying, they would fight those who en- deavored- to spare their lives. From ten in the morn- ing until dark, the battle raged. The carnage was awful and revolting. Some' threw themselves into the river; but the unerring bullet struck their heads as they swam. Nearly everyone of the nine hundred war- rios were killed A few probably, in the night, swam the river and esca[)ed. This ended the war. The power of the Creeks was broken forever. 'I'his bold plunge into the wilderness, with itsterriftic slaughter, so appalled the savages, that the haggard remnants of the bands ca.ue to the camp, begging for peace. This closing of the Creek war enabled us to con- centrate all our militia upon the British, who were the allies of the Indians No man of less resolute will than Gen. Jackson could have conducted this Indian campaign to so successful an issue Immediately he was appointed major-general. Late "in .\ugust, with an army of two thousand men, on a rushing march, Gen. Jackson came to Mobile. A British fleet came from Pensacola, landed a force upon the beach, anchored near the little fort, and from both ship and shore commenced a furious assault The battle was long and doubtful. .\t length one of the ships was blown up and the rest retired. Garrisoning Mobile, where he had taken his little army, he moved his troops to New Orleans, And the battle of New Orleans which soon ensued, was in reality a very arduous campaign. This won for Gen. Jackson an imperishable name. Here his troojis, which luimbered about four thousand men, won a signal victory over the ]3rilisli army of about nine thousand. His loss was but thiiteen, while the loss of the British was two thousand six hundred. The name of Gen. Jackson soon began to be men- tioned in connection with the Presidency, but, in 1824, he was defeated by Mr. Adams. He was, however, successful in the election of 18 28, and was re-elected for a second term in 1832. In 1829, just before he assumed the reins of the government, he met with the most terrible affliction of his life in the death of his wife, whom he had loved with a devotion which has perhaps never been surpassed. From the shock of her death he never recovered. His administration was one of the most memorable in the annals of our country; applauded by one party, condemned Iiy the other. No man had more bitter enemies or warmer friends. At the expiration of his two terms of office he retired to the Hermitage, where he died June 8, 1845. The last years of Mr. Jack- son's life were that of a devoted Christian man. ■► t ^ ''<% 7 7 ^-^Zx^^ ^^^-^f^^^^ 6.^^ i EIGHTH PRESIDENT. t ARTIN VAN BUREN, the eii;hth President of the United States, was born at Kinderhook, N. Y., Dec. 5, 1782. He died at the same place, July 24, 1862. His body rests in the cemetery at Kinderhook. Above it is a plain granite shaft fifteen feet high, bearing a simple inscription al)Out halt way up on one face. The lot is unfenced, unbordered or unbour.ded by shrub or flower. Tliere is but little in the life of Martin Van Buren of rL,rnantic interest. He fouglit no battles, engaged in n ) wild adventures. Though his life was stormy in iwlitical and intellectual conflicts, and he gained many signal victories, his days passed uneventful in those incidents which give zest to biography. His an- cestors, as his name indicates, were of Dutch origin, and were among the earliest emigrants from Holland to tlie banks of the Hudson. His father was a farmer, residing in the old town of Kinderhook. His mother, also of Dutch lineage, was a woman of superior intel- ligence and exemplary piety. Hj wis decidedly a precocious boy, developing un- usual activity, vigor and strength of mind. At the age of fourteen, he had finished his academic studies in his native village, and commenced the study of law. As he bad not a collegiate education, seven years of study in a law-office were required of him before he could be admitted to the bar. Inspired with a lofty ambition, and conscious of his powers, he pur- sued his studies with indefatigable industry. After spending six years in an office in his native village, he went to the city of New York, and prosecuted his studies for the seventh year. In 1803, Mr. Van Buren, then twenty-one yeais of age, commenced the practice of law in his native vil- lage. The great conflict between the Federal and Republican party was then at its height. Mr. Van Buren was from the Ijeginning a politician. He had, perhaps, imbibed that spirit while listening to the many discussions which had been carried on in his father's hotel. He was in cordial sympathy with Jefferson, and earnestly and eloquently espoused the cause of State Rights; though at that time the Fed- eral party held the supremacy both in his town and State. His success and increasing ruputation led htm, after six years of practice, to remove to Hudson, tlie county seat of his county. Here he spent seven years, constantly gaining strength by contending in the courts with some of the ablest men who have adorned the bar of his State. Just before leaving Kinderhook for Hudson, Mr. Van Buren married a lady alike distinguished for beauty and accomplishments. After twelve short years she sank into the grave, the victim of consump- tion, leaving her husband and four sons to weei) over her loss. For twenty-five years, Mr. Van Buren was an earnest, successful, assiduous lawyer. The record of those years is barren in items of public interest. In 1812, when thirty years of age, he was chosen to the State Senate, and gave his strenuous su[iport to Mr. Madison's adminstration. In 1815, he was ap- pointed Attorney-General, and the next year moved to Albany, the capital of the .State. While he was acknowledged as one of the most prominent leaders of the Democratic party, he had i 48 MARTIN VAN BUREN. the moral courage to avoiv that true democracy did not require that " universal suffrage" which admits the vile, the degraded, the ignorant, to the right of goverr.ing the State. In true consistency with his democratic princiiiles, he contended that, while the jiath leading to the (jtivilege of voting should be open to every man without distinction, no one should be invested with that sacred prerogative, unless he were in some degree qualified for it by intelligence, virtue and some propert) interests in the welfare of the State. In 1S21 he was elected a member of the United States Senate; and in the same year, he took a seat in the convention to revise the constitution of his native State. His course in this convention secured the approval of men of all parties. No one could doubt the singleness of his endeavors to promote the interests of all classes in the community. In tlie Senate of the United States, he rose at once to a conspicuous position as an active and useful legislator. In 1.S27, John Quincy Adams being then in the Presidential chair, Mr. \'an Buren was re-elected to the Senate. He had been from the Ijeginning a de- termined opposer of the Administration, adopting the "State Rights" view in opposition to what was deemed the Federal proclivities of Mr. Adams. Soon after this, in 1828, he was chosen Governorof the State of New York, and accordingly resigned his seat iu the Senate. Probably no one in the United States contributed so much towards ejecting John Q. Adams from the Presidential chnir, and placing in it Andrew Jackson, as did Martin Van Buren. Whether entitled to the reputation or not, he certainly was re- garded throughout the United States as one of the most skillful, sagacious and cunning of politicians. It was su|)posed that no one knew so well as he how to touch the secret spiings of action; how to pidl all the wires to put his machinery in motion; and how to organize a [lolitical army which would, secretly and stealthily accomplish the most gigantic results. By these powers it is said that he outv/itted Mr. Adams, Mr. Clay, Mr. \Vebster, and secured results which lew thought then could be accomplished. Wiij 1 .Andrew Jackson was elected President he appointed Mr. Van Buren Secretary of State. This position he resigned in 1831, and was immediately a[)poii?ted Minister to England, where he went the same auttimn. The Senate, however, when it met, refused to ratify the nomination, and he returned home, apjiarently untroubletl ; was nominated Vice President in the place of Calhoun, at the re-election of President Jackson ; and with smiles for all and fiowns for none, he took his place at the head of that Senate which hdd refused to confirm his nomination as ambassador. His rejection by the Senate roused all the zeal of President Jackson in behalf of his reinidiated favor- ite; and this, probably more than any other cause, secured his elevation to the chair of the Chief Execu- tive. On the 20th of May, 1836, Mr. Van Buren re- ceived the Democratic nomination to succeed Gen. Jackson as President of the L'nited States He was elected by a handsome majority, lo the delight of the retiring President. " Leaving New York out of the canvass," says Mr. Parton, ' the election of Mr. Van Buren to the Presidency was as much the act of Gen. Jackson as though the Constitution had 'conferred upon him the power to appoint a successor. ' His administration uas filled with exciting events. The insurrection in Canada, which threatened to in- volve this country in war with England, the agitation of the slavery ipiestion, and finally the great commer- cial panic which si)read over the country, all were trials to his wisdom. The financial distress was at- tributed to the management of the Democratic party, and brought the President into such disfavor that he failed of re election. AViih the exception of being nominated for the Presidency by the " Free S.iil " Democrats, in 1848, Mr. Van Buren lived ipiietly upon his estate until his death. He had ever been a [irudent man, of frugal habits, and living within his income, had now fortunately a competence for his declining years. His unblemished character, his commanding abilities, his uncpiestioned ]iatriotism, and the distinguished positions which he had occupied in the government of our country, -se- cured to him not only the h image of his party, but the respect ot the whole community. It was on the 4th of March, 1841, that Mr. Van lUiren retired from the ijresidency. From his fine estate at Lindenwald, he still exerted a powerful influence upon iheiiolilics of the country. From this time until his death, on the 24th of July, 1S62, at the age of eighty years, he resided at Lindenwald, a gentleman of leisure, of culture and of wealth; enjoy iig in a healtliy old age, probably far more happiness than he had before experienced amid the stormy scenes of his active life. i 1 a -4* NINTH PRESIDENT. t 51 =-&^ i^' WttM4a MlEl ffl&RRlS®l. ■■^-^-^WM^- %^, j^ ILLIAM HENRY HARRI- SON, the ninth President of the United States, was born at Ikrkeley, Va., Feb. 9, 1773. His father, Benjamin Harri- son, was in comparatively op- ulent circumstances, and was one of the most distinguished men of his day. He was an intimate friend of George Washington, w as early elected a member of the Continental Congress, and was consijicuous among the patriots of Virginia in resisting the encroachments of tlie British crown. In the celebrated Congress of 1775, Benjamin Har- rison and John Hancock were _)Oth candidates for the office of s|>eaker. Mr Harrison was subsequently chosen Governor of Virginia, and was twice re-elected. His son, i William Henry, of course enjoyed in childhood all the advantages which wealth and intellectual and cultivated society could give. Hav- ing received a thorough common-school education, lie entered Hampden Sidney College, where he graduated with honor soon after the death of his father. He then repaired to Philadelphia to study medicine under the instructions of Dr. Rush and the guardianship of Robert Morris, both of whom were, with his father, signers of the Declaration of Independence. Ul)on the outbreak of the Indian troubles, and not- withstanding the remonstrances of his friends, he abandoned his medical studies and entered the army, having obtained a commission of Ensign from Presi- dent Washington. He was then but 19 years old. From that time he passed gradually upward in rank until he became aid to General Wayne, after whose death he resigned his commission. He was then ap- pointed Secretary of the North-western Territory. This Territory was then entitled to but one member in Congress and Capt. Harrison was chosen to fill that position. In the spring of 1800 the North-western Territory was divided by Congress into two portions. The eastern portion, comprising the region now embraced in the State of Ohio, was called '' The Territory north-west of the Ohio." The western portion, which included what is now called Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin, was called the "Indiana Territory." Wil- liam Henry Harrison, then 27 years of age, was ap- pointed by John Adams, Governor of the Indiana Territory, and immediately after, also Governor of Upper Louisiana. He was thus ruler over almost as extensive a realm as any sovereign upon the globe. He was Superintendent of Indian Affairs, and was in- vested with powers nearly dictatorial over the now rapidly increasing white population. The ability and fidelity with which he discharged these responsible duties may be inferred from the fact that he was four times appointed to this office — first by John Adams, twice by Thomas Jefferson and afterwards by Presi- dent Madison. When he began his adminstration there were but three white settlements in that almost boundless region, now crowded with cities and resounding with all the tumult of wealth and traffic. Oneof these settlements was on the Ohio, nearly opposite Louisville; one at Vincennes, on the Wabash, and the third a French settlement. The vast wilderness over which Gov. Harrison reigned was filled with many tribes of Indians. About 1- -k t ■*►-•■, WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON. the year 1806, two extraordinary men, twin brothers, of the Shawnese tribe, rose among them. One of these was called Tecumseh, or " The Crouching Panther;" the other, OUiwacheca, or "The Prophet." Tecumseh was not only an Indian warrior, but a man of great sagacity, far-reaching foresight and indomit- able perseverance in any enterprise in which he might engage. He was inspired with the highest enthusiasm, and had long regarded with dread and with hatred the encroachment of the whites upon the hunting- grounds of his fathers. His brother, the Prophet, was anorator, who could sway the feelings of the untutored Indian as the gale tt)sscd the tree-tops beneath which they dwelt. But the Prophet was not merely an orator : he was, in the superstitious minds of tlie Indians, invested with the superhuman dignity of a medicine-man or a magician. With an enthusiasm unsurpassed by Peter tlie Hermit rousing Europe to the cfusades, he went from tribe to tribe, assuming that he was specially sent by the Great Spirit. Gov. Harrison made many attempts to conciliate the Indians, but at last the war came, and at Tippe- canoe the Indians were routed with great slaughter. October 28, 18 12, his army began its march. When near the Prophet's town three Indians of rank made their appearance and innuired why Gov. Harrison was approaching them in so hostile an attitude. After a short conference, arrangements were made for a meet- ing the next day, to agree upon terms of peace. But Gov. Harrison was too well acquainted with the Indian character to be deceived by such protes- tations. Selecting a favorable spot for his night's en- cam [iment, lie took every i)recautiou against surprise. His troops were posted in a hollow square, and slept upon tlieir arms. 'I'he troops threw themselves ui)on the ground for rest; but every man had iiis accourtrements on, his loaded musket by his side, and his bayoriet fixed. The wakeful Governor, between three and four o'clock in the morning, had risen, and was sitting in conversa- tion with his aids by the embers of a waning fire. It was a chill, cloudy morning with a drizzling rain. In the darkness, the Indians had crept as near as possi- ble, and just then, with a savage yell, rushed, with all tlie desperation which superstition and [lassion most highly inflamed could give, upon the left flank of the little army. The savages had been amply provided with g\nis and ammunition by the English. Their war-whoop was accompained by a shower of bullets. The camp-fires were instantly extinguished, as the light aided the Indians in their aim. With hide- ims yells, the Indian bands rushed on, not doubting a speedy and an entire victory. But Gen. Harrison's troo))s stood as immovable as the rocks around them until day dawned : they then made a simultaneous charge with the bayonet, and swept every thing be- fore them, and completely routing the foe. <■ \ Gov. Harrison now had all his energies tasked to the utmost. The British descending from the Can ■ adas, were of themselves a very formidable force ; but with their savage allies, rushing like wolves from the forest, searching out every remote farm-house, burn- ing, plundering, scalping, torturing, the wide frontier was plunged into a state of consternation which even the most vivid imagination can but faintly conceive. The war-whoop was resounding everywhere in ilie forest. The horizon was illuminated with the conllagra- tionof the cabins of the settlers. Gen Hull had made the ignominious surrender of his forces at Detroit. Under these despairing circumstances. Gov. Harrison was appointed by President Madison comuiander-in- chief of the North-western army, with orders to retake Detroit, and to protect the frontiers. It would be difficult to place a man in a situation demanding more energy, sagacity and courage; but General Harrison was found equal to the posilioii, and nobly and triumphantly did he meet all the re- sponsibilities. He won the love of his soldiers liy always sharing with them their fatigue. His whole baggage, while pursuing the foe up the Thames, was earned in a valise; and his bedding consisted of a single blanket lashed over his saddle. Thirty-five British officers, his prisoners of war, supjied with him after the battle. The only fare he could give them was beef roasted liefore the fire, without bread or salt. In 1816, Gen. Harrison was chosen a member of the National House of Representatives, to represent the District of Ohio. In Congress he proved an active member; and whenever he spoke, it was wilh force of reason and power of eloquence, which arrested the attention of all the members. In 1819, Harrison was elected to the Senate of (^hio; and in 1824, as one of the presidential electors of that State, he gave his vote for Henry Clay. The same year he was chosen to the United States Scnaie. In 1836, the friends of Gen. Harrison brouglr. him forward as a candidate for the Presidency ag;iinst Van Buren, but he was defeated. At the close of Mr. Van Buren's term, he was re-noniirated by his party, and Mr. Harrison was unanimously nomiiialeil by the \Vhigs, with John Tyler forthe Vice Presideiu y. The contest was very animated. Gen Jackson gave all his influence to prevent Harrison's election ; but his triumph was signal. The cabinet which he formed, with Daniel Webster at its head as Secretary of State, was one of the most brilliant with which any President had ever been surrounded. Never were the i)rospects of an admin- istration more flattering, or the hopes of the country more sanguine. In the midst of these bright and joyous prospects. Gen. Harrison was seized by a pleurisy-fever and after a few days of violent sick- ness, died on the 4tli of A[)ril ; just one month after his inauguration as President of the United States, -•►■-^ I 0-fi/n^ t ■<^ TENTH PRESIDENT. 1 r OHN TYLER, the tenth residentof the United States. He was born in Charles-city Co., Va., March 29, 1790. He was the favored child of af- fluence and high social po- sition. At the early age of twelve, John entered William and Mary College and grad- uated with much honor when but seventeen years old. After graduating, he devoted hini- selt with great assiduity to the study of huv, partly with his father and [lutlywith Edmund Randolph, one of the most distin- guished lawyers of Virginia. At nineteen years of age, ne :[ J commenced the practice of law. Js His success was rapid and aston- ishing. It is said tliat three months had not elapsed ere there was scarcely a case on the dock- I et of the court in which he was not retained. AVhen luit twenty-one years of age, he was almost unanimously elected to a seat in the State Legislature. He connected himself with the Demo- cratic party, and warmly advocated the measures of Jefferson and Madison. For five successive years he was elected to the Legislature, receiving nearly the unanimous vote or his county. When but twenty-six years of age, he was elected a member of Congress. Here he acted earnestly and ably with the Democratic party, opposing a national bank, internal improvements by the General Govern- ment, a protective tariff, and advocating a strict con- struction of the Constitution, and the most careful vigilance over State rights. His labors in Congress were so arduous that before the close of his second term he found it necessary to resign and retire to his estate in Charles-city Co., to recruit his health. He, however, soon after consented to take his seat in the State Legislature, where his influence was powerful in promoting public works of great utility. With a reputation thus canstantly increasing, he was chosen by a very large majority of votes. Governor of his native State. His administration was signally a suc- cessful one. His iiopularily secured his re-election. John Randolph, a brilliant, erratic, half-crazed man, tliLii re[)resented Virginia in the Senate of the United States. A portion of the Democratic party was displeased with Mr. Randolph's wayward course, and brought forward John Tyler as his opponent, considering him the only man in Virginia of sufficient poiiularily to succeed against the renowned orator of Roanoke. i\Ir. Tjler was the victor. In accordance with his professions, upon taking his seat in the Senate, he joined the ranks of the opposi- tion. He opposed the tariff; he spoke against and voted against the bank as unconstitutional ; he stren- uously opposed all restrictions upon slavery, resist- ing all projects of internal improvements by the Gen- eral Government, and avowed his sympathy with Mr. Calhoun's view of nullification ; he declared that Gen. Jackson, by his opposition to the nullifiers, had abandoned the principles of the Democratic party. Such was Mr. Tyler's record in Congress, — a record in perfect accordance with the principles which he had always avowed. Returning to Virginia, he resumed the practice of his profession. There was a split in the Democratic »»■ J i ■» * -^f^ JOHN TYLER. t i" party. His friends still regarded him as a true Jef- fersonian, gave him a dinner, and showered compli- ments upon him. He had now attained the age of forty-six. His career had been very brilliant. In con- sequence of his devotion to public business, his pri- vate affairs had fallen into some disorder; and it was not without satisfaction that he resumed the practice of law, and devoted himself to the cuUure of his plan- tation. Soon after this he removed to Williamsburg, for the better education of his children ; and he again took his scat in the Legislature of Virginia. By the Southern Whigs, he was sent to the national convention at Harrisburg to nominate a President in 1839. The majority of votes were given to Gen. Har- rison, a genuine Whig, much to the disappointment of the South, who wished for Henry Clay. To concili- ate the Southern Whigs and to secure their vote, the convention then nominated John Tyler for Vice Pres- ident. It was well known that he was not in sympa- thy with the Whig party in the North: but the Vice President has but very little power in the Govern- ment, his main and almost only duty being to pre- side over the meetings of the Senate. Thus it hap- pened that a Whig President, and, in reality, a Democratic Vice President were chosen. In 1841, Mr. Tyler was inaugurated Vice Presi- dent of the United States. In one short month from that time, President Harrison died, and Mr. Tyler thus found himself, to his own surprise and that of the whole Nation, an occupant of the Presidential chair. This was a new test of the stability of our institutions, as it was the first time in the history of our country that such an event had occured. Mr. Tyler was at home in Williamsburg when he received the unexpected tidings of the death of President Harri- son. He hastened to Washington, and on the 6th of April was inaugurated to the high and responsible office. He was placed in a position of exceeding delicacy and difficulty. All his long life he had been opposed to the main principles of the party which had brought him into power. He had ever been a con- sistent, honest man, with an unblemished record. Gen. Harrison had selected a Whig cabinet. Should he retain them, and thus surround himself with coun- sellors whose views were antagonistic to his own.? or, on the other hand, should he turn against the party which had elected him and select a cabinet in har- mony with himself, and which would oppose all those views which the Whigs deemed essential to the pub- lic welfare.' This was his fearful dilemma. He in- vited the cabinet which President Harrison had selected to retain their seats. He reccommended a day of fasting and prayer, that God would guide and bless us. The Whigs carried through Congress a bill for the incor])oration of a fiscal bank of the United States. The President, after ten days' delay, returned it with his veto. He susisiested, however, that he would <■ approve of a bill drawn up upon such a plan as he proposed. Such a bill was accordingly prepared, and privately .submitted to him. He gave it his approval. It was passed without alteration, and he sent it back with his veto. Here commenced the open rupture. It is said that Mr. Tyler was provoked to this meas- ure by a published letter from the Hon. John M. Botts, a distinguished Virginia Whig, who severely touched the pride of the President. The opposition now exultingly received the Presi- dent into their arms. The party which elected him denounced him bitterly. AH the members of his cabinet, excepting Mr. Webster, resigned. The Whigs of Congress, both the Senate and the House, held a meeting and issued an address to the people of the United States, proclaiming that all political alliance between the Whigs and I'resident Tyler were at an end. Still the President attempted to conciliate. He appointed a new cabmet of distinguished Whigs and Conservatives, carefully leaving out all strong party men. Mr. Webster soon found it necessary to resign, forced out by the pressure of his Wiiig friends. Thus the four years of Mr. Tyler's unfortunate administra- tion passed sadly away. No one was satisfied. The land was filled witli murmurs and vituperation. Whigs and Democrats alike assailed him. iVIore and more, however, he brought himself into sympathy with his old friends, the Democrats, until at the close of his term, he gave his whole influence to the support of Mr. Polk, the Democratic candidate for his successor. On the 4th of March, 1845, he retired from the harassments of office, tothe regret of neitherparty, and probably to his own unspeakable relief. His first wife, Miss Letitia Christian, died in Washington, in 1842; and in June, 1844, PresidentTyler wasagain married, at New York, to Miss Julia Gardiner, a young lady of many personal and intellectual accomplishments. The remainder of his days Mr. Tyler passed mainly in retirement at his beautiful liome, — Sherwood For- est, Charles-city Co., Va. A polished gentleman in his manners, richly furnished with niformalion from hooks and experience in the world, and jmssessing l.irilliant powers of conversation, his fanrily circle was the scene of unusual attractions. With sufficient moans for the exercise of a generous hospitality, he might have eirjoyed a serene old age with the few friends who gathered around him, were it not for the storms of civil war which his own principles and policy had helped to introduce. When the great Rebellion rose, which the State- rights and nullifying doctrines of Mr. John C. Cal- houn had inaugurated, President Tyler renounced his allegiance to the United States, arid joined the Confed- erates. He was chosen a member of their Congress; and while engaged in active measures to destroy, by force of arms, the Government over which he had once presided, he was taken sick and soon died. ■» I t ¥~-^ ELEVENTH PRESIDENT. ■^^4^ 59 i \ AMES K. POLK, the eleventh '|;'jiPresident of the United States, was born in Mecklenburg Co., N. C.,Nov. 2, 1795. His par- . „, ents were Samuel and Jane (K.nox) Polk, the former a son of Col. Thomas Polk, who located at the above place, as one of the first pioneers, in 1735. In the year 1006, with his wife and children, and soon after fol- lowed by most of the members of the Polk famly, Samuel Polk emi- grated some two or three hundred miles farther west, to the rich valley of the Duck River. Here in the midst of the wilderness, in a region which was subsequently called Mau- ry Co., they reared their log huts, and established their homes. In the hard toil of a new farm in the wil- derness, James K. Polk spent the early years of his childhood and youth. His father, adding the pur- suit of a surveyor to that of a farmer, ' gradually increased in wealth until he became one of the leading men of the region. His mother was a superior woman, of strong common sense and earnest piety. Very early in life, James developed a taste for reading and expressed the strongest desire to obtain a liberal education. His mother's training had made him methodical in his habits, had taught him punct- uality and industry, and had inspired him with lofty principles of morality. His health was frail ; and his father, fearing that he miglit not be able to endure a sedentary life, got a situation for him behind the counter, hoping to fit him for commercial pursuits. This was to James a bitter disappointment. He had no taste for these duties, and his daily tasks were irksome in the extreme. He remained in this uncongenial occupation but a few weeks, when at his earnest solicitation his father removed him, and made arrangements for him to prosecute his studies. Soon after he sent him to Murfreesboro Academy. With ardor which could scarcely be surpassed, he pressed forward in his studies, and in less than two and a half years, in the autumn of 1815, entered the sophomore class in the University of North Carolina, at Chapel Hill. Here he was one of the most exemplary of scholars, punctual in every exercise, never allowing himself to be absent from a recitation or a religious service. He graduated in 181S, with the highest honors, be- ing deemed the best scholar of his class, both in mathematics and the classics. He was then twenty- three years of age. Mr. Polk's health was at this time much impaired by the assiduity with which he had prosecuted his studies. After a short season of relaxation he went to Nashville, and entered the office of Felix Grundy, to study law. Here Mr. Polk renewed his acquaintance with Andrew Jackson, who resided on his plantation, the Hermitage, but a few miles from Nashville. They had probably been slightly acquainted before. Mr. Polk's father was a Jeffersonian Republican, and James K. Polk ever adhered to the same politi- cal faith. He was a popular public speaker, and was constantly called upon to address the meetings of his jjarty friends. His skill as a speaker was such that he was popularly called the Napoleon of the stump, He was a man of unblemished morals, genial and I -I -4»- [AMES K. POLK. r courteous in his bearing, and with that sympathetic nature in the jo)s and griefs of others which ever gave him troops of friends. In 1823, Mr. Polk was elected to the Legislature of Tennessee. Here he gave his strong influence towards the election of his friend, Mr. Jackson, to the l^residency of the United States. In January, 1S24, Mr. Polk married Miss Sarah Childress, of Rutherford Co., 'I'enn. His bride was altogether worlliy of him, — a lady of beauty and cul- ture. In the fall of 1S25, Mr. I'olk was chosen a member of Congress. The satisfaction which he gave to his constituents may be inferred from the tact, that for fourteen successive years, until 1 1S39, he was con- tinued in that office. He then voluntarily withdrew, onjy that he might accept the (nibernatorial chair of Tennessee. In Congress he was a laborious member, a frequent and a popular speaker. He was always in his seat, always courteous ; and whenever he spoke it was always to the point, and without any ambitious rhetorical display. Durinnfive sessions of Congress, Mr. Polk was Si)eaker of the House Strong passions were roused, and stormy scenes were witnessed ; but Mr. Polk[)er- formed his arduous duties to a very general satisfac- tion, and a unanimous vote of thanks to him was l)as3ed by the House as he withdrew on the 4th of March, 1539. In accordance with Southern usage, Mr. Polk, as a candidate for Governor, canvassed the State. He was elected by a large majority, and on the 14th of Octo- ber, 1839, took the oath of office at Nashville. In 1841, his term of office expired, and he was again the can- didate of the Democratic parly, but was defeated. On the 4th of March, 1S45, Mr. Polk was inaugur- ated President of the United States. The verdict of llie country in favor of the annexation of Texas, exerted its influence upon Congress ; and the last act of the administration of President Tyler was to affix his sig- nature to a joint resolution of Congress, passed on the 3d of March, approving of the annexation of Texas to the American Union. As Mexico still claimed Texas as one of her provinces, the Mexican minister, Almonte, immediately demanded his passports and left the coimtry, declaring the act of the annexation to be an act hostile to Mexico. In his first message, President Polk urged that Texas should immediatel;', by act of Congress, be re- ceived into the Union on the same footing with the other States. In the meantime, Gen. Taylor was sent with an army into Texas to hold the country. He was sent first to Nueces, which the Mexicans said was the western boundary of Texas. Then he was sent nearly two hundred miles further west, to the Rio Grande, where he erected batteries which coininanded the Mexican city of Matamoras, which was situated on the western banks. The anticipated collision soon took place, and war was declared against Mexico by President Polk. The war was pushed forward by Mr. Polk's administration with great vigor. Gen. Taylor, whose army was first called one of "observation," then of "occupation," then of " invasion," was sent forward to Monterey. The feelile Mexicans, in every encounter, were hopelessly and awfully slaughtered. The day of judgement alone can reveal the misery which this war caused. It v/as by the ingenuity of Mr. Polk's administration that the war was brongr.t on. 'Tcithe victors belong the si)oils." Mexico was prostrate before us. Her capital was in our hands. We now consented to peace upon the condition that ]\Iexico should surrender to us, in addition to Texas, all of New Mexico, and all of Upper and Lower Cal- ifornia. This new demand embraced, exclusive of Texas, eight hundred thousand square miles. This was an extent of territory equal to nine States of the size of New York. Thus slavery was securing eighteen majestic States to be added to the Union. There were some Americans who thought it all right : there were others who thought it all wrong. In the prosecution of this war, we expended twentv thousand lives and more than a hundred million of dollars. Of this money fifteen millions were paid to Mexico. On the 3d of March, 1849, Mr. Polk retired from office, having served one term. The next day was Sunday. On the 5th, Gen. Taylor was inaugurated as his successor. Mr. Polk rode to the Capitol in the same carriage with Gen. Taylor; and the same even- ing, with j\lrs. Polk, he commenced his return to Tennessee. He was then but fifty-four years of age. He had ever been strictly temperate in all his habits, and his health was good. With an ample fortune, a choice library, a cultivated mind, and domestic ties of the dearest nature, it seemed as thougli long years •of tranc[uility and happiness were before him. But the cholera — that fearful scourge — was then sweeping up the Valley of the Mississippi. This he contracted, and died on the i5tli of June, 1849, in the fifty-fourth year of his age, greatly mourned by his countrymen. t '7/:^<-^c<^^'*~-'^>^y/ t. •►-■r-4 TWELFTH PRESIDENT. .t 63 |C:r.T^ ^VXVT---\- V- \ A \-A ■\-\SV-\^^\\M\M ^^fUC^I^f fA.Yj^f 1. 4 ACHARY TAYLOR, Ivvt-lfth I'resident of the United States, was born 011 the 24th of Nov., i7 tinguished patriot and soldier of the Revolution. When Zachary was an infant, his father with liis wife and two children, emigrated to Kentucky, where he settled in the pathless wilderness, a few miles from Louisville. In this front- ier home, away from civilization and its refinements, yjung Zachary could enjoy hut few social and educational advan- ta"es. When si.x years of age he attended a common school, and was then regarded as a bright, active boy, rather remarkable for bluntness and decision of char- acter He was strong, feailess and self-reliant, and manifested a strong desire to enter the army to fight the Lidians who were ravaging the frontiers. There is little to be recorded of the uneventful years of his childhood u:i his father's large but lonely plantation. In 180.S, his father succeeded in obtaining for him the commission of lieutenant in the United States army ; and he joined the troops which were stationed at New Odeans under Gen. Wilkinson. Soon after this he married Miss Margaret Smith, a young lady from one of the first families of Maryland. Immediately after the declaration of war with Eng- land, in 1S12, Capt. Taylor (for he had then been promoted to that rank) was put in command of Fort Harrison, on the Wabash, about fifty miles .ibove Vincennes. This fort had been Iniilt in the wilder- ness by Gen. Harrison, on his march to Tippecanoe. It was one of the first points of attack by the Indians, led by Tecumseh. Its garrison consisted of a broken <• company of infantry numbering fifty men, many of whom were sick. Early in the autumn of 181 .r, the Indians, stealthily, and in large numbers, moved upon the fort. Their approach was first indicated by the murder of two soldiers just outside of the stockade. Capt. Taylor made every possible preparation to meet the antici- pated assault. On the 4th of September, a band of forty painted and ;ilumed savages came to the fort, waving a white flag, and informed Capt. Taylor that in the morning their chief would come to have a talk with him. It was evident tliat their object was merely to ascertain the state of things at the fort, and Capt. Taylor, well versed in the wiles of the savages, kept them at a distance. The sun went down ; the savages disappeared, the garrison slept upon their arms. One hour before midnight the war whoop burst from a thousand lips in the forest around, followed by the discharge of musketry, and the rush of the foe. Every man, sick and well, sprang to his post. Every man knew that defeat was not merely death, but in the case of cap- ture, death by the most agonizing and prolonged tor- ture. No pen can describe, no immagination can conceive the scenes which ensued. The savages suc- ceeded in setting fire to one of the block-houses- Until si.x o'clock in the morning, this awful conflict continued. The savages then, baffled at every point, and gnashing their teeth with rage, retired. Capt. Taylor, for this gallant defence, was promoted to the rank of major by brevet. Until the close of the war, MajorTaylor was placed in such situations that he saw but little more of active service. He was sent far away into the depths of the wilderness, to Fort Crawford, on Fo.x River, which empties into Green Bay. Here there was but little to be done but to wear away the tedious hours as one best could. There were no books, no society, no iii- ' ■ ■► 1 / T b ZACHARY TAYLOR. TF tellectual stimulus. Thus with him the uneventful years rolled on Gradually he rose to the rank of colonel. In the Black-Hawk war, which resulted in the capture of that renowned chieftain, Col Taylor took a subordinate but a brave and efficient part. For twenty-four years Col. Taylor was engaged in the defence of the frontiers, in scenes so remote, and in employments so obscure, that his name was unknown beyond the limits of his own immediate acquaintance. In the year 1836, he was sent to Florida to compel the Seminole Indians to vacate that region and re- tire beyond the Mississippi, as their chiefs by treaty, had promised they should do. The services rendered here secured for Col. Taylor the high appreciation of the Government ; and as a reward, he was elevated to the rank of brigadier-general by brevet ; and soon after, in May, 1838, was appointed to the chief com- mand of the United States troops in Florida. After two years of sucti wearisome employment amidst the everglades of the peninsula. Gen. Taylor obtained, at his own request, a change of command, and was stationed over the Department of the .South- west, This field embraced Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia. Establishing his headquarters at Fort Jessup, in Louisiana, he removed his family to a plantation which he purchased, near Baton Rogue. Here he remained for five years, buried, as it were, from tl>e world, but faithfully discharging every duty imixjsed upon him. In 1846, (Jen. Taylor was sent to guard the land between the Nueces and Rio (Jrande, the latter river being the boundary of Texas, which was then claimed by the United States. Soon the war with Mexico was brought on, and at Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma, Gen. Taylor won brilliant victories over the Me.xicans. The rank of major-general by brevet was then conferred u|X)n Gen. Taylor, and his name was received with enthusiasm almost everywhere in the Nation. Then came the battles of M( mterey and Buena Vista in which he won signal victories over forces much larger than he commanded. . His careless habits of dress and his unaffected simplicity, secured for Gen. Taylor among his troops, \k\& sobriquet of "Old Rough and Ready.' The tidings of tlie brilliant victory of Buena Vista spread the wildest enthusiasm over the country. The name of Gen. Taylor was on every one's lips. The Whig party decided to take advantage of tliis wonder- ful popularity in bringing forward the unpolished, un- lettered, honest soldier as their candidate for the Presidency. Gen. Taylor was astonished at the an- nouncement, and for a time would not listen to it; de- rlaring that he was not at all qualified for such an office. So little interest had he taken in politics that, for forty years, he had not cast a vote. It was not without chagrin that several distinguished statesmen who had been long years in the public service found their claims set aside in behalf of one whose name <■ - had never been heard of, save in connection with Palo Alto, Resaca de la Palma, Monterey and Buena Vista. It is said that Daniel Webster, in his haste re- marked, " It is a nomination not fit to be made." Gen. Taylor was not an eloquent speaker nor a fine writer His friends took possession of him, and pre- pared such few communications as it was needful should be presented to the public. The popularity of the successful warrior swept the land. He was tri- umphantly elected over two opposing candidates, — Gen. Cass and Ex-President Martin Van Buren. Though he selected an excellent cabinet, the good old man found himself in a very uncongenial jMsition, and was, at times, sorely perplexed and harassed. His mental sufferings were very severe, and probably tended to hasten his death. The pro-slavery party was pushing its claims with tireless energy, expedi- tions were fitting out to capture Cuba ; California wns pleading for admission to the Union, while slavery stood at the door to bar her out. Gen. Taylor found the political conflicts in Washington to be far more trying to the nerves than battles with Mexicans or Indians In the midst of all these troubles. Gen. Taylor, after he had occupied the Presidential chair but little over a year, took cold, and after a brief sickness of but little over five days, died on the glh of July, 1850. His last words were, " I am not afraid to die. I am ready. I have endeavored to do my duty." He died universally respected and beloved. An honest, un- pretending man, he had been steadily growing in the affections of the people; and the Nation bitterly la- mented his death. Gen. Scott, who was thoroughly acquainted with Gen. Taylor, gave the following gra|)hic and truthful descrijition of his character: — " With a good store of common sense, Gen. Taylor's mind had not been en- larged and refreshed by reading, or much converse with the world. Rigidity of ideas was the conse- quence. The frontiers and small military posts had been his home. Hence he was quite ignorant for his rank, and quite bigoted in his ignorance. His sim- plicity was child-like, and with innumerable preju- dices, amusing and incorrigible, well suited to tiie tender age. Thus, if a man, however respectable, chanced to wear a coat of an unusual color, or his hat a little on one side of his head; or an officer to leave a corner of his handkerchief dangling from an out- side ))ocket, — in any such case, this critic held the offender to be a coxcomb (perhaps something worse), whom he would not, to use his oft repeated phrase, 'touch with a pair of tongs.' "Any allusion to literature beyond good old Dil- worth's spelling-book, on the part of one wearing a sword, was evidence, with the same judge, of utter unfitness for heavy marchings and combats. In short, few men have ever had a more comfortable, labor- saving contempt for learning of every kind." ■O" ■ ^> t. ■<^ ■*► 4- THIRTEENTH PRESIDENT. 67 MILLflRn FILLfflflHE. I ILLARD FILLMORE, thir- ttentli President of the United States, was l)urn at Summer Hill, Cayuga Co., N. Y ., on the 7th of January, 1800. His father was a farmer, and ovv- iiiy to misfortune, in humble cir- < umstances. Of his mother, the daughter of Dr. Abiathar Millaril, 5 of Pittsfield, Mass., it has been said that she possessed an intellect jf very high order, united with luuch personal loveliness, sweetness of dis- iwsif.on, graceful manners and ex- ijui^ite sensibilities. She died in 1831 ; having lived to see her son a young man of distinguished [)rom- ise, though she was not permitted to witness the high digiily which he finally attained. In consequence of the secluded home and limited means of his father, Millard enjoyed liut slender ad- vantages for education in his early years. The com- mon schools, rthic h he occasionally attended were very imperfect institutions; and books were scarce a!id expensive. There was nothing then in his char- acter to indicate the brilliant career u|ion which he was about to enter. He was a plain farmer's boy ; intelligent, good-looking, kind-hearted. The sacred influences of home had taught him to revere the Bible, and had laid the foundations of an upright character. When fourteen years of age, his father sent him some hundred miles from home, to the then wilds of Livingston County, to learn the trade of a clothier. Near the mill there was a small villiage, where some enterprising man had coinmenced the collection of a village library. This proved an inestimable blessing to young Fillmore. His evenings were spent in read- ing. Soon every leisure moment was occupied \\ith books. His thirst for knowledge became insatiate ; and the selections which he made were continually more elevating and instructive. He read history, biogra[)hy, oratory, and thus gradually there was en- kindled in his heart a desire to be something more than a mere worker with his hands; and he was be- coming, almost unknown to himself, a well-informed, educated man. The young clothier had now. attained the age of nineteen years, and was of fine personal ajjpearance and of gentlemanly demeanor. It so happened that there was a gentleman in the neighborhood of ample pecuniary means and of benevolence, — Judge Walter Wood, — who was struck with the prepossessing ap- pearance of young Fillmore. He made his acquaint- ance, and was so much impressed with his ability and attainments that he advised him to abandon his trade and devote himself to the study of the law. The young man replied, that he had no means of his own, no friends to help him and that his previous educa- tion had been very imperfect. But Judge Wood had so much confidence in him that he kindly offered to take him into his own office, and to loan him such money as he needed. Most gratefully the generous offer was accepted. There is in many minds a strange delusion about a collegiate education. A young man is supposed to be liberally educated if he has graduated at some col- lege. But many a boy loiters through university halls and then enters a law office, who is by no means as I i 68 MILLARD FILLMOLilL - t well prepared to prosecute his legal studies as was Millard Fillmore when he graduated at the clothing- mill at the end of four years of manual labor, during which every leisure moment had been devoted to in- tense mental culture. In 1823, when twenty-three years of age, he v/as admitted to the Court of Common Pleas. He then went to the village of Aurora, and commenced the practice of law. In this secluded, peaceful region, his practice of course was limited, and there was no opportunity for a sudden rise in fortune or in fame. Here, in the year 1826, he married a lady of great moral worth, and one capable of adorning any station she might be called to fill, — Miss Abigail Powers. His elevation of character, his untiring industry, his legal acquirements, and his skill as an advocate, gradually attracted attention ; and he was invited to enter into partnership under highly advantageous circumstances, with an elder member of the bar in liuffalo. Just /before removing to Buffalo, in 1829, ho took his seat in the House of Assembly, of the State of New York, as a representative from Erie County. Though he had never taken a very active part in politics, his vote and his sympathies were with the Whig party. The State was then Democratic, and he found himself in a helpless minority in the Legislature, still the testimony comes from all parties, that his courtesy, abilijy and integrity, won, to a very unusual degri e the respect of his associates. In the autumn of 1832, he was elected to a seat in the United States Congress. He entered that troubled arena in some of the most tumultuous hours of our national history. The great conflict respecting the national bank and the removal of the deposits, was then raging. His term of two years closed ; and he returned to liis profession, which he pursued with increasing rep- utation and success. After a lapse of two years he again became a candidate for Congress; was re- elected, and took his seat in 1837. His past expe- rience as a representative gave him strength and confidence. The first term of service in Congress to any man can be but little more than an introduction. He was now prepared for active duty. All his ener- gies were brought to bear upon the ])ublic good. Every measure received his impress. Mr. Fillmore was now a man of wide repute, and his popularity filler»'-=^'« RANKLIN PIERCE, the fourteenth President of the ' United States, was born in Hillsborough, N. H., Nov. 23, 1804. His father was a Revolutionary soldier, who, with his own strong a>rm, hewed out a home in the wilderness. He was a man of inflexible integrity; of strong, though uncultivated mind, and an uncompromis- ing Democrat. The mother of Franklin Pierce was all that a son could desire, — an intelligent, pru- dent, affectionate, Christian wom- an. Franklin was the sixth of eight children. Franklin was a very bright and handsome boy, gen- erous, warm-hearted and brave. He won alike the love of old and young. The boys on the play ground loved him. His teachers loved him. The neighbors looked upon him with pride and affection. He was by instinct a gentleman; always speaking kind words, doing kind deeds, with a peculiar unstudied tact which taught him what was agreeable. Without de- veloping any i)recocity of genius, or any unnatural devotion to books, he was a good scholar; in body, in mind, in affections, a finely-develo))ed boy. When sixteen years of age, in the year 1820, he entered Bowdoin College, at Brunswick, Me He was one of the most popular young men in the college. The purity of his moral character, the unvarying courtesy of his demeanor, his rank as a scholar, and <■ genial nature, rendered him a universal favorite. There was something very peculiarly winning in his address, and it was evidently not in the slightest de- gree studied : it was the simple outgushing of his own magnanimous and loving nature. Upon graduating, in the year 1824, Franklin Pierce commenced the study of law in the office of Judge Woodbury, one of the most distinguished lawyers of the State, and a man of great private worth. The eminent social qualities of the young lawyer, his father's prominence as a public man, and the brilliant political career into which Judge Woodbury was en- tering, all tended to entice Mr. Pierce into the faci- nating yet i)erilous path of political life. With all the ardor of his nature he espoused the cause of Gen. Jackson for the Presidency. He commenced the practice of law in Hillsborough, aiidwas soon elected to represent the town in the State Legislature. Here he served for four yeais. The last two years he was chosen speaker of the house by a very large vote. In 1833, at the age of twenty-nine, he was elected a meml)er of Congress. Without taking an active part in debates, he was faithful and laborious in duty, and ever rising in the estimation of those with whom he was associatad. In 1837, being then but thirty-three years of age, he was elected to the Senate of the United States; taking his seat just as Mr. Van Buren commenced his administration. He was the youngest member in the Senate. In the year 1834, he married Miss Jane Means Appleton, a lady of rare beauty and accom- plishments, and one admirably fitted to adorn every station with which her husband was honoied. Of the .► t ^ 72 FRANKLIN PIERCE. three sons who were born to them, all now sleep with their parents in the grave. Ill the year 1838, Mr. Pierce, with growing fame and increasing business as a lawyer, took up his residence in Concord, the capital of New Hampshire. President Polk, upon his accession to office, appointed Mr. Pierce attorney-general of the United States; but the offer was declined, in consequence of numerous professional engagements at home, and the precariuos state of Mrs. Pierce's health. He also, about the same time declined the nomination for governor by the Democratic party. The war with Mexico called Mr. Pierce in the army. Receiving the appointment of brigadier-general, he embarked, with a portion of his troops, at Newport, R. I., on the 27th of May, 1847. He took an imiiortant part in this war, proving him- self a brave and true soldier. When Gen. Pierce reached his home in his native State, he was received enthusiastically by the advo- cates of the Mexican war, and coldly by his oppo- nents. He resumed the practice of his profession, very frequently taking an active part in political ques- tions, givinghis cordial support to the pro-slavery wing of the Democratic party. The compromise measures met cordially with his approval; and he strenuously advocated the enforcement of the infa- mous fugitive-slave law, wliich so shocked the religious sensibilities of the North. He thus became distin- guished as a "Northern man with Southern principles.'' The strong partisans of slavery in tlie South conse- quently regarded liim as a man whom they could safely trust iu office to carry out their i)lans. On the 12th of June, 1852, the Democratic conven- tion met in Haltimore to nominate a candidate for the Presidency. For four days they continued in session, and in thirty-five ballotings no one had obtained a two-thirds vote. Not a vote thus far had been thrown for (ren. Pierce. Then the Virginia delegation brought forward his name. There were fourteen more ballotings, during which Cien. Pierce constantly gained strength, vmtil, at the forty-ninth ballot, he received two hundred and eighty-two votes, and all other candidates eleven. Gen. Winfield Scott was the Whig candidate. Gen. Pierce was chosen with great unanimity. Only four States — Vermont, Mas- sachusetts, Kentucky and Tennessee — cast their electoral votes against him Gen. Franklin Pierce was therefore inaugurated President of the United States on the 4th of March, 1853. •►•7-4 His administration proved one of the most stormy our country had ever experienced. The controversy be- tween slavery and freedom was then ap[)roaching its culminating point. It became evident that there was an "irrepressible conflict " between them, and that this Nation could not long exist " half slave and half free." President Pierce, during the wIkjIc of his ad- ministration, did every thing he could to conciliate the South ; but it was all in vain. The conflict every year grew more violent, and threats of the dissolution of the Union were borne to the North on every South- ern breeze. Such was the condition of affairs when President Pierce approached the close of his four-years' term of office. The North had become thoroughly alien- ated from him. The anti-slavery sentiniei.t, goaded by great outrages, had been rapidly increasing; all the intellectual ability and social worth of President Pierce were forgotten in deep reprehension of his ad- ministrative acts. The slaveholders of the South, also, unmindful of the fidelity with which he had advo- cated those measures of Government which they ap- proved, and perhaps, also, feelirg tiiat he had rendered himself so unpopular as no longer to be able accei)tably to serve them, ungratefully dropped him, and nominated James Buchanan to succeed him. On the 4th of March, 1857, President Pierce re- tired to his home in Concord. Of three children, two had died, and his only surviving child had been killed before his eyes by a railroad accident , and his wife, one of the most estimable and accomplished of ladies, was rapidly sinking in consumi)tion. The hour of dreadful gloom soon came, and he was left alone in the world, without wife or child. When the terrible Rebellion burst forth, which di- vided our country into two parties, and two only, Mr. Pierce remained steadfast in the principles which he had always cherished, and gave his sympathies to that pro-slavery party with which he had ever been allied. He declined to do anything, either by voice or pen, to strengthen the hand of the National Gov- ernment. He continued to reside in Concord until the time of his death, which occurred in October, 1S69. He was one of the most genial and social of men, an honored communicant of the F4)isco[)al Church, and one of the kindest of neighbors. Gen- erous to a fault, he contributed liberally for the al- leviation of suffering and want, and many of his towns- people were often gladened by his material bounty. i fi;^'' at^f|, ■^T I ^: K. ^Z^TTZ^J ^,»» i .';^^;;^3^i^.,^■a^.^si^^as^^gg^^^.^s^^iSi'^%v'^■;.^'V.v :^; i^" 1^.^ r'f.'^t:^'>;a':. \^r:.\'^,i>iSi?(^i^.Hr.H\.^c^?e:\*^^i>(^i:s?i^^ m^ <«« ■+-• •-4- S»^^ i AMES BUCHANAN, the fif- l^teenth President of the United States, was born in a small frontier town, at the foot of the ^T-s, eastern ridge of the Allegha- nies, in Franklin Co., Penn., on the 23d of April, 1791. The place where the humble cabin of his father stood was called Stony Ijatter. It was a wild and ro- mantic spot in a gorge of the moun- ains, with towering summits rising grandly all around. His father was a native of the north of Ireland ; a poor man, who had emigrated in 1783, with little property save his Five years afterwards he married Elizabeth Spear, the daughter of a respectable farmer, and, with his young bride, plunged into the wilder- ness, staked his claim, reared his log-hut, opened a clearing witli his axe, and settled down there to per- form his oliscure part in the drama of life. In this se- cluded home, where James was Ijorn, he remained for eight years, enjoying but few social or intellectual advantagis. When James was eight years of age, his father removed to the village of Mercersburg, where his son was placed at school, and commenced a course of study in English, Latin and Greek. His progress was rapid, and at the age of fourteen, he entered Dickinson College, at Carlisle. Here he de- veloped remarkable talent, and took his stand among the first scliolars in the institution. His application to study was intense, and yet his native powers en- <■ own strong arms. t abled him to master the most abstruse subjects with facility. In the year 1809, he graduated with tlie highest honors of his class. He was then eighteen years of age; tall and graceful, vigorous in health, fond of athletic sport, an unerring shot, and enlivened with an exuberant flow of animal spirits. He immediately commenced the study of huv in the city of Lancaster, and was admitted to the bar in 181 2, when he was but twenty-one years of age. Very rapidly he rose in his profession, and at once took undisputed stand with the ablest lawyers of the State. When but twenty-six years of age, unaided by counsel, he suc- cessfully defended before tiie State Senate ore of tlie judges of the State, who was tried upon articles of impeachment. At the age of thirty it was generally admitted that he stood at the head of the bar; and there was no lawyer in the State who had a more lu- crative practice. In 1S20, he reluctantly consented to run as a candidate for Congress. He was elected, and for ten years he remained a member of the Lower House, Daring the vacations of Congress, he occasionally tried some important case. In 1831, he retired altogether from the toils of his ]irofession, having ac- quired an ample fortune. Gen. Jackson, upon his elevation to the Presidency, ap)Jointed Mr. Buchanan minister to Russia. The duties of his mission he performed with ability, which gave satisfaction to all parties. Upon his return, in 1833, he was elected to a seat in the United States Senate. He there met, as his associates, Webster, Clay, Wright and Calhoun. He advocated the meas- ures proposed by President Jackson, of making repri- i i t 76 JAMES BUCHANAN. 4 ' ' sals against France, to enforce the payment of our claims against that country ; and defended the course of the President in his unprecedented and wholesale removal from office of those who were not the sup- porters of his administration. Upon this question he was brought into direct collision with Henry Clay. He also, with voice and vote, advocated expunging from the journal of the Senate the vote of censure against Gen. Jackson for removing the deposits. Karnestly he opposed the abolition of slavery in tlie District of Columbia, and urged the prohibition of the cirtnilation of anti-slavery documents bv the United Stales mails. As to petitions on the subject of slavery, he advo- cated that they should be respectfully received; and that the reply should be returned, that Congress had no power to legislate upon the subject. " Congress," said he, "might as well undertake to interfere with slavery under a foreign government as in any of the States where it now exists." ^ Upon Mr. I'olk's accession to the Presidency, Mr. Pnichanan became Secretary of State, and as such, took his share of the responsibility in the conduct of the Mexican War. Mr. Polk assumed that crossing the Nueces by the American troops into the disputed territory was not wrong, but for the IMexicans to cross the Rio (Irande into that territory was a declaration of war. No candid man can read with pleasure the account of the course our Government pursued in that movement. Mr. Buchanan identified himself thoroughly with the party devoted to the perpetuation and extensioii of slavery, and brought all the energies of his mind to bear against the Wilmot Proviso. He gave his cordial approval to the compromise measures of 1050, which included the fugitive-slave law, Mr. Pierce, upon his election to the Presidency, honored Mr. Buchanan with the mission to England. In the year 1856, a national Democratic conven- tion nominated Mr. Buchanan for the Presidency. The political conflict was one of the most severe in which our country has ever engaged. All the friends of slavery were on one side; all the advocates of its re- striction and final abolition, on the other. Mr. Fre- mont, the candidate of the enemies of slavery, re- Leived 114 electoral votes. Mr. Buchanan received 17 4, and was elected. The [lopular vote stood 1,340,618, for Fremont, 1,224,750 for Buchanan. On March 4th, 1857, Mr. Buchanan was inaugurated. Mr. Buchanan was far advanced in life. Only four years were wanting to fill up his threescore years and ten. His own friends, those with whom he had been allied in political princi[)les and action for years, were seeking the destruction of the Government, that they might rear upon the ruins of our free institutions a nation whose corner-stone should be human slavery. In this emergency, Mr. Puchanan was hopelessly be- wildered He could not, with his long-avowed prin- ciples, consistently oppose the State-rights i)arty in their assumptions. As President of the United States, bound by his oath faithfully to administer the laws, he could not, without perjury of the grossest kind, unite with those endeavoring to overthrow the repub- lic. He therefore did nothing. The opponents of Mr. Buchanan's administration nominated Abraham Lincoln as their standard bearer in the next Presidential canvass. The pro-slavery party declared, that if he were elected, and the con- trol of the Government were tluis taken from their hands, they would secede from the Union, taking with them, as they retired, the National Capitol at Washington, and the lion's share of the territory of the United Slates. Mr. Buchanan's sympathy with the pro-slavery party was such, that he had been willing to offerthem far more than they had ventured to claim. All the South had professed to ask of the North was non- intervention upon the subject of slavery. Mr. Bu- chanan had been ready to offer them the active co- o[)eration of the Government to defend and extend the institution. As the storm increased in violence, the slaveholders claiming the right to secede, and Mr. Buchanan avow- ing that (Congress had no power to prevent it, one of the most pitiable exhibitions of governmental im- becility was exhibited the world has ever seen. He declared that Congress had no power to enforce its laws in any State which had withdrawn, or which was attem[)ting to withdraw from the Union. This was not the doctrine of Andrew Jackson, when, with his hand upon his sword hilt, he exclaimed. " The Union must and shall be preserved ! " South Carolina seceded in December, i860; nearly three months before the inauguration of President Lincoln. Mr. Buchanan looked on in listless desjjair. The rebel flag was raised in Charleston; Fort Sumpter was besieged ; our forts, navy-yards and arsenals were seized; our depots of military stores were plun- dered ; and our custom-houses and post-offices were a[)propriated by the rebels. The energy of the rebels, and the imbecility of our Executive, were alike marvelous. The Nation looked on in agony, waiting for the slow weeks to glide away, and close th.e administration, so terrible in its weak- ness At length the long-looked-for hour of deliver- ance came, when Abraham Lincoln was to receive the scepter. The administration of President Buchanan was certainly the most calamitous our counlrv has ex- perienced. His best friends canr.ot recall it with pleasure. And still more deplorable it is for his fame, that in that dreadful conflict which rolled its billows of flame and blood over our whole hind, no woid came from his lips to indicate his wish that our countrv's banner should triumph over the flag of the rel)ellior He died at his Wheatland retreat, June i, 1868. I ./^^....^ t. -^^ =i - SIXTEENTH PRESIDENT. 79 BRAHAM LINCOLN, the sixtcentli President of the ^United States, was horn in Hardin Co., Ky., Feh. 12, 1809. About the year 1780, a man by the name of Abraham Lincoln left Virginia with liis family and moved into the then wilds of Kentucky. Only two years after this emigration, still a young man, while woricing one day in a field, was stealthily approached by an Indian and shot dead. His widow was left in extreme poverty with five little children, three boys and two girls. Thomas, the youngest of the boys, was four years of age at his father's death. This Thomas was the father of Abraham Lincoln, the President of the United States whose name must henceforth forever he enrolled with the most prominent in the annals of our work^. Of course no record has been kept of the life of one so lowly as Thomas Lincoln. He was among the poorest of the poor. His home was a wretched log-cabin; his food the coarsest and the meanest. Education he had none; he could never either read or write. As soon as he was able to do anything for himself, he was compelled to leave the cabin of his starving mother, and push out into the world, a friend- less, wandering boy, seeking work. He hired him- self out, and thus spent the whole of his youth as a laborer in the fields of others. When twenty-eight years of age he built a log- cai)in of his own, and married Nancy Hanks, the daughter of another family of poor Kentucky emi- grants, who had also come from Virginia. Their second child was Abraham Lincoln, the subject of this sketch. The mother of Abraham was a noble woman, gentle, loving, pensive, created to adorn a palace, doomed to toil and pine, and die in a hovel. "All that I am, or hope to be," exclaims the grate- ful son " I owe to my angel-mother. When he was eight years of age, his father sold his -Ml*- cabin and small farm, and moved to Indiana. Where two years later his mother died. Abraham soon became the scribe of the uneducated community around him. He could not have had a better school than this to teach him to put thoughts into words. He also became an eager reader. The books he could obtain were few; but these he read and re-read until they were almost committed to memory. As the years rolled on, the lot of this lowly family was the usual lot of humanity. There were joys and griefs, weddings and funerals. Abraham's sister Sarah, to whoiii he was tenderly attached, was mar- ried when a child of but fourteen years of age, and soon died. The family was gradually scattered. Mr. Thomas Lincoln sold out his squatter's claim in 1830, and emigrated to Macon Co., 111. Abraham Lincoln was then twenty-one years of age. With vigorous hands he aided his father in rearing another log-cabin. Abraham \vorked diligently at this until he saw the family comfortably settled, and their small lot of enclosed prairie planted with corn, when he announced to his father his intention to leave home, and to go out into the world and seek his for- tune. Little did he or his friends imagine how bril- liant that fortune was to be. He saw the value of education, and was intensely earnest to improve his mind to the utmost of his power. He saw the ruin which ardent spirits were causing, and became strictly temperate ; refusing to allow a drop of intoxi- cating liquor to pass his lips. And he had read in God's word, "Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain;" and a profane expression he was never heard to utter. Religion he revered. His morals were pure, and he was uncontaminated by a single vice. Young Abraham worked for a time as a hired laborer among the farmers. Then he went to Springfield, where he was employed in building a large flat-boat. In this he took a herd of swine, floated them down the Sangamon to the Illinois, and thence by the Mis- sissippi to New Orleans. Whatever Abraham Lin- coln undertook, he performed so faithfully as to give great satisfaction to his employers. In this adven- i t. •►-■-^^ t -•► ABRAHAM LINCOLN. i tare his employers were so well pleased, that upon his return they placed a store and mill under his care. In 1832, at the outbreak of the Black Hawk war, he enlisted and was chosen caiitain of a company. He returned to Sangamon County, and although only 23 years of age, was a candidate for the Legislature, but was defeated. He soon after received from Andrew Jackson the appointment of Postmaster of New Salem, His only post-office was his hat. All the letters he received lie carried there ready to deliver to those he chanced to meet. He studied surveying, and soon made this his l)usiness. In 1834 he again became a candidate for the Legislature, and was elected. Mr. Stuart, of Springfield, advised him to study law. He walked from New Salem to Springfield, borrowed of Mr. Stuart a load of books, carried them back and began his legal studies. When the Legislature as- sembled he trudged on foot with his pack on his back one hundred miles to Vandalia, then the capital. In 1836 he was re-elected to the Legislature. Here it was he first met Stephen A. Douglas. In 1839 he re- moved to Springfield and began the practice of law. His success with the jury was so great that he was soon engaged in almost every noted case in the circuit. In 1854 the great discussion began between Mr. Lincoln and Mr. Douglas, on the slavery question. In the organization of the Republican party in Illinois, in 1856, he took an active part, and at once became one of the leaders in that party. Mr. Lincoln's speeches in opposition to Senator Douglas in the con- test in 1858 for a seat in the Senate, form a most notable part of his history. The issue was on the slavery question, and he took the broad ground of .he Declaration of Independence, that all men are created e<[ual. Mr. Lincoln was defeated in this con- test, but won a far higlier prize. The great Republican Convention met at Chicago on the i6th ot June, i860. The delegates and strangers wlio crowded the city amounted to twenty- five thousand. .\u immense buiUling called "The Wigwam," was reared to accommodate the Conven- tion. There were eleven candidates for whom votes were thrown. William H. Seward, a man whose fame as a statesman had long filled the land, was the most prominent. It was generally su|)i)osed he would be the nominee. Abraham Lincoln, however, received the nomination on the third ballot. Little did he then dream of the weary years of toil and care, and the l)loody death, to whicli that nomination doomed him: and aslittle did he dream tiiat he was to render services to his country, which would fi.K upon him the eyes of the whole t-ivilized world, and which would give liim ajilaceinthe affections of his comitrymen, second only, if second, to that of Washington. I'^lection day came and Mr. Lincoln received 180 electoral votes out of 203 cast, and was, therefore, constitutionally elected President of the United States. The tirade of abuse that was poured upon this good and merciful man, especially by the slaveholders, was greater than up6n any other man ever elected to this high position. In February, 186 1, Mr. Lincoln started for Washington, stopping in all tiie large cities on his way making speeches. The whole journey was frought with much danger. Many of the Southern States had already seceded, and several attempts at assassination were afterwards brought to light. A gang in Balti- more had arranged, upon his arrival to" get up a row," and in the confusion to make sure of his death with revolvers and hand-grenades. A detective unravelled the plot. .A secret and special train was provided to take him from Harrisburg, through Baltimore, at an unexpected hour of the night. The train started at half-past ten ; and to prevent ai.y possible communi- cation on the part ot tiie Secessionists with their Con- federate gang in Baltimore, as soon as the train had started the telegraph-wires were cut. Mr. Lincoln reached Washington in safety and was inaugurated, altliough great an.xiety was felt by all loyal people. In the selection of his cabinet Mr. Lincoln gave to Mr Seward the Department of State, and to other prominent opponents before tlie convention he gave imix)rtant jiositions. During no other administration have the duties devolving upon the President been so manifold, and the responsibilities so great, as those which fell to the lot of President Lincoln. Knowing this, and feeling his own weakness and inability to meet, and in his own strength to cope witli, tlie difficulties, he learned early to seek Divine wisdom and gLiidance in determining liis plans, and Divine comfort in all his trials, bo'h personal and national. Contrary to his own estimate of liimself, Mr. Lincoln was one of the most courageous of men. He went directly into the reliel capital just as the retreating foe was leaving, with no guard but a few sailors. From the time he had left S|)ringfield, in i86r, however, plans had been made for his assassination, and he at last fell a victim to one of them. April 14, 1865, he, with Gen. Grant, was urgently invited to attend Fords' Theater. It was announced that they would Le present. Gen. Grant, however, left the citv. President Lincoln, feel- ing, witli his characteristic kindliness of heart, that it would be a disappointment if he should tail them, very reluctantly consented to go. While listening to the play an actor by the name of John ^Vilkes Booth entered the box where the President and family were seated, and fired a bullet into his brains. He died the next morning at seven o'clock. Never before, in the history of the world was a nation plunged into such deep grief by the death of its ruler. Strong men met in the streets and wept in speechless anguish. It is not too much to say that a nation was in tears. His was a life which will fitly become a model. His name as the savior of his country will live with that of Washington's, its father; his countr)'- men being unable to decide which is the ereater. ■» t ocy^ '^<^Ji^^'£^^'^^'•'^'4J»^;■'■^ riither:ford b. haites, te f fc;i'V^'£gitBSa'gJiVv,; .'w.'.;.',;.'.; I'.; i' : .' .-<. .. -.' ■i .'I . ' ''>■■■'■ ..■.■.it:Vg^.'(^^»igs'i^(^'tgg.' "''"'^^•e'fi^j^t,: "s,, , .'" ■; ;:]jJiA"tt*^'***' ' i 4 UTHERFORl) li. HAVES, the nineteenth President of ^j"" the United States, was born in Delaware, O., Oct. 4, 1822, al- most three months after the ■'^ death of his father, Rutherford Hayes. His ancestry on both the paternal and maternal sides, was of the most honorable char- acter. It can be traced, it is said, as far back as 1280, when Hayes and Rutherford were two Scottish chief- tains, fighting side by side with Baliol, William Wallace and Robert Bruce. Both families belonged to the nobility, owned extensive estates, and had a large following. Misfor- tune overtaking the family, George Hayes left Scot- land in 1680, and settled in Windsor, Conn. His son George was born in Windsor, and remained there during his life. Daniel Hayes, son of the latter, mar- ried Sarah Lee, and lived from the time of his mar- riage until his death in Simsbury, Conn. Ezekiel, sou of Daniel, was born in 1724, and was a manufac- turerof scythes at Bradford, Conn. Rutherford Hayes, son of Kzekiel and grandfather of President Hayes, was born in New Haven, in .August, 1756. He was a farmer, blacksmith and tavern-keeper. He emigrated to Vermont at an unknown date, settling in Brattleboro, where he established a hotel. Here his son Ruth- erford Hayes the father of President Hayes, was ^^•^ ~ born. He was married, in September, 18 13, to Sophia Birchard, of Wilmington, Vt., whose ancestors emi- grated thither from Connecticut, they having been among the wealthiest and best famlies of Norwich. Her ancestry on the male side are traced back to 1635, to John Birchard, one of the principal founders of Norwich. Both of her grandfathers were soldiers in the Revolutionary War. The father of President Hayes was an industrious, frugal and opened-hearted man. He was of a me- chanical turn, and could mend a plow, knit a stock- ing, or do almost anything else that he choose to undertake. He was a member of the Church, active in all the benevolent enterprises of the town, and con- ducted his business on Christian principles. After the close of the war of 181 2, for reasons inexplicable to his neighbors, he resolved to emigrate to Ohio. The journey from Vermont to Ohio in that day, when there were no canals, steamers, nor railways, was a very serious affair. A tour of inspection was first made, occupying four months. Mr. Hayes deter- mined to move to Delaware, where the family arrived in 1817. He died July 22, 1822, a victim of malaiial fever, less than three months before the birth of the son, of whom we now write. Mrs. Hayes, in her sore be- reavement, found the support she so much needed in her brother Sardis, who had been a member of the household from the day of its departure from Ver- mont, and in an orphan girl whom she had adopted some time before as an act of charity. Mrs. Hayes at this period was very weak, and the ^ t M^ - « »■ ■ ' Club, a body embracing among its members such men as'^hief Justice Salmon P. Chase, A* Gen. John Pope, Gov. Edward F. Noyes, and many others hardly less distinguished in after life. The marriage was a fortunate one m every respect, as everybody knows. Not one of all the wives of our Presidents was more universally admired, reverenced and beloved than was Mrs. Hayes, and no one did more than she to reflect honor upon American woman- hood. The Literary Cluu brought Mr. Hayes into constant association with young men of high char- acter and noble aims, and lured him to display the qualities so long hidden by his bashfulness and modesty. In 1856 he was nominated to the office of Judge of the Court of Common Pleas; but he declined to ac- cept the nomination. Two years later, the office of city solicitor becoming vacant, the City Covmcil elected him for the unexpired term. In 1861, when the Rebellion broke out, he was at the zenith of his professional life. His rank at the bar was among the the first. But the news of the attack on Fort Sumpter found him eager to take up arms for the defense of his coinitry. His military record was bright and illustrious. In October, 1861, he was made Lieutenant-Colonel, and in August, 1862, jnomoted Colonel of the 79th Oliio regiment, but he refused to leave his old comrades and go among strangers. Subsequently, however, he was made Colonel of his old regiment. At the battle of South Mountain he received a wound, and while faint and bleeding displayed courage and fortitude that won admiration frorn all. Col. Hayes was detached from his regiment, after his recovery, to act as Brigadier-General, and placed in command of the celebrated Kanawha division, and for gallant and meritorious services in the battles of Winchester, F'isher's Hill and Cedar Creek, he was promoted Brigadier-General. He was also brevetled Major-General, "forgallant and distii^guishtd i-crvices during the campaigns of 1864, in West Virginia." In the course of his arduous services, four horses were shot from under him, and he was wounded four times. In 1864, Gen. Hayes was elected to Congress, from the Second Ohio District, which had long been Dem- ocratic. He w^rs not present during the campaign, and after his election was inqrortuned to resign his commission in the army ; but he finally declared, " I shall never come to Washington until I can come by the way of Richmond." He was re-elected in 1866. In 1867, Gen Hayes was elected Governor of Ohio, over Hon. Allen G. Thurman, a popular Democrat. In 1869 was re-elected over George H. Pendleton. He was elected Governor for the third term in 1875. In 1S76 he was the standard bearer of the Repub- lican Party in the Presidential contest, and after a hard long contest was chosen President, and was in augurated Monday, March 5, 1875. He served his full term, not, hcwever, with satisfaction to h'.s party, but his admiiivstration was an average ont i >x I- TiVEA'TIETH PKESinKNT. '•> m <<» 95 \^ I ^ I ii,iiii i, iMf ail, I B>,:^y/gv\i3 i^'-^^i^-T 'a*'^^;^c*l*^ kv * ^r' .'>^#'^K^ ^^/.'^■^'^^yv'^^ J^-jv AMES A, GARi'IELD, twen- tieth President of the United States, was born Nov. 19, 1831, ill the woods of Orange, Cuyahoga Co., O His par- "" ents were Abram and EHza (Ballou) Garfield, both of New England ancestry and from fami- lies well known in the early his- i, tory of that section of our coun- try, but liad moved to the Western Reserve, in Ohio, early in its settle- ment. The house in which James A. was liorn was not unlike the houses of [loor Oliio farmers of that day. It was about 20x30 feet, built of logs, with the soaces be- tween tlie logs filled witji clay. His father was a hard working farmer, and he soon had his fields cleared, an orchard planted, and a log liarn built. The household comprised the father and mother and their four children — Mehetabel, Thomas, Mary and James. In May, i 823, the father, from a cold con- tracted in helping to i)ut out a forest fire, died. At this time James was about eighteen months old, and Thomas about ten years old. No one, ])erhaps, can tell how much James was indebted to his biother's toil and self sacrifice during the twenty years suc- ceeding his father's death, but undoubtedly very much. He now lives in Michigan, and the two sis- ter-; live in Solon, O., near their birthplace. The early educational advantages young Garfield enjoyed were very limited, yet lie made the most of them. He labored at farm work for others, did car- ])enter work, chopped wood, or did anything that would bring in a few dollars to aid his widowed mother in he- 'tinggles to keep the little family to- gether. Nor was Gen. Garfield ever ashamed of his origin, and he never forgot the friends of his strug- gling childhood, youth and maidiood, neither did they ever forget him. When in the highest seats of honor, the humblest fiiend of his boyhood was as kindly greeted as ever. The poorest laborer was sure of the sympathy of one who had known all the bitterness of want and the sweetness of bread earned by the sweat of the brow. He was ever the simple, jjlain, modest gentleman. The highest ambition of young Garfield until he was about si.xteen years old was to be a captain of a vessel on Lake Eiie. He was anxious to go aboard a vessel, vk-hich his mother strongly ojjposed. She finally consented to his going to Cleveland, with the understanding, however, that he should try to obtain some other kind of employment. He walked all the way to Cleveland. This was his first visit to the city. After making many applications for work, and trying to get aboard a lake vessel, and not meeting with success, he engaged as a driver for his cousin, Amos Letcher, on the Ohio & Pennsylvania Canal. He re- mained at this work but a short time when he went home, and attended the seminary at Chester for about three years, when he entered Hiram and the Eclectic Listitute, teaching a few terms of school in the meantime, and doing other work. This school was started by the Disciples of Christ in 1850, of which church he was then a member. He became janitor and bell-ringer in order to help pay his way. He then became both teacher and pupil. He soon " exhausted Hiram " and needed more ; hence, in the fall of 1854, he entered Williams College, from which he graduated in 1856, taking one of the highest hon- ors of his class. He afterwards returned to Hiram College as its President. As above stated, he early united with the Christian or Diciples Church at Hiram, and was ever after a devoted, zealous mem- lier, often preaching in its pulpit and places where lie happened to be. Dr. Noah Porter, President of Yale College, says of him in reference to his religion : T t i i 96 JAMES A. GARFIELD. " President Garfield was more than a man of strong moral and religious convictions. His whole history, from boyhood to the last, shows that duty to man and to God, and devotion to Christ and life and faith and spiritual commission were controlling springs of his being, and to a more than usual degree. In my judgment there is no more interesting feature of liis character than his loyal allegiance to the body of Christians in which he was trained, and the fervent sympathy which he ever showed in their Christian communion. Not many of the few 'wise and mighty and noble who are called' show a similar loyalty to the less stately and cultured Christian communions in which they have been reared. Too often it is true that as they step upward in social and political sig- nificance they step upward from one degree to another in some of the many types of fashionable Christianity. President Garfield adhered to the church of his mother, the church in which he was trained, and in which he served as a pillar and an evangelist, and yet with the largest and most unsec- tarian charity for all 'who loveour Lord in sincerity.'" Mr. Garfield was united in marriage with Miss Lucretia Rudolph, Nov. 1 1, 1858, who proved herself worthy as the wife of one whom all the world loved and mourned. To them were born seven children, five of whom are still living, four boys and one girl. Mr. Garfield made his first [lolitical speeches in 1S56, in Hiram and the neighboring villages, and three years later he began to speak at county mass-meet- ings, and became the favorite speaker wherever he was. During this year he was elected to the Ohio Senate. He also began to study law at Cleveland, and in i86i was admitted to the bar. The great Rebellion broke out in the early part of this year, and Mr. Garfield at once resolved to fight as he had talked, and enlisted to defend the old flag. He re- ceived his commission as Lieut. -Colonel of the Forty- second Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Aug. 14, 1861. He was immediately put into active ser- vice, and betore he had ever seen a gun fired in ac»^ion, was placed in command of four regiments of infantry and eight companies of cavalry, charged with the work of driving out of his native .State tlie officer (Humjihrey M'.rsl-all) reputed to be the ablest of those, not educated to war whom Kentucky had given to the Rebellion. This work was bravely and speed- ily accomplished, althougli against great odds. Pres- ident Lincoln, 0.1 his success commissioned him Brigadier-General, Jan. 10, 1862; and as "he had been the youngest man in the Ohio Senate two years before, so now he was the youngest General in the army." He was with Gen. Buell's army at Shiloh, in its operations around Corinth and its march through .Alabama. He was then detailed as a memlierof the General Court-Martial for the trial of Gen. Fitz-John Porter. He was then ordered to report to Gen. Rose- crans, and was assigned to the " Chief of Staff." The military tJstory of Gen. Garfield closed with his brilliant services at Chickamauga, where he won the stars of the Major-General. Without an effort on his part Gen. Garfield was elected to Congress in the fall of 1862 from the Nineteenth District of Ohio. This section of Ohio had been represented in Congress for si.\ty years mainly by two men — -Elisha \V hittlesey and Joshua R. Giddings. It was not without a struggle that he resigned his place in the army. At the time he en- tered Congress he was the youngest member in that body. There he remained by successive re- elections until he was elected President in 1880. Of liis labors in Congress Senator Hoar says : " Since the year 1864 you cannot think of a question which has been debated in Congress, or discussed before a tribunel of the American people, in regard to which you will not find, if you wish instruction, the argu- ment on one side stated, in almost every instance better than by anybody else, in some speech made in the House of Representatives or on the hustings by Mr. Garfield." Upon Jan. 14. 1880, Gen. Garfield was elected to the U. S. Senate, and on the eighth of June, of the same year, was nominated as the candidate of his party for President at the great Chicago Convention. He was elected in the following November, and on March 4, 1881, was inaugurated. Probalily no ad- ministration ever opened its existence under brighter auspices than that of President (nnfield, and every day it grew in favo: with the peo])le, ar.d by the first of July he had completed all the initiatory and pre- liminary work of his administration and was prepar- ing to leave the cily to meet his friends at Williams College. While on his way and at the depot, in com- pany with Secretary Blaine, a man stepi;ed behind him, drew a revolver, and fired directly at his back. The President tottered and fell, and as he did so the assassin fired a second shot, the bullet cutting the left coat sleeve of his victim, but inflicting no further injury. It has been very truthfully said that this was " the shot that was heard round tlie world " Never before in the history of the Nation had anything oc- curred which so nearly froze the blood of the people for tlie moment, as this awful deed. He was smit- ten on the brightest, gladdest day of all his life, and was at the summit of his power and hope. Foreighty days, all during the hot months of July and August, he lingered and suffered. He, however, remained master of himself till the last, and by his magnificent bearing was teaching the country and the world the noblest of human lessons — how to live grandly in the very clutch of death. Great in life, he was surpass- ingly great in death. He passed serenely away Se|'t. 19, 1883, at Elberon, N. J , on the very bank of llie ocean, w here he had been taken shortly previous. The world wept at his death, as it never had done on the death of any other man who had ever lived upon il. 'i"he murderer was duly tried, found guilty and exe- cuted, in one year after he committed the foul deed. t ■» I I 4* TIVEJ>JTY-FIRST PRESIDENT. 99 'r HE.STP:R a. ARTHUR, twenty-first Pres-' Lm of the ij>,) United States was boin in F ranklin Cour ty, Vermont, on lliefifthof Oc'olicr, 1830, and is the oldest of a family of two sons and five daughters. His father was ths Rev. Dr. William ' *? Ar'hur, a Baptistc' .rgyman, who emigrated to tb s country fro'a V, the county Ant;im, Ireland, in 1^ his 18th year, and died in 1875, in A Newtonville, neai Albany, after a long and successful ministry. ^^■, Young Arthur was educated at i « Union College, S( henectady, where lie excelled in all his studies. Af- ter his graduation he taught school in Vermont for two years, and at the expiration of that time came to New York, with $500 in his jiocket, and entered the office of ex- Judge W E. D. Culver as student. After I being admitted to the bar he formed a partnership with his intimate friend and room-mate, Henry D. Gardiner, with the intention of practicing in the West, and for three months they roamed about in the Western States in search of an eligible site, but in the end returned to New York, where they hung out their shingle, and entered upon a success- ful career almost from the start. General Arthur soon afterward p~_-.rr'fd the daughter of Lieutenant Herndon, of the United States Navy, who was lost a'. ,sea. Congress voted a gold medal to his widow in recognition of the bravery he displayed on that occa- sion. Mrs. Arthur died shortly before Mr. Arthurs nommation to the Vice Presidency, leaving two children. Gen. Arthur obtained considerable legal celebrity in his first great case, ihe famous Lemmon suii, brought to recover posses.'.ion of eight slaves who had been declared free by Judge Paine, of the Superior Court of New York City. It was in 1852 that [on. athan Lemmon, of Virginia, went to New York with his hlaves, intending to ship them to Texas, when they were discovered and freed. The Judge decided that they could not be held by the owner under the Fugitive Slave Law. A howl of rage went up from the .^outh, and the Virginia Legislature authorized the Attorney General of that State to assist in an appeal. \Vni. M. Evarts and Chester A. Arthur were employed to represent the People, and they vi-on their case, which then went to the Supreme Court of the United States. Charles O'Conor here espoused the cause of the slave-holders, but he too was beaten by Messrs. Evarts and Arthur, and a long step was taken toward the emancipation of the black race. Another great service was rendered by General Arthur in the same cause in 1856. Lizzie Jennings, a respectable colored woman, was put off a Fourth Avenue car with violence after she had paid her fare. General Arthur sued on her behalf, and secured a verdict of $500 damages. The next day the compa- ny issued an order to admit colored persons to ride on their cars, and the other car companies quickly i t CHESTER A. ARTHUR. followed their example. Before that the Sixth Ave- nue Company ian a few special cars for colored per- sons and the other linea refused to let them ride at all. General Arthur was a delegate to the Convention at Saratoga that founded the Republican party. Previous to the war he was Judge-Advocate of the Second Brigade of the State of New York, and Gov- ernor Morgan, of that State, appointed him Engineer- in-Chief of his staff. In 1861, he was made Inspec- tor General, and soon afterward became Quartermas- ter-General. In each of these offices he rendered great service to the Government during the war. At the end of Governor Morgan's term he resumed the practice of the law, forming a partnership with Mr. Ransom, and then Mr. Plielps, the District Attorney of New Yoik, was added to the firm. The legal prac- tice of this well-known firm was very large and lucra- tive, each of the gentlemen composing it were able lawyers, and possessed a splendid local reputation, if not indeed one of national extent. He always took a leading part in State and city politics. He was appointed Collector of tlie Port of New York by President Grant, Nov. 21 1872, to suc- ceed Thomas Murphy, and held the office until July, 20, 1878, when he was succeeded by Collector Merritt. Mr. Arthur was nominated on the Presidential ticket, with Gen. James A. Garfield, at the famous National Republican Convention held at Chicago in June, 1880. This was perhaps the greatest poHtical convention that ever assembled on the continent. It was composed of the leading politicians of the Re- publican party, all able men, and each stood firm and fought vigorously and with signal tenacity for their respective candidates that v/ere before the conven- tion for the nomination. Finally tien. Garfield re- ceived the nomination for President and Gen. Arthur for Vice-President. The campaign which followed was one of the most animated known in the history of our country. Gen. Hancock, the standard-bearer of the Democratic party, was a popular man, and his party made a valiant fight for his election. Finally the election came and the country's choice was Garfield and Arthur. They were inaugurated March 4, 1881, as President and Vice-President. A few months only had passed ere the newly chosen President was the victim of the assassin's bullet. Then ' came terrible weeks of suffering, — those moments of r anxious suspense, whei'>. the hearts of all civilized na- tions were throbbing in unison, longing for the re- covery of the noble, the good President. The remark- able patience that he manifested during those hours and weeks, and even months, of tlie most terrible suf- fering man has often been called upon to endure, was seemingly more than human. It was certainly (jod- like. During all this period of deepest anxiety Mr. Arthur's every move was watched, and be it said to his credit that his every action dis|)layed only an earnest desire that tlie suffering Garfield might recover, to serve the remainder of the term lie liad so auspi- ciously begun. Not a selfish feeling was manifested in deed or look of this man, even though the most honored jjosition in the world was at any moment likely to fall to him. At last God in his mercy relieved President Gar- field from further suffering, and tlie world, as never before in its history over the death of any other man, wept at his bier. Then it became the duty of the Vice President to assume the responsiljilitics of the high office, and he took the oath in New \'ork, Sept. 20, iSSi. The position was an embarr.issing one to him, made doubly so from the facts that all eyes were on him, anxious to know what he would do, what policy he would pursue, and who he would se- lect as advisers. The duties of the office had been greatly neglected during the President's long illness, and many important measures were to be immediately decided by him; and still farther to embarrass him he did not fail to realize under what circumstances he became President, and knew the feelings of many on this point. Under these trying circumstances President Arthur took tlie reins of the Government in liis own hands; and, as embarrassing as were the condition of affairs, he hapi)ily sur|)rised the nation, acting so wisely that but few criticised his administration. He served the nation well and faithfully, until the close of his administration, March 4, 1S85, and was a popular candidate before his party for a second term. His name was ably presented before the con- vention at Chicago, and was received with great favor, and doubtless but for the personal popularity of one of the opposing candidates, he would have been selected as the standard-bearer of liis party for another campaign. He retired to private life car- rying with him the best wishes of the American peo- ple, whom he had served in a manner satisfactory to them and with credit to himself. ' ■» 1 / T .^ y^-ty-t^^ t. ■<»• TWENTY-SECOND PRESIDENT. i°3 it ^o 'I '■S!S^-S;S-#-S;S-«S>$;:S-<*'S:&#$;is* sxm^tx Cle^etemf '■g:&'s»S;:$^s;s^$;;;ij< j — : '■»-- •►-■— 4»- '^'^^ HADRACH BOND, the first Governor of Illinois after its organization ns a State, ser\'ing from 1818 to 1822, was born in Frederick County, Maryland, in the year 1773, and was raised a farmer on his father's plantation, receiving only a plain English education. He emigrated to this State in 1794, when it was a part of the "Northwest Territory," continuing in the vocation in which he had been brought up in his native State, in the " New Design," near Eagle Creek, in what is now Monroe County. He served several terms as a member of the General Assembly of Indiana Territory, after it was organized as such, and in 1812-14 he was a Delegate to the Twelftli and Thirteenth Congresses, taking his seat Dec. 3, 1812, and serving until Oct. 3, 1814. These were the times, the reader will recollect, when this Gov- ernment had its last struggle with Great Britain. The year 1812 is also noted in the history of this State as that in which the first Territorial Legislature was held. It convened at Kaskaskia, Nov. 25, and adjourned Dec. 26, following. While serving as Delegate to Congress, Mr. Bond was instrumental in procuring the right of pre-emp- tion on the public domain. On the expiration of his term at Washington he was appointed Receiver of Public Moneys at Kaskaskia, then the capital of the Territory. In company with John G. Comyges, Thomas H. Harris, Charles Slade, Michael Jones, Warren Brown, Edward Humphries and Charles W. Hunter, he became a proprietor of the site of the initial city of Cairo, which they hoped, from its favor- able location at the junction of the two great rivers near the center of the Great West, would rapidly develop into a metropolis. To aid the enter- prise, they obtained a special charter from the Legis- lature, incorporating both the City and the Bank of Cairo. In t8i8 Mr. Bond was elected the first Governor of the State of Illinois, being inaugurated Oct. 6, that year, which was several weeks before Illinois was actually admitted. The facts are these: In January, 1818, the Territorial Legislature sent a peti- tion to Congress for the admission of Illinois as a State, Nathaniel Pope being then Delegate. The petition was granted, fixing the northern line of the State on the latitude of the southern e.xtremity of Lake Michigan; but the bill was afterward so amend- ed as to extend this line to its present latitude. In July a convention was called at Kaskaskia to draft a constitution, which, however, was not submitted to the people. By its provisions, supreme judges, pros- ecuting attorneys, county and circuit judges, record- ers and justices of the peace were all to be appointed by the Governor or elected by the Legislature. This constitution was accepted by Congress Dec. 30. At that time Illinois comprised but eleven counties, namely, Randolph, Madison, Gallatin, Johnson, Pope, Jackson, Crawford, Bond, Union, Washington and Franklin, the northern portion of the State be- ing mainly in Madison County. Thus it appears that Mr. Bond was honored by the naming of a yt 4 4 ^ IIZ SHADRACH BOND. county before he was elected Governor. The present county of Bond is of small limitations, about 60 to 80 miles south of -Springfield. For Lieutenant Governor the people chose Pierre Menard, a prominent and worthy Frenchman, after whom a county in this State is named. In this election there were no opposition candidates, as the popularity of these men had made their promotion to the chief offices of the Slate, even before the constitution was drafted, a foregone con- clusion. The principal points that excited the people in reference to political issues at this period were local or "internal improvements," as they were called. State banks, location of the capital, slavery and the personal characteristics of the proposed candidates. Mr. Bond represented the "Convention party," for introducing slavery into the State, supported by Elias Kent Kane, his Secretary of State, and Joim Mc- Lean, while Nathaniel Pope and John P. Cook led the anti-slavery element. Tlie people, however, did not become very much excited over this issue until 1820, when the famous Missouri Compromise was adopted by Congress, limiting slavery to the south of the parallel of 36° 30' except in Missouri. While this measure settled the great slavery controversy, so far as the average public sentiment was tempor- arily concerned, until 1854, when it was repealed under the leidersliip of Stephen A. Douglas, tiie issue as considered locally in this Slate was not decided until 1824, after a most furious campaign. (See sketch of irov. Coles.) The ticket of 1S18 was a com|)romiseone. Bond re|)rcsenting (moderately) the pro-slavery sentiment and Menard the anti-slavery. , An awkward element in the State government under Gov. I)i>nd's administration, was the imperfec- tion of the State constitution. The Convention wished to have I'ilijah C. Berry for the fiist Auditor of Public .\ccounts, but, as it was belicveil that the new Governor would not appoint him to the office, the Convention declared in a schedule that " an auditor of public accounts, an attorney general and such other officers of the State as may be necessary, may be appointed by the General Assembly." The Constitution, as it stood, vesied a very large ajipoint- ing power in the Governor; but for the purpose of getting one man into office, a total change was m,ade, and the power vested in the I^egislature. Of this provision the Legislature took advantage, and de- clared that State's attorneys, canal commissioners, bank directors, etc., were all '" officers of the State " and must therefore be appointed by itself independ- ently of the Governor. During Gov. Bond's administration a general law was passed for the incorporation of academies and towns, and one authorizing lotteries. The session of 1822 authorized the Governor to appoint commis- sioners, to act in conjunction with like commissioners appointed by the State of Indiana, to report on the practicability and expediency of improving the navi- gation of the Wabash River; also inland navigation generally. Many improvements were recommended, some of which have been feebly worked at even till the present day, those along the Wabash being of no value. Also, during Gov. Bond's term of office, the capital of the State was removed from Kaskaskia to Vandalia. In 1820 a law was passed by Congress authorizing this State to open a canal through the public lands. The State appointed commissioners lo explore the route and prepare the necessary sur- veys and estimates, preparatory to its execution; but, being unable out of its own resources to defray the expenses of the undertaking, it was abandoned until some time after Congress made tlie grant of land for the purpose of its constructio.i. On the wliole. Gov. Bond's administration was fairly good, not being open to severe criticism from any party. In 1S24, two years after the expiration of his term of oltice, he was brought out as a caiuii- date for Congress against the formidable Joiin P. Cook, but received only 4,374 votes to 7,4C^-»- INIAN EDWARDS, Governor from 1827 to 1830, was a sou of Benjamin Edwards, and was born in Montgomery < V^/o County, Maryland, in March, i^_' -■^c~c,' I77S- His domestic train- •^ ^i}-' ing was well fitted to give his mind strength, firmness and honorable principles, and a good foundation was laid for the elevated character to which he afterwards attained. His parents were Bap- tists, and very strict in their moral principles. His education in early youth was in company with and partly under the tuition of Hon.VVm. Wirt, whom his father patronized and who was more than two years older. An intimacy was thus formed between them which was lasting for life. He was further educated at Dickinson College, at Car- lisle, Pa. He next commenced the study of law, but before completing his course he moved to Nelson County, Ky., to open a farm for his father and to purchase homes and locate lands for his brothers and sisters. Here he fell in the company of dissolute companions, and for several years led the life of a siiendthrift. He was, however, elected to the Legis- lature of Kentucky as the Representative of Nelson i.'ounty before he was 2 1 years of age, and was re- elected by an almost unanimous vote. In 179S he was licensed to practice law, and the following year was admitted to the Courts of Tennes- see. About this time he left Nelson County for Russellville, in Logan County, broke away from his dissolute companions, commenced a reformation and devoted himself to severe and laborious study. He then began to rise rapidly in his profession, and soon became an eminent lawyer, and inside of four years he filled in succession the offices of Presiding Judge of the General Court, Circuit Judge, fourth Judge of the Court of Appeals and Chief Justice of the State, — all before he was 32 years of age ! In addition, in 1802, he received a commission as Major of a battal- ion of Kentucky militia, and in 1804 was chosen a Presidential Elector, on the Jefferson and Clinton ticket. In 1S06 he was a candidate for Congress, but withdrew on being promoted to the Court of Appeals. Illinois was organized as a separate Territory in the spring of i8og, when Mr. Edwards, then Chief Justice of the Court of Appeals in Kentucky, received from President Madison the apiiointment as Gover- nor of the new Territory, his commission bearing date April 24, 1809. Edwards arrived at Kaskaskia in June, and on the r ith of that month took the oath of office. At the same time he was appointed Superin- tendent of the United States Saline, this Government interest then developing into considerable proportions in Southern Illinois. Although during the first three years of his administration he had the power to make new counties and appoint all the officers, yet he always allowed the people of each county, by an informal ■ ► t i t t -^*- N INI AN EDWARDS. vote, to select their own officers, both civil and mili- tary. The noted John J. Crittenden, afterward United States Senator from Kentucky, was appointed by Gev. Edwards to the office of Attorney General of the Territory, which office was accepted for a short time only. The Indians in i8to committing sundry depreda- tions in the Territory, crossing the Mississippi from the Territory of Louisiana, a long correspondence fol- lowed between the respective Governors concerning the remedies, which ended in a council with the sav- ages at Peoria in 1812, and a fresh interpretation of the treaties. Peoria was depopulated by these de- predations, and was not re-settled for many years afterward. As Gov. Edwards' term of office expired by law in 1812, he was re-appoiiUed for another term of three years, and again in 1S15 for a third term, serving until the organization of the State in the fall of 18 18 and the inauguration of Gov. Bond. At this time ex-Gov. Edwards was sent to the United States Senate, his colleague being Jesse B. Thomas. As Senator, Mr. Edwards took a cons[)icuous part, and acquitted liimself honorably in all the measures that came up in that body, being well posted, an able de- bater and a conscientious statesman. He thought seriously of resigning this situation in 1821, but was persuaded by his old friend, Wm. Wirt, and others to continue in office, which he did to the end of the term. He was then appointed Minister to Mexico by President Monroe. About this time, it appears that Mr. Edwards saw suspicious signs in the conduct of Wm. H. Crawford, Secretary of the United States Treasury, and an ambitious candidate for the Presi- dency, and being implicated by the latter in some of his statements, he resigned his Mexican mission in order fully to investigate the charges. The result was the exculpation of Mr. Edwards. Pro-slavery regulations, often termed "Black Laws," disgraced the statute books of both the Territory and the State of Illinois during the whole of his career in this commonwealth, and Mr. Edwards always main- tained the doctrines of freedom, and was an important actor in the great struggle which ended in a victory for his party in 1824. In 1826-7 the Winnebago and other Indians com- ' ' mitted son^e depredations in the northern part of the State, and the white settlers, who desired the landq •and wished to exasperate the savages into an evacu- ation of the country, magnified the misdemeanors of the aborigines and thereby produced a hostility be- tween the races so great as to precipitate a little war, known in history as the "Winnebago War." A few chases and skirmishes were had, when Gen. Atkinson succeeded in capturing Red Bird, the Indian chief, and putting him to death, thus ending the contest, at least until the troubles commenced which ended in the " Black Hawk War " of 1832. In the interpre- tation of treaties and execution of their provisions Gov. Edwards had much vexatious work to do. The Indians kept themselves generally within the juris- diction of Michigan Territory, and its Governor, Lewis Cass, was at a jwint so remote that ready cor- respondence with liim was difficult or im[)ossible. Gov. Edwards' administration, iiowever, in regard to the protection of the Illinois frontier, seems to have been very efficient and satisfactory. For a considerable portion of iiis time after his re- moval to Illinois, Gov. Edwards resided upon his farm near Kaskaskia, which he had well stocked with iiorses, cattle and sheep from Kentucky, also with fruit-trees, grape-vines and shrul)bery. He estab- lished saw and grist-mills, and engaged extensively in mercantile business, having no less than eight orten stores in this Slate and Missouri. Notwithstanding the arduous duties of his office, he nearly always pur- cliased the goods himself with which to supply the stores. Although not a regular practitioner of medi- cine, he studied the healing art to a considerable ex- tent, and took great pleasure in prescribing for, and taking care of, the sick, generally without charge. He w.is also liberal to the poor, several widows and ministers of the gospel becoming indebted to him even for their homes. He married Miss Elvira Lane, of Maryland, in 1803, and they became the affectionate parents of several cliildren, one of wlioni, especially, is well known to the people of the " Prairie State," namely, Ninian Wirt Edwards, once the Superintendent of Public Instruction and still a resident of Springfield. Gov. Edwards resided at and in the vicinity of Kas- kaskia from 1809 to 1818; in Edw;vrdsville (named after him) from that time to 1824; and from the lat- ter date at Belleville, St. Clair County, until his death, July 20, 1833, of Asiatic cholera. Edwards County is also nauied in his honor. i' \ (7c VERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 123 ^#^ ®)®©V<2)(S)^§^ "^OHN REYNOLDS, Governor 1831- 4, was born in Montgomery Coun- ty, Pennsylvania, Feb. 26, 1788. His father, Robert Reynolds and %^^ \^|* j: his mother, nee Margaret Moore, were both natives of Ireland, from which country they emigrated to the United States in 1785, land- ing at Philadelphia. The senior Reynolds entertained an undying hostility to the British Govern- ment. \Vhen the subject of this sketch was about six months old, his parents emigrated witli him to Tennessee, where many of their relatives had already located, at the base of the Copper Ridge Mountain, about 14 miles northeast of the present city of Knoxville. There they were ex- posed to Indian depredations, and were much molest- ed by them. In 1794 they moved into the interior of the State. They were poor, and brought up their children to habits of manual indiistry. In 1800 the family removed to Kaskaskia, 111., with eight horses and two wagons, encountering many hardships on the way. Here young Reynolds passed the most of his childhood, while his character began to develop, the most prominent traits of which were ambition and energy. He also adopted the principle and practice of total abstinence from intoxicatina liquors. In 1807 the family made another removaf, i this time to the " Goshen Settlement," at the foot of the Mississippi bluffs three or four miles southwest of Edwardsville. On arriving at his 20th year, Mr. Reynolds, seeing that he must look about for his own livelihood and not yet having determined what calling to pursue, concluded first to attend college, and he accordingly went to such an institution of learning, near Knox- ville, Tenn., where he had relatives. Imagine his diffidence, when, after passing the first 20 years of his life without ever having seen a carpet, a papered wall or a Windsor chair, and never having lived in a shingle-roofed house, he suddenly ushered himself into the society of the wealthy in the vicinity of Knoxville! He attended college nearly two years, going through the principal Latin authors; but it seems that he, like the rest of the world in modern times, had but very little use for his Latin in after life. He always failed, indeed, to exhibit any good degree of literary disciphne. He commenced the study of law in Knoxville, but a pulmonary trouble came on and compelled him to change his mode of life. Accordingly he returned home and re- cuperated, and in 18 12 resumed his college and law studies at Knoxville. In the fall of 181 2 he was admitted to the Bar at Kaskaskia. About this time he also learned the French language, which he practiced with pleasure in conversation with his family for many years. He regarded this language as being superior to all others for social intercourse. ", " » ■ * -S^ t24 JOHN REYNOLDS. 4 From his services in the West, in the war of 1812, he obtained the sobriquet of the " Old Ranger." He was Orderly Sergeant, then Judge Advocate. Mr. Reynolds opened his first law office in the winter and spring of 1814, in the French village of Cahokia, then the capital of St. Clair County. In the fall of 1S18 he was elected an Associate Justice upon the Supreme Bench by the General Assembly. In 1825 he entered more earnestly than ever into the practice of law, and the very next year was elected a member of the Legislature, where he acted indejiendently of all cliques and private inter- ests. In 1828 the Whigs and Democrats were for the first time distinctively organized as such in Illi- nois, and the usual party bitterness grew up and raged on all sides, while Mr. Reynolds preserved a judicial calmness and moderation. The real animus of the campaign was " Jackson " and " anti-Jackson," the former party carrying the State. In August, 1830, Mr. Reynolds was elected Gov- ernor, amid great excitement. Installed in office, he did all within his power to advance the cause of edu- cation, internal improvements, the Illinois & Mich- igan Canal, the harbor at Chicago, settling the coun- try, etc.; also recc mmended the winding up of the State Bank, as its affairs had become dangerously complicated. In his national politics, he was a moderate supporter of General Jackson. But the most celebrated event of his gubernatorial admin- istration was the Black Hawk War, which occurred in 1832. He called out the militia and prosecuted the contest with commendable diligence, appearing in person on the battle-grounds during the most critical periods. He was recognized by the President as Major-General, and authorized by him to make treaties with the Indians. By the assistance of the general (iovernment the war was terminated without much bloodshed, but after many serious fights. This war, as well as everything else, was materially re- tarded by the occurrence of Asiatic cholera in the West. This was its first appearance here, and was the next event in prominence during Gov. Reynolds' term. South (Carolina nullification coming up at this time, it was heartily condemned by both President Jackson and Gov. Reynolds, who took precisely the same grounds as the Unionists in the last war. On the termination of his gubernatorial term in 1834, Gov. Reynolds was elected a Member of Con- gress, still considering himself a backwoodsman, as he had scarcely been outside of the State since he became of age, and had spent nearly all his youthful days in the wildest region of the frontier. His first move in Congress was to adopt a resolution that in all elections made by the House for officers the votes should be given viva voce, each member in his jilace naming aloud the person for whom he votes. This created considerable heated discussion, but was es- sentially adopted, and remained the controlling prin- ciple for many years. The ex-Governor was scarcely absent from his seat a single day, during eight ses- sions of Congress, covering a period of seven years, and he never vacillated in a party vote; but he failed to get the Democratic party to foster his " National Road " scheme. He says, in " My Own Times " (a large autobiography he published), that it was only by rigid economy that he avoided insolvency while in Washington. During his sojourn in that city he was married, to a lady of the place. In 1837, while out of Congress, and in company with a few others, he built the first railroad in the Mississippi Valley, namely, one about six miles long, leading from his coal mine in the Mississippi bluff 10 the bank of the river opposite St. Louis. Having not the means to purchase a locomotive, they operated it by horse-power. The next spring, however, the com- pany sold out, at great sacrifice. In 1839 the ex-Governor was appointed one of the Canal Commissioners, and authorized to borrow money to prosecute the enterprise. Accordingly, he repaired to Philadelphia and succeeding in obtaining a million dollars, which, however, was only a fourth of what was wanted. The same year he and his wife made at our of Europe. This year, also, Mr. Reynolds had the rather awkward little responsibility of introducing to President Van Buren the noted Mormon Prophet, Joseph Smith, as a " Latter-Day Saint!" In 1S46 Gov. Reynolds was elected a member of the Legislature from St. Clair County, more particu- larly for the purpose of obtaining a feasible charter for a macadamized road from Belleville to St. Louis, a distance of nearly 14 miles. This was immediately built, and was the first road of the kind in the State. He was again electetl to the Legislature in 1852, when he was chosen Speaker of the House. In i860, aged and infirm, he attended the National Democratic Convention at Charleston, S. C, as an anti-Douglas Delegate, where he received more attention from the .Southern Delegates than any other member. He supported Breckenridge for the Presidency. After the October elections foreshadowed the success of Lincoln, he published an address urging the Demo- crats to rally to the support of Douglas. Immedi- ately preceding and during the late war, his corre- spondence evinced a clear sympathy for the Southern secession, and about the first of March, 1861, he urged upon the P.uchanan officials the seizure of the treasure and arms in the custom-house and arsenal at St. Louis. Mr. Reynolds was a rather talkative man, and apt in all the Western phrases and catch- words that ever gained currency, besides many cun- ning and odd ones of his own manufacture. He was married twice, but had no children. He died in Belleville, in May, 1865, just after the close of the war. i -♦-■-^ i t. -4^ ,t GOVERNORS OF ILL/NO IS. tij •«— s- — ^•m^m'^^'' [LLIAM LEE D. EWING, Governor of Illinois Nov. 3 to 17, 1834, was a native of Kentucky, and probably of Scotch ancestry. He had a fine education, was a gentle- man of polished manners and refined sentiment. In 1830 John Rey- nolds was elected Governor of the State, and Zadok Casey Lieutenant Governor, and for the principal events that followed, and the characteristics of the times, see sketch of Gov. Reynolds. The first we see in history concerning Mr. Ewing, in- forms us that he was a Receiver of Public Moneys at Vandalia soon after the organization of this State, and that the public moneys in liis liands were deposited in various banks, as they are usually at tlie present day. In 1823 the State Bank was robbed, by which disaster Mr. Ewing lost a thousand- dollar deposit. The subject of this sketch had a commission as Colonel in the Black Hawk War, and in emergencies lie acted also as Major. In the summer of 1S32, when it was rumored among the whites that Black Hawk and his men had encamped somewhere on Rock River, Gen. Henry was sent on a tour of reconnoisance, and with orders to drive the Indians from the State. After some opposition from his subordinate officers, Henry resolved to proceed u[) Rock River in search of the enemy. On the igth of July, early in tlie mcirning, five baggage wagons. <■ camp equipage and all heavy and cumbersome arti- cles were piled up and left, so that the army might make speedy and forced marches. For some miles the travel was exceedingly bad, crossing swamps and the worst thickets ; but the large, fresh trail gave life and animation to the Americans. Gen. Dodge and Col. Ewing were both acting as Majors, and composed the " spy corps " or vanguard of the army. It is supposed the army marched nearly 50 miles this day, and the Indian trail they followed became fresher, and was strewed with much property and trinkets of the red-skins that they had lost or thrown away to hasten their march. During the following night there was a terrific ihunder-storm, and the soldiery, with all their appurtenances, were thor- oughly drenched. On approaching nearer the Indians the next day. Gen. Dodge and Major Ewing, each commanding a battalion of men, were placed in front to bring on the battle, but the savages were not overtaken this day Forced marches were continued until they reached. Wisconsin River, where a veritable battle ensued, resulting in the death of about 68 of Black Hawk's men. The next day they continued tiie chase, and as soon as he discovered the trail of the Indians leading toward the Mississippi, Maj. Ewing formed his battalion in order of battle and awaited the order of Gen. Henry. The latter soon appeared on the ground and ordered a charge, which directly resulted in chasing the red warriors across the great river. Maj. Ewing and his command proved particularly efficient in war, as it seCEUS they were theciiief actors in driving the main body of the Sacs and Foxes, in- — ♦ 1 t. 128 I WILLIAM L. D. ElVING. eluding Black Hawk himself, across the Mississippi, while Gen. Atkinson, commcander-in-chief of the ex- pedition, with a body of the army, was hunting for them in another direction. In the above affair Maj. Ewing is often referred to as a "General," which title he had derived from his connection v/ith the militia. It was in the latter part of the same year (1832) that Lieutenant Governor Casey was elected to Con- gress and Gen. Ewing, who had been elected to the Senate, was chosen to preside over that body. At the August election of 1834, Gov. Reynolds was also elected to Congress, more than a year ahead of the time at which he could actually take his seat, as was then the law. His predecessor, Charles Slade, had just died of Asiatic cholera, soon after the elec- tion, and Gov. Reynolds was chosen to serve out his unexpired term. Accordingly he set out for Wash- ington in November of that year to take his seat in Congress, and Gen. Ewing, by virt.ie of his office as President of the Senate, became Governor of the State of Illinois, his term covering only a period of 15 days, namely, from the 3d to the 17th days, in- clusive, of November. On the r7th the Legislature met, and Gov. Ewing transmitted to that body his message, giving a statement of the condition of the affairs of the State at that time, and urging a contin- uance of the policy adopted by liis predecessor; and on the same day Goveriior elect Joseph Duncan was sworn into office, thus relieving Mr. Ewing from the responsible situation. This is the only time llial such a juncture has happened in the history of Illi- nois. On the 29th of December, 1835, Gen. Ewing was elected a United States Senator to serve out the unexpired term of Elias Kent Kane, deceased. The latter gentleman was a very prominent figure in the early politics of Illinois, and a county in this State is named in his honor. The election of Gen. Ewing to the Senate was a protracted struggle. His competi- tors were James Semple, who afterwards held several important offices in this State, and Richard M. Young, afterward a United Stales Senator and a Supreme Judge and a man of vast influence. On the first ballot Mr. Semple had 25 votes, Young 19 and Ewing 18. On the eighth ballot Young was dropi)ed ; the ninth and tenth stood a tie ; but on the I 2th Ewing received 40, to Semple 37, and was accordingly declared elected. In 18^7 Mr. Ewing received some votes for a continuance of his term in Congress, when Mr. Young, just referred to, was elected. In 1842 Mr. Ewing was elected State Auditor on the ticket with Gov. Ford. Gen. Ewing was a gentleman of culture, a lawyer by profession, and was much in public life. In person he was above medium height and of heavy build, with auburn hair, blue eyes, large-sized head and short face. He was genial, social, friendly and affable, with fair talent, though of no high degree of originality. He died March 25, 1846. i > h GO VERNORS OP ILLINOIS. im Mwutwa. tt'li -^4l^££/®•i§'»«S~»«'6<.6 '-^ '^*it*'^ Vgej^^^^^p.CjW'^?^''^'^ K>i>"S*«^»^-^'OT8T>v.^Jj^ i OSEPH DUNCAN, Governor 1834-8, was born at Paris, Ky., Feb. 23, 1794. At the tender age of 19 years he en- Usted in the war against Great Britain, and as a soldier he quitted himself wiih credit. He was an Ensign under the daunt- less Croghan at Lower Sandusky, or Fort Stephenson. In Illinois he first appeared in a public capa- city as Major-General of the Militia, a position which his military fame iiad procured him. Subsequently he became a State Senator from I Jackson County, and is honorably mentioned fur introducing the first bill providing for a free-school system. In 1826, when the redoubt- able John 1'. Cook, who had previously beaten such men as John McLean, Elias Kent Kane and e.\- Gov. Bond, came up for the fourth time for Congress, Mr. Duncan was brought forward against him by his friends, greatly to the surprise of all the politicians. As yet he was but little known in the State. He was an original Jackson man at that time, being attached to his political fortune in admiration of the glory of his milita:y acliievements. His chances of success against Cook were generally regarded as hopeless, but he entered upon the campaign undaunted. His speeches, though short and devoid of ornament, were full of good sense. He made a diligent canvass of the State, Mr. Cook being hindered by the condition of his health. The most that was expected of Mr. Duncan, under the circumstances, was that he would 4* obtain a respectable vote, but without defeating Mr. Cook. The result of the campaign, however, was a source of surprise and amazement to both friends and foes, as Mr. Duncan came out 641 votes ahead! He received 6,321 votes, and Mr. Cook 5,680. Un- til this dowuemeiit, the violence of party feeling smoldering in the breasts of the people on account of the defeat of Jackson, was not duly appreciated. Aside from the great convention struggle ofviS24, no other than mere local and penonal considerations had ever before controlled an election \\\ Illinois. From the above date Mr. Duncan retained his seat in Congress until his election as Governor in .\ugust, 1834. The first and bloodless year of the Black Hawk War he was appointed by Gov. Rey- nolds to the position of Brigadier-General of the volunteers, and he conducted his brigade to Rock Island. But he was absent from the State, in Wash- ington, during the gubernatorial campaign, and did not personally participate in it, but addressed circu- lars to his constituents. His election was, indeed, attributed to the circumstance of his absence, be- cause his estrangement from Jackson, formerly his political idol, and also from the Democracy, largely in ascendency in the State, was complete; but while his defection was well known to his Whig friends, and even to the leading Jackson men of this State, the latter were unable to carry conviction of that fact to the masses, as mail and newspaper facilities at that day were far inferior to those of the present time. Of course the Governor was much abused afterward by the fossilized Jackson men who re- garded party ties and affiliations as above all other issues that could arise; but he was doubtless I t -4^ a JOSEPH DUNCAN. sincere in his oppositior. to the old hero, as the latter had vetoed several important western measures which were dear to Mr. Duncan. In his inaugural message he threw off the mask and took a bold stand against the course of the President. The measures he recommended in his message, however, were so desirable that the Legislature, although by a large majority consisting of Jackson men, could not refrain from endorsing them. These measures related mainly to banks and internal improvements. It was while Mr. Duncan was Governor that the people of Illinois went whirling on with bank and in- ternal improvement schemes that well nigh bank- rupted the State. The hard times of 1837 came on, and the disasters that attended the inauguration of these plans and the operation of the banks were mu- tually charged upon the two political parties. Had any one man autocratic power to introduce and carry on any one of these measures, he would proba- bly have succeeded to the satisfaction of the public ; but as many jealous men had hold of the same plow handle, no success followed and each blamed the other for the failure. In this great vorte.x Gov. Duncan was carried along, suffering the like derogation of character with his fellow citizens. At the height of the excitement the Legislature "provided for" railroads from Galena to Cairo, Alton to Shawneetown, Alton to Mount Carmel, Alton to the eastern boundary of the State in tlie direction of Terre Haute, Quincy via Springfield to the Wabash, Bloomington to Pekin, and Peoria to Warsaw, — in all about 1,300 miles of road. It also provided for the improvement of the navigation of the Kaskaskia, Illinois, Great and Little Wabash and Rock Rivers ; also as a placebo, $200,000 in money were to be dis- tributed to the various counties wherein no improve- ments were ordered to be made as above. The estimate for the e.xpenses for all these projects was placed at a little over $10,000,000, which was not more than half enough ! That would now be equal to saddling upon the Slate a debt of $225,000,000 ! It was sufficient to bankrupt the State several times over, even counting all the possible benefits. One of the most exciting events that ever occurred in this fair State was the murder of Elijah P. Love- joy in the fall of 1837, at Alton, during Mr. Duncan's term as Governor. Lovejoy was an " Abolitionist," editing the Observer at that place, and the pro- slavery slums there formed themselves into a mob. and after destroying successively three presses be- longing to Mr. Lovejoy, surrounded the warehouse where the fourth press was stored away, endeavoring to destroy it, and where Lovejoy and his friends were entrenching themselves, and shot and killed the brave reformer! About this time, also, the question of removing the State capital again came up, as the 20 years' limit for its existence at Vandalia was drawing to a close. There was, of course, considerable excitement over the matter, the two main points competing for it be- ing Springfield and Peoria. The jealousy of the lat- ter place is not even yet, 45 years afterward, fully allayed. Gov. Duncan's term expired in 1S38. In 1842 he was again proposed as a candidate for the Execu- tive chair, this time by the Whig party, against Adam W. Snyder, of St. Clair County, the nominee of the Democrats. Charles W. Hunter was a third candi- date for the same position. Mr. Snyder, however, died before the campaign had advanced very far, and his party substituted Thomas Ford, who was elected, receiving 46,901 votes, to 38,584 for Duncan, and 909 for Hunter. The cause of Democratic success at this time is mainly attributed to the temporary support of the Mormons which they enjoyed, and the want of any knowledge, on the part of the masses, that Mr. Ford was opposed to any given policy en- tertained in the respective localities. Gov. Duncan was a man of rather limited educa- tion, but with naturally fine abilities he profited greatly by his various public services, and gathered a store of knowledge regarding public affairs vi^hich served him a ready purpose. He possessed a clear judgment, decision, confidence in himself and moral courage to carry out his convictions of right. In his deportment he was well adapted to gain the admira- tion of the people. His intercourse with them was l)oth affable and dignified. His portrait at the Gov- ernor's mansion, from which the accompanying was made, represents him as having a swarthy complex- ion, high cheek bones, broad forehead, piercing black eyes and straight black hair. He was a liberal patron of the Illinois College at Jacksonville, a member of its Board of Trustees, and died, after a short illness, Jan. 15, 1S44, a devoted memlier of the Presbyterian Church, leaving a wife but no children. Two children, born to them, had died in infancy. i I t t GO VERNORS OF ILLINOIS. ■►II < * ■35 i\ «^?^^S8^"^"^"^- t/ J-.._JiZ- gxag-O^-jg" " : ■ «- ^^Pe^^^^Pp^HOMAS CARLIN, the sixth Governor of the State of Illinois, serving from 1838 to 1842, was also a Ken- tuckian, being born near Frankfort, that State, July 18, 1789, of Irish paternity. The opportunities for an education being very meager in his native place, he, on approaching years of jud 'ment and maturity, applied himself to those branches of learn- ing that seemed most important, and thus became a self-made man ; and his taste for reading and study remained with him through In 1803 his father removed 10 Missouri, then a part of " New Spain," where he died in 1810. In 181 2 young Carlin came to Illinois and partici- pated in all the "ranging" service incident to the war of that period, proving himself a soldier of un- daunted bravery. In 1814 he married Rebecca Huitt, and lived for four years on the bank of the Mississippi River, opposite the mouth of the Mis- soitri, where he followed farming, and then removed to Greene County. He located the town site of Car- rvj»lion,in that county, and in 1825 made a liberal donation of land for county building purposes. He was the first Sheriff of that county after its separate organization, and afterward was twice elected, as a Jackson Democrat, to the Illinois Senate. In the Black Hawk War he commanded a spy battalion, a post of considerable danger. In 1834 he was ap- pointed by President Jackson to the position of Receiver of Public Moneys, and to fulfill the office <■ more conveniently he removed to the city of Quincy. While, in 1838, the unwieldy internal improvement system of the State was in full operation, with all its expensive machinery, amidst bank suspensions throughout the United States, a great stringency in the money market everywhere, and Illinois bonds forced to sale at a heavy discount, and the " hardest times " existing that the people of the Prairie State ever saw, the general election of State officers was approaching. Discreet men who had cherished the hope of a speedy subsidence of the public infatua- tion, met with disappointment. \ Governor and Legislature were to be elected, and these were now looked forward to for a repeal of the ruinous State policy. But the grand scheme had not yet lost its dazzling influence upon the minds of the people. Time and experience had not yet fully demonstrated its utter absurdity. Hence the question of arresting its career of profligate expenditures did not become a leading one with the dominant party during the campaign, and most of the old members of the Leg- islature were returned at this election. Under these circumstances the Democrats, in State Convention assembled, nominated Mr. Carlin for the office of Governor, and S. H. Anderson for Lieuten- ant Governor, while the Whigs nominated Cyrus Ed- wards, brother of Ninian Edwards, formerly Governor, and W. H. Davidson. Edwards came out strongly for a continuance of the State policy, while Carlin remained non-committal. This was the first time that the two main political parties in this State were unembarrassed by any third party in the field. The result of the election was : Carlin, 35,573 ; Ander- son, 30,335; Edwards, 29,629; and Davidson, 28,- 7I.S- Upon the meeting of the subsequent Legislature (1S39), the retiring Governor CDuncan'l in his mes- i t -4^ 1 136 THOMAS CARLIN. I sage spoke in emphatic terms of the impolicy of the internal improvement system, presaging the evils threatened, and uiged that body to do their utmost to correct the great error ; yet, on the contrary, the Legislature not only decided to continue the policy l)iit also added to its burden by voting more appro- priations and ordering more improvements. Although the money market was still stringent, a further loan of $4,000,000 was ordered for the Illinois & Mich- igan Canal alone. Cli'cago at that time began to loom up and promise to be an important city, even the great Liiiporium of the West, as it has since in- deed came to be. Klx-Gov. Reynolds, an incompe- tent financier, was commissioned to effect the loan, and accordingly hastened to the East on this respons- ible errand, and negotiated the loans, at considera- ble sacrifice to the State. Besides this embarrassment to Carlin's administration, the Legislature also de- clared that he had no authority to appoint a Secretary of State until a vacancy existed, and A. P. Field, a Whig, who had already held the post by appointment througli three administrations, was determined to keep the place a while longer, in spite of Gov. Car- lin's preferences. The course of the Legislature in this regard, however, was finally sustained by the Supreme Court, in a quo warranto case brought u|) before it by John A. McClernand, whom tire Gov- ernor had nominated for the office. Thereupon that dignified l)ody was denounced as a "Whig Court!" endeavoring to estal)lish the principle of life-tenure of office. A now law was adopted re-organizing the Judici- ary, and under it five additional Supreme Judges were elected by the Legislature, namely, Thomas Ford (afterward Governor), Sidney Breese, Walter B. Siatcs, Samuel H. Treat and Stephen A. Douglas — all Democrats. It w.is (luring Cov. Carlin's administration that the noisy campaign of "Tippecanoe and Tyler too" oc- curred, resulting in a Whig victory. This, however, did not affect Illinois politics very seriously. Another prominent event in the West during Gov. Carlin's term of office was the excitement caused by the Mormons and their removal from Independence, Mo., to Nauvoo, III., in 1840. At the same time they began to figure somewhat in State politics. On account of their believing — as they thought, accord- ing to the New 'I'estament — that they should have "all things common," and that consequently "all the earth " and all that is upon it were the" Lord's " and therefore the property of his " saints," they were suspected, and correctly, too, of committing many of the deeds of larceny, robbery, etc., that were so rife throughout this country in those days. Hence a feeling of violence grew up between the Mormons and "anti-Mormons." In the State of Missouri the Mormons always supported the Dem- ocracy until they were driven out by the Democratic government, when they turned their support to the Whigs. They were becoming n\imerous, and in the Legislature of 1 840- 1, therefore, it became a matter of great interest with both parties to conciliate these people. Through the agency of one John C. Ben- nett, a scamp, the Mormons succeeded in rusliing through the Legislature (both parties not daring to oppose) a charter for the city of Nauvoo which vir- tually erected a hierarchy co-ordinate with the Fed- eral Government itself. lu the fall of 184 c the Governor of Missouri made a demand upon Gov. Carlin for the body of Joe Smith, the Mormon leader, as a fugitive from justice. Gov. Carlin issued the writ, but for some reason it was returned unserved. It was again issued in 1842, and Smith was arrested, but was either rescued by bis followers or discharged by the municipal court on a writ of habeas corpus. In Deceuiber, 1841, the Democratic Convention nominated Adam W. Snyder, of Belleville, for Gov- ernor. As he had been, as a member of the Legisla- ture, rather friendly to the Mormons, the latter naturally turned their support to the Democratic party. The next spring the Whigs nominated Ex- (jov. Duncan for the same office. In the meantime the Mormons began to grow more odious to the masses of the people, and the couiparative i)ros|)ects of the respective parties for success became very problematical. Mr. Snyder died in May, and Thomas Ford, a Supreme Judge, was substituted as a candidate, and was elected. At the close of his gubernatorial term, Mr. Carlin removed back to his old home at Carrollton, where he spent the remainder of his life, as before his ele- vation to office, in agricultural pursuits. In 1849 he served out the unexpired term of J. D. Fry in the Illinois House of Representatives, and died Feb. 4, 1852, at his residence at Carrollton, leaving a wife and seven children. t '»,S' :-W '.'iSl0" -'SfT^" ''(^K^.iA.^ay) t ■<^ GJ VERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 139 ^:--. ■■■'■■•■•■ ?vSSv?j^ ^m m. U -Hf -c-:::- .^ i>-t. ^ i V^^HOiMAS FORO, Governor from 1842 to 1846, and au- thor of a very interesting history of Illinois, was born at Uniontown, Pa., in the year 1 800. His mother, after the death of her first hus- band (Mr. Forquer), married Rob- ert Ford, who was killed in 1S02, by the Indians in the mountains of Pennsylvania, She was conse- quently left in indigent circum- stances, with a large family, mostly girls. With a view to better her condition, she, in 1S04, removed to Missouri, where it had been cus- tomary by the .Si)anish Govern- ment to give land to actual settlers; but upon her arrival at St. Louis she found the country ceded to t:ie United States, and the liberal policy toward set- tlers changed by the new ownership. After some sickness to herself and family, she finally removed to Illinois, and settled some three miles south of Water- loo, but the following year moved nearer the Missis- sippi bluffs. Here young Ford received his first -^•- • schooling, under the instructions of a Mr. Humphrey, for which he had to walk three miles. His mother, though lacking a thorough education, was a woman of sn[)erior mental endowments, joined to energy and determination of character. She inculcated in her children those high-toned principles which dis- tinguished her sons in public life. She exercised a rigid economy to provide her children an education; but George Forquer, her oldest son (six years older than Thomas Ford), at an early age had to quit school to aid by his labor in the support of the family. He afterward became an eminent man in Illinois affairs, and but for his early death would probably have been elected to the United States Senate. Young Ford, with somewhat better opportunities, received a better education, though limited to the curriculum of the common school of those |jioneer times. His mind gave eariy promise of superior en- dowments, with an inclination for mathematics. His proficiency attracted the attention of Hon. Daniel P. Cook, who became his efficient patron and friend. The latter gentleman was an eminent Illinois states- man who, as a Member of Congress, obtained a grant of 300,000 acres of land to aid in completing the Illinois .S: Michigan Canal, and after wlioni the county of Cook was named. Through the advice of 1- T -<•- 140 THOMAS FORD. this gentleman, Mr. Ford turned his attention to the study of hiw; but Forquer, then merchandising, re- garding his education defective, sent him to Transyl- vania University, where, however, he remained Init one term, owing to Forqucr's failure in business. On his return he alternated his law reading with teach- ing school for support. In 1829 (iov. Edwards appointed liini Prosecuting Attorney, and in 1831 he was re-appointed by Gov. Reynolds, and after that he was four times elected a Judge by the Legislature, without opposition, twice a Circuit Judge, once a Judge of Chicago, and as As- sociate Judge of the Supreme Court, when, in 1841, the latter tribunal was re-organized by the addition of five Judges, all Democrats. Ford was assigned to the Nintii Judicial Circuit, and while in this capacity he was lio'iding Court in Ogle County he received a notice of his nomination liy tiie Democratic Conven- tion for ihj oflice of Governor. He immediately re- signed his place and entered upon the canvass. In August, 1842, he was elected, and on the 8th of De- cember following he was inaugurated. All the offices which he had held were unsolicited by him. He received them upon the true Jefferson- ian principle, — Mever to ask .ind never to refuse office. Both as a lawyer and as a Judge he stood deservedly high, but his cast of intellect fitted him rather for a writer upon law than a practicing advo- cate in the courts. In the latter capacity he was void of the moving nower of eloquence, so necessary to success with juries. As a Judge his opinions were '•ound, lucid and able expositions of the law. In practice, he was a stranger to the tact, skill and in- sinuating address of the politician, but he saw through the arts of demagogues as well as any man. He was plain in his demeanor, so much so, indeed, that at one time after the expiration of his term of office, during a session of the Legislature, he was taken by a sir.uiger to be a seeker for the position of door- keeper, and was waited upon at his hotel near mid- ni.^lii I),' a knot of small office-seekers with the view of el'fecting a "combination ! " Mr. Ford had not the "brass" of the ordinary politician, nor that impetuosity which characterizes a pjliiical leader. He cared little for money, and hardly enough for a decent support. In person he was of sm.dl stature, slender, of dark complexion, with black hair, sharp features, deep-set eyes, a jwinted, aquiline nose having a decided twist to one side, and a small mouth. Tlie three most important events in Gov. Ford's administration were the establishment of the high financial credit of the State, the " Mormon War "and the Mexican War. Ill the first of these the Governor proved himself to be eminenilv wise. On coming into office he found , the Stale badly paralyzed by the ruinous effects of the notorious "internal improvement" schemes of •►■—4^ the preceding decade, with scarcely anything to show by way of "improvement." The enterprise that seemed to be getting ahead more than all the rest was the Illinois & Michigan Canal. As this promised to be the most important thoroughfare, feasible to the people, it was well under headway in its construction. Therefore the State policy was almost concentrated upon it, in order to ;ush it on te completion. The bonded indebtedness of the State was growing so large as to frighten the peojile, and they were about ready to entertain a proposition for repudiation. But the Governor had the foresight to recommend such measures as would maintain the public credit, for which every citizen to-day feels thankful. But perhaps the Governor is remembered more for his connection with the Mormon troubles than for anything else; for it was during his term of office that the "Latter-Day Saints" became so strong at Nauvoo, built their temple there, increased their num- bers throughout the country, committed misdemean- ors, taught dangerous doctrines, suffered the loss of their leader, Jo Smith, by a violent death, were driven out of Nauvoo to the far West, etc. Having been a Judge for so many years previously, Mr. Ford of course was non-committal concerning Mormon affairs, and was therefore claimed by both parties and also accused by each of sympathizing too greatly with the other side. Mormonism claiming to be a system of religion, the Governor no doubt was "between two fires," and felt compelled to touch the matter rather " gingerly," and doubtless felt greatly relieved when that pestilential peojile left the State. Such compli- cated matters, esi)ecially when religion is mixed up with them, expose every person particijiating in them to criticism from all i)arties. The Mexican War was begun in the spring of 1845, and was continued into the gubernatorial term of Mr. Ford's suxessor. The Governor's connection with this war, however, was not conspicuous, as it was only administrative, commissioning officers, etc. P'ord's " History of Illinois " is a very readable and entertaining work, of 450 small octavo ])ages, and is destined to increase in value with the la|)se of time. It exhibits a natural flow of compact and forcible thought, never failing to convey the nicest sense. In tracing with his trenchant pen the devious operations of the professional politician, in which he is inimit- able, his account is open, perhaps, to the objection that all his contemporaries are treated as mere place- seekers, while many of them have since been judged by the people to be worthy statesmen. His writings seem slightly open to the criticism tliat they exhibit a litile splenetic partiality against those of his con- temporaries who were prominent during his term of office as Governor. The death of (iov. Ford took place at Peoria, 111., Nov. 2, i8so. ^ — ^►^ I i ,^«s'-'- J< -^ ■---■^^^-/fi::^'^^^^ i 4^ G(J VERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 143 iL i^=-:i;a^'S»Sig-«S.^S^a;^#S!gr»^;S^^;S#'-S-!i#S;S*S;g'*-3K 51., •M 0^ Augustzis €. French. ^•"^UGUSTUS C. FRENCH, Governor of Illinois from 1846 to 1 85 2, was born in the town of Hill, in the State of New Hampshire, Aug. 2, r8o8. He was a descendant in the fourth generation ot Nathaniel I'rencli, who emigrated from P^ngland in 1687 and settled in Saybury, Mass. In early life young French lost his father, but continued to receive in- struction from an exemplary and Christian mother until he was 19 years old, when she also died, confiding to his care and trust four younger broth- ers and one sister. He discharged his trust with parental devotion. His education in early life was such mainly as a common school afforded. For a brief period he attended Dartmouth College, but from pecuniary causes and the care of his brothers and sister, he did not graduate. He subsequently read law, and was admitted to the Bar in 1S31, and shortly afterward removed to Illinois, settling first at Albion, Edwards County, wliere he established him- self in the practice of law. The following year he removed to Paris, Edgar County. Here he attained eminence in his profession, and entered itublic life by representing that county in the Legislature. A strong attachment sprang up between him and Ste- phen .\. Douglas. In 1839, Mr. French was appointed Receiver of the United States Land Ofifice at Palestine, Craw- ford County, at which place he was a resident when -^M elevated to the gubernatorial chair. In 1844 he was a Presidential Elector, and as such he voted for James K. Polk. The Democratic State Convention of 1846, meet- ing at Springfield Feb. 10, nominated Mr. French for (iovernor. Other Democratic candidates were Lyman Trumbull, John Calhoun (subsequently of Lecompton ("onslitution notoriety), Walter B. Scates, Richard M. Young and A. W. Cavarly, — -an array of very able and prominent names. Trumbull was per- haps defeated in the Convention by the rumor that he was opposed to the Illinois and Michigan Canal. as he had been a year previously. For Lieutenant Governor J. B. Wells was chosen, while other candi- dates were Lewis Ross, Wm. McMurtry, Newton Cloud, J. H. Hamilton and W. W. Thompson. The resolutions declared strongly against the resuscita- tion of the old State Banks. The Whigs, wlio were in a hopeless minority, held their convention June 8, at Peoria, and selected Thomas M. Kilpatrick, of Scott County, for Governor, and Gl'u. Nathaniel G. Wilcox, of Schuyler, for Lieutenant Governor. In the campaign the latter e.xposed Mr. French's record and connection with the passage of the in- ternal improvement system, urging it against his election; but in the meantime the war with Mexico broke out, regarding which the Whig record was un- popular in this State. The war was the absorbing and dominating question of the period, svveeping every other political issue in its course. The elec- tion in August gave Mr. French 58,700 votes, and Kilpatrick only 36,775. Richard Eells, Abolitionist candidate for the same office, received 5,152 votes. T i -4*- k t / 144 AUGUSTUS C. FRENCH. f i By the new Constitution of 1848, a new election for State officers was ordered in Nt)vembei of that year, before Gov. French's term was half out, and he was re-elected for the term of four years. He was there- fore the incumbent for six consecutive years, the only Governor of this State who has ever served in tliat capacity so long at one time. As there was no organized opuosition to his election, he received 67,- 453 votes, to 5,639 for Pierre iVIenard (son of the first Lieutenant Governor), 4,748 for Charles V. Dyer, 3,834 for W. L. D. Morrison, and 1,361 for James L. D. Morrison. But Wm. McMurtry, of Knox County, was elected Lieutenant Governor, in place of Joseph B. Wells, who was before elected and did not run again. Governor French was inaugurated into office dur- ing the progress of the Mexican War, which closed during the summer of 1847, although the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was not made until Feb. 2, 1848. The policy of Gov. French's party was com- mitted to that war, but in connection with that affair he was, 'of course, only an administrative officer. During his term of office, Feb. 19, 1847, the Legisla- ture, by special permission of Congress, declared that all Government lands sold to settlers should be im- mediately subject to State taxation; before this they were exempt for five years after sale. By this ar- rangement the revenue was materially increased. About tlie same time, the distribution of Government land warrants among the Mexican soldiers as bounty threw upon the market a great quantity of good lands, and this enhanced the settlement of the State. The same Legislature authorized, with the recom- mendation of the Governor, the sale of the Northern Cross Railroad (from Springfield to Meredosia, the first in the State and now a section of the Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific) It sold for $100,000 in bonds, although it had cost the State not less than a million. The salt wells and canal lands in the Saline reserve in Gallatin County, granted by the general Govern- ment to the State, were also authorized by the Governor to be sold, to apply on the State debt. In 1850, for the first time since 1839, the accruing State revenue, exclusive of specific appropriations, was sufficient to meet the current demands upon the treasury. The aggregate taxable property of the State at this time was over $100,000,000, and the population 851,470. In 1849 the Legislature adopted the township or- ganization law, which, however, proved defective, and was properly amended in 1851. At its session in the latter year, the General Assembly also passed a law to exempt homesteads from sale on executions. This beneficent measure had been repeatedly urged upon that body by Gov. French. In 1850 some business men in St. Louis com- menced to build a dike opposite the lower part of their city on the Illinois side, to keep the Mississippi in its channel near St. Louis, instead of breaking away from them as it sometimes threatened to do. This they undertook without permission from the Legislature or Executive authority of this State ; and as many of the inhabitants there complained that the scheme would inundate and ruin much valuable land, there was a slight conflict of jurisdictions, re- sulting in favor of the St. Louis project; and since then a good site has existed there for a city (East St. Louis), and now a score of railroads center there. It was in September, 1850, that Congress granted to this State nearly 3,000,000 acres of land in aid of the completion of the Illinois Central Railroad, which constituted the most important epoch in the railroad — we might say internal improvement — his- tory of the State. The road was rushed on to com- pletion, which accelerated the settleinent of the in- terior of the State by a good class of industrious citi- zens, and by the charter a good income to the State Treasury is paid in from the earnings of the road. In 185 I the Legislature passed a law authorizing free stock banks, which was the source of much leg- islative discussion for a number of years. But we have not space further to particularize concerning legislation. Gov. French's administra- tion was not marked by any feature to be criticised, while the country was settling up as never before. Ill stature. Gov. French was of medium height, sciuarely built, light complexioned, with ruddy face and pleasant countenance. In manners he was plain and agreeable. By nature he was somewhat diffident, but he was often very outspoken in his con- victions of duty. In public si)eech he was not an orator, but was chaste, earnest and persuasive. In business he was accurate and methodical, and in his adiTiinistration he kept up the credit of the State. He died in 1S65, at his home in Lebanon, St. Clair Co., 111. ->►■—<• ]f =u GOl'ERNOKS OF ILLINOIS. 147 [A^^fc^'^^^^I^Ak %m\ %. iEEttes0ii '©"'Wi'V'fej ■ '®- C) ^ X \f^ - «' >^ ^ ";OEL A. MATTESON, Governor ifew 1853-6, was born Aug. 8, 1808, rji in Jefferson County, New York, to which place his father had re- moved from Vermont three years before. His father was a farmer in fair circumstances, but a com- mon English education was all tliat his only son received. Young Joel first tempted fortune as a small tradesman in Prescott, Canada, before he was of age. He returned from that place to his home, entered an academy, taught school, visited the prin- cipal Eastern cities, improved a farm his father hail given him, made a tour in the South, worked there in building railroads, experienced a storm on the Gulf of Mexico, visited the gold diggings of Northern Georgia, and returned via Nashville to St. Louis and through Illinois to his father's home, when he mar- ried. In 1833, having sold his farm, he removed, ivith his wife and one child, to Illinois, and entered a claim on Government land near the head of An Sable River, in what is now Kendall County. At that time there were not more than two neighbors within a range of ten miles of Jiis place, and only three or four houses between him and Chicago. He opened a large farm. His family wa; boartJv-i' •" r miles away while he erected a house on his claim, sleeping, daring this time, under a rude pole shed. Here his life was once placed in imminent peril by a huge prairie rattlesnake sharing his bed. In T835 he bought largely at the Government land sales. During the speculative real-estate mania which broke out in Chicago in 1 836 and spread over the State, he sold his lands under the inflation of that period and removed to Joliet. In 1838 he became a heavy contractor on the Illinois & Michigan Canal. Upon the com|)letion of his job in 1841, when hard times prevailed, business at a stand, contracts paid in State scrip; when all the public works e.\cept the canal were abandoned, the State offered for sale 700 tons of railroad iron, which was purchased by Mr. Mat- teson at a bargain. This he accepted, shipped and sold at Detroit, realizing a very handsome profit, enough to pay off all his canal debts and leave him a surplus of several tlxjusand dollars. His enterprise next prompted him to start a woolen mill at Joliet, in which he prospered, and which, after successive enlargements, became an enormous establishment. In 1842 he was first elected a State Senator, but, by a l)ungling apportionment, John Pearson, a Senator holding over, was found to be in the same district, and decided to lie entitled to represent it. Mat- teson's seat was declared vacant. Pearson, however, with a nobleness difficult to appreciate in this day of ^ t 148 JOEL A. MATTESON. •> ~%. ^ greed for office, unwilling to represent his district under the circumstances, immediately resigned his unexpired term of two years. A bill was passed in a few hours ordering a new election, and in ten days' time Mr. Matteson was relumed rc-clecled and took his seat as Senator. From his well-known capacity as a business man, he was made Chairman of the Counnittee on Finance, a jjosition he iicld during this half and two full succeeding Senatorial terms, discliargingils ini|)orlant duties with ability and faith- fulness. Besides his extensive woolen-mill interest, when work was resumed on the canal under the new loan of i|r, 600,000 he again became a heavy con- tractor, and also subsequently operated largely in building railroads. Thus he showed himself a most energetic and thorough business man. He was nominated for Governor by the Demo- cratic State Convention which met at Springfield April 20, 1852. Other candidates before the Con- vention were D. L. Gregg and F. C. Sherman, of Cook ; John Dement, of Lee ; Thomas L. Harris, of Menard; Lewis W. Ross, of Fulton; and D. P. Bush, of Pike. Gustavus Koerner, of St. Clair, was nom- inated for Lieutenant Governor. For the same offices the Whigs nominated Edwin B. Webb and De.xter A. Knowlton. Mr. Matteson received 80,645 votes at the election, while Mr. Webb received 64,408. Mal- teson's forte was not on the stump; he had not cul- tivated the art of oily flattery, or the faculty of being all things to all men. His intellectual qualities took rather the direction of efficient executive ability. His turn consisted not so much in the adroit manage- ment of party, or the powerful advocacy of great gov- ernmental principles, as in those more solid and enduring operations which cause tlie physical devel- opment and advancement of a State, — of commerce and business enterprise, into wliich he labored with success to lead the people. As a politician he was just and liberal in his views, and both in official and private life he then stood untainted and free from blemish. As a man, in active benevolence, social rirtues and all the amiable qualities of neighbor or citizen, he had few superiors. His messages present a i)erspicuous array of facts as to the condition of the State, and are often couched in forcible and elegant ] diction. I I The greatest excitement during his term of office IT was the repeal of tlie Missouri Compromise, by Con- gress, under the leadership of Stephen A. Douglas in 1S54, when tlie bill was passed organizing the Terri- tory of Kansas and Nebraska. A large portion of the Whig party of the North, through their bitter op- position to tlie Democratic party, naturally drifted into the doctrine of anti-slavery, and thus led to what was temporarily called the " Anti-Neliraska " party, while the followers of Douglas were known as " Ne- braska or Douglars Democrats." It was during this embryo stage of the Republican party that Abraham I^incoln was brought forward as the "Anti-Nebraska " candidate for the United States Senalorship, while Gen. James Shields, the incumbent, was re-noiii- inaled by the Democrats. But after a fewballotings in the Legislature (1855), these men were dropped, and Lyman Trumbull, an Anti-Nebraska Democrat, was brought up by the former, and Mr. Matteson, then (Governor, by the latter. On the nth ballot Mr. Trumlnill obtained one majority, and was ac- cordingly declared elected. Before Gov. Matteson 's term expired, tliQ Republicans were fully organized as a national party, and in 185 6 put into the field a full national and State ticket, carrying the Stale, but not the nation. The Legislature of 1855 passed two very import- ant measures, — the present free-school system and a submission of the Maine liquor law to a vote of the peo[)le. The latter was defeated by a small majority of the [jopular vote. During the four years of Gov. Matteson's admin- istration the taxable wealth of the State was about trebled, from $!37,8iS, 079 to $349,951,272 ; the pub- lic debt was reduced from $17,398,985 to $[2,843,- 144; taxation was at the same time reduced, and the State resumed paying interest on its debt in Nev,' York as fast as it fell due; railroads were increased in their mileage from something less than 400 to about 3,000 ; and the population of Chicago was nearly doubled, and its commerce more than quad- rupled. Before closing this account, we regret that we have to say that Mr. Matteson, in all other respects an upright man and a good Governor, was imi)Iicated in a false re-issue of redeemed canal scrio, amount- ing to $224,182.66. By a suit in the Sangamon Cir- cuit Court the State recovered the principal and all the interest excepting $27,500. He died in the winter of 1872-3, at Chicago. fl ■•► ■ <• •T5;... a GOVJ^RNOJiS OF ILLINOIS. ■Jk- 'SI i' %«># m^ r [LLIAM H. BISSELL, Gov- ernor 1857-60, was born ;P April ' 25, 181 1, in the State of New York, near Painted Post, Yates County. His parents were obscure, honest. God-fearing people, reared their children under the daily example of industry and frugality, accord- ing to the custom of that class of Eastern society. Mr. Bissell received a respecta- ble but nut thorough academical education. By assiduous application he acquired a knowledge of medicine, and in his early manhood came West and located in Mon- roe County, this Slate, where he engaged in the practice of that profession. But he was not enam- ored of his calling: he was swayed by a broader ambition, to such an extent that the mysteries of the healing art and its arduous duties failed to yield him further any charms. In a few years he discovered his choice of a profession to be a mistake, and when he approached the age of 30 he sought to begin anew. Dr. Bissell, no doubt unexpectedly to him- self, discovered a singular facility and charm of speech, the exercise of which acquired for him a ready local notoriety. It soon came to be under- ^•— stood that he desired to abandon his profession and take up that of the law. During terms of Court he would spend his time at the county seat among the memljcrs of the Bar, who extended to him a ready welcome. It was not strange, therefore, that he should drift into [)ublic life. In 1840 he was elected as a Dem- ocrat to the Legislature from Monroe County, and was an eflicient member of that body. On his re- turn home he qualified himself for admission to the liar and speedily rose to the front rank as an advo- cate. His powers of oratory were captivating. With a pure diction, charming and inimitable gestures, clearness of statement, and a remarkable vein of sly humoi, his efforts before a jury told with irresistible effect. Me was chosen by the Legislature Prosecut- ing .Attorney for the Circuit in which he lived, and ill I hat position he fully discliarged his duty to the Stale, gained the esteem of the Bar, and seldom failed to convict the offender of the law. In stature he was somewhat tall and slender, and with a straight, military bearing, he presented a dis- tinguished appearance. His complexion was dark, his head well poised, though not large, his address pleasant and manner winning. He was exemplary in his habits, a devoted husband and kind parent. He was twice married, the first time to Miss James, w i f A WILLIAM H. BISSELl. of Monroe County, by whom he had two children, both daughters. She died soon after the year 1840, and Mr. B. married for his second wife a daughter of EUas K. Kane, previously a United States Senator from this State. She survived him but a short time, and died without issue. When the war with Mexico was declared in 1846, Mr. Bissell enlisted and was elected Colonel of his regiment, over Hon. Don Morrison, by an almost unanimous vote, — S07 to 6. Considering the limited opportunities he had had, he evinced a high order of military talent. On the bloody field of Buena Vista he acquitted himself with intrepid and distinguished ability, contributing with his regiment, the Second Illinois, in no small degree toward saving the waver- ing fortunes of our arms during that long and fiercely contested battle. After his return home, at the close of the war, he was elected to Congress, his opponents being the Hons. P. B. Fouke and Joseph Gillespie. He served two terms in Congress. He was an ardent politician. During the great contest of 1 85 o he voted in favor of the adjustment measures; but in 1854 he opposed the repeal of the Missouri Compromise act and therefore the Kansas-Nebraska bill of Douglas, and thus became identified with the nascent Republican party. During his first Congressional term, while the Southern members were following their old practice of intimidating the North by bullying language, and claiming most of the credit for victories in the Mexican War, and Jefferson Davis claiming for the Mississippi troops ail the credit for success at Buena Vista, Mr. Bissell bravely defended the Northern troops ; whereupon Davis challenged Bissell to a duel, which was accepted. This matter was brought uj) against Bissell when he was candidate for Governor and during his term of office, as the Constitution of this State forbade any duelist from holding a State office. In 1856, when the Republican party first put forth a candidate, John C. Fremont, for President of the United States, the same party nominated Mr. Bissell for Governor of Illinois, and John Wood, of Quincy, for Lieutenant Governor, while the Democrats nomi- nated Hon. W. A. Richardson, of Adams County, for Governor, and Col. R. J. Hamilton, of Cook County, for Lieutenant Governor. The result of the election was a plurality of 4,729 votes over Richard- son. The American, or Know-Nothing, party had a ticket in the field. The Legislature was nearly bal- anced, but was politically opposed to the Governor. His message to the Legislature was short and rather ordinary, and was criticised for expressing the sup- posed obligations of the people to the incorporators of the Illinois Central Railroad Company and for re- opening the slavery question by allusions to the Kansas troubles. Late in the session an apportion- ment bill, based upon the State census of 1855, was passed, amid much partisan strife. The Governor at first signed the bill and then vetoed it. A furious debate followed, and the question whether the Gov- ernor had the authority to recall a signature was referred to the Courts, that of last resort deciding in favor of the Governor. Two years afterward another outrageous attempt was made for a re-apportionment and to gerrymander the State, but the Legislature failed to pass the bill over the veto of the Governor. It was during Gov. Bissell's administration that the notorious canal scrip fraud was brought to light, implicating ex-Gov. Matteson and other prominent State officials. The principal and interest, aggregat- ing ;|25s,5oo, was all recovered by the State except- ing $27,500. (See sketch of Gov. Matteson.) In 1859 an attempt was discovered to fraudu- lently refund the Macalister and Stebbins bonds and thus rob the State Treasury of nearly a quarter of a million dollars. The State Government was impli- cated in this aff"air, and to this day remains unex- plained or unatoned for. For the above, and other matters previously mentioned. Gov. Bissell has been severely criticised, and he has also been most shame- fully libelled and slandered. On account of exposure in the army, the remote cause of a nervous form of disease gained entrance into his system and eventually developed jiaraplegia, affecting his lower extremities, which, while it left his body in comparative health, deprived him of loco- motion except by the aid of crutches. While he was generally hopeful of ultimate recovery, this myste- rious disease pursued him, without once relaxing its stealthy hold, to the close of his life, March 18, I S60, over nine months before the expiration of his gubernatorial term, at the early age of 48 years. He died in the faith of the Roman Catholic Church, of which he had been a member since 1S54. n ^^^J^^^ i^^cC >► jr -I*- I Governors of Illinois. *i ■55 -'¥3^ ^ -J-— \ OHN WOOD, Governoif 1860-1, and ^ the first settler of Quincy, III, was born in the town of Sempro- nius (now Moravia), Cayuga Co., N. Y., Dec. 20, 1798. He was the second child and only son of Dr. Daniel Wood. His mother, nee Catherine Crause, was of German parentage, and died while he was an infant. Dr. Wood was a learned and skillful physician, of classical attain- ments and proficient in several modern lai.guages, who, after serving throughout the Revolu- tionary War as a Surgeon, settled on tlieland granted him by the Government, and resided there a re- spected and leading influence in his section until his death, at the ripe age of 92 years. The subject of this sketch, impelled by the spirit of Western adventure then pervading everywhere, left his home, Nov. 2, i8i8, and passed the succeed- ing winter in Cincinnati, Ohio. The following sum- mer he pushed on to Illinois, landing at Shawneetown. and spent the fall and following winter in Calhoun County. In 1820, in company with Willard Keyes, he settled in Pike County, about 30 miles southeast of Quincy, where for the next two years he pursued farming. In 182 1 he visited "the Bluffs" (as the present site of Quincy was called, then uninhabited) and, pleased with its jjrospects, soon after purchased a quarter-section of land near by, and in the follow- ing fall (1S22) erected near the river a small cabin. 18 X 20 feet, the first building in Quincy, of which he then became the first and for some months the only occupant. About this time he visited his old friends in Pike County, chief of wliom was William Ross, the lead- ing man in building up the village of Atlas, of that county, which was thought then to be the possible commencement of a city. One day they and others were traveling together over the country between the two points named, making observations on the com- parative merits of the respective localities. On ap- proaching the Mississippi near Mr. Wood's place, the latter told his companions to follow him and he would show them wliere he was going to build a city. They went ai)out a mile off the main trail, to a high point, from which the view in every direction was most magnificent, as it had been for ages and as yet untouched by the hand of man. Before them swept by the majestic Father of Waters, yet unburdened by navigation. After Mr. Wood had expatiated at length on the advantages of the situation, Mr. Ross rej)hed, " But it's too near Atlas ever to amount to anytliing!" Atlas is still a cultivated farm, and Quincy is a city of over 30,000 population. In 1824 Mr. Wood gave a newspaper notice, ,is the law then prescribed, of his intention to apply lo the General Assembly for the formation of a new county. This was done the following winter, result- ing in the establishment of the present Adams County. During the next summer Quincy was se- lected as the county seat, it and the vicinity then containing but four adult male residents and half T t •>-I:=«- .t ISO TOHN WOOD. that number of females. Since that period Mr. Wood resided at the place of his early adoption un- til his death, and far more than any other man was he identified with every measure of its progress and history, and almost continuously kept in public posi- tions. He was one of the early town Trustees, and after the place became a city he was often a member of the City Council, many times elected Mayor, in the face of a constant large opposition political majority. In 1850 he was elected to the State Senate. In 1856, on the organization of the Republican party, he was chosen Lieutenant Governor of the State, on the ticket with Wm. H. Bissell for Governor, and on the death of the latter, March 18, 1860, he succeeded to the Chief Executive chair, wliich he occupied until Gov. Yates was inaugurated nearly ten months after- ward. Nothing very marked characterized tlie adminis- tration of Gov. Wood. The great anti-slavery cam- paign of i860, resulting in the election of the honest lUinoisan, Abraham Lincoln, to the Presidency of the United States, occurred during the short period while Mr. Wood was Governor, and the e.xcitement and issues of tliat struggle dominated over every other consideration, — indeed, supplanted them in a great measure. The people of Illinois, during all that time, were passing the comparatively petty strifes under Hissell's administration to tlie overwhelming issue of preserving the whole nalion from destruction. In 186 r ex-Gov. Wood was one of the five Dele- gates from Illinois to the " Peace Convention " at Washington, and in April of tiie same year, on the breaking out of the Rebellion, he was appointed Quartermaster-General of the State, which position he held throughout the war. In 1864 he took com- mand as Colonel of the 137th 111. Vol. Inf, with whom he served until the i)eriod of enlistment ex- j)ired. Politically, Gov. Wood was always actively identi- fied with tlie Whig and Republican parties. Few men have in personal experience comprehended so many surprising and advancing local changes as vested in the more than half century recollections of Gov. Wood. Sixty-four years ago a solitary settler on the "Bluffs," with no family, and no neighbor within a score of miles, the world of civilization away behind him, and the strolling red-man almost his only visitant, he lived to see growing around him, and under his auspices and aid, overspreading the wild hills and scraggy forest a teaming city, second only in size in the State, and surpassed nowhere in beauty, prosperity and promise ; whose people recog- nize as with a single voice the proverbial honor and liberality that attach to the name and lengthened life of their pioneer settler, "the old Governor." Gov. Wood was twice married, — first in January, 1826, to Ann M.'Streeter, daughlerof Josluia Streeter, formerly of Salem, Washington Co., N. Y. They had eight children. Mrs. W. died Oct. 8, 1863, and in June, 18C5, Gov. Wood married Mrs. Mary A., widow of Rev. Joseph T. Holmes. Gov. Wood died June 4, 1 880, at his residence in Quincy. Four of his eight children are now living, namely: \w\\ E., wife of Gen. John Tillson; Daniel C, who married Mary J. Abernethy; John, Jr., who married Josephine Skinner, and Joshua S., who married Annie Bradley. 'I'he last mentioned now resides at Atchison, Kansas, and all the rest are still at Quincy. i ■*~4^4. i GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 159 J^if lvaii,?(Cl •^it- |°^?^^ICHARD YATES, the "War ,: i'^ Governor," 1861-4, was born Jan. 18, 1818, on the banks of the Ohio River, at Warsaw, Gallatin Co., Ky. His father ^ moved in 1S31 to Illinois, and^ after stopping for a time in Springfield, settled at Island Grove, Sangamon County. Here, after attending school, Richard joined the family. Subseqtiently he entered Illinois College at Jacksonville, where, in 1S37, he graduated with first honors. He chose for his pro- fession the law, the Hon. J. J. Har- din being his instructor. After ad- mission to the Bar he soon rose to distinction as an advocate. Gifted with a fluent and ready oratory, he soon appeared in tiie political hustings, and, being a passionate admirer of the great Whig leader of the West, Henry Clay, he joined his political fortunes to the party of his idol. In 1840 he engaged with great ardor in the exciting " hard cider " campaign for Harrison. Two years later he was elected to the Legislature from Morgan County, a Democratic stronghold. He served three or four terms in the Legislature, and such was the fascination of his ora- tory that by 1850 his large Congressional Uisiriti, extending from Morgan and Sangamon Counties n jrth to include LaSalle, unanimously tendered him the Whig nomination for Congress. His Democratic o[)ponent was Maj. Thomas L. Harris, a very pop- ular man who had won distinction at the battle of C^erro Gordo, in the Mexican War, and who had beaten Hon. Stephen T. Logan for the same position. T* two years before, by a large majority. Yates vras elected. Two years later he was re-elected, over John Calhoun. It was during Yates' second term in Congress that the great question of the repeal of the Missouri Com- [tromise was agitated, and the bars laid down for re- opening the dreaded anti-slavery question. He took strong grounds against the repeal, and thus became identified with the rising Republican party. Conse- quently he fell into the minority in his district, which was pro-slavery. Even then, in a third contest, he fell behind Major Harris only zoo votes, after the district had two years before given Pierce 2,000 majority for President. The Republican State Convention of rS6o met at Decatur May 9, and nominated for the office of Gov- ernor Mr. Yates, in preference to Hon. Norman B. Judd, of Chicago, and Leonard Swett, of Blooming- ton, two of the ablest men of the State, who were also candidates before the Convention. Francis A. Hoffman, of DuPage County, was nominated for Lieutenant Governor. This was the year when Mr. Lincoln was a candidate for President, a period re- membered as characterized by the great whirlpool which preci|)itated the bloody War of the Rebellion. The Douglas Democrats nominated J. C. Allen of Crawford County, for Governor, and Lewis W. Ross, of Fulton County, for Lieutenant Governor. -The Ih-eckenridge Democrats and the Bell-Everett party had also full tickets in the field. After a most fear- ful campaign, the result of the election gave Mr. Yates 172,196 votes, and Mr. Allen 159,253. Mr. Vales received over a thousand more votes than did Mr. Lincoln himself. Gov. Yates occupied the chair of State during the *r t. 1 60 A RICHARD YATES. most critical period of our country's history. In the fate of the nation was involved that of each State. The life struggle of the former derived its sustenance from the loyalty of the latter; and Gov. Yates seemed to realize the situation, and proved himself both loyal and wise in upholding the Government. He had a deep hold upon the affections of the people, won by his moving eloquence and genial manners. Erect and symmetrical in person, of pre- possessing appearance, with a winning address and a magnetic power, few men possessed more of the ele- ments of popularity. His oratory was scholarly and captivating, his hearers hardly knowing why they were transported. He was social and convivial. In the latter respect he w.is ultimately carried too far. The very creditable military efforts of this State during the War of the Rebellion, in putting into the field the enormous number of about 200,000 soldiers, were ever promptly and ably seconded by his excel- lency ; and the was ambitious to deserve the title of "the soldier's friend." Immediately after the battle of Shiloh he repaired to the field of carnage to look after the wounded, and his appeals for aid were promptly responded to by tlie people. His procla- mations calling for volunteers were impassionate appeals, urging upon the peo|)le the duties and re- quirements of patriotism; and his special message in 1863 to the Democratic Legislature of this State pleading for material aid for the sick and wounded soldiers of Illinois regiments, breathes a deep fervor of noble sentiment and feeling rarely equaled in beauty or felicity of expression. Generally his mes- sages on political and civil affairs were able and com- prehensive. During his administration, however, there were no civil events of an engrossing character, althou_t;h two years of his time were replete with partisan quarrels of great bitterness. Military ar- rests, Knights of the Golden Circle, riot in Fulton County, attempted suppression of tlie Chicago Tiiius and the usurping State Constitutional Convention of 1862, were the chief local topics that were exciting during the Governor's term. This ('onvention assem- bled Jan. 7, and at once took tire higli (josition that the law calling il was no longer binding, and that il had supreme power; that it represented a virtual assemblage of the whole people of the State, and was sovereign in the exercise of all jxjwcr necessary to effect a peaceable revolution of the State Government and to the re-establishment of one for the "happiness, prosperity and freedom of the citizens," limited only by the Federal Constitution. Notwithstanding the law calling the Convention required its members to take an oath to support the Constitution of the State as well as that of the general Government, they utterly refused to take such oath. They also as- sumed legislative powers and passed several imix)rt- ant "laws!" Interfering with the (then) present executive duties. Gov. Yates was provoked to tell them plainly that " he did not acknowledge the right of the Convention to instruct him in the performance of his duty." In 1863 the Governor astonished the Democrats by " proroguing " their Legislature. This body, after a recess, met June 2, that year, and soon began to waste time upon various partisan resolutions ; and, while the two houses were disagreeing upon the question of adjourning «'«^ die, the Governor, having the authority in such cases, surprised them all by adjourning them " to the Saturday next preceding the first Monday in January, 1865 !" This led to great excitement and confusion, and to a reference of the Governor's act to the Supreme Court, who decided in his favor. Then it was the Court's turn to receive abuse for weeks and months afterward. During the autumn of 1S64 a conspiracy was de- tected at Chicago which had for its object the liber- ation of tiie prisoners of war at Camp Douglas, the burning of the city and the inauguration of rebellion in the North. Gen. Sweet, who had charge of the camp at the time, first had his suspicions of danger aroused by a number of enigmatically worded letters which passed through the Camp ])ostoffice. A de- tective afterward discovered that the rebel Gen. Marmaduke was in the city, under an assumed name, and he, with other rebel officers — Grenfell, Morgan, Canirell, Buckner Morris, and Charles Walsh — was arrested, most of whom were convicted liy a court-martial at Cincinnati and sentenced to imprisonment, — Grenfell to be hung. The sentence of the latter was afterward commuted to imprison- ment for life, and all the otiiers, after nine months' imprisonment, were pardoned. In March, 1873, Gov. Yates was appointed a Gov- ernment Director of the Union Pacific Railroad, in which office he continued until his decease, at St. Louis, Mo., on the 27th of November following. ■»► w <• i i W- H^.(y^ -U GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 163 Michard J. Ogleshy 4^s -^ 4 i^i»^i5l^^ICHARD J. OGLESBY, Gov- '«♦ ernor 1865-8, and re-elected in 1872 and 1884, was born July 25, 1824, in Oldham Co., Ky., — the State which might be considered the " mother of Illinois G(ivernors." Bereft of his parents at the tender age ^ of eight years, his early education was neglected. When 12 years of age, and after he had worked a year and a half at the carpenter's trade, he removed with an uncle, Willis Oglesby, into whose care he had been committed, to Decatur, this State, where he continued his ap- prenticeship as a mechanic, working si.K months for Hon. E. O. Smith. In 1844 he commenced studying law at Spring- field, with Judge Silas Robbins, and read with him one year. He was admitted to the Bar in 1845, and commenced the practice of his chosen profession at Sullivan, the county seat of Moultrie County. The next year the war with Mexico was com- menced, and in June, 1846, Mr. Oglesby volunteered, was elected First Lieutenant of Co. C', Fourth Illinois Regiment of Volunteers, and participated in tiie l)at- tles of Vera Crui; and Cerro (Joido. On his return he sought to perfect Ills law studies by attending a courr^e of lectures at Louisville, but on the breaking out of the California "gold fever " in 1849, he crossed the |)lains and mountains to the new Eldorado, driving a six-mule team, with a com- ^ pany of eight men, Henry Prather being the leader. In 1852 he returned home to Macon County, and was placed that year by the Whig party on the ticket of Presidential Electors. In 1856 he visited Europe, Asia and Africa, being absent 20 months. On his return home he resumed the practice of law, as a member of the firm of Gallagher, Wait & Oglesby. In 1858 he was the Republican nominee for the Lower House of Congress, but was defeated by the Hon. James C. Robinson, Democrat. In i860 he was elected to the Illinois State Senate ; and on the evening the returns of this election were coming in, Mr. Oglesby had a fisticuff encounter with " Cerro Gordo Williams," in which he came out victorious, and which was regarded as " the first fight of the Rebellion." The following spring, when the war had commenced in earnest, his ardent nature quickly responded to the demands of patriotism and he enlisted. The extra session of the Legislature elected him Colonel of the Eighth Illinois Infantry, the second one in the State raised to suppress the great Rebellion. He was shortly entrusted with important com- mands. For a time he was stationed at Bird's Point and Cairo ; in April he was promoted Brigadier Gen- eral ; at Fort Donelson his brigade was in the van, being stationed on the right of General Grant's army and the first brigade to be attacked. He lost 500 men before re-inforcements arrived. Many of these men were from Macon County. He was engaged in the battle of Corinth, and, in a brave charge at this place, was shot in the left lung with an ounce ball, and was carried from the field in expectation of im- ^^ t t <♦-■- 164 -•► RfCHARD J. OGLESBY mediate dcnth. That re',:el bill lie carries to this day. On his partial recovery he was promoted as Major General, for gdlantry, his commission to rank from November, 1862. In the spring of 1863 he was assigned to the command of the i6th Army Corps, but, owing to inability from the effects of his wound, he relinquished this command in July, that year. (ien. Grant, however, refused to accept his resignation, and he was detailed, in December follow- ing, to court-martial and try the Surgeon General of the Army at AVashington, where he remained until Vay, 1864, when he returned home. The Republican, or Union, State Convention of 1864 was held at Springfield, May 25, when Mr. Oglesby was nominated for the office of Governor, while other candidates before the Convention were Allen (L Fuller, of Boone, Jesse K. Dubois, of Sanga- mon, and John M. Palmer, of Macoupin. Wm. Bross, of Chicago, was nominated for Lieutenant Governor. On the fJemocratic State ticket were James C. Robinson, of Clark, for Governor, and S. Corning Judd, of Fulton, for Lieutenant Governor. The general election gave Gen. Oglesby a majority of about 31,000 votes. The Republicans had also a majority in both the Legislature and in the repre- sentation in Congress. Gov. Oglesby was duly inaugurated Jan. 17, 1865. The day before the first time set for his installation death visited his hjme at Decatur, and took from it his only son, an intelligent and sprightly lad of six years, a great favorite of the bereaved parents. This caused the inauguration to be postponed a week. The political events of the Legislative session of 1865 were the election of ex-(iov. Yates to the United States Senate, and the ratification of the 13th ainend.nent to the Constitution of the United States, abolishing slavery. This session also signalized itself by repealing the notorious " black laws," part of which, although a dead letter, had held their place upon the statute l)ooks since 1819. Also, laws re- quiring the registration of voters, and establishing a State Board of Ktiuahzation, were passed by this Leg- islature. But the same body evinced that it was cor- ruptly infiuenccd by a mercenary lobby, as it adopted some bad legislation, over the Governor's veto, nota- bly an amendment to a charter for a Chicago horse railway, granted in r859 for 25 years, and now sought to be extended 99 years. As this measure was promptly passed over his veto by both branches of the Legislature, he deemed it useless further to attempt to check their headlong career. At this session no law of a general useful character or ])ublic interest was perfected, unless we count such the turning over of the canal to C'hicago to be deepened. The session of 1867 was still nn)re productive of jirivate and special acts. Many omnibus bills were proposed, and some passed. The contests over the location of the Industrial College, the Capital, the Southern Penitentiary, and the canal enlargement and Illinois River improvement, dominated every thing else. During the year 1872, it became evident that if the Republicans could re-elect Mr. Oglesby to the office of Governor, they could also elect him to the United States Senate, which they desired to do. Accordingly they re-nominated him for the Execu- tive chair, and jilaced upon the ticket with hiin for Lieutenant Governor, John L. Beveridge, of Cook County. On the other side the Democrats i)ut into the field Gustavus Koerner for Governor and John C. Black for Lieutenant Governor. The election gave the Republican ticket majorities ranging from 35'334 to 56,174, — the Democratic defection being caused mainly by their having an old-time Whig and Abolitionist, Horace Greeley, on the national ticket for President. According to the general understand- ing had beforehand, as soon as the Legislature met it elected Gov. Oglesby to the United States Senate, whereupon Mr. Beveridge became Governor. Sena- tor Oglesby's term expired March 4, 1879, having served his party faithfully and exhibited an order of statesmanship beyond criticism. During the campaign of 1884 Mr. Oglesby was nominated for a "third term" as Executive of the State of Illinois, against Carter H. Harrison, Mayor of Chicago, nominated by the Democrats. Both gentlemen "stumped " the State, and while the peo- l)le elected a Legislature which was a tie on a joint ballot, as between the two parties, they gave the jovial " Dick" Oglesby a majority of 15,018 for Gov- ernor, and he was inaugurated Jan. 30, 1S85. The Legislature did not fully organize until this date, on acctnint of its ecpial division between the two main parties and the consequent desperate tactics of each party to checkmate the latter in the organization of the House. Gov. Oglesby is a fine-appeaimg, allaiile man, with regular, well defined features and rotund face. In stature he is a little above medium height, of a large frame and somewhat fleshy. His physical appear- ance is striking and prepossessing, while his straight- out, not to say bluff, manner and speech are well calculated fivorably to impress the average masses. .'Vrdent in feeling and strongly committed to the pol- icies of his jjarty, he intensifies Re]niblicanism among Republicans, while at the same lime his iovial and liberal manner prevents those of the opposite party from hating him. He 'S quite an effective stunq) orator. \Vilh vehe- ment, passionate and scornful tone and gestures, tremendous physical power, which in speaking he exercises to the utmost; with frequent descents to the grotesque; and with abundant homely compari- sons or frontier figures, expressed in the broadest vernacular and enforced with stentorian emphasis, he delights a promiscuous audience beyond measure. i t ■<•• GO VERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 107 W^^'^"^^^^^^^-*- m JownII.. Palmer 'Wl^ ti'^^^^tlf^- i. - •>?-=* 3"«!HilJ>5®>o ■§ AULEY PALMER, Gov- *s crnor 1869-72, was born on E^^gle Creek, Scott Co., Ky , Sept. 13, 1817. • During his in- -* fancy, his father, who had been a soldier in the war of 181 2, re- moved to Christian Co., Ky., where lands were cheap. Here the future Governor of the great Prairie State spent his childliood and received such meager school- ing as the new and sparsely set- tled country afforded. To this he added materially by diligent reading, for which he evinced an His father, an ardent Jackson man, was also noted for his anti-slavery sentiments, whicli he thoroughly impressed upon his children. In 1831 he emigrated to Illinois, settling in Madison County. Here the labor of improving a farm was pursued for about two years, when the death of Mr. Palmer's mother broke up the family. About this tune Alton College was opened, on the "manual labor " system, and in the spring of 1834 young Palmer, with his elder brother, Elihu, entered this school and remained 18 months. Next, for over three years, he tried variously coopering, peddling and school-teaching. During the summer of 1838 he formed the ac^ quaintance of Stephen A. Douglas, then making his ^« eaily aptitude. first canvass for Congress. Young, eloquent and in political accord with Mr. Palmer, he won his confi- dence, fired his ambition and fixed his purpose. The following winter, while teaching near Canton, he be- gan to devote his spare time to a desultory reading of law, and in the spring entered a law office at Car- linville, making his home with his elder brother, Elihu. (Tlie latter was a learned clergyinan, of con- siderable orginality of thought and doctrine.) On the next meeting of the Supreme Court he was ad- mitted to the Bar, Douglas being one of his e.vaminers. He was not immediately successful in his profession, and would have located elsewhere than Carlinville had he the requisite means. Thus his early poverty was a blessing in disguise, for to it he now attributes the success of his life. From 1839 on, while he diligently pursued his profession, he participated more or less in local politics. In 1843 he became Probate Judge. In 1847 he was elected to the State Constitutional Con- vention, where he took a leading part. In 1852 he was elected to the State Senate, and at the special session of February, 1854, true to the anti-slavery sentiments bred in him, he took a firm stand in op position to the repeal of the Missouri Compromise; and when the Nebraska question became a party issue he refused to receive a re-nominatiun for the Senatorship at the hands of the Democracy, issuing a circular to that effect. A few weeks afterward, — •^ t ,t i68 JOHN MC AULEY PALMER. ^ r however, hesitating to break with his party, he par- ticipated in a Congressional Convention which nomi- T. L. Harris against Richard Yates, and which unqualifiedly approved the principles of the Kansas- Nebraska act. But later in the campaign he made the plunge, ran for the Senate as an Anti-Nebraska Democrat, and was elected. The following winter he put in nomination for the , United States Senate Mr. Trumbull, and was one of the five^steadfast men who voted for him until all the Whigs came to their support and elected their man. In 1856 he was Chairman of the Re|)al)lican State Convention at Bloomington. He ran for Congress in 1859, but was defeated. In i860 he was Republican Presidential Elector for the State at large. In 1861 he was appointed one of the five Delegates (all Re- publicans) sent by Illinois to the peace congress at Washington. When the civil conflict broke out, he offered his services to his country, and was elected Colonel of the 14th 111. Vol. Inf., and participated in the engagements at Island No. 10; at Farmington, where he skillfully extricated his command from a dangerous position ; at Stone River, where his division for several hours, Dec. 31, 1862, held the advance and stood like a rock, and for his gallantry there he was made Major General ; at Chickamauga, where his and Van Cleve's divisions for two hours maintained their position when they were cut off by overpowering numbers. Under Gen, Sherman, he was assigned to the 14th Army Corps and participated in the Atlanta campaign. At Peach-Tree Creek his prudence did much to avert disaster. In February, 1865, Gen. Palmer was as- signed to the military administration of Kentucky, which was a delicate post. That State was about half rebel and half Union, and those of the latter clement were daily fretted by the loss of their slaves, lie, who had been bred to the rules of common law, trembled at the contemplation of his extraordinary power over the persons and property of his fellovv men, with which he was vested in his capacity as military Governor; and he exhibited great caution in the execution of the duties of his post. Gen. Palmer was nominated for Governor of Illi- nois by the Re|)ublican State Convention which met at Peoria May 6, 1868, and his nomination would probably Iiave been made by acclamation had he not persistently declared that he could not accept a can- didature for the office. The result of the ensuing election gave Mr. P.ilmer a majority of 44,707 over John R. Rden, the Democratic nominee. On the meeting of the Legislature in January, i86g, the first thing to arrest public attention was that portion of the Governor's message which took broad Slate's rights ground. This and some minor points, which were more in keeping with the Demo- cratic sentiment, constituted the catering wed.;e fir the criticisms and reproofs he afterward received from the Re|)ublican party, and ultim uely resulted in his entire aleniation from the latter element. The Legislature just referred to was noted for the intro- duction of numerous bills in the interest of private parties, which were embarrassing to the Governor. Among the public acts passed was that which limited railroad charges for passenger travel to a maximum of three cents per mile ; and it was passed over the Governor's veto. Also, they passed, over his veto, the "tax-grabbing law" tc pay r-'.ilror.i subscriptions, the Chicago Lake Front bill, etc. The iiew State Constitution of 1870, far superior to the old, was a lieaceful " revolution " which took place during Gov. Palmer's term of office. The suffering caused by the great Chicago Fire of October, 187 1, was greatly alleviated by the prompt responses of his excellency. Since the expiration of Gov. Palmers 's term, he has been somewhat prominent in Illinois politics, and has been talked of by many, especially in the Dem- ocratic party, as the best man in the State for a United States Senator. His business during life has been that of the law. Few excel him in an accurate appreciation of the depth and scope of its principles- The great number of his able veto messages abun- dantly testify not only this but also a rare capacity to point them out. He is a logical and cogent reasoner and an interesting, forcible and convincing speaker, though not fluent or ornate. Without brilliancy, his dealings are rather with facts and ideas than with appeals to passions and prejudices. He is a patriot and a statesman of very high order. Physically he is above the medium height, of robust frame, ruddy complexion and sanguine-nervous temperament He has a large cranial development, is vivacious, social in disposition, easy of approach, unostentatious in his habits of life, democratic in his habits and manners and is a true American in his fundamental principles of statesman'ihiD. t ^^^ I .#:- ^^/7r^<.^oC^ (/ ^^-^s;u*^;s-«'S':c«»S;S-«^=S'?'S;s«^;s^«&«'^;s"S'^;s^^;s#*S;S-«'^i^5«>^is«^tg* II %\ ^;g.^g;;e^:g.^;^^^ig^g;g^g;^,#.g;^^a;s^;^»^;a^i^'S<^i^^i^#^;g-^-si^ ^««-^'^ OHN MARSHALL HAMIL- TON, Governor 1883-5, was born May 28, 1847, in a log liouse upon a farm about two miles from Richwood, Union County, Ohio. His father was Samuel Hamilton, the eldest son of Rev. Wm. Hamilton, who, to- gether with his brother, the Rev. Samuel Hamilton, was among the early pioneer Methodist preachers in Ohio. The mother of the subject of this sketch was, before her marriage, Mrs. Nancy McMorris, who was born and raised in Fauquier or Lou- doun County, Va., and related to the two large families of Youngs and Marshalls, well known in that commonwealth ; and from the latter family name was derived the middle name of Gov. Hamilton. Li March, 1854, Mr. Hamilton's father sold out his Httle pioneer forest home in Union County, O., and, loading his few household effects and family (of six children) into two emigrant covered wagons, moved to Roberts Township, Marshall Co., 111., being 2 1 days on the route. Swamps, unbridged streams and innumerable hardships and privations met them uii their way. Their new home had been previously selected by the father. Here, after many long years of toil, they succeeded in paying for the land and making a comfortaWe home. John was, of course, ^* brought up to hard manual labor, with no schooling except three or four months in the year at a common country school. However, he evmced a capacity and taste for a high order of self-education, l)y studying or reading what books be could borrow, as the family had but very few in the house. Much of his study he prosecuted by the light of a log fire in the old-fashioned chimney place. The financial panic of 1857 caused the family to come near losing their home, to pay debts; but the father and two sons, William and John, "buckled to" and perse vered in hard labor and economy until they redeemed their place from the mortgage. When the tremendous excitement of the political campaign of i860 reached the neighborhood of Rob- erts Township, young Hamilton, who had been brought up in the doctrine of anti-slavery, took a zeal- ous part in favor of Lincoln's election. Making special efforts to procure a little money to buy a uniform, he joined a company of Lincoln Wide-Awakes at Mag- nolia, a village not far away. Directly after the ensuing election it became evident that trouble would ensue with the South, and this Wide-Awake company, like many others throughout the country, kept up its organization and transformed itself into a military company. During the ensuing summer they met often for drill and became proficient ; but when they offered themselves for the war, young Hamilton was rejected on account of his youth, he being then but 14 years of age. During the winter of 1863-4 he attended an academy at Henry, Marshall County. -•► i t -4^ 1, 80 JOHN MARSHALL HAMILTON. ■*^r* and in the following May he again enlisted, for the fourth time, when he was placed in the 141st 111. Vol. Inf., a regiment then being raised at Elgin, 111., for the 100-day service. He took with hiui 13 other lads from his neighborhood, for enlistment in the service. This regiment operated in Southwestern Kentucky, for about five months, under Gen. Paine. The following winter, 1864-5, ^''- Hamilton taught school, and during the two college years 1865-7, he went through three years of the curriculum of the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio. The third year he graduated, the fourth in a class of 46, in the classical department. In due time he received the degree of M. A. For a few months he was the Principal of Marshall " College " at Henry, an acad- emy under the auspices of the M. E. Church. By this time he had commenced the study of law, and after earning some money as a temporary Professor of Latin at the Illinois Wesleyan University at Bloomington, he entered the law office of Weldon, Tipton & Benjamin, of that city. Each member of this firm has since been distinguished as a Judge. .\dmitted to the Bar in May, 1870, Mr. Hamilton was given an interest in the same firm, Tipton hav- ing been elected Judge. In October following he formed a i)artnership with J. H. Rowell, at that time Prosecuting Attorney. Their business was then small, but they increased it to very large proportions, practicing in all grades of courts, including even the U. S. Supreme Court, and this partnership continued unbroken until Feb. 6, 1883, when Mr. Hamilton was sworn in as Execative of Illinois. On the 4th of March following Mr. Rowell took his seat in Con- gress. In July, 1871, Mr. Hamilton married Miss Helen M. Williams, the daughter of Prof. Wni. G, Williams, Professor of Greek in the Ohio Wesleyan University. Mr. and Mrs. H. have two daughters and one son. In 1876 Mr. Hamilton was nominated by the Re- publicans for the Stale Senate, over other and older competitors. He took an active pait ''on the stump" in tiie campaign, for the success of his party, and was elected by a majority of 1,640 over his Democratic- Greenback opponent. In the Senate he served on the Committees on Judiciary, Revenue, State Insti- tutions, Appropriations, Education, and on Miscel- lany ; and during the contest for the election of a U. S. Senator, the Republicans endeavoring to re- r elect John A. Logan, he voted for the war chief on every ballot, even alone when all the other Republi- cans had gone over to the Hon. E. B. Lawrence and the Democrats and Independents elected Judge David Davis. .A.t this session, also, was passed the first Board of Health and Medical Practice act, of which Mr. Hamilton was a champion, aga'"^' much opposition that the bill was several times " laid on the table." Also, this session authorized the location and establishment of a southern pe''"- tentiary, which was fixed at Chester. In the sessior: of 1879 Mr. Hamilton was elected President //i; /<•>«. of the Senate, and was a zealous supporter of John A. Logan for the U. S. Senate, who was this time elected without any trouble. In May, 1880, Mr. Hamilton was nominated on the Rei)ublican ticket for Lieutenant Governor, his principal competitors before the Convention being Hon. Wm. A. James, ex-Speaker of the House of Representatives, Judge Robert Bell, of Wabash County, Hon. T. T. Fountain, of Perry County, and Hon. M. M. Saddler, of Marion County. He engaged actively in the campaign, and his ticket was elected by a majority of 41,200. As Lieutenant Governor, he presided almost continuously over the Senate in the 32d General Assembly and during the early days of the 33d, until he succeeded to tlie Governorsliip. When the Legislature of 1883 elected Gov. Cullom to the United States Senate, Lieut. Gov. Hamilton succeeded him, under the Constitution, taking the oath of office Feb. 6, 1883. He bravely met all the annoyances and embarrassments incidental upon taking up another's administration. The principal events with which Gov. Hamilton was connected as the Chief Executive of the State were, the mine dis- aster at Braidwood, the riots in St. Clair and Madison Counties in May, 18S3, the appropriations for the State militia, the adoption of the Harper high-license liquor law, the veto of a dangerous railroad bill, etc. The Governor was a Delegate at large to the National Republican Convention at Chicago in June, 1884, where his first choice for President was John A. Logan, and second choice Chester A. Arthur; but he afterward zealously worked for the election of Mr. Blaine, true to his party. Mr. Hamilton's term as Governor expired Jan. 30, ' 1885, when the great favorite " Dick " Oglesby was , inaugurated. -^ Jf^ <• f ■<^ ••p^m-4* Ji^ uinom^ I i *► ■ •^- McLEAN COUNTY. I: '^^ r^^ mm -is-' INTRODUCTORY, ip. '^ ^ ' ble iii.iterial foi" this work has already been so hirge that only a brief historical mention of the county can je given, or can be expected. McLean County is situated very near the geographical center of the State of Illinois, and in area is the largest county in the State, comprising 1,154 square miles. It ranks tliiid in population, having about (JOjOOO inhabitants, and is Q^ only excelled by Cook and La Salle Counties. In material de- veloimient and production of soil, it unquestionably stands first. Its American settlers arc principally from Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, Indiana .and Kentucky, the Ohioans outnninl)ering those from au}' one of the other States. The bulk of the foreign po|)ulation, which is not large, is made up about equally of Germans and Irish, while there are some from En- gland, Scotland and France. If space would permit we should like to go back and dwell at length on the Aboriginal occupation, the French possession, the British conquest in 17C3, and to the time when Gen. George Rogers Clark, representing and under the authority of the then great commonwealth of Virginia, came out and captured this entire region from the British. It would be pleasant to trace the history of this coun- try through the various changes, as it was known after the last conquest under the name of the Illi- nois County, and later on when it was called the Northwestern Territory, and afterward as the Ter- i ritory of Indiana, and follow it along from 1809, when it became the Territory of Illinois, and in 1818, when it Ijecame one of the bright stars in the American Republic. During all these varied changes, and under all these governmental authori- ties, the territory now embraced by McLean County took its part, and was an important factor. It was not, however, until 1822, that this particular portion of the State of Illinois was actually settled by the white man. It is not to be supposed that this w.as the first visitation of the white man, for undoubtedly events occurred here in which the white man took part long before this period. It is believed that the French and Indians had many camp-fires together, in the l)eautifnl groves that abound in this county, when on their way from Lake Michigan to Cahokia and K.askaskia; and the early Indian traders and hunters had their stations about here, for the early settlers frequentl3' found clearings in the woods. It w.as in this region also, th.at Gen. Hopkins' army became involved in its expedition against the Indians of the Illinois and Wabash Rivers, many of whom had participated in the Chicago massacre. John Hendrix and family were the first settlers in the territory now embraced by the county, they locating at what is known as Blooming Grove in the spring of 1822. Hendrix was soon joined by .John W. Dawson and family. Blooming Grove seemed to be an attractive spot to the earliest settlers, for they all located about it. The spring of 1823 found the Orendorff families, William and Thomas, John Benson and W. H. Hodge in neigh- borly proximity to the settlers of 1822. This year Gardner Randolph settled at what was subsequently known as Randolph's (irove. In the spring of T; ^ h ^^ i McLEAN COUNTY. 1824, Absalom and Isaac Funk and William Brock made a settlement at what is now called Funk's Grove. They were soon joined by others, among whom were the Stubblelield family. «o rich and fair a region of country lying in the wake of emi- gration, when once known and opened to settle- ment could not otherwise than be rapidly populated. The territory now known as McLean has been under the jurisdiction of different counties. The year previous to the State's admission into the Un- ion, it was under the control of Crawford County. In 1819, after the admission, Clark County had jurisdiction. The first settlers, however, owed their allegiance to Fayette County, which was or- ganized in 1821, and extended northward as far as the Illinois River. It was subsequently attached to Tazewell County, and was under its jurisdiction when the county of McLean was organized by an act of the Legislature, approved Dec. 22, 1830. It was named in honor of John McLean, twice elected United .States Senator from Illinois. When the .settlers first came in the Indians were quite numerous, mostly belonging to the Kickapoos, Delawares and Pottawatomies, the Kickapoos hav- ing the largest number. Most of these left before the end of the year 1829, though at the breaking out of the Black Hawk War in 1832, there was a sufficient number of Indians in this section to cause consideralile uneasiness among the people. The early settlers of McLean Countj' found plenty of wild game iiere, such as deer, turkeys, wolves, and the smaller birds. They were gener- ally good hunters, and their guns suiiplied for their families what tlie markets of the present daj' fur- nish. The pelts of the wild animals were to the pioneers an important article of commerce, as they furnished the means, in ab.scnce of ready cash, of suiiplying the w.ants (if domestic life. Beeswax and honey were also a valuable commodity in those early days. They did not have to contend in this section of the country, as tiiey did elsewhere, with hostile In- dians, but they had foes almost as dreaded in ma- larial diseases, and prairie fires. One carried off hundreds of persons, while the other destroyed crops and homes. But as improvements multiplied and the land became cultiv;it(Hl .-ind drained, these enemies to the peojile disapiioared. It was not many years before the pioneers found tliemselves in the midst of a populous and cultivated com- munity. Schools and churches had been estab- lislied, cities founded, railroads constructed, and civilization and culture, with all their attractive features, possessed the land. In many respects McLean is one of tiie finest and foremost.countu^s in tlie State. It is free from the severities of winter which afflict the more northern counties, and free from the oppressive heat tiiat is experienced in the southern ones. Aliout one-nintii of the surface is covered with groves, wiiicli afford shade and add beauty to the landscape. Lil^e all portions of the Mississippi Valley, the surface inclination is toward the south- west. It is moderately rolling, free from extreme flatness as well as from aljrupt changes, which makes it exceednigly easy of tillage. Its summit elevati(m is about 220 feet above Lake Michigan, and about 795 feet above the ocean. The country is well supplied with running water by the incip- ient streams that contribute to the formation of the Sangamon, Vermilion, Mackinaw and Kicka- poo Rivers and Sugar Creek. Good water is found in all parts of the county at reasonable depths, and in the nortliern part are many fine springs. Kxtensive coal beds underlie the surface formation, from which a good article of market- able coal is obtained. The soil is unsurpassed in its fertility, and is adapted to the r.aising of all kinds of cereals, yet more attention is given to stock-raising, the value of which exceeds that of any county west of the Alleghanies. Tlie educational facilities of McLean are unex- celled by any county in the State. In addition to her public schools, which are superior, she has two distinguished institutions of learning, the reputa- tion of which lias extended far and wide. These are tlie Illinois Weslej'an Universit}' located at Bioomington, and the State Normal Universit3-. Another institution located at Normal is the Sol- diers' Orphans' Home. The buildings of these in- stitutions are ornamental in their architecture, and are commodious and substantial. The Indians and the wilderness have passed away, living now only in liistory, or in the mem- ories of the pioneers who yet remain. In their stead are well cultivated farms and fine cities, peopled with an intelligent population, and sur- rounded by the arts and refinements of an advanced civilization. Those by whose wisdom and indus- try this change has been produced, can contem- plate witli commendable pride, the grand trans- formation. Taking a retrospective view of the past, and contemplating the present, the contrast of the two periods comes vividly upon the mind. Before them to-d,ay, resting in quiet grandeur, is a fair civilization, with happy homes basking be- neatli the sunlight of culture and domestic peace ; before them to-day is a complete social and politi- cal society, standing out in bold relief, radiant with the bright light of Christianity, fostered by American institutions and shining respleiulent with American freedom. ■T -^4' ' k DAVID DAVIS t. M^ ,t McLEAN COUNTY. 187 5;s^^;s-'^:S-^i>S:ic*S;&#s:;f'i««:^'«»^:s#s:!r*S:&'*^:S'S^:&**£;S*S:g-«-s;s-*^;s* HE HON. DAVID DAVIS, jg the eminent Judge, Jurist aud Statesman, was born in Cecil County, Md., March 9, 1815, and departed this life June 20; 1886, at Bloom- ington. He had lived out more than the usual period allotted to man, but the immediate cause of his demise was diabetes, superinduced by a complication of carbuncle and erysipelas. In the early morning, when the intel- ligence of his dissolution spread through the city, on every face was depicted an expression of sorrow. Flags were dis- played at half-mast, and the bells of the city echoed the sad news. Later in the day houses were draped, and Bloomington assumed an air of deep mourning. Cecil County lies on the eastern shore of Mai-y- land, but a few miles from our National Capital, and here young David spent his youthful daj^s l)e- neath the parental roof. During this period he had made several visits to Washington, the impressions of which remained with him through life, and which he often related to friends in his later years. It was during these visits that the ambition to become President of the United States was planted in his mind. This very laudable desire remained with him even after he had ceased to be in public life, and he waited at his beautiful home in Blooming- ton for its realization, like Cincinnatus from his 4* plow. lie was modest and diffident about this am- bition, however, as though it were a mere childish whim, and was sensitive at any allusion by stran- gers to the subject, although he was wont to con- verse freely of the matter with his friends. After completing his preliminary studies young Davis was placed in Kenyon College, Ohio, where he graduated Sept. 4, 1832. In October following he commenced the study of law at Lenox, Mass., in the office of Judge Henry W. Bishop, where he remained two years. From there he went into the New Haven Law School, continuing his studies un- til the fall of 1835. After receiving his license to practice he settled in Fekin, Tazewell County, 111., and opened a law office, but one year later removed to Bloomington and took up his abode, where he lived until his earthly labors ended. Upon coming here he took possession of the office of Jesse W. Fell, whom he succeeded as an attorney and coun- selor, the latter having given up his practice to en- gage in the real-estate business. Though not an orator, or what might be called a very fluent speaker, he was successful in his practice, and soon obtained an enviable position in the profession. Before leaving the East Mr. Davis formed the acquaintance of Sarah, the accomplished daughter of Judge Walker, of Lenox, Mass., with whom he w.as united in marriage Oct. 30, 1838. Of this un- ion there are two children living — George P. and a daughter, Mrs. Sarah D. Swayne, both residents of Bloomington. The mother died in 1879. By his second marriage, which was consummated soon after ■•► I t Mf ^i 188 McLEAN COUNTY. his retirement fn»ii the Ifnitod Slates Senate, there was no issue. From the time he became a citizen of Illinois Mr. Davis tooli an active part in politics. In 1840 he was a candidate on the Whig ticket for State Senator. In 1S44 he was elected to the Legisla- ture. In 1 847 he was elected a member of the Constitutional Convention, and the j'ear following was chosen Judge of the Eighth Judicial District. He was re-elected twice, and served continuouslj^ as Judge of this circuit until 186'2, when he was called b}' his old friend. President Lincoln, to fill one of the highest positions within the gift of this Gov- ernment, as Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. He occupied this exalted position for fifteen years, or u]itil 1877, when he left the Supreme Bench for the National Legislature, suc- ceeding Gen. John A. Logan as Senator from this State. There have been greater law students than David Davis, but no greater Judges. It was said by one of his eminent colleagues tliat he know just enough of law to be a great Judge and not enough to spoil him. His talents were in the direction of common sense, and rose into the region of genius. He never lost sight of the practical ends of litigation. To him the facts of tlie ease were the integral part of it. He was fair ami imjiartial, and rQse above Ijrejudice without for a moment forgetting the object in view, which w.as not to spin fine legal theories, but to promote the ends of justice. No jurist seeking a model could do better than to study the record made by Judge Davis while on the Supreme Bench of the United States. There is no other tri- bunal in this world that can compare witli this. Since the organization of this (Government there have been forty-niue Supreme Court Justices, some of whom have been Chief Justices, but each practi- cally having the same authority. Any law passed by Congress can be brought before this Court for its crucical analysis, and from its judgment there is no appeal. More than one narr(»\v escape the coun- try lias had fri>m the abuse of this authority, one of tiie most notable of which was the legal-tender act, which was |)ut upon its Constitutional trial, and made to show cause uiiy it should not be re- )udiat('d and thrown nut of the window of the Su- •►■^4^ preme Court. Chief Justice Chase, its putative father, was fast yielding to this when Judge Davis made a bold and successful stand, and thus pre- vented the act from being strangled to death. Thus the best monetary system the world ever saw was saved to bless mankind. The last judicial act of Judge Davis, though it may seem a paradox, was a refusal to preside in a judicial capacity. lie had been elected by the Legislature of Illinois to the Senate. About this time he was placed on the Hllectoral Commission as one of the referees to determine which one of the Presidential candidates voted for in 187() was le- gally elected. He refused to act, upon the ground that, being a State Senator, at least in embryo, he could not with propriety serve. The ever memorable year of 18G0, memorable not only to the State of Illinois, but to the whole country, may be considered the year in which the subject of this sketch entered upon a career which carried him be3'ond the confines of his State, and gave him a national reputation. This was the year that witnessed the nomination of Illinois' greatest son for the highest position within the gift t)f the American people. To David Davis the credit is due more than to any other man for bringing for- ward and finally securing the nomination at the Chicago. Convention, of Al)raham Lincoln as the Republican candidate for President of the United Slates. In this he was assisted greatlj" by his old friend and fellow-townsman, Jesse W. Fell. Before this Judge Davis had never taken any jjart in Na- tional politics, but this year he sought and secured the election as one of the Senatorial Deleg.ites at the Decatur State Convention, and some days i)rior to the Chic^ago Conventi(.in he, with others, opened tiie Lincoln headquarters at the Tremont House. He api)ointed himself M.aster of Ceremonies, called aides about him, set them to work, and took the en- tire management of Lincoln's candidacy into his own hands. Oglesby w.as sent into the pit of the " wigwam " to work enthusiasm there and appoint committees to all llie Stale delegations to i)opular- ize Lincoln. No one questioned the right of Judge Davis to do this, or doubted his judgment. He w.as a natural liorii leader, never gave ni), iu'ver faltereil or made any mistakes. The result of this i i t -<•- t McLEAN COUNTY. 189 was that his old friend, who had for so manj' years tried cases before his court, wlio had ridden witli liim on the circuit, swam rivers with him, who had sat with him around the fireplace of the country hos- telry late o' nights telling quaint and funny stories — Abraham Lincoln — was nominated as the Re- imblican candidate for rresident of the United States. In 1872 Judge Davis himself came prominently before the people as a third-party man for the Presidential nomination. His name was endorsed for this by the labor reformers at the Columbus Convention, and this through jealousy defeated his nomination by the Liberal Republican Convention at Cincinnati. It has been thought by many promi- nent politicians that had Mr. Davis instead of Mr. Greeley been nominated at the Cincinnati Conven- tion, he would, as did Greeley, have received the en- dorsement by the Democratic Convention at Balti- more, which would have secured his election. Judge Davis took his seat in the United States Senate on the 4th of March, 1877. From his first entrance into this bod}' he was an influential and distinguish(!d member, and so remained until his re- tirement in 1883. Although possessing but little legislative experience he ranked with the great men of the Senate, serving on the Judiciary Committee with Conkling, Edmonds, Carpenter, Thurman, Garland, and other eminent lawyers of that body. Though the ambition of his life was not yet real- ized, he came within one degree of it as a Presi- dential possibility. Only one life stood between him and this exalted position, tiiat of President Ar- thur. From October, 1881, to March, 1883, he was the acting Vice President of the United States and presiding officer of the Senate. Judge Davis was a very kind-hearted man, and disliked much to see men at variance with each other, and he could not understand why an}' man should think ill of him. His heart was as tender as a woman's, and he was as susceptible to flattery as a school-girl. A kind word was always remembered and an unkind one speedily forgotten. Senator Conkling was one day making a great speech in the Senate, on a subject in which there were fine legal points, and often he would turn to Senator Davis as though addressing him. The latter was a little annoyed at being singled out as a target for the great Senator's eloquence, and once interrupted him, asking why his remarks seemed directed at him. Mr. Conkling drew himself up to his full height and quietly, but with great dignity, an- swered, "When the Musselman prays he turns iiis face toward Mecca. When I speak of law, I can- not resist the temptation to address myself to the most eminent and and learned jurist in the Senate, a man who left the highest tribunal in the world to give this body the honor of his presence and the .benefit of his wisdom." These two great men were always the warmest of friends, and during his Sena- torial term Judge Davis was constantly seeking to reconcile Conkling with the men whom he disliked, and they were not few. Among these was Blaine. One d.ay the two met accidentally in Mr. Davis' committee room. It was an occasion he had long sought, and joy filled his big heart. " Novv look here," he said in his familiar way to the two Sena- tors, who were standing lilve icebergs beside him, " Y(ju two fellows have been enemies long enough, and it is time j'ou made up. You are both good friends of mine, and I want you to be good friends of each other. I want you to shake hands and I'll bless j'ou." Touched by the sincerity of the good old man, these two men gave way for the moment, and the hands of Conkling and Blaine came together the first time for twenty years. But it was not a reconciliation or a surrender of either side ; it was only a momentary truce offered out of reverence for the kind heart that had so much desired to make peace between them. They have never spo- ken to each other since. Wlijle Judge Davis was active and influential in his congressional life, yet he will be known in his- tory and to fame as a jurist. As a legislator he left no particular impress upon the countrj% com- mencing too Late in life to do this. By nature, edu- cation and training he was pre-eminently qualified for a Judge, and this part of his life the student will find a prolific field for study and instruction. Thougli possessed of great wealth yet his habits of life were frugal; he lived in the simplest manner. He had rooms on the first floor, fronting on Sixth street, of the National Hotel, which he occupied during his entire life at the Capital as Associate •►-•-4^ i 'i \r T 190 McLEAN COUNTY. t I Justice and as Senator. His rooms were commo- dious but plainly furnished. liis lunch while at the Cajiilol building, either as Justice or Senator, con- sisted of two apples, a ginger cookie and a glass of milk. This was taken at jirecisely the same hour every day, standing at a lunch-counter in the Sen- ate corrider. The counter was presided over by an old woman who is known to history as " Dys- pepsia Mary." Judge Davis in stature was nearly six feet in height, of heavy weight, large forehead, clear blue e^'es, prominent nose and altogether of command- ing figure. In disposition he was genial, compan- ionable, benevolent, charitable and kind. Though not a member of any church yet he believed in all religions and contributed liberally to all denomina- tions. He was broad and Catholic in his views and in his conduct. Many a school-house and many a church building in Central Illinois rest to-day on a lot given by him. He had a numerous tenantry on his extensive estates, and when from drouth or other causes there was a failure in crops, he would remit to his tenants his entire claims for rent. About his home when he dietl there were many old persons who were living on liis l(ount3'. In land investments and land speculations he was shrewd and possessed an insight into future valuation of property that was truly remarkable. 1 1 was through his land operations that he accumulated an estate which at his death was estimated at about 1600,000 ; and it may be said of Judge Davis that this vast estate was .acquired by him without ever having wronged or oppressed his fellow-men. In private life he was absolutely above repro.ach. Honest, robust, tender and considerate, he passed triumph- antly through life a model in character and a model of success, finishing up at life's close, a completely rounded, personal individuality. He was never the circumference of an occasion, but always near the center, molding with his great mind and noble character the forces about him. Nature and edu- cation liad stamped upon him every lineament of gentility. No occasion ever found him inferior to its demands and whether among the humblest or the richest and most powerful of the land, he was the same inborn gentleman. He was, to quote from his favorite antlior : i A coiiibinatioii and :i fdrm iiidccil. When every t;o(l iliil scoiii to sot ]\\> x'al. To give the woi Id assurance of a man. AVID VANCE, senior memlier of the firm of Vance & Sons, who are extensively en- gaged in importing and breeding draft horses at Chenoa, has had a long experi- ence in this business and has been remarkably suc- cessful. He began dealing in horses in Adams Coimty, Ohio, nearly forty years ago and has be- come thoroughly acquainted with the habits, needs and proper care of the noblest of animals. In a State which has become quite noted for its fine horses, Mr. Vance has for many years occupied a prominent position. See view in this work. The subject of this biography is a native of Adams Co., Ohio, and was born April 22, 1824. Ilis father, John Vance, a prosperous farmer of that county, reared his son to agricultural pursuits and carefidly trained him in all the duties pertain- ing to that department of business. Our subject received a good common-school education and re- mained under the home roof until he attained to years of manhood. The parental household in- cluded twelve children, of whom David was the youngest. His mother before her marriage was Miss Mary McGovney, of Ohio. Young Vance lived on a farm in Ohio until 1852, then came to this State and settled on a farm in Lawndale Town- ship, near the banks of Mackinaw Creek in this county, where he carried on blacksmithing and farming for thirteen years. The land which he there took possession of was but little removed from its original condition, but he cultivated and improved it, together with four- other farms, all of whicli combined to form the b.asis of his start in life and laid the foundation for his future pros- perity. In due time he disposed of his landed possessions in that locality and is now the owner of a fine estate in Yates Township, which he has mostly devoted to the breeding of stock. He re- sided upon this until 1881, when he removed to the vilLage of Chenoa, where he erected a fine barn, especially .adapted to breeding purposes. It is 32x110 feet in area, two stories in height and fitted up with convenient stalls for fine horses. Among these are the Belgium, Clydesdale, Perch- eron and Norman breeds, besides a few handsome specimens of Kentuckj' trotting stock. In connec- tion with this, he .also has a finely appointed liverj' -4^ i -^•- McLEAN COUNTY. ; 191 n stable, with the best of horses and the handsomest of vehicles. The sons have inherited in a marked degree the talents of their fatlicr in this direction and bid fair to follow in his footsteps as successful breeders and dealers. Mr. Vance was married, Sept. 2, 1845, to Miss Emma Wikoff, the daughter of William and Sarah (McCue) Wikoff, and they became the parents of eight children: Henry B., who married Miss Rena Hellin; Joseph T., who married Miss .Jennie Mc- Cartney and is in partnership with his father in the stock business; .William, who grew to manhood and was married to Miss Mattie St. John, joined the regular army, and was Clerk m the Quarter- master's department in Wyoming Territory, where he died in 1880; Leona married William Holder- ness, and lives near San Diego, Cal. ; Edgar married Miss Nancy Gailbreath, and they live in Republic County, Kan. ; Ella and Frank died when young, and Mary is the wife of William Arnold, who is engaged in the livery business in Chenoa. Mrs. Vance has been a member of the Methodist Church since she was a girl. In politics Mr. Vance, his sons and sons-in-law are all stanch Republicans. -€-*^- -^ k "if] AMES A. STEPHENS, a highly respected farmer of Mt. Hope Township, is engaged successfully in agricultural oi)er.ations on _ section 10, where he owns and occupies a comfortable homestead. His father was a pioneer of Illinois, and made his location in Logan County in the early settlement of the State. The subject of our sketch is a native of Lo"-an County, 111., and was born in Atlanta Township, Dec. II, 1836. His father, Adam Stephens, of Virginia, was boin in July, 1801, and his grand- father, Peter Stephens, an early farmer of the Old Dominion, emigrated from Virginia to Ohio in about 1809. He located in what is now Clinton County, and was among the earliest pioneers of that region. He purchased a tr.act of timber land, cleared a farm from the forest, established a com- fortable home and remained there until tlie close of his life. His son, Adam, the father of our sub- jects-there grew to manhood, and was united in marriage with Miss Mary IIoLlit, a native of Ohio. They located in Clinton County after their mar- riage, remaining there until 1829, and then, accom- panied by his wife and four children, Adam Ste- phens started for the State of Illinois. The journey was made overland with horses and wagons. They carried their household goods with them and camped and cooked by the way. IJefore removing his family here, Mr. Stephens had i)roviously vis- ited the State, and purchased a claim in what w.as then township 21 north, range 1 west, and included in Tazewell Count}'. LTpon it stood a log cabin into which the family moved and set up liouse- keeiiing in the best manner [lossible. The town of Springfield, forty miles distant, included the near- est post-office, and Pekin, at the same distance in another direction, was the depot for supplies, and the only market for grain and pork for several years. The second winter during which Mr. Ste- phens w.as a resident of Illinois, was remarkable for its deep snows, a season which will be long remem- bered by the old settlers and their children. Travel was almost entirely suspcnd(!d, and the pio- neers suffered great privation during a long season when there was no communication with the outer world. After the land in that vicinity was surveyed and came into market, JMr. Stephens entered 280 acres at $1.2.5 per acre, the greater i)ait of which con- sisted of timljer. He cultivated what there was of [irairie, cleared the limber ,as raiiidly as possible, established a homestead, and lived to see the coun- trj- around him opened up to civilization. His death occurred in August, 1882, the wife and mother having departed from the scenes of earth three years before. They had become the parents of nine children, seven of whom grew to years of maturity, .and whom they carefully trained to hab- its of industry and to jtrinciples of honor. James A. Stephens was the eighth child of his parents' family, and he has a vivid reniemlirancc of the scenes and incidents of pioneer life. The first school he attended was conducted on the sub- scription plan in the old log cabin which had been the home of his i)areuts vvhen they first came to the county. The name of his first teacher was J.ames Mackin, a brawny man, the quality esteemed •*» ^ « <• t M^ .t 192 McLEAN COUNTY. ^ the most liiglily in a teacher of those flays. The popular l)elicf then was that tlie wisest plan to gov- ern a school was by the rod, nm] woe to the boy especially, wlio disputed the teaclier's authority or judgment. The method of instruction too in those days, was widely different from that of the pres- ent, and a text booic was never laid aside until it had become so worn that it was unfit for further use, a wide contrast to tlie present school system which is undergoing perpetual change, and not in- variably for the better. The benches and writing- desks were made of slabs, and the floor was made of puncheons. Here young Stephens attended school during the winter season, and worked upon his father's farm tiie remainder of the year. He was liut a boj"^ when he commenced marketing the farm produce, and tlie trip to and from Peliin for tliis iniri)ose usually occupied three days. His wlicat sold at thirty and thirtj'-five cents per l)ushel, and some qualities only ten cents, and dressed pork brought fi 1.2.5 per iuindred. His fa- ther raised flax and kept sheep, and his motlier and sisters spun the wool and the product of tlie flax plant, weaving the same into garments for the sev- eral members of the family, and for other purposes demanded in the household. ''Calico" was then considered a luxury, and usually formed the " best dress " of the female memlxM'S. James Stephens remained at home with his par- ents until he attained his majority. He was soon afterward married and settled ujiou the southeast quarter of section 10, in what is now IMt. Hope Township. He put up the first Imildings on the place, having broken some of the land the year previous. This he occupied for two years, and then removed upon the farm which constitutes his present homestead. This latter consists of 159 acres, all inclosed and under a good state of culti- vation. He has a fine brick residence which was erected in 1877, good frame barns, and other necessary farm buildings, a view of which is given in this volume. The marriage of Mr. Stephens with Miss Martha K. Hatch, occurred Dec. 24, 1857. Mrs. Stephens was born in Greene County, Ohio, and was the daughter of Stephen B. Hatch, a native of Indiana, and a farmer by occupation. He came to Illinois 4 « in 1854, and located in Atlanta, Logan County, where he still lives. In early manliood he was married to Miss Phrebe Levally. Mr. and Mrs. Stephens have become the i)arents of two children — Edward, who was born in Mt. Hope Townshii), and married Lillie Atchison, and Carrie 15. Mr. Stephens is Republican in politics, straightforward in his business methods, and an honest man and a good citizen. -^-*-B-- ^ ^/_^ ARRISON IIORINE, a well-to-do farmer of West Township, is comfortably located on section 3, where he settled in 1884, and where he has a finely cultivated farm, pro- vided with all modern Improvements. He is a na- tive of Jessamine County, Ky., born Aug. 30, 1832, and is the son of Jolni Horine, a native of the same county and State. His grandfather, Henry Horine, a native of Maryland, removed to Ken- tucky at an early period in the settlement of the Blue firass regions. When he landed in Jessamine County he had $2.50 in cash and an ax on his shoulder. He took up a tract of wild land from which he cleared the timber and opened up a fine farm. He was a man of great resoluti(m and good judgment and amassed a fine property, at his death leaving a farm estate consisting of 320 acres with good buildings, and money at interest. Although born and reared in the South he was always opposed to slavery. The great-grandfather of our subject, Tobias Horine, was a native of Germany and emigrated to America prior to the Revolution- ary War. He located in Mar3'land, where he carried on agriculture successfully and spent the remainder of his days. Jolin Horine, the father of our subject, was reared on a farm in his native county, and after arriving at years of manhood, was united in mar- riage with Miss Margaret Bash. She also was a na- tive of Jessamine County, Ky., being the daughter of Henry Bash of Virginia, who removed from the Old Dominion to Kentucky early in life. He also went into that State poor in pocket and died pos- sessed of a good property. About the time of his marriage John Horine purchased a tract of lan^5yal Arcanum. gs^ AMUEL FITCHHORN, a highly respected ^^^^ resident of Downs Township, is the owner 'X^/_J^j of 280 acres on sections 9 and 10, on the former of which he has a handsome and substantial residence and upon which he located in 1866. When he first took i)Ossession of this prop- erty it was comparatively unimproved. It is now thoroughly drained and in a fine state of cultiva- tion. Tlie barn and out-buildings are kept in good repair, and everything about the premises donates the oversight of a thorough and systematic busi- ness man. The subject of our sketch was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, March 3, 1821, and was taken to Indiana by his parents when a child four years of age. They located in Wayne County, near Centerville, where his father pursued his occupation of a hatter, and i t 196 t McLEAN COUNTY. Samuel was emi)lo}'ed by neighboring farmers most of tlie time until lie attained his majority. His father' in the meantime had also taken up farming and finally went into Mexico, Miami County, where he spent the remainder of his life. The mother, who before her marriage was Miss Elizabeth Mon- roe, died in middle life in Wayne County. She was born and reared in Pennsylvania, and was there married to Samuel Fitchhorn, Sr. The subject of this history was the youngest of his parents' family of six daughters and two sons. He was married in Wayne County', Ind., to Miss Elizabeth McKeman, who was born in Virginia and came with her parents to Indiana when a young woman, where her education was completed. She died in Downs Township in 1870, when forty-five years of age. Of this union there were born eight children, three of whom are now deceased, two dy- ing of measles ten da3's after the death of the inotlier. Those living arc .John F., .James, Samuel J).. William A., Uaniel W. The deceased were, Elizabeth .1., Stephen and Idora. The second marriage of Mr. Fitchhorn took place in I'eiii, Ind., Feb. 15, 1872, when he was united with Mrs. Mary (Finster) Myers. This lady was a na- tive of Prussia, born Sept. 28, 1844, being the danglitcr of Simeon and Elizabeth (Danfel) Fin- ster, who emigrated from Germany to the United .States when Mrs. F. of this notice was ten years of age. Their family consisted of four daughters and one son, of wliom Mrs. F. was the eldest. They first located on a farm in West Virginia, where they remained during the Itebellion. The father l)arlicipatcd in this war as a sohlier of the Union, and was sericnisly crippled at the battle of AVin- chester, on .account of which he now draws a pension. He lives near I'eru, Ind., being sixt3'-flve years of age; the mother is sixty-four. Their daughter, Mary, lemained under the parental roof until licr first niarri.agc, to Frederick Myers, which took place Dec. 2'J, 1SG5, near Bunker Hill, Miami Co., Ind. Mr. Myers was a native of Germany, a farmer by occupation, and died in Miami County in 1870. They had become tlic |).'ircnts of four ciiildren: Simeon, Lewis and Alaggio are living witli their mother; Mollie, the third cliild, is niar- rieil and a resident of I'orn. Ind. Samuel and Mary F. Fitchhorn have become the parents of ten children, one of whom, Stella, is deceased. Those living are, Henry, Minnie, Lulu, Marshall, Anna, Charles, Hattic, Blarion and Alba. Mr. Fitchhorn came to McLean County in 1866, and is essentially a self-made man. His present possessions are the result of his own industry and perseverance, and he has been fairly successful in his struggle to maintain his family and provide them with the comforts of life. In the business community he is regarded as substantial and relia- ble, prompt to meet his obligations, and in all re- spects is rated as a valued member of society. /p^EORGE L. HUTCHIN, editor and proprie- [l| ^=-, tor of the Sunday Eye, of lUoomington, is a ^^ill native of the Prairie State and born in De Witt County Sept. 25. 1854. He is the son of John D. and t^lizabeth Hutchin, natives of Ohio, where the father was engaged extensively in farm- ing .and the raising of fine stock. John Hutchin came to Illinois about 1840, and settled in De Witt County. While on a visit to Bloomington he was offered the central portion of the site of the pres- ent cit}' for $300, being an area of about 640 .acres, but he preferred to take his chances in De Witt County, and there purchased 2,500 acres. He was the first man to introduce fine Uerkshire hogs into this part of the country, and also what is known as the Hutchin corn. In 1840 he took a trip to Cali- fornia for the purpose of speculating, being absent about eighteen months, and then, satisfied with his experience in that direction, he returned to De Witt County, where he resumed his farming op- erations and passed the remainder of his days. He departed this life in 1861. Mrs. Hutchin w.as sub- sequently married to Mr. G. C;and3% and is still living in De Witt County. Their family consisted of nine children, of whom six are living. George L. Hutchin was the fourth child of his parents' famil}', and after receiving his primary education in the public schools entered Wesleyan College, from which he graduated in 187G. In all he spent six years in high schools and colleges and received a thorough education, by which he be- _ ■» 4 i t. McLEAN COUNTY. 197 came well fitted for the duties which he has as- sumed in his later life. After completing his stud- ies Mr. Hutchin first took a position as city editor of the Bloomington Leader, having already had considerable experience as a reporter. After a year with the Leader be became traveling agent for the Pantograph, which occupied him another year, and he then purchased the Sv inlay Eye, which, after conducting one year he sold, and was one of the original projectors of the Bulletin. This occupied his attention for a year, and he then sold his interest in it and purchased a half interest in the Sunday Eye, with which he has been connected as publisher since 1882. This journal was estab- lished in January, 1877. Mr. Ilutchin possesses genuine literary talent, and has been a contributor to the publications of Harper Bros., the Century and other standard periodicals. He is a member of the American Press Association, and President of the Press Club of Bloomington. In politics our subject is independent, and socially belongs to the Knights of Phythias. The Sunday Eye was first cstablisiied liy II. R. Persinger as a society' paper. It was a five-column fulio, and was issued every Sunday. It was eon- ducted by Mr. Persinger for about one year, when M. I. Leland, who was a silent partner, assumed control of the paper and i>ut it in charge of George L. Hutchin. This arrangement lasted about one year, when a stock company was formed which had financial control of the paper. Then Mr. Hutchin secured a half interest. Subsequently the plant was taken to Chicago, where it was issued for that city and Bloomington. This did not prove a finan- cial success and in about two years a move was made back to Bloomington, when i\Ir. Hutchin be- came sole proprietor. By able management the patronage has been increased until the Eye now has a circulation of upward of 0,000. Mr. Hutchin is a forcible and facetious writer, and his short and humorous articles make people nervous as well as merry. Connected with him as associate editor is Cornelius M. Leek, a facile, pun- gent and polished writer, and an experienced ed- itor. The two make a strong editorial team, which has made the Eye very popular and given it a wide reputation. The Eye is chiefly a literary journal, ^»— '. and indei)endcnt in politics. It is a seven-column quarto, extensively and well illustrated. It is ele- gantly got up in all its parts, and is one of the best literary and f£,mily papers in the country. It is ever ready and bold in exposing fraud, injustice, hypocrisy and immorality, and to com- mend justice, honesty, worth and virtue. The of- fice of the Sunday Eye is located in the Opera House Block. The marriage of George L. Ilutchin and Miss Cora Leland took place in Bloomington in 1877. She is a daugliter of the late Moses F. Leland, formerly editor of the Leader, and who died in M.areh, 188(5. Of this union there have been born two children — Elberon and Louise. Mr. Ilutciiin and his family occupy a pleasant home at No. oO.'j Northeast street, and are highly esteemed for their social qualities and cultivated tastes. L-'j^r^HOMAS M. LEWIS, wlio has been a resi- dent of Illinois for nearly thirty years, is one of the highly respected residents of West Township, Town 21, where he owns a com- fortable farm homestead on section 5. He is a na- tive of Harrison County, Ohio, born in Green Township, May 1, 183G. His father, Joseph Lewis, who descended from Scotch ancestr3', was a native of Berks County, Pa., where he grew to manhood. He was there married to Miss Mary Benner, also a native of the Keystone State, but descended from the German. After marriage they went into Har- rison County, Ohio, being among the earliest set- tlers of that region. Joseph Lewis purchased a tract of heavy timberland, only a small portion of which was cleared. This in due time, with the as- sistance of his sons, he converted into a valuable farm homestead, where he passed the remainder of his life, dying in 1883. The wife and mother had passed to the better land in 18,50. Their eight children included four sons and four daughters, six of whom grew to become men and women, and five are now living. Jacob B. was for many yeal-s a banker in Farmer City, 111. ; Joseph L. is a resi- =:^- — •*-* i t. o^m-M* 198 ■•► ..t McLEAN COUNTY. dent of West Township, this county; Hannah mar- ried William Kent, and lives in Harrison County, Ohio; Thomas M., our subject, was the fourth cliild; Rebecca became tiie wife of James Maholn, and died in Marion C<.)unty, Kan., in 1882. Thomas M. Lewis was reared on a farm in his native county, and received a fair education in the pulilic schools. He remained under the home roof until ho was twenty-two years of age, when he came to this State and located in "West Township. He was thin unmarried and employed himself at whatever his hands could find to do, working out for two years liy the month. He then purchased a team, and in company with his brother .Jacob, commenced farming on rented land. In the fall of 1 si;(i he retui'ned to the old homestead, and worked with his father until the fall of 1865. He then came l«ck to Illinois and West Township, of which he has been a resident since that time. Mr. Lewis was married in Kovember, 18C0, to Jliss Nancy Smith, who was born in Wyandotte County, Ohio, April 7, 18:39. Her father, Benja- min Smith, was a native of New Jersey, whence he removed after his marriage to Ohio, and settled in Wyandotte County. In l.sriG he started further Westward, and coming to this State and county located in Empire Township, where he si>ent the remainder of his dai^s. lie married early in life Miss Esther Eft, also a native of New Jersey. She survived her husband a number of years, .and died -at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Coons, in Ar- rowsmith Township, tins county. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis there were born seven children: Ida M., Mrs. Nichols, lives in liellertower Township; Mary Esther, Mrs. Stan- ley, is a resident of Earmer City; Ilartwell E. lives in West Townsiiip; Walter V., Callie M., Lela Ma- b(^l and Jacob S. are with their parents at home. Mr. and I\Irs. Lewis are members in good stand- ing of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which Mr. L. h.as been Trustee and Stew.ard and Superin- tendent of the Sunday-school for a number of years. Politic'.ally lie is a Republican. He was Ct)llector of West Township for a number of years, has served as Assessor, and has alw.ays taken a lively interest in the establishment and mainten- ance of schools. ^^^ EORGE J. FOSTP2R, who is Superintendent III g-, of the Bloomington (Phix'uix) Nurseries ^^5! in Bloomington Township, occupies a re- sponsible position for which he has proved himself amply fitted by his large experience and natural adaptation to the business. The Bloomington (Phienix) Nurseries embrace 600 aci-es of land and are probably the most extensive of any in the State, and by far the largest of an}' in the county. The subject of this history is a native of Rhode Island, born near Providence on the 2d of January, 1846. His parents were natives of the same State, and traced the Foster ancestry back six generations of a line made worthy and honorable by lives of high moral principles and an upright course. The parental family of our subject included seven chil- dren, of whom George J. was the eldest born. His father owned a farm in his native State and fol- lowed that calling. George J. Foster remained with his parents and attended school until eighteen years of age. He then went to Flushing, L. 1., where he engaged with the well-known nursery firm of Parsons & Co. Of this his uncle, .lohn B. Foster, w.as foreman, and un- der liiin our subject remained until 1868, obtain- ing a gooil knowledge of the different departments of the business. He then came West and engaged with F. K. Phd'uix until 1877, a period of nine years. Then, for one season, he was employed by Augustine & Co., after which he returned to the Phceuix Nurseries which had changed hands, and in the fall of that same year became foreman of the business. Since then the nursery has again changed hands, Mr. Foster becoming a member of the firm. The marri.age of our subject with Miss Lydia B. Browning occurred in 1870. She is a native of Chat- ham, Columbia Co., N. Y., and by her union with our subject h.as become the mother of five children, of whom the eldest died in infanc}'. Those living are Alma, George K., Bernlce L. and Esther B. They are ])leasantly located in a handsome and attractive residence and are surrounded by .all the comforts of life. In politics, Mr. Foster is a stanch Repub- lican, is a gentleman highly respected in his coni- munit}', a member of Gr.ace Methodist Episcopal Church of Bloomington, .and h.as held some of the minor ollices of his township. . —^ i I , J^ ^/frciyloJ^CUJ^ •►-Jh-^ McLean county. ^l 201 II. KERRICK wag burn in Franklin Coun- in 184ti. He is the son of Rev. and Mary (Masters) Kerrick, na- tives respectively of Loudoun C'onntj', Va., and Lancaster Ciinnty, Pa. To tiiem were burn four other children — Eleanor J., Phebe A., William M. and Thomas C. AVilliam M. was Jton in 18G8. Mr. Kerrick was married to Sallie E., daughter of Hon. Isaac and Cassandra Funk, in October, 18G8. Of their four children, but one, Birdie, the 3'oungest, is now living. Mr. Kerrick was elected to the Lower House of the State Legislature in 1871 ; he is at present engaged in farming. In politics Mr. Kerrick is Republican; himself and wife are members of the First Method- ist Episcopal Church, Bloomington. Their resi- dence is at No. 809 North McLean street. ^ ^(Q> > f R. CYRENIUS WAKEFIELD. The late Dr. Wakefield of Bloomington, who de- parted this life on the 20tii of February', 1884, was widely and favorably known throughout the nation. As a gentleman he was honored and respected by all who ever met him. Possessing as he did fine natui-al abilities and those qualities which constitute the true man and valu- able citizen, it was not ditHcult for him to win the esteem and admiration of those about him. The life history of Dr. Wakefield, necessarily briefly given here, is in its chief points as follows: He was born in Watertuwn, N. Y., and was the son of Joseph and Susan (Sawyer) Wakefield, both natives of Vermont. II is great-gr.andfather, Andrew Wake- field, was born May 5, 17G.5, was of English descent, and belonged to the old Quaker stock who were extensive landholders in the Kingdom. When eighteen j-ears of age he emigrated to the United States, settling first in Nelson County, Ky., whence he removed to Franklin County, Pa. There he was married in 17U1, to Miss Margaret Campbell, the ceremony being performed by Rev. Mr. Cooper. After settling in Nelson Count3', Ky., he w.as fol- lowed by two brothers, John and Daniel, who mar- ried and settled there, reared families, and it is supposed passed the remainder of their lives. The children born to them were all daughters and but little is known of their history. Andrew Wakefield died in Hamilton Countv, Ohio, June 23, 1828, and his wife, surviving him a period of twenty- seven years, passed to her final rest in the spring of 1855. Mrs. Margaret Wakefield was born in Franklin County, Pa., Dec. 16, 1772, and was con- sequently eighty-three years of age at the time of her decease. The maiden name of Andrew Wake- field's mother was Margaret McCoy. She was of Scottish ancestry and a lady of great intelligence and personal attraction. Dr. Cyrenius Wakefield was the fifth of a family of six children, who lived to become men and women. He was reared on a farm until he attained his majority, in the meantime having received a good educ.ati(}n and becoming a teacher in 1837. He then removed westward to Bloomington, III., and became teacher of a large school three miles south of the cit3', where he was engaged for fifteen months. He then purchased a tract of land in De Witt County, lying west of Farmer City ,.and while engaged in the improvement of the same, pursued his former calling during the winter months for four seasons following marriage. In 1847, in company with his brother. Dr. Zera Wakefield, he purchased a stuck of goods and the^' engaged in trade near Marion, De Witt Co., III., our subject taking charge of the store and his brother continuing practice which, extending for miles aronnd, neces- sitated long drives and the care of horses. In ad- dition to this the latter commenced preparing medicine and leaving it at the store for sale, the demand finally becoming so extensive that what was originally a country store became quite a laboratory for drugs. In June, 1848, after con- tinuous practice of two years. Dr. Zera Wakefield contracted violent congestion of the lungs and died within thirty-six hours after the attack. After the death of his brother. Dr. Cvrenius Wakefield purchased the interest of the first named ' ' ^ u -A 202 McLEAN COtTNTY. I in the business, and continued as before. In 1850 he sold his farm and moved to Blouniington, that he might have better facilities to extend his busi- ness. He also applied himself diligentlj' to the study of medicine and pharm.acy and here gained the title of doctor. During the first few years after his removal to Bloomington he operated exten- sively in drugs in company with Robert Thomp- son, who was a brother-in-law of Mrs. Wakefield, having his laboratory in the rear of his drug-store. In 1856 he put up a brick laboratory near his dwelling and two years later retired from the drug trade, giving his whole attention to the compound- ing of medicine. His business steadily increased, and in 1879 he had local agencies established over all the Western States and had accumulated a large capital. Dr. Wakefield was a man of firm and decided principles, a member of the Free Congregational Church and a stanch adlierent of the Republican part}'. He was generous, hospitable and charitable, always ready to extend a helping hand to those in need. The four children of his family were Emma, the wife of Mr. A. S. Eddy, Cashier of the People's Bank, and the mother of five children, namely, Gussie, Florence, Adelbert 8., Louis and Maxwell. Oscar, the eldest son, married Miss Ag- nes Benchly and resides on the old homestead ; Hattie is the wife of A. B. Brad}" of Davenport, Iowa; Mr. B. is editor and proprietor of the Northu-eslern News. The youngest of the family is a son, Homer. Dr. Wakefield, on the 17th of August, 1843, was united in marriage with Miss Harriett Richardson, at the home of the bride's parents in Watertown, N. y. Mrs. Wakefield was the daughter of Josiah and Cynthia (Tolman) Richardson, natives re- spectively of Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Her parents were married in Watertown, N. Y., in about 1815, and settling there engaged in farming pursuits, the father giving much attention to the bi-eeding of fine horses and cattle. The parental househcdd included eight children, all of whom grew to years of maturity and are recorded as fol- lows: Chailcs and Juliet (Mrs. Dodge) are in Watertown, N. Y.; Mrs. Wakefield was the third cliild; Cynthia, Mrs. Thompson ; Josiah; Mary, now Mrs. Waters, and Martha, Mrs. Jones, are all in Bloomington. Josiah Richardson was a man of strong character and much al)ility and a stanch member of the old Whig party. He took a deep interest in all matters pertaining to his county. State and nation, and remained a resident of Watertown until his death, loved and respected by all. His children were given a practical education and carefully reared to those principles of honor and honesty which have distinguished most of the members of that family. Both jiarents belonged, to the Universalist Church. The portrait of Dr. Wakefield is fittingly pre- sented in a work containing the portraits and sketches of so many of the best people of McLean County. With a mind so richly stored as his was and with the genial disposition and temperament which it was his fortune to possess, a successful life, in the full sense of the word, is what we might look for, nor were his friends disappointed. J. HIGGINS, is of the firm of HigginsA Co., marble and granite manufacturers, Bloom- ington, who are transacting an extensive and M) profitable liusiness. Their main office is located on East Front street and occupies Nos. 227 and 22;). The subject of this biography was born in Georgetown, Ohio, in 1840. His parents were Hon. John J. and Martha C. (Hetteriek) Iliggins, the father of Maryland and the mother of Mrginia. John J. Higgins was an attorney at law and suc- cessfully practiced in the various courts of Ohio. He was prominently identified with the politics of that Stale, being elected a member of the Legisla- ture and holding the offices of County Judge and Sheriff of Brown County. The grandfather of our sid)ject, Col. Robert Higgins, was one of the stanch old veterans of 187G, and contrilmted his full share toward the emanci- pati(Mi of the colonies. After this was effected he purcliascd over 1.000 acres of land in Southern Ohio. He had previously been a slave-holder, but becoming disgusted with the peculiar institution. - m ■^•- I McLean county. 203 gave to his slaves their liberty. He was a man of prominence and closely identified with political affairs in the early history of tlie Buciw eighty j^ears of age. He was always of a religious turn of mind, studied for the ministry while a j'oung man and was ordained a minister of the Methodist Church in 1848. since which time he h.as served as a local preacher. The parental liousehold consisted of ten children, six now living. The subject of this history spent his boyhood and youth in attendance at school daring the win- ter seasons and assisting on the farm the balance of the year. At twenty -one years of age he entered Wesleyan University, Bloomington, where he pur- sued a two years' course, and engaged in teaching for two years following, in McLean and Champaign Counties. During the first year of the war he enlisted as a soldier in Co. I, 23d Ohio ^'ol. Inf., and served until the close of the conflict. For brave and- faithful services he was commissioned Captain, having taken part in the battles of South Mountain, Antietam, and all the engagements of the Shenandoah Valley of 1804. He escaped serious injury and received an honorable discharge on the 2Gth of August, 1805. At the close of his military services Mr. Atkin- son returned to Iliinois, and locating at Saybrook, t •204 "I McLEAN COUNTY. -i engaged in mercantile pursuits i\iitil 18(J8. He then sold out, and going to Blooniington. was appointed Deput}' Circuit Clerk, which position he held four years and then was the incumbent of the same po- sition in the office of the County Clerk until 1877, when he was elected County Clerk and held the office until December, 1886. Mr. Atkinson was married in 1866, to Miss Kate Guthrie, the daughter of Rev. R. E. and Lucy (Kelsall) Guthrie. Of this union there have been born five children: William E. ; Wilber, a graduate of the city High School, both of whom are clerks in the office of their father ; those at home are — Marion, Roy and Carrie. Mr. Atkinson is Repub- lican in politics and socially belongs to the Masonic fraternity, the 1. O. O. F., the G. A. R. and K. of P. In addition to his pleasant residence in Bloom- ington, he has a farm near Cheney's Grove, consist- ing of 140 acres of valuable land, finely improved and mostly devoted to stock-raising. Mr. Atkin- son is a thorough business man and in all respects a representative citizen. -E>- ^{'l:^ I ' RA C. PRATT, the tile manufacturer of Crop- sey, is a native of the Green Mountain State, where he first opened his eyes to light, Jan. 12, 1832. His parents, Ira Allen and Asenath (Wait) Pratt, were also natives of Vermont, where they resided on a farm and passed their entire lives in their native State. The father was accidentally drowned when about fifty years of age. The mother survived her husband man}' years, attain- ing to the advanced age of eighty-one. The eight children included in the parental household all lived to mature years, and their record is as fol- lows: Curtis, the eldest, is a resident of Milton, Vt. ; Sophia married B. B. Woods, and died in Vermont in the fall of 188G; Ira C, is our subject; Charles J. resides in (lilman. 111.; Lucina became the wife of C. S. Tolm:in, of Kitchburg, Mass.; Frank is a resident of Livingston County, this State; Mary, Mrs. J. C. Hyde, lives in Iroquois County, and George R. in Cropsey. The subject of this sketch was reared on his father's f:irm and received a common-school edu- cation. When seventeen years old he commenced work at w;igon-making, serving .an apprenticeship to this and the blacksmith's trade, and being em- ployed eight years with one man. In 18,15 he came West, locating first in Tazewell Count}', this State, and following his trade in the town of Mor- ton until 18(17. He then settled upon a farm in Livingston County, on section 13, in Belle Prairie Township, where he first purchased 160 acres. To this he subsequently added until he is now the owner of 240 acres, all under a good state of culti- vation. Mrs. Pratt is the owner, in her own right, of 332 acres. Mr. Pratt, in the tall of 1882, began to drain his land, and for some time hauled tile from Fairbury, a distance of nine miles. He saw th.at it would l)e necessary to use a large amount, and concluded it would be the best economy to manufacture his own tile. Accordingly, in connection with George S. Cook and Frank Pratt, the former also .an extensive farmer, he soon put up a steam factory and com- menced operations. He has now laid tile on all their land, the three farms being well drained by this means. Mr. Cook has since died, but his widow still continues .an interest in the factory which our subject operates. They have three kilns constantly in operation, .and besides that for their own us(\ in;inufacture a large sii|)ply for other parties. In the spring of 1883, Mr. Pratt left his son in charge of the f.arm and erected a h:u)dsome and commodious residence in Cropsey, which he now occupies, and a view of which may be seen on an- other i)age. This structure is considered one of the finest in this section of the country, and in its finishing and furni.shing indicates cultivated tastes and ami)le means. Our subject and his family are held in the highest respect in this section, and en- joy the acquaintance and society of hosts of friends. The marriage of Ira C. Pratt .and Miss Ellen II. Hathaway was celebrated in 1854. This lady was a native of the same town as her husband, and de- parted this life in Livingston County, this State, in May, 1879, leaving three children — George W., Ida A., who died in 1880, and Henry. The second marriage of Mr. Pratt occurred in 1880. The ■*► I t. •^m^^ » • ■ <' McLEAN COUNTY. 205 , ^ present wife of our subject was formerly Miss Mary A. Laiides. She was born in Tazewell County, being the daughter of Joseph and Jane (Mitchell) Landes, of Groveland, Tazewell Cf)., 111. In earlier years Mr. Pratt atilliated witli the Whig party, later with the Reijublican, and is now identified with the Prohibitionists. He is a mem- ber in good standing of the Congregational Church, and has held the ottiees uf Road Commissioner and Assessor, and was eight years Justice of the Peace in Livingston, where he formerly lived, and has been President of the Belle Prairie agricultural fair for ten years. "JK=^,1CH0LAS DIEDRICII, Jr., of Plooming- I jjj ton, is an extensive manufacturer of cast H\J^ and wrought iron, shaftings, pulleys, mill- work and general machinery, also makes and re- pairs engines and l)oilers, and executes all orders with promptness and dispatch. His shops occupy Nos. 407 and 409 South Center street and Nos. 404 and 406 Madison street. Mr. Diedrich is a native of Bloomingtou, and was born in September, 1800. He is the son of Nicholas and Catharine (Clemen) Diedrich, who were of German birth and parentage. The father of our subject emigrated to America in 1852, and Miss Catharine Clemen came two years later. He first stopped in Albany, N. Y., where he remained two years, .and then came to Chicago, arriving at Bloomington in 1856. In the meantime he had been married to Miss Clemen, in 1855, and to them were given three children: Louisa, at home; Bertha, now Mrs. Cloppenburg, of .Springfield, 111., and the subject of this sketch. After coming to Bloomington, Nicholas Died- rich, Sr., was employed by the C. & A. R. R. Co. and remained for two years. He then had charge of the Flagg Foundry. In the winter of 1860-61, he with two others started the Bloomingt(jn Foun- dry, but afterward sold their interest in it to Mr. Ollis, and in 1869 started the Union Foun- dry. His first shop was a frame building which was destroyed by fire in 1874. In 1S7G he put up a brick building, the machine shop being 50x60 -4« feet, and a iiattern-room in the second story, also two stores, a foundry 40x80, and a boiler-room 20 x40 feet, all of brick, besides other necessary build- ings. Mr. Diedrich operated here until 1882, and then leased his building to his sou, who has con- tinued the business since that time, and employs on an average twentj' men. Our subject is a gradu.ate of the High School and Business College of Bloomington. He was em- ployed with his father in the foundry' business when a young man, and is in every respect a practical machinist. He is a member of the firm of Diedrich & Hayes, practical heating engineers and manufact- urers of the Rattan tubular masonry-furnaces, ven- tilators, room-heaters, registers, etc., the office be- ing located at Nos. 59 and 61 Lake street, Chicago. Our subject was married in 1883, to Miss Lizzie Lowentrout, also a native of Bloomington, and the daughter of F. W. Lowentrout. Of this union there have been born three children — Irene, Ethel, who died in infancy, and Lawrence. The family is pleasantly located at No. 609 West Market street. Mr. Diedrich is Republican in politics, and a useful factor in the business community. A. ELLSWORTH, a general farmer and stock-raiser of Downs Township, is com- fortably located on section 30, where he 'owns eighty acres of improved land under a state of cultivation. He came to McLean County in 1859, and with the exception of four years spent in Heyworth, has made Downs Town- ship his home since that time. Mr. Ellsworth was born in St. Clair County, this State, Aug. 12, 1849. For parental history see sketch of William Ells- worth in another part of this Album. The early life of our subject was spent under the home roof, and his parents removed from St. Clair County when he was ten years of age, coming into this county and locating in Downs Township. Young Ellsworth was married in this township, when twcniy-two years of age, Sept. 7. 1 871 , to Miss Mary, the daughter of George and Susanna Jane Bishop. She was born in Randolph Township, July 11, 1850, and remained with h,er parents until > t 206 McLEAN COUNTY. ■► ' ■ ^« , ■ I her maniage. Of this union there have been born seven children, two, Kuni /,. .-inil Nathan, being de- ceased. Those living and :\i home are Clyde. Lyda 15., George W., Bertie A. and Ellis C. After their marriage Mr. an ^-^^ ^ WIJ.LIAM E. (iUTIIRIE, a rising young phj'sician of lilooniington. is junior member of the firm of White ct Guthrie, and is fast winning for himself a jjromincut and honorable name in the medical profession of McLean County. Dr. Guthrie was born in Ailing- don, Knox Co., 111., in 18.57, and is the son of Peter and Caroline E. (Corsan) (iuthrie, natives re- spectively of Blo(miington, 111., and Warren Coun- ty, Ohio. Both Peter (iutliricand his wife were lioni i]i 1829; the former worked with his father at his trade of a plasteier and brick-mason, afterward en- gaging as a contractor and builder. He is now a resident of Normal, being Constable of that village, and in 188() was candidate for Sheriff. The par- ental family consisted of two children, of whom only the subject of our sketch is living. Our subject's grandfather, Robert Guthrie, was a native of Ohio, and came to Illinois in 182G, settling in Bloomington, where he cultivated a small farm and followed his trade of carpenter as opportunity afforded. His family included seven children- John, Robert, Margaret, Adam, Peter, Kate and Lee — idl of whom lived to be men and women, and were educated in Bloomington. The younger days of our subject were spent in school, where he improved his ojjportunities, and commenced teaching at the age of eighteen years. He was thus occupied for three year.s, in the mean- time pursuing his studies in a higher school, after his own winter term had closed. He attended Wes- leyan and Normal Universities. In the fall of 4 * 1876 there were thirty-three competitive candidates for entrance to the Military School at West Point, of which j'oung (iuthrie was successful, and was accordingly sent there, but remained, however, onl^' a short time. He then returned home to Mc- Lean County, and commenced to read medicine with Drs. White and Worrell, of Bloomington. After a time he entered Rush Medical College .at Chicago, from which he graduated in 1881, and w.'is proffered a partnershij) with Dr. AVhite, which he gladly ac- cepted. He has made rapid strides in his profes- sion since th.at time, and been intrusted with impor- tant business in connection with his practice. For two years he was Surgeon of the 4th Regiment, State Militia; has been County Physician four years, and is a member of the McLean Count3', the Central Illinois and the State Medical Societies, and in June, 1887, was appointed District Surgeon of the Lake Erie & Western Railroad. His otllce at present is located in the Post Office Block. The marriage of Dr. Guthrie and Miss Letta Smith was celebrated in 1882, at the residence of the bride's parents. Mrs. G. is the daughter of Oliver and Elizabeth (Wanen) Smith, of Wichita, Kan., and by her marriage with our subject has become the mother of two daughters — Lclia, born Jan. 1 , 1883, .and Bernardine, Oct. 25, 188G. The family are located in a j)leasant home at No. ."(03 E.ast W^ashington street, where they ha\'e gathered ai'ound them a circle of warm friends, and are h!ipp3' in the prospects of a bright and prosperous future. Dr. (iuthrie is a member of the Republican party, and was the first Commandei of the Sons of N'eter- ans, with which order he is still connected. AMIEL OGDEN has retired from active labor and is passing the sunset of life in peace and quiet and in the enjoyment of a well-earned competency, making his resi- dence at Lexington. His father, Albert Ogden, was a native of New York, and the mother of our subject, Margaret (Riddle) Ogden, was born in Pennsylvania. Their fiist settlement after marriage was in Kentucky, whence they emigrated to Madi- n 1 McLEAN COUNTY. 207 soil County, Ohio, and in 1831 came to Mcl^ean County and settled in Money Creek Township, where they lived for several years. They then moved to Livingston County, and taking \\\> tlieir residence in the neighborhood of Pontiae, made that their home for two or three years, then com- ing back to this count}-, again located in Money Creek Township, wliere they spent the latter years of their life. He died Aug. 1.5, 184.5, and her de- mise occurred in 1850. Eight children were born to them, five sons and tinee daughters — Abner, Marjs Jonathan, Benjamin, Deborah, .John, Susan and Samuel (twins). Samuel Ogden is tlie youngest of his parents' children and was born in Madison County, Ohio, Aug. 24, 1809. Continuing to reside in his native State until 1833, he then came to McLean County, and has made this his home until the present time, engaged exclusivel}' in agricultural pursuits. He is the owner of 785 acves of improved land, be- sides valuable property at Lexington. Our subject was married in Fayette County, Ohio, to Nancy Vandolali. She was born in F.ay- ette County, Ohio, in May, 1810, and by her union with our subject has become the mother of ten children. The record is as follows: Obediali was united in marriage with Miss Hannah Wiley, and they are living at Lexington; Croghan died when seven years old; .Sarah became the wife of James Coon, and departed this life in Money Creek Town- ship; Mary A. died in Money Creek Township when fourteen years old ; Albert is a resident of Mone}' Creek Township, and has a biographical sketch in this work; -John W. departed this life when in his third year; Angelia is the wife of James Pirtle, and they .are living in Jasi)er County. Mo.; Alex was first married to Miss Alice Millei', and after her demise married Kate Lyons, and they are living in Ford County, Kan. ; George W. and Louisa Flesher were united in marriage and are living in Gvidley Township, and Francis M. died when fourteen years old. Tiic faithful and loving companion of oin- sub- ject departed this life in ]>exington, July 8, 1884. She was a member of the Christian Church and an earnest laborer in the cause of the Master, and be- loved by all who knew her. She is waiting for her loved one on the other shore, .and soon the time will come when his sorrows here on earth will be over, and he will meet her in the home beyond, never again to be separated through the endless days of eternity. In politics Mr. Ogden is a stanch Jaeksonian Democrat, and one of the foremost, as well as respected and honored citizens of McLean County. "JYlAMES McMAHON, one of the self-made men of Downs Township, who by his own exertions has acquired a comfortable home 'f^/J with something laid up for a rainy day, came to this county in 1863, and purchased his present farm, which is located on section 9. It consists of 120 acres of good land, the greater part of which is under cultivation and upon which he has a good farm dwelling, a substantial barn and all necessary outhouses. Mr. McM.ahon is a native of Ireland, born in 1833, and was left an orphan while still an infant. He was at once taken into the family of his uncle, John Ryan, and when nine years (jf age emigrated with him to the United States. They located in .St. Louis, Mo., where our subject lived until he was fifteen years old and then set out to "paddle his own canoe." He first proceeded northeastward into Canada, going first t© Quebec and thence to Toronto, in the Province of Ontario. He did not, however, remain very long in the Dominion, but started Westward again, proceeding first to Fond du Lac County, Wis., where he worked as he had in Canada, as a laborer on a farm. From Wisconsin he came this State, locating first in Lincoln, Logan Countj', where he remained six years. He tiien came to McLean C!ounty, was soon afterward mar- ried, and engaged as a molder of car wheels in the city of Bloom ingtoii, which trade at that time was very profitable. After some 3'ears of hard work, during wliich he managed to lay up a little sum of money, he purchased the land which constitutes his present farm, and since that time has been success- fully eng.'iged in agricultural pursuits. Mr. McMahon was married, in Bloomington, in 1863, to Miss Salinda Allen, a native of Lafayette, Ind., who was born iu 1836, and is the daughter of •►^■-4*- -^ 4 4 I 208 t McLEAN COUNTY. Thomas Allen, now deceased. The latter was a farmer by occupation. Mrs. McM. lived under the parental roof until hei- marriage, having come to Illi- nois in 1863. Of her union with our subject there were boi'n six children, one of whom, Aaron, is de- ceased. The others, all at home, are Mary, John^ Rosa E., James and Thomas. The parents and children are regular attendants and members of the Catholic Cliurch, and our subject, politically, is an unc()mi)romising Democrat. Mr. McMahon has fully proved the maxim that "Perseverance wilj ensure success." He commenced life a poor boy, without friends or inlluenco, but is now in i)0sses- sion of a good home, and by his honesty and indus- try has gained the esteem of the worthiest class of citizens. -?"* o.5®>o S^-J<~ j^\ RS. NANCY CLARK, a liighly respected resident of West Township, is a native of Ohio, and was born in Perry County, Aug. 21, 1831. Her father, Thomas Hammond, was born in Pennsylvania, and her grandfather, John Hammond, an Englishman by birth, emi- •► I f t 212 i McLEAN COUNTY. grated to the United States when a young man, lo- cating in PcMinsylvania. He was there married to Miss Hebecca Reynolds, a native of the Keystone State, and soon afterward they removed to Ohio, and located in Perry County at an early period in the history of tiiat section. There John Ilanimond pnrchaseil a tract of prairie land, and for a tene- ment set up four forked sticks and split clap-boards to cover tlieni, and liy this means constructed a dwelling in which lie lived with his family until he could erect a log house. He cleared a farm from the wilderness and lived to see that and the land around him settled up and liuel^' improved. He departed this life at the age of seventy-eight years, having made a good record .as an industrit)us and intelligent citizen, and contril)uted his full shari^ toward the development of I'erry County. Thomas llamniond, father of the subject of our sketch, was liut an infant when his parents moved to Ohio and located in the wilderness. He grew to manhood in Perry County and was married to Miss Olive Spencer. She w.as born in I'cnnsylvania, Jan. 14, IHOO, and was the daughter of Thomas and Margaret (Armstrong) Spencer. After mar- riage the young couple settled u|)on a tract of timber land, where Thomas Hammond, like his father before him, constructed a rude dwelling, in which he and his wife commenced housekeeping. He then commenced clearing his land and culti- vating the soil, remaining a resident of that locality until 18()(). He then sold his farm and starting for the farther West, came to this State and coiintj', set- tling first in AVest Township. He purchased 2G0 acres of land on sections 30 and 31, where he carried on farming until 1 877, and in February of that year removed to Bluomington, where he died in June folhjwing. His widow still survives and makes her liome with her daughter, Mrs. Cl.ark. Mrs. Nancy (Hammond) Clark remained under the parental roof until her marriage with Sampson Clark, which occurred on the Istof Sejiteinber, 1853. Mr. Clark was born in Somersetshire, England, Jan. 27, 18;!l,aiid was the son of Samj)son and Susan (Irish) Clark. After marriage the young people located upon the jn-esent homestead of Mrs. ('., and became the parents of two children, daugh- ters — Olive, who married William Hoit, .and Marga- -,^4 ret J., the wife of Hartewell E. Lewis, who resides in West Township. Mr. Clark met his death bj' accident in 1869, being run over by the cars of the I. B. ife W. R. R. He was a very successful Imsi- ness ra.an and farmer and at the time of his death owned about 800 acres of land. He was a kind husband and father, a good citizen, and universally respected by all who knew him, giving of his means for the advancement of worthy enterprises and tak- ing a genuine interest in the welfare of his town- ship and county. ^jSJ^-^S^?. I^^tf^t^ttf^ RANK I.. I1()I.LIN(;SW()RTH, an ener- getic and successful young farmer of Downs Township, is the owner of 170 acres of valuable land on section 5, which includes fifty acres of timber. He took possession t)f this farm in March, ISSG, and already has made some excel- lent improvements, having in contemplation more and greater ones as time progresses. He possesses that spirit of industrj-, enterprise and resolution which is not satisfied with ordinary achievements but is ambitious to excel, and bids fair to become one of the representative citizens of this prosperous and progressive county. Mr. Hollings worth is a native of Champaign County, Ohio, and was born June 7, 1862. His father, Samuel W. Hollingsworth, a native of Co- lumbus, Ohio, in early life removed to Champaign County, where he met and married Miss E. Helen Lyon, who was l)orn in Champaign Ci>unty, where she was reared and educated. Her parents are of American birth and of Scotch- Irish ancestr}\ After his marriage, Samuel W. Hollingsworth located near Lewisburg, Ohio, ami was there engaged in farming until 1872, when he came to Illinois, taking up his abode at Monmouth, Warren County. Two years later he went to Missouri and located near Hopkins, whence he removed later to Taylor Coun- ty, Iowa. From there he went to Lincoln, Neb., where he engaged in merchandising. In 1882 he recrossed the Father of Waters, locating in Bloom- ington. this count}', and is now retired from active labor. Our subject was the eldest of his father's family and received his early education at Lincoln, r t •►-■-^^ McLEAN COUNTY. •213 .t Neb. He eoinmenced doing for himself at the early age of fourteen years, his first experience in the business world being as a stock-raiser in Ne- braska. He came to Bloom ington with his father in 1882, and was connected with him for a time in the wholesale notion trade. Later he became interested in farming. The marriage of Frank L. Hollingswortli and Miss Lizzie Welch was celebrated at the home of the bride's parents in Downs Township, Dec. 17, 1884. Mrs. H. was born in Downs Township, .June 6, I8G5, and completed her education at Wesleyan University, Bloomington. Of her marriage there has been born one child, a daughter, Helen Blay. Mrs. H. is a lady of more than ordinary intelligence and fine social qualities. Our subject is a sold Re- publican in politics, and gives his earnest support to the principles of his party. f^ DGAR M. HEAFER is one of the firm of ^ N. B. Heafer & Co.. manufacturers of brick , ' — '^ ' and drain tile, which is carrying on an ex- tensive and lucrative business. This w.as estab- lished in Jul^', 1 874, by our subject, on a small scale, and at first was limited to the manufacture of tile only. The brick kiln was established in 1861, Ijy Napoleon B. Heafer and James H. McGregor, .and was continued for about twenty-three years, and until its dissolution by the withdrawal of Mr. Mc- (iregor. This yard, the first one established in Bloomington, became the most extensive, and Mr. Heafer, after dissolving with liis i)artner, operated it alone for about one year and then sold it to his son-in-law, Joseph B. Holmes, and his two sons, Arthur and Edgar M. In 1884-85, the brickyard was removed to its present location. The clay of which this brick is manufactured lies about four feet beneath the surface in a strata about eleven feet thick, and after being manufactured resembles in appearance the famous brick of Milwaukee, the grain being fine and the quality strong and dural)le. The tile yards and factory occupy about seven acres ■4!*— k of ground, tliemain building being 150x252 feet in dimensions, two stories in height, and furnished with the most modern machinery and appliances. This is under the management of N. B. Heafer and his son, Fjdgar M., and affords them a fine income. In 1883 they turned out 4,000,000 feet of tile. They manufacture it in all sizes, from three to twelve inches. Napoleon B. Heafer, the father of our subject, was born in Charleston, W. Va., in 1823, and at the early age of ten years began his battle with the world to obtain the necessaries and, if possible, the comforts and luxuries of life. He possessed but a limited education, having been only six months in school, and employed himself .at whatever he could find to do. His wanderings led him northward and he drifted into Kentucky, where he lived for several years and was prospered in his efforts to obtain a livelihood. After arriving at a suitable age he was married, in Jamestown, Ky., to Miss Elizabeth C. Clark, a native of the same place. He remained there with his family until his removal t(.> Bloom- ington and soon afterward engaged in the manu- facture of briclv. He was possessed of much nat- ural genius and very soon became a master mechanic, with a good knowledge of his business. He is the in- ventor of the brick pavement being used in this city, Jacksonville, Champaign and Decatur. After a few years thus occupied, ho was obliged to retire on ac- count of failing health and is now in California. Edgar M. Heafer, who is now the manager of tiie tile business, was born in Jamestovvn, Ky., March 20, 1851, and was about two years old when he came to Bloomingt(jn with his parents. He received his primary education in the schools of this city and subsequently took a course of study in Wes- leyan University, being in the Junior Class at the time of leaving. In February. 187(j, he was mar- ried to Miss Ida M., daughter of William S. Depew, of Bloomington, whose father was one of the earlj' settlers of the Prairie State. Of this marriage there have been born three children — Stella P., Edg.arN. and Roscoe Lionel. Mr. Heafer, although still a young man, is serving a term .as Alderman of the city, .and takes an .active and intelligent interest in all matters pertaining to the welfare of his county and city. He is a wide-awake and enterprising busi- •►- T: f ' t 214 McLEAN COUNTY. iiess iiiMii ;uul ha.s :i tile facldry uf liis own a half mile southeast of that which we have mentioned, which lie operates indepentleiitly. ^BEDIAll OGDEN, of Lexington, is the eldest son of Samncl and Nancy (Vandolah) Og- den, and was born in Fayette County, Ohio, near a small village called Yaiikeetown, on the 2Sth of JIarch, 1830. When tiiree years old his jiarents removed to Illinois, settling in McLean Count}', on Mackinaw Creek in Money Creek Township, in the fall of l.s;!y. The grandfather of our subject, Albert Ogden, had removed to Money Creek Tovvnshi|) in ISMl. He was born in the State of New York, and was of English descent. His wife was formerly Miss BLargaret Riddle, of .Scotch-Irish and Welsh descent. They were the jiarents of ten childivn, of whom eight grew to mature years, married and had families (jf their own. Albert Ogden departed this life on the l.')th of August, 1845, at an advanced age, and his wife in 1 850, when eighty-six years old. Samuel Ogden, whose sketch appears in this work, settled upon a farm in Money Creek Town- ship, and engaged in agricultural pursuits and stock-raising. He was born in IMadison County, Ohio, Aug. 24, 1809, and at the age of twenty years was married to Miss Nancy, daughter of .lohn and Sarah Vandolah. When he first took pos- session of his land in Money Creek Townshij), it was new and unimproved, and upon it was a small cabin, where he and his wife established themselves as comfortably as possible and lived several years. The journey from Ohio was made overland with an ox-team, and he brought with him two thoroughbred greyhounds and three other hunting dogs, by the assistance of which he caught twenty-one wolves and a large number of deer. The household circle was completed b^' the birth of eleven children, and our subject remained with his parents until thirty- six years old, when he was united in marriage with Miss Hannah, daughter of James and Sjirah K. Wih^}', of Money Creek Township. Aftei- their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Obedi.ah Ogden located on a farm in .Money Creek Town- ship, where they lived coutinnousl}- until 1882. They became the parents of eleven children, four sons and seven daughters, eight of whom are yet living: Sarah became the wife of .John Kemp; Nancy A., Samuel A., Francis M., Rhoda ;\I., Mary J., Ella O. and Lizzie M. are at home. In 1882 Mr. Ogden with his family left the farm and removed to Lexington. The old homestead consists of 585 acres, finely cultivated and with good imiiroveraents. He still retains possession of it but it is operated by a tenant. He is still largely interested in stock-dealing, raises from twenty to thirty high-grade calves each year and superintends the feeding of large numbers of cattle and hogs in the winter, which he ships by rail to the Chicago markets. He also has fine Norman horses on his farm, both draft and roadsters. His industry and energy have greatly assisted in developing the agricultural resources of this section and he has in all respects been a valued addition to the farm- ing community as well as to society in general. IMr. Ogden belongs to the Baptist Church, and Mrs. O. is connected with the United Brethren. Our subject, politically, has been a Jeffersouian Democrat since old enough to exercise the right of suffrage and still casts his vote in support of the principles of his party. ANIEL W. MASON. This gentleman may be numbered among the intelligent and successful farmers of Downs Township, where he has a fine estate of 120 acres, lo- cated on section 27. The land is under a good state of cultivation and supplied with a modern residence with handsome grounds and good out- buildings. The dwelling stands on a rise of ground which commands a fine view of the surrounding country. The farm is conducted with system and good order and everything is kept up in the best style. The machinery is after the most improved pattern and the live-stock includes the best grades of domestic animals. Mr. Mason took possession of his present home in March, 1868, having pur- chased it the previous 3'ear. He came to this i -i Mi^ -•►■ t McLEAN COUNTY. 2lo A 1 ' countj' in October, 1839, .and liiis been ;i resiclent here most of the time since. D.iniel W. M.ason was born in l^reble Connty, Ohio, April 15, 1833, being the son of Solomon Mason, who was a native of Kentncl-^>^= T JUDGE O. T. REEVES, who presiiles over the Circuit Court t)f iMcLean, Ford, Iroquois and Kankakee Ct)unlies, is a resident of Bloomington and one of her most valued citizens. He is a native of Ross County, Ohio, born in 1829, and llie son of William and Mary (Mcijain) Reeves, botli natives of Virginia. The grandfallier of our subject, Josiah Reeves, emi- grated from Culpepei' Court House, \a., to Ross County, Oliio, in about IKOl, where he engaged in farming pursuits. He went to Ross County in 1804, wlien tlie territory was but a wilderness, being M» among the earliest settlers of that region, lie en- tered a claim and cleared 200 acres of land, where he established a permanent home and passed the re- mainder of his days. All of his thirteen children lived to become men and women and were all married. One of his sons, Owen T., was the County Judge of Ross County for a number of years. William, the fatiier of our subject, was a member of the State Legislature. Josiah Reeves departed this life in 1841, aged eighty-one years. His wife, the grandmother of our subject, died tlie following year, aged eighty. Both were devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in early days meetings were held in liis log house and were presided over by such men as Rev. Henry B. Bas- com, of Kentucky, and Bishop McKendree. Tiie children all received a good education. Grand- father Reeves belonged to the Whig party and tooli an active part in promoting the interests of his State and county. AVilliam Reeves was reared on the farm, and when twenty-one years of age purchased a tract of land and engaged extensively in grain and stock- raising. Like his fatiier before him he became prominent in tlie affairs of tliat locality and was elected to the Ohio Legislature in 1852. He also held the various township otiices and was an ac- knowledged leader of rare intelligence and sound sense. He was married in Oliio, in 181.S, to Miss McLain, of that State, and the daughter of John McLain, a i)rominent resident of the Buckeye State. Of the ten children born of this marriage, five only are living: Mrs. Julia A. Hitch, of Bloomington; James M., a grain and stock farmer of Ross County, Ohio; Owen T., our subject; William M., Deputy Recorder of McLean County, and Emma, Mrs. Landon, of Kokomo, Iiul. Will- iam Reeves moved to Illinois in 1855, settling in McLean ('ounty. He had disposed of all his prop- erty in Ohio, and after coming here purchased a farm in Bloomington Township, which he occupied for a number of years and then selling out, moved into Old Town Township. The wife and mother departed this life in 1860, and in 1862 Mr. Reeves was married the second time, to Mrs. Mary M. Reeves, of Pennsylvania. He departed this Tife in 1^S76, and the second wife died in 1882. I t. ■^^ McLEAN COUNTY. 217 a Owen T. Reeves remained on liis falliei's farm, attending the common schools, until seventeen years old. He then took a two years' course at Salem Academy and afterward attended the Uni- versity of Delaware, Ohio, where he studied another two years and graduated in IS.'JO. He then be- came tutor of. languages in the University, and the following year w.as Principal of Berea Seminary, which was located ne.ar Cleveland, Chio. Then, on account of failing health, he retired from active labor for one 3'ear. In lS5o he became Principal of the Chillicothe High Seho(jland the year follow- ing completed his law studies which he had been pursuing while teaching at CUiillicothe, under the instruction of W. T. McClintociv. He was ad- mitted to the bar in 18.')4, and immediately re- moved to Bloomington and commenced the prac- tice of his profession. His talents and ability re- ceived ready recognition and he very soon attained to a leading position among the professional men of this State. In 1862 he raised and commanded the 75th Regiment, Illinois Infantry. After filling various positions of trust and responsibility con- nected with legal matters he was elected Circuit Judge in March, 1877, which position he has held since that time. He is Republican in politics and has conscientiously devoted his time and attention to the duties of his position. In addition to other intei-ests, he purchased in 1877, the vvoolen factory which is located on University avenue, and which gives employment to twelve operatives, yielding to its proprietor large profits annually. Judge Reeves w.as married in 1851, to Miss Lucy A., daughter of Reuben and Abbie King, of Delaware, Ohio, and of this union there were born four children, of whom only one is now living, Edward C. This son married Miss Nettie Jones, of Normal, and they have two children, Ella B. and Owen F. Mrs. Reeves departed this life in February, 1861. The second wife of our subject, to whom he was married in 1862, was Miss Mary E. Hawks, a native of Bloomington, and daughter of M. H. and Elizabeth A. Hawks, of Bloomington. The family of our subject includes eight children: Eucy, a graduate of AVellesley College, M.assachu- setts; Lincoln, a farmer of Normal; William H., a graduate of Champaign University; Owen T., stu- <■ dent at Dean Academy, Franklin, Mass., and Lewis M.; James M., Mabel and Huston M., students in Bloomington. Besides his city property the Judge owns 440 acres of choice land, and in his profession has accumulated a competency. Both Mr. and Mrs. Reeves are members in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and greatly respected by all who know them. ^'EFFERSON BIRDSELL. who is successfully engaged as a garfleiier and a grower of small fruits, is i)leasantly located on section .^^^^ 21, in Randolph Township. He came to McLean County in 1852, and since that time has been engaged at his present business. Mr, Biixlsell was born in Harrison, Hamilton Co,, Ohio, on Christmas Day, 1825. His father, John Birdsell, a cooper by trade, was an old resident of Harrison, and died there some years ago. The mother who. before her marriage, was Miss Allen, departed this life when our subject was but a week old, and he never afterward saw his father. Our subject, after the death of his mother, was taken into the family of John Richards, a German by birth and parentage, and they came to Dearborn County, Ind,, young Birdsell remaining with them until he w.as seventeen years old. He then went to live with his brother-in-law, Joseph Lawson, the husband of his eldest sister, Sarah A. Mr. Lawson served through the late war, and afterward joined the standing army. He was with Custer's Division in Wyoming Territory at the time the hero of the frontier was killed. He was Captain of a company and on his w.ay to reinforce Custer, but arrived only in time to witness the slaughter of the United States troops and the flight of the redskins. Capt. Lawson died in W^yoming Territor3' in 1883. When twenty-four years old Mr. Birdsell left the home of his brother-in-law in Cincinnati, Ohio, and coming to Illinois, located in Randolph Town- ship, this county. He was married to his sister-in- law, Mrs. Lavina (Passwater) Birdsell, who died on the 22d of September, 1883. By her first husband, William W. Birdsell, she had become the mother of five children, the record of whom is as follows: Jesse J. w.as born Aug. 26. 182'J; Emily C, May ■<^ A^ -21S McLean county. 16, 1834; William V., Jan. 20. 1837; John S.,May 25, 1839; Sarah C, April 20, 1842. Mr. and Mrs. B. united with the Christian Union Church soon after their marriage. Our subject is a Democrat politically, and socially is a Mason and an Odd Fellow, and is Past Grand of the Subordinate Lodge and a member of the Encampment. He has in all respects been an honest man and a good citizen, and is highly esteemed in his community. • UA A AM LASH, a veteran of the l^Icxican War and an early pioneer of the Prairie State, became a resident of this section in 1835. lie was born in Miller Township, Knox Co., Ohio, Sept. 14,1825. His father. Nathaniel Lash, was a native of the same county and State, and his grandfather, John Lash, was born in North Carolina. His great-grandfather was a native of Germany, and being desirous of emigrating to America and not having money to pay his passage, contracted with a North Carolina planter and worked for him to pay his passage. Locating in North Carolina he spent the balance of his life there, where liis remains were buried long j'ears ago. His son, the grandfather of our subject, died in Morrow County, Ohio, at the advanced age of ninety-seven years. Nathaniel Lash, the father of our subject, was reared in his native State of Ohio, where he grew to manhood, in the meantime receiving a fair edu- cation in the public schools. He was there married, and continued in that State until 1833, when he emi- grated to Illinois and settled in that i)ortion of the State which was assigned afterward to Bureau (lounty, liio latter not being then organized. The elder Nash entered aclaim,bnilt a cabin and fenced a few acres. He there established a comfortable home, it being located about one and a half miles north of the now tlourishing city of Princeton. There he spent the remainder of his life and dicfd in June, l.S.'i 1. Tlu^ maiden name of the mother of our subject was CMiarity Short, and she was born in Baltimore, Md. She came to Illinois with hei' family and died in Tazewell Coiuily in November, 183C. The par- ental household consisted of nine children, four > ► l i <■ sons and five daughters, of whom the subject of our sketch was the fourth in order of birth. He was eight years old when his father came to Illi- nois. After the death of his mother he lived with Mr. Henshaw and grew to m.anhood in this county. In 184l'>. during the |)rogress of the Mexican AVar, Mr. Lash enlisted as a soldier in the 4tli Illi- nois Infantry, Col. K. D. Baker commanding, and went to Mexico. He |)articii)ated in the battles of Vera Cruz and Cerro (iordo, and engaged in the various other battles and skirmishes, serving until the close of the war, and receiving his honorable discharge in March, 1847. At the close of his mili- tary experience he returned to McLean County, and in 1851 set out overland for the gold fields of Cali- fornia. He started out from Dale Township on the 3d of April and drove an ox-team across the plains in company with a large party. He arrived in Oregon City on the lOth of August following, having crossed the Cascade Mountains, a distance of eighty miles, in four days. After arriving in ('aliforuia he entered the mines, and was occupied in digging for the yellow ore until July 15 of the following year. He then set out for home via the Isthmus and New Orleans, and the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers to Pekin, thence by stage to Blooni- ington. Mr. Lash, after remaining in Illinois until 1855, set out in the month of February for Texas, then, returning in April of the same year, settled upon the farm which he has since continuously occupied. He was married on the 20th of March, 1856, to Miss Sus.an Herring, who was a native of Richland County, Ohio, and a d.aughter of Daniel and Eliza- beth (Ferguson) Herring. Their comfortable home is surrounded by the appliances of good taste and ample nutans, and Mr. Lash and his wife are enjoy- ing the good things of this life and the highest esteem of their friends and fellow-citizens. i\Ir. Lash has always been a conscientious Demo- crat and cast his first vote for (ien. Cass. He has had a huge and useful experience in life, and has gathered much valuable knowledge from the scenes which he has witnessed during his travels over a large portion of the United States. As a leading- representative citizen of this county we give a por- trait of Ml'. Lash oil page 220. n ft',' .■' 3^' «^ -'.>!''' ~ IW JS ,-■"% ^y IVwilV^, 4^ ♦- I McLEAN COUNTY. -•►-■-4» 121 122 ••► McLean county. was cut down in llic piiiiio ol' life, and died in liis native State and cDiinty. Tiie sulijcH't of on r sketch was one of the elder children born to liis jiarcnts and remained in his native connty mitil he liad arrived at the age of fourteen years, lie tiien sought the more western country in company wilii his uncle, Joseph Wake- field, and they came to McLean County, 111., set- tling in Randolph Townshi]), and young Seogin re- mained with his uncle until his marriage. This in- teresting event occurred on the 2Gth of November, l!S4i, the maiden of his choice being Miss Eliza- beth Karr, daughter of Thomas J. and Elizabeth (Kitchell) Karr, natives of New Jersey, the father a farmer by occupation. The young wife lived only a short time after the birth of her first child, her decease occurring Oct. l.'i, l.S-45. The child also died while young. Mr. Seogin was the second time married, Jan. 19, 1S47, in Blooinington Township, to Miss Eliza Low, who was a native of Licking County, Ohio, and born Aug. 2'.). 1829. She became the mother of seven children, one of wh(jm is now deceased, and died at her home in Bloomington Township on the 1 fith of November. 1 803. The children ai'e recorded as follows: Lee, the eldest Ix^rn. married Miss Nettie Custer, of DeWitt Count}', 111., and he is now carrying on farming operations in Dale Township ; Jay 15. is a farmer and carpenter, resid- ing in Bloomington Township; he was married to Mrs. Mctoria (Grow) Brown, a Kentucky lady. John N., of Bloomingtiin, is employed at draying; lie was married to Miss Nannie Kinzel, a native of this county. Frank, a farmer, is unmai-ried and re- sides at home ; llattie became the wife of Olid J>ash, of Dale Township, and is now living with her father; .Joseph W. is engaged in farming on the old homestead. These children constitute a fine family, have received a good education, ahd are all more th.an ordinarily bright and intelligent. While yet a young man Mr. Seogin had served a thorough apprenticeship at the carpenter trade, at which he was engaged until after his second mar- riage, siufte which time he has been successfully en- g.'igcd ill farming pursuits. The homestead is finely located, and in all its ap|)ointments is well fitted for the operations crated it for twelve years thereafter. He then purchased a farm about two miles from the village, which he occupied for about thirty years, and then retiring to the village departed this life there in 1877. He was a respected and useful citi- zen, a Deacon of the Congregational Church for man}' years, and held various offices in the county. He gave to each of his children a good education, and took an intelligent interest in all matters per- taining to the intellectual and moral advancement of his community. John Evans and his wife were the parents of six children — David, Mary, John W., Morris, Richard and Jane A., all of whom lived to become men and women. The subject of this biographj- was reared on a farm, and attended school three months each year in the winter, until he was eighteen years old. A j-ear afterward he went to learn the carpenter's trade with his uncle, David H. Roberts, of Ebensburg, where he served three years, and for two years fol- lowing worked as a journeyman there. He then came West, in 1852, and visited Ohio, Indiana, Illi- nois, went north to Michigan and southwest to Mis- souri ; then returned East to New York, and thence to New Jersey, where he remained a short time and from there went to his old home, having been gone a year. In 1854 he started westward once more by way of Louisiana, where he spent the winter and worked at his trade. From there he went up the river to (^uincy. 