L I E> RA R.Y OF THE U N I VERSITY or illi nois 977.365 P5^^ 'imm HISTORICAL SURVEY J 3 SZ 3 C K^-t m -«fs^ f ^ 1»- ; "l^p •y r? n >> 4 ;/^i ft^l <#.<:;| - jiiiiiiriiu.,ii.iiii..i 1 inimiuUfiniiLiiMiiiiiiiijT —: )F— 1 ermilion and Edgar louniies, Illinois, / u fh CONTAINING Full Page Portraits and Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens of the Counties, TOGETHER WITH PORTRAITS AND BIOGRAPHIES OF ALL THE GOVERNORS OF THE STATF, AND OF THE PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES. CHICAGO: CHAPMAN BROTHERS, 1889. - / / /> pi^Ep/^?E. '^»i> +M- fStf-* •■/x*'";>'.l I K greatest of English historians, M lcai lay, and one of the most brilliant writers of the present century, has said : "The history of a country is best told in a record of the tves of its people." In conformity with this idea the Portrait and Biographical Album of this county has been prepared. Instead of going to must)' records, and taking therefrom dry statistical matter that can be appreciated by but few, our corps of writers have gone to the people, the men and women who have, by their enterprise and industry, brought the county to a rank second to none among those comprising this great and noble State, and from their lips have the story of their life struggles. No more interesting or instructive matter could be presented to an intelli- gent public. In this volume will be found a record of many whose lives are worthy the imitation of coming generations. It tells how some, commencing life in poverty, by industry and economy have accumulated wealth. It tells how others, with limited advantages for securing an education, have become learned men and women, with an y\_ influence extending throughout the length and breadth of the land. It tells of men who have risen from the lower walks of life to eminence as statesmen, and whose names have )fi'J%f\^, become famous. It tells of those in every walk in life who have striven to succeed, and ^ records how that success has usually crowned their efforts. It tells also of many, very many, who, nol seeking the applause of the world, have pursued "the even tenor of their way,'' content to have it said of them as Christ said of the woman performing a. deed of mercy — "they have done what they could." It tells how that many in the pride and strength of young manhood left the plow and the anvil, the lawyer's office and the counting-room, left every trade and profession, and at their country's call went forth valiantly "to do or die," and how through their efforts the Union was restored and peace once more reigned in the land. In the life of every man and of every woman is a lesson that should not he lost upon those who follow after. Coming generations will appreciate this volume and preserve it as a sacred treasure, from the fact that it contains so much that would never find its way into public records, and which would otherwise be inaccessible. Great care has been taken in the compilation of the work and every opportunity possible given to those represented to insure correctness in what has been written, and the publishers flatter them- selves that they give to their readers a work with few errors of consequence. In addition tothe biograph- ical sketches, portraits of a number of representative citizens are given. The faces of some, and biographical sketches of many, will be missed in this volume. For this the publishers are not to blame. Not having a proper conception of the work, some refused to give the information necessary to compile a sketch, while others were indifferent. Occasionally some member of the family would oppose the enterprise, and on account of such opposition the support of the interested one would be withheld. In a few instances men could never be found, though repeated calls were made at their residence or place of business. CHAPMAN PROS. Chicago, September, 188'J. fc^2*-* dTDflrv >!^^^ ^k ., AND "IDGRABH1E.S. " |1_1;.W ,»liiiv.-(V V. ll ' : V ^V. . 5 "KWB* ;./'^ OF THE. GOVERNORS of ILLINOIS, AND OF THE. Jjf -^- -«> 1 J* n OF THE ^^,-M^m^h ON LIE D 5 T A IE 5 .; r- S5M? AH (^ COPYRIGHTED ■"■Vi e*jsSMftjt b&o?- * Nines ■. ,^«£Si ,% sw > J xr - V /^u >- , ;, •S^? W-s&s.- FIRST PRESIDENT. '0 g£ "^^KT^S I i-W HE Fatlier of our Country was Igbom in Westmorland Co., Va., Feb. 22, 1732. His parents were Augustine and Mary (Ball) Washington, The family to which he belonged has not f been satisfactorily traced in England. His great-grand- father, John Washington, em- igrated to Virginia about 1657, and became a prosperous ' planter. He had two sons, Lawrence and John. The former married Mildred Warner and had three children, John. Augustine and Mildred. Augus- tine, the father of George, first married Jane Butler, who bore him four children, two of whom, Lawrence and Augustine, reached maturity. Of six children by his second marriage, George was the eldest, the others being Hetty, Samuel, John 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 parental residence. George received only such education as the neighborhood schools afforded, save for a short time after lie left school, when he received private instruction in mathematics. His spelling was rather defective. B a 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 ui 1 haracter, fair- ness and veracity which characterized his whole life. When George was 14 years old he had 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 175 r, though only 19 years of age, he was apiointed 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 Dinwiddie, 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 ai - cepted, 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 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 the calamities of the day with life and honor. The other aids of Braddock ivere 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. After 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 ( )hio, 10 resign his commission. Soon after he entered the Legislature, where, although not a leader, he took an active and important part. January 17, 1759, he married Mrs. Martha (Dandridge) Custis, the wealthy widow of John Parke Custis. When the British Parliament had closed the port if 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 possible. 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 lo 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 every 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, lesigned his commission as commander-in-chief of the army lo 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, 1 7 89, Washington was unanimously 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 part of other governments; trials from want of harmony between the different sections of our own country; trials from the impoverished condition of the country, owing to 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 sinking at the veiy 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 reiiose seemed likely to be interrupted by war with France. At the prospect of such a war he was again urged to lake 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 preparations his life was suddenly cut off. December 12, 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 with military honors to its final resting place, and interred in the family vault at Mount Vernon. Of the character of Washington it is impossible to speak but in terms of the highest respect and ad- miration. The more we see of the operations 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 challenge the reverence of all parties, and principles, 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 beautiful symmetry. He commanded respect without any appearance of haughtiness, and ever serious without being dull. J5), the attempt of Parliamentary taxa- tion turned him from law to politics. He took initial steps toward holdir. B 1 town meeting, and the resolu- tions he offered on the subject became very populai throughout the Province, and were adopted word foi word by over forty different towns. He moved to Bos- ton in 1768, and became one of the most courageous and prominent advocatesof the popular cause, and was chosen a member of the General Com t (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 by his capacity foi business and for debate, and ad- vocated the movement for independence against the majority of the members. In May, 1776, he meed 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 ave apiwiuted June n, to prepare a declaration of inde- pendence. This article was drawn by Jefferson, but on Adams devolved the 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 th • 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, "t'.ie greatest question was decided that ever was debated in America; and greater, perhaps, never was or wil. 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, shows, 24 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 transported with enthusiasm, but I am not. I am well aware of the toil, and blood and treasure, that 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 wurth more than all the means; and that posterity will triumph, although you and I may rue, which I hope we shall not." In November, 1777, Mr. Adams was appointed a delegate to France and to co-operate with Bemjamin Franklin and Arthur Lee, who 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, 1779. In September 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 Britian, as soon as the British Cabinet might be found willing to listen to such proposels. He sailed for France in November, from there he went to Holland, where he negotiated important loans and formed important commercial treaties. Finally a treaty of peace with England was signed fan. 21, 17S3. The re-action from the excitement, toil and anxiety through which Mr. Adams had passed threw him into a fever. After suffering from a con- tinued fever and becoming feeble and emaciated he was advised to goto 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 lie immediately set out, and through storm, on sea, on horseback and foot, he made the trip. February 24, 1785. Congress appointed 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. Adams felt that he was accom- plishing but little, he sought permission to return to his own country, where he arrived in June, 17S8. 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 1796, Wash- ington retired from public life, and Mr. Adams was ele< ted 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 with 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 confidence in their power of self-government, and he utterly abhored the classof atheist philosophers who he claimed caused it. On the other hand Jefferson's sympathies were strongly enlisted in behalf of the French people. Hence or- iginated the alienation between these distinguished men, and two powerful parties were thus soon organ- 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 party feeling had died away, and he had begun to receive that just appreciation which, to most men, is not accorded till after death. No one could look upon his venerable form, and think of what he had done and suffered, and how he had given up all the prime and strength of his life to the public 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 completed the half century since the signing of the Declaration of Inde- pendence, arrived, and there were but three of the signers of that immortal instrument left u[ion the earth to hail its morning light. And, 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 bed. On being requested to name a toast for the customary celebration of the day, he exclaimed " In- dependence forever." When the day was ushered in, by 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 one o'clock, re- signed his spiiit into the hands of his God. The personal appearance and manners of Mr. Adams were not particularly piejiossessing. His face, as his portrait 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 Washington, nor the engaging elegance and gracefulness which marked the manners and address of Tefferson. _ ^z, THIRD PRESIDENT. 27 w* HOMAS JEFFERSON was born April 2, 1743, at Shad- xPwell, Albermarle county, Va. His parents were Peter and Jane (Randolph) Jefferson, the former a native of Wales, and the 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 t he time he was five years of age. In 1760 he entered William and Mary College. Williamsburg was then the seat of the Colonial Court, and it was the obodeof fashion a. id splendor. Young Jefferson, who was then 77 years old, lived somewhat expensively, keeping fine horses, and much caressed by gay society, yet he was earnestly devoted to his studies, and irreproai ha- able in his morals. It is strange, however, under such influences, that he was not ruined. In the sec- ond year of his college course, moved by some un- explained inward impulse, he discarded his horses, society, and even his favorite violin, to which he had previously given much time. He often devoted fifteen hours a day to hard study, allowing himself for ex- ercise only a run in the evening twilight of a mile out of the city and back again. He thus attained very high intellectual culture, alike excellence in philoso- phy and the languages. The most difficult Latin and Creek authors he read with facility. A more finished scholar has seldom gone forth from college halls ; and there was not to !>e 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 his profession he rose rapidly 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 Colonies, 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. !n 1772 he married .Mrs. Martha Skelton, a very beauti- ful, wealthy and highly accomplished young widow. Upon Mr. Jefferson's large estate at Shadwell, there was a majestic swell of land, called Monlicello, which commanded a prospect of wonderful extent and beauty. This spot Mr. Jefferson selected for his new home; and here he reared a mansion of modest yet elegant architecture, which, next to Mount Vernon, became the most distinguished resort in our land. In 1775 ,ie was sent to die Colonial 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 com- 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 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 the world, free, soverign and independent. It is one of the most re- markable papers ever written ; and did noolhcr 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 British officer, Tarleton, sent a secret expedition to Monticello, to capture the Governor. Scarcely five minutes elapsed 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 this excitement, and in the summer of 1782 she died. Mr. Jefferson was elected to Congress in 1783. Two years later lie 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. 1, 1794. In 1797,11c 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 ambition, this extraordinary man formed the 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 1S00, at the expiration of the second term for which Mr. [efferson had been elected, he determined to retire from political 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 gieatest 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 upon the organization of the new administration, in March, 1809, he bid fare- well forever to public life, and retired to Monticello. Mr. Jefferson was profuse in his hospitality. 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, 1S26, being the fiftieth anniver- sary of the Declaration of American Independence, great preparations were made in every part of the Union for its celebration, as the nation's jubilee, and the citizens of Washington, 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 duration, and had been continually increasing, compelled him to decline the invitation. < )n the second of July, the disease under which he was laboring left him, but in such a reduced state that his medical attendants, enteitained no hope of his recovery. From this time he was perfectly sensible that his last hour was at hand. On the next 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 expressed the earnest wish that he might be permitted to breathe the air of 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 consummation 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 whole 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 his life. Almost at the same hour of his death, the kin- dred spirit of the venerable Adams, as if to bear him ( ompany, left the scene of his earthly honors. Hand in hand they had stood forth, the champions ol freedom; hand in hand, during the dark and desper- 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 person 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 simple 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 discemable the care with which he formed his style upon the best models of antiquity. i * j J- <2/Ocs~<-^ 4sCC it<^>H o^K FOUR TH J >£ t- SI DEN T. 3' PEQES n^DISOl}. AMES MADISON, "Father of the Constitution," and fourth ^President of the United States, was born March 16, 1757, and died at his home in Virginia, ''^ |une 28, 1S36. The name of in r. "'"•' Vm James Madison is inseparably con- nected with most of the im|»rtant events in that heroic period of our country during which the founda- tions of this great republic were laid. 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, landing upon the shores of the Chesa- peake but 15 years after the settle- ment of Jamestown. The father of James Madison was an opulent planter, 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 It was but 25 miles from the home of Jefferson at Monticello. The closest personal and political attachment existed between these illustrious men, from their early youth until death. The early education of Mr. Madison was conducted mostly at home under a private tutor. At the age of iS he was sent to Princeton College, in New Jersey. Here lie applied himself to study with the most im- Blue Ridge. 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 1, with a feeble body, with a character of utmost purity, and with a mind highly disciplined and richly stored with learning which embellished and gave proficiency to his subst' 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, and 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 mind 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 faith 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 (1777), 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 Executive Council. Both Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson were Governors of Virginia while Mr. Madison remained member of the Council ; and their appreciation of his 3* JAMES MADISON. intellectual, social and moral worth, contributed not a little to his subsequent eminence. In the year 1780, he was elected a member of the Continental Congress. Here he met the most illustrious men in our land, and he was immediately assigned to one of the most conspicuous positions among them. For three years Mr. Madison continued in Con- gress, one of its most active and influential members. In the year 1784, his term having expired, he was elected a member of the Virginia Legislature. No man felt more deeply than Mr. Madison the utter inefficiency of the old confederacy, with no na- tional government, with no power to form treaties which 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 formed. In January, 1786, Mr. Madison carried a resolution through the General Assembly of Virginia, inviting the other States to appoint commis- sioners to meet in convention at Annapolis to discuss this subject. Five States only were represented. The convention, however, issued an6ther call, drawn up by Mr. Madison, urging all the States to send their delegates to Philadelphia, in May, 17S7, to draft a Constitution for the United States, to take the place of that Confederate League. The delegates met at t he time appointed. Every State but Rhode Island was represented. George Washington was chosen president of the convention; and the present Consti- tution of the United States was then and there formed. There was, perhaps, no mind and no pen more ac- tive in framing this immortal document than the mind and the pen of James Madison. The Constitution, adopted by a vote 8r to 79, was to be presented to the several States for acceptance. But grave solicitude was felt. Should it be rejected we should be left but a conglomeration of independent States, with but little |»wer at home and little respect abroad. Mr. Madison was selected by the conven- tion to draw up an address to the people of the United States, expounding tl.e principles of the Constitution, and urging its adoption. There was great opposition to it at fust, but it at length triumphed over all, and went into effect in 1789. Mr. Madison was elected to the House of Repre- sentatives in the first Congress, and soon became the avowed leader of the Republican party. While in New York attending Congress, he met Mrs Todd, a young widow of remarkable power of fascination, whom he married. She was in person and character queenly, and probably no lady has thus far occupied so prominent a position in the very peculiar society which has constituted our republican court as Mrs. Madison. Mr. Madison served as Secretary of State under Jefferson, and at the close of his administration was chosen President. At this time the encroach- ments of England had brought us to the verge of war. British orders in council destioyed our commerce, and our flag was exposed to constant insult. Mr. Madison was a man of peace. Scholarly in his taste, retiiing in his disposition, war had no charms for him. But the meekest spirit can be roused. It makes one's blood boil, even now, to think of an American ship brought to, upon the ocean, by the guns of an English cruiser. A young lieutenant steps on board and orders the crew to be paraded before him. With great nonchal- ance he selects any number whom he may please to designate as British subjects ; orders them down the ship's side into his boat; and places them on the gun- deck of his man-of-war, to fight, by compulsion, the battles of England. This right of search and im- pressment, no efforts of our Government could induce the British cabinet to relinquish. On the 1 8th of June, 181 2, President Madison gave his approval to an act of Congress 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 majority, and entered upon his second term of office. This is not the place 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- pling wilh the most formidable power which ever swept the seas. The contest commenced in earnest by the appearance of a British fleet, early in Febrnaiy, 18 13, in Chesapeake Bay, declaring nearly the whole coast of the United States under blockade. The Emperor of Russia offered his services as me ditator. America accepted ; England refused. A Brit- ish force of five thousand men landed on the banks of the Patuxet River, near its entrance into Chesa- peake Bay, and marched rapidly, by way of Bladens- burg, upon Washington. The straggling little city of Washington was thrown into consternation. The cannon of the brief conflict at Bladensbiirg echoed through the streets of the metropolis. The whole population fled from the city. The President, leaving Mrs. Madison in the White House, with her carriage drawn up at the door to await his speedy return, hurried to meet the officers in a council of war. He met our troops utterly routed, and he could not go back without danger of being captured. But few hours elapsed ere the Presidential Mansion, the Capitol, and all the public buildings in Washington were in flames. The war closed after two years of fighting, and on Feb. 13, 1815, the treaty of peace was signed at Ghent. On the 4th of March, 1817, his second term of office expired, and he resigned the Presidential chair to his friend, James Monroe. He retired to his beau- tiful home at Montpelier, and there passed the re- mainder of his days. On June 28, r836, then ;it the age of 85 years, he fell asleep in death. Mrs. Madi- son died July 12, 1849. ^^7L^ FIFTH PRESIDENT. 35 AMES MONROE, the fifth President of The United States, was born in Westmoreland Co., Va., April 2.8, 175S. His early life was passed at the |>lace of nativity. His ancestors had for e .: --yVyg) many years resided in the prov- ince ill which he was horn. When, at 17 years of age, in the process '\ of completing his education at William 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 ot the signers of that celebrated instrument. At this time he left s< liool and enlisted among the patriots. He joined the army when everything looked hope- less and gloomy. The number of deserters increased from day to day. The invading armies came pouring in; and 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 difficulty and danger, the United States owe their political emancipation. The young cadet joined the ranks, and espoused the cause of his injured country, with a firm determination to live or die with her strife for liberty. Firmly yet sadly he shared in the mel- ancholy retreat from Harleam Heights and White- Plains, and accompanied the dispirited army as it fled before its foes through New Jersey. In four months alter 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 (barg- ing upon the enemy he received a wound in the left shoulder. As a reward for his bravery, Mr. Monroe was pro- moted a captain of infantry; and, having recovered from his wound, he rejoined the army. He, however, receded from the line of promotion, by becoming an officer in the staff of Lord Sterling. During the cam- paigns of 1777 and 1778, in the actions of Brandy wine, Germantown and Monmouth, he continued aid-decamp; but becoming desirous to regain his position in the army, he exerted himself to collec 1 .1 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 petiod Governor, and pursued, with considerable ardor, the study of common law. He did not, however, entirely lay aside the knapsack for the green bag; but on the invasions of the enemy, served as a volun- teer, during the two years of his legal pursuits. In 1 7 S 2 , he was elected from King George county, a member ol the Leglislature of Virginia, and by that body he was elevated to a seat in the Executive Council. He was thus honored with the confidence ol his fellow citizens at 2; years of age; and having at this early period displayed some of that ability and aptitude for legislation, which were afterwards employed with unremittirg energy for the public good, 36 JAMES MONROE. he was in the succeeding year chosen a member of the Congress of the United States. Deeply as Mr. Monroe felt the imperfections of the old Confederacy, he was opposed to the new Constitution, thinking, with many others of 'he 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 supporters, and who, notwithstanding his opposition secured its adoption. In 1789, 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 iaeas which now sep- arated them were, that the Republican party was in sympathy with Fiance, 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 sympathized with England, and were in favor of a liberal construction of the Con- stitution, which would give as much power to the Central Government as that document could possibly authorize. The leading Federalists and Republicans were alike noble men, consecrating all their energies to the good of the nation. Two more honest men or more pure patriots than John Adams the Federalist, and James Monroe the Republican, never breathed. In building up this majestic nation, which is destined to eclipse all Grecian and Assyrian greatness, the com- bination of their antagonism was needed to create the tight equilibrium. And yet each in his day was de- nounced as almost a demon. Washington was then President. England had es- poused the cause of the Bourbons 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 be- tween these contending powers. 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 proclamation as ungrateful and wanting in magnanimity. Washington, who could appreciate 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 Government to the Republic of France. Mr. Monroe was welcomed by the National Convention in France witn the most enthusiastic demonstrations. Shortly after his return to this country, Mr. Mon- roe was elected Governor of Virginia, and held the office for three yeais. 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 France 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 territory of Orleans and district of Louisiana were added to the United States. This was probably the largest transfer of real estate which was ever made in all the history of the world From France Mr. Monroe went to England to ob- tain from that country some recognition of oui 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 he soon resigned to accept the position of Secretary of State under Madison. While in this office war with England 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 ol peace he resigned the Department of War, but con- tinued in the office of Secretary of State until the ex- piration of Mr. Madison's adminstration. At the elec lion held the previous autumn Mr. Monroe himself had been chosen President with but little opposition, and upon March 4, 1 S f 7, was inaugurated. Four years later he was elected for a second term. Among the important measures of his Presidency were the cession of Florida to the L'nited 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 wish to have European powers longer attempting to sub- due portions of the American Continent. The doctrine is as follows: "That we should consider 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 other light than as a manifestation by European powers of an unfriendly disposition toward the United States." This doctrine immediately affected the course of foreign governments, and has become the approved sentiment of the United States. At the end of his second term Mr Monroe retired to his home in Virginia, where he lived until 1830, when he went to New Vork to live with his son-in law. In that city he died, on the 4th of July, 1831 J, 2, At ojy^j, SIXTH PRESIDENT. 39 J2A 301)1] Qmi)6Y WW$- 1 I OHN QUINCY ADAMS, the sixth President of the United ip States, was horn in the rural home of his honored lather. John Adams, in Quincy, Mass , on the i i tli cf July, 1767. His mother, a woman of exalted worth, watched over his childhood during the almost constant ab- sence of his father. When hut eight years of age, he stood with his mother on an eminence, listen- ing to the booming of the great hat- tie 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 fatner for Europe, through a fleet of hostile British cruisers. The bright, animated boy spent a year and a half in I 1 . n is, where his lather was associated with Franklin and Lee as minister plenipotentiary. His intelligence attracted the notice of these distinguished men, and he received from them flattering marks of attention. Mr. John Adams had scarcely teturned to this cour.try, in 1779, ere he was again sent abroad Again John Quincy accompanied his father. At Paris he applied himself with great diligence, for six months, to .-.'udy; then accompanied 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 1 oy was but fourteen yea"; of age, he was selected by Mr. Dana, our min- istei to the Russian court, as his private secretary. In this school of incessant labor and of enobling culture he spent fourteen months, and then returned to Holland through Sweden, Denmark, Hamburg and Bremen. This long 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 to Paris, traveling leisurely, and forming acquaintance with the most distinguished men on the Continent; examining architectural 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. Alter a short visit to England he returned to Patis, 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 etiquette 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 < Ictober, where he was immediately admit- ted to the deliberations of Messrs. Jay and Pinckney, assisting them in negotiating a commercial treaty with Cicat P.ritian. 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. While waiting he was married to an American lady to whom he had been previously en- gaged, — Miss Louisa Catherine Johnson, daughter of Mr. Joshua Johnson, American consul in London; a lady endownd with that beauty and those accom- plishment which eminently fitted hertomove in the elevated sphere for which she was destined. 40 JOHN QUINCY ADAMS. He reached Berlin with his wife in November, 1797 ; where he remained until July, 1799, when, having ful- filled all the purposes of his mission, he solicited his recall. Soon after his return, in 1S02, he was chosen to the Senate of Massachusetts, from Boston, and then was elected Senator of the United States for six years, from the 4th of March, 1804. His reputation, his ability and his experience, placed him immediately among the most prominent and influential members of that body. Especially 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 1S09, Madison succeeded Jefferson in the Pres- idential chair, and he immediately nominated John Quincy Adams minister to St. Petersburg. Resign- ing his professorship 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 Creek and Latin classics. In all the universities of Europe, a more accomplished scholar could scarcely be found. All through life the Bible constituted an important part ot his studies. It was his rule to read five chapters every day. On the 4th of March, 1 8 17, Mr. Monroe took the Presidential chair, and immediately appointed Mr. Adams Secretary of State. Taking leave of his num- erous friends in public and private life in Europe, he sailed in Jane, 1819, for the United States. On the 18th of August, he again crossed the threshold of his home in Quincy. During the eight yearsof Mr. Mon- roe's administration, Mr Adams continued Secretary of State. Some time before the close of Mr. Monroe's second term of office, new candidates began to be presented for the Presidency. The friends of Mr. Adams 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 choii e 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 ■>.l-.e past history of our country than the abuse whit h 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 unscrupu- lously and outrageously assailed. Mr. Adams was, to a very remarkable degree, ab- stemious and temperate in his habits; always rising early, and taking much exercise. When at his home in Quincy, he has been known to walk, before breakfast, seven miles to Boston. In Washington, it was said that he was the first man up in the city, lighting his own fire and applying himself to work in his library often long before dawn. On the 4th of March, 1829, Mr. Adams retired from the Presidency, and was succeeded by Andrew- Jackson. John C. Calhoun was elected Vice ''resi- dent. The slavery question now began to assume jxjrtentous magnitude. Mr. Adams returned to Quincy and to his studies, which he pursued with un- abated zeal. But he was not long permitted lo re- main in retirement. In November, 1S30, he was elected representative to Congress. For seventeen years, until his death, he occupied the post as repre- sentative, towering above all his peers, ever readv lo do brave battle' for freedom, and winning the title of "the old man eloquent." Upon taking his seat in the House, he announced that he should hold him- self bound to no party. Probably there never was a member more devoted to his duties. He was 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 forward and escape his scrutiny. '1 he battle which Mr. Adams fought, almost singly, against the proslavery party in the Government, was sublime in its moral daiing and heroism. For persisting in presenting petitions for the abolition of slavery, he- was threatened with indictment by the grand jury, with expulsion from the House, with assassination ; but no threats could intimidate him, and his final triumph was complete. It has been said of President Adams, that when his body was bent and his hair silvered by the lapse of fourscore years, yielding to the simple faith of a little child, he was accustomed to repeat every night, before he slept, the prayer which his mother taught him in his infant years. On the 21st of February, 1848, he rose on the floor of Congress, with a paper in his hand, lo address the speaker. Suddenly he fell, again stricken by paraly- sis, ami was caught in the 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 the endof earth .•"then after a moment's pause he added, "/am content." These were Ihe last words of the grand "Old Man Eloquent." <2^yy^i^^^-tJ)^=^Gu£^^^crZy- SE I 'EN I H 1>RESIL> EN 1 . t3 ■ I - •;♦ -»> - ■ '■;-'•• NDREW JACKSON, the m seventh President of the ^United States, was born in Waxhaw settlement, N. (";., March 15, 1767, a few days after his father's death. Mis 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- trai live. When only thirteen years old he joined the volun- teers of Carolina against the British invasion. In 1781, 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 prisoner of war, not your servant," was the reply ol the dauntless boy. The brute drew his sword, and aimed a desperate I'low 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 probably 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 exchange, and took her sick boys home. After a long illness. Andrew recovered, and the death of his mother -non left him entirely friendless. Andrew supported himself in various ways, s 12h as working at the saddler's trade, teaching school and clerking in a general store, until 1784, 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 1788, 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 witn the Sharp Knife. In 1791, Mr. Jackson was married to a woman who supposed herself divorced from her former husband. ( Ireat was the surprise of both parties, two years later, to find that the conditions of 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 fvnoxville to frame a con- stitution. Five were sent from each of the elev :n counties. Andrew Jackson was one of the delegates. The new State was entitled to but one meml er in the National House of Representatives. Andrew link- son was chosen that member. Mounting his horse he rode to Philedelphia, where Congress then held its 44 ANDRE \V JA CKSON. sessions,— a distance of about eight hundred miles. Jackson was an earnest advocate of the Demo- cratic party. Jefferson was his idol. He admired Bonaparte, loved France and hated England. As Mi. Jackson took his seat, Gen. Washington, whose second term of office was then expiring, delivered his last speech to Congress. A committee drew up a complimentary address in reply. Andrew Jackson did not approve of the address, and was one ot the twelve who voted against it. He was not willing to say that Gen. Washington's adminstration had been " wise, firm and patriotic." Mr. Jackson was elected to the United States Senate in 1797, but soon resigned and returned home. Soon alter he was chosen Judge of the Supreme Court of his State, which position he held for six years. When the war of 1812 with Great Britian com- menced, Madison occupied (lie Presidential chair. Aaron Burr sent word to the President that there was an unknown man in the West, Andrew Jackson, who would do credit to a commission if one were con- ferred iqion him. Just at that time Gen. Jackson offered his services and those of twenty-five hurdred volunteers. His offer was accepted, and the troops were assembled at Nashville. As the British were hourly expected to make an at- tack upon New Orleans, where Gen. Wilkinson was in command, he was ordered to descend the river with fifteen hundred troops to aid Wilkinson. The expedition reached Natchez; and alter a delay 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 comrtort ot his soldiers, won him golden opinions; and he became the most popular man in the State. It was in this expedition that his toughness gave him the nickname of "( >ld Hickory/' Soon after this, while attempting to horsewhip Col. Thomas H. Benton, 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 upon a bed of suffering news came that the Indians, who had combined under Tecumseh from Florida to the Lakes, to exterminate the white set- lers, were committing the most awful ravages. De- i isive 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- tant e, gave his amazing energies to the raising of an army to rendezvous at Fayettesville, Alabama. The Creek Indians had established a strong for( on nne dI the bends of the Tallapoosa 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 bend ol the river enclosed nearly one hundred acres of tangled forest and wild ravine. Across the nanovv neck the Indians had constructed a formidable bri art- work of logs and brush. Here nine hundred warriors, with an ample suplyof arms were assembled. The fort was stormed. The light was utterly des- perate. Not an Indian would accept of quarter. 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 escaped. This ended the war. The power of the Creeks was broken forever. This 1 old plunge into the wilderness, with its terriffic slaughter, so appalled the savages, that the haggard remnants of the bands came to the camp, begging for peace. This closing of the Creek war enabled us to 1 on- 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. I. ate in August, with an army of two thousand men, on a rushing march, den. 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. At 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 troops, which numbered about four thousand men, won a signal victory over the British army of about nine thousand. His loss was but thirteen, 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 1S28, 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 by 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. Jaik- son's life were that of a devoted Christian man. ^? 7 -yzs&, t^/y&ot^z^ EIGHTH PRESIDENT. 47 X a-V- >: • n^ifrii] Y^i? Bapi}. A.RTIN VAN BUREN, the eighth 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 about halt way up on one face. The lot is unfenced, unbordered or unbounded by shrub or flower. There is but little in the life of Martin Van Buren of romantic interest. He fought no battles, engaged in no wild adventures. Though his life was stormy in political 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 the banks of the Hudson. His father was a farmer, residing in the old town of Kinderhook. I lis mother, also of 1 ditch lineage, was a woman of superior intel- ligence and exemplary piety. He was 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 had 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 years 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 beginning a politician. He had, perhaps, imbibed that spirit while listening to the many discussions which had been carried on in Ins 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 him after six years of practice, to remove to Hudson, tlw 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, Mi. 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 weep 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 1S1 2, when thirty years of age, he was chosen to the State Senate, and gave his strenuous support 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 4 s MARTIN VAN BUR EN. the moral courage to avow that true democracy did not require that " universal suffrage " which admits the vile, the degraded, the ignorant, to the right of governing the State. In true consistency witli his democratic principles, he contended that, while the path leading to the privilege 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 (nullified for it by intelligence, virtue and some property interests in the welfare of the Stale. In 1821 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 1 ii^ endeavors to promote the interests of all classes in the community. In the Senate of the United States, he rose at once to a conspicuous position .is .111 active and useful legislator. In 1827, John Quincy Adams being then in the Presidential chair, Mr. Van Buren was re-elected to the Senate. He had been from the beginning a de- termined opposer of the Administration, adopting the "State Rights" view in opposition to what was deemed the federal proclivities of Mr. Adams. S.hiii after this, in [828, he was chosen Governorof the State of New York, and accordingly resigned his seat in the Senate. Probably no one in the United States contributed so much towards ejecting John Q. Adams from the Presidential chair, 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 supposed that no one knew so well as he how to touch the secret sptings of action; how to pull all the wires to put his machinery in motion; and how to organize a political army which would, secretly and stealthily accomplish the most gigantic results. P.y these [lowers it is said that he outwitted Mr. Adams, Mr. Clay, Mr. Webster, and secured results which lew thought then could lie accomplished. When Andrew Jackson was elected President he appointed Mr. Van Buren Secretary of State. 'Phis position he resigned in 1 83 t , and was immediately appointed Minister to England, where he went the s;i me autumn. The Senate, however, when it met, refused to ratify the nomination, and he returned home, apparently untroubled; was nominated Vice President in the place of Calhoun, at the re-election of President Jackson; and with smiles for all and ftowns for none, he took his place at the head of that Senate which had refused to confirm his nomination as ambassador. His rejection by the Senate roused all the zeal of President Jackson in behalf of his repudiated favor- ite; and this, probably more than any other cause, secured his elevation to the chair of the Chiel Execu- tive. On the 20th of May, 1836, Mr. Van Buren re- ceived the Democratic nomination to succeed (leu. Jackson as President of the United States lie was elected by a handsome majority, to 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 was filled with ex< iting events. The insurrection in Canada, which threatened to in volve this country in war with England, the agitation of the slavery question, and finally the gie.u commer- cial panic which spread over the country, all were trials to his wisdom. The financial distress was at- tributed to the management of the Democratic party, .mil brought the President into such disfavor that he- failed of re election. With the exception of being nominated for the Presidency by the " free Soil" Democrats, in 1.S4.S, Mr. Van Buren lived quietly upon his estate until his death. He had ever been a prudent 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 unquestioned patriotism, ami the distinguished positions which lie had occupied in the government of our country, se- cured to him not only the homage of his party, but the respect ot the whole community. It was on the 4th of March, 1S41, that Mr. Van Buren retired from the presidency. From his fine estate at Lindenwald he still exerted a powerful influence upon the politics of the country. From this time until his death, on the 24th of July, 1862, at the age of eighty years, he resided at Lindenwald, a gentleman of leisure, of culture and of wealth; enjoying in a healthy old age, probably far more happiness than he had before experienced amid the stormy scenes of his active life. fa. fc¥fa^L^ c '^ NINTH PRESIDENT. 