111., where he spent the summer, and in October of that year came to Bloomington, where he has since remained. He worked at his trade until March, 1855, and then formed a part- nership with J. W. Hayes, and they engaged in contracting for the following eighteen years, until the death of Mr. H. During this time they put up more buildings than any other firm in the city, and during the time they operated together established a lumber-yard and built a |)laning-mill, in 1859. which was destroyed by fire in April, 1861. They immediately rebuilt and operated the same until the partnership was dissolved by death in 1873, since which time Mr. Evans, who purchased the in- terest of his partner, has continued the business alone. The main office is located (ju the corner of I i t. 124 McLEAN COUNTY. 4 Ceiitor and iMullici-ry streets, where the shups, liiiilt of brick, cover an area of ;^,.")00 feet. Mr. Evans gives enii)lo>-ii)ent to thirty-live men; tlie Inmber- yards are on tlie opposite side of the street. INIr. Evans was one of the original organizers of the lUoomington .Stove \\'orivs, and was President from 1885 to 1.S.S7. lie lias also been Treasurer, and was a Director from its organization. The marriage of .1. W. Evans and Miss Martha Williams took jilace in Ebensburg, Pa., May 20, ISGO. Of this union tliere have been born six children, as follows: Fremont is engaged with his fa tiler in tiie lumber otlice; Cora, Roland, Fred, V\ illiam and Susan are at home. The wife and mother departed this life in 1879, at the home of iier husband in Bloomiiigton. Mr. Evans and his family occupy a beautiful residence at the corner of Cliestnut and Center streets, which was erected in 18C4, at a cost of *C,000. It is built of brick, and in furnishing and finishing is indicative of cultiva- ted tastes and ample means. Mr. Evans commenced life single-handed, with- out means or iiiHuence, and his present possessions are the result of liis own industry and enterprise. He possesses marked business talent, and is well in- formed upon matters of general interest. He has been prominently identified with the affairs of the comniuiiit}^ since coming here, and among other positions of trust vvas Alderman of the Sixth Ward for live years, and lias always contributed cheer- fully of his time and means for the promotion and encouragement of whatever was calculated to be for the general welfare of the community. He is Republican in [lolitics, and in all respects a repre- sentative citizen. Our subject is connected with the Presliyterian Cliurch, of wliich Mrs. E. was also a member in good standing. AMliKI. W. SIITIIERLANI), deceased, formerly a resident on section 2, Old Town Township, w.as an offspring of Dr. John and .M:uia, (Wilbor) Sutherland, natives of Columbia t'ountN', K. Y. After the marriage of the parents they settled in Columbia County, wliere the father followed the jiractice of his profession and was also engaged in farming. He died there in 1812. She afterward married Samuel E. Hudson, of Newark, Wayne Co., N. Y., and in 18.')S they emigrated to this State and took up their residence in Old Town Township, this county, where he died in August, 1870. She afterward ni.ade her home with her son Samuel, and departed this life in Old Town Towiishi]), Oct. 20, 1886. She was of a quiet, retiring disposition, and was loved for her acts of Christian charity and kindness. By her first marriage she became the mother of two chil- dren, who lived to attain the age of man and wom- anhood. Our subject was the elder, and Caroline A., the younger. The latter became the wife of R. P. Layton, and died at Rockford, 111., one year after her marriage. Samuel Sutherland was born at Chatham Center, Columbia Co., N. Y., May 28, 182G. He was reared to farm labor and supplemented his educa- tion received in the common schools by a course of study at Kinderhook Academy, Kinderhook, N. Y., and still later attended the Rensselaer Institute, at Troy, N. Y., from which he graduated. He, however, aimed to follow nfessions, but devoted his entire time to agricultural pursuits, and was thus occupied in Columbia County until 18.')(i. In Februaiy of that year he came to this county with his wife and one child, and located in Old Town Township, purchasing nearly the whole of section 2, on which he located and followed his chosen calling until his death, which event occurred May 18, 1879. Mr. Sutherland was married in Columbia County, N. Y., Dec. 26, 1849, to Miss Mary H. Rider, daughter of D. W. and Anna Rider, natives of York State, where the mother died in August, 1852. The father came to Henry County, III., subsequently removing to Iowa, where he departed this life. D. W. Rider was the father of six children, Mary H. Helen, Anna, Wilson, Adeline and D. W. Mrs. -Sutherland was born in Chatham, N. Y., July 19, 1 829, and has borne our subject seven children, three of whom are deceased ; those living are Anna V., Ed ward W., John C. and Alice M. Anna is the wife of Allan BiH>wn. Mr. Sutherland was Township i~ ■•►-■i-4* I f -^*- n McLean county. 125 Supervisor, and also held other minor oflices dur- ing his life. He was a member of the Episcopal Church, and highly respected by all who knew him. -:>'^^^V55^^^^ ON. J. II. ROWEJ.L, Congressman from the Fourteenth District of Illinois, having his residence at liloomington, is a native f)f the Old Granite State, where he was born in 1833, and among the New England hills, in addi- tion to a natural inheritance, imbibed those strong and worthy principles of character which have con- tributed to his success in life and to the building- up of an honorable record. He is the son of J. B. and Cynthia (Abbott) Rowell, also natives of New Hampshire. The grandparents on both sides were n.itives of Massacliusetts, and after the Revolu- tionary War, removed from their native State into New Hampshire. 15oth the great-grandfathers of our subject served on the side of the colonies in their struggle for independence, and were among tlic early settlers of the Bay State. They descended from a long line of honorable English ancestry, who were g'o<.)d citizens and straightforward busi- ness men, and mostly engaged in agricultural ])ur- suits. The parents of our subject removed from New Hampshire in 1849, to McLean Count3-, 111., and settled in Danvers Township. Tiie father lived only one j-ear after coming here, and iiis eldest son, Ira, took up a tract of 160 acres of land, upon which he built a house, improved a farm, and es- tablished a comfortable home, where tlie family lived for a number of j'ears. The subject of this history remained with his mother and her family until he was twenty-one years old; at sixteen years of age he commenced teaching school winters while emphj^'ed on the farm during the summer seasons. He had made the most of his advantages, and given good attention to his books while in school. After leaving the farm he entered Eureka College in Woodford County, 111., as a student, and remained for tlie following six years. In 18G0-(il he was Professor of IMathemat- ics. The Civil War being now in progress he en- listed in Co. G, 17th 111. Vol. Inf., beiiii;- elected 1 First Lieutenant, and after a year was given a Captain's commission, which he retained until his term of service expired. He was engaged with his regiment in the battles of Fts. Henry and Donel- son, Shiloh, Hatchie, the sieges of Corinth and Vicksburg, and also in Meridian campaign. Inter- mingled with these were various skirmishes, in all of which he performed his part as became a soldier and a leader. After receiving his honorable discharge from the army Capt. Rowell commenced the study of law in Chicago University, in which he made such rapid progress that he was admitted to the bar that same year, 180,'), and commenced the practice of his pro- fession in Bloomington, 111. His evident talent re- ceived ready recognition, and he was elected to the otlice of State's Attorney from 1868 to 1872. He was a member of the Board of Education for six j'ears, and Master in Chancery of McLean County for three years, in the meanwhile occnpyiug other positions of trust and responsibility as a citizen and valued member of society. Capt. Rowell was elected to represent the Four- teenth District in the United States Senate, first in 1S,S2, and is now serving his third term as a na- tional legislator. During tliis time his course has been straightforward and upright, and his influence has been exerted for the Ijest good of the greatest number. He is bj' no means a paity politician, but in his high position strives to follow a line of strict integrity, which shall reflect not only honor upon himself, liut upon the judgment of those who have placed him there. The subject of our sketch was united in mar- riage with Miss jNIaria Woods at lUoomington, in 1866. Mrs. Rowell was born in Alton, III., and is the adopted daughter of J. C. rinil Maria Woods, of that place. She is an acc\vcll is a int'iiiljcr in yond staiidint;' of the Christian Churcli, and siiciall_y hehmgs to the I. O. O. v., K. of P. and (i. A. K. lie has attained to liis present liigli i)usition sright is the second child born of his father's lirst inarri.age. He was ivared to manhood on a farm, ;ind devoted his lime to agriculture and T ■-p^m 'i t m-^^ t McLEAN COUNTY. 127 stock-raising, in the meantime receiving' a common- school education, and supplemented b3' a course of study at Lexington College for two years. In 1870 our subject came to this State, and locating at Normal purchased a farm of ninety acres two and a half miles northeast of that city. On this place he located and engaged in its improvement and the raising of stock, and there met with suc- cess. In 1874 Mr. Bright was united in marriage with Miss Sarah, daughter of Ellis and Martha Dillon, lie then began to deal in French draft horses, and in 1882 made his first trip to Erance, and on his re- turn brought with him ten head of horses of that breed. In 1884 he again went to France, and this time imported twenty head, six of them, however, being for other parties. In 1885 our subject formed a partnership with Adolphus Dillon, which relationship has continued until the present time, under the Arm name of Dillon 6l IJright. Mr. Briglit's wife departed this life April 28, 1881, leaving one daughter, ISernie. In politics Mr. Bright is a Democrat, although an earnest worker in the cause of temperance. In religion he holds fellowshiij with the Christian Church, and is one of the prominent and foremost citizens of the county. ^AMES K. ORENDORFF, deceased, was one of the oldest settlers of Bloomington Town- ship, and died at his home in this township ^^ Jan. 1, 1875. He was a native of Christian County, Kj'., and was born Dec. 28, 1812, being the first child of William and Sarah Orendortt'. William Orendortt' became the father of fourteen children bj' four different wives. (See sketch of Ohio H. P. Orendorff on another page in this work.) The subject of our sketch emigrated North to Illinois with his father when he was only about six years old, his mother having died in Kentucky about two years previously. He remained with his father until he had attained to yeai-s of manhood, and was married in Bloomington Township, this county, to Miss Lavina Sayles. The wedding took place at the residence of the l)ride's mother, May 4, 18.37. This lady was born in Howard County, Mo., Jan. 23, 1821, and was the daughter of Elias and Sarah (Sayles) Sayles, natives of North Caro- lina, of Welsh and English ancestry, but of Ameri- can parentage and Southern born. Elias Sayles was a farmer by occupation, and after his marriage in North Carolina removed first to Nashville, Tenn., thence to Southern Illinois, afterward to Howard County, Mo., whence they returned, in 1830, to the Prairie State and located in Sangamon County. The father subsequently went to the lead mines near Dubuque, Iowa, and died there Jan. 20, 1835. The mother, with her children, came into McLean C'ountj% and settled in Bloomington Township. The parental family consisted of nine children, all of whom except Mrs. O. of this notice have been dead for more than twenty years. The mother, in about May, 1 844, vvent to Iowa, and died there in August, 1853. After the marriage of our subject and his wife they went to Wisconsin, locating on Fox River, where they remained for four years, thence coming to McLean Countj', 111., and settling in Blooming- ton Township, which remained their permanent home. In his earlier years Mr. Orendorff accumu- lated a handsome property, but by a series of mis- fortunes lost the greater part of it before he died. His widow is spending the sunset of her life on a part of the old homestead. She is a most excellent and worthy lady and has many warm friends in this county. Their family consisted of five chil- dren, two of whom are deceased; Perry married Miss Elizabeth Belleville, and resides on a farm in Sumner Comity, Kan. ; James married Miss Barthana Quinn, and is farming on a part of the old home- stead; his wife died near Shirley in 1878. Mary F. is unmarried and lives with her mother. The de- ceased are William and Sarah A. ; the former was married, and left a wife and family who are residents of this county. Politically Mr. Orendorff was a Whig, but in 18GG joined the ranks of the Democratic party. His family were closely connected with the history of this township, and weve people of rare intelli- gence, good business qualities and principles of honor and honesty. The family history is some- what remarkable and is of more than ordinarj- in- terest. They are widely represented in the I'nited i ■•►^J '4 :I- i 128, McLEAN COUNTY. I States, and in October, ISSfi, held a family reunion in the city of Blooniington, at which were repre- sented large nninlx'rs of their descinidants, there being about 250 in attendance. The reunion oc- cupied two days and evenings, and was a grand success in all of its features. The exercises were interspersed with speeches, toasts and niusic, and the varions nuuiibers of the family exhibited many old and valuable relics which have been preserved for more than a hundred years. The Orendorffs are of (iernian descent. In 1S2;!, Christi.ipher, William and Tlionias came to tiiis .State, and the first named settled in Logan County, on Sugar Creek. Thomas took up a claim on what is now known as the Stejjhen Houghton place; he became the father of thirteen children. The Oren- dorffs of this locality are descendants of \Villiam and Thomas; those around Canton, of John Oren- dorff; those around Springfield, of Joseph, and those around ITopedale and Delavan, of Aaron, Enoch and Esau, the latter being broliiers of an- other branch of the family. The various male members of the family have been represented in the State Senate, in the ai'my, and have occupied various other important positions connected with ])iiblic affairs. They are |)rincipall3' noted for own- ing mills of all kinds, and various members of the family have brought out several notable inventions. Capt. John ( )rendorff patented a reaping-machine similar to that of the McCormicks', but failed to reach the patent office before they had theirs en- tered. He patented a wool-carding machine, and spent twenty years trying to perfect perpetual mo- tion. The Orendorffs in Canton !ire connected with the famous |)low company of that city, and Hon. Alfred ()., of Springfield, at one time received the Democratic nomination for State Treasurer, and is now Chairman of the State Democratic Central ('(jmmittee. 'I'iiey have been intimately identified with the business and industrial interests of the Piairie State since it was admitted into the Union, and have contributed their full quota toward de- veloping its resources and building it uj) financially and otherwise. At the late reunion several mem- bers of the family came from liondo, Polk Co., .Mo., traveling the entire distance of laO miles in a wagon drawn by a mule-team, lieing fourteen and one-half d.ays on the road. This simply illus- trates a t,r;i,il of the family, namely, tiiat of sturdy perseverance and a determination to accomplish whatever the}' set about, and this has been the secret of tiieir success in life, and assisted them to the jiosition which they occupy in the histt>ry of the State of Illinois. .-i?J^I«^59S£!> >^5«f-M^tf-» OIIN W. COOK, A. M., incumbent of the Chair of Mathenuitics, Illinois State iSornial University, was l)orn in Oneida County, (^)j N. Y., April 20, f844, being the son of Harry D. and Joanna (Hall) Cook. In 18.')1 the family removed to Illinois, and settled in BIcLean County, where the father became prominent both as a business man and a i)olitician, not only in that vicinity but throughout the State; his death oc- curred ill 1873. The mother is still living, and n^- sides at Normal. The subject of this sketch roini)letcd his educa- tion in the Illinois State Normal I'niversity, whence he graduated in 18G5. He then taught one j'car in the schools of Brimfield, Peoria Ci^iunty, at the end of which time he was [jlaced in charge of one of the departments of the Model School, a position which he occupied for two jears. During the seven years following he had charge of reading and elo- cution in the Illinois State Normal Uuiversit}', and since 187i> has been Professor of Mathematics. Prof. Cook is a very active, energetic man, and besides giving due attention to his duties as teacher has found time to assist in many worthy enterprises. For tweiity-six months, associated with Dr. E. C. Hewitt, he edited and published the Itlli mil's ISrIiiiiiI Master, and for three and one-half years the I/liiiois tSchiml ./ ness, and in due time became the proprietor of an extensive and valuable fauii, which he had, liy his own industry, eliminated from the forest. The family of Thomas and Elizabeth Cole included seven daughters and four sons, of whom all lived to years of maturity. The father passed the re- mainder of his days upon the homestead which he had established in the wilds of Ohio, and died Aug. 20, 1840, nine years after the death of his faithful partner, who had died Sept. 27, 1831. The mother of our subject, Mrs. Leah (Peters) Cole, was the daughter of Samuel and Mary (Stephenson) Peters. They were of English ances- try, but American birth, both being natives of Bal- timore, Md. After marriage they removed tot)hio, settling in P\airfield County in 1812, and engaged in farming pursuits. Samuel Peters was born Nov. 27, 1772, and departed this life in C)hit). Se|)t. 10, 1 829. His wife, Mary, was born Sept. 2.s, 1773. and died in Ohio, Feb. 15, 18G1. They had a family of thirteen children, nine sons and four daughters, all living to maturity, the first death being that of one of the sons at the age of thirty-seven years. They all lived in Ohio, engaged in farming and stock-dealing, and all, with one exception, became wealthy. That one, however, was a man of fine talents, and became jjrominently identified with public affairs. Broad Cole, the father of our subject, received a fair education in the common schools, and was reared, lived and died on the farm wiiere he was born. In the aiiportionment of projierty he re- ceived the homestead, and with that and other land in adjoining counties was the propriett)r of 700 acres, and was largely interested as a stock-dealer He had a family of fourteen children, four of whom died in infauc3' and ten lived to mature years. Of these seven are now living and recorded as follows: Thomas is engaged in farming in Fairfield Ctmnt^', Ohio; David is similarly engaged in Blackford County, Ind.; the next is Dr. N. B.,of our sketch; Jonathan S. is Principal of the Minier School of this county; Joseph R., who is possessed of much literary ability, is a resident of Brooklyn, and en- gaged as a historian; Lewis D. is engaged in farm- ing in Fairfield County, Ohio; Henry is the young- est of the faniily, and occupies the old homestead. •► 'i f t 132 McLEAN COUNTY. V Tlio father of our .siibjrcl, died on the 25th of June, |!S«2, :it the advanced ;ige of eighty years; the niullier is still living on the old homestead, and is eighty j-ears old. The subject of this history commenced attending school at a very early age, and i)ursued his studies until lie was twenty, in the meantime tilling vaca- tions with farm work. lie commenced the study of medicine on the 4th of Ai)ril, l.SyT.at Lancaster, Oliio, and subsequently took two courses of lectures in New York City, whence he entered Long Island College llosjjital, I'.rooklyn, and graduated on the tilth of .luly, ISOO. being a member tif the first class graduated from the institution. lie returned to Licking County, Ohio, and commenced the prac- tice of his in'otessiiin at I'^tna, where he remained until Ain-il, lSiJ-2. The war being then in progress he entered the army as Assistant Surgeon, U. S. A., for a, term of three monlhs, with the I'.tth Ohio, and was with the regiment at the siege of Corinth, and was placed in charge t)f the Field Ilosjiital of the ■Jd division of the ;!d Army Cori)S. He then re-en- tered as Assistant Surgeon in the .V)th (Jhio \'olun- teei-s, of the 23d Army Corps, and remained in service until the close of tlic war. After his return from the army Dr. Cole was united in marriage with Miss Matilda C. Evans, a native of Licking County, Ohio, who was born Sei)t. 2-f, l.So'J, and was the daughter of John and Margaret (Montgomery) hhans, of Pennsylvania and Oliio respectively. Her parent? were married iu aliout 1.S2.S. They lived upon .a farm, and her father was engaged in agriculture and stock-raising. After their marriage Dr. and Mrs. Cole came to Ulooniington, arriving here Nov. 1, l.sil.'i.and since that time our subject has tollowed his profession continuously and built up a large and lucrative practice. He belongs to llii' Count}', State and Na- tional Medical Associations, and has been a mem- ber of the United States ICxamining Pension Hoard for twelve years. Politically he alliliates with the Rei)ublican i)a,rty,a,nd socially is a memlier in good standing of the ('•. A. P., and Union Veterans I'nitm. 'i'he Doctor and .Mr?. C. have become the par- ents of tliree children — Carrie L., Kvens N. and Leah M., all living. The family occupy a hanil- -4^ Some and convenient residence, which the Doctor built in 186G, and which is locateil at No. 1105 North Main street. The parents and one daughter are members of Grace Methodist Church, of which Dr. Cole has been a Steward for ten years. He has, in all respects, fulfilled the obligations of a good citizen, and as a physician has hosts of patrons and friends. His ottice is located at No. lOG West AVashington street, Bloomiugton. OHN CAMPBELL, !). D. S., residing at liloomington, is a native of West A'irginia, born in 1833. He is the son of Archibald ^ :u\i] Sus;m (.loues) Campbell, natives of West \irginia, where the father followed the call- ing of a farmer. Nine children were born of the parental union, live of whom are now living. The subject of thi* notice was reared to the calling of a farmer, and lived with the old folk until he was twenty years old. His early education was received in the common schools, and supplemented by an academical course at Union, Monroe Co., W. \'a. His pircceiitor was Pev. Samuel Houston, a Presby- terian clergyman. After leaving school our sub- ject Ijegau the practice of dentistry, borrowing $50 wherewith U> purchase his tirst case of dental in- struments. Our subject ctintinued this profession until the breaking out of the late Civil War in 1.^(11, when he enlisted in Co. F., 22d West \irgiiiia \'olun- teers, as Lieutenant. He resigned his otlice during the tirst year of service, and while at home was elected Captain, and returning to the tield of con- flict continued in the service until the close of the war. He participated iu the battle of Fisher Hill, where he received two wounds, one in the left shoulder and one in the left hi)). At the battle of New iAbirkcl he received a Hesh wound in the fo(.)t. Hei-c he was ordered to charge the pits of the enemy, and starting on a run, our subject at the head of his nu'U soon fell into the pit liinisclf. and that, too, right on to|) of two of the enemy. He immediately demanih-d their surrender, and they, doubtless thinking tlu're were many more to a.ssist him in their capture, there anay became a resident of McLean County in 18.'j7, at (jnce making his lo- cation in lUoomington Township, and with the ex- ception of eight years has made this township his home since that time. During this interval he re- sided in Piatt County and carried on farnuug, Imt chose this localitj' for his final home. The subject of our sketch was born near Mechan- icsburg, Chamijaign Co., Ohio, on the .'iOth of March, 181G. His father, William Bay, was a na- tive of Pennsylvania, and of Scotch-Irish ancestry. He went to Chami)aign County, Ohio, in early manhood, and was there united in marriage with Miss Susanna Hudson, a native of Baltimore, Md., and descend<'d fr(.)m the same races as her husband. They lived in ( )hio for some years after their mar- riage, and until after the birth of five children. The elder Bay then decided to go westward for a per- manent location. Accordingly, with his family, he emigrated to Indiana, in 1824, and the^- took up their first location in Indianapolis, where they re- mained for a period of fifteen years, during which time five more children were added to the house- hold circle. In l.s;5G, with his wife and family, Mr. l!ay re- moved to Mcllenry County, 111., and afterward came to JMcLean County and settled one and one- half miles west of the city of Bhjomington. There they remained for ten years, and afterwarcl re- moved within the city limits. While upon a visit at Galesburg, Knox County, the father was taken ill, and died there on the oOth of August, 1«14. The mother survived him for a period of twenty- four years, and departed this life at her home in McLean County in September, ISCS. They were most excellent and worthy people and were highly respected in the community. Willi;i,ni Bay was an active member of the Methodist Kjiiscoiial Church and ofiiciated as local minister the greater part of his life. He was not especially educated for this work, but possessed line abilities as a speaker, and was more than ordinarily intelligent. J. S. Bay commenced doing business for himself wiien quite a youth, his first employment away from home being that of mail carrier between In- dianapay was a sister of ex-(iov. Routt, of Col- orado. She was born in Kentucky, but her par- rents dying when she was young, she came North to Illinois with her uncle, with whom she lived un- til her marriage with our subject, and after becom- ing the mother of two children, died on the 1 7th of March, 1814, a little more than four years after her marriage. One of the children is deceased, and the other, Sarah by name, is the widow of Edwin S. AValker, who was a nephew of the late Judge David Davis; Cornelia died at the age of four years. Mr. Bay was the second time married, in Warren County, 111., Sept. '27, 1 H46, to Miss Alvina Bay, who was a native of Ohio and was born Jan. 26, 1828. This lady became the mother of ten children, and departed this life Nov. G, 1882, at the age of fifty- four years. The children of Mr. Bay by his sec- ond marriage were as follows: Manfred J., Lidia A. and William are married ; Mary I. is deceased ; Clara E. and Ilattie are married ; Fannie is de- ceased, and the remainder arc at home — Edwin K., John 8. and Charles K. Mr. Bay married his present wife in \'ermilion County, 111., Sept. 11,1 884. the lad}' being Miss Mary F. Reid, of Champaign County, Ohio. She was born Doc. U, 1859, and came to \'ermilion County, 111., while a young child, where she was reared and re- ceived her education. She was one tif the younger children of her parents' family, and at the age of sev- enteen became a teacher in the pulilic schools, and was thus engaged in this township for some years before her marriage. She became the mother of one child, Hal])!! S., who died in infancy. .Mr. Bay has occupied a prominent position among his fellow-townsmen since coming to this lo- cality. He was Constable for twelve years and has served as Dei)nty Sheriff. Politically he is a stanch Rei)nblican, and both our subject and wife are members in good standing of the Methodist Epis- copal Chui'ch. The homestead of Mr. Bay is ver}' pleasantly located, ;iu(l his family .are surrounded bj' all the comforts jiiid miuiy of the luxuries of life. Their home and its surroundings indicate the presence of cultivated taste and refinement, and they enjoy the highest respect of their friends and associates. y ILL! AM M. BRICIIT, importer and breeder of French draft horses, is also extensively engaged in the cidture of small fruits, and is the occupant of a fine homestead in Normal, from which he dispenses a generous hospitality, and enjoys the association and friendsliii) of the cultured people of this locality. Mr. Bright is a n.ative of Lincoln County, Ky., and was born Oct. 23, 18.35, his parents being John and Elizabeth (Morrison) Bright, natives of the same State, where they spent their entire lives and were finally laid peacefully away for their final rest. The [jarental family of our subject included nine children, all of whom reached mature years, and seven are still living. The subject of this history was next to the young- est of his parents' family, and was reared to farm- ing pursuits. After pursuing his primary studies in the common schools, he entered the academy at Stanford, Ky., and after completing a course in 1857, accompanied his brother-ni-law, James Giv- ens, to Illinois. The two together purchased sec- tion 2 of Normal Township, in this county, which they retained possession of until 1865. In the meantime young Bright had returned to his native State and remained there until 1861, when he came back to McLean Count}', which has since been his home. In the spring of 1866 he removed within the city limits of Normal, where he owns 100 acres on three sides of the Soldier's Orphans' Home, be- sides f(n'ty acres outside of the city. I'ntil 1882 he gave his principal attention to the growing of small fruits, then, through the infiuence of his nephew, R. (i. Bright, he imported four French draft mares, and has since devoted a large portion of his time to the breeding of horses. Before this, however, he had raised a number of Kentucky saddle horses, and already attained quite a reputa- tion in this line. The subject of this sketch was married near Dan- ville, Ky., in 1804, to Miss Mary E. Bruce, who "► ■ -^l- McLEAN COUNTY. 135 i was born near that city on the 2d of November, 1842, and was the daughter of Henry and Mary E. (Pope) Bruce. Of this union there were born seven children, of wlioni tine son died at the age of five years, and six are now living. They were named respectively, John II., James G., Mary E., liriiee, Fannie M. and Keuben G. -^*>- ••o*o.-(5^<;^..o*o.. M. DICKINSON, a retired farmer, now owns and occupies a handsome residence at No. 1417 North Main street, Bloomington. He is a native of the Prairie State, having- been born in Pike County, Oct. 2;), 1842. His par- ents were Eliada and Lois B. (Fancher) Dickinson natives of jNIarlborougli, Conn., the f.ather born in 1810, and the mother in 1812. They were mar- ried in their native State, where tlie elder Dickin- son was employed in a brass bell foundiy, and they remained in New England until 18;il. They tiien emigi'ated to the West, and the father of our subject purchased 500 acres of (jovernment land in Pike County, this State. He first put up a log house, in which all the children, except tlie young- est, were born. The family lived on the farm un- til 18.)0, and tiien moved into the town of Perry, where the father engaged in mercantile business ' until IHGl. He then purchased 200 acres of land in Sangamon County, near Springfield, and engaged there in farming three years. In 18(j.') he pur- eiiased 400 acres in this county, which he occupied until 1877, and then removed to Leroy, where he now lives in ease and comfort, retired funn active business. The wife and mother departed this life in 18G4. Their three children were Sarah A., now Mrs. I. P. Cook, of Le Roy ; D. M., onr subject, and Mary T., Mrs. J. C. Williams, of Blanchard. Iowa. The father of our subject is Republican in politics, and religiously Inclines to Unitarian doctrines. The subject of this biography was reared on his father's farm in Pike County, and still remembers it as it was before being relieved from its oi'iginal condition. It was then covered with a thick growth of brush and trees, and he recollects cutting this and driving cattle through to break it down. His pri- mary studies were conducted in a log cabin with liuncheon Hoor, and seats made of slabs, with round pins for legs. He continued to work on the farm and attend school during the winter seasons until 1856. He was studious and interested in his books, and being bright and observant, received a useful and practical education. After graduating from the log cabin he attended the public school in Perry for two years, and otHciated as clerk in his father's store during the intervals from study. Two years later he entered the college at (^uincy, 111., where he pursued tiie study of Fnglish and Ger- man for one ^ear, then commenced teaching in Pike Ci>unty, and followed the same until the breaking out of the war. Mr. Dickinson then enlisted in Co. 11, '.i;»lh 111. \'ol. Inf., being engaged in the service three years and one month, and participating in the battles of Ilartsville, Bio., Magnolia Hill, I'ort (iibson, Ray- mond, Miss., Jackson, both before and after the siege, Chamiiion Hills, Black River Bridge, the siege of A'icksburg, lasting from the IDth of May until the 3d of Jul3', the Banks expedition up the Red River, the capture of Ft. Flsjieranzo, Tex., and of Spanish Fort, Blakesley and Mobile, besides ntany minor engagements. He received but one wound during the camjiaign, and that at Magnolia Hill. The ball struck his pocket-knife, breaking both sides of the handle off, and bending the frame into the shape of the letter "E," and glancing off struck him in the groin and lodged in the butt end of his musket. At Jackson, Miss., a canister ball passed through his hat, slightly gra/.ing the toii of his head. After receiving an honorable discharge at the close of the war Mr. Dickinson came to McLean County, and with what money he had saved and a loan fi'om his father he purchased a farm of 240 acres in West Township. To this he afterward added eighty acres. It is all prairie and is now finely improved with a handsome and substantial residence, good barns, and all necessary out-bnild- ings. Mr. I), labored industriously and persever- ingly, and was universally conceded to be one of the leading farmers of this section. He still owns the farm property. He formerly was (juite exten- sively engaged in the raising (jf grain and cattle, but the farm is now principally devoted to grain. 4 4 t <- -J 136 McLEAN COUNTY. Mr. D. occupied it until 1SS2, tlion ])int'liase(I liis present plnce in lUoinniiiyton fur the sum of *4,000. Tlie niai'ri;ij4e of Mr. Dickinson ;iu(l Miss M. I. Williams was .celebrated at the home of the bride's parents, Feb. 28, 1807. Mrs. D. is a native of In- diana, being the daughter of John and Amanda (iSusli) Williams, natives of .Jamestown, the same State. 'Die parental family included ten children, six now living: Mrs. L. Wilcox, Mrs. I). M. Dick- inson, .lames M., j\Irs. .lusi'ph 'I'ailor, Mrs. Frank Duncan and t'harles \\'. Our subject and his wife have three children — Clara L., Melvina and Kliada. Mr. I), is a IJeimb- lican in politics, and an honored member of the G. A. R. lie has been Treasurer, Town Clerk. School Director and Commissioner of Highways, and in other respects has assisted in the growth and pros- perity of IJIoomington Towu.ship. He is an active member of the Unitarian Churcii, anil Cliaiiinan of the r.oard of Trustees. -.w/\,->«ajei2/gr^«' ^^-sSi/ZJaT*^- ./v~« , L1\EH II. P. ()RP:XD0RFF. There are yet living a few of the early settlers of McLean Count}', among the first of whom was the family whose history we purpose briefly to J'elate in this pei-sonal notice of the oldest member now liv- ing. Mr. Orendorff has been a resident of Bloom- iugton Township since 1823, having come here on the 2d day of Ma}' of that year. He was the third in order of birth of eight sons and five daughters, and his father, William, was born in Georgia, March 2(1, 17'.»2. His grandfather, Christopher, is suijposcd to have been a native of X'irginia, and was of (lernian ancestry and parentage. The his- tory of the family in the United States dates back [nior to the Rc^volutionary War. Christopher Or- endorff was a farmer and miller by occujiation, and removed fiom his native State to Illinois, where he permanently located after having been a citizen of .several other States of the Inion. He died in Lo- gan County at the .age of sixty-live years. William Orendorff, the; father of our subject, when a young man removed from (ieorgia to North Carolina and thence to 'I'luine.s.see. Later he went *► II ♦ into Kentuck}', and at the age of nineteen j'ears was married to .Miss Sarah Nichols, who became the mother r>f three children, two sous and one daugh- ter. \\'hile still a young woman she departed this life in the State of Kentucky. Mr. O. was the sec- ond time married, after coming to Illinois, to Miss Lt)vina Sayles, a native of the State of Tennessee, and who became the mother of five children, of whom our subject is the eldest son and second child. William Orendorff came to Illinois in 1816, locating in St. Clair, whence he removed to Mc- Lean Count}' in 1823, .and settled in Bloomington Township. There were then but very few white people in this region, the family of Mr. O. being the second one to make settlement in the township, and here the mother of our subject died on the 9th of November, IH'M. The third wife of William Orendorff was Mi.ss Susan Ogden, to whom he was married in this county in 1834. This lady became the mother of two children, a sou and daughter, and died in 1844. William Ollendorff married his fourth wife, Miss Naomi Able, on his sixty-second birthd.ay, and of this union there were born four children, all of whom are yet living. There was a difference of fifty-four years between the birth of his first and last child. He and his last wife are now both de- cea.sed. He was born March 26, 1792, .and died .May 12, 1869. Mrs. Naomi Orendorff survived him only two years, dying in 1871. He was the father of fourteen children, seven of whom are yet living. William Orendorff was a man of more than ordinary ability, and became [irominent in tlie af- fairs of his adopted townshii) and county. After coming to this locality he was appointed Justice of the Peace, and had jurisdiction over a large portion of this State while it was yet a Territory, and upon the organization t)f the county and township he held the various local ollices. The subject of this history lived with his father until he was twenty-two years of age. His brother, John lycwis, w:is the first male child born in Bloom- ington Township, his birth occurring .Ian. 20, 1 821). After our subject had attained his majority he was married .at the home of the In'idc's parents in this township, to Miss Sarah L. S. Hendricks, daughter of .lohn .-11111 .laiie (P.rittin) Hendricks.^ ■► _0 <• i u -1 McLEAN COUNTY. 137, Mi>. (). was Ijoni in JIcLean County, .Inly •_'4, 1831, and remained under the parental rouf until her marriage. Her father was a Virginian bv Ijirlli, and a direct lineal descendant of President Taylor. His daughter Elizabeth, the eldest sister of JNIrs. 0., was the first white child born in McLean County, her birth occurring on the 3d of jNlay, I.S23. The family history was interesting and eventful, and one which its later descendants may peruse with pride and satisfaction. John Hendricks and Jane Brittiu were united in marriage in Champaign County, Ohio, and settling upon a farm in that county remained for some years, when they decided upon a removal further West. Accordingly, in l.s21,they set out over- land for the Prairie .State, arriving here in the fall of the year, and spending the first winter near the growing village of S[)riugfield. Early in the spring they set out for their final destination, McLean County, and established a home on section 27, in Bloomington Township, upon which the}' remained until they closed their eyes to the scenes of earth. The father died Jan. 1.'), 1838, and the mother Dec. 17, 18,5(;. ]\Ir. and Mrs. Hendi-icks were devoteil Christians and prominently connected with the Methodist P^piscopal Church. They were extremely hospitable and charitable, and their doors were always open for the weary, whethei- stranger or neighbor. The}' were generous to a fault, and would rob themselves to contribute to the comfort of others. Their home was the place of meeting for the Methodist Episco- pal congregation for a number of years, and the father was a Class-Leader in that denomination for a long period. This excellent and worthy pair were known throughout the county as Uncle John and Aunt Jane Hendricks. Mr. H. w.as a stanch Whig in politics and died before the old i)arty was aban- doned. Mrs. Orendorff's birth (jcenrred on section 27, in this township, July 21, 1831. When but in her seventh j-ear her father died and she was reared by her mother, with whom she remained until her mar- riage. Bj' her union with our subject she became the mother of two children : Mary J., the wife of William M. Cox, a farmer of Bloomington Town- ship, and (ieorge 1'., who married .Miss Ceatla IIcjl- lis, and is at present residing on his fatlu'r's farm. Mr. and Mrs. O. are connected with the Christian Church of Bloomington Township. Our subject has helil the ollices of his township, and was once a can- didate for .Sheriff. He once received a fine silver siioon which was given as a prize to the oldest set- tler who should l)e present .at the Logan Cf)unt;y Fair, held in Atlanta. Each county had three rep- resentatives, Mr. O. being the oldest one present. The homestead vi Mr. Orendorff is pleasantly lo- cated on section 27, and he is surrounded by all the comforts of life. He has been engaged in ag- ricultural pursuits the greater part of his life, and has uniforndy met with success, which is the re- ward of industry and perseverance. '-^-^>^^^:5^^^ R. E. K. CKOTHERS, physician and sur- geon, optician and oculist, of Blooming- ton, III., occupies a high position in the professi♦- 138 McLEAN COUNTY. -; the mother of four cliililren : Di-. .Ionian Parker, of Fulton, 111.; Louisa, Mrs. Jenkins, living near Vermont. 111.; \\ iiliam, of Bloomington, and Dr. Edwin ,S., of Chicago. Rev. Warren B., who for thirty year.s was a Methodist preacher for the coun- ties of Knox, Fulton and McDonough, and is now in Washington Territory ; Dr. William R., of Dela- van, is the leading physician and surgeon of Taze- well County; ^'incent, now deceased, was a promi- nent stock-dealer of Fulton County, and after hav- ing been in a snow blockade near Chicago, and having exhausted himself in an effort to open the blockade, he died from exposure that night at Chi- cago. Dr. Crothers of our sketch spent his 3'Outh partly upon his father's farm and in attendance at school until the summer of 1845, when he occupied him- self as a teacher for five months in the district school. In the fall of that year he commenced the study of medicine with Dr. William H. Nance, of Vermont, 111., and during the winter of 1 847-48 at- tended medic.'il lectures at St. Louis. The winter following he went East, and took a course of study in the .Icfferson Medical College of Philadelphia, from which he graduated in 1850. lie then came Soutli Water street. i^LDER JONATHAN PARK, whose por- iN ^^'^^^ i* shown in connection with this sketch, Iw — ^ is a pioneer of 1853, and a resident of sec- tion 26, Dale Township. He was born in Madison County, Ky., on the 14tli of July, 181o. His fa- ther, Eli Park, was a native of North Carolina, and his grandfather, Ebenezer Park, who was born in Virginia, was of excellent English ancestry, and re- moved from his native State to North Carolina when a young man. His father had died when he was a child, and after he became of suitable years he was apprenticed to learn the trade of a tailor. This, however, was unsuited to his taste, and he abandoned his trade, and going to North Carolina married, and engaged m farming pursuits. Dur- ilig the early settlement of Kentucky he removed his family there, it being before the day of carriage roads, and the journey was performed with pack- horses. This was about 1705. Ebenezer Park, after his arrival in Kentuclvy, purchased a tract of timber land in Madison Count}', cleared a farm from the wilderness, and established a comfortable home, where he remained until his death, which oc- curred at the advanced age of ninety-three years. The maiden of his early choice, to whom he was married soon after his arrival in North Carolina, was Miss Tabitha Mills. She accompanied her hus- band to Kentucky, and died there in Madison County. Eli Park, the son of Ebenezer and Tabitha (Mills) Park, and the father of our subject, was a little bt>y seven years old when his parents re- moved from North Carolina to Kentuck}'. He grew to rn.anhodd in the latter State, and was there mar- ried to Miss Winnifred Dillingham. He then pur- chased a tract of land in jNIadison Comity, and en- tering upon agricultural pursuits made that the business of his life. He departed from the scenes of his earthly Labors on the Oth of December, 1858, at the age of seventy years, four months and twenty-seven daj's. His wife had i)receded her husband to the better land on the IDth of Decem- l)er, 185-1, at the age of fifty-nine years, three months and nine days. They were excellent and worthy people, and of their family of twelve chil- dren they reared eleven to maturit}^ and instilled in them jirinciples of virtue and honor. Jonatii.an Park of our sketch was the fourth child and third son of his parents. Free schools had not been established when he was a child, and his early education was received in the subscrip- tion schools of his native county. He was reared to habits of industry, and when not in school was engaged in the lighter duties around the homestead and made his home with his parents until he had attained his m.ajority. He then started out in busi- ness for himself and rented a tract of land about ten miles from his old home, whicli he cultivated for two or three years, and then i)urchased a few acres in Madison County. He there industriously engaged in farming pm-suits, and as time passed he added by degrees to his first purchase until he was the possessor of 120 acres. This he sold in 1853, and started North with his family, including his wife and six children, for the j Dairies of Illinois. They made the journey overland and their outfit consisted of four horses and two w.agons. They carried with them their household goods and pro- visions, camped and cooked by the wayside, and slept in the wagons at night. After eighteen days of continuous travel they landed in McLean County. Mr. Park had visited the State the previous fall, on horseback, l)ut had not made land, and after his arrival het te the previous fall, le any purchase of I letp witii his f.amily X f. •^,f ■242 U McLEAN COUNTY. they spent the wiiitci- in a house belonging to Iliiiim (^iiinn, whose name is frequently mentioned in fonneetioii with the history of tlie early i)ioneers of this eiiunty. During this time Mr. Park had been looking about with an e3'e to business and had purchased lOCi acres of laud in Dale 'I'ownship on section 2G, which constitnes his present homestead. Of this there were forty acres broken, and a portion of the land fenced, but there were no buildings upon it. Mr. Park erecteil a temporary shelter for his fam- ily, and during the following summer built the more substantial residence which has been his home since that time. He did all the carpenter work himself, which he feels a just pride in saying was well done. He also carried on the improvement and cultivation of his land, and subsequently added to his acreage until he is now the possessor of 226 acres, with a good set of frame bnildings and a generous supply of grain and stock. He has been successful in his business transactions, and has con- ducted himself in that straightforward, honest and methodical manner which has secured him the es- teem and confidence of his neighbors and fellow- citizens. The subject of our sketch was united in mar- riage with Miss Barthana Quinn on tlie 6th day of October, 18:J6, in Madison County, Ky. Mrs. Park was born in the latter named county Oct. 27, IS] 8, and removed with her husband and children to this State. She remained the faithful compan- ion of her husband for a period of fifty-four years, and departed this life on the 20th of August, 1882, in Dale Township. Their family included ten chil- dren, seven of whom are now living; the record is as follows: Minerva E. became the wife of J. J. Denham, and lives in Dale Township; Sidney (J. is also a resident of that township ; Alwilda is at home ; Eli is in California; Rhoda married T. E. Cutting and lives in Bloominton, 111. ; Sallie, the wife of S. F. Clark, lives on the old homestead ; Lucy married John C. Douglas, and they live in Madison County, Ky. ; Hiram, the sixth child, was born Nov. 4, 1846, and died Sept. 1st, 1870; Mary, the young- est child, was born March 20, 1862, and died March 22, 1882; one died in infancy unnamed. Mr. Park became a member of the Christian Churcli iu 184.'>, and his wife two ye.ars later. He commenced preaching in 18.'i2, and was ordained in Kentucl><\^-.o4o.. -len to the one in Defianfe Count}'. He continued in that business for two years when lie purchased a farm near town and devoted the remaining years of his life to agricultural pursuits. He died on the farm in Se|)tember, 1864. His widow spent the last years of her life at the home of our subject, her demise occurring in July, 1882. There were five children born to the parents of our subject, of whom he is the eldest: PLarriet married S. A. Moore, and departed this life in 1872; Eliza married George Bruner, a resident of Bloomington ; Jedu- than died in Indiana: John is a resident of San F^rancisco, Cal. The subject of this notice attended the common schools of his native county until he was ten years of age when he commenced working in his father's mill and there learned the trade of a cloth dresser. He continued to work for his father until twenty- one years old. when he was taken into partnership. This relation existed for one 3'ear, when our sub- ject rented the mill and ran it for his own profit. In 1.S17 he moved the machinerj' of the mill to Defiance and assisted his father in setting up the same, when he returned to New York. His father, however, sent for him to return to Oliio, as the fam- ily were all sick and our subject s(jon after arriving there was taken sick himself. After convalescing he went l)ack to New York and remained there during the winter of 1847. In the spring of 1848 he moved his family to Defiance County and en- gaged, in compau}' witii his father, in the manu- ■•►■-4« i t •^^m-4^ ^IcLEAN COUNTY. a- 245 facture of cloth. This relation existed only until the fall of tliat j'ear, when our subject went back to York State, and once more settling at Eden em- barked in the lumber business, lie soon, however, went back to Defiance, and purchasing' a lot iu that l)lace erected a building tliereon. The climate did not agree with him and the doctor ordered him to return to Yorli State, wliicii he did, and for three years was more or less aftlicted with chills and fe- ver and unable to do any manual labor. In 18.52 he was elected Constable and performed the duties of that office for one year. About this time lie purchased twenty-five acres of land and w.as also elected Justice of the Peace, and attended to tiie duties of that office while cultivating his little farm. In l.So.5 our suliject came to Leroy on a visit to his sister and accompanied by his fattier. The latter purchased IGO acres of land about one mile north of Lero}, for which he paid $11 per acre. They returned East, and the following spring our .subject with his family came he:e and located and improved a part of the land which his father had I)nrchased. It w.as an exceedingly dry summer and in consequence thereof the crops were a failure and our subject lost his all. He returned to New York $1,500 in debt and began life anew by work- ing at anything he could find to do until the fol- lowing spi-ing. He then engaged as clerk and book- keeper in a wholesale fruit, feed and vegetable estab- lishment and remained with the firm one ye:u-. In 1858 he went on his father-in-laws' farm and as- sisted him luitil the fall of that year. Then in company with an old schoohnate our subject en- gaged in mercantile business, his partner furnish- ing the capital. Tiieir store was located at Eden Valley, and they continued the liusiuess for two and a half years when they sold out, and from that time until 1865, our subject performed the duties of .Instice of the Peace. In the spring of 18U5 Mr. Barnum came to Bloomington where he eng.-iged as book-keeper in a lumber-yard for Bruner & VVhitmer. He was with this firm five years and then, moving to Leroy. he, in partnership with Mr. Bruner, endtarkcd in the same business. He soon thereafter added the coal business t(j tiiat already established, and one year was engaged in buying grain for E. II. Hood. »► i ., jf. Iu the fall of 1871 our subject commenced buying grain on his own account. In 1872, in company with Bruner & Keenan, he purchased the flouring mill at Leroy, and in 1876 our subject and JNIr. Kccnan purchased Mr. Bruner's interest in the mill, and the firm has since been Barnum it Keenan. Mr. Barnum is also interested with Mr. Keenan iu farming and stock-raising, and they own in part- nership 380 acres of good land. Samuel E. Barnum was married to Clarinda Bunting in 1854. .She was born at Eden, Erie Co., N. Y., and was a daughter of Levi and Christine Bunting. She departed this life in 1861, and in 1 805 Mr. Barnum was married to Eliza A. Patter- son. Of our subjects' first union three children were born : Matilda M. married Charlton Waters, and the}' are living at Leroy; Henry C. died in Le- roy in 1856, and Henry I. is a book-keeper for Bar- num & Keenan. The second union of our subject was lilest b}' the birtii of two children — Percy Davis and George Perrin. Mr. Barnum is a Re- publican in politics and has served the city of Le- roy as Mayor, and at present is Supervisor of Em- pire Township. He was President of the Empire Loan and Building Association during its entire ex- istence, eight 3'ears, and has been President of the Leroy Loan and Building Association since its or- ganization. Socially he is a member of the Masonic fraternity, holding fellowship with Leroy Lodge No. 221. ^,,j' AKON P. RHODES, a wealthy and influen- (Q/lII I ti.al resident of Bloomington Township, owns and occupies a fine estate on section 24. He comes from a prominent family, the lirst representatives of whom in this section, settled in this part of the Prairie State before the land had been surveyed, in 1823. They located a " squatter's " claim, which, when surveyed, em- braced sections 22 (for the house and a small por- tion of land), and 14 ;ind 15. This land is yet in jiossession of the famil_v, and our subject owns tlie homestead as it was first laid out. The father was accident;dly killed by an engine^of the I., B. & W. R. R., ne;ir his home, Aug. 20, 1875, and was nearly eighty years of age. He was a man greatly •^^M^4» i t •►-■-*■ -^ •246 3IcLj:an county. f respected and of fine abilities, kind and generous in his dispositiiiii, ;ui 1 cxerrised a good iiittuenoe over all with whom hi^ cauic in contact. His wife, who before her marriage was Miss Mary Johnson, a native of Kentucky, cauie North in early youth, and met her husband for the lirst time in Cham- paign County. Ohio. She was a most amiable and lovable Christian lady, and by her noble qualities of mind aud character was well fitted to be the companion of sucii a man as her husband. She came to Illinois with him, .ind departed this life in Blooniington on the l.')th of February, 184;'). The paternal grandfather of our subject, Eben- ezer Rhodes, was- a native of Maryland, where he was educated and reared to manhood. In his na- tive State he made the acquaintance of Miss Maiy Starr, which s(.ion ripened int<.) a mutual attach- ment, and in due time she became his wife. After their marriage they came to Illinois, where Mr. Rhodes, who was of a deeply religious turn of mind, became a local minister of the Baptist Church. They spent the latter i)art of their lives in Blooniington Townsiii|i, and here closed their eyes forever to the scenes of earth. Aaron P. Rhodes of our sketch was the j'oungest of his parentfi' family of nine rhildren, wiiich was composed of three sons and six daughters, of whom two sons and one daughter are yet living. He re- ceived an early education in the log school-house, and being studious and fond of books, in due time was prepared to enter college. About this time came the call for volunteer troops for the defense of the Union, and young Ixliodes, laying aside his personal interests and inclin;itions, responded to the call and eidisted as a soldiei' in Co. (t, 17th 111. ^'ol. Inf., their Captain being O. A. Burgess, Prin- cijjal of the college where young Rhodes intended to ])ursue his studies. Tliej' were assigned to the Western division of tiie Mississippi Valley, and [larticipated in the battles of Frederickstown, Ft. Henry. Donelson, Shiloh, Corinth, luUa, Jackson, Memphis and \'icksburg. They were also at the siege and cai)ture of the latter city, and afterward in the engageinent at Yazoo, Miss. Mr. Rhodes escR|)ed through these many engagements and oiiier skirmishes without being seriously injured i or ini|irisoned, and at the close of the term f(_ir ♦ which he enlisted received an honorable discharge at Springiield, in July, 1804, having served his country faithfully for more than three years, and reported for duty each time without fail from the laiur that he heard of the firing of Ft. Sumter until he was mustered out. lie did not enter the army for amusement or glory, but simply because he realized the importance of the preservation of the Union, and with thousands of other brave spirits he was willing to yield his life for this cause should it be the will of Providence. After the close of the war, and after Mr. Rhodes had been transformed from a soldier to a civilian, he returned to his home in Blooniington Township, and at once commenced farming on his own ac- count. He soon felt the need of a helpmeet and s>mpatiiizei-, and accordingly on the 9th of Novem- ber, 1 804, he was married in Bloomington Town- shii), to Miss Martha M. Cox. This lady was born in McLean C(ninty, Aug. ',), 1834, and died at the home of her husband, in Bloomington Township, Feb. 20, 187G. (For parental hi.-tory see sketch of David Cox.) Mrs. R. became the mother of two children: Edward, a bright and promising young man, who completed his business and law education at the Evergreen City Business College, and is now in the Normal School at \'alparaiso, Ind.; and OraM., who is attending school with bright prospects for a good education, as he is fond of his bo(.)ks aud a}i- plies himself faithfully. Mr. R. was the second time married, in Pajuiolph Township, this county, on the loth of October, 1880, to BILss Lottie E. Reid, who was born in Champaign County, Ohio, on the 22d of March, 1848. Her parents subsequently removed from that St.'ite and are now residents of Randolph Township, McLean County. Mrs. R. received her early edncition in Ohio, and came to this county with her parents in October, 187o. She began teaching when twenty years of age, and followed this profession for a period of ten years. She is an amiable and accomplished lady, and is highly re- s))cctcd in this community. Mr. Rhodes is the possessor of 800 acres of some of the finest farming land in this section of the Prairie State. It is finelj- improved and cultivat- I ed, and in ^iddition to the llars per foot. This land he retained possession of until his death, which oc- curred April 20, 1848. He was a thorough busi- ness mnn, and an industrious, enterprising and re- liable citizen. In i)olitics he was strongly Demo- cr.atic, and worked hard' for the success of his party in this section. His wife, the mother of Mrs. Hin- shaw, is yet living, at the advanced age of eighty- seven years, and makes her home with her daugh- ter. She is still strong and active, and retains, to a remarkable degree, her mental . M t ■<*• McLEAN COUNTY. 251 many incidents of liev girlliood and the after years which followed during the time <:)f the early settle- ment of the Prairie State. Mr. Hinshavv was a man of more than (irdinary intelligence and ability, and kept himself well posted in regard to matters of general interest. lie was well informed, an extensive reader, and took an active part in local i)olitics, being a zeal- ous worker for the success of the Democratic party. In business affairs he was a skillful manager, shrewd, and keenly observant of what was going on around him, and exercised good judgment in his money transactions. Since the death of her luisband Mrs. Ilinsiiaw has managed the large business interests left upon her hands in a highly intelligent and suc- cessful manner. She comes of a good family, was carefully reared and educated, and eminently fitted to be the companion of her husband. She owns ■240 acres, which constitutes the present homestead, and also eleven aci'es within the limits of Normal, this county. Belonging to the estate tiiere is also a tract of land comprising 1,200 acres near Baxter Springs,' Cherokee Co., Kan.; they also own a three- story business house at No. 108 West Front street, Blooinington. The familj' residence is a tasteful structure, comfortable and convenient in all its a|)- pointnients, and the barns and out-buildings cor- respond in every respect to the dwelling. The children were carefully reared and educated, and are of invaluable aid to their mother in the man- agement of the large interests for which she holds herself responsible. Mrs. Ilinsliaw has a family of four children, three s(ms and one daughter; Ida became the wife of Dr. Hull; the sons — Ezra, Toby and Rolla — remain at home assisting their mother. .... RCIIIBALD CAMPBELL, who is de- IlM scended from an honorable line of Scotch ancestry, was born m tiie Land of the This- tle in 1826, and came with his parents to America two years afterward. In al)out 1840 he became a resident of Illinois, and until within the last three years was actively engagcMl in agricult- ural pursuits. He is now a resident of Blooming- ton, where he owns and occupies a good residence which was erected at a cost of |!3,100. He has been intimately identified with the industrial and agri- cultural interests of McLean County for the last forty years, and is held in the highest respect by the citizens among whom he has moved with an honest and ui)right ])urpose and a blameless life. The parents of our subject were Archibald and Elizabeth (Shields) Campbell, also natives of Scot- land. After coming to America, they stopped in Pittsburgh for eighteen months, and then went int sv ,#;ILLL\M J. HALDKIDCK. a i)rosperous ^' ler of AVhite Oak To\vnshi|i. is located farinei on section 2.J, where he has a comfortable homestead, and is surrounded l>y all the necessaries and many of the luxuries of life, lie is a native of the liuckeye .State, having been born in Adams Counrv. Ohio, Oct. I.i, 18.il). Ills parents were William and Margai'ct (Kane) lialdridge, natives of Ohio and Pennsylvania. The father was born in ISO:'), and is still living, lie came to Illinois in 18r)2. a,n as follows: Mary became the wife of William Ramsey, and makes hei- lu>n)e with her children, Mr. Ramsey be- ing deceased; Samuel married Mits Kirkpatrick; IMartha is now ,Mis. A. Hart; .lames W. married Miss Martha .lohnsou ; William .1., of this sketch, was the fifth child; (ieorge T. married ISHss Hattie Ewins, now deceased; his second wife was Miss Amanda Leach. The subject of this history was reared by his par- (■ul>. and icmained under the home roof until he had attained his majority. He was married Nov. 21, 18(;7, to Miss Caroline Wright, who was born in Ohio, Feb. G, 1848. Mrs. B. is the daughter of Samuel ami Mary (Balas) Wright, both natives (jf Ohio, where the father died Nov. I.i, 1871'.. 'J'lie mother still survives, and is now living at Chenoa, this c(_)nnty. The household circle was completed by the liirth of eleven children, as follows: Mary .]. was the eldest; Nancy died when sixteen years of age; Samuel A. died in 18G7, aged thirty-five years; William H. and Albert S. are residents of Mound City, Kan., the latter being Mayor; Sarah C, the ttt-in sister of Albert, is living at Chenoa, this county; Flizabeth A. died when a small child; .John B. is living in Kansas; Martha died iu in- fancy; Caroline is Mrs. Baldridge; James A. ilied when two years of age. William J. Baldridge came to Illinois in the spring of LS52, beluga lad of thirteen years. He received a fair education in the district schools, and was reared to habits of industry and principles of honor. He commenced early in life to lay his |)lans for the future, and was willing to work for his possessions. He is now the owner of 240 acres of fine land, and is an extensive breeder of fine horses, turning his attention mostly to Norman and Clydesdale stock. His stables incliulc four fine Morgan roadsters, which are models of endurance and speed. As a stock-breeder he has gaiuetl an enviable reputatii>n in this vicinity. ;iud has exer- cised ailmiralile judgment in the management and care of valual)le animals. Mr. Baldridge h.as been prominent in the affairs of the county since attaining to years of manhood. He was elected Supervisor on the Republican ticket, in 187'.), and has served the county in that capacity six terms. He has been Chairman of the committee on education, and has been the eucour- ager and supi)orter of eveiy measure to advance the [)rosperity and intelligence of the people of this section. He has held all the minor offices of White Oak Township, and is highly esteemed in the councils of his townsmen, for his cool and tem- perate judgment and the general fund of informa- tion which a.ssists him in determining questions of importance. In religious matters he has been no less active th;iu in civil affairs. He was reared iu t -4^ McLEAN COUNTY. 253 the Presbyterian Churt-li, l)ut is now connectert with the Methodist, holding the oftiees of Trnstee, Steward and Superintendent of the Sunday-School. During the progress of the late war Mr. Bald- ridge enlisted as a L'nion soldier in the l)4th Regi- ment, Illinois \'oUinteer Infantry, as a private, and participated in several general engagements. He was in the Western and Southern armies, and takes pride in the knowledge that he was never beaten in a race with the rebels, never under arrest, never iu the hospital and never wounded in battle. After serving three years he received his honorable dis- charge, in 1865. Mr. and Mrs. Baldridge became the parents of nine children, namely : Clarence Myrtie, who died at the age of twelve years; Lucia, lola, Mary Ma- bel, William C, Estella, who died in infancy; Mar- garet; Edith who diedin infancy and .lohn Carl. In politics Mr. Baldridge is Republican. ♦■^«^->-i="^^ *>^5^~ ^J^EORXtE H. cox, of Bloomington, jiroprie- tor of the Hungarian Roller Mill, is one of the rising young men of the cit}', and is rapidly attaining to a prominent position among its industrial interests. Mr. Cox was born in Dixfleld, Oxford Co., Me., Nov. 22, 1848. His father, Thomas .1. Cox, was a general merchant of Dix- fleld, and his mother, who before her marriage was Miss Almira Millett, was a native of Norway. Both are now deceased. The subject of this history spent his boyhood in his native town, and there received his primary education. He soon afterward went tt) the city of Boston, Mass., and engaged .as clerk in a store. In June, 1866, he started for the West, and landing in Bloomington, became book-keeper for his brother, Thomas J., who had preceded him to this locality and had set np in business for himself. After five years thus occupied young Cox purchased a one- fourth interest in the Eagle Mills, and later a half interest. He then sold out and purchased the Vienna Mills at Peoria, which he operated about five years, and until the property was destroyed \>y fire. This calamity involved a loss of nearly *!(;,- OOO, liut was insured for a little over |1 2,000. Mr. »►-■-^*■ Cox then returned to Bloomington, and purchased the Union and Hungarian Mills, which he remod- eled and enlarged, and put iu a complete roller system. He is still ojterating these mills, the Union having been changed in name, being now known as the Crown Roller Mills, and which are located on tiie Illinois Centr.al Railroad. The Hungarian Mills are on the Chicago A' Alton Railroad, and to both are secured the best of shipping facilities, having a capacity of 350 l)arrels in twenty-four hours. The grades ui)on leaving this point go to local points, and the mill feed to Philadelphia, and includes the best grades of flour sold in the States of Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Missouri. The lower grades arc shipped to New York City for exporta- tion. Mr. Cox was married, Se])t. 1, 1872, to Miss Clara M. Bruner, of Bloomington, daughter of (George Brnner, Esq. They have one child living, a son, Herman W. ; a daughter, Lutie Dell, died when six years of age. Mr. Cox commenced business on a small capital, but by energy and close application has accumulated a handsome property. He is a practical and thorough business man, greatly re- spected by liis friends and associates, and is con- tributing his full share toward the prosperity of this section. lyZ^^^ENRY BEDELL, deceased, formerly oceu- Yj pied a |)ioniint;nt jiosition among the ex- tensive landowners and successful stock- raisers of I'adua Township. He was born in Greene County, N. A'., May ;», 1 806, and departed this life at Ids home in I'.-idiia. Township, this county, March 21, 1,S8L He was the son of Wil- liam Bedell, also a native of the Empire State, who spent his entire life in (ireene County, wliere he fol- lowed agriculture for many years and then retired from active labor to enjoy the fruits of his early industry. He lived to an advanced age, dying in Athens, N. Y. The motlier died when her son, Henry, was but a youth. He started out early in life to do for himself and after arriving to years of man- hood was united in niarri.age with Miss Deborah Searles, of New Baltimore Township, Greene County, N. Y., their wedding occuring on the 2',.»th I -^ t ■•► t 2o4 lAFcLEAN COUNTY. of .I:uiii:ir\ , 1.^40. ill's. B. also was Imni in ( ; rcciic ('(luiity, N. v., Aug. L'!K LSI 4. After iiiarriMgc the voimg pedjjle settled in their native enunty and there their seven children were born: Hannah . I. lieeanie the wife of (ieoi'ge W. I'.inLjhaiM. a farmer of ISiiie iMouiid Township, this county; William S. married Miss Cornelia A. Kowley, .and is cariTing on a f.arm in Padua 'l'ownslii|i; Caleli S.. who mar- ried Miss Delia lirown, of I'adua Townsiii|i. owns an of fniely t>-^»S^;* ^ /^USTAVE A. ENSENliElKJER, one (jf the (l[ (— , go-ahead men of Bloomington, is extcn- ^V^ll! sively engaged in the retail furniture busi- ness, and has been a resident of this city since the spring of 186S. He is a native of Bavaria, and was born A.ug. 31,1^51. When he was two yeais old his parents, George and Catharine Ensenbergei', emi- grated to America. After reaching New Yorlf City tliey proceeded to Vincennes, Ind., whence, after a short time they removed to Aurora,, the same State, where Gustave attended school. In 1808 George Ensenberger, with his family, moved to Bloomington, througii the influence of Dr. Schroeder, the expert horticulturist of Bhjomington, whose circulars and advertisements li.nd attracted his attention. After arriving here young (Instave was em- ployed in the vineyard of ]))■. S. a few months, and was then employed by the Bloomington Manu- facturing Company, with whom he learned the car- penter's trade and the fitting of sash, doors and blinds. With this company he remained eleven years, and having accumulated quite a little capi- tal, in the fall of lis79 went into the furniture l)usi- ness for himself in the building iuiown as the Bee Hive store. Here he commenced the manufacture of furniture on a small scale, at the same time doing a retail trade. He was prospered in his undertakings, and in due time his business became too large for the old store and he then removed to the (iridley Building, which he occupied until 188(1, and then located in his jjresent quarters, having purchased the building formerly owned bj- Ilarwood Bros, and which is one of the oldest business houses in the city. He now carries on a general manufactur- ing business, to which he has added upholster_v, and gives employment to seven oi- eight men. His building is 2.5x100 feet, and tliree stories in height with a basement uudei' the wliole. The warcrmim <■ and shop is 31x100. the building running through from street to street. Mr. E. carries a large and well-selected stock, and besides his nwn ninnufact- nre buys largely from other houses. The subject of our sketch was married, in 1878. to Miss Lizzie Reiscii, of Springfield, 111., and they became the parents of three children — Erank (i.. (iustavus S. and Elnora S. Mr. and Mrs. E. are members in good standing (jf St. jNIary's ((German) Catholic Church, .and their attractive home is the resorl of the first-class citizens of Bloomington. AMES A. LASH, occupying a valuable farm estate in Bloomington Township, is success- fully engaged in the breeding of thorough- bi-ed Fol.and-China swine, his land lying near the limits of the eit}' of Bloomington. He established his present business in 1880, and is the possessor of several valuable and registered animals, the head of tlie herd being Cassander, No. 4297. The only time he was ever exhibited was at the fair of St. Louis, Mo., where he took the first premium in an ex- hil)iti()n of 800 hogs. Mr. Lash has been very suc- cessful in his breeding operations, and keeps from sixty to 100 head of swine. He began in a small way. but lias steadily increased his business until he has made a reputation as a fair dealer, and having a good understanding of his business. One of his pigs exhibited at the Chicago fair took the first premium, and was sold for ^200, being then only six months old. Its dam, Belle of ilcLaiu, is numbered 10,898 in the books, and is supposed to be the most successful breeder in the county. INlr. L.ash was i-eared upon a farm, and received his early education in the common schools. He is a native of Bloomington Township, nnd was born on the 7th of October, 1846. He remained under the parental roof until his marriage, being reared to habits of industry and economy, .and became well fitted for the later struggle of life. He was married, Oct. 19, LSI!;) in the city of Bloomington, to Miss Sarah l'\ Living.ston. Mrs. Lash was born in Lincoln, ( )!iio, on the 14th of March, 184;'), and came to Illinois with her parents when a child ten years of age. They settled in .McLean I t. .t McLEAN COUNTY. i County, .■iinl her father, Isaac Livingston, died in Normal 'I'ownsliii) in 1S74. lie was an industrious and eneigetic man, a successful farmer, and highly respected by his neighbors. The mother of Mrs. L., who before her marriage was Miss .Sarah Wise, is still living, at an advanced age, and makes her home in Pontiac, 111. She is a relative of Con- gressman \\ise, of \'irginia. and possesses the ex- cellent traits of a family noted for its ability and prominence. i\Ir. and .Mi's. Lash have become the parents of three children, tuo boys and one girl — Willard E., .Tosle A. and Frank — all at home. They are all connecti'fl with the Christian Church, and politi- cally Mr. L. is a stanch adherent of the Democratic party. We incorporate in this biography a sketch of Isaac Lash, father of the above, who has been a resident of McLean County since 1834, and in that long period has witnessed with unabated interest the remarkable changes whicii have taken ))lace in this portion of the State. Isaac Lasli is now a, retired farmer, and one of the representative citizens of the townshii) of I'.loom- ington. He owns and occupies a line farm estate lying on sections 27 and ;>4, the residence being on the former. He has here 240 acres of valuable land, well stocked .and supplied with first-class farm buildings. His earlier life was industriously em|)loyed in the establisment of his present com- fortable home, and his years of persevering toil have yielded him a handsiimc competency. Isaac Lash was born near A'ernon, Knox Co., Ohio, on the 20tli of .lannary, 1820. His father, Nathaniel Lash, was of (ierman descent and a na- tive of North Carolina. He came to Ohi. Jones, who is now deceased ; he is in California engaged in mining; David N. is with his brother in Eureka, Cal. ; Andrew J. died at the iige of two and one-half years; Mar}' K. is the widow of Ed. Orendorff, and lives at home with her parents; Frank O. married Miss Agnes Honser, and resides in Vermilion County, Til.; William E. is .at Ixjme, and assists in operating the farm. After the marriage of JNIr. and Mrs. L. they com- meneed farming operations upon rented land, then made a small purchase, which they subsequently added to, and now have a finely improved farm upon which they are passing their later days in the peace and comfort which is their ju.st due after the labors and toil of their earlier years. Mrs. L., with three sons and three daughters, is a member in good standing of the Christian Church. Jlr. L. has been prominent in the affairs of his community since be- coming of suitable age, having held most i>f the minor ofHces.yHe was Overseer of the County Poor-farm for six years, and conducted the affairs of the institution creditably and with good judg- ment. Politically he is Democratic, and occupies an important position in the affaiis of his party in this vicinity. •>~-v-..-x-y^^'^Rrff>^'\/\y^^ -r-- \«?^x R. CURTLS KNIGHT, one of the best known and most reliable citizens of Mc- Lean County, came to the Prairie State in 1863, from Kentucky. He was born in Westmoreland, N. H.,on the 18th of January, 181G. His fatiier, also Curtis by name, was a gentleman farmer of New England ancestry, who came to America prior to the Revolutionary War, and set- tled in Massachusetts. The first representative of the f.amily in this eountr}' w.as Jonathan Knight, nn Englishman, who made settlement in Massachusetts. He was the father of only one child, the great- grandfatiier of our subject, who, aftei- he grew to manhood, in his native Slate, married Miss Dudley, who was closely related to the first (iovernorof Massachusetts. This lady lived to the advanced ;ige of 103ye.ars, and died in Piermont, in Grafton Co. X. H., as also did iier husband, at the age of •seventy-five j^e.irs. Ji)uathan Knight became a prominent [ihysieian in that locality, and was lookeil up to as a leader among the men of his county. His sou Curtis, the father of our subject, w.as born in Westmoreland, \. II., and there grew to maniiood, being reared to farming jinrsuits. He afterward removed to Corn- ish, X. 11., aiiourbon jNIr. Knight removed to Clark County, and in due time was married to Miss Polly A. Emerson, a native of the latter county, and who bore him three children, one son and two ' ■^ r t ■•►-.w^^ 258 McLEAN COUNTY. daughters, nil now iii.-irried : Maiw hccaiiic thu wife of Sclui.ylt'r Tli()nii)S()ii, of McJA'aii Coiiiitv, III ., aiul is now living in Bloomington Township: .lames 1'. niairicil .Miss lAIilili'i'd Stagner, and is farming in the latter named townsliij); Sarah married Kufns Oldham, a farmer of Clark County. Ky. The mother of these ehildrcn died in the latter named State and eonntv, at the age <)f thirty years. In the meantime Mr. Knight had been in .laek- soii Connty, .Mo., where he engaged in farming for tliree years before returning to Clark County, Ky., ami before the death of his wife, and he had also, . as opportunity afforded, gained eonsiderable infor- mation in dentistry. After the death of his first wife he began praeticing. and was thus occupied for two years in Cla.rk and IMarion Counties. He had been successful in his bnsiiu'ss trau.sactions and at this time purchased a farm in Madison Ccumty, Ky., upon which he located, and on the 4th of Sep- tember, l.S;')i), was married to Mrs. Emily (Corneli- son) Ballard, a native of Madison County. Ky., who was born in 1821. vShc was reared and edu- cated in her native county, where her father had settled at .an early day, and wa.s one of the promi- nent citizens of the connty, in which he was proprie- tt)r of a valuable plantation. IMrs. Knight was edu- cated and accomplished, and has always occupied a high position in .soeicl}^ After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Knight lo- cateil upon the farm, and oui' subject followed his self-appointed trade as a, local dentist until 1803. The Civil War lieing then in progress, he came North to evade the hostile attitude of the Secess- ionists, himself being a radical Republican. lie votecl for Fremont for I'l'csident while in licn- tucky, ami when the National ConvcufJou assem- bled at Chicago on the lOth of .M;iy, 18(J0, and nominated Abraham Lincoln for President, he was , [jresent as a dele'gate and voted and worked for the great Illinoisan. After he returned home frijm the convention he began to arrange with otlier loyal citizens for the raising of a home giuird and the organization of Union clubs, and was President of the one in Madison Connty. Under his super- vision these cluljS or comp.anics linally became the means of holding iifcheck Morgan and ZoUicoffer, r who were then threatening the [leace and security of that section of country. The life of our subject was frequently threatened, and after a time ho deemed it expedient to remove North. As one of the Home (Juards he was at the battles of Wildcat and Richmond, and was subjected to great loss and annoyance of all kinds; his horses were stolen, and his property greatly damaged by Morgan's raiders. After conung North one of his sons joined the regidar army, and did good service in battle for the I'nion. After coming to Illinois Dr. Knight purchased eighty acres of land in Bloomingtcjn Township, whei'e he established a permanent home ami which he has since occupied. Pxith the Doctor and his excellent lady are prominently connected with the Christian Church at Shirley, and our subject in poli- tics is as thoroughly reliable as he was during the days of the "late unpleasantness." ~\/W, -\«jie£r!5-^» ^fe>..^-^J<0?nr»v.-i OHN II. BRYANT, contractor and builder, having his ollice at the intersection of North- oast and Di^uglas streets, Bloomington, may be properly numbered among the pioneer settlors of Illinois, as he came here in 1837 with his parents, being- then a young child. He was bom in East Candjridge, Mass., Dec. 3, 1833, his parents being Eben and' Martha (Brown) Bryant, natives of Wakefield and Charlestown, Mass. Eben Bryant was a farmer by occupation, and emigrated from the P)ay State to Illinois in 1837, settling in Pike County, n[)on 1(30 acres of wild land, which he im- jiroved and cidtivated and occupied until his death, which occurred in 18G6. The mother survived him twelve years, dying at the old homestead in 1878. They were the parents of five children, four now living, as follows: Eben F., of Pike County; John II., our subject; Harriet and Joseph B., of Kansas City. The father of our subject was a strong Abo- litionist, and both parents wore members of the B.aptist Church. .lohn H. Bryant was reared on his father's farm, :ind leceived a practical education. He remained at home until nineteen years old, and then served three years at the carpenter's trade, in Origgsville. He soon :if forward commenced as a contractor, t >« .-.S E===i -rtr ""~zr Residence orW.H.B all , SEC.10.,CHEErj eys GroveTowuship. RE51DENCE or W. H . Hoselton^Sec.&3.,AnchorTown5hip. ^^ig^S?'^- --^-J'^ riEoiutisCL OK H ENRY Butler , Sec. 3., Cheeney's Grove Township. •»-i-^ A i McLEAN COUNTY. 261 which he followed in that locality until 1859, and then came to Bloomington. Here he first estab- lished himself on West Mulberr^y street, removing to his present quarters in 18.S4. lie now gives em- ployment to from five to twenty' men, ;ind among the important structures whieh he has had in charge are the City Hall, Turner Ilall, the (Jerman Meth- odist Episcopal Cliiircli and the Eagle Block, be- sides some of the finest residences in the cit^'. Our subject was married in 1855, to Miss Nancy English, a native of New Salem, 111., .and tlie daugh- ter of Robert and Martha (Hooper) English, of Ohio. Mr. English was a farmer who, after C(.)niing to Illinois,' settled first at New Salem, whence he removed to McLean County in 1803. His declin- ing years were spent in Normal Township, where his death occurred in about 18C5. Mr. .and iNIrs. Bryant became the parents of five children, as follows: (Tcorge A. is in California; Alice, now Mrs. Gilbert Eldridge, is the mother of two children — Clare and Pansy; Frank married Miss Mary Ellen Ingersol, and they have one daughter, a babe, Ethel Frances; Arthur is doing business with his father; Charles, the 'youngest, is at home. The family residence is located at No. 806 West Oliver street, and is the resort of the best people of Bloomington. Mrs. Bryant is a member in good standing of the Baptist Church. Mr. Bry- ant is one of the largest contractors in the city of Bloomington, and both as a business man and a citizen, is one of the important factors in its busi- ness and industrial interests. \f5^ R. A. L. CHAPMAN, of Bloomington, has been a practicing physician of McLean County for a period of ten years and came to this city in 1883. He is one of the re- liable i)hysicians of this locality, and enjo^'s a large and lucrative practice in both city and country. Dr. Chapman was born in Smyrna, Harrison Co., Ohio, on the 25th of January, 1847, and is the son of Dr. R. C. and M.arj' (McDonald) Chapman, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Ohio. They emigrated to Ohio after their marriage, in 1848, locating in llcndrysburg, Belmont County, ^« where the father of our subject engaged in the practice of medicine, but subsequently removed to Newcomerstown, where he remained until his death, after a pr.actice of twenty- nine years in that place; the mother died in 1848. Of their family of four children, three are now living: Catharine M., Mrs. Berg, of El Paso, Woodford Co., 111.; Dr. A. L. of our sketch, and Mary E., Mrs. Brown, of Newcomerstown, Ohio. The subject of this history remained with his parents until sixteen years of age, and received a fair education in the common schools. The war then being in progress he enlisted in Co. G, 7Gth Ohio Vol. Inf., and remained in service until the close of the war. He went in as a drummer boy, but after two months threw his drum awaj', substi- tuting for it a musket, and participated with his comrades in the battles <;f Resaca, Ga., Altona Pass, Big Shanty, Kennesaw Mountain and the siege of Atlanta, winding u)) his military services at the battle of Bentonville, in North Carolina. After his honorable discharge from the army young Chaimian resumetl his studies at the High School in his native town, and after a three j'ears' course en- tered the Eastman Nation.al Business College at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., from which he graduated in 18GG. In 1809 he went to Nashville, Tenn., and became teacher in a graded school whence, after eighteen months, he removed to Glasgow, Ky., where he taught a few months, and then returning home attended another term at the Iligli School. He then resumed teaching until 1874, in the mean- time reading medicine, and the following year en- tered the IMedical College at Cincinnati, Ohio, from which he graduated in 1870. He commenced prac- tice at Bellaire, Ohio, .and in 1877 came to Illinois, locating in O.ak Grove, this county, where he re- mained until 1883, when he came to Bloomington. He is a member of the Board of United States Pen- sion Examining Surgeons, and is Secretary of Mc- Lean County Medical Society. Dr. Chajjuian was married in 1879, to Miss Lydia Bramwell, of Dry Grove Township, this county, and the d.aughter of Ezra F. and Rebecca ((Jrif- lith) Bramwell, of Indiana. Her parents came to Illinois in 1 85G, and imrchased a f.arm which they still occupy. The Doctor and Mrs. C. have become f 262 -^ i McLEAN COUNTY. the parents of two children — Jessie R. and Mary C. Their comfortable and attractive home is loca- ted at No. 703 East ^^■ashi^g■ton street, and the^^ enjoy the society and friendship of a large circle of acquaintances. Politically onr subject uiiiforndy casts his vote with the Democratic party. iSoeially he belongs to the G. A. R., the Red Men, Commercial Council, the Blue Lodge and Chapter of the A. F. ik A. M., and the Knights Templar, and also a new organiza- tion called the I^nion Veterans Union. eHARLES A. BARLEY, Insurance Agent and Notary Public of J^eroy, is also engag-ed _ in the real estate, loan and collecting business, of which he has a thorough understanding, and is meeting with success. Mr. Barley is a native of the Buckej'e State and was born in Wayne Town- ship, Champaign County, Marcli 19, 1845. His father was (ieorge Barley, of Freilerick County, Va.. .and his grandfather, John Barlej', was a native of JIaryland liut of German ancestry .and |)arent,age. He was engaged in agricnltural inirsuits the greater part of his life, and spent ids last days in the Old Dominion. George Barley, tlie father of our suliject, was reared on a farm in liis native county and was there nnirried in the fall of 1834. A few daj-s afterward, acconi[ianied by his bride and equipped with one horse and a spring w.agon, he set out overland for Ohio". They located in (Greene County and thence, after two years, removed to Clluunpaign County. Here the fatlier bouglit a tract of heavy timber land near Urljana. There was a log cabin on tlie pl.ace and lialf an acre w.as cleared. He immediately set about its inq>i'(jvement .and cultivation, .and es- tablished a permanent home, where he spent tlie re- mainder of his diiys, Ids decease occurring in Janu- ary, 188."). He liad cleared the greater ])art of Ins land and erected a good set of fi-anie i)uildings. In addition to the affairs of his own fannly and his homestead he was always interested in the welfare and prosperit}" of the community around him, and materially .assisted in its development and progress. He lilled various ollice.s of trust in ids township, •►-■l-^*- and with the exception of two yeai'S was Trustee from 18.') 4 until ins death, a period of twent3--nine .years. The maiden name of the mother of our subject w.as .Fulia A. .Spicknel. She also was born in Fred- erick County, \si., and was the daughter of Clement Spicknel who, with his wife, formerly a ]\Iiss Fra- zier, was a native of New Jersej', and the latter of French descent. Mrs. B. died in July, 188(;, in Champaign County, Ohio. Of tliis union there were born seven children, as follows: John W. served in the late war as Captain of Co. F, 134th Ohio Vol. Inf.; he is now Register of Deeds in Wash- ington Count3-, Kan. Noah F., formerly a teacher of penni.anship in the city schools of Lexington, Mo., died there Aug. 10, 1 8G0 ; Isaiah N. is a farmer and stock-raiser near Lawrence, Kan. ; Mary, Mrs. Morecraft, lives in Champaign County, Ohif); our subject was the next in order of birth ; Martha A., Airs. Hallowel, lives in Lero.y, 111., and Sarah, in Champaign County, Ohio. Charles A. Barle}^ w.as the fiftli cliild of ins par- ents. His childhood and 3'outh were spent upon the farm and he received his early education in the district schools. He also attended the High School at Url)ana for two ye.ars .and remained a resident of his native State until 1868. In the meantime he had graduated from Oberlin Commercial College, and during the war served in the army as a member of the 134th Ohio Infantry. He taught school for a time in Ohio, !uid after coming to tliis State con- tinued this occupation near Leroj' until 1870. He was then appointed I'rincipal of the Lero3' schools, which pijsition he held for four 3^ears and then w.as compelled to resign ou account of ill-he:dth. He soon afterward established his present business, and in 187'J .associated himself in partnei'ship with D. L. Mooreliouse, loan and real-estate agent. They operated together until September, 188G, when tiieir luisiness was cIoscmI up without any outstand- ing indebtedness. The manner in which the affairs of the lirm were conducted l)y Mr. Barley is a fair indication of his tact and .•diility .as a financier. He is a thorough business man, and his straightforward methods of conducting his affairs and his pi-omptness in meet- ing his obligations have gained him the confidence V i •^-Jp^ McLEAN COUNTY. 263 t and respect of the business community. In his handling of half a niilliun diillars there has never been a shadow of a loss or fraud, and he retired from the firm with a clear conscience and the good will of those with whom he dealt. He has been prominentl_y identified with various public enter- prises in the city of Leroy and has held various offices of trust. He was one of the Executive Committee of the company' organized to build the Nai'row Gauge Railroad from Leroy to Fisher, in Champaign County, and also Secretary of the same, and one of five who organized the Leroj' Libiary Association in 187.5. He has been City Clerk, with the exception of two years, since the cit3' was in- corporated, and was a meml)er of the Scliool Board from 1877 until 18811, and then declined to serve longer. He was Clerk of Empire Township six years and has been Notary Public since 1874. He was elected Secretary of the Empire Loan and Build- ing Association in 1S74, and continued in that of- fice while the company existed, a period of eight years. In 1882, when the Leroy Loan and Building Associatiiin was organized, he was elected Secre- tary, and has been re-elected each year. He is a member of Leroy Lodge No. 221, A. E. & A. M., being Master two years. He is also a member of Thomas Riddle Post No. 230, G. A. R. Charles A. Barley and JNIiss Matilda Denipsey were united in marriage in Ohio in October, 18G8. Mrs. Barley is the daughter of Jefferson and Jane (Bailey) Dempsey, natives of Pennsylvania, who removed to Ohio at an earl3' period in the settle- ment of Champaign County, being among the i)io- neers of that section. Of this union there have been born five children — Inez, Frank C, Jessie, Camby A. and Lloyd B. kYMAN W. BETTS, a pioneer settler of Bloomington 'lownship, is now comfort- al)ly located on section 12, where he has spent the greater part of forty years, and been act- ively and successfully engaged in general farming. Mr. Betts was born in Cecil County, Md., Aug. 5, 182.0. His father, Franklin Betts, was a native of Richmond, Mass., born March 28, 1789, and was the son of Zebulon Betts, who was a farmer of New England, and died in Massachusetts. Franklin Betts, when a young man left his native town for the cit}'' of JJaltimore, where he engaged in the boot and shoe business, and where, in due time, he was married to Mrs. Ann Davis, a native of his own county. After the birth of three children, among whom was the subject of our sketch, the family removed to Brooklyn, N. Y., where two more children were born, both daughters. The three eldest were sons — Franklin M., Robert C.and \'illiMm A. Politically Mr. Hill is a stanch adherent of the Democratic party. His life has included a rich ex- perience, and 1k' has witnessed with unabated in- terest the remarkable changes which have occurred along the Mississippi A'alley since his removal from the Blue Grass State of his nativity to the i)rairies of Illinois. The stirring scenes he has witnessed during the course of a long and bus_y life would make an interesting volume, and we cannot by any means do justice to them within the brief details of a biographical sketch. Sullice it to say that Mr. Hill has acted well his part, and has his :ibuudant reward in the position which he holds in the com- munity. ■ - p i^ 1 , 11 ul r <<1 WILLIAM 11. DOOLEY. a prosperous and \/iJll P''*'S'i'<^'^*> ve farmer of Empire Township, is ™'\y one oi its most intelligent citizens, an ex- tensive reader, well educated and well informed, and a gentleman who has materially assisted in the advancement and prosperity of this section. He is a native of Clark Count}', Ky., and was born Aug. 1.'), 1834. His father, William Dooley, a na- tive of the same county and State, was born March 1, 1804, and his grandfather, Obadiah Dooley, of Virginia, removed from the Old Dominion to Clark County, Ky., soon after his marriage, and was among the jiionecr settlers of that region. He cleared a farm from the wilderness and made it his home until his m the day the3' started. There William Dooley, Sr., rented a house for a short time, then purchased the Rogers farm in Old Town Township. This he oc- cupied until 1S5.S. being successful in his business and agricultural operations, and then abandoning the active labors^ of life, removed to Bloomington, whence he removed to a farm in Padua Township, where he spent his last days, dying on the 7th of June, 1869. The mother of our subject liefore her marriage was Miss Minerva Morris, a native of the same county and State as her husband. She was born in 1810, being the daughter of Sanuiel Mor- ris, of Virginia, whence he removeil tv) Clark Count}', Ky., at an early day, where he cleared a farm and occupied it until his death in 18;j0. ilrs. Minerva Dooley departed tin's life in Bloomington. ill August, 1884. William H. Dooley was the fifth child of his par- ents' family, and was a youth of seventeen years when his parents reuu)ved from Kentucky to Illi- nois and located in this count}'. He had obtained a good education in the subscription schools of his native State and afterward assisted his father in carrying on the farm until his marriage. He then settled on a small tract oi land which had been given him l)y his father, and after occupying it one season sold it and purchased sixty acres adjacent, where he lived one year, then sold again and pur- chased liO aci-es. This he also sold, after occui)y- ing it one season, and after a short residence in Bloomington, rented for one year a farm in Nor- mal Township, then [inrchased eighty acres in Old Town Townshij). After several more ciianges of location he selected his present site, which he re- moved to on the 1st of May, 1876. This farm contains 1,185 acres, all improved, much of it being- devoted to pasture, !ind the shapely and substantial set of frame buildings is unexcelled in this sec- tion. His cattle are graded Durhanis, and among them are to be found some of the finest animals in the count}'. Everything about the premises denotes T the supervision of an intelligent and enterprising man, who is keeping full pace with the progress and improvement of the day. The marriage of William H. Dooley and Miss Eliza Naggle took place at the home of the bride's parents in Old Town Township, on the l'2th of (Jctober, 18.54. Mrs. Doolej' was born in Darke Courity, Ohio, May 7, 1835. Her father, Samuel Naggle, and her mother, formerly Miss J\Iary (Slechty) Naggle, were natives of Pennsylvania, whence they came to McLean County in 1850, settling first in Bloomington Township, and later in ( )ld Town Township, where the mother died in 1.S71. The father died in Vermilion C'ounty in ISSO. Mr. and Mrs. Dooley became the parents of eleven children, seven of whom are living — Lillie May, Milton H., George E., Damaris, Obadiah M., Hattie and JJda B. Mr. and Mrs. D. are members in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and our subject in politics is an uncompromising Democrat. He cast his first presidential vote for James Buchanan, and since that time has uniformly voted in support of the principles of his party. He has filled various offices of trust in Old Town Township; has been Collector of Taxes, and served on the Board of Supervisors several terms in Em- [>ire Township, being also a member of the School Board. To such men as Mi-. Dooley is McLean County indebted for its prosperous and prominent position as one of the wealthiest and most progress- ive counties of the State. -^---f S. CRAWFOKD, a prominent citizen of McLean County, is now passing his days in ease and retirement at his pleasant home in Bloom ingtc)n, and as one of the prominent, substantial and useful members of the business community, is held in the highest respect, which is increased by the knowledge of his personal worth. Our suljject is a native of Center County, Pa., and was born on the 25th of May, 1823. He is the son of Rev. James and Appalonia (Helpher) Crawford, natives respectivelj' of Lancaster and Center Coun- ties. They were jointly engaged in merchandising- and farming, and moved to Maryland in 1 84'.», i t -•► 268 McLEAN COUNTY. i whore thc^' spent the reiiiainrler of their days, the father d.ying in 185(3, nnd tiie mother in 1SG2. Their family consisted of eiglit children,, only two now living — D. F., :i resident of Odell, tins county, and onr subject. Young Crawford was reared to farming imrsuits and received a prac^tical education. He remained under the parental roof until lie had grown to man's estate, and had the care of ids parents until their death. In April, 18C5, he disposed of his interest in the estate, and coming to Ottawa, La Salle County, engaged in the manufacture of buggies and wag- ons, which he followed for nine j'ears. He then removed to Normal in order to educate his chil- dren, and after nine years came to Bloomlngton in 1883. Mr. Crawf(n'd was married in 1 8.31, to Miss Eliza- beth Hinkle, a native of Maryland, and the daughter of Jesse and Mary A. (Falck) Hinkle, natives of Maryland and Virginia, respectively. They were the parents of ten children, of whom the following are living: Rebecca, Mrs. Bowdeu, resides in Stark County, Ohio; John F. is in Maryland; the next was Leonard; Elizabeth is tiie wife of our subject; Rev. (ieorge, her twin brother, is on the Pacific coast ; Rev. Richard is in Pennsylvania; Ellen J., Mrs. Elbin, lives in Maryland, and Mary F., Mrs. Pratt, in Missouri. The father of Mrs. C. was an exten- sive farmer and the owner of 700 acres of land. He died in 1871, aged seventy-tliree years. The motlier died in 1881, and was eighty-four years old. Both parents were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. and Mrs. Crawford became the parents of seven children, six now living, as follows: Asbnry M. is an attorney of Montana; Amanda M. lives at home; A\illiara A. married Miss F^lonise Smith, and tiiey have one child, Erastus E., of Chicago; CJeorge S. operates a rancli m Montana; Bertha C. married E. O. Hubbard, and they have two children, Elbert G. and Ralpli, tiie latter of whom is in Buf- falo, N. Y.; Elmer E. is on a ranch in Montana. Mr. Crawford is Republican in politics, and with his wife a member of the Methodist Episcopal Cliurch. He has Ijeen Class- Leader and Superin- tendent of the Sabbath-school, and w:is Trustee 1 r niost of the time while living in Ottawa. Mr. Crawford purchased his residence in 1883, and since retiring from farm labor has engaged con- siderably in lili^ insurance. He is considered a rep- resentative citizen of McLean County, and has ful- filled all his obligations as a business man, the father of a family, a neighbor and friend. x^HAULES H. (iMEIILIN, dealer in aii^^^^.?^o^^ \fg?^'f^^ ■■yn5^^:.-^*^-:.tHp-.;s ti^ If^'^n '^j^Y*- Residence ofThos.Tyson.Sec. 22.,Mt. HopeTownship. k. M f ■^•- McLEAN COUNTY. 4 271 ,, with them until they sold out their business. He then conimeuced business on liis own acoouut, and has been deservedly prosperous. Besides the man- ufacture of guns and pistols he malvcs a specialty of repairing these and loelvs of all Ivinds. He carries a full stock of tlie best Ainoricau aiid EnglisLi man- ufactures in his line, as well as Icnives, ammunition, etc. He owns his business house and adjoining lot. The house is two stories in iieight and •2ox.50 feet in area. He also has a good residence . 1 "j^JTGH K. VICKROY, a highly respected resi- dent of Normal Townslii[), is engaged in ^ the growing of small fruits, a.nd as a breeder )f Holstein-Friesian cattle. He has l)een a resident of the Prairie State since I >S5(J, coming here when a boy fourteen years uld from his native State of Fenns3'lvania, where he was l)orn in AYest- moreland County, on the 24tli (jf October, 1841. His parents were Isaac and Mar,;ha (Kennedy) Vickro}', whose famil}- consisted of four children: Nathan is a fruit-grower at Amboy, this State; our subject was the second in order of birth; John r. is a resident of Nornial; "Margaret is the wife of C. F. Lee, of Johnson County, Neb. Mr. Vickroy was reared to farming pursuits in Pennsylvania, and received a common-school edu- cation. Upon coming to Illinois with his uncle, Hugh McLaughlin, he located in Bureau County, <■ and was variously occupied at whatever he could find to do for two years afterward. He then engaged witii Samuel Edwards of Lamoille to learn the nur- sei-y business, and remained with him six 3'ears. Then, wishing to still further advance his education, he entered !\I t,. C'arroU Seminary, and applied himself closely to study for two years following. The Civil War then being in progress he enlisted as a private in Co. K, y;jd 111. Vol. Inf., and served until the cU)se. He was present at the battles of Jackson, Miss., and Champion Hills, at which latter place nearly one-half of his regiment was cut di>wn. Later he partii-ipatcd in the siege of Vieksburg and mimerous skirmishes, the onl}' injury which he re- ceived being on account of a railroad accident by which he sutfercd the fracture of his leg. He re- ceived his honorable disch.-irge at Chicago, and, re- turning to Bureau County, III, received the ap- pointment of Inspector of Spirits, and remained at Peoria during the winter of 18G5-GC. He after- ward took a course of study at Eastman Commer- cial College in Chicago, whence he graduated in 18(57, and after this resumed work for ]\Ir. Edwards, with whom he remained a year, and afterward en- gaged with his brother-in-law, at Minonk, in the nursery business for some length of time. The m.arriage of Jlr. A'ickroy took place in 1868, at Lamoille, Bureau County, the maiden of his choice being Miss Mary P. (iraves,' who was l)orn in Massachusetts, but a,t the time of her mai-- riage resided in Bureau Comity. Soon afterward our subject and his wife located at Champaign, where JMr. \'. was pl.-iced in charge of the gardens and orchards of wli;it is now the University of Illi- nois, and was thus employed until 1874. He then came to Normal and settled uixm the place which he now occupies. He at first purchased ten acres, located in the north part of the citj-, for which he paid *4,;J00, and has since embellished the same with a line residence, erected at a cost of $.5,000, be- .-sides other improvements which have added greatly to its beauty and value. Mr. Mckroy subsequently added to his acreage!, aiul now has in all seventy acres, which is mainly devoted to the growing of sm.all fruits, and to which he gives his entire atten- tion. ICveiy dollar he possesses he accumulated by ills own industrious efforts and good judgment. -•►■-<• i f 272 -•► t McLEAN COUNTY. lie lived ecoiiomie:illy, was careful to meet his ob- ligations ])roiiii)t!3', and In' this means has gained tile rciiutalioii of an iionest man and a good citizen, in piililicshe iinit'orndy casts his vote with tlie IJe- pnlilican i)ai'ty, although otherwise taking no a,ctive part. Si)cially he is a mcmher in good standing of the Masonic fraternity. Mr. and .Mis. Mckroy have liccome the [>arents of two children, a son and danglitcr — 11. Kdwards and M. K. Louise. .Mis. \. is a careful and praise- worthy wife and mother, and an earnest member of the l!ai)ti>t Church. SHAM CILEAD LAIN, a geiitleiu.-iu highly respected in the community, and .an iiitidligent \ and skillful farmer, owns a large tract of linely cultivated land, and has one of the (inest residences in this section. lie possesses fine natural abilities, great eiu'rgy of character, niid liis possessions are the result of his own industiT, economy and per- severance. .Mr. Lain is a native of Madison Connt3', K}'., and was born on the 1 1th of September, 182'J. His l>arents were John and Sallie (Baker) Lain, and he was their second son. He was reared in liis native county, received his early education in the sub- scription schools, and as soon as he became uf suit- able age commenced the duties of life in assisting his parents around the homestead, ^\■llen he had attained his in.ijority his father gave him a horse and a, .saddle, :uid this was his start in life, lie went from home and engaged in the buying and selling of cattle, and general trading. In the spring of IMi), with a capital of $400 he purchased a stock of goods, and being still further assisted by his father, obtained additions to this on credit, and conducted a very successful tr.aih' until the fall of 1857, when he sold out and came to .McLean County. UiKin arriving here .Mr. Lain purchased a tract of land on section 11), in Dale Tc)vvnship. It was entirely unimproved, and he industriously set about breaking the sod and cultivating the soil, and erected a good set of fiamc buildings, lie was also obliged to fence his land, and he was thus industri- r ously (iccupied until the fall of ISO,"), when he sold out and purchased land in Allen Township. The following- spring he removed to Sliirlcy, and iii ct)mpany with his brother, W. B. Lain, purchahcd 200 acres of land on section 3(i, which constitutes his present homestead. At the same time tlic lirothers oijcned a store of general merchandise in Shirley and conducted that business and farming together for the following two years, when our snli- ject traded his interest in the store for his brother's interest in the farm, and has since devoted his time to agricultural i)ursuits. He subscqnentlj' added to his landed possessions and is now the owner of 532 acres, the home- farm inclndiiig 200 acres and l^lie balance of his land lying in lvaiidol|ih Township. It is all improved and in a good state of cultivation, and jMr. Lain ranks among the first and substantial farmers of this locality. The subject of our sketch was united in marriage with Miss May J. Boulware on the 28th of -Inly, 1857. Mrs. L. was also born in jMadison County, K}'., and is the daughter of Hardin and Kuth .1. (McWilliams) Boulware, and by her nnion with our subject ha> become the mother of five children, all living: .Susan P. bi'came the wife of Ilenr}' B. Stubblefield, and lives in Dale Township; Robert, Albert (i., WcUie 1!. an<] Ira D. a,r(^ at home with their parents. Mr. and IMrs. L. are prominently con- nected with the Cliristiau Church i.if Shirley, and in |)olitics .Mr. Lain, formerly a Whig, now affil- iates with tlie Democratic party. ■JY/ ACOB KYEK, one of the self-m;ide men and successful merchants of MclA'an, deals ex- tensivel}- in dry-goods and ready-made clothing, and establislied business here in March, 18s;;i. He is of th.at energetic and resolute character which admits of no such word as fail, and has m.'iintained the position whicth he first took in the front ranks among the business men of this lo- cality. .Mr. Ivyer was born in Butler County-, Ohio, .Ian. 1, IS IS. His father, IJiidolph Eyer, was a native of Oerniany, and was educated and grew to man- hood in his native Em))ire. After attaining his n t t -^^ t MoLEAN COUNTY. 273 lunjority he emigrated to America, first locating in Butler County, Ohio, •where he was married. In 1843 he removed to Fulton County, the same State, and purchased, a farm, upon which he lived for thirteen years, and then selling out came to McLean Count3% 111. He first located in A\'liite Oak Township, engaged in farming pursuits, and afterward removed to Dry Cirove Township, fl'here he spent the remainder of his days, departing this life in 1877. The wife of Rudolph Kycr was formerl3' ftliss Barbara Gunden, who was a native nf the same country as her husband, and to whom he was mar- ried in Ohio. She accompanied him to the West, and now lives with her children in Dry Grove Township. Of these there were ten in number, seven of whom grew to mature j'ears, the record being as follows : Mary, the wife of John Barrett, lives in Humboldt County, Iowa; Soi)hronia mar- ried Edward Patton, and lives in Dry (4rove Township; Jacob, our subject, was the third child; Mattie, Mrs. Albert Wright, resides in Linn County, Kan.; Lizzie married Jacob Patton, .and lives in Dry Grove Township; Christian and Daniel are in Humboldt County, Iowa. The subject of this histor3' was the eldest son of his parents. He attended the district school in winters, and assisted his father on the farm during the milder seasons. He remained under the home roof until twenty-two years of age, then farmed on rented land on his own account and jiurchased an interest in a coru-sheller and thrashing machine, which he operated profitably in White Oak and Dry Grove Townships. In 1874 he abandoned farming to engage in mercantile pursuit*, having a capital of liOOO, the result of his own earnings. With this he purchased a half-interest in a store in White Oak Town.shi]), and put in a general stock of merchandise, operating there until 1882. He then sold out, and after a vacation of a few months came to the little city of McLean, as before stated. He has been successful since his first establishment here, is doing a good business and carrj'iug an av- erage stock of $7,000. ]\Ir. Eyer was married on the (Jth of July, 1884, to Miss Laura, the daughter of Edward and Maria (Griest) Cadwallader, who were natives of Indiana. Mrs. Eyer w^as born in that State, in Darlington, Montgomery County, in 1803. They have one child. Lloyd E., liorn Dee. 14, 1885. Both are mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and our subject, in politics, affiliates with the Republican party. II. ANDERSON, of Bloomington, is en- gaged witli Tillotson & Fell in the abstract and loan business, and possesses a good un- _ derstanding of business matters in general. He was born in Greenfield, Highland Co., Ohio, Nov. 20, 1S2(J, being the son of John and Sarah (Brooks) Anderson, of York County, I'a. John Anderson was a manufacturer of furniture, .and w.as also an undertaker, besides being engaged in farming i)ursuits. He removed from his native State to Ohio in 1820, located in Greenfield, and remained there until his death in 1866. The mother died in Lawrence, Kan., in 1873, at the home of her son, Di-. S. B. Anderson. Both parents were members of the Presbyterian Church for many years. They had three sons, two now living, our sul)jeet and his b)'other, the latter being a graduate of the Aledical College at Cincinnati. Young Anderson remained witii his parents un- til he was twenty-two years of age, and then went to Pickaway County, where he remained three years engaged in farming. From there he went to Frankfort. Ro.ss Co., (Jliio, and engaged in general merchandising for two years, and soon afterward entered the Commercial College of Columbus, Ohio, from which he graduated in 1850. He after- ward ix'niained at the college one j'ear, during which lie iiad charge of its office affairs. After leaving the college Mr. Anderson engaged in farming in Pickaway Country, Ohio, until Sep- tember, 1800, when he came to Illinois and enaao-ed in the dr}' -goods busine.ss .at Bloomington, at which he continued three years. He then purchased a farm of 120 acres in Will C'ounty, which he occu- pied and ctdtivated for seven years, and then sold eighty acres of it, having now 340 acres. LTpon retiring from his farm Mr. Anderson returned to Bloomingt(jn, and engaged in the abstract and loan business on North Main .street. In 1873 he moved •►-■-^^ "•► i >» II <• ■274 McLEAN COUNTY. into the court-liou.sL', wIrmc lu; has been since that time. lu 1 .s."il oiirsulijfct iiKU-i-ii'iI Miss Nanc}' F. Baiter, who \v:is Itoi-n Mai-eli ."), Irt.'il, and is the daughter of Solouiou M. and I'llizaljclh (Horsey) Balcer, na- tives of New "i'ork and Ohio. Her fatlier was an extensive fai'mer and .st(jelv-raiser, owning from O.OOO to 8,000 aercs of land, and shipping large ntinilnTs of animals to market annually. Six only of their ten eiiildreu an; now living: Nancy F., Mrs. Anderson; I.i/./.ie, Mrs. .1. X. (jarimore, of Blooni- ington: .lohu, of St. Louis; .Minnie. i\Irs. Baker, of J'.loomingtou; Flori'uce, Mrs. .J. J. Iliddelston, of Kudora,, Kan.; I'hillip F., of North Carolina. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson hectame the parents .of six childi'cn — Sallie B., William M., Harry A., Adelbert, Samuel any, as a member of (iasper River Lodge No. "247. After coming to Illinois he as- sisted in the organization of McLean Lodge No. 409, in tlie fall (jf I8G5. He also assisted in organ- izing Stanford Allen Lodge No. 60,5, and still holds memliershi[) in that lodge, having been \V<)rship- ful INIaster for several years. He is a great admirer of the doctrines of the fraternity, and has given liberall3' of his time and means to promote the in- terests of Masonry. ■^I/EREMIAII WELCH, one of the leading farmers of liloomington Township, is alsi;> largely interested in stock-raising, tniiiing / his attention principally to the breeding of fine horses. He makes a specialty of roadsters, and has in his stables several of the offspring of the celebrated Hero of Thorndale, the famous Ralston and the Clay stock, comprising in all about forty head, seven of these being from the Hero of Thorn- dale, and remarkably fine animals. He also has ani- mals of a speedy family' on both sides. For beauty and symmetiy the anim.als exhibited on the farm of Mr. Welch will compare fav<.iralily with anj' others in the State. The home farm of Mr. Welch is located on sec- tions 27, 34, .35 and 30, the residence being located on the first named. His landed possessions in Bloomington Township aggregate abv)ut 400 aci'es, besides about 100 in Vermilion County. His dwelling, liarns and outhonses are finely built and correspond with each other, l)eing models of taste and convenience, and the whole estate presents one of the prettiest spots in the landscape of McLean r> ■♦- Connty. Mr. Welch became a resident of this lo- cality in 1834, making his first settlement in Downs Township, lie has been successfully engaged in his present business since a boy fourteen years of age, exhibiting at an early period of his life a pe- culiar adaptabilit}' for his chosen Held of operations. Of this he makes a science, and has studied the hal)its and needs of animals in more than an ordi- nary degree. He possesses the faculty of develoi)- ing their finest qualities, and in return is rewarded by a handsome income from his oi^erations in this dei)artmcnt of business. 'J'lie subject of our sketch was born in Vigo County, Ind., July 10, 1827. His father, Solomon Welch, was a native of Pennsylvania, and of stanch L'ish ancestry. He was reared to manhood in his natives State and was there married, in Northamp- ton County, to Miss Susan Jacoby, a native of the same State and of Crerraan descent and parentage. After marriage they removed to Central Ohio, where s(>veral of their children were born, and sub- sequently removed to Vigo County, Ind. The family circle incluiled ten children, only three of whom are living, two s<.ins and one daughter: Jeremiah, of our sketch; Albert, and a sister, Elisa J. Our subject was the ninth child of the family, .•uid his father died at Ft. Harrison Prairie, Ind., when his son Jeremiah was only six years old. Two years later the mother and her children came to Illinois, and locating in McLean Count}' made their fin;d home in Downs Townshij), where the children grew to mature years ami where the mother closed her eyes to the scenes of earth in the fall of 1867. 'J'hc subject of onr sketch was reared and edu- cate(l in Downs Township, and while still a j'oung boy began to earn his own livelihood, working at whatever his hands could find to do and being em- ployed by the month for one or two years. After liccoiiiiugof age he liegan to operate a farm on his own account and met with success. Five years later he took unto himself a partner and helpmeet in the [lerson of Miss Sarah J. Myers, their mar- riage c)ccurring Feb. 17, 18')3. Mrs. Welch was born in Kentucky, and at the age of six years came with her jwrents to Illinois, and they settled in liloouiington Townshijj. She remained with them until her marriage, in the meantime receiving a fair ^ i t t 276 McLEAN COUNTY. odiication in the c-ominon sfli<>()ls, :uid assisting her molher in lionsehohl lUities. Hor imrcnls are both now dceenserl, but their nniiies nre hehl in kindly ronienibrance by a hirge oirole of fi-iends and ac- (luaintanees. They were most wortliy and excel- lent jjeople, and trained theii- children in those principles of honor and honesty which they had made the rule of their own lives, and the good in- llnenee whicii they shed around t-heni will live for years to (tome. They were natives of the South and of Knglish and (iernian ancestry. Mr. and Mrs. Welch have become the jjarents of five children, one of whom is deceased: Mar3' S., the wife of L. K. Calhoun, resides on a farm in \'erniilion Count}', 111.; Minerva married Charles VVagn(n-, .-i farmer of (Tillum, this county; John is carrying on agricultural operations on a farm in Bloomington Township, and is married ; Li/.zie C. Kershaw resides on section 35 ; William Henry is attending school at Bloomington. 111. These chil- dren form a bright and interesting family, and are the joy and comfort of their parents. Mr. and Mrs. Welch settled in this township soon niU'V their marriage and began life at the foot of the ladder. They were poor in purse but united in their elforts to establish a permanent and comforta- ble home, and this they have accomplished to their abiMidant satisfaction. They are now possessed of a good share of this world's goods, and in their later years are reaping the rich reward of earlier toil .-lud self-denial. They arc highly esteemed among their neighbors and fellow-townsmen, and are members in good standing of the Methodist K[)iscopal Chuich. Mr. \V. lias been prominently connected with the affairs of his township since coming here, has been a member of the Board of Trustees, Townsiiip Supervisor, Commissioner of Highways, etc. Politically he is a solid Kepublican. In connection with the present business of Mr. Welch it is onlj' just to say that his rei)utatiou as a breeder of fine horses is by no means confined to the limits uf his townshij). Some of his roadsters arc familiarly known on the streets of Chicago and New York City, being driven by some of the finest horsemen and wealthiest citizens of these cities. He h.'is carried off laurels at the local and State fairs, and his favorite st;allion Lam|ilii>hter has won the first premium at various fairs for the last fourteen 3-ears. The colts of this animal are sold at high prices. The stock farm of jNIr. Welch is complete in all its a|)i)ointments and has already become one of the notiible features of this section. lEV. GECUCK AV. BUIINS, deceased, was ^ late a |)ri)niinent member of the Cen- '^\\\ tral Illinois Conference of the JMethodisl ^Episcopal Church, and died while in attend- ance at this conference, of malarial fever, at Ke- wanec, Oct. 14, l.S,S4. He was born in Wheeling, W. Va,., June 2, 1835, being the second child and eldest son of Kev. John Burns, a prominent minis- ter of the same church, belonging to the Muskingum Conference. John Burns was the son of a Scotch gentleman whom it is supposed was a native of Ayrshire', where he was reared and received a fine education. He came to the United States when a j'oung man, and followed the vocation of a teai-her in A'irginia and Ohio. He was a man of influence and greatly respected wherever known. His son, John Burns, inherited much of his father's talent, and during the early days was appointed Ciencral Superintendent of the Methodist Protestant Church in the United States, and also served as President of the Conference for many years. He labored in the ministry' during a period of fifty years, preach- ing in the States of Ohio, A'irginia and Pennsylva- nia, lie was celebrated for his clear and logical reasoning powers, and was considered one of the first pulpit orators of his day. He was a close stu- dent, an extensive reader, and distinguished him- self by that unobtrusive and modest bearing which rendered liiin an object of respect and affection wherever known. (ieorgc W. Burns, following in the footsteps of his honored father, became in early life a hard stu- dent, and entered upon his ministerial duties when twenty-two years of age, being licensed in Steu- ben ville, Ohio. He entered upon his first charge at Brownsville, that State, in IS57, when twenty-three years of age, bcung then a member of the Methodist Protestant (.'hurch, with which he remained con- nected for the following sixteen years. After with- r •^m-4* ^ l t <^ McLEAN COUNTY. 277 drawing from this lie united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and thereafter, during the re- mainder of his life, devoted his time and attention to the cause of religion, iu the ministry. His edu- cation \tas begun in Steubenville, Ohio, whence later he went to I'niontown, I'a., and took a clas- sical course in the college there, from which he o:r,aduated after three years. Becoming also desirous of gaining an insight into the metliods of general business transactions, he took a thorough course in Dnlf's Business College at Pittsburgh, Pa., which proved of great advantage to him in his supervi.^ion of the finances of the churches oyer whicli he aft- erward iiad charge. Rev. George W. Burns was united iu marriage \yith Miss Emma H. iMouser, Sept. 2, 18(j;!. Mrs. B. was born in INIarion, Ohio, Sept. 10, 1S40, being the daughter of Isaac and Anna, (Strawliridge) Mouser, natives respectively of Virginia, and Peun- s}'lvania. They became residents of Ohio in early }'0uth, and were married in Marion, that State, in February, 1835. There they located, .and tbt father became one of the most successful cattle deal- ers of that section. He died there u\niu the home- stead which he had established in 1804. Later the mother removed to Shelbyville, 111., where she de- parted this life in 1874. Mrs. Burns, after a course iu the High School of JM.aricju, completed her edu- cation in the Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio. After her marriage with Rlr. Burns they located at Ridgeville, Md., whence they removed to Liverpool, Ohio, where, in addition to his minis- terial labors, Mr. B. became Superintendent of the public schools, and where he labored with such per- sistence and faithfulness that his iiealth was sei'iously impaired. He was connected with the Methodist Protestant Church for some time after coming to Illinois, but was admitted to the Central Confer- ence of the Methodist Episcopal Cliurch in 1873, at Galesbnrg. Ilis first appointment was at Oil- man, 111., where after two years he was removed to Carthage Circuit, and afterward was eng.aged for some time in different parts of Illinois. Finally, in 1883, he was assigned to Chenoa, but iu the mean- time made his home iu Bloomington, where his death occurred. Although cut down in tlie piime of life the result of his good works and his inlluence will be apparent for many years to come. His earn- est and devoted life secured him the affection and confidence of a large circle of friends and acquaint- ances, l)y whom his name will ever be cherished in tender remend)rance. He left a widow with a family of five children: Anna E. completed her education at Wesleyan University, and is now a teacher in the Second Ward of Bloomington; John W. o|)erates the farm of his mother, which con- sists (.)f IGO acres of good land, in Padua Township. He also has received a good education, which w.as completed at Wesleyan Universitj% of which Carrie E. was also :\ student, and is now a te.acher in the public schools of Padua; George P., living .it home, is pui'suing his studies in the High School of Bloomington, and Katie W., the youngest, attends the public schools. The home of Mrs. Burns iu Bloomington is pleasantly located at Xo. 1404 North ^lain street, where she has a good residence, which is the resort of the cultured people of the city. Jlr. r.urus was a strong anti-slavery man, and was greatly interested in the success of the temperance nH)Venient, arraying himself on the side nf the Prohiliition party. s«l 1» ILLIAM B. LAIN, of Dale Township, this \rJ/ county, a prominent and successful farnuir ^/^ and stock-feeder and shipiier. is operating successfully on his fine farm located on section 3(i. He is iu all resjiects a representative man of one of the leading counties of the Prairie State, full of en- terjirise and energy, and presenting an example worthy of inntation by the rising generation. Mr. Lain is a native of the P>lue Cxrass State, having been born in Madison County, May 28, 1827. His father, John Lain, of Virginia, was born iu Albemarle County, and his grandfather, Isham Lain, was also born in Virginia, and de- scended from English ancestry, his father, the great-grandfather of our subject, having been a na- tive of England, and emigrated to America in the colonial days, -settling in Virginia. This latter gentleman was twice married, and the two families am<)unted to sixteen sons, seven of whom served iu the Pevolntiouary War. The grandfather of ^ ' -¥-1 i 'i t t -•► •27.S McLEAN COUNTY. our subject, oue of the seven, served under Gen. Washington. :uid received a iiension d\iring the last years of iiis life, lie emigrated from Virginia to Tennessee before the da.ys of carri.age roads, making the removal with pack horses. He spent two years at the norlli fork of llolston River and then removed to Kentucky, following Boone's trail, and settling in that part of the State now in- cluded in .Madison County. There he purchased a tract of timlierland, cleared a farm in the midst of the forest, and establi.-hed a home where he re- mained the balance of his life. He departed from the scenes t)f his earthly labors in 1851, after hav- ing arrived at the advanced age of over ninety-six years. The maiden name of his wife was Nanc.y Lauili. She was a native of Virginia, followed her husb.and in all his wanderings, and died in M.adison County, Ky., at the age of eighty year.s. Their sou, the father of our subject, was born in 1795, and was about nine years old when his parents moved to Kentucky. He there grew to manhood and married Miss Sallie Baker, of .Alaryland. He purchased land in .Madison County, Ky., near his father's homestead, engaged in farming and stock- raising, and reiriaiued there until his death, which occurred in 1807. His wife died in the same county, Nov. 15, 18,S5, at the age of eighty-two ye.-irs. They were most e.vcellent and worthy people and devoted members of the Christian Chui'ch. 'I'he parents of our subject iiad a family of eight children, seven of whom grew to years of maturity. William 15., our subject, w.as the eldest born; Isham C. is a resident of Dale Township; Isaiah lives in r.lue .Mound Townshii); Shelton II. and Burgess \\'. are in Madison County, Ky. ; Klizabeth nnir- ried Thomas II. Todd and died in St. Clair County, .Mo.; Nellie B. became the wife of Y. J. G.arrett, and died in Madison County, Ky. William B. Lain was reared in his native county before the day of free schools. His father was a m.-in of more than ordin.ary intelligence, and full}' r(>ali/.ed the advantages of education. lie accord- ingly couti'il)uted his full share toward the main- teuaucc of a su))scrii)tion school, and provided for all his i-iiildren the means of an ordinarily fair ed- ucation. William B. remain<'d with his parents until he was twenty years old, employing his time alternately in work and study, and then entered a boarding-school in the same county to receive a still further course of instruction. Seven years later he was married and moved to Missouri, set- tling in St. CUair County, being among the earliest pioneers of that region. He entered a tract of Government laud and purchased another tract ad- joining, and pursued farming and school teaching ill that section until 1S57. He then returned to Kentucky and settled in Rockcastle County, where he eng.agcd in mercantile pursuits until l.SC.l, when he sold out and came into McLean County, 111. He purchased KiO axa-es of land in Dale Township, which he operated for one _year, then went to Shir- ley in this county with his brother, and purchased a tract of la.nd lying on section 30 in Dale Town- shii). He then located in the town and engaged iu trade as before, carrying on a general merchandise business for the following twelve years. In the me.'uitinu' he |)iircliased the farm which he now *wns and occupies, .'ind in 1875 settled ujjon it and has since made it his home. He has greatly im- proved the condition of the premises since he first took possession and has brought the land to a fine state of cultivation. He has been greatly pros- |jered iu his farming and stock operations and ships annually large uunil)ers of stock to Chicago. Mr. Lain was married in Rockcastle County, Ky., Sept. 27, IS 111, t<) Miss Ziporah Todd, who was born iu that county, Aug. 12, 1832. She conies from an excellent and prominent family, and w.as tlie daughter of .loiui and Mary (Heaton) Todd. Her grandfather, William Todd, a native of Mary- land, was one of the earliest settlers of Kentucky, and owne<^^4-.o*o c\c ^ 'J^^^l M. A McLEAN COUNTY. 281 likewise .1 native uf Cuniiccticut and of English ancestry. The graiKlfether spent his entire life in the State of his nativity, and died on his farm near East Haddani, where he liad lived all his life. Tlie father of onr snbject was reared on the latter farm, and when a young man went to Ashtabula County, Ohio, where he was nnited in marriage with Miss Susan Crowell. She was born in the Nutmeg State, and removed with her parents to Ohio when three years old. Her father, William Crowell, was one of the first settlers in Rome, Ohio, lie bought timber land and improved a farm in the neighbor- hood of that place, and there spent the latter years of liis life. Our subject's father also bought tim- ber land ■ near the same place, which he occupied until 1833, when he sold it and removed to Geauga Conntj', Ohio, and located at Thompson. He bought a house, acted in the capacity of " mine host," and also engaged in merchandising at that place, making it his home until his death, in IHi'u. His wife died at the residence of her son in Akron, Ohio. The subject of this notice was the eldest son born to his parents, and assisted his father in the store and about the hotel, making his home with his par- ents until 1.S44. He then went to Leesville, Conn., and engaged in a cotton-mill, to learn cotton dressing. He worked in this place for a year and a half, when he embarked in tlie cotton business in Battenville, N. Y., and was thus occupied for two years. Returning to Ohio he operated his father's hotel for a time and then served as Postmaster at Thompson. In 185G he came to Shipman, Ma- coupin Co., 111., and in the fall of that 3'ear located on a farm and was there occuiiied for a little more than a year. At the expiration of that time he moved to Blooniington, and leasing a hotel kept public house for a year and a half, after which time he rented a farm in Mt. Hope Township, and fur some years tbereafter was occupied in farming on rented land. In 18G0 onr subject removed to the village of McLean, where he has continued to re- side until the present time. From 1870 to 1883 he clerked in the mercantile establishment of F. A. Wheelock, and previous to that time he had been engaged in the lire insurance business. He also served eight 3'ears as Deputy Sheriff, and has held the positions of Constable, City .Justice and Town- ship and Town Clerk. Mr. Church was married to INIiss Margarette Hall in 1851. She was born in Rhode Island, and has borne our subject four children: Susan T., the wife of William T. Oibbs; William (i. and Clara E. are residents of McLean ; the latter is the wife of "William M. King, Postmaster of McLean; Liz- zie died in infanej-. Mr. Church is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and holds fellowship with Lodge No. 4G9 of McLean. In politics he is a stanch Republican. ■^ACOB FUNK, a highlj' esteemed farmer, 1 and one of the most extensive stock-raisers of McLean County, is a native of this coun- tj', and was born in Funk's Grove Town- ship. The date of his birth was April 7, 1830, and he is tlie third son of Isaac and Cassandi-a (Sliarpe) Funk, a sketch of whom appears in another part of this work. As soon as old enougii, young Jacob commenced to assist his father in all the various kinds of farm work, and herded cattle during the summer season on the wild prairies of his native township. At the age of twelve years he went to Chicago and lived with au uncle there, also following his old oc- cupation of herding cattle and sheep, outside the citj' limits. Chicago was then a small town, with l)robably 5,000 inhabitants. The greater j)art of the land now occupied by the city was wild prairie, and Jacob Funk frequently herded a flock of sheep on the ground which is now occupied by the Grand Pacific Hotel. He remained with his uncle ten months, and then returned home to his father in McLean County, where he lived until fourteen 3'ears ' and Dean N. They are .all now at home with their j)arcnts. The tw'o eldest were educated at Wesleyan University, 151oomington ; the youngest son received his preparatory course at Peekskill, N. V., and is now a student at Yale Col- lege. The farm residence of our subject and his fam- ily is M, handsome brick structure, one of the most elegant in tlie I'rairie Slate, and botii within and without is indicative of cultivated tastes and am- ple means. Its inmates are surrounded by all the comforts of life, and enjoy the confidence and es- teem of a large circle of friends and acquaintances. In politics Mr. I<'unk is strongly Republican, and as a business man is straightforward and system- atic in ids (operations, meeting his obligations pronii)tly, anwed for a little more than a year, and then, in February, 18(;7, came to this county and settled in Old Town Township. There he engaged in farm- ing and has continued to make that township his home until the present time. He carried on his farming operations until 1874, and then embarked in mercantile pursuits at Holder, in company with his brother William, under the firm name of Flem- ing Bros. This relationship continued until 1884, when our subject bought out his bi'other's interest, and at [jresent carries on the business al(.)ne. He lias a general stock of merchandise, suflicient to meet the wants of all his customers, and in addi- tion to his mercantile business is largely engaged in buying and shipping grain and stock. Mr. Fleming is the owner of 420 acres of land, all of which is under an advanced state of cultivation. He has a fine residence in the vill.age of Holder, and has met and is meeting with signal success in the conducting of his different br.anchesof business. Mr. Fleming and Miss Susan D. Hughes, daugh- ter of Robert E. and Ollie (Harlan) Hughes, were united in marriage in Fulton County, 111., Jan. 28, 18G3. Her father was a native of Ireland and her nujther of English ancestry. After their m.arriage they settled in Indiana, whence they moved to Ful- ton County, where thej' resided until their death; his demise occurred in 18G2, and hers in 1850. They had three children — Sarah A., Martha and Susan 1). Susan w.as born in Fulton County, 111., Jan. 3, 1843, and remained .an inmate of the par- ental household until her marriage with our sub- ject. By this union eleven children were born — Ollie E., Fred E., Joseph B., Mary E., Ida H., Charlie A., John K., Maggie, Robert H., Jessie G. and Bernie E. Ollie E. and Charlie A. are de- ceased. Mr. Fleming has held the ollice of Commissioner i- t. <^ u 284 McLEAN COUNTY. of Highways for nine years. He was elected Su- pervisor of Old Town Township in the spring of 1 884, and still holds th;it oflice. He was appointed Postmaster at Holder under the Grant administra- tion, aiirk at No. Bloomington, is a native of York County, I'a., and was born March 31, 1840. His parents were Lewis and Lucy (Bond) Myers, natives of Germ.any, who emigrated to the L'nitcd States before their marriage, and be- came husband and wife in the city of Baltimore, Md. They located in York County, Pa., and there spent the remainder of their lives, the father being- engaged in the cabinet business. Lewis Myers died in 1878, and tlie mother of our suliject in 187i). The i)arental household included nine chil- dren, seven now living. William B. Myers was the iifth child of his par- ents, and remained an inmate of his father's house i t •^^m-4^ 1 t McLEAN COUNTY. 285 until twenty-one years of age. He then learned the cabinet trade, and coming west, located first in Decatur, 111. Ho became a resident of Blooiuing- ton in 18GG, and with the exception of three years this city has Ijcen his home since that time. He was engaged with Andrns Bros, for a period of ten years. Mr. Myers was married in lisGS to Miss Jennie Weire, of Decatur, the daughter of George and Emeline Weire, and bj' her union with our subject she has become the mother of two children — Charles and James A. They have a pleasant home at No. •217 South Center street, and enjoy the society of many friends. Mr. Blyers belongs to the I. O. O. F., and is one of the most worthy citizens of an industrial community. -^ \1 OHN RODMAN, an old pioneer of this count}', and one of the old settlers of tlie State, highly respected fi.ir his sterling worth ^7/ and integrity, is passing the sunset of life on his farm of 180 acres on section 22, Old Town Township. Mr. Rodman was the sixth in order of birth in a family of eleven children, and flist saw light in Berks County, Pa., Dec. 5, 1817. lie was reared upon his father's farm, and continued to re- side with the old folk until he had attained the age of manhood. He then left the parental rooftree and began farming for himself. Prior to this, how- ever, his parents had removed to Zanesville, Ohio, and it was there that our subject received his edu- cation in a log school-house in Muskingum County. It was during the year 1838 that our subject first began to do for himself. He began farming on eighty acres which his father had previously given him in Hopewell Township, and for thirteen jears was occupied in that maimer, when he went on an- other farm given b}' his father, consisting of eighty acres of timber land in Ohio, and was interested in its improvement and cultivation until he concluded to tiy his fortunes farther West. Following up this conclusion he, in the fall of 1854, accompanied by his wife and seven children, came to this count}-, and settled on section 22, Old Town Township. Ml". Rodman has continued to reside upon the same section on which he settled when he first came here, until the present time, with the exception of about three years, and has been continuously occu- pied in agricultural pursuits. He is at present the owner of 180 acres of v.aluable and productive land, on which he has a good set of farm buildings, and is one of the self-made men of the county. ilr. Kodinan was married in Muskingum County, Ohio, Feb. 15, 18.'!8, to Mary J., daughter of Leg- gett and Nancy (Gutridge) Grey, natives of Vir- ginia. Mrs. Rodman was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, M.ay I, 1819, and of her union with our subject seven children were bom, four of whom are living — Ann, Joseph L., Lucinda and E. L. Ann is the wife of Homer Boise, and they are liv- ing at Bloomington, 111. ; Joseph was united in mar- riage with Miss Mary Hayes, and is a farmer of Old Town Township; Lucinda became the wife of Jeremiah Whiteomb, who is also a farmer of Old Town Township; E. L. married Miss Louisa t^ogle, and they are likewise residents of Old Town Town- ship. The deceased children of our subject and wife were named Worthington N., Laura and Margaret A. The latter was the wife of John Craig, and de- parted this life in Old Town Township. j\Ir. Rodman has held some of the minor offices in the township. He has taken a deep interest in the cause of the Master, and with his wife has been a member of the Methodist Protestant Church for almost twoscore years and ten, and all their chil- dren are members of the same denomination. In politics he is a stanch Republican, and socially is possessed of a genial and kind disposition which has made for him innumerable friends, not only in Old Town Township, but throughout the entire county. ■rwjAMES POINDEXTER, a native of McLean County, and who has here spent the greater part of his life, was born on the farm where he now lives, on section 17, Bloomington Township, on the 10th of September, 1843. His father, Arnett Poindexter, was a native of Virginia and of French descent, their earlier ancestors go- ing with William the Conqueror from France to England, whence, later, they emigrated to the »► f -. <^_ ^l r 286 McLEAN COUNTY. t it United States, and located in Virginia at about the time of the close of the Revolutionary War. The first representatives in this country were two broth-' crs, one of whom located in Lexington, Ky., where afterward the father of our subject met his future wife, Miss Elizabeth Duncan. After their marriage and the birth of six children, four sons and two daughter, the family removed Nortii to Illinois, in 18:!ll,and settled in Bloomington Township uiion a tract of unimproved land, most of the country around them still being in its original condition. Arnett Poindexter was a miller by trade, and had owned mill property in Kentucky which was devoted to the manufacture of woolen goods. After coming to this county he erected the first woolen- mill within its borders, and successfully followed this calling until his death, which occurred in about 1844. Our subject was then about one year old and the youngest of the family. He remained on the farm with his mother and brothers and obtained a fair education in the pioneer schools. When quite young he was greatly interested in the opera- tions of the honey-bee, and as he grew older he soon began to make a business of caring for these. lie has now about 200 colonies of Italian bees, from whicli he obtains large quantities of honey, usually taken in the comb. The mother of our subject departed this life in March, 1874; five of his brothers and sisters lived to mature j'ears, and two brothers and one sister are yet living. On the 2r)tli of December,^! 879, our subject was married in Bloomington Township to Miss Elizabeth Brigham, the daughter of George and Lydia (Shinn) Brigham, the former of Boston, Mass., and the latter of Cincinnati, Ohio. They were married in Pike County, 111., and located there upon a farm, where the father passed the remainder of his days. The mother is living with her son, Asa Brigham, in Bloomington Township. Mrs. Poindexter was born in Pike Count}', 111., Dec. 20, 1843. She came to McLean County with her par- ents when twelve years of age, was educated in Normal, and began to teach when nineteen, which she followed until her marriage with our subject. Of this union there has lieen born one child — .lamesina Pearl. The homestead of Mr. Poindexter embraces ^« seventy-five acres of finely cultivated land, a com- fortable residence, all necessaiy barns and nut- buildings, and witiiin and witJK^nt gives evidence of the supervision of a well-directed and intelligent mind. Mr. P. is highly respected in his community, is Democratic in politics, and in all respects a use- ful and valued mcmher of society, lie possesses considerable literary taste, and lias been a corres- jiondent of the Ainerk-an Bell Journal for some time. He was also Secretary of the Bee-Keeper's Association of Central Illinois in 1884, which po- sition he occu|)ied for some time afterward. ^^^S yyiLLIAM KINC;, deceased, was formerly / one of the most successful farmers in Bloomington Township and ranked among its valued citizens. He owned a good farm of oOO acres on section 1 it, where his widow and youngest son are now living and operating a part of the homestead. Mr. King was liorn in Somerset County, Pa., Feb. 2o, 1813, and was of pure German ex- traction. He was first married to Miss Amelia Col- burn, who was also of Pennsylvania birth and Ger- man jincestry, and whose parents s|)ent nearly their entire lives in Somerset County, Pa. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. K. remained in Penns^dvania until aliout 183G, when they re- moved to Illinois and located upon what is now familiarly known as the old King homestead. Of their union there were born three children, all liv- ing and recorded as follows : Ellen became the wife of Josei)h Nye, a farmer of McLean County ; William married Miss Sarah Alexander, and is farming near Farmer City, 111. ; Amelia married Mr. .John Debolt, and is residing on a farm with her husl)and in Martin Township, this county. Mrs. Amelia C. King departed this life at the home of her husband in Bloomington Township, Aug. 12, 1844, greatly mourned by her family and a large circle of friends and acquaintances. The second wife of Mr. King was Miss Ann \au Nostin, to whom he was married in Bloomington Township on the 2Gth of February, 1845. This lady was li(irn in Hamilton County, Ohio, Nov. 2, 1824, her parents being Abraham anil Margaret n f t McLEAN COUNTY. 287 (Cook) Van Nostin, natives of New Jersey, of New England parentage and Gei'inan ancestry. They were married in Hamilton County, Ohio, whence they removed to Cincinnati, Ohio, and from there to McLean County, where the father died in Ran- dolph Township in about 1S40. The mother is still living, and raalvcs her iKjme with her grandson, P^lias King, in Bloomington Township, having ar- rived at tlie advanced age of eighty-four 3'ears. Mrs. King, by her marriage with our subject be- came the mother of six children, four now living, as follows: David married Miss Crystal Shermer, and is farming in Cheney's drove Township; Alice became the wife of John Foster, who is farm- ing near Shirley; Elias is engaged in farming pur- suits in Bloomington Township; Zei)haniali II. lives with his mother at the old homestead and is carry- ing on farming; he was married, Feb. 23, 18iS7, to Miss Anna Burning. Mrs. King and her husband were among the carl}' residents of iMcLean County and favorabl}' known as being numbered with its most valued and worthy citizens. In politics Mr. King was a mem- ber of the old Whig party, and served as Justice of the Peace for a mimber of years. The sons are all Democrats. Mr. King died Oct. 2«, 18.54. ^^1 B. IIOBLIT, Cashier of the National State (@lU\ Bank of Bloomington, is a native of Illi- nois, and was born in Fulton County on the 10th of March, 1844. He is the son of Mahlon S. and Mary A. (Thomas) Hoblit, the father a native of Ohio and the mother of Pennsyl- vania. The early life of Mahlon S. Iloblit was employed in mercantile pursuits in this State, partly in Can- ton and partly at Atlanta. He was busil}' employed until 1857, when he was obliged to abandon active business on account of his wife's failing health, and removed to Minneapolis, Minn., where his life ter- minated in 18G8; the mother survived her husband for a period of seventeen years, dying in Atlanta, 111., in 1885. Both were members of the Baptist Church. The father was one of the first men in Illinois to advocate the principles of the Kepul)- lican party, taking an active part in its organization here, and was also greatly interested in the estab- lishment of schools and churches and the success of temperance. His latch-string always hung out to the wayfarer, and the poor and needy found in him a stanch friend and helper. The parental household of ten children was bro- ken into by the death of four of its members; the living are as follows : Almeda, Mrs. McCrary, lives in Little Falls, Minn. ; Isaac N. is a dealer in live-stock .at Minneapolis. Minn.; Alvin B. is our subject; Lizzie Z. resides in MinneaiJolis; Mahlon S., Jr., is farming near Monticello, Minn., and Daniel S. is also living near the latter-named place ; John T., who died of fever at Stone River while in the army, was first to enlist in the three months' service at Minneapolis; he was city editor of the Tribune of that city; Isaac N., who was also in the army, was injured at the first battle of Bull Run, but re- covered, and at the expiration of three months they both re-enlisted, and served nntil the close of the war; they belonged to the famous Minnesota First. The subject of this sketch remained at home until seventeen years old, and after his parents went North, attended the Minneapolis High School. He subsequently engaged as a clerk for his brother, a merchant in Canton, 111., where he remained two years. He then enlisted in Co. B, 8th 111. Vol. Inf., and during a service of thirteen months participated in several engagements and skirmishes, being at the siege and capture of Spanish Fort, Ft. Blakeley and Mobile, Ala. He escaped injury, and after receiv- ing an honorable discharge returned to Canton and clerked for the dry-goods merchant, A. C. Babcock. The following eighteen months were spent in Sauk Center, Minn., with the firm of Moore & McClure, who were eng.aged in merchandise and milling. He then came to Atlanta, 111., and was connected with the banking house of Frank, Hoblit Bros. & Co. from 1 8()7 to 1 873. Then, on account of ill-health, he accepted a position as Deputy Collector of Internal Revenue at Springfield, 111., but after two j'ears re- signed. Then, in company with a few friends he assisted in the establishment of the Farmer's Na- tional Bank .at Pekin, 111., where he occnpied the position of Cashier three 3'ears. He was then con- • > ■ j » •►-Ji-** 4 -t^ 288 McLEAN COUNTY. ■•► ■ < > 4" cerned with others in the organization of the Na- tional State Bank of lilooiuiuiJtdn, of whifh he is a stock-lioliler and Director, and lias been Cashier since lis? 8. Mr. Hoblit was nuirricd in 1S76, to Miss Annie E., danghter of Capt. Isaac and Elniira (Neal) Keys, who were natives respectivel.v of Illinois and Kentncky. To Mr. and Mrs. 11. there have been born two sons — Edward M. and Harris K. The residence of our subject and his family is located at No. 315 East Chestnut street, and they enjoy the friendship and society of the cultured citizens of Blooniiugton. They are both members of the First Baptist Church. In politics Mr. Hoblit uniformly votes the Republican ticket, and is an honored member of the G. A. IJ. He is also a member of the K. of P. Lodge, and lias been I'ast Chancellor. His energy and enterprise have placed him in the front rank with the business men of Bloomington, and he is the substantial supporter and encourager of every measure tending to its credit and welfare. "if]OHN MURRAY, deceased, was one of the prominent and well-to-do farmers of Mc- Lean Countj-, and was a resident of Old Town Township. He was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, al)Out 1821. When about twentj'-eight j^ears of age he came to the conclusion that he could better his financial condition in life by emigrating to the United States, and following up his conclusion he landed upon the soil of our free Republic in 1849. He selected as the place of his residence the State of Ohio, and after residing there for seven years he concluded to come still further West, and in 18oG became a citizen of McLean County by settling in Old Town Township. There lie determined to make his permanent liome, hav- ing, as he often said, great faith in the future de- velopment of the country. He purchased a farm in that township, and was industiiousl}' engaged in agricultural pursuits tiiere until Aug. 10, l,s.s(j,the date of his demi.se. At this time he was tlie owner of 320 acres of valuable and productive land, vvhiclihe had accpiired through Ids own energy and perseverance. He was a self-made man in every ^1 respect the word implies, and what he possessed up to the date of his demise had been acquired, as stated, through his own exertions and not as the re- cipient of any legacy whatsoever. Mr. INIurray was married at Bloomington, 111., Sept. 14. 185(1, to Miss Eliza Loughman, who was born in (Queens County, Ireland, Feb. 22, 1837. She was about .seventeen years of age when she came to the United States, and of her union with Mr. jMurray eleven children have been born : Anna is the wife of Frank Schlink, and they reside in Peo- ria: the others are Edward, Michael, John, Jlaggie, Thom.as, Martin. .lames, Mary, Joseph M. and Will- iam. James died in infancy. Mrs. Murray and her children are members of the Catholic Church, as was our subject. In iiolitics ]\Ir. Murraj' was a Demo- crat. His remains are interred in the Catholic Cemetery at Bloomington. ^|pj^]OBERT S. HOWARD, of Leroy, has been a resident of the Prairie State since 1858, and has built uj) for himself a good record as a ^^^mau of the highest integrity, and one who has exerted a good influence in society. He -is an ardent Prohil)itionist, earnestly and actively op- posed to the use and manufacture of spirituous liq- uors, and a devoted member of the Methodist Epis- copal Churcli, with which he has been prominently connected since 1845. A large portion of his lime has been given to the promotion of those ideas which he believes to be for the welfare of thecora- munit.v, socially, morally and religiously, and he has contributed liberally and cheerfully of his means to these ends. Mr. Howard is a native of Madison County-, Ky., and was born June 15, 1827. His father, Ignatius Howard, was a native of the same State, and his grandfather, of English birth and parentage, was one of the earliest pioneers of the Blue Grass region. He served as a soldier in the Revolutit)u- ary War, and yielded up his life on the battle-field as a tril)ute to liberty of thought and conscience. By iiis death there were left a widow and two small children, the father of our subject being but three or four years old wiien ins father died. The -♦■ V r 'g ;i u w Residence of A.T. Mitch ell, Sec. 23., Dale Township. 4\| j^;liHllllli'IIIIHlh|ll!ll!illlil[!MI|]ll^ Residence of Joseph Denning^ 808. E.Chestnut5t.,Blooiviington. t i -4^ t McLEAN COUNTY. 291 mother subsequently married Thomas Taylor, of Marlison County, Ky., who became a well-to-do farmer. Ignatius' Howard was reared on the fai'm of his stepfather, and lived there until a few years before his death, his last days having lieen spent in Owen County. He and his only luotlior, .Tames, served as soldiers in the War of LSI 2. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Elizabeth .Stalker. She was als5 ■•o»o..(§^)'v®••o*o v^— »;ILLIA]M aiARCUS COX, one of the most i\a/// successful farmers and stock-growers of Bloomington Townsliip, is finely located on sections 34 and 3."j, the homestead being located on the latter. Mr. Cox has carried on his farming operations intelligently and successfully, and of late years has devoted his attention principally to the breeding of Short-horn and Jersey cattle, sheep, horses .and swine. Mr. Cox is a native of McLean County, and was born on his father's old homestead in Bloomington Township, Aug. 9, 183G. A his- ■•►-■-4« i t ,t -4^ 292 McLEAN County. tory of his parents will be found in the sketch of Diivid Cox in nnotlior imrl of tliis woi'lc. Our subject icniaint'd under the parenbd roof nntil he was twenty-six years of age, and on his tn-enty-sixtii liirtiiday, the late Civil War being- then in progress, he enlisted as a soldier of the Union, and joined his command at liloomington, being assigned toCo. F. 94th 111. Vol. Inf., Col. Orme commanding. They were sent to the Dei^artment of the West, and later went to Meksburg, after- ward to the (iulf, where they remained for about one year, and were then ordered to New Orleans. In August, lcS(;;i, Mr. Cox returned home on a fur- lough, and in December of that year returned to the army and joined his regiment in Febrnary follow- ing, with whieli he remained until his final dis- charge, which also occurred on his birthda_y, Aug. 9, 18U.'). Mr. Cox participated in all the engagements and skirmishes of his regiment, Ix'ing in the fight at Springfield, Mo., and at the siege of A'icksburg, re- maining in the latter place nearly one month be- fore the snrrendei' of the city. They returned to New Orleans in December following, and then went on an expedition across I^ake Fontchartrain under command of Lieut. Col. Webl), of the 77th Illinois Regiment. While the fleet was crossing a lake the vessel which contained Mr. Cox and his comrades foundered, and Mr. C. was seriously hurt in the ankle by falling from the deck to the hull of the boat through a trap-door. Afterward, at the siege of Spanish Fort on Mobile Bay in March, 1865, while on duty, a large shell burst within a few feet of him, and he narrowly escaped being torn to pieces. Aside from the slight wounds thus received and some slight illness, he escaped uniiarmed, and very seldom failed to report at roll-call. He served in the army just three years to a day. At the close of his army life Mr. Cox returned to his home in Woomington Township, and (jn Dec. 4, 18G8, was united in marriage with Miss Mary J. Orendorff, daughter of Oliver and Sarah L. (Hen- drix) Orendorff, a sketch of whom will be found in another part of this volume. Mrs. Cox was born in l>loomington Township, Jan. I, 1850, and com- pleted her education in the Normal Universitj' at Normal. 111., where she received (Lxcellent and prac- tical instruction, choosing those studies which would lie of service to her in later years. After leaving school she returned to her parents, and re- mained witii them until her marriage with our sub- ject. She is the elder child and only daughter of a family of two children. Shortly after his marriage Mr. Cox located upon a tract of land and engaged in farming pursuits. lie has been successful in his agricultural and busi- ness transiictions, and is now the owner of lof) acres, all Hnely improved, and under a good state of cul- vation ; he also owns property' in Normal. His homestead is pleasantly located, and he has a com- fortable residence and out-buddings, and all the appliances of a good modern farm estate. Mrs. Cox is a member in good standing of the Christian CMnirch, while Sir. C. is a Methodist in religious belief. He is Republican in politics, and uniformly casts his vote in support of the principles of that party. He is straightforward and uitright in his business transactions, and enjoys in a marked de- gree the confidence and esteem of his fellow-towns- men. 'Yl EREMIAH WHITCOMB, a well-to-do and prosjierous farmer residing on section 22, Old Town Townshij), is an offspring of Francis and Jane (Evans) Whitcomb, na- tives of New Hampshire and Ohio respectively. When about thirt}' years of age the father, in cora- pan3' with a brother, went to York State, whence the father came to Illinois in 1817, and settled in \'ermilion County. For over fort^' years he heard of none of his relatives. Jane (Evans) Whitcomb was a daughter of William Evans, one of the early settlers of Bloomington, this county. The parents of our subject were united in marriage in A'ermil- ion County, this State, and made settlement there, and in that county' the father was engaged in the manufacture of salt. Subsequently he embarked in the milling business, and still later in life fol- lowed the occupation of a farmer. In 1849 the jiarents moved to McLean County, and settled in Old Town Township, where the father continued at his chosen vocation. He lived to attain the ad- vanced age of eightj'-six years, and she departed r ■^ ■ 4' 1 McLEAN COUNTY. 2!) 3 this life wlien in her seventy-eighth year, both dy- ing in Old Town Township. The i»a,reiit;xl household lof our su))ject included seven children who lived to attain the age of ma- turity, and Jeremiah was the fifth in order of birth. He was born in A'ermilion County, 111., Jan. 10, 1839, and was ten j'ears of age when he accompan- ied his parents to this county, and since that time has been a resident of .Old Town Township. His education w-as received in tiie common schools of this county, and his years tiuis far in life have been devoted almost exclusively to agricultural pursuits. lie is at present the owner of 233 acres of valuable land, and is meeting with success in the prosecution of his vocation. Mr. Whitcomb was married in Old Town Town- ship to Miss Lucinda Kodman, Feb. 27, 1802. She is the daughter of John and Mary J. (Grey) Rod- man (see sketch of John Hodman), and was born ill Muskingum County, Ohio, March 27, lts43. Their union has been blest by the birth of the fol- lowing children : Sylvia, Lillie A., May, William A., Mary F. and Alma E. May is the wife of M. Adams, and they are living in Downs Town- ship. Mr. "Whitcomb has held the otiice of Super- visor two years. Justice of the Peace eight years, Township Clerk two years, Township Treasurer four years, and School Trustee for several years, and is at present Township Treasurer. In politics he is Reimblican. Mrs. Whitcomb religiously holds fel- lowship with the Methodist I'rotestant Church. f^f-il^- -4- i- V|^^ M. CAMPBELL. Tne subject of tiie fol- I It lowing brief history owns and occupies a l\e^) good farm on '^section ;32, Bloomington Township, and is successfully engaged in general agriculture and stock-raising. Ilis homestead con- sists of 120 acres of finely improved land, stocked with good cattle, and supplied with a fine set of fi-ame buildings. With the exception of a few years Mr. Campbell has made this place his home since he came to McLean County in 1849. N. M. Campbell was^ born in Monroe County, Ind., March 30, 1842. His father, Rev. John ()., and his mother, Sallie A. (Campbell) Campbell, 4* were both natives of Bourbon County, Ky., and descended from excellent Scotch-Irish ancestry. They were reared and married in their native State, and soon afterward came Noi'th to M<_)nroe County, Ind., where, after^ eleven years, and the birth of three children, they 'returned to Kentucky on ac- count of failing health. While in Indiana the father of our subject had frequently olticiated in the pul|iit of the Christian Church and followed pi-eaching afterward with the excei^tion of a few years. After their return to Kentucky, Mr. Campbell became greatly opposed to the principles of slavery and decided to remove away from it. lie accord- ingly proceeded to Illinois, where freedom reigned and all enjoyed tiieir liberty. He secured a wild tract of land in JMcLean County, on which stood a small Idg cabin, into which he removed his family. He now liegan to preach in earnest, and his iiealth greatly improved by tiie change. He labored faithfull_y among the settlers with good results, and on the 3d of April, 18.53, was greatly pleased iu being able to assist in the organization of the Grassy Ridge tMiristian Churcli, which started in with about a dozen members and Mr. Campbell as Elder and minister. In due time a church edifice was erected on section 32, and upon ground do- nated l)y Wilson Lindle3'. The church thus started has been well kept n[i, and the building still occu- pied for religious purposes. Rev. J. G. Campbell conducted the services of this charge for ab(.)ut a quarter of a century, and in the meantime also of- ficiated at other places and was an active agent of the McLean County Missionary Society. The good seed thus early sown by the father of our sub- ject sprang up and brought forth fruit, and is felt to-day in the religious intiuences which prevail throughout that locality. The subject of our sketch in early life was greatly devoted to his parents, and labored on his father's farm early and late. He attended the com- mon schools during the winter seasons until he was twenty years of age and remained under the pa- rental roof until his marriage. This interesting event took place Oct. 27, 1864, at the home of the bride's parents in Bloomington Township, the lady of his choice being Miss Mary S. (juiim, daughter T ^- f f 294 McLEAN COUNTY. 1 ' of S. M. and S. A. (Boulwai-e) Qiiinn, of Rich- mond, Ky. Ilcr parents were born and married in the Bhie Grass State, and the fatlier died at the old home in Bloomington Township in 1882, aged about sixty-six years. Mrs. Campbell was born in Kentucky, May 215, is 17, and came North with her parents when a young cliild, living with them in Bloomington Townsliip until her marriage. She has become the mother of two sons: Charles L., born March 10, 18(;0, and Ira C, Oct. IS, 1869. Both have received a good education and are liv- ing at home with llieir parents. Mr. Campbell and his family are active members of the Christian Church in (irassy Ridge, of which our subject lias held the olHce of Deacon for sev- eral years and is now Elder in the church at Bloom- ington. In politics he is a stanch adherent of the Republican party. ^/OSEl'lI B. A VERS, u retired farmer now living in the enjo3'ment of a competency in the village of Danvers, has spent his entire (^^/ lifetime in tills county, having been born in the city of Bloomington on the IDth of November, 1831. Bloomington, at that time, probably could have hardly been called a city, and our subject has noted with keen interest the changes which have taken place in his native count}- within a period of over fifty years. He has also furnished his full ([uota to its growth and prosperity, having been one of its most progressive and substantial citizens. The subject of this history was the son of James T. and Rebecca B. (Bloomer) Ayers, natives re- spectively of Madison and Fayette Counties, Ohio. James T. Ayers was born Nov. 14, 180o, and de- parted this life in Buford, S. C, on the 10th of September, IKG;"). Mrs. Rebecca B. Ayers was born Oct. l.'i, 180('i, and jjreceded her husband to the unknown land on the 2d of March, 1848. The parents of our subject were fairly educated in their youth, and were married in Ohio in 1825. His father was a man of line abilities, an extensive reader and possessed a valuable fund of general information. They emigrated to the Praii'ie State in the fall of 18ol, locating first in Tazewell -4^ County, whence they removed to McLean County and settled near Lexington. James Ayers served as a soldier in the LTnion Army, first as an Orderly Sergeant, and was afterward appointed Regimental JNIail Messenger. After going to Nash- ville he was retained by Gov. Johnson of Ten- nessee as recruiting ollicer, and was afterward a|}- pointed Chaplain and assigned to duty in the l()4th Regiment of Cohired Troops at Buford, S. C. Joseph B. Ayers remained under the parental roof until he was eighteen years of age, and on the 27th of April, 1851, was married to Mi.^s Sarah C. Haybarger. Mrs. Ayers was born July 26, 1832. in Augusta County, \a., and is the daughter of Abraham and Mary (Crowbarger) Haybarger, who were of (ierinan descent, but natives of Maryland and Mrginia respectively. The father was born Nov. 11), 171)8, and died in McLean Count}', 111., in 184.'!. Mrs. H. was born July 5, 1800, in Rock- ingham County, \'a., and died in Danvers Town- ship, this county, in September, 1885. They were worthy and valued citizens, and members in good standing of the Presbyterian Church. Their house- hold included seven children, as follows: Susan M. married William C. Ilinshaw; George C. died in infancy; John C. married Miss Catharine Peuter- baugh; David K., unmarried, died at the age of twenty-three years; Sarah C. is the wife of our sub- ject; Elizabeth R. is now Mrs. John Smith, and Julia A., Mrs. D. B. S. Smith. Mr. and Mrs. Ayers became the parents of eight children, of whom the record is as follows : John Thompson, born April 12, 1852, married Miss Hat- tie A. Estes; William Henry, born June 29, 1854, married Miss Emma Neal; one son, born Sept. 3, 1853, died in infancy; INIary Elizabeth, born Dec. 30, 1850, married M. L. Keplinger, of Carlinville, III.; M daughter was born Jan. 2, 1856, and soon afterward died; Joseph Lincoln, born Jan. 16, 1859, died October 20 of tiie same year; Seymore Warren was born Aug. 12, 1801, and Frank David, June 1 5, 1 865. Our subject in early life purchased a farm at Mosquito Grove, in this county, which he occupied for thirty-five years, and where he carried on agri- culture with fair success, and his sons now occupy it. He is a member in good standing of the ■» r 1 -4^ *l McLEAN COUNTY. 2i)o Methodist Episcopal Cliurch, with which he united ill 1853, and held the office of Steward. The father of our subject died, as stated, in Buford, >S. C, with tj'phus malarial fever. When but twenty years old he commenced his ministry in the Methodist Elpis- copal Church as a local preacher. He possessed fine talents, was fairly educated and a natural ora- tor. He was the means of great good during his life, being active and useful and a sincere Chris- tian. His wife was also connected with the same church, and a worth}' helpmeet of her liusband. They were the parents of eleven children: Mary J. became the wife of W. Walters Wallace ; Nancy was the second, who died in infancy; Richard died in infancy; the next was our subject; then followed William T., Catharine, Margaret, Benjamin II., Henry C, Sarah E. (deceased), and an Infant son, who died unnamed. The parents of Mrs. A3'ers came to Illinois in 1 8o4. and located in Tazewell County, whence they came to Danvers Township three years later, wliere they remained the b.ilance of their lives. ^pNDREW R. DILLMAN, a prosperous and W/Li j successful druggist of the little city of Mc- ffi Lean, has been a resident of this county since 1867, and during a period of twenty years has full}' established himself in the confidence and esteem of his fellow-citizens. He was born in a log cabin in Lewis Township, Brown Co., Ohio, Jan. 11, 1841. His father, Conrad Uillman, was a native of Maryland, and his grandfather, Andrew Dillman, was of pure German ancestry, and came to America with his father and mother when a young child. They located in Maryland, and later removed to Kentucky, wliere they passed the re- mainder of their lives. Conrad Dillman was quite young when his par- ents removed from Maryland to Kentucky, and he there grew to manhood and married Miss Lydia Reed, a native of Jessamine County. After their marriage they I'emoved to Ohio, and the elder Dili- man purchased a tract of land and cleaied a farm in Brown County. He was generous-minded and liberal, always willing to assist a friend, and by the signing of notes lost the whole of his property. In 1841 he removed from Brown to Clermont County, Ohio, where he cultivated rented land and worked .at the carpenter's trade until his death, which occurred in 1859, at the age of si.xty years. His widow afterward removed to Illinois, and spent the remainder of her days with her daughter, Mrs. M.argaret Houser, of Champaign County, departing this life in December, 1882, in the eighty-second year of her age. The parental household consisted of nine children, three sons .ind six daughters, eight of whom are still living. The subject of our sketch was the seventh child of his parents. In early youth he was attacked with hip disease, .and w.as an invalid for a period of eight years. His father being poor he could do but little toward educating his children, but An- drew R. was fond of his books, and while confined at his home pursued his studies, and with the as- sistance of the district school fitted himself for a teacher, and commenced this occupation at the age of eighteen years. He taught during the winter seasons and in the summer pursued farming on rented Land for eight years, and during this time took a partial course of study at Prof. Laycock's Academy at Felicity, Ohio. In 18GG he decided to remove further West, and accordingly journeyed across the State of Indiana and located in McLean County, pursuing his first duties as a pedagogue in this State, in the town where he now resides. After one year thus employed he secured a position as clerk, and followed this in various stores in Mc- Lean for the next four years. In 1874 he was ap- pointed Postmaster, which position he held until December, 1885. In 1872 he officiated as clerk in a drug-store, where he gained much v.aluable inform- ation, and held the position as druggist's clerk for tlie following ten years, when he opened a drug- store on his own account, and has successfully op- erated it until the present time. The marriage of Andrew R. Dillman and Miss Joanna Croswell was celebrated April 2, 1808, in the village of McLe.an. Mrs. D. is the daughter of John M. and iMary Croswell, and was born in 1837. By her marriage with our subject she has become the mother of one child, a daughter, Ora Litta. They occupy a pleasant and comfortable «► W ._ <» _ 4 t 29fi A McLEAN COUNTY. home and enjoj' the esteem and respect of a large circle of friends :uul acquaintances. Mr. Dillman is Republican in politics, and he and his wife are connected witii the Methodist P^piscopal Church. Mr. Dillman li:is been prominent in the affairs of liis town since CDniing here. He is local editor of the iNIcLean Lf')is, and has served six years as Po- lice Jlagistrate of the village. lie lias taken a de- cided interest in educational matters, and served as a member of the School Board, doing what he could to a(l\:incc tile educational and moral inter- ests of his comnumity. The McLean Lena was established in 1879, by D. G. Palmer, as an independent paper, lie con- ducted the pa])er until June, 1885, when our sub- ject became the editor. It is now owned by Critehfield Bros. The Lens is a seven-column folio, issued every .Satnrdaj-, and is abrighr, newsy sheet. It is well I'dited, and has a lil)eral country circulation. \Y)01IN F. welch, a farmer and stock-grower of Blooinington Township, is located on section 3.5, and in addition to the ordinary ^^Jj pursuits of agriculture is extensively en- gaged as a breeder of fine stock. He carries on farming on one of his father's places, which con- sists of 240 acres. In his stock-raising operations he makes a si)ecialty of horses, and exhibits some among the best s))ecimens of their kind in this sec- tion of McLean Count}^ . Mr. Weh'h is a native of McLean County, and was born on the farm which he now occupies but which is owned by his father. Eighty acres of this was purchased by the latter at an early day for the consideration of one yoke of oxen. For a history of the |)arents of oursubj<'el tlu^ reader is referred to the sketch of .leremi.'ili \\'('lch on another page of this work. John F. Welch remained a inenil)er of the paren- tal household until his marriage. In the meantime he received his primary education in the common schools, and completed his studies at Wesleyan College, Bloomington, where he took a course of practical mstruction such as ho judged would be of use to him in later years. He was married, Oct. 29, 1885, at the home of the bride's parents in Le- roy, McLean County, to Miss Lizzie C, the daughter of John W. and Emeline (Buckles) Ker- shaw. The father of Mrs. W. was the only son of Joseph Kershaw, an English gentleman who settled in the Prairie State at an early period in its history, and was the only representative of the family bear- ing that name in this country. His wife, the grand- mother of Mrs. W., was of 'N'irginian parentage and American ancestry, but born in Illinois, her family being of German descent. The parents of Mrs. W. are still living, and make their home in Downs Township. The wife of our subject was born in the latter township Jan. liO, 1867. She was reared under the parental roof, and completed her educa- tion at the U. B. College, of Westfleld, Clark Co., 111., and subsequently took a course at Wesleyan College in the city of Bloomington. She .also be- came an accomplished musician, and in her other studies attained to a high degree of perfection. Mr. and Mrs. Welch have become the parents of one child — Bessie K., who was born July 2, 188G. Mrs. W. is a member in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and politically Mr. Welch alliliates with the Republican party. ^J!^^ m^^ >^it^- /^^ HRISTIAN BECK, a prosperous farmer and i\[ ^ stock-raiser of Dry Grove Township, is the ^^>7 owner of eighty-six acres on section 4, and is engaged iirincipall.y in the breeding of fine horses and cattle. His farm is finel_v cultivated and im- proved, and he occupies a handsome country resi- dence which is indicative within .and without of cultivated tastes and ample means. His barns and oul-buildiugs are of first-class description, and his business trans.actions are carried on with that method and system which is one of the requisites of thrift and prosperity. Mr. Beck was born in Woodford County, this State, on the 8th of June, 1848. He is the son of Peter and Catharine (Gingery) Beck, who were of German birth and p.arent.age. Peter Beck was born in about 1 805, emigrated to America in ISSJi, mak- ing his lirsl location in Pennsylvania whence, four •►-ji-^ ^ t A- McLEAN COUNTY. 297 years later, he came t(_) the Prairie State and died in Woudford County, Sept. 17, IS.'iO. The mother was born May 27, 1809, is still living, and re- mains a widow. She makes her liome with her son Christian. Of their eight children the record is as follows: Barbara was l)orn July 11, 1833, and died in infancy; Daniel was born Oct. 8, 1834; f^lizabeth, Oct. 9, 183lJ, and married Andrew Keefer, of Allen County, Kan. ; John was born Nov. 21, 1838, and died when twenty-six years of age; Ellen, now Mrs. A. Stei)hens, w.as born Feb. 19, 1841; Peter was born Nov. 21, 1843, and mar- ried Miss Lydia Miller; Catherine, born May 9, 1846, died at the age of one year and twenty days. Christian Beck of our sketch was the youngest member of his father's famil}\ lie remained under the parental roof until he was twenty-six years of age, and on the 3d of January, 1874, was married to Miss Barbara Schick. Mrs. B. is a native of Butler County, Ohio, was born April 19, 1847, and is the daughter of Joseph and Magdalena (Augs- berger) Schick, her parents being natives of Ger- many, and are still living in Tazewell County, this State, which has been their home since 18.')(). Their family of eleven children included the fol- lowing : Elizabeth, Barbara, Magdalena, Catharine, Joseph, Mary, Annie, Francis, Lydia, Fannie and Rosa. Mr. and Mrs. Beck have become the parents of four children — Ida M., Amelia A., Mary O. and Rosa L. In religious belief Mr. Beck and wife are members of the Mennonite Church, and politically he votes the Democratic ticket. The Lake Erie & Western Railroad crosses the southwest corner of his farm. y;ILLIAM BUCKWORTII, one of the lead- ing druggists of Leroy, is a native of Sus- sex County, Del., and was born Feb. 7, 1829. His father, Curtis Buckworth, was a native of Maryland, but was reared and married in Delaware. He removed, in 1832, to Ohio, and located seven nules from Chillicothe, in Ross County, where he purchased a tract of heavil}' timbered land, in the midst of which was a log cabin. Here he estab- ' lished himself with his family, and lived to improve a farm of over 400 acres, erecting good buildings and providing all the appliances of a first-class farm estate. After witnessing the remarkable changes which occurred during an interval of thirty-seven years, and keeping full i)ace with the progress of the age, he departed this life on the homestead which he had established in 18G9, when seventy- nine years of age. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Ellen Draper. She was born in Delaware, and was the daughter of John Draper, a native of the same State. She became the mother of four chil- dren, and died four years after locating with her husband in Ohio, iier decease occurring in 183G. The sister of our sul)ject, Susan by name, became the wife of John Tliouias, accompanied her hus- band to Missouri, and died there in 18G3; Alexan- der D. lives at North Platte, Neb., and has served as State Senator; he w.as formerly 9. physician, and later Register of the land-ofiice . of North Platte, and at present is engaged in the banking and real- estate business. William Buckworth received his early education in the common school, and attended two terms at Frankford Academy in Ohio. When twenty-two years of age he commenced the study of medicine, under the instruction of Dr. William Latta at Frankford, and in the winter of 18.54-.55 attended a coiM'se of lectures at Starling Medical College at Columbus, Oiiio. The following spring he com- menced practice at Clarksburg, Ohio, and in the fall of tlie same year came to Illint>is, locating first at Mt. Zion, .Macon County. In 18G2 he attended lectures in the Oiiio Medical College at Cincinnati, from which he graduated in June, 18C3. He tiien returned to Mt. Zion, and after practicing eighteen mouths there removed to Champaign County, where he spent six years in the practice of his pro- fession, and fi-om there he came to Leroy. In 1871 he inirchased the drug-store of Guy & Sims in this place, which he has successfull}^ conducted since that time. He is a thorough-going business man, geni.'d, courteous and obliging, and a great favorite in the business circles of his community. Mr. Buckworth was married in Greenfield, Ohio, Nov. 15, I800, to Miss Mary S. Parish, who was born in Koss County, Ohio, in 1831. Of this union ■► I 298 McLEAN COUNTY. there were born two (^liiUheii : l);uui L., who is as- sociated with Ills father in business; Maggie Ellen died in infancy. The store is finely equipped and doing a good business. Our subject is Republican in politics, anil in .-dl respects is fullilling the obli- ffiitions of a good citizen. -^,, NSKL 1). HOWARD, of JMcLean, is senior dWuill member of the firm of Ilowai'd & (jifford, dealers in harilware. lie is a native of Taunton, I'.ristol Co., Mass., and was born Aug. 18, 18;U. His father, Ansel Howard, Sr., was a native of West I'.ridgevvater, Mass., and was born June 24, 180.'J. Our subject's grandfather, .Simeon Howard, was a native of the same town, and it is sup- posed that ills great-grandfatlier, Klialcim Howard, was also born there. Kliakim Howard was a farmer there, and Clerk for the town of Bridgewater in early days, and died there. Simeon How.ard was a farmer and miller, and served as a soldier in the War of 1812, and with the exception of the time he was in the armj', spent his entire life in Bridge- water. Ansel Howard, Sr., was reared in Bridge- water, Mass., and served his apprenticeshiii there at carriage-making. When twenty years of age he went to Taunton, where he worked as a " joiu' " for one year, and then engaged in business on his own account as a manufacturer of carriages and coaches. After the construction of the Taunton \' New Bed- ford branch railroad lie added to his other business that of car-building, cuuying on this latter depart- ment until 18.00, and manufacturing carriages until 1807. He then disposed of his i)r(^perty in the East, and coming to this State located in McLean County, and has since lived a retired life, spending the most of iiis time with his son, our subject. Ansel Howard, Sr., in early life was unitetl in marriage with Miss Louisa ^\'ilbur, the mother v! our subject. She w.a.s born in Kaston, RLass., Sept. 5, 1804, and dejiarted this life in Taunton, April 4, 1834. Mr. Howard aftei-ward married Miss Phrebe Bucklin, also a native of Jlassachusetts, and who died in Fall River, that State, in LSS;"). Of the first marriage there wei-e four cliildren: J^onisa W. died May 11, 1843, in Taunton; .Maria W. Iiecame the wife of Daniel .McFarland, and lives in Mt. Hope Township; Ansel D., our subject, was the third child; .lames O. died Feb. 8, 1830, in Taunton. Of the second marriage there was one child, a son, Charles W., who died F^eb. 27, 18;VJ. The subject of this history remained under the home roof and attended the city schools of Taun- ton until fifteen years of age. He then engaged as clerk in a drng-stcjre, and later in a boot-and-shoe store. When seventeen years of age he began an apprentic<'shi|) at carriage-building, serving three 3'ears, and then spent two 3'ears in a locomotive manufactory. He became remarkably skillful in the use of tools, and after working as a "jour" in a wagon-shop one year, went into partnership vi^ith his father and operated with him until the fall of 18.o7, and the following spring came to Illinois. After arriving in this county our subject en- gaged at farm work with S. J. Chapin for a brief time, afterward going into DeWitt County and working at his trade. There, after eighteen months, the siioj) in which he was emploj'ed was destroyed by fire, and lie lost a large number of valuable tools. He then went to Independence, Iowa, whence he returned after nine months to Waynes- ville, this State, and from there came to Heyworth in this county, where he built a shop and en- gaged in the manufacture of carriages and other vehicles four years. He then came back to the Prai- rie State and tiiis county, and purchasing a farm in Mt. Hope Township, engaged in agricultural pur- suits until 1875. He then sold out, and going to McLean engaged in the furniture trade. In 1881 he became associated with his present partner, Lab.au F. (jifford, and added hardware to his other stock. The firm is on a substantial basis, and doing a profitable and steadily increasing trade. Mr. Howard was married in October, 1855, to Miss Alary B. Hunter, who was a native of Warren, R. I., and the daughter of ^\'illiam S. Hunter, of the same town and State. Rufus Hunter, the grand- father of Mrs. H., was a native of Rhode Island, and in early life followed the sea in the whaling- service. His fatiier served as a soldier in the Revolu- tionary War, and his son Rufus was in the War of 1812. William Hunter, the father of Mrs. Howard, followed the sea from the time he was sixteen until ^V^^ -^ I J. McLEAN COUNTY. 301 t he was thirty 3'o:irs of :ige, and then engaged in ship-bnilding in Warren, R. I. He left New En- gland in 1S58, and crossing the Mississippi settled in Buchanan County, Iowa, and still lives there upon a comfortable homestead. He married, in early manhood, JMiss Sarah Luther, who was born in Rehoboth, Mass., and died in Warren, R. I., in 1840. For his second wife William S. Hunter mar- ried Miss Lydia Luther, a sister of the first lady. Mr. and Mrs. Howard have two children — Mary L., the wife of Laban F. Gifford, of McLean, and Ella M., who married Willis Snow, and lives in Mt. Hope Township. The parents and daughters are members of the Congregajtional Church, of which Mr. Howard has been Treasurer and one of the leading members for several years. He has in all respects fulfilled the obligations of a good citizen, and enjoys the fricndsliip and esteem of the com- munity in a marked degree. lEV. GEORGE WILSON, of Bloomington Township, a gentleman of rare literary abil- ity, a minister of the Baptist Churcli, and )who has also combined the peaceful and pleasurable pursuit of agriculture with his other life labors, has been a resident of McLean County since 1 858, at whicli time he located upon a purchase which he made nearly twenty j'ears before. He has been remarkably successful in las undertakings in life, and to his agricultural pui'suits has added that of stock-raising, which lie has carried on exten- sivel}' and profitably for a number of j'ears. He is the owner of .570 acres of land, 320 in this count}', and 250 in Ford County, 111., and since becoming a resident of this locality has aided materially in the building up of its industrial and agricult- ural interests, as \i ell as its great moral bulwarks. The subject of tliis history was born in Allegheny Count}', Pa., on the 22(1 of August, 1817. His father, Samuel Wilson (who alwa3-s spelled his name Willson), was of Scotch-Irish ancestry, and was united in marriage with Miss Elizabetli Crag- head, whose descendants were of the same races. The mother was a native of Maryland, and her father was a Captain in the French and Indian War, and also a Colonel in the Revolutionary War. After the marriage of the parents of our subject they settled in Pennsylvania, wliere they spent the remainder of their lives. George Wilson remained in his native State, re- ceiving careful home training and a good educa- tion. He pursued his primary studies in private schools, and at the age of sixteen years attended Franklin College, in Harrison County, Ohio. After completing his studies in this institution he en- tered Theological Hall, a seminary of learning which is conducted by the LTnited Presb^'terian Church, and there received literary and ministerial instruction, under the tutorship of Rev. Dr. John Pressley. Before entering on his theological stud- ies his father died. He sjient three years with Dr. Pressley, and was then licensed to preach by the Presbytery of the Associate Reform Church of Blonougahela. He was ordained in the fall of 1841 by the Mansfield Presbytery, but after a few years withdrew from the church of his early choice and received immersion from the Baptist Church, with which he has since been connected. After a few j'ears of ministerial labor in Mans- field, Ohio, Mr. Wilson came to Illinois and engaged in the ministry in this State. Prior to making this his home in (1839) he had traveled over the larger portion of tlie State, conversed with many educated and intellectual men, and here began the more practical development of liis religious thought and ideas. These he soon began to put upon paper, and in the course of time became quite noted as the author of a valuable religious work, "Baptismal Con- troversj- Reviewed," which is a voiy logical work, consisting of 434 pages, bound in cloth. He has also in manuscript a work entitled " The Kingdom of God Developed, According to the Inspired Rec- ord and Predictions." Many j-ears of his life were spent in this latter work, and it will soon be placed in the hands of the publishers. In this Mr. Wilson hopes to fill a vacant niche in sacred literature. Al- though his literary Labors have consumed much time and labor, Mr. Wilson has worked indus- triously alike at his farming pursuits. The marriage of Rev. George Wilson and Miss Margaret Taggart was celebrated in Belmont Count}', Oiiio, in 1841. Mrs. W. w.as a daughter r 1 -<• t. 302 4 McLEAN COUNTY. of Rev. William T.aggait, D. D., a prominent min- ister in the Associate Keforni Church of Ohio. She was born Oct. l(i, 1^<21, and reared in her na- tive .State, receiving a liberal education, and by her union with our subject became the mother of seven children, viz. : Sarah E., Mary J., William T., Margaret C, Amelia A., Maria I. and (ieor- giette C. The family occupy a handsome and comfortable residence, and are surrounded by a large circle of friends and acquaintances. This fair home w.as invaded by death March 18, 1887, when the faithful wife and fond and tender mother was taken from them. Her decease was caused by a complication of diseases, principal!}' of the liver and lungs. She had suffered much for many years, and was often at the " Cates of Death," but rallied, and was active to the last attack, which commenced with hem- orrhage of the lungs and terminated in stragula- tion. Tenacity for early impressions and teaching was the predominant trait of her mind, and .she never gave up any of them while she could resist the evi- dence .against them. In her last attack .she could talk Init little ; but in former attacks of chills, caused b}' the obstruc- tion of the gall duct, she raved much, continually repeating detached [)ortions of Psalms in meter. With these Psalms she was f.amiliar from childhood, and could sing them without book or precentor, and when no human voice could impress her she had all the counsel, praise and prayers enstamped on her mind, mingled with incoherent thoughts. She was a life member of the Iowa Baptist State Con- vention, the P>ible Union, and of the Missionary Union. The following beautiful and tender lines were penned by Mr. Wilson, whose heart was bur- dened with a sense of his loneliness at the loss of his beloved life companion : Xow rcsl ill |)(>;ici', tliy joiu'iicv is o'er. .'\m(1 uc dm i';irlli shall iiieel, no nioi-c; ril lre:i(l alone tliis tlioniy path, .\iiil thiish up our work at last. . Then I shall talk as spirits do, .\nil leal 11 what now is known to you: The life we now beijiii by faith Will not be altered'by death. And when the Savior comes again, Vi'o hope to follow in His train; The earth a Paradise will be. And here again I'll walk with thee. The '•casket'' now eiieloses thy form. But thy bosom and head 1 can see: Thy face is pale, yet fresh as tlie morn; 'I'hy closed eyes return no look unto me. Mai-f^aretl we ai-e going to take thee away. To dwell in thy lonely liouse of elay : Thy ])l:iee at home will be empty still, F(u- no other one thy place can till. 'I'hy c'ollin is lowered, we l)id thee adieu. The earth replaced conceals tliee f^oiii view. The l.-ist sight I took, thy imajie impressed AVhat time can never erase from my breast; Nor can ) foroet m_y first days with you: Thou wast young, fair, lovely and true. OI thy grave is so lonely, and I feel as if thou Felt its loneliness, too, and desertion, e'en now. Thank God! Not here! Thy sjiirit is o-one. i stand beside thy eold grave alone. At home, tlnni, with those lirst you have lov<'d. And had gone before you had removed. I stand alone. No voice from thee speaks Jle joy ;ind peace, nor me reproaelies For c-onsigiiinjj thee to this cold. dark, and Drear abode. Thou art at liome^the lietter liome and lietter ecunpany : but still 1 tVid — I feel— my better judgment eaiuiot change 5Ij' feelings. My last impressions must (irow dim with age and worn out with cares. Labors, and sorrows thou wilt not know. In politics Air. Wilson is a stanch Republican. He was a strong anti-slavery man, and during the earl}' history of the party assisted greatly in the establishment of its principles, by giving lectures for this purpose whenever time and opportunity permitted. At the same time he vigorously ad- vocated the abolition of slavery, and there is no doubt that his words at th.at time left an ineffaceable impress upon the people of Ohio. He can now pass down the sunset hill of life with the consciousness that he has been a good and fathful servant in the cause of right and justice. It is with pleasure that we give the j^ortrait of Mr. Wilson with this brief outline of his life, .■i,nd as a fitting companion picture we give that of his wife. Si^m-^B-^^^^^ 4' ESEK E. GREENMAN, one of the earliest pioneers of McLean County, came to this ,. — ./ section Aug. 29, 1829, and after following farming the greater part of his life retired from active labor and removed to Leroy, where he is now living in the enjoyment of a competency. He was — •► * ■^*- -f. McLEAN COUNTY. 303 bom three miles fioui ^\"atel■fol•^l, Washiiigtun Co., Ohio, Jan. 23, 181(3. His father, John (Ireennian, was a native of Providence, R. I., and his grand- father, Jeremiah Greenman, was of Welsh birtli and parentage, .Tnd came to the United States when a young man. He was accompanied by two brothers, and they locatetl in Providence, R. I. During the struggle of the colonists for independence he was a commissioned officer of tiie Revolutionary War, and was taken prisoner by the British at the battle of Quebec. -After being released he engaged in farming pursuits, and subsequently emigrated to Ohio, and spent the last years of his life in Wash- ington County. His son John, the father of our subject, was a young man when his parents removed from Rhode Island to Ohio. He had received a good education in his native State, and taught school in Washington County before his marriage. After this event he located on a farm, but still de- voted the greater part of his time for twenty j'ears to the profession of a teacher. In 1826 he removed to W.aterford, where he leased a hotel and ferry, which lie operated for one year, then removed three miles up the river, where he purchased sixty acres of land, and lived until 1829. Early in August of that _year he started for the West, accompanied by his wife and nine chil- dren, together with Setli Baker and family. The entire journey was made overland with teams. Mr. Greenman had one pair of horses and a wagon, and Maj. Baker, one yoke of oxen and a horse in lead. They camped and cooked by the wayside, and the journe}', especially through Indiana, was slow and tedious. In places the sloughs were so bad that all the animals were required to pull one wagon through. Each cheerfully assisted the other, how- ever, and the}' arrived at " Blooming Grove " on the 20th of August, halting at the home of their former neighbor, and the brother of Maj. Baker, Dr. Isaac Baker. After looking around three or four days the}' found a vacant double log house in the grove, four miles south of the present site of the city of Bloomington. Into one end of this Mr. Greenman removed with his family, while the other was reserved for school purjioses, JMr. G. officiating as pedagogue. In November following James AUin, a merchant from Vandalia and proprietor of a store at the south part of the grove, came along looking after his interests there and to seek a new location. He made a claim to the land which is the present site of Bloomington, and induced the father of our sub- ject to remove his family there, and in considera- tion let hiin have the west half of the southwest quarter of section 4, Mr. Allin reserving twenty acres off the east side for the purpose of laying out what was the original site of Bloomington. This sixty acres is on the east side of Madison street, and within one block of the court-house. Mr. Greenman built a double log house between Wash- ington and Front streets and near Madison, and this was the second house put up on the original site of the city of Bloomington. Mr. Greenman also en- tered a tract of eighty acres on what is now section G. This transaction took place on the 22d of Feb- ruary, 1 830, and our subject has in his possession the receijit for the money, which was signed by William L. D. Ewiiig, Receiver, who was after- ward Governor of Illinois. In this house Lydia E. Greenman, the sister of our subject, taught the first school opened in Bloomington, in the summer of 1830. The father of our subject, in the meantime, as- sisted Mr. Allin in the store, which he had moved there in the spring, and in the fall and winter he taught a term of school two and one-half miles southwest of the future citj'. In the spring of 1831 he sold his land and removed to Dc Witt County, entering a claim three miles south of Waynesville. He removed there with his family, and in October of that same year was seized with f.ital illness and died. The family then returned to McLean County and entered eighty acres of Land two and one-half miles southwest of Bloom- ington. There was a log cabin on the place, into which the family moved, but on account of the se- verity of the weather soon left it and rented a house in Bloomington. In 1833 the mother of our subject was again married, to Dr. Isaac Baker, and spent the last j'ears of her life at his home in Blooniingtou. After the death of her first husband she kept her family together until they were all able to care for themselves. Esek E. Greenman was thirteen years of age i ' i * f 304 McLEAN COUNTY. 4, when he came to McLean County with his parents, and fifteen when his father died. He remained witli his mother two years afterward, and then went to learn tlie trade of a carpenter and joiner, at which he served until the summer of 1835, when he went to Dixon's Ferry, now in Lee Count}', 111., and after following the business of helping build cabins on Old Man's Creek, shortly after the lilack Hawk War, proceeded from there to Tlattsville, Wis., where lie entered the lead mines and remained one and one-half years. lie then returned to lUoomington for a year, and was variously em- jiluyed there and elsewhere until 1838. He then went to Ced.ar County. Iowa, in compan}' with two brothers, where they entered two claims, broke and fenced the land, built a cabin and made other im- provements, and then, leaving one brother in charge, our subject and the other went into Daven- port to earn money by which to secure their pur- chase. Our subject was then taken sick, and fmnlly returned to Bloomington. His mother then sold the land near there and gave each child his share of the estate. Esek E. and his brother again started for Iowa with teams, and while on the way ran across a, mill site on Skunk River below Au- gusta, in Des Moines County, Iowa, and concluded to stop there and ])uild a saw and grist mill. This was in 1840, while Iowa was yet a Territory. In .hine, 1843, our subject sold his interest in the mill, and returning to IJloomington, purchased a carriage and proceeded to Chicago, where he purchased a stock of dr^'-goods and notions, and starting home- ward peddled them through the country. Late in the fall of 1843 he stopped with Hiram Buck, the popular landlord of the Lero.y hotel, and Mr. Buck induced him to settle at Lero}' and estal)lish a store. Mr. Buck offered t(j board him for $1 a week as long as he would stay. Mr. Oreenman formed a p,artnership with S. I). Baker, and witii $250 worth of goods on hand, and another i'lOO worth pur- chased in Bloomington, on credit, and a good team, started in business here Feb. 13, 1844. They op- erated together for fourteen j'ears, carrying a gen- eral stock of everything required in those days, from a thimble to a grindstone, and accumulated suflicieut means so that in time our subject pur- r ch.ased a farm of 240 acres a few miles west of Le- roy. He still remained in town, but controlled his farming interests for about two years, and then en- gaged in the grocery trade. In 1868 he sold out and retired from active business with a fine compe- tency, which will enable him to p.iss the remainder of his days surrounded by all the comforts of life and many of its luxuries. The third year after Mr. Greenman commenced renting his farm he made a lease with (Jeorge W. Segler, and Mr. Segler has now occupied the place for the long period of nineteen years, as tenant, which probably has not a parallel case in McLean County. The marriage of Esek E. Greenman and Miss Martha Pearce was celebrated Feb. 14. 1848. Mrs. G. was born in Mechanisburg, Champaign Co., Ohio, Feb. 27, 1S31. She became the mother of eight children, and departed this life Jul}- 14, 1864. Only three of their famil}' are living: Mary Belle is the widow of Scott Crumbaugh, and resides with her father in Lero}' ; John E. and Charles E. are also at home. Mr. Greenm.an was formerly a Democrat in politics, but h.as been a Republican since tlie organization of this party. He has been Postmaster of Leroy, was a member of the School Bijard for nine years and School Treasurer six years. Socially he belongs to the Le- roy Lodge No. 221, A. F. ► ■ jH > conflict and were engaged in the battles at Sabina Cross Roads, and were in all the battles of Sher- man's meridian campaign. Then, on account of ill-health, Capt. Kinsey was obliged to tender his resignation, and on the 10th of May, 1864, reached home and for some time was incapacitated for anj' active labor. In 1884 Capt. Kinsey was elected to represent the 28th District in the Lower House of the Illi- nois Legislature, and re-elected in the fall of 1886. His abilities here, as elsewhere, were at once ac- knowledged, and he was placed on various impor- tant committees, embracing roads and bridges and canals and rivers. He has served his constituents faithfully and conscientiously, and enjoys the re- spect and esteem of the people of his community in a marked degree. In politics he was originally a Whig; his first vote for President was for Henry Clay, and on the organization of the Republican pai-ty he became identified with its principles, and has been a stanch supporter of that party since. ■■)^ -^ .»fe.^~ ^ '^•'1^j)i^a«*'Sfr?"^?Sji#i^.^,.JMe--%,- 1 ' ward of forty years, and departed this life Jan. 2.S, t 1880, in Old Town Township. In politics Mr. Rodman votes the Republican ticket, and in 1862 was a delegate to the State Convention and like- wise was elected to the same honor in 1880, 1884 and 1880. Abraham Lincoln was the first lawyer to whom Jlr. Rodman ever paid a fee. When our subject first came to Old Town Town- ship wild game prevailed in abundance, and being exceedingly fond of hunting, he engaged in the sport, and during the winter of 185G-57 killed twelve deer in Old Town Township. In 1881 he obtained a position in the office of Secretary of State, in the shipiiing department, and held the same for four years. He has been an active fac- tor in the development of Old Town Township, and has contributed his quota toward its progress. He has also taken considerable interest in church affairs, and iu 184(i, prior to his settlement here, was a delegate to the Gener.al Conference at Cin- cinnati, Ohio, and in 186G was a delegate to the (ieueral CVmvention at Cincinnati, Ohio. Mr. Rodman has in his possession a genealogy of the Rodman family from the original Rodman of Bar- badoes— 1(520 to 1886. ->-5— ^^ o«!M((i»>-^.>o— $.-^<. OIIN lAIARSHALL HITCHCOCK, deceased, formerly a resident of this count}^ was born in York County, Pa., Sept. 3, 1820, and was / the son of Caleb and Elizabeth (Marshall) Hitchcock, and grandson of Isaac Hitchcock, a na- tive of England. The grandfather cauie to this couutry during the Revolution and was a pedagogue by profession. Caleb Hitchcock was born and reared to manhood in Maryland. He first saw light in Hartford County, near Baltimore, that State, Jan. 18, 1797. He there learned the trade of a miller, and followed the .same in Maryland for some time, and then in Ohio, whither he had re- moved. Later in life he was engaged in mercan- tile jjursuits and also carried on a large farm in Harrison Township, Perry Co., Ohio. He spent ihc last years of his life on the farm in that county, dying there in 1875. The mother of our subject w.as born in Baltimore, and died at the home of her daughter in Morgan County, this State, in 1879. Eleven children were born to the parents. <•- i t A 316 McLEAN COUNTY. I Our subject ntteiided the |)ublic schools in his younger years, and when he was of sufficient age assisted in the hibors on the farm, lie liveJ at home witli his parents until his marriage, and then engaged in trade at Oakfield, Terry Co., Ohio. He was thus occupied for two years and then bought a farm in tliat county, where tlie city of Corning is now situated, and carried on farming. lie sold his place in September, 18.')!, and bought another near the home of his father, and located uijon it. In 185-2 he went to California, via the Isthmus, and was absent from home until August, 1856, his wife in the meantime residing with his and her parents. While living in California he engaged in mining, meeting with partial success. Returning liome he continued his farming operations until the breaking out of the late war and then, fSept. 20, 1861, en- listed in Co. A,62d Volunteer Infantry, and served his country faithfully and well until Sept. 24, 1862, when he was discharged on account of disability. He was in the Armj' of the Potomac and participated in several important battles. May 20, 1864, he again enlisted, this time for 100 days, and j7. He emigrated to Iowa .'iftcr his marriage, and died lliere in 1873. The mother died in Tazc^well County, this State, in 18;5G, leaving four children, two boys and two girls. Eliza married .lohn Roarbeck; Elizabeth, of our sketch, is the seccjud child; David married Miss Salina (Jrecn; \Villiani w.as killed b}' lightning when sixteen years old. Tlie education of our sub- ject and his wife was necessarily somewhat limited, their jtarents l)eing pioneers of a new countr}-, and schooling facilities very meager. Realizing the ad- vantages of mental cultuie the.y have given their children the best advanUiges which the schools of Of the.se children John David P>. married Miss , Ida and Elmer are at Mrs. George have not any church organization the Scriptures, and en- pts of the (iolden Rule, in politics, and in all re- and a valued nuMiiber of 4- \ ■f/ ^ ^ '■^^Pf' .^"'1^^'^ X ^^■b^^-. >► ■ ■^ - McLEAN COUNTY. 321 t State, and of the eleven born to them the record is as follows: David died in Empire Towushij); Mary was married and her hnsband died in the army, and she now lives at Weedman Station ; Mar- garet, the widow of Abner Brown, lives with her brother on the old homestead ; Martha became the wife of Chamber Dynes, and died on the homestead in 1870 ; our subject was the next in order of birth ; P^lizabeth married F. M. Rutlcdgc, and lives in Em- pire Township; Eliza, Mrs. C. IT. Best, lives in Shelby County, Iowa; Reason R. lives in Ilancociv County, Iowa; William, in Farmer City; Sarah, Mrs. Frank McFarland, in Nobles County, Minn.; Mary F., Mrs. Jacob AVilliams, in Empire Town- ship. John Gay was a lad of twelve years old when he came to tJiis county with his parents. His youth and childhood were spent in attendance at the dis- trict school and assisting his father on the farm, and he lived with his parents until one year before his marriage. He then engaged with his brother David in operating a rented farm for about five years, and afterward rented a farm by himself west of Le Roy, upon wiiieh he remained until after the death of his wife. He then returned to the old homestead for a 3'ear, and witii the ex- ception of the time that he was engaged with his brother William, has lieen a resident there since. His marriage with Miss Mary L. Buckles occurred in 1867, at the home of the bride's parents in Downs Townshij). Mrs. Gay was born in Empire Township, and is the daugliter of Peter Buckles, one of the early pioneers of this count}'. Our sub- ject is Democratic in politics, and in all respects is fnlfillino- the obligations of a good citizen. "i*S^ AVID II. ROUNDS, formerly a prominent contractor and builder of Bloomington Township, is now one of the most success- ful breeders of fine horses in McLean County. lie was formerlj' associated in business with a partner, and they engaged in building oper- ations for about ten years under the firm name of Vanschoick & Rounds. The firm is now dissolved, and Mr. Rounds devotes nearly the whole of his time and attention to developing the qualities of t that noble animal, the horse. He is making a spec- ialty of roadsters, and is the only man in McLean County who has raised a horse that has made a record liy his training, coming within 2:30, and the only man in the county who has developed the speed of a horse tavina Pugsley, who wiis a na- tive of Maine, and the daughter of Joseph Pugsley, of the same State, whence he removed to Indi.ana, being among the earliest pioneers of that State. Soon afterward he pushed on to Illinois and located in Empire Township, this county, being among the earliest settlers of this region. Of their six children five grew to liecome men and women: Sarah O. m.arried James Helmick, and they live in Monroe County, Mo.; Alfred II., our subject, was the .sec- ond child; Ch.arles W. died in Empire Township, June 2(i, 1883; Marcus P. lives in West Township, and William J., in Sedgwick County, Kan. The subject of this history pursued his prim.ary studies in the town of Le Roy, and assisted his f.atheron the farm. He remained under the paren- tal roof until twentj'-one 3'ears old, and was soon afterward married and located upon land. After farming in this manner for twelve years he ])ur- chased land in iMupire Township, which he occu- pied and cultivated until December, 1880. He then purch.ased a one-half interest in the store of Mr. G.alusha, with whom he has been associated since th.at time. Mr. Jlorris was married, April 9, 18()7, to Miss Elizabeth Wyckoff, who w.as born (m the line of Licking and Fairfield Counties, Ohio, and was the daughter of Matthew and Nancj' (Finckbone) Wyckoff, natives respectivelj' of Virginia and Ohio. Of this union there have been born four children, all daughters — Ella M.ay, Mary Agnes, Eva and Daisy Alice. Mr. Morris is Republican in politics, and has held the ofHce of City Treasurer of Le Roy. Sociallj' he belongs to Le Roj' Lodge No. 149, I. O. O. F. He is a straightforw.ard and energetic business man, and in all respects a repre;sentative citizen. -^ ^^3 ^^^ /p^EORGE McINTOSH, plumber, .and carry- jll (— -, ing on a good trade in gas and steam-fit- ^^51 tings, is contributing his full share to the business interests of Bloomingtou, and thus fulfill- ing the oblig.ations of a good citizen. He is a na- tive of Scotland, born in the city of Brechin in M.ay, 1844. His parents were George iind Agnes Mcintosh, by whom he was reared and sent to school, whei'e he received a good education. He learned the trade of a plumber in his native city, serving an apprenticeship of six years, and at the expiration of this time proceeded to the cit^' of i i t ■<- McLEAN COUNTY. 325 (Jlasguw ami worked :is a "jour" for one year. From tliere Le went to Dublin, where ho spent one year, and thence to the city of London, England, where ihe worked at his trade two years. From there he sailed for America, and after spending a week in Jlontreal, Canada, where work was dull, set his face Westward, and soon found a job in Chicago, 111., from which he derived a handsome salary of $4.75 i)er day. Mr. Mcintosh spent two years with one firm in that city, and was then detailed to go to Blooming- ton, where he completed a contract for the firm, and where he decided to locate. He became a per- manent resident of the city in 1808, and establislied himself in business. Three 3'ears later his stock was destroyed by fire, and having no insurance he lost everj'thing. His credit, however, was good, and he soon recovered from this dis.aster. He once more opened up a stock of fixtures, his business l)lace being located under the First National Bank, at the corner of Washington and Main streets, where he operated successfully, and in due time was enabled to put up the [iresent convenient and commodious building. This occupies an area of 22x90 feet, with two stories and baseinent. Mr. Mcintosh is a straightforward business man, and takes a genuine interest in the prosperitj' of his adopted city, and there are few worthy enter- prises that have not received his encouragement and support. He was married in 1870 to Miss Helen, daughter of John McGregor, of Bhxmiing- ton, and they iiave two children — (ieorge and Adella. n eHRISTIAN W. NAFZK JER, a retired farm- er now living in the village of Stanford, this county, was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, (Germany, on the 28th of Maj-. 1819. He is the son of Christian and Elizabeth (Fisher) Nafziger, and his fathc)-, born in 18G7, died in JMarch, 1819, leaving a widow and five children. The mother, born in 1788, after the death of her husband emi- grated to the United States with her family, and died three j'ears later in Illinois, in September, 1854. The family lived one year in Ohio. Our subject preceded the balance of his mother's family to America, coming here in 184(j, landing in New York City on the 22d of September, whence he went to Butler County, Ohio. He was employed as a farm laborer in that State for a jier- iod of eight years, and in the meantime was mar- ried to Jliss Elizabeth Ehresmaim, March 15, 1849. She was born in Ilesse-Cassel, Germany, in Novem- ber, 1823, and came to America in July, 1842, where she and her sister joined their father and two Itrothers, who had already been here three years, and located in Butler County, Ohio. Her father died one year after her marriage, His fam- ily consisted of two sons and three daughters, of wliom Barbara married Mv. Berck; Frederick may- ried Miss Emma Jacobs; Christian is deceased; Elizabeth, of our sketch, and Ellen, who married Jacob Musleman. A few years after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Nafziger came to Illinois, in 1854. Mr. N. rented land the first 3'ear and then purchased eighty acres, to which he afterward added a like amount, and be- side this, which comprises the homestead, has 120 acres within one and a half miles of the village of Stanford. In 1878 he engaged in the lumber business in Stanford and was thus occujjied for five years, at the end of which time he sold out and retired from active business. He has been a h.ard worker in his time, and iiis possessions are but the just reward of his early industry. Mr. N. became connected with the Masonic fra- ternity in 1877, being a member of Allin Lodge No. ()()5, and is a warm supporter of the principles which he learned to admire long ago. He is a member in good standing of the Mennonite Church, of which he has been a liberal and cheerful sup- porter, and [)olitically is a reliable Democrat. He is held in the highest respect in this conuunnity for his usefulness as a citizen and his excellent personal traits of character. JVIr. and Mrs. Nafziger became the parents of six children, the record of whom is as follows: John H. married Miss Amelia Nafziger (a cousin) ; Chris- tian F. married Miss McWilliams, and is living in Allin Township; Eliza M. became the wife of Henry Linker, of Tazewell Count}', this State; (;ustoff A. married Miss Birtha Ilauter, and lives in Tazewell County ; Lena E., Mrs. George r 1 "■► ■ ^> !t 326 McLEAN COUNTY. AVright, is a resident of Stanford; William .1., mar- ried Miss Martha J^aml), ami is located in Allin Townsliip. Mrs. Elizabeth Nafziger departed this life on the •21st of February', 1884, of consumption. She was a lady greatly beloved by her husband and family, industrious, cheerful and affectionate, a good wife and loving mother, and at her death mourned by a large circle of friends and acquaintances. She was a sincere Christian, a member of the Mennonite Church, and by her daily walk and conversation exerted a good inrtuence over her household and all who enjoyed her acquaintance. Her memory is held sacred bj' her husband and famil}', who sus- tained in her death an irreparable loss. ^~T/-..~\tillZ£/©-^-«| ^^.S^ZiOT*^ -Vrt/-" ^-A OLOMON S. PORTER, a prosperous farmer ^^^■^ of Norm.al Townshij), is pleasantly located on section 15, where he owns a valuable homestead, and is c.irrying on his agricult- ural pursuits skillfully and with success. He has i)eeu a resident of the Prairie State for a period of over thirty years, all Ijut one of which have been spent in Norni.al Township, ami during this long period, by his uprigiit course as a citizen and a business man has fully established himself in tiie confidence .and esteem of a large circle of friends and associates. Mr. Porter was Ixini in Muskingum Ciiunty, Ohio, on Christm.as Day, 1828. His father, William Porter, w.as born in Washington County, Pa., and his mother, formerly Miss Mary Ritchie, in Erie County. They were reared and married in their native State, whence they removed to Muskingum County, Ohio, in about 1 806, being among the early pioneers of the Buckeye State. William Por- ter there opened up a fai-m in the wilderness and established a permanent home, where he and his wife resided until their death, which occurred in 1832, both dying within one week. They left a family of twelve children, ui whom the subject of our sketch was the youngest, and he was but four years old when thus sadly orphaned. He was taken into the family of his eldest brother who resided on a farm, where ho remained until sixteen years of .age and received the advantages of a common school education. He then started out to take care of himself. He pursued his studies for some time afterward, paying his expenses by teaching .and clerking alternately. He then became collector for a large foundry, and in 1857 started for the West. Young Porter, after leaving Ohio, came into La Salle County, 111., and during the summer sea- son engaged in farming pursuits. In the winter he still followed collecting for his former emplo3'ers, in the south part of the State, where the company had sold a large number of stoves. The following year he came into McLean County, and has been a resi- dent of Normal Township since that time. The first purchase of Mr. Porter in Normal embraced 250 acres of land on section 10, which he cultivated and improved industriously for many j'ears and which still remains in his possession. He removed to his present home in 1874. His landed property now includes 378 acres, which are under a good state of cultivation and largely devoted to stock- raising. The marriage of Solomon S. Porter and Miss Amanda M. Shueey took place in Ohio in the spring of 1859. Mrs. P. was born in Muskingum County, that State, and by her marriage with our subject has become the mother of seven children, one of whom died in childhood and another at the age of fifteen years. Those living arc: Ida, Walter, Weldon, Bessie and Willie. The homestead is one of the finest in McLean County, and is equi|)pcd with all the aiipurtenances of a first-class country estate, and Mr. Porter and his family are living in the full enjoyment of the good things of this life, and he is in all res|)eets rated as a representative citizen of one of the wealthiest counties of the Prairie State. The career of the subject of this history is a striking illustration of what may be accomplished from an exceedingly sm.all beginning. Mr. Porter started out early in life, .and " paddled his own canoe" singly and alone, with but little education .and no money. He w.as thoughtful .and studious, however, and improved upon his meager early ad- v.ant.ages to the best ability. His spare time w.as devoted to study, and he made such good progress i •4 t -■- ■^^ t McLEAN COUNTY. 327 that he was given the position of a teacher, and with tliis and the small salary which he received as collector he managed to save a little from time to time until he was enabled to come West, which was then the " promised land " to the enterprising and ambitious young man. He was possessed of good judgment and made the most of his oppor- tunities, and those who have known him and watched his coui'se for the last thirty years rejoice to see that he is reaping the just reward of perse- vering industry and a straightforward and upright life. eOL. WILLIAM H. SCROG(;S, a well-to-do and infliienti.al farmer of Hudson Township, owns one of the finest countrj' estates in McLean County, and is widely and favorably known as one of its most valued citizens. Col. Scroggs was born in Highland County, Ohio, on the 2ith of November, 1835. Ilis parents, Alex- ander and Lavina (Rodgers) Scroggs, were natives of the same State. Alexander Scroggs was a farmer by occupation, and remained in his native State until his death, wiiich occurred in 1862. The mother subsequently removed with some of her children to Wari-ensburg, Mo., where she departed this life in 1885. The parental household embraced nine children, one of whom died in infancy, and eight attained their majority. The record is as fol- lows: James A. is a resident of Pottawatomie County, Kan.; William H., our subject; John (t., of Warrensburg, Mo. ; Josie, the wife of Capt. W. C. Marlatt, resides in AVarrensburg, Mo.; Alexan- der, near Wichita, Kan. ; Mary L. became the wife of Capt. James Crawford, of Greenfield, Ohio; Sadie died at the age of twenty-four years; Erskin E. lives near Warrensburg, Mo. The subject of this sketch was the second child of his i)arents' family. He was reared to farming pursuits, attended the common schools, and com- pleted his education in the Academy at South Sa- lem, Ohio. After becoming a young man, in 1859, he entered Monmouth College, in Warren Count}', 111., and pursued a thorough course of study for one year. Be then returned to Ohio and taught school, intending to re-enter college; but when the Civil War broke out he decided to proffer his serv- ices to aid in putting down the Rebellion. He en- listed in Company C, 81st Ohio Infantry, on the I'Jth of September, 1861, as a private. The regi- ment was equipped at Benton Barracks, Mo., and young Scroggs soon afterward was appointed First Corporal. They ei^barked on a river steamer the following March, at St. Louis, arriving at Pitts- burgh Landing, Tenn., on the 17th. From there the regiment moved toward Corinth, Miss., arriv- ing there on the 29th of May, and Mr. Scroggs was there promoted Fifth Sergeant. At the battle of Corinth he was wounded in the right arm and shoulder, and as a soothing medicine for this re- ceived the appointment of First Sergeant. On the 1st of January, 1863, Mr. Scroggs was transferred to the 111th United States Colored In- fantry, and on the 29th of January following Sergt. Scroggs received a Captain's commission. He was subsequently captured in an engagement with the rebels under Gen. N. B. Forrest, and held until Nov. 24, 1804, when he was exchanged, and joined his command at Nashville, Tenn. He was soon afterward assigned to duty as Assistant Inspector of Defences, and ordered to Murfreesboro, Tenn. In July, 1865, he was mustered as Lieutenant-Col- onel, but retained on general court martial, receiv- ing his final discharge in November, 1866. After being relieved from his position as an In- spector of Defences, Col. Scroggs was sent to New Orleans, thence to Mobile, where he arrived the morning following the explosion of Dick Taylor's amunition at that city. He was intending to leave New Orleans on a boat which started previously, and which, at the time of the disaster, was blown to jneees. Col. Scroggs has in his possession a fine steel engraving, in the center of which is his war record, and which was presented to him by C. B. Davis, a member of the staff of Gen. Thomas, and architect of the Soldiers' Home at Dayton, Ohio. After his retirement from the army Col. Scroggs was assigned to duty as Assistant Superintendent of the National Cemetery at Ft. Donelson, where he remained until April, 1867. He then came north to Illinois, and purchased the farm upon which he now resides, where he has devoted his attention mostly to stock-raising. His homestead consists of t i 328 McLEAN COUNTY. 1-1:7 acres, uiidur oood cultiv;iU(>ii, with a comforta- ble ami substantial farm dweiliiio-, a good barn and outhouses, and all the apijliances of a lirst-class ag- riculturist and stock-raiser. Col. 8croggs is Re- pulilicau in i)i>litics, liberal in his views, makingut his aim to cast liis ballot for worthy men, irrespect- ive of [larty. lie has frecjueutly l)een the incum- bent of local ollices, more to please his friends than to gratify his own inclinations. He is a member and the Commander of Post C 11 , G. A. Iv., and in religious matters coincides witli the doctrines of the l>a[)tist Church. After liis return from the army Col. Scroggs was married, in Warren, I'a., on the 3d of January, 18G7, to Miss Harriet, the daughter of Robert and Elizabeth (Orr) Barber. Mrs. S. was born in Niag- ara County, N. Y., Aug. 28, I.SIO. Of this union there were seven children, two of whom died in in- fancy. Those surviving are Charles R., M. Alice, Richard E., William C. and J. Harvey. Col. Scroggs has taken particular care to give his chil- dren the advantages of a good education, so that they may become honored and useful members of society. yklLIilAM J. HAHH), residing on section 12, / Dry drove Township, is a farmer, brick- ^^f^ layer and house-builder, and in the prose- cution of his several trades is uniformly skillful and successful. Mr. Baird was born in Fayette County, Pa., in November, 1821, and is the son of Aaron and Margaret (Allen) Baird, also natives of the Kej'Stone State. Aaron Baird was born May 30, 1786, and died in his native State on the 18th of November, 1870, having arrived at the advanced age of eighty-five years. The mother was born April 14, 1786, and died in Pennsylvania Aug. 22, 1834. The father was a farmer by occupation. Republican in politics, and an active Elder of the Prcsbytei'ian Church, of which both parents were members for a good many years. Of their family of thirteen children the record is as follows : the first born died unnamed; Maria became the wife of E, Finley; I'^liza, Mrs. B. V. Miller, is now de- 4» ceased; Jane and her husband, AVilliam Brown, are both deceased; John A. married Miss E.J. Wilson; Robert died at the age of two years and eleven months; Mary died when eleven months old; James P. married Miss Harriet Riley , who is now deceased ; William J. of our sketch was the next child; Robert A. married Miss Nancy Acklen; George E. died when nine years old; Josiah W. died aged four years; David A. married Miss Elizabeth Ridgeway. Of the second marriage of Aaron there were born three children — Emma C, Sanford W. and Haven E. William J. Baird of this sketch was united in marri;ige with Miss Maria Wilkins, in Pennsylvania on the l(!th of October, 1845. Mrs. Baird was the daughter of John and Elizabeth (Hastings) Wil- kins, natives of Penns3'lvania, who are both now deceaseil. Their family of five children is recorded as follows: William, Jane, Nancy, James and Maria. Jlr. and Mrs. Baird, after their marriage, remained in Penns3ivania until. 1860. They then I'emoved to, Montgomery County, Mo., and re- mained through the summer, coming in the fall to AIcLean County, where he has since remained. The following 3'car he purchased eighty acres of land, and in 1868 another eighty acres adjoining. Upon his homestead of 1 60 acres he erected a fine dwelling in 1864, and in 188.0 renovated and rebuilt it so that it is now two stories in height and makes a commi)dic)Us and handsome residence. He is also supplied with all iieccssar_y barns and out- buildings and the other aiiimrtenauces of a modern countr3' estate. i\Ir. Baird learned brickla3'iug in his native State, and has followed it consideraljl3' in the last forty-five 3'ears. He has now practicall3' abandoned it and gives the most of his attention to the busi- ness of his farm. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Baird included four children, as follows: Aaron died when nine days old; William W. married Miss Landgartha Hayes, and they are living in this count3'; Elizabeth J. is at home; .Tames I), married Miss Ann Eliza Mc Williams, and is living in McLean County. Mr. Baird is Republican in politics and takes a great interest in the success of the temperance movement. He h.as been a member of and .an Elder in the Presb3'terian Church at Normal for -!► ■ <• EESIDENCE OF FRANK KRAFT, 5EC 17 TOWANDA TP. ^■i-VV^'.T^.J -^ , tr.^-^ 'f^jr^fc^wife^^^ga5v5g^^§^'^^'^^\^^ ^ •■wi;ir^^5^'-i<''^-''*''3 ■^^^S^'-S?^' RESIDENCE OF GEO.W. Bl NCH A IVI . SEC .32 , BLUE MOUNDTP. 5^^ n n n ri ; {E5IDENCE OF LUKE CARNELL, SEC. 33. Blue mound TP. fe i McLEAN COUNTY. 331 a period of fifteen j'ears. He lias been an earnest worlicr in the cause of religion and a clieerful and liberal contributor to the maintenance of the church. -E>- 1 ' NDREW J. SPRINGER, one of the intelli- gent and progressive farmers of Allin Township, is a native of the Buckeye State, having been born in Butler County, Ohio, April 22, 183G. His parents were Christian and Magdalena (Engel) Springer, natives of France, the father born Sept. 18, 1792, and the mother B^eb. 4, 1798. Christian Springer was a miller by trade, and with four other brothers, served under Napoleon in the war of 1812, in his native country, for a period of four years and then deserted, for the third time, finally coming to the United States. He arrived here on the 12th of June, 1830, and landed at New Orleans, whence he proceeded to Hamilton, Butler Co., Ohio, There he followed farming upon ninety-four acres of land of which he became the owner and occupied this farm un- til November, 1854. He then removed to this State and count}', settling in Danvers, where he lived two years. He then purchased 600 acres of land, upon which he farmed until within a few3'ears of his death, which occurred Oct. 3, 1879. The mother died Sept. 13, 1870. The parents of our subject were married in France on Christmas D.ay, 1822. Their children were ten in nuudjer and recorded as follows : Catherine died in France in infancy; Joseph E. married Miss Reiser, and lives in Stanford; Peter D. married Miss Bi'enainan; Christian W. married Miss Stalter; Magdalena became the wife of Mr. Nicholas Reiser; John married Miss Sherbine; Andrew .J. of our sicetch was the sixth child ; Catherine became the wife of ISIr. Peter Schurtz; Mary, the wife of Mr. David Plabecker; George died in Ohio. The jjarents were members of the Mennonite Church. Andrew Springer received a fair education in the common schools and lived with his parents until he had attained his majority. He was then married, July 22, 1875, to Miss Eliza Slaughbough, and then purchased eighty acres of land in Allin Township. His present homestead consists of 14C acres, all finely cultivated and improved. The children of our subject and his wife, six in number, were Will- iam E., Daniel A., John (J. (died Feb. 22, 1887), Mary M., Anna A. and Lucrella; the latter died March 9, 1883. Mrs. Springer is the daughter of Daniel and Blary Slaughbough, natives resi)cctively of Mar}-- land and (ierman}'. Her father was born in 1827, and her mother in 1822. They were married in 1 849, and became the parents of six eliildren — Eliza, John, Catherine, Mary, Anna and Susan. Mr. and Mrs. Slaughbough live in Danvers Township and are members of the Mennonite Church. Mr. Sprin- ger is Democratic in politics, a temperate and law- abiding citizen and a worth}' member of the com- munity. REDERICK MEYER, senior memlierof the rni of Me3'er it jNlartens, merchant tailors )f Bloomington, is a gentleman skilled in his trade and occupying a good position in the business community. He is a native of Germany, having been born in Prussia, March 17, 1840. His parents, Christopher and DoraT. Elizabeth (Thiede) Meyer, emigrated to America in 1852, landing in New York City, whence they came immediately West and located in Bloomington, this State, where they settled permanentl}' and spent the remainder of their lives. The mother departed this life Jan. 28, 1881, and the father Nov. 17, 1885. Their four children, all sons, are still living. Frederick Meyer of this sketch was started to school when six 3'ears of age and continued until fourteen. He then commenced to learn the tailor's trade, at whicli he served an apprenticeship of three years, and then worked as a "jour" while in his native country. After his arrival in Bloomington he continued at his trade, and in 1872 went into business on his own account as a merchant tailor. In this lie was eminently successful, having a good knowledge of the business and being skilled in all its departments. He entered into partnersliip with Charles Martens in 1873, and the}' have since oper- ated together profitably and harmoniousl}'. Mr. Meyer was married in 1804, to Miss Dora 'i t M^ , i 332 McLEAN COUNTY. T. Piigels of Bloom iiigton, aiul they have three sons: Edward F., in tlic grocery business; Otto C, a tailor liy trade, and Albert \V., still a youth and attending the Iligii School. The family residence is pleasantly located at No. (JOG West Jackson street, and onr subject and his family enjoy the cstcen; of many friends. .Mr. Meyer is a niendier of IThl Lodge No. 305, J. O. O. F.., the German Free School Society, Mutual Aid No. fi, the Turner So- ciety, and Rebecca Degree Lodge No. 8."i. In many of these he has occupied all the chairs and has often represented various fraternities at the meet- ings of the (Irnnd l>odge. lie is serving his second term as President of the Turners. ^M '^^^^ l: OlIN K. 15ENJAMIN a prominent and influential fanner of I'adna Township, oc- cupies a line homestead on section 7, eom- (irising 2o0 acres of finely cultivated land, upon which is erected a handsome modern dwelling and all the other buildings required by the pro- gressive agriculturist. Mr. Benjamin took posses- sion of this farm in 18.54, where he has since lived, and has firmly established himself in the confidence and esteem of his comnuinity. He is a gentleman of line abilities, an extensive reader, and one who takes an active interest in current events whether they ccmceru his county, or the State and Nation at large, lie is a native of New York, born in Columbia County, Oct. 17, 1824, and is the sou of Darius Bcnjtimin, a native of the same county and State, where he followed agricultural pursuits suc- cessfully and spent his entire life. He was married in early manhood to Miss Martha Rogers, also a native of Columliia County, N. Y., who survived her husband several years, and finally removing to the AVest, died at the home of her son in Old Town Township, this county, in 1884, after arriving at the advanced age of ninety years. John R. Benjamin was the fourth of six sons born to his parents, and remained under the home roof until twenty-one years of age. He then journeyed into Chester County, Pa., where ho lo- cated, and three years later was united in marriage 4». IZ- ;;;Tj'C^4> t ■^^ McLEAN COUNTY. 333 six years of age. His earlier years were spent on his father's farm near the town of Rochester, ^'t., wliere he pursued his primary studies at the com- mon schools. At the age of twenty-one years he came West, driving a team to Buffalo, wlience he toolv a steamer to Detroit, Mich., arriving after a trip of four days, and walked from there to t'lii- cago in company with tliree otiiers. After two weeks spent in Chicago, our sul)ject struck out for Peoria, and from there to Clermont, in Tazewell Count}', these wanderings taking him late into the fall of the year. He remained in Ta/.ewell County six years, being employed most of tiie time as a farm laborer. When he landed in Peoria he had but $1..50 in his pocket. At the close of his first two years of labor lie found liiinself the possessor of $400, but the third 3ear he met witli misfortune in the loss of his health, and spent nearly' the whole of these hard earnings for medicine and in the pay- ment of doctors' bills, being disabled for a period of ten months. As soon .as able he resunaed his former occupation, and S(K)n afterward, in 1843, entered forty acres of (iovernment land in Dry Grove Township, McLean County, and entered in- dustriously upon its inii)rovement and cultivation. He then became interested in a steam sawmill, which he operated for two years and sold at a loss. In 1854 he purchased a half-section of land from the Illinois Central Railroad Company, and sold 160 acres of it at a i)rofit of *100. The 160 acres left he has now converted into a valuable farm, and occupies a fine dwelling, in the rear of which is a good barn and all necessary out-buildings for the storing of grain and the shelter of stock. The marriage of Samuel H. Brown and Miss Fidelia Munsell took place June 22, 1840. Mrs. Brown was a native of \'ei-mont and remained the comianion of her husband only five short years, dying on the 1st of April, 184.T, leaving three chil- dren — Sarah, George and Angeline. On the 2oth of December, 18.50, Mr. Brown married for his sec- ond wife. Miss Mary E. Henry, and they became the parents of six children — Norman E., Charles E.. Fred S., John J., Lincoln H. and Truman E. Mrs. Brown was born in Butler County, Ohio, March 23, 1828, and caine to Illinois with her par- ents when a child four j-ears of age. Mr. and Mrs. 4 * Brown are members of the MetlxKlist Episcopal Church. I\Ir. Brown has held the office of Justice of tiie Peace for twelve years, and was Assessor three yeai's and School Trustee eighteen 3'ears. Politi- cally, in former times, he affiliated with the A\'iiig |)art_v, and now votes with the Republicans. (ieorge Brown, the eldest son of our subject, served as a soldier in the Union army in the ;)4th Illinois Infantry. He was mortally wounded at the siege of \'icksburg on the 16th of June, 1863, but lived until the 11th of Novejnber following. Of the children of our subject there are now only two living — Fred S. and Angeline. Fred S. mar- ried Miss Ella Stevens, the daughter of Mrs. Kep- ner by her first husband. They carry on the home farm. Angeline married George Brown. JOSEPH P.AKER, a prominent anf oxen and commenced breaking prairie. This he followed four seasons, and in the meantime was also occupied in assisting to grade the track of the Illi- nois Central Railroad. He remained under the parental roof until his marriage, and afteiward pur- chased a tract of school land in Barnett Township, DeWitt Count}', from which he improved a farm and lived there until 18G0. He then stdd out and purchased 120 acres on section 11, of Funk's Grove Townshij). This land was partly fenced, and upon it stood a small frame house into which he removed with his young wife and lived there until 18G5. He then .sold out and purchased the farm which he now owns and occupies. This 1^ contains 209 acres all in one body, enclosed with good fences. Mr. Baker has also put up a good set of farm buildings and keeps everything in good shajjc. The homestead is a model of neatness and taste. The wife of our subject was formerlj' Miss Jlar- garet T.aylor, and the}' were married on the 25th of (September, 1856. Mrs. Baker was born in Perry County, Ohio, April 1, 1 836, and is the sister of Mrs. II. Baker, of whom a sketch is given in another part of this volume. Of this union there were born ten children. The record is as follows: Rhoda A., Mrs. W. J. Rainier, and Lctha Ella, Mrs. Frank Stout, live in Funk's Grove Townshij); George C. married Miss Anna Larison, and lives in Funk's Grove. The remainder are — John W., Samuel, Benjamin, Ilattie, Arthur and Joseph Howard. Mrs. Baker belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church. INIr. B., formerly a Whig, novv casts his vote with the Republican party. He has filled vari- ous offices of trust in his township and held the of- fice of School Director many years. He has al- ways taken an interest in educational matters and in every enterprise which has had for its object the welfare of his county and community. He was Township Collector two years and a member oi the Board of Supervisors for the same length of time. Besides the home farm he owns 200 acres on section 34 of Funk's (irove Township, and devotes his at- tention principally to the raising <>f grain and graded stock. ^344 f=fK- ■fylAMES McTWlG(4AN, Superintendent of the Bloomington Electric Light Company, ^_^^ I in which he is a stockholder, is a gentleman (^// well fitted for the responsibilities wliich de- volve upon him in this capacit}-, having a thorough knowledge of the recpiirements of his position. He is well posted on all matters connected with the electric s^'stem, having been associated with some of the best works in this and other States. He has had the supervision of the plant in this city since the worlvs wei'e started, and Is probably the most r -}- i McLEAN COUNTY. 335 competent man in the city for the office vvhicli he occupies. Mr. McTwiggan is a native of Scotland, and was born in August, 1847. His parents emigrated to America, and after arriving at suitable years James returned to his native country, where he learned the trade of a millwright and pattern-maker. After re- turning to the United States he spent some time in the city of Boston, among the leading firms, repre- senting his trade, and in connection with this ac- quired a good knowledge of the electric light sys- tem. In 1884 he came to this county and began the construction of the Bloomington Electric Light Works. After getting everything in running order they started by furnishing 100 lights, and continued until they had 240, of which 211 were exclusively for the lighting of the city. The works now have a capacity of 300 lights. They are put up in the best style and equipped with the latest improve- ments. Mr. McTwiggan became interested in the elec- tric light system when it was first brought to the no- tice of the public, in 1877, and since that time has given it his close attention. The result of this has been that he has become an expert in all its depart- ments, and possesses the best of judgment in his capacity as Superintendent. -^V- ••o«o.-^£j^<^-o>o.. i ^^\\ OX BROS., dealers in general merchandise (([ at Hudson. Harry W. and Herbert M. Cox ^^^ are twin brothers and youngest sons of James H. and Mary A. (Chadbourne) Cox, and ■were born in Bloomington, July 17, 18C1. After receiving such instruction as is afforded by the common schools they attended the High School de- partment of the Illinois State Normal University three years. Their father being engaged in gen- eral mercantile business, they grew to manhood ac- customed to and experienced in the same in connec- tion with completing their school studies. In 1881 they became associated as partners with their father, and carried on the business under the firm style of J. H. Cox & Sons until Jan. 1, 1884, when they became sole proprietors, and are now conduct- ing an extensive trade successfully and profitably. -4* — The "Cox boys" are upright young men,iof ex- cellent character and habits, and enjoy the confi- dence of the people among whom they have lived their entire lives. In polities they are Republicans, the friends of law and good order, and are rapidly becoming important factors in the business inter- ests of this section. Harry W. a is member of Cus- ter Division, No. 22, Uniformed Rank, Knights of Pythias; Herbert M. is a member gf Company G, 4th Regiment I. N. G. The latter was married on the 1st of October, 1885, to Miss Downej', the daughter of William H. and Laura W. Downey, of Atlanta, Logan County, where she was born. They have one daughter — Edith M. Mr. and Mrs. Cox are members in good standing of the Baptist Church. ^/OHN J. MITCHELL, a highly respected and successful farmer of Dale Township, is pleasantly located on section 23, where he is carrying on general agriculture after the most approved methods. Mr. Mitchell is a native of the Dominion of Canada, and was born on the 28th of October, 1832. While still a youth he re- moved with his parents to Ohio, where they lived until aliout 1838, and then proceeded still further westward, to the prairies of Illinois, stopping in Paris, Edgar County, and from there moved to McLean County. (See sketch of Isaac P. Mitch- ell.) Soon after arriving in this State the subject of our sketch began to assist his father in the labors of the farm, driving a breaking team of four yoke of oxen, and being otherwise employed as circum- stances demanded. In the meantime he also at- tended the pioneer school of Bloomington, then an humble hamlet of a fevv houses, pursuing iiis educa- tion mostly in the winter season. He i-emained with his parents until after his marriage, and with his Ijrother Andrew managed the home farm. Jlr. Mitchell settled upon the place which he now owns and occupies in 1880. It is comprised of 225 acres, being partly located on sections 22 and 23. His land is all enclosed, under a good state of cultivation, and is supplied with a substantial set of frame Iniildings, which Mr. Mitchell erected after taking possession of the property. In addition to > t .t ■•^m^4* 336 McLEAN COUNTY. the onliiiiiry pursuits of agriculture he is giving consid(!r:il)le attention to stock-raising, and lias a herd of grade cattle. The marriage of John J. Mitchell and Miss Char- lotte English was celebrated in Clinton, DeWitt Co., 111., on the 12th of February, l.SCl. Mrs. M. is a nativfi of Erie County, Pa., and the daughter of Joiin and Eliza (Harris) English, the date of her birth Iieing Feb. 1, 1813. The family circle of our subject and his wife has been completed by the birth of nine children, :dl living, and named as fol- lows: Isaac r., M;uy E., John D., Jeanette S., Jessie ('., Robert A., Elisha M., Edna J. and Nel- lie I). Lsaae married Miss Nettie Rogers, and lives at t'dvell, this county ; Mary E. became the wife iif Fr;iiik {''onger, and lives in Hand County, Dak. Mis. Mitciiell is connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in politics Mr. M. uniformly casts ills vote with the Republican party. The comfortable home of Mr. Mitchell exhibits the evidences of cultivated tastes and ample means; iiis children are being carefully- trained and educated, and as successful, energetic and valued citizens lie and his family are held in tiie highest respect by their community. ' NTONE MEVER, deceased, a late member of the brewery firm of Meyer & Wochner, was a native of IJaden, (iermany, and born ^ on the River Rhine, in April. 1832. He was educated in his native country', and when six- teen years of age sailed I'oi- America, huiding at New York City. There he learned the brewing business, and tiien proceeded to .St. Louis, Mo., af- terward to Muscatine, lnwa. and thence; to Spring- field, HI., remaining in the latter city two years. In July, lisG2, he came to Bloomington and i)nr- chased a small brewer}' on the site of wiiere the present large one is now located. He formed a partnershii) with his brother-in-law, Francis X. AN'ochner, which continued until the death of our subject, in Ai)ril, 1883. They were prospered in their undertaking, and in due time erected a large Ijuilding where they operated an extensive and |)rofilal)le business. Mr. Meyer was married in 1862, to Miss Sophia M. Wochner, second daughter of Francis X. and F^lizabeth (Maurer) Wochner. She was born in Sangamon County, 111., and by her marriage with our subject became the mother of six children — Henry, Sophia, Antone, William, Edward and Os- car JoseiJi. Mrs. Meyer and all her children are members of St. Mary's Catholic Church. Siuce the death of the husband and father, there has been no change in the name of the firm, the widow rejire- senting her husband in the business in a creditable and etticient manner. \f?ts R. GEORGE W. MASON, a le.-iding physi- cian and surgeon of Bloomington, has been a resident of the city since the spring of 1880, and has built up an extensive and lucrative i)ractice. Dr. Mason was born in Polo, Ogle Co., 111., Aug. 8, 18.00, and is the son of Al- len C. and Nancy A. (Wilcoxson) Mason, natives respectively of Riiode Island and Portsmouth, Ohio. Allen C. Mason left his native State in child- hood and removed with his parents to Cayuga County, N. Y., where thej' located upon a farm, and he was there reared to manhood and received a i)raetical education. In 1834 he set his face westward, and coming into Ogle County, 111., en- tered a Ir.-icl of land, and also engaged in carpen- ter work. On the 21st of August, 184',), he was mai-ried to the mother of our subject, and they lo- cat#. ^ R. F. H. M( iXTOSIL D. D. S., a highly esteemed member of the dental profession in the city of Bloominglon, has a finely appointed oflice, located on the corner of .Main and .Jefferson streets, and has built up a prof- itable and lucrative business. Our subject is a native of Bureau County, 111., and was born on the 12th < if .March, I85f.. His parents were .John C. r and Lydia A. (Hoyt) Mcintosh, both natives of New York State, and his father was engaged in farming pursuits and railroading. They settled in Bureau County in 1849, where the father died in 1881, and where the mother still resides. Of their family of eight children, four only are living: Albert K. mar- ried Miss Annie Gettings, and is engaged in farming near Lamoille, HI. ; George married Miss Lucy R. Randall, and is engaged in farming near Dover, Til.; Fred H. is the subject of our sketch; Marga- ret B. resides in Bureau County, 111. .John C. Mcintosh was essentially a self-made man and i)os- sesscd of consideraI)le ability. He obtained a fair education through his own persistent efforts, and was beloved and respected by all for his genial sympathies and his liberal and hospitable traits of character. The poor and needy always found in him a friend ready to aid. Both parents were members in good standing of the Congregational Church. The subject of this history i)assed his youthful summers in the manner common to most farmers' boys, and attended school during the winter seasons until he was nineteen years old. He then assumed the duties of a teacher, his first school being near Arlington, in Bureau County. After one j-ear thus employed he engaged with the I. M. B. So- cietj' of I'rinceton as Assessment Clerk, which position he occupied for two years, and then com- menced the stud^' of dentistry under the instruction of Dr. G. T. Smith, of Princeton. Four years later he completed his course of study in the Phila- delphia Dental College, from which he graduated in the class of 1881. He then came to Blooming- ton, and formed a partnership with Dr. Will X. Sudduth. After a few months Dr. S. left to finish his studies, and our sul)ject, purchasing his interest in the Inisiness, has since that time practiced alone. It is safe to say that he ranks among the best dental surgeons in the State, .as his large pr.actice fully in- dicates. Dr. Mcintosh is a valued niember of the pro- fession, being a member of the Illinois State and the Central Illinois Dental Societies. Notwith- standing the arduous duties of a pressing business he has found time to identify himself with the social amenities of life where he believed he would ^ ' ^^^^ V '' A.,.-l ^ ^iO ^ A McLean county. 341 be the means of doing good. He is now President of the Y. M. C. A., is Superintendent of tlie First Congregational Sabbath-school, also Treasurer of the church, and a member of the Board of Trustees. Socially Dr. Mcintosh is a member of tiie Royal Arcanum, and in politics easts his vote in sui)port of the principles of the Republican party. He has recentl}' invested in real estate in the city by pur- chasing a house and l<.)t at No. 408 East North street. Whether this is indicative of any furtlier interesting event, remains to be seen. 'if/OHN STlTBBLEFn<:LD, son of the late lam- ented Robert Stubblefield, one of the best known men of McLean County, was born in Fayette County, Oiiio, .luue 4, 1820, and came to Illinois witii his parents when four and one-half years old. Robert Stubblefield was born in Halifax Countj', ^'a., and was the son of Edward Stubblefield, Sr., who was the son of John Stul)ble- field. The latter, with two brothers, P^dward and William, came from England. Edward Stulilile- field, Sr., married Miss Mary (Lightfoot) Munford, daughter of William (^reen and Ann (Stanhope) Munford. She was of English birth and ancestry, and acted as a private secretary t(_i her father dur- ing the Revolutionary War, in which Mr. Munford served as Colonel. He not only devoted his per- sonal energies, but loaned the Government a large amount of money to assist it in freeing his adopted country from the P.ritish yoke. An extended history of Robert Stubblefield, the father of our subject, will be found in another part of this work. John Stubl)lefield was reared to manhood in McLean County, and remained under the parental roof until 1842. His father then gave him the use of twenty acres of land, and he rented a log cabin of Isaac Funk, and in it commenced house- keeping with his young wife. He had already en- tered forty acres on section 5, of what is now Funk's drove Township, and during the latter part of the time he lived with his father, had made some improvements on his own land. He subse- quently erected a frame house 10x18 feet, into which he moved his family' in December, 1840. He was prospered in his labors, and from a compara- tively modest beginning is now the owner of 2,000 acres of land in McLean County. The marriage of John Stubblefield and Miss EUi- sannah Ilouser took place in December, 1.S42. Mrs. S. was born in Harrison County, Ind.. and is the daughter f)f David and Elizabeth (Dillman) Ilouser. Of her union with our subject there were born the following children: Sarah E., Mrs. Ray- burn, lives in Funk's Grove; David R., in Dale Township; George W., in Bloomington; Phineas, in Funk's Grove Township; Mary Frances, Mrs. Crnm, lives in Cass County ; Heiuy B., in Dale Towushii); Simon Peter, at Funk's (irove, and John W., at home. The family liomestead is one of the finest in McLean County, and Mr. Stubl)lefield, with his housch^)ld, is widely and favorably known throughout this section of the State. He has held the various oHices of trust in his township, and has always taken great interest in educational and relig- i(.)us matters. He was Trustee for several years, and a member of the Board of Sui)ervisors. Mr. and Mrs. S. are both members of the Methodist Episcopal ChiH-ch, with which our subject has been connecteil for nearly fifty years. He has been among its most liberal supporters and held its most important otlices. He ranks among the best men of an old and honoralile race, and will be remem- bered by the citizens of this locality long years after he shall have been gathered to his fathers. David R. Stubblefield, the eldest son of our sub- ject, was born in the pioneer log cal)in of his par- ents in Funk's (irove on the 13th of April, 1840. He first attended school a distance of three miles from his home, and pursued his studies in winter until seventeen years of age. His summers were mostly employed in herding his father's cattle- on the prairies, which are now occupied Ijy beautiful homesteads and all the indications of prosperity and thrift. In those early days wolves and deer were alnindaiit, but Daviil, imbued with the courage of his forefathers, felt little fear of any living creature, and he pursued the even tenor of his way until called to other duties. In politics Mr. S. is Rei)ublican; prior to the formation of the Republican he alliliated with the Whig l)arty. i n t •►-■-4*. 342 ■*► McLEAN COUNTY. Among those represented in the portrait depart- ment of this vohime, none are more worthy than Mr. anil Mrs. .loim Stiihblelield. JACOB MAURKR, a prosperous and intelli- gent German fanner of Montgomery Town- siiip, AVoodford Co., 111., owns and oc- ' cnpies a good homestead on section 26, where his indnstry and energy have caused him to become snceessfnl in his business transactions and establislicd liini in the esteem and confidence of his fellow-citizens. jSIr. Manrer was born in the little Kingdom of Bavaria, Germany, Nov. 1, 1(S34. He is the son of Samuel and Magdalena (Schwart- zentrubor) Jlaurer, natives of Germany, the father born in 1795, and the mother in 1800. Samuel Manrer was a farmer by occupation and emigrated from his native country with his famil}' in 1800. They lauded in New York Citj', and immediately came westward to the Prairie State and to McLean County. Here Mv. M. purchased eighty-five acres of land and erected a small dwelling, which he oc- cupied with his family until his death, which oc- curred in 1863. The wife and mother departed this life Nov. 3, 1884. Their eight children were, I'hebe, the wife of Frederick Heideufelter ; Chris- tian; Peter; Elizabeth, Mrs. Eckhart Wendrath; Jacob of our sketch; John, who married Mrs. liar- bara Iinhoff; Daniel, who married Miss Helen Otto, and Catharine, wiio became the wife of Earnest Linnemau. Jacol) Manrer preceded liis parents to this coun- try' five years, iiis arrival being in 18.55. He first located in Pennsylvania and engaged as a farm la- borer by the month for two years following. He then went into Butler Count}^ Ohio, where lie was similarly occupied, and thence journeyed westward to this county, where he first located in Dry Grove Township, and worked by the month. He was mar- ried in 1.S59, to Miss Catharine JManrer, and in 1872 purchased IGO acres in Woodford County, which constitutes his [jrescnt homestead. The wife of our subject is the daughter of Peter and Mary Manrer, natives of France, the former being born ^ ' March 24, 1787, and the latter, Dec. 3, 1795. They were married in France in 1825, and in 1.S30 came to the United States and located in Butler County, Ohio. They remained there eight years, and thence removed to Woodford County, 111, where Mr. M. purchased IGO acres of land and where b(jth parents resided until his death. Their nine children were, Joseph, Barbara, Mary, Anna, ^Magdalena, Peter, Christian, John and Catharine. Jacob Manrer and his wife have become the par- ents of nine children — Magdalena E., Daniel E., Mary I., Eniiel J., Erwin J., Feodor W.,Emma C, Elma A. and Etta D. Our subject is a Democrat in politics, and both he and his wife are worthy and valued members of the Mennonite Church. «— H==5 >XO>-fe> e^:=:: ~»- (jp5^ H.AS HUBBARD, M. D., a skillful and ^^^^ l)opular ph3"sician of Hudson, this county, M/\M) has been a resident of the Prairie State since 1855, at which time he located in McLean County, and during a period of over thirty years has been widely and favorably known as a conscientious practitioner and a good citizen. Dr. Hubbard was born near M.aysville, Chautanipia Co., N. Y., on the 9th of May, 1821. His parents were Solomon and Hannah (Willard) Hubbard, also natives of the Empire State. His earlier days were passed on the farm, and at the age of ten years the famil3' renu)ved to Buffalo, N. Y. Here, eight years later, our subject commenced the study of medicine, and at the age of twent^'-one, in 1842, graduated from Casselton Medical College of Ver- mont. He commenced the practice of his chosen profession at Buffalo, continuing there until 1855, and then came to Illinois. For three years he was located at Hloomington, whence became toHiulson, and is now the (tldest physician in this place. He has been ,"1 close student, an extensive reader, and a valu- able contributor to the prominent medical journals. Politically he afllliates with the Republican jjarty, but finds little time in an extensive practice to de- vote to political matters. Religiously he has been connected with the Baptist Church for a period vt thirty-two years, working actively in its mainten- ance and support and to advance generally the cause of religion. Dr. Silas Hubbard was united in marriage with i -•► ^ <^ t McLEAN COUNTY. 343 Miss Julia Frances Read in New York City, in 1849. Mrs. H. is tlie daughter of William and May (Hoye) Read, natives of Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia, and by her union with our sub- ject has become the mother of five children, of whom the record is as follows: Hannah Frances, the wife of John D. Larkin, resides in Buffalo, N. Y. ; Albert (1. is also a resident of that city; Daisy M., Mrs. Alvin AY. Carloek, lives in Hudson, this county ; Mary E. and Honor A. are at home. The family are widely and favorably known throughout this section and are valued as among the most intelligent and useful members of the community. --v«ji2je£/©-^» I" >*'©§^'^^^nT>\* 'Wv^ t ■^/UDGE J. E. McCLUN, a highly respected resident of Bloomington, now living in peace and comfort, retired from the active duties of life, is a native of Frederick County, Va., wliere he was born in 1812. He is the son of Thom.as and Elizabeth (Bailey) McClun, who were natives of Penns^'lvania, and moved when children to the Shenandoah Valley vvith tlieir parents. The ancestral MeCluns came from the North of Ireland, and were of Scotch-Irish descent. The first members of the family in this country set- tled in Pennsylvania at an early period in the his- tory of that State, and located in Lancaster and Chester Counties. The grandfather of our subject, Thomas McClun, was there born, and reared a Quaker, and became prominent in the affairs of that locality. He moved to the Shenandoah Val- ley in about 1770, settled upon a farm, and reared his family in those principles by which his fore- fathers had distinguished themselves. The maternal grandfather of Judge McClun, Will- iam Bailey, was a Revolutionary soldier, and died in the service of the colonies. He was of English ancestry and parentage, and one of the early pio- neers of Chester County, Pa. Thomas McCluu, the father of our subject, was the parent of seven sons, of whom the Judge was the youngest born. Thomas McClun died at the old homestead in A'ir- ginia, in 1820. The mother survived her husband for a |)eriod of twenty-three years, spending her last daj's with her son, in Bloomington, her death occurring on the 1st of June, 184ti. She was reared an Episcopalian, but in the latter years of her life was identified with the Methodist Church. Judge McClun, of our sketch, distinctly remem- bers many of the incidents connected with his childhood, and other matters which he noticed with the interest of a bright and Intelligent lioy, among which was the election of John Quincy Adams, in 1824, and the contest which occurred between Adams and J.ickson. He witnessed the inauguration of Gen. Jackson, who received the oath of office from John Marshall, and he well re- members hearing a sermon by old Bishop Asbur}', who preached at a camp-meeting near his mother's house when our subject was only three and one- half years old. His education was begun in the old cabin school-house, nearly two miles from his home, with puncheon floor and slabs for seats and desks, and where he taught school when he became a young man, for a period of three years. He had forty pupils under liis charge, who ranged all the way from six to twenty-two years old. Some two years after he had attained his major- ity 3'oung McClun removed from his native State to Springfield, 111., whence he came to McLean County, in 1836, and located in Bloomington. He was greatly impressed by the scenes then surround- ing the spot, the deer roaming over the prairie, the howling of wolves at night, and the abundance of all kinds of wild game, with thousands of prairie chickens flying over and amidst the tall grass. At Springfield he became acquainted with Abraham Lincoln, and also Stephen A. Douglas, who was just commencing the practice of law at Jacksonville, 111. Mr. McClun, during his first years in Bloomington, was engaged in mercantile pursuits, and also estab- lished a stage-line, running from Danville to Peo- ria. He was energetic and industrious, and at an early day gave indications of his ability to become a leader in his communitj'. After filling v.arious minor positions, in 184D he was elected Judge of the Probate Court, and afterward a representative to the General Assembly of Illinois. These posi- tions he held with great credit to himself and satis- faction to his constituents. Aftervcard, in con- nection with a few other gentlemen, he established the Home Bank, which for many years transacted \ •¥> m <• I f. 344 -•► t McLEAN COUNTY. an extensive business, and has been largely identi- fied with the growth and prosperit_y of the city. The marriage of .Judge McClun and IMiss Han- nali llaricness took place on the 31st of .Tanuary, 18;5;i. The wife of our subject is a native of Ohio, and the daughter of Samuel and Esther (Evans) Ilarkness, of Rhode Island. Of this m.arriage there were born eleven chihlren, six of whom died in in- fancy ; the others are Klisha H., a real-estate agent of Englewood, 111. ; Isaac B., who died at the age of thirty-one years; Edward is connected with the IJoard of Pulilic Works of Chicago; Robert, who is a miller, Mild lives in Chicago; Esther E., Mrs. Martin, who lives in Bloomington. The .Tudge and his amiable and excellent lady are prominent mem- bers of the Methodist Elpiscopal Church, he having been connected with this denomination for sixty years. The}' occup3' a handsome residence at No. 405 Went .Jefferson street, and enjoy the society and friendship of tlie most cultivated people in the city. Judge McChiu has been one of the moving spir- its in f our subject is noted for her refinement and kindness of heart, and the entire family are widely and favora- bly known for their high character and personal wortli. In politics Judge McC'luu is a I'lohibition- ist, and is praying for the extermination of tlie liq- uor trallic. rr>H»: \**. U. WILLIAM Mcknight, one of the honored pioneers of Illinois, has been a practicing ph^'sician of the State for many years and a resident of Normal since March, 1883. He has been a close student, an ex- tensive reader, and has enjoyed a large and lucra- tive practive in other poi'tions of the State. Here, the longer he is known the more he is resi)ected as a skilled and reli.able practitioner, and as a citizen is one of the most valued members of the commu- nity. I>r. McKiiight was born in Allegheny County, Pa., May 20, 1823, his parents being Jacob and Isa- bella (McNeil) McKiiight, also natives of the Key- stone State. In about 1826 the family removed to Guernsey County, Ohio, where they settled upon a farm and where the father died at the age of sixty-eight years; the mother survived until she was seventy-six years old, and then p.assed peace- fully from earth, d^'ing upon the homestead which they had established in Ohio. The jiarental family embraced six children, one of whom died in child- hood and one son at the age of sixteen. A daughter, Julia Ann, became the wife of .James Atchison, of Muskingum County, Ohio, and died in her prime, leaving a family of little children. The three liv- ing are : Neil, a farmer residing on the homestead in Guernsej' County, Ohio; Margaret, who lives with him, and the subject of our sketch, the latter being the eldest of the family. When the parents of Dr. McKiiight removed to Ohio he was but a child three years of age. His youth and boyhood were passed upon the farm and in attendance .at the district and a select schooL At the age of twenty years he commenced the study of medicine witii Dr. Stephen B. Clark, of Cambridge, (Jhio, who continued his preceptor for three years following. He then took a course of lectures at Miami Medical College, Cincinnati, and engaged in the practice of his chosen profession in Muskingum County, Ohio. In the fall of 1848 he came westward to Illinois, and located in Gran- \illc, Putnam County, where he practiced until 18G1. He then entered upon a course of study at Rush Medical College, Chicago, from which he graduated tlie f. owned l)y his father, where he is carr3'ing on agricultuial opera- tions witli fair success. Our subject is the son of Charles T. and ISLary A. Cildersleeve, and was born in Hudson Township on tiie 10th of March, 1861. He was partially educated in the common schools, pursued his studies at the Illinois State Normal University' five foiii%,and completed his school days by an attenil-uicdtof two years at the Univer- sity of Wooster. Oft^ After his return to Hud- son Township our subject was married, on the 8th of December, 1883, to Miss Nettie A., the daughter of J. J. and P^lsie ^L Ham. Mrs. G. was also a native of Hudson Township, born on the 'iCth of March, 1865, and by her union with our subject has become the mother of one daughter, Elsie, born Oct. 15, 1885. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. G. settled upon the farm where they now reside and which belongs to the father of our subject, the latter hav- ing full charge. It comprises 320 acres of finely cultivated land and yields a handsome income for the tilling of the soil. Mr. Gildersleeve is in all respects a praiseworthy citizen, and although young in years bids fair to become a prominent man in his community. In politics he is strongly Demo- cratic, and in religion a firm adherent to the Baptist faith. /^^) ^^^'^^^^^^^^ ^''- ^'.^'^^ of the lirm of Ilasen- [l( winkle X' Cox, of Hudson, owns and oper- ^^^' ates the Hudson pjlcvators, which arc a great convenience to the citizens of this locality, and yield their |)roprietors a handsome income. Tlie sulijcct of this historj' is the eldest son of James H. and Mary A. (Chadbourne) Cox, and was born in AVaterford, Me., Sept. 25, 1848. The family came to Illinois in the fall of 1851, settling at Hudson in this county. Here Charles E. grew to manhood and completed his education in Shurtleff College, at Upper Alton, where he took a three years' course. His tastes were inclined to mercantile pur- suits, and he had previously' clerked in the store of his father, beginning, in fact, as soon as he was large enough to reach the top of the counter. His school days ended in the spring of 1866, and he then established a drug business in Hudson, which he operated for one year and then became associ- ated with his father, the firm name being J. H. > a W RESIDENCE OF TIIVIOTHY KRAFT , SEC , 3 ,T0 WA NDA TOWNSHIP ^-K3=5^^!7f~^^^SP^ ■y^^^J!!f^ii^s^*ifsf!»!^-ii*fe-y' : -^SS>^sSjc^;' " "S'iJ'^l^pi^SJ^SW^ RESIDENCE AND FARW PROPERTY OF JOHN A. HEFNER, SEC5 . 15 & 22 .MONEr CREEK TP ^,^~»T-!'- _^^t» isai-aMaiisgasW'aiigg&ii^^ RESIDENCE OF W? LEM K E , 5 EC . 34- , BLUE MOUND Township H. M # -4»- McLEAN COUNTY. 351 Cox & Sun, and afterward Cox & Aldricli. Then Charles E. Cox and J. W. Aldrich formed a part- nership under the firm name of Cox & Aldrich, in the drug business, while at the same time thej' op- erated in live-stocli, lumber and grain. On the 11th day of November, ISSi^^our subject having withdrawn from the aforesaid Business, became a partner of William Ilasenwiiiivlo, with whom he has continued since that time. The marriage of Charles E. Cox and Miss Effie Dart was celebrated in September, 1871, at Hudson. Mrs. Cox is the daughter of William Dart, and was born in this State in 1854. By her union with our subject she became the mother of six children, one of whom died in infancy, and the five living are Merton D., Lena Mabel, Claude Herbert, James H. and Charles W. Mr. Cox is Republican in politics and has been School Treasurer of the township for several j'ears, although he prefers to give his attention to his own private concerns, lieligiously he is connected with the First Baptist Church, and as a man and a citizen he is lield in the highest esteem I33' the [teople of his locality. isisMa^*^-^ ^j^EOROE H. MILLER, architect, and a iiighly III (--, respected resident of Bloom ington, first ^^^ opened his eyes within the limits of this city on the 7th of May, 1850. His parents were George and Louisa (Sheurcr) IMiller, wlio were of German birtli and parentage and natives of the Province of Wurtemberg. They emigrated to America in 1855, after their marriage, and after a brief season spent in tlie State of New Yorlv, came to Illinois and settled in Bloomington, where the father of our subject engaged in business and con- tinued successfully for a number of years. lie is still living, but now retired from .active labor, and resides at No. 318 South Madison street. The pa- rental familj' consisted of eight children, seven now living, viz., John M., George H., Harry II., William B., Andrew, Charles and Ida. Sophia died in 18()8, at the age of ten years. Before com- ing to this countr}^ George Miller, Sr., served in r the German Cavalry for a period of five years. He was a good business man and gave each of his children a practical education. George H. 3Iiller at the age of fifteen engaged to learn the business of an architect with II. Richter, of this citj% witli whom he remained four years, and then went into the employ of J. T. Harris, of Columbus, Oliio, as draughtsman. Thence he jour- neyed northwest to Chicago, and was there em- ployed by the firm of F. & E. Baumanu in the same capacity for six months. He tlieu came to Bloom- ington and engaged with II. A. Miner, witli whom he remained ten years, and in 1882 commenced business for himself. He employs two men, and being one of the leading architects of tlie city en- joys a fine patronage. His business othce is lo- cated at the corner of Main and Front streets. Mr. Miller occupies a good position among the citizens who have known him from his earliest youth, and has been intrusted by them with various important olHces. He was elected City Treasurer in 1883, and is now serving as Alderman of the Third W.ard. In politics our subject is a conscien- tious Democrat, and in all respects is fultilling his obligations as a good citizen. A great many of the finest buildings of Bloomington and surrounding- country have I)een designed by Mr. Miller, among which may be mentioned the McLean County .lail, (German Catholic Church, German Lutiieran, (ier- man Metliodist Episcopal Church, Turner's Hall, Odd Fellow's Hall. George Brand Building, B. S. Green, H. J. Iliggins & Co., E. B. Gridley. L. II. Kerriek, and numerous other buildings, and lias a great amount of work throughout this entire State. ^ FORGE FOREMAN, a prominent resident >f the little city of McLean, is a blacksmith ly trade, and has obtained quite a reputatif)n as an importer of English draft horses. He was born in Norfolk County, England, Jan. 23, 1841, and is the son of George and Hannah (Loads) Fore- man. His father was .also a dealer in horses, and spent bis entire life in Norfolk Countj'. At the age of fifteen years our subject was apprenticed to the blacksmith trade, at which he served four 3'ears, and was afterward emplo3'ed at "jour" work until r ■*► 'i t 352 > ■•► ,t McLEi).N COUNTY. 18G3. He tlieu caine to America, locating first in Torontt), Canad.-i, wliere lie worked until ISfi"). lie then came West to Illinois, and passed the follow- ing winter in McLe;ui ('ounty. In the spring he returned to Canada, where he spent the summer, and then, in tiic fall of ISGO, he returned to this locilit^', rented a shop at McLean, and commenced Ijusiness on his own account, carrying on horse-shoe- ing and general repairing, lie is a natural me- chanic, and so(^n gathered about him numerous friends and [jatrons, becoming one of the most popular artisans of the kind in this vicinity. In 1872 he couDnenced dealing iu horses, first pur- chasing the Xornian stallion, Louis Najwleon. The following }ear he ]iurchased a CU.ydesdale stallion, imported from C;inada. In IBs;], accompanied by his wife and daughter, he returned to England, where he combined business with pleasure, visiting anu>ng his old friends and acq\iaintances for sev- eral months, and in the meantime looking around among tiie line stock of his native county and vi- cinity. While on this ti'ip he purchased the cele- brated Knglish draft horse "Stowbridge," which he still owns. In ISS.") he maitv' another trip to En- gland, •■md brouglit li:ick with him four v;ilu.able animals, two of which he sold ;it a high i)rice, and the other two still remain in his possession. Mr. ['"orenian was married, in Octolier, IS(17. in New York, to Miss Emily lUuiton, who was born in his own county and there reared to womanhood. They became the i)arents of one child, .-i daughter, Alice, who still remains at home with her par- ents. Mr. Foreman is in nil respects an enterjiris- ing and progressive citizen, and a valued mend)er of the community. In [xilitics he is Republican, .and socially belongs to AIcLean Lodge No. 409. A. E. &. A. M. 4^-# -v EXHY W. :\I(C()H.AIICK, Ph. D., of Normal, I is one of the self-m.ade men of the I'rairie State, who has, through his own persever- ance and love of learning, (jbtained a line education under adverse circumstances, and from a humljle position in life, now takes his rightful place among the intelligent minds of the age. •►-■-4^ Prof. McCormick is a native of Ireland, born in County Mayo on the 5th of February, 1837. His parents were Edmund Burke and Betty (Rowan) McCormick, also of Irish birth and parentage. The former came to the Ihiited States in I.s.'jI, and engaged as clerk in New York City. He only lived, however, two years after coming here, his death occurring in 1853. That same year our subject crossed the waters to join his father, and ui)on arriving here found that he had died ten days before. Henry then occu- pied himself in various pursuits. After a brief visit with relatives he went to Ohio, and in Wash- ington County was employed for one year as a la- borer on a railroad. He then went onto a farm in Guernsey County-, Ohio, where, for his services, he received $11 per month. After a few months he was taken ill and remained in feeble health until the following spring. He then went to Walworth County, Wis., .and was there employed .as a farm Laborer during the summer of 1855, at the rate of .^100 i)er year, attending school during the winter season, and '• doing chores " for his board. Deter- mined u|)on securing a good education, he ,alter- nated his farm work with the pursuit of his studies, and in due time entered AVayland University at Beaver Dam, Wis., where he took a thoiough course of (.)ne year, ;inil at the exi)iration of this time again resumed his farm labors. In November, 1859, he commenced teaching in .-i district school in Walworth County, near the State line, where he was employed four nu)nths at ^1(1 per month, and " boardeil round." The following Christmas he was united iu marriage with jNIiss Numantia B. Kinyou, who was born in New York State, but in cliildh(jod removed with her parents to Wisconsin. In the spring of UsOO Mr. McCcirmick located on a small farm owned by his wife, and situated in Le Uoy Township, Boone Co., 111. To this he re- moved with his wife, cultivated his land in sum- mer and taught school in the winter seasons, con- tinuing thus enii)loyed until the spring of 1805. The mother of our subject, in the meantime, who had remained in Ireland when her first husband came to tlie United States, was married the second time in her native country, and with her daughter and husband came, in 18G3, to the United Stsites. « n- i McLEAN COUNTY. 353 and settled in Athens County, Ohio. Of tlie first marriage there liad been only two cliildren, our subject, and his sister Alice, who became the wife of Peter Deane, and now resides at Lake \'iow, 111. The step-father of our subjec^ was Anthony IJun- lavy, and of tlio marriage of liis mother witli this gentleman, there were born two sons — Christopher and James. In 1800 our subject concluded to adopt the pro- fession of a teacher for the future, and in order to prepare himself more thurouglily for its duties and requirements, he entered the Illinois State Normal University, where he remained for the following- three years, and from which he graduated in June, 1868. He was then elected Principal of the Nor- mal Public Schools, which position he occupied for a year, and in the summer of 18G'J was elected to a professorship in the University, first as Professor of Geography, to which has since been added history. After graduating at the Illinois State Normal Uni- versity, I'rof. McCormick took the Post Graduate course at Illinois Wesleyan University, and re- ceived the degree of A. M.,to which was afterward added that of Ph. I). In his histor}' have been il- lustrated the results of resolution and perseverance in a marked degree. When landing in New York City young McCormick possessed but a half crown (sixty cents) and even this small sum he loaned to a lady before leaving the vessel, so he practically began life at the foot of the ladder in the New World. Too much credit cannot be given to the possessor of such wise determination, and such courage amid many ditliculties. Prof, and Mrs. McCormick have become the par- ents of five children, as follows: Alice is the wife of Oliver R. Trowbridge, Principal of the Lacon Schools; Nelson K. is a practicing physician at Bloomington; Edmund 15., Ferdinand C. and Henry G. are at home. The family residence is pleasantly located between Bloomington and Nor- mal, and its inmates are surrounded by all the com- forts and many of the luxuries of life. They en- joy the friendship and association of the most cul- tured people of this vicinity. Although not a pol- itician. Prof. BlcCormick upholds the princiijles of the Republican i)ai-ty, with which he uniforml}' casts his vote. He is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, belongs to the A. F. & A. M., and is an Alderman of tlie city of Nor- mal. His intellectual and social attainments have constituted him one of the most valuable members of society, and one of the bright lights of a rarely intelligent community. fe<^5*:^«^M^ OWLANIJ N. EVANS, City Clerk of Bloomington, has been a resident here since 1856. He was born on a farm in Cambria I County, Pa., in June, 1834, being the son of David R. and Ann (Jervis) Evans, both natives of Wales, who emigrated to the United States early in life and located in Pennsylvania. There the father died in 1847; the mother is stilUiving. The parental household included four children, of whom our subject was the eldest. He remained under the home rocjf until fifteen years of age, assisting his mother in the duties around the farm, and tiien served an-ai)prenticeship to the carpenter's trade. Upon comi)leting this he went to Ohio, where he staid one j'car, and in the fall of 1856 pushed on further westward to the Prairie State. He worked at his trade in Bloomington until the outbreak of the late war, and then enlisted as a Union soldier in Co. C, 20th 111. Vol. Inf., seiving four and one- half years in the Western army. He was engaged with his comrades at the battles of Ft. Donelson, Shiloh, the siege and capture of Vicksburg, and marched with Sherman from Atlanta to the sea. He served as a private one year, and was then pro- moted First Lieutenant, being afterward given a Captain's commission. Afterward he became Ma- jor of the regiment, with which rank he was mus- tered out at Louisville, Ky., in July, 1865. At the close of his military career Maj. Evans returned to Bloomington, and engaged as book- keeper for the Bloomington Stove Works, and J. W. Evans ife Son, with whom he remained until May 1, 1886, when he was elected to his present oltice. He served as Alderman from the Sixth Ward two years, and in other respects has been prominently identified with the affairs of the city. Mr. Evans was married in May, 1870, to Miss Mary L. Parke, who was born in 1842, and the i t 3o4 McLEAN COUNTY. f E I daughter of Siuiiui'l S. Paikc, ;iu uld rcsidfiit of Blooiiiiinjjtoii. jMr. niul Mrs. K. have one chihl, a. daughter, Ida l^iicretia. They occupy ;i pleasaut home on Douglas sti'eet and enjo_y the society of many vvarui fn't'iids. .Mr. i'jvaus is connected with the (i. A. K. -^>> o*o..@>>,A^..o«o V-- 11. MOKSK, political and city editor of the ISlooininglon Lender, first opened his eyes to the light on tht! rugged New England coast, being horn in the town of .lay, Franklin Co., Me., Sept. 14, liS.jO. His [tarents were Moses and J.,ouisa (Cooper) Morse, natives vi the same State, where his father w.as a prominent citizen and largelj' en- gagef the cultured people of Bloomington. OIIN H. SPANGLER owns and occupies a comfi>rtable homestead in Allin Township, on section 28, .and has been a resident of tlje Prairie St.ate since'' 18.5G. He was born iu Franklin Countj', Ohio, M.arch l;j, 1821), being the son of Eli and ^Ia)-y (B.arbee) Spangler, natives of \'irginia, the father born March 12, 179.5, and the mother March 25, 1802. Eli Spangler w.as a farmer by occupation ;uid followed that calling .all his life. The parents were nuxrried March 14, 1822, and at once removed from the Old Dominion -to Franklin County, Ohio, and located u[)on rented land, where the father died not quite ten years later, on the 1st of January, 1832. Mrs. S. sur- vived her husband over fifty years, and died in this county Aug. 23, 1886. Their children were Susan, Margaret, Mar}' A., John H. and Eli. The mother of our subject was a member of the United Brethren Church. After the death of his father John II. resided with his mother until he was six- teen years old, and woi'ked out by the month on a farm until his marriage, winch occurred in 1850, tiie maiden of his choice being Miss Caroline Haines. The young couple went to housekeeping upon rented land, .and in 1804 our subject pur- W i t t 356 ■•^^m^^ McLEAN COUNTY. chased the i)n>si'ut hoiiiostcad of IGO acres. This is finely cultivated and improved, with a tasteful and snlistantial farm dwelling, a good barn and all necessary o;!t-iuiildings retiuired by the intelligent and progressive farmer. The parents of Mrs. Spangler were Jacob and Sarah llaincs, natives respectively of Pennsylvania and Virginia. Her father was born Sept. 17, 1794, and her mother Dec. IT), 1 .s02. They were mar- I'ieil .Inly .'), l&2\, lirsl, locating in Piclniont County, ()iii(^ Thence they removed to Illinois in isr»(i, locating in Mt. Hope Township, this county, where they passed the remainder of their lives, th(' fatlun' dying in 1S7(), and the mother in 1871. Their ten children were IM.artha, Adeline, Samuel, Horatio. John, Sus.-ui A., liolicrt, Levi, William J. and Jane ]!. Mr. and Mrs. Spangler are memlxu-s of the Cum- berland Presbyterian Church, and in i)olitics our subject is a strong Uei>uhlican. Of their seven children three died in infancy unnamed; William S. married Miss Sarah A. McReynolds, Jan. 14, IS.so, and lives in Allin Township; Kliza F. mar- ried IJanjamin Kauffman, Dec. 24, 1; John mar- ried Miss M:uy K. McReynolds, J)ec. 2;!, ISSO ; they have one child which died in infancy unnamed ; Margaret E. was the youngest of the family. i- -€-^g ,,J LEXANDKR IMcKLFRESII, a retired far- OCJII mer and resident of Le Roy, has been a resident of the Prairie State for nearly thirty years. He was born in Ohio County, \V. Va., Sept. 22, 1S17, his father be!ng Jesse Mc- Elfresh, a native of Maryland. His gnind father, Richard M., is also believed to have been a native of that State and there spent his declining yeai-s. The father of our subject was reared on a farm in his native State and when a young man went to Pennsylvania. He remained there about two years and in the meantime removed to West Virginia, settling on Short Creek, in Ohio County, where he engaged in farming and spent the last years of his life. The mother of oui' subject before her mar- riage was Miss Ann E. Murphy, who was born in Pennsjdvania and was the daughter of Alexander Murphy, a native of the North of Ireland, who came to America when a 3'oung man and was mar- ried to a German lady. Mr. Murphy teamed across the mountains, and met his death by a fall from his w.agon, receiving injuries from which he soon died. His widow, the grandmother of our subject, after- ward removed to Holmes Co., Ohio, and died there at the home of her daughter, at the age of one hundred and two years. The parental household included seventeen children, ten sons and seven daughters, of whom our sul)ject was the fourth son and seventh child. His parents were poor, and as soon as large enough he assisted in the support of the family. His first work was in a wood-yard on the Ohio River, where he commenced when ten years of age, and received for his labors from 15 to $S per month. He worked in this way for about six j'ears, and then in company with a brother, rented a farm, which they operated for about five years, and tiien our subject decided to learn the cabinet-ni.iker's tr;ide. After two years at this and two more at carpentering he resumed farming with his brother-in-law. When twenty-six j'ears of age he was married, in Jefferson County, Ohio, and rented a farm there. He had about $200, which he had saved from his earnings, and this enabled him to carry on a farm. He operated in this man- ner until 18.').s, and then came to Illinois, making the journey with two horse-teams and being accom- piuiied by liis brother-in-law, Robert Hanson. The family came iiy rail. He first rented land in Downs Townshii), this county, two years, then purchased eighty acres upon which was a sni.all house and a straw shed. He moved with his family into the house, and they continued to reside there until 1S7G, the first house in the meantime having been replaced by a comfortable frame dwelling and the straw shed by a good barn. In the year last named, Mr. McE. rcutecl his farm and purchased the place wliich he now , l.S-2(l. He was reared to farm labor on his father's farm, and when twelve years of age his parents removed to Athens, on the Hudson, and tliei-(! <)ur sidijeet continued to reside until ISls. He Mien settled t)n a farm in the neighbor- hood of Athens, and for nine years was employed in its cultivation and improvement, when he sold it and moved to Oneida County, N. Y. There he purchased another farm, and continued his labors nntil the fall of I.SOO. Disposing of this place with the hope of bettering his financial condition in a country farther west, he came to this county, locat- ing in Old Town Township, where he remained ft)r one year. He tiien piireha.sed a farm in Blue Mound Township, where he lived and industriously labored until 1871. During that year he bought a [ilace in Old Town Township, moving upon it in the spring of that year, and has made it his home until the present time. His farm consists of sev- enty-one and a half acres, is well stocked, and has good buildings upon it. The marriage of our snbject with INliss Jlary A. Cook was solemnized in Albany County, N. Y., Dec. 14, 1848. She is the daugiiter of Charles II. and Sarah (Armstrong) Cook, natives of New York. Her parents settled in Albany County after their nnion, and there the father engaged in farmingand wagon-making, carrying on quite an extensive busi- ness in both branches of his occupation. He died in the city of Albany, X. V., and siie in the same county. The issue of their union was four chil- dren — Ransom, John W., Alexander and Mary A. Mary A., the youngest of the family, was born in Albany County, X. Y., Jan. 20, 1826. She lived at home until her marriage with our subject, and by that union nine children have been born, the record of whom is as follows: Elizabeth is the wife of Justine I'ierson, and they are living at IJennet, Neb.; Charles II. died when seven years old; Will- ie iam departed tiiis life wdien two years of age, and Edward died in infancy; Alice is the wife of Sam- uel Cole and they are living in Old Town Town- ship; Adelaide died in the latter-named township in 1883, when twenty-three years old; Clara is the wife of William N. Cole, a fanner of Old Town Townshij); Hainiah and Sarah both died in infancy. Mr. I>. has held some of the minor ottices of his township. He and his wife belong to the sect known as Friends, and in politics our subject is an earnest and faithful su|)porter of the principles of the I'rohibition party, but prior to its birth was a stanch iicpuMicau. ^r-i^ -<5- ^fp^jOP.KRT S. McINTYRi;, engaged in the in- ' snrauce and real-estate business, with his otliee and residence at Bloomington, is a !i^nativ(^ of Rhode Island. He was born in Providence, Sejit. 20, 18.36, and his parents were Samuel and Elizabeth (McFarland) Mclntyre, na- tives of Ireland and of Scotch descent, who came to the [iiitcd States at an early day in their lives. Our subject's father was a farmer by calling, and Robert S. passed his boyhood days o\\ the farm in St. Clair County, 111., and there lived until he was twelve years of age. He accompanied his parents to this county in 1848, and located with them in Rloomington. In that city he entered the jirint- ing-olljee of .lesse AV. Fell, and learning the trade continued !it the same until 1861. During tiie year last named our subject enlisted in Co. A, i)4th 111. \o\. Inf., as a private. He was soon ])romotetl (.Quartermaster Sergeant of his regi- ment, in which capacity he served till the expiration of his term of enlistment. He was mustered out in July, 1 8()5, and returned to Rloomington ; that same fall he was elected County Clerk of McLean County. Assuming the duties of his oflice in De- cember of that year he continued faithfully to serve the citizens of the county for a term of four years. On retiring from the Count}' Clerk's office Mr. Mclntyre engaged in the insurance and real- estate b\isiness. In 1880 he was elected Assessor of Bloomington, city and township, and has held i -*^- i •4= ^^ McLEAN COUNT r. -.1 363 that office continually since. Mr. Mclntyre is Sec- retary of the Bloomiugton Loan and Home Asso- ciation, and is one of the thorough-going and en- terprising business men of the city. Robert S. Mclntyre was united in marriage with Sarah E. Worlej', of Taylorsville, Christian Co., 111., in lo also show a portrait of Jacob Sholty, the father of Henry C. Sholty, who during his lifetime was one of the honored settlers of McLean County. ENRY A. DOTY, one of the most successful contractors and skillful builders of Bloom- ington, is a n.ative of Carlisle, Cumberland ^) Co., Pa., aud came to Illinois witli his par- ents in 1850, when a cliild of thirteen years, his birth liaving occurred Se[)t. 20, 1.S37. The parents of our subject were llem-y A., Sr., and Elizabeth (Livenger) Doty, also natives of the Keystone State. The father followed the business of a con- tractor :ind builder for fifty-five years. He moved to Illinois in 1850, and lived in lUoomington until 185'.), thence went to Ottawa, where he passed the remainder of his days, his death occurring in 1870. The mother died in Bloomington in 1855. Of the seven children of the parental family three only are living — Catharine, Henry A. and Rebecca. The sul:>jcct of this history attended school until fourteen years of age, then learned the carpenter trade of his father in Pennsylvania. He came West with his famil}', and was an inmate of the parent.al household until 1.S59. The following j'eai' he went to Ottawa, and eng.'iged in contracting and build- I •^-*^ McLEAN COUNTY. *1 365 ing for two years. In 1861, the Rebellion then assuming alarming proportions, he enlisted in C'n. K, l<)4tii III. Vol. Inf., was promoted Orderly Ser- geant, and continued in the service three years. At the close of his niilitar}- service Mr. Doty came to Hloomington, and engaged at his former occupation as contractor and builder. Among other important structures he superintended the bvulding of the sh.aft for the A'ermilion t'oal Company, tlu^ Streator Coal Shafts, and the Pekin and Southwest- ern Railroad bridges, together with many of their depots. He then built the Union Depot on the Wabash Railroad at Howard Station, and has put up many of the finest structures in the city of Hloomington, fre(iuently employing over MH) men and nine teams. Henry A. Doty and Miss Effie M. Sackett wore united in marriage at Bloomington, in 188.5. Mrs. Doty is the daughter of Sabina and Martha K. (Hill) Sackett, and by her union with our subject has become the mother of one child, a son — Earle E. By a former marriage Mr. Doty has two sons — Willie H. and Charlie A. Our subject in politics alliliatcs with the Repub- lican part}', and sP"4^' ^^ A. C'REKI), editor and publisher of the Hey worth Standard, is a resident of Uloom- 1^ ingtoM, and the son of Austin G. and Minerva S. (Shannon) Creed, his mother being the daughter of Capt. Shannon, of Blooming- ton, now deceased. Austin (i. Creed is a contractor and builder, and the parental household included two children only, our subject and his brother Shannon. The subject of this sketch was liorn at Berry- ville. Highland Co., (.)hio, Aug. 10, 1853. He resided' there with his parents until twelve years of age, and the family then removed to Ilillsboro, where he attended school in winter and worked on a farm during the summer season. He graduated from Hillsboro High School in the spring of 1868, and the following year removed with his parents to Chillicothe, Mo., where he taught school for several months, and then, having a desire to be a printer, entered the office of the Chdlicothe Tribune to learn the trade. He served a full apprenticeship, and was afterward made local editor of the Tribune, which position he held until his i-emoval to Bloom- ington, where he arrived Nov. 25, 1874. He worked at the case in the Leader and other print- ing-offices in Bloomington until December, 1875, when he formed a partnership with Mr. F. M. Doxsee, and purcha.scd the outfit of a job office, which the}' operatetl until the following June. *'^T^ t 3G6 McLEAN COUNTY. 4- They then removed to Ford County, and for six months were oocnpied in the printing of a Demo- cratic campaign ]mper. After tlie election they returned to Kloomington, and Mr. Creed, pur- chasing tlie interest and stock of his partner, estab- lished the Demncratlc ^Vi°(''.s, wiiieh he edited and publislied until tiie fall ofl«7'.). He then sold out to Mr. L. L. liurr, wiio merged the paper into the _BiiShe was born in Belpre, Washington Co., Ohio, Aug. II, 1818. Her father, Elisha Oibbs, was a native of Connecticut, and also her grandfather, Elisha Gibbs, 8r., the latter si)ending his entire life in his native State. Elisha (iibbs, .Ir., was reared in Con- necticut, and learned the trade of a carpenter and millwright. He was there mai'ried, and soon after- ward removed to New York and located near Lake Geneva, where he followed his trade until 181G. He then removed with his family to Ohio, the jour- ney being made on a raft via the (_)liio and Alle- ghany Rivers. They first located in Belpre, whence after two or three years they removed to Bit. Ver- non, Kno.\ County, where, in comiwny with an- other man, Mr. Gibbs erected a saw and grist mill three miles fi'oni the village. After a time he pur- chased the interest of his partner and operated the mills b}' liimself until the fall of 1838, when he de- cided to move further West. After reaching Illi- nois he came into McLean County and purchased land in what is now Empire Township. The fol- lowing ye;ir he removed a part of his family here, his wife and two children, two sons, having pre- ceded him. He located in Leroy and put up the first mill iu the village. His sons operated the mill and Ml-, (iil.)bs [lursued his trade in different places, putting in mill machinery wherever required and erecting a nundier of buildings iu this l(X-ality, many of which are now standing. The mother of Mrs. Barnett, who before her marri.age w;is Miss Theda Woodruff, was born iu Connecticut, and a daughter of Philo Woodruff, also a native of Connecticut, and who served as a soldier in the Revolutionary War. He spent the last years of his life with his daughter, Mrs. Gibbs, near Mt. A'ernon, Ohio. He was a prominent Abo- litionist, and lioth [larents were members of the I'resbyterian Church. The mother of Mrs. Bai-- nett died in Leroy in March, 1854. The parental family' consisted of seven children, of whom the record is as follows: Maria became the wife of Luther Hill, and died in Akron, Ohio; Philo died in Decatur, Ohio, when thirteen years old ; David died iu Gttumwa, Iowa; Simeon lives in Leroy, this county; Enoch, in Kansas City, Mo.; Mrs. Bar- nett was the sixth ciiild; Julia married Rev. Aus- tin Rogers, a minister of the ]Methodist Episcopal Church, and lives in Hey worth. Jlrs. Barnett spent her youth and childhood with her parents, and attended the subscription schools. When of suitable age and attainments she entered Oberlin College and graduated from there when twenty-live years of age, after her parents had re- moved to Illinois. After joining them there she engaged iu teaching, and continued three terms after her marriage. This event occurred in Feb- ruary, 1845. Her husband, Thomas J. Barnett, was a native of Bourbon County, Ky., and born Jan. 21, 1818. His father, Moses Barnett, was a *t i . 36S 4 McLEAN COUNTY. t native of Pennsylvania, also his mother, who was formerly Miss Catharine Ellis. In 1«31 Moses Barnett, with his family, emigrated to Illinois and settled in what is now Empire Township, this county, where their son Thomas was reared to man- hood. He received a limited education, and, his parents being without worldly wealth, he worked out by the day or month. lie broke [irairie and en- gaged in teaming, making frecinent trips to and from Chicago, making tl\c tedious journeys with oxen. The (larden City then was but an unpre- tenti<.)us hamlet, and the experiences of Thomas J. Harnett, together with the interesting scenes which he witnessed from time to time would ni.ake an in- teresting volume. After his m.arriage with m))erof the comnuinity. He contiinied in business until the summer of I ST I, and (lien, on account of failing healtii, disposed of iiis interi'sts and retired fi-om active business, lie de[)arlcil this life in Septem- ber, 1882. Mr. and Mrs. Barnett became the parents of six children, of wiiom the record is as follows: Alice married .lohn ^'oung, .-nMl lives in CliicMgo; iMunia became the wife of Denton ^'oung, a clothing mer- chant of Leroj'; Orvin died in infancy; Orrin is a resident of Lewistown. Fulton Connty, tiiis State; Laura, Mrs. Dixon lirown, lives in Downs Town- ship, this county, and (Jeorgc in Chicago. Mrs. Barnett's son Orrin possesses unusu;i,l musical tal- ent which h;is been linely cultivated. He attended the Consei'vatories of Music at Oberlin and Boston, and is well ([ualilied for the ])osilion whi<'h he oc- cupies as leader in the musical circles of his local- j ity. ! I\Irs. Barnett is a lady of more tiian ordinary I 4* ability, has been a wise and judicious mother, at- tending closely t(( the training and the education of her children, and has fitted them to become good citizens and useful members of the community. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and greati}' respected by those among whom she has lived for so many years. As a mem- ber of soeiely, a neighbor and friend, she has ful- filled her duties creditably and conscientiously-, aiul has built for herself a good record of wom- anly virtues. -<3= A A '>-i- =|=K- EZEKIAH K. BENSON, an intelligent mem- ber of the legal profession in the city of Iiloomington, is a native of the Empire State, having Ijeen born in Onondaga County, N. Y., in May, liS'iO. His father, Lyman Benson, who was boi'u in Washington Connty, N. Y., traces his aiicesli'y as having come from the north of England, but being of Scotch-Irish de- scent. The patei'ual gr;indf;itlicr of our subject was one of the earl^' settlers of New York State, and other representatives of the family were scat- tered in \\asliington and Kutlaud Counties, the town of Benson in Kutland County having been named in honor of them. Ihey were good busi- ness men genei'ally, ;iud llir ))OSses.sors of comfoi't- able homes arid a good amount of proiierty. ]j3'm;in Benson, the father of our subject, re- moved with liis family to the West in I.S-j;i, first .settling in lielvidere, HI., which was then the connty seat of Boone County'. Here he cariied on the m.'iunfaclure of wagons, at the same tinu' being engaged in farming, and spent the remainder of his days there. In early manhood he married Miss Cornelia ()sliorn,of II:irlf(.)rd, Conn., nud they first located in New York State. They became the par- ents of eight children, seven of whom lived to ma- turity. Two Ijrothers were sacrificed during the late war. Our suliject was the fourth child of the parental f.'unilw null e;unc with his father and mother to this State. He pursued his early studies in the ci)mnu)n .schools of Boone Conntj', and completed them at .Manlius Academy, N. Y. Later he at- -•P^mrM* » t McLEAN COUNTY. 3(!9 tended the law department of the Uiiiversitj^ at Chicago, from which he graduated in 18G4. He then came to McLean County, and opened an of- fice in Chenoa, wiiere he began the practice of liis chosen profession, following it there six years, in the meantime serving as City Clerk and Attorney. Mr. Benson came to Bloomington in the fall of 1871, and was soon afterward unitcil in marriage with Miss Anna, daughter of lleury (huzzelle, a farmer residing in the east part of the county. They located in Bloomington, where our subject has since followed his profession. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and belongs to Bloom- ington Chapter No. '_'(J, Royal x\rch Masons. For the last eight years he has been Secretary of the Republican Central Committee, and is a member of the Board of Directors of Canton Jlasonic Mutual Benevolent Society. Religiously he is identified with the Presbyterian Church, and in all respects is pursuing the honest and upright course of a good citizen and worthy memljer of society. Mr. and Mrs. Benson have become tiie parents of one child —Nellie. n ylLLIAM A. ARROWSMITII, a well-known and hiahlv esteemed resident of Padua Township, owns and occupies a fine farm estate comprising 110 acres on section 21. His land is valuable and finely' improved, the residence of modern style of architecture, and the barns and out-buildings shapely and substantial structures, in all respects adapted for tiie purjiose for which they were intended. He has l>een a resident of this sec- tion since 185G, and lield the oflice of Supervisor for a period of six 3'ears, and in all respects is a representative citizen, taking a genuine interest in the welfare of his county and commiuiit^y. Mr. Arrowsmith came to this cc)unty a single man, being only eighteen j'ears of age, locating first in Padua Township. He is a native of Ross County, Ohio, and was born in Green Township, July 6, 18;>8. His father, John Avrowsmith, also a native of Ross Countj', came of Kentucky parentage, and married a lady of that State, by name Miss Phebe Ritter. After marriage they settled on a farm in Ross Count}', Ohio, and there passed the remainder -4*^ — of their days. John Arrowsmith was born in 180G, and departed this life in 1846. His wife, Ph(ebe, was born in 1801, and died two years before her husband, in 184-1. Of their six children, our subject was the eldest sou and third child, and was tpnte j'oung when his parents died. He afterward lived with an older sister, for whom the father had provided in his will on con- dition that she should take the place of mother to the children until they were able to care for themselves. This trust she nobly fulfilled. Our subject received a good public-school education and made his home with his sister until he started for the West. After arriving here he lived with another relative until he reached his majority. After coming to this county, Mr. Arrowsmith, being in possession of some means and desiring to still further perfect himself in his studies, entered Wesleyan College, where he remained until the out- break of the late war. C)n the 6th of August, 1862, he enlisted as a Union soldier in Co. D, 94th Illinois Regiment, which was then commanded by Col. W. W. Orme, of Bloomington. He is now deceased. The first destination of the regiment after it left Illinois was Prairie Grove, Ark., and young Arrowsmith participated in all engagements tliereafter, being at the siege of Vicksburg and the battle at Ft. Mcn-gan, Ala., besides minor engage- ments. He was afterward in the fight at Yazoo City, Miss., Brownsville, Tex., Ft. Morgan and Spanish Fort. He escaped injury, although his coat was at one time pierced by a ball from the enemy. He has now in his possession a hickory cane which l)ears marks of the enemy's bullets and which in- dicates that they fired close to the ground. After a period of brave and faithful service, during which time he shared uncomi)lainingly the privations and hai'dships of a soldier's life, Mr. Arrowsmith re- ceived his honorable discharge at Galveston, Tex., July 17, 1805. After being mustered out he re- turned to this county and purchased the tract of land which constitutes his present homestead. The marriage of our subject occurred IJec. 21, l^iO.'), in Padua Township, the maiden of his choice being iNIiss Martha J. Martin, who was born on the farm where she now lives, Jul}' 22, 1840.' Mrs. A. is the daughter of Archer and Jane m^ t i i 370 ■•► McLEAN COUNTY. (I^ewallen) Martin, who were natives of V'irginia, but while young removed to Ohio and were there married. The mother was liorn in New Jersey'. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. M. settled on a farm in Champaign County, Ohio, whence they removed West in 1834 .and located upon the farm where our subject and his wife now live, and which Mr. Mar- tin improved from its original condition. Here both parents died, the father, July 28, 186,s, at the age of seventy-nine years, having been born Oct. 10, 17.S'.). The mother, who was born M.ay 30, 180"2, died .June 2.5, 1872. They were most excel- lent people and greatly respected wherever known. Mrs. Arrowsmith was reared and educated in Padua Township and remained under the home roof until her marri.age. Of her union with our subject there were born five children, two of whom, .John and Mary, died when less than one year old. Those surviving are .Sarah .1., the wife of Ennis Wheeler, a farmer of Empire Township; Laura and William M. at home. Air. Arrowsmith is strongly Uepublican in politics, and takes an active interest in the establishment and maintenance of schools. He is an extensive reader and possesses a large fund of general information. Besides the home farm, he owns twenty-four acres of valualile land in Empire Township, and is in all resjiects a line rei)resentative s. 408, 410, 412 and 411, IJlooniiugton, 111. Mr. Miner has l)een a resident of the I'rairie State since 18.5(), when he left the home of his childhood, and com- ing West settled lii'st at Oalesburg, thi.s State, whence he soon afterward came to McLean County. He was born in Ontario County, N. Y., in 1835, and is the son of Sctli and Abigail (Phelps) ]\liner, nativi^s respectively of Connecticut and New York. Seth Miner was <>xtensively engaged in farming in the Empire State, and was a man of great force of 1^" character, and universally respected by all who knew him. The Miner family trace their ancestry back to the sixteenth century, when two brothers came from England and settled in Connecticut. We only date back in this biography of the Miner family to Ezra, the father of Seth and grandfather of our subject. This gentleman was born in Connecticut, and followed the sea for many years as Captain of a merchant vessel. He linally abandoned the ocean, and spent the last years of his life in the peaceful pursuit of farming. He removed from Connecticut to Canandaigua, N. Y., and thence, in 1840, to Michigan, where he spent the remainder of his life, dying when about seventy-seven years of .age. He served as a soldier in the War of 1812, and always interested himself in the welfare and prosi)erity of his country. Seth Min(^r, the father of our subject, w;is for many years .Tustice of the Pe.ace, and held various other offices in Steuben County, N. Y., where he was a leading and prominent man and Captain of the State Militia. He was deeply i)ious, and in early life connected himself with the Methodist Episco- pal Church, in which he w.as a Class-Leader and Chorister for many years. He died at Iloneoye, Ontario Co., N. Y., lamented by all who knew him, as having been a good and useful citizen, whose loss could scarcely be replaced. The mother died at Prattsburg, N. Y. Of the six children which composed the parental family only three are now living: Henry A., of our sketch; Gertrude, Mrs. Wing, of Grand Rapids, Mich., and .lane, of Bloomington, 111. Henry A. Miner attended the common schools during his childhood, but remained with his par- ents until only thirteen years of age, when he started out ni life for himself. He first apprenticed himself to learn harness-making, luit not being sat- islicd with this trade he took up that of a carpen- ter, !it which he worked until 185(1, in his native county. He then came to Illinois, as before stated, and devoted about six months to learning archi- tecture nnd building. After coming to Blooming- ton he W(jrked first as a journeyman carpenter, and then engaged as contractor and builder, in which he was successfully occupied for ten years follow- --m^ i Residence of Gottlieb Arnold , Sec. 21. .Towanda Township. iiassaaas!g'«safes'a*atadfe3sigfe>^v;:liiv,^lii^Siil>!S»>nSrick, being solid and substantial structures, adnurably adapted to the purpose for which they were erected. Mr. Miner is also the owner of a fine farm west of the cit}', and talies a genuine interest in agricultural affairs. He has furnished designs for man}' of the best build- ings in McLean County. He has talcen a deep in- terest in the welfare and prosperity of his ado|)ted city, and has furnislied his full quota toward Iniug- ing it to its i)resent proud position among the growing cities of tlie West. Politically Air. M. is a Republican, ■■aid is a member in good standiug of the M.asouic fraternity. Our subject was married in Hoouiiiigton. in 1885, to Miss Emma Tlionias, and they occupy a beautiful residence at the corner of McLean and Locust streets, being surrounded by all the conj- forts of life and many of its luxuries. I'ly a former marriage of our sul)ject there were born tiu-ee eliildren: Frank, of Kansas City; Belle, who became the wife of C. A. Clement, of S|)ringfield, Mo., and AVillie, at liomc with his father. K. .JOHN W. FLSHER, D. fS., of Blooming- ton, 111., is a native of Flushing, Belmont Co., Ohio, where he was born in a log cabin on the -Jd of October, 182'J. His ])arents were John and Hannah (Thompson) Fisher, natives of Virginia, who came to Ohio after their marriage and engaged in fanning pursuits. John Fisher, Sr., in early life had learned the trade of a cooper, but practically abandoned it after remov- ing westward. The parents established a comfortable home in the Buckeyie State, upon which thej' passed the remainder of their lives, the mother dying in 1881, and tlie father two years later. The parental famil}' included nine children, five now living, as follows: JIartha, Mrs. Smith, resides in Ohio; the next olclest is our subject. Dr. Jolin W. ; Asa B. is in Wiciiita, Kan; Maria, Mrs. Baldertson, is in Washington, Kan.; Anna, Blrs. Ilolloway, lives in Oiiio. Dr. Fisher was reared on the farm of his parents, and wdl remembers how the snow drifted throuah the cracks of their humble cabin as he Lay in liis bed in tlic winter time. He received a fair educa- tion in tlie [jrimary schools, and remained under the parental roof until he was twenty-two years of .age. He then re.ad medicine for one year, and commenced the study of dentistry a year later, first engaging in practice in his own town. He was without capital, but was desirous to go to St. Clairsville, the county seat of Belmont County, where he believed he could find a better field of operation. An old (Quaker, Daniel Huff, knowing of his desires, stopped him on the ro.ad one day, and liolding out $100 invited him to help himself. Young Fisher accepted $50 at eight per cent inter- est, and six months after settling in St. Clairsville (laid the indebtedness in full, both princii)al and interest. Dr. Fisher practiced in St. Clairsville for over eleven years, witli fine results, then, desiring to see something of the western countiy, he started for tlic Prairie State, and in 18G9 came to Blooming- toii. lie did not commence practice, however, until two years later, but since 1871 has followed his profession continuously. On the 24th of July, 18(11, lie was united in marriage with Miss Mary K. Clemens, wlio was born in Harrison County, Ohio, and w.'is the daughter of James and Pleasant (Mer- ritt) Clemens, n.atives of Pennsylvania. Of this union there were born two children, a son and daughter — James E. and Mary A. Their pleasant home is located at No. 514 East Locust street, and the olllce of Dr. Fisher is at No. 402 North Main. In addition to his dwelling in the city he has a farm of 120 acres in Blue Mound Township, which is cultivated and improved, and quite valuable. Dr. Fisher is Republican in politics, and a regular attendant of the Presbyterian Church. He is a -^*- «i-^ i 374 McLEAN COUNTY. member of the Illinois State Dental Society, and belongs to the iMusiinic fraternity, lie is highly esteemed as a citizen, and in his profession ranks among its most sivillfnl and snccessful members. -^«;^- 4P^ «55*^- r TIS '1'. HALL, a retired farmer now a resi- dent of the village of Danvers, is a native of the Old (Jranite State, having lieen born in Salem, N. 11., April o, l.s-J!S. lie is the son of Israel W. and Polly (Stiekney) Hall, natives of the same State, both of whom were Ijorn in IT'.llS. Is- rael Hall was a shoemaker by trade, and eame into the Prairie State in 1831, locating in McLean C'onnty at an early period in its history. He pnr- chased 120 acres of good farming land, n|>on which he located and commenced its improvement and enllivation. He was married to the mother of our snbjeet in 1S24, and remained ui)on the homestead which he had first eslablislied until his death, whic'h occurred in ISO,'). Tiie motjier is still living, and makes her home with her son, the subject of this notice. The parental household consisted of three children: Alice, wlm married .Taeob McC'lure, and died in 1884; Otis, of our sketch, and Cynthia, who married for her first husband, Thomas Dodge, now deceased, and she was then married to .lohn Morri- son. Tlu^ father of oin- stdjject was an outsi)oken Democnit in politics, and both parents were mem- bers of the I\l(!thodist Ei)isc(jpa,l Church. Otis T. Hall was reared by his parents and re- mained with them until he had attained his major- ity', in the meantime receiving a common-school education. He came with them to this county, and remained under the home roof until the father's death. The marriage of oui' subject and Miss Eliza Wilson took pl.aee in this county in 1870. The i)arents of Mrs. Hall were James and Susan J. (Whiting) Wilson, natives respectively of Virginia and Kentnck}'. Her father was born in 1800, being twenty years the senior ()f his wife, who was born in 1820. He had been reared to farming pursuits, and before his marriage removed to Indiana and purchased 200 acres of good farming land. He was then married, in 1840, and after remaining there a number of years, came to this State and eonnty with the view of estalilishing a permanent home. Mr. Wilson purchased 300 acres in Dan- vers Township, which he cultivated and occupied until 1881, and then removed into the vill.age and practicality retired from active business. Here, two years later the mother died, June ',1, 1883. The death of Mr. Wilson occurred Feb. 8, 188G. Their fourteen childreu were named as follows: Sarah, William, .lohn, Joscjih, James, Mary, Alfred, Eliza, Anna. Manley, Charles, George, Margaret and Ad- die. Both parents were members of the Cundjer- hmil Presbyterian Church. .Air. Hall and wife have had born to tiicm one child, Oertie W., who is twelve years old. In jiol- itics Mr. ll:dl is a Democrat. Mrs. Hall is a mem- ber of the I'resbytcrian and Mr. Hall of the .Meth- odist Church. ~«'»A. •"tacfir®-^-"^ ^ >*@gNgi/^ra7T»\^ • -./vv*. \f SAAC P. MITCHELL, deceased March 2(;, 1 8.S7, was an honored mendier of McLean Count}', and first opened his eyes to the light in the Old Dominion, having been born in Frederick County, Va., on the 1 Itli of October, 1811. His father, Thomas Mitchell, was a soldier in the Hevolution- ary War, and a commissioned oflicer in the Naval Department. After the independence of the colo- nies was established he settled on a farm in Fred- erick County, Va., where he followed agricultural pursuits the remainder of his life. He was a slave- holder, but .a man of humane and generous instincts, and in his last will and testament made provision for the freedom of all his colored people. One of the slaves was quite young and he was to be sold and freed at a certain age. Isa,ac 1'., our subject, purchased this one and freed him at the time ap- pointed. The maiden name of the nH)ther of our subject was Deborah Perkins, and she also was born in Frederick County, Va., antl died there on the farm which she had inherited from her father. Isaac P. Mitchell was the sixth child and second sou of his (larents. He was reared on his father's plantation and received his primary education in the subscription schools. He remained at home until the death of his mother, when he was nearly f -4»- ■•► McLEAN COUNTY. 375 I twenty-one years olrl. He then joined an older brother in Clarke County, Ohio, and remained there until 1838, in the meantime having assumed domes- tic ties, and was now a man of family with a wife and two children. He now determined to seeiv a more western location, and accordingly started for the [irairies of Illinois. His outfit consisted of twD horses and a wagon, iiilloi>niiiigton, Chicago and St. Louis, using oxen for his motive power. He also hauled wheat to Chicago, 125 miles distant, which he sold at twenty-five cents per Ijushel, the trip consuming from eight to ten days. During this time he lived very economically, saved what he could of his earn- ings, and after a few years was enabled to build and locate on his farm. In the si)ring of l.sGS he removed to Kansas, settled in Wilson County, and together purchased and entered nearl}' isOO acres of land, remaining a resident of that Stale until 1880, when he returned to the old homestead in Dale Township. ]\lr. Mitchell was very successfiU as a farmer, and has been the possessor of 1)20 acres of land in Dale Township beside his lantl in Kansas. The greater part of this he has deeded to his sons, beside providing for his daughters. The subject of our sketch was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Johnstone in 1837. This larand is a representative German citizen, who has idol and vocal music lie cmplnycd his spare uk^- ments in the study of medicine, in due time he entered tlie ollice of Dr. A. -J. Miller, of Stone's I'r;iiric. Adams Co., 111., .'ind after close application fi\\ of .lanuary, ISl!;'), and commenced practice .at Tolouo, 111. On the 1 Ith of AI:ircli, 18f;i;, he was married to Miss Elizabeth II. Fugate, a native of Missouri, and the daughter of Wil- bourne and Euphema (Thomson) Fugate, Ixjtli na- tives of North Carolina. Mr. and Mrs. F., .after their marriage, located on a farm in Alissouri. The father of Mrs. Darrah was :i, man of fine abilities, possessing both musical and liter.ai-y talents, and commenced teaching whil(> a very young man. They removed to Illinois in 18.'>8. In liis 3'ounger years Mr. F. was a student in the William and Mary College, of Virginia, and became a historian of great excellence. He always took a deep inter- est in educational matters, and after a worthy and useful life ceased from his earthly' labors in 188.'j. The mother is still living, in Urb.ana, 111., .aged seventy-five. Of their family of six children, the record is as follows: .lolui T. is a pr.acticing phy- sician of Urliana, 111.; .Icrome W. is following the same profession in Lawrence, Kan. ; Elizabeth II. is the wife of our subject; Lycurgus W. is practic- ing medicine at Colchester, McDonough Co., III. ; David W. is a resident of Camp Point, III., and Martha M. also resides at the latter-nanu'd place. Dr. Darrah commenced the pr.actice of his pro- fession at Tolouo, Champaign County, and contin- ued for eighteen j'ears theie. For two terms he was President of the Chami)aign County Medical Society; has served as Secretary of the Judicial Council Illinois Stale Medical Society a number of years, and w.as A'ice President and then President of tile same during 1 8.s2-8.'i. He is .also a member of tlic Ciiampaigu County, McLean County, Ceu- ■» l l <■ tral Illinois and Illinois State Medical Societies; is identified with the Araeiican Medical Association, and an lumorary member of the Southern Illinois Medical Association. Dr. Darrah came to Bloomington in ISS.'j, but his reputation had already preceded him, and he stepped at once into a lucrative and extensive practice. His oflice is located at No. 101) East Washington street, and the attractive residence of himself and family is at No. (;i4 E.ast Front street. The household circle includes three children — Del- mar D., Nellie E. .and Ada M. During years of |)ressing business cares Dr. Dar- rah has been greatly iutcresteil in the success of Ma- sonr_y, and h.as been a prominent figure anning its councils since LSGo. Resides passing all the de- grees up to his i)resenl high [losition in the frater- nity, he is one of the Trustees of the Illinois Or- l)lians' Home, is Associate Chief of the Illinois Ma- sonic ^'eterans, and h(.iiioraiy member of Star Lodge No. 240, in Chanipaigu. He now occupies the highest ])osition within the gift of the fi'aternity of Illinois, to wiiich he is amply entitled liy his long experience, mature judgment and wise councils. In politics Dr. Darrah uniformly casts his vote with the Democratic ])arty. . DWARD BUNN, an extensive stock-dealer of Danvers, and having his residence in the village, h.as been a resident of the Prairie State since 18,52. He has a good knowledge of the business in which he is eng.aged, and is meeting with fair success. Our subject was born in Ross County, Ohio, Sept. 2, 1835, being the son of Jef- ferson and Mary (Madden) Bunn, of Ohio and Vir- ginia resi)ectively. Jefferson Bunn w.as of German ancestry and parentage, but born in Ohio Sept. 10, 1802. He was a cabinet-maker by trade, having served his apprenticeship at Chillicothe, in his na- tive county, where he was married. He removed to Illinois in the fall of 1852, and located at Bloom- ington, whence, after two years' residence he re- moved to Table Grove, Fulton County. There he followed farming pursuits for five j'cars, and then reuuiveil to Macomb, where he was emploj'ed in the ■^ t a. McLEAN COUNTY. 379 ik cabinet-shop of Messrs John .and 'rhoni.is McEl- rath for two years. From there he came to Dan- vers, where he passed the remainder of his da^'S and departed this life Dec. 29, 188.5. Jefferson Runn was a member of the Metliodist Episcopal Church for a period of forty years. The mother of our subject was also connected with tlie same church. Her birth occurred in 1800, and her death on the 22d of July, 1872. Tiie }i.arental household included six children, three now living. The record is as follows: Lewi.s died in 1829, and Maria L., Feb. 10, 1830; one died in infancy un- named ; George lives in Bloomington, and married Miss E. Rayburn; Susan resides in Danveis, and Edward is the subject of this sketcli. * The marriage of Mr. Runn occurred Jan. 1, 1857, the lady of his choice being Miss Eliza Wil- fong. The wedding took [)lace at Macomb, 111., John O. C. Wilson, p]sq., olliciating. Mrs. Bunn was born in North Carolina, M.ay 18, 183;!, and is tlie daughter of William 1'. and (Sarah (Marley) AVilfong. Tlie former was born in Rawleigh, N. C, in September. 1798, where he was reared and mar- ried. He came to Illinois with his family in 1843, and located in Hancock County, where they lived one year, thence removing to Birmingham, Schuy- ler County, and from there to Macomb, where the death of the father occurred on the 8th of .Tune, 1877. The mother of Mrs, Bunn was born in Randolph County, N. C, in 1809, and was married in 1832. She is still living, and malves her home with her daughter in Danvers. The parental lionse- hold consisted of ten children, viz.. Eliza, Isabel, Ann, Sarah, Emeline, Martha, Rosa, James, John, and one who died in infancy. Of the marriage of our subject and his wife tliere have been born six children — Ida, Laura, Clarence, Nora, Mattie and Orin. Ida became the wife of John Musselman, a druggist of Danvers; Laura married William Shorthose, a farmer of Danvers; Nora married Harr3' Swearengin, a raih'oad man; Clarence married Miss Nettie Montague, and is foreman of a Inmber-yard at Bloomington, 111. Mr. Bunn came to Illinois with his parents in 1852, and in a period of over thirtj' years has i^een an interested witness of the development and progress of the Prairie State. He mav not ii.ivc distin- guishiMl iiiaiself by any remarkable deeds, but lie has been a law-abiding, enterprising and worthy citizen, living at peace with liis neighbors, and per- forming all the obligations of a valued member of the C(.)miiiuiiit3'. ^^] B. CHRISTIAN r. NAFZIGER, an excellent jll (=-, representative of the worth}' German farin- ^^(| ing element of this region, is comfortably located in Allin Township, on section 18, where he is carrying on the peaceful pursuits of agriculture, and by his upright and honest course in life has se- cured tlie resiiect and esteem of his fellow-citizens. Mr. Nafziger was born in Prussia, July 26, 1819, being the son of Jacob and Catherine (Nafziger) Nafziger, both natives of the German Empire, the father born in 1797, and the mother the following year. The}' were married in their native county in about 1817, and remained there until 1853, when they set sail for the New World. After land- ing in New York City, they proceeded Immediately westward to tliis State and county, where the father of our subject i>urcliased eighty acres of flue farm- ing land, upon wliii-li lie resided nnlil liis death, whicli occurred in 1884. The mother had died previously in 18()3, after tiiey had become the par- ents of seven children, named as follows: Au- gustus, Eliza, Helen, Helena, Katie, Henrietta and G. B. t;hristian P. of our .sketch. They were most excellent and worthy people, members of the jMennonite Cliurch, and trained their children to habits of industry and principles of honor. The subject of this history remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority and in 1855 was united in marriage with Miss Kate Nafziger, in McLean County, 111. He reached the United States in the spring of 1840, and first went to Butler County, Ohio, where he lived three years. He then returned to Germany, and after a sojourn of nine years in his native land, set out once more for America. Then Mr. N. came to the Prairie State and this county, where he was married and when! he purchased the farm upon which he now resides. Here he is engaged in general agriculture, and is devoting much time and attention to the •► t 380 A McLEAN COUNTY. breeding of graded stock. Tlie eight ehildri'ii of our subject are recorded as follows: Augustus married Miss Lizzie Ehrsuian, of Alliu Township; Eliza became tlie wife of Christian Otto; Minnie married Arn(jld Unziger; Emila married a gentle- man of the same name; Katie, Julia, Bertha and Ferdinand are at home witli their parents. The lat- ter are members of the Mennonitc Church, and our subject, politically, afliliates with the Democratic party. 'S^sRESLEV T. BKOOKS, a retired farmer •' now living in ease and comfort in the vil- •^-^f^ ^ lage of Stanford, is wisely enjoying the fruits of his early toil and talcing satisfac- tion in the consciousness of a well-spent life. He was born in Hart County, Ky., Nov. H, llS-21, being the son of Miles and Lucy (I'ullian) Brooks, both natives of ^'irginia. The father was born Dec. 1, 1781, and the mother Aug. 5, 1784. Miles Brooks disposed of his possessions in Kentucky in 1828, and started for the prairies of Illinois, stopping daring the winter of that year and the snmmer of 1829 in Indiana. In the fall of 18-29 he came into Sangamon County, where lie remained until Decem- ber, and then entered a tract of laud in what is now Allin Township, this county, to which he removed his family and where he established a comfortable home. There he spent the remainder of his days, dying in 1840. He was prospered in his farming and business transactions, and at the time of his death was the owner of .'iOO acres of choice land with modern imi)rovements. JSlrs. Brooks survived her husband about three years and died Feb. 11, 1844. They became the parents of eleven chil- dren, as follows: America was born March 12, 180(1; Elizabeth, April 2, 1807; Virginia, Oct. 10, 1808; Millie, June IG, 1810; Benjamin 1'., March 24, 1812; Elzey, Oct. 12, I8J4; Sarepta S., Aug. 2C, 1817: Zerilda, Oct. 19, 1819; Presley T., Nov. 9, 1821; Lucy A., May 17, 182.'); Martlia D., March 21, 1823. In Kentucky the parents were connected with the Baptist Church, but after their removal to Illinois becanu^ members of the Chris- tian ('hurch. ']"he suliject of this history was reared by his parents, received a very limited education in the common schools, and after attaining his majority' was married, Dec. 29, 1842, to Miss Eliza S. Lari- son. They located in Allin Township, on (lovern- ment land, and in 1848 entered the land that he located on in 1842. Mr. Brooks purchased ad- ditional land, until he becanie the possessor of 481) acres, which he brought to a state of good cultiva- tion and erected upon it a handsome and commo- dious farm dwelling, withagooil barn :uk1 all neces- sary out-bnildings. He donated one acre of this for a cemeter3' and for a school building. He has been a useful and valued citizen since coming to this community and held the otlices of Constable, Justice of the Peace, Township Supervisor, Asses- sor, and Treasurer, being the incumbent of the lat- ter oflice for a period of eighteen years. As a Magistrate he ofliciated tweuty-flve j'ears. He has always been greatl}' interested in the temperance movement. In earl}' life he affiliated with the Democratic party but has now identified himself with the l*rohiliiti(.)nists. Both Mr. Brooks and his wife are members of the Christian Church. The family- of Mr. and Mrs. Brooks consisted of ten children, of whom eight are living, namelj', Catherine, JNIili's, .Mary, Abel, Rachel, Lucy A., Millie and Ella. The deceased are, America A. and an infant son which died unnamed. Besides ids town property Mr. Brooks owns 480 acres of land in Allin Township, on sections 29 and 32, ICO acres of which land Iw |)ui'chased on a sil 12. <^ OBi;i!4' LOUDON is widely known through- out this section as one of the solid men of McLean County, and as a gentleman who \^ is intimately identified with the industrial interests of liloomington. During the 3'ears of a busy life he has accumulated a competency and is still en- gaged with his active duties, being proprietor of the Eagle Macliine Works, located on North Main stre(>t, which occupy forty-four feet front, and run through to Center street. These works include black- smith-shops with all the other .accessories of a factory, .and an extensive 3'ard for storage. The business n f McLEAN COUNTY. 4 387 i^ has devoted las entire attention to his profession, in which he has attained success and a good posi- tion in the profession in this count}'. lie was elected Justice of the Peace in 1881, and lias contin- ued in the office by successive elections since tliat time. Mr. Fulwiler was united in marriage with JMiss Jlary, the only daughter of Robert and Alar}- A. Fell, in 18(1.5, and they have three children — John Walter, Leonard Fell and Roberta May. Mr. Ful- wiler is Republicau in politics, and socially a char- ter member of the G. A. R. and the Union Veter- ans' Union, also a member of Jesse Fell Lodge, K of P. -^^^-^ . from a wild and uncultivated prai- rie to one of the most productive counties in the State, and profited by its progress to the extent of possessing a competency at the time of his death. He was a Democrat in politics, and always voted for Democratic presidential nominees except once, when he cast his vote for Henry Clay. His good wife died in Februaiy, 1885. Twelve children were born to them, six of whom grew to attain the age of man and womanhood. Narcissa married Simp- son E. Thompson, and they live in Fjmpire Town- ship; our subject was the next in order of birth; John E. is a i-esident of Le Roy ; Andrew J. is a farmer of Empire Township; Lewis C. lives on the old homestead. The subject of this notice was but two years old when he came to this State with his parents. Here he received his education in the common sciiools, attending the first school ever taught at Le Ro3% James H. Lincoln being the teacher. On attaining a suitable age he made a full hand in the cultivation of the farm, and continued to reside with the old folk until his marriage, and then ♦ i t -^ 388 McLEAN COUNTY. r I i' bought 100 acres of land east of Le Roy, on which he lived for five and a lialf years. He then sold it and bought wlicre he is at present residing. His first purchase here was 160 acres, and he added to it by subsequent purcliascs until at one time he was the proprietor of 1.000 acres in Empire and Downs Townships. A goodly portion of this is divided among his children, but he has sullicielit left to .support him in his retirement from active labor during the latter ye.ars of his life. Mr. C'rumbaugh was married, Sept. 28, 1851, to Amanda M. Buclv. She was born in Switzerland County, Ind., Feb. 10, ls-28, and is a daughter of Hiram and Mary (Karr) liuck. Of the union of our subject and Miss Buclc tlirec children were born : Laura E. is the wife of William Lafterty, a farmer of Downs Township; Edith M.ay married Charles S. Lafferty, and they are residents of Wel- don, DeWitt Co., Ill; Hir.am II. is living at home. Mr. Crumbaugh has held the various ofHccs of his township, including Collector, Commissioner of Highways and also Township Supervisor. He and his daughter May are members of the Universalist Chnrcii. *— ^^ 'J*^' *^''— ' "jf|' AFAYETTE ARCHER, Deputy Sheriff of I (^ McLean County, is a native of Genesee jlL^ County, N. Y., and was born June 13, 1832. His father, David Archer, was also a native of the Empire State, and liis grandfather, Basil Archer, also born in New York, served as a soldier in tlie War of 1812, and was held as a prisoner by the British for some time. After peace had been de- clared he engaged in farming pursuits and passed the remainder of his days in tlie State where he was born. His son David, tiie father of our subject, was reared upon a farm and remained in New York State until 1834. He then came to Illinois, and lo- cating in Bureau Countj' operated a sawmill there until the following spring, wlien he returned to New York for his family. He proceeded witli them to the headwaters of the Alleghany River and they went on a raft to rittsl)urgii, and from there via the Ohio, Mississippi and Illinois Rivers, reached Hennepin, where they took a jnivate con- veyance into Bureau County. Mr. Archer pro- ■^^ ceeded witii his mill operations a few years, then purchased a tract of wild land and commenced the improvement of a farm. The principal market for grain and pork at that time was Chicago, 110 miles distant, and it usually took seven days to make the trip. Upon these journeys the pioneers carried their provisions, camping and cooking by^ the way- side. David Archer wns a man of resolution and courage, overcame all the dilliculties which he encountered, and lived to see the county developed into prosperous farms, and railroads running- through it. As j'ears passed by the city of Prince- ton was started and grew, being located five miles from his farm. After laboring for a period of over forty years upon the homestead which he estab- lished in the wilderness, he passed his declining- days in pe.aee and comfort, and having arrived at the advanced age of eighty-four ye.ars, departed this life in August, 1885. The maiden name of his wife was Climona Grovier, who w.as also a native of New York State, .and lived the faithful and affec- tionate companion of her husband until within a few m(jnths of his death, her decease occurring Janu- ary 18 of the same year. Of their union there were born twelve children, of whom ten grew to mature ye.ars. The subject of this hist(n'y w.as a cliild three years of .age when his jiarents came to Illinois. He attended the pi(jneer schools and grow to manhood in Bureau County, assisting his father in the du- ties of the farm, lie then served .an apprentice- shii) at the ciupentcr's trade, which he followed in Bureau County until 1858, and then coming into McLean County w.as similarly occupied until 18G2. The late war being then in progress he enlisted as a Union soldier in Co. A, 117th 111. Vol. Inf., C.apt. Kinsey commanding, and served until the close. He participated with his comrades in the battles of Pleasant Hill and Meridian, Miss., and at the bat- tle of Nashville received a gunshot wound which compelled him to remain in the hospital for a num- ber of weeks. After several other eng.agements and skirniishcs he received his flnal and honorable discharge in M.ay, 18G5. He then returned to Mc Lean County and resumed work at his trade, at which he has been occupied since that time. Mr. Archer w.as married, Dec. 31, 1856, to Miss i -<^ A McLean county. 389 Louisa Kinsey, a native of Ohio, and daughter of John and Elinore (Be vans) Kinsey, a sketch of whom will be found in another part of this work. Of this union there were born six children, as follows : Cicero H., a resident of Ft. Niobrara, Neb.; F. Aurelian; Addie, the wife of Bert Rice; William Lewis, of this countj' ; Uattie L. and Kva E., at home with their parents. Mr. Archer has served ns Collector of -Mt. Hope Township, and is fulfilling the duties of his present position as Deputy Sheriff in an able and efficient manner. He lielongs to McLean Lodge No. 4G9, A. F. it A. M., and to Harrison W. Ward Post No. 173, G. A. U. The children of David Archer and his wife, the parents of our subject, are recorded as follows: Emily became the wife of John L. Wilson, and died in Kansas; George W. served as a soldier in the G4th Illinois Regiment, known as Yates' Sharp- shooters, and now lives in Dakota; Lafayette was the third child; Peru and LaSalle (twins) also served with their brother George in the 04th Regi- ment; Peru died while in service at luka. Miss., in 1803 ; LaSalle lives- at Joplin, Mo. ; Martin V. served in the 8th Missouri Infantry, and now lives at Rock Island, 111. ; Milton resides on the homestead ; Lewis C. served in the 140th 111. Inf., and lives atFt. Nio- brara, Neb. ; Ellen became the wife of Edward Not- tingham, and occupies a part of the old homestead. The maternal grandfather of our subject was a na- tive of New York and served in the War of 1812. He was of English and German ancestry. Mr. Archer cast his first presidential vote for John C. Fremont, and has voted for each Repub- lican candidate for that office since that time. ^v\rv. «\4ii£j2r©'^^ «/^-S.'?T2r2r»\~ -\jT^^ 4 W^ILLIAM D. HALLETT, of Bloomington, who is engaged in mercantile pursuits at the corner of Olive and Center streets, is a useful factor of the business community. He was born in England in April, 1841, being the son of James and Lydia Ilallett, who are now living in re- tirement in Bloomington, and of whom a sketch is given in another part of this work. William Hallett was educated in his native En- gland and emigrated to America with his parents when about twelve years of age. He was early trained to habits of industry, and soon began to make himself useful, being variously employed un- til the outbreak of the Rebellion. He then en- listed in the 39th Illinois Infantry, and was in the service three years and two months. He fought with his comrades at the battles of Charleston Harbor, Drury's Bluff, and at Weire Bottom Church was wounded in the hip. After remaining in the hospital for some time and his term of service hav- ing exi)ired, he received his honorable discharge, and returning to Bloomington soon afterward en- gaged in the restaurant business, which he followed for fourteen years, and then engaged in the grocery trade, which he has pursued since that time. He purchased the lot on which his store was built in 1883. This structure is of brick, 21x00 feet in area, and is finely fitted up for the transaction of business. Mr. Hallett was married in 1805, the lady of his choice being Miss Emma R. Harley, and they have four children — Carrie M., William D., Harley J. .ind Ethel. The family residence is at No. 1008 South Lee street, where in 1800, Mr. H.allett pur- chased several lots. Here they have a convenient and comfortable home, and dispense to their many friends a generous hospitality. Mr. Hallett is Re- publican in politics, and a member of the I. O. O. F. He is a straightforward and methodical busi- ness man, and greatly respected by those who have dealings with him. ^iw) M. FORDICE, proprietor of the lumber- y.ards at the corner of Market and Howard streets, Bloomington, also deals extensively in sash, blinds and doors, besides hard and soft coal. He is one of the prominent business men of the city, always ready to assist in every o-ood work and purpose, and is esteemed alike for his straightforward business methods and his kindly Christian character. The subject of this history is a native of Bloom- ington, and was born March 14, 1840, his parents being James M. and Letitia (Saterfield) Fordice, the former of New York and the latter of White- .► I t -•► i ' 390 McLEAN COUNTY. i side Coiintj', 111. Tlio graiulfatlicr of our suhject, Stanton Fordico, was one of tliejiionuer settlers of Illinois, coming into McLean County in 1822, and taking up a tract of (ioveriiment land in what is now 751()omington Grove. Upon the farm wliich he eliminated from the wilderness he erected a com- fortable dwelling, which constituted the permanent home of himself and family, and where he remained nntil his death. Ilis four children were: Stanton, Uaniel, John and Janu's !\I. (tin- father of our suh- ject). The latter learned the blacksmith's trade in Blooniington. which he folk>wed. The Fordice family trace their ancestry back to the Mohawk Dutch, and on the mother's side from Scotland. Our subject received his early educa- tion in the city schools of ]51oomington. finishing with a term at the High School, and during the summer seasons worked out bj' the month farming. He handled his first lumber on the tth of July, 1857, and has continued since that time with short intervals in the lundier business. On the 1st of January, 18G7, hecame into possession of a one- third interest in a lumber-_yard, and in 1875 pur- chased the entire interest, which he has conducted successfully and profitably to this time. His trans- acti(jns now extend over a. wide range of territory, and he is known throughout JNIcLcan County as one of its most reliable and i)rosperous business men. During the late war Mr. Fordice enlisted in the service of his country, l)ccoming a member of Co. C,3;Jd 111. Vol. Inf., and was mustered in in August, 18()1, as Second Sergeant, and [iromoted Orderly Sergeant at the siege (.)f \'icksburg, serving until October, 18(i-l. With his comrades he was engaged in the battles of Frederickstown, Magnolia Hills, Raymond, (_'ham|)ion Hills, the siege and capture of V^icksburg, and the two battles at Jackson, AlisS. He iierformed his part as a soldier in a br;i.vo and faithful maiuier, as he has performed all other du- ties in life. The subject of this history was unili'd in mar- riage with Miss Mattie Dixon, on the Kith of Oc- tober, 1871. Mrs. F. is a native of Jiipley, I5rown C(^, Ohio, and the daughter of William Dixou, a native of the same State. Of this union there was l)orn one child, Lewis J., who died at the age of ■^^ seven j'ears. Mrs. Mattie Fordice only remained the companion of her husband li\(' short years, de- parting this life at their home in 1S7G. For his second wife Mr. Fordice m;u-ried, in 1878, RHss Martha J. Henry, of Brown County, Ohio, and the daughter lie- came the mother of two children, I'^ttie L. .-iiid Lena M., and passed fi'om the scenes of eai'th in 1881. The present and third wife of our sidtject was, AHss Carrie Herman, to whom he was married in IJIoomington in 1882, and vvlio was born in this city in 18(10. The family residence is located at No. 005 North Madison street, and in all its api)oint- ments denotes the abode of cultivated tastes and the refinements mi)leted a good English etluca- tion. J.ater he attended Oberlin College, where he took a classical course through the Sophomore year and later became a mendier of the Ohio Con- ference during Its session at ( Jallipojis. He preached for four years following, in the meantime having been ordained Deacon and Folder. Desiring to still further perfect himself in his ministerial studies, he (Altered u|ion a coursi' in the Ohio Wesleyan liniversily, Delaware, Ohio, whence he graduated in 1805, and entered upon the career in which he afterward became distinguished as an eminent and devotiid laborer in the iM aster's service. J.'unes 1). Fr}' w;is united in marriage with INHss Margaret Susanna, the daughter of James David- I RESIDENCE OF J OHN ALLISON , 5 EC 15 , DALE TOWNSHIP , fi RESIDENCE OF A. J- W I LSO N , SEC . 11 , DALE TOWN SHIP . Ci f ■^^ i McLEAN COUNTr. ;u)3 son, on the "21st of June, 18()8, in Lawrence County, Ohio. In 1872 he became ['"inaneial Agent for tlie Ohio Wesleyan University. He spent tlie year 1873-74 traveling tluough Knr()|)e, accompanied by his wife. lie remained some months at Ilalle University, (iermany, studying the (Jerman lan- guage and attending tlieological lectures. In 187 1, returning to the United States iMr. Fry resumed his labors in the ministry, and in the fall of the year following was elected to tlie chair of Moral Phd- osophy and German in llie Illinois Wesleyan Uni- versity. Two years later he i-esigned this position and resumed his work in the ministry. Mrs. P'ry, wife of our subject, is finel}- educated. She was elected to the Chair of lielles Lettres in the Illinois Wesleyan University, Ulooniington, 111., in 1875, which position she still holds. At the age of eighteen years she graduated with honors from Oxford Seminary, at Oxford, C)hio. She received the degree of A. M. from the Ohio Wesleyan Uni- versity, Delaware, Ohio, in 1878, and the degree of Ph. D. by examination in 1881, from Syracuse University, Syracuse, N. Y. She jiossesses literary ability of a high order, and has been an occasional contribntoi' to the tirst-class periodicals. -«^ t ylLLIAM BALDRIDGE, a highly respected citizen of Oak Grove Village, and formerly a farmer of White Oak Township, is a na- tive of the Buckeye State, having been born in Adams County, .Jan. 7, 180.5. He is the son of Samuel and Mary (McGarrah) Baldridge, natives of Westmoreland County, Pa. Samuel Baldridge remained on his father's farm and attended the common schools until reaching his m.ajority, and then started out to do for himself. lie first went into Adams County, Ohio, and was employed on a farm for several years. He was industrious and economical, and saved his earnings, and in due time found himself able to purchase ICO acres of land near Manchester, Ohio. He had been married in his native county in Penns^'lvania and removed with his wife to the new farm, upon which they remained the balance of their lives. The father of our subject died in about 1817, in the sixt3'-ninth year of his age. The mother survived her husband many years, living to the advanced age of ninety. They were meinli('rs of what is known as the Re- form Presbyterian Churcii, and in politics Samuel Baldridge was a stanch supporter of the old Whig l)arty. The household circle was comjjieted by the birth of ten chihlren — Mary, AVilliam, .lames W., Martha, S:nah, lOlizabetli, Samuel, Robert, -Cather- ine, anil one who died in infancy unnamed. \Villiani B.aldridgc remained on the homestead of his parents during his childhood and youth, and received a common-school education. When twenty- two years of age he was united in marriage with i\Iiss Margaret Kane, Aug. 29,1827. The young coui)le remained on the father's farm until the spring of 18.j2, when our subject came to Illinois and purchased eighty acres of Hue farming land on section 22, White Oak Township, ten acres of which is timber. Two years later he increased his landed interests by the purchase of IGO acres on section 24, and in 1802 traded this latter for the ninety acres which lie now owns, and which is under a high state of cultivation. Mr. and Mrs. B. became the parents of six children — Mary J., Samuel, James W., Martha, William J. and (ieorge T. Mary became the wife of William Ramsey; Samuel was twice married, his lirst wife having been Miss Eliza- beth J. Kendall, and the second, IMiss Elizabeth Kirkpatrick; James W. married Miss Martha John- son; Martha became Mrs. Robert Patterson; Will- iam J. married Miss Caroline Wright; George T. was twice married, fust to Miss Hattie Ewing, and second to Miss Amanda Leach. The motlier of these children died Aug. 14, 1807, and William Baldritlge was the second time married. Miss Nancy P. Ewing becoming his wife. Of this union there were no children. Mrs. Nancy Baldridge is the daughter of James and Mary (Darwin) Ewing, who were natives of York Coimty, Pa., where the}' were reared and educated, and married in 1775, and removed the same year to Virginia, where they remained until 18li». Thence they removed to Adams County, Ohio, where the mother died that same year. They had eight children. Our subject and wife are wortiiy members of the Reform Presbyterian Church, antl in ptjlitics Mr. B. is a stanch Repub- -•► i t 1" 394 McLEAN COUNTY. licaii. Ill l.STl he bought :i line l,wo-»tory dwelling in Oali (Jruve N'illage, bnt subseijiiently traded for the plaee where lie is now living retired from active labor, snrroiinded by all the comforts of life and enjoying the leward of his early toil and in- dustry, having a snilicient competency for himself and wife. -^>> o^.■fc)^>•v®■•o♦o *v— OIIN A. JONES, of Danvers Township, is pleasantly located on section 14, where he has a fine homestead, and is enjoying with (^j/y ids fannly the comforts of life and many of its luxuries. Mr. Jones is a native of the I'rairie State, and was born in Dry (4rove Township, this county, Oct. 12, l.S-15. He is consequently in tlie prime of life, and has already established himself in the confidence and esteem of the community. The parents of our subject were IJenjamin L. and Mary A. (Anderson) Jones, natives respectively of Kentucky and Ohio. The father was born Aug. 31, 1.S12, and the mother in 1815. Benjamin Jones followed agricultural jmrsuits the greater part of liis life. When a young man he removed from his nativi^ State to Ohio, where he made his home with his uncle, and was married to Miss Mary A. Ander- son, in Clermont County, in 183;j. In the fall of 1 s;i7 they came to Schuyler County, 111., and Mr. Jones farmed on rented land two years there, then came to this county and was similarly employed for some time. In February, 1841). he met with a great afHiction in the loss of his wife. Mrs. Jones died at the home of her husband in Danvers Town- shii), and her remains were laid to rest in Stont's ( I love Cemetery. Mr. .bjiies at an earl}- day i)urehased 320 acres of timber land, at ^1.2,'i per acre. After the death of his wife he made his home with his children .and with Ids brothers, one of the latter being in Schuy- ler and the other in Mason County, this State. He h.as n(jw resided with our subject for the last four years. He and his wife united with the Presbj'ter- ian Church many years ago. He is greatly inter- ested in the success of the temperance movement, and a pronounced Prohibitionist. The household circlr u:is (■.>iiiii|ctc'd liytlic liirl h < if >c\ en chihlrcii. of whom John A. (1st) die>o4, when he sold out and started for Illinois, via tiic Ohio, Mississijipi and Illinois Riv- ers to Alton, and from there to Sangamon County, wlierc he stop|ieplied with good buildings and managed by relialile men. Mr. Keenan is one of those public-spirited and enter()rising citizens which are the life of a coni- mnnity, and without which it is imi>ossible to build up a coiuitr}' or a locality. He has contril)uted his full share toward the agricultural and industrial in- terests of this section, and receives his reward in the esteem and confidence of his fellow-citizens. ''k.A\ RS. ELIZA M. FRENCH was born in Preble County, Ohio, in 184'.), and is now a resident of IJloomington, 111., making her home with her daughter, Mrs. T. J. Read, at No. JSKi East North street. Eli H. French was a native of Belracmt County, Ohio, and the son of William and Mary (Bund}') French. His early yeais were s|)ent upon a farm in Ohio, and he came to Illinois when a young man, where he purch.ased a farm in Randolph Township, this county. He was married to .Miss F^liza Mason of ]\IcLean County. In 1854 he removed with his family to Story County, Iowa, w^here he purchased a farm of 300 acres. Mrs. French subsequently returned to Bloomiugtou, where she has since lived. i t McLEAN COUNTY. 4 397 ,A The sul)ject of this biogniijhy was the daughter of Solomon and Elizabeth (Frier) Mason, natives of Ohio. They came to Illinois in 1830, and settled in McLean County, where the mother died in Downs Township in 1851 ; the father is still living, having arrived at the advanced .age of eighty-live yeai's. The parental family consisted of eleven children, of whom Mrs. French was liftli in order of birth, and of these only six are living. Mrs. French some j^ears ago connected lierself with tlie United Brethren, and still remains a mcmlier of that church. Mary E.. the daughter of Mrs. French, w;is ni;ir- ried to Mr. T. J. Read in 1.S70, and they have four children — Arthur C, Carrie M., Ida 15. and Julia W. Mr. Read was liorn in Philadelphia in 1848, being the son of I>enjamin and Elizabeth (liehring) Re.ad, natives respectively of Mar3dand and Penn- sylvania. They came to Bloomington in l.S;')!;, and Mr. R. has been a resident of the city since that time. He is connected wiuh the PaiiUKjrapli. as collector and circulator, is a good business man and a worthy citizen. He built his tasteful and convenient residence in 1883. Mr. and Mrs. R. ai'fe members of the Metliodist F4)iscoi)al Churi'li. lie is Republican in politics and a thorough news- p.aper man, having lieen associated witli some of the city journals for the last thirty years. ^ ^^EOROE F. HAY, a resident of Danvers jll ,-— , Township, where he is engaged in farming ^^J) pursuits on section 21, is a native of Todd County, Ky., and was liorn .Sept. 18, 1814. His parents were Peter and Eliz.abeth (Finley) Ha}', natives respectively of Massachusetts and Yirginia. Peter Hay w.as born in 1770, and died on the 24tli of August, 1S24, at the age of fifty-four years, in Christian County, Ky. He was by tr.ade a tinsmith, but the latter years of his life were spent in farm- ing pursuits. Religiously lie was connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church. The wife fol- lowed her husband to the better land on the 1st of Septemljer, 1824. She was connected with the Old- School Presbyterian Church. The iiarcntal hou.se- hold consisted of eight children — Jane, John, Su- san, Maiy, INIarcia, Rachel, Catharine 15., and (ieorgc F., our subject. The early life of George F. Hay was s[)ent on the farm and in attendance at the common schools. When twenty years of age he came to Illinois with Mr. Benjamin Major, settling near Eureka, and as- sisted Mr. Major in driving cattle from Kentuckj^ to Walnut Grove. In Februaiy, 1.S3G, he was ap- pointed to the office of De|)uty Surveyor of Mc- Lean County, which position he held for four years. Sulisequeutly he engaged in farming pursuits, and at all times emiJoyed his leisure moments in the perusal of good and instructive books. In this ni:mner he obtained a fund of useful information which served him well in lieu of a college educa- tion, and enabled him to engage successfully as a. sciiool teacher, which calling he followed for sev- eral winters. The tirst purchase of land by Mr. Hay consisted of thirty-seven acres of timber, and his ne.xt of eighty acres, which he obtained from the Government. He is now the owner of 217 acres, and has a good set of farm buildings, being occupied in mixed husbandry. In 18.56, thinking a change would be desirable, Mr. Hay removed U> Woodford Comity and resided four years, during which time he became Assessor of the coinit}^ but linally returned to the ohl home in McLean, where he has been content to stay since that time. The marriage of our subject took place March 17, 183G, when he was united with Miss Elizabeth 10. McCullougii, the sister of Col. William McCul- lough, of PJoomingtoii, who was killed at the bat- tle of Coffeeville, Miss. Mi's. Hay was born in Fleming County^ Ky.. in 1.S21, and came to Dry (Jrove Township, this county, with her parents five 3'ears later, in 182(). Her father was the first man who erected a house in said township. Of this townshi|) Mr. Hay has also been Assessor at two different times, and served as School Trustee for fourteen j'cars. Mr. and 3Irs. Hay are the parents of one child — Elizabeth L., who w.as born Dec. 27, l.s3(l, and married J. W. Owen, of Chicago, in September, 1853. Mr. O. is doing commission business at the L'nion Stock Yards. They have had five children, one of whom is deceased. Mr. Hay became a member of the Christian Church at Noah .Springs, Tenn., in l.s.'!2. Mrs. Hay »► m -M t^ i A 398 McLEAN COUNTY. became a member of the Christian Chbrch in Dan- vers, 111., and they have .since been connected with that denomination, Mr. H. liaving- held the offices of Deacon, Elder and Clerk. Politically he is a stanch Democrat. The parents of Mrs. Hay were Peter and Levina (Crooks) McCuUough, natives respectively of Maryland and Kentnck3% who lo- cated in the former State after their marriage, .and removed to Kentucky when Mrs. H. was but a small child. They came to Illinois in 1820, where the father died in .lauuary, IS.'iH or 18.')'.l, at the age of seventy-seven years. The mother of Mrs. Hay died in 1840, .aged fifty years. Of their fam- ily of nine children two only are living: Mary M., now Mrs. Perry, of Allin Township, and Mrs. Hay of our sketch. Peter McCullough was a Universal- ist in religious belief, but the mother of Mrs. Hay w.as a member of the Methodist Epi-seopal Ciuirch. Mr. Hay relates an incident of his early life which is of considerable interest. While roaming around the country with a young coniiiani^i^ w.as born ne.ar liloomiugton, Ind., Feb. 21, ls>27, his ancestors being .among the early settlers of that State. Mr. Parks grew to manhood in his native county, .and in company with his brother, L. II. I 'a iks, engaged in the manufacture of tobacco until 1853. Both brothers then came to Illinois, and locating in Lc Roy, this county, estalilished a dry-goods business, which they conducted until after the war. Then our subject jjurchased the in- terest of his brother in the business and o])erated it alone until his death, which occurred .Ian. 7, 1871. The iiKuriage of Mr. P.-u'ks with Miss Martha J. Brown occurred on the 1st of Se|itcmlier, 1858. Mrs. Parks was born in Knox County, Ohio, March 12, 1840. Her father, A.aron Brown, w.as n n.ative of Pennsylvania, where he pursued the occupation of a f.armer for some years, finally removing to Knox County, Ohio, where he died in 1846. In 1 852 his widow removed with her children to this county, and settled near Le Roy. Mrs. Brown be- fore her marriage was Miss Isabella Pollock, and she was born in Ohio. She made her home with Mrs. Parks until the last years of her life, her death occurring about 1876, aged eighty-four. Mrs. Parks h.as three sons living: Theophilus and Charles live in Le Roy, the former engaged in the grocery trade; Fred is at home with his mother. Mrs. P. is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Mr. Parks in politics belonged to the Democr.atic party, and socially was a member of Lc Roy Lodge No. 140, I. O. O. F. IIARLES E. BAKER, President of the Ever- green City Business College, of Blooming- "^^^ ton, is a graduate of Ev.ansville Commercial College, and has been mainly instrumental in bring- ing it to its |)resent prosperous condition. He is a gentleman of fine education and good business ca- jiacity, havhig the rare faculty of adaiiting his at- tainments to practical uses. Mr. B.aker is a native of Indiana, and was born in Knox County, .luly l.'i, 1852. His father, Na- than Baker, a farmer by occupation, still resides in Knox County, Ind. His mother, who was formerly Miss Lucretia Wyant, was a native of Illinois, and died in 1855, .at the home of her husband in Knox County, Ind. Of their three children only one is living, the subject of this sketch, who was the youngest of the famil}'. The boyhood of Charles E. Baker was mostly spent upon his father's farm, his primary education being carriiMl on in the schools of his native county. After graduating from Evansville College he be- came Ijook-keejier for the llrui of French & Co., with whom he remained two years, and was then tendered the ])ositi t t 400 '»¥^m^4* McLEAN COUNTY. business with liis father in 183G. James, also a merchant for many years, was ai)pointed Postmas- ter under Frcsident Lincoln, and after his term of service had expired removed to Kansas in 1882, where lie now resides; John, who was engaged in farming in McLean Townsiiip, departed this life in ISC'); Lee is the subject of this sketch ; Catharnie A. became the wife of Dr. Z. L. Hoover, who died in issi;; he was formerly a prominent physician of Iilixiiiiiiigton. lion. James Alliu, Sr., died in 180'.), at tlie age of eighty -one years. lie was a man of great force of eiiaracter, and became prominently identified witli tlie politica' and other important matters of this .-iection. He was elected State Senator about the year 1837, and in whatever position he was called to fill acquitted him.self faithfully and crcd- italily. lie was a hearty supporter of the church, and materially assisted in the establishment of Wes- leyan University and other institutions of learning. Witli his wife he belonged to the Methodist Epis- copal Cliurch, and was its liberal and cheerful sup- porter until the close of his life. In early manhood he was uviited in marriage with Miss Catharine, the daughter of Judge John Livingston, of Rising Sun. This lady died atiJIoomingtou in 1872, when sev- enty years of age. Dr. Lee Alliu of our sketch ranks among the pio- neer settlers of McLean County, being .seven months old when his parents removed to this vicinity, in 1 82'.i. I lis boyhood d:i_ys were spent alternately in tin; subscription school and his father's store, in which he was given an interest when twenty years of age, which he retained for four years, and then aban- doned to commence the study of dentistry. In 18.')2 he was married to Miss Julia Mcl''arland, who was born in JacksouvilU'. II!.. in 1 s.'il, and was the daughter of James and M;iry (Noble) McFarland. who removed from riiiladelphia to Illinois in about IS 10. The i)arent.-d family consisted of five chil- dr(m, of whom Mrs. Alliu was the youngest born. Mrs. McFarland died in 187.5; the father of Mrs. Alliu is still living in I'(!oria, having .arrived at the advanced age of nincdj' years. The Doctor and Mrs. Alliu became the p.ireuts of three children, only two of whom are living: L(u> 1). married Miss .Josephine (;arvey,and they have two children — Winfield S. and a babe un- named; this sou is a cimdnctor on the C, 15. & (I. R. R, Clay born is at home. Their plea.sant and comfortable residence is located at the intersection of East and Fr( )nt streets, where the Doctor .also has his ofHce. During his long residence here he has fnllj' established himself in the confidence and es- teem of his fellow-citizens, and ranks among the most valued members of the communit}'. He has witnessed great changes since his boyhood, and has contributed his full share as a good citizen toward the development and prosperity of McLean County. He is indeitendent in politics, and served as Deputy Clerk of the county in 18 18-49. Both the Doctor and his wife are connected with the Methodist Epis- copal Church. RS. M. A. CAMPBELL, the widow of .lames Campbell, owns and occupies a snug 11 homestead, consisting of eighty acres of land and a good f.arm dwelling on section 35, White Oak Township. She is a native of Mor- gan Cc)unty, Ohio, and was born in 1840, being the daughter of John and Mary (Fry) Ray. Her father was l)oru in N'irginia, Dec. 30, 1803, and the mother near Wellsbnrg in the same State in 1813. They were married there in 183(), whence they re- moved shortly afterward to Ohio, and Mr. Ray pur- chased 1(10 acres of land in Morgan County. There he established a comfortable home, upon which he remained until his death, which occurred April 10, 18(;i. Mrs. Ray is still living on the old iKjmestead. They became the parents of the fol- lowing chihlren: Rachel .1., now Mrs. Thomas llemplield; M. A. sperity and advancement. (I^ARRISON C. LOTT, Superintendent and " Manager of the County- Poor Farm of Mc- Lean C'ounty, was placed in charge of this i^j instituti-■-♦> i •p-m^^^ McLEAN COUNTY. 409 t came the parents of five children, two now living, of whom our subject was the second. His sister Maggie, who was born in C)hio, married Joseph Taut, and they live iu Terre Haute, Ind. ; Martha died in Mncenncs, Ind., a few mc)nths after her marriage. The mother survived her husband a few months, and died in Danville, 111., in l.S.'tT. William Jones w.as a child of six years when he came to America with Jiis mother to join his father in Ohio. He icmained under the parental roof during his childhood and youth, and received care- ful home training, and attended a private school in Springfield. When fifteen 3'ears old he com- menced working in a blacksmith-shop at .Sehna, but after a few months proceeded to Danville, 111., whence, later, he went to Higginsvillo, but finally returned to Danville, and from there went to Deca- tur. He possessed natural mechanical talent, and after a short apprenticeship of two years was so skillful and correct in his work that he commanded journeyman's wages. He also became quite a trav- eler, and visited various places in Indiana, Iowa, Missouri and Texas. In the latter State he estab- lished business near Ft. Graham, on the Brazos River, in 1858. At that time this was on the front- ier, and about 225 miles from any railroad station. From there, in 18G0, he went to Decatur, 111., thence, in 18G1, to Newburg, and then ta Le Roy, and established a blacksmith-shop, which he opera- ted four years, and then removed to C4illespie, in Macoupin County, establishing a shop there also. After eighteen months he returned to Le Roy, and engaged as a machinist in the shops of the I., B. & W. R. R., where he remained until the spring of 1871. In March of that year he started a black- smith-shop, and engaged in horse-shoeing and gen- eral repairs for four or five years, and then estab- lished the machine-shop which he has managed until the present time. He is industrious, energetic and wide-awake, and has uniformly met with success, being now in the enjoyment of a handsome compe- tency. The marriage of William Jones and Miss Eliza- beth Johnson took place in Decatur, 111., on the Dth of January, 1857. Mrs. Jones was born in Spring- field, Sangamon Co., 111., and is the daughter of Benjamin F. and Elizabeth Johnson, of Kentucky. Of their union have been born Ave children, of whom the record is as follows: Emma is the widow of Dr. A. C. Fisk, and lives in Le Roy; John F. married .Miss Sallie Allensworth, and lives at Minier, Tazewell Count}'; Charles G. is associated with his father in business; Ada died in infancy; Edith is the youngest, and at home with hei' parents. The great-grandfather of Mrs. Jones, (irancier Johnson, was a native of Germany, and came to tho United States prior to the Revolutionary War, settling in " Old Virginia." He was there married, and became the father of three children — James, Stephen and William. Stephen became a Baptist l)re.acher, while tho other two followed farming. William, the grandfather of Mrs. Jones, married Miss Tabitha Boiler. They reared six children, namely, Sarah, James, Benjamin, Edmund, Younger and Thomas. They removed to Kentucky in 1797, being among the first settlers of the (ireen River country, where thej' were neighbors of Daniel Boone, the famous Indian fighter and hunter. The daugh- ter, Sarah, became the wife of Jonathan Brotun- back, a native of Germany. They came to Illinois in 1835. and settled at the old trading-post, twelve miles e.ast of Decatur, in Macon County, before the ludiaus had left that part of the country. Both Mv. and Mrs. B. died there, having had one son, .James, who married Miss Poll}' Turpin. He was drowned iu the Kentucky River. Benjamin Johnson, the father of Mrs. Jones, was born in Virginia in 1791, and was six years old when his parents removed to Kentucky. He re- mained with them until his marriage, in 1816. His wife, formerly Miss Eliz.abeth Agee, was also a na- tive of the Old Dominion, and the daughter of Ad- ler and Rejoice Agee, the former a native of Ire- land. Mr. Johnson followed farming until 18.34, but after his removal to Grant County, Ky., en- gaged in tobacco raising until 1837. He then re- moved with his f.amily to Illinois, and lived one year at the old trading-post in Macon County. Thence, iu 1838, he removed to Decatur, where he purchased a farm and again resumed agriculture nntil his death. Only three of their ten children are now living — Willis, Lonisa and Elizabeth (Mrs. Jones.) Willis Johnson was born in Jladison County, Ky., in 1820. He came to Illinois with »► ■ <• -p^m-^ i u 410 McLEAN COUNTY. i his parents in 1837, and on the 14th of July, 1842, was married to Miss Damaras A. Sinclair. He also engaged in tobacco raising for three years, but is now carrying on a farm near Decatur, 111. Louisa became the wife of James Abrams, and is also a resident of Decatur, 111. The grandfathers of Mrs. Jones on both sides served in tlic Revolutionary War. Politically our subject is Republican, and socially is a member of Lc Roy Lodge No. 221, A. F. & A. M. Mrs. Jones is a member in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The family residence is a handsome and tasteful structure, lo- cated on the corner of Walnut and Green streets, and Mr. Jones and his family enjo}' the friendship and association of the best class of the community. I/AMES K. NOBLE, Constable of McLean County, has his residence at No. 604 East Taylor street, Bloomington, his office being at No. 221 North Main street. Mr. Noble is a na- tive of Hamilton County, Ohio, and was born June 28, 1 829. He is the son of David and Rebecca (Karr) Noble, tlic father a native of Ohio and the mother of New Jersey. Tlicy came to Illinois in 1831, and settled in Randolph Grove, Randol[>h Town- ship, this county. Here, David Noble purchased a farm which was but slightly improved, and carried on the pursuit of agriculture luitil about 1850. He then sold out and took possession of 100 acres in another part of the township, this latter being Government land. He built a comfortable farm house and all necessary out-buildings, planted an orchard and shrubbery, and established a comfort- able home, upon which he spent the remainder of his days, dying in 1 8(i5. The mother died in this State in 1838. Their famil}- of six children are as follows: William C, Sarah J. (Mrs. Munson), Ste- phen K., Mercy A. (Mrs. Rust), James K. and Thomas J. David Noble was for many years Post- master of Randolph Township, and a member of the Masonic fraternity. He was a man of great personal worth and highly respected wherever he made his liome. The subject of tliis biography was reared on a -^. farm until twenty-one j^ears of age, receiving a common-school education. After becoming his own man he first rented a farm in Randolph Town- ship, which he operated for a few years, and in 1858 purchased eighty acres in the same township, which he cultivated and occupied until 1870. He then disposed of his farm property and moved into Bloomington, which has since remained his home. He i)urchased his present residence in 1872. The marriage of James K. Noble and Miss Sarah A. Johnston took place in this county in 1872. Mrs. N. was a native of New Jersey, and the daughter of William and Rebecca Johnston. Of her union with our subject there were born the fol- lowing: Mark is a resident of Chicago; Rel)ecca, Mrs. LaBelle of P>loomington, is the mother of one child, a son, Stanley ; Frank is janitor of the county jail in Bloomington; William J. is telegraph oper- ator and press reporter for the Western Union at Bloomington ; Charles A., also a telegraph oper- ator, is stationed at Springfield; Lillie, Carrie, Hattie and Clyde are at home. Mr. Noble in earlier years learned the plasterer's trade, at which he worked a few j'ears after coming to Bloomington. In 1874 he was appointed Deputy Sheriff under James Hoodhart, which position he occupied four years, and was elected County Cou- staljJe in 1882, holding the position until the present (1887). AVhile in Randolph Township he served as School Director, and has alwaj's taken an active interest in whatever was calculated to advance the growth and prosperity of his county. Both Mr. and Mrs. Noble are connected with the Christian Church, and our subject in all respects is rated as a representative citizen and business man. iUDOLPH R. REEDER, Principal of the Grammar Department of the Illinois State Normal University, is a native of Ohio, be- ting born in Warren County, Jan. 5, 1859. His father, George W. Reeder, was a native of the same State and county, and his mother, Jane (Thompson) Reeder, was born in New Jersey. The family came West in 1860, and settled near Mat- toon, 111., whence they afterward removed to Moul- -► ■ ' M » ^ M sp55p!=55i^!sj^^p^^^^l^^js^!?ss;^!!^:5^r?^ RESIDENCE OF JOHN T. HI LL ;5EC. 3(, ^DRr GROVE TP ■' f-i^^ , "' /■ -N— -■■ " ; ^-: '^p\?' ^v Sm ■ ^i" .- •<)?»- 4* ^^ft* -¥^*^ . f? ^^.^^^^ RESIDENCE OF AUGUSTUS H ILL, SEC. 19, PADUA TP . — ^jf:.r'-:r-»-!ir«(«K3e^=i-i^ RESIDENCE OF WM . YO U N G , SEC. 2 I , PA DU A TP cr i -4»- t McLean county. -tl3 trie Comity, and from there in 1.S74 came to Nor- mal. Here the fatlier died in January, 1H83, at the age of seventy-two years; the mother is still living and resides with her children. Of these there were seventeen in number, all but three having lived to attain their majority. Fonr sons served as soldiers in the late war; one fell at the battle of Ft. Don- elson, mortally wounded, and one died in the serv- ice. At the present writing (18t57) ten of the fam- ily are living. The subject of our sketch was the fifteenth child of his parents' family, and the youngest who lived to adult years. His boyhood and youth were passed upon the farm, and his first studies were conducted in the district school. His school life during those early days nundjered about three months annually. When the family settled at Nor- mal he was a youth of fifteen years. He attended the liublic school one term and then entered the grammar grade, whence he was almost immediately promoted to the High School department. One year later he was engaged as a teacher in one of the country schools of McLean County, and subse- qnentl3' attended the State Normal University dur- ing the spring terms for five years. In summer he worked in the harvest field and did whatever else he could find to do, and taught school during the winters. He was obliged to paj' his own way through school, but his anibiticju and his gratifying success encouraged him to persevere. His educa- tion cost him about $1,200, all of which he paid from his own earnings. In the fall of l.S!f() I'rof. Reedei' was chosen Principal of the Public Schools in Rutland, which position he held three years, and employed his leis- ure time in the further pursuit of his studies, and in due time passed the examinations and gi'adu- ated from the State Normal Universit}^ with hon- ors, altiiough he had not attended school for three years. Prof. Reeder for two years and one-half was associated with Prof. J. W. Cook as editor and ()ublisher of the ■'Illinois School Journal," and has otherwise contributed much of his time and means to further the cause of education, for which he has a genuine love and a deep and abiding interest. Prof. Reeder was married on the 20th of .June, f 1883, to Miss May Ilewett, daughter of Dr. E. C. Ilewctt, of Normal, and they have become the par- ents of two children — Irene May and Ruth Ange- line. The family are regular attendants of the Baptist Church, of which Prof. Reeder has been a member for four years. He is held in the highest esteem .as an educator and a citizen, and does honor to the ixjsition which he occui)ies. OSIAH RICHARDSON, a highly respected resident of Bloomington, is now retired from active business, and living in the enjoyment of a competency accumulated by the indus- try and good management of earlier years. He is a native of Watertown, Jefferson Co., N. Y.. and the s(m of Josiah and Cynthia (Tolman) Richard- son, n.atives resi)ectively of Massachusetts and New Hampshire, who spent their entire lives engaged in faiining pursuits, and died on the old homestead when well advanced in years. The subject of this history remained on the farm until nineteen years old, attending school during the winter seasons. In 18ol he started for the West, and located in Bloomington, then a little city of 1,000 souls. In 1854 he pni-chased a piece of ground, put up a good building, and engaged in the manufacture of wagons and carriages. The building with its contents was destroyed by fire the following year, and Mr. Richardson lost the greater part of his worldly possessions. He then engaged in the drug business with Orin Waters for one j'ear, then sold out and engaged in his "former business on Front street, which he contin- ued until 1876. He then purchased a farm in Belle- flower Township, where he raised stock and grain, and at the same time dealt considerably in real es- tate. He became prominent in the city affairs, and for two years was Alderman in the First Ward. Mr. Richardson was married, in 1855, to Miss Lovina Dimmett, who was born in Bloomington, and is the daughter of William and Mary (Ervin) 'Dimmett, both natives of Ohio. They came to Illinois in 1825, first settling in Danville, whence they removed a few months later to Bloomington, and purchased 160 acres of land east of the city. A l)art of this was laid off in city lots, and upon the i <- •>-B-^ i .t 4U McLEAN COUNTY. balance Mr. D. engaged in farming. The record of their ten children is as follows: Catherine, Mrs. Von Eisner; Lovina, Mrs. Kiciiardson ; and Melissa, Mrs. MeCracken, reside in Blooniington ; Mary, Mrs. AVade, lives in lUitler, Mo.; Carrie, Mrs. Me- Ilvain, and Pauline, Mrs. Bettenger, were twins; the former lives in West I'oint, Kan., and the lat- ter in Blooniington; William II. is also in the lat- tei-named city; Lee ami .lolin are in Kansas City, and Susan, IMrs. W. H. Grantly, lives in Apijleton, Mo. Mr. Dimmcttdied Eel). 19,1879. The mother still lives on the old homestead, where she has re- sided for the last fifty years. Our subject and wife have an adopted daughter, Maude B. The family residence is a handsome and substantial structure, which was erected at a cost of $7,000, and combines all the comforts and con- veniences of a modern dwelling. Mr. R. is a Re- l)ublican in politics, and with his wife attends the Unitarian Church. •■i^J2/®-^^ .-^^Si/l?2>^'»>- I /^S,\ ALVIN BARNES, a pioneer settler of Uli- (if^' nois, was born in Herkimer County, N. Y., ^^' on the 13th of April, 180."), thus having ar- rived at the venerable age of over eighty-two years. His father, Elijah Barnes, was of New En- gland parentage and a native of Massachusetts, and his mother. Miss JjUcv Hunter, was a native of the same State. Their family included seven chil- dren. The forefathers of our subject were of Scotch and English descent, and the Hunters, of English origin, were among the early settlers of the Bay State. Elijah Barnes served three years in the Revolutionary War and received a pension from the (ioverninent. The maternal grandfather of our subject was Capt. Hunter, a native of England. Elijah Barnes, soon after his marriage, removed from Massachusetts to Herkimer County, N. Y., making the trij) overland with an ox-team. There they established a permanent home, where they passed the remainder of their lives, the father of our subject dying at the age of eighty-four years anth having- been noted for longevit}'. 4» The boyhood of Calvin Barnes was passed mostly upon the farm of his father, and in the meantime he received a liTuited education. At the age of twenty-one years, after spending tvvo summers run ning on a packet on the Erie Canal he purchased fifty acres of land adjoining his father's farm, and engaged in the pursuit of agriculture, meeting with success. As time progressed he added to his first purchase until he became the owner of 280 acres, all in one bod3', and became one of the most prosperous and prominent citizens of that locality. Our subject was married on the 20th of .laiiuary, 1836, to iSUss Luciuda Keyser, of Herkimer County, N. Y., by whom he became the father of si.\ chil- dren. In the fall of 1853 he emigrated with his family to McLean County, 111., and settled in Blocimington, where he lived for two years. In the meantime he had purchased a section of laud in Towanda Township, and during these two years had been making ample |)rei)arations to take possession. After the removal was effected he engaged princi- pally in raising grain, his first wheat crop yielding 1,700 bushels. The wheat crop, however, for the following three years was a failure, and the fourth year the army worm swe|)t away the grain while it was green. Mr. Barnes, however, Ij}^ good manage- ment weathered the storm, while many of his neighbors were ruined. He then seeded hij farm to grass, and then, the war coming on, he found a good market for the 300 tons of hay which he cut in one summer, and which he sold at ^Kj.i.'j per ton. This assisted him out of his difficulty. He then started a dairy, having sixty-five cows, and found a ready sale for the products thereof, butter and cheese, never selling the cheese for less than fifteen cents a pound, and during one season of the war sold it at twenty-five cents. In the meantime Mr. Barnes was giving all ids spare time to the raising of cattle, of which he had 250 head at the close of the war. Three years in succession he raised 100 calves. He purchased two tracts of land adjoining the main farm, which gave him 1,000 acres, all in one body. After the war he abandoned the dairy business, sold off a part of his cattle, and engaged extensively in raising corn. The first amount worthy of notice was 12,000 bushels, and he kept increasing the acreage devoted "^-f-^ <^ McLEAN COUNTY. -•►- 415 to this purpose until one year he had 700 acres planted in corn, which yielded 35,000 bushels which, when husl., now Mrs. William Custer, of Ho- mer, 111.; Kli/.a Ann married Milton HoUis, of Homer, 111.; Martha E. is now Mrs. Vance Custer, of Danville, 111.; Harrison D. lives in the latter- named city, and remains in a state of single blessed- ness. William C. Noble attended school near the place of his liirth, in Hamilton County, Ohio, until their removal to this county. The temple of learning was built of logs, and was similar to that where the other pioneers, whose history has been detailed in this work, received liicir rudimentary education. He was naturally fond of his books, and pursued his studies after coming to Illinois. He remained with his parents until lis;)!), and then ccmimenced farming on his owii account on a tract of 1(50 acres in Randolph Township, this county, which he oc- cupied until 1873. He then practically retired from active labor, and purchased his present home in rsioomington. He was Assessor in KandoIi)h Township three years, also School Director and Roadmaster. Mr. Noble was married on the .'Jlst of October, 1839, to Miss Isabel J. Stewart, and they became the parents of four children, two now living — Re- becca J., Mrs. Cutter, of Hatfield, Mass., who has two children, William .-ind Uernice, and Seth S., who married ^liss Esther Mercer, and they have tvvo children, Cora Bell and Herbert C. Mrs. Isabel Noble departed this life at the home of her husband. May 12, 1855. Mr. Noljle for his second wife married Mrs. Eunice (Burley) Hughes, a native of Scioto County, Ohio, who Was born Feb. 27, 1823, and is the daughter of John and Nancy (Anderson) Burley, natives of Ohio. Her father was a farmer by oc- cupation, and came with his family to Illinois in 1833. settling in Jersey County, where the parents lived the remainder of their days, the father dying in 1846 ; the mother survived him thirty years, and passed to her final rest in 1876. Of their eleven children, eight are now living — James, Daniel, Newton, Eunice, Mary, Sarah, Joel and Lucinda. Mrs. Noble, by her former husband, became the mother of three children, as follows: John N. Hughes was born Dec. 8, 1845, and died March 9, 1874; he was finely educated and a promising young man, beloved and respected by all who knew him. James A. was born Aug. 5, 1850; Mary A., Mrs. F. B. Chase, has one child, a daughter, Edna, and resides in Chicago. By her union with our subject, Mrs. Noble has had four children, three now living: Annie S., Mrs. P. A. Guthrie, who has two children — Sidney A. and Dudley R. ; Ida J. became the wife of L. G. Bronson, of Chicago, and Cora B., who is at home with her parents. Mr. Noble is Republican in politics, and with his wife a consistent member of the Methodist Episco- pal Church. He has been Steward, Class-Leader and Trustee of the church in Randolph Township, and is in all respects a representative man of Mc- Lean County, and one who has been fully identi- fied with its gr(.)wth and prosperity. ROF. L. C. DOUGHERTY, Principal of the Preparatory Department of Wesleyan University, and youngest child of John and Elizabeth (Waltower) Dougherty, was in AVestmoreland County, Pa., Aug. 27, The mother of the subject of our sketch died while he was an infant and his father when the lad was seven years old. A few weeks after this sad event the lio^' was taken by his oldest brother, Joseph, to Ohio, and the next year the two brothers went overland in a one-horse wagon to Warren County, 111., where they arrived in June, 1855. In the autumn of the same year young Dougherty voluntarily cast his lot among strangers in a strange land, cheerfully doing all a stout rustic lad might, such as dropping and covering corn, pulling weeds, collecting bundles for the "shockers" and •►■-4^ i t u McLEAN COUNTY. ^ 417 later, harrowing with oxen, plowing, binding, cut- ting up corn and the usual work of the farm, receiv- ing in return for such services a mininuim amount of kindness, schooling, clothes and food. The Professor still remembers the primitive log school-house in ludiana County, Pa., where he first attended school and learned to read and write, hav- ing for a text-book onlj' McGuffy's Speller. In addition to this term the boy went to school at various times until 1861. but the aggregate time spent at school amounted to a few months only, so when he enlisted in the army his knowledge was limited to a slight acquaintance with mental arith- metic and the ability to fairly read and write. In 1860 he became a man to the degree that he made a formal contract to work one year for 140, and two months" schooling. He did a man's work, bought his own books and clothing, a literary work for $4, and when tlie year closed had a balance of ii8 on hand. When Ft. Sumter was fired upon, young Dough- erty resolved if possible to assist in the preserva- tion of the Union. A military company was organ- ized in the neighboring village of Young America, now Kirkwood, Warren County, which he joined, no questions being asked as to age, though it appeared that liis friends put it down at nineteen years. On July 17, 1861, the comiiauy was mustered into the U. S. service and became known as Co. B, 59th 111. Vol. Inf. The young volunteer was, at this date, thirteen yeai's and eleven months old. Private Dougherty performed all the duties of a soldier in the ranks acceptably, and was soon selected for posts of unusual responsibility, and was one for whom both officers and comrades had words of praise only. He marched witii his regiment 10,000 miles, and participated in nineteen regular engage- ments beside many skirmishes. He took part in the more prominent battles of Perryville, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge and all the battles of the Atlanta campaign, during which he was for sixty days under fire, either of artillery or mus- ketry, and lastl}' Nashville. On the first day of this struggle he, with a comrade, took eight prisoners, including a Captain, in one squad. At night he found that a blanket which he carried had seven- teen bullet holes in it. The sole of one of his shoes i 4•- also was [)artial]y torn off by a minie ball. In a charge upon the rebel worlis on Overton Hill on the second day of the battle he was wounded twice, when within two rods of the euemy. On Jan. 12, I860, at Whiteside, Teim., he re-enlisted as a veteran, being one of tiiirty-two in a company which contained, all told, during the war 1.59. Veteran Dougherty was promoted Corporal and bearer of the regimental banner, in which capacit}' he was mustered out at New Braunfels, Tex., Dec. 8, 1 865. Mr. Doughertj' remained in Texas nine months afterward, studying the situation, with a view to making that State liis future home. On a ranch in the hills some thirty miles from San Antonio he took a position as shepherd, where he remained nine months. Afterward rejecting several business offers he, with a companion, turned his face toward the North, and after a horseback ride of more than 1,200 miles, found himself again in Warren Count}-, 111. Tn the spring of 1866 Mr. Dougherty entered Monmouth Academy, taking his place, through the grace of the Principal, in the lowest class. He com- pleted the two years" course in twelve months and afterward fur several years taught school, worked on a farm and clerked in a general store. His leisure time, however, was given to his books, and in the winter of 1871 he entered the Illinois Nor- mal Ihiiversity, where he spent over three j'ears and graduated in 1876, fourth in rank in a class of twenty-eight. During this time he took Latin as an extra stud}', and in the meantime taught .school seven and one-half months in the Barr School, in Warren Count}'; was one year at Rutland, LaSalle County, as Principal, and one year as Principal of the schools at Ironton, Mo. After graduating, Mv. Dougherty became Prin- cipal of Lacon schools, Marshall County. He re- mained there two years, when he became Principal of the Minonk schools in Woodford County, which position he held seven years, and was unanimously elected for the eighth year, but resigned to accept the [)osition which he now holds. Prof. Dougherty was married at Lacon, Aug. 5, 1879, to Miss Olive E., daughter of the late Will- iam Trench, for many years editor-in-chief of the Peoria Democrat, and later editor and jiroprietor of the Illinois Statesman, published at Lacon. Of this i t. "♦-■-^^ 418 McLEAN COUNTY. union one child lias been born, Etliel Lucretia, aged six years. Mrs. Dougherty on her mother's side is descended from Peregrino AVhite, the first white child born in New England. Mr. 13ovigherty was converted at the age of ten years, and joined the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which both he and his wife are valued members. Mr. n. was chorister and Mrs. D. organist of the churches at Lacon and Miuonk, and our subject is now Precentor at the First Metliodist Episcopal Church. In politics he has alwaj's been a Repub- lican, is an advocate of prohibition, and a member of the G. A. R. and also of the Masonic fraternity. He was without doubt the youngest soldier who became a veteran, or who served during the War. He is essentially a self-made man and never pos- sessed a dollar that he did not earn. He occupies a pleasant residence with his family at No. 915 North West street, where they enjoy the society of the cultured [leople of the community, and are surrounded by all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. C. RICHARDSON, of the firm oip'ryner & Richardson, manufacturers and ;wholesalc jobbers of cigars Is, vvith his partner, trans- acting a successful and growing business on East Front street, Bloomington, occupying Nos. 108 to 1 10. Mr. Richardson was born in Jefferson County, N. Y., Sept. 19, 1848, his parents being Charles and Chloe ((4illett) Richardson, natives of the same county and State as their son. They were m.'irried in 1847, and the father of our subject en- gaged in farming for many years, but is now re- tired from active labor. The paternal grandpar- ents were Josiah and Cynthia (Tolman) Richardson, natives of Connecticut and New Haniitshire re- spectively. They settled in .Jefferson County, N. Y., before the AVar of 1812, and engaged in farming pursuits through life. The gt;j9at-grand- father of our subject, Capt. Tilley Richai'xlson, who was also a native of Massachusetts, litewise re- moved to .Jefferson County, N. Y., and was en- gaged there in farming until ills death. The Rich- ardsons were of solid and substantial character, and made their mark in the community wherever they located. They were possessed of high moral jjrin- ciples, .and universally respected. Charles Richard- son held various positions of trust in both his na- tive and adopted counties. The parental family consisted of three children: Horace C, our sub- ject; Charles L., of Waterto wn, N. Y.. and Cynthia Z.. now Mrs. iMorrison, of Watertown, N. Y. The subject of this history remained at home and engaged in farming until he was twenty-two years old. He completed his studies at the lousiness Col- lege of Watertown, and after leaving home ac- cepted a position as clerk in a life insurance office at that pl.ice, and remained in that position until he came to Bloomington, in October, 187"2. Soon afterward he was taken into the firm of Thomp- son, Andrus & Co., produce and commission mer- chants, with whom he remained until they closed out their business. He then became book-keeper for the pork i)acking house of Tryner, Van Schoick & Co., with whom he remained two and one-half years, and then formed a partnership with Mr. Tryner, in the flour and provision trade, on South Main street. The firm of Tryner & Richardson operated in these commodities for a few years, then closed out and engaged in the manufacture of cigars. They moved to their present location on East Front street, in February, 1 886, where they were en- abled to extend their business facilities and accom- modate a I'apidly increasing trade. This building is three stories in height, with basement, and cov- ers an area of 44x70 feet. They give employment in tiie busy season to fifty men, and usually have four men on the road. It is hardlj' necessary to state that the products of their manufacture are unexcelled, and becoming widely known through- out the West. Mr. Richardson was married in May, 1875, to Miss .Julia Murray, formerly of Rochester, N. Y., but a resident of Illinois since a young child. They have no children. Their pleasant and at- tractive home is at No. 501 East AVashington street, and their friends and associates include the cult- ured people of the city. Mr. Richardson for many years lias been prominent in the business and social affairs of the city, and has been an encourager and tiif-^ i t. -<^ i McLEAN COUNTY. 419 supporter of every measure calculated to advance the intellectual and moral interests of the commu- nity. Politically he belongs to the Kci)ublican part^-, and is a worthy member of the Masonic fra- ternity as High Priest of Bloomington Chapter No. 26, and Eminent Commander of DeMolay Commandery No. 24. /p^j^ILBERT R. WOOLSEY, M. D., the oldest (|[ (-— -, practicing physician of Normal, has been a ^^J) resident physician of that place since 18G8, whore he has built up a large and lucrative prac- tice, He is freely adjudged as a sivilled and relia- ble physician, with large sympathies and a con- scientious devotion to duty. He is a native of this State, and was born in Henry County, .Sept. 21, 1840. His parents were Jesse and Freelove (Rog- ers) Woolsey, both natives of Long Island, N. Y., where they were reared to years of maturity and united in marriage. Jesse AVoolsey, a hatter by trade, although he never followed the business after serving liis ap- prenticeship, for some time carried on mercantile pursuits in the vicinitj' of his birthplace. In 1836 he emigrated to Illinois, and entered a tract of land in Henry County, which he settled upon after his marriage. He then became engaged as a real- estate dealer, and l^ept a hotel for some time at Andover. He spent the remainder of his days in Henry County, dying about 18G9, and the mother in 1867. They had only two children — Marietta, the widow of Edwin Bucit, of Cambridge. III., and Oilbert R., our subject. Young Woolsey, at the age of sixteen years, and after having received a fair common-school educa- tion, spent a few months in traveling through the Eastern States, and afterward pursued his studies, and being fond of his books acquired a good liter- ary education. The war being now in progress, and his travels having landed him in the Prairie State, he enlisted in Co. D, 112th 111. Vol. Inf., and served until tlie close. He was with Burnside I in East Tennessee, through the Atlanta campaign. He was in the fight at Franklin, and received a scalp wound, which, however, did not disable him. 4» He recovered sufficiently to be in the fight at Nash- ville, and the capture of Wilmington, N. C.,and re- ceived his honorable discharge at Greensboro, N. C, in 1865, being mustered out as Adjutant of his regiment. After his return to the ranks of civil life our subject returned to Henry County, III. He liad already resolved to locate in the West, and in 1865 entered upon a course of study in tiie old Hahnemann College of Chicago, whence, after grad- uating, he located in Normal, where he has since re- mained. Dr. W<)ols(!y is a strict temperance man, anil politically a stanch supporter of the principles of the Republican party. He is a member in good standing of tlie Congregational Church, to the sup- port of wiiich lie contributes liberally and cheer- fully. He has a (ilcasant homo in Normal, and enjoys the society and friendship of hosts of acquaintances. DWARD W. KING, of the firm of King & Parks, is, with his partner, engaged in the grocery trade at Le Roy. Mr. K. was born in Toronto, A'ermillion Co., Ind., July 22, 1848. His father, Alexander C. King, was a native of Connecticut, born in Suffleld, Hartford County, May 20, 1803. His grandfather, John A. King, was also a native of Suffleld, and his great-gi-aud- father, Dan King, was the owner of a small farm near that town, where he spent the last years of his life. The grandfather of our subject was a practic- ing physician, and removed from Suffleld to Phelps- town, N. Y., before the da}' of canals or railroads. He had hardly become fairly settled in his new home when he was seized with fatal illness, and died soon afterward. His wife was formerly Miss Caro- line Rose, a native of his own town, and a daugh- ter of Gad Rosi, also a native of Suffleld, where he spent his entire life, with the exception of the time in which he served as a soldier in the Revolution- ary War. After the death of his father, Alexander C. King who was then but a boy, lived with a neighboring fanner in Suffleld until eighteen years of age. He had improved his advantages for education, and at 'i 4 t ■^^ a N L 420 McLEAN COUNTY. this time had taught two terms of school. He afterward attended an academy at AVestfleld and Lenox, Mass. He taught and studied in the acad- emy alternately as his means would allow until twenty-four years of age. He then went to New Jersey, where he taught two years, and thence to Montgomery County, Md., where he followed the same occupation two years, and afterward returned to New Jersey, continuing his vocation of teaching. He was one of the fortunate few who invested in a lottery ticket .and drew a prize of $3,750 in cash, which enabled him to educate his sisters and start himself in business. In 1830, resolving to leave New England and tr3' his fortunes in the West, he removed to Terre Haute, Ind., and engaged in mer- cantile business until tiie latter part of the year 184G, when he removed to \'ermillion County, the same State, where he pursued the same business in Clinton and Toronto until 1851. Mr. King then came to Le Roy, this county, and renting a suitable building, opened it for an hotel. The following summer he put up a building and purchased a stociv of groceries. He operated the hotel and grocery store three years, then sold tiie former and devoted his time exclusively to mer- chanisiug. In due time he added a stock of dry- goods, and finally abandoned the grocery trade, continuing the dry -goods business until 1874, when he sold out and is now living in retirement. The father of our subject was a man of strict integrit}', and possessed the confidence .and esteem of his busi- ness associates in a marked degree. In early times, before large scales were in use here, he w.as the authority in measurements of wagon-loads of corn brought to town to sell. He possessed a fund of general information, and until failing e^-esight com- pelled him to abandon it, w.as .an extensive reader. Alexander C. King was three times married. His first wife, to whom he was united in September, 18.31, was Miss Kmelino F. Stebbins, who was born and reared in Springfield, Mass. She departed this life Oct. 21, 1842. His second m.arriage occurred in 1845, with Miss Mary Lyon, who w.as born in Newark, N. J., accomp.anied her husband to this State, and died at Le Roy in 1870. His third .and la,st niarri.age was on June 8, 1 875, with Mrs. Kmeline (Hootli) Cockran, the widow of \\'illi;uii Cockran. Of the first marriage there were born three children : James, now a practicing physician of Decatur, 111. ; Caroline R., who became the wife of Dr. J. W. Cole- man, and lives in Monticello, Piatt Co., 111., and William R., who died in Toronto, Ind. Of the second marriage there were two children : Kllen, who became the wife of David Simms, and died Jan. (!, 1881, at Watseka, 111., and our subject. Edward W. King w.as but three j'ears old when he came to Illinois with his parents. He pursued his primary studies in the schools of Le Roy, and later attended the academy at Hillsdale, Mich. After graduating from there he became a clerk in his father's store, and continued with him until the latter sold out. He remained with his father's successor two years, and was similarly employed in other places until 1880. He then purchased a one- half interest in the store of Robert Murr.ay, and a year later purclmsed the interest of his partner, and soon afterward Mr. Parks became associated with him in business. They have oper.ated together since that time, and carry a large stock of groceries and queensware. The firm is wideawake and enter- prising, and forms a prominent factor in the busi- ness element of this communit}'. The niarri.age of Edward W. King and Miss Nellie Smith was celebrated Dec. 26, 1871. Mrs. K. w.as born in Licking County, Ohio, being the daughter of Wesley and Mary A. (Evans) Smith. They have three children — Alpheus C, Mary and Le Gran. The fainil3' residence is pleasantly located, and its inmates are surrounded by all the comforts of life. Mr. K is a member of the City .School Board, and unifornily casts his vote for the Republican |)arty. '■^ ^-*#" "-^ '^jAMES P. KNKtIIT, a general farmer and stock-raiser of Bloomington Townshij), re- ^.,^ sides on the old Knight homestead on sec- (^^ tion 1 '.), where he h.as forty -five acres of laud, most of which is in a good state of cultiva- tion. He w.as born in Jackson Count3', Mo., Aug. 9, 1845, where he spent his earlier years, aside from some time spent in IMadison County, Ky. His father came North in 1 8(;;j, .accompanied by his family, on .account of troubles incident to the ■•► i i m 0^ / ..**«'" Vs ii^^ 4 4 ! McLEAN COUNTY. 423 breaking out of the Rebellion. James P. was then nearly eighteen years of age. He was the only son ajid the second of three children born to his par- ents. He remained with his parents until 1864, and then resolved to become a soldier of the Union army. He was not yet of age, but succeeded in gaining admission to the ranks, becoming a mem- ber of Co. G, 14Gth 111. A'ol. Inf., under Capt. Williams. This regiment was not called upon for active service, it being ne.ar the close of the war, but was detailed to provost duty. After a service of eleven months our subject received his honorable discharge. He then returned home to his father's farm, where he has since been engaged in agricult- ural pursuits. Mr. Knight was married on the 10th of Novem- ber, 1870, in Blue Mound Townsliii), to Miss Mil- dred (i. Stagner, the daughter of Rev. John S. and Julia A. (Golden) kStagner. Her parents were na- tives of Madison County, Ky., and coming to Illi- nois after their marriage settled in Blue Mound Township, where the father is yet living with his second wife. The mother of Mrs. K. departed this life Nov. 10, 1872. Mrs. King was the third child of a family of ten, all of whom lived to mature years. She was born in Blue Mound Township, this county, June 21, 1853, and educated in the public schools, remain- ing under the parental roof until her marriage with our subject. Of this union there were born five children, all living — Mary, Fhjrence, Loa A., George W. and Aldena. Our subject and his wife are members of the Christian Church, and in poli- tics Mr. King affiliates with the Rei)ublican party. -€-*-^ ^- OIIN F. RUST, a pioneer settler of Randolph Township, is now engaged in general farm- ing and stock-raising on his hue homestead of 190 acres, located on section IG. He has been a resident of the Prairie State for over fifty- three 3'ears, coming here wlien a young man and unmarried. He first came to Hamilton County, 111., in 1828, and in the spring of 1834 came to McLean County. Mr. Rust was born in Maury County, Tenn., <■ Aug. 11,1816. His father, William Rust, was. a farmer all his life and died at the residence of his son, our sulijoct, in August, 1873. He had mar- ried, in early life. Miss Nancy McGee, who was boin in the same county as her husband, Grauvilhi County, N. C. She died at the residence of her son, George Rust, in Randolph Township, in Au- gust, 1868. The grandfather of our subject, Mathew Rust, died ni North Carolina in the prime of life when his son William was a small boy. His grandfather McGee, whose name was Nathan A., was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and after his retirement from the military service settled in North Carolina, where he engaged in farming and raised his family to man and womanhood, and after his daughter married William Rust, he removed with them to Tennessee, living there for a time, when he moved to Smith County, Middle Tennessee, where he died. Joiui F. Rust lived until eight years of age on the homestead of his father in Middle Tennessee. When he arrived at that age his father, who was of a roaming disposition, went to Mississippi for a few years, then returned to Tennessee, and later emi- grated to Illinois, locating in Hamilton Count}'' with his family as early as the winter of 1828. Tliere our subject lived until he was eighteen years old, when he came alone tb McLean County and settled in Randolph Township, which since then lias been his home. He employed himself at whatever his hands could find to do, and was quite prudent in expending his mone}'. He was in-iucipally engaged with stock dealers and from them learned the art of bu3'ing and selling and feeding live stock. In a few years he was enaliled to purchase eighty acres of land, which he began to stock, and profiting by his experience purchased and sold live stock to good advantage. His land was unimproved when it came into his possession, but he worked upon it industriously and soon brought it to a fine state of cultivation. He has now an excellent set of farm buildings and all necessary implements and machin- ery required for the carrying on of agriculture and stock-raising in a first-class manner. Tlie homestead presents one of the attractive pdints in the laud- scape of Randolph Township. Mr. Rust was married in Blooniington Township, i -h 424 *-! McLEAN COUNTY. Oct. 22, 1840, to Miss Elizabeth Lindley, wlio was born in Christian County, Ky., Aug. 27, 1«2;3, and came North with iier parents in 1831 when a child of seven years, and they settled in Blooming Grove, which remained the lionie of the parents until their death. The father of .Mrs. Rust was John Lindley by name, and his wife, before her marriage. Miss Elizabeth (Iray. Tiie former was born in North Carolina and the latter in East Tennessee. Their daughter, the wife of our subject, lived with her parents until lier marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Rust became the parents of eleven children, three of whom are deceased. Those liv- ing are: G. W., of Bloomington, where he is en- gaged in the grocery trade ; Thomas J. and J. Lee are carrying on agriculture and are large farmers of Randoli)h Township; Jennie is the wife of Mar- tin L. Bishop, a farmer of Randolph Township; Alice married John Kelley, a farmer, also of Ran- dolph Township; William D. is carrying on a farm in Greene Countj', Iowa, and also merchandising; Minnie married John Fitzpatrick and lives in Ran- dolph Township; B. F. remains with his father and assists in operating the farm. Most of the members of the family are connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church and all are regular attendants. Mr. Rust in politics is an uncompromising Jack- sonian Democrat. Mr. Rust during his life has been a large landholder, but has reserved, includ- ing his timber, 11)0 acres for a homestead. A litho- graphic portrait of Mr. Rust is shown on another page. — i^w^ >^itf-v> V "iilAMES II. COX, who has retired from an .active business career, has resided in this conntj' for upwards of thirty-six 3'ears. He is now living at Hudson, where he is highly respected. He was born at Norway, Oxford Co., Me., April 21, 1822. His grandfather, William Cox, was a native of Wales, and our subject's father, William Cox, Jr., was born in I\Iassachu- setts, and was a merchant by vocation, and as such, met with signal * success. He died in Oxford County, Me., in tlie seventy-second year of his life, having done business there for many years. Eliz- abetli (rhii)ps) Cox, our subject's mother, was born at Chatham, N. H., and there lived until her mar- riage. She also died in Oxford County, Me., and was seventy-two years old at the date of her de- mise. Fourteen children were born of the union of our subject's parents, twelve of whom grew to attain the age of man and womaniiood, and six are living at the present writing, namely': Caroline E., widow of Capt. W. A. Sweetzer, resides at Bos- ton ; Mary, widow of A. Sweetzer, is a resident of Bloomington; William is a farmer by calling, and a resident of Oxford County, Me. ; .Samuel P. re- sides in Bloomington; Rowena C. became the wife of C. A. Noies, and they are living in Boston, Mass. The subject of this notice was the twelfth child born to his jjarents, and next to the youngest of those now living. He received his education in the common schools, and during his earl}' life worked on his father's farm, preferring sucli labor rather than clerking in his father's store. In 1851 My. Cox came to Bloomington where some of the family had i)reviously made a settlement. His in- tention at tliat time was to purch.ase land and en- gage in farming, but, in accordance with the ad- vice of his brothers, he abandoned his plans and engaged in mercantile pursuits at Hudson. That place was then without a store, and Mr. Cox pur- chased an empty building in the village, whicli had been previously occupied by an unsuccessful mer- chant, and in it placed a stock of general merchan- dise and was the only merchant in that place for several years. His motto was " never spend more than you earn," and by fair and honest dealing lie soon established a wcll-paj'ing business. He soon associated his sons with himself, and continued in active business until Jan. 1, 188r). Being of a nervous temperament, nur subject found th.at it was impossible for him to be idle after he had turned his business over to his sons, and soon there- after estal)lished a large apiary, to which he attends for his own amusement, more than the profit he de- rives therefrom, althougli tlie latter is not insignifi- cant. The home of our subject is one of the most pleasant within the boundary of McLean County, and it is a great comfort to Mr. Cox to know that Ills cliildicu have all grown up and uccujjy honor- ■*^-«-4» i ^ -^ t McLEAN COUNTY. 425 able positions in the busy world, and are well-to-do financially. In early life Mr. Cox was an old-line Whig, and continued to vote for the success of that party until 185G, when the Republican party sprang into ex- istence, since which time he has voted and worked for its success. For almost thirty years he held the position of Postmaster at Hudson. He was also the first Supervisor of Hudson Township, and was the incumbent of that office for several terms. Religiously he is a Baptist and has been a Deacon ill a congregation of that denomination at Hudson, for over thirty years, and has also done go(jd work in the Sunda3'-school. Feb. 5, 184G, at Waterford, Mc, the marriage of our subject with Miss Mary Chadbourn was solemn- ized. She was born in Oxford County, Me., Oct. 16, 1824, and is the daughter of James and Mercy (Scribner) Chadbourn. Their union has been blest by the birth of five children: Charles E., Flora S., wife of J. W. Aldrich, and Nettie, wife of Rev. F. M. Smith, a resident of St. James, Minn., and Harry W. and Herbert M., twins. For over forty-one years Mr. and Mrs. Cox have lived to- gether as man and wife. Together they liave toiled and struggled, always lending an attentive ear to true charity, and doing their part toward the ad- vancement of the cause of the Master. Now in their old age they are enabled to pass their lives in peace and quiet, and in the enjoyment i>f a com- petency earned through years of honest toil, and, looking back over the record of the history of their lives, none can point to pages darkened with deeds of unkindness or wrong to their fellowmen. Accompanying this brief personal history, we i)re- sent the portrait of Mr. Cox, as that of a leading and representative man of the county. f domestic an imals. The farm dwelling, barn and out-buildings are fair and substantial structures, and everything about the premises indicates the enterprising, industrious and thrifty agriculturist. Mrs. Salzman is the daughter of Valentine and Bar- bara Strubhar, natives of France, the father born in 1817, and the mother in 1828. The latter was a child of two years old when she came to Amer- ica. Mr. Strubhar came to this county in early youth, and located in Butler County, Ohio, where he followed farming until 1832, when here- moved further westward and located in this county. Here he was married, in 1847, to Miss Barbara Gin- gerich, and they became the parents of eleven ■► ■. M ^ u ^ 426 McLEAN COUNTY. children, as follows : Joseph died when a young child; Magdalena, Mrs. Salzman, was the second of the family; Mary became the wife of John Schaffer; John W. married Jliss Catherine Forney; \'alen- tine died in infancy; Peter A. married Miss Eliza- beth Augsbergcr; Rosa became Mrs. James F. Tobias; E^lizabeth A., Mrs. Jacob Ehresnian; Emile; Jacobine C. and Ulysses. Mr. Strubhar died Nov. 29,1881. The mother and children are members of the Mennonite Church except Emile, and the father was also a member of the same church. To Mr. and Mrs. Salzman have been born eight children — Sylvester, Emanuel E., Simon R., Newman A., Dora May, Ada B., Azalia M., and Lulu M. ; Syl- vester, Newman and Dora May are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Salzman are members of the Men- nonite Church, and Mr. Salzman is in politics a Pro- hibitionist. "^OHN T. RUTLEDGE, a prominent farmer of Empire Township, owns and occupies a tine homestead on section 11, township 21. He is a native of this township, and was born Nov. l.'i, 1833. His father, James Rut- ledge, was born in Kentucky, and his grandfather, Robert Rutledge, in South Carolina. The latter removed to Kentucky at an early period in its set- tlement, and in 1820 proceeded north to Illinois, settling first in White Countj', whence he removed to that part of Tazewell now in McLean, and lo- cated at Randolph Grove. With his brother Thomas he made a claim, a part of which he im- proved and occupied a year or two, and then made another claim on sections 33 and 34, on what after- ward became Empire Township. There he erected two log cabins, one for himself and one for 'his mother. At the time of his marriage he settled on his claim and commenced housekeeping. There was no sawed lumber used in the construction of this cabin, the lloor being made of puncheon and the roof of claplioards made with the draw-shave, and in tills humble abode our subject was born, and the father lived until his death, whicli occurred Dec. 15, 1863. The nearest markets at tliat early day were Peoria and Chicago, which were also the depots for supi)lies, and it took about eleven days to make the round trip to Chicago. In 1845 the father of our subject took a load of wheat to Chi- cago, and on his return brought back a load of lumber, with which he finished the frame house in which he spent the last years of his life. He, how- ever, built a brick addition to the house some years before his death. He was successful in his agri- cultural and business operations, and at the time of his death owned over 500 acres of land. He was married, in McLean County, 111., to Miss Prudie \"andeventer, who was born in Tennessee, and was the daughter of John ^^andeventer, an eai-l}' pio- neer of this county. Mrs. Prudie Rutledge died at the home (if licr daughter, Meliuda Sageser, at Le Roy, on the 27th of November, 1881. John T. Rutledge was the eldest child of his par- ents' family. He attended school in the pioneer log cabin with puncheon floor and benches, and chimney of dirt and sticks, built up on the outside. The fireplace occupied nearly- the entire end of the cabin, and light was admitted through a square hole in the logs and covered with greased paj^er. lie finished liis education, however, in a frame school-house, the erection of which was considered quite an event. Our subject assisted his parents on the farm, and remained under the home roof until his marriage. He then cultivated a p.art of the old homestead for two years, whence he re- moved to the farm which he now owns and occu- pies on section 11. At the time of taking posses- sion of this, it was wild prairie, with the sod yet un- turned. He labored industriously for its imiirove- ment and cultivation, and now has a iine estate with a good brick house, frame barn and all other necessary and convenient out-buildings. The marriage of our subject witli Miss Sarah Gil- more was celebrated on the 15th of February, 1855. Mrs. Rutledge was born in Harrison County, Ohio, and was the daughter of William and Pha'be (West) (4ilniore. Her father was a native also of Harrison County, C)hio, where he was reared to farming pursuits. In 1850 he emigrated to Mc- Lean County, 111., first settling in Downs Town- ship, wiience he removed to Empire Township and purchased land on section 10. Both he and his wife are still living and are now residents of West Townsliip. Mr. and Mrs. Rutledge liecame the i -i McLean county. 427 *► '■ J « parents of twelve children, seven now living, tlie record of whom is as follows: Flora IJelle married George W. Wilson, and lives in Empire Town- ship; Cyntiia, Prndio, JNIaggie, Presley, IJertha and Jose|)h are at home witii their pixrents; Belle, Cyn- tha, Prndie and Blaggie are highly educated, and are all teachers. Cyntha will graduate from the iState Normal this season ; two died in infancy ; James AViUiam when six weeks old ; Mary, the third child, was born July 1, 1860, and died March 7, 1881; Lelia, the tenth child, was born Jan. 19, 1875, and died July 30, 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Eut- ledge are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and our subject politicall}' is an uncom- promising Prohibitionist. R. F. J. PARKIIURST, one of the fore- most practitioners of Danvers, is a native of Jefferson County, Wis., where he was born on the 13th of February, 1857. His parents were Hiram and Lois (Morgan) Parkhurst, natives of Vermont, who came to Wisconsin in about 1853. Hiram Parkhurst was a blacksmith and machinist, skillful in his profession, a man of great industry, and strictly temperate habits. He followed his trade in this section of country for a number of years, and passed his declining years in Watertovvn, Wis., his death taking place in March, 1885, in Iowa, while there on a visit. The mother is still living. The household, by two marriages, included the following children. Of the first mar- riage there were: Lucian, Helen and Elizabeth. Of the second there were: Daniel, Hiram, Lois, Fred and Frank (twins). Dr. Parkhurst was reared in the city of Water- town, Wis., and pursued his early studies in the common schools. After becoming of suitable age he entered the Northwestern University at Water- town, and after spending one year there, com- menced teaching, which he followed for some years. He then began the study of medicine with his un- cle, Dr. H. Parkhurst, of Danvers, with whom he remained one year. He then entered Chicago Medi- cal College, where he studied for three years, and gained a valuable experience in the college and hospitals of Cook County, attending clinical lec- tures in both, and graduated at the head of his class. He commenced the practice of his chosen profession in Danvers in 1880, and made a spe- cialty of surgery. In this comparatively brief time he has built up a large and lucrative practice, and is now classed among the leading physicians of Mc- Lean County. He is a close student, an extensive reader, and ambitious to excel. Dr. I'arkhurst was united in marriage with Miss Mary Abbott, Oct. 27, 1881. Mrs. H. is the only daughter of Ira Abbott, and by her union with our suliject has become the mother of one child, Arthur A., who was born May 29, 1883. They occupy a pleasant and attractive home, and enjoy the society of the first residents of Danvers. Dr. Parkhurst has been a member since 1881 of the A. F. ife A. M., Danvers Lodge No. 742, of which he is also filling the position of Senior War- den. He has been connected with the Congrega- tional C-hurch for the past fourteen years, and in politics is a stanch Repulilican. He holds member- ship with the American Medical Association, Illi- nois State Medical Society and McLean County Medical Society. -^-5— 4— O'S^SlHiie'o $^-«— /^EORGE W. PUMPHREY, a farmer of lian- lll ^^ dolph Township, is pleasantly located on ^^J! section 30, where he owns 160 acres of val- uable land, which is finely improved and supplied with a handsome and substantial set of farm build- ings. These have been mainly erected by our sub- ject. He took possession of his present home in 1882, and since then has been industriously en- gaged in adding to its attractions and increasing its value. Mr. Pumphrey was born in Carroll County, Ohio, Feb. 20, 1859, and was four years of age when he came with his parents to Illinois. Of his father, R. Pumphrey, a sketch will be found in another part of this work. Our subject was reared in Randolph To\TOship, improved his opportunities at school, and became possessed of a first-class education. He remained with his parents until his marriage, which occurred Feb. 23, 1882, at the home of the bride's parents nts, • i i 428 MrLEAN COr^'TV. near Ileyworth. The lad^' of his choice was Miss J., ehlest (laughter of .lacob and ^[ar^• E. (Came- ron) Moyil, both of Knox County, Oiiio, and of ex- cellent (Scotch and Irish ancestry. They were reared in Knox County, and there also occurred their marriage and the birtli of their daughter, Mrs. P. This latter eyent tooiv place Aug. 20, 18G2. A few years thereafter they came to lUlinois and lo- cated on a farm in the south [lait of Randolph Township, where the parents are now living and engaged in farming. Mrs. Pnmplirey received a fair education, and remained with her [larents un- til her marriage. Of her union witii our suliject there has been one child — Mary E. Soon after their marriage Mr. and Jlrs. P. lo- cated ou their present homestead, and there is every indication of a prosperous and happy future before them. They have not yet reached the noon of life and still possess the courage and the hope of youth. Jlr. Pumphrey is connected with the Pres- byterian Church, and in politics is a Democrat. -.-s- #"#► i ^¥]()IIN S. POPPLE, who is widely and favora- l)ly ivnowii throughout this section of the State, is a gentleman in the prime of life, and has already distinguished himself as one of the most useful citizens of Dan vers, having been intimately identified with its business and industrial interests since 18(J(). Mr. Popple was born in Bos- ton, England, Jan 24, 1841, and when a lad of ten years old started for America with his parents, ar- riving here in August, 18.51. The family first set- tled in Oswego, N. Y. The father of our subject, Rev. Samuel Popple, was a minister of the Method- ist Epi.s(^oi)al Cluu'ch, and died .'it Watertown, N. Y., in 18,")r). John S., a brigiit and ambitious boy, attended school at Oswego and Watertown, and secured for himself a good English education. He came tJ*, he bought out the hard- ware stock of William Estes in Danvers, and since that time has lieen successfully engaged in this branch of ti'ade. Soon after the establishment of the liloomington Leader IMr. Poijple l)ecame its Danvers correspond- ent, which he continued without the intermission of a single week until April 3, 18S0. The iearter fre- quently called attention to him as a model for all correspondence, both in the brevity and terseness of his style, and his manuscript, which, distinct and handsome as copper-plate, was the delight of the composing-room. Upon severing his connection with the Leader Jlr. Popple, in company with Prof. John P. Voder, established the Danvers Dispateh, April 1, 1881, which at once commanded public attention and invited public patronage. At the end of two years, Prof. Yoder withdrew, and Mr. Popple has since been sole editor and proju'letor. The Dispatch is a five-column folio, independent in polities, and has now probably the largest circula- tion of any [taper in McLean County, outside of Blooniington, and has become quite iiulisi)ensable in this locality. Mr. Popple is a concise and inter- esting writer, and exhibits more than ordinary al)ility as a journalist and business manager, and receives honorable recognition from the fraternity, which largely copies from the interesting matter in the DispaM-h. In addition to the many arduous duties of his business affairs I\Ir. Popple has been pressed into service in connection with many important enter- prises affecting the welfare and progress of Dan- vers and vicinity. His clear head and wise judg- ment are in constant requisition. He has been elected Secretary of the Rock Creek Fair Associa- tion for ten consecutive years, and for nine years served as Secretary of the Danvers Mutual Fire Insurance Campany. He is also Agent for the ^Etna, Underwritei-s', Hartford, Phamix, Springfield and Queen Insurance Companies. The marriage of John S. Popple and Miss Jennie 1 t ■^^ u McLEAN COUNTY. 429 E. Franks, a iiiUive of Danvers, was celebrated at the liome of the bride's parents, June 4, IHfuS. Of their union were born four ehildren — Edwin G., Mabel \V., Etiiel F. and Parlv W. The home of our sub- ject and his family is pleasantly located on Main street, and in all its appointments is indicative of cultivated tastes and ample moans. Socially' Mr. Popple is Secretary of Dan vers Lodge No. 742, A. F. & A. M., which honored office he has held since its organization, March 10, 1873. He is an efficient Sabbath-school worker, and ofiiciates as organist for the Presbyterian and Baptist Sabbath-schools, where his vocal and instru- mental talents are a source of great i^leasure and satisfaction to the people who attend. It is seldom that in one individual there is combined extraordi- nary business talent and the most cultivated and refined tastes, but Mr. Popple is a brilliant excep- tion to this rule. His energy and industry are nni- fornil}' exercised in all departments of life, and he can devote himself fully as closelj' to its sober business as to its lighter and more pleasing tasks. He is yet in the prime of life, and great things are ex- pected of him. At his home in Danvers he is hon- ored and esteemed by all, and possesses that genial disposition which is careful not to w'ound a friend and avoids creating an enemy. VB. MOORE, one of the old and honored residents of Bloomingtou City, in earlier years carried on the granite, marble and stone business, which is now operated by his son, J. K. Moore, at No. 311 West Washington street. The subject of this history was born in Perry County, Ohio, near Somerset, Dec. 8, 1832, and is the son of .John K. and Sarah C. (Ballon) Moore, the father a native of Westmoreland Count}', Pa., born near Grecnsliurg, in Ajiril, 1803, and the mother of Rhode Island, born the same year. They were married in Guernsey County, Ohio, and settled upon a farm in Perry County, where the father taught school in the winter season. The grandfather of our subject, Rev. Thomas Moore, was a gentleman of much learning and fine abilities, having been educated at Dartmouth Col- lege, N. H., and took the degree of I). D. at Yale. He labored as a Presbj'terian minister in Pennsyl- vania and Ohio, and was a Chaplain in the Revo- lutionary War, being with Gen. Washington at \'.al- ley Forge in 1776. He also considered it his duty to carrj' a musket, and be ready to fight if It was necessary. After the independence of the colonies had been established, he located in Pennsylvania, and moved to Ohio in 1811 with his family. His children were four in number — Thomas, James P., Catharine and John K. Of these, only one is liv- ing, Catharine, Mrs. Downey, whose home is in White County, lud. The maternal grandfather of our subject was Welcome Ballon, a boot and shoe maker by trade, who removed to Ohio prior to the War of 1812, where he purchased land near Chandlersville, where he carried on agriculture and his trade alternately. His famil>' included seven children: Sarah C, Mrs. Moore, now deceased; Aurelius, of Newark, Ohio; Aurelia, and Welcome, M. D., both deceased; Celia A., Mrs. Foster, living in Shirley, 111. ; Lorinda, Mrs. Wartenbee, and Leander, M. D., deceased. John K. Moore, the father of our subject, in early manhood moved to Fairfield County, Ohio, and eng.aged in general merchandise. In 1843 he removed to White Countj', Ind., and there farmed and taught school alternately, finally locating in Monticelio, where he departed this life in March, 184.5. The mother had died in Warren Conntyj Ind., when about seventy years of age. Their chil- dren were : Th(_)mas, now of Santa Fe, N. M. ; Wel- come B., in Bloomington; John K., of Sumner Count}', Kan. ; Lorinda B.,of Warren County, Ind.; Matilda, who died in Kansas, and James P., of St. I'aul, Minn. The parents were members of the Presbyterian Church. In earlier years, John K. Moore commenced studying for the ministry, but was obliged to abandon it on account of his health. W. B. Moore of our sketch remained at home until twenty-one years old, in the meantime re- ceiving his education principally under his mother's instruction. He was reared to habits of industry, and when sixteen years of age began to chop wood and split rails, and with the money thus earned, secured a small amount of live-stock. Then, in , company with his brother John K., he purchased a > ► ■ 4* i t •» ■ ^» 430 McLEAN COUNTY. te:ini, and they began to farm on rented laud. Tbey operated thus the following three years, and then our subject went to Covington, Ind., and ap- prenticed himself to learn the m.arble bnsiness. He soon afterward had the management of a shop, and in LSOlj came to Bloomington, where he established the present business. The marriage of W. B. Moore and Miss Eliza E. Lamb was celebrated in 18.t5. Mrs. Moore is a native of Fountain County, Ind., and was born near Newtown, being the daughter of William and Lucinda Lamb. Of her marriage with our subject there have been born seven children, one of whom is deceased: Alice A., Mrs. Flanagan, lives in Lo- gansport, Ind.; the others, at home, are John K., William L., Fannie B., Sarah C. and C4raee. Mr. Moore has also operated as a contractor and builder, and has suijerintended the construction of some of the most important buildings in the city, among them being the Methodist Church, which is a model of architectural beauty. Eight men are employed about the works, and their i>atrons are among the best business men of the city and connty. Mr. Moore is held in the highest respect by his fellow-citizens, and has built up for himself a good reputation for honor, integrity, and straight- forward business i)rinci()les. ^-i— *-— o<«-'H«i»-!i»e>o ^.— 5-s. yfelLLIAM L. VOCE KODT, a carpenter and / cabinet-maker, now living in the village of ^5^^ Danvers, this connty, was born in Twin Grove, .Sept. 5, 1849. His parents, .lohn C and Mary (Deal) \'ockrodt, were natives respectively of Germany and Waynesboro, Va. John-Vockrodt was born in 1815, and came to America when a youth of eighteen years, landing in Baltimore on the night made memorable by a great fall of me- teors. He soon afterward proceeded to Waynes- boro, where he worked at carpentering and cabinet- making until 1848. He then came to McLe.an County, 111., and followed the same vocation until his death, which occurred in this village on the 28th of .Jul}-, 1873, of which he liad been a resident since 18.')2. The parents of our subject were mar- ried in \'irginia in July, 1844 ; the mother was born in April. 1M22, and is still living, in fair health. Of -4. the seven children born to the household three are now living. The record is as follows: John, the eldest, is deceased; William L. of our sketch is the second child; Elinore (1st) is now deceased; Eli- nore (2d) is now Mrs. Culbertson, and resides in Danvers; Charles E. is deceased; Walter L. married Miss Adelaide Kauffman, and lives in Danvers; Susan is deceased. Mr. Vockrodt remaini'd under tlie parental roof until his marriage. On the 2()tli of December, 1876, he was united with Miss Margaret Crist, who was also a native of Illinois, and was born in Taze- well County, Oct. 28, 1845. Mrs. V. is of (lernian and English ancestry, being the daughter of Iliram and Clarinda (Brown) Crist, natives of Ohio and New York respectively. Hiram Crist was born May 22, 1801), in Hamilton County, Ohio, where he spent his childhood and youth, coming to Illinois in 1842. He located in Pekin, but after a few months removed to Tremont, in Tazewell County, where, with his familj', he remained a few years, then moved to Bloomington, and thereafter to Danvers Township, where he died in 1871. Mrs. Crist was again married in 1879, to Mr. Philo Washburn, a resident of this township. Mrs. Crist by her lirst husband had nine children: John O. B. ; Nathaniel; Franklin, who died at the age of eleven years ; Abraham ; Margaret L. ; Eliza A. and Mary E. (twins) are living; Eliza married Mr. John Ament, and lives in Bloomington, 111.; Mary E. married James II. Deal, a farmer near Baxter Springs, Kan. ; Loyd married Miss Annie Dickin- son, and Ilari-iet died at the age of six years. Mr. and Mrs. Vockrodt are the parents of two children : Clara M., born Oct. 29, 1878, and John C, July 25, 1881. The father of our subject served as Jus- tice of the Peace for twenty years in Danvers, holding the ofiice at the time of his death. Will- iam L. was thereafter elected to fill the vacancy, and has occupied the position for thirteen years. He is a member of the Town Board, of which he has been President for three 3'ears, has been No- tary Public for the last twelve years, and in the fall of 1 873 was elected a member of the Board of Supervisors. He is now upon two committees, one having charge of the paupers in Western District, and the Committee on Education. ^ m Residence of D.F. Biddle, Sec,1.,Towanda Towns hi p. Residence OF Albert Ogden , Sec.9.^Money Creek Township. Residence of Eli as B.JohnsoNjSec.21.,BlueMound Township. igk X<:i f ■^»- -•►HI McLEAN COIJNTY. 433 Mr. Vockrodt is strictly Rei)ubli(^an in politics, and Mrs. V., talking the other side <>i the question, upholds Democratic principles. The latter has been a member of the Christian Cluirch since she was fourteen years of age. Mr. V. is not con- nected with any church organization. Mrs. Vocli- rodt is a lady of good musical talent, and has quite a reputation as a singer in this community, having occupied the leading position in the choir of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. She recalls many pleasant incidents of her childhood, having been an especial pet of Abraham Lincoln, who used to stop at her father's hotel, which he carried on at Tremont, and where Mr. Lincoln often stopped. Mrs. V. was then a child of thi'ee or four years old, and used to dance and sing for " Uncle Abe," who trained and encouraged her in these accomplish- ments. Mr. Vockrodt became a resident of Danvers in 1852, and here received his education. He has been a thorough-going business man, and by his own industry has accumulated property consisting of three lots and a fine dwelling-house. His at- tractive home is the abode of peace and plenty, where he lives in the enjoyment of the comforts of life, and the confidence and esteem of his fellow- citizens. ^ R. JAMES McCANN is one of the successful l)ractitioners of Normal, and has made that his home since 187'.). He was born in Connersville, Fayette Co., Ind., May 24, 1832. The parents of our subject, James and Bar- bara (Dary) McCann, were natives of Fayette County, Pa. In 1818, the parents, accompanied by Daniel Yantes, founder of Indianapolis, took pas sage on a flatboat down the Ohio River for Cincin- nati, whence they removed to Fayette County, Ind., and the same year, accompanied by Mr. Yantes and twenty other men, went to what is now Indian- apolis. There, all except Mr. McCann were taken down with the ague, and as soon as they recovered he (being the only cook and nurse), becoming dis- pleased with the locality, returned to Fayette County to his family, where he followed farming and stock-raising during the remainder of his life. i He was very successful in a financial point of view. Religiously, he was a member of the Christian Church, and was one of a number of those who organized a congregation of that denoniination at Comiersville. Mr. and Mrs. McCann became the parents of twelve children, one of whom died in infancy, and eleven lived to attain the age of man and woman- hood, and of that number six (all the younger) are living at the present time. Isaac is a farmer and lives in the neighborhood of Connersville, Ind. ; James, our subject, was the seventh in order of birth; Sarah is the widow of Lewis Oliver, and is living at Connersville ; Julia is the wife of Andrew Fowler, and they reside at Goshen, Ind. ; Mary and Martin Barker were married, and are living at Connersville, Ind. ; the youngest sister, Ellen, mar- ried Thaddeus Scofield, of Connersville, Ind., and they are now residents of Bloomington, 111. The subject of this notice lived on his father's farm until he was sixteen years old, when he entered the State University at Bloomington, Ind., and was there a classmate of Judge J. Q. Gresham. He re- mained in the University for four years, and then going to Connersville, the same State, entered the otHce of G. R. Chetwood, and under his pre- ceptorshij) began the study of medicine. Subse- quently, in 1856, he graduated from the Medical College of Cleveland, Ohio. He then located in his native town, and after a few weeks' residence there came to this State and entered upon the prac- tice of his profession at Joliet, where he resided for ten years. At the commencement of the late Civil War he was appointed U. S. Examining Surgeon of Pensions, and stationed at Joliet. He was suc- cessful in business while a resident of Joliet, built two store buildings, and was looked upon as one of the enterprising young men of that place. In 1866 he removed to El Paso, where he was re-appointed as U. S. Examining Surgeon for that locality, and where he continued to practice his profession un- til 1879, holding his Government appointment for seventeen consecutive years. During the year last named Dr. McCann came to Normal, where he succeeded T. S. Mills in the drug trade. Subsequently, in 1885, he purchased his present location, paying 11,000 for the ground. i f i^ 434 McLEAN COUNTY. ^•^r* which is 22 X 75 feet, and on which he has erected a two-story l)riclv business house, 22^ x 60 feet in dimensions, the lower floor being used for the drug- business, and the upper one for a residence. The Doctor was Secretary of Will County Medical Society four yeai'S, and is a consistent and respect- ed member of the Baptist Church, and in politics Republican. He lias never consented to be a can- didate for any political oltice, but has devoted his entire time to the practice of his profession and his drug business. Dr. McCanu was married at .loliet, Nov. 1"), 1860, to Martha Isabel, the fourth I'hiiil and third daugh- ter of James C. Kercheval, now deceased. She was born in Will County, 111., and they now have three children, one boy, Berte II., and two daugh- ters, Bessie and Emma. In 1880 Dr. McCann was one of a committee of five on organization of the Illinois State Pharmaceutical A.ssociation, and this committee memoralized the State Legislature, and had the jjrcsent riiarmacy Lawen.acted. The clause in said act imposing a fine of $;")() for an)' adulter- ation of medicine was especially' commended by Dr. McCann, and no jiart of the law has been more praised than this. The Doctor is an exceedingly socialile and courteous geutlemau, and endowed witii the happy faculty of making and retaining friends, and by lionoraLile dealing and true manli- ness has gained a front rank among the res[)ectcd citizens of McLean County. Y- \*<^ (i. IIYBURN. The subject of tiiis history is one of the successful breeders of fine stock in Randolph Township. His home- stead is located on section 2, and embraces 200 acres, and is watered with an ever-llowing min- eral sjjring. The farm residence and out-buildings are substantial. Mr. Ryburn makes a specialty of thoroughbred Short-horn cattle, in which he has had an e\'|)erience of over twenty years. He is a member of tlie American Sliort-horn Breeders' As- sociation, .and exhibits the register of 400 calves, many of which have been unexcelled on the best stock farms ^-V®-o*o.- Vl m 7 ACOB H. RITCHIE, a well-to-do farmer of Martin Township, is pleasantly located on section 35, where he has been successfully (^7/ engaged in farming since the spring of 1865. He is a native of Rockingham Count}^, Va., and was born Dec. 24, 1838. He is the son of John and Magdalena (Fawley) Ritchie, both natives of the Old Dominion, of which his grandfather, Jacob Ritchie, Sr., was also a native. The father of our subject, who was a farmer by occupation, emigrated from his native State after his marriage, and ac- companied by his children, came to this country, in the fall of 1855. The wife and mother had died in Virginia in 1854. After reaching this county, Mr. Ritchie located in Brown's Grove, west of Bloomington, where he continued the pursuit of agriculture, and spent the remainder of his days, ins decease occurring in 1800. The parental house- hold included four sons and six daughters, of whom only two sons and two daughters are now living. The subject of this biography was the youngest of his parents' family, and passed his childhood and j^outh in his native State, receiving in the meantime a common-school education. He was married in this county when twenty-one years of age to Miss Sallie, daughter of John and Casandra 4» (Casey) Hurt, who descended from an old Ken- tucky familj' and were among the earliest pioneers of this section. Mr. Ritchie settled with his bride in Brown's Grove, near his father's fai'm, where he remained until 18()5, then removed to his present homestead. This consists of 160 acres of finely cultivated land, the soil of which is naturally ver^' rich, and adapted to the growth of all farm [)ro(l- ucts. Mr. Ritchie has been largely engaged of late 3'cars in raising and shipping hogs, the proceeds of which have yielded him a fine income. He has also raised a few Norman horses. The farm buildings are of modern style, and kept in good repair, and the wheilc [)remises present an air of neatness and thrift which is delightful to the eye. The ten chil- dren of our subject and his wife, five sons and five daughters, are all living except one, and named as follows: Ida, dleorge, Anna B., Emma, Addison, Jay, Mary A., Florence A. and Grover Cleveland; John W. was the eldest, and died in infancy'. INIr. Ritchie, politically, is a reliable Democrat, and a strong suiiporter of the present administra- tion. He has held the offices of Supervisor, Col- lector and School Trustee, filling each with credit to himself and satisfaction to all concerned. Both he and his wife are pnnninently connected with the United Brethren Church. <^NDRKW J. JOHNSTONE, Supervisor of lJII I )ale Township, claims it as the place of his birth, the date thereof having l)een Oct. •28, 1850. His father. Dr. Andrew John- stone, was a native of Dumfriesshire, Scotland, born f>n the ■21st of May, 1800, and possessed all the substantial and worth3' traits of the t^'pical Scot- tish character. The father of our subject was edu- cated in the schools of Edinburgh, and at the age of eighteen years determined to emigrate to the New World. After reaching American shores he proceeded directly to the young and rapidly grow- ing State of Ohio. He was a man of fine aliilities and had taken a scientific course of study in his native country, which he had afterward reduced to practice, and after his arrival within the bounds of t -4^ 436 McLEAN COUNTY. I' the State niciitiage of this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Johnstone have only one child living, a son — Guy Carl3'le. Lizzie, the only daughter, who was born March 15, 1877, died on the Gth of January, 1880. Mr. J. is Republican in politics, is highly respected as a business man, neighbor and citizen, and is serving his second year as Sujiervisor of Dale Township. ^-m-'im>-^S'^ /^ HARLES J. NORTHRUr, proprietor of the (if ^^ dry -goods house at No. II 8 N. Center street, ^^iJi^ and 208 West Washington street, Blooming- ton, was born in Lisle, Broome Co., N. Y., May 20, 1847. He is the son of Solomon J. and Annie Lavantia (Buell) Northrup, natives respectively of Lenox, Mass., and Fairfield, N. Y. The father was born Dec. G, 1811, and the mother. May 16, 1815. Both were deei)ly religious people, and contributed liberally and cheerfully to the support of the Con- gregational Church, with which they were con- nected when quite young. Solomon Northrup was Superintendent of the ■♦- -4- McLean county. 437 f- Sabbath-school for many years. He was a farmer by occupation, and removed from his native town to Lisle, N. Y., in 1840, where he remained for a period of thirty years, then sold out and engaged in merchandising in the same town. Thence he re- moved to Bingharaton, in response to a call to taive charge of the Susquehannah Valley Home for the Poor, which office he held for several years. He resigned the position finally on account of failing health, and died at Long Branch, while visiting there, Aug. 1, 1882. The mother departed this life on the 2 1st of September, 1847. The record of their four children is as follows: Julia, Mrs. G. W. Livermore, was born Sept. 4, 1837, and died May 4, 1883; James E., a resident of Bingliamton, during the late war enlisted in Co. F, 8yth N. Y. Vol. Inf., of which he was made First Lieutenant, participated in many battles, and was wounded at Antietam. He was married to Miss Ruth Sylves, of Berkshire, N. Y., and they have one child, a daugh- ter, ILattie E. They belong to the Congregation.il Church, and he is a prominent Mason, having taken all the degrees. Ira W. enlisted in Co, F, 8l)th N. Y. Vol. Inf., but before engaging in active service was taken ill from exposure, and brought home by his father, dying soon afterward, Feb. 22, 1863, when not quite twenty-one 3'ears of age, his birth occurring Dec. 28, 1842. C. J. of our sketch is the youngest living. After the death of his first wife, Solomon J. Northrup was united in marriage with Miss Lucy E. Carroll, of Springfield, N. Y., Jan. 10, 1849, and of this union there were born two children : Emma L., Mrs. B. L. Osborne, of Camden, N. Y., and Lydia C, who died Feb. 24, 18C2. The father of our subject was essentially a self-made man, and started out in life at the foot of the ladder. He was employed first as a farm laljorer, and received liis education by attending school during the winter seasons. After his marriage he farmed on rented land, his first purchase being in Lisle, N. Y. He became prominent in the political affairs of tliat State, and a citizen greatly respected for his moral and intellectual worth. Politically he was a strong Republican. He held the office of Supervisor sev- eral years, was Deputy Sheriff of the county, and Trustee of the school at Lisle, and took an active part in all measures calculated to promote the in- terests of liis adoiJted county or State. He put forth every effort to educate liis children, often re- marking that lie would prefer leaving tliem a good education rather tlian gold. The subject of this history was l)orn in a log house, on his father's farm in Lisle, and remained there until eigliteen years of age, attending the common schools. He studied two j'ears at Owego Academy, and afterward wont to Springfield, N. Y., eng.aging as clerk in a country store at i^5 per montii, for one year. He then removed with his father to Canandaigua, Ontario Co., N. Y. He attended the .academy tliere under the tutorship of Prof. Clark, and in the spring of 1807 entered the dry-goods store of William Rieliardson & Co. He remained there until fall, then came West with Mr. Richardson, and settled at Bloomington. He con- tinued with his former employer, who h.ad asso- ciated himself with partners, Messrs. Wilcox Bros., and carried on the dry -goods business. Our sub- ject remained with the firm over seven years, which then became Wilcox Bros., by the withdrawal of Mr. Richardson. Mr. Northrup established his present business Feb. 15, 1876, on tiie spot where he is still located. He l)egan with one clerk and an errand-lio3',and was prospered from the beginning. His business in- creased each year, and in 1882 he secured the ex- tension of his store to W.ashington street. In 1885 he purchased a stock of goods at Lexington, where he established a Ijranch house. In 1.S86 he pur- chased another stock, in the same pl.ace, and con- solid.ated tlie two. He emplnys from ten to fifteen clerks in Bloomington, and from five to seven .at Lexingtt>n. The subject of our sketch was married, Sept. 27, 1877, to Miss Rose Whipp, of Noi'mal, w^io was born in 1850, and is the daughter of John W. and Elizaljcth (VaiiNess) Whipp. Her father was a banker for many years at Bloomington City, but is now in Springfield, employed by the State Board of Charities. Mr. and Mrs. N. have three children — Fred W., Charles B. and Julia E. They occupy an attr.active home at No. 510 East Front street, and enjoy the .association and friendship of the cidtured people of the city. Botii our subject and his wife 4*- ^^^- I f. •►-^■-4^ 438 -A McLEAN COUNTY. are members in good standing of the Second Pres- byterian Church, of which Mr. N. has been Trustee for the last six years, and is Assistant Suiierintend- ent of the Sunday-school. He contributes liberally and cheerfully to the support of the church, and takes a deep interest in its welfare and prosperity. He is in all respects a representative citizen. -^•#-- n RA MERCHANT, a civil engineer of Rlooming- ton, is the son of Daniel P. and Anna E. (Carey) /1\ Merchant, and was born in Morris County, N. J., in February, 1837. His father, a native of Con- necticut, was taken by his parents when an infant to New Jersey, of which latter State the mother was a native. The Merchant family are of P^n- glish ancestry, and the father of our subject was a farmer by occupation. The boyhood and youth of Ira INIerchant were passed on his father's farm in New Jersey, while he pursued his studies in the district school. When eighteen j^ears of age he left his native State, and going across the Mississippi River into Missouri, was employed as an engineer on the North Mis- souri Railroad, under James P. Lowe, a noted en- gineer fioni Massachusetts. From this gentleman our subject obtained most of his knowledge of surveying. He continued witli Mr. Lowe until the outbreak of the Civil War, and then enlisted as a Union sohlier in Co. C, 28th 111. Vol. Inf., serving faithfully for two and one-half years. He was wounded at Holly Springs, .Miss., his left wrist being pierced by a ball from the enemy, lie also took part in the battles of Ft. Henry, Donelson, Shiloh, the advance on Corinth, Hatehie River, and the siege of Vicksburg. After receiving his honora- ble discharge he was mustered out in the fall of 1 803. After his retirement from the army Mr. Merchant came into Sangamon County, 111., where lie was soon afterward elected County Surveyor, in which position he served for a term of two years. He was then employed to survey wiiatat that time w.as i-allcd the Burr Oak Farm, owned by M. L. Sulli- van, of Ford Countj', the greatest farm at that time in the Western States. He was then cmi)loyed to make a pioliminary snrve}' on the I'coria it Hock Island Railroad in the fall of 18G8. After com- pleting this work he came to Bloomington, being soon afterward employed as City Engineer, which positiim he has held nearl}' ten years. He was Superintendent and Engineer when the water works were constructed, and h.as been connected profes- sionally with most of the important improvements in the city since coming here. Although holding office under different administrations Mr. jMerchant never directly or indirectly solicited any appoint- ment to the office he filled. He is also engineer of farm drain.age, of which department he makes a specialty, laying during the year 188C over sixty miles of tile. Mr. jMerehant was married in Cass County, 111., to .Miss Mary Areuz, and they became the parents of one child, a daughter, Ella, born in 18(J0, and now the wife of Charles H. McWarter, of Mason City, Iowa. Politically Mr. Merchant is a Mug- wum|i, and socially is a member in good standing f)f the (;. A. R. R. CHARLES T. ORNER, of the firm of Barnes & Orner, is located at No. '2 20 North Center street, Bloomington. He was liiiru in Reading, Pa., Sept. 17, 184(), his ]).arents being Jesse and Eveline P. (Pettit) Or- ner, botli natives of Chester County, Pa. The father was Superintendent of the Iron Rolling Mill of heading until the outbreak of the late war, when he enlisted in the .50th Pennsylvania Infantry, and was made Captain and chief of transportation in the !)th Army Corps. He was in the service from the capture of Beaufort, S. C, until the winter of 18, and for a year following spent most of his time in travel, afterward resuming practice in his native town, where he remained until May, 1871. In the year last mentioned Dr. Orner came to Illinois, and locating in Saybrook, this county, en- tered into partnership with Dr. J. L. Ballard, with whom he continued one 3'ear. He then piacticed alone until September, 1S.S4, and coming to lUoom- ington City, associated himself with iiis present partner. Dr. Barnes, and they have operated to- gether since that time. Dr. Orner stands high in his profession in this State, being connected with the National, State, Illinois Central, McLean County and DeWitt County Medical Societies, and foi' a time was President and is now Secretary of the Illinois Central Medical Society. He was Pension Surgeon at Saybrook for four years under President Artluir's admiusti'alion, aiul is a corres- ponding member of the Academy of National Science at Reading, Pa. Dr. Orner was m.arried in 1868, to Miss Mattie E., the ilaugiiterof William L. Crothers, of Spring- field, Ohio. Their residence is located .at No. 7011 North Evans street, where they enjoy the society and friendship of the most cultured people of the city. Our subject and his wife are members of the First Presliytcrian Church, to the support of which they contribute liberally and cheerfully, and are deeply interested in its prosperity. Socially the Doctor belongs to the (i. A. R., of which he is Commander, the United American Mechanics and Improved Order of Red Men. He is also Captain of the Sons of Veterans. n SAAC McBEAN, late proprietor of the Bloom- ington omnibus, carriage and transfer line, /1\ whose decease occurred March 31, 1887, was one of the representative men of the city, full of energy and enterprising, and conducted his business in a manner profitable to himself and satisfactory to his patrons. The subject of this biography was a native of Virginia, and was born in Frederielv, (now West) Virginia, .Ian. 2, 1829. When quite young he removed with his parents, Ch.arles and Sarah (Harrison) McBean, to Newark, Licking Co., Ohio, where they located and remained until 1857. They tlien removed further westward to Canton, 111., where they remained until the close of their lives. The McBeans were of Scotch-Irish ancestry, and the Harrisons among the first families of Vir- ginia. Isaac McBean, during his earlier years, attended the city schools of Newark, Ohio, and after remov- ing witli his parents to Illinois, became employed in the marble works of I'eoria for three years. Thence he went to Canton .and engaged in the liv- ery business until 1857, and from there to a farm in Fulton County. Here he was successfully en- gaged until the opening of the late war when, in August, 1.SG2, lie enlisted in Co. D, 103d 111. Vol. Inf., his regiment being assigned to the Army of West Teiniessee. He particii)ated with his cora- ra(le> in llu' siege of Vicksbnrg, the liattles of •► i t "►-■-^^ 440 McLEAN COUNTY. Black River, Mission Ridge, ami other important engagements, and went with Sherman on the march to the sea. In the meantime he was wounded in the head by bushwhackers, and was subsequently promoted to the rank of First Lieutcn.ant and served on the staff of Brevet Brig.-Gen. rugh. Lieut. McBean finally resigned his commission, and in ,Inne. 18G4, returned to Canton, 111., and lo- cating in I'iatt Count3' again engaged in agricult- ural imrsuits. lie was thus occupied until 1875, when he disposed of his stock, implements, etc., and coming to P.loomington purchased what was known at tliat time as the McKissen & Page Omni- bus Line, to which he added carriages and mail- wagons, and by tliis means acquired control of the most profitable business of the city, carrying and transferring all the mail coming into Bloom ington since 1876. In this latter department alone he used about fifty-two horses during the twent3'-four hours. The stables are constructed of brick, G6x 100 feet in area and two stories in height, and have two divisions, one for carriages and the other for horses. There is also a jwivate barn at No. CO.") East Front street, which is built of brick, three stories in height and 4Gxr)(! feet in area. In this stable is kept the blooded stock, ro.adsters and stal- lions, the latter for speed and breeding purposes. Of the latter one is the son of King Almont and Wilkes, tlie son of the great George Wilkes. These beautiful animals will bear comparison with any others in this part of the State. Isaac McBean and Miss Mary J. Il.all, of Canton, 111., were united in marriage Dec. 24, 18(JG, and of the union there is one child — Charles, who was born .Inly 7, ISGli. \jl EWIS B. THOMAS, Mayor of Bloomington, le precincts of the city presides over, on the 27th of September, 1838. His parents were William and Catharine (Haines) Tin>mas, natives of Xenia, Ohio, who remove- RS. EMILY PREY, widow of the late Le Roy W. Prey, of Empire Township, owns .and occupies a beautiful farm estate of 540 acres on sections .5, 7 and 8, where she is surrounded by all the appliances of cultivated tastes and ample means. The family residence is finely located, and the barns and out-ljuildings are handsome and substantial structures, always kept in good repair. The farm forms one of the most attractive spots in the landscape of McLean County. Mrs. Prey is the second daughter of James and Margaret (Cannaday) Bishop (see sketch of J. Q. Bishop.) She was born on her father's homestead in Empire Township, Aug. 30, 1843, and received careful home training and a fair education in the public schools. She remained under the parental roof until she arrived at years of womanhood, and on the 6th of February, 1862, was married to William Evans, a native of this county, who w.as born in 1837, and the son of Francis M. and Mary Evans, who were among the early pioneers of this region. William Evans was reared on his father's farm, and followed agricultural pursuits during his lifetime. His death occurred in Empire Township, Jan. 4, 1865. Of this marriage there were born a^ i h i 448 McLean county. two children — Mary M., who died in infancy, and Josepliine, who died when nearly six years old. Mrs. Eniilj' (Bishop) Evans was united in mar- . riage with Le Roy W. Prey on the 7th of August, 1877. Mr. Prey had been previously married to Miss Mary Gilbert, Sept. 14, 1864. She departed this life June 14, 1876, leaving one child, John II., who at present is living in Le Roy. Mr. Prey was born in Franklin County, Ohio, Feb. 21, 1840, be- ing the son of Daniel and Hannah Prey. When about twelve years of age liis parents removed to Illinois and settled in P^mpire Township, whore he grew to manhood, remaining with his parents until there came a call for troops to assist in the preserv- ation of the I'nion. In 1861 he enlisted in an Illinois regiment, but the quota in this county' be- ing full he repaired to St. Louis, and joined the Missouri Infantry, in which he served three years. He particiijated in many of the battles of the war, being at Ft. Donelson, Shiloh, Vicksburg, Jackson, Miss., Champion Hills and Mission Ridge. With his comrades he joiued the command of Gen. Sher- man at Chattanooga, and participated in most of the engagements between that point and Atlanta. On the 17th of May, 18G2, he was wounded in a skirmish before Russell House, and was confined for a time in the liospital at St. Louis. Beyond this he escaped unharmed and received his honorable dis- charge after the surrender of Lee. After his return to civil life Mr. Prey resumed farming for a few years in Empire Town.ship. In 1873 he went to Nebraska and entered a claim, which he occupied for two years, and then return- ing to Empiie Township located upon his faim and remained a resident here until his death, which took pl.-ice on the 7th of July, 1884. Mr. and Mrs. Prey became the parents of one child, William Le R03'. Mr. I'rey was a gentleman of more than or- dinary business capacity, was enterprising and pos- sessed of excellent judgment, and was uniformly presperous in liis undertakings. He took a genuine interest in all uiatters pertaining to tiu" welfare of liis county and community, was iionest in his trans- actions, prompt to meet his obligations, and iu all respects a praiseworthy citizen and valued member of the community. Mrs. Pre^', since his death, has conducted the business of the estate wilii rare ";ood judgment, and will maintain it in its present style by her wise management and knowledge of its re- quirements. ,|| ^j)OBERT GREENLEE, one of the prominent contractors and builders of Blooniington, is M of stanch Pennsylvania birth and parentage, ^p having been born in Crawford Count}', on the 12th of Ma}', 1831. His parents were Owen and Margaret (Townley) Greenlee, natives of the Keystone State, where the father was engaged in agricultural purs\iits and operated a sawmill on his farm for a [lei-iod of thirt}' years. This h(jme- stead he occui)ied until his death, which occurred in LS7.5, he having survived the partner of his youtii twenty-five years, the wife and mother dying in ISoO. The}' had a family of fourteen children, only six of whom are living, as follows: Robert, Sarah, Cyrus, Harrison, Margaret and Frances. The parents were members of the First Presbyterian Church and descended from excellent Scottish ancestry. Robert (ireenlee remained nuder the parental roof until he was twenty years old and then set out for the West to seek his fortune. His first location was in Clay County, this State, where he was en- gaged in building and trestle work on the Ohio »S^SWW2r»v. -vvw \|j' RA ROWELL, a prosperous and highly respect- ed farmer of Danvcrs Township, has been for many years engaged in agricultural pursuits on section .'JG, where he has met with success. He is a native of the Old Granite State, born in Grafton County, May "20, 1831. His parents were Jonathan B. and Cynthia (Abbott) Rowell, natives of the same vState as their son. Jonathan Rowell engaged in farming pursuits the greater part of his life. He was born Feb. 3, 1800, and his wife, Cynthia, March 5, 180G. They were married Jan. 22, 1828, in New Hampshire, and resided there, with the ex ception of three years, until 1849. In July of that j-ear they started for the West and located in Dry Grove Township, this county, where the father de- that Dry i I de- f] * K t 450 McLEAN COUNTY. V parted this life Sept. 28, 1 850. The mother sur- vived her husband fifteen years, dying in Danvers, Feb. 5, 18GG. Of the ten children of Jonathan and Cynthia Rowell, the record is as follows : Mary .T. was born June 2'J, 1829, and died Sept. 8, 1848; Ira of our sketch was the second child; Jonathan H., born Feb. 10, 1833, is now Menilier of Congress from this district, and married Miss Marie Woods; Lucy M., born Jan. 27, 1835, died April 16, 1849; Charles C, born Dec. 11, 183G, married Miss Mar- garet Rabern; William L. was born Sept. 5, 1838, and married Miss Belle Dickinson; INIilo, born Dec. 13, 1840, married Miss Lou Carver; George B., born Dec. 13, 1842, married Miss Dellia War- low; Chester, born Oct. 7, 1844, married a Mi-s. Rowell; Albert A., born May 30, 184G, married Miss Nellie Booth. The mother was a member of the Congregational Church, and Jonathan Rowell, politicall}', was an uncompromising Democrat. Ira Rowell received a good common-school ed- ucation, remaining with his parents until eighteen years of age. lie then started out for himself and engaged as a farm lab(jrer at $10 per month. He was united in marriage with Miss Lavina Carlock Nov. 16, 1869, having already secured 130 acres of good land, and being aide to offer a comfortable home to his bride. This lirst purchase constitutes his present homestead, lie has industriously cul- tivated the land, and ay fhe planting of handsome shade and fruit trees, and has sold from time to time numbers of evergreen and ap- ple trees. The wife of our subject is the daughter of Abra- ham W. and Mary ((iood pasture) Carlock. Mr. C. was Ixjrn Ai)ril 7, 1 MOO, in llamjishire County, W. Va., and his wife, Jan. 24, 1«04, in Overton County, Tenn., about fifteen miles from Li\ ingston, the county seat. In the spring of 1H27 here- moved with his family to Dry Grove, and sub- sequently moved to Wiiite Oak Township. Mr. C. at one time was tlie owner of 1,000 acres of land, 200 of which he afterward disposed of. Their 4« rt- twelve children were, John ('•., Madison P., Sarah, Mahala, Lavina, William B., Abraham H., Margery, Martha, Reuben, Nancy J., and Mary. The four Last named are deceased. Mr. C. was a stanch Dem- ocrat politically. He died at the age of eighty-four years; his widow still survives. After the death of his father, Ira Rowell took charge of the estate, straightened up the business of the old homestead, and took his mother and broth- ers into his own household. He has been the architect of his own fortune, and what he possesses is the result of his industry and econom3\ He keeps himself well posted upon matters of general interest. Formerly he was Democratic in politics but is now mostly independent, aiming to cast his vote for tiie man whom he deems best fitted for the various ottices. He has been .School Trustee and Road Supervisor since his twenty-first birthday, having thus early in life established himself in the good opinion of his townsmen. The household circle of our subject and his wife has been completed by the birth of five children, as follows: Lillic was born Sept. 27, 1870; Laura B., Dec. 20, 1,S71 : Lulu J., Nov. 21, 1875; Kdith L.June 3(1, 1S79; Ira II. , Oct. 10, 1885. EDWARD WILSON, one of the honored pio- neers of McLean County, owns and occu- pies a flue estate in l^ale Township, on sec- tions 14 and 15, and in his .agricultural and stock- raising operations has met with abundant success. He is an industrious and enterprising business man, conducts his farming oi)eralions with discretion and judgment, and is strictly honorable and reliable in his transactions with liis neighbors and fellow-citi- zens. Mr. Wilson is a n.ative of Madison County, N. Y., and was boi-n on the Gth of August, 1827. As soon as old enough he attended the public schools of his native county, and during the sum- mer seasons assisted his father on the farm. At the .age of seventeen years he came to McLean County with his parents, and often recalls the incitlents of the overland journey. The family stopped a few days in Chicago, which was then a city of only a - » ■ <• t ■<^ t McLEAN COUNTY. 451 »► ■ ^> few thousand inhabitants, witli muddy streets and cheap frame buildings. From Cliicagu the fainil_y proceeded to .loliet, wliere thej' were obliged to stay until the fall of the j'car on account of the high water and absence of bridges. In the fall they resumed their journey and came into McLean County. He made his home with his parents until the}' removed to IJloomington, and his lirst start in life was like that of Alje Lincoln, as a rail-splitter. Mr. W. split rails at fifty cents per hundred, and boarded himself, but even at that small profit he managed to save something, and in due time be- came a landed proprietor. He added to his first purchase as time and means permitted, and is now the possessor of 375 acres, all of which, with the exception of fifteen acres, is in Dale Township and all in one l)ody. His farm is enclosed v.ith good fences, the soil is finely cultivated, and the whole presents a picture of a first-class farm estate. In I.SIJI Mr. Wilson put up his first frame building, and in 1873 built the handsome residence in which he now resides. He has good barns, valuable ma- chiner}' and implements, and all the appliances of a first-class agriculturist. The marriage of Edward Wilson and Mrs. Louisa (Perry) McWhorter took place June 2, 1864. Mrs. Wilson was born in Jessamine County, Kj'., May 29, 1832, and is the daughter of John and Charitj' Perry, and the widow of Stephen McWhorter. Of her first marriage there was born one son, Steiihen A., who married Miss Dolly Millikin, and is now a commission merchant in Omaha, Neb. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have become the parents of four children — William L., Esther M., John and Walter C. ; the latter died in 1872, when two years and four months old. Mr. W. is connected with the Baptist and his wife with the Christian Church. He is Republican in politics, and has been identified with this party since its organizatitai. He was formerly a Whig, and cast his first Presidential vote for Zachariah Taylor. During the progress of the Mexican War Mr. W. enlisted as a soldier, and also proffered his services to the Union Army in the late Civil War, but was rejected in both instances on account of physical disability. He has been called to fill various offices of trust in his township, having served as Assessor and School Directur, and was twice elected Justice of the Peace, which otiice he still holds. He has always been warmly interested in educational mat- ters, and h.as uniformly given his support to the cause of morality, sobriety and good order, and in all respects is esteemed one of the most valued citi- zens (>f his township. He has lived to see great changes in the Prairie State since he first chose it for his home, and has contributed his full quota as o|)portuuity permitted toward the establishment of a later civilization which has constituted Illinois one of the wealthiest and most pros|)erous States in the Union. PUMPHREY, deceased, was one of the most successful farmers of Randolph Township. In addition to the pursuit of general agri- ^'^ culture, he gave much attention to the raising of fine stock. In all his transactions, whether of a business or social nature, he bore the reputation of an honest man and a good citizen. He had been a resident of the county since 1863. During his earlj' manhood he was one of the most industrious and energetic men of Randolph Town- ship. These qualities in due time were amply re- warded. From a limited beginning, he became the owner of 1,000 acres of land, part of which, how- ever, he afterward disposed of. The Pumphrey homestead comjn'ises 400 acres of land, and a handsome and commodious set of farm buildings. He put up one of the best brick houses in this part of the county, and the other buildings on the premises correspond in all respects to the main one. There was also other valuable property belonging to the estate, and which was divided up among the heirs. Our subject was born in Brooke Co., W. Va., Aug. 23, 1810, and died at his home in Randolph Town- ship, May 11, 1884, of paralysis. He spent three winters in Florida, where it was hoped his failing health would be recovered, but in vain. Mr. Pumphrey was reared in Brooke County, W. Va. His parents. Reason and Ann (Boone) Pumphrey, were natives of Maryland, but of Welsh ancestry and parentage. The mother of our subject was the daughter of Richard Boone, a relative of the well- -•►-■-^ i I 452 McLEAN COUNTY. known Keutiu-ky hunter and pioneer, Daniel Boone. She was married to Reason runiphrey in Virginia whence they removed, in 1828, to Ohio, settling in Harrison County. There the mother died, at the age of sixty-five and one-half years, and a few j'ears later the father passed away at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Emily Holmes, in Carroll County, Ohio, at the advanced age of eighty-tive years. While in Virginia he was engaged in milling and accumulated a fine property, and was also success- ful in his farming operations, later, in Ohio. The subject of this history received a good edu- cation in the schools of his native county in A^ir- ginia and after arriving to suitable years, worked with his father in the mill. He subsequently went to Fayette County, Pa., where he met Miss Ann C, the daughter of Charles and Ann (Combs) (iriffln, to whom he was married on the Sth of December, 1835. The parents of Mrs. Pumphrcy were natives of Delaware and Elastern Pennsylvania respectively. They were married iu Fayette County, the latter State, and soon afterward located ujjon a farm and engaged in agricultural pursuits in that countj^ and there lived the remainder of their lives. The mother departed this life on the loth of August, 1840. aged sixty years. The father survived her several j'ears and died the latter part of December, 18(12, having arrived at ilw, adviincedage of eighty- five years. The parental family consisted of eight children, six sons and two daughters. Two of the sons died 3'ouug and five ai'c _yet living. Mrs. Pumphrey of our sket-cii was the tiiird child and second daughter, and was born in Fayette County', Pa., Aug. 1, 181(1. She received careful home training from excellent (larents, aiul remaineil with them until her marriage, liaving also enjoyed the advantages of a good educatinu. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. P. there were born eight children, one of whom, Mary M., died at the age of sixteen niouMis. Of the living, all but two are married. One is a minister of the I'resbyterian Church, having charge of a parish at Armourdale, Kan. This son was educated at lihjoniington, Chic"igo, and Crawfordsville, Ind., and |)ossesses more than ordinary abilit)' as a pas- tor ;uid orator. Each nicniber of this intelligent faniiiy is possessed of those excellent (pialities for ^» which their parents have been long and favor.ably known in this section. Soon after his marriage Mr. Pumphrey united with the Presbyterian Church, with which he was prominently connected after- ward, having been Deacon for many j'ears. Dur- ing the latter years of his life he was connected with the church at Heyworth, of which his wife and family are now members and regular attend- ants. Politically Mr. Pumphrey was a Democrat. •-^S^->-^»^ -ra-^ <^5«f-*^5^-' (S^^HOMAS J. STOREY. The history of our subject presents a fine illustration of what can be accomplished by a course of perse- vering industry and tlie determination to "get on in the world." He commenced life at the foot of the ladder without means or influence, and by his own efforts climbed up step by step until he is now a prominent and honored member of society and the owner of a fine property. Thomas .1. Storey was born in Lincolnshire, England, .Inly 27, 1843. His fa- ther, Thomas Storey, Sr., who all his life followed agricultural pursuits, was accidentally killed while driving a fractious horse attached to a cart. The animal became frightened, ran away, and Mr. Sto- rey was thrown to the ground with such violence that he suffered dislocation of the neck, and only lived thereafter three days. Our subject was then a little lad of about ten years old. The mother was left with eight children, the family having in- cluded ten, two of wlK>ni died in infancy. Mrs. Storey was a woman of great force of character, and intensely anxious for the welfare of her chil- dren. Not lieing .satisfied with their condition or prospects in their own country she determined to emigrate to the Inited States. They fii'st located in Delaware, whither she had been preceded by her eldest son. In less than a year, however, they started for the West, and coming into Illinois^ lo- cated at Prim field, Peoria County. The mother only survived about ten years, dying when less than fifty years of age from cancer in the breast. She had been a great sufferer aud bore her afflic- tions with courage and fortitude. Of the eight children who survive her .all are married; two liv- ing in McLean County, one in Livingston County, ->^m^<^ i till iw" ^^^^^ J#^ Re5. OF Arthur S.Catron , 5lc. 25.,Towanda Towtjsnip. ^t.ssrr^'*-.?^ : ^^ .J£ Residence OF Peter H Janes ,5tc '^<^ ,Mohey Cpeck lo//NbHiP ■.-"-' '"' - ..1% ^ h:-m\''^- n- ■5:?*<"c.-» nn^vi^ Sf** /I JC* ^r*=i-=f- -f^-f^iS; 1.1^^ ^1 rr-^f m -i^:!. ( 1 "i*. .4- Resi DEN GE OF Th OS. C.Hastings, 5 EC .11., Blue MourdTownship. m t McLean county. 465 t one in Fulton County, Ohio, two in Wooelfonl County, 111., two in Nebraska. Their names are Tunnard, .loseph, Elizabeth, Thomas J., Hannah, Jacob, Mollie and Sarah J. The subject of our sketch made his home with his mother until her deatli and then lived with rela- tives until his marriage, which occurred in 180:5. The lady of his choice was IMiss Florida D. Rodg- ers, who was born in Peoria County, .lune 12, 1845, and w.as the daughter of Joseph and Rebecca M. (Keyser) Rodgers, natives of Pennsylvania. They removed to Illinois after their marriage and set- tled in Peoria County, where the mother now lives, the father having died about 1871. Mrs. Rodgers makes her home with her younger son. Napoleon B., who is married, and employed on a railroad. The wedding of our subject and his wife took place in Eugene, Kuox Co., 111. The}' lived in Peoria County for two years afterward, and then our sul.)- ject purchased eighty acres of good land on section 1, Padua Township, this county, where he has made line imi)rovements and established a permanent homestead. He possesses all the elements of an honest man and a good citizen, and has been re- markably successful in his farming and luisiuess transactions. Mr. and Mrs. fS. are members in good standing of the United Bretln-en Church, in which he has been prominent as a Trustee and in (jther oHicial positions. Politically he is a soliil Repub- lican and uniformly casts his vote in snpijort of the ]3arty in which he l)elieves. The two living chil- dren of Mr. and Mrs. Stor}' are daugliters, Emma D. and Lizzie B. Their little sou, (ieorge E., died when two years of age. 'iflACOB .STORE Y, an enterprising young farmer of Padua Tt)wnship, where he is also successfully engaged in stock-raising, owns d^^ and occupies eighty acres of valuable land on section 2, and operates another eighty acres on section 1. He became a resident of this count}' in 1866. He is of English birth and parentage, being the son of Thomas Storey, w^ho was a farmer by occupation and spent his entire life in his native England. Jacob was born Nov. 8, 1849, and was 4» a little lad of five years when his father died. His mother afterward emigrated to the United States with her eight children, and located first in Dela- ware. They only lived a year there, however, then started for the West and coming into this State settled first in Peoria County, where the mother died in September, 1859. After the death of his mother our subject went to live with his guardian in Peoria County, with whom he remained a few years, and then started out to make his own way in the world. When but eighteen years of age, he enlisted as a soldier in Co. I, 146th 111. Vol. Inf., in 1864. He served eleven months, not being in an}' active engage- ment. After returning from the army, he was em- ployed as a farm laborer until his marriage, which occurred in Arrowsmith Township, this county. May 2, 1871. His wife, who was formerly Miss Isabella Maurice, was born and reared in Ohio, and came to Illinois with her parents wlien a child, re- maining in this county until her marriage. Of this union there have been born two children — William A. and Charles E. Mr. Storey is a solid Repuli- lican, .and bids fair to become one of the promi- nent fanners and citizens of McLean County. His energy and industry are surely deserving of entire success. C BENEZER WRKillT, of Normal, appren- ticing agent of the New Yurk Juvenile Asy- lum, is a native of Hampden County, Mass., and was born on the I'Jth of Septemlier, 1830. His father. Rev. E. B. Wright, was also born in the Bay State, was libcr.ally educated and at the age of seventeen years graduated from Williams College. He then entered Andover, graduating from there three years later, receiving a ministerial education. Upon attaining his majority he bj-'came pastor of a Congregational Church and remained as such for a period of thirty years thereafter. Afterward he served as Chaplain in the State Prim- ary School at Palmer, Mass., and departed this life at the advanced age of seventy-six years. The mother of our subject, ]Mrs. Harriet (Goodell) Wright, was a native of the same State as her hus- band and son, spent her whole life in New England, -^ B-^* i f ,t •456 mclp:an county. and died at the age ul' (it'ly-niiu' ycar.s. The pa- riMilal family consisted of tlirce children: Eunice, liie wife of Rev. VV. F. Avery, paster of a Congre- gatinnal C'iiurcli at Huntingdon, Mass. ; Theodore (;., a i)iiysician of I'lainville, Conn., and Ebenezer, the suljjeet of this siietch. who was the second of the children. Ebenezer AVright entered upon iiis primary stud- ies in the common scliools of liis native town, and receixed his preparatory course at Eastlianipton, Mass. He then entered Williams College, where he attended several years, and was al)out to graduate when he accepted the position of Superintendent of the City ])epartment of the New York .Juvenile Asylum. He afterward alt(!nded the Columbia Law School, where he took the full course, but did not grailuate on account of irregular attendance. In ISO? he accepted his |)resenl situation, and was lo- cated at Chicag(.> until after the great fire of 1871, since which date he has resided at Normal. The New York .Tuvenile Asylum was chartered in IiSTil. It receives truant and disobedient chil- dren, and such .as are surrendered by their parents and friends, between the ages of seven and four- teen 3'ears. They are left in the Asylum .about two years, during which time they attend school daily, and are afterward sent to the apprenticing agent who finds homes for them. The girls arc apprenticed until eighteen years old, and the boys until twenty-one. Only aliout one-fourth of the children of the Asy- lum are brought West, and these are all distributed in the State of Illinois. The whtile number brought thus to this State from the time of establishing the agency, in 1851, to Dec. 31, 18GG, is 4,557, an- an- nual average of 142. The important work of pro- viding suitaljle homes for these waifs of humanity is wholly intrusted to Mr. Wright, and it issuflicient to state that he has performed it with credit to himself and the institution which he has represented for nearly twenty years. He is a gentleman in the fullestsense of the term, kind-hearted, S3'mi)athetic, and admirably adapted to the business which he has in hand. Mr. Wright was married in November, 18()0, at .'Vmherst, .Mass., to Miss Mary D. Covvles, who was born in that city in 18.'39, and is the daughter of L. I). Cowles, of Amherst. Of this union there ■<^ were born eight childi'cn. of whom five arc living — Charles .S., Frederick C, Mary I)., Robert and Harry. Mr. and Mrs. Wright are worthy members of the Congregational Church, and enjoy the friendship and esteem of the liest citizens of Normal. <>|/OIIN rssELTON LYONS, who became a resident of the Prairie State when a child four years of age, is now pleasantly located in Martin Township on a fine farm of UiO acres. Here he lias a tasteful and substantial resi- dence a,nd all the accessories of a first-class ('oun- try estate. He has proven himself a thorough and progressive farmer and stock-raiser, and has brought his homestead to its present position by the exer- ci.se of cultivated tastes and ample means. In the meantime he has also distinguished himself as an honest man and ;i good citizen, and for many years has been prominent in the affairs of his township and county. He has been the firm friend of relig- ion, education and morality, and has contributed generously of his time and means to whatever en- terprise was set on foot for the advancement of the interests of this section. John U. Lyons was born near Frankfort, Ky., Oct. 22, 18,'}0,and is the son of William and Catha- rine (Eddings) Lyons. The father of our subject, whe was a native of Virginia, removed to the Blue Grass regions when a young nuin, where he after- ward married. After a few years he removed with his family to Indiana, and thence to Edgar County, III., where the mother died. He afterward returned to Indiana and died in Switzerland County, in 18(10. A short time before the death of his father, John U., our subject, came again to the Prairie State and purchased a farm of 1 (iO acres, but the following year rented his land, taking possession of his farm in 18(50. This latter was formerly owned by Dr. Martin. Mr. Lyons, on the 8th of September, 1853, took to himself a wife and helpmeet in the person of Miss Mary J., daughter of Thomas R. and Rhoda (Smith) Wiley. ^Nlrs. Lyons was born in Switzerland County, Ind., Oct. 24, 1837. Her father was a native of Virginia, and her mother of Kentucky. The wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Lyons -» «» i t ■f \ -^- 1 McLEAN COUNTY. 457 took place in Switzerland Connty, Ind., and they settled on a farm near the Ohio River, opposite Warsaw, Ky., where they remained until 1 SCO, then remiived to McLe.in County, 111. When Mr. L. purchased his farm in this count3- he could pay but 140(1 down and gave a mortg.ige on it for the balance, but by incessant industry and the exercise of a naturally good judgment and rigid economy, in due time he succeeded in clear- ing himself from debt. His first crop consisted mainly of onions, he having brought a large quantity of "sets" from Indiana, from which he raised 200 bushels and which repaid him handsomely for his labors. As time progressed he branched out into the various products of the farm, and in his grain raising and other farm operations has uniformly met with success. He has been prominent in the affairs of his township and has served as Road Commissioner two terms. Before the war he was Democratic politically, but during that period con- sidered that he had reason to change his views and cast his Presidential vote first for Lincoln and then for Grant. He was a strong Union man during tiie war, and contributed generously of his means in aid of its preservation. The record of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Lyons is as follows: Thomas R. was linrn Sept. 17,1854; Rhoda C, March 16, 185(;, and is liv- ing at home with her parents; John D. was born March 30, 1858; AVilliam A., :\Iarch 14, ISCO; Lytle R. W., now deceased, was born Nov. 15, 1802; Ulysses S. G. was born Aug. 1 1, 1864; Sarah C, now the wife of L. W. Baldwin, of Colfax, was born Aug. 31, 180(1; Mary E. was born March 26, 1869, and is livingat home with her parents; Emma J. was born Feb. 14, 1871; Hannah M., ,Ian. 1, 1873, and E. S., April 22, 1870. Mrs. Lyons is prominently connected with the Methodist Church, of which she was elected a Stew- ard in 18H5, and both she and our subject have contributed cheerfully and liberally to the support of the Gospel in this vicinity. John U. Lyons is a forcible illustration of the self- made man, having by the death of both parents been thrown upon the world at the tender age of eleven years. He pos- sessed more than ordinary intelligence, however, and as soon as old enough to reflect decided to ob- 4* tain a good education. This he accomi)lished Ijy working days and studying nights, and possesses a fund of practical knowledge which has proved an invalual)le aid to his business transactions and has enabled him to secure and maintain a good position a? a member ld homestead, which they have occupied since that time. It lies on tlie south side of the Mack- inaw, and ci>niiirises 200 acres of tlie lincst farming land in the county. Mr. Patton has given much attention to the growing of fine stock, and has also been extensively engaged in the raising of corn and hay. The homestead presents an air of comfort in all its appointments, everything about the place being in good order and well cared for. Of the three children born to Mr. and Mrs. Pat- ton there is only one living, a son, Tilden ; the other two died in infanc3'. Our subject isastanch Dem- ocrat i)olitically, ami is in all respects regarded as a praiseworthy and reliable citizen, who has con- tiilmted his full share toward the prosperity and progress of his native county. (ill l»/ILLIAM K\'AN,S. Tlu' gentleman whose \/\//l "'i'"6 stands at the head of this sketch has V^ been a resident of the Prairie State for over thirty years. His first location was in this county, six miles west of his present honiestead, where he purchased a one-half interest in 120 acres of lanil, which he oiterated incom|)any with Thomas Rawlings for three \'ears. lie then purchased the interest of his partner, and operated tlie whole for the thirteen years following, in the meantime add- ing forty aci'es adjoining and opening up a good farm. In about 1M72 he exchanged this for a tract (jf land on section 1 1.5, which c(jm prises a [lart of his present honiestead. He is now the owner of ;540 acres, under a good state of cultivation, and besides general farming is giving much attention to the breeding of high-grade Short-horn cattle and Norman horses. The homestead of ]\Ir. Evans in all its ajipointmeiits indicates the supervision of the modern and progressive faiiner. Ho has a fine resi- dence and all necessary buildings for the shelter of -4« ^ — stock and the storage of grain. His fences and ma- chinery are kept in good repair, and his farm pre- sents one of the most attractive spots in the land- scape of McLean County. William Evans was born in Fleming County, Ky., Nov. 2(1, 1820, his parents being Jesse and Hannah (Pitts) Evaus, natives respectively of \'ir- giiiia and Kentucky. Jesse Evans w.as born in IT'J,'), reared to farming pursuits, which he followed the greater part of his life, and died in his native county in Kentucky, in June, 1870. He was a member of the old Whig party, and with his wife prominently connected with the Christian Church. The mother of our subject was born in 1800, and dejiarted this life in 187'J. The parental family included three sons and six daughters, as follows: Susan became the wife of William Hurst, and lives in Kentucky'; William of our sketch was the second child; INIary was united in marriage with James Dodds, and lives in Missouri; Nancy, Mrs. 'i'homas Rawlings, is deceased; 3Iargaret married William Lewis, of Kentucky, and both are deceased; Lu- cinda married Jacob Walk, of Kentucky; he died, and she was again married, to a Mr. Darnell; Helen became the wife of William Pitts; John A. married Miss Aiiiand;i Pliimer; James married Miss Lou Perkins. Mr. Evans after coming to this State and laying the foiiudation for a future home, was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth T. Ball, in Cheney's Grove Township, on the 2.'ith of November, 18(J2. Mrs. E. is a native of this county, born Feb. 27, 1844, and the daughter of Hilleary and Calista (Hildreth) Ball, natives of Kentucky and New York resjiectivel}'. Her parents' family consisted of six children, as follows: Henry, the eldest, mar- ried Miss Mary Harrison, and is a resident of this township; Elizabeth, Mrs. Evans, was the second chilli ; Julia A. became the wife of Samuel (iallagher; Amos married Miss Hannah C. Stephens; Harriet became the wife of Robert Means; Alfred died in June, 18,v2, when fifteen months old. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Evans there have been born five sons and four daughters: Jesse is now in Florida; Arthur married iMiss Hester Coile; John died when three years of age; \'illa, Charlie C, Julia, Harry C, Lelia and Matie are at home I 4 V/- t ■^^ A McLEAN COUNTY. 459 t with their parents. The family are all members of the Christian Church at Saybrook, in which our subject has held the office of Elder for many j'ears. He has also been Trustee, and in all respects in-ouii- nently Identified with its maintenance and prusper- itj'. He and his wife have been connected with this church for a period of twenty-two years, and Jesse, the eldest son, is following closely in the footsteps of his father, and taking a lively interest in Church matters. Villa, the eldest daughter, is organist of the church at Saybrook, having held the position for the last three years. Jesse and Arthur have re- ceived a i)articularly good education, and attended Eureka College several years. Mr. Evans is a thor- ough business man, prompt to meet his obligations, and politically an uncompromising Democr.-tt. R. CHARLE.S R. PARKE, a leading phy- sician and surgeon of Bloomington, is prominently connected with the State Medical and Central Illinois Medical So- cieties, and holds tiie position of Special Pension Examiner for the eye and ear. His office is located at No. 1 3 West Jefferson street, and his residence at No. .30G East Walnut. Sociallj' he is surround- ed by hosts of friends, and professionally is a favorite member of the fraternity in this section. Dr. Parke was born in Chester County, Pa., June 26. 1823, and is the son of George W. and Mary (Ross) Parke, both parents having been born and reared in Chester County. The grandfather of our subject was Joseph Parke, whose ancestors were Scotch-Irish from the North of Ireland, and who emi- grated to the United States at an early day, locating in Chester County, Pa., where they were pioneers and became prominently identified with the history of that section as among its most worthy and pros- perous citizens. George W. Parke, the father of our subject, was an extensive owner of farm property, and built a sawmill and plaster-mill, while at the same time he was engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was pros- pered in his undertakings and accumulated a fine property. He was a Justice of the Peace and served as Register of Wills in Chester County for three years. Both he and his wife were prominently con- nected with the Presbj'terian Church, and they passed their declining years upon tlie farm whicii had remained so long in their [)OSsession, the fatlier dj'ing tliere in 18C0, and the mother in 186G. The subject of this history was the seventh child of his parents' family and remained ujjon the home- stead until eighteen years of age. He had been fairly educated, and at this time weut into tlie city of Westchester, where he entered upon a course of study in Hoops' Academy, and during his leisure hours assisted his father in his office there. He soon afterward entered upon the study of medicine, and after taking a course at the University of Pennsyl- vania in Philadelphia, graduated in the spring of 1847, and commenced practice in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. In 1848 Dr. Parke turned his face toward the I'rairie State, and coming into Whiteside County located in Como. Tlie following spring he crossed the plains to California as surgeon for a Como company, where lie remained two years, and returned by the way of Nicaraugua. He then located near Peoria whence, in 18.52, he came to Bloomington where, until IS,');'), he engaged continuously in practice and became well and favorably known to the people of this section. That same year he crossed the Atlantic, and going to Russia became a surgeon of the Russian army during the Crimean War, remaining in the service until its close. He then made a tour of Europe, visiting a large number of hospitals and gaining valuable information. In the fall of 1857 he returned to the United States and to Bloomington, where he practiced until 1869, and then, on account of the failing health of his wife, went South to Arkansas, and locating on a plantation, engaged in the culture of cotton until 1873. He then returned to Bloomington, and has pursued his practice continuously since that time. Dr. Parke is chief of the medical staff of St. Joseph's Hospital, Bloomington, which is owned and conducted by the 3d Order of the Sisters of St. Francis. The Doctor was instrumental in the establishment of this institution. The wife of our subject was formerly Mrs. Lucy Keith, of Winchester, Ky., to whom lie was married on the 3d of October, 1805. They occupy a •*¥^m^^ f -•► t 460 McLEAiST COUNTY. lileasaiit home on 'Walniit street, and enjoy the eonfidenee and esteem of a circle of acqnaintances wliieh include the most (tultui'ed jjcople of the city. Dr. Parke is a close student, and has conducted his practice with unqnalilied skill and success. i^*-^ ^^EOlir.K A. RUSSELL, a native of the III ,— -, Prairie State, was born in Newark, Kendall ^^Jj County, on the 9th of September. 1858. He is now a resident of the city of Bloomington and successfully engaged as a contractor and builder. He is a fine representative of the skillful and in- dustrious citizens who have contributed to the prosperit}' of Bloomington and assisted her in main- taining her |)osition among the other prominent towns of a wealthy and populous State. The par- ents of our subject were Henry E. and Sarah (Niblo) Hussell, the f.ather a native of New York, and the mother of Connecticut. They came to Illinois in 1853, and settled in Kendall Comity, where Henry E. Russell engaged as a contractor and builder until 1872. He then moved to DcKalb County, where he remained three years, and thence to Livingston County in 1875, which is still his home. He served as a soldier in the Union army during the late war .and had charge of a commissary department. The parental family included three children : Elizabeth, Mrs. Enoch Davis of Aurora, Minnie E., living in Dwight, and George A. of our sketch. George A. Russell remained at home with his par- ents until tvventy-one years of age, in the meantime receiving a practical (nlueation. When a lad of thirteen years he commenced work with his father and assisted him in his building and business oper- tions for live years, and was then made a partner. He came to Hlooniington in 1880, and first engaged with the C. & A. R. li. in the construction of water tanks, and then on passenger coaches. Afterward he worked in a planing-mill for eigiiteen months, and since that time Mr. Russell has carried on Ijusiness by himself and gives employment to several men. In 1884 lie purchased the lots in- cbidcd in liis present homestead and erected a comfortable and tasteful residence, whicii he has occujiied with liis wife and their only child — Edith M. \ Mr. Russell was married in .Inly, 187;>, to Miss May, daughter of Martin and Amarilla (Rockwell) Wilks, natives respectively of New York and Ohio, ]\Iartin Wilks was occupied in farming pursuits, and tliere were only two children in the family — Lucius and the wife of our suliject. Mr. and Mrs. Russell are connected with the Eirst Congregational Church of Bloomington, and socially Mr. R. belongs to the Modern ^Voodmen. He is Republican in politics, a successful business man and in all respects a good citizen. His headquarters are at No. 910 Linden street and he li.as a pleasant family residence. .-s~>- t>^t^VS:5<^< V ILLIAM OLIVER, a pioneer settler and well-to-do farmer of Empire Town.ship, owns 235 acres of valuable land on section 1, all c)f which with the exception of a few acres of timber is finely improved and under good cultiva- tion. Mr. Oliver is of Irish ancestry, his grand- father, William Oliver, Sr., having been born in County Derry, in the north of Ireland, where he married Miss Nancy Jackson, who was own cousin to Gen. Jackson, President of the United States. William Oliver, Sr., followed the pursuit of agri- culture, .ukI spent his entire life in his native county, arriving at the advanced age of nearly one hundred and one years. In the meantime he had made two trips to the United States, spending altogether about seven years in this country before his mar- riage. His son, John Oliver, the father of our sub- ject, was also born in County Derry, where he re- mained until twenty-one years of age, then emi- grated to the United States. He settled near Ila- gerstown, Washington Co., Md., and .seven years later was united in marri.age witli Miss Mar^' Bock. Mrs. O. was a native of Washington County, Md., as also wei'e her parents. After the birth of three children, John Oliver and his wife removed from Maryland to Ross County, Ohio, about 181 1, where they located upon a farm and passed the remainder of their days, the father being seventy-seven, and the mother sixty-tvvo years old at the time of de- cease. 'J'hey weie most excellent Christian people, i ■ t - A MeLEAN COUNTY. 461 and John Oliver politicallj^ was a stanch Democrat. The subject of this history was the eldest of five sons and four daughters born to his parents. His birthplace was near llagerstown, Md., and the date tli'e'i' f .Tune .30, 1808. He was but three years of age when his parents removed to Ohio, and he lived with them until his m.arriage. This event occurred on the 24th of April, 1834, the maiden of his choice being Miss Mary Cowgill. She was born in Eoss County, Ohio, Ma3' 14, 180.5, and was the daughter of Eleazar and Jane (McFarland) Cow- gill, natives respectively of Virginia and Maine. The3' settled in Ross County at the beginning of the present century, and there p.assed the remain- der of their lives. Mr. and Mrs. O. became the parents of six children, three now deceased: Mary became the wife of Benjamin T. Hall, of Empire Township, to which he removed when a child with his father from Champaign County, Ohio. He died Dec. 4, 1884, when nearly fifty-one years of age. They had no children. Mrs. H. at present lives with her father, our subject; .John Oliver married Miss Ruth McDaniel, of Ross Count3', Ohio, and they reside on a farm in Empire Township, this county; Henry H., now a resident of Le Roy, was first married to Miss Dunlap, who died about 18G3. His second wife was formerly Miss Nancy J. Far- ver. Those deceased are Willie, .Jr., who died when twenty-one years old, and two infants un- named. Mrs. Oliver departed this life at her home in Empire Township, March 21, 1884, aged nearly eighty-one years, mourned by a large circle of friends. The paternal grandmother of Mrs. Oliver, who before her marriage was Miss Martha Curry, was a native of London, England, whence she emigrated to this countrj', married Mr. Daniel Cowgill, and died in Ross County, Ohio, at the advanced age of one hundred and thirteen years. Mr. Oliver Ijecame a resident of Empire Ti>\vn- ship in the fall of 1853, making the journey from Ohio to this county overland with teams. He first purchased 200 acres of land, whieli was in its orig- inal condition, and which he brought to a fine state of cultivation, adding to it since that time 200 acres ; a part has been divided among his children. The farm buildings are substantial and convenient structures, and the out-buildings, stock, fences and machinery indicate the care and supervisicm of the intelligent and progressive modern farmer. Mr. Oliver has crn in England, and died in Indiana in 1854. The record of their children is as follows: Eliza became the wife of James Marsh, who is now deceased; John .J., our suliject, was the second child; one died in infancy; the remainder were Rachel, Oliver T. and Isaac. After the removal of Isaac Follick and his family to Ohio, our subject pursued his studies in the com- mon schools for a brief time and at an early age com- menced assisting his father on the farm. He came to this county in 1854, having the year before pur- chased 160 acres of land in Old Town Township. This he afterward sold, and then purchased 245 acres which he cultivated and improved until 1881. He then desired to retire from active labor, and purchasing a fine dwelling in Saybrook, removed thither, where he has since made his home. John J. Follick was united in marriage with Miss Ann M. Stewart. Of this union there were born four children : Sarah .J. became the wife of Fred Snyder and lives in Saybrook; Mary E. married Henry Farris, and is now deceased ; Laura A. became the wife of John Weakmau, and is deceased ; and Francis M. is carrying on the hardware trade in Saybrook. The mother of these children died Jan. 15, 1870, at the home of her husband near Saybrook. Slie was a faithful wife and affectionate mother, and a member in good standing of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The second ■► t I t A 4C2 McLEAN COUNTY. t marriage of Mr. Follick occurred Oct. Ill, 1«75, with Mrs. Martha (Maxwell) Cliambers. The Max- well family located in Montgomery County, Jnd., at an earl}' day, where they became widel}' and favorably known. The parents of Mrs. Follick were David C. and Betsey (Hood) Maxwell, of Irish and (ierman de- scent. Mrs. F. was born in Warren County. Ky., March IG, 1825. The following year her parents came to Indiana, settling in Montgomerj' County, where they passed the remainder of their lives. Of their five children, Martha M. was the eldest: Zerilda M. became the wife of Joseph Philips, and both are deceased; Paradine M. married Dennis Ru.sk ; she is now deceased ; Ann M. is the widow of Elisha Pierce, Vho died in May, 1880; Juliette is the widow of John II. Phillips, and has two chil- dren — Albert and Ella; Albert is now living in Kankakee, 111. ; Rosella, Mrs. McCauly, has one child— Mabel E., born Oct. fi, 1880. Miss Martha Maxwell was married Sept. 29, 1845, to Richard Chambers, a native of Delaware. lie was born Nov. 10, ISKI, followed agricultural pursuits, and died in Indiana. Of this marriage there was one child, a son, William H., who died when thirteen months old. Mr. and Mrs. Follick are greatly respected wher- ever known, and bear the reputation of kindly Christian people, always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need. Mr. F. has been a stanch Democrat since old enough to know the differ- ence between parties, and with his excellent wife is a member in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Say brook. Of this he has been Trustee for several years, and has in all respects proved himself worthy to be classed among the honest men and good citizens of McLean County. EVI DEISIN(;KR, one of the intelligent and industrious citizens of Cheney's Grove Townshi)), fornierl}- a miller and carpenter, is now engaged in the occupation of a farmer, and has a pleasant homestead located on section .'i. This compiises eighty acres of good land, which is watered by three line springs, and Mr. D., beside his other employments is quite extensively engaged in the breeding of foreign horses and cattle, of which he makes a specialty, and in which he takes great pride. His horses are Morgan and CI'" "^a- dale, and his cattle graded Short-horns. Of the latter he has eleven head, and also fift3-one head of hogs. Mr. Deisingcr may be properly termed a self- made man in every respect. He was but fourteen years old when he was obliged to look out for himself, but he had been trained to habits of indus- try and honesty, and found friends wherever he made his home. He was born in York County, Pa., in 1833, and is the son of John and Lydia Deisiuger. He remained in his native State until twent}' years of age, then proceeded to Daj'ton, Ohio, where he worked one year at milling, and then came to this count}'. He was engaged as a carpenter for eight years following, and was then enabled to purchase forty acres of land in Anchor Township, which, however, he sold two years later. He then purchased his present homestead, and since that time has been industriously engaged in its improvement and cultivation. He has performed faithfully all the duties of a good citizen, and con- tributed his share toward the business and agricult- ural interests of his township. Mr. Deisinger has never married. He has been prominently con- nected with the Saybrook Methodist Episcopal Church for a period of over twenty years, and has contributed liberally and cheerfully to its support. -'££J2/(§^i^ '^^^S/^'OT»>- _^^ LFRED freeman, who is engaged in the i@0 harness and saddlery business at No. 215 in West Jefferson street, Blooinington, has ^^' been a resident of McLean County since 1870. He is a native of Johnson County, Ind., and was born on the ]4tli of June, 1828. He is the son of Matthias and Sarah (Bowers) Freeman, natives of New Jersey. Matthias Freeman, when a young man, went with his .i)arents to Cinc^innati, Ohio, and liierc worked at wagon-making and black- 1 ■► J i <•■ t McLEAN COUNTY. 467 berly) Dozier, of Madison County, Ky. Of the union of Mr. and JNIrs. Q. there have been born three chiklren: Nanry .]. became the wife of Fay- ette Barclay, and lives in Dale Township; I>eonard F. married Salley Park, of Irvine, Ky.,and lives on section .34, Dale Township; Sidney is at home. Mr. and BIrs. Q. and all their children are connected by membership with the Christian Church, and politi- cally our subject uniformly votes the Democratic ticket. Mr. C^uinn is one of the substantial and ri'liable business men of this county, and has assisted ma- teriall3- in the develoi)nient of its resources and in the march of civilization and progress. The home- stead is one of the finest in the county and invaria- bly attracts the eye of the traveler through this section by its air of comfort on all sides. The resi- dence, within and without, is tastefully finished and furnished, and the barns and out-buildings possess all the conveniences for the storing of grain and the shelter of stock. Everything about the place is in good order and all operations are carried on in a systematic manner, which denotes the exercise of wise judgment and ample means. -^ ^^ V- IIATIIAIM 11. 1). HARRIS, one of the early settlers of the I'rairie State, came from the Blue (irass regions of Kentucky in 18.57. He now owns and occupies a comfortable home- stead in Allin Township on section 2, where he is fulfilling the obligations of a good citizen, and car- rying on the peaceful occupation of .a farmer witii fair success. Our subject is the son of Rev. William and Nancy Harris, natives of Virginia. The fonmy was born in Rockbridge County in 17G7, and the Latter in 1770. They were married in (Jreen County, Ky., in 1797, and located upon a farm there for a short time. Thence they removed to Warren County, and in about 1.S45 to Simpson County, Ky. Here the father died, July i), 1845; the mother survived until November, 1803, having spent her last days In Warren County. Of their family of twelve sons and five daughters six sons were ministers; the names of the seventeen are as follows: James, Sarah, John, Thomas H., David R., Rev. Alexander C, Anna, Harve}', Mary, Susan, Rev. William B., Finis E., Rev. Josiah (J., Chatham IT. D. Nancy L., Louie L. 1). and Cyrus L. The parents were members of the Cumberland Presbyter- ian Church, of which the father of our sulijcct was a minister for fifty years. Me belonged to the Whig l)arty politically, and was a man of sound judgment and great force of character. The subject of this iiistory completed his educa- tion in the High Seminary in Springfield, Tenn., which he attended for over three years. After he had completed his college course, which had been devoted to clerical studies, he was ordained to the ministry in Simpson County, Ky., in 1842, becoming a pastor in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and in wiiieh he still continues his ministra- tions. After coming to Illinois he was united in marriage with INIiss Eliza J. Johnson, in Dale Township, this county, in 1858. He afterward preached four years at Danvers, and in the winter of 1800 held a large revival, during which the church received an addition of ninety-six members, beside a conversion of sixty-five, who went else- where. The membership of the church at Danvers became very Large in numbers, and there were enough withdrew from it to form a congregation of Congregatioualists, who have a good house for worship in Danvers, and are prospering in the good cause. This withdrawal did not cripple the mother church from which they withdrew, but to the con- trary, as both ciiurches arc^ in a prosperous condi- tion. Several of the members of the Danvers con- gregation organized a church near Stanford, built a large house for worship, and the church at this point numbers over 2(10 members. They also or- ganized a church west of Danvers, and it is in a flourishing condition. There were also a num- ber of families went from Danvers to (iibson City, and established a church there, erected a fine house of worship, and are prospering in the good cause. Mr. Harris now preaches in Ilopedale, Tazewell Count}', wiiere he has conducted a large meeting successfully. He has also assisted at revivals in Lincoln, Logan County, and Le Roy, this county. Mr. Harris is the owner of 1 GO acres, with all modern improvements, the family residence being r t -lf^<^ •*^ 468 McLEAN COUNTY. 4. pleasantl}^ located and its Inmates surrounded by all the comforts of life. He is au earnest Prohibi- tionist, and served as Supervisor of his township for two years. Mr. and Mrs. II. became the |)ar- ents of one child only, Cora A., who died in in- fancy. ^•# f/l)AM OrTIIRIE, who is identified with the industrial interests of Bloominffton as a tobacconist, is located at the corner of i\Iain and Jefferson streets. Northwest .Side. Mr. Guthrie is a native of the Buckeye State, his birth having taken place in Pickaway County', March 10, 182.5. He is the son of Robert and Catharine (Spawr) Guthrie, natives of Penn- sylvania. The paternal grandfather of our subject was of Scotch- Irish descent, while the mother's an- cestors were from Germanj'. Robert Guthrie came to Illinois and settled in Funk's Grove in Septem- ber, 1826. He took up a Government claim of 1 60 acres, built a log cabin and made some improve- ments, then sold it and made another claim in Money Creek Township. After partially imjjrov- ing the latter claim he sold this to the Ogdens, then in 1831, with his family, moved on land belonging to James Allin, which is now in the city limits of Bloomington. After occupying this two yearsj the father of our subject moved into what is now the city and built a house of split boards on the corner of Lee and Front streets. The floor of this structui-e was of puncheon and the weather board- ing was rived and shaved by Imnd. A door was improvis(id out of a poplar box, which Sir. G. had brought with him from Ohio, full of goods. Into this house the family removed, where the father re- mained until his death, in 1846. The mother sur- vived ten years and died in 1 8.')(!. When the fathei- of our subject first moved into Funk's (! rove he took his ax on his shoulder and went out to work. Not far away he found two buck deer, which liao been fight ng and were locked together by their horns. He slijjped up to them and killed them with an ax and the bodies furnished his family with meat and oil for light during that winter. Upon removing to Money Creek, Robert (juthrie, in company with Frederick Trimmer, journeyed to St. Louis after goods for James Allen, being equipped with one ox-team and a horse-team. After the^' had secured their merchandise and ar- rived near Ed wards ville, on the return trip, thej' were obliged to stop on account of the deep snow. Thej' put their goods under shelter and turned their oxen into a corn-field and made their way home laboriously on the backs of the horses. In the spring they went back and got their goods and oxen. At this time the parental family included seven children, who remained on the farm and lived on hog and hominy all winter, having no bread in the house. Afterward four more children were add- ed to the household circle and of the eleven which completed the family, only four arc now living: Eev. Robert E., of Wichita, Kan. ; Margaret, Mrs. Steele, of Kansas City; Adam of our sketch, and Peter, formerly of Normal but now a constable in Bloomington City. Robert Guthrie was a steady and energetic man, and in addition to his farm and other business, was employed as a contractor, brick- layer and plasterer. Politically he affiliated with the Whig party and was a great admirer of Henry Cl.ay. Upon first coming to Illinois, both parents were connected with the Presbyterian Church, but after the older children joined the Methodists the l^arents went with tiie latter and adhered to this denomination the balance of their lives. Adam Guthrie remained at home until after the death of his parents, in the meantime receiving a good education in the subscription schools. He then worked with his father at plastering and fol- lowed the same until 1862. Then, the Civil War being in progress, he enlisted as a Union soldier in Co. A, 94th 111. Vol. Inf., where he soon became Corporal and w.is in the service eight months. He engaged with the enemy at Prairie Grove, Ark., in December, 18(12, and wiien he returued home was quite content with his experience of :uiny life. The following year he was made a member of the police force of the city of Bloomington, being thus employed for two years and then resumed his trade until 1866. In that 3'ear lie was elected Townshii) Assessor, in which oilice he continued fifteen years and then established his present busi- ness, in which he h.as been engaged since that time. Being one of the oldest settlers of the county now t t McLEAN COUNTY. 4 469 i i living, he is accorded iLiat peculiar defeieiice and respect vvhich is involuntarily shown toward those who saw this country in its virgin state and assisted materially in bringing it to its present prosperoLis condition. Our subject is Republican in politics, and with his wife, is a worthy nieniber of the Methodist Episcopal C^hurch. Adam (Uithrie was married in lS4i), to Miss L. L. IJutler, of New Yorli. daughter of Ira and Lydia (Thrasher) Butler, of the same State. Of this un- ion there were born three children : Eva, now Mrs. Kimball, of Bloomington, has three children — Bernie, Cora and Lucian; Permeno A. married Miss Anna Noble, a native of this county, and they have two sons, .Sydney A. and Dudley; Permeno A. is Deputy C'ounty Clerk; Oscar F. is a ticket broker, having his ottice at the corner of Main and Jefferson streets. The residence of Mr. G. is pleasantly located at No. 802 North Center street. ^^^ i' (ir^^IIOMAS Z. CHICK, of the Hrm of Chick & Covey, grocers of Le Roy, was born in Em- pire Township, on section 21, Aug. 28, ISTiT. His father, Zachariah Chick, a native of Somerset- shire, England, was born June 6, 1820, and was the son of John and Harriett (Combs) Chick, both na- tives of Somersetshire. The great-grandfather of our subject, Thomas Chick, was a native of Dor- setshire, where he carried on farming the greater part of his life, and later i-eraoved to Somerset- shire, where he sjient the remainder of his days. His son John, tlic grandfather of our subject, fol- lowed the trade of a carpenter and joiner, and finally became a contractor and builder, and spent liis entire life in Somersetshire, as also did his wife. The former died in 1858, and the latter in 1884. Their seven children, who grew to become men and women, were named Jane, Thomas, Harriett, Mary, Zachaiiah, John and Louisa Ann. Zachariah and John were the only ones who came to America. The latter lives in Essex County, Ontario, Canada. Zachariah Chick, the father of our subject, learned his trade of his father, and lived with him until he was twenty years old. He then weut with a cousin to the Isle of Jersey, where he worked at M* his tr.-ide one year, and then volunteered in the (ireat Britain naval service, and was assigned to duty as carpenter and joiner on the man-of-war Penelope. They set sail fr<,)m Portsmouth, Jan. 'J, 1847, and went via the Western and Cape Verd Islands to the west coast of Africa, the mission of the vessel being to suppress the African slave trade. After fifteen months' service, Zachariah Chick was sent home on account of failing health. During this trij) he visited the Madeira Islands, Cape Pal- mas and the Island of Fernando Po, and was in- valided at Ascension Island. After his return to Portsmouth he was discharged, and resumed his trade, being employed part of the time for the Government. On the Gth of April, 1851, Mr. Chick set sail from Plymouth, bound for America, and landed at Quebec May !). He went thence to Montreal, where he worked four months at his trade, then proceeded to Chicago in the fall of the 3'ear, and after four months spent there, went to Griggs ville, 111., and later to Maysville, Pike County, where he worked at his trade until September, 1854. In the meantime there had been waiting in England, a lady who was expecting to become the sharer of his home and fortunes. Considering now that his prospects for the future justified the step, Zacha- riah Chick returned East to New York City, from which he set sail on the 5tli of October, for his na- tive England. He landed at Liveri)ool on the 16th of November following, and on the Kith of Decem- ber was united in marriage vvith the maiden of his choice. Miss Caroline Bond. She was born in Bar- rington, Somersetshire, being the daughter of Thomas and Edith (Swain) Bond, wiio were na- tives of the same shire. The paternal grandpar- ents of Blrs. Chick were Charles and Sarah (Up- still) Bond, natives of Coventry and Shipton re- spectivelj'. Thomas Bond during his lifetime was a verj' prominent contractor and builder in South- ern England, and at times had as many as thirty men in his employ. The 1st day of March following their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Zachariah Chick set sail from Liver- pool, and landed at New York City April 16. Thence they came directly to Illinois, locating first at Ottawa, where they lived until June, 1856. ^i' t. t *► ■ -» i i 470 ( McLKAN COUNTY. i They tluui I'cinovril to this coimty, which Mr. Chick had visited the fall iKifore, and had pur- ciiascd 120 acres of wild jwairie land in West Town- ship, on section 21. He diS, of West Township, to which he removed, and engaged in farming until ls7(;. It is a hand- some and tasteful structure, and the yard is planted with choice shrubs and ornamental trees. Mr. and Mrs. Chick became tiie jiarents of six children — Thomas Z. (our subject), John I>., Sarah B., Carrie B. ; William L., the youngest child, died at the age of one 3'ear and six months; the eldest died in in- fancy umiamed. The parents are members of the Episcopal Church. The mother of our subject was the ninth of eleven children born to her parents, and the only one who came to the linited States. Her brother William went to Australia in l.slH, where he car- ried on the busiu(!ss vf a merchant tailor at Sidney, ^.■ew South WaU^s, and was very successful. . He die. He then, in company with :i partner, purchased the grocery store of N. I. Umphrey, and since that time they have operated under the firm name of Chick (k Covey. They carry a good line of groceries, queensware and notions, and are building np a gC)od trade. Mv. ('hick was united in marriage with Miss Clara Lackey, Sept. G, 1881. Mrs. Chick is the daughtei- of Richard and Matilda (Kirb3') Lackey, and by her union with our snlijcct has become the nn>ther of two children — Edith 15. and Edwin Z. Mr. Chick is Dcnn.)cra,tic in polities, and belongs to Le R03' Lodge No. 1 III, I. O. O. F., also Legion of Honor of Bloom ingtou. ^^ HAULES U. I'ARK, .Tustice of tiie Peace in (l^-\.^ Normal Township, is a native of Tioga ^^^' County, N. Y., where he w\as born on the 24th of .lanuary, 181i). His father, Daniel R. Park, was a native of Connecticut, a farmer by oc- cupation, and died on the farm in Tioga County when n(!arl3' ninety years of age. The nnither, Elizabetli (Dougherty) I'ark, wasof Irish birth and parentage, and emigrated to the United States with her i)arents when a child. She was educated in New Yolk City, whence she removed to Tioga County, and vvas there married to Daniel R. Park. She became the mother of ten children, and died at the old homestead, aged about seventy years. Of the children, three are now living: James E., of St. Louis, Mo. ; Charles R., our subject, and (ieorge W., a resident of Owego, N. Y. The subject of this historj' w-.as reared on his father's farm, in the meantime receiving a fair ed- ucation, and remained in his native State until about twenty-Jive years of age, his time being oc- cupied mainly in farming pursuits. He also car- ried on a grocery business at No. 54G (irand street, New York City. In 18')4 Mr. Park emigrated West, and has since been a resident of the Prairie State. He followed railroading on the Illinois Cen- tral Railroad foi' a few years, and then engaged in «^ i t ■<^ McLEAN COUNTY. 471 the coinniission hnsiness at Chicago until the open- ing of the Rebellion. He tiicn removed to Panola, and engaged in general niercliandising, whence he removed to El Paso and embarked in the hardware business. He afterward eai'ried on a trade in lum- ber, and in the meantime served under President Johnson as Uejiuty Revenue Collector for Wood- ford Count}'. In about 1871 Mr. Park removed to (Oilman, 111., and for eighteen months engaged in the hotel busi- ness. He then went to Chicago and occupied him- self in the grocery business until December, 1874, when he came to Normal which has since been his residence. Here he served as Justice of the Peace for eight consecutive years, has been Notary Public, and also carried on an insurance business and a real-estate agency. In politics Mr. Park is strongly Democratic. In 188G he was the candidate of his party for County Treasurer, but was defeated with the balance of his ticket. Previous to the war our subject was con- nected with the State Militia of New York, where he held the rank of Captain, Ensign and Lien- tenant Colonel, serving witii the military for a period of eight ye.ars. Blr. Park was married in 18.")(J, to Miss Martha J. Bennett, their wedding taking place in the city of Chicago. Mrs. Park was a native of Wilkes Barre, Pa. She died on the 10th of .January, 188.5. By this union there was one child, a daughter, who died in infancy. Fannie, an adopted daughter, is the wife of L. B. Fuller, of Normid. Mr. Park is a member of Normal Lodge No. (mo, A. F. & A. M. having been connected with the fraternity since 1860. >-}i®--< — *— s<- ^psA IMON CAVANAUGH, a leading farmer of ^^^ Cheney's Grove Township, owns and occu- [11/23) piss a fine homestead on section 32. He has been a resident of this county since 1850, and is a representative of the warm-hearted Irish nationality, so many of whom have emigrated to this county and assisted in its development and colonization. The birthplace of our subject was in Wicklow County, Ireland, where ho first opened his eyes to the light on the 9th of September, 1836. His parents were Thomas and Mary (Ryan) Cava- naugh, both of whom are now deceased. They left their native land in 1848, and after a safe ocean voyage landed at New Orleans, whence they at once proceeded to Greene County, Ohio, where they took up their residence and spent the remainder of their lives. Thomas Cavanaugh engaged in agri- cultural pursuits, and the parental household was completed by the birth of seven children, six of whom are now living, namely, Mary, Bridget. John, Simon, Annie and William. Andrew was killed by the fall of a tree, in Ohio, when twenty-three years of age. The subject of this history remained with his parents until twenty-one years old, receiving a common-school education and assisting bis parents HI the duties around the farm. Soon after attain- ing his majority he was united in marriage with Miss Julia Stansbury, on the 10th of September. 1857. Mrs. Cavanaugh was born in Tennessee in 1836, her parents being Isaac and Ruth (Lacey) Stansbury. They removed to Kansas, where the father died in 1877; the mother is still living. Our subject and liis wife are the parents of ten children, of whom the record is as follows: Mollic became the wife of N. McCart}', and lives in Piatt County, 111.; William H. married Miss Mary McCoy, and they are residents of Nebraska; Annie became the wife of William McCoy ; Ida, Rosa, Harry and Jlaude are at home with their parents. Three died in infancy. When Mr. Cavanaugh first came to this county he was employed as a farm laborer two years. He had been trained to habits of industry and economy, and at the end of this time found himself with suf- ficient means to purchase eighty acVes of land. This he cultivated, improved, and added to, so that he now has a fine farm of 1 20 acres under an ad- v.anced state of cultivati(m. The residence is a substantial and shapely building. He has a good barn and all other l)uildings necessary for the suc- cessful prosecution of agriculture, the shelter of stock and the storage of grain. Everything about the premises is kept in good repair and denotes the enterprise of its proprieter. He has been upright and methodical in his business transactions, and by this course has secured the esteem and confidence »► f. <* -•►-■I-4* i .J- i t72 McLEAN COUNTY. of his fellow-tovvnsnien, who li:ive from time to time honored him witli the v.irioii.s towiisliip olliees, iiK'luding that vf School Directer. rditically Mr. Cuvanaugh is a standi Kepult- lican,and he and his family are members and regu- lar attendants of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Social!}' he belongs to the Masonic fraternity, being a, member of Saybrook Lodge No. 468, in which he has iield the office of Junior and Senior Deacon for some years. He is a great admirer of the principles of the fraternity, which he upholds with honest zeal. ^jps^ AMUEL WADIJLE, an esteemed resilient ^^^ of Normal, is a native of the Prairie State, |(V£__3) having been born in Monroe County on the 10th of August, 1835. His father, James H. Waddle, of Kentucky, was reared in his native State to farming pursuits, and after arriving at years of manhood, was married to Miss Elizabeth Mundy, also a native of the 151 ue Grass State. Soon afterward, in 1827, they emigrated to Illinois, and were thus among the pioneer settlers. They located in the southern part of the State, and there passed the remainder of their lives. Of their fam- ily of twelve children, only two sons and two daughters are now living, and three of the children died in infancy. The subject of this narrative was reared on his father's farm, and received his education in the school of forty years ago. After attaining his majority, he purchased a farm in Monroe County, 111., which he occupied and cultivated until 1H74. Then, desiring better oppoi'tunities for the educa- tion of his children, he removed to Bloomington, and one year later to Normal. Since residing in McLean County, he has given considerable atten- tion to the buying and selling of stock, which yields him a handsome income. i\Ir. Waddle still owns real estate to the extent of 500 acres, 350 of which are in a fine state of cultivation. The land lies near old Ft. Charter, on the American Bottoms in Monroe County. While living there he chiefly gave his attention to the raising of wheat. The subject of our sketch was married in Sep- tember, 1857, to Miss Christine Cline, who died in 1864, leaving three children, two now living: John A., book-keeper of a wholesale house at Portland, Ore., and Wellington, Assistant Postmaster at Nor- mal. The second marriage of Mr. Waddle occurred in 1865, when he was united with Miss Jane C. Morris, who bore hTm four children, of whom one daughter died in infancy; James is a book-keeper in Chicago; Herbert C. is engaged in teaching, and Leman is attending the Illinois State Normal Uni- versity. Our subject and his family' occupy a handsome and comfortaljle home, and enjoj' the friendship and esteem of a large circle of acquaintances. Mr. Waddle ranks among the representative citizens of Normal, and is a member in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church, with which he has been connected for the past thirty .years. Socially' he is a Knight Templar, and politically easts his vote with the Democratic party. He has steadily declined becoming an office-holder, although sev- eral times solicited to take the responsibility. He is essentially the ai'chitect of his' own fortune, and his possessions have been acquired solely* by his in- dustry .and wise management. *-*-t^' -^ W of McI jjILLIAM L. pollock, I\L D., (Mie of most successful physicians and surgeons jLean County, is a graduate of Jeffer- son Medical College, Philadelphia, where he se- cured his "sheepskin" on the 8th of March, 1871. He commenced practice at Normal, in this county, whence, in 1872, he came to He3'worth, of which he has since Ijeen .-i resident, and has built up an ex- tensive and lucrative practice. Dr. Pollock was born in Belief ontaine, Logan Co., Ohio, im the 4th of May, 1850, and lived in his native town un- til sixteen years of age, pursuing his early studies in the primary schools and graduating from the High School. Before he was seventeen years old he began to receive special instruction under Rev. Mr. Shaw, a druggist of Bellefontaine, and not long afterward came to Illinois, locating in this county. Here he entered the office of Drs. Stephen Noble, and K. D. Bradle}', of Bloomington, eminent and n- ffi t ■^^ McI.EAN COUNTY. 475 t well-known pi^ysirians, and before he was twenty- one j^ears old, hadgTaduatcd from Jefferson College, Peiinsjdvania. The father of our subject, John Pollock, was a native of Richland County, Ohio, where he was educated and grew to manhood. There, also, he W.1S married to Miss Elizabeth J. Furgeson who, like himself, was of .Scottish ancestry. After his marriage, .John Pollock began the practice of law at Bellefontaine, Ohio, where he resided for six- teen years. In 1S(]7 he came with his family to Ford County, 111., and settled at Paxton, the county seat. There, also, he pursued his law prac- tice until 1.S72, when the Republicans of that county elected him as their representative to the State Legislature. For many years he was associa- ted in partnership with Judge Semple. He is now retired from practice, and for the last six years has been enjoying the fruits of his earlj' labors in a comfortable home at Paxton. The mother is also yet living, and both parents are over seventy years of age. William L. I'olloek was the youngest of four children, three sons and one daughter. The eldest sou is now deceased. The living are: John E., an attorney of Bloomington; Mary FL, the wife of J. U. Marlow, of Denver, Col., who is engaged as a hotel-keeper and is proprietor of one of the finest houses in the city, and our subject, lie was mar- ried in 1872, on the 24th of December, at Nor- mal, to Miss Lillie Bingham. Mrs. P. was born March 24, 1vu in l)e Wilt County, 111., Aug. 1!), l.sjl, and was the daughter of JJavid and Elizabeth (IJennctt) Conn, natives respectively of (iermany and Ohio. The mother died in DeWitt County, 111., in 18.53. Their four children were Lucy A., Albert, Sarali A. and .lames M. Mr. and Mrs. K. have six children — Perry F., Kosetta A., Nora J^., Lula M., Uoy R. and Lottie li. ; the latter was born Nov. 1,5, 188G. The h(imestea.d of (iiir subject includes eighty acres of finely cultivated land, with a good resi- dence, barn, and all the necessary out-buildings for the shelter uf stock and the storing of grain. His horses and cattle are of the best grades, and models of beauty and symmetry. Mr. R. is a member of the G. A. R., ;iiid the County N'igilauce Associa- tion organized for the purpose of detecting and punishing horse thieves. He has held the oflices of Road Commissioner and School Director for many- years, and politically casls his vote with the Re- publican party. '^^- ^ r |OIIN VV. FliNK, of Randolph Township, is I the second son and fourth child uf ,)esse and l'";innje T. (Stringlield) Funk, his mother being the sister of Capt. A. M. Stringlield, a sketch of whom is given on .-mother page of this woi-k. The parental household Included the fol- lowing children: Sarah .1. is the widow of .lohn A. I5i-ittonliam ; he was formerl\- a birnier: .Mrs. li. is living at Mtmticello, in I'iatl County, 111., aged sixty-one years; John \V.; 'i'homas C. married Miss .lulia Childs, and is now a live-stcjck dealer of Cr.Mwfordsvilk', Kan.; Delilah is the wife of James F. Hrown, now living in Heyworth, this county ; Ab- salom C. resides at UelleHower ; he married Miss Chloe C. liishop, and is engaged in farnung and stock-iaising; Nancy A., now deceased, first mar- ried John Wilson, who died of smallpox; she after- ward married John Thompson, who now lives in Santa Barbara, Cal.; Adam was fatally injured by lieing run over by a loaded wagon, when eleven years of age; he was a promising hoy, and his death was a great atiliction to the family. The grandfather of our subject, Adam Funk, it is supposed was born on the Atlantic Ocean while his parents were crossing from Germany to the United States, his mothei', it appears, having died on the ocean, probably at the time of his birth. The father after landing upon American shores settled near Philadelphia, Pa., and after a few years disa])- IK'ared from the knowledge of his parents. The child, Adam, was placed with a family near Phila- delphin, with whom he lived for a number of vears, and subse<^••o♦o.. I JOSEPH HABECKER, an intelligent young fanner of Danvers Township, located on sec- tion 4, is a native of this county, and born / in 18.")6. He is the son of John and M.ag- dalena (Roth) Haliecker, natives of France, where the father was born in 1825, and the mother in 1822. The father of our subject emigrated to the LTiiited States in 1830, with his parents. They laniled in New Orleans, whence they jjroceeded to Butler County, Ohio, where their son remained until his marriage, which occurred in 1845, the lady of his choice being Miss Magdalena Roth. After marri.age they located uptm rented land in Ohio, and there lived until ls47. .lohn Ilabecker then decided to seek the farther West, and coming into the Prairie State settled near Peoria, Tazewell Count}', and cultivated .a tract of rented laud. After ab. TluTC tlR' iiiotlicr is 3'et living and thei't^ our subject learned his trade of blacksmith, serving his apprenticeship under the instruction of liis uncle, L. C. Blake. After working five _years for his board, clothes, and ^.IM) in money, he de- cided to set up in business for himself. He first located in Martin Township in :il)out 18(JG, and the following fall came to IIe3' worth, \yhcre he worked as 11 "jour" for about three years. In 1872 he b<>canie associated with his present partner, and they have since operated together harmoniously and successfully. Mr. Peters has a record as a shoe setter on horses which is seldom equaled or ex- celled. In the space of eight hours he has set and finished up ninety-six shoes, and in all dei)artments of his business is equally' skillful and expeditions. He has been industrious and nnitle a wise invest- ment of his profits. Besides his half interest in their large shop he also has eighty acres of land located on sections 34 and 17, and also has a nice village property. Mr. Peters was married in Blooniington, 111., Aug. 23, 1871, to Miss M. E. Slagel, who was born in Pendleton County, Va., Sept. 12, 1853. Mrs. Peters came West with her parents vvhile yet an infant, and they first located in Coles County, this State, whence they removed to Randolph Townshii), this county. Of this marriage there is one child only, a son — Herbert J. Mr. P. is a member and chorister of the Methodist Episcopal Cluircli. In i)olitics he is a Democrat and has been a Councilman in the village government. Mrs. Peters is an amiable and accomplished lady, finelj'^ educated, being a graduate of Wesleyan University in liotli classics and music. (^ IVILLIAM 11. H. ADAMS, President of the \/iJ// '"i"*^'* Wesleyan I'niversity, at Blooming- W^ ton, is a native of this Stnte, having been born in Eflingham County, March 31), 1840. He is the son of Christopher 15. and S;irali ((iannaway) Adams, and is descended from iMiglish ancestry, the Adams fnmily being a blanch of that from whicii President: .loiui ( }. Aur subject, was born in Xeui;i, Ohio, and was principally reared in Madison County, whence he emigrated to Illinois in 1837. He w.as married the following year to Miss Sarah (iannaway, and thej' became the par- ents of six children. President Adams was reared principally in Coles County, tliis State, and entered n|)on his i)rimary education in the jiioneer schools conducted in the log cabin. After having attained sufficient prog- ress, he entered the Northwestern University, at Evauston, III. He began his theological course at Garrett Biblical Institute, Evanston, and was li- censed to preach when a mere youth of seventeen years, being placed in charge of North Avenue Church, at Chicago, III., a position which he held during the last two years of his college course. Soon after graduating, in 1870, he joined the Illi- nois Conference, his first appointment being at Monticello ft)r two yeai's, and was then sent to Clinton, III., whence after three years he was called to Weslc^'an University', and in 1S7"> became its President and the successor to Bishop Fallows, now of Chicago. Dr. Adams was united in marriage in 1S(_17, with Miss Ilannnh Concklin, of Plymouth, Ohio, and they became the parents of four children, three daughters and one sou — Lula May, Grace, Charles C. and Katie. During the late war Dr. Adams enlisted as a pri- vate in tiie linioii service in Co. A, 111th III. \'ol. Inf., and in 180.'! hi' was promoted First Lieuteuaiit and served as such until near the expiration of his •►^h-^^ f t •^►-IJ-^ ,t il McLEAN COUNTY. 481 term of enlistment, when he was brevetted, first as Captain and afterward as Major of the regiment. As Captain he commanded the 4th Battery, U. S. Artillery. Previous to this, liowever, lie drilled the first 2,000 colored troops, formed them into companies, and turned them over to the serv- ice. His commission as Major was signed by Presi- dent Lincoln. He was stationed for a time at Columbus, Ky., whence he went to Mobile, and from there to Little Rock, Ark. He was in the battle at Nashville, Tenn., under Gen. Thomas, and took part in several minor engagements against (!en. Forrest. He resigned his commission .Tuly t, 1805, and returning to Evanston completed his college course. Early in life he identified himself with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is a member in good standing of the Masonic fraternity. ^\'hen Dr. Adams first came to Bloominglon he had received no information of the honor about to be conferred upon him. Wesleyan University was then in debt about ^(j(i,000, but under his wise and efficient management, the most of this has been liquidated, and it now h.as an endowment of $8.5,000. In ISKG there were (JTO students enrolled, and its course of stud}' is considered the most thorough and efficient of any institution in the State. Dr. Adams has proved liimself equally able as an in- structor and an executive, and is rightly regarded as one of the pillars of an institution in which the intelligent people of McLean Countj' are vitally interested. W^ W. TILLOTSON. of the firm of Tillotson & Fell, engaged in the real-estate and insur- ance business, also examiners of abstracts and titles, with tlieir office at the northwest corner of the court-house, Bloomington, is a native of Delaware County, N. Y. Mr. Tillotson was born Feb. 28, 18-17, and is the son of Napoleon and Annie ((iuackenlmsii) Tillotson, natives of New York. There the father was extensively engaged in farming, and followed that calling with success until his death, which event occurred in 1850. Six children were born of the parental union: ,)ulia, who became the wife of L. A. Bodine, and lives in Wellsburg, Pa.; Lucy, now Mrs. Lloyd, of Bloss- burg. Pa. ; Mary. Mrs. Drake, of Almira, N. Y. ; James K., residing at Toled(j, Ohio; E. W., our subject, and Almira, who became Mrs. Dr. Gam- mond, and is residing at Corning, N. Y. The mother survives her husband, and is yet residing in Blossburg, Pa. E. W. Tillotson followed tiie labor common to a farmer's son on his father's farm until he was seven- teen years old, receiving his primary education in the common schools. In 1864 he went to Chicago, and for three years occupied his time in the insur- ance liusincss. He then accepted the position of State Agent fur the North American Life Insur- ance Comi)any for Iowa, and moving to Burling- ton, that State, he made it his home until 1870. Mr. Tillotson was united in marriage with Miss Cecelia N. Copp, Oct. 14, 1870. She was a daughter of Nathanii'l and Fanny (Foster) Copp, and a na- tive of Fredonia, N. Y. Her f.ather, during his younger years, was engaged in mercantile pursuits, but later in life occupied his time in locating and developing mines in Nevada, and died in San Fran- cisco in 1880. He had a family of nine children, four of whom are living; Fleta, Mrs. Stahl, of Bloomington; Andrew J., a manufacturer of furni- ture at Chicago; Cecelia N., Mrs. Tillotson, and Frank P., a wholesale grocer of S;in Francisco, Cal. After tiie marriage of our sidiject he returned to Chicago and accepted the position as General Agent for the Western States of the Mutual Life Insurance Company of Chicago, and held that po- sition for one year. In 1871 he moved to Bloom- ington, this State, and purcli.ased the insurance business of T. J. Bunn, and in 1874 obtained the financial agency of the Massachusetts Mutual Life In- surance Company of Springfield. Mass. During the year 1 875, Mr. M. C. Wait became associated with our subject as an equal partner, and the firm name became Tillotson & Wait. This relationship con- tinued until March 1, 187!), when Jlr. H. C. Fell purch.ased Mr. Wait's interest, and the firm name was changed to Tillotson & Fell. The new firm purchased the abstract books of Mr. Larrimore, and in 1880 the firm became agents for Schroder's Opera House, and in 1882 took charge of the Dur- ley Theater, which they still conduct. In addition to the other branches of business •► ■ <•- i u A 482 McLEAN COUNTY. i oiHinierated Mr. Tillotson is engaged in the raising I if fine trotting stock, and is owner of Ripton, 21177 of Ilanibletoniaii slo('k. lie liad the management of the McLean Fair grounds during the year 188G. His residence is on Franklin avenue, at the corner of Second street and Normal avenue. In polities lie is ifcpulilican, and in religion Presbyterian, and is in all respects one of the foremost citizens of McLean County. ELIJAH C BLISS, formerly a prosperous farmer of McLean County, is now living in case and retirement in his pleasant home in Bloomington. Ilis earlier years were passed in in- dustrious and lionorable toil, during wliich he built up for iumself a re|)utation .as an iiouest man and a good citizen. He comes of excellent New England parentage and was born in Bristol County, M.ass., Nov. 27, 1822. His parents were Elijah and Sarah (Perry) Bliss, also of Massachusetts, and engaged in agricultural pursuits their entire lives. The honscliold circle included eleven children, six now living, viz., William II., Frances, Cornelius, Zenus, Marsii.ill and Elijah C. Oui- subject w.as reared to farming pursuits, and rcni.-iiiu'il under the parental rtxif until Iweutj'-two years of age, receiving caieful home training and a common-school education. After leaving home he learned the carpenter's tra S. I)i;PK\V, builder and contractor at ' lUooniington, has been a resident of the ^^^^ I'rairie State since ISo.'i, when, a child of three years, he cune to this county with his parents. He was born in Indiana, Aug. 12, 1832, and is the son of James and Judah (Hill) DePew, natives respectivel3' of Virginia and North Carolina. .lames DePew removed from his native State to Indiana when sixteen years of age, and remained a resident of that State until April, 183."). He then came to Illinois, and settling south of l>looniington (irove, engaged in farming pursuits for a period of over thirty years. In ISGG he a})andoned active labor, and is now living a retired life in the city of Bloomington. The i)arental faniil}' consisted of six children, two now living, W. S. and James Albert, the latter a resident of Missouri. The mother died a few years after coming to Illinois, in LSK;. James DePew is a Republican in polities, and has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church since 1824, his wife also having been con- nected with the same. The subject of this history spent his j'ounger days in school until eighteen years old, and then learned the tr.ade of cabinet-)uaking, which he followed for eight years. He then became a car- l)enter and joiner, and in 18G3 commenced as a 1 ^^ >► jr^^ a McLEAN COUNTY. 485 t contractor and builder, and was soon giving em- ployment to from three to six men. He has fol- lowed this continuously up to the present, and has been very successful in his business transactions. Mr. DePew was married on the 4th of June, 1854, to Miss Fannie M. Schaum, who was born in Indi- ana, and was the daughter of Jacob P. Schaum, who came to Illinois in 1849, and settling in Bloomington, engaged in the hatter's trade. His family included six children, five now living: Fan- nie M. is the wife of our subject; Henry L. i.s a resident of Lawrence, Kan.; Henrietta, Mrs. West, of Bloomington; John J., of St. Paul, and Rosella, Mrs. Worthsinith. Of the union of our subject and his wife were born four children : James P. married Miss Hesser, and they have three children — Mabel, Ethel M. and Earle R. ; Ida M., Mrs. Heafer, is the mother of three children — Stella P., Edgar M. and Roscoe C. ; EttaM. married Mark D. Drum, and William E. is at home. Our subject and his wife and children are members in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal C'hureh, and he has been Class-Leader four years. The family residence is pleasantly lo- cated at No. 803 West Olive street, and their friends and associates are numbered among the best residents of the city. Mr. DePew is Republican in politics, and a v.alued factor in the business and industrial interests of the city. His iiiHce is located at No. 21K South Main Street. "^f^OHN TALLON, an industrious and enter- prising farmer and stock-raiser of Mt. Hope Township, is what ma}- properly be called a (^^/i self-made man. He commenced life at the foot of the ladder, and by the exercise of his own native energy and perseverance has climbed up to a good position among his fellowmen. The worldly' goods of which he is possessed have been accumu- lated by the work of his hands and the sweat of his brow, and the confidence and esteem in which he is held by his fellow-citizens are the result of his straightforward business transactions and upright course in life. The subject of this history is a native of West- morelandshire, England, and was born Aug. 17, 1833, his parents being Thomas and Rebecca (Jack- son) Tallon. The father was a blacksmith, of sub- stantial English ancestry and parentage, and fol- lowed his tr.ade all his life in his native England, spending his last days in Lancashire. The subject of our sketch was but two years old when his par- ents removed to Lancashire, where they lived for ten years, and then returned to Westnn>reland, where their son grew to manhood. At an early age he commenced working with his father in the blacksmith-shop, where he remained for three years, and subsequently engaged in agricultural pursuits. When he was sixteen years old he received $30 per year for his services, and a few years later his wages were raised to $100 a year and board. Not being satisfied with his condition or pros- pects in his own country, Mr. Tallon resolved to seek the New AV'orld. In the meantime he had been married, and in April, 1855, accompanied by his wife, he set sail from Liverpool and landed at New Orleans on the 1 8th of M.ay. They proceeded directly up the river to Pekin, III., reaching there two months from the day they sailed from Liver- pool. Upon arriving here he founil himself pos- sessed of |9 in cash. He had an luicle living in Pekin, who kindly employed him to plow corn two or three days so that he might replenish his slender exchecpier, and he subsequently procured a job in a brickyard at the munificent wages of seventy-five cents a day and board. He was thus occupied until August of that year, and then engaged in harvesting. From this time until 185G, our subject worked industriously at whatever his hands could find to do, and in the spring of that year rented a farm in Ta/.owell County, which he occupied and cultivated until the fall of 1870. He then came to Mt. Hope Township, purchased eighty acres of land on section IG, and h.as been a resident here since that time. He has been uniformly successful in his agricultural pursuits and business transactions, and subsequently added to his first purchase until he is now the pos- sessor of 3(50 acres of some of the finest land in McLean County. It is all enclosed and improved, a portion of it being devoted to pasture and grass. His stock-raising operations have yielded him a handsome income, and he exhibits some of the fin f t 486 McLEAN COUNTY. est animals to be found in this section of the Prairie State. In 188,") he revisited his native England and wiiile there, in partnership with one of his neighbors, purchased four English draft stallions at a gre.it price. They are magnificent animals, mod- els of symmetry and beauty. Mr. T., understanding fully the care of such animals, will doubtless utilize them in producing some of the finest stock along the Mississippi Valley. He is a good judge of horses, and takes genuine pride in his skill as a breeder. One of the horses, named " What's Wanted," he keeps at his home farm; he is a mag- nificent bl.ack animal with a white stripe in face, and weighs 1,900 pounds. The marriage of John Tallon and INliss Agues Ell wood occurred on the 10th of March, 1855. Mrs. T. is .also of English birth and parentage, her native place lieing Lancashire, near the early home of Mr. T. Of this union there have been born ten children, the record of whom is as follows : Mary E. became the wife of Andrew Lucas, .and lives in Piatt County, 111. ; Christina R. married Charles Dilliou, and lives in Nebraska ; Agnes .1. is deceased ; Charles W. is a resident of Mt. Hope Township; Lillie J. became the wife of William Tyson, and lives in Mills County, Iowa; Margaret A. married Elmer Ethel, of Mt. llojie Township; Cora Idella, Ida L. and Abigail S. are at home with their par- ents; Georgiana is deceased. Mr. Tallon is Democratic in politics, and takes an intelligent interest in local and general matters. He is well read and informed, and is the eneourager and supporter of every project calculated to pro- mote the welfare of ins county and community. A lithogiaiiiiic poitrait of Mr. Tallon i.s shown in connection with this sketch. LKREl ) 15. P.OZARTH, deceased, formerly a pi'osperous farmer and stock-raiser of Allin Township, located on section 26, was a worthy member of a well-known family, being the son of John and Cj'ntbia (Ta3lor) Bo- zarth. He was born in Christian County, Ky., Eeb. 25, 18;^7, and when a child of two years old was brouglit liv his parents to McLean County, 4 * where the father subsequently became the owner of 2,300 acres of land. He departed this life in 1859. The mother survived him for over twenty-live years, and died Jan. 6, 1887, when over eighty years of age. Their remains are interred in the old homestead cemetery, side by side, near where they first settled. The subject of this history received a fair edu- cation in the common schools, and remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority. He was then united in marriage with Miss H.arriet Brooks, a native of this county, who was born May 7, 1840. Mr. Bozarth purchased 675 acres of val- uable land, and settled upon it with his family. He followed farming pursuits 'and stock-raising until 1871, and then, on account of failing health, .abandoned active labor and removed into the vil- lage of Stanford; he died of consumption in 1872, while traveling for his he.ilth in Indiana. His re- mains were followed to the old home cemetery, and were laid to rest by the side of his jjarents. He was a good man in every sense of the word, and his name is held in kindly remembrance b}' a large circle of friends and acquaintances. Mr. Bozarth was a man of large stature, his height being six feet two inches, and his weight was over 200 pounds. His eyes and hair were black. He left a wife and six children to mourn their loss, and two of the latter have since joined him in the other life. Their son, Charles J., now twenty-five years of age, is a resident of this county- ; Dora J. was born June 12, 1864, became the wife of II. L. Rns- missell, and lives in Stanford, this county'; Cynthia E. married Theodore Caullin, he was a farmer and stock-raiser of Greene County, Ohio; George Will- iam w.-is born May 29, 1808; Albert AV. and Alfred W. (twins) lived less than one year, dying in No- vember, ls71. The parents of Mrs. Bozarth were Albert and Elizabeth Brooks, natives of Ivcntueky. The date of the father's birth is not known, but the mother was born in 1806. After their marriage tiiey came to Illinois, locating in this county in about 1837, and engaged in farming pursuits until the death of the father, which occurred about 1840. His wife, who still survives, is a resident of Stanford. Their children were Harriet, Miles, George, William, -•►-■-^ i I •^--m-M- t t McLean county. 48? Lucia and James. To the parents of our subject there were born the following children : Louviiia, Aprils, 1829; Addison, March 1, 1830; Milton, Jan. 1, 1832; George, Jan. 9, 1834; Is.abella, Feb. 9, LS35; Alfred, Feb. 25, 1837; John, Jr., June 4, 1839; James, July 15, 1841 ; Josiah, born Jan. 28, 1843, enlisted as a soldier in the late war, and died in the army of smallpox in 1804; William was born March 5, 1845; Robert, Oct. 23, 1847; Hettie, Aug. 3, 1850. When the funeral sermon of his grandmother was preached, (ieorge William handed the Bible to the minister. Rev. J. G. White. A portrait of Mr. Bozarth is shown on a preced- ing page of this work. "^ OHN J. PEIRSON, a prosperous and well-to- do farmer of McLean County, residing on section 12, Old Town Township, is a son of (^^jl/ Henry J. and Ann J. ( Brown) Peirson, na- tives of New York, who, after a residence in Col- umbia County until 1857, came and made settle- ment in Bloomingtun Township, this county. Dur- ing the winter of 1885 the parents removed to the thriving city of Bloomington, where they are at present residing in quiet retirement, having accu- mulated a sufficiency to keep them during the re- mainder of their lives. Of their five sons and one daughter, John J. is the eldest. Mr. Peirson of this notice was born in Columbia County, N. Y., March 11, 1853, and was but four years of age when his parents brought him to this county. Here he received his education in the common schools, and here he has lived and labored at his chosen vocation, farming, until the present time. Living with the old folk until he was twen- ty-one 3'ears old, he then engaged with his father as an equal partner in the product of the farm, which relationship continued until 1881. During that year he purchased 1 GO acres of land located on section 12, Old Town Township, and on which tract he has since lived. He is now the owner of 240 acres of valuable and productive land, and is meeting with more than ordinary success in the prosecution of his vocation. Mr. Peirson was married in Old Town Township, .^•- Oct. 28, 1875, to Gertrude C, daughter of Edwin and .Saloma Locmiis. She departed this life Sept. 2G, 187(j, in 15k)omington Township. Mr. Peirson was again married, at Bloomington, 111., Oct. 18, 1883, to Miss Annie K., daughter of Presley and Mary E. (Robinson) Saains, natives of Pennsylva- nia. Her parents settled in Fayette Count}', that State, after their marriage, and there the mother died. The fathei' afterward, in 1868, came to this county and settled in Towanda Township, where he died in 1877. Mrs. Peirson was the onlj' child born to her parents, and first saw the light in Fay- ette County, Pa., April 3, 1864. Of her union with our subject two children have been born: Nel- lie S., Oct. 7, 1884, and an infant daughter, March 2, 1887. Mr. Peirson has held the office of Township Col- lector and also that of School Director. Relig- iousl}' he is a member of the Baptist and his wife of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is Republican. -^^t ICIIAEL RUPP, of Dan vers Township, lo- cated on section 4 in 1871, and has been a resident here since that time. He is a na- tive of the Buckeye State, having been born in Butler County, Ohio, in 1844. His parents. Christian and Phebe (Rober) Rupp, were natives of (Germany, the father born in 1817, and the mother in 1820. Christian Rupp came to the United States in about 1831, locating first in Butler County, Ohio, wliere he rented eight}' acres of land and carried on farming. He w.as married to the mother of our subject in 1841, and they resided in Ohio until 1858. They then removed westward to Illinois, and Mr. Rupi) rented land until 1865. He then purchased 160 acres, wliich he improved and cultivated, and which remained his home until his death, which occurred in 1877. The mother was afterward mairied to Joseph Augspnrger, who died April 10, 1887, and she now lives in McLean County, 111. Of her first marriage there were born six children: Elizabeth who married Nicholas Stru- ber, and Christian, Joseph, Samuel and Michael; ^ I ^^ •►^l-4« ^^ 488 McLEAK COUNTY. one died unnamed in infancy. The parents be- longed to the Mennonite Church. iMicliael Rupp worked on his father's farm and attended the common schools until reaching his ma- jority. He was married in 1871, to Miss Susan Zook, and that same year purchased 130 acres of land in Danvers Township, upon which he removed and has since resided. He was prosperous in his farming and business transactions and added to his original purchase so that now he is the owner of "218 acres, under a good state of cultivation and provided with a good farm residence and all the necessary out-buildings. Mrs. Rupp is tlie daughter (jf Bartliolomew and Barbara (Stacker) Zook, natives of German j' and members of the Mennonite Church. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Rupp there were born eight chil- dren — Magdalena, Susan, Joseph, John, Christian, Samuel, Benjamin and Eli. Blr. R. is Republican in politics, and in all respects a law-aliiding and worthy citizen. ^»/\/- — i«ili2i2?©-^-«| ^^y*'^^^Odof^'\/\/\^ THOMAS C. KERRICK, of the law firm of Kerrick, Lucas & Spencer, was born in Franklin County, Ind., April 24, 1848. He attended school until twelve years of age in Indiana, and after coming to Illinois with his parents, worked on his father's farm in summer and pur- sued his studies during the winter se.ason. In 1868 he entered Wesleyan University, where ho took a two years' course and afterward read law in the of- fice of McNult}' & Aldrich. He received his di- ploma in 187"), and w,as admitted to partnership with liis former instructors, McNulty & Aldrich. Tlie following year the firm was dissolved, but Aldrich & Kerrick continued until 1878. Mr. K. then practiced alone until December, 1881, when the firm became Kerrick, Lucas & Spencer. Mr. Kerrick was elected by the Council, City At- torney in 1878, serving two terms. Besides his law business he has interested himself in the rich and fertile lands of Illinois, havinga fine farm four miles nortli of lilooniington, and another in Ford County, 111., which is chiefly devoted to stock-rais- ing. He is prominently identified with the business r interests of the eit}% and is a stockholder in the gas com pan}'. Mr. Kerrick was married in 1871, to Miss Tollie Armstrong, who was born in Clarke County, Ohio, and is the daughter of David and Sarah Armstrong, formerly residents of Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. K. are the parents of two children — Leonidas and Alice. The family residence is at No. 324 East Locust street, and they number !imong tlieir friends and associates the best people in the city. Mr. K. belongs to the Republican party, and is in all re- spects fulfilling the obligations of an enterprising citizen. He is now President of the Business Men's Club of this city. "»-^t^* ► »^?5*f-»<^**f-- GRACE S. WHITNEY, a resident of Mc- Lean County since IsiSi), is now living a re- tired life in the city of Bloomington, where he owns and occupies a pleasant and com- fortable homestead, having retired from his labors .as an agriculturist in 1883. Our subject was born in Pennsylvania in 1833, and is the son of Horace and Lucinda (Cole) Whitney, the father a native of N'ermont and the mother of Pennsylvania. Horace Whitney, a prominent resident of Erie County, Pa., w.as there engaged as a lumber dealer and slicep trader, and removed from the Keystone State to Wisconsin in 1843, locating upon a farm in Dane County, where he engaged in agriculture. The parental liousehold consisted of five chil- dren, of whom our subject was the second in ijrder of birth. During the progress of tlie late war he enlisted as a Union soldier in Co. F, 3(Itli Wis. Vol. Inf., and was in the service twenty-two months. He participated in the battle of the Wil- derness, Turner's farm, Weldon Railroad, and many skirmishes, and escaped comparatively unharmed. At the close of the war lie returned to his parents in \\iscoiisiii, where he remained until 18C9. He then came to McLe.an County, and located in P.adua Township, where he was married to Mrs. Elizabeth (G.anoe) Baddeley, the daughter of Elijah and Elender (Evans) Ganoe. The p.arents of Mrs. W. were natives of Ohio and early settlers of Bloom- ington City. Of their five children, four are still i f McLEAN COUNTY. 489 ,t living, Mrs. Whitney l)eing the eldest. Her first husband, William II. Baddeley, was a native of England, and came to America with his parents when a lad eight years of age. They settled in McLean County, 111., and engaged in merchandis- ing at Le Roy. Their sou AV^illiam was reared on a farm and married when twenty-five years of age. After this event, with his young wife, he settled upon a farm in Padua Township, and continued there until his death in 1863. Mr. and Mrs. Badde- ley became the parents of three children, two now living: Josephine, Mrs. Rodman, is the mother of two children — Elmer P. and George S. ; William H. married Miss Virginia Fulton, and they have one son, named after his father. Mr. and Mrs. Whitney, in their pleasant home at No. 506 South Evans street, are highly respected in their community and number as their friends some of the best people of Bloomington. Our subject is Republican in politics, and while in Padua Town- ship served as School Trustee and was otherwise honored with positions of trust. He has in all respects fulfilled the obligations of a good citizen and a useful member of society. 'jw) ACOB COOPER, one of the honored pioneers of McLean County, after a life of industry has now retired from active labor, and is (^// enjoying a competency at liis pleasant home in the village of Danvers. Mr. Cooper was born in Hardin County, Va., Jan. 12, 1828, and is the son of John and Eve (Sites) Cooper, both natives of Virginia. After tlieir marriage the}' removed to Greene Count}', Ohio, in 1838. where the}' spent the remainder of their lives upon a farm, the father dying in about 1846, and the mother in 1853. Their family consisted of eight children, as follows: John married >Miss Rachel demons, and is now deceased; Susan, Mrs. Thomas, lives in Ohio; Elizabeth married Mathias Sparr, and they removed to Indiana; both are now deceased. Samuel married Miss Mary Fudge, and Kane married Miss G oris; Amos took to wife Miss Sar.ah A. Maxwell; Mar- garet E. is unmarried; one child died at the age of three years. The subject of ovir sketch was united in marriage with Miss Mary J. Pierce, Oct. 16, 1848. Mrs. Cooper was born Aug. 22, 1829, in Greene County, Ohio, and is the daughter of William and Margaret (Davids) Pierce, both natives of Ohio, whence her father removed to Indiana in 1832, and died thei'e in 1838. He was a blacksmith. His widow remained there one year after his death, and then returned to Ohio, where the wife of our subject was reared to womanhood, remaining with her mother until she was married. The following year Mr. and Mrs. Cooper came to this county, and our subject pur- chased forty acres of land in AUin and Danvers Townships. To this he subsequently added until he has now 270 acres about six miles southwest of Danvers, under a fine state of cultivation, with a handsome and substantial farm dwelling, two good barns and machine shed, and all other necessary out-buildings. Here he successfully carried on his agricultural operations until 1885, and then, selling off his cattle and other stock, purchased two lots and a house in the village and prepared to establish a permanent home. He improved and renovated the old house, and has now a fine two-story resi- dence which, with its surroundings, makes a com- fortable and attractive home. Mr. and Mrs. C. are members in good standing of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, with which they have been connected since 1878. Mr. C. has been an Elder in his church for some years, and most of their children belong to the same. The parents of both Mr. and Mrs. C. were identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics our subject is a stanch Republican, and in all respects a useful and valued member of society. The household circle of Mr. and Mrs. Cooper was completed by the birth of five children, the record of whom is as follows : Charles W. married Miss Martha Dehart, of Iowa; Margaret E. became the wife of Emmett Williams, who died on the 17th of December, 1883; Louisa B. is single and at home; Parrazaid A. is also unmarried, and resid- ing at home ; Henry F. was married to Miss Jane M. Ilaynes on the 30th of December, 1885. These children were carefully trained and educated, and have become good citizens and valued members of the community. To the parents of Mrs. Cooper were born the *► I I ^> -i i t 490 McLEAN COUNTY. rj- following- children : James C, who married Mrs. Parthena Mitchell; Elizabeth A., Mrs. William Mitchell; Parrazaid A., who married Michael >Cook; Joim A., who married Miss Nancy Mitchell, Mary J., wife of our subject, and Isabella A., a half-sister of the others, who married (ieorge Wane}', and died in IbSS. B. WHITE, a representative citizen of Bloomington, is successfully engaged as a contractor and builder, and has his of- V^J) fice at No. .'lOC East (iraham street. Mr. J. B. White is a native of the Prairie State, and was born at Smith Grove, this county, Sept. 26, 1844. His parents were .lames and Lovina (Smith) White, his father a native of New York, and his mother of North Carolina. The former came to Illinois in 1 830, and settled in McLean County, where, after attaining to suitable .ige he engaged in contracting and building, which he fol- lowed for twenty years. He then purchased a farm of 280 acres, near Holder, this county, which he has since occupied and been industriously engaged in raising stock and grain. He was one of the pio- neer Abolitionists of the county, and since the war has been a strong Republican in politics. He has alwaj's taken an active part in educational and re- ligious matters, and been a Class-Leader and Trustee of the Methodist E[)iscopal Church for many years. His family included three children: Mary C, Mrs. Keeney, of Kansas; J. B., of our sketch, and Asa K., also of Bloomington. J. B. White rcm.ained with his parents until he was .seventeen years old, and upon the outbreak of the late war enlisted as a Union soldier in Co. K, both 111. Vol. Inf. With the exception of a few months, during which he remained at home on ac- count of a crippled knee, he served from Sept. I'J, 18C1, to Dec. 1(), 1865. He participated in the battle of Winchester, and other engagements in the -Shenandoah Valley, and along the .lames River, and endured bravely and faithfully the privations and vici.ssitudes of war, receiving an honoral)le dis- charge at the close. After his return home he 1 r worked at the carpenter's trade, and in 1869 en- gaged as a contractor and builder. In the fall of that year he was married to Miss Mary, the daugh- ter of Benjamin an ■ ^^^•fi^S t..^^A::---m»^M,^.^^i,.'A , f-i-,Wi^A%Wti •UiJU Res.ofThomas Hatfi eld ,Sec.7.,Towanda Township. 1 "■ \i ,.=^,«Mi^.., s-v /- •» te,f"'^„f Residence of S. F.Barnard, 5ec. 21. .Money Creek Township. McLEAN COUNTY. 495 ' ' I State of his nativity until iiis death; hisgoofl wife also died there. Of the three children born to them Mrs. Moore was the youngest, the date of her liirth being Jan. 30, 1S22. By her marriage with our subject eight children were born, the rec- ord of whom is as follows : Charles W. married Miss Emma Deau, and they are living at Storm Lake, Iowa; .lane is living at home with her mother; Martha is the wife of A. R. Arbuckle, and tliej' reside in Nebraska; John died while in his eleventh year; George lives at home; Taylor de- parted this life when thirteen years old; Arthur married Miss Alice Craig, and resides in Nebraska, and Edwin L. died when seven years of age. Mr. Moore was a prominent member of the Christian Church, and a worthy laborer in the cause of the Master, lie also held several of the minor offices of his township, and was respected and loved for his straightforward and manly dealings with his fellowmen, as well as for his sterling worth and integrity. Mrs. Moore is also a member of the Christian Church, and has belonged to that denom- ination for upward of forty years. Her husband was immersed by Alexander Campbell, and during his lifetime was an Elder in a congregation in this county; all of the children now living are members of the same church. JOHN D. DOWNS is one of a family of six brothers, who were the sons of Larson and Sarah Downs, the family record being as follows: William, the eldest, is married and living at Hey worth; he was born Oct. 18, 1837, reared and educated in Randolph Township, and followed agricultural pursuits. His wife, formerly Miss Matilda Scott, a native of Ohio, was born May 8, 1 839, and came to Illinois with her parents in her girlhood. This brother served as a soldier of the Union, being a member of Co. H, 39th 111. Vol. Inf., which was known as the Yates Phalanx, and was commanded by Col. Thomas Osborne, now of Chicago. This gentleman was formerly Minis- ter to the Argentine Republic, South America. After enlistment this brother went with his regi- ment to Jefferson Barracks, Mo., whence he pro- 4* ceeded with his regiment to Williamsport, Md., and thereafter particii)ated in about seventeen engage- ments, including the siege of Charleston. He served out his term of enlistment, then veteranized, and endured with liis comrades, bravely and faith- fully, their later hardships and privations. He was also eng.'iged in the battle of Drnry's Bluff, and fol- lowed (irant into Richmond at the final surrender of Lee. After his discharge he returned home, and for five years was a resident of Miami County, Kan. He then returned to this State, and siwo 1873 has made his home in this county, (jeorge W. Downs, the second son of the family, owns 180 acres of valual)le land in Rand and Downs Town- ships, upon which he is farming successfully. He also was in the army three years. John D. of our sketch was born in Downs Town- ship, Nov. 11, 184.5. He received a fair education in the common schools, and lived with his parents until his marriage with Miss Eliza Cowden, which took place in Old Town Township, Feb. 20, 18(j8. ]\Irs. Downs was born in the latter-named town- ship, March 10, ISoO, and remained under the home roof until her marriage. Her father is now deceased ; the motiier is still a resident of Old Town Township. Our subject and his wife are the parents of seven children, all living at home, namely: Frank E., Mary M., Albert R., Frederick L., .John C, Fannie (J. and Blanche. Mr. and Mrs. Downs after their marriage loctited in Downs Township, where they remained until 1878, in which year they removed to their present home in Randolph Township, which is located on section 12. The estate includes 337 .icres of finely cultivated land, and in all its appointments indi- cates the best of management. Solomon F. Downs, a younger brother of our subject, is a resident of Saybrook, this county, and the owner of 1 90 acres of good land : he was mar- ried in early manhood to Miss Anna E. Reid. An- other brother, Albert P., owns 160 acres of land in Downs Township; he married Miss R. Lemon. Al- fred E., who also owns a quarter section of land in Downs Township, married Miss Ellen A. Miller. Larson Downs, the father of our subject, was born in Tennessee, April 30, 1808, and remained in his native State until thirteen years of age. His father ^ t f 196 McLEAN COUNTY. (lied while lie was still in his childhood, and his mother was married the second time, t)eoomin^^^i/Z'?7a>'- m - ■ <» EROMK B. HP:NDERSON,a minister of the Baptist^Church in Arrowsmith Township, but who lives in Cheney's Grove Town- ship, where he also owns and cultivates a val- nable farm, is a native of Lewis County, Ky., .and w.as burn Oct. 30, 18-21. He is the son of William P. and lOlizabeth (Ilendrickson) Henderson, the former a native of W.ashingtonX'ounty, Pa., .and the latter of New .lersey. William P. Henderson was born Jan. 1, 1792, and in early life removed from his native State to Kentucky, where he followed the trade of gunsmith, and died Sept. 1;"), 1841. His wife, Elizabeth, w.as born Aug. o, 17m4, and died in this State Oct. 11, 1.S58. Both p.arents were members of the Baptist Church. The little household included five children — Thomas O. (now deceased), Richard S., Eveline B., Rebecca .1. and Jerome B. Mr. Hendersdu uf our sketch came to this county in November, 1852, and located on a cpiarter sec- tion of land wiiich he now occupies. Ten years later he commenced his ministerial la})ors, having received a good education in the ctimmon schools and academies of Kentucky. He was also or- dained in the year last named, and has occupied the pulpit since that time, giving his leisure hours to the occupation of farming, of which he has al- ways been very fond. For his Christian labors he has never accepted ,iny salary, and has probably ofllcialed at more funerals and m.arriages than any other minister in McLean County. He was the first Supervisor of Chenej''s Grove Township, and served in this capacity for a number of years, with credit to himself and satisfaction to all concerned. He has also been Justice of the Peace fur a num- ber of years. He lias organized several church .so- cieties, and been the means of gi-eat encouragement to the support of the (xospel in this locality. He is Republican in politics, and .i valued citizen, whose influence has always been cast on the side of truth and justice. The marriage of Jerome B. Henderson and Miss Mary Means was celebrated in Lewis County, Ky., on the 24th of July, 184.5. This lady was a native of Kentucky, born Feb. 6, 1824, and died .at the home of her husband April 27, 1881. She was prominently connected with the Baptist Church, a lady greatly respected for her noble qualities of character, and became the mother of seven children, as follows: Mary J., born M.ay 2, 1846, became the wife of I. T. Miller; Willi.am E., also a minister, was Chaplain of the 94th Illinois Infantry during the Late war; Katie 0., born Dec. 11, 1847, mai-- ried J. L. Arbogast; Cora B., born June 17, 1849, became the wife of William H. Harris, also a minis- ter; Willie M., born April 3, 18.01, married Miss Sa- rah Hall; Emma T., born Nov. 29, 18.53, married Stephen C. Murphy; Sar.ah M., born Nov. 11, 1855, died when seven years of age; Rich.ard P., born Aug. 9, ISGI, married Miss Jennie (iillis. The sec- ond wife of our subject, to whom he was married Nov. 29, 1883, was Miss Alice M. Murphy, who was born June 11, 1852, and is the daughter of , Joseph and Annie (Smith) Murphy, natives re- spectively of Pennsylvania and Maryland. Of this latter union there have been born two children — Thom.as ()., Nov. 4, 18S4, and Blanche ()., June 16, iHsf;. RS. ELIZABETH STEPHENS, who is the widow of Wesley Stephens, owns and occupies a comfortable homestead of 160 acres in White Oak Township, on sec- tion 4. Mrs. S. has been a resident of the I'rairie State since 1856. She was born in Brown County, Ohio, in lS22,boing the daughter of John and Jane Baird. Her father was born at Columbus, Ohio, and died in White Oak Township in about 1870. The mother was a native of ^'irginia, and died at the home of her husband in Twin Grove, this count}', in 1«66. They were members of the United Presbyterian Church, and Mr. Baird in i t. t -<^ MuLEAN COUNTY. 501 ' polities was strongly Republican. Their thirteen children were Jeremiah, John, Margaret, Elizabeth, Sophia, Mary J., James, Joseph, Maria, Martha, Robert, William and Lucinda. The subject of our sketch was reared under the home roof, and became the wife of Wesley .Ste- phens in March, 1853. They came to Blooming- ton, 111., in 1856, when there was only one black- smith-shop, one grocery-store and a few little houses scattered around. Mr. Stephens was a painter by trade, which he followed for a time after coming to Bloomington, and then purchased 160 acres of good land, which is still tlie home of Mrs. S. and one of her sons. Mr. Stei)hens was born in Ohio, Aug. 3, 18-20, being the son of John and Martha Stephens. He was in all respects a good husband and father, and a worthy citizen. He departed this life in White Oak Township, iu 1863, and his remains were laid to rest in Oak Grove Cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. S. became the paients of six children: Martha J. departed this life in 1872; Alice C. became the wife of Wilson Selders;. John married Miss Savilla Webster, and resides with his mother on the old homestead^ America died Aug. 19, 1860. Mrs. Stephens is a member ^74. Mrs. E. was born in Fulton County, III., June 22, 18')6, and of her marriage 4«- I I oO'i a McLEAN COUNTY. with our subject there is one child, Kinma EUeanor, born Dec. 4, 1.S75. The pleasant residence of the little family is located on Grove street, and they en- joy tlie society of a large circle of friends and actiunintanees. ,ELTBEN L. PORTER is favor.ibly known in Arrowsmith Township as an intelligent and industrious farmer, and occupies a snug 1 homestead on section 21. He comes of substantial ancestry, and, like his parents, was born in Eayette County, Pa., the date thereof being July 4, 1S2.'). He istlieson of .John and Eliza (Lowrey) Porter. The iirst representatives of the family in this country emigrated from England and Scotland respectively, and i)ossessed in a marked degree the reliable characteristics of those races. John Porter was born Aug. 10, l.SOO, and became a resident of Iowa while in the prime of life. He followed farm- ing, slujeniaking and tanning, aiid dieJ-lNE M. BRININC, widow of Hamil- ((( r- ''"" 15i''"i"&' '* the possessor of a fine property ^^^' consisting of three farms, the main one be- ing located in Mt. lIoi>e Township, anil which con- stitutes the present homestead of the subject of our sket(^li. The other two lie in Downs Township and consist of 1 GO acres each. They are all finely im- proved and cultivated, and bear evidence of hav- ing been su|)erintended 1)3' an intelligent mind. Mrs. Brining was born in Orange County, Ind., Dec. 25, 1833. Her father, Eli .lones, was a native of North Carolina, and her grandfather, Allen Jones, a native of the same State, was a descendant of English and Welsh ancestry, and emigrated from North Can^lina to Indiana at an early period in the history of that section. He made the journey overland, and after locating in Orange County, followed his trade of cari)enter and cabinet-maker for many 3'cars, and spent the latter part of his life there. His son Eli, the father of our subject, was quite 3'oung when his parents removed from his na- tive State. He grew to manhood in Indiana, and was united in marriage with Miss Hannah Snyder, the daughter of Jacob and Mary (Hawse) Snyder. Mr. Jones learned the trade of his father, and in addition to the work of a carpenter and joiner also became an experienced millwright. In 1853 he purchased a tract of land in (ireene County, Ind., upon which he lived until li^(i2, and from there re- moved to Owen County, whence after three years .^1- -t- M. I McLean county. oOo i- he proceeded to Illinois and located in Logan County. From there he moved into McLean Connty, of which he is now a resident, liaving his liome in Allin Township. lie is now in liis seventy-ninth year. Mrs. Brining remained witli her parents during her childhood and youth, receiving careful home training and a fair education in the common schools. On the (Jth of Februar}', I SGI, she was united in marriage with Hamilton IJrining. He was a native of Spencer County, Ky.; and the son of Jacob F. and Barbara (Hawse) Brining. He was born on the 1.3th of .Tune, 1830, and was but six j'ears old when his parents removed from Ken- tucky to Illinois. The entire journey was made overland with wagons, and they camped and cooked I>y the vf.iy. They were among the first to make set- tlement in Logan Country, and there Mr. B. grew to manhood, and was educated in the pioneer schools. He lived there until 18G7, when he sold his property and purchased 100 acres of land in Mt. Hope Township, McLean Countv, on section S. This land was wild and uncultivated, but he was a man of great energy and industry, and in due time had effected a remarkable change in its original condition. He erected a good set of farm build- ings, planted fruit and .shade trees, and subse- quently added to his i)osse8sions, until at the time of his death he was the possessor of 320 acres here, and two farms of 160 acres each in Downs Town- ship. He departed from the scenes of his earthly labors on the IGth of Marcii, 188G, while still act- ive and little past his prime. In early manhood Mr. Brining was married to Miss Sarah Mountjc)y, and of this union there were three children — Martha, May ,1. and Alice. Of the second marriage there were born seven chil- dren, viz., Charles E., Imo (i., Minnie M., Owen L., Leslie C. and Lyman T. (twins), and i^uther V. Mr. and Mrs. B. were both connected with the Methodist Episcopal Cluirch, and in i)olities he was an uncompromising Republican. Since the death of her husband Mrs. Brining has superintended the management of tlie estate with ability and success. She is a lady of rare intelli- gence and courage, and was well fitted to be tiie help- meet of such a man as her iuisband. The family resi- dence and the entire homestead is first-class in all its appointments, and bears evidence of the thrift and enterprise which first established it and by which it has been perpetuated. It is one of the attractive spots t)f McLean County, and invariably attracts the eye of the traveler through this section. The portrait of Mr. Brining, which accompanies this sketch, will he recognized by all as that of a worthy and honored representative of McLean Connty. AMES H. McGregor, President of the Arctic Ice Company of Bloomington, 111., whose portrait is shown on page 504, ranks among the enterprising business men of the city, and as one who has contributed his full share toward the advancement of its business and indus- trial interests. IMr. McGregor was born in Wash- ington County, N. Y., on the IGth of March, 1830. His father, Peter .AIcGregor, was a native of Scot- land, who came to America in 1828. All his chil- dren except .James II. were born there. The father was a farmer by occui)ation, and located with his famil}' near the city of Montreal, Canada. The mother of our subject, before her marriage, was Miss Mary Stuart, and the family of herself and husband consisted of seven children, five sons and tw(j daughters. In August, 1853, the suljject of this history left the parental roof and coming into the States located in Bloomington, 111., and engaged at the brick- layer's trade, which he had previously learned. This he followed for many years, and is still engaged as a contractor and builder. In this capacity he has superintended the erection of some of the most important buildings of this locality and in the city of Chicago. In 18G3 he associated himself in part- nership with N. B. Heafer, of this cit}', with whom he operated for a period of twenty years. During this time the firm was interested in some of the best improvements in this city, having built the C. & A. R. R. shops, and afterward the McLean County court-house, which latter was erected at a cost of over 1300,000. They also built the First Methodist Episcopal Church, one of the finest church edifices in the city, and afterward laid the t •►■-^^ 506 -»► i McLean county. street pavements and built the water-works, to- gether with the tower, which is 200 feet in height. At the same time they were engaged in the manu- facture and laying of brick, also street pavements. The partnership was dissolved in 1883, by mutual consent, the two gentlemen still retaining a life- long esteem for each other. Mr. McGregor has been since that time carrying on the same business alone and was elected to his present position as President of the Arctic Ice Company in 1884. Ouv subject was married in 18GG, to Miss Mary A. Barnes, a native of Ohio, and they have two children — Mary and Edith. Mr. McG. is a mem- ber in good standing of the I. O. O. F., Remem- b)-ance Lodge No. 77. The family occupy a handsome and attractive home and enjoy the so- ciety and esteem of a large circle of friends. Duncan McGregor, deceased, a brother of our subject, was one of the most active railroad men of the West. He was born in Scotland, and after the death of his father in Canada, he and his brother, James H., went to Kalamazoo, Mich., where Duncan had charge of a force of men employed in the construction of the Michigan Central Railroad, their part of the line stretching from Michigan City, Ind., to Chicago, and employing them during the summer of I8;j2. Duncan McCiregor next went to LaSalle, 111., where he superintended the laying of the track of the Illinois Central Railroad to Hloomington, it being the first road to enter the latter cit^^ He then made his home at Blooming- ton for several years, holding the position of con- ductor on the I. C. R. R. In 1858 he went to Texas to take charge of the track laying t^ ■ ->^5«f-« IRAM BUCK, one of the honored pioneers of McLean County, has now attained to the age of fourscore j'ears and six. He is a hale and hearty old gentleman, in full possession of his mental faculities, active as most men at sixt}', suffers no bodily infirmities, and can still hold the plow and ride on the back of spirited horses. His form has been a familiar one upon the streets of Empire Township for many 3'ears, and ho is held in that peculiar veneration and respect tacit- ly accorded those who first pusiied their w.ay into the Western wilds and marked out tlio track of a later civilization. Mr. Buck was born in the town of Ulysses, N. Y., which was then in Seneca but is now in Tompkins County. He first opened his eyes to the light on the 20th of March, ISdl. His father, William .Sherman Buck, was born in New Milford, Litchfield Co.. Conn., Feb. 17, 1764. His grandfather, James Buck, was also a native of the Nutmeg State and of English descent. The latter engaged in farming pursuits and spent his entire life in his native State. He married Miss Elizabeth Sherman, who was a na- tive of his own town and the sister of Roger Sher- man, who was famous in that day as a philosopher and a man of talents and learning. The father of our subject learned the trade of tanner and currier in New Milford and worked •►-•-^o- there until after he had attained his majority. He then went into Luzerne County, Pa., remaining thei-e until about 1798, whence he removed to Phelps and (4raham's Purchase in New York, and settled in the part now included in the township of Ulysses. The removal from Pennsylvania was effected with ox-teams, part of the route lying through a track- less wilderness. He purchased timber land and on a part of his first purchase now stands the village of Trumansburg. He had been there but a short time when, after clearing a part of his land, he established a lanyard and engaged in dressing hides and in shoemaking. For twenty years he did business without the assistance of railroads or canals. The only way of reaching market was to go overland along the rivers. There William S. Buck remained until LSI 8, and then selling his property proceeded further westward to Ohio. The journey to the head- waters of the Allegh.any River was made overland, and he arrived there the 1st of March, 1818. On account of the great amount of ice in the river his journey was here delayed until the 1 3th of April. While thus waiting he built a boat and as soon as it could be launched, moved with his family upon it, down to North Bend, Ohio. He had sold his land in New York on time, and was obliged to rent land in order to pursue his further operations. He locat- ed in Ilamiltnn County, Ohio, and rented land from President Harrison, until he could get pay for his uwn in New Y(jrk State. He remained there eleven years, ami then pulled up stakes again and started for Indiana, purchasing a farm in Switzerland Coun- ty, where he located and spent the remainder of his days, his decease occurring on the 4th of Au- gust, 1844. His wife died in Hamilton County, Ohio, in October, 1827. The parental family con- sisted of thirteen children, eleven sons and two daughters. Ilir.am Buck was the eighth child and seventh son of his parents. He was seventeen years old when they removed from New York to Ohio. He assist- ed his father in clearing the farm and tilling the soil, received a limited education in the subscription ' schools, and reinained under the parental roof until ' 1826. He had inherited much of the energy and enterprise of his foref.athers and at this time had en- gaged considerablj' in speculation on his own ac- i '•¥^m-><» i u a 508 4 McLEAN COUNTY. count. Me made tliree trips ilown the river with a flatlxiat, transporting produce to various [wints. He had inipn^vedhis leisure time with his books, and in this manner had liecome well fitted for a teacher of those dajs, and employed his time during the winter season in dispensing knowledge to the sons of the early settlers, in the log school-house of those days. He possessed considerable musical talents and also taught singing as well as day school. In 182G he bought a stock of goods and commenced mer- chandising in Switzerland County, Ind. After two years thus occupied ho purchased a tract of timber land and found a read}' market for wood which was used on the steamboats, coal not then having been discovered or mined in that region. In 1S33, after having considerably enhanced the value of his prop- erty he sold out, and started for Illinois, via the Ohio, Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. Leaving his family in Beardstown, 111., he came on to McLean County, where he procured two teams and returned for his family and household goods. His means were limited, but he purchased eighty acres of land at $1.50 per acre in Randoli)h Townshii), and after building a log cabin, removed his family, and raised a crop upon rented land that year. The follow- ing year he raised his first crop on his own land and proceeded with its cultivation and improvement. In 1837 he sold out and came to Le Roy, where hfe purchased village property and also farm land. He built the first hotel in the place, naming it after the town. He soon succeeded in securing a post-office and ofliciated as the first Postmaster. He conduct- ed this hotel for eight j^ears and was remarkably successful in his farming and business operations. In 18;')! he removed to the farm he now owns and occupies and on which he has been a continuous resident since that time, a period of thirty -six years. The first purchase which Mr. Buck made in this vicinity consisted of 172 acres, to which he added as time passed until he became the owner of 965 acres, all in Empire and Downs Townships. It is now all improved and under a fine state of cultiva- tion, being oi)erated mostly by tenants, but Mr. Buck has always exercised a general oversight of the whole, audits valuable condition to-day is owing to his remarkable energy and foresight. The land has been devoted to mixed husbandry and stock-raising and has yielded its owner a handsome income. It is beautifully located and its broad acres stretch over a flue tract of country, forming one of the most attractive spots in McLean County. The marriage of Hiram Buck and Miss ISIercy Karr was celebrated in Ohio on the 5th of April, 1 827. Mrs. Buck was born in that part of Sussex which is now W.nrren Count}% N. J., on the IGtli of November, 180G, being the daughter of Capt- John and Mary (Lee) Karr, natives of Pennsylvania. Her father eoninianded a company under Wayne's Legion in the Revolutionar}' War and after his re- tirement from the military service returned to New Jersey and engaged in farming pursuits. His death occurred at the home of our subject in Le Roy in 1 840, after he had become eighty-two years of age. Mrs. Mei'cy Buck clicd at the home of her hus- band in Le Roy Township, Aug. C, 188G. Tliey had become the parents of six children, five now living: Amanda M. married James Crumbaugli and lives in Emi)ire Township, which is also the residence of Thomas L; Elizabeth died when three years of age; Martha E. became the wife of John McConncll and lives in Downs Township; Nancy J. married Isaac T. Dawson and lives in Downs Township; Charles Albert is on the home farm. Mr. Buck has been Postmaster of three different offices — of Pat- riot, Ind., and Randolph and Le Roy, in McLean County. He received his first appointment from President John Q. Adams, and served in this ca- pacity under Jackson, Van Buren, Harrison, Tyler and Polk. He was Sciiool Trustee in Indiana, and Clerk and Treasurer of the Board several 3'ears. He was Deputj' County Surveyor and School Trustee under the Constitution of 1 848, and elected a Coun- ty Judge in 1851, to fill a vacancy. Two years later he was elected for the full term of four years, and re-elected in 1857. He joined the State Militia in Ohio, and when twenty-three years of age was elected Captain of the first company of the 1st Regiment, 1st Brigade and 1st Division of the Jlilitia of that State. The same year he came to Illinois he joined the militia of this State, being soon promoted Adjutant, and in the late war he endeavored to enlist as a Union soldier but was rejected on account of his age. In politics Mr. Buck was formerly' identified with i t ■<^ n McLEAN COUNTY. 4- 501) the Whig party and cast bis first presidential vote for John (^i. Adams, in 1824. He has voted at six- teen presidential elections, and continued a Whig until the abandonment of the old part}' b}' the org.inization of the Republicans. Then he cheer- fully indorsed the principles of the latter and has since cast his vote with that party. Mr. Buck was Supervisor of Empire Township four years and served as Justice of the Peace eighteen years. In 1874 he was appointed a Trustee of the Industrial School at Urbana by Gov. Beveridge, and the follow- ing year elected a Trustee of Lombard University. The mother of Mr. Buck, who before her mar- riage was Miss Berentha York,, was a native of Stonington, Conn., and born Sept. 27, 1770. Her father, Amos York, also a native of Connecticut, afterward removed to Pennsylvania, locating in Luzerne County, and being among the earliest set- tlers of that region, when the country was peopled largely by Indians. In February, 1778, the Indians surrounded his house, took all his goods and cattle, made him prisoner and carried him to Canada, where he was held in captivity for two years. He was then released, but died soon after his return home. His wife was thus left a widow with ten daughters and one son, the youngest a babe at the breast. She removed to Wyoming with her chil- dren and was there at the time of the Indian mas- sacre, being one of the few who escaped in a canoe down the Susquehanna River. She afterward made her home in Luzerne County, Pa., and died at the age of ninety years. Mr. Buck is a devout Uni- versalist and contributed largely toward building the chapel in Le Roy ; it is named after Mrs. Buck, being known as "Mercy Chapel." ^^ARRIGUS BROS. Wilbur C. and Joseph C. Ill (=-, Garrigus are conducting a livery, boarding ^^5) and sale stable at Nos. 423 and 425 North Main street, Bloomington, having also a feed- yard in connection. Although comparatively young in business, having established in 1886, they have been successful from the start. Their stock comprises from twelve to twenty fine horses, and their vehicles are of first-class description. They <■ also conduct an undertaking business, having a fine heafse and all other accessories. Wilbur C. and Joseph C. Garrigus were born in Marshall County, 111., being the sons of Jacob and Matilda (Chandler) Garrigus, natives of New Jer- se3', the former of whom came to Illinois with his parents when a boy, and they settled in Marshall County. The father was engaged in general mer- chandising, and became County Treasurer and Postmaster. He resided there until 1872, then removed to Chicago, and for a number of years was engaged in the real-estate business. Later he was appointed United States Ganger, which oflice he still holds. He has always been an active and prominent business man and takes an interest in all matters pertaining to the public welfare. The two brothers received a flue education and bid fair to follow in the footsteps of their father as regards business talent and enterprise. Their younger brother, Charles, is in their employ, and the firm is becoming favorably known in this lo- cality as reliable, prompt to meet its obligations, and in all respects ranking with the first-class busi- ness interests of the city. One of the brothers is Democratic in politics, one Republican, and one a Prohibitionist. Wilbur C. married Miss Belle Clark, of Wisconsin, and they are the parents of one son — Roy. Their residence is at No. 1 104 North Prairie street. ^AMES COOPER, one of the pioneers of McLean County, respected and loved by all who know him, and a progressive farmer of ^^y Funk's Grove Township, is a resident on section 1. He was born in Ross County, Ohio, July 24, 1828, and his father, Michael Cooper, was a native of Lancashire, England. The latter grew to manhood in his native land, was there married, and came to this country about 1820. He had come to America with the intention of seeking a home for his family, but while here his good wife died in the old country, and his mother took charge of the children, who always lived in England. Mr. Cooper was again married, in Ross County, Ohio, and the lady selected as his life companion was Mrs. Ruhanna Hickle. She was born in Viroinia lia, T , i •^^ 510 McLEAN COUNTY. t and was the daughter of Alualiaiii N'aiiMetcr and the widow of Jacob Hickle. Michael Cooper was a wagon-maker hy trade, l)ut after iiis second marriage engaged in the voca- tion of a farmer. In 1 s;>0 he bought land in Madison County, Oluo. The tract contained 160 acres and was military land and iieavily timbered. His title to this "property [jroved to be worthless, and after clearing quite a portion of it he lost the entire property. In 1837, accompanied b}' his wife and five children, lie started for Illinois. The journej' was made overland with a team of horses and a wagon, occupying three or four necks' ti-avel, and terminated at Bloomington, this State. Soon after his settlement there he rented land of Col. Gridley, at Lexington, a portion of whicli is now included in that city. This he worked until 1S41, when he moved to Towanda Township and rented a farm, which he worked for three years. He then went to Hudson Township, where he was a renter until 1847, during which year he started on his retiu'n to England, and it is supposed he was lost on the voyage as he has never been heard from since. His wife died at the home of our subject in 1872. Of the second marriage of Michael Cooper five children were born, the suljject of this notice being the third in order of birth. He was nine years old when he came to this county with his parents, and here attended the pioneer school and assisted his father in the labors ot the farm. After his father's death he worked out, receiving ^7. HO per month for his services. He saved his earnings, and in time was enabled to carry on farming on rented land, and made money by so doing. In 1807 he bought 210 acres of land on section 1, Funk's Grove Township. There were no buildings on the place in which to live, and he rented until 1873, when he moved on to the place and has since made it his home. He has a good farm under an advanced state of cultivation, and has been successful in the prosecution of his labors. In 1878 his residence was destroj'ed by fire and he then erected the one in which he is now living. The place at present consists of about ;500 acres, all of which is enclosed and well improved. Mr. Coojicr was married, Jan. 2.'!, 18(JG, to Fran- ces Veatch. She was born in this count}' Nov. 18, 1842. Her father, Covington A'eateh, was a native of Indiana, and her paternal grandfather was born in Tennessee of Scotch-Irish ancestry. INIrs. Coo- per's father lived in Indiana until nineteen years old, and then, in 18;i(), came to this connty with his parents and settled with them in l\andol|>h Township. His father entered Government land and improved several farms. He was a carpenter by trade, and he would build a ho\ise on a small tract of l.'Mid and then dispose of the place and buy another. He spent the last days of his life in Qnincy, 111. He was also a Baptist preacher, and labored in the i)uli)il on Sundays for the conversion of souls. He died in 1878, aged eighty years. The mother of Mrs. Cooper, Eliza Branton, was born in Virginia in 1823, and came to this State with her parents in 1834. The}' located in Cham- paign, where their demise occurred. Covington Veatch, after living some time on his farm in Randolph Townsiiiii, sold out and went to Kansas, settling in Kingman County,- where he lived a retired life. Socially J\lr. Cooi)er is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and holds fellowshiii with Lodge No. 251, of Ileyworth. He is also a memlierof Robert T. Harvey Tost No. GOG, G. A. R. He enlisted in August, 1862, in Co. B, !)4tli III. \'ol. Inf., and was in the service sixteen months, participating in the battle of Prairie Grove, Ark., and several other minor engagements. He was discharged on account of an affection of the eyes, from which he never recovered, and has lost the sight of one of them entirely. ^ 0'~~ APT. E. C. MYERS, .)ne of the successful farmers and stock-growers of Randoljih ^_ Township, is located on section 8. His farm estate consists of 160 acres of highly improved and valuable land. Mr. Myers is the eldest son of Jo- seph and Ke/.iah Myers, the former now living at Loda, IrcAjuois Co., 111., being seventy-one years of age. The mother of our "Subject died many years ago in McLean County, and the father is now liv- ing with his second wife. He became a settler of this county in 1851, and at one time was a large 'i t. ■^^ McLEAN COUNTY. 4 511 ii »► ■ j« property holder in Randolph Township, most of which is still in the family. The grandfather of our subject on his father's side was John Myers, a native of Pennsylvania, who was the son of Casper Myers, a native of (xer- many, who with six other brothers emigrated to the United States prior to the Revolutionary War. Five of the brothers engaged in that memorable conflict, and the two younger were in the War of 1812, one of whom fell mortally wounded at the battle of Plattsburg, N. Y. The survivor became the ancestor of our subject. Casper Mj'ers, after his retirement from the army, engaged in agricult- ural pursuits in Liclving County, Ohio, and died there at an advanced age. The grandfather of our subject, John Myers, was born and reared in Penn- sylvania, his l^irth occurring about 1790. He emi- grated from his native State to Ohio, being among the early settlers of Liclving Count}', where he se- cured a farm and estal)iished a comfortable home. He afterward came to Illinois, and spent the re- mainder of his days. His son Joseph, the father of our subject, was born in Pennsylvania, and was carried in the arms of liis mother to their home in Licking County, Ohio. This lady before her mar- riage was Miss Mar}' Gosnell, who was of English descent and born in Pennsylvania. The family came to Illinois in 1855; the father died in Ran- dolph Township, this county, June 1, 18(19. Her husband followed her to the silent land in Decem- ber of the same year. Joseph Myers, the father of our subject, re- mained with his parents until he had attained to years of manhood, and was united in marriage with Miss Keziah Barrick. She was born in Pennsyl- vania, and when about sixteen years of age removed with her parents to Licking County, Ohio. She subsequently came with her family to Illinois, and died in Randolph Township, this county, in 1875. Capt. Myers was born in Licking County, Ohio, Feb. 27, 1838. When fourteen years of age he was brought to Illinois by his parents and located in this county with them in 1851. He remained under the parental roof until April, 18()1, in the meantime receiving a practical business education. In April, 1861, he enlisted as a Union soldier in Co. C, 20th 111. Vol. Inf., under command of Capt. J. O. Pullen. After serving his term of three months, he re-enlisted, becoming a member of Co. K, S9th III. Vol. Inf., under Capt. Joseph Wood- ruff. The company was organized at Chicago, Aug. 14, 1861, and proceeded at once to Benton Bar- racks, Mo., and thence to join the Army of the Potomac. Their first engagement with the enemy, who were led by Stonewall Jackson, was at Bath, Va., on the 4th of January, 1862. Our subject with his comrades participated in the famous march of Gen. Landers, in which they traveled over a mountain road of forty miles, in sixteen hours. He was afterward transferred to the celebrated Shields' Division, which assisted in the battle of Winches- ter, where the enemy was routed. They afterward met the enemy in several engagements around Suf- folk, Va., thence going to Port Royal, S. C, in February, 1863, where our subject witnessed the engagement between the iron-clad fleet and Ft. Sumter. The company sustained a serious loss in the death of its Captain (Woodruff), who fell at the entrance of Ft. Gregg, killed by a bursting shell. At that time, Jan. 1, 1864, many of the company re-enlisted as veterans at Hilton Head, S. C. Young Myers had been serving as First Sergeant since Januarj', 1862, and on the 24th of December, 1864, was made First Lieutenant and the following year Captain. He afterward took an active part in many engagements and skirmishes, and was always on dut}'. During the summer of 1864, the killed, missing and captured aggregated 653 men of their regiment. Capt. IM3'ers was present at every en- gagement of the regiment from the time Ft. Sum- ter was reduced until the surrender of Lee at Ap- pomattox Court-House. Through all these dangers he escaped unharmed and received his honorable discharge Dec. 16, 1865. Capt. Myers was married in McLean County on tiie 3d of March, 1864, to Miss Martha Crose, tlieir wedding taking place at the home of the bride in Downs Township. Mrs. Myers was born in Downs Township, Oct. 27, 1844, and was reared on her father's farm, receiving a fair education in the com- mon schools. Her parents came to this county at an early d.ay, and assisted with their fellow pioneers in its growth and advancement. -t t. 512 McI.EAN COUNTY. i' ('.■xpt. and JNIrs. iMyi'is became tlie parents of nine children, of whom one, Leota, is deceased. Those living, and all at iiome are, Ella I\I., Edith S., ]>avid, Joseph 1'., Tiiomas E., John J., Mabel and (ieorge. Capt. Myers is a member of the Re- publican party, although in political, as well as re- ligious views, he is extremely liberal. "if/ OSEPIT AV. ZOOK, Postmaster of Oak (hove, came to McLean County in 1S4'J, with his parents, and spent his j-outh and childhood (^^/ on his father's farm. lie has been a resident of this vicinity' since that time, and one of its most valued citizens. Mr. Z. was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, Feb. 7, 1837. His parents were Da- vid and Barbara (King) Zook, natives of Pennsyl- vania, the father born ,Ian. (!, 1800, and the mother, Nov. 24, 1814. David Zook received a common- school education, and when a young man removed with his parents to Fairfield County, Ohio. He was married in Wayne County, that State, in 1834, and they remained in Fairfield County until the fall of 1841). The family then came to Illinois and loca- ted in McLean County, where the parents spent the remainder of their days, the father dying in 1872, and the mother in 1880. David Zook in early life was a stanch adherent of the Whig party, but later became a strong Republican. Both parents were members of the Ornish Mennonite Church. Their family consisted of four sons and four daugiiters, as follows: Nancy died in infancy; Joseph W. of our sketch was the second ; Rebecca became the wife of Christian Kenagy ; Susan E. married Henry Gephart; John K. married Miss Mary King; Sarah A. became the wife of Barton W. Stone ; David A. married Miss Barliara Kinzinger; Levi W. married ISIiss Emma Re3'nolds; Rebecca and Sarah are de- ceased. The subject of this history resided with his par- ents until his majority, having received a common- school education. He was studious and fond of his books, and engaged one term in teaching school. The state of his health prevented him from working ui)on the farm, and he started the first store of gen- eral merchandise in Oak (jrove, in 18ti4. He aft- ward sold this and engaged in teaching writing and painting classes. At the age of thirty-three years he was marric all conccrncil. Notwithstanding lie has been atUictcd with rheu- matism, and his health is otherwise impaired, Mr. Zook has lived a busy life, never content to be idle. He has been artlicted with the rheumatism since fourteen years of age, being compelled to use crutches for the last twenty-five years. He is Re- publican in ]>olitics, and both himself and wife are worthy members of the Mennonite Church. They became the parents of four daughters, two de- ceased: Lillian Olive was born July^ 21, 1871, and died Sept. 7, 1872; Katie Belle was born Sept. 8, 1873; Barbara May, born Jan 21, 1870, die>*^~SWW7r>\.-w-.~ \1 r/OllN J. MYERS, a native of McLean County, is now one of its most pronusing young fai'mers, and the son of a former resi- (i^// (lent of Randolph Township. The latter, Joseph Myers, was a native of Penns3ivania, and when an infant was carried by his parents to the home which they had selected in Ohio. The famil3' were of (ierman ancestry and parentage. Joseph Myers was reared in Licking County, Ohio, and after arriving at years of manhood was there mar- ried to Miss Kesiah Barrick, who was a native of Pennsylvania and removed to Ohio with her parents when a young girl. By her marriage she became the mother of ten children, of jvhom the subject of our sketch was the youngest but two. Of these there were six sons and four daughters, of whom five sons and three daughters are yet living, all RESIDENCE OF D . L .W H I TE j SEC . 2 I , BLOOM INGTON T0WN5H IP. RESIDENCE OF EDGAR BLAI5DELL ,. COR, THIRD & OAK 5T5.WEST0N, ItLS . "■:i5-'W-'"-3^i!irfS5i^^^'- ;^S^'» ■ -•- RESIDENCE, IVIILL& TILE WORKS OF JOSEPH DORLAND , SEC .21 , RANDOLPH TP . <^ »» i y 4* MoLEAN COUNTY. 515 i married with the exception of two. She died at the home of her husband in Randolph Township, this county, in 1875. The father is now Hving near Loda, Iroquois Co., 111., whore he owns a com- fortable home. Me and his sons were at one time proprietors in this township of about COO acres of land. The paternal grandfather of our subject, .John Myers, was born in Pennsylvania, and was the son of Casper Myers of German^', who, with six lirothers, emigrated to the New ^^'orld prior to the Revolutionar}^ War. Five of the brothers engaged with the colonies in the struggle for independence, and Uvo of the 3'ounger ones were in the AVar of 1812, one of these being mortally wounded at the battle of Plattsburg, N. Y. One of the survivors was Casper Myers, who, after his retirement from a military life, became a farmer in Licking County, Ohio, and died there at an advanced age. His son John, the grand- father of our subject, was born in Pennsylvania in about 1790. He remained there until he attained to years of manhood and then emigrated to Licliing Count}', Ohio, being among the earliest settlers of that region. He purchased a tract of land and opened up a farm, upon which he lived for a num- ber of years, but finally came to Illinois and spent his last days in McLean County, dying in Randolph Township in 1869. His wife, Miss Mary Gosnell, was of English descent and born in Pennsylvania. She also died in Randolph Township before her husband but in the same year. The subject of this history was the seventh of a family of ten children. He was born in Randolph Township, this county, IMay 17, 1853, and remained with his parents until his marriage. This event occurred Sept. 24, 1879, in Normal, the lady of his choice being Miss Tina Hadley, who was a native of Collinsville, Madison Co., III. She was born Sept. 9, 185G, and is the daughter of Dempsey and Martha (Penney) Hadley, natives respectively of Nortli Carolina and Illinois. They removed north- west while young and were married in Collinsville, where they afterward located upon a farm. There the father died in 1862. Eleven years later the mother and children removed to Normal, 111., where the mother died in 1876, aged fifty-tour years. Mrs. Myers completed her education in the Normal University and began teaching when eighteen years of age. She followed this five years and until her marriage. Of this household there were three children, all living, Mrs. M. and one brother being twins; Charles W. is married and a resident of Pocahontas, 111. ; .John .T. is single and is a teacher. Of the union of !Mr. and Mrs. Myers there have been born three cjiildren, one of whom, Claude L., is deceased. Those surviving are Clyde H. and Alpha E. The homestead of our subject and his faniil}' is finely located on section 8 and comprises 1()0 acres of finely improved land, and a substantial set of frame buildings. Besides the home farm he also cultivates 160 acres on section 7. Of late years he has been giving considerable attention to the breeding, purchase and sale of fine stock. He is in all respects one of the thrifty and enterprising agriculturists of Randolph Township, who is con- tributing his full quota toward the advancement of its farming and industrial interests. Mrs. Myers is a member in good standing of the Baptist Churcli, and in pasterbrook, was born in the city of London and was a leader in Gen. Proctor's band during the Irish rebellion; he also figured prominently in the War of 1812, hav- ing come to the United States during its progress. He was captured b^' tlie troops of (ien. Harrison during the battle of the Thames. He had been forced into the English army when quite young, against his own wishes, and after his cajiture by the Federals he foreswore allegiance to the King and joined the colonists, being given a Captain's com- mission by Gen. Harrison. After peace was de- clared he located at Cincinnati, Ohio, and fallowed the profession of music in the schools of tliat city for a number of years, until he became quite aged. His death occurred in Fayette County, Oiiio, after he iiad attained the advanced age of ninet}--six <• years. His son, George W., the father of our sub- ject, was reared in Cincinnati and Ross County, and having received a good education, adt)pted school-teaching as a profession, which he followed nearly all his life. He came to Illinois and this county in 1867, spending the last years of his life in Bellertower Township. He died here in 1875. The mother of our subject, who before her mar- riage was Miss Elizabeth Pursell, was born in Ross County, Ohio. She became the mother of two children, our subject and his sister Mary. The latter married Rev. Samuel Middleton, and died in Barnesville, Ohio. Joseph M. was reared on his father's farm and assisted in tlie labors around the homestead. This was originally a tract of timber land and as soon as our subject was old enough he had to work upon the land, while his father added to the family income liy teaching school. Our sub- ject remained on the homestead until nine years after his marriage, and then, in 1865, purchased the farm which he now owns and occupies in Bellcfiower Township. Upon this there was a dilapidated frame house, and a part of the sod had been broken. The old house has now been replaced hy a hand- some and substantial farm dwelling, with a good liarn and all other necessaiy out-buildings. He has been [irospered in his business and farming trans- actions, and has added to his first purchase until he now owns 240 acres, all finely improved and under a good state of cultivation, with a fine area of pas- ture. The farm and its belongings constitute one of the attractive spots of the township. Mr. Easterbrook was married, Oct. 5, 1854, to Miss Hannah J. Middleton, who is the daughter of Jacob and Rebecca (Bathurst) Middleton, natives of Center County, Pa. Her grandfather, James Middleton, of Pennsj'Ivania, descended from En- glish ancestry, followed agricultural pursuits, and spent the last j'ears of his life in Ross County, Ohio. Jacob Middleton was reared in his native Stale, and after his marriage removed to Ohio, in 1821, settling in l{oss County upon a tract of tim- ber land. He cleared a farm from the wilderness, where he remained until 1866, and then came to McLean County, III., but returned to Ohio in 1873, and there died two years later. The maternal grandfather of our subject, Lawrence Bathurst, was ^^ f ■^*- •► II <• t McLEAN COUNTY. 