5< WILLIAM, HENRY HARRISON. f i ILLIAM HENRY HARRI- SON, the ninth President of the United States, was born at Berkeley, Ya., Feb. 9, 1773. Mis 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, was early elected a member of the Continental Congress, and was conspicuous among the patriots of Virginia in resisting the encroachments oi the British crown. In the celebrated Congress of 1775, Benjamin Har- rison and John Hancock were both candidates for the office of speaker. Mr Harrison was subsequently chosen Governor of Virginia, and was twice re-elected. His son, William H en ry, 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, he entered Hampden Sidney College, where he graduated with honor soon after the death of his father. He -■hen repaired to Philadelphia tostudy medicine under the instructions of Dr. Rush and the guardianship of Robert Morris, botli 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- 5 dent Washington. He was then but iy years old. From that time he passed gradually upward in rank until he became aid to General Wayne, alter 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 embra< ed in the State of Ohio, was called " The Territory north-west of the Ohio." The western portion, w hie h 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 [lowers 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. One of these settlements was on the Ohio, neatly opposite Louisville; one at Vincennes, on the Wabash, and the third a French settlement. The vast wilderness over which Gov. Harrison reicned was filled with many tribes of Indians. About u. of ill ua S 2 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, Olliwacheca, 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 tossed the tree-tops beneath which they dwelt. But the Prophet was not merely an orator: he was, in the superstitious minds of the Indians, invested with the superhuman dignity of a medicine-man or a magician. With an enthusiasm unsurpassed by Peter the Hermit rousing Europe to the crusades, 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 1 2, his army began its march. When near the Prophet's town three Indians of rank made their appearance and inquired 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- campment, lie took every precaution against surprise His troops were posted in a hollow square, and slept upon their arms. The troops threw themselves upon the ground for rest; but every man had his accoutrements on, his loaded musket by his side, and his bayonet 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 the desperation which superstition and passion most highly inflamed could give, upon the left flank of the little army. The savages had been amply provided with guns and ammunition by the English. Their war-whoop was accompanied by a shower of bullets. The camp-fires were instantly extinguished, as the light aided the Indians in their aim. With hide- ous yells, the Indian bands rushed on, not doubting a speedy and an entire victory. But Gen. Harrison's troops stood as immovable as the rocks around them until day dawned : they then made a simultaneous charge with the bayonet, and swept every thing lie fore them, and completely routing thf 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 the forest. The horizon was illuminated with the conflagra- tion of 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 commander-in- chief of the North-western army, with orders to retake Detroit, and to protect the frontiers. It would lie difficult to place a man in a situation demanding more energy, sagacity and courage; but General Harrison was found equal to the position, and nobly and triumphantly did he meet all the re sponsiliilities. He won the love of his soldiers by always sharing witli them their fatigue. His whole baggage, while pursuing the foe up the Thames, was carried in a valise; and his bedding consisted of a single blanket lashed over his saddle Thirty-five British officers, his prisoners of war, supped with him after the battle. The only fare he could give them was beef roasted before the lire, without bread or salt. In 18 16, Gen. Harrison was chosen a member ol the National House of Representatives, to represent the District of Ohio. In Congress he proved an active member; and whenever he spoke, it was with force of reason and powerof eloquence, which arrested the attention of all the members. In [819, Harrison was elected to the Senate of Ohio; 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 Senate. In 1836, the friends of Gen. Harrison brought him forward as a candidate for the Presidency against Van Buren, but he was defeated. At the close of Mr. Van Buren's term, he was re-nominated by his party, and Mr. Harrison was unanimously nominated by the Whigs, with John Tyler forthe Vice Presidency. 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 prospects 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 4th of April ; just one month after his inauguration as President of the United Stales. ^ if: TENTH PRESIDENT. 55 OHN TYLER, the tenth residentof the United Stales. He was horn 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 hut seventeen years old. After graduating, he devoted him- self with great assiduity to the study of law, partly with his father and partly with Edmund Randolph, one of the most distin- guished lawyers of Virginia. At nineteen years of age, lie commenced the practice of law. His success was rapid and aston- ishing. It is said that three months had not elapsed ere there was scarcely a case on the dock- et of the court in which he was not retained. When hut twenty-one vears 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 hank, 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 Congn 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 constantly 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 popularity secured his re-election. John Randolph, a brilliant, erratic, half-crazed man, then represented 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 popularity to succeed against the renowned orator of Roanoke. Mr. Tyler 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 lus profession. There was a . plit in the Democratic JOHN TYLER. 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 culture of his plan- tation. Soon after this he removed to Williamsburg, for the better education of his children ; and he again took his seat 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 Noith: but the Vice President lias but very little power in the Govern- ment, his main and almost only duty being to [ire- 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 1 841, 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 longlife 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 news 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 incorporation of a fiscal bank of the United States. The President, after ten days' delay, returned it with his veto. He suggested, however, that he vvould 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. h 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. All 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 addiess to the people ot the United States, proclaiming that all political alliance between the Whigs and President Tyler were at an end. Still the President attempted to conciliate. He appointed a new cabinet 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 Whig friends. Thus the four years of Mr. Tyler's unfortunate administra- tion passed sadly away. No one was satisfied. The land was filled with murmurs and vituperation. Whigs and Democrats alike assailed him. More and more, however, he brought himself into sympathy with his old friends, the I )emocrats, until atthe close ot his term, he gave his whole influence to the support of Mr. Polk, the I lemocratie candidate for his successor. On the 4th of March, 1845, he retired from the harassment s of office, to the regret of neither party, and probably to his own unspeakable lelief. His first wile. Miss Letitia Christian, died in Washington, in 1842; and in June, 1844, President Tylei was again 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 home, — Sherwood For- est, Charles-city Co., Va. A polished gentleman in his manners, richly furnished with information from books and experience in the world, and possessing brilliant powers of conversation, his family circle was the scene of unusual attractions. With sufficient moans for the exercise of a generous hospitality, he might have enjoyed 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, and 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. ELEVEh I II PRESIDENT. 59 ES IK. POLK. ||amesk. POLK, the eleventh ^President of the United States, : K% was born in Mecklenburg Co., N. C, Nov. 2, 1795. Mis par- ents were Samuel ami Jane (Knox) Polk, the former a son of Col. Thomas l'olk, who located at the above place, as one of the first pioneers, in 1735. In the year 1006, with his wile and children, and soon after fol- owed by most of the members of the Polk farnly, Samuel Polk emi- grated some two or three hundred miles farther west, to the rich valley 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 llie hard toil of a new farm in the wil- derness, James K. l'olk 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. I lis mother was a superior woman, of strong < omnion sense and earnest piety. Very early in life, James developed a taste for leading and expressed the strongest desire to obtain 1 liberal education. His mother's training had made ilim 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 might not be able to endure a sedentary life, got a situation for him behind t he- 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 ta--ks were irksome in the extreme. He remained in this uncongenial occupation but a leu 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 classic s. lie was then twenty- three years of age. Mr. Polk's health was at this time much impaired by the assiduity with which lie had prosecuted his studies. Alter 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 party 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, ger.ir.l ard So JAMES K. POLK. courteous in his bearing, and with that sympathetic nature in the joy 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 Presidency of the United States. In January, 1824, Mr. Polk married Miss Sarah Childress, of Rutherford Co., Tenn. His bride was altogether worthy of him, — a lady of beauty and cul- ture. In the fall of 1825, Mr. Polk was chosen a member of Congress. The satisfaction which he gave to his constituents may be inferred from the fact, that for fourteen successive years, until 1839, he was con- tinued in that office. He then voluntarily withdrew, only that he might accept the Gubernatorial 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. During five sessions of Congress, Mr. Polk was Speaker of the House. Strong passions were roused, and stormy scenes were witnessed ; but Mr. Polk per- formed his arduous duties to a very general satisfac- tion, and a unanimous vote of thanks to him was passed by the House as he withdrew on the 4th of March, 1839. 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 party, but was defeated. On the 4th of March, iS45,Mr. Polk was inaugur- ated President of the United States. The verdict of the 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 country, declaring the act of the annexation to be an act hostile to Mexico. In his first message, President Polk urged that Texas should immediately, 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 commanded 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 feeble Mexicans, in every encounter, were hopelessly and awfully slaughtered. The day of judgement alone can reveal the misery which this war caused. It was by the ingenuity of Mr. Polk's administration that the war was brought on. 'Tii the victors belong the spoils." Mexico was prostrate before us. Her capital was in our hands. We now consented to peace upon the condition that Mexico 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 twenty 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 Mrs. 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 though long years of tranquility 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 15th of June, 1849, in the fifty-fourth year of his age, greatly mourned by his countrymen. hS^SSpSiE''- Til 'ELFTH PRESIDENT. ('3 >S- ACHARY TAYLOR, twelfth $) President of the United States, -Jo was born on the 24th of Nov., 17S4, in ( >range Co., Va. 1 lis be liberally educated if he has graduated at some col- lege. But many a boy loiters through university hal" •. ind then enters a law office, who is by no means at' 68 MILLARD FILLMORE. 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 1S23, when twenty-three years of age, he was 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 Buffalo. Just before removing to Buffalo, in 1829, he 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, ability and integrity, won, to a very unusual degree 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 his 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 stuength 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 public good. Every measure received his impress. Mr. Fillmore was now a man of wide repute, and his popularity filled the State, and in the year 1847, he was elected Comptroller of the State. Mr. Fillmore had attained the age of forty-seven years. His labors at the bar, in the Legislature, in Congress and as Comptroller, had given him very con- siderable fame. The Whigs were casting about to find suitable candidates for President and Vice-Presi- dent at the approaching election. Far away, on the waters of the Rio Grande, there was a rough old soldier, who had fought one or two successful battles with the Mexicans, which had caused his name to be proi laimed in tiumpet-tones all over the land. But it was necessary to associate with him on the hiiii'e ticket some man of reputation as a statesman. Under the influence of these considerations, the n ames of Zachary Taylor and Millard Fillmore became the rallying-cry of the Whigs, as their candidates for President and Vice-Peesident. The Whig ticket was signally triumphant. On the 4th of March, 1849, Gen. Taylor was inaugurated President, and Millard Fillmore Vice-President, of the United States. On the 9th of July, r85o. President Taylor, but about one year and four months after his inaugura- tion, was suddenly taken sick and died. By the Con- stitution. Vice-President Fillmore thus became Presi- dent. He appointed a very able cabinet, of which the illustrious Daniel Webster was Secretary of State. Mr. Fillmore had very serious difficulties to contend with, since the opposition had a majority in both Houses. He did everything in his power to com iliate the South; but the pro-slavery party in the South felt the inadequacy of all measuresof transient conciliation. The population of the free States was so rapidly in- creasing over that of the slave States that it was in- evitable that the power of the Government should soon pass into the hands of the free States. The famous compromise measures were adopted under Mr. Fillmore's adminstration, and the Japan Expedition was sent out. On the 4th of March, 1853, Mr. Fill- more, having served one term, retired. In 1856, Mr. Fillmore was nominated for the Pres- idency by the " Know Nothing " party, but was beaten by Mr. Buchanan. After that Mr. Fillmore lived in retirement. During the terrible conflict of civil war, he was mostly silent. It was generally supposed that his sympathies were rather with those who were en- deavoring to overthrow our institutions. President Fillmore kept aloof from the conflict, without any cordial words of cheer to the one party or the other. He was thus forgotten by both. He lived to a ripe old age, and died in Buffalo. N. Y., March 8, ^74. •' FOURTEENTH PRESIDENT 7' ,^«.a3b fli ■ { "i^ ..... ... . „ „ w „ T , T T „ „ T „ „ „ „ _ M _ ^ Ji ^FRANKLIN PIERCE. ^ fe.t,.* A .t. .f-t.,.t .t ,.t.,A,.t. ,.t,.t,.t. .t. .t,..t ds4b*i*.**! **.t«,f.-*,i. -.+»*..+, >t,.+,;fc.t., .1. .i. .1. i. .\.X .t. .t. -t...t,t % ' ' RANKLIN PIERCE, the fourteenth President of the jp United States, was born in Hillsborough, N. H., Nov. 23, 1804. His father was a Revolutionary soldier, who, with his own strong arm, hewed out a home in the wilderness. He was a man of inflexible integrity; of strong, though uncultivated mind, and an uncompromis- 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 precocity of genius, or any unnatural devotion to books, he was a good scholar ; in body, in mind, in affections, a fmely-developed boy. When sixteen years of age, in the year 1S20, he entered Bowdoin College, at Brunswick, Me He was one of the most popular young men in the college. The purity cf 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 perilous 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, and was soon elected to represent the town in the State Legislature. Here he served for four years. 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 member 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 1 S37, 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 memberin 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 7 2 FRANKLIN PIERCE. three sons who were born to thein, all now sleep with their parents in the grave. In the year 1S38, 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, 1S47. He took an hrqiortant 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, giving his 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, which 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 the South conse- quently regarded him as a man whom they could safely trust in office to carry out their plans. On the 12th of June, 1852, the Democratic conven- tion met in Baltimore 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 Gen. Pierce. Then the Virginia delegation brought forward his name. There were fourteen more ballotings, during which Gen. Pierce constantly gained strength, until, 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. His administration proved one of the most stormy our country had ever experienced. The controversy be- tween slavery and freedom was then approaching 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 whole 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 sentiment, 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- ministrate acts. The slaveholders of the South, also, unmindful of the fidelity with which he had advo- cated those measures of Government which ihey ap- proved, and perhaps, also, feeling that he had rendered himself so unpopular as no longer lo be able acceptably to serve them, ungratefully dropped him, and nominated James Buchanan to succeed him. On the 4th of March, 1857, President Pierce le- 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 consumption. 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 Episcopal 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. ■ CI tl^7Z^J <2/{7U& Tl&spz^n/? FIFTEENTH PRESIDENT. 75 — on 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 1820, 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. During the vacations of Congress, he occasionally tried some important case. In 1831, he retired altogether from the toils of his profession, having ac- quired an ample fortune. Gen. Jackson, upon his elevation to the Presidency, appointed 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 advoi atcd the meas- ures proposed by President Jackson, of making repri- 7 6 JAMES BUCHANAN. 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. Earnestly he opposed the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia, and urged the prohibition of the circulation of anti-slavery documents by the United States 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. Buchanan 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 Mexicans to cross the Rio Grande 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 extension 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 1S50, 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 [856, a national Democratic conven- tion nominated Mr. Buchanan forthe Presidency. 'Hie political conflict was one of the most severe in which O'.ir 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- ceived 1 14 electoral votes. Mr. Buchanan received T74, and was elected. The popular 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 principles 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 comer-stone should be human slavery. [n this emergency, Mr. Buchanan was hopelessly be- wildered He could not, with his long-avowed prin- ciples, consistently oppose the State-rights party 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 thus 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 States. Mr. Buchanan's sympathy with the pro-slavery party was such, that he had been willing to offer them 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- operation 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, lie declared that Congress had no power to enforce its laws in any State which had withdrawn, or which was attempting 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, 1S60; nearly three months before the inauguration of President Lincoln. Mr. Buchanan looked on in listless despair. 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 appropriated 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 (lose the 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 country has ex- perienced. His best friends cannot 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 land, no word came from his lips to indicate his wish that our country's banner should triumph over the flag of the rebellion. He died at his Wheatland retreat, June 1, 1868. ^-T G^^CvC^t^ SIXTEENTH PRESIDENT. 79 &* sb mznmmmiM3^ m „„ , ABRAHAM > iflftftdp < f LINCOLN. > | _ ©as %£^^. ■ . .:--it/. ..... J ■ ■ ■ ■ •««'■■ • • ■ I5RAHAM LINCOLN, g sixteenth President of the the in 12, i-© United States, was born I Hardin Co., Ky., Feb. 1809. About the year 1780, a man by the name of Abraham Lincoln left Virginia with his family and moved into the then wildsof Kentucky. Only two years after this emigration, still a young man, while working 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 be enrolled widi the must prominent in the annals of our world. Of course no record has been kept of the life of one so lowly as Thomas Lincoln. He was among the i*>orest 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- cabin 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 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 1 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 whom 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 reaving another log-cabin. Abraham worked 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 advon- 8o ABRAHAM LINCOLN. ture 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 captain 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 he carried there ready to deliver to those he chanced to meet. He studied surveying, and soon made this his business. 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 1S36 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 1S54 I he great discussion began between Mr. Lincoln and Mr. Douglas, on the slavery question. In the organization of the Republican party in Illinois, in 1S56, 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 1 85 S for a seat in the Senate, form a most notable part of his history 1 The issue was on the slavery question, and he took the broad ground of lie Declaration of Independence, that all men are created equal. Mr. Lincoln was defeated in this con- test, but won a far higher prize: The great Republican Convention met at Chicago on the 1 6th of June, i860. The delegates and strangers who crowded the city amounted to twenty- five thousand. An immense building 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 orominent. It was generally supposed 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 bloody death, to which that nomination doomed him: and as little did he dream that he was to render services to his country, which would fix upon him the eyes of the whole civilized world, and which would give him a place in the affections of his countrymen, second only, if second, to that of Washington. Election 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 upon any other man ever elected to this high position. In February, 1861, Mr. Lincoln started for Washington, stopping in all the large cities on his way making speeches. The whole journey was trough I 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 airy possible communi- cation on the part ot the Secessionists with their Cun- 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, although great anxiety 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 the convention he gave important positions. During no other administration have the duties devolving upon the President been so manifold, ami the responsibilities so great, as those which tell to the lot of President Lincoln. Knowing this, and feeling his own weakness and inability to meet, and in his own strength to cope with, the difficulties, lie learned early to seek Divine wisdom and guidance in determining his plans, and Divine comfort in all his trials, both personal and national. "Contrary to his own estimate of himself, Mr. Lincoln was one of the most courageous of men. He went directly into the rebel capital just as the retreating foe was leaving, with no guard but a few sailors. From the time he had left Springfield, in 1S61, 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 t.e present. Gen. Grant, however, left the city. President Lincoln, feel- ing, witli his characteristic kindliness of heart, that it would be a disappointment if he should fail them, very reluctantly consented to go. While listening to the play an actor by the name of John Wilkes 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 country- men being unable to decide which is tl^e neater. -t-Ots^ %2?z- EN'l J: I: A ' 7 11 J'KESJDEy T. m o n mm ipanipi ^ NDREW JOHNSON, seven- th teenth President of ihe Unitet ^ .States. l- d The early life of Andrew Johnson contains but the record of poverty, destitu- % -VT tionand friendlessness. He /. \ . ■■- ... -- . j ^ ■ was born December 29, 1S0S, in Raleigh, N. C. His parents, belonging to the class or the "poor whites " of the South, were in such circumstances, that they could not confer even the slight- est advantages of education upon their child. When Andrew was five years of age, his father accidentally lost his life while herorically endeavoring to save a friend from drowning. Until ten years of age, Andrew was a ragged boy about the streets, supported by the labor of his mother, who obtained her living with her own hands. He then, having never attended a school one day, and being unable either to read or write, was ap- prenticed to a tailor in his native town. A gentleman was in the habit of going to the tailor's shop occasion- ally, and reading to the boys at work there. He often read from the speeches of distinguished British states- men. Andrew, who was endowed with a mind of more than ordinary native ability, became much interested in these speeches; his ambition was roused, and he was inspired with a strong desire to learn to read. He accordingly applied himself to the alphabet, and with the assistance of some of his fellow- workmen, learned his letters. He then called upon the gentle- man to borrow the book of speeches. The owner, pleased with his zeal, not only gave him the book, but assisted him in learning to combine the letters into words. Under such difficulties he pressed oi. ward laboriously, spending usually ten or twelve hours at work in the shop, and then robbing himself of rest and recreation to devote such time as he could to reading. He went to Tennessee in 1826, and located at Greenville, where he married a young lady who pos sessed some education. Under her instructions he learned to write and cipher. He became prominent in the village debating society, and a favorite with the students of Greenville College. In 1828, he or- ganized a working man's party, which elected him alderman, and in 1830 elected him mayor, which position he held three years. He now began to take a lively interest in poliiical affairs; identifying himself with the working-class^ to which he belonged. In 1835, he was elected a member of the House of Representatives of Tennes- see. He was then just twenty-seven years of age. He became a very active member of the legislature, gave his adhesion to the Democratic party, and in 1840 " stumped the State," advocating Martin Van Buren's claims to the Presidency, in opposition to those of Gen. Harrison. In this campaign he acquired much readiness as a speaker, and extended and increased his reputation. In 1841, he was elected State Senator; in 1843, he was elected a member of Congress, and by successive elections, held that important post for ten years. In 1853, he was elected Governor of Tennessee, and was re-elected in 1855. In all these res])onsible posi- tions, he discharged his duties with distinguished abi. 84 ANDREW JOHNSON. ity, and proved himself the warm friend of the work- ing classes. In 1S57, Mr. Johnson was elected United States Senator. Years before, in 1845, he had warmly advocated the annexation of Texas, stating however, as his reason, that he thought this annexation would prob- ably prove " to be the gateway out of which the sable sons of Africa are to pass from bondage to freedom, and become merged in a population congenial to themselves." In 1850, he also supported the com- promise measures, the two essential features of which were, that the white people of the Territories should be permitted to decide for themselves whether they would enslave the colored people or not, and that the r ree States of the North should return to the South persons who attempted to escape from slavery. Mr. Johnson was never ashamed of Wis lowly origin: on the contrary, he often took piide in avowing that he owed his distinction to his own exertions. "Sir," said he on the floor of the Senate, " I do not forget that I am a mechanic ; neither do I forget that Adam was a tailor and sewed fig-leaves, and that our Sav- ior was the son of a carpenter." In the Charleston- Baltimore convention of i&uj, ne was the choice of the Tennessee Democrats for the Presidency. In 1861, when the purpose of the South- ern Democracy became apparent, he took a decided stand in favor of the Union, and held that " slavery must be held subordinate to the Union at whatever cost." He returned to Tennessee, and repeatedly imperiled his own life to protect the Unionists of Tennesee. Tennessee having seceded from the Union, President Lincoln, on March 4th, 1862, ap- pointed him Military Governor of the State, and lie established the most stringent military rule. His numerous proclamations attracted wide attention. In i S64, he was elected Vice-President of the United States, and upon the death of Mr. Lincoln, April 15, 1S65, became President. In a speech two days later he said, "The American people must be taught, if fhey do not already feel, that treason is a crime and must be punished; that the Government will not always bear with its enemies; that it is strong not only to protect, but to punish. * * The people must understand that it (treason) is the blackest of crimes, and will surely be punished." Yet his whole administration, the history of which is so well known, was in utter inconsistency with, and the most violent opposition to. the principles laid down in that speech. In bis loose policy of reconstruction and general amnesty, he was opposed by Congress; and he char- acterized Congress as a new rebellion, and lawlessly defied it, in everything possible, to the utmost. In the beginning of 1868, on account of "high crimes and misdemeanors," the principal of which was the removal of Secretary Stanton, in violation of the Ten- ure of Office Act, articles of impeachment were pre- ferred against him, and the trial began March 23. It was very tedious, continuing for nearly three months. A test article of the impeachment was at length submitted to the court for its action. It was certain that as the court voted upon that article so would it vote upon all. Thirty-four voices pronounced the President guilty. As a two-thirds vote was neces- sary to his condemnation, he was pronounced ac- quitted, notwithstanding the great majority against him. The change of one vote from the not guilty side would have sustained the impeachment. The President, for the remainder of his term, was but little regarded. He continued, though impotent!-") his conflict with Congress. His own party did not think it expedient to renominate him for the Presi- dency. The Nation rallied, with enthusiasm unpar- alleled since the days of Washington, around the name of Gen. Grant. Andrew Johnson was forgotten. The bullet of the assassin introduced him to the President's chair. Notwithstanding this, never was there presented to a man a better opportunity to im- mortalize his name, and to win the gratitude of a nation. He failed utterly. He retired to his home in Greenville, Tenn., taking no very active part in politics until 1875. On Jan. 26, after an exciting struggle, he was chosen by the Legislature of Ten- nessee, United States Senator in the forty-fourth Con- gress, and took his seat in that body, at the special session convened by President Grant, on the 5th of March. On the 27th of July, 1875, the ex-President made a visit to his daughter's home, near Carter Station, Tenn. When he started on his journey, he was apparently in his usual vigorous health, but on reach- ing the residence of his child the following day, was stricken with paralysis, rendering him unconscious. He rallied occasionally, but finally passed away at 2 a.m., July 31, aged sixty-seven years. His fun- eral was attended at Geenville, on the 3d of August, with every demonstration of respect. /Z^7~ a^ZZI EIG11 TEENTH ['RESIDENT. 87 ■■•'■■■ ta LYSSES S. GRANT, the &i eighteenth President of the ^United States, was born on V the 29th of April, 1822, of {, Christian parents, in a humble home, at Point Pleasant, on the banks of the Ohio. Shortly after his father moved to George- town, Brown Co., O. In this re- mote frontier hamlet, Ulysses received a common-school edu- cation. At the age of seven- teen, in the year 1839, he entered the Military Academy at West Point. Here he was regarded as a solid, sensible young man of fair abilities, and of sturdy, honest character. He took respectable rank as a scholar. In June, 1843, he graduated, about the middle in his class, and was sent as lieutenant of in- fantry to one of the distant military posts in the Mis- souri Territory. Two years he past in these dreary solitudes, watching the vagabond and exasperating Indians. The war with Mexico came. Lieut. Grant was sent with his regiment to Corpus Christi. His first battle was at Palo Alto. There was no chance here for the exhibition of either skill or heroism, nor at Resacade la Palma, his second battle. At the battle of Monterey, his third engagement, it is said that he performed a signal service of daring and skillful horsemanship. His brigade had exhausted its am- munition. A messenger must be sent for more, along a route exposed to the bullets of the foe. Lieut. Grant, adopting an expedient learned of the Indians, gTasped the mane of his horse, and hanging upon one side of the aniroal, ran the gauntlet in entire safety. »£^V@$&<§V<§Xs>€£>fe) From Monterey he was sent, with the fourth infantry, 10 aid Gen. Scott, at the siege of Vera Cruz. In preparation for the march to the city of Mexico, he was appointed quartermaster of his regiment. At the battle of Molino del Rev, he was promoted to a first lieutenancy, and was brevetted captain at Cha- pultepec. At the close of the Mexican War, Capt. Grant re- turned with his regiment to New York, and was again sent to one of the military posts on the frontier. The discovery of gold in California causing an immense tide of emigration to flow to the Pacific shores, Capt. Grant was sent with a battalion to Fort Dallas, in Oregon, for the protection of the interests of the im- migrants. Life was wearisome in those wilds. Capt. Grant resigned his commission and returned to the States; and having married, entered upon the cultiva- tion of a small farm near St. Louis, Mo. He had but little skill as a farmer. Finding his toil not re- munerative, he turned to mercantile life, entering into the leather business, with a younger brother, at Ga- lena, 111. This was in the year i860. As the tidings of the rebels firing on Fort Sumpter reached the ears of Capt. Grant in his counting-room, he said, — "Uncle Sam has educated me for the army; though I have served him through one war, I do not feel that I have yet repaid the debt. I am still ready to discharge my obligations. I shall therefore buckle on my sword and see Uncle Sam through this war too." He went into the streets, raised a company of vol- unteers, and led them as their captain to Springfield, the capital of the State, where their services were offered to Gov. Yates. The Governor, impressed by the zeal and straightforward executive ability of Capt. Grant, gave him a desk in his office, to assist in the volunteer organization that was being formed in the State in behalf of the Government. On the 15th of S8 l/LVSS&S S. GRANT. June, 1861, Capt. Grant received a commission as Colonel of the Twenty-first Regiment of Illinois Vol- unteers. His merits as a West Point graduate, who had served for 15 years in the regular army, were such that he was soon promoted to the rank of Brigadier- General and was placed in command at Cairo. The rebels raised their banner at Paducah, near the mouth of the Tennessee River. Scarcely had its folds ap- peared in the breeze ere Gen. Grant was there. The rebels fled. Their banner fell, and the star and stripes were unfurled in its stead. He entered the service with great determination and immediately began active duty. This was the be- ginning, and until the surrender of Lee at Richmond he was ever pushing the enemy with great vigor and effectiveness. At Belmont, a few days later, he sur- prised and routed the rebels, then at Fort Henry won another victory. Then came the brilliant fight at Fort Donelson. The nation was electrified by the victory, and the brave leader of the boys in blue was immediately made a Major-General, and the military district of Tennessee was assigned to him. Like all great captains, Gen. Grant knew well how to secure the results of victory. He immediately pushed on to the enemies' lines. Then came the terrible battles of Pittsburg Landing, Corinth, and the siege of Vicksburg, where Gen. Pemberton made an unconditional surrender of the city with over thirty thousand men and one-hundred and seventy-two can- non. The fall of Vicksburg was by far the most severe blow which the rebels had thus far encountered, and opened up the Mississippi from Cairo to the Gulf. Gen. Grant was next ordered to co-operate with Gen. Banks in a movement upon Texas, and pro- ceeded to New Orleans, where he was thrown from i:is horse, and received severe injuries, from which he was laid up for months. He then rushed to the aid of Gens. Rosecrans and Thomas at Chattanooga, and by a wonderful series of strategic and technical meas- ures put the Union Army in fighting condition. Then followed the bloody battles at Chattanooga, Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge, in which the rebels were routed with great loss. This won for him un- bounded praise in the North. On the 4th of Febru- ary, 1864, Congress revived the grade of lieutenant- general, and the rank was conferred on Gen. Grant. He repaired to Washington to receive his credentials and enter iipor. !!?p duties of his new office. Gen. Grant decided as soon as he took charge of the army to concentrate the widely-dispersed National troops for an attack upon Richmond, the nominal capital of the Rebellion, and endeavor there to de- stroy the rebel armies which would be promptly as- sembled from all quarters for its defence. The whole continent seemed to tremble under the tramp of these majestic armies, rushing to the decisive battle field. Steamers were crowded with troops. Railway trains were burdened with closely packed thousands. His plans were comprehensive and involved a series of campaigns, which were executed with remarkable en- ergy and ability, and were consummated at the sur- render of Lee, April 9, 1865. The war was ended. The Union was saved. The almost unanimous voice of the Nation declared Gen. Grant to be the most prominent instrument in its sal- vation. The eminent services he had thus rendered the country brought him conspicuously forward as the Republican candidate for the Presidential chair. At the Republican Convention held at Chicago, May 21, 1S68, he was unanimously nominated for the Presidency, and at the autumn election received a majority of the popular vote, and 214 out of 294 electoral votes. The National Convention of the Republican party which met at Philadelphia on the 5th of June, 1872, placed Gen. Grant in nomination for a second term by a unanimous vote. The selection was emphati- cally indorsed by the people five months later, 292 electoral votes being cast for him. Soon after the close of his second term, Gen. Grant started upon his famous trip around the world. He visited almost every country of the civilized world, and was everywhere received with such ovations and demonstrations of respect and honor, private as well as public and official, as were never before bestowed upon any citizen of the United States. He was the most prominent candidate before the Republican National Convention in 18S0 for a re- nomination for President. He went to New York and embarked in the brokerage business under the firm name of Grant & Ward. The latter proved a villain, wrecked Grant's fortune, and for larceny was sent to the penitentiary. The General was attacked with cancer in the throat, but suffered in his stoic-like manner, never complaining. He was re-instated as General of the Army and retired by Congress. The cancer soon finished its deadly work, and July 23, 1SS5, the nation went in mourning over the death of the illustrious General. s ^L^l- O if NJX E TEE XTJl 1'R ESI1 > ENT. ')' .'•.. 'i •..y..y.,y.'. .'■ ",. | i' , , i | i , ,.vv^ i i 'V.^^^'^':>;^;^^^v,;¥.^■^^^^: l l^:^l^:^^l t ^l t e^^^■ | ,: ■; RUTHEREQRD S. HiLYES. m m c W$ n|'-- "'' •' ■ , .*i''.'j'.")'."i | .. ■'■./- ■• .• i 1 ■; <' .' ■■.."■' : ■' ,•■■.■ .1 •..'■■•. .■■ •..'■ •..'>"..'f'..'t'v. | i-'v.' t '. , ..'t':..y..y-'»''..'i ". m i j UTHERFORD B. HAYES, the nineteenth President of K the United States, was horn m 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, arid lived from the time of his mar- riage until his death in Simsbury, Conn. E/.ekiel, son of Daniel, was born in 1724, and was a manufac- turer of scythes at Bradford, Conn. Rutherford Hayes, son of K/.ekiel 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, 1813, 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 soldieis 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 1812, 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 malarial 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 9 2 RUTHERFORD B. HAYES. subject of this sketch was so feeble at birth that he was not expected to live beyond a month or two at most. As the months went by he grew weaker and weaker, so that the neighbors were in the habit of in- quiring from time to time " if Mrs. Hayes' baby died last night." On one occasion a neighbor, who was on familiar terms with the family, after alluding to the boy's big head, and the mother's assiduous care of him, said in a bantering way, " That's right ! Stick to him. You have got him along so far, and I shouldn't wonder if he would really come to something yet." " You need not laugh," said Mrs. Hayes. " You wait and see. You can't tell but I shall make him President of the United States yet." The boy lived, in spite of the universal predictions of his speedy death; and when, in 1825, his older brother was drowned, he became, if possible, still dearer to his mother. The boy was seven years old before he went to E 'lool. His education, however, was not neglected. He robably learned as much from his mother and sister a; he would have done at school. His sports were almost wholly within doors, his playmates being his sister and her associates. These circumstances tended, no doubt, to foster that gentleness of dispo- sition, and that delicate consideration for the feelings of others, which are marked traits of his character. His uncle Sardis Birchard took the deepest interest in his education ; and as the boy's health had im- proved, and he was making good progress in his studies, he proposed to send him to college. His pre- paration commenced with a tutor at home; but he was afterwards sent for one year to a professor in the Wesleyan University, in Middletown, Conn. He en- tered Kenyon College in 1838, at the age of sixteen, and was graduated at the head of his class in 1842. Immediately after his graduation he began the study of law in the office of Thomas Sparrow, Esq., in Columbus. Finding his opportunities for study in Columbus somewhat limited, he determined to enter the Law School at Cambridge, Mass., where he re- mained two years. In 1845, after graduating at the Law School, he was admitted to the bar at Marietta, Ohio, and shortly afterward went into practice as an attorney-at-law with Ralph P. Buckland, of Fremont. Here he re- mained three years, acquiring but a limited practice, and apparently unambitious of distinction in his pro- fession. In 1849 he moved to Cincinnati, where his ambi- tion found a new stimulus. For several years, how- ever, his progress was slow. Two events, occurring at this period, had a powerful influence upon his subse- quent life. One of these was his marrage with Miss Lucy Ware Webb, daughter of Dr. James Webb, of Chilicothe; the other was his introduction to the Cin- cinnati Literary Club, a body embracing among its members such men as^hief Justice Salmon P.Chase, Gen. John Pope, Gov. Edward F. Noyes, and many others hardly less distinguished in after life. The marriage was a fortunate one in 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 Quo 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 Council elected him for the unexpired term. In 1 86 1, when the Rebellion broke out, he was at the zenith of his professional life. Flis 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 country. His military record was bright ar.d illustrious. In October, 1861, he was made Lieutenant-Colonel, and in August, 1862, promoted Colonel of the 79th Ohio 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 from 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, Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek, he was promoted Brigadier-General. He was also brevetted Major-General, "forgallant and distinguished services 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 Jiad long been Dem- ocratic. He was not present during the campaign, and after his election was importuned to resign his commission in the army; but he finally declared, " 1 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 1876 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, hewever, with satisfaction to his party, but his administration was an average op = . ".■;::._ Til 'ENTIETH PRESIDENT. Oj I JAMES A a gAREimU. y ^ I ^ 'II /^X AMES A GARFIELD, twen- tieth President of tlie United States, was horn Nov. ig, 1831, in the woods of Orange, Cuyahoga Co., O His par- ents were Abram and Eliza (Ballou) Garfield, both of New England ancestry and from fami- lies well known in the early his- tory of that section of our coun- try, but had moved to the Western Reserve, in Ohio, early in its settle- ment. The house in which James A. was born was not unlike the houses of poor Ohio farmers of that day. It .. as about 20x30 feet, built of logs, with the spaces be- .ween the logs filled with clay. His father was a lard working farmer, and he soon had his fields cleared, an orchard planted, and a log barn built. i'lie household comprised the father and mother and heir four children — Mehetabel, Thomas, Mary and antes. In May, 1823, the father, from a cold con- rai ted in helping to put out a forest fire, died. At this time James was about eighteen months old, and Phomas about ten years old. No one, perhaps, can (ell how much James was indeLted to his btother's ceil 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- itrs live in Solon, O., near their birthplace. The early educational advantages young Garfield enjoyed were very limited, yet he made the most of them. He labored at farm work for others, did car- penter work, chopped wood, or did anything that would bring in a few dollars to aid his widowed mother in lie' struggles to keep the little family to- P gether. Nor was Gen. Garfield ever ashamed of hi? origin, and he never forgot the friends of his strug- gling childhood, youth and manhood, neither did the) ever forget him. When in the highest seatsof honor, the humblest fiiend of his boyhood was as kindly greeted as ever. The poorest laborer was sureof 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, plain, modest gentleman. The highest ambition of young Garfield until he was about sixteen years old was to be a captain of a vessel on Lake Erie. He was anxious to go aboard a vessel, which his mother strongly opposed. 