517 n, iiMtivc uf Peniisylvnnia, whose grandfather, Allan Bathnrst, a native of England, emigrated to the United States and located in Center County, Pa., where he was engaged in teaching school. The mother of Mrs. Easterbrooiv is still living; she makes her home with our suliject and liis vvifjc, and is now ninety-three years old. Mr. and Mrs. E. are the parents of five children, as follows: Ada, the wife of John 'J'. P.rokaw, lives in Bellefiower Township; Harry is at liome; Carey and George W. ai'e at Sayl)rook, and Jacob is also at home. Mr. and Mrs. E. and four of the children are connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics our subject is a stanch Rei>ubliean. Tiie grandfather of Mr. Easterbrook was left an orphan when quite young and was taken in charge by his uncle, Rev. Joseph Easterbrook, who was a minister in the Church of England. This gentle- man gave him a father's care and sent him to scliool. About three months prior to his graduation he was out with other students " sky-larking " in Lincoln, and he with six others were found with the King Geoige sixpence in their poclvets, and weie forced to leave school and go into the army. #••# R. DAVID A. WHITE, a inominent and successful physician of McLean County, residing at Oak Grove, White Oak Town- ship, is a native of Jackson County, Ohio, and was born March 22, 1847. His parents were William and Anna (Wade) White, natives respect- ively of Maryland and Pennsylvania. AVilliam White was born in 1804, and Anna, his wife, July 4, 1812. The}' were married in Beaver County, Pa., Dec. 30, 1830, and resided there until 184.'i, when they removed to Jackson County, Ohio, in company with the familj' of Isaac Scott and Nancy Bryan and her father, Elisha ^'easy. They came down the Ohio River on a Hatboat. The water was very low, and they spent eleven days on the river from Logstown to Gallipolis, from which latter place they continued their journey in wagons. The grandparents of our subject, Artluir and Elizabeth (Bell) White, were natives of County Down, Ireland, where they were reared, and mar- ried ill 17HI). They enugratcd to America earlj' in their married life, and became the parents of four- teen children, as follows: Their first child died while crossing the ocean but was buried in America: John and Johns(jn (twins), William, Marj- A., .James, Alexander, Artluir, Ellen, Andrew (died in childhood), Saniiicl, David, Robert and Andrew. The_y all marrieil and reared large families except Johnson, who never married. John, Johnson, Will- iam and Robert are deceased. James, Alexander, Arthur and Samuel are living in Pennsylvania. David, Andrew and Ellen, in Ohio; Mary A., in Kansas. The mother of these children died in 1827, at the age of fifty years. Arthur White set- tled in Beaver Count}', Pa., in an early day, where he followed farming and weaving. He was married three times, and was the father of nineteen chil- dren. His second marriage was with Jenny Hor- ner in 1831, and thej' had two children; the first, a daughter, died when a few months old, and the second was a boy (imbecile), the mother dying a few days after his liirth. The third wife of Arthur White was a widow, Mrs. Brown, with five children. The first birth of this marriage was twin boys, one of whom died when a few months old; the other, Joseph, grew to manhood and died in the Union army during the Rebellion. Tlie second born, Elizabeth, is still living in Pennsylvania. His third wife lived to the advanced age of ninety years. Arthur White died in 18.53, at the age of eighty- four years. His parents, Arthur and MoUie (In- gram) White, were natives of Ireland. They had two sons and one daughter, as follows: Henry, McJlie and Arthur. The father of our subject, William White, died in Jackson County, Ohio, March 17, 1878; the mother is still living in that State, and is in her seventy-fifth year. The household circle included eleven children, eight sons and three daughters, of whom the record is as follows : Samuel married Miss Mary R. Ransom in 18."35; they are now liv- ing in Jackson County, Ohio, and iiave become the parents of thirteen children, one deceased. James married Miss Amy Groosinan, and they are living in Carroll County, Mo. ; they have five sons and one daughter, two boys deceased. Arthur died in his youth; John W. married Miss Margaret Harper; 4 ■■► ■ -» i t -4^ I 518 McLEAN COUNTY. 4 they had seven children, one deceased. William W. married Miss Millie Keiser; they have three sons and one daughter, .lohnson A. married Miss Margaret Aoton, and they have six sons and three daughters living, one son ilead. Alexander L. mar- ried Miss .lenn}' McDowell, and they became the parents of seven children, one now deceased, a twin daughter. Sarah E. and Mar\' E. are unmarried. Anna M. married Albert Kelley, and they now live in Jlissouri. The parents and all the children were at one time members of the United Presl)yterian Church. William Wiiite was a ruling Elder in the church. In polities he was a stanch Kepulilican, as were all his children. Dr. White of this notice was the eighth sun of his parents' children, lie received his early educa- tion in a log sciiool-houso witii slal) benches for seats. It was liis father's rule that his bo>'s should stay at liome and work for iiiin on the farm until tlicy were twenty yeai's of age, that they might in a measure pay for their rearing, and the subject of our sketch stayed on the farm the recpiired time. During the rebellion his lirothers were all in the army, in consequence of which fact he was svib- jected to unusual exposure on the farm, which caused an abscess of the liver, from which trouble he did not recover for a year. His i)iiysicians and friends gave him up U> die, but although he suf- fered a great deal and was brought to tiie verge of the grave, he recovered. This circumstance inclined him to the study of medicine. From this time on he used every means to secure a knowledge of the healing ai't. After leaving the farm he spent eight montlis as clerk in his lirother's store, receiving his board and clothes as wages. Not being inclined to the mercantile business, and realizing that teaching was more in the line of his aspirations, he at once commenced teaching school. lie continued teach- ing during the winter and attending the National Normal School at Lebanon, Ohio, during the sum- mer, for about four years. lie had by this time become a successful teacher, and it was with scmie difliculty that he broke off from this calling to pur- sue his higher calling of a physician. Having ac- cumulated some monej' b^^ teaching, he entered the Ohio University and took a preparatory course to the study of medicine. He read medicine under Dr M» A. B. Monahan, of Jackson, Ohio, and entered the Medical College of Ohio at Cincinnati, from which institution he graduated March 1, 187.5, and com- menced the practice of his profession in J.ackson Connt^-, Ohio. From there he removed to Scioto County, and after a residence of three years at each place, turned his steps ■ westward, coming to this State in April, 1882, and locating in Oak Grove. . Here he has become a prominent and val- ued citizen. Having to rely entirely on his own resources, not having a dollar excepting as he e.-irned it, he had to encounter many ditlicnlties in life, and therefore did not graduate until he was twenty- eight years of age. Dr. White was married in Jackson County, Ohio, Sept. 10, 1874, to Miss Eliza E. "N'andervort. Mrs. White accompanied her husband to Illinois in 1882, and has been his cheerful and faithful assistant in all his undertakings. Both are members of the Ifnited Presbyterian Church, and enjoy the friimd- ship and associatitm of the most cultured people of this vicinity. They have one daughter, Florence E., born Aug. 28, 1875. James Vandervort, the father of Mrs. White of our sketch, was born April 20, 1818, and married Sejit. 22, 184G, to Miss Eleanor Glison, who was born April 30, 1821. Both were natives of Penn- sylvania, where Mr. Vandervort followed the trade of a carpenter and farmer until about the year 186G, when they removed to Jackson County, Ohio, where they now reside. Their famil3' of ten chil- dren were named as follows: John (i., .Jane Y. (-^®••o♦o.• C^ EWTON J. BATTERSHKLL, the successful Jj jeweler of Heyworth, established himself in s, business here Nov. 15, 1877. Since that time he has devoted himself actively to his busi- ness and has met with deserved success. He com- menced in a modest manner, but bj' industrj' and close attention to the preferences of his pati'ons, has built up a profitable and steadily increasing T -4*- McLean county. 519 i trade. He commenced without capital, but is now the owner of a good brick building, and carries a fine line of first-class goods. Mr. Battershell served his apprenticeship under that skillful and well-known watchmaker, Cj'rus Stall, of Elgin, 111., remaining with him three years. Later he worked as a "jour" in Hillsdale, Mich., aftei'ward in Chicago, whence he came to Heyworth, and determined to establisii in business for himself. He came hei-e without money and comparatively without friends, in fact his sole possessions consisted of a good reputation and an honest purpose to deal fairl}', and he purposed starting in a business at which several others before him had failed. The result has shown what may be accomplished by resolution and perseverance. The subject of this history was born in Bryan, Williams Co., Ohio, April 3, 1853. His father, Moses Battershell, was a shoemaker, and did busi- ness in Williams Center, Ohio, for a number of years. He died while still a young man, being only twenty-seven j'ears of age, leaving a widow and two children. The mother died one year later. On the same night our subject was born his brother Edwin died. The sister remaining, whose name was Mary, became the wife of Eli Culbertson, and now lives near Grand Rapids, Ohio, on the banks of the Maumee River, where her husband is successfully engaged in farming. The maiden name of the mother was Cordelia Beam, and by her death our subject was left an orphan in early childhood. He was taken into the home of an uncle, John N. Ryan, of Bryan, Ohio, where he remained for some years, and received a common-school education. When thirteen years old, his aunt having died, he set out to make his own living, and was variously engaged until seventeen, when he entered upon an apprenticeship at his present trade. Our subject was married on the 3d of May, 1883, in Heyworth, to Mrs. Alice Battershell, the daugh- ter of John Wakefield, of Randolph Township. Mrs. B. was born in this township, Nov. 9, 1854, pursuing her early studies in the schools of Hey- worth, and completing them at a college in Ohio, and made her home with her parents until her first mar- riage to W. V. Battershell, a cousin of onr subject. He was born and reared in Defiance County, Ohio. and died at the home of his father in that couuty, with consumption, on the 1st of August, 1880. He had been engaged in the grocery trade in Hey- worth, and was a successful and capable business man. Of this union there was one child, a daugh- ter, Grace, who died a few months after her father. Our subject is Democratic in politics, and with his wife, is a worthy member of the Presbyter- ian Church. JUDSON WILSON, Clerk of Dale Town- slii[), is pleasantly h^eated on section 11, and is well known and highly respected .as i^ a public-si)irited man who has filled many oflices of trust in the townsliiii, and has fidly mer- ited the confidence which his fellow-citizens have imposed in him. He comes of an excellent family, noted for their enterprising public spirit, their edu- cation, intelligence and refinement. The subject of our sketch is a native of Madison County, N. Y., and was born on the 2Gth of December, 1829. His father, William Wilson, was of English birth and ance~tr3% having first opened his e^es to the light in Newcastle-upon-Tyne in 1791, being the son of Thomas and Mar}' Wilson, of the same countr}', a)id descended from a long and honorable line. In 1801 Thomas Wilson, .accomiianied by his wife and seven children, emigrated to the United States, locating in Schenectady, N. V. They only remained theie for a brief period, however, and then, lioarding a fiatboat on the Mohawk River, pro- ceeded to a point near the city of Utica, that State, which was then called Baggs Tavern. From there Thomas Wilson went into the wilderness and pur- chased a tract of heavy timber land near what has been since known as Fenner Corners, in Madison County. Here he cleared a farm, cultivated and improved the soil, and established a comfortable homestead, upon which he remained until his death, which occurred in 1825. His son William, the fa- ther of our subject, there grew to manhood and in- herited forty acres of land from his father's estate. He purchascjd eight acres adjoining, erected a good set of buildings, and lived there until 1844, when he decided to remove to the West where he could secure a larger area of land. He started via ' I t t 520 McLEAN COUNTY. -►-■ canal to Buffalo, thence by the lake tt) Chicago, where he purclinsed a span of horses and a wagon and then proceeded overLand to McLean Count}'. After arriving- here William Wilson purchased 1()0 acres of land on the southwest ([uarter of sec- tion 11. Of this there had been forty acres broken and fenced, and a good frame house finished with black walnut shingles, and sideboards of the same within and without. In 18,")8 he practically retired from active labor, rented his farm and removed to Bloomington, where he spent the remainder of his days, his death occurring in 1872. The wife of his youth was Miss Lydia Main, who was born in Ash- ford, Windham Co., Conn., Aug. G, 17;>;>. She was the (laughter of Thomas and Lucy (Tyler) Main, and the grand-daughter of .Jc^seph and Lucy (Fish) Tyler. She remained the faithful .and affectionate companion of her hnsband through many years of changes and labors, and survived him until March 20, 1884, dying in Bloomington at the advanced age of over eighty-five ye.ars. Their household circle was completed by the birth of nine children, of whom the record is a.s follows : Mary became the wife of W. \l. Holmes, and died in Bloomington, 111. ; Adelia married Samuel Landor, a pioneer of Bloomington, and they now live in Texas; Lucy became tiie wife of Hiram Hart, of Utica, N. Y. ; Lydia w.as married to Charles W. Godard, and died in Brooklyn, N. Y. ; Walter dcp.arted this life while on a visit to Clinton, N. Y., and his remains were interred at Bloomington; Edward is a resident of Dale Townshii); A. .ludson. the subject of our sketch, w.as next in order of birth; Elizabeth be- came llie wife of C. C. Holmes, .and died in Bloom- ton. Tlie parents of Mr. Holmes were among the earliest [jioneers of Bloomington, locating there in 183r), when the present flourishing city was but an hnmble hamlet of a few houses. Mr. H. was a carpenter and a skilled mechanic, and erected the first brick house in the town. Henry C. Wilson is a resident of St. Louis, Mo., but is now traveling in Europe. A. .ludson Wilson of our sketch w.as the third son of his parents, and spent his early years under the parental roof. He attended the district school .and assisted his father in the lighter duties of the homestead until 1 844, when he went to live with his uncle, Edward Wilson, of Madison County, N. Y., with whom he remained for six years following. Tiicu in 1850 he turned his f.ace westward and came to Illinois, making his tirst location in Mc- Lean County. He commenced teaching school in Randolph Township, and the next summer taught in Dale Township. In the f.all of 18.'il he entered the employ of Hol)inson & Betts, who were en- g.aged in general merchandise at Bloomington while the town was yet in its infancy. Their stock included almost everything that coidd be named for use about the farm and household, and young Wilson remained with these and other firms until 181)2. He purchased the south half of his fa- ther's homestead in 186G, ui)on which he located, and hiis been eng.aged in farming since that time. His land w.as comparatively uncultivated, but he set himself industriousl}' to work to improve its condition and raise the crops upon which he de- pended for his profits and livelihood. He was soon rewarded for his labors by the picture of smiling fields and growing grain, .and as time passed on he added beaut}' to utility, erected a handsome resi- dence and good out-buildings, planted fruit and shade trees, and is now possessed of one of the pret- tiest homesteads in McLe.an Count}'. The land is subdivided by green and handsome hedges, and is well stocked with good breeds of domestic animals. He is engaged mostly in mixed husbandry, and is supi)lied with all the imiilements and appliances for carrying on agriculture after the most approved mctiiods. A fine view of the residence of Mr. Wilson is shown in this work. The marriage of A. Judson Wilson and Miss El- len Cornell was celebrated in September, I8G0. The wife of our subject w.as born in Providence, H. I., on the 24th of April, 1839, and was the daughter of Serril and Elisa (Hopkins) Cornell. Of this union there were born nine children, of whom the record is .as follows: Nellie is the wife of .Tohn A. Cobbs and lives in Olney, Richland Co., 111.; Charles W. is a resident of Wichita, Kan.; Ed- ward M., Elizabeth, Abbie, Mary, Robert, Erank and Harry are at home with their parents. Soon after coming to this county the natural abilities of our subject received due recognition, and he was called ui)on to fill the otiiccs which usu- i I t ■^^ McLean county. 521 ii ally devolved upon the leading and best qualified citizens. For nineteen years he has served as School Director, was Supervisor for a period of six years, and has held the position of Town Clerk for nearly two years. He is giving his cliildren the advantages of a good education, the older ones having attended tiie Wesleyan Academy at Blooni- ington and the Normal School of \'alparaiso, Ind., and Libbie is at the High School in Olney, III. The parents and four of tiieir children are connected with the Baptist Church of Bloomington. Mr. Wil- son is Republican in politics, uniformly casting his vote in support of the principles of that party, and in all respects is fulfilling the duties of a conscien- tious citizen. Edward M. Wilson, son of our subject, is a young man of more than ordinary ability, a fine scholar, and possessed of literary and artistic talent. He has compiled a history of Dale Township with bio- graphical sketches of early settlers, having printed it with a pen and illustrated it with lead pencil drawings of the pioneer homes and those of the present day. The whole makes a remarkably inter- esting volume, and is admired by everyone who has seen it. It not only shows great skill with the pen and pencil but is a marked illustration of per- severing industry, the work expended upon it hav- ing consumed many weeks of careful and trying labor. 'l*^ ANIEL ROSE. Located on section 6, Cheney's Grove Township, lies one of the prettiest homesteads in McLean Coun- ty, the property of the gentleman whose name st.ands at the head of this sketch. It consists of "220 acres of valuable land under a fine state of cultivation, with a handsome and substantial resi- dence, a good barn, and all necessary out-buildings for the storing of grain and the shelter of stock. The fences and farm machinery are kept in good repair, and everything about the premises indicates the supervision of the progressive and enterprising farmer and citizen. Mr. Rose is a native of this State, born in Clark County, Sept. G, 184C. His parents were Ira B. and Julia (Martin) Rose, the former a native of -4» " New York State, and the mother of Indiana. Ira B. Rose was born Oct. 6, 1805, spent his childhood and youth in his native State near the city of Rochester, and when about twenty years of age became a resident of Kentucky. There he fol- lowed the trade of a carpenter until 1831, then came to Illinois and located in Clark County. Here he followed his trade the remainder of his life, his death occurring Dec. 3, 1880. The mother was born Aug. 30, 1820, and was married to Mr. Rose in 183G. She departed this life at her home in Martinsville, Clark Co., 111., on the 10th of August, 18.")"). She was a member of the Wiuebrenarian Church. The reconl of their nine children is as follows: Elim died in infancy; Martha J., born July 31, 1839, became the wife of David C. Myers; John N., born Jan. 31, 1842, married Miss Drury A. Tudor; William H., born April 25, 1844, mar- ried Miss Mary A. Ashby; Daniel of our sketch was the fifth child; Didama, born April 15, 1849, became the wife of George Harris; David, born April 20, 1851, married Miss Ellen Mclntire; P^me- line P., born Dec. 22, 1854, died April 31, 18GG. The subject of our sketch remained with his par- ents until the breaking out of the late war, and al- though only about sixteen years of age, enlisted as a soldier, becoming a member of Co. G, 1 23d Illi- nois Mounted Infantry. He was mustered into service at Martinsville, Clark County, and partici- pated with his comrades in the battle of Stone River, and many other engagements and skir- mishes. He served his full term of three years and received his honorable discharge at Springfield in 1865. He again took up his residence in Clark County, from which he removed in 18G8 to Mc- Lean County. Mr. Rose was married, on the 7th of November, 187G, to Miss Rlioda E. Tudor, who is a native of this county, born April 4, 1858. She is the daugh- ter of Thomas H. and Sophia (Hunter) Tudor, the former a native of Madison County and the latter of Jessamine County, Ky. Thomas H. Tudor was born July 4, 1828, and departed this life at the home of our subject, Sept. 14, 1885. In 184G he enlisted in the regular army and engaged in the Mexican War, being a member of the 1st Kentucky Regiment. He was at the battles of Buena Vista > t. A 522 McLean county. and Palo Alto, and csiaped nnh;unied. He then returned to lii.s farming pursuits until the breaking- out t)f the late Civil War, when he enlisted in the nth Kentuek3' Cavalry, serving three years. Al- though not wounded he never recovered from the hardships which he endured as a soldier, his health being completely undermined. The mother of Mrs. Hose was born March 24, 1833. The parental family included six children — Richard P., Tinirsey. lihoda E., Drur^' A., and two who died in infancy. Mr. Tudor was a strict Republican in politics, and a mendier of MePherson Post No. 79, G. A. K.. at Saybrook, 111. Daniel Rose came to McLean C^ounty in IStiH, lirst locating at Funk's drove, where he was eni- [)loyeil as a farm laliorcu- by the month for two years. He then rented a farm six years, and at the expiration of that time purchased 1(10 acres of land, to which he subsequently added, and formed his present fine homestead. His three children are as fol- lows: Frankie was born Feb. l.S, lcS78, and died .Tan. li), 1870; I,ora M. was born Nov. 10. I.SSO, and Charles E., Oct. 2;'), 1882. The father of our subject was one of the earliest settlers of Clark County, this State, where he pur- chased a tract of land anil laid a jtortion of it off into town lots, forming ;i vill.age which was after- ward named M.artinsville, where he spent the re- mainder of his days. He was a Republican in poli- tics, and was widely and favorably known through- out that section as a man who generously identified himself with its interests and worked for its pros- perity and welfare. The beautiful residence of Mr. Rose is handsomeh' lithographed on another page of this volume. JOSHUA .7. CRAYSON. This gentleman is I clo.sely connected with the industrial inter- ests of Saybrook, where he has been occu- pied for a number of years as a carpenter and joiner. He is a ujitive of Dayton, Ohio, born .)an. 2, 1830, and the son of .loshua and Margaret (Mullen) Grayson, the father a native of Virginia, and tiie mother of Kentucky, and of Lisii ancestry. .Josiuia Grayson foUowcd the occupation of a farmer all his life. He was a member of. the Christian Church, and Democratic in politics until during the progress of the late war, when he con- sidered \w had reason to change his views, and be- came a zealous Republican. He departed this life at Maysville, Ky., in 1878. Mrs. Margaret Gray- son survived her husband until the fall of 1883, and also died in JNLiysville, having lieon a member of the s.'une church as her husbaniL Tlu'ir live children were .Joshua, Joseph, jMar3', Margaret and Francis M. The lirst wife of .Toshua Gr,a3'son, Sr., was a Bliss Cory, who lived about ten years after their marriage, and they had three children — .lohn. Reason and Elizabeth. The subjcf't of this historj' learned liis trade in Kentucky, and with the exception of a slKirt time spent at farming, has followed it up to the [jresent time. He came to Illinois in 18G4, and is consid- ered one of the fmest workmen in McLean County, besides possessing more than ordinary business abil- ity .•iiid intelligence. He is an extensive reader, well posted in theology and politics, and possesses .a large fund of general information. He is essen- tially a self-made man, and commenced life at the foot of flic ladder, without a cent except his own earnings. Through the exercise of the strictest economy and untiring industry lie has secured a fair competency, and is in possession of a good home. Mr. (irayson was married, Feb. !), ISfl;'), to Miss Matilda J. Rigdon, a native of Lewis County, Ky., and lK)rn Dec. 5, 1842. She is the d.-iughter of lili T. and Dicie (Hurst) Rigdon, both natives of Kentucky. Mr. R. is still living, making his home in Lewis County, Ky., where he is prominently con- nected with tiie Christian Church as one of its Folders. He is Republican in politics, and in .all respects a worthy and valued citizen. He lias been twice married. The children of his first wife, the mother of Mrs. (ira^'son, were James, Matilda, William, Malinda, Clayborn, Lewis and Sanford. Mrs. Dicie Rigdon died, and Mr. Rigdon tiien mar- ried Miss Loui.sa Plummer. Of this union there were born five children — Ida, Taj'lor, Hattie, Jas- per and Osc.ar; the latter two are deceased. .Mr. and .Mrs. Grayson have no children of their own, but ado|)ted a niece, Miss Nora C. Rigdon, a bright and interesting girl of about fourteen ye.ars. i m K '^ ■ ■*">«ie£,asawf# 4- McLEAN COUNTY. -A 525 Mr. and Mrs. G. are members of the Methodist Episcopal C!hurch at Saybrooiv, of which our subject is a Trustee, and has contributed liberally toward its support. He has been President of the City Coun- cil for about six j-ears, and served as School Ti'ustee tliree years. During the progress of the Rebellion Mr. Gray- son enlisted as a Union soldier in the 10th Ken- tucky Cavalry, serving one year, during which tim« he participated in several general engagements, and was taken prisoner at the battle of Mt. Sterling. His exchange, however, was effected six weeks aft- erward ; he then returned to his command. Mr. G. was Fourth Sergeant of his companj\ Previous to enlisting in the volunteer army he had been iden- tified with the Home Guards of Fleming County. He has always been a stanch Republican in politics. A lithographic view of Mr. Grayson's residence is shown on anotlier page. .■^i^f^sti^ «^».^-»«C5tf-» ill YMAN FERRE, a capitalist of Blooming- tou, wliose portrait is shown on the opi)o- ^ site page, is one of its most highly respect- ed citizens, and one to whom its intelligent people in- variably turn in all matters affecting its general interests. His has been a busy and industrious life, upon which he can look back with satisfaction as having done a great work among tlie business and industrial interests of his adopted State, and con- tributed in a large measure to her wealth and pros- perity. Mr. Ferre was born in Springfield, Mass., in 1 821. His fatlier, Solomon Ferre, was also a native of the Bay State and a descendant of ancestors who came from tiie South of France and settled in this coun- try at an early period in its history. His father, Solomon Ferre, married Miss Margaret Rumrill, of Springfield, Mass., who descended from English stock, and whose father's people were among those who first settled in IMassachusetts. Solomon P'erre was a shoemaker by trade, and became one of the most skillful manufacturers in that locality, his busi- ness operations extending eventually over a large territory. He was a man of great energy and force of chai'acter, his perseverance being jjmverbial, seldom abandoning anything whie^h he undertook. He continued in business in Springfield, Mass., for many years and there spent the remainder of his days. The parental household included eight children, five sons and three daughters, only two of wiiom survive, our subject and his brother Good- man, now a resident of Bloomington. He was born in January, 1806, and was for many 3'ears a manu- facturer of carriages and wagons in this city. Lyman Ferre was the seventh child of his parents' family. He passed his bo3'hood in his native State, and in later years went to Western New York. From there, in 1840, he turned his steps westward, coming into Bloomington, a stranger without means or friends. He was willing to work at whatever his hands could find to do, and this, with his strong arms and honesty of purpose, soon secured for him the friendship of all honest men. He was variously employed until the fall of 1850, when, the gold ex- citment being at its height, he resolved to travel across the plains to California. He had saved what he could of his earnings and had a small amount of capital when starting for the Pacific slope. After arriving in Sacramento he sought the mining dis- tricts, and spent the following' year searching for the yellow ore. This not proA'ing as remunerative as he hoped, he determined to make a change and began to buy cattle, for which he exchanged a por- tion of gold dust. Some of these he allowed to run on the range and fatten on the grass, then sold to freighters at a good price. After sufficient ex- perience in this manner of living he concluded to return within the bounds of civilization, and started for the old camping-grounds in Illinois, via the Isthmus of Panama to New Orleans, thence by steamer to St. Louis where, after arriving, the crew were not allowed to land under twenty-four hours on account of cholera. After flnall}' reaching terra flrma, our subject made iiis way to Pekin and thence to Bloomington. Here, in 1852, Mr. Ferre opened up a carriage and wagon shop, and engaged in the manufacture of all kinds of road vehicles. His energy, industry and good judgment soon placed him on the high road to prosperitj', and it was not long before he was enabled to provide twenty men with employ- ment. His first shops were located on the corner > » 4 526 McLean county. of Front and Center streets. In August, 1856, the stock and building were destroyed by fire and Mr. Ferre lost heavily. He did not sit down to mourn, however, but immediately erected some cheap sheds, and getting together stock and tools, commenced again. He continued in this manner for two years, meeting with success, and then commenced build- ing a brick structure which was to be three stories in height, covering au area of •22x()G feet. Into this he i-emoved soon after its completion. His manufactures increasing steadily in numbers and quality, he was then obliged to put up another building of the same size in which to accommodate his extensive business. This he occupied until 187G, and then put up the structure now familiarly known as the post-office block, which is three stories in height, and 44x85 feet. The first floor of this is occupied by the post-ofHce and the third floor is devoted to the use of the Masons. Besides these buildings .and other valuable city property he is the proprietor of a good farm, and is a large stock- holder in the People's Bank of Bloomington, with which he has been connected since its organization. In 1840 Mr. Ferre made the trip by wagon and horse-team from Springfield, Mass., to Bloomington, 111., camping out. In 1850 he made another over- land trip, from Bloomington to California, by horses to Salt Lake, thence by ox-team the remain- der of the way. In the meantime he had made a round trip from Bloomington to the Genesee Val- ley, N. Y., camping out both waj's. He started out with a good team and wagon, a few provisions, and $12 in money, and made the journey on that amount to Western New York. Mr. Ferre was united in marriage with ISIiss Jeanette F.. Il.nyes, of Bloomington, in 1841. Mrs. F., like her husband, comes from New England, having been born in Connecticut in 1823. Of this union there have been three children, two daughters and one son: Ada died when about eighteen years of age ; Belie is the wife of William G. Taylor, a prominent attornej' of Cleveland, Ohio; the son, George, died in infancy. The residence of our subject is ahand.some and convenient struct- ure, finely finished and furnished, where Mr. F. and his family dispense a generous hospitality to scores of friends, embracing the most cultured people of the city. Mr. Ferre is a member of Bloomington Lodge No. 43, A. F. & A. M., Chapter No. 24, and De Mohiy Commandery, and Chicago Consistory, having t.aken the 32d degree in Masonry. In politics he is a stanch Republican and has been since the organization of tliat party. -^s-- #••* '^/OSEPH A. PITTS, one of the most skillful and intelligent farmers of Mt. Hope Town- sliii), and a yentlenian of more than ordinary (j^// capacity, is possessed of an excellent educa- tion, is an extensive reader, and keeps himself well posted in regard to the imi)ortant questions of the day. He has made a science of his farming ojiera- tions, and while carrying on the tillage of the soil has at the same time cultivated his intellect, and in this vicinity is looked ujion as one eminently fitted to be a leader and counselor in the ordinary affairs of life. Mr. Pitts is a native of Bristol County, Mass., and first opened his eyes to the light in the town of Dighton on the 14th of November, 1823. He comes from a line of excellent ancestry, his father having been Hon. Joseph Pitts, who w.-is also born in Dighton, Mass., on the 14th of .Tuly, 1794. His grandfather, Capt. George Pitts, of English ances- try, was a native of the same localitjs'and of sub- stantial English ancestry. He was a ship carpenter by trade, and at one time owned a vessel which operated in the merchant service. During tlie struggles of the colonies for their independence, he engaged in the Revolutionary War; when peace was declared, he returned home and died in his na- tive town of Dighton, on theSlstof October, 1839. He was an energetic business man, and established a store in Savanu.ah, G;i., where he spent a part of each winter. Joseph Pitts, the father of our subject, in early life learned the trade of a shoemaker, but aban- doned it after a short time. Thereafter he spent his winters at his father's store in Savannah until 1833. Previous to this he had been appointed Collector of Customs by President Jacksou for the Fall River District, and served until the election of Gen. Taylor as President, when he returned to his ===, -*►- i i 1^^ A McLEAN COUNTY. 527 i home in Dighton. He was the owner of a small farm there, and afterward for some years devoted his time to the culture of his land. He served a number of years as Justice of the Peace, and rep- resented his district in the State Legislature for four terms. In 18G8 he came to McLean County, 111., and the following year engaged in the hard- ware trade, until 1874, when he retired from act- ive business, and lived with his son, our subject, until his death, which occurred Jan. 30, 1878. The father of our subject was twice mai'ried, his first wife being Mrs. Elizabeth Slade, who was born in Somerset, Bristol C- nil-i^^- ARQULS L. (JUINN, one of the progressive young farmers of Bloomington Township, is successfully engaged in cultivating 250 acres of land, and has a handsome farm residence located in the southwest part of the township on section 31. Mr. Qninnwas born upon the homestead where he now resides, April 17, 18G0. He received his primary education in this township and completed his studies in the High School at .Shirley. He took possession of the farm in the spring of 1882, and has operated it success- fully since that time. Mr. Quinu was married at tlie home of the bride's parents in Funk's Grove, to Miss Addie, the daughter of H. L. Jackson, who has been a resident of Funk's Grove Township for a period of eighteen years. Mr. Jackson came from Kentuckj^ to this county soon after his marriage with Miss Margaret Thomas, who became the mother of nine children, of whom the wife of our subject was the sixth in order of birth. Mrs. Addie Quiun was born in Shirley, this county, Oct. 1, 1863, and remained with her parents until her marriage. Of her union with our subject there have been born two chil- dren — Lee, who died when eight months old, and Georgia L., born Dee. 6, 1886. Mr. Quinn was the eighth of a family of ten children. His parents, Sidney M. and Sallie A. Quinn, came from Kentucky in 18.51, and the father died at his home in this township in 1882, having been a resident of the Prairie State for a period of thirty years. The mother is still living, making her home at No. 907 AVest Wood street, Bloomington. Since his marriage Mr. Quinn has been conduct- ing the affairs of his mother's large farm, and has given much attention to the raising of fine stock. He is a solid Republican in politics, and with his wife, a worthy member of the Christian Church. ^ OHN HAY, one of the honored pioneers of the Prairie State, came to Illinois in the spring of 1834, and has witnessed with keen interest and satisfaction its rapid develop- ment and prosperity. During a long residence in Danvers Township he has become widely and favor- ably known as one of its most reliable and valued citizens. He is now far down the sunset hill of life and remembers many of its interesting events with vivid distinctness, possessing all his faculties to a remarkable degree. He has been a member of the Christian Church for a period of over fifty- five years. He owns and occupies a fine homestead of 120 acres of valuable land, and is an ever wel- come and familiar figure in the vicinity which has known him so long and known nothing of him but good. The subject of our sketch was born in Washing ton County, Va., March 18, 1797, and is conse- quently now over ninety years of age. He is the son of Peter and Elizabeth (Finley) Hay, natives respectively of Massachusetts and Virginia. His mother was born in Augusta County in the latter State, and Peter Hay, in Boston, Mass. The latter, when a young man, went to Richmond, Va., and there followed the business of a tinner, with which he was occupied at intervals through life, in the »► ■ ■ <• I t :-o McLKAN COUNTY. i' meantime also being engaged in farming pursuits. After tlieir marriage the parents removed to Logan County, Ky., in about 1801, and resided there for neaily twenty years. Thence they removed to Cliristian ('ouutj' in the same State, where the fatlier died in 1824, and the njother followed him after a few months. They were both connected with the old-school Presbyterians. Their children were named as follows: .lane B., Mary F., Marcia S., Rachel, Catharine, John and George F., the two latter being the only representatives of the family living. Mr. Hay remained under the parental roof until after attaining his majority, receiving a common- school education and learning to »\>e\\ from the " Old Dillworth." In the spring of 1834 he came West, in the meantime having been married, and purchased a section of land near his present home, to which he removed his familj' the following spring. His marriage occurred in October, 1821 , when he was twenty-four years of age, the maiden of his choice being Miss Selcy Killelirew, who re- mained his companion for a period of nineteen years, and departed this life on the Dth of August, 1S4(I. Their children were: .Samuel S., Peter G., Sarah K., John W., Mary J., Susnn (r.. Seley E., Joseph Iv, ;ind one daughter who died unnamed. Mr. Hay for his second wife married Mrs. Sarah Daniels, of South Grove, 111., who was born Sept. 5, 1810. Tills lady died on the 22d of February, 1858, leaving one child, Alpliia, who was born March 5, 184.3. In 18G0 our subject married Mrs. Cynthia Kowell, the mother of Hon. J. H. Ivowell, JNIember of Congress, and this lady died Nov. !, 18G7. Of the four children of Mr. Hay living, all ar? residents of Illinois. Soon after coming here John Il.a}' became activel3' interested in the affairs of this section. At the time of his airival, the township was not organized, although a Justice of the I'eace was re(piired, and he filled the position with credit to himself and satisfaction to all concia'ned. He was also School Director and Township Trustee for a number of years. Susan (i. Hay, a daughUu- of our subject, who was biu-n In Illinois in 1 835, became the wife of (ieorge Moe on the 5lh of .lanuary, 1868; the latter was born in Michigan in 1837, and during the late 4* war enlisted as a Union soldier in the 4th Michigan Cavalry. He was wounded at the battle of Ken- nesaw Mountain and afterward, on account of this, received his discharge and is now drawing a small pension from the (iovernment. Mr. and Mrs. Moe are now living in Colorado, the former being en- gaged in mining. Mr. M. is Republican in politics and belongs to the Masonic fraternity, being a member of a Bloomington Lodge. Mrs. Moe be- longs to the Order of the Eastern Star and is also a member in good standing of the Christian Church. ENJAMIN F. NICKERSON is engaged in the livery business and as a breeder of fine horses. He owns at present the celebrated Almont King, a roadster stallion, destined to be the finest si)eclmen of his kind in this locality. He was sired by the well-known Mammoint, dam by Powers Denmark, and was foaled June 9, 1881. This animal weighs about 1,150 pounds, is a bright, rich bay in color and a nu)del of beautj' and syin- nietr^'. The record of his half-brother, Louis R., is 2 :23^. Mr. N. also has in his possession the beauti- ful horse, Paul Bego, the 2d. This is a dark bay, sixteen and one-half hands high, eight j'ears of age, and weighs 1,400 ))ounds, with the kindest disposi- tion of the breed of which he is a member. The other animals in the stable of Mr. Nickerson are of the best and most jjopular Itreeds, and their pro- prietor fully understands their care and require- ments. He has a genuine love for his business, and is fast making for himself an enviable reputation as a breeder and a judge of fine horses. Mr. Nickerson has been a resident of Heyworth since the fall of 1881, when he established his busi- ness. He had previously been engaged in farming in Funk's Grove Township, on section .31, where he located in March, 1875, upon a tract of land of eighty-three acres which he had purchased and which w:is well improved. He yet retains his farm property, and has other real estate in the village of Heyworth. Mr. Nickerson was born in Randolph Township., Sept. 8, 1851. His father, Albert N., was one of the early pioneers of McLean County, coming here \i Ol I lere ^ ' i TILE WORKS OF BflRTELS & STOLL - LEXI NG TO N , ILLS, af t£ fB n VANTF ftr c:nM /BREEDERS 8t DEALERS OF NOR M A N , GLYDE \ CHENOA 1 LL5 U.VMNi^t. OC. ilUN ,^ gg-j^gl^N AND TROTTING HORSES f ^"^ \^VJ t\ . I i-u J ^:^^-gt^^ RESlDENCEa BUSINESS PROPERXr OF A . E . 5WA P , COR . HAZEL ScSECOND STS.,WESTON ,1L15 McLEAN COUNTY. 535 L. 4 nearly half a cenlury ago, and establishing himself in Randolph Township. He had previously with his family spent a few months in iSIissouri, which was then an unbroken wilderness through which Indians and other wild game roamed in plenty. The family lived in a covered wagon, intending at first to locate there, but the outlook was too dis- couraging and they recrossed the river to this county. There were then only a few settlers in this locality, but the father of our subject believed that it would develop into something great in the future, and with the sturdy resolution common to the pioneers of that day resolved to make his lo- cation here. lie cultivated and improved his tract of land in Randoli)h Township and established a comfortable home for his family, remaining there until 1871, when he removed to Hej'worth and lived retired from active labor until his death, which occurred in November, 1886, when he was seventy-seven years old. The father of our subject was one of the most highly respected and substantial citizens of Kan- doli)h Township, an Elder in the Christian Church, and Democratic in polities. His wife, formerly Miss Ellen Cook, was his faithful and devoted com- panion and is still living, making her home with her children in Ileyworth. .She was the sympathizer of her husband in all his undertakings, and with him united with the Christian Church, being noted for her womanly sympathies and kind deeds. The subject of this history was the seventh child and youngest son of a family of ten, seven sons and three daughters. Of these there are yet six sons living, but the daughters are all deceased. Mr. N. was reared in the manner common to most far- mers' boys, and received only three months' school- ing annually, until he was eighteen years old. He was reared to habits of industry, and at an early age commenced to work upon the farm, remaining under the parental roof until his marriage, which occurred Feb. 11, 1875, the maiden of his choice being Miss Fidelia A. Washburn, who was a native of Ileyworth and born Aug. 7, 1853. Mrs. N. re- ceived her education in her native village, became a teacher of music before her marriage, and has since occasionally applied herself to this profession. She possesses much talent in this direction, being a skillful performer on the piano. JMr. and Mrs. N. have become the parents of six children, four now deceased — Maude, Claude, Homer and an infant un- named. Those surviving are Lena M. and John A. Mrs. Nickerson is a member in good standing of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. N. is an ener- getic and straightforward Inisiness man; politically he is a reliable Democrat. ^8^ \f/ESSE OGDEN, a well-known citizen of Mc- Lean County and a large land-owner and progressive farmer of Money Creek Tovvn- ship, and also .Supervisor of that township, resides on section 32, where he is engaged in gen- eial farming. Ilis parents were Benjamin and Sarah Ogden, the former born in what was known .IS the " Pickaway Claim," Ohio, and the latter in I'ennsylvania. The parents lesided in Pickaway County, Ohio, where the father was engaged in farming, and whence they removed to Fayette County, that State, and there resided until tiie fall of 1830, when they came to this county, mak- ing tlie trip overland. They settled on section 2S, Money CU-eek Township, and there the father con- tinued his labor as a farmer until his death, which event took place Sept. 27, 1S73. The mother died in the same township in the latter part of October, 1883. Six of their ten ciiildren lived to attain the age of maturity, namely, Maria. Amanda, .lesse, Margaret, Elizabeth and Mary. Maria is the widow of Dr. Ethan McAfferty, who died in Money Creek Township Nov. 27, 18.S4, and she is still living in that township; Aniand;!, is the widow of Jonathan McAfferty, who died Dec. 11, 1863; Margaret is the wife of Wade llayworth, a resi- dent of Money Creek Township; Elizabeth married J. W. Stover, a farmer of that townshii), and Mary died in the same township. Jesse Ogden was born in the townsl)i|) in which he at present resides, July 2(1, 1,S34. He was reared to manhood on the old homestead of his father and received his education in the schools of this county. He has known no other vocation in life than that of a farmer, and is at present the owner of 500 acres of valuable land, nearly all of which is under T t 536 ■«► t McLean county. ,111 advanced state of cultivation. He has held the olliceuf Supeivi.sor of Wonc}' Creek Township for several years, .■mil lias also been Assessor of the township fur two terms. Suciallj' he is a member of tile Masonic fraternity, ami in politics votes the Repiiliiican ticket. B^^^^i n- R.S. SARAH B. AYKUS, widow of Kev. Hiram Ayers, formerly of Bloomiiigton City, occupies a, jileasant and comfortable home at No. 610 Kast JIullierry street, and lias Ih'cii ;i resident of this city since 1 87.5. Rev. Hiram Ayers was born in Pennsylvania in I.S40, being tlie son of Benjamin and Lucinda (VVass) Ayers, also natives of the Ke_ystone State, and en- g.aged in farming pursuits. They came to Tazewell County, 111., in l.st2, and located iiiujii a farm which remained their perniaiumt home. There the father deiiartcd tliis life in l.ssd; the inotlicr is still living on tlie old homestead. Hiram Ayers remained an inmate of his father's house until seventeen years of age, and then came to Bloomington for the purpose of attending Wes- leyan ITuiversity. From this institution he grad- uated ill isi;;!, ;uid soon iiftcrward liecamc a circuit lireaclier of the Methodist K|iiscopal Cliiirch. He wiis devotedly attached to the cause of Christ, and eontimuMJ to iirench and labor for the .Master until his death, in ISJO. He was a man possessed of the rare faculty of making and retaining friends, and at his — B-^* i f -4•- 538 I McLEAN COUNTY. Cnniioii, of Pittsburgh, Pa., and the daughter of Hugh and Mary McLean. By her former husband Mrs. J. became the niotlier of two sons — ^^■illiam and .John — and of lier union with our subject there have been born a son and daugiiter — Gracie K. and Jacob P. The family residence is located at ]S'o. 7i;i East Front street, where its inmates are enjoy- ing all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. Mr. .Jung is Democratic in politics, and so- cially is n member in good standing of the K. of P. HUISTIAN UMMEL,a resident (.f Danvers, and an extensive imi)(>rter of line iiorses, is widely anent his entires life in his native land, dj'ing there Jnni' 28, 1877. The decease of the mother had occurred previously, June l.'i, 18G'J. The parental household included nine children, as follows: Mary A., Mrs. Christian Ranseyer; Anna, Mrs. John Ivanseyer; Rosina, Mrs. Abraham Kohler; Eliza- beth, Mrs. Phillip Kohler; Susan, INIrs. David Um- mel; David, who married Anna Kolik'r, and .lohn, who inarrie' of pharmacy, and was employed three years in tlic drug-store of E. II. Shores, Saybrook, III., (hiring which time lie gained an excellent in- sight into tiie business, and was registered as a com- petent jiharmacist. He was afterward connected with the drug establishment of Creed JNIcDaniel, of Sayl)rook, with whom he remained until 1882. His attention in the ineMntinic had been directed to ji>urii:ilistie matters, and he decided to change his occupation to one which he felt was moie suited to his taste. He accordingly purchased the Saybrook /Jcra/il, afterward clianging it to its present title. He is a clear and forcible writer, and has evinced rare l)nsiness talent in the management of the Gn- zHtf, which has now become one of the leading pa- pers of the (u)unly. He is of that happy turn by which he can adapt himself to almost all circum- stances, and has been successful in his various under- t:ikiiigs, being possessed of nnnsual energy antl the resolution which admits of no such word .as "fail." The subject of our sketch was m.'irried to Miss .Maltie S. Crigler. Feb. 20, 11S84, and to them has l)(H'n born one child, a dsiughter, Ruth E., the dale of licr birth being Oct. li'i, l.s.so. Mr. Mace is wh.'it is called a genuine mossback Democrat, and for faithful service to the party was ajipointed I'ostmaster at Sayl)rook, 111., Aug. 11, 1 .S8.'>, which position he still holds, and is proving himself a capable and ellicient public servant. ■^'b^m- -^ •►^K-4-' k ;;RANKHENI)ER, tlu!propriet<»rofoneofthe ,1 linest farms in Belletlower Township, is lo- cated on sections 8 and 9, where he has made his home since 1871. He h.is a handsome and substantial resi(Iots ill the landscape of this section. Mr. Ilender is very actively engaged in stock-raising, and at present has eighty head of cattle, lOO head (jf Cots- wold and Southdown sheep, besides al)out fourteen head of horses. Owing to cholera his hog crop is rather light at present, he having only about twent}' head. Mr. Ilender is an Englishman l)y birth, and possesses in a marked degree the reliable and sub- stantial elements of his countrymen. His birth oc- curred in Hull, Yorkshire, Feb. 13, hs;!!. His par- ents were Matthew and F^leanor (Holingsworth) Hender. The father of our subject followed the sea for man}' years on a merchant vessel, and came to the United States in about IS.'Ji. Coming to the vicinity of (^uincy, 111., he jiurchased a small farm, which he occupied until 18.'')n, when he started over- land for Pike's Peak, Col., .accompanied bj' his son, Thomas. There they |)iu'cha.sed claims and dug for gold, and the father remaineil there the gieater part of the time for three years following, in the mean- time, however, visiting his family two or three times. He returned to this State during the war, and removing to Davenport, Iowa, lived there for a time, and thence removed to De Witt, Clinton County, where he spent the last years of his life. His widow now lives with her daughter, Mrs. Fred P. Kittenring, at De Witt, Clinton County. The p;neiital household included nine children, of whom the record is as folhjws: .lames, the eldest, is a resident of Washington Territory; Frank, our subject, is the second s<»n; jNIary, Mrs. Dixon, lives in Washington Territory, and Waltei- in Davenport, Iowa; Thoin.as, when last heard from, was in one of the Territories; Matthew during the late war served in the 8th Iowa Infantry and was wounded and taken prisoner at Shiloh ; he died at his home in Davenport about 1878; Ilenr}', now of Washington Territory, also served as a soldier in the 7th Mis- souri Cavalry ; Holingsworth, .also in Washington Territory, served in the 28th Illinois Infantry; Eleanor, Mrs. Kittenring, lives in De Witt. Iowa. Our subject commenced the life of a sailor on a coaster with his father when young, which be con- tinned until sixteen years old. He was then placed in charge of live small vessels called "lighters" and which wen; used in removing the cargos from large ships to the land, via the rivers. He was thus em- ployed till 1 8^i), and in December of that year set sail from LiveriK)ol for the United States, landing in New York City after a voy.age of forty-nine days. His first business there was in assisting to dig a canal at ■^ * t. ■^^ a McLean county. 541 Bordentowu, N. J. Tbeiiee he soon after wanl went to Pittsburgh, Pa., and was employed in a waieliouse, of whicli he had charge for one year, and tlien started for the Soutliwest. Arriving at 8t. Louis, lie engaged on the steamer "Arizona," which plied between St. Louis and Memphis. After making four trips, winter coming on the steamer be- came ice-bound in the river, and he with others went on shore and chartered an ox-team to take them to (St. Louis. This mode of loc(_)motioii l)eiug too slow, they abandoned the team and pushed ahead on foot. There were no houses on the road, and one night they were obliged to lay c>ut on the ground and this in mid-winter. The second night they arrived at the route of the Iron Mountain Railroad then in process of construction, and there our subject engaged to superintend the cooking for 300 men. He was thus employed for six months, and then returning North to (.(uincy, 111., engaged with Samuel Holmes, who was a contractor, and with whom he remained three 3'ears. Mr. I-Ienden then engaged with Conistock Bros., stove manufacturers, two 3'ears, after which iiis em- ployers sent him to (ialesburg in charge of a stock of stoves and tinware, and he there opened a store, which he managed for the firm until they sold out. He then engaged with another lirm, with whom he continued six years and after this, in company with two partners, carried on the same liusiness four years, the lirm name being Hender, Zigler & An- drews. At the exijiration of this timb he disposed of his interest in the business to hi.s partners and erected a building in connection with the Union Hotel, where he established in business alone. This building was destroyed by fire in 1871, and he then concluded to try farming. Coming to McLean County he (jurchased 140 acres, to which he has added until he now has 300 acres, wiiich constitutes his present homestead, and upon which he has made great improveirfents since taking possession. The history of our subject thus briefly told, indicates him as a man possessed of more than ordinary abil- ity, with a remarkable faculty of adapting himself to circumstances. He has been imiformly prosper- ous in his business transactions, as the fine proper- ty' which he now owns amply testifies. Mr. Hender was married, April 12, llSSS, to Miss -4* Lncretia McCrary. Mrs. II. was born in Alaliaina, her father, Joseph MeCrary, being a native of South Carolina and of Scotch descent. He removed to Alaliama when young, where he was married and liv(Ml until 1.S43. He then removed to this State and settled in Jefferson Coulity, where he lived two 3'ears, whence he removed to Peoria County and from there to Galesburg, where he spent the last years of his life. His wife, the mother of Mrs. II., also died there. Mr. and Mrs. II. have five chil- dren — Frank, Albert M., Lulu, Mar3' and Gertrude. The parents and throe of the children are members of the Episcopal Churcli. The mother of i\Irs. Hender, wht) before her mar- riage was Miss Elizabeth Carter, was born in \'ir- ginia, and was niari'icil first in her native State to JMr. Philgo, and went with him to Alabama, where he died about six months later. She departed this life at (ialesburg in 1884. R. JAMES F. MYERS, a prominent drug- gist and jjracticing physician of Saybrook: is a native C)f Ohio, born in Licking Coun- ty, Dec. 29, 185(1. He is the sou of Henry A. and Lovina (Schechter) Myers, both natives of the Buckeye State. Henry I\l3ers in his prime fol- lowed farming pursuits, and at one time officiated as a minister of the Methodist Protestant Ciiurch. He is now retired from active labor, and pleasantly located on a farm in Handol|)h Township. The wife and nnjther still survives, and continues to be the faithful companion and sympathizer other luis- liand. She shared with him his earlier toils, and is now enjoying with him a deserved rest. Their ten children are recorded as follows : Theodosia A. be- came the wife of George AV. Downs, and lives in Downs Township; Henry S. went to Washington Territory in 1883, and is now Street Commissioner of Sp(.ikaue Falls; Margaret C. is at home and sin- gle; James F., of our sketch, was the fourth child; William A. is deceased ; Rose L., Mrs. Kershaw, is a resident of Empire Township; Gtta died in infancy; Anna J., Mrs. Fisher, resides in Fairmount, 111.; Stanle3', the youngest, is still with his parents. Young Myers received his eai'l3' education in the (common schools, and when quite young evinced a -•► u «♦-■-♦ 542 McLEAN COUNTY. deckled taste for music. Wlieii eighteen years i>ld he gave close study to this art, which he taught at intervals for four years after\vai'(l, meantime attend- ing Westlield College, and tlie Evergreen City Commercial College of Bloomington. After leav- ing this institution he began the study of medicine with Drs. Hill it IJarnes, of P)loomingty. His parents, Jonathan .and Nancy Lantz, were natives of Pennsylvania, where Jona- than Lantz, Sr., was born, in 1804, and his wife, Nancj', foui- years later. They w-ere engaged in farming i)ursuits, to which he had been reared from early childhood. He left his native State with his l^arents when about three years of age, and they lo- cated in Knox County, Ohio. There, after attain- ing his majority, the father of our subject pur- chased seventy' acres of hind and was soon afterward united in marriage with Miss Anna Yoder, the wedding taking place in Knox County, in 1827. Five years later they removed westward to Illi- nois, and located in White Oak Township, McLe.an Count}-. Here Mrs. Anna Lantz dep.arted this life in 1847, and the father of our subject made his home with his children until his death, which occurred Aug. 13, I88a. The parental household consisted of the following children: Gideon mar- ried Miss Catherine Yoder and lives in Oregon; lienjaniin died in infancy; Jonathan of our sketch ^h, -^ ^ „iit*^ 4^ -4•- McLEAN COUNTY. 545 was the third in order of birth;. Jacob married Miss Rebecca Yoder; Lydia became the wife of Jacob Zook; Jeptha married Miss Mary Yoder ;John died in the ninth year of his age. Jonathan J. Lantz, Jr., retnained with his parents nntil the death of his mother, when lie became em- plu3'ed on a farm and thus continued until his mar- riage. This event occurred Nov. 9, 186"2, the lady of his choice being Miss Elizabeth Ehrisman. He then purchased 1"28 acres of land in Dan vers Town- ship, on section 4, which remained their home for a period of seventeen 3'ears. Mr. L. then sold out and i)urchased 160 acres upon which he has erected a fine dwelling, a good barn and all necessary out- buildings. He owns a half interest in a large saw- mill, the proceeds of which yield him a handsome income. He has been prominent in public matters since coming to this vicinity and has taken a gen- uine interest in the growth and advancement of his township. He held the office of Road Commissioner for nine years and is holding his third term as Township Assessor. He is Rei)ublican in politics, and with his wife, a worthy member of the Menno- nite Church. The parents of Mrs. Lantz were Daniel and Catherine Ehrisman, natives of Germany, where they were married in 1841. Eleven years later they sailed for the ITnited States and New York City, whence the^' immediately proceeded' to Illi- nois and located in Tazewell County, where they spent the remainder of their lives, Mr. E. dying in 1870, and his wife in 1872. Mr. and Mrs. Lantz became the parents of one child onl3% a son. Christian, who was born Jan. ."), 1864. ^^^EORGE BOHRER, a prominent farmer of III (— -, McLean County, owns and occupies a com- ^^j) fortable homestead on section 10, which comprises 165 acres, an attractive farm residence, a good barn and out-buildings, and all the appliances of a first-class agriculturist. Mr. Bohrer has been a resident of McLean County since he was a child of eighteen months old, when he removed with his parents from Brown County, Ohio, where he was born on the 26th of December, 1854. His father was Frederick C. and his mother, Maria (Ziegler) Bohrer, and after com- ing to Illinois they settled upon a farm in Normal Township, this county, where our subject was reared and received his education in the common schools. He remained under the parental roof un- til his marriage, which took place on the 26tli day of Decembei-, 1878, the lady of his choice being Miss Anna E. Bittner, a native of Builer Count}', Ohio. She was born June 30, 1856, and was the daughter of Conrad and Catharine (Lanz) Bittner. They removed from Ohio to McLean County when the wife of our subject was an infant ten weeks old. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. B. settled upon the farm which constitutes their present homestead. They have become the parents of three children — Anna, Hattie and Edwin. Mr. Bohrer devotes much of his time to stock-raising, and his pens and stables are supplied with some of the finest speci- mens of farm stock in this part of the county. He has in all respects distinguished himself as a useful citizen, is Republican in jwlitics, and has lived a quiet and unostentatious life, doing good as he had opportunity, training his children in those princi- ples which will constitute them an honor to their parents and to society. OBERT COLLINS, one of the honored pioneers of Downs Township, is now a resi- dent of Le Roy, where he lives retired from Reactive labor, and is enjoying the comforts obtained by early industry and economy. He has watched with deep interest the growth and jjros- perity of his adopted county, and has contributed his full share toward its prosperity. Mr. Collins is a native of the Buckeye State, having been born in White Water Township, Hamilton Co., Ohio, Jan. 25, 1819. His father, Robert Collins, settled in Hamilton County at an eai'ly period in the history of that section, upon a tract of timber land, where he cleared a farm and established a comfortable home, which he occupied with iiis family until his decease, in 1826. After the death of the father, our subject was bound out to a shoemaker in Harrison Township, .1 I ■•► I t 546 4 McLEAN COUNTY. with whom he st'rvod an apprenticeship of four years. Then, on account of the death of the wife of his employer, young Collins went to live with a brother of the same man, wIki was a farmer, and in company with him and his familj' came to Illinois. The journey was made overland, and after sixteen days' travel they arrived in this county on the 16th day of October. l.s;i(i. Our subject lived with his employer, Amos A. Miller, one year after their settlement in Randolph Township, and the two years following with John M.'iyberry. lie then en- gaged with a car|)enter in Emiiire Township, with whom he worked one year, and then purchased a claim of forty acres on section 25 of wliat is now Downs Township. Upon this there was a log cabin, in which our subject, who h:ul .already taken unto himself a wife, removed and they commenced housekeeping. He had no money with which to enter tiic land at this time and was obliged to earn it, and worked at whatever he could find to do. He used to take jobs of splitting rails, and in due time by chjse economy had earned enough to p.ay for the land. Mrs. Collins had a spinning-wheel and loom, and manufactured tiie cloth, then made the clothing for her family. For a number of years llicy kept sheep which provided them with yarn for stockings, and they raised flax, and in this manner kept the household supplied witii linen. ]\Irs. C. also did considerable weaving for her neigiibors, and thus earned much of the mone^' which served to support the family, while her husband ap|ilied his toward the p.ayment of their land. For a nund)cr of years the nearest market w.as Peoria, sixty miles aw.ay, it requiring four days to make the tri|), and thej- carried their provisions along and cooked anil camped by the w.ayside. Wheat sold at different i)rices, sometimes as low as 35 cents per bushel, and for corn at times they would only re- ceive 15 cents per bushel. Mr. Collins with his family remained upon their first purchase for a period of nearly forty-six years, or until February, 18.S6. lie had been prospered in his farming and business transactions, and is now the owner of 224 .acres, all in a good state of cultivation and fur- nished with a shapclj' and substantial set of frame buildings. Mr. Collins, in 1.S84, purchased the residence he now owns and occupies in Le Hoy. In connection with it there are six lots, this being in block 137, and he also has six lots in block 135. The marriage of our subject occurred June 25, 1840. ]Mrs. C. before her marriage was Miss Mir- anda Buckles, and shft was born Aug, 25, 1825, in White County, 111. Her father, Abraham Buckles, was a native of Kentucky, and her grandfather, John Buckles, was one of the pioneers of McLean County and spent the last years of his life in Em- pire Township, where also his son, Abraham Buckles, the father of Mrs. C, died. His wife, formerly Miss Mary Williams, depaited this life in Empire Township. The household circle of Mr. and Mrs. Collins was completed by the birth of seventeen children, as follows: John A. is a resident of Empire Town- ship; Andrew J. lives in Monroe County, Mo.; Sar.ah E., the wife of Thomas Phillips, is a resident of Jefferson County, Mo. ; Miranda P., Mrs. George W. Johnson, lives in Downs Township; Mahala L. married George Jlayberry, and they live in Gage County, Neb.; Clarissa Bell became the wife of John Yanhohenstien, and is a resident of Paxton, Ford Co., Ill; Barbara F., Mrs. Alvin Carr, lives in Downs Township, this county; Rosettfl lives at home with her p.arents: Mary A., the third child, was born .Tan. 21t, 1848, and died April 20, 1879; Tabitha J., born March 31, 1849, died July 20, 1880; Aniericus E., born May 31, 1850, died in March, 1 .s.S2 ; William R., born M.arch 2C, 1 855, died March 25, 1864; Alfaretta, born Feb. 26, 1857, died Jan. 20, 1880; Ira, born Nov. 3, 1860, died March 24, 1862; George E., born Oct. 12, 1862, died Aug. Ki, 1863; two died in infancy unnamed. Mr. and Mrs. C. and all but two children, are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, which our subject joined in 1838, .■ind his wife in 1841. Mr. Collins has been .Steward and Class-Le.ader thirt3'-eight years, and has contributed liberally and cheerefully to the support of the church at this pl.ace. The church edifice, called Pleasant Hill Chapel, was built on his farm in Downs Townsliip in 1865; services were held in his own house prior to the building of the church. For man3' j'ears JNlrs. Collins cooked by a fire- place and her wash-tub w.as a trough dug out of a log b}' JMr. Collins; he also m.ade the w.ash-board. I ■•► t McLEAN COUNTY. n death, which occiirred in 1879. The parental fam- ily included five children, three now living — George A. ; Alice, Mrs. Rawson, of Blooniington, and James, engaged in the jewehy trade in Colorado. The mother died in 1848, at Perth Amboy, N. .). She was a member of tiie Baptist Chnreii and her hus- band of the Presbyterian. George A. Tryner graduated at Perth Ainboy Seminary in New .Jersey and commenced book- keeping in New York Cit3'. He came with his parents in 18.")7. to Salem, 111., and there began farming. This he abandoned after three years, when he secured a clericship in Salem and was thus occupied until liis enlistment in the army, during the late Civil War. He became a member of Co. G, 2 1st 111. Vol. Inf., was commissioned Sergeant, and after six months was on detached service with the Adjutant-CJeneral's department for thi-ee years and two months. He participated with his com- rades in the battles of Stone River and Chickamau- gua, and was with Slierman in his march as far as Atlanta, at which time his term of service expired. After retiring from the army Mr. Tryner en- gaged in business one year at Chattanooga, Tenn., and in lfS(i6 went to St. Louis, Mo., where he en- gaged in the drug business. After six months he sold out and came to Bloomingtonand was engaged in the grocery trade for a period of eight years. He then began building the packing-house in 1873, and has since had charge of the boolcs and finances. The companj- gives employment to about seventy- Kve men in Bloomington and has three men on the road. In 1879 Mr. Tryner formed a partner- ship with Mr. Richardson, and under the firm name of Tryner & Richardson they have transacted a good business in cigars and tobacco, giving em- ployment to about thirty men. The marriage of George A. Tryner and ]Miss Jennie Dunham was celebrated in 1864. Mrs. Tryner was born in Perth Amboy, N. J., her par- ents being P^dmund and Clarissa (Ross) Dunham, natives of the same State. Of lier marriage with our subject there were born three children, two onlj' living — Alice and Ethel. Mr. Tryner is one of the energetic and enterprising men of this section who have so materially aided in its growth and develop- ment. He has held various local offices, is now a member of the Board of Supervisors, the City Board of Education, Director of the Third National Bank, and a stockholder in the Bloomington Build- ing and Loan Association, being also one of the Di- rectors of the latter. He was an unsuccessful can- didate for Mayor in 18G8. Mr. Tr3'ner has been lai'gely interested in the [)urciiase and sale of Kansas lands. As may be supposed he carries a level head to be able to man- age successfully his v.arious interests, and he is uni- formlj' successful. In politics our subject affili- ates with tlie Republican party, and is a 3id Degree Mason. He also belongs to the Knights of Pythias and the (1. A. R. The liandsome and substantial family residence is located at No. .504 East Front street, where our subject and his amiable lady dis- jiense a fine hospitality to hosts of friends. -«!h-KH- ii^ +<>+•€»- ^AMES T. HULL, a native of the Old Do- I minion, came to Illinois in thcspringof 1864, and since that time has been a worthy resi- dent of the Prairie State. He was born in Hampshire Count}', W. Va., June 16, 1843, and is the son of Stephen and Catherine (Utta) Hull, both natives of Virginia. The father was a Whig in poli- tics, and a farmer by occupation. He died at his home in West Virgin lain about 1862, when seventy- five years of age. The mother died in April, 1884, in Iowa. Their four children were Benjamin, John II., Ann (i. and James T. By a former marriage Stephen Hull became the father of six — EIraira, Polly, Elliza J., Nancy, William and Betsey. The subject of this history was reared under the parental roof and received a good common-school education. During the late war he served as a soldier in Co. K, 9th 111. Vol. Cav., being with the ami}' ten months. He gained a good insight into the hardships of a soldier's life, but received no wounds. After returning from the army he pur- chased eighty acres of laud in De Witt County, which he sold in 1879 and removed to this county. Here he has now 120 acres, finely cultivated, and supplied with all conveniences for the business to which of late years he has turned his attention, the breeding of Norman and Clydesdale horses. In 549 ►-Ji^ I f 4»- 550 McLEAN COUNTY. this he has been very successful, his stables contain- ing some of the finest animals in this part of the State. He also owns sixty acres in I)e Witt County', 111. INIr. Hull was marriefl in He Witt Count}', on the 25th of .lannaiy, 18G(J. to Miss Mary E., daughter of Peter J. and Nancy (Clagg) Sutton, natives re- spectively of Kentucky and Ohio. Mr. Sutton was born Aug. 14, ISKi, and died in He Witt Cf)unty on the -i.id of February, 1.S.S5. He was Kepublican in i)()litics, and a gentleman universally respected for his excellent traits of character. The wife and mother, who was born Oct. '_'(), 1S17, is still living, and a member of the Christian Church. She w.as married to Peter. I. Sutton on the 'id of June, 1881). Their seven children were, William C, Mary E., (ieorge R., Johnson P., Jonathan J., Henry C. and Malinda .1. Tiie eldest brother of Jlrs. Hull. Will- iam C, served as a soldier in Co. B, l.sTth 111. \'ol. Inf.. and died in 18G4, at Knoxville, Teiui. Her j'oungest brother, Henry Clay, died of typhoid fever, in 1878, when eighteen years of age. Of the children of Blr. and Mrs. Hull, Clara 1?. became the wife of William Ilinthorn, and lives in (iibson City; Ella N., May, William L. and Ch.arles II. arc at home with their [larents; Bertie died when five months old. and Lulu in early infancy. Mr. Hull is Rcqiublican in politics and a strong temper- ance man. Both he and his wife .are members in good standing of the Christian Church. l/OHN B. SAVAGE, one of the self-made men of Le Roy, possesses a remarkable busi- ness talent and delights in trading .and mer- chandising. He is active and eneigetic and an excellent judge of lands, live-stock and dry- goods. His talents extend in all directions wherever a tr.ade may be effected. Mr. Savage was born in Tuscarawas Comity, Ohio, Feb. 10, 1844, being the son of Whalen and .lane (AlcCullom) Savage. The father of our subject died in Tuscarawas County in about 1850. The mother then m:irried John C. AVest, and now lives in Taylor County, Iowa. The subject of this history is one of a family of seven children born to his parents, six of whom I are still living. Sarah, Mrs. ^IcGee, is a resident of Harrison County, Ohio; James, and Ann, Mrs. West, live in Taylor County, Iowa; Mary, Mrs. Whitmer, lives in Corning, Iowa; John B., our sub- ject, was the sixth, and Jacob lives in Taylor Coun- ty, h>\\:\. John B. Savage was but six years of age when his father died. In 1858 his mother with four of her children came to this State anti c age when his parents removed from his native State to Tippecanoe County, Ind. He remained there until 1860, in the meantime receiving a fair educa- tion in the common schools and assisting his father on the farm. He was married in December, 1863, to Miss Priscilla Cornwell, who was born in Ken- tucky in 1842, and is the daughter of Thomas and Martha (Riggs) Cornwell. They were natives, re- spectively, of Kentuck}' and Maryland. Her fa- ther, a farmer by occupation, died in November, 1855, and the mother survived him more than twenty years, dying in 1876. The latter was a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Their ten children were: Samuel, Louisa, John, -Tames, Elizabeth, George, Thomas, Martha, Pris- cilla and CinderelLa. Mr. and Mrs. North have had thirteen children, as follows : George, born Sept. 7, 1863, died July 16, 1868; Anna, born Feb. 9, 1865, died Nov. 5, 1885; James C, born Oct. 28, 1866, died April U, 1884; M.artha, born Feb. 17, 1869; Mary, born Feb. 26, 1870, died Aug. 25, 18S3; William, born Nov. 17, 1871; Friinkey S., born April 3, 1873, died Aug. 28, 1874; Magd.alena, born Aug. 27, 1874; Elizabeth J., Jan. 16, 1877; Alice L., Oct. 12, 1878; Elmira, Sept. 10, 1S80; Elmira had a twin brother who lived only four days, and Ivo, born Sept. 22, 1884. ^ — ^t^^P'^.S'^ ^ WTLLIAM H. NEWTON, of Blue Mound Township, is the fourth child of IJeury and Martha Newton, natives of N'irginia. After marriage they removed to Kentucky, where the mother died. Henry Newton afterw.ard, in 1844, came to Illinois, and took up his residence in Dale Township, this county, where he passed the remainder of his life. The parental household in- cluded thirteen children. William Newton was born in Henderson Count}', Ky., Jan. 23, 1818. He was reared to farming pursuits, and remained in his native State until about seventeen years old. He then started out for himself, and coming to Illinois located first in Il.ancock Coinit}', where he remained until 1844. He then came to this county and lived in Dale Township about four j'ears. He afterward purchased 160 acres of land in Blue i -U 552 U McLEAN COUNTY. Mound Township, located on section 11, which he has improved and ciillivaled, and which lias been his home since tliat time, although having parted with half (jf his original purchase. He has been prospered in his undertaking, and is uow retired from active labor. The marriage of Mr. Js'ewton and Miss Martha Routt tooli place in April, l.s40, in the city of Ma- comb, McDouongh Co., 111. Mrs. N. comes of a good family, and is the sister of ex-Gov. Routt of Colorado. She was born in Kentucky in 1822, and of her union with our subject there have been six children, of whom the record is as fol- lows: Mary, who became the wife of William Russell, is a resident of Kansas; Alice, Mrs. C'harles Speers, lives with her husband in Blue Mound Township, this county; Mattie became the wife of James Wilson, of Cooksville; ,lohn married Miss Julia Smith; Tlionuis married Miss Eliza Smith, and is a resident of (\ilorado; Richard married Miss Alice Graham, and lives in Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Newton are nnnnlx-rs in good standing of the Ra[)tist Church of Towanda. JNIr. N. is a Re- publican iu politics, and has held the varion> minor ofHces of the township with credit to himself and satisfaction to all concerned. ^T/OHN E. TRIMMP:R, importer and breeder of French draft horses, has been a resi- dent of Normal Township since 188G, when he [)urchas(Mi his i)resent [jroperty, erected a large barn, and made preiiaraticnis to in- augurate the first stock fMrui iu this part of the county. To this he brought a uuuilier of high- grade animals, and eutered upon the liusiness which lias yielded him a, handsome income, and iu which lie has establislicd for himself .-in enviable rejjuta- tion among tiie stock-growers of the I'rairie State. The suliject of this narr.-itiou is the son of Jesse and Amanda ((iilinore) Trimmer, and was l)orn in Money Creek Township, this county. Jan. 17, 1845. He was reared on the farm of his f.-ilher. received a common-school educat-iou, and remained under the |)arei)tal roof until tlie l)reaking out of the late Civil War. He was raliier young for a soldier at its commencement, but as time passed on and i-e- ci'uits were constantly in demand he enlisted in February, 1864, in the 94th Illinois Infantry, serv- ing until the close, being mustered out in June, 186C. While iu the service he was transferred to the 37th Regiment and went to Texas with his comrades to guard the Freedman's Bureau. After his return from the army Mr. Trimmer pursued his studies in the Commercial College at Bloomington for a period of three months, and then engaged in farming and stock-raising in his native township. In 1874 he sold out, with the intention of going further West, but the grasshopper scare preventing, he gave up the idea and [lurchased another farm in Money Creek Township, which he still owns. This contains 465 acres, and besides this he has 7(>() acres in Bates and Henry Counties, Mo. In 1879 he removed to the latter-named county, where he engaged in operating a portalile sawmill, his Ijusiuess |)rincipally being the cutting of walnut timber. He also carried on a farm and engaged in stock-raising; for two successive j'ears he gathered the corn from 400 acres, and had enough stock to consume it. In 1884 he returned to Illinois, and in 188(j i)urchased the i)roperty in Normal which, he now owns, and has devoted his entire attention to his present liusiness. He now has some of the finest thoroughbred animals in BIcLean County, having in 1884 imported nine head of horses from F^rance, and in 18S(i, eleven more, among which are six mares, so that his staliles now coutain twelve head of full-blood liorses. In 18(;9 Mr. Trimmer was united in marriage with Miss Priscilln Surface, who was born in Illi- nois but at the date of her marriage resided in Dayton, Oiiio. The}' have liecome the parents of six children, of whom one, Pearlie (iene, died iu childhood. Those living are Artie, Daisy, AVillie, Myrtle and .an infant son. They occupy a pleasant and attr.-ictive residence, and are surrounded l)y all the comforts of life, besides enjoying the esteem and friendship of a large circle of acquaintances. Politically Mr. Trimuier indorses the principles of the Republicau party, but is more interested in his business pursuits than in politics. Tlie parents of our subject, Jesse and Amanda (Gilmore) Trimmer, had a family of ten children, of i RESIDENCE OF W. J . BARNE5 ,ONE HALF MILE EAST OF M? LEAN . ILLS. BU5IHE55 HOUSE or JAMES DODGE , CffR. BUrOKDANoLINOEN STS. NORMAL, ILLS RESIDENCE OF S . A . 5T0 PS , SEC. 32,BLUE MOUND TP. McLean county. bob whom the record is as follows : three — George, Ada and Charles — died in childhood; William enlisted as a Union soldier in Co. C, 33d 111. Vol. Inf., and served until discharged on account of physical dis- ability; returning home he died soon afterward from disease contracted in the army. Eliza became the wife of T. McNaught; John F. is our subject; David F. resides in Lexington ; Sarah E. married J. A. .Scott, and Mary became Mrs. Frank Ilobart; Enos R. is engaged in farming on tlie ohl home- stead in Money C'reolv Township. ^CKHART WEN E farmer and stoc ship, owns a trai SCKHART WENDEROTH, a representative toek-ra.iser of Danvers Town- p, owns a tract of valuable land ou sec- tion 31, which embraces 130 acres, with a fine two- story dwelling and idl necessarj' barns and out- houses for the carrying on of farming and stock- raising after the most approved methods. Our subject is a native of the German Empire and was born in Hesse-Cassel, Sept. 6, 1833. He is a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Wenderoth) Wenderoth, natives of the same Province. His father was born in 1783, and in 1839 was instantly' killed by a run- away team, leaving a widow and five children — Conrad, Henry, Elizabeth, Eckhart and Phillip. Henry and Elizabeth are now deceased. Ml'. Wenderoth remained in his native country until after his marriage. His wife was Miss Elizabeth Mauror, and their wedding took place on the 2;nh of .lanuary, 18G9. Mrs. W. was the daugii- ter of Samuel and Magdalena (Schwartzentruber) Maurer, and was born Feb. 29, 1834. She came to America with her jmrents in 1860, and they located in Bloomingtou. They are both now deceased, the father dying in June, 18G3, at his home, and the mother in November, 1884. Their family included eight children — Phu'be, Christian, Peter, Elizabeth, Jacob, John, Daniel and Catharine. Mr. and Mrs. Wenderoth have become the jjar- ents of five children — Samuel P., Emil D., Catharine L., Matilda P. and Arthur O. After landing upon American shores Mr. Wenderoth sjient a short time in the city of Baltimore, afterward going to Ohio, thence to Lidiana, where he spent one year, and finally came into McLean County, 111. He commenced life with nothing to depend upon but his own labor, and was employed as a farm lal)orer for some years, in the meantime saving what he could of his earnings. In LSCO he found himself possessed of suflieient means to purchase eighty acres of land, to which he subsequently added as time progressed and his capital increased. He has done a large amount of hard work and has pursued a straightforward course through life. In his later years he is reaping a liberal reward, and is higlily respected by his fellow-citizens. Our subject, since earlj' childhood, has been identified with the Mennonite Church, which em- braced the religious faith of his parents, and Mrs. W. and two of their children, Samuel P. and Emil D., are also connected with this denomination. In politics our subject affiliates with the Democratic party, and takes an intelligent interest in whatever is for the general good of iiis county and community. -?3= ■7~r T"T =E>- ^^^HOMAS P. GARRETT, one of tlie most skillful photographers of Blooniiiigton, ni.w be found in a handsome studio at No. 221 North Main street. He is a native of Delaware, and was born in Stanton, July 10, 1846. His par- ents, Benjamin and Mary (Haines) (Jarrett, were natives of Pennsylvania, whence thej'' removed to Delaware in 1841, and engaged in farming. In 1872 they returned to Penns^dvania, wh»re the fa- ther retired from business and departed this life in 1 884. The mother lives in Pennsylvania, making her home with her .sons. Of these they had three — David H., a banker of Philadelphia; Isaac P., a farmer of Delaware County, Pa., and Thomas P., our subject. Benjamin Garrett held the offices of County Com- missioner and School Director, and with his wife belonged to the Society of Friends. Thomas P. (Barrett remained at home with his parents until sixteen years old, his earlier years be- ing spent upon the farm. After completing his primary studies he attended the Noi'inal School for three years and then went to Wilmington, Del., and learned photography. At the age of eighteen. r ^ i 556 McLEAN COUNTY. ^-.t ■*-*-<• July 10, 1864. he enlisted in Co. E, 7th Del. ^'ol. Inf., and after a few months was transferred to the 1st Del.aware Artillery, being in service one year and with the Army of the West in Louisiana and Arkansas. After receiving- his honorable discharge from the army young Carrett went to Kansas and resumed his chosen occupation, remaining tiiere for six years. He then returned East to Philadelphia and pursued his calling in the Quaker City from 1S71 until 1877. He tlien went to Harrisburg, and eighteen months later to Illinoi.s, reaching the Prairie State in 1879, and locating in Bloomington, where he has since re- mained and successfully pursued the calling of his clioicc. Mr. (iarrett was married in 1.S78, to Miss C. A. Ktherington, a native of Maryland, and the daughter uf William G. Etherington, of Cecilton. Of tliis union there were born two children — Elsie and Marjone. The pleasant family residence is lo- cated at No. G08 East Grove street, and is the re- sort of liif i-iiitured people of the city. Our sub- ject is Hepulilican in politics and a member of the (i. A. U., the Seven Wise Men, the National Union, the Red JMcii, and Royal Arcan\nn. -^^»af>- m (^riif-,. ■i[ If l\AA AM SCHENCIC, a [)rosperons and A' A7f li'»''l.V respected farmer of Dan vers Town- 'S/xy sldp, and who possesses in all respects the reliable and substantial qualities of his German an- cestors, is located on section 27, where he has a comfortable home, a good farm, and is living at peace with all his neighbors. Mr. Schenck was born in Germany, .lulj' 20, 1842, being tlie son of John and Margaret (Mire) Schenck, also natives of the Fatlierland, the former Ijorn in 1812, and the latter in 1820. They were married in Germany, and emi- grated to America in 1880, reaching this countr}' in October of that year. They came directly West to McLean County, to the home of onr subject, who had preceded them to the New World and was then located in Bloomington City. The pai'- reuts aftervvard removed to the country upon land *-.♦ i belonging to William, where they are still living, although not engaged in active labor. The parental family of our subject included nine children, of whom the record is .as follows: Will- iam of our sketch was the eldest; Henry died when about six years old; Anna became the wife of John Maurer; Nicholas died in infancy, and Henry when seven years of age; the next one, an infant girl, died unnamed; John died when three 3'ears old; Elizabeth became the wife of William Kassellman; Henry is traveling for a cigar manufactory. The parents are members of the Lutheran Church, and in politics John Schenck is strongl}' Republican. William Schenck resided with his jiarents until 1864, when he was about twenty-two years of age. He then emigrated to America, and jn'oceed- ing westward, came into this State and county, and engaged for a short time as a farm laborer. He afterward went to Bloomington, where he lived for seven years and then purchased his present fine farm. This consists of 160 acres ujion which is a good set of frame buildings, and which is furnished with all the requirements of a first-class agricult- urist. Mr. S. was united in marriage with Miss Fanny Maurer in 1875. She is a daughter of Christian and Barbara (Masimans) Maurer, and was born in Butler County, Ohio, Feb. 26, 1847. Mrs. Maurer's parents were natives of France. They had seven children, live living — John, Joseph, Christian, Anna and Fannj', all born in Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Schenck have two children — Ida, who was born Feb. 5, 1876, and Elmer, June 29, 1879. He has four step-children : Mary, the wife of John Meyers; Elizabeth, ]Mrs. John Imhoff; William and Fr.ank. Mr. Schenck formerly was connected with the Mennonite Church but is not now a member of any religious organization. Mrs. S. is a Ba|)tist. When coming to this country our subject was on the water seven weeks and three da3's, during which time there were thirty-three deaths on board the ship and three births. The supply of drinking water gave out and tlie^' were obliged to resort to salt water, which was a poor substitute for quenching thirst. The year previous Mr. S. had broken his leg by falling from a horse, from which ■«► ■ <• f •>-m-<^ McLEAN COUNTY. 5/-)7 accident he has never fully recovered. He learned bricklaying in the old country and followed it for a number of years there. In 1884 Mrs. S. had her wrist broken while rolling a barrel, having slipped and fallen, in consequence of which she was laid up for some time. f/AMES W. CAMPBELL, a native of Adams County, Ohio, owns and occupies a comfort- able homestead in Dry Grove Township, on (^// section 2. His birth occurred on the 1.5th of May, 1829, and his parents were James and Elizabeth (Kerr) Campbell, natives respective!}- of Peuns^'lvania and Virginia. James Kerr departed this life in Ohio, in July, 1839; the mother sur- vived him eight years and also died in that State. The father of our subject followed the joint occu- pations of miller and farmer, and was a good citi- zen and member of the Presbyterian Church. The parental family included nine children, one of whom died in infancy; the record is as follows: Jane. Mrs. P. D. Smith, is now deceased; Robert K. married Miss Elizabeth McNeill, and lives in Livingstone County, 111.; Nancy E. married John Steen, of Adams County, Ohio, who is de- ceased ; .Sarah A. became the wife of Joseph Mc- Neil, now deceased ; Samuel married Miss p]mma Van Dieman and lives in Webster City, Iowa; Elizabeth became the wife of R. C. Morrison; James, of our sketch, was the eighth child ; Mary. Mrs. Canada, is now deceased. James W. Campbell and Miss Sarah J. Kirkpat- riek were married in Ohio on the Gth of January, 1853. Mrs. Campbell became the mother of six children, and died P'eb. 13, 1876. Their children were Mary E., Bryce M., Emma A., now IMrs. \V. L. McNeill, of Dakota; Nancy E., Mrs. H. M. Ben- son of this county; Anna K., who died at the age of nine years, in December, 1876, and Ollie A. The second wife of our subject was Mrs. Nancy (Forbes) Kirkpatrick, to whom he was married Nov. 2.5, 1877. Mrs. Nancy Campbell is a native of Ohio, and was born Feb. 29, 1832. She is the daughter of John and Elizabeth (Jamison) Forbes, who were natives respectivelj' of Scotland and Pennsylvania. The mother was born in 1800, and departed this life in McLean County in 1862; the father also died in this county. They were the parents of nine children: Andrew, Alex., Samuel, Boyd, Nancy, Bartley J., Mary J.. Isaac and Isa- bell. Mr. Campbell came to Illinois in 1852, and pur- chasing 120 acres of wild land set to work iit once to improve it. He subsequently added to his es- tate and is now the possessor of 280 acres, finely cultivated, a handsome and substantial dwelling, a good barn and all the appliances of a first-class agriculturist. In 1871 he began the raising of fine stock, including horses and cattle. He has one fine blooded Norman horse, five years old, which weighs 1,760 pounds, and is a model of symmetry .and strength. Mr. Campbell has been very suc- cessful in his stock operations, and has obtained quite a reputation as a horseman in this county. Our subject has been prominent in the affairs of ids township since coming here. He served as Supervisor foui- terms; has been Road Commis- sioner for the last eighteen years, and Chairman of the Committee on Cit}' Incorporation. In politics he is a stanch Republican, having been connected with the party since its organization, and religious- ly is a member in good standing of the United Presbyterian Church. ^i^ IIINEAS M. STUBBLEFIELD, a promi- nent farmer, stock-raiser, and breeder of Norman horses, is a highly respected resi- dent of Funk's Grove Township, and a member of the family so widely and favorably known throughout this section. He owns and oc- cupies a beautiful home on section 9, the family residence being situ:ited on a rise of ground and commanding an extensive view of the surrounding countrj^ A view of the place is presented on an- other page of this volume. Mr. Stubblefleld was born in Funk's Grove Township, Oct. 25, 1851, and is the third son of John and Elisannah (Houser) Stubblefield (see sketch.) He attended the district schools, and re- mained under the home roof until twenty years of i ■*►— B-^ i f -^^ ik 558 McLEAN COUNTY. age. Then, wishing to fnrthei- pursue his studies he entered Wesleyan Ihiiversity, and continued four years, improving the opportunity thus offered and acquiring a store of useful knowledge. He then retmiiiMl home and assisted his father in the labors of the farm luitil his marriage, when he located with his young wife upon his present homestead. This contains KiO acres, all enclosed and under a good state of cultivation. Tiie buildings are shapely and siihstantial, and kept in good repair, and everything about the pl.ace denotes the intelli- gent and progressive fanner. iVIr. Stubblefield was married on the 27th of February, I.sT'.), to Miss Mattie B. Willerton, who was born in Boston, Lincolnshire, England, March 24, 1854. Her father, Christopher Willerton, also a native of England, was reared there to farming pursuits, where he was also married and lived until 1857. Then, accompanied by his wife and three children, he emigrated to America, settling tirst in Oswego, N. Y., until 18(J5, and then came to Mc- Lean County, III. He now owns a good farm in Danvers 'J'ownship, and is still engaged in agricult- ur;d |inrsnits. His wife, befoi'e her marriage, was Miss Harriet Baldwick, a n.ative of his own coun- tr3'. Mr. and Mis. Stubblefield have no children. They are members in good standing of the ilethod- ist lC|>iscopal Church. I\>litic.Mlly our subject is Republican, and socially belongs to McJ^ean Lodge No. Mil), A. F. & A. M. ¥ HU.MA.S W. NEAL, of Allin Township, is occupied in farming pursuits (m sectiim 5, where he owns 410 acres of land, which he lias brought to a fine state of cultivation. Mr. Neal is a native of Indiana, born in 1835, and the son of Thom.as and Nancy (Wilson) Neal, natives resi>(;{'tively of Kentucky and Tennessee. The mother was born near Nashville in about 1798, and Thomas Neal in about 1800. They were mar- ried in 1H26, and located in Indiana on a tract of linil)cr land consisting of 240 acres, which Mr. Neal cleared and brought to a state of cultivation, and when^ he established a homestead, which he occu- pied until 1851. He then sold out and came into Allin Township, this county, where he purchased a half section of land, which constituted a part of the homestead upon which he spent the remainder of his days. He subsequently added to his first purchase and before his death was the owner of 400 acres. His wife, the mother of our subject, de- parted this life in 1883, and Thomas Neal, in 1884. Their nine children were as follows: Mary J., John A., Sarah A., Elizabeth, Malinda, Martha and .Su- san (twins) ; Thomas, and the youngest child died unnamed. The parents were connected with the Presbyterian Church and worth}' members of the community'. Mr. Neal of our sketch attended school during his youth and boyhood and remained with his par- ents until his marriage, which occurred after he had reached his majority, the lady of his choice being Miss Cynthia A. Brown. After marriage the young people removed to their farm of 160 acres, which constitutes a part of their present homestead. To this Mr. Neal subsequently added until he is now the possessor of 420 acres, all under a good state of cultivation. The farm residence is a commodious and sub- stantial building, and the barns and outhouses fulfill the requirements of a first-class modern agri- culturist. Mr. Neal is giving much attention to the raising of fine stock, which includes Unrhani cattle and Polanil-China hogs. Mr. Neal has been prominent in the affairs of his township since coming here, holding the offices of Trustee for about lune years, and has also been Path Master and School Director. He is Demo- cratic in politics, and his wife is a worthy member of the Presbyterian C'hurch. Their children, twelve in number, are Emily, who married William Ayers; Margaret, deceased ; an infant boy vvho died un- named; Oscar; Ida Belle, who married David Holmes; George, Bertie, Anna May, .Mary IL, de- ceased, another infant unnamed, Frank and Ada. ISIrs. Neal is the daughter of Joel and Margaret (Ayers) Brown, llei' father, who was born in Ten- nessee, died in Tazewell Ctiunty, 111., in 1.S55, and the mother, a native of Ohio, died of cholera in 1854. They wei-e the p.arents of four children, three sons and one daughter, the latter, Mrs. Neal, being eleven years of age when she was made an « » t •►-•^ u McLean county. 559 orphan. Her brothers were Richard, Edward and James. The parents were worthy and consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and carried out in their daily lives the principles which they professed. »-^»^'-^t^;S ■«^5«f-*J^Stf-< VILLIAM W. OUTLAW, who is familiarly known ill Cheney's Grove Tuwijsliip as one of its most successful farmers and stock-raisers, has a fine estate of 480 acres of land, located on section 2, wliieli he took possession of in 1809. On this farm he has 131 head of thorough- bred cattle with a magniticent fnll-l>looded bull, and twenty-four valuable horses, the head of the stable being a full-blooded Clyde which, although only two years old, pulls down the scales at 1,360 pounds. This fine animal, which is named Marcus, is a model of symmetry and beauty and the admira- tion of that section. In addition to his horses and cattle Mr. O. feeds annually large numbers of hogs, having now about 130 head, and this branch of business has proved especially profitable. He also has 112 head of sheep, the male being the registered Shropshire, about three years old. The farmers of Illinois have usuallj' been a little careful about attempting sheep-raising, but Mr. Outlaw has proved that with a proper understanding of the business, it may be made as successful as any other branch of agriculture. Mr. Outlaw was born in Posey County, Ind., Feb. 27, 1850, and two j'ears later removed with his parents to Illinois. He is the son of George W. and Lucinda (McReynolds) Outlaw, the father a native of North Carolina and the mother of Ken- tuckj-. George Outlaw was born in 1827, is still living, and resides in Nebraska, being engaged the greater part of his life in farming and milling. His wife, who was born in 1 830, departed this life at the home of her husband in 1873. The record of their nine children is as follows: James and John died in their 5'outh; Mary A. became the wife of S. I). Reaugh ; William W. of our sketch is the fourth child; Robert D. married Miss McReynolds and located in Colfax, 111. ; Thomas married Miss Endicott and they are living in Stanford, this » ► f -„ '^_ county; Sarah became the wife of James McReyn- olds; Lovina married George Pollard; George W. is the youngest, and lives in Nebraska. The subject of this history remained with his parents at their home until after he attained his majority, and was then united in marriage with Miss Sarah K. Cales, Feb. 27, 1872. This lady was a native of Virginia, born in 1844. and the daughter of James and Sarah (Buchanan) Cales, with whom she lived until reaching years of woman- hood. She came to Illinois with her parents when a maiden of seventeen years old. Her parents were natives of Virginia; the father born July 15, 1818, and is still living and resides in Kansas; the miitlier died at the iioinestead in Tazewell County, III., in 18(1(1. The second wife of James Cales was Miss (iaines, with whom he lived about sixteen years, an I she departed this life in about 1884. He was married the third time, the name of the lady not now known. His ten children were John B., Sarah E., Mary A., Margaret, James W., Martha A., Eliza E., Augusta V., Elmira E., and one who died in infancy. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Outlaw there were also ten children, as follows: Kinma .1. and James D. (twins) were born June 7, 1873; Thomas F., Oct. 13,1874; Minnie M., Feb. 14, 1870; Ibba A., Sept. 2G, 1877; Bertha A., .Fan. U, 1879; Joseph O., July 10, 1880; John, July 3, 1882; Lewis, Dec. 3, 1883; Imo A., Oct. 8, 1880. James D., Thomas F. and Ibba A. are deceased, having died in infancy. -5^^i ENRY NAFZIGER, one of the intelligent farmers of Danvers Township, owns and occupies a good homestead on section 22. He was born in the Kingdom of Wurtem- Germany, Oct. 19, 1832, being the son of Jacoli and Elizabeth (Rockey) Nafziger. The father of our subject was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Aug. 12, 1800. He came to America in the f. 'ill of 1847, and after landing in New York City, pro- ceeded directly westward, staying in Peoria about a month, then came to this county, where he remained until his death, wiiich occurred in May, 1 S.S2. The mother of our subject was born in Ba- \ i ^^ 560 -.1 McLEAN COUNTY. varia anrl was the second wife of Jacob Nafzigei", his first wife having been Miss A'cronica Rockey, asister of the second wife. Of the first marriage there were three chihlren — .lacol), Christian P. and Veronica. The second marriage of Jacob Nafziger occurred in 18-2S, and of this union there were born, Catherine, wlio married Christian Nafziger; Henry, our sub- ject; Peter and Frederick, deceased; and Kliza, un- nianicd, and who lives in Danvers A'ill.age. The subject of tliis sketcli was a youth of fifteen years when his parents came to the United States. He was trained to habits of industry and economy and remained under the iiome roof until reaching maniiood. He was then united in marriage with Miss Helen Nafziger, Aprd .5, 1855. Mrs. N. was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, Oct. 22, 1832, and came to America with her parents when a young woman twenty years of age. Our subject and his wife became the parents of nine children, three now deceased : Robert W. married Miss Mary Slaba<;li ; Fredericka died when eighteen years of age; John K. is farming in Tazewell County, this State; F^red is at home; Emma became the wife of August Habecker, and lives in Tazewell County ; Henry is deceased; Albert at home; Annie died when young; Jacob is with his parents. Mr. and Mrs. N. are members in good standing of the Men- nonitc Church, of which Mr. N. is Trustee .and has been Treasurer for several years. He has been a cheerful and liberal contributor to the support of the church and was one of the building committee at the time their house of worship was erected. Mr. Nafziger is one of the extensive land-owners of this section, having 230 acres in his home farm and 240 acres in Tazewell County, lie has of late years been turning his attention to the breeding of fine stock, including both cattle and hor.ses. He has one valuable thoroughbred Short-horn bull, thre^ cows and two heifers and several high-grade cattle, and his horses will compare with any that can be exhibited in this part of the county. The career of Mr. Nafziger is a striking illustration of what ma3' be accomplished by industr}^ and resolution. After leaving his native land and coming to Ohio, lie worked on a farm Ijy the month in Warren County, receiving the first year $8 per month. The second year he received 112 i)er month. He rented his father's homestead in this county for ten years, and at the end of that time purchased his present homestead. Every dollar of this he has accumulated honestly by iiard work and good management, and is now enjoying the fruits of his early toil and industry. ••■^»^w-J»t^ '^5c^-^«s?i«;- i '* OIIN D. LEWIS is the owner of 200 acres of some of the best land in Cheney's Grove Township, of which he became a resident on the 1st of May, 1847. He first purchased forty acres three years later, which comprises a p;ut of his present homestead, but to which he has added until it is of the dimensions above given. His farm is under a line state of cultivation, and for a few years he was (juite extensively engaged in buying and shipping stock. Of late, however, he has confined himself more closely to the raising of grain and general farming. He has a handsome and comfortable residence, with a good barn and all other necessary out-buildings, and he and his familj' are enjoying all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. j\lr. Lewis was born in Fleming County, Ky., Nov. 5, 1823, where he lived until he reached his majority, and cast his first Presidential vote for Henry Clay. His father, Peter B. Lewis, served as a soldier in the War of 1812. He was born in Culpeper County, Va., June 21, 178U, whence he removed to Mason County, Ky., and from there to Fleming County, where he departed this life Nov. 29, 18()0. He was married, June 16, 181G, to Miss Catherine B. Ringo, who was born F'eb. 24, 1798, and died at the home of our subject on the 21st of September, 1884. Both parents were jjrom- inently connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which the mother had been a member since her girlhood. Their eleven children were, Emeline, Nancy, James R., John B., Hannah, Rob- ert, Albert, Alice R., Melville (who died when four j'ears of age), William F. and Bridget A. After coming to tliis county, John D. Lewis was married to Miss Margaret P. Riggs, Aug. 17, 1848. Mrs. L., a native of this county, was born Aug. 10, 18.')2, aiul was the daughter of William M. and i -4^ ^l McLean county. 561 Nancy (Pitts) Riggs, the former a native of Mary- land, and tlie latter of Lewis County, Ivy. William Riggs was born Seiit. 7, 1!S03, and departed this life Jan. 28, 1887, at his home in .Saybrook. The mother was born Jan. 4, 180G, and died Jan. 26, 1881. Their six children were, George W., Henry M., Margaret P., William H., Mary J. (now Mrs. Hall), and Samuel R., who died in Tex.is, June 8, 1883. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis became the parents of eight children, seven now living. Nancy C. was married to Brice N. Read; William A. married Miss Laura Owens; Mary A. married William C. Means; Emma D. became the wife of H. McMackin; Katuria; Samuel G. married Miss Emma Miller; Corla H. is at home. Mr. Lewis and his family are all members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which our subject has officiated as Class-Leader for a period of thirty years and been Steward and Sunday-school Superintendent about the same length of time. In early manhood, during the existence of the Whig party, he was a firm adherent of its principles, but ou the abandonment "f the old party b}^ the organ- ization of the new Republican party he cheerfully endorsed the principles of the latter, with which he uniformly easts his vote. The grandfather of our subject on his mother's side, Burtis Ringo, served in the Revolutionary W^ar for a term of seven years, and died a pensioner at the advanced age of one hundred and three years. \jl ACOB SPEERS owns and occupies a fine I farm of 160 acres in Blue Mound Township, ^_^^ I on section 24. His land is all improved and (^^/ under a good state of cultivation, with a tasteful and convenient residence and all necessary out-bnildings for the shelter of stock and storage of grain. Mr. Speers has been a resident of Mc- Lean County since 1865, and of Blue Mound Township since 1870. He was born in Westmore- land County, Pa., Dec. 15, 1814, and is the son of Noah and Nancy (Frye) Speers, also natives of the Keystone State, where they passed their entire lives. They were the parents of thirteen children. all of whom, with one exception, grew to mature years. That one was killed when quite young, by being thrown frtmi a liorse. Jacob Speers remained in his native county until 184(1. He then came to tliis State, locating first in Peoria County with his wife and six children. After a residence there of eight years they removed to Stark C<;unty, in which they remained eigiit years, then returned to Peoria County again and resided thereuntil tlie spring of 1865. Mr. Speers then came into tiiis ct)unty and lived in Chenoa Town- ship until tlie spring of 1868. Thence he removed to Towanda Township and after about one and one-half years, crossed the iVIississippi and became a resident of Kansas, in which State he remained until 1870. He then returned to this county and settled in Blue Mound Township, where he has since lived. He has identified himself fully with the interests of the county and community since coming here and is reckimed among the thrifty and well-to-do far- mer residents of this section. The marriage of our subject took place in his native county of Westmoreland, Pa., May 10, 1836, the lady of liis choice being Miss Margaret, daughtei- of John F. and Mary (Sterrett) Power, who were also natives of Pennsylvania, where they spent their entire lives and where their remains were laid to rest. Of their ten children, Mrs. Speers was the sixth. She was born in Westmore- land County, Pa., March 4, 1820. Of her union with our subject there were thirteen children, ten now living, namely, James S., John F., Noah L., Nancy J., Clarissa, William L., Harriett A., Charles, Solomon E. and Maggie S. The three deceased died when quite young. John married MissElt^anor Halstead and resides in Ford County, 111. ; Noah married Miss Maggie Ellis and also lives in Ford County ; Nancy is the wife of John Watt of Chenoa; Clarissa married M. J. Wilson and is a resident of Scott County, Kan. ; William married Miss Laura Power and resides in Blue Mound Township; Harriett became the wife of F. L. Voor- hees, and they are located at St. Jose, Cal. ; Charles married Miss Ollie Newton and is farming in Blue Mound Township; Solomon married Miss Irene Gay and is a resident of Blue Mound Township; Maggie became tlie wife of .J. B. Nichols of Ne- I f I- .562 McLean county. braska; James married Miss Mary Davis; she died in Blue Mound Township, April 28, 1875. Mr. Spcers is Hepublieau in politics and has held some of the minor oliices of his township, including that of Assessor, in which he has served several years. He also served as Supervisor in Stark County, and was twice elected Justice of the Peace but would not. serve. Both our subject and his wife are worthy members of the Presbyterian Churctli, and held in high esteem by all who know (hem. -^ p^^OB^:RT STKWAHT. The name of this Uif gentleman is familiarly known in Yates 4\\\\ Township where he has a snug farm home- ^Q)stead, pleasantly located on section 15. He is a native of the North of Ireland, born in County Donegal, in December, 1833, and possesses the generous characteristics of the warm-hearted Celtic race. His jjarents, John and Eliza (Glenn) Stewart, emigrated from their native country with their family in about 1850, making their first location in the city of Philadelphia, Pa. Afterward they removed to New Jersey and in 1857, to Illinois, lo- cating in Peoria County. Later they removed to this county, where the father died in Yates Town- ship, Sept. 22, 1884. The mother had passed to her long home nearly eighteen years before, at Chenoa, 111. The five children of the parental family were all born in Ireland, and came to the United States with their parents; Martha became the wife of John Florida and resides in Peoria Count}-, 111.: Robert is living in Yates Township; Elizabeth married Chester Brown and resides in this county; Margaret, Mrs. Samuel Baird, lives in Chencja Township, and John in Yates Township. Robert Stewart was seventeen years of age when he came with his father's family to the United States. lie worked first in a cotton factory in Philarlelphia, where he remained until 1857, then started w(^stward toward the Prairie State. His first location w.as in I'eoria County, where he worked as a farm laborer, his father joining him in the fall of that year and the balance of the family the follow- ing spring. The second year of his residence in Peoria County our subject rented a ti-act of land and followed farming there until 18(;4. He then removed to McLean County, and in company with his father and brother, jjurchased 120 acres of hind in Chenoa Township, all of which was wild prairie. He at once set about the improvement ami cultiva- tion of the new farm, which he occupied until 1 875, then purchased his present homestead in Yates Townshi)). He is now the owner of KJO acres of land, which he has placed under a fine state of cultiva- tion. Robert Stewart was married on the 4th of July, 1.SG7, to Miss Nancy, a sister of A\'illinm Hanna of Yates Township. She was born in County Antrim, Ireland, and by her union with our subject became the mother of two children, one of whom died in infancy. Robert J., born Sept. 13, 1871, is living at home with his parents. Mr. Stewart is Republican in [jolities, and religiously coincides with the doctrines of the Presbyterian Church. j//iLLIAM B. KENT, one of the early pio neers of Dale Township, and whose pcn-- trait is shown in this connection, became a resident of McLean County in 1843, and during a residence of over forty years, has been an inter- ested witness of the various changes that have been taking place in this section of the Prairie State. During this time he has fulfilled his obligations as a good citizen, and has contributed his full quota toward the jirogi-ess and prosperity of his adopted township. He has lived honestl.y and uprightly, met his moral and legal oblig.ations in a praise- worthy manner, has identified himself thoroughl}' with the business and industrial interests of this section, and, as a v.alued citizen, enjoys the confi- dence and respect of his townsmen in a marked de- gree. William B. Kent is a native of Indiana, and was born in Jones Township, Hancock County, April 23, 1832. His father, Nathaniel Kent, was a na- tive of Ma.son County, Ky., and his grandfather, John Kent, died there in 1833. Nathaniel Kent learned the tr.-ide of a blacksmith at Lexington, whence he removed to Brown County, Ohio, and renting a tract of land, engaged there in farming pursuits. In the meantime, however, as time .and i ■■»>ri-^>/r ^- /l*^" ^• ;i' >► if ■<- McLean county. 565 opportunity permitted, he continued at his trade, and remained a resident of that section until 1S31, when he moved into Indiana, hicated in Hancock County, and engaged in farming and blacksmith- ing alternatelj' for tlie following twelve years. In the fall of 1843 Nathaniel Kent decided to re- move to the Prairie State. He accordingly loaded his household goods and blacksmith tools into wagons, together with his wife and seven children. The entire journey was made overland, and Mr. Kent employed men to drive the teams. They carried their provisions with them and cooked along the route, making their beds in their wagons at night. After arriving in McLean County Mr. Kent rented one room in a house in IJry Grove Township, into whiph they removed and lived for a time, then rented a house of Roswell Munsell, and also a tract of land. Here Mr. Kent pursued farming operations, and worked at his trade for the following five years. He then purchased forty acres of land l.ying on sections 8 and 'J of Dale Township, upon which he remnved in the fall of 1848. He w.as prospered in his labors, and in due time made an additional purch.ase of 160 acres ad- joining, lying on sections l(i and 17. As soon as his sons became old enough to man.age the farm, he turned the business over to them principally, and ai)plied himself nH)st of the time to his trade for twenty j'ears. Here, Mr. Kent established a comfortable home, which he occupied until his death, which occurred on the 7th of July, 1.S84. Mr. Kent was united in ni.arriage in earl}' man- hood, with Miss Annie Hawk, who was born in Brown County, Ohio, came West with her hus- band and survived him over one year, her death taking pLace Dec. 19, 188.5. Their family included thirteen children, ten of whom grew to years of maturity, having been carefully trained in those principles of honor and honesty which had been the secret of Nathaniel Kent's success in life, and of the respect in which he and his excellent and worthy helpmeet were held during the period of their long and useful lives. William B. Kent w.as the third child of his par- ents, and was eleven years old when he came with Ihem to McLean County. Here he attended the common schools ,ind assisted his father around the I farm and in the shop. He remained at home until the breaking out of the late Civil AVar, and then, on the 8th of August, 1862, enlisted as a soldier of the Union, in Co. L, 94th III. Vol. Inf. He served with his comrades until the close, having been in the battles of Prairie Grove, the siege and capture of Vicksburg, Ft. Morgan and Spanish Fort, and participated in v,arious other engagements and skir- mishes. He marched with his comrades through the States of Missouri, Arkansas, Kentucky, Ten- nessee, Alab.ama, Mississippi and Texas, most of the time being upon active duty, and returned home unharmed, and with his regiment received his honor.able discharge at Springfield, 111., on the 9th of August, IHe.'). After his return from the army, Mr. Kent re- sumed his farming operations on the old home- ste.ad, upon which he has resided since that time. Of this he is now the possessor of 120 acres, a good set of frame buildings, and all the necessary appliances for carrying on agriculture after the most approved methods. Mr. Kent is still unmar- ried, having for his housekeeper his sister, Jliss Susan. Our subject is Republican in politics, lib- eral in his religious beliefs, and for his honest and upright dealings and straightforwtird business meth- ods, enjoys in a marked degree the confidence and esteem of his associates and fellow-townsmen. ))EN,IAMIN H. WEBB, who owns .and occu- '^- pies a comfortable farm estate on section 16, Dry Grove Township, is a native of Mc- Lean County, and was born March 3, 1832. His parents, Stephen D. and Penina (Hinshaw) Webb, were n.atives respectively of South Carolina anil Tennessee. They were married in the latter State, and came to Illinois in 1826, locating in Mc- Lean Comity. Stephen Webb was born Maj' 8, 1795, and died in this county April 11, 1886. His wife, the mother of our subject, the date of whose birth is not known, died in 1870, at the home of her :^- t 566 i McLEAN COUNTY. husband in Dry Grove Township. They were mar- ried on the 10th of December, 1824, and became the parents of six sons and one daughter. The record is as follows : .lolm married Miss E. Ruth of ViFginia; Kelly married Miss Amelia .lane Piatt, and lives in Greene County, Iowa; William married Miss Matilda Barker, who died in about 1803; he then married Miss II. Tliomas, who died a few years after marriage, and his third wife was form- erly Mrs. Malinda Christ, Mary .lane became the wife of B. F. Martin, of Dry Grove, and is now de- ceased ; Benjamin of our sketch was the fifth child; Thomas married Miss Johusou, and lives in Mis- souri; Milton S. married ^Aliss Mary A. Smith, and is engaged in farming in Dry Grove. Benjamin II. Webb was married to Miss Mary A. Dickens on the 3d of JNIarcli, 1857. Mrs. "W. w.as born in McLean Cckinty, Oct. 9, 1837, and is the daughter of William and Elizabeth (Cleveland) Dickens. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Webb tliere have been born seven children, who are recorded as follows : Warren married Miss Mary E. Jolnisou, and the3' have one child, Willie, wlio was born in Fcbruar}', 18S,5; Jenctta,now iNIrs. ,Iohn D. Lanil), has four children — Oliver, Park, Etta and Warren; Ilattie is now Mrs. Charles Hatfield; Char- lotte, I'^lizabetli, Editii and Florence are at home with tlieir jiarents. Mr. Wel)b is tlie possessor of 210 acres of fine farming land, and has given much attention to the raising of fine stock. He has been a prominent man in the township and has nerved the peojile ■with credit in the various ottices with' which they have intrusted him. He was elected Supervisor in 1874, and politically is a stanch supporter of the Democratic party. He has made the most of his opportunities in life, and his well-informed mind has been greatly benefited bj' traveling over vari- ous portions of the United States and keeping his eyes open to what is going on around him in the world at large. He is not identified with any church organization but aims to make the (Golden Pule the basis of his daily life, lives at peace with his fellow-men and as becomes a law-abiding and worthy citizen. A litliographic pf>rtrait of Jlr. Webb is presented in connection with this sketch. ■► ■ <• i j^^ AMUEL A. DEAL, of Dry Grove Town- ^^1^ ship, is engaged as a farmer and stock- 1JA/\«J raiser on section 30, where he is the pos- sessor of a comfortable home. Mr. Deal is a native of tlie Old Dominion, having been born in Augusta Count}', Va., the d.ate thereof, July 8, 1841. His parents were Samuel C. and Priscilla (Brown) Deal, who were born, reared and married in A'irginia, whence they removed to Illinois in October, 1848. They located iu Dry Grove Town- ship, where the mother departed this life on the 5th of -Tune, 1875. She was a most worthy and estimable lady, and an active member of the Cum- berland Presbyterian Church. Samuel C. Deal was born Oct. 18, 1814, and is still a hale and hearty old man, his present home being in Danvcrs Town- ship, about a mile and one-half east of his son's place. The parental family included nine children, as follows : .lohn B. ; Samuel A. ; Elizabeth E., Mrs. Peter Elkins; Newton, who died at the age of seven years; Mary C, now Mrs. A. K. Rigens; .lane A., who died in infancj'; .Sarah A., Mrs. .lt>]in Wright, Emma P., and A'irginia V. II., who married Ste- phen Staubns. The subject of this history remained under the parental roof until he attained to years of manhood, and on the 27th of March, 1873, was united in marriage with Miss ]Mary E. Harris, a native of Warren County, Ky., who was born on the Gth of April, 184U. Mrs. Deal is the daughter of Alex- ander C. and Mary (Norfleete) Harris, both natives of the Blue Grass State. Iler father was burn Dec. 27, 1808, in Kentucky, and her mother Sept. 18, 1819, in the town of Somerset. The mother is still living. The father died March 20, 1887. They were the parents of .seven childi'en, the rec- ord of whom is as follows: Amanda J. married W. C. Johnson; William II. died when one year old; 1). M. for his first wife married Miss II. Bates, who died after a few 3'ears, and he was then married to j\liss Carrie Metcalf, of Connecticut; Dr. H. A., who practiced in Menard County, K3'., died on the 11th of June, 1877; Mar}' E. is the wife of our subject; Thomas M. died at the age of three j^ears; James W. died in 1873 at fifteen years of age. The homestead of our subject embraces 799i acres of laud, with a fine dwelling-house, and good > a i ♦■ McLean county. 567 barns and out-buildings, among which is the finest hog-house in the county. This is 30x80 feet in area, two stories in height, and he now has 300 fine porkers, besides an equal number of cattle, and 600 head of sheep. As a stock breeder he is familiarlj- known all over the county as one of the best and most extensive. He has sold up to this date (1887) nine car loads of fat cattle, for which he obtains the highest market price. His property is estima- ted to be worth at least $7.5,000, a portion of which he inherited from his father, the balance has been accumulated through his own industry and good judgment, and he has added materially to the in- dustrial and business interests of this section, while at the same time his homestead forms one of the embellishments of McLean County, both on ac- count of its beauty of location and the improve- ment which Mr. Deal has brought aljout in addi- tion to its natural advantages. A lithographic view of the place is shown in this work. He has been in all respects a useful and valued citizen, is a member in good standing of tiie Chimberland Presbyterian Church, and in politics is an uncom- promising Democrat. To Mr. and Mrs. Deal have been born the chil- dren who are recorded as follows: James N., born Nov. 8, 1874, died Feb. 21, 1875; Mary P., born Nov. 21, 1875, died May 15, 1877; Hattie E. was born July 13, 1877, and lives at home with her parents; Addie P., born March 28, 1878, died Jan. 5,1885; Samuel C, born May 6, 1882, died Jan. 21, 1885; William II. was born Oct. 8, 1884, and Carey, Nov. 9, 1886. -^ R. OSCAR AYAKEFIELD, proprietor of the Medicine Laboratory, is located at the corner of Washington and Evans streets, Bloomington, and is carrying on an ex- tensive and protital)le business. Tliis establish- ment gives employment to twenty-live i;)r thirty- five men, besides six men on the road, and has be- come widely and favorably known tiiroughout this and adjoining States. Dr. Wakefield is a native of De Witt County, 111., and was born April 7, 1846. His parents were Dr. Cyrenius and Harriet (Rich- ardson) Wakefield, natives of Watertown, N. Y., who removed to Illinois and located in Blooming- ton in 1837. The parental historj' will be found in another part of this work. Oscar Wakefield was one of seven children born to his parents, and remained with them during his childhood and youth. He pursued his primary studies in the common schools, and later attended the Commer- cial College of Bloomington. He afterward en- tered the medical department of the College of Cincinnati, Ohio, and upon returning to Blooming- ton became, in 1871, a partner with his father, with whom he has continued to the present time. Dr. Wakefield was married in 1868 to Miss Agnes Benchley, a native of Connecticut, and the daughter of Henry A. Benchley, of Willimantic, C'rmn. Of this union there were two children — Herbert, who died when three and a half j^ears old, and Bruce. Dr. Wakefield is Republican in poli- tics, a member in good standing of the A. F. ife A. M., and i)rominent as a useful business man and a worthy citizen. He is a stockholder in the Peo- ple's Bank and the Plow Factory, and takes an active interest in all matters concerning the public welfare. He occupies, with his family, a pleasant residence at No. 506 East Washington street, and enjoys the esteem and confidence of the best citi- zens of Bloomington. ' BRAHAM II. CARLOCK, one of the pros- ((!J^//j|! perous farmers of White Oak Township, is m located on section 20, where he has estab- ((^ lished a e(_)nifortable homestead and built for himself a reputation as an honest man and a good citizen. His parents were Abraham W. and Mar\' (Goodpasture), Carlock, natives of Overton Count3% Tenn., the father born April 7, 1800, and the mother, Jan. 4, 1803. INIrs. Carlock, on her fa- ther's side, was of English descent, and several of her brothers became prominent men of the State of Tennessee. One of tiiem, Judge Winburn Good- pasture, was Circuit Judge in Tennessee for many j'ears and presided over several counties. Dillard Goodpasture, another brother, is a prominent banlcer at Nashville, Tenn.; John and McDonald n t. 568 I McLEAN COUNTY. i i Goodpasture are both prominent physicians in Nashville. Abraham Goodpasture was a clergy- man of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church at Petersburg, 111.; he is now deceased. William Goodpasture, of Elkhart, Logan Co., 111., is a prominent farmer. Mrs. Carlock, on her mother's side, was of Scotch descent. Abraham Carlock was a farmer and stock-raiser, and left his native State while j'et a young man, in 1829. Coming to Morgan County, this State, he rented land for two years and then, coming into this county, purchased 3G0 acres in Kansas Township, AVoodford County, and White Oak Township, Mc- Lean County. He was prospered in his farming and business transactions, .and added to his landed possessions until he became the owner of 1,700 acres, 700 of which he disposed of before his death, but retained 1,000, which since his death has been subdivided. lie was here during the winter of the deep snow, which is so well remembered by the early settlers who were confined to their cabins for several weeks, being unable to communicate with e.ach other. At (jne time he saw a tribe of Tippe- canoe Indians, which passed about sixty rods from his house on their way to Tippecanoe, Ind. There was then no market for farm produce, and for sev- eral seasons lie w.as obliged to drive his hogs to Chicago to sell, and frequently after his toilsome journey could only get in exchange for them a small stock of groceries, but in common with the other pioneers he was made of stanch stuff, which permitted no thought of relinciuishing his first pro- ject of establishing a home in the West. He lived to see many changes in the face of the countr}' and the progress of civilization, and siient his last d.ays where he had toiled the most, and finally reaped an abundant reward. The subject of this history was born in Kansas Township, Woodfecanie the mother of two children — Eraeline and Orson. B3' the second marriage there were born seven children, as follows: Mary B., who died in infancy: Ida I., Elmer, Effle, Edwin, iMinnie and JMyrtle, twins; Oscar died in 1873; Emeline became the wife of B^ron Covey, and Ef- fie became Mrs. George Winchell. Our subject and his wife have become the par- ents of three children — Lulu E., born Oct. 2;"), 1879, Pearl L., Aug. 23, 1881, and Celia M.abel, April 14, 1884. Mrs. Carlock is a member of the Christian Church. The grandfather of our subject was a soldier in the Revolutionary War and also In the War of ^ ^ * f •►-■-^^ ;- McLEAN COUNTY. 569 r 1812, and took part in the battle of New Orleans, one of the hardest fought and last battles of that war. The grandfather of Mrs. Carlock was a suc- cessful physician and minister, and the author of a medical work of great merit. He died in the prime of life, when but fifty years of age. A view of Mr. C'arlOclv's handsome residence will be found on another page. bEVI VINCENT, M. D., represents in a worthy manner the medical profession at Weston, and sociall}' is regarded as one of its most valued citizens. He is a native of Albany County, N. Y., and was born Jan. 24, 182G. His parents, Martin and Hannah (Moore) Vincent, were natives of the same State, where the father was engaged in farming the greater part of his life, and died in Albany County, at the advanced age of about eighty-five years. The mother lived to be eighty years old. The household circle in- cluded seven sons and three daughters, all of whom grew to mature years, and nine are still living. Levi Vincent, the ninth child of his parents, was reared upon his father's farm, and received a good literary education in tlie schools and academies of Greenville and C'hesterville, in his native State. He was fond of his books, ambitious to excel, and attained such proficiency that at twenty years of age he commenced teaching, which he followed during tlie winter seasons until 1870, his summers being occupied in farm pursuits. In the mean- time, however, in 185G, he came westward to Illi- nois, and for a time was a resident of Marshall County. From his boyhood, however, he had in- tended to become a physician, and read medicine whenevei' time and opiiortnnity afforded. In tlie spring of 1870, he determined to del.ay no longer fitting himself for his chosen calling, and becom- ing the partner and pupil of Dr. E. E. Williams, an old pliysician of Streeter, 111., practiced with him until the fall of l.s71. He then entered upon a course of study in Bennett College, C'hicago, from which he graduated in the spring of 1872. After graduating, he practiced in Streeter one year, then returned to Marshall County, where he owned a farm, and upon which he removed on account of the failing health of his wife. He, however, gave his attention to his profession, and built up a good practice in the neighborhood where he had previ- ously resided for many years. In the spring of 1879, he sold this farm and removed to another near Fairbury, which he owned, and wliicli he wished to improve. While there, the citizens of Weston, in this county, petitioned him to locate in their midst. In response to this he sold this farm also, and in November of the 3'ear named, moved into Weston, where he has since given his entire attention to his profession. Dr. Vincent, however, believing that real estate was the best investment for surplus funds, purch.ased in 1883, the north- west quarter of section 10, Yates Township, for which he paid $'),000. The land was low, and not considered valuable, Init he has drained and im- proved it so that it is now considered one of the finest faims in this part of McLean County. The first marriage of Dr. \'incent took place on the 12th of January, 18.50, at Durham ville, Oneida Co., N. Y., wlien he w.as united with Bliss Harriett Dor- man. This lady was born in Albany County, N. Y., and was one of the playmates of his early child- hood. After remaining his faithful and affection- ate companion for over twenty years, she departed this life at her home in Marshall County, 111., May 26, 1873, leaving one daughter, Cornelia N., the wife of Rev. George M. Weber, a minister of the Jlethodist Episcopal Church. The second wife of our subject, to whom he was married Dec. 18, 1873, was Mrs. Adaline (Powell) Ilalstead, who had also been an acquaintance of his from his early youth. Mrs. Vincent is the daugh- ter of Joshua and Ann (Smith) Powell, natives of Greene County, N. Y. They came West in 1846, and settled in Peoria County, this State, where the mother died at the age of forty -seven j'ears. The second wife of iMr. Powell was Miss Zilpha Hal- stead. His death occurred at Weston, Oct. 14, 1 885, when he was in the eighty-ninth year of his age. The second wife died in January, 1885, aged eight3'-seven 3'ears. Mr. Powell when first coming- West, located for a short time in Peoria, whence he removed to Marshall County, being among the early pioneers of that section. He lived there un- ' ^ -•► t 570 McLEAN COUNTY. I> *■ til 1882, then removed to AVeston and made his home with his daughter, ^Irs. Mneent. Mrs. Vin- cent by her first marriage with B. W. Ilalstead, be- came the mother of four children : Joslnia P., now a ganger in the eniploj' of the Revenue Depart- ment at Peoria; Finley B., a conductor on the P., D. & E. R. R. ; Annie, the wife of Chancy Myers, a resident of Ellsworth, Kan., and Addle died in in- fancy, aged about twenty-one months. Dr. A'iucent politically was formerly an uncom- promising Democrat, but has now arrayed liimself on the side of the Prohibition party. He has been honored with the local offices of his tovvnship, and takes a great* interest in educational matters and everything else connected with the welfare and prosperity of his community. Both Mr. and Mrs. Vincent are active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. ^ T. STRAYER, a successful and influential farmer of Padua Township, is a native of J.ogan County, Ohio, born Jan. 22, 1850, and the son of Nicholas .Stra3'er, a native of Vir- ginia, and of German parentage. The latter, after marriage, removed to Ohio, where his wife died not long afterward, lie was then married to Miss Esther Kinnan. who was a native of New York, whence she removed with hei- parents to Ohio. Of this union there were born eleven children, our sub- ject being the youngest of the family. Nicholas Stra^'er departed this life in Logan County, Ohio, Jan. 21, 1852, when his son, Z. T., was two years old. Two years later the mother with her ten liv- ing children, started for the prairies of Illinois, and coming to this county located in Towanda Town- ship, (m what is now known as Money Creek. Two years later they disposed (;f their land there and re- moved to De Witt County, settling in Turnbridge Township. This also they sold not long after, and the mother and an older son speculated for some time ill hogs, but not being quite satisfied with the result of their operations, the mother and a ]jart of the family then went across the Mississippi to Mills County, Iowa, where she is now living, in the town of Glen wood, having arrived at the advanced age of seventy-five years. Mrs. Strayer has been a re- markable woman in her time, with more than ordi- nary business capacity, and notwithstanding her years, still retains her strength and activity, and the bright mind for which she has always been noted. Mr. Strayer lived with his widowed mother until he attained the years of manhood, and was then united in marriage with Miss Adelade Dickerson, the wedding taking place in Empire Township at the home of the bride's parents, cm the 17th of March, 1875. Mrs. S. is the daughter of Henry C. Dickerson, now a resident of Le Roy, and was born Sept. 8, 1855, in Empire Township, where she was reared and educated. She remained under the par- ental roof until her marriage with our subject, and became the mother of five children, as follows: Libby T., Harry IM., George, Walter S. and Henry, all at home. The homestead of our subject is on section 31, and includes 115 acres of valuable land, with fine farm buildings, and all the accessories of the mod- ern and progressive farmer. He took possession of this place in Februaiy, 1882, and has made great improvements since that time. He has held the various offices of his township, and politically is ac- counted a first-class Republican. Mr. and Mrs. Strayer are regular attendauts of the Methodist Episcc^lial Church. HRI8TIAN STRUBHAR, who is pleasantly located on Danvers Tovvnship, on section 3, is one of the representative farmers of this section -who is meeting with success and contribut- ing his share to the agricultural interests of this county. Mr. S. is a native of the township where he is now living, and was born June 13, 1844. He is the son of John and Anna (Schertz) Strubhar, natives of Alsace Lorraine when it was a Province of France. The father operated a farm in his na- tive country until 1833, then emigrated to America and located in I'utler County, Ohio, where he en- gaged in distilling for about six years. In 183'J, after having come to this county, he was mar- ried to Miss Anna Schertz. The parents of Mrs. I McLEAN COUNTY. 571 , , V 4 S. came here from New Orleans. After marriage .lohii Sti'nbhar purchased eighty acres of land, to which he afterward added O.OO acres, and in due time became proprietor of one of the finest farms in this section of the country. Upon the home- stead which he had thus established, he remained until his death, which occurred Jan. 17, 1884, when he w.as over seventj'-five years of age, being born in 1809. The mother, born in 1820, is still living. Their ten children were: Mary; Christian, of our sivetch; Anna; M.agdalena, who became the wife of C. W. Kinzinger, and they reside in Danvers Town- ship; Barbara married Peter Risser, and they live in Danvers ; Catherine married C. R. Stuckey, and they live in the village of Danvers; Maggie, Phebe, and Peter, who is making his home with his mother. Maggie, Phebe and Mary are deceased. The par- ents were memliers of the Mennonite Cliurch; the father was a Democrat until 18.50, when he changed his views and identified himself with the Repub- lican party. The subject of our sketch was reared on his father's farm and received a good education in the common schools. He remained under the parental roof until twenty-one years old, and was then mar- ried to IMiss M.agdalena Ehrism.an. Their wedding occurred in this count}', Feb. 22, 18G."). After marriage Mr. ,S. cultivated a part of his father's farm, and in 1877 became the owner of eighty acres, and has added to his homestead until it now con- sists of 200 acres, and is finelj- improved, with a handsome and substantial dwelling, a good barn, and all necessary out-buildings. Everything about the premises is neat and orderly and indicates the supervision of an intelligent and enterprising man. In connection with his farm Mr. .S. owns and oper- ates a large sawmill which, in the sawing of lumber for his own use, proves a saving of hundreds of dollars during the year and in sawing for his neigh- bors yields him a considerable income. The wife of our subject was born in Danvers Township, McLean County, Jan. 22, 184.5, being the daughter of Ciiristian and F.'innie (Barrett) P^hrisman, natives of Wurtemberg, ( iermany. They came to this country about 1836; the familj' con- sisted of nine children — Magdalena, Joseph, Bar- bara, Catherine, Susan, Lydia, Samuel, Jacob and 4« Benjamin; the latter died in 18G5. Mr. and Mrs. Strubluar have three children — Lydia, Samuel and Louis A., all at home with their parents. Both parents are members of the Mennonite Church, and our subject in politics is stronglj' Rei)ublican. -^ ^-^ ^ '^) lII^f'^^TI^N W. KINZINGER, a gentleman il in the prime of life, owns and occupies, a ^^7 fine farm of 160 .acres in Danvers Township, on section 2. He has a fine dwelling and good barn, and all necessary out-buildings and appliances for the carrying on of agriculture in a first-class manner. The subject of this history' is a native of the Prairie State, having been born in Woodford County, in 184G. His parents were ^lichael and Magdalena (Nafziger) Kinzinger. They were na- tives of (iermany and came to this country in an early day, locating in Butler County, Ohio, where Michael K. followed the business of a distiller. He was married in about 1845 to the mother of our subject, and coming to Illinois they located in Woodford County. Here the father rented land the first year and in 1848 entered eiglity acres, to which he soon afterward added 100 more. He was prospered in his farming and business transactions and is still living and in good health. He and his excellent wife became the parents of twelve chil- dren, as follows: Catherine became the wife of Joseph Frj'; Peter married Miss Nafziger; D.aniel married Miss Mary Schick; J.acob m.arried Miss Lena Kerr; Christian W. of our sketch w.as the fifth child; Barbara became Mrs. David Zook, and Magdalena, Mrs. Jacob C4unda; Anna became the wife of Peter Strautz ; J.acobina B. married Joseph Strubliar; Caroline became the wife of (ieorge Kirckler; Killian and August were the two young- est and are living in Woodford County, 111. Both parents have been members of the Mennonite Church for many years. Mr. K. was a Democrat until the administration of Buchanan when he left the partj^ easting his first Republican vote for John C. Fre- mont, and has a/filiated with that party since that time. The mother of our subject was the daughter of Peter and Barbara (Beck) Naft'ziger, who be- came the parents of the following children: Bar- / ■•►-■-♦» * t ••► 572 McLEAN COUNTY. bara, Magdalena, Phebe, Catherine, Jacob ,[_Peter and Valentine. Christian W. Kinzinger remained with his father on the farm, attending the common, schools and as- sisting in the labors of the homestead until he reached his majority. He was married, Jan. 10, 1871, to Miss Magdalena Strubhar. After his mar- riage he cnltivatcd rented land for five years, and then purchased the land which he had worked and which constitutes his present homestead. It is all under a good state of cultivation with ten acres of choice timber. ( )f late years he has been giving considerable attention to the raising of fine stock, including horses, cattle and hogs. He makes a specialty of roadsters and has some flue specimens of Norman and Clydesdales. Mr. and Mrs. K. have become the parents of three children: Edward, born in 1872; Ophelia in 1873, and Urvina in 1876. Both parents are incml)ersof the Mennonite Church, and politically our subject is a straight Republican. He has'held tli» office of Road Commissioner two terms and was elected a School Director tiiree successive years. He is in all respects a representative citizen, and is contributing his full share toward the growth and prosperity of his township. ^ .^^ ^ eHARI.KS .1. STRONG, of Danvers Town- ship, is widely and favorably known in this vicinity, and is prosecuting his agricultural pursuits on a fine homestead located on section 26, a view of which is sliown on another page. Mr. Strong was born in Richland County, Ohio, Aug. 27, 1837, and is the sou of Abel and Hannah (Ber- dine) Strong; the f.ather was of English descent, and the mother of French Huguenot extraction. The father of our subject was born in Connecticut in 179.5, and died in Ohio in 1840. He was a mer- chant and Justice of the Peace, and the Represent- ative of Richland County to the Legislature, be- ing elected on the Whig ticket. Besides a large stock of general merchandise, in which he enjoyed a lucrative trade, he owned 240 acres of fine farm- ing land which, with the buildings thereon, consti- tuted a valuable homestead. The wife and mother 4> is still living in New York City, and enjoying good health for a lady of advanced 3'ears. The parental household included seven children, of whom the record is as follows: James died at the age of four j^ears, and Orlen when seventeen; Elizabeth, deceased, was the wife of H. J. Hayes, of Toledo, Ohio, who is now a commission merenant and a member of the Board of Trade; of this union there were born three children, only one of whom is living; Mrs. Haj'es died in 1846. William L. married Miss Mary Aborn, and is a dry-goods mer- chant of New York Cit}' ; he was born in Richland County, Ohio. March 22, 1827, is a prominent and useful citizen, and a member of the Republican party; Rlioda married Rev. Benjamin Thomas, a Baptist minister, and died in Bloomington, III., in 18,56, leaving three children; her husband died in Arkansas in 1.S83; Charles J. of our sketch was the sixth child; Abel died when two years of age. Charles J. Strong and Miss Mary Simpkins were married on the 3d of September, 1873, in McLean County, 111. Mrs. Strong was born in Highland County, Ohio, Aug. 28, 1846, and was the daughter of Jerennah and INIargaret (Ro.ads) Simpkins, na- tives respectively of New Jersey and Ohio. Her father was born Jan. 22, 1823, and the mother April 12,1827. After tiic birth of five children, the latter died on the 2d of July, 1857. Mar}', ]\Irs. Strong, was the eldest of the family; Morris was born in 1848; Josephine in 18.51; Ida, now de- ceased, was born in 18,04, and Emma in 18,56. For his second wife Mr. Simpkins married Jliss Sarah Jacoby, in 1858. She w.as a native of Illinois, born in 1835, and is still living. Of this uni(m there were nine children, four of whom died in in- fancy. Those living are Jeremiah, boin in 1863; Daniel, in 1867; Julia, in 1870 ;' Jennie, in 1874, and Jessie. The father of these children is still living, and is now in Kansas. He served as a Union soldier in the late w.ar, in the 94th Illinois Regiment for three years as a private, receiving an ht)norable disch.arge at the close. He is now a member of tiie T. O. O. I'\ and the G. A. R., and in politics is a strong Republican. Mr. Strong came to Illinois in 1854, and after re- maining in Bloomington two years went back to Ohio, staitl there with his mother a year, and then T McLean county. 575 i^ went to his brother in New York City. In 1859 he enlisted in the Regular army for five years, be- ing quartered at Carlisle, Pa., for three months, .and upon the opening of the Rebellion went into active service. He participated in the seven d.ays' fight at Gaines' Mills, \'a., at Gettysburg and An- tietani, and at various other general eng.agenients, At Gaines' Mills he was wounded by a b.ayonet thrust through the right hand, but not so seriously as to be sent to the hospital.. After brave and faithful service he received his houor.able dis- charge on the 3d of March, 1.SG4. In llities, and belongs to G. A. R. Post, No. 1 KJ, :ind also to the Masonic fraternity', Lexing- ton J>odge No. 4S-i. He has held the office of Township Clerk, and is a gentleman of sound judg- ment whose oi)inion is uniformly held in respect, and one who takes a genuine interest in the welfare of his county and CDiiiniuiiity. ^/,ll .1. LUCAS, whose ijarenls were anioiii;- the W 1 '^'•"'Iv pioneers i>f Illinois, came to McLean /// 111 County with his parents when a child of ^^ three years vh\, in isi'.'!. He li.-is been en- g.'iged ill farming pursuits the greater part of his life, but is now retired from active labor and enjoy- ing the I'omfortsof a [jleasant and attractive home, located at Xo. (Jl.3 East Walnut street. Blooming- ton. .Mr. Lucas was born in Wliite County, this State, Nov. 7, IS 18, his parents being AV^illiam and (iooden (Ileiidrix) Lucas, natives respectively of (icorgia and England. His father was a farmer by occupation, and became a resident of McLean County in 1H23, settling three miles south of Bloomiiigton. He there |)urc!iascd 240 acres of laud, liiiilt a log cabin and o|H'iied up a fine farm, upon wliicli. with his wife and fainil}', he spent the remainder of his days. The parental iiouseiiold in- cluded ten children, three; now living: A. .T., our snliject; Benjamin L., and Dorcas, ilrs. Keeder. Y'oung Lucas was roared to farming pursuits, re- ceived a fair education, and remained with his par- ents until twenty-one years old. Four years later he m.'ii'ried, and was given forty acres of the old homestead. He occupied tiiis two years, tlien re- moved to LaFayette, Ind., where he stojijied, how- ever, but a short time. He then relurncd and rented land three j'ears in McLean County, and afterward purchased forty acres four miles south of Blooniington. He lived upon this four years, and then purchased 172 acres in Martin Township; this was partly improved. After two years he sold out and rented hiiid in the Grove for three years. He then purcliase- ^ti^ -— !> ^ ORATIO G. BENT, LL. B., Professor of Common Law and Equity Pleadings and attorney at law, of Blooniington, is a native of Louisiana, but has been a resident of the Prairie State since 1859. He was born in the city of New Orleans, Nov. 22, 1857, being the son of Horatio and Lucinda (Grimes) Bent, the former a native of Massachusetts, and the latter of Batavia, N. V. Horatio Bent, .Sr., left his native State when a young man, and going South to New Orleans, en- gaged in the commission business and remained there until the breaking out of the Civil War, when he came N' out located in Montgomery County. The father of our subject departed this life Feb. 17, 1851, at the home of our subject near Danville, 111. The mother died in 1845. The parental household included ten chil- dren, eight of whom grew to mature years; our subject was the youngest. Young Phillips was reared to farm pursuits, and pursued his studies in both public and private schools. He was a bright boy, fond of his books, and at fourteen years of age commenced teaching, which he followed for many years in Montgomery and Boone Counties, Ind. In 1848 he came to Vermilion County, this State, and taught there and in Champaign County until 1857. He then came to McLean Countj', and locating at Le Roy en- gaged as a mechanic. He enlisted in the army in May, 184G, becoming a member of Company G, 1st Regiment Illinois A'oluuteers, and going with his comrades to Mexico served one year, or until the expiration of his term of enlistment. He par- ticipated in the battle of Buena A'ista under Gen. Taylor. During the late war, Oct. 11, IfSGl, he raised a company of volunteeis, of which he was appointed Cai)tain, .and with his comrades assigned to the 39th Regiment Illinois Volunteers, which was known as Yates Phalanx. He served three years and four months, and during that time par- ticipated in thirty battles, among them being that of Winchester. At Drury's Bluff he was wounded and captured, and confined three months and eight days in Libby Prison. He was then paroled and proceeded to Annapolis, Md., where he was dis- charged in December, 18G4, on account of disabil- ity, and it also being the expiration of his term of service. Mr. Phillips was m.arried, Dec. 17, 1848, to Miss Christiana W. Martin, who was born in Harrison County. Ky., and the daughter of Edward W. and S.arah A. (Phillips) Martin. Her father was a na- tive of Kentucky, and her grandfather, .Tobn Mar- tin, a farmer in Harrison County, that State, spent his last days there. Mrs. Sarah A. (Phillips) Mar- <■ tin was born in Ohio. She came with her husband to Illinois in 183(i, and they located in Vermilion County, near Danville, whence they removed to Champaign County, where the mother died. Ed- ward W. Martin departed this life at the home of his daughter in Le Roy. Mr. and Mrs. Phillips have become the parents of thi'ee chihlren: Thomas E., now living in Jefferson County, Mo.; (ieorge W., at home, and Sarah A., the wife of I. N. Clarke, of Le Roy. <* )»,1LLIAM B. CARLOCK, attorney at hiw, \/iJ// Bloom ington, is a native of the Prairie V^^ State, and was born in AVoodford County, March 15, 1842. His father, Abraham W. Car- lock, who lived in Overton County, Tenn., until .arriving .at manhood, was born in Virginia, and married ]\Iiss Mary Goodpasture, of Tennessee. After their marriage they located in Overton County, Tenn., where they remained until 182(j, at which time they came to Illinois and lived for a while in Morgan County, whence the.y removed to McLean County, and thereafter to Woodford, where the father died, Feb, 19, 1884, being eighty- four years of age, he having been born April 7, 1 800. Of the twelve children who completed the household circle, one died in infancy, and another lived until ten years of age. Ten children lived to mature ye.ars, and eight still survive, four brothers and four sisters, all being married and having families of their own. The subject of this historj' was the eighth child of his parents, and passed his childhood and youth on the farm. He received a fair education in the common schools, and was reared to habits of in- dustry and economy. After leaving home he en- tered Lombard University, at Galesburg, 111., where he pursued a thorough course of study, and grad- uated with the highest honors in the summer of 1807. In the meantime he also taught a select school for several terms, to assist in defraying his expenses while in college. Wishing to still further perfect himself for business and usefulness in life, he entered the law department of the State Uni- versity of Michigan, .at Ann Arlior. and gr.aduated m^ 'i r-4« t. i 580 McLEAN COUNTY. -4 from thnt institution in the spring of 1869. He was then udinitted into the law office of Will- iams ife Burr, of Bloomington, where he studied until December, 18G9, and was tlien admitted to the bar. lie soon afterward opened an office of his own, and bejian the practice of his profession, to which lie has devoted his attention closely since that time, with the exception of a few months spent in Dakota, improving a tract of land, which he had purchased there. In this practice he has succeeded beyond his most sanguine expectations. He had a large circle of friends and acquaintances in both McLean and adjoining counties, which added to his success in the beginning of his career as a lawyer. Mr. Carlock is also the p.atentee of a wire device for improving the acoustic properties of public halls, churches, etc., from which he de- rives a handsome sum. The marriage of Mr. Carlock with Miss Missouri McCart took pLace on the 6th of October, 1870. Mrs. Carlock was born May 20, 1848, being the daughter of Robert McCart, Sr., a prominent con- tractor and builder of Bloomington. She is also a sister of Robert McCart, .Jr., an attorney at law at Ft. Worth, Tex., who was formerly in business in this city, where he was widely and favorably known, but is now, and has been a resident of Texas since IS77. Of this marriage there were born two sons — J.eslie H., Sept. 11, 1871, and William C, .July 15, 1877. In politics Mr. Carlock is a stanch Democrat, though frecjuently in local matters he votes for the man who is best qualified to fill the otlice, instead of following in tiie line of the p.artv nomination; and while he has been an active and infiuential leadei', he has never had any desire to neglect his business for the purpose of .seeking office. Though a l>emocrat, he has always been in favor of accept- ing the go(^d principles iTiculcated by any party. Mr. Carlock is also a Huent German s|)( aker, and much of his business is carried on in thar, language, and perhaps one-half of his legal and loaning busi- ness is with the (ierman [teople. As a loan agent, he is considered one of the safest and most trust- wc^rlhy that can be found, having kejjt himself well posted upon the valuation of property. Mr. C.'irlock is a member of the LInitarian C'hureh, and his wife of the Christian Church. He h.as held the office of Trustee, and h.as alwa3's taken a deep interest in the affaii-s of the church and the spread of liberal Christianity. As a lawyer he has been eminently successful, and is regarded as care- ful and painstaking, and has acquired an enviable reputation for his legal acumen, among his fellow members of the profession. His most lucrative practice is, perhaps, confined to cases in chancery, though he has devoted much time to important common law and criminal cases. As a special pleader, and in preparing and arranging the evi- dence on a case and presenting the same to a jur3', he undoubtedly excels. He is already far advanced in the ranks of flrst-class Western lawyers. Soci.ally Mr. Carlock is polite and courteous to all, and his affability and bearing to his clients is such that he wins their confidence. He is much attached to his home, and takes a deej) interest in the welfare of his county. C«!S^)IIOMAS F. KENNEDY, Su|)ervisor of Mar tin Township, is actively engaged in farm- ing, and owns and occupies a fine homestead, which he purchased in 1882. He is a native of Clark Count}', K}., and w.as born near the town of AVinchester, March 23, 18.')2. He is the son of (Jeorge and Nancy E. (Railsback) Kennedy, both natives of the ]?lue Crass State, and both liorn in Clark County. They emigrated to Illinois in the fall of 18;j2, first locating on a farm two miles west of Bloomington. The family continued to reside thereuntil the fall of 1860, then removed onto a tract of land in Martin Townshii*, whei'e (icorge Kennedj' engaged in farming i)ursuits, and departed this life on the 10th of March, 180.5. His wife sur- vived him until 1807. Their seven children in- cluded three sons and four daughters, of whom only four survive. The grandfather of our subject, .lames Kennedy, a native of Kentucky', emigrated to Illinois and located in this county in 18.51; he is still living, anf Supervisors since the spring of 1885, which oHice he still holds. Politically he is an unconipri>niising Democrat, and takes an active interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of tlie country at large. Both Jlr. and Mrs. Kennedy are pronrinently connected witii the Christian Church, our subject having joined when fourteen years of .age. He h.as been Clerk of the churcli society for several 3fears. Our subject and his wife became the parents of five eliildren, three sons and two daughters, all of whom are living and at Innne with their parents — Charles O., Ord C, George F., (iertrude F. and Myrtle Belle. R8. CLARISSA WALL, a pioneer of 1839 a}id a resident of Le Roy, is a iiighly re- spected lady of good education and rare intelligence, and of more than ordinary ability in conducting business affairs. She is a na- tive of Kentucky, born Nov. 30, 1807. Her father, Aaron Garrison, a native of South Carolina, left his native State when a young man and wended his vvaj' to Ohio, stopping first at Cincinnati. While there he met and married Miss Lucy McColun, who was a native of his own State, and whose parents 4 » removed to Cincinnati while it was yet an infant vilLage. After marriage Mr. (Harrison located across the river in Kentucky, where he remained until 1811. He then proceeded to Indiana and settled nine miles west of Lawrenceburg, in Dearborn Count}', upon a tract of timber land, consisting of sixty acres, where he put u\> a hewn-log house and cleared fifty acres. In 1824 he disposed of this and pur- chased 2-18 acres of timber laud in Rush County, whei'e h{^ put up another hewn-log house, which he occupied willi his family until 18,j(;. In the mean- time he also cleared a large (lortiou of tiiis purchase. Then, disposing of this he purchased 100 acres in Brown County. This was partially imjiroved. He was then in the eighty-fourth year of his age and lived but a few montiis after his last removal, his death occurring in December of that year. Mr. (;arrison was three times married, his first wife, the mother of our subject, dying in Rush County, IikI., in 1829. The second wife, formerly Miss F^lizabeth Scott, also died in Rush County-. He marrietl his third wife when eighty years of age. His children, nine in all, were by the first maVri.age. Of these, four sons and ft)ur daughters grew to years of ma- tia-it3'. The subject of this liistory made her home witli her parents until she had grown to womanhood, and until her marriage, Jan. 29, 183.'), to Jacob Karr. He was bcn-n in Essex County, N. J., in July, 1799, and their marriage took place in Lavv- renceburg, Ind. They located in Hamilton C'ounty, Ohio, Mr. K. purchasing a farm sixteen miles from Cincinnati, which he occupied until 1839. On the 12th of May of that same 3'car he started for Illi- nois, which he had previous!}' visited, and purch.ased 487 acres of land in what is now Fhniiire Township, this county. There was a log house and barn and sixty acres were broken. There were also fifty bearing apple-trees. Mr. K. was accompanied by three children of the first marriage. Their outfit consisted of two loaded wagons, one drawn by horses and the other by oxen. Mrs. K. came vvith her father-in-law, Capt. John Karr, accompanied by her two children and her brother-in-law, Thomas Karr, with a two-horse carriage. In the latter part of January of the year following, IMr. Karr re- -m-^ i t -4^ 582 McLEAN COUNTY. *} turned to Ohio to settle unfinished business and collect money due him. He started for the West the latter part of Fehruary, making the trip on. horseback. He caught cold from exposure, was quite sick when lie I'eached home and lived but a few weelis afterward, his deatli occurring April 1, 1840. In 1849 Mrs. Karr was married the second time, to Elias Henry Wall, who was a native of Warren County, K3'., whence he came to this vicinity at an early period in tlic history of McLean County. Mr. and Mrs. W. occupied the Karr homestead some time, then pnrciiascd a farm in Downs Townsliip, where they lived until the death of Mr. Wall, which took place Jan. 18, 1875. After the death of lierhus- band Mrs. W. returned to the Karr homestead, which she still owns, and occupies a part of the time. By her first marriage Mrs. Wall became the mother of three children: Mercy J. was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, Dec. 1, 1835, became the wife of Harrison Barnett, and departed this life March 23, 18G3; Mr. Barnett died October 9 of the same year, leaving one son, Asbury, who is now a resident of Le Ro3\ The second child of our subject, .Tames Karr, was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, Sept. 8, 1837, and died Sept. IG, 1838. The youngest, Rachel, was born Jan. 4, 1839, married George W. Powts, of Le lioy, and died Feb. 24, 1863. Of the second marriage there was lioru one son, George A. Wall, who died March 10, 1863, aged twelve years and seven months. Asbury Barnett, her grandson, is the only survivor of her immediate family. He was born in West Town- ship, this county, Sept. 25, 1854, and was in his ninth year wlien his parents died. He then went to live with his grandmother, with whom he re- mained until his marriage, Sept. 25, 1873. The maiden of his choice was Miss Mary S. Johnson, who was born in Downs Township, this county, Dec. 15, 1853. Tliey have three children — Nettie M., Fannie B. and Marcy. Mr. Barnett is engaged in tlie livery business at Le Roy. Mrs. Wall through manj^ trials and afflictions has preserved a brave and courageous spirit, and has proved herself equal to every emergency. She has conducted her business and farming affairs intelli- gently and successfully, and her two homesteads r" are both handsome and valuable. She is greatly respected in her community, and during her long residence here has distinguished her.self for her womanl.y virtues and kindness of heart. NTHONY THAYER, deceased, was for- merly a highly respected resident of Yates Townshij), where he settled in 1867. He was born in the village of Warren, Wash- ington Co., ^'t., being the son of Aaron and Esther (Field) Thayer, who after their marriage located in Warren, \'t., wliere the father died in 1803. Three years afterward tiio mother emigrated to Illinois, and after living one year in Tazewell County re- moved to McLean County and settled in Yates Townsliip, where slie died July 13, 1879. Of the ten children composing the parental household only two are now living: Erastus, who resides at Forest, III., and timeline, tlie wife of Robert Hopkins, of this county. The subject of this biography received a good common-school education and assisted in the lighter duties about the small farm on which the family resided among tlie Green Mountains. He was about fourteen years of age when his father died, and being the youngest of the eliildren his mother naturally looked uiioii him as her future support. He accompanied iier to Illinois and soon after ar- riving in McLean County, purchased 160 acres of land on section 19, in Yates Tot ^ship, in which the mother retained a life lease. Y ig Anthonj' was industrious and soon effected n..-^crous improve- ments on the new purchase, b ving in view the establishment of a future home for himself as well as a comfortable abiding-place ' )r his mother. On the 20th of December, 1870, he /as united in mar- riage with Miss Maggie Arnold, who proved his faithful and affectionate companion during his life- time. Mr. Thayer died April 28, 1884, and is mourned as one who wasagood citizen, a kind hus- band and father, and a useful member of the com- tnunitj'. He was a stanch supporter of the Repub- lican party, a believer in the Christian religion, and although never having been connected with any church society he usually worshiped with the Pres- ■► t C u McLEAN COUNTY. 4 585 byteiians. Of the union of ISIr. and Mrs. Thayer there were born six children, two of whom, George M. and Ella M., died in childhood. Those surviv- ing are, Clarence E., born Feb. 3, 1872; Ida L., March 6,1873; Frank E., July 27, 1874, and Minnie B., Jan. 2, 1883. Mrs. Thayer is a native of Wurtemberg, Ger- many, and was born April 9, 1851. Her parents were John C. and Caroline Arnold, who emigrated to the United States when their daughter, Maggie, was but one year old. Mrs. T. continues to reside on the homestead purchased by her husband and which now consists of 240 acres of choice land, which she superintends in an intelligent and highly successful manner. She is a member in good stand- ing of the Presbyterian Church, and greatly re- spected wherever known. i^^iOBlAS S. STAUFFER is the owner of a fine farm of 160 acres of land on section 15, Old Town Township, and has been pros- pered in the vocation which he has followed thus far in life. The parents of our suliject were To- bias and Anna (Shank) Stauffer, natives of Lan- caster Count}^, Pa., and of Swiss and German an- cestry. Their married lives were passed in Lan- caster County, and the father died there Sept. 17, 1884, in his eighty-first year. They had eight children, four sons and four daughters, and Tobias S. was the fourth in order of birth. Tobias S. Stauffer was born in Lancaster County, Pa., April 21, 1836. He lived at home until he was about twenty-one years old, having received his education mostly in the common schools. After attaining man's estate he taught school for eight terms in his native county, and after coming to this county taught one term in Danvers Township. After leaving the parental home the time of our subject was passed in teaching and clerking in a store, and also in working out on a farm for a num- ber of years. He commenced life with naught but a firm determination to succeed, and his first pur- chase was a small place in Lancaster County, Pa., where he continued to reside, engaged the while in farming, until the spring of 1867. From 1862 to »► ■ ^« April, 1S67, he was Justice of the Peace in Lan- caster County, and was also Assessor in 1865 in the same county. He then came to Alton, this State, and the following summer moved to this county and took up his abode in Dry Grove Town- ship. Mr. Stauffer's means were limited on arriving in the county, and he at first purchased only forty .acres of land, which he cultivated until 18 77, when he sold his jjlace and purchased an eighth-acre tract in Normal Township. There he lived for six years and disposing of his farm by sale, bought 160 acres of land in Old Town Township, the same being that on which he is at present residing. All his land is under a high state of cultivation and he is succeeding as well in his vocation as labor, energy, good judgment and economy will permit. Mr. Stauffer was married in Lancaster, Pa., Nov. 20, 1860, to Miss Mary Bishop, daughter of Henry and Catherine (Shely) Bishop, natives of Lancas- ter County, Pa., and of Scotch line.age. The mother died in Madison County, III., and the father in Sangamon County, this State. Their children were ten in number and Mrs. Stauffer was the fourth in order of birth. She was born in Lancaster County, Pa., Jan. 1, 1843, and of her union with our sub- ject seven children have been born — Lineas B., Anna M. B.. David M., Henry B., Fannie E., Ben- jamin F. and Albert T. Lineas is a resident of Kansas and a farmer bj' calling; Anna M. B. died in Lancaster County, Pa., in infancy. While a resident of Dry Grove Township our subject held the oflice of Collector and was also Township Clerk of Old Town Township. He and his good wife are members of the Protestant Methodist Church, and in politics he is a stanch Republican. The publishers are pleased to present a portrait of ISIr. Stauffer in this work, and his many friends and acquaintances will readily recognize it, on another page. ■JOSEPH HAMILTON, a highly respected resident of Yates Township, where he form- erly engaged extensively in farming, is now (^jl.' retired from active business, and occupies a handsome residence in the village of Weston. He h.as been a resident of this county since Decembei', ■ ► i T 7f^ 586 McLEAN COUNTY. 1857, anrl has witnessed with keen interest the re- ninrkable eiianges which have transpired within a period of thirty years. He has also contributed his full share toward the progri'ss and development of his adopted county, and has presented an example of industr}', enterprise and success. JNlr. llaniilton was born in Brown County, Ohio, Nov. 16, lis 17. He traces his descent from excel- lent Irish ancestry, his grandfather, Robert Hamil- ton, being one of the first representatives of the family in this country. The grandfather emigrated from Ireland to the United States, prior to the Revolutionary War, in which he afterward served as a brave and couvageous soldier. His son Rob- ert, the father of our subji'Ct, after starting out in life for himself, pursued farming, and being very handy with tools frequently worked as a mechanic He was a man of more tlian ordinar}* intelligence, and througii his own efforts became fairly- educated and informed. During the last years of his life he served as .Justice of the Peace in Brown County', Ohio. He was taken from his earthly labors in the prime of life, his death occurring in 182'J, when he was .about forty-three years of age. His wife, the mother of oiu' subject, who before her marriage was Miss Nancy Parish, was born in Pennsylvania, and died in Brown County, Ohio, about 1875, having survived her first husband nearly fortj'-six 3'ears, and living to the advanced age of eighty- three. The parental household included seven daughters and two sons, four of whom are deceased. Josepli Hamilton was (jnly twelve ye.ars old at the time of liis father's death. His mother subse- quently married .again, and the family being in limited circumstances, our subject three years later engaged as an ai)prentice to learn the sad- dlery and harness-making trade. He rem.ained with his first employer three and one half years, at- tending school three months in each year, and worked at his trade the balance of his time. He afterward worked as a "jour" for nine mouths, the highest w'ages he received being $12 per month. Subsequently he varied his occupation by driving ox-teams, for which he received $cS or $9 per month, and when nineteen years of age taught school at $8 per month and board. On the 21st of Febru- ^' avy, 1837, he was united in marriage with Miss ■^•- Elizabeth J. Purdum, who was born in Brown County, Ohio, in 1817. After his marri.age our subject taught school and farmed alternately, and by the aid of his faithful, industrious and econom- ical wife, in time managed to save something from his scanty earnings. He resided in his native State until 1855, in the meantime having become the possessor of seventy acres of land. Then, believing that he could lietter himself in the further West, he emigrated to Illinois, first locating in Putnam County, where he resided two years. He then rented a farm of eighty acres at #4.50 an acre in advance, Ijeing obliged to borrow the money to [lay the rent. For two years he raised 2,000 bushels of wheat each year, and in due time found himself on th(^ road to prosperity. In liS57 he traded his land in Ohio for 100 acres in Lawn- dale Townsliip, this county, upon which he settled and commenced to cultiv.ate and improve. Then came the panic of 1857-58, and Mr. Hamilton in common with hundreds of others, suffered on ac- count of poor crops and other misfortunes. He had no thought of giving up, however, but kept on in the even tenor of his w.ay, and soon recovered himself, and once more enjoyed the smiles of fort- nne. In due time he was enabled to add to his original possessions, and besides his town property is now the owner of 180 acres of land, finely im- proved and furnished with all necessary buildings. He occupied this farm until the spring of 1880, when he purchased the property' at Weston which he now occupies, and where he is living letired from active labor. His faithful companion and helpmeet departed this life Nov. 9, 1884. Of their ten children two died in infancj' and one after reaching manhood. The seven living are Sarepta Ann, the wife of John Vawter; Perry ; Amanda, Mrs. Peter J. Piester; Theresa, the wife of John M. White; Robert, William, and Elizabeth, the wife of William Castle. ]Mr. Hamilton has been a member of the Method- ist Episcopal Church from boyhood. Ivarly in life he became a strong Abolitionist, and afterward identified himself with the Republican party. Of late years he has watched the temperance move- ment with the deepest interest, and now ranges himself on the side of the Prohibitionists. i i •>-i-^ t McLEAN COUNTY. 587 The publishers of this work have taken consid- er.al)le pains in engraving a fine portrait of Mr. lianiilton, which may he found on another page. lo3'ment to from five to twenty men, and has superintended the erection of some of the most important structures in the city, among which is the Second Ward school-house, which is the pride of all the peo[)le in that vicinity. He built the Orphans' Home in Indiana, the cost thereof being 180,000, and also the Methodist College at Greencastle, Ind., which cost 140,000. Before coming to Illinois he completed some im- portant contracts in Ohio, aud h.'is proved himself eminently fitted for his chosen vocation. He will accept none but the best work from the most skill- ful employes, and his name is a guarantee of the architectur.al beauty and the solidity of whatever building he undertakes. The marriage of John Thomas and Miss Eliza C. Carman took place on the 21st of October, 1858, in Bloomington. Mrs. Thomas is a native of Ken- tucky, and the daughter of Archie and Eliza (Grow) Carman, also of Kentucky. Of her union with our subject there have been born four children — Emma G., Mrs. Miner; Maude P., Jeannette A. and Car- rie L. The attractive home of our subject and his family is located at No. 1105 East Jefferson street, where they dispense a generous hospitality to a large number of friends and acquaintances. The family are connected with the Second Presbyterian Church, and in politics Mr. Thomas is identified with the Democratic party. He is also a member in good standing of the I. O. O. F. A lithographic view of Mr. Thomas' residence is shown on another page of this book. UGH W. WARNER, of the firm of Smith & Warner, Cooksville, is a native of Cham- paign County, Ohio, and the fifth child of Levi and Ann (Huffman) Warner, also na- tives of the Buckeye State, where they were mar- ried and lived until the spring of 1850. They then removed west to Illinois and located in Mar- tin Township, this county, where the father and mother died. Their eight children included three boys and five girls. Hugh W. was born Jan. 11, 1839, and pursued his early studies in the subscrip- tion schools of his native county until eleven years old, when his parents made the removal West. Mr. Warner remained an inmate of the parental home until he reached his m.ajority. In August, 18G2, after the outbreak of the late war. he enlist- ed as a LTnion soldier in the 94th Illinois Infantry, remaining in the service three j'cars, and receiving his honorable discharge at the close of the war. After leaving the army he returned to this county and eng.aged in farming pursuits until 1883. He then vvent into the lumber trade at Cooksville, in company with David Ilorney, with whom he oper- ^ ■ » 4 '■ T t -•► 588 McLEAN COUNTY. ated for two years following. The}' then sold out and Mr. Warner purchased a one-half interest in the mercantile business of William L. Smith, and the}' have operated since then under the style of the firm as above given. Thej- carry an ample stock of merchandise and enjoy a lucrative trade. Both members of the firm are wide-awake, enter- prising and courteous in their dealings with their patrons and friends, and occupy an important posi- tion among the business interests of the com- munity. Mr. Warner was married in Chicago, 111., Oct. 28, hs()7, to Miss Ann, the daughter of Harper and Margaret (Janes) Powell. Mrs. W. was born :n Ohio, Feb. 7, 1841, and I13' her union with our sub- ject became the mother of two children, Minnie M. and Alonzo. Mrs. Warner is a member in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Cooksville. Mr. Warner is Republican in politics and belongs to the Masonic fraternity, Lexington Lodge No. 482. -^t^ - m >^*«p^- ^?^KORt;K BUNNEY, a highly respected far- ll (=-) mer and a resident of Belletlower Township, ^^5) "'here he is actively and intelligently en- gaged in the prosecution of his chosen calling, is a native of Leicestershire, England, born Aug. 29, l>i20. His father, William Bunney, and his grand- father, George Bunney, Sr., were born on the same estate in Leicestershire. A\illi;im Bunney, while young, learned the trade of a shoemaker, which he followed in his native shire, and there spent his entire life. He was married to IMiss Elizabeth Gill, a native of the same county as himself and son, and she also spent her life there. The subject of this history was reared in Leices- tershire anil commenced to earn his own living at the earl}- age of ten years, in the meantime assisting his mother in the support of the younger children. The most of this time he was engaged in farming ])nrsuits, and after arriving at years of manhood was married, on the 21th of June, 1846, to lyiiss Sarah Tomblin. Mrs. B. was bora in Northamptonshire, England, June 2, 1826, being the daughter of James and Sarah (Eady) Tomblin. In ISfiO our suliject set sail with his family for the United States. They emliarked at Liverpool on the 20th of March, and after a voyage of al)Out six weeks, laniled in Philadelphia on the 14th of May following. A brother of Mr. B. had assisted him by paying his passage. From Philadelphia they proceeded directly to Madison County, Ind., where Mr. Bunney soon secured employment and as fast as he earned the money i)aid over all he could spare to liquidate his indebtedness, which took nearly four years. In 1854 he left Indiana and came to this State, via the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers to Alton, thence by rail to Bloomington. He was accomi)anied by his family and they first stopped at Esquire Wakefield's, in Randolph Grove. He was employed by Mr. W. the following year, and the family took up their residence in a log house which belonged to the latter, and he began to cultivate land on shares. Mrs. Bunney was very industrious and assisted her husband in the support of the family by sewing and washing. After working land on shares for two years, in the meantime having lived economically and saved what he could, Mr. Bunney was enabled to liiiy .-i team, and then began cultivating land which he rented from Mr. Wakefield. He operated thus for six years, then removed to Bloomington Town- ship and rented land two years longer. At the exj)iration of this time he purchased forty acres of railroad land, in what was then Mosquito Grove, but now Allin Township, and buying a frame building (the first engine house in Bloomington) removed it to his little farm and converted it into a dwelling. He occupied this with his family for sixteen years following, then removed to Belle- flower Township, and in 1880 pui'chased his pres- ent homestead, which, however, he did not take pos.session of until two years later. The farm of our subject contains IGO acres, all enclosed, in a good state of cultivation and sup- plied with a good set of buildings. Mr. Bunney has proven himself a, first-class farmer and citizen and is universally respected wherever known. The children of our subject and his wife are recorded .as follows: Sarah, the eldest, became the wife of i J.: U McLEAN COUNTY. 591 t^ Jonathan Tyas, and lives in Champaign Count}', 111. ; Mr. Tyas enlisted as a Union soldier early in the conflict between the North and>South, afterward veteranized and served niitil the close of the war; Elizabeth married Dr. Elijah Woolley, a practicing physician of Saybrook; George W. married Laura Cochran and lives in Belleflower Township, on a farm; James T. married JNIalissa Knox and they also live in Belleflower Township, on a farm ; John R. married Hester Jane Vreeland and lives in Belle- flower Township; Wakefield E. married Alice Lyons and lives in the same towiiship; Winlield L., a twin brother of Wakefield E., Mary C. and Emma are at home. The second child died while on the passage from England and received an ocean burial, and two died in infancy. Mr. and Blrs. Biinney have been connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church for many years, Mr. B. having assisted materially in the erection of the church at Stanford and being one of its first Trustees and Stewards. He was licensed by the Methodist Episcopal Conference to exhort and has preached in various places since that time, doing excellent service in the cause. Mr. B. is essentiallj' a self-made man and he most nobly gives his excel- lent wife due credit for the courage and faithful- ness with which she has performed her wifely and motherly duties. He claims that to this excellent lady a large share of his success in life is due, and as a neighbor and friend she is no less warmly held in respect and esteem by all who know her. Mr. Bunney, in August, 1845, enlisted in the (Queen's army, serving in the 73d Infantry until April following, when he was discharged on account of disability. A handsome lithographic portrait of Mr. Bunney is shown in this work. 'TpstsEV. WILLIAM G. ANDERSON, of Col- 'lljiiv fax, is one of the foremost citizens of this (M>% county. He was b- -<•► i .i* 502 McLEAN COUNTY. 1 from the fine and well-impruved farm on which he lives to-rlay, and which has been brought to its present high state of productiveness mainly through his own labor. Our subject has devoted consider- able of his time to the feeding and raising of stock, and some years has fed as high as 100 head of cat- tle and 200 head of hogs. His farm consists of 320 acres, 160 being located on section 3, ahd IGO ou section 2, and 170 acres of his land is inside the corporation of the thriving little village of Colfax. About fifty acres of this h.as been sold out in town lots. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have become the parents of five children, namely, William H., of Colfax; Francis M., now in Dakota; Mary, wife of B. F. Payne, of Dakota; Millard F., also of Dakota, and .James M. The latter was a soldier in the late war, and a member of the Sth Illinois Infantry. He served his country faithfully and well, and lost his life while fighting in her defense, being killed at the battle of Ft. Blakesley. Mr. Anderson has served as Supervisor of Martin Township, being the in- cumbent of that office for two years, 1 868-69. He was a candidate on the Prohibition ticket, at the election of 1886, for the Legislature, and wiiile he was defeated he received a handsonjc vote, and in his own township ran away aiiead of his ticket. He and his good wife are members of the Christian Church, and for twenty years our subject was en- gaged in preaching for that denomination. For five years he was a member of the State Missionary Board, of Illinois, and for one year acted as its Chairman. He acted as financial agent of Eureka College, of Woodford County, 111., from the years 1873 to 1877, and raised more money for the time he occupied the position than any one who has suc- ceeded him, having raised on an average of $1,000 per month while thus employed. Mr. Anderson is a self-made man in every sense of the word, and although his educational facilities in early years were exceedingly limited, he has improved each shining moment, and in addition to being a good Bible scholar, and posted upon the issues of Nation, State and count3', he is likewise one of the best farmer.s and one of the most honored and respected citizens of the county. A lithographic portrait of Mr. Anderson api>ears on another page of this work. -M» RIN WATERS, a resident of the Prairie State since 1844, and now engaged as book- keeper for Dr. C. Wakefield & Co., ranks among the substantial citizens, and h.as a thorough understanding of the duties of his position as an accountant, for which he has become well fitted by a good education and a large experience. The subject of this biography was born in Watertown, N. Y., Oct. 3, 1832, and is the son of AVilliam and Betsey (Wakefield) Waters, natives of the same place. William Waters was an official of his native county the greater part of his life, but in later years removed to Illinois, and purchasing a farm in De Witt County, devoted himself to agricultural pursuits and established a homestead which ho oc- cupied until ills death, July 4, 1848. The mother died at the same place two years later, in 18.50. Their four children were as follows: Henry, a resident of lola, Kan. ; Orin, of our sketch ; Dr. Zera, of Blooniington, and Susan, Mrs. Andrus, of Bloomington, wjiose husband is eng.aged in mer- cantile pursuits. The father of our subject was a stanch adherent of the Democratic i)arty, and be- longed to the Universalist Cliurch. He was gener- ous and warm-hearted in his disposition, upright and honorable in his business transactions, a liberal supporter of schools and churches, and greatly re- spected wherever he was known. Orin Waters was a bo3' of thirteen 3'ears when he came to Illinois with his parents. He received his education principally in the district schools un- til he was eighteen years of age, and then became a clerk in the store of Dr. C. Wakefield. In 1 849 he came to Bloomington in the capacit3' of a drug clerk for the same gentleman, and continued five years, after which he established in business for himself, being thus occupied for four years, after which he sold out and engaged with R. Thompson siali and Cyn- thia (Toleman) Richardson, natives respectively of Massachusetts and New Hampshire, and lier father was a farmer by occujiation. Jlr. and Mrs. ^Yaters are the parents of three children, as follows : Eranlc R. married Miss Mamie Heattjn, aiul the}' reside in Bloomington; Cynthia B. is the wife of Prof. George Hastings, of Santa Cruz, Cal. ; Delia is the wife of Harry N. Woods, engaged in tlie dry-goods trade at Bloomington, and tliey have one daughter, Lottie M. The residence of our subject is located on East Washington street, at No. 517, where he dispenses hospitality to numbers of friends by whom himself and excellent lady are held in high esteem. They are both members of the Unitarian Church. Mr. Waters is Republican in politics, and socially be- longs to the I. 0. O. F. (^S5^ AMUEL S. YODER. a native of Mifflin ^^^ County, Pa., now makes his home in Dan- '\{J_^ vers Township, McLean Co., 111., ))eing pleasantly and comfortably located on sec- tion 3U. He has been a resident of the Prairie State since 1851, and is a fine representative of the intelligent and progressive farmers (.)f the West. Mr. Yoder was born in 181G, liis parents being John and Susanna (Stutzman) Yoder, also natives of the Keystone State, the father born in 17.S5,and the mother in 1795. They were married in Mifflin County, Pa., in 1813, and remained upon a farm in tliat State until 1.S37. He then removed to Fairfield Count}-, Ohio, and there cultivated rented , land until 1852, when he removed further westward into Indiana. In this latter State he made his home with one of his sons, and there spent the remain- der of his days, dying in aliout 1874. Tlie mother died in Pennsylvania in 1 836. Two of their twelve children died in infancy: Catherine became the wife of Adam Greenawalt; Samuel, of our sketch, was the second child; Joel married Miss Lydia Yoder; Elizabeth Ijecame the wife of Sam- uel Zook; Joseph married Miss Lydia Kurtz; Gid- eon married Miss Elizabeth Hartze ; Lydia be- ■^m • came Mrs. Peter Stutzman ; John married Miss Catlierine Stahley; Adam married Miss Susan Kurtz; Susan became Mrs. David Kurtz. The parents were members of tlie Mennonite Church. John Yoder, politically, was an adherent of the old Wliig party, but afterward affiliated with the Republicans. Samuel S. Yoder was reared by his parents to farming pursuits, and received a good common- school education. After attaining his majority he was married to Miss Elizabeth Yoder, in 1838, in Ohio. He cultivated rented land until 1851, then removed to this State and county, purchasing forty acres in Danvers Township. In a short time he doubled his landed estate, but has now sold out and is living retired from tlie active Inisiness of life. The wife of our su+iject is the daughter of Jacob and Polly (Kinney) Yoder, both natives of Penn- sylvania.. They were married in about 180G, and removed from their native State the following year to Marion County, Ohio, where Mr. Yoder followed agricultural pursuits, and where both parents died some years ago. Of their children, tliree died in infancy. Those living are Nanej^, Jonatlian, Lydia, John, Elizabeth, Margaret and Priscilla. Of the marriage of Samuel S. and Mrs. Elizalieth Yoder there were liorn the following-named chil- dren : Jonathan married Miss Kittie Ballaman; Nancy became the wife of Ferdinand Holderly; Jacob married Miss Lydia King; John married Miss Rosa Zimmerman; Samuel P. first married Miss LTra Lantz, now deceased; his second wife was Miss Lucinda Walkce. Mr. Yoder is Republican in politics, and both he and his wife belong to the Mennonite Churcli. ^AMES H. SPRAGUE, proprietor of the "Sprague House," Bloomington, is also en- ^— . gaged in the cigar and tobacco trade on (^^ Main street, where the hotel is located and occupies No. 605. Mr. Sprague has been a resident of this section since 1857, and is as highly spoken of as he is widely known throughout both the city and township of Bloomington. His birth i I t ■► ■ <• 594 McLEAN COUNTY. It place was Marysville, Union Co., Ohio, and the date thereof Aug. 15, 1846. His father, Jackson G. Sprague, a native of Essex County, N. Y., was a cabinet-maker by trade. He migrated to Ohio when a young man, where he met and married Miss Sophronia Rose, a native of Buffalo, V. Y. After his marriage he located in IMarysville, Ohio, where he carried on an extensive furniture business until 1856, and served as Sheriff of Union County, Ohio, for a period of seven years. He then removed with his family to Lexington, 111. He was opposed to slavery and a strong friend of the Union and thus, when the Civil War broke out, his patriotism was moved to such an extent, that he, in 1862, al- though forty-seven years old, volunteered his serv- ices to the Union and was mustered into the field of action as a member of Co. O, 33d 111. Vol. Inf., and served two years and a half, and was then dis- charged on account of physical disability. The disease which he contracted while in the army still retains its hold upon him and there is no doubt but that he will suffer from it all the days of his life. In consequence of this he now draws a pension. After retiring from the army he resumed business a few 3'ears, but his health compelled him to retire from active laljor. He then returned to Blooming- ton, and with the help of good emitloyes, carried on an hotel successfully for several years. The faithful and affectiui'suits, and came with his family to Illinois in 1S")7. lie located in Danvers Township, this country, upon a. f.-UTU of 170 acres, which he had |iurchased, and which rc]iiaii\cd his home until his death in 1858. The mother sur- vived until 1871. Of their ten children, five only arc now living — Thomas Iv, W'illiMin S., .John N., David C. and Aleinda. The parents of Airs. Den- ning were members of t\w Presbyterian Church, of which her father was Deacon ;ind Clerk. Our subject and his wife became the parents of two children — Charles A. and Nellie M. Air. Den- ning is I{('i)ublican in politics, and, with his wife and son, a member of Grace Methoilist Church. He at one time o(Kni|)ied a position on the police force of the city, lb' has all his life been a man of industry and enterprise, and is a peaceful and law-abiding citizen, holding the resjiect (jf his ueighl)ors and the esteem of many friends. A lith- ographic view of Mr. Denniug's dairy is shown on another page of this work. ■t^ ^-if t^?S>-^ -t^ •««" -«- O. KUTLEDGE, one of the honored pio- neers of iNIcLean Count}-, and in former days one of its most useful and valued cit- izens, having now arrived at tiie advanced age of eighty years, is spending his declining days in com- fort and retirement at the home of his son-in-law, William W. Eldei', of Ileyworth. During these long years he has built up for himself a good rec- ^ r long ord, and has earned the good will of all with wliom he has come in contact. His familiar f► 4> '^ i -4»- McLEAN COUNTY. 599 purse, as the father had not left luiy pniperty, but with the courage of youth he liravely began the struggle of life and set about the establishment of a future home. He wa.s remarkably successful in his undertakings, but after a short time his labors were interrupted by a call for troops to defend the whites from the dangers which ensued on account of the Black Hawk AVar. Our suliject, in this as in all other respects, bravely armed himself for his duty, went into service and reniaiuod until the conflict was over, escaping nnhainied. He was, however, one of the very few of his company per- mitted to return to their home, the others being carried off either by disease or the missiles of the enemy. Mr. R. was in the fight at Dixon, 111., and his companj' was commanded by Capt. M. L. C'o- vell, of Bloomington, 111. On the 1st of January, 1829, Mr. Rutledge was married in Randolph Township, then in Tazewell Count}', III, to jMiss Cynthia Rutledge, a native of Henderson Count}", Kj'. She came to this State in 1812, when a ver}' small child, and was among the early settlers of Randolph Township. She depart- ed this life in this township in February, 1883, and her name is held in tender remembrance by her family and a large circle of friends. She was a de- voted member of the Presbyterian Church, and was possessed of all womanly virtues, being a ten- der and affectionate wife and mother, and at all times a faithful friend and helper of the attiicted and distressed. Mr. Rutledge has also been con- nected with the Presbyterian Church for many- years, and officiated as Elder for a long period. In politics, he has always been an uncompromising Democrat, and cast his first [^residential vote for Gen. Jackson. fLEXANDER J. YANCEY, formerly a prosperous farmer of this count}' but now engaged in the livery business at McLean, has been a resident of Illinois since 1872, He was born in Orange County, Va., Aug. 3, 184.5, being the son of Alexander and Elizabeth Jane (Lee) Yancey. The former was born in Madison County, Va., and the latter in (.)range County, where they settled after their marriage. The father of our subject was a farmer and slaveholder, and afterward became overseer of a i)lantation in the Old Dominion. He died in Orange County, Va., Aug. 7, 184.T,one day before the birth of his son, our subject. The latter was the third child of his l)arents, two others having died in infancy. He lived with his mother until he was ten years of age and was then inprentice to a blacksmith, with whom lie served four months. The shop was then closed and he was variously emplo^'ed until the summer of 1802. The war being then in progress he was conscripteil into the reliel army for detached duty, and after serving six mouths en- tered Co. C, Gth Va. Vol. Cav., which rendezvoused •at Camp Lee, IJiclunond. Young Yancey, with others, was obliged to furnish his own horse, to pay for which he borrowed .|,')0() of his uncle. The first horse was killed, and he purchased another. To add to his misfortunes he was wounded at the battle of Gaines" Mills, but after a time recovered sufficiently, and was assigned to light dut}', being placed in charge of the cattle of the commissary department. He was in the valley of Virginia upon the surrender of Lee and soon after returned to his old home. Our subject resumed his school studies for six months, and then commenced to learn the carjien- ter's trade. After serving two years he received journeyman's wages and began to save money. He purchased lots in Ilai'risonburg, upon which he built tenement houses and later became a contractor and builder, which business he followed until 1872. He then sold his interest in that section, and com- ing West to Illinois, purchased fifty-three acres of — m^ ; t ,t 600 McLEAN COUNTY. I- land in Mt. Hope Township, tliis county, and com- menced life as a farmer, eoutinuing in agricultural pursuits until 1S84. lie was prospered in his agri- cultural and business operations, and as time passed on added to his first purchase aud is now the owner of 1(53 acres, finely inii)r<)Ved and under a good state of cultivation, liesides this i)ropcrty he owns twenty lots in different places in the village of Mc- Lean. In 1884 he rented tlic farm, and coming to McLean engaged in liis present business. Mr. Yancey was married in 18(39, to Miss Susan C. Rodeffer, who was born in Shenandoah County, Va., being the daughter of William II. and Eliza- beth C. (Sterling) Roileffer. Of tliis union there have fieen born six children: Elizabeth C, Mag- gie -v., Arthur, wiio died in infancy, Cliarles II., Lulu J. and Hurt. Thomas Joiuison, ten years of age, is also an inmate of the iiousehold. Mr. and Mrs. Yancey are members in good standing of the Methodist Episcoi)al Church, and socially our sub- ject belongs to McLean Lodge No. 4U9, A. F. & A. M. !'<, IS 11. His parents were Clarence and Christina (Manges) Fealil, natives of the same country as their son. They departed this life in 18.59 and LSIJO, resi)ectively. When twenty-three years of age, Mr. Feahl turned his face toward the New World, sailing from Bremen in 18G4, and landing in New York City, wlicnce lie proceeded directly to Illinois and McLean Comity, locating at Dan vers. ( )ui- siibjci-t was married, .Ian. 28, 18G8, to Mrs. Barbara (Staker) Scliertz, who was born in Butler County, Ohio, Sejit. (!, 18;i4, of German ancestry and p:uentage. Her p.areiits were John and Bar- bara (Eiigle) Staker, natives of (iermany, who emi- grated to the linited States in ISiO.and located in I'.iiticr Comity, < )liio, where the father died in 18G2, and the mother, July 11, 188G. Their children were five in number, all daughters: Elizabeth mar- ried Jacob Ehresman ; liarbara of our sketch was the second; Annie is now Mrs. I'eter Smith; Mag- dalena, Mrs. Jacob Reidell, and Catherine, Jlrs. William Miller. Mr. Feahl learned the trade of plastering and bricklaying in his native country-, in which he be- came an .expert, aud followed his trade for some years there. He purchased, in 1878, eighty acres of ImikI, which constitutes his jjresent homestead. I'pon this lie has a handsome and substantial resi- dence, with a good barn and all necessary out- buildings. Ill addition to general agriculture he is engaged in the breeding of Norman horses, the name of his stallion being Robert Prince Imperial, who is six 3'ears old and weighs 1,850 |)onnds. This is a fine animal in all respects and a model of strength and beauty. He has also several fine broods of marcs, and his operations in this depart- ment of business yield liim a handsome income. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Feahl are two in number — Elizabeth B., Mrs. E. McReynolds, and Annie A., boi-n .March 21, 1874. Mrs. Fealil liy her first marriage became the mother of five children, as follows: .loliii E. married Miss Barbara Reser; Mary K. is single and resides with her parents; William H. married .Mary J. Small, and Joseph A. married Annie E. Nebli. Mrs. F. belongs to the Mennoiiite Church and our subject to the Lutheran. Mr. F. is Democratic in politics, and in all respects is a law-abiding aud wortliy citizen. -~v..-\«jiej2'©^^-^ >>«.@^,S/Z^ZRr>,.* -vv^^- \f OIIN SHAVER, of Blue Mound Township, is a native of the Prairie State, born in Ful- ton County, Aug. 12, 1850. His parents / were (ieorge and Margaret (Mcllhaney) Shaver, natives of Huntingdon County, Pa., where they were mrirried and settled for a time, but later emigrated to tliis State. Thej' made the journe}- overland with team, and took up their abode in Fulton County, where they passed the remainder of their lives. George Shaver was a farmer liy occu- jiation, and the parental household included nine children, four sons and five daughters, as follows: Henrietta, Winlield, Mary C, Permelia, Anna, John, Melville, Samuel, and Maggie; Henrietta, Winfield and Melville are deceased. The subject of our sketch was reared to farming *!■ t. -4^ -•► McLean county. 601 t pursuits and lived at home witli his parents until twenty-three years of age. In the spring of 1874 he started out for himself, and coming into this county rented a tract of land in Blue Mound Township, which he operated foi' about five j^ears. He was prospered in his farming and business tran- sactions and at the expiration of this time pur- chased eighty acres of land. This, however, he sold, and purchased eighty-three acres on section 4, which constitutes his present homstead. lie has a comfortable dwelling, a good barn and all other necessary outhouses, and is carrying on his peace- ful occupation with fair success. The marriage of Mr. Shaver occurred in Lexing- ton Township, this county, Nov. 28, 1878, the maiden of his choice being Miss Sarah, daughter of James and Luany (Evans) Woodard, natives of Indiana. They emigrated from Morgan County, that State, to McLean County, 111., in about 1862, settling in Lexington Townsiiip, where the}' still reside. Their five children, tliree sons and two daughters, are Anna, Sarah. I'ierce, Wesley and Alexander; I'ieret is deceased. Mrs. Shaver w.as the second in order of birth. She was born in iNIorgan Count}', Ind., Dec. 23, 18.t8, aTid remained witii her parents until her marriage. Slie is a member in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and our subject, politically, aHiliates with the Republican party. ylLLIAM WILSON, a highly esteemed farmer of Towanda Township, is the son of Smith and Latta (Corliett) Wilson, na- tives of Ireland and Virginia respectively. Smith Wilson emigrated to America when Ijut a boy, with his parents, who first settled in Pennsylvania, where the father engaged in farming pursuits, and where he died. Several years afterward his widow came to Bloomington to live with her children, her death taking place in that city in May, 1864. The parental household included four daughters and eight sons, of whom the subject of this history was the seventh child. He was born in Fayette County, Pa., May 1, 1822, received a common-school edu- cation, and when nineteen years of age, commenced 4 * to learn the trade of bricklaying, at which he served an apprenticeship of three years, and which he afterward f^j2j2£/©^^^ f^^'^i/dTTVy^ 'X^Xy^^ ATTIIIAS SUTTER, a representative Ger- man farmer of Bine Mound Township, has been a citizen of the United States since the spring of 18.54, emigrating here with his parents when he was thirty-three years of age. lie was born in (iermany, Sept. 7, 1821, where he was reared to farming pursuits. In accordance with the laws and customs of his native country he was placed in school at an early age, and received a thorough German education and afterward served in the army for a period of twelve years. After landing upon American shores he proceeded at once to Albany, N. Y., where he lived three months and then started for the West. Coming into Illinois he located in McLean County, and for five years fol- lowing was employed in the lumber yards of the C. & A. R. R. at Bloomington. He then took up his abode on a small farm adjoining the city limits, where he lived until the spring of 1868, then re- moved with his family to Blue Mound Townshij?, settling upon section 111, which has since been his home. He possesses the substantial and in- dustrious qualities of his nationality and has been t 604 McLEAN COUNTY. greatly prospered in his business and farming trans- actions, lie is now the owner of 312 acres of valuable land, with good stock and a substantial set of frame buildings. SMr. Sutter was married in Blooniington on the •2d of February, l.sr,0, to JNIiss Elizabeth Baldish- field, a native of (ierman}', born Sept. 10, 1833. Of this nnion there were eight children: Samuel, the eldest, married Miss Otillie Zable and resides in Blue Mound Township ;Joseph, Henry, Edward and William; and three — Louisa, Mary and Frank — de- ceased. Our sidiject and his wife are stanch ad- herents of the Catholic Church, and politically Mr. Sutter casts his vote with the Republican pai-ty. 7 AMES J. HASTINGS, who has been a resi- dent of the Prairie State since 1859, was i originally a plasterer by trade, but of late / j-ears has been engaged in farming pursuits. He is now the owner of 280 acres of valuable land in Dry Grove Township, where he has a fine resi- dence and all the appliances of a modern country estate. His land is under a high state of cultivation, and his thrift and prosperity are the result of his own enterprise and industry. He has lived tem- peratelj' and economically, has invested his profits wisely, and is in all respects one of the prosperous and representative citizens of the township. The homestead is located on section 12, and commands the attention of travelers through this locality as being the home of wealth and comfort. Mr. Hastings was born in Fayette County, Pa., on the 2.Tth of February, l.S2(). His parents were .John and Jane (Carroll) Hastings, both also natives of the Keystone State, and of American ancestry. John Hastings was born May 17, 1797, passed his entire life in Pennsylvania, and died upon his farm there on the 14th of December, 1832. He was a member of the old Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Jane C. Hastings was born Nov. G, 1796, and died in Pennsylvania Nov. 11), 18;")8. She was an earn- est CHiristian lady, a member of the same church as her husband, and the mother of five children, all of whiim were living in 18M6. The record of the parental family is as follows: William married Miss h Sarah Cooper of Guernsey County, Ohio, and they •are living in Vinton County, that State; Mary A. was Krst married to Moses Hayes, who is now de- ceased ; her sec(jnd husband was Alex Dougherty, and they live in Illinois. .Tames .1. of our sketch was the third child of the family; Thomas C. mar- ried Miss Kach.'iel Hayes, and they are living in McLean (bounty. 111.; Jane became the wife of James H. Beeks, and they reside in this State. The marriage of James J. Hastings and Miss Ella J^enhart was celebrated on the 25th of January, 1854. Mrs. Hastings was born in Somerset County, Pa., March 14, 1837, and is the daughter of George and Mary (Garey) Lenhart, natives of Louisiana and Pennsylvania. Both are now deceased. Of their children the record is as follows: Catharine became the wife of Josiah Wymer, and is now de- ceased; Benjamin married Miss Ella Fleck; Joseph and Angeline died in infancy ; Monroe married Miss Rosa CVjleman; Hannah, Mrs. B. Waltor, re- sides in Pennsylvania; Eucebie married Mr. C. Shumaker; A'ictoria married Miss T. Searberg; Mary and Ella were next in order of birth; Eliza- l)cth, deceased, was the wife of "William Goslin; George was the youngest of the familj'. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Hastings there were born ten children, all but one living, and the record is as follows: Alice J. was born Oct. 25, 1855; Mary F., Feb. 2, 1857; John B. was born Feb. 12, 1859, and married Miss Ida Smith; they are living in this county; William C. was born Oct. 5, 1860; Thomas J., born Aug. 2, 1.S62, died July 1, l.ssi ; Charles G. was born Aug. 25, 18G4; Bertie E., Aug. 2, 1868; Mark L., April 7, 1870; Stella C, June 30, 1872; James J., Feb. 23. 1875. Mr. Hastings came to this county in 1859, after working at his trade of plasterer in Peinisjdvania for about eighteen 3'ears. He followed the same business in connection with farming for some time after coming here, and previously purchased eighty acres of land in Dry Grove Township. He then entered upon its improvement and cultivation, and subsequently added to his acreage as stated above. W'hile not connected with any church or- ganization he is a believer in the Scriptures, .and en- deavors to follow the teachings of the Master and do unto others as he wishes them to do unto him. i •>-i^ McLEAN COUNTY. A- 607 Politically he is a Democrat. He has always taken an active interest in the prcxsperity of his township, and has contributed liberally to the erection of churches and the establishment of schools. Although not receiving a collegiate education he is a gentle- man of fine attainments, having been an extensive reader and keeping himself well posted upon mat- ters of general interest. -f^^J- -*^^ JEROME T. KEPNEK, one of the represent- ative citizens of McLean County and a successful farmer and stock-raiser, residing on section 11, Dry Grove Township, was born in Juniata County, Pa., Feb. 20, 1830. He is the son of Samuel and llattie (Walker) Kepner, natives of Pennsylvania, the former of German parentage and she of German descent. The father was born in 1803, and is yet living, having attained the venerable age of eighty-four years. He is liv- ing on the farm in Pennsylvania on which he has labored for the last fifty 3'ears. The place consists of 200 acres and is located a mile and a half from the Juniata River. The mother of our subject was born ill 1805, and died in September, 1883, in Penn- sylvania. The father is a member of the Lutheran Church, and in politics is a Democrat. He became the head of a family of nine children. Those now living are, Jerome, the subject of this notice ; Cal- vin; Samuel; Mary J., who is the wife of Samuel Ritzman; William W. was united in marriage with Miss Hittle, and Matilda, now Mrs. Benjamin Groni- ger. The subject of this notice is the eldest of his father's children and was reared to farm labor, re- ceiving his education in the district school, and con- tinued to reside with tlie old folk until the age of manhood. On becoming his own man he came West in 18.54, and located in Peoria Count}', wliere he purchased eighty acres of improved laiul. On this place he located with his wife and two children, and at once engaged in its improvement. A year and a half passed bj' when death took his loved companion from him, her demise being caused by I consumption. Our subject then took his two cliil- ^ ' dren and returned to the place of his nativity. reaching there in 185fi. Remaining with friends until the following spring, he returned to Peoria Count}'' and was there a resident for about tluee years. He then went back East and was married to Mrs. Rice Stephens, the date of the ceremony being Aug. 11, 18(!4. She was born June 24, 1838, in Juniata County, Pa., and was a daughter of Samuel and Sarah (Kopner) Rice, of German parentage. Mr. Rice was a dry-goods and grocery merchant at Port Royal, Juniata Co., Pa. He was born in 1803, and departed this life in January, 1859. His good wife was born in 1814, and died in August, 1854. They had ten children, the first of whom died in infancy; Matilda C, Martha J. ; Sarah E., wife of our subject, John H., Mary M., Margaret E., W infield S., Zaehariah E. and Fran- ces A. The subject of tiiis notice moved to Livingston County, 111., in ISGD, and was there engaged in farming for fourteen years. He then came to this county and purcliased 15(J acres of valuable and productive land, tlie same being that on whicli he is at present residing. He is also engaged in the breeding and raising of fine draft horses and is meeting with signal success in both branches of his vocation. He has held the various offices of his township while a resident of this county and while living in Livingston County was Commissioner of Highways for ten years. He is at present one of the Board of School Trustees of this township. In j)olitics he is Republican, and his good wife and five daughters are members of the Methodist P^piscopal Church. A portrait of Mr. Kepner is presented on another page of this work. ^5ilDE0N D. CRUMBAUGH, Police Magis- jll (=-, trate of LeRoy, was born in Frederick ^^^ County, Md., Feb. 12, LSOG. His father, Simon Crumljaugh, was a native of the same county, and his grandfatlier, Conrad Crumbaugh, a native of Germany. The latter emigrated to the United States when a young man and located in Frederick County, Md., being among its earliest settlers, and there spent the remainder of his days. His family included eleven children, of wliom the father of T •^*- t 608 4 McLean county. 'I our subject was tbe fourth son. Simon Crumbaugh was reared to niauhood on the farnv and with the exception of a short time spent in learning the pot- ter's trade, was occupied in agricultural pursuits during his entire life in his native State. His farm was about ten miles northeast of Frederick City, being the old liumestead where himself and all his brothers and sisters w<'re born. He was married to Miss Pha'be Dovilbiss, wlio was also a native of Frederick County, and died at the home of her husband near Woodsbury. Simon Crumbaugh died in November, 1843. They had but two children, John and Gideon L). The former spent his entire life in Frederick County. Gideon D. Crumbaugh was reared to farming pursuits, and lived with his parents until 1826. He then wont to Frederick City and engaged as clerk in a dry -goods store, and afterward followed the same in Daj'ton, Ohio, for twenty months, then re- turned to Maryland and worked on the farm which he had inherited from his father until 1854. Again he left Marj'land, this time coming to Le Roj' and engaged in clerking for three years. He was then elected Police Magistrate and has continued in the otfice since tiiat time, a period of twent^'-nine years. In 18G1 he was api)ointed Postmaster, holding the office until 1SG6. He was re-appointed in 1869, and continued until 1877. Since that time he has conlined himself to his duties as Police Magistrate and Collector. Mr. C. has [1887] just been elected to the office of Police Magistrate for four years longer. Gideon D. Crumbaugh was married at Dayton, Ohio, in 1821), to Miss Kli/.abeth Reid, who was a native of tliat city. Of tlii.s union there were born nine ciiildren, of wlioni tlie record is as follows: Simeon, a teaelier in tlie city schools at Toledo, Ohio, died there in 1884; (4eorge is a farmer of Fredeiick County, Md.; Mary J. died in Paris, Edgar Co., 111.; Kate became the wife of S. L. Bisliop, and lives in iMnpire Township; Margaret, who married Capt. .hunes Cannaday, lives in Martin Township; Laura died in Le Roy in 1863; Charles enlisted in Co. C, ;).'id III. \'ol. Inf., and died while a soldier in the Union army; Fannie married W. H. iJartlett, of Indianajjolis, Lid. ; Emma became the wife of Dr. I'arks and died at Little Rock, Ark.; Scott died in Le Roy in 1883. Mrs. Eliza- beth Crumbaugh departed this life in 1877, and Mr. C. was married in 1879, to Mrs. Permelia Wiley. The family residence is pleasantly located and our subject and children enjoy in a marked de- gree the highest respect of their neiglibors and friends. Mrs. Permelia (Wiley) Crumbaugh de- parted this life on the 17th of April, 18is7, aged seventy-four years. A fine likeness of Mr. Crumbaugh may be found on another i>age of this work. YTLE R. WILEY most emphatically lives 5) on the line which divides Martin and Lawn- dale Townships, said line running through his kitchen, but for certain reasons he prefers to be called a resident of Martin. Of this he has been one of its most useful and valued citizens and has contributed a generous share toward its develop- ment. iSIr. Wiley was born in Garrett, Meade Co., Ky., Nov. 7, 1815. When but six mouths old his parents rennjved to another part of the State, and two years and a half later to Switzerland County, Ind., where our subject lived until 1835. In the fall of that year he came into McLean County, 111., with his father, and lived with him in what is now Martin Town^liip for aijout two 3'ears, having in the meantinu' iiurohased 160 acres of land located partly in I.awndaleand partlj- in Jlartin Township. To this Mr. Wiley subsequently added from time to time until lie is now the owner of 1,050 acres of land, 100 of wliiaii is in timber. He has been in- dustrious, economical and wise in his disbursement of funds, and is now reckoned among the thorough- going and [irosperous business men of this section. Mr. \\'iley was married in Switzerland County, Ind., June 13, 1843, to Miss Sarah R. Wiley, a distant relative, who was born in Switzerland County, lud., Dec. 12, 1825. Of this union there were born eight children, of whom the eldest. Thomas R., married Miss Mattie Reeves, and is a successful physician of Gibson City; Rhoda M. and > John are at home ; Hannah E. and William S. are deceased; Sarah L. became the wife of Henry C. I Henline, and resides in Lawndale Township; Lytle i' ■*-* * u MoLEAN COUNT If. a 609 R., Jr., married Miss Mary M. Harpole, and is a resident of Martin Township; Mary C, Mrs. Will- iam Hudson, resides in Lawndale Township. The faithful and affectionate wife and mother departed this life Sept. 25, 1881, having been a lady greatly respected by a wide circle of friends and acquaint- ances. She was .a prominent member of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church. Mr. Wiley might properly be termed an Independent Greenbacker politically, and in the casting of his vote endeavors to support those men whom he deems best fitted for office. He is a man whose opinion and judgment are highly respected, and has held various minor offices in his townsliip. UDGE THOMAS F. TIPTON, a prominent attorney of Bloomington, was born near Ilarrisburg, Franklin Co., Ohio, Aug. 29, 1833. His father, Hiram Tipton, came to this State and county in the fall of 1844, and died March 20 of the following year. The latter was a native of the same county as his son, and occupied himself in farming pursuits in Ohio during the earlier years of his life. There also he was married to INIiss De- borah, the daughter of Albert Ogden, Esq., of Fay- ette County, who was born the same year as her husband. After marriage they located in Franklin County, whence they removed to Pickaway County', where they lived until they started for the West. After reaching this county they settled upon a tract of land northeast of Bloomington, where the family resided for several years after the death of the father, and where our subject grew to manhood. The mother afterward married Henry Stumpff. Thomas F. Tipton started out early in life on his own account, his first step being to still further per- fect his studies by attendance at school in Lexing- ton, under the instruction of Col. W. N. Coler. He then commenced teaching and also studying law, and after a time thus occupied entered upon the study of law in the office of H. N. Keightley, of Knoxville, and was admitted to practice in his twentj'-first year, in .June, 1854. He opened an office at Lexington, where he lived and pr.acticed for seven years following, and tlien, in January, 1862, came to Bloomington and associated himself in partnership with Judge R. M. Benjamin. They operated together until 1870, in the meantime hav- ing taken in Judge Weldon. In 1870 Mr. Tipton was elected Circuit Judge, the circuit being com- posed of the counties of INIcLean, Logan and De Witt. Three years later the district was changed so that McLean and Ford Counties constituted the circuit, and he was re-elected in the new circuit. Judge Tipton continued to occupy this position until the 1st of March, 1877, when he resigned, having in the meantime been elected member of the Forty-fifth Congress, serving two years. Our subject was married in this county in 1856, to Miss Marj' J. Strayer, who was born and reared in Logan County, Ohio, being the daughter of Nicholas Strayer. Of this union there were born seven children, five now living — Harry V., Belle E., Helen F., Laura B. and Thomas W. In early life Judge Tipton was what was known as a Douglas Democrat, but on the breaking out of the war be- came a stanch Republican, and has always been prominent in the councils of his partj' in this State. .-v- #>•# ETER D. SPRINGER, is a native of the Province of Alsace Lorraine, and emigra- ted from his native country with his par- ents when a child of four years old, and became a resident of the Prairie State in 1854. He was l)orn Sept. 5, 1826, being the son of Christian and Magdalena (Engle) Springer, a sketch of whom will be found in the biography of Andrew J. Springer in another part of this work. The subject of this history remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority, m the meantime receiving a fair education in the common schools, and being trained to habits of in- dustry and economy. Nov. 13, 1856, our sub- ject was united in marriage with Miss Elisa Brenaman, in Tazewell County, 111. The young couple soon afterward removed to the farm of Mr. S., which he had purchased before his marriage, and upon which they still reside, and which con- sists of 390 acres of valuable land. Our subject erected a fine dwelling, two stories in height, and 1 ' t t i L '^ 610 4 McLEAiSr COUNTY. coveriiiij .in .ilea of 20x34 feet, with .111 L 18x16. His l).irii,s .111(1 (uit-biiildings correspond with the resifleiK'C, and the whole premises indicate the su- pervision of a thoroiigii-going and progressive farmer. Mr. Springer ni.ilves a specialty of raising Poland-China hogs, of wliich he has one of the finest herds in Allin Township. He has been prominently identified with the .affairs of this section since com- iiie: here, and taices agt'iuiine interest in the welfare of his adopted country. He has been Justice of the Peace, Commissioner of Highw.ays, Town Clerk, School Trustee, School Director, and in each posi- tion has acquitted himself with great credit. So- cially he belongs to the Masonic fraternity, in which he h.is been Senior Warden and Tre.isurer for a number of j'ears. Mrs. Springer is the daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (lutze) Breuaman, who were natives of Germ.my, and spent their entire lives in their na- tive country. Their thirteen children were named as follows : Jacob, JMaiy, Elisa, Jo.seph, Allen, Anna, "William, Eunice, Edw.ird, Phebe and Ciiristian. Two died in infancj' unnamed. Both parents were members of the Mennonite Church. The six children of Mr. and Mrs. Springer were Amelia P., who died Oct. 17, 18,">7; Mary E. ; Ed- ward D., who died March 12, 1872; Emma A.; George B., who died iNIaj' 5, 1867, and William H. In politics Mr. .S. affiliates with the Democrats. 4 LEXANDER BRYANT, a pmspcrous far- i/u\ \ mer and stockholder in the t'lial mines of Bluomington Township, is pleasantl_y loca- ted on section (i, where he owns 170 acres of valuable land, mostly' under a good state of cul- tivation. Mr. Bryant has been a resident of the above-named township since 186.0. He formerly lived in the city of Bloomington, vvhere he was connected with the C. A- A. H. R. foi- fourteen years as conductor. The subject of this history was born in Lenawee County, Mich., Sept. 6, 1«I2. His fallier, John Bryant, was a native of Kngiaiid, an4, when our subject was a Lad of twelve years. The mother, .Margaret (Watson) 4' Brj'aut, is still living on thp old homestead in the above-named count}'. This is comprised of 180 .acres, which her husband entered from theGoveru- ment more than fifty j'ears ago. She is now well advanced in life, being in the eighty-second year of her age. The parents were married in Genesee Count}', N. Y., and their family included nine children, eight sons and one daughter, all living and married, with f.imilies of their own. Alexan- der was the fifth son and sixth child, and remained at home after the death of his father until he was twentj'-one jears old. Later he began work as a farm laborer, and in August, 1865, started west and lauded in the Prairie State. He soon after- ward engaged as a brakeman for the C. & A. R. R. and was thus employed jnst two years to a day. He was then promoted to conductor, which jiosi- tion he occupied, as before st.ited, for fourteen 3'e.irs. He took possession of his present home- stead soon afterward, and five years later erected one of the best farm residences in the township. He has a fine barn and all necessary out-buildings and appliances required by a first-class agricultur- ist. Everything about the premises denotes the exercise of cultivated t.istes and ample means. Mr. Bryant w.is married in Bloomington, April 27, 1868, to Miss Bessie Holmes, who was born in the Province of Ontario on the Island of Knox, Feb. 21, 1844. She was the daughter of John and Susan (Dunn) Holmes, both natives of Cork, Ire- land, where they were reared and married, and soon afterward emigrated to Can.ida. The father was a private in the British army, and they became the |)arents of seven sons and seven daughters. They afterward removed to Macon County, 111., where the mother died in November, 18G1, in her fiftieth year. The father is now living in Dale Township, this county, .iged eighty. Mrs. Bryant was educa- ted in C.inada, and came with her parents to Illi- nois in 1861. After the death of the mother, the family rcmovc^d to the city of Bloomington, in 1866. Mr. and ^Irs. Bryant have become the |)arents of nine children, all living except one, Howard C, who died Feb. i."), 1887; the others arc Warren S., M.iry Ileli'ii, Harry L., William A., Joseph B., Ralph 10., Charles and Be.ssie L. Mrs. B. and all -•►■-^ i t ■<^ .t McLEAN COUNTY. 611 a her children are members of the Episcopal Church. Mr. B. is Assistant Supervisor of Bloomington Township; he belongs to the Masonic fraternity, and in politics is a solid Republican. A view of the beautiful residence and surroundings of Mr. Bryant is presented on another page of this work. 4 "jfJONAS B. MAURICE, an enterprising young farmer and stock-breeder of Arrowsmith Tt)wnship, is the possessor of eighty acres of thoroughly cultivated land, where he makes a specialty of Poland-China swine, and in this branch of agriculture has been remarkablj' success- ful. He came with his father to Illinois in 1856, and the latter purchased 120 acres of lanil in Peoria County, where he followed farming and teaching alternately, having received a fine education in his youth. Our subject was born in Cumberland County, Pa., and is the son of T. W. and Maria (Barr) Maurice, both natives of the Keystone State, the father born in October, 1827, and the mother in November following. After living in Peoria County, III, for a number of years, the father of our subject traded his land there for property in McLean County, of which he is now a prominent resident. He has a fine homestead, including 240 acres of land, with a good set of farm buildings, and in other respects is surrounded by the ciun forts of life. He is prominent in his community, highly respected, and one of the leading members of the Masonic fraternity, having been Master of the Lodge at Arrowsmith for some years. The unither died in iNIay, 1864. Their five children were Jlar- garet J.; Jonas B., our subject; Henry B. ; Maria B., Mrs. W. H. Thompson; Mary, Mrs. Allen J. Major. Mr. Maurice was reared to habits of industry, and has never been afraid to put his shoulder to the wheel. He labored on his father's farm until he reached manhood, and in September, 1879, was united in marriage with Miss Katie X. Kerr, who was born in Virginia, .Sept. 17, 1857. She removed with her parents to Independence, Mo., where her marriage to our subject took place. She is the daughter of Andrew and Sarah Jane (Bumgardner) -do Kerr, also natives of the Old Dominion, the father born Aug. 23, 1826, and the mother, March 14, 1 856. Of their four children the record is as fol- lows: Florence M., born May 19, 1852, became the wife of William Sullinger, of Missouri; James P. was born Feb. 14, 1855; Katie V., Mrs. M., is the third child ; Parthenia R., who was born July 27, 1861, died Nov. 8, 1883. The father of these children died in Missouri, Aug. 28, 1862. His widow afterward married William Crute, Nov. 24, 1864. Mr. C. was of English birth and parentage. Of this marriage there were born three children — Sarah J., Oct. 27, 186.S; Willi.am J., July 20, 1870, and Mary A., Dec. 1, 1873. Mr. Crute departed this life Feb. 28, 1879. Our subject and his wife became the parents of three children: T. Wilson, born Dec. 21, 1880; Sarah E., Dec. 4, 1882, and Avis L., Feb. 6, 1886. Through his own efforts Mr. M. obtained a fair ed- ucation, and he takes an active interest in the wel- fare and progress of his township. He possesses a good fund of information, and in politics casts his vote with the Republican party. ,|AGDALENA M. STUCKEY, widow of l\\ Christian Stucke}', is living on a fine farm li on section 5, Danvers Township, where she is surrounded by all the comforts of life, and enjoying the respect of a large circle of friends. Mrs. S. was born in Baden, Germany, Sept. 18, 1827, lieing the daughter of Michael and Jlagda- lena (King) Miller. Her father was bo:n in 1795, and her mother in 1800, in Germany, and they were married in 1825. Nine years later they emi- srated to America, landing in New Orleans. Thence they went into Butlei' County, Ohio, where Michael Miller prosecuted farming on rented land until 1851. He then came to Illinois, and pur- chased eighty acres of land in Dry Grove Town- ship, this county. To this he soon afterwaril added 120 acres, and this, with its improvements, consti- tuted a permanent and comfortable homestead, where he spent the remainder of his days, his death occurring in 1873. The mother died in the fall of 1882. Their nine children were Christian, Magda- i 1, 612 McLEAN COUNTY. ■► ■, ■» lena, Jacob, Michael. John, Fannie, Catherine, Eliz- abeth and Joseph. Fannie, Elizabeth and Kate are deceased. The parents were members of the Ornish Mennonite Church, in which the father labored as a minister for a period of twent}' years. Mrs. Stuckey was reared by her parents, and was united in marriage with Christian Stuckey, Oct. 27, 18o0, in Butler County, Ohio. Mr. S. was a farmer by occupation, and directly after marriage they came to this county and located on rented land near Danvers. After a few years Mr. .S. en- tered forty acres, and provided a house into which he moved his family. He was prospered in his farming and business transactions, and in time added to his first purchase, so that at the time of his death he left his family with a fine estate of 179 acres, under a good state of cultivation and supplied with modern improvements. His death oc- curred in Eureka Springs, Ark., whither he had gone for his health, and his remains were laid to rest in Park Lane Cemetery in Danvers. The funeral services were conducted by tiie Rev. Jona- than Schmoker, of Indiana, and Rev. Sears, of Danvers. Mr. Stuckey was a kind and indulgent father and husband. His family were greatly attached to him, and his death was to them an ir- reparable loss. When he started for Eureka Springs it was the hope of himself and his friends that the change would be beneficial. He remained about three months, but during the last week, how- ever, he began to fail and his wife was sent for. He died a few days after her arrival, and a devoted wife and five children are left to mourn their loss. The latter were Joseph, Catherine, Marj^ Daniel, .Samuel and Josei)hino. Joseph died when about three years of age. .Mr. Stuckey was a stanch Re- publican in politics, and a member of the Omi.sh Mennonite Church. \Vhen Mr. and Mrs. Stucke}- t(jok possession of the present homestead it was in a wild and unim- proved condition, and its cultivation involved much labor and perseverance. The residence is a tasteful and substantial structure, and there is a good barn with all ncccssarx' out-buildings. Mrs. S. has proved an excellent manager, and is carrying on the farm after the metiiods adopted and estab- lished b}' her husband. Her two sons, Daniel and i^ ■♦- Samuel, are still at home w-ith their mother; the former was married, Sept. 30, 1884, to Miss Ella Pancake, of Danvers Township, and they have one son eighteen months old. Her daughter, INfary, be- came the wife of J((hn Sehertz, and lives in this county; she has four children, two sons and two daughters. 7AC()i; 11. ZOOK, a worthy farmer of Dry I Grove Township, owns and occupies a com- fortable home on section 28. He was born in Milllin County, Pa., Oct. 22, 1831. His parents on liotli sides and his grandparents, to- gether with his great-grandparents, were all born in the same county and State. His great-grand- father on his mother's side was an old Indian fighter 1)3' the name of Hostetter. The father of our subject was Yost Zook, and his mother, beft)re her marriage, was Susan Hostetter. The former was burn Aug. 21, 1803, and the latter in De- cember, ISO."). Mv. Yost Zook is now over eighty-four years old and his wife eightj'-one. They were married at Lewistown, Pa., Nov. 14, 1827, by Rev. Christian Zook, and lived there until 18,50, when they came to Illinois, and have since resided iu Dry drove Township. The parental familj' consisted of five children, all living save one, and all in Illinois except John, who removed to Columbus. Kan., in 1885. Mrs. King, the only daughter, lives in North Dry Grove, and is the owner of two fine eighty-acre farms. Adam Zook, the eldest son, is the possessor of a comfort.able fortune, and lives in Dry Grove Town- ship. Mr. and Mrs. Yost Zook have twenty grand- children and three great-grandchildren. Thej' have a fine home, and in their declining years are living in the enjoyment of the friendship and association of those who have known them for over thirty years. Jacob II. Zook remained under the parental roof until he had attained to years of manhood, engaged in farming pursuits. On the 21st of December, 1862, he was married to Miss LydiaLantz, who was born in Wayne County, Ohio, March 28, 1843. Her parents were Jon.ithan and Nancy (Yoder) 1 1' t. •^-m-4* u McLEAN COUNTY." 613 Lantz, natives of Mifflin County, Pa. Tiiey came to Illinois in 1851, and located in Wiiite Oak Township. The father died in Dan vers, Jnly 31, 1885; the mother departed this life at the home of her husband in White Oak Township, in 1853. The3f had become the parents of eight children, four sons and four daughters: The eldest died un- named; Ben is also deceased; Jonathan was the third; Jacob lives in Nebraska; Gideon became a resident of Oregon in 187, IS71, and died Feb. 9, 1872. The homestead of our suljjeet and his family, besides the valuable land already spoken of, includes a fine residence, a good harn and all necessary out- buildings, and in all its appointments indicates the supervision of an enterprising and intelligent busi- ness man and farmer. i\Ir. Owen is Democratic in politics, and lias served nine years as constable in his township, and three years as Commissioner of Highways. ^@: < V (_^ IRAM C. PUIIDY, engaged in general mer- chandising at Weston, is contributing his full quota to the busine.ss interests of the town, and is a most valued and enterprising- citizen. He is a native"of the Empire State, born in Clinton Count}', Feb. 8, 18"2'1:, his parents being Stephen and Mary (Chase) I'lirdy, natives of New York, born near Plattsburg. In about 1829 the family, with the exception of the father, who died in Clinton County, N. Y., removed to Cattaraugus County, and about three years later to Brown County, Ohio. The mother, .after the death of her husband, was married to Amos Church, who re- moved with the f.amily to Ohio. They came to Illinois in 1844, where the mother and stepfather passed the remainder of their lives. The children of Stephen and IMary C. I'urdy were, Henry, who resides in Brooke County, Kan., and Hiram C, of our sketch. By her second marriage the mother of our subject had five children, of whom only one is now living, Saniautha, the wife of R. K. Gaskell, of Topeka, Kan. The subject of this skctcii was educated in the district schools, wiiich were carried on in a manner widely different from those of the present da}'. He accompanied the family to Illinois, in 1844, and soon afterward entered the employ of the Sweet & Fogg Plow Manufactory, where he learned the lilacksmith trade, aniain hnyers, of Chenoa, where he received his first lessons in liie business in which he is now engaged. He soon iiftcrward purchased the inter- est of the C'luuchills in tlu' business, and forming a partnership witii .1. W. IJcchtel, ojicrated with him under tlie tirni name of Heciitcl A- Wiley, until the present time. In addition U< iiis grain dealings, Mr. Wile}' is operating as a hardware merchant, earr^'ing a fine stoclv of stoves, tinware, and every- thing pertaining to th;it lirancli of traile. This he established in IHSl. Mr. Bechtel is at present also a partner in this business. The marriage of our sul)ject witli Miss Hattie Dennis, of Chats worth, 111., took place at the home of tlio bride's parents in August, 1881. Mrs. Wiley is the dangiiter of William K. and Maggie F. Den- nis, and I\y her union with our subject has become the mother of tw<> children, a son and daughter — Charle^ E. and ]Maggie. Mr. Wiley, socially, is connected with the I. O. (). F.. Martin Lodge No. 71.5. He is a member of the Board of Trustees of Colfax, is connected with the .Sciiool Board and is Treasurer of the Colfax Coal Mining Company. €-^g VILLI AM II. II. ROSS, a highly esteemed resident of Mt. IIo])0 Township, is a native of McLean County, Til., and was born on the .-SOth of May, 1840. His father, .lohu W. Ross, was a pioneer settler of this section and a native of Indiana, and his grandfather, .lacob Ross of Penn- sylvania, emigrated from his native State to In- diana, where he lived a few years, and thence re- moved to Madison County, 111., where he opened up a farm. He was one of the pioneer settlers of that county, and established a honieste.ad there, upon which he remained until the close of his life. .lohn W. Ross, the father of our subject, was a youth of seventeen years when his parents came to the State of Illinois. He remained with them two years and then, at the .age of nineteen years, started out to seek his fortune and make his own way. He first came into McLean County, and in hie time was united in marriage with Miss Nancy r Funk, the daughter of John Funk. He purchased land in Dale Township, upon which he located, and industriously cultivated the soil until he retired from the active Labors of life, folding his hands for his final rest in the j'ear 18.5.3. His wife survived him eleven ye.ars, and departed this life on the home farm in 18(;4. Of their union there had been born seven children, of whom the record is as fol- lows: jMargaret became the wife of Thom.as Bra- zill, and lives in Oregon; .Tames was the next in order of birth; Mary was united in marri.age with Thomas Nicol, and lives in AUin Township; W. H. IL, the subject of <:iur sketch, was the next son; Francis M. is a resident of Arrowsmith Town- ship; Ellen liecame the wife of S. (,). Bark, and lives in Dale Township; John W. makes his home in Mt. Hope Township. The subject of our sketch was the foiu-th child of his parents' family, and was but fourteen ^ears of age when deprived vf the care and protection of his father. He remained at home with his mother and .assisted in the duties around the farm for the following seven years, .and then, at the .age of twenty, rented a tract of lauil and began farming on his own account. He w.as engaged in agricult- ural pursuits thereafter until 1882, when he pur- chased the farm which he no\\- owns and occupies, and which is pleasantly located on section 1. It comprises KSO acres, under good cultivation, and is supplied with a good set of farm buildings. Be- fore making this purch.ase he had rented land from Mr. Ceorge l<^unk, a cousin of his mother, who was an extensive proprietor and engaged largely in the breeding of fine stock. This gentleman took a kindl^y interest in 3'oung Ross, and acted as his friend and counselor for many years. Mr. Ross is still associated with Mr. F. in the raising and feed- ing of farm animals, and to the wise counsel and excellent judgment of this stanch friend and ad- viser, is largely due his success in life and his pres- ent position in the community'. William II. II. Ross was united in marriage with Miss T^imley Price, on the 1 .'Uh of February, 18G(). Mrs. Ross is a native of Virginia, and the daughter of William and Mary (Decker) Price. They re- moved from ^Mrginia to Illinois in 1847, settling in McLean County, and spent their last days in Mt. ■^^rf-^ t^ ■<^ McLEAN COUNTY. 619 Hope Township, where they had estab'islied a home soon after coming to this^State. Of the union of i\Ir. and Mrs. Ross have been born four children, viz. : Belle is the wife of Will- iam Richardson, who lives in Ellsworth, this connty; Charles lives in Funk's Grove Townshi].); Katie, the wife of George Halane, lives in Allin Township, and Liila M,ay is at home with her par- ents. ]Mr. Ross is Republican in politics, and is held in the highest esteem by the coninuuiity in which he resides. If^M ERLE H. RAYBURN, a farmer on section Sf), Monej' Creek Township, is a son of I David C. and Nancy (Fulton) Ray burn, the former a native of Ross County, Ohio, and the latter of Madison County, that fState. They located after their marriage in Madison Count}', Ohio, and there lived until the fall of 18.51, he en- gaged up to that time in f.arming. He then came to Bloomington, III., with his wife and four children, and made that his home during the following win- ter and then moved to Money Creek Township and located on section 3u. Remaining there until the f.all of 1880, he removed to the vilKage of Towanda. His good wife died in Money Creek Township Nov. 21, 1873, ,aud he was again married, Miss Rachel S. Bowman being the other contracting party. David C. Raybnrn became the father of nine chil- dren, namely, Merle H., Quesnel, Chalmers, Cranmer G., Pascal, Duff, Zuingle and Melancthon L., and one who died in infancy. Quesnel died in Novem- ber, 187G, of consumption; Chalmers is married to Miss Isabell Hulton of Normal, this C(»unt3', and they !ire living in Butler County, Kan; Cranmer G. married Miss Susie Stevenson of Towanda, and they are living in Plj-mouth, Iowa; Pascal married Miss Julia Geeding of Towanda, and they are living in Marion County, Kan; Duff and Miss Anna Sh.-iw were united in marriage, and he is a farmer of Money Creek Township; Zuingle became the husband of Miss Susie Price, and they are residents of Ply- mouth County, Iowa. The subject of this notice was born in Madison County, Ohio, Jan. 22, 1845. He was nearly seven years of age when his parents lirought him to this county. Here he supplemented his educa- tion received in the common schools by acourse of two years' study at Normal. He has always occu- pied his time in agricultural jjursuits and knows no other vocation, and has lieen a resident of Money Creek Township ever since he first located there with his parents. Mr. Rayburn w.as married in Saline County, Neb., Oct. 2G, 1872, to Miss Emma Overman, daughter of Isaac and Rebecca (Dill) Overm.an, the former a native of North Carolina, and she of Rising Sun, Ind. They were brought to this State when young and were married in Mercer County, whence tliey removed to Fulton County, this State, and there lived for seyenal years. He died while a resident of that county, his demise occurring in M.arch, 186(!. The widow and her cliildi-en continued to reside in Fulton C(junty until 1 .sG8, when they removed t.i Lee Coun- ty, and in 1S72 made another removal still further West and became residents of Saline County, Neb. In 1877 the mother came to McLean County, where one year later, at Norm.al, she died. By her union with Mr. Overman six children were burn Sarah .1., Frank E., Emma, Clara, Leigh and Isabell. Emma, Mrs. Rayburn, was born in Fulton County 111., May 15, 1852, and has borne our subject four children— Merle I.. David q., Emma G. and Ray L. Mr. Rayburn has held the office of Township Clerk and in politics is a stanch Republican. He w.as a memljer of the 145th 111. Vol. Inf., and served five months during the late Civil War. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church and he h.as been a Deacon in the same for twelve years, and an Elder since July, 188(!. rogressive farmers, is I pleasantly located on his fine farm on section 33, Money Creek Township, where he is meeting v.'ith far more than ordinary success in the prosecu- tion of his vocation. Mr. Stover was born in Pick- awiiy C;ounty, Ohio, M.ay 15, 1833. He was reared to farm labor, and received but a limited education ■*►- * t -4^ 620 McLEAN COUNTY. t r in his early yoittli, wliich lie, however, supple- mented by .1 practical one in later years. He lived in his native county until about 18.52, when he em- igrated to Illinois and took up his residence in this county. For about five years he worked out by the month, the m.njor portion of the time in Money Creek Township. Mr. Stover has always followed agricultund pursuits, and is a self-made man in every respect tlic word ini|)lies. In IS,")? he- settled in Mone3' Creek Township, and has made that his home until the present time. lie is now the owner of (JOO acres of valuable and productive land, and the major portion of it is under an advanced state of cultivatit)n. ,i)hn W. Stover and iMi.ss Klizabetli Ogden were united in marriage in iUoouiiugton, 111., Aug. 20, 1857. She is the daughter of lienjaniin and Sarah (Stretch) Ogden, natives of Ohio and Pennsylvania respectiveh'. Ten children were born to the [y.ir- ents, and Mrs. Stover was the seventh in order of birth. She first saw light in Money Creek Town- .ship, Jan. IG, l.s;}',), and lived with her [larents until hei- marriage. (K her union with Mr. Stover six children have been born, and named Benjamin, W., Sarah A., Cora, Klta M.. Ida 1!., wlio died when about two years of age, and one who died in in- fancy. Iienjamin married i\Iiss Fannie Heller, and they are living in Money Creek Townshipand have two children — May E., and an infant unnamed; Sarah is tiie wife of Ward B. .Jones, and they are ■living in Towaiida Township; Cora and Etta are living at home. Mr. Stover has held the office of School Director of his township for many years. Socially he is ,i member of the 1. O. O. F., and in politics is a standi Ivcpulilican. -^ 4"*- -<- I ^SCAIJ A. (;HKEX, a representative farmer of Cheney's (Jrove Towiisiii)i, located on section 28, besides the ordinary pursuits of agriculture is also engaged in breeding line horses and cattle, lie is llii^ possessor of 366 acres of finely culti\ated land, ;ind supplied with a handsome and substantial set of farm buildings. His herd of Short-horns includes thirty-live head of some of the finest animals to be found in this section, and 4' his horses of the Norman stock include two fine 3'oung roadsters which he holds at a high value. In this branch of agriculture he has already gained a fine reputation, and his farm in all respects indi- cates the su|)ervisioii of the intelligent and pro- gressive farmer and business man. Mr. (ireen was born in Erie County, Pa., April 28, 1834, and is the son of Isaac A. and Sallie (Pettitt) Green, both natives of Saratoga County, N. v., of English extraction, and both living. Isaac Green during the early part of his life engaged in fanning pursuits, but subsequently became a banker and after a few years thus occupied, retired from active labor. Both ixirents are members in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which the father has been Trustee and Steward for a number of years. Politically he uniformly casts his vote with the Republican party. His wife, Mrs. Sallie P. Green, was born May 5, 1809. The first representatives of both families emigrated from England over 200 years ago, landing at Prov- idence, K. I., and thej^ were numbered with the twelve persons who constituted the Baptist Church at that place. I'hillii) Green, the paternal grand- father of our suliject, was born in Dutchess County, N. Y., in 1782, and married Miss Nancy Adding- ton in 1803. They were members of the first class of the Methodist Episcopal Church which was established at (Jalway, N. Y. From there the family removed to Illinois in 1837. One of the sons, II. A. Green, the uncle of our subject, took part in the Black Hawk War in 1831. Isaac Green, the father of our subject, removed from his native State to Peoria County, 111., in about 1838, where he lived until \St)i. He afterward became a resident of JNIarshall County, where he lived for a period of thirty years and whence he removed -to McLean County. Isaac and Sallie P. Green became the parents of nine sons — George, Oscar, W. Lloyd, Ileniy, Elisha 1'., Rowe, Christie, Lawton and Lorin. Oscar A. Green was the second son of the family and remained under the parental roof until his marriage, which occurred Dec. 2'J, 18;j9. The lady of his choice was Miss Eliza .lane Snyder, a native of this State niid born in iSIarshall County, Nov. 11, 1836. lier father was Col. Henry Snyder, a r ■♦- McLEAN COUNTY. 621 Virginian, who was born April 24, 1700. He re- moved from his native State when but a lad, and engaged in farming in Morgan County, Ohio, where his marriage occurred, Jan. 18, 1!S1(J. The mother c)f our subject was born Jan. 4, 1793, and died at the home of her daughter in Mar.shall, 111., Aug. 17, 1873. Col. Snyder had died in 18.t5. He obtained his title by serving in the State Militia, and w.as a Republican in politics. Both parents were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Their twelve children were — David D., Emanuel, John, Sarah, James II., Samuel P., Mary C, Amanda, Oliver P., Eliza J., Elmina M. and Edwin A. Mr. and Mrs. Green of our sketch have become the parents of four children. The eldest daughter, Minerva C, became the wife of Maitin Luther Eiggs, Nov. 21,1883; Edwin P., Alonzo O. and Henry W. are at home. AVhile living in Blarshall County, Mr. (ireen held the ollice of Highway Commissioner for Ave terms, and was Superintend- ent of the Sabbath-school for three years. He is at present connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church at Saybrook, of which he has been Trustee and Steward foi' several years. Politically he is a strong Republican. t JOSEPH RANKIN, one of the highly re- spected citizens of Randolph Township, owns and operates a farm of eighty .acres, one half ^^J on section 4, in Randolph Township, and the other half within the limits of the vill.age of Hey- worth. He purchased this in 1875, and has since made it his home and is carr3ing on mixed hus- bandry. Mr. Rankin was born in Indiana County, Pa., Nov. IG, 1834. His father, William Rankin, a farmer by occupation, was a native of the North of Ireland, of Scottish descent and Protestant par- entage. His grandfather, also by name William, was a native of the same locality, reared in the Protestant religion, and married an Irish lady of his own country, where she died in a few years. He was then married t(j a lady of the Presbyterian faith, and they became the parents of six children, of whom William Rankin, Jr., the father of our subject, w!is the youngest but two. When he was about two years of age his parents, with their fam- ily, came to the United States in 178.5, and locating in Indiana County, Pa., remained there engaged iu farming i)ursuits until the close of their lives. William Rankin, Jr., was reared in Indiana County, Pft., and there married to Miss Eleanor G. Turner, whose family history maj' l)e found in the sketch of John E. Wakefield in another part of this work. Mrs. Rankin was born in Wa.shington County, Pa., whence her parents removed to Indi- ana County, that State, where they died, as did also she and her husband in the same house in the township of Wheatfleld. The father at the time of his death in l.s4y was sixty-four ye.ars of age, and the mother, who died in liSIJS, was sevent3^ Biitli were members of the Presbyterian Church, in which William Rankin was Elder for many years. J(>sei)h Rankin was the eldest of a family of four children born to his parents, of whom only two are living, himself and one sister. The latter, Marga- ret, is the wife l. Inf., and serving until the close of the war. He was m\is- tered in as Sergeant, and had been in the service but a few months when he was prostrated by sun- stroke and confined in the hospital for some time. He recovered suffleientlj' to be present at the bat- tles of Clarkesville, Corinth, Shiluh, Stone River, Mission Ridge and minor engagements. During the last year of service^ on account of impaired health, he was given the position of Clerk in the Provost Marshal's office. He is now a member of Lemon Post No. 211, G. A. R., at Farmer City. Both Mr. and Mrs. Harper are connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church. -^v- ••o*o.-®v><^..o*o.. 4 ' OHN PURDUM, a retired farmer and highly respected citizen of Weston, has been a resi- dent of McLean County since 1857. Dur- ing his thirty j'ears' residence here he has watched the growth and development of this section with the deepest interest and has contributed his share towards bringing the township to its present condition. He is a native of Ohio, born in Allen County, May 14, 1819, being the son of John Purdum, who was a native of Kentucky. The mother of our subject, formerly Miss Sarah Nevin, was born in Maryland and departed this life when her son, our subject, was but a babe. Besides himself his little sister, Elizabeth, was also left motherless. Elizabeth became the wife of Joseph Hamilton and is now deceased. After the death of his wife, John Purdum, Sr., was a second time mar- ried, and continued to live in Ohio, where he passed the remainder of his life, his death occurring when he was fifty-six years of age. Our subject was reared to farming pursuits and remained in his native State until ISoG. He then sought the prairies of Illinois and passed his first winter in Putnam County, whence he removed the following spring to this county and purchased eighty acres of unimproved land in Yates Tovvn- siiip. Here' he followed farming with fair success until 1881, when on account of failing health he abandoned active labor and moved into the village of Weston, which has since been his home. Besides the farm, which is now operated by a tenant, Mr. Culey, he owns the handsome village property which he now occupies. The subject of our sketch was married in 1839, to Miss Nancy Hamilton, who was born in Brown County, Ohio, Jan. 24, 1816, and who was the daughter of Robert and Nancy Hamilton. Of this union there were born eight children, two of whom died in infancy and one daughter, Samantha Jane, when twenty-three years of age. Those living are, John Turner, a resident of Tulare County, Cal. ; Semiramis, the wife of Guy Farr, resides in Yates Township ; Jonah Wayland is engaged in the lumber business in Vernon County, IMo. ; Robert Edgar is a resident of Yates Township; Mary E. became the wife of Cal. Wilson and they are residents of Liv- ingston County, 111. Mr. Purdum politically is a standi Republican and has been an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for the past sixteen j'ears. 1? ARRISON MILLER, a resident of the Piai- l(f)j) rie State for the last twenty years, and who Ui)^ in early life was engaged in farming pursuits, (^J) is now retired from active labor, and pass- ing his later days quietly at his home in Blooming- ton, which is located at No. 205 Union street. Mr. Miller was born in Clarke County, Ohio, ovi the 8th of August, 1825, and is the son of John and Jo- hannah (Smith) Miller, natives respectivelj' of Vir- ginia and Ohio. John Miller removed from the Old Dominion to Ohio when a young man, and opening up a farm in the wilderness engaged in ag- ricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred in 18G3. The mother is still living in Clarke County, Ohio, aged eighty-one years. The par- I t (•,24 McLEAN COUNTY. ental household included twelve children, seven now living, the subject of our sketch being the eld- est. ]\Ii-. Miller remained under the parental roof un- til he W.1S twenty-five years of age, and engaged in farming pursuits. He received a practical educa- tion, and assisted his parents dutifully while he re- mained with them. He then purehsised a farm of 100 acres adjoining the old homestead. This was only partly improved, and he erected a frame house and proceeded witli the cultivation of his land. He remniued u|)(in this farm until 1867, then coming to Illinois settled in Hittle Township, Tazewell County, where he had |)urchased IGO acres of improved land. He occu|)ied this, with his family, until ISSl, and tiien removed to Bloomington fy a Providence which they were too young to understand. The sister grew to womanhood and removed to Indiana, where she died. After living with Mr. Carter two years, the Overseer of the Poor removed Caleb Freeman and bound him t(j John Ilolderman in Montgomerj' Count}', with whom he lived until old enough to learn a trade. He w.as thus enii)lo}'ed until sixteen years of age, and then served three years for his board and clothes while learning the trade of a tanner with .Snyder & McPherson. He then removed to Miami County, and was employed hy James Hannah for the following two years. He followed his trade in different ])laces in Ohio, and during the last four years of his residence in that .State was at Franklin, Warren County. In the meantime Mr. Freeman had been married, and in February, 1840, accompanied by his wife and her father's family, started for the prairies of Illinois. Their outfit consisted of three horses and a wagon, and they carried with them their house- hold goods and provisions, camping and cooking by the wayside, and sleeping in the wagon at night. They ai-rived in Dale Township on the 2Hth of the same month, and Mr. Freeman has been a resident of this township since that date, embracing a period of over forty-seven years. Mr. Freeman, at the time of his arrival here, had not a dollar in cash at his command. He and his wife moved into a small log house on her father's farm, and shortly afterward Mr. Freeman bor- rowed $100 and commenced business by purchas- ing hides and establishing a tannery. As soon as he had leather enough prepared for further opera- tions, he hired a shoemaker and had the leather converted into boots and shoes. His tannery was located on the west side of Twin Grove and the middle branch of .Sugar Creek. He operated in this manner until June ,5, 1845, then took the balance of his stock and [)aeked it ready for transportation to St. Louis. He loaded it onto a waoon and took i •►Hi-4* i t ■<^ ^A 628 McLean county. it by toam to Pekin, thence by steamer to St. Louis, wliere he sold it. He had been prosperous in his leather operations, and when he sold out he had money enough to jiay his indebtedness and start in farming. He had previously entered eighty acres of land on section S t>f what is now Dale Township, and he now prt)ceeded to the erection of a farm liouse. He put up a one story and a half building, twenty feet square, on the open prairie. As there was great danger from prairie tires he al- ways kept a strip burned around his buildings to prevent their being destroj^ed. and even with this precaution was obliged to keep a close watch lest some stray spark might set fire to his little property. The nearest markets in those days were at Pekin and Peoria, and it took two and one-half days to make the round trip. Wheat only brought from forty to ninetj'-four cents per bushel, and oats ten cents. The pioneers were obliged to avail them- selves of every shift and turn in order to make both ends meet, provide themselves with the neces- saries of life, and proceed with the improvements on their new homesteads. But they all "pulled together," each one helped his neighbor whenever he could do so, and in due time success began to smile upon their persevering and united labor. The marriage of Caleb Freeman and Miss Mar- tha Barnard took place at her father's farm, nine miles north of Dayton, Ohio, on the 28th of No- vember, 183y. Mrs. Freeman was a native of Montgomery County, Ohio, and was born Feb. 14, 1811). Her parents were Samuel and Rebecca (Conipton) Barnard. She became the mother of eight children, and after remaining the faithful and affectionate companion of her husband for a period of forty-five years, departed this life on the II th of Ma}-, 1884. The children born of this mar- riasre are recorded as follows: Rebecca became the wife of Josiah Myers, and lives at Towanda, 111.; Samuel is a resident of Bloomington; Eunice mar- ried Lucius Rogers, and lives near Ellsworth, this county; Victoria, iNIrs. George L. Conkling, lives in Atlantic, Iowa; Clinton D. occupies a part of the old homestead; L. Edward is now farming in York County, Neb.; Elizabeth died at the age of Lten years and ten months; Abraham L. is a citizen of Kansas. <• For his second wife Mr. Freeman married Miss Mandana Grace Thurmau, the wedding taking place at Charleston, Coles Co., 111., on the 1 4th of .Tau- uary, 1885. The present Mrs. Freeman was born in Knox County, 111., and is the daughter of Isaac and Rebecca (McGrew) Thurman. By this union they have one daughter, Jessie Belle; they have also an adopted daughter, Jennie May Freeman. Jlr. Freeman has been prominent in the affairs of this couut_y since becoming a resident here. At the time of the organization of the township, he proposed for it the name of Dale, which was adopted without oi3i)osition. He has done what he could toward its moral and educational advance- ment, and is held in the highest esteem by his fel- low-citizens. During the earlier years of his life he was a member of the Whig party, but after this part\' was abandoned, and the Republicans organ- ized, he has cheerfully indorsed the princi|)les of the latter, and with them uniformly casts his vote. The i^ortraits of ilr. and Jlrs. Freeman are shown in connection with this sketch. ^^ EORG i; THOMPSON, contractor and builder III (^— , at Bloomington, has his business oflice at ^^41 No. 001 East North street, and in his par- ticular department is considered one of the skilled artisans of tliis section. Mr. T. was born in Can- nonsburg, Pa., Nov. 1, 1854, and is the son of Thomas and Dorotli}' (Maudlin) Thompson, natives of England, where they were reared and married, the latter event occurring al)out 1.S40, and came to America some nine years later. They settled at once in Cannonsburg, where Thomas Thompson engaged in mining, at which he is employed at the present time. Of the parental family there are four children living: Robert M. is operating a brick- yard at Houstonville, Pa. ; Joseph L., of Kansas City, is engaged as a contractor and builder; Mary, Mrs. Camp, lives in Cannonsburg, and George is our subject. Mr. 'I'iiompson remained under the parental roof until he was eighteen years of age and received a practical education. After leaving home he le.arned the trade of carpenter and joiner and worked one -•►■-^ k k >► ir^ McLean county. 629 i year in his native State. In the fall of 1878 he came to Illinois and settled at Bloomington, wheie he worked at his trade five years, in the meantime associating himself with a partner, and under the firm name of Zeigler & Thomi^son, they engaged as contractors and builders, operating to- gether for four years, since which time Mr. T. has carried on Inisiness alone. In this he is very suc- cessful, and gives employment to three men besides himself. Our subject purchased his present attractive residence in 1885, having been maz-ried on the 1st of January, that year, to Miss Mettle J. Dnstin, the daughter of Clement and Maryette (Lasher) Dustin. Mrs. T. was born in Leavenworth, Kan., in 1868. Her parents were natives of Vermont and Ohio re- spectively, and were married at Janesville, Wis., but are now living at Leavenw^orth, Kan. Their family consisted of six children, four of whom are living: Edward C. of Leavenworth, Kan., engaged in com- mission business; Elmer E., an express agent at the same place; Mettie J., Mrs. Thompson, and Emily C, of Leavenworth. Jlr. Dustin moved from Wis- consin to Kansas in 1856, and is now retired from active business. --v- #-^ ^/OHN N. KILOORE, a successful agricult- urist of Lawndale Township, owns a good homestead on section 22, and is numbered among the enterprising .young farmers of McLean County. He is a native of Franklin County, Ohio, born Nov. 12, 1859, being the youngest of a family of four children. (See his- tory of parents in sketch of Thomas Kilgore.) He attended the common schools and for two years pursued a thorough course of study in the Normal School at Lebanon, Ohio. He remained under the home roof until twenty-four years of age, then started for the prairies of Illinois. He arrived in this county iu the fall of 1883, and in the spring following located on his present homestead. This now comprises 240 acres of finely improved land, with a good house, barn, and all necessary out- buildings. Mr. Kilgore was married in Plain City, Madison Co., Ohio, Dec. .31, 1884, to Miss May L., daughter of Edmund and Lavinna Smith, natives respectively of Vermont and New York. Mrs. K. was born in Union County, Ohio, May It), 1864, and by her union with our subject has become the mother of one child, a son, Clyde S., born Dec. 13, 1885. Mr. Kilgrove is a stanch adherent of the Repub- lican party and socially belongs to the K. of P. -P- -i> 1^ IVILLIAM ROCKEL. The subject of this \/2j// biography owns a comfortable farm home- W^ stead on section 18, Blue Mound Town- ship, and has been a resident of McLean County since 1865. Here he has 115 acres of valuable land, all improved and under a good state of cultivation and supplied with convenient and t.aste- ful farm buildings. Mr. Rockel is a native of Ohio, born in Clarke County, Sept. 15, 1844, and remained a resident of his native county until 1865. His parents were Adam and M.ary (Baker) Rockel, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Virginia. After their mai-i-iage they located in Clarke County, Ohio, where the father engaged in farming pursuits and where both parents spent the remainder of their lives. Adam Rockel departed this life May 18, 1884, and the mother April 14, 1886. Their five children were Peter, Hairiett, Henry, Mar}' and William. Upon first coming to this county, being then a j'oung man twenty 3-ears of age, William Rockel w'orked as a farmer and carpenter for three years. In 1868 he became a resident of Blue Mound Township, where he has lived, with the exception of one year, since that time. He was married in Lexington, 111., Feb. 4, 1 868, to Miss Hes- ter A. Heller, daughter of Elias and I^liza (Branstet- ter) Heller, who were Ijoth natives of I'ennsylvania. They removed, soon after their marriage, to Clarke Count}\ Ohio, and from there to this county iu about 1856, settling in Towanda Township. They are still living, making their home in the village of Towanda. Their household circle included eight children, viz: Rebecca .L, Mary E., Christian M., Benjamin F., Eliza J., Hester A., Squire W. and William C. Mrs. Rockel was born in Clarke County, ' •►-■-4»- I -i t t -•►-■-^ 630 McLEAN COUNTY. Ohio, April 11, 18 17, and remained with hor par- ents until her marriage. 01 her union with our subject there have been born three children — Alice L., Clement W. and Mary A. Mr. Rockel, politi- cally, is an adherent of the Democratic party. He has served as Sclinol Director in his township and is fully entitleil t(.i b(! classed as an honest man and a good citizen. ALVIN RAYBURX, of the firm of Rayburn Barry, attorneys at law, and occupying a worthy position among his professional brethren of Bloomington, is a native of the Buck- eye State, having been born in London, Madison Co., Ohio, Dec. 20, 1 847. His father, William K. Rayburn, was a native of Ross County, Ohio, and his grandfather was .Judge James Ra^'burn, who was born in Virginia. The father of the latter was the son of one of three brothers who emigrated to America from Scotland prior to the Revolutionary AV'ar, in which two of the brothers took part. AVilliam K. Rayburn, the father of our subject, was a farmer and stoclc-raiser and became a resident of this State and county in 1851. He located in Bloomington Township, where he lived two years, then moved into Blue Mound Township, remaining until the fall of 187S. He then purchased a farm in Empire Township, where the family removed and where he lived four or five years; thence he moved to his father's farm, where he remained until the latter's death. In the spring of 1883 William K. Raj'buru re- moved to El Dorado, Kan., where he now lives. The mother of our subject, formerly Miss Amanda JI. V. Dungan, of Ohio, was the daughter of Wilson Dungan, a primiinent merchant of London, in that State. By her marriage witii AVilliam K. Rayburn she became the mother of eleven children, five of whom died ,in infancy. The six surviving are four sons and two daughters, of whom Calvin, our sub- ject, is the eldest. The education of Calvin Rayburn was lust con- ducted by a private teacher and he afterward at- tended the citj' schools of Bloomington. He re- mained under the home roiif until twenty-one years of .age, then entered Illinois Wesleyan College from r which he gradu.ated in 1876. He then tsiught school two years as Principal of the High School at Shelby ville. 111., and in 1878, he was Superintendent of Hillsboro City Schools. FLaviug decided upon the study of law, he entered the office of Rowell & Hamilton, in Bloomington, under whose instruc- tion he studied one ye.ar, and took a course in the Law Dep.artment of Wesleyan University. From there he graduated in 1879, and was at once ad- mitted to the bar. He opened an office iu July, 1879, and entered into partnership with H. H. Green, who withdrew two jears later, since which time Mr. Rayburn has conducted his practice alone. Mr. R.ayliurn is an enterprising and useful citi- zen who has fully identified himself with the in- terests of the community. He is one of the Directors, and Secretary and Treasurer of the Electric Light Company, and local attorney for the Thompson-Huston Electric Company of Boston, Jfass. » The m.arriage of our subject occurred on the 12th of July, 1877, when he w.as united with Miss Jennie Buttolph, of Bloomington, and tliej- have one child, a son — William B. •>-^»^''-»»»^ <^*tf-^<^fe^ JOHN S. ROUSH, deceased, was the head of the firm of J. S. Roush & Sons, one of the im|)ortant factors of the business and indust- ,^j_,, rial elements of Bloomington, and was pros- perously engaged in trade as a wholesale grocer, giving much attention to the better grade of coffees and the I'oasting thereof. John S. Roush was born in Highland County, Ohio, in September, 1832. His mercantile ex- perience commenced when he w,as seventeen years of age, with a capital of $600 and good credit, in Taylorville, Ohio, where he conducted a small store consisting of a stock of gener.al groceries and house- hold articles. He operated there until 1858, and then removed to Hillsboro, the county seat of Highland County, where he first engaged as dry- goods clerk and then associated himself in partner- siiip with Henry Strain, in the grocery business for five years following, when he purchased the interest •►*-^ * ■<^ McLEAN COUNTY. G31 of his partner and operated alone until 18G'J, diirino- which year he removed to Bloomington. Here he entered into partnership with John McMillan, in the wholesale grocery business, under the style of McBIillan & Roush, with whom he operated for eighteen months and then purchased the interest of his partner, continuing alone for nine months. He then took in John F. Humphreys and they continued together until 1879, under the style of Roush & Humphreys, when our subject disposed of his interest to George R. Newton, and then went into business with his two sons, Charles F. and Edwin C, on Front street, where they operated until 1880, and then moved into their own building at the corner of Grove and Front streets. This is 46x90 feet in dimensions, with three stories and basement, all departments being occupied in the extensive business of the firm, which is now finely established and operates extensively throughout this and other counties. John S. Roush came to his death by accident in September, 1884, by his horse running away. He was an enterprising and useful citizen and universally respected. The mother is still living, the two sous now in business being the only children of the famil3', and who are still successfully doing the large and lucrative busi- ness of their father. (^*MOS YODER: Among the agricultural ( @yLI element of McLean County who have met I i with success in their calling and who are entitled to enjoy the accumulations of a handsome competency, acqnire^-^^^.v^^^fe^:^i^^^^^^iS^':t^.^^;^:..,-.^^^ .. -V.v^-'^.^fi.rj^^'^ Residence OF O.A . M cans , Sec.15.,Cheeney's GroveTownship. t - i McLEAN COUNTY. 637 The daily Bulletin was established Feb. 8, 1881, as a daily eight-column folio paper, by the Bulletin Publishing Company. The Bulletin is a strong Democratic paper of the Jacksonian type, and its establishment at first was largely due to the exer- tions of the Democratic leaders of Bloomington. It was conducted by Mathew T. Scott, and was published as a morning paper until 1884, when it was changed to an evening paper. 8ept. 8. 1884, Owen Scott, purchased the entire interest, and has since been sole proprietor and editor. A weekly was started at the same time as the daily, and is ii-sued on Friday. It is a six-column quarto. The daily is a seven-column folio; circulation of daily about 2,100, of the weekly 3,500. It has a steam-power press and a good job and binding office. The Bulletin for so young a journal has de- veloped remarkable vitality. It is conducted with ability, and is the leading Democratic newspaper in this section of the country. Mr. Scott alsopublishes the^ Illinois [Freemnson, a paper which is devoted to the Masonic interests of the State. It was established Sept. l.j, 188.i, and is a four-column quarto, published monthly, with a circulation of about 2,01)0. It is a well gotten up Masonic journal, and a credit to the city. Mr. Scott is a Democrat in politics, a member in good standing of the A. F. & A. M., and nitli his wife is a worthy member of the I?ai)tist Church. Of the union of our subject and his wife there have been born two children — Henrietta L. and Nora F. j^=^ AMU EL WEEK! '^^^ ful and highly n ll\/_Jl) dale Township, i t^^^ AMUEL WEEKS, reckoned among the use- y respected residents of Lawn- , is_descended from excellent ancestry, having been the son of John and Mary (Brailey) Weeks, natives of England, and who became the parents of nine children. Of these the subject of this history was the second. He was also born in England, Aug. 2, 1832, and continued to live in his native land until the summer of 18.56, when he started for the New World. After reach- ing American shores he located in Batavia. N. Y., where he worked on a farmby the month for nearly one year and a half, then came westward to this State. ■^« He was employed as a farmlaborer for about two years in this countj', then coming ;to Lawndalc Township, purchased twenty acres on section 13, which comprises a part of his present homestead. He was prospered in his farming and business trans- actions, and in due time added to his first purchase, so that now he is the owner of 604^ acres, which he has brought to a line state of cultivation. He has also erected a handsome and substantial set of frame buildings, second to none in this i)art of the county. He keeps a herd of about 100 head of Short-horn cattle and twenty head of line horses, be- sides fattening about 200 head of liogs annually. Everything about the premises is kept in the finest order, and is indicative in every respect of the suiiervision of an intelligent man possessing more than ordinary good judgment and taste. The homestead forms one of the most attractive spots in this section of the county and its inmates are widely and favorably known, and esteemed among the first citizens. Samuel Weeks was first married in the city of Bloomington, 111., April 23, iH.^y, to Miss Elizabeth Cooper, who was also an.ative of England, born in 1830. The issue of this marriage was as follows: George II., Leafy A. and William A. were the three eldest. Mary A., Maria J. and Minnie E. are triplets. The first is the wife of ,1. C. Harris of Cropsey Township, and the third, Minnie, is Mrs. Robert Abby, and resides in Belle Prairie Town- ship, Livingston County. The mother of these children died on the family homestead, Lawndale Township, April 6, 18G'J. The second wife of our subject, to whom he was married in Fairbury, 111., Oct. 30, 1872, was Elizabeth J., daughter of .John and Grace (Jewel) Dart, and widow of Richard Taylor, who died in Devonshire, England, in 1870. Of the first mar- riage of Mrs. \V. there were born six children — William T., Mary J., Bessie D., Richard, Rcjbert S. and Grace D. Mrs. Elizabeth Weeks was born in England, June 2!), 1829. Of her union with our ■subject there is one child, a son, Frederick T. Our subject and his wife are members in good standing of the Methodist Cliurch. In politics Mr. W. is a st.anch Republican and has held S(jine of the minor offices of his township, at present being Township ■"•►-ll-^ I t. ,t 638 McLEAN COUNTY. Commissioner. He is public spirited and liberal, and one interested in the welfare and progress of his county and community. I L-v«ijei2^©"^^-| >>4.^-.®/2r7r?r>v. 'VA.ri^ •►■-4^ ILEY MILLER, one of the representative rf- business men and mechanics of Saybrook, \V and connected with the firm of R. Wirt & <@ Co., tile manufacturers, was born in Ross County, Ohio, on the 30th of May, 18.'')4. lie is the son of William and Elizabeth R. (Dunlap) Miller, natives of Ohio. Both parents early in life con- nected themselves with the United Brethren Church. The father is still living and makes his home in Saybrook. The subject of this history is the eldest of his par- ents' three children, the other two being John B. and Kmnia II. Mr. Miller has been a resident of this county since a boy of ten years, in 1864, at which time his parents located in Arrowsniith Towni^hii). He was reared to farming pursuits, and received a fair education in the district schools. After arriving at years of manhood he was united in marriage with Miss Eannie English on the 3d of Marcli, 1875. Mrs. Miller was born in Clark County, 111., and is the daughter of Abel and Susan (Hutchinson) English, both natives of New Jersey. Their children were Henry, Allen, Morri- son, Fannie, Florence, Augusta and Belle. Al- len and Augusta are deceased. Jlr. Miller was trained by his excellent parents to habits of industry, and since early yuuth has been employed in some useful calling. In 1881 he engaged in the mannfacture of tile in tliis cit}', wliere he woiked two years, and one year in Fair- bury, tiien returned tii Saybrook and entered into partnership with Rush, Wirt & Co., with whom he has been connected since that time. They are do- ing an extensive business, running two burning kilns, each with a ca|)acity of 8,000 per week, of one foot each in length and from three to twelve inches in diameter. The^' are enabled to obtain a verj' superior clay, and the product of their kilns is of a corresponding quality. They give emi)loyment to about ten men, and in connection with their tile business have recently' put in oi)eration a Penfleld plunge-mill, which was manufactured in Wil- loughby, Ohio, at a cost of §1 ,2.00. The cap.acity of this machine is about 10,000 four-inch tile per day. They are using soft coal for fuel. The tile from this factory is sent all over the State, and yields a fine income. Each member of the firm possesses good business abilitj', and all are honora- ble and upright in their transactions, their word being considered as good as gold. All are mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Mr. Yea- man being Superintendent of the Sundaj'-school and Messrs Wirt & Y'eaman are connected with the Official Board. The former belongs to the ISIasonic fraternity and the K. of P. Our subject and Mr. Yeaman are members of the I. O. O. F., Lodge No. 460, at Saybrook. The Arm unanimously supports the Republican party. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have one child, a daughter, Sylvia, born Dec. 5, 1875. They occupy a pleas- ant home on Main street, and enjoy the friendship and a.ssociation of the best people of Saybrook. -<»'^*.^-*Si^« ALCOM MoNAB, a native of the Empire State, born in Livingston County, Aug. /// L53 20, 1820, is now a highly respected resi- * dent of this county, making his home in Lawndale Township, on section 13. He is the son of John and Ann (Mclntyre) McNab, both natives of Scotland, who emigrated to America and set- tling in New Y'ork State, died in Livingston County, the father in 1862, and the mother in 1876. Of their children, thirteen in number, Mal- com was the seventh. Maleom McNab was reared on his father's farm, remaining under the home roof until about twenty years old. He then engaged as clerk in a store in York, his native county, where he remained three and one-half years. Soon afterward he purchased a farm which, however, he only cultivated one year, then sold out and afterward operated on rented laud for a year. After harvesting the season's crops, not being quite satisfied with his condition or his prospects in the Empire State, he concluded to move out westward. After arriving in Illinois he spent the first winter in Livingston V t. -^•- McLEAN COUNTY. 6.39 ik County, and the following siiring, 1858, came to IMcLean County and for four years thereafter was engaged in breaking prairie. He then settled down on his present homestead in Lawndale Township, upon which he has brought about great changes since it came into his possession. This, which con- sisted of 200 acres, he has since added to, until he now has a valuable estate of 480 acres, finely im- proved, besides thirty-four acres adjoining Fair- bury. Of late years he has given his attention largely to stock-raising and has been uniformly successful in his agricultural and business transac- tions. One of the most important events in the life of our subject occurred on the 19th of April, 1866, when he was united in marriage with Elnia G., daughter of Ransom and Mary (Ricketson) Bedell, and widow of Daniel Burt, who departed this life in the late Civil War. Mrs. McNab was born in Clinton County, N. Y., Feb. 1,5, 1844. Of her marriage with our subject there have been liorn five children: Christina, Malcom I)., Mary E., who died in infancy, Alexander B. and .Tames O. Both our sn!>ject and his wife arc prominent and useful members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. McNab belongs to the Republican part}^ and has served as Assessor of this Township. (Gl i ^S^EORGE C. GRAY. The hardware interests :)f Saybrook are most worthily represented by the subject of this sketch, who has a complete stock of everything in his line, and is one of the leading merchants of the kind in this coni- munit}'. His business was established in 1886. In early life Mr. Gray followed farming in this county, having come to Illinois with iiis parents when a child, in 1842. In early manhood he purchased eighty acres of land in Cheney's Grove Township, upon which he operated until 18.56, and then com- ing into Saybrook purchased a lieavy stock of hardware, in which trade he has been remarkably successful. He still retains his faj'm property. In connection with his town business he carries on a tinshop, and his agricultural and tr.ade interests contribute to make his life a busy one, with little time for idleness. He is still in the prime of life, -^u and has already built up for himself a reputation as a reliable business man and a valued factor of the community. Mr. Grey was born Sept. 27, 1840, near Akron, Ohio, and is the son of Thomas ,1. and Emma (Lit- tle) Gray, natives respectively of Connecticut and New York. His father was a carpenter by trade, which he followed the greater part of his life in Ohio; his death took place in this county Dec. 15,* 1879, when seventy-one years of age. He was an excellent citizen and business man, and politically affiliated with the Democratic part}'. The mother was born in 1823 and died in 1867. She was a most excellent and worth.y lady, and a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The parental household included seven children, who are recorded as follows : Calista was first married to Daniel Mathews, who died in Hennepin, III., and she then married A. C. Coles; Cornelia was united to A. C. Coles, and about nine years later Calista and A. C. Coles were married, Cornelia having died; Temperance became the wife of Allen Morse; John married Miss GuUiford, who is now deceased; George C, our subject, was the next in order of birth; Frances became the wife of Samuel Wood, and Julia married William Hamilton. Young ( Iray remained with his parents during childhood and youth, and in 1872 was united in marriage with Miss IClizabeth Crocker. Mrs. G. is of English birth and parentage, and came to the United States with her father and mother when a child. Of her marriage with onr subject there have been born a son and daughter — William J. and Alice A. Mr. G. is a Democrat in politics, and a member in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church. »-i^ ^ <^/OHN M. STEPHENS, one uf the prominent and highly respected farmers of McLean Count}', is a resident on section 9, Hudson / Township, and first located in this county in 1851. He was born in Highland County, Ohio,' Feb. 12, 1829. His parents, Philip and Nancy (Meyers) Stephens, were natives of Virginia, but both moved with their respective families to Ohio when the}' were young. .lohn Stephens is the eldest ■*► 1 f f ii 640 McLEAN COUNTY. "*T* *' in order of birth of his parents' childron. He was reared to manhood on his father's farm and edu- cated in the district schonl. and iu 1849 was united in marriage with Eleanor Kerns. She was born in Koss County, Ohio, Mov. .^o, lf<2y. Living in Ohio until 1 «;')!, they then came to this State, making the journe3' overland witli wagons, and settled in VVliite Oak Township, this county. in 1.S52 ill'. Stephens purchased a farm of Hfty- five acres in White Oak Township, on which he lived and farmed for two years and then sold. He sul)se- quently owned two other farms in that township and also disposed of them by sale. In the fall of 1854, he purchased eighty acres of his present farm, together with twenty acres of timbered laud, and neither of the tracts were much improved. Mr. Stephens still continues to reside on the latter purchase and by strict economy, good judgment and hard labor, he has added to his landed inter- ests until he is now the proprietor of over 600 acres, over 400 of which is in cultivation. His place is one of llic finest in Hudson Township and iu addition to the cultivation of the cereals, our suliject has and is devoting considerable of his time to the raising of stock. He deserves great credit for the competency he has acquired, consider- ing that when lie first came here he was compara- tively a poor man. having oidy $200 in casli. Dur- ing the war he jiurchased eight}' acres of land and putting the same in wheat, realized for his product an amount equal to $40 per acre, and it has lieen by taking advantage of such opportunities and labor- ing hard to accomplish his aims, tliat he has suc- ceeded. For twenty 3'cars he owned and operated tlireshing-niachiues and was highly successful in that business. In fact, he realized liis start in life by the following of that vocation. In iidiilics Mr. Stepliens is Democratic and Ii;is held si>me of the local oflices of his townsliip. In religion he holds fellowship with the Christian Ciiurcli. Mr. and Mrs. Stephens iiave become the parents of eigiit children. Two died iu youth and six are yet living. The living are, William; Ada, wife of AVilliaui A. llogabooin, a resident of Lincoln County, Kau.; lluida A., wife of Walter Stotler of Hudson Townsliip; Rosa .1., who was united in mariiage with J. Mcsser and now resides in El Paso, this State; Minerva, who became the wife of Amos P. Johnston, a resident of Bloomington, and Kery, who married Miss Balinda Blough, and resides iu Hudson Township. '^ I^ILLIAM A. GERKEN, proprietor of the \^l/ ^^'^'^^ baker}' of Bloomington, is a repre- W^ sentative German citizen, and was born in the Kingdom of Hanover, on the coast of the North Sea, June 25, 1835. His father. Albert Gerken, was a gentleman of good education, and in his younger years was eng.aged at teaching school. He then entered the .army of Napoleon as a nuisiciau and soldier, serving six years. The mother of our subject, who in her maidenhood was Miss Catharine M. Floater, w.as the second wife of Albert Gerken, and they became the parents of five children. Our subject commenced .attending school at the early age of ti^e years, and continued until four- teen. He then served an apprenticeship of three years at the baker's trade, and when seventeen years old started for America. After a prosperous voyage he landed at Charleston, S. C, Nov. 20, 1853. There he [).assed the winter occupied at his trade with the firm of Martin Meyer for a time, and then went to Aiken, S. C, engaging iu a store with the view of learning the English lan- gu.age and mercantile pursuits. Two years later he started for tiie Nortiivvest, and landing at Milwau- kee, Wis., engaged as clerk in a dry-goods store. From there he went to Kenosha, and forming a partuershii) with Andrew Clark eng.aged iu the grocery trade. They operated together for eighteen months, when ]\Ir. Gerken purchased the interest of his partner and coutiiuied the business alone for two years following. He then took Mr. AVilliara Ernst into the business, which they conducted to- gether for five years, and then our subject sold out to his partner .and engaged in the bakery business at Keuosiia for twelve months. In 1870 Mr. Gerken came to Bloomington, 111., and opened a bakery on the corner of East and Front streets, where the present business is located. He began on a small scale at first, but was pros- pered in his labors and now has the largest establish- ' -•^^m^4* i t. t -4^ McLean county. 641 a i ment of its kind in the city. The old building has been replaced by a large and handsomer one, which Mr. Gerkeu erected in 1881. It is 65x115 feet in area, three stories in height, and furnished with all modern appliances of a first-class steam bakery. The entire building is devoted to the business, which is almost exclusively wholesale, their sliip- ments being to neighboring towns and cities. Mr. Gerken is now largely interested in the milling business, having purchased a half interest in the Crown Roller Mills, W. II. Wentz being the owner of the other half interest. Mr. Gerken was united in marriage with Miss Minnie A. Stemni, at Kenosha, Wis., in 1863. Of this union there were born three children, of whom one only is living — Catharine M. Albert F. died when an interesting youth of sixteen years, and an infant died unnamed. Mr. Gerken is a member of Uhland Lodge No. 305, I. O. O. F., belongs to the Turners Society, and is a regular attendant of the Congregational Cliurch. M. THORNBITRY, a successful farmer and extensive live-stock dealer of Randolph Township, owns and occupies a valuable country estate on section 5. He took possession of his present home in the spring of 1 875, and has been a resident of McLean Count}' since the spring of 1862. He has owned lan-B^-4« i u -A- 642 McLEAN COUNTY. faith of the Society of Friends. IMr. Thonibiiry has hehl the minor offices of Randolph Township, and in politics is a reliable Republican. VILLIAM KERBER, an enterprising Ger- man citizen of Blue Mound Township, owns 320 acres of valuable land on section 30, and as a successful farmer and stocU-raiser is contributing bis full quota toward the agricultural interests of this section. He was born in Germany, Feb. 27, 1828, and is the son of Jacob and Mary Kerber, natives respectively of France and Ger- many. Both died in the latter country, after be- coming the parents of thirteen children. Mr. Kerber of this history pursued his studies several years in the common schools of his native country, and then entered the Trussian army, where he served three years. He afterward en- gaged in farming pursuits in his native Province, ^vhere he lived until 18.04, and then set sail for the United States. He spent his first winter here in Wisconsin, then came t(^ Illinois, making his home in Bloomington about eight years, and working at whatever his hands could find to do. In 1867 he purchased forty acres of land on section 20, Blue Mound Township. This he afterward sold and made a purchase on section 30, which comprises a part of his present farm. Here he has made good improvements and brought the land to a high state of cultivation. By his upright and straightfor- ward business methods and prt)n\ptness in meeting his obligations, he has secured the esteem and confidence of his fellow-citizens, and has occu- pied an important place in their counsels. He is Democratic in politics, and has served as Commis- sioner of Highways. Both Mr. and Mrs. K. are firm adherents of the Catholic Church. After living two and one-half years in this coun- try, Mr. Kerber returned to the land of his birth and visited for si.K months among his old friends .and acquaintances. Upon the return voyage he formed the acquaintance of Miss Elizabeth Lorig, a native of his own country. The acquaintance ripened into mutual esteem, and on the 14th of March, 18;)7,thcy became husband and w^fe. Mrs. K. was born in Germany, ISIarch .5, 1839, and of her union with our subject there were born four- teen children, two of whom are deceased. Those surviving are Nicholas, John, William, Mathias, Mar}', Michael, Frederick, Peter, Henry, Anna, Elizabeth and Clara. Nicholas married Miss Annie Sutter, ami resides in Blue Mound Township; John married Miss Hoffman, qnd lives on a farm in An- chor Township; William married Miss Mary Sut- ter, and Mary became the wife of Joseph Sutter. These reside in Blue Mound Township. OBERT H. RUTLEDGE, one of the oldest settlers of Randolph Township and McLean tii'Al County, came into this section while Illi- ^©)nois was yet a Territory, in 1812, and the experiences through which he has passed, combined with the changes which he has witnessed during a period of seventy-five years, would make a most in- teresting volume. The grandfather of our subject, John Rutledge, was born and reared in Dublin, Ireland, where he was married and learned the trade of a shoemaker. His bride, formerly Miss Jennie Offlse, was a lady of most excellent family, of pure Irish descent, and highly educated and accomplished. They became the parents of several children, and emigrated to the United States, settling in Charleston, S. C, where their son Thomas, the father of our subject, was born, being the first child born to them in America. Later John Rutledge removed North to Pennsylvania, and afterward to White County, 111., where he and his wife spent the remainder of their lives, being the first white persons vvho were laid in the virgin soil of what is now White County, 111. The grandfather of our subject was very skill- ful at his trade of a shoemaker, and a man of the strictest integrity, and universally respected by all who knew him. Thomas Rutledge, the father of our subject, re- mained under the parental roof until after he had attained his majority. He then went South to Georgia, and was there married to Miss Sallie Smith, who was born in that State and of |)ure En- glish parentage. After the birth of one child they -r ■► jr <• I h McLEAN COUNTY. 643 I started North to Tennessee, whence they proceeded to Kentucky and afterward to Illinois, arriving in the Territory, as before stated, in 1812. Fourteen years later they came into McLean County, and at once located in Randolph Township, of which they were among its earliest settlers. Here Thomas Rut- ledge died, four years later, Aug. "20, 1830, and be- ing born Oct. 17, 1768, was consequently a little over sixtj'two years of age. The mother. Mrs. Sal- lie Rutledge, who was born Aug. 20, 1778, survived her husband thirteen years, and died in this town- ship, Dec. 12, 1843, being sixtj'-five years old. Thomas Rutledge became a prominent man in the affairs of this locality, being made Justice of the Peace, and having jurisdiction over a large extent of territory. He performed the marriage ceremony for more people in White County, 111., than any man before or since, as is shown by the records. He and his excellent lady had a family of twelve chil- dren, six sons and six daughters, of whom one son and one daughter died in infancy, and ten lived to be married. Of this number, Robert II. of our sketch is the only one surviving. Robert Rutledge received a limited education in the pioneer schools of White County, 111. He still remembers when the soil was new ami unbroken and Indians numerous, and it was often necessary to seek a barrack or fort, which served as a protec- tion from the vengeance or cruelt}' of the redmen. In these the pioneers would frequently spend their nights, some sleeping, while others .acted as senti- nels. A few j-ears later regular block houses were constructed, where the pioneers dwelt together for mutual protection. The first corpse of a white man which our subject ever saw was that of a Mr. Mor- gan, who had been killed by the Indians. The lat- ter not long afterward, on account of their depre- d.ations were driven off by the whites and punished to such an extent that they never returned. Our subject remained under the home roof until his marriage, the license for which was the first one of the kind issued by the authorities of McLean County. The wedding of himself and Miss Char- ity Weedman occurred on the 9th of June, 1831. Mrs. Rutledge was the daughter of George and Charlotte (Hune) Weedman. Her parents were both born and reared in Pennsylvania, whence they came .4*- later to Perry County, Ohio, where their daughter, Ch.arlotte, w.as born July 21, 1812. Her jmrents remained in the Buckeye State until the fall of 1830, when they started for the farther West, and coming into McLean County settled in Randolph Township, where they both died in the same log cabin which had first become their home. Of this marriage there were born thirteen children, six now- deceased : Mary J. is the widow of John Halsey, and resides in Boone Count}', Iowa; Sarah L. mar- ried Joseph T. Martin, a farmer of Randolph Town- ship; George T. married Miss Maria Wagener, and they reside on a farm in Randolph Township; Nancj' E., Daniel and Leander are also residents of this township; the latter married Miss Mary A. Tilghman; Marcius Lafayette resides with his father on the old homestead; the deceased are Harriett, Benjamin, Charity A., Robert M., Araericus C. and Martin A. Mrs. Charity Rutledge, the mother of these children, died at her home in this township May 27, 1882. She was in early life connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church, but later identified herself with the Christian Union Church. Since coming to this county Mr. Rutledge has been identified with its industrial and agricultural interests, and has materially aided in its develop- ment and |)rogress. He h.as been a friend of tem- perance, a supporter of the laws, and a member in good standing of the Christian Union Church. Politically he coincides with the principles of the Democratic partj', with which he has uniformly east iiis vote since exercising the right of suffrage. ^ AMES RVBURN, one of the progressive farmers of McLean County, is located in Randolph Township, on section 12, of which he owns half, and besides this, 280 acres in Wapello Township, De Witt County, near his pres- ent homestead. Ml'. Ryburn is rated as one of the best farmers and most successful stock-breeders of the township. He keeps only a good grade of ani- mals, and everything in and about his homestead denotes the supervision of an intelligent mind and cultivated taste. The farm residence is a modern structure, handsome and substantial, and his barns 'i t 644 McLean county. and nil other out-buildings are of first-class de- scription. Everytliing is kept in good order and repair, and tlie liomestead, with its beautiful lo- cation, invariably attracts the eye of the trav- eler through this region. The subject of our sketch took possession of his present farm in IS7"2. and its present condition is largely due to his own industry and enterprise. He is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Washington County, near the city of the same name, Sept. 19, 182G. When seven }-eais of age his parents re- moved to Harrison County, Ohio, where they re- mained until l, and coming tlienee to the Prai- rie State, located in this county. .lames was the eldest of tlie family and w.as reared to habits of industry, receiving the advantages of but a limited education. He remained under the parental roof until liis marriage, which took place in Cadiz, Har- rison Co., Ohio, Feb. ;), 1854, the maiden of his choice being Miss Elizabeth Hamilton, who was a native of the Buckeye State, and born April y, 1832. The wedding took place at the home of the bride's parents, Rev. James Forsj'the officiating. Mrs. Hyburn is the daughter of Joshua and Jane (Craig) Hamilton, natives resi)ectivel3' of Fayette and Washington Counties, Pa. Her grandfather, William Hamilton, w.as bcjrn in Fayette County, Ohio, of American parentage and Scottish ancestry. Her grandfather Craig was born in the North of Ireland, was of Scottish descent, and a Protestant in religion. He emigrated to the United States when twenty-one years old, and w.as afterward mar- ried to Miss Elizabeth Johnson, of Washington Count}', I'a. Both th(' Craigs and Hamiltons were prominent families in Pciunsylvania. They fol- lowed agricultural pursuits, and removed to Harri- son County, Ohio, at an early period in the history of the Buckeye Slate. John Craig died when fifty- five years old, Aug. 22, 1825. In addition to his farming pursuits he also carried on a dry-goods trade in Harrison County, and w.as one of the most valued citizens of the town of Cadiz. William Hamilton spent his last years also in Cadiz, and died there in January, 1839, after reaching the .ad- vanced age of eighty years. His son, Joshua, the father of Mrs. Ryburn of this notice, was the sec- ond child of his parents' family, by whom he was reared and educated near Cadiz, Ohio, and re- mained with his parents until his marriage with Miss Jane Craig, on the 28th of October, 1819. He then located on a farm which he operated suc- cessfully, and the union thus happil}' begun re- mained intact for a period of over fiftj'-one years, when Joshua Hamilton, who w.as born Sept. C, 1793, dep.-irted this life, his demise taking pLace Dec. 17, 1.S70, .at seventy-eight years of age. The mother is still living, making her home with two unmarried daughters at Springfield, Ohio. She was born June 14, 1802, and is consequently over eight}'-flve years of age. She became the mother of eleven children, two of wh()m died in infanc}- unnamed. Those who lived to years of maturit}- were as follows: .lolui m:nried Miss Rebecca Pritchard, and lives in this county; William mar- ried Miss Elizabeth Sellers, and is farming in Knox County, Oliio; Craig was twice married, both times to Ladies by the name of McFaclden, the last one being j'et living; he died Oct. 5, 1880; Alexander was first married to ]\Hss Martha McFadden, now deceased, his second wife w.as iNIiss Mary Haver- Held, who now resides in Colorado; this son died in Colorado, Ai)ril 2, 18.S5; Elizal)cth, the wife of our subject, w.as the next in order of birth; R..achel married Hemy Croskey, and resides with him on a farm in Empire Township; Margai'et married Oscar Cl.ark, a farmer of W.alton, Harvey Co., Kan.; Re- becca and Mary are both unmarried. Mary holds the position of clerk in a dry -goods store at Spring- field, Ohio. 5Irs. Ryburn was reared and educated at Cadiz, Ohio, and remained with her parents until her mar- riage. Slic is a lady of rare intelligence, having a remarkable memory for dates of important events, and carries in her mind a perfect encj'clopedia of interesting happenings all over the world. This valuable gift, possessed by few, makes her a most interesting conversationalist, and she is considered one of the brightest ornaments in the society of the communit}- where she lives. By her union with our subject she h.as become the mother of nine children, one of whom died unnamed, in infancj-. John H. is a resident of Knickerbocker, Tom (ireen Co., Tex., being a stockholder of the Stillson & Case cattle ranch ; Belle married Rev. S. H. Uunn ■» I 1 v^- ^k yf '*'%», i 'r ,*?' / SlUfX^ \ V -^^ McLean county. 647 of the First Methodist Episcopal Church, of Du- hith, Minn.; Jennie M. resides in Blooinington, III.; Ingram C, wlio was given the maiden name of his great-great-grandmother on the maternal side, lives at home with his parents; Frank is with his brother. John, in Texas ; Lucy resides at Bloom- ington, and Harry and James are there also, attend- ing school. Belle graduated at Wesleyan Univer- sity in 1878, and Jennie in 1880; Lucy is also a graduate from the musical department of that in- stitution. Mr. and Mrs. Ryburn are members of the Second Presbyterian Church at Bloomington, as is also their daughter Jennie. In politics, our subject is a solid Republican. \i? t;WIS CASE. The early settlers of McLean I (@ County are fast passing away and soon the ji '—^Vi time will come when none will be left to tell of the trials and ditlicnlties encountered in its early settlement. Mr. Case of this notice is one of the number who has not yet crossed the river to the other shore, and is passing the sunset of life on his fine farm on section 25, Old Town Townshiii, enjoying the accumulations of an honorable past. He is the son of Abner and Alice Olive (Rowland) Case, natives of Connecticut. The parents after their marriage located in Ontario County, N. Y., whence they removed to Huron County, Ohio, and there lived until 1833, when thej' came to this county and settled in Old Town Township, on sec- tion 25. The parents lived there for several years, when they removed to Madison, Wis., and there died, the demise of the father occurring Jan. 5, 1854, and that of the mother Januar}' G of the same year, and both are buried side by side in one grave. The father of our subject was a farmer and left the plow to become a soldier in the War of 1.S12, and was ft participant in the battle of Lundj''s Lane, where three fingers of his left hand were shot away. He witnessed the burning of Buffalo, N. Y., and for his services as a soldier in the War of 1812 re- ceived a pension from the Government. Of his union with Miss Rowland, seven children, four sous and three daughters, were born. Lewis Case was the third in order of birth of his parents' children and first saw light in Ontario County, N. Y., Feb. 27, 1809. He was brought up to farm labor and there lived until 1824, when he accompanied iiis parents to Huron County, Ohio. He lived in the latter countj' until 1833, when he came to McLean County and made a settlement on section 25, Old Town Township, bringing with him from Ohio his wife and one child. The journey was made overland with an ox-team and his capital at that time consisted of three feather beds and $50 worth of leather, which he traded for a cow, one hog, seven pigs, and provisions for the winter. He managed to get in a small crop of corn, but in the fall he lost his cow, four pigs ai.d one ox, which left him in a worse condition than when he first located. The following summer he made a short polie and plowed his corn with the single ox. He was possessed of that determination which knows no such word as fail and succeeded in erecting him- self a log house and soon iiad forty acres of his land fenced. The first religious meeting held in Old Town Township was held in the log house of our subject, and there the early settlers .assembled from a distance of many miles and worshiped for some thirteen years. Mr. Case had great faith in the future develop- ment of the country, and from his first settlement in the county economized with a view of increasing his landed interests .and at the present time is the pro- prietor of CIO acres of valuable land. The old log house has given way to a fine residence and the taxes of our subject have increased from twenty- five cents to upward (jf $300 a year. Mr. Case was married in Huron County. Ohio, to Miss Sarah Hendryx, Oct. 13, 1831. She was the daughter of John and Mary (Flynn) Hendryx, the former a native of Pennsj'lvania, and tlie latter of Ireland. Her parents settled in Steuben County, N. Y., after their marriage and tliere lived until 1817, when they moved to Richland County, Ohio, and were among the early settlers of that county. Subse- quently the}' made another remov.al, locating in Huron Count}', the same State, and in 1833, came to this county and settled in Old Town Township, where they lived until their death. Tne}' had six children who lived to attain the age of man and womanhood, of whom Mrs. Case was the eldest. ' ' *» ■ ^» i =f I -A 648 McLEAK COUNTY. She was bom in Steuben County, N. Y., Jan. 14, 1810, and was seven yeai'S of age when her parents removed to Ohio, and continued to reside in that State until her marriage. She bore our subject five children — Jlary A., Olive, Sarah E., Hannah E. and Zerilda 1. Mary is the wife of Peter B. Price, and they are living at Hutchinson, Kan; Olive married John W. Savidge, and they reside in Danvers Township, tliis county; Sarah E. and Wesley Brown weru united in marriage and are living in Arrowsniith Townshii), this county; Hannah is the wife of Sylvanns Miivel, a fnrmer of Old Town Township. Mr. Case has four great-grandchildren DOW living; one great-grandchild is deceased. On tiio 13th of October, 1881, Mr. Case and wife cele- brated their golden wedding. Mrs. Case departed this life at the old homestead in Old Town Town- ship, on the 4tli of January, 1887, at the ripe old age of seventy-seven years. Mr. Case has held some of the minor offices of his township. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, with which his wife was also con- nected. In politics our subject is a stanch Repub- lican, and was one of the delegates to the first County Convention ever held in McLean County. As a representative and iionored citizen of Mc- Lean County, and of the township of which he has so long been a resident, we present the portrait of Mr. Case in connection with this sketch, as also tiiat of his deceased wife. lENJAMlN G. FALKINGHAM, a dealer in grain at Towanda, .and one of her promi- '•]))) II,' nent citizens as well as thorough-going business men, is a son of George and Eliza (Marsh) Falkingham, natives of England. Soon after their niai'riage the pai'ents crossed the briny waters to make their home in the free Republic of the United States, and made their way direct to this counly, locating in Towanda, where the father died Feb. 'iM, 1878.' The mother survives. They had four children, three sons and one daughter. One died in infanc}', and those living are, Benja- min (;., John H. and Georgia W. The subject of this notice was born at Towanda, 111., June 14, 1858. He received a good education in the schools of that place, and when old enough became a clerk in his father's store. He continued to act in th.at capacity until about eighteen years old, when he worked at farm labor for about four years. He was then occupied in running a corn- sheller for two years, and since 1883 has been en- gaged in the buying and shipping of grain and stock, in which he has met with more than ordinary success. Mr. F.alkingham was married at Bloouungton, 111., Oct. 13, 1879, to Miss Mary Burnes, a native of Wisconsin. Their union has been blest by the birth of two children — Eliza and Clarence. Our subject has held the offices of Town Assessor, Town- ship Trustee, and Street Commissioner of Towanda, and in politics lie is a stanch Republican. -i^m- Vi OHN M. WHITE, of Lawndale Township, has been a resident of McLean County since a boy thirteen years of age. He was born in Tippecanoe County, Ind., Aug. 17, 1837, being the stt, who were natives of Pennsylvania, whence the}' removed to Illinois and located in this county in about 185(i, on a farm in Bloomington Town- ship. Subsequently they returned to their old home in Ohio, where they silent the remainder of their days. Of the ten children of Mr. and Mrs. Paxton, three died in infancy. Those surviving are James A., INFary E., Nanc}- E., John G., Charles S., Frank- lin M. and Laura B. Charles S. and Franklin M. are twins ; James married Miss Lizzie B. Story and lives in Padua Township; Nancy E. is the wife of John L. Bunn. and resides in Martin Township; they have one child, a son, Charles F. Those who died in infancy were William, Alice and one unnamed. Mr. and Mrs. Paxton are members of the Chris- tian Church, and our subject uniformly casts his vote with the Republican p.arty. ■^I^OHN MOATS, living on section 30, Money Creek Township, is a son of Jacob and Sarah (Hinthorn) Moats, see sketch of J. I. Moats elsewhere in this work. John Moats was the second in order of birtii in a family of nine chil- dren. He first saw light in Licking County, Ohio, Sept. 10, 1812. When seventeen years old he came with his parents overland to this county. This was in 1829, and our subject is therefore one of the oldest residents of Money Creek Township, now living. He has witnessed its wonderful develop- ment, and has always been engaged in agricultural pursuits. He is now the owner of 270 acres on which he has fair improvements. Mr. Moats was married in Knox County, Ohio, Oct. 22, 1874, to Louisa (Zolman) Donnell, daugh- ter of John and Catherine (Passey) Zolmau and v/idowof Joseph Dounell, who died in Cass County, Mo., in 1868. By her union with Mr. Donnell she had three children — Joseph. Josephine and Jesse. Joseph and Josephine are deceased. Mrs. Moats was the youngest of a family of ten children, dnd -•#-■-<• i I 650 McLean county. was born in Knox County, Ohio, Dec. 18, 1828. Our snhjoct h.as hold the office of Constable for one term, ami in politics is a Democrat. He and his wife .ire members of the United Brethren Church, and among the foremost citizens of Money Creelt Township. -Mxa'Js^--'— Si-: IV- «^S§S!^75!'