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 Institute, 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 w.n 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 slated, he early united with the Christian or Diciples Church at Hiram, and was ever after a devoted, zealous mem- ber, often preaching in its pulpit and places where he happened to be. Dr. Noah Porter, President of Yale College, says of him in reference to his religion ; 9 6 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 his character than his loyal allegiance to the body of liristians in which he was trained, and the fervent sympathy which he ever showed in their Christian commu.iion. 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, 185S, who proved herself worthy as the wife of one whom all the world loved and mourned. To them were burn seven children, five of whom are still living, four boys and one girl. Mr. Garfield made his first political speeches in 1856, 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 1S61 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 before he had ever seen a gun fired in ac^on, 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 the officer (Humphrey Marshall) 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, although against great odds. Pres- ident Lincoln, on 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 Shiloli, in its operations around Corinth and its march through Alabama. He was then detailed as a member of 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 b'story of Gen. Garfield closed with his brilliant services at Chickamauga, where he won the stars 01 the Major-General. Without an effort on his part Gei? 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 sixty years mainly by two men — Elisha Whittlesey and Joshua K. Giddings. It was not without a struggle that he resigned his place in the army. At the time heen- tered Congress he was the youngest member in that body. There he remained by successive re- elections until he was elected President in 1SS0. Of his 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, 18S0, Gen. Garfield was elected to the LJ. S. Senate, and on the eighth of June, of the same year, was nominated as the candidate ol his parly for President at the great Chicago Convention- He was elected in the following November, and on March 4, 1881, was inaugurated. Probably no ad- ministration ever opened its existence under brighter auspices than that of President Garfield, and every day it grew in favor with the people, and by the first of July lie had completed all the initiatory and pre- liminary work of his administration and was prepar- ing to leave the city to meet his friends at Williams College. While on his way and at the depot, in com- pany with Secretary Blaine, a man stepped behind him, drew a revolver, and fired directly at his back. The President tottered and fell, and as lie did so the assassin fired a second shot, the bullet cutting the left coat sleeve of his victim, but inflicting nofarlhei injury. It has been very truthfully said that this was " the shot that was heard round the world " Never before in the history of the Nation had anything oc- curred which so nearly froze the blood of the people for the 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 Sept. 19, 1883, at Elberon, N. J., on the very bank of the ocean, where 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 it. The murderer was duly tried, found guilty and exe- cuted, in one year after he committed the foul deed. T IVEN T Y-FIAS T PRESIDENT. 09 A HESTER A. ARTHUR, m twenty-first Presi'i-in ul 'lie ^United States was bom in Franklin Cour.ty, Vermont, on the fifthofOdobcr, 1830, and is the oldest of a family of two sons and five daughters. His father was the Rev. Dr. William Arthur, aBaptistc''.rgyman,'wht, emigrated to tb'.s country fro-,i L the county Antrim, Ireland, in his 18th year, and died in 1875, in Newtonville, neat Albany, after a long and successful ministry. Young Arthur was educated at Union College, S< henectady, where he excelled in all his studies. Af- ter his graduation he taught schoo! |h in Vermont for two years, and at the expiration of that time came to New York, with .§500 in his pocket, and entered the office of ex- Judge E. D. Culver as student. After 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 marred the daughter of Lieutenant Herndon, of the United States Navy, who was lost at. 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 nomination to the Vice Presidency, leaving two children. Gen. Arthur obtained considerable legal celebrity in his first great case, the famous Lemmon suit, brought to recover possession of eight slaves who had been declared free by Judge Paine, of the Superior Court of New York City. It was in 1852 that Jon- athan Lemmon, of Virginia, went to New York with his slaves, 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 South, and the Virginia Legislature authorized the Attorney General of that State to assist in an appeal. Wm. M. Evarts and Chester A. Arthur were employed to represent the People, and they won their case, which then wen; to the Supreme Court of the United States. Ckarles 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 1S56. 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 CHESTER A. ARTHUR. followed their example. Before that the Sixth Ave- nue Company ran a few special cars for colored per- sons and the other lines 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 1 86 1, 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. Phelps, 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 the Port of New York by President Grant, Nov. zr 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, 1S80. This was perhaps the greatest political convention that ever assembled on the continent. It was composed of the fading 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 were before the conven- tion for the nomination. Finally Gen. Garfield re- ceived the nomination for President and Gen. Arthur lor Vice-President. The campaign which followed wasoneof 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 .vas 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 anxious suspense, when 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 the most terrible suf- fering man has often been called upon to endure, was seemingly more than human. It was certainly God- 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 displayed only an earnest desire that the suffering Garfield might recover, to serve the remainder of the term he had so auspi- ciously begun. Not a selfish feeling was manifested in deed or look of this man, even though the most honored position 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 the 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 responsibilities of the high office, and he took the oath in New York. Sept. 20, 1SS1. The position was an embarrassing 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 the reins of the Government in his own hands; and, as embarrassing as were the condition of affairs, he happily surprised 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 his 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. W:. /ZVt/^ TWENTY-SECOND PRESIDENT. ^7^LM*8>7$a, -.i.c ^S;g<*^-s*^:s>s«-s;s*'S;s«^::s-'&^:S*-s; mmx ClewlanC s;s-*s-^ oco TEPHEN GROVER CLEVE- LAND, the twenty- second Pres- ident of the United States, was born in 1837, in the obscure town of Caldwell, Essex Co., N. J., and in a little two-and-a- half-story white house which is still standing, characteristically to mark the humble birth-place of one of America's great men in striking con - trast with the Old World, where all men high in office must be high in origin and born in the cradle of wealth. When the subject of this sketch was three years of age, his father, who was a Presbyterian min- ister, with a large family and a small salary, moved, by way of the Hudson River and Erie Canal, to Fayetteville, in search of an increased income and a larger field of work. Fayetteville was then the most straggling of country villages, about five miles from Pompey Hill, where Governor Seymour was born. At the last mentioned place young Grover com- menced going to school in the "good, old-fashioned way," and presumably distinguished himself after the manner of all village boys, in doing the things he ought not to do. Such is the distinguishing trait of all geniuses and independent thinkers. When he arrived at the age of 14 years, he had outgrown the capacity of the village school and expressed a most emphatic desire to be sent to an academy. To this his father decidedly objected. Academies in those days cost money; besides, his father wanted him to become self-supporting by the quickest possible means, and this at that time in Fayette/ille seemed to be a position in a country store, where his father and the large family on his hands had considerable influence. Grover was to be paid $50 for his services the first year, and if he proved trustworthy he was to receive |ioo the second year. Here the lad com- menced his career as salesman, and in two years he had earned so good a reputation for trustworthiness that his employers desired to retain him for an in- definite length of time. Otherwise he did not ex- hibit as yet any particular " flashes of genius " or eccentricities of talent. He was simply a good boy. But instead of remaining with this firm in Fayette- ville, he went with the family in their removal to Clinton, where he had an opportunity of attending a high school. Here he industriously pursued his studies until the family removed with him to a point on Black River known as the " Holland Patent," a village of 500 or 600 people, 15 miles north of Utica, N. Y. At this place his father died, after preaching but three Sundays. This event broke up the family, and Grover set out for New York City to accept, at a small salary, the position of " under-teacher " in an asylum for the blind. He taught faithfully for two years, and although he obtained a good reputation in this capacity, he concluded that teaching was not Ilia 104 S. GROVE R CLEVELAND. calling for life, and, reversing the traditional order, ne left the city to seek his fortune, instead of going to a city. He first thought of Cleveland, Ohio, as there was some charm in thai name for him; but before proceeding to that place he went to Buffalo to isk the advice of his uncle, Lewis F. Allan, a noted stock- breeder of that place. The latter did not rpeak enthusiastically. " What is it you want to do, my boy?" he asked. "Well, sii, I want to study 'aw," was the reply. "Good gracious!" remarked die old gentleman ; " do you, indeed ? What ever put that into your head? How much money have you got?"' ' Well, sir, to tell the truth, I haven't got any." After a long consultation, his uncle offered him a place temporarily as assistant herd-keeper, at $50 a year, while he could " look around." One day soon afterward he boldly walked into the office of Rogers, Bowen & Rogers, of Buffalo, and told them what he wanted. A number of young men were already en- gaged in the office, but Grover's persistency won, and ne was finally permitted to come as an office boy and have the use of the law library, for the nominal sum of $3 or $4 a week. Out of this he had to pay for his board and washing. The walk to and from his uncle's was a long and rugged one; and, although the first winter was a memorably severe one, his shoes were out of repair and his overcoat — he had none — yet he was nevertheless prompt and regular. On the first day of his service here, his senior em- ployer threw down a copy of Blackstone before him with a bang that made the dust fly, saying "That's where they all begin." A tiller ran around the little rircle of cleiks and students, as they thought that was enough to scare young Groverout of his plans ; but in due time he mastered that cumbersome volume. Then, as ever afterward, however, Mr. Cleveland exhibited a talent for executiveness rather than for chasing principles through all their metaphysical possibilities. " Let us quit talking and go and do t," was practically his motto. The first public office to which Mr. Cleveland was eiected was that of Sheriff of Erie Co., N. Y., in which Buffalo is situated; and in such capacity it fell lo his duty to inflict capital punishment upon two criminals. In 18S1 he was elected Mayor of the City of Buffalo, on the Democratic ticket, with es- pecial reference to the bringing about certain reforms in the administration of the municipal affairs of that city. In this office, as well as that of Sheriff, his performance of duty has generally been considered fair, with possibly a few exceptions which were fer- reted out and magnified during the last Presidential campaign. As a specimen of his plain language in a veto message, we quote from one vetoing an iniq ii- tous street-cleaning contract: "This is a time fur plain speech, and my objection to your action shall be plainly stated. I regard it as the culmination of a mos bare-faced, impudent and shameless scheme to betray the interests of the people and to worse than squander the people's money." The New York Sun afterward very highly commended Mr. Cleve- land's administration as Mayor of Buffalo, and there- upon recommended him for Governor of the Empire State. To the latter office he was elected in 1SS2, and his administration of the affairs of State was generally satisfactory. The mistakes he made, if any, were made very public throughout the nation after he was nominated for President of the United States. For this high office he was nominated July 11, 1884, by the National Democratic Convention at Chicago, when other competitors were Thomas F. Bayard, Roswell P. Flower, Thomas A. Hendricks, Benjamin F. Butler, Allen G. Thunr.an, etc.: and he was elected by the people, by a majority of about a thousand, over the brilliant and long-tried Repub- lican statesman, James G. Blaine. President Cleve- land resigned his office as Governor of New York in January, 18S5, in order to prepare for his duties as the Chief Executive of the United States, in which capacity his term commenced at noon on the 4th of March, 18S5. For his Cabinet officers he selected the following gentlemen: For Secretary of State, Thomas F. Bayard, of Delaware ; Secretary of the Treasury, Daniel Manning, of New York; Secretary of War, William C. Endicott, of Massachusetts ; Secretary of the Navy, William C. Whitney, of New York; Secretary of the Interior, L. Q. C. Lamar, of Mississippi; Postmaster-General, William F. Vilas, of Wisconsin; Attorney-General, A. H. Garland, of Arkansas. The silver question precipitated a controversy be- tween those who were in favor of the continuance of silver coinage and those who were opposed, Mr. Cleveland answering for the latter, even before his inauguration. C&z — - 11' mK% t mB i • L S M I ) -I \ ll i&.W '^ Q k p^ & : -v 1 -.J^-i Vs O^L, GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 1|S3&1I9SB l|OTSt HADRACH BOND, the first Governor of Illinois after its organization as a State, serving from 1818 to 1822, was bom in Frederick County, Maryland, in the year r 7 7 3, 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 1S12-14 he was a Delegate to the Twelfth and Thirteenth Congresses, taking his seat Dec. 3. 181 2, and serving until Get. 3, iSr4. 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 .it Washington he was appointed Receiver of Pubiic Moneys at Kaskaskia, then the capital of the Territory. In company with John G. Comyges, Thomas H. Ham's, Charles Slaile, 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 i8t8 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 extremity 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. Ai 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 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 S^ate, 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 Ke it Kane, his Secretary of State, and John Mc- Lean, while Nathaniel Pope and John P. Cook led the anti-slavery element. The people, however, did not become very much excited over this issue until 1S20, 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 leadership of Stephen A. Douglas, the issue as considered locally in this State was not decided until 1824, after a most furious campaign. (See sketch of Gov. Coles.) The ticket of 18 18 was a compromise one, Bond representing (moderately) the pro-slavery sentiment and Menard the anti-slavery. An awkward element in the State government under Gov. Bond's administration, was the imperfec- tion of the State constitution. The Convention wished to have Elijah C. Berry for the first Auditor of Public Accounts, but, as it was believed 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, vested a very large appoint- ing power in the Governor; but for tiie purpose of getting one man into office, a total change was made, and the power vested in the Legislature. 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 the grant of land for the purpose of its construction. On the whole, Gov. Bond's administration was fairly good, not being open to severe criticism from any party. In 1824, two years after the expiration of his term of office, he was brought out as a candi- date for Congress against the formidable John P. Cook, but received only 4,374 votes to 7,460 for the latter. Gov. Bond was no orator, but had made many fast friends by a judicious bestowment of his gubernatorial patronage, and these worked zealously for him in the campaign. In 1827 ex-Gov. Bond was appointed by the Leg- islature, with Win. P. McKee and Dr. Gershom Jayne, as Commissioners to locate a site for a peni- tentiary on the Mississippi at or near Alton. Mr. Bond was of a benevolent and convivial dis- position, a man of shrewd observation and clear ap- preciation of events. His person was erect, stand- ing six feet in height, and after middle life became portly, weighing 200 pounds. His features were strongly masculine, complexion dark, hair jet and eyes hazel ; was a favorite with the ladies. He died April 1 r, 1830, in peace and contentment. id^r-Uyu) Cfe DWARD COLES, second Governor of Illinois, 1823- , 6, was born Dec. 15, 1786, in Albemarle Co., Va., on the old family estate called "Enniscorthy," on the Green Mountain. His fath- er, John Coles, was a Colonel in the Revolutionary War. Having been fit- ted for college by private tutors, he was sent to Hampden Sidney, where he remained until the autumn of 1805, when he was removed to William and Mary College, at Williamsburg, Va. This college he left in the summer of iSo7,ashort time before the final and graduating examination. Among his classmates were Lieut. Gen. Scott, President John Tyler, Win. S. Archer, United States Senator from Virginia, and Justice Baldwin, of the United States Supreme Court. The President of the latter college, Bishop Madison, was a cousin of President James Madison, and that cir- cumstance was the occasion of Mr. Coles becoming personally acquainted with the President and re- ceiving a position as his private secretary, 1809-15. The family of Coles was a prominent one in Vir- ginia, anil their mansion was the seat of the old- fashioned Virginian hospitality. It was visited by such notables as Patrick Henry, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, the Randolphs, Tazewell, Wirt, etc. At the age of 23, young Coles found himself heir to a plant- ation and a considerable number of slaves. Ever since his earlier college days his attention had been drawn to the question of slavery. He read every- thing on the subject that came in his way, and listened to lectures on the rights of man. The more he reflected upon the subject, the more impossible was it for him to reconcile the immortal declaration "that all men are born free and equal" with the practice of slave-holding. He resolved, therefore, to free his slaves the first opportunity, and even remove his residence to a free State. One reason which de- termined him to accept the appointment as private secretary to Mr. Madison was because he believed that through the acquaintances he could make at Washington he could better determine in what part of the non-slaveholding portion of the Union he would prefer to settle. The relations between Mr. Coles and President Madison, as well as Jefferson and other distinguished men, were of a very friendly character, arising from the similarity of their views on the question of slavery and their sympathy for each other in holding doc- trines so much at variance with the prevailing senti- ment in their own State. In 1857, he resigned his secretaryship and spent a portion of the following autumn in exploring the Northwest Territory, for the purpose of finding a lo- cation and purchasing lands on which to settle his negroes. He traveled with a horse and buggy, with an extra man and horse for emergencies, through many parts of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Missouri, determining finally to settle in Illinois. At this time, however, a misunderstanding arose between our Government and Russia, and Mr. Coles was selected to repair to St. Petersburg on a special mission, bear- ing important papers concerning the matter at issue The result was a conviction of the Emperor (Alex- n6 EDWARD COLES. ander) of the error committed by his minister at Washington, and the consequent withdrawal of the the latter from the post. On his return, Mr. Coles visited other parts of Europe, especially Paris, where he was introduced to Gen. Lafayette. In the spring. of 1819, he removed with all his negroes from Virginia to Edwardsville, 111., with the intention of giving them their liberty. He did not make known to them his intention until one beautiful morning in April, as they were descending the Ohio River. He lashed all the boats together and called nil the negroes on deck and made them a short ad- dress, concluding his remarks by so expressing him- self that by a turn of a sentence he proclaimed in the shortest and fullest manner that they were no longer slaves, but free as he was and were at liberty to proceed with him or go ashore at their pleas- ure. A description of the effect upon the negroes is best desciibed in his own language : "The effect upon them was electrical. They stared at me and then at each other, as if doubting the ac- curacy or reality of what they heard. In breathless silence they stood before me, unable to utter a word, but with countenances beaming with expression which no words could convey, and which no language can describe. As they began to see the truth of what they had heard, and realize their situation, there came on a kind of hysterical, giggling laugh. After a pause of intense and unutterable emotion, bathed in tears, and with tremulous voices, they gave vent to their gratitude and implored the blessing of God on me." Before landing he gave them a general certificate of freedom, and afterward conformed more particu- larly with the law of this State requiring that each individual should have a certificate. This act of Mr. Coles, all the more noble and heroic considering the overwhelming pro-slavery influences surrounding him, has challenged the admiration of every philan- thropist of modern times. March 5, 1810, President Monroe appointed Mr. Coles Registrar of the Land Office at EdwardsvtLe, at that time one of the principal land offices in the State. While acting in this capacity and gaining many friends by his politeness and general intelli- gence, the greatest struggle that ever occurred in Illinois on the slavery question culminated in the furious contest characterizing the campaigns and elections of 1822-4. In the summer of 1823, when a new Governor was to be elected to succeed Mr. ISond, (he pro-slavery element divided into factions, putting forward for the executive office Joseph I'hillips, Chief Justice of the State, Thomas C. I'.rowne and Gen. James B. Moore, of the State Mil- i ia. The anti-slavery element united upon Mr. Coles, and, after one of the most bitter campaigns, succeeded in electing him as Governor. His plural- ity over Judge Phillips was only 59 in a total vote of over 8,000. The Lieutenant Governor was elected by the slavery men. Mr. Coles' inauguration speech was marked by calmness, deliberation and such a wise expression of appropriate suggestions as to elicit the sanction of all judicious politicians. But he compromised not with evil. In his message to the Legislature, the seat of Government being then at Vandalia, he strongly urged the abrogation of the modified form of slavery which then existed in this State, contrary to the Ordinance of 1787. His posi- tion on this subject seems the more remarkable, when it is considered that he was a minority Governor, the population of Illinois being at that time almost ex- clusively from slave-holding States and by a large majority in favor of the perpetuation of that old relic of barbarism. The Legislature itself was, of course, a reflex of the popular sentiment, and a majority of them were led on by fiery men in denunciations of the conscientious Governor, and in curses loud and deep upon him and all his friends. Some of the public men, indeed, went so far as to head a sort of mob, or " shiveree " party, who visited the residence of the Governor and others at Vandalia and yeiled and groaned and spat fire. The Constitution, not establishing or permitting slavery in this State, was thought therefore to be defective by the slavery politicians, and they desired a State Convention to be elected, to devise and sub- mit a new Constitution; and the dominant politics of the day was "Convention" and "anti-Conven- tion." Both parties issued addresses to the people, Gov. Coles himself being the author of the address published by the latter party. This address revealed the schemes of the conspirators in a masterly man- ner. It is difficult for us at this distant day to esti- mate the critical and extremely delicate situation in which the Governor was placed at that time. Our hero maintained himself honorably and with supreme dignity throughout his administration, and in his honor a county in this State is named. He was truly a great man, and those who lived in this State during his sojourn here, like those who live at the base of the mountain, were too near to see and recognize the greatness that overshadowed them. Mr. Coles was married Nov. 28, 1833, by Bishop De Lancey, to Miss Sally Logan Roberts, a daughter of Hugh Roberts, a descendant of Welsh ancestry, who cam i. to this country with Win. Penn in 1682. After the expiration of his term of service, Gov. Coles continued his residence in Edwardsville, sup- erintending his farm in the vicinity. He was fond of agriculture, and was the founder of the first agri- cultural society in the State. On account of ill health, however, and having no family to tie him down, he spent much of his time in Eastern cities. About 1832 he changed his residence to Philadel- phia, where he died July 7, 1868, and is buried at Woodland, near that city. c y^ / oon^c-^>^y oc?-(*y&^JL, GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS. no Pin Tail Kclwuidi -He|4H s » 5 *-*- |: INI AN EDWARDS, Governor Sy from 1S27 to 1830, was a son ,p of Benjamin Edwards, and was born in Montgomery #&'* County, Maryland, in March, s^rt 177c;. His domestic train- c*' u 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. Wm. 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, Kv., 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 spendthrift. He was, however, elected to the Legis- lature of Kentucky as the Representative of Nelson County before he was 21 years of age, and was re- elected by an almost unanimous vote. In 1798 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 1S02, he received a commission as Major of a battal- ion of Kentucky militia, and in 1S04 was chosen a Presidential Elector, on the Jefferson and Clinton ticket. In 1806 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 1809, when Mr. Edwards, then Chief Justice of the Court of Appeals in Kentucky, received from President Madison the appointment as Gover- nor of the new Territory, his commission bearing date April 24, 1S09. Edwards arrived at Kaskaskia in June, and on the 1 ith of that month took the oath of office. At the same time he was appointed Superin- tendent of the United States Saline, this Governmeni 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 NINIAN 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 1810 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 ve irs afterward. As Gov. Edwards' term of office expired by law in 1S12, he was re-appointed for another term of three years, and again in 18 15 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 conspicuous part, and acquitted himself honorably in all the measures that came up in that body, being well posted, an able de- bater and a conscientious statesman. He thought .eriously of resigning this situation in 1821, but was ijcrsuaded 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 .he State of Illinois during t lie whole of his career in Jiis commonwealth, and Mr. Edwards always main- tained the doctrines of freedom, and was an important xtor in the great struggle which ended in a victory for his party in 1824. In 1826-7 the Winnebago and other Indians com- mitted soire depredations in the northern part of the State, and the white settlers, who desired the kinds 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 point so remote that ready cor- respondence with him was difficult or impossible. Gov. Edwards' administration, however, in regard to the protection of the Illinois frontier, seems to have been very efficient and satisfactory. For a conbiderable portion of his time after his re- moval to Illinois, Gov. Edwards resided upon his farm near Kaskaskia, which he had well stocked with horses, cattle and sheep from Kentucky, also with fruit-trees, grape-vines and shrubbery. He estab- lished saw and grist-mills, and engaged extensively in mercantile business, having no less than eight or ten stores in this State and Missouri. Notwithstanding the arduous duties of his office, he nearly always pur- chased 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 was 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 children, one of whom, especially, is web' known to the people of the " Prairie State," namely., Ninian Wirt Edwards, once the Superintendent c< Public Instruction and still a resident of Springfield Gov. Edwards resided at and in the vicinity of Kas- kaskia from 1809 to 1S1S; in Edwardsville (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 named in his honor. GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS. y&ty&\§gg^ %^&&kH^Mt® '§8&§>\*&m^<& •«— *- )HN REYNOLDS, Governor 1S31- 4, was born in Montgomery Coun- ty, Pennsylvania, Feb. 26, 1788. His father, Robert Reynolds and 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. When the subject of this sketch was about six months old, his parents emigrated with 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- nosed 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 industry. 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 intoxicating liquors. In 1807 the family made another removal, this time to the " Goshen Settlement," at the foot of the Mississippi bluffs three or four miles southwest of Edvvardsville. 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 discipline. 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 1812 resumed his college and law studies at Knoxville. In the fall of 1812 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. 124 JOHN BEYNOLDS. 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 1S1S 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 independently of all cliques and private inter- ests. In 182S 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 iudicial calmness and moderation. The real animus if the campaign was " Jackson " and " anti- Jackson," "he former party carrying the State. In August, 1S30, 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 recommended 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 1S32. 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 Government 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 ihe next event in prominence during Gov. Reynolds' term. South Carolina nullification coming up at this time, t was heartily condemned by both President Jackson ,.nd Gov. Reynolds, who took precisely the -same grounds as the Unionists in the last war. On the termination of his gubernatorial term in .834, Gov. Reynolds was elected a Member of Con- gress, still considering himself a backwoodsman, as ■ e had scarcely been outside of the State since he became of age, and had spent nearly all his youthful lays in the wildest region of the frontier. His first •nove 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 place 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 to 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. Accord' ngly, 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 1846 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 elected 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 Buchanan 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 pli rases 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. GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS. ,z 7 ILLIAM LEE D. EWING, Governor of Illinois Nov. 3 ;,D to 17, 1834, was a native of Kentucky, and probably of Scotch ancestry. He bad a fine education, was a gentle- man of polished manners and refined sentiment. In rS3o 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 M01 eys at Vandalia soon after the organization of Uii.. State, and that the public moneys in his hands \xte deposited in various banks, as they are usually s-tth- /resent day. In 1823 the State Bank was ubbed, by which disaster Mr. Ewing lost a thousand- doll;! r deposit. The subject of this sketch had a commission as ( olonel in the Black Hawk War, and in emergencies ne acted also as Major. In the summer of 1832, >\hen 1 >'as rumored among the whites that Black Hawk and nis men had encamped somewhere on Rock Rive.-, Gen. Henry was sent on a tour of reconnoisance, and with orders to drive the Indians from the State. After some opposition from his rubordinate officers, Henry resolved to proceed up Rock River in search of the enemy. On the 19th of July, early in the morning, 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 thunder-storm, and the soldiery, with all their appurtenances, were thor- oughly drenched. On approaching nearer the Indians the next day. Hen. 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 the 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 seems they were the chief actors in driving the main body of the Sacs and Foxes, in- WILLIAM L. D. EWING. eluding Black Hawk himself, across the Mississippi, while Gen. Atkinson, commander-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 with 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 virtue 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 17th 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- u.ince of the policy adopted by his predecessor; and on the same day Governor elect Joseph Duncan ?-as sworn into office, thus relieving Mr. Ewing from the responsible situation. This is the only time that 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 States 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 dropped ; the ninth and tenth stood a tie ; but on the 1 2th Ewing received 40, to Semple 37, and was accordingly declared elected. In 1837 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. t* JcJ^&fi^l &* GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 1 1\ OSEPH DUNCAN, Governor |L rS34-8, was born at Paris, Ky., Feb. 23, 1794. At the tender age of 19 years he en- listed in the war against Great Britain, and as a soldier lie acquitted himself with credit. He was an Ensign under the daunt- less Croghan at Lower Sandusky, \ or Fort Stephenson. In Illinois ;e first appeared in a public capa- city as Major-General of the Militia, a position which his military fame had procured him. Subsequently he became a State Senator from Jackson County, and is honorably mentioned for introducing the first bill providing for a free-school system. In 1S26, when the redoubt- able John P. Cook, who had previously beaten such men as John McLean, Elias Kent Kane and ex- 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 militaiy achievements. 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 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 denouement, 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 of 1824, no other than mere local and personal considerations had ever before controlled an election in Illinois. From the above date Mr. Duncan retained his seat in Congress until his election as Governor in August, 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 fbut he was doubtless 132 JOSEPH DUNCAN. sincere in his opposition to the old hero, as the latter j. ad 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 rgainst the course of the President. The measures r .e 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 barks 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- v upted the State. The hard times of 1837 came on, and the disasters that attended the inauguration of :hese 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; ; ut 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 vortex 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 Gairo, Alton to Shawneetown, Alton to Mount Garmel, Alton to the eastern boundary of the State in the direction of Torre Haute, Quincy via Springfield to the Wabash, Blooinington 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 expenses for all these projects was ;laced at a little over $10,000,000, which was not more man half enough! That would now be equal to saddling upon the State 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- ioy in the fall of 1837, at Alton, during Mr. Duncan's Lerm 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 1838. In 1S42 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,<)ot 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, 1 hat 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 which served him a ready purpose. He possessed a clear judgment, decision, confidence in himself and moral courage to carry out his convictions of light. In his deportment he was well adapted to gain the admira- tion of the people. His intercourse with them was both 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, 1844, a devoted member of the Presbyterian Church, leaving a wife but no children. Two children, born to them, had died in infancy. GO VERNORS OF ILLINOIS. ■35 "n^v? IS , * M&Ssaasja^mW^^^am^ n the meeting of the subsequent Legislature (1839), the retiring Governor CDuncan) in his mes- 136 THOMAS CARLIN. 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 hut 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 emporium of the West, as it has since in- deed came to be. Ex-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 through 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 up before it by John A. McClernand, whom the Gov- ernor had nominated for the office. Thereupon that dignified body was denounced as a "Whig Court!" endeavoring to establish the principle of life-tenure of office. A new 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. Scates, Samuel H. Treat and Stephen A. Douglas — all Democrats. It was during 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, 111., 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 Testament — 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 day<. 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 numerous, 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 rushing through the Legislature (both parties not daring io oppose) a charter for the city of Nauvoo which vir- tually erected a hierarchy co-ordinate with the Fed- eral Government itself. In the fall of 1841 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 December, 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- Gov. Duncan for the same office. In the meantime the Mormons began to grow more odious to the masses of the people, and the comparative prospects 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, 1S52, at his residence at Carrollton, leaving a wife and seven children. ■ Oma^uOLd era^-d? GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 139 ZM&hx. ■T*?!_t-«ft42fc!kS? , !r V ' ; V :^T re — r^T r ■ - . ^— , ^: ,v ; ' J, 1,5% ^lii p. 1 a s if® „p JO. - - .. -o-f "7 T-c^^ JHOMAS FORD, 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 1802, 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 1804, removed to Missouri, where it had been cus- tomary by the Spanish Govern- ment to give land to actual settlers ; but upon her arrival at St. Louis she found the country ceded to the 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 i 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 superior 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 pioneer times. His mind gave early 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 & Michigan Canal, and after whom the county of Cook was named. Through the advice of 140 THOMAS FORD. this gentleman, Mr. Ford turned his attention to the study of law; but Forquer, then merchandising, re- garding his education defective, sent him to Transyl- vania University, where, however, he remained but jne term, owing to Forquer's failure in business. On his return he alternated his law reading with teach- ing school for support. In 1829 Gov. Edwards appointed him Prosecuting Attorney, and in 183 r he was re-appointed by Gov. Reynolds, and after that he was four times x 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 live Judges, all Democrats. Ford was assigned to the Ninth Judicial Circuit, and while in this capacity he was holding Court in Ogle County he received a noiiee of his nomination by the Democratic Conven- tion for the office of Governor. He immediately re- signed his place and entered upon the canvass. In August, 1S42, 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, — Never to ask and never to refuse • office. Both as a lawyer and as a Judge he stood deservedly high, but Wis 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 power of eloquence, so necessary to success with juries. As a Judge his opinions were Tound, 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, lie was taken by a stranger to be a seeker for the position of door- keeper, and was waited upon at his hotel near mid- night by a knot of small office-seekers with the view of effecting a " combination ! " Mr. Ford had not the " brass " of the ordinary politician, nor that impetuosity which characterizes a political leader. He cared little for money, and hardly enough for a decent support. In person he was of small stature, slender, of dark complexion, with black hair, sharp features, deep-set eyes, a pointed, aquiline nose having a decided twist to one side, and a small mouth. The 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. In the first of these the Governor proved himself 1: be eminently wise. On coming into office he found the State badly paralyzed by the ruinous effects of the notorious "internal improvement" schemes of 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 rush it on te completion. The bonded indebtedness of the State- was growing so large as to frighten the people, 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 theirleader, 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 no l-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 people left the State. Such compli- cated matters, especially when religion is mixed up with them, expose every person participating in them to criticism from all parties. The Mexican War was begun in the spring of 1S45, and was continued into the gubernatorial term of Mr. Ford's successor. The Governor's connection with this war, however, was not conspicuous, as it was only administrative, commissioning officers, etc. Ford's " History of Illinois " is a very readable and entertaining work, of 450 small octavo pages, and is destined to increase in value with the lapse 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 that they exhibit a little splenetic partiality against those of his con- temporaries who were prominent during his term of office as Governor. The death of Gov. Ford took place at Peoria, 111., Nov. 2, 1850. 6&>*<*vc^/ GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 143 17\ jJ7$kY/\\yz& | Augustus 0. French. ^' ^.V^iV-' { **££S f.l ss t#* - \i p'^UGUSTUS C. FRENCH, Governor of Illinois from 1846 to 1852, was born in r Si the town of Hill, in the VY State of New Hampshire, »SM> Aug. 2, 1808. He was a descendant in the fourth generation ot Nathaniel French, who emigrated from England 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 1831, and shortly afterward removed to Illinois, settling first at Albion, Edwards County, where 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 public life by representing that county in the Legislature. A strong attachment sprang up between him and Ste- phen A. Douglas. In 1839, Mr. French was appointed Receiver of the United States Land Office at Palestine, Craw- ford County, at which place he was a resident when 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 Governor. Other Democratic candidates were Lyman Trumbull, Tohn Calhoun (subsequently of Lecompton Constitution 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, Win. McMurlry, Newton Cloud, J. B. Hamilton and W. W. Thompson. The resolutions declared strongly against the resuscita- tion of the old State Banks. The Whigs, who were in a hopeless minority, held their convention June 8, at Peoria, and selected Thomas M. Kilpatrick, of Scott County, for Governor, and Gen. Nathaniel G. Wilcox, of Schuyler, for Lieutenant Governor. In the campaign the latter exposed 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, sweeping 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 vot^s. 144 AUGUSTUS C. FRENCH. By the new Constitution of 1S48, a new election for State officers was ordered in November of that year, before Gov. French's terra 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 that capacity so long at one time. As there was no organized opposition to his election, he received 67,- 453 votes, to 5,639 for Pierre Menard (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 the 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 85 1,470. In 1849 the Legislature adopted the township or- ganization law, which, however, proved defective, and was properly amended in 185 1. 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 settlement 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 1851 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. In stature, Gov. French was of medium height, squarely 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 speech he was not an orator, but was chaste, earnest and persuasive. In business he was accurate and methodical, and in his administration he kept up the credit of the State. He died in 1S65, at his home in Lebanon, St. Clair Co., 111. GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 147 3«®v-<(i»Ks><£ fc-^JSft.^nEL A. MATTESON, Governor '^'(jfes* 1853-6, was born Aug. 8, 1808, 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 that 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 had given him, made a tour in the South, worked there in building railroads, experienced a storm on the Gulf of Mexico, visited t lie 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 1S33, having sold his farm, he removed, with 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 his place, and only three or four houses between him and Chicago. He opened a large farm. His family was boarded 1 2 miles away while he erected a house on his claim, sleeping, during 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 1835 he bought largely at the Government land sales. During the speculative real-estate mania which broke out in Chicago in 1836 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 completion of his job in 184 1, when hard limes prevailed, business at a stand, contracts paid in State scrip; when all the public works except 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 hirn a surplus of several thousand 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 1S42 he was first elected a State Senator, but, by a bungling apportionment, John Pearson, a Senator holding over, was found to be in the same district, and decided to be entitled to represent it. Mat- teson's seat was declared vacant. Pearson, however, with a nobleness difficult to appreciate in this day of r48 JOEL A. MATTE SON. 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 returned re-elected and took his seat as Senator. From his well-known capacity as a business man, he was made Chairman of the Committee on Finance, a position he held during this half and two full succeeding Senatorial terms, discharging its important duties with ability and faith- fulness. Besides his extensive woolen-mill interest, when work was resumed on the canal under the new loan of $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 Dexter A. Knowlton. Mr. Matteson received 80,645 votes at the election, while Mr. Webb received 64,40s. Mat- 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 the physical devel- opment and advancement of a State, — of commerce and business enterprise, into which 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 perspicuous array of facts as to the condition of the State, and are often couched in forcible and elegant diction. The greatest excitement during his term of office was the repeal of the Missouri Compromise, by Con- gress, under the leadership of Stephen A. Douglas in 1854, when the 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-Nebraska" party, while the followers of Douglas were known as " Ne- braska or Douglas Democrats." It was during this embryo stage of the Republican party that Abraham Lincoln was brought forward as the "Anti-Nebraska " candidate for the United States Senatorship, while Gen. James Shields, the incumbent, was re-nom- inated 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 11th ballot Mr. Trumbull obtained one majority, and was ac- cordingly declared elected. Before Gov. Matteson 's term expired, the Republicans were fully organized as a national party, and in 1856 put into the field a full national and State ticket, carrying the State, but not the nation. The Legislature of 1 S55 passed two very import- ant measures, — the present free-school system and a submission of the Maine liquor law to a vote of the people. The latter was defeated by a small majority of the popular vote. During the four years of Gov. Matteson 's admin- istration the taxable wealth of the State was about trebled, from $137,818,079 to $349,951,272; the pub- lic debt was reduced from $17,398,985 to $12,843,- r44; taxation was at the same time reduced, and the State resumed paying interest on its debt in New 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 implicated in a false re-issue of redeemed canal scrip, 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 187 2-3, at Chicago. ^^U*Uj2e_ GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS. IS' W^^m^^^^.. m> Ji m I l K- 'i'.. , 'i',. , 'i | ..-v..-'i'..-'i'..'' l | , J , .'i'.v i i | .;')'..''i'..' a i'-. , 'i'.. ,| i>:i''.-'i '..v'.* 1 ' ■ '■ •.■'■■'■ '■"• '■'•■■'■ '. tv. •.'■'•.'■ ■•..'■ '•■■' [LLIAM H. BISSELL, Gov- ernor 1857-60, was born pa April 25, 181 1, in the State of New York, near Painted Post, Yates County. His parents were obscure, honest, God-fearing people, who reared their children under the daily &7v t S u example of industry and frugality, accord- fi. ing to the custom of that class of Eastern society. Mr. Bissell received a respecta- ble but not 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 State, 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 lo 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 members of the Bar, who extended to him a ready welcome. It was not strange, therefore, that he should drift into public life. In 1840 he was elected as a Dem- ocrat to the Legislature from Monroe County, and was an efficient member of that body. On his re- turn home he qualified himself for admission to the Bar 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 humor, his efforts before a jury told with irresistible effect. He was chosen by the Legislature Prosecut- ing Attorney for the Circuit in which he lived, and in that position he fully discharged his duty to the State, 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, lie 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, IS 2 WILLfAM 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 Elias 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, — 807 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 1850 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 all 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 up 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 $255,500, was all recovered by the State except- ing $27,500. (See sketch of Gov. Matteson.) In 1S59 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 affair, 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 paraplegia, 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 r8, 1 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 hart been a member since 1854. GC VERNORS OF ILLINOIS. '55 4m >& |^:OHN WOOD, Governo.- i86o-i,and f^w the first settler of Quincy, 111., 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 languages, who, after serving throughout the Revolu- tionary War as a Surgeon, settled on the land 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, 1818, 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 1S21 he visited " the Bluffs " (as the present site of Quincy was called, then uninhabited) and, pleased with its prospects, soon after purchased a quarter-section of land near by, and in the follow- ing fall (1822) erected near the river a small cabin, 4** 18 x 20 feet, the first building in Quincy, of whirl 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 whom 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 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 where he was going to build a city. They went about 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 yei 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 replied, " But it's too near Atlas ever to amount to anything!" Atlas is still a cultivated farm, and Quincy is ,t city of over 30,000 population. In 1824 Mr. Wood gave a newspaper notice, as the law then prescribed, of his intention to apply to 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 '5° TOHN WOOD. that number of females. Sinoe 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 Win. H. Bissell for Governor, and on the death of the latter, March 18, 1860, he succeeded to the Chief Executive chair, which he occupied until Gov. Yates was inaugurated nearly ten months after- ward. Nothing very marked characterized the adminis- tration of Gov. Wood. The great anti-slavery cam- paign of i860, resulting in the election of the honest Illinoisan, Abraham Lincoln, to the Presidency of the United States, occurred during the short period while Mr. Wood was Governor, and tiie excitement and issues of that 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 Bissell's administration to the overwhelming issue of preserving the whole nation from destruction. In 1861 ex-Gov. Wood was one of the five Dele- gates from Illinois to the " Peace Convention " at Washington, and in April of the 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 period of enlistment ex- pired. Politically, Gov. Wood was always actively identi- fied with the 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, daughter of Joshua Streeter, formerly of Salem, Washington Co., N. Y. They had eight children. Mrs. W. died Oct. S, 1S63, and in June, 1865, Gov. Wood married Mrs. Mary A., widow of Rev. Joseph T. Holmes. Gov. Wood died June 4, 18S0, at his residence in Quincy. Four of his eitjlit children are now living, namely: Ann E., wife of Gen. John Tillson; Daniel C, who married Mary ]. Abernethy; John, Jr., who married Josephine Skinner, and Joshua S., who married Annie Bradley. The last mentioned now resides at Atchison, Kansas, and all the rest are still at Quincy. 3 GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS. '59 jFJ i v \\ a r d Y a f e ,s. ilCHARD YATES, the "War Governor,'' r 86 1-4, 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. Subsequently he entered Illinois College at Jacksonville, where, in r837, 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 the political hustings, and, being a passionate admirer of the great Whig leader of the West. Henry Clay, he joined his political fortunes to he party of his idol. In 1840 he engaged with great -rdor in the exciting "hard cider" campaign for riarrison. 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- T>ry that by 1850 his large Congressional District, f.vtending from Morgan and Sangamon Counties . orth to include LaSalle, unanimously tendered him i:i~ Whig nomination for Congress. His Democratic- opponent was Maj. Thomas L. Harris, a very pop- lar man who had won distinction at the battle of Cerro Gordo, in the Mexican War, and who had oeaten Hon. Stephen T. Logan for the same position, two years before, by a large majority. Yates was 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- promise 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 200 votes, after the district had two years before given Pierce 2,000 majority for President. The Republican State Convention of i860 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 precipitated 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 Breckenridge 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 ^9,253. Mr. Yates received over a thousand more votes than did Mr. Lincoln himself. Gov. Yates occupied the chair of State during the i6o 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 was 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 Diomptly responded to by the people. His procla- mations calling for volunteers were impassionate appeals, urging upon the people 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, although 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 the Chicago Times and the usurping State Constitutional Convention of 1862, were the chief local topics that were exciting during the Governor's term. This Convention assem- bled Jan. 7, and at once took the high position that "ie law calling it was no longer binding, and that it ad supreme power; that it represented a virtual assemblage of the whole people of the State, and was sovereign in the exercise of all power 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 import- 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 sine 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 1864 a conspiracy was de- tected at Chicago which had for its object the liber- ation of the 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 postoffice. 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, Cantrell, Buckner Morris, and Charles Walsh — was arrested, most of whom were convicted by 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 others, 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. GGVhR.VORS OF ILLINOIS. 163 Richard J. Oglesby 334 to S6>!74. — 'he 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, 1S79, 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- ple 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, 1885. The Legislature did not fully organize until this date, on account of its equal 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-appearing, affable 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 favorably to impress the average masses. Ardent in feeling and strongly committed to the pol- icies of his party, he intensifies Republicanism among Republicans, while at the same time his iovial and liberal manner prevents those of the opposite party from hating him. He is quite an effective stump orator. With 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. (L-£^lcl~ GO VERXORS OF ILLINOIS. i -7 ^e John M. Palmer OHN Mc AUI.EY PALMER, Gov- ernor 1869-72, was born on Eagle Creek, Scott Co., Ky., Sept. 13, 1817. During his in- fancy, his father, who had been a soldier in the war of 18 12, re- moved to Christian Co., Ky., where lands were cheap. Here the future Governor of the great Prairie State spent his childhood 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 early aptitude. His father, an ardent Jackson man, was also noted for his anti-slavery sentiments, which 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 time Alton College was opened, on the "manual labor " system, and in the spring of 1834 young Palmer, with his elder brother, Eliliu, 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 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. (The latter was a learned clergyman, 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 examiners. 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. Ir 1847 he was elected to the State Constitutional Con- vention, where he took a leading part. In 1852 In. was elected to the State Senate, and at the special session of February, 1854, true to the anti-slaver) 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 part; issue he refused to receive a re-nomination for tin Senatorship at the hands of the Democracy, issuing a circular to that effect. A few weeks afterwara 1 68 JOHN MC AULEY PALMER. 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 Republican State Convention at Bloomington. He ran for Congress in 1859, but was defeated. In 1S60 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. 3T, 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 element were daily fretted by the loss of their slaves. He, 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 fellow 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 Republican State Convention which met at Peoria May 6, 1868, and his nomination would probably have 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. Palmer a majority of 44,707 over John R. Eden, the Democratic nominee. On the meeting of the Legislature in January, 1869, 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 entering wedge fir the criticisms and reproofs he afterward received from the Republican party, and ultimately 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 tJie 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"lc pay railroad subscriptions, the Chicago Lake Front bill, etc. The new State Constitution of r87o, far superior to the old, was a peaceful " revolution " which took place during Gov. Palmer's term of office. The suffering caused by the great Chicago Fire of October, 1871, 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 statesmanship. - zSsr* " // GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS. '71 ■v 1 1 .'■i | ..' , i | ..' , ) i ,"i | .: : i' : 1 1 ,:. i 1 -: v<; ■' : ■' .' <■ :>'.:>,., :■; •..■. . '■ -. '■ : ] > : '< : 't-'.-v. -y — » = -a .% OHN LOWRJE BEVER- IDGE, Governor 1873-6, was born in the town of Green- wich, Washington Co., N. Y., July 6, 1824. His parents were George and Ann Bever- ly idge. His father's parents, An- drew and Isabel Beveridge, be- fore their marriage emigrated from Scotland just before the Revolutionary War, settling in Washington County. His father ' p was the eldest of eight brothers, the youngest of whom was 60 years of age when the first one of the num- ber died. His mother's parents, James and Agnes Hoy, emigrated from Scotland at the close of the Revolutionary War, settling also in P Washington Co., N. Y., with their first-born, whose " native land "was the wild ocean. His parents and grandparents lived beyond the time allotted to man, their average age being over 80 years. They belonged to the "Asso- ciate Church," a seceding Presbyterian body of • America from the old Scotch school ; and so rigid was the training of young Beveridge that he never heard a sermon from any other minister except that of his own denomination until he was in his 19th year. Later in life he became a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, which relation he still holds. Mr. Beveridge received a good common-school ed- ucation, but his parents, who could obtain a livelihood only by rigid economy and industry, could not send him away to college. He was raised upon a farm, and was in his 18th year when the family removed to De Kalb County, this State, when that section was very sparsely settled. Chicago had less than 7,000 inhabitants. In this wild West he continued as a farm laborer, teaching school during the winter months to supply the means of an education. In the fall of 1842 he attended one term at the academy at Granville, Putnam Co., 111., and subsequently several terms at the Rock River Seminary at Mount Morris, Ogle Co., 111., completing the academic course. At this time, the fall of 1845, his parents and brothers were anxious to have him go to college, even though he had not money sufficient; but, n it willing to bur- den the family, he packed his trunk and with only $40 in money started South to seek his fortune I 7 2 JOHN L. BEVERIDGE. Poor, alone, without friends and influence, he thus entered upon the battle of life. First, he taught school in Wilson, Overton and Jackson Cos., Tenn., in which experience he under- went considerable mental drill, both in book studies and in the ways of the world. He read law and was admitted to the Bar, in the South, but did not learn to love the institution of slavery, although he ad- mired many features of Southern character. In De- cember, 1847, he returned North, and Jan. 20, 1848, he married Miss Helen M. Judson, in the old Clark- Street M. E. church in Chicago, her father at that time being Pastor of the society there. In the spring of 1848 he returned with his wife to Tennessee, where his two children, Alia May and Philo Judson, were born. In the fall of TS49, through the mismanagement of an associate, he lost what little he had accumu- lated and was left in debt. He soon managed to earn means to pay .his debts, returned to De Kalb Co., 111., and entered upon the practice of his pro- fession at Sycamore, the county seat. On arrival from the South he had but one-quarter of a dollar in money, and scanty clothing and bedding for himself and family. He borrowed a little money, practiced law, worked in public offices, kept books for some of the business men of the town, and some railroad en- gineering, till the spring of 1854, when he removed to Evanston, 12 miles north of Chicago, a place then but recently laid out, under the supervision of the Northwestern University, a Methodist institution. Of the latter his father-in-law was then financial agent and business manager. Here Mr. Beveridge prospered, and the next year (1855) opened a law office in Chicago, where he found the battle some- what hard; but he persevered with encouragement and increasing success. Aug. 12, 1 861, his law partner, Gen. John F. Farnsworth, secured authority to raise a regiment of cavalry, and authorized Mr. Beveridge to raise a company for it. He succeeded in a few days in rais- ing the company, of course enlisting himself along with it. The regiment rendezvoused at St. Charles, 111., was mustered in Sept. 1 8, and on its organiza- tion Mr. B. was elected Second Major. It was at- tached, Oct. 11, to the Eighth Cavalry and to the Army of the Potomac. He served with the regiment until November, 1863, participating in some 40 bat- tles and skirmishes : was at Fair Oaks, the seven days' fight around Richmond, Fredericksburg, Chancellors- ville and Gettysburg. He commanded the regiment the greater part of the summer of 1 863, and it was while lying in camp this year that he originated the policy of encouraging recruits as well as the fighting capac- ity of the soldiery, by the wholesale furlough system. It worked so well that many other officers adopted it. In the fall of this year he recruited another com- pany, against heavy odds, in January, 1864, was commissioned Colonel of the 17th 111. Cav., and skirmished around in Missouri, concluding with the reception of the surrender of Gen. Kirby Smith's army in Arkansas. In 1865 he commanded various sub-districts in the Southwest. He was mustered out Feb. 6, 1866, safe from the casualties of war and a stouter man than when he first enlisted. His men idolized him. He then returned to Chicago, to practice law, with no library and no clientage, and no political experi- ence except to help others into office. In the fall ot 1866 he was elected Sheriff of Cook County, serving one term; next, until November, 1870, he practiced law and closed up the unfinished business of hi-- office. He was then elected State Senator; in No- vember, 187 1, he was elected Congressman at large; in November, 1872, he was elected Lieutenant Gov- ernor on the ticket with Gov. Oglesby; the latter be- ing elected to the U. S. Senate, Mr. Beveridge became Governor, Jan. 21, 1873. Thus, inside of a few weeks, he was Congressman at large, Lieutenant Governor and Governor. The principal events oc- curring during Gov. Beveridge's administration were: The completion of the revision of the statutes, begun in 1869; the partial success of the "farmers' move- ment;" "Haines' Legislature " and Illinois' exhibit at the Centennial. Since the close of his gubernatorial term ex-Gov Beveridge has been a member of the firm of Bever- idge & Dewey, bankers and dealers in commercial paper at 7 1 Dearborn Street (McCormick Block), Chicago, and since November, 1881, he has aLo been Assistant United States Treasurer: office in the Government Building. His residence is still at Ev- anston. He has a brother and two sisters yet residing in De Kalb County — James H. Beveridge, Mrs. Jennst Henry and Mrs. Isabel French. GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS. •75 2k SBELB Y 31. CULLOM. HLLBY M. CULLOM, Gover- nor i S7 7 —S3, is the sixth child of the late Richard N. Cullom, and was born Nov. 22, 1829, in Wayne Co., Ky., where his fa- ther then resided, and whence both the Illinois and Tennessee branches of the family originated. In the following year the family emi- grated to the vicinity of Washington, Tazewell Co., 111., when that section was very sparsely settled. They lo- cated on Deer Creek, in a grove at the time occupied by a party of In- dians, attracted there by the superior hunting and fishing afforded in that vicinity. The following winter was known as the " hard winter," the snow being very deep and lasting and the weather severely cold; and the family had to subsist mainly on boiled corn or hominy, and some wild game, for several weeks. In the course of time Mr. R. N. Cullom became a prom- inent citizen and was several times elected to the Legislature, both before and after the removal of the capital from Vandalia to Springfield. He died about '873. Until about 19 years of age young Cullom grew up to agricultural pursuits, attending school as he had opportunity during the winter. Within this time, however, he spent several months teaching school, and in the following summer he "broke prairie "with an ox team for the neighbors. With the money ob- tained by these various ventures, he undertook a course of study at the Rock River Seminary, a Methodist institution at Mt. Morris, Ogle County; but the sudden change to the in-door life of a stu- dent told severely upon his health, and he was taken home, being considered in a hopeless condition. While at Mt. Morris he heard Hon. E. B. Washburne make his first speech. On recovering health, Mr. Cullom concluded to study law, under the instruction of Abraham Lincoln, at Springfield, who had by this time attained some notoriety as an able lawyer; but the latter, being ab- sent from his office most of the time, advised Mr. Cullom to enter the office of Stuart & Edwards. After about a year of study there, however, his health failed again, and he was obliged to return once more to out-door life. Accordingly he bought hogs for packing, for A. G. Tyng, in l'eoria, and while he re- gained his health he gained in purse, netting $400 in a few weeks. Having been admitted to the Bar, he went to Springfield, where he was soon elected City Attorney, on the Anti-Nebraska ticket. In 1856 he ran on the Fillmore ticket as a Presi- dential Elector, and, although failing to be elected as such, he was at the same time elected a Representa- tive in the Legislature from Sangamon County, by a local coalition of the American and Republican par- ties. On the organization of the House, he received the vote of the Fillmore men for Speaker. Practicing 176 SHELBY M. CULLOM. law until i860, he was again elected to the Legisla- ture, as a Republican, while the county went Demo- cratic on the Presidential ticket. In January follow- ing he was elected Speaker, probably the youngest man who had ever presided over an Illinois Legis- lature. After the session of 1S61, he was a candidate for the State Constitutional Convention called for that year, but was defeated, and thus escaped the disgrace of being connected with that abortive party scheme to revolutionize the State Government. In 1S62 he was a candidate for the State Senate, but was defeated. The same year, however, he was ap- pointed by President Lincoln on a Government Commission, in company with Gov. Boutwell of Massachusetts and Cnarles A. Dana, since of the New York Sun, to investigate the affairs of the Quartermaster's and Commissary Departments at Cairo. He devoted several months to this duty. In 1864 he enteted upon a larger political field, being nominated as the Republican candidate for Congress from the Eighth (Springfield) District, in opposition to the incumbent, JohnT. Stuart, who had been elected in 1862 by about 1,500 majority over Leonard Swett, then of Bloomington, now of Chicago. The result was the election of Mr. Cullom in Novem- ber following by a majority of 1,785. In 1866 he was re-elected to Congress, over Dr. E. S. Fowler, by the magnificent majority of 4103! In 1868 he was again a candidate, defeating the Hon. B. S. Edwards, another of his old preceptors, by 2,884 votes. During his first term in Congress he served on the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Expenditures in the Treasury Department; in his second term, on the Committees on Foreign Affairs and on Territories ■ and in his third term he succeeded Mr. Ashley, of Ohio, to the Chairmanship of the latter. He intro- duced a bill in the House, to aid in the execution of law in Utah, which caused more consternation among the Mormons than any measure had previously, but which, though it passed the House, failed to pass the Senate. The Republican Convention which met May 25, 1876, nominated Mr. Cullom for Governor, while the other contestant was Gov. Beveridge. For Lieuten- ant-Governor they nominated Andrew Shuman, editor of the Chicago Journal. For the same offices the Democrats, combining with the Anti-Monopolists, placed in nomination Lewis Steward, a wealthy farmer and manufacturer, and A. A. Glenn. The result of the election was rather close, Mr. Cullom obtaining only 6,Soo majority. He was inaugurated Jan. 8, 1S77. Great depression prevailed in financial circles at this time, as a consequence of the heavy failures of 1873 and afterward, the effect of which had seemed to gather force from that time to the end of Gov. Cullom's first administration. This unspeculative period was not calculated to call forth any new issues, but the Governor's energies were at one time put to task to quell a spirit of insubordination that had been begun in Pittsburg, Pa., among the laboring classes, and transferred to Illinois at Chicago, East St. Louis and Braidwood, at which places laboring men for a short time refused to work or allow others to work. These disturbances were soon quelled and the wheels of industry again set in motion. In May, 1880, Gov. Cullom was re-nominated by the Republicans, against Lyman Trumbull, by the Democrats; and although the former party was some- what handicapped in the campaign by a zealous faction opposed to Grant for President and to Grant men for office generally, Mr. Cullom was re-elected by about 314,565, to 277,532 for the Democratic State ticket. The Greenback vote at the same time was about 27.000. Both Houses of the Legislature again became Republican, and no representative of the Greenback or Socialist parties were elected. Gov. Cullom was inaugurated Jan. 10, 1S81. In his mes- sage he announced that the last dollar of the State debt had been provided for. March 4, 1883, the term of David Davis as United States Senator from Illinois expired, and Gov. Cul- lom was chosen to succeed him. This promoted Lieutenant-Governor John M. Hamilton to the Gov- ernorship. Senator Cullom's term in the United States Senate will expire March 4, 1889. As a practitioner oflaw Mr. C. has been a member of the firm of Cullom, Scholes & Mather, at Spring- field ; and he has also been President of the State National Bank. He has been married twice, — the first time Dec. 12, 1855, to Miss Hannah Fisher, by whom he had two daughters; and the second time May 5, 1863, to Julia Fisher. Mrs. C is a member of the Method- ist Episcopal Church, with which religious body Mr. C. is also in sympathy. GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS. '79 ^>*-^-*<^ OHN MARSHALL HAMIL- , TON, Governor 1883-5, was born May 28, 1S47, in a log house upon a farm about two miles from Richwood, Union County, Ohio. His father was •> Samuel Hamilton, the eldest son of Rev. Wra. 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 McMoiris, 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. In March, 1854, Mr. Hamilton's father sold out his little 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 21 days on the route. Swamps, unbridged streams and innumerable hardships and privations met them on 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 comfortf"''^ 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 evinced a capacity and taste for a high order of self-education, by studying or reading what books he 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 r4 years of age. During the winter of 1863-4 he attended an academy at Henry, Marshall County. r8o JOHN MARSHALL ILA MILTON. and in the following May he again enlisted, for the fourth time, when he was placed in the 141st III. Vol. Inf., a regiment then being raised at Elgin, 111., for the roo-day service. He took with him 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, Mr. Hamilton taught school, and during the two college years 1S65-7, 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 lime 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. Admitted 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 partnership 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, 1 SS 3, when Mr. Hamilton was sworn in as Executive of Illinois. On the 4th of March following Mr. Rowell took his seat in Con- gress. In July, 187 1, Mr. Hamilton married Miss Helen M. Williams, the daughter of Prof. War. G. Williams, Professor of Greek in the Ohio We.deyan University. Mr. and Mrs. H. have two daughters and one son. In 1876 Mr. Hamilton was nominated by the Re- publicans for the State Senate, over other and older competitors. He took an active part 'on the stump" in the campaign, for the success of his party, and was elected by a majority of 1,640 over his Democratic- C.reenback 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- 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 Divid Davis. At this session, also, was passed the first Board of Health and Medical Practice act, of which Mr. Hamilton was a champion, again"' . : much opposition that the bill was several times " laid on the table." Also, this session authorized the location and establishment of a southern peni- tentiary, which was fixed at Chester. In the session of 1 S79 Mr. Hamilton was elected President pro tern. of the Senate, and was a zealous supixjrter 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 Republican 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 4r,2oo. As Lieutenant Governor, he presided almost continuously over the Senate in the 33d General Assembly and during the early days of the 33d, until he succeeded to the Governorship When the Legislature of 1883 elected Gov. Cullom to the United Stales Senate, Lieut. Gov. Hamilton succeeded him, under the Constitution, taking the oath of office Feb. 6, rS83. 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 Tune, 1S84, where his first choice for President wis 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. m JOSEPH W. FIFER. 1 R3 ifeiffi 3 »MK>.»^ . _a S=s<— t^aaaattffi? 8&1&k 06& g^ds&Sil )'i-± ± .+. ,t .t,.t .t * .feu-. .t.,.t. .+.. .t .t,.t .t .t,.t .t-.t .t. &&&&&& .t,.t-.t. .t„.t- .+,,.+.. .t. .t.,.t * .t..+.,.t. ..+. .f...f..t.. ; ! ! fj jy ! )^ yx ^ ..'bjHI^w-^ ..->.- ^ ^ VV yfj^ --*-• '^"<*r.jf*g|: ..o*o..@JA> < \@..<*o.. ilOSKI'H WILSON FIFER. distinguished gentleman This distinguished gentleman was Jlfft*''' elected Governor of Illinois November G, 1X88. He was popularly known during the campaign as "Private Joe." lie had served with great devotion to his country during the Re- hellion, in the Thirty-third Illinois Infantry. A native of Virginia, he was horn in 1840. His parents, John and Mary (Daniels) Filer, were American horn, though of German de- scent. His father was a brick and stone mason, and an old Henry Clay Whig in politics. John and Mary Fifer had nine children, of whom Joseph was the Sixth, and naturally with so large a family it was all the father could do to keep the wolf from the door; to say nothing of giving his children any- thing like good educational advantages. Young Joseph attended school some in Vir- ginia, but it was not a good school, and when his father removed to the West, in 1857, Joseph had not advanced much further than the "First Reader." Our subject was sixteen then and suffered a great misfortune in the loss of his mother. After the death of Mrs. Fifer, which occurred in Missouri, the family returned to Virginia, but remained only a short time, as during the same year Mr. Fifer came to Illinois. He settled in McLean County and Started a brickyard. Here Joseph and his broth- ers were [ml to work. The elder Fifer soon bought a farm near Bloomington and began life as an agriculturalist. Here Joe worked and attended the neighboring school. He alternated farm-work, brick-laying, and going to the district school for the succeeding few years. II was all work and no play for Joe, yet it by no means made a dull boy of him. All the time he was thinking of the great world outside, of which he had caught, a glimpse when coming from Virginia, yet he did not know just how he was going to get out into it,. lie could not feel that the woods around the new farm and the log cabin, in which the family lived, were to hold him. The opportunity to get out into the world was soon offered to young Joe. lie traveled a dozen miles barefoot, in company with his brother < leorge, and enlisted in Company C, 33d Illinois Infantry; he being then twenty years old. In a few days 184 JOSEPH W. FIFER. the regiment was sent to Camp Butler, and then over into Missouri, and saw some vigorous service there. After a second time helping to chase Price out of Missouri, the 33d Regiment went down to Milliken's Bend, and for several weeks •• Private Joe" worked on Grant's famous ditch. The regi- ment then joined the forces operating against Fort Gibson and Vicksburg. Joe was on guard duty in the front ditches when the Hag of surrender was run up on the tth of July, and stuck the bayonet of his gun into the embankment and went into the city with the vanguard of Union soldiers. The next day, July 5, the 38d joined the force after Johnston, who had been threatening Grant's rear; and finally an assault was made on him at Jackson, Miss. In this charge "Private Joe" fell , ter- ribly wounded. He was loading his gun when a minie-ball struck him and passed entirely through his body. He was regarded as mortally wounded. His brother, George, who had been made a Lieu- tenant, proved to be the means of saving his life. The Surgeon told him unless lie had ice his brother Joe could nut live. It was fifty miles to the nearest point where ice could be obtained, and the roads were rough. A comrade, a McLean county man, who had been wounded, offered to make the trip. An ambulance was secured and the brother soldier stalled on the journey. lie returned with the ice. but the trip, owing to the roughness of the roads, was very hard on him. After a few months' care- ful nursing Mr. Fifer was able to come home. The 33d came home on a furlough, and when the boys were ready to return to the tented Geld, young Fifer was ready to go with them; for he was determined to finish his term of three years. He was mustered out in October, 1864, having been in the service three years and two months. "Private Joe" came out of the army a tall, tanned, and awkward young man of twenty-four. About all he possessed was ambition to be some- body — and pluck. Though at an age when most men have finished their college course, the young soldier saw that if he was to be anybody he must have an education. Yet he had no means to ena- ble him to enter school as most young men do. He was determined to have an education, however, and that to him meant success. For the following four years lie struggled with his books. lie entered Wesleyan University Jan. 1. 18G5. He was not a brilliant student, being neither at the head nor the foot of his class. He was in great earnest, how- ever, studied hard and came forth with a well- stored and disciplined mind. Immediately after being graduated he entered an office at Bloomington as a law student, lie had already read law some, and as he continued to work hard, with the spur of poverty and promptings of ambition ever with him, he was ready to hang out his professional shingle in 18G9. Being trust- worthy he soon gathered about him some influen- tial friends. In 1871 he was elected Corporation Counsel of Bloomington. In 1K72 he was elected State's Attorney of McLean County. This otliee he held for eight years, when he took his seat in the State Senate. Here he served for four years. His ability to perform abundance of hard work made him a most valued member of the Legisla- ture. Mr. I"' iter was married in 1870 to Gertie, daugh- ter of William J. Lewis, of Bloomington. Mr. Filer is six feet in height and is spare, weighing only 150 pounds. He has a swarthy complexion, keen black eyes, quick movement, and possesses a fiank and sympathetic nature, and naturally makes friends wherever he goes. During the late Guber- natorial campaign his visits throughout the State proved a great power in his behalf. His happy faculty of winning the confidence and good wishes of those with whom he comes in personal contact is a source of great popularity, especially during a polit- ical battle. As a speaker he is fluent, his language is good, voice clear and agreeable, and manner forcible. His manifest earnestness in what he says as well as his tact as a public speaker, and his elo- quent and forceful language, makes him a most valuable campaign orator and a powerful pleader at the bar. At the Republican State Convention, held in May, l,s.s,X, .Mr. Fifer was chosen as its candi- date for Governor. He proved a popular nominee, and the name of " Private Joe" became familiar to everyone throughout the State, lie waged a vigorous campaign, was elected I iy a good majority, and in due 1 hue assumed the duties of the Chief Executive of Illinois. ?1M m i t ^ Vermilion County ILLINOIS, tosJ INTRODUCTORY. 5HE time has arrived when it becomes the duty of the people of this county to per- petuate the names of their pioneers, to furnish a record of their early settlement, and relate the story of their progress. The civilization of our day, the enlightenment of the age and the duty that men of the pres- ent time owe to their ancestors, to themselves and to their posterity, demand that a record of their lives and deeds should be made. In bio- graphical history is found a power to instruct man by precedent, to enliven the mental faculties, and to waft down the river of time a safe vessel in which the names and actions of the peopie who contributed to raise this country from its primitive state may be preserved. Surely and rapidly the great and aged men, who in their prime entered the wilderness and claimed the virgin soil as their heritage, are passing to their graves. The number re- maining who can relate the incidents of the first days of settlement is becoming small indeed, so that an actual necessity exists for the collection and preser- vation of events without delay, before all the early settlers are cut down by the scythe of Time. To be forgotten has been the great dread of mankind from remotest ages. All will be forgotten soon enough, in spite of their best works and the most earnest efforts of their friends to perserve the memory of their lives. The means employed to prevent oblivion and to perpetuate their memory has been in propor- tion to the amount of intelligence they possessed. Th ! pyramids of Egypt were built to perpetuate the names and deeds of their great rulers. The exhu- mations made by the archeologists of Egypt from buried Memphis indicate a desire of those people to perpetuate the memory of their achievements The erection of the great obelisks were for the same purpose. Coming down to a later period, we find the Greeks and Romans erecting mausoleums and monu- ments, and carving out statues to chronicle their great achievements and carry them down the ages. It is also evident that the Mound-builders, in piling up their great mounds of earth, had but this idea — to leave something to show that they had lived. All these works, though many of them costly in the ex- treme, give but a faint idea of the lives and charac- ters of those whose memory they were intended to perpetuate, and scarcely anything of the masses of the people that then lived. The great pyramids and some of the obelisks remain objects only of curiosity; the mausoleums, monuments and statues are crum- bling into dust. It was left to modern ages to establish an intelli- gent, undecaying, immutable method of perpetuating a full history — immutable in that it is almost un- limited in extent and perpetual in its action ; and this is through the art of printing. To the present generation, however, we are in- debted for the introduction of the admirable system of local biography. By this system every man, though he has not achieved what the world calls greatness, has the means to perpetuate his life, his history, through the coming ages. The scythe of Time cuts down all ; nothing of the physical man is left. The monument which his chil- dren or friends may erect to his memory in the ceme- tery will crumble into dust and pass away; but his life, his achievements, the vvork he has accomplished, which otherwise would be forgotten, is perpetuated by a record of this kind. To preserve the lineaments of our companions we engrave their portraits, for the same reason we col- lect the attainable facts of their history. Nor do we think it necessary, as we speak only truth of them, to wait until they are dead, or until those who know them are gone: to do this we are ashamed only to publish to the world the history of those whose lives are unworthy of public record. ^■^fe YKKMILION COUNTY. 191 A^H^^^v^^ • ,. ',, *., »* , ; , ;■ , ^/f : ■>,%J s. ^-r^s-e- i.MES S. SCONCE. It is a fitting [ of America, and more especially in Kentucky, of testimonial to the worth and char- which State they were early settlers. The great- [jfete acter of this citizen to present : grandfather of the subject of this sketch was one of his portrait and biography on these, the opening pages of the E Album of Vermilion County. Of the many citizens of Carroll Township none were better known <>r more highly esteemed than this gentleman, who was born near Brook's Point, Ver- milion County, Nov. II. 1831, and died Sept, 21, 1888, at the age of fifty-seven years. In childhood he attended the puli- lie schools, as well as those more advanced, at Danville, receiving a liberal educa- tion. His father and mother were Samuel and Nancy (Waters) Sconce, both natives of Bourbon County, Ivy., the birth of the former occurring in 1802, while the mother was horn six years later. The elder Mr. and Mrs. Sconce removed to Illi- nois in 1828, and settled in Vermilion County in 1829. They had three children, who grew to ma- turity, namely: .lames S.. America J., and 'I'h as J. America J., is the widow of Oliver Calvert, and now makes her home at the residence of her brother, lately deceased. Thomas •). died in this county, Jan. I, 1888, while the father passed awaj in January, 1874. The mother is still living, with the earliest settlers of Bourbon County, where he lived in a log house, built especially to resist the depredations of the Indians. There were eight brothers, and they were among the brave settlers who reclaimed that beautiful country from the sav- ages, and in so doing are entitled to the thanks of a grateful nation. Nearly all of these brothers emi- grated South and West. There is a large family of this name in Texas. James S. Sconce's father. Sam- uel, was born in Bourbon Count}', Ky. He lived in the county of his birth until 1828, when lie removed to this State, and in the following year located in Vermilion County. His wife came with her parents to the vicinity of Brook's Point, in 1829, her marriage occurring at that place the fol- lowing year. Samuel Sconce engaged in farming, and from start to finish was successful. In 1852 he engaged in the mercantile business in [ndianola, under the firm name of Bailey & Sconce. This firm continued to do business until the big lire, which destroyed their stock. Mr. Sconce then re- tired from active life, and died Jan. '.), 1874, leav- ing behind him a reputation of which any man might be proud. In 1849 he took a drove of 200 fat cattle to Philadelphia, where he sold half of them and drove the rest to New York, returning the entire distance on foot. He also hauled pro- widow of her son, at the advanced age of duee to Chicago in the early days. eighty -one years. (> » November 14. 