*^ , ICHARD M. BRITT, a prominent and enter- „. prising farmer and stock-raiser of Mt. iiii \\\ Iloiie Township, owns and occupies a fine ^©) homestead on section l.s,and in the various departments of liis agricultural pursuits is meeting with success. He is a straigiitforward business man, honest and upright in his transactions, and enjoys the confidence and good-will of his neighbors and associates. Mr. Britt is a native of Tazewell County, III., and was born in Ilill Township on the Ath of Sep- tember, l.s;57. His fatlier, Jefferson Britt, was a native of Virginia, l)orii on the 20th of March, 1802. His grandfather, William Britt, was one of the early settlers of Virginia, a man of great indus- try and entei'inise, and prominent in the affairs of his community. The family is an old and excel- lent one, and noted for their high moral principles and excellent traits of character. .Jefferson Britt, the father of our suliject, was a Lad of t>nly twelve years when his parents reinoved from his native .State to Kentucky. They made the journey overland and located in Logan County, being among the earliest settlers of that region. There the grandfather died, and there his son Jef- ferson grew to manhood and was uniteil in mar- riage with Mrs. Mary (North) Dills. She was a na- tive of (Irant County, Va., was born near Peters- burg, and removed to Kentucky with her parents when a child. After marriage Jefferson Britt .and wife located in Logan County, where they re- mained until the fall of 183.5, and then started with their three children for the prairies of Illinois. They made the journey overland with teams, .and first halted in vviiat is now Logan County, where the}' rented land for two years and then, in the spring of 1837, removed to Tazewell County. There thej' m.ade a claim in township 22, range 2 west, now in Hill Township, where the father erected a log house, having a puncheon floor and doors, and split thatches for the roof. He entered land from the Government, when it came into market, improved and cultivated his purchase, established a comfortable home, and remained thereuntil 1853. He then removed to Atlanta, where he spent the last years of his life, and departed from the scenes of his earthly lal)ors on the 14th of October, 1885, at an advanced age. The companion of his youth and the mother of his children died the year pre- vious, on the 24tli of January. Their union had been blest b^' the birth of four children, who are recorded as follows: William S. lives in Normal; Martha E. married Dr. J. B. Tenney, and lives in Atlanta; Mary II. ra.arried J. H. Burt, and lives in Hill Township ; Richard M. is the subject of this sketch. Richard M. Britt of this history w.as the young- est child of his parents" family. He spent the first sixteen years of his life on the farm, and received his education in the old log school-house. This rude structure was in marked contrast to the ele- gant buildings where " young America " now re- ceives his first lessons in expensive and scientific text-books. The floors were of puncheon, the win- dow-panes of greased paper, and the chimney was built upon the outside with dirt and sticks. The fireplace occupied nearly the whole of one end of the liuilding, and would take in a large log. After a few seasons spent in this primitive structure, the family of young Britt removed to Atlanta and he attended school there, being esteemed quite [irofi- cicnt in his studies for those days. He was indeed fond of his books and had made good progress, .and after leaving school officiated .as a pedagogue for two terms. He continued to make his home with his parents until his marriage, and for a period of four years had charge of the farm, and l)oarded with the family who cultivated the farm after his father had removed to town. Young Britt remained with his parents until his marriage, and then located upon the homestead which he now owns and occupies, and which his father had purchased from the railroad company. ■ -;SSS.»" 1^ McLEAN COUNTY. 653 iL i The latter had made some improvement in its original condition, and after his son, our subject, came into the possession of it he continued its im- provement, and cultivated the soil with uniform success. He is now the possessor of 240 acres, all improved and supplied with a good set of frame buildings. The residence is a model of convenience and comfort, and gives indications in all respects of cultivated tastes and ample means. Besides the home farm Mr. Britt owns eighty acres in Tazewell County, besides forty of pasture in the same county and some timber land in Logan County. The marriage of Richard M. Britt and Miss Rhoda C. Medbery was celebrated on the ■27 th of June, 1864. Mrs. Britt w.as born at Fonda's Bush, Saratoga Co., N. Y. Her father, Henry Medbery, was a native of Rhode Island, and her mother, whose maiden name was Julia Lansing, was born at Lansiugburg, N. Y., and was of German descent. The parents of Mrs. H. removed to Michigan in 1844, and thence to Wisconsin twelve years later, locating in Dodge County. Afterward they went into Winnebago County, where the father died and where her mother still resides. Mrs. Britt when a young lady came here to visit a brother who was teaching. He enlisted in the army and Mrs. B. took charge of the school. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Britt there have been born three children — Hallie, William H. and Bessie L. Tlie parents and two of the children are devoted members of the Christian Church. Al- though the immediate descendants of the old pio- neers grew up with but little opportunity for ■ an education, many of them, yes most of them, are noble, high-minded men and women, and are gener- ally among the foremost to make sacrifices to se- cure for tiieir children a substantial education. This rule has been splendidly exemplified in the case of our subject, who has given his children tlie benefits of a good education. Mr. B. is Republican in politics, and casts his vote in support of the principles of tliat party. He has contributed his full quota toward the business and industrial interests of this section, and in all respects is entitled to be classed as an honest man and a good citizen, and as such we present iiis portrait in this connection. <■ ■>%■ "^ BRAHAM FRY, one of the honored pio- neers of Randolph Township, is highly re- spected as a citizen and thoroughly trusted <^ as a business man. He is now living re- tired from active labor on a fine liomestead which comprises 430 acres of highly cultivated land, and a handsome and commodious residence located on section 4. Mr. Fry came to McLean County in 1854, .and purchased a tract of partly improved land which has been his home since that time. He was successful from the beginning in his farming and business openitions, and as time passed on, in- creased his facilities for agriculture and stock-rais- ing, and added to his landed possessions until he now has one of the finest country estates in Mc- Lean County'. Mr. Fry was born in Greene County, Pa., Jan. 6, 181G, and in 1827 removed with his mother to Liclving Count}', Ohio, the father having previously died in Pennsylvania. Our subject, the eldest of seven children, four sons .and three daughters, was only ten years of age .at the time of tlieir removal. The mother spent the remainder of her days in Oliio, and died there at an .advanced age. The cluldhood and j'outh of Abraham Frj' were quickly passed, and he was early trained to habits of in- dustry, being put to all the labor lie could accom- plish .as he advanced in strength and size. Being the eldest child he early became .acquainted with the duties and resiionsibilities of caring for a fam- ily, and was the true and faitliful S3'mpathizer and friend of his mother in her widowhood. He re- mained with her until full}' developed into man- hood, and until some of the younger members of the family could fill his place, and was then mar- ried in Licking County, Ohio, to Miss Sar.ah Myers, who was there born and reared and remained until her marriage. They located in that c'et living; he married Miss I'auliue Stewart, and resides in Bloom iiigton, retired from active business. For his second wife Mr. Fry married Miss Eliza- beth Bishop on the 3d of November, 18G4. Mrs. Fry was born in Randolph Township, Oct. 1, 18;j-2, and is the daughter of Jacob and Mary A. (Weed- man) Bishop, the mother now deceased. They were natives of Perry County, Ohio, where they were reared, educated, and married. Mr. Bishop was a farmer by occupation, and with his family removed to Illinois in 1831, settling in Randolph Township. He was one of the first settlers and became one of its most valued citizens. He is yet living, having arrived at the advanced age of nearly ninety years, making his home in E.ast Hej'worth, on the farm which he first occupied with his family. The house- hold circle included thirteen children, six sons and seven daughters, all of whom are living and mar- ried except one, an' II. Little, who is now deceased, and he lives in Heyworth; Charlotte became the wife of Andrew J. String-field, who served as a Union soldier in the late war and contracted the disease in the army from which he died at his home Aug. 30, IfSfil; Mrs. S. resides with her father; Lizzie is the wife of Abraham Fry (see sketch) ; William Fletcher married Miss Margaret Walmsley, and is a farmer of Downs Tp. ; Blarj' Emma became the wife of James Fulton (see sketch) ; Harriett (Mrs. George Wilson) resides in Normal, her husband having retired from active labor; John St. Clair married Miss Harriett Ches- ney, and is a farmer in Randolph Township; Asbury M. owns and operates fort3--six acres (_)f the old homestead; on the 15th of October, 1.S72, he lost his right arm by means of a tliresiiing-machinc, but has acquired such skill in the use of the left that he is still able to do the work of an ordinarj' man ; Joseph A. married Jane Ellsworth, and is farming- near Heyworth. Mrs. Margaret W. Bishop, the mother of these children, de|)arted this life at her home in Randolph Township, Jan. 23, 1873. She was a devoted member of the Methodist ICpiscopal Church, and our subject has been connected with that denomination since a j-outh of nineteen years. Several of the children are also following the foot- steps of their parents in their religious faith. Mr. Bishop and his sons are all Republican in politics. ->E>»-i>t^- ■-^- ICHAEL KINZINGER, a retired farmer of Montgomery Township, Woodford County, is one of its ])it>neer settlers, and a fine representative of the well-to-do and substantial German citizen. His birth took place in Germany Oct. 10, 1814, and he emigrated to tthe United .States in 1837, liecoming a citizen of McLean County the following- year. His parents ;■ ■<^ were Daniel and Catherine (vSwartztrober) Kinzin- ger, natives of the German Empire. Daniel K. was born in ITfiS, and Catherine, his wife, in 1771. He was a tailor by trade, which he followed until his death, which occurred in 1828, in his native land. The mother survived six years, dying in 1834. Their marriage took place in 1.S0.5, and they became tiie parents of five children, four .sons and one daughter, as follows: Jacob married Miss Catherine Peachy ; Daniel died when sevent3'-five years of age; Michael of our sketch was the third child ; I'eter married Catherine Kneage, and Anna became the wife t)f Ilem-y Patton. The parents were members of the Mennonite Church. After the death of his father Michael Kinzinger was comparatively homeless. He went to live with a gentleman by the name of Gingve, near the town vf Jlorborg, where he remained for ten years fol- lowing. When sixteen years of age he commenced to learn the bl.acksmith trade, at which he worked two years. He then abandoned this and engaged in distilling, being thus occupied fourteen _ve.ars. After spending one j'ear in Bavaria he set sail for the United States, lirst landing in New York Citj-, whence he went into Butler County, Ohio, and fol- lowed his former business as a distiller. Our subject was married, in 1837, to Miss Mag- dalena Naffziger, in Butler C'(_)unty, and in 1838 came with his famih' to' McLean County. They remained in Blooinington for a short time, and Mr. K. rented a tract of land and was occupied in its cultivati(.)n for six j'ears following. In 1844 he purchased eighty acres and soon afterward doubled this amount. He soon afterward erected a log house, 16x18 feet in area. This he divided into two rooms, and their floor was the ground in its na- tive state. In this humble abode there were born the twelve children of Mr. and Mrs. K., namelj- : Catherine became the wdfe of Joseph Frj-, of Stout's Grove; Peter was first married to Miss Naffzinger; his second wife vvas Miss Pauline Rust; Daniel was first married to Miss Mary Schick; his sec- ond wife ivas IMiss Mary Blank; Jacob married iNIiss jMagdalena Keen ; Christian married Miss Lena Strubar; Barbara became the wife of David Zook; Magdalena married Jacob Grundy ; Anna be- came Mrs. Peter Schantz ; Phebe, Mrs. Joseph Strn- i t t 656 McLEAN COUNTY. bar; Caroline, Mrs. George Kirchucr; Kileon anfl August are uiuiiarried. All ar(^ living at this writ- ing, March, 1887. In due time the log cabin was replaced by a handsome frame dwelling, a good barn and all nec- essary and convenient out-buildings. The laud has been finely cultivated and everything about the premises denotes the supervision of a thorough and intelligent business man. Mr. Kinzinger spent year after year industriously and economically, and now, resting from his toils, is passing his last years in the comfort and quiet which he has so fairly earned. Mrs. Kinzinger is tlie daughter of Peter and Bar- bara (Beck) Naftziuger, natives of Bavaria, where they were married and became tlie parents of eleven children, as follows: Elizabeth, .I.acob, .John, j\lagdalena. Barbara, Phebe, Peter, Valentine, Catherine, Christian and John (2d). Mr. K. is Re- publican in politics, and both he and his wife are members in good standing of the Mennonite Church, in which Mr. K. has been a minister for twentj'-three years. /^)EORGE S. JOHNSTON, who has been a III ,—-, resident of McLean County since the 24th ^^5J of March, 18.t6, came to this State from Harrison County, Ohio, where he was born July 12, 1832. His parents were Andrew and Margaret (Humphreys) Johnston, who are still living, and reside in Harrison County, Ohio, having attained an advanced age. Their famil3' consists of four sons and four daughters, of whom George S. was the eldest. The sul)ject of this history remained under the home roof and pursued his studies in the common schools until seventeen years old. He then entered Mt. Union Seminary, in Stark County, Ohio, and after completing his studies there, en- gaged in teaching for five years following. After coming into Illinois he taught one year in Pike County, and then took up his residence in Bloom- ington, where he engaged in operating a ditching machine. He removed from Blooniington to Dela- van. 111., where he cultivated rented land for six years and then moved to Yates Township, this 4» county, where he remained twelve years. In 1878 Mr. Johnston purchased IGO acres of land in Law^n- dale Township, where he has since lived. This is all improved, with a fine residence, a barn to cor- respond, and all the other requirements of a first- class modern agriculturist. He is engaged mostly in stock-raising and exhibits some very fine speci- mens of cattle and horses. Mr. Johnston was married in his native county in the Buckeye State, March 20, 18(;0. to Miss Mary McFadden, also a native of Harrison County, Ohio, born in 1830. Of this union there were born three sons — William, Oscar and James. Mrs. Mary John- ton departed this life in Lawndale Township, Aug. 31, 186G. The second marriage of our subject also took place in Harrison County, Ohio, March 24, 18G8, when he was united with Miss Belle Biruey, a native of that State and county. The result of this marriage was eight children, of whom five are living — Maggie, Rosa, Lizzie, Ada, and Rosco. Those deceased are Birney, Jane and one who died unnamed in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Johnston are worthy members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and politically our sul>ject is a stanch Republican. He has held the otHces of Township Assessor and Road Com- missioner, and takes a genuine interest in the wel- fare of his community. -^ "^-^ "^ "^1^ ETER HOIERMAN, a fair rejM-esentative Ij) of the grocer}- trade in Blooniington, is lo- cated at No. 107 East Front street, where he is operating profitablj' and successfully. Mr. Hoiennan is a native of Germany, and was born July 24, 1853. He received his education parti}' in the schools of Oldenburg, and later attended the University of Leipzic, where he completed his stud- ies when sixteen years of age. He began his mer- cantile experience as a clerk for a firm in Bremen, where he served until 1870 and then enlisted in the German .arraj\ He served as a soldier fifteen months, then received his honorable discharge, re- turned home, and in October of the following year set sail for the New World on the steamer Maine. After arriving in New York City he secured a -»— B-^ i ■'-y^^a^aa.'a^jisj&fefe^^^ RESIDENCE OF MILTON H E N LI N E , 5 E C . 1 , TOWAN DA TP. '•:**-«Sii^"V,'r",;.'--'Ki-.;;^,' • Residence OF WASHINGTON DAWSON , sec. 29, CHENOA.TP.. pr »«S»~*" HEBpgTEES NEWBtSeOVERY KIIK" HfflffiffiBfflfflBifflffl ' Vt^-^ '^%Vf^ 1# f "f*^"-^^. CHENOA tile works -CHENOAJLLS.. PIKE &.CA5TLE , PROPR'5 ., HEADQUARTERS NEW D IS C V E RV KI L K t •►^B-^*- McLEAN COUNTY. 669 clerkship in the tea store of Phillip Stiuer & Co., with whom he remained until the spring of 1872. He then went as a coffee sampler to Rio Janeiro, S. A., where he spent three years, returning to New York City in May, 1876. Soon afterward he started West, and arriving in Blooniington, 111., was soon engaged as book-keeper for Reinhold Graflf, in which capacity he served acceptably for a period of nine years. He then became associated in partnership with E. Meyer, and they have oper- ated under the name and style of Hoierman & Meyer since December, 1884. They have a good trade, and the house is supplied with every article required in their line. The subject of our sketch was mairied, Nov. 4, 1886, to Miss Minnie Balke, of Blooniington, and they occupy a pleasant home at No. 608 West Washington street, where they are surrounded by many warm friends. When Mr. H. began life on his own account in Blooniington he had but $1.75 in cash. He learned book-keeping, both the Ger- man and English system, of the American Consul in Oldenburg, and soon acquired a good knowl- edge of the English language. He is thorough and methodical in his business transactions, and in all respects is considered a good business man and a useful member of the community. Sociall}' he be- longs to Mozart Lodge No. 656, I. O. O. F., Uh- land Lodge No. 305, and the Turners Society, of which he is Financial .Secretary and teacher of gym- nastics. He is also Secretary of the Illinois Dis- trict of Turner Societies, and occupies the same po- sition in Mozart and Uhland Lodges. He is also Treasurer of the German Benevolent Society. After this record it is scarcely necessary to say that he enjoys in a marked degree the confidence of his fellow-townsmen. ENRY G. REEVES, attorney at law, Blooni- ington, is a native of the Keystone State, having been born in Pittsburgh, Pa., June 13, 1845. His father, Barnes C. Reeves, a farmer by occupation, was a native of New Jersey, and his mother, before her marriage, was Miss Mary M. Gray. After their marriage they settled •►■-♦^ I in Pennsylvania, where they lived until the fall of 1855, when they started for the West, and coming into Illinois, settled in Old Town Township, this county, where Mr. Reeves died the following year. His widow, the mother of our subject, was thus left with several children, of whom Henry G., our subject, was the eldest. The mother died in 1884, upon the farm where they first settled. Two brothers still reside in Old Town Township. The subject of this history was reared on the farm, and received his early rudimentary education in the log-cabin school-houses, this being princi- pally in the winter season, the boy's assistance be- ing required on the farm during the summer. He was fond of his books, and made the most of his opportunities, in the meantime keeping his eyes open to what was going on around him in the world. In the fall of 1861 he entered Wesleyan University, from which he graduated in 1866, in the meantime having done service in the army. In June, 1862, the war being then in progress, many of his fellow students enlisted in the Union service, our subject among them, becoming a member of Co. G, 68th 111. Vol. Inf., and serving six months. The regi- ment was first sent to Washington, thence to Alex- andria, vvhere our subject assisted in provost duty. He was mustered out in the fall of 1862. After his retirement from the array, Mr. Reeves returned to Blooniington and completed his college course. He commenced reatling law under the instruction of Judge Reeves of Bloomington, and was admitted to practice in this city in 1867, where he has since been engaged with fair success. The subject of our sketch was married in Bloom- ington, Dec. 25, 1866, to Miss Hattie Niccolls. and in the spring they went to housekeeping on North Main street, where they reside to-day. They have one daughter — Lettie N. The family residence is the abode of peace and plenty, and its inmates are surrounded by all the comforts of life, and among those whom they most value have hosts of friends. Mr. and Mrs. Reeves have been connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church of Bloomington since its organization, and have contributed to its sup- port liberally of their means. Mr. Reeves has been a member of the Board of Trustees for six years, and has served as Sunday-school Superintendent ^ ______.. •►-■ t 660 McLEAN COUNTY. for seven years. Socially lie is a member of the (i. A. IL, belonging to Bloomington Lodge No. 43. Mr. Reeves is in possession of the commission whieh vv;is issued tc) Abiier Reeves when a soldier ill the Revolutionary War, who was the great-great- grandfather of our subject. In [lolitics Mr. Reeves is a stanch Re|)idjlican. -<3=f+ =E> } H. NEWTON, County Recorder, is a resi- dent of Blooniingtou, where he enjoys the esteem and conlideiice of his fellow-citizens. lie was liorn in Hancock County, this State, on the 2.'id of May, l^i;i,S, being the son of Heniy and Martha (IIagi>ard) Newton, natives re- spectively of \'irginia and Kentncky. The}' were married in the latter State, and I'anie to Illinois in 183G, locating in Hancock County, where they en- gaged in farming and livecl until the fall of 1S44. The_y then came into this t'ounty. and the father took up eight}^ acres of land in Dale Townsliii). He erected a large log house, planted fruit and .slia.de trees, and broke the |ii'airie sod, I'emaiuinii' there until the fall of ISoT. Then, selling out, he purchased property in Bloomington, where the par- ents took u|) their abode, and the father retired from a(^tive labor. The latter years (jf their lives were spent with their children in Dale Township. The mother died in 1.S71, when seveuty-si.\ years old, and the father, in l!^7.'),aged eighty-five. Both were members of the Baptist Church, in which Henry Newton was' a Deacon for :i nund)er of years. Their three children were Da'son and Louise, twins, and the subject of this sketch. .Mr. Newton ()f this l)ioi;i-aphy was rcai'eil i.in his fathei''s farm, took up his lirst studies in the district school, and in the winter of l.S.')7-r)S, attended the High School in ]51ooniiiigton. For two winters after that he taughtschool in McLean County, and when not teaching was engaged in farming until the spring of 1876. He then engaged as a travelinii .salesman for the nurseryman, W. H. Mann, of (iilman, 111., but abanihjned the road in a short time on aceonnt of sickness in his family. .Ian. 1, 1^177, he became Assistant Circuit Clerk for .J. C. 4* McFarlaiid, which position he occupied four years, and in 1880 was elected County Recorder, being- re-elected in 1884. Mr. Newton was married, in 18(i2, to Miss Martha A. Hoover, wlu^ is a native of Ohio,. and the daughter of Samuel J. and Christie A. Hoover, natives respectively of Ohio and Scot- land. Of this union there have been born four children, William D. being the only one now liv- ing, and is Deputy Clerk and Recorder, having been connected with the office since 1882. The family residence is located at No. 309 West Market stii'ct. Mr. Newton is Republican in politics, and with liis wife anil son is a member of the Methodist Lpisc-opal Church, in which he holds the otiice of Steward. Before coming to Bloomington he was .lustice of the Peace, Township Trustee and School Director. "-^^i^ '~^\^ «^*^- \llHAAV K. BUNN, of Blue Monn I Township, who was born in Fayette County. Ohio, Feb. 11, 183-2. came to this county with his parents when a hid of seven years, and has since made his home within its boundaries. He moved to Blue Jlouud Townshii) in the spring of 1884 and located n|>on his tine farm of 160 acres, where he also has a hanllzabeth is the wife of James Allen, and they live ill Missouri; Esther A. married F. A. Bishop, a farmer of Money Creek Township; Daniel D. w.as a member of the 94th Illinois Infantry and died in the hospital at New Orleans; Naomi and Rev. Yeakle were united in marriage and are living in Kansas. Mrs. Moats was born in Cham[)aign County, Ohio, Feb. 10, 1830, and was about eighteen years old when she accompanied her parents to this county. By her union with our subject four children have been born — John W., Martha .1., Sarah O. and one died in infancy. John W. married Miss N. L. Rowe and they are living in Money Creek Town- ship; Martha is the wife of II. P. S.ichs, a farmer of Money Creek Township, and Sarah O. lives at home. Mr. Moats has held the office of Road Commissioner for many years and also that of School Director. He and his wife are members of the United Brethren Church, and in politics he is a stanch Reimblican. 'Y/ EONARD REDDICK, a prominent grain- I (© Ijiiyer of Saybrook, is a native of Musking- jl^V um County, Ohio, born June 19, 1822, and the son of Phillip and Mary (Bartlett) Reddick, the former a native of Maryland and the latter of \'ermont. Phillip Reddick was born in December, 17'.)G, and departed this life in Ohio in 1873. The mother, born in 180G, died at her home in 1871. Botli parents were members of the Lutheran Church. Their twelve chiMren were Leonard, Mary A., Elijah, Elizabetii, Samuel, Eliza J., Margaret, John, George, Abraham, Amanda and Clara. Our subject was the eldest member of his father's family and remained under the home roof receiv- ing careful training and a common-school educa- tion. After reaching manhood he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Moore, June 12, 1849. This lady was born in Ohio in 1824, and was the daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Claj'pole) Moore, who .are both deceased. They were most worthy and excellent people and members in good standing of the Baptist Church. Their children were Mary, Harriet, Sarah, John, Jane, Eliza, Mason, Daniel, Catherine and Joseph. By this marriage Mr. Reddick became the father of two children — Mary J. and Harriet. Mrs. Sarah M. Reddick de- parted this life on the 12th of April, 1852, after their removal to Hamilton County, Ind. She was a highly respected lady and a worthy and consist- ent member of the Baptist Church. The second wife of our subject, to whom he was married in 1854, was Miss Rebecca Gallow.ay, a na- tive of Indiana. Of this union there were born four children — Sanford, Alvin, Fremont and Jos- 4 t -4^ (ifi4 -J McLEAN COUNTY. eph (;., all living. Mrs. Rebecca G. Reddiek died So|)l. 12, 18(i4. The following j'ear our subject came to Illinois, arriving in this county on the 2d of November. In early life he had learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for a period of thirty -two years, and superintended the erection of some of the most prominent buildings, including several large churches in and around Saybrook. He abandoned his trade in llS7i>, to engage in graiu-buying, in which he has been reuiarliably successful, being the leader in this business at Say- brook. In 187;i he commenced dealing in lumber, but sold out to engage in his present business. Prior to the outbreak of the Rebellion .Mr. Red- dick was a stanch Democrat, but the first gun that was lired upon Ft. Sumter also knocked the democ- racy out of him and he went over without delay to the Kipulilican party, whose principles since that time he has vigorously supported. He has been l)i()miucnt in the affairs of his township, holding its various offices and also being prominent in the local affairs of Saybiook. Religiously he is con- nected with the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he has been Steward and Ti iistee and greatly interested in Sunday-school work, to which he has contributed generously of his time and means. ELI BARNARD, who has always been occu- pied in agricultural pursuits and is at pres- j -^1 ent engaged in that vocation on his fine farm on section 21, Money Creek Township, is a son of Melman N. Barnard, whose sketch is given in con- nection with that of S. F. Barnard in another por- tion of this work. Our subject was a twin brother of Levi Barnard and was born in Money Creek Township. Sept. 1, 184;{. He was reared to man- hood on his father's farm and received his educa- tion in the pioneer log school-house of this county. All his years thus far in life, with the exception of about three months, have been spent in the bound- aries of thf township in which he was born. Mr. Barnard is at present the owner of a fine farm consisting of 240 acres, and located on sections 20 and 21, Money Creek Township. He thoroughly understands the vocation at which he labors and is meeting with success in the conducting of his place. Our subject was married in Champaign Countv. 111., Jan. 1, 18G7, to Miss Sarilda, daughter of Joseph and Eleanor G. (Beaty) Shaw. Joseph Shaw was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, and his wife was a native of the same county. The^' were married and settled in that county, whence they removed to Pickaway County, same State, and then, in 1862, came to this county and located in Money Creek Township. He died there Feb. 4, 1868. Twelve children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Shaw and Mrs. Barnard vvas the fourth in order of birth. She was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, Jan. lo, 1843, and by her union with our subject seven children have been born— Nettie, Sinia, Josie, Leslie, Anna, Grace and Alta. Nettie died when three yeai'S old. Socially .Mr. Barnard is a member of the IMasonic fraternity. He .and his wife hold fellowship with the Christian Church, and in politics he is a stanch Republican. ;>ILLIAM WIRT RANDOLPH is one of lerchants of Towanda. The ancestrj- of the Randolph family' in the United States dates back to an early day. Edward Fitz Randolph and Elizabeth Blossom came with their parents from Northampton, England, to escape religious persecu- tion in that country. Miss Blossom came in the Mayflower in 1620, and Edward arrived here in 1630. The}' were married in this country. May 10, 1G4G, and settled at Barnstable, Barnstable Co., M.ass., and became the parents of eight ciiildren. Joseph, the fifth child, was born in 16,56, married Sar.ah (^ongdon in 1687, and the}' had twelve chil- dren ; Joseph, the second of these, was born in 1690, married, and became the father of twelve children. Joseph, the fifth of these, was born in 1722, nuir- ried Esther Broderick, and thej' had eleven chil- dren ; John, their sixth child, was born in 17o2, mar- ried Phebe Steele by whom he had eight children, and died in 1826. Steele, the sixth son of John and Phebe (Steele) Randolph, and father of our sub- ject, was born at Piscataway, N. J.. Oct. 22, 1786, and was married Jan. 25, 1810, to Harriett Runy on, of French extraction. She was born in Middlesex County, N. J., Jan. 14, 1793. They first settled i .1= 4^ -•►■ ! McLEAN COUNTY. 6ti5 ' ^ I in Somerset County, N. J., nftei- their marriage, where he followed the occupation of a miller and which vocation he continued until his death. He died JMai-ch G, ISfif), in Somerset County, after a residence there of upward of forty-five 3'ears. After his death his wife came to Bloomington, 111., where she lived for some eight years and then, re- turning to New Jersey, departed this life at Hound- brook, Somerset County, Nov. 25, lf<71. They had seven childi-en — Esther R., John S., Mielie A., Keune R., Asa R., William Wirt and one who died in infancy. Esther became the wife of Peter Kline and departed this life in Macon County, 111., Oct. 4, 18G5; John S. is living at Boundbrook, N. J.; Phebe A. w.as the second wife of Peter Kline and died at Bloomington, 111., Jidy 10, 18(!8; Reune R. is living at Bloomington, 111., and Asa is a resident of Summit, N. J. William Wirt Randolph was born in Somerset County, N. J., Jan. 8, 1834, and lived at home until he was of age. lie received his education in the Quaker schools and upon the death of his father came west to Chicago, where he worked at the carpenter's trade about six months. He then went to Ueeatur, 111., and there worked at the same trade for something over a year, when he came to Bloomington, this county. Arriving here in 185G, he began working at his trade and was thus occu- pied for about sixteen years. During that time, however, he became infatuated with the idea of be- coming suddenly rich .and the novelty of digging a fortune out of the ground, and went to Pike's Peak, in the spring of 1860. He soon satisfied himself that the precious metal was not to be had in such an abundance as to make him a Crcesns, and in Jan- uary of the following year he returned to this coun- ty, having made the journey overlanunty, Ky., of parents who were born, reared and married in Virginia, her father being engaged in farming pursuits. Later they removed to Owen County, Ky., where the father died about 1836. The mother, who was formerly ^liss Catharine Bronson, after the death of her husband came to Illinois and died at the home of her grand-daugh- ter, Mrs. Sarah Chase, when seventy-seven years old. Mr. and Mrs. Shannon of this notice became the parents of seven children, of whom George F. and Mary C. are deceased. Those living are Sa- rah, Samuel R., John T., Irene and William B., all married and settled in comfortable homes. Mr. Shannon followed his trade in Owen County and Covington, Ky., for some time after his mar- riage. Thence he removed to Bloomington, 111., where he established a good business and was suc- cessful. In Heyworth he has been President of the Village Board, and is Democratic in politics. He is greatly interested in the cause of temperance, and of late years has identified himself with the Prohi- bition movement. All the family are members of the Baptist Church, and are recognized in this com- munity as law-abiding and useful citizens. « >i ■ » a\~ -vv,." ■ S. MEARS, a worthy citizen and substan- tial farmer of Yates Township, is finely lo- cated on section 20, where he owns and operates a beautiful farm, and has built up for himself an enviable reputation as an honest man and a good citizen. Mr. Mears is a native of Scot- land, boru on the 3d of March. 1834, and the son of John and Mary (Dunn) Clears, who were natives of the same country as their son. In 1849 the par- ents and six children emigrated from their native land, and after a verj' tedious voyage in a sailing- vessel landed at New York City, and soon after- ward made their waj' to Syracuse, that State, near which city they settled. There the parents passed the remainder of their daj's; their six children — James, William, Thomas, D. S., Mary and Jlar- garet — are all living, some in the East and some in the West. The subject of this history was but a boy of fifteen 3'ears when he arrived with his jjarents' fam- ily in the United States. The latter were in very straightened circumstances, it having taken all their money to pay the expense of crossing the '• brin}' deep." It was thus necessary that each member of the family should take care of himself as far as pos- sible. Under these circumstances our subject bound himself out to a farmer, who gave him his board and clothes. He served this man faithfully for eighteen months, during which time he re- ceived h.arsh treatment, and finally ran away, start- ing westward, and not knowing where he was to land. He finally found himself in the city of Buf- falo, where he took passage on a boat for Cleve- land, Ohio, and in the latter State soon became em- 4» ployed as a farm hand, in the harvest fields of Northern Ohio, receiving as compensation fifteen cents per day. From there he drifted into Indiana, where he worked by the month for farmers at $13 and $14 until 1855. In that State he-was so greatly afflicted with fever and ague that his physician ad- vised him to change his location, which he did effectually, making his way to New Orleans. La., where he passed the winter of 1855-56. He then took passage up the Mississippi River to Alton, 111., whence he proceeded b}' rail to Chicago, and found work there in a brickyard. Elarlj' in July of the latter year he met a Will County farmer, who had gone into the city to celebrate the National holiday, and as the fanner wanted to hire a hand, our subject ac- companied him to his home near Joliet, and worked for him until the winter of 1858. During the latter year our subject came to McLean County, and after working one season near Bloom- ington, entered the employ of Nathaniel Suther- land, an extensive farmer near Towanda, with whom he remained three years. In the fall of 1861 he decided that henceforth in life he would be his own employer. He .accordingly rented land near Che- noa, which he operated until 1865, then purchased the northwest quarter of section 20, which forms his present farm. When he purchased this land it was raw prairie and rather wet. He has now brought the whole to a fine and fertile condition, having put in 750 rods of tile draining, w-hich has changed the low wet portions into productive fields. In due time he erected a good set of farm build- ings, and now has one of the most attr.active and valuable homesteads in Yates Township. He makes a specialty of grain raising. Mr. Mears vvas married in 1862, to Miss Anna M. Witherow, a native of Pennsylvania, born April 29, 1839, and they have become the parents of eight children — Mary J., James, Walker, Joseph, Scott, Flora, Cora, and Robert, deceased. Our sub- ject and his family .are among the most highly es- teemed residents of their community, and the fam- ily mansion is the home of hospitality and good cheer. As a citizen Mr. Mears is one of that class possessing the peculiar characteristics of his vScot- tish ancestry, and his word is as good as his bond. Socially he is a Royal Arch Mason, being a mem- * t t 676 McLEAN COUNTY. ^ ber of Chenoa Blue Lodge No. 292, anrl Cheuoa Chapter No. 143. Politically he casts his vote in support of the principles of the Democratic party. *^«^-'-i»»^« V?*«f-;;^'lfe■,;^ ^ y> .K,i^.^»;f5^.:-^.„r.^-^< *'^ ^ ^f—*?*!-* ^ -" ■^n -til ^i;=^rL«j^ Rtsidence ofJ.NV.MS Ginnis,Sec.I5., Lawndale Townshi p. Res, OF Mrs. Mary A. N esmith ^ Sec.2I., Lawn dale Township. ^*^;;^*ii:^'''^ ;'*^^-«--<;:^'^-- -'-'^^^^ Res. OF Ira C . Pratt, Crops ey. III. McLEAN COUNTY. 679 I i and a member in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The record of their seven chil- dren is as follows: Oliver H. P. was born April 17, 1820, and married Miss Mary jSewconib; Isaac died in infancy ; Rebecca was born Feb. 7, 1825, and became the wife of Marks Banks; Rachel, born Aug. 29, 1828, married John Newcomb; Walter, born Sept. 10, 1831, married Miss Mary Banks; James S. of our sketch was the sixth child ; Hannah was born Feb. 12, 1840, and died when six yeais old. The subject of our sketch was reared to man- hood on his father's farm, and on the 7th of De- cember, 1854, was united in marriage with Miss Margaret P. Means, who was born on the farm where they now live, Oct. 13, 1835. She is the daughter of Robert and Sarah (Rumsey) Means, natives of Virginia, who removed to Kentucky in their 3'outh, and were there married. Mr. Means was a farmer by occupation, and came to this county in 1830, where he spent the remainder of his daj's. He was born in 1785, and departed this life Aug. 1, 1835.* Mrs. Means was born Nov. 10, 1795, and survived her husband nearly forty years, dying March 1, 1875. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and became the mother of ten children, as follows: America P. was born in 1820, and died in 1885; Katurah; Jemima and John were twins; the latter died when twelve years old; James R. was born March 22, 1825. The balance were David D., Joseph K., Owen A., Elizabeth M. and Margaret P. Mr. and Mrs. Vanscoyoc became the patents of eight children: Theodore L., born Sept. 20, 1855, died Sept. 22, 1856; Almaretta was born Aug. 1, 1857; Sarah H., Feb. 11, 1800; Mary D.,Nov. 18, 1862; Harry A., born Sept. 30, 1865, and married Miss L. L. Hiatt; AValter M., born June 24, 1869; Charlie C, March 13, 1876; Guy P., March 16, 1879. The homestead of our subject consists of 265 acres of valuable land, and he has of late years been quite extensively engaged in the breeding of fine stock. He is independent in politics, and has held the various offices of his township, being a man of sound judgment, whose opinion is uniformly held in respect. He is prominentlj' connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he has 4* been Steward for a number of years, and has con- tributed liberally and cheerfully to its support. He has in all respects fulfilled his obligations as a good citizen, and is considered one of the impor- tant factors in the business and agricultural com- munity. / (Dunk r/OSEPH P. JANES, living on section 14. Mone3' Creek Township, is a farmer by call- ing, and successful in the prosecution of his labors. John S. Janes and his wife, Sarah le) Janes, parents of oursubject, were natives of Virginia. They moved to F.ayette County, Ohio, after their marriage aud were there resident until the fall of 1851, when they came here and made their home in Money Creek Township. The father died in Indiana, Feb. 20, 1854, while there on business, and his remains were brought back and interred at Lexington, this county. His wife sur- vived him until Feb. 13, 1887. dying in Money Creek Township. They had eight children — Peter H., Martha, Laura, Jacinta, Joseph P., Elizabeth, Lorenaand Barbara E. Joseph P. Janes was born in Fayette County, Ohio, Oct. 28, 1844, and was seven years old when his parents came to this county, and has made Money Creek Township his home since that time. He knows no other calling than that of farming, having followed that vocation all his life, aud at present is the owner of 180 acres of valuable land, located as stated. Mr. Janes was married to Miss Jennie Arbogast, a native of Virginia, who departed this life in Money Creek Township, and Julj^ 8, 1875, at Bloomington, our subject formed a second matrimonial alliance. Miss Charlotte Foster being the other contracting jjarty. She is the daughter of Harrison and Ann (Chance) Foster, the former a native of Kentucky. Her parents came to this county in 1851, and settled in Gridley Township, where they lived happily together as man and wife until 1872, the date of the demise of the mother. Seven children were born of their union, five daughters and two sons, and Mrs. Janes was the third in order of birth. She first saw light in Wapello County, Iowa, June 23, 1855, and her union with our subject has been blest by the birth «► 'i t fiSO McLEAN COUNTY. of one child — Allie. Mr. Janes has held the office of School Director and Overseer of lligliways, and in politics is a stanch Republican. Mrs. Janes holds fellowship with the United Brethren Church. yrlLLlAM II. MACY, druggist at Towanda / and also Justice of the Peace, is one of the ^5^^ recognized business men of that place, pos- sessing the confidence and respect of his townsmen. William W. Macy, father of our subject, is a na- tive of Nantucliet. Mass., and Mariuin P. (Hough- ton) Macj', our subject's mother, was born in Lynn, Mass. From New Bedford, Mass., where they had settled after marriage, the parents of our subject removed to New York City, in which metropolis the father died in 1838. Soon after his demise the mother removed to Nantucket, Mass., where she died Jan. 2.5, 1839. Two children were born of tlieir union; one of these died in infancy, and our subject, the other, is the only one of the family living. William II. Macy was born in New Bedford, IMa.ss., Jan. "2.5. 1834. He lost his parents when quite young, and was brought up by relatives. He lived with Hezekiah Barnard, State Treasurer of Massachusetts, until he was fifteen years old, re- ceiving a good education in a Quaker school, and at this age was sent to West Town Boarding School, near Philadelphia, Pa., where he pursued his studies about two 3^ears. He then returned to IMassachu- setts, and after attending school for another year, went to Fall River, that State, where he served an ai)prenticesliip of sometliing over three years in learning the cabinet-maker's trade. In the spring of 1856, Mr. Macy came to this State and located at Loda, Iroquois County, and was there engaged at cai'penters' work for about two years. We next hear of him at Tremont, Tazewell Co., III., where he is working at his trade and where he continued to reside for about a year. Next he became a citizen of Fairbury, Livingston Co., 111., whence he removed to Pontiac, that count}-, and there lived until the breaking out of tiie late Civil War. In August, 18C1, he enlisted ill Co. K, 3d 111. Vol. Cav.. as a private, and served 4 * for three 3'ears and one month. For nearly two and a half years he was detailed as Hospital Stew- ard. While near Memphis, Tenn., he came near being captured by Forrest's troops, but succeeded in making his escape. Receiving his discharge he went to Attica, Ind., and in June, 1865, came to Towanda, this county, where he bought out a small stock of drugs. He has continued to make that his home until the present writing, and during his residence there has I)een identified with every in- terest calculated to benefit the place, and has met with success in his business adventures. Mr. Macy was married at Fairbury, 111., Sept. 22, 1803, to Miss Mary E. Walden, daughter of Theophilus and Nancy (Oppy) Walden, natives of Ohio. Tlie}' emigrated from their native State to Montgomery County, Ind., where he died. She afterward lived with her children, and died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Macy, in Towanda, July 24, 1880. Mrs. Macy was the youngest of her parents' children, and was born in Montgomery County, Ind., Oct. 17, 1837. Her union with our subject has been blest by the birth of two children — Mary B. and William D. Mary is the wife of Dr. William C. Girtin, a resident of Towanda. Mr. Macy has held the office of School Trustee for about nineteen years, also Village Trustee and Justice of the Peace for several years, and is the present incumbent of the latter office. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and in politics a Republican, having voted with that part}- since its formation. He and his wife, together with their two children, are membei's of the Baptist Church. ARTIN BATTERTON, one of the earliest settlers of McLean County, came here as early as January, 1834. The journey from his home in Madison County, Ky., was made on horseback. He rode up through the State of Indiana and then westward into Sanga- mon Count}', 111., afterward coming into McLean County and here joining his mother's brothers who had preceded him. He at once purchased a claim in Lawndale Township which he began to improve. ♦r#^^ **%/ '^^^z^c^c ^ .>.^rt'c^^pi^ t McLEAN COUNTY 683 and has been a resident of this vicinity since that time, inalving' for himself a most honorable record as an honest and upright man and a useful member of the community. Mr. Batterton was born in Madison County, Ky., Sept. 29, 1807. His father, Abraham Batterton, of Virginia, was born in about 1775, and died in Ken- tucky in 1858, at the advanced age of eighty-three years. His grandfather, Henry Batterton, was of English birth and parentage and emigrated with his brother to America, but after their arrival became separated and the brotlier was lost to his relatives. Abraham Batterton was a soldier in the War of 1812, having volunteered under Gen. Hopkins, and was sent to the frontier to look after the In- dians who were creating disturbances. When he went to Kentucky he was a young man still living with liis parents, and he was there married to Miss Susanna Hainlain, of Madison County. Her fa- ther was George Hainlain, who was of German an- eestiy. After marriage they settled on the home- stead of his father in Madison County, buying out the interest of tbe other heirs, and continued to re- side there the remainder of his life, dying in 1858. He left a wife and seven children, all of whom lived to mature years and all remained in Ken- tucky except one brother, Curtis, who settled in McLean County, 111., and of whom a sketch is given in this volume. Martin Batterton passed the days of his boyhood and j'outh in his native State, and received a com- mon-school education. He was a natural mechanic, and without serving an apprenticeship became car- penter, cooper and shoemaker, so that when he moved to McLean County he made his own boots and shoes, and after settling down upon liis home- stead saved many a dollar by his skill in the use of tools. After locating upon his claim as above stated Mr. Batterton, in October, 1836, was united in marriage with Miss America, the daughter of Sam- uel Tayloi', of Knox County, to which he liad re- moved from Boone County, Ky., in about 1835. Mr. Batterton, when he came to this county, had about $400 in cash and in due time he added to his landed possessions until he is now the owner of 280 acres of choice land, finely improved and under a good state of cultivation. The farm residence is a shapely and substantial structure and the barn and out-buildings of first-class description. The home- stead invariably attracts the attention of the pass- ing traveler and marks one of the attractive spots of McLean County. Mr. and Mrs. B. became the parents of three children — Ira A., Mary E. and Zerilda. After the war Ira edited a paper at Vicksburg, Miss., and it was reported was accidentally shot, although there are grave doubts in regard to the matter; he was a stanch Union man and enlisted for a term of three years in Co. K, 8tli III. Vol. Inf., in which he served until being mustered out, in April, 1863, to taive the rank of Adjutant in another regiment. Owing to some misunderstanding, however, he found the place occupied by another man, and leturning to his regiment remained with his comrades, sharing their fortunes and the vicissitudes of war until after the siege and capture of Vicksburg. He after- ward remained in that city as a private citizen, and clerked in the office with which he subsequently be- came connected as editor. After the capture of the city by Union troops the Government took possession of the printing press and during the ex- citement of that occasion Ira Batterton was killed as above stated, in July, 1865, and his father re- moved his remains to this vicinity for burial. Mar^' H Batterton became the wife of Thomas B. Kilgore, a resident of Lawndale Townsiiip; Zerilda J. mar- ried A. J. Moon, of Lexington. Mrs. America T. Batterton departed this life in March, 1883, and since her death our subject has made his home part of the time on the farm and part of the time with his daughter. Mrs. Moon. He still looks after the affairs of the old homestead, although eighty years old. He enjoys remarkably good health and is active for one of his years. In earlier years he was quite prominent in the affairs of the township, and served as Assessor and Col- lector. He always took a deep interest in its pros- perity and welfare. He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for over forty years; his wife also belonged to that church, having made a profession of religion when a girl. In jjolitics Mr. B. is an ardent Republican. In the portrait of this venerable and revered n t -4^ 6H4 McLEAN COUNTY. pioneer of McLean Cnunty, many of the old resi- dents with their children will recognize the featnres of one of those dauntless and courageous charac- ters who assisted to make permanent in this region the institntio:is which were inaugurated in this coun- try by the sturdy spirits of '76, whose children have just cause for revering their memory and their deeds, and helping to cherish and preserve the history of their lives. There si)rang upon the soil of Kentucky many of the resolute men, who in earl3' life looked toward the Northwestern Territory as a desirable field for their future operations and wiio, coming here, have played no unimiiortant part In its prosperity, both asagriculturistBand financiers. Among these Martin Batterton occupies a con- spicious and honorable position, and no better monu- ment t<) his virtues can be erected tlian the history of his life, although briefly given, which may be handed down to iiis children who will peruse it and in turn teach the lesson of his worth to their de- scendants. 'JYJUDGE C. D. MYERS, who presides over the County Conrt at Blooraington, is filling tiie duties of his res|)onsible position intelli- gently and acceptably, and is one of the most highly esteemed citizens of JIcLean County. Judge Myers was born in Meigs County, Ohio, on the 7th of May, 1847. His parents were Benjamin anlair, and the3' have one child — Karl B. ; Josephine, Noah B. and Isaiic P. are with their p.-irents at home. Capt. Denison and his family occupj' a comfortable and attractive residence at No. 609 '^ t. It ■<^ _t 686 McLean county. West Washington street, and enjoy the friendship and society of a large circle of warm friends. Our subject is prominently connected with the Repub- lican party and socially belongs to the A. F. & A. M. and the G. A. R. He is in all respects a worthy and valued citizen, and l)oth socially and as a busi- ness man is a representative citizen of McLean County. ^1 ATHEW G. HAUGHEY, an esteemed citi- zen of JIcLean, is at present engaged as a stock-dealer, and has been a resident of this vicinity since a child eight years of age, when he removed from his native State to this county. His birth occurred in ( Jreene County, Ohio, on the 8th of April, 1840. His father, Joseph Haughey, vvas born in the Old Dominion, where he was reared and grew to manhood. He was also married' in Virginia, his wife being Miss Esther White, a native of that State. Soon after marriage the young c(ju[)le removed to Ohio, settling in Greene County on a tract of timber land of 100 acres, from wiiich Joseph Haughe^' improved a farm, which he occupied until 1848. He then sold out and started for the West, accompanied by his wife and nine children. The journey' was made overland and their outfit consisted of six horses, two wagons and a carriage. After about thirty da^'s' travel they landed in Logan County, 111., where the father of our subject rented land for two years following. In tlie meantime Mr. H. had entered 160 acres on sections 1 and 12 of what is now Mt. Hope Township, where he soon afterward built a house, into which he removed his family in the fall of 1850. He remained there until a few years before his death, and spent his last days in McLean, re- tired from active labor. His death occurred in 18GS), wlien he was flfty-niiie years of age; his widow still lives in McLean. The children now living are as follows: Henry is a resident of Ava, Douglas Co., Mo. ; Eliz.'ibctli became the wife of Lewis Harley, who is now deceased (see sketch) ; Lorenzo Dow lives in Arkansas; John, in Kansas; Mathew G., in McLean, and RLary E., Mrs. vSamuel vans, in Mt. Hope Township. f Be\ r The subject of this history was reared to farm- ing pursuits, and remained under the home roof until August, 1862. The Rebellion being then in progress he enlisted as a Union soldier in Co. A, 117th 111. Vol. Lif., serving until March, 1863, when he was honorably discharged on account of disa- bility and returned home. As soon as his health would permit he resumed farming pursuits until 1866. Then, coming to McLean, he began dealing in grain and stock and later purchased a one-half interest in a drug-store. He subsequently sold this and purchased an elevator, and continued operat- ing in grain until 1884, also in buying and shipping stock. Mr. Haughey vvas married in McLean County, 111., in Septemlier, 1 872, to Miss Charlotte Snow, who was a native of Brookfield, Mass., and born Jan. 14, 1847. Her parents were Daniel C. and Louisa D. (Rice) Snow, whose sketch appears in this work. Of this union there were born two children — Frank M. and Daniel Max. Mr. and Mrs. Haughey are greatly respected wherever known. Our subject is a member of the iMethodist Episcopal Church, and socially belongs to Harrison W. Wood Post, G. A. R. Mrs. Haughey is a member in good standing of the Congregational Church. >~'v/*- . -v4iiXJj2/®^^^ I |->*®fS'OT7>>>"'W~- ABJN A SACKETT. This highly respected citizen of Arrowsmith Township owns and occupies a flue homestead on section 17, consisting of 160 acres of highly improved land, with a handsome two-story dwelling, a good barn, and all necessary buildings adapted to the storing of grain and the shelter of stock. He has made the breeding of tlie latter a specialty, and in this, as well as in other farming operations, has met with remarkable success. Our subject was born in Delaware Country, Ohio, March 22, 1828, and is the son of Elijah G. and Malinda (Lee) Sackett, natives respectively of Ohio and New York. Elijah Sackett was born in 1804, and died July 5, 1880. He came to Illinois in 1856, whence he removed to Iowa in 1875, and was engaged in farming pursuits all his life. He was a good man in every sense the term implies, I i- » McLEAlSI COUNTY. 687 and with his wife was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The mother of our subject was born in 1804, and departed this life at her home in Adair County, Iowa, in 1 880. The children born to them were, Sabina, Nanct^- A., who died in childhood, Hiram H., Francis, Josephine, Maria, Lyman, Charles D., Martha, Sarah E., Cath- erine and Lydia. Charles D. during the late war served four years in the 3d Illinois Cavalrj'. Mr. Sackett came to this county in 1853, and was emploj'ed one year by David Lewis of Dale Township, for the sum of $150. He was variously occupied for about eighteen years afterward. His first purchase of land was 120 acres near Farmer City, which he finally sold and purchased a part of his present homestead. He is a thorough-going and enterprising business man, with decided opin- ions, and fearless in the expression of them, and glories in the fact that he is a '• true blue " Repub- lican, ready ui^on every occasion to defend the principles of his party, which he believes to be the best upon the face of the earth. ,-s- #^ y; B. STOCKDALE, of the firm of Brown & Stoekdale, of Heyworth, this county, is, with his partner, carrj-ing on an extensive and lucrative trade in hardware, tinware, pumps, paints, oils, glass, etc. They also sell farming im- plements of all kinds. Mr. Stoekdale established the present business in 1874, with his partner, Mr. Mann, but after two years sold out to Mr. Maun. Our subject then started in for himself, in another location, and after two years took in his present partner, Mr. Brown, and they have operated to- gether successfully since that time. They carry a good stock and have among their customers the best people In this locality. The subject of this history was born in Washing- ton, Washington Co., Pa., near Monongahela City, on the river of the same name, Dec. 28, 1 847, and is the son of John and Margaret (Corry) Stock- dale, a sketch of whom ajipears in another part of this work. He is the eldest of the three chil- dren of his parents, all now living, viz., James C. I and Alice V., who still live with their parents. 4 Our subject was married near Heyworth, Jan. 30, 1873, to Miss Anna B. Wakefield, whose father, William W., is a retired farmer and lives in the vil- lage. Mrs. S. was born near Ft. Wayne, Ind., Sept. 5, 1852, and was ten years of age when her father came to Randolph Township. She was reared by her parents, receiving a fair education, and remained with them until her marriage. Of her union with our subject there have been born three children — James E., Porter and Blanche. Mr. S. is Republican in politics and takes an active in- terest in upholding the principles of his party. He is also, with his wife, a member of the Presbyterian Church. ON. REUBEN M. BENJAMIN, the young- est son of Darius and Martha (Rogers) Benjamin, was boi'n at Chatham Center, Columbia Co., N. Y., June 29, 1833. His father was a private in the War of 1812, and his grandfather, Ebenezer Benjamin, was a Captain in the Revolutionary War. He is descended from English and Welsh ancestry, who in the colonial days lived in Rhode Island and Connecticut. Mr. Benjamin of this notice lived on a farm until he was fourteen years old and was prepared for col- lege at Kinderhook Academy, N. Y., whence he en- tered Amherst College, Mass., and was graduated in 1853, receiving the third honor of his class. He soou afterward became Principal of Hopkins Acad- emy at Hadley, near Amherst, and in 1854 entered the Law Department of Harvard University. In 1855-56 he was tutor in Amherst College. In April of the year last named he came to Blooming- ton, 111., and in September following was licensed to practice law, his examination certificate being signed by Abraham Lincoln. Shortly after his admission to the bar Mr. Benja- min became a partner with Gen. A. Gridley and Col. J. H. Wickider, and remained with them as long as they continued to practice law. In 1 863 he formed a partnership with Hon. Thomas F. Tip- ton, afterward Circuit Judge and Member of Con- gress, and since then, at different times, has been as- sociated with Hon. J. H. Rowell, Member of Con- gress, and Hon. Lawrence Weldon, Judge of the e^ r U 688 McLEAN COUNTY. -m- Court of Claims at Washington. In 1869 Mr. Benja- min was chosen a member of the convention that framed the present constitution of the State. He served on the committees of Bill of Rights, Mu- nicipal Corporations, State Institutions and Sched- ule. He was one of the most active and efficient members of the convention, and during the session and after its close was the recipient of highly complimentary remarks by his co-laborers and by the pi-ess. Our subject was one of the counsel for the peo- ple in the celebrated Lexington case (C. & A. R. R. Co. vs. The people, 67 111. Rep.), a case involv- ing the question as to the right of railroad corpora- tions to charge more for a less than for a greatei' distance. He was subsequently employed as spe- cial counsel for the State Board of Railroad and Warehouse Commissioners, assisting also in the prosecution of the Warehouse case, Munn vs. The People, 01) 111. Rep. 80, which was taken to the Supreme Court of the United States, being there affirmed Mann ','*•. 111. 94 U. S. Rep., and became the leading case in the series familiarly known in 1876 as the "Granger cases." These cases established the constitutional power of the Legislature to regulate railroad and warehouse charges, and thereby protect the public against im- position. In the latter case, Ruggles vs. The peo- ple, 91 111. Rep., tlie Sujireme Court of this State declared broadly that tlie Legislature has the power to fix the maximum rates of charges by corpora- tions or individuals exercising a calling or business public in its character, or in which the public have a right to be protected against extortion or oppres- sion. In commenting on this case the Western Jurist says: "It is probable that the people of the State are indebted for the results of this agitation as given in the above decision to Hon. R. M. Ben- jamin, of Blooniington, in a greater degree than to any other single individual. As a member of the Constitutional Convention, he made the clearest and most convincing argument in favor of the right> of the people which was delivered in that body, and as special counsel for the people in the cases of the C. & A. R. R. Co. vs. The People, and Munn vs The People, has very materially contrib- uted in establishing the principle contended for by him before the convention and established in the above cases." In 1873 Mr. Benjamin was elected without op- position to the office of County Judge of McLean County. He was re-elected in 1877 and also in 1 882. He soon won, and ever afterward retained the respect and confidence of the bar and of the people by his judicial aptitude, the soundness of his decisions and the quiet ease with which he dis- patched business. He preferred not to be a candi- date again for the office and accordingly retired from the bench at the close of his third term, in December, 1S86. Shortly afterward he resumed his law practice in partnership with Mr. .John J. Morrissey. Upon the organization of the Law Dep.irtment of the Illinois Wesleyan ["niversit^', in 1874, Judge Benjamin was appointed Dean of the Law Facultj' and still holds that position. In 1879 he published a work entitled "Student's Guide to Elementary Law," which has proved of great assistance to those for whom it was ap- pointed. Judge Benjamin was married at Chatham, N. Y., Sept. 15, 1856, to Miss Laura E., daughter of David G. Woodin, who for many 3'ears was County Superintendent of Schools of Columbia County, N. Y. The family residence in Bloomington is finely located, and in all its appointments indicates the exercise of cultivated tastes and ample means. Its hospitable doors admit the best people of the city, whose society is enjoyed by our subject and his wife, who are greatly respected as cultured and useful members of society. ^->J> ' j^- EV. JAMES SHAW, agent of the Preacher's Aid Societ}-, of Illinois, Conference Meth- odist E|>iscopal Church, is located at Bloom- <^inglon and performing his varied duties in a successful manner. He was born in Longford County, Ireland, near (ioldsmith's "Sweet Au- burn." His parents, James and Bedelia (Mcln- tyre) Shaw, were of Scotch descent. His brothers, Henry and Alexander Shaw, merchants, live in Montreal, Canada. William Shaw resides in Bloom- ington, 111., where also are his sisters, Mrs. William i I i ■^ ;^ >b > \ I ^ M^ A McLean county. 691 Tanner and Mrs. John Dean. His youngest brother, the late Dr. S. M. Shaw, carried the colors of his regiment, 33d Illinois Volunteers, at the siege of Vicksburg, and as Lieutenant led his com- pany at the storming of Ft. Blakely in the late Civil War. The subject of this sketch while a student at the Wesleyan Seminary, Dublin, was called to take charge of a similar institution in the southwest of Ireland, from which he entered the Irish Wesleyan Conference. He followed his parents and their family to America in 1^54, and was received into the Illi- nois Conference in 1855; he has been stationed in the following places: Old Town, Bloomington, Pe- tersburg, Decatur (circuit), Clinton, Rushville, At- lanta, Tuscola, Urbana, Pana, Charleston, Farmer City, Rossville, Griggsville, Quincy and Beards- town. In the late war Mr. Shaw actively aided the Union cause, presenting flags and addressing Union soldiers, and during the Irish famine he was en- trusted with 130,000, American funds for the re- lief of the suffering. He was also entrusted with a large amount of American funds for the building and endowment of the Wesleyan Methodist Col- leges in Belfast and Dublin, Ireland. He has en- tered the field of literature, publishing works on America, Romanism, and Temperance, that have had an extensive sale. Mr. Shaw was married in 1857 to Miss Mary B. Coley, eldest daughter of the late Edward Coley, Esq., of Lucan, Ireland. Of the three children that came to brighten their home, two died in in- fancy, and one is yet living, James Henry Shaw, a graduate of the Illinois Wesle^'an University, and now editor of the Bloomington Lancet. i •ji] SRAEL D. JANES, a wealthy and prosperous I farmer of Danvers Township, has one of the /li finest homesteads in this section, consisting of 310 acres, finely cultivated and tilled, furnished with a handsome and substantial set of frame buildings, and stocked with good grades of domestic animals. He first opened his eyes to the light among the New England hills, March 8, 1812, being born in Lebanon, New London Co., Conn., and is the son of Ezra and Mary (Haynes) Janes. His father was born in Brimfield, Mass., in 1782, and the mother on Long Island, just two weeks after her husband. Ezra Janes was a cooper by trade, and after his marriage, which occurred in 1810, he removed to Connecticut, where he rented a farm, and for four- teen years following was engaged in cultivating it. He then went to the State of New York and pur- chased 100 acres of choice land, in Genesee Coun- ty, where he remained until his death, which oc- curred March 7, 1869. The mother had died five years previously, in 1864. Their family included five children, three sons and two daughters, of whom Israel of our sketch was the eldest born; Ryland married MissSalina Loomis; Ezra S. mar- ried Miss Margaret Kinnej' ; Elizabeth became the wife of Leman Bishop; Mary died when about twelve years old. The parents were both members of the Baptist Church, and politically Ezra Janes was formerly a Whig, but later identified himself with the Republican party. The Janes family trace their ancestors back to the twelfth century in England where they wefe, even at that early period, closely connected with the history and government of the Kingdom, and in all measures for the public good their influence was potential, as the following will indicate. The writer was shown an engraving of a coat of arms presented to the Janes family, and inscribed as follows: "Janes family coat of arms, given to Guido de Janes by Henry 11, King of England, for distinguished military prowess and leading in three successful expeditions to the. Holy Land, A. D. 1200." The first representative of the Janes fam- ilj' in America was William Janes, who, in company with Davenport and Eaton, established the colony of Connecticut. They came over a short time after the Massachusetts Colony, with which they were not fully satisfied, and went from there to Connecticut. The father of our subject served in the War of 1812. The family was noted for its en- terprise and intelligence, and for the excellent in- fluence its various members exerted in whatever community they chanced to reside. Israel B. Janes remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority, in the meantime receiving a good common-school education. Like t 692 .t -p^m^^ McLEAN COtJKTY. all the young men of that period who were physi- cally able, he was obliged to do military dnty, and be enrolled in the State militia. On the first day of his attendance he was elected into the list of non-commissioned officers, and the third year re- ceived from Gov. jMarcey, of New York, the com- mission of Captain, which he held until coming West. When about twenty-one years old he com- menced learning the trade of a carpenter and cabi- net-maker. He was a natural mechanic, and be- came ver}' skillful in the use of tools. To this he added the study of architecture, in which he also became skilled, being possessed of a correct eye, in regard to symmetry of proportion. In 1838 he emigrated to Illinois and purchased eighty-eight acres of land in Danvers Township. This he soon doubled, and afterward added to until he became the owner of 1,000 acres. He disposed of a part of this, but kept t\)r liis homestead the 313 acres al- ready mentioned. He was chief builder, architect and carpenter of his present residence, superintend- ing it from the first, and doing much other work with his own hands. He hauled the logs which he sawed into lumber, and his taste and skill are ap- parent in the whole. The wife of our subject was the daughter of Elizur and Olive M. (I)owd) Hinsdale, who were natives of Connecticut, whence they removed to New York State in 182:^. Mr. H. was a skillful ax manufacturer, which business he fcdlowed all his life. He died in the latter-named State in 1871; the mother survived her husl)and only a short time. The children were Morris, Mary, Olive M. and Charlotte M., by the first wife; and by the second and third wives there were Harriett, Caroline, Eliza, William, Anna and Jane; one died in in- fancy unnamed. Mrs. Olive M. Janes departed this life .Ian. 31, 1883. She was a faithful and affectionate wife, and a sincere and earnest Christian, devoted to Church work and to the cause of temper.ince. She pre- sented to the society in this place a fine organ, and otherwise contributed liberally and cheerfully to th(^ support of the Church and Sunda^'-school. She was also greatlj' interested in the Missionar3' and Bible Societies, to which she gave much of her time and means. Her name is held in tender re- membrance bj' her family and a large circle of friends and acquaintances. Mr. Janes has been a prominent and useful mem- ber of the community since coming here. He is a straight Republican in politics, has held the office of School Director for a number of years, and or- ganized the first .Sunday-school in McLean County, which is still in operation. He was Superintendent of this school for a period of ten years, and fulfilled his duties in a manner reflecting great credit upon himself and those by whom he was retained in the office. He built at his own expense a hand- some little chapel an annex to the church, "24x32 feet, furnished it with chairs, a handsome chande- lier, etc. This, when completed, he gave to the so- ciety. On account of the pro-slavery sentiments of the pastor, Mr. Janes, with his wife and others, left the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, by letter, and in 1S(J1 organized the Congregational Church of Danvers. Mr. Janes has been a man of benevolent and philanthropic impulses, and among other good works is pledged to the Trustees of the Danvers Li- brary Association for $1,000, to be kept as a per- manent loanable fund, the 3'early interest of which is to be used in keeping up the Library. A part of the sum is already in the hands of said Trustees, and the bal;ince will be paid over as soon as the preliminaries can be arranged. It is also the inten- tion of ]Mr. Janes to place in the Library, from his own inivate collection of books, over 100 selected volumes, wiiich include the productions of some of the best minds of the .age in this and other coun- tries. An accompanying page is embellished with lithogi'aphic portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Janes. ^YI OHN T. TANNER, an extensive dealer in grain, lumber, tile, coal, live stock, etc., is one of the pioneers of McLean County, and a resident of Anchor. He was born in Tazewell County, this State, May 24, 1837. His father, Joseph Tanner, was born in Tennessee, but in early life came with his parents to Illinois. They settled in Tazewell C'ount>- in about 1821), being among tlie early pioneers of that region. Joseph -•►■-^« 4 i h McLEAN COUNTS. i 693 T Tanner took up a tract of land and engaged in farming and there spent the remainder of his days, dying in about 1839. The mother of our subject before her marriage was Miss Jane Brown, also a native of Tennessee. By lier marriage with Joseph Tanner she became the mother of two children, John T., and another son, who died when young. The mother, after becoming a widow, married Elijah Smith, and her later home was near Danvers, this county. The subject of our sketch was a small boy when the family came to Tazewell County. He received his early education in the district schools and remained an inmate of his mother's house until he attained to years of manhood, although at different times he was engaged as a farm laborer in that vicinity. When twenty years old he started out for himself, beginning by farming on rented land, he having previously paid his stepfather for the privilege of leaving home and becoming his own master. The land which he cultivated belonged to J. C. Chrisom and this he operated for several years, then purchased a tract of timber Land in the edge of Woodford County, a part of which he cleared and upon which he resided for three years. At the end of that time, in March, 1869, he returned to McLean County and purchased IGO acres on section 8, in Anchor Township, which he cultivated until March, 188G, and in the meantime he worked a wonderful change upon it from its original con- dition, and erected a handsome and substantial set of frame buildings. He then removed to An- chor Station, where he had previously established a store of general merchandise. This business in- creased to such an extent that he judged it best to give it his entire attention. Accordingly, renting his farm, he moved into town and in due time ex- tended his operations so as to include the com- modities in which he deals at present. He is finely adapted to his present employment, of which he is making a success and which j'ields him annually a handsome income. The marriage of our subject occurred in this county in March, 1859, the lady of his choice being Miss Sarah C, the daughter of Absalom and Mary Bailey. Mrs. T. was born in Indiana, and by her union with our subject became the mother of ten children, three of whom died young. Of the seven living the record is as follows: Eliza became the wife of O. T. Larson and lives in Anchor Town- ship; James is a resident of Cropsy Township; Lucy married Charles Hudson of Anchor Town- ship; Mary, Walter, Dora and Lois are at home with their parents. Mr. Tanner politically is independent. He cast his first ballot with the Republican party, with which he affiliated until during the late war, and since the close of that conflict, has voted for the men he esteemed best qualified for office, regard- less of party. He is well read and informed and served as Justice of the Peace eleven years, besides holding many of the local offices of his township. He has been connected with the Christian Church for thirty-five years, being one of its most earnest supporters and contributing cheerfully and liberally of his means to its maintenance and welfare. He is a member in good standing of the Masonic fra- ternity and belongs to Colfax Lodge No. 61, also Martin Lodge No. 652, I. O. O. F. ^\ IIARLES LAMP, of the firm of E. H. Rood (if & Co., proprietors of the Bloom ington ele- ^^7 vator, has been a i-esident of this city for many years, and is a fine representative of the reliable and substantial German nationality. He was born near Kiel, Germany, an important port on the Baltic Sea, the date thereof being April 1, 1834. His parents, Henry and Silke (Wiese) Lamp, had a family of eight children. Our subject commenced attending school at an earlj^ age and continued until sixteen years old. After that he was variously engaged for three years, when he set sail for the United States, landing at New York City, whence he came to Bloomington in June, 1853. Here he first engaged in assisting to con- struct the road bed of the Illinois Central Railroad at the wages of $1.25 per day. After the road was completed, he became a baggageman at Winona, 111., and continued in the employ of the company until 1857. He then engaged in farming until the outbreak of the late war. In July, 1862, Mr. Lamp enlisted as a Union t I 694 McLEAisr COUNTY. -i soldier in Co. I, 104th 111. Vol. Inf., serving until the close of the war in the 14th Army Corps, under Gen. Thomas. He participated with his comrades in tlie battles of Chickamaugua, Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge, and marched with Sherman in the Atlanta campaign, which lasted 125 days, and after- ward tc) the sea under Gen. Sherman. Soon after entering the service he was captured with the whole brigade by Morgan's Raiders, and held as a prisoner several daj^s, being then exchanged. He served through the war without receiving a scratch and was honorably discharged in June, 1 8(i5. He then returned to Bloomington and engaged with the commission firm of Ludington & Rood, with whom he remained through its various changes until he became a partner, and is engaged with them successfully and extensively as a grain dealer, their elevator being located on the Indiana, Bloom- ington & Western Railroad. Mr. Lamp was married in 1855, to Miss Eliza Rice of Bloomington, and they have eight children, four sons and four daughters. Mr. Lamp is a straightforward and thorough-going business man, highly esteemed among his friends and fellow- citizens, and belongs to the I. O. 0. F., Uhland Lodge No. 305, also to G. A. R., Post No. 146. ENJAMIN STRKTCH. As a representative of the agricultural class of McLean County ([*g)jii who have made that vocation a success in life, by energetic effort, economy and good judgment, we take pleasure in mentioning the name of the subject of this notice. He has a fine farm on section 5, Towanda Townshij), on which he resides, and where he is engaged in the prosecution of his labors, and in which he is meeting with sig- nal success. The father of our subject was Jesse, and the mother Elizabeth (^'and^)lall) Stretch, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. The father was a carpenter by trade, and w.as chieflj' en- gaged in working at the same during his life. After his marriage he settled in Pennsylvania, whence he removed to Ohio .and lived in the neighborhood of Dayton until the fall <^f 1 ^^30. During th.at year he came to this county overland, accompanied by his wife and nine children, and settled in what is now known as Money Creek Township. There the old folk lived and labored, vvith but one interest in common, until their death. They had a large family, fourteen children, who lived to attain the age of man and womanhood, eight of them being daugh- ters and six of them sons. The father was born Feb. 15, 1795, and died Dec. 29, 1852. His wife was born March G, 1790, and departed this life May 9, 1SG8. The}' were among the earliest settlers in McLean County, and passed through all tiie trials incident to a settlement in a new country. Benjamin Stretch was the thirteenth in order of birch of his parents' children, and first saw light in Money Creek Township, this county, Nov. 28, 1830. His school privileges were exceedingly lim- ited, and the knowledge he possesses has been ac- quired through years of constant observation, read- ing and practice. He lived with the old folk until twenty-one years of age, and thus far in life his years have been devoted mostly to ;igricultural pursuits. For two or three years our subject w.as, in company with Cornelius Gatliff and E. M. B. Stretch, under the firm name of Stretch & Gatliff, in mercantile Inisiness at Towanda. After leaving the parental household our subject farmed on rented land for two years, when he was enabled to purch.ase eighty acres in Money Creek Township. On this tract he settled and continued at farm la- bor for several years, when he removed to Lexing- ton, 111., and there engaged in the livery business, and was thus employed for about four ye.ars. Dis- posing of his business at Lexington he returned to his farm and tliere resided until 1801. During that ye.ar he removed to Towanda Township and located where he is at present residing. He is the owner of 540 acres of valuable land, on which he has good inipi'ovenients. He also handles stock quite extensivcl}', and as a farmer and stock-raiser stands among the foremost of the county. Mr. Stretch was married in Money Creek Town- ship, Jan. 16, 1851, to Miss Maranda Kerr, daugh- ter of Peter and Jane (Filphot) Kerr, natives of Tennessee. Her parents settled in their native State after their marriage, and there lived until 1848, when they emigrated to Macoupin County, this State, and thence to this county and settled in •►•-^ I :?- M CLEAN COUNTY. 697 ^ Money Creek Township. There the father en- gaged in farming. He was born Sept. 29, 1807, and died at the residence of our subject Feb. 23, 1861. His wife was born Feb. 15, 1808, and de- parted this life Jan. 19, 1864. They had ten children, two sons and eight daughters, and Mrs. Stretch of this notice was the second in order of birth. She first saw light in Overton County, Tenn., Oct. 21, 1832, and her union with our subject has been l)lest by the birth of three children living— Ethan M. B., Isabella A. and Winfrod .1. P. Ethan married Miss Eilla Rogers, and b}^ her had one child, named Harry L. Ethan was a physician by profession and practiced at Shirley, 111., for some three years, when his health failed him and he was compelled to give up his practice and return to the farm in Money Creek Township, where he died Oct. 13, 1881. Isabella A. Stretch was united in marriage with Cornelius Gatliff, and the^' are living in To- wanda Township. Winfrod J. P. was married to Miss Stella McMullon, and thej' are also living in Towanda Township. Our subject and wife have also 1>uried two children, who died in infancy, and also a daughter, Edith. Mr. Stretch has held the office of Road Commissioner for several terms. His wife is a member of the Christian Church, and in politics he is a stanch Republican. ■S] OHN H. C'LIFT, a prominent and prosper- ous farmer of Yates Township, owns and occupies a fine homestead on section 27, ^^ / and is a good representative of the enter- prise, intelligence and industry of this section of the Prairie State. He was born in Poughkeepsie, N. Y., April 15, 1843, being the son of Henry and Harriett (Latham) Clift, natives of England, and who emigrated to the United States in 1842 and settled in New York, which remained their home until 1853. They then disposed of their interests in the Empire State and starting for the farther West, came into Illinois and located on a farm in Marshall County. There, by the exercise of indus- try and good management, the father i)f our sub- ject accumulated sufficient of this world's goods to enable him and his excellent companion to pass their later years in peace and comfort, retired from active labor. They removed from the farm into the city of Henry, where they are now residing and enjoying the association of a large circle of friends and acquaintances. The parental famil}' included five children, of whom John II. is the eldest. The subject of this history was ten years of age when his parents removed with their familj' from New York to Illinois. He received careful home training, a good common-school education, and as- sisted his father in tilling the soil. He remained under the home roof, in Marshall County, until the spring of 1869, and then, desirous of establishing a homestead of his own, came to this county and set- tled upon a part of the farm which he now owns. His first purchase consisted of eighty acres of raw prairie, which amount he subsequently doubled, so that now he is the owner of a quarter section which he has brought to a high state of cultivation. Upon the farm which he has thus opened and improved he erected a .-hapely and substantial residence, a good barn and all other necessary out-buildings. The farm is well stocked with good grades of the domestic animals and the machinery and implements for carrying on agriculture are of the latest im- proved pattern. Mr. Clift is a thorough-going business man, prompt in the fulfillment of his obli- gations and ever ready to assist in every worthy public enterprise. Politically he is a stanch sup- porter of the Republican party but has steadily de- clined to become an office-seeker. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity, being a member of Fairbury Lodge No. 351. Probably the most important event in the life of John H. Clift occurred on the 26th of November, 1868, when he was united in marriage with Miss Ar.abella, daughter of John T. and Ann Smith. Mrs. Clift is a native of Illinois and was born in Peoria County, March 27, 1849. Her parents now reside in the little city of Henry, 111., and the fa- ther is numbered among the substantial men of Marshall County. Of this genial union there are three interesting daughters: Grace, born Aug. 23, 1870; Jennie, Jan. 11, 1879, and Edna, Feb. 22, 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Clift are devoted members of the Evangelical Methodist Church, to the support •►— *-^ i t t •►-w-^ 698 McLEAN COUNTY. of which they contribute liberally and cheerfully, and are among the first to encourage works of charity and benevolence. They are numbered among the useful members of the community and in their daily lives present examples worthy "of imitation. Vf/OHN N. WHEELER represents the oldest family' now residing in Belleflower Town- ship. He was born in Kalamazoo County, ^^/i Mich., Sept. 9, 1853, and is the son of George W. Wheeler, who was born in Connecticut, near the city of Hartford. William Wheeler, the grandfather of our subject, who followed shoe- making and farming combined, spent the last years of his life near Hartford, and was a gentleman highly respected in liis community for his upright character and straightforward business transactions. George W. Wheeler, the father of our subject, in- herited the business capacities of his father, and at the early age of ten years went out from under the home roof, ambitious to do for himself. He car- ried witli him a pack containing light dry-goods and Yankee notions, which he peddled through the country, following this occupation successfullj- for a number of years. George W. Wheeler was the seventh of seven sons who were born to his par- ents. When he had become tired of peddling, he went into Kentucky and engaged in a plow shop, and thence, after a few years, journeyed to Michi- gan. He there purchased a tract of timber land, a part of which he cleared, and on which he erected a set of farm buildings. After providing a com- fortable home for hi.s bride he returned to Ken- tucky and was united in marriage with Miss Helen M. Wilson, a native of Pennsylvania. The young couple immediately started to their new home and were residents of Michigan until 18,56. Thence they removed to Illinois, and after two years spent in Bureau Count}-, came, in 1858, to McLean County. Mr. Wheeler had purchased 320 acres of wild land in Belletlower'J'ownsliip, which comprised the southwest quarter of section ■2.'5, and for a part of which he paid $3 per acre, and for the balance l3'ing on sections 23 and 24, he paid !i!2.50 per acre. He drew lumber from Ludlow, twenty-four miles distant, to erect a house, first, however, building a small stable, which the family occupied before the house was completed. He imi)roved a large part of his land, and lived to see the country, where the deer and wolves roamed wild when he first came to it, develop into prosperous farms. For some years there was no school accessible, and Mr. Wheeler employed a tutor for his children at his own house, believing a good education to be the best legacy he could leave them. After a well-spent life, he looked his last upon the scenes of earth, Oct. 26, 1877. Mrs. W. survived her husband until June 28, 1882. The parental family included ten chil- dren, nine now living, as follows: Amina, the widow of J. H. Dean, is a resident of Belleflower; AUie M. became the wife of F. M. Doxsee, and lives at Bloomington; .John N. of our sketch was the third child ; Thomas M. lives in Belleflower Township; Alida V., the wife of W. Q. Garst, and Nettie I., the wife of D. F. Sill, live in Belleflower; George W. lives in Belleflower Township; Frank W. is pursuing his studies in Wesleyan University, at Bloomington, and Nellie is a student of the High School in tliat city. The subject of this history was the eldest son of his pari-nts, and received his early education at home, as stated. He afterward attended a district school and completed his studies in Wesleyan Uni- versity. When nineteen years of age he com- menced teaching, and was thus eniplo^'ed during the winters for three years following, working on the farm during the summer season. In 1876 he went to Chicago and was employed on a street-car as conductor. He afterward entered the employ of J. V. Farwell & Co., as department salesman. In the fall of that year his father died, and our subject, resigning his position, returned home and took charge of the farm for one year. The following year he operated on rented land, and then pur- chased the lumber-yard in Belleflower, conducting I this for nine months, then selling out at the expira- I tion of that time and purch.'ising a one-half inter- est in a dry-goods store. He was engaged in mer- chandising one and one-half years, then sold his interest in the business, and purch.ased a farm of eight}' acres on section 22, Belleflower Township. I This he sold in 1883, and then purchased the farm r -► ■ M» i f ■<^ 't McLEAN COUNTY. 699 he now owns and occupies. This comprises 1 GO acres of good land, all enclosed and in a good state of cultivation. The farm dwelling is a shapely and substantial structure, and the barns and out-build- ings in all respects fulfill the requirements of the modern and progressive farmer. The marriage of John N. Wheeler and Miss Jen- nie Conrad was celel)rated at her home in West Township, on the 4th of JIarch, 1870. Mrs. W. is a native of Marion County, Iowa, being the daugh- ter of AVilliam Conrad, a native of Ohio, who was the son of Adam Conrad, born in Maryland. The latter removed from his native State to Ohio, thence to Indiana, and afterward to this county, where he spent the remainder of his life. The father of Mrs. W. was married in Indiana, and after his removal from that State, settled in Marion County, Iowa, where he remained until about ISGO. He now lives In Washington County, Kan. Mr. and Mr. Wheeler have two children, — Delia Grade and George W. Our subject is Republican in politics, and a gentle- man always interested in the progress of education and everything that pertains to the vvelfare of his adopted State. -^^ •.o*o..fc2S>a J., the youngest of the family, w.as born Sept. 21, 1877, and is residing at home. Mr. Hall came to Dry Grove Township with his parents in August, 1835, and remained there until the fall of 1858, when he settled at his present home in Danvers Township, which is only about a mile and a half from his first. In 1874 he began the breeding of Shorn-horn cattle, and in 1885 went to Kentucky and purchased twenty-two head of choice families, including the Oxford, Bar- rington and others obtained from Col. .Sims, of Paris, Ky. Besides two males he has twenty cows from different families, and among his transactions since that time one public sale of eighteen calves six months old jielded him an average of $50 per head. The farm of Mr. Hall embraces 570 .acres of finely improved land. In the spring of 1882 he erected a handsome residence, 34x53 feet in area, with two stories and basement, containing twelve rooms. It is situated upon a rise of ground and commands a fine view of the surrounding country for many miles each way. His barns, outhouses and other .accommodations for stock iire all first class, .and his business is conducted in that s^'stem- atic manner which is the sure forerunner of success. Mr. Hall has been quite a traveler, visiting the principal cities of the United States. He was at the Centeinii.al in 187G,has traveled from Washing- ton City to ,San Francisco, and visited the World's Fair at New Orleans in 1885. Our subject is the H t •►^■^^^ McLEAN COUNTY. 705 only representative of the Knights Templar in this township. He is an active and earnest member of the Masonic fraternity, with which he became iden- tified in 1874, first in Allin Lodge No. 685; \^e is a Eoyal Arch Mason of Chapter No. 26, at Bloom- iugton, 111., and also belongs to DeMolay Com- mander3- No. 24, K. T. Accompanied b}' his wife he attended the Triennial Conclave at Chicago in 1880. Three years later they went to California, and in 1886 to St. Louis to attend the twenty-third conclave. Mr. Hall has been Master in the Blue Lodge in Dan vers for one year. He was a charter member in Danvers Lodge No. 742, and has given much time as well as means in assisting to main- tain the principles of the order, of which he is a great admirer. In politics Mr. Hall is a Douglas Democrat. He has been connected with the Christian Church for the last thirty-five years, Mrs. H. also being a member of the same. Our subject is in all respects a worthy representative of the enterprise, industry and intelligence of this county, and presents a fine example of the valued citizen and worthy member of society. In the galaxj' of portraits of the lead- ing men of the county given in this volume may very properly be found that of Mr. Hall. mOMAS H. BOUNDS, a highly respected farmer of Gridley Township, of which he became a resident in 1857, is the owner of 160 acres of good land, and in a comfortable home- stead, enjoys the reward of earlier toil and industry. His parents were Henry and Hannah (Rhoads) Bounds, the father a native of Maryland, and the mother of Pennsylvania. After their marriage the parents settled in Muskingum County, Ohio, whence they afterward removed to Licking County, same State, where the mother died in 1842. Henry Bounds afterward removed to Michigan, in 1875. and died in 1880. Our subject was the fifth of a family of seven chil- dren. He was born in Licking County, Ohio, Aug. 6, 1834, was reared to farming pursuits, and re- mained in his native State until he was twentj'- tbree years old. He then came to this State and county, settling in Gridley Township, where he has since resided. Here he was married, on the 27th of May, 1860, to Miss Mary Messer, who was born in Gridley Township, Oct. 8, 1841. She was a daugh- ter of J. B. and Susan (Estey) Messer, who are mentioned in the sketch of J. P. Messer, whose biography will be found in another part of this work, J. P. Messer being a brother of Mrs. Bounds. Our subject and his wife became the parents of live children, of whom the record is as follows : Maria E., the eldest, died when three years old: Henry E. married Miss Mary Brj'ant, and lives in Gridley Township; Thomas died when quite young; Will- iam A. and Margaret E. are at home. Mr. Bounds has held the office of School Direc- tor and is a member of the Masonic fraternity. Both he and his wife are connected with the Chris- tian Church, and politically our subject is a stanch supporter of the Democratic party. R. HENRY PARKHURST, a highly es- teemed resident of the village of Danvers, this county, is a skillful physician and also a dealer in drugs and medicines, having his store and office at the corner of Broadway and Exchange streets. Dr. Parkhurst was born in Sharon, Vt.', Feb. 20, 1823, and is the son of Klisha and Hannah (Huntington) Parkhurst. Both par- ents were natives of Connecticut, and both came to Vermont in their childhood. They were married in the Green Mountain State, where the father died in 1840, and the mother some years later upon the farm which constituted their homestead. Of the nine children born to them, the record is as fol- lows: Harriet, Lydia and a babe unnamed died in infanc}' ; Hiram, Hannah, Sarah, Phineas, Harvey and Araunah lived to reach their majority, and three are now living. The Parkhurst family are of English origin, .as also were the Huntingtons, and both families were remarkable as being long-lived and possessing those principles which constituted them useful and honored citizens. Henry Parkhurst was reared upon his father's farm, receiving his primary education in the com- mon schools. He was seventeen years of age when y r i f ■^^ -•► ii 706 McLEAN COUNTY. V his father died. He afterward attended the Orange County tii'ammar School and a select school, and commenced the stndy of medicine with Davis & Jones, in Manchester, IS'. H. After closely apply- ing himself for two years he attended Berkshire Medical College one term, the Medical College at Woodstock, Vt., for one term, and afterward en- tered Buffalo University, from which he graduated on the 26th of February, 18.51. That same year young Parkhurst put out his shingle in Prairieville, Mich., where he followed the practice of his chosen profession successfully for three years. He then came to J)nnvers, this county, in 18,i4, and has continued since that time engaged in his practice and the trade in drugs. That same .year, on the 1st of January, he was married to Miss Catharine L. Skillman, who was born in New Jersey in 1832, and came to Illinois several years before her mar- riage. The}' became the parents of three children, all now deceased : Mary F. died at the age of four years; Katie, when an infant, and Julia at the age of twent3'-two. Dr. Parkhurst owns the building in which he has his store, and resides with his family in a handsome residence located on Exchange street. He is a member in good standing of the Congregational Church, of which he has been a Trustee for a num- ber of years. Politically he is a stanch supporter of the Republican party. He belongs to Dauvers Lodge No. 742, A. F. & A. M., and has held various offices in connection therewith. He identi- fied himself with the Masons over thirty years ago. The grandfather of our subject was an Army Sur- geon in the Revolutionary War, and died of the yellow fever, the place of his burial being unknown. -^ ^^ ^ "¥/OHN LA MONT, a retired farmer, is now a resident of Le Roy, and situated in a pleas- ant and comfortable home where he is living in the enjoyment of n competenc}', .accumu- lated through his own industry and perseverance. Mr. Lamont was born in Scotland, Feb. 14, 1809, and is the son of Peter and Martha (LaFevre) La- mont, the father a native of Argyleshire and the mother of France. Our subject was but an infant 4' when his parents took him to England, and he there grew to manhood, in the city of Liindon. He w.as trained in e.arl}' life to habits of industry', and when very young began to learn the trade of bricklay- ing and plastering, which he followed in London until 1850. Then, resolving to emigr.ite to Amer- ica, he set sail on the 8th of June, that year, and landed in New York Cit}' on the 31st of July fol- lowing. He was accompanied by his wife and child, and proceeded diiectly to Buffalo, N. Y., via the Hudson River to AUeghau}', and complet- ing the remainder of his journey by the Erie Canal. He followed his trade in Buffalo for a few months, then proceeded to Indiana, first stopping at Cov- ington, Ky., and thence proceeding to Perrysville, Ind., where he remained until January, 1852. He then started overland for Illinois, with a team of horses and wagon which he had hired for the pur- pose. Upon arriving in Le Roy, this county, he rented a small house about one mile south of the town. His worldly possessions consisted of a scanty supply of household goods, and $2.50 in cash. He had, however, a good stock of courage and deter- mination, and immediately set about procuring em- ployment. His intelligent face and pleasing man- ner at once secured him friends, and he was sel- dom idle, being willing to employ his hands at whatever he could find to do. In the winter sea- son he occupied himself with odd jobs and when spring opened worked at his tr.ade when opportu- nitj' offered, and one winter was employed on ^ farm at fifty cents per day, which at that time was considered good wages. He was prudent and eco- nomical, and saved his money, and in due time was enabled to purchase seven and one-half acres of land, for which he paid $65. Upon this he built a log house, and worked at his trade and cultivated his land, putting in all his time to good account. He was prospered in his labors and in due time added to his landed possessions until he is now the owner of 100 acres, under a good state of cultiva- tion, and supplied with all necessary and conve- nient farm buildings. This he leases to a tenant who operates it, and which yields to its proprietor a handsome income. Jlr. Lamont was married in the city of London, in 1846, to Miss Sarah Durham, who was born iu ^ ^i^^ -•» ■ <• McLEAlV COUNTY. 707 Aylesbury, Buokinghanishire, England, and was the daughter of Charles and Pattie (Wrighton) Dur- ham, natives of the same country. Mr. and Mrs. Lariiont became the parents of one child, a son named Peter James. He was born in England, Oct. 28, 1848, and is now a resident of Le Roy, follow- ing the trade of a brickla3'er and plasterer. He married Miss Hester Atherton, a native of Ohio, and they have five children — Sarah E., Francis P., Victoria A., Clara E. and Blanche D. Mrs. Lament has in her possession a Bible which was printed in London in 1637, which was the prop- erty of her great-great-grandfather. It is bound in leather with brass corners, and formerly had clasps which are now gone. She also has a Bible that was given her at thirteen j'^ears of age in a Sunday-school at Aylesburj-, through the liberality of Lord Wharton. RANCIS A. RAWLINGS, of Belleflower -f' born near Petersburg, Menard County, Dec. 14, 1849. His father, John E. Rawlings, was born in Fleming County, Ky., Oct. 18, 1810, and w.as the son of Thomas Rawlings, a native of Loudoun County, Va., and the son of Presley Rawlings. The latter was born in England, whence he emigrated to America when a young man, accompanied b^' his brother Moses. They located in Virginia and afterward served as soldiers in the Revolutionary War, fighting in the interests of the colonies. Moses was never heard from after the war was over. Presley Rawlings settled in Kentucky, being among the earliest pioneers of the Blue Grass State. He purchased a tract of timber land and opened up a farm, where he spent the remainder of his days. His son, Thomas, the grandfather of our subject, and the eldest of seven children, after attaining to manhood, married Miss Mary Triby, who was born in Virginia but of Kentucky parentage. She in- herited a tract of land adjoining her father's home- stead, together with four slaves, and lived there with her husband the remainder of her life. They became the parents of nine children, of whom John, the father of our subject, was the youngest. At that time there were no free schools and the educa- tion of John E. Rawlings was obtained on the sub- scription plan. The temple of learning was a rude structure built of logs, into which light was admit- ted through panes of greased paper. John E. Rawlings assisted his father in establish- ing a homestead in the wilderness and cultivating the soil, remaining under the home roof until twenty- two years old. He then farmed in partnership with his l)rother-in-law for two years, when he was married and operated on rented land until 1837. In March of that year he made the journey to Illinois, via the Ohio, Mississippi and Illinois Rivers, land- ing at Beardstown. He first proceeded to that part of Sangamon County included in Menard County, and purchased a farm three miles above Petersburg, on the Sangamon River. This he occu|)ied until 18.50, then removed to Waverly, Morgan Co., 111., where he opened a store of general merchandise. Two years later, on account of cholera, he sold out and returned to his farm in Menard County. From there he removed to Sweet Water, after selling his farm, and operated upon rented land until 18.')'.). That year he came to this comity and purchased a farm in Mt. Hope Township, which he occupied un- til 18(32, then removed to tiie town of McLean and began to deal in grain and agricultural implements. He was thus occupied until 1873, when he purchased and removed to the homestead which he now owns and occupies. Mr. Rawlings was married on the IGth of Janu- ar}', 1834, to Miss Polly Scott, a native of Tennes- see, born May 31, 1812, and the daughter of John and Jane (Campbell) Scott. This lady died at the home of her husband in Belleflower Township, on the 19th of January, 1878. Mr. Rawlings was mar- ried the second time, Sept. 22, 1881, to Mrs. Re- becca (Day) Robbins, who was born near Spring- field, 111., March 20, 1820. Her father, Benjamin S. Day, was a native of Virginia, and removed to Kentucky when a j'oung' man, where he married, and came to Illinois in 1818, the 3'earin which the Ter- ritory was transferred into a State. Mr. Day was among the earliest settlers of Sangamon County, His daughter, Rebecca, remained under the par- ental roof until her first marriage in March, 1836, to Daniel Robbins. He was County Judge of De H A 70^ McLEAN COUNTY. Witt Count}' eight years and Postmaster of Clinton twelve years. He departed this life in De Witt County in about 1871. The children of Mr. Raw- lings are recorded as follows: Austin is engaged in mercantile business at Kumber, this count}'; Min- nie became the wife of R. W. Robinson of De Witt County ; John F. lives in Farmer City, 111. Mrs. R. b)' her first marriage became the mother of five children; a son, Francis K., who is a resident of Wellington, Kan., is the only one living. Francis A. Rawtings was but ten years old when he came to McLean County with his parents, and h.is been a resident here since that time. He re- ceived a good education, and in 1S70 came to his father's farm in Belletiower Township, which he has occupied since that time. He makes his home with his parents. H>-^=t^H^^><^iv?»i^- 5^!!^- >«5tf^ OBERT IHGGIN.S, a highly respected far- mer of Mt. Hope Township, is pleasantly located on section 7, where he owns and ) occupies a good farm and is engaged in the peaceful pursuit of farming. As a representa- tive agriculturist of this splendid agricultural country, as well as a worthy and esteemed citizen, the publishers present the portrait of Mr. Higgins in this volume. Mr. Higgins is a native of the Buckeye State, having been born in Licking County, Ohio, on the 2Ktli of J)ecend)cr, 1821. He is descended from excellent Irish ancestr}', his father, James Higgins, having been born in the city of Belfast and his grandfather was also a native of the Emerald Isle. The latter was a successful linen draper in the citj' of Belfast, where he spent the last yeai's- of his life. In that city James Higgins, the father of our sub- e^-B-^*- ject, was reared and received his early education in the public schools. Being the fourth son in order of birth, as the elder son would inherit the property, James Higgins early learned that he would have to depend upttn his own resources for his living. At the age of eighteen years, not being satisfied with the condition of his prosi)ects in his native country, he determined to emigrate to Ameri- ca. He possessed some means and after arriving here did not for some time engage in any particu- lar calling. He went into AVestmoreland County, Pa., and in due time took unto himself a wife in the person of Miss Mary McClelland, a native of said county and of German ancestry. Soon after marriage they proceeded to Ohio and located upon a farm in Licking County, which they rented from its owner, Dr. Taylor, and upon which they re- mained until the spring of 182.5. They then re- moved to Perry County, same State, where James Higgins purchased IGO acres of timber land, put up a log cabin and commenced clearing a farm from the wilderness. In due time their humble dwelling was rephiced by a commodious stone house and Mr. II. also erected a substantial hewed- log barn. They established a comfortable home there, upon which they remained the balance of their lives, the mother resting from her labors in 1848, and the father, surviving her for a period of fourteen years, folded his hands for his final rest in 1802. They were both devoted members of the Lutheran Church and highly esteemed in the com- munity where they had for so many years made their home and illustrated in their lives the princi- ples of honor, honestj' and kindness. The (larental household of our subject consisted of ten children, nine of whom grew to become men and women. To each of his children James Higgins gave the advantages of a good education and those who wished availed themselves of a col- lege course. Most of the boys became professional men, and Robert of his own choice became a far- mer. The subject of this history was the ninth child of his parents' family'. He was reared on the farm, attended the district schools and assisted his father in his agricultural operations until iiis marriage. Tile father then built another house on the home V * •^f*- McLean COtlNTY. 71S t- farm where our subject aud his wife tooli up their abode and managed the operations of the farm until 1855. They then came to Illinois and rented a farm in Mt. Hope Township for two years. In the spring of 1858 Robert Higgins moved to the Darnell Farm and occupied it for the following ten years, aud in the meantime also purchased the farm which he now owns aud occupies. When it came into his possession there was upon it a frame house 14x20 feet in dimensions and sixty-flve acres of land were broken. There had also been planted a few fruit trees and the laud was partially fenced. In tlie spring of 18G8 the old frame house was re- placed by the present comfortable family residence, and the farm of Mr. Higgins, which com()rises 100 acres, is now all under an excellent state of culti- vation. He has a good barn and all other necessary out-buildings and is now enjoying the fruits of early toil and economy. Mr. Higgins was married, April 4, 1847, while in Perry County, Ohio, to Miss Jane Allen, daughter of Oliver and Mary Allen, natives of Rhode Isl- and. Of this union there were born four children, of whom three only are living: Clarence Elmer, who is a native of Perry County, Ohio, now lives in Stanford, this count.y; James lives in Okley, Kan. ; Laura J. married John E. Jones, and they live in Nuckolls County, Neb. The mother of these chil- dren departed this life Dec. 0, 1850. Mr. Higgins was the second time married, in 1858, to Mrs. Sarepta (Brookes) Darnall. Mrs. Higgins was a native of Kentucky and was first married to Nicholas Darnall. Of her marriage with our subject there was born one child, Emma B., who became the wife of David Ste[)hey and lives in Nuckolls County, Neb. Mrs. Sarepta Higgins died in September, 1872, and Mr. Higgins was mar- ried the third time on the 9th of October, 1873, to Miss Samantha Cla3^ton. This lady is a native of Perry Count3', Ohio, and the daughter of Thomas and Catharine Clayton. Of this union there have been born three children — Edgar H., Minnie E. and Lucy May. Mr. and Mrs. H. are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In earlier years and during the existence of the Whig party, Mr. H. affiliated with that political organization, but since the abandonment of the old party by the formation of the Republican party he has cordially indorsed the principles of the latter and with it uniformly casts his vote. 1/.. -4-. '1; UCIUS ROGERS. Among the fine farms in Arrowsmith Township which attract the attention of the passing traveler, is that of the subject of this sketch, which consists of 120 acres of finely cultivated land, and is at present de- voted largely to the breeding of high grades of Short-horn cattle. In addition to other modern improvements, Mr. Rogers has a handsome and substantial dwelling, with a good barn and fences, and the estate in all respects indicates the intelli- gence and industry of its proprietor. He has been a resident of the Prairie State since April, 1800, landing first in Bloomington, where he worked three months and spent the following four months teaching in Du Page County. He had received an excellent education, and took a course of one year at Oberlin College, Ohio. Lucius Rogers was born in Washtenaw County, Mich., Oct. 22, 1840, and is the son of Thomas H. and Louisa (Tuley) Rogers, the latter a native of Phelps Tp., Wayne Co., N. Y. Thomas II. Rogers was born at Saratoga Springs, Aug. 15, 1802, and re- moved to Michigan in 1832, settling in Ann Arbor, where he died in 1853 or 1854. When a j'oung man he learned the cai'penter's trade, at which he became very skillful, one of his specialties being the manufacture of grain cradles in the early times of that county. He became connected with the Masons while in his native State, and lived up to the principles of that fraternity until the day of his death. He was a man of much force of character and prominent in the affairs of his township, where he held the various offices. His wife, Louisa, was born in 1810, and died in Michigan in 1845. Of their five children the record is as follows: Darius died when twenty-one years of age ; Annie, who became the wife of Calvin Colburn, died in 1877; Lucius of our sketch was the third child; Oliver enlisted m the Union arm}', becoming a member of the 12th Indiana Infantr}', and died of fever in 1803; Martha died in childhood. The mother of ^ t t ■•►-li,-^ ?ie McLEAN COUNTY. our subject died when he was a little lad five years old. He remained with his father until reaching manhood, and chose for his wife Miss Eunice Free- man, to whom he was married Dec. 5, 1866. Mrs. R. is a native of this county, born June 20,1 844, and is the daughter of Caleb and Martha (Barnard) Freeman, natives of Ohio. Caleb Freeman, who was born in 1814, still survives, and is a farmer bj' occupation. His wife, Martha, was born Feb. 14, 1819, and departed this life at the home of her husband, Ma_v 11, 1884. Their eight children were Rebecca B.. Samuel B., Eunice, Metory, Clinton D., Leveu E. ; Elizabeth H., who died when eleven years of age, and Abraham L. The eight children of our subject and his wife are Martha E., Annie L., Oliver, Abigail, Elton B. and Ellis J. [twins], Arthur A. and Davis. Soon after the outl)reak of the late Civil War, Mr. Rogers, laying aside his personal and private interests, prof- fered his services as a soldier of the Union, becom- ing a member of Co. B, 33d HI. Vol. Inf., under Col. Hovey, and afterward under Col. Lippincott and Capt. IMorgan, in August, 1861. At the ex- piration of his term of enlistment he veteranized, in January, 1864, in the same company and regi- ment. Their first duties lay in Missouri, where they were detailed to guard bridges on the Iron Mountain Raih'oad. Thence they proceeded to Ar- kansas, participated in the fight at Cache Creek, July 7, 1862, and afterward with hard marching and scant rations reached Helena, Ark., in July, where they spent three months at Old Town Land- ing. In October following they returned North, spending the winter with the command of Gen. Davidson, in Missouri. In the spring they joined Grant's army, and our subject, with his comrades, participated in the battle of Ft. Gibson, skirmished around Edwards' Station on the Black River, and were present at the siege of Vicksburg, and the bat- tle of Jackson, Miss. Thence they proceeded to New Orleans, accompanied the expedition up the Hatchie River, and returned to New Orleans in November, 1863. They then took boats for Indian- ola, after which thej' were detailed for special dutj- until about the time the term for which our sub- I ject had first enlisted, had expired. After a short time spent with friends at Bloomington, Mr. Rog- V ers rejoined his comrades in 1864, and in the spring of 186.5 was present at the siege and capture of Mobile and Spanish Fort. Returning to Camp Butler, 111., he received both his pay and an hon- orable discharge. During the summer of 1865 he was detailed for dut}' at the Freednien's Bureau. Mr. Rogers recalls his war experience with melan- choly interest, his comrades now being scattered from Maine to Oregon. He has been a member of the G. A. R. since its organization in this locality, and politically is a fervent Republican. He has been Justice of the Peace of Arrowsmith Township for the last four j'ears, during which time there have never been any appeals from his decisions. As a business man and citizen he is held in the highest respect, and constitutes one of the finest representatives of the solid and reliable elements of this section. ^^ EORGE W. RIGGS, a retired farmer and III (=^ now a successful merchant of Saybrook. this ^^41 conntj', has been a resident of the Prairie State for fifty-seven years. During this length of time he has been an interested witness of the re- markable changes which have occurred throughout the great West. He commenced life in a humble manner, but by the exercise of his native industry and more than ordinary business ability, is now in the enjoyment of a competencj'. He also long years ago established himself in the confidence of his friends and fellow-citizens and has built up for himself a good record as an honest man and valu- able member of the community. Mr. Riggs is a native of Kentucky', and was born in Fleming County, Dec. 11, 1827. He is the son of William M. and Nancy (Pitts) Riggs, the for- mer a native of Maryland and the latter of Ken- tucky. William M. Riggs was of English descent and was born Sept. 7, 1803. He received a com- mon-school education, was reared to farming pur- suits and from early 3'outh was of a serious and religious turn of mind. He was a Methodist exhorter for a number of years, and after coming to this coimty, in 1830, founded the IVIethodist Episcopal Church in Chene3''s Grove and officiated i =L. McLEAN COUNTY. 717 as an exhorter here over fifty years. He was married, Dec. 28, 1826, to Miss Nancy Pitts, wlio was born in 1 806, and they became the parents of six chil- dren, all living witli the exception of one, who died in 1884, when forty-six years of age. Those snrviv- ing' are, George W.; Henry M., a resident of Ore- gon; Margaret P., Mrs. P. Lewis of this township; AVilliam H., living in Saybrook; Mary J., Mrs. Hall, of Texas, and Samuel R. William M. Riggs survived the death of his wife six years, and passed to his long home on .Jan. 28, 1887. George W. Riggs came with his parents to Illi- nois in 1830, when a child three years of age. He attended the district school and worked with his father on the farm until he was twenty-two years old. He was then united in marriage with Miss Minerva \V. Lewis, Oct. 11, 1849. Mrs. R. was born in Kentucky, Dec. 28, 1827, and was the daughter of William D. and Nancy (Pitts) Lewis, both natives of the Blue Grass State. Her father was born in 1801 and died Oct. 14, 1872. He was a farmer by occupation and with his wife, in early life became connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mrs. Nancy P. Lewis was born Jan. 30, 1806, .and died Dec. 19, 1866. Their family consisted of eleven children, of whom the record is as follows: Martin M., who was born Aug. 8, 1826, died when one year old; Minerva W., Mrs. Riggs, was the eldest daughter; Lucinda was born Aug. 18, 1829, and became the wife of Reuben Coonrod; Louisa E. was born June 6, 1831 ; Mary A., in 1833; James A., in 1835; John, June 8, 1837; Nancy C, Oct. 5, 1840; Allen H., July 12, 1843; William R., Dec. 23, 1845; Margaret, April 14, 1849. Mr. and Mrs. Riggs became the parents of eleven children, as follows : Olive J. was born Sept. 11, 1850; Nancy H., Dec. 1, 1851; William A., born Sept. 21, 1853, died June 27, 1855, from a rattle- snake bite; John W., born Jan. 26, 1855; Melville L., Dec. 17, 1856 ; Charles B., July 29, 1 859 ; Martin Luther, Nov. 13, 1861; Mary L., Nov. 6, 1863; Ella C, born Jan. 18, 1866, died November 27 of that year; Eva M. was born May 24, 1868, and R. Bell, July 24. 1870. These children are all married and settled in comfortable homes of their own ex- cept R. Bell, and our subject and his wife are quite 4* proud of the fact that they have eight grand- children. In 1881 Mr. Riggs retired from the labors of the farm and became a resident of Saybrook. With the assistance of his sons he is carrying on a profit- able trade in dry-goods and clothing, the firm be- ing familiarly known as G. W. Riggs & Sons. Hav- ing been one of the earliest pioneers of Cheney's Grove Township, he is accorded that peculiar veneration and respect which are tacitly given to those who first ventured into the Western wilds and marked out a path for a later civilization. Since arriving at manhood he has been intimately identified with the agricultural and business inter- ests of McLean County, has been active in the support of schools and churches, and interested in whatever enterprise was set on foot to advance the intellectual and moral well-being of the locality. Both he and his wife for many years have been connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Riggs has been an active Sunday-school worker and served in his church as Trustee, Steward and Class-Leader for many years. He has been a stanch Republican since the organization of the party and although never an office-seeker, has served as Road Commissioner and occupied other important posi- tions in the affairs of his township. EORGE R. BODGER, son of John and Hannah (Ratliffe) Bodger, is one of the most highly' esteemed residents of Gridley Township. He comes of excellent English ancestry and emigrated to this country in the fall of 1851, with his parents, who, after landing upon American shores proceeded directly westward to this State and settled near Washington, Tazewell County. They remained there until 1855, then came to this county and located in Gridley Township, where the mother died in December, 1867. The father still survives and lives in Gridley Township. Their eight children comprise five boys and three girls, the subject of this sketch being next to the eldest. George R. Bodger was born in England, Feb. 20, 1837, and was about fourteen years old when his parents came to the United States. He was I I t t 718 McLEAN COUNTY. reared to agricultural pursuits, in which he h;is been engaged thus far in life. During the thirty- j'ears which he has been a resident of this section he has built up a record of an honest and industrious citizen, always willing to contribute his full share toward the development of his adopted countr3'. The subject of our sketch was married in Taze- well County, III., Feb. 20, 1872, to Miss Sarah, the daughter of William and Celia (Ricketts) Holmes. The parents of Mrs. S. were natives respect- ively of Kentucky and Indiana, whence they re- moved to Illinois and located in Tazewell County, where the father departed this life Nov. 8, 1873. The mother afterward removed to Washington County, Neb., where her death occurred July 11, 1884. Of their eight children, Mrs. B. was the fourth in order of birth. She was born in Woodford County, 111., Jan. 15, 1842. Our subject and his wife had only one child, who died in infancy. Mr. B. has served as School I)irecti)r of his township and in politics is a stanch adherent of the Demo- cratic party. ••o«o.@^><^..o4o <,— ■^ ACOB J. HAM, a wealthy and inrtuential farmer of Hudson Township, owns and occu- pies a beautiful country seat located on sec- ^^J tion 33, and which forms one of the most attractive spots in the landscape of McLean County. Mr. Ham settled where he now lives in 1862, and has been of material assistance in the development and advancement of the industrial and agricultural interests of this section. The subject of this his- tory is a native of Columbia County, N. Y., and was born in Kinderhook on the 28th of February, 1820. His parents, Jacob C. and Catharine (Poch- man) llam, were also natives of the Empire State, and the familj' circle included eleven children, of whom our subject was the fourth in order of birth. His ancestors were from Holland and several gen- erations ago settled in Pennsylvania and subse- quently moved to New York State. Jacob J. Ham was reared on his father's farm ork State and pursued his primary studies common schools. This was supplemented ittendance for a short time at college, and b6- Jacob . Iin New Y in the co by attend 4' ing a studious and ambitions bo.y he thus obtained sufficient education to enable him to adopt the pro- fession of a teacher. In this he became quite suc- cessful and followed it for about fifteen j'ears, the last six of these being spent in Padua Township. Mr. Ham came t(j Illinois in October, IHoi;, lo- cating at once ill jNIcLean County, and in 18f)2 he purchased IGO acres of land, upon which he settled and which constitutes a part of his present farm. The land was not much improved when he took possession of it, but by persevering industry he has made it one of the finest farms in that section of the State. He added to his real estate as time passed on and is now the owner of a half section, one-quarter lieing located on section 28 and the other on section 33, and it is all under a good state of improvement. In 1873 he erected his present handsome and commodious farm dwelling, which is built of brick, two stories in height, and cost over $8,000. It is in all lespects one of the best farm residences in the county and his barns and other out-buildings correspond with the balance of the improvements. The premises at all points indicate the existence of cultivated tastes and ample means. His costly farming implements are of the most im- proved pattern and everything is in keeping with the appliances of a first-class agriculturist. Mr. Ham of late has been giving much attention to stock- raising, dealing in high grade cattle, and at present feeds and sells large numbers of live stock of all kinds annually. In early life our subject was a Democrat, but when the rebels fired upon Ft. Sumter he at once identified himself with the Republicans and became an ardent supporter of the Union. Since 1880 he has identified himself with the Prohibitionists, hav- ing been a strong temperance man all through life, and believing that in this manner he could more substantially cast his influence against the use and manufacture of spirituous liquors. He has been a man of strong and decided views, fearless in his expression of opinion, and bound to cast his influ- ence toward the cause which he believed to be right, whatever might be the consequences. He has been an incumbent of the various offices of his township, although he would much prefer to give his entire attention to his own business matters. * • ^M < • f -•► t McLEAN COUNTY. 719 At the age of eighteen years Mr. Ham identified himself with the German Reform Church, but in 18G1, after coming ^Vest, he united with the Baptists. Tlie niarriage of our subject with Miss Elsie M. Warner tooli place July 21, 1859. Mrs. Ham was born in Chenango County, N. Y., came West alone after becoming a young lady, and engaged as a teacher in McLean County until her marri.age. Of this union there have been born five children, two of whom died in infancy; Henry Orlo spends his winters in Florida, where he owns an orange grove, and comes North during the summer to the home of his parents. He was married, April 7, 1887, to Ida J. Tilghman, daughter of Rev. N. J. Tilghman, their marriage taking place in Francis, Fla. Nettie, the wife of .James T. Gildersleeve, resides in Hudson Township; they have one child, Elsie M. Eddie is at home with his parents. Mr. Ham has been most essentially the architect of his own fortune, assisted by his estimable and energetic wife. He started out in life without financial assistance, but by persevering industry and tlie aid of superior business qualifications he has made of life a fine success and is now enjo3ing the reward of a competency and the profound re- spect of all who know him. A view of Mr. Ham's residence and surroundings is given in this work. . — €-*^- -fe GEORGE B. WHEELER, editor and propri- etor of the Daily Leader, of Bloomington, is a native of Kennebunkport, York Co., Me., and was born Aug. 1, 1853, being the son of John A. and Louisa M. (Bourne) Wheeler, natives of the same State. Of their three children onl_y two are living, George B., our subject, and his brother, Frank K. John Wheeler engaged in mer- cantile pursuits through life, and was Postmaster from 1869 until his death. Both parents were members of the Methodist P^piscopal Church, and the mother was especially devoted to Christian and charitable duties. The latter is still living at her old home in Maine. The subject of this biography received a good common-school education, and afterward gradu- -^•- ated fi-om the preparatory college course of the Maine Wesleyan Seminary at Kent's Hill. He en- tered Bowdoin College at Brunswick and graduated with honors in tlie class of 1874. After leaving college he taught school one year, and then entered the office of the Portland Advertiser, to learn the printer's trade. In 1870, he purchased the Merri- ■inac Journal, at Franklin, N. H., which he con- ducted for two years, in partnership with his bro- ther, Frank K. During his residence at Franklin, he was a member of the Board of Education and Chairman of the Republican Central Committee. He came to Bloomington, 111., in June. 1880, and in company with his brother-in-law, Maj. W. F. Crawford, purchased a one-half interest in the daily and weekly Leader, and in 1886, they purchased the balance. Mr. Wheeler at once assumed the editorial management of the paper, which position he has since held, and has distinguished himself as an able journalist and excellent business man. In 1882, on account of the appointment of his part- ner, Mr. Crawford, to a Government office, Mr. Wheeler became business manager of the establish- ment, and in his varied duties has met with remark- able success. The Leader [weekl}'] of Bloomington, was estab- lished in November, 18G8, by John S. Seibird and O. Waters, withElias Smith as editor. On the 22d of February, 1870, the Daily Leader was started, with A. F. Diggs as editor. Subsequently a stock company was organized to conduct the paper. Later on, O. Waters and J. W. Nichols became the proprietors. In 1875, M. F. Leland purchased the plant, .and Mr. Nichols continued as editor. In 1880, Messrs. G. B. W^heeler and W. F. Crawford, of Maine, purchased a half interest, and assumed the control of the Leader, Mr. Wheeler taking the editorial, and Mr. Crawford the financial manage- ment. In August, 1886, this firm purchased the entire interest in the paper, and have since owned it. Mr. Crawford, however, retired from the man- agement to take charge of his bank in Cameron, Tex. The Leader is an eight-column folio paper, neatly and attr.actively gotten up, and is, and al- ways has been, a stalwart Republican journal. The weekly Leader is a ten-column folio. This journal has a large circulation, is devoted to the interests ^ e t 7-20 McLEAN COUNTY. of its patrons and the principles of the Republican party, of which it is an able advocate. It is bright and newsy, and is one of the prominent and influ- ential journals of the State. The circulation of the Blooniington Leader is steadily increasing, and its prosperity and influence aregreatlj' due to the shrewd business tact and jour- nalistic ability of its present editor and business manager. Mr. Wheeler was married in 1880, to Miss Laura E. Crawford, of Brunswick, Me., a charming lady socially, and a noted elocutionist. Of this mar- riage there has been born one child, a daughter, Helen Louise. J|OHN M. DARN ALL, is an honored resident of McLean County, and one of the oldest I settlers of Mt. Hoi)e Township. During his i long residence in this locality, Mr. Darnall has built for himself a reputation .as an honest man and a good citizen, and is a gentleman who has materiall}' assisted in the development of this sec- tion of the Prairie St.ate. Mr. Darnall is a native of McLean County, and first opened his e3'es to the light in Lawndale Township on the 30th of September, 1833. His father, Nicholas Darnall, was a native of Kentucky, and was born in Booneville, in about 1808. The parents of the latter were early settlers of the Blue Grass State, and their son Nicholas was but six j'ears old when they died. He then went to live with a married sister, Mrs. John Henline, of Ken- tuckj', and remained with her until he was old enough to learn the trade of a blacksmith. He was still serving his apprenticeship when, in 1828, his brother-in-law, Mr. Henline, came to Illinois, and Nicholas Darnall came with him. The journey was made overland, with six horses and a wagon. Mr. Henline started with his family and the first day met with an accident, and was then obliged to employ' his brother-in-law, the father of our sub- ject, to drive the team through. The western por- i,^ tion of McLean was then a, part of Tazewell Coun- ty, and Mr. Henline settled in Lawndale Township. iSIr. D. lived witii him until 1832, in the meantime having entered a claim, and made all the improve- ments he could upon the land. He then settled on his place, which he occupied for the following two years. Then, in the spring of 1834, he sold out, and moved into what is now Allin Township. In the meantime, having been married, with his wife he took up his abode with his father-in-law, with whom he lived until the following December. He had also purchased a tract of unimproved land of the latter, which was located on section 6 of what is now Mt. Hope Township. There he erected a log cabin, built a small shop, and carried on farm- ing and blacksmithing together. They lived in the log cabin until the winter of 1842-43, when Mr. Darnall built a frame house, which he occupied with his family until the cl► I 'i 1 -^^ t McLEAN COUNTY. 723 i fore free schools were instituted, anrl as soon as large enough began to assist his parents around the homestead. His father died when he was fourteen years of age, and being the eldest the care of the family devolved upon him. He remained at home until 18G1, and then built a house on the farm which he now owns and occupies. He enlisted, May 2, 18(U, in Co. D, 145th 111. Vol. Inf., and was mustered in at Camp Butler, Springfield, with the rank of Corporal. The regiment was ordered to Benton Barracks, St. Louis, and thence to Rolla, Mo., doing guard duty. Part of the regiment, with which was Mr. Darnall, was transferred to Alton, 111., where they guarded prisoners at the old penitentiary. On the expiration of his hun- dred daj's' service he was mustered out at Camp Butler, returned to his home in this county, and continued his farming operations. After his return from the service of his countr}', he was united in marriage with Miss Hannah Zol- lers, the wedding taking place Jan. 3, 186.5. Mrs. Darnall was born in Waynesville, De Witt County, and by her union with our subject became the mother of six children, viz : Lee, Charlie and Clar- ence II., and three who died in infancy unnamed. Mr. Darnall has been engaged in farming pur- suits during the greater part of his life, and has also given much attention to the breeding of fine stock. He is now engaged to a considerable ex- tent in feeding and shipping the latter, and from his operations in this direction enjoys a fine income. In 1882 he erected the present commodious family residence, and but ten years prior had put up a large and convenient barn. The farm estate in- cludes 243 acres, a part of which lies in Allin Township, and is all in a good state of cultivation. He has all the conveniences for carrying on ao-ri- eulture in a first-class manner, and in ever3' respect is a straightforward business man, meeting his obli- gations promptly and doing by his neighbors as he would wish to be done by. In politics he is a Re- publican and has been since the organization of the party. Prior to that time he was a Whig. For the last sixteen years he has served as a School Director. A fine lithographic view of the splendid home- stead of Mr. Darnall is shown in this work. -^« ^**t. R. SAMUEL G. WOODMANCY, an en- terprising ^and successful farmer of ISIt. Hope Township, owns and occupies a fine homestead on section 17, and is a splendid representative of the enterprising and intelligent farmer. The homestead presents one of the pret- tiest spots in the landscape of McLean County and is equipped in every respect with all the appliances for carrying on agriculture in a first-class manner, and is highly indicative of the abode of refinement and culture in no ordinary degree. The proprietor of this fine farm estate may justly be proud of what his genius, his talents and industry have accom- plished in this direction alone, and it is with pleas- ure that we embellish this volume with a view of it, with others of the fine residences and farms for which McLean County is especially noted. The subject of this biography is a native of New England, having been born in Warren, Rhode Isl- and, on the 22d of June, 1823. His father, George Woodmancy, was born in Swansea, Mass., March 17, 1782, his mother, May 30, 1784, and his grand- father, Reuben Woodmancy, is sui)posed to have been a native of England and of English ancestr}'. He was a farmer by occupation, came to this coun- try in early manhood, and spent the last years of his life in the town where his son, the father of our sub- ject, was born. His death took place June 13, 1797. The father, at the age of fourteen years, was appren- ticed to a shoem.aker at Warren, R. I. It was stipu- lated that he should serve seven years. During this period times were hard and business dull and his employer allowed him to make two trips at sea. When he became twenty years of age he purchased his time and opened a shop for himself. He was a good workman, had plenty to do, and in the course of time was enabled to purchase a lot and build a house. He there followed his trade until one year before his death, which occurred April 10, 1852. In early manhood, Dec. 11, 1802, he was united in marriage with Miss Rebecca Goff, a native of War- ren, R. I., and she departed this life Feb. 13, 1829. After the death of his first wife George Wood- mancy was the second time married, this time to Mrs. Martha (Ingraham) Goff. Their marriage took place July 28, 1829. By the first marriage there were born seven children, five of whom grew to be- •► i t 724 ■•► t McLEAN COUNTY. come men and women, and of the second marriage there was born one child only — Martha Williams. Samuel G. Woodmancy was the youngest child of the first marriage of his father. He remained un- der the parental roof and attended the public schools until fourteen j^ears of age, when he learned to make cigars and thereby earned money enough to acquire some leisure to educate himself. He was a bright and studious youth, fond of his books and ambitious to excell. After two years he was taken ill, and in the following two j-ears nearly all of his money went to pay the doctor, who did him but little good. During his illness, whenever able to read, he em|)loycd his time in the perusal of in- structive hooks, in the meantime reading with much interest a medical work of Dr. Buchannan of En- gland. As medicine had not succeeded in his own case he left off taking it, and began a course of treatment in accordance with Dr. Bucliauuan's theory, and speedil}' effected a cure. He then made a study of magnetic treatment and became a suc- cessful practitioner. Although he did not put him- self forward as an M. D., he was frequently called upon by his friends, whom he treated successfully, almost without exception. He was greatly in- terested in this branch of science and continued to investigate disease, its cause and cure, and finally used hygienic treatment, utilizing Nature's remedies — light, heat, water and electricity. During this time he made his home alternately in Warren and I'rovidcnce, R. I., and in Fall River, Mass., working at his trade and pr.acticing medicine. In September, IsfiS, ]Mr. Woodmancy resolved to seek the Western countrj'. and accordingly jour- neyed to the l^rairic State. His friend, Mr. J. A. Pitts, had locateil in Mt. Hope Townshi)), McLean County', and with him he spent the wintei-. In the meantime he purchased 240 acres of wild land on .sections 1 (! ami 17 of Mt. Hope Townshi]), which is now included in the present homestead. He was still inimarried, and whil(> carrying on the imjjrove- menl of his new farm he became an inmate of the family of Nathaniel Kwings, where he remained for a time and afterward kept "bachelor's hall" until lis marriage. This latter event transpired, in April, 18oG, the maiden of his choice being Miss Caroline Trott, a New England lady, who was born J his Api I' in the town of Hallowell, Me., and the daughter of Capt. Isaac Trott, who followed the sea for a num- ber of years, engaged in merchant service. He re- moved to Illinois in 1855, and died at the home of his son in Nebraska on the 14th of August, 1886. He was married in earlj' life to Miss Jane .Smith, who died in Bath, Me. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Woodmancy there have been born four children: W.alter was born in Mt. Hope Township, where he h.as always lived, and was united in marriage with Miss Mary Johnson, a native of Wisconsin; Ai)|)hia E., the wife of Larken T. MuUins, is .also a resident of Mt. IIoi)e. The son and son-iii-law assist in car- rying on the home farm of Mr. Woodmancy; Ella J. and Alice M. died while young. Mr. Woodmancy has been a Republican since 1800, when he voted for Abraham Lincoln. He is a gentleman of more than ordinary ability, an ex- tensive reader, a deep thinker, and keenly observant of what is going on around him in the world. He is one of those who, when attempting anything, seldom abandons it, and whatever he does is done well. He is skillful .as a farmer, is straightforward and methodical in his business transactions, and as a citizen is held in the highest respect by all who know him. IDWARD WASHBURN, junior member of the enterprising young firm of Smith & ^) Washburn, has been in business as a mem- ber of said firm since April 7, 1883. He was born in Bridge water, Plymouth Co., Mass., Dec. 11, 1847. .and is the son of Rotheus and Mary (Hay- ward) Washburn, also n.atives of New England. The father of our subject was a skillful mechanic, and remaine^m^4^ * i t ■<^ -•►" McLean county. r-27 the firm of Rowell & Hamilton, and was admitted to practice two years later. He continued in Bloom ington, meeting with success, and in 1886 was elected to the Legislature, having received the nomination after a spirited contest, over the former representative, Hon. I. H. Pilition party. -^'w —^jzfi^/s^g" ^>*'^^^^/^T?T?f»^^■ ./\/v^ "^( OHN PROTHERO. A large proportion of those who first ventured into tiie Western country, having the courage to stake their all on the untried |)rairie or in tiie virgin forest, were natives of anotlier continent. They crossed many miles of tx'ean before reaching the land whicli they believed would, [by the exer- cise of well directed efforts, yield tlieni a home, and ^ r in return for their tireless industrj', a competency. Among these, who is also numbered with the hon- ored pioneers of 1838, is the subject of our sketch, a retired farmer now living in ease and comfort in the village of Saj'brook. His birth took place in the southern part of Wales on the 4th of August, 1814. When a lad of fourteen years, Mr. Prothero came to America with his parents, who settled in Can.ada. The only education he ever received was during the few years' schooling he had in his native coun- try. He lived with his parents in the Dominion un- til 1838, then started Westward with his brother-in- law, Lawton Case, and a neighbor, Thomas Newland. After arriving in this State he worlved at carpenter- ing which he had previously learned. He took up his abode in Cheney's Grove, and in 1842 was uni- ted in marriage with Miss Catharine Cheney. Mrs. Prothero was born May 30, 182.5, and was the daughter of Jonathan and Katie (Owens) Cheney, both natives of Virginia and of Welsh descent, and highly esteemed people. Of this marriage there were born five children, but tlie household was left desolate by the loss of all. They were born as follows: Elliott L., Aug. 25, 1848; Francis M., Sept. 24, 1850; Margaret, Aug. 2, 1858; David A., March 17, 1861; Charlie A., May 30, 1803. Mrs. Catharine (Cheney) Prothero departed this life on the 9th of May, 1869. She was a highly es- teemed Christian lady and a devoted member of the United Brethren Church. The second wife of our subject, to whom he was married on the 23d of March, 1871, was Miss Laura Case, who was born in Portage County, Ohio, in 1832, and came to Illinois in 1857. Mrs. P. is finely educated and taught school for several 3'ears in Ohio, and later, in this county, and also in Mc- Donough County, and met with unqualified suc- cess, being admiralily adapted by disposition and intellect for this calling. Jlr. and Mrs. P. for some years after their marriage lived on the farm of our subject in Ciieney's Grove Township, and thence, in 1873, removed to .Saybrook. Their home is supjilied witli all the comforts and conveniences of modern life, and Mr. Prothero, surrounded by the friends which lie lias made by his honorable and upright course, is passing a happy and contented old age. He is a prominent member of the United Brethren i %,rf>i* •" sR ■^^ McLean county. 733 Church, of which he has served as Steward and Trustee for several years. He was Justice of the Peace in Cheney's Grove Township for eight years, in which ofHce he served with remarkal)le success and good judgment, never having one of his decis- ions reversed by a higher court. Politically he lias been a Republican, but recently became greatly in- terested in the movements and success of the Pro- hibitionists, believing that the issues put forward by that part}' are paramount to all others in which the American people are now interested and with which they must deal. Besides his finely cultiva- ted farm of eighty acres in Cheney's G-i-ove Town- ship, he has several improved lots within the limits of Saybrook, and a snug little sum at interest. In the portrait of Mr. Prothero, as shown on another page, are delineated the features of a gen- tleman whom to know has invariably been to honor, and who, after reaching more than threescore years and ten, can look back upon a career in which there has been little to regret, and whose impulses and desires have enabled him to act upon the higher plane, illustrating fully the character of an honest man and a good citizen, performing well his part in life, and at its close will receive, and not alone from his fellow-citizens, the i)laudit of '-well done." , .^-^i^ ^ V Sf OHN M. STIPP. Supervisor of Arrowsmith Township, and whose portrait is given on an accompanying page, is one of the most enter- prising farmers of the county. His home- stead is pleasantly located on section 19 of the township named. Tlie father of our subject, Henry Stipp, was a native of Pickaway County, Ohio, where he was born Nov. 2, 1808. While still a boy he removed with his parents, John and Catherine Stipp, to Indiana, settling in Vigo County, twelve miles north of Terre Haute, which was then an embryo village. In that locality our subject was reared to manhood, receiving careful parental train- ins and a sood education in the common schools. He was united in marriage with Miss Martha Medd- le}', wh(i was born near Terre Haute. After mar- riage the young people went to housekeeping, and our subject continued his farm operations in con- nection with lumbering on the river until 1852. They then crossed over into Illinois and became residents of this count}', locating first upon a tract of land in Padua Township. Five years later Mr. Stipp disposed of his property there and purchased eighty acres on section 7, in Arrowsmith Township, which he improved and cultivated, adding to it as time i)rogressed and his means accumulated. His first wife had died in Indiana in 184-1, leaving one son, John M., the subject of this history. Henry Stipp was subsequently married to Miss Cynthia Ann Meddley, a cousin of his former companion. The father died upon the homestead which he had established in Arrowsmith Township in about 1873. His widow is still living, residing on the old home- stead. Of the two marriages of Henry Stipp there were born five sons and five daughters, seven of whom are now living. The subject of this sketch was born In Vigo County, Ind., Nov. 3, 1842, and came to Illinois in 1852 with the family when a boy of ten years old. He has since that time been a resident of this county. He was reared to farming pursuits and his e.arly education was necessarily quite limited, as the public schools of those early days were few and far between and not conducted in accordance with the splendid system of to-day. About the time young Stipp was nineteen years of age the outbreak of the Rebellion necessitated a call for volunteers to assist in the preservation of the Union. With many others he cheerfully responded to the first call, and became a member of Co. K, 8th 111. Vol. Inf., and was mustered in in April, 18(;i. This was the first company to leave Bloomington, and among the very first to rush to the defense of the flag that had but a few days before fallen from the ramports of Sumter. After serving his term of three mouths Mr. Stipp re-enlisted and was transferred to Co. A. 1st 111. Vol. Cav. Their regiment was soon after- ward disbanded by general orders and our subject once more returned home, but not to stay. There being no immediate prospect of a termination of the ditliculties between the North and the South, he again proffered his services as a soldier and was mustered into service as a member of Co. F, 94th 111. Vol. Inf., and served until July 22, 18G5. This time it was no child's play and Mr. Stijip entered 4 u 734 I McLean county. ( into active service, participating in all the battles and skirmishes of his regiment, inchicling the siege and capture of Vicksburg, and Yazoo City, Miss., the capture of Brownsville and Ft. Morgan, Ala., in which he officiated as color-bearer. Amid the scenes of danger and death he escaped compara- tivly nr.harmed, and was promoted Sergeant and after the war was commissioned Lieutenant by Gov. Oglesby, of Illinois. Gen. McNulty in presenting him the con) mission wrote him a lengthy letter, 'enumerating man}' .^ctsof bravery and mentioning his meritoricnis conduct upon the field upon all oc- casions. His regiment, of which he was a prominent mem- ber, as the history of the late civil strife will al- ways show, saw much hard and dangerous service. We cannot in this brief sketch rehearse the daring deeds of its men — their loyal sacritiecs and her()ic achievements — liut all the experiences of w.ar were theirs. Could tliey be told the}' would speak of early reverses, sad disappointments, gloomy fore- bodings for the future, of sickness in camp and hospital; fearful suspense; of midnight marches, of deadly ambuscades, of labor intrenches and dreary and enforced idleness in camp; of escapes, of wounds, of imprisonment in fnul dens, on the deaawfordsville, Ind., March 21, 182.'), being the son of Adam and Eleanor (Dick.ason) Coon, natives of Pennsylvania and Virginia re- spectively. They removed in early youth to Ohio, where they were married, in Fayette County, in about 1811. Subsequently they came to Indiana, settling near what is now Crawfordsville, Mont- gomery County, where they lived until July, 1837, then coming to this State and county, settled first near Towanda, whence the^' afterward removed to Money Creek Township, and in the spring of 1841 to Gridley Township. Here they spent the re- mainder of their lives. Of their nine children, seven lived to mature years, these being Isaiah, Jonathan, Ruth, Michael, James S., Nancy J. and Margaret. Elbei't and Henry died when quite young. James S. Coon was but twelve years old when he came to this county. He remained under the home roof until he was twenty-five years of age, when he was married, and settled in Gridley Town- ship and engaged in agricultural pursuits, which he has followed all his life. His farm consists of 180 acres of improved land, upon which he has erected a good set of frame buildings and has all the ap- pliances of a progressive modern farmer. He was married in Gridlej' Township, Feli. 14, 1850, to Miss Maria, daughter of Joseph and Mary (Wilcox) Young, who were natives of Ohio. They were reared and married in th.at State, and settled first in Fayette County, whence they removed to this State in the fall of 1832, and took up their abode in Money Creek Township, this county, where they passed the remainder of their lives. The father died in 1833. The mother afterward married John Thomas, by whom she had four chil- dren. Her death occurred in about 1847. Other first marriage there were born three children. JNIrs. Coon was born in Fayette Count}', Ohio, May 22, 1831. Our subject and his wife became the parents of three children : Ambrose W. married Miss Cath- erine Sheppard, and they had four children, only one of whom survives, a daughter, Delia M., and the wife died in Gridley Township, June 7, 1884; Sarah E. is the wife of Wesley Lower}', and resides in Colorado, and she has four children — Isaac I., Mary M., Carrie E. and Ambrose W. ; Frank died in infancj'. Mr. and Mrs. C. are devoted members of the Church of Christ. Mr. and Mrs. Coon are known all over this sec- tion of the country as " Uncle Jim " and "Aunt Maria." Mrs. C. is a very expert carpet-weaver, in which she has been occupied for many years, and during that time has rolled up 1,000 yards a year, which present as handsome workmanship as is ordinarily found. Mr. Coon, during his earlier years was very fond of hunting, and in company with his brother, Michael, slaughtered scores of deer, wolves and various other kinds of game. They caught, one winter, eighteen wolves in stgel traps, but finally abandoned the trap and pursued the wily rascals with greyhounds, after the country became so thickly settled that the game was nearly all captured or driven away. Being among the early settlers of the Prairie State, they r -1^1 t -i^ t 736 McLEAN COUNTY. were obliged to eiuliiro iiiueh privation and incon- venience, but the_y possessed tliat brave and cour- ageous spirit for wliich the pioneers have ever been distinguished, and were ready for any emergency that might arise. For some years they were far from either market or mill, and even when the roads were good it toolv one week to make the trip to Chicago. Our subject and his wife have watched with unabated interest the progress and prosperity of this great Commonwealth, and have contributed their full share toward the industrial and agricult- ural interests of McLean County. In politics our suljject is a stanch Republican, and uniformly casts his vote in support of the prin- ciples of his party. UII. BOIES, deceased, one of the most prominent .and influential citizens of Orid- '^f^ ley, was largely engaged as a grain and stock dealer, and by his enterprise and aetivit}^ for many years assisted greatly in the prosperit}- of the business interests of this section. INIr. Boies was a native of Livingston County, N. Y., boi'n in the town of Moscow, Jan. 22, 1833. He was the son of James C. and Caroline (Severance) Boies, na- tives respectively of Canada and Vermont. After marri.age the parents of our subject settled in Liv- ingston County, N. Y., and there the mother died, in about 183.'). James Boise then came to Illinois and made his home in Gridley, this county, until his death, which occurred in January, 188(;, There were only two children — Wilber H. and George. The latter was formerly a conductor on the T. P. & W. R. R. for twenty-one years, but is now en- gaged in the real-estate business in Kansas City. W. H. Boise received a good common-school education and remained a resident of his native county until 18o(;, five years of that time being employed as clerk in a store. In the year named, he came to Illinois, and made his home in El Paso for about six years, where he was engaged m the purchase and sale of grain. From there he went to Watseka, where he was connected with the freight office for a short time, and in the spring of 1862 came to (iridley and took charge of the station of the T. P. ► ■ <• lin County when a young man, and was there mar- ried to Miss Miranda Ried, who was a native of Charleniont, that county. They afterward removed to West Brookfield, where the father purchased a farm. He was a wheelwrijiht by trade, and pursued this in connection witli liis farming operations. He died in West Broolvfield on tlie 1st of .Inne, 1844. The mother now lives with her daughter, Mrs. Frank Shacklej-. The parental family' included three sons and three daughters, all living, as follows: Electa lives with her sister, Mrs. Snow; Charles E. is in Pratt Count}', Kan. ; Harriet W., the widovv of Charles H. Snow, resides in Mt. Hope Township; Albert H. is in Oxford, Sumner Co., Kan; Eliza- beth R., Mrs. Frank Shackley, is in Hartford, Conn., and t)ur subject. Winslow J. Barnes was tlu^ fourth child and sec- ond son of his parents, and w.is but seven j^ears old when his father died. The latter was in debt for the farm which he occupied, but Mrs. Barnes proved an excellent manager, keeping her family together, paying the debt and purchasing additional land. The children all lived at home until the}' were able to care for themselves. When our sub- ject was thirteen years old he went to Charleniont and lived with an uncle t\v(^ years, and then became an apprentice to learn the cai'penter's trade. He followed this in Worcester until 1856, and in that year emigrated to Illinois, locating in Kane Coun- ty, and followed his trade tliere until 1863, when he came to McLean and pursued the same until he took possession of his present farm, in 1867. This had no buildings when he purciiased it, and he has industriously employed his time in making im- prf>vements and cultivating his land. He now has a hands(jme and sulisiantial frame dwelling, a good barn and all neces.sary out-buildings. The farm is just outside the corjioration of McLean and in- cludes ninety acres, which are increasing in value each year as the growth of the town advances. Mr. Barnes was married in January, 1867, to Miss Carrie Rice, who was born in Dayton, N. Y., and was the daughter of Hart and Eliza Rice. In 1881, on account of the failing health of his wife, Mr. Barnes went to California and spent nearly two years at San Rafael, and Santa Clara. Mrs. B. died in the latter place, in.Iune, 1881. Our subject was the second time married, in April, 1883, to Miss Mary Sands, w1k> was born in Owen County. Ind., and is the daughter of David and Elizabeth (Fulk- erson) Sands, natives respectively of North'Carolina and Virginia. Mr. Barnes is Republican in politics; he holds fellowship witli the Congregational Church, He has alwa3's taken an active part in all matters pertaining to the good of the township, and at pres- ent is serving his second term as Highwa}' Com- missioner of Mt. Hope Township. His wife is a meml)er in good standing of the Methodist Episco- pal Church. WILLIAM ARNOLD, who is identified with the business interests of Chenoa, is at pres- ent carrying on a livery stable, .and is ad- ministering to the comfort of the public with profit to himself and satisfaction to all concerned. He is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, born Nov. 3, 18.53. His father, .lohn C. Arnold, was born in Germany, and was married in his native country to Miss Caroline Tredbaugh. The}' emigrated to America in Jul}', 18o3, and locating near Cincinnati, Ohio, lived there four years. In the winter of 1857 they came to Illinois, spent one year at Bloomington, then removed upon a farm two miles south of the city, where they remained six years. Subsequently they took up their abode two miles north of Nor- mal, where they lived for four years and thence re- moved to a farm in Y'ates Township, where the fa- ther of our subject, engaged in agriculture until his death, which took place July 13, 1881. The mother died Oct. 23, 1876. The household circle included nine children, six of whom lived until after the death of the parents; John F. subse- quently died in Kansas when in his twenty-seventh year; Mary B. died in Ohio in 1884; George J. is a resident of Yates Township: Maggie M. became the wife of Anthony Thayers, a farmer of Yates Tonnshiii; Williiim of our sketch was the next in order of birth; Minnie and Oscar reside on the old homestead in Yates Township. The subject of this history was but four years of age when he came to this county with his parents. He was educated in the common schools and re- mained on the farm until his marriage, and then ^^ m^4^ i i t McLEAN COUNTY. 739 began farming on his own account. Mr. Arnold was married, Sept. 2, 18.S0, to Miss Mary E., young- est daugliter of David Vance, of Chenoa. The yonng couple settled on a farm aliout three miles south of the town of Chenoa, where they lived un- til 188C, then removed to the village of the same name. Mr. A., however, still retains possession of his farm, which constitutes a most admirable aux- iliary to his present business. It consists of 160 acres and is located on section 20. It is now op- erated by a tenant. The livery establishment of Mr. Arnold includes a goodlj' number of horses and the best description of vehicles. Our subject and his wife have become the par- ents of one child, a son, Harry W. Mr. A. is a Republican in politics, and in December, 1886, was appointed Deputy .Sheriff under V. E. IIowcll. -^ ^#" "-^ F. IIARWOOD. The subject of the follow- ing sketch is one of the most highly re- spected and honored citizens of Blooming- ton. To rare executive ability and business tact he adds great kindness of heart, and universal sym- pathj- with the adversities and misfortunes of life, which he strives to alleviate whenever he has opportunity. In short, the general verdict as ap- plied to Mr. Harwood, is " Well done, good and faithful " citizen. Our subject is a member of the firm of Harwood c Township, Aug. 8,1838. His parents were Samuel and Nancy ((ioodwin) Murphy, na- tives of \'irginia, the father born in 1799, and the mother in 180,i. The parents of each removed to Ohio, where the young people were married in Muskingum County, near Zanesville, in 1829. They came directly to Illinois, where Samuel Mur- pii3' purchased in this county 214 acres of land on which he located, and carried on its improvement and cultivation until 1857. He then removed to Caldwell County, Mv., and settled there upon a tract of land which he occupied until his death in 186G. The mother died ten years later in 1876. Of their children the record is as follows: Wil- liam J. of our sketch w.as the eldest born ; Eliza .1. became the wife of George M. Stubblelield, of Mt. Hope Township; George W. and John T., twins, are now deceased; the former lived to man- hood and married Miss Mary Williams, of Missouri; James M. is a resident of BI on tana; Harrison died when nearly four years of age; Isaac married Miss Alice Gildersleeve, and is now deceased; Samuel married Mrs. Emma Bozarth ; Mary became the wife of E. Jones; Jeremiah served as a Union sol- 4' dier in the late war. and died in the army ; Charles, the youngest, is now a resident of Kansas. Mr. Murphy received a fair education in the common schools, and remained under the p.irental roof until he had attained his majority. In 1853 he was married to Miss Frances Stubblelield, daugh- ter of Robert Stubblefield, and then purchased IGO acres of land, which he improved and cultivated, and to whirl) he subsequently addecl until he is now the owner of 1,000 acres. The family residence is a handsome and commodious brick structure 37x63 feet in area, and two stories in height. This was erected in 187.j. The barns and out-buildings in all respects correspond to the requirements of a first-class agriculturist. In addition to general farming, Mr. Muri)hy is extcnsivel}' engaged as a stock-dealer, in which he has had an experience of twenty-five years. Besides being a genial and val- ued citizen, he has been active in every enterprise calculated to forw.ard its development and advance- ment, and has fulfilled all the obligations incident to his position as a gentleman of means and influ- ence. He has been a member of the Masonic fra- ternit}' for the last ten years, holding the office of Tyler. The wife of our subject was the daughter of Robert and Dorothy Stubblefield, natives respect ively of Virginia and Kentuckj". They were mar- ried in 182"2, near Columbus, Fayette Co., Ohio, and came to the Prairie State in 1824, locating ui)on a farm in McLean Count3', which remained their home iintil their decease, that of the father occurring in 1870, and the mother in 1879. The household circle included thirteen children, four by the first wife of Mr. Stubblefield, and nine by the last. These were, Absalom, Nancy, John, Mary, Adam, George M., Jessie, Frances, Edward, Isaac, Eva, William and Charles W. Mrs. Murphy is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our subject is a straightforward Re[)ublican in politics, and cast his first presidential vote for John C. F^ree- mont. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Murjihy there were born seven children : Lizzie D. married William T. Jeffrey; George T. married Miss Jennie Hirony- mus; James married Miss .Sadie Camp, and resides in Hittle Township, Tazewell County; Charles was L. -•► 'i -4^ McLEAN COUNTY. 743 the fourth child ; Mary B. became the wife of Elmer Ewing; Frank and Peter are single and reside at home. Mr. Murphy has been one of the most industri- ous and enterprising citizens of this locality, and a progressive farmer in every sense of the word. He constructed the kiln upon his farm in which was manufactured the brick for his family residence, which cost about $10,000, and is about one of the finest structures of its kind in the county. A view of the residence and surroundings is shown on another page of this work. \lr~* SAU GROVES, a highly respected resident of Mt. Hope Township, is a native of Wash- gton County, Ind., and vvas born Nov. 7, 1818. His father, Peter Groves, was of German birth and parentage and was left an orphan at an early age. When twelve years of age he accom- panied his two older brothers to America, and they located in .South Carolina, where 3'oung Peter com- menced the battle of life, working by the day and month at whatever his hands could find to do. After a few years he went into North Carolina, and afterward, when a young man, to Kentucky, where he married, and thence, with his bride, removed to the Territory of Indi.ina and was one of the pio- neers of Washington County. There he purchased a tract of timber land, built a log house, and com- menced to open up a farm. In 1833 be sold out and removed to Clinton County, where he improved another farm which was originally part timber and part prairie. Upon his arrival there, Indians were still numerous and white men few. After five years he removed overland to Western Missouri, the jour- ney being made with ox-teams. He was accom- panied b}' his wife and five children, and thej' car- ried their household goods and cooking utensils, and lived after the manner of the early emigrants. He tlien located in Livingston County, upon a tract of wild land eight miles from any settlement, and followed the same routine which he had experi- enced in Washington and Clinton Counties, Ind. Upon this latter farm he lived until 1846, and then, selling out, removed to the eastern part of Missouri, -^ , where he spent the remainder of his days. After the death of Peter Groves, his widow, with her two sons, one daughter and a granddaughter, started across the plains to Oregon. One son, Elijah, and the granddaughter were the only ones who lived to reach their destination. The re- mainder died and were buried on the plains. The mother of our subject, before her marriage, was Miss Nancy Humphreys, and she was a native of Germany. She became the mother of twelve children, of whom Esau of this sketch is the only one known to be living. He spent the first fifteen years of his life in his native county and accom- panied his parents in their subsequent removals. In July, 1840, he came into McLean County, poor in pocket and without friends and acquaintances. He employed himself at whatever his hands could find to do, and by a straightforward and honest life soon found friends and became prosperous in his labors and undertakings. The farm which he now owns and occupies and wliich he (obtained by his own industry was entered for him at the land sales at Springfield in June, 1852, and he took posses- sion of it in August of the same 3'ear. The first improvement was a small frame building in which the family lived for a few years. In 1875 he erected his present comfortable and convenient dwelling, and now lias the entire quarter section under a good state of cultivation, with a good barn and all necessary out-buildings. Mr. and Mrs. G. together own '240 acres, all improved and valuable. Mr. Groves was married in this county, Feb. 8, 1848, to Miss Mary Stubblefield. Mrs. G. is a na- tive of Fayette County, Ohio, born Dec. 24, 1818, and is the second daughter of Robert and Sarah (Funk) Stubblefield. (See sketch of John Stubble- field). They have one child only, a daughter, Sarah Frances, wlio is now the wife of John Reidle, and lives on the old homestead. Our subjSct and his wife became connected with the Methodist Episco- pal Church in their youth, with which faith they still hold fellowship, and by their upright lives have adorned their profession and secured the esteem and confidence of a large circle of friends. A lithographic view of the handsome farm resi- dence of Mr. Groves is to be found on another page of this work. >-0-4» 4 t 744 w MoLEAN COUNTY. 1 \ ^^:EORGE W. BRICKNER, juiiior member of ||/ j-^ the firm of Seibi-i-ns &■ Urickner, merchants ^^j( of ftridley, is, willi his partner, engaged in ii good trade, carrying a stock of general merchan- dise suited to the wants of tlie lionseliold and farm. Mr. Brickner is still a young man. liaving entered upon tiis linsiness career in 1,S.S4. Ills parents were Charles ami Elizabeth ( Wert/.bnrger) Brickner, na- tives of Germany, who emigrated to America in 1852, and settling in Hilton, Tazewell County, this State, engaged in merchandising, and there the fa- ther died, in J.auuary. l.S,s;i. The mother died in Hilton in l.S7;i. Of their tin-ee children, (ieorgc W. is the eldest. The others were Chai'les and Elizabeth. Tlie subject of tliis liistory received a common- school education, and while yet a l)oy commenced to assist his fatiier in the store. His present busi- ness was established in i.'ss4, al wliicli time he formed a i)artnership witii Walter H. Siebei-ns, and they liave operated togetiier since tliat time. Mr. Brickner was married. Nov. (), 1S,S4, toMiss Mary R. Sieberns, who was born in Woodford County, 111., Sept. 22, ISGd, and is the daughter of n. E. ;nid Caroline (Nicrgarth) Sieberns. [See sketch of .1. \V. II. Siel)erns.] Mrs. Brickner re- mained with her parents until her marriage, receiv- ing careful home Ir.-iiiiing ;uid a, good common- school education. Our siiliject and his wife occupy a pleasant and comfortable home, and enjoy the society of tiie best people in (iridley. Mr. Brick- ner is liepuliiic^an in politics, and in all respects is a valued citizen and worthy member of the com- munity. iy/._ . ENRV V. KK'KEI), whu lias lieen a resident ofOridlej' 'J'owusliii), since the spring of 1S.')(), first made his advent into this county on horseback, in wliich m.anner lie had trav- eled from the plac(^ of liis birtii, in E;iyettc County, Ra. Me is the son of Abraham and Elizabeth (Eleniing) Ereed. iia(.i\cs >>( Berks and Ka3'ette Counties, I'a., respective!}', in wliicii State they were married and settled in the first-named count}', where they spent the remainder of their lives. Al)raham Ereed was a farmer l)y occniiation, and •►■-4*- i the p.arental household included eight children, three sons a.iid five daugliters, of wlmin our subject was the sevenlli. His liirth occm-red du the .'id of March, 1.S27. He was reared to fanning pursuits and remained under the home roof until he attained his majority, in the meantime having received a more tlian ordinarily good common-school educa- tion. He tiien began teaching school, which occupa- tion he followed thirteen j'ears in his native county, and for two yeais after coming to Gridley Town- ship. Mr. Freed left liis native county in the spring of 1850 in the manner wo have described, and was twenty-one days making the tri|). He brought with him four lirood mares, and first jjiircliased eighty aci'es of land on section Ki in (iridley Township. Epou this he located and commenced its improvemeni and cultivation, and in due time purch.ased another eighty acres, so that he now has a fine homestead including a quarter section of land, which is all under a good state of cultivation. He has a. shapely and substantial farm dwelling, a good barn, •■ill necessary outhouses and the latest im- proved farm machinery. Everything is kept in good repair .'iiid his stock and crops indicate the supervision of an intelligent and progressive agri- culturist. Mr. Freed was first married, in his n.ative county, to Mi.ss Mary Lobinger, a native of Penn.sylvania. They had one child, a daughter, Mary E., who is now the wife of William Bailey, and resides in Kansas. Mrs. F. departed this life in Faj'ette County. Pa. Feb. 8, 1ther page. Our subject came to America with his |)arents when a lad nine years of age, and received a good com- mon-school education, in the meantime being reared to farming pursuits and instilled in those principles which have made of him an honest man and a good citizen. i t t -•►-■i-4* 748 McLEAK COUNTY. With the exoeptioii of eight years spent in Wood- ford Connt^', Mr. l>odj)er lias been a resident of Cridley Townsiiip since tlie spring of 1855. He is the owner LlNf;EK. The farming com- \rJ// munity of Chenoa Township entertains a W^ liigh respect for the firm of Brum and IJal- linger, who are carrying on a successful business as dealers in agricultural implements and seeds, and who from their courteous treatment of their custo- mers, and their straightforward business transac- tions, have fully established themselves in the con- fidence of their fellow-citizens. The business was established in I8.S0, and their operations extend throughout this and adjoining counties. Mr. I!, was born in fSpringI)oro, Warren Co., Ohio, Sui)t. ■2'2, 1835. His fatlier, .Tacolj Ballinger, was a na,- tive of New Jersey, and carried on the trade of a carriage manufacturer during the latter years of his life, in Spriaglioro, Ohio, where he died in about 1836. He vvas married in early manhood to Miss Elizabeth Kestler, also a native of New Jersey, and the young people soon afterward moved from their native State to Ohio. They became the parents of four children, of whom our subject was the young- est. William Ballinger spent his childhood and youth upon the farm, and received the advantages of a common-school education in his native town. In March, 1853, he started for Illinois, and made his first location in this .State on a farm in Peoria County. When twenty years of age, in 1855, be was married to Miss Maria Rnnyan, of Peoria County, 111., and the daughter of Conrad Runyan, Esq. In March, 185'.), Mr. Ballinger came to this county" and settled on a farm in Chenoa Township, about four miles west of the village. He made sev- eral removals afterward, locating each time in the vicinity of Chenoa. The farm which he now owns is situated on sections 4 and 1), and contains 460 acres, under a good state of cultivation, and comprising some of the nio.st valuable land in this section. His farm experiences enabled him to determine what was most needed by the progressive agriculturist, and in 1883 he opened up his jireseut establish- mennt. while for some time afterward he still o))- erated the farm. In 1887 he rented the latter, .and is now turning his entire attention to his mercan- tile business. The firm carries a full line of everj'- thing pertaining to the farm, including wagons, buggies and carriages. Mr. and .Mrs. Ballinger are the parents of seven children, five sons and two daughters, namely: Charles W., Elizabeth C, Edward J., Perry W., George H., Minnie M. and Orville I). Since com- ing to this locality Mr. Ballinger has thoroughly identified himself with its moral and educational interests, and lias served eighteen years as School Director, and is nvw Koad Commissioner. His career h.as been a striking illustration of what may- be accomplished by steady perseverance and in- dustry. When he first made his advent into Peo- ria County his earthly possessions consisted of an old rifle and thirty-seven cents in money. He has been content to labor and wait, and is now enjoying the rich reward of his early toil and forced econoni}'. He is descended from substantial German ancestry, and has inherited from his forefathers their sturdy resolution and the spirit that knows nt) such word as fail. In politics he is a stanch Republican. ¥pSBENP:ZER D. CHURCHILL. The firm of l-<, Churchill & Sous, of whom the subject of jV^^ this history is the senior member, was estab- lished in Chenoa in 1866, and is widely and favora- bly known throughout this county for its straight- forward business methods and its importance as a representative of the business interests of McLean County. Mr. Churchill was born in Sherburne, Chenango Ca, N. Y., Feb. 11, 1822. His father, Ebenezer D. Churchill, Sr., was a native of Salis- bury, Conn., where he carried on mercantile pur- suits the greater part of his life. He died, however, I while comparatively a young man, when our sub- k i t •^^m-4^ 750 I McLean county. ject was but six weeks old. The mother, who be- fore her marriage was Miss Sabrina Tapper, was also a native of Connecticut and of Irish ancestry. The Churchills were pure English blood, and the first representatives of the famil}' in tiiis country set- tled in New England in the color.ial days. The parents of our subject soon after theic marriage re- moved to New York State, where the father died. The mother subsequently removed from Sherburne to Eultou, N. Y., where she passed the remainder of her days. After the death of Mr. Churchill she was married to William Finch. Ebeuezer 1). Churchill, Jr., was the only child of the first marriage. He was reared comparatively among strangers, being thrown upon his own re- sources shortly after the death of his father. He was a bright boy, however, and managed to obtain a fair education. When eighteen years of age he learned the glover's trade, which lie followed several years in New York. He subsequently went to Canada and engaged in the purchase and sale of lumber, and while in the Dominion was united in marriage with Miss Hannah L. Atkins, of Buffalo, N. Y. Soon afterward the young couple removed to Madison, Wis., where they lived five years. He then built a flouriug-mill at Westport, Wis., where he operated until the spring of 186(), thenoe re- moved to Chenoa, this State, and after engaging in the lumber business several years established his present trade in grain, which he has followed since that time. He built one elevator and purchased another, the former on the line of the T. P. & W. R. R., and the other on the C. i^' acres of valuable and productive land, together with good and substantial improve- ments, is the son of Elias and Eliza (Braunsetter) Heller, natives of Pennsylvania. After their mar- riage the parents removed to Ohio, and settled in Clarke County, near Springfield. The father was a blacksmith by occupation, and followed his trade in Ohio, together with farming, until 1852, when, with his family, he moved to Delaware County, Ind., and settled on a farm near Yorktowu. Liv- ing there for about two years engaged the while in farming, he then returned to Clarke County, and in 185G came here and made settlement in Towan- da Township. In the spring of 1884 the old folk moved to Towanda Village, where they are at pres- * 2 758 L. McLEAN COUNTY. V eiit residing in retirement, having acquired a suffi- ciency tu enable them to pass the sunset of life in peace and quiet. Tliey have eight children, four sons and four daughters, and Charles M. is the third in order of birth. He first saw light in Clarke County, Ohio, Oct. 2, 1839, and received his edu- cation in the common schools, in the meantime as- sisting his father in the blacksmith-shop. Charles M. lived with his parents until he was about twenty- one years of age, when he bought a farm in To- wanda Township, the same being that on which he now lives, and since that time has been continu- ously occupied witli its improvement. Mr. Heller was married, Nov. 28, 1861, in To- wanda Township, to Miss Angeline, daughter of Richard and Elizabeth (Wilkinson) Fling, natives of Virginia. They came to McLean County, from Columbus, Ohio, in 1 836, and settling in Towanda Township they there lived and labored until their death. They became the parents of four children, and Mrs. Heller was the third in order of birth. She first saw light in McLean County, 111., March 3, 1841, and of her union with our subject ten children have been born — Fannie M., Minnie A., Charles T., Clara A., Nettie G., Edward E., Delia L., Ethel C, Lelia M. and Imogene. Fannie is the wife of B. W. Stover, and they are living in Mono}- Creek Township. Mr. Heller has held the office of School Director for several .years. His good wife is a member of the Metliodist Episcopal Church, and in politics he is a Jackson Ian Democrat. (O.SEPH E. SPRINGER, a prominent citizen and farmer of Stanford, and at present serv- ing his second term as Justice of the Peace, is a native of fair France, being born in the Province of Lorraine, Dec. 24, 1824. His parents were Christian and Magdalena (Kngel) Springer, natives of the same Province, the father born Sept. 15, 1792, and the mother Feb. 2, 1796. Christian Springer was engaged in milling and farming com- bined, in his own country, and was there married in 1823. In 1830 he set sail with his family for the United States, and they landed in New Orleans on the 12th of June. Thence they immediately proceeded to Butler County, Ohio, where the father of our subject purchased 206 acres of land, where he resided for sixteen years. In 1854 he came into McLean County and purchased two houses and lots in Danvers, which he occupied with his family for two years and then removed to the farm. Both parents lived with their sons until they de- parted this life. The mother died on the 30th of September, 1,S7(), .and the father, Oct. 3, 1!S79. Of their ten children the record is as follows: Joseph E. of our sketch was the eldest born; Catherine died in infancy; Peter D. married Miss Eliza Brenaman; Christian W. married Miss Elizabeth S. Stalter; Magdalena became the wife of Nicholas Risser; John married Miss Susan Sherbine; Kate became the wife of Peter Schertz; Andrew J. mar- ried Miss Elizabeth Schlabach; Marj^ became Mrs. Daniel Habecker; George died in infancy. Both parents were members of the Mennonite Church. Joseph E. Springer remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority, in the mean- time receiving a common-school education. He was married, July 21, 1852, to Miss Catherine Kinzin- ger, but the young wife lived only about eight months, dying on the 4th of April, 1853. Mr. Springer was the second time married, Nov. 11, 1869, to Miss Kate Reser. This l.idy is the daugh- ter of Nicholas and Magdalena (Kemp) Reser, who were natives of the same Province as our subject, and emigrated from France to the United States in 1858. They located first in Woodford County, 111., whence they removed five years afterward to Tazewell County, and in 1871 came to McLean County, where the mother died Feb. 18, 1884; the father is still living, and is now a resident of Stan- ford, this county. Their family consisted of eiglit children, three sons and five daughters^Andrew, Joseph, Mary, Ann, Peter, Kate, Maggie and Vic- toria. The^- also were members of the Mennonite'" Church. To our subject and his present wife there were l)orn seven oliildren — Amelia M., Victoria 1\L, Louisa M., one who died in infancy uimamed, Lil- lie M., Frank A. and Orion D. Ml'. S. was on the ocean sixty-two days when com- ing to this country. Since becoming a resident of this county he has identified himself with its inter- ests, and has proved a worth}' addition to the com- u McLEAN COUNTY. 759 munity. In politics he is strongly Democratic, and has held the office of Supervisor in Allin Township for three years. Mr. and Mrs. S. arc members of the Mennonite Church. iICHARD BREESE, a prominent and wealthy citizen of Gridley, came to this section in 1857, and by his energj' and enterprise es- ^'^ tablished himself in a short time as one of its most progressive and valuable pioneers. He is descended from substantial English ancestry, his parents having been John and Ann (Gunton) Breese, who were born in Huntingdonshire, En- gland, where they married and settled, and where their children were born, and there the old folk passed their lives. Of the household circle, which included four sons and three daughters, the subject of this sketch was the fourth in order of birth. Richard Breese was born in Cambridgeshire, pju- gland, Aug. 20, 1824. His father died when he was but seven years old, and he was then obliged to look out for himself. This, however, was a good school, teaching him self-reliance, and doubtless contributed greatly to bring about his later suc- cess. He commenced by working on a farm, and continued in his native England until he w.as twen- ty-eight 3ears of age. In the meantime he had been married, and at the age mentioned started with his wife and child for the United States. They landed in New York City, and thence soon pro- ceeded to Butler County, Ohio. There our subject worked out by the month, farming, for two years, and until the fall of 1854. He then rented land until the spring of 1857, and at this time decided to try his fortunes in the farther West. After completing his preparations he came into Illinois and settled first in ^Valdo Township, Livingston County, where he purchased 160 acres of land, and entering upon its cultivation continued to live there until the spring of 18G9. In the spring of 1869 Mr. Breese came to this county and settled in Gridley, having the fall pre- vious formed a partnership w-itli W. H. Boise, foi' the purpose of dealing in grain and live stock. They operated together until the spring of 1884, 4 * . ' under the style of Boise & Breese. Our subject then disposed of his interest in the business and having accumulated a fine property has since that time retired from active labor. He is the owner of 360 acres of land in Livingston County which is finely improved, and 240 acres in Gridley Town- ship, this county. He also has a pleasant family residence in the town of Gridley. Mr. Breese was married in England in 1846, to Miss Mary Miller, who was also a native of Cam- bridgeshire. Of this union there were born two children — Eliza and Richard. The latter died in infancy. Eliza became the wife of Christian Neu- hauser, residing in Gridley, and the mother of eleven children, and departed this life April 14, 1879. Her surviving children were Sarah, Katie, Lucy L., Minerva, Williametta and Mary A.; five are deceased. The first wife of our subject died in England in the fall of 1849, and he was again united in marriage in his native county, to Mrs. Sarah (Flanders) Harvey, daughter of James and Catherine (Gunton) Flanders, who were natives of Huntingdonshire, England, where they spent their lives. Her first husband was Richardson Harvey, who died in 1851. Of the parents' marriage there were born thirteen children, seven daughters and sis sons, of whom Mrs. B. was the eldest but one. Her birth occurred in Huntingdonshire, Oct. 30, 1829. Of the present marriage of our subject there have been no children. Mrs. Breese is a member in good standing of the Congregational Church, and politically iNIr. B. is a stanch Repub- lican. He has been School Director, Township Trustee and a member of the Village Board. ~w/v.-vt^^ -wv^ \Y? OSEPH 11. ABBOTT, owner of a line farm of 160 acres on section 9, Towanda Town- ship, is meeting with success in the prosecu- tion of his vocation. He is the son of Abi- jah and Eleanor (Weakley) Abbott, natives of Cul- peper County, Va. Abijah Abbott was born June 17, 1806, and his wife, June 3, 1807. They were both reared and educated in Culpeper County, and there married April 9, 1829. In 1831 they removed to Newark Township, Licking Co., Ohio, where they lived until 1852, when they came to this county and settling in Towanda Township, the father labored at his calling until his death, which event occurred Nov. 22, 1885. His wife survives him and is living in Towanda Township, making her home with her son Joseph. Four sons and four daughters were born of their union, of which number our subject was the youngest. Joseph H. Abbott was l)orn in Licking County, Ohio, Aug. 10, 1849, and was but three 3'ears old when his parents came to this county, and having lived here ever since, m.ay be said to have been identified with the advancement of the county thus far in life. Mr. Abbott's education was re- ceived in the common schools of this county, and he has known no other occupation than that of a tiller of the soil. He is at present the owner of 160 acres of valuable and productive land, on *■ -► ■ <• I* McLean county. 765 1: which he has good and substantial buildings, and is meeting with signal success in the conducting of his farm. Mr. Abbott was married to Miss Sarah E. Ham- pieman Dec. 23, 1875. She is the daughter of Daniel and Sarah (Fletcher) Hamjjleman, natives of Ohio, and was reared to wom.inhood in the vi- cinity of Clinton, De Witt Co., 111. [For sketch of her parents see si--^«:3»>-C^^->^5,f-rise for five days following, then disposed of his interests in tiiat quarter. He was one of the princi|)al par- ties concerned in the hoisting of coal at what w.as known as tlie North Shaft of the Bloomington Coal Mining Compan\% and was afterward con- nected with the Bloomington Chair Manuf.actory, whicli was subsequently merged into the Walton Flour Works, and of which he was one of the original stockholders. He also became a stockholder in the People's Bank. As is clearly indicated by the foregoino- Mr. Steere became prominently known in this locality u -^l 766 McLEAN COUNTY. n as a man of great energy and good business talent. In 1 870 he was elected Mayor, and re-elected in 1879. He also served as Alderman four years, represent- ing the First Ward. It w.as through his persever- ance tliat tlie present water system was established and kept in operation, and he has been concerned in almost every enterprise calculated to benefit the city since coming here. The subject of our sketch was married, in 1844, to iMiss Frances A. Bean, of Laurens, N. Y., where she was born, ])eiiig the daughter of Erastns Bean, Esq., a prominent niereliant of Otsego County. Of the union of our sul)j('ct and wife there were born five children, as follows: Charles F. is deceased ; Clara Itecame the wife of J. P. McLean; Ella G. married .1. 1*. Smitli, of I>Iooniiugtou ; .Tames died several years ago; JNIary died wlien quite young. The only two now living are Mrs. McLean and Mrs. Smith. Mr. .Steere in earlier days was an old- lini' Wliig jioliticallj', but since tlie abandonment of tliat party has cheerfully atHliated with the Re- publicans. He is a member in good standing of the Masonic fraternity, and belongs to I'.loomington Lodge No. 43. ^^EORdE P. BROWN, well known as one of III (— ^ the progressive farmers of Gridley Town- ^^^ ship, owns a good farm on section 2G, and as a useful member of the community is contribu- ting his full share toward its advancement and pros- perity. Our subject conies of a good family, l)e- ing the son of Robert and Permelia (White) Brown, the father a native of the Blue Grass State, where it is supposed the mother was also born. Afier marriage the piu-ents settled in Franklin County, Ky., where tiie motlier died in 1832, of cholera, and whence the father subsequently re- moved to Morgan County-, 111. He followed black- smithing and farming in tliat county until 1846, when he came to this county and settled in Money Creek Township, where he died in 187'J. Robert Brown was twice married. After the death of the mother of c>ur subject he was married in Frankfort, Ky., to Mi.ss Sheridan McGiniiis, the date lieing 1834. She died in Money Creek Town- ship, in 1 875. Of the first marriage there were born five children, three sons and two daugh- ters. Our subject was the fourth in order of birth, and first opened his eyes to tlie light in Frankfort, Ky., Feb. 10, 1830. He was only two years old when his mother died, and two years later his father removed to Morgan County, 111., where they remained until the son was sixteen. They then came into this county, settling in Money Creek Township. The subject of this history received but a limited education, but as good probably as those d.ays af- forded. He w.as, however, an energetic lad, and when twent\'-one years old started in business for himself, running a sawmill in Lexington, with the assistance of his partner, I. S. Mahoii. This, the first sawmill of Lexington, our sulijeet operated un- til 1801*, and in connection with it also had one in Money Creek Township. At the date named he aI)andoued milling and took up farming, which he has since followed with highl}' gratifying results. His snug farm, altliough not very large, consisting of eight}' acres, is well improved, with a good resi-' dence and all necessary out-buildings. Mr. Brown was married in Lexington Township, June 22, 1854, to Miss Elsie J., daughter of John and Elsie (Kirkendall) Haner, who were natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio respectively. They came to Illinois from Fayette County. Ohio, and settled in Lexington Township, this count}", in the fall of 1828, where they passed the remainder of their lives. The father died Nov. 20, 1852, and the mother Nov. 14, 1878. Their eight children included four boys and four girls, of whom Mrs. Brown was the fifth child. She was Ijorn in Lex- ington Township, Jan. 4, 1832. Of her union with our subject there have been born five children — John W., Charles P., Edward C, Delia J. and Sarah A. John married INIiss Annette Janes, and they live in Normal; they have one child, a son, Clar- ence H. Mr. Brown has taken a genuine interest in the affairs of his coiiuuunity, and has been promi- nent in its councils, having held the oflices of Road Commissioner, .Justice of the I'eace, and other jjo- sitions of trust. He is a member in good standing of the Presbyterian Church at Lexington, and his i I 4^ McLean county. 767 wife is connected with the United Brethren Church. Politicallj^ Mr. Brown is an earnest supjiorter of the Republican part3\ Apri t AMILTON SPENCER, one of tlie oldest and most reliable attorneys of Bloomington, now retired from practice, is a native of Madison County, N. Y., and vvas born 18, 1815. His father, .Tosliua A. Spencer, also counselor at law, stood in the front ranlis of his profession in the Empire State, and was a de- scendant of Samuel Spencer, who emigrated from Sheffield, England, at an early day in the history of this country, and landed in Salem, Mass., in July, 1633, and who soon afterw.ird settled in Salisbury, Conn. There he spent the balance of his days, and there liis descendants for several generations con- tinued to reside. .Joshua A. Spencer, the father of our subject, was born in Great Barrington, Mass., whence he removed to New York when a young man, and there married Miss Clarissa, daughter of Jacob Phelps, who died in early life. Hamilton Speucer was born in Madison County, N. Y., and when a child removed with his father to Utica, that State, in which place he grew to man- hood. He pursued his primary studies in the com- mon schools, and later entered the Methodist Seminary at Cazenovia, N. Y., where he fitted him- self for college, and supplemented this course by attendance at Utica Academy. He entered Ham- ilton College in 1830, from which he gradu.ated four years later, and soon afterward engaged in the study of law in the office of his father, with whom he formed a partnership on the day he was twenty- one years of age, in 1836, although not admitted to tlic bar until the following year. He continued with his father and Senator Francis Kernan for a period of twelve years, and then on account of failing health withdrew to engage in more active pursuits than his office duties permitted. He sub- sequently became Director of the American Ex- press Company, and in June, 1854, came to Illinois as Vice President and General Manager of what is now the Chicago & Alton Railroad, with which he continued until the change brought about by the foreclosure of a mortgage, which placed it in the hands of other parlies. He then resumed the prac- tice of his profession, which he has continued until recently. Mr. Spencer was married at Sackett's Harbor, N. Y., in 1840, to Miss Mary F., daughter of Elisha Camp, who was born in Sackett's Harbor, June i), 1819. Of tills union there were six children, four soys and two daughters, the record of whom is as follows : James D. is deceased ; Catharine became the wife of James S. Ewing, of Bloomington; Cla- rissa married John C. Scoville of Chicago; Hamilton is deceased; Henry Dwight is an attorney at Bloomington, and .John Seymour a resident of Texas. The sul)ject of our sketch for many years occupied a position at the head of the Bloomington bar, and altliough now retired from active practice, is often consulted upon important cases and intri- cate points of law. Mr. Spencer was originally a Whig, but on the dissolution of that party became a Democrat. He and his wife are both members of the Presbyterian Church. GEORGE COONEY. The stock-raising far- mers of Chenoa Township constitute an im- portant element in its business interests, and among these the subject of the following sketch occupies a prominent position. He is pleasantly located on section 33, where he has eighty acres of finely improved land, with a good residence, barn and out-buildiugs. These improvements he has effected by his own enterprise. The land is well drained by 750 rods of tile and there is not an acre of waste land in the vvhole estate. The greater part of the stock consists of good cattle. He is eminently skill- ful a? a farmer and business man, and is highly res- pected for his integrity, his promptness in meeting his obligations, and his worth as a Citizen and law- abiding member of the community. Mr. Cooney was born in Huntingdon County, Pa., near Eld wards' Furnace, on the 16th of October, 1840. His father, Henry Cooney, was born in Ship- pensburg, Pa., in August, 1812. His grandfather, Peter Cooney, was of German parentage and ances- try. The mother of our subject before her mar- -•► 'i I ■*► 768 McLEAN COUNTY. riage was Miss Elizabeth Clemens, also a native of Huntingdon C(y remained four j'ears. In 1868 the^' ■^ ' came to this county, locating first in Blue Mound »► i 4* Township, where they lived for about thirteen years. Their next residence was in the village of Lexing- ton, and in 1881 Mr. Cooney purchased his present f.arm in Chenoa Township. The children of this marriage are Henry G., Mary E. and Carrie L. Mr. and Mrs. C. and one daughter are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, attending Olivet Chapel in Chenoa Township. Politically Mr. C. is a stanch Republican. »-^5»^- ii^ •<^5 \f OHN L. SHORTIIOSE, prominently and favorably known in Dry (irove Township as a skillful agriculturist and successful (^^// l)reeder of fine horses and cattle, is pleas- antly located on section .">0. Here he possesses a valuable farm estate, and for his diligence and en- terprise lias lieen richly rewarded. The sul)ject of our history is a native of Stafford- sliire, England, and was born .lune 2.5, 1827. He is the son of Tiujmas aud Eliza (Hartshorn) Short- hose, who were of pure English ancestrj- and born in Derbysliire, England. Thomas Shorthose w.as born in 17'.I7, and died in 1847; the motiier was born in about 171*7, and survived her husband six- teen years, dyiug in 18G:i. They became the par- ents of seven children, as follows: Sarah, who was the eldest of tiie family ; Bessie, who married William Henderson, and both are now deceased; Thomas II. married Miss Rosanna Frazier; Eliza is deceased ; Herbert married Miss Harriet Llewel- lyn ; William T. is married iind is living alter- nately in Paris aud Loudon; our subject was the youngest of tlie family. John L. Slioithose, in coin[)an3' with two broth- ers, emigrateil from England to the United States in 184'J, landing in New York City. They at once proceeded to Zanesville, Ohio, where our subject remained for two years, then came to McLean County, 111., and engaged in the milling business in Uanvers. In 185.3 lie secured possession of the farm whicii he now occupies, which consists of 480 acres, comprising a tract of the most valuable land in McLean County. Two years Later he turned his attention to the raising of line stock, in which i i f -<^ -•►^■^^ McLEAN COUNTY. 771 he has become more than ordinarily skillful and unusually successful. One Short-horn steer, which he raised from a calf until it was four years old, he sold to John B. Sherman, of Chicago, for $250. The animal weighed 2,400 pounds, was a model of symmetry and beauty, and the quality of his flesh denoted his excellent style of keeping. The herd of Mr. Shorthose usuall}^ averages about sixty head. His stables contain fine specimens of the Bright and Costillo breeds, descendants of Old Volunteer, owned by Alden Goldsmith, of New York, and have made excellent records. Mr. S. has one imported English draft horse, Sampson of Flawborough, seven years old and weighs 1,850 pounds. lie is also breeding eighteen mares, and during 1886 raised thirteen colts. His swine is of the Poland-China l)reed. In addition to his home farm and his stock, Mr. S. is also the owner of a half section of land within five miles of Welling- ton, Kan. The subject of this histor}' was married to Miss Elinore Frazier, in Ohio, on the 12th of October, 1851. Mrs. S. was born in Belmont County, Ohio, on the 16th of October, 18;31, and is the daughter of Andrew and Emily (McCoy) Frazier, both na- tives of Virginia. Andrew Frazier was born in 1804, and late in life removed to Missouri, where he died in 1880. His wife Emily was born in 1808, removed to Missouri with her husband, and died there the year following his decease. She was a member of the old-school Presbyterian Church. The parental family consisted of thirteen children, seven of whom are still living. The record is as follows: Jane, Rosanna, Elinore and Hanua are married and established in comfortable homes; Samuel died when seven j^ears of age; then fol- lowed Martha A., AVilliam, John A. and Robinson, the latter of whom died in 1862; P'rancis is de- ceased; next was another son, also named Samuel; Maggie and Emma are deceased ; four boys of the family served as soldiers in the Union army in Ohio regiments. To John L. and Mrs. Shorthose there were born eight children, five sons and three daughters, as follows: Alice, Mrs. J. M. Dickinson, who was born June 3, 1852; Andrew R., born May 15, 1854, married Miss Zerelda Munsell; Joanna was born Oct. 21, 1856, and was first married to Thomas Sheridan, who was accidentally killed in Danvers; her second husband is John T. Gilbert; John Lloyd was born July 3, 1859, and was drowned in the Mackinaw River, this county, in 1876; Thomas H. was born May 16, 1861; Isabella, born May 11, 1863, died in 1883; Frank E. was born March 29, 1865, and William T., July 29, 1867. Mr. Shorthose obtained a fair education during his boyhood and youth, and since a resident of this county has been prominently identified with its growth and welfare. He has held the office of School Director for thirteen years, has been High- way Commissioner and intrusted with various other important positions by his townsmen. He iS strongly Republican in polities, and a member in good standing of the Congregational Church of Danvers. A portrait of Mr. Shorthose is shown on another page of this volume. .HOMAS H. SHORTHOSE. Many of the most thrifty and intelligent agriculturists of this section of Illinois were born and reared on the other side of the Atlantic, and to England especially is McLean County indebted for some of her most enterprising and prosperous citizens. Prominent among these is Thomas H. Shorthose, of Danvers Township, and of whom a portrait is given in conjunction with this brief outline of his life. His fine homestead is situated on section 21. Mr. Shorthose was born in Derbyshire, England, on the loth of October, 1818, and is the son of Thomas and Eliza (Hartshorn) Shorthose, natives of the same shire, where the father was born in 1797, and died in 1847, when fift}' years of age. The mother of our subject was born about the year 1797, and died in England in 18G3, sixteen years after her husband's death. Both were members of the Episcopal Church, and occupied a high position in their community. The parental household con- sisted of seven children : Sarah ; Bessie became the wife of William Henderson ; Thomas H., our sub- ject; Eliza died at the age of twelve; Herbert, William T. and John L. r t. / -4^ 11i 4 McLEAN COUNTY. The subject of our sketch emigrated from his na- tive England to America in 1849, in company with two brothers, first stopping at Zanesville, Ohio. There Thomas H. worked out by the month for one year and then rented a tract of land, which he cul- tivated for the following two seasons. On the 12th of April, 1 853, he was united in marriage with Miss Rosanna Frazer, of Mt. Vernon, Ohio, who was born ill that State Sept. 29, 1828. That same year they came to Illinois and located o\\ a part of the farm which he now owns and occupies. His first purchase consisted of 124 acres, to which he has added until he is now the owner of 450 acres, all finely improved and under a good state of cultiva- tion. In the course of time the little household was enlarged by the birth of three girls and one boy, namely: Annie E., who died in 1875 at the age of twenty-one; Betsey J., who died in 1878, when a maiden of seventeen; William married Laura Bunn, and assists his father in carrj'ing on the home farm; and Emily F., living at home. The mother of these children died in this county on the Gth of October, 1«75. On the 17th of November, 1880, Mr. Shorthose for his second wife married Miss Luzenia Paul who was born in Montgomery Count}', Pa., June 17, 1847. Her parents were Morgan E. and Re- becca (Nichols) Paul, natives of the Keystone State. The mother was born in 1812, and the fa. ther some years later. Of this marriage of our subject there is one child, a daughter, Rebecca P. who was born Feb. 21, 1884. Mr. Shorthose, in company with his son William, is giving much at- tention to the breeding of fine stock, making a spe- cialty of high-grade Short-horn and -Jersey cattle and Ilambletonian horses. William Shorthose was born in^Danvers Town- ship, Feb. 24, 1857, and possesses the energy and enterprise of his father in a marked degree. He remained on the homestead until he attained to years of manhood and was then, Nov. 15, 1879, married to Miss Laura E. Buun. The ceremony was performed by Rev. Smith, of the Methodist Epis- copal Church, of Denver, Col., the wedding taking place in that city. The acquaintance of the young lad}' was formed while William was upon a visit to ' that State with the hope of improving his health. The visit had the desired effect upon his health as well as proving a blessing in a social way. After their marriage the young couple came to Illi- nois and remained for about eight months, when they returned to Colorado and lived for six years. To William S. and his wife there were born four children, only one of whom is living — Charles R., who was born Jan. 26, 1886. Clifford. Howard and a babe are deceased. Mrs. Laura .Shorthose was born in Macomb, 111. She is a lady highly re- spected in the communit}', and a member of the Pres- byterian Church. William Shorthose is Republican in politics, and a straightforward, thorough-going young business man, destined to make his mark in the business element of this section. Thomas H. Shorthose has held the various offices of his township, is Republican in politics, and prominently cc)nnected with the Congrgational Church at Danvers. In this congregation he has been Trustee for a number of years, and h.as con- tributed liberally and cheerfully of his means for its maintenance and progress. He has in all re- spects fulfilled the obligations of a good citizen, and is (jne of the important factors of the .agricult- ural and business elements of his community. His present possessions are the result of his own indus- try and enterprise, and he is now enjoying the well-earned reward wliieh is s(» pre-eminently his due. yF. BISHOP, an old settler of this county, having made it his home for upward of fifty years, is residing on section 31, Money Creek Township. He is the son of William ti.and Rebecca (Briggs) Bishop, the former of Scotch and the latter of English ancestr}'. The parents were married and settled in M.idison County, Ala., thence emigrated to Wayne Count}', Ind. The father early in life was apprenticed to learn the cabinet-maker's trade, and worked at the same for seven years. While living in the South he spent much of his time in making cotton-gins, which at that time were in great demand in the Southern States. He was strongly imbued with Southern principles, but not being satisfied with bringing up his family in the locality where slavery existed, he came North and ■» i i McLean county. 773 1 settled as stated, in Indiana. On locating in that State he purchased fortj' acres of land, but de- pended mainly' on his children to cultivate and im- prove it, while he labored at his trade and in work- ing at wood-work. He went to Indiana in 1823, and about 1829 removed to Carroll County, that State, where he purchased a large tract of land, which his boys took charge of, and he still contin- ued to work at his trade. The famil}^ continued to reside in Carroll County until the spring of 1836, when they came to this county, and the father pur- chased 450 acres of land in Money Creek Town- ship, and the following spring he located upon it with his family. He there lived and continued to labor at his trade, together with farming, until his death, in April, 1861. His good wife crossed the river to meet him on the other shore twent3' years later, in 1881. Ten children were born to our subject's parents who lived to attain the age of man and womanhood. The record is as follows : Walker H. is a farmer in Washington Territory; Anderson S. died in Ver- milion County, 111., in June, 1883; Harriett became the wife of Isaac Wilson, and departed this life in Missouri, in 1879; William R. is working in a woolen-mill at Portland, Ore.; Thornton is a lum- berman in the woods of Minnesota; James is a farmer of Washington County, Iowa; Sanders is a farmer, and living in Iowa; Pleasant W. follows farming as a calling, and is also a preacher of the Word, his home being located in Money Creek Township; Mary is the wife of George Buckles, and they are residents of this county, and W. F. The subject of this notice was born in Madison County, Ala., Jan. 15, 1817. He accompanied his parents to Wayne County, Ind., when about six j^ears old, and made that his home until the family came to McLean County, in the fall of 1836, when he came with them. His educational advantages were very limited, but he has acquired a fund of practical information by constant observation, and reading as opportunity would permit, is well posted upon the various issues of the day, and has a good knowledge of the vocation which he follows for a livelihood. Early in November, 1835, having re- ceived a horse and saddle, from his father, and a God bless you, my boy," he took to the saddle t- and left Carroll County, Ind.. and went south of that point about sixty miles. He had no means, but his object was to obtain an education, and in order to pay his tuition he worked two weeks husk- ing corn, for which he received twelve shining half dollars. Proceeding to Covington, Ind., he entered a select school, paying 13 a quarter tuition, and $1.25 per week for board, and to finish paying his ex- penses he cut wood at thirty-one cents a cord. In two weeks he was taken sick with the measles, and confined to his bed for another two weeks. He at- tended school for about five weeks, when he re- turned to his father's home in Indiana, and then came with them, as stated, to this county. He has followed agricultural pursuits and brick-making all his life. He made his first kiln of brick in this count}', in 1837, in partnership with his brother Anderson. Mr. Bishop is the present owner of sixty acres of valuable land, on which he has good improvements. For a year and a half he was a resident of the vil- lage of Towanda, and was the first agent of the C. & A. R. R. at that place. He also engaged in the buying and shipping of grain at Towanda, in connection with a gentleman by the name of T. J. Laney. He was likewise connected with a grocery store while there, and was Assistant Postmaster. Mr. Bishop was married in Livingston County, 111., Aug. 10, 1837, to Miss Prudence Barrickman, daughter of Daniel and Mary (Pedinger) Barrick- man, natives of Maryland. Her parents came from Brown County, Ohio, to this State and settled in Livingston County, where her father followed farm- ing until his death, in 1864. His good wife died two years later, in 1866. Mr. and Mrs. Barrick- man were the parents of eight children, all of whom lived to attain the age of man and womanhood. The names are as follows : James, Prudence, Daniel, Benjamin, Jacob, Harriett, Upton and Mary A. Mrs. Bishop was born in Belmont County, Ohio, Feb. 1, 1819. She was fourteen years of age when she came with her parents to this State, and by her union with our subject has become the mother of three children — Francis A., Mary A. and Daniel J. Francis A. was united in marriage with Esther A. Dodson, and they are living in Money Creek Township; Mary A. is the wife of Samuel Cary, t t. t ! •►-■-♦' 7?4 McLEAN COUNTY. and they are living in this county; Daniel J. and Miss Lizzie McMillan were united in marriage, and he is a farmer of Money Creek Township. Mr. Bishop has held tlie office of School Treasurer in his township for fifteen years. He was the first School Treasurer in the township. In politics he is a stanch Republican. Religiously he and his wife hold fellowship with the Methodist P^piscopal Chiuch. Mr. Bishop is a liberal-minded gentle- man, his generosity extending almost to a fault, and loved and respected ))y all who know him. Years ago he divided his large estate among his children, and is at present passing the sunset of life in peace and quiet, with no dark spots upon his past record to trouble his conscience. In the spring of 1864 Mr. Bishop enlisted in Co. E, 133d 111. Vol. Inf., for 100 days. The regiment was stationed at Rock Island, but was not called into active service. Daniel J. Bishop, our subject's youngest child, was also a soldier in the Late war, having joined Co. D, 94th 111. Vol. Inf., and served his country' faithfully and well for three years, returning from the field of conflict unharmed. ENRY TATTON, an industrious farmer of Dry Grove Township, has been a resident of Illinois since 1854, and is living the life of a peaceful and law-abiding citizen on his comfortable homestead, situated on section I, Dry Grove Township. Mr. Patton was born in Somerset County, Pa., near Salisbui-y, on the 9th of May, 1820. He is the son of Robert and Eve (Glotfclty) Patton, natives of Pennsylvania. The father was a farmer and shoemaker combined, and lived to the age of seventy-five years, dying in Elk Creek Township, Somerset Co., Pa. The mother died at the age of sixty-two years at the same place. The parental household consisted of three sons and eight daughters, viz., Henry, Elizabeth, Mathew, Mary Ann, Harriett, Sallie, William, Lydia, Charlotte, Louisa and Amanda. The par- ents were members of the (icrman Reform Church and the father in politics was a Republican. Henry Patton remained a resident of his native State until his marriage, which occurred Feb. 5, 1844. His bride was Miss Annie E. Kinsinger, who was of German birth and p.arentage and emi- gr.ited to America in 1842. After a brief time spent in Baltimore, she located in Pennsylvania. Shortly after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. P. located in Mar^'Iand, where they remained for a period of nine years. They then returned to Pennsylvania, to the old homestead, where they spent one year and then, in 1853, Mr. Patton came to Illinois to look over the countrj'. He was well pleased with the prospects in the Prairie State, and the following year removed his family, locating in Woodford County. For two years he farmed upon rented land and then came to McLean County, which has since been liis home. In 18()4 Mr. Patton purchased 322 acres on sec- tion 1, of wild prairie land, and at once entered upon its improvement and cultivation. He now has a h.andsome and commodious dwelling, two stories in height, with an area of 18x30 feet. It is tastefully finished and furnished and the grounds around it are ornamented with shrubbery and shade trees. In addition to this is a fine barn with basement, 5Gx40 feet in area, and all desirable out-buildings. His stock and farm machinery are of lirst-class description. To Blr. and Mrs. Patton tliere have been born the following children : Robert, who married Miss Mary Eggelton and lives near Lexington, this county; .Jacob, who married Miss Elizabeth Eyer and is located in Dry Grove Township; PMw.ard married Miss Sophronia Eyer, tlie sister of his brother's wife ; Catherine became the wife of Peter Welfly ; Dennis married Miss Sarah Dougherty and lives in Lexington Township; Thaddeus married Miss Emma Tatlinger; Martha became the wife of William Foster, and died ]\Iarch 17, 1882; Sarah J. became tlie wife of Norman Kinsinger; Josiah W. is unmarried ; Barbara E. died Nov. 20,1874. The family is connected with the German Reform Church. AVhen Mr. Patton purchased his present home- stead the country around was but thinl}' settled, but with true pioneer spirit he labored industriously and courageously and set an example which others profited by in the establishment of homes, the cul- tivation of the soil and the developme.nt of the T i -^-4-4* McLEAN COUNTY. 775 country. He has, in all respects, been one of the valued citizens of his township and has contributed his full share toward its inosperity and atlvance- ment. In politics he is a Republican as are his sons. A view of the handsome home place of Mr. Patton is shown elsewhere in this work. ^ACHARIAH ARNOLD. The subject of this history has been a resident of McLean County since 1854, and during a period of over thirty years has firmly established himself as a substantial citizen and useful member of the com- munity. He owns and occupies a fine homestead in Blue Mound Township, consisting of 200 acres of improved land, with one of the finest dwellings in this section, and a good barn and all other out- buildings to correspond. Everything about the premises is kept in good repair and the stock and farming implements are of first-class description. Mr. Arnold, b^' his industry and enterprise, has contributed his full share toward the progress and welfare of his township and occupies his rightful position as one of its leading and most highly re- spected citizens. Our subject is a native of Hampshire Count}', W. Va., and was born Nov. 7, 1827. He is the son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Sloan) Arnold, natives of the same locality, where they settled after their marriage and where the father oi)erated on rented land for several years. He then removed with his family to Ohio, but they only lived there eighteen months, being seized with home-sickness, and re- turned to their native county, where they passed the remainder of their days. Their six children were, Zachariah, Thomas, Richard, George, Ann and Peter. Our subject, who was the eldest, was reared to farming pursuits and remained under the parental roof until he was twenty-seven years old. He then started for the prairies of Illinois, and coming into this county kept "bachelor's hall" with his brother Thomas, for three years following. He then purchased a part of his present homestead on section 35, and made preparations for a permanent stay. Mr. Arnold was married in Padua Township, -^m this county, Feb. 3, 1863, to Miss Matilda H., daughter of John N. and Sarah (Wampler) Dun- ning, who were natives respectively of North Caro- lina and Virginia. After marriage they located in Monroe County, Ind., whence in about 1851, they came to this county, and settling in Padua Town- ship, there passed the remainder of their lives. Their eight children included two sons and six daughters, of whom Mrs. Arnold was the youngest. She was born in Monroe County, Ind., May 27, 1841, and by her union with our subject has become the mother of three children — Rosa B., Sarah E. and Ida M. Sarah E. is the wife of Rudolph W. Kreitzer and resides in Padua Township. Mr. Ar- nold is Democratic in politics and has held some of the minor offices of his township. Religiously he is connected with the Dunkards, and Mrs. A. is a member of the Christian Church. -€^? ^- ^7 OHN W. ARNOLD. The name of this gentle- man is widelj' and favorably known through- out the greater part of McLean County as (^/z one who has thoroughly identified himself with its interests, and has assisted materially in bringing the county to its present prosperous con- dition. He came to this vicinity over thirty years ago and by his energy, industry and honesty in his business transactions has fully established himself in the confidence and esteem of both the business and social community. He is at present one of the most prominent bankers of McLean County, and has all his life been more or less interested in agricultural pursuits. Upon his fine farm, which is located in Martin Township, he carries on the breeding of Norman and Clydesdale horses, and exhibits some of the finest animals in this section of country. His farm estate is in all respects a model of thrift, neatness and convenience, and supplied with all the improvements required by the intelligent and progressive farmer. Mr. Arnold was born in Culpeper Count}', Va., Feb. 10, 1828, and is descended from excellent German ancestry. His gi-andfather, Humphrey Ar- nold, settled at an early day in the Old Dominion, and there married and raised a family, among them •►- r t t •4^ 776 McLEAN COUNTY. being a son, Martin, wlio was the fatlier of our subject. Martin Arnold grew to manhood in his native State and was there married to Miss Patsey Maddox, also a native of the Old Dominion, and daughter of Bennett Maddox. This family removed to Ohio at an early day, as did also the Arnolds, and settled first in Muskingum County and after- ward in Licking County. INIartin Arnold remained there until the fall of I8,").'3, then came to Illinois and located in White Oak Grove, Tazewell County, and about twenty years later moved to AVoodford County, this State, and departed this lite at Eu- reka, in 1872. The wife and mother survived un- til 1886, dying in the seventy-seventh year of her age. They were the parents of fifteen children, seven sons and eight daughters, of wlium eleven are still living and .Tolm W. is the eldest of the family. The subject of our sketch remained a resident of Licking County, Ohio, until he was twenty-two years of age. He then came West to Illinois and this county, locating in White Oak Grove, where he at first engaged in a >awniill and subsequently in farming pursuits. Even at that earlj' age he began to deal in horses, of which he was always very fond, and seemed to have a natural understanding of their habits and re(iuircnients, and consequently was successful in this branch of business. After having laid the ft>undations for a future home and competency, he was united in marriage, in 1852, with Miss Mary M. Benson of White Oak Grove. Mrs. Arnold was born in White Oak Grove in 1833, and reared and educated there. Thej' con- tinued their residence in Wliite Oak Grove for seventeen years following, where Mr. Arnold first established his reputation as a stock-breeder. At the expiration of this time he purchased 820 acres of unimproved prairie on the Mackinaw River, in Lawndale Township, where he opened up a farm. He resided there with his famil}' three years, then removed to Eureka fov the purpose of giving his children the advantages of schooling. After this was accomplished they returned to the farm, upon which they remained until their removal to Colfax, in 1882. Here Mr. Arnold, in company with his son .lohii P., established a private bank under tlie firm style of John W. Arnold & Co., which they 4' have carried on successfully since that time. The stables of Mr. Arnold contain several fine imported Norman horses. He commenced importing some twelve years ago and no man in the Prairie State takes more pride in developing the fine points of the noblest of animals than he. Of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Arnold there were born five children : John P. is Cashier in the bank at Colfax; James R. deals in lumber in Col- fax; Sarah F. became the wife of A. H. Eyman, and resides in Macon County, 111.; Olive I), and Lou E. died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. A. are members of the Christian Church, of which our sub- ject has been Deacon for manj' years. The parents of Mrs. John W. Arnold were John and Penara (Henshaw) Benson. The Henshaw family was origin.all^y from Tennessee and the Ben- sons from Kentucky. John Benson emigrated from the latter State to Indiana and thence to McLean Count}', 111., in the year 1829, being one of the earliest pioneers of this region. He settled in the timber in Bloomington Township, south of what is now the present flourishing city. Seven 3'ears later he removed to Wliite O.ak Grove, and in 1873 to Eureka, where he died in the seventieth year of his age. The wife and mother is still living and is now ill her seventieth year. The grandfather of Mrs. Arnold, John Benson, .Sr., spent his last days at White Oak Grove and was a remarkable example of good liealtli and strength. He had never been sick until his last illness and retained his mental faculties until the end. He was nearly ninety-six years old at the time of his death. ■.o^o.-(^, 1836. His father, Thomas Morrow, removed from Indiana to Illinois in 1832. The Morrow family were of ex- cellent Scottish ancestry who, after coming to the United States located in the South, the grandfather uf our subject settling in North Carolina. From there he removed to Indiana, and there Thomas n J. -#^ McLEAN COUNTY. 111 1 Morrow, the father of our subject, was married to Miss Eleanor McMillin of Parke County. They be- came the parents of eleven children, eight sons and three daughters, of whom one died in infancy. The balance, with one exception, lived to become men and women. Thomas G. died when fifteen years of age, and six of the family still survive. Thomas Morrow removed with his family to this State in the spring of 1832, locating on a farm near Prince- ville, Peoria County, where his death occurred in 1848. The mother survived her husband, dying in Priuceville, at the old homestead. Our subject was thus left without a father at an early age, and assisted his mother to carry on the farm until the date of his enlistment. He re- mained in Peoria County until the outbreak of the late war, and in August, 1862, enlisted in Co. K, 86th 111. Vol. Inf., and remained in the service nearly three years. He participated with his com- rades in the battles of Perryville, K^y., Chickamaugua and Mission Ridge. Tenn., and marched with Sher- man through the Atlanta campaign to the sea. While amid man}' scenes of danger and death he escaped unhurt, being neither wounded nor taken prisoner. He was mustered in as Second Ser- geant, and received the commission of First Lieu- tenant at Alexandria, Va., in 1863. After receiv- ing his honorable discharge, in June, 186.5, near Washington City, he returned West to his old home and engaged in farming pursuits. Nov. 8, 1866, Mr. Morrow was united in mar- riage with Miss Margaret, daughter of David G. Hervey, Esq., of Peoria County, 111. They re- mained in that locality until the spring of 1869, then coming to this count}' settled on a farm in Chenoa Township, where they remained until 1885. Mr. Morrow then purchased the stock of goods owned by George W. Jewell, which con- sisted of a full assortment of farm implements, and since that time has been carrying on a thriving and profitable trade. Mr. and Mrs. M. became the parents of three children, one daughter, Laura, who died in in- fancy, and two sons, William C. and David T. The former is assisting his father in the store, and the latter is still attending school. Our subject and T his wife are members in good standing of the Pres- byterian Church, Mr. 51. being one of the ruling Elders. Besides his village property he still owns his fine farm, which consists of 160 acres, with all suitable farm buildings, and is located on sec- tion 24, Chenoa Township. He was elected Super- visor in 1883, was Road Commissioner of the township three 3'ears, and also officiated as Town- ship Trustee. He has contributed his full share toward the prosperity of this section, and is widely and favorably known as one of its most enterpris- ing men. He is a Democrat in politics, and dur- ing the Rebellion was what might be called a war Democrat. 'I^ ANIEL C. SNOW, an honored resident and retired farmer of McLean County, is a native of West Brookfield, Worcester Co., Mass., and was born on the 24th of June, 1822. His father, Joseph Snow, was a na- tive of Bridgewater, Mass., and was reared to man- hood in his native town, in the meantime engaged in the labor of the farm. When he was twenty- one years of age he removed with his father to West Brookfield, Mass., where the latter had \n\v- chased a tract of land. He divided this between his two sons, and on the farm which became his portion the father of our subject located and re- mained until his death, which occurred after he had arrived at the ripe old age of eighty-eight years. Joseph Snow was united in marriage with Miss Persis Knights about 1810. She was born in Wor- cester County, Mass., and reared in New Braintree, that State. This lady remained the constant and af- fectionate companion of her husband until they were separated by death, her decease having occurred at the home of her daughter in West Bi'ookfleld, Mass. She was the second- wife of Joseph Snow, and there were seven children by each marriage. His first wife was a Miss Richards, a native of Bridgewater, Mass. The subject of our sketch was the fifth child of the second mai-riage of his father. He was reared on the farm, educated in the district school, and made his home with his parents until he had av- i -4«- k t •>^U^4^ t i 778 McLEAN COUNTY. i rived at the age of twenty years. His father then gave him his time, and for tlie following two years he was employed in a boot and shoe factory, then at the request of his father he returned home, and he gave him the farm, with the understanding that Daniel was to support the parents during their life- time, lie remained with tiieui until 1852, and then, leaving a brother-in-law in charge of the homestead, went to Westborough, Mass., as Super- intendent of the State Reform School, in which po- sition he remained until the spring of 1 853. He then made his arrangements to remain in North- borough, having charge of the business of a gentle- man who spent the most of his time in Boston. Mr. Snow was thus occupied for three years, when he returned to Westborough and took charge of a farm there for two years. He then sold the home farm to a younger brother, purchased a farm near Westborough and occupied it until 18G1, and then sold out and came West to McLean County, 111., accompanied by his brother, Dwight M. They rented a farm in Mt. Hope Township, purchased seventy-five cows and were engaged in the manu- facture of cheese for one year ; then the farm upon which they operated was sold and they rented an- other of the same party, in Funk's Grove Town- ship, upon which they operated for tvvo years. At this time Mr. Snow purchased 244 acres of land on section 1, in what is now Mt. Hope Town- ship, and immediately stild 100 aci'es to his brother. He then continued the manufacture of butter and cheese two years, and selling his farm purchased five acres in town and eighty acres just outside of the limits. He made his residence in the town and carried on the farm for one year, when his health failed and he was disabled for sev- eral months. He then sold out and returned to his old home in Massachusetts, s[)ending one year in the Water Cure Institution of Dr. Hero, at West- borough. There he partially recovered his health, and in Febru.ary, 18G9, returned to McLean CV)unty. He now purchased 100 acres of land of his brother, the same which he had formerly sold to him and which is located on section 1, Mt. Hope Township, half a mile east of McLean. There were no buildings on the place when it came into his possession the second time. He erected a good 4» residence and necessarj' out-buildings and engaged in the dairy business until 1877. In that year he introduced Jersey cattle into McLean County. He crossed Jerseys with Durhams, producing a fine breed of dairy stock, and continued this branch of business with his son Willis D. until 1882, when he sold out the stock and tools and rented the farm to this son, and removing to town pr.ictically re- tired from active labor. He had added to his farm since the last purchase from his brother and it now comprises 130 acres. D. C. Snow was married, on the 24th of June, 1845, to Miss Louisa D. Rice, a native of Cliarle- mont, Mass., and the daughter of Artemus and Asenath (Adams) Rice. Of this union there were born three children: Charlotte L., the wife of Mathew Haughey, a resident of McLean County, and Willis D., who occupies the home farm ; their second child, Maria R., died in Mt. Hope Town- ship at the age of sixteen years. D. C. Snow has been connected with the Congre- gational Church since he was seventeen years old. He has always been recognized as a man of ability, and held various offices of trust in his native State. He is a member of the Board of Selectmen in West Brookfield, was Overseer of the Poor in Westbor- ough, and lias been School Trustee and Road Com- missioner in Mt. Hope Township. In the winter of 1883-84 he went South to Florida for his health. In politics he is a stanch Republican. JELEG SOULE, who is spending the sunset ) of life in quiet retirement at No. 204 East Jefferson street, Bloomingtcjn, is a native of Fulton County, N. Y., and was born April 18, 1815. His parents, Peleg and Betsey (Warren) Soule, were natives of Rhode Island, and the father a carpenter by trade. His grandfather, Joseph Soule, was a sea captain, but during the lat- ter years of his life followed farming; his death oc- curred in Fulton County, N. Y. Peleg Soule, Sr., by his marriage with Betsey Warren became the father of eighteen children, of whom the subject of this sketch was next to the youngest, and is the only one now living. Both parents died in New -•^-■-^ i McLEAN COUNTY. 781 York State after reaching fourscore years. Pelcg Soule was a skilled mechanic, and wlien diflicult jobs were required in the community where he lived, he was always the one to be called upon, and he toolv pride in excelling botii as a cariienter and at other fine work requiring the use of edged tools, a steady liand and a practiced eye. The subject of this notice left tiie parental home- stead when fourteen 3'ears old, having up to that time only attended school two months. He after- ward learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worlved for four years. In 1835 he was married, and then engaged at hunbering in his native county. He erected a sawmill there, which he oper- ated for five years, but not meeting with success in his undertaking, he abandoned it, subsequently disposing of it by sale for 1400. In 1840 he left Fulton County and went into Genesee County, where he purchased a farm, which he conducted a short time, and then bought 104 acres, occupying the latter for five j^ears. Afterward disposing of this by sale, he purchased another farm of 204 acres, which, after residing upon seven years, he sold and went to Batavia, Genesee Count}', where he purchased 170 acres and upon whicli he lived for three years. After selling his farm in (ienosoc County, N. Y., Mr. Soule came to Illinois and took uji his resi- dence at Shirley, McLean County. In the neigli- borhood of that place he engaged in farming, stock-raising, and speculating in real estate. He was a prominent figure in the business affairs of this section for ten years, during which time he met with financial success. In 18U8 our subject sold his land in the neigliborhood of Shirley, and moved to Bloomington. There he purchased about $16,000 worth of stock in the Pha>nix Bank, and became one of its directors. He also purchased other land in McLean Count}' which he rented. He likewise became proprietor of a flue home on Market street, where he lived until about 1870, when he traded it for a farm of 120 acres in the neighborhood of Twin Grove, which he lived upon a short time, when he sold out and returned to Bloomington and purchased the home which he had previously owned, clearing by the transaction ^2,500. Living in the house for about five years .4m : he traded the property for another farm, and mov- ing upon it, made it his home for about seven years, when he once more returned to Bloomington and has made that city his place of residence since. Upon coming to Bloomington the last time, Mr. Soule purchased property near the residence of Judge David Davis, which, after occupying about two years, he sold and purchased his present home. He superintends the stock-raising on his rented farms, and from this source realizes annually a handsome income. Mr. Soule was married to Miss Eliza A. Macom- ber, M.irch I'J, 183.5. The wife of our subject was born Feb. 23, 1815, in Greenfield, Saratoga Co., N. Y., and is the daughter of Roger and Annie (Waterman) Macomber, natives of Rhode Islancl. Her parents had a family of eleven children, of whom she is tiie only one living, her last brother having died a few months .ago. Mr. Macomber and wife both departed this life in Genesee Count}', N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. Soule have had no cliildren of their own, l)ut reared two: William II. Cutler, who became a member of the household when three years old, and is now deceased, and Annie Strick- land, whom they received into their arms when she was two weeks old. The parents of the latter, Bronson and Wealthy (Knight) Strickland, were numbered among the best families of Genesee County, N. Y. Annie received a good education and developed into womanhood while an inmate of Mr. Soule's household, and continued with them until her marriage. She is now the wife of Will- iam J. Steele, and the mother of one child — May Knight Steele. They are living at No. 206 East Jefferson street, Bloomington. Mr. Soule is a Repul)lican in politics. He has never sought office, but was once elected Justice of the Pe.ace contrary to his wish, and refused to qual- ify. He is one of those generous, whole-souled in- dividuals whom it is a pleasure to meet, and whose latch-string always hangs on the outside of the door for the benefit of the needy and destitute. Mrs. Soule united with the Baptist Church when she was twenty-two years old, and has since been an active member of the same, contributing liberally to its supp(_)rt, and working conscientiously for the Master. t; t -•► ,t 782 McLEAN COUNTY. During the late Civil War Mr. vSoiile was a stanch Union man, and did all in his power to aid iu its preservation. Being too old to volunteer him- self, and desiring to be personally represented in the arm}', ho hired a substitute, enjoining upon the latter to be true to the colors he was to fight under. The portrait of Mr. Soule given in connection with this sketch, is that of a gentleman entirely worth}" to be classed among the representative citi- zens of one of the most prosperous counties in the State, and to whose progress he has given an im- petus by the mere force of his example. As a fit- ting companion picture we place beside that of the venerable subject of this sketch, the portrait of his esteemed wife. -»tJiCj2/©-^-" — ^^ -^■Si^mnit'- itim E\'. PLEASANT W. BISHOP, residing on section 29, Money Creek Township, was our subject there were born three children, one of whom, Oakley A., died when one year old; Lettie B. is at hcjme, having graduated from the schools in Heyworth; Lyndon M., aged thirteen yeai-s, is still pursuing his studies in the village schools. The family residence is a pleasant and attractive one and its inmates enjoy the friendship of the best pe jple in the village. Mr. Rutledge has been a member of the County Board of Supervisors and has held the various of- fices in the village. For many years he has been connected with the Presbyterian Church, in which he has been Elder five j'cars. His wife and daughters are also members of the same. ylLLIAM M. HENLINE is one of the fore- most farmers and merchants of Money Creek Township, and a resident on section 10. The father of our subject, George Henline, was born in Kentucky, and his wife, Margaret (Ray burn) Henline, was also born in that State. After their marriage they settled in their native State, where the father was engaged in farming until he came to this county'. Li his younger days George Henline learned the trade of a blacksmith, but followed it only a short time, preferring farm- ing. He w.as among the early settlers of this coun- ty, and at tlie time of his location in Lawndale Township there were few inhabitants there other than the Indi.ans. He made that township his home for five years, and removing to Money Creek Township lived there for some years, when he moved to and made Lexington his home. Thej^ continued to reside at Lexington for about ten years, when they again moved on the farm in Money Creek Township, and there lived until their death, his demise occurring March 3, 1855, and hers April 13, 1872. They had ten children — Perrj', Almanne, Zarilda J., Sabra, George, .John, Mary A., Louisa S., Matilda J. and William M. The subject of this notice was born in Money Creek Township, July 3, 1838. He received a good education in the pioneer log school-house of this county, and was reared to manhood on the farm, and has continued to reside in Money Creek *►- 'i t 786 ■•► .t McLean county. Township from the date of his birth until the pres- ent time. He is the owner of 240 acres of land, about seventy of which is in timber and the re- mainder under nn advanced state of cultivation. He has erected a good residence on his farm, and has met with success in the prosecution of a voca- tion which he has followed since childhood, together with merchandising. In 1878, Mr. llcidine opened the store which he still conducts, and carries a general stock of mer- chandise, and by fair and honest dealing has built up a good trade. In July. l.SSO, he w.as appointed Postmaster and still holds that office. Mv. Henliue was first married at Bloomington, III., Aug. -it), 1858, Miss !Sarah C. Steward being the other contracting party. She was a daughter of William and Elizabeth Steward, and bore our subject two children, Stephen A. 1). and William A. R. Mrs. Henline departed this life April 10, 1872, and our subject was again married in Jloney Creek Townsiiip, Dec. 5, 1872, Miss Eliza A. Grif- fith becoming his wife. Miss Griffith was a daugh- ter of George W. and Catherine (Archibald) Grif- fith, natives of Pennsylvania. Her parents had one son and three daughters, and Mrs. Henline was the eldest. She was born in Fayette County, Pa., Feb. 1,1841. Of this lattei' union two children have l)ceu bom. One died in infancy', and the other, Noah O. A., is living at home. Mr. Henline has been Townslup Collector, and has also been Supervisor of the township one j'^ear. In ])olitics he is a Democrat, and socially is a mem- ber of the I. O. O. F., holding fellowship with a lodge at Lexington ; he also belongs to the Encamp- ment at Lexington. WILLIAM SWETZEL, proprieter of a snug little farm of HJO acres located on section 28, Towanda Townshi|), and a gentle- man respected for his sterling worth and integrity, comes of that class of citizens noted for their en- ergy and determination to get on in the world. He was born in IJaden, (Germany, Jan. 11, 1837, and emigrated to tlie United States in 1858. Ar- ^ ' riving in this country Mr. Swetzel spent the first year in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and from there he went to Ohio, coming to Bloomington, 111., in 18G1. He has since been a resident of the county and now owns 160 acres of good land lo- cated as stated, on which he has a large fine resi- dence, and is meeting with more than ordinary financial success. In addition to farming he de- votes his attention to raising stock. Mr. Swetzel was married in the land of his na- tivity to ]\Iiss Mary Koch, who departed this life in this county; her deatii took place in December. 1871. She bore him five children — lohn, Charles, William, Carrie and Luther. l\Ir. Swetzel was mar- ried a second time, in Hudson Townshi[), Miss Mary Blum being the other contracting party. The marriage took place in February, 187.'!, and of this latter union two children have been born, one of wiiom is deceased. The surviving child is Mary K. Mrs. Swetzel departed this life in Blooming- ton, III., in July, 1880. She was a member of the Evangelical denomination, and a kind-hearted neighbor, devoted wife and loving mother. In politics Mr. Swetzel is Republican. Mr. Swetzel married his third and present wife, Minnie Wag- ner, on the IKth of January, 1887. A view of his fine residence and* surroundings is given elsewhere in this work. ¥~^- -•v- <$, I^ILLIAM E. STEVENS, a gentleman in the \/^// prime of life, and a highly respected resi- ^J/Ny dent of Bloomington, is now employed as foreman for J. M. F''ordice in the lumber business, with which he has been connected since his return from the army in 18G4. Mr. Stevens was born in Macon County, this State, on the 3d of August, 1 842, and is the son of James B. and Letitia (Saterfield) Stevens, the father a native of the State of New York, and the mother of Whiteside County, III. James B. Stevens came to M.acou County, HI., when a lad of seven years, with his father, Joseph, who was a jiative of New York, and engaged in farming pursuits. The family of Jo- seph Stevens consisted of nine children, of whom James B., the father of our subject, was the young- est. He was reared on his father's farm and learned i ■I: -•^—11 McLean county. 787 {} the carpenter's trade, following the two pursuits through life, and latterly engaged as a contractor and builder. He removed from Macon to McLean County' in 1844, and located in Bloomington, where he passed the balance of his days, his death occur- ring in 187L The mother of our suliject had pre- ceded her husband to the better land three years before, in 18G8. Their family of six children were, William E., our subject; Harriet, Mrs. Chester vSmith, of Bloomington; Lucy, Mrs. Owens, of Woodford County: Charles, of Springfield, 111.; Leonard, of Palestine, Tex., and Walter, of Deni- son, Tex. William E. Stevens received a fair education in the common schools, and remained with his par- ents until the opening of the Rebellion. He then enlisted as a Union soldier, in June, 18UI, as a member of Co. D, 8th Mo. Vol. Lif., and remained in the service three years and one month. With his comrades he participated in the battles 1= eHARLES F. W. SCHMIDT, who simply signs his name William Schmidt, became a resident of Bloomington Township in 1854, first locating in the citj', and purchased property which is the present site of tiie C. &- A. R. R. shops. He built the first house west of this road, and started a liotel, which he operated successfull}' during tiie construction of the road. Later he sold the property to good advantage, and after thirteen j'ears took possession of his present homestead, which is located just outside the citj' limits, on West Marltet street. Here he established a vine- j'ard, and built up a beautiful home, which is upon a rise of ground and commands a fine view of the citj' of Bloomington. The surrounding scenery can scarcely be equaled in any part of McLean County, and certainly not excelled. The dwelling- is of modern style of architecture, and the beauti- ful grounds are interspersed with choice shade trees and shrubbery. The grape arbors combine beauty witli utility, and the entire premises be.ars evidences of refined taste and abundant means. The flower- gardens are most tastefully laid out and well kept, and there .are artificial waterfalls and islands. Tiie whole forms one of the most attractive spots in » this locality. Since purchasing this valuable piece T r t 788 -•► T McLEAN COUNTY. of property. Mr. Schmidt has turned his attention mainly to the growing of grajjes and flowers, the proceeds of which yield him a handsome income, He manufactures a fine grade of wines, which he usuall}' disposes of in the local markets. The homestead includes twelve acres, and the n.atural water facilities add greatly to its beaut^-and v.aliie. The subject of our sketch is one of the repre- sentatives of that nationality which h.as contributed so much toward tlie development of the AVest. He was born in Hanover, (iermany, Dec. 15, 1819. His father. Christian Schmidt, was a butcher, and lived and died in the place where his son was born. Our subject learned the trade of a tanner in his native country, and later went to the Province of Silesia, in Prussia. Here he became acquainted with Miss .Julia Miller, and they were united in marriage in 1847. They lived in the vicinitj' of his wife's former home for six years, where Mr- Schmidt was occupied at his tr.ade. In 1854 he resolved to emigrate to the New AVorld. The^' first located in the city of Chicago, whence they came to Bloomington, where Mr. Schmidt started a tannery, but oulj' operated it a short time. Mr. and Mrs. S. have become tlie parents of nine children, of whom only four are living, two daugh- ters and two sons. The family are regular attend- ants of the Lutheran Church. Our subject, in former years was a strong Al)oliti<)nist, and at the time of the organization of the Republican party, worked earnestly for its maintenance and support. He endorses its principles now fully as warmlj' as in former years, and uniformly casts his vote with the party of his choice. He is one of the most use- ful and highl}' respected citizens of this communi- ty, and his home largely contributes to the attract- iveness of Bloomington Townshi|i. ^ ^,ILLIAM DAVIDSON. In presenting this \/iJ// 'ji<^g''''ipli't"il notice of the career of one of WW the leading men of McLean County, and a gentleman who is thoroughly representative of its jirogressive ehunent, we deem it our duty to first briefly advert to the life story of those from whom he draws his origin. He was l)orn in Westmore- land County, Pa., June 22, 1818, and is the son of Robert and Jane (Reed) Davidson, natives of Chester County, Pa. The former was born March 27, 1789, and at about the age of forty years be- came a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He joined that denomination in the county of his nativity, and according to the custom of the coun- try* he, like others, would occasionall}^ take a dram. The Rev. Simon Lock, who officiated .as minister of the congregation with which our subject's father united, received him into the church on probation, the presiding elder remarking: "Take his name, and if lie don't hold out the devil will take him back." The devil never got him again, for from that time forward he was a strong temperance man, and energetically labored in the cause of the Mas- ter. He was a bright and shining light in that congregation, of which he became one of the Elders, and is remembered bj' many for the great change which conversion brought upon his life. His wife, our suliject's mother, was born in 1790, and be- came a member of the Baptist Church. When on her deathbed she requested her husband to promise that he would abstain forever from the use of in- toxicating liquors, which pi'omise he made and which led to his conversion, and after receiving the promise the good wife calmly closed her eyes in death, the year of her demise being 1825. They were the parents of eight children — William died in infancy; Lydia, Asa, Margaret, James, William of this notice, Solomon and Rutaii. William Davidson, who is a farmer by vocation and also a Ijlacksinith by trade, is pleasantly loca- ted on his fine place on section 13, Dry Grove Township. He was united in marriage, March 14, 1839, with Miss Mary Morton, a distant relative of Gov. Morton, of Indiana. She was born near Wheeling, \'a., and died Dec. G, 1874, in Illinois, leaving to our subject seven children: Margaret, who is the widow of Henry Tracey, and lives in Davis County, Neb.; Alcinous, who resides in Minneapolis; Lydia,wife of George Snedaker; Rob- ert M. in San Jose; Loretta became the wife of C. Gillespie; Sarah L, and Cornelia A. Loretta, Cor- nelia A. and Sarah I. are deceased. The second marriage of our subject was with Mrs. Julia (AVard) Holmes, and the date of their marriage Aug. 8j -*-*- i « N. 1 ^ I -4^ ••^-m^4» McLEAN COUNTY. 791 1878. She was born in Onondaga County, N. Y., Sept. 19, 1821, and is the daughter of Elijah and Amanda (Philley) Ward, natives of that State and Vermont respectively. Her father died in Febru- ary, 1879, aged eighty-four, and her mother de- parted this life in 1866, when in her sixty-fourth year. Eight children were born of this union — Norman L., Juliana, Julia, wife of our subject; Emily J., Darwin E., Ira D., Frederick C. and Mary Matilda. AVilliam Davidson came to this State in 1854, and locating in this count^^ purchased 240 acres of land, the same being that on which he is at present residing. During the intervening years he has lived on this place, and has labored hard and econ- omised and succeeded in bringing his land to a high state of cultivation, and has placed upon it good and substantial improvements. He has held the various offices of his township, and in religion has held fellowship with the Methodist Episcopal Church since he was fourteen years of age. He has tried to live an upright. Christian life, and none can point to any act of dishonesty in its his- tory. He has occupied the position of Steward of the congregation to which he belongs, and has also been an earnest laborer in the Sunday-school. His good wife, who united with the Methodist Episcopal Church when she was twelve years old, was Superintendent of the Sunda3'-school for a number of years. In politics Mr. Davidson is a stanch Republican, but is inclined to cast his vote for Prohibition whenever opportunity affords. A portrait of Mr. Davidson is shown in connec- tion with this sketch. ^1 BNER N. DODSON, one of the most suc- cessful farmers and stock-raisers of Money Creek Township, and whose portrait ac- companies this sketch, is one of a family of ten children, of whom AVilliam N. and Martha (Kinnan) Dodson were the parents. In addition to his farm duties, and the attention which he pays to the raising of stock, he is the Justice of the Peace of his township and gives satisfaction in the ad- ministration of justice. The father of our subject t was born in Wayne County, Ky., and his wife was a native of New Jersey. After their marriage the old folk settled in Champaign County, Ohio, where the father followed farming until his emigration to this State, and his settlement in this county, which event occurred in 1847. Hie located on section 33, Money Creek Township, and there lived until his death, which took place in March, 1863. His good wife also died in that township, Dec. 21, 1880. Of their ten children, four were sons and six daughters. The record of them is as follows : Margaretta, Mary, Martha, Esther A., Elizabeth, Eimida, Joseph, Ab- ner N., William R. and Daniel D. Margaretta m.irried William Halterman and at the time of her decease was a resident of Towanda Township; Mary is the wife of Jacob Moats, and they are liv- ing in Money Creek Township; Martha and Lewis Sailor were united in marriage and have their home in Hudson Township; Esther is the wife of F. A. Bishop, a farmer of Money Creek Township; Eliza- beth became the wife of James Allen and they live at Chillicothe, Mo. ; Emida wa.s united in marriage with Rev. Andrew Yeaklc and thej- are living in Kansas; .Joseph also lives in that State; William R. has his home in the Indian Territory, and Daniel D., who was a soldier in the late Civil War, having enlisted in Co. B, 94th 111. Vol. Inf., died Sept. 8, 1863, while in the service of his country, and his body is buried in the Soldiers' Cemetery at Mem- phis, Tenn., and the monument erected to his mem- ory is at Bloomington, 111. The subject of this notice was born in Cham- paign County, Ohio, Dec. 27, 1827. He was reared to farm labor and has given his attention to that calling, and the raising of stock thus far in life. He came to this county in 1847, and has made it his home until the present time, and is widely and favorably known throughout the entire county as a reputable, well-to-do farmer. He is the owner of 400 acres of rich and productive land on sections 1 9 and 20, upon which he has good buildings, and where he is meeting with signal success in his calling. Mr. Dodson was married in Money Creek Town- ship, Sept. 3, 1850, to Miss Anis Busick, daughter of Nathaniel and Cynthia (Stretch) Busick, natives of Ohio. The3' emigrated from their native State to this county and settled in Money Creek Township, ■ » w — o i - ■" ■<»■ 'i ?92 1 McLEAlSf COUNTY. where they lived until their death, that of the for- mer occurring in 1847, and the latter Jan. 19, 1883. Mrs. Dodson was the eldest of her parents' chil- dren, and was born near Lafayette, lud., J.in. 22, 1831, and by her union with our subject thirteen children have been born. The record of this family is as follows: Madison P., Maria, William, Ellen, Jesse, Henry, Annie, Jennie, Daniel, Frank, Abuer, Delia and Nettie. Madison P. died in Money Creek Township, March 1, 1809; Maria is the wife of Lafayette Timmons and they are living in Ford County, 111.; William niarried Miss Mary L. Will- ard and died in Money Creek Township, Sept. 6, 1K82; Ellen is the wife of Samuel Johnson, a far- mer of Money Creek Township; Jesse also lives in that township; Henry died in infancy, and the re- maining children reside at home. Mr. Dodson v/as elected Justice of the Peace in 1874, and has held that office continuously until the present time. lie has held the office of Road Commissioner, and in politics is a stanch Repub- lican. He and his wife are members of the Method- ist Episcopal Church. Although a Republican, as stated, Mr. Dodson is stronglj' inclined toward Prohibition, and hopes the day will come when none shall be licensed to sell intoxicating liquors. Mr. D., as above mentioned, is a gentleman widely known as a first-class citizen, is benevolent and kind as ~a neighbor, an indulgent father and husband, and is entitled to and possesses the confidence of his neighbors and friends. 'F^SSE BARKER, a native of Yorkshire, En- gland, became a citizen of the United States when about twenty-six years of age, and took up his abode at once in this county, of which he has been a resident since that time. He was reared to farming pursuits, which he has fol- lowed all his life, and has now a good homestead of ICO acres of land, supplied with all necessary and substantial farm buildings. His present possessions are the results of his own industry, while his in- tegrity and honesty have served to establish him in the confidence and esteem of his fellow-citizens. Mr. Barker vvas born in about 1830, and is the ^m son of William and Mary Barker, who spent their lives in their native England. Their twelve chil- dren included five sons and seven daughters, of whom the subject of this history was the youngest. Upon coming to this country, Mr. B. proceeded di- rectly westward, and selected his location in this county, where he first purchased eighty acres of land in Old Town Township, which he occupied about seventeen years. He purchased his present farm in the spring of 1883. Mr. Barker was married to Sliss Martha Thomp- son, in Old Town Township, a native of his own country, born in about 1838. They became the parents of nine children, of whom six are living, namely, Mary, Lizzie, F^lla, William, Richard and Christian. Mary became the wife of Cyrus Perry, and resides in Blue Mound Township; Lizzie mar- ried James Larry, of Blue Mound Township. ■i — -.j^^-^^^M^Sfif- — * lEORGE M. HEFNER, deceased, was a far- mer of this county and a resident of Money Creek Township. He was the son of Peter and Betsey (Flesher) Hefner, the former of whom has a sketch elsewhere in this work. George M. Hefner was born in Money Creek Township, Jan. 17, 1846, and made that his home during life. He was reared to agricultural pursuits and followed that calling during all liis years on earth, meeting with more than ordinary success and having before him a bright future when called by the Master to that better home, July 5, 1877. At the date of the demise of our subject he was owner of 320 acres of valuable land, which he left to his family free of incumbrance. He was a gentleman ijossessed of more than ordinary energy, and good sound judgment, and who had within him a heart full to overflow with love for his fellowmen and charity for all. He was married in Chenoa Township, this county, Aug. 25, 1866, to Miss Lizzie, daughter of George and Rosanna (Ambrose) Durham, natives of Virginia. The parents were married in their native State and there lived until the death of the father, in August, 1846. The mother came to this county in the fall of 1865, and departed this life in Chenoa Township, Dec. 25, I ■^^ t McLEAK COUNTY. 793 18fi7. Tbree sons and three daughters were born of their union, of whom Mrs. Hefner was the young- est. She was born in West Virginia Jan. 9, 1846, and coming to this county with lier mother in 1865, lived with her until her marriage witli our subject. Mr. and Mrs. Plefner became the parents of four children — Cora, Charles P., Rosa N. and Stella B. Cora is the wife of Daniel Bishop, a farmer of Money Creek Township. Mrs. Hefner is the owner of 160 acres of valuable land in Money Creeli Township, and possessed of practical information sufHcient to conduct lier farm advantageously. Religiously she is a member of the United Brethren Church, and respected for her sterling worth and many Christian virtues. Mr. Hefner was a soldier in the late Civil War, having enlisted in the y4tli Illinois Infantry, and served his country faithfull}' and well during the en- tire struggle. He escaped unhurt and returning from the field of conflict, settled down on his farm in Money Creek Township, where he lived and labored until his death. #^ r UDSON BURR, one of the oldest citizens of Bloomington, and a prominent member of the bar of that city, is widely and favorably known throughout McLean County for his natural talents and excellent business capacity. Added to this, he is a gentleman of fine personal appearance and gives to the practice that dignity and ease of manner which at once stamp him as one born in the higher walks of life. Mr. Burr first opened his eyes to the light in the New En- gland hills, having been born in Litchfield County, Conn., Jan. 23, 1830. His father, Rufus Burr, was a native of the same State, where the first rejjre- sentative of the family in this country settled. The father of our subject was a farmer of moderate means. His birth occurred in December, 1800, and he was married in his native county on the 9th of May, 1827, to Miss Ann S., the daughter of Barzillai Hudson. After marriage they settled in Torringford, Conn., where they lived until the death of the father, which occurred in 1863. Mrs. Burr then removed to a point on the Hudson River, where she spent the remainder of her days, dying in 1878. Of their family of nine children, five stili survive, three being residents of Bloom- ington. Hudson Burr was the second child born to liis par- ents and passed his boyhood days in his native State. His primary education was conducted in the public schools, and after becoming of suitable age he entered Yale College, where he pursued a thorough course of stud3' and graduated in 1853. He then entered the law office of Henry S. Barber ol Wolcott, Conn., where he remained until 1854. We next hear of liim in Bloomington, where he continued his studies until 1858, when he was ad- mitted to the bar, and soon afterward became a partner of Maj. Packard and they operated together until 1862. The Civil War being then in progress, our subject enlisted in the army, becoming Adju- tant of the y4th Illinois Regiment and was detailed for duty on the frontier, until the summer of 1863. The regiment was then transferred to the Array of the Potomac, our subject remaining with it until 1864, when on account of ill-health he was com- pelled to resign. During his military experience he distinguished himself for bravery and faithful- ness, and served as AdjutantjGeneral with the rank of Captain. He took part in the battle of Prairie Grove and was at the siege and capture of Vicks- l)urg, in July, 1863. While in the army of the Potomac, serving .along the Roanoke River, Capt. Burr during one of tlie fierce engagements In that locality, narrowly escaped being captured by the rebels, and only his strategy and Ijraverj' saved him from falling into their clutches. On the battle- field, as in private life, he distinguished himself for his sound judgment and equable bearing in times of danger anil disaster. After receiving his honorable discharge from the army, Capt. Burr returned to Bloomington and formed a law partnership with Robert E. Williams, which continued for a period of nineteen years. Tiie firm was a strong one from the start and be- came widely and favorably known throughout the State, both our subject and his partner exhibiting more than ordinary ability as attorneys and coun- selors and having a close acquaintance with the in- tricacies of law. n- I t ■^»- ->--m^4' (94 McLEAisr COUNTY. Mr. Burr was married in his native State in De- cember, 1830, to Miss Lucy, the daughter of Rob- ert Felton, Esq., of Wolcott, Conn., and they be- came the parents of two children, Charles and Emma, the latter now Mrs. Clinton Super, of Bloomington. Our subject is a regular attendant at the Second Presbyterian Church and both so- cially and in a business capacity is reckoned among the most valued citizens of McLean County. UGH LORMOR, one of the highly re- spected and prominent agriculturists of Towanda Townsliip, residing on section 3, is a native of Tompkins County, N. Y., and was born Jan. 1, 1834. From the time our subject was two years old until he had attained the age of twelve, he lived with an uncle. From the latter age until he was eighteen he was an inmate of the family of a gentleman whose business was that of a harness-maker and who also followed agricultural pursuits. The following three years he worked out bj' the month, and in the spring of 185.5 came to this county and located, determining to make it his future home. For four j'ears he worked out by the month at farm lalior and then rented a place and was engaged in farming on rented land for about seven years. After the expiration of the date last named, our subject purchased the farm on which he is at present residing, which consists of 1 "25 acres. Locating upon it, lie indnstriouslj' labored and economized and in the prosecution of liis vocation has met with fair success. Mr. Lormor was married in Tomp- kins Count}', N. Y., Marcii 10, 1858, to Caroline A., daughter of John and Betsey (Tapping) Burch, natives of York State. Her parents first settled in Tompkins County, N. Y., wliere her father farmed and also worked at his trade, tliat of a carpenter, and where both heads of tiie family lived until their demise. They had eight children, four sons and four daughters, and Mrs. Lormor was the youngest. She was born in Tompkins Count}', N. Y., April 1, 1834, received a good education, and for eight years prior to her nuirriage was engaged in performing the duties of a teacher. She has •►-e-4^ borne our subject five children, whom the}' have named, Jennie E., P>ank B., Fred H., Burch and Corry E. Jennie and the two youngest are de- ceased ; Frank married Miss Ida N. Anderson and they are living in Sloan, Woodbury Co., Iowa. Fred is engaged in teaching at Hopedale, Tazewell County, this State, and is Principal of the schools at that place. Mr. Lormor was first elected Supervisor of To- wanda Township in the spring of 1879, and held the office for four years. In 1884 he was re-elected to that position and was the incumbent of the office until the spring of 188G. He was also High- way Commissioner for several years. Mr. and Mrs. Lormor are members of the Presbyterian Church and in politics our subject votes with the Republican jiartj'. »-*-^' -j»»^- s^iiis - i^5.it^- "ifJOIIN MATHER FOSTER, an extensive farmer and stock-raiser of Dale Township, owns and occupies a fine homestead in the village /w«N«jiij2£/©|@ »@J^J/2'2rzir»v.'vw«. <| l|;ILLIAM WILEY, an old and highly es- \/iJ// teemed resident of Colfax, this county, W^ »ow retired from the active labors of life, is a native of Garrard Count}', Ky., and was born Aug. 24, 1813. His grandfather, William Wiley, Sr., a native of .Maryland, was a f.armer by occupa- tion and married Miss Sarah Royston. They em- igrated to Kentucky at an early d.ay and thence to Indiana. Among their children was a son, John, who became the father of our subject. He was born in Maryland, and being reared to agricultural pursuits, followed farming in a modest waj' all his life. The wife of his choice was formerly Miss Hannah Sampson, whose family removed from Maryland to Kentucky in the early history of the latter State. They became the parents of five sons and five daughters, all of whom lived to become men and women, married, and had families of their own, except a son and daughter who died before reaching their majority. William Wiley was the second child and eldest son of liis parents and was about five years of age when they removed from his native .State to Indi- ana. They located first in Switzerland County, and thence, in 1834, removed to McLean County, 111., first stopping in M.artin, and a few years later removed to Money Creek Township. There they settled on a farm which remained the home of the parents until their decease, the death of the mother ^ occurring previous to that of the father. After the ^ ■^ ^ m <' t. 4- McLean county. 805 ik i deatli of his mother, William Wiley, in the fall of 1841, was united in marriage with Miss Nancy Hopkins, a native of Indiana, and the daughter of Robert and Mila (Bartholomew) Hopkins. Mr. Wiley and his bride settled on a farm Iti Martin Townshi)), this county, one mile west of what is now the town site of Colfax. Here they resided forty years, thence removing into the vill.age of Col- fax, in February, 1882. They had a famil}' of seven children, consisting of five sons and two daughters — John, Robert, Joseph. William, J.aTues, Mila and Nancy. Thi'ee of the sons served as Union soldiers in the late w.ar. Robert died at Vicksburg in 18G3: John served three years, retnrned unharmed, and is now deceased ; Joseph enlisted at the age of sixteen, and served eighteen months, and is now farming in Nebraska; Mila, the eldest daughter, became the wife of S. Smith, and Nancy married L. Fincham; both live in Martin Township. Mr. and Mrs. Wiley are prominent members of the Methodist Church Mrs. Wiley having been a member flfty-si.K years. Their son William is a minister of the Methodist Church, and is at present stationed at Lewistown, P^ulton County, this State. n farm, upon which was made one of the (irst settlements in McLean Count}', and which ill early days was frequently used bj' the Indians as a camping-ground. The parental family of our suljject included nine children, the record of whom is as follows: Will- iam married Ella Reid; Mary is deceased; John married Miss Almariuda Minton, of I'adua Town- ship, and still resides there; Catherine, the wife of W. 8. Vandervoort, is a resident of Padua Town- ship; Ellen married John M. Stipp, of Arrowsraith Township; James B. married Miss Hettie Howell; Addie A. Itecame the wife of Austin M. Kimler; Rush, of our sketch, was the seventh child; Flor- ence, Mrs. William Clarke, is a resident of Ne- braska. Mr. Wirt was a good citizen in all that the term implies, having held the office of Supervisor and various other positions within the gift of his townsmen. He was a straightforward Re|)ublican, and both parents were memliers in good standing of the Methodist Church. Rush Wirt remained under the home roof until he attained his majority, reared to farming pursuits and educated in the common schools. He afterward operated for himself on the old homestead, finally purchasing 100 acres, upon which he farmed for five years, and then engaged in the manufacture of drain tile in Saybrook for nine years following. In the meantime he also handled considerable coal, and has been uniformly successful in his business trans- actions. Besides being interested in the manufact- ure of drain tile, Mr. Wirt owns a handsome resi- dence, situated on State street, and also has 480 acres of land in Kansas. The marriage of Mr. Wirt with Miss Arminta Hoshaw took place at the home of the bride's par- ents in 1878. Mrs. Wirt is the daughter of James and Elizabeth (Daj') Hoshaw, of Ohio, whence they afterward removed to Illinois and then to Iowa. After a few j-oars spent in the Hawkeye State Mrs. Hoshaw returned to Ohio on a visit, and there died in 1869. Mr. II. still survives, and is now a resi- dent of Iowa. They were the parents of four chil- dren — America, Arrrrtnta, Matilda and Martha. Mr. Hoshaw was married the second time, to Mrs. Evaline Gregory, the issue being one child, a son, James. Rush Wirt and wife are both prominently con- nected with the Methodist Episcopal Church of Saybrook, to which they contribute liberally and cheerfully. Mr. Wirt belongs to the Masonic fra- ternitj' and the K. of P. He assisted in organizing Arrowsmith Lodge No. 737, of which he was Sec- retary for eighteen mouths, and held all the of- ' •►-■C^ i -?= McLean county. 807 t t (ices in his lodge until his removal from Arrow- smith. The children of Air. and Mrs. Wirt are as follows: Lelia E., born Nov. 9, 1879; Herman C, in 1881, and Ethel T., June 19, 1883. HOMAS ARNOLD, one of the substantial and progressive farmers of Blue Mound Township, comes of excellent German and L'ish ancestry, and is the son of Josejih and Elisa- beth (Sloan) Arnold, natives of Virginia, where the father followed farming and merchandising. The old folk remained in the Old Dominion and there spent the greater part of their lives, both dying- there, at an advanced age. Their six children were Zachariah, Thomas, Richard, George, Ann and Peter. Thomas Arnold was born in what is now known as Mineral County, W. Va., May 24, 1829. He was reared on his father's farm and remained under the parental roof until 1855. In February of the year named he set his face toward the great West, and came into this county, and purchasing 160 acres of land on section 27, Blue Mound Township, set about the establishment of a homestead for himself. For two years, in company with his brother Zachariah, he kept bachelor's hall, and then decided to obtain a housekeeper, who would be both a companion aud helpmeet. He was accord- ingly married on the 12th of November, 1857, to Miss Sarah J. R. Smith, who was born in Boone County, Ky., Aug. IG, 1833, and was the daugh- ter of Nathan and Fannie (Kendrick) Smith, na- tives of Kentucky. Nathan Smith died in his native State, when seventy-four years of age. The mother having arrived at the advanced age of ninety-three years, makes her home with our sub- ject. Mrs. Arnold was about twenty-three years old when she came to this county. Of her mar- riage with our subject there were born eight chil- dren. Joseph, the eldest, married Miss Mary E. Wilhoite, and resides in Lexington Township; Christian S. married Miss Maggie Williams and is farming in Blue Mound Township. The others are Elisabeth. William, Richard ^^, George B., Thomas, Jr., and Fannie M. 4» The homestead of Mr. Arnold includes 240 acres of finely improved land, with a good set of farm buildings. Of late years he has been chiefly en-' gaged in stock-raising, turning his attention mostly to Durham cattle. Of the former he keeps about twenty-five head and his stables contain about ten head of horses and colts. When Mr. Arnold first came to this county, there were few settlers within sight of his home; wolves were plenty and he often got up in the night to set his dogs upon the mischievous prowlers. He is thoroughly acquainted with the trials and priva- tions of pioneer life, and has contributed his full shai'e to the develf)pment and prosperity of this section. He is held in great respect by his fellow- citizens and has been the incumbent of various offices in his township, serving as Justice of the Peace four years. Mr. and Mrs. A. are worthy members of the Christian Church, and our subject in politics is independent. ARTIN SHEPHERD, Justice of the Peace at Chenoa, was bt)rn on a farm in Otsego County, N. Y., on the 27th of July, 1833. He is the son of William and Tacy (Bird- sail) Shepherd, natives of New York State. The grandfather of our subject, Henry Shepherd, who of was of Irish parentage and ancestry, served as a soldier in the Revolutionary War. William, his son, the father of our subject, was reared to farming pursuits, and spent his early years in his native countj'. The household circle consisted of five sons and two daughters; two of the sons are deceased. Martin Shepherd, who was the youngest but one of his p.arents* family', spent his childhood and j'outh on his father's farm, and received a practical educa- tion. When seventeen years of age he commenced teaching, and was thus employed during the winter season for fifteen years, while he worked on the farm during the summers. He came to Illinois in 18G0 and located in Chenoa, where he first en- gaged in teaching, and afterward in the real-estate business. In 1 8G5 he was elected Justice of the Peace, which position he has since held. During the late war Mr. Shepherd enlisted as a -•► i t -^^ 808 McLEAN COUNTY. Union soldier, in Co. C, 72d 111. ^'ol. Inf., whence he was soon afterward transferred to Co. C, 33d 111. Vol. Inf. He took part in the engagement at Spanish Fort, Ft. Blakesley and Mobile, and various minor engagements and skirmishes. He performed his part bravely and faithfully as a solilier, and re- ceived his honorable discharge at the close of the war, being mustered out in IHGy. Soon afterward he returned to Chenoa, and a few months later was elected to his present otfice. He has also served as Notary Public for the past twenty j'ears. Mr. Shepherd was married on the 3d of SejJtem- ber. ISOI, to Miss M. F. McMaban, of Chenoa, wiio was born in Kentucky, Aug. la, 1841. Of this un- ion there were born two children — Howard Logan and Frank Birdsall. Mr. Shepherd owns a pleasant home in the village, and is universally' esteemed wherever known. T/ ASALLE STOOPS, senior member of the I (^) firm of Stoops & Ellington, manufacturers IL^. of tile at Colfax, is a native of the Prairie .State, and was born in Ipava, Fulton County, Sept. 19, 1858. He is the son of Samuel A. and Ellen (Clannon) .Stoops. Samuel Stoops was a native of Kentucky, but removed with his parents, when but four years of age, to Indiana, settling near Indian- apolis. The nn^ther was a native of Ohio. The father of our subject came iiili> Illinois while a sin- gle man and located in Fulton County, where he married and lived until I8(J7. In that year he came to McLean County and took up his residence in Blue Mound Township, where he npw resides. The parental household included two sons and three daughters, of whom LaSalle of our sketch was the second child. He w.as eight years of age when he came to this county with his parents. In the spring of 1880 Mr. Stoops of this notice located in Colfax, and since that time has been con- nected with the tile works here. He first entered into partnership with W. G. Anderson, Sr., with whom he continued for eighteen months when Mr. Anderson disposed of his interest to Edward F. Pochel. Subsequently Mr. Pochel withdrew and the brother-in-law of our subject, Henry W. Elling- ton, assumed the place which he had occupied in the firm. The factory proper covers an area of 32x120 feet, two stories in height, besides a dry house 20x80 feet, also with two floors. Both mem- bers of the firm are straightf(jrward, energetic busi- ness men. and theii' manufactory has become an important institution among the industrial interests of this section. The subject of our sketch was married, in 1878, to Miss Libbie Brown, of Old Town Townshii), and the daughter of A. C. Brown, who is now a resi- dent of Berlin, Wis. Mrs. Stoops departed this life on the Itth of October, ISSG. She was a lady greatly esteemed by all who knew her, for her many amiable traits of character. They had no children. WTLLIE VANORDSTRAND, of Randolph Township, cng.aged in farming and stock- raising, owns and occ\ipies a fine homestead of ICO acres on section (!. township 21 ntn-th, range 2 west, liis land being finely improved and under a good state of cultivation. He has all the accesso- ries of a first-class farm estate. The residence is substantial and tasteful, a model of comfort and convenience. His barns are well built and shapely and especially arranged for the care and shelter of stock and the storing of grain. His farming im- plements and machinery are after the most ap- proved plans. It is evident that our subject takes pride in his business from the tiuifty appearance of his fine farm. Mr. N'anordstrand was born on his father's home- stead in Randolph Township, Nov. 20, 1855; a sketch of his father's famil}- will be found in an- other part of this work. Willie w.as reared at home and pursued his earl}' studies in the district schools of Randolph Township, and afterward attended the university at Lincoln, 111. He remained at home until his marri.age, which occurred Nov. 22, 187G, at the residence of the bride's parents in Heyworth, the maiden of his choice being Miss Nannie M., the daughter of Joseph K. and Malvira (Hampton) Noble, natives of Ohio, whence Mr. N. came to this State and was afterward married in McLean County. He m.ay be properly classed as •►-ji-^ I t. McLEAN COUNTY. 809 i one of the pioneer settlers, having come to this county in 1831, and which has remained his home since that time. He is still living, and makes his home with his son, Dr. C. M. Noble, and also spends considerable time with his daughter, the wife of our subject. He is now quite aged. Mrs. Vanordstrand was born in Randolph Town- ship, this county, Dec. 26, 18.58, and was here reared antj educated, remaining with her parents until her marriage. Of her union with our subject there have been born five children — Charles V., Carl N., Dora, Floy and Fay. Mr. and ]\Irs. V. removed to their present home shortly after their marriage, and our subject has gre.itly improved its condition since he came into possession of it. Mrs. V. is a member in good standing of the Presby- terian Church. Our suliject is Democratic in poli- tics, and a member of the I. O. O. F., Lodge No. 483, of Hey worth. '^1 R. WHITE, of Bloomington, is at present conducting a prosperous trade in stoves and tinware at No. 606 North Main street, and as one of the business men of that city is con- tributing his share toward maintaining its progress and reputation. Mr. Wliite is a native of Pitts- burgh, Pa., and w.as born .Sept. 8, 1842. His parents were James M. and Elinore (Brown) White, also natives of the Keystone State. His father was a wholesale dealer in clothing and died in 18.54. The mother is living in Kansas with her daughter Mary, now Mrs. Wallace. The parental family consists of four children, viz: .John B. of Bloomington, James M., Mary, and Margaret, Mrs Colwell, of Kans.as. James M. White was a Class-leader of the Method- ist Church fur many years, and a useful and highly respected member of the community where he lived. The subject of this biograph}' left the parental roof at eleven years of age, and going to Kansas was variously emplo^'ed for a number of years, and then went to learn the tinner's trade, at which he served three j'ears. The war then coming on, he enlisted as a soldier of the Union, in Co. A, 12th Kan. Vol. Inf., became Fii'st Sergeant and served ■^m- three years. He was in the battles at Red River, Pine Bluff, Wilson Creek, Memphis and Columbia, Tenn., and received his honorable discharge at the close of the war. He then returned to Kansas and after working a year at his trade engaged in busi- ness in the southern part of the State. In 1868 he came to Bloomington, worked at iiis trade until 188C, and then established his present business. In 1872, Mr. White was married to Miss Harriet, the daughter of George and Maria (Johnson) Fogle, natives respectivelj' of Maryland and Ohio. She was burn in Zanesville. Ohio, in 18;52. Her father removed frum M.'iryland tu Ohio when a young man, and after his marriage located in Old Town Township, McLean Co., 111., where he engaged in farming. Their household circle was completed by the birth of nine children, of whom six are still liv- ing: Mary A., now JNIrs. Williams, and Isaac are in this State; William, a Methodist minister, is in Missouri ; Louisa, Mrs. Rodman, and Jeremiah are in Illinois; Harriet, Mrs. White, is the wife of our subject. The mother died in 1859, in Old Town Township, and the father in 1884, in Le Roy. They were worthy and excellent people and mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which Mr. Fugle was Class-leader and Superintendent uf the Sabbath-school for sixt}' ye.ars. Mr. and Mrs. White aie the parents of one child, a son, George H., who w.as born in 1874. Mr. White is a stanch Republican, and belongs to the G. A. R. and the A. O. U. W. y'lLLIAM D. MOORE, who is well known throughout McLean County as one of her foremost citizens and successful agricult- urists, has his residence on section 5, uf Tuwanda Tuwnship. His parents were Thomas and Martha (Dodsun) Moore, natives of Pennsylvania and Kentucky respectively. Prior to this union tlie elder Moore had been married in Pennsylvania to a Miss McCorkle. They moved to Ohio, where she died. The removal uf Thomas Muure to Ohio w.as during the early settlement of that State, and taking up his residence in Champaign County, he at once entered upon the duties of an active farm i t 810 McLean county. 4 life. These he continued to discharge with his usual energy until in April, 1828, when, returning home fr(jm a trip to Cincinnati, where be had taken a load of flour, which had been ground at Spring- field having first taken the wheat there, he was seized with fatal illness and died on the 24th of the month, before reaching his family. His widow subsequently came to this county, and after sur- viving her husband for over forty years, died Dec. 22, 1870. in the village of Towanda. The father of our subject w.is a Major in tlie State militia at the breaking out of the War of 1812, and held his commission in that conflict un- der the command of Gen. Hull. He was taken a prisoner, togetiier with the entire command, at De- troit. Mich., and transported to Canada. He was afterward paroled and returned home, but had de- termined to re-enlist, and was up, Towanda Village, and also 240 acres two and one- half miles west of Gilman, 111., in Iroquois County. He has good improvements on his farms and has the satisfaction of knowing that there has never been a mortgage upon his property or a judgment against him. Mr. Moore was united in marriage with Miss Mary J., daughter of C'harlcs and Mary Moots, na- tives of Pennsylvania and Ohio respectively. Her parents after marriage first settled in Logan Coun- ty, Ohio, whence they removed to Champaign County, the same State. The father died in the former count}', and the mother in the latter. Of the children, five sons and four daughters, Mrs. Mooi'e was the fourth in order of birth. She first saw light in Champaign County, Ohio, Jan. 25, 1825. Of her union with our subject eleven chil- dren have been born, four of whom died in in- fancy. The living are Mary E., William T., Warren, Rhoda, John L., Charles and Ra[)h.ael. Mary is the wife of f4eorge J. Rexroth, and they are living in Napoleon, Ohio; William T. married Ellen Carj', and they are residents of Iroquois Count}', III. ; Warren liecame the husband of Miss Mary L. Knowlton. and they live in Onarga, Iroquois Co., III.; Rhoda and H. S. Ford were united in mar- riage and are residents of Atlanta, 111. ; John mar- ried JMiss Kittie Johnston, and they live in Iroquois County, 111.; Charles and Miss Luella Leach were married and are at i)resent residing at Ft. Scott, Kan.; Raphael is the only one of the children liv- ing at home. Mr. Moore was appointed the first Postmaster in Towanda, under the administration of President Pierce. lie assisted in laying the township out into school districts, and served as Trustee for eiglit years. He also held the offices of Township Treasurer and Justice of the Peace for four years, lie has settled eight different estates during his life, all of them in this county. About 1857, Mr. Moore formed a partnership with Kdwin Reeves, a brother of Judge Reeves of this county, for the purpose of buying, shipping and dealing in grain at Towanda. That partner- ship existed about two years, when Mr. Moore purchased the interest of his partner and carried on ^ •► I r^ J. <^ ,t McLean county. 813 the business alone until about 1863. In the grain business he was prosperous, making considerable money, but on account of hard woik and partial failure of health, he finally wisely retired to his farm within the corporation of Towanda, where he now resides. Mr. Moore's people aie of Welsh parentage. Raphael, the son of our subject, married Bliss Mary A. Coons. He and his good wife became members of the Ifnited Brethren Church in the fall of 1852, and our subject has been Trustee of his congregation for many years. Mr. Moore has also been a teach- er in the Sund.ay-school for twenty-five to thirty- years. In politics he is a Republican, although it is well known that he voted the first Prohibition ticket that was ever cast in Towanda Villasj-e. IRAM HARBERT, one of the oldest settlers, as well as best known and most highly re- spected citizens of Bloomington Township, is the owner of 140 acres of valuable land oil section 27, most of which is under a good state of cultivation. Mr. Harbert came to this section with his father in the spring of 1824, and most of his time since that date has been spent in Bloom- ington Township. He was born in Washington County, Ind., July 16, 1814. His father, Joseith B. Harbert, was a native of Kentucky, where he ■ was reared to manhood, and there married Miss Anna Gallow.ay, a native of the same State. Both were of American parentage, and Irish and English descent, respectively. After the birth of a part of their Large family, the parents, with three young children, moved northward into Indiana, where they located for a few years, during which time our subject wiis born. When he was a lad of about nine years old, his parents decided upon another removal and came over into Illinois, locating at first in Sangamon Count}'. Thence they came to McLe.an, arriving here on the 24th of March, 1821. Their home was in this ef)unty for some years thereafter, when the elder Harbert, with a part of his family, removed to Davis County. Iowa, where the parents spent the remainder of their lives. Jo- h seph Harbert was an old-line Whig in politics, a man of much force of character and not afraid to express his views when opportunity presented. Both parents were worthy members of tlie Chris- tian Church. lliiam Harbert received his early education in the primitive schools of McLean County, not en- joying the advantages offered to the youth of to- day, by the splendid educational facilities of this county. The rude log school-house of the early pioneer d.ays has been replaced with a handsome frame or brick structure, which for elegance and beauty of design rivals those of older settled coun- ties. In place of the masters of the early days who were looked up to as superior beings, and were consulted on .ill mattors of law, physic and religion, are teachers of liberal culture, intelligent and progressive, many of whom have a broad and comprehensive idea of education, and regard tlieir labor as something more than merel}' teaching in order to make a living, more than a knowledge of facts in the universe of mind and mattei'. It means culture, the development and disciplining of all the faculties of the human mind. While the people of this favored age are enjoying these blessings, they should not forget the struggles of the early pioneer to establish schools for their chil- dren. Through the pressure of poverty and priva- tion, at the earliest practical period, the pioneer planted the school-house, and made great sacrifices to sow the seed for the rich harvest now enjoyed. While a mere boy Hiram began the battle of life, having plenty of hard work, and enjoying few l)rivileges. After arriving at years of manhood he w.as married to Miss Elizabeth Hendrix, who was the first white child born in McLean County, and who passed from earth many years ago. She was the daughter of John Hendrix, one of the first set- tlers of the county. Mr. Harbert was again mar- ried, in Bloomington Township, to Miss Elizabeth Garr, who was a native of Marion County, Ky., born Sept. 25, 1821. Mrs. Harbert when a young girl fourteen years of age, came to this State with her parents, who at once located in Old Town Township, where they passed the remainder of their lives, and where Mrs. Harbert lived until her mar- riage. The household circle yf our subject and his ■•>-■-<:• i t 4 814 McLEAN COUNTY. wife has been completed by the birth of eight chil- dren, two of whom, Lucy A. and Annie, have passed to the silent land; Nathan married Miss Cynthia A. Driscoll,and they live on the old home- stead; John, Hester M., George, Malinda and Hi- ram are at home. The possessions of our subject have been accu- mulated by his own industry, and while building u]) a home with his hands he has also, by his hon- est and upright course, built for himself a repu- tation among his neighbors as that of an honest man and a good citizen. With his wife he is a member in good standing of the Christian Church, and in polities is a reliable Republican. Mr. Har- bert was I'ostmaster of Hendrix for ten years, and in other respects has been prominently identified with local affairs. No man has looked upon the development and progress of this great common- wealth of Illinois with greater satisfaction, and as opportunity has occurred, he has given his voice and influence to encourage the establishment of enterprises calculated to add more glory to his adopted State and credit to the county of McLean. For over sixty years Jlr. Harbert has lived in this community, indeed, the community has grown up around him. As a venerable patriarch, and one who has done much hard work, and given much valuable aid to the county and to the molding of the character of the i)eople, we take pleasure in giv- ing the portrait of Mr. Harbert in this work. W;ILLIAM E. HILTS is a well-known citizen of Money Creek Township, residing upon section 33, and is engaged in general farm- ing. He is the son of William D. and Hannah V. (Ross) Hilts, the former a native of Tompkins County, N. Y., and the latter of New Jersey. The parents located in Hamilton County, Ohio, when they were both quite j'oung, being taken there by their parents. There they developed into maturity, became acquainted with each other and were mar- ried, and there the father followed farming until some years after the death of his companion, which , event occurred in September, 1852. Subsequently, in 1857, he came to this county and settled on sec- tion 8, Towanda Township. Living there until the spring of 1874, they moved to Bloomington, where his demise occurred September 28 of that year. Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. William D. Hilts, and all lived to attain the age of man and womanhood, namely, Harriett, George, William E., Samuel, Marcus, Minerva, Jane V. and Peter P. The latter died at Bloomington, 111., when in the nineteenth year of his life; Harriett became the wife of Rev. Robert Conover, of Lexington, 111. ; George is living in Towanda Townshii); Samuel is engaged in mercantile pursuits at Towanda; Marcus is a far- mer of Towanda Township; Minerva is the wife of Rev. Thompson Ewing, and they are living at Blairs- ville, Indiana Co., Pa.; Jane V. and Dr. Madison H. Rose were united in marriage and they are liv- ing at Thorutown, Ind. The subject of this notice was born in Springfield Township, Hamilton Co., Ohio, July 9, 1837. He received a good education in the common schools and made Hamilton County his home until the fall of 1856. He then came to this county and locating in Towanda Township, was engaged in farming un- til April, 18G.'), when he removed to Money Creek Township, and settling on section 23, has there con- tinued his chosen vocation until the present time. He has 170 acres of good land, well improved, with good and substantial buildings upon it. Mr. Hilts was m.arried in Money Creek Town- ship to Miss Sarah E. Stewart, on the 4th of Au- gust, 1859. Her parents were Austin H. and Isa- bella (Lamme) Stewart; her father was born in Washington County, N. Y., and her mother in Montgomery County, Ohio. The father was a fuller by trade and during the latter part of his life was engagetl in farming. They first settled in Dayton County, Ohio, after their marriage, and in 185G came to this count}', and taking up their residence in Money Creek Township, made that their home until they were separated by the death of the wife, which occurred two years after their arrival in the county. He died in 18CG. Eight children were born of their union — William J., Sarah E., Mary A., David L. R., Charles F., Thomas C, Henry A. and Austin II. William J. was a practicing physician and died in Union City, Ind. ; Mary A. was the wife of J. AV. Rockwell and died -<^ ■•► * i 4 -4^ McLEAN COUNTY. 815 t in Vinita, Ind. Ter. ; David L. R. departed this life at Towanda, in 1K55; Charles F. resides in Nashville, Tenn. : Thomas C. is living at Mobile, Ala.; Henry A. died at Ft. Scott, Kan.; Austin II. resides at Nashville, Teun. Mrs. Hilts was born at Dayton, Ohio, Jan. 7, 1 837, and lived at home until after her marriage with our subject. By her union with Mr. Hilts she has become the mother of six children — Fannie B., Elbert E., Charles A., Roscoe S., William R. and Henry V. Fannie died when eight years old and Elbert when seven. Mr. Hilts has been Supervisor of his township two terms and also Township Assessor and Collector for several terms. In poW- ties he is Republican, and religiously he and his wife are members of the Presb3'terian Church. ^^OTTLIEB ARNOLD, a representative of III (— -, that sturdy, energetic race which has done ^^^ so much toward the agricultural develop- ment of McLean County, is pleasantly located on his fine farm on section 21, Towanda Township, where he is meeting with more than ordinary suc- cess. He is the son of Gottlieb and Johanna (Mor- lock) Arnold, natives of Germ.any, in which country they continued to reside until their death. The former was a weaver by trade and followed that calling until his demise. Of the six sons and three daughters born to the parents, our subject was the eldest son. He was born in Wiirtemberg, Germany, May 30, 1831. Early in life Mr. Arnold learned the weaver's trade and labored at the same for three or four years, or until he emigrated to the United States. The voyage to this country was made iu 1854, our subject disembarking at New York City and going at once to Lancaster County, Pa. There he worked at farm labor for about a year and a half and then came to Bloomington, this county, living in that city about four years. While there he worked at brickmaking part of the time, afterward engaged in teaming. He then rented a farm and lived on it for about a year, when he removed to another in Towanda Township, which he also rented and sue cessfuUy cultivated for three years. By this time he was enabled to purchase eighty acres, which he did and which was located on section 21, Towanda Township, and onto which he moved and has lived until the present time. lie erected good buildings on his farm and by economy and hard labor succeeded in saving sufficient to enable him to add to his original purchase and is now the owner of 320 acres of valuable and productive laud, all lo- cated in Towanda Township. Mr. Arnold was married at Bloomington, Feb. 17, 1859, to Catherine Blum, born in Germany, Oct. 21, 1833. She came to this country in 1856, and by her union with our subject has be- come the mother of seven children : William, who married Clara Franke, and is a farmer of Tow.anda Township; Charles, Kate, George, Mary, Jacob and Carrie. Mr. "Arnold has held the office of Overseer of Highways, and also that of School Director. He and his wife are members of the Ger- man Methodist Church, and in politics he is a Re- publican. A fine lithographic view of the residence, out- buildings and stock on the farm of Mr. Arnold, is shown elsewhere in this work. C-*^- ATHEW RICHARDSON, a large land- owner and successful farmer and stock- holder of Padua Township, is the possessor of a fin(! homestead including 350 acres of good land, most of which is on section 11, and thirty acres of it being in timber. The estate is sujiplied with a fine set of modern farm buildings, a l)eautiful residence, substantial barn and all other necessary out-buildings. His stock and machinery are of first-class description and everything about the premises indicates the thrift, indtistrj' and in- telligence of its proprietor. Mr. Richardson has been eminently the architect of his own fortune, his worldly possessions being but $5 in cash and a suit of clothes, when he first came to this county. By years of industrious toil and good management, he now has a beautiful home, and is enjoj'ing the re- spect and confidence of a large circle of friends and acquaintances. When we look at the family historj^ of Mr. ^' ^ t. 816 4 McLEAN COUNTY. Richardson we are not surprised at wliat lie has ac- complished, for he comes of excellent Scottish an- cestry, distinguished for their morality, intelligence and industry. He also was a native of Scotland, born in Dumfriesshire, in 1824, and was the seventh child of a familj' of ten, born to John and Margaret (Lattimer) Richardson, both of whom were born and reared in Dumfriesshire, where the3' were mar- ried and spent their lives. They started out in life with good prospects, and the father for a number of years followed the pursuit of agriculture with re- markable success. He finally lost most of his property as thousands of others have done, by going security for friends and being compelled to make good the bond. The mother died when our sub- ject was but ten years of age. and the father six years after Mathew had come to the United States. After the death of his mother, our subject con- tinued to remain with his father until his marriage, which took place in his native county in 1850. The maiden of his choice was Miss Christina Nicol, who was boi;n and reared in the same neighborhood where her husband passed his bo^'hood and youth. After the birth of two children, Margaret and Jane, Mathew Richardson and his wife resolved to emi- grate to the United States. After a voyage of five weeks thej' landed in New York City, whence they came directly to Chicago. In the meantime our sub- ject had his pocket-book stolen, which, with the ex- ception of twenty-five cents, contained all his money. The contents of the pocket-book, however, he re- marks, would have seemed a very small sum to a rich man. He fortunately met a friend in Chicago with whom he remained six weeks and obtained such employment as his hands could find to do. Then he journeyed to Bloomington, this county, arriving here with $5 in his pocket. He rented a tract of land and operated on rented land for sev- eral years until he was able to secure a farm of his own. His first purchase was 100 acres on section 13, Belleflower Township. This he sold in 1867 and purchased eighty acres which constitutes a part of his present homestead. Besides his possessions in this county he has a quarter section of improved land in Lancaster County, Neb. Mr. and Mrs. Richardson became the parents of twelve children: Margaret, Jane, Agnes (deceased), r Mary, John, Jennette, William, Mathew, Archi- bald, Thomas, George, and one who died unnamed. Two sons and all the daughters are married. Tliey are regular attendants of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and our subject politically is a solid Re- publican. AMUEL S. GALBRAITH, of Chenoa Township, is one of its most prominent and successful farmers, and the proprietor of 240 acres of v.aluable land, located on section 18. Of late years he has been giving his attention chiefly to the breeding of Short-horn cat- tle and Norman horses, and has gained an enviable reputation in this dei)artment of business. Many of the early settlers of this region, to whom it has been indebted for its rapid and substantial growth and progress, have emigrated from the Keystone State. Mr. Galbraith also claims this State as his birthplace. He was born near Can- nonsburg. Pa., Oct. 17, 1833, and is the son of Charles and Is.abella (Miller) Galbraith, natives of the North of Ireland. The mother came to this country in 1811, with her people, who took passage on an English vessel and made their first landing at Halifax, Nova Scotia. There they were de- tained until after the War of 1812. After their release they went to Philadelphia, Pa., and after tarrying a short time in the Quaker City, removed to Washington County. The father of our subject emigrated to America after the close of the War of 1812, and first stopped in Philadelphia. He was married in Washington County, th.at State, and remained in that locality until 1850, then removed to Harrison County, Ohio, locating upon a farm, where he and his good wife spent the remainder of their days. Of the eleven children of Charles and Isabella Galbraith, nine lived to maturity, and six still sur- vive. Of these, Samuel of our sketch was the fifth in order of birth, and grew to manhood in the Buckeye State. He received a fair education in the district schools and when nearly twentj'-seven years of age was united in marriage with Miss A 1- bina Hazelett, of Harrison County, Ohio. In 1865 he removed to Illinois and located upon his pres- i t ■^•- * r^ ^> McLean county. 817 4 ent farm in this countj'. Here he has steadily fol- lowed the industrious and temperate habits to which he was trained by most excellent parents, aad has become one of the most valued citizens of this section. Mr. and Mrs. G. are the parents of one child, a son, Charles S. Mr. G. is Republican in polities, and his wife is a member of the United Brethren Church. EDWIN H. BURBANK, who owns a quarter section of finely improved land on section ,^_^, 34, in Blue Mound Township, is a native of Java, Wyoming Co., Y. Y., and was born March IG. 1841. He is the son of Alden C. and Eliza (Salter) Burbank, the former a native of Massachu- setts, and the latter of Vermont. Alden C. Burbank was born Oct. 21, 1814, and his wife May 22, 1815. After marriage they settled on a farm in Wyoming County, vvhere the father cultivated the soil and continued to reside until his death, which occurred April 10, 1 886, when seventy-one years of age. The mother is still living on the old homestead in Wyoming Country. Their five children were, Seth H., Edwin H., Julia A., Medusa S. and Llewellyn R. The father of our subject owned a small farm and upon this Edwin was reared, and received a good common-school education. He made his home with his parents until he was twenty-three years old, but in the meantime was employed at whatever his hands could And to do, for the people in that vicinity. He was then married and worked out for two years thereafter, then went to Freedom, Cattaraugus County, N. Y., where he purchased a farm of fifty acres. There he lived with his family about two years, then sold out and came to Deca- tur where, after two months he purchased a farm in company with his brother-in-law, C. J. Frink, in Moultrie County, 111. He lived there one year, and in March, 1869, came to McLean County and rented land in Old Town Township for seven years. He then, in the spring of 1876, came to Blue Mound Township aiid settled on section 34, where he now owns 160 acres of fertile land which he has bi-ought to a fine state of cultivation. Here he has a good dwelling and all the out-buildings required 4* by the progressive and first-class farmer. Mr. Bur- bank has been a leading man in his community; was Highway Commissioner for nine years. School Director and also School Trustee. Politically he is a reliable Republican, and is fulfilling all the obli- gations of a good citizen. Mr. Burbank was married in Arcade, Wyoming Co., N. Y., March 29, 1864, to Miss Isadore, daughter of John B. and Harriet (Wells) Frink. (See sketch of John B. Frink, of Old Town Township). Mrs. B. was the fifth of a family of eight children and was born in Arcade, then known as China, Wyoming Co., N. Y., July 25, 1842, where she lived until her marriage. Of this union there have been born two children — Harriet E., Aug. 2, 1866, and Grant, Nov. 4, 1868. \f^ R- J. HALLETT, a successful homeopathic physician of Bloomington, is located at No. 211 North Main street, and since his residence here, which embraces a period of thirty years, has established himself in the con- fidence and esteem of his fellow townsmen, both as a practitioner and citizen. Dr. Hallett was born in England, in the year 1843, being the son of James M. and Lydia S. Hallett, natives of the same country. The younger days of our subject were passed under the home roof and in attendance at a select school un- til nine years of age, when his parents emigrated to America and settled in Walnut Hills, Ohio, where our subject pursued his studies in the public schools until 1857. The familj' then removed further westward to the Prairie State, and located in Bloomington, where their son prosecuted his studies in the First Ward public school for two years. He then went to Belleville, in the southern part of the State whence, after one year he returned to Bloomington, and remained until the outbreak of the late war. He then enlisted in Capt. Harvey's company, but after going to Springfield was re- jected on account of his youth. He tried it again, however, in August following, and this time be- came a member of Co. B, 39th 111. Vol. Inf., serv- ing until the close of the war, and was mustered ^ ■ •► 'i 01 ^ SIS McLEAN COUNTY. i out in December, 18(5;"). He entered service as a pri- vate, but was promoted Sergeant and afterward commanded his compan}' from August, 1804, until April 2, ISG;'), tlie senior officers being in the hos- pital on account of wounds received in battle. From the close of tiie war until 1872, Dr. Hal- lett was engaged in business at Bloomingtou and Heyworth, and soon afterward was appointed Deputy Circuit Clerk, which office he held three years, lie then toolv u]i the study of medicine with Dr. II. B. Wright, of IJloomington, and en- tered Hahnenann College, from which he graduated on the 21st of February, 1878. He then practiced medicine two years in I'ckin, HI., and since that time, in Bloomington. Dr. Hallett was married in Pekin in 1881, to Miss Ella, the daughter of H. M. and Elizabeth (Ledtermann) Rodenbeek. Mr. R. was of German birth and ancestry, and Mrs. R., of German parent- age but born in America. Of this union there have been born two children — James C. and Henry A. Dr. Hallett is a member of tlie I. O. O. F. and G. A. R., and soeiall3' .is well as professionally occu- pies a position in the front ranks. --*>• ••o*o.@v>*'' *<-- OHN M(;CUNE, deceased, was one of the pioneer settlers of Chenoa Township, and a man greatly respected for his excellent traits (^^ of character and his worthy qualities as a citizen, neighbor' and friend. He w.as born on a farm in Cumberland County, Pa., Fell. 11, 1829, and was the son of Joini and Mary A. (Wilson) McCune, natives of tlie Keystone State. The father of our subject died when the latter was but six years of age. This sad event left the mother a widow with seven children, of whom our subject was the third. The brothers and sisters of Mr. McCune are as follows: William C. died when about sixty-seven years of age; Elizabeth became the wife of S. Barr, of Iowa; Mary A., Mrs. James Sharp, is now deceased; Nellie married John Quig- ley, of Newburg, Pa.; Nancy died in youth; Ha- dassah E. was married to Joel Hicks, and lives in Ohio; Rosanna married James II. W. Moore; Sarah J. married John Bush, of McLean County, 111., and Margaret, Mrs. Thompson Clemens, lives in Chenoa. During his childhood John McCune attended the common schools of his native town, and remained with his mother until reaching his majority'. The gold fever being tlieu at its height he started across the plains to California, accompanied by J. A. C. McCune, an attorney of Shippensburg, Pa., and after reaching that State engaged in mining near Sacramento. After an absence of three years and nine months he returned to his old home in Penn- sylvania, and Oct. 6, 1853, was married to Miss Annie G. Kelley, of Cumberland County. The3'^ located on the old homestead farm, near Oakville, Cumberland Co., Pa., and two years afterward our subject visited Illinois and purchased a half section of land in Chenoa Township, this count3\ He then returned to Pennsylvania, and in October of that year, 1855, moved to this county with his family, settling on a new farm which was then a wild prai- rie. He began breaking the sod, planted an or- chard, and steadily' carried on the improvement and cultivation of his purchase, which included the erection of a tasteful and substantial residence, a good barn and other necessary out-buildings. He was a skillful farmer and an excellent business manager, and in due time accumulated a fine eom- petenc3'. The hi)mestead which he thus established, and which his family to-da3' enjo3', consists of 160 acres, adjoining a quarter section whicli vv.as pur- chased by his sister in 1 855. Mr. McCune improved three farms during his residence in this county. Mr. and Mrs. McCune became the parents of seven children, of whom William died when five years of age. Those surviving are Mary (t., Cor- nelia B., the wife of G. J. Arnold ; Sarah J., .John A. C, Maggie E. and Joel C. Mr. McCune was a consistent member of the Presbyterian Cliurch of Chenoa, in which he was a Deacon from the time of its organization. He was also a Trustee in the Cluirch, and one of the School Trustees in Chenoa Township. The death of Mr. McCune occurred under ver3' painful circumstances. On Feb. 10, 1887, he was accidentally killed by the falling of a shed. This structure had been regai'ded as unsafe for some months. On the day mentioned Mr, McCune had 'i 4- McLEAN COUNTY. 