1831, James S. Sconce was The Sconces were prominent in the early history I born, iii this county, and was one of its first chil- 192 VERMILION COUNTY. dren born. He was early taught industry, anil be- ing reared upon a farm was consequently used to hard work. He remained with his parents until he was twenty-four years of age, when he engaged as a clerk in the store of Bailey & Sconce, drawing a salary of S300 a year for four years. In 18.5!) lie went to Kansas, where he pre-empted 160 acres in Lyon County, and at the end of three months he trader] this piece of land for a similar tract in llli- . nois. Here commenced his career as a stockman and drover. During this time he made the ac- quaintance of his estimable wife, Miss Emma San- dusky, or as her father wrote it " Sodowsky." She was the only daughter of the well-known Short- horjl breeder of Carroll Township. After marriage Mr. Sconce lived one year with his father-in-law. when he located on the present homestead, remain- ing there until the day of his death. He worked systematically, and to this may be attributed his success. At any rate he became wealthy, and when he died was the owner of 2,100 acres of the most desirable land in the count}-. Upon this he built an elegant home, said to be the finest country house tci be seen in the State. It. is a large struct- ure, built of brick, beautifully located on a slight elevation, while the surroundings are all that an admirer of the beautiful could picture. Giant trees shade the grounds, and what nature has omitted art has supplied. The lawns and gardens are laid out artistically, adding to the beauty and picturesqueness of the landscape, and making it a •■thing of beauty" not excelled in this great State of Illinois. The place is called " Fairview," at the suggestion of Mrs. Sconce. The house is heated by the Rutan system, and every room is supplied with hot and cold water, while the spacious parlors and corridors are illuminated by gas. When Mr. Sconce died he left a fortune variously estimated at from $200,000 to $300,000, every cent of which was accumulated by judicious farm- ing and stock-raising. It will be many years be- fore the recollection of this good man will fade from the memories of the people. His life was simple and his methods straightforward, his manner gentle, kind hearted to the poor, indulgent to the weak, charitable to the erring, and his memory like a sweet fragrance ascends on high. Generous friend, kind husband, noble citizen, and sincere Christian, the world is better for thy living, and the flowers of a sweet memory will ever blossom upon thy grave. Like his illustrious ancestors Mr. Sconce was a fine looking, active man. He had keen blue e3 r es, a personal characteristic so marked in his family, and was of a sanguine temperament. A lifetime of usefulness and business activity had developed in him good judgment, and as he became older his attention w\as directed closely toward the things revealed in Holy Writ. He was a consistent and active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically, he was a Democrat from con- viction and from principle. In 1882 he consented to run for the State Senate, making a brilliant can- vass am' running ahead of his ticket. He served as Township Supervisor, and always evinced a deep interest in public affairs, and especially in the welfare of his township, his county ami his State. His library was tilled with choice and valuable works, especially those treating upon the tariff, a question which was studied by him with deep in- terest, he believing with other leading Democrats, in a tariff for revenue only. In matters pertaining to schools he took a great interest. For several years prior to his death he was a Regent of the Wesleyan University of Iiloomington, 111., which was financially favored by his generosity. As a husband and father he was most loving and devoted. As a result of his wedlock two children were born: Anna, who was a student of Morgan Park two years, and of Wes- leyan University one year; and Harvey .7.. a bright lad of fourteen years. He was greatly attached to his children, anil in them was centered his great love. The poor young farmer and business man, who is almost discouraged in life, will miss in Mr. Sconce a friend, for it was one of his salient char- acteristics to help those who would help themselves, and as an illustration of this, it may be stated that his will provided that those who owed him on loans, should be allowed to pay his estate in small yearly installments, that they might not be dis- tressed. He was buried with Masonic honors at the Wood- lawn Cemetery. The funeral was attended by an VERMILION COUNTY. 193 i tense throng, ami the procession was headed by 200 Masons in mourning, and was over three miles in length, the largest funeral line ever seen in Ver- milion County. It was remarked by one who knew Mr. Sconce well that "a secret society which commanded the fealty of a man like James Sconce must have something in it." If lie loved Ma- sonry it was equally true that the Masons loved him. To his faithful wife the death of her hus- band was sad beyond expression. -'Sorrows come not single." A less noble woman would have given up to despairing sorrow at the loss of her husband, her father, and her mother within the space of one short year. ( )f true Christian grace and motherly heart she hore up bravely in her bereavement, fully determined henceforth to give up her life to her Master, and to the welfare of her children. As before stated she is the only living child of Harvey Sandusky and Susan Baum. Coming from illus- trious ancestors, an effort will be made to herewith present a few facts in regard to each of her parents. In the year of 1721 there came to America an exile from Poland, of noble birth and proud spirit, and lofty patriotism. He headed a rebellion against the despotism of Russia and her allies in the dis- graceful oppression of the defeated but not. subdued Poles. For this brave act he was exiled and came to Richmond, Va. That noble man was .lames Sodowsky, who afterward married tin' sister of Gov. In-lip. of the Colony of Virginia, and from them descended Harvey Sandusky, the father of Mrs. Sconce. Men of courage and force of char- acter, the family has been represented in every for- ward movement of civilization in this great coun- try for more than a century: with the gallant pio- neers in beating back the savages of the wilderness; with the brave Continentals, battling for freedom in the heroic days of '76; at the front in the War of L812; with Daniel Boone in the wild Kentucky, where the grandfather of Harvey settled just after the close of the Revolutionary War. His father. Abraham Sandusky, was born there, and married Miss .lane McDowell, who bore him eight children. Harvey being the eldest. In 1831 he removed I loin Kentucky to Illinois, and settled with his family on the Little Vermilion River, where he continued to reside until his death. His oldest son, Harvey, was born in Bourbon County, Ky.. May 17. 1817, and came to Illinois with his father, lit- erally growing up with thecountry. In histwenty- fom th year he was married to Susan, daughter of Charles and Susan Baum, who had emigrated from Ohio and settled on the Little Vermilion River. After marriage Mr. Sandusky located on the es- tate which has since become so famous as "Wood- lawn Stock Farm." Here, by intelligent and indus- trious use of their opportunities, he and his faithful wife built up a princely home, and surrounded it with an abundance that enabled them to dispense the largest charity and most unbounded hospitality. Mrs. Sandusky was converted to Christianity in her girlhood, and rejoiced in the hope of an im- mortal life. In the old family Bible is found this record : "Harvey Sodowsky this day found peace with God, March 15, 1858." For forty years their's was a house of prayer. To them were born three children: The oldest died in infancy; the second is Emma, the wife of the subject of this sketch; Gilbert, the third child and only son, died at the early age of twenty-three years. Harvey San- dusky died on Saturday, Dec. 18, 1886, and the following Tuesday was buried by the side of his son in the beautiful Woodlawn Cemetery, which he bad selected and donated to the public. "Uncle Harvey," as he was familiarly called, was in many respects a noble man. There is always good in a heart that is always tender, and his was a very ten- der heart. To feed the hungry, to clothe and help the needy, afforded him the greatest pleasure. The foot-sore itinerant, whose horse had died, was taken to the stables and told to "select the best nng in the lot," without pay or promise. That preacher was sent on his way rejoicing, and thereby the Oospel was spread to those beyond. By him the homeless were sheltered, the friendless cheered, and the wretched soothed. He was a very successful man in business, was enterprising and public spirited. In the stalls and on the fields at Woodlawn are perhaps the finest specimens of Short-horn cattle in America, if not in the world. For fifty years he had been interested in raising and exhibiting fine stock. No man in America has been more successful than he, as the 19! VERMILION COUNTY. premium lists of principal fairs will sliow. Evi- dently he lias added untold riches to the general community by his enterprise in tin's particular. But his work is done, and the toils of his busy life have ceased. The familiar figure has dropped out of the. picture of this lil\>. and let us hope that it has dropped into the life that lies beyond the other shore. His home is lonely without him. his fam- ily mourn him. his neighbors will miss him, his friends regret his absence, but "God doeth all things well." — (Extract from Ihe Rev. G. A. Fra- sier.) His wife, Susan Sandusky, came from an equally illustrious family. She was the daughter miles and Sarah (Moyer) Baum. They were likewise Polish patriots, and by the Russian au- thorities banished from their native land. They for a few years lived in Germany, and then emi- grated to the Colony of Virginia. This noble ex- ile and progenitor of the Baums of Vermilion County, was Charles Baum, the great-grandfather of Mrs. Emma Sconce. He married Miss Barbara McDonald, a relative of the brave Gen. McDonald, of Marion's army. He entered the Colonial forces, and served on reserve duty in protecting the frontier. After the war he settled in Bucks County, and the year following Wayne's treaty with the Indians, sailed down the Ohio River with his fam- ily. They landed at the mouth of Bullskin Creek, and there, close to what is now the river town of Chilo, established the first settlement in the Ter- ritory of Ohio. One of his sons was Charles Baum, Mrs. Sconce's grandfather. He married Susan, daughter of John Moyer, a Revolutionary soldier, who fought many years under the immediate com- mand of Gen. Washington. John Mover lived in Pennsylvania some time after the war, then removed to Ohio, of which State he also was an early pioneer. Charles Baum, the grandsire of Mrs. Sconce, came to Vermilion County in 1839. He lived to be ninety-six years old, had prospered well, and was a consistent Christian. From the Rev. G. A. Frasier we quote the following concerning Mrs. Susan Sandusky. '•( lur community is again called to mourn the loss of n most estimable lady, who fell asleep at her home near Indianola. March 21, 1888. She was a daugh- ter of Charles and Susan Baum, born in Claremont County, Ohio. Sept. 25, 1818. She was converted and joined the Methodist Episcopal Church when quite young, and was married May 20, 1840. Her life was singularly pure and exemplary, and she adorned those stations in which true womanhood shines the brightest. As a wife, mother, friend and neighbor she was indeed a model woman. None doubted the genuineness of her Christian ex- perience. Always consistent, always true, she was a power for good in the community. Her chari- ties and uniform kindness for the poor had won for her the love of all who knew her. Her devotion to duty, and her unswerving fidelity had won the confidence and esteem of all. She was not only ready, but willing to die. In a conversation a few days before her death she expressed a desire to ■reach her Father's house.' She leaves but one child to mourn her absence from the old home- stead. Mrs. James S. Sconce, the only remain- ing child was with her mother during her last ill- ness, faithfully, lovingly attending to every want, and tearfully watching the slowly ebbing tide of life till all was still in death. In this great be- reavement Mrs. Sconce has the sympathy of the entire community. The old homestead is left deso- late. A family has passed from earth. We hope that on the other side of the river they are again united." Mrs. Emma Sconce was born in the old Harvey Sandusky homestead, better known under the name of -Woodlawn," a name suggested by her for her father's large farm, which was so famous in pro- ducing herds of prize-winning Short-horn cattle. Here she grew up under the influences of a Chris- tian home, attending Georgetown Academy for some time. Her loyalty has marked her entire ca- reer from childhood to widowhood. As the wife of James S. Sconce she was ever a most worthy, affectionate, and loving companion; as mistress of the "Fairview" mansion she is modest, kind, gen- erous and hospitable; while the taste with which the mansion is furnished reflects great credit upon its mistress. She possesses a great deal of knowl- edge, general and special, and is respected and es- teemed by all who know her. She is a devout Christian, and rich and poor alike are graced by her favors. She deeply mourns the loss of her YKR.MII.ION COUNTY. 195 husband, for their marriage proved to be a most happy one. She is truly the type of noble Ameri- can woman! d, and as a mother is (airly wor- shipped by her two children, and they in turn are held most affectionately dear. Her modesty prevents her giving further facts in regard to her- self. Her attorney, however, has furnished the following figures concerning her estate: Personal property of .lames s. Sconce, deceased, $62,000 ; personal property of Harvej Sandusky, deceased, 120, I; total number of acres of land held by Mrs. Sconce. 3,600. IRAM ARMANTROUT. In no portion of the world is there illustrated the result of patient industry more forcibly than in the great West. Could the youug man of fifty years ago have had the power to look forward into the future and discover not only what he himself would accomplish, but what would lie done by his brother pioneers, he would have labored with greater courage than he lias already done; for no one can dispute that the first settling upof this part of the country was necessarily an experiment. Few however, stood in doubt as to the final result, but fewer still would have prophesied the achievements which have really been accomplished. The subject of this sketch was one of the earliest settlers of Middle Fork Township, whence he re- moved to Butler Township in April, 1855. He took up a half-section of government land, em- bracing a part of sections 2, 22 and 13, in township 22, range 13, before there had been any attempt at cultivation. In the fall of 1856 he put up a small frame house, and being unmarried, took in a tenant. with whom he lived. He had, prior to this, broken sixty acres. lie proceeded with the improve- ments of his property single-handed until the spring of 1859, when he took unto himself a wife and helpmate. Miss Celinda Pugh. They spent the first few years of their wedded life in the little house, and in due time, being prospered, our sub- ject was enabled to e-ect a larger dwelling. lie also built a good bain and planted forest and fruit trees, which flourished, and he now has the finest grove in the neighborhood. He occupied this farm until .March. 1889, when he wisely retired from active labor and purchased property in Rossville. where he took up his abode and purposes now to live. Our subject was burn in Montgomery County, Ind., Aug. 12, 1829, and lived there until 1855 with his father and mother. The former, Valen- tine Armantrout, was born in Rockingham County. Va., April 27, 1799, and removed with his father. Frederick Armantrout, to Warren County, Ohio, in 1808, where he was reared to manhood. He married Miss Catherine Kesling, and they so- journed in the Buckeye State until 1828, when they removed to Montgomery County. Ind. There the father engaged in farming and blacksmithing com- bined, and lived until his decease, which took place March 17, 184C. To the parents of our subject were bom seven children, of whom he was the third, and of whom four are living: Ambrose is a resilient of Chautau- qua County, Kan.; Simon lives in Waynetown, Montgomery Co., Ind.; Sarah became the wife of C. s. Bratton, of Rossville, and she is now de- ceased. Mary Ann is the wife of .lames Applegate, Of this county; Melinda died at the age of seventeen years; Henry died in Linn County, Kan., in 1887. The paternal grandfather was a resident of Vir- ginia during the Revolutionary War, in which his father and two brothers fought, while he remained at home. He was drafted, but Washington sent him home. The family is of German descent, and the first representative in this country settled in Virginia. At the time of leaving Butler Township Mr. Armantrout was its oldest living male resident. One lady, Mrs. Pyles, had been there one year longer than himself. As a farmer he was more than or- dinarily successful, and also prosecuted stock-rais- ing with excellent results. He was prominent in local affairs, being the first Road Commissioner in the township, in which ollice he served eleven years. He officiated as Constable four years, was Justice of the Peace seven years. School Trustee nine years, and School Director for a long period. Politically, he is a Republican. Of the six children born to Mr. and Mrs. Arman- trout. the third child, a son, Harmon, died when 196 VERMILION COUNTY. one year old. The survivors are Scott, Celia M., Drusilla, Carrie and Ida. Scott married Miss Emma Walters, and lives on the home farm ; Celia May is the wife of Ira G. Philips, and the mother of one child, a daughter, Mabel; they live near the homestead. The others are unmarried and remain with their parents. Mrs. Celinda (Pugh) Armantrout was born in Warren County, Ind.. Aug. 26, 1833, and is the daughter of George Pugh. who was a native of Pennsylvania. He mar- ried Miss Elizabeth Anderson, and they reared a large family of children. He followed farming his entire life, and after leaving his native State set- tled near Lebanon, in Warren County, Ind., where he spent his last days. His death occurred about 1 864, at the age of seventy years. .LIVER HARRISON CRANE. The leading event in the life of this gentleman was his birth, which occurred in Fountain County. Ind.. on the 4th of March, 1841, the day of the in- auguration of President William Henry Harrison) and in honor of whom the infant was given his sec- ond name, lie is now a man of forty-eight years, and one of the most substantial farmers of Grant Township, being the owner of ICO acres of choice land, pleasantly located on section 29, township 23, range 12, Mr. Crane spent the first eighteen years of his life in his native county, acquiring a practical edu- cation in the common schools and becoming famil- iar with farm pursuits. In the fall of 1859, leaving the parental roof, he came to this county and as- sumed charge of the land which his father had en- tered from the Government at $1.25 per acre. He boarded at the house of a neighbor until the spring of 1861 ; then put up a house into which he removed with his young wife, having been married Feb. 7 of that year to Miss Charlotte Bowling of his own county in Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Crane, although removing into a more modern domicile, have occupied the same farm which they moved upon at the time of their marriage. Their labors and struggles have been similar to those of the people around ihem; their rewards likewise. Industry and economy have been repaid fourfold, and now, in the enjoyment of all the comforts of life and many of its luxuries, they sit under their own vine and fig tree and are blest with the respect of their friends and neighbors. For some time after Mr. Crane settled here there were no neighbors north for fifteen miles, the near- est being at Ash Grove. Deer, wolves and other wild animals were plentiful, but these slowly dis- appeared as the country became settled up. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Crane, eleven in number, are recorded as follows: The two eldest died in infancy; Elmer E. was born May 28, 1865; John N.. Sept. 3, 1867; Lillian L., Jan. 6, 1870; Alfaretta, Feb. 11. LS72; Winifred. Dec. 4, 1873; Morris S.. Nov. 2, 1876; Mary A., June 21, 1879; Perry I)., Jan. 28, 1883; Anna M., Oct. 23. 1885. The eldest son living, Elmer, married Miss Olive Keplinger, is a resident of Northwest Nebraska and the father of two children. Mrs. Charlotte (Low- ling) Crane was born July 3, 1843, in Fountain County, Ind., and is the daughter of Willis P. and Mary (Bruce) Bowling, who -were natives of Ohio. The father was born in Warren County. .Ian. 25, 1816, and lived there until a lad of eight years. His parents then removed to Indiana, and after the death of his father in Fountain County he contin- ued on the farm, where he reared his family and spent his last days. This farm is located in Van Buren Township six miles northeast of Covington. The maiden name of the mother of Mrs. Crane was Mary Bruce, and the parents were married in 1838. ( )f the eight children born to them three are living — Charlotte, Arthur and Morris. The two boys live at the old farm in Fountain County, Ind., with their father. The latter, with his estimable wife, is a member of the Christian Church, and the famil}' stand high in their community. Mrs. Mary (Bruce; Bowling was bom in Law- rence County. Ohio. Jan. 21. 1817, to Joshua and Margaret (limes) Bruce, the father a farmer bv oc- cupation. When Man- was a girl of eleven years, they left the Buckeye State and removed to Foun- tain County, Ind., where she remained under the parental roof until her marriage. Joel Crane, the father of our subject, was born Jan. 28, 1817, in Warren Count}', Ohio near the VERMILION COUNTY. 197 birthplace of Mr. Bowling. Me lived there until 1832, and then, a lad of fifteen years, migrated to Fountain County, Ind., with his parents, where he was married and still lives on the old farm northeast of Covington which his father took up from the Government. His wife was formerly .Miss Elizabeth Jenkins, and they reared a family of three children— Oliver EL, Lewis C. and Cyrus, the hit- ter two of Missouri and Kansas respectively. Mrs. Elizabeth (Jenkins) Crane was born Dec .">. 1820, in Ohio, and departed this life at the homestead in Indiana Sept. 2, 1853. She left the Buckeye State with her parents in 1839 and remained with them until her marriage. Mr. Crane, our subject, has been a man always full of business and one who has little respect for the drones in the world's busy hive. He has kept himself well posted upon events of general interest, and is one with whom may be spent an hour very pleasantly and profitably. His course in life has been that of an honest man, while his industry has been rewarded with a competence. HARLES BUHL. This gentleman occupies no unimportant position among the self- ^i^f' made men of this county who have arisen by their own efforts from the foot of the ladder and who by unflagging industry and perseverance have accumulated a competence and in their later years are retired and in the enjoyment of it. Mr. Huh! represents a goodly amount of property — in- deed is recognized as a capitalist — and has contrib- uted his full quota to the business interests of Dan- ville and vicinity. He comes of substantial ances- try and is a native of Pennsylvania, having been born in Butler County, Feb. 8, 1812. Our subject remained a resident of his native place until a young man of twenty years, acquiring a practical education in the common school and being variously occupied. Finally resolving upon a change of location, he made his way in 1838, to Detroit and for two years thereafter employed himself as a teamster. In the fall of 1818, lie vis- ited Chicago and being favorably impressed with the outlook, established himself in the hat, cap and fur business on Lake street, second door west of Clark street where he operated successfully until about 1850. Then selling out he invested the proceeds in a farm of 697 acres, embracing the present site of Kensington and which he secured for the sum of $5,000. Nine months later he sold, the bottom land — about 300 acres — to the Michigan Central Railway for the price which he had paid for the whole. For about ten years thereafter he engaged ill farming, and then sold out and coming to Danville invested a portion of his capital here where he has since made his home. Mr. Buhl has been engaged in different enter- prises since coming to Danville. He invested a portion of his capital in the lots embracing Nos. 117 to 123 or Last- Main street where he has put up buildings, the rents from which yield him a hand- some income. He has at different times owned considerable land in the county and has now eigh- teen acres of valuable land just outside the city limits. Although a sound Republican politically he has never sought office, but was twice elected to represent his ward in the City Council and has served as a member of the School Board. From these, however, he withdrew before the expiration of his term. During the Civil War his son Sidney served as a soldier in the Union Army. Mr. Buhl was married in Pennsylvania July 9, 1834, to Miss Eliza Ann McConaughy, and they became the parents of six children, four of whom are living, namely: Sidney. Frank. Emma and Laura, Mrs. Buhl was born in New Lisbon. Ohio. .Ian. 1, 1820, and is the daughter of James and Elizabeth McConaughy, with whom she lived in the Buckeye State until her marriage. Mr. McC, was a farmer by occupation and the parental house- hold included ten children — four sons and six daughters. Sidney Buhl, the only son of our sub- ject married Miss Sally Myers and they have one child, a daughter. Georgia; he is in the employ of the American Express Company. Frank is a resi- dent of Louisiana where he operates a fruit farm and nursery; Emma is the wife of William Myers, to whom she was married Jan. -1. 1888; Mr. M., is em- ployed as a, carriage salesman and the}' live in Danville. Laura was married June ."). 1883, to Mr. John Lawrence, a boot and shoe merchant, located 198 VERMILION COUNTY. at 117 East Main street. The daughters are mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Christian Buhl, the father of our subject, was a na- tive of Germany, and came to America when a young man, and settled near Zeleinople, Fa., where he en- gaged in the manufacture of hats. lie also became theownerof considerable land and spent the re- mainder of his life in that vicinity. Me had mar- ried Miss Fredrika Gearing and they reared a fam- ily of ten children, of whom Charles was about the fifth in order of birth, and of whom seven are now living. Mr. Buhl died in Pennsylvania at the ad- vanced age of eighty-seven years. His wife sur- vived him three years and was also eighty-seven years old at the time of her decease. ^[OIIX W. BANDY, junior member of the firm of Smith & Bandy, druggists, is also owner of the Bandy Block en Vermilion .' street. Danville, and is well-known to the citizens of the city and vicinity as representing some of its most important business interests, lie is a native of this place and was horn A [nil S, 1844. Of his father. William Bandy, one of the earliest pioneers of this county ami an aged vete- ran 6 f seventy-seven years, a sketch will he found elsewhere in this volume. The first four years of the lite of our subject weii' spent upon a farm and then the family re- moved to Danville, where John W., acquired a practical education in the common schools When approaching manhood lie entered the office of the Danville Plaindealer, then under the control of John Leslie and with whom he remained until the office was purchased by Judge Daniel Clapp. Young Bandy continued with the latter until 1864. That year he began the study of medicine with Dr. Samuel Humphrey as preceptor and after a time began practicing to a certain extent. lie, how- ever, concluded that he was better adapted to some other business than that of a physician, which resolution was strengthened by his failing haalth. He spent three or four years in recuperating and in 1872 engaged as clerk in the store of E. E. Boudi- not about five years. At the expiration of this time he was admitted to partnership with his em- ployer. Three years later he sold out to Mr. E. G. Smith, a native of Danville, and the only surviv- ing member of the family of Giles Smith. These gentlemen have been in partnership since thai lime and .Air. Bandy has been in the store since 1872. Mr. Bandy is a gentleman of great energy and enterprise, and has accumulated a good prop- erly, including one of the finest brick blocks ,in North Vermilion street which was erected in 1887, and is equipped with all modern improvements. Mr, Bandy was married in Danville, Sept. 28, 1864, to Miss Margaret Humphrey, who became the mother of one child and who died together with the child in 1865. Our subject contracted a second mat- rimonial alliance with Miss Mary A. Campbell, of Lafayette. Bid., Aug. 29, 1879. Of this union there was one ehihl. a son, Claude W., who was born Aug. 29, 1880. and is still living. Mrs. Man A. (Campbell) Bandy was bora June I, 1853, about fifteen miles southeast of Logansport, Ind.. and spent her childhood and youth in Indiana. Both .Mr. and Mrs. Band}' are members of good standing of the Kiniher Methodist Episcopal Church. Until about 1865 Mr. Bandy voted with the Republican party hut has since that time affiliated with the De- mocracy, lie has never had any ambition for office, preferring to give his best efforts to his business affairs. His home comprisesa neat residence in the northeast part of the city and as the son of a prom- inent family he occupies no secondary position in social and business circles. ENRY L. BUSHNELL is one of the leading and successful business men of lloopeslon. lie is the proprietor of the North Elevator, which has a capacity of 75,000 bushels. He also owns several other large elevators on the line of the Chicago A- Eastern Illinois Railroad. He is also general agent for the Brazil Block Coal Com- pany, handling from 2.500 to 3,000 cars yearly, besides his local trade. Mr. Bushnell was bom Oct. 2. 1S43. near what is now Dunlap. III., and there remained with his father until he left school to enter the army. He enlisted YFUMIL10N COUNTY. 19:) on July 2, 1862, in Company E, 77th Illinois In- fantry. This regiment was assigned to the 13th Army Corps, originally under Gen. Smith, but which was latterly under the command of Gen. Banks, and participated in the battles of Black River, Jackson, Champion Hill, Black River Bridge, the siege of Vicksburg, and also in the entire cam- paign which resulted in the opening of the Missis- sippi River. At Vicksburg he was wounded on the 22d of May, 1863, in the left, knee, after which he was in the field hospital until his recovery. The last seventeen months of the service he was Second Lieutenant of his company. While on the expedi- tion with Banks up the Red River, he was cap- tured at Mansfield, La., April 8, 1864, and taken to Camp Ford. Tyler. Tex., and was there held until the close of the war. While a prisoner of war he suf- fered untold hardships, which impaired his health, the effects of which lie feels to this day. After his ise he joined Ins regiment at Mobile, Ala.. Jan- uary, 1 865, 1 nit remained there lint a few days when he proceeded to St. Louis, where he was properly exchanged. Here he was detailed on Gen. Dodge's staff, remaining on this duty until Aug. 1. when he was mustered out of the service having served for several months more than his regular enlistment.. After leaving the army he returned to Peoria, 111., and engaged in the lumber business with his father. In this he continued for some time, having an ex- tensive trade, and becoming accustomed to railroad business in the mean time, he was appointed. Assis- tant General Freight Agent of the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad, with headquarters at Ter- re Haute. Ho continued in this capacity for five years, when in .Inly ISS.'J. he resigned and removed In Hoopeston where he has since been engaged in business, and it is not too broad an assertion to State that, he transacts more business that) any other man in Eastern Illinois. Mr. Bushnell has served his city as Mayor for two terms and for one term has been an Alderman, lie has also sen ed live years on the Board of Edu- cation, of which he i- now President, lie has never aspired to office but his great business talents are always in request by his neighbors, and he CH t see his way Vicar to refuse them. He is a hard- working Republican, i> recognized as a leader in his party, and can be found attending all it^ conven- tions and gatherings. lie is a member of the First Baptist Church and has been a Sunday-school Su- perintendent for twenty Near,-. On September is. 1867, Mr. Bushnell married Miss Hattie A. Littcll. of Peoria, and they have become the parents of ten children, two of whom only are living, six dying of diphtheria. The living are William F.. who was born .Ian. 25, 1872 and Jessie A., April 21. 1883. Airs. Bushnell was born in New York City. .March IS. 1844 ami is the daughter of Isaac Littell, who came West in 1855. In closing this brief sketch, it is proper to say that there are no more popular people in this section of the country than .Mr. and .Mrs. Bushnell. /^jHARLES M. BAUM, a native of this |( „ county, may usually be found at his well- v Vg^ regulated homestead on section 25. Be- sides general agriculture, he is largely interested in the breeding of draft horses and has been of signal service in elevating the standard of horse flesh in this part, of the State. Active, energetic and industrious, lie is a scion of the pioneer ele- ment which located in this county at an early day and assisted largely in its growth and develop- ment. There are some interesting facts connected with the family history of Mr. Baum which cannot by any means be properly omitted from this sketch. His father, Samuel Baura, a farmer by occupation, was born twenty-live miles SOUth of the city of Cincinnati, Ohio, and was the son of Charles Baum., supposed to have been born in Pennsyl- vania, whence he removed first to Ohio and later to Illinois. He was a gunsmith by trade, but after coming to this country occupied himself mostly as a farmer, and died' at the advanced age of ninety- eight years. Three of his seven children are yet living, and Samuel, the father of our subject, was the oldest of the family. Samuel Baum came to Illinois as early as 1828, and located on the Little Vermilion, near the present site of Indianola. The country then was very thinly settled and Vermil- ion County was considered quite a frontier. The 200 VERMILION COUNTY. journey was made overland in a Dearborn wagon, and they brought with them a bug-horned cow tied behind the wagon. The incidents of that long and wearisome journey, during which they camped and cooked by the wayside and slept in the wagons at night, and the after experiences, replete with toil and privation, if properly related, would fill a good-sized volume. The parents of our subject, however, possessed the hardy spirit requisite in the pioneers of '28 and entered with courage upon the task set before them. The mother was in her girlhood Miss Sarah Weaver, daughter of Michael Weaver, who also came to this county in 1828, and the young people were married in Ohio. Mr. Weaver prior to this time had served as a soldier in the War of 1812, and was greatly prospered as a tiller of the soil of Illinois, becoming one of Vermilion County's wealthiest men. Mrs. Bauin was the eldest of the eight children comprising the parental family, of whom only two are now living. The parents of our subject were married in 1823. Samuel Baum became a very successful farmer, the owner of 1,400 acres of land, and devoted him- self largely to stock-raising. After the labors of a well spent life he departed hence in March, 1861. The mother had passed to the silent land fourteen years previously, in 1817. Of the ten children born to them seven are still living. Charles M. was the sixth child anil was born Dec. 22, 1838, at the old homestead near Indianola. He pursued his first studies in the district school and in due time entered Bryant & Stratum's Commercial College, Indianapolis, from which he was graduated and at the age of twenty-two years began work for him- self on his father's farm. Our subject operated as a general agriculturist two years, then for one year turned his attention to shipping stock. In the meantime he went into Texas and purchased 500 Texas cattle, which he drove through the Indian Territory, in 18(16, to Chicago, consuming eight months on the journey. He disposed of his stock, then returning to New- town, this county, embarked in the mercantile business for two and one-half years. He then pur- chased ground for a sawmill and in company with -Robert Craig put up the necessary building, equip- ping it with machinery and operated the mill for two years. Then selling out he resumed his for- mer business as a live stock shipper and afterward farmed again for about two years. About this time Mr. Baum became interested in line horses and began importing Clydesdales from Canada and was thus occupied two years. After- wards he began breeding fine horses, for which his well-equipped farm of 200 acres affords every con- venience. He has thirty head mostly Clydesdales, including the Knight of Colander, imported* by Galbraith Bros., of .lanesville. Wis., and a very valuable registered mare imported by himself. Mr. Baum's horses are gaining an enviable reputa- tion in this part of the State. On the 22d of .March, 1869, our subject was united in marriage with Miss Mary .1., daughter of William and Emily (Vanderin) Craig, who were among the pioneer settlers of this county. Of this union there have been born live children: Grace, Ernest, Katie. Charles and Frank, all of whom are at home with their parents. Mr. Baum has been active in politics since becoming a voting citizen, and is proud to record the fact that his first Presi- dential candidate was the martyred President, Abraham Lincoln. He keeps himself well posteel upon the political issues of the day. and for twelve years has officiated as School Director in his dis- trict. He is President of the Newtown Horse and Cattle Fair and a member of the Clydesdale American Association, also for the Newtown Horse Protector Association. Me has been for the hist three years a Road Commissioner. It will thus be seen that he has made a good record as a citizen and is amply worthy of representation in the Bio- graphical Album of Vermilion County. attention is now directed is that of a man possessing some admirable traits of charac- ter and one whose course in life has been such as to command the esteem and confidence of all who have known him. During the vicissitudes of life he has spent many years in arduous labor, has handled probably a million dollars in money, has VERMILION COI'NTY. 201 dealt honestly and fairly by his fellow-men and should reap a large measure of consolation from ihe fact that comparatively few have made person- ally so clean and admirable record. There are few who have not experienced adversity in their strug- gle with the world, some more and some less, and while with some it has had the effect to make them sour and cynical, others have learned wisely from the lesson and in this respect at least come off con- querors in the struggle. Nature endowed Mr. Adams with those qualities of mind and heart, which have enabled him to make the best of cir- cumstances and leave the rest to Providence. The native place of our subject was not far from the New England coast in Sussex County, N. J., his birth occurring Sept. 25, 1817. He commenced the battle of life for himself at the early age of fourteen years, clerking in a store from that, time until a young man of twenty, lie then accompan- ied his father's family to Virginia and remained on a farm in the Old Dominion for a period of five years. Then leaving the parental roof he emi- grated to Orange Count}', N. Y., where he was employed as clerk in the grocery store of Mr. Reeve in Goshen. Two years later he established himself as a general merchant at Unionville in the same county and sold goods there for fifteen years. Mr. Adams finally becoming wearied of mer- cantile pursuits concluded he would seek" the farther West and settle upon a farm. Coming to this county, in 1857, he purchased 480 acres of land south of Fairmount* and put up the largest residence in this vicinity. Thereafter he occupied himself at farming ami merchandising until 188G, when on the account of the failing health of his wife he removed to Kansas, living there with a daughter one year and then returned to this county. Our subject in 1844 was united in marriage with Miss Amanda 1!.. a daughter of .Samuel King of Pennsylvania and a prominent farmer in his neigh- borhood. The ceremony took place at the home of the bride's mother in Philadelphia. This union resulted in the birth of three children, the eldest of whom, Frank A., was married and died leaving his widow with two children. Anna is the wife of Stanley Conklin, a member of the firm of Jarvis, Conklin & Co., in Kansas City. Mo., and they have two children. George ('.. married .Miss Nellie, daughter of Hiram Catlett of Vance Town- ship, and they have two children. Mrs Adams has been sorely afflicted with rheumatism, being in feeble health for the past twenty years and in 1884 was stricken with total blindness. She and her children are members of the Baptist Church in which Mr. Adams has been a Deacon for thirty years. In politics, Mr. Adams was first a Whig and later a Democrat. Although seventy-two years old he is in the enjoyment of good health and although having met with many reverses main- tains the cheerful and genial disposition which has always attracted to him numbers of warm friends. He appreciates the importance of pre- serving the family record and a few years ago wrote up a complete history of his life placing it, in the hands of his son. The father of our subject was Joseph Adams, a native of New Jersey and a farmer by ocupation. He married Miss Martha Post, a native of New- Jersey and they lived there until 1839. Then disposing of their interests in that State they re- moved to Spottsylvania County, Va., where the mother died at the age of fifty-two years. Joseph Adams spent his last years in Virginia and de- parted this life in July, 184,5. The parental household included eleven children, all of whom lived to mature years. Grandfather \dams was a prominent man in Sussex County, N.J. and held the position of Judge for some years. ~^>t^*-^*3>-£^$r>^z~^*e~. e|p^HOMAS D. McKEE, of OakwoOd Town- ™§l^l SQ iP' nas ^ or y ears been prominent in busi- v§s0/ ness circles, operating as lawyer, banker and farmer. His home is located on section 15. and the farm is chiefly devoted to stock-raising, an in- dustry which has always proved profitable in this section. Mr. McKee was born in New York Slate June 'J, 1833, at the old homestead of his parents. John C. and Jeanette (Stewart) McKee, the former of whom was a native also of the Empire State, and the mother of Scotland. John C. McKee was born in 1809, and died at, the age of seventy-six years. The paternal grand- 202 VERMILION COUNTY. father, Thomas McKee, was born about 1784 in Dryden, Tompkins Co.. N. Y.. where he spent his entire life, dying at the age of sixty-two years. The great-grandfather, James McKee, was born in the North of Ireland, and died at the age of ninety- six years. Grandfather John Stewart married a Miss Mcintosh and emigrated to America, settling near Dryden. N. Y.. where he engaged in farming and died at the age of sixty-two years. Thomas D. had the privilege of seeing all three of the old veterans. The parents of our subject were married in New York State, and afterwards lived upon the same farm which still remains in the family, and which is located on the old State Road four and one-half miles from Cortland, between the latter place and Ithica. The mother passed away in 1877, and the lather in 1885. Their family consisted of eleven children, all of whom grew to mature years, and of whom our subject is the eldest. Thomas I)., like his brothers and .sisters, attended the village school at McLean, and later was a student in Cortland Academy at Homer, N. Y. He prosecuted his law- studies in the State and National Law School at Poughkeepsie under I lie presidency of J. W. Fow- ler, from which he was graduated and then set out for the West. Mi'. McKee left his home in New York State in 1855, and going to Maysville, Wis., taught school there six months. Prior to this before leaving his native State he had been similarly occupied at South ^Cortland. In 1857 he went to Faribault, Minn., and platted Morristown together with sev- eral other towns, lie then migrated to St. Louis, Mo., and from there to Leavenworth, Kan., during the days of the troubles in the latter State and wit- neesed many scenes of violence, enacted on the soil of "bleeding Kansas." In that State he operated as a surveyor, and taught the first school estab- lished at Atchison. After a two-year's sojourn in that region he returned home, completed his law course in Poughkeepsie, and, in 1861, returning to Illinois, established himself at Homer, Champaign County, and began the practice of his chosen pro- fession. The next important event in the life of our sub- ject was his marriage with Miss Alary Groenendyke. and six or seven years afterwards the newly wedded pair established themselves at their present home stead. While at Homer Mr. McKee, in company with D. S. Pratt, established the bank at Homer, and later our subject purchased the interest of his partner therein. That same year through the speculation of his clerk the bank was obliged to close its doors. This individual had been trusted implicitly without bonds, and had made away with ¥23,000 in cash. Subsequently Mr. McKee became interested in farming pursuits and began operations on 240 acres of land, which amount has been augmented so that the farm now embraces C80 acres all in one body. It is all in productive condition, but largely de- voted to stock-raising — forty to fifty cattle in a year, about 200 head of swine and numbers of very flne imported Belgium horses. To Mr. and Mrs. McKee there were born five children, four of whom are living: Samuel G., Stewart T., Mallie and John, all at home with their parents. Our subject has been for many years the School Director in his district, and has served on the School Board in Homer for six years. He was President of the Town Board there for several terms, and it was largely through his influence that sidewalks were laid and shade trees were planted. He also labored assiduously in suppressing the liq- uor traffic. He votes the straight Republican ticket, and is uniformly in favor of those measures tending to elevate society and advance the inter- ests of the people. Mrs. .McKee is a very capable and estimable lady, with a good talent for business and is a member in good standing of the Presbyte- rian Church. Samuel Groenendyke, the father of Mrs. McKee, was born in Seneca County, N. Y., in 1803, and married Miss Lacy Thompson, of Cumberland County, Pa. In 1821 he removed with his family to the vicinity of Terre Haute. Ind., and thence to Vermillion County, Ind.. where he established his permanent home. He 'finally became 'he owner of nearly 2.000 acres of land. Later he established him- self as a general merchant at Eugene, and also had a branch store at Homer, 111. lie was very indus- trious and enterprising, and was the first pork- packer in his locality. He aided largely in encour- aging the various industries of the new country, Stock-Farm and Residence of J. W.Goodwii: ; SECS.2I,22, 26,27 & 28. Pi LOTTp,VERMI LION Co. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 2D7 and was prominent in liis community, being espec- ally well known bj the old settlers. The parental family included three children, two daughters and a son. Samuel, who is now a residenl of Eugene. Si OHN \V. GOODWINE is one of the leading fanners and stock-growers of Vermilion Count}', and the owner of one of its largesl and most valuable farms, finely located in the township of Pilot, his substantial resilience, with its attractive surroundings, being situated on section 2G. He is the son of a former well known prosperous pioneer of this section of the country, who was in his day an extensive land owner, and did much toward developing the vast agricultural resources of the county. The father was a native of Kentucky, of English descent, his parents having been earl}' pioneers of that State. In 1810 he went to Bartholomew ( ity. Ind., and was among its earliest settlers, subsequently removing from there to Warren County in the same State. In 1826 he came to Warren County while it was still in the hands of the pioneers, and located on government land, buy- ing at that time 200 acres. He built a log house for the shelter of his family and entered with char- acteristic zeal upon the development of a farm from the wild prairies, and from time to time in- creased its acreage till he became the possessor of 2,400 acres of fine farming land at the time of Ids death, so fortunate was he in his undertakings. He died March 8, 1851. His wife, who died in 1824, was a native of Germany, her maiden name being Elizabeth Snyder, and she came with her parents to this country when she was young. Of her mar- riage nine children were horn: James, Martha and John, the only ones now living. James married Sophia Buckels, of Warren County, Ind., where he is engaged in farming, and they have t'wt.' children — William. Christina, Indiana. Horace and Fre- mont; Martha married Richard Lyon, of Warren County, Ind., and they have three children — .John. Martha and Thomas. John Goodwine spent the early years of his life in his native Stale, gleaning such an education as was afforded by the pioneer scl Is of those days. and on the home farm a good practical training in the management of a farm. He came to Vermil- ion County March 15, 1848, and when he began an independent life for himself he had a better start than many fanner's sons, having inherited 300 acres from his father's estate. !'>ut notwithstanding such an advantage he worked with persevering en- ergy, and by wise management and a judicious ex- penditure of money he has become possessed of one o! ili: largesl and finest estates within the limits of Vermilion County, owning over 1,000 acres of highly improved land, besides having given his children 2,000. lie docs an extensive business in general farming, and makes a specialty of raising Short-horns, having a fine herd of highly graded cattle of that breed. Mr. Goodwine has been twice married. His first wife was Jane Charleton, of Indiana, and to them were born five children — Marion, John, Jann s, Mary J. and Fremont. Marion married Susan Sel- sor. and lives in Marysville, this count}-. They have five children, one of whom is dead; the others are Hattie, Fred, Daly E. and Ary; John married Mary Alexander, and they had one child, Annie ; his first wife died October, 1872, and about 1874 he was again married to Miss Alice Lane, and they have six children — John, Wilber, Nora, Ulysses, Cora and Villa; James, a farmer in this county, married Minerva King, of New Jersey, and they have three children — Nellie, Roy and Coldie; Mary J. mar- ried James M. Tillotson, of Warren County, Ind.. now a farmer in Louisiana, and they have three children — Jessie. Estella and Mabel. The maiden name of the present wife of oursuh- ject was Arminda Sperry. and she was born in this county Dec. 24, 1842. Her parents, Erastus and liuth (Rees) Sperry, -.Mae of German antecedents though they were horn in this country, the father in Ohio June :!. 1819, and the mother in Indiana Aug. 19, l came to this county, and settled three miles south of Fairmount. They became the parents of seven children, four of whom are living, and the mother departed this life in 1884. The paternal grandfather of our subject emi- grated from Prince Edward County, Va., to Mason County, Ky.jn 181-1, during the period of its earliest settlement. He there spent the remainder of his life, dying in 18-13. In the meantime he served as a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and had a son, Pleasant Baldwin, who carried a musket in the War of 1812. The latter died in 1880. The early education of John R. Baldwin was obtained partly in Kentucky and partly in Ohio, and he remained a member of the parental house- hold until the time of his marriage. This interest- ing event was celebrated Feb. 22. L850, the bride being Miss Catherine J., daughter of Nathan (Haze, of Maryland. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin settled on a rented farm near Ripley. Ohio, where they lived until 1856. They then re- moved to a farm which Mr. Baldwin had purchased on Straight Creek Ridge, Ohio, and which he partly improved and sold at a good profit two years later. The next two jears he operated as a renter, then purchased more land, which he sold at war prices. At. the expiration of this time Mr. Baldwin, de- termining to see something of the Western country. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 209 came to Illinois, and after viewing the country went back home, published his sale of personal property, established his family in Ripley, and in May, 1865, started out on another tour of investi- gation. This time he was accompanied by his father, they boarding a boat at Ripley which con- veyed them to St. Louis and thence to Rockporl Landing. Mo. They were prevented from landing at Lexington on account of the bushwhackers, who were unaware that the war was over. They next pursued their travels by stage and hack to St. Jo- seph, thence to Quincy and Chicago, 111., and from there by way of Indianapolis and Cincinnati home. Having seen so many different places, and all with some advantages, our subject now found him- self in a dilemma as to where it was best to settle. He finally concluded to remain in Ohio until he could get all his money together. He rented a farm and commenced dealing extensively in horses and cattle, shipping to Cincinnati and realizing handsome returns. The fall of 1868 again found him Westward hound, and passing through this county. From here he went to .Southern Missouri by way of Kansas City, and gravitated back to this county via St. Louis and the Illinois Central Rail- road. He found nothing in his opinion superior to this region, and accordingly rented a house in Fairmount. and returning to Ohio had collected, by the 11th of March, 1861), all his money, and re- turned to this county. He did not then intend to invest his capital here, and in less than two weeks had loaned about $4,000. He finally purchased the land comprising his present homestead, and which was embellished with the best dwelling on the prai- rie. His stock shipping operations have extended as far East as Boston and Albany, N. Y., and he has probably sold more young horses than any other man in his neighborhood, these being shipped largely to Pennsylvania buyers, who come to him and make their purchases at first hands. During the last ten years Mr. Baldwin has operated as a breeder, and sold four colts of his own raising to Pennsylvania buyers for $850. He does no more shipping, but since abandoning this, has sold sixteen head of horses for over $3,400, be- sides three carloads at from $150 to $190 each. ( )ne remarkable circumstance in his career i> the fact, thai in Ohio he never lost but *10 in his horse operations. Since coming to Illinois he lias handled large numbers of valuable horses without loss. In one carload he losl $262, but made it all right on the next shipment. Of the twelve children born to our subject and his estimable wife nine are living: Charles N., the eldest, married Miss Susie Guilder, is the father of three children, and lives two and one-half miles southwest of Danville; Mary .1., the wife of Bar- ton Elliott, is the mother of three children, and they live a half mile east of Fairmount; J. Henry married Mi>s Lizzie Price, is the father of six chil- dren, and lives three miles south of Fairmount,; Emma Belle, Mrs. William Hill, lives in Oakwood Township, and is the mother of one child; Laura F. married Edwin North, and they live in Side] I, without children; Cora I... Mrs. Lincoln Smith, has no children, and they live three and one-half miles northwest of Fairmount; Lizzie, Oscar G. and Rob- ert L. remain at home with their parents. Mrs. Baldwin was the fifth child of her parents, and was born Aug. 31, 1829, in Brown County. Ohio. Her father, a prominent man in his neigh- borhood, came to Illinois in the spring of 1866, and died in Hancock County, in 1883, in the nine- tieth year of his age. The mother survived her hus- band five years, dying in 1888, in Hancock County at the advanced age of ninety-two. Their family consisted of four daughters and six sons. Mrs. Baldwin's people on both sides of the house were largely represented, many of them living to a great age. Her grandfather on her mother's side was the father of nine children, four of whom lived to be from eighty to eighty-eight years old; their united ages being 3:52. Her father, Nathan Glaze, served as a soldier in the Vfav of 1812, and was a pensioner at the time of his death. Both he and his wife were members of the Christian Church for the long period of sixty years. Mrs. Baldwin has been a member of the Baptist Church. Conservative in politics, Mr. Baldwin votes the Straight Republican ticket, and recalls the fact that the largest and most enthusiastic political meeting which he ever attended, was one held in the inter- ests of William Henry Harrison, in 1 840, at Ripley, Brown Co., Ohio, when .Mr. Baldwin was a lad of 210 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPAICAL ALBUM. twelve years. He has mixed very little in public life with the exception of serving as School Di- rector twelve years. His interests have chiefly centered in live stock, and he has been a prominent worker in the County Fair Association. I lis con- nection with this in Ohio extended from 1853 to 1867, and in Illinois from 1869 to 1886. He was for four years a member of the Board of Directors of Vermilion County Agricultural and Mechanical Association at Danville, ami took an important part in the discussion of the matters pertaining to its best interests. He is a Royal Arch Mason, be- longing to Homer Lodge Chapter, and in Fair- mount is a member of lodge number 590, in which he has served as Master for two years, having passed all the Chairs. He is a stockholder in the Homer Agricultural Fair Association. -€-*-B" S^l DMUND P.JONES has a valuable farm in |t<] Danville Township, pleasantly located four /jj^rj 1 miles southeast of the city in the center of a rich agricultural region. He is a fine type of the sturdy, intelligent, self-reliant natives of Ver- milion County who were born here in the early days of its settlement, reared amid its pioneer scenes, and after attaining a stalwart manhood, took their place among its practical, wide awake citizens and have ever since been active in devel- oping and sustaining its many and varied interests. The subject of this sketch comes of good pioneer slock, and both his paternal and maternal ancestry were early settlers of Kentucky, and there his fa- ther and mother, William and .lane (Martin) Jones were born, the former in Harrison County, Feb. 24, 1796, and the latter April 15, 1795. They were united in marriage Jan. 23, 1816, and con- tinued to reside in their native State till 1828, when with their six children they came to Illinois with a team and cast in their fortunes with the earl}' pioneers of Vermilion County, locating near Danville, in Danville Township. They lived a short time on section 16, and then the father bought a tract of land on section 11. It was heav- ily timbered, and the family lived in a rail-pen for a time as a temporary shelter, and then Mr. Jones built a log house on the place, and in that bumble abode the subject of this sketch was born .Ian. 13, 1830. The father improved a part of his land, and a few years later removed to another place, and resided in different parts of the town till his demise, Oct. 30, 1859. A faithful citizen was thus lost to the community, one who had led an honest, sober-minded life, and was deserving of the respect accorded to him. His worthy wife survived him till Sept. 10. 1867, when she too passed away at the home of our subject. The fol- lowing is recorded of the eight children born to them: John P. is deceased; Elizabeth is the wife of Henry Sallee, of Oakwood Township; Joseph M. is deceased; Sarah A. married Dennis Olehy. and is now deceased; William Perry and Mazy J. are deceased; Edmund P. is the subject of this sketch; Thomas J. lives in Oakwood Township. The subject of this sketch remembers well the wildness of the country around about as it first ap- peared to him when he became old enough to observe his surroundings, and the beautiful scene presented by the virgin prairie and primeval for- est before civilization had wrought its marvelous changes, is indellibly impressed on his mind. Deer, wild turkeys and other game were plentiful and roamed at will, unless brought down by the uner- ring aim of the hunter anxious to replenish the scant larder in his humble pioneer home. There were no railways for many years after our subject's first recollection, and the nearest market was at Chicago, 125 miles distant, till after the canal was finished, and then produce was taken to Perrys- ville, Ind. The farmers of those days hail to con- duct their agricultural operations in the most, prim- itive manner, and Mr. Jones says that when he was young grain was cut with a sickle, and when the cradle came into use that was considered a great improvement, and the present harvesting machine was undreamed of. Threshing machines were then unknown, and the grain was either trampled out by horses or else whipped out by Hails. The plows in use had wooden mold-boards, and all corn was dropped by hand and covered with a hoe. while grass was cut with a scythe and hay was pitched with a wooden fork. Nor was the work of the busy housewife lightened bv modern improve- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 21 1 incuts. The good mother cooked the food before the 6re in the old-fashioned fireplace, and used to spin, weave and make all the cloth for the family. The intelligent pioneers early sought to give their children educational advantages, and the lir.st schools were conducted in rude log school-l ses provided with seats made of puncheon with wooden pins for legs, and the window comprising an opening from which a log had been removed and greased paper inserted through which the light had to penetrate, and a large fireplace, the chimney of stick and clay, for heating purposes. In such a structure our subject gleaned his educa- tion, lie commenced in his boyhood to assist his father on the farm, and gained from him a thor- ough practical knowledge of farming in all its branches. He remained an inmate of the parental household till he attained man's estate and then started out in life for himself by renting land and carried on agriculture thereon for a while. At the time of his marriage he went to Iroquois County and settled on a tract of wild land there, remaining till 1859, when he returned to Vermil- ion County, and in 18(!1 he bought forty acres of land on section 13 of Danville Township. It was partly fenced and a few acres had been broken, hut aside from that no improvements had been made, nut even any buildings had been erected. lie built a frame houseon forty acres adjoining his original purchase, and has since bought other land, till he now has 220 acres, under excellent cultiva- tion and capable of producing large crops. His resi 'eiice. a well built house, is located on section 12. and he has other substantial buildings, and everything about the place is conveniently ar- ranged and .veil ordered. Mr. Jones has been twice married, lb; was first wedded Out. 19, 1854, to Sarah A. Cox, who was, like himself, a native of Danville Township, born May .">, 1831. she closed her eyes to the scenes of earth altera brief and happj married life, dying in Iroquois County, Nov. 11, 1858. Mr. . I ones was married to his present wib'. formerly Mary K. Villars, Feb. 21, 1861. Mrs. Jones is a native of i Hilton County. Ohio, bom Dec. 11, 1810, to William and Ruth (Whitaker) Villars (sec sketch of William Villars l"i parental history). Mr. and Mrs. Jones have had six children, four of whom are living, as follows: Rosa Belle married Joshua ( Mehy.of Danville Township: John W. married Mary J. Rouse, and they live in Danville Township; Lillie A. married Albert E. Villars of Newell Township; Clark S. is at home with his parents. Mr. Jones is a man of self-respecting, energetic character, well dowered with firmness and decision, and his conduct in all the various relations of life is such as to inspire the trust and esteem of all with whom he comes in contact either in a busi- ness or in a social way. He and his wife belong to the Pleasant Grove United Brethren Church, and are active in aiding their pastor and fellow-inem- bers in any good work, and they are always to be found on the side of the right. In him the Dem- ocratic party in this section of the country find a stanch ally. i^F^IIOMAS LEE. Among others who came to Central Illinois during the period of its pio- '■' ncership was the sturdy English-born citizen with the substantial traits of character handed down to him by his ancestors, the qualities of industry and perseverance, which were bound to win. He as- sisted in the development of the soil, in the build- ing up of communities, and almost without an ex- ception acquired a competence. Mr. Lee is one of the representative men of his nationality and an early settler. He came to Illinois in 185G and took up his residence in Vermilion County in 1874 on section 32, township 2.'5, range 12. During the pe- riod of his fifteen years' residence here he has opened up a good farm of 120 acres and secured himself against want in his old age. Our subject was horn in Devonshire, England, Sept. 17, 1838, and lived there until approaching the eighteenth year of his age. He was the first child of the family to leave home, and the occasion was one naturally mixed with regret and some ap- prehensions. Embarking at Liverpool, he made the long voyage across the Atlantic in safety, land- ing in New York, and proceeded directly to Illinois, locating first in Peoria County. He worked on a farm there several years, and about 18(J0 changed 212 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. his residence to Woodford County. In that county he purchased wild land, where he opened up a good farm and lived about twelve years. During this time he put up good buildings, planted an orchard, fenced his land, and, in fact, effected the improve- ments naturally suggested to the progressive agri- culturist. In Woodford County, 111., our subject was mar- ried, March 8, 1862, to Miss Grace Huxtable. The young people began life together on the new farm, and after selling out, Mr. Lee traveled all over the West and the Pacific Slope, but came back to Illi- nois, not being able to find any section of country which suited him better. He then came to this count}' and purchased the farm where he now lives. There were no buildings upon it to speak of, but he soon provided a shelter for his family, and here he has since remained, carrying on general farming and stock-raising successfully. He cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1860, and has since been a stanch supporter of the Republican part}'. He believes in the doctrines of the Baptist Church, of which he is a member, attending services at Hoopes- ton. Seven of the eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. Lee are still living — Herschel J., Lizzie, Clarence, Delraer, Newton, Jennie and Morris. The eldest son has been in the farther West for the past four years. Lizzie became the wife of Loren Briggs, and they live on a farm west of the Lee homestead ; they have two children. Clarence married Miss Ada Redden and lives in Butler Township. The other children are at home with their parents. Mrs. Lee was likewise born in Devonshire in 1843, and came to America with her father when a child of nine years, the family settling on Kickapoo Prairie. The father farmed there for a time and then re- moved with his family to Woodford County, where Mr. Lee made the acquaintance of his future wife. Mr. Huxtable, also a native of Devonshire, came to America in 1852, and carried on farming in Wood- ford County until 1 887. Then, retiring from active labor, he took up his residence in Benson, Wood- ford County, where he now lives and is married to his second wife. His first wife died in England. William Lee, the father of our subject, also a na- tive of Devonshire, England, spent his entire life there. He married Miss Susanna Davey, and they became the parents of five sons and three daugh- ters, all of whom, with the exception of two daugh- ters, came to America, together with the mother, who died in Benson in January, 1888. rILLIAM DICKINSON, an honored resi- dent and well-to-do farmer of Catlin Town- ship, is numbered among the far-sighted men of practical ability and cool judgment, who have been instrumental in promoting its growth, and making it a rich agricultural centre. He owns a well-orderod farm on section 26, every acre of which is highly cultivated, and. with its neat build- ings and other appointments, it does not compare unfavorably with the many other fine farms of which Vermilion County can boast. Here Mr. Dickinson has passed thirty-six of the best years of his life, coming here while yet in the prime of a stalwart manhood, and that these years have been well spent in diligent and cheerful labor, is shown by the substantial home that he has built up, in which, now that the infirmities of age are upon him, he can rest from his toils, and enjoy its comforts with- out the necessity of labor and drudgery. Our subject is of English antecedents and birth. His parents, John and Hannah Dickinson, were both natives of England, and they died in Lincoln- shire. Their son, William Dickinson, of whom this sketch is written, was born in the old home in Lin- colnshire, April 27, 1819, and amid its pleasant surroundings, he grew to man's estate. He early engaged in farming, and became quite a farmer before he left the old country to try life in the new world, coming here in 1853, landing in New York city the first day of May. He came directly to Vermilion County in this State, having previously heard of its wonderful agricultural resources, and has been engaged in tilling the land in Catlin Town- ship ever since, though on account of his advanced age he has retired somewhat from the active duties of the management of his estate. His farm com- prises 197 acres of choice land, well cultivated and supplied with all the necessary buildings and ma- PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. •_' 1 3 chinery, and is indeed one of the most desirable places in fcbe vicinil \ . Mr. Dickinson was a married man when he emi- grated to this country, lie having been previously wedded in the historical old town of Boston, in Lincolnshire, to Miss Emma Barker, :i native of that shire. Ten children were born of their union, as follows: Harriet A., wife of Frederic Jones, whose sketch appears on another page of this vol- ume; Elizabeth M., wife of George Stonebraker; William, who married Callie I. alien; Emma, the wife of Arthur Jones, whose sketch appears on another page of this work; .lames; Matilda, the wife of .lames Bentley: Henry, Hannah B., John and Joseph. Aug. 14, 1MSRANKLIN BALDWIN. It must be ad- -nfe> mitted that although no man attains to suc- \ cess without encountering difficulties and drawbacks, life still has its compensations, espec- ially when the individual has chosen that wise path of rectitude and honor which has led him to a po- sition where he is looked upon by his fellow men with confidence and esteem. The career of Mr. Baldwin has been pregnant with interesting events and experiences, some of them dark and trying and some of them filled in with a large meas- ure of satisfaction. The former served to devel- op the naturally strong points of a substantial character while the latter have shown like the sun upon a rugged mountain side, rounding up the whole to a complete end. The native place of our subject was in the vicin- ity of Decatur, Ohio, and the date of his birth, April 26, 1832. When he was a mere child his parents set out for the West and after landing in Grant County, Ind., stopped there and raised one crop. In the spring of 1838 they folded their tents for a further journey Westward, starting out I'OliTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 2 1 5 with a four-horse team and taking with them their household g Is and a quantity of provisions. Arriving at the Wabash River at Covington, thej then loaded their belongings on ton terry boat. The wind being strong and the river high, thej canie very near being capsized and drowned and received such a fright that our subject distinctly remembers the event to this day. Thej succeeded however, in making the crossing in safety and ar- rived in this county on the 30th day of March. stopping at Danville, that place then being a very small town. 'The country around was compara- tively unsettled, the cabins of the pioneers being few and far between. There was oiiI\ one or two wag- on roads and wild animals were plentiful. The fel- low feeling which makes all man kin prevailed, and each new comer was greeted with a heartiness which made him feel welcome. The father of our subject died the succeeding fall and the family were left to struggle along as best as they could under the stress of limited means, and the hard- ships and difficulties of life on the frontier. The mother was a lady of more than ordinary capacity and by careful management kept her family to- gether until they were old enough to take care of themselves. Finally, laying aside the cares and labors of life she removed to the home of her daughter in Dallas County. Iowa, where her death took place at the age of seventy -six yens. The subject of this sketch acquired his educa- tion mostly in the subscription schools. When fif- teen years old the mother broke up housekeeping and Franklin began working out by the day. month and job, and managed to maintain himself very comfortably, splitting wood by the cord, plowing, sowing and gathering in the harvest. In the fall of 1856, he took an important step toward establishing a home of his own. being married to .Miss Edith a .lane, daughter of John and Polly (Stewart) Naylor. The newly wedded pair took up their residence near Yankee Point and Mr. Baldwin occupied himself as before, until 1864, when he purchased a tract of land from which he built up a good farm and which he occupied for a period of twenty-one years. In January, 1886, lie and his estimable wife decided, and wisely, they would retire from active labor, and accordingly leaving the farm removed to the new village ol Sidell, of which they have since been residents. Mr. Baldwin in the fall of 1885, purchased from Sanson RawlillgS a stock id' hardware and has since been engaged in trade, building up a good patron- age. In the year 1887, he completed a neat res- idence on Fast Market, street and with ample means and all the comforts of life, is enabled to live eas- ily and enjoy the fruits of his early industry. Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin became the parents of nine children, the eldest of whom, John M., mar- ried Miss Lucy Thornton and is farming in Car- roll Township, they have three children; Ferry A., married Miss Sarah E. Lawrence and occupies the homestead; they have four children — Maude. Ellen Lester, and Rosa: Charles M.. married Miss Emily ( rices, and they are tile parents of one child; he conducts a grocery store in Sidell; William A. and Wilbur A. were twins,] the former is farming in Sidell Township, and Wilbur is with his brother Charles in the grocery; Benjamin lives at the home- stead; Norah E., died at the age of eighteen months ; Robert W., is in Carroll Township with his brother John. The father of our subject was in his early man- hood an old line Whig, and Franklin remembers the election of 1840, when tin; grandfather of Pres- ident Harrison was elevated to the first position in the land, lie cast his first Presidential vote for J. C. Fremont, and, was a staunch supporter of Re- publican principles. James Baldwin, the father of our subject, mar- ried Miss Rachel Parry and both were natives of Brown County, Ohio. The paternal grandfather, John Baldwin, came from England prior to the War of 1812, and settled near Ripley in Brown County, Ohio. The grandfather of our subject participated in the above war. enlisting at the aye of twenty-one years, after Hull's surrender. The father of our subject came to this county in the spring of 183S. and rented a pari, of the Draper farm, but died the ensuing fall when Franklin was a lad of six years. There were eleven other chil- dren, one of whom, the youngest born. William, died at the age of three years. The remaining children of the parental family of our subject are recorded as follows: Caroline, the 2 1 6 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. eldest, is a resident of Madison County. Iowa, and is seventy- four years old; Amanda lives in Marys- ville, this State, and is aged seventy-two; Polly, sixty five years of age, is a resident of Georgetown. III.; Jane, aged fifty-five is a resident of Dallas Count}', Iowa; Thomas lives at Yankee Point, this county, and is fifty-nine years old. He and our subject are the only two sons living. The other children were named respectively, Elizabeth, Dari- us. John N.. James and Elijah. Mrs. Baldwin's father was horn in Ohio, and her mother in Ireland. Mrs. Baldwin was born in Ver- million County, Iii«l.. June 11, 1840, and there spent her childhood and youth, attending the com- mon school and being trained by an excellent mother to those housewifely duties, a knowledge of which is essential in a well-ordered household. She has stood bravely by her husband in his toils and struggles and he avers that it is owing largely to her good sense and wise counsels that he has been enabled to attain to his present position, so- cially and financially. They take a natural and pardonable pride in their fine family of children to whom they have given all the advantages in their power. Mr. Baldwin believes in education and has carried out his sentiments in this respect in providing his children with good schooling. The family is widely and favorably known throughout Sidcll Township ami vicinity where they count their friends by the score. ¥ WILLIAM McBROOM occupies a high place among the venerable and honored citizens of Catlin Township, and though not among the earliest settlers of this part of Vermilion County, lie may be denominated one of its pioneers. He is still living on the pleasant tract of land on section :;."}, that at the time of his purchase formed a part of the wild prairie, and which he has since im- proved into a tine farm. He and his wife are serenelj passing their declining years in one of the cosiest and neatest homes in this community, where they are held in respect, and affection by the many who know them. Mr. McBroom is a Kentuckiau b\ birth, born in Preston County April 28, 1815, the eldest of the five children of Joseph and Phebe (Young) Mc- Broom, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Chilicothe, Ohio. After their marriage they had settled in Preston County, Ky.. and thence they removed to Crawfordsville, Ind.. in 1827, be- coming early settlers of that place. Mr. McBroom bought a tract of land, and cleared forty acres of it where the city now stands. He was a man of considerable enterprise, and besides engaging m agriculture, he made brick in that locality for four years, operating two brickyards at a time, and making the first brick that was ever made in that county. His useful career was closed in 1841, in the home that he built up there in Montgomery County, and a valued citizen was then lost to the community. His wife survived him several years, but for fourteen years previous to her death, which occurred in Cass County, Neb., at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Sarah Young, she was an invalid. Our subject was still in his boyhood when his parents took him to Crawfordsville, Ind., and there he grew to maturity, developing into a strong. shrewd, capable man. He learned the trade of wagon-making in that county, and followed it exclusively for a long term of years, finding it quite profitable. He removed to Tippecanoe County, and was engaged in his trade there, manu- facturing wagons for some ten years. He then re- turned to Montgomery County, where he resided until the month of October, 1854, when he came to Vermilion County, and settled in Catlin Township, purposing to give his attention to agriculture on this rich, alluvial soil, and he has ever since made his home here. He owns 120 acres of land that is very fertile and productive, and is supplied with a good set of buildings; everything about the place is orderly, and the farm is under good manage- ment. Mr. McBroom has been three times married. The maiden name of the wife of his early manh 1 was Uhoda Ann Stover, and she was. like himself, a native of Kentucky. She bore him one child, which died in infancy, and, the mother dying also, both were buried in the same grave. Mr. McBroom was married a second time in Montgomery County. Mrs. Elizabeth Boyd becoming his wife; she was a PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 2i ; daughter of Joseph Hanks. To them three eliil-" (Iron were born — Joseph. John and Thomas, the latter dying when about a year old. Mrs. Mr- Broom departed this life in Tippecanoe County, hid., in 1848. Our subject was married to his present wife in that county March 13, 1851. Her maiden name was Emily Allen. She was the daughter of the late Judge William and Susan (Spurgeon) Allen, and widow of Jacob Snyder. lie died in Montgomery County Nov. 17. 1846. She had by her first marriage four children — Sarah, Susan. Ivea Ann. Amanda M. Sarah was the wife of Arthur ('. Schocky, and she died in Kansas. Mrs. McBroom's parents were natives of Ken- tucky, and she was the sixth of their ten children. She was born in Bourbon County, Ky., May 20, 1818. By her marriage with our subject she has had six children, as follows: Phoebe K.. Alfred. Franklin, Josephine, William and Eddie J. Phoebe and Franklin are deceased. Although Mr. and Mrs. McBroom are well ad- vanced in years, the snows of age have not yet chilled their hearts or deadened their sympathies towards the needy and suffering. They still take an active interest in the affairs of the day. and keep well posted on topics of general interest. Mr. McBroom's career in life has been a useful one to himself and to the community at large, as he has contributed his quota towards its upbuilding, and has always acted the part of a good citizen. He is decided in his political views, and is a faithful ad- herent of the Democratic party. fINSON R. BOARDMAN. Occasionally we find a man who has had the enterprise to see something of the world before settling down to the sterner duties of life, as in the case of the subject of this notice. He has been quite a traveler throughout the Western country, and Spent a number of years on the Pacific Slope. lie came to this county in the fall of 1840, and settled on this farm in L859, where he lias 2G5 acres of choice land on section 2(j, township 2."S, range 12. This has been his home for the long period of thirty-five years, and he is still on the sunny side of seventy, surrounded by all Hie comforts of life, and blest with the esteem and confidence of bis fellow citizens. Air. Boardman was born in Ontario County, N. V.. .May :'., 1822, and there spent his youthful days, acquiring a practical education in the com- mon school. He was bred to farming pursuits. In the spring of 1849, young Boardman decided to visit California, and. purchasing an ox team at In- dependence, Mo., started across the plains with a company of 125 men. They." crossed the Missouri River at St. Joseph, and followed the usual trail taken by emigrants. They were five months on the road, but at the end of that time 12:! of the men were scattered to different places, only our subject and one man reaching their destination in company. The others finally drifted to the same place after having wandered around north of the Sacramento River. Upon his arrival in California, our subject en- gaged in mining from early in the fall until late in the winter, then went down to Nappa, when there was only one building in Sacramento but acres of tents. He staid there with an attack of fever, which lasted about four weeks, and then en- tered the employ of the proprietor of the city, with whom he remained, hauling lumber at $150 per month until fall, when he made his way to Oregon, where he spent the winter. Inthespring he entered the mines of Northern California, hut with rather poor success, then returned to Oregon, but finally went hack to California and rented land, where he carried on agriculture until returning home. This return journey was made by our subject via the water route, across the isthmus to New Orleans, and up the Mississippi, Mi-. Boardman arriving in this county again in the spring of 1853. Thai year he visited New York State. Subsequently Mr. Boardman employed himself at farming, hav- ing in view the establishment of a home of his own. and on the Kith of November, 1854, was united in marriage with Mrs. Susan Carter. Soon afterward he settled on his present farm, where he has since made his home, although the farm did not equal its present dimensions, having been added to both by himself and his sons. To Mr. and Mrs. Boardman there were born four 218 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. children, all of whom are living. Inez is the wife of Thomas Evans, and they are residing in Grant Township; Herbert V. and Ernest C. are at home with their father; Marcus A. is traveling Auditor for the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad Com- pany. Mr. Boardman has been for a number of years a member of the Presbyterian Church at Rossville, and politically gives his support to the Republican party. He is a man quiet and unosten- tatious in his manner of living, and has been con- tent to pursue the even tenor of bis way, making very little stir in the world, and never seeking po- litical preferment. The parents of our subject were Jesse C. and Mary (Runyon) Boardman, the former a native of Connecticut. When about eight or nine years old he removed with bis parents to New York State, where he was married and settled on a farm in Ontario County. His wife, the mother of our subject, died there when the latter was four years old. Jesse Boardman spent his last days near Rushville, Ontario County, and departed this life when about sixty-seven years old. JfOHN E. SMITH is classed among the able and highly intelligent young farmers of Ver- milion County, who are active in sustaining and extending its great agricultural inter- ests. His well appointed farm on section 26, Pilot Township, is in all respects finely improved, and compares well with other estates in the vicinity. He has stocked it with cattle, horses and hogs of fine grades, and he is cultivating it with good re- sults so as to make money. He is a native born citizen of this county, Dec. 3, 1854, being the date of his birth. His father, George G. Smith, was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, Aug. 31, 1828, and he came to this county in company with his parents, who were of German antecedents and birth, in 1836. They thus became the pioneers of Vermilion County, and were respected residents here till death closed their earthly career, the grand- father of our subject dying in 1864, and the grand- mother in 1842. The following is recorded of the nine children born to the parents of our subject: Elizabeth married George Wilson, of Ohio, now a farmer of Blount Township, and they have two children; Elias 1).. a farmer of Blount Township, married Clara Smith and they have three children; Sarah lives with her parents; Eva married Andrew Lanham, of Blount Township, now of Ross Town- ship, and they have one child; Wesley, a fanner. married Emma Sperry, of Blount Township, and they have one child; Marshall. Woodard and Jo- sephine are the others. John Smith received the preliminaries of a sound education in the public schools, which he attended till he was twenty-one j-ears old, and then being ambitious to advance still farther in his studies, he attended the State Normal School, where he pur- sued an excellent literary course that thoroughly fitted him for the profession of teaching that he afterward adopted. He was successfully engaged at that vocation eight years, but after marriage he abandoned it to give his attention to agriculture, and bought eighty acres of finely improved fann- ing land. He subsequently sold that and pur- chased his present farm of 160 acres of land equally good, and well adapted to general farming. It is under high cultivation, and is provided with a comfortable, conveniently arranged set of farm buildings. Mr. Smith has much financial capacity, is en- dowed with good mental qualities that have been stimulated by a liberal education, and he carries on his farming operations with intelligent skill that will one day place him among the wealthy and substantial citizens of this township, if he prospers as he has heretofore done. In his politics he is an ardent champion of the Democratic party, and has been since the days when he cast his first vote for Samuel J. Tilden, the great New York statesman, his last vote for president being in favor of G rover Cleveland. The marriage of Mr. Smith with .Miss Mary E. Eirebaugh, of Blount Township, occurred March 25, 1876. She was born Dec. 11, 1853, in the aforementioned township, her parents being Wil- liam R. and Melvia (Flora) Eirebaugh, the father being of German descent. They emigrated from Ohio to Indiana, and thence to Illinois. The mo- ther departed this life in 1872. The father still PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 219 resides in this county. They were the parents of five children: Curtis married Christina Porter, of this county, and they have two children ; Elizabeth married George Snyder, of this county, now liv- ing in Oakwood Township, and they have two children; Robert, a farmer, married Leo Fairchilds, of Blount Township, and they have two children. Emma married Milton Fairchilds, of Blount Town- ship. The following is the record of the five chil- dren born of the pleasant wedded life of Mr. and Mrs Smith: Irvin W., was born June 3,1877: Edwin R., Jan. 23, 1H79; Alfred G.. Jan 9, 1881; Everett J., Sept. 5, 1881; Alga, Nov. 6, 1886. LLEN T. CATIIERWOOD is one of the most prominent and busy men of Hoopes- t!' ton, having large interests in various branches of industry in the town. He is one of the originators and present owner of the Hoopeston Canning Factory, and is also its Gen- eral Manager. This enterprise was inaugurated in 1 882, and at first was operated on a small scale, but has gradually increased until it has become a very important factor in the business interests of Hoopeston. Last year the establishment used about 2,000 acres of corn and peas, being all raised by the company, which is composed of Mr. Catherwood, J, S. McFerren and A.H.Trego. The concern furnishes employment to 300 people and fifty teams, and the output of corn alone last year amounted to 2,500,000 cans. The value of the plant and stock is given at *1 50,000. Mr. Catherwood is also engaged in the grain business on the line of the Lake Erie and Western Railroad, on which road he owns large elevators at different points, having associated with him partners at each place. He also owns a large grain farm of 1.520 acres in the State of In- diana in company with Mr. Williams. It will be seen that Mr. Catherwood has a large business, which is composed of grain handling, farming and manufacturing, and, it is safe to say, that there is no man in this part of the. country r better able to handle these immense interests. He has held dif- ferent public offices, and here shows his capacity i for doing business for others as well as for himself. He was made Chairman to investigate the differ- ent plans of waterworks, with a view to the selec- tion of the best for Hoopeston. He visited differ- ent places in the country, and after a decision was finally reached, which practically embodied his recommendations, he was given the general super- vision of the erection of the waterworks. With his partner, Mr. Trego, this important improvement reached a successful completion. Mr. Catherwood was born in Belmont County, Ohio, Dec. 15, 1842, and when fifteen years of age, and two years after the death of his father, he, with his mother and family, removed to Chris- tian County, 111., where he remained with his mother on their farm until his marriage, which oc- curred in October, 1874. In 1876 he removed to Vermilion County, settling on a farm near Hoopes- ton. He engaged in this business for awhile, when he purchased a grocery store. While he had no previous experience in the mercantile business, his solid common sense guided him on to pros- perity in his newly-chosen vocation. He continued in this trade, and also engaged extensively in stock-raising (which he still follows) until he launched into the grain business, as has been before stated. Mr. Catherwood's wife's maiden name was Miss Cornelia Hartwell, and they are the parents of three children living — Robert, Maud and Naomi, and three who died while young. Mr. Catherwood is a member of the Masonic fraternity, being a Knight Templar. He is ever willing and ready- to aid anyone who is deserving, and, as a leading man of Hoopeston, has an enviable record. It is safe to assume that there are few better men in this portion of the State of Illinois. James Catherwood, father of Allen T., was born in Ireland, anil when twenty years of age came to this country and settled in Delaware, where he married Miss Lydia Tussie. Soon after his mar- riage he removed to Ohio, where all his children were born, Allen being the youngest of ten. He was a general farmer, and was considered a suc- cessful man in his calling. When his death oc- curred, in 1H55, his wife and her family removed to Christian County, as before stated, where she 220 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. purchased a farm, which she operated until the marriage of Allen, when he. with the other chil- dren, bought her a nice property in Taylorville, where she now resides with a single daughter. ^f[ OHN McVEY, general merchant, of Tilton, and Postmaster of Vandercook Post-office, Vermilion Co., is one of the most prominent business men in this locality, and is one of the leading civic officials. He is of Celtic ancestry and was born in County Longford, Ireland, in June, 1837. His father, John McVey, was a native (if the same county, and was there reared and married, continuing his residence in the home of his nativity till 1837. In that year he came to the United States, seeking to better his fortune, leaving his family behind, intending to send for them at a later date after he became permanently established. He located in Schuylkill County, Pa., where he en- gaged in mining for several years, till an accident in the mines caused his death in 1852, while yet scarce past life's prime. His son John, of whom we write, was but an in- fant when he had the misfortune to lose the loving care of a good mother, and his father being in this country, he was taken to the home of his grand- parents, and was reared by them till 1851. In that year he followed his father to America, setting sail from Liverpool and landing in New York after a voyage of seven weeks, a poor boy in a strange land. He hastened to join his father whom he had scarce seen, he having been an infant when he had left home, and they were reunited in Pennsylvania. Our subject soon commenced life for himself as a mule driver in a coal mine. In 1857 he decided that he would like to try life in the great West, and making his way to this State he tried to obtain work in a coal mine at Danville. Not succeeding in that attempt he got employment on a railway for a few months. and then engaged in mining. In May of that year he answered Lincoln's call for 90-day men, and enlisting in Company ('. 12th Illinois Infantry, served with his regiment till the expiration of his term of enlistment, when he was honorably dis- charged and returned to Danville. In August,! 