819- i arranged with liis son, wlio was a telegraph ojiera- tor in Clienoa, to come home and assist in the pull- ing down of the shed. It had originally been thatched with slough grass. This had mostly blown off, so that there was little left of the roof but the lafters. It is supposed that when Mr. McCune opened the door of the shed the cattle started in and pushing against one of the heavy perpendicu- lar supports which held the roof, caused it to fall, the heav}' timbers falling on him. He was found with one of these timbers lying across his shoulder, and another across his feet. The announcement of this calamity was received with universal sorrow by the people among whom he had lived so long, and by whom he was so generally respected. The widow and her children still occupy the homestead. Mrs. McClure was born and reared in Cumber- land County, Pa., and in her youth united with the Lutheran Church. Of late years she has been con- nected with the Presbj^terian Church, and is a lady greatly respected for her Christian character and blameless life. In politics Mr. McCune was a Dem- ocrat. EORGE GREGORY, a prosperous and in- Gfluential farmer of Gridley Township, owns and operates 460 acres of valuable land, which is finely improved with a handsome and sub- stantial dwelling, a good barn and other necessary outhouses, and, in fact, all the appliances of a first- class modern agi'iculturist. Mr. Gregory is a na- tive of Ihis township, born March 23, 18.").'), and is consequently a gentleman in the prime of life, with a prospect of many useful j'ears before him. His parents were John and Mary Gregory, and his early education was carried on in the common schools of Normal. Mr. Gregoiy was reared to farming pursuits, having, during the last few years, made a specialt3^ of stock-raising. He remained under the parental roof until his marriage, which took place in Fay- ette Count}', Ohio, Sept. .5, 1877, when he was united in the bonds of wedlock with Miss Amanda Moon, daughter of Simon and Martha (McKillip) Moon, natives of Ohio. After marriage, the par- ents of Miss Moon settled in Faj-ette County, where the mother died in .Tanuary, 18.59. The fa- ther still survives, and resides in F.a3'ette County, Ohio. .John McKillip and Elizabeth (Whicker) McKillip, grandparents of Mrs. Gregory, were of Irish and German descent. The paternal ancestors of our subject were of German and Welsh extrac- tion. Mrs. Gregory was the tenth child of a faniilj' of six sons and five daughters, her birth occurring Jan. 31, 185.5. She and her husband are the par- ents of two daughters — Emma and Lois. They are members in good standing of the Christian Church, and politicall}' our subject uniformly' casts his vote with the Democratic party. ATT C. SMITH, City Treasurer of Bloom- ington, is a native of New York State, and was born in Newburg, on the Hud- son River, July 18, 1854. His father, Mathew C. Smith, Sr., was an old steamboat Cap- tain on the Hudson, and died when our subject was an infant. His mother, before her marriage, was Mary J. Stephens, and like her husband was a na- tive of New York. After the death of the father the mother removed West with her family, which consisted of two sons beside our subject. They located in Bloomington, where the mother is still living. The subject of this history came to this county in the fall of 1 8Go, in company with the late Dr. S. C. Wilson, who was a Lieutenant in the late war, and a prominent dentist, who stood at the head of his profession. At the time of his death, in 1881, he w.as an Alderman of this city. He married the only sister of f)ur subject. Miss Anna E. Smith. Mr. Smith of this history was thrown upon his own resources at the early age of twelve years. Principally through his own efforts he secured a good common-school education, by studying nights, his days being employed in m.aking a living. He was fortunately enabled afterward to attend one year at a priv.ate school, and subsequently entered the office of his brother-in-law, Dr. S. C. Wilson, to learn dentistry. After serving six years* he was employed by Dr. F. H. Mcintosh, successor of Dr. Wilson, with whom he continued until May, 1886, " ^M <■ McLEAN COUNTY. 4 Mr. Smith was appointed Oil Inspector for tlie cit}' of Bloouiinglun in 1879, which position he oc- cupied tliree 3'e:irs. In the spring of 18vS-i he was elected City Treasurer, and was re-elected in 1886, He has been prominent in the politics of this section, is Secretary- of the l\ei)ul)Iican Central Committee, of whicli he has been a member for three years, and is Sergeant of the Young Men's Republican Club. He also belongs to the K. of P. and the order of Improved Red Men. Mr. Smith was married, in 1880, to Miss Bell Popple, of liloomington, and they have become the parents of one child, Wil- son P. BRAIIAM WILSON. The importance of biograpiiy as a means of instruction, as jlj (i) well as a branch of historical literature, is indisputable, and the reader must certainly have frequently seen and realized that in the life of an individual can l)e seen mirrored, not only his own individuality and struggles, but all mankind's epitome. Emerson justly says "That all histor}' is only the "biography of man." The troubles, trials and labors of one individual are but specimens of efforts of many who have to light the battles of life and who go down to their graves unchronicled. In listening to the history of Mr. Wilson we could but see the truth of his statement. It would teach the discouraged hope under the most unsatisfactory circumstances, perseverance amid great difficult^', and assurance that lalior and faith will eventually conquer. Abraham Wilson is a proniinenl and highly re- spected resident of Gridley Township, and came to this county in 1843. During this period of over forty-three years he has fully established himself in the esteem and confidence of his fellow-citizens. He was born among the Ohio hills in Licking County, March 7, 1827, and was the son of Archi- bald and Hannah (Archer) Wilson. The father was a native of \irginia and the motiier of Licking County, Ohio. After marriage they settled in that county, and were am' productive. Mr. J. came to this vi- cinity from Belleflower Township, this count}', where he owned 120 acres besides eighty acres in De Witt County, which he sold previous to mov- ing here. He is a native of this county, born in Randolph Township, Dec. 27, 1833. His father, Henry Jacoby, died about 1852, in Randolph Township; he was born in Pennsylvania and pur- I -.1- •► p M* McLEAN COUNTY. 827 u' •^^%r^ sued the occupation of a fanner the greater part of his life. Henry Jacoby first became acquainted with his wife in Pickaway Count}', Ohio. She was Miss Julia A. Clarke and descended from English and Irish ancestry. Soon after marriage they lo- cated in White County, this State, whence a few 3'ears later they came to McLean County, settling in Downs Township among the other pioneers who began to establish their homesteads there in 1830. This was about the first township that was set- tled in McLean County. Later they removed to Randolph Township, where the father died. The mother then went to Kansas and lived with her son Henry in Lyons Countj', where she died at an ad- vanced age, about 18711. The subject of our sketch was one of the younger members of the parental household, and continued under the home roof until his marriage, which occurred in Old Town Township, ¥eh. 15, 1866, the lady of his choice being Miss Louisa E. Twining, who was born in Bucks County, Pa., March 3, 1835. She was the daughter of Thomas and Sarah A. (Banes) Twining, natives of Penn- sylvania, who located in Bucks County after their marriage, and soon afterward removing to this county, settled in Old Town Township, and im- proved a large farm, and there spent the remainder of their lives. Mrs. J. remained under the home roof until her marriage. Of her union with our subject there are four children: Thomas H., born Nov. 12, 1866; Daniel A., Nov. 1, 1868; Dellcena R., born Aug. 12, 1871, and Franklin E., June 7, 1874. They are all at home. Our subject, politi- cally, is a solid Republican, and Mrs. J. is a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. eLIFFORD H. AVIRT, of the firm of R. Wirt & Co., tile manufacturers of Saybrook, is a native of this county, and was born April 16, 1859. He is the son of John and Emily A. (Linton) Wirt, both natives of Ohio. John Wirt was born in 1837, and followed farming pursuits the greater part of his life in his native State. The mother was born in 1838 and is still living. Their eight children were, Clifford, Hattie, Annie, Mary who married Logan Fry, James L., Giles J., Edward and Homer. The subject of this histor}' learned tile-making in 1 883, at Saybrook. He is still a young man, but his industry and energ}- indicate that he will become prominently identified with the business interests of this section in the near future. He was married, Feb. 1, 1887, to Miss Bessie E. John- son, a native of this State, who was born April 6, 1866. She is the daughter of Joseph C. and Mary (Alexander) Johnson, of English parentage and ancestry, and traces her ancestry back to Alexan- der the Great. Our subject has been a member of the Method- ist Episcopal Church for the p.ast ten years. Mrs. Wirt united with the Christian Church in 1.S84, in which she is a prominent member and Superintend- ant of the Sabbath-school. She is a lady of rare culture and refinement, of great energy, and is en- gaged in tlie millinery business for herself at Say- brook. OSBORN BARNARD, a retired farmer and stock-dealer of Bloomington Township, oc- cupies a beautiful residence on section 6, and is one of the best known men of this vicinity, having been remarkably successful as a business man and a most worthy and estimable citizen. He came to McLean County in the spring of 1840, first locating at Twin Grove, on section 4, in Dale Township. His parents were early settlers here, coming in th6 fall of 1840, his father having made a purchase of land in 1837 and 1839, which became the permanent homestead of the family. The son, however, had located on it nearly a year before the parents and other members of the family arrived. The subject of this history was born near Dayton, Ohio, Nov. 12, 1822. There he was educated and remained until nineteen years of age, when he came to this vicinity and gathered the first crops and necessary feed for stock, etc., which the remainder of the family brought with them in the fall follow- ing. Samuel Barnard, the father of iiur subject, was a native of North Carolina and the son of Francis t. 828 McLEAN COUNTY. t C. Barnard, who was one of a familj' of three brothers that first settled on Nantucket Island. Tliey were of the Quaker faith and had been per- secuted in England on account of their religious belief. These three brothers, as is seen from the histor}' of this island, were among the foremost to organize a colony there, and on that spot they spent the remainder of their lives. The grandfather of our subject followed the sea from boyhood, and in early years took tlie jjlace of a man before the mast. He afterward became Captain of a large whaling vessel to which busine.ss he devoted the most of his life in the Northern Seas. He retired from this business late in life and proceeding to North Caro- lino settled in Iredell Count3', where the father of our subject was born June 1.3, 1789. The parents of the latter became prominent in that State owing to the condition of the colored people, which the father of Sanuiel Barnard sought to relieve by every means in his i)ower. He exerted all his in- fluence and spent a large fortune in carrying on liti- gation and effecting the freedom of slaves who were made free by their deceased masters, but held in bondage by their heirs. This work had been in- trusted to Mr. B. as executor by various old slave- holders who, fit their death, wished to reward some of their faithful servants with liberty. The wife (jf Francis Barnard, before her marriage, was Miss Catharine Osborn, a native of Connecticut and of New England descent and parent.age. She became aii orphan at an early age and resided with her foster-parents, with whom she lived until her marriage. She survived until .after the death of her husband and came with her children to Ohio, where she spent the remainder of her days. The father of our subject grew to manhood in North Carolina but was married in Montgomery County, Ohio, to Miss Rebecca Compton. The latter was a native of South Carolina, of Southern parent.age, and in about 1804 came with her father and three brothers and located near Dayton, Ohio, being among the earliest settlers of Montgomery County. She was married in LSI 2, and her parents both died afterward in Montgomery County. Her father, William, and her mother, Martha (Davis) Compton, spent the greater part of their lives upon a farm and died well advanced in years, having been greatly respected and the possessors of a fine prop- erty. The parents of our subject after m.arriage settled on (ioverninent land in Ohio and began life poor, at the foot of the ladder. They " pulled together," however, were industrious and economical, and in due time had improved three farms from the wilder- ness. They became the parents of eleven children, two of whom died in infancy. After a few years, wishing to give his children better advantages than their present location afforded, Samuel Barnard sold his property which he had made in Ohio, and started West. He came into McLean County where he pursued the same methods by which he had before become so successful in life, and before his death w.as the owner of 400 acres of valuable land in this county. This remained his permanent home until his death, which occurred in 1847, when he was fifty-seven years of age. He was reared in the Quaker faith and to this he loyally adhered until the end of his life, as did the mother also. The latter died a few years later, in 1852, and with her husband w.as beloved and respected by the entire community. Osborn Barnard remained with his mother after his father's death, and carried on the farm until he was about thirty-four years of age before he de- cided to venture upon one of the most important changes in life. In 1855 he was united in marriage at San Antonio, Tex., with Miss Sarah demons, December 29. Mrs. B. is a native of Indiana, and was born Nov. 15, 1832. She remained in her na- tive State until twenty-one years of age and lived in Texas some time before her marriage. Of this union there were two children: Cora K., born Dec. 23, 1871, who has received a fine education and is well adv.anced in music, and Owen E., wlio died in infancy. Mr. Barnard, sines- his marriage, has been suc- cessfully engaged as a money broker and in buying and selling of stock. He is not at present eng.aged in any active business, having lieen eualtled to re- tire upon tiie [proceeds of his earlier enterprise and industry. In his transactions as a capitalist, he operated in connection with his brother Amos, and has become widely and favorably known as a gen- tleman of fair and honorable dealings who could i u ■•^-11-^ McLean county. 829 be trusted with impunity. His elegant liome is the resort of the cultured people of that city, who have learned to esteem him for his personal worth, and his value to the city as a business man and one of the important factors of the community. W UTHER C. HAYS, a native of Brown County, 11 (^1 Ohio, is now prosperously engaged in agri- j|L3\^ cultural pursuits in Chenoa Township, and is one of the important factors in the business and farming interests of tiiis section. He comes of an excellent family, well known in the jNIiddle States, his grandfather, Warren Hays, having been a native of Pennsylvania, where he carried on farm- ing successfully, became prominent as a business man and a citizen, and spent his entire life in his native State. The grandfather was married in early manhood to I\Hss Clara Stark, and they be- came the parents of eight children, four sons and four daughters. One of these, Alnal, the father of our subject, was born in New York City, and after reaching manhood was married to Miss Mary Ken- nedy, a Virginia lady, and the daughter of James and Margaret Kennedy, also of fhe Old Dominion. After his marriage Abial Hays located in Brown Count}', Ohio, near Sardinia, where our subject was born on the 27th of July, 1836. The family remained in Ohio until 1855, then removed to Woodford County, 111., and from there to McLean County, settling in Lexington Township, one year after which they made their home in Chenoa To'wnship. Here the mother died on the '2(ith of December, 1884, her husliand having preceded her to the home beyond. The parental family included seven children, two sons and five daughters. Two of the latter are now deceased. The early life of Luther C. Hays was passed in his native county in Ohio, where he pursued his primar}' studies in the district schools and com- pleted them at a select school. In 1 800 he was married to Miss Matilda Frazier, who became the mother of four children and departed this life in 1871. Of these children Samuel L. married Miss Anna Vereler, and lives in Livingston County, this State; Fannie M. became the wife of G. Howard, of Livingston County ; Jessie C. married Andrew Vereler, and they reside in Livingston County, and Charles H. is at home. Mr. Hays became a resident of Chenoa Town- shij) in 1857, locating first on section 10. Eight years later he removed to his present hcjmestead on section 4. This contains forty acres of finely culti- vated land, with a handsome and substantial set of frame buildings. He also has a valuable farm of 240 acres in Pike 'i'ownship, Livingston County, 111. He has given most of his attention to the raising of grain, in which he has been remarkably successful, and has also dealt largely in hogs, feed- ing and shipping, and thereby realizing a hand- some income, The .second wife of our subject, to wiiuni he was married Jan. 28, 1.S74, was Mrs. Frances A. (Rhodes) Clarke, daughter of Almon W. Rhodes, and widow of Wilson M. Clarke, who died in 1871. Mrs. Haj's is a native of Nevv York City. Of her first marriage there were born two daughters — Alda R. and Lora B. Of her marriage with our subject there have been born five children — (ieorge M., Nel- lie, Pearl M., EvaE. and John Sherman. Mr. Hays has served his township as Road Commissioner and has been School Director for the last eighteen yeai's. Politically he isi a stanch Republican and uniformly casts his vote in support of the prin- ciples of that jjarty. ^^1 ICHAEL SULLIVAN, who is widely and \\\ favorably known in Arrowsmith Township Is as an industrious farmer and citizen, is pleasantly located on section !>, where he is pursuing the peaceful occujiation of a farmer upon 121 acres of land which he has brought to a fine state of cultivation. Our subject is a native of the city of Cork, Ire- land, and was born in April, 1827. When a young man twenty-one years of age, he emigrated to America in a merchant ship, landing at Boston, Mass. He remained in that city for two years, and thence proceeded to Bourbon County, Ky., where he became a contractor on the Paris and North Middleton pike road, employing men and •►^■-4s i r. ■^^ ■•► 830 McLEAN COUNTY. teams, and where he succeeded in accumulating quite a sum of money and some real estate. After a residence of about eighteen years in the Blue Orass regions, he eanu^ West to the I'rairie State, and first located upon a tract of rented land in Mc- Lean County. In 1S70 he purchased his present homestead, tlie laud at that time being in its origi- nal condition. He immediately set to work to im- prove and cultivate it, and in due time erected a fine house and barn, and of late years has been considerably engaged in the breeding of Norman horses. The parents of our subject were Jeremiah and •Margaret (Ganey) Sullivan, and the mother died wlieu her son Michael was only eight years of age. Their ten children were Margaret, who married Mr. Shaughnessy; Dennis, John, Mary, Daniel, Johanna, Jeremiah, Bridget, Michael and Cather- ine. The same year in which he came to America, 1847, Michael Sullivan was married to Miss Mary Foley, a native of his own country, who was born in 1817, and came to the United States the year of her marriage. Of this union there have been born .seven children, recorded as follows: Jeremiah, born April 23, 1848, is deceased; Margaret was born July 30, 1850; Ellen M., May 19,1852; John P., March 18, 1854; Jeremiah F., born March 20, 185(), died in October, 1857; Annie was born May 8, 1858, and Charles M., April 21, 1861. Mr. Sullivan, after coming to this country and becoming acquainted with the operations of slavery was greatly opposed to the peculiar institution, and left Kentucky on that account, after having served for a time in the Home Guards of that State. He is a stanch Republican in politics, and voted for Abraham Lincoln in 18G0. Mr. Sullivan is a de- vout Catholic .and, with his entire family', attends that church at Merna. "JOSEPH BEAR, prominent in the agricult- ural circles of Chenoa Township, was born on a farm in Franklin County, Pa., March (^// 17, 1825. He is descended from an excel- lent family, the first representatives of whom set- tled in the Middle States at an early period in the history of this country. His grandfather, George Bear, a native of Lancaster County, Pa., married Miss Esther Keller, and tliey raised a familj' of eleven children, six daughters and five sons. Se- bastian, the father of our subject, also a native of Pennsylvania, was l)orn in Lancaster County, in 1795. He married Miss Mar}' Schook, a native of the same county, and the}' became the parents of five children, four sons and one daughter. Both the grandfathers of our subject were of German ancestry, and distinguished for the sturdy honesty and uprightness which from time immemorial have cliaracterized that nationality. Seliastian Bear, after his marriage located on a farm in Franklin County, Pa., where he remained a number f)f years and where the mother of his children died in 1851. Of these, Joseph of our sketch was the third child. The subject of this history remained under the parental roof until reaching his twenty-second year, in the meantime being reared to farming pursuits and obtaining a fair education in the common schools. The young men of those days were not afraid to marry before obtaining a competency, and the maidens cheerfully took upon themselves the duties of a helpmeet, working side by side with their husbands. Mr. B., therefore, soon after- ward was married to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of John Garling, and they first settled on a farm in Franklin County, Pa. Thence they removed, in 1 858, to Fulton County, 111., and nine j'ears later to McLean County. After their arrival in this county they located on the farm which constitutes the present homestead of the family. This com- prises 240 acres of choice land, which of late years has been devoted mostly to the raising of grain and cattle. The residence and out-buildings are creditable to the proprietor, and the stock, fences and farm machinery give evidence of his fore- thought and enterprise, all being in fine condition and well cared for. In 1880, Mr. Bear practically retired from active labor and turned over the man- agement of the farm in a great measure to his sons. Our subjeitt has been three times marrieil. His first wife, Mrs. Elizabeth (Garling) Bear, passed to the other life on the 9th of January, 181)3, her de- cease taking place in Fulton County. Of the five i ^ ''SBSilVN -^ -4^ ,t McLEAN COUNTY. 833 children born of this union the record is as follows: Mary M. became the wife of Francis Reed; Hettie C. married William Breakey ; Sebastian G. was the third child ; Joseph S. is a resident of Kansas, and Sarah is deceased. His second wife, who was for- merly Miss Patience Bowley, bore him one son, who was named George. This lady died Nov. 9, 1878. Mr. Hear married his present wife on the 9th of December, 1880. She was formerly Miss Martha V., daughter of William Kemmerer, a na- tive of Union County, Pa. Of this marriage there has been born one child, a son, William E. Mr. and Mrs. B. are members of the German Baptist Church. In politics Mr. Bear stanchly adheres to the principles of the Republican party. Although not perhaps the hero of au3' tiirilling tale, he has fulfilled worthily the duties devolving upon him as citizen, husband, father and friend, and can look back upon the pathway over which he has traveled, feeling that there is no call for keen regrets on account of misspent time or oppor- tunities thrown away. As a respected member of the community, and contributing his quota to its general welfare, the original of the portrait which we present in connection with this biograpliy is fullj' entitled to be classed among the representa- tive men of McLean County. I ICHARD A. WARLOW. Emerson says all history is only biography. So we find this is especially exemplified in the community ^i©;in which Mr. Warlow resides. Its history is only the biography of the lives of a few men, chiefly among wiiom is our subject. He has been a resident of the Prairie State since the fall of 1834, and now owns and occupies a comfortable homestead on section 12, Allin Township. He was born in Oneida County, N. Y., March 20, 1822. His parents were Benjamin and Elizabeth (Bond) Warlow, the former a native of New York City, where he was born in 1785, and tlie latter of Massachusetts, and was born in 1786. They were married in the latter State in 1812, and that same year Benjamin Warlow was drafted into the army, his services being required in tlie War of 1812. He returned home, however, after three months' serv- ice. He had learned the trade of a shoemaker in his native citj% commencing when twelve years of age. For several, years as a sailor he followed the ocean, visiting Liverpool and the East Indies sev- eral times. He then went to Canada and returned to Massachusetts, remaining there until his marriage. After this event, with his j^oung wife he went to ^'ernon, N. Y., where he followed his trade, and then moved into the timber in Oneida County, where he took up fifty acres, which he cultivated and occupied for ten years. He then left the farm and took up his trade in a little village in the same State. After a few months he turned his face westward, coming first to Painesville, Ohio, after- ward to Circleville, and in October, 1834, re- moved still further westward, coming to Blooming- ton, III. For two years he operated upon rented land in Dry Grove Township, and then purchased 1 GO acres of prairie, where he established a com- fortable homestead, and remained until his death in lS('i4. The mother survived some years, dying in 1870. Their six children were Jonathan B., who married Miss Catherine Hay; William C, who married Miss Nancy Garr; Sarepta E., the wife of John Baker; Richard A., of our sketch; LaFayette, deceased, and Bond W., who married Miss Sarah Curtis, and is now residing in Kansas. The parents were faithful members of the Christian Church, and trained their offspring to industry and ]jriiieiples of honor. Richard A. AVarlow was reared on iiis father's farm, received a common-school education, and re- mained under the home roof until he had reached his majority. He was then united in marriage with Miss Lovina Bozarth, the wedding taking place April 29, 1849. After marriage Mr. W. first en- tered eighty acres of land in Allin Township, and a short time afterward 200 acres more, where he put up a neat little frame dwelling. He had also purchased a sawmill, which he utilized in pre- paring the lumber for his own house as vvell as for those of his neighbors. Their first residence was destroyed by fire in 1857, and he then erected his present handsome and substantial structure, which is two stories in height with an L, and forms a commodious and convenient dwelling. His farm '^ t. t 834 McLEAN COUNTY. property now comprises 625 acres of fine land un- der a good state of cultivation. Altogether he has owned l,-200 acres, about half of which he gave to his children. Mr. Warlow iia.s now practically re- tired from active labor, and is enjoying the fruits of his earh' industry and economy. The household circle of our subject and his wife was completed by the birth of seven children, of whom the record is as follows: Leslie, wiio was born March 31, 1851, died Oct 18, 1879; John E. was born Sept. 26, 1853, and married Frances liower; Belle, born March 13. 1856, married W. il Dickinson, and lives in Nebraska; Kllcn L., Iiorn May 3, 1858, married William Perry, and they live in Allin Township; -lulia, born July 31, 1860; Charles A., July 2, 1862; Anna, Sept. 13, 1864. The two daughters are still at home, while Charles lives in Nebraska. Mr. AVarlow politically is an uncompromising Democrat. He has been pnmiinent in the affairs of his township since coming here, having been School Trustee, Justice of the Peace for the last eight years. Township Assessor for seven years, and is connected with tiie Orange organization. Both he and his wife are members of the Christian Church. A portrait of K. A. Warlow is fitting to appear in company with those of the leading men of the county. #"# <^OSEPII STIICKKY. of Danvers, an ordained minister and Bishop of the ]\Iennonite Church, has presided over the society of his (j^JI/ people in Danvers Township since the spring of 1860. Mr. Stucke}' is a native of Als.ace-Lor- raine, formerly of France, where he was born in 1825. His parents, Peter and Elizabeth Stuckey, were natives of Switzerland, his father iiaving been born at Berne in August, 1801. Peter Stuckey removed from liis native Province to France when a small cliihl, with his parents, who botii shortly' afterward departed this life. lie was then adopted by his grandmother and remained with her until twelve years old, when he was com- pelled to go among strangers and earn his own liv- ing. At the age of seventeen years he became a member of the Mennonite Church, with which he remained connected until the close of his life, his death occurring on the 22d of February, 1860. The educational advantages of Peter Stuckey were very limited, but he made the most of them and became a very intelligent man. He was the greater part of his life engaged in farming pursuits. In 1824 he was married to Miss Elizabeth Summers, • who was a native of Alsace-Lorraine, where her parents had fled from Switzerland on account of religious persecution. The mother of our subject was born in 1802, and accompanied her husband to America in 1830. They arrived in the month of June and located in Butler County. Ohio, where they resided for twenty years. They came to Illi- nois in October, 1850, and located in Danvers Township, where the mother died in 1885. She was a good woman in all that the term implies and a devoted member of the Mennonite Church, and by the noble example of her pure life wielded a great intluence for good in the communit}'. Of their f.annly of six children, five are still living: Joseph of our sketch was the eldest born ; Chris- tian was consumptive and visited Eureka Springs in the hope of effecting a cure, but in vain ; he died there the 3d of September, 1885, at the age of fifty-six years, leaving a famil3', a widow and five children, to whom he was devotedly attached ; tlie greater part of his life was devoted to farming pursuits. Elizabeth became the wife of Nicholas Hilde and is now living in Livingston County, 111. ; John married Barbay Strupher, and resides in Danvers Township; Catiiarine married Peter Naffzinger, of Baden, Germany ; Peter married ]\Iiss Catharine Engle, and they arc living in Taze- well Count\', this State; this brother is also a Men- nonite minister, having entered the ministry in 1875, and jiresides over a congregation of 180 members. The subject of our sketch when he came to this country landed at New Orleans, and thence went with liis |)arents to Butler County, Ohio. There he worked on his fatiier's farm and received a limited education in the old log school-house. He was married on the 17th of December, 1844, to Miss Barbara Roth, a native of his own country, where she was born March 1, 1821, and who came to 4- McLean county. 835 i- America in 1842. Mrs. Stuckey was also a devoted member of the Mennonite Church and was the brave and devoted assistant and helpmeet of her husband in their earlier toils and struggles. After remaining his faithful and affectionate companion for a period of thirtj'-seven 3'ears, slie departed this life on the 27th of April, 1881, aged sixty years, one month and twenty-seven days. Tlieir tvvo children were both daughters; Jacobina became the wife of .Joseph S. Augspurger and is now liv- ing six miles north of Danvers. She became the mother of fourteen cliildren, twelve of whom are now living and all members of the Mennonite Church. Christian R. married Miss Catherine Stru- pher, and is engaged in mercantile pursuits in Danvers. The second wife of our subject was Mrs. Magda- lena (Roth) Habecker, to whom he was married Dec. 11, 1881. Mrs. Stuckey is also connected with the Mennonite Church. They occupy a pleas- ant and comfortable home in the village of Dan- vers, and besides this property our subject owns 200 acres of land in tlie township. He has devoted the last twenty-five 3'ears of his life to the ministrj', and in pursn.ance of the duties of his calling has traveled over the .States of Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania, em- ployed in the establishment of churches, in lifting up the discouraged and strengthening the weak, administering the Sacrament and attending to all his duties with conscientious care. He has officiated at 186 marriages and over 500 baptisms. He is a strong temperance man and in politics affiliates with the Republican part}'. For the benefit of those who are unacquainted with the Mennonite Church, of wliich he is an ordained and au able minister, a brief history of the church is appropri- ately given in connection with the biography of Mr. Stuckey. The Mennonite Churcli derives its name from Menno Syraons, who was born in Friesland in 1496. Menno was a Roman Catholic priest, and a man of studious character and great learning. He left his mother church and devoted himself to tlieo- logical study. His book of doctrine was published in 1539. The followers of his teachings are some- times called the Litter school of Anabaptists. After the taking of Muenster and the execution of the leaders of the An.ibaptists, Menno Symons gave himself to the winning of the remnants of these deluded people from the lawless fanaticism into which they had fallen, or had been led, and with older and purer elements united them in the Netherlands and in North Germany ; and these adherents of his views were known henceforth as JNIennonites. While some of the earlier views of the Anabaptists were retained by this society, their fanatical violence was completely set aside. The Meniionites were carefull}' organized after what was regarded as the primitive congregational model. They had ministers and deacons, and their discipline was very strict. They take the New Testament as their only rule of faith; that the terms Person and Trinit}' ought not to be applied to the Father, Son and Holy Ghost; that there is no original sin; that infants ought not to be bap- tized. They maintain also, that Christians should not bring law suits, demand interest, take oaths, or serve as soldiers. Some of them adopted feet- washing in preparation of the Lord's Supper. They dropped all the views subversive of civil rule which had been held by the Anabaptists. Their ministry is unpaid, and for the most part uneducated. Yet latterly there has been some change in this respect. The Galenists establislied a seminary in 1735, and in this country some effort has been made in theological education. Their simple lives, thrifty habits and fidelity to promises, made them many friends. They obtained toleration in the Nether- lands, then in Germany and in England. Diversity of views in regard to strictness in excommunication led to their division into the "Free" or "Strict" and "Coarse" or " Mild." The milder party di- vided on the question between Calvinism (the Apostolists) and Arminianisra (the Galenists). In 1801 the parties united, the Galenists forming the major part. In Holland there are 120 congrega- tions; in Germania about 14,000 members. In Prussia the^' were relieved from the obligation to bear arms, and from the necessity of taking oaths, official or judicial. In 1867 the North-(ierman federal constitution imposed on them the obligation of military service. Nearly a century before this, or in 1783, manj' emigrated from Prussia to Russia. t. -4^ 1^836 McLEAN COUNTY. Ill 1870 they had reached the number of 40,000. Here they enjoyed many privileges, among which was freedom from military service. They became rich and were generally reckoned among the best subjects of the crown. In 1871 they lost their juivilege from military service, and tlic alternative vvas given them be- tween conscri()tioii and emigration, and the}' were allowed ten years to decide. The}' chose the lat- ter, and in 187.'! their first bod}' arrived in New York, and from there proceeded to Kansas, where they made a settlement. The exodus became so great that the Czar was compelled to withdraw his order to stop the movement. Before this time, however, many had emigrated to the United States, and thrifty societies had been established. Upon tiie invitation of William Penn in 1683, many came over and founded a settlement at (rcrman- town, near Philadelphia. In 1735 there were about r)00 families settled in Lancaster County. The Meimonites number now about 200,000, of whom about l.'iO.OOO are settled in the United States, and 2.'),000 in Canada. The Arinist or (Jmish Meniionites, are more rigid in discipline and dress, iiroscriliing even buttdus as carnal vanities and luxuries. The reformed Meniionites arose in Lancaster, Pa., in 1811. Their aim is to restore the ancient faith and prac^tice of their C'liiirch. 'I'liere are other subdivisions of later origin. Tiien? are about 2, SOO Monnonites in Illinois, fifty- two ministers and nineteen bishops. The church government is under one head, c(miposed of the bishops of all the churches. Bishops and ministers are taken from the ranks of the church. There are three grades of ollicers — bishops, ministers and elders. Ministers are ordained by bishops, and bishops arc ordained by two or more bishops. The system of government is congregational, and all the affairs of the church are .settled by the congre- gation. They have no catechism and take the New Testament as a guide. The old Pjible, to them, is more of a history. They have three education.il institutions in the United States, one in Ilalstead, Kan., one in Elkhart, Ind., where they have a iiublishing house, and one ^ in Wadsworth, Oliio. They also have a missionary ^' in Indian nation, who is meeting with fair success * with the Indians. Ilis devoted labor in behalf of those wanderers is highly commendable. The first church building erected in this section was in Woodford County, first across the line, in 1853. In 1872 they erected a new building in Danvers Township, where the old and the new congregation worship. The membership of this society numbers now about 400, and is presided over by Rev. Joseph Stuckey. No better citizens are to be found in any community than those con- nected with this devoted religious body. Fidelity to promises and obligations, coupled with ceaseless industry, strict honesty, the quiet .and gentle spirit and the highly commendable disposition to leave the business of others .alone, make them desir.able neighbors, [)rolil,able and worthy citizens. ENRY .). FORNEY. This gentleman, who is closely identified with the agricultural inter- ests of Chenoa Township, is pleasantly lo- cated on section 34, where he settled in 1882. His farm includes 1 GO acres of choice land, a good house and barn, and everything pertaining to a first- class farm estate, it is well stocked with horses, cattle and hogs, and the fences and farm machinery are of the best description and kept in good re- |)air. Mr. F. is one of the most valued men of his community, a member in good standing of the (Jerman Baptist Church, in which he otHciates as the leading English preacher, and is widely and favorably known l)oth on account of his faithful- ness in his religious work, his straightforward deal- ings as a business man and his pleasing social qualities. The subject of this biography was born on a farm near Uavidsville, Sonier.set Co., Pa., Nov. 17, 1840. He is the son of Jacob and Magdalena (Landis) Forney, ii.'itives of the same county as their son. The grandfather of our subject vvas John Forney, who was of German ancestry and parentage, and who, after emigrating to the United States located in P(Muisylvania, where he spent the last years of his life. His son Jacob, father of Henry J., of this sketch, became the father of six .► i i^ McLean county. 83U , 1 children, all of whom lived to matiirit}'. One is now deceased. Heurj' J. Forney, the youngest t)f his parents' family, remained under the home roof and attended the district schools until he was nineteen years of age. He then went to Ohio and located in Ash- land County, about the time of the outbreak of the late war. He then enlisted in 18G1, in Co. C, 42d Ohio Vol. Inf., his regiment being assigned to the Army of the Cumberland. They marched southeastward, and young Forney, with his com- rades participated in tlic battles of Grand (!ulf, Champion Hills, Black River Bridge, the siege of Vicksburg, .Jacksonville, Miss., and various minor engagements and skirmishes, twelve regular battles in all. He was wounded at the battle of Middle Creek, Ky. At the close of his terui of enlistment he was mustered out, in September, 18G4, and after a brief time spent in Ashland County, Ohio, returned to his old home in Pennsylvania. In 1865, he came to Illinois and purchased a farm in Hudson Township, this county, having in view the establishment of a permanent home and do- mestic ties. He then returned to Pennsylvania and was united in marriage with Miss Melissa Dull, of Berlin, .Somerset County, and with his wife, -Jan. 21, 186G, returned to his new farm, upon which the}' located and which IMr. Forney commenced to improve and cultivate. They occu|>ied this until 188"2, then removed to their present homeste.ad in Chenoa Township. Their family consists of three sons and one daughter — Albert 1)., Edgar E., ^^■ill- iam R. and Sadie E. In politics Mr. Forney is a Republican. ^OHN HILPERT. This highly respected Ger- man citizen is a splendid representative of th.at solid and substantial element which has done so much toward the development of the resources of the New World, and has become so intimatelj' identified with its business .and indus- trial interests. He was born in Baden on the 24th of June, 1825, and there grew to manhood. His parents were Mathias and Mary (Bruner) Hilport. In accordance with the laws and customs of his 4* native land our subject entered school at an early age and pursued a continuous course of study until he was fourteen years old. He then worked on his f.ather's farm for the following six j'cars, when he joined the army, with which he remained six years, serving through the Revolution of 1848-41). He was in Denmark .at the time that Germany accpured the Province of Sleswick-Holstein, and served in nine regular engagements besides twelve skirmishes. During one of these battles he w.as wounded. A cannon ball struck a tree, breaking off a limb, which in falling struck him on the hip, inflicting a serious wound, of which he has carried the scar ever since. At one time a shell from the enemy's guns struck the ammunition wagon only eight feet from where our subject stood, which caused an exiilosion, kill- ing two men near by, but he escaped unharmed. At the close of his military services Mr. Hilpert decided to emigr.ate to the New Woild. He ac- cordingly set sail from Havre in March and landed in New Orleans after a voyage of forty-two days. Three days afterward he started for this State, and on arriving was employed on a farm in Madison Count}', where he worked for one year at $7 per month, and then went to St. Louis and from there back to New Orleans, where he was engaged in an engine factory until the following spring. He then returned to Illinois, stopping in Carlyle, Clinton County, where lie spent the summer, and in the fall returned to St. Louis and engaged in a print- ing-oflice. He remained there until the following May, when he went to Pekin, 111., and was em- ployed upon a farm. During these years he had been industrious and economical and now found himself in a condition to commence farming on his own account. He rented a tract of land which he occupied and cultivated for the following six 3'ears and then, removing to Logan Count}', rented land there until 186G, when he purch.ased the homestead which he now occupies. There was then upon the unenclosed land a small house of two rooms, but no trees, fences, or other improvements. His first purchase consisted of eiglity acres. He set himself energetically to work, improved and cultivated his jiurchase, and in due time received the reward of his Labors in smiling fields and growing grain. As his means accumulated Mr. Hilpert added to y ^l t t 840 McLEAN COUNTY. his original purchase, and is now the owner of 420 acres of some of the finest farniinu land to be found in McLean County. The diminutive frame dwelling has given place to a eomnn)dious farm residence, and his barns and out-buildings gen- erally .are second to none in this section. The land is all enclosed and some of the boundaries are outlined with beautiful hedges, which are thrift}' and well kept. In addition to the raising of grain and general farm produce Mr. Hilpert is giving considerable attention to the raising, feeding and shipping of stock, wiiich business 3'ields him a line income. The subject of oui' sketch was united in marriage with Miss Anna Iloose March 24, 18.56. Mrs. H. was born in Hesse, Germany, on the 1 Gth of De- cember, l.s-27. Her parents were George and Martha (Rulingcr) Hoose. Her union with our subject has been blest by the birth of the follow- ing six children : John married Lizzie M. Hoerr, and is a resident of Mt. Hope Township; Lizzie is the wife of John Slaubaugh, .also a resident of Mt. Hope Townshij); Amelia, Edward, Uly.sses and Emma are at home with their parents. Since coming to this section of the country Mr. llilpert has identified himself with its interests, and has proven himself a worthy and valued citizen. He is Republican in politics and in all respects has contributed his quota toward tlie building up of his adopted township and county. A lithographic view of the handsome residence and fine out-build- ings of ;Mr. Hilpert is siiown on anotiier |).age. M ' ents -*- ~/OHN G. (4EIGER. The following is a brief sketch of a re|)resentative of a class of for- eign born citizens who bi'ought the thrift and energy, whicii are their only heritage in their native land, to this country with its great possibilities, and have accomplished so much under the influence of the Institutions of America. He is well and favorably known throughout Tovvanda Townsliip. His fine homestead is on section 3, where in addition to the cultivation of the cereals, he is extensively engaged in stock-raising. His par- ents, Frank P. and live (Wolf) Geiger, were natives of Bavaria, Germany. The father was a brick molder by trade and continued a resident of his native country until his death. His good wife also died there. .lohn G., Tobias and Andrew Geiger were the only three children born of the marriage of Frank 1'. (ieiger and Eve Wolf. John G. (ieiger was born in Bavaria, Germany, April !», 1833, and when nineteen years of age. iioping to better his financial condition in the United States, he emigrated here and made his way direct to Cincinnati, Ohio. He was there employed in gardening for about a year and a half when he found employment on a farm in Butler County, that State, on which he labored for three years. In the spring of 1856 he came to this county and be- came an employe of Richard Rowell, who was liv- ing seven miles due west of Bloomington. He continued with that gentleman for about four 3'ears. By the fall of 18.51) he had saved sufficient means to enable him to purchase eighty acres of laud on section 4, Towanda Township. He moved upon this tract and has there lived until the present time, and b}' industry and economy has been en- abled to add to his original purchase and is now the proprietor of .540 acres of valuable and pro- ductive land. He has erected a fine residence upon his farm, which is surrounded by good and sub- stantial out-buildings, and has brought his land to a high state of cultivatitm. He is also an extensive' dealer in stock and keeps about seventy-five head of cattle and tvi'enty to twenty-five head of horses on his place and each year fattens about seventy- five head of hogs for the market. Mr. Geiger was married at Bloomington, 111., to Miss Anna Niese, Sept. 14, 1859. She is the daughter of Michael and Margaret (Eggert) Niese, natives of Germany, and who remained residents of their native country until their death. Jlichael Niese became the head of a famil}' of twelve chil- dren, and Mrs. Geiger is the eleventh in order of birth. She was born in Germany, Oct. 11, 1834, and by her union with our subject has become the mother of seven children, namely, George A., Frank, Albert F.. John N., Paul H., Magdalena and Minnie. Five died in infancy. Mr. Geiger has held the office of Highway Commissioner and in politics is a Republican. He is a self-m.ade man, t t ■<^ McLEAN COUNTY. 841 for at the time he lauded in CiiiciniKitl lie had not a single penny in his pocket nor had he any prop- erty that could be converted into monej'. From his present possessions the reader can readily see what has been accomplished b}' one possessed of a determination to get on in the world without de- pending on assistance from others. A fine litho- graphic view of the handsome residence and farm buildings of Mr. Geiger is shown elsewhere in this work. ■ji; AFAYETTE PROCTOR, a resident of Mc- I (© Lean County since 1878, and one of her jl^\\ most respected citizens and foremost agri- culturists, resides on section IS, Towanda Town- ship. He is a son of William and Sarah (McKee) Proctor, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Fleming County, Ky. After their marriage the parents settled in Kentucky, where the father engaged in farming and met with signal success. They continued to reside in that State until .their death, which occurred in Lewis County. Their children were eleven in number, six sons and five daughters, and our suliject was the fifth in order of birth. Lafayette Proctor was born in Fleming County, Ky., Dec. 25, 1827, and was there reared to man- hood. His school privileges were limited and he resided with the old folk, assisting in the labors on the farm until he had attained the age of man- hood. He then engaged in driving cattle from his native State to New York and Philadelphia, and followed that occupation as long as he was a citi- zen of Kentucky. F'roni that State he moved to Morgan County, 111., and was there occupied in the same business for about two years, when he was married, and settling down on a farm fol- lowed that vocation in Menard County, III. Liv- ing there for five years he moved to De Witt County, 111., and there purchased a farm, on which he lived until the spring of 1878. He then came to this county and bought ItJO acres of land lo- cated on section 18, Tow.anda Township, and has made that his home until the present time, engaged the while in farming, and meeting with more than ordinary success in the prosecution of his vocation. .4* Mr. Proctor was married at Springfield, 111., Oct. 4, 18,5,5, to Miss Eliza A. Walker, daughter of John and p]lizabeth (Skinner) Walker. Her parent* were natives of Pennsjdvania, whence they emi- grated to Sangamon County, 111., in 1849, and lived there until their death. They had eight chil- dren, and Mrs. Proctor was the fifth in order of birth. She first saw light in Franklin County, Pa., May 25, 1827, and has borne our subject six chil- dren—Sarah E., William F., John W., Carrie B., Charles A. and Amanda A. Sarah was united in marriage with Laden Berry, and departed this life at Towanda June G, 1882; William F. married Miss Silvia Malthy, and they are living in Ne- braska ; John and Miss Sarah A. Proctor became man and wife, and are residing in Towanda Township; and Carrie B. and Charles A. are yet inmates of the parental household ; Amanda died in De Witt County, while in infancy. Mrs. Proctor is a mem- ber of the Presbyterian Church, and in politics our subject votes for the success of the Republican party. EOUE D.SITHERWOOD, M. D.,askillfu and intelligent dental surgeon of Bloom- ington, is a native of Pennsylvania, and was born in Fayette County, March 8, 184G, being the son of William and Margaret Sitherwood. His father was a farmer bj' occupation, and carried on his op- erations in the little valley of Jacob's Creek, at the foot of Chestnut Ridge. George D. spent his boy- hood assisting in the duties of the homestead in the summer, and attending school at Laurelville during the winter season. He also took a course in the Normal School at Millsboro, on the Monongahela River, in Washington Count}', Pa., from which he graduated in 18(i2, and immediately began teaching at Moccasin Hollow, Westmoreland County, that State. He was thus employed until after the out- break of the late Rebellion, and in 1803 enlisted as a Union soldier, in a regiment of Pennsylvania cavalry, as bugler, and remained in the service, in Southern Pennsylvania, until the expiration of his term of enlistment. He received his honorable dis- charge at Pittsburgh, in October of that same -^-■^ i t ^ «42 McLEAN COUNTY. ^ ' year, and returning home resumed his former oc- cupation as a teacher, and was thus occupied until .lanuary, 1804. He tlien enlisted in the regular army, and went on duty in the United States Sig- nal Corps. Himself and Doane U. Colcord were chief buglers of the Sign:d Camp of Instruction, which was situated on Ceorgetowu Heights. Jt was also a |)art of the duty of our subject to give instruction to cavalry buglers for the Army of the I'otoniac. He was a member of the Signal Corps Band, playing E (Hat) cornet. He was in the skirmish anuglerboy of the Signal Corps, who always regretted that he was not old enough to vote for " Father Abraham " when he was elected President for the second term, al- althougli he did assist in the serenade and grand hurrah that night in Washington, when it was known that he was elected. Our subject was mus- tered out Aug. 20, 1805, receiving his honorable discharge at Hilton Head, S. C. Dr. Sitherwood returned home from the war by way of New York, taking passage on the okl steam- ship " Aragon." He immediately resumed the study of medicine, which he had begun in the spring of 1803, with Dr. .J. Loar, at Mt. Pleasant, in the meantime teaching music and leading a brass band, in order to get means to attend medical lectures. For this purpose he went to Philadel- phia, during the winter of 18G(!-(17, and spent some time in the Uuiversit>' of Medicine and Sur- gery, and with Di'. Isaac Lukeus, an eminent dentist, who lectured in the college. The summer of 18(57 was spent in Cleveland and Akron, C)hio, where he worked at his trade, making reeds and tuning organs in the factories of those cities, en- deavoring to earn money to pay for the second year in college. In the fall of 18(J7 he returned to Philadel()liiu on foot, a distance of 750 miles, tak- ing subscriptions for a medical journal on the way. and thus clearing about $75. The walking feat was noticed by a number of the cit3' papers at the time. He pursued Iiis studies closely that winter, and in the spring of 18G8 graduated from the Universitj-. In tiie fall of that year he commenced the [iractice of his profession at Richlield Springs, N. Y., being successful from the start. In October, 18G;i, lie left New York, and coming West as far as Mt. Vernon, Ohio, entered into partnership with Dr. Loar. Dr. Sitherwood was married, Dec. 14, 1870, to Miss Saddle A. Loar, the eldest daughter of ids partner, a beautiful and accoiiiiilished lad}', who made him a charming and affectionate wife, and who became the true hcl|inieet and s\-iii|)athizer of her hnsliand in ;dl his plauo and undertakings. In Aiiril, 1871, lie dissolved i>artnership with Dr. Loar, and M('com|ianied by ids wife, came to Lin- coln, in this Slate, where he pursued ids practice successfully until August, 1872, and tiien, by a mutual agreement with his wife, gave up medicine, and removing to lUoomington resumed his trade of tuning organs and other duties connected therewith, in the estalilishmcnt of Andrus Bros., who were then manufacturing these instruments, at the cor- ner of Nortli and East streets. Dr. S. was thus em- ployed with this company until May, 1875, and then entered tiie dental ollice of Dr. J. Campl)ell, performing office and laboratory work until January, 1877, when he o|)ened an oflice of his own for the practice of dentistry, in which he has been emi- ■•» ■- ^•'"■•..is;??:; ^ r\ V McLean county. 845 nently successful. His meclianioul skill, artistic taste and thorough knowledge of his business, at once established him in the confidence of the peo- ple of this locality, and he now holds an honorable position in the profession in this section. He be- longs to the Illinois, the Chicago, the Central Illi- nois and the American Dental Societies, and in each l)ody has been called upon In lill respcjnsilile and honorable ollices. The married life »if Dr. Sitherwood was like a perfect day in summer, all sunshine ai^d flowers, but too happy to last. Three lovely children came to bless their home, two girls and a boy. The eld- er girl died of scarlet fever when not quite four years old. April IG, 1885, after an attack of ma- larial fever of onl}' five days his beloved compan- ion closed her eyes forever u|)on the scenes of earth. She was a devout and earnest Christian lady, greatly interested in Sunday-school work, and gave her time and strength .as far as able to build- ing up the cause of religion among the young. Her name is held in tender remembrance by a devoted husband and a large circle of friends and acquaint- ances. The subject of this history descended from ex- cellent Scotch-Irish ancesUy, the McMiehaels, of Scotland, on his mother's side, while his grand- father Sitherwood came from Armagh, Ireland, and w.as religionsl3' a Seceder. His maternal grand- mother lived to the .advanced age of ninety-three years. Dr. Sitherwood is a member of the Chris- tian Church, and is Superintendent of the lai-ge and flourishing Sund.ay-school, over which he h.as pre- sided for eight years. He is strictly temperate in his habits, never using tobacco in any form, is op- posed to the use of alcoholic liquors, enjoys robust and perfect health, and presents the (dcture of nianl}' strength and vigor. ■vv\>~-. -A^lil^iZ'©^^^ I *^^J/zrzrar»v-'w->^. «)IIOMAS B. CRIGLER. Upon the oi.posite page may be seen the portraits of a highly esteemed couple, who have lived in McLean County for nearly forty years. During this long period their lives have been so exemplary that the esteem of the entire community has been won. They emigrated from the Old Dominion in 1849, and since that time, with the exception of five years spent in Tazewell County, have been residents here, and interested in the growth and progress of this locality. Mr. Crigler owns a farm of 12(; .acres on .section .'iO, in Cheney's (irove Township, .and is known as a thorough farmer and business man, well worthy of the confidence and esteem of his fellow-townsmen. The birth of our subject occurred in Culpeper County, Va., Dec. 2, 1815. His parents, James and Sarah (Trii)lett) Crigler, were both natives of the Old D(.)n]inion. James Crigler vv.as born in 1773, and departed this life in Virginia in 1841, when sixty-eight years of .age. The mother was liorn in 1795, and died in that State in 1847. Their family consisted of six sons and six daugh- ters, viz.: Catherine, who married Coleman B. Brown; William L., Thomas B., Dr. James R., Frances S., Saraii J., Matilda, Daniel, Elliott M., Christopher C, Isabella and Mary E. The subject of this biography was the third child of his parents .and remained under the home roof until his mar- riage, on the 25th of July, 1839. The maiden of his choice was Miss Sarah R. Deal, who was born in \\'aynesboro, Va., Jan. 28, 1820, and is the daughter of John and Nellie (Invoden) Deal, both natives of ^'irginia, and the parents of twelve chil- dren, eight daughters and four sons, as follows: George W., Catherine, Samuel C, Henry J., Sarah R., Mary, Ellen, Margaret, John A.. Ida, Susan and . .Lane A. Tiic parents of Mrs. Crigler were of Ger- man extraction. The first lepresentatives of the family in this countiy settled in the South at an early d.ay. Our subject and liis wife became the parents of ten children, of whom, the record is .as follows: Dr. AVilliam H. H. first married Jliss Nellie Thorp, who has been dead for six years; his second wife was Miss Maggie Sealy. This son during the late Re- bellion was Assistant Surgeon in the Union Arm^' ; he died at Covington, Ind., in 1884. Clarissa F. became the wife of Winston Meeks, who died March 13, 1882; Crimmorah E. became the wife, first of William Jlarteen, who died in 1881, and afterward of M. A. Richardson, of Streeter, 111.; Arey A. died at the .age of four years and seven- ■•►-■-^ I i t 846 McLEAN COUNTY. teen flays; Dr. John M. B. mavrierl Miss Love Bal- lard ; .Tames T. died when an infant of eleven days old; Dr. .lidiiis \V. married Miss Bell, tiie daugh- ter of Dr. Ballard, who died a few years later; he was then married to Miss Lou Clute. Mattie S. is the wife of A. J. Mace, Postmaster of Saybrook and proprietor of the Weekly Gazette; Maggie E., Mrs. Moore, lives in Sutton, Neb.; Arey, Mrs. E. Hester, lives in tin's township. When Mr. Crigler came to this county, in 1849, he only spent one 3'ear, then moved to T.azewell Count}'. After a residence there of five years, he returned and located in Danvers Township, of whieli he was a resident eleven years. Thence he removed to the eastern part of the county where he located on section 1, in this township, and lived ten or twelve j-ears; he afterward resided in Allin Tt)wnship for four years, and tlien purchased his present farm. ]\Ir. Crigler and the various members of his fam- ily are prominently connected with the Methodist p;piscoi)al C'hiu-ch, and our suliject has been warmly interested in tlie success of the prohibitidu move- ment. He is a woi'king member of tlie Sous of Temperance, and l.aliored for many years in en"- deavoring to m:dvc unpopular the manufacture and sale of spirituous liquors. He is the oldest Odd Fellow in McLean County, his niembersiiip dating back to 1842. He has held the various oflices within the gift of his ti>wnsmeu, b}- whom he is universally respected, and who have the highest contideiice in his ability as a business nVui and his loyalty as a citi/.(m. |-*#^- -^ i \*s.. R. SELDEN M. PAYNE, physician and surgeon of Clienoa Township, has been located here since LSi'tO and has built up a successful practice. He is a native of Ohio, born in Marietta, Washington County, on the 2,ith of August, 1819. The first representatives of the Payne family in the rnited States, who were of En- glish liirtli and ancestry, were thiee lirothers who came from England and settled respectiveh- in Vermont, Hluxle Lsland and Connecticut. Abra- ham Payne, the grandfather of our suliject, was a direct descendant from the brother who settled in Connecticut. His son Uufus w.as the father of our subject, and in early life learned the trade of a shoe- maker, allhough he was fond of agricultural pur- suits and liv(^d upon a f:irm. He married in early life Miss Mary Perkins, of Washington County, Ohio, to which State he had emigrated. After mar- riage the young couple settled upon a tract of tim- ber land which Ruf us Payne cleared and cultivated, and where he established a ccgnfortable home. In the meantime, as opportunity afforded, he also Worked at his trade. In 1848 they removed to Guernsey County, in the same State, thence to Portage County, and from there came West acros,s the Mississippi and located in Appanoose County, Iowa, where his death occurred in aljout 1875. The wife and mothei' had departed this life in Washington County, Ohio. Their ten children in- cluded seven daughters and three sons, seven of whom are still living. The father subsequently mar- ried again, and of this latter union there were born two children. The subject of this history was the .second child (jf the first marriage. He jiassed his bojdiood days in Ohio, pursued his early studies in the common schools and later attended iMarietta College. He chose his jirofession early in life and taught school in order to obtain means to complete his medical studies. He read medicine with Dr. Sheldon of Oarrettsville, Ohio, and attended lectures in the Eclectic Medical College at Cincinnati, from which he graduated in 184G. The year following he com- menced the practice of his profession in Greene County, Ind. The marriage of Dr. I'ayne and Miss Elizabeth Franklin was celebrated on the 15th of November, 1847. Mrs. P. is tlie daughter of Col. John Frank- lin, who came to this count}' in 1850. That same year Dr. Payne also came to this county and lo- cated on a farm near Lexington. Here he carried on agriculture in connection with his practice, hav- ing the same love of rural scenes and pursuits which had distinguished his honored father. After the war came on, he enlisted as Assistant Surgeon in the 94th Illinois Infantry and was assigned to duty at S|)ringlield, Mo. Not long thereafter, on account of failing health, he tendered his resig- ^ T t [t McLEAN COUNTY. 847 nation, and returning home settled on his present farm. Tliis lies on section 31, and includes '240 acres of choice land. Here he has a tasteful and comfortable residence and all the accessories of an enjoyable country estate. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Payne has been blest by the birth of five sons: Romeo died when six months old ; Leland M. died in Newton County, Mo., in January, 1887, when thirty-six years of age; he married Miss E. Johnson, and they had one daughter; Carmel D. died Oct. 30, 1881; Wilbur F. and Charles H., the only survivors, remain on the homestead with their parents, and their father has practicall}- turned over to them the business and management of the farm. The former married Huldah Harness. Dr. Payne is a member of the G. A. R. and has practically retired from active business, only oc- casionally attending a call for his professional serv- ices in the case of an old friend or neighbor. In politics he is a Democrat. Mrs. Payne is a mem- ber of the Christian Church. The Doctor is liberal in his religious views. ^^UGUSTUS HILL, one of tiie relial>le citi- (@/lJ| i zens and successful farmers of Padua Town- I ii ship, occupies a fine jjroperty located on ^fl section 19, where in addition to general agriculture, he is giving much attention to the rais- ing of stock. His snug homestead includes eighty- five acres of finely cultivated land, upon which he has erected a good set of farm buildings, the loca- tion being one oi the finest in this section, and commanding an exteiided view of tlie beautiful sur- rounding country. l\lr. Hill settled on his |]resent homestead in February, 1884, having removed from another part of the township where he owned eighty acres, and which he sold before taking pos- session of his present purchase. Mr. Hill is a native of McLean County, and was born in Dry Grove Township, jNIay 27, 1847. He is the eldest but one of the family of Johutj' Hill, one of the best citizens of Dry Grove Town- ship. Our subject was reared in liis native town- ship and received a good common-school education. When twenty-seven years old he was united in marriage with Miss Louisa W. Monlton, the mar- riage taking place in Forest, Livingston Co., 111., Oct. 14, 1873. Mrs. Hill was born in the town of Lyman, Grafton Co., N. II., in sight of the White Mountains, Aug. 18, 1846, being the daughter of Gabriel G. Moulton. The latter was of New En- gland jiarentage and prided himself upon being a full-fledged Yankee. He was married in early man- hood to Miss Sophia P. Walker, of Lymantown, N. II. She died when her daughter, the wife of our subject, was a little child four years of age. Mr. Moulton is still living, being a resident of Little- ton, N. H., and seventy-six years of age. Mrs. Hill was the youngest of her mother's five children, two sons and three daughters. In due time her father contracted a second marriage, and she remained an inmate of the parental household until twenty- two j'ears of age, in the meanwhile occupied as a teacher. She came to Illinois in 1868, and success- fully followed her profession in Dale Township about four years, until her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Hill became the parents of two children — Clara M., at home, and George M., de- ceased. Mr. and Mrs. Hill lived for a time in Dale Township, whence after two and one-half years they removed to Ellsworth, Padua Township, and then removed to their present farm. Mr. Hill is Democratic in politics and is in all respects a valued member of the community. A lithographic view of Mr. Hill's handsome resi- dence is shown t)n another page of this work. -Jv- #"#► AVID L. WHITE, who h;is been a resident of the Prairie State for the jiast thirty years, has spent the greater part of his time since 18.")6 in McLean County. He is now comfortably located in Ploomington Town- ship, where he owns a valuable homestead of 170 acres on section 21, and tliirteen on section 20. He first opened his eyes to the light among the Ohio hills, having been born in Montgomery Count3', that State, on the 2.')th of August, 1823. His father, who was also a farmer by occupation, removed from Virginia to Ohio about 1800, at an ■<- t¥^m^4» i i ►Hl^-^ 848 McLEAN COUNTY. e:irl_y period in tiio history of the State, and iTsi(k'een born nine children, eight living and three married: William married Miss Lydia Keckley, of Bloom- ington, aud is farming in Bloomington Township; Edward is unmarried and lives in Kansas; Cynisca is the wife of John W. Keekley, a farmer of Bloom- ington Township; lila M. is the wife of D. K. Lott, and resides in Farmer City; (jrant, McLean, Or- ville and Lillie, are at home; an infant is deceased. The home of our subject and his family is a pleasant and attractive one. They are surrounded l)y all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life, and possess in a marked degree the respect and esteem of their neighbors. Mr. White politi- cally is a solid Republican, and has been Road Commissioner of the township for several 3'ears. ,-/=^ AMUEL yV. SMTLIL of the firm^ of Smith ^^^ ife ^Vashburn, dealers in hardware, boots, siioes and groceries, at Cropsey, 111., is, in (•onii)any with his partner, carr3'ing on a thriving and steadil}' increasing trade. Tlie busi- ness was established in the fall of 1881, aud in con- nection with this Mr. Smith introduced hardware aud agricultural implements and continued alone in business about eighteen months. lie then en- tered into partnership ivith Edward Washburn, and the liini have operated together since that time under the name and style of Smith & Washburn. They (rarry a large and well-selected stock, and re- ceive the patronage of the best people of this lo- cality-. Mr. Smith was born in (irovelaud, 'I'azewell Co., 111., Aug. 12, 185C, being the son of Rev. Samuel B. and Jane Smith. He was only two and oue-half years old when he was deprived of the tender and affectionate care of his mother, who died in 18;)9, leaving three children: Elizabeth, now the wife of James Hare, of Colfax; J. L. and Samuel W. After the death of his first .wife, the father of our subject was again married. He officiated as minis- ter of the Metiiodist Episcopal Church for a period of thirty years, but is now superannuated, and re- sides in Selma. Samuel W. Smith pursued his primary studies in the common schools during his childhood, and •^W::^ * t t McLean county. 849 when fifteen years of age, was thrown upon his own resources and engaged in the battle of life. He einployed himself at whatever his hands could find to do, his intelligence and industrj' securing for him friends from the start. He lived economically, saved what he could of his earnings, and in due time commenced farming on his own land, which consisted of a tract of eighty acres near Lexington in this county, which had been left him by liis mother. He cultivated this land until his removal to Cropsey, having sold it to engage in a business which better suited his tastes and inclinations. The marri.age of Mr. Smith occurred in 1.S7S, the maiden of his choice being Miss Jessie (;., tlie daughter of Charles and Cordelia Hayward. Mrs. Smith was born in Peoria County, 111., and they have two children — Ward S. ' and Reuie Madge. Mr. Smith is Republican in politics, and socially belongs to the Slasonic fraternity. --i:»t^»»-5>aaS. >tf5^-<-^5tf^ i ILTON LOZARTH. No county in tiie great Prairie State can bo.ast of such an array of intelligent agriculturists as Mc- Lean. Everywhere are evidences of thrift, wisdom and enterprise, and on section 26, of Allin Township, is comfortably located the farm where one of McLean's good farmers, Milton Bozartii, is prosecuting his chosen calling with success. He has been a resident of this homestead since his m.ar- riage, April 20, 1859. It consists fif 213 acres of finely cultivated land with a tasteful and substantial farm dwelling, a good barn and all the accessories of the intelligent and progressive farmer. Here he spends his time as an ijadustrious and law-abiding- citizen, enjoying the respect of his neighbors and fulfilling the oliligations incident to his station, as a substantial member of the community. Mr. Bozarth was born in Christian County, Ky., Jan. 15, 11S32, being the son of John and Cynthia (Taylor) Bozarth, who were natives of the same State. John Bozarth was born in 1799, and his wife in 1807. He was a farmer I13' occupation and the marriage of the parents took place in Cliristian County, Ky., in about 1827. They remained there until 1839, and then started for Illinois, arriving ■^t- in this county on the 10th of December following. INIr. B. purchased seventy acres of land, which he proceeded to cultivate and improve and to which he subsequently added and estaldished a permanent homestead, upon which he remained until his death, in 1859. He was remarkably successful in his farming and business transactions and before his death became the possessor of 2,200 acres of land. Mrs. B. survived her husband for a period of twenty-eight years, her death occurring J.an. 6, 1 887. Their remains lie side by side in the old homestead cemetery. Their twelve children were, Lavina, Addison, Milton, George, Isabella, John, Alfred, James, .Tosiah, William, Robert and Hettie. Mr. and Mrs. Milton Bozarth became the parents of five children: Franklin, bt)rn May 11, 18G9, died July !•">, Ib7'.(. The other four died in in- fancy, unn.amed. Mrs. B. is the daughter of Jona- than and Sarah (Ritchie) Baker, both natives of Rockingiiam County, Va. They came to McLean County, 111., in 1854, and located upon a farm, where the mother died in April, 1857. Mr. Baker is still living and residing in Martin Township, where lie owns a farm. Their family consisted of five children — Anna, Julia, J.acob, Addison and Martin. Mr. Bozarth has held the office of Commissioner of Highways .and was Supervisor for three years. Politically he is strongl3' Democr.atic. He is a member in good standing of the A. F. & A. M. and the I. O. O. F., also the Patriotic Circle and the order of Red Men. They are greatly respected by all who know them. JETER V. WEIDNER, who is carrying on ) general merchandising in the village of I'adna, is well known throughout the |1\ county as an energetic and successful busi- ness man and one who luas contributed his full share to the buihling up of his town and county. Besides carrj'ing a stock of general mercluandise, he bu3's and ships all kinds of grain and live stock, and since his establishment here, in 1882, has pushed steadil}' ahead and from the proceeds of his extensive business, enjoj'S a fine income. He 'i t 850 ^ McLean county. also holds the ofliee of Postmaster, to which he was appointed in 1(S74, and which he lias since occu- pied. He became a resident of Padna Township in 1854, settling- first on a farm of IGO acres, finely located on section '2'.), and which is now operated by his youngest son, Jolm W. Besides this prop- erty our subject owns several town lots. Upon one (jf these he has a fine frame residence, with his business house and warehouse near by. He has pursued a straightforward and ujiright course in his dealings with his fellow-citizens and is emi- nently deserving of the success wliicli has attended his labors. Mr. Weidner was born in Butler County, Ohio, April ;!0, 18-27, and is the son of David and Re- becca (McNeal) Weidner, natives of Ohio, where the3' were reared and received a fair education in the common schools. The grandfather of our sub- ject, .lacob Weidner, of Pennsylvania, also followed agricultural pursuits, removing from his native State to Ohio and thence to Indiana, where he spent the last years of his life. David Weidner and his young wife soon after their marriage lo- cated upon a farm where their onl^' child, our sub- ject, was born. When nine years of age he lemoved with his [larenls from Butler Coiinty, Uiiio, to Carroll County, Ind., where the mother died five years later. His father married the second time and lived in Indiana the lialanee of his days. After the death of his nu>ther Peter Weidner left home, first working out for his l)oard and afterward at a salary' of twenty-five cents i)er daj-. Me remained a resident of Ciirroll County, Iml., until his marriage in 1818 with Miss Mary E. Cregg. Mrs. W. was born and reared in Ohio, whence she removed with her parents to Indiana when a child. They located upon a farm in Car- roll County, and after a few years came to Mc- Lean County, and settled iu Padua Township, where the father died, the mother departing this life in Old Town Township. Their daughter, the wife of our subject, was the fifth of a family (jf si-v sons and three daughters. Mr. and Mrs. \V. bei^ame the parents of seven children,, one of whom is deceased. .Tames is a farmer of De Witt County, 111.; David is farming in l^ancaster County, Neb., and Charles in Rice County, Kan.; John W. operates his father's homestead; Frances Ann became the wife of E. Reibe, of Padua Town- ship; Mary married James K. Stephens, who is en- gaged as clerk for his father-in-law ; he was for- merly a resident of Nebraska. Mr. Weidner is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and has held most of the important offices, includ- ing that of Sunday-school Superintendent. Polit- ically he is a stanch Repul)lican and has served as Township Treasurer and Collector for many years. Mrs. Weidner departed this life in June, 1875, and since that time our subject's daughter has kept house for him. JONATHAN ALLISON, an honored pioneer of McLean County, and one of the most successful farmers in Dale Township, is (^^/ plea.santly located on section !(!, where he is engaged in general farming besides giving much attention to the raising of fine stock. JMr. Allison conies from excellent Irish and Ger- man ancestry, and is a native of the Keystone State, having been born in Bedford County. The date vi his birth was Nov. 22, 1836, and his father, .Jonathan Allison, was a native of the same county. His grandf':ither was born in Irelaml. whence he emigrated when a young man to the Island of Ja- maica, where he spent two or three years and then came to America. It is said that he landed with twelve and one-half cents in his pocket and that he threw this small sum into the sea, so as to start anew iu his adopted country. He went into Ches- ter County', I'a., and enii)loyed him.self at whatever his hands could find to do,*\vorking liy the day or month as oppoitunity occurred. Although he re- ceived but very small wages he saved of this every ])enn3' that he possibly could, and in due time found himself possessed of sufficient means to pur- chase a tract of tind)er land. This first venture, however, proved unfortunate, as the title to his land was defective, and he was obliged to pay for it the second time. This, however, did not dis- courage him in the least, and he set about making good his loss with more determination than when he commenced, and finally received the reward of *► II <•- i t. McLEAN COUNTY. 851 t perseverance and industry. He became the owner of a valuable farm in Bedford Couutj', upon which he passed the remainder of his life. The son of the foregoing and the father of our subject, was reared in Bedford County, Pa., and lived there until 18.'39, when he removed to (_)hio and for nine years was a resident iif Miami Coun- ty. He then crossed over the State of Indiana into Illinois, settling in McLean County. He was ac- comi)anied by his family, which consisted of his wife and five children, and the journey was made overland. Their outfit consisted of seven liorses, two wagons and two grey-hounds, and the\' carried their househ(»ld goods and provisions with them, camping and cooking by the wayside. After six- teen and a half days of travel, they landed at Twin {^rove, in this county, where Mr. Allison rented a house into which he moved his farail}', and then co«nmenced the cultivation of rented land in Dry Grove Township. They occupied this house for a period of eleven months. In the meantime the father entered 240 acres of land on section l,"i,I)ale Township, and erected a house into wliicii he re- moved with his famil}', and remained there until his death, which occurred in October, 18.53. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Hannah Stiger. She also was born in Bedford County, Pa., and was of German parentage and descent. She came to Illinois with her husband and children, and survived the former, dj'ing on the old homestead in Dale Township, in ISG.'j. The parental household of our subject included seven sons, five of whom are now living, as follows : James is a resident of Dale Township; John was the second sou [see sketch]; Jonathan, tlie subject of this sketch, was the third in order of birth; Al)raham and Benjamin live near Lexington, this county. Jonathan Allison was but two anil a half years old when his parents removed from Pennsylvania to Ohio, and eleven years old when they came to McLean Count}'. Here he practi(^ally grew up with the country. During his childhood and youth he attended the pioneer schools in winter, and in the summer season was employed in the ordinary duties of a farmer's boy. He remained with his mother after the death of his father, until his mar- riage, and then located upon rented laiid, which he cidtivated four 3'ears, after which he settled upon the place which he now owns and occupies. Upon this latter he has made great improvements since it came into his i)ossessiou. It consists of eighty acres, finely located and in a good .state of cultiva- tion, .and he has erected a good set of frame build- ings. The residence, a view of which is shown in this work, is pleasant and commodious, and sur- rounded by fruit, shade and ornamental trees. He has a line ))arn and all necessary out-buildings, witii valnalile farm machinery and all the appli- ances of a first-class agriculturist. His domestic animals are sleek and fat, and testify to the good care and treatment which they uniformly receive. They are of the best breeds and compare well with some of the finest stock of the Sucker State. The subject of our sketch was united in marriage with Miss Mary M. Ritchie, in December, 18G1, their union taking place in Springfield, 111. Mrs. Allison was a native of Virgini.a, and born Feb. 20, 1844. Her father, George Ritchie, was a native of the same State, and moved to Ft. Scott, Kan., where he departed this life In June, l.s.54. In the fall of the same year the mother, vvhose maiden name was Elizabeth Shumake:-, moved with her family to McLe.an County, 111. She makes her home with her children. Mr. and Mrs. Allison have become the p.arents of three children — Emma D., Mary M. and Ollie E. Emma was educated in the university at Nor- mal, and is now teaching; the jounger daughters are pursuing their studies in the schools of Dale Townsiiip. Mr. Allison is Democratic in politics, and in every respect is worth}' to be classed as an honest man and a good citizen. -i>- tii'Jjii c-^r^.HOMAS J. NOBLE, a well-to-do farmer of 11'^ Funk's Grove Township, was born in Madi- son County, Ky., on the 4th of July, 1834. His father, David Noble, was a native of the same county, and his grandfather, who was also named David, was born in Pennsylvania, whence he re- moved, in early life, to Madison County, Ky., and occupied the fort in company with Daniel Boone. •►-■-4e \ t 852 ■•► .t -• McLEAN COUNTY. Before he became it resident of the Bhie Grass country he server! as a soldier in the Revohitiouary War and assisted in securing the independence of tlie colonies, lie was engaged with Boone in fight- ing the Indians, and learned much from his com- panionship with the courageous old fighter and pio- neer. David Noliic, .Ir.. the father of our subject, was quite young when his father died in Kentuciv.y, and he was reared by iiis mother and stepfather until 1800, when he was nineteen years of age. He then began ttatboating on tiie Ohio and Mississippi Riv- ers, followiTig tins for some years, and afterward turned his attention to farming. He raised tobacco, maiuifactured tiie same, and earned a C(.)nifortable living for himself and family. The wife and mother departed this life in July, 18()2. David Noble then came to Illinois, and lived with his chil- dren until he, too, was summoned to the unknown country, in Feliruary, 187 4. The motlicr of our suljjeet, fornierl^y INIiss Re- becca Fortwood, was born in ISiadison County, Ky., lieing the daughter of .Samuel I'ortwood, of Vir- ginia, who was a soldier in the Revolutionary 'War and afterward removed to Kentucliy, being among the jMoneer settlers of Madison County. The pa- rcnt.al household included eight children, all of whom grew to years of maturity and of wiioui tin; record is as follows: Samuel and (Jeorgt' P. are deceased; Raul lives in Macon County, III.; Susan, Mrs. Webb, is deceased; Thomas .1., our subject, was the fifth; David lives in Madison County, Ky.; Sidney in Funk's (irove Township, and Silas, in Sank Center, Minn. Tiiomas J. Noble was reared to fanning inirsuits and educated in the subscription schools of iiis na- tive State. He lived with his parents until he was twent}' years old and tlien farmed on the old home- stead for himself two years, and then on his sister's farm. In IK;')? he purchased a farm in Madison County, K3'.. which he sold after two years. He purcliased a second farm, which he lost on account of tiie war. In November, ISC, I, he started for Illinois, and first purchased a f;uni in Chester Township, Sangamon County, upon wliicli he re- mained thirteen years, then sold out and secured the homestead whicli lie now owns and occupies. i-- This includes "iOG acres of valuable land, all enclosed and in a good state of cultivation. I'pon it is a good set of frame buildings; the house was built in 1879, and the barn in 1882. Every- thing is kept in good order and denotes the super- vision of a methodical and intelligent mind. He also owns eighty acres of land in Rice County, Kan. Mr. Noble was married on the 30th of July, ],8o4, to Miss Matilda Keen, who was born in Madi- son County, Ky., Jan. 28, 1833. Her father, James Keen, was a native of North Carolina, and her mother, formerly Miss Frances Cobb, of Virginia, was the daughter of Samuel Cobb, a native of the Old Dominion and one of the pioneers of Madison County, Ky. He made the journey from his native State overland and w.as familiar with all the dillicul- ties which encountered the early settlers. Mr. and Mrs. Noble have eight children, as fol- lows: Elvere became the wife of William P. Sut- ton, and resides in Audubon County, Iowa; Frances married Marcellus Bright, and lives in Rice County, Kan.; David lives at home; Ida May became the wife of Winficld Shearer, of Funk's (ti-ovc Town- ship; Sallie A. married Elmer Bright, aii8, married James Carson, and departed this life Jul3' 20, 1884; two others died when young. Mr. and Mrs. Noble and two of their children are memlieis of the Christian Church, and our sub- ject, politically, belongs to the Democratic party. He is tlic friend of temperance, good order and education, fullilling his duties as an honest man and a good citizen, and in his business as well as his liersonal career has set an example worthy to be followed by the rising generation. \1l rCIUS A. \'ASEV. This gentleman, who I (© I'esides at Le R(jy, and who has retired from jj '— ^Vi the active labors of farm life, has been for some years one of the prominent and pr isperons agriculturists of McLean County. He is a native of the Prairie State and was born in McHenry Countj', Aug. 14, 1849. His father, Richard Va- sey, was born near Rome, Oneida Co., N. Y., in 1825, and his grandfather, AVilliam Vasey, was a -■►^■-^ I ^•--s^^^^ 4 i t -4^ McLEAN COUNTY, -<*-B-^ 855 native of England, and emigrated to America ac- companied bj' liis family about the year 1824. He settled at Rome, N. Y., where be lived for a num- ber of j'ears. In 18-14 he came westward to Illi- nois and, locating in IMcIIenry County, passed the remainder of his days in the town of McHenry. Richard Vasey was reared in his native county and lived there until eighteen years of age. He then visited Wisconsin and afterward Illinois, and purchased a tract of wild land near Ringwood, Mc- Henry County. Upon this he erected a frame house 16x24 feet in area, into which he removed with his family and proceeded with the cultivation and improvement of his possessions. His nearest markets were Chicago, Milwaukee, Racine and Waukegan, and with true pioneer courage and resolution he overcame the difficulties which he en- countered, and in due time had a good farm and a comfortable dwelling. He also added to his landed possessions and bought two farms adjoining his original purchase. He occupied this farm b(jme- stead until 1865, when he sold out and removed to Bloomington for the purpose of educating his children. There the family lived for nine years, and then Mr. Vasey, longing again for country life, exchanged his town jiroperty (or a farm near Le Roy, in Empire Township, upon which he removed and remained until liis death, whieii occurred Sept. 22, 1882. Mr. Vasey was married, in McHenry, on the 27th of October, 1847, to Miss Rumanda Pierce, who was a native of Bradford County, Pa., and the daughter of Abel Pierce, a native of New York State. Mr. Pierce was a farmer by occupation and about 1844 removed to McHenry County, 111., where his life terminated. His wife, the mother of Mrs. v., was formerly Miss Lanah Cipley. She was born near Tro}', N. Y., and died in Bradf i' I ^ <- -^m^ McLEAN COUNTY. 857 ship, being one of the first of the colon}' who lo- cated here. Mr. Morse purchased a tract of wild land on section 32, erected a house and commenced to open up the farm. Upon the homestead thus es- tablished he remained until his death. John Morse was a good man in all that the term implies. For many years he was connected with the Congregational Church and one of the first or- ganizers of the society in Mt. Hope Township. He traveled by team to Chicago to procure windows and doors with which to complete the first churcli edifice in McLean County. He was well read and intelligent and frequently officiated in the pulpit as a "supply." He was brave and outspoken in his opinions and during the slavery agitations, dis- tinguished himself bj- his arguments in favpr of human freedom. -#^l 1 W.ILLIAM C. HELLER, one of the enter- prising young farmers of Blue Mound Township, owns forty acres of good land and cultivates eighty acres besides. Fie has started out in life with fair prospects which, with his good health and temperate habits, bid fair to place him among the prominent farmer residents of this sec- tion as one of the important factors of its agricult- ural interests. Mr. H. was Ijorn in Madison County, Ind., April 10, 18.53, whence he removed with his parents to this county while still a child. He was reared on a farm and received a fair education iu the public schools, and remained under the home roof until twenty-three years of age, when he was married and started out for himself. On coming to this county Mr. Heller made his first location in Blue Mound Township, and following the m.axim that " A rolling stone gathers uo moss," has laid his plans to remain here for an indefinite time. The marriage of William C. Heller and Miss Emma J., daughter of Hezekiah and Sarah J. (Gaff) Horney, took place in Lexington Township, this county, on the 2Gth of September, 1876. A sketch of the parents of Mrs. H. will be found on another page in this work. The wife of our subject was born in Blue Mound Township, Aug. 29, 18,')5,and remained with her parents until her marriage, I'e- ceiving careful home training .ind a good education in the district school. Mr. and Mrs. H. have had one child who died in infancy. Our subject is Democratic in politics and possesses all the quali- ties which constitute an honest man and a good citizen. eLEON K. REAM, an extensive farmer and stock-grower of Gridley Township, is pleas- antly located on section 24, where he has gained for himself a reputation as a first-class .agricul- turist and business man. He comes of a good family, being the son of Levi and Highly (King) Ream, na- tives of Pennsylvania. They were married in their native State and located in Somerset County, where the mother departed this life in about 186L Levi Ream afterward emigrated westward and located in Clarke County, Iowa, where he still resides. He was formerly engaged in farming pursuits, but is now living retired from active business. The nine children of the parental household included five boys and four girls. The subject of this sketch was born in Somerset County, Fa., July 18, 1847. His primary studies were conducted in the public schools, and after- ward carried on in the High School at Hopedale, and completed at Harlem Springs, in Carroll Co., Oiiio. In 1868 he removed to Iowa with his f.ather, and the following year started out for himself. He went first to Minnesota, where he worked as a car- l>enter for eighteen months, and assisted in laying the first rail on the Northern Pacific Railroad. After leaving Minnesota he went into Wyoming Territory, residing for a time in Cheyenne, and afterward at Denver, Col. He then went dosvn into Texas, working as a carpenter and bridge- builder, and after revisiting Colorado, where he was occupied in buffalo hunting for five months, he pushed on toward the Pacific Slope, and spent six years in California. During that time he learned the tr.ade of a millwright, and was engaged in different places there and in Washington Ter- ritory at this trade, and in mining and prospecting on the Pacific Slope, extending into Old Mexico. He coasted from Victoria, British Columbia, about »» * f V 858 McLean county. 400 miles, traveling in an Indian eanoe made in one piece from a cedar tree, his C(jnipanions being three men and an Indian gnide. After retnrning to Victoria he proceeded to San Francisco, and then to Tncson, Ariz., where lie engaged in contract- ing and building about one year. Thence he pro- ceeded to Mexico and built a forty-stamp-mill for the Coborca Mining Ctmipany, which occupied about five months. After his return to Tucson he stiirted eastward to Cliicngo, which he reached in September, 1881. lie thei-o engaged in specnl.ating on the Board of Trade, and then, in company with his brother, N. B. Ream, who is a prominent mem- ber of the Board of Trade, purchased DGO acres of land in Gridlej' Township. In January, 1882, Mr. Ream located with his family ujion the farm which he and his brother h.ad purchased, which is now operated by both lirothers, and is furnished with all the machinery and ap- pliances required by a first-class agriculturist. Thej' have added to their original purchase until the}' now have l.llO acres. ;ill in one body, with one of the finest set of frame buildings in the county. Their attention is piincipally devoted to stock-raising, in which they started with a herd of about 600 he.ad of cattle. Their operations in- creased until one winter they purchased 50,000 bushels of corn for feeding. They now devote the most of their attention to raising and buying heavy draft horses. They have one of the finest French Percheiou stallions in the county, which weighs 2,040 pt)unds, a magnificent animal and a model of s3'mmetry, lieauty and strength. In this business thej' give employment to live men, and iiave made for themselves a reputation second to none in the State in this department of agricidlure. In 18.S(; tlicy raised 12,1)00 bushels of oats. Their land is drained extensively with tile, including about lifty-seven miles; the outlets are 10 and 18 inch, and the water from them forms a creek, which is known as Turkey t'reek. The farm is well watered with five large wells, which are fed from inexhaustible springs. For the jiurpose of raising water there ,are tiiree windmills, by which all the farm buildings are supplied with this indispen- sable elenuMil. I\Ir. Ream is constantly adding val- ^ ' uablc improvements to the farm, .and it is now valued at $100,000, and stocked with $28,000 worth of horses. The marriage of Cleon C. Ream and Miss Bell I., daughter of Isaac and .lulia A. (Kemp) Youug, was celebrated in Chenoa Township, on the 1.3th of April, 188;'). Mrs. R. was born in Money Creek Township, Aug. 18, 18G2, and her parents were na- tives of Illinois and Ohio, respectively. Of this un- ion there have been born three children ; the two older were named George Y. and Grover C. Mr. Re.am belongs to no secret organization. Politi- cally he inclines to Democratic principles, while so- cially and as a business man he ranks among the representative citizens of McLean County. ■yf) J. HANCOCK, a successful dealer in grocer- ies, queensware, etc., established his present prosperous business in Heyworth in Novem- (^// ber, 188.'). He carries a clean and well se- lected stock, and by his courteous manners and square dealing has built up a thriving trade which is steadily on the increase. , He w.as formerly en- gaged in farming in Downs Township, where he still owns a finely imi>roved farm of IGO acres on section 0, township 21, ."! east. Mr. Hancock ])ur- chased his farm honieste.id in 1855, and since that time has made it his residence. He purchased the land from the (Jovernment. and was the lirst who commenced its inqirovement. He has lirought it to a good state of cultivation, and has a line set of farm buildings which are both tasteful and sub- stantial. The subject of this history w.as born in INIout- gomery County, Tenn., April (I, 181!). His fatiier, Elijah Hancock, was a saddler by trade, and the son of I.loyd Hancock, who descended from pure English ancestry. Lloyd Hancock came to the United States when a young man and settled in Virginia, where he afterward made his home. He was married to Miss Mary Reeves, and they reared a family of five children, three sons and two daugh- ters. Later in life the children went to Tennessee and the parents to Charleston, S. C, where they both died, being over seventy years of .age. Their son Elijah, the father of our subject, w.as the third •¥^m^^^ -•►■-4« i * u >» II < • McLEAN COUNTY. 859 child of the family, niifl before his nmiriage went to Montgomery County, Tenn. There he hecame acquainted witii Mis.s Elizabeth Koss, a native of Stewart County, that State, whose parents were of Irish birtli and ancestry. This lady became the wife of Elijah Hancock in 1818, and was subse- quently the motlicr of our subject. Their house- hold included six children, four sons and two daughters, of whom J. J. was the eldest. One of the sons and two daughters are now deceased. Those living besides our subject are Francis, a farmer of Dyer County, Tenn.; R. R., who is farm- ing in Labette County, Kan., and Mrs Malony Starr, of Bloomington, 111. Mr. Hancock of our sketch remained in Middle Tennessee until tvventy years old, when he went to Kentucky and settled in Christian County. He had served an aijprenticeship at the saddlery trade under the instruction of his father, and followed this in Kentucky until the fall of 1848. He came North to ^Voodford County, 111., and there pur- chased a farm which he operated for a few years, then sold out and came to McLean County. Be- sides his grocery stock and his farm he is also the owner of village property, and is in possession of enough by which he will be generously provided for in old age. Mr. Hancock was married in Christian Count}', Ky., Sept. 1, 1842, to Miss Mildred Harvey, a na- tive of that county, where she was born March 22, 1821. Her parents were Joel and Frances (Harvej') Harvey, natives respectively of Alabama and Geor- gia. Their home was ui)on a farm, where the fa- ther was engaged in the pursuit of agriculture, and he died in Christian County about 1858. The mother subsequently came to luireka, III., and died there at the home of one of her daughters. Mr. and Mrs. Hancock have become the parents of eleven children, eight now living, and the record is as follows: Pinkney married Miss Maggie Bacon, and resides on a farm in De Witt County, 111.; Eu- dora B. became the wife of Carter Sweeney, and they live on the farm of our subject in Downs Township; Lafajette II. is a farmer of Chautancpia County, Kan., and married Miss Wilson of that State; Fannie became the wife of .kihn Livingston, and resides in Hey worth; James C. married Miss 4' Alice Lutz, and the}' also reside on the farm in Downs Township; J. H. is engaged in business in Dyer County, Tenn.; he married Miss Alice Han- cock; W. E. is his father's clerk in the store at Hey worth; Rosa is attending school and lives with her parents. The mother of these children died at her lujme in Hey worth, Se[it. 12, 1882. She, with her husband, was a member of the Christian Church. Mr. Hancock, for his second wife, married Mrs. Rebecca (Home) Yerkes, on the 15th of Septem- ber, 1885. Mrs. Rebecca Hancock was born near Philadelphia, Pa., and there lived to womanhood, soon afterward coming to Woodford County, 111. In this latter place she was married to her first hus- band, by whom she became the mother of four children— Edwin, Lillie, C'harles and Albert, all grown to mature years -and taking care of them- selves. The first husband of MrS. Hancock died in Jersey County, 111., in 1870. She is also connected with the Christian Church. In politics Mr. H. is a solid Uepnblicau, and has held the offices of Col- lector, Assessor, and Commissioner of Highways, and is at this time President of the Board of Edu- cation of Ileyworth School District, also President of the Board of Trustees of the village of Hey- worth. 1 ONATHAN B. WARLOW, one of the hon- ored pioneers of the Prairie State, is now a prosperous farmer and stock-breeder of Dan vers Township, having a valuable home- stead on section 36. Mr. Warlow was born in Northampton, Mass., June 27, 1814, and removed ivitli his parents to Oneida County, N. Y., when a child of three years old. He is the son of Benja- min and Elizabeth (Bond) AYarlow, and while in his native State, when a child of perhaps two or three years old, was stolen from home by the In- dians. At the end of three days he was returned to his parents by a squaw who said that " the young pappoose cry too much," and she was glad to deliver him again to his parents. The latter shortly after- ward removed to New York City, where the father worked at his trade, as a tailor. As young Beuja- n \j. 860 t McLEAN COUNTY. mill grew to m.iiiliouil he served seven years and six months in the hotit and sht)e business, and wlieu seventeen years old went to I'ickaway County, Ohio, where he lived two years. Then, in 1834, he re- moved to Illinois and located in McLean Connt}-, which remained his home until his decease, on the oth of September. 1864, at the age of seventy-nine years, he having been born Feli. 2, 1785. He was a useful citizen and a member in good standing of the Christian Church. When Benjamin Warlow tlccided upon a removal from New York he packed his household goods into two wagons and proceeded to the Erie Canal, where he was to wait for a letter from his brother which should determine his final destination. After wait- ing four or live days and receiving no tidings, he set up a stick on the ground, determining that if it fell toward New York City he would go there, or otherwise would come West. The stick toppled over to the westward and he at once announced his decision to his wife. In less than half an hour he had loaded his goods onto a canal-boat and started for Ohio. Going into Ocauga County they landed in P'airport, and thence proceeded to Fainesville, and after a few months came to Illinois. The mother of our subject was born Nov. 26, 1786, and dejiarted this life Feb. 24, 1874, thus being eighty- eight years old at the time of her death. The pa- rental family consisted of seven children, one of whom died in infancy. Those surviving are: .Jona- than 15., William C, Sareiita E., Uichard A., La Fayette and Bond W. Jonathan l>. Warlow spent his earlier years un- der the parental roof and after arriving at years of manhood was married to Miss Catharine B. Hay, the ceremony taking place Nov. 15, 1838. Mrs. W. was born in Kentucky on the 3d of January, 1812, and was the daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (Finlc}') Hay, her mother coming of the old Fiiritan stock, and the family consisting of eight children — John, Jennie, Marcy, Mary, Susan, Catharine, Rachel and George. Of this union of Mr. and Mrs. Warlow there were born: Elizabeth B., who iii.inicd :i Mr. Skeeu, and resides in Reno C'ouiity. Kau.; .John W., who died at the age of seven years; Mary M., who married Jesse Bianaird, and lives in Kansas; Susan E., who died when six months old; Celia J., who married (ieorgeJ^. .lolinson, and resides in Daiivers; (ieorge L. lives ill Cass County, 111., and is practicing law; Adelpha 1'. B., who married George B. Rowell, and lives at Fresno City, Cal., and Ada K., who was married to Harvey Abbott. Dec. 24, 1878, and lives on the old homestead. The mother of these ('hil- dren died on the 21st of June, 1885, lier disease being cancer of the stomach. She had been a great sufferer and was paralyzed for nearly two weeks before her death. With our subject, she was a member of the C'hristian Church, with wliicii they united in 1837, sustaining a nieiiibershiii in that denomination of forty-five years. Mr. ^\'Mrlow came to McLean County in 1834, and at once located in Danvers Township, where he purchased 240 acres which now constitutes the family homestead. In addition to this he owns 260 acres two and one-half miles south in Allin Town- ship, and 240 acres near Ilutehinson, Kan. He has made a speciality of sheep-raising and has pur- chased fine specimens at a large price. He is now retired from active labor and is enjoying the fruits of early toil and self-sacrifice, having by good judgment and wise management obtained a com- petency. He has been a prominent and useful citi- zen of the community, was Superintendent of the Sunday-school for a number of years, and also a Deacon in his church. He identified himself with the Masonic fraternity in 1876, and is now a mem- ber of Danvers Lodge No. 742, of which he has been t^haplain for several years. ^OHN T.HILL, one of the well-to-do and high- ly respected farmers of Dry Grove Town.ship, owns and occupies a comfortable homestead on section 36, where he is successfully en- gaged in general farming and stock-raising. He is a native of Orange County, N. C, where he w.as born on the 22d of March, 1814, being the son of William and Daniaris (Colverd) Hill, both natives of Maryland. Tlie father, who was a farmer by occupation, was a prominent man in his comnumity, deepl}' religious, and a consistent member of the Methodist Ejiiscopal Church, as was also his wife. I t a f -^•- McLEAN COUNTY. 861 t They were married in North Carolina aiul removed to Indiana in 1 SI 7. locating in Orange County, where they remained until 1S37, and then came to McLean County, where the father died on the 26th of March, 184;j, at the age of sixty-one _years. The nine children who composed the parental family were: Jesse, who married Miss Lidia Millis; Eras- mus, who married Miss H. Fossett; Judith, who married James De Pew; William, who is now dc- ceasearty. ENTON YOUNG, one of the enterprising and self-made citizens of Le Roy, is pros- perously engaged as a clothing dealer, and carries on the leading establishment of this kind in the place. He is a native of Ohio and was born in Cadiz, Harrison County, Feb. 16, 1 847. His father, Denton Young, Sr., was a native of the .same State, was reared and mar- ried there, and owned and occupied a farm near Cadiz until 1851. He then sold out and started with his wife .and eight children for the prairies of Illinois. The journey w.as made via the Ohio, .Alississippi and Illinois Rivers to Peoria and thence by land to Bloomington. Previous to this. however, the father had visited the .State and pur- chased a farm of 1 10 .acres, a mile north of Bloom- ington, on the Towanda road. Upon his return in 1851, with his family, he learned that his house had been blown away. He was therefore compelled to rent a dwelling in Bloomington until he could build on his own farm. This was soon accomplished, and the father of our subject engaged in farming and the purch.ase and sale of live stock, dealing in horses, hogs and cattle. This being before the da3's of railroads, he drove his hogs to Peoria and took his horses overland East. He occupied this farm until about the time the war broke out, and in the meantime also purch.ased 960 acres west of Le Roy, in Downs Townshi|). He continued to live near Bloomington, while his children settled on the farm in Downs Township. In 1872 Denton Young, Sr., took a drove of young stock to Bloomington, Neb., and purchasing a claim kept his stock there and remained until 1882, improving a farm and adding to the value of his purchase. He then sold out and removed to Clay Center, Kan., where he still lives, retired from active business. His first wife, and the mother of our subject, was Miss Malinda Baker, a native of Ohio, and they became the parents of eight children. Mrs. Malinda Young departed this life about 1857. For his second wife Denton Young, Sr., married Mrs. Rachel Short, the daughter of James Price, a pioneer of McLean County, and of this marriage were born two children. Denton Young, Jr., was the sixth child and fifth son of the first marriage of his father, and was but four years old when his parents removed from Ohio to Illinois. He attended school, as op- portunity afforded, nsuall}' in the winter season, and remained under the parental roof until eighteen years of age, assisting in the labors of the farm. He then entered Wesley.an College, where he ap- plied himself to a thorough course of stud}' for one year, and then went West to Kansas, and with his brother-in-law, R. M. Frazier, engaged in the grocery trade at Manhattan. After a few months however, he -returned to Le Roy, and was united in marriage with Miss Emma Barnett; and in a short time returned to Kansas with his bride, where he remained until the spring of 1867. He I -4^ i ^^^ 5T. MARIEN KIRCHE , BLOOIYIINGTON , ILL5. t. ■♦- 1 McLEAN COUNTY. 865 then returned to Le Roy and was variously en- gaged for the following six months, being a part of the time the clerk of his father-in-law, J. T. Barnett, who was engaged in mercantile business. He remained with the latter until the fall of 1873, and the following six months was engaged with Mr. Moorehouse, afterward with Mr. Keenan. He then established business for himself, in the old bank building, where he oiierated for two years, and then purchased the Sydney Baker building on Main street, Le Roy. In 1880 our subject purchased the block adjoin- ing the Baker building, known as the David Cheney Building, and enlarged his facilities for the trans- action of a steadily increasing business. He now occupies two large storerooms, each 65x22 feet in area and is evidently on the high road to a compe- tency. In 1883, in company with Murray & Smith, Mr. Young put up the Opera Block. This block occupies an area of 80x22 feet, has a plate glass front, and is in all resi)eets one of the finest in the town. BesiMrty. -i^m- i UGH Mt INTVRE. This gentleman may properly be cl.isscd among the self-made men of the Prairie State. He started out in life witli little save his own energy and resolution to get on in the world, and b3-hisindus- tiy and moral worth, has attained to a good posi- tion in society, and ranks among the thiift}' farmers and property owners of McLean County. He is pleasantly located in ISellellowcr Townshiji, on section 3."3, where he has 240 acres of finel}' culti- vated land, a handsome and substantial dwelling, and all the appurtenances of a model farm estate. Mr. Mclntyre comes of excellent Scottish ances- try, and was born in the city of Glasgow, Scotland, Oct. 10, 183-2. He is the son of Allen Mclntyre, a native of Argyleshire, of the Highland Clan. The latter learned the trade of a shoemaker, which he followed in Glasgow until 1842. In April of that year, accompanied by his wife and four children, <■ he .set sail from fil.r Obadiah Arnold, at a salary of twenty- flvc cents a da^'. His father being in the army he gave all his earnings to his mother to assist in supporting the family. He worked upon a farm in summer and attended school in winter until nineteen years of age, when his father purchased a dray line in Atlanta, which our subject operated for him one year, tiien bought the business of his father, conducted it for one year more, tlien sold -•► 1 I 870 McLEAN COUKTY. out and engaged in the hedge department of the C. & A. R. R. Co., distributing plants along their line of track. After one season thus engaged, he returned to farm (lursuits, whieh he continued un- til 1875. lie then i)iircliased a half interest in a stock of drugs and the trade of 1). N. Longworth, and in company with D. G. Palmer conducted a trade in these commodities for two months, when he purchased the interest of his partner and has been sole [troprietor since that time. His straight- forward methods of doing business and his prompt- ness in meeting his obligations at once secured him the respect and esteem of the citizens of McLean and he soon found himself on the high road to prosperity. In due time lie liuilt the handsome residence whieh he now occujjies, and in 1879 put 11 1) the handsome brick Idock in which is locatetl ills thriving and constantly in(a'easing business. The marriage of John Wagner and Miss Char- lotte Palmer was celebrated in McLean, in March, 1877. Mrs. Wagner is the daughter of James Palmer, who was born in liiandou, Rutland Co., N. Y., Jan. IG, 1829, and was the son of (rcorge and Freelove (Olin) Palmer, both natives of the same State. Judge Olin, the great-grandfather of Mrs. Wagner, was Member of Congress from ^'er- inont, and iier grandfatiicr, (leorge Palmer, re- moved from his natives State of New York to Illi- nois in 1844, being among the earliest pioneers of Tazewell County, l)utonl\- lived a, short time after settling there, his deatii oinnirring in 1841). James Palmer was in tiie Civil Service eleven years, being a()pointed Covernment Storekeei)er for the 8th Illi- nois District in 187 L He is still living and a resi- dent of Mt. Hoi)e Township. Tiie mother of Mrs. Wagner, formerly Miss .lane Kwing, was born in IJutler County-, N. Y., Aug. o, 1839, being the daughter of Nathaniel and Nancy (Young) Ewing. Mr. and Mrs. Wagner have one child only, a daughter, Inez Imogene. Mr. W. is Republican in polities, and a member of the Masonic frater- nity, l)elonging to McLean J.,odge No. 4()9, and IJloomington Chapter No. 20. His i)resent pos- sessions are the result of his own industry' and |)er- severance. He is essentiall3' a self-made man, who has improved his (opportunities and kept his ejes oi)en to what was going on around him. His ex- periences have resulted in a fund of useful knowl- edge, a keen insight into human nature, and the judgment and discretion which have enabled him to secure the respect of his fellow-citizens and to attain to an enviable position in the community. , 10 4) . 'jj^-ATHAN HUNTINC4, a well-to do and pros- I 1/ 1"^'''*^"* f'li'inei'i residing on secti(.)n 13,Grid- \)\JlL) ley 'J'ownshi]), is a son of Nathan and Ma- linda (Smith) Hunting. The parents were natives of Massachusetts; were there married and settled in Boston, whence they removed to Shutesbur}-, that State, where the mother died in 187(). The father is still living and resides in Shutesbury. He was for a time engageil in the grocery business, but later in life turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. He became the head of a family' of five children, four sons and one daughter. The sulijei't of this biographical notice was the eldest of his parents' children, and was born in Shutesbury, Mass., Se|)t. 12, 1833. He received a good common-school education, and has followed agricultural jiursuits thuw far in life. Until he was twenty-one years old, he worked out by the month at his chosen vocation, and since than has contin- ued to do for himself. Our subject remained in Massachusetts until I8.')7, when, hoping to better his financial condition, he started for the then un- develoiied West. Coming to Dixon, this State, he rennuned a short lime, and then came to this county, but purchased .a farm in Livingston County, 111., on which he located and lived for about five years. I)isi)osing of his farm in tiiat county, he, about thr(>e yeai's later, returned to this countj', aiul si^ttl(Ml on section 1.3, (iridley Township, where he had purchased eighty acres of land, and where, with the exception of al)out three months spent in Dakota, he lias continued to reside until the pres- ent' time. Mr. Hunting has made good anil valua- ble improvements upon his farm, and is now the proi)rietor (\( 240 acres of good, tillable land. Nathan Hunting was married in Gridley Ttjwu- ship, Dec. 8, 1807, to Miss Rebecca H., daughter of David and Elizabeth AVald. Her parents were natives of Pennsylvania, and came to tJridley »» i 1 -i^ t MuLEAN COUNTY. 871 Township in the spring of 18()4. There the father died July 27, 1877, and tlie mother is yet living. Their children were seven m number, and Mrs. Hunting was the sixth in order of birth. She was born in McConnellsburg, Pa., June 19, 1845, and has borne her husband four children, namely, Mary R., Susie M., Olive and Laura L. Susie died when nine months old. Mr. Hunting has held some of the minor otKces of his township, and is one of the respected citizens of the county. He and his wife are members in good standing of the Congregational Church, and in politics he is a stanch supporter of the princi- ples of the Republican party. *-•!♦- p-- ylLLIAM TYSON, a highly respected resi- dent of Mt. Hope Township, came to Illi- nois in 1850, and during a residence of thirty-seven years in this localit}' has thoroughlj' established himself in the confidence and esteem of his fellow-citizens. He is a native of the British Empire, having been born in Northumberlandshire, England, on the ;iOth of January, 1832. His father, William Tyson, was also a native of England, where he grew to manhood, was married, and lived there until 1832, when he emigrated to the United States. He made his first location in Niagara County, N. Y., and worked in the town of Lock- port as a tanner and at whatever other business he could find to engage in. Two years after coming here he purchased a farm near Loekport, and while moving with his family, met with an accident by which he was incapacitated for furtlier labor, and died two years subsequently. The maiden name of the mother of our sul)ject was Jane Tyson, and after the death of her first husband she was married to William Da^', and came with him to JUinois in 1851. They located at Delavan, Tazewell County, where she died. By the first marriage there were born three children — William, Mathew and Thomas, two only of whom are living; the second brother, Mathew, came to Illinois in 1850, and died two years later; Thomas lives on the farm adjoining that of our -^ subject. Of the second marriage there were two children — Samuel and Reason. AVilliam Tyson was a child of four years when his father died. He remained with his mother un- til seven years of age, and then went to live with Mr. Stenthorpe, in Niagara County. He remained with him three and one-half years, working for his board and clothes. He then went into the family of Nathan Rogers, in the same county, where he re- ceived the same wages and remained until he was fourteen years of age. From that time until 1850 he was employed as a laborer at $5 a month, and in due time found himself the proud possessor of 1116 in cash, saved from his earnings. With this he started for the West, via the Erie Canal to Buf- falo, and thence on the lakes to Chicago. From there he went bj' canal to La Salle, and thence by the Illinois River to Pekin. He had then expended $10 and had just $100 left. He had been accompanied on his journej' by his brother Mathew, who had just money enough to bring him here, as he was but fifteen years old. William divided his money, which was all gold, with his brother, and they quilted it into their shirts for safe keeping. At Pe- kin they met with friends who went with them to Delavan. There William Tyson worked at threshing for two weeks, and then engaged with Allen Perrin at $10 a month until spring, when he rented land of Ira B. Hall, and commenced farming on his own account. He operated thus for the following three years with success, and was then enabled to pur- chase on time eighty acres lying west of Delavan. The land was wild and uncultivated, and he set himself industriously to work to improve and cul- tivate it. He Ijroke and fenced the entire area, and erected a frame house upon it the first year, at a cost of $200, which he borrowed of Mr. Clark, the man whom he bought the land of. The following year he purchased 1 (>0 acres additional, also broke and fenced this, and built a house upon it. His brother Thomas was a, partner in this last purchase, and they operated together until 1855, when they purchased 320 acres on section 32 of Mt. Hope Township, upon which they settled, and farmed to- gether for several years. The brothers at this time divided up their prop- erty and afterward operated independently. The 'i t -4^ A.. 872 McLean county. w lu.l r- property of Willi;uii Tyson lies on the northeast quarter section, and is all improved and in a good state of cultivation. He has a good residence and all necessary out-buildings, and has added to his original purchase until lie is now the possessor of 250 acres, which constitutes the home farm, and eighty .acres on section 1 (! of the same township. He also has a half section of land in Pottawattamie County, Iowa, which is improved, and is under the ni.anagement of his sou. William Tyson was married to Miss M.aj- A. Kir- by, on the oth of Febru.ary, 18(i.'i. Mrs. Tj'son w.as \u,vu ill England, on the 2(Jth of October, 1816, and by her iinidii with our subject has become the mother of the following cliildreu: William ,1., who lives in Pottaw.attamie County, Iowa; and Car- rie, Kate, Emma and Nellie, all at home with their parents. The familj' residence is commodious .and comfortable, and tiic family are held in higli respect by the community. Mr. Tyson is Rejiublican in poli- tics, is slcillfiil as a farmer, and straightforward .and upright as a business man and citizen. <^ felLLIAM (;001)I''El.LOW,aprominentand \^// highly esteemed citizen of McLean Coun- V^^ ty, is a native of the Huckeyc (State, hav- ing been born in Harmony, Clarke Co., Ohio, on the 2i)th of September, 1834. His father, AVilliam (ioodfellow, was a native of the .same county as his sou, and his grandfather, a native of North Ireland, wius of excellent Scotti.-ih ancestry, and on emigrat- ing to America, {(xatcd in Clarke County, Ohio, and was among the earliest s(!ttlers of that region. He purcliasod a tract of timber land, cleared a farm from the wilderness, established a good home, and remained there until his death. He was a man of energy and enterprise, successful in his farming op- erations, and gave consideralile attention to stock- raising. William (Ioodfellow. Sr., the father of our sub- ject, grew to manhood in his native county, and was there married to Miss Catharine Casad, who was born in (Ireene County, Ohio. He purchased land adjoining his father's estate and built a log house, which he afterward weather-boarded, and to which he added a frame, making a substantial and comfortable dwelling. He w.as prospered in his farming operations, and subsequently erected a handsome brick residence. In 18.54 Mr. (ioodfel- low sold his farm and purchased another in the same township, where he lived until 1866. In the meantime, in connection with his farming opera- tions, he had been considerably' eng.aged as a grain dealer. In the year last named he disposed of his l)roiierty in Ohio, crossed the .State of Indiana, and coming into McLean Count}', 111., purchased a farm, which was located on sections 12 and 13, in Dale and Bloomington Townships. The Land on section 12 was jiartially improved, but that on sec- tion i;! was in its original condition. He estab- lished a comfortable home here, improved and cul- tivated his land for a number of years and then, removing to P>loomington, retired from the labors incident to the life of an agriculturist, and became collector for his son-in-law in this citj'. He de- parted this life on the 30th of April, 1884, .after a useful and busy career, and having earned the re- spect and confidence of all who knew him. The parental family included four children, the record of whom is as follows: Aaron died in Bloomington, in August, 187!); Harriet, the widow of Joseph King, lives in Clarke County, Ohio; William .1., is the subject of our sketch; Elnora, the wife of .SmiiiiicI Howmaii, lives in Padii.T Town- ship. WiUiaiii (ioodfellow of our sketch, during his childhood and yi)uth, attended the district school, and assisted his father in the duties around the homestead. He remained under the parental roof until his mairi.age, and then took charge of his father's farm, while the hitter was engaged .as a grain ilealer. In 1 siic lu> came to McLean County, 111., and purchased a farm on sections 12 and 18, of Dale Towushi)), which he cultivated and occupied for a period of twelve years. He then sold out and- purchased his present homestead. u])on which his father had taken the first steps toward its improve- ment. He now h.as a finely improved estate and a handsome residence. The grounds .around the lat- ter are laid out with great taste, and ornamented with beautiful shade trees, choice shrubs and graceful ])aths winding through. Within are all the evi- ■*► t \1 cuin(£ "jyiJ. f -m- •<- -•►-» -^ McLean county. 875 dences of a refined taste and ample means. The barns and out-buildings correspond fully with the balance of the premises, and the farm machinery and imi)lements are of the most valuable descrip- tion and patterned after the most approved plans. An arbor vitie hedge is one of the chief attractions of this handsome homestead, which invariably at- tracts the eye of every traveler passing through this section. A lithographic view of the place will be found on another page. Mr. Goodfellow was united in marriage with Miss Susan Layton, in 1800. Mrs. G. is a native of the same State and county as her husband, and is the daughter of Melj'n and Harriet (Broughton) Layton. Of this union there have been born three children — Clara L., Earnest E. and Charles F,. Mr. Goodfellow is a Republican in politics, and voted for Gen. Eremont for President the first time he exercised the right of suffrage. AVID HENLINE, known throughout Mc- Lean County, is especially' well known in Lawndale Township as being the proprie- tor, with his brother William, of one of the largest stock farms in Central Illinois, embrac- ing 2,500 acres of land, whereon they keep large herds of stock of all kinds, give employment to seven tenants, and themselves occupy fine residences on a portion of their land. David, like his brother, is a native of Boone County, Ky., and first opened his eyes to the light on the 10th of March, 1822. The parents of our subject were John and Mary (Darnell) Henline, who were of German descent. The former was born Nov. 7, 1787, 100 years ago, and departed this life on the 2eth of July, 1869. His wife, Mary, was born Jan. 22, 1791, and died Nov. 28, ISCj. John Henline was a successful farmer, and was noted for the method and system with which he managed his business. The family came to the West in the fall of 1828, when David was a lad six years of age. (Jn the first day of the journey the father met with an accident, having his leg broken, which was improperly set, and he con- sequently suffered severely with it for some time afterward. His resolution of character is illustrated by the fact that he afterward chopped in the tim- ber by kneeling down, not being able to stand. The family located near the present line of Tazewell and McLean Counties, and the father built a cabin in the Mackinaw timber, into which the family soon afterward moved. Many interesting incidents connected with their experience afterward will be found in the sketch of William B. Henline, found elsewhere in this volume. The Henline boys went to school, of course, when a school was taught in the neighborhood, and traveled through snow, rain and slush for the pur- pose of obtaining an education. During vacation they interspersed their labors on the farm by trapping turkeys, and sometimes would find a deer. Indians still lingered in the neigiiborhood, and the Henline boys had many a skirmish with their In- dian playmates; the latter were usually victorious in the races, but the former showed more muscle and came out first best in their childish quarrels. This excited the anger of the squaws, and they would chastise the little pappooses, and lead up the little Henlin'es to their mother for them to be treated similarl3'. The latter would go through the motions of whipping her boj's; the little Henlines would yell, the squaws would laugh, and all parties were satisfied. Our subject remained under the par- ental roof until the winter of 18.5.5, and was then married to Miss Cassandra Wiley. The young wife only lived about one year. There was born one child, but it did not survive, and the mother died six days later. The thrilling scenes through which the jiioneer settlers passed in the opening up of this portion of the State must ever awaken emotions of warmest regard for them. To pave the way for those who followed they stemmed the flood-tide wave of civ- ilization, endured all and suffered all. But few of these spirits now survive. They have passed away full of years and honors, leaving their children, their children's children, and strangers to succeed them and enjoy the fruits of their toil, the result of their privations, and the savings of their long and eventful lives. The career of John Henline as a pioneer citizen, was one eminently worthy and use- ful to the communitj' in which he resided, and all who knew him bear testimony to his sterling worth t *: i »» <• ^ t •p^m--4^ ik 8?6 ■*► t McLEAN COUNTY. I and valuable services as a frontier citizen. The partner of his joj's and sorrows, and the mother of his children, wa^ eminently fitted to be the com- panion of such a man, and the virtues of these par- ents have descended to their children, who, now able to take advantage of the facilities of the pres- ent do them honor in the highest manner possible. The work accomplished by the Ilenline family will live long after the present generation has passed away, and no recorded annals of the Prairie State would be complete without a mention of them. The Henline brothers, David and William, are about the same height, five feet and four or five inches. Pliysically they are models of manhood, bearded and muscular, and have within those sturdy frames hearts that are kind and hospitable, with a rare appreciation of humor. In the earlier days many a belated traveler found shelter under the parental roof, and the hospitality of the sons is pro- verbial as was that of the father and mother. The pictured face of David Ilenline, as supplemental to this sketch, takes its place among the representative men of Central Illinois, whose biugraphies will be found one after another scattered thickly through this McLean County Amslim, and will be cherished among the priceless records of a cycle hastening to the past. THOMAS McCLURK, a retired farmer, is now making his home in the village of Stanford. He is a native of Posey County, Ind., and was born in June, 1824. His parents, John and Leah ((iannis) McClure, were natives of Kentucky', the father born .July 9, 1799, and the mother Jan. 20, 1804. ,Iohn McClnre was a farmer by occu- pation, and after his marriage, whicii occurred in 1822, remained upon liis farm of eighty acres. His wifi! was the owner of 400 acres, which I\Ir. McClure superintended and cultivated, and where they sub- sequently established their ])ermanent homestead and on which place he died in 18,')1. The mother afterward removed to Pettis County, Mo., and died there .Tan. 23, 188G, when eighty-three years old. Of their eight children the record is as follows: Eliza- beth married Joseph Wilson ; Thomas of our sketch is the second child; Mary A. and Susan J. are twins; the former married Rev. P. B. McCormick, and Susan J. became the wife of John Montgomery ; Nanoy married Benjamin T. Poole; Joseph C. mar- ried Miss Cerena Tatnn; Margaret married George W. Donnelly; Permelia E. died when about thir- teen years old. Mr. and Mrs. .John McClure and six of their children were members of the Cumber- land Presbyterian Church. The subject of this history was reared on his father's farm and attended the common schools until he reached his majority, and was united in marriage with 'Miss Jane W. Wilson, of Indiana, in 1845. After twelve years, iu 1867, they re- moved to tills County, where our subject purchased 120 acres of good land at $20 per acre. This he sold in 1883 at $70 per acre. After residing upon this farm for ten years he removed to Lincoln, 111., for the purpose of securing for his children better educational advantages than those afforded near their home. His object being accomplished, in the course of five years he returned to the farm in McLean County, and remained until his removal into Stanford. Here he has a fine homestead of eleven acres of land with a handsome and com- modious two-story dwelling, which is finely located and an ornament to the town. During the later years of his life, Mr. McClure made a specialty of raising fine cattle, but has now retired from .active business. Our subject has l)een prominentlj- identified with the affairs of this locality since coming here, having held the offices of Justice of the Peace, Town Clerk and Township Trustee. He has also been Overseer of the Poor and Township Collector. During tlie existence of the Vigilance Committee, he was its cli.ainnan .and presided over its councils with dignity .and good judgment. Mr. and Mrs. McClure have become tlie parents of two children — John T., who married Miss Addie Sebriiig and lives at Chicago, and Mary .1., who died of consumption wlien eighteen 3'cars of age. This daughter was a Ijright and interesting girl. Her remains were laid to rest in the cemetery at Stout's Grove. The parents and chihlren were all members of tlie Cumberland Presbyterian Church. John T. McClnre h.as taken a regular law course and received a good common-school education. ►► B-^ i t ■{* McLEAN COUNTY. 877 •^^m-^^ t He is now clerking in a lithographic establishment. Mr. McCliire marie a profession of religion when in his eighteenth year, and about the same time joined the Old AVashingtonian Temperance So- ciety, and has never violated his pledge from that day to this. He has held the office of Elder in his Church for several years, being elected fonr terms in succession. He was Superintendent of the Sun- day-school two years at Danvers and has served in the same capacity since removing to Stanford. He has always taken an active interest in public matters and in earlier years voted with the Democratic party, but the latter part of his life has identified himself with the temperance and prohibition move- ment. ^1 — •-^i^- OSEPH W. LABERTEW, of Anchor Town- ship, is a descendant of a French family, whose first representatives emigrated to the (^J// United States prior to the Revolutionary War. The name was then written LaBerton, but of late years has been written in the more simple manner. The gentlonian whose name stands at the head of this sketch is Postmaster and Station Agent at Anchor and has been a resident of this State since 1875. He was born in Owen County, Ind., Oct. 27, 185G, and is the son of Dunham and Elizabeth (Baldwin) Labertew, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Kentucky. They removed after marriage to Indiana whence, in 1875, they came to Illinois, settling first in Funk's Grove Township, this county, where they now reside, en- gaged in farming pursuits. Joseph W. L.abertew is the eldest of a family of six children. His childhood and youth were passed upon his father's farm and he received his educa- tion in the common schools. In 1873 he made his first visit to Illinois, stopping for a short time in Le Roy, where he was in the employ of .J. V. Smith, a farmer and stock dealer at that place. He returned to Indiana and spent the winter of 1 873-74, but in the spring following came back to this county and resumed his work with his old employer, remaining with him until the fall of that year. He then visited his old home once more and took another term in school. The following year he en- gaged in farming in Funk's Grove Township, and in the fall again pursued his studies in Indian.a. Afterward he commenced teaching, and also learned to operate the telegraph. In the fall of 1883 Mr. Labertew entered the employ of the Illinois Central Railroad as Station Agent at Anchor, which position he still retains. He was appointed Postmaster in 188G,and has per- formed the duties of both offices with credit to himself and satisfaction to all concerned. Politically he is a supporter of the Democratic party, but takes no further interest in politics than to deposit his ballot upon election day. He has also served as Township Clerk and is Agent for the American Express Company at Anchor. Mr. Labertew was married in September, 1880, to Miss "\'iola B., daughter of S. T. L. and Lucinda (Buell) Miles. Mrs. L. is a native of Clay County, Ind., and of her union with our subject there is one child. Mack C, whose l)irth took place on the 2Gthof June, 1881. eAMPBELL WAKEFIELD. The history of the Wakefield family began in the United States during the latter part of the Last cen- tury. As near as can be learned, the first member of the family who came here was Andrew, who was born and reaied to manhood in the town of An- trim, Ireland. It is supposed that he was of En- glish descent, as some years ago, during one of the rebellions in the East, a soldier by the name of Wakefield left England and went to the north of Ireland, and from that ancestor sprang the present descendants. After coming to the United States, Andrew Wakefield located in Franklin County, Pa., and thence, later, removed to Nelson County, Ky. In this latter place he commenced to establish a home amidst a timber tract, b3' putting up a small hut and preparing other conveniences as well as he was able, for his expected bride. He then returned to Franklin County, Pa., and was there married to Miss Martlia Campbell, who was born and reared in Pennsylvania. Her parents were of Irish birth and parentage. A few days after the wedding the »► i t t -^^m. 878 McLEAK COUNTY. young couple set out for their new home. They lived there until after the birth of live children. These were, Ilettie, William, Daniel, Andrew and John. Thej' then removed to Hamilton County, Ohio, and there spent the remainder of their days. Andrew Wakefield was an honorable and upright man in all his dealings, and became prominent in both places where ho m.ade his home. He was suc- cessful in his business pursuits and accumulated a good property. He departed this life in June, 1828; his wife survived him until 18.55, and died when eighty-three years old. After removing to Hamilton County, Ohio, the household circle was increased by the birth of five more children, viz., Campbell, our subject; Hannah, Elizabeth, Mary and Joseph. The ten children all lived to become men and women. All married and had families but two. Our subject now is the only surviving member of the parental household. Campbell Wakefield was born in New Haven, Hamilton Co., Ohio, Feb. 11, 1S04. His boyhood and youth were spent upon his father's farm, and his education was obtaine ■ <• i t -<^ McLEAN COUNTY. 881 college, from wliich institution he received the de- gree of D. D. He was a vej-y forcil)le pulpit orator, and as he led an exemplary Christian life, thousands were converted by his precepts and example. He did not confine his good acts to the ministry alone, but when the Civil War broke out he at once de- termined to help save the Union and assist in free- ing from bondage 4,000,000 human beings. He soon organized a company of soldiers from Sanga- mon County, and was mustered into the United States service as Captain of Co. I, 73d 111. Vol. Inf. This regiment was known as the "Preachers' Regiment," as every officer from General down was a minister of the Gospel. Dr. Wallace was elected Captain of the companj' which he had organized, and as such commanded them at the battles of PerryvUle, Stone River, Nashville and man}- minor engagements. At the battle of Stone River he was in charge of the regi- ment most of the time. Being forty-five years of age when he entered the service, the long marches and severe exposure injured his health to such an extent that he was compelled to resign his com- mand in jNIa}', 1864, having served nearly two years, with credit to himself and honor to his countr}^ Politically Dr. Wallace was in early life a Whig and strongly opposed to slavery. lie was one of the founders of the Republican party, and is still a stanch supporter of its principles. His first vote was cast for Abraham Lincoln, who was then a candidate for the Legislature of Illinois. In 1882, during the administration of President Arthur, without any solicitation on his part he was commis- sioned Postmaster at Saybrook, wliich office he held until after the change in the National administration, when he resigned. In 1884 he was urged as a candidate for the State Legislature but declined the honor, although a nomination would have insured his election. He is now seventy-four years of age, still preaches with great power, and attends to con- siderable private business. He is an interesting con- versationalist and good authority in theology and politics. He is connected with Lodge No. 468, A. F. & A. M., Macon Cliapter No. 21, R. A. M., and BeaumonoirCommandery No. 9, K. T.,also a mem- ber of McPherson Post, G. A. R. Dr. Wallace has been twice married ; his first < ■ wife, who was Miss Emeline .Johnson, and to whom he was married at Springfield in 1835, departed this life on the 18th of October, 1860. He was married the second time, July 3, 1861, to Mrs. K. H. (Davenport) Cone, and they have one son, Louis D., aged twenty, who is attending the Northwest- ern University at Evanston, 111. Mrs. W^allace is a native of Hudson, Mich., and the daughter of John C. and Azubah (Beebe) Davenport, the for- mer a native of Massachusetts and the latter of New York. Mr. Davenport was one of the pioneer set- tlers of Michigan and became one of the substantial business men of the State, being for many years a heavy contractor for carrying mail before the days of railroads. Mrs. Wallace received a good educa- tion, mostly from private tutors. In 1854 she moved to Chicago, and resided with her sister, Mrs. Dr. Cone. In her eighteenth year she was married to Maj. George W. I. Cone, who was a native of New York State, wlience he emigrated westward early in life, fitted himself for the practice of law, and was admitted to practice in 1855. He was a gentleman of fine .ability and the originator of the now famous "Associated Congi'ess" of Chicago, or- ganized in 1857, and of which he was the first Speaker. While serving in that capacity he made many warm friends and his withdrawal from the Congress was received with universal regret. His death occurred Jan. 21, 1851). Although only twenty-four years of age he had already established a reputation as a business and literary man of more than ordinary merit, and great things were predicted for him in the future. Nearly three years after his death, Mrs. Cone was united in marriage with Dr. AVallace, as already stated. Mrs. Wallace possesses fine social qualities and exerts a good influence upon all around her. She has made it a study of life to never speak evil of anyone. As the wife of an itinerate preacher she has resided in many different places, often finding the society in a state of discord, and was often the happy medium by which it was restored to har- mony. She is a great lover of nature, and the trees and shrubbery growing in the school-house park are monuments of lior enterprise and desire to in- still in the minds of the young, her own admiration of the grand works of nature, which must inevitably / i 4 f «82 McLEAN COUNTY. result in having a good influence upon them. Dr. and Mrs. Wallace have a beautiful home in Saybrook, where they expect to continue their resi- dence. They are given to hospitality, and rich and poor share it alike. During their married life, Mce Presidents of the United States, Bishops, Consuls, Governors, Congressmen and Judges have sat at their table, and yet the welcome was no more to the gi-eat than the most humble of their acquaintances. ARMON A. K(.)WE. This gentleman, who followed the plow for forty years of his life, is now a prominent factor in the business community of Saybrook, where he is carry- ing on a profitable trade in agricultural implements. He is a native of Ohio, and was born in Fa^'ette Count}', Dec. 22, IS.30, where he spent his early life, attending the district school and assisting his father on the farm. lie is the son of Willis and Harriett (Limes) Rowe, both natives of Virginia, whose parents removed to Ohio soon after their marriage. Willis Rowe died near Saybrook, Oct. .'51, 1876, at the age of seventy years. He was reared in Democratic principles but became identi- fied with the Whig party, with which he remained until its abandonment and was ever afterward a Republican. After reaching his majority our suliject was mar- ried, Aug. 31, 1854, to Miss Mary J. Ferguson, who was born in Pennsylvania, and removed to Ohio with her parents when a mere child. She is the daughter of William and Catherine Ferguson, the former a native of Maine but now deceased, and the latter of Pennsylvania. William Ferguson departed this life in Saybrook, in May, 1884, at the advanced age of seventj'-four years. The mother of Mrs. Rowe is still living. Their children were Levi, John, Hiram, Mary A., Cordelia, Nancy and Mary J. Mrs. Rowe was born in 1833. In 18()4 Mr. R. removed with his family to Illi- nois and located in Cheney's Grove Township, of which he has been a resident since that time. He has been prospered in his various pursuits and has four valuable lots and a good residence in S.aybrook. In addition to his implement trade he handles each 4> year large quantities of coal, in which he has built up a profitable and steadily' increasing trade. Dur- ing his busy life he has kept an e^'e upon the pros- perity and welfare of the community around him, and has contributed his full share toward the build- ing uj) of his township and town. He has been a firm supi)orter of the principles of the Re|)ublican party, and with his family, is a member and regular attendant of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Saybrook. Socially he liolongs to McPherson Post No. 79, G. A. R. During the late war he served as a Union soldier in Co. K, lG8th Ohio \i>\. Inf., performing his duties as a soldier faithfully and bravely for five months, and receiving an honora- ble discharge when peace was restored. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Rowe are re- corded as follows: Orin H. died when ten 3'ears of age; Etta B. became the wife of H. C. Meyers, and died at her home near Saybrook in 1880; AVill- iam H. married Miss Margaret Chene}', and is a resident of Saybrook; Jennie May and Nellie are at home with their parents. LMON MORROW. The Morrow family history dates back to a time previous to the Revolutionary War. The first mem- bers in this country settled in New York State and are supposed to have descended from Scottish and Irish ancestry. The grandfather of our subject, James Morrow, was a native of New York, and engaged in farming and merchandising. He was married in his native State in about 1811, and subsequently removed to Clinton County, Ohio. There he and his wife spent the remainder of their dajs and there their remains are buried. The father of our subject, William Morrow, was a youth of seventeen years when his parents re- moved to Clinton County, Ohio. A few years later he enlisted in the army, and was engaged as a private in the War of 1812, serving until its close. He then returned to Warren County, Ohio, and in due time was married to Miss Susan Nicker- son. This lad^- was born and reared in New York State and died in Ohio while yet a young woman, leaving a family of four children, of whom our sub- ' •►- i f •►-■-4*- McLEAN COUNTY. t 883 u 1 i ject was the youngest. For his second wife, Will- iam MoiTOw married Miss L^^dia Williams, who is yet living, being sixty -six years of age and making her home in Warren County, Ohio. Of this latter marriage there were born seven sons, five of whom served as soldiers in the Union army. With these our subject served also, thus making six sons of one father who gave their services to aid in the pres- ervation of the Union. All were content to serve as privates and performed their duties bravely and faithfully, and in aceordt'nce with the i)rinciples of honor and truth in which they had been reared. Of these, who were named — Almon, George, Henry, .Samuel, Morris and Kmmett — Henry and Samuel were killed, the former being shot through the head by a rebel ball at the battle of Resaca, Ga.; Samuel was wounded in the engagement at Gallatin, Tenn., and died in the hospital. The others escaped un- harmed and lived tii return home in safety. All be- longed to different regiments. Our subject enlisted in Hej'worth, Aug. 8, 1862 in Co. B, 04th 111. \'ol. Inf., under command of Capt. McFarland. He participated in the battle at Prairie Grove, Ark. ; Mcksburg, Miss. ; Ft. Mor- gan and Spanish Fort, which latter was taken by the Federal troops in the spring of 1865. He was also at the evacuation of Mobile whence, with his com- rades, he went to Galveston, Tex., where his regi- ment was discharged on the 'Jth of August, 1 865. During the period of three years he was in the arm3% our subject daily reported for duty, with the exception of fifteen days, during which time he was home on a furlough. After his honorable discharge he returned to Heyworth, where he had settled in the fall of 1861. Almon Morrow was born in Warren County, Ohio, June 20, l.S2'J, and was there reared and ed- ucated. ■ He remained under the parental roof and assisted in the labors of the farm until his marriage. On the 6th of April, 1854, he was united in wed- lock with Miss Ruth II. Templin,vvho was a native of his own county and born Oct. 15, 1836. Her parents were .Jonathan and Elizabeth (Henry) Templin, natives respectively' of Virginia and Indiana. The}' were married in Warren County, Ohio, and spent their entire lives upon a farm. Both died at their home in Cliutou Couuty, Ohio, where they had lived for a [teriod of thirty years. The decease of the father occurred May 20, lis85, and that of the mother April 16, 1886. They were most excellent and worthy people and greatly re- spected in the community where they were kn(Vwn. Mrs. Morrow received careful home training and was educated in the public schools of her native county. She remained with her parents until her marriage. Of her union with our subject there were born three children, two now deceased — Alice and Owen, aged respectively six and four years. Mattie M. became tiie wife of Albert B. Fulton of Bloomington; they reside upon a farm and are the parents of one child, Palmer, the only tlaughter, Maude, having died at the age of three years. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Morrow first settled upon a farm in Clinton County, Ohio, and removed to the Prairie State the year before the war. After his return from the .army he |)urchased eighty acres of land in Randolph Township, this county, which constitutes a part of their present homestead. To this he subse(iuently added, and the home farm now contains 1 20 acres, being located on section 8. Our subject has been prospered in his agricultural and business operations and his land is in a fine state of cultivation. The family are connected with the Presbyterian Church, of which our subject is Deacon. Politically Mr. Mor- row is a stanch supporter of the principles of the Republican party. ^~^/---'v*Zj2j2/®^^| t/^t^i/^7iRr*^'\/\^^- M^ RS. ELIZABETH MORELAND, one of the pioneers of Belleflower Township, is a resident on section 9. Her present home- stead was established by Allen Ringo, in .January, 1858. Mrs. M. was born in Clermont County, Ohio. Dec. 25, 1831. Her father, Alfred West, was a native of the same State, and her grand- father, George West, of Kentucky, emigrated from the Blue Grass regions to Ohio at an early period in the history- of that State, settling in Clermont County. There he cleared a farm from the wilder- ness, which he occupied for many years, but after- ward removed to Indiana, and died iu Covington, «fc»- i t 884 McLEAN COUNTY. that State, .it the linine of liis son Jolin, having ar- rived at the advanccil age of ninety-six years. His son, Alfred, was reared to manhood in Cler- mont County, Ohio, where he lived until the f.all of 1833. Then with his wife and five children he went overland to Indiana and located in Clay ('(Mintv, where he was aninng the first settlers. He l)urchased a tract of heavy timber land and cleared a farm from the wilderness, where he lived until his decease, in Ajn-il, 188:2, when eighty-four years of age. He was married in early manhood to Miss Elizabeth Archy, who was born in Clermont County, Ohio, being the daughter of Chapman Archy, of Kentucky, who removed to Clermont County, Ohio, and there spent the last years of his life. The mother died in Clay County, Ind., in .June, 1871. JNIrs. Elizabeth jMorcland was not quite two 3'ears old when her parents removed from Ohio to In- diana. She remained under the home roof until her first marriage, to Allen Ringo, which occurred Jan. 2.5. 1852. This gentleman was born in Ken- tucky, being the son of Major and Elizabeth Ringo. About the time of his marriage Allen Ringo purchased a tract of land in Claj' County, Ind., upon which he erected a log cabin, and in that the .young people commenced housekeeping. They remained there two 3'ears, and in the fall of 18;J4 started overland with a team of horses and a wagon for the prairies of Illinois. Mr. R. first pun^hased 100 acres in McDonough County, upon which the3^ remained for the five years following. lie then came to McLean County and purchased 210 acres of wild land in Bellcttower Townshi[). Here he .also l)uilt :i house for his family and con- tinned the impnjvemcnt and cultivation of his land until his death, which occurred Jan. 31, I8O0. He was a member in good standing of the Christian Church and a worthv citizen, highl}' esteemed by all who knew him. In .lunc, 1HG8, Mrs. Ringo was married the sec- ond time, to Bernard Moreland. Mr. M. was a na- tive of Ohio, and born May 7, 1837. His parents were Edward and Mary A. Moreland. Mrs. M. still occupies the homestead where she first set- tled upon coming to Belleflower Township. The tfarra comprises 100 acres of good land. Mr. M. is a traveling salesman, representing the business of H. p. Deuscher, of Hamilton, Ohio, dealer in agricultural implements. By her first marriage Mrs. Moreland became the mother of three children : Laura, the wife of Alvah Jayns, lives in Champaign CQunty, 111.; Leonard and Lillie J. are twins. The former lives in Chase County, Neb. ; Lillie is at home with her mother. Of the second marriage there were born three chil- dren — Mason B., Ambers J. and Walter G. Mrs. M. is a nu'mber in good standing of the Christian Church, and a lady highly respected in the com- munity. ^ RS. LUCINUA HAYS, widow of William II. Hays, is located upon a good f.arm of •4*- 100 acres in Blue Mound Township, upon which she removed in 1805, with her hus- banil, am' where she has since lived. She is a na- tive of Ohio, born in F.a^'ette C'ount3^ April 8, 1830, and is the daughter of Hugh and Mary (Hughs) Paul, the former a native of Virginia, and the latter of Ohio. Hugh Paul departed this life on the 4th of Febru.ary, 1837, in F.ayette County, Ohio, Afterward, in 1845, the mother came with her little family to Illinois, and located in Money Creek Township, this county, where she died in A|)ril, |s;55. They have onlj' two children — Ma- tilda .1. and Lucinda. Matilda became the wife of John Ilenline, and died in Mone^' Creek Township in 1850. Mrs. Hays was ten years old when her mother came to this county, and remained under the home roof most of the time until her mairiage. On the 23d of December, 1850, she was married to Will- iam II. Hays, in Bloomington, 111. The parents of Mr. ILays were Henry and Sarah (Smith) Hays, na- tives of Kentucky. They remained for a time in their native State, after their marriage, .and thence removed to Illinois, settling in Lexington Town- ship, this county, in 1835. The father died in the spring of 1800, and the mother in 1848, in Lexing- ton Township. Their seven children, all of whom lived to mature ye.ars, were, William IL, Jlatilda, Hettie, Ann E., Henry C, Harriet D. and James. William H. was the eldest of the family ; he w.as born in Lexington Township, Oct. 22, 1835, and -*► f t. ■^•- McLEAN COUNTY. 885 a \ was reared to farming pursuits, wliicli he followed during life. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Hays, of this notice, first settled in Lexington Township, this county, but in 18,'j8 removed to Kansas, where they lived two years. They then returned, and again became residents of Lexington Township, where they lived until the spring of 18G5, when they removed u|)on the present homestead in Blue Mound Township, and there the death of Mr. Hays occurred. April 22, 1881. Of this union there were born nine children, viz., George W., Henry L., Hugh E., Ella and Delia, twins, Grace M., Harry M., Floy A., and one who died in in- fancy. George married Miss Maggie Henline, and resides in Lexington, 111.; Henry married Miss Sarah Kraft, and is farming in Towanda Township; Hugh married Miss Emma Campbell, and they are living in Blue Mound Township. Mr. and Mrs. Hays many 3'ears ago identified themselves with the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which Mr. Hays remained a consistent member until his death, and to which Mrs. ILays still belongs. She is a lady greatly respected and esteemed in this com- munity for her excellent traits of character and kindness of heart. She has managed the farm since the death of her husband in a judicious and wise manner, and shows excellent business ability. —^v- tiHOMAS B. KILGORE, Supervisor of Lawn- dale Township, has a pleasant home on sec- tion 26, where he is pursuing the peaceful vocation of an agriculturist, and attending, as oc- casion requires, to the duties of his office. He has been a resident of this section since the spring of 18G7, when, after a term of service in the Union army, he came to McLean County and settled in Lawndale Township, where he purchased 320 acres of land, upon which he has since resided, and be- ,came identified with the interests of his adopted township and county. The subject of this history is the son of John and Malona C. (Beach) Kilgore, who were natives of Madison Count}-, Ohio, and after marri.age set- tled in Franklin County, that State, where they ^ 1 have since made their home. The parental house- hold included four children, of whom the record is as follows: Sarah A. is the wife of Samuel Stauffer, and resides in Lawndale Township ; Albert is de- ceased ; John N. lives in Lawndale Township. Thomas B. Kilgore was born in Franklin County, Ohio, March 23, 1840. His education was re- ceived mostly in the common schools, although he attended Wesleyan University one term. He was reared to farming pursuits, and remained at home until the spring of 18G1, when, the late Civil War being in progress, he enlisted in the 1st Ohio Cav- alry, and served three years, in the meantime be- ing promoted Sergeant. At the battle of Chicka- niauga he had a close call, barely escaping being shot down by the enemy, the horse he was riding having been killed. After leaving the army he re- turned to Franklin County, Ohio, where he re- mained two ye.ars, and then started for the West, with the results we have stated. After purchasing his land he immediately entered upon its cultiva- tion and improvement. Mr. Kilgore has now a fine farm dwelling, a good barn and all the acces- sories of a first-class agriculturist. Everything about the premises indicates the supervision of an intelligent and enterprising mind. Mr. Kilgore has been rarely prospered in his farming and busi- ness operations, and has added to his first purchase so that he now has 4.S0 acres, all of which is im- proved and in a fine and fertile condition. The whole estate presents one of the most attractive spots in the landscape of McLean County. The marriage of Thomas B. Kilgore with Miss IMary E. Batterton was celebrated in Lawndale Township, April 11, 1867. Mrs. Kilgore is the daughter of Martin Batterton, a sketch of whom appears on another p.age of this volume. She was born in Lawndale Township, July 18, 1840, and bj' her union with our subject has become the mother of four children — John M., Lizzie M., Maud B. and Thomas Beach. Mr. Kilgore has been Supervisor of Lawndale Township nine terms, and still holds the oflfice. He served .is Road Commissioner three years, and has occupied other minor offices in the township, including that of School Director. Socially, he is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and of Col- .^ 'i f 886 ■«► .t McLKAN COUNTY. fax Post, G. A. K. Both Mr. and Mrs. Kilgore are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our subject is Republican in politics, and greatly interested in the success of the temperance move- ment, with which he h.ns prominently identified himself. i^^<^te^*«^5*fw. /p^EORCK ,1. ARNOLD, Supervisur of Yates [f| ,-— , Townshii), owns and occupies a comfortable ^^ji homestead on section 1.5, and is numbered among the [)rominent farmers of the count}-. He is the son of .John C. and Caroline (Tritenbaeh) Arnold, natives of Wurtemberg, Germany. His father at an earlj' age, in f(jrniing his plans for the future, indicated t\\{i energy and enterprise of his character. He was not satisfied with his condition or his prospects in his native country, .and deter- mined to emigrate to the United States. This scheme w.as violently opposed l>y his friends, some of whom gathered around him and told him that America was a heathen land, where the people were all thieves, and thus persuaded him to remain for a time, at least, very much against his inclination and his better Judgment. After his marriage, however, and cliildren began to gather around the fireside, he became greatly anxious for their sakes to provide something better for them tiian what he could probably obtain in Germany. Accordingly, in 1 ><."). "i, accompanied liy his wife and four children, he left the place of his liirlh and set s;ul for the New -World. After a tedious vo3'age of fort}' days, as steerage passengers in a sailing-vessel, they arrived in the city of New York, whence they proceeded by rail to Dunkirk, that State, and then b}- way of Lake Erie to Cleveland. Tiience thej' crossed the State (jf Oiiio to Cincinnati, and settled on a tract of land in Clermont County, that State. The}' resided tiiere four years, and tlien decided to i)ush further Westward to tiie Rrairie State. Coming to Illinois he located in j\rcl.,ean County, in 18.57. He fol- lowed farming near iJloomington and in Normal Tounsiiip for the following ten years, in the mean- time having purchased the southwest quarter of section '21, Yates Townsiiiii, to which he removed with his family and established a comfortable t- home, where he spent the remainder of his life. He always attended closely to his business, was indus- trious and economical, and at the time of his death had accumulated a fine property, consisting of 400 acres of good land, all of which he had jiroperly improved. His death was the result of an accident on the 2d of July, 1881, when he was thrown from a buggy and received an injury which caused his death on the 13th of that month. The wife and mother had passed to the better land five years be- fore, on the 24th of October, 187G. Of the seven children born to them, five are yet living — JLaggie, William, Minnie, Oscar, and George J., our subject, who is the eldest of those now living. George J. Arnold first opened his eyes to light in the little kingdom of Wurtemberg, Germany, Aug. 20, 184.S, and w.as thus in the fifth year of his age when the family emigrated to the United States. His parents being in limited circumstances he early in life began to assist in the work on the farm, and was permitted only a few weeks' school- ing in each year. He possessed much natural abil- ity, however, and a genuine love for learning, and through his own efforts gained a good practical .and business education. In 1871 he went to Cher- okee County. Kan., where with his brother he fol- lowed farming and stock-raising for three years. Then, returning to Illinois he resumed the old life at home and assisted his father in carrying on the farm until July, 18HK On the 7th of that month he was united in marriage with Miss Cornelia Bell, daughter of John and Anna Gi-izzella (Kelly) Mc- Cune. Mrs. Arnold was born in Chenoa Township, this county, Sept. 9, 18.57, and by her marriage with oui' subject became the mother of two cliildren : Minnie Grizzella, born May 15, 1882, and Mary Belle, May 13, 188G. Our subject and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, and in their pleasant and comfortable home are surrounded by all the cc)mforts and many of the luxuries of life. The farm estate of iMr. Arnold consists of 160 acres of valuable land, with a fine modern residence, good barns and all necessary out-buildings. Since becoming a resident of this county, Mr. Arnold has identified himself with its interests and welfare, and has been honored by various township offices, r t_ t McLEAN COUNTY. 887 ik! 4 having been three times Collector, and is now serving his third term as Supervisor. He is a stanch supporter of the principles of the Repub- lican party, and in all respects has built up for him- self a reputation as an honest man and a good cit- izen. ^;OHN p. MESSER, proprietor of 200 acres of valuable land in Gridley Township, is one of the prominent and progressive farm- / ers of this section, who by his energy and industry has aided materially in its development and progress. He is a native of this county, born near Colfax, March 11, 183G. He received a good common-school education, the best afforded in those days, and remained under the parental roof until he was twenty-two years old. Mr. Messer was reared to farming pursuits and to habits of in- dustry and honesty, and has followed agriculture the whole of his life. The parents of our subject, .Tohn B. and Susan (Estey) Messer, were natives respectively of Penn- sylvania and Kentuek}', and became residents of Illinois in 1836. They first located in Lexington Township, this county, whence they removed to Gridley .and located on section 34. Upon the homestead there established the father died in No- vember, 1879. The mother then went to live with her daughter in Moultrie County, this State, and there died Sept. 5, 1880. The parental family in- cluded ten children — Maria .J., Sydney A., John P., Margaret E., Lsaac, Mary, Elizabeth E., James T., Elizabeth E. (2d) and Rebecca A. Maria, Eliza- beth (1st) and James are deceased. When John P. Messer started out for liimself in life he located in Gridley Township, which he has since made his home. He has been twice married, the first time in this township, Sept. 2.2, 1857, to Miss M.ary S. Weakley, who was born in Ohio. Feb. 21, 1842. She became the mother of seven chil- dren, of whom the record is as follows : Dora be- came the wife of Samuel ,1. PflUis, and resides in Kansas: Benjamin is at home; Ira died in infancy; the next, an infant, died unnamed ; .John B. died when less than one year old ; Maria J. resides in Kansas, and William in Gridley Township. The <■ mother of these children died at the home of her husband in Gridlej' Township, Dec. 27, 1807. She was a lady greatly respected, and an earnest mem- ber of the Christian Church. The second wife of Mr. Messer, to whom he was m.arried in Moultrie County, 111., Sept. 30, 1869, was Elizabetli J. Dawson, daughter of Canon and Eliza A. (Riggin) Dawson, natives of Delaware. The p.arental family comprised five children, of whom Mrs. Messer was the third. She was born in Pickawaj' County, Ohio, Nov. 7, 1838. Of this marriage there were born six children — Henry B., Arthur E., BYancis D.,an infant who died unnamed, Isaac I. and John L. Mr. and Mrs. M. are worthy members of the Christian Church, and politically our subject belongs to the Democratic party. He held the office of Highway Commissioner four years, and has been School Director. Socially he is a member of Ca'ur do Leon Commandery No. 43, of El l\aso. -.^S- ■•°*o-®X®-.o*o.- ELISIIA R. SMITH, one of the self-made men anil well-to-dt) farmers of Belleflower Township, is pleasantly located on section 12, where he is following agricultural pursuits and fulfilling the obligations of a good citizen. Mr. Smith was l)orn in Fulton Count}', this State, INIarch 10, 1844, being the son of William Smith, who was a native of New Jersey and of Welsh de- scent. The latter was but a boy when his parents moved to Ohio, and there grew to manhood and married in Richland County. In 1838 he came to Illinois, m.aking the journey' overland with two horses and a wagon, acct)nip.anied by his wife and eight children. Upon his arriv.al in Illinois he had but $1.30 in cash. He worked around bj' the day for six or seven years, farming during the summer season and in the meantime .saving his earnings, in which he was assisted materially by his excellent helpmeet. In due time he contracted to buy a f.arm for which he was to pay $1,000, and of this sum he had but 150. The farm was two and one- half miles from Cuba, and Liverpool and Peoria were the nearest markets. Mr. Smith was a very industrious man and w.as soon enabled to make the i t t 888 McLEAN COUNTY. last payment on the farm. He also erected a good set of frame buildings and lived there until 1862. He then sold out and jnirchased another farm near by, wliich he occupied, however, but a few months. He soon thereafter retired from active labor and spent the last years of his life in Cuba, dying Sept. 3, 1877, when seventy-eight years of age. The mother of our subject, who was formerly Miss Sa- rah Cline, died ne.-ir Cuba, March 2G, 1881, having arrived at the .advanced .age of eighty-eight years. The subject of this history was the youngest of eleven children born to his |)arents. He was re.ared to manhood on his father's farm in Fulton County, 111., and received a good common-school educa- tion. During tlie progress of the late war he en- listed in Co. G, 11th 111. Vol. Cav., and served un- til the ch)se of the war, receiving his discharge in July, 18G5. After returning from the army he operated on rented land in Fulton County until 1867, then came to Hclletlower Township and pur- chased the farm which he now owns and occupies. It was then wild prairie and the neiirest railroad station was at Champaign, twent^'-two miles dis- tant. M.ahomet was twelve miles and was the nearest post-ofHce ; now the railroad passes through his farm, with the station and post-office forty rods distant from his residence. He h.as added to his first purchase until he is now the owner of 2.36 acres, all enclosed and improved, .and forming one of the finest country estates of this section. Mr. Sraitli w.as married, Dec. 24, 1863, to Miss Elizabeth, the daughter of Solomon and Martha (McKinney) Murphy, and who w.as born in Licking C(,unty,Ohio. Of this union there are nine children —Annie, William 1'., Belle A., M. Ross, Clyde S., Nellie, Clarence, Kthel and J. Clarence. Mr. and Mrs. .Smith and four of their children are members of the Christian Church, and our subject politically voles the Democratic ticket. "iflAMES WHITE, .Iii., one of the best known residents of the township of Padua, has a fine homestead on sections 17 and 18, the handsome and substantial family residence being on the former. He may be classed among the pioneers of the I'rairic State. After coming to this county in 1838, he purchased eighty .acres of Land in Hudson Township, but later removed to Bloomington for the purpose of contracting and building, and lived there for ten years following. He came to I'adua Township in the fall of 185.5, and is now the owner of 280 acres of valuable Land, finely improved, furnished with a .shapelj' and sub- stantial set of farm buildings. It has taken many years, but Mr. White has now the best diained farms in McLean County, having about 660 rods of tiling from three to eight inches in diameter. The land was formerly low Ijottom, and very often covered with water, but now produces about one- third more than before the drain w.as put in. His .agricultural imitlements and machinery are of first- class description, and his stock includes the best griides of horses and cattle. Mr. While was l)orn on Brooklyn Heights, Nov. 4, IHi;). During a period of sixty-seven years the pl.ace of his birth has greatly changed from what it was then, being now the resort of some of the most aristocratic people of this continent, who reside in palatial mansions, and .are surrounded by all the luxuries of life. The father rn in Saybrook, Chene3''s Grove Township, this county, Jan. 7, 1804, and is the daughter of Dr. J. L. and Catherine (Hogan) Ballard, natives of Kentucky, and who are still ^ ' r*' -•►-■-4« •^cii ^Jt::ciUiJ-^'d .>-iPM- McLEAN COUNTY. •►-■-^ 893 living. Their children were Love, Lizzie, William, Lucy, John, Katie, Charlie and Mildred. Mr. and Mrs. Schureraan have one child, a daughter, Fannie B., who was born July 21, 188.5. Mr. Schureman was educated in the common schools of Norristown, N. J., and developed more than ordinary business qualities while still a youth. He is now connected with the leading bank of Say- brook, which was established as a private institution in 1878. His partners are gentlemen of culture and reflneinent, prominent in business and good citizens and members of society. Mr. Schureman is Democratic in politics. He is a member in good standing in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and one of its Board of Trustees. Besides his fine resi- dence he owns other residence property, an interest in the bank building and a fine brick store at Say- brook. He has by careful and constant attention to the banking business during the past eight years, accumulated considerable wealth, and is one of Say- brook's most enterprising citizens. The estimated worth of the banking firm is $12.5,000, with a well paid up capital stock. ^~w- -\«j2££;©^* >^>l^^S/Z^^^?>v. -uv\~ i EDWARD STUBBLEFIELD, a well-known member of one of the most prominent fam- ilies of this section of Illinois, is an exten- sive farmer and an intelligent fine stock breeder. He was born in Funk's Grove Township, McLean County, on the 15th of August, 1834, and is the sixth child of Robert .and Doretha (Funk) Stubble- field. A sketch of the former appears on another page of this volume. Our subject received careful training at the hands of his parents, and pursued his primary studies in the schools of his native township, spend- ing the intervening time between school terms in assisting in the labors of the farm. He made his home with his parents until his marriage and then located on the farm wliich he now owns and occu- pies. It was an uuimpi-oved prairie at the time it came into his possession, but he has industriously cultivated the soil since that time and now has one of the finest farms in this section. A great part of it is tile drained, and the farm buildings and ma- M* ■ chinery are of flrst-class description. In 1869 Mr. Stubblefleld erected a commodious frame house, and seven years later a large barn, and besides he has all necessary and suitable out-buildings for the shelter of stock and the storage of grain. He is a thorough business man and a .skilled farmer, and the evidences of his industry and enterprise are to be seen on every hand. His farm now comprises, including timber, a little over 700 acres. The main feature of Mr. Stubblefield's farming op- erations is directed to the raising and feeding of cattle. He also makes a specialty of breeding thoroughbred Belgian horses. He owns several splendid specimens of this breed which have been imported. Mr. Stubblefield's shrewd business qualifica- tions are illustrated in public enterprises as well as those he has so successfully carried out for him- self. For six years he w.as .associated with the At- lanta Agricultural Union Fair, held at Atlanta, 111., as Director, and for the past six years has been President of the Association. Its success is Largely due to the enterprise and energy he has displayed in its behalf. It is recognized by all that this as- sociation holds the best fairs held anywhere in Central Illinois. The district embraced by it in- cludes the counties of McLean, Logan, Tazewell and De Witt. Edward Stubblefield w.as united in m.arriage with Miss Eliza F'osset on the 17th of September, 1856. Mrs. S. is a native of Madison County, Ohio, where she was born Jan. 22, 1839. She is the daughter of Lewis and Ann (Shough) Fosset, both of whom were natives of Ohio. The first residence of the young couple was an humble dwelling fifteen feet square, quite a contrast to that they now occupy. They have become the parents of four children, who are recorded as fol- lows : Doretha Ann is the wife of S. R. Sterling, of Mt. Hope Township; Marion Lee married Miss May Young, and lives in Mt. Hope Township; Emma J. became the wife of David Alexander; they reside on their farm near McLean, also in Mt. Hope Township ; W.ayne is at home. In politics Mr. Stubblefield affiliates with the Re- publican party, and as a business man and citizen he carries out the principles which were instilled 4 t 894 -•►- t McLEAN COUNTY. in him during his early youth by his excellent and honored parents. As one of the leading and rep- resentative men of this county we present his por- trait. j^^i ILTON IIENLINE, one of McLean Coun- ty's progressive and exceedingly prosper- ous farmers, residing on section 1, To- wanda Township, is a son of .James J. and Sarah (Smith) Ilenline, the former a native of Boone County, Ky. He came to McLean County with his parents, John and Polly (Darnell) Hen- line, when he was thirteen years old, in 1828. His wife, Sarah Smith, came to the county about six years later, in 1834. The parents were married in this county, and lived in Lexington Township until the de.ath of the mother, which took place Feb. 12, 1883. The father survives, and is yet living in Lexington Township. Eleven children were born of this union, seven sons and four daughters, the subject of this notice being the second in order of birth. Milton Ilenline was born in Lexington Town- ship, Feb. 13, 1843. He received a common-school education and supplemented the same by a course of study at Wesleyan Academy, Bloomington, 111., for six months. He then went back on the old homestead and lived there, engaged the while in as- sisting his father in the cultivation of the farm un- til 18(;(;. During that year he settled in Towanda Townshii), where he purchased 100 acres of valua- ble land, located on section 1. < )n this tract he settled, .-uid at once engaged in its improvement and cultivation, and is now the owner of 320 acres of good land in that township, all in tlie same section. A view of the residence and sur- roundings will be found on another page. Mr. Ilenline was married at Bloomington, 111., March 22, 18(j(j, to Irene R. \Villli^;<^«^!;tf-» t WkILLIAM C. JONES, who is favorably known throughout Cheney's Grove Town- ship and McLean County, is the son of Newton and Mary Ann (Brown) Jones, and was born in Preble County, Ohio, Nov. 5, 1844. When William C. was thirteen years of age the family re- moved to Huntington, Ind., and in 18G'J to Illinois, their residence in the Prairie State dating from March 17 of that year. Our subject commenced a good business education in the common schools of the Buckeye State and in Indiana, which was com- pleted by attendance at the academies of Hunting- ton. He was reared to habits of industry and economy by his excellent parents, and remained under the home roof until he attained to years of manhood. He wa? then united in mariiage with Miss Emma, daughter of William and Martha Duncan, the wedding occurring on the •24th of De- cember, 1808. Mrs. J. was born in Waljash, Ind., whence she removed with her parents in early life to Huntington, that State, and from there to Illi- nois about 1869. On coming to this county our subject, who had chosen farming for his occupation, purchased land in Arrowsmith Township where he labored until 1881. He then sold out, removed to F.armer City, De Witt County, tliis State, and for one year oper- ated as a dealer in live stock, also carrying on a meat-market. This business he afterward merged into agricultural implements. We next find him in Ford County, 111., where he purchased a farm of eighty acres in Drummond Grove Township, which he occupied about eighteen months, and which he still owns. Mrs. Emma Jones departed this life Nov. 20, 1885, leaving two children — Lillian and Lerton B. Mr. Jones then abandoned the farm and removed to Saybrook, where he Itecame the assignee of a dry-goods firm and closed out the stock. In 1886 he dealt in agricultural implements for a few months, and later traveled in the interest of the Hamilton Plant Company. He is now a salesman in the drug-store of Dr. J. F. Myers. In politics Mr. Jones is a stanch Republican, and while a resident of Arrowsmith Township served three years as Commissioner of Highways. He is a member of Hope Lodge No. 140, K. of P., and also belongs to the A. F. & A. M., Cheney's Grove Lodge No. 468. Newton .Tones, father of the above, has been a resident of McLean County since the 17th of March, 1869. He also was born in Preble County, Ohio, Jan. 22, 1814. His parents, Newton and Ann (Mote) Jones, were natives of Columbia County, Ga., in which State they were reared and united in marriage. In 1805 they removed to Ohio, crossing the Ohio River on the 12th of June of that year, and first settled in Preble County on a farm. The father only lived to be thirty-six years of age. The mother thereafter remaining a widow survived him more than half a century, liv- ing to become nearly ninety-three 3'ears of age. Their six children all lived to mature years, and with one exception still survive. They were Henry, Jonathan, Sarah, .lohn, Joseph, deceased, and Newton. Newton Jones was the youngest of his parents' family, was reared to farming pursuits and re- ceived a fair education in the pioneer schools. In 1839 he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Ann Brown, a native of Gloucester County, N. J., born Aug. 18, 1 817. They made their home in Preble T "•► 'i t -.1 8&6 McLEAN COUNTY. County, Ohio, until 1 857, and then removed to Hun- tington, Ind., where they were residents until 1869. They then came to Illinois and the father pur- chased land in Old Town Township, this county. This he sold in 1873 and secured possession of his present homestead. The latter comprises 1.50 acres of good land, which he has brought to a fine state of cultivation and supplied with handsome hedges and a substantial set of farm buildings. The pres- ent possessions of Mr. .Tones are the result of his own industry and energ}', as he commenced life .at the foot of the ladder and l)uilt up his valuable homestead almost frit. Louis, Mo., and from there to Sangamon County, this State, by wagon. The parents settled on a farm four miles west of Springfield, where they remained the bal- ance of their lives. The father departed this life on the 18th of May, 1871, and the mother, July 4, 1876. Their children, five in number, included one son and four daughters, two of whom were born in Germany and three in this countr}'. Three only of the family are now living. The subject of our sketch remained with his parents on the farm three years after reaching his majorit}', and until his marriage, which took place Sept. 30, 18.06. The maiden of his choice was Miss Amelia Phillips, of Sangamon County, 111., who was a native of his own country, born April 1, 1831). The parents of Mrs. W. were Joseph Antone and Rosa (Stahlen) Phillips. The mother died in Ger- many. The father emigrated to America and de- parted this life in Chicago, 111. Mrs. Wochner came with her sister to the United States, and finally settled in Springfield, III., wheie she met her future husband, our subject, and where they were married. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Wochner lived upon a farm about six years and then, in 1862, re- moved to Bloomington. Mr. W., in partnership with his briither-in-law, Antone Meyer, purchased a small brewery, which thej' operated together un- til the death of the latter, in 1882, since which time Mr. Wochner has had princip.nl chai-ge of the busi- ness. The present building of the firm was put up in 1 875, is built of brick, three stories in height, and covers an area of 80x100 feet. It is equipped with the latest improved machinery, and all other modern appliances for the manufacture of beer, of which they turn out between 8,000 and 9,000 bar- rels per year, a fir.st-class article, which is shipped to diffei-ent parts of the State. Besides his interest in the brewery Mr. Wochner is proprietor of a good farm of 110 acres adjacent to the city limits, with a two-story brick residence, a substantial barn, and other excellent improve- ments. He also has valuable city property in Bloomington, consisting princip.allj^ of business houses. The family of our subject and his excellent lady includes nine children, six sons and three daugh- ters, namely: Emma, Frank Z., Ed. A., Pauline R., Albert, Adolph, Hermann. Leonard C. and Olga F. Mr. W. .and the various members of his family -•► i I t •►^■-4*- MoLEAN COUNTY. -►-i-^ 897 are connected with St. Mary's Catholic Church. He is a gentleman decided in his opinions, and heartily endorses the principles of the Democratic party. He has always taken an active interest in current events, and nothing pleases him better than to note the educational and moral welfare of his community. In the various enterprises which have been set on foot, and having for their object the general good, he has been a ready and cheerful contributor, and has thus closely identified himself with the interests of the city and its people. R. JAMES LOAR, one of the prominent and popular physicians and surgeons of rrsJi^ Bloomington, is a member in good stand- ^^^^ ing of the profession in this vicinity, and enjoys the confidence and patronage of a large proportion of the best residents of the city and adjacent country. The subject of this biography was born in Greene County, Pa., Feb. y, 1830, and is the son of John and Hettie (Stephen) Loar, the father of Maryland and the mother of Pennsyl- vania. John Loar removed from his native State to Pennsylvania when about thirty years of age and purchased IGO acres of land, which he occupied for a period of thirty years, and then sold this and purchased 250 acres in the same county, where he passed the remainder of his days, dying in 1872 at the age of eighty-three years. His wife, the mother of our subject, survived her husband eight years and departed this life in 1880, aged eight3^-five years. The^' were descendants respectively of hon- ored German and English ancestry and became the parents of fourteen children, eleven of whom grew to mature 3'ears and ten are still living. Dr. Loar was the seventh child of his parents and spent his younger years in a manner common to most farmers' boys, attending school and assisting in the duties around the homestead. At the age of nineteen he went to Westmoreland County, Pa., and began reading medicine with his brother. Dr. A. Loar, with whom he commenced practice in 1851, continuing seven years thereafter. In the meantime he had taken a course of study in the Physio Medical College of Cincinnati, from which he graduated in 1858 with honors and practiced his profession in Mt. Pleasant, Pa., until 1868. He then removed to Mt. Vernon, Ohio, and engaged in practice there for tlie following four years. In November, 1871, he came to this county and lo- cated in Bloomington, where he has since resided and practiced with flattering success. The marriage of Dr. James Loar and Miss Maria Stauffer was celebrated near Mt. Pleasant, Pa., in 1851. Mrs. L. is the daughter of Abraham D. and Mary (Newcomer) Stauffer, both natives of Fayette County, Pa. They became the parents of six chil- dren, of whom four are living: Abraham D. mar- ried Miss Belle Bonnett and is engaged as a drug- gist in Bloomington; Hattie, Mrs. Bonnett, lives in Le Roy, this county, and is the mother of two chil- dren — James and Yauntz ; Emma and Lucy are at home; Sadie, Mrs. Dr. Sitherwood, of Bloomington, became the mother of three children, two now liv- ing — Grace and Boane; Mrs. Sitherwood died April 16, 1885. Dr. and Mrs. L. are members of the Christian Church, in which our subject is an Elder. He is a member in good standing of the Masonic fraternity and votes the Prohibition ticket. During the late war Dr. L. enlisted in the 100- days' service, July 1, 1863, in an independent Pennsylvania company, which received its orders from Gov. Curtin. Our subject received the com- mission of F^irst Lieutenant, and in company with Capt. W. D. Dick assisted in raising the number of troops required in that vicinity. The family resi- dence is located at No. 602 East Front street, and the office of Dr. Loar is at No. 118 West Wash- ington street. \f^~. AVID M. MATTHEWS, one of the sub- stantial farmers of Cheney's Grove Town- ship, is a native of the Prairie State, born in Morgan County, March 9, 1843. He was, however, reared in Logan County, and there received his education. He is the son of Israel and Jane (Caudy) ^latthews, natives of Virginia. The mother died when our subject was a child of ■ -<*■ -^ -L 898 McLEAN COUNTY. 4 only four years, and after this sad event he was reared in the home of his father. Both parents united with the Methodist Church in early life, and were worthy and devoted members. The father of our subject is still living in Logan Count}', and pursuing his occupation of a farmer. The parental family included three children : .lohn W., who mar- ried JNIiss Kliza IMooro, lives in Logan Count}'; Zachariah T., who married Miss Theobald, and our subject. After arriving at years of manhood, David Mat- thews was united in marriage with j\Iiss Margaret Reed, the ceremouy taking place on the 4th of November, l.s(j'j. Rlrs. Matthews was born Nov. 17, 1847, in Pike County, Ohio, and was the daugh- ter of George W. and Mary (Nelson) Reed, natives of A'irginia. The father, who was born Dec. 4, 1812, was a farmer by occupation, a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and departed this life in Ohio, on the 25th of February, 1859. The mother was born May 10, 1819, also connected herself with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and died in liS77. The parental house- hold consisted of eight children, of whom only two are living. John C. died in 1.S40; (Sarah E. died in 184U; Mary E. died in 1vember 1861; James W. married Miss Lucy Carr, and lives in Nebraska. The farm estate of our subject consists of 160 acres of finely cultivated land, upon which, in ad- dition to general farming, he is carrying on, success- fully, the breeding of fine stock, giving most of his attention to thor(jnghbred horses and Durham cattle. Of the latter he has a herd of thirty head, includ- ing some of the finest animals to be found in this section. His horses are the Norman and English coach, models of beauty and symmetry. Mr. Mat- thews took possession of his present homestead in 1874, and has secured for himself an enviable repu- tation as a farmer and stock-raiser. He has a beauti- ful homestead, which in all respects is conducted with that system and good order which are the true secrets of success. Of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Matthews there were born four children, of whom the eldest died in infancy; those living are Lucia L., Dessie B. and John \V., all at home with their i)arents. During the progress of the late war Mr. Matthews enlisted as a soldier of the L^nion, in Co. C, lOCth 111. ^'ol. Inf., and served three jears, participating with his comrades on the march anil in the ficbl, and siiaring uncomplainingly their dangers and hardships. He wais present at the siege of A'icks- burg, the battle at Little Rock, Ark., and various other engagements, and although he often felt the wind from [jassing bullets, he was never wounded or made a prist>ner. At the close of the war he received his honorable discharge at Pine Bluff, Ark., on the 12th day of Jul}^ 1805, and return- ing to Illinois I'esumed his former occupation of a farmer. He is Democratic in politics but was al- ways a strong Union man, as he abundantly proved by his jiatriotic services as a soldier. *^^^^^-- i '^1 OIIN A. TAYLOR, M. D., a highly respected physician and resident of (iridley, is the son of .lohn W. and Abigail C. (Sweet) Taj'lor, natives respectivelj' of ^■irginia and the State of New York. After marriage they set- tled in Morgan County, III., whence they removed in 1849, to Woodford Count}', and in 1851, to Marshall County, same State. There the father died Feb. 19, 1865. During the earlier years of his life he was engaged in milling but later took up the occupation of a farmer. The mother still survives and resides with her children. The subject of this history was the third <)f seven children which composed the household circle. He was born near Jacksonville, Morgan Co., 111., upon ground which is now included in the city limits, June 7, 1850. He received careful home training and attended school until eighteen years of age. He then took a two years* course of study in the High School at Chenoa, and after that en- gaged in teaching for several terms. In the mean- time he began the perusal of medical works and prepared himself for entering medical college. His preceptor was \V. E. Banta, M. D., of Chenoa, now deceased, with whom he studied from Sept. 1, 1871, until the fall of 1873, and in September of that year, entered Bellevue Hospital Medical College, where he remained, and from which he graduated i u L. McLEAN COUNTY. 899 on the 1st of March, 1875. Returning AVcst with his diploma he commenced the pr.actice of his pro- fession in Gridley, M.ay 3, 1875, which he h.as since followed with more than ordinary success. lie made the discovery of the first cases of trichina in Livingston County. He is a close student, an extensive reader, and has been very popular among the people of this locality. Through his exertion the (4ridle3' J^ibrary Association was established in January, 1886. It is now in a flourishing condition, having for its membership the most prominent and enterprising portion of the citizens of Gridley and (iridley Township. For two years the Doctor was its Secretary, Treasurer and Librarian, and by his efforts placed it on a safe basis, as a nucleus from which much ma\' be expected. The marriage of Dr. John A. Taylor and Miss M. Appa Dunham took place at Chenoa, 111., Nov. 2, 1876. Mrs. T. is the daughter of Samuel and Margaret Dunham, the former of whom died at Eureka, 111., Aug. 22, 1856. The mother died at Chenoa, Jan. 1, 1875. The parental family con- sisted of four children, of whom Mrs. T. was the youngest. She was born in Eureka, 111., Dec. 25, 1856, and by her union with our subject h.as be- come the mother of three children — Gracie E., J. Earl and Lola A. Dr. Taylor has been a member of the Village Board for five years, three years of the time acting as Clerk and two as President, in 1884-85. He was instrumental in having the vil- lage well drained, there being now over three miles of tile draining, which was laid through his arguments and solicitations. Politically he is a strong Republican and is a member in good stand- ing of the Baptist Church. Mrs. T. is a member and regular attendant of the Christian Church. ■j^^ ATIIAN STINE. The subject of the follow- I jjj ing sketch owns and occupies a valuable /1\^) farm on section 11, Cheney's Grove Town- ship, where he is successfully engaged in farming and stock-raising. He was born in the wealthy and populous State of Ohio, in Carroll County, Feb. 13, 1826, and is the son of Solomon and Catherine ( Allbaugh) Stine, who were natives respectively of Loudoun County, Va., and Maryland. Solomon Stine was ))orn on the 17th of July, 1796, and de- parted this life in Carroll County, Ohio, in Septem- ber, 1861. He was a blacksmith by trade, in which he possessed more than ordinary skill. He was a man of much force of character, greatly respected by all who knew him, and a stanch adherent of the old Whig party until it was abandoned, when he cast his lot with the Republicans. Religiously he be- longed to the Methodist Episcopal Church, and died fully established in the faith. The wife and mother passed to the better land when our subject was but a lad. She also was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and, like her husband, was of German ancestry. The parental household included four sons and two daughters, of whom the record is as follows : The brothers of our subject were John, Cyrus and Samuel; his sisters were Ma- hala and Margaret; the latter died when seven years of age. The h.alf-brothers were David, Will- iam and Solomon, and there was a half-sister, Mary Ann. Nathan Stine remained an inmate of his father's house until he reached his majority', and was soon afterward united in marriage, J.iu. 4, 1848, to Miss Sarah Shannon. She was born in Annapolis, Jeffer- son Co., Ohio, in about 1826, and w.as left an or- phan at an early age. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. S. took place in West Virginia, where they locat- ed, and lived for a period of over seventeen years. They removed from there in October, 1865. Elder Alexander Campbell officiated at their wedding, and our subject was employed by him for about three years at farming. He then removed to Illi- nois and this county, where he purch.ased 120 acres of land, which comprises his present homestead. Of the union of our subject and wife have been born five children: Lewis H., born Sept. 29, 1849, married Miss Cora Gish, of Ilopkinsville, Ky. ; Melvin was born Sept. 29, 1851, married Miss Alice Stewart, of Normal, 111., and lives in this township; William A., born Oct. 2, 1855, died Oct. 24, 1859; Albert, born Aug. 30, 1860; Joseph, May 31, 1863. Mrs. Stine has been a member of the Chri.stian Church for over forty years, and Mr. S. for eleven years; he is an acting Elder. He is Repul)lican in politics, a good business man and citizen, and en- •►-■— 4«- I i t 900 t McLEAN COUNTY. joys the confidence of his neighliors and acquaint- ances. ]\Ir. Stine and his fauiilj' occupy a fine farm resi- dence. He lias a good barn and outhouses, costly and convenient machinery and implements, and all the accessories of the progressive farmer. Their children possess more than ordinary talents and na- tive intelligence, and altogether form a most inter- esting family. The eldest son, Lewis H., graduated in 1873, at Bethany College, Va., and is now occu- pying the pulpit of Central Church, in New Al- bany, Ind. The parents of Mrs. Stine had a family of eight children, two of whom are living; Mrs. Stine and her widowed sister, Mrs. Mariah Gibson; Mrs. G. makes her home with Mrs. Stine. \|^ AVID COX. The subject of the follow- ing history owns and occupies one of the finest homesteads in Bloomington Town- ship, and has been a resident of the Prairie State since 182G. The changes which he has wit- nessed since a few years from the time when Illi- nois was a Territory would form an interesting vol- ume. The first settler on the place which Mr. Cox now owns was a Mr. Dawson, wh(j had emigrated from Champaign Count}', Ohio, and located herein 1822. There were then no white people within forty miles, and the wild, uncultivated land, although covered with waving grass and flowers during the summer season, in the winter presented a wild and desolate spectacle, sufHcient to bring dismay into the heart of even the sturdy pioneer of fifty j'cars ago. This condition, however, in due time gave way to the advance of civilization, and the people of to- day scarcely realize what they owe to the brave spirits who first tilled the soil and marked out a track for the advance of a later civilization. Mr. Cox is now the owner of 128 acres of land which he laboriously brought from its original con- dition to its present fine state of cultivation. This, however, was accomplished partially by the aid of his father, who really was the first owner, our sub- ject being then a 3'oung man residing under the pa- rental roof. The former, Benjamin Cox by name, was a native of Pennsylvania, whence he subse- quentlj' removed to A'irginia and was there married to Jliss Philena Dj'e. They removed to Pickaway County, Ohio, soon after their marriage, where the elder Cox engaged in farming pursuits. From there he came to McLean County, 111., and after selecting his location, returned to Ohio, and while preparing for his final journey to the West, where he expected to establish a permanent home, he was taken ill and died. The mother, however, subsequently carried out the jjlans of her husband, and in 1826 came to Illinois with her eight children and settled upon the land which the father had purchased. Mrs. Philena Cox remained with her children only until the following year, when she was called to join her husband in the other world. After the mother's death, the children being yet quite young, were left principalh" under the care of our subject, who sub- sequently purchased their interest in the homestead, of which he has been the owner since that time. Mr. Cox was married to Miss Sophronia Walker, in Bloomington Township, at the home of the bride's parents. May 29, 1833. Mrs. Cox was the daughter of William Walker, one of the first set- tlers of this county. lie had emigrated from North Carolina to Tennessee, thence north to Kentucky, and later to Illinois, becoming a settler of the Prairie State in 1823. His neighbors then were Indians, there being no settlers for miles around. The mother of Mrs. C, before her marriage, was Miss Nancy Driscoll, who like her husband was a native of North Carolina. William Walker was a soldier of the AVar of 1812. He participated with his regiment in all its engagements and skir- mishes, among which was the battle of New Orleans, serving bravely and faithful!}' until the close of that struggle. He was a gentleman highly esteemed by his friends and associates and occupied a promi- nent position in the affairs of his community. He engaged in farming operations at the termination of his military services, and departed this life in Mc- Lean County in 1861. Both Mr. and Mrs. Walker were devoted members of the Cumberland I'resby- terian Church. The mother passed awaj' previous to the de.ath of her husband, Mrs. Cox was the youngest of five children, four daughtei-s and one son. She was born in Ten- nessee Oct. 7, 1813, and died at her home in »^m-^^ -►-■-<• i i 4?X y , fi 1 t ■^*- McLEAN COUNTY. 4 903 ^^ Bloomington Township, April 13, 1884. Of her union with our subject tliere were born five chil- dren : William M. married Miss Jennie Orendorff, and is engaged in farmiiig pursuits in Bloomington Township; Mary K. became the wife of Dennis Swenej', of Bloomington; Leander married Miss Anna Ilolcomb, and is engaged in the real-estate business in Courtland, Ore.; Ulda M. is the wife of George Deems, and they are carrying on agri- culture on the old homestead ; Martha, who is de- ceased, was the wife of Aaron Rhodes; Alice died in infancy. The Cox family are widely and favorably known throughout this section of the State as pioneer set- tlers. The members have a reputation for being industrious and enterprising, honorable and upright in their transactions, and rank among the most highly respected citizens of McLean County. They have been remarliably successful in their agricult- ural and business pursuits and have materially as- sisted in the development of the resources of the Prairie State. They have been the eueouragers and supporters of education, temperance and mor- .ality, and have contributed their full quota in pro- moting the interest and welfare of the localities wherever thej' have made their home. For over sixty years Mr. Cox has lived in this communit}', indeed the community has grown up around him. As a venerable patriarch, and one who has done much liard work and given much valuable aid to the county and the molding of the character of the people, his memory should be cherished and preserved. .It will live in the minds of those who know him personally as long as they live, but the generations to come will know nothing of his labors, his trials and good works, unless some means are taken to hand down to them a record of his life. This brief sketch and the accompanying portrait will therefore serve as a means to perpet- uate his memor3^ eAPT. ALFRED M. STRINGFIELD. No man in JNIcLean County to-day is so notably a man of " first things " as Capt. Stringfield. He is now spending the sunset of life in quiet and retirement at his home, which is pleasantly located on section 14 of Randolph Township. This place comprises 160 acres of valuable land, with a com- fortable farm residence, a good barn, and all nec- essary out-buildings. Capt. Stringfield has been one of the most worthy citizens of this locality, and in his declining years enjoys the full confidence and resijcct of hosts of friends. Capt. Stringfield became a resident of Ranaolph Township, in May, 1823, onl^' fiive years after Illi- nois was admitted into the Union as a State. The broad and fertile prairie had never been turned by the plow save .around some little cabin. Capt. Stringfield was a member of the three first families who settled here at that time. The place took the name of his brother-iu-law, Gardner Randolph, who came at the same time, and since that time the grove there h.as been known as Randolph Grove. Later, after the organization of the township, and after the railro.ad w.as built, the station was named in his honor. Mr. Randolph, however, subse- quently went to California, and died there some years ago. Capt. Stringfield is the oldest actual settler of McLean County now living. He was born ne.ar Murfreesboro, Tenu., Oct. 14, 1809. His parents, Jolm and Sarah (Boydston) Stringfield, were na- tives respectively of North Carolina .and Maryland, and were married in Buncombe Count}-, the former State. Later the family removed to Kentucky, from there to Tennessee, thence to Alabama, and in the winter of 1819, came to Illinois, settling in Sangamon County. The father lived only nine days afterward, his de.ath occurring on the 1st of .January, 1820. Capt. Stringfield has the manu- script books left by his father, who was a surveyor; these are more than 100 years old. Three years later the mother and her family' came to McLean County and pre-empted a farm in Randolph Town- ship. In less than a year before the land had come into market, they removed to Galena, 111., where the mother died in September, 1829. The grandfather of our subject, James String- field, was born in Virginia, lived several years in North Carolina, and died in Kentucky. He mar- ried a widow lady, Mrs. Mary Ray, who died at the home of her husband in Kentucky. The great- grandfather, Richard Stringfield, was of English r t -4^ 904 McLean county. l)irth and parentage, and emigrated from his na- tive country at an early day, settling uiK)n a farm in Virginia, and rearing a family, and it is sup- posed his death also took place there. The father of onr subject was a soldier in the Hevoliitionary War, and partici|)ated in the battles of King's Mountain, and at various other places, serving until the close of that eventful struggle. Again, when his i-ouutry was in danger from the same enemy, he enlisted in her defense. In the War of 1812 he w:is under eorninand of Gen. Jack- son and fougiit in some of the most hotly contested battles of that conflict. Two brothers besides him- self, James and William, were also eng.aged in the same struggle. A brother of our subject, Thomas Stringfleld, was a soldier in this war. and was wounded in the forehead by an Indian. He was for many years afterward a minister in Tennessee, and later became editor of the Southvestfrn Chris- tian Advocate, his work being connected with the Methodist Ii;pi^;copal Church. After the family, of which our subject was the youngest child, came to Illinois, and after the death of his father, he remained with his widowed mother until her death. He was then compelled to look out for himself, and employed his hands .at what- ever he could find to do. He w.as intensely anx- ious for an education, and after the labors of the day, would apply himself, by the light of burning- wood and candles, to the few books he was enabled to procure. This experience, in which he was forced to relj' upon himself, became of good serv- ice to him in aftci' life, and bred within him a strong and independent spirit, with a courage to meet and (jvercome the difficulties which might be- set him. He obtained a valuable fund of general information, and kept himself well posted upon the current events of the day. He relied solely upon his own efforts and his own conduct to win for him success. Nor has his been a success solely in the accumulation of wealth, but in doing good to others, in serving (others well, and in winning their respect and esteem. As soon .as able our subject entered eighty acres of land, and on the 2.5th of March, 18;S2, secured to himself a partner and helpmeet in the person of Miss Amelia T. Hand, to whom he was married in •> ■ 4» i' Randolph Township. Mrs. Sin-ingfield was born in Ohio, Oct. 2, 1814, .and when a child came with her i)arents to Hamilton County, III., where they resided for several years. They settled upon the farm of our subject, and she remained his faithful and affectionate companion for a period of fifty- three years, departing this life in Randolph Town- ship on the 7th of September, 188.5. Of their union there were born eight children, all of whom grew to mature years: Rev. Thom.as C, deceased Dec. 22, 1880, w.as married to Miss Jane E. Hirons, who died, and for his second wife he married Miss Martha E. Fendley, who survives; he offlci.ated .as a local minister soon after becoming of age. Jesse married Miss Mary F. Land, who died after the birth of one child, a son, George, who is now a young man and lives with his grandfather iind fa- ther on the old homestead; Sadie L., deceased, was the wife of A. F. Crose, who lives in Carroll County, Mo.; George H., a grocer of Hey worth, . married Miss Zipor.ah Wright; John H. lives on a part of the old homestead in Randolph Township ; he married Miss Amanda C. Rust. Barbara E. is unmarried and resides at home; Eliz.abeth V. be- came the wife of Albert L. Crews and lives on a farm in Missouri; Mary E. married Franklin P. Rust .and resides with her husband on a farm in Jackson County, Mo. Onr subject was made a Captain of militia in February. 1832, and held the rank until the repeal of the muster law. He was an .able and efficient officer, and a great favorite with his fellow soldiers and associates. He was the first Justice of the Peace before the organization of Randolph Town- ship, and held the office eight ye.ars. He was also Township Supervisor, and held other local offices within the gift of his fellow-citizens. He w.as the first white man who ever went from McLean County to Chicago, and drove the hogs from this county to th.at phace. He attended the first Sun- day-school ever held in McLean County. This school w.as held as early as 1825 at the residence of William Walker, who lived at Blooming Grove. James L.atte was Superintendent. The Captain was also a member of the first temperance organization in McLean County. Capt. Stringfleld h.as voted for all the Democr.atic ^ ■r t M^ t -•► 905 ^^ McLEAN COUNTY. candidates for President since the time of Gen. Jackson. He has taken an active interest in the success of every movement for the advancement of education and morality, and has been a consist- ent member of the Methodist P^piscopal Churcli since a j'outh of seventeen years. The good rec- ord wliich he has built up for himself will be more enduring; than a marble monument, and he will be held in kindly remembrance by hosts of friends long after he shall have been gathered to his fa- thers. One of his neighbors speaks thus of Capt. Stringficld : " His latch string has always been out, and bis purse and heart have always been open to the wants of the destitute, the unfortunate and the friendless." No higher eulogy could be passed on any one, when coupled with his religious convic- tions. His portrait, which we give, will be grate- fully received bj' the patrons of this work. 'OHN JMARSH. The subject of this history came to lllinuis in the fall of l.S'ri, and is widelj- and favorably known throughout this section as one of the most enterprising citi- zens of the county. His homestead is on section 17, of Arrowsmith Township, and he owns 700 acres of land besides twenty acres of valuable timber in this count}', and 9C0 acres in >Sumner Count}', Kan. He is one of the few men in this section who have undertaken sheep-growing, and of this he has made a splendid success. He deals principally in Ameri- can Merinos, of which he has a large flock, and from his wool growing realizes each year a handsome sum. He is also breeding fine horses, cattle and hogs, and will have no animals about him but those of the very best grades. It is hardly necessary to say that he is a wide-awake and thorough business man, and in whatever he undertakes he is bound to succeed. His agricultural and stock-growing opera- tions have added much to the progress and de- velopment of this county, which proudly claims him as one of its most valued citizens. Mr. Marsh was born March 14, 1828, in the town of Romulus, Seneca Co., N. Y., and is the son of Darius and Mary A. (Brown) Marsh, natives re- spectively of New Jersey and New York. Darius -4^ Marsh was born Aug. 2, 1800, and died in Madison, Lake Co., Ohio, April 10, 1887, after having ar- rived at the advanced age of eighty-seven years. He followed farming the greater part of his life, was a man greatly respected for his honesty and up- rightness, and after the organization of the Repub- lican party, supported its principles and uniformly casts his vote with it. His wife, Mary A., was born in 1804, and passed to the better land two years be- fore her husband, in 1885. Of their nine children seven are now living: Jane married Ira Hodges; .John of our sketch was the second child ; Margaret married Mr. Neff ; Anson married Miss Sarah Wam- pler; William married Miss Mary Parsons; George was the next in order of birth; Susan, who became the wife of William Parsons, died in Missouri about twenty years ago; Louisa died when twenty-two years old; Samuel was the youngest. John Marsh remained an inmate of his father's house until he reached manhood, and was then uni- ted in marriage with Miss Eliza Ilobart, March 4, 1852. Mrs. Mai'sh was born in Perry, Ohio, May II), 1830, and was the daughter of Nathan and C'ynthia (Page) Hobart, natives of New Hamp- shire. The mother died nearly fifty years ago, when her daughter, Eliza, was a young girl. Nathan Hobart died in CUeveland, Ohio, in 1883. Their five children were — (ieorge, Eliza, Franklin, .lack- son and Harvey. Of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Marsh there have been born eight children : John F. who mar- ried Miss Amanda J. Wanipler; Rena B. ; George; Mary A., who became the wife of John Builta; Cynthia E., Mrs. William Ritter; Harve}' H., Ruth, and Eunice who died when fourteen years old. The home residence is a handsome and substantial struc- ture, and the farm is supplied with good barns and all other necessary buildings for the carrying on of stock-breeding in a first-class manner. The estate forms one of the most attractive spots in the land- scape of this county, and there is apparent on all sides the intelligence and industry of its proprietor. Mr. Marsh has been pr<.imiuent in county affairs since coming here, holding the various local oftices. He was Commissioner of Highways for eighteen years, has been Township and School Trustee, and is a man whose opinion is invariably consulted f .t 906 McLEAN COUNTY. upon matters of interest connected with the wel- fare and progress of this section. He is a straight liepuhlican in politics, and in 1.S75 was elected County Supervisor, l)iit declined to serve. ^- -**-»•■ *■ ^ lULLIAM C. MOOnKURY. The subject of \/iJf ^^^ following slietcli, who is a prosperous yNy farmer of Cropsey Township, occupies a line homestead on section 33, where he has been engaged in general farming since 1882. He is a native of the Prairie State, born in Tazewell Coun- ty, July 19, 1850. His parents, William and Ma- tilda (Marion) Mooberry, were natives of Colum- bus, Ohio. The father was born May 20, 1826, and removed with his parents when six years of age to this State. Thej' located in Groveland Township, Tazewell Count}', where William grew to manhood and was there married to Miss Matilda Marion. The latter was born in 1830, and came with her parents to Illinois when a child of five years of age. They also located in Tazewell County. William Mooberry, Sr., was the son But it was our subject's intention to study law and he had by no means given up this idea. He had occasion to go to Springfield in the interest of his employers, and while there called at the office of Hon. J. T. Stewart, a practicing attorney, and there met Abraham Lincoln, at that time a young law student. After some conversation with young- Abraham, Mr. Fell came to the conclusion that if Mr. Lincoln could study law with the little educa- tion he possessed, he could also do the same, and he hesitated no longer. He read law during his leisure liours and the following year was appointed Clerk with power to organize De Witt County. The county was formed from [larts of Macon and BIc- Lean, and Mr. Fell continued to hold the position of Clerk from 1838 to 1840. The Democratic party was then in power, and IMr. Fell being a Whig, lost his position by an enactment of Legislature. Going to Bloomington, he became Deputy Clerk of the Circuit Court, and while in this position con- tinued his law study. During the winter of 1840- 41 he passed his examination before the nine judges of the Supreme Court, and was admitted to the bar. Previous to being admitted to the prac- tice he had formed a partnership with Albert Dodd, a promising young lawyer from Connecticut, which relationship continued until 1844. During that year Mr. Dodd was drowned in Mackinaw River while returning from the convention which nonn- nated John Wentworth (Long John) for Congress for the first time. While Mr. Dodd was absent he was nominated for the Legislature. Our subject was at this time attending court at Sjiringfield and, detained by the floods, did not learn of his part- ner's de.ath until ten da^-s after its occurrence. The floods during that year were fearful, and the Mis- sissippi River rose to such a height tliat a great portiur subject con- tinued in practice alone until 18.50, when he gave up the ])rofession and made room for the genera- tion of young lawyers then located in his citj'. He was successful as an attorney and always tried to settle a case before taking it into court. In the fall of 1844 our subject took the papers, liooksand correspondence of his deceased partner, Mr. Dodd, to his father in Connecticut, and on his arrival at 't -4*- t 908 McLEAN COUNTY. h Hiirtfonl he found tlie people greatly excited over the prophecy of Miller, that the end of the world was close at hand. Many of his followers had given away all of their property, firmly believing they would need it no longer, and were standing around the streets, expecting the call whicii would translate them tt> the otiier world. At a late hour that evening Mr. Fell, not having heard the call, and the angel not having put in his appearance, re- tired to sleep. The next morning he was awakened by a most fearful sound. He sprang up, thinking indeed that the millennium had come, but on further examination discovered that the noise pro- ceeded from an hotel gong, he never having heard one before. From Hartford, our subject went to New York, where the Whig convention which nominated Henry Clay for President was in session. At this conven- tion were some of the great lights of the Whig party. That evening a large meeting was held, and after man}' had spoken Horace Greele}' was called out. His speech was short l)ut to the point, and went to the hearts of the people. From New York Mr. Fell went to Philadelphia, thence to Chester County, where he found the lady who was to be- come his wife, and thej- were married at Philadel- phia on the 1st of January, 1846. Hei- maiden name was Jane Price, and of their union eight children have been born, live sons and three daughters. The parents of our subject came West, bringing all their children in 1837. The mother died in October, 1846, and the father, who becaine totall}' blind during the last seven years of his life, died in the fall of 1854. All the children took pride in making the last 3'ears of the old gentleman's life pleasant, and did all in their power to recompense him for the loss of that greatest of all the senses. Mr. Fell has never been a candidate for any public ofiice but was a member of the School Board for twelve years without pay. He has, however, held some offices which involved much work and no pay. In 18,56, at the State Convention at Bloomington, Mr. Fell nominated Abraham Lincoln as a delegate to the National Convention at Philadelphia. Lincoln arose and declined the nomination on account of povertj', and our subject promised that his ex- penses should be paid. It was subsequently ar- ranged in case ^Mr. Lincoln could not go, Mr. Fell should go in his place. About two hours before the time for starting, Mv. Fell received word from Lincoln that he could not go, and went himself. Jlr. Lincoln was nominated for Vice President at the convention, and on the lirst ballot received 115 votes, but on the second ballot his name was with- drawn by the Illinois delegati<»n with the intention of putting him forward at some future day for President. Kersey II. Fell was jirobalily the first man who thought of nominating Abraham Lincoln for Presi- dent of the United States. He mentioned the mat- ter to his brother, Jesse Fell, and also Judge David Davis, and both of them at first did not think Lin- coln could be nominated. Subsequently and very soon after a consultation with his brother, Jesse Fell favored the movement strongly, and farther on in the canvass David Davis took hold also. Our subject also mentioned the matter to Judge Joseph J. Lewis, of Westchester, Pa., and the latter wrote a biography of Mr. Lincoln, which was widelj' cir- culated, the facts embraced therein being received from Jesse W. Fell. Our subject did everj'thing in his power to forward Lincoln's chances, and called out his name as a candidate for President at West- chester, Pa., at a public political meeting where they were considering the most available man. In 1860 our subject's hopes were realized, for Mr. Lincoln was nominated and triumphantly elected. Kersey Fell was long and intimately acquainted with Mr; Lincoln, and states " that if Lincoln thought he was right in a lawsuit, he was invincible, but if he thought his cause unjust, he was weak and his ar- guments without force." He says Lincoln was one of the most tender-hearted men he ever knew. During the year 1860 Mr. Fell went to Europe, visited Switzerland, Vienna, and many other places of interest, returning in the fall of that year in time to cast his vote for his old friend, Abraham Lincoln. He is a member of the Board of Educa- tion at Bloomington. He is slenderly built, well proportioned and active. His hair is gray and his beard almost white; his nose is acquiline and bridged Avith spectacles when he reads or writes. He is a deep thinker and forms his opinions with i t tf^ McLean county. 909 iy great care. Good iiatui'e is appacent in his counte- nance, and there are few men in the community more respected and honored. Mrs. Fell, formerly Miss Jane Price, was born in Chester County, Pa., Feb. 5, 1823. Her mother is yet living, being now ninety-seven years old, and resides with our subject. Eight children, five sons and three daughters, have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Fell. Price is in the plow factory at Bloom- ington ; Medora E. married P^reeman P. Kirkendall, and departed this life in 1880; Anna M. is the wife of George F. Durant, of St. Louis; William P. is Deputy Sheriff of Huron County, Dalv. ; Jessie is the wife of Charles A. Cole, of Omaha, Neb. ; Charles Carroll is in the theatrical profession ; Ker- sej', Jr., resides in Omaha, of wiiich city Benjamin F. is also a resident. ifOHN ALEXANDER CAMPBELL, a pio- neer of the Prairie State, came to this coun- t}' in 1849, and amid the vicissitudes of a (^^// busy and varied career, has contributed his quota to the prosperity and development of Mc- Lean County. He is now proprietor of the Lex- ington Elevator, which was built Ijy him in 1872, and has beccmie one of the indispensalile assistants of the grain dealers of this section. Mr. Campbell was born on his father's farm, in Clark County, Ky., June 15, 1832. He is the son of Benjamin F. and Dolly (Bateman) Campbell, his father being a Virginian by birth. After the birth of our subject, his parents removed to Indi- ana. The mother died when John A. was six years of age, and the father four years later, so that our subject was left an orphan when ten 3-ears old, and compelled to look out for himself. He worked at whatever his hands could find to do, and at the age of seventeen, came to McLean County in com- pany with Thomas Pirtle, arriving here in 1849, and engaged in farm work for the following six years. He was mjlrried on the lOth of May, 1x55, to Miss Adeline Hefner, the daughter of Peter Hef- ner, Esq., one of the pioneers of McLean County. After marriage Mr. Campbell settled on a farm three miles south of Lexington, and engaged in agricultural pursuits, which he industriously fol- lowed until 1H72, in tiie meantime having become the owner of IGO acres of land south of the town. This he sold in 18C4, and purchased another farm one mile north of Lexington. This contained 320 acres and he occupied it until 1873, when he rented it and removed to the village of Lexington. He then liuilt the elevator which he now owns and which has a ca|>acity of 30,000 bushels. When this was completed he began buying and shipping all kinds of grain U> the Chicago market. In 1S77 he began dealing in coal in connection with his grain trade. The first year he handled about twen- ty-five cars and every year since his business has increased until he now handles 300 cars annuallv. During the winter mouths especially he has all he can possibly attend to. He has for the past few }-ears shipped further East. The elevator is three stories in height, and 48x42 feet in area. Mr. and ISIrs. Campbell l)ecaine the parents of nine children, of whom three are deceased. Those living are, Arabella, Emery, Oren, Emma, Edwin and James H. Thej' occupy a handsome residence, and have an attractive home, where tiiey, with their children and friends, are enjoying the good things of life, together with tlie esteem and friend- ship of the best people of this localit3^ ■€-^#- -^ \jl ABEZ LEPPO, a successful farmer and stock- raiser of Belleflower Township, is pleasantly located on section 31, where he has a farm (^^ of eighty acres, and is contributing his full share toward the business and industrial interests of his county and township. Mr. Leppois a native of ilaryland, and was born in that part of Balti- more Count3' now included in Carroll County, on the 21st of May, 1S25. His father, Jacob Leppo, was a native of the same State, of German ancestry, and a tanuer by trade. This he followed for a number of years, then purchased a farm in Carroll County, Jld., where he engaged in agricultural pur- suits until his death, which occurred in March, 1862. He was married to Miss Susan Miller, who was also born in Baltimore County, Md., and died r t -»¥^m^4» 910 McLEAN COUNTY. at her home in Carroll County, in September, 18.54. Of the twelve children born to the parents cf our subject, the latter was the fourth child and fourth son. He was reared on the farm and made his home with his parents until he had grown to manhood. He then commenced working for him- self at farm labor, at $7 per month, which tiie fol- lowing year was increased to $9 and the third year to $10. Notwithstanding this, which would now seem meager wages, he managed to save a portion of his earnings, and at the end of the third year was able to rent a farm. He was soon afterward married, and purchased fifty acres of land on the Westminster & Baltimore Turnpike. He did not settle upon this, however, but operated on rented land four years afterward. He then sold his fifty acres and purchased a tract of sixty-five acres in Carroll County, Md., which was partially improved and supplied with a set of frame buildings. He re- mained there until the death of his father, then pur- chased the old homestead, upon which he removed, occupying it until 1868. That year he sold out and came to Illinois, locating first in Tazewell County, where he rented for three j'ears following. Ill 1872 Mr. Leppo moved into this county and located in West Township, where he operated on rented land two years. He then purch.ised forty acres in the same township, which he occupied until 1881, when he sold it and purchased the farm upon which he has since resided. Since taking pos- session of this, he has erected a convenient frame house, and otherwise improved its general condi- tion. He is now devoting himself |)rincii)ally to grain and stock raising. Mr. Leppo was married in his native county on the 4th of February, 18o4, to Miss M. ('. Burns, a n.Ttive of his own county and the daughter of John and Mary M. Burns. Of this union there have been born four children, three now living: Alice R., Fianklin T. I. and Mary M. Luther J., who was the second, died in 1 iS84, when twenty-eight years of age. Our subject and his wife botii united with the Methodist Episcopal Churcii in tiieir na- tive State. Mr. Leppo in politics is strongly- Dem- ocratic, and in all respects is an industrious and re- liable citizen, who is enjoying the res|)ect and con- fidence of his townsmen. "il/OSIAH BIGGS, a prosperous farmer of ]Money Creek Township, is pleasantly lo- cated on section 24. He was born in this (^7/ township on the 26th of February, 1834, being the son of Lemuel Biggs, who was a native of Delaware; the mother's maiden name was Mul- len, and she was a native of Ohio. They removed in early youth with their respective parents to Illi- nois, and were married in McLean County, first settling in Funk's Grove Township, and in about 1831 removed to Money Creek Township, where the father died in May, 1860. The mother still survives, and lives on the old homestead. Their ten children were named as follows: Andrew E., Josiah, William G., Sarah, Nancy J., E. A., Loui-sa, Martha, Lemuel A. and Frank. The subject of this history was the second child of the family. He was reared to farming, received a common-school education, and has been a resident of iSIoney Creek Township all his life. He is now the owner of a fine farm of 180 acres, under a good state of cultivation, with a shapeh' and substantial set of farm liuildings. Mr. Biggs remained under the home roof until he had attained to years of manhood, and Aug. 30, 1860, was married to Miss Lucy, the daughter of Daniel and Rosanna (Hotmaker) Empire, natives of New York, where they settled after their raar- liage ; later thej^ removed to Shelby County, Ohio, ai\d thence, in 1851, to Iroquois County, this State, where they remained six years, then came to Mc- Lean County <^..o*o v-- )KNJAMIN WILEY PATTON. Here and there, scattered over the fertile prairies and through the beautiful woodland of this sec- tion of the State, may be found the venera- ble pioneer. Those who came prior to 1H30, how-, ever, are very few. Their number, never large, has dwindled down to a mere handful. Of one of this honored number we give the following brief sketch. He made settlement here as earlj' as in the spring of 1828. He was born in Garrard County, Ky., June 18, 1816. His father, John Patton, was born in North Carolina, and in early years settled in Kentucky. He was married in that State, to Mar- garet Wiley, daughter of William Wiley. The Pat- ton family were of Irish extraction, and the pater- nal grandfather of our subject, Robert Patton, was a native of that country, and emigrated to the United States in early manhood. The Wileys were of English descent, and on emigrating to this country first made settlement in Maryland. John Patton was a gunsmith, and also worked at the blacksmith trade, and during the latter years of his life w.as engaged in agricultural pursuits. He emigrated with his family to Indiana in 1817, and made settlement on the Ohio River. There he con- tinued to reside until the fall of 1827, when he came to this State, overland, passing the first win- ter in Old Town Timber, McLean County, on the North Fork of Salt Creek. The following spring he moved, and settled near where the village of Selm^ is now located. There he took up a land claim, upon which he located with his family and engaged in its improvement, and when the laud came into market purchased it, and continued to make this his home until his death, which occurred in 1854. His good wife died some six years pre- viously. Twelve children' were born of their un- ion, seven sons and five daughters, all of whom lived to attain the age of man and womanhood. Their names are as follows: Sarah, wife of Aaron Foster; Cassandria was united in marriage with William Wiley; Susanna and John Messer became man and wife; John and William were next in order of birth; Margaret married George Henline; Ben- jamin, our siibject, was the next; Jemima became the wife of Calvin Adams; Aaron and Moses were twins, and Josephine and Constantine complete the number. Benjamin Patton was the seventh in order of birth of his parents' twelve children, and when he accompanied them to this county he was twelve years old. His education was somewhat limited, on account of the necessity which required his as- sistance on the farm, and the scarcit}' of the public schools in his vicinity. He remained with the old folk until he was twenty-three years old, when he was married to Mary Ann Connover, the date of their marriage being Oct. 13, 1838. She was a daughter of William Connover, who was born in New Jersey. He had moved to Kentucky, and there married Rebecca Hopkins, by whom he had twelve children, eight sons and four daughters, all of whom lived to attain the age of maturity ex- cept one, and all now living witli the exception of two. After our subject's marriage he settled near the old homestead of his father, and improved a farm, upon which he lived until his removal to the place on section 22, Lexington Township, where he is at present residing. This was fift3'-nine years ago, consequently our subject has experienced the hard- ships common to old settlers. His farm comprises 140 acres of well-improved land, and he also has twenty-six acres of timber. He has a good resi- dence, barn and out-buildings, and is meeting vvith fair success in the prosecution of his vocation. For the last six j'ears he has suffered considerably from injuries received by his team running over him and dragging him quite a distance. Mr. Patton is now in his seventy-first year. He has never had any children, and has devoted the years thus far in life to agricultural pursuits. His good wife is seventy-two years old, and for forty- nine years they have together toiled and labored i *f- t 914 t McLean coukty. for each other's good as man and wife. They are both members of the Christian Church. Our sub- ject was converted to the cause of the Master over half a century ago, and liis good wife about sixty years ago. By their energy and perseverance they have secured a competency, and are enabled to pass the sunset of life in peace and quiet. In politics he is a Democrat. In selecting those to be repre- sented in the portrait department of this work, no worthier couple could be found within the conlines of the county than Benjamin Patton and wife. JOSEPH MEINER, a successful farmer and stock-raiser of Arrowsmith Township, is a native of the German Empire, born in Prus- ^^ sia, Feb. 13, 1834. He emigrated to this country when a young man twenty j'ears of age, and from the landing at New York City proceeded to Bucks County, Pa., wliere for the following four years he worked by the mouth on a farm. With genuine German economy and forethought he saved what he could of his earnings, and soon after coming to Illinois, in l.s,"),S, common('ed farming on Iris own hook. His home then was at tlie house of a Mr. S. Morgan in Dale Township, this county, where he became acquaintc^l with IMiss ]\Iary Ul- mer, to whom he was manied Oct. 12, 1802. This lady w'as born in Wurtend)erg, (Jerniany, March 3, 18,')'.), and came to the United States when a young woman, in 18t;0, making her home with her brother in Dal(^ Townshi|). She was the daughter of Henry and Catheruie (Wagner) Ulmer. Her father was l)orn Oct. i(), 1800, and died in his native country March 14, 1883. His wife ('atherine was born Seiit. 1 1, 1811, and departed this life Jidy 3, 1879. Of thoii' eleven children, six are now living: Eva bccauK! the wife of .Io.sei)li Ditter, now deceased; Matthew married Miss Emily Damaska, deceased; George married Miss Minnie Miller; Mar^^ of our sketch, was the fourth child; .lolin married Miss Sarah Eoga, and lv:iti<' hec.'ime Mrs. Van Paign. Mrs. Meiner received a line (!crman education, and reads and writes lOnglish very well. lu 18G4, Mr. Meiner purchased eighty acres of land to which he afterward added 160, and the whole of which constitutes one of the finest bodies of land in this township, comprising a fine farm of 240 acres. His stock consists principallj' of Nor- man horses, of which he exhibits some very fine specimens, especially a pair of two-year-olds, which he holds at a high price. The children of our sub- ject and his wife, seven in number, are George H. ; Minnie U., who married Alfred Bane and lives two miles west of her father; Arnold B., Katie T., Ma- tilda E., P^dward and Aaron G. Mr. Jleiner is Republican in politics, and with his wife is con- nected with the United Brethren Church at Arrow- smith, of which he has been a member twenty years. Joseph Meiner is the son of Antone and Mar- garet (Ueichley) Meiner, who were both natives of Germany, and spent their entire lives in their na- tive land, where their remains were laid to rest several years ago. The father was a warm adher- ent of the Catholic faith. The five children of the parental family included !\Iagdalena, Theresa, Caroline, deceased, Joseph, and (Jeorge, who died in 1854, at New Orleans, of yellow fever. Jf^^^^J ^^ LFRED SPRADLING, a resident of the *v/ I ■'southeast part of McLean County, is plcas- /// 14) antly located in Cheney's (irove Township, i^Jfl on section 30. The place of his birth was Franklin County, Ind., and the date thereof May 17, 1823. His parents were John and Betsey (Chapman) Spradling, natives respectively of South Caiolina and Tennessee. His father was born in 1780, served in the War of 1812, afterward re- moved to I,;i Salle County, III., and died there in 1801. The mother was born in 1784, and survived her husband four years. Both were consistent members of the Methodist E|iisco|)al Church for many years. Their ten children are recorded as follows: Sarah, William, PoUey; Nancy died when quite small: .lohn died in 1877; Elizabeth, Enoch and .lames died in infancy; Thomas and Re- becca were next to the youngest. . Mr. Spr.idling rcuiaiiied under the jiaiental roof in Indiana until 1852, when he became a resident ■-►•ji-4* i ^ <- McLEAN COUNTY. 915 t of Illinois, locating first in JNIission Township, La- Salle County, where he made his home about seven- teen years. He removed to Champaign County in 1868, whence he came to this county in 187G. On the 12th of October, 188G, he met with a severe loss in the destruction of his house by fire, to- gether with most of its contents. He soon aftei'- ward commenced re-building, and has now nearly completed a fine two-story structure with basement, covering an area of 24x24 feet. The basement is 14xlt; feet. Mr. .Spradling was married, June 4, 1844, to Miss Amy .T. Peterson. Slie was born Jul}' 18, 1827, in Franklin County. Ind.,and is the daughter of John and Edith (Clifton) Peterson, Ijoth natives of New Jersey. The mother was born in Salem County, Aug. 21, 1790, and married John Peterson, Jan. 12, 1812. Altera Cliristian life of nearly sixty- seven j'ears, during which period she had been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, she departed this life near Pliihi, 111., in September, 1877. John Peterson was born in 1794, became a man of note in his county and community, and was possessed of considerable means. He held the office of Trustee in the church, was a farmer by occupation, and died in Ciiampaign County, 111., in 1873. Theii' fouiteen children were, Mary A., Samuel, Benjamin, Henry, Sarah A., Elizabeth, John, Catherine, Einma J., Ruth, Charlotte, Clara, Annie M. and Hannah. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Spradling are as follows: Elizabeth E., born Sept. 4, 1845; Sarah A., Jan. 7, 1847; Hartley K., May 7, 1848; Emory, Aug. 2'J, 1841); Alpheus, May 18, 1851 ; Albert L., Sept. 30, 1854; Ami N., May 10, 1850; Stephen H., Sept. 18, 1857; George S., May 10, 1859; Kate S., July 25, 1801 ; PVank P., Nov. 30, 1860. Hart- ley Siiradling, the eldest son of our subject, mar- ried Miss Mary E. IJaker, Jan. 31, 1809, and they have six children — Willie II., Lillie L., Emily, Claude E., John H. and Archie. Hartley is engaged in farming. Emma married Francis L. Harrington, Jan. 28, 1872, and both are now deceased; they left one child, Claude L. Alpheus married Miss Emma Turner, IJec. 25, 1872, and is now deceased; he left two children — Emmet T. and Etta M. Sarah A. married Harvey Cunningham, March 25, 1877, <■ and they have two children — Emma J. and Fred- die A.; Albert L., born Sept. 30, 1854, married Miss Hannah Owens, Sept. 14, 18,S0, ami lives in Bellertower Township; Ami N. was l)orn May 10, 1850, and married Mrs. Ahneda Wimer, July 3, 1882; they have two children — Jessie M. and Pearl. Stephen H., born Sept. 18, 1857, was married to Miss Ella L. Phares, Feb. 21, 1882; Kate S. mar- ried Frank B. Phares, in 1884; P'rauk P., born Nov. 30, 1800, married Miss Bettie J. Taylor, Dec. 27, 1886. Mr. Spradling owns 24H acres of valuable land, which is under a fine state of cultivation. He has been connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church for a period of forty-six years, and the various members of his family belong to the same. Politically he is a straight Republican, and uni- formly casts his vote in support of the principles of his i)arty. ETER SCHERTZ, a reprcsent-itive Ger- I' man farmer and business man of Cheney's ^ Grove Township, was formerly a wagon- maker by trade, but of late years has turned his attention exclusivel}" to agricultural pursuits. He was born in the Province of Alsace, on the River Rhine, Aug. 18, 1833, and is the son of .loseph and Mary (Laman) Schertz, natives of the same Province as their son. The father of our subject followed farming all his life. He emigrat- ed to America in 1842, and at once located in Butler County, Ohio. He died in Tazewell Coun- ty, this State, in 1880, at the advanced age of eighty-seven years. The mother departed this life in Butler County, Ohio, in 1842, when l)ut little over thirty years of age. The seven children in the parental family were Joseph, Christian, John, Peter, Andrew, deceased, Andrew [2d] and Nich- olas. The subject of this history was but nine j'ears old when he emigrated with his i)arents to the United States. He came to Tazewell County, this State, in 1853, where he remained two years and then came to McLean County. After arriving at years of manhood he was united in marriage with i r 916 McLean county. 4 Miss Catherine Spriuiier, on the 20th of February, 1SG2, the ceremony being performed by Rev. Christian Gingerioh, of the Mennonite Churcli. Mrs. S. was born in Butler Comity, Oliio, Aug. 10, 1839, and is the daughter of Christian and Magda- lena (ingle) Springer, natives of France. They emigrated to America and located in Butler County, Ohio, whence they removed ten years later to Illinois. They took up their abode in the town of Danvers, this county, where they lived about twenty' years. Of their nine children, one died in infanc}'. Those living are Joseph, Peter, Christian, John, Andy, Melhida, Catherine and Mary. Our subject and his wife became the par- ents of the following named children: Emma E., Mary A., George C, Joseph, William, John E., Peter A., Daniel D. and Albert E. The homestead of Mr. Schertz includes "200 acres of finely cultivated land, with a handsome and sub- stantial set of frame buildings and .all the appli- ances required by the modern farmer and stock- raiser. Of late he has been giving much attention to the breeding of Norman horses. His stallion, Lewis, is six years old, weighs 1,800 pounds, is a bright b.ay in color, and of magnifieent proportions. Bob, a three-j'ear-old colt, is a remarkably fine ani- mal, of a jetty black, and a model of beauty and symmetry. The mare is half-Norman blood. Mr. Schertz is in all respects a representative farmer and business man of one of the wealthiest counties in the State, and has contributed his full share to- ward the agricultural interests of his section. He is a member of the Mennonite Church at Danvers, and contributed generously toward the erection of the fine church building there. Politically he is an earnest supporter of the Democratic party. UGH HENNING. The stdiject of this his- tory- has been a resident of McLean County since the 1st of March. 18(54, .and during a residence of over twenty-three years has identified himself with its agricultural and indus- trial interests, lie is i)leasantly located on section 22, Yates Township, where he carries on general farming, and is giving some attention to the rais- ing of fine stock. When our subject came to McLean County he purchased the southeast quarter of section 22, in Yates Townshi|), which constitutes a part of his present homestead. At the time of purch.ase his land was but slightly improved. To this he after- ward added .and industriously carried on its culti- vation, meeting with success in his labors. He now owns 240 acres of land, eighty acres of which lie on section 25. The farm residence and all other out- buildings about the premises are put up in a sub- stantial manner and fulfill all the requirements of a first-class agriculturist. The buildings and fences iire kept in good repair and his farm machinery is after the latest and most improved style. Mr. Henning was married on the 0th of April, 18G4, to Miss Elizabeth McK.ay. Of this union five children have been born — William, Robert and Nettie (twins), Edith and .lames Elmer (twins). The residence of our subject and his family is finely finished and well furnished, and its inmates enjoy .all the comforts of life. Mr. H. is Repub- lican in politics and is highly esteemed both as a business man and a citizen. ETER S. (JERBER, formerly an esteemed resident of Oak Grove Vill.age, this county, in March, 1887, removed to Woodford County, this State. He was born in Mont- gomery Township, Woodford County, Nov. 15, 1840. and is the son of Joseph and Magdalena (Sommers) Gerber, the former born M.ay 6, 1806, in i^'rance. On the 10th of November, 1830, Joseph Gerber sailed for America, landing in New York City on the 10th of February following. From there he proceeded to Canada to visit a friend. Christian Farney by n.Tiiie, and ten d.ays later started for Stark County, Ohio, where he worked as a w.agon- maker. There also he met his future wife. Miss Magdalena Sommers, and they were united in mar- riage on the 11th of January, 1835. Mrs. G. was born on what was called the Sommers' Farm, in ■► ■ » I ^i t •►^■-^^ .L. McLean county. 917 France, Aug. 2, 1815. After their marriage the young people moved into Tnsearaw.is County, Ohio, where Mr. (;.,in partnership with iiis brother- in-law, C. Singerick, purchased a farm which they conducted together until 1838. In May of the fol- lowing year Joseph Cerber came to Woodford County, this .State, and purchased 240 .acres of land in Montgomery Township, which he was occupied in cultivating and improving until his death, uhich event occurred Feb. 21, 1881. He was a man of great force of character, became thoroughly Ameri- canized, and w.is a stanch Republican in politics. Both parents were members of the Meiinonite Church. The nntther is still living on the old homestead in AVoodford Count}'. They were among the earliest pioneers of that section and the father of our subject contributed materially to its growth and development, witnessing with keen in- terest the man}' and great changes which oc- curred during a period of over half a century. The ten children of the parental family were named as follows: Christian, Jacob, John, Anna, Joseph, Peter, P^li, Samuel, Elizabeth and Daniel. The subject of our sketch was reared on his father's farm in \Yoodford County, 111., and re- ceived his education in the pioneer schools. He re- mained with his parents until attaining his majority, and on the 19th of January, 18G9, wa.s united in marriage with Miss Catherine Habecker. Soon after- ward the young couple came to this county and lo- cated on the farm given our subject by his father, which they occupied until November, 1879. They then sold it and removed to the village of Oak Grove, where they lived until March, 1887, and from there returned to the Woodford County farm of 160 acres, which Mr. G. repurchased at $48.50 per acre. The Oak Grove farm property was ex- changed for a house and lot in town. While a resident of Oak Grove Township, Mr. Gerber interested himself in its local affairs and was elected to the office of Road Commissioner for three years. In his late removal the citizens of Oak Grove have lost a valued member of the communit}' and Woodford County has been the gainer. The wife of our subject, also a native of Wood- ford Count}', this State, was born June 8, 1818. Her parents were John and Magdaleua Habecker. 4' The former was born in the old Province of Pfalz, Germany, in October, 1824. He endgrated to America in 1832, landing in the city of New Or- leans, and from there migrated to Butler County, Ohio, and was there married. His wife, M.igdalena Habecker, was born in France, in February, 1 823, and emigrated to the United States when a young girl seventeen years old, landing, as did her hus- band, lirst in New Orleans, and thence going into Butler County, Ohio. After their marriage the young coujilc proceeded westward, stopping first in Peoria, 111., and going from there into Wood- ford County whence, after a brief residence, they re- moved to Tazewell County, and not long afterward purchased a farm in McLean County. There the old folk lived until the death of the father, which took place in the fall of 1878. The mother after- ward mari'ied Blr. J. Stuckey, and is still living. The six children of the parental household were named Barbara, Catharine, John, Christian, Joseph and Magdalena. Mr. and Mrs. Gerber of this notice, have one child only, a daughter, Erbina. UGH ROBB, local editor of the Hey worth Standard, has been connected with the paper in that capacity since January, 1882. ^^ The /Standard is a weekly, the mechanical work of which is done in the city of Bloomington. ]\lr. Robb has conducted his department of this journal with ability and success. He is a smooth and easy writer and is especially successful in col- lecting interesting local items. The Standard has a circulation of about 500, and has become quite indispensable to its readers. Mr. Robb was born in W.aynesville, DeWitt Co., 111., Sept. 3, 184G. He remained in his native county until July, 1871, when he became a resident of Ileyworth, which has since been his home. He received his education in the public schools of his native town, where he acquitted himself creditably, being a studious youth, fond of his books, and tak- ing pride in the acquirement of useful knowledge. He first engaged in the grocery trade in Hey worth for about four years, afterward becoming drug clerk for Mr. Shelton, whose biography appears else- n t 918 McLEAN COUNTY. where in tliis work, imd still linlils that position, his editorial duties ocfii|)ying onl}' a part of iiis time. Mr. Kobb was married in Ilejworth, Feb. 2(1, 1881, to .Aliss N. J. Scrog'gy, who was born in Indiana. Slie came West to Illinois when a young woman, and liy her marriage with our subject has become the mother of two ehildixin — Earle A. and J. H. L. Mr. and Mrs. I»ol)b are members of the Presbyterian Church, and have been members of the choir since 1878. Politically our subject is a solid Republican and takes an active interest in the success of his party. Socially he belongs to the 1. O. O. F., Heyworth Lodge No. 483, of which he is permanent Secretary, and at present represents the Grand Lodge. —^ ^4^ "^ "17 UKE CARNELL, of Blue Mound Township, I /^ has been a resident of McLean County /I'— ^Vi since 18.54, and is now comfortably located on section 33. Here he has a snug farm of eightj' acres, under a high state of cultivation, with hand- some and substantial buildings, and all the acces- sories of a first-class agriculturist. His premises in all respects indicates the supervision of a thorough farmer and business man, and is one of the spots which attracts the attention of the traveler p.issing through the county. The subject of oui- sketch was born in Hamp- shire County, W. Va., Sept. 25, 1825, being the son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Parker) Carncll, na- tives re.spectively of Maryland and Virginia. They settled in Hampshire County, in what is now West Virginia, and in 1 83',) removed to Ohio, locating in Fayette County. Thence in 1854 they came to the Prairie State and took up their abode in Ar- rowsmith Township, where they spent the remain- der of their lives. Of their ten children, the sub- ject of our sketch was the fourth in order of birth, and was about twelve 3'ears old when his parents removed from his native State to Ohio. He came with them to this county and remained under the home roof until he was thirty-six years old. He then married and located in Arrowsmith Township, where he engaged in farming for a time, removing 4* from there to Martin T<)wnship, where he operated the " Ilarpole faiin " three years. He came into Blue Mound Township in the spring of 1873; here he soon erected a good house, which was destroyed liy lire March 2(1, 1879, together with the furniture and clothing of the family. Mr. Carnell, however, did not suffer this disaster to overcome hitn, but the following spring erected another and finer one, which is universally admired by everyone passing through that section. His main barn and other out-buildings correspond with the dwelling, and the entire homestead forms an attractive spot which is at once a delight to the eye, and a testimonial to the thrift and taste of its proprietor. A view of the place is shown on another page of this work. Mr. Carnell was married in Arrowsmith Town- ship, May 23, 18i;i, to Miss Harriet O'Neal, who was born in Ross County, Ohio, July 1, 1839. She was the youngest of eight children of Samuel and Martha (Cogel) O'Neal, who emigrated from Ohio to Illinois in 1857, settling in West Township, this count}', where they died, the fatlier about 1865 and the mother about 1802. Mr. and Mrs. Car- nell have bectmie the i)areuts of seven children, namely. Ellen, Armilda, Daniel. Mary E., Frank, Willie and Cl.ara B. Daniel and Willie are de- ceased ; Ellen is the wife of Smith Bane, and re- sides in Arrowsmith Township; Armilda is the wife of David Merwin, and lives in Padua Town- ship. Mr. Carnell is Republican in polities, and has been School Director in his township for many years. "^ R. HALDEMAN, manufacturer of granite and marble monuments, also all kiijds of mantels and grates, occupies Nos. 301 and 303 South Main street, Bloomington, where he is carrying on a successful and lucrative busi- ness. Our subject is a native of the Buckej'e .State and was born July 10, 1830. His parents were John and Mary (Jones) Haldeman, his father of Pennsylvania ;ind his mother of Ohio, the former of stanch German ancestry and the latter of Scotch- Irish. In his younger days John Haldeman was engaged in general teaming over the mountains from Pittsburgh to Baltimore, transporting all ■•► i 1. <^ McLEAN COUNTY. 919 kinds of merchandise. lie went to Ohio before liis marriage and located upon a farm near Zanes- ville. Selling out in l.s:51, in the meantime hav- ing been married, he started out with a six-horse " prairie schooner," accomiianied by his wife and six children, for tlie prairies of Illinois. He made his first location in La Salle County, purchasing about 1,000 acres C)f Land, near tlie town of Streator, where he established a permanent home, and en- gaged in general farming until his death, which took place in 1837. The mother is still living, and at present resides in Missouri. The parental fam- ily included six children, only three of whom .are now living: James, of Kansas City; Marietta, Mrs. Johnson, of Vernon County, Mo., and our subject. Mr. Haldeman of our sketch remained with his parents until he was twenty-six years old, and dur- ing the latter |)art of the time assumed the man- agement of his fatlier's farm. In I -^>$^ t ■j^EV. ROBERT CONOVER, Pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Lexington, 111., has been a resident of McLean County thirtj'- "^ one years, since the spring of 185G, when he located in Bloomington. He was born July 3, 1823, in "Jersey Settlement," now Carlyle Station, Franklin Township. Warren Co., Ohio. His parents, Geoi-ge and Mary (Dubois) Cono- ver, were among the early settlers of that part of the Miami Valley. They were of Huguenot ances- try, who came to America and first settled at King- ston, Ulster Co., N. Y., about the year 1660, having fled from France to escape the religious persecution waged against the Protestants by the Roman Cath- olics. The family, as it increased, spread out over Eastern New York and New Jersey, and finally one branch immigrated from New Jersey and formed what has ever since been known .as the " Jersey Settlement" in the Miami Vallejs where many of their descendants still remain. Our subject was bereaved of his father when fif- teen months old, and of his mother when eight years of age. From the death of his mother until twenty-one years <>f .age, he lived in the families of his uncle and a cousin. He united with the Pres- byterian Church of Franklin, Ohio, in his nine- teenth year, and at the age of twenty-one com- menced studying for the ministry at Centre College, D.anvilie, Ky., where he graduated June 28, 1849. He studied theology two years at Princeton, N. J., and one year with Dr. Nath.an L. Rice, in Cincinnati, Ohio, and was licensed to preach the Gospel April 26, 1851, by the Presby- tery of Transylvania, Ky. .His first ministerial charge was a mission church in Cincinnati. Ohio, while he was a student with Dr. Rice. He then es- tablished a school and organized a church at North \\ i u 920 McLEAN COUNTY. i Salem, Iiul., where he labored for three years, and then returned to Cincinnati on :ieet>unt of an afflic- tion from which his wife was sntfering. Tliere he labored fifteen moliths, a part of the time as tem- porary* supply of the Seventh or Broadway CHiurch, and the remainder as State supply' of th-t newly organized Presbyterian Church of C'uiuuiinsville, a suburb of the city. Mr. Conover. in June, 1.S5G, came to IJlooniing- ton, III., established a female seniinar3', and also organized a I'resliyterian Ciiurch at Towanda, which he sni)plied while carrying on the school. lie continued the school eigliteen years, until 1875, then removed to Towanda, where he remained un- til February, 1878, having served that church as stated supply for nearly tweut3'-two years. Since February, 1878, now over nine years, ho has con- tinued in the pastorate work with the church at Lexington. On the 3nth of March, 1852, Rev. Robeit Cono- ver was married to Miss Harriet Hilts, daughter of William D. Hilts, of Springdale, Hamilton Co., Ohio. Mr. Hilts also located at IJIoomington, 111., in the spring of 1857, and improved a farm at To- wanda, where four of his sons still reside. Mr. Conover and wife have been highly favored in being permitted to share their labors together without interruption for a period of over thirty- five years, and still have health and strength for active work. He is now the only minister in cou- nection with the Presbytery of Bloomingtou [which includes the counties of McLean, De Witt, I'iatt, Champaign, ^'ermilion, Iroquois, Livingston and a |)art of Wo<^dford] who lias been continuously in this same field for over thirty-one years. 22 .t McLEAN COUNTY. stock. Mr. Dillon is .also largely interested in the Northwest Texas Norman Horse Company, of Al- bany, Tex., where tiie company own 18,000 acres of land, and have their ranch stocked with over 4,f)00 head of liorses. Mr. Dillon has l>een remark- ably suecessfnl in business and novv enjoys a com- petency, lie has been an upright, useful member of society, was formerly a Republican in politics, but is now a Prohibitionist. In religious matters he gives his princi|>;d sujiport and eneour.agement to the Christian Clnncli. Mr. and Mrs. Dillon l)(«came the [jarents of six children, as follows: Melvin F., Leo A., Alpheus A.; Carrie A., now Mrs. Oris Milliken; Jessie IM. •and Hoy II. The family residence is beautifully located, and both within and without is indicative of (•ultivated tastes and ample means. The family are highl}' esteemed in the community, and enjoy the friendshi|)of the first people of McLean County. I- -* GE0R(;E ^y. KNOTTS, one of the oldest merchants of Lexington, has continued the longest in this business of any gentleman now in the place. He is a native of West Vir- ginia, his birthplace being near Clarksburg, Harri- son County, and the date thereof March 21, 1814. His father, Levi Knotts, a native of JNIaryland, was of English ancestry, and engaged in mercantile pur- suits the greater part of his life. In early manhood he was married to Miss liebecca Fling, a native of the Old Dominion, and they located there and p.assed the remainder of their lives. They became the parents of twelve children, ten daughters and two sons, all of whom lived to be men and women, married, and had families of their own, and scat- tered among different States and Territories. George W. Knotts was the youngest of his par- ents' family, and spent his childhood and youth under the home roof, receiving a fair education in the subsciiption schools. When twelve years old he began to serve his apprenticeship at the tailor's trade in Clarksburg, which occupation he followed for twenty-live years. He worked for a time in his native State as journeyman, and while a young man removed to Ohio in 1838, stopping in Mt. Sterling, Madison County. He was there married in 1840 to Miss Annis Oregory, and continued at his trade until the fall of 1844, when he removed with his family to McLean County, 111. Here he located in IJloemiington, and was employed Ijy D. D. Haggard in the clothing business. He continued in Bloom ington about seven years and in the spring of 1S52 removed with his family to Lexington, where he opened a store and has carried on a trade in general merchandise since that time. Mr. Knotts, since coming to Lexington, has thoroughly identified himself with its business in- terests and has taken an interest in ever^'thing per- taining to the welfare of the community. He was appointed Postmaster liy President Lincoln in 1862, serving three years and then resigning the position. In 1884 he w.as .ag;iin ap|)ointed under Arthur's administration and held the office until the 1st of July, 1886. He luas also served as Justice of the Peace and in other respects has been prominently identified with public affairs. In former years he was an old-line Whig but now uniformly casts his vote with the Republican party. Airs. Annis (i. Knotts was the daughter of Jehial (Gregory of Mt. Sterling, Ohio, and by her marri.age with our subject became the mother of nine chil- dren, all of whom arc deceased but two daughters: Helen M. is the wife of F. INI. Smith of Lexington, and Emmri (!. remains with her i)arents at home. Mr. Knotts belongs to Lexington Lodge No. 482, A. F. & A. M. He cast his first presidential vote for Oen. Harrison and has voted for every Whig and Republican candidate for President since that time. '->^^^:^:i?H^t>^-^ (jp^ AIMUEL A. STOOPS is Supervisor of Blue ^^^^ Mound Township, .and owns a comfortable (ll/_^) homestead on section 32. He is the sou of John Stoops, who was born in Westmore- land County, Pa., and in early manhood married Miss Rosanna Kephart, of Maryland. After this event thej' settled in Faj'ette County, Ky., near Blue Lick Springs, where they lived a few years and then removed to Marion County, Ind., settling just east of Indianapolis, where the father followed agricultural pursuits and where both parents passed ■» 4 ' T, 'i t ■<^ ■► ■ 4» McLEAN COUNTY. 923 '\ the reniaiiirlcr of their days. John Stoops rleparted this life in 1854, the mother surviving until Feliru- ary, 1881. Their eleven ehililren consisted of six sons and five daugliters. The subject of this history, the third child of his parents, was born in Fayette County, Ky., April 22, 1881, and was but two years old when his par- ents removed to Marion County, Ind., where, after becoming of snitable age, he attended the common schools, receiving a limited education. He remained under the parental roof until he was twentj' years old, then set out to " paddle his own canoe." His first journey landed him in Fidton Count}', 111., where he located, and remained twelve months, then re- turned home and commenced to learn the trade of wagon-making. After gaining a good insight into the business he established a shop of his own in Ipava, 111., which he carried on for twelve 3'ears, then, wishing to change his occupation, he pur- chased a farm in Fulton County, which, however, he sold after a year, and in the spring of 18G7 made his advent into McLean County. Here he purchased 120 acres of land, to which he has since added forty acres, and which constitutes his present homestead. This he has greatly improved with good fencing and an excellent set of farm buildings, and has also brought the land under a good state of cultivation. A view of the place is presented on another page. After going into Fulton County, 111., our subject made the acquaintance of Miss Eleanor Clanin. which ripened into mutual esteem and affection, and their marriage was celebrated on the 21st of September, 1854. Mrs.' S. was born April 9, 1834, in Hamilton County, Ohio, being the daughter of Alford and Edith Clanin, and the eldest of a family of five children. Her parents were also natives of that county. Of the five children born to our sub- ject and his wife the record is as follows : Artha A., born June 22, 1856, is the wife of Henry Ellington, and lives in Colfax, 111. ; La Salle, born Sept. 19, 1858, married Miss Liltbie Brown, who died in Colfax in October, 1880; Elma, born Aug. 31, 1802, is the wife of Frederick Boston, and they are residents of Old Town Township; Theodore, born Sept. 17, 1867, and Amj' J., July 5, 1871, are at home with their parents. Our subject and his wife are worthy members and liberal supporters of. the Methodist Church. Politically Mr. S. lielongs to the Republican party. He was elected to his pi'esent office in the spring of 1882. and has held it continuously since that time. He has also served as School Director, Trustee and Assessor. '«'w-'>*a£fi/®^^| ^yv^^I/d7R''iT^- J\f^-^ \\ w. '/ONES r.HOS. Cyrus H. and Lewis Jones, prominent grain-dealers, living at Belle- flower, and Percival G., who is located at Le Roy, are the sons of Isaac W. Jones, one of the pioneers of De Witt County, this State. The father was biirn iu Clarke County, Ohio, Nov. 2. 1811, being the son of Stephen and Jemima Jones, who descended from AVelsh and English ancestry. The Jones family were early settlers of Clarke County, Ohio, whence they removed, in 1821, to Indiana, remaining in that State ten j'ears. In the S|)ring of 1831 the}' started overland for Illinois. They first settled four miles west of the jiresent site of AVaynesville, which was then included in JNIcLean County. There Stephen Jones purchased a tract of land, and established a comfortalde farm homestead, where he spent the remainder of his days. He lived to see the wilderness transformed into smiling homes, and took a deep interest in the growth of his adopted State. His death occurred in 1855. Isaac W. Jones was ten years of age when his parents removed to Indiana. He followed them when they came to this State, and remained under the parental roof until his marriage, in 1834, when he located with his young wife three and one-half miles northeast of Waynesville, De Witt County. There he entered 1 20 acres of wild land, which, how(jver, he did not take possession of at once, but hired twelve acres broken, and spent the first sum- mer after his marriage on the old homestead of his father. In the fall he raised a tent on his land, which the young couple occupied wliile the hus- band erected a log cabin. They lived in this hum- ble dwelling three years, and then Isaac Jones erected a frame house, the second one in that local- ity. His nearest gi-ain market for a number of years was Pekin, which involved a journey of three 1 f -<^ ,t iL !)24 McLEAN COUNTY. and one-half days in niakinj^ tlie mnnd trip. Wild game was plenty, deer roamed in sight of the house, and the wolves chased tlieir ehickens to the door. Isaac Jones lived there witii his family nntil lSo7, w'hen he sold ont and I'emoved to Funk's Grove Township. lie had been |)rosperous in his farm laliors, and now purchased aliout 100 acres of land in the latter-named place, which he made his pernninent home, iiis death fiecnrring .Sept. 18, 1808. The wife of Isaac W. Jones, who still survives iiim, was formerly' jNIi.ss Elniira McLaughlin. She was born in Clianipaign Country, Ohio, Aug. 12, 1817, and was the daughter of James W. McLaugh- lin, a native of Sc, where he departed this life Fell. 22, 187i). The mother died in July, 1K82. They had a family of ten children, who lived to maturity, while several otiu'rs died in infancy. Our subject came to this count}' with his parents, and with the exception of three years' service in the armv, lived at iiomc until his marriage. He en- listed as a Union soldier in August, 18()2, in Co. D, 1) Ith 111. Vol. Inf., .serving until the close of the warand receiving liis honorable discharge at S|)ring- field. III. Upon his leturn from the army, he re- -»-:■ I 4 McLean county. 927 sumed farming on the old homestead until January, 187G, when he settled with his wife on section 32, Blue Mound Township, where he has since lived. He has brought about great improvements since taking possession of his farm, the land being under fine cultivation, and upon it a good set of farm buildings. He is also the owner of forty acres in Blue Mound Township and sixty in Padua, all im- proved. Mr. Bingham was married in Padua Township, May 5, 1875, to Miss Hannah J., daughter of Henry and Deborah (Searles) Bedell, who were na- tives of Greene County, N. Y. They removed from the Empire State in the spring of I8G1, and settled in Padua Township, this county, where the father died March 21, 1884. The mother is still living. Mrs. Bingham was the eldest of their seven children and was born in Greene County, N. Y., March 4, 1841. Our subject has held vari- ous offices in his township, .and in politics was formerly a Reiiublican, but now is greatly inter- ested in the success of the temperance movement, and latterly has arraj'ed himself on the side of the Prohibitionists. Both he and his wife are members of the Society of Friends. A lithographic view of Mr. Bingham's residence is shown on another page of this work. AVID L. MEYERS, Supervisor of Gridley Township, is also engaged there as a hard- ware merchant, which business he has car- ried on successfully and profitably since and h.as become one of the important factors in the business interests of the town. Mr. Meyers is a native of Stettin, (iermany, and was born Maj^ 5, 1832. His parents were David L. and Barbara (Swartz) Meyers, natives of Ger- many, where the father carried on a vineyard and dealt largely in the fruit of the vine. The mother died in Germany in 1840, and the father in 187(5. Of their four children, John and Barbara are de- ceased, Christopher carries on a vineyai'd in Ger- many, and David L. is the sole representative of the family in this country. Mr. Meyers received a good common-school 4 * 1870, education in his native land, and when twenty years old set sail for the United States, landing in New York City, whence he soon afterward pro- ceeded to Wa3'^ne County, Ohio, where he was em- ployed .as a farm laborer for four years. In 185G he started farther westward, and coming into this State located in Will County, where he worked on a farm one year and then, renting a tract of land, farmed for himself. After two years he rented a f.arm in Tazewell County, 111., near Washington, which he cultivated three years. He then pur- chased a farm in Henry County, this State, upon which he lived one year, then sold out and moved into the village of Annawan, Henr3' Co., 111., and engaged in the luiuber trade, first as an employe and subsequently as proprietor of the yard. This he operated three years and then, purchasing a stock of hardware, engaged in trade at El I'aso, 111., in company with George and Samuel Zinser. They operated together for six years following, and after continuing in business at that pLace for three 3^ears longer he, in 1874, removed his stock of goods to (iriille3', and in company with Henry Sneerer carried on the business at that pl.ace. Mr. Meyers became sole proprietor of this in 1877, since which time he has continued alone. He con- trols a good trade and is classed among the model business men of the town. The marriage of David L. Meyers and Miss Catherine Zinser was celebrated in Washington, 111., on the Gth of January, 1860. Mrs. M. was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, and died one year after her marriage, on the anniversary of her wed- ding day. On the 13th of January, 18G2, Mr. Meyers was a second time married, his present wife having been Miss Mar3' Zinser, a sister of his first wife. Of this latter union there were born three children, of whom George and Edwin died in infancy. Edward L. lives at home. Our sub- ject and his family occupy a good residence in the village, and are greatly esteemed 1)3' the people of their conimunit3\ He was elected Sui)ervisor in April, 188G, and has been a member of the Vill.age Board for several years and also served as School Director. Both Mr. and Mrs. M. are members of the Evangelical Church, and politically our subject is a stanch Republican. -^ t 928 McLEAN COUNTY. t- In 1872 Mr. Meyers visited his native land and spent three months among his old friends and acquaintances. During the war he took two horses to Peoria, intending to dispose of them and enlist in the army, but not being able to sell them, re- tnrned to his home. Wj?ILLlAM B. HENLINE. Tiie Henlinc property is the i)ride of Lawndale Town- ship, and its proprietors are its most valued and estimable citizens. The subject of this sketch is a son of one of its earliest pioneers, John Hen- line, who pushed his wa.y dauntlessly into an uncul- tivated country, and has left behind him a record of which his descendants ma}- well be jjroud. William 11, youngest son and child of John and Mary Henline, first opened his eyes to the light in Boone County, Ky., Dec. 20, 1823. Five years later his parents removed to McLean County, 111., where our sul)ject has spent the greater part of his life. lie was reared to farming pursuits, received a limited education in the pioneer schools and re- mained under the h- ■» ! H<- McLEAN COUNTY. A 933 ii\ his death occurred April 16, 1860; the mother also died there in about 1873. Of tlie ten children in the i)areiital faniil3' Elias B. .lohnson was tlie seventh. He was reared to farm- ing |)ursuits, and lived with his parents in Fulton County until 18G;(, when lie came into Blue Mound Township, this county, and purchased eighty .acres of land on section 21, which comprises a part of his present homestead. He has brought .about great changes in the original condition of his purch.ase, and has added to its extent until he is now the owner of 240 .acres, all improved and under a good stiite of cultivation. He h.as .also erected a fine set of farm buildings, which he keeps in good repair. Everything about the premises, including the stock and machinery', is carefully looked after, and the homestead in all respects indicates the supervision of an intelligent and [irogressive mind. A view of the place is shown on another page. Mr. Johnson was first married in Fulton County, 111., Nov. 27, 18.50, to Miss Ph(ebe L.acey, who was a native of Michigan. One of their children, Juliett E., died in infancj-; the other, Lj'nian H., is a resi- dent of Blue Mound. Mrs. Fha'be .lohnsoii, who was the companion of her husband but three years, died in November, 1859. Our subject was again married, in Fulton Count3', 111., Dec. 31, 1863, to Miss Emma, daughter of William B. and fS.abina (Rowland) White, who was born in Virginia, Oct. 24, 1843. Of this m.arriage there were fonr chil- dren, one of whom died in infancy ; those surviving are Elmer H., Eva S. and Roy W. Mr. .Johnson has held various offices in his township, and uni- formly casts his vote with the Democratic party. I OHN DAWSON, a prominent and successful farmer of Lexington Township, was born in jMadison Count3', near the village of Mt. Sterling, Ohio, on the 4th of December, 1S20. His father, .lames R. Dawson, was a native of Bourbon County, Ky., born in 1794, and fol- lowed agricultural pursuits. The Dawson family were of Welsh extraction and emigrated to Amer- ica during the first settlement of Mrginia. The mother of our subject w.as Miss Mary, the daugh- r- ter of Albert and Margaret Ogden, an old and wealthy family of much influence in New York. James R. Dawson became a resident of Madison County, Ohio, when a 3'outh of fifteen years, and was married in 1817. He first farmed on rented land and then purchased 1.50 acres which he culti- vated and occupied until 1831. He then removed with his family to Illinois, and coming into Mc- Lean County in the fall of 1832 settled on a farm ne.ar the timber, one and one-half miles southwest of what is now the town site of Lexington, where he made a purch.ase of 240 acres and began its im- provement and cultivation. The purchase of this exhausted most of his ready means, Imt he was an excellent financier, turning everything to good account, and became very successful in his farm- ing and l)usiuess transactions. Three years after locating upon this homestead the family met with a severe affliction in the death of the wife and mother in 1837. The children, however, were mostly grown to mature years, and were twelve in number, nine bo3's and three girls. All are living, the 3'oungest being past forty-five years. James R. Dawson departed this life April 11, 1848. John Dawson was about twelve years of age when his i)arents left Ohio for Illinois. Most of his education was carried on in the Buckeye State, as there w.as no school in this vicinity at the time of his coming here, and he early commenced assisting his father in the labors of the farm. When twenty- two years old he started out in business for him- self upon eighty acres of raw prairie, which his fa- ther had purchased for him, and at the time of his marriage, two 3'ears later, was enabled to offer to his bride a comfortable home. This ladj' was Miss Arramintia Adams. She w.as born in Boone County, K3'., and was the daughter of Mathew Adams, who removed from the Blue Grass region to McLean County in 1838. Our subject w.as prospered in his farming operations and fortunate ju his investments, and in due time found himself the possessor of 600 acres of valuable land. Of this 400 acres was prairie, for which he paid $20 per acre, and which furnished a fine range for the cattle which he afterward dealt in extensivel3', and realized a handsome income from his purchases and sales. During the first ten 3'ears he worked aim _^ he nd nd I jstT ►Hi- &34 ~A McLean county. night and day to establish hiinMll upon a firm busi- ness footing and lay up something for a rainy day. In 1875, on .account of failing health, he took a trip to California, where lie remained four j'ears and returned greatly improved, .and since that time has lived comparatively retired. His i)ossessions now consist of 340 acres of good land, a handsome and substantial farm dwelling, with a fine barn and all necessary out-ljuildings. Some of his property took wings on account of his going security to the amount of 18,262.50, of which he had to p.ay 20 per cent, but he liquidated this debt of honor to the last penny, and is now living in the enjoy- ment of a competency. Our subject and his wife became the parents of eight children, four sons and four daughters. Onl}' two of the sons survive — Thomas A., who is mar- ried and a resident of Clienoa Township, and Orlando F., at home. Mr. Dawson politically is a Jeffersonian Democrat and uniformly votes to up- hold the principles of his party. Mr. Dawson is a member of the Christian Church and his wife belongs to the United Brethren. The brothers and sisters which constitute the parental fatnilj' of our subject are recorded as fol- lows: Albert is a resident of Del Norte, Col.; John, of this county ; Croghan and Samuel reside in Lex- ington, and George is in Kansas; Cynthia became the wife of Shadrach Kemp ; Margaret married Will- iam Wroe, and resides in McLean County near Lexington; James M. lives in Chenoa Township; Lafayette is a Judge of the Territory of Alaska; Philander is in Kansas City, Mo. ; Mary became the wife of Daniel Underwood, also of Kansas City. "HUliZ/lS^^ ^SfSJx^w*^- <;y]AMES V. MrCrLLOUGlI, (me of McLean C^ounty's prominent citizens and first-class fririners, resides on section 12, I.,exington Township. His parents, Robert and Louisa (Moore) McCullough, were Ixirn in Washington Couiitj-, Pa., where they lived until 1857. In the spring of that year they came to this county, first tak- ing up their residence at Bloomington, where they lived one year, then removed to a farm on section 1, in Lexington Township. There they lived and labored until the spring of 18(38, when they re- moved to Normal Township, and after a residence there of six years returned to Lexington Township, where they made their home until their death. The father died in M.a}', 1877, and the mother in De- cember, 1882, Their nine children are recorded as follows: Obadiah is a farmer of Blue Mound Township ; Robert w.as a member of the 20th Illinois Infantry, and died of typhoid fever at Mound City, III. ; Mary J. is living in Blue Mound Town- ship; James V., our subject, was the fourth child; Louisa died in Washington County, Pa., in 1856; Ard is a resident of Lexington Township; David died in Lexington Township in 1883; John is a resident of one of the western Territories, and Frances died in Lexington Township, in i lay, 1862. Our subject w.as born in Washington County, Pa., June 2, 1846, and was about eleven 3'ears of age when his [)arents came to this county. Here he completed his schooling and was reared to the calling of a farmer, which vocation he has followed thus far in life, with the exception of the time he spent in the army. He enlisted Oct. 24, 1863, in the 8th Illinois Infantry, and served until May 4, 1866, when he returned to his home in Lexington Township and again entered upon the peaceful pursuits of f.arming. He is the owner of 180 acres of good land and is meeting with success in the prosecution of his vocation. Mr. McCullough was married in Bloomington, 111., Jan. 23. 1877, to Miss Mary A., daughter of William and Eliza J. (Moore) Power, natives of Westmoreland County, Pa. The parents of Mrs. McCullough moved from Pennsylvania to this county in 1856. After liv- ing here a year, they went back to the Keystone State, where the mother died in 1858, The father again came to this county and h.as made tiiis his home until the present time. Three children were born to ISIr, and Mrs, Power and named, Maiy A,, Jane C, .and John M, J.ane died in infancy and John is a resident of this count}-. Mrs. McCullough was born in Westmoreland County, Pa., Sept. 18, 1845, and by her union with our subject has be- come the mother of three children — Fr.ances L., Linden, and one who died in infancy. Mr. Me- i i 1 .t- ^ ■ <• McLEAN COUNTY. 937 4' Cullough has held the office of School Director of his township, and socially is a member of the G. A. R., belonging to Post No. "240, of Lexington. In politics he is a stanch Republican. , EY. FATHER M. WELDON, Rector of the Hol3' Trinity Church of Bloomington, is one of the most highly respected citizens of jlthis locality, and hy his useful life and cour- teous demeanor has gathered around him a circle of warm friends, not alone including those of his own parish but embracing the comnumitj' at large. Father Weldon was born in the city of New Orleans, La., in 184.5, received his education in Grand Seminary of that city, and was ordained in 1870, his first charge being in Jackson, La. On account of failing health he w.as forced to abandon it, and coming North, became an assistant in the parish of Monmouth, 111., with which he was con- nected the following nine mouths. He was then trans- ferred to Keithsburg, and after eleven months spent there, returned to Monmouth, whence, after ten months, he was sent to Bloomington, and has been Rector of the Catholic Church in this cit^^ since .luly 2, 1879. Father Weldon found the church here in a gloomy condition, with an indebtedness of $46,000 and the church building unfinished. Although realizing the heav}' burden placed upon him, he at once set to work to retrieve the condition of his people here. His earnest zeal in the cause to which he had devoted his life and his excellent personal traits of character paved the way for his complete success in his undertaking. During the years fol- lowing, besides relieving the church from a part of its indebtedness, he has effected the reseating of the building, put in steam heating apparatus, laid walks around the block included in the church property, which contains the parochial residence, school, etc., and in 1885 erected the present school building with all modern im|)rovements. It was built of brick at a cost of $21, .582. 85. In this he established a free parochial school, equipped with a force of ten Sisters as teachers, and which now has an attendance of 600 pupils. Connected with the church Is St. Joseph's Academy for girls, under the charge of Sister Emalda, Superior. The parish now includes about 500 families. Father Weldon has two assistants. Fathers (.^uinn and O'Dwyer. The original church was built on the ground now occupied by the parochial residence, under the ministrations of Father O'Gara in about 1868. The edifice was destroyed by a hurricane, and the present church, commenced by Dr. McGovern, was enclosed by Father McDermott in 1878. By private sub- scriptions and fairs Father Weldon, after building the school-house and adding other permanent im- provements, has reduced the indebtedness to $25,- 015.12. He prepares a general statement each 3'ear of the church and school for his people, so that they may be satisfied with the disbursement of funds and his management. In looking up the statements we find the following interesting facts : $56,545.92 have been paid on permanent improve- ments, interest and old debt, and $10,940 for edu- cational purposes, making a grand total of $67,- 485.92 expended for the work done for seven j'ears. The present cost of the church property In this city, including the school and residence, is over $135,000. A page view of the church, parsonage and school buildings is shown on an adjoining page. Father Weldon has exhibited more than ordinary unselfishness in his labors, and his unostentatious life is worthy of the highest praise. <^m- eROGHAN DAWSON, an extensive land- holder of this county and residing at Lex- ington, is entitled to a place among the old settlers of this county, having come here in Decem- ber, 1832, from Madison County, Ohio, where he was born on a farm near Mt. Sterling, Oct. 10, 1822. The father of our subject, James R. Daw- son, was a Kentuckian by birth, and first saw light in Bourbon County, in 1794. His father, grand- father of Croghan, was killed by the Indians while on his way from Virginia to Kentucky. The Daw- sons were of Welsh extraction and the great-great- grandfather of our subject was born in Wales, but became a citizen of the United States, locating in Virginia. He was twice married, having sixteen k t. t 938 McLEAN COUNTY. n children by each of his two marriages — making him the father of thirty-two children. The strange part of it is that they all lived to attain the age of manhood and wonianliood, and the father at the time of his demise h.ad reached the age of one liundred and twenty-eight years. He dropped dead while carrying a basket of corn to his pigs. James R. Dawson, the father of our subject, was a soldier in the War of 1812. He reared a family of twelve cliildren, all of whom are living at this writing. He came to this county with his family in tiie fall of 1832, and settled on the south side of Mackinaw Creek in Money Creek Township, where he purchased two eighty-acre tracts of land. On this land he located with his family and engaged in farming, where he met with success and where he remained until his death, in April, 1848. The maiden name of liis wife was Mary Ogden, daugh- ter of Albert Ogden, of Ohio. She died in this county in about 1834. Of the twelve children, two are living in Kansas City; one in Alaska; the other nine in this county. La Fayette, the son living in Alaska, holds the position of Supreme Judge, to which lie was appointed by President Cleveland. He is the only lawyer in the family. Croghan Dawson is the third child of his parents, and was but ten years of age when he .accompanied them to this county. His schooling thereafter was received in the pioneer log school-house, and his years were p.assed on his father's farm until he was twenty, when he went to work for himself. He had prior to tiiis age, boiiglit small tracts of land, and on becoming his own man, woiked his land for a time, and finally traded it for an eighty-acre tract in Money Creek Township. On this he locat- ed and kept "liaeh" witii iiis brother, John, until the latter w.as marri(Ml ; our subject then lived with him two years, and until concluding that he would join the army of benedicts himself, which he did on the 2d of February, 1847, being then married to Elizabeth Haner. Mrs. Dawson had been brought to this county from Oliio, by her parents in 1820, when an infant of three weeks old. After marriage, Mr. Dawson settled north of Lexington on a farm that he had improved vvhile keeping "bach." On tills phu-e he eng.aged in general farming and stock-raising on a small scale, being then the proprietor of but little of this world's goods. He soon sold this place to his brother John, and then entered 185 acres to which he aftei'- ward added forty acres, and where he made his home for fifteen years. He subsequently bouglit 467 acres more adjoining his farm, which gave him a total of 842 acres of land all in a body, and which he still owns. On this large farm our sub- ject has six dwelling-houses. He rents out a por- tion of his land, and cultivates the remainder with the assistance of his son. In 18,58, on the completion of tlie C. & A. K. R. Mr. Dawson engaged in the buying and shipping of hogs, cattle, sheep and horses. During the war he carried on this business quite extensively, and gradually increased his exchequer, and was thus occupied until 1870, when he settled up his busi- ness and abandoned that branch of his vocation. In 1877 he emliarked in the breeding of Norman horses on a small scale. He now has two imported stallions and four imported mares, all registered in the National Herd Book, together with some fine yearling colts. In the fall of 1884 our suliject leased the farm and moved into the village of Lexington, where he has since resided. Politically Mr. Dawson is a Democrat, and voted for Andrew J.ackson. He and his wife are devoted members of the United Brethren Church at Lexington, and our subject is Assistant Superintendent of the Sunday-school at that place. Mr. and Mrs. Dawson reared an inter- esting family of children, all of whom with one exception are living, and are respected members of society, living up to the parental precepts in a manner refiocting credit upon their early training. 'iJ'V?< I. ^^t^j^-sr- ELLIS DILLON, importer and breeder of French draft horses, is not onl}- a leading citizen of McLean County but is numbered among the leading stock men of the State. Of his ancestors little is known except that the Dillons have been residents of the United States for sev- eral genei-ations. The father of our subject, Jesse Dillon, was a native of North Carolina, but when a young man removed with his parents to Clinton -p^m^4» i u " >» ■ 4* McLEAN COUNTY. 939 i' County, Ohio. He was thei-e married to Hannah Pugh, who was born in South Carolina, and removed with her p.irents to Ohio tlie same year that the Dil- lons settled there. Jesse Dillon was a blacksmith by trade, and also owned and cultivated a small farm in Ohio until 1821. He then took a trip to Illinois and traveled over considerable territory, following the Indian trail with a pocket compass, and exam- ining the country. Returning to Ohio he contin- ued to reside there until 18-22, when he again came to Illinois and selected Tazewell County as his fu- ture home, and the following year, 1823, moved his famil}' there. He soon constructed a rude log cabin, in which the family passed the winter of 1823. They had no neighbors except the Indians for many miles around and the father hauled corn from Elkhart, III., which he crushed and which the good wife made into corn cakes for the sustenance of the family. They nevertheless had plent}' of fish and wild game, and the winter being mild they did not suffer. In the spring of 1824 Jesse Dillon erected a double log house in Tazewell County, which af- forded them a convenient and commodious place of shelter. The previous summer two brothersi Nathan and William, came from Sangamon County 111., where they had lived one year, and his brothers and sisters from Ohio came that year and settled in his neighborhood. When the township was formed it w.as named in honor of Jesse Dil- lon. The first post-offlce in the township was Dil- lon, and also a creek in that township bears the famil}' name. Jesse and Hannah Dillon were the parents of seven sons and four daughters, six of whom are now deceased, and of the five sons liv- ing, our subject is the oldest. Ellis Dillon was born in Clinton County, Ohio, March 25, 1816, and at the age of seven years came with his parents to this State. His 0nvly edu- cation w.as somewhat limited on account of the lo- cation of the family in a wild and undeveloped country, where no public school facilities existed. But Ellis D. possessed ambition, and being en- dowed with a good supply of common sense, lie not onl}' gained information from practical observ- ation, but studied at home. His early life was passed on the farm, and on attaining the age of 4» manhood for seven years he was engaged in running a sawmill. Abandoning the latter business he en- gaged in farming on Dclavan Prairie, Tazewell County, in which he met with -success. Like his father he was exceedingly fond of horses. In 1854 he sold his farm and removed to Bloomington. At that time he owned a flue imported French draft horse and had about $10,000 in cash. From the time he made Bloomington his home he has turned his attention to the breeding and sale of horses. In 1866 our subject moved to Normal, but had before this time associated himself with his two nepliews, Isaac and Levi Dillon, and established the firm of E. Dillon & Co. In 1870 this firm im- ported four horses, and in 1872 Adolphus Dillon, son of our subject, was admitted as a partner in the business, and that year the firm imported twelve horses. After that they imported eleven lots of horses and met with signal success in the conducting of their business. Our sub- ject has visited France twelve times for horses thus crossing the Atlantic Ocean twenty-four times. The firm spoken of dissolved partnership in 1883. Mr. Dillon is at present the owner of a fine farm of 250 acres adjoining the city of Normal, for which he paid $22,000. He has added many fine improvements to the place since he has owned it, and it is now one of the finest farms to be found within the boundary lines of the State, and al- though he is still a dealer in horses he is enabled to live a somewhat retired life, enjoying his handsome competency. His business career has been marked and successful, and to each of his children he has given liberally from his exchequer. Politically he was, from boyhood, opposed to slavery, and dur- ing the time of the Fugitive Slave Law helped the negroes over the Underground Railroad to a place of safety. When the Republican party came into existence he joined its ranks and is still a stanch supporter of its principles. Four years he held the office of Supervisor in Tazewell County, and for two years held the same office in this county. He has been a member of the Christian Church since 1838, and has never united with any secret society. Mr. Dillon has been three times married. In 1836 Mary J. Fisher became his wife. She was a t t 940 McLEAN COUNTY, -^l daughter of James Fisher, a settler in Tazewell County, and lived only tvvo short years after her marriage, leaving one child who died when eleven years old. In 1833 Mr. Dillon was married to Mary Hodgson, who died in 1844 without issue. Feb. 24, 1845, our subject formed another matri- monial alliance, Miss Martha Fisher, a sister of his first wife being the other contracting party. Of this union five children have been born, two dying in infancy; one, a daugiiter, .Sarah, became the wife of Ruben Bright, and departed this life in 1881. The other two were Adolphus, who was married, Nov. 20, 1873, to Aliss Paulina Britt, and resides in Normal, and Emma, who is at home with her parents. ^;;- V yr.., LVAN PACKARD, uf Bloomington Town- f^LJl, ship, one of the most prominent and suc- cessful farmers of this region, is the pos- sessor of 167 acres of finely cultivated land located on section 11, and near the city limits of Bloomington. In connection with his farming operations he is giving much attention to the breeding of fine stock, in which he h.as been suc- cessful, and exhibits some of the choicest animals to be found in the county. Mr. Packard located on his present homestead in 1 865, having purchased it the year previous. He commenced at the foot of the ladder, and has ac- cumulated his present jwssessions solely by the ex- ercise of industry and economy. When he came to his farm it was a tract of unini|)roved land and it has taken years of laborious and persevering toil to bring it to its present condition, and he is fully justified in viewing the result of his labors with pride and satisfaction. Our subject was born in Millbury, Worcester Co., Mass., Sept. 19, 1821. His father, Job Pack- ard, was a native of Bridgewater, Plymouth Co., Mass., and descended from one of the prominent families of that section who assisted in establishing and maintaining tiie independence of the colonies. They were originally from England, the first repre- 4» sentatives of the family in this country being among the Puritan settlers in Massachusetts, and they occupy a position among the most prominent of the old families of Plymouth Count}". More than 1,000 of that n.ame are registered in the town of Bridgewater. Job Packard, the father of our subject, died at his home in Millbury on the 17th of August, 1836. He was prominent in the affairs of his community, was a Whig in politics, and an active member of the Congregational Society. After his decease, in 1849 the mother of our subject came West, and locating at Princeton, Bureau Co., 111., died there on the 17th of February, 1868. She was an affec- tionate wife and mother and a zealous Christian, and left behind her a record of good deeds and womanly virtues. Her name is held in kindly re- membrance by a large circle of friends and ac- quaintances to whom she had endeared herself by generous acts of kindness and her excellent traits of character. Alvan Packard, our subject, was the youngest son of thirteen children, of whom four sons and four daughters lived to mature years. He remained under the parental roof and received his early edu- cation in the old academy at Leicester, Jlass. He was a bright and studious boy, fond of his books, and ambitious to excel, and while yet a young man became a civil engineer and a teacher in the schools of his native State. At the age of twenty- two years he was employed by the Hartford & Springfield Railroad Co. to assist in surveying their line and subsequently on the Worcester & Nashua Railroad, and also the road between New London and Palmer. In 1849 he decided to visit the Western country, and accordingly started for the prairies of Illinois. He purchased a farm in Taze- well County, and after working upon it for nearly two years, became connected with the Military Tract, now the C, B. & 0- K- R-< ^'ifl ^'^s en- gaged on a division of that road for some time as civil engineer. While thus occupied he was solic- ited by Mr. R. 1>. Mason, Chief Engineer on the Illinois Central, to take a similar position on their road. He was connected with the first division during the building of the road, and had charge as resident engineer in the spring of 1853. He after- -•^-■-^ i <4- 1 ^^ V — --^ f ■f^" t. •►-B-^*- McLEAN COUNTY. 943 r ward came to Bloomiiigton, III., and was subse- quently employed by the Missouri & Pacific Com- pany, who were then tlie managers of what was called the Brough Road. Mr. Schuyler, the finan- cial manager of the road, failed to meet his obliga- tions and business on that line suspended indefinite- ly, so that Mr. Packard, with many others, lost his situation. He then went to Macon County, and while at Decatur was employed for a few months on the Great Western Railroad. He subsequently purchased a farm in ^Voodford County. While in Woodford County, Mr. Packard was united in marriage with Miss Estiier J. Rannej', the weddiug taking place on the 27th of March, 1855. Mrs. P. was born and reared in Stockbridge, Vt., and came West with her parents when a child eight years of age. Of her marriage with our subject there have been born eigiit children, as follows: Lenora R., Charles A., Almira E., Luella M., Joel R., Joel A., Edith J. and Edwin S. Joel A. is at home; Edwin S. is attending the State Normal School at Carbondale; the balance of the children are deceased. Mrs. P., the mother of these chil- dren, has been an invalid for many years, but al- though deprived of many of the pleasures of life, she bears her affliction patiently and hopes for something better in the future. She is a lad3' highly esteemed for her many excellent personal traits of character, and has a large circle of friends and acquaintances in this vicinity. With her hus- band she is connected with the First Congregational Church of Bloomington, of which Mr. P. has been a regular attendant since its organization. In politics he is a stanch Republican and heartily gives his influence to the support of the principles of his party and much of his time to promote its welfare in his section. In early manhood, before his marriage with his present wife, Mr. Packard was united in wedlock with Miss Rebecca Newton. She was a native of Vermont. Later she became a resident of Worces- ter, Mass., where she formed the acquaintance of Mr. Packard. After their marriage in 1850, she re- moved West with her husband, and died in Taze- well County, 111. Of this union there were no children, but the young wife is held in kindly re- tmembrance for her amiable disposition and lovable traits of character, and was deeply lamented by her youthful partner. Accompanying this sketch may be seen the i)or- trait of Mr. Packard, who is a truly representative citizen of McLean County. v ILLIAM H. VICTOR. He who has no \/iJf/ ''^S-'i''*' fo'' ^^^ record of the past, no inter- est in the present, and no anxiety for the future, is scarcely to be named a citizen of the world. Few can look back to the history of their own lives, family and ancestry, and not discover elements which have shaped their destiny. Like produces like in the moral as well as in the natural world. William H. Victor, of whose life we shall give a brief outline, is a gentleman who in every way honors the dignitj' of American citizenship, and who toils to make the world better and those around him happier. Mr. Victor has been a resident of the Prairie State since 1864. He owns and occupies a fine farm of 230 acres, located on section 3, Normal Township. His land is all improved, and Mr. V. is giving much attention to the raising of fine stock. He was born in Nicholas County, Ky., June 8, 1830, and is the son of Ambrose D. and Eliza (Sturgis) Victor, natives of the same State. The father resided there until his death, which oc- curred when he was only thirty-three years of age. The mother is still living upon the homestead in Nicholas County, Ky.. aged seventy-five years. Their family included four children : William H. ; Edy, the wife of James A. Mathers, who lives in Carlisle, Ky. ; Sarah, Mrs. Alanson Brewington, of Bates County, Mo.; Martha, Mrs. Robert S. Will- iams, of Nicholas County, Ky. The subject of our sketch was the oldest of his parents' family, and the only son. He was reared to farming pursuits, attended the common schools and had the advantage of excellent private in- struction at home. At the age of twenty years he crossed the plains to the Pacific Slope, and for four years engaged in mining in California. He then returned to Kentucky via the Isthmus of Panama, and four years later, in September, 1854, was mar- I -4*- •►-W f t 944 McLEAN COUNTY. ried to Miss Susan J. Wood, a unlive of his own county. The father of Mrs. Victor, Niinrod Wood, was a native of Kentucky. He was married Feb. 14, 1831, to iMiss Margaret McClintock, a native of the same State; there was but one month's differ- ence in their age, and both wei-e horn in 1796. They are now deceased. After marriage our subje('t .setth'd upon a farm in Kentucky, which he occupied and cultivated for the following ten years. He then came to Illhiois with his famil\- and purchased his present farm. He has greatly improved its condition since it came into his possession ; has now a substantial dwelh'ng, a good barn and all necessary conveniences for the storing of grain and the shelter of stock. He is in all respects a representative farmer of McLean County, one of the best agricuitui-ai counties in the Kation, and reckoned among its foremost citi- zens. Mr. and Mrs. Mctor became tiie parents of the following children: Anilirose, Eliza, the wife of Albert Kneass; Maggie M.. Annie .1., William .J., Mattie, Katie and Nimrod. Our suliject ijolitically adheres to the Deraocratic party, and leligionsly has been an active member of the Christian Church for many years. Mr. X'ictor has been fairly successful in his jjres- ent occupation, and has shown rare judgment and good management in his business and farming operations. In the various relations of life he sus- tains the char.acter of an estimable citizen, neigh- bor and friend, ami enjoys the full conlidence and regard of those who know him. The accompany- ing poitrait will lie gladly welcumi'd b>- many who highly esteem him. *i?tJ!>*-j.i>«3.; ■v?;tf-»»s?*^ **HOMAS C. HASTINGS, who has been a resident of the Prairie State since 1855, and owns and occupies a farm of 240 acres in Blue Mound Township, where he has a handsome and substantial residence and all modern improve- ments, also owns a valuable tr.act of timber land and village property in Cooksville. 'i'his farm he h.as occupied since 1870, and in.ateriall}- enhanced its value. He is a gentleman of great energy and -4« resolution, and occupies a prominent position in the agricultural interests of this section. The subject of this biography was bmn in Fay- ette County, Pa., Feb. 10, 1828, .and is the son of John and Jane (Carroll) Hastings, also natives of the Keystone State. They spent their entire lives in their native country, and there their remains are buried. John Hastings died of Asi.atic cholera Dec. 14, 1832, when but thirty -seven years of age. Mrs. Jane C. Hastings survived her husband twenty-six years, her death occurring Dec. 19, 1858, when she was sixty-two years of age. The3' were married Sept. 23, 1819, and became the parents of five chil- dren — William, Mary A., James J., Thomas C. and Jane. The subject of our sketch remained with his par- ents until eighteen years of age, and then was ap- prenticed to learn the * plasterer's trade, which he followed in his native county until 1855. In March of that year he emigrated to Illinois, worked one month at his trade in Bloomington, then went to Atlanta, Log.an County, remaining there one summer, and for three years afterward followed his trade in Champaign County. In the fall of 1855 he purchased 160 acres of land in Chenoa Town- ship, this county, which he sold in 1 858 ; he then became a resident of Drj' Grove Township, where he remained from 1859 until 1870, when he dis- posed of his interests there and came into this township, locating ujxtn his present homestead, which by his industry and good judgment he has transformed into one of the most attractive spots in the township. The marriage of Thomas C. Hastings and Miss Rachel Hays took place on the 5th of Jul}', 1860, in Champaign County. Mrs. Hastings is the daughter of James and Mar}' (Miller) Hays, the former a native of Washington County, I'a., and the latter of Muskingum County, Ohio. They set- tled in the latter State and county soon after their marriage, and after a residence there of eight years removed to \inton County, where they lived un- til 1857. They then came to Illinois, locating in Champaign County, where the father spent his last days in Homer, dying in .September, 1860. The mother afterward removed with her family to Piatt, where she has since resided. Their six children t »»> ■ ■<■ i f -4*- ■^ McLEAN COUNTY. 945 i k were — William, Abraham, Rachel, Sarah. Henry aiifl Langartha. Kacliel, Mrs. Hastinns, was Ijorii in Muskingum Count}', (Jhio, Ajiril 4, 1S44. Of her union with our subject there have been born seven children, of whom one, a little dauyhter, Ada, died in Blue Mound Township in tiie fall of 1872, when aliout five years old. The others were Henry M., Frank C, William M.. Charles, Odus and Elmer. IMr. Hastings has held some of the minor offices in his township; with his wife he is a member in good standing of the Presbyterian Church, and has been an Elder since 1872. Political]}' he casts his vote with the Democratic party. ■ In all respects he is fulfilling the obligations of a good citizen, and doing his full share toward building up the agricultural .ind business interests of Blue Mound Township. A lithographic view of Mr. Hastings' residence appears elsewhere in this book. ^ps^ IMON A. McCartney, Postmaster at ^^^ Weston, has been a resident of this State [fl/\3) since 1875, during which year he located at Gridley, in this county, and has been a resident of this vicinity, with the exception of about eighteen months, since that time. He is held in high respect as an intelligent and thorough- going farmer, a good citizen and valuable member of the community. Mr. McCartney comes from excellent Pennsylvania stock, having been born in Fayette County, Pa., July 19, 1833. His father, William McCartney, was born in Westmi;>reland County, that State, and became one of the promi- ment boat builders of that section. The mother of our subject, who before her marriage was Miss Sarah Sadler, was a native of Fayette County, Pa., of which she remained a resident during her entire life. The parental family consisted of eight chil- dren, only three of whom are living; one son, J. T., served as a soldier in Co. E, 14th Pa. Vol. Cav., during the late Civil War, and received a gunshot wound at the battle of Winchester which disabled his right arm. After the war, not being able to perform manual labor, he educated hini.self for the ministry and subsequently became a noted clergy- 4* man in the Methodist Episcopal Church. He died April 21, 188,5, and his remains are buried in the cemetery at Nashville, Ohio. The subject of this history was the eldest child of his parents. He was reared to habits of indus- try, and his school days were limited to a few- short terms in the district schools. When nineteen years of age, with the permission of his father, he commenced the battle of life for himself as a farm laborer, receiving the munificent salary of IG jier month. Not being satisfied with the results of hard labor, he took up the early trade of his father, boat building, and located in Monongalia County, W. Va. During the late war he enlisted in the United States service, becoming a member of Co. D, 1 4th Pa. Vol. Cav., with which he remained un- til Aug. 28, 1865. Although his term of service was not as lengthy as that of some others, yet he participated in no less than fifteen battles and skir- mishes, among which may be mentioned, Solomon's Gap, Harper's F'erry, Martinsburg, Winchester and Bunker Hill. After receiving his honorable dis- charge and being mustered out, he joined his family in West Virginia, and they continued to reside there until 1875. They then removed to Illinois, locating first in Gridley as before men- tioned, and from there, after eighteen months, moved to Tazewell County. Thence, in the spring of 1878, he returned to McLean County and en- gaged in farming in Yates Township. In 1880 he removed to Weston and subsequently entered the employ of Haynes, Rakestraw & Co., grain mer- chants, with whom h(' contiiuied until Aug. 3, 1885, when he entered upon his duties as Postmaster. One of the most important events in the history of Mr. McCartney occurred Oct. 14, 1852, when he was united in marriage with Miss Mary E. AV'ood, in Fayette County, Pa. Mrs. McC. was reared in the latter county although born in Mo- nongalia County, W. Va. Of this marriage there were born six children, one of whom died in in- fancy: Clara E. is the wife of Joel R. Maxwell; Sarah J. married J. T. Vance; Willliam I., George A. and Enoch W. are in charge of two stock farms about eight miles from Peoria, 111., owned by O. J. Bailey. William I. married Miss Syrenia Smith, of Gridley. George A. is single. Enoch W. mar- •►-■I-4* 4 u ^•►-■-4*- 946 McLEAN COUNTY. ried Miss Clayinaii, of C'henoa. Mrs. McCartne3' has been an .active member of llie liaptist Church for many years. Our subject, politically, is a stam-h supporter of the Democratic party. He has been prominent in the affairs of his township, served as Constable about four years and was elected Justice of the Pe.ace in 18.S;"), :'. position which he h.as held con- tinuousl3- since that time, lie is also a member of the n. A. R., Post No. I'.)2. W)1LLIAM N. McNAUGIlT, senior member of the firm of McNaught &. Mercer, is, with his partner, carrying on a profitable trade in hardware and .agricultural implements at Lexington. Mr. McNatiglit is a native of this county, having been liorn on a farm in Money Creek Township, Jan. 7, is is. He was the fourth son and child of George and Nancy McNaught, and resided during his boyhood and youth under the parental roof, receiving his primary education in the district school. Later lie entered Weslej'an Universitj' at Ulooniington, where he remained two years. His father then died and our subject was called home to assist his mother in iicr farming business, and here he continued until ISOO, when he removed to Lexington and purchased the inter- est of his step-father. Dr. J. L. Brooks, and became tlie partner of his brother, N. F. McNaught, in the drug-store business. Tliis tln^y carried on under the firm style of McNauglil Bros, until 1882, with the exception of iwv 3ears, during which his brother retired, and ids mother became a partner in the business. In 1 8S() she disposed of her in- terest to John B. Dawson, .and in 1882 McNaught & Dawson sold to J. 1). Packard & Co. Mr. McNaught after disposing of his drug busi- ness engaged in buying and selling horses until 1881, and then became the partner of John W. Pt)wley in the hardware business. After one year Mr. Powl('\- sold his interest to Robert F. Mercer of the present firm. They are doing a profitable and growing business, both being well known and highly respected for their straightforward methods and excellent personal character. Mr. McNaught w.as married, in iiis twentietli year, to Mi.ss Theresa L. Dishon, whose mother was named Elizabeth, and whose father. William Dishon, died when Mrs. McN. was a 3'oung girl fourteen years of age. Our subject and his wife have become the parents of two daughters — Ger- tie and Edna. Their liome on East Main street is a model of convenience and comfort, and the family' are held in the highest respect in this community. Mr. McNaught is a member of McLean Lodge No. 206, I. O. O. F., and Damon Lodge No. 10, K. of P. He has served as President of the Board of Councilmen and lias in other respects been identi- fied witii the pulilie affairs of the town, and at the present time is engaged in the importation of Nor- man horses. ^7 AMES McHl'GH, deceased, was a farnua- on section 2, Lexington Township, and success- ful in the prosecution of his calling. He was born in Harrison Count.y, Ohio, Jan. 13, 1822, and his parents were William and Anna (Lewis) McHugh, of Irish parentage. James McHugh was the eldest of seven children born to his parents, who died in Monroe County, Ohio. Tlie father was a shoemaker by trade and our subject was reared partly in the village where his parents resided and partly on a farm. When twenty-one years of age he settled on a farm in Monroe Country, Ohio, which his father had given him, and there industriouslj' labored for about nine 3'ears. He then sold his place and removed to De- catur County, Ind., where he purch.ased another farm and lived on it for about the same length of time. Disposing of this latter place he, in 1864, came to this county with his family, consisting of his wife ■and six children, and .settled on section 2, Lexing- ton Tow-nship, where he [)urch.ased 160 acres of land. He continued to live and labor on this place until summoned to another world, his death taking place from consumption, Aug. 6, 1886. He had accumulated a line property, including 240 acres of valuable and productive land, with all the ap- pliances of a modern countr}' homestead. James McHugh was married in Belmont County, Ohio, Aug. 20, 1844, to Miss Anna Farra, daughter r ■*► T h t McLean county. 