862, he again went forth to aid his adopted country, and enrolling his name with the members of Com- pany C. 125th Illinois Infantry, he went to the front with his regiment, and bravely faced the foe on many a hotly contested battlefield. The most im- portant battles in which he took part were those of Perry ville, Ivy., and Chicamauga. On the way from Chattanooga to Atlanta with General Sherman, he fought in the various engagements with the rebels that they encountered and in the siege and capture of the latter city. He was also present at the battle of Jonesboro, where he was severely wounded, and was obliged to go to the hospital for treatment. He rejoined his regiment that winter at Savannah. After that he was unable to carry a musket, so did not march with his comrades, but went by boat to Washington, where he was honorably discharged in May, 1865. After his experience of military life, Mr. McVey returned to Danville and resumed mining, which occupation he continued till 1873. He then rented land and engaged in farming the ensuing five years. During that time he established himself in the mer- cantile business at Tilton, his wife, a woman of more than ordinary ability, acting as manager. She proved so successful that Mr. McVey finally deter- mined to enlarge the business and devote his time to it, and from that small beginning has grown his present prosperous business. He is the onlj T mer- chant in Tilton, and carries a large stock of general merchandise, groceries, etc., and has a neat, well appointed store. July 2, 1869, Mr. M.Vey took a step that has had an important bearing on his after life whereby he secured a wife in the person of Mrs. Julia (McHeney) Mulhatton, who has been an important factor in his prosperity. She is, like himself, a na- tive of Ireland, born in County Monaghan, and is the daughter of Patrick and Ann (Mulhollan) McHeney, and the widow of James Mulhatton. Her parents were both natives of Ireland, and her father dying when she was very young, her mother soon after took her children to England, and later came to America, five of her children coming at different times. Mrs. McVey was first married in County Durham, England, when but a girl in her teens, to James .Mulhatton. When she was nineteen PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 22 I years of age she accompanied her husband to the United States, and they lived one year in Pennsyl- vania. They subsequently came to Vermilion County, and here Mr. Mulhatton died while in the prime of life. Our subject is a fine specimen of the genus homo denominated the self-made man, as all that lie has and all thai he is he owes to liis own exertions. IK- is a man of honor, whose character is unblem- ished, and his standing in business and social circles is of th.6 highest. His frank, genial, and pleasant manner has given him a warm place in the hearts of his many associates and he is popular with -ill classes. In politics he alliliates with the Demo- crats, but is friendly with all parties. He has re- presented Danville Township as Assistant Supervi- sor of the County Board four years: has served several terms as a member of the Tilton Town Council, and is at present President of that honora- ble body of men. He and his wife are members of the St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, contribute liberally to its support, and are active in its ever) g, kiiI work. . OC7Q - coo ft/OHN YV. P.oci.KSS. M. I)., stands high in the medical profession as represented in Vermilion County, and he has also acquired VJj a fair reputation as an intelligent, enter- prising agriculturalist, owning and managing the farm on which he makes his home, pleasantly lo- cated on section 29, Catlin Township, he having retired to this place a few years ago on account of failing health. This, his native township, has good reason to be proud of her son. and he has always exerted his influence to elevate her citizenship. The father of this subject, likewise named John, was a Virginian by birth. Monroe County being his native place. His mother, Jane G. (McCorkle) Boggess, was born in Green Briar County, W. Va. After marriage his parents settled either in Green Briar County, or in Monroe County, W. Ya.. where the father was engaged as a farmer and stock raiser. In 1830 he settled up his affairs in that section of the country, and with his family emi- grated to the wilds of Vermilion County, and lie- came an early pioneer of Catlin Township, settling in what is known as Butler's Point. About 1846 he removed with his wife and children to Wiscon- sin, considering this locality, with the newly bro- ken prairie sod and other miasmatic influences, quite unhealthful then. He did not. however, sell his real estate in this township, and after an absence of three years, he returned to this locality with his family, and settled on the old Elliott place, jusl "est of Catlin, living there for conven- ience a short time, and then went back on to his farm. In 1856 they went to Danville to reside, and dwelt there four years for the purpose of edu- cating their children. Mr. Boggess then returned again to his farm in this township, and continued to live here till his death, which occurred in Feb- ruary. 1874. His wife had preceded him to the grave, dying in .May, 1868. They had eleven children; William, who died in Catlin Township. when about twenty-two years old; Diana M., the wife of Joseph Griffith, died when she was thirty- seven years old; [lebecca M. is the wife of William M. Ray; Elizabeth died when about seventeen \ ears old; Harvey II. died at the age of thirty-eight years; Charles T. is a farmer in Vermilion County; America J. is the wife of .lames Davis; Enoch P. is a farmer in Vermilion County: Julia died when she was six years old; Melissa died in infancy; John W. The latter, of whom we write, was born in Cat- lin Township. Feb. 27, 1843, and with the excep- tion of three years spent in Wisconsin, when he was but an infant, and the four years in Danville when he was attending school, he was reared to man's estate in die township of his birth. He was educated partly in th<; public schools, and in the seminary at Danville, which he attended till he was sixteen years old. After that he became a teacher, and was engaged in that vocation in the winter of I, Slid and in the summer of 1861. In 1862, ambi- tious to extend his education, he entered the Illi- nois Wesleyan University at Bloomington, and was graduated from that institution in 1866, having attained high rank for excellent scholarship. He then took up th'e study of medicine, and while pur- Suing his course he taught school to pay his ex- penses. He was under the tutorship of Dr. A. II. Puce, a well-known physician of Bloomington, 222 PORTRAIT AND Bl< )( iliAPIIICAL ALBUM. and remained with him till the fall of 1867. In the winter of that year, he entered the Chicago Medical College, the medical department of the Northwestern University, and pursued his studies with characteristic vigor. In the spring of 1868, he resumed teaching in Catlin Township, in order that he might be at home with his mother, to whom he was devotedly attached, and whose health was fast failing, and his presence soothed her dying hours. In the fall of 1 868 he returned to college, and resuming his studies, was graduated in March 1870, with all honor for having attained a high standard in his class. He established himself in his profession in Oconomowoc, Wis. But he did not remain there long, however, as in the fall of that year he heard of a good opening for an enterprising young phy- sician at Coon Rapids. Iowa, and proceeding to that place, he opened an office there, and continued there till the spring of 1872, when he located in Nevada, Iowa, the county seat of Story County, which presented a broader field, and during his ten years residence there, he built up an extensive and lucrative practice, becoming one of the leading physicians of the county. In 1882 he retraced his steps to his native county, and opening an office in Danville, he soon had more patients than he could attend to, as his fame as a successful and skillful practitioner had preceded him to his old home; but under the continuous strain of overwork his health gave way, and he was forced to retire from the ar- duous duties of his profession, and having a nat- ural taste for out-of door labor, and, as a wise phy- sician fully believing in its health restoring pro- perties, he came to Catlin Township in 1884 and went to farming, and has ever since devoted him- self to that occupation. He owns a fine farm of sixty acres, and has it under excellent cultivation. The doctor was married in Carroll County, Iowa, Dec. 29, 1872, to Miss Velora B. Piper, who pre- sides over his home with true grace, and makes it cosy and attractive to its inmates and to their nu- merous friends, and even the stranger that hap- pens under its roof is kindly made welcome. Mrs. Boggess is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Bed- ford County, Jan. 8, 1853, a daughter of Thomas A. and .Mary (Funk) Piper. The following is the record of the lour children born to her and her husband: Charles Wesley, born March 2. 1874. died Aug. 8. 1874; Carrie M., born July 6, 1*7.">: Walter Thomas. April 24, 1879; Genevieve, April 28, 1888. The doctor possesses, in a rare degree, those noble traits of character that mark a man of honor and veracity, one in whom his fellow-citizens feel they may safely put their trust. He is a man of extensive learning and information, and on his retirement from active practice, the medical pro- fession of Vermilion County lost one of its most able members. He is greatly interested in the wel- fare of his native township, and takes an active part in everything that tends to promote its moral elevation, educational or material status, anil is especially active in religious affairs, he and his wife being esteemed members of the Methodist Episco- pal Church, and he has been an active Sunday- school worker, holding the office of superintendent and also being a teacher. He is influential in po- litical matters, being one of the leading Republi- cans in this vicinity, and a member of the Repub- lican Central Committee of 1888, of his township. ON. CHARLES A. ALLEN, member of the Thirty-sixth General Assembly, from the Thirty-first District, comprising Vermil- (Mj ion and Edgar counties, was elected on the Republican ticket, first in 1884, and re-elected twice thereafter, having entered now upon his third term. He has been a member of the Judicial Com- mittee and several other important committees-, including Insurance, ami has served as Chairman of the Railroad and Warehouse Committee, also of Corporations and Educational Institutions. Dur- ing the Logan fight he was the first man on the roll call, at that time a very important position. He has frequently represented his district in Stale and other conventions and is in all respects a very prominent man in Eastern Illinois. Mr. Allen was born in Danville, July 6, 1851, and removed with his parents when a child of two years to the Ridge where they were the earliest settlers. Charles A., upon leaving the district school prepared himself to become a student of ^fozsc^^x ^/y^c^c^ PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 225 Michigan University from the Law Department of which he was graduated in 1875. He commenced the practice of his profession at Rossville where he remained until 1881, then changed his residence to Hoopeston, which has sinee remained his home. In addition to a lucrative law practice, lie has been largely engaged as a real estate dealer, and has oc- cupied many positions of trust and responsibility among his fellow citizens. Socially, he is a char- ter member of the K. of P. and is identified with the I. (>. O. F. and Masonic fraternity. The marriage of our subject with .Miss Mary, daughter of L. M. Ihompson, of Rossville. was celebrated April 1. 1878. A sketch of Mr. Thomp- son appears elsewhere in this volume. Of this union there have been born two children — John N. and Lawrence T. The father of our subject was William I. Allen, one of the first settlers of Ver- milion County, and a sketch of whom appears on another page. !L=> 0>,T - JOSEPH G. CANNON. Member of \ Congress representing the Danville district of Illinois. On the opposite page appears '■(!E<) :l portrait of this gentleman, who has been for many years a prominent, factor in the official, social and political life of this section of the State. and' who has made a national reputation as a legis- lator and a statesman. For many years there was a large exodus of the Soci' ty of Friends from North Carolina to the Wa- ba.sh Valley, who left their former homes to get away from the curse of slavery. Among the num- ber whs Dr. Horace F. Cannon, who, accompanied bv his family, removed in 1840 to make his home in Park County 7 , Ind. Thus, far removed from the scenes of their youth he and his wife passed the residue of life in the Northern country. surrounded by old frien Is who had also come North, and by many new friends whom the} - had met in their new home. Dr. Cannon was in early manhood united in marriage with Gulielma IIol- lingsworth. He was a native of Greensboro, N. C, and in his early maturity practiced his profession, being a physician ami surgeon. After his removal to the Wabash Valley he passed the remainder of his life in the practice of his profession, and died an accidental death in 1851 when he was fort}'- five years of age. He was a man of character and considerable local note, being a prominent, early Abolitionist. Joseph G. Cannon, of whom this brief record is written, was born in New Garden, Guilford Co.. N. O, May 7, 1836. His education was received at the Western Manual Labor School, now known as Bloom ingdale Academy. At the age of fifteen his school work ended, and for five years thereafter he was engaged as a clerk in a store. At the age of twenty-one, having a strong desire for professional life, Mr. Cannon entered the law office of the Hon. John 1'. Usher, who afterward became one of President Lincoln's secretaries. In 1859 he was admitted to the bar to practice in the courts of the State of Illinois, and located at Tus- cola, Douglas Co., 111., for the practice of his pro- fession, in which he continued until 1872. In that year he was elected to Congress, and has since been consecutively re-elected, now serving his ninth term. He made Tuscola his home until 1876, when he re- moved to Danville, where he has for many years resided. Mr. Cannon now stands as one of the foremost men in the House of Representatives. His position he owes to the confidence of his constituency, who have given him long service, and to his industry in the public service. I lis early preparation was not all he would have desired, as he was deprived of a college course, and for financial reasons was compelled to enter the law practice as soon as lie could, so it, was only by strenuous exertion that he fitted himself for the responsible position he occupies. After serving for six years on the Committee for Post-offices and Post-roads. Congressman Cannon was appointed a member of the Committee on Ap- propriations, on which he has served until the present lime. Said Mr. Cannon, with the justifiable pride and satisfaction arising from having accom- plished a good work: -'I had charge of the Postal Appropriation P.ill while on Committee, upon which legislation was had reducing letter postage from three to two cents, and containing other important 22G PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. post.il revisions and reforms." During the Forty- seventh Congress the Republicans had control of the House. In this same Congress Mr. Cannon was continued on Appropriations, having special charge of the Legislative, Executive and Judicial Appropriation Bill, which carries appropriation for the officials of the Public Service, and upon which many reforms were wrought. For many years, being the head of the minority on that committee, it has fallen to him to make a statement of the esti- mates and appropriations for and expenditures by the Government. It has usually been received by Congress and the country as authoritative and ex- haustive. The Republicans have a small majority in the present Congress, which will organize the first Monday of December next (1*89). It seems to be generally conceded that from seniority of service and equipment for work, Mr. Cannon will be chosen Chairman of the Committee on the organization of the House, unless he is elected Speaker, for which position he is a candidate. His service in the House, his acquaintance with public men and affairs has given him good standing with the Re- publicans, and also with those of the opposite party, who respect him for his sincerity and hon- esty, even though Ihey differ with him in polities. His party in the House of Representatives did him the honor for six years of making him Chair- man of its Caucus and of the Caucus Commit tee. which has charge primarily of suggesting the policy of the Republicans in the House touching matters of legislation. Mr. Cannon being engaged in politics, has paid but little attention to law practice of late years. He has business interests in the city of Danville, and also owns farms both in Vermilion and Doug- lass counties. Although politics has engaged a great deal of the consideration and thought of Mr. Cannon, he has spared the necessary time to found home ties of his own. His marriage was solemnized on the 7th of January, 1862, with Miss Mary P. Reed, of Canfield, Ohio. Their union has been blessed by the birth of two daughters, Helen and Mabel, who are now at home, having recently finished their college education. Thus Congressman Cannon, in his leisure hours, partakes of the enjoyment of a beautiful home, and the society of those he loves, and whose interests are ever uppermost in his mind. yALKER T. BUTLER is an enterprising wheelwright of Sidell. He located in this village in December, 1887, at which time he erected his shop on Chicago street. He has laid the foundation for a large business, which is con- stantly increasing, and in the spring of 1889 he enlarged his business in a substantial manner. Mr. Butler is one of the solid men of his adopted town, and one whose word is as good as a bank note. On February 23, 184(1, Mr. Butler first saw the light of day in Edgar County, 111., about a mile from Chrisman. His father, Asa Butler, was born near Lexington, Ky., while his mother, Catharine Porter, is a native of Madison County, that State. The Butlers were originally from Virginia, and came to Kentucky in an early day. The father was a blacksmith, the entire male portion of the family of Butlers being mechanics. One of the uncles was a cabinet maker at the age of ninety-two, and the subject of this sketch saw him at work making spinning wheels at that great age. In 1834 Asa Butler and his wife removed to Vermilion County, settling close to Indianola, erecting a shop there. He left this place and went to Chrisman, where he remained for a long time. This couple are the parents of nine children, whose names are given: Ephraim P., Elizabeth A., William F., Ellen F., Walker Turner, S.mie F., Lucinda C, Rosa A. and and an infant child, the two latter being deceased. The father died at Indianola in 1878 at the age of seventy-two years, while the mother is still living on the old Butler homestead. Ephraim resides in Richardson County, Neb.; Samuel is in the employ of the Burlington iV- Missouri River Railroad Company at South Omaha, Neb., as a billing clerk; Eliza is liv- ing in Indianola with her mother; William F. was accidentally killed by a traveling man who mistook his head for a prairie chicken; the man after- ward went insane; Ellen F. is the wife of Janus R. Adams, who is farming near Georgetown; Lu- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 227 cinda C. married Melvin L. Porter, who i.s en- gaged in the clothing business at Danville; Walker. of whom this sketch is written, was reared on a farm, working alternately at farming and in the blacksmithshop. His schooling was obtained in the subscription schools. His first attendance upon the public school was in Edgar County, 111., where the schoolhouse was erected by sub- scription, and built of logs. He worked on the farm nine months, attending school the balance of the year. He continued in this way until he became eighteen years of age, when he went to work exclusively at his trade. On .March 26, 1861, he was married to .Miss Susan J. Porter, daughter of Richard Porter, and a half-sister of Mrs. Hewes. Her mother was Elizabeth Howard. The Porters originally came from Woodford County, Ky., emi- grating to Illinois in 1834. At the time the War of the Rebellion broke out Mr. Butler was a half owner in a shop, and had just passed his honeymoon. There was every inducement for him to remain at home, and pros- per in his business, but his duty lay in enlisting hi the Union army, which he did in May, 1801, by joining Company D, 25th Illinois Infantry, being mustered into service on June 4, following, at Danville. His regiment drilled at Arsenal Park. St. Louis, for two months, and here he was elected Captain of his company. He was young and in- experienced, and being modest, he refused to serve, but afterwards accepted the position of Sergeant. On account of a severe wound in the right foot, he was honorably discharged, after which he came home, and devoted his entire attention to his trade. His arm}' record was a brilliant. one, and the men are very few who would refuse a commission as he did, which exhibits his entire unselfishness and patriotism. He remained in In- dianola until 1879, when he removed to Ridge Farm, there engaging in business at his trade until 1887, when he came to his present locution. Mr. Butler is one of the original members and organizers of the Baptist Church of Sidell, which came into existence May 2, 188 ( J, and of which he was elected Deacon. He has belonged to this church since he was eighteen years of age, and for twenty-two years was Superintendent of a Sabbath-school, lie is also Vice-President of the Sunday-school Association of Carroll Township. Mr. Butler belongs to Vermilion Lodge, No. 205, A. F. A- A. M., and was its Master for three terms, and also its delegate to the Grand Lodge at Chi- cago in the years 187:3. 1K71 and 1875. lie is also a charter member of the C. A. Clark Post, No. 184, (L A. R.. located at Ridge Farm. The office of School Director has been filled by him for fifteen years. Mr. and Mrs. Butler have had five children: Mel- vine S., Gracie E., Adoniram J., Leslie F., Bessie and Willie. Melvine S. was educated at the Jack- sonville Blind Institute. He died, and his parents deeply felt his loss. Gracie E. is the wife of John Fletcher, a farmer of Edgar County, 111.; they have three children: Henry T., Howard and Charles. Adoniram J. and the rest of the chil- dren are living at home. Mr. Butler is a stanch Republican, and for several years has served his party on the County Central Committee. He has always been in favor of temperance laws, and their strict enforcement, and ii was largely through his instrumentality that the sale of whisky was finally abolished in Carroll Township. Mr. But- ler is one of the very best men of Vermilion County, and is so regarded by his neighbors. | IVILLIAM CAST. The subject of this notice \/\J/i ' s numbered among the pioneer residents V>7\v and well-to-do farmers of this county, who carved out their fortunes by the labor of their hands, and to whom we are indebted for the devel- opment of the rich resources of the Prairie State. Mr. Cast has been a resident of Danville Township for a long period, anil is held in high repute among its best citizens. The subject of our sketch was born in Vernon Township. Clinton Co., Ohio, April 17,1821, and is the son of Aquilla and Mary (Villars) Cast, the former born in Kentucky, Dec. 7, 1709, and the latter born in Pennsylvania, Dec. 13, 1798. The paternal grandfather. Ezekiel Cast, is supposed to have been likewise a native of Kentucky, whence he removed to Ohio in 1805, while it was in the 2-28 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. third year of its dignity as a State. He was one of the earliest pioneers of Clinton County, and pur- chased a tract of timber land in Vernon Township, where he improved a farm and resided until his death. The father of our subject was quite young when his parents removed to Ohio. He was reared and married in Clinton County, and purchased land in Vernon Township, where he engaged in (arming until his death in September, 1831. The mother sur- vived her husband for a period of twenty-five years, and died in Clinton County in 1856. Her father, James Villars, is supposed to have been a native of Pennsylvania, whence he removed to Ohio in 1806. making the journey down the river, and landing at Cincinnati, which was then in its embryo state. He also, like grandfather Cast, was one of the earliest pioneers of Clinton County, and like him cleared a farm from the wilderness, where he spent his last days. He married Miss Re- becca Davis, of Pennsylvania, and she also died in Clinton County, Ohio. Aquilla Cast, and his estimable wife became the parents of eight children, seven of whom grew to mature years, and of whom William, our subject, was the fourth iu order of birth. lie was only ten years old when his father died, but remained on the farm with his mother, acquiring his education in the common school and becoming familiar with the labors incident to the routine of farm life. He continued a resident of Clinton County until 1843, then started out to seek his fortunes, his destination being this county. He was equipped with a team of horses and a wagon and accompanied by his family, they bringing with them their household goods. After fourteen days' travel they landed in Danville Township, and Mr. Cast, in the fall of that year, purchased 100 acres of land, the nucleus of his present farm. There were no railroads in Illinois for some years after Mr. Cast settled in this county, and for a long period Covington and Perrysville were the nearest markets. Deer, turkeys and other game were plentiful. The Cast family battled with many dif- ficulties and some hardships, and underwent the usual experience of life on the frontier. Our sub- ject proceeded steadily with the improvement of his property, and was greatly prospered in his la- bors. As time passed on, he added to his landed estate, and now has a well-improved farm of 320 acres. He has erected good buildings, and has gathered around himself and his family all the comforts and conveniences of modern life. The marriage of our subject with Miss Rachel Villars was celebrated at the bride's home in Clin- ton County, Ohio, Oct. 28, 1843. Mrs. Cast was born in Vernon Township, Clinton Co., Ohio, May 16, 1823. Her father, William Villars, was born in Pennsylvania, Aug. 31, 1802, and is the son of James and Rebecca Villars, who removed to Ohio when he was four years old. He was reared in the Buckeye State, and married Miss Ruth Whittaker, a native of Clinton County. Her parents were Oliver and Mary Whittaker, natives of New Jer- sey, who removed to Clinton County, Ohio, during its early settlement. The father of Mrs. Cast in- herited a large tract of land in that county, where he carried on farming until 1843. He then came to this county, purchasing land in Danville Town- ship, and has been a resident here since that time, and is now in his ninety-seventh year. To Mr. and Mrs. Cast there were born four chil- dren, the eldest of whom. James W., married Miss Ella Karris, anil is the father of two children — Mabel and Minnie. John Oliver married Mary Thayer, and has two children — (Jeorge and Carrie. Mary is the wife of Perry Brown, of Chetopa, Kan. George Aquilla died at the age of nineteen months. In politics Mr. Cast has been a staunch Democrat, as was also his father, and Mrs. Cast also. NDREW II. KIMBROUGH, M. D., was !'/LJj born near Elizabeth town, Hardin Co.. K\\, lii on the 27th day of February, 1823. His father, Richard C. Kiinbrough, was a native of Wexhall County, S. C, and his grand- father, Goldman Kimbrough, was born in the State of Virginia. The Kimbrough family settled early in Virginia, and in Colonial times owned a large tract of land and were extensive farmers. They served with distinguished ability in the Revolu- tionary War. The grandfather of Andrew H. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 229 Kimbrough removed from Virginia toSouth Caro- lina after the Revolutionary War and later to Alabama, where he bought large blocks of land, and where he died in 1835. lie was a large slave- owner. Richard C. Kimbrough, the father of Dr. Kim- brough, was under age when the War of 1812 broke out, and in order to enlist, he ran away from home and served iu the army until the elose of the war. He was in several battles including the Horse Shoe fight and was witli Gen. Jackson at New Orleans. lie was wounded in the former battle. After the close of the war he went with some of his comrades to Hardin County, Ky., and there taught school until his marriage, and then witli a brother, he engaged in the business of tan- ning. In 1825 he emigrated to Illinois and was therefore a pioneer of Edgar County. The re- moval was made with teams, bringing all the house- hold goods along, camping out. on the way. He entered a tract of eighty acres of land in Wayne, now Stratton Township. There was no house on the place and he was compelled to rent a cabin, but in the following spring he erected a house on his his own land, which was surmounted by a stick and clay chimney. There were no sawmills in the county, a fact which compelled him to make his own boards in order to build the doors. He had no nails and so used wooden pegs instead. The old fashioned fire-place was used to cook food in those days, stoves being an unknown utensil in the economy of kitchen work. The cloth with which they made their clothes was constructed from yarn spun entirely by hand. He bought another eighty acres of land which added to his former purchase made a good farm. He died in 1833. The maiden name of the mother of the subject of this sketch was Jane Morrison, a native of Kentucky. Her father, James Morrison, it was thought was born in Vir- ginia and removed from there to Kentucky and settled in Hardin County. He was a farmer and spent his last years there. The maiden name of Ids wife was Mary McWiliiams. She was born in Virginia and removed to Kentucky with her par- ents in 1791. This family were pioneers of Hardin County, where they broughta large tract of timber land and improved a farm which Mr. McWiliiams afterward lost on an old claim. Mr. McWiliiams spent his last years in that State. The mother of our subject was married a second time in 18 17 to Hall Sims and resided in Edgar County until her death. Andrew II. Kimbrough was eleven years old when his father died leaving his mother with six children to care for. He resided with his guard- ian until 1842, and then returned home and man- aged the farm for his mother until her second marriage, when he purchased her interest in the farm. He continued fanning until 1854. He had some time before resumed the study of medicine, but had to abandon that on the account of the lack of funds, but later be again took up the study and grad- uated from Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, in March, 1858. In that year he commenced practice at Georgetown, this county, and contin- ued so doing until 1873, when he removed to Danville and has practiced there continuously since that lime. He married Sarah Ashmore, who was born in Clark County, April 10, 1820. She was a danghter of Amos and Patience Ashmore, natives of Tennessee. They were truly pioneers of Clark County, 111. Andrew II. Kimbrough is the father of three children — Laura H., E. R. Eugene, and Lillie A. T. Politically, he is a Democrat, and socially, is a member of Franklin Lodge K. of II. He joined the I. O. 0. E. in 1850 and has filled all the chairs. -»*>- -o*o-@^ m & farmers and stock raisers of Pilot Town- jlj—^s s hip, he having contributed much towards making it a great agricultural center. His farm on section 22 is comparable with the finest and best in this section of Vermilion County, is so cultivated as to produce large harvests, and its buildings and all other appointments are first-class. Mr. Gritten has evolved this desirable farm from the wild prai- ries of Illinois, as they were many years ago, before they had been changed by cultivation, it having been government land when he purchased it more than thirty years ago, and situated in the midst of a sparsely populated, scarcely civilized country. Mr. Gritten is a Kentuckian by birth, born in Mercer County, Jan. 19, 1832. His father, John R. Gritten. was born in the same county in 1807. He married Nancy Atkinson, who was born there in 1806, and they came to this county with their family in 1842. and located on a farm of 120 acres, pleasantly situated in Blount Township, where tliey have built up a comfortable home, and now, in life's decline are enjoying the hard-earned fruits of their united labor. Three of the children that have blessed their union are still living: Ann, re- siding in Danville Township, is the widow of Frank Watson, of Ohio, and has five children — William, John, Nancy J., Margaret and Maltha; Lloyd mar- ried Sarah Gritten, daughter of one of the first set- tlers of the county, and they have four children — Wesley Annie, Ella and Elisha; Laban is the subject of this sketch, and we will write further of him. We have seen that his parents brought him here in pioneer times, when he was a mere lad, and here they bred him to a life of usefulness, and fitted him for an honorable career, and to their careful training he doubtless owes much of his prosperity. He became manly, self-reliant and a good worker, and in early manhood prudently invested his money in government land, proposing to make farming his life work, and purchased 320 acres of land at twenty-five cents an acre. He now has the land all under excellent cultivation, and has greatly in- creased its value by the many fine improvements that he has made, including substantial buildings, etc. He does a general farming business, has his farm well stocked with stock of high grades, from the sale of which he makes good profits, and he raises a good deal of grain and other farm produce, from which he derives an income amply sufficing to carry on his agricultural operations in good shape, and for all his personal wants. Mr. Gritten has been twice married. His first wife was a Miss Sarah Potter, who was of English descent, and her father, an early settler of this part of Illinois, took part in the Black Hawk War under General Taylor. Five children were born to our subject in that union, of whom one died; the others are Orsmus, Charles, Edward and Thomas. Orsmus, a carpenter in Danville, married Miss May Gritten; Charles, living with his father on the homestead, married Matilda Gritten, and they have seven chil- dren — Clarence, Arthur, Orsmus, Elzora, Oliver, Ross and Rock. Edward, a farmer in this county. married Miss Belle Davis, of Ohio, and they have one child, Jesse B. ; Thomas, a blacksmith at Bixby. married Martha Schank, and they have three children — Earl. Maude and Olive. For his second wife Mr. Gritten married Miss Lydia Pile, a native of Breckenridge County. Ky„ 232 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPAICAL ALBUM. and of their eleven children the following five arc living: Oracena, Alvina, Jacob, Eli and William. William and Elizabeth Pile were the parents of Mrs. Gritten, the father a native of Virginia, the mother a native of Kentucky, and both are de- ceased. Mr. Gritten may well be proud of bis farm, whose increased value is due to his hard labor and excel- lent business capacity and management. He pos- sesses sober judgment, keen discernment and a resolute nature that has overcome all obstacles in the path to success. In his political views he sides with the Democrats, and gives his hearty approval to party measures. ^^ACIIAlilAIIC. HOLLOWAY. Amongquite a company of young men who came to this county at different times in the spring of 1853, was a young man named Holloway, plainly attired and with no means to speak of, quiet and unobtrusive in bis demeanor but with the fixed pur- pose of giving the Western country a fair trial in the building up of a future home. He was not pre- pared to purchase land and so was obliged to locate upon a rented farm in Blount Township which had been but slightly improved and offered few advan- tages to the pioneer. Upon this amid many diffi- culities he prosecuted farming for a period of four years, then changed his residence to Newell Township where he sojourned two years. His next removal was to a farm adjoining that which he now owns and occupies, in the southern part of Ross Township. This brought him up to 1859 in which year he purchased eighty acres of wild prai- rie and two years later established himself upon it with his young wife in a log cabin. Mr. Holloway began the cultivation of his land with an ox team and in the meantime made his home in Newell, then a very unimportant village. In the spring of 1860 he hired thirty acres plowed, which he planted inborn. From that time on he labored industriously early and late until he had eighty acres under a high state of cultivation and had erected a neat and substantial house and barn besides effecting other improvements, j As oppor- tunity permitted he planted fruit and shade trees and after a number of years found himself in a con- dition to purchase additional land and thus in- vented his surplus capital until he became the owner of 100 acres. For many years he has dealt in cattle realizing therefrom handsome returns. Our subject generously acknowledges that he has been greatly assisted and encouraged in his labors and struggles by his excellent wife, who b re with her husband the heat and burden of the day and assisted him in saving as well as earning. They are the parents of four children, all living, namely: Albert, Alford, Frank, and Ivy, the wife of C. R. Crawford, of Ross Township. Upon becoming a voting citizen Mr. Holloway identified himself with the Republican party and later cordially endorsed Republican doctrines. He has made a speciality of attending to his own con- cerns and consequently has meddled very little with public affairs, having no desire for the re- sponsibilities of office. His pleasant home with its attractive surroundings and his intelligent family have largely supplied his social needs, although he is not lacking for troops of friends among the peo- ple whose intelligence always leads them to respect the man who has been the architect of his own for- tune and who has made the most of his opportuni- ties, adding to the talent with which nature en- dowed him. John Holloway, the father of our subject, was the son of Elijah Holloway, a native of Maryland and one of eight children. The others were named respectively, Adam. William. Elijah. Annel. Fran- ces, Hettie and Mary. John also was born in Mary- land, where he was reared to man's estate and mar- ried Miss Elizabeth Davis. About 1804. with a party of probably eighty persons, they set out across the mountains with teams and landed in Ross County, Ohio, where it is believed the grand- parents also settled. The journey at that time was a dangerous one, the country being infested with des- perate characters, who frequently murdered trav- elers for their money. The trip occupied about six weeks and the Holloway family fortunately were not molest ill. The parents of our subject settled in the heavy timber of Ross County, Ohio, where Zachariah C. \ PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 235 was born June 16, 1824, and where the parents spent their hist days. The father died in Septem- ber L 863, at the age of eighty-five years and the mother at the same age, in March, 18G5. Both were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in the faith of which they serenely passed away. Many and great were the hardships endured by the pioneers in the wilderness of Ross County and our subject like his brothers and sisters was taught to make himself useful at a very early age. lb- as- sisted in clearing the farm ami received a limited education in the subscription school. His life passed quietly and uneventfully during his boy- hood and youth, and like the other young men of that day and place, his chief ambition was in due time to have a farm and a fireside of his own. Our subject continued a resident of his native county until his marriage, in 1849. The maiden of his choice was Miss Mary, daughter of Joshua Shockley, formerly of Delaware, but who, like the Holloways, was an early pioneer of the Buckeye State. Mrs. Holloway was born in Delaware and was take by her parents to Ohio when about two years old. Her father died there, in 1841. The mother later came to this county and made her home with her daughter, her death occurring in May, 1888. ■ c* >-7=7i?^--V *"> ~ ROSEPH S. CHRISTMAN is emphatically one of the business men of Vermilion County, who has risen to prominence through his own exertions. He was born on the 30th day of January, 1855. He spent his boyhood days with his parents until he became seventeen years of age, when being of a studious mind, he went to Indianapolis and attended business college in that city, where he graduated. After leaving school he returned to Warren County, Ind , where his par- ents were living at the time, and remained there for a short period engaged in a dry goods store in Attica. He returned to Indianapolis and entered into the elastic roofing business at 241 Massachu- setts Ave., being successfully employed for one j-ear. He then bought a grocery store on Merid- ian street, where he carried on a good business for a period of one year, when be sold out and came to Rossville, 111., where he landed in his twenty-first year with about $4,000. He contemplated pur- chasing a half interest in the dry goods sto>'e of Henderson & Co., but the company making arrange- ments more satisfactory to themselves, our subject found he could invest his money to agood advant- age by loaning it and did so, in the meantime en- tering the employ of the dry goods Ann mentioned as clerk. About this time he bought 600 acres of his present home of 1,100 acres of land upon which he erected his present farm buildings, and where he now lives. Joseph S. .Christman is the son of Isaac and Eli- zabeth Christman, who are natives of Ohio, but who came to Illinois when they were young. They were married Oct. 25, 1843, when they immediately moved to Warren County, Ind., where they settled on a farm which they conducted for two years, at the expiration of which period, they came back to Vermilion County, settling here on a quarter section of land where they now live. The family comprised the following children — Sarah J., is at home; Su- san C, is the wife of W. II. Lincoln and is liv- ing in West Lebanon, Ind. ; Mary H., is the wife of H. C. Swisher and they also reside in the same place.; Eliza E., was killed when nineteen years of age by being thrown from a carriage; Maria C, is the wife of William Hunter, a farmer who is living in Warren County, Ind.; Joseph S., of whom this sketch is written; Frank is in the real estate busi- ness at York, Neb.; Mahala L., died when two years of age. The mother of this family Mrs. Elizabeth Christman, died July 8, 1872. She was an ardent member of the Methodist Church, and sustained a fine reputation in her neighborhood. Mr. Isaac Christman is quietly living with his son, Joseph, and enjoying his latter days in a manner which he has won by hard work. He is a Republican in politics, and takes great interest in his party. Mr. Joseph S. Christman is a dealer in live stock shipping considerable quantities every year to Chi- cago. He makes a specialty in breeding Ilamble- tonian horses, of which breed he owns several fine specimens. Politically. Mr. Christman is a Repub- lican and has held the ottice of Township Trustee for a long time. He is also a member of the Ma- 236 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. sonic fraternity, having joined that order in 1876, by uniting with Lodge No. 527 at Rossville. He is also a member of the Oriental Consistory which meets on Monroe street, Chicago. His career in business is a good illustration of what grit and in- telligence can do, and should he emulated by oth- ers of the younger generation. Mr. Christman is unmarried, but has succeeded in making a very comfortable home, and the view given in this vol- ume, represents a residence that in no wise displays the absence of a mistress. €-*-!*- -«s R, GEORG EDENS. In the person of this able practitioner the biographer dis- covers a gentleman in love with his pro- fession — one who adopted it on account of the keen interest which he has taken in it almost from boyhood, and whose aim has been to excel. He has been located in Danville for the past ten years, and it is not surprising to learn that he has built up a lucrative patronage among its best peo- ple. He has been faithful and conscientious in the discharge of his duties, and aimed to gain a full understanding of the disorders which he has been called upon to remedy before making the applica- tion of chemicals or drugs. Dr. Edens was born in the Province of Holstein, Germany. June 16, 1851, and remained a resident of his native province until 1867. Then, a youth of sixteen years, he crossed the Atlantic with his parents, they settling on a tract of land in Cham- paign County, this State. The father prosecuted farming, while the son, who also assisted around the homestead, continued the reading of medicine, which he had begun when a lad of fifteen years. Two years later, in 1868, he began to dispense medicine to his acquaintances, and there followed such excellent results from his prescriptions that before he had realized the fact he had quite a num- ber of regular patrons. In 1876 young Edens repaired to Chicago and entered Hahnemann College, from which he was graduated in 1879, after taking the special courses. On the 17th of March, that year, he came to Dan- ville, and commenced the regular practice of his chosen profession, which he has since followed with really surprising results. He adopts many of the customs common to the Fatherland, where the students of medicine are subjected to the must thorough training, and not allowed to practice until they are masters in their profession. The office of Dr. Edens is situated on North Street, near the Chicago & Eastern Illinois depot, where he has around him his books and the various appliances requisite for his extensive business, lie not only has a large practice in Danville, but also in the country surrounding it. He repairs to dif- ferent points at regular intervals, usually once a month. There is every indication that he has be- fore him a most prosperous future, and the pros- pects of attaining to eminence in his profession. He has naturally been too full of business to give much attention to politics, but has become fully identified and in sympathy with American institu- tions, and usually votes for the men and not the party. Dr. Edens was married in Danville. March 1 1, 1885, to Miss Frances Keehler. who was born in Posen, Germany. April 30, 185!). She came to America in 1881, after having acquired a careful education, and thereafter was employed as a pri- vate teacher in German and French, and also in the public schools of St. Louis and Chicago. Mrs. Edens likewise possesses considerable musical tal- ent, and is at once recognized as a very accom- plished and intelligent lady. They occupy a pleas- ant and attractive home, and enjoy the friendship of the best citizens of Danville. AMUEL COOK, the son of a pioneer family of Vermilion County, as one of its practical, well-to-do farmers, a man of sound sense and good understanding, is classed among its most desirable citizens. His homestead on section 1 1. Catlin Township, com- prising 160 acres, is one of the finest in the vicin- ity, and he has 100 acres of excellent farming land in Georgetown Township besides valuable properd- in Danville. James Cook, the father of our subject, was born PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 237 either in Maryland or Virginia, Juno 23, 17!>7. In early manh 1 lie was united in marriage to Miss Susanna Mover, their union taking place ( >et. 6, 1822. She was born in Pennsylvania. Dec. 2, 1803, ami is still living at an advanced age. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Cook settled in Clermont County, Ohio, living there among its early pioneers till 1834, when they migrated across the country with their family to Vermilion County and became early settlers of Brook's Point in ( Jcorgetown. There the father rounded out a useful life, holding the respect and esteem of all about him as he was in all respects a good man. The wedded life of himself and wife was blessed to them by the birth of six sons and five daughters. Our subject was the second child of the family, and he was born in Clermont County, Ohio, Oct. 4, 1825. He was nine years old when he came to Vermilion County with his parents more than fifty years ago, but he still retains a recollection of that memorable journey through the forests primeval and over the wild prairies to this then sparsely settled country. He grew to man's estate in Georgetown Township, and gleaned an education in the "old log [school-house in which the children of the pioneers were taught the rudiments of learn- Lng. He remained with his father and mother till he was twenty-six and a half years old, when he married and established a home of his own. He has devoted himself principally to farming, and through many years of persistent toil has accumu- lated a goodly amount of property, including one of the best farms in Catlin Township. He has his land under fine tillage, and has erected a substan- tial, conveniently arranged set of buildings, in- cluding a handsome, roomy residence, replete with all the comforts of life. When he was a young man Mr. Cook assisted in making five flatboats to go down the Vermilion River into the Wabash. and thence down the Ohio and Mississippi, and once he took a trip to Memphis. Mr. Cook has been twice married. He was first wedded to Miss Amanda M. Graves, April 1, 1852, in Georgetown Township. She was a native of that place, born Aug. 18, 1833, to James and Mar- garet (Black bourn) G raves, who were among its earliest pioneers, coming there from Kentucky in 1829, and spending their remaining days on their homestead in that township. By that marriage our subject became the father of six children, of whom the following is recorded: George W. mar- ried Eliza Douglas; James P. married Miss Eveline O'Neal; Mary married John II. Wherry; Margaret died when she was eighteen years old; Charles married Miss Celia Padgett; Ellen died when about six months old. Aug. 19, 1866, after a happy mar- ried life of fourteen years Mrs. Cook passed away from the scene of her usefulness, and thus was lost to her household a wife who had always striven to aid her husband and make his home pleasant and comfortable, a mother wdio was devoted to her children, a neighbor who was a kind and true friend. Mr. Cook was married to his present wife, for- merly Mrs. Martha E. (Citizen) Mor eland, in La- fayette, Ind., April 14, 1870. Their wedded life has been blessed to them by the birth of three children: Bertie J., John F., and Fred. Mrs. Cook was the fourth of the nine children, six sons and three daughters, born to William and Esther (Parker) Citizen, and her birth occurred in Dark County, Ind., July 25, 1838. Her father was born in Maryland, Nov. 10, 1809, and her mother in North Carolina, Aug. 4, 1812, her death occurring in Warren County, Ind. The father survives at an advanced age. When she was two years old Mrs. Cook's parents moved to Wayne County, Ind., and when she was thirteen years old her father brought her to this State. She was married in Warren County, Ind.. Aug. 25, 1854, to Joseph Moreland. Of this union there was one son, Charles W., an intelligent, well educated young man, who has been engaged in the profession of school-teaching seven years. It is said of Mr. and Mrs. Cook that " they are people whom it is a pleasure to meet, so friendly and generous are they toward all who come under their influence, and so kind and considerate are they in their relations with all about them." They are consistent members of the Christian Church — of which he is an elder — contribute liberally to its support, and are never backward in aiding all schemes that look to the moral or social advance- ment of the community. In our subject the Dem- 238 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM ocratic party Muds one of its most honest support- ers and the township one of the promoters of education within its borders, he having held seve- ral of the school offices, and also being School Director for years, discharging the duties thus de- volving upon him with characteristic fidelity and to the eminent satisfaction of all concerned. v^- _^ju^ VIC - ffiOHN L.JACKSON. In the career of this leading business man of Sidell, we recognize the type of the live, energetic American citizen, who has been peculiarly favored by Providence, being the owner of a fine property, the son of one of the wealthiest men in the county, ami one of its leading citizens, and having had the happy faculty of improving all his advantages. By his straightforward methods of proceedure he has fully established himself in the esteem and confi- dence of all with whom he has had dealings. He is at present engaged in general merchandising at Sidell. and is in the enjoyment of a patronage which is steadily increasing. The firm of John L. Jack- son & ( o. is considered A 1 . Mr. Jackson was born in Douglas County, tin's State, Sept. 22, 1860, and is the son of Amos and Sarah (Hesseler) Jackson, the former of whom was born near Frankfort, Ind., and the latter in this county. They were married in Michigan. The elder Jackson operates as a farmer and cattle raiser, and is now a resident of Danville. He is represented on another page in this volume. The parental household was completed by the birth of four daughters and two sons, and of these John was the eldest. He was twelve years of age when his parents came to this county, and settled near In- dianola. in Carroll Township. Later they removed first to Paris and then to Danville. At the age of nineteen years our subject entered the Commercial College at Terre Haute, from which he was grad- uated in the class of 1879. Upon leaving school lie engaged in buying and shipping stock, with which business he had been familiar since a 003-. He shipped his first load from Archie Station, and was occupied at this business until 1883. The marriage of our subject with Miss Eva Gray was celebrated at the bride's home, in March, 1883. This lady was born and reared in Cham- paign County, and is the daughter of Henry and Louisa (Weisiger) Gray, who settled in the above- named county in 1861. The father died in 1876, aged about forty years. The mother was subse- quently married and now resides near Kankakee. The three daughters were named Eva. Cora and Nettie. Mr. and Mrs. Jackson have one child, a daughter, Meta J. Mr. Jackson purchased the store and stock of general merchandise belonging to William Danley, the pioneer merchant of Sidell, and in addition to looking after the affairs of this establishment, con- tinues to deal in cattle. Politically, he is an un- compromising Democrat, and socially belongs to Peace Dale Lodge Number 25, I. < ). ( ). F. He is also a member of the Modern Woodmen. His farm comprises 172 acres of choice land, pleasantly located southwest of Sidell. ffiOIIN MILTON DOUGLASS, a prominent and honored citizen of Vermilion County, is classed among its leading farmers and stock- raisers, he having been intimately connected with its agricultural interests for many years; and, the son of parents who were early settlers of this part of Illinois, he may indeed be regarded as a pioneer himself, as since, and even before, attain- ing man's estate, he has done much to develop the rich resources of this region and make it a great agricultural center. He owns a farm on section 16, Catlin Township, that is justly considered one of the best places in the county, and here he has erected a handsome commodious residence that, with its surroundings, beautiful lawns adorned with shade trees, etc., forms an attractive scene in the landscape, and in this lovely home he is quietly passing his declining years, calmly awaiting life's great change. The subject of this sketch was born in what is now Ohio County. Ind.. Aug. 23, 1823, the second child in a family of ten children, five sons and five daughters, belonging to Thomas W, and Delilah (Peyne) Douglass. The former was born in the PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 239 State of Maine, on the Penobscot River, and the mother was a native of the State of New Xork. After marriage they first settled in Dearborn County. Ind.. in that part of it now called Ohio County, and thence journeyed to this State in the spring of 1880, and located in Catlin Township, Ver- milion County, where the County farm now is, and where they spent their declining years, and the mother closing her eyes in death in September, 1856, and in October, 1805, the father departed this life. They were people of solid merit, who faithfully per- formed their allotted tasks in life, and, as pioneers of Vermilion County, their memories will ever be held in reverence along with those of other courageous, self-sacrificing spirits who came here in the early days of the settlement of the country, and toiled to make it a fitting home for those who came after them. Their son John Milton, of whom we write, was seven years old when he accompanied his parents in their migration from the home of his birth to this county, and here the remaining days of his boyhood and youth were passed, and his entire manhood has been spent within the limits of the county. He early began his career as a farmer, and has been greatly prospered in his life work'. being the fortunate owner of a fertile farm of ;i 1 7 A acres that is not surpassed in point of culti- vation and value of improvements by any other place in the township. He has erected a commo- dious, well-built house, a barn fifty feet square on a stone foundation, and other necessary build- ings, and has set out numerous beautiful shade and fruit trees, and, taken altogether, he has one of the finest estates in the county. Mr. Douglass' farm is well adapted to stock-raising, and he makes a specialty of Short-horn cattle, and his fine herd of that breed, highly graded, is one of the best in this locality. On the 1 Ith of November. 1844, the marriage of our subject and Miss Mahala Burroughs was sol- emnized in Catlin Township, one mile west of the village of Catlin. Mrs. Douglass was born in Rip- lev County, Ind., April 3, 1824, a daughter of Jesse and Polly (Wilson) Burroughs. Of her union with our subject nine children were born, as follows: Judith A., wife of Joseph Trisler; Winlield s., who married Lizzie (lark; Delilah, who died when shew-as two years old; Thomas W., who died when he was eleven mouths old: Clarissa. the wife of James Clipson; .Mahala; Pamelia, who died in infancy; Arinilda. the wife of Richard O'Conell; and Esther, who died when one week old. On the 10th of October, L887, the pleasant wedded life of our subject was brought to a sad close by the death of her with whom he had walked, hand in hand, for more than forty-two years. This amiable wife and companion had been to him all that a true and devoted woman can be to her husband, and to her children she hail been a wise and tender mother, and her presence is sorely missed in the household where she had been the home-maker so long. But our subject does not mourn as one without comfort, as his Christian faith points to a reunion beyond the grave. Mr. Douglass is a man of decided character and sound understanding, and his career has marked him as possessing those qualities that enable man to make his own way in the world without the adventitious aids of fortune and birth. lie and live of his chil- dren are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and are among its most earnest workers. In politics Mr. Douglass has taken part in the pub- lic affairs of the township as School Director and Highway Commissioner. In politics he favors the Democratic party, firmly believing that its policy- is the only safe one for the guidance of National affairs. —~t — ' . W—&&V i . ■■— ■'V~- ffiOHN B. CRANSON. It is a homely and time-worn adage that "virtue brings its own reward," but the truth of it is frequently brought to mind, as in contemplating the career of Mr. Cranson, which has been that of an honest man and a good citizen, and in which he has performed life's duties in a creditable manner, with the exception that he is still plodding along life's road single-handed and alone, although having passed the fifty-second year of his age. While he may not be the hero of any very thrilling event he has seen much of life in its different phases, and during the Civil War gave his services to assist in 240 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. the preservation of the Union. His army record is a creditable one, as has been that of his life after leaving it, when he settled down to farm life again in 1878 on his present farm, and has now one of the attractive homesteads in his township. His specialty is Jersey cattle, and he is likewise in- terested in the chicken industry, having a goodly number of fine fowls in which he takes a pardon- able pride. The subject of this notice is a native of Lock- port, N. Y., and was born April 15, 1837. His parents, Joel and Rhoda (Gray) Cranson, were natives of Massachusetts and Vermont respectively, and lived in New York until 1854, then removed to Michigan, and from the Wolverine State to In- diana, and from there came to Illinois in 1864, where their death occurred; the father died in 1875, and the mother in 1882. They were the parents of six children, three of whom besides our subject are still living. The union school at Lockport furnished young Cranson with his early education, which was com- pleted at the age of fifteen years. He then began an apprenticeship at the trade of tinsmith, which he followed two years, and after the removal of the family to Michigan he engaged in the lumber busi- ness. After their removal to Indiana he became interested in farming. Upon the outbreak of the Civil War he enlisted in 1801 in Company B, 29th Indiana Infantry, and six mouths later was pro- moted to the post of Orderly Sergeant. The regi- ment was organized at La Porte, Ind., was assigned to the command of Gen. McCook, and afterward participated in the battle of Pittsburg Landing, after which he fell and was hurt. Upon recovering sufficient^ he was transferred to the veteran re- serve corps, in which he remained until the expira- tion of his term of service. He received his hon- orably discharge in September, 1864, and after a brief visit to his old home in Indiana set out for Illinois with the view of permanently establishing himself in this State. Prior to entering the army he had purchased a farm in Indiana and sold it be- fore coming to Illinois. The domestic arrangements of our subject are presided over by his two sisters, and he has one of the pleasantest homes in the count3 r . The sisters are members in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church, while Mr. Cranson is identified with the Cumberland Presbyterian. The three op- erate together in the business of raising chickens, which is carried on by the natural process and by incubators. They market about 800 per 3'ear, and have all the modern conveniences for hatching and taking care of the chickens. The whole process is so systematized that the industry is pleasurable as well as profitable. Their cattle are grade Short- horn and full-blooded Jerseys. In politics Mr. Cranson uniformly votes the straight Republican ticket. Socially, he is a mem- ber of Homer Post, G. A. R., and as a Mason be- longs to Blue Lodge and the Chapter in Homer, in the latter of which he is Master of Third Veil. Both in social and business circles he occupies an envi- able position, and is one of those men whose word is considered as good as his bond. \T[ ENRY G. BOYCE. Sixteen years have [i/jlj passed since this worthy pioneer folded Iris 'J*)^' hands in rest from the labors Of life, but {^) his name will be recalled by many as that of one of the first men coming to the vicinity of Danville and performing some of the earliest work in connection with his trade as a carpenter and joiner. He came with his parents to this county in 1831 and two years later established himself in the embryo town of Danville, which then consisted of only a few houses. Willi his young wife he took up his abode in the domicile which he built that year, which was weather-boarded in walnut and which is still standing and the property of his widow, who preserve it as a relic of the older days. Opposite it was built the engine house which now shelters the fire apparatus of a thriving and pro- gressive modern city. A native of New York State, Mr. Bo>'ce was born in Schoharie County, Feb. 20, 1809. Thirteen months later his parents removed to Harrison County, Ohio, where the father entered a tract of land from the Government and where the family lived until 1831. Then pushing still further west- ward the3 - came to this county and Henry (i. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 241 worked on a farm until 1832. That year he turned bis attention more particularly to liis trade of a car- penter and until his marriage the year following was in the employ of Mr. Beckwith and Gov. Leander Rutledge. His marriage with Miss Fli/.a Potter occurred on the 3d of March, 1833, the Rev. Freeman Smally officiating at the ceremony. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Boyce estab- lished themselves in a log cabin on what is now Walnut street and where their first child was born. Mary Jane, now Mrs. Henry Fulton of Vallejo. Cal. In the summer of 1833 Mr. Boyce went to Chicago when there were only two houses between Danville and that now great city. After the father, brother and brother-in-law of Mrs. Boyce arrived there, they dug the cellar for the first brick house ever built in Chicago, which was for a man named Chapman. Mr. Boyce did the carpenter work on said building. He remained there that fall in order to earn money to pay taxes and later returned to Danville purchased land lying along what is now Walnut street. He pursued his trade as a carpenter and finally became a contractor and builder, put- ting up many of the first buildings in the town. He thus labored until about 1850 and in 1856 was appointed Postmaster of Danville, prior to the election of President Buchanan. He served until the incoming of President Lincoln's administration and later was Deputy Postmaster under President Johnson. Mr. Boyce was a man of more than ordinary abilities and occupied a leading position in his com- munity. He was elected Justice of the Peace, serving four terms of four years each, holding this Office at the time of his decease. He was an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and warmly interested in the cause of temperance. Up- right and honorable in his transactions he enjoyed the esteem and confidence of all who knew him and at his death, which occurred Dec. 3, 1K73, was deeply mourned not only by his own family but by the entire community. The father of our subject was Peter Boyce. a native of Washington County, X. Y., and a farmer by occupation. He was reared to manhood in his native State where he married Miss Jane Potter, and later removed to Schoharie County, N. Y. lie was three times married and was the lather of twenty-one children. In bis father's family there were thirteen children and his mother died in Har- rison County, Ohio. After coming to Illinois he lived here only a few years, then returning to Ohio settled near Springfield where he spent his last days, lie was a man of considerable force of character and a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mrs. Eliza J. (Potter) Boyce was born in Jeffer- son County, N. Y., one half mile from Sackett's Harbor, Sept. ID. 1813, and is the daughter of Elijah and Lana Potter, the former of whom was born in Washington County. X. Y., Sept. 4, 17.S7. He was there reared upon a farm and was married to a maiden of his own township, Miss Lana Van Wormer, in 1810. Not long afterwaid the young- people removed to a point near Sackett's Harbor, in Jefferson County. Mrs. Lana Potter was bora June 2, 171)3 and was consequently seventeen years of age at the time of her marriage. The three eldest children of Mr. and Mrs. Potter were born in Jefferson County, N. Y., Eliza J. being the eldest. Six more children were added to the family after they left the Empire State. With one exception they all lived to mature years, one being killed when about four years old by the falling of a tree upon him. .About 1820 the Potter family resolved to seek what was then the farther West and accordingly removed to Richland County, Ohio, settling near the present site of the town of Ashland. That region was then a wilderness, peopled chiefly by wild animals and Indians, there being only four other white families in the town- ship. Mr. Potter entered a tract of land from the Government and the family endured all the hard- ships and privations of life on the frontier. The nearest mill was thirty miles away and the road which led to it was for long distances nothing more than an Indian trail. As the country began settling up Mr. Potter distinguished himself as a leading citizen and was one of the first to exert himself in the establish- ment of a school which was effected after much diffi- culty, Mr. Potter riding three days to find a teacher who could even write. The family sojourned in that neighborhood for a period of seventeen years •242 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. and in 1830 concluded to make another change of residence, this time seeking the Prairie State. After due preparation they in October set out overland with a two-horse team and two cows, and their household goods and provisions. They were three weeks on the road, camping and cooking by the wayside. They arrived near the present site of Newtown, on Middle Fork Township, in November following. The father three or four years later, purchased land on the State road, at the edge of Eight Mile Prairie, ten miles north of Danville, where he opened up a good farm and lived until 136o. The death of the wife and mother occurred June 17, 1856. Eleven years later Mr. Potter re- moved to Missouri and subsequently made his home with his son, Joseph, who was located on a farm nine miles from Chillicothe. Mrs. Lana( Van Wormer) Potter was the daughter of Jacob Van Wormer, one of the early pioneers of Washington County, N. V., and a strict adher- ent of the doctrines of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His house for many years was the meet- ing place for the annual conference and was the frequent resort of the itinerant. Among the early preachers of that day was the renowned Lorenzo Dow, who made for himself a name intimately as- sociated with the early history of Methodism. He and his wife finally removed to Jefferson County and made their home with Mrs. Potter, his young- est daughter. They intended going to Ohio with the Potter family, but on account of the mother's health they were obliged to remain in Jefferson County N. Y., where they spent their last days. The Van Wormer family traced its ancestry to Holland. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Boyce was William Potter one of the pioneers of Washington County, N. Y., who married Miss Elizabeth Sher- man and settled near Fori Ann. They became the parents of nine sons and two daughters and eight of their sons lived to mature years. They remained residents of Fort Ann until quite aged, then went to live with their son, William, near Buffalo, where their decease took place. To Mr. and Mrs. Boyce there were born four children, the eldest of whom. Mary J., has been already mentioned. The second daughter, Emily, is at home with her mother. Sarah M. died July 30. 1861; William during the late Civil War served three years as a Union soldier in Company A, 1 lth Indiana Infantry and was wounded at Champion Hill. At the expiration of his first term of enlist- ment he re-entered the ranks and at the battle of Winchester received a fatal shot and his remains now lie in Winchester burying ground. Mrs. Boyce and her daughter, Emily, are members in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Miss Emma is a well educated lady and has followed the profession of a teacher fifteen years in Danville. Jacob Van AVormer served in the Revolutionary War, Elijah Potter served in the War of 1812 and Henr}' G. Boyce tendered his services in the Black Hawk War. /p^EORGE CLARKSON. This gentleman upon 'if <^t? eoln ' n o t0 Vermilion County purchased V \^S( 160 acres of land in Sidell Township which is now occupied by his widow, Mrs. Elvira Clark- son, a very capable and intelligent lady who enjoys the friendship and esteem of all who know her. Since the death of her husband she has released the estate from its indebtedness and managed it in a manner reflecting great credit upon her discretion and good judgment. Without making any pre- tentions to elegance, she lives simply, comfortably and modestly, and has a true and motherly heart, full of sympathy for all the wrongs and woes of mankind. Mrs. Clarkson was born in Kentucky where she lived until a maiden of eighteen years and then her parents removed to Illinois. She was married in 1865, and settled with her husband on the farm which she now occupies. Mr. Clarkson had also been reared in Kentucky. Of their union there were born two sons and two daughters — Henry T., Jennie M., Allie V., and George J. The youngest was only two months old at the time of his father's death. Mrs. Clarkson has reason to be proud of her family, her sons and daughters being more than ordinarily bright and attractive, the daugh- ters especially handsome. Mrs. Clarkson after the death of her husband was forced to assume the responsibilities of the '■ > (s> ^^yu^t) PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 245 farm and right nobly has slie fulfilled the duties of her position and reared her children in a manner which shall make of them useful and respected members of the community. Mrs. Clarkson is an active member of ihe Cumberland Presbyterian Church, in the northern part of Sidell Township and comprises in her life and character the faith- ful and devoted mother and the true woman. A sketch of her father. James Thompson, will be found on another page of this work. Mr. Clarkson died Sept. 3, 1877. (F ON. WILLIAM P. PEIRCE, M. D.. Mayor ITj) of Hoopeston, is also a practicing physician (IW' and surgeon and senior partner of the firm '(©) Of Peirce & McCaughey, proprietors of the drug store on Main street. The various titles ap- pended to his name have been justly earned and from them it will be readily guessed that he occu- pies no secondary position in his community. Dr. Peirce was born in Chautauqua County, N.Y., March 25, 1830, and lived there until about 1852, completing his education in what was then Fredonia Academy, but is now the Fredonia .State Normal School. Upon leaving school he commenced the study of medicine under the instruction of his father, Dr. Austin Peirce, beginning his readings at the age of eighteen years. Later he entered upon a course of lectures in the University of the City of New York, from which he was gradaated in the class of 18.52. In the fall of the year above mentioned young Peirce came to Illinois and began the practice of his chosen profession in Kendall County where he resided until the outbreak of the Civil War. In June, 1801, he raised a company of volunteers named Company D, and assigned to the 30th Illin- ois Infantry and of which he was elected Captain. After a year's faithful service in this capacity, he was appointed Surgeon to one of the new regi- ments, the 88th Illinois, with the rank of Major. and remained with it until the close of the war. He met t lie enemy in many important battles, being in the fight at Pea Ridge, Bentonville, Ark., Wil- son's Creek, Mo., Shiloh, Tenn., and the siege of Corinth, at which places he was in command of his company. After receiving the appointment of Surgeon, he was at Murfreesboro, Chickamauga, in the Atlanta campaign, and at Nashville and Franklin. Tenn.. besides many other important en. gagements. The greater part of the time he acted as Urigade Surgeon and discharged his duties in such a manner as to gain him the friendship of his subordinates and the approval of his superiors. After the war was ended Dr. Peirce returned to Illinois and located in Lisbon, Kendall Co., 111., and subsequently at Lemont, Cook County, where he followed his profession until 1880, when he took up his residence in Hoopeston and is now in the enjoyment of a lucrative business. He makes a specialty of surgery and has met with unqualified success. He soon afterward established his drug store and being a liberal and public spii d citizen, has always interested himself in the well and progress of his adopted town. While a resident of Kendall County, Dr. Peirce was elected on the Republican ticket to represent his party in the 2'5th General Assembly and during the sessions which followed, served on the com- mittee of State Charitable Institutions and Revenue. Later he was appointed a delegate from the Fif- teenth District to the Constitutional Convention of 1870 at Springfield. In 1871 he was elected Senator from the district comprising Kendall, Grundy and Will counties, living at the time in Minooka, Grundy County, where he practiced until his removal to Cook County. During the Constitutional Convention he was on the committee of Federal Relations, Revenue and Judicial Dis- tricts, sometimes serving as Chairman. In the Senate he was Chairman of the Committee on Slate Charitable Institutions. Railroads, Penitentiary and Education. Wherever residing he has usually been a representative to district and State conven- tions, haviug always taken a lively interest in political affairs. He is a member of the County Medical Society and in Masonry is a Knight Templar. In Cook County, this State, Dr. Peirce was married July 18. 1879, to Miss Ella Anderson. The four children born of this union were named respectively: William, James. Lamartine and John -.mi; PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. Logan. They are all living and form a bright and interesting group, which the parents look upon with pardonable pride. Mrs. Peirce was born in llarrisburg, Pa., May 12, 1848, and is the daughter of James Anderson, who removed first to Cook County. Ill , and then to Kansas where he died in 1888. Hon. Austin Peiree, the father of our subject, was a native of Vermont and born in 17'.I9. When a 3'oung man he emigrated to Chenango County, N. Y., where he lead medicine with Dr. Pitcher, of the town of Pitcher, and afterward took a course of instruction at Geneva. He commenced the practice of his profession at Hamlet, Chatauqua Co., N. Y., where he made his home for many years. His decease occurred in 1860, when he was sixty- one years old. The mother in her girlhood was Miss Mary Ann Sterling of Chenango County. The parental household included eleven children, eight of whom lived to mature years and five of whom are still living. The mother also survives and makes her home in Fredonia, N. Y. She was born in Connecticut in 1808 and came with her father, James Sterling, to Chenango County, N. Y., when quite young, living there until her marriage. The elder Peirce during his younger years be- longed to the old Whig party and about 11S42 was a member of the New York Legislature. He was a man of decided views and attained to much prom- inence in his community, serving as Township Supervisor many years. In religious matters he belonged to the Presbyterian Church in which he officiated as Deacon for a long period. Dr. Peirce, our subject, is a member of the ITniversalist Church at Hoopeston. A lithographic portrait of Dr. Peirce appears elsewhere in this volume in connection with this brief outline of his life. .

n terra firma in Newport, ami there spent his last days. There was a large repre- sentation of the (hare family in that city, where they were familiarly known for several generations, and traced their ancestors to the Puritans. Henry Chace in early manhood was married to Miss Mary Lyon, and for :\ time was engaged as a merchant in Georgetown. S. C. The wife of our subject was also a native of Newport. She was the daughter of Aaron S. Cogswell, of Revolutionary fame, who was the representative of an old and h r- : 1 1 1 1 1 ■ family, which furnished a number of success- ful business men to the commercial interests of that time. — >m&%- — [LLIAM RANDY. In taking this intelli- k«l IKliiLilAM BAJNJUX. in taKing mis mien \/\l/i S ent ou * gentleman by the hand, we exten VW greeting to the oldest living resident c Danville. He i~ now approaching the seventy-sev- enth year of his age. having been born July 22, 1812, in Bedford County. Va. When a youth of sixteen years, he was brought by his foster-parents, Samuel and Elizabeth Howell, to this county, they arriving at the present site of Danville, Dec. Hi, 1828. There were then not to exceed nine families in the town. Some men go abroad to look upon great and wonderful things, but Mr. Randy has seen enough at home to satisfy the ordinary indi- vidual in the almost incredible change which has come over the Prairie State since his arrival within its limits. Upon leaving the Old Dominion, the little cara- van of which our subject was a member, having amid much preparation and speculation bidden their friends adieu, set out with a four-horse team, the wagon loaded with household effects and pro- visions, and traveled for thirty-six days before reaching their destination. They made their bed in their wagon at night, and set their table by the wayside, traveling in the primitive fashion of those days, before the time of railroads, or even stages in this region. T pon their arrival here the emigrants could not even rent a cabin, but finally succeeded in finding shelter in a log house which already contained two families of four persons each, and which was six- teen feet square, and stood upon the present site of the First National Rank. Thus they spent the winter, being able to do but little except to make preparations for the spring campaign. The nearest land office was at Palestine, ninety miles away, and the father, after making the journey thither, was not able to purchase, as the officer in charge re- fused to accept the Virginia money, whirl: was tin; only currency .Air. Howell possessed. Finally, Inn - ever, he bridged over his difficulties, and succeeded in entering 480 acres of land, upon which he erected four cabins, the principal one of which was located one mile southeast of the court house and con- structed of rough logs, with a puncheon floor, two windows and a door, using greased paper instead of glass. The building was 16x18 feet square, and boasted of window shutters of rived boards. For the fireplace there was was made in the logs an ap- erture eight feet wide, and built out three feet back, and this was lined with earth, while the chim- ney was built outside six feet high and covered with mortar. This contrivance lasted for years, and furnished sufficient heat for cooking purposes, as well as warming the building. The furniture in this humble domicile was like- wise home-made, the bedstead being riven boards set up on wooden legs, and upon it there was first placed a straw tick, and then a feather tick. The table was constructed in a similar manner, only made higher. The family had brought with them two chairs, which were given to the father and mother, while the boys had to make stools to sit upon. The groceries and provisions had to be transported fifty miles from Terre Haute, and as may lie supposed, at times the family were placed upon short rations in this line, although wild game being plenty, they never lacked for meats, and in a few years there was a surplus of cattle and swine. After the cabin was built, the Randy family had to carry water .'H)0 yards until a well was dug. 24 8 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. The Litlier an Alderman. He voted with the Republican party until the administration of President Lincoln, and has since been a Democrat. His whole career lias been signalized by liberality and public-spiritedness, he having probably contributed as much as any other man in furthering the interests of Danville and vicinity. A goodly portion of his capital is now invested in the live-stock business, which yields him handsome returns. The marriage of William Bandy and Miss Har- riet J. Murphy occurred at the home of the bride in Edgar County, III.. Oet. 16, 1833. Of this union there were born five sons and two.daughters, ami six of the children are living. Samuel J., the eldest, is a resident of Danville; John W. is the owner of the Bandy block, and is in the drug busi- ness Bennett E. is the School Commissioner of the township, and interested in the Building Associa- tion; Emma, the youngest born, remains at home with her parents, and there is also in the household circle a foster child named Bella E. Bandy. Mrs. Harriet Bandy departed this life March. 1872. She was burn in Bedford Count}', Ya., and came with her parents to this county in 1818, about the time that Illinois was transformed from a Territory into a State. Mr. Bandy, in 1881, contracted a second mar- riage with Mrs. Deborah (King) Johnson. This lady was born in Kentucky. Oct. 13, 1815, and when epiite young was taken by her parents to Indiana, they settling on the western line of the state, just across from Danville. She spent, the greater part of her early life in Warren County, hid. where she was married to Mr. Johnson, who died near West Lebanon. Ind.. in 1853. Joseph King, the father of Mrs. Bandy, was a native of Virginia, and a fanner by occupation. He spent his last years in Missouri. The father of our subject was .lames Bandy, who was born in Virginia about 171)0, and upon reach- ing man's estate was married to Miss Nancy Brown, also of the Old Dominion. Only two of their chil- dren lived, and the mother died, when William, our subject, was an infant of three years. A few years later he was taken into the home of the Howells. .bimes Bandy finally removed to Tennessee to take care of his father. He was married a second time. and came to the southern part of Illinois, where he died in 1883, at the advanced age of ninety-three years. He came to Virginia after his children, both of whom were with the Howells, but the latter were unwilling to give them up. He became the owner of lands and slaves, which he gave to his children. . ooo . | JMLLIAM O. CUNNINGHAM, an exten- \fij// sive stock shipper of Newell Township was born on the 15th day of December, ls.'i.s, in this township, and is the son of .lames anil Mary (Andrews) Cunningham, the father a native of Kentucky. The mother of the subject of this sketch was bom in New York, and is deceased. The father is now retired and living at Stab- Line. Ind. William 0., of whom we write, is the third child of a family of four children. He spent his boy- hood days at home on the farm until he was about eighteen years of age when the restless spirit of the typical American youth seized him and he con- cluded to see more of the world; accordingly he went to Nebraska where be worked for a time breaking prairie sod, but this being too slow work for him he made up his mind that he would go to California, which be did. He started from Nebras- ka City for Pike's Peak in 1859, and from there went overland to California. Here he was engaged in mining and farming alternately, and worked with some degree of success in this manner for about four years, when he returned to Nebraska where he worked for a short time and then came 250 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. back to Illinois with $1,200 in his pocket, every cent of which was gained by reason of his indus- trious and prudent liabits. lie invested his money in land, buying his father's farm of 200 acres winch was really the nucleus of his present fortune. He then married Feb. 22, 1865, Martha J. Chand- ler; she is the daughter of James and Elizabeth (Frazier) Chandler, who both died in one week from milk sickness, also two children; at that time Mrs. Cunningham was only five years old. Mr. and Mrs. Cunningham became the parents of nine children, of whom seven are living, viz; Irwin, Alice, James. Porter, Sophia, Minnie and Roy. Stella, the oldest child, died in infancy, and a baby boy died unnamed, and the balance are at. home. Mr. Cunningham is giving his children the benefit of a good education. Mr. Cunningham is the owner of a large farm of 556 acres of as good land as there is in Illinois, es- timated to be worth at least $70 per acre. His residence and buildings are models of convenience and of these he ought to feel proud. He has dis- play< '1 a great deal of common sense in all of the inprovei lents he has made and in none more than in the ei\ ion of his buildings. Mr. Cunning- ham makes a sj ecialty of Cotswold and Shropshire- down sheep, of which he always keeps a large flock. He is also engaged in buying and shipping live stock to Chicago, a business which he has pros- ecuted with success, all due to his shrewd judg- ment as a buyer. He supplements his other bus- iness by dealings in superior grades of fine horses, and it is said that he is a most excellent judge of this noble animal. Politically, Mr. Cunningham believes that the party that obliterated slavery from the American continent is right, and he therefore votes and works for the Republican party and never omits an op- portunity to forward its success. He has never been an active aspirant for political honors, but by reason of his superior judgment has held the of- fice of Assessor of this township. While he was liv- ing in California he made an endeavor to enlist during the War of the Rebellion, his motives be- ing based wholly upon the love he bore his coun- try. But being disabled he was refused admission to the ranks of the Uuion army, though he was al- ways in hearty and active sympathy witli the ob- jects for which it fought. Mr. and Mrs. Cunning- ham are active members of the Christian Church and are always alive to any move that will uplift humanity and make life happier. RA FAUROT. This venerable gentleman was long intimately connected with the agricult- ural interests of Vermilion County, and is still the possessor of one of its many valuable farms, finely located in the midst of a rich farming re- gion on section 34, Pilot Township. When he pur- chased this farm it was wild, uncultivated land with no buildings on it. and but one dwelling house in sight, the country roundabout still being not far removed from its primitive condition and sparsely settled. It is a fact of which he may well be proud that our subject has witnessed the greater part of its development, and has aided its growth as only a skillful, practical farmer can do. He is now liv- ing here in retirement in his comfortable home, having accumulated a competency sufficient to guard his old age against want in any form. The ancestors of our subject were natives of sunny France as is betokened by his name, and from them he inherited those genial and pleasing traits of character that have gained him a warm place in the hearts of those about him, and also the thrifty and industrious habits that have led him to prosperity. His parents, Joseph and Sarah (Sears) Faurot, were of French ancestry, but were natives of this country. They at one time made their home in Ontario County, N. Y., whence they came to Illinois, and located in Champaign County, Ohio. They afterward turned their steps, and o-o- ing to Steuben County, Ind., made their home there till death claimed them, the father dyin^ in 1836, and the mother in 1839. They were the pa- rents of five children, of whom two are living: Jane is the widow of David Porter, of Kentucky, and she is now living in Missouri with her three children; Benjamin, deceased, married Louisa Avey. of New York, and they had two children, Elmira and Harriet; Alva, deceased, was a farmer; he married Louisa Farmer, of Ohio, and they had PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 251 three children — William II., Alva and Farmer; Henry, deceased, married Maria Wolf, of Ohio, and she is now living in Missouri with her four chil- dren — Sylvester, Theodore, Melvin and Mary. Our subject was born in Ontario County. N. V., April 23, 1819, and he accompanied his parents to Champaign County, Ohio, when he was young. At the age of fifteen a hardy, self-reliant youth, manly beyond his years, he left the shelter of the parental roof to go forth into the world to fight life's bat- tles on his own account, and for some years was engaged in working by the month. After mar- riage he commenced to rent land, but always with the end in view of owning land himself as soon as his means would allow. By frugality and hard la- bor, at the expiration of three years, he had money enough to buy sixty acres of timbered land, and he lived on it the next nine years, busily engaged in its clearance and improvement. In 1850 he sold it. and going to Marion County, in this State, he resided there the ensuing four years. Returning to tins county he invested some of his money in 200 acres of wild land, from which he has devel- oped his present fine farm, on which he has erected suitable, well-appointed buildings, and has every convenience for carrying on agriculture to the best advantage. • To the wife who has shared his fortunes and been an important factor in bringing about bis pros- perity, Mr. Faurot was united in marriage July 2, 1840. Her maiden name was Elvira Fowler, and she is a daughter of Willey and Cynthia (Perkins) Fowler, natives respectively of London, England, and Germany. They came to this country and spent their last days here. The following is the record of the five children born to our subject and his wife: Hannah was born June 130, 1841 ; Cyn- thia. Feb. 19, 1843; Sarah, Feb. 15, 184G; Victo- ria. Aug. 21, 1849, died Oct. 10, 1851; Willie, born Sept. 11. 1852; Joseph. Jan. 18, 1858. Hannah marr>ed John Davidson, of Ohio, now living in this county, and they have five children — Arabella, Ira, Zeruah and two dead; Cynthia married Hugh V. Davidson, of Marion County, Ohio, now living in this county, and they have four children — Ella, Josephine. James and Estella; Sarah has been twice married. Her first husband was Aaron Davis, Of Shelby County, 111., and they had four children — Olive, Seigel, Eflie and Leona. Her present hus- band is Alexander Steward, of Champaign County, III., and they have four children — Lizzie, Alvina, Jessie and James ().; W i Hie married Annie Ay, of Douglas County, 111., and they are living in this county; they have three children — Ira, Elsie and Florence; Joseph, a retired farmer living in Arm- strong, married Flora Thompson, and they have one child. Amy. .Mr. Faurot is a thoroughly good and upright man, who is well thought of by the entire commu- nity. His life-record shows that he is a man of good capacity and sound discretion, always cordial and kindly in his relations with others and fair in his dealings with them. As consistent members of the Christian Church, he and his wife and chil- dren exert a good influence in the township, or wherever they may be. Politically, Mr. Faurot is a decided Republican, and gives his party the ben- efit of his hearty support. ■\fjOSEPH J. SIDELL. The son of the founder of the village of Sidell, naturally occupies no secondary position among the ' people, not only of the village but the town- ship at large. The late Hon. John Sidell, after whom the township was named, was long recog- nized as one of the leading men of Vermilion County, and possessed those talents, both natural and required, which distinguished hiin as a charac- ter more than ordinarily forcible and efficient, and