947 4 of Rees and Rachael (Broomhall) Farrar, natives of Pennsylvania. Her father was a tailor by trade and also carried on farming in Belmont Count}, where both parents died. Thej' had five children — Lavinia, Milton, Anna, Rees C. and Wilson. Mrs. McIIugh was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, March 14, 182.3. She lived with her parents until her marriage and by her union with Mr. ^McHugh became the mother of six children — William R., Thirsa, Uriah C, James N., Clinton and Charles W. The only surviving child is .Tames N., who lives with his mother. William R. was married to Anna E. Guy, and at the date of his death was a resident of Blue Mound Township. Mrs. BIcHugh is a member of the PresJiyterian Church, .as Was also her husband and tiiree of the children. In polities, our subject was a Republican. Mrs. Mc- Hugh controls the estate left by her husl)and and is meeting with success in the cultivation of the farm. ENRY C. LANGSTAFF, an old and lion- ored citizen of McLean County, is a native of the Buckeye State, being born near Zanes- ville, the county seat of Muskingum County, Ohio, March IH, 1816. His father, Asa J^angstaff, of New Jersey, was a farmer by occapation and re- mained in his native State four years after his mar- riage to Miss Lany Boylan of his own State. He then removed with his family to a tract of wild land in Muskingum County, Ohio, where he opened up a farm and established a comfortable home where he passed the remainder of his days, dying in 18G8, when eighty-five years old. His father, the grand father of our subject, was among tlie earli- est settlers of New Jersey and a soldier in the Revolutionary War. The children of Asa and Lany Langstaff were eleven in number, seven sons and four daughters, all of whom were living at the time of the father's death, ten reaching maturity au, and dicil tiiere in 1831. His children, six sons and three daughters, all grew to mature years, and became established in com- fortable homes with families of tluur own. William D., our subject, was the eldest son and passed his childhood and 3-outh in his native (county, receiv- ing a common-school education. After attaining his majority he turned his face to tiie farther West and coming into Ogle County, 111., took up a squatter's claim. In the fall of 1838 he returned to Ohio, and was married in Richland County, to Miss Mary A. ( iritllth, who was born there and lived with her parents until her marriage. Shortl.y after the wedding the young couple started for their new home which was located near Byron. When the land came int824 in money and has since turned every dollar to good account. When he organized and commenced operating his bank he had a capi- tal of $50,000 and since it commenced business in December, 1882, not a dollar of its earnings has been withdrawn, its capital being kept always equal to the first amount, and surplus equal to the capi- tal, which makes the actual capital of the bank $100,000. GEORGE WASHINGTON HISER, a pros- perous and enterprising hardware merchant of Lexington, is a native of Wayne County, Ind., and was bcn'n near Centerville, the old county seat, on the 2d of October, 184.'i. His father, Henry Hiser, was one of the early settlers of In- diana, to which he removed from Dayton, Ohio. He was born in Loudoun County, Va., Nov. 20, 1803. The mother of our subject, formerly Miss Deborah Coffnian, was a native of Rockingham County, Xa.., born April ID, 1808, and removed with her parents to Dayton, Ohio, when ten years old. She was married to Henr^' Hiser in 1824, and they located in Wayne Count}', Ind., in 1841. They remained thereuntil August, 18.")(). when they came over into Illinois, settling in the small village of Selma, this county. They lived in different parts of Lexington Township until 18G0, and removed from their farm into the village of Lexington, where the father died in 187G. The parental fam- ily included ten children, of whom three — John, Sarah and Amanda — departed this life before the death of tlu^ father; James is engaged in farming in Lawndale Township, this county; Jacob resides in Lexington; Mary lives in Iowa; William is a farmer of Anderson County, Kan. ; Martha became the wife of Jacob Hiser (no relative); George W., of our sketch; Francis is in Lexington, and the mother resides here, still a bright and active old lady, and a member of the Baptist Church. Mr. Hiser of our sketch was thirteen years of age when his parents came to McLean County. He received a common-school education, and when twenty years of age entered the store of S. R. Clag- gett as clerk, where he remained six months, and then took a similar position for the firm of Goddard & McCurdy, dealers in lumber, sash, coal, etc., and remained in this business for four years, contin- uing after it had changed hands. In 1868 he be- came clerk for George W. Knotts, hardware mer- chant, and the following year was admitted to part- nership, and they continued in business one year under the firm name of Knotts & Hiser, when our subject sold out his interest to his partner and resumed his former position as clerk, where he remained for the following four years, dur- ing which time the business twice changed hands. In 1874 he returned to Mr. Claggett, with whom he remained until 1878, and after one more year was employed as clerk for Carnahan & Poole. He then purchased a farm one mile south- west of town, which he operated about three years and then sold out. In January, 1882, he formed a partnership with J. B. Breneman, and they engaged in the hardware trade at Knotts' old stand until July, 188G, when they dissolved on account of the failing health of Mr. B. Mr. Hiser put up his present business house in 1882. It is a brick building, 24x66 feet in area and two stories in height. lie keeps a general stock of hardware and farm implements, and has been uniformly' successful in his business operations. Our subject was married on the 27th of October, 1864, to Miss Ella R., eldest daughter of John and Margaret Popejoy, of Lexington Township, who were formerly from Ohio. Of this union there have been born four rliildren, two sons and two daugh- ters — Claude L., Dotta L., Orrin L. and Maidie L. Both daughters are deceased. Mr. Hiser was elected Supervisior of Lexington Township in 1879, and 4 I **Si.:,. i -4^ t MoLEAN COUNTY. 953' ■WV". , ■.A4JiJ2_£/J5^^^^ < »,^^gi/S^2r7>v* 'W^ ; /AMES SMITH. Engaged in fanning on sec- tion l.'S, Mune^- Creek Township, is an off- spring of S3ivester and Catherine (Daily) Smith, who is a well-to-do farmer, and a most highly esteemed citizen. The parents of our subject, after their marriage, settled about thirtj' miles north of Toronto, Ont. There the father worked at his trade, that of a carpenter, and was thus employed until he was accidentally killed bj' the falling of brick upon him while he was assist- ing in the erection of a building. His wife also died in that vicinity. They had three children, and only one lived to attain the age of maturity. James Smith was born about thirty miles north of Toronto, Ont., Nov. 10, 1837, and when about two and a half years old was orphaned by the death of his father. He was then taken by a fam- ily in that neighborhood with whom he lived until he was a lad of twelve or fourteen years. At that early age in life he began to do for himself bj' working at different occupations in the neighbor- hood, and continuetl thus to labor until twentj' years of his life had passed. In the summer of 1858 he sailed on the lake, and during the latter part of that year came to this county. Locating in Money Creek Township, he worked out liy the month and was thus occupied until the lu'eaking out of the late Civil War. In January, 1862, our subject enlisted in Co. K, 26th 111. Vol. Inf., and served his country faith- fully and well for two years in that regiment. In served four years in succession. He was a stock- holder, Director and Vice President of the First National Bank of Lexington, and belongs to the G. A. R., in which he served as Adjutant and (.Quartermaster for some time. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hiser are members of the JMethodist Episcopal Church of Lexington. During the progress of the late war Mr. Hiser, in j June, 1862, enlisted in Co. G, 68th 111. Vol. Inf., for three months, and was sent with his comrades to Alexandria, where he was stationed during the second battle of Bull Run. After serving four months he was mustered out at Springfield, 111. February, 1864, he re-enlisted in the same com- pany and continued in the service of the Union until the close of the war, when he was mustered out and returned to JNIoney Creek Township. At the battle of Bentonville, N. C, he received a wound in the left arm while bearing the colors of his regiment. He was promoted from ]irivate to Sergeant, and then Color Bearer f>f the regiment. The same bullet that wounded him, struck a small pass-book which he had in his pocket, and glancing off, left its bloody mark across his breast, but did no further damage than that referred to. Mr. Smith was a member of the 15th Army Corps, com- manded by Gen. John A. Logan, and accompanied Sherman in his famous march from Atlanta to the sea. The regiment in which Mr. Smith so vali.antly served, as the history of the late civil strife will al- ways show, saw much hard and dangerous service. We cannot in this brief sketch rehearse the daring deeds of its men, their loyal sacrifices and heroic achievements, but all the experiences of the war were theirs. Could they lie told, the>' would speak of early reverses, sad disappointments, gloomy for- bodiugs for the future, of sickness in camp and hospital, fearful suspense, of midnight marches, of deadly ambuscades, of labor in trenches, and dreary and enforced idleness in camp; of escapes, of wounds, of imprisonments in foul dens, on the dead line, and of death — of all the horrors of fratricidal war. But they would speak too, of privations willingly endured, dangers voluntaril}' incurred, ceaseless labor gladl}' undergone, risks daringly as- sumed, and death most chivalrously encountered; of dashing assaults, of well contested fields, of the enemies' retreat, and of countless victories. The3' would speak of disaster, but also of success; of doubt, but yet of undying hope; of transient de- feats, but still of final and enduring victory. After Mr. Smith returned from the army, for a time he was unable to do manual labor, and en- gaged in buying and trading stock. He then rented land, and for two 3ears farmed in tiiis man- ner, at the' expiration of which time he was enabled to buj' a place in Blue Mound Township. He lived on this place for thirteen years, and then, in the fall of 1880, moved back to Money Creek n ^f^ 954 4. McLEAisr COUNTV. Township, where he has been continuously occu- pied in fanning- and stock-raising, and is the owner of 300 acres of vahiable land, and is meeting with signal success in his enterprises. Mr. Smith was married in Bloomington, 111., Dec. 7, 18G.5, to Miss Martha E., daughter of Lemuel and Nanc_v (Mullen) Biggs. Her father was l)orn in I'hiladelphia and her mother in Ohio. They were married in this count}' and subsequently set- tled in Money Creek Township, where he died May 8, 1860. She survives at an advanced age, and re- sides ill Money Creek Township. Six sons and five daughters were born to them, and Mrs. Smith was the eighth in order of birth. She was born in Money Creek Township, Nov. 1, 1847, and has borne our subject three children — Sylvester, Josiah and Andrew. Sylvester died in infauc}-, and the other children are living at home. Mr. Smith has iield the otticc of School Director of his township, and in polities is a stanch Repub- lican. .Socially he belongs to the (t. A. R., and holds fi'llowslii|) with Lexington Post No. 240. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Accompanying tliis sketch is a portrait of Mr. Smith. !»^EOR(tE (;RE(tORV. a splendid illustra- tion of what may be accomplished in this country by an honest, hard-working, ener- getic and entei'prising man is given in the record of the life of (ieorge tiregory. He is a prosperous and prominent farmer of Normal Townshi|), and is pleasantly located on section 2.'!. His farm com- prises 101) a(M-es of valuable land, which is embel- lished with fine improvements, the result of his own industry and enterprise. The family residence is a model of convenience and comfort. He has good barns and ont-buildings, all the appliances for the shelter of stock and the storing of grass, valua- ble farm implements and the entire paraphernalia of a first-class country seat. Besides general agricult- ure Mr. (iregory is giving much attention to the raising of fine stock, in which department he has built up an enviable reputation. Besides his farm property he owns valuable real estate in the city of Bloomington and in all respects is one of the rep- resentative citizens of the wealth}- county of Mc- Lean. George Gregory was born in Derby, England, Dec. 17, 182(j. He was fairly educated in the com- mon schools of his native country and served an apprenticeship at the blacksmitirs trade. At the age of twenty-one years he sailed for the United States, landing in New York City, whence he at once pro- ceeded to the State of Illinois. He first located at La Salle, stopping from June until October with a brother who preceded him to this country three years. This brother died at Bloomington in about 1878. In the fall of 1848, the 3'ear of his arrival here, young Gregory proceeded South to Mobile, Ala., where he followed his trade and also steam boating- bet ween Mobile and New Orleans. Three years later he returned to Illinois and engaged in the blacksmith business at Pekin. After a short time however, he removed to Bloomington, where he became an employe of the Reaper Manufacturing Company. In 1 8,')2 he became a partner in the plow factory of Bunn it Ellsworth, the firm stj'le becoming Bunn, Ellsworth & Co., afterward Brokaw, Ellsworth A. Co., and later, Brokaw & Gregory. He remained a partner until 1882, when he withdrew from the business. He has occupied his present homestead about fifteen years and while in the plow business went to town daily. He com- menced life poor in pocket and did not accumulate much until he engaged in the manufacture of plows, which business proved remarkabl}' successful. Mr. Gregory was inarried in 1850, to Miss Fran- ces A., the daughter of Zachariah and W. B. (Shan- non) Lawrence, of Bloomington. Mrs. Gregory was born at McConnelsville, Ohio, and came with her parents to Illinois when but a babe. By her union with our subject she has become the mother of five sons: William E., a farmer of Normal; Edwin L., farming in Buffalo County, Neb., and Harry, Clyde and Richard, at home. In politics Mr. Gregory is KeiMiblican, and al- though having an intelligent interest in all matters relative to the public welfare, takes no part in poli- tics further than to attend the polls and cast his ballot. Mrs. Gregory was reared an Episcopalian, ■*► ■ "► m <- t McLean county. 955 but has been a member of the Christian Church for thirty-nine years and at the present time is con- nected with the church at Normal. The portrait of Mr. Gregory, whicli is given in connection with this brief outline of his life, shows the features of a sturdj' and fair-minded man and a most excellent citizen. W^ILLIAM FOWLER. The Fowler family came from Wales to this country previous to the Revolutionary ^^M■. They located in New Hampshire, where one of the first represen- tatives — Lemuel — remained until he became en- gaged in assisting the Colonies in tiieir struggle for libei'ty. He was by trade a blacksmith, and after his retirement from the arm}', located in Hillsboro County, N. II., where he spent the re- mainder of his days. He was married to an Ameri- can lady and they became the parents of five chil- dren, of whom the father of our subject, Lemuel Fowler, .7r., was the eldest. Lemuel Fowler, .Jr., was born In Newbury, N. H., and remained undo- the parental roof until he became a j'oung man. He followed the sea for several years and afterward engaged in farming pursuits. For the latter purpose he located in the interior of the Old Granite State and in that vicin- itywas married to Miss Sarah S. Swett, who was a native of the same State and of Irish descent. They reared a family- of ten children, in the mean- time removing to Ohio, where the youngest child w.as born. Of this family, William, our subject, was the fifth in order of birth. The family located in Marietta in 1819, having been preceded by the eldest son. Royal, one year before. They remained there, iiowever, only a short time when they re- moved to Morgan County, and afterward to Noble County. Both counties were then very thinly settled and the facilities for market very poor. The father of our subject settled upon a tract of wild land which he succeeded in transforming into a fine farm. At one time he possessed a large amount of property, but lost it all on account of going security for his friends. He was a public- spirited man, a good citizen and valued member of the community. He established a comfortable home in Noble County, and there, with his wife, spent the remainder of his days. The subject of this history received only the education furnished the sons of the early pioneers in a new country. He was poor in purse when married, as was also the maiden of his choice, but lioth had been trained to habits of industry and were willing to work and hope for the result. The}' were married in Noble County, Ohio, on the 14th of December, 1826, the bride being Miss Mary Hutchins. She was born in Lincoln County, Me., in 1804, and remained in her native State un- til nine years of age. Her parents then came to Noble County, Ohio, it being then called Morgan. They settled in a timber tract and after years of hard labor succeeded in opening a good farm and establishing a comfortable home. BIrs. Fowler was trained to spin and weave and made the cloth for many a suit of clothes. Upon the marriage of our subject and his wife, the}' resolved to " pull together." Mr. F. made boots and shoes during the winter evenings, and in the daytime worked at whatever he could find to do. In summer he manufactured salt from wells which contained water impregnated with this min- eral. After boiling great quantities of the water he obtained a little of tiie commodity so necessary .as an ingredient of food. After a few years of this incessant and laborious toil, during which he and his wife had saved every penny they could si)are, he found himself possessed of sufficient means to purchase 100 acres of land. This proved the turning point in his life, as upon it he found an oil well which proved of great value and en- .abled him to sell his farm for the sum of $40,- 000. With this sum in his pocket he then started for the West and arrived in this vicinity in April, l.sGo. He purchased 400 acres of land in Randolph Township, and for several years labored industri- ousl}' and succeeded in bringing it to a high state of cultivation. Of this he now has but 240 acres, having given the balance to his children. Of late years he has given much attention to the raising of fine stock, in which he has been uniforml}' suc- cessful as in all his other undertakings. There were born to Mr. and Mrs. Fowler ten I «<^ t. ^tf^ I -A- 956 McLEAN COUiSTTt-. cliildren, two sons and eight daughters. Of these both the sons and three daughters are deceased. The jiarents celebrated the sixtietli anniversary' of their wedding on the 14th of December, 1886, at which there were present alimit 120 grand and great-grandcliildren and one great-great-grandchild. Mr. and Mrs. Fowler have been connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church for the past forty years and have built up for themselves a record of good and useful lives, filled with kindly and gener- ous deeds. Mr. Fowler, in politics, is a stanch Re- publican and uniformly casts his vote in support of the i)rincipk'S of this party. EOHGE W. WHITE, Supervisor of Towanda G Township, and one of the large hmd-owners of that district, as well as one of its success- ful farmers and respected and prominent citizens, resides on section 10. He is the son of George C. and Julia A. (Noel) White, who were born in York State and Ohio respectively, the former of (icrinau and the latter of Scotch ancestry. The parents of our subject after their marriage, settled in Clarke County, Ohio, whence they removed to Tippecanoe County, Ind., and taking up their resi- dence at Lafayette, made that their home until 1850. In October of that year they came to this county and located in Towanda Township, where the fatiier became quite an extensive farmer. He continued to reside in that township for several j^ears and then removed to Blue Mound Township, and there liv("(l for about seven years. His good wife clcp.'iitcd tills life in Towanda Township in March, 1804, and after hei' demise he spent his time at the homes of his children and at present resides in Lawndale Townsliip, having attained the venerable age of eighty-three years. He became the fatlier of twelve children, namely : ^lary, Eliza, Harriett, Racliel, Malinda, William, .John, Elleii, George W., Ad('liM(\ Kdward and Frank. Mary is the wife of .lolni .M. King, and they live in Anchor Township; i^ii/.a married Nelson Jones, and they are living in Towanda Township; Harriett and Ly- man Williams were united in niarri;ige, and he is a farmer of Lawndale Townsiiip; Rachel is the widow of Sanford Miller and resides in Bloomington ; Ma- linda became the wife of John Abbott, a farmer of Lawndale Township, and Wdliam married a Miss Donovan, and is engaged in farming in Blue Mound Township; John married a Miss Hamilton, and they reside in Lawndale Township; Ellen is the wife of Aaron Conger, a farmer of Blue Mound Township; the next in order of birth is our subject; Adeline and William Myers became man and wife, and are living in Lawndale Township; Edward is engaged in business in Bloomington; Frank married a INIiss Williams and they reside in Kansas. The subject of this notice was born while his par- ents were living in Tippecanoe County, Ind. His birth occurred Aug. 19, 1842, and when eight years of age he came with his parents to this county. His primary education was received in tiie common schools, which was supplemented by a course of study at Wesleyan University, Bloomington. He remained at home until he attained his majority, but when quite young began the handling of stock on his own account. He has been a resident of Towanda Township since 1850, and from that time until the present has been engaged exclusively in agricultural pursuits and in the raising and import- ing of stock, and in liolh departments has met with more than ordinary success. Mr. W. has on hand at present twelve imported and full-blood Norman horses and some sixty head of high grades. The first pvu-chase of land that our subject made consisted of eighty acres and was located in To- wanda Township. He has since added to the same by subsequent pur(^iiases until he now owns 400 acres in Towanda Township and 120 acres in Lex- ington Township. He has erected a residence of modern architecture upon his place, which adds greatly to its l)eauty, and is one of the finest farm homes, not only of Towanda Township, but of Mc- Lean County, and it is with pleasure that we pre- sent a view of it in this work. In 18G;i our subject met with a serious accident which resulted in the loss of his left hand. He was in the held husking corn and having his shotgun with him, tired il at a hawk, when the gun burst and so mutilated his hand that he was compelled to have it anqjutated. The marriage of Mr. White took place in Lexlng- V i X m % < Q Z < o u to o X S 0: o Q LJ UJ a: CO eg OS Ul I- 0: o a. Ui u 2 CO UJ J^ McLEAN COUNTY. •► ■ <• 959 ton Township, April 0, 1870, and the lady selected as his life companion was Miss Flora A. Raridon. Her parents were J. S. and Martha (Evans) Raridon, natives of Indiana and of Oerman ancestry. The parents were married in Morgan County, Ind., where they lived until the fall of 1858, when they came to this county and settled in Lexington Township, where the father was engaged in farming until 1878. He then removed to Livingston County, this State, where they at present reside. Thej' had eleven children, viz. : Samuel, Flora A. (Mrs. White), Ella, Dane, Emma, Alice, Etta, Martin L., Daisy, Minnie and Ra3'. Samuel is marrried and living in Ohio; Flora is the wife of our subject ; Ella is the wife of M.artiu Do^'le, and they live in Livings- ton County; Dane also lives in that county; Emma is the wife of Price Jones, and they are resideuts of Towanda Township; Alice married AlonzoPierson, and they are living in Livingston County, and the remaining children are living with their parents in Livingston Count3^ Mrs. White was born in Mor- gan County, Ind., March 11, 1855, and came with her parents to this county in 1858. She has borne our subject four children — Warren T., Emma G., Maude A. and Chloe. Mr. White was elected Supervisor of Towanda Township in April, 1886, and is the present incum- bent of that ofilcfc. He has held other minor offices in the township, and in politics is Republican. Mrs. White is a member of the 3Iethodist Episcopal Church. -i3-- T~T ■i>- * ARMON HEFN ER. Among the large land- owners and stock-raisers of Money Creek Township, the name of the subject of this notice deserves place. He resides on sec- tion 14, where he has 447^ acres of land, all of which is under an advanced state of cultivation, and where, in addition to its improvement, he is extensively engaged in the buying, raising aud shipping of stock. Tlio father of our subject, Peter Hefner, was born in ^'irgiuia, and his wife in Ohio. A sketch of the former may be found else- where in this work. They had nine children, four of whom died in infancy, and five lived to attain the age of man and womanhood, namely, Harmon, Mary. Adeline, John A. and George M. Blary is the wife of J. P. Curry, and they are living at Lexington; Adeline and John A. Campbell were united in marriage and also reside at Lexington; John A. is a farmer of Money Creek Township; George M. died in that township, July 4, 1877, when about twenty-five years old. Harmon Hefner was the eldest of his parents' nine children, and was born in the township in which he is at present living, July 18, 1834. He was reared to farm labor, and received his education in the common schools, continuing to remain with the old folk until he attained iiis majority. He was then married, and settling in Money Creek Township, began to do for himself, and has made that his home all his life. He has a fine farm in that tovvnship. well improved and stocked, and is meeting with signal success in conducting his business. He keeps about 100 head of cattle aud forty head of horses on his place, and fattens from 100 to 200 head of hogs annually for the market. Harmon Hefner was married in the township of his nativity, Nov. 15, 1855, to Miss Isabelle Wood. She was a daughter of James and Frances (Hart) Wood, who after their marriage settled in Tennes- see, thence removed to Indiana, and after a resi- dence there of several years, in 1850, came to this county and located at Lexington. Up to the time of his coming to this countj-, he had been engaged in farming, but on locating at Lexington, he em- barked in mercantile pursuits, which he followed at that place for several years, and then going back to his first love, farming, he continued at that vo- cation until his death. His wife died in Money Creek Township, May 11, 1871, and he died in the same township Nov. 11, 11S75. They had eleven children — Albert A., Rufus, James, Zebedee, AVill- iam, Isaac, Mary, Isabelle, Dorcas A., Robert C. and Noah A. Albert, James, William, Dorcas and Mary are deceased ; Rufus is living at Lexington ; Zebedee is a retired f.armer and also living at Lex- ington, and Isaac likewise makes that his home; Robert C. is at Girard, Kan., and Noah A. is a resident of Republic City, that State. Mrs. Hefner was born in Putnam Count}-, Ind., May 25, 1836, and was .fourteen j'ears old when i 1 ■*► 960 McLEAN COUNTY. t I I \ she accompanied her parents to this count}', and continued to reside witli them until her marriage. She ii.as borne our subject five children, namely, William A.. Alonzo C. .lames P., Delia M. and .Jose))h F. William died in infancy; Alonz(j mar- ried Miss Winnie Bush, and they are living in Mnne}' Creeii Township; .lames married Carrie Carnaimn, and is also a resident of Money Creek Township; Delia is tlie wife of Charles C. Busby, and they are living in (Jridiey Township; .losepli is still an inmate of f lu^ parental household. Mr. Hefner has been Collector of his townshij) several years, and also School Director for a number of years. He and his wife .-ire members of the United Brethren Churcli, and is politics he is a Democrat. In the illustrated department of this Album may be found a view of tlie i)lcasant homestead of our subject. <|, IVILLIAM D. POWLEY, of the firm of W. \/^// D. Powley & Co. of Lexington, deals in \^/sf/ stoves, hardware and tinware, and is car- r3'ing on a satisfactory and profitable trade. He is numbered among the valued factors of the busi- ness community and is contributing liis full share towards its prosperity and standing. Mr. Powley was born in Shiiipcnsburg, Cumberland Co., Pa., on the 2Gth of March, l.St2. His fatlier, William Pow- ley, was a native of Lancaster, Pa., born ne.ar the town of Klizabetli, .July 22, isl 1. Tiie grandfatlier of our sidjject, Jol\n C. Powlc}-, w.as of German birth and ancestry', and emigrated to America in about 1798. He married Miss Catharine Seitz, who accompanied him to this country. Tlie voyage oc- cupied eight weeivs, during which they lost their only child, who died on the Atlantic but was buried in Philadelphia. They afterward located in Elizabeth, where .John Powley carried on white- smithing, and whence lie afterward removed with his family, first to Carlisle and then to .Sjiippens- burg, in Cumberland County, where he died in 1840, in the seventy-lirst year of his age. At the time of his death his family consisted of his wife and four children, two sons and two daughters : John ('., now deceased; William; Marg.aret, who became the wife of Rev. .losepli SUaubridge, of the United 4» ' Brethren Church, .and Wilinena, who married Mi- chael Miller. Of this family only two now survive, one sister, and the father of our subject, William. William I'owley, Sr., s|)ent his early years in Cumberland County, and received his primar}' ed- ucation in the common schools. I'pon becoming of suitable years, lie learned the locksmith's trade, then the tinner's, and at the two combined has worked over lift}' years. He was married in 1834, to Miss Susanna, the daughter of Phillip Rhodes, Esq. They located first in Cumberland County, where they remained until 1855, and then Mr. Pow- ley, with his family, emigrated to Illinois, and com- ing into this county settled in the town of Lexing- ton, where lie has followed the tinner's trade and carried on the liardwaic business until the present. Although now in his seventy-sixth year, he seems as active and industrious ;is ever and is happiest when the most busil}' employed. He has not lost a day by sickness in fifty-two years, and there is no doubt that his remarkable health and strength are due to the correct and temperate habits to which he was trained in early youth. Jlr. and Mrs. Willi;ini Powie}', Sr., became the pa- rents of seven children, four sons and three daugh- ters, all living, and of whom the record is as follows: Joseph A. is engaged in the hardware trade at For- est, 111.; John W. is in the same business ,at Lex- ington ; Annie E. l)ecame the wife of Robert Am- brose, and they live in Arrowsmith Township; Will- iam D., our suliject, was next in order of birth; Al- mira, the youngest, married Thomas Henderson, and lives in Fairbury, III.; Heniy A. is also in that town, engaged in the hardware trade; Susan married John W. Elliott, who is telegraph operator for the Wabash Railroad at Simerton, 111. ;she was born July 4. ISKi, and died at the home of her husband in Lexington .May 22, ISSO. Mr. Powdej' cast his first presidential vote for (ieu. Jackson, but is now a stanch adherent of the Reiinblican part}'. William I). Powley of this sketch, was about twelve 3'ears of age when he came to McLean County with his parents. He passed the greater part of his time in the town of Lexington during his boyhood and youth, and received a fair educa- tion in the public schools. When sixteen 3-ears old he began his apprenlieeshlp at the tinner's trade, at 'i I ■4^ McLEAN COUNTY. 96 which he worked for a number of years, and then visited the States of Missouri and Kansas, and woilced at his trade in those States for about tliree _years. He then returned to Lexington, and in April, I88G, became a partner uf his father, with whom he has continued until the jirescnt. They give eraphnnuent to four men, accei)tingonly those who are skilled in their business and able to turn out tirst-class work. Our subject was married in Decendjcr, 1SG4, to Miss Carrie Funk, who was born in Urbana, Ohio, Of this union there has been born one son, Charles E., and a daughter who died in infancj'. Mrs. C'arrie E. Powley departed this life in ISTG. Mr. Powley served as a Union soldier in the late war four mouths, on garrison duty in and around Washington City, D. C. He was City Marshal of Lexington three _years, and socially is a member of the G. A. R. and the Masonic fraternity, being con- nected with Lodge No. 482. t G; 4 ^^^EORGE SCHLOSSER. a well-known citi- zen of Towanda Township, and a prosper- ous farmer of the same, is pleasantly located on his fine farm on section 24. George and Eliza- beth (Smith) Schlosser, parents of our suliject, were born in Germany. They emigrated to this country in 1853, and located in Hamilton County, Ohio, where they died. Three children were born of their union, and George was the second in order of birth. George Schlosser was born in Germany, .Jan. .5, 1835. He came to this country in the spring of 1852, and joined his brother. Henry, who had jire- ceded him and was residing near Cincinnati, Ohio. George lived with his brother for three and a half years, and during that time was almost exclusively engaged in farming. He then took a trip to New Orleans, and after an absence of six months re- turned to Ohio and settled in Butler County, re- maining there variously occupied until 185'J. Then, renting a farm, he cultivated it until 18(J4, when he came to McLean County and purchased a tract of land in Money Creek Township. This he sold the following year, and removing to Bloom- -^•~ ington made that his home for about three years. In the fall of 1867 he settled in Towanda Town- ship, on section 24, and has made that his home until the present time. He has fair improvements on his place, which consists of 244 acres, and is doing well in the conducting of his farm. Mr. .Schlosser was married in Butler County, Ohio, March 9, 1859, to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Henry and Caroline (Dasch) Hoffman, natives of Germany. Her parents came to the United States in 1854, and settled in Butler County, Ohio, where the mother died in the fall of 1854. His de- mise took place at Columbus, Neb., Feb. 13, 1885. They had three daughters, and Mrs. Schlosser was the youngest. She was born in Germany in the fall of 1838, anydia Smith, of Lexington, who were among the first settlers of McLean County. She was born in this county in 1842, and received her early edu- cation upon its virgin soil. Of this union there were born three children, two sous and one daughter, the latter d^ing in infauc)-. One of the sons, Frank W., is in the employ of the Louisville, New Albany & Chicago Hailroad as telegraph operator and clerk. The other. Louis B., is assist- ant cashier of the First National Hank of Lexington. Mr. Strayer was a strong temperance man and one of the originators of the charter wliit^h UmI to the incorporation of the town of Lexington, which had for its [unpose the abolition of saloons. To this work he gave much of his time and his talents, being a fluent and convincing speaker, whose heart was thoroughly in his work. Socially he was a mend)er of the L O. O. F., and in all respects ful- filled the obligations of a law-abiding citizen. W^i ICHARl) BREP:SK, a prominent and wealthy Ls^if^ citizen of (iridley, whose portrait is given ■ilAftl in this volume, with that of his old and ^^ highly esteemed partner, came to this sec- tion in 1857, and by his energy and enter))ri.se es- 4 » tablished himself in a short time as one of its most progressive and valuable i)ioneers. He is descend- ed from substanti.-d Luglish ancestry', his parents having been .John and Aim (Onuton) IJreese, who were born in Huntingdonshire, Fugland. where they married and settled, and where their children were born, and there the old folk passed their lives. Of the household circle, which included four .sons and three daughters, the subject of this sketch was the fourth in order of birth. Richard Ureese was born in Cambridgeshire, En- gland, Aug. 20, 1824. His father died when he was but seven years old, and he was then obliged to look out for himself. 'I'his, however, was a good school, teaching him self-reliance, and doubtless contributed greatly to bring about his later suc- cess. He commenced b^' working on a farm, and continued in his native iMigland until he was twen- ty-eight years of .age. In the meantime he had been married, and at the .age mentioned started with his wifi' and child for the United States. They landed in New Yartnership with W. H. Boies, for the purpose of dealing in grain and live stock. They operated together until the spring of 1884, under the stjle of Boies & Breese. Our sidtject then disposed of his interest in the business, and having accumulated a fine i)roperty has since that time retired from active labor. He is the owner of 360 acres of land in Livingston County, which is finely improved, and 240 acres in Gridley Town- ship, this county. He also has a pleasant family residence in the town of Gridley. Mr. Breese was married in England in 1846, to Miss Mary Miller, who was also a native of Cam- 'i ^ ^,,*tl4^ t '-^^ \ ^ f -4•- McLEAN COUNTY. 965 f bridgeshire. Of this union there were born two children — Eliza and Richard. The latter died in infancy. Eliza became the wife of Christian Neu- hauser, a resident of (iridley, and the mother of eleven children, and departed this life April 14, 1879. Her surviving eiiildren were Sarah, Katie, Lucy L., Minerva, \\'illiainetta and Mary A.; five are deceased. The first wife of our subject died in England in the fall of 1849, and he was again mar- ried in his native count}', Jan. l(j, 1 802, to Mrs. .Sarah (Flanders) Harvey, daughter of James and Catharine (Gunton) Planders, who were natives of Huntingdonshire, England, where the}' spent their lives. Her first husband was Richard Harvey, who died in 18.51. Of the parents" marriage there were born thirteen children, seven daughters and six sons, of whom Mrs. B. was the eldest but one. Her birth occurred in Huntingdonshire, Oct. .^0, 1829. Of the present marriage of our subject there have been no children. Mi'S. Bree.se is a member in good standing of the Congregational Church, and politically Mr. B. is a stanch Repub- lican. ^ rt> H. BOIES. The late W. H. Boies was one of \/iJ/i ''''^ most prominent and influential citizens W^ who was ever a resident of Gridley. He was largely engaged as a grain and stf)ck dealer, and by his enteri)rise and activity, for many years assisted greatly in the prosperity of tlie business interests of this section. Mr. Boies was a native of Livingston County, N. Y., born in the town of Moscow, Jan. 22, 1833. He was the sou of James C. and Caroline (Severence) Boies, natives respet't- ively of Canada and Vermont. After marriage the parents of our subject settled in Livingston Count}', N. Y., and there the mother died, about 1835. James Boies then came to Illinois and made his home in Gridley, this county, until his death, which occurred in January, 1886. There were only two children — Wilber H. and George W. The latter was formerly a conductor on the T., P. & W. R. R. for twenty-one years, but is now engaged in the real-estate business in Kansas Cit}'. W. H. received a good common-school educa- tion and remained a resident of his native county until 1856, five years of that time being employed as clerk in a store. In the year named he came to Illinois, and made his home in El Paso for about five years, where he was engaged in the purchase and sale of grain. From there he went to Wat- seka, where he was connected with the freight of- fice for !i short time, and in the spring of 1862 came to (iiidley and took charge of the station of the T., P. & W. R. R. as their agent, a position which he occupied fourteen years; in the meantime he was also engaged in the buying and shipping of grain. After retiring from tlie employ of his road he devoted his entire attention to his grain and stock operations, to which lie added that of farm- ing. He purchased a tract of land which he suc- cessfully operated, and at the time of his death was the owner of 4(10 acres in Gridlc}- Township. The elevator there, which has a capacity of about 30,000 bushels, was projected and built by him, in addition to a warehouse with a capacity of so, 000. Wilber H. Boies was united in marriage with Miss Mary A. Taylor, in Perry, W^'oming Co., N. Y., Nov. 18, 1857. Mrs. B. was born in Wyoming- County, .Sept. 12, 1837, and by her union witli our subject became the mother of four cliildren — George V., Nettie W., Cliarles C. and Wilber II., .Ir. In 1884, Mr. Boies, who had been in partnership with R. Breese, purchased the interest of his part- ner and afterward carried on iiis business alone. He was a member of the Republican party, greatly interested in the success of the temperance move- ment, and served as a member of the Village Hoard for several years. Socially he was connected with El Paso Lodge No. 246, A. F. & A. M., also be- longed to Cieur de Leon Commaudery at El Paso, and the Ro3'al Arch Chapter. Ti>e following eloquent estimate of Mr. Boies was penned by an old friend, and one who knew the man of whom he so feeling! j- writes. Cer- tainly no higher tribute could be paid to the mem- ory of an}' man than that by this writer to the memory of W. H. Boies. "Personally Mr. Boies was a man of pleasant manners and genial jiresence. None knew him but to love him', and to all in this section of the county he stood in the light of a personal friend and ad- visor. He was the most unselfish of men; his •►-li-4* i f 966 ,t mclp:an county. I generosity was almost proverbial ; his kindness of heart was extended to ever.ythiiig and everybody; and it was impossible to be in his presence withont feeling tiiat lie was, in every sense of tiie word, a good man. Tliere was aiioiit him no [tretension or liypocrisv; his way of life was open and eonid be rend by all men. There was in him an overflowing ch.-irity, a large-hearteilness, a philosophy and an iin|)retending common s(mse that w;is peeidiarly his own, that lifted him above the ordinary vexations of life, and gave him a serenity anti a eiieerfulness that inlhienced all with wliom he came in contact. We linew him intimately for many years, and we never knew of his doing a s(;lfish, or small, or an nngenerous thing, or to make nnchai'itable remarks of .anyone. "In his death, which occui'red .March !), I .S,S7, the citizens of (Jridley and vicinity lost their best friend. Words cannot express his worth — kind, genial, [)le.'i>;int, loving and .sympathetic, a noble mind and a kindl}' heart — he was the friend of ali, giving advice when desired, never olHcions, alwa^'s obliging. He was to the [icoplc liere a legal ad- visor, connselor, banker, helper and friend in time of troidile and adversity. Had it not been for his kindness and help nine-tenths of the farmers in this vicinity conld not have extricated themselves from the (inanci.al endiariassnient bi-onght on them by the hard times of IST.'i to ISTlt. He aided them to tiroceeded with the im- provement and cultivation of his land with perse- vering industry, living to improve his entire farm, and adding to his real estate as his means per- mitted, until he was finally possessed of 400 acres. Upon this he erected a substantial set of frame buildings comprising a handsome farm residence with good barns and outhonses, and all the con- veniences for the storing of grain and the shelter of stock. He also planted fruit and shade trees and lived to see the country developed and settled. He contributed in no small degree to the in'os|)er- ity of this section, and was a remarkable illustra- tion of what can be accomplished by resolution and perseverance. He finally closed his ej'es to the scenes of his earthly labors on the 21st of July, 1880, and his name is held in kindly remembrance by all who knew him. His aged partner still sur- vives him, and lives on the old homestead. Be- fore her marriage she was Miss Susan S. Rathburn ; she was born in Exeter, Washington Co., R. I., Oct. 4, 1809. Her parents were .John and Annie Rath- burn, natives of Rhode Island and New York re- spectively. The parental household consisted of two sons — Dennis and Ezra W. Mr. and Mrs. Kenyon were devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and the former, in early years a Whig, latterly became a member of the Repub- lican party, and uniformly cast his vote in sup- port of its principles. Dennis Kenyon was in his seventh year when he journeyed with his parents from Connecticut to the prairies of Illinois, and has consequently been a resident of McLean County for a period of forty- seven years. In youth he attended the subscrip- tion schools and assisted his parents in the duties around the homestead. In 18.52 he went to C.'ili- fornia, via the Isthmus, and entering the mines, was engaged for the space of eighteen months in searching for the j'ellow ore. Then, being satisfied with his far western experience, he returned to Mt. Hope, of which he has been a resident continuously since that time. The marriage of Mr. Kenyon'and Miss Adeline G. Peck, was celebrated on the l.ith of August, 1854. Mrs. Kenyon was a native of Dighton, Mass., and was born Jan. 30, 1827. She is the daughter of William and Lemira (Mason) Peck, both natives of the Bay State, and descendants of Joseph Peck, of England, who came to America previous U> 1738, and settled in Hingham, Mass. The father of Airs. Kenyon was a Brigadier-Gen- eral in the .State Militia. During his long residence in this section Mr. Kenyon has fully established himself in the confi- dence and esteem of his fellow-citizens. As a farmer he is skillful and judicious, and as a busi- ness man he is upright and straightforward in his transactions. ()rompt to meet his obligations, .and a man whose word is considered as good as his l)ond. He is the owner of nearly 2,000 acres, all l.ying in Mt. Hope Township, and besides this has valuable property in K.ans.as. He is also extensively en- gaged in the feeding and shipping of stock, and his various interests yield him annually a handsome income. He has filled various offices of trust in his township, having been Supervisor of Mt. Hope Township, and also Trustee. During the progress of the late war, Jlr. Ken- yon enlisted as a soldier of the Union in Co. A, 1 17th III. Vol. Inf., of which he w.as commissioned Lieutenant, and served until 1864. when he re- signed and returned home to resume farming. Mr. and Mrs. Kenyon are members in gooil f ■^►-ll-^ i 1 968 ,t McLEAN COUNTY. standing of the IMethodist Episcopal Church, and socially Mr. Kenyon is a Knight Templar, lielong- ing to lAIcLean Lodge No. 4(!;i, A. F. & A.M., De- Molay Couiniandory No. 24. K. T., and Oriental Consistory, S. P. H. S., Chicago, being a .'i-id de- gree Mason. In |Hilitii's lie is a standi Repiililican. El'EU HEFNER, retired larnier, residing at Lexington, d familiarly known as r "Uncle Peter," was born near l-'ranklin, Pendleton Co., W. Va., April 20, 181:!. His father, Michael Hefner, was a farmer by occupa- tion, a native of Virginia, and of (iernnxn ancestry. Onr sul)jeefs mother, wliose maiden name w.as Harbara Flesher, was also a native of Virginia, and likewise of (ierman ancestry. Miciiael Hefner and family moved from Virginia to Fayette Coun- ty, Ohio, in ISUi, and made that their home until ls;!(). During that year they moved to the Mack- inaw limber, Illinois, and settled in Money Creek Township. There JUchael Hefner entered a tract of 240 acres of Government land, with no im- provements upon it. His lirst house was a log- cabin, and it was in tliis rudely constructed dwell- ing that the family [lassed the winter of the deep snow in 18;i0-31. AHch.ael Hefner was in every sense a pioneer, and lived on the land which lie located in Money Creek Township, engaged in tiie cultivation of the same until his death, which oc- curred some ten years after his location there. His family consisted of eleven diildren, six sons and five daughters; two died in infancy. Seven of the number are still living. Peter Hefner was the oldest of liis parents' chil- dren. He passed his boyhood days in Fayette County, Ohio, receiving luit a limited education in the common schools, and coming to tliis county with his parents when seventeen years of age. There were no schools here at that time, .and our snl)jeet, to his knowledge obtrdned in the common schools in the East, aney quite rai)idl\'. At one time he was the owner of 1,700 acres of land in iMoney Creek Townshii), and also 040 acres in Martin Township, making .-i total of 2, .'MO acres, and all i)aid for. He contiiuied to reside on the home farm in Mone}' Creek Township until 1H70, when he sold it to his son Harmon, and movctd iv Lexington, where he has since lived retired from active labor. Air. and Mrs. Hefner reared a family of nine children, five sons and four daughters, four only now living. These are, Harmon, who occupies the old i)lace in ISIoney Creek Township; Mary, the wife (if .T. I). Curry, and Adeline, wife of John Campliell, residents of Lexington, and .lohn A., living on a farm in Money Creek Township, (ieorge M. died in .July, l-^m^* McLEAN COUNTY. 975- Michael H. Miller was reared to manhood in Montgomery County, Ohio, whence he afterward went to Indiana and was there married in l>ear- born Count}' to Miss Matilda Colwell on the 2d of April, 1832. Mrs. Miller was born in about 1810, in Indiana, and died at the home of her husband in Randolph Township in about 18.t3. Of her union with our subject there were born ten children, six now deceased. The living are, Frank, fSanuiel, Mary and Minerva, all married and settled in com- fortable homes of their own. Mr. Miller after his marriage located in Dearborn Count}', Ind., whence he removed after one year to Hamilton Count}', living there until in October, 1839. He then came into McLean County, and set- tled on the farm which he now owns and occupies. For his second wife Mr. Miller married Mrs. Martha (Miller) Daniels, in Funk's Grove Town- ship, in 1855. Mrs. Martha IMiller was born near New Albany, Floyd Co., Ind., where she was reared and educated, and there married to Mr. Dan- iels. They became the parents of five children. By her marriage with our subject there have been born two children, a son and daughter. Josephus and Ellen, who are both now married. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are greatly respected in their community, and our subject is in all respects fulfilling the obliga- tions of a law-abiding citizen. He is an extensive reader, well informed, liberal in religion and Demo- cratic in politics. He possesses great force of character and takes an intelligent interest in current events. -~^/\--vtliCi2/®-^^| *^.a/37r2r»v. -Wv /^URTIS BATTERTON. This old and hon- //( ored citizen of Martin Township came to ^^^' this vicinity in the pioneer days, and with others who ventured upon the territory of a new country, endured bravely the difficulties encoun- tered before the advance of civilization had con- tributed so much to make life more pleasurable than toilsome. He was born near Richmond, in Madison County, Ky., Jan. 11, 1810, and is the descend.ant of a family well known in the early his- tory of this country. His grandfather, a native of North Carolina, served as a soldier in the Revolu- - ■ 4 i tionary War, and at the close of that conflict be- came a resident of Kentucky. There he reared a family of sons and daughters, among whom was Abraham, the father of our subject. The latter after arriving at years (.)f manhood married Miss Sus.'in, daughter of (ieorge Henline, Esq., of North Carolina, who also was a Revolutionary soldier. Of this marriage there were born eight children. The parents spent the greater part of their lives in Kentucky, there died, and there their remains are buried; Curtis Batterton, who was the third child of his parents, passed his earlier ye.ars in his native county and came to this State in about 1837. He had previously purchased eighty acres of timber land in this county and now entered 240 acres, and later he purchased thirty-five acres more, and now owns 355 acres. Upon the former, for which he paid 1500, he erected a small log cabin and began to open up a farm. The following summer he was married to Miss Melinda, daughter of William Henline, a resident of McLean County. The young couple went to housekeeping in the humble cabin and bravely encountered the many hardships and privations incident to the development of a new country. The nearest market at that time was Chicago and the milling for the family was done at Peoria. The hogs and cattle were driven to the market, a week's time being often occupied in reaching the place of destination. Many of the streams were unbridged, which rendered crossing difficult and dangerous, and teamsters were fre- quently compelled to go a long distance out of their w.ay to reach the other side in safety. In ad- dition to this, farm [)roduee at best only commanded a low price. As time progressed, however, and the population began to increase, their difficulties and labors grew less and the products of the farm brought a better price. Mr. Batterton being lo- cated in one of the finest corn regions in this State raised this cereal in large quantities and fattened large numbers of hogs annually, shipping them by rail to Chicago. By this means he m.ade the larger p.art of his little fortune and was enabled to effect the necessary improvements upon his farm, adding both to its beauty and value. The shapely brick residence which the family now occupy was one of -^ t t 976 McLEAN COUNTY. the first of its kind erected in Martin Township, and surrounding it are the necessary barns and out-buildings, conveniently arranged ft)r the shelter of stock and the storing of grain. It must not be imagined, however, tiial ho has not encountered reverses as well as others, but he has ever met mis- fortune with a philosophic spirit and never allowed it to dismay or discourage iiini. lie has always taken an active interest in the welfare and progress of his adopted State, and has been prominent in the counsels of his fellow townsmen. Politically, he is an earnest Republican and fully believes in the rectitude of the principles of that party. He has not tasted liquor for thirty-five years and does not smoke or chew tobacco. Mr. and Mrs. Batterton became the parents of four sons and one daughter, namely : John, Will- iam, Franklin, Albert and Telitha. The latter is the wife of Miles Waybright, of Lexington ; John died of measles in the army. Our subject is now in the seventy-eighth year of his age and is in pos- session of a sound mind in a healthy body. He still loves to recall the incidents of the old pioneer days and can relate many an interesting story of earl}- life in Martin Township. In the galaxy of portraits of the leading men and pioneers of McLean County given in this Al- miM, none will receive a warmer welcome than that of Curtis Batterton. .~3»;JS*-^Si^-«^ >^i^-*<^;tf^ "iflOIIN KLESHER, one of the numerous suc- cessful agriculturists of McLean County, is living on his fine farm on section 3, Money Creek Tt)wnship. The father of our sul)ject, John Flesher, and ills wife, ISIary (.Seybery) Flesher, were natives of Pendleton County, W. Va. The par- ents were married and settled in their native county, whence the}- removed to Fayette County, Ohio, in 183.5. The}' made the latter county their home for about six years, and then, in 1841, came to this county and took up their residence in Mone}' Creek T()wnship, where they lived and la- bored until their death. His demise took place in the latter i)art of the spring of 1863, and she died about 1873. Of their union were born the follow- -n^ ing-named children : Jesse, Elizabeth, Peter, Polly, Catharine, John, (ieorge, Aleinda, Andrew and William. John Flesher was the sixth child born to his par- ents. He first saw light in Pendleton County, W. Va., July 1, 1816, and at the time of his parents' re- moval to Ohio, was about nineteen years old. He lived with them in that State until their emigra- tion to this county, when he accompanied them. Mr. Flesher was reared on a farm, and in fact all his years until the present time, have been devoted almost exiilusively to agricultural pursuits, al- though he has followed shoemaking in connection with his calling. He has resided in Money Creek Townsliip since 1S41, and is now the owner of 100 acres, the major portion of which is under an ad- vanced state of cultivation. May I'J, 184'J, in McLean County, our subject was united in marriage with Frances J. Eckels, a native of Indiana. She bore him five children — William P., Alex S., Andrew W., Oscar E. and Levvis D. A. William P. was suited in marriage with Miss Clara Stretch, .and is a farmer of Money Creek Township; they have one child, Ethel A. The remaining four children are deceased. Mrs. Flesher departed this life June 14, 1862, and our subject was a second time married in Money Creek Township, Nov. 26, 1865, Miss Catherine E. Bar- nard being the other contracting party. Of this union one child, Viola A., was born, and is now the wife of Edward Murphey, who resides in Money Creek Township. Mrs. Catherine Flesher died Oct. 31, 18C6, and April 1, 1867, in the latter-named township, Mr. Flesher formed another matrimonial alliance. The lady of iiis choice was Vesta A. (Potter) Fultz, daughter of Samuel and Nanc}' (Berger) Putter, and widow of Henrj^ Fultz. Mr. Fultz was a soldier in the late Civil War, belong- ing to the 124th Illinois Infantry, and lost his life at the battle of Champion Hills. By his marriage with Miss Potter he had three children — Mary C, Lucy A. and Sandi !•;. JMary is the wife of Thomas Richards, and they are living in Money Creek Township; Lucy married A. M Flesher, and they live in Gridley Township; Sarah is the wife of George W. Curry, and tiieir home is in Morton Count}', Kan. Mrs. Flesher was born in Floyd •¥- *► M '^- .t MCLEAN COUNTY. 977 1 ' County, Ind., April 17, ,1836, and with her hus- band is a member of the United Brethren Church. In polities Mr. Flesher is Republican. He has held the office of Highway Commissioner, and is one of the foremost citizens of his township. ORREL F. BUNDLE, proprietor of 380 acres of valuable land on section 1, To- wanda Township, and an energetic and thorough-going farmer of this countj', as well as a progressive and successful one, is the son of Noble and Margaret (Wright) Biddle, natives of Ohio. Noble Biddle and wife settled in Fayette County, Ohio, after their marri.age, whence in 18.50, they came to this county and settled in Lexington Township. Tliere the good wife died, Sept. 7, 1858. Mr. Biddle yet survives. Seven children were born to tliem, three sons and four daughters, and Dorrel was the second in order of birth. Oui- subject was born in Fayette County, Ohio, Nov. 3, 183(). He attended the eomnion schools of his native county, and received such education as was to be obtained therein, and also assisted his father in the labors on the farm. In 1850 he ac- companied his parents to this county, and lived with them until lS5(i. when he worked one season i)}- the month. He tlien rented land in Lexington Townsliip, which he farmed for two years, when he was enabled to buy eighty acres on section 1, To- wanda Township. On this place he erected a resi- dence, which was destroyed by fire in the fall of 18G6. He has since rebuilt his house, and sur- rounded it with good .and substantial out-buildings, and to-day has one of the finest farms in Towanda Township, and is meeting with signal success in conducting it. A view of the place is shown on another page of this volume. Mr. Biddle was married, in Lexington, 111., Dec. 22, 185!), to Miss Rebecca A., daugliter of John and Rachel (McDorman) Lambert, natives of Clarlvc County, Ohio. Mrs. Biddle was born in Fayette County, Ohio, Oct. 24, 1836, and has borne our subject seven children — Melissa E., ^^'illiam O., Noble AL, Edna M., Elmer F., John P. and Wil- mer O. Melissa is tlie wife of William Merna, and they are living at Bloomington ; William died in infancy; Noble was united in marriage with Miss Mary R. Fletcher, and thej' are living in Money Creek Township; Edna is the wife of David C. Fletcher, and they are residents of Normal Town- ship. For eight years Mr. Biddle has held the of- fice of Justice of the Peace, and for six years has acted in the capacity of Road Commissioner. He has also served as Township Trustee, and in politics is Republican. He and his wife are members of the United Brethren Church. 'JY/AMES H. LINCOLN, deceased, was one of the earliest pioneers of McLean County and a resident of the Prairie State from 1836 to Jj his demise. He was a gentleman of fine education and in early life took up the study of law, being admitted to the bar at Bloomington in 184!), and commenced practice at Le Roy. Three years later he opened a drug-store, which he oper- ated in ciinnection with his practice, carrying these on together for about sixteen years, and remained a resident of Le Roy until his death, which occurred on the 6th of Marcli, 1877. Mr. Lincoln was born in Greene County, Pa., Feb. 15, 1815, and was the son of Thomas and Mary (Jones) Lincoln, natives of that State. The grandfather of our subject, Mordecai Lincoln, was boi'u in Lincolnshire, England, and ujion emigrat- ing to America settled in Pennsj'lvania. There the father of our subject was reared upon a farm, worked for a time in a woolen-mill, and spent his entire life in his native county. The parents of James H. desired him to become a minister but he preferred tiie law, and at an early age commenced studying 'vith tliis end in view. When nineteen jears of age he taught school in Pennsylvania two years and pursued this occupation after coming to Illinois, at Ottawa. In 1837 Mr. Lincoln came to Le Roj^ which was then but a hamlet with one hotel and store. Young Lincoln conducted the first school in Le Roy and soon afterward entered upon tlie practice of his profession as stated. He was married, Sept. 12, 1841, to Miss Ellen INIerrifield, who was born in -^1 h I McLEAN COUNTY. Greene County, Ohio, Nov. 5, 1820, and was the daughter of Jiinies and Hannah (Haines) Merri- field. Her father was of Pennsylvania and her mother of English parentage, the hitter born in Virginia. The seven ehiklren of Mr. and Mrs. L. are: Thomas Abraham, of Ridgeway, Mo. ; Ben- jamin F., of Farmer City, III; Mary E., Mrs. Alexander Dixon, of Le Roy; Mordeeai, of Kan- sas; Edgar C, of Farmer City; James T. of Le Roy, and Eliza E., who married (i. B. Dougherty, of Leon, Iowa. The parents of Mrs. Lincoln came to McLean County in 1832, spending the following winter in Downs Township. In the spring of 1833, they re- moved to the grove near Le Roy, being the third family that settled there. The father improved a farm and lived there with his fanuly until 1857. He then spent five years in Missouri, after which he returned to Le Roy and remained until his death in 186-2. The mother died in 1838 in Buckles (irove. Mr. Lincoln in early life was a member of the Whig party but Later a Republican. He was up- right in his business transactions, a valued member of the community, and his name is held in kindly remembrance by a large circle of friends and ac- quaintances. 1 w OHN LAWRENCE, a prosperous farmer of Hudson T(nvnship, who owns and occupies a fine homestead on section 24, where for many }'ears he lias been engaged in the peaceful pursuits of agriculture, has established for himself the reputation of an honest man and a good citizen. He comes from that Empire upon which the sun never sets, having been born in Gloucester- shire, England, un the 8th of .June, 1828. His par- ents were William and Ann (Lewis) Lawrence, who had a family of seven children, two of whom died while young and one w.as lost by shipwreck on the voyage from Jamaica to Quebec. Two, Edvvard and Clara, reside in England ; Ann, the wife of John Langley, lives in Nance County, Neb., the remain- ing one being the subject of our sketch. John Lawrence received a good business educa- tion, his earlier studies being pursued in a board- ing-school for boys. At the age of sixteen years he boarded the ship Water Lily with the purpose of learning to be a sailor, the brother who was lost being then Captain. The ship was wrecked upon Europee Point, Gibraltar. After this sad occur- rence our subject completed his four years' appren- ticeship as a sailor upon other vessels. The first year of his sea life he received the meager com- pensation of $1.25 per month; the second, $2.50 per month; the third, $3.75, and the fourth, $5. He followed the sea for ten years, during which time he visited different ports on the American coast from Quebec to LaPlatte, S. A., and the West Indian Islands, also the ports of Western Europe, sailing the Mediterranean, the Black and the Baltic .Seas. During this time he served in every capacitj' up to chief mate. Sept. 20, 1853, the ship was capsized by a tornado and became water-logged, in which position they left her, after five days and nights, during which time the crew was without food. They were picked up by another vessel and carried to Newry, Ireland. In 1854, while at home, he met some friends from America who had come to England after blooded cattle, and through their persuasions, as well as be- ing tired of sea life, he sailed with them for the United States, accompanied by his brother who is now in England. After reaching American shores he went to Clinton County, Ohio, with his friends, and there assisted in taking care of cattle. His knowledge of farm life was very limited at that time, he never having h.arnessed a horse. He worked for various parties until early in December, 1857, and then came to Hudson and worked for different parties until the spring of 1859. On the lOth of February, 1859, Mr. Lawrence was united in marriage with Miss Harriet Drew, the wedding occurring in IJloomington. Mrs. L. is a native of the same country as her husband, having been born in Gloucestershire on the 21st of March, 1824. She was one of a family of ten daughters and one son, the children of William and Mary (Cowley) Drew, .and came to the United States in 1854. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Law- rence located upon a tract of rented land, where -•►•-^ i i t ■» ■ ^« McLEAN COUNTY. 981 a our subject engaged in fanning and his wife in all necessary household duties. Tiiey had but $300 in cash, but were rich in hope and courage, and pulled together with the resolution of making for themselves an honorable name and a comfortable home. In the spring of ISGo Mr. Lawrence i)ui'ehased 160 acres of his present farm, which was unim- proved and for which he paid $17.50 per acre. He at once entered upon its cultivation, was prospered in his farming and business transactions and added to his landed estate as time passed on. He is now the owner of 240 acres which constitutes the home farm and has given to his son eighty acres of valua- ble property. Of late he has given much attention to stock-raising and exhibits some of the finest ani- mals in the county. Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence be- came the parents of five children, two of whom died in childhood. One son, Matiiew, at the age of fifteen 3'ears, was killed by tlic kick of a horse, this sad accident occurring in the summer of 1882. The two surviving are William and John D. The subject of our sketch is a liberal Republican in politics and in religion a Baptist. He has never been the incumbent of anj'' office although re- peatedl}' solicited to do so. He is essentially a self-made man, one who commenced life at the foot of the ladder and has climbed up to his pres- ent position solely through his own honest and per- severing efforts. McLean County is noted for her elegant farm residences, and among those illustrated in this Album as worthy of prominence in this respect, is that belonging to John Lawrence. -^»»^ -^l!{^» !^5<^,. SjNOS A. TRIMMER. Among the well-to- |-^ do farmers of McLean County, those who \Ls^ have succeeded through individual effort and economy in acquiring a handsome property, both real and personal, Enos A. Trimmer deserves prominent mention. He is living upon his large and productive farm on section 17, Money Creek Township, and in addition to the cultivation of the cereals, is extensively' engaged in stock-raising. 4' Success in both branches of his vocation is crown- ing his efforts. Mr. Trimmer is a son of Jesse and Amanda (Gil- more) Trimmer, the former a native of New Jer- sey and the latter of Ohio. Coming to this coun- ty, the parents located in Money Creek Township, on the same section on which our subject now re- sides, and made that their home until they passed to the better land beyond. The demise of the former took place in 1876, and his wife joined him two years later. The father was very successful in life, and at the time of his death was the owner of about 2,400 acres of valuable land. He erected a large brick house on his farm, together with other good and substantial improvements, and at the date of his death his land was under a high state of cultivation. He became the head of a family of seven children who lived to attain the age of man and womanhood, namely : William, Eliza A., John F., David F., Sarah A., Mary and Enos A. Three died in infancy. William was a soldier in the 33d Illinois Infantry. He enlisted in 1861, and died at his father's home in Money Creek Township of disease contracted while in the army ; Eliza A. is the widow of John McNaught, and is living at Normal; John F. also lives at Normal; David F. is a resident of Lexington; Sarah A. is the wife of Joseph Scott, and they are living in Howard Laiie, Minn.; Mar^' and Frank B. Ilobart became man and wife and are living in this township. Enos A. Trimmer was born in M(jney Creek Township, this county, Oct. 13, 1856. He was reared to manhood on his father's farm, and has known no other home since his birth than the town- ship of his nativit}'. All his years thus far in life have been passed in agricultural pursuits and stock- raising, and he is at present making a specialty of fast stock. He is the owner of 642^ acres of valu- able land, and keeps about 100 head of cattle and 200 head of sheep, and fattens for the market an- nually from 100 to 200 head of hogs. IMr. Trimmer was married in Money Creek Township, Sept. 4, 1879, to AuraO. Ogden, daugh- ter of Albert and Sarah (Pirtle) Ogden, whose sketch is given elsewhere in this work. Mrs. Trim- mer was born in Money Creek Township, Dec. 9, 1860. and by her union with our subject three chil- t :)82 McLEAN COUNTY. *T* dren have been born — Elden, Leslie and Fleeta E. Mr. Trimmer has held the ottice of School Director for several yeai-s, and in [jolitics is a stanch Repnb- lican. One of the Hnest views presented in this volume is that of tiie farm-house of Mr. Trimmer. •€-*-!■ — ^ eHRISTIAN WAULS, a prosperous (ierman farmer of Yates Township, owns and occu- pies a good homestead on section 19, where he carries on general agriculture, and by his indus- try and straightforward business methods, has se- cured for himself the respect of all who know him. Mr. Wahls was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, May 8, 1830. His parents were Jokin and Doro- thea Wahls, who spent their entire lives in their native country, where their remains were laid to rest. Five of their children emigrated to the United States: John, who settled in McLean County, is now deceased ; Dorothea, the wife of John Seeman, resides in Cheuoa; Sophia, Mrs. Chris Jacobs, lives in Yates Townsiiip; Frederick lives in Le Roy, and Christian, the subject of this sketch, was the youngest. Mr. Wahls resided in his native country until twenty-five years old. He then came alone to the United States, being the first of the family to seek the New World. He sailed from Hamburg, and after a voyage of seven weeks, landed in New York City, and at once [jroceeded westward to the Prai- rie vStatc. His first stopping- place was at Bloom- ington, where he engaged as a common laborer. He continued working at wlialever iiis hands could find to do, lived plainly and economically, and in time found himself possessed of a sutlicient amount of means to invest in a small tract of land. This he did not occupy until 1872. It was located in Yates Township, and comprises a |)art of his pres- ent homestead, but he has made great additions to the first purchase, and brought about a great change in its condition. He is now the owner of 400 acres in a tine state of indtivation, and supplied with ail modern improvements. Of late years he has given considerable attention to the breeding of fine stock, and exhibits some of the finest ani- mals to be found in tiiis part of the county. r Mr. Wahls was married after corning to this country, in 1856, to Miss Sophia Victi Boldt, who was a native of the same Province as himself, and born Dec. 26, 1831. They have four children: Sophia, born Jan. 4, 1856, is now the wife of Fred Brum, of Chenoa; Minnie, born March 5. 1858, married William Schultz, of Chenoa Township; William, bin-n Sept. 18, 1860, is a resident of Yates Township; John, born March 18, 1865, is living with his parents at home. Our subject politicallj' is Democratic, and religiously is a member in good standing of the Lutheran Church. !72, to Miss Louisa Waybright, of Lexington. .She is a native of Virginia, and came to this countj^ in 1858. Three children have been born of this union, two daughters and a son. They are, Shelton, Hattie M. and Minnie May. Mr. Weakley is a member of the I. O. 0. F., and holds fellowship with Lodge No. 206, of Lexington. He has been City Attor- ney and Clerk of the city of Lexington for twelve years, and has likewise been clerk of Lexington Township. He and his wife are members of the United Brethren Church. I )ERNARU J. CLAGGETT, Cashier of the First National Bank of Lexington, is the son of Sanford R. Claggett, who established that institution in December, 1882. The latter was also President, and is widely and favora- bly known throughout the eommuuity as a man of remarkable energy and business foresight, and vrho was uniformly prosperous in all his business under- takings. A more extended sketch of this gentle- man will be found in another i)art of this work. The subject of this sketch was the second son of his parents' family, and was born Feb. 12, 1861, in the village of Lexington, where he passed his bo_y- hood and received his primary education. In 1876 lie attended Wesleyan University at Bloomington for one year and then went to Indiana and pursued his studies at Notre Dame University for three years. He then entered Jones Commercial Col- lege at St. Louis, from which he graduated in 1880. Returning to Lexington he entered his father's store in the capacity of clerk, continuing thus em- ployed until March, 1882, when he was admitted as a partner, and the firm became Claggett Bros. & Co., and thus continued its operations until De- cember, 1882. The bank was then opened for business and Bernard was made its cashier, which position he has since held. Mr. Claggett was united in marriage with Miss Nettie McCurdy, of Bloomington, on the 13th of December, 1882. This lady died Dec. 27, 1886, leaving one son — Ralph B. Our subject has largely inherited the business talents of his father and has before him the prospect of a successful future. He is a Director and stockholder of the First National Bank and otherwise identified with the business and industrial interests of Lexington. He is Treasurer of Lodge No. 206, I. O. O. F., having succeeded his father in the ofBce, and is Senior Deacon in Ma- sonic Lodge No. 276. VfjONATHAN L. RALSTON, a resident of I Lexington, is engaged as a contractor and builder, and is classed among the enterpris- ing business men of this vicinity. He is a native of Beaver County, Pa., and was born on a farm about forty miles from the city of Pittsburgh, Aug. 21, 1837. His father, Adam Ralston, also a native of the Keystone State, was a blacksmith by trade. He was married in early manhood to Miss Elinore McNabb of Ohio, and afterward served as a soldier in the War of 1812. After their marriage the young people settled in Beaver County, Pa., where Adam Ralston presided at the; forge for many years, and during the latter part of his life lived retired from active labor. The parental household included twelve children, six sons and six daughters, of whom five sons and four daugh- ters are yet living. Jonathan L. Ralston was the eighth in order of birth of his parents' children. His boyhood was passed in his native State and he was deprived of the affectionate care of his mother when twelve years of age. He was then thrown mostly upon his own resources, and employed himself for a few years at wliatever his hands could find to do. When eight- een years old he commenced to learn the carpen- ter's trade, which he subsequently followed in Penn- sylvania and C)hio. He was married in the latter State, in 1851, to Miss Elizabeth McNary of Trum- bull County, where he afterward settled and re- mained until the spring of 1857. He then, with his family, removed to this State and county, locating -^m i t !»84 McLEAN COUNTY. *► ■ < * in Lexington, and engaging.it his trade until his re- moval, in 1865, to his farm in Lexington Town- ship. This comprises 120 acres of valuable land in a high state of cultivation, whicii is principally de- voted to stock-raising. Mr. Ralston left the farm and removed with his family to Lexington in the fall of 1883, since which time he has tViUovved his trade there with success. Mrs. Elizabeth Ralston departed this life on the farm in Lexington Townshii), in Feliruar}-, LSTG, leaving seven children : Mai y K. is now the wife of James Arnold; .lohn M. was the second born; Rosalia .J. married L. H. .Smith, of .Selma; Cora M. and Clinton A. are deceased; Lillie and Grace are at home. The present wife of our subject was Mrs. Margaret Miller, widow of William Miller, and her marriage with our subject took place in 1879; there have been no children. Air. Ralston was President of the village Council, to which office he was elected in 1885, and with his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Their town residence is a tasteful structure, handsomely furnished, and the i'.amil}- enjoy the respect and esteem of the best people of the community. ^ ^-^P ^ 7/REfiMAN E. HL'DDLE, editor of the Odd Fellows' Herald in l!lo<.imington, was born March 6, 185G. A child of misfortune with some gocxl points and a, few bad ones in his character, but nothing in his purse. The Odd Fellows' Herald was first issued Aug. 2'J, 1878, at Springfield, 111. It was devoted to the interests of Odd Fellowship, and during the first year of its existence was adopted .as the official or- gan of the Grand Lodge of the State. It was established by A. 1). Sanders, and was a five-column folio. In 1881 it was moved to Bloomington and enlarged to a five-column (juarto, with F. E. Huddle as editor. In 1882 it wjis (lurchased by the Bulletin Company. In is.sl, when the Bulletin Company was dissolved, M. T. Scott became the proprietor, and Mr. Huddle editor and manager, under which arrangement it is at present conducted. It is now tiie official organ of the Grand Lodge of three States — Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan. Its cir- culation is about 5,400. It is neatly got up, and is well edited. ^ I^ILLIAM A. SMITH, a prominent citizen \/iJi/ ""'^ successful and progressive farmer of ^^/^ Lexington Township, was bom in the township in which he is at present residing, near Selma, Sept. 27, 1846, and is the eldest son of Mil- ton and Lydia Ann (Goddard) Smith. Milton Smith was born in Franklin County, Ky., Feb. 19, 1808. His father's name was William Smith and his mother's maiden name Obedience Brown. Mil- ton's father died when he was eight j'ears old and he grew up in Fi'anklin County. In the fall of 1835 he came to Selma, this county, and locating on a farm in the neighborhood of that place, he has made it his home until the present time. He helped to build the first house in Lexington. The mother of our subject, Lydia Ann Goddard, was the daugh- ter of Dr. Abbott Goddard, one of the early phy- sicians and ministers of this county. Williani A. Smith was reared on his father's farm and educated at the district schools, supple- menting his education received therein by a course of study at VVesleyan University, Bloomington. After leaving that institution he returned to the farm and carried on that industry until September, 1870. He was then married to Miss Tinnie Daj', daughter of Rev. Allen Day, a Methodist minister of note. After his marriage our subject settled on the farm on which he is at present living, on sec- tion 32, Lexington Township, where he has 160 acres of good farm land. He also owns fifty acres on section 31, making his landed interests in the county 210 acres, most of which is under an ad- vanced state of cultivation. He has a good two- story franie residence on his place and sub- stantial bain and out-buildings. In addition to the cultivation of the cereals, our subject has devoted considerable attention to the raising and feeding of cattle. He is at present feeding thirty -six head of fine steers, also has a fine lot of hogs and is meet- ing with success in his vocation. Two children have been born to our subject and wife, a son and n t •►-■-^^ McLEAN COUNTY. 985 4 daughter, and named Albei't A. and Maiy V. Our subject has always been identified with every inter- est that was calculated to benefit his community, and has never been Ifuown to turn a deaf ear to true charity. Mrs. Smith is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in politics INIr. Smith is and always has been a stanch Republican. -,-S- ■.o*o.-g^><;;^..o*o V— ^ AMES WOODARD. Among the well-to-do and prosperous farmers of Lexington Town- ship, residing on section 27, is the subject of this notice. In addition to the cultiva- tion of his land, he is and has been, to no inconsid- erable extent, occupied in the raising, trading and shipping of cattle, in which department of his vocation he has met with signal success. Mr. Woodard was born in Morgan County, Ind., Jan. 22, 1833. The father of our subject, Benedict Woodard, was a farmer by occupation, and born in Maryland, and was an early settler in Indiana. He was married to Elizabeth Wright in Kentucky*, whence they removed to Blorgau County, Ind., where he and his good wife both died. They were the parents of ten children, five sons and five daughters, all of whom lived to attain the age of man and womanhood, with the exception of one who died aged twenty years. Six are still living, and James, our subject, is the 3'oung'est of the fam- James Woodard was reared to manhood on liis father's farm, and received his education in the common schools. He remained witli the old folk until he was twenty-three years old, when he was married to Miss Luany Evans, daughter of Samuel Evans, of Morgan Countj', Ind. After his mar- riage he settled on a farm in tliat county, and there lived until the fall of 18G0, when he removed to this county and located on the farm on which he is at present residing, on section 27, Lexington Townshij). The place was then owned by Jlrs. Smith, and contained only uinetj'-eight acres. Our subject purchased it, and has added to the same until he is now the proprietor of .540 acres of ch(jice land, 300 of which is in a body. He has two good I y barns on his place and a comfortable residence, and is at present the owner of a handsome and valuable property. When Mr. Woodard first came to this county he had but little means, and ran in debt for two-thirds the value of the farm he pur- chased. In addition to the cultivation of his land he embarked in the raising of hogs, and met with signal success in this branch of his vocation, and has really made more money in that manner than he has by the cultivation of the cereals. To his hog-raising he has added that of bu3ing and feed- ing cattle, which has also proved a successful un- dertaking. During the year 18SG our subject shipped four carloads of cattle and three of hogs to the Chicago market. The cattle numbered sixty-four head, and averaged 713 pounds, and he thinks that it is as large an average as any ship- ment ever made from this county, for three-year olds. His hogs are of the Poland-China breed, and he is perhaps the most successful cattle buyer and feeder in this county. His horses are of the Per- cheron and Clydesdale breed. Mr. Woodard's marriage has been blest by the birth of four children, two sons and two daughters: Kansas A. is the wife of AVilliam Pattou; Sarah married John Shafer; Wesley and Alexander are at home. Politically Mr. Woodard officiates with the Democratic party. He and his good wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. ,1/ E^'I DILLON, importer ami breeder of I ((^ Erench draft horses and a resident of Nor- J *— ^\ mal, was born in Tazewell County, 111., Oct. 15, 1835. He is a son of Aaron and Melinda (Hodgson) Dillon. Levi Dillon was orphaned when only one year old and immediately thereafter became an inmate of his uncle's familv, Ellis Dil- lon. He continued to reside with his uncle until manhood, engaged the while in farm labor. His uncle alwaj's kept a large number of horses, but no matter how large the herd, Levi could always tell which of the number possessed the greatest speed. In fact, from early youth our subject formed a likeness for horses which has never left him. In 1857 Levi Dillon was married to Mar}', daughter of James Wright, in Randolph County, •►■-4« i i t t 986 McLEAN COUNTY. r Iiul. After his in:iiriase he purchased 160 acres of land, located in Hoynton Township, Tazewell County, and on which he settled and engaged in farming. In 18o!S, in company with his brother, he purchased a one-half interest in "Old Louis Na- poleon," the first Norman horse imported into the L'nited States, and thus, unawares, laid the founda- tion of a future conii)etency and a successful busi- ness career. No breed of horses lias attracted more attention in this countr}' during the last fiftj' j'ears, than the Norinan horses from France. "Louis Naiioleon" was the first of that breed owned in Illinois or west of the Alleghany Mount- ains. In 18(!1 a gentleman from California visited Tazewell County, and portrayed the advantages of his Slate in such ghjwiug terms as to induce Mr. Dil- lon to sell his farm, preparatory to moving to the Pacific Slope. His brother also sold out, and to- gether they purchased a large number <>i horses which they intended to take to California. But just at this juncture the late Civil War caused the price of horses to advance and tiiey disposed of their herd, realizing a handsome [jrolit. and as the finances <.;( the country were in a depressed con- dition, thej' gave up the idea of emigrating to California. Our subject invested a portion of his means in an eighty-acre farm in the neighborhood of Normal. In liSCi;', ^fr. Dillon removed to Bloomington, anil tlie following year located on his farm near Normal, and there liveil until 188-1, engaged in farming and stock-raising. He made two trijjs to France after iiorses and while in Europe visited ICngland. During the ^years lie was connected with tiie linn of K. Dillon A Co., he also handled stock individually and in 1 8.s:5 erected his present barn at Normal, which was the lirst stock barn erected at that i)lai^e. He then a.ssociated his son, Ellis E., and two sons-in-law, J. C. Duncan and .lames Railsback, with him ;is pai'tners, and has since con- ducted thi^ business .-is Levi Dilk)n A- Sons, but all advertising .Mnd exhibitions made are in the name of Dillon i'.ros. In 1 ss:! this lirm imported twentj' horses; in 18X1 twenty-live head; in LS8.') twenty heads and in 1 8S6 sixteen head. Thej^ have also imported twenty mares for breeding purposes and now own over forty full-blo<^ded mares. Mr. Dil- lon has exhibited horses at every State Fair in Illi- nois since 18,i8, besides many local fairs, and has never lost a horse while in transportation, .illhough frequently exhibiting as high as fifty head at . Carson was the seventh child born to his parents, and first saw light in Ross County, Ohio, March 31, 1817. He followed farm labor until he was twenty-one years old, having in the meantime received an education in the common schools. He then taught .school for about fourteen years, most of the time at Dublin, Ohio. The father of our subject owned a large tract of land, 1,0(10 acres, and after his death the estate was divided, and our subject receiving his jjortion married and settled upon it. His farm was located in Delaware Coun- ty, and from the time he first located upon that place until the present he has followed agricultural pursuits. Living in Delaware County until Janu- ary, 1805, he came to this county and settled in Lexington Township, where he pnrcha.sed ■25'J,V acres on .section 16. He now owns 320 acres on the same section, and his farm is under an ad- vanced state of cultivation, and has gt)od and sub- stantial buildings upon it. He also has seventy- three acres of timber huul on the Mackinaw, on section 28. Mr. Carson was married in Ross Couiity, Ohio, I t ^ t McLean county. ►^*Pr^ 989 \ Nov. 13, 1851, to Miss Nancy .Jane, daughter of Hugh and Elizabetli (Berry) Carson, natives of Penns3ivania. Her parents settled in Ross Coun- ty, Ohio, after their marriage, and there reared a family of eleven children, seven girls and four boys, and Mrs. Carson of this notice was the sixth in order of Iiirth. She was born in Ross County, Ohio, Oct. 2.3, 1817, and by her union with our subject has become the mother of four children — Elizabeth, Abigail, Samuel B. and Frank Henry. Samuel B. was united in marriage with Miss Etta Brown, and the3'are living in Lexington Township; Fi'ank Henry died when two years old; the other children are unmarried and reside at home. Mr. Carson in politics was an old-line Whig, and on the organization of the Republican party became identified with it. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. "if/ACOB CURTIS MAHAN. the oldest mer- chant of Lexington, is one of its most sub- stantial and prominent business men, and !^)i has aided materially in its advancement and importance as a town. He is a native of the wealth3' and populous Buckeye State, having been born in Highland County, Ohio, near the line of Brown County, on the 21st of .Inly, 1826. His father, William Mahan, was born in Kentucky and lemoved with his parents to Clermont Count}', Ohio, when a mere lad. and there grew to manhood. His father, also .J.acob Mahan, is supposed to have been a native of Pennsylvania, and w.as for many years a minister of the United Brethren Church, and was among the pioneers of that denomination in Indiana. His earthly career closed in abmit 1830. The Mahan family came originally from Ireland, and possessed in a remarkable degree the generous traits of the warm-hearted Irish race. William Mahan, the father of our subject, was married to Miss Cas.sandra, the daughter of Jephtha Curtis, Esq,, >>f Penn.sylvania. Her mother's name was Mary. Her father was a soldier in the Revolu- tionary War, who, after his enlistment, never re- turned to his home, and it is supposed was killed in some of the numerous engagements of that un- happy period. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. William Mahan settled in Highland County. Ohio, where they continued until 1842, and then with their family emigrated to Illinois, first settling in Lexington Township, this county, on section IG, wheie the father engaged in general farming. In 1804 they removed from the farm into the village, where they spent the balance of their daj's, the father dying in 1883, in the eighty-first year of his age, and the mother the year following, aged eighty-four. Their family included six sons and four daughters, of whom five grew to mature years, and four sons still survive, .Tacob C. being the eld- est; Isaac S. lives in Champaign, 111.; Erasmus, in Greenwood County, Kan., and William Quuicy in Lexington. Paulina became the wife of R. H. McLean, and died in 1881, leaving three children. Jacob C. Mahan was sixteen years of age when he came to McLean County with his parents. His education, begun in Ohio, was completed in Cherry Grove, near Abingdon, this State, and he after- ward taught school for two years. Then, with a capital of |!20(), he opened a small store in Lexing- ton, which he carried on until 1|iejoy removed to Lexington with his famil}', where he died on the 29th of August, 1801. The parental household included the following chil- dren: Elizabeth, who became the wife of Rev. Robert Baker; William, who lives in Nebraska; Margaret, who married Isaac Haner, of Harrison County, Iowa; John, our subject; Henry is a resi- dent of Warren County, Iowa; Harrison, of Lex- ington Township, this county; Sarah married Allen McMuUen. now of Wilson County, Kan.; George lives in this county; Commodore Perry is in Lex- ington; Edward is deceased, and one died in in- fancy. .lolui P-»^^^i/U7rff*^^\/\/>^ t •j^^^OAH FRANKLIN, a prominent and highly I /// ''espected resident of Lexington Township, W^JlL) and one of its most extensive farmers and stock-growers, owns and occupies a beautiful home- stead. He is esteemed as one of the most valued members of the farming and business community of that section. He was born in Owen County, Ind., near Spencer, the county seat, in June, 1831. His father. Col. John Franklin, was of English ances- try, and his grandfather, John Franklin, Jr., a na- tive of England, emigrated to this countr)' and lo- cated in North Carolina. John Franklin, Jr., the father of our subject, was born in North Carolina, whence he emigrated to Indiana at an early day. He was married to Miss Mar3' Puette, a native of his own State, and they became the parents of eleven children, six sons and five daughters, all of whom, except the youngest child, a son who died when two years old, lived to maturity, and seven still survive. The father of our subject left Owen County, Ind., in May, 1855, and coming into this county settled on a farm near the village of Lexington where he died two years later. After the death of his father, the son Nel- son remained with his mother, assisting her in the labors of the farm until attaining manhood. The education of Noah Franklin, begun in Indi- ana, was completed in the public schools of Lexing- ton. In 1854, when twenty-three years of age, he was married to Miss Sarah, the tlaughter of Jacob Spawr, who was among the first settlej's on the Mackinaw River. Her mother was formerly a Miss Trimmer, and her father died shortly after his re- moval to McLean County. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Franklin settled on a new farm which our subject had entered from the (ioverment and began making improvements and feeding and ship- ping stock to Chicago. He dealt in hogs and cat- tle and met with success, and as his means increased extended his operations until he became one of the largest cattle feeders of Lexington Township. He has now a farm of 1,200 acres in a high state of cultivation, with a fine extent of blue grass pasture. He feeds annually about 300 head of cattle, and on the farm are three fine barns, also three dwelling- houses. The land is well fenced and all the build- ings neat and tasteful and kept in good repair. He raises about lifty calves every year. His home, however, since 1877, has been within the limits of Lexington, where he occupies an elegant brick res- idence which he purchased from the Trimmer heirs at a good round sum. He still superintends the operations of his farm and for many 3-ears has been classed among the leading breeders of Short- horn cattle in this pait of the State. He now breeds altogether for full blood males, believing that a good calf will not eat any more than a poor one, and the gain in nu'at and milk will more than counterbalance the first c<.ist of the introduction of the high grade. C)f the union of Mr. and Mrs. Franklin there were bore five children, three daughters and two sons: Ida M. is the wife of C. D. Bush, a native of Roches- ter, N. Y. ; Lola died at the age of four 3-ears; Minnie was married to Harry L. Fell of St. Louis, Mo., who was formerly of Normal ; the sons are, Noah E. and Bertram A., living at home. Mr. '^ t 992 McLEAN COUNTY. ?. Franklin was Snpervisor of Monej' Creek Town- ship two terms before locating in Lexington. His aged mother still lives on tiie homestead there, be- ing now ninety-two years of age. Our subject and his family are members in good standing of the Christian Church of Lexington, and number their friends and associates among the best residents of tiie township. ->«Jilunty as " Uncle John," is one of the "snow birds" of tills county, he having located here some (j^j// tlu'ee years before the big snow, in 1827. Uncle John Kpawr was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, April 15, 1812. His father, Valentine Spawr, was born in Pennsylvania, and w.as of German ex- traction. \'alentine Spawr was united in marriage with ^Margaret llichy, who was born in German}-. She was brought to this countr}' by her parents when three years old, and on the voyage the good mother died and her remains were consigned to a watery grave. The father with his little children arrived at New York City, whence they went to Pennsylvania and settled in that State, ^'alentine Spawr emigrated from Pennsylvania to Ohio in about ISOO, and made settlement in Fairfield County. Later he re- moved to Pickaway- County, where our subject was born, and made that his home until the fall of 1827. During that j'ear he came to this county and took up his residence in Money Creek Town- ship. Living there three years he moved to Lex- ington Township and located on section 25. The children of our subject were ten in inimber, four brothers and six sisters. They ••ire as follows: Margaret, wife of Francis Lucas of < )hio ; Catherine, wife of Roliert (luthrie; Susan A., wife of Zacha- riah .Mcl>ean of Ohio; Elizabeth, wife of William Kobbins of Ohio; .Mary, wife of Charles IJeers of Ohio; Sarah, wife of Harrison Flcsher of this county ; Jacob, living at Lexington; George, who was united in marriage with Rhoda Waldon; Peter married Elizabeth Messer, moved to Iowa and then to Kansas, where he died, and John, our subject, is the remaining child. Valentine Spawr died on the old home farm in tiiis count}', Feb. 5, 1855, aged eighty-five years. His good wife died March 1, 1852, aged eighty-one years. John Spawr was fifteen years of age when he came to this count}' with his parents. He received what education he acquired in schools in Pickaway County, Ohio. Coming to tins county ■with his parents he worked on the farm and until he was twenty -two years old. when he was married to Miss Rachel Higgs, daughter of John Higgs. After his marriage Mr. Spawr continued to remain on the old homestead and cared for the old folk as long as the}' lived. His occupation has always been that of a farmer and he has carried it on in all its different branches, adding to the cultivation of the cereals that of the raising of hogs and cattle. He has fed large numbers of steers on his farm and getting them in good condition for the market, drove them to Chicago where he sold them. All of the improvements on his fine place he has placed there himself. He became the head of a family of thirteen children, ten of whom lived to attain the age of man and womanhood. The record is as follows: Catherine, wife of James R. Moon; Rebecca married Lewis Whittaker of Indiana; Mary is the wife of .lames Golden; Thomas .1. was a soldier in the late war, in Co. C, 94th 111. \'ol. Inf., and died in Missouri in 1862; John M. mar- ried Emily Golden, and they are living in Kansas; JIartin X. married Elizabeth Hedrick and they are also living in Kansas; William P. was married to Charity Larkey, and they are residents of this county; Isabella is the wife of Charles Smith, also a resident of this county; Joanna was united in marriage with Simon Wouerliu, a farmer of this county. The three last mentioned children are by the second marriage of our subject. Mr. Spawr's first wife died May 7, 1845, and in Iis4(i he was again married, Mary A. Pickering being the other contr.'ictiug party. She is a daughter of John L. Pickering and has borne our subject three children as named. Mr. Spawr held the ofliee of Justice of the Peace in his township for eight years. He was School Trustee for some fourteen years and School Direct(ji' about twenty years. Mr. Spawr was for i * .^ l\ ■^^ ,t McLean county. 995 iL t many years a member of the United Brethren Church and his wife, who was born and reared a Quaker, still holds fellowship with that sect. ENRY MOATS. The wealth and magnifi- cence of this county to the early pioneers grew from its beautiful groves as much as 11^ from any other one thing. These goodly forests in their primeval beauty drew the pioneer as the magnet does the needle. No other consider- ation overbore the generous shelter which these islands of shade and cool streams gave— about the only comfort these early settlers found in their new home; all others were surroundings of discomfort. The cramped cabins, tlie absence of schools and markets, sickness — always the attendant of new lo- cations — severe storms, depredations of wild beasts, fires, snakes, poorl}' paid toil and the uncertainty of the future — all gave way to the supporting shelter of the grove. Our sul)ject, who is one of the oldest pioneers in this county, can more fully appreciate this statement than tiiose who see the fertile prairies of to-day so well settled and carefully tilled. Henry Moats is a progressive farmer and resid- ing on section 81, Mone}' Creek Township. lie is a son of Jacob and Sarah (Ilinthorn) Moats, the former a native of Maryland and the latter of West Vir- ginia, and early pioneers of this county. After their marriage they settled in Licking County, Ohio, whence they came to this countj' in the fall of 1829, and in February, LS30, took up their resi- dence in Money Creek Township, wiiere they con- tinued to live and labor until their death. Ilenr}' Moats was the eldest of his parents" nine children and was born in Licking County, Ohio, Nov. 26, 1810. He was nineteen 3'ears of age when he accompanied his parents to this county and has been a resident of it since that time. Mr. Moats was reared to manhood at farm labor and while a young man employed his time during the spring seasons in splitting rails. Thus growing up into man- hood and passing onward in the rugged [jathway of time, disciplined in the stern school of experi- ence, he was prepared to meet any emergency with a steady and ready hand. All his years thus far in life have been devoted to agricultural pursuits and he is at present the owner of 293 acres of land, 100 of which is in timber. He has held the office of Justice of the Peace for four years and also that of Road Commissioner for several 3'ears, and has been the incumbent of the ofHce of School Director of his township. In politics he is a Jacksonian Demo- crat and cast his first presidential vote foi' Old Hickory. He is a good farmer and has succeeded in that calling. Mr. Moats was married in Money Creek Town- ship, Nov. 2, 1837, to Elsie, daughter of Thomas and Ruth (Haines) Van Buskirk. Her father was a native of Maryland and her mother of Virginia, and after they were married they settled in Licking County, Ohio, whence thej' removed to Pickaway County, that State, and in 1829, came here and lo- cated in Money Creek Township, where thej' died at an advanced age. Eleven children were born to them, four sons and seven daughters, namely: Isaac, Mary, Sarah, Thomas, Elsie, Jesse, William, Eliza, Susanna, Lucinda and Mahal.a. Mrs. Moats was born in Pickavvay County, Ohio, July 26, 1816, and lived in that county until she came here with her parents. Four children have been born of her union with our subject — William J., Francis M., Mary J. and Thomas B. William J. died in in- fanc3'; F. M. married Miss Rebecca Arbuckle and they are living in Money Creek Township; Mary is the wife of John Rankin, also of Money Creek Township; Thomas died when two years old. Mr. and Mrs. Jloatsare members of the United Brethren Church and much respected for their kindness of heart liy all who know them. As one of the venerable and respected pioneers of this county we present the portrait of Henry Moats in this Ai.nuji. < ^©•^ ^ <0|;OIIN FliLWILER,an old resident and mer- chant of Lexington, fust visited McLean County in 1842, having made the trip from ^^// Cumberland County, Pa., where he was born in December, 1810. His father, Abraham Fulwiler, was also a native of the Keystone State t t. 996 McLEAN COUNTY. 4 and a man prominent in the affairs of his cuiiuty, being one of those who assisted in its division when a part of Cumlierhiud Count}- was laid off into Perry Coiintj', of which he became the first Regis- ter and liecorder. He also engaged in mercantile pursuits, and at one time cunducted three stores in Perrj' County. The Fuhvilers were of German ancestry, and the motlier of our subject was formerly iliss Mary, the daugliter of James Black, whose family originated in Scotland. Tlu- piii-cuts of n. I'rdinincnt among its early pioneers is the gentleman whose name heads this biograjihy. He is a n.ative of Ross County, Ohio, where be was born on a farm near Chillieothe, on the Sth of January, I.S21. He comes of an ex- cellent family, his grandfather, John Ritter, who was born in Mar3'land, having been among the prominent and highly respected men of that State. Jn eai'ly life he married Miss Eleanor Burke, and reared (juitc a large family. Among their sons was Joshua, the father of our subject. He was reared under parental care, trained to ha))its of industry and iionesty, and after reaching manhood was united in marriage with Miss Harriett, the daughter of .ludah Cadwallader, who was a (Quaker of the old style. The children of tiiis household, five in luimber, included two sons and three daughters, of whom .lohn W., our subject, was the eldest: Phebe A., now deceased, became the wife of a Mr. Kern; William C. is living in Martin Townslii|); Hannah E. and Martha iM. are deceased. The parents re- moved from Maryland at .in early day, and were among the pioneer settlers of the Buckeye State. The father died in Pickawaj' County, and the mother in Ross County, Ohio. The subject of this history lived in his native county until he reached the age of eighteen years, then went to Indiana and spent four years. Subse- quently he returned to Ohio, where he lived until 1S4'.), when, l)eing seized with the gold fever, which was then prevailing, he joined hundreds of others going to California. He went by the way of Cape Horn. He engaged in mining on the Pacific Slope for a period of three years, and was quite success- ful. Returning to his old home in Ross Count3', Ohio, he again took up his residence there until the fall of 18.54, when he once more set his face west- ward, and coming to Illinois purchased his present farm on section 34, Martin Township. It bore no resemblance to the homestead which is now so at- tractive, being then but an unbroken prairie, no part of which had been turned b}' the plow. His first purchase consisted of eight}" acres, upon which he built a small cabin and a cattle pound. He then began his farm o|)ei'ations in earnest, .and by de- grees gathered together a fine assortment of hogs, cattle, horses iuid mules. As soon .as possible he opened up an active trade in stock, and was re- markabl}' successful in his agricultural operations from the st.art. As time progressed and his means accumulated he added to his real estate until he is now the owner of ()40 broad acres in one body, but which lies upon three different sections. His aim has been to build up oue of the handsomest home- steads in his township, and in this he h.as succeeded remarkably well. In liS83 he put up a fine resi- dence. Before this he had his land all enclosed with substantial fences, and lias built a good barn and other necessary farm buildings. The premises in all resi)ects are aljout as complete as the industry and ingenuity of man could make them. He has kept up his stock operations, and of late ^ears has given much attention to the breeding of blooded ro.adsters. After many years of intermittent La- bor, both of brains and hands, he h.as availed him- self of the leisure affoided by .ample means. Dur- ing the last three years he h.as spent considerable time in Kansas. His three daughters some time since took up a homestead and timber tract of 1,400 acres in Rollins County, in which speculation their father also joined, and which liids fair to prove very successful. The marriage of Mr. Ritter .and Miss Maria Dawson was celebrated at the home of the bride's parents, Nov. 13, 18;')'), in Padua Township. Mrs. R. is the daughter of AVilliam H. Dawson, who was one of the pioneers of Old Town Township, where his daughter w.as burn. Mr. D. is a native of Ohio, •►►■-^ i t. ■<^ *-^«— ^ McLEAN COUNTY. 1001 and came with his parents to this county when a lad seven years old. The parents of Mrs. Ritter are both living, and are residents of Nebraska. The six cliildren of Mr. and Mrs. Ritter are William II. ; Harriett A., now Mrs. William Winger, of Rollins County, Kan.; Mattie; Nellie; John W., Jr., and Mary. The four latter are at home. William C. Ritter, a younger brotliei' of our sub- ject, was the second son and third child of the fam- ily, and was born in Ross County, Ohio, Dec. '2o, 1823. He was educated in the district schools of his native connty, and when about seventeen years old, his father having died, he commenced the bat- tle of life for himself. The first property he owned was a colt, which he purchased with money he had saved little by little. He afterward worked by the month, practicing a most rigid economy, and in due time found himself in possession of $1,000 as the result of his savings. With this, which was a fine capital in those days, he began trading in horses. In partnership with our subject he came West, and to this county, in 18.j4. Since that time he has been buying, feeding and shipping cattle, for a period of twenty-three years. They continued in partnership until the marriage of John W., and then dissolved by mntual consent. William C. afterw.ard did business on his own account. A part of his time has been spent in Arrowsmith Township, where, during some winters he had fed from 200 to 300 head of cattle. He took a trip to Connecticut in 1876, and returned in the spring of 188G, since which time he h.as made his home with his brother, John W. A handsome lithographic view of Mr. Ritter's residence is shown on another page of this win-k. -*- LFREI) HARPOLE, one of the most en- ergetic and enterprising farmers of Martin Townshii), is the descendant of a family which has been distinguished for many generations for their uniform success, both in trade and in agricultural pursuits. Our subject is the eldest son of John and Mary (Slaughter) Harpole, and was born m Greene Count}', Ohio, Nov. 13, 1840. It will thus be seen that he is in the prime of life, and in the full strength of his physical and intellectu.al powers. Alfred's grandfather, William Harijole, who was of German ancestry, was born in Virginia and mar- ried Miss Betsey Peterson. Their son .John, the father of our subject, married Miss Marj' Slaugh- ter, daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (Cooper) Slaughter, Mr. S. being of German descent. After marriage John Harpole and his bride located in Greene County, Ohio, where he became an exten- sive cattle-breeder, and built up for himself an en- viable reputation in this branch of agriculture in the Buckeye State. He was remarkablj' successful in his business and stock operations and accumu- lated a small fortune. His father, William Har- pole, was also the owner of a line estate, including a tract of 5,000 acres of valuable land in Ohio, in Madison, Greene and Clarke Counties. On the other side of the house, the Slaughters were also people of means, the maternal grandfather of our subject being the proprietor of 3,000 acres of land, and also engaged in stock-raising in JNIadison County, Ohio. In 1806, Peter Harpole purchased 1,035 acres of land in this county, lying along Mackinaw Creek and which was formerly owned by George W. Funk, of Bloomiugton. Later, William Harpole purchased 640 acres of Peter Hefner, of Lexington. John Harpole, the father of our subject, was one of the pioneer cattle deal- ers of Illinois, having first herded cattle in Logan Count}', in 1838. He was thus engaged in this State for a number of j'ears, but finally returned to Ohio, and died there in 1849, at the early age of twenty-nine years, having been born in 1819. The parental household consisted of six children, four girls and two boys. After the death of the father, the mother of our subject was married to E. Bo- zarth, and took up her residence with him in Greene Count}-, Ohio. The subject of this history was hut eight years old at the time of his father's death, and even at this early age it became evident that he had to a remarkable degree inherited the business talents of his parent. When nine years old he commenced trading in calves, and continued his stock opera- tions until arriving at the age of sixteen. He then came into this county in company with his step- •►-■-^^ i -•► f' i t t .'), settling in l-^l I'aso, Woodford County, where the father lived a retired life until his demise in 18(;8, aged eiglity 3'ears. Tiie mother is still living aud makes her lionic wilii the subject of this notice. The grandfather of our subject was a soldier in the Kevolntionarj' War and a native of Connecti- cut. Early in life he moved to Saratoga County, N. Y., of which he was one of the pioneers, and there [jurchased a liact of (ioveriunent laud con- sisting of 120 acres, on which he erectetl the cus- tomary log cabin, and entered upon the improve- ment of his land. He lived on that place until his death, in 1836, aged eighty-one years. His good wife, Hannah Peckham, was also l)oru in Connecti- cut, and bore him seven children. The fatiier of Mrs. L^dia Hewitt, our subject's mother, was Thomas Moon, a native of Rhode Isl- and, as likewise was his wife, Deborah (Hoxie) Moon, and they were also early settlers of Saratoga County, N. V. Edmund Hewitt was a soldier in the War of 1812, and was often called upon to fill positions of trust and honor in the county where he resided. He was a strong advocate of temperance and was much interested in education. He and his wife were members of the Baptist Church, in which he was a Deacon. They had Ave children, three of whom are now living: Hattie, now Mrs. O'Brien, of Lawrence, Kan.; Rev. Charles E., pastor of the First Bajitist Church at Peoria, 111., and our subject. II. II. Hewitt was reared to farm labor until he attained the age of fourteen years. He then sui)- plemented his education which he had received in the common schools, by a course of study at Ft. Edward Institute, Washington County, N. Y. Leaving the latter school he came to Illinois and settled at El I'aso, Woodford County, in 1857. Tiiere he taught the Iirst public school tli:it w;is ever taught in El P.aso. In 18ti0 he opened the first hardware store in El Paso and continued the business with signal success until 1869. Disposing of his interests at El Paso, Mr. Hewitt; came to Bloomington, and for two years was engaged in the book business. In 1873 he embarked in the hardware trade at Bloomington and occupied his time and atteuiion in this direction for about ten \'ears, when he retired from active labor, and has since lived upon his handsome compctencj-, which has been acquired mainly through his own energy and good judgment. In 1881 Mr. Hewitt erected a store building at No. 417 North JNIain street. He purchased his handsome residence in 1869, and has since his resi- dence in Bloomington, operated to no incousidei'a- ble extent in city properly, and also has become a stockholder in the National State Bank. He like- wise has a tile factory near McLean, in which he em- * n t ■^^ McLEAN COUNTY. 1005 ploys from fifteen to twenty men and where he has invested about |!lO,000. In addition to his posses- sions in this State, Mr. Hewitt is the proprietor of an orange grove in Florida, and interested in prop- erty at St. Paul, Minn., and holds numerous mort- gages. He was among the largest subscribers to the fund for building the Baptist Church at El I'aso in 18(54, and was also one of the building committee. He was a Deacon in a congregation at that place and was also Sunday-school Superintendent and chorister there. Since coming to Bloomingtou he has been twice elected Superintendent of the Sunday-school of the First Baptist Church, and was also the incumbent of the ofBce of Superin- tendent of the Mission School for five years and connected with it for nine years. He is a member of the Board of Missions and Treasurer of the Illi- nois (ieneral Baptist Association. Mr. Hewitt was married to Miss Hattie G. Barker, daughter of James M. and Emily (Gere) Barker, Jan. 17, 18G5. She was born in Saratoga County, N. Y., as likewise were her parents. Her father was a farmer and manuf.Tcturer, and by his union with Miss Gere, became the head of a family of four children : Jennie, Mrs. Larned, of Chicago; Hattie G., Mrs. Hewitt; William and Julia. The father departed this life in 1877. He was a consist- ent Christian gentleman, holding fellowship with the Baptist Church, and was a Deacon in a congre- gation of that denomination. His widow is yet liv- ing and resides at Albion, N. Y. Our subject is Republican in jjolitics, and he and his wife are mem- bers of the Baptist Church. 'i2-«4 ^i^rt.*^ yMLLlAM McCRACKEN, engaged in mer- / cantile pursuits at Selma, was born in Nor- WW wich, Franklin Co., Ohio, July 28, 1828. The father of our subject, Henry McCraeken, was by birth a Pennsylvanian, and born in CumVierland Valley in 1796. His ancestors were from Ireland, the grandfather of Henry having been born in that country, and came to the United States while yet a single man. Henry McCraeken was married three times. His first wife was Rebecca Black, daughter of William Black, and the family of Blacks were of Scotch extraction. At the time of his first mar- riage he was living in the Shenandoah or Cum- berland Valley, Pa., and after the marriage they continued to live there for a short time, and then removed to Franklin Countj', Ohio. This was about 1821, and the}' located in what is kuovvn as Old Franklin on the west bank of the Sciota River. There Henry helped to clear up the forest where the thriving city of Columbus now stands. He was a stonemason by trade and worked in the vil- lage for a while when he moved onto a farm and followed that calling. He reared a family of four children, three sons and one daughter. David is deceased; George is living at San Jose, Cal. ; Will- iam, our subject, was next in order of birth, and Margaret, wlio married Tliomas E. Scrimger, is de- ceased. William McCraeken passed his .youth in liis na- tive county, and there in the common schools re- ceived his education, supplementing the same by an attendance of one term at Delaware College. In 1.S52 our subject came to this county and stopped at Selma, where at first he was emplo3'ed in a grist and saw mill, and subsequently engaged in farming and followed that calling until the breaking out of the late Civil War. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Co. G, 33d 111. Vol. Inf., and his regiment was assigned to the Western army. He served there until February, 1803, when he was transferred to a gunboat under command of Commodore Foote, and took part in the bloody conflict of Donelson. His boat ran a blockade at Island No. 10, and at the bombardment of Ft. Pil- low. After this, in July, 1863, he was discharged from the service on account of disability and re- turned to Selma, where after convalescing he en- gaged in the mercantile business. He engaged in partnership with William Bratton, and they opened a grocer}' store and continued the business for about three years. Mr. McCraeken then purchased the interest of his partner and carried it on alone, and by honest dealing has built up an excellent trade, and is yet engaged in the same enterprise and is meeting with success. Our subject vvas united in marriage with Nancy J. McKee, in July, 1864. She is a daughter of James W. McKee, and by her union with our sub- ^ f -•► i t t 1006 McLEAN COUNTY. i ject has becoino the mother of six ehihlrcn, four daughters and two sons — Maggie C, .lames li., George VV., Nellie, Bessie F. and Josie R. Mr. MeCracken served as Postmaster of Selma under the administration of President Lincoln for six j'ears, and is one of the foremost and i)roniinent men of that place. In politics he is and always has liccii a stanch UepuMican. #-^ KN'IN P. SCli<)(ilN, a [jiominent and suc- cessful farmer and business man of Lexing- — '^'^ ton, first opened his eyes to light near Paris, Bourbon Co., Kj'.. on the .'iOth of March, 1823. His father, .lohn Scrogin, w.as born in .Maryland, and his mother, formerly Miss Patsey .Mills, w.as a native of \'irginia. .John Scrogin wjus a farmer b}' occupatit)n. and of Scotch parentage and ancestry, with an admixture of tiie German. .lohn Scrogin went to Kentucky when a young man, and from there emigrated to Morgan County, HI., with his family, in the fall of 182.S, and located upon wh.at is now the site of .Jacksonville, where he died about two years later. Our subject was one of a family of two sons and two daughters, only two of whom survived — our subject, and hi.s youngest sister, who is now a resi- dent of Cliico, Butte Co., Cal. lie was but six years of age at the time of his father's death. He retnained with his sister and attended the pioneer schools, .and after becoming of suitable age was employed by .Jacob Strawn, the then " cattle king" of Illinois, in looking after his herds on the prairie, remaining with him two years, and was then occu- pied in driving stock. Mr. Scrogin was m.arricd in I s bs, to Miss Sarah E. Holmes, who was born in Morgan County, 111., and was the daughter of Peris Holmes, of that county. Her mother was formerly Miss Lois Sweet, who with her parents were nundicred among the pioneers of Morgan County". Mr. Holmes was born in Connecticut and his wife in New York. After his m.arriage our subject located in this county, on his present farm in Lexington Township, which consisted of 523 acres, anegan business on his own account, and has contributed his full quota to the wealth and prosperity of McLean County. He was one of the stockholders of the bank of ,J. C. Mahan & Co., at Lexington, with which he was connected for four- teen years and until it was closed, and owns the buihlirtg in which the National 15ank is now carried on. The family of our suliject consisted of nine chil- dren, of whom five ;irc still living: Arthur .1., Austin IL, Cariie K., Charlie P. and Emma L. ; the others died in infancy. Both parents and children are members of the Baptist Church. Mr. Scrogin has served .as Justice of the Peace, and in all re- spects is an esteemed and v.alued citizen. EINHOLI) GRAFF, a jirosijcrous and wide- awake grocer of Bloomington, is located on the corner of Fast Grove street, where he ^is conducting his business in an intelligent and successful manner. He is a native of the (ier- man Empire, having been born in Halle, on the Saale River, Prussia, May L5, 1840. He came to America with his mother, Amelia (Krapfft) Graff, in 18.52, his father, Ferdinand (i raff, having died in Germany. Mrs. (iraff with her five children, crossed the oce.an. Landing in the city of New York, whence they proceeded to Buffalo, thence to Chi- "t-* i ^ t -4»- McLEAN COUNTY. 1007 I cago and from there by canal to LaSallc. 111. They afterward wen't to Peoria, wlieiice they caine to Bloomington by wagon, and settled on a farm near Old Town, which remained the home of the family for sixteen 3'ears. The subject of this history received a limited ed- ucation, being but eleven years of age when he came to America, and since which time his educa- tion has been the result, princiiiall}', of his own ex- ertions. He remained ui)on the farm of his mother until twenty-five years old, then entered the store of Ollis Evans & Co., with whom he remained two years as clerk, and until they sold out, when he oc- cupied the same position with their successors for seven years. In 1879 Mr. Graff engaged in the grocery business on his own account. He com- menced on a sm.all scale and w.as successful from the start. As his business increased he was obliged to enlarge his stock and for this purpose put up a good Ijuilding 30x45 feet in area, and two stories in height, and in which he keeps a full assortment of everything required in his line. Mr. Graff was married, in 1800, to Miss Marga- ret Leiser, of Bloomington, and they have three children — Albert W., Benjamin F. and Anna Bell. The family residence is pleasantly located, and our subject and his family enjoy the association of a large number of friends. Mr. Graff is a member of the I. O. O. F., holding fellowship with Lodge No. 305, Bloomington, and also belongs to the Turner Society of that place. The mother of our subject is still living .and m.akes her home in Wilson Count}', Kan. She is now over eighty-one years of age, but is hale and hearty, and in the enjo.yment of all her faculties. •^1 AMES M. McGINNIS, one of the prosper- ous and progressive farmers of Lawndale _ Township, is ple.as.antly located on section (^^ 10, on the farm of which he took possession in the spring of 1884. His homestead includes 120 .acres of valuable land, upon which he has erected a first-class set of farm buildings, which bear fair comparison with any in the count}'. He is in all respects a valuable citizen, and by his en- 4« ergy and enterprise h.as already proved himself an imi)ortant factor in the agricultural interests of Lawndale Township. Mr. McGinnis was born in P.trke County, Ind., .Tul3'20, 1824, being the son of .John and Elizabeth (Wolf) McGinnis, the father a native of Tennessee and the mother of New Jersey, of Irish and Hol- land-Dutch descent, respectively. The}' came into Butler County, Ohio, soon after their marriage, where they lived about three years, and thence re- moved to Parke County, Ind. The father w.as en- gaged in farming and teaching alternately. They lived in Indiana until in November, 1834, and thence removed into T.izewell County, this State, settling near Groveland, where they spent the re- mainder of their days, the father dying in Febru- ary, 1800, and the mother April 5, 1881. Their family consisted of nine children, as follows: George I., deceased; Temperance, James M., John F., N.ancy and Martha, deceiised ; Mary A., Andrew J. and Kizzie. Mr. McGinnis was a boy of ten years when his parents removed into Tazewell County. They made the trii) overland with horses and wagons. He w.as reared on his father's farm and remained under the parental roof until he was thirty-three years old. He was then married and continued to live in Tazewell County until the spring of 1859, when he took a trip overland to California, the journey consuming about five months. He re- mained on the Pacific Slope two years following, and engaged in mining, with fair success. After- w.ard he took up his home in Nevada with his fam- ily, where he lived twenty-three years, coming to this county in the summer of 1884. His home- stead consists of 120 acres on section 13, Lawnd.ale Township. The subject of this history was married in Meta- mora, Woodford Co., 111., March 7, 1858, to Miss Patience J. Nesmilh, daughter of Cyrus A. and Marinda (Ilurlbut) Nesraith. Her father, a n.ative of Antrim, N. H., was born in 1801, .and her mother in Ontario, in 1810. After marriage they located in INIedina County, Ohio, where Mr. N. pursued the occupation of a farmer. In 1847 they left the Buckeye State for the prairies of Illinois, arriving in Peoria County in November. They 1 ' -•► 1 t. 1008 I McLEAN COUNTY. lived there until the s[>iiiig- of 1.S41), then removed to M(^l:unora. Woodford County, and in 1877, to Washinj-ton, 111., where Mr. X. died in January, 1884. The niotlier still survives, and makes her home in the latter place. Their seven children were Arthur K., Patience .)., Milton W., Mary A., George W., John 1). and Ciiarles L. Arthur E. is deceased; Milton resides in Nehraslca; Mary is the wife of E. 8. Corpe, of Lawndale Townshii) ; George and Jolni are deceased, and Charles L. resides in Washington, 111. l\Irs. Mc(Jinnis was born in Medina County, Ohio, Sept. 21, 18;3,'j. She received careful pai-- ental training, a good common-school education, and remained with her parents until her marriage. Mrs. McGinnis taught school a number of years, and also taught the first public school in Lyon County. Nev., it being the first public sciiool taught in the State. This was in 18G2. Of her union with our subject there has been born but one child, who died in infanc^y. Mr. Mc(;innis, while a resi- dent of Nevada, was honored with various otiices, having beeii County Commissioner for eight years and was Sch(H)l Trustee for seventeen j'ears, and is iiighly respected as a business man and a citizen. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and politicall}' an active Republican. A handsome litiiogra|)hic vic^v of Mr. iMcGinnis' residence is shown on another page. A. LASSWELL, editor and proprietor of tiie Colfax Chronicle, published at Colfax, is a native of the Prairie State, having been / born in Fulton County, May 22, 1861. He is tiie son of William and Mary E. (Lippy) Lasswcll, natives respectively of Illinois and Penn- sylvania. His fatiier is a farmer bj' occupation, and is now carrying on agriculture in Peoria Coun- ty, this State. The four children of the parentid household were Alice, George, William P. and our subject, John A. William Lasswell is Democratic ill politics, and the mother of our subject is prom- inently identified with the Christian Church. The subject of this biography spent his child- hood and youth on his father's farm, and when '^ •►-■-4^ sixteen yeai-s of age engaged to learn the printer's trade, at which he served four years. He then abandoned tins temporarily and commenced rail- roading on the Illinois Central as brakcman and express messenger, which he followed for four years. Then in company with D. A. Creed he es- tablisiied the Vhrotiicle, at Colfax ^^illage, on the oth of June, 188G. This is a six-column folio, a spicy and independent sheet, and has already a good circulation. Mr. Lasswcll is ,'l free and easy writer, and in the conduct of his paper gives abun- dant satisfaction to its patrons. Our subject was married on the 4th of April, I88(i, to Mrs. (J race H. Webster of Michigan, but who since a chilil has made her home in Woodford County, tnis State, whence her jiarents came and settled on a farm while she was quite young. She is the third of four children who completed the househohl circle, and her parents now reside at El Paso. Mr. Lasswell belongs to the Democratic party, and occupies a good position in the editorial fraternity of this section. -r- ''*?«, R. NELSON LOAR, a prominent physician and surgeon of Bloomington, has his ofHce at the intersection of Front and Lee streets, and enjoys an extensive and lucrative practice. He is a native of Greene County, Pa., and was born April 1, 1840. His parents were Ja- cob and Maria (Nelson) Loar, natives of the same State, where his father carried on an extensive farm, but is now i)ractically ri^tired from active labor. His grandfather, John Loar, was a native of Mary- land, and married a lady from Pennsylvania, in which latter State thej^ settled and passed their last days in (Jreene County. Their son Jacob, the father of our subject, was a Justice of the Peace for twenty years in Greene Count}', and was fre- quently called upon to administer upon large es- tates. He was a capable business man, intelligent and well educated, and possessed a large amount of industry and enterprise. The parental family included ten children, six now living, as follows: John remains in his native State of Pennsylvania; i ■ ^m' <• t <^ McLean county. 1009 ti Nelson, our subject, is the second son ; Margaret, Mrs. Allen, lives in Jasper County, Iowa, as does also Dr. George W. ; Hester, Mrs. Gribben, lives in Greene County, Pa., and Anna, Mrs. Burns, lives in the same county. Dr. Loar of our sketch, spent his jounger d.ays on his father's farm, and in attendance at the dis- trict school until he was about twenty-two years old. He then took a course of study at Mt. Pleas- ant College where he remained two years, and soon thereafter commenced the study of medicine. In November, 1864, he entered the Cincinnati Medi- cal College, from which he graduated in 18G7, and began his practice in Mt. Pleasant, Pa. After one year he turned his face westward, stopping for awhile in Knox County, Ohio, and then came to Bloomington, where he has continued pr.actiee since that time. He was successful from the start, and in due time purchased a house on West Wash- ington street, which he occupied with his family for twelve years. He then purchased two lots on Front street, and erected his present residence and ortice in 1881. He also purchased ground at the corner of Jefferson and West streets, where he built a fine brick hotel 48x60 feet in area, two stories, in height, and equipped with all modern improve- ments. This now yields him a handsome income, being conducted in a manner pleasing to both per- m.'inent guests and travelers. The hotel is con- ducted by Mrs. M. A. Baird, on the European plan. Dr. Loar was married, in 186G, to Miss Olive Rinehart, who was born in Knox County, Ohio, and was the daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Ewalt) Rinehart, natives respectively of New Jer- sey and Ohio. Her patern.al grandfather was Chris- tian Rinehart, of New Jersey, and her maternal grandfather, John Ewalt, of Pennsylvania. Both gentlemen purchased large tracts of land near Mt. "Vernon, Ohio, where they spent the last years of their life. Samuel Rinehart was also an extensive f.armer, but is now retired from active labor. His family included ten children, eight now living, and the record is as follows: Sarah, Mrs. Bonuett, lives in this county; Marj% Mrs. Rightmire, is in Potta- watomie County, Kan.; Christian D. is also in that State; Olive is the wife of our subject; Clem- entine, Mrs. Myers, lives in Knox County, Ohio; 4* Emeline, Mrs. Edwards, in Fredericktown, Ohio; William H., in California, and Frank E., in Knox County, Ohio. Our subject and his wife have become the p.ai-- ents of five children — Eva, Ira, Ada, Anna and Arthur. In politics Dr. Loar is a stanch Prohibi- tionist, and with his wife is a member in good standing of the Christian Church. Dr. Loar de- serves credit for the position he has won, not only as a physician and surgeon, but in having the con- fidence of the people whom he serves. As a phy- sician he is patient, constant, sympathetic, yet in the hour of extremity cool, calm and courageous, thus inspiring the sick with feelings of safety in being carried through the scenes of impending danger. ^ AMES OSBORN BARNARD. The name of James Osborn Barnard was familiar to all the pioneers of McLean County, and his _ history, from beginning to end, was full of interest. He was a remarkable man in many re- spects, being from his earliest childhood of an .act- ive, stirring disposition, inquisitive and acquisitive, always re.ady to make an honest penny at a trade, bearing losses and crosses cheerfully, and never discouraged under adverse circumstances. Mr. Barnard was born July 16, 1800, in States- ville, the county seat i>f Iredell County, N. C. He was the son of Francis and Jane (McCord) Barnard, the former of English-Quaker descent but Ameri- can born, and the latter, partially at least, of Irish ancestry. The paternal grandfather of James O., being a Quaker, did not take part in the Revolution- ary Wai-, but his mother's father was a very differ- ent man. He was no Quaker, but on the contrary considered it his duty to harrass the British at every opportunity. He was not a regular soldier but was in every scrimmage in which he could find a chance to engage. The British took revenge by sacking iiis house, tearing everything to pieces, and driving off his live stock. Mr. McCord afterward made many of them pa}- with their lives for the de- struction of his property. The early youth of James Barnard had been dis- tinguished by many social pleasures after the man- 'i t A- lOlO McLean county. ner of the young men of tliat period, mid he had leai-ned to dance and play the violin, performing to audiences at home and elsewhere, for which he | was paid small sums of money and which he in- vested, sometimes fortunately and sometimes other- wise. His business talents wore conspicuous at .an early .age. Later his mind took a more serious turn and underwent a radical change. He abandoned his social pleasures and turned his attention more to religious matters, and sought to work a simi- lar ciiange in tiie minds of his companians. In early youth he had been .aT.-vtiJ£a-i5-^^-J' i^g|,5)/J3?r>\^ -WN/v TIMOTHY KRAFT is another of those thrifty German citizens who have done so much toward the progress and advancement, not only of this county, but of the different States of the I'liion. Coming to this county poor in pocket and homeless, as a rule their aim has always been to procure a home for themselves and fami- lies, and in a majority of cases they have suc- ceeded. Our suliject is a self-made; man in every respect the word implies, and what he has of this world's goods has been acquired through his own indomitable energy and perseverance. He is pleas- antly located on his large, productive am) valua- ble farm on section 3, Towanda Township, where he is surrounded by everything necessary for the carrying on of his vocation, and where he also has a pleasant home. His parents, Joseph and Mary (Fordenbarch) Kraft, were natives of Germany. The father was a weaver by trade, and in accord- ance with the laws of his country, served six _vears in the army, as a cavalryman. Both heads of the family died in their native land. They had fonr children who lived to attain the age of maturity, of which number our subject was the youngest. Timothy Kraft was born in Attenau, Baden, Ger- many, July 2, 1832. He lived in his native land until twenty-two years of age, and there learned the potter's trade, working at the same for about five years. In 1854 our subject, hoping to better his financial condition emigrated to the United States, and for five years thereafter was a resident of Montgomery Comity, Ohio. The first year of his residence there he worked out by the month, but the second year rented a small farm, and con- tinued farming in that county until the fall of 1860. During the fall of that year he came to McLean County, and buying eighty acres of land on section 3, Towanda Township, settled upon it and has since made it his home. Since his first set- tlement in Towanda Township he has labored hard and economized, .•nid in consequence thereof was enabled to add to his original purch.ase until he owned COO acres, of which he still retains 440, hav- ing recently sold 1 (!() acres to his son. He is one of the most progressive farmers, not only of To- wanda Township, but of McLean Comity. He keeps about fifteen hcnd of horses and eighty head of cattle on his place, and fattens some forty head of hogs annually for the market. He also raises about 7,000 bushels of (H)rn besides several tlious- and bushels of oats on his place every year, and is meeting with signal success in the prosecution of a vocation he has followed thus far in life. A view of his residence and surromidings is shown in this work. Mr. Kraft was married, March 5, 1850, in ]Mont- gomery County, Ohio, to Miss Walburg, daughter of (,'ornclius and Noteburg (Schneider) Hurley, na- tives of Baden, Germany, in which country the fa- ther was engaged in the lumber business, and where both died. The parents had four children, and jNlis. Kraft was the third in order of birth. She -► ^ ■» i i J, t <^ •McLean county. 1015 first saw light in Germany Nov. 28, 1836, and her union with our subjeet lias been blest by the birth of seven children — Sarah A., Charles, Daniel W., Cornelius, Frank, William and Lula M. Frank died when three years old; Sarah is the wife of Lee Hase, and they are residents of Towanda Township. ]Mr. Kraft has held the office of School Director, and he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he has been Trustee for inanj^ years. In jtolitics he is a stanch Repub- lican. ^- •"t jOBERT M. HOPKINS, a prominent and successful farmer of Lexington Township, is pleasantly located on section 3'2, where )he is following his peaceful calling in a satisfactory and advantageous m.anner. Mr. Hop- kins was born in Owen Count^^ Ind., Feb. (J, 1830, on the farm of his father, Patrick Hopkins. The latter was a native of Sussex Count}', Del., born June 7, 1799, being the son of Rol)ert Hop- kins, Sr., who was of Welsh descent and married Miss Nancy Spence, a lady of Scottish ancestry, and they were among the early settlers of Dela- ware. The mother of our subject, formerly Miss Mar}' Bartholomew, of Chirk County, Ind., and the daughter of Joseph Bartholemew, was married to Patrick Hopkins in 1 820. She departed this life when her son Robert, of our sketch, was but nine years of age. The grandfather of our subject was a General under Wayne in the Black Hawk War and being well versed in Indian warfare w.as given a responsible position on the frontier, where most of his life was spent and where he obtained an intimate knowledge of Indi.an customs, trickery and cunning. Patrick Hopkins, the father of our subject, re- moved from his native State to Kentucky with his parents when but seven years of age. When fifteen years old, he went to Indiana, where he remained for three years, and then returned to Kentucky, where he engaged as a brick-mason until 1820. He then returned to Indiana, where lie married as be- fore stated and remained in Owen County for ten years following. Then, in 1830, lie pushed further westward into Illinois and settled on the Mackinaw River in this county, where he remained until his death, which occurred in 1874. During his resi- dence here he had engaged in farming and working at his trade alternately. His first wife had preceded him to the better land thirty -five years, her death occurring in 1839. Of this marriage there were born five children, two sons and three daughters: Joseph H., who was married three times, died in 1878 in Missouri; Nancy A. married William M. Smith of Lexington; Elizabeth became the wife of Henrj"^ Hefner and they live in Seattle, Wash. Ter. ; Robert, of our sketch, was the fourth child; Mary E. married F. M. Bowers, and died in Febru- ary, 1885. The subjeet of this history was an infant of six months old wlien he was brought by his parents to McLean County. He was reared on his father's farm and attended the pioneer schools, and when twenty-six j'ears of age was united in marriage with Miss Mary L., the daughter of John W. and May (Harper) Smith, a niece of Milton Smith, Esq. Tiie father and mother of Mrs. Hopkins were na- tives of Ohio. The father was born in Madison County in 1815 and the mother in Fairfield County, in 1821. They came to McLean County in 185G, locating first in Bloomington, thence to Livingston, where they departed this life, the father dying in 1883 and the motlier in February, 1885. The maiden name of the mother was May Smith, daughter of Benjamin and Rachel (Thistlewood) Smith. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. II. set- tled upon the present homestead of our subject. Mrs. Hopkins died in 1863, leaving two children, one of whom, William G., died in infancy ; Charles C. married Miss Ettie Lily, and lives in Lexington Township. Mr. Hopkins was a second time married, to Miss Letetia Lily, in December, 1865. She is the daugh- ter of John and Mary Lily, witii whom she came to McLean County when a maiden of sixteen years. She was born in Madison County, Ohio, in 1847. Of this marri.age there have been born five chil- dren — Orange J., Mary E., Ann E., Theodocia E. and Bertha. The homestead of Mr. Hopkins and his family is finely located, with good farm build- ings whicii are kept in fine repair. The farm is -^r t. ■<' — i016 McLEAN COUNTY. 4 well stocked witli the good grades of domestic aniranls and Mr. H. of late has turned his attention to the breeding, purchase and sale of Norman and Clydesdale horses, keeping an average of about six- teen head. Mr. and Mrs. II. are members in good standing of the Metliodist Episcopal Church, of which our subject is a Steward. Politically Mr. H. affiliates with the Republican party, having been formerly an old-line Whig. He is a strong temperance man and casts the weight of his influence against the sale and manufacture of spirituous liquors. Mr. Hopkins is worthy to be cl.assed among the representative men of McLean County, notwith- standing that no district in this State contains a better social and business element than it does, Being a man of such character and reputation, we take pleasure in presenting his portrait in this volume. --j»»^- <^*c^ I VP. BROPIIY, Treasurer and (ieneral Super- intendent of the Bloomington Stove Com- pau}', is not only an important factor of tlie business of that concern, but is recognized as one of the most cnteri)rising men of the city. The company over which he presides was established in 1870, and is located on the " Y " of the C. & A. R. R. ; it manufactures all kinds of cooking, heat- ing and parlor stoves. Mr. Brophy is a native of P^ast Dorset, Benning- ton Co., \'t., and was born April 1), 1S27. lie is the son of Patrick and Lydia (Albee) Brophy, na- tives resi)ectively of Ireland and X'ermont. The father of our subject was sent as asoldicr to Canada, and ordered back after a service of one or two years, lie remained in the army live years alto- gether, being then only eighteen years old. After leaving the service he returned to America as a private citizen, in about l.SKi, and settled in Ben- nington County. Vt., where he engaged in f.arming pursuits nn.,il his dcatii in l.S(i2, and there the mother died six jears later. Their family included seven children, six of whom are still living: John M., of West Troy, N. Y.; Alonzo and Harvey A., of East J^orset, N't. ; Mary, Mrs. William H. Lampher, of Land Grove, Vt. ; Rhoda E., Mrs. James E. Frazier, of Londonderry, and W. P., of our sketch. The time of our suliject up to the age of four- teen years was spent on the farm and in attendance at the district school. He then went to Troy, N. Y., and learned the stove-foundry business, after which he worked a short time as journej-man, and in 1859 accepted a position as Superintendent, where he remained until the spring of 1867. He then went to .Salem, Ohio, and established a stove foundry, which he operated for three j'ears. He then sold out there and came to Bloomington, where he was iiistruraental in organizing and estab- lishing the present comp.any, .and has contribnted materially to the subsequent success of the under- taking. The works employ about forty men. The original building, which was built of brick, was 68x48 feet in area, and three stories in height; the foundry, 4<)xl20 feet. To this w.as afterward added a building 40x60 feet, and for the offices and ware- house they put np another 48x60, with three sto- ries. The [lattern storeroom is 2.5x50 feet, also of brick. All the buildings are good and substan- tial structures and finely adapted to the business. Mr. Brophy was married in 1850, to Miss Mary K. Brower, of Troy, N. Y., and they became the parents of two children — Dora and Isabel. The foriner, Mrs. Harvey Butts, of Green Bay, Wis., is the mother of one child, Willie; Isabel is the wife of George Ijams, of Dodge City, Kan. The pleas- ant home of our subject and his f.amily is located on Division street, where he owns six lots with good improvements. He is prominently connected with the business affairs of this communit}', and the encourager of every enterprise calculated to advance its importance and prosperity. In July, 1886, he was elected as a Director of the Building, Saving and Loan As.sociation. He was one of the original organizers of the same in 1882, and n stock- holder. Socially he belongs to the IMasonic fra- ternity, ijolilicall^- a Republican, and religiously is identified with the Methodist Episcopal Cluircli, and is one of its most worth}" members. An excellent type of the business man of to-day is fc>und in the person of Mr. Brophy. He is known to be a man of undf)ubted integrity ami substan- -•►■-^ a <^ McLEAN COUNTY. 101? N tial business ability, and we take pleasm-e in pre- senting his portrait in this volume, whicii is made from a recent photograph. *-J»t^;^^ ,,,, DOLPIIUS DILLON, of the firm of Dill(m WRM & llriglit, importers and lircoders of Frencli draft horses, is a prominent mem- ber of that well-knovvn family. The firm are widely and favorabl.y known as being skillful in their business, and furnish to this and various other States some of the Hnest horses bred in the United States. Tlie subject of this history is the son of Elias and Martha (Fisher) Dillon, and was born in Taze- well County, 111., Oct. 2.s, 1849. Ilis boyhood and youtli were passed upon llie farm, and he attended tiie common schools until 18G4. Then, when a youth of llftccn years, the family removed to lih.xjmington, where our suljject for a time at- tended the city schools, and began to turn his at- tention to Inisiness matters. In 1872 he lieeame a member of tiie firm of E. Dillon & Co., who were engaged in importing French draft horses, and this partnership continued for ten .years, after which our subject continued alone, although ostensibl}' operating as Dillon & Bright. Mr. Dillon in 1873 took a trip to France, where he obtained a valuable acquisition to his store of knowledge concerning the treatmentand develop- ment of the noblest animal which treads the face of the earth. He takes pride in his achievements as connected with his particular branch of business, and is ambitious to excel. Aside from his prop- erty in Normal, with its convenient stables and otiier appliances necessary to ids business, he owns a fine stock farm of 130 acres, his landed area in all embracing 500 acres. Of this ICO acres lie in Logan County, 210 in McLean, and a quarter sec- tion in the State of Nebraska. The subject of our sketcli was married in No- vember, 1873, to Miss Paulina, daughter of Will- iam S. Britt, Esq., of Logan County, 111., in which county Mrs. Dillon was born, in 1850. Of this union there are three cluldren — Ilarlen, Myrtie and Bessie. Mr. D. and his family occupy a beautiful I residence, and are surrounded by all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. They are regu- lar attendants of the Christian Church, and politi- cally our subject simply goes to the polls and casts his vote for the men who, in his judgment, pos- sess the qualities best fitted to make them honest and conscientious offlee-holders. Mr. D. quietly observes that his own business keeps him constantly emjjloyed, and he has little time to attend to that of others. --^>-^^^>^^i;^^^^^7<^^ \f54^ ENIS MULCAIIY, deceased, was a pros- perous and prominent farmer of Bloom- ington Township, of which he had been a resident for a period of thirty-five years. He was a man of great energy and industry, honest and upriglit in his transactions, and possessed in a marked degree the impulsive and generous character whicli is a characteristic of the Celtic race. Besides the homestead whicli he had established by the ex- ercise of his native energy and industry, he was also the owner of valuable property one mile from the city limits of Bloomington. The sul^ject of this history was born in Water- ford County, Ireland, and departed this life in Bloomington Township on the 'jth of March, 187C, at about the age of seventy-three years. He was reared in his native county, received a limited edu- cation in the common schools, and after attaining to years of manhood was united in marriage with Miss Catharine Fitzpatrick, of Tipperary County, and of pure Irish ancestry. After the birth of several children Mr. Mulcahy, not being satisfied with his condition or prospects in his native Ireland, determined to seek Ins fortunes in the New World, and accordingly set sail for the United States, ac- companied by his wife and children. Tiiey made their first location in Oliio, about sixteen miles from Cincinnati, where they remained for four years and then moved to Illinois, locating at once in Bloomington Township, this county, and here the mother is yet living with her children. The household circle of Mr. and Mrs. Mulcahy included four children, one of whom is deceased. Bridget, the wife of M. Donohue, is a resident of Bloomington, her husband having been connected -i t ■^^ 4 1018 McLean county. with the Illinois Central Railroad but is now re- tired from active labor; Micliael M. married Miss Ellen M. Welch, a natives of the South of Ireland, and they have become the parents of two children — Katie and Denis; tliis son was born in Tipperary County. Ireland, March C. 1849. and was but a child when his father and mother came to the United States. Denis A. is engaged in farming and lives on the old homestead with his brother; he was born in McLean County, April 10, 1858, and on Christmas Day, 1 882, w.as married in Blooni- ington to Miss Anna Farrel,a native of Westmeath County, Ireland. She was twenty years old when she came to the United States with her uncle. They have become the parents of one child, a daughter — Agnes. The family are all ailherents to the Catholic faith of their fathers. In politics Michael M. is Republican, and Denis A. afliliates with the Democracy. The mother of the family by her first marriage, with Joseph Maxey, became the mother of four children, two of whom, Bridget and Joseph, are living; the former was married to P. 15. Welch, who is carrying on the grocerj' trade in Blooming- ton ; Joseph married Miss Cathrena Lahey, and is employed in the shop.s of the Chicago & Alton Railroad. -J»t>*^>s3>>^^<^;*f-.<5c^ I '\~] RA MUNSON, a prominent and intlucntial resi- dent of Randolph Township, has been closely identified with its histor}' for a period of fifty years, anil has full}' established himself in the con- fidence and est('(^ni of his fellow-townsmen. The Munson family came from England, first settling in Connecticut, and from a few descendants the family became one of tlie largest and most [iromi- nent in New England. They came over to the New World many yc^.ars before the breaking out of the Revolutionary War. The great-grandfather of our sul)ject, whose name is believed to have been Stephen, went from Connecticut to New Jersey in company with another brother. Stephen Munson was the father of a large family, who were mostly l)oys, and when the war was de- clared between the Colonies and England he and his sons, five or six in nund)er, were among the first to enlist in the cause of liberty. Stephen Munson w.as given a Captain's commission, and with his sons remained in service until the success of the Colonies was assured. They alj escaped un- harmed and lived to return to their home. Capt. Munson afterward engaged in farming i)ursuits, and remained in New Jersey until his death. One of these sons, Solomon, was the grandfather of our subject. He located in Morris County, N. J., near his father's old homestead, and died about the age of fifty-five. His wife, formerly Miss Lucy Ball, w.as of New England birth and parentage, and by her union with Solomon Munson became the mother of nine children, seven sons .and two daughters. John, the second child, w.as the father of our sub- ject, lie was reared and married in his native county. His wife, formed}' Miss Sus.an Hopping, w.as born of parents who were natives of Long Isl- and, as were her grandparents. They all after- ward removed to Morris County, N. J., being among its early settlers, .and there their lives ter- minated. The father of our subject, John Munson, w.as a plasterer, stonemason and brickl.ayor, and fc^llowed his trade in New York City some time before his marriage. He removed from the city, however, on .account of yellow fever, and returning to his native county in New Jersey w.as there soon after- ward married. In Morris County, also, six chil- dren were bt)rn, our subject being the second, and his birth occurring Fel>. l;i, 1808. The family emigrated from New Jorse\' to Hamilton County, Ohio, in 1818. This section of country w.as then mostly in its original condition, and their journey Lay over rough and muddy roads, with sonu^times no road at all. The father w.as poor in purse hut possessed a resolute and determined disposition, .and by following his trade and keeping a house open to travelers, provided a comfortahie home for his family and saved up something for a rainy day. There he p.assed the remainder of his life and died in White Water Township in 1840, aged about fifty-five years. The faithful wife and mother, who had cheerfully shared the labors and anxieties of her husband, removed after his death to Illinois, and died in ISinniinglon in October, 1862, at the age of seventy-seven years. In addition to the six •^■-4« I t. -^•- McLEAN COUNTY. 1019 children born in New Jersey tliree daughters were added to tlie iiousehold circle after they removed to Hamilton County, Ohio. There are yet living: Ira, our subject; Malinda, who lived with her lirother and sister several years, being unmarried ; Ludisa, the wife of Aaron Kitchell, of Blooming- ton, and Ann is married to Thomas J. Lucas, of Lawrenceburg, Ind. The average age ()f these is seventy-two years. The subject of this history was a lad ten years of age when his father removed from New Jersey to Ohio, lie remained under the parental roof un- til twenty-nine years old and learned the trade of his father wiiile yet a youth. On the 1st of March, 1837, he left liis home and came to Illinois, locat- ing in Randolph Township, and on the 10th of De- cember, 1847, was united in marriage near Hey- worth, to Miss Sarah J. Noble, who was a native of Hamilton County, Ohio, and born Feb 11, 1820. .She came to Illinois with iier parents, David and Rebecca (Karr) Noble, in 1831. Her father was one of the first white children born in Cincinnati, Ohio. Her mother was a native of New Jersey, of New England ancestry. After coming to this State they settled on a farm in Randolph Township, and passed the remainder of their days near Heyworth. Mrs. Munson was the second child of a family of four sons and three daughters, all of whom are yet living except one who died in infancy. By her union with our subject she became the mother of eight children, tlie record of whom is as follows: John died at the age of twenty-six years : the next was an infant who died unnamed; William married JMiss Amanda J. Scogin (see sketch); Henry died at the age of twenty-two years; Charles married Miss Anna McCarty, and they live in this town ■ siiip; an infant girl also died unnamed; Ann be- came tlie wife of Isaac Stround, who is now de- ceased, and she lives with her parents; George is unmarried. The homestead of our subject and his family is one of the best in Randolph Township. It is beau- tifully located and commands a fine view of the surrounding country. The farm estate consists of 403^ acres, finely improved and cultivated, em- bellished with a good dwelling, and compact and tasteful out-buildings. In politics Mr. Munson is -4^ a Republican, strong and steadfast in the principles of the party. Mrs. Munson is a memlier of the Christian Church. The grandmother of our subject was formerly Mrs. Betty (Looker) Hoi)pin, whose brother, Otho Neal, was elected Lieutenant Governor of Ohio, and became Governor by the death of the reg- ular Executive. OSES COCHRAN, a well-to-do and suc- cessful farmer, living on section 10, Lex- ington Township, is a son of George and Catherine (Hoe) Cochran, both natives of Pennsylvania. The parents were married and set- tled in Shippensburg, Pa., whence in- December, 1828, they removed to Clarke County, Ohio, where they continued to reside until their death. The fa- ther was a farmer by occupation and followed his calling during life. He and his good wife were the parents of four children — Aaron, Moses, Samuel and George. Aaron is a farmer and resides in Cedar, Mo. ; Samuel is an attorney at law and engaged in the practice of his profession at Chicago; (ieorge died in Ohio when in his twenty-third year; his demise was caused by an accident while gath- ering apples, he falling from the tree and receiving such serious injuries as to cause his death. Moses Cochran was born in Clarke Count3', Ohio, April 15, 1829. He received his education there in the common schools, and was there reared to manhood on a farm. On attaining his majority in 1850 he came to this county, and for two years worked out by the month, at % 12 per month. He then bought forty acres of land in Lexington Township, on which he settled and where he has since lived. He is now the owner of 280 acres of valuable land which he has acquired through his own energy and good judgment. When he liought his first forty acres, which cost him $400, he only had $300 with which to make a payment upon it, and he made the trip back to Columbus, Ohio, on horseback during the winter season to borrow the other $100 with which to finish paying for his land. Mr. Cochran of this notice was married in Lex- ington Township, June 15, 1852, to Miss Margaret i u i '1020 McLEAN COUNTY. J., daughter of Perry and Sarah (Smalloy) Listen, natives of England and Ohio respectively. Her parents died in Ohio, and Mrs. Cochran came to IMcLean County with the late David Smalley, lier uncle. She was born in Adams Count}'. Ohio, Fi^b. C, 1831, and by her union witii our subject has be- come the mother of nine children, seven of whom are living, namely, Martha ,T.. Ilasconi, Kate, Sam- uel, John W., M. Grant and \Villiani. Martha is the wife of William Crum, and tiiey are living in Lex- ington Township; Bascom was married in Dakota, and is a resident of that Territory ; Kate is living at home; Samuel is a farmer in Ncbr.aska, as likewise is .John W. ; iNL (irant and William are living on the old homestend. Mrs. Cochran de- parted this life in Lexington Township, May 2, 1881. Our subject has held the ollice of School Director for nine years, and that of Road Commis- sioner for six years. He is Republican in politics. Religiously ho holds fellowship with the Methodist Episcop.'d Church, as likewise did his good wife. ^I^^'-* ^ j^Hd.IAM 11. SIH'.IMIKRD, editor and i)ro- \^// l)rietor of the Lexington J{i'uivii\ which V^ was established by himself and S. A. Stark in April, 1883, is conducting this journal with abil- ity' and success, so that it has become an indispens- able factor in the business interests of the town. Our subject puichased the interest of his partner at the end of tiie lirst year, and has since conducted the paper alone. It is a neat .and handsomely printed folio of seven columns, has a good circula- tion, and is high-toned and lirsl-class in every re- spect. In conneclioM with (his he has one of the best eipiipped country job ollices in the State, and turns out annually a t;()odl3' amount of job [iriut- ing. The paper is independent in politics and de- voted to the interests of the town and the section of country from which it receives its patronage. At the time Mr. Sliepherd beg.'in the iiublication of the ReoiPir he had no exjierience as a writer or publisher, and the newsi>aper business at Lexing- ton having met with f.iilurcs heretofore, was at a f -^^ low ebb and regarded with little favor. It had been undertaken by parties who possessed l)oth ex- perience and ability, and when the lievieir was es- tablished its early failure was predicted. Mr. Shep- herd, however, was possessed of great energy and resolution and deterinine-*-^ I 1022 McLEAN COUNTY. I Dec. 12, 1865, and hers J.-in. 25,188.'). Mr. and Mrs. Pirtle became the parents of the following children: Ezra S., Hariett A., .John M., James B.. Sarah C, Mary E. and Thomas M. Mrs. Ogden was horn in Owen County, Ind., Jul}' 21, 1843, and by her union witli our subject has become the mother of twelve children. They are named, Aura O., Ella E., Elmon ()., Dolly E., Mary J., Stella A., Nora E., Pearl A., Coral A., \'ern:i, P^arnest and Tressie C. Aura istiie wife of Enos Trimmer, and they are living in Money Creek Township; Ella was united in marriage with Manford Trinnnor, and thej' also reside in Mone}' Creek Township; Mary J. and Verna are deceased. Mr. Ogden has been the incumbent of the office of Overseer of High- ways, School Director and Highway Commissioner, and in politics is a Democrat. Socially he is a mem- ber of the Masonic fraternitj' and in religion his good wife holds fellowship with the Christian Churcii. i^\ TEPIIEN B. HOUGHTON, a retired far- mer of McLean County, is now a resident (if Bloomington, occupying a handsome and commodious dwelling on East Eront street. No. 009. He is one of the representative men of this locality who have worked their way up to an enviable position in the community and acquired a competency throiigli tiieir own merits and by the exercise of industr}- and perseverance. He has been a resident of the Prairie State since 1845, and h.is watclicd its prosperity with the greatest satisfaction while mX the same time he h.as contributed his share toward advancing it to its present position among tlie commonwealths of the West. Mr. Houghton is a native of Muskingum County, Ohio, and was born May 12, 1.S27. His parents were Richard and Sarah (liurkley) Houghton, na- tives of Virginia, where they were reared and mar- ried, and whence tliey moved to Ohio in about 1825. There the father engaged in farming, but twelve years later eanie witii iiis family' to Illinois, settling in Clark County, ujjon a farm which he had purchased. The_y lived there until ISliO, and tlieucc removed to Bloom inglon, where they spent their declining years, the fatlier dying in 1875, and the mother in 186G. Of their family of fifteen children, eleven lived to become men and women and seven still survive. These are, Joseph, Stephen B., our subject: Samuel, Delia A., Elijah, Emily and Mahala. Stephen B. Houghton was reared on a farm and when old enough went out to work. He made his home with his jiarents until he was nineteen years old and removed from Clark to McLean County in 1845. lie was employed for a short time in a mill at Bloomington, then eng.aged as a farm laborer by the month for six months, when he came to Bloom- ington and was employed at whatever his hands could find to do. lie was finally employed ])y Judge Davis to superintend the farm of the latter and was occupied four years. When he went there the Judge had one cow and one horse, and when our subject left the farm it was supplied witii large numbers of cattle and between fifty .and sixt}' mares. Mr. Houghton soon afterward jiurchased a f;irm in Normal Township. This consisted of seventy acres, which he cultivated for two 3'ears and then removed to Jefferson County, Iowa. He there purch.ased KiO acres, and after remaining upon it eighteen months, returned to this county and pur- chased ten acres, one and one-half miles south of the court-house square in Bloomington. He after- ward added sixty acres and then traded his latter purchase for the Miison farm of 180 acres. Six years later, in 1873, he purchased the AVaiker farm consisting of 100 .acres, and the following j'car two flats on South Main street in Bloomington, upon which he built a dwelling. He purchased hisjiresent home in 1885. Besides the above he owns the old home place of 100 .acres, one and one-half miles south of the court-house. Our subject was married in 1849 to Miss ^^^shti O. Sumner, who was the daughter of Caleb and Rachel (Farmer) Sumner, natives res()ectively of New York and \irginia. They were married in Indiana, to which .St;ite both had been taken by their parents when (piite young. JMr. S. after mar- riage engaged in farming pursuits upon a tr.act of land whicii he had purchased in Coles County, III., and which contained IGO acres. He sold this in I t ■<^ McLEAN COUNTY. 1023 1 849, and purchased another northeast of Bloom-' ington, which he occupied two years and then re- moved into the city, where the mother died in 1801. Mr. Sumner then made his home witli his daughter, Mrs. Houghton, until his death, in 1882. Three only of the seven children are now living — Alford, Mrs. Houghton and Horace. Our sul)ject and his wife also became the parents of seven children, only three living. James married Miss Lorinda Gardner and lives on the old lioraestead; Richard married Miss Katie Harmon and they have two children, Grace and Mabel; Alice L., now Mrs. H. P. Hazel, has one son, Stephen B. Mr. Houghton is Republican in politics and with his wife is a member of the First Methodist Epis- copal Church. He gave 11,100 toward the erection of the church building .and has always contributed liberally and cheerfullj' to the maintenance of the society. eHARLES M. BEEBE. Perhaps no county in the United States of equal size with Mc- Lean can boast of so many enterprising and wealthy farmers. One of this number and who has displayed a proportionate degree of enterprise with his brother farmers is C. M. Beebe, who resides on section 32, Lexington Township. Mr. Beebe was born in Madison County, Ohio, near Pleasant Valley, Sept. 2, 1831. Chailes Beebe, Sr., died when our subject was but four days old. He was born in New York, Feb. 19, 1799, and his demise occurred near Pleasant Valley, Ohio, Sept. 6, 1831. The maiden name of our subject's mother was Eliza McDowell. She was the daughter of Eber McDowell, born in Montpelier, Vt., May 11, 1801, and of Scotch-Irish extraction. Charles Beebe, Sr., after his marriage settled in Ohio, where he en- gaged in farming, and followed that occui)ation in Madison County until his death. He became the father of two children, a son, Sylvester, who died in infancy, and the subject of this notice. The mother subsequently married Henry McCracken, and they removed to this county in 1852, and set- tled at Sehna, where her demise took place in De- cember, 1859. One child was born of the latter union, who died in inf.incy. Our subject on first coming to this State located in Henderson County in the spring of 1852, where lie taught school one term and then returned to Franklin County, and then with teams made his way to this county, coming with his mother in the fall of 1852. His means were limited, in fact, they were exceedingly so, and the first yeai' he worked at whatever he could find to do. He was married in April, 1859, to Miss Matilda B. Hayes, a daughter of Henry Hayes, a native of Virginia, and who removed from that State to Ken- tucky with his parents when a boy. Henry Hayes was married in Kentucky to Sarah B. Smith, sister of Milton Smith, one of the prominent early set- tlers of this county, who located at Selma. Henry Hayes came to this county in company with Mr. Smith in 1835, and Mrs. Beebe is the oldest daugh- ter of his family now living. After his marri.age our subject located in Lex- ington, where he lived one winter and then, dispos- ing of his interests there he, in 1863, moved on the farm where he is now living. This farm was known as tiie Harrison Sowards Place, and was one of the first to be improved in that part of tlie neighborhood. It is located on section 32, aud contains 105 acres. Since our subject has resided upon it he has been engaged in general farming, and not long since turned his attention to tlie rais- ing of fine horses and other stoclc. Three children have been born of his union with Miss Matilda B. Hayes, two sons and one daugliter. Luetta is the wife of Thomas P. Owens, and they reside in Blue IMound Township; Charles 1. is re- siding in Harper County, Kan., and Rule O. Mr. and Mrs. Beebe are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in politics he is a stanch Repulilican. EN J AM IN C. S. OWENS, who is prosper- ous as a farmer and stock-raiser of Lexing- ton Township, is a native of the Buckeye State, having been born near Circlevillc, Pickaway County, Sept. 25, 1825. His father, George T. Owens, was a cooper by trade and died in the prime of life when his son, our subject, was a child three years of age. The mother of Jlr. -•►-ei-^ i ,t 1024 McLEAN COUNTY. Owens, who was foriiu'rly Miss Mary Town, was a native of Pennsylvania. Her parents were froin tVninocticut, whence they removed to Pennsylvania and afterward to Oiiio, setllinj)- on wiiat was called the Darba Plains. After her marriage with Mr. Owens the j'onng people settled in Pickaway' Count}', where the mother remained for some j'ears after the death of lier hnsliand, and later removed with her family to Clinton County, Ohio, whence slic came to McLean County. She had six chil- dren, four of whom lived to mature years: Har- riet became the wife of James Finley; Benjamin C. S., our subject, was the second child; Archibald is deceased, and Ruth A. married William Pendry. She died in Clinton County, Ohio. The grand- father of our subject was Archibald Owens, who followed through life the occupation of a farmer near Circleville, Ohio, aiul there died. Benjamin C. S. Owens grew to manh 1 in ()hio and obtained a fair education in the district schools. Being the eldest son many responsiliilities fell upon him as the assistant of his widowed mother in pro- viding for lier family .•ind keeping them together, and he remained witii her until twenty-two 3'ears of age. lie was then m.irried to Miss Elizabeth Pendry, who was born in Clinton County, Ohio, Aug. 7, 1826, her father being William Pendry, of that county. After marriage the young people settled in Clinton County, wherc^ our siilijeet en- g.-iged in farming until the fall of is.'i,"i. He then decided to move further westward, .-ind coming into Illinois reacIuHl BIcLean CountT on the 1st of October. Mr. (Jwens piueliased his present farin of (ieorge A. Creanu'r. It includes 127 acres .and is locate(l on sections 28 and .'i.'i. There were very few im- provements on the place when he took possession, but he industriously set himself to work and in due time was rewarded with success. He now has a good residence, barn and out-buildings, and all the appliances of a (irst-class agriculturist. He raises large numbers of hogs aud cattle aniuially, which he feeds and dispos.ses of on the farm, having ready for siiii)inent at the close of each year one or two carloads. In later 3'ears he has given much atteu- ^ tion to the breeding of Nornnui and Clydesdale horses, of which he has some fine specimens. His ^^ stables and outhouses are kept in first-class order and cver3'thing about the ])remises is indicative of cidtivated tastes and ample means. Mr. and Mrs. Owens became the i)arents of seven children, five now living, as follows: Mar}' .1. is the wife of Squire Heller, and resides in Chester, Neb.; Susan I!, married llcrljert Bliss, and they live in Blue Mound Townshi|); Thomas P. and John B. are also in Blue Mound Township; Ida Al.ay became the wife of A. J. Kamey, and they are living in Chester, Neb.; Sarah A. became the wife of John W. Davis, and died Nov. 21, IS.SG. Mr. Owens has been iironuuent in the affairs of his township and served as Pathmaster and School Director for many years. He prides himself upon being an old-fasliioned Jeffersonian Democrat, and in all respects has earned for himself the reputation of an honest man and a good citizen. The mother of .Mrs. Owens before her marri.age was Miss INIary Slocum, of Wilkesbarre, Pa., aud departed this life in Logan County', III., in Sci)tem- ber, I. si;."). Mr. and Mrs. Owens take pride in the rcrtectiou that they are alread3' the parents of eight grandchildren who are .as hopeful specimens of Young America as can be (iroduced in the State of Illinois. -^IJOIIN W. 4 LKKU, deceased. Among the early and enter|>rising citizens of Lexington Town- ship, the subject of this history was widelj' and favorably kiu)wn. A native of AVest- nujreland County, Pa., he was born near McCon- nellsville, on the 9th of March, 1804. His parents, John and Barbara (Rice) Walker, lived on a farm in Westmoreland CJonnty, Pa., and there their son was reared to manhood, remaining under the home roof until he was married. The Walker family was of Irish descent, and the [)arental household of our subject included five sons and two daughters, of whom John was the eldest. On the 29th of Sep- tember, l.s;3(), he was married to Miss Catherine Rubey. a native of Bavaria, born .Tune 11, 1817, aud danghler of Michael and Catherine (Martyl) Rnbey, who emigrated to America when Catherine was about nine years of age. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. W. settled on a f '^-f^^ t McLEAN COUNTY. 1025 farm in Westmoreland County, Pa., whence they removed, in 1852, to this State, and located on a farm near the city limits of Bloomington. From (here, in 1855, they removed to the homestead where Mrs. Walker now lives. It consists of eighty- seven acres of finely improved land, located on sec- tion 2. Mr. Walker devoted his time and attention to the cultivation of his land, and the establishment of a permanent and comfortable home. He de- parted this life on the 18th of February, 1886, leav- ing his wife and seven cliildren tf» mourn the loss of a kind husband and father. The children, all of whom are living, are recorded as follows : Mar}', the eldest, became the wife of Joseph M. Ilart, and they are residents of Minier, III.; Nancy married J. B. Forbes, of Kumler, 111.; Thomas, Anna, John and Katie are at home with their mother; Jessie R. is the wife of R. G. Jones, of Lexington Township; John, wild is an intelligent and industrious young man of more than ordinarj' ability, manages the farm, and is the chief assistant of his mother in the transaction of their business. In jiolitics Mr. Walker was a stanch Kei)ublican. He was reared a Quaker, but the family now attend the Presbyterian Church. * — ^ ^ * 'i^^tj*^* *^^'^ — * y ^ypAH N. WILSON, one of the prominent farmers, stock-raisers and feeders of Lex- ington Township, is also one of the self- made men of this count}', lie was born near Brookville, county seat of Franklin County, Ind., Sept. 18, 1828, and is a son of John Wilson, a farmer, on a small scale, of Indiana. The father was born in South Carolina, and moved to Indi.ana, in 1812, with his parents. Our subject's paternal grandfather, William Wilson, married Patsey Charles, a native of South Carolina, and they reared a family of five sons and three daughters, all of whom lived to attain the age of man and woman- hood, and were married and had families of their own. John Wils(in and Marv .lones, daughter of James Jones, were united in marriage in Indiana. She was l>orn in West Mrginia, and her father was a native of that State, and by his mairiage became the head of a family of four children, two sons and two daughters. The children born to the parents of our subject were seven in number, five sons and two daughters. They are Elizabeth, wife of Will- iam Warren; Noah N., our subject; Oliver, living near Brookville, Ind.; William, also a resident of Indiana; James, who died in 1857; George, who is living in Indiana, and Nancy, deceased. Noah N. Wilson passed his boyhood days in his native county, where he w<:)rkcd on his father's farm and attended the common schools, and developed into manhood. On attaining his majority he was united in marriage with Susan P. Coalscott, a na- tive of Philadelphia, and daughter of Othniel Coal- scott. He was born in Maryland, and married Rachel Booth, a native of Delaware, and whose parents moved from that State to Philadelphia, Pa. After our subject's marriage he located in Indi- ana, whence he removed in the spring of 1857, to Ford County, this State. Living there until the spring of 1864 he came to this county, and in 1865 moved on his present farm on section 22, Lexington Township. The place contains 151 acres of choice land, and has upon it a good residence and barn, together with numerous out-buildings. Since his residence there he has been engaged quite extensively in the raising of stock, in which department of his vocation he has met with suc- cess. Nine children have l)een born to our subject and wife, of whom four are deceased. The living are Henry C, Ralph C, Charles C. Edwin M. and Jen- nie F. Mr. Wilson has held the office of Road Commissioner for some twelve years. He has also been School Trustee, and is the present incumbent of that office. Religiously he holds fellowshi|) with the United Brethren Church, of which he is one of the Trustees, and his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a strong Republican. W)ILLIAM I. BARNARD, junior member of the firm of Stevenson & Barnard, grocers of Lexington, is, with his partner, carrying on a profitable and steadily increasing trade. Mr. B. is a native of McLean County, and was b()rn in Money Creek Township, on the 1st of January, •^m-^^ i i t 1026 McLEAN COUNTY. 1839. His father, Mclinau N. Bariiaril, removed from Tennessee to McLean County in the winter of 1828, being- classed among the "snow birds." He was born in North Carolina in l.S06,and died in Money Creelv Township, on the 23d of September, 1873. He married in early manhood Miss Sinia, the daughter of Samuel Pliiipot, Esq., of Virginia, who subsequently removed from the Old Dominion to West Tennessee, and thence emigrated to Ma- coupin County', 111., where he died. The mother of our subject was born in Virginia in 1804, and died in September, 18(58, at the honu' of her husband in Money Creek Tovvnship. The parental family in- cluded eleven children, six sons and live daughters, nine of whom still survive. William I. Barnard was the third son ami eighth child of his parents, and passed his boyhood and youth under the parental roof and in attendance at the district schools. He remained on the farm un- til his marriage, on the 14th of January, 1804, to Miss Lydia K., daughter of Samuel McMullen, of Money Creek Township. He then settled on a part of the old homestead of his father, and engaged in general farming and stock-raising until the winter of 1880. Renting his farm that year he removed to Lexington, and became interested in the grocery business, with his present partner, Richard Steven- son. Both gentlemen are well known in this local- ity, and long years ago, by their upright manner of living, established themselves in the confidence of this community. Besides the propcrtj' already mentioned Mr. Barnard owns a good farm of 120 acres in Money Creek Township, on section 21. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Barnard there were born four children, one of wluun died in infancy. Those surviving are Walter K., Ilattic E. and Daisy D. The grandfather of our subject, Erancis Barnard, was born on the Island of Nantucket, and became a (inartermaster in the War of 1812. He afterward went to North Carolina, whence he removed to West Tennessee, and from there came North into McLean County, in 1828, and died in about 1856. The Barnards were of Scotch-Irish descent, and an active and energetic race of people, who made good citizens and useful members of societ}'. The Phil- pots were among the earliest settlers of Virginia, but the origin of the family is not known. The politics of William I. Barnard is that of a stanch Republican; he and his wife are both mend)ers of the Christian Church. ~vv-'*e££7®i@»'| |■>»^^Si'OT7l'»^••W^/v \T' EONARD A. CRUMBAUGH, who is at the I (^ head of the Citizens' Bank, of Le Roy, is /l^^ one of the early pioneers of McLean County, and located here in the fall of 1 830, since which time he has been intimately identified with the industrial and agricultural interests of this sec- tion. Within its limits he received his early train- ing and inusued his studies in the humble log cabin, which served as a temple of learning for the chil- dren of the early settlers. He was born at Elkhart, Sangamon County, III., Nov. 13, 1829, being the son of Daniel Crumbaugh, wdio was a native of Erederick County, Md. The grandfather of our subject, Solomon Crumbaugh, was also a native of Erederick County, Md., and his great-grandfather, Conrad Crumbaugh, was a native of Germany, who emigrated to America with his family, and locating in Maryland si)eut the remainder of his days in Erederick County. Daniel Crumbaugh, the father of our subject, left the parental roof when fourteen years of age and joined an elder brother in Kentucky. In 1812 he enlisted in the army, serving under Gen. Harri- son, and at the close of the campaign returned to Kentucky where he remained a short time, then went north into Greene County, Ohio, where he operated a distillery for a number of years, (ioing back to the Blue Grass regions, he was married, and opened a hotel which he conducted until 1829. In the spring of that year he proceeded northwest to Illinois and rented a farm near Elkhart, Sanga- mon County, whence he removed .after a few months to that part of Tazewell now included in iMcLean County, and made a claim on section 14 of what is now Empire Township, but was then designated as tovvnship 22. In the fall of 1830 he built a cabin of round logs, into which he removed with his family. In the winter following (wcnrred the deep snow which is remembered by all the old settlers, and which resulted in so much privation and distress to »► .t- McLean county. 1027 i^ them. They were confined in their cabins for sev- eral months and could do little but chop wood and keep warm. Many of the domestic animals per- ished from the cold, and hunger made the wild ones tame, especially' the wolves, who became altogether too neighborly to suit the pioneers. Daniel Crumbaugh and his family pulled through safely, however, and when spring finally opened he hired a team to turn a portion of the sod, and upon this planted his corn. Before the new crop was ri])ened, however, a frost came on and destroyed It. He had plently of corn in Sangamon County but the deep snow had prevented him from hauling it home. This state of weather had also prevented the distant journey to a mill, and the meal for the family' was manufactured from corn pounded in a mortar, the latter being made by digging out a log. This constituted the principal article of food dur- ing that long and tedious winter. The nearest markets for some years were at Ft. Clark, the pres- ent site of Peoria. Each fall, for a number of years, Mi'. Crumbaugh, Sr., made nine trips to Chicago, taking away a load of wheat and bringing back supplies of provisions and dry-goods. He was a man of great ingenuity and made all the shoes for his family, shaping his own lasts and manu- f.acturing his own pegs. Through diHiculties that would appall tlie people of the present day in this region, he lived to improve a farm of 450 acres and to see the wilderness developed into smiling fields and growing grain. Upon the homestead which he thus established he p.issed his declining years in peace and quiet, enjoying the reward of his early toils and patient, resolute spirit. He folded his hands for his final rest and left behind him a record of a useful and worthy life. Daniel Crumbaugh was twice married, and by his first wife became the father of three children, of whom only one is now living, William H.,a resi- dent of Johnson County, Mo. The second wife, formerly Miss Martha Robinson, was the mother of our subject. She was born in North Carolina, and died on the old homestead in Empire Township, this county, in 1856. Of this second marriage there were born ten children, seven now living, as follows: Leonard A. was the eldest born; James T. and Daniel T. were twins; the former lives in 4» Le Roy, this county, and the latter is living in Em- pire Township on a farm ; Emily, Mrs. Reese, lives in Missouri; Martha, Mrs. Bartlett, in Brooks County, Kan. ; Nancy, Mrs. Hamilton, in Le Roy, and Francis M., on the old homestead. The subject of our sketch improved his early opportunity for study in the subscription schools, walking a distance of four miles and return. As soon as old enough his services were required upon the farm and he lived with his parents until twenty- one years of age. He then purchased ■240 acres of land and commenced business for himself. This was located on section 24 of Empire Township. He labored for a few years incessantly, imiiroved his land, and added to it until he became the pos- sessor of 700 acres, upon whicli he farmed continu- ously until 1 882. He then came to Le Roy and engaged as a banker until February following when, in company with his brother, J. T. Crumbaugh, he opened the Citizens' Bank, and since that time has been the .active manager of the business. Mr. Crumbaugh was married, Sept. 27, LS.OG, to Miss Sarah M. Wiley, a native of Le Roy and born Dec. 18, 1837. Her father, James Wiley, was a native of County Tyrone, Ireland, where he lived until sixteen years old, attending school and re- ceiving a good education. He then went to the Island of Jamaca and became book-keeper for a large sugar and rum plantation, which positi(^n he occupied for several years following. The slaves being then limited and business practically at a standstill, he returned to Ireland, whence he soon afterward emigrated to America, and located in Vermilion County. 111., at an early period in the history of that section. In 18:34 he removed into McLean County, stopping at Lytlevilie for over a year. He then came to Le Roy and opened up a stock of merchandise, engaging in tr.-j»t^ - m •<^=«f^- 'OHN T. IjUOKAW, who is the owner of a snug farm in Belleflower Township, is a na- tive of New Jersey, born in RaritangTown- shiji, Hunterton County, Jan. 4, 18.'3G. He is the son of Abraham IJrokaw, a native of the same .State. The latter learned the trade of a tan- ner'and weaver in his younger days, and spent the greater part of his life in his native State. He in- herited a tract of land from his father in Karitan Township, ui)on which he estalilished a tannery and carried on the business there nntil his death, which occurreil in l.s7(i. Abridiam Brokaw w.as married, earl}' in life, to iMiss Rachel Stivelle, also a native of New Jersey, and who died about 1845. The parental household included six children, four of whom lived to mature yt^ars. The subject of this history was the third child of his parents, and was rc.'ired under the home I'oof, receiving a jjartial education in the subscription schools, and completed the same in the free schools after their establishment. When not in school he assisted his father in the tannery and on the farm, remaining at home until 18()1. Then desiring to see something of the great \\'est, he came to the Prairie State and located in this count}^ where he worked as a farm laborer for two years, then rented land and engaged in farming on his own .ac- count. He was industrious and economical, ;ind in ^ ' ■•► i -U McLEAN COUNTY. 1035 h 187;5 purchased the farm which he now owns and occupies, consistiug of 307 acres. There was upon it at the time a log house and stable. These have been replaced liy a fine set of frame buildings, which are pleasantly located upon a rise of ground, and invariably attract the attention of the passing traveler as being the home of a modern and tlirifty farmer, who takes pride in his estate anil its be- longings. The land is tile drained and piincii)ally devoted to grain and stock-raising. The marriage of our subject with INIiss Ada L. Easterbrook took place on the "iTth of March, 1.S73, in Belleflower Township. Mrs. B. was born in Fay- ette County, Ohio, and is the daughter of Joseph M. and Hannah (Middletown) Easterbrook (see sketch). Of tiiis union there have been born two children, daughters — Adelaide, and Beatrice, de- ceased. Our subject and his wife are members in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church at S.aybrook. Mr. Brokaw was formerly a Demo- crat, but of late years has cast his vote in support of the princii)les of the Republican party. 'Sp^OBERT SEABORN, an influential business IL^ man and farmer of West Township, is a na- /4i\\\ tive of Ohio, and was born Oct. 15, 1828. ^^ His father, Robert Seaborn, born Oct. 11, 1804, in the State of New York, grew to manhood in his native county and was there married to Caro- line Beckford, a native of the same State. They soon afterward removed to Oiiio, where they only remained until 1834, then started for Illinois, via the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. The3' took with them their three children, but before their journey was completed, met with a sad calamity, the boat being l)urned and the _voungest child, eighteen months old, perishing with it. The}* lost all their household goods and clothing at the same time. I'rocuring passage cm another boat, they proceeded to their destination, first locating in Maples, where Mr. Sanborn woi'ked at his trade of blacksmithing-. After a few years they removed to Griggsville, Pike County, where he followed his trade until be had secured enough money to buy a small tract of and near (Jriggsville, paying 11.25 per acre for it. There he erected a log house and devoted his atten- tion to the pursuit of agriculture. There he lost his homestead and furniture by fire. When arriv- ing in Illinois he had nothing but the clothes upon his back, and when he died his property was esti- mated at $100,000. He was essentiall}' a self-made and self-educated man and by his own efforts ac- quired a remarkably good insight into the best methods of doing business. Seven of the children of this family lived to become men and women. Robert Seaborn was but six years old when he came to Illinois with his parents. As soon as large enough he began to assist in the labors around the homestead. The nearest mill where his father first settled was at Exeter, twenty miles away, and the nearest market at Jacksonville, twenty-eight miles distant. Our subject remained with his parents un- til 1849, and was then attacked with the gold fever, which was taking so many men, young and old, across the plains to the Pacific Slope. He started, in company witii twenty-seven others, their outfit consisting of thirty-five pairs of oxen and seven wagons. In this manner they made the entire journey to California. They arrived .-vt Oregon in October, after a journey of six months and twenty days. Mr. Seaborn remained there nearl}' one year, variously employed. He afterward went to San Francisco, and thence to the Sacramento River, where he engaged in the mines until the fall of 1856, then longing for a sight of "the old folk at home" he set his face toward the East, coming by w.ay of the Isthmus, Cuba and New Orleans. He landed in Griggsville, this State, in January, and in the spring resumed farming pursuits on prairie soil, having settled on a tract of land by himself and keeping bachelor's hall until his marriage. After this important event he purchased 120 acres of land in Pike County, this State, upon which he resided with his family until 1874. In that year he sold out, and coming to ^^^est Township, purchased the place which he now occupies. This farm is finely improved and furnished with a good set of frame buildings, pleasantly located and kept in the best of repair. The wife of our subject, to whom he was married Nov. 27, 1851, was formerly Miss Nancy Duff, a native of Franklin County, 111., and who was born * t. *»- ji ^- t 1036 McLEAiSf COUNTY. May 22, 1833. Her father, Asahal Duff, and her graiidfatlier, I'liillip Duff, were natives of South Carolina. The latter was among the earliest set- tlers of Southern Illinois, having emigrated from South Carolina before there was even a wagon road, the journey being made on nack-horses, and before Illinois was organized as a Territory. He took up a tract of Government land in Franklin County, improved a farm and established a comfortable home, where he [lassed the remainder of his days. The fathei- of :Mrs. S. was a small boy when he came to Illinois with his parents. He grew to man- hood in Franklin County and was married to Miss Abagail jMiligan in what is now Williamson County, 111., in I.SIO. Tiiis lady was the daughter uf Will- iam Miligan, who served as a soldier in the War of 1812, and there contracted a disease from which he never recovered. He also settled in Southern Illinois at an early period in the history of that sec- tion. The grandparents of Mrs. S., both maternal and paternal, spent the last years of their lives in Southern Illinois. Her parents removed to Pike County in 1834, and were the tenth family to set- tle in that locality. Their nearest neighbor was six miles distant. Her father si)ent the last years of his life in that county, dyiiig in 18G1. He was a natural mechanic and et)uld manufacture a wagon, spiuning-wheel or wash-tuli, and with equal facility repair a gun. For the first few years he was kept busy in this line, people coming from long dis- tances in order to have him do their work. His wife survived him for more tlian twenty years, her death taking place in 18!S4. Mr. and Mrs. Seaborn have three children: Celia was first married in Tike County, 111., to John Phil- lips, Oct. 8, 1871 ; by this union there was born a daughter, Carrie A., who was given to her grand- mother, Mis. Seal)orn, when Init three jnonths old. She then became the wife of Newton Barnhart, and she and her brother William live in West Town- ship. Mary E., Mrs. Frank Jennings, lives in Da- kota. Mrs. S. has been a memlier of the Methodist Episcopal Church .since thirteen years old. Both our subject and lii.s wife are held in tlu; highest re- spect l)y all who know tluMu, possessing those ami- able and excellent traits of character which make them valuable members of the (community. Their attractive home is the resort of the cultured peo- ple of West Township and its hospitable doors are always open to their hosts of friends, while the dis- tressed are never tinned emijty-handed away. '^ OHN M. AIITIS, a prosperous farmer of Danvers Township, is pleasantl}' located on section 24 and has been a resident of the Prairie State since 1859. He first opened his eyes to the light in Clark County, Ky., on the 12th of September, 1840, his parents being Robert and Fannie (McDonald) Artis, natives respectively of Delaware and Kentucky. The former was brought to Kentucky when only three years of age. Robert Artis was orphaned when a child of ten- der years and never had much recollection of his parents. He was reared in Kentucky by Mr. George Cramler and was there married. In the fall of 1859 he cauje to Illinois and located in Bloomington Township, whence, after three years he removed to Danvers Township and established a comfortable home, where he passed the re- mainder of his days. The affectionate wife and mother departed this life in 1864, having been a consistent niemlier of the Christian Church since 1840, and the father of our subject died ten years later, in 1874. He was a Democrat in politics and in allrespectsa valued member of the community. Of the children included in the parental family one died in infancy, and later, Marid, P^lizabeth and Emily also passed to the Silent Land. Those now living are: Robert, Parker, William, Harriet, Nancy, John M. and Heiny. The subject of our sketch received a common- school education and after lU'riving at years of man- hood was united in marriage with Miss Nancy A. Barnard, on the 3d <)f Novemlier, 1864. Mrs. A. was the daughter of James O. and Lydia (Swallow) Barnard, and was born Jan. 1, 1841, in a little vil- lage then known as Wilkesboro, in Danvers Town- ship. The Barnards were of English stock, and the tradition runs that Francis liarnard, the great-great- T --i' i 1 ■^^ McLean county. — «^ 103!) I. I grandfather of Mrs. A., w.is carried away in a vision while at sea on a whaling- voyage. The wife of our subject has an old printed copy of said vision, wiiich speaivs of the wars tiiat should come on the nations of the New World, and of the overthrow of the nations who to<)l< arms against it, which proph- esy has thus far been fulfilled U> tlie letter. James O., the father of Mrs. Artis, was b(,irn in 1 HOO, aud when a lad of twelve years old became a member of the Baptist Church, with whieli lie was connected for manj' years, but subsequently became a member of the Christian Church, with which he continued until his death, which occurred in this township on the 1 7th of October, 1 87o. The mother was born in Ohio, Sept. 15, 1820, of English parentage. .She was married to Janies 0. Barnard, Sept. 1 4, 1 837, and died in this townshii) April 20, 1847. They became the parents of two children, both daughters, .J.ane E., who married Mr. F. M. Hall, of IJanvers, and Nancy A., now Jlrs. Artis of our slietcli. For fur- ther mention of Mr. Barnard see his slvctcli given in this volume. Our subject and his wife liave l)ecome the jiar- ents of seven children, of whom one, Robert P., is deceased ; John W. w;is born Dec. 19, 18tj.5, and received a good education, completing his studies at Eurelva College; Nancy A. was born Feb. 13, 18G8;Irvin M., July 30, 1870; Robert P. was born Aug. 5, 1873, and died wlieu two weelis old; Har- vey C, June 21, 187G; William B., Aug. 30, 1878, and Nettie, April 24,1881. Tlie homestead of our suliject comprises 238 acres of fine farming Land, and in 1883 he erected a handsome and substantial dwelling at a cost of $2, .500. It is two stories in height, 50x36 feet in area, handsomely finished and furnished, and forms an attractive ornament to the surrounding land- scape. A view of his comfortable and elegant home is given in this volume. He has a good barn and all necessary out-buildings, aud is carrying on his agricultural operations in a skillful and success- ful manner. Mr. Artis, politically, is a reliable Democrat, and has been a member of the Christian Church since 1863. Mrs. A. united with this church in 1852. The family is higlily esteemed in the community, and our subject in all respects is a good citizen and valued member of society. <■ ' LFRED FAGERBURG, for years master mechanic of the boiler department in tlie construction of locomotives at Mobcrly, Mo., and Bloomiugton, is now a prominent farmer of Dry Grove Township, and is pleasantly located on section 11. He is a Scandinavian by birth and parentage, and first opened his eyes to the light in the eastern part of Sweden on the 6th of January, 1836. His father, George Fagerburg, died in his native country. The maiden name of the mother was Eve Skogbreg. She is living in Sweden at the ripe old age of about seventy-five years. The subject of this biography emigrated to Amer- ica in 1854, when a youth of eighteen years, the voyage consuming seven weeks. He had served an apprenticeship at carriage-making and black- smithing in his native country, but after coming to America engaged iu the manufacture of steam boilers, aud after a brief experience was considered one of the most expert workmen of the craft. After a short time spent in the young city of Chicago, Mr. Fagerburg went to Galesburg, 111., and for three and one-half years was employed in the shops of the C, B. & Q. R. R. Co. From there he went to Aurora, and lived in tiiat city four and one-half 3'ears, when he came to Bloomiugton, which remained his home for the following eight years. He then crossed the Mississippi to Moberly, Mo., where he w.as given charge of the boiler de- partment of a large manufactory which he super- intended for a period of six years, in the mean- time receiving many proofs of the high estimation in which his skill as a workman aud his character as a man, were held. In 1878 he was recalled to Bloomiugton where he again took charge of the same department he had been at the head of when here before. Two and one-half years later, how- ever, he resolved to change his occupation and resi- dence, and leaving the dusty shops for the green pastures and yellow fields of grain of the country, tool? up his abode on his present farm in Dry Grove Township. His rural property consists of 1.60 acres of finely improved land, upon which he in 1885, erected a handsome dwelling at a cost of $2,100. In 1886 his barn was destroyed by lightning, but he at once set about the erection of another, which — •► 1- u KIK) McLKAN COUNTY. he completed at a cost of *l,600,^and which in point of convenience and shai)eliness is scarcely ccpialed in this connty. The liomcstead in all its appointments denotes the thrift and intelligence of its owner, and presents one of the jjrettiest pictures in the landscape of McLean Connty, and it is with pleasure that we include it in the pictorial depart- ment of this work, as representing one of the many splendid farm residences in the connty. One of the most important events in the life of Mr. Fagerburg, and which doubtless had mueh in- f!\ience in shaping his course in life, was his mar- riage, which occurred soon after reaching his rna- j(n-ity. The lady of his choice was Miss Catharine Jolnison, and their wedding took i)lace on the 21st of April, 18o7, in Rockford, 111. The wife of our subject is a native of his own country, .■iiid came to the United States the same year he did and lo- cated with her parents in Canada. .Siie is the daughter of John and Kllen (I'arson) Johnson, na- tives of .Sweden. The father dieai)tist Church, and in politics our subject is one of the most reliable members of the Republican parly. •Sp^DWARl) SCIIKLL, of Hloomington, is fore- 1^ man of the C. A' A. R. R. Round-llonse It' — ^ and Engine Dispatcher, under William ^\■il- son, .Superintendent lA machinery. lie has the requisite knowledge of tiie duties of his position, which he is lilling with credit to himself auil sat- isfaction to all concerned. Mr. .Scliell is a native i[il)eeanoe County, Intl., and was born in ISIO. Mis parents were James and Rebecca (Dye) Schell, natives of Ohio, where the father engaged in farm- ing. The latter left Ohio and came to Iniliana at an early day, where he cultivated the soil and es- tal>lished a comfortable home, and where he spent his declining years, dying in January, 1850. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, and after his death his sons received a IGO-acre land warrant as a pension. The nnjther departed this life in Indi- ana, Dec. 2.'5, 18(18. The i)arental household in- cluded eight children, of whom only two are liv- ing — Sarah, Mrs. Wainscott, of Crawfordsvillc, Ind., and our subject. Sarah was first married to James Sj>arks, of Lafayette, Ind., and became the mother of one child, Olive K. Mr. Sparks enlisted as a Union soldier in the late war, and was killed in battle. Mrs. S. afterward married James ^^'ain- scott, and has one child, a son, Edward. The subject of this biograph.y was eleven years old wdien his father died. He worked on the farm until I8.')(;, and then served three years at the blacksmith's trade at Lafayette, Ind. In the fall of 1859 he engaged as a brakeman on the F. W. & Western R. R. until 1800, and then accepted a po- sition as fireman until August, 18G2. The late war being then in progress he enlisted in the 1 Itli Indiana Battery and served until July 2, 1865. He was engaged in the liattles of Chickamauga, Look- out Mountain and Mission Ridge, together with many skirmishes, until they arrived at the Chatta- hoochee River, where ensued a heavy eng.agemcnt with the enemy across the river. Afterward the regiment moved on to Atlanta, fighting for thirl^'- one days, the next regular engagement being .at Jonesboro. Then they marched back to Atlanta and Nashville, where they were transferred to the 18th Batter}' of Indiana, and starting once more through the Southeast, wintered at Waterloo, Ala. In the spring, with Gen. Wilson in command, they marched to Selma and thence to Maytown, Ga., where the}' captured a rebel hospital, disarmed the soldiers, and remained there until Ma}', 18(15, near the clo.se of the war. Our subject was soon after- ward mustered out, and returning to Lafayette, Ind., again engaged in railroading, as fireman on the same roa(L Tlie following year he com- menced running extras until 18(17, and then took -» ■ M» MoLEAN COUNTY. 1041 1 ' 1 the position of engineer, being thus emplo.yed un- til 1872. He then engaged witli tlic I^ake Shore & Michigan Southern, with which he i-eniaincd un- til February, l.sTo, and then went on the Wabash Railroad as engineer till August, IHSO. Then engag- ing with the C. & A. Company he continued as engin- eer until 1881, when he accepted his jiresent posi- tion. He lias the .supervision of about 200 nicii. Mr. Schell was married, in 1805, to Jliss Laura Trenary, of Lafayette, Ind., who was born in Indi- ana, and is tiie daughter of .lames and Rebecca Trenary, natives of Ohio, who are now engaged in farming near Lafayette, Ind. Of this union there were horn three ciiildren — Edgar F., Mamie K. and John C. They occupy a pleasant home on Mul- berry street, and c'ujoy the friendsliip and associa- tion of the cultnicd peojjle of tiie ciimniuuity. Mr. S. is Republican in |)olitics, and socially bclnngs to the Brotherhood of Engineers, the I. O. (). F., and K. of P. B. FUNK, a member of the family which WuM is so widel_y and favorably known in the Prairie State, and a resident of Blooming- ton, was liorn in Funk's Cirove, this coun- ty, c)n the 4th of March, 1841. He is the son of Hon. Isaac and Cassandra (Sharpe) F'unk, natives respectivcl.y of Kentucky and Maryland, and was one of a family of ten children luirn to his excel- lent and worthy parents. The subject of this sketch was the eightii child, and while at home, in company with his brothers, herded his father's cattle on the broad jirairies. He would start out in the morning, taking his liuich in a basket, and returned home at night with the cat- tle, who freciueiilly roanuid a distance of from live to ten miles in their grazing. Our subject being among the younger members of the familj', only once enjoj'ed the privilege of an overland trip to Chicago, assisting to drive his father's hogs to market, as a few years later the building of the railroads did away with the necessity of going on foot and horseback. A. B. remained on the farm until 1868, having received a practical education in the common schools and two years' instruction at Weslej'an College. After tiie outbreak of the war he enlisted in 18G4, in Co. K, 145th 111. Vol. Inf., and with his regiment was detailed for duty in Southwestern Missouri, guarding the railroad for five months, and then at the close of the war, received his honoralile discharge. After he had attained his majority, Mr. Funk re- ceived as his portion of his father's estate 2,280 acres of land, to which he h.as since added yOO acres. He has also a cattle ranch in Montana, which is stocked with an average of from .oOO to 2,000 head of cattle. Ui)on his home farm are four tenement houses, occupied bj^ men who lo<;ik afU^r his stock, which here consists of 400 head of cattle and fort.y horses, the latter being Clydes- dale and Norman, which he sells when four years ol.I. Mr. Funk removed to Bloomiiigton in lS(i,S,and has proved a valued addition to its business inter- ests. He is a stockholder and Director of the F'irst National Bank and a stockholder in the Oas Company. He contributes cheerfully and liberally to every worth}' enterprise, .and in all respects is the worthy son of his honored sire, whose name will be handed down to future generations as a man whose example was worthy of their imitation. The beautiful family residence of our subject, which was erected at a cost of i>2.i,00(), is located on East Grove street, and commands a fine view of the surrounding country. It is in every respect, with its appurtenances, an ornament to the city and a credit to its builder and projector. The grounds are beautifully laid out with winding walks and shrubbeiy, and in all resjiects give evi- dence of cultivated tastes and ample means. The marriage of our siiliject and Miss Soplironia \'andevender was celebrated at the home of the bride's parents in Bhjomington, in 1870. Mrs. Funk is a native of Bloomington, and the only daughter of James and Emeline (Smith) Vande- vender, who were natives of Ohio, whence they came to IMcLean County, in 184G. They first set- tled ill Le Roy, where Mr. V. engaged extensively in the buying and selling of stock. Onr subject and his wife have two children, a son and daugh- ter, Lyle and p]nieline. Mr. and Mrs. Funk, after their marriage, made a trip to Europe, visiting France, Switzerland, •^^n I ■•► 1042 McLEAN COUNTY. f Italy, Austria, Germany, Belgium, England, Scot- land and Ireland, spending about one year abroad. Mr. Funk uniformly casts his vote with the Re- publican party, and is a member in good standing of the G. A. R. and of the Royal Arcanum. His business office is at No. 210 North Center street, where he overlooks the details of his transactions. Me is in all respects one of the solid men of the county, and an important factor in its business and agricultural interests. v|^^ATIIANIEL BECKHAM, who owns a com- [[ jjj fortable farm homestead on section 21, 1\^J^; West Township, is a native of Kentucky, born in Warren County, Ma}' 11, 183G. His father, Nathaniel Beckham, Sr., was a native of the same State, and his grandfather, John Beckham, of Vir- ginia, was one of the early pioneers of the Blue (irass regions. He removed from Virginia to Ken- tucky before even the day of wagon r(jads, the journey through the trackless wilderness being made with pack horses. John Beckham v^as a skillful surveyor and civil engineer and f(jllowed his pro- fession successfully for a number of years. After becoming a resident of Kentucky, he obtained pos- session of a large tract of land in Warren County, where he cleared a farm and rcniaiiuMl until his death. Nathaniel Beckham, the fatlier of our subject, was reared on the farm in U'arren County, Ky., and was there married t<^ Miss Elizabeth Low, a native of that county, and daughter of William J.,ow. one of its earliest pioneers. After marriage Mr. Beckham purchased a quarter section of land twelve miles oast of Bowling Green, where he es- tablished a permanent li0, and remained in his native State until 1830. His wife, C'iiarit}' Pew, was l)orn March 10, ISOO, in North Carolina. The former came to Illinois in 1836, and locating in Dry Grove Township, this county, soon afterward purchased 107 acres in Danvers Township, where he improved a farm and established a comfortable home, which he occupied the remainder of his life. In early manhood he had learned the slioemaker'.s trade, in Philadelphia, which he followed for a time in Kentucky, and also after coming to this State in connection with his farming. He received but a limited education, and was of a quiet and re- tiring disposition. He departed this life Aug. 18, 1865, and the mother, March 24, 1873; the latter was a member of the Christian Church at Twin Grove. In politics the father of our subject was a conscientious Democrat. The parental familj- con- sisted of nine children, as follows: Nathaniel; Mary A.: William W., who died in Kentucky while 3'oung; John; Zerelda, who married ^Ir. E. Munsell; Jane, who was born July 11, 181G, and died that same year; Susan, who was born April 18, 1830, married Joseph Myers, and lives in Mackinaw, Tazew'ell County; Louisa, who first be- came IMrs. Stephen McC^uartz, is now Mrs. Wilson, and Samuel, our subject. Mr. Perry, of this sketch, remained under the parental roof until he attained to years of manhood, and was married to Miss Rebecca Hiatt Nov. 26, 18G3. Mrs. Perry was born Sept. 15, 1837, in Stout's Grove, this county, and was the daughter of Jesse and Sarah Hiatt. Her parents were natives of Ohio, and married there on the 25th of March, 1829; thej' were of Quaker parentage. A few years after their marriage they came to Illinois, be- ing among the pioneer settlers of the State. They became the parents of four children, as follows: Rachel married Mr. William Yeatch; Susanna mar- ried John Perry; Matilda married 'William Stewart, and Rebecca married our subject, Samuel Perry. Mr. and Mrs. Perry became the parents of two children — Roscoe, born Nov. 21, 1864, died Sept, 21, 18G5, and Ella, born Jan. (i, 186(!, died September 12 of the same year. The wife of our su))ject de- parted this life Sept. 23, 1886, at the age of forty- nine years, and after an illness of about five months. Although not a member of any church ^Irs. Pen-y was a lady endowed with the highest Christian graces, being kind-hearted, charitable, and possessed of all womanly virtues. She was fairly educated, and proved the true helpmectand .sympa- thizer of her husband. A portrait of Mr. Perry is shown in this work. ^x/v-.-'v^iLajz/©-^^ |»«SfS!/OTzr»v-'vv^ . ^ ' OHN B. FRINK. The Frinks are of New England extraction and are descended from that element of our Republic who exerted in so signal a manner their wisdom and en- ergy in planting the seeds of freedom, piety and learning, the fruits of which are so richly enjoyed from the Atlantic to the Pacific. John B. Frink, of whom we now write, is one of the large land- owners of Old Town Township, and also one of its successful and prosperous farmers, and resides on section 3. His father, John Frink, was a native of Connecticut, and his mother, Rebecca (Sisson) Frink, was born in Rhode Island. Subsequent to their marriage they settled in Massachusetts, whence they removed to Luzerne County, Pa„ and in 1807 moved to Western New York, locating in what was known as the Holland Purchase, and there lived until their death. The demise of the latter occurred Nov. 5, 1837, and of the former Dec. 28, 1839. Of their family of ten children, five sous and five daughters, all lived to attain the age of man and womanhood. The subject of this notice was the eldest son and fourth child in order of birth of the family. He was born in Luzerne County, Pa., April 24, 1802, and was five j'earsof age when his parents removed to the Holland Purchase. There he passed his boy- hood days, received his education, worked on a farm, and continued to live until 1869. In March of that year he came to this county and purchased a half section of land in Old Town Township, the same being one-half of section 3. On this he set- tled and has since lived, engaged exclusivel3' in farming. He is now the owner of 700 acres of valuable and productive land and devotes his time to its cultivation and to the raising of stock. r ■•►-li-^ i r 1046 McLEAN COUNTY. i Mr. Frink' \v:is iiiniTicd in Cliiiia, Delaware Co., N. v., May 1, 1S2H, to Harriett Frank, daughter (if .Simeon and KlK^da Frank, natives of New En- gland. Her parents settled in Delaware Count}', N. Y., after marriage, whence like Mr. Frink's par- ents they removed to the Holland I'nrehase in ISO'J. They die(l in Arcade, Wyoming Co., N. Y. They had seven children, fonrs(jnsand three daugh- ters, of whom Mrs. Frink was the eldest daughter and liflh child in order of liirth. She was born in Si. and Kittie S. Isadore Frink and F. II. Liur- bank became man and wife, live in ISlue Mound Township, and have one child — Ilattie. Wells Frink married Miss Kliz.alieth Calkins; they live in Dak<)ta, and are the parents of live children — Lewis, ICinma, Corydon, Richard and Katie. Mrs. Frink, wife of our suljjeet, de|)arted this life in Old Town Township, April 24, 1886, having .attained to the venerable age of eight,3'-two years. She was a most estimable .■iiid highly esteemed old lady. AVhile living in York State, Mr. Frink hi'ld some of the minor ollices of his c/unty. He is liberal in his religious views, and in jxtlitics is a standi Republican. All his family are earnest workers for the promotion of tiie cause of temi)erance, and the [)ast record of the life of our subject sparkles with deeds of kindness, and has been such .as to make him many friends and gain for him the re- spect of all those with whom his active, busy life brought him in contact. Among the large number of jioi'ti'aits of the leading men of McLean County given in this vol- ume, none will be more welconied than that of Mr. Frink. ^-^c^ -S^}^- -T^^ IX__ ANSON T. FORREST is one of the goodly r' jj) land-owners, successful and progressive f.arra- V^ ers of West Township, and one of the well- ^ known and respected citizens of this county. He vv.as born in I''iederick County, Md., Dec. 24, 1834. His father, Solomon Forrest, w.as also a na- tive of Maryland, a farmer by occupation, and spent his entire life in the State of his nativity, dy- ing about 18(J7. The maiden name of our subject's mother was Elizabeth Wolf. She was born in Mary- land, and was the daughter of David Wolf, likewise a native of that State, and departed this life in Frederick County, Md., about 18.57. They had ten children, and our subject was the ninth child and sixth son in order of birth. Hanson T. Forrest was reared on his father's farm, .and took advantage of such opportunities as were .afforded to acquire an education. Living at home until he was twenty-four years old, he then went to Ohio and locating in Miami County, worked out by the month on a farm, receiving for his services $1(1 per month and board. His em- ployer, however, soon increased his w.ages to $20 per month, and furnished him a log cabin to live in and he boarded himself. He continued to labor on the farm by the month for three 3'ears after his marri.age, when with his savings he bought a team of horses, rented some land and worked it, and for eight years was engaged in farming in this manner. B3' this lime our subject had s.aved about i!2,000, .and he bought eighty acres of the land he had been working, for $.0,000, p.aying $2,000 down and giv- ing a mortg.age for the remaining $3,000. He went to work with a will and a determination to pay off the mortgage, and bj' the closest economy and hard labor succeeded in doing so. In 1 879 our subject rented his farm and came to this county, and settled on the southwest quarter of section 12, West Townsiiip. This land at that time ■► t ■^•- -1 mclp:an county. 1047 belonged to his father-in law, but a year later he l>urchased eighty acres of it, and liis father-in-law gave onr subject and his wife another eighty. lie now owns 420 acres in West Township, all enclosed and improved. i\Ir. Forrest was married to Nancy Snook, Dec. 15, 18.59. .She w.as l)orn in Miami County, Ohio, and is the daughter of George W. and Mary (Fuller) .Snook. Her father was born in Frederick County, Md., and being orphaned by the death of his father when quite young, he, when thirteen years old, removed to Ohio vvitb his uncle, where he was reared to manhood, married, and whence he came to this State, and after a residence of one year in Logan County, came to this county and purchased C40 acres of land in West Town- ship. He is at present living in Minnesota, and is the owner of upward of 4,000 .acres of land in that .State. He started out in life a poor boy, and his good judgment .and energy have brought him a h.andsome competency. Our subject and wife have nine children — George W., John B., Celestia A., Irving G., Emra F., Mary L., Alvah G., Pearlie A. and Elsa B. In politics Mr. Forrest is a Republican. He is quite exten- sively eng.aged in the raising of stock on his farm, and turns his attention to the Short-horn breed of cattle and the Norman breed of horses, .and he h,as some as fine specimens of these two breeds .as are to be found. an}' where within the boundary lines of the county. ilSAAC S. MAHAN, deceased, was an attorney I at law, living at Lexington, and a resident of /li McLean Countj' since 1 846, and during a period of over fort}' years w.as promuiently identified with the interests of this section. He was well read in his profession and in his law tr.ans.actions uniformly met with success. Mr. Mahan was born in Ohio, neai- the line between Brown and Highland Coun- ties, on the 2d of January, 1832. His father, John B. Mahan, was a minister of the Presbyterian Church and at the time of his death a member of |.he Chillicothe Presbytery. He was a man of great force of character, bitterly opposed to slavery during the days of its existence, and was President of the first State Abolition Society, and also State Lecturer upon this subject for many years. He departed this life in Brown County, Ohio, Dec. IG, 1844, having all his life cast the weight of iiis in- fluence upon the side of justice and equality. The mother of our subject was formerly Miss Mary Curtis, tlic daughter of .Joseph and Mary Curtis. The Mahan family were of Irish extraction Init the mother of our subject descended from Germ.an ancestry. The parental household included ten children, live sons and five daughters, six of whom yet survive. Isa.ac S. Mahan came with his parents to McLean County and they first settled in Lexington where the mother died in August, 1879. Our subject completed his education in the schools of Lexington and then learned the carpenter's ti'ade, at which he worked for three years and then began the study of law with Judge Tipton. On account of defective eyesight he w.as obliged to abandon his chosen pro- fession and then engaged in business for three years. He was then elected Justice of the Pe.ace, which office he held continuously, with the excep- tion of three years, since 1S,")7, being elected each term successively. He thus held the office twenty- nine years, a longer period than any citizen of Mc- Lean Count}' now living. He w.as admitted to the practice of law in July, 18G7, and devoted his time and atiention to his [iractice, in connection with insurance and conveyancing, until his death. Mr. M.ahan was married on the 2,5th of January, 18.57, to Miss Frances S. Luce, the sister of Dr. Luce of Bloomington. This lady died on the llth of October, 18G9. Of this marriage there were no children. On the 7th of August, 1870, Mr. Mahan was married the second time, to Mrs. M.aggie J. Shep- hard. She was the mother of William II. Shephard of the LcxiiKjtoii Jierieir, and sister of William II. Kennedy, manager of the Lexington Band. She died Sept. 20, 1883, leaving a son and daughter^ Isaac S. and Neba L. The third wife of our sultject was Miss Anna C. Poore, of Lexington, to whom he was married on the 28tii of l)eceinl)er, 188r>. Mrs. Anna C. Mahan is the daughter of Prof. D. J. Poore who, for many years, was Principal of the Lexington schools. .She was a teacher for sixteen years, and now occupies a •►-(1-^ i f ik 1048 McLEAN COUNTY. pleasant and attractive home in Lexington where she enjoys the association of the cultured people of tlie cuinmunity. Mr. Mahan was a member of the School IJoard for seven years and socially belonged to McLean Lodge, No. I'DC, I. O. O. K., of which he became a member in isd;). lie was also a mem- ber of Lexington Eiicami)mcnl. He and iiis family were regular attendants of tlie Fii-st Presbyterian Church, of which he was a member. V t ,KV. BENJAMIN W. BAKER, Presiding El- der in the .Streeter district of the Central Illinois Conference, was born in Coles 5i(^C'ounty, 111., Nov. 2.5, 1S41. His i»ternal grandfather was a Baptist clergyman and settled in Coles County with his family in 1837. The ma- ternal grandfather of our subject. Rev. John Adams, was a Methodist Episcopal clergyman, and also settled in Coles County with iiis family in 1837. The father of our subject, .bilin B. Baker, was born in Burlington, Vt.. and was a farmeF and school teacher, when death ended his career at the early age of twenty-five years. Our subject's mother, Sarah E. (Adams) Baker, was born in Licking County, Ohio, and by her marriage with John Baker became the mother of four children, one of whom died in infancy and one at the age of ten years. One enlisted in Co. K, r23d 111. Vol. Inf., and was killed at the battle of Perrj'ville, Ky. From the above it will be seen that Elder Baker is the only one of his parents' children now living. He was reared to manh(jod in tlie family of his grandfather. Rev. John Adams, who resided on a farm in a timbered country and our subject conse- quently grew up accustomed to hard labor. In those days there were no public schools, but our subject's mother wove cloth for money to pay his tuition in a select subscription school for from thirty to sixty days annually. The teaciiers were not the best, but young Baker was a faithful student and thus mastered the fundamental principles of the eom- nK)n branches of study. In ISOl, as soon as the leport reached him that rebel shot and shell had been thundered against 4' Ft. Sumter, his heart was filled with patriotism for the maintenance of the country of his forefathers and the flag for which they had fought, and he at once enlisted in the I'nion army. Upon the call of President Lincoln for 7."), 000 men it was so quickly filled, that the company in which he enlisted was not accepted. He, however, did not have long to wait, for our martyred President soon called for more men, and young Baker enlisted and was mustered into the service Ijy joining Co. E, 25th 111. \'ol. Inf., and served his country faithfully and well on many a liloody battle-field for three years. He i)articipated in all the engagements and marches of his company and among the principal battles in which lie tixjk i)art were Pea Ridge, Corinth, Cham- pion Hills, Stone River, Chickamauga and the 100 days' battle from Mission Ridge to Atlanta. At the battle of Pea Ridge he received a gunshot wound in the left shoulder which disabled him from active service for a time, but at his earnest request the surgeon permitted him to remain in the regiment. At the battle of Chickamauga he received two more bullets in the shoulder, one of which still remains there and in consequence of wiiich he was confined to the hospital one month antl permitted to go home on a furlough of one month. In the fall of 18(i3 our suliject was mustered out and returned home. His education was limited but nevertheless he taught school the following ivinter. In the spring of 1865 our subject engaged in farming, but the season being wet he only realized $10 for his summer's work, after settling all claims. He now determined to obtain a thorough education and contrary to the a{. I .S;");!, was uniled in mar- ilage with INIiss Mary A. McDonald. .Mrs. W. was born in ^Madison County, Ohio, Sept. 22, 18;i4, and was liu' daughtei' of Thomas and Rebecca (Erwin) McDonald. After mariiage Mr. and Mrs. Weed- man settled on a new farm on section 11, West Township, where our sulijcct, In addition to gen- eral agriculture, gave much attention to stock-rais- ing, and was thus Industriously engaged during the remainder of his life, lie embarked in the banking business at Farmer City, In 187(1. which he also continued until his death, and which is now the John Weedman National Bank. John Weedman rested from his earthly labors on Jul3' 31, 188."). Mr. and Mrs. VVeeilmau became the parents of seven children, four now living: Harriet J. be(\ame the wife of C. R. Hrodix, and is a resident of Washington, 1). C; Cassius M., Rachel Rosella and John Sherman aie at home. Mr. Weedman became one of the representative farmers of this section, and was universally respected for his upright busi- ness methods and his genial qualities as a citizen, neighl)or and friend. As years rolled on he be- came widely and favorably' known as a man whose judgment could be relied upon in matters of im- portance, and whose integrity and moral worth were without question. He was a natural gentle- man In his demeanor toward all, and a self-made man, who had obtained, through his reading and observation of human nature and current events, a wide and useful fund of information. Mrs. \\'eedman, with her three younger children, during the milder months of the year, occupy the old farm homestead in \N'est Township, but in the winter season take uj) their residence at Farmer Cit}'. Through the industry and forethought of her husband Mrs. W. is in the enjoj'uient of a com- petency, and able to assist those less fortunate. She is a lady highly respected in this locality for her genuine goodness of heart and womanly virtues. We append the following history' of her father's family : Thomas McDonahi was born in Washington Count3', Tenn., Oct. l/i, 1801. He was the son of John McDonald, a native of A'irginia. Ills grand- father was born In the city of (ilasgow, Scotland, and emigratlug to this country when a young man, settled tirst In \'irglnla, whence he removed to Ohio, and spent the last years of his life in Madi- son County. Ills sou John, the grandfather of Mrs. W., was nKUi'ied in \\'ashington County, Tenn., where he lived until 1808, then moved to Ohio, and was among the earliest [iloneers of Madison Coun- ty. There he purchased :i, tract of timber land and cleared a farm, erectcil .a good set of buiUlings, anlished and well educated 3-oung lady, lives at home with her mother, of whom she is the pleasant companion and assistant; Nettie is attend- ing school at Downs Village. Those deceased are, John. Jacob, Martha, Susan and Maggie. Tlu' Adams family are prominently connected with the Methodist Episcopal t'hurch in this county. Mr. Adams also was one of the most useful and active memb(>rs in the church in Downs Township, and olllciated .as Class- Leader for many years; he was also licensed as an exhorter. Since the death of her husband Mrs. Adams has superint<'uded the homestead in an able manner, and under her super- vision it has maintained its old-lime re|)ntation as one of the best conducted farms in this part of McLean County. *^\ RS. MARY A. NESMITII, daughter of ll\ John and Eli7.al)elh (Wolf) .Mc(iinnis, is I li the owner of a comfortable homeste.-ul on * section 21, Lawudale 'i'ownship, which was purchased by her husband, Arthur E. Nesmilh. in 1883. The father of Mr.s. Ne.smitli was a native of Kentucky, and her mother of New Jersey'. After marriage they located in P.utler County, Ohio, whence they removed to Indiana in 1822, settling in I'arke Coxmty. They resided there nntil IS.'M, then came to Tazewell County, this State, where their lives terminated, the father dying Jan. 10, 1870, and the mother April 12, 1882. Mr. Mc- Oinnis was a farmer by occupation. The parental family iucludeil nine children, four boys and five girls, of whom Mrs. Nesmith was the seventh; she was born in Parke County, Ind., May 30, 1833, and lived with her parents until her marriage with Arthur E. Nesmith, which took place in Tazewell County, 111., on the .ith of June, ISfiO. Mr. Ne- smith was the son of Cyrus A. and Marinda (Ilurl- but) Nesmith, natives of New England. After their marriage, Cyrus and Marinda Nesmith settled in Medina County, Ohio, whence they removed in 1847, to this State, locating in Peoria County; from there they removed to Woodford County, and thence to Washington, III., where the father died Jan. 9. 1884. The mother still survives and lives in Washington, 111. Arthur E. Nesmith, the eldest child, and hus- band of our subject, was born in Medina County, Ohio, Dec. 28, 1833. lie was reared on a farm and received a fair education ni the common schools. Mr. and Mrs. Nesmith of this notice, in their younger da>'s were both school teachers, Mr. Kesniitli having taught two years, and Mrs. Ne- smith four years. He also taught singing school foi- a number of years, and was very successful in that calling. The daughters are all musicians, and Fannie is at present giving music lessons. After marriage, the young people located on a farm in Christian County, 111., where they remained three years. In 18(;2 the}' removed to Woodford Count}', where they lived until February, iss;!. Then they came to Lawnsdale Township, this county, where Mr. Nesmith purchased 1(>0 acres on section 21, where he made his home until his death, wliich oc- curred Jan. 22. 18.S1. lie had a short time previ- ously been visiting his father in Washington, III., where he took a severe cold, which developed into pneumonia, and proved fatal in less than two weeks. Mr. Nesmith had been a stirring and energetic man, and besides the homestead where the family resided at the time i>f his death, he owned 120 acres ' i Lawndale Townshij), which constitutes 2.S0 acres in all. Arthur Nesmith was a worth}- member of the Christian Church, and had held various oflices i I M t <^ t McLEAN GOUNIT. 1055 while living in Woodford County. Of the four children born to Mr. and Mrs. Nesmith, one died in infancy ; Jennie E. is tlie wife of Marion A. Kin- dig, and resides in "Woodford County ; they have one child, a daughter. Vera. May and Fannie are at home with their mother. Mrs. Nesmith is also a member in good standing in the Christian Church. Her home is pleasantlj^ located, and, surrounded by her children and friends, she is enjo^ying all the comforts and manj^ of the luxuries of life. She has managed the estate left her by her husband with ability and good judgment, and is highly es- teemed by all who know her. A handsome lithographic view of Mrs. Nesmith's residence is shown on anotiier page of this work. r ([f/SAAC VANORDSTRAND. In Mr. Vanord- strand's life we find an excellent example for \ young men just embarking in the field of act- ive life, of what may be accomplished by a man be- ginning poor, but honest, prudent and industrious. In early life he enjoyed but few advantages. His * school days were limited, nor iiad he wealth or posi- tion to aid him in starting in life. He relied solely upon his own efforts and iiis own conduct to win for him success. Nor has his been a success solelj' in the sense of accumulating wealth, but in doing good to others, in serving others well and in win- ning their respect and esteem. He has ever strictly observed that most important factor in the success- ful public or business life of any one — honesty. He is a careful, conscientious business man, ever adher- ing to the dictates of his conscience in matters both of a public and private nature. Mr. Vanordstrand is senior member of the firm of Vanordstrand & Co., extensive grain and stock- dealers of Hey worth. Their grain business was es- tablislied in 18.57, and it is conceded b}' all that the firm of Vanordstrand & Co., have been the means of m.aking Heyworth what it is, and bringing it to its present position in the business world. Their elevator has a capacity of 15,000 bushels and their transactions are steadily on the inci'ease. For ten years our subject was engaged in general merchandising, his stock being located on his farm ■h near what was then Elmwood, but now Heyworth. In the immediate vicinity of the store was Inde- pendence and of this our subject was also Post- mastei- until his resignation in 18G0. He operated the store from 1846 to 1855. In 1860 the name was changed to Heyworth. TNlr. Vanordstrand came to McLean County in 1845. He says he was then as " poor as a church mouse." He landed here with $5 which he loaned to a man who finally beat him out of it. Mr. V. first engaged in teaching school at the munificent salary of $14 per month, and after six months thus occupied, during which time by the closest economy he managed to save a small sum of money, he com- menced clerking in a store at Independence. In the fall of 1846 he began merchandising at the same place in partnership with J. N. Low and an- other. In 1848 he bought them both out and car- ried the business on alone until 1855. Feb. 7, 1857, he embarked in the grain business at Elm- wood, now Heyworth, and has been engaged in it since with O. C. Rutledge. Mr. Vanordstrand was born among the Pennsyl- vania hills in the extreme western portion of Wash- ington County, Feb. 11, 1824. His father was a native of the same county and vvas the son of Isaac Vanordstrand, Sr., a native of Trenton, N. J., and of New JIngland birth and parentage. The great- grandfather of our subject was Warden of the Penitentiary at Trenton during the Revolutionary War and being captured bj' the soldiers of Gen. Howe, in order to delude them, gave his name as Vanordstrand. He having, been instrumental in hanging, some of the English spies, a reward was offered for his capture, and he afterward retained the name which the family bears to-day. The grandfather of our subject, Isaac, Sr., came to Western Pennsjivania in 1780, being among the early settlers of Washington Count}'. He carried on farming there for a [period of fifty-four years and became the owner of a vast extent of land. His death occurred when he was seventy-four years of age. . The father of our subject, William Vanordstrand, was born, reared, married and died in Washington County, Pa. His wife vvas Miss Sarah Smith, a na- tive of the same county, of Scottish ancestry and ■ » T u 1056 McLEAN COUNTY. parentage. She died in Wasiiington County in 1861, when fifty -seven years of age, from a stroke of paralysis while away from her home. Of their family of seven sons and five daughters, four only are now living and of whom the subject of this history was the eldest. He remained at home and assisted his father on the farm until he became of age. He then determined to seek his fortune in the West and, coming to Illinois, selected a tract of land in this county and engaged in farming pursuits. He was married in Randolph Township to Miss Eliza A. Low, who was born in this county, April 30, 1832. Mrs. V. was the daughter of Na- than and Sarah (Bi'ooks) l^ow, natives respectively of Maryland and Pennsylvania. The parents of Mrs. V. were married in Licking Couuty, Ohio, by the late Judge Green, and came to McLean County, 111., in about 1830. Here Mr. Low purchased land and the deed for it was the first recorded in this county. Here the parents passed the remainder of their days, the father d3'ing when fifty years of age, and the mother siu'viving him many years, being at the time of her death (Ught3'-seven years old. Our subject and his wife became tlie parents of three cliildren, of wliom one is deceased. Willie married Miss Nancy Noble, and they are living on a farm in Randolph Township; Craig is unni;irried and makes iiis home with his parents. He has a good education which «as obtained by close appli- cation to his books in the schools of Hey worth. The home of our subject and his family is finely located and gives evidence of the cultuie .and means of its occupants. Our subject is Dem()cratic in politics and has held the minor offices of his townsliii). He has been prominent in political matters in this section, and in 1«7G-1880 was nominated for Re[n-esenta- tive on the Independent ticket, but was defeated with the other candidates. This, of course, was not unexpected but IVIr. Vanordstrand is of that temperament which perseveres in a principle as well as a business pursuit, and if he cannot do all that he wishes, will do all that he can toward the success of a principle, as well as the further- ance of a business project. He is rated as first and best among the men of this cfmimunity and there are few worthy enterprises or at- tempts at reform ,in which he has not been the leader and chief supporter. He owns about 1,200 acres of land, 700 of which lie in this county and in Randolph Township. He is tacitly acknowl- edged to be the father and founder of Hey worth and has been one of the chief pillars in its indus- trial and agricultural interests, and as such we take pleasure in inesenting his portrait in this volume. •-^--VA, *\*JiJ2£/©'^^ •/g5^gJ/^7^r^'>v. -vv>^ WiILLIAM W. ISIARMON, a wholesale dealer in drugs and medicine in Bloomingtou, where he has fully established himself in the respect and confidence of his business .associ- ates, is a native of Indiana, and was born in the village of Milton, Dec. 7, 1832. His father, Da- vid Marmon, was a native of North Carolina, whence he removed at an early da}^ to the Hoozier State, becoming one of the early settlers of Wayne County. He engaged in merchandising there for mail}- years, and there spent the remainder of his life, dying in 1840. His wife, the mother of our subject, who before her marriage was Miss Mary Jane Crookshank, was a native of Ohio, born about 1815. The Marmon family comes of good old Quaker stock, the maternal grandmother of our subject having been Miss Riichel Dick, sister of Judge Dick, one of the eminent jurists of North Carolina. The Crookshanks were of Scotch origin, the ma- ternal grandfather of William W. having been William Crookshank, who removed to Ohio at an earl^' period in the history of that Stiite. Benja- min Marmon, paternal grandfather of our subject, was among the early settlers of Indiana. The nn)tlier of our subject came to this county' in 1816, and of the four children included in the parental house- hold onl\' two survive. After the death of her first husband, David Marmon, she married the late Dr. Harrison Noble, .of this county. The subject of this history passed his boyhood in Wayne County, Ind., in the meantime attaining a good common-school education in Cambridge City. When fourteen years of age he went to Ohio, wliere lie attended a private school, and thence removed with his mother, in 1846, to Illi- (Ige ; to I and 1' nii- t; I 4 ^^ t McLean county. 1057 1 nois. They located in this county, where our sub- ject worlied on a farm for two years and then en- tered the drug-store of Messrs. Park & Luce, witli whom he remained as cleric until 1851. He then left Bloomington and entered upon the study of medicine in 1853, and after returning toolv charge of the same store in which he had before engaged, but which had changed liands, the successors of Parlv & Luce being Paist & Elder. Young Mar- mon continued with the latter firm until 185C, then purchased the interest of William Elder, and con- tinued as a partner of Mr. Paist until 1874, when the latter died, Mr. Marmon then piirch.ased his interest and has conductetl the business alone since that time. The business was first carried on as a large retail house, and has been gradually merged i]ito a wholesale trade. The main building is "23x 80 feet in area, and this, in addition to another which he occupies gives him a tioorage of 560 feet, Mr. Harmon is a straightforward business man, obliging and courteous in his manner toward his patrons, and prompt in meeting his obligations. He has consequently been very successful in his opei'ations and ranks among the leading and pro- gressive citizens of Bloomington. The subject of our sketch was united in mar- riage with Miss Mary A. Cheney, of Bloomington, in 1858. Mrs. M. is a native of Illinois, born in 1837, and the daughter of Owen and Maria Che- ney. Of this union there has been born one child, a son, William L. The famil3' residence is pleas- antly locate(l on Washington street, where its in- mates are surrounded by all the comforts of life. Mr. Marmon is conected with the Masonic frater- nity as a member of Wade Barney Lodge. yESLEY M. DICKERSON, of Downs Town- ship, is the son of Michael Dickerson, who was of Southern parentage and it is sup- posed a native of Kentucky. The latter married Miss Jane Rutledge and they located in Tennessee, in which State Michael Dickerson enlisted as a soldier in the War of 1812, and served faithfully and courageously through that struggle. After the war he removed his family to Kentuck}', whence they came to White County, 111., and settled near Maysville upon a farm. Owing to the unhealthy condition of the climate which induced fever and ague, the}- moved to what is now DeWitt County, ' but then included in McLean. The father of our subject was thus one of the early pioneers of this locality and afterward located at Randolph Grove, where he built a tiour-mill on Kickapoo Creek, which was the first structure of the kind put up in McLean County, being erected previous to 1830. This he afterward sold, but continued his residence nearLe Roy, where he died Feb. 10, 183G. Michael Dickerson was classed among the "snow-birds" of 1831, and his hardship and suffering during that period was the immediate cause of his death. While the snow was still falling he was obliged to go to mill. The road became impassable and after toil- ing many hours through the drifts, he was com- pelled to leave his wagon and tying himself to the tails of his two oxen, turned them loose in hopes the}' woidd find a human habitation, or perhaps their home. He was drawn by them to a house where the dogs barking at the approaching cattle attracted the attention of the inmate, who came out to find Mr. D. in a jjerishing condition. He was at once taken in and cared for in the most kindly manner but never recovered from the terrible ex- posure. The mother of our subject died at the home of her son, Wesley M., in April, 1873, being seventy- two years of .age. Both parents were mend)ers of the Presbyterian Church, and reared their children in those principles which constituted them good citizens and worthy members of society. Wesley M. Dickerson was the yoinigest of a fam- ily of eight children and was born in Empire Township, this county, Feb. G, 1 834. He was onlj' two years of age when his father died and he remained with his mother until he went to farming on his own account, when he made a home for her and she remained with him until her death. He purchased the farm which he now owns and occu- pies several years before his marriage. This inter- esting event occurred on the 27th of April, 1872, at Le Roy, when he was joined in wedlock with Miss Miranda Chapman, who was born in Madison County, Ohio, Oct. 14, 1846. Her father died ison I j lied I i t. t 1058 4 McLEAN COUNTY. rj before she was born, nnd the maiden name of her motlier \v;is also Chapman. 'I'liis hidy, after tlie death of her husband, married William Curry of Ohio, who served as a soldier in the late war. The mother of Mrs. Diekerson subsequently came West and died at Danvers in this county, Feb. 12, 1.-187, being- sixtj^-nine yeai's of age. She was a member of the Presl\vtcrian Church. Mrs. Diclver- son came to Illinois witii her motiier when five years of age and was reared in Empire Township, where she lived until her marriage. ( )f her union with our subject there were born five children, one of whom, Omer, died in infancy. Those living are, A'innie J., Alice, Lulu and Earl M. Mr. Diekerson is Democratic in politics and uniformly casts his vote in support of the principles of his jiarty. » — "^=^^^~- iff ^^'^^^^- r > JIILIP FAWCETT, a retired farmer living in the village of S.ay brook, has been a resi- dent of the Prairie State for over thirty years. He located in De Witt C'ounty, in IH.ol, where he remained two years, then removed to Logan County, and from there, in 186G, took up his abode in Mcl.,eau County, on a farm in Mt. Hope Township. After eight years he sold that proi)erty and purchased the Rankin (irove Farm, a valuable tract of land consisting of l'28^ acres, which he now owns. He retired from active labor in 187!), and is passing his declining years in ease and contentment, which is his just due after having performed the duties of a long and w-orthy life. Mr. Fawcett was born in Knox County, Ohio, Sept. 13, 1818, and is the son of Arthur and Susan (Smith) Fawcett, the former a native of County Donegal, Ireland, and the latter liorn in Ohio. Ar- thur Fawcett remained in his native country during his childhood, and was orphaneil at an early age. He then went to the iiome of his aunt, and when seventeen j'ears old ran away, and taking j^ass- age on board a sailing-vessel, started for the New World. After Landing upon American shores he proceeded directly to Ohio, locating near Steuben- ville. He employed himself at whatever he conld find to do, was industrious and economical, and in due time became the owner of about 'JOO .acres of land. He married when thirty j'ears of age, and in company with his wife became a worthy member of the Lutheran Chnrch. Their ten children, five sons and five daughters, included Samuel, Philip, Elizabeth, Lucinda, Anna, Crawford, John M., Izates, Catherine and ;\Iary. Of these six are still living. The subject of this sketch was the second child of his father's famil3',and remained under the home roof until twenty-six j'ears of age. At that age he w."is united in marriage with Miss Martha E. V.ince, on the (ith of August, 1844. Mrs. F. w.is born April 27, 182(1, in Guernsey County, Ohio; came with her mother to Illinois, and died in Logan County, Feb. 24, 180;"). after having become the mother of seven children. Of these Angelo ^^ first married Miss Hattie Thomas; his second wife was Corrie Dodson, and she dying, he formed a third matrimonial alliance; Susanna E. ; Margarj' died Sept. 1, LS.jfi; Philii) n. and John A. Philip Fawcett was m.irried to his second wife, formerly Miss Sarah Elliott, Dec-. ;!1, 18G5. Mrs. F. wfis born in Morgan County, Ohio, April 20, 1836, .and was the daughter of James and Jane Elliott. Her father was born in Ohio, in 1812, and the mother in Pennsylvania, in 1800. The latter lived to be eighty years old. her death occurring in 1880, and the aged father is still living in Ohio. Their five children included three sons and two daughters: Sarah, the eldest, is the wife of onr subject; Julia A. married Mr. Worthington Coffee, who during the late w.ar served as .a Union soldier in an Ohio regiment, and now lives in Nebraska; Josiah married Miss Jane Imes, and is a resident of Ohio; Xancy .1. became the wife of Elvin Gouch- enour, and they live in Ohio; James M. is deceiised. Mrs. Jane Elliott, liy a previous marriage, became the mother of three children. Her son Alfred lost his life in the Mexican War, and the others were Alex.ander and Elizabeth. The present wife of our subject became the mother of one child, Lillie J., w-ho was ))orn April 12, 1870. and died in 1873, aged three years, eight months and twelve days. The eldest son of our subject, Angelo V., during the late w.ar enlisted in Co. E, 7th 111. Vol. Inf., serving .as a soldier two years, and in the meantime -•►■-^ i L tf^ '^^ m <• McLEAN COUNTY. 1059 i receiving an honorable vvouud, which, however, he soun recovered from. The residence of Mr. and Mrs. P\awcett is a handsome and commodious dwelling, finely loc.ited in the midst of fifteen .acres, which inclndes a beautiful grove. lie has a fine fruit orchard, a good barn, and all other accessaries of a suburban liomestead. Mr. Fawcett has been incapacitated for labor for the la.st eight years, on .account of rheumatism, but his general health is good, .and he presents the i>icture of a hale and hapi)y old gentleman, who is entitled to, and is fully eiijo3'ing the good things i>f life. .;1LL1AM BLUE. One of the large land- owners of Old Town Township, and a gen- tleman [irominent .as an agriculturist and respected f September, 1822. He is the st>n of George and Catharine Bohrer, of excellent German ances- try and parentage, who emigrated from their native land in 1826, and after reaching the shores of the New World proceeded directly to Brown County, Ohio, where the}- settled upon a tract of land and engaged in farming inirsuits until 1856. They then came to Illinois and located in Bloomington, where they spent the remainder of their lives, the mother dying in March, 1876, at the age of eighty- five years, and the father on the 29th of December, 1879, aged eighty-eight. The parental familj^ in- cluded nine children, six of whom were born in Germany, and five are now living: Henry is a resident of Dan vers Township; George ^'. resides i' <^ in Jlontgomery County, Mo. ; Frederick C, of our sketch; Mary became the wife of Phillip Schwack- art, and lives in Brown County, Ohio; Lewis H. lives in Nornuxl Township, this county. Mr. Bohrer was but four years of age when his l)arents came with their family to tiie United States. lie grew to manhood in Ohio and assisted his father in tilling the soil. He remained under the parental roof until his marriage, which occuri'ed on the 1-lth of February, 1853, his bride being- Miss Anna M. Zeigler, a native of his own country, and who was born Nov. 21, 1832. Mrs. B. came to the United States with her parents, .lacob and Louisa Zeigler, in 1851. After their marriage our subject and his wife re- uuiined in Ohio until 1856, and then came to Illi- nois, accompanied by the father of our subject and his famil3'. They settled in McLean County, where Frederick C. Bt)hrer purchased 209 acres of land in Normal Township, on section 18. He improved and cultivated this until 1884, and then removed to his present homestead which embraces eighty- five acres, located on section 19, in the meantime keeping possession of the other farm. His present possessions are the result of his own industry, and a wise investment of profits. He has never been a speculator but has been willing to make his money bj' downright hard and honest labor. His real estate is now valued at ?100 per acre. His tw^o farms are furnished with good dwellings and out- buildings and possess all the appliances for carry- ing on agriculture in a first-class manner. Of the union of our subject and his wife there were born five children: George; Louisa B., the wife of J. N. Hilton; Mary, the wife of J. E. Otto; Lewis F. and Jacob A., all residing in McLean County. Mrs. Bohrer has been an excellent house- wife and mother, the sincere hel];)er of her husband, and is a member in good standing of the I'resby- terian Church. Mr. Bohrer earl}' in life was a stanch supporter of the Whig party, but upon the abandonment of the old by the formation of the new Republican party he cheerfull}- indorsed the principles of the latter, which he has labored to uphold since that time. He was alw.ays opposed to the idea of hu- man bondage, and during the pld slavery days, i f t lOfil McLEAN COUNTY. »► ■ <• whenever opportunity oeeiiri'efl, assisted the fugi- tives nhmg the undergrouml niihvuy and was the means of opening the way to freedom for many of the oppressed, lie lias thus made for himself a good record as .a man and a citizen and in his later days is enjoying the rcwaids of a well-spent life. IfU^ ENRY WEST CKUMBAUCni, gener.al mer- chant and grain dealer' at Saliina. is a na- tive of this county, having l)een liorn in Empire Township, Feb. ti, 1.S51. His fa- ther, IMi;>utgouiery Crnnibangh, a native of Bour- bon County, Ky., was born .June ;i, 1813, and his grandfather, Solomon Cruuibangh, was born in Frederick County, Md. His great-grandfather was a native of Germany, and on emigrating to America, settled in Maryland, where he spent the last years of his life. Solomon Crumbaugh was an early settler in Bourbon County, K}'., where he reared his family and spent the last years of his life. The father of our subject was married, in his na- tive State, to Miss Mary A., daughter of Henry West, one of the pioneers of West Township, this counly, and in whose honor the township was named. They resided in Kentucky until 1841, then (\'une to Illinois, and i\Ir. Crumbaugh entered a tract of hinil in what is now Empire Townsliip, on sections .'jl and 32. There was a log house on tlie prairie, which he purch.ased, and into which he removed liis family, where they lived for several years. Here the father spent the remainder of his days, tilling the soil and adding improvements from year to year. He lived to see the county linely developed ami improved, and departed this life .Inly l."). I.s.si). The mother had preceded him to the better land nearl\' nineteen years before. Of their nine children the record is as follows: Mary J. became the wife of Micliael Curtis, and lives in Tazewell County: JMartha died when three years of age; Margaret E. mairied A. .1. IJeffen- bangh, and is now deceased; Saiah L., Mrs. J. B. Savage, lives in Le Roy; Henry \V. is the next child; Louisa E. became the wife of .Ii>seph Kraffs, and lives in Forest City, Dak.; Milton M. is a resi- dent of Empire Township; Mattie E. married F^noch Brock, and lives in Bloomington; Clarence 8. is farming in Empire Township. Mr. Crumbaugh of this history attended the district schools, and assisted his father on the farm, remaining with his parents until he was twenty-one years old. He then crossed the Mississippi, and spent two years in Iowa and Neljraska. After his return he located upon the farm, on section 21, West Township, which he now owns. He devoted his time exclusively to farming until 1885, and then engaged in the grain and coal trade at Sabina, while at the same time he has superintended the operations of his farm. This consists of 140 acres, all enclosed and improved, and with a flue stretch of pasture. Mr. Crumbaugh was united in marriage with Miss Permelia F. Ross, Oct. 22, 1874. Mrs. Crum- baugh was born in F]mpire Township, Oct. 22, 1858, being the daughter of Talmadge and Mar- garet Ross [see sketch]. By her union with our subject she became the mother of six children, as follows: Talmadge Oleff, who was born Nov. 25, 1875, died Jan. 11, 1882; Chloe was born May 24, 1878; Montgomery, .lune 1, 1880; Pearl, May 27, 1 884 ; two infants, twins, not named, were born July 6, 188(;. Mr. Crumbaugh politically, is an uncompromis- ing Democrat, and has been a man of intluence in his locality. He was a|)pointed Postmaster at Sa- bina, in March, 1 8,s(;. yIl>LIA.M I). .lOllNSTON, a pioneer resi- dent of the I'rairie State, is now a citizen of Lexington, where he is enjoying his later days retired from active labor. He was born near Mansfleld, Richland Co., Ohio, Jan. 5, 181(1, on the farm of his father, Daniel Johnston, who was a prominent m;iu in that vicinity and Justice of the Peace for many years. The earlier record of the .lohnston family, who were of iMiglish and Irish descent, is .as follows; James Johnston, the great-grandfather of our sub- ject, was bom in Ireland, Sept. 28, 1724, and mar- , ried Jeannet (iastim, who was born June 11, 1731, » -1 7f- McLEAN COUNTY. 1065 their union taking place April 21, ITo.'). Their eldest sf)n. William, was born in Elizabeth Town- ship, Monmouth Co., N. J., Feb. 10, 1756, and served as an officer in the Ilcvolution;u-y War under the immediate command of (Ten. (ieorge \\'ashing- ton. At the ch^se of the war he married iMiss Sarah, daughter of Insley and I'riividenee (Davidson) Douglas, of English ancestry, the latter born while her parents were on the voyage to this ctiuntry. She was named Providence at the earnest re(|uest of the captain and crew, because the Divine hand was so manifest in saving the ship during a severe storm. She was married to Insey Douglas Dec. 17, 1761. The tiiird son of the marriage of Will- iam and Sarah Johnston was Daniel, the father of our subject, born in New -lersey, and who when quite young removed with his parents to Allegheny Count}', Pa., and from tiiere, in 1S09, to Knox County, Ohio.. When the War of 1812 broke out, a block-house was built on his father's farm, to which the neighbors often repaired for safety. After serving in tiiis war, and soon after its close, Daniel Johnston was married to Mi.ss Rachel Scott, by whom he had six sons and thi'ee daughters, our subject being the eldest child. Daniel Johnston spent his declining years in Kichland County, Ohio, and died there in 1 Township, owns and occupies a fine home- stead on section 7, where he is carrying on farming after the most approved methods and meeting with more than ordinary success. He is a native of this county, his birthplace being in Bloomington Town- ship, and the date thereof, March 19, 1842. The grandfather of our subject, Dr. Isaac Baker, was one of the pioneers of McLean County, to which he emigr.ated at an early day. He was born in Fair- field County, Conn., Sept. 13, 1873, and traced his ancestry back to the settlement of Plymouth colony, the first representative of his family in this country having come over in the Mayflower. Dr. Isaac Baker, when a young man, removed to Marietta, Ohio, and during the War of 1812, lived in the block-house at that place, where it was his duty a part of the time to watch from the tree-top for In- dians, while the men were at work in the field. He learned surveying in (Jhio, at which he became quite skillful. In 1850 he went to New York and •►-■ir^ i t -4«- ,t 1066 McLEAN COUNTY. i from there to Bath, Mc., where he assisterl in build- ing the first steam mill erected in that State. fSeven j-ears later, he set his face toward the great West and after arriving in Illinois, located in McLean Count}', in 1827. He settled first at Hurley's (irove, where he Ijuilt a house, but shortly after- ward removed to Funk's (Jrove. In 1831 he as- sisted in survej'ing and laying out the city of Bloom- ington and was afterward chosen Clerk of the first County Commissioners' Court, which ixit^ition he held for a period of fifteen years. He was one of the first Postmasters at Bloomington, having the office at his residence on South Center street. Dr. Baker remained a resident of that city until about 18.04, when he removed to Le Roy and died there, April 28, 1872. His wife was formerl}' ^Hss Su- sanna M. Dodge. The father of our subject, Seth Baker, was born in Ohio, where he was reared and received a com- mon-school education, and when a young man emi- grated to Illinois with his parents, locating in Mc- Lean County. Here he was nuuried in 1840 to Miss Sarah Orendorf, wiio was born in Kentucky, and was the daughter of William Orendorf, a native of (ieorgia, familiarh' known as one of the pioneers of this county. His father, Christopiier Orendorf. removed from Georgia to Spartanburg, S. C, and from there to Tennessee, thence to Kentucky, and in 182.'i the whole family came North and vvere among the very first to settle in this county. The Indians still lingered here and in fact claimed that they had never sold their original possessions, at the same time requesting tlie Orendorfs to leave. They staid however, and were not molested. He was visited by Indians and ordered to leave, but Mr. O. was firm and threatened to call (Jen. White- sides to his aid. The Indians seemed to fear iiini, and by his strategy lie i)ut a hundred of them to flight. Christopher Orendorf was a man of sound judg- ment and very |)opnlai'. In 1825 he was appointed Justice of the I'eace by (iov. Coles, being first nominated by the House of Representatives and confirmed bj- the Senate. When the new Constitu- tion of Illinois, making his office elective, went into effect, Mr. O. was continued in his office, the election being held at the house of his son William. The latter inherited genial qualities of his father. was hospitable and generous and always ready to assist a friend or neigiibor. He departeil this life May 12, 1869, in the seventy-eighth 3'ear of his age, universally lamented. After marriage the father of our subject located in the cit}' of Bloomington. He had learned the trade of carpenter, was a good mechanic, and estab- lished a fanning-mill manufactory from which he turned the first machine of the kind in this count}'. After a time he laid down his carpenter tools and entering into partnership with his father, engaged as a dry -goods merchant in Bloomington. A few 3'ears later he disposed of his interest in the busi- ness and crossing the Mississippi, located in Wa- pello County, Iowa, and once more engaged in the manufacture of fanning-mills, remaining there until his death. He was three times married, his second wife being the mother of our subject and the latter the only child of this marriage. Mr. Baker has two half-sisters by a former marriage of his father, Mrs. Frank Packard and Mrs. Alouzo Sargent, both of Bloomington. Mr. Baker of this history was but si.x years old at the time of his mother's death. He then went to live with his maternal grandfather, by whom he was reared and received a good common-school educa- tion. He remained with his grandfather until his marriage and then located on his uncle's farm for one j'ear. In December, 1 864, he settled on a farm in West Townshij), which he now owns and occupies, and which he has greatly improved since it came into his po.ssession. There w.as, originally, a small [dank house and twelve .acres were broken when he settled here. He has now the whole under a good state of cultivation with a fine and con- venient farm residence and other good frame build- ings. The marriage of Leander Baker and Miss Mary Canonse took place at Blooming (irove, Nov. 26, 1863. Mrs. B. was born in F'aj'ette County, Ohio, March 10, 1842. Her parents, Joseph and Katie (Turnipseed) Cauouse, were natives of Pennsyl- vania and Ohio respectively. Mrs. B. was quite j'Oung when her mother died in Ohio, and in 1844, soon after this sad event, she came to McLean County with her father, who located in Lexington, and died there the f(jllowiug year. She then became ^ r 7T" RicLEAN COUNTS. lOfiT an inmate of the home of Samuel Noggle, with whom she lived until her marriage. Of this union there have been two children, only one of whom is living, Effle Alice, who was born Jan. 23, 18G5. Their only son, Eddie Alvin, was born April 18, 18G7, and died Feb. 1, 1880. The parents and daughter are members of the Christian C'luireh and Mr. Baker is a reliable Democrat. -^ /^^ EORGE H. STRINGFIELD, dealer in all ifj (=-, kinds of groceries, shelf hardware, etc., islo- '^^Jj cated on West Main street, Heyworth, where he has been successfully operating since January, 1884, being the successor of Ross, Miller & Co. He has dealt in fai'ra implements for about two years in company with a partner, but since July, 1885, has been sole proprietor and very successful in his business transactions. In former years he engaged in general farming and dairj'ing, and at the same time was connected with the public schools of McLean Count}' for about eleven years. He has been one of the most intelligent and useful citizens of this locality, taking an active interest in its welfare and advancement. Mr. Stringfleld was born in Randolph Township, April 7, 1840, on his father's homestead, wliich was among the first laid out in this section. See sketch of Capt. A. M. Stringfield. George made his home with his parents until 1863, and in the meantime taught school two years and read law three years in the city of Bloomingtou. In 18(i4 he started across the plains in company with his wife and others, driving teams of oxen to Salt Lake City and thence by horse-teams — having sold their ox- team and bought horses — on to Sacramento County, Cal., where they halted and our subject began to teach school. A year later he purchased a tract of land, on which he began to farm and operate a dairy, at the same time having, by his straightfor- ward and courteous manners, established himself in the confidence and esteem of the people of that vicinit}'. He was appointed Constable and Deputy Sheriff, which offices were at that time quite valu- able. These he held for eight years and was absent from his native county nearly ten years in all. Re- <■ turning to this county on Thanksgiving Day, 1873, he purchased a farm of eight}' acres Ij'ing on sec- tions 11 and 14 of Randolph Township, and at once began to farm, teaching during the winter. He was engaged in agricultural pursuits for three summers, but found he had undertaken too much, so he rested from his labors in the winter and attended to his farming in the summer seasons. Mr. Stringfield was married in his native town- .ship near his old home, March 15, 1863, to Miss Zipporah Wright, who was born in Kentucky, Sept. 1, 1846. She was the daughter of William T. and Amanda (Hooton) Wright, both natives of Kentucky, and her father engaged in agricultural pursuits. Mrs. S. was only three years of age when her parents came to the Prairie State. A few years later they settled in McLean County, and in about 1868 removed to Lee's Summit, Jackson Co., Mo., where they are now living.. Their daughter was carefully trained by her excellent parents and is a lady gre.atly esteemed in the community where she resides. She has been connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church since seventeen years of age and her husband since he was eigiit years old. They occup}- a handsome residence on New- ton street, and our subject is the owner of cou- sideiable property in the town. In i)olities he is a reliable Democrat. \17^ERNAND0 A. EYESTONE, Supervisor of r' — (g)j Funk's Grove Townsliip, has been a resi- ~' dent of the Prairie State since 1865. He was then a young man, and came to this vicinity with his fatlier's family. He was born in 'W'^'an- dotte Count}', Ohio, Feb. 22, 1842, and is the son of Ezekiel and Lucretia (Babcock) Eyestone, both natives of Ohio. The grandfather of our subject, , John Eyestone, was a native of Pennsylvania and of German ancestry. Ezekiel Eyestone was a farmer and an extensive dealer in hogs and cattle, which he shipped to New York City. In 1865 he sold his property in AV^yan- dotte County, Ohio, and i-emoving to Illinois, pur- chased a half section of land in Mt. Hope Town- sliip, this count}'. Here he industriously cultivated and iminoved his purchase and gathered around him V t -4^ 1068 -•► McLEAN COUlSTTY. t all the comforts of life and many of its luxnries. He was twice manied. His lirst wife, the mother of our subject, died in Ohio in about 1848; his second wife, formerly Miss Susan Augustine, is still living on the old homestead. There were four children by the lirst marriage and six ])y the sec- ond. Ezekiel Eyestonc departed this life at his home in Mt. Hope Township in 1870. Fernando A. Eyestone was the second child of his father's first marriage and spent the days of his childhood and youth under the parental roof after the manner of most farmers' boys. He was still at home upon the breaking out of the late Civil War, and in August, 1862, enlisted in Co. A, 123d Ohio Vol. Inf., serving in the Army of the Potomac and participating in many of the most important battles of that army. He was captured at Winchester and confined in the prisons of Belle Isle and Libby for iwo months. After being exchanged he went with Sheridan's army in the campaign of the Shenandoah \' alley and was in the battle before Petersburg, where he was again captured and lield a prisoner until tlie time of the surrender of Oen. Lee. Too iTcat lionor cannot be paid to these brave defend- ers of our country. The suffering in camp, on the march, in |)rison, and on the bloody field endured by them can never be too highly appreciated by a grateful people. At the close of the war young Eyestone received his honorable discharge and returned to Oliio. He was there married, Ai)ril 20, l.SOG, to iVliss Minerva J. Ralston, who was born in Seneca County, that State, and was the daughter of Samuel and Eliza- beth Ralston. Tiiey remained in Oliio until Janu- ary, 1868, and then came to McLean County, lo- cating on the farm of Mr. E.'s faliier, where they lived two years. Then our subject purchased eighty acres of his present homestead, to which he subsequently added, and has now 160 acres, which is in a fine state of cultivation and supplied with a set of handsome and substantial farm buildings. This is located on section 6, and possesses many natural advantages to which Mr. Eyestone has added, and svhich have contributed to make it one of the most attractive homes in this section. A view of the place is given in this volume. Ml-, and Mrs. E. have no children. Our subject. in politics, is strongly Republican. He has been Collector of the township for five years and is novv serving the third term as Supervisor. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and greatly respected among their neigh- bors and associates. --v- *••# •^^OSEPH DORLAKD owns and occui)ies a comfortable homestead on section 21, where he is successfully carrying on the manufact- (^^j// ure of tile and lumber, turning out about 6,000 of the f(^rnicr per d.ay, and of the latter 4,000 feet. Mr. Doland put his sawmill in operation in lf-<82, and the same year began the manufacture of tile. He also, in connection with this, has a small black- smith-shop, and a storeroom stocked with commod- ities for the local trade. He ships both tile and lumber to different parts of the West, his trans- actions in the latter especiall}' being quite extensive. He came to McLean Couuty in 1868, and soon aft- erward purchased the property which he now holds. He at one time owned several hundred acres of land, which he disposed of and turned the pro- ceeds into his business here. The subject (jf our sketch was born near Buc}^- rus, Crawford Co., Ohio, April 11, 1.S40. His fa- ther, Samuel Borland, was a native of Ohio, a farmer by occui)ation, and served as a s(jldier in the Mexican War. In earl3' manhood he was mar- ried, in Holmes Countj', Ohio, to Miss Jane Wilson, who was born in Pennsj'lvania, and became a resi- dent of the Buckeye State when a child six 3-ear3 of age. The father of our subject died in 184!), and the mother was afterward married to William Johnson, and they located in Hardin County, Ohio, where Mr. J. died in about 1866. She afterward came to Illinois, in 1868, and made her home with her son, our subject, until her death, which oc- curred Sept. 24, 1883. The father of Joseph Dorland was a man of in- tegrity and energy, but departed this life before our subject learned much of his history or that of his ancestors. The mother was the daughter of John Wilson, who is believed to have been of Irish birth -c^ ^ f ■^•- t McLEAN COUNTY. 1069 and pareiitiige, but emigrated to America witli his parents wlien quite young. Tliere was also an in- termingling of Scottish blood in the family. John Wilson lived in Pennsylvania for many years, and was marrietl there, removing later to Ohio, where he died at an advanced age in Ilardin County. He served as a soldier in the War of 1812, and after- ward engaged in farming. The subject of this histor3' was the younger of the only two children of his parents. His brother (iarrett was born Oct. 11, 1838, was reared and ed- ucated in Harding County, and daring the late wai enlisted in the 4th Ohio Infantry, from which he was later transferred to the 3;5d. After having served eighteen months he died at Columbus, Ohio, from disease contracted in the army. During this time he was captured by the rebels in Virginia, and lay in Libby Prison for several months. Later he was paroled and taken to th6 hospital at Columbus, which he never left alive. His remains were taken to his old home and buried in the cem- etery there. The early life of Joseph Borland was spent on the farm and in attendance .at the public schools. He was married in Hardin County, Ohio, Feb. 2.5, 18G4, to Miss Phu'be .Soi)hia Chamberlain, who was born in Logan County, that State, Feb. 20, 1840. Her parents were Reuben and Elizabeth (Hooper) Chamberlain, natives respectively of New Jersey and Ohio, the former being of New England an- cestry. He possessed a fine education, being a graduate at Marion, Ohio, where he afterward taught school the remainder of his life, his death occurring when he was only thirty years of age. The mother was subsequently married to Henry Wilcox, and they live on a farm in Hardin Coun- ty, Ohio. There have been born to Mr. and Mrs. D. seven children, one of whom is deceased. The record is as follows: Jennie M. became the wife of Albert Brown, who is engineer in the mill of his f.ather-in- law, and they live with the parents; their two chil- dren are John Homer and Florence M. ; Mary E. died at the age of seventeen years; Anna F., Will- iam S., Charles W., Hugh H. and Maggie M. are at home. During the late war Mr. Dorland enlisted in Co. 4* K, 1 80th Ohio ^'ol. Inf., and with bis comrades participated in the battle of Kingston, N. C, and various other engagements, cscaiiing unharmed and receiving his honorable discharge on the 23d of July, 18C.'). His first purchase of land in this county consisted of 1(J0 .icres. He now has 115 in the township, aside from the homestead, which em- braces forty acres. The family residence is a hand- some structure, convenient and commodious, and of modern style of architecture, and is shown by a view in this volume. The premises are neatly kept and in good order, and indicate the thrift and prosperity of the proprietor. Most of the members of the family are connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our subject has served as Trustee and Road Commissioner, and in politics affiliates with the Democi-atic party. ss$««-«i08i>-fe>0 acres of land, and i t 10/0 McLEAN COUNTY. 4 when Jaines was married, hin fatliei' removed to Meolianii-sbiirg-, and left the son in charge of the farm and mills, which he operated until 18,")1. He then emigrated West to Illinois, and [)ur('hasod a farm near lilooniington, upon which he lived a few years, and then removed into the city. In 18G4 he |>nrcliased the St. Nicliolas Hotel, which, after eighteen months, he traded for a farm in Mt. Hope Township. He removed upon the latter and fol- lowed farming f(jr a few years, then rented it and returned to the city, where he afterward lived a re- tired life until his death in ISSO. The maiden name of the niothei' of our sidjject was Martha .1. l>ay. .She was a native of Cham- paign County, Ohio, and l)orn Feb. IG, 1824. Her father, William Ba}', was born in Pennsylvania, and her grandfather. David Bay, removed from Pennsylvania to Champaign Ccainty, Ohio, where he passed the remainder of his daj's. William Bay afterward removed to Indianapolis, Ind., being among tiie early settlers of that locality, and for man}' years engaged in tiie manufacture of brick. In 1843 he started with iiis fainily overland on a journey to Illinois. He located at Bloomington, and eng.'iged in the nnmufacture of brick there, making that city his home until his decease. He w.as a man of deep piety, one of the earliest mem- l)ers of the Methodist denomination in that place, and earnestly devoted to Christian work. He often sui)plied the judpit in the absence of a minister, and as an exhorter was widely and favorably known, lieing especially ellicient in conducting re- vivals. He was married, in his native State, to Miss Susanna Curliin, wlu> was born in Maryland, aecompauiiMl her husliand to Illinois and died in Bloomington. Of the three children born to James Heazle and wile, only two art; living: Elizabeth, the wife of B. V. Sharpe, t)f Mt. Hope Township, and our sultject. The lirst born, William, died in infancy. The suliject of this history was but two years old when he came to Illinois with his parents. After becoming of suitable age, he attended the jiublic schools in Bloomington, and advanced his education by an attendance of one year at Wes- leyan University, and two years at Normal. He afterward entered the commercial college of liry- t ant & Stratton, at Chicago, from which he grad- uated in 1871. He then formed a partnership with Charles K. Curtis, to engage in the clothing trade and merchant tailoring, at Farmer Cit^'. With the design of going to Cinciiniati to purchase goods, they boarded a railroad train, and while go- ing through Champaign County the cars were thrown from th& track, and our subject, in some un.accountable manner, thrown from the car. He was picked up unconscious and remained so the greater part of the time for three weeks. This de- lay in perfecting his business .arrangements, in- duced him lo ab.audon commercial pursuits for the time, and he engaged in teaching school, i)ursuing this for twenty-seven terms. In 1876 he pur- chased a tract of land four miles south of Bloom- ington, upon which he lived until 1881, and then purchased IGO a('res of the homestead which he now owns and occu|)ies. Mr. Hazle was married, in September, 1875, to Miss Alice L. Houghton, who w.as born in Bloom- ington Township, and is the daughter of Stephen and Aurilla Houghton [see sketch in another part of this volume]. Of this union there have been born three children, two of whom are deceased: the living is a son — Ste])hen 11. Our subject is Republican in politics, and socially is a memiier of Keniemlir:ince Lodge, I. O. O. F., Bloomington. JOSEPH P. SHELTON, one of the leading druggists of Ilej-worth, is located on East Main street, where he established business in (j^^y December. 1883, and has since steadily in- creased his stock and his trade. He is a gentleman of great energy- and superior business talent, and the prospects are that he will continue as he has begun. Previous to his settlement in this i)lace he was engaged for two years with the druggist, J. E. Espey, of Bloomington, where he gained a rich and valuable experience. He studied |)harmacy when quite a youth, and his first experience in the busi- ness was as a clerk in Normal, where he was occu- pied for about three years. His business now ag- gregates a trade of about $7,000 annually. Mr. Sholton exercises the greatest care in filling pre Mr. » jre- T i t ■^1^ t McLEAN COUNTY. 1071 scriptions, and has lliiis far escaped blame and cen- sure on accuunt of those accidents which now too frequently happen with druggists, and have often been the cause of great suffering and frequently destruction of life. Our subject is a native of the Prairie State, hav- ing been born in Washington Count}', Dec. 13, 1858. He was reared in Normal, to which his par- ents came when he was a lad of eight years. Here he completed his primary education, but later at- tended the Commercial College at (^uincy, and also the Gem City schools for a business educatiim, pur- suing his studies in that direction for a period of four years. After perfecting himself as a business man he took up the study of pharmacy and applied himself to this until he had mastered the most iiu- portant branches. To this he seemed naturally adapted and finally resolved to choose it as his fu- ture calling. Joseph P. Shelton and Miss Sarah Jamison were united in marriage on the 8th of May, 1883, in Slielby County, 111. Mrs. S. was born and reared in New York City, and came with her parents to Shelby County, in girlhood. Here she was ed- ucated in the public schools and remained under the parental rooi until her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. H. are favorites in the society of Heyworth, and possessed of those social qualities which are so at- tractive and engaging among the sterner duties of life. Our subject is connected as Treasurer with Blue Lodge No. 251, of Heyworth, and is a mem- ber in good standing of the 1. O. O. F. In politics he is a reliable Democrat. -?>- ^^ •-E>- HOWARD STP^ELE, an enterprising, suc- cessful and prominent young farmer of Bloomington Township, is finely located on section 2, his birthplace, and his father's old homestead, and of which he is now the owner of eighty-eight acres. He is engaged in general farming and stock-raising, and bids fair to become prominent among the business and industrial inter- ests of McLean County. The subject of our sketch was born May 2, 1857, upon the farm which his father established more •> ■ <• than forty years ago. The latter, James Steele by name, was a native of Pennsylvania, born, reared and married in Washington Cimnty. The maiden of his choice was Miss Harriet Jackman, a native of his (jwn State and county, where they located and lived until after the birth of two children. They then emigrated to Illinois, and became resi- dents of McLean CouTity in 1855. Here James Steele purchased 26-1 acres of land, the present homestead, and industriousl.y improved and culti- vated it until 18(34, vvhen he was called from his earthly labors, d3'ing in the prime of life at the age of thirty -seven years. He was a man of great en- ergy, a hard worker, and very successful in his bus- iness and farming pursuits. The parental household consisted of the follow- ing: William J. is married and is a clerk in the United States Express Office in Bloomington ; Se- lena A. died in infancy; James W. died in this township in 1850; S. Howard, our subject, was the next in order of birth; an infant son following, died April 18, 1859; John R. died in 1808; Theo- dore J., born Dec. 21, 18(52, was reared and edu- cated in this township, and now lives with his brother, our subject, on the farm, of which he also owns eighty-eight acres and likewise the family residence. After the death of James Steele, Mrs. S. was married to Mr. George Hill, a farmer of Galva, Henry County, and the owner at that time of 320 acres of choice laud. Of this union there were born three children — Marshall P., Hattie M. and Charles E. The mother died at her home in this township, from a stroke of paralysis, on the 8th of March, 1884. She and Mr. Hill with all the children except Hattie and Charles, were members of the Second Presbyterian Church. S. Howard Steele was united in marriage with Miss Cathrena L. Roth, at the residence of the bride's uncle in the city of Bloomington, May 2, 1882. Mrs. Steele was born in Victor, Ontario Co., N. Y., Oct. 8, 1855. Her parents are still living in the pjuipire State, on a small farm in Ba- tavia, her father being a cooper by trade. Mrs. Steele was reared at the home of her parents, and educated in the i)uV)lic schools of V^ictor. In 1877 she came to Illinois and made her home with her i i t t -•► 1^^1072 McLEAN COUNTY. i' uncle in Bloomingtun, until her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. >S. liave become the parents of one child, Harvey, who w.'is born Maj- 21, 1.S84. The_y have lived upon the homestead since their marriage. It is pleasantly located, and the inmates are in the enjoyment of all the comforts of life, .and many of its luxuries. The Itrothers work harmoniously to- gether, and iri the breeding of stock their aim is to excel. They deal in (tattle, Poland-China hogs and thoroughbred liorses. The Steele boys are all Republican in politics, and have inherited from tiieir forefathers those principles of honor and hon- esty for which the family has been noted for gen- erations. WILLIAM COL AW, a large land-owner and successful farmer of Downs Township, is finely located on section 1, where he is en- gaged in the breeding of Short-horn cattle and Poland-China hogs. His landed property consists of 840 acres, 320 of which are on section 1, and U!0 on section 2 in Downs Township, .and the re- mainder is in Old Town Township. He has a fine residence, a good barn and all necessary out-build- ings for the shelter of stock and the storing of grain. The farm machinery, fences and everything about the premises are kept in fli'st-class order, and the entire estate indicates the supervision of an intel- ligent business man, possessed of cultivated tastes and ample means. The subject of this history was born near Mon- terey, Highland Co., V'a., Jan. 30, 1813. His fa- ther, George Colavv, was a native of Pennsylvania, of substantial German ancestry, and removed from his native count}' to Virginia with his family when our subject vvas a lad of twelve years of age. There he followed his former occupation as a farmer, and spent the remainder of his days, (ieorge Colaw was reared to manliood in Highland County, Va., and was there mai-ried to Miss Elizabeth Wymer. This lad}', it is supposed, was a native of the Old Dominion, but descended from an old Pennsylva- nia family of German descent. Her father served as a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and at the termination of this contlict located in the Old Do- minion and there passed the remainder of his life. 4» George Colaw and his wife settled upon a farm in Virginia .and remained residents of Highland County until their decease, which occurred when they were well advanced in years, the father reach- ing the age of eighty-nine. Of their famil}', which included ten children, our subject w.as the second son and child, and three are deceased. William Colaw was reared in his native count}-, and remained with his parents until his first mar- ri.age, which occurred on the 20th of March, 1834, the lady of his choice being Miss Sabina Gum. She was born and reared in the neighborhood of Monterey, removed West to Illinois witii her hus- band, and died at the iu>me of our subject, in Downs Township, .Ian. 30, 185;*. She became the mother of eight children, five of whom are living and married — William, Amos, Benjamin W., Dyer W. and Martha Jane. Those deceased are Laban, Harmon and Ellen. Mr. Colaw was married the second time, in this township. May 16, 1860, to Miss Phebe Wood, who was also a native of Vir- ginia, born in Pendleton County. She came to Illinois when a young woman, and by lier marriage with our subject became the mother of three chil- dren — Harvey, George, and Lucinda, deceased. Mrs. Colaw departed this life at the home of her husband in Downs Township, Sept. 28, 18,t8. Mr. Colaw was the third time married, in Blooniington, Dec. 22, 1872, to ^liss Saraii A., daughter of James H. and Barbara (Slafor) Wilson, natives respect- ively of Pennsylvania ;ind Kentucky. They were of German ancestry, and the father was engaged in farming pursuits the greater part of his life. He was born and reared in Pennsylvania but removed to Kentucky when a young man, where he was mar- ried. He afterward came to Illinois and settled near Pekin, where Mrs. C. ^'as born July 11, 1836. When she was about two years of age the family removed to Lee County, Iowa, where the mother died in 1852, aged forty -eight years. The fatiier .afterward removed to Chambersburg, Clark Co., Mo., where his death occurred July 10, 187'J, at the age of eighty-two years, having been born March 19, 1797. After the first marriage of Mr. Colaw, in Ken- tucky, he located upon a farm, where he lived sev- eral years and then decided to try his fortunes on I t -^^ t McLEAN COUNTY. 1073 the prairie lands of Illinois. Coming into this county he purchased 240 acres of land on section 1, Downs Township, to which he subsequently added as before stated. He has been remarkably successful in his farming and stock operations, and by his straightforward business methods and promptness in meeting his obligations has flrmlj' established himself in the confidence and esteem of his fellow-citizens. He is an active member and Trustee of the Methodist Elpiscopal Church .and a stanch supporter of the Democratic party. I l-*^- ^\ YLVESTER PEASLEY, one of the best informed men in McLean County, has been a resident of Downs Township since a boy of thirteen years old, in 1836. His father at that time, who had settled near the grove, re- moved into Downs Township, and being a man of great enterprise and energy, soon made his mark in this vicinit^f as a business m.an .and a citizen. He was for some time styled " Lord of the Prairie," and did much toward encouraging its settlement by men of his own ambition and resolution. The history of the Peasley family has been quite an in- teresting one, its various members having been distinguished for the reliable and substantial traits of character handed down to them from their ex- cellent Scottish ancestry. The great-grandfather of our subject, who immigrated from Scotland prior to tlie Revolutionarj' War, spelled his name Paisley. He settled in North Carolina, and from him descended the Pe.asleys of the United States. It is believed from the meager history which has been preserved, that this sturdy old gentleman was an officer in the Revolution.ary War on the side of the Colonists. To him there was born John Peas- ley, of whom ou)- subject is the grandson. He was born and reared to manhood in Nortii Carolina, and also fought in the Revolutionary ^Var bj' the side of his father. In early manhood he w.as mar- ried to Miss Holt, whom it is supposed was born in North Carolina and of Scottish ancestry. They spent the greater part of their lives in Wilkes County, N. C, where John Peasley followed farm- ing. They reared a family of ten children, of .^a whom a son and daughter were twins. The name of the former was Isaac, who became the father of Sylvester Peasley of this sketch. Is.aac Peasley started out early in life on his own .account, and was employed by Gen. Lanor, of Wilkes County, as overseer of his plantation. Af- terward Isaac Peasley engaged in teaming and hauling cotton to the seaport. He operated in his native State and through the southern part of Vir- ginia, and met his wife in Grayson County, the latter State. She was Miss Rachel Halsey, a native of New Jersey, of New England parentage and English ancestry. Her father, William Halsej', served as a soldier in the Revolutionary War. After his marriage, Isaac Peasley settled on a farm in Grayson County, Va., where four children were born, of whom Sylvester of our sketch was the eldest. In 1836 the family left the Old Dominion for Illinois, making the journey overland with a four- horse team. After a journey of fortj'-one days, they arrived near the home of Mr. Dawson, in Old Town Township. Their intended destination was Putnam County, 111., but after meeting Mr. D., who gave them glowing accounts of the prospects in this section, he resolved to remain here, at least until spring. In the meantime he visited Putnam County, but failing to find a satisfactory location, concluded to settle in Downs Township. He pur- chased a tract of wild land, and immediately began its improvement and cultivation. Here he estab- lished a comfortable home, upon which he remained until his death, in 1851. The mother survived only until the following year. Both were earnest members of the Regular Baptist Church. Isaac Peasley, although a native of the South, was en- tirely oi)posed to human bondage, and left tliat section of the country on account of his opposition to slavery. Aside from this he was a stanch sup- porter of the principles of the Democratic party. Sylvester Peasley remained under the home roof until his marriage, which occurred in Randolph Township, this county, in November, 1 842. The lady of his choice was ]Miss Mary Stillman, who was born and reared in Morris C'ount3', N. .1., and of New ICngland parentage. She came West with her pai-ents when a young woman. Her father was -t t 1074 McLEAN COUNTY. 4- a farmer of Randolph Township, being among its earliest pioneers. The parents there spent the re- mainder of their days, and were greatly respected by all who knew them for their excellent traits of character, as citizens, friends and neighbors. Of Mrs. Peasley's union with our subject there was horn quite a family of children, and the mother departed this life at her home in Downs Township in 1854. The children, one of whom is deceased, were Granville, Isaac, Susan R., John C, Uissell, deceased, and Esther C. The living are all married. The second marriage of Mr. Peasley occurred in Downs Township, April 0, 1HC4, when he was united with Mrs. Susan T. (Barclay) Crosby. This lady was born in Mason County, Ky.,.Iune7, 1822, and is the daughter of Stephen and Nancy (Down- ing) Harclaw natives respectively of Kentucky and Ohio. They were of Scottish descent, and farmers by occupati, was born near McConnelsville, (4v* Morgan Co., Ohio, Sept. 7, 1829. His ^©) father, James Baker, was also born in that State, and his paternal grandfather, Samuel Baker, was a native of New England, and of English an- cestry. The grandfather was an earl}' settler in Oliio, and lived there until aliout 1832, when he came to Illinois and located in De AVitt County on a farm, and was a pioneer there. He improved his farm in that county, and there lived until his death, which took place June 21, 1852. The father of our subject grew to manhi^od in Ohio. He was married there, and remained a resi- dent of that State until 1834. In the fall of that year, .acc(impanied by his wife and seven children, he started for Illinois overland with a team of horses and a w.agon. They camped and cooked their frugal meal b}" the wayside and terminated their journey at Bloomington after about sixteen days' travel. That city was then but a hamlet, and Mr. Baker beting a cooper by trade and handy with tools, worked at lathing and shingling. In 1837 he entered forty acres of Land on section 1 1, Funk's Grove Township, and erected a log cabin thereon. Moving his family on the place he began its im- provement, and as he could obtain means to do so he entered other land adjoin irig his until he was the owner of 1(50 .acres. His nearest market for grain and provisions for many 3'eiirs was Pekiu, 111., about fifty miles distant, and which required three d.aj's to make the trip. Salt was one of tiie dearest commodities and at that time cost $8 per barrel at Pekin. Mr. Baker continued a resident r of this county for many years, thoroughly identi- fied with its growth and development, and then returning to Ohio spent the latter years of his life in Morgan Count}'. He was three times married. His lirst wife, Sarah Alden, died in Ohio, leaving two children. The second wife, Christiana Rob- erts, was the mother of the subject of this notice. She was born near Philadelphia, Pa., and was first married to Robert II. Stanberry. She died in Funk's Grove Township, after having borne her husband three children. The third wife of James Baker was the widow of Joseph Roberts. Our subject was the eldest child of his father's second marriage, and wiis five years of age when his parents came to Illinois. He remembers dis- tinctly the overland journey that w.as made to this State, the swollen streams that were crossed, and the numerous times the}' were compelled to unload their goods to extricate their wagon from the mud. Attaining a suitable age he assisted his father on the farm, and being the oldest son did most of the marketing at Pekin. He continued to live at home until his marriage, and then bought forty acres of wild land on section 11, Funk's Grove Township. He had worked hard and economized, had saved $00 to pay for his land, and besides this was the possessor of a horse and considered himself exceed- ingly fortunate. With this capital he began life and soon had a little frame dwelling, 16x18, erected on his land, which served him as a home for quite a time. He is now the proprietor of an estate com- prising 420 acres of improved land, with the ex- ception of forty acres which is in timber. Mr. Baker was married Nov. 13, 1851, to Mary Taylor. She was born in Perry County, Ohio, Jan. 12, 1832. Her father, Joseph Taylor, was a native of Mrginia, and his father, Thomas Taylor, was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and fought at the battle of Bunker Hill and died in Virginia. Joseph Taylor went to Ohio when seventeen years of age. He was married to Eletha Gardener, a na- tive of Maryland, and they lived in Perry County, Ohio, until 1837, and then came to this State with a team of horses and a w.agon, and located in De AVitt County. Mr. Taylor bought land there and improved a farm, and there lived until the spring of 1850, when he made an overland trip to Call- 'i ^J^^**. t -<*■ McLEAN COUNTY. foniia. He died in that .State in September of that same year, and his widow passed the latter years of her life on the old homestead in De Witt Count}'. Mr. and Mrs. Baker are the parents of five chil- dren. Joseph P. lives on the old homestead ; El- mira; Christiana; Eetha, wife of James Scott, is a resident of Funk's Grove Township, and Kittie is the wife of Oscar Samuels, and they are living in De Witt County. The deceased are Alice, who married Martin liammill, and died Sept. 28, 1877; Alnieda, who became the wife of William William- son, and died on the old homestead April 20, 1885. In religion, Mr. and Mrs. Baker hold fellowship with the Christian Church, and in politics he is a stanch Republican. '^/w -.4a£i2r©^g'«-*/^sgJ/2TZr2r»\^ -../wv t ARIE EUGENIA VON ELSNER, whose professional cognomen was Mademoiselle Litta, was born June 1, 1856, in Blooming- ton. Her father. Prof. Hugo Von Eisner, was of noble German birth and highly educated. He was a civil engineer. From Freeport, 111., he came to Bloomington and engaged in teaching music. To her father Litta owed her musical genius and also the rigid early training which proved the foundation stone of her lyric studies and insured lier later success. Prof. Von Eisner died a short time before his daughter became famous. The mother of Litta was Amanda, daughter of William Dimmitt, one of the first settlers of Bloom- ington, and was married to Prof, ^'on Eisner in 1855. She was a devoted mother. Litta in return was greatly attached to her home and her parents. Her musical education began out of a little circum- stance which occurred when she was but four years old. In attending a Methodist Church with her parents she joined with the worshipers in singing a familiar old hymn, which probably the child had never before heard, taking it up at the second verse and going through with it correctly, attracting the attention of all who heard her. A few weeks after- ward, after careful training by her father, she sang the " Last Rose of Summer " before a gathering 1081 li of soldiers at Springfield. She soon afterward be- came known as the ''Child Wonder" and her studies were pursued regularly. At the age of ten and after she probably earned more than 12.000 annually. When twelve years old she sang before President Grant, and was afterward engaged in various concerts under the management of her father, in which the peculiar excellence and purity of her voice attracted universal attention. In dui: time she entered tiie family of Prof. John L'nder- ner, the leading vocal teaciier of Cleveland, Oiiio, and under his instruction and that of a private tutor, an Italian, became highly accomplished in her art. She was ambitious to excel and pursued her studies with unremitting industry, her voice developing marvelous progress each year. Prof. Underner saw that she was to become an operatic leader and that she had reached that stage where the training of the great conservatories of Europe was needed to give her the advantages which she deserved. Accordingly, in 1874 she left America and entered upon her studies in the cities of the Old World. In London she sang before the ven- erable Sir Julius Benedict, who had been the teacher of Jenny Lind, and whose opinion of her voice was highly flattering. Litta, during her studies in Paris, fully justified the hopes of her friends and went through with an immense amount of labor during the following year. Her vocalizatitiii was declared simply perfect. She was engaged by Mr. Mapleson for the London season, who would gladly have retained her had his financial condition made it possible. His friendship and recommendation, however, secured her advantages perhaps which he could not have personally given. She studied dramatic training and vocalization under Madame LaGrange, the leading teacher of the age, and in due time reached the zenith of the musical art and was able to challenge the most competent critic, sing to the most captious manager, and appear be- fore the exacting though generous Parisian public. About this time Litta made the acquaintance of the Countess De Troubiand, a wealthy and kind- hearted lady who greatly interested herself in the fortunes of the young artiste and opened her ele- gant home for musical soirees for Marie's especial benefit, introducing her to critics and influential T -•^HI-4* t ,t 1082 McLEAN COUNTY. (ilicratic managers. Following this Mon. Escndier, manager of the Grand Opera House of Paris, was induced to give IMarie an engagement, her first ap- pearance being in Lucia di Lamniermoor, in which she sang for the lirst time under the name of Marie Litta. Of this appearance Miss Kate Field wrote with great enthusiasm concerning her success and the ovation which was rendered the young Ameri- can prima donna. In this letter she states that la- dies stood up in their boxes and burst their gloves clapping. Bouquets were showered upon the stage and thundering calls brought the singer before the curtain many times. From this severe test Litta came out fully triumphant and with her reputation established as one of the first artists of the age. Litta was deeply attached to her family name and the circumstances which led to her adopting the stage name of " Litta " are as follow'S : The feel- ing engendered I)y the Franco-Prussian War had not died out when Marie made her debut in I'aris, in 1878. It was thu^ a perilous time on account of her German origin. Her manager and friends happily thought of "Litta," a noble Italian family name, which Marie adopted to oblige them, and it proved a fine stroke of policy. The next morning Count Litta called upon her and thanked her for honoring his family name by adopting it. The success of Litta in Paris was followed by similar success at Vienna and other important cit- ies. Her first appearance in America was made in her native city and was attended 1)3' one of the largest audiences ever gathered there. She was then under engagement with Max Strakosch, and she afterward sang in all the great cities of the United States and Canada, closing at San Francisco, Cal., where she received probably the greatest ova- tion of any singer who had appeared on the Pacific sloije. She was with Mr. Strakosch several seasons and then, concluding to abandon the opera for a time, in 1880 accepted an engagement with Mr. Hem-y L. Slayton, of Chicago, under whose man- agement she had a company of her own, which was known as the Litta Concert Companj\ Litta sang her last song at Escanaba, Mich., in ^lay, 1883. She was there taken ill and compelled to return to Bloomington, whcie after a long sea- son of painful suffering she died, July 7, 1883. •►■-4^ i The news of her death was quickly telegraplied to points all over the world, and in her native city, which had witnessed her studies and her triumphs, the sorrow was widespread and universal. Long before the hour apjiointed for the funeral people flocked from all directions by thousands. The serv- ices were conducted from the First Methodist Church, and the pastor. Rev. F. C. Iglehart, in the course of his eloquent sermon said: " It was the custom of I^itta to go to the groves to hear the birds sing. Her soul of melody sought melody everywhere. She took lessons and the feathered songsters were her teachers. The beauty of the absolute came through the chorus of the trees to her beautiful soul. You who heard her sing, did not know wh}' it was that she sang so much like a bird. It was because she was with the birds so much and learned of them so well. It may be she heard the .singing in the distant palm groves and went to listen to it and mingle in it. According to an Indian custom I take a bird out of the cage and cover it with the kisses of the family, with the kisses of this whole citj', with j'our caresses, and send it out to the spirit that has flown to bear to her our love." The life and death of Litta made such an im- pression on the people of Bloomington that a fine granite monument was erected to her memory in the cemetery, which was dedicated July 4, 1 885, on which occasion the Hon. David Davis delivered a brief address, in which he voiced the sentiments of the world at large in regard to the accomplished singer and the beautiful and lovely woman. He was followed by the Hon. James S. Ewing, who de- livered a very appropriate eulogj". In speaking of Litta personally he made use of these words, which may very properlj' close this sketch : "Any analysis of her character which ignored her loving and kindly nature, would he like taking awa3^ the rich coloring from a beautiful picture. She was generous, and charitable, and kind. She shared everything she had with those she loved. The lirst fruits of tiie harvest she laid with thanks- giving upon tiie altar of filial affection. Even the praise and admiration she won she sought to divide with those who were dear to her. She spoke kindly of all. She was mindful of favors and grateful r -4^ I McLean county. 1083 for kindnesses. She had no false pride. When the noon had more than fuKilled the promise of the morning, she was the same gentle, modest nnd winsome woman. And so we have written on this monument: 'She was loved most for hor pure and gentle life, and loving hands weave roses with the laurel in the chaplet of her fame.' " I ^OHN R. WILLIAMS, Postmaster of Delana, is also carrying on a trade in general mer- chandise, and is one of the valuable mem- bers of that community. He was born^in Muskingum County, Ohio, Feb. 2, 1834. His fa- ther. John Williams, was born in the same county, and his grandfather, Thomas Williams, was one of the pioneers of Muskingum County, Ohio, and cleared a farm from the wilderness, and there spent the remainder of his life, dying about 1840. His property lay on the national turnpike, three miles west of Zanesville, and there John Williams, Sr.. the father of our subject, was reared to manhood. He was also married there, the maiden of his choice being Miss Caroline Rodman, daughter of Joseph Rodman, and granddaughter of Gen. Rodman, of Revolutionary fame. At the time of his marriage, John, Sr., was engaged in mercantile pursuits near Zanesville. He lived but two years after his mar- riage, his death occurring in November, 1833, be- fore the birth of his son, our subject. His widow subsequently married John Brown, and they re- moved to Bloomington, where she spent the re- mainder of her life. John R. Williams was the only son of his parents, and was reared by his maternal grandparents. He attended school during tiie winter seasons, and the balance of the year assisted in the labors of the farm. His grandfather died when onr subject was twenty years of age. and the latter was given charge of the farm until 18.00. On the 14th of February, that year, he set out overland for the West with three horses and a wagon loaded with household goods, accompanied by his wife and an- other famil}'. After twenty-one days' travel, they arrived at Bloomington, and Mr. Williams pur- chased forty acres of land in Old Town Township, 4» upon which he located and commenced its improve- ment and cultivation. After a few years he sold out and purchased another small farm in the same township, which ho occupied until 18G1, then sold again and removed ti> Bloomington. Here lie was employed in a tlouring-mill for a year following, and was also engaged in the purchase and shipping of grain for five years. He afterward became an employe in the hardware store of Harwood Bros., wliere he oHiciated as clerk for ten years. Subse- quently he served in the same capacity for J. Thompson, grocer, six j^ears. In November, 1884, he came to Delana, and in company with Mr. Thompson, purchased a stock of goods, and has managed the l)usiness here since that time. This consists of almost everything required for the farm and houseiiold, excepting, of course, the larger machinerj'. Mr. Williams was married in Ohio, live miles from Zanesville, Sept. l."), 18.53, to Miss Mary A. Fogle, who was born in Muskingum County, ()iiio, and is the daughter of George and Maria (John- son) Fogle, natives of Jlaryland. Of this union there were born two children — Julia E., now living at home, and Laura, who died at the age of eight years. Mr. ^^'illiams is Republican in i)oliti('S, and both he ani this county, owns a good farm of 160 \^/^ acres in Anclior Townsiii|), on section 20, and is devoting much of hi.s time to stock-raising. His land is in a good state of cultivation, and sup- plied with a subsbintial set of frame buildings. As a citizen and a business man he is contributing his full siiare toward the growth and prosperity of his townsiiip, and is lield in universal respect for his excellent traits of ciiaracter and straightforward business methods. Mr. Henry is the eldest son of William E. and Mary (Snell) Henry, who were among the earliest pioneers of Dry Grove Township, this county, wiiere they are still residing. William E. was born in Dry (irove Township, Oct. 14, 1841, and there grow to manhood. His education was begun in the district schools of his native township, and he 4* also attended the public schools of Bloomington, in which city his parents resided for about tliree years. He remained under the home roof until his marriage, which occurred Feb. IS, 1875. The maiden of nis choice was Miss Caroline, daughter of P^rancis and Elizabeth (Boyer) Fantz. She was born in .Somerset County, Pa., Oct. 8, 1850. After their marriage the young people settled in Danvers Township, where Mr. Ilenr}' followed farming un- til the fall of 1878. He then removed to his pres- ent homestead in Anchor Township. Mr. and Mrs. Henry have become the parents of three children, as follows: Harvey, who was born March 18, 1877; Mary E., Feb. 26, 18isi,aiid Car- oline D., Jan. 24, 1883. Mr. Ileniy uniformly casts his vote with the Republican party, and in all respects is a citizen deeply interested in the welfare of his county and community. •»-J5»^ ' m >^%t-^' J'^OHN B. GEARH ART, favorably known in Belletlower Township as an industrious and prosperous farmer, is a native of the wealthy and populous State of Ohio, born in Miami County, Oct. 7, 1 833. His father, Daniel Gear- hart, was a native of Virginia, and our subject's grandfather, it is believed, was born in Mainland, and was of German parentage and ancestry. The grandfather removed from Maryland to Virginia, thence to Ohio, and located in Miami County as early as 1803. There he purchased a tract of land, a small portion of which was cleared, and the bal- ance was heavy timber. There was a log-cabin upon the place, which the family occupied for a time. Subsequently he cleared 160 acres and erected a substantial brick house and large frame barn. Upon the homestead thus established he spent the remainder of his days, dying in 1866, having reached the advanced age of ninety -seven years. The father of our subject was but three or four years of age when his parents removed to Ohio and settled in the wilderness. He there grew to man- hood, assisted his father in clearing the farm and remained umler the |)arental roof until his mar- n- -i t McLean county. 108.5 i, riage. He then purchased 160 acres of land about eight miles from the old homestead, onlj- five of which was cleared. In due time he placed 120 acres more under a good state of cultivation. In 1863 he returned to Winchester, Va., to visit his son, who was a soldier and at the time confined in the hospital. While there nursing his son, the rebels captured the town and made them both Ijrisoners, Daniel Gearhart being confined twenty- two months in a rebel stronghold at Salisbury, N. C. He w,as released about the time of the close of the war, and returning home died three weeks after- ward. The mother of our subject before her mar- riage was Miss Mary Beatty, a native of Virginia. Of her marriage with Daniel Gearhart there were born eight children, of whom our subject was the third child and eldest son. John B. Gearhart, of this notice, assisted his father in opening np the farm, and made his home with his parents until he was twenty-two years old. He then married and commenced his new life upon a rented farm in Clarke County, Ohio. He con- tinued a resident of the Buckeye State until 1858, when he set his face toward the great West, and coming into Illinois located first in Tazewell Coun- ty. There he rented land one year, and then pur- chased sixty acres in Logan County, where he re- moved, remaining until 1868. He then sold out and purchased the place which he now owns and occupies on section 20, Belleflower Township, and which consists of 160 acres. This was wild prairie at the time of his purchase, but he now has the en- tire tract enclosed and brought to a good state of cultivation. Upon it is a comfortable .and substan- tial frame dwelling, with fruit and shade trees .and all the other acquirements of a first-class .igricult- urist. Mr. Gearhart was married in August, 1856, to Miss Minerva Fuller, who was born in Clarke Count}', Ohio, Mf.rch 11, 1835. She is the daugh- ter of Robert and Margaret (Thompson) Fuller, natives of Virginia, whence they removed to Ohio, and were among the earliest settlers of Clarke County. Mr. Fuller purchased a tract of timber land from which he cleared a f.arm, built up a com- fortable home, and there both parents spent the re- mainder of their lives. At one time they were the possessors of 640 acres of fine land in Clarke County. Our subject .and his wife have three children, a daughter Flora, now the wife of W'. H. Harrison, and they live near Farmer City; the other two children, Franklin and Elmer, are both at home with their parents. Mr. and Mrs. Gearhart are worth}' members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in politics our subject is an earnest Republican. He has been School Trustee several terms, and in 1 886 w.as Township Assessor. lie has also served as Road Commissioner. OUIS A. BURK, a prominent and skillful artist of Bloomington, is a native of Davis County, Ky., born in 1845, and the son of Edward A. and Nancy (King) Burk, who were also born in the Blue Grass State. The father of our subject was engaged in farming, and came to Illi- nois in 1848, settling in Mt. Hope Township, this county. Here he occupied his farm until 1851, then removed to Logan County and engaged in farming near Atlanta, for a period of fifteen years; thence he moved to Missouri, where his life ter- minated in 1874. The mother is still living in Lathrop, Clinton Co., Mo. Of a family of ten children, three only are now living: James A., re- siding in Lathrop. Mo.; Louis A., and Nancy M., Mrs. Waers, of Iowa. The subject of this biography remained at home until seventeen j'ears old, and then, the late Civil War being in progress, he enlisted in the three months' service. At the expiration of this time, he re-enlisted in Co. E, 7th 111. Vol. Inf., serving until July, 1865. At the battle of Altoona, Ga., he was wounded in the right shoulder. When the war was ended, he returned home and remained SIX months. He was soon afterward married, and lived for a brief season at Spring Hill, Mo., spent two years at Lathrop, then came to Bloomington and engaged in carpenter work for five years. He then commenced sketching for publishing houses, and was thus occupied for seven years, when he took up stock sketching and painting, in which he is at present engaged. He I'eceives orders from 'i t -4«— 1086 A McLEAN COUNTY. both Eastern and AVcsterii States, to sketch and paint the cattle and other animals of the leading stockmen, and has proved himself an adept in the art. Mr. Burk was married, in 1865, to Miss Maria E. Piatt, a native of Bloomington, and the daugh- ter of Ephraim and Sarali I'latt, natives of Ohio and Virginia respectively. Their seven cliildren were named as follows: Fjucy, Kittle, William, Minnie, Nettie, Birdie and Louis. Mr. Burk is Republican in politics, and belongs to the G. A. R. lie purchased his present home in 1879, where lie and ills family' arc surrounded by all tiie com- forts of life and many evidences of iiis art. He ranks second to no one in liis line in tlie western country-, and in a few years will doubtless be able to retire upon a eonipetenc}'. -^ //^^ I. DOOLEY, a retired farmer of Downs Ij (=-, Township, living at ease on iiis elegant ^^^) homestead one and one-half miles from Downs \illage, is widely and favorably known tin-oughout tiiis section .is a man who has been idcntilied with its business anil agricultural inter- ests, and has contributed his full share toward the progress and prosperity of McLean Count}'. The family residence is finely located in the midst of beautiful surroundings, and everything about the l)reraises denotes cultivated tastes and ample means. The life of our subject has been marked b}' indus- try and cnteriMise, and he has evaded no duty, either socially or in a l)usiu('ss vvay, when the jier- formance would tend to the welfare of his neigh- borlKiod and his township at Large. Mr. D a home in tlic wilder- ness, clearing a tract of timber land, where they spent the remainder of their lives. They became the parents of a large family, of which William Doole}', the father of our subject, was about the fifth child. lie was reared to manhood near Boonsboro and there met and was married to Miss Minerva Morris, who was born in Kentucky but whose parents were from Virginia. She was the youngest daughter of Samuel and Martha Morris. After their marri.age William Dooley and his wife located on a part of the old Obediah Dooley farm and became the parents of thirteen children, of whom our subject was the eldest. He was carefully reared under the parental roof and remained at home until twenty-two years of age. On the 27th of December, 1849, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Scobee, in Montgomery Count}', Ky. Mrs. D. is the daughter of William and Jane (Bur- roughs) Scobee, natives of Kentucky. Her grand- father was Robert and her grandmother Elizabeth (Crawford) Scobee, of Virginia. Rol)ert .Scobee was a farmer by occupation, spending his early manhood in his native .State. Later in life he re- moved to Clark County, Ky., where he carried on agricultural pursuits successfully and died there in about 1838. The mother of Mrs. Dooley died at her home in Jlontgomery County, Ky., and there her father yet lives, having arrived at the .advanced age of eighty-five years. Mrs. Dooley was the eldest child of her parents, with whom she lived until her marriage. By her union with our subject she became the mother of four children, as follows: James W., a farmer of Downs Townshii), married Miss Elizabeth G. Cow- den, of Old Town Township; Jennie B. became the wife of Rev. T. D. Fyffe, a minister of the Presbyterian Church in Rossville, Ind. ; George G. married Miss Lou G. Baremore, and they live on the farm of our subject; Anna is .at home with her parents. Twt) }ears after the marri.age of Mr. Dooley he and his wife and his father's family all came to Illi- nois, first locating in Bloomington, and increasing the i)opulation of th.at city by thirteen souls. One child was born to the father and mother of our subject after tlieir removal to this .State. The mother tiled in liloominglon when seventy-four i ■^►^- I ^t McLean county. 1087 i i^ years of age. The father subsequently located in Old Town Township, whence he removed later to Padua Township, and there died on the 7th of June, 1870, aged sixty-six years. After coming to this State our subject was a resi- dent of Old Town Township until 1855, and then removed to Putnam County, Ind. After residing there sixteen years, during whicii time he had been engaged in farming, he returned to Illinois and lo- cated in Downs Township, this county. Here he now has a farm of 257 acres, the greater part of which is in a fine state of cultiv.ation. In 1881 he began dealing in coal, grain and lumber in Downs Village, in which commodities he operated four years and then practically retired from active busi- ness. He is now living in ease and comfort upon the competency which he has riclily earned. Po- litically he is a sound Democrat, and the wife of our subject is a member in good standing of the Christian Church. r kEICESTER S. RUPERT, a prominent citizen of Normal Towhship, is successfully en- gaged as a breeder of road horses, in which he is e.xperienced, and exhibits some of the finest ani- mals in McLean County. Mr. Rupert was born in Louisville, K}'., on the lOtli of December, 1855, being the son of Elon W. Rupert, of Virginia. The latter, during the greater portion of his life, was en- gaged in the wholesale drug business in Louisville, but retired upon a competency twenty years before his deatli, which occurred in 1874,. aged sixty-five years. The mother of our subject, Lucy B. (S.ar- gent) Rupert, was born in Massachussetts, is still living, and resides in Philadelphia, Pa. The paren- tal family comprised three children only: Elon S. is a practicing physician of Phil.adelphia; Minnie B. is the wife of Dr. J. W. Holland, Dean of the .lefferson Medical College of Philadelphia; and Leicester. Tlie subject of our slieteh pursued his primarj' studies in the public schools of Louisville, which wore supplemented by attendance at the grammar schools of New Haven, Conn., from which he grad- u.ated in 1875. He then returned to Louisville .and engaged in the breeding of trotting iiorses until 1882, when became to Illinois, locating first in Woodford and subsequently in Tazewell Coun- ty, in which latter place lie sold his interest to his brother-in-law, A. G. Danfortli, and removed to Normal. His stables now include forty head of Hambletonian and Mamljrino horses, and include specimens of some of the finest animals to be found in this section. He exhibited several years at St. Louis .and Chicago fairs liut has now become so well known that he no longer incurs this expense, his stocl\ always being in demand. Mr. Rupert lias a fine farm estate of 500 acres, besides his town property in Normal, and has fully established a reputation .as oue of the leading horsemen of the State. He is Secretary and Treasurer of the Illi- nois Association of Trotting-horse Breeders, and his judgment and oi)inions in regard to this industr}' are held in great value. The marriage of Leicester S. Rupert and Miss Katie M.a}' Danforth was celebrated at Washington, 111., on the 5th of November, 1879. Mrs. R. was born in W.ashington, and by her union with our sub- ject lias become the mother of one child — Emily Bush. <«l IVILLIAM L. DRYBREAD, formerly an ex- \/jJ// tensive farmer and stoclv-raiser of West ^7"^^ Township, is now a resident of Santa Anna, De Witt County, but is entitled to a prominent place among the worthy citizens of McLean County, as having by his enterprise and intelligence greatly assisted in the development of the liusiness and agricultural interests of this section. Mr. B. was Ijorn in Bartholomew County, Ind., near the little city of Edinburg, Aug. 28, 1821. His f.ather, John Drybread, was a native of Butler County', Ohio, and his grandfather, who was born in Germany, emigrated to the I'nitcd States when a young man, locating in Butler County, Ohio, .and being among the earliest settlers of tliat region. He opened up a farm in the wilderness, wliich he cultivated and improved, and where he spent the last years of his life. There also his son .John, tlie f.ather of our subject, grew to manhood, married, .and resided i 1088 i McLEAN COUNTY. there until about l.siCi, then removed to Ijartholo- tnew County, Ind, being .among the first settlers wiio went into tiiat Territory. He jnirchased a tract of timber land and worlunt}% Ohio, purchased 100 acres of unimproved land, upon which he began to labor industriously, culti- vating the soil and putting in crops. In due time he built a small frame house but soon after- ward met with a great misfortune in the loss of his little property, which had been mortgaged and which he was unalile to pay at the time specified. He was then tlirown uimn the world again, his only possessions being $100 and a span of horses. With these he set his face westward again and with the proceeds of the sale of his team, secured the land already spoken of and once more commenced the improvement of a farm. From 1845 until 1874, his time was filled in witii unremitting toil, mak- ing imprtivements uimn his purchase, raising his annual crops and engaged in the breeding of stock. He became very successful and the tract of wild land has now become a highly cultivated farm, valued at $10,000. On the 27th of October, 1844, our subject was united in marriage with Miss Sarah A. Wheaton in Danvers Township. Mrs. W. was born in Essex County, N. J., May 2, 1824, and was the daughter of Silas and Mary (Kgbert) Wheaton, natives of the same State, whence tliey removed to Ohio in 1841. Her father was a carpenter by trade and the pro- prietor of a conifoilable homestead in Ohio, where the old folk spent the remainder of their lives, his daath occurring in 1866, and that of the mother five years later, in 1871. Tliey were the parents of ten children, as follows: Sarah A., George W. and Mary A. (deceased), Silas P., Emens, Edgar, Eliza- beth (Mrs. John IJailey), Elihu, Loyal, and Leviti- cus who died at tlie age of eleven years. Mr. and Mrs. Winslow became the parents of six children, of whom only two are living: Corin- tha A. was born June 17, 1846, became the wife of Josiah Day and now lives in Calhoun County, Iowa; William F.. born in 1848, married Miss Eraeline Gregg .and lives in Adams County', W. T. ; Francis and James M. died in infancy, also a babe unnamed; Mary K. became the wife of Frederick Gansaw, and died three years later. Mr. Winslow is a striking illustration of what ma}' be accojnplisiied tiirough perseverance, indus- r -^^m^^ I I- -•-i-^ McLEAN COUNTY. 1093 I try and courage amid the most adverse conditions. His earliest recollections are of tlie influence ivliich strong drinii possessed over his father, who finally caiue to his death by its use, under the most dis- tressing circumstances. It is scarcely to be won- dered at then tliat Mr. Winslow is one of the strongest of temperance .advocates and bitterly op- posed to the use of whislvy in any form. The greatest credit is due him, in that he so bravely fought his way amid misfortunes and discourage- ments, and has become a man among men in the strongest sense which the term implies. He is now one of the most wealthy and respected citizens of McLean County, and an esteemed member of socie- ty. With liis family he is prominently connected with the Cumberland Presbyterian CInu'ch and in politics is a reliable Republican. The brothers and sisters of Mr. Winslow were: Elkanali, Horace, William Loyal (now deceased), Franklin, Charles, Mary and Harriet, the latter two dying when quite young. Mr. Winslow was the third in order of birth. ^- -€-*-B- ENRY A. NICHOLS, jobber in cigars and tobacco, is located at No. 210 West Wash- ington street, Bloomington, and attending strictly and successfully to the details of a thriving and increasing trade. Mr. Nichols was born in Madison County, N. Y., in 18.36, being the son of Solomon and Caroline (Chapman) Nichols, natives of Massachusetts and New Y'ork respect- ively. Solomon Nichols removed witli his parents, Joseph and Sarah (Hemingway) Nichols, from his native State when a child four years of age. They settled in Oneida County, N. Y., and afterw.ard re- moved to Monroe County, that State, where they spent the remainder of their days. Solomon Nichols was brought up on a farm and during life was mostly occupied with agricultural jnirsuits. Of his family of fourteen children, Henry A. was the ninth, and eleven of the fourteen are still living. Both parents died in Monroe County, N. Y., the father in 1864, and the mother in 1879. They were members of the Presbyterian Church, wherein Solomon Nichols held the offices of Deacon 4 < and Elder. He was a- Whig in early life, but on tlie abandonment of the old party, cordially united with the Republicans. His influence was recog- nized wherever he was known, as he was the friend of education, temperance, morality and ever^'thing tending to the advancement and prosperity of his coiuity or community. He was connected with the School Board, and filled various other local offices. To his children he gave the advantages of a good education, and was in all respects the model citizen, husband, father and friend. The subject of our sketch was reared upon a farm, and remained under the parental roof until twenty-one years of age, in the meantime having graduated fron) the State Normal School at Al- bany. He soon afterward engaged in teacliiug in Monroe County, and for three years presided over a public school in the city of Rochester, as Princi- pal. In 1861 he went to Ann Arbor, Mich., and took a two yeai's' course in the State Universitj^, and was afterward Principal of one of the schools of Detroit, Mich., for one year. He also spent one year at New Baltimore, Mich., similarly occupied. Upon removing from here he was employed as a boolc-lteeper for a lumber firm in East Saginaw, whence he returned to Ann Arbor and conducted the Union School there for one year. He then en- gaged as a traveling salesman, selling goods from Chicago through Michigan, Indiana and Illinois, and was thus engaged for four 3'ears. Mr. Nichols came to Bloomington in 1871, and since that time has been dealing in cigars and to- bacco; his trade is steadily increasing and he has three men on the road. He deals in only the choicest material, and has a good understanding of his business in all its details. Mr. Nichols was married in 1863, to Miss Flora Robinson, who was born in Michigan, and is the daughter of Loami and Isabel (Edmunds) Robin- son, who were natives respectively of Vermont and New Y''ork. Her father was a farmer by occupa- tion, and departed this life in 1872; the motlier is still living in Michigan. Mrs. Nichols is the ninth of a family of thirteen children, and remained with her parents until her marriage, except when away at school and three years as teacher in the Bishop Union School at Detroit. By her union with our T t. i();»4 McLEAN COUNTY. f subject she has become the mother of three chil- dren— Harry W., Lyell S. and Isabel R. They have a pleasant and attractive home located at No. 210 East Washington street. Mrs. Nichols is a member of tlie Baptist Church, of wliich our sub- ject is a regular attendant. He is Republican in politics, and socially belongs to the Knights of 1'3'thias. J \- '\f/ AMES FULTON, of Downs Township, is the owner of 100 acres of choice land, part of which is located in Randolph Township. His residence is situated on section 31. He has been a resident of the Prairie State since 18.52, and since he has made his home in this locality has proved one of its most valued citizens. Our sub- ject is a native of the Buckeye State, having been born in Harrison County, Ohio, Sept. 10, 182G. His father, AVilliam Fulton, of AVestmoreland Comity, Pa., was of Scotch-Irish ancestry, and a descendant and kinsman of Robert Fulton, who first discovered the application of steam as a means of locomotion. The father of our subject was reared to manhood in his native count}', and was there marriecl to Miss Leah Tlioinpson, a native of the same State, and of ancestiy similar to that of her husband. Soon after marriage they located in Harrison County, Ohio, and became the parents of two children, and there the mother died about 1822. These children are both now deceased, one having lived to mature years, and being married. The second wife of William Fulton was Miss Mary Moore, who was l)orn in Harrison County, Ohio, about 1803. They afterward came to Illi- nois, and Mrs. Mary Fulton departed this life in November, 1.H1S3, at the iiome of her grandson, Al- bert Fulton, in Randolph Township. The father died in Bloomington in 1872. Of this marriage lliete were born four children : William married Miss Eliza Boyd, wiio is now deceased, and lie is a prac- ticing physician of Colorado; our sidjject was the second son and child. The others aie deceased. James Fulton was about twenty-six years of age wlien he came, a single man, with his father to Illi- nois, and he has since made this county his home, lie was first married in Harrison County, Ohio, Jan. 6, 1853, to Miss Mary Boyd, who died at her home in Bloomington, in August, 1856. She was reared in her native county, being the daughter of an Ohio farmer and merchant. By her marriage with our subject she has become the mother of two children, both living. Eliza A. is the wife of Bone Block, of Harrison County, Ohio; Albert married Miss Mattie Morrow, and they reside witii Mr. Morrow in Randolph Township. The second wife of Mr. Fulton, to whom he was united in Randolph Township on the Ktli of Sep- tember, 1858, was Miss IMaiy E. Bishop, who was born on her fatiicr's homestead in this county, June 24, 1830. Mrs. Fulton is the sister of George Bishop, of whom a sketch may be found in another part of tins work. She was reared under the par- ental roof, and remained at lioine until her mar- riage. Of her union with our suliject there were born live children, two now deceased. Mary B. became the wife of A. J. Welcli,a fanner of Downs Township; Mattie E. is a teacher, liaving received her education in the State University at Normal, and holds a jiosition in the public schools of Ran- dolph Township; James F. is at home with his par- ents. Tlie deceased are Sarah E. and Jolin C. Mr. and Mrs. Fulton are nienibers in good stand- ing of the Methodist Episcopal Churcli, of which our subject was formerly Steward for fifteen years, and is now Trustee. He has served as School Director, Road Commissioner and Assessor, and in politics casts his vote in support of the principles of the Repul)lican party. AMUEL C. WARE, Postmaster of Towan- da, has been a resident of McLean County since 1803, to which he came from Rich- mond, Ky., with his family. He was born in Massachusetts, Dec. 9, 1810, being the son of Jason and Jemima (Cowell) Ware, natives of Wrentham, Mass. The paieiitul family' consisted of five children, two sons and three daugliters — ]\Iar- tha, Harriet, Leander, Augenette and Samuel C. Our subject was the j'oungest of the family, and was about fourteen years old wIkmi he left liis na- tive town and went to Worcester, where he learned t, ■■► ^ ■1 <• I <- *» ' ■ M» McLean county. 1095 the trade of cabinet-maker. When twenty-one years uf age he went to Providence, R. I., and re- mained there until lie was thirty-five. Thence he proceeded to Cincinnati, Ohio, and after two years to Richmond, Ky., wliere he tanght singing and day school for about ten years, and followed his trade as opportunity afforded until 18G3. In June of that year he came to this county, settling soon afterward in Towanda, and has been a resident of this village since that time. He at first engaged in carpentering and farming, which he followed until 187o, and was then appointed Postmaster, which position he has since held. Mr. Wai'e was married in Richmond, Ky., April 2!), 1831), to Miss Sarah .1. Milieu, daughter of Frederick Millen, whose family included six chil- dren: Samuel F. is Supreme Judge of the United States; Sarah J., Amelia, William, M.ary and An- geline. Mrs. Ware was born in Richmond, Kj'., Feb. 2, 1818. Of her marriage with our subject there have been born eight children — William F., Martha, Leander M., Samuel M., Amanda, Stephen W., Angenette and Edw.ard. They have a pleas- ant home in Towanda, and number among their friends and acquaintances the most cultured people of the city. ]\Ir. Ware has served as Township Clerk and Police Magistrate, and in politics is a stanch Republican. The parents and all their chil- dren are members of the Presbyterian Church, of which Mr. Ware has been an Elder for m.any years. ENRY F. IIAWLEY, Assistant Superin- tendent of the Chicago Division of the C. & A. R. R., is an honored resident of Ijgj/ Bloom iugton, having his home at the cor- ner of Lucust and E.ast streets. He is a native of Chittenden County, Vt., and was born in October, 18;:i5, being the son of Don C. and Mary (French) Ilawley, also natives of the Green Mountain State. Don Hawley was engaged in farming until 1853, when he emigrated West, and locating in Chicago became extensively engaged as a contractor, and was Street Commissioner on the South Side for a ^^ number of years. He departed this life in 1863. The mother died in Michigan in May, 1886. The Hawley famil}' descended from Welsh an- cestry, and the father of our subject inherited in a marked degree the substantial qualities of his an- cestors. He was Republican in politics, and be- longed to the I. O. O. F. He exerted a good in- fluence upon all who knew him, and was universally respected for his integrity and kindness of heart. The family of Don Hawley included four children, one now deceased. Henry F. was the eldest; Sarah, Mrs. Lewis, is a resident of Kansas City; Lucius L. is connected with the St. Paul, Minneapolis and Montana Railroad. The subject of this history remained under the parental roof until seventeen years of age, and completed a practical education in the village academy. While with his parents he .assisted in the labors of the farm, and after coming to Chi- cago was employed for a short time as clerk in a retail store, and then in a wholesale house until 1857. He then became brakeman on the C, B. & Q. R. R., where he continued two years and was promoted to conductor. The war then coming on, he enlisted in the 89th Illinois Infantrj' for three years, and marched with his regiment to the scene of conflict. He was taken prisoner at Cassville, Ga., and put in the Miller stockade, which greatly resembled Andersonville prison in its horrors and suffering. After remaining a captive forty-two days he was liberated by a "Yankee" trick, and this being near the close of the war he received his discharge and returned North. Coming to Gales- burg he again engaged on the C, B. & Q. R. R. as conductor, and from that went into the Superin- tendent's office as Trainmaster, continuing until 1873. Thence he was transferred to Aurora, and afterward to Chicago. In December, 1874, Mr. Hawley went into the employ of the M. C. R. R. as Trainmaster at De- troit, whence he was transferred to Michigan City, to take charge of the Western Division of the same road, where he remained three and one-half years. From there he went to Jackson, Mich., and had charge of the car service two years. He accepted his present position with the C. & A. R. R. in Sep- tember, 1880, and has charge of from 200 to 250 I T :{- 1096 t McLEAN COUNTY. men. He possesses a large fund of information in regard to railroad mattois and is well fitted for his responsible duties. Mr. Hawley was married in October, 18G.), to Miss Marietta Chapman nf C'ouneeticnt, who was born in 1844, and is the daughter of Joshua P. and Jane (Hyde) Chapman. Our subject and his wife have one child, a daughter, Meta C. E WITT R. GOOCII, a wealthy and pros- perous farmer of Helletiower Township, has been a resident of the Prairie State since the spring of 1858. He is the possessor of a fine homestead, pleasantly located on section !), and is surrounded by all the comforts of life. He may be properly numbered among those intel- ligent and enterprising men who have assisted in bringing McLean County to its present proud po- sition, and made it the home of the best class of people, noted for their intelligence, and as citizens worthy and valuable. The subject of this history was born in New York City Sept. 17, 1841. His father, Thomas (Jooch, was born in Bostim, Mass., and his grand- father, also a native of the Bay State, enlisted as a soldier in the War of 1812, and died in the service^ Thomas Gooch was reared to manhood in his na- tive city, and received a good education in its public schools. When of suitable age he com- menced learning the cabinet-maker's trade, but from 182o to 1835 held the position of book-keeper for the mercantile firm of Viles, Atkinson & Co. In the year last named he removed to New York City to take a similar position with Hayes, Dorr 6, took up a tract of Government land and improved three or four farms. Later he removed to Logan County, and died in 1858. His wife, before her marriage, was Miss Delilah Barker, also a native of Kentucky. She is still living, having arrived at the advanced age of eighty-six years, .and resides with her daughter, Mrs. A. W. Ball, in Tazewell County. She has been a cripple for the last tvventy- eight years or more, but her mind is still active and vigorous, and she remembers well the many incidents connected with pioneer life. Tlie parents of Mrs. Gooch died when she was quite \'oungand she was reared by her grandmother. Of her union with our subject there have been born four children — Arthur Francis, De Witt R., Jr., Oliver C. and Maude C. Mr. and Mrs. Gooch are Universalists in religious belief, and politically he is independent. ATTUIAS KAMPF, deceased, was a na- tive of Madison County, Oliio, and born Jan. 7, 1826. His parents, Henry and Polly (Travers) Kampf, were natives of Westmoreland County, Pa., and were of Pennsyl- vania-Dutch descent. The childhuod of Matthias Kampf was spent in his native township, the dis- trict schools furnishing his education, and in which he improved every oijportunity for acquiring use- ful knowledge. When nineteen years of age lie started out for himself in life, coming first to this State, where he taught two terras in a district school in Logan County, where the city of Lincoln now stands, then returning eastward to Ohio, he employed his winters in teaching, and the balance of the year as a farm laborer. While in that State he was married, on the 9th of JMarch, 1848, to Miss Nancy A. Paugh, who was born in Madison County, ^' that State, Nov. 14, 1829. Her parents, Henry and Jane (Bradley) Paugh, were also natives of the same county. After their marriage our subject and his wife re- sided two 3'ears in Ohio, where Mr. Kaiui)f still pursued his profession as a teacher during the win- ter, and farmed during the summer until he started for Illinois, in the fall of 18.")0. After reaching Tazewell County, they located on the edge of llit- tle's Grove, about two and one-lialf miles west of the present homestead of the family. Two years later Mr. Kanqif toolv possession of a forty-acre tract of railroad land on section 7, in Mt. Hope Township, JIcLean County, where he continued to reside during the remainder of his life. He was naturally industrious and enterprising, and became prosperous, adding from time to time U> his first purchase, until he was the owner of 2.")0 acres of excellent farming land in the counties of Tazewell and McLean. After a protracted illness, he closed his eyes upon the scenes of his carthl3' labors on the 24th of June, 1874. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Kampf are re- corded as follows: Polly Jane, born P^eb. 7, l«,ol, died June 28, 1880; Mary Alma, born Aug. 28, 1855, died July 8, 187(3; David Henry, Ijorn June 20, 1857, died July 7, 1.S80; Ilann.ah Belle, born Aug. 3,1859, died Dec. G, 1874; Sar.ah A., born Nov. 17, 1861, and Matthias, Oct. 27, 1863. Sarah A., on the 18th of January, 1883, became the wife of Mr. James M. 3Iurphy, a sketch of whom will be found elsewhere in this volume. Since the death of her husl)and, JNIrs. Kampf has added to the estate which he left, by the purcli.ase of 120 acres. She is a consistent member of the Christian Church, with which she became connected in 1877. Mr. Kampf's belief was that of a Universalist. His sympathies, politically, were with the Republican party, with which he uniformly cast his vote. A view of the homestead, in whose improvement he delighted to spend his time, will be found on an- other page. SAAC E. FUNK, son of (me of the earliest pio- neers of the Prairie State, was born in Funk's Grove Township, Feb. 10, 1843, and is conse- quently now a gentleman in the |)rime of life, pos- sessing the full energy of his youth, and perform- 4 -4*- i -4•— 109S McLEAN COUNTY. ing his part as a valued citizen and useful mem- ber of society. He is located on a good farm in Bellettovver Township, which is supplied with the necessary farm buildings, the grounds around the residence being ornamented with frnit and shade trees, and presenting in all respects a comfortable homestead. Our subject's father, John Funk, was a native of Ohio, and his father was also named John. The great- great-grandfather of Isaac E., Adam Funk, a native of (icrmany, emigrated to America with liis father when a lad six years old, settling in Pennsylvania, where he was reared, .■lud in due time established a home and family ties of his own. His son John came to McLean County at an early j)eriod in the history of this section, and here spent the last years of his life. Here also the father of our subject grew to manhood, in Funk's Grove Township, and was married here to Miss Bettie Hougham. She was a native of Ohio, and daughter of [saac and Annii^ ((iordan) Hougham. John Funk and wife remained residents of this county until the father's death in Allin Townshij) in 1847. The parents of our subject, John and Bettie (Hougham) Funk, were widely and favorably known Ihrougiiout this section, and the mother was es|)eciall3' noted for her kindness of heart and ready sympathy with (lie afliicted and distressed. Their names are held in kindly remembrance by a large circle of friends whom they made during their long residence here. Of their five childi-en, two only are now living — Elizabeth Ann, who be- came the wife of James C. Finley, of Kansas, and our sul)ject. Mrs. Funk was a second time mar- rieil, to John Finley, in 1858, and lives in Kansas. The subject of this history was but four years old wiieii his father died. He lived with his mother until he was fifteen and then started out to earn his own living by working on a farm. He at first received $10 per month, which was afterward raised to $l;j. After the breaking out of the war he enlisted as a Union soldier, Oct. 27, 18(;2, in Co. A, 117th 111. Vol. Inf., and served until the close of the war. He engaged with his comrades in the battles of Ft. De Russy, Pleasant Hill, Nashville and Ft. Blakesley, and was in other minor engage- ments. He was transferred to the .'jad Illinois In- fantry, and was mustered out in October, 1865. After returning from the arm}' Mr. Funk continued his labors by the month for a year, and then farmed on rented land until 1870, when he purchased his present homestead, which was then unimproved prairie. Our subject was married, Dec. 24, 1867, to Miss Mary E. Jenkins, a native of Virginia, and born March 23, 1848. Her father, Henry Jenkins, a na- tive of the Old Dominion, was born in Madison County, whence he emigrated to this county in 1850. The parents of Mrs. F. died when she was quite young. Her mother was fornierl}- Miss Julia A. Price. Mr. and Mrs F. of this notice have seven children — Bettie L., Gny J., Lafayette, Min- nie M., Lucy B., Isaac Logan and Cliarlie Delight. Julia A. died in the fourth year of her age. Mr. F. is Kepubliean in politics. )EORGE W. BLAND, who is industriously engaged in the prosecution of a calling G ^^J^ upon which the wealth of the nation de- pends, and is meeting with success in his la- bors, came into tlie Prairie State and located in Champaign County in 1809. He lived there un- til 1885, and then took possession of his present homestead on section 35, Cheney's Grove Town- ship. His farm comprises one of the finest bodies of land in this section, and includes twenty acres under a fine state of cultivation. He has a taste- ful and convenient residence, a good barn and all the out-buildings and machinery required by a first- cla.ss modern agriculturist. Mr. Bland was born in Pendleton County, W. ^'a., April 25, 1 830. His parents were Eli and Annie (Ilager) Bland, natives of West Virginia, where the father died in 1802. The mother still survives, making her home in West Virginia, and is now sev- enty-seven years old, a stout and liealth}' old lady, who retains her mental f.aculties as good as ever. Her ten children included eight sons and twodaugh- rers — Miles IL, William, Amos, Lncinda, George W., John W., Mary, Eli P., James S. and Benja- min F. The subject of this history remained in his na- -•►HI McLEAN COUNTY. 1099 tive State until he reached his majority, then de- cided to seek his fortunes elsewhere. Going into Indiana he worked out by the month until twent.y- four years old, and was then married to Miss Vir- ginia Whitecotton. She was born in ^'irginia, Jul>' 6, 1843, and when six years of .'ige removed with her parents to Montgomerj- County, Ind., where she was married to our subject, Oct. 30, 1861. Her parents were James and Catherine (Robinson) Whitecotton, natives of the Old Dominion. Her fa- ther, born in 1792, served in the War of 1812, and after the termination of that conflict removed to Indiana, where he died, Dec. 19, 185o. The mother was born Oct. 30, 1808, accompanied her husband to Indiana and survived him about twenty- seven years, dying in Montgomery County, Ind., in 1882. Their sixteen children were as follows : Cornelius, Noah, Salem, Mordecai, Mary, James, William, Wayne, Zephaniah, Esau, Francis M., George, Jacob, Virginia, Lucinda and Isaac. Mr. and Mrs. Bland have seven cliildren — James, John W., William S., Mary C, Franklin, Manson and Annie J. Mr. Bland is Democratic in politics. During the late war he enlisted as a Union soldier ui the 120th Indiana Infantry, serving eighteen months in Company C, in the meantime being pro- moted Orderly Sergeant. He participated in the battle of Resaca, Ga., and in the engagements at Peaehtree Greek and Jonesboro. After going into Tennessee he was in the battles of Franklin and Nashville, escaping, however, without injury. After receiving his honorable discharge he resumed the peaceful pursuit of agriculture, in which he has since been engaged with fair success. A litho- graphic view of Mr. Bland's residence is shown elsewhere in this Album. JOHN HOWARD BUKNHAM, of Bloom- ington, one of its well known and most highly respected citizens, is a native of Massachusetss, born at Essex, on the north side of Cape Ann, Oct. 31, 1834. His parents were of the old Puritan stock, his father, John Burnham, being a descendant of John Burnham who came to this country in 1034, and located on a farm wliicli has descended from father to son for six generations. The mother of our sulijcct was Sarah Choate Perkins, and on her mother's side a Choate, a second cousin to Rufus Choate, the famous lawyer. The paternal grandmother of our subject was a Goodhue. Mr. Burniiani is quite proud of iiis an- cestry. He possesses the printed genealogy of the Burnham and Perkins families, and can trace both sides back to their homes in England. He is (juite antiquarian iii his tastes, and a corresponding mem- ber of the Historical Society of Chicagi.i. He wrote a history of Bloomington and Normal in 1879, and besides tliis has prepared quite a number of historical sketches of other localities in tliis re- gion. Mr. Burnham emigrated to Illinois in the fall of 185.5, and for two years afterward lived at Barring- ton, Cook County, where he taught school two winters. In the spring of 1858 he came to Bloom- ington and entered upon a course of study in the Normal School, from which he graduated July 4, 1861. Then, the Rebellion being in progress, he entered the army in August, as First Lieutenant of the Normal students, Co. A. in the 33d Regiment 111. Vol. Inf. He wa? in the liattle of Fredericks- town, Mo., Oct. 25, 1861, in the fight at Cotton Plant, or Cache River, Ark., July 7, 1862, and in several skirmishes. He «as promoted Captain, Sept. 5, 1862. During that summer he was taken ill with malarial fever, caused by exposure in the swamps along the bottom lauds of the Mississippi, and was compelled to resign on account of disabil- ity, in April, 18G3. In the year following his retirement from the army, having lost none of his interest in the cause of education, he was appointed Superintendent of the Bloomington schools, and in Julj', 1864, be- came editor of the Pantayrapli, occupying this po- sition nearly three years. He has also done con- siderable literary work of a miscellaneous character for the Pantayraph and other newspapers. Capt. Burnham was united in marriage with Miss Almira S. Ives, on the 23d of January, 1866. Mrs. B. is the daughter of A. B. Ives, of Bloomington. She is an accomplished and highly respected lady, who has cultivated a natural talent for art, to such k i t 1100 ,t McLEAN COUNTY. 4 an extent, in fact, that tlic piddiicts of her brush have quite an enviable rt'putation in local art cir- cles. Their beautiful home in this city is the re- sort of its most cultured and intelligent people, whose friendshi|) and society they enjoy in a marked degree. Capt. liurnhain, in 1.SG7, became general contracting agent for an iron highway bridge com- pany, which positiun he now tills. US. LYDIA A. SAl'NDERS, a well-linown and highly respected lady who has been a I'csidcnt of West Townsiiip since 1860, oc- cupies a comfortable homc-tead on section She was horn in Cincinnati, Ohio, on the 1st of .January, 182;'), and is the daughter of Henry R. Coleman, wlio was a native of Pennsylvania, born Oct. 2".), l.SO.J. Iler paternal grandfather was a na- tive of Pennsylvania, and one of the pioneer set- tlers of Montgomery County, Oliio, where he cleared a farm from the wilderness, four miles from what became tlie site of the city of Dayton, and where lie spent the last years of his life. Upon this farm Henry R. Coleman lived with his parents until he was twenty years of age, and then engaged in teaching school. In 182.') he went to Cincinnati, then an endjryo city, where he engaged in mer- chandising a short time, and whence he removed to Millville, lUitler County. He pursued the same business there until 1849, when he joined the great caravan that was pushing toward the California gold fields. He choose his route vi;i the Isthmus, and remained on the I'acific Slope until 18a2. In that yeai' he returned as far Kast .as Illinois, and coming into this county, purchased a tract of wiki land on section .'iO of what is now West Township, being one of the first settlers of that townshij). riei-e he improved a good farm and remained a res- dent until his death, which occurred in 1865. His wife before her marriage was JNIiss Rachel Watkins. She was born in Montgomery County Ohio, accompanied her husband to Illinois, and died on the old liomestead in West Township, in 1 877. Of their nine children, eight grew to man and womanhood. The subject of this history niatle her home with her parents until her marriage with William A. Saunders, which occurred in LSI I. Mr. Saunders was born in Maysville, K3'., Feb. 7, 181(j, being the son of Clark Saunders, a native of Kentucky, who was a painter by trade and spent his entire life in his native city. William A. Saunders was raised at Maysville and there learned his trade of house .and sign painting. He went to Ohio when a young man and carried on business in Cincinnati for a period of twenty-five years. In September, 1866, he came to Illinois, and having bought out the interest of the heirs in the Coleman homestead, settled on the farm which remained his home until his death, March 12, 1881. He was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, hav- ing assisted in the organization of the society' at Mt. Olive and in the erection of the building. Mrs. Saunders is connected with the same church. Her father was a Presbj'terian, and her mother a Meth- odist in belief. Mr. and Mrs. Saunders became the parents of four children, two of whom are still living: Sarah Florence became the wife of John R. Palmer, and lives in Normal, HI.; Lida A. married Alvin Whit- taker, and lives on the homestead. This is a fine tract of land containing 160 acres, and supplied with all the necessary and convenient farm build- ings. Since the death of her husband, Mrs. Saun- ders has filled his place in a worthy and capable manner, and is greatly respected in her commun- ity for her excellent personal traits of character. ^ OHN S. MiCLURE, Deputy County Clerk, residing at Blooraington, is one of the most highly respected citizens of the countj'. (^^1/ Our subject was born in Logan County, Ohio, on the 11th of .Ianuar3', 18-14, his parents be- ing John and Sarah (Slaughter) McClure, natives of Virginia, the former born in 1808, and the lat- ter in 181.'). .lohn McClure, Sr., was a farmer by oc- cupation and Republican in ])olitics. He removed with his family from Virginia to Ohio in i8;52, and located in Logan County, remaining there until 1858. The father then came to McLean Count3', where he still lives. The mother died in Ohio in h McLean county. 1101 1846. The record of their seven children is as fol- lows: The eldest born died in infancj-; Charles; Sarah, Lucy and Mildred are deceased : John S., our subject, and Susan. John S. McClure remained at home until he had arrived at years of manhood, receiving a common- school education and assisting in the labors of the farm. He was united in marriage with Miss Mary E. Workman, Jan. 14, 1869. She was born in the .same countj^ and State as her husband, on the 10th of Juue, 1846, and was the daughter of Daniel M. and Helen (Pratt) Workman, who were also na- tives of the Buckeye State, and are both still living there. Their five children were named — Mary, Sa- rah, Lucy Clara, Ella and John. During the progress of the late Civil War Mr. McClure enlisted as a soldier in the 4th Illinois Cavalry, at Blooniington, on the 27th day of Sep- tember, 1861. He served in the same regiment until October of the following 3'ear when he was disch.arged for disability. In July, 1863, he re- enlisted in the 2d Ohio Artillery, and was mus- tered out in August, 186.j, having participated in several general engagements, among them being Ft. Henry, Donelson and Shiloh. At the close of the war he returned home and soon afterward came to Tazewell County in this State, whence after re- siding there three years he came to McLean County, which with the exception of four years spent in Ohio, has been his residence since that time. He belongs to the G. A. R., Post No. 146 at Bloomington. In politics he is a straight Re- publican, and Mrs. McC. is a member in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Of the children born to our subject and his wife the eldest, Willie, died when one year old ; the five living are Howard, Daniel, Arthur, Alice and Wal- ter. The family homestead in Dr^' Grove Town- ship embraces eighty acres of fine land, upon which is a good farm dwelling and all necessarj' barns and out-buildings, with implements and machinery for the carrying on of agriculture after the most a|)- provcd methods. Mr. McClure represented the people of Dry Grove Township in the Board of Supervisors for three terms ; has been Township Clerk two 3'cars, and is now Deputy County Clerk. He has been a member of the Central Republican Committee. He exercises a marked influence upon the politics of this section an, is still living. Tiie subject of this history received a fair educa- tion in the common schools, and was reared to maniiood on his father's farm. At the outbreak of the late Civil W'ar he enlisted as a Union .soldier in Co. C, 7th 111. A'ol. Cav., entering the service Aug. 13, 1862, and serving until July 12,186r). He partic- ipated in all the engagements of his regiment and escaped sorii.us wounds and illness, receiving his honorable discharge at the close. He tlieu re- turned to La Snlle C(juntv, 111., and was there en- m^^m-Mm- gaged in farming until February, 1879. He then sold out and removed to Eppard's Point, Livings- ton County, where he purchased 16ft acres of land, of which he still letains tlie ownership. In 1884 he removed to Meridcn, La Salle County, and en- gaged in the mercantile Inisiness for nine months. He then sold out, and coming to Weston purchased the business of John Poole, which he has since con- tinued to carry on with profit and success. He is a stanch Republican politically, served as Town Clerk seven years in La Salle County, and for a long term was a member of the Board of Educa- tion. Socially he belongs to the G. A. R., con- nected with the post at Fairbury, 111. Mr. Swap was married on the 13th of December, 1866, to Miss Sarah E., daughter of Joseph and Elsie Ann (Phillips) Watson. Mrs. S. was born in Windham County, Conn., Feb. 8, 1843, and when a young girl of eleven years came to Illinois with her fathoi'. llei- mother died in Mt. Hope, Conn., in 184s. The}- first located in La Salle County, and her father was a second time married, March 15, 1849. He now resides near Mendota, III. Mr. and Mrs. S. became the i»arcnts of four children, one of whom, Claude L., died at the age of nine years; Elsie died in infancy. Albert J. and Fithel L. are at home with their parents. A lithographic view of Mr. Swap's store building is given on aufvtlier page of this volume. ^^ FORGE H. WELCH, .an enterprising far- Ill ,-— , mer and stock-grower of Downs Township, "^^^ owns and occupies a fine homestead of 240 acres on section IG, the most of which is under a good state of cultivation. The whole estate is en- closed with good fencing and the land drained with 800 rods of tile. The stock operations of Mr. Welch have been quite extensive and successful and he bears the reputation of being one of the most thorough and intelligent agriculturists of this section. Mr. Welch is the youngest son of a family of four sons and four daughters born to his parents. Of these, five are yet living, married and comforta- bly settled in homes of their own. Our subject is 4 I t t McLEAN COUNTY. 1103 T a native of Downs Township, born June 13, ISo^f, and pursued his early studies in the district schools. These were completed at Wesleyan University and the Evergreen City Business College. At tlie con- clusion of liis studies he returned to the farm, and since that time has devoted his whole attention to its peaceful occupation. lie remained at home until some time after the death of his father, Henry Welch, which occurred April 17, 1881. His mother, formerly Miss Mary Caldwell, is still living, and nialces her home with her eldest son, James A., in Eandolijh Township. The subject of this history was married in Le Roy, at the home of the bride's parents, on the Gth of February, 1884, to Miss Sarah E. Phillipps, a brief bistorj' of whose parents will be found in the sketch of D. F. Phillipps, elsewhere in this work. Mrs. Welch was born in Dale Township, this county, Nov. 23, 1863. Her parents afterward removed to Downs Township and she remained witli tliem until her marriage, receiving a good education in the common schools. Of her union with our sub- ject there has been born one child, a son, Henry. After the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Welch they settled on their present farm, Feb. 14, 1884, where Mr. W. had already prepared a home for his bride, having erected a fine residence, finished with all the conveniences of modern life. The barn and other out-buildings correspond with the dwelling and the entire premises is well cared for and kept in good order. Our subject and his wife are regular at- tendants of the Methodist Episcopal Church, with which Mrs. W. has been connected for several years. Mr. Welch is a firm supporter of the prin- ciples of the Republican party, with which he uni- formly' casts his vote. .SAAC HARNES.S, one of the pioneer settlers of McLean County and prominently engaged t j\ as a farmer and stock-dealer, is a native of Bourbon County, Ky., and w.as born near what is now known as Cane Ridge, on the 17th of March, 1811. His father, Jacob Harness, of Virginia, was born and reared on the Potomac, being the son of Peter Harness. Jacob Harness removed with his 4' father to Keutucin' and there married Miss Chris- tina, the daughter of Jacob Smith, whose family were of German ancestry and settled in Virginia at an earl}' period in the history of that State, whence they removed to Kentucky. .Jacob Harness served as a soldier in the War of 181-2, and remained in Kentucky until his son Isaac, our subject, was seventeen years of age. Then, with his family, he removed to Fayette County, Ohio, locating near Washington Court House. His father, Peter Har- ness, had preceded him to what was afterward the Buckeye State and purchased a tract of laud 1,200 acres in extent, and gave to each of his seven sons 100 acres of timber land. These sons having been reared on a Southern plantation where the work was done by slaves, were .at first quite unequal to the task of opening up a farm in the wilderness, but tliey came of a sturdy race and in time proved themselves equal to the emergency. ,TacoI>, the father of our sul)ject, and one of these seven sons, cleared the timber from his land and proceeded with its cultivation, establishing a comfortable homeste.ad where he reared his family. Subse- quently he went to Indiana and located on Wolcott Prairie, where he remained for many years. The parents of our subject both died near Lexington, where their remains were laid to rest. Isaac Harness came to McLean County in 1832, and was joined about four years later Ijy his father and mother and they settled on the Vermilion River, near Pontiac. The country was new and very sickly, and soon they all removed to Lexing- ton and settled on a farm one mile south of the present village. This, which now constitutes the homestead of our subject, com|)ri^s 2,000 acres all in one body, and he has 1,000 acres in another part of the county. He owns beside, in the States of Missouri and Kansas, 1,140 acres. His farms are well stocked. Much of this is leased and liis rents amount to over $50,000 per annum. When Isaac Harness came to McLean County his possessions consisted of one horse, and his career is a most remarkable illustration of what may be accomi)lished by a resolute and determined will. Hard work was never a bugbear to him and he only asked for his health and strength. This w.as granted him and he proceeded, with the couiage of i I 1104 McLEAN COUNTY. i youth and high hopes for the future, to cultivate the little tract of IGO acres which comprised iiis first purchase. Kven a part of this he was obliged to give up in order to keep other parties from bid- ding against liiin when tlie land came into market. After tills first backset he industriously set himself about the improvement of his land and the estab- lishment of a home. 1 1 is first transactions in live- stock consisted in the purchase of three poor, scrawny little calves, whicii he fed until they be- came of good vahie. He enlarged his facilities as fast as possible and was soon fattening a drove of 300 hogs which he sold at $\.'>0 per hundred, re- ceiving one-half cash in ulnv months, and the other half in store pay to lie drawn at such times as he migiil need goods, lie tJKMi commenced to buy steers as his money accumulated and finally secured forty head which he fattened on gras.s and corn and which, when three years old, he sold at $4 per head. This, in those da3's, was a good profit, and encouraged him to continue his operations as a stockman. He soon afterward began to accumulate money raiiidily and then formed a partnership witli a .lew by the name of .loe (ireenebaum (now in Chicago), and embarked in the clothing trade, es- tablisiiing trade both at Lexington and I'ontiac, the goods being purchased in Cincinnati, Ohio. Mr. Harness furnished funds to the extent of ■tl 0,(100, which he put in a car|)et-sack and started for Cincinnati, having previously given his note for .i<;57,7(;."). lie jiaid the|ilO,00() and ten per cent interest on the notes until they were paid uj). In 18(>7 Mr. Harness organized the Lexington Hank, and l)ecame its Pi'csident. It lias a large paid-uj) capital and has become one of tlie perma- nent institutions of tlic town. -^ ' '^ '■ ^ ' ^-" KN.TAMIN M. qillNN. During the years from I8iVl to 1 SCO llu' fertile prairies of II .McLean County were more rapidly settled up than during an^' otiier half dozen years. Kntorjjrising men began to come in then and im- l)riive them, and to-day what was thought by the earliest settlers to Ik^ only fit for grazing purposes. 4 are the most highly cultivated and productive fields found within the borders of the rralrio State. A well-known gentleman who came in during the earliest part of the above mentioned period is B. M. Quinn, of Dale Township. He was born in JIadison County, Ky., on the 3d of September, 1820, and is the third child and second son of Hiram and Klizabeth t^uinn,a sketch of whom will be found on another p.age of this volume. The subject of this brief history was reared in his native county and, as soon as he w.is large enough, assisted his jiarents in the labors of the farm, and attended the subscription school which was held in the log cabin. He inherited a part of the old homestead and lived there with his mother until 1854. when, accomp.anied by her and his brother James W., with the wife of the latter, started overland for the prairies of Illinois. Their outfit consisted of five horses, two wagons and a carriage. Their journey was ccmiraenced on the 9th of October, and they arrived in McLean County on the 2d day of November. The house- hold goods were brought with them and they camped and cooked by the w.ay. They spent the first winter with the brother Hiram and Mr. Jona- than Park, and in the spring moved to a tract of land on section 34, whicli they occupied until the following November and then Benjamin Quinn set- tled upon the place which he now owns and occu- pies. At the time of his purchase there was upon it a one-story dwelling which included two rooms, and a shed with a straw roof. He at once set about the cultivation and improvement of his land and in due time erected a good set of frame buildings and planted fruit and shade trees. In this home, which he had i)rovided for her, his mother lived until the Gth of October, 1881, when she closed her eyes forever to the scenes of earth. From his early boyhood Mr. Quinn had been reared to habits of industry and economy and he has all his life pursued a course in accordance with his early teachings. He has thus become a good citizen, promptly meeting his various obligations in life and taking an interest in everything pertain- ing to the welfare of his community. He was a Whig in politics during the existence of that party, but since the formation of the Republican party he I qTj,)I)WARD M. BROWN, a goodly land-owner 1^ and suc(^cssful farmer of Money Creek IlLii^j Townshi|), has his residence on section 14 He is th(^ son of Robert and Sheiidan (Mc(iinnis) Briiwn, natives of Kentucky' and Ireland respeet- ivel}'. After their marriage they settled at F'rank- fort, Ky., whence they removed to Morgan Coun- ty, 111., and from there they came to this count}-, in 1810. They located in Money Creelv Township and there lived and labored until their death. He was a bl.acksmith by trade and followed the same until he was about (liirly-seven years old, when he also engaged in farming and followed those two vo- cations connectedly (biring life. They had five children, two of whom lived to attain the age of man and womanhood — I'ermelia and Edward M. I'ermelia departed this life in Money Creek Town- shii) when in her twenty-first year. Edward M. Brown was born in Morgan County, 111., April 24, 1811, .and was I )ut live years old when his parents made their home in this count}'. He w.as reared upon his father's farm and received what ediicatio)! he possesses in the common schools. Agriculture has been his vocation during life and Money Creek Township has been his home since 1840. He is now the owner of 272A acres of land, / 4 i f •►^B-^*- McLEAN COUNTY. 1111 a all of which is under an advanced state of cultiva- tion. Mr. Brown was married in BJoomington, 111., Aug. 8, IH.Ol, to Laura I). S., daughter (jf John S. and Sarah (Duniile) Janes. Mrs. Brown was born in P\ayette County, Ohio, Dec. 28, 1839, and by her union with our subject nine children have been born — Permelia A., Francis P]., (Sarah S., Nellie, Charlie, Mary, John, AViilie and Lillie. The last five children died in infancy and the others are liv- ing at home. Mr. Brown has never sought ofHce, l)referring to devote his time and attention to the cultivation and improvement of his land and to his own business. In politics he is Republican, and re- ligiously he and his wife are members of the Pres- byterian Church. -P- / AME.S STEELE, a prominent and influential citizen of West Town.ship, besides being an extensive farmer and stoclc-raiser, carries on I- general merchandising at Weedman, and is largely identified with the business and industrial interests of this section. He comes from excellent Scottish ancestry and is in all respects a fine repre- sentative of the sturdy honesty and industry which is characteristic of his race. lie was born in Glas- gow, Scotland, .Sept. 20, 1835, )>eingthe son of John Steele, and the grandson of John Steele, Sr., who were both natives of Scotland. The latter, who wa.s born in Haddington, entered the English army when young, in which he received an officer's com- mission. He participated in the principal battles of the Peninsula campaign, and was under Welling- ton at the battle of Waterloo, receiving an honora- ble wound. After the termination of that conflict he emigrated to America, in about 1841, and set- tled among friends near Louisville, K3'., where he departed this life in about 18.51, at the advanced .age of eighty-tive years. John Steele, Jr., the fatlier of our subject, was reared to agricultural pursuits, and continued a resident of his native Isle until 1842. He then joined his father in America, malting his first loca- tion with him near Louisville, Ky. Thence he re- moved to Clark County, Ind., where he followed M* farming until his death, which occurred ten years later, in 1852. He had married, in Scotland, Miss Margaret Weir, who was a native of Aj'rshire. She accompanied him to the United States, and died in Louisville, Kj'. Of their ten children, nine grew to mature years. The two youngest were born in America. James Steele, of our sketch, was the second child of his parents, and was seven years of age when they came to this country. He lived with his par- ents until eleven years of age, then went to Indi- ana and began to work out on a farm at !|8 per month. In 1853 he came to Sangamon County, 111., where he worked on a farm for three years. Although not receiving the educational advantages accorded to many boys, he possessed the love of learning, and pursued his studies unaided as well as he could, so that at the expiration of the time mentioned he was well fitted to teach, which he did for several years following. During the years of his farm work he had .saved his earnings so that he might pursue his studies, and devoted his winters mainly to attendance at the district schools, doing chores for his board. In 1855 he made such good progress that he entered the Illinois State Univer- sity at Springfield, where he was a classmate of Robert T. Lincoln, in the Preparatory and Fresh- man, and part of the time in the Sophomore class. He attended this institution until the f.all of 18(;0, with the exception of one term spent as a teacher in the family of John T. Stewart, .and then eng.aged in teaching elsewhere until he wiis called to canvass the Sixth Illinois District in the interest of Abra- h.am Lincoln .and the Republican party. After dis- charging this obligation he continued teaching un- til the fall of 18G2. During the summer of 18G2 Mr. Steele raised a company of soldiers, in Menard County, of which he was elected Captain, and which when or- ganized, was named Company K, and assigned to the 115th Illinois Infantry. In less than a year he resigned his commission and took up his former oc- cupation, as te.acher in Athens and Sweet Water, Menard County, which he continued for thirteen years following. In 1876 Mr. Steele came to Weedman, this coun- ty, having previously purchased a farm in West i t t I 1112 mclp:an county. Township. That same year he purchased the south- east quarter of section 11 , of what is now West Township, Mnd soon afterward secured a railroad station )n this land. In 187H he connnenced buy- ing grain, the following year opened a grocery store, and two years later added a stock of dry goods to his other niercliandise. He now conducts a large general store, including almost everything required by the farmer and villager, while he still manages his farm intelligently and successfully. He was appointed Postmaster at Weed man in 1879, whieii i)osition he has held since that time. The marriage of James Steele and Miss Sarah Elizabetli Ham, a native of Sangamon County, 111., tooli place on the 1 1th of April, 18G1 . Mrs. S. was the daughter of Hezekiah and Mary (Arnold) Ham, who w-ere natives of Kentucky and pioneers of Sangamon County. Their four living children are John H., Albert II., Laura B. and Minnie. Mrs. Steele de- parted this life at the home of her husband, Jan. 0, 1883. The second marriage of our subject oc- curred in May, 1884, to Miss Emma ILall, who is a native of Menard County, and the daugliter of James 1'. Hall. Of this union there has been born one ciiild, a daughter, Inez. Mr. Steele is Tresby- teriaii in religious views, and politically a stanch supporter of the Republi(!an i>arly since its organi- zation, in IS.Of). He was Secretary of the Re- publican Club at Springfu^ld, in 18.'J8, wiiich con- ducted the camjiaign between liincolnand Douglas. ss5>-iis-^ — .-.> PM. FUNK, a well-known resident of Bloomington, belongs to a family whose name has been familiar since llu^ settlement of McLean County. He was born in Funk's Grove, Aug. l;5, 1830, being the son of Hon. Is.aac Funk, and was raised on the home farm, remaining with his i)arents until twenty-four years of age. He w.as trained to habits of industry in early childhood, his first labors being on the farm, when at eight j'ears of age he (;ommenccd to drop corn in the field. His early education commenced when he six years old, in the log school-house with its pun- cheon floor, and seats and desks of sial)s. and the huge fireplace which occupied nearly one end of the stiuctnre. Light was admitted through a square hole sawed out of the logs, and the window-panes were made of greased paper. Here our subject pursued his studies during the winter season, and during tlie summer, when only nine years old was engaged in herding his father's cattle, which em- braced a large drove, and with which he was often left alone for six weeks at a time. He could tlien pick out any one of them from a drove of 1,000. In connection with liiis duty he alw.ays rode a pony and had many interesting and lively experiences in keeping the drove together. At the age of ten years he took his first trip to C'hic.ago, assisting in driving a drove of cattle to that point. The fol- lowing spring he assisted in driving the last hogs to Chicago which were taken through overland from McLean County, being accompanied by liis father and a man named George Stokes. On ac- count of iiigh water in the Kankakee River tliey could not cross at Kankakee, so tliey turned and crossed at Morris, swimming tlie animals and liav- ing only two drownc'd. They had a spring wagon, the box of wliich they removed, and took apart the other pieces, whicli tliey loaded on a skilT, rowing it .across, then returned and caused one horse to swim besides, and after the}- had got him safely landed went back for the other. They recovered the drowned hogs, loaded them into the wagons and took them to Chicago, and Mr. Stokes went on ahead with them as rapidly .as possible, so that they would make good soap grease. Our subject continuei(i4, to Miss Mary E. Houser, who was the fifth child of Jonathan and Susan (Mason) Houser, natives of Kentuclcy. Mrs. F. came to Illinois witii her parents when a ciiild six j'ears old. Tliey settled first at Randolph Grove, whence they removed to Bloomington in 1878, and of eight years. He had attended Weslcyan University two years, and while teaching gave his leisure hours to the study of phai-macy. In this he was greatly interested and it seemed adapted to his tastes, and he has been successful in his operations in connection therewith. The build- ing which he erected and in which is located his store and adjoining rooms, contains the Town Hall, which occupies the upper fioor, and is 40x80 feet in area. Besides iiis village property, he also owns 160 acres of land on section 4, in Randolph Town- ship. Of this Mr. Hill is sole manager; superin- tends its improvements and has a general oversight of the operations conducted thereon. As may be supposed his time is all occupied, but he is equal to the emergency, being of that energetic and in- dustrious temperament which is able to accomplish much in a brief space of time. Ml-. 11 ill was married on the .")Mi of .lane, 1873, <»- i t. •►-■-^^ McLEAN COUNTY. 1115 to Miss Maggie B., the daughter of J. K. Wake- field, of Randoli)h Township, the wedding taking place in Hey worth. Mrs. Hill was born in Ran- dolph Township, July 6, 1853, and completed her education at Steubenville, Ohio. Of her union with our subject there have been born four children — Myrtle E., A. .Fern, Raymond C, and one who died in inf.incy. Mr. Hill is Democratic in poli- tics, and with his wife is a member in good stand- ing of the Presbyterian Church. f/^^ AMIIEL STRAWN, who has been an hon- ^^^ ored citizen of McLean County for a per- ((\/_^) iod of over seventeen years, owns and oc- cupies a valuable farm estate in Blooming- ton Township, on section 21, where he is success- fully engaged in general farming. His homestead consists of 107 acres, and besides this he operates 249^ acres in another part of the county. Mr. Strawn was born in Greene County, Pa., on the 14th of November, 1839, and remained in his native State until he was fifteen years old. Then, in the fall of 1854, his parents' famil}- emigrated to the State of Illinois, and locating in La Salle County, established a comfortable home where the old folk still live, the possessors of a fine property. The parents of our subject were John R. and Ade- line (Dance) Strawn, natives of the same county and State as their son, and engaged there in farm- ing pursuits. John Strawn w.as born in 1812, and his wife, Adeline, two years hiter. Samuel Strawn was the eldest of his parents' children, and re- mained with them until he was about thirty years old. He then came to this county, and since that time has been closely identified with its industrial and business interests. The marriage of Samuel Strawn and Miss Hester J. Knapp took place in Fulton Count}-, 111., on the 27th of December, 1874. Mrs. Strawn was born in Logan County, 111., Dec. 11, 1850, and was the daughter of Porter and Martha (Brittenhaur) Knapp, natives respectively of New York and Ohio. They were married in Madison County, the latter State, whence the}' removed to Fulton County, 111., in 1851, where the father died eleven years later, in the city of Canton. He was a shoemaker by trade, an honest, industrious and highlj- re- spected citizen. The mother is now living with hia' daughter, Mrs. Straun, and is sixty-nine years old. Of the union of Samuel Strawn and his wife there were born five children, one of win mi. .lolni, is deceased. Those living are: Fred L., iNIattie A., Spencer N. and Alice L., the latter twins. Mr. and Mrs. Strawn have '-pulled together" in their efforts to secure a permanent and comfortable liomc^ and are now reaping the reward of their self-sacri- fice and industry. They have an attractive farm residence, good barns and out- buildings, an( all the appliances of a first-class country estate. Mr. Strawn, politically, is an uncompromising Democrat and a loyal citizen, actively interested in every- thing that pertains to the welfare of his community. ■»-^»t^ ^!i^ ->^5.t^> 2 i)ounds and once mor(' experienceil llu' delights of perfect health. He returned home and spent, the winter and came back in the spring to iiloomington, where fornearly three years afterward he was book-keeper for Mr. K. S. Henjamin, engagi;d in general merchandising. In 1 «(>;!, Walter W. Rogers was united in mar- riage witli Miss Caroline, daughter of William II. Allen of nioomington, and a native of this city. After niariiage the young people went to New York, where our subject engaged in farming near his native iilace for the following five years. He then removed into the village of Valatie in the .same county, where he resid(Ml fourteen years, after which he was engaged in looking after the landed interests of his father in the Western States and Territories. In 1882 he returned to Illinois and settled upon the farm which he now owns and oc- cupies. Here he has 200 acres of valuable land, the cultivation of which he superintends, and also still continues as the agent of his father. Ilis stock con- sists of Ilambletonian and Norman horses and Jer- sey and Holstein cattle. Of this business he has a thorough understanding and exhil)its some of the i-M— finest animals to be found along the Mississippi Valley. Mr. Rogers in early life took a great interest in politics but has ikiw practicality abtiudoned it, al- though he uniforndy casts his vote in support of the principles of the Democratic party. Religiously he was reared a (^u.aker and adheres to the faith which was taught him from his earliest childhood. He is in all respects fulfilling the ol)ligations of a good citizen and numbers hosts of warm friends in this part of McLean Countj'. ^^ IIARLKS E. IIAYW' ARD, M. D., represents jlf the medical profession at Cropsey, where he ^^^' has been located since the spring of 1881. He is a native of the Prairie State and was born in Brimfleld, Peoria County. Feb. 10, 1853. His parents, Charles and Harriett Hayward, were na- tives of England, and emigrated to the United States in 1851, settling in Peoria County, where the father engaged in mercantile business at Hrim- field. From there, in 1857, they removed to Wood- ford County, and located on a farm near Ell Paso. There Charles Hayward, Sr., became the owner of a farm, but only applied himself to agricultural pur- suits for a few years. After selling his land he re- moved to Minonk, and pursued his former business of a merchant, which he continued until 187G, when having arrived at an advanced age, he retired from active labor. He now resides at El Paso in the en- joyment of the competency which he accumulated during his earlier years of active enterprise and in- dustry. His first wife, the mother of our subject, died in November, 185.'!, leaving five children: Stephen K.; Elizabeth, now the wife of William Edwards; Edward; Annette, now Mrs. Willi.am Renord, and our subject, who at the time was not a year old. The father was again married, in 1854, to Miss Cordelia Oilbert. The result of this union was one child, a d.anghter, .lessie, now the wife of S. W. Smith of Cropsej'. The subject of this history received a good com- mon-.school and literary education, and when nine- teen years of age, connr.enced reading medicine in the office of Drs. Wilcox & Blanchard, of Minonk. i t t -4^ McLEAN COUNTY. 1117 lie took his first course of lectures in the winter of 1875, at Rush Medical College, Chicago, from which he graduated in the spring of 1877. After receiving his diploma, he located in Morton, Taze- well Count}', whence, in 1881, he removed to Crop- sey, which has since been his home and where he has built up a flattering patronage. Dr. Hay ward was married at Morton, Tazewell County, in 1880, to Miss Sylvia C, daughter of Joseph L. and Mary (Seeley) Hay ward. Mrs. H. was born at Morton, and by her marriage with our sub- ject, has become the mother of two children — Louise and Eugenia. Aside from the income de- rived from his practice Dr. Hayward is a member of the firm of Loar & Hayward, who are carrying on a thriving drug business at Cropsey. The Doctor occupies a high position among his professional brethren in this locality, and socially enjoys the confidence and esteem of a large circle of friends and acquaintances. *—*■** 'J^SiS:!- ♦'■^ ' y>ILLIAM BROWN. On section l.'j, in Downs Township, lies a snug farm of eight}' acres, finely improved and in a good state of cultivation, and which invariably attr.acts the eye of the passing traveler as being the home of thrift and prosperitj', and under the supervision of an intelligent and enterprising proprietor. This pretty and comfortable homestead is the property of the gentleman whose name stands nt the head of this sketch. He has been a resident of this county and township since the spring of 18,53, and since taking possession of his present homestead has brought about manj' improvements, among them a tasteful and substantial dwelling, handsomely fin- ished after the most approved style. Mr. Brown studied his first lessons in the schools of his native township, and completed his education in Wesleyan University at Bloom ington. He afterward engaged in the hard ware and giocery trade at Le Roy. In this he was very successful. Being of an inventive turn of mind, in 1873 he patented the well-known Brown Hog Ring and Ringer. He obtained his first patent the following year, subsequently improved and repatented it, and after still further improvement started a manufactory in Le Roy and controlled the whole business until 1875. He then received wiiat he considered a good price for his patent and sold it, but afterward found that he had parted with it for far less than its real value, and had allowed a small fortune to slip out of his hands. This contrivance has since been manufactured and sold at great profit. After disposing of this Mr. Brown also sold out his hardware business and going to La Fayette, Ind., engaged as a traveling salesman for the firm of Harding, Barber & Co., manufacturers of ornamental fencing, etc. He was thus engaged two years, then returned to Le Roy and began business on his own account in the grocery trade, which he carried on for some years and until he purchased his present farm, in the fall of 1885. This he has since operated successfully and is bringing it to the comlition ivf a first-class modern farm estate. Mr. Brown was only thirteen j'ears of age when his mother died and since that time he has been battling for himself. He came to Le Roy in 1809. His father, Elijah Brcnvu, carried on the hardware trade in Zanesville, Ohio, for some years and at the same time was engaged in farming. He finally re- moved to Kingman, Kan., and died, there in l.SSL The parents of our subject were natives of Ohio, but of German descent and parentage. The mother before her marriage was Miss Rebecca Peck. Our subject was the youngest but tvvo of a family of three sons and four daughters, one of the latter be- ing now deceased. Those living arc married and settled in comfortable homes. Two brothers, John W. and George P., served as soldiers of the Union, enlisting in an Illinois company. One was in the Army of the Potomac, the other in the Army of the West. George P. was wounded, being shot through both knees. He was in the last battle of the war and present at the time of Lee's surrender. He is now a traveling salesman for Marshall Field of Chicago. William 1). Brown was united in marriage with Miss Laura Barnett on the 2 1st of January, 1873, in the village of Le Roy. Mrs. B. was born and reared in INIcLean County, of which her parents were among the earliest settlers. Her father opened I M^ i f 1118 McLEAN COUNTY. one of the first stores at Le Roy, keeping a stock of general merchandise, suited to all the needs of the pioneers botli for the houseliold and farm. The name of her father was Thomas J. Harnett and her mother before her marriage was Miss Emeline Gil)li. The latter was ;i or;i(hi;ite of Oberliu College, Ohio, and is now living in Le Uo}', being sixty- nine years of age. Thomas ISarnell departed this life at Le Roy, Sept. 1, 1.S.S2, and the latter part of his life lived in retirement. !\Ir. anil Mrs. Ihown have one child only, a son, Orrin. Koth our sid)jeet and liis wife are members in good standing of the Baptist Cliurch, and politi- cally Mr. Drown is a solid Republican. '{ui^ ylLLIAM I'FJT/KNMKVKR, a well-to-do and an enterprising (ierman citizen of Empire Township, was Iiorn in the village of ( iros/..\spach, in Wurtemlierg, (iermaiiy, April II, 1S27. 1I(^ is thi^ son of Joshua and Catherine I'fit/.enmeyer, who s|)ent their entire lives upon a farm in their native I:iud. In accordance with the laws and eusloms of his n;itiv(? country, our sub- ject commenced attending school at a very early age, and continued his studies until fourteen years old. lie then .served two years at brick-making, after which he worked as a journeyman at a salary of $.■)() per year. Not being satisfied with his con- dition <>v his prospects in his native land, he de- cided to emigrate to the United States, and in May, 1848, set sail frou) the city of Antwerp. After a voyage of forty-two daj's he Lauded in New York, whence he came directly to Illinois, locating first at Tulaski. The trip from New York was made via the Hudson River to Alban3-, by rail to Iiuftalo, and by the lakes to Cleveland. Thence he proceeded to the Ohio River, by that and the Illi- nois to Pekin. He worked at his trade in Pulaski, and was .soon enabled to pay the debt which he had contracted in order to come to America. After four or five years he became a resident of Bloom- ington, and in 1851 returned to the old country to 4* visit among his old friends and acquaintances. He also attended to some imixirtaut business while there, namely, the taking unto himself a partner and helpmeet, in the person of Miss Sophia C. II. Ruter, to whom he was married on the iTth of March, 18i)0. The young couple .soon set sail for the new home, which the husband had prepared in Le Roy, this county, where they remained, how- ever, only one year and a half. Mr. P. then i)ur- chased five acres of wild land, which was the be- ginning of his present homestead. This land was covered with hazel brush and stumps. He erected a small frame house in accordance with his means, and commenced the manufacture of brick, which he has continued successfully since that time. By adhering to his first purpose of living within his income, he soon found himself with quite a little capital at his disposal. This he invested in real estate, and from time to time purchased small tracts of land until he is now the iiosses.sor of 210 acres, upon which he has erected a fine brick dwelling and frame bain. These and other improve- ments rank with the best in the county, and while still carrying on his brick manufactory he has en- gaged successfully in general agriculture and stock- raising. A view of his place is shown in this vol- ume. The wife of our subject was boiu in Kibensbach, Wurtemberg, (iermauy, Jan. 18, 1827, and is the daughter of Charles and Elizabeth (Beilhartz) Ruter, both natives of the same Province. Her father was a teacher in the jjuldic schools for a period of sixteen years, and ;i member of the Teachers' Association there, from which his widow- now draws a pension. Mr. and Mrs. P. became the parents of two children, of whom only one is now living, a son, Hugo O. Their first-born, a daugh- ter, whose birth occurred April 9, 1857, met lier death by falling into a well and drowning, on the 10th of July, 18G2. Our subject and his wife were reared in the doctrines of the Lutheran Church. Mr. P., politically^ is a stanch supporter of the Democratic party. Four sisters of our subject emigrated toAmeriea after his arrival here. A brother of Mrs. P. came in about 1 854, and after a brief residence in Mon- treal came to Hloomington, where at the commence- M $ TW %>f|-W ?^i^'*'' ^ i^fS ) ' F 1' ''fr^ps-^ ^ ^^:f:L.^^:=: I to ''■^ ■^s^ t McLean county. U. 1121 ,l' ment of the war he joined the engineer corps of Col. Bissel, and died in the United States service at Vicksburg. i '\f] OSEPH JENNINGS, one of the most suc- cessfnl farmers and stoclc-raisers of Padua Township, lias for many years given special jittention to the breeding of Short-horn cattle, in which business he has made for himself an enviable reputation. He is a gentleman of great energy and industry and nothing jjleases him moie than to see everything about him in a thriving and prosperous condition, whether it pertains to his own premises or to his community and county at large. He has been a resident of McLean County since the spring of 1865, and is now the owner of 560 broad acres of the best land in Padua Town- ship. This is all improved and supplied with a shapely and substantial set of farm buildings. The residence is a handsome and convenient modern structure, finely located, and invariably attracts the attention of the passing traveler. This Album is embellished with a view of this dwelling and its surroundings. The farm with its appurtenances constitutes one of the prettiest spots in the land- scape of McLean County and indicates in all respects the supervision of tlie intelligent and pro- gressive farmer. Mr. .Jennings is a descendant of excellent J^n- o-lish and Irish ancestry and is the son of John Jennings, vvho was born in the Empire State, of which our subject is also a native, having been born in Niagara County, May 17, 1818. When about five years of age the parents removed from Niagara to Erie County, locating on a farm where the mother died a few years later. The father then came to Illinois and settled in Tazewell Count}', where he spent the remainder of his life, dying at the home of his son, our subject, in the fall of 1864. The mother before her marriage was Miss Polly Sherman. Joseph Jennings grew to manluiod in Erie County, N. Y.. receiving a fair education in the common schools. He was married Jan. 12, 1845, to Miss Polly, daughter of John and Lucinda (Dewey) Arnold, natives of Hartford, Washing- ■<• ' ton Co., N. Y. There they were both reared and after marri.age removed to the southern part of Erie County, N. Y., settling on a farm in Collins Township, where all their children were born. Of these Mrs. J. was the third child and second daugh- ter, in a family of four sons and three daughters. The i)arents late in life removed to Illinois, where the mother died in Tazewell County, Aug. 20, 1865. The father afterward removed to Peoria, where he departed this life in about 1866. Our subject and his wife first located upon a farm in Erie County, N. Y., where five of their children were born. In 1857 they came to this State, locating on a new farm of IGO acres in Taze- well County, which remained their home until they came to this county. Here three children were added to the home circle; one is deceased. Their family record is as follows: Malinda be- came the wife of George Wells, a farmer of Pax- ton, Ford Co., 111.; Josephine married William Murphy, a farmer of Woodbury County, Iowa; Emeline married Howard Larue, a lumber dealer of Corning, Iowa; Rebecca, Mrs. Oliver Story, resides with her husb.and on a farm in Blue Mound Town- ship; Lucinda, Willis .and James are all living on farms in Martin Township; Saralj, who married John Dickey, a f;irmer, lives in Bellettower Town- ship; Wilford remains with his parents and .assists his father in conducting the farm. Mr. and Mi'S. .Tennings are members in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and politically our subject is identified with the Republican p.arly. -s- #^ -v^ =^EORGE KIRK, one of the most highly re- spected citizens and successful farmeVs of Belleflower Township, is a native of Mason County, Ky., and was born Aug. 24, 1843. His father, Benedict Kirk, w.as a native of Maryland, and descended from excellent Scotch-Irish ances- try. Benedict was but one year old when his par- ents removed from Maryland to Kentucky, where they were among the earliest pioneers, and there his father died. His widow, the grandmother of our subject, afterward removed to Rush County, Ind., where she spent the remainder of her life. Her .^ i I 1122 i McLEAN COUNTY. son Henedict grew to manhood in Mason County, Ky., where he iiinrrieil, [jun^hased a farm and es- tablisheil a permanent homestead, and where he spent the remainder of his life, nis death oceurring Jan. 25, 1887. Ikmediet Kirk was up to the time of tlie war one of tlie most [ironiinent farmers and stocian(l, on tlie 20t.li of Mairli, IS.'Jo. Theii' seven (•hildrcn were iiamccl .lames N., .John, Maggie, (ieorge, Rochester 15., Robert and Charles. Mag- gie became Mrs. .b)sepii Wood, and lives in Mason County. Ky.; Robert ('. is a resident of Maj'sville, Mason Co., Ky., and in fact all the family are resi- dents of the latter-named county except our sub- ject. (ieorge Kirk remained under the home roof un- til 18('il. The Civil War being then in i^rogress he enlisted in November of that year in Company L, 2d Keiituc^ky Cavaliy, and was in active service three years and three mouths. He was .assigned to the Army of the Cumberland, and was at Chicka- uiauga, and was taken prisoner just jirior to the batUc of Murfreesboro. lie performed his duties as a soldier in a liravc an' and Robert Guth- rie. His father's family came the following j'car. The journey was made overland and Mr. Spawr was active in driving the slieep and cattle which they brought with them. ()u arriving here he located in Money Creek timber ann the Little Vermilion, moved tlieir fami- lies into Monej' Creek Township. The volunteers from Indiana, .about 000 in number, camped with- in twenty or thirty rods of Mr. Spawr's house, and during the niglit tliey had two false alarms. At one time a liglitniug bug sliowcd its phosphorous and one of the guards flred at the liarmless insect and the camp was in an uproar. Hut after awhile matters were ([uieted. Soon another gun was dis- charged and it was found tiiat a soldier, wlio had a pique against two others, h.ad tired into their tent. The excitement among the soldiers was very great for awhile, and one of them while loading his gun, mistook a can of buttermilk for a powder-horn and loaded his gun accordingly. The soldiers woke Mr. Spawr to issue a wan-ant for the arrest of the man who attempted to shoot his comrades, but Mr. Spawr told them tiiat their own nuirtial law should settle such matters. The town of Lexington was laid off in 183.5, and in 1836 Mr. S. moved there from Money Creek timber. It was during December of tliat year tiiat the great sudden change of the weather oc- curred, and Mr. Spawr says that he saw the water lilown int(_) waves and frozen that way. He speaks of anotlier sudden change almost as severe. In November, 1842, he started for Chicago with a [larty to drive hogs. The weather had liecu mild but it snowed and melted, and by the 7th of No- vember, it froze up. On the return c)f tiie party from Cliicago they crossed the Kankakee on the lot' at the rai)ids, where the water runs as swiftly as a mill race. The thaw came in January but the cold weather again returned, and winter continued until March. The union of our subject with Miss Trimmer has been blest by the birth of eight cliildren, and five are living at this writing, all daughters. He has twenty-four grandchildren living and four de- ceased, and also nine great-grandchildren living and one dead. Our subject w.as Justice of the Peace in Money Creek Townshij) for about nine j-ears, and also Postmaster for a numlter of years, in the early history of Lexington. He was likewise Notary Public for several years, and in 1840, took the census of the county. He was familiarly ac- quainted with President Lincoln, Judge David •► 'i t 1124 A McLean county. D.ivis, .Iiulyo Swt'ut of Chicago, and other leading men of llie SUitc, who used to stop at his house fiv([iienlly in caily days, and our subject takes great delight in i-ehiling stories of tiiese great men as tlH'3- :i()i)earcd in tliose good old days. His good wife died al)out seven years ago, and he is now passing llie sunset of life in peace and quiet, retired from active labor at Lexington. Me is of medium height, rather stoutly built, and seems to be enjoying good health in his old age. He is of a ()uiet disi)osition, kindly disposed, and much looked up to among the old settlers. He is universally respect.eil for his woith iind integrity and is well known thi'oughout the entire 'county. -•M-^- 'fl^^ ON. (JKOIKJK \V. FUNK, of IJloomington, r ji is a native of McLean County, and was born ((• May 1 1, liS27, at Funk's (Injve. He is the if Isaac and ('assan, and being the <^ldest of the family had become general manager, buying and selling stock and shipping the same to New York. From the age of eighteen until twenty-five he drove cattle and hogs to the Chieaw) market. Be- fore leaving home the hogs had to be weighed by means of a pole laid across the fence, the steelyards being upon t)ne end and the hog in a sort of har- ness on the other. A man at the end of the pole hoisted up the porker, and after his weight was as- certained he was ready for market. In these days this would be considered a tedious process, but the pioneers of that time gloried in the resolution with which they overcame dillienlties, and this little in- convenience was oidy one of the many which they cheerfully encountered and overcame. Mr. F'unk contiinied his stock operations in this manner until about isr)4, and then commenced shipi)ing to New York City. He has been remark- ably succcssfid in his business transactions, and nearly every week he and his brother have sent carloads of stock either to Chicago or New Y'ork. He assisted in the settlement of his father's estate in 1 SOT), and received 1,000 acres more than any other meml)er of the family on account of having remained upon the homestead and taken care of it after the other sous had left. A peculiarity of this family, probably not possessed b}' .any other in the State, is the fact that the land which passed from father to son has lieen religiously retained and in- variably added to I13' thrift and industry. The subject of our sketch is now the possessor of -1,400 acres of l;in(l in McLean County, 1,G00 of which lie in Funk's drove Township. In West Township he owns the old Indian Town. The farm buildings appertiiiniug to his estate are beautiful and substantial structures, and invariably attract the eye of th(> traveler through this section. The agricultural operations on this Large tract of land have been carried on in the most systematic m.an- ncr, everything moving with the precision of clock work; the farm machinery being after the most ap- proved patterns, and the barns and other out-huild- ing furnished with :dl the appliances necessary for the shelter of stock and the storing of grain. The subject of this liist(jry was married in .Lanu- ary, 18(!.s, to Miss Su.san Pumplley, a native of Ohio, who was reared in Kentucky and came with her parents to Illinois in 1863. Mrs. Susan P'unk departed this life on the 15th of December, l^lbS, leaving one child, Isaac (4., now eighteen years of age, and a student at Lawrenceville, N. J. Mr. t -* I ii::::^' ly?^X^(ryL \ I t McLEAN COUNTY. Funk married, for his second wife, Miss Rose, the daughter of William and Hannah Fitzwilliams, of Bloomington, and they have two children — Madeline and Julius F. The town residence of Mr. F. and his family is located at No. 401 East Washington street, where they are surrounded by- all the reflnements and luxuries of modern life. George W. Funk is a worthy member of the f.'imily so well known throughout this section as having been closely identified with its agricultural and industrial interests, and who have so materially assisted in the development and progress of one of the richest counties of the Prairie State. The word of Mr. Funk is considered as good as his bond. Socially he is kind and generous in disposition, charitable and hospitable, and a liberal contributor to, and supiJorter of every measure calculated for the well-being of society. In earlier years he was identified with the old Whig Jiarty, but later has cheerfully endorsed the principles of the Repub- licans. In 1870 he was elected a member of the General Assembly of Illinois, and served two years with credit to himself and satisfaction to his con- stituents. He has been Supervisor of Mt. Hope Township; is a stockholder in the First National Bank of Bloomington, a stockholder and Director in the Gas Company and, in short, identified with most of the enterprises which have been set on foot and were calculated for the niatei'ial good of the county and township. It may be truly said that in all respects Mr. Funk has fulfilled the obligatons of a good citizen in a manner not excelled by any before him, or that could be excelled by any who may come after. ^ACOB M. MINTON. Worthy of mention among the successful stock-raisers of Mc- Lean County, and their luimber is not a few, 1^^ is .1. M. Minton. Though young in years as well as in his chosen department of business, he has already established for himself an enviable rei»utation as a good citizen and a thorough-going and enterprising member of the agricultural and industrial community. Mr. Minton is comfortably located near Heyworth, on section 9 of Randolph \ 1127 iii Township. Upon his farm he is making a specialty of Poland-China swine, and is in possession of some valuable registered animals. His herd was started at Wapella, 111., in 1882, and he has mate- riall}' incre.ased it since that time. He has now one of the best herds, and probably the largest, in Cen- tral Illinois, and his animals have taken more pre- miums than any others in this part of the State. His herd w.as started with Young Roe, No. 2,201, Vol. 5, of Central Poland-China Record. He has since had at the head of his herd the well-known J. C. Eye, registered No. 2,803, in the same book. He has now Arnold's Choice, who will be registered in Vol. 8 of the Central Herd Book, and is among the best hogs in the State. This department of stock-raising yields our subject a handsome in- come, and he has gained a reputation. Mr. Minton was born in Claiborne County, Tenn., July l(j, 1850. His father, Phillip Minton, w.as a native of the same State and a farmer by occupa- tion. During the late Civil War, he served in the Confederate army, and was shot through the head at Kennesaw Mountain. He survived nine days, and then died at Atlanta Hospital. The maiden name of Mrs. Minton was Marinda Huddleson, and she is still living on the Minton homestead in Claiborne County, Tenn., being seventy-five years old. After the death of her husband she was mar- ried a second time. The subject of this history was the eldest of his father's famih'. Following him came Frank M., who is now living with Jacob M., and also W. B. and Cornelia M., who came North in 1884. Jacob M. Minton received a good education in his native county, and remained .at home after his father's death, until eighteen years of age. He then went West, first settling in Atchison County, Kan., whence, after three years, he returned to Tennessee and remained until 1873. He then came to Illinois, and engaged as a farm laborer for a few years, living temperately and within his means, and becoming well fitted for the further struggle of life. Thus growing up into manhood and p.assing onw.ard in the rugged pathw.ay of time, disciplined in the stern school of experience, he was prepared to meet every emergency with a steady and a ready hand. i ■'^: ik 112 McLEAN COUNTY. 4 The marriiige uf our subject occurred on the 19th of December, 1«7«, at Hey worth, in this county, the lady of his choice being Miss Mary A. Creswcll, of Quebec, Canada, who was born Aug. 14, 1856. Her parents were of Scotch ancestry, and oame from the North of Ireland to Canada, where her father died when she was a child of about six years old. Her mother, formerly Miss .Sarah Lowrey, now lives in Heyworth with her two daughters — Jennie and .Maggie. Mr. and Mrs. Minton have become the parents of four children, all living — Charlie C, Chesley W., Wilej' B. and John P. Mrs. Minton is a mem- ber in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and their ple.asant home is the resort of many warm friends who are hosiiitablj' entertained. 3Ir. Minton, in politics, is a stanch Democrat, and while in De Witt County, held the olFice of Town- ship Collector. As a splendid exiimple of what may be accom- plished by an energetic, entorin-ising and deter- mineil man, we jjoint to Mr. Mint(jn, and take plcasuic in giving ills jjortrait in this vulume. LKJiED J. WELCH, a very successful far- '^Hl mer of Downs Townshi)), is proprietor of 311 acres of valuable land, finely located on sections 1 7 and 1 8, and twelve acres on sections 5 and 7, the residence being on the first. The greater part of the farm is improved and under a good state of cultivation, and well drained with 700 rods of tile. Tlie place is furnished with good buildings and fences, and all the appliances of the modern and jirogressive agriculturist. Mr. Welch is a native of this county, born in Downs Township July .5, 18.').'), and tln^ youngest of four sons and four daughters born to his parents. He pursued ids earlier studies in the district schools and completed his education in Wesleyjin Univer- sity. He made his home with his parents until his marri.ige, Nov. li), 1879, to Miss Bell, tlic daughter of James Fulton, of whom a sketch will be found elsewhere in this volume. Mrs. W. w.as born, reared and educated in Downs Township, and when six- teen 3'ears of age commenced teaching, which she followed saccessfully for a sliort time. Of her union with our subject there have been born three children, of whom one, W.alter H., is deceased. The two daughters Ifving are Grace and Martha. Mr. and Mrs. Welch since their marriiige have lived upon their present homestead, where our sub- ject has followed his chosen vocation with more than ordinary success. The farm is well stocked with cattle, horses, sheep and swine, and everything about the premises is kept in the best condition. Our subject .and liis wife are not connected with any church organization but have endeavored as well ^ A* A- 1130 McLEAN COUNTY. dents and the glorious victory which followed. John Ellsworth had learned the trade of a carpenter when a young man, and after liis return from the war pursued tliis and farnii]ig the remainder of his life. After marriage they settled near Bowling Green, Ky., whore their son William, of our sketch, was born, on the 1st of September, 1817. Six years later John Ellsworth set out with his family for Illinois, and located in St. Clair County, about thirty miles from St. Louis, where the parents pa.ssed tiie remainder of their lives, the father hav- ing attained the age of eighty-four years. William Ellsworth set out early in life to earn his own livelihood, working first upon a farm in St. Clair Count}-, 111., and employing himself fi>r a number of years at whatever his hands could find to do. After reaching manhood he was married to Sarah Tolbert, of St. Clair County, 111. Three children were born of this union : John, who lives in Wich- ita, Kan. ; Oeorge, a resident of Cowley County, that State, and Jane married Joseph Bishop, and they .ire living at Ileyworth. Mrs. Sarah Ellsworth died in St. Clair County, in 1847. The second marriage of our subject took place in St. Clair County, 111., Nov. 8, 1848, with Mrs. Mary E. Chesney, widow of Robert Chesney, and daughter of Kincheon and Elizabeth (Elder) Pitts. By her union with Rob- ert Chesney there was born a daughter, Harriet, who married John S. Bishop, and they live in lian- doli)h Townsliii). Mrs. Ellsworth was born near Murfreesboro, Tenn., May 10, 1823. Her parents were natives of tlie same State, her father being en- gaged in farming. Tliey left their native State in 1828, and came with their two children, Marj' E. and Nancj-, to St. Clair County, III., where they lo- cated upoUi members of the Baptist Church, as also were John Kllsworlh and his wife before tiiey died. Mrs. Ellsworth remained under the home roof until her marriage, assisting her parents in the la- bors of the farm and houseiiold duties. B3' her marri.age with our subject she Ixx-ame the mother of eight children, of whom tiie lecord is as follows: M Kincheon, who married Miss Mary J. Bishop, and they live on a farm in Downs Township; William S. married the adopted daughter of William Elders, and is engaged in liutchering in Ileyworth; James M., deceased; Emily 13ecame the wife C. I. Mc- Combs, a farmer and blacksmith of Downs Town- ship; C. Walter married Miss Minnie Candle, and is carrying on a real-estate business at Wichita, Kan. ; E. W. is unmarried, and does business with his brother, C. W., in Kansas, and Mary B. is the wife of John Crookshank, and resides with her fa- ther on the old homestead. After marriage Mr. Ellsworth staid in St. Clair County until the fall of 185M, when he removed with his family to McLean County, and located in Downs Township, where he h.as since lived. Heat one time owned considerable land. The homestead embraces 170 acres, in a good state of cultivation, with a handsome and convenient residence and all necessary out-buildings. He is considered one of the representative men ()f this county, being enter- prising and industrious, prompt to meet his obli- gations, and in all respects is fulfilling the duties of a good citizen. JVIrs. Ellsworth is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Cluirch, and our subject, po- litically, affiliates with tlu^ Republican party. ^ETER R. NAFFZINGER owns .and occu- ))) pies a fine homestead in Montgomery '' Township, Wooilford County, where he lives retired from active labor, the farm being managed by his son. The subject of our sketch is a native of Germany, born Oct. 11, 1824. His parents were Peter and Barl)ara (Bceic) Naff- zinger, natives of Germany, the father born Feb. 23, 1789, and tiie mother in 1796. They were married Marcii 8, 1812, and ten years later emi- grated to the United States. They landed in New- York City, whence they proceeded to Canada, where tiiey remained tliree years, then returned to the States .and located in Butler County, Ohio. There Mr. N. purchased forty acres, of land, which he cultivated and upon which he lived until 1843. He then removed to Woodford County, 111., where his de.ath occurred in September, 1885. The fol- ^4 i u .t MCLEAN COUNTY. 1131 lowing children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Peter Naffzinger : Elizabeth, who married INIichael Kist- ler; .Jacob, who married Magdalena Rokie; Mag- dalena, who became the wife of Michael Kinzinger; Barbara, who became Mrs. Daniel Otto; Thebe, Mrs. Christian Scheattlcr; Peter R., of our sketch; Catherine, who married Michael Zimmerman; Val- entine married Miss Elizabeth Stiger. The parents were connected with the Mennonite Church. The subject of this history was but two years of age when his parents came to America. He was reared at home ; educated in the common schools, and remained under the parental roof until his marriage, which occurred in Woodford County, III., Jan. 26, 1851. The lady of his choice was Miss Magdalena, the daughter of Joseph and Bar- bara (Rokie) Ingle, natives of Germany, where they were married in 1816. Joseph and Barbara Ingle became the parents of eight children — Jos- eph, Catherine, Barbara, Magdalena, Mary, Chris- tian, and two who died in infancy unnamed. They also are members of the Mennonite Church. After his marriage, Mr. Naffzinger purchased 100 acres of good land, upon which he erected a handsome and substantial farm dwelling, which he still occupies. He subsequently added to his orig- inal purchase and now has 200 acres of good and productive land. Mr. and Mrs. N. became the parents of ten chil- dren, of whom Barbara and Mary are deceased; Catherine became the wife of Samuel Garber; Val- entine married Miss Susan Knajjple ; Joseph is de- ceased ; Benjamin married Miss I'lorence McLach- lin ; Phebe is deceased ; Samuel, Rosa and Anna are at home. Our subject and his wife belong to the Mennonite Church, and politically Mr. Naff- zinger is a stanch Democrat. During the late war he was drafted into the army, but secured a sub- stitute and returned home. /<^EORGE McNAUGHT, deceased, was one of III (=-, the most substantial business men of Lex- ^^li ington, where he was engaged for a number of years. He was a native of Owen County, Ind., born near Indianapolis, Jan. 17, 1812, his parents -4«- being Thomas and Catherine (Bartholomew) Mc- Naught, the former a native of the North of Scot- land, and the latter the daughter of Gen. Bartholo- mew who fought under Gen. Harrison in the battle of Tippecanoe. Thomas McNaught, the father of our subject, emigrated to America when a young man, before his marri.ige. George was the first born son and one of fourteen children, seven sous and seven daugh- ters, twelve of whom lived to become men and women who married and had families of their own. Of these seven still survive. The father removed to Indiana at an early period in the history of the State. Our subject only enjoyed the advantages of a nine months' education in school, but he was fond of reading and through his own exertions be- came a fair scholar and well informed upon ail mat- ters of general interest. He remained under the home roof until he attained to years of manhood and in August, 1839, was united in marriage with Miss Nancy, the daughter of Col. John and Mary Franklin. In the fall of 1840 our subject made his first trip to McLean County, and purchased from Gen. Bartholomew a tract of land three miles west of Lexington. He then returned to Indiana after his family and the following spring took pos- session of his purchase, where he became success- fully engaged as an agriculturist and stock-trader. This was before the time of railroads, and during the first year he drove his animals to Chicago which was then a small town. [He continued in this business, shipping later by railroad, until his death, which occurred May 25, 1864. Mr. and Mrs. McNaught had become the parents of six sons, all of whom were liviug at the time of his death. John T. is now deceased ; James, who has become prominent as a law practitioner, is attorney for the Northern Pacific Railroad and re- sides at Seattle, the Queen City of W.ashington Territory, where he has accumulated a fine prop- erty ; M. P'rank is in the grain and stock business in Southwestern Kansas; George W. is engaged in mercantile pursuits in the northern part of Iowa; William N., of Lexington, is engaged in the hard- ware trade and also conducts the business of his farm ; Joseph F. is the partner of his brother James in Washington Territory ; John T., deceased, left a -— — ■■ ,^_ I -I 1132 McLEAN COUNTY. wife and son, Elza, the latter being an importer of and dealer in Norman liorses at Normal. After the death of her first husband, Mrs. Mc- Naught \Yas married to Dr. J. L. Brook, an old physician and druggist, who departed this life in September, 1867. Mrs. B. was then married in 1870 to Rev. Butler, who was a pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church for twenty-five years, and who died Oct. 10, 188G. He was a most efficient minister and highly esteemed by all who knew him. DIAS, one of the prominent cigar manufact- urers of Bloomingtou, established his present business in 1875, and is located in the Royce Block at No. 103 East Front street, and also No. 103 North Main street. Mr. Dias was born in England in 1842, and is the son of Elisha and Rachel (Noble) Dias, who were of English birth and ancestry and emigrated to the United States in 185G, landing on the 4th of Januarj', and soon afterward settled in Boston, Mass. Elisha Dias was an appraiser and auctioneer and died in Cam- bridgeport in 18(J5. The mother departed this life in Boston the year of their arrival here. Of their family of nine children, only three are living: Priscilla and Reliecca, the latter of wiiom is married, and both are residents of Detroit, Mich., and our subject. Young Dias received his early education iu the schools of his native country and soon after com- ing to the United States commenced to do for him- self. He was first eraplo3-cd by S. & J. Myers of Boston and then engaged to learn cigar-making, serving an apprenticeship of three years. The war then coming on, he enlisted as a soldier in the ;3d Massachusetts Infantry, serving a three months' term and then re-enlisted in the 38th Massachusetts and served for two and one-half j^ears. He partici- pated in several battles and skirmishes and was slightly wounded at Winchester. Soon after enter- ing the army he was promoted Corporal and served bravely and faithfully until the close of the war. After his retirement from the array Mr. Dias went to St. John's, N. B., and was foreman of a cigai- manufactory there for four years. Thence he went to Detroit and engaged in business for liimself until 1872. Selling out he proceeded to South Bend, lud., and engaged in the manufacture of cigars from 1870 to 187>'). Ho then came to Bloom ington and established his present business. From a modest beginning he has made good pro- gress and now employs sixteen men, keeping one on the road continuously. Our subject was married in 1870 to Miss Esther, daughter of Daniel J. and Amelia (Solomon) Holland, natives of England. Mrs. D. was born in New York City and of her marriage with our subject there have been born four children — Alex- ander E., Amelia R. Henry N., and Rachel, deceased. Their pleasant and comfortable home is located at No. 601 East Jackson street, and they enjoy the friendship and association of some of the best people in the city. Mr. and ]\lrs. D. are members of the Moses Monteliore (Hebrew) Congregation, and in politics our subject uniformly casts his vote with the Republican party. Sociall}^ he belongs to the Order of Red Men and to the B'nai B'rith. AMES H. SC:OTT, a resident of this county since the spring of 1 880, and a prosperous and well-to-do farmer living on section 7, Towanda Township, is an ofifspring of Sam- uel and Nancy (Biggs) Scott. The father was born in Virginia, in 1777, and the mother, in 1787, in what is now Monroe County, 111. James Scott, grandfather of our subject, emigrated from Ken- tucky to Illinois and settled in St. Clair County. There Samuel Scott was reared to manhood on his father's farm. It was during this time that Will- iam Biggs, father of our subject's mother, came to this State from Ocorgia and settled in Monroe County. While acting as Sheriff of that county Mr. Biggs, wliile on his way to Kaskaskia, 111., with a load of furs, was attacked and taken prisoner by the Indians and held as such at what is now Vin- cennes, Ind., for about nine months. During his absence the mother of our subject was born, the year being 1787. Our subject's parents were married in St. Clair County, 111., and there reared a family of eleven *►■.-* I •>^0^^4' ■» l^ M* McLEAN COUNTY. 1133 children, all of whom are deceased except two: John I\I., Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Illinois, and tiie other, James H., subject of this notice. Samuel Scott departed this life in lS;i7, and his good wife survived him until lisGl, when she crossed the river to meet him on the other shore. The subject of this notice was born near Turkey Hill, St. Clair Co., 111., Oct. 20, 1821. lie was reared to manhood on his father's farm, and re- ceived a good education in the common schools. Living with the old folk until 184'J, eng.iged the while in .agricultural jiursuits, he then made an overland trip to California, for the purpose of re- plenishing an almost empty exchequer, b}' mining. On the route they were attacked once or twice by Indians, but escaped without loss of life, and his party were among the lirst trains to arrive in Clali- fornia from the States after the discovery of gold. They arrived at Sacramento City, July 23, 1849, having been eighty-seven days on the route from St. Joseph, Mo. Our subject remained in Califor- nia for about two years, meeting with moderate success, and then returned via the Isthmus to New Orleans, thence to St. Louis, and from there back to St. Clair County. Again he engaged in farming, and was t^us occupied in that county until the spring of 1 880, when he came to this county. He was the owner of quite an extensive farm in St. Clair Countj% together with considerable stock, farm implements, etc., and disposing of thetn, he on his arrival here purchased 272 acres of good land in Towanda Township, the same being known as the " Duncan farm," where he at present resides, and is extensively' engaged in farming and stock- raising. Mr. Scott was married in St. Clair County, 111., April 27, 1853, to Miss Eliza C. daughter of Will- iam and Barbara (Teter) Rutherford, natives of Kentucky and Virginia respectively, and both of whom departed this life in St. Clair Count}', his de- mise occurring in 1849, and hers in 18G4. They had six sons and seven daughters. Mrs. Scott was born in St. Clair County, 111., Jan. 4, 1830, and by her union with our subject two children have been born — Millard and Anne E. Millard married Miss Belle Begole, a relative of ex-Governor Begole, of -M* Michigan, and they are living in Towanda Town- ship, having become the parents of one child, Har- riett. Anne is the wife of J. FI. Falkingham, and they are also living in Towanda Township. Mr. Scott, while a resident of St. Clair County, held the office of Justice of the Peace for sixteen years. Since coming to this county he has served one term as Supervisor of Towanda Township. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and socially our subject belongs to the Masonic fraternity. In politics he was a Democrat until the birth of the Prohibition party, since which time he has voted for its success, and believes it a sin against God and humanity to vote a man the right to sell liquor by license. #"# • '^ (^ J>;ILLIAM HANNA. On section 21, Yates Township, may be found the pleasant homestead of the subject of this sketch, which he established in 1874, and where he has lived for many years in the enjoyment of the fruits of industry, and the res[)ect and confidence of his neighbors and acquaintances. Mr. Ilanna was born in County Antrim, in the North of Ireland, in 183G. His parents, James and Nancy Hanna, both died in that country. The parental family consisted of fifteen children, ten of whom came to the United States, namely : Isabella, John, James, Mary, Catherine, Jane, Nancy, Eliza, Samuel and William. All of these are living, seven residing in Illinois, one in Pennsylvania and* two in Nebr.aska. William Hanna was born and reared on a farm in his n.ative country, where he resided until about twenty yeaVs of age. He emigrated alone to the United States, his first stopping-place being .at Phienixville, Lancaster Co., Pa., where his brother James h.ad preceded him. Young Hanna first engaged in a rolling-mill at that place, where he worked four years. He then started westward, and coming into Illinois, located first in Putnam County, where he worked a few years as a farm laborer. Thence he went to Winona, in IMarshall County, where he rented land for about nine years, meeting with fair success. He then began looking about for a permanent homestead, and coming into ■*►- i I 1134 McLEAN COUNTY. -f this county purchased eighty acres of land in Che- noa To\vnshi[), where lie made his home for the fol- lowing six years, and then selling out he purcliased his present farm, in Yates Township. This consists of 160 acres of finely improved land furnished with a good set of farm buildings. His possessions have been the result of his own industry and per- severance, and he can look back upon the past with a clear conscience and the satisf.iction derived from steady habits and a well-spent life. The marriage of Mr. Ilanna took place in the fall of 1863, the maiden of his choice being Miss Anna Burns, a native of his own county, and who emi- grated to the I'nited States with her parents, Rob- ert and Mattie Burns, wlien a young girl. Of this union there were seven children, as follows: Mary, born in Putnam County, 111., became the wife of .Samuel McAllister, and resides in Marshall County, 111. ; Nancy was born in Winona, 111. ; Matilda, born near Chenoa; Cassie, .lames, William and Isabella, were born in this county. JMr. and Mrs. Ilanna are connected with the Tresbyterian Church, and po- litically' our subject uniformly' casts his vote with the Republican party. l^T^RANK OBERKOETTER, one of the rclia. tVgj] bio and substantial business men of liloom- /ll, ington, is senior member of the well-known wholesale grocery firm of Oberkoetter & Co. of Bloomington. He came to tills vicinity in Septem- ber, lbo7, and during his residence of thirty years in this county has contributed his full share in budding up its industrial and mercantile interests. Mr. Oberkoetter is a representative -of that na- tionality which has done more, perhaps, than any other in assisting to develop the resources of the Prairie State and the great West. His birthplace was in the Empire of Germany, where he was born on the -^oth of January, 1828. His parents, Henry and Katie (Lemuie) Oberkoetter, were natives of the same country, and came of excellent German ancestry, who illustrated in a marked degree the reliable characteristics of their race. Their son Prank was placed in school when seven years of age, where he pursued his studies until fourteen. After serving a brief ai)prcnticesliii> at the carpen- ter's trade and agricultural pursuits he, in 18,50, boarded a vessel bound for the United States, and after a safe voyage landed in the city of New Or- leans. After four months spent there he went up the river to St. Louis, Mo., wiiere he passed one summer, returning in the fall to the Crescent City. The following spring he went back to St. Louis, which remained his home for five years following. In September, 18.57, Mr. Oberkoetter started North, and coming into Bloomington, this State, opened a small retail grocery store, which he oper- ated successfully until 1871. That same 3'ear he formed a partnership with Jacob Jacoby, and they are operating together profitably. The business has been mei-gcd into the wholesale trade, and un- der the new regime, as before, it has steadily grown, and their trade extends throughout this and adjoining counties where they have built up a fine patronage. Both jiartners are practical busi- ness men, and well and favorably known in busi- ness circles. Their present building on Main street was put up in 1875. It is o-lxlOo feet in area and three stories in height, besides a good basement, and the whole is devoted to their extensive opera- tions. They employ three traveling salesmen be- sides five men at the store. Mr. Oberkoetter be- gan life at the foot of the ladder, and has climbed up to his present position solely by his own indus- try and energy. He started in business with $1)00, $600 of which he made after coming to the United States, and during the financial crash of 18o7 he lost about half of this. He was not of the spirit to be dismayed, however, but applied himself closely to business and in due time recovered his losses. Besides his interest in the building occupied l)y the firm he has another on South Main street, equal to this in dimensions, and a good residence in the same locality. Although now bej'ond his prime he still possesses the energj^ and resolution of his ear- lier years, and is a fine illustration of the vvell-pre- served man, both pliysically and mentally, who has been temperate in his habits and pursued that hon- est and upright life wliicii enables him to look the whole world in the face. The marriage of our subject took place at St. Louis, Mo., in Pebruarj-, 18.57, the lady of his ^' n ffi JH ' - ' aiJt.ll. ! J;i^H.iJ^;t-;.V''-^"^--~-J'V"^-^.^--tyg'- RESIDENCE OF G. T. MU RPHY , SEC . IB . M J HOPE TP. .£.^:,^* RESIDENCE OF F. W. LOWENTROUT, 603 MARKET ST ., BLOOMINGTON , ILL . CT ■u t ■<^ »► I I ^' McLean county. 1137 ik choice being Miss Mary Schrocder, of that city, but who was a native of his own country. Of this un- ion tliere were born nine children, seven of whom still survive, four boys and three girls: Frank, Jr., is a partner in the business of his father ; Henry is a traveling salesman ; Harmon a shipping clerk, and William the bill clerk of the firm ; Anna, Rose and May are at home. The parents and children are members and regular attendants uf the German Catholic Church of Bloomington. "ii^? W. LOWENTROLIT,oneof Bloomington's j-nfe) highly respected citizens, now retired from jL, active business, occupies a pleasant and commodious residence at No. G03 West Market street. lie is a native of Hesse-Darmstadt, Ger- many, and was born April 15, 1830, and is the sou of Peter and Anna M. (Mans) Lowentrout, natives of the same Province. Peter Lowentrout entered the German army at the age of sixteen years, and was in the military service for the following twelve years and eleven months, all this time being actively engaged. He captured a Richmond flag of the English troops in Spain, being at that time Fort Master, and having a horse and sword. He at one time captured five men with their flag, and the fol- lowing day was presented a Captain's commission, which was signed by Napoleon Bonaparte. After- ward, in battle with the Spaniards, he was taken prisoner and held by the enemy for two years. After being released he was transferred to the 1st Regiment of Infantry. He remained in the service until the close of the war, and was then given the position of Harbor Master at Germersheim, which he held until his death, in 1847. The parental family consisted of seven children, six of whom are now living : Barbara, Mrs. Lieandecker, is a resident of New York City; our subject is the next in order; Peter lives in Newark, N. J.; Lizzie, Mrs. Bort, Charles, and Anna, Mrs. Saleh, are in Bloomington. The mother came to Bloomington with her son Charles, and remained an inmate of his home until her death, in 18(53. F. W. Lowentrout received a common-school education and during his earlier years worked upon 4» a farm. In the fall of 184C he commenced to deal in grain on commission, and the following year es- tablished a business on his own account. The first year he was successful and made considerable money. In 1840, while with a party of friends, he made some remarks derogatory to the Duke of Hesse-Darmstadt, and upon this account was soon afterward obliged to leave the country. He came to America in 1851, landing in New York on Christmas Day. He was there variously occupied for two years, and then learned the trade of japanning, which he followed until 1854. He after- ward, in company- with his brother, engaged in that business and they operated until December, 185U, when their shop and machinery were de- stroyed by fire, involving a loss of $150,000, and throwing their 200 men out of emiiloyment. He was then penniless and obliged t<.i employ himself at whatever he could find to do. He engaged with T. P. Howell in the patent-leather business, and re- mained with him until 1861, and then witii his family came to Bloomington. For eight years after his arrival in this county, Mr. Lowentrout w.as in the employ of the C. ct A. R. R. Co., during which time he was enabled to considerably repair his shattered fortunes. Ho then purchased ground on tiie corner of Market and (Jak streets, and started a saloon in the basement of a building. He operated this until 1872, and then, by reason of a broken limb, lay on his back for ten months, and in the meantime lost money. After being sufficiently recovered for business he began the purchase and sale of city property, and was soon once more upon his feet. He now owns the front half of the block at the corner of Oak and Market streets, besides five dwellings and several other buildings. In addition to this he has a farm of 176 acres in Old Town Township, which is all improved and under a fine state of cultivation. He was one of the projectors and a charter member of the Third National Bank, and in all respects is a solid and prominent member of the business com- munity. Mr. Lowentrout was married in 1S52, to Miss Lessate Hoffman, a native of his own country, and the daughter of Freidrich Hoffman. Of this union there were born seven children, six now living: ■•► i t t 1138 McLEAN COUNTY. i\I:irn:ii'('t, Lewis. .loliii. n twin liidlJicr of Lewis, who (lied Dec. 10, LSS;"), at tl\e ;ige of twenty -seven yenrs; Lizzie, Mrs. Dieiliicli; Otto, Clara and Oscar. The residence of <>nr subject and his family, a handsome and eonmiodions structure, and a vien" of which is given in tiiis volninc, wasl)nilt in 1885, at a cost of $6,000. Here tliey enjoy all tlie com- forts and many of tlie luxuries of life. Politically our subject, on local matters, is independent, vot- ing for those he considers the best men, but in N.-iliou;d atTairs he votes the Democratic ticket. -v^wv ^\*ii£i2/©^^^ 4/^t^ddor^'\/\^\^ eEOR(;K W.STCBliLEFIKLD, importer and bi-eeder of Percheron and Norman horses, with his father, ,Iohn Stubbletield, has been cng.agcd for thirteen years in the importation of French horses, of which they have brougiit 300 head of v.aluable animals across the ocean and to this State. With the exception of the summer of 1882, during vvhicli they sul^ered terrible losses by (ires and otherwise, they have been remarkably suc- cessful, and it is universally conceded that to their enterprise and excellent judgment in selecting draft stock, there is due not a little credit for the high standard to which the stock of Central Illinois has been raised, ilr. Stuldilelield is President of the Securitj' Live Stock Insurance Company' of Bloomington, the oflice being located on the cor- ner of Madison and (irove streets, and is connected with every measure of importance which is set on foot and has for its object the advancement of this branch of industry in the State. The subject of this history is a native of this State, having been born in this county in 1849. Ilis father, John Stubblefield, was a native of Ohio, born in Marion County in 1820, and came to Illi- nois with his father, Robert S., when a child of four years old. The family settled in Funk's Grove at an early period in the history of this county, and purciiased a large tract of land. There Robert Stubblefield remained until his death, in I 870. Of his family of thirteen children, twelve are still liv- ing, John being the fourth of the family'. He was reared to farming pursuits, received a common- school education and at the age of twenty-two <■ years, settled upon a rhiini of 10(1 acres one mile north of Funk's (i rove, eighty ac'res of which he inii)rt)ved and ujjon which he built a frame house and set out an orchard. To this tnict he sul)se- qucnlly added and is now the possessor of 2,(tO(i acres in this county. lie married Miss F^llisannah Ilowser, daughter of David ami Elizabeth Ilowser, natives of Fayetteville, Ohio. Of this marriage there were born nine children, eight now living, as .follows: Sarah E., Mrs. Raj'burn, lives in .Shirley, this county ; David R., in Covell; George W. of our sketch; Phineas M., also living in this county; ISIary F\, Mrs. Crumb of Virginia. Cass County; Henry B., of Shirley; Simon P., of McLean, and .John \V., at home. The subject of this history spent his earlier years upon his father's farm, and after [)ursuing his pri- mary studies in the common schools, entered Wesleyan College, where he completed his studies in 1872. He had already indicated unusual busi- ness talent and commenced purchasing and feeding stock. Two years later he made his first importa- tion, which included Percheron, English draft and French coach horses. He was joined in this busi- ness by his father, John Stubblefield, in 187.'), and h.as been successful from the start. In pursuance of this he has crossed the ocean fifteen times, bring- ing over at one time thirty-seven fine blooded ani- mals. They operated with remarkable success and profit until the night of Sept. 1, 1882, when the b.arn and twelve noble steeds, valued at $18,000, were destroyed by fire. The same summer they had lost six horses valued at |!8,000. AVith the excep- tion of that summer they have lost only three horses in all the time they have been importing. In 1880, their import.ations consisted of twenty head, which is about the average of the number they annually import and keep on hand in their stables. Mr. Stubblefield spent one summer in Oregon and C.alifornia in coiuiectit)n with his business ami their horses are now sent all through the Western States. Mr. .Stubblefield, besides his large investment in the business which occupies the most of his time and attention, is the possessor of 020 acres of valuable land in Missouri, .- t |]AMES B. RUTLEDOE, dealer iu groceries on Main and Colman streets, Heyworth, is the son of Thomas O. and Cynthia A. Rut- (^^// ledge, a sketch of whom is also given in this work, and was born on his father's old homestead iu Randolph Township, Aug. 5, 1845. He remained on the farm until he was twenty-three years old, pursuing his studies in the common schools and at the Normal University. He was married in Wood- ford County, Dee. 30, 1868, to Miss Willie Sma- ding, daughter of Frederick and Christina Smading, natives of Germany, who descended from pure German ancestry. Her parents were reared and mar- ried-in their native land and there six children were born to them, Mrs. Rutledge of this notice be- ing one of twins. She was eighteen months old when her parents with their family emigrated to the United States and settled near Eureka, Wood- ford County, where the father successfully engaged in farming and where he now lives at the advanced age of ninety-three years. The mother died there in September, 1873. There also Mrs. R. grew to womanhood and was educated. After his marriage in 18G8 Mr. Rutledge began to cultivate and improve a farm, which he had previously purchased on section 3G, then compris- ing ninety-five acres. He has since added to the tract until he is now the owner of 170 acres of valuable land, which is supplied with good frame buildings. Mr. Rutledge was extensivel}- engaged in farming and stock-raising there until he embarked in the grocery business in 1874. He lirst started in company with William W. Elder, and has since successfully represented this department of trade at Hej' worth. They began business on the first Monday in January, 1874, under the firm name 4* of Elder & Rutleilgc. The partnership existed until 1878, when they dissolved, and the stock became the property of Mr. Robb. It was subsequently purchased by Mr. Rutledge and Mr. Battershell, who operated together until 1881 and then, owing to the death of Mr. B., Mr. Rutledge became sole proprietor, and has conducted the business alone since that time. Besides his finely improved farm, which is worked by a tenant, he is also the owner of some valuable town property. Mr. and Mrs. Rutledge have one child, Lyman T., who was born April 5, 1872. He has an excel- lent education obtained by a thorough course of study in the schools of Heyworth. Mr. and Mrs. R. are connected with the Presbyterian Church. In politics the former subscribes himself .as a " thoroughbred Democrat." ,^ARCELLUS SYPULT. an enterpiising l\\ y*^""g farmer of West Township, is a na- l^ tive of AVest Virginia, born in Monongalia County, March 3, 1 85.0. His father, .Jesse Sypult, a native of the same State and of French ancestry, was taken by his ])arents when a young child to Virginia, where he was reared to manhood, and married Miss Amelia A. Rogers, a native of the Old Dominion. lie purchased a tract of land in Monongalia County, and lived there until the fall of 1863. The mother had died .July 28, 185'J. In the year first mentioned, Jesse Sypult removed to Illinois, first locating in Woodford County, and thence, in 1866, came to this county and [jurchased land on section 23, West Township. The journey from Woodford Ct)nnty was made overland with three wagons. At Bloomington he unloaded some of his goods, which he exchanged for lumber, and after arriving in West Township, put up a tempor- ary shanty in which the family lived until a more substantial dwelling could be erected. They oc- cupied this place until 1876, when the father sold •out and purchased 160 acres of land iu Ford Coun- ty. After four years he sold that farm likewise and removed to Buena Vista County, Iowa, where he pureh.aseil a tract of land which he cultivated and improved until his death, which took place in March, ^ t t 1140 McLEAN COUNTY. 188;!. Ill' li;ul thus oihmu'iI up lour (Urfcrciit farms in throi' Stales. 'I'lie one in \'iiginia he cleared from the wilderness and erected a log house where the yi>ung peo[)le lirst set up housekeeping. Mr. Sypult was Kepulilican in politics and a stanch Union man during the war. Although not going into active service in the Held he did what he could by his voice and inlluence at home, and was Captain of a company of minute men in Vjiginia. He was strictly temperate in his habits, and although suffering for a long (jcriod from ill-health, was never heard to complain, but bore his allliction with man- ly fortitude. Religiously, he was connected for many years with the Methodist Episcopal Church. The parental family included six children by the first marriage and three by the second, our subject being the fifth child of the lirst. Mr. Sypult was but eight years old when he came to Illinois with his parents, and three years later lo- cated in West Township, of which he has been a resident since that time. He was reared on a farm until eighteen years old, then bought his time and rented land of his father two years. He then pur- chased eighty acres of the old homestead, which he lias occupied since that time. He was married, Dec. 2 1, 1874, to Miss Anna Johnson, who was born in Clark Count}', Ind., Jan. 4, 1857. Mrs. S. is the daughter of Jacob Johnson, of Ohit), who removed after his marriage to Indiana and from there to this State in about I.SGO. Nine years later he returned to Indiana, and in 1871 came back to Illinois, set- tling in I'.rown County, where he remained until his removal to Fairbury, Livingston County, where he still lives. He was married in early life to Miss Mary A. Neal, who was born in Ohio, and was the daughter of Rev. James Neal, a minister in the Christian Church. Mr. and Mrs. Sypult have three children living — William Rolla, Clyde Delbertand I'iarncst Edward. Arthur B., twin brother of Ear- nest, died when seven months old. Our subject was a i)rominent member of the IMethodist Episcopal Church, and in politics is a straight Republican. \Vhen the iiarents of our subject first removed to Illinois, they found themselves in a wild country wiiere but few settlers had made a claim. Deer roamed at will over the prairie and other wild game was i)lenty. The father of our subject possessed remarkable energy and resolution, and t'ontiibutcd his full sliare toward tlie d(ivelo|)ment and |)rogress of the dilferent localities where he at times made his home. The son possesses in a marked degree those elements of character which have made all the family' of that name good citizens and worthy members of the community. He is yet a young man, but bids fair to take a prominent i^osition in the business and agricultural community, because he is industrious, enterprising, and willing to do his share in the busy world. EN. JOHN MrNULTY, senior meinl)cr of the law firm of McNulty & Weldon of ^^^ijl liloomington, is a native of New York City and was born Nov. 9, 1837. He remained under the home roof until reaching manhood, in the mean- time receiving his education at a private school in his native cit}'. In 1857 he drifted West to Bhiomington. and subseipiently com- inenced reading law with the firm of Sweet & Orme, prominent attorneys of the city. About the time he had completed his studies tlie breaking out of the late Civil War materially altered his plans for the future. In April, I SGI, (tch. INIcNultj' enlisted in a New York cavalry company, of which he was made Captain, .and served in that capacity until July, 18(;2, under Gen. Grant, who was at that time Colonel of a regiment. After serving with distinc- tion he was i)romoted, Aug. 20, 1862, Lieutenant Colonel of the !)4th Infantry, and became Brigadier General in 18G5. He suffered with his command bravely and faithfully tlie vicissitudes of war and .'it its close was mustered out, in the fallof 18G5. After his retirement from the army Gen. Mc- Nulty returned to Bloomington. He became prominent in the political affairs of this county, and in 1872 was elected State Senator. He served four years, which included five sessions of the Legisla- ture, and, still advancing on the road to honor, was made a member of the Eorty-third Congress. General McNulty served as Master in Chancery in tills county for a period of six years, which posi- * McLEAN COUNTY. t 1141 t tion he resigned in the summer of 1885, having been appointed Receiver of the Toledo & Cleveland Railroad. He is now President of the National Mutual Accident Association of Bloomiiigton, serv- ing also as attorney for the same. He at present spends a goodly portion of his time in Chicago, hav- ing been appointed Receiver of tiie Wal)ash Rail- road Company, and having headquarters in that cit}'. In the various positions of trust and re- sponsibility to which he has been called he has dis- tinguished himself as a man of more than ordinary ability, with a clear head for business and a keen sense of honor and }irinciple. He has been con- nected with many important enterprises and always lends his influence and more substantial aid to what- ever project is calculated to advance the progress and prosperity of one of the most wealthy counties of the Prairie State. General McNulty was married, July 15, 18G2, to Miss Laura, daughter of Robert Felton, Esq., of Litchfield, Conn. Of this union there have been born three children — Herbert, Robert and Donald. eHARLES S. .TONES, of the firm of C. Wake- field & Co., of Bloomington, is engaged in the manufacture of the Wakefield Family Medicines, which have gained so wide a celebrity in the United States. Our subject ranks among the pio- neer settlers of the State, having come here when a boy ten years of age from Madison County, N. Y., where he was born May 30, 1833. He is the son of .Tames and Julia (Dunham) Jones, natives of the same county and State as aljove mentioned. James Jones, in early life, was a manufacturer of boots and shoes in Madison County, and removed thence to Illinois and settled on a farm four miles west of Bloomington, in 1843. Subsequently he located in Twin G rove, and died the following year ; the mother had died in 1841, l)efore the removal West, in Madison, N. Y. Both parents were members of the Baptist Church, and James Jones in early man- hood served as a soldier in the War of 1S12. The p.arental household included four children : Will- iam B. resides .at I-Cxcelsior, Minn., where he lo- cated in 1854, and is engaged in general merehan- 4* dising; Warren L. is a druggist of Atlanta, 111.; Charles S., our subject, and M.ary E., Mrs. Page, of Minneapolis, Minn. The subject of this biography, after the death of his father, went to live with an uncle, Oliver Pease, at Twin Grove, and worked ou the farm with him until he was fourteen years old. Then, preferring to go elsewhere, he started out to seek his fortune. The first day he walked twenty-five miles across the prairie, and the second day, after proceeding ten miles, he secured work on a farm at 110 a month, which was the first money he ever received as wages. He was subsequently employed in the harvest field at |1 per day and the following win- ter he stopped with Jacob Brining, in Logan C'oun- ty, and worked for his board. He passed the fol- lowing summer at the same place and the next spring commenced breaking prairie with five j'^oko of oxen and was thus employed until he had turned over the sod on 125 acres. In the fall of 1851 he returned to Twin Grove, where he attended school and worked nights and mornings for his board, and was similarly employed until 1853, when, in the spring of that year, he came to Bloomington and engage, in Watertown, and is the daughter of Josiah and Cynthia (Tolman) Richardson, na- tives respectively of Sterling, Mass., and Nelson, N. II. The marriage of Mrs. Jones' i)arents oc- curred at Watertown, and they trace their ances- tors to stanch old families of Scotch and English origin. Josiah Richardson removed from Massa- chusetts to "Watertown, N. V., in 180;5, when at the age of nineteen years, he having been born in 1784. His wife was his junior by one ye.ar. After removing to New York State he was engaged in .agricultural pursuits until liis death, which occurred in 18.')!. Mrs. Richardson survived her husband until ls70, when she too passed to the land of the hereafter. Of their ten children seven are now living; Charles, and Jidiet, now Mrs. Dodge, are residents of Watertown, N. Y. ; Harriet is the wife i>f Dr. Wakefield, the partner of our subject; Cyn- thia, now i\[rs. Robert Thompsi)n; Josiah, Mary, Mrs. Orrin Waters, and Martha, Mrs. Jones, all live iu Bloomington. Mr. Jones is Republican in politics and socially is identified with the A. O. U. W. His pleasant and comfortable home is located at No. ,')14 East Dougl.as street, where, in 1872, he erectc(l a fine residence at a cost of $7,000. ^'^AiMES HEAOLER. On section 29, Martin Township, is located one of the finest home- steads inj,his section of country. It is the home of the subject of this sketch, and he has occujiied it since 18;"(7. He has made great improvements since taking possessitm of it and has built u)) for himself an cuviablc reputation as an honest man and a good citizen. James Heagler is a native of the wealthy and populous State of Ohio, born in the town of Washington Court House, Fayette County, on the 29th of February, 1827. The grandfather of our subject, George Heagler, a native of Virginia, removed to Ohio iu the pio- neer days, becoming a resident of Fayette County in 1814. His death occurred while on a visit to Lancaster, that State. His son, Zebedee W., the father of our subject, married Miss Rosanna Grove, who was of Holland descent but born in Pennsyl- vania, and reared principally in Hagerstown, Md. After their marriage the young people located at Washington Court House, Faj'ette Co., Ohio, where the mother died in 1863. The father is still living, having arrived at the advanced age of eightj'-four jears. He served as Count}' Treasurer in Faj'ette County, first by appointment and then by election under a Whig administration, beginning in 1837 and serving continuously for a period of fourteen years. Subsequently he was elected Recorder, and has been Justice of the Peace for a long period, and Mayor of AVashington when it was first incor- porated as a city. Their family consisted of two sons and one daughter — James, Ellis II. and Elvira Rose. The latter became the wife of Mortimer Collier. James Heagler was the eldest of his parents' children, and passed his childhood and youth in his native town, receiving a fair education in the com- mon schools. He remained with his parents until his twenty-third year, when he was married to Miss Samantha J., daughter of James and Eliza Poi)e (Dawson) HenUm. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. H. settled in W.ashington Court House, where they remained five years, whence tlie.y re- moved in 1855 to this count}', and took up their abode in Padua Township. From there they re- moved in the spring of 1857 to their present farm in Martin Township. It was then but an unculti- vated prairie, but James Heagler was possessed of a good stock of cour.age and resolution, and began his farming operations with the intention to succeed. In this he has realized his expectations and has now 120 acres of valuable land under a fine state of culti- vation. Upon it he has erected a comfortable ami substantial residence, a good Imru ami all other •►^-4« > h A McLEAN COUNTY. 1143 buildiugs required by the intelligent .ind prt)grcs- sive farmer. He has been a man of note in his township since coming here, and has distingnished himself as a .Jeffersoniau Democrat of the old school. Mr. and Mrs. Heagler, of this notice, have be- came the parents of seven children, five sons and two daughters, of whom the record is as follows: Alphonso died when eighteen years of age; Frank H. and Charles A. arc residents of Martin Town- ship; Eliza R. became the wife of William McClure, and is living in Nebraska; Alice L., Jane C, Rob- ert Lee and Harry are at home, the latter attending school. Our subject is not a member of any church, but lives a pure life and enjoys the friend- ship and societ}' of the best people of Martin 'I'ownshiu. R. T. F. WORRELL, one of the skillful and experienced physicians of Blooming- ton, and holding a high position botli so- cially' and professionally, is a native of North Carolina and son of Rev. Thomas and Sus.an (KUis) Worrell, natives of Granville County, N. C. The father of our subject received a fine edu- cation at the Academj' at Petersburg, \'a., and in about IJSIO entered the Methodist ministry', while at the same time being engaged as Principal of an academy for a number of years. The parents were married in 1807, and had a family of ten children, seven of whom lived to mature years, four being now deceased. Dr. T. F. of landm.irks in the development of the city. The business ofllce of Dr. W^orrell is in the Royce Block, at the intersection of Main and Front streets. lie is now in his si.xtj-seventh year, and still re- tains his physicial and mental powers unimpaired, except a recent atllietiou which will soon terminate. The Doctor is a friend of (^very human being of his ac(|M;iint!ince and is not aware of a living enemy. ^^jKOR(iK W. PARKE, a retired merchant of [l| g=p liloomington, owns and occupies a hand- ^^jjj some residence at the corner of North and Lee streets, where he is enjoying his later days in ease and comfort, surrouiubMl b^y the friends whom his life of virtue and rectitude long ago attached to him. Mr. I'arke h.as been a native of the Prairie .State since 18;!7. He was born near Parkesburg, Chester Co., P.a., on the 29th of April, LSI. 5, his parents being (George W., .Sr., and Mary (Fleming) Parke, natives of the same county and State as their son. Our suliject's paternal grandfather was Joseph Parke and his grandfather on his mother's side w:u< Jolin Fleming, also of Chester County, Pa. Both families descended from the Scotch-Irish, and were among the early pioneers of Pennsylvania, the ti>wn where our subject was born taking its name from the first representatives of the Parke family in that State. This town was then the terminus of the Pennsylvania State Railroad, which afterward extended to H.arrislmrg. 'I'his road ran out from Philadelphia to Petrolia, twenty miles distant, the cars to this point being propelled by horse power and afterward supplied with steam. 'I'he Parke family were mostly agriculturists and all well-to-do. They raised large families and trained their children to habits of industry, and to principles of honor and strict integrity. The par- ental household of our subject included seven children, three only now living. The families on both sides were Presbyterians, and almost without exception spent their entire lives in Pennsj-lvania. George W. Parke spent his childhood and youth upon the farm and when sixteen years of age en- gaged as clerk in a store at Coatcsville. He then attended Moscow Academy for two years. In 1836 he left his native town and went to Pittsburgh and soon afterward to Cincinnati, where he became em- ploj'ed as freight clerk on a steamer bound for New Orleans. After one winter thus occupied he returned to the old homestead, where he remained until the following year and then came to the Prairie State. He first stopped at Metamora, Wood- ford County, and in company with friends laid out a town which was first called Hanover, but subse- quently changed to Metamora and there the county seat was established. He remained there until 1840, and then returned with his brother, John F., to Pennsylvania. There he entered into partnership with Joseph Stott and was occupied in general merchandising for one year. He then went to Philadelphia, where he engaged as clerk in a whole- .s.ale dry-goods store for a year, then purchasing a gcner.al stock of goods he shipped them to Illinois and set up a store in Metamora, which he operated for two 3'ears. Part of his goods were sold on credit, but he was successful in making his collec- tions and enjoyed a good profit from his trade. In 184,5 Mr. Parke sold out in Metamora and went to Bloom ington in company' with two biothers, John F. and Samuel S., and they put up a three- story brick building on North Center street for the purpose of manufacturing furniture, and two years later tin- building was destroyed by fire. The brothers p.artially rebuilt and continued their busi- ness, and soon afterward erected the first three- story brick building in the city on Center street, on the west side of the square, and in this carried 4 -•►-■-^ I ir'^<^-'«--'t_-^f>v_ *► J i " -^- McLEAN COUNTY. 1147 , 1 r I on the grocery trade, their store being the first of its Ivind in Bloomington. In about 1.S4.S they dis- solved partnership. George W. took the store and his brothers continued the manufactorj' until they sold to its present prf>iirietors, Haj'cs and Evans. Our subject continued his grocery trade for nearly four years, then sold out and purchased the nortli- west corner of the bloclc now occupied by H. H. Green as a drug and jewelry store. After Mr. Parke abandoned merchandising he engaged in real-estate business and purchased the forty-acre addition laid out b}' Perry in 1865, and west of the C. & A. R. R. shops. He also laid out thirty acres east of tlie ccmetei-y whicli is called the G. W. Parke Addition. It will tluis be seen that Mr. Parlve, from the time of his arrival here, has been intimately identi- fied with the business and industrial interests of Bloomington. He was one of the projectors of the. People's Bank, was its first President and held the of- fice until failing health compelled him to abandon it. He was Alderman of the Second Ward for a num- ber of years and always took an active interest in every measure calculated to advance the interests of his adopted county and city. Mr. Parlve built his present residence in 1 870, and has within the last three years put np two tenement houses adjoining. He still remains con- nected with the People's Bank as a stockholder. He has been the cheerful and liberal supporter of everj-thing tending toward the intellectual and moral advancement of the city, and a law-abiding and peaceable citizen who has performed all his ol)ligations in a faithful and creditable manner. Our subject w.is married on New Year's Day, 1857, to Miss Rebecca A., daughter of John and Rebecca (Hilyard) Rodgers, natives of Pennsyl- vania and New .lersey, respectively. Mrs. Parke was born at Valley Forge, Pa., in 1828, and was the youngest of her parents' family, there having been seven children, five now living. Mr. and Mrs. Parke have only one child, a daughter, and now the wife of Theodore Braley, one of the edi- tors of the Bulletin. Mr. Parke politicall}' attiliates with the Demo- cratic party and uniformly easts his vote in sup- port of its principles. p^^ETER WHITMER, President of the Peo- ple's Bank of Bloomington, and a citizen held in the highest esteem by the pcojjle of McLean County, is a native of Franklin County, Pa., and was born Feb. 22, 1828. He is the son of Peter and Mary (Hess) Whitmer, also natives of the Keystone State. His father was ex- tensively engaged in farming pursuits. The latter w.as born in 1777, and died in the same house which witnessed his birth, his decease taking place in 1852. The mother, who was born in 1785, had preceded her husband to the better land, she dying in 1844. They had a family of nine children, only four of whom are living, viz: Catharine, Mrs. George Grove, of Sterling, 111. ; Mary, Mrs. Chris- tian Royer, of Franklin County, Pa. ; Peter, our subject, and Rev. A. C, a minister of the Reformed Church, of Lancaster, Pa. The father of our subject occupied the farm of his father, also Peter Whitmer, who purchased it of John, Thomas and Richard Penn, the sons of William Penn. Originall3^, the Whitmers were of German birth and parentage, the early ancestors of our subject settling in Lancaster County, Pa., and all engaging in agricultural pursnits. Peter Whitmer spent the most of his time on his father's farm until he was sixteen years old, re- ceiving his education in the district school. He then left the parental roof and went to Chambers- burg, where he served an apprenticeship of five years at saddlery and harness-making. In 1 849 he set out on a tour through the Western States, con- tinuing his travels until the spring of 1852. He then located at Bloomington, and formed a part- nership with M. L. Moore, with whom he continued in the saddlery and harness business for two j'ears following, when he sold out to his partner and en- gaged in the grocery trade on Center street, in companj' with Messrs. Parke and Hoopes, under the firm name of Parke, Whitmer & Hoopes. They operated together for three years and then our sub- ject disposed of his interest in the business and en- gaged in the lumber trade, having one office on the East and one on the West Side. Mr. Whitmer continued his successful operations in this line for a period of seventeen years, when he practically aitandoned it. During this time. -f h I 1148 McLEAN COUNTY. however, he had distinguislied liiiiiself as a inaii of tlie strictest integrity, and the people vvlio had Icnown him so long and well singled him out as one of the few wlio could be depended upon to look after their concerns and |)reserve their interests. In 1875 he was elected President of tlie People's Bank, which position lie has held since that time. He was also elected President of the Chair Factory, which position he retained from its commencement in 1873 until its abandonnu'nl in 188.5, when it was merged into the Walton Plow Factory. iVIr. Whitmer is a stockholder and Director of that company, and also has an interest in the Stove Works, lie has been pnmiinently identified with the affairs of liis city and township for many years, and materially assisted in building up a community noted for its intelligence and progress. He was Alderman of tlie Second Ward in 1 807-68, Super- visor of Bloomingtoii Township for ten j'ears, and has been President of the Northwestern Benevo- lent Aid Society for the past four years. He has been a member of the I. O. O. F. since 1849. Re- publican principles receive his heartiest support, and tiie Christian Churcli, of which he is a v.alned member, represents his religious belief. The marriage of Peter Whitmer and Miss Lucy McDonald took place in 18;)5, in Bloomington, 111. Mrs. W. is the daughter of John and Lucy (McCoy) McDonald, of Kentucky, and was born in Win- chester, that State. Her parents' family consisted of seven children, live now living: Harriet, Mrs. Rodgers, resides in Boone Count}', JIo. ; Mary, Mrs. Harding, of Westchester, Ky.; Margaret, ]Mrs. Patten, is in Illinois, and .Mildred is JMrs. Brigham; the wife of onr subject was the third child of the family. John .McDonald removed from Kentucky to McLean County in 1852, and engaged in farm- ing pursuits, which he continued until his decease in 1881 ; the mother died in Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Whitmer have a family of six chil- dren: Jlary became the wife of Dr. Hooper, and resides in Hutchinson. Kan.; they have three chil- dren — Bertha, Lucy and Flsie; Olie married J. O. Wilson, teller in the People's Bank at Bloomington; the next were Charles, Ida, Ira S. and LeRo}' G. The latter two have lieen students of Eureka Col- lege, Kureka, 111. The residence of our subject is located at No. 924 'West Front street, where Mr. Whitmer and his family are enjoying all the com- forts of life and many of its luxuries. As a man, citizen, husband, father and friend, the life of Peter Whitmer has rounded into perfect manhood. Whether in jirivate or public life he is the same courteous, Christian gentleman, with the air and m.-uiner which at once impress the stran- ger with his true character. When, in connection with his daily walk in life, there is voluntarily given the testimony of those who have been inti- mately associated with him for years, there is little for the biographer to add, anil in placing his por- trait among those of other honored men of McLean County, we are jireserving to posterity the features of one of the best men of this generation. -mm- — *^^^ ON. ISAAC FUNK, deceased, and the first representative of that well-known family in this locality, was born November 17, 171)7, m Clark County, Ky. His grandfather, Adam Funk, immigrated from Germany at an early day and became the f.ather of a family among whom was Ailam, tlu^ fathei' of our subject. He was reared in Virginia, was married to Miss Sarah Moon;, also of German extraction, and became one of the proiniiient men of the Old Dominion. He moved to Kentucky, and in 1807 to Fayette County, Ohio. The family included nine children, six sons .and three daughters. Isaac received a common-school education; w.as reared to habits of industry and worked as a farm hand after he be- came of .age. In 1823 he started with his brother, Absalom, to visit the Prairie State. Thej' were attracted to a spot which is now Funk's Grove, where tliej' entered a tract of l:ind, and soon com- menced to break the soil and to buy and sell cattle. In due time the father joined his children, but lived only a few years afterward, his death occur- ring in 1832. The mother h;id died in Ohio, in about 1822. Isaac and Abs.alom Funk entered claims to a la ous should arge extent of land, and set themselves industri- I )usly to work to earn money to pay for it when it ! should come into market. They ojierated iu liar- T I -•► i A McLEAN COUNTY. 1149 t nmny, niid eoiitiiuied Jjuj'iiig :ind selling stock of .all kinds until 1840, when they dissolved. They had pr.ieticed the strictest economy .ind each work- ing moment was employed at something useful. The people of the present dtiy, who enjoy the use of modern inventions and conveniences, can. in no manner realize the hardships to which the early settlers were subjected. For the first seven years after his arrival here, Isaac Funk did not own a w.agon, but carried his corn to mill to Springfield, fifty miles away, on the b.acks of horses. Wlu^n a plow required sh.arpening or repairing, he loaded it on the b.ack of a horse to have it conveyed to and from the blacksmith-shop, and one time conveyed a barrel for sauer kraut in the same manner ten miles to his home. Nothing seemed too gre.at for him to undertake, and he was in the main remark- ably successful, seldom having to abandon a proj- ect which he had in view. When he found that the means would justify the step, Mr. Funk took unto himself a partner and helpmeet in the person of Miss Cassandra Sharp, of Peoria, their wedding occurring in June, 182G. Mrs. F. was born in Baltimore, Md., and was well fitted by disposition and training to be the com- panion of such a man as our subject. She was possessed of practical good sense and sterling worth of character, and was the faithful encourager and assistant of Isaac Funk during those days when the struggle was to "keep his head above water." The father of Mrs. F. emigrated to Ohio when she was a child three years old. They remained there thirteen years, then came to Illinois, and her mar- riage occurred when she was twenty- four. Of this union there were born ten children, and those now living are numbered among the substantial people of McLean County. The industry, energy and intelligence of Isaac Funk soon received a suitable recognition, and he became prominent in his community, and in 1840, he was elected to the Legislature on the ^V'hig ticket, and in 18G2 to the Senate to fill the nnex- l)ired term of Gen. Oglesby, who had taken his sword and placed himself at the head of an Illinois regiment. Mr. Funk was re-elected, and remained a member of the General Assembly. until his death, lie was an uncompromising Union man, and a ter- ror to traitors and secessionists. His whole course through life was one amply worthy of imitation by those who can but peruse his history with thought- fulness and admiration. Isaac Funk dcp.arted this life in Bloomington, Sunday morning, Jan. 29, 1865, and four hours later, Mrs. Funk closed her eyes to earthly scenes. The funeral services of this honored pioneer and his devoted wife were perhaps the most impressive ever held in this county. Mr. Funk at his death was worth .about s|!2,000,- 000, which included 20,000 acres of land. All this was left to his children without will, and the family settled up the estate without the aid of an admin- istrator, but all within themselves b}' quit-claiming to each other. ^AMES H. TILGHMAN, deceased, w.as the husband of Mrs. Caroline Tilghm.an, who is comfortably located on a good farm of 120 acres in Randolph Township, on section 14. The proiierty of Mrs. T. is well improved with a good set of frame buildings, and she has occupied it since 1849. She has conducted the affairs of her homestead for the last nine years in a creditable and successful manner and is a lady of more than ordinary business ability. She was born in Monroe County, Va., Dec. 7, 1826, being the daughter of William and Nancy (Goar) McDaniel, both also natives of the Old Dominion. Her father was of Scotch-Irish and her mother of German descent. After marriage they located upon a farm in West Virginia where they remained until after the birth of all their children, Mrs. T. being the youngest in the family. She was only nine years old when her par- ents removed to Boone County, Ind., where they impiovod a farm, established a comfortable home and remained until the close of their lives. Both lived to an advanced age. The father, in politics, was strongly Democratic and both were members of the Christian Church. Mr. McDaniel has been Probate Judge and Justice of the Peace for many years in Virginia and .advanced the freedom of the slaves by purchase from their owners. He had a presentiment th.at the existence of the peculiar in- stitution was of short duration, as has since been •^- '^ 1150 McLEAN COUNTY. 4 proved. William McDaniel was a soldier in the War of 1812, and held :i Caiitain's eonimisKion. Mrs. Tilghmaii reinaiiu'd witli licr parents, assist- ing in the dnties around tlie liome and obtaining her edncation in tlic pnhjic schools. On the 12th of August, 1847, she was united in marriage with William Tolbert , 1801, to Miss Catherine liishop, who was born in Empire Township, this county, Apiil 1. 1842, being the daughter of INIahlon and Catherine Bishop [see sketch]. Of this union there have been six chil- I t McLEAN COUNTY. 1151 ,t } flreii : Ida married Thomas J. Rutledge, and lives in West Township ; James Walter, Charles B., Eliz- abeth C. and Oral Mildred are at home with their parents; William Malon, the fiflli ehild, died when seven mouths old. Mr. and Mrs. Hammond are consistent members of Mt. Olive Methodist Epis- copal Church, and our subject, politicall}-, is an uncompromising Democrat. He has held the vari- ous offices of his township, and is a gentleman highl3' respected for his sterling worth, and takes an active interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of his county and eommunitj-. ,>P^KORGE STEPHENSON. The subject of this brief history is a carpenter and joiner, and a skilled mechanic, whose work attests the thoroughness with which ho has learned his trade. He is at present a resident of Normal and has been in McLean County since the spring of l.SIJt). He W.1S born in Jefferson County, Ohio, Nov. 8, 1838. His father, John Stephenson, lived and died in Bowling Green, Jetferson Co., Ohio, and was also a skillful caj'pentor. The family is of Irish ancestry, and represented by many descend- ants in the United States. The mother of our sub- ject, formerl}' Miss Julia Anderson, was for many years a resident of Bowling Green, and died there in 186(;, several years before the death of her hus- band. The boyhood and j'outh of our subject were passed under the parental roof, and he learned the carpenter's trade under the instruction of his fa- ther. When twenty-one years of age he set out on his own account as a journeyman, and followed his trade in his native State for several years. He afterward went to Pennsylvania, and during the latter [lart of the war, with others set. out for the West, finally landing in the Hawkeye State. He visited some of its principal cities and worked at his trade there until 18GG, when he recrossed the Father of Waters, and came back East as far as McLean County, locating in Hey worth and follow- ing his trade. That same year he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Maria Vanordstrand, who was a native of Washington County, Pa., born M* • Sept. 12, 1848. (^For parental history see sketch of Isaac Vanordstrand.) Mrs. Stephenson was reared in her native county until seventeen years of age. attending the com- mon schools. She then came to Illinois with her parents, and afterward attended a select school at Heyworth, and was engaged in teaching for a short time previous to her marriage. They located at Heyworth after marriage, and resided there until the latter part of 1886, Mr. Stephenson pursuing his trade, and his wife faithfully devoting her time and euei-gies to the duties of the household, and the rearing of their five children. Of these the record is as follows: Nannie J. is attending the Normal University, and preparing herself for a teacher; she is a bright, independent and sjjirited young lady, and great things are expected of her in the future. Oakley V., Charles A., Anna M. and William M. commenced their education in the schools of Heyworth, but will probably finish them at Normal. J\Ir. and Mrs. S. have greatly interested them- selves in the education of their children, and in training them to lives of honor and virtue. Both are members of the Presbyterian Church, and greatly esteemed in the communit3^ Our subject is a man of strong views, and politically casts his vote in support of the principles of the Democratic party. ylLLIAM YOUNG. Much attention is given to stock-raising by the farmers of McLean County, and a gentleman who is eminently successful in this industry, as well as an influential and prosperous farmer, is William Young, of Padua Township. He owns and oc- cupies a beautiful homestead of 37;') acres, upon which is erected a modern farm residence, good barns and other out-buildings, which we take pleas- ure in showing in a view given in this volume. Mr. Young has brought his land to a high state of cultivation, all the buildings are kept in good re- pair, and altogether the homestead presents one of the most attractive spots within the bounrn in the city of Blooming- ton, July 31, 18;")S, and is the son of John Coleman, who was of Irish descent and parentage, and liorn in the city of Cork, June 24, 1810. He emigrated to the United States while a young man. In 1846, before his marri.age, and settled In Tarrytown, N. Y., where he became connected with the Hudson River and New York A- Erie Railroads, .as foreman. He afterward became a foreman of the C. it A., and in the interest of that compan}' came to Illi- nois. For sixteen years he occupied the position of foreman, and was held in great favor by the offi- cials of the road. After coming to this part of Illinois he established a home for himself and fam- ily In Bloomington, wlicre he departed this life on the 6th of June, 1886. He was a remarkably strong man physically, and retained his eyesight perfectly until within a few weeks of his death, having been able to read without gl.asses. He was well Informed, and possessed a good knowledge of the current affairs of his country, both generally and politically. He remained a standi adherent of the Catholic faith of his fatiiers, and In politics was an active Dennicrat. It niav lie said that in ■•► 'I t •►-B-^*- McLEAN COUNTY. 1153 every respect John Coleman was esteemed as one of the liest citizens of his community. He was kind .and generous in his disposition, always readj'' to lend a helping hand to those who needed, and was strictly upright and honoralile in his Inisiness transactions. His wife, the mother of our subject. before her marriage, was Miss Mary Jones, boin in Ireland in the same city as her husband, and came to the United States when a young woman. She was married to John Coleman in the State of New York, and came West with him in 18,51. She is now living with her son, our subject, .'ind is about sixty-seven years of age. She also, with her chil- dren, is a consistent member of the Roman Catho- lic Church. She became the mother of three chil- dren, one of whom, .lohn, died when eighteen mouths old; Mar_y A. resides with her brother, our subject. Patrick W. Coleman is considered one of the representative citizens of this locality, and none are held iu higher respect. He seems to have in- herited the excellent cpialities of his father before him, whose meraor)' he holds in that reverence which is due to so good a man and parent. In both religion and politics he follows in the foot- ste|)s of his sire, being connected with the Cath- olic Church and the Democratic party. -?3= ■&- i lEORGE W. PAYNE, who is widely and fa- g— , vorably known throughout McLean County, ^Jj^l and now one of the prominent citizens and business men of Delana, was born iu Bloomiugton, Monroe Co., Ind., Dec. 28, 1851. His father, James Franklin Payne, a native of the same town and county, was the son of Jacob P.ayne, of Vir- ginia, who emigrated from the Old Dominion to Indiana, and was amoug the earliest pioneers of Monroe County. He took up a tract of timlier land adjacent to the present citj' of Bloomingtou, and besides attending to the cultivation and im- ])rovement of his farm, officiated as a local preacher of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was a man of rare intelligence, great force of character, and represented his district in the State Senate. -^ He only lived to be fifty-one years of age, dying at his home near Uloomington about 18.53. His son James, the father of our subject, was reared to farming pursuits, and remained a resi- dent of his native county until 1854. He then re- moved with the family to Illinois, the journej' be- ing made overland with wagons. He purchased a tract of wild land at 12.50 per acre in Arrowsmith Township, this county, upon which he built a log house, iu which he lived four or five years, then removed to Iowa, remaining a resident of Warren County for two years. He then recrossed the Fa- ther of Waters, and returning to Arrowsmith Township, purch.ased the farm where he established a permanent homestead and has since lived. The mother of our subject, who before her mar- riage was Miss IMartha A. Gray, was also born in Bloomiugton, Ind., and by her union with James Franklin became the mother of seven children, of whom George W., our subject, w.as the eldest. Ho was but three years old when the fiunily came to this county, and was reared on the farm, receiving a fair education in the district schools. He lived at home with his parents until twenty-one years of age, and then engaged as clerk for J. R. Krum, grain dealer at Arrowsmith, with whom he re- mained six and one-half years, when he started in business for himself as a general dealer in grain and merchandise, and there formed the nucleus of his present extensive and lucrative trade. He be- came associated in partnership with Thomas C'larey under the firm name of Clarey & P.ayue, and they commenced operations with a capital of $1,500. The business of the firm now represents )S>oO,000. They own large tracts of land in I<.>wa, Nebraska and Kansas, their farm ne.ar Hastings being splen- didly improved and stocked with fine cattle. This is managed liy a brother of Mr. Payne, John W. In 1882 they started a branch at Delana, having bought out Mr. Snooks who had established the business at that place. Mr. Clarey manages the business at Arrowsmith, and Mr. Payne at Delana. In 1884 they disposed of the mercantile depart- ment, and have since confined their oi)erations to grain and coal. Mr. Payne was married, Jan. 5, 1873, to Miss Marie E. Clarey, who was born in Lincolnshire, •►- A , 1154 McLEAN COUNTY. 1^ Eugluiid, and is the daiiglilur of Thomas Jy. and Elizabeth Clare}'. Of this uiiiun there have been born two children — Stella 10. and Rinnie ('. Mr. I'ayne is Republican in politics, and has served as a member of the Board of Supervisors from AVest Township, also as Assessor. lie is a member of Undine Lodge No. 570, I. (). (_). F., of Arrowsmith. In this he has filled the various oflices, and for two 3ears represented the lodge in the (irand Gun vo- cation at Chicago and Springfield. \*=*. AVID II.; McFARLAND. physician and surgeon, is .one of, the oldest and best- ^«yK^ known practitioners in the southern part of McLean Count}-, and has. followed his prof ession_since^l 862. ^ He came^to this^ county from Indiana, and at once .secured the good will of thc.community by his close attention to business, his studious habits and his evident knowledge of hisprofessional duties. I)r._McFarland is ajiative'of Pennsylvania, be- ing born in the village _ of iMercersburg, in what was then Bedford, but now Fulton County, Oct. IG, 1831. _j[His father, Joseph^ McFarland, was a native of ithe same State, and occupied in both farm- ing and merchandising. _, Joseph McFarland de- scended from excellent .Scottish ancestry, aud in early life was nuirried to Miss Nancy Humphre3rs, also. born in Pennsylvania, and whose^ancestors were likewise from Scotland. The. parents of our subject remained in Pennsylvania until after the birth of all their ciiildren, removiug^to Indiana iu 1848. There the father died, in Clinton County, and the mother in Jefferson County. Their five children are all living, three of them in Illinois, one in Pennsylvania, and all married. Mary ,)., after the death of her first husband, married Milton Mc- Corkel, who is also deceased; she lives in Hey- worth; James C, also of that village, was Clerk of the Circuit Court for eight years; Rowauna became the wifeiof Moses Scott, of MonongahelaCity, Pa. ; Martha, the widow of John Dunn, resides in Han- over, Jefferson Co., Ind. The subject of this history attended the common '"cliools of his native State and afterward graduated -4* • from tiie [Me]Kuatory de[)artment of Marshall Col- lege. He was eighteen years of age when his par- ents removed to Indiana, and soon afterward com- menced the stud.y of medicine under tlie instruction of Drs. Dunn, Carter & B^'ers, of Frankford. He afterward turned his attention to a collegiate edu- cation in surgery and medicine at Rush Medical College, Chicago, whence he graduated in 18G9. He had, however, been engaged in practice. Dr. McFarland came to Ileyworth aud opened an office in 18tJ2. Shortly afterward he began to make purchases of land, and is now the owner of 325 acres on sections 'J aud 11, in Randolph Town- ship, the cultivation ot which he superintends and from which he derives a handsome income. Dr. McFarland was married in Clinton Count}', Ind., June 22, 1S5!», to Miss M. E. Dunn, who was born in the county nameil, and was a popular teacher of music there, both before and since her marriage. She is the daughter of J. H. Dunn, for- merly a promineut farmer of Indiana, but now de- ceased. They have no children. Both our sub- ject and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, and in politics the Doctor casts his vote iu support of the principles of the Republican I'arty. He has been a close student and an extensive read- er, aud not only h.is an excellent knowledge of his professional duties and agricultural pursuits, but possesses a fund of general information which con- stitutes him a fine conversationalist and a useful member of the community. \tSt. AVID W. STANGER. The subject of the following sketch is one of the enter- prising citizens of Arrowsmith Township, and occupies a fine homestead on section 14. He became a resident of the Prairie State in 1849, locating at once in McLean County, where he was employed as a farm laborer at $12 per month. After seven months thus occupied he en- gaged in feeding cattle by the month, which he varied by splitting rails, for which he received all the way from 37^ to 75 cents per hundred. After- ward he was engaged in a sawmill. He lived eco- noniicall.v and saved his earnings, and iji due time ■•►-■-4» i i •► ■ ^ ■^ .t McLEAN COUNTY. 1155 I -I established ;i business for himself, and was the (irst man who shipped cattle from this locality to Chi- cago. This "shipping" was first done by driving the animals, and one herd he transiKutcd in tliis manner, in 1852, to Cadiz, Ohio, making the return trip on horseback. The following year he pur- chased 1{jO acres of land, whicii constitutes his present homestead. He is now considered one of the best swine growers in this township. To this department of farming he has given much atten- tion, and from it has realized quite a little fortune. In»lS5'J, having become infected with the Cali- f(jrnia gold fever, he started for the Pacific Slope, and remained a resident of that region for a period of sixteen years, engaged alternately in farming and mining, which yielded him a handsome income which, however, went as easy as it came. He made the trip there by a steamer via Panama, but in 1875 returned by rail. He speaks of the climate of California as charming, but all things taken to- gether thinks Illinois is about as good a State as one can find. While in the farther West, Mr. Stanger went into Oregon and remained three months hunting among the Cascade Mountains, and afterward making a short stay at the city of Salem. Mr. Stanger was born in Monroe Count}', Ind., Oct. 13, 1828, and is the son of John and Katie (Brownlow) Stanger — his mother having been a full cousin of Parson Brownlow, of Tennessee, the famous Union man, editor, orator, and preacher of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The parents of our subject were natives of Virginia. John Stan- ger was born in April, 1799, and removed to Indi- ana in early manhood, where he first carried on the trade of a tanner, but afterward engaged in farm- ing. He departed this life Oct. 14, 1884. The mother of our subject died in early life, in 1828. Of this first marriage there were born — Mar\', S^d- vester and Strother (twins), John E., James H., and David, of our sketch. The second wife of John Stanger was formerly Miss Ann Thomas, and of their marriage there were born nine children, namely, Catherine, Lorenzo D., Jacob, Margaret, Tillma, Dorothy A., Ephraim, Tliomas and Withe. The marriage of onr subject with Miss Nancy M. Duke occurred Feb. 18, 1877, at Mr. Stanger's res- idence. Mrs. S. was born in Clark Count}', Ky., ■<^ Sept. 10, 1h4(>, and was the daughter of Joel ami Mary (Trowbridge) Duke, both natives of the lilue Grass State, and descended from excellent Dutch and Welsh ancestry. Joel Duke was born in 17.S9, followed the occupation of a blacksmith the greater part of his life, and died in 1849, in Owen County, K}'. Ilis wife, Mary, wiis born in 1799, and sur- vived her husband about sixteen years, her death occurring in 1805. Of their ten children, two died in infancy. The remainder were William M., Silas P., James IL, Martha A., Amanda, Nannie, Sarah E. and .lulia F., all now deceased except the four 3'onngest. The parents of these children were con- nected with the Christian Cliurch for over twent}' years, and their offspring have religiously followed in their footsteps, all, including Mrs. Stanger, be- ing members of th.at church. Joel Duke with sev- eral of his sons became connected with the Masonic fraternity many years ago, the latter of whom at their death were buried with the honors of that order. Mr. Stanger in early life was a Democrat, but later considered that he had reason to change his political views, and he is now a stanch support- er of Iiei)ublican principles. A fine view of his residence is shown elsewhere in this volume. ylLLIAM H. HOSELTON, one of the prominent and enterprising farmers of An- chor Township, has been a resident of this State since a boy of fourteen years old. He was born in Holmes Count3\ Ohio, May 1, 1843, and is the son of John Hoselton, of Virginia. His mother, formerly Miss Nanc}- Dalbc}', was a native of Penu- sylvania. The parents were married in Ohio and resided in that State until 1857, when they came to this county, and are now living on a farm in Normal Township. Of their five sons and two daughters, William H. was the oldest. Much of the land was uncultivated and at that time prairie fires were numerous, and our subject relates a thrill- ing incident of his own experience, when the fire threatened his father's property, and he used up all his clothes excepting his underwear to fight it with. In so doing he caught a severe cold. The next morning he mounted a horse which was kept i t 1156 McLEAN COUNTY. V in the st:il)le, for llic purposes of going after tliose that were turned out to graze at night, and in driv- ing theui lionie the iiorse lie was riding got into a fight with one that lie was driving, and in the alter- cation he was iiieived on the iieel. This, together vvitli the excitement he had undergone, caused iu- fhininiation to such an exteiit that tiie doctor decided to amputate ids foot. His father, however, was decidedly opposed to this and it was not done, but for several years inir subject was oliliged to walk on crutches. He gradually recovered the use of his foot, however, ;uid is now enaliled to get around like other men. William Iloselton was reared on his father's farm, pursued his first studies in the district scliools and later attended the Illinois State University- at Nor- mal two years. During tliis time and subsequently he taught school for nine winters successively, as- sisting his fatlier in Ihi' farm work during tlie sum- mer. Aug. 1'.), l.sT.'i, he was united in marriage with Miss Anna Hutchison, wiio was born in Belmont County, Oiiio, .hily H). l.s,v;,aud was the daughter of .lames and l'.aliislieba (Foreman) Hutchison. The day after their marri.age the young couple lo- cated upon the larm wliieii they now occupy, and which Mr. H. liad previously purchased. This was in almost its original condition when he took pos- session of it, l)ut he entered industriously upon its cultivation and improvement, and has now a snug farm homestead of eighty- acres, very fertile, and adapted to the growth of grain and all other i)rod- uets common to this section. The farm buildings are tasteful and sul)Stantial and Mr. and Mrs. H. are greatii' enjoying the home whicli they have l^uilt up by years of industrious toil and economy. Their |K)ssessioiis are the result of their own efforts, and their homestead is unincumbered. .Mr. Hosellon lias given much attention to stock- raising of late years, and ftlrs. H. presides over a line dairy. In the space of fourteen years they liave opened up and improved tiieir snug little farm, which is all well drained and enclosed with good fencing. They became the parents of two children, (mc of wliom died in infancy: Ada Ella, born Sept. 7, I^Tii, is a bright and interesting child and the light of llie household. Mr. Iloselton is Re- publican in polities and although repeatedly so- 4* f licited by his friends to liocome a candidate for some 'local ofllce, has no aspiration in that direction, but siinplj' contents himself by casting his vote in support of that body. Unsolicited Mr. II. w'as elected to the office of School Trustee at the last spring election, which oflice he is filling to the satis- faction of all. He has never been connected with any secret or religious society, but is a strong friend of temperance and interested in the success of the Prohibition jiarty. A lithographic view of Mr. Hoselton's liandsoine residence is shown on another page. --^ ^-^ "^ W;ILLIAM P.EELER, of Dale Towiisiiip. is a native of the Blue Grass State, having ^ ^ been born in Elkhorn County, Ky., Feb. H, 1822. He is the son of William Beeler, born Sept. 6, 17!)(), in the same county. The grandfatlier of our subject, Samuel Beeler, was a native of \'ir- ginia, and of German descent. He served as a soldier in the Revolutionary War. After the close of the war he removed to Kentucky, being a pio- neer settler of tiiat region. He was a great hunter and possessed rare skill in the use of the rifle. At one time, during the Indian troubles, himself and two companions went on a hunting expedition after buffalo and deer. Mr. Beeler killed a buffalo and three doc deer. While engaged in skinning one of them he heard a disturbance in the bushes and upon looking up saw ;i luau who proved to be an Indian looking from Iieliind the tree. Mr. B. seized his gun and started, and after him also started six In- dians, who fired at him as they ran. He stubbed his toe and fell and tlie Indians gave a whoop of triumph. They did not rejoice very long in their victor}', however, for lie sprung up and being very fleet of foot soon distanced his j)ursuers with the exception of one, whom he shot dead as he turned around. After some difliculty he found the camp of his companions and after all the party had come in they "pulled up stakes'" and returned home. In 180G .Samuel Beeler removed with his family to Hamilton County, Ohio. Six years later the War of 1812 was in progress, and Samuel Beeler, shouldering liis musket, once more .started out for «► r 4^ McLEAN COUNTY. 1157 the scoic of coiiUict.. He was as brave a soldier as he was a pioneer settler and after the battle of Tippecanoe, during which he had distinguished himself, he was i)roraoted Colonel of the regiment. When i)eace had been declared Mr. Bceler returned to his home, and subsequently came to Illinois and spent the last j-ears of his life in this county. William Reeler, the father of our subject, was but ten 3'ears old when his father removed from Virginia to Kentuck}'. He grew to manhood in Hamilton County. Va., and after going to Ken- tucky was united in marriage with Miss Mary Hall, w-ho died in the latter State in 182-t. Shortly after- ward Mr. B. went to Ohio, and was there subse- quently married to Miss Elizabeth Sheley. In the fall of 1830 he started for Illinois with iiis family, making the trip overland with an outfit of three yoke of oxen and one wagon. His father. Col. Bceler, .accom[)anied him with a horse and carriage and he liad two or thi'ee men to look after the teams. Mr. Bceler had previously visited the State and purchased a claim on section 3, Dale Township, where he lived until his death. He was a man of many excellent traits of char.acter. straightforward and upright in his dealings. William Becler was but two years old when he was deprived, by death, of the tender and affec- tionate care of his mother. Shortly after this sad event his father removed to Ohio, where he resided until 1830, and then came to McLean County, 111. When William Beeler was eighteen years of age he went with his Uncle Henry to Chicago, each hav- ing charge of a team of horses and a wagon loaded with apples to sell. After the}' had disposed of their produce they purchased a quantity of fine salt at $2J)0 per barrel, and taking it home, sold it at 100 per cent profit. After this young Beeler made several trips to the great cit}'. William Beeler remained an inmate of his father's home until his marriage. In 18;j() he commenced the improvements on his present farm, which is lo- cated on sections 9, 10 and 13, of Dale Township. His first marriage occurred on the 'i.^th of July, 1844, the maiden of his choice being Miss Catha- rine Lay ton, who died the 8th of April, 1 862. Their children were as follows: William H. died in in- fancy; Harriett A., now Mrs. Westmoreland; Sarah J., Mrs. Fryc; Mary E., !Mrs. Banner; John D.,and Alfaretta, who also married a Mr. P^ye; Daniel M, Stephen A. and Juliet, deceased. The second marriage of Mr. Beeler occurred Jan. 1 1, 18GS, and he "vas then married to Miss ^lary A. H. O'Neall, who was born in Greene County, Ind., in 183'). She was the daughter of Car}' and Louisa (Boyd) O'Neall. Her paternal grandfather. John O'Neall, was a native of South Carolina, and her maternal grandfather was Hon. Drnry Boyd, c>f Georgia, who removed thence to Kentucky and later to Indiana, and became a pioneer settler of Greene Count}'. He 'w.as prominently connected with public affairs, and served two terms as a Mem- ber of Congress. The second marriage of Mr. Beeler has been blest by the birth of six children: Arthur, born Oct. 11, 18(38. died July 27, 187.5, and an infant unnamed; Elzada F., born April 30, 1.S7I ; Silas C, Jan. 12, 1873; George Samuel, born Aug. 14, 1874, died Sept. 5, 187."), and Walter C, born March 23, 1876. The subject of our sketch, with his family, occupies a comfortable homestead comprising 200 acres. The family are well and favoralily known throughout McLean County, and arc held in the highest respect by their friends and associates. They attend the Christian Church, and iu politics Mr. Beeler is a Democrat. ^1^ EZEKIAH HORNEY, a well-known and re- spected citizen, as well as a progressive and successful f.arraor and stock-raiser of Le.x- t)) ingtiin Township, has for the last eighteen years been quite extensively occupied in theln'ccd- ing of Norman horses. Mr. Horney was born near Jeffersonville, Fayette Co., Ohio, July 3, 182(1. His father, Daniel Horney, was born in North Carolina, whence he accompanied his parents to Ohio at an early day and settled with them in (ireene County. Our subject's grandfather, Will- iam Horney, was of English extraction, and his son Daniel, our subject's father, was a soldier in the War of 1812. Daniel Homey and Margaret Cala- way were united in marriage in Ohio. She was »¥^m^4^ f i •►Hi^* i t t 1158 McLEAN COUNTY. ^~ horn in Maryhiud ;iiiil uns tlu' (l;uighter of John C'nlaw.'iy, wlio nioveil Ironi that .State to Ohio in an caily f Nor- man horses and h.is met with success in that under- taking, raising some of the finest animals in the county. He h.as taken the lirst premium at tlie .St. Louis Fair and also the sweep stake at the Illinois .State Fair. He has at tiie present writing thirty- one head of horses of this breed and has done much toward the introduction of this noble breed of horses throughout the county and State. He has dispo.sed of some of his horses of hi.s own raising for as high as §!)00. Mr. and Mrs. Horney have h;id five children. ^» Melissa C. is the wife of William Craggett, of Lexington; Morgan .M. w;is united in m.arriage with Miss Kmnia Brooks; Emma .1. married C. W. Heller; I'Mward C. married Macy Craggett, and .James P. and Minnie Shelley became man and wife. Mr. Horney served as Road Commissioner of Lexington Township for about ten years. He has likewise held the olHee of School Trustee. In polities he is a stanch Republican. A fine litho- graphie view <>{ the residence of Mr. Horney and some of his line stock is shown on another page of this work. D. HARTSOiS', a, representative eiti/en of Bloomington, was born in Randol[)li, Mc- Lean County, Nov. 16, 1836. His parents were James and Martha (Carr) Hartson, natives respectively of Hamilton County, N. Y., and Wal- pole, Mass. James Hartson, when twenty-two years of age, came West and settled in AVaynesville, 111., where, in 1827, he opened the first store in De Witt County. Eight years later he removed to Randolph Township, McLean County, and pur- chasing a tract of unimproved land from the Gov- ernment, opened up a f.irm which he occupied un- til his death iu 1840. This was occasioned by a fall from a horse. The wife and mother died that s.ame year. Of this family thei-e were only two children and the subject of our sketch is the only one now living. Hi' was but four years old when he was left an orphan and went to liye with his grandfather. Dr. Ciirr. The latter was one of the oldest settlers of .McLean County, coming here in 1825. Young Hartson remained with his grand- father until he was twenty-three years old and was then, in 1859, married to Miss I<;iizabeth Mormon, of Ohio. After this marriage he returned to the homestead in Rjindolph Township, which had been the iiome of his father and mother, and which he occupied for two years. He then traded the farm for another, three miles further West, upon which he engaged principidly in stock-raising. Here he gave his attention to the breeding of high-grade Durham cattle and Norman and Clydesdale horses. l'"rom there he renuiviHl to Bloomington, and since »► 4< i. t. -» ^ l <• McLean county. 1159 that time has been engaged with tiie pork-packing' company of that city. Mr. and Mrs. Hartson became the parents of five children, of whom tiie record is as follows: Martha, Mrs. Douglas Kust, has three children — Kmer_v A., Ethel and William — and they live in Ida County, Jowa, where Mr. K. is engaged in mercantile pur- suits. The other children at home are: William H., Annie M., Sarah and Thomas .). Mrs. Eliza- beth Hartson departed this life in liSTO, and for his second wife Mr. II., in 187.5, married Miss Sarah Richardson, of Illinois. This iady died in 1 879. On the .5th of October. 1881, our subject was united in marriage with Miss Clara Bunn. Mrs. II. is a native of Tazewell County, 111., and the daugh- ter of James C. and Amanda (Smith) liunn, n.a- tives respectively of Ohio and Kentucky. Mr. B. came to Illinois in about 1840, and settled in Washington, Tazewell County, where he engaged as a contr.actor and builder. Thence, in 1882, he re- moved to Peoria and still follows his former business. llis family included six children, viz., Clara, Mrs. Hartson; Gaines W., Dora, Edgar, Forrest and Hattie. Politically Mr. Hartson is a stanch adherent of the Democratic party. Religiously he is a member of the Christian Church, and socially, a K. of P. He is a straightforward l)usiness man, a worthy citizen, and enjoys in a marked degree the esteem of his fellow-citizens. ^^ ^-^ ^ ENRY BUTLER, a resident of Cheney's Grcve Township, and one of her wide-awake and prominent citizens, owns and occupies a good homestead on section ;!, where he is devoting his attention to farming and stock- raising. He has been a resident of the Prairie State since 1856, and occupied his present farm since the fall of 1874. He has distinguished him- self as a thorough business man and a good citizen, and has contributed his full cpiota towar. u N I Q. X U- UJ o z UJ t. McLEAN COUNTY. a 1163 -k Oglesby who hud resignert to enter tlie ariiiy. Mr. Funk wns re-elected in 1802, as Senator, which po- sition lie occupied at the time of his death. Mr. and Mrs. F. were worthy ni.enihers of the Method- ist E])iscopal C'liurch, and tlie name of Isaac Funli became familiar throughout tlie State as the en- courager and supporter of every measure calcu- lated to advance the interests of this section so- cially, educationally, religiously' and politically. The subject of this hi.story was reai'ed to farm- ing pursuits, and received a |)ractical education in the pioneer schf)ols of McLean County. He re- mained under the parental roof until twenty-five years of age and then, coming to Bloom ington, en- gaged in the diy -goods trade witli William Temple for seven years. He then sold his interest to his partner and engaged in farming and stock-raising until 1873. From the first he displayed unusual business talent, and had made rapid strides in the confidence and respect of the citizens of the county. During the year last mentioned he was elected President of the First National Bank of Blooming- ton, which position he now Iiolds, and this l)ank, under his management, has become one of the solid institutions of the State. Besides other important trusts repo.sed in him he has been State Trustee for the Soldiers' Orphans' Home at Normal since 1877, and Supervisor of Bloomington Township since 1874. He is a stockholder in the First National Bank of Shelbyville, III., and holds a like interest in the Gas Company, and is also stockholder and Director of the Walton Plow Works of Blooming- ton. In politics he is a stanch Republican, and sociallj' belongs to the Masonic Lodge of Bloom- ington. Mr. Funk was married, April 10, 18.')7, to Miss P^lizabeth Richardson, who was born in Indiana but came to McLean County with her |)arents when a child three years of age. She is a daugh- ter of Samuel T. and Mary (Welsh) Richardson, natives respectively of New York and Pennsylva- nia, who after their marriage emigrated to Illinois, and were among the pioneers of McLean County. The}' entered a tract of land here and opened up a farm, upon which thej' passed the remainder of their lives. Of tliis marriage there were born onl}' two children — liclle, now Mrs. H. M. Rollins, of St. Paul, her husband being engaged in commission business, and Isaac L., at home. The family resi- dence is a handsome structure, finely hjcated at No. 110 Fait Chestnut street, Bloomington, whei-c our sul)j('ct and his family extend a generous hos- pitality to a host of friends. Besides his city property Mi-. Funk owns 2,400 acres of land in Funk's (irove and Dale Townships, which consti- tutes !i magnificent estate, and is devoted mostly to the breeding of fine stock. \j (JHN W. KERSHAW, (me of the wealthiest and most extensive land-holders of Downs Township, is the possessor of .018 acres, which constitutes his home farm, and which is located on sections 21 and 28. He also owns 300 acres of valuable laud in Empire Township, which is highly imi)roved. He has other valuable property in McLean County which he has amassed by the exercise of his excellent business talent and industry. His family residence is a handsome modern structure, beautifully located, and is the resort of a host of warm friends and acquaintances. In addition to general farming, i\Ir. Kershaw has of late years given much attention to the raising of fine stock, .Short-horn cattle and Poland-China hogs, and in this business has been remarkably successful. He has been the architect of his own fortune, and presents a fine example to the ambi- tious youth of to-day, of what may be accomplished by having a steady purpose in view, and backed by untiring industry and good judgment. Mr. Kershaw is a native of this State, and was born in Williamson Count}', Sept. 11, 1838. His father, Joseph Kersluiw, now deceased, settled in Downs Township in 1851, having taken up the hist acre of land secured by pre-emption from the Gov- ernment. Joseph Kershaw was a native of Lan- cashire, England, where he was reared and learned the spinner's trade, commencing to labor at the early age of twelve years. After arriving at years of manhood, he was married in his native shire to Miss Hannah Robinson, who was also born and reared in Lancashire, and there learned the weaver's trade. After the birth of one child, a (laughter, i^ 'i 1 1164 i McLEAN COUNTY. Elizaliotli, they resolved to emigrate to the I'nited States. Tliis was in 1S;M, and after reaching Americaii'^shores, the}- proc^ceded directly to Illi- nois, settling first in Williamson County, but soon afterward removed to McLean County, where the mother died in March, ISoS. The second wife of Joseph Kershaw, to whom he was married in Em- pire Township, was Miss Lucinda (Jilmore. Our sulijeet remained under the home roof until his marriage, in Empire Township, in 1,S60, the lady of his choice being Miss Emeline Buckles. She was born and reared in Empire Township, of which iier grandfather was the first settler, locat- ing in what is yet known as Buckles' Grove. His son, Abraham, the father of Mrs. Kershaw, was married _^to Miss Mary Williams, and both ho and his good wife are now deceased. After their marriage Mr. .and Mrs. Kershavv lo- cated on their present homestead, which they have occupied since that time. The}^ have " pulled to- gether;" the wife has labored side l)y side with her husband in the mutual effort to secure a comi)e- tency for their later years, and in this they have succeeded. The entire landed property of Mr. Kenshaw aggregates 818 acres, which is drained with over 6,000 rods of tile from three to ten inches in diameter. His herd of cattle includes l.'iO head, and he feeds annually abo\it that num- ber of hogs. _ Mr. Kershaw commenced life at the foot of the ladder. His first vvork was breaking prairie when twelve years old, with a team of five yoke f)f cattle. When married he coidd boast of owning *.') only, and gave ^.i-of^that"to the min- ister who married them. His father gave him $15, with which he bought his outfit to commence house- keeping. To our subject and his wife there have been born thirteen chihlrcn, three of whom died in in- fancy : Joseph married Miss Rosa Rlyers, and is farming in Empire Township; John W. married Miss (Icrtrude Dodds, of Saybrook. and lives in Empire Township; C'loa E. became tiie wife of Samuel H. Morton, and lives in Lainont, Cook Co., 111.; Lizzie married John F. Welch, of whom a sketch is given in another i)art of this Ai.isum; Biu-r, Lucinda, Robert, William C., Ruth E. and Sam- uel are at iiome with their parents. Mr. .md Mrs. Kershaw are prominently connected with the United Brethren Church, and our subject politi- cally is connected with the Democratic party. A handsome view of his residence and pleasant home is shown on another page of this work. --^«^».-j»*^.. ► \'ol. Inf., in which he .served until the victory of the Union armies no longer necessitated the ii.se of soldiers. He participated with his comrades in the battles of Ft. Donelson, Shiloh and various minor engage- ments, and in all things strived to emulate the bravery of his comrades in enduring fatigue, priva- tion and other hardships connected with a soldier's life. After his return from the army Mv. Loper re- turned to Lawrenceburg, Ind., and was employed as a farm hand until .September, 18Ci7. He then took up the l)laeksmith's trade, which he learned of Alva Barnes, after going back to Hamilton County, Ohio. He worked in that State and in Indiana at intervals until 1871. In March of the year follow- ing he visited Chicago, whence he came into this count3', and engaged as a journe3'nian in Chenoa. In June, 1872, he took a trip to Colorado, but soon returned and resumed his trade, following it until 1874. In April of that year he located at Weston, where we now find him one of the substantial and reli.able citizens of the place. Mr. Loper was married in this county', in 1873, to Miss Antoinette, daughter of Samuel and Ellen Powell, who was born Oct. SII, 1853. Of this mar- riage there were four children: S. Ellen, born Nov. 14, 1874;Phebe, Nov. 8, 1877; Thomas Wil- bur, Nov. 9, 1882, and Elsie P., March 15, 1884. Mr. Loper is independent in politics and a firm believer in the Christian religion. He is connected with the Masonic fraternity as a member of Chenoa Lodge No. 292, and Chenoa Chapter No. 143. A lithographic view of Mr. Loper's residence and shop is shown on another page in this Aliu'm. -€-*-B- v^j) DGAR BLAISDELL, one of jMcLean Conn- ie t.v's numerous self-made men, is promi- jV—^ ,i nently identified with the industrial inter- ests of Weston, where he is engaged in the grain and lumber trade. He is a native of tlie Empire State, and was born in Washington County, N. Y., March 5, 1834. His parents were John and Sarah (Collins) Blaisdell, and he is one of a family of six children, all of whom lived to attain their m.a- i jorit}-, and two of whom, J. 0. and Jane, are now deceased. Those surviving are, John C, a farmer of Washington County, N. Y.; Louisa, who re- sides at Saratoga Springs; Sarah, the wife of Jo- seph Leeret, of Syracuse, and our subject, Edgar, who was the 3'oungest of the family. Edgar Blaisdell passed his boyhood and youth upon his father's farm in New York, and received a common-school education. Pie remained under the home roof until 1855, then, having attained his majority, started West to seek his fortune. He first went to Walworth County, AVis., where he fol- lowed farming one season, and then went into Dane County, that State, where he remained until 1858; thence he went to Columbia Countj', and was occupied as a grain dealer one year, after which he resumed farming in Dane County, in which he was occupied until the whole country was electrified by news of the attack on Ft. Sumter. Young Blaisdell then with all his patriotism aroused, at once enlisted as a soldier of the Union, being- mustered into service with Co. K, 1st Wis. Vol. Inf., in which he served until August, 1801, under the first call for three months' troops. At the ex- piration of that time he returned to Dane County, Wis., and followed farming there until the spring of 1866. He then came to Illinois, first locating at Chenoa, this county, where he had charge of a lum- ber-yard one year, and then went to Chicago, serv- ing in the same capacity there one season. We next find him in his native State where he passed the following winter; coming back in the spring to Chenoa, he resumed his old occupation in the lum- ber trade. Mr. Blaisdell became a resident of Weston in the spring of 1872, and for four years superintended the grain business of Haines, Jordan & Co. In the fall of 1875 he formed a partnership with Al- bert Rakestraw, and under the firm style of Blais- dell, Rakestraw & Co., they operated in grain for one year, then purchased a warehouse. Afterward Mr. Blaisdell for four years operated in company with Joseph Leeret. The firm was dissolved in 1882, since which time our subject has carried on business alone. On the 21.st of September, 1871, Edgar Blaisdell was united in marriage with Miss Su.san A., daugh- k t t -•►-i-^ ' 1166 McLEAN COUNTY. ter of JvOiigwoith and Sjirali A. (Fry) Armstrong. Mrs. WniMdell was born in Peoria, Oct. 20, 1848, and b}' lier union with our subjccit has bocome tlie motiier of six children — Fannie, Louisa, Edgar, Ahna, Amelia .and J.ay. IMr. Blaisdell is a fine il- lustration of the self-made man, who, by the exer- cise of his own energy and indnstiy. has attained a good position in the communit}' and in a business waj'. Me is careful in his business transactions, prompt in meeting his obligations, and iu all re- spects is entitled to be classed as an honest man and a good citizen. A lithograi)hic view of Mr. Blaisdell's residence, elevator and otlice, appears on another page. "flJOIIX McCONNELL. In McLean County are many extensive land-owners, and fre. qnentlv these gentlemen have amassed their property bj' their own energy and business tact. Prominent among this number is Mr_ McCcninell t)f Downs Township, who is pro|)rietor of 500 acres on sections .'J.j and 2. This is liuely im- proved and culti vated,aud providedwith a liaudsonie an{ whom are now living. Our sid)ject was the twelfth child of his parents' family and grew to manhood iu Ohio. He pursued his studies in the common schools and Completed his education at Fanner's College, in Hamilton County. He then taught school nine j'ears follow- ing, iu the meantime, having come to this county, a part of his labors l)eing in Downs and Empire Townships. He was successful as a teacher, h.as been so as a farmer, and soon after coming here identified him.self thoroughly with the interests of the county. He became a resident before the organi- zation of the to\vuslii|), and when this took pLace was elected Township Clerk and afterward Assessor .and Supervisor, holiling the former ollicc five con- ^ -•►■-^ * f -4^ t McLean county. 1167 secutive years, tunl the latter Iwu years. lie wiis also Road Commissioner two years, early in the history of the township, being one of the first who made the survey for a public thoroughfare. He has served as Justice of the Peace for about fifteen years and in politics is a solid Re|)ublican. John McConnell was married in Kuii)ire Town- ship, June 17, 18G2, at the home of the bride's parents, to Miss Martha E. Buck, who was born at Le Roy Dec. 14, 1838, and is the daughter of Hiram Buck. She is a high-minded and intelligent lady and greatl}' respected by all who know her. Of this union there were three children, of whom one daughter, Anna B., died when about nineteen years of age. The two sons, Hiram E. and William M., are twins; the former is attending Wesleyan Uni- versity, and the latter the Business C^m-4^ * -•►-■-^ i t ,t •►^■-^*- McLEAN COUNTY. 1173 1 834. His wife was horn Dec. 26, 1799, and died April 8, 183G. It will thus be seen that they were born in the same year and both died in April. The grandmother survived her husband a little over two years. "William H. Ball is the eldest member of his par- ents' family. He was reared to farming, received a fair common-school education, and after reaching manhood was united in marriage with Miss Mary Harrison on the 10th of November, 1864. Mrs. Ball is also a native of Cheney's Grove Township, and born Sept. 11, 1843. She is the daughter of Davis and Temperance (Thomas) Harrison, the father a native of Pennsylvania, and the mother of Ohio. Davis Harrison was born Feb. 26, 181 9, and died at his home in Saybrook, Feb. 9, 1884. His wife, the mother of Mrs. Bali, was born Aug. 23, 1823, and departed this life about the 10th of JNIarch, 1873. Four of their eight children are yet living: Mary, of our sketch, was the eldest. Benja- min T., born Aug. 8, 1846, married Miss Love C. Hogan; Leander J., born Sept. 13, 1848, died May 20, 1871 ; Hannah, born Aug. 20, 1851, died Sept. 24, 1853; Charles, born Jan. 27, 1854. died March 31, 1874; Aaron, born Oct. 28, 1856, died Sept. 11, 1858; Ellen C, born Oct. 10, 1860, became the wife of Floyd AV. Collins, Oct. 13, 1881; E,sther M. was born Sept. 11, 1864. Mr. and Mrs. Ball have four children : Harriett E., born Sept. 30, 1805; Harrison, Oct. 25, 1866; Minnie E., May 31, 1868, and Frank M., Dec. 22, 1876. Harriett graduated at the Bloomington High School in 1886, and is now teaching five miles E.ast of that city. The homestead of our subject comprises 290 acres of valuable land under an advanced state of cultivation. In September, 1881, he removed to Bloomington, where he remained until March, 1887. He then returned to the farm, which seems more like home to him than any place in the world. Here he has a substantial and convenient residence which, together with his substantial out- buildings and live stock, comprises the model farm estate of an enterprising and representative citizen. !Mr. Ball has one of the finest farm estates in this section besides the finest spring in McLean County, it having a capacity sufficiently large to water 1,000 head of stock daily, even in the driest season of the year. Mr. and Mrs. Ball with two of the children, Hattie and ^Minnie, are members of the First Methodist Church of Bh^omington. A view of Mr. Ball's residence is shown on another'page. I ■^^ r/AMES M. SELLS. One of the handsomest homesteads in Martin Township, lying on section 14, is occupied by the subject of this sketch, of v/hich he took possession in tin' spring of 1864. The family residence, which is splendidly located, is one of the neatest and most tasteful in that locality, and the liarn and other necessary farm buildings are handsome and sub- stantial structures, calculated alike for beauty and utility. The fences and farm machinery are kept in good repair, and the stock and other accessories of the estate testify in a silent and forcible manner to the intelligence, industry and enterprise of the proprietor. Anthony Sells, the father of our sulgect, and Benjamin Sells, the grandfather, were both natives of Virginia. The former emigrated to Indiana when a young man, where he remained a short time, and then came into Woodford County, this State. There he v/as married to Miss Mary Mun- dell, a native of Woodford County. After their marriage the young people settled at Dixon, 111., whence they shortly afterward removed to Johnson County, Iowa. Anthony Sells being a miller by trade put up a mill on the Iowa River, near Iowa City, which he operated for a number of years, and then pushed southwestward into Kansas, where he passed the remainder of his days. The niother had died while living in Johnson County', Iowa. James M., our sidjject, after residing three years in Johnson County, Iowa, returned to Woodford Count}', making his home with his uncle and grand- mother. He started out in life for himself at the early age of ten years, and commenced working on a farm and herding cattle. He soon learned tlie value of money, and saved what he could of a very limited income. During the war he dealt largely in cattle for other parties, and in time be- i t 1174 McLEAN COUNTY. 1 jrjui to trade' (in his own arconnt, iuvL'sling what means lie; oonkl I'aise in live stoek. As his opera- tions extended he begun shipping ealtle from Kan- sas and C'oloi'ailo to Chicago, New Yorlv, and otlier Kastern points, lli.s transaetious in this line contin- ued for a period of over thirty yars. lie has been remarkably successfnl in Ids operations and acciimu- l;ited a handsome (^ompetencey. His career from lirst to last has lieen a striking illnstration of what may be acconiplished from very small lieginnings. His lirst property in the cattle line was a 3'earling calf, whic-h lie secured in |)ayment for cutting corn stalks. He has fed as high as .500 head of cattle during the winter, for wliic^h |)urpose he raises an immense i[uaiitity of corn, probaliiy more than any other man in tliis township. lU'sidos his cattle op- erations, wiiich iiave included large numbers of thoroughbred Short-horns, he has been engaged quite extensively in the breeding of Norman horses. Hi-- stables contain some of the li;indsomest animals in this .section of the State. During the war Mr. Sells made money rapidly, but in the panic of 1H7.1, which brought ruin to so many men, he suffered heavily. His was not the spirit to be dismayed or discouraged, however, and he recovered from his los.ses as best he could, and set about with dauntless courage to retrieve his fortunes. In dm; time he found himself again uiion his feet. He purchased his present farm in 1«(M, taking an entire section of land, and giving as i)art payment 100 head of cattle, but it was not long until he had the whole of it paid for. The marriage of James i\I. Sells and Miss Emma V. Brooke, of McLean County, took i)lace in 1873. Mrs. 8. was born near Shirley, 111,, and is the daugh- ter of Matthew and Mary (Thompson) Brooke, Matthew Brooke removed from Pennsylvania to Ohio, and thence to Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Sells have four children, three daughters and one son — Mary, Lavisa, Charles B. and Rachel. When JMr. Sells first took possession of his pres- ent farm there were no improvements upon it, it having been chiefly devoted to the herding of cat- tle, numbers of which he himself had looked after upon llie .same land 3'cars before he was in a condi- tion to think of buying. Since he took possession of it he h.as effected a wonderful change, and has brought most of the land to a good state of cultiva- tion, some years raising as high as 20,000 bushels of corn on .'J20 acres. Our suliject was elected As- sessor of Martin Township, which ollicc he held for tlirei' successive terms. Politically he is indcpcml- ent, and is a strong temperance man. JAMES S. BLAND, a self-made man, is to- day a, prosi)erous and highly respected far- mer of I'jiipire Township. Me came into j^JJ the I'rairie State after the war, poor in pocket and without influential friends, but by the exercise of his native energy' and resolution has secured for himself a comfortable home and a com- petency and has established himself in the esteem of his fellow-citizens. Mr. Bland was born in Pendleton Ctjunty, W. Va., Jan. 2.'S, 1845. His f.ather, Eli island, was a native of the same county and State, and his grand- father, Henry Bland who, it is believed, was also a Virginian, followed the occui)ation of a f.-irmer in the Old Dominion, spending most of his life in Pendleton County. His son Eli, the father of our subject, was also reared to farming pursuits, and si)ent his entire life in his native county, dying there in the winter of 18(52 or 18G3. He married in early life Miss Annie Haigler, a native of his own county, who still resides there. James Bland attended the subscription schools of his native county' and assisted his father in fann- ing until 18G2. Then, ujion the outbreak of the Rebellion, and when a youth of seventeen years, he enlisted as a soldier of the Confederacy in Co. A, 18th ^'a. Vol. Cav., and served until the close of the war. He was in the army of Gen. J.,00 and was present at the battles of Fisher's Hill, Win- chester, Newmarket, Lynchburg and Gettysburg, He was captured by Federal troops in September, 1864, and confuied at Camp Chase, Ohio, eight months, being released at the clo.se of the war. He then returned to his native county in Virginia and resumed farming on the old homestead until 1867, Not being cjuite .satisfied with his condition or his prospects he resolved to emigrate to Illinois. He stopped iirst in Chanqiaign County for one year, ^ ' t ■ -^ •► ■ <^« McLEAN COUNTY. 1175 t uorkiiit;- on n f;irii), wlienoo lii' went into DcWitt County and was similarly occupieil until liis mar- riage. He then rented a farm in Dc Witt County until 1S78, when he came into McLean and pur- chased the farm whicli he now occupies. He has greatly improved the condition of this since it came into his possession, although it was then sup- plied with a good set of frame buildings. On the 2d of November, 1 882, the first house was destroyed 1)\- fire and lie put ui) the one he now occupies. This is a substantial and convenient structure, pleasantly located, and makes a pleasant home for himself and family. His first purchase consisted of 188 acres and to this he has added and now has in all 287 acres divided into three farms, two of them being supplied with good frame buildings. Mr. Bland was married in this county on the 23d vf .luly, 1871, to Miss Klizabeth Ilelmick, who was born in Rutledge Township, De Witt Co., 111., .Tuly 10, 18.')1, and is the daughter of Elisha and Mary (Trimble) Helmick, both natives of ^'irginia, who came to De Witt County in about 184G. Mr. and Mrs. Bland became the parents of seven chil- dren — Ashlej-, Mary, Hattie, Walter, Ewell, Bessie and Dell. The parents arc members in good stand- ing of the Methodist Episcopal Ciuirch. A lithographic view of Mr. I.land's residence is shown on another page of this work. <^ felLLlAM J. KIMLER, Supervisor of West lative of the Prairie State, near the city of Blooming- ton, Nov. 10, 18;58. His father, Caleb Kimler, was a native of Virginia, whence he removed into Ken- tuck3' and lived until about 1830. He then came into that part of Vermilion County, 111., which is now included in McLean, and lived a few years in what is now Bloomington Townshij). He then pur- chased a tract of timber and prairie near Randolph Grove, upon which stood a log house, and he there h)cated and commenced the serious business of life in a new country. He had served an apprentice- ship as a carpenter and cabinet-maker and after lo- cating here, in company with others put up the lirst sawmill in the county, at the east end of 4' i\ IrlLLlAM J. KllUL \aj// Township, is a uai WW and was born neai Randolph Grove. lie engaged a man to o|ierate his farm and employed himself at his tiade most of the time. His death occurred in Randolph Town- ship, Jan. ;), 1S48. The maiden name of Caleb Kimler's wife was Elizabeth Orendorff, and she was born July 2'.l, 1814, in Kentucky, her parents being ^\■i^i.■lnl aucl Sallie (Nichols) Orendorff, the former a native of Georgia, and the son of Christopher Orendorff, who was of German descent and parentage. Mrs. Kimler came to this county wittr her parents in 1823, being among the very first settlers. She died in Randolph (irove Oct. 13, 1843, and her remains lie beside those of her husband in Downs Ceme- tery. Of their four children, Lewis C. and Marena J. died near Bloomington ; the latter was the wife of James W. Aliel, who died in Belleflower Township; our subject was the third child; America became the wife of Christopher Noggle, and lives in Old Town Township. The subject of this history w'as but ten years of age when his father died. II(^ lived with his ma- ternal grandparents for tw(; years, then made his home with his uncle, John L. Orendorff, until he. had grown tOvmanhood, receiving a fair education in the common school, and teaching one term. Upon the breaking out of the Rebellion he enlisted Aug. 29, 1802, in the 4th Illinois C^avalrv, and served until the close of the war. He was in the Valley of the Mississippi the entire term of service, his regiment for the most part doing garrison duty. After his return from the army Mv. Kinder lived with his uncle until his marriage, and then removed to West Township and settled on section 2, town 21. After five years he traded his farm there for the one which he now owns and occupies. This consists of 200 acres on section 3'), all enclosed and improved, and furnished with a good set of frame buildiiigs. Mr. K. is largely engaged in grain and stock raising, and everything about the premises denotes the supervision of a methodical business man. The marriage of our subject occurred on the 2d of April, 1867, the lady of his choice l)eing Miss Mary E. Hoover, who was born in Clermont County, Ohio, and the daughter of .Joel and Nancy (Houscr) Hoover, natives of Maryland. The chil- 1 ,t 117Ci McLKAN COUNTY. dren of Mr. and Mrs. K. are as follows: Cora May, Ola E., Mary Frances, WilliiUii 15. mihI .Icssie I'earl; one son, a twin brother of William, died in infancy. Mr. Kinder is Deniocr.'itic in politics, has been Townshi|) Clcik for several ye;irs, School 'I'rustec and Treasurer, and has served tiii'fc terms as .Su- pervisor. • 'I^^KNIiY C. LOWUKY, importer and Ineeder of French draft horses, is a native of \V )od- furd County, this State, where he was born March 2is, l,s,")i;. He has been a resident of Normal Townshi|) since 1805, and has full^' es- tablished himself in the confidence an' on a tract of land in Normal Township. He .subse- quently became the owner of 22.") acres, besides land in Woodford and Logan Counties and also in Iowa and Nebraska, making in all an area of 1,400 acres. He departed this life in 1870. He was jirompt to meet his obligations, a strictly honest and reliable business man and was held in the hio-h- est respect by his business associates and acquaint- ances at large. His wife survives and resides on the old homestead in Normal Township. Their household circle included six children, of whom the record is as follows: Edwin is an engineer in the United States Navy; Mary became the wife of Frank Pei)pers, a dealer in agricultural implements ami also in N<^rman hor.ses at Albia, Iowa; Henry C. of our sketch; Adaline lives in Nebraska with an uncle; Josephine married Arthur Keenan, of Le Uoy ; Alice is at home. Henry C. Lowrej' of our sketch received a fair education in the common schools and assisted his parents in the duties around the farm. After at- taining his majority he went West to look after some real estate for his father. After arriving in the territories, whithei' he had gone with some cat- tlemen, he passed three seasons, and then returning home remained a year. In 1881 he embarked in his present business, and subseqnentlj' visited France, bringing home with him six valuable horses. In 1882 he imported fifteen nuire choice animals; in 1883, seventeen head, and in 1884, fourteen head In 188,j he formed a partnership w.th Jiihn J. Kemp, and under the firm style of Keni|) ife Luwrey they were soon the possessors of forty-three head of valuable animals, importing dui-ing 188G sixteen head, and in 1887 they im- ported thirty-eight fine horses. They still have a large nnnd)er of mares for breeding purposes and are rapidly Imilding u)) a reputation as the most successful and skillful horsemen in this locality. Our subject has been admitted as a member of the National French Draft Horse Association, and has the ambition to strive for the highest excellence in his innxirtaut work, which so materially affects the industries of this country. ATHANIEL PIERCE HELMICK, a suc- cessful hardware merchant of Bellefiower, and still a young man, as a good citizen and an honest and thorough-going member of this community, is contributing his full share toward the business interests of his locality. He is the son of Nathaniel Helmiek, Sr., who w,as born in A'irginia, grew to manhood in his native State, and there married Miss Mary Tingler, also a native of the Old Dominion. After a few years they re- moved to Ohio and thence, in 1830, to Illinois. The journeys from Virginia to Ohio and from the latter State to Illinois were made with wagons, in vvhii'h they carried tiieir household goods, camjiing and cooking by the wayside. The father of our •►■-# i ■•► r t. - ► w , <• McLean county. 1 1 77 ti\ subject first purchased a claim in Rutledge Town- ship, Y)c Witt Co.. 111., where he erected a log house, the nearest mill being in T.azewell County, and the nearest market for cattle was Chicago, 140 miles distant. The elder Ilelmick improved his farm there and occupied it until 1882, then sold out and removed to Farmer City, where lie spends his sum- mer seasons and in winter taltes up his residence in Florida. The subject of this history was the tenth of twelve cliildren born to his parents. He was reared on his father's farm and received a good common- school education, remaining under the home roof until he liad attained his majority. Mis father then gave him 100 acres of land, located on section 28, Belleflower Township, which he occupied and cul- tivated until 1882. That year lie rented his farm and removing to Belleflower, engaged in his present business, in which he has been fairl}' successful. Mr. Helmick was married in Belleflower Town- ship, on the 2d of October, 1876, to Miss Martha Greene, who was a native of Illinois. They have become the parents of four children — Melver F. P., Nancy M., Clara P. and Thomas N. P. Mr. H. is Democratic in politics and hasserveil as Collector of his township. A lithographic view of Mr. Melmick's residence and store building is to be seen on another i)age. >-j>t^ - l/ii^ -<^5«£^ ^ MLLIAM VANSCHOICK. There are few \/iJ// '"®" more widelj' or favorably known \y^ throughout McLean County than the sub- ject of the following sketch. He came to this vi- cinity nearly thirty years ago, and the aid which he has extended in encouraging the mark of progress and building up the city of Bloom ington, can scarcely be estimated. Me is of that energetic and enterprising disposition which will not allow him to be idle for a moment, and at those times when per- haps his hands are unemploj'ed his busy brain is devising something which shall not only be a ben- efit to himself but to those around him. There are few enterprises in the capital city of McLean with which he has not been connected, and he is con- ceded by all to be one of the best financiers and liusiness men of this county. Mr. VanSchoick is a native of Monmouth Coun- t}', N. J., where his birth took place Aug. 2, 1829. His parents, David and Emily (Williams) Van- Schoick, were natives of the same State, where they remained until after marriage and then started West, locating in Ohio in 1836. There the father was engaged in farming and milling, and remained a resident of the Buckeye State for thirty years. In 1866 he came to Bloomington, where he resided until his death, which occurred in 1874. The mother is still living in this cit}', honored and re- spected by all who know her. The subject of this history in early life learned the printer's trade, but this not being suited to his tastes he took up stove-molding and brickmak- ing, at which he served a thorough aiiprenticeship and became an expert. When twenty-three years of .age he established himself at Richmond, Ind., and engaged at his trade, turning out the largest amount of work in the molding of sand brick that has ever been known. At one time in the space of thirteen hours he finished off 14,369 brick. After this da3''s work he was carried on the shoulders of his men and the students two miles to and fro through the city. An account of this was pub- lished throughout the United States and Canada and young VanSchoick was conceded the cham- pion brickm.aker of the country. From his early youth, Mr. VanSchoick was al- ways ambitious to progress. He was never content with mediocritj', but in wh.atever he undertook it seemed the most natural thing in the world that he should aim to excel. After becoming thoroughly proficient in the manufacture of brick, he began to engage as a builder and contractor, and superin- tended the erection of many important buildings in and around Richmond, Ind., among them the Friends' College, a handsome and substantial struc- ture, reared by the Quakers, .and devoted to the higher branches of study. Mr. VanSchoick came to Bloomington in 1858, and continued .as a builder and contractor, meeting with the same success here which had sign.alized his efforts elsewhere. Among the iuiportant l)uild- ings in this city which bear the mark of his perse- ■^r 1 1178 -t ■^^ McLEAN COUNTY. verance aiul jrenitis are the Wesleyaii College, the People's BaaU luiildiiig, and tlie Bloomington Stove Woiks. He possesses more than ordinary executive ability, and lias h.ad at times 17.5 men in his employ, lie was one of the organizers of the Hloomington .Stove Works, has been a stockholder ami Director from tiie beginning, and was elected President in lss.">. Tbi' company commenced bus- iness witli six members, and a capital stock of $40,- 000. Tlie (capital lias since lieen increased and the products of tlieir manufacture arc sent into most of the Western and Southern States. Mr. \'anSchoick is also idcntilicd witii the plow works of the cit}', and is a stockliohlcr in the Third National Bank. One of the most important interests of the city is tlie Bloomington Pork Packing Company, which is transacting a large and |ir<)lital)le business, and lying in (tlose proximity to the tr.acks of the I., B. A W. and the L., 15. & U. R. R., has fine facilities fur shipping, and transports annualh' many ear- loads of tliis alnxjst indispen.sable commodity to different parts of the East and South. A man who lias liai! the faculty of successfully engineering so many important inti'rests, has naturally' become an inipoi't;int factor in the l)uilding up of the city, which now largely dei)ends u])on him to assist in sustaining the reputation to which it has attained. Mr. N'anSclioick has steadily declined to become an (illicc-hdlder, feeling that his liusiness affairs claime(l his entire attention, but in 1 !■>()() the citizens elected him Alderm.-in, the duties of which olllce he (illed with credit to liimself and satisfaction to all eonc<'rned. lie is a man who can never l)e any- thing in a half-way manner, and during his incum- bency of this ollicc intriiduced many measures whi(>h were of great benefit to the city. He is largely interested in proi)erty here, and no man has taken greater satisfaction in nuiing the march of progress and civilization throughout the Prairie .State, and in devising methods which shall result in the best good of its people. The measures which have had the tendency to encourage them in tlieir efforts at Iiuilding up homes and becoming worthy .uid permanent citizens have originated and been upheld by such men as tlie subject of this sk(!tcli. The portrait .■@^>♦o <,— EPIIRAIM HESTER. McLean County is dot- ted over with many well-improved farms, and a goodly number of them are ovvned by men who began life poor in pocket, l)Ut with an abundance of energy and pluck, and have made life a success. Among this class of citizens is Mr. Hester, of Cheney's Grove Township. He has been variously' engaged as farmer, carpenter and school teacher, but is at present comfortably lo- cated on section 11. He was born in Northamp- ton County, Pa., whence he removed with his par- ents to Northumberland County and thereafter to Illinois, in 18G7. He is the sou of Christian and Elizabeth (Mensch) Hester, who spent their last years in Pennsylvania. The mother died in 1851, and the father surviving her nearly thirty years, departed this life in 1880, having arrived at the advanced .age of nearly eighty-four 3'ears. Their eleven children were Phillip, Sylvester, Catherine, Caroline, Abraham, Lucy A., Christian, Epliraim, William, Henry and Daniel. Mr. Hester after coming to this county em- ploj'ed him.sclf at whatever he could find to do, some of the time in the cornfield, but most of the time teaching. He followed the latter profession for a period of twelve j-ears with marked success. He has a natural love of learning and was finely educated. During the progress of the late War he enlisted in 18G3, in Co. E, 131st Pa. Vol. Inf., as Corporal. He served nine mouths in the Army of the Potomac, w.as held with his company as a re- .serve in the battle of Eredericksburg, and partici- pated in tlie engagement at Chancellorsville. He was never wounded but suft'ered greatly in health from harilshi|) and privation. He received an hon- orable discharge in 18G1, and going into the State of Micliigan resumed teaching, which he followed -•► i i L t McLEAN COUNTY. 1179 for two years, although scarcely able to do so. In 1872 he purchased 120 acres of land in this county, to which he subsequently added until he is now the owner of two fine farms iueluding 240 acres. Upon this he has a handsome and substantial residence, good barns and out-buildings, and all the appli- ances of a modern agriculturist. He has given some attention of late years to the breeding of Norman horses and high-grade Short-horn cattle. He takes a genuine interest in the affairs of liis county and townsliip, especially in the establishment and maintenance of schools. He has filled various township offices, and is a man of sound judgment, whose opinion is uniformly consulted upon all im- portant occasions. Politically he is independent, and religiousl3' was carefully reared by his parents in the doctrines of the (ierman Reformed Church. The marriage of liiphraim Hester and Miss Arey A. Crigler took place on Christmas Eve, 1868. Mrs. H. was born in McLean County, 111., Feb. 2, 1850, and is the daughter of Thomas B. and Sarah R. (Deal) Crigler, both of whom are living. Their eight children are William H., C. F., C. E., John M. B., Arey A., Julius W.. Martha S. and Blaggie _E. Mr. and Mrs. Hester are the parents of six children, all of whom are living — Arthur, Eugene E., Eunice R., June, John T. and Lncy E. Mr. Hester is a member of the Knights of Honor, at Gibson. 111. Mrs. Hester is a member of the Cum- berland Presliyterian Church, of C4ibson, Ford Co., 111. A handsome lithographic view of Mr. Hester's lilaco is shown. t ^WEN A. MP^ANS, a prominent farmer and stoclc-raiser of Cheney's Grove Township, is the owner of a fine farm estate on section 15. He is a native of Kentucky, and was born in Lewis County, Sept. 21, 1831, and is the son of Robert and Sarah (Rumsey) Means, natives of Pennsyl- vania, where the father was born in 1 785. Robert Means emigrated to Illinois in 182'J, locating in this county, of which he remained thereafter a resi- dent, and departed this life Aug. 15, 1835. He was an old-line Whig politically, and religiously, a firm believer in the doctrines of the Methodist Church, 4> of which his wife was also a member. She was born Nov. 10, 17!)5, and died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. James McMackin, March 1. 1875. Their ten children are recorded as follows : America, who became the wife of Suowden Ball, died in Cheney's (! rove Township in 1885: Katurah nuir- ried James McMackin, and lives in the same town- ship; Jemima and John were twins, the former be- came the wife of A. G. Stansberry of Kansas, and the latter died when fifteen years old ; James R. ni.arried Miss Nancy Stansberry; David D. first married Miss Mary Cline, who died after a few years, and he then married her sister Rebecca; Joseph K. married Miss Matilda Rankin; he served as a soldier in the LTnion army during the late war, being a member of the llOth Illinois Infantry, and died at Vicksburg in ISlio; his widow was left with four children; Owen A., our subject, was the eighth child; Elizabeth, Mrs. Green, lives in Lynn County, Kan.; Margaret became the wife of James Vanscoyoc, and lives on the old home place where the parents settled in 1829. The subject of this history remained under the home roof during his childhood and youth, receiv- ing careful home training and a good common- school education. After reaching manhood he was united in marriage with Miss L3'dia Pitts, Oct. 4, 1855. Mrs. M. is the daughter of William and Nancy (Armstrong) Pitts, who were natives of Kentucky and removed to this State in 1855. Both are now deceased. The father died June C, 1857, and the mother, Sept. G, 1863. William Pitts was a farmer and carpenter, an industrious and en- terprising man and a good citizen. Politically he was a firm adherent of the Whig party, but after the abandonment of the old party inclined to Democratic principles. Both jjarents were mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The record of their ten children is as follows: John first married Miss Mary J. Zook, who died soon afterward; his second wife was Miss Mary Means; Lydia. the wife of our subject, was the second child ; William died in infanc3'; Lucinda, who became the wife of Granville Rayburn, is a resident of San Jose, Cal. ; Justina, Mrs. Frazier, is now deceased ; Thomas married Miss Jane Stansberry and lives in California; Charlie died when six years of age; the T 1182 A McLEAN COUNTY. next, an Infant, died unnamed; Nanc_y J,, unmar- ried, is a resident of Califoi'Mi.-i; Owen died wlien two years old. Mr. and Mrs. Owen .Aleaus Iiecame the parents of ten children: William died when two years of age; Alvira, Mrs. Woodruff, is a resident of Dakota; Bell, Mrs. Thornton, lives at Cullom, 111.; Charlie was the fourth child ; Matie, Mrs, John Williams, lives at Colfax, 111. ; Luther died when seventeen months old: Amos B., who was born Aug. 17, 1H70, is attending the High School at .Saybrook, and is a youth of more than ordinary ability, being well advanced in his studies and fond of le.arning; Joseph K., born jNlarch !), 1873, attended the com- mon schools until 1887, and on the ud day of March following, started for Hyde County, Dak., to assist his brother, Charles, Iti opening up a farm. This consists of a tract of 1,220 acres, and these en- UM'prising young men will doubtless in time become worthy and valued citizens. Jose[)h is a great favorite with all who know him, full of life and spirits but of excellent habits. Daisy, the youngest daughter, was born March (I, 1870, and Ja}', the youngest son, Sept. 17, 18.S0. The latter is now a In-iglit boy of nearly seven years, the pet and sun- shine of the home circle. The homestead of Mr. Means comjirises 250 acres of fine farniing land. Of late years he has m.ade a specialty of stock breeding and bears the reputation of being one of the best breeders in this part of the State. His herd of cattle comprises some of the finest animals to be found in the West. Two years ago he shipped to the Chicago market two carloads of the heaviest fat steers that ever left the township. lie also has some fine English draft horses and has opcr.'itcd hirgcly in Poland- China swine. Mr. Means has a fine dwelling built of brick, two stories in height, with handsome veranda in front and a porch around the L. The house is finely finished and furnished. A view of the residence is given in this work. The barns and other out- Iniildings are adapted in every respect to the re- quirements of a first-class farmer and slock-rai.ser. Mr. Means is now building one of the finest barns in this eonnnunity, its dimensions being 3(1x18 feet, and capable of holding lifty tunsuf hav .'Uid shelter- ing about forty head of stock. The grounds are finely laid out and the whole estate presents one of the most attractive spots in McLean County. Mr. Means, politically, casts his vote in support of the Democratic party and all the family are mombcis of the Methodist Episcopal Church. PLINT BROS. George H. and Charles A. Flint are widely and favorably known among the farmers and stock-raisers of Belleflower Township, as being especially worthy representatives of the latter department of farm- ing. They were born .among the New Hampshire Hills, and descended from a family' who were among the earliest settlers of New- Engl.and, its first representatives having crossed the waters about the time of the settlement of the Plymouth colon- ists. The j)aternal grandfather of the Flint Broth- ers, who was a native of Andover, Mass., removed to New Ham])shire about 1790, and was among the first settlers of llillsboro County, that State. He purchased a tract of (Government land, cleared a farm from the wilderness, and established a com- fortable home, where he remained until the close of his life. For many years Boston was the nearest market for the settlers, who usually made the jour- ney with ox-teams. The Indians lingered there for some years afterward, and wild game was plenty. Luther Flint, father of Flint Brothers, of our sketch, was born in Hillslioro, N. H., and is living on the farm which his father cleared there. He is now eighty years of age, and although not in ro- bust health, still possesses his vigorous and active mind, and keei)s himself well posted upon current events. His wife was Miss Sarah D. Richardson, also a native of llillsboro. She departed this life in 1884. The record of their six children is as fol- lows: Sullivan lives on the old homestead and takes care of his father; Ellen M. became the wife of Giles Brown, and lives in Deering, N. II.; Sarah F. lives with her father; Fred W. is a resident of llillsboro; the remaining two brothers are the sub- jects of our sketch. (ieorge II. Flint was lioni in Hillslioro, N. IL, i i u l McLean county. 1183 Oct. 26, 1844. He was educated in the district schools of his native town, and in the school at Ilennikcr. Wiien not in school he assisted his fa- ther on the farm, and remained with iiis parents until he attained his maji>rity, in 180;'). He then came to Illinois, first locating in Madison Couiit3', where he was employed as a farm laborer three years. While there he made the acquaintance of I\Ir. O. M. Hatch, who owned a large tract of wild land in Bellefiower Township, McLean County, and made arrangements to move upon and im- prove a part of the land. He located on the south- west quarter of section 32, where he has worked .500 acres on shares since that time. This he has brought to a good state of cultivation, has it well stocked, and supplied with a good set of farm buildings. His cattle are all high-grade animals, and the horses, sheep and hogs are of the best qual- ity, and well cared foi'. Mr. Flint was married to Miss Belle Skidmore on the 11th of April, 1 S77. Mrs. Flint was born in Bloomington Township, this county, in Decem- ber, 18,50, and is the daughter of George W. and Margaret (Kinsel) Skidmoi'e. Of this union there are two children — Ceorge Hatch and Arthur L. Mr. and jNIrs. Flint are members in good Standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Charles A. Flint was born in Ilillsboro, N. H., Sept. 13. 18.51. He pursued his primary studies in the district schools, his education being advanced by an attendance of two terms at F'rancistown Academy. Being naturally studious and fond of leai'ning, he occupied himself as a teacher for a short time, and in 1872 set his face toward the great West. After coming into Illinois he located in Belleflower and engaged .as a farm laborer, the greiiter part of the time for hisbrothe), until 1883. In that year he was taken into partnership, and the brothers have operated together since that time. They soon afterward purchased the farm hjcated on section 20, which contains 100 acres, and whicii they have brought to a good state of cultivation, making all needful improvements. The marriage of Charles A. Flint and Miss May Skidmore took place on the 2d of Februar}-, 1 887. This laily was born in Belleflower Township, June 10, 1804, and is the daughter of George ^V^ and Margaret (Kinsel) Skidmore, natives respectively of Ohio and Virginia. A view of the beautiful residence of George W. Flint appears elsewhere in this volume. OSES C. .lOHNSTON. Few counties can boast of so many fine farm estates as Mc- Lean. One of them is occupied by the gentleman of whom we now write. It is situated on section 27, Downs Township, and in- cludes 320 acres of valu.able land, with a handsome and substantial set of frame buildings. The stock and farm machiner3' are kept in the best condition, and everything about the premises denotes the in- telligence and thrift of Mr. .Tohnston. Our subject has been in possession of his present farm for about twenty years. He comes of excellent Irish ancestry and parent- age. His father, .John .lohnston, was born in the North of Ireland, and when nine years of .age emi- grated with his mother to the United States. Tiiey stopped for a brief time in New York, then re- moved to Ohio, and located in Harrison County, where the father of our subject grew to manhood. He was a lioatman on the Ohio River for a period of ten years, engaged in the transportation of coal and other merchandise. He became pilot of a river steamer, and was noted for his skill .and intimate knowledge of the course of the river. In company with his brother he became part owner of different boats. He frequently went to New Orleans with a cargo of goods and returned on foot to his home in AVheeling. After retiring from the river business, John Johnston located in Bloomington, 111., where he now lives in ease and comfort, having reached the advanced age of seventy-two years. He was mar- ried in Ohio to Miss Eleanor Cairns, who was also a native of the North of Ireland, and of Scotch descent. She came to the United States with her parents when a child, and received a good educa- tion. .She was born in 1823, and is still living with her husband in Bloomington. Moses C. Johnston wjis the second son and child of a f.amily of ten, seven sons and three daughters. Of these a son and »o.(q^><^.«.»o <,^_ ALMEK STORY, one of the honored pio- neers, and a retired farmer of McLean Countj', is passing liis declining years in the city of Bloomington, enjoying the fruits of his earlj' labors with a good conscience, and at peace with all men. His pleasant and taste- ful residence is located at llie corner of Longworth and Denver streets, and with his faithful wife he is surrounded by affectionate friends and the citizens who long years ago learned to revere him for his personal worth and upright course in life. Mr. Story was born in Shawnee Flats, Pa., on the 5th of March, 1805, and is the son of John and Nancy (Jones) Stor}', natives of Germany and ^' Pennsylvania respectively. John Story was a sol- dier of the Revolutionary War, and possessed in a marked degree the characteristics of a sturdy and honorable ancestrj'. The parental family consisted of four children, the subject of our sketch being the only one living. The latter, after five years of age, was reared on a farm in Ohio, and was mar- ried in 1824, to Miss Mary A. Morris, a native of England, and the ' 1829 he went to Connecticut and engaged as a journeyman and housebuilder in Hotchkissville. He pursued his trade for two or three years follow- ing, spending his winters mostly at home, and in the fall of 1831 came Westward as far as Gains- ville, N. Y., where he remained until the spring of 1832, then went to Geneseo, still working at his trade as carpenter and cabinet-maker. On the 2d of April of the 3-ear last named he was married and settled at (Jreigsville, where he remained until 1843, when he started for the Prairie State. After reaching McLean County he located at Blooming- ton, and engaged with the firm of Gootlman & Ferre, wagon and furniture manufacturers. He soon became a partner in the business, tlie firm being Ferre, Wolcott & Co., and they operated together for six years following, when our subject withdrew and set up in business for himself as cabinet-maker and undertaker. He finally dropped the former, and conducted undertaking alone until 1884, when he passed the management of his business over to his son. Mr. Wolcott purchased the proiierty which he now owns and upon which he resided soon after coming into Bloomingtou. It is six acres in ex- tent and he paid $50 an acre in trade. He laid the ground out in city lots, to which he made an addi- tion, in 1852, and afterward purchased seventy acres south of Normal. He has been prospered in his business transactions, and is considered one of Blooinington's best citizens, being always ready to contribute of his means to worthy and charitable objects. His kindness to the poor has been pro- verbial, and he has been especially the friend of those in need. The marriage of our subject took place in 1834, the lady of his choice being Miss Caroline L., daughter of James and Martha (Ellis) Baker, who were natives of Chester, Washington Co., N. Y. Mr. Baker was a shoemaker by trade, which he fol- lowed through life. His family included thirteen children, of whom only three are living — Caroline, Malvina and Martha. The parents lived to be eighty -five and ninety-three ^^ears old respectively-, and died in their native State. Of the marriage of Jlr. and Mrs. Wolcott there have been horn twelve children, seven now living, t a I 1«6 McLKAN COUNTY. 1 of whom the record is as follows : John IT. mar- ried Miss Maggie Derryinuii, aixl lhe_y h;ive one sou — Albert; Willi.'im II. married Miss Lydia Til- ton, who died in 18S4, Icavinjf four chihlreii — Lor- ens, Mamie, Claude and William; Ellen, Mrs. liaiimgardner, has five eliildren — Harry, Alice, Til- lie, Minnie and Clara; Kdwiii M. married Miss Belle Butler, and they have four children — Jessie, Arthur, Eddie and Ethel; Oliver E. is unnnuried; Charles C. married Miss Ettie Burdick. aud they have one daughter — Allie; Alice ('., Airs. S. II. Vanscoit, has become the mother of three children — Howard, Edna and Charles W. Mr. Wolcott is Rei)ublicau in politics, belongs to the Masonic fra- ternrty, and is an attendant of the Methodist Episcopal Cliurch, of which iSIrs. W. is a consistent and devoted member. RAXCIS J. EITZWILLIAM, an old and well-known resident of Bloomiugton, hav- ^ iug come iicre in 1 8G6, is proprietor of one of the largest wholesale and retail dry-goods houses in the cit3'. It is located at No. 107 West Jefferson street, and its operations extend throughout this State and the Northwest. Tlie reputation of the house is only equaled by its prosperity, which has been phenomenal from the start, and has been car- ried on in that straightforward and business-like manner which is the only true basis upon which trade can properly be conducted. The subject of this history is a native of Bain- bridge, Ohio, and was boin July 11, 1840. His parents were William M. and Hannah (Kellej) Fitzwilliam, natives respectively of Washington County, I'a., and Bainbridge, Ohio. The great- grandfather of William M. was James, the son of an Earl, Fitzwilliam, of England. James was sent to Ireland to superintend the linen mills that be- longed to the Earl's estate, and there married a beautiful Irish (.Quakeress, whicii so dis|)lcased his father that he cut him off with a dowry of €1,000 l)er year, which was to continue during his lifetime. He only lived to be about thirty-five years old, leaving a wife and five children, three daughters and two sons, the latter named .bihn and ^\'iliiam. <■ — William Fitzwilliam, the grandfather of the sub- ject of this sketch, was reared in County Antrim, Ireland, and married Miss Jane MuCully, in 1787. After the death of James Fitzwilliam, his widow having no resources left, emigrated with her chil- dren to America, in about 17;J0, and settled in AVashington Count}', Pa. Her son W^illiam moved to Ross County, Ohio, in 1817. He had a family of nine children, five daughters and four sons, of whom the 3'oungest, named William, was the father of our subject. William Fitzwilliam, Sr., died at Bainl)ridge, Ohio, in 1829, when sixt^'-eight years old. His wife, returning to Pennsylvania, died there, at Wasiiington, in 184 4, aged seventy-three years. William M. Fitzwilliam, .Ir., our subject's father, was born July 1.'5, 1813. He was reared to farm- ing pursuits, but this not being quite to his taste, and possessing considerable mechanical skill, he en- gaged in the manufacture of fanning-mills at Bain- bridge, Ohio, and sent teams through the country selling them. He continued thus occupied for a number of years, then purchased a stock of goods and engaged in merchandising at Bainbridge for twenty-five years, carrying on au extensive trade, and in connection witli it operating a tanner}'. He afterward purchased a large extent of land and amassed a valuable property in that section. In 1870 he concluded to come to Illinois, wiiitluT liis son. Francis J., had preceded him, in 18(10, aud ac- cordingly sold c>ut his store, tannery and farm, and journeying to the Prairie .State made his location in Bloomington. Here he lived, honored and re- spected for a }>eriod of ten years, being an active member of. the Second Presbyterian Church, and a citizen who was always interested in ever^'thing per- taining to the welfare of his community. He de- parted this life Jan. 10, 1880, and his name is held in kindly remembrance liy a large circle of friends and .acquaintances. The mother is still living, and makes her home witii her daughter, Mrs. George W. Funk, of Hloomington. The parental family in- cluded nine children, of whom only two are now living (1887); Francis J., of this biography, and Ro.sealtha, now Mrs. (ieorge W. Funk. Francis J. Fitzwilliam pursued his primary studies in llic schools of his native town in Ohio, f ■<^ ■*► t McLEAN COUNTY. 1187 a and when fourteen years of age was sent to Wash- ington, Fayette County, to assist in a Ijranch store of his father's. After one year he returned home, resumed his schoarty. WASIIIN(;T()N DAWSON, who is pleasantly located on section 2',), Chenoa Township, is a native of McLean County, having been born near Lexington, Money Creek Town- ship, .Inly 3, I8.J4. His parents were .Tames R. and Mary (Ogdcii) Dawson, .lames R. Dawson, who was a native of Kentuck\', removed to this county in 18:52, and settled in Money Creek Town- ship. There he folU)wed farming and p.assed the remainder of his life. The mother of our subject died at the old homestead in Monej' Creek Town- ship, when Wiishington was an infant of but eleven months old. She was a native of Ohio, and was a lady of English anil Irish extraction. Washington was a twin; his brother was .lames JL After the death of his first wife Mr. I), was mar- ried again, and our subject remained with him un- til twelve years of age. He then went to live with his older brother, Albert, with whom he remained until he was sixteen. Soon afterward he engaged to work on a farm by the month anIiio. March i=#^ 18, 1844. His father, Lemuel Warren, was a native of North Carolina, and his grandfather, Henry Warren, of Maryland. The latter removed from his native State to North Ca'rolina when a young man and was there married. In about 181.5 he removed to Ohio, the journey being made over- land, the grandmother of our subject riding on horseback and carrying a child in her arms. They located on a tract of timber land in Ross County, being among the earliest settlers. There Henry Warren opened up a farm, upon which lie remained until his death, which occurred in about 18,5 1. His <■ wife survived him for a period of eighteen years, her death occurring in Logan County, Ohio, in 1882. Their household included eight children, of whom Lemuel, the father of our subject, was the eldest. He was a mere child when his parents emi- grated from his native State to Ohio, and as soon as large enough was put to work and kept at it steadily until he started out to do for himself. He inherited the substantial traits of his parents and at the time of his marriage had already enough means to purchase a tract of land, mostly timber, near his father's farm. He erected a log house to which he afterward put a frame addition, and this remained his home until 1859, when he came to Illinois. He located in Sheridan Township, Taze- well County, upon a tract of 240 acres of prairie land, only part of which was improved. With characteristic energy and industiy. Lemuel Warren set about the cultivation of the soil and erected agood set of frame buildings, residing ui)on the homestead thus established until his death, in September, 18T.-5. His wife was Miss Elizabeth Wendel, a native of Guernsey County, Ohio, and the daughter of William Wendel, of Virginia, who emigrated from his native State at an early day and was numbered among the earliest settlers of Guern.sey County, Ohio. The journey from Vir- ginia to Ohio was made after the fashion of travel- ei's in those days with ox-te.ams. Lemuel Warren remained a resident of Guern- sey County, Ohio, until about 1847, when he removed to Ross County, and in about 185G started for the Prairie State. He purchased a farm in Slieridan Township, Tazewell County, which he oc- cupied with his family until his death, in 1876. His wife, who was Miss Eflie Delong, also a native of Virginia, died a few hours later and was buried the same day as her husband. The family con- sisted of ten children. The snliject of this history was the third child of his parents and was fifteen years old when they removed to Illinois. He was reared to farming pursuits, received a common-school education and remained under the home roof until his marriage with Miss Mary A. Lucas, which occurred Dec. 11. 1867. Mrs. Warren was born in Corwin Town- ship, Logan Co.. 111., and was the ihiuojiter of ^ "^ t. 1190 I t McLEAN COUNTY. (Jeorge M. P. Lucas, n native of Tazewell County,. 111., whose father was annjiig the earliest pioneers of that region. Her father, who was left an or- phan at an early age, grew to manhood in Taze- well County. He learned the trade of a carpenter and joiner and settled soon after his marriage in Corwin Townshii), Logan County, wliere he still lives. His wife, the mother of Mrs. Warren, for- merly Miss Klizabeth Pence, was horn near Dayton, Ohio. Her parents were Joseph and Sarah (llecter) Pence, n.atives of Kentucky, whence they removed in 1828, to Illini>is. They located first in Peoria but soon afterward removed to Spriugticld, and in the fall of 1830, to Logan County, where the father made a claim and built a log cabin. Mr. Pence, the grandfather of Mrs. Warren, departed this life in 187*i. The grandmother still lives in this County, having arrivcnl at the advanced age of ninety years, and is drawing a pension on account of her husband's service in the War of 1812. Soon after the m.arriage of Mr. Warren he rented land in Sheridan Township, Logan County, one year, then purchased 110 acres in that vicinity, which he cultivated, im|)roved and occupied until 1883, then sold out and purchased the f;irm which constitutes the present homesteail of himself and family. This is situated on section 31, in BclleHowcr 'I'ownship. Our subject and his wife are the par- ents of eight children, live living as follows : Sarah, Allie, Elmer D., Lulo and K.atie. Mrs. Warren is a member of the Regular Uaptist Churcli. nnd our subject, politically, is a Democrat. ~»-^'^ ■'\tJiCi2/©'^^-s3 *@J>Si.'f7(7?J>\* -w^^ i|pv, ELSON JONES. One of the pioneers of [j jjj Towanda Township, .and now one of the 'l\'^) largest land-owners of the county, was born in Clarke County, Ohio. April .">. 1826, and was there reared to farm lal)or. He is the son of Abra- ham H. and Matilda (Noel) Jones, the former a native of Cayuga County, N. Y., and the latter born in Kentucky. The parents of Mrs. Jones moved to Maryland, and when she was seven years of age they moved l)ack to Ohio, where they died. The parents of Nelson Jones lived in Ohio until IsriC, when they came to this county and made a •P^ U ^ settlement at Smith's Grove, Towanda Township, where the father engaged in farming, and where his demise occurreil Eeb. 11, 18(55; the mother af- terward removed to Towanda Village, where she died March 7, 1880. The parents had a family of ten children, and Nelson was the seventh in order of birth. Nelson Jones was reared to manhood on his father's farm, receiving his primar3' education in the common schools, and afterward supplementing the same by an academical course of five months at Springfield. Ohio. Remaining with the old folk until he attained the age of manhood he started out to do for himself. He came to this county in the spring of 1848, and located at Smith's Grove, and in 1849 he and his brother A. R. purchased 600 acres of land in Towanda Township. In 1850, Cyrus Jones purch.ased a one-third interest, and the three brothers continued farming and stock- raising in partnership until 1854, since which time our subject has been operating bj' himself. His capital upon arriving in the county consisted of $342 in cash and one ht)rse and saddle. During the year 1854 he entered some 200 acres of land, and is now the owner of 927 acres of good and productive, as well .as valuable land, upon which he has three sets of good f.arm buildings. His large brick residence was erected in 1869, at an expense of upward of $12,000; his main barn wasjbuill in 1873, and cost about $4,500. On first coming to the county, our subject worked out herding cattle, and w.as thus occupied for about two 3^ears, and afterward engaged in herding and feeding cattle bj' himself, .and in part- nershii) with his two brothers, as stated. Subse- quently he settled on his purchase on section 15. Towanda Township, and there lived until 1870, when he moved into the fine l)rick residence on section 1 6, and where he h.as continued to reside until the present time. Mr. Jones is one of the prominent men of Towanda Township, and h.as tflken a deep interest in its welfare since its orgvan- iz.ation, and is now the second oldest settler and voter of the township. Aside from farming he is largely eng.age •>-i-^ McLEAN COUNTY. 1191 ,,^ and fattens from 100 to 150 head of hogs annually. Mr. Jones was united in marriage with Eliza A. White, March 4, 1857. She is the daughter of George and Julia (Noel) White, natives of New York and Ohio respectively, and the vocation of the father was that of a farmei'. Her parents after marriage settled in Clarke County, Ohio, whence they removed to Tippecanoe County, Ind., and from there came to McLean County in 1850, and made settlement in Tow.anda Township, where the good mother died March 25, 1865. The father is yet living, and is now a resident of Lawndale Township. Their family of children were twelve in number, and Mrs. Jones was the third in order of birth. She first saw light in what is now Lafay- ette, Ind., Nov. 20, 1830, and of her union with our subject five children have been born : Ward B., June 17, 1858; Lattie Grant, April 5, 1863; Julia A., Sept. 7, 1867; Elmetta M., June 21, 1869, and Mark C, Sept. 24, 1871. Ward was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Stover, and they are res- idents of Towanda Township. Mr. Jones is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and in politics is Republican. ■ -^/w -N«jie£/!g^g-» |-w^~gWWlT»v.-..A/v» ^,^p5)E0RGE T. MURPHY. The home of this worthy resident of Mt. Hope Township is pleasant) J' located on sections 7 and 18, where he has 200 acres of land, and devotes the greater part of his time and attention to stock- raising. He is a gentleman of excellent education, having attended the Bloomington Commercial Col- lege and the Wesleyan University, and this, to- gether with his acknowledged business talents, lias secured for him a good position in the farming- community and the business world generally. Our subject is the second cliild of William J. and Frances (Stubblefleld) Murphy, and was born on his father's farm in Mt. Hope Township, Dec. 3, 1 858. His boyhood and youth were spent after the manner of most farmers' sons, and while his con- stitution was being healthfully built up in the pure air of the rural districts, his mind and his morals likewise received more than ordinary atten- tion from his excellent parents. After tiie eom- » ► i ^" ■ pletion of his college course, he remained upon the farm of his parents two years, assisting his father on the homestead. Then wishing to establish a home and domestic ties of his own, he was married, Nov. 17, 1881, to Miss Nancy J., daughter of William and Lucinda (Gardnei') Ilieronymus. Mrs. Murphy was born in Hittle Township, Taze- well County, Jan. 22, 1860. Her father was a na- tive of Kentucky and descended from old German stock. Of this marriage there are two children, bright little girls, who are the joy and pride of their parents' hearts, viz., Lena Rose, born Sept. 23, 1882, and Joy Dell, May 9, 1884. The farm of Mr. Murphy is finely located, and everything about the premises neatly' kept and in the best of order. His stock consists of about thirty-five head of cattle and horses. Our subject and his wife are members of the Christian Church, and Mr. Murphy, politically, like the balance of the male members of his father's familj', affiliates with the Republican party. eHARLES B. LAWRENCE, a native of De Witt County, 111., was born Nov. 7, 1845, and is the son of Samuel Lawrence, a na- tive of Pennsylvania, who removed to Indiana with his father's family. There lie grew to manhood and married, and later became a resident of De Witt County during its earlj- settlement. Thence he removed, in 1850, to Tazewell County, jnirchas- ing land in Mackinaw Township, wliere he opened up a farm which he occupied a number of years, then sold out and came to this county, where his death occurred not long afterward. Tlie mother of our subject was formerly Miss Magdalene Bergen, a native of New York, and now deceased, her death taking place at the liome- stead in Tazewell County. The parental family inchuled eleven children, eight of whom grew to mature years. Of these Charles B. remained un- der the home roof until eighteen years old, and soon afterward, the Civil War being in progress, enlisted in Co. I, 3d 111. Vol. Cav., in which he served two years, and until the close. He was in the liattle at Nashville, and was ;it Memphis dm'. i "I- t f McLEAN COUNTY. ing the raid of the rebel General Forrest, besides participating in various minor engagements with the enemy. At the close of the struggle he re- turned to his father'.s farm, which he worked on shares by the year, and after a brief residence in McLean and Piatt Counties returned finally in 1874, and took possession of eighty acres of land in Heiletlower Township, which lie had previously purchased and wliicli is included in his present farm. The homestead of Mr. Lawrence is most credita- ble to the industry and skill of the proprietor. His land is thoroughly drained with 520 rods of tile, and the buildings tliereon bear fair comparison with those of his neighbors. The lady who has presided over his household for the last sixteen year was formerly Miss Sarah Wilson, who be- came his wife in October, 1860. She was born in Bloomington Township, March 20, 1854, and is the daughter of .Toiin Wilson, 'a native of Tennessee, and one of the early pioneers of this county. He still lives on his farm near Bloomington. His wife was iMiss .lane Abel, of Indi.ana. #^ --v- R. .lOllX :\L CRIGLER, of Saybrook, a large property-liolder and a prominent cit- izen, is a native of Rockingham County, \':i., wiiere his birth took place Dec. 13, His parents were Thomas B. and Sarah R. (Deal) Crigler, both natives of the Old Dominion, the former born in 1810, and tiie latter in 1820. The parents of Dr. Crigler came to this county in 1849. and tlie fatiier, formerl}' a saddler by trade, took up farming, which lie still continues. He is a wortiiy citizen, a meml)er of the Methodist Episcopal Church and Democratic in politics. Our subject, the fifth of ten children born to his parents, after reaching manhood was married Dec. 21, 1871, to Miss Love E., daughter Of Dr. James L. Ballard, and born in Jessamine Countj', Ky., April 7, 1849. Her father, one of the pioneers of .S.aybrook, is still practicing after the principles of the Old Sciiool. Dr. and Mrs. C. are the parents of four children, namely, Maude P., Katie B.. John M. and Essie H. The Doctor Is a M.aster M.ason, Democratic in politics, and takes an interest in matters affecting the welfare of his community. He is well educated and stands high in his profession as a dental surgeon, in which he perfected himself under the liest tutors and established his first office in this city Dec. 14, 1868. During his nearly twenty years' residence here he has Iniiltup a large and lucrative practice, and while in no wise neglect- ing his profession, deals exteusivel}' in city prop- erty .and farm lands. He has one of the finest homes in his township, and commands the respect of all who know him. eAPT. JAMES KENNEDY, one of the old- est and most highly respected citizens of Martin Township, has followed farming pur- suits the greater part of his life, in which he has been eminently successful. He is a native of Ken- tucky and was born on a farm in Jessamine County, Nov. 3, 1803. His grandfather on his mother's side was Richard Crews, who was a native of Vir- ginia, and served as a soldier in the Revolutionary War at three different times and was regularly dis- charged three times, his papers being now in the possession of Capt. Kennedy of our sketch', and are valued as old and curious relics. He married in early manhood Miss Esther Puckett, and they raised a family of five children, one son and four daugh- ters. The paternal grandfather of our subject was James Kenned}', a native of Ireland, who married in his own country and soon afterward emigrated to America, settling in Chester Count3% Pa. Their famil}- also consisted of five children, four daugh- ters and one son, the .son, James, being the father of our subject. James Kenned}', .Sr., after reaching his majorit}' was married to Mi,ss Esther, daughter of Richard Crews, and they became the parents of three sons: Eleazer, Thomas S., and James, our subject. The latter was the 3'oungest of the famii}' .and jiassed his boyhood in Jes.samine and Madison Counties, Ky., receiving a limited education in a private school, his entire school days probably not exceed- ing one year. Tiic father of young James had been educated for the priestiiood but turned his at- •►•-4^ * -•► m^4» i •► m '^- i McLEAN COUNTY. 1193 tention to farming, ;ind died when our subject was but a few weeks old. Young Kennedj' then went to live with his grandfather, Richard Crews, with whom he remained until he was nineteen j'ears of age. At that early period in his life he was mar- ried to Miss Louisa Freeman, and remained upon the old homestead of his grandfather, taking care of the latter until his death, which occurred when he was eighty-seven years old. The grandmother also lived to an advanced age, being eighty-four at the time of her death. After the death of his grandparents James Ken- nedy purchased a farm seven miles from AVinches- ter in Clark County, K3'., which he occupied with his family until the spring of 18,51. He then came North to Illinois and rented 1,000 acres of land in McLean County from Samuel Lander. The following- spring he removed his family hither, and for seven years following was extensively engaged in raising wheat, corn and oats, meeting with remarkable suc- cess. He also raised large numbers of thorough- bred cattle and mules. In the meantime he pur- chased a farm in Blue Mound Township, and be- sides this also bought the farm on which he now lives. After removing from the rented land he located in Blue Mound Township on section 21, where he continued to reside until 1874, then took up his abode on section 21, in Martin Township, which is his present homestead. The Blue Mound farm was purchased by his son-in-law, James A. Doyle. The homestead of Capt. Kenned}' cominises 160 acres of choice land, enclosed with beautiful hedge fences and embellished with a handsome and substan- tial set of farm buildings. He has one of the best fruit orchards in the township and the entire farm is in a fine state of cultivation. The residence is a model of beauty and comfort and everything per- taining to the premises indicates the supervision of a gentleman of cultivated tastes and ami)le means. Mrs. Louisa Kennedy became the mother of two children, a son and daughter : George F., now de- ceased, and Leanner, who became the wife of Mr. A. Eubanks. The second wife of our subject was Miss Asenath Gentry, of Madison County, K3'. This lady died in Martin Township, this countj', leaving four children : Thomas, now de- ceased ; Eusebia M., who became the wife of James A. Doyle, of Nebraska; William Lee, a resident of Iowa, and Martha, whf) married John Stanger, of Boulder, Col. The present wife of our subject, to whom he was married in 1874, was Mrs. Maggie Elkin, widow of Henry Elkin, by whom she became the mother of one son, who died wiieu a year old. Of this uni(m there has been no children. Mrs. K. is a lady of more than ordinary intelligence and differs materi- ally in politics from her husband, she being an ear- nest Republican and the Captain a stanch adherent of the Democratic party. Both are prominently connected with the Christian Church. The father of Mrs. K. is Gideon D. Crurabaugh, who has been Postmaster of Le Ro}' for a period of seven- teen years, and Police Magistrate twenty-nine years. Mrs. K. is about forty-six years of age, and the Captain eighty-four. He is still hale and hearty, in the enjoyment of all his faculties, and still in pos- session of that remarkable intelligence which has characterized him since he began to make his mark among men and in the business world. He has al- ways taken an active interest in public and political affairs and during his early life identified himself with the Whig party. During the Mexican AV^ar he assisted in raising and equipping a company of soldiers at his own expense, but did not succeed in having them ordered to the front. He has a natural taste for military tactics and has been Captain of militia for manj' years. G GEORGE BISHOP, general farmer and stock- raiser, is the possessor of a well-cultivated ^^^5) farm of 110 acres, part of which lies on sec- tion 21, in Randolph, and the balance in Downs Township. He has been closely identified with the interests of this section for many years, and is numbered among its representative men and most highly respected citizens. Mr. Bishop, a native of Perry County, Ohio, was born near .lanesville, April 22, 1823, and is the son of Jacob Bishop, who was born in Peinisylvania, and w.as of German parentage. The history of the family in the lAiitcd States dates liack prior to the * (in -.1 94 McLEAN COUNTY. Revolutionary W:ir. From Iho recoid possessed by the later descendants it apjjcars that Jacob Bishop in early life became with his i)ari_Mits a res- ident of Perry County, Ohio, where he remained durinff his boyhood and youtii, and where he took upon himself the responsibilities of manhood. He chose for his wife among the maidens of that re- gion, Miss Maiv A. VVeedman, wIkj was a native of the Buckeye Stale and of (4erman ancestry. Her family also removed from Pennsylvania to Ohio during its early iiistoi-y, and from there came to Illinois in the fall of 1830. Tiiey located in Ran- dolph Township on section ;M, where the father be- came the owner of a large tract of land, most of which was wild prairie and a larger part of which he redeemed fi-om its original condition. He is still living on tlie oUI homestead, having now ar- rived at the ripe age of ninety j'ears. The mother passed to hcu- linal rest in February, 1873, aged seventy-twx>. Both liecame members of the Meth- odist Flpiscopal Cluirch early in life. George Bishop was tlie eldest but one of a fam- ily of thirteen children, six sons and seven daugh- ters, wiiich present the remarkable record of a cir- cle still unbroken by death. Witii one exception, all are married and have families of their own. The youngest of tiiis remarkable family is fort}'- six years of age, and tlie eldest, a daughter, sixty- live, (ieorge, of our sketch, spent his childhood and youth with his parents, and was eight years of age when they came to liiis co\uity. After reach- ing manhood he was married, in 1844, to Miss Susanna Wright, wlu. was born, reared and educat- ed in the county. She only remained the compan- ion of her husband eleven years, deiiarting this life June 17, 18;");), leaving three children: John T. married iMiss Mary Passwater, and is a resident of I ley worth; Mary J. is the wife of K. F^llsworth, who is farming in Downs Township; Joseph AVill- iam is deceased. 'I'he second wife of Mr. Bisho]), to whom he was married in Ix' Roy 'I'ovvnship, Nov. 20, 1850, was formerly Miss iSIary, daughter of A.shby and Cath- erine (Waters) Neal, wiio were natives of Ken- tucky, of Irish and lOnglish descent. Mr. Neal vv!is a skilled mecll:lni(^ and came to Illinois after his marriag(>, local ing in N'ermilion C'i>nnt3', w'here •►-■-4»- the wife of our sulijecl was born Nov. 15, 1836. She was but a child when her parents came to this county. Her father, in 1850, w-ent to California, and died ten years latei' in the city of Sacramento. Mrs. Neal died at her home in Le Roy, in July, 1880. Our subject and his wife are the parents of five children, namely, David, who married Miss Ida Turner, and is farming in Downs Township, and Emma B., Grant H., Ada C. and Martha at home. Mr. and Mrs. Bishop are memliers of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in whii'h the former is Steward and Trustee. -P- ^H'^^ EORGE T. GLENN. The principal events in the life of this highl3' respected citizen of Cheney's Grove Township, are as fol- lows: He began life in Center County, Pa., March 19, 1846, under the roof of his parents. William F. and Sarah J. (Thompson) Glenn, natives of the same State, whence the^' removed to La Salle County, 111., in 1855. The father died that same year. The mother is still living, and is sixty-six ye.ars of age. Both Ijeeame members of the Pres- byterian Church early in life, and commanded the respect and esteem of all who knew them. Our subject, who was the eldest of his i)arents' four children, remained under the home roof until after the outbreak of Iho late war. .and although but a youth, determined to tight for the Union. He enlisted in Co. C, 7th III. \o\. Cav., and par- ticipated in man3' important battles, going through the States of Tennessee, Jlississippi and Alabama, and experiencing the h.-?»S^ >^*«t-*<^«tf-» ! A J. J. C. McFARLAND is one of the well-known citizens of McLean County, where he has held manj- otticial positions. In 1876 he]was elected Clerk of the Cir- cuit Court by the Republican party. Since the organization of the county, he has held the office of Supervisor of the township, and as early as 1860, was ."appointed its Clerk. When the war broke out in 1861, he left his busi- ness and attempted to raise a company, but at the same time one was being organized in Normal which drew its recruits largely from that pait of the county, and so seriouslj' interefred with the com- pany that Maj. McFarland was attempting to form, that he could not raise enough volunteers to make the number comijlete, and consequently was obliged to relinquish his plan. When the second call for 4» troops was made, Aug. 5, 1862, he organized Co. B, 94th 111. Vol. Inf. It was the twelfth regular organized company and Mr. McFarland was elected its Captain. [^The^regiment was ordered to Pi-airie Grove, where, December 7, they met a rebel cum- mand and a contest ensued, which resulted in the immediate retreat of the enemy. After several skirmishes,'_the next siege in which they were en- gaged was at Vicksburg, and there the regiment was in the hottest part of the conflict. Prior to this Maj. McFarland had been made CJuarterm aster, but he rejoined his regiment and assumed com- mand July 29, 1863, at Ft. Hudson, Miss. Some time after he was attacked with typhoid fever at New Orleans, and after remaining in a hospital several weeks, w.as sent home, in September, 1863. At the siege of Ft. Morgan, Maj. McFarland with restored health had again rejoined the regiment and assisted in capturing the fort. In 18(;.5 Capt. McFarland received hiseom mission as Major. The brigade was then marched to Spanish Fort, Ala- bama, and was brought into action in the blockad- ing battle on the right wing of the army. This was the last active engagement. Gen. Lee surrendered, the war was ended, and the regiment was mustered out in August, in Springfield, 111. Maj. McFarland was a brave and efficient officer always ready at the post of either duty or danger. He returned home and engaged in business in Hey- worth, and in 1876 was elected Clerk of the Cir- cuit Court. ^ Maj. McFarland was born in Frank- lin County, Pa. His boyhood was passed with his father who was a merchant of Mercersbnrg. When thirteen years old he engaged as clerk in .lanes- ville, for his uncle, James AVilliam Kirkpatrick, and remained with him two years. He then spent some time with Dr. William A. Murphy, another uncle, who resided at St. Thomas, Pa. In 1847 he was married in Bedford, Pa., to Miss Betty W. Logan. She is the daughter of Thomas and Mary (Taggart) Logan. Her family is of Scotch and Irish extrac- tion, and her parents were natives of Bedford County, where she was born and educated. Mr. and Mrs. McFarland had a family of nine children born to them, five of whom areyet livnig: Carrie L., Martha E., A. W., Edgar H. and Her- man E. ; those deceased are Mary V., Emily A., ^ I f ii 1200 ■•► t McLEAN COUNTY. r ,Iosei)li F. aiitl •l'liciiii.i> I,. Maj. McFarland and family arc inembcrs of tlic Presbyterian Church, in which he was for many years an Elder. He is a Republican.- U. (iKOR(ilv jM. smith, oculist and aurist, located at No. 106 West Washing- ton street, Hlooniington. spent the first years of iiis life in ^Vashington County, Ohio, where his birth tooi< pl.ace .Ian. 21, 1845. He is the son of Samuel W. and IClizabeth (Bear) Smith, natives respectively of Pennsylvania and Ohio, and of F.nglish and (iermaii ancestry'. Sam- uel Smith was a car|)eiiter by trade, and after his reniov.al to Ohio was for some time cini)lo3'ed in building mission churches for the Indians. He became well accpiaiuted with various important personages among the Wyandottes, and often ate and slept with the tribe. He was familiarly known in that region as " Uncle Sam," and was miugtt)n, is a native of this State, born in Beardstown, Cass County, June 10, 1847. His father, Rudolph B. Schneider, a na- tive of Germany, emigrated to the United States 4 •► ■ <• <^ McLEAN COUNTY. 1201 when ;i young man, locating at once at Beardstowii, where lie married Miss Elizabeth Crow. The mother of our subject was a native of this State. After marriage the parents continued to reside at Beards- town the remainder of their lives. Rudoli^h Schnei- der was Ijorn in 1805, and departed tiiis life in 185;'). His wife Elizabeth was born in 1821, and survived her husbanf" until the summer of 1883, when she too passed to her final rest. Of their four sons and two daughters, two died in infancy. The subject of this sketch, the fourth child of the family, received his early education in his na- tive town, and when quite young gained a good knowledge of business affairs by being in the store of his father, who was one of the principal mer- chants of Beardstown. By the death of the latter he was thrown upon his own resources at a tender age and began the straggle of life as a clerk. He made friends and money and in due time set up in business for himself which he followed until 1876. He then solil out his stock of goods and commenced traveling for an insurance company, going to Kan- sas City and other points in the farther West, on be- half of the Accident Insurance Company of North America, which made their headquarters at Mon- treal, Canada. After five years he resigned his po- sition to connect himself with the company which he now represents at Bloomington. In this he of- ficiated as Superintendent and a few months later was elected to his present position. Our subject was married in 1871, to Miss Hen- rietta Sudbrink, of Beardstown, and thej' number their friends and associates by the score, among the best residents of Bloomington. Mr. Schneider was one of the charter members of the Knights of Honor, in which order he has always been greatly interested and whose principles he has actively as- sisted in maintaining. e HRISTIAN NAFFZIGER, an aged citizen i|, and farmer of Danvers Township, occupies ^^^ a good homestead on section 2, of which he took possession in 1853. His birthplace was on the other side of the ocean in the Empire of Ger- many, and he began life over eighty-three years ago, -4« • in 1803. His parents, Peter and Phebe Naffziger, also of (ierniau birth and |)areiitage, were married in 182G, and spent all their lives in the Fatherland, where their remains are buried. The parental family included five children, namely. Christian, Peter, Valentine, Catherine and Barbara. Our subject remained with his [larents until reaching his majority, entering school at an early age, and receiving a fair education in his native town. He emigrated to America when over fifty years of age, in 1853, and coining to the West pur- chased the farm upon which he now resides. This includes 4'JO acres, finely improved and cultivated, and where he has been engaged for over thirty- years tilling the soil successfully and enjoying the respect of his friends and neighbors. Our subject was married in Germany, March 26, 182(5, to Miss Barbara Stehley, and they became the parents of twelve children. Of these three died in infancy in Germany, and two in this coun- try, also in their earliest childhood. Those sur- viving are Elizabeth, Lena, Barbara, Christian, Peter, Valentine and John. Mr. N., politically, affiliates with the Democratic party, and with his famil}', is a member and regular attendant of the Mennonite Church. /^)E()RGE W. RUST, deceased, was one of the [l| (=p most highly respected members of the farm- ^^5! ing community of Randolph Township, where his death took place at his homestead, Nov. 13, 1871. He was among the early settlers of Mc- Lean County, coming here with his father, Will- iam Rust, from Nashville, Tenn., where both fa- ther and son were born. Our subject was reared in the South, and educated in the common schools. After reaching manhood he was married, Jan. 27, 1843, in Randolph Township, to Miss Mercy Ann, daughter of David and Rebecca (Karr) Noble. Mrs. Rust was Ijorn in Hamilton County, Ohio, of which State her father was also a native, while the mother was from New Jersey. She was about seven years of age when she came with her pai-ents n f ,t 120-2 McLEAN COUNTY. to this county, which has since been licr home. Her liirth took place Aug, 1(>, liS2<). Her parents are now deceased. Mr. Rust first located upon forty acres of partly ini|)r<)ved land, and subsequentlj' became the owner of IGO acres which is still in the family, and which he always maintained was ac- cnnmulated in part through the economy of his ex- cellent wife and lu'l[)mect, who was ever ready to assist him in his efforts at building up a home. Mrs. Rust after the death of her husband ex- erted herself to bring up her children in a worth^y manner, and gave them .-ill the advantages within her |)ower. Of these, seven in number, one died in inf.-mcy. Those surviving are .Sarah R., the wife of Isaac Dorscy, a resident of Hastings, Neb.; Francis M., who married Miss Julia A. HoUis, and is residing on the farm with his mother; Harry A., who married Miss Sadie Irwin, and is farming in Randolph Township; Mary K., the wife of William Lafferty, of Iley worth; Lou K.. Mrs. (). P. Rut- ledge, of Randolph Township; .lolin 1!., who as- sists in carrying on the hoinestcid, and Andrew J., also on the farm. The Rust taniily is well known .and highly resi)ected, and both the mother and children aic menibei's and regular attend.-mts of the Christian Church. The boys are Democratic in politics, as was their father before them. i I ^l/AMKS M. MlTil'HV. a rLsing young and prosi)erons farmer, is the son of Will- iam .1. and Francis (Stubble(ield) Murphy, and was born in .Mt. Hope Towiiship, this county, Aug. 11, lS.-)9, being the third child in a fanuly of live sons and two daughters. His edu- cation, liegnn in the district schools, was supple- mented by a course in the Rlooniington Commer- cial C\)llege and two terms at Wesleyan University, .after wliich he staid at home for a j'ear with his parents, and tlicn l)egan life on his own account. As a preliminary to hiter important business, he was soon afterward married, ,Jan. IS, 1883, to Miss .Sadie A., only daughter of Mathias and Nancy A. (Faugh) Kampf. For a year afterward the young <■ people resided with the father of Mr. M., but on the 28th of February, 1884, moved into their hand- some new residence on their present farm. This contains sixty acres, but adjoining it lies 240 acres which Mr. Murphj' also cultivates, raising grain and making a specialtj' of corn and oats. The res- idence is situated upon a beautiful rise of ground, commanding a view of sonic of the finest farming Lands in the Prairie .State. The little household has been enlarged by the arrival of two bright boys, namely, William Claude, born Nov. 29, 1883, and Harry Kampf, July 22, 1885. In the biograi)hies of W.J. Murphy and Mathias Kami)f, elsewhere in this volume, will be found the jiarental history of our subject and his wife. Mr. Murphy is looked upon as one of the repre- sentative men of his communit}', and h;is already distinguished himself as a gentleman of line busi- ness abilities, and taking a lively interest in the moral and intellectual welfare of his township. He is a Director in his school district, and one of the most promising lights in the Rei)ublican party of that section. ' ylLLIAM A. WATSON, i)roprietor of Mc- i>can County Nurseries, was born on the other side of the Atlantic, in Suffolk, En- gland, .Sept. .1, 183'.). His parents, William H. and Charlotte (Kent) Watson, natives of the same country, came to the United .St.ates in 1847, when our subject was a child six years of age. They located on a farm in Dane County, Wis., w-hore the mother died in 188-i. 'I'be father is still living. Of the thirteen children comprising the parental household, twelve 3'et survive. W^illiam A. Watson came to the United States with his father's famil}' and completed his educa- tion in two terms at the district school. His father, however, instructed his children evenings for many years and they thus obtained a good insight into book knowledge. ^Villianl A. studied one term at the State University and improved his time admira- bly while there. He assisted his father in tilling the soil, remaining under the parental roof until the afternoon of his twenty-first birthday and then 1^ McLEAN COUNTY. 1203 started out for himself, .111(1 after imicli difficulty succeeded in obtaining a [losition with the Winne- shiek Insurance Company, of which he became the first agent. A month later, however, he went to Chicago and purchased a jewelry outfit with which he traveled through the country, peddling. These experiences induced him finally to return to farm life and going to Dane County, he rented a tract of land and farmed in that and Rock Counties until 1807. During that year lie visited Normal, and finally entered the employ of F. K. I'hienix, the well-known nursery man of McLean County, with whom he remained eight years, finally becom- ing foreman. lie had then saved sufficient to pur- chase his present property, which was then known as Coleman's Nurseries. For the forty acres which he now owns he paid 18,000, and has since erected upon his land a fine dwelling, and made other im- provements. The land is underlaid with tile three rods apart and is admirablj' adapted to the pur- pose to which it is devoted. The property' is now considered worth $20,000. Mr. Watson came to this county a poor man and his career illustrates in a forcible manner the results of perseverance and industry. Our subject was married, Dec. 4, 1 802, to Miss Jane N. Miller, who was born in N'erniont, and came with lier father's family to Rociv County, Wis., where he still resides. The three children of Mr. and i\Irs. Watson are Al|)ha. Fred T. and Harry S. WTLLIAM D. BROWN, one of the suc- cessful young farmers of Downs Township, is pleasantly located on section 15, where he has eighty acres of finely cultivated land and a handsome modern residence. lie came to this county in 1852, and comjileted his education in Wesleyan University. His first business venture was in hardware and groceries at Le Roy, and being of an inventive turn of mind he patented the well- known Brown's Hog Ringer, which at once became a favorite in tlie agTicultural districts and which, with the improvements which he has added in its design, has been tiie ineans of bringing him in a handsome little fiirtune. After a few years spent as a traveling salesman and in the grocery trade he decided to take up farming, and located on his present homestead in 1885. Our subject was married, Jan. 21, 1873, to Miss Laura Barnett, who was born and reared in this county, of which her parents were among the earli- est pioneers, and her father established the first store in Re Roy. He died in Le Roy several years ago. Her rnother is still living there, being sixty- nine years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Brown are the parents of one child, by name, Orrin. They are both members in good standing of the Baptist Church, and our subject, politically, is a solid Re- publican. "--•^ -'(^m- ♦^^-- ARTIN L. POPPLE, senior member of the firm of Popple Bros., dealers in h.ard- ware and tinware, slate roofing, etc., is, with his p.artners, doing a good business in the city of Bloom ington, where they are reckoned among its representative business men. Mr. Pop- ple is a product of the Empire State, born in Jef- ferson County, May 24, 1853, and the son of John S. .and R.achel (Baldwick) Popjile, whose birthplace was .across the sea in England. John Popple was a minister of the Methodist Church, and after com- ing to this country died in New York, in 1856. The mother is still living and resides with her son, our subject, in Bloomington. Martin Popple came to this county and made a location first in Danvers, to which his mother had removed in 1863, and where Martin completed his education. After a short residence on a farm the family removed to Bloomington, where our subject learned the tinner's trade, at which he served two ye.ars, and then returning to Daiivers, purchased, in company with his brothei-, the hardware stock of W. M. Estes and continued the business until 1881. He then sold out and re- moving to Bloomington again, established himself with his younger brother in his present business. Their store, 22x90 feet in area, is two stories in height with a b.asemont, and they have a well- selected stock of eveiything pertaining to their line of trade. The}' are both wide-aw.ake business men and their straightforw.ard methods have se- cured the confidence and esteem of the community. Our subject, in 1870, w.as married to Miss Ada, daughter of George W. Price, of Bloomington, and they have become the p.arents of two children, named respectively Walter and Price. Mr. Popple takes an intelligent interest in local and township matters, and socially is a memlier of IJIudiiiington Lodge No. 43, A. F. & A. M. i 1^ t tf^ BI0GF{fI^P7l(gpIi. Abbott, J. H 764 Adams, John 23 Adams, John Q 39 Adams, W logt Adams, W. H. H . .480 Agle, George 602 Allin, Dr Lee 399 Allison, Jonathan 850 Allison. I.ohn 1029 Anderson, J. H , ,■ ....273 Anderson, Rev. W. G 591 Archer, Lafayette 388 Arnold, George J 886 Arnold, Gottlieb 815 Arnold. J. W 775 Arnold. Thomas 807 Arnold. Wm 738 Arnold, Wm. S 932 Arnold, Z 775 Arrowsmith, John W 284 Arrowsmith, Mrs. Nancy 247 Arrowsmith, Wm. A 369 Arthur, Chester A • -99 Artis, John M 1036 Atkinson, C. W. 203 Ayers, J. B 294 Ayers, Mrs. Sarah H 536 I I'.aird, W. J 328 liaker, B. W 1048 Baker, C. E 398 Baker, Joseph 333 Baker, Leander 1065 Haker, K. H 107S P..ikewell, E. W 345 B.ildridge, Wm 393 Baldridge, W. j 252 Ball, H 491 Ball. Wm. H ,,72 Ballinger, Wm... 749 Barker, Jesse ' 792 Barley, C- A -.262 Barnard, Eli 664 Barnard, F .661 Barnard, J. O 1009 Barnard, Osborne 827 Barnard, S. F 997 Barnard, W. I 1025 Barnard, Waller, Sr 254 Barnes, Dr. A. T 1198 Barnes, Calvin 414 Barnes, W. J .... .737 Barnett, Emeline G 367 Barnum, S. F 244 Barry, Wm 1195 Bates, T. M 1108 Battershell, N. J 518 Batterton, Curtis 975 Batterton, Martin 680 Kay, J. S 233 Bear, Joseph 830 Bechtel, Samuel 1059 Beck, Christian 296 Beckham, N ..1042 Bedell, Benjamin 357 Bedell, Henry 253 Becbe, C. M .1023 Beeler, Wm .\ . . . . 1156 Benjamin. John R 332 Benjamin, Hon- R. M .687 Benson, C H 756 Benson, H. R 368 Bent, Horatio G 576 Bentley, P. W 348 Bertels, John loio Betts, L. W 263 Beveridge. John L 171 Biddle, D. F 977 Biggs, Josiah 910 Bingham, George W 926 Birdsell. Jefterson 217 Bishop, Charles E i-S^Q Bishop, George 1193 Bishop, Harvey 465 Bishop, Jacol) 654 Bishop, J. Q 313 Bishop, M 384 Bishop, Rev, P. W 782 Bishop, S. L , 385 Bishop, W. F... 772 Bissell, Wm. H ,51 Blaisdell, Edgar 1165 Blake, L- C i^QS Bland, George W 1098 Bland, J. S 1174 Bliss, E. C 482 Blose, Frank H 1075 Blue, Wm 1059 Bodger, George R 717 Bodger, John 747 Bohrer, F. C 1063 Bohrer. George 545 Boies. W. H 965 Bond, Shadrach m Bounds. T. H 705 Bower, H. T 823 Bozarth, A- B 486 Bozarth, Milton 849 Bradbury, Wm- T 1074 Bramwell, Ezra F 366 Brand, George.'. -sys Breese, Richard 962 Brickner, George VV ••744 Hriggs, W. H 666 Bright, R. G 226 Bright, W. M 234 B.rining, Caroline M 502 Britt, R. M 650 Brokaw, John T 1034 Brooks, P. T 380 Brophy, W. P 1016 Brown, E. M mo Brown, George P 766 Brown, Samuel H 332 Brown, W. D 1203 Brown, Wm 1117 Bryant, Alexander 610 Bryant, John H 258 Buchanan, James 75 Buck, H 507 Buckworth, Wm 297 Bull, Milton 1171 Bunn, Edward 378 Bunn, Isaac K 660 Bunney, George 588 Burbank, E. H 817 Burk, Louis A 1085 Burn ham, J. H , 1099 Burns, Rev. George W 376 Burr, Hudson 793 Butler, Henry H59 C Campbell, A 251 Campbell, Hugh 226 Campbell, John, M. D 232 Campbell, John A ..909 Campbell, J.W 557 Campbell, Mrs. M. A 400 Campbell, N. M 293 Campbell, Rev. J. G 1128 Carlin, Thomas 135 Carlock, A. H... 567 Carlock, W. B 570 Carlyle, John 528 Carnell, Luke gi8 Carson, J. H 988 Case, Lewis 647 Castle, Justus 1172 Catron, A , S. . . ., 931 Cavanaugh, Simon 471 Chapin, Samuel J.. 855 Chapman, Dr. A. L 261 Chapman, Thomas 987 Chase. Leonard 496 Cheney, Mrs. C 761 Chick, T. Z .469 Church, George 278 Churchill, E. D 749 Claggett, B. J 983 Claggett, S. R 949 Clark, Mrs. Nancy 21: Clark, Robert 674 Cleveland, S. G rover 103 Clift. J. H ■•697 L t,. A. 120G INDEX. i Coi;Iir;in, Moses 1019 CoUtw. Wm 1072 Cole, N. B 231 Colemnii, P. \V 1152 Coles, Kdw.ird 115 Collins, Robert 545 Conov,^r, Rev R oiq Cook, John W 228 Coon, James S 735 Cooncy, (Jeorge 767 Cooi)cr, Jacob 489 Cooper, »Jamcs 509 Cox Bros 335 Co\, Charles F. 348 Cox, Uavid 900 Cox, Clcorge H 253 Cox, J. H 424 Cox.Wm. M 291 Grain. W. T 274 Crawford, J. S 267 Creed, U. A 365 Crichlicld. G 311 Crigler, John M 1192 Criglcr. T. B 845 Crothcrs, E. K 237 Crumbaugh, Gideon V. 607 Crumbavi^h. H . W 1064 CrumbaL.uh, J. H. L 387 Criimbaiigh, 1. A 1026 Culliim. Shelby M 175 D Durnall, John M yao D.'irrah, Dr. A. T 377 l>avid>ion. Wm 788 Davis, Hon. David 187 Davis, W. O 1187 D.iwicklnson, D. M 235 Dictcinsoii, E 1030 Dicdricli. N., jr .. .205 Dillin;in. A. R jp5 l>illoti, Adolphiis 1017 Dillon, Klhs 938 Dillon. Isaiah 931 Dillon. I.cvi 985 DoooIcy, G. 1 1086 Doolcy, J. M rioi Dooky, Wm. 11 a66 Dorland. Joseph 1068 Doiy. Henry A 364 Doiiyherty, L. C 416 Downs, G. W... 15 4* Downs, J . D 495 Drybread, Wm. L 1087 Duncan, Joseph 131 Diinins, A. S 800 K.nsierhrook, J. 1 <^ib Kddy. A. S 676 Kddy. Hon. John 1028 Kdwards, Frank 243 F.dwards, Ninian iig tider, J. C 1197 Klder, Wm W 1061 K.llington, H . W. 501 Klls worth, Cliarles 445 Ellsworth, I*'lijah 1077 Kllsworlh, John 445 Kllswortli. K, . A 205 Ellsworth. Laura 445 Ellsworth, Wm nag Emerson, K. M 729 Enlow. Mrs. Battle 242 Ensenherger, G. A 255 Evans, John W 223 Evans, K- N 353 Evans, Wm 458 Ewing, S. Y 745 Ewing, Wm. L. D 127 Ewins, 'Lliomas II 346 Eycr, Jacob 272 Eycstone, F. A 1067 Fai;erl>urg,- .Mfrcd 1039 Falkingham. U. G 648 I'arr, Wm. R 746 Fawcctt, Philip 1058 -Feahl, John 600 Fell, Jesse W ,060 Fell. K. H 006 Fcrrc, L 525 Fillmore. Millard 67 Fisher, Dr. John W 373 Fiti:li horn, Samuel 195 FitzwilJiam, F. J 1186 Fleming, Jacob 283 Flesher. John gj(, FIcsher. Peter .920 Ficsher, W. M fifti Fletcher, John 805 Flint liros iiBs Follick, J. J 461 Ford, Thomas 130 Fordice, J. M 38y Foreman, George 351 Forney, Henry J ... 836 Forrest, H. T ,046 Fnstcr, i.leorgc J iq8 Foster, John M 798 Fowler, Wm 955 Franklin. Noah 991 Freed, H . F 744 Freed, Thomas 759 Freeman, Alfred .... 462 Freeman, Caleb 627 French, Augustus C 143 French, Mrs. E. M 396 Frink, John li 1045 Fry, Abraham 653 Fry, John 323 Fry, Rev. James D 390 Fidler, George O ,...222 Fulton, James 1094 Fulwilcr, John 995 Fulwiler, John A 386 Funk, A . H 1041 Funk, IL F 195 Fvink, D. M 1160 Funk, F. M 1112 Fvmk, Hon. George W 1124 Funk, Hon. Isaac 1148 Funk, Isaac 1:13 Funk, Isaac E ro97 Funk, Jacob aSi Funk. John W 476 G Gaddis, Rees 708 Galbraith, S. S .S16 Garfield, James A 95 (jarrett, Thomas P 555 (■arrigus Bros 509 Gastman, (Jeorge W 3O5 G.iy, John 318 Gcarhart, John B 1084 tieigcr, John ion Hoierman, Peter 656 Hollingswortli, Frank 1 212 Hopkins. R- M 1015 Horine, H 192 Homey, H.... 1157 Hoselton, W. H 1155 Hotsenpillcr, W 745 Houghton, Stephen R 1022 Houser, H 803 Howard, A. D 298 Howard. R. S 288 Hubbard, Silas 342 Huddle, F. E ...984 Hull, James T 549 Hunting, Nathan 870 Hutchin, George L 196 536 Jackson, Andrew 43 Jackson, I. R 548 Jacoby, Peter C 826 Janes, I. D 691 Janes, J. P 679 Janes, Peter H g86 Jefferson, Thomas 27 Jenkins, Harrison 824 Jennings, Joseph 1127 Johnson, Andrew 83 Johnson, Caleb 753 Johnson, Elias B 932 Johnson, J. C 1196 Johnson, J- VVallace 754 Johnstone, A.J 435 Johnston, George S 656 Johnston, Moses C 1183 Johnston, Wm. D 1064 Jones, Charles S. . .. 1141 Jones. Cyrus " 923 Jones, F. M 709 Jones, John A 394 Jones, Lewis 923 Jones, Nelson 1190 Jones, W. C 89s Jones, Wm 408 Jung, J. P 537 Kecnan, Joseph 395 Kempton, Almon R 826 Kennedy, Capt James 1192 Kennedy, T. F 580 Kent, W. R 562 Ken yon, Dennis 966 Kenyon, F, . W 597 Kepner, J . '1' 607 Kerber, Wm 642 Kerrick, L. H 201 Kerrick, Thomas C... 488 Kershaw, John W 1163 Kilgore, J.N 629 Kilgore T. B 885 Kimler, James -700 Kimler, W. J 1175 King, K. W .419 King, Joseph 408 King, Peter .357 King, William 286 Kinsey, Samuel R 306 Kinzinger, C. W 571 Kinzinger, Michael 655 Kirk, George 1121 Kirkpatrick, Mary C 506 Kline, John 498 Knight, Dr. Curtis 257 Knight, James P 420 Knotts, G. W 922 Koch, F. W .889 Kraft, Frank 727 Kraft, I'imothy 1012 ¥ Kampf, Matthias 1097 K:irr, Harvey B 670 Labertew.J.W 877 Lacoirk, Nelson O 317 Lain, 1. G 272 Lain, Wm. R 277 Lamont, John 706 Lamp, Charles 693 Lander, C. W 736 Langstaff, H , C 947 Lantz, J.J- 542 Larkin, James 662 Lash , J . A 255 Lash, Wm 218 Lasswell, J. A 1008 Lawrence, C B 1191 Lawrence, John 978 Leach, Samuel I 305 Lemke, Wm 920 Leppo, J ' 909 Lewis, J. n 560 Lewis, Thomas M 197 Lincoln, Abraham.... 79 Lincoln, James H 977 Linden. Wm 760 Livingston, John 725 Loar, George F 491 Loar, Dr. James 897 Loar, Dr . N 1008 Loper,W- H 1164 Lormor, Hugh 794 Lots, H . C 404 k ■ Loudon, Robert 380 Lowentrout, F. W 1137 Lowrey, H . C 1176 Luca'^, A. J 576 Lyons, John U .456 M Mace, John A 539 Macy, W. H 680 Madison, James 37 Mahan, Isaac S 1047 Mahan, Jacob C 989 Marmon,W. W 1056 Marsh, J. H 925 Marsh, John 905 Martens, C C 355 Martin, Joseph T 1062 Martin, W- L 3" Mason, D. W 214 Mason, George W 336 Mason, Jj R 538 Matteson,, Joel A 141 Matthews, David M 897 Maurer, Jacob 342 Maurer, Nicholas 734 Maurice, J. B 611 Mayer, Charles C 3'^ McBean, Isaac 439 McCann, Dr. James 433 McCartney, S. A... 945 McClun, Judge J. F 343 McClure, J. S noo McCture, Thomas 876 McConn ell, John 1166 McCormick, H. W 352 McCracken, Wm 1005 McCuUough, J. V ■-■934 McCune, John 81S McEIfresh, A 356 McFarland. David H 1154 McFarland, Maj. J. C 1199 McGinnis, J. M 1007 McGregor, J. H 505 McHugh, James 946 Mcintosh, F. H 338 Mcintosh, George 324 Mclntyre, Hugh, 868 Mclntyre, R. S 358 McKnight, Dr. Wm 344 McLean, John P 345 McMahon, James 207 McNab, Malcom 638 McNaught. George -1131 McNaught,Wm. N 946 McNeniar,C. J. W 748 McNulty, Gen. John .1140 McTwiggan, James 334 Means, O. A 1179 Mears, D.S 675 Meiner, Joseph Q14 Merchant, Ira 438 Messer, J. P 887 Meyer, An tone 336 Meyer, Frederick ••■331 Meyers, D. 1 927 Miller, (Jeorge H 351 Miller. Harrison 623 Miller, H. M 515 Miller, M H 972 Miller, John A 354 Miller. Riley 638 Miller, Wm. T. M 337 Milner, W. H 633 Miner, H . A .370 M in ton, J . M 1127 Mitchell, A. T 764 Mitchel, Ebenezer B. ....... 970 Mitchell, Isaac P 374 Mitchell. John J 335 Meats, Henry 995 Moats, J. I ,_. 662 Moats, John 649 Model, Alexander 314 Monroe, James 35 Mooberry, W. C 906 Moore, Asa H 194 Moore, M . L 347 Moore. Robert 492 Moore, W. R ^^g Moore, Wm. r.> 809 Moreland, Mrs. E 883 MorrET A. H 324 Morrow, A 1 mo 11 882 MorrowV John 776 Morse, E. R 3^^ Mulcahy.D. A 1017 Mulcahy, Denis 1017 Munsell, Eleazer 1033 Munson, Ira 1018 Munson, Wm 578 Murphy, G. T 1191 Murphy, J. M 1202 Murphy, W. J 7^0 Murray, Jolin 288 Myers, C. D 684 Myers E. C 5,0 Myers, Dr. J. F 54, Myer^. J. J 512 Myers, W. JJ 284 N Naffzinger, Peter R 11301 Naffziger, C 1201 | Naffziger, Valentine 312 \ Nafziger, Christian W -325 \ Nafziger, G. B. C- P 379 / Nafziger, Henry .559 ' Ncal, Thomas W 558 Nesmith, Mury A 1052 Newton, M. H 660 Newton, W. H 551 Niccolls, John ....1089 Nichols, Henry A ^093 Nickerson, B. F 532 Nickerson, John 547 Noble, James K 410 Noble. T. J 851 Noble. W. C 415 North. Thomas J 551 Norltiriip. C. j 43^ i t / 1208 INDEX. -^i^ Obcrkoettcr, Frank 1134 Ogdcn, Albert 102 1 Ogdcn, Jesse 535 Ogdcn, (' 214 Ogdcn, Samuel 206 Oglesby, Rich.lrd J 163 Oliver, Wm 460 Orcndorff, James K .....227 Orendorff, O. H. P ,236 Orner, Dr. C. T 438 Outlaw, W. W 559 Owen, Otha 613 Owens, B. C. S 1023 4 Packard, A g40 Packard, Major Wellman . .1168 Palm^rr, John M 167 Pancake, J, F 447 Park, C. R 470 Park, Elder Jonathan.. 241 Parke, Ur. Charles K 459 Parke, George W 1144 Parkhurst, Dr. F. J 437 Parkhurst, Dr. Henry 705 Parks, li. F 398 Paiion, licnjamin W ^13 Paiton, Henry 774 Patton, Wm. R 457 Paxton, John 649 Payne, Geqrge W 1153 Payne, S. M 846 Pease, F. P 713 Pcasley, Sylvcsler J073 Pcirson, J. J 487 Perry, Samuel 1042 I*eicrN, John 479 PfititL-nmeycr, Wm 1118 Phillips, Hiram M 578 Pierce, Franklin 71 Pitts, Joseph A 526 r^oindcxicr, James 285 Polk, James K 59 Pollock, Ur. Wm- L 472 Popejoy, John gqo Popple, John S 428 Popple, M - L 1203 I*orter, K-. L 502 Porter, S . S 326 Powlcy, W. D 960 Pratt , I ra C 204 Prey, Mr». E 447 Proctor. L .841 Pumphrey, George W 427 Prothero, John 730 Pumphrey, R 451 Piirdy, K . C 614 Piinliim, John (123 -4* Q Quinn, H. M 1104 Quinn. H. W 1107 Qiiinn, J. W 466 (Juinn, M L 53' R Ralston, J ■ t ■■ 983 Rannebaryer, Joseph G 475 Randolph, W. W 664 Rankin, Joseph. 621 Rawlings, Austin 1169 Rawlings, Francis A 70? Ruyburii, Calvin 630.* Rayburn, M H 619 Ream, C K 857 Rcddick, Leonard .. 663 Reeder, R. R 4to Reeves, H. G 659 Reeves, Judge O-T 216 Reynolds, John 123 Rhodes, A. P 245 Richardson, H. C 418 Richardson, Josiah 413 Richardson, Matthew 815 Ridgway, Thomas S.... 403 Riggs, George W 716 Ritchie, Jacob H 435 Rittcr, J. W 998 Rittcr, Wm. C i^oi Robb, Hugh... 917 Robinson, J. D 406 Robinson, J- H 405 Rockel, Wm 629 Rodman, John 285 Rodman, S 314 Rogers, Lucius 715 Rogers, Walter W mj Rose, Uanicl 521 Ross, G. .\ 672 Ross, Talmagc .407 Ross, W H. H 618 Rounds, D. H 321 Roush, J. S 630 Rowc, H. A 882 Rowcll, Ira 449 Rowell, Hon. J. H 235 Rowcll, Richard 750 Rupert, L. S .1087 Rupp. Michael 487 Russell, George A 460 Rust, George W jsoi Rust, J. F 423 Rutledgc, G. T 624 Riitledge, James B 1139 Rutledgc, John T 426 Rutledgc, (). C 784 Rutledge, Robert H 642 Rutledge, T. 598 Ryan, John 673 Ryburn, D. G 434 Ryburn, James 643 Sackett, SabJna 686 Salzman, John H 425 Saunders, Mrs. L- A iroo Savage, J. B 550 Sawyer, Smith 797 Schell, Edward 1040 Schenck, Wm 556 Schertz, Peter 915 Schlosser, George 961 Schmidt, CharlesF. W 787 Schneider, C. W ....1200 Schuienian, Charles A 8903^- Scogin, A.W J21 Scott, Dr. John 405 Scott, Hon. John M 969 Scott, James H 1132 Scott, Owen 634 Scroggs, Col- Wm. H 327 Scrogin, L. P 1006 Seaborn, Robert 1035 Sells, James M -1173 Shannon, W 673 Shaver, John. 600 Shaw. Rev. James 688 Shelton, Joseph P 1070 Shepherd, Martin 807 Shepherd, W. H loao Sliolty, H. C 363 Sholty, Jacob 363 Shorthose, J. L 768 Shorthosc, Thomas H 771 Sicberns, W. H 747 Sill, D. F 867 Sill, Jonas .' , ..322 Simmons, David... 1167 Sithcrwood, Dr George D . .841 .Stoane, Sarah 530 Smith, A. G 406 •Smith, Elijah 727 Smith, K. R 887 Smith, Dr. George M 1200 Smith, James 953 Smith. Matt C 8:9 Smith, Milton g6S Smith. S. W 848 Smiih, Stephen J091 Smith, Wm. L 575 Smith, W. A 984 Snow, D. C 777 Soulc, Peleg 778 Spanglcr. J. H ..355 Spawr. Jacob* u^a Sp.; )c^a-^ :^& ^ ^KCn FPMTM^X ^^^ A. •A^^^ Adams, John 22 Atlams, John ^^inncy 3S Anderson, W. G 590 Arthur, Chester A 98 Balterton, Curtis 974 Batterton, Mrirtin 682 Rear, Joseph ^32 Heveridge, John I 170 Kisho}», Harvey 464 Bishop, Mahlon 382 Hiss.(U. Wtn. H 150 l.oies, W. H 964 Boml Shadrach 110 ^'^X H. T 822 BozIFJI^. Alfred B 484 "-MJrseWk R . T 964 Brining, Hamilton 504 Britt, R. M , 652 Brophy, W. P 1014 Buchanan, James 74 r.unney, (Jeorge .590 Carlin, 'I"homas 134 Case, Lewis 646 Case, Mrs. Lewis 646 Chaptn, S. J 854 Cleveland, Grover 102 Coles, Edward. 114 Collins, Robert 544 Collins, Mrs. Robert . . 544 Cox, David goa Cox, James H 423 Crigler, T. B 844 Criglcr, Mrs. T. B 844 Crumbaugli, Ci. D 606 Cullum, Shrlby M 174 Uavidson. Wm .790 Davis. David 186 Dickinson, EliatKi 1032 Dodson, A. N 790 Duncan, Joseph 130 Edwards, Ninian 118 Ellsworth, Charles 442 Ellsworth, John 442 Ellsworth, Laura 443 Ewing, Wm. L. D 126 Ferre, L 524 Fillmore, Millard 66 Ford, Thomas 138 Freeman, A 464 Freeman, Caleb 626 Freeman, Mrs. Mandana . . . .626 French, .Augustus C 142 Frink, John E 1044 Fry, A 652 Funk, Jacob 280 Garfield, James A 94 Grant, Ulysses -S S6 Gregory, George 952 Hall, F. M 702 Hamilton, John M 178 Hamilton, Joseph .584 Harbert, Hiram 812 Harrison, Wm. Henry 50 Hayes, Rutherford B 90 Henlinc, r)avid 874 Henline. W. B 929 Henline, .Mrs. W. B 929 Higgins, Robert 712 Hopkins, R. M 1014 Houser, Harrison 802 Houser, Mrs. Elizd ,.802 Jackson, Andrew 42 Janes, Israel D 690 Janes, Mrs. 1. D 6t;o Jefferson, Thomas. . 26 Johnson, Andrew 82 Johnson, Caleb 752 Karr, H. B 668 Kent, W. B. 564 Kepner, J. T....". 606 Kimler, James 702 Lash, Wm 220 Lincoln, Abraham 78 Litta, Marie 1080 Lott, H. C 402 Loudon, Robert 382 Madison, James .^o Mahan, J . C 1054 Mattison, J'oel A 146 McGregor, James H 504 Miller, M. H 974 Minton, J. M 1126 Moats, Henry 994 Monroe, James 34 Moore, W. D , 812 Munsell, Eleazer 1032 Oglesby, Richard J 162 Packard, A 942 Pdliner, John M 166 Park, Jonathan 240 Patton, B 912 Patton, Mrs. B 912 Perry, Samuel 1044 Pierce, Franklin .... 70 Polk, James K ,. .58 Prothero, John 732 Quinn, B. M 1106 Quinn, H. W 1107 Reynolds, John 122 Ridgeway, Thomas S 402 Rounds, D. H 320 Rowell, Richard •75'^ Rust, John F 422 Scogin, A . W 220 Sholty, Jacob 361 Shorthose, J . L 770 Shorthose, 1 lios-. H 770 Sill, Jonas 320 Smith, James 952 Soule, Peleg 779 Soule. Mrs. Peleg 770 Spawr, J 994 Stauffer, Tobias S 584 Stipps, Job" M 73- Stringfield, . M 902 Stubblefield, Ed 892 Stubblefield, John 340 Stubblefield, M rs John 340 Tallon, John 484 Taylor, Zachary f>3 Thompson, James ..668 Tyler, John 54 Van Buren, Martin 46 V'anordstrand, Isaac 1054 VanSchoick, W'm 1170 Vasey, Richard 854 Victor, Wm. H 942 Wakefield, Dr. Cyrenius. . .200 Warlow, R. .A, 832 Washington, George 18 Webb, Benjamin H 564 Whitmer, P... 1146 Wilson, .Abraham 822 Wilson, George 300 Wilson, Mrs. Margaret 300 Wjntz, Peter 712 Wood, John 154 Vatcs, Richard 158 T LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 009 760 584 1 LIBRPRY OF CONGRESS nil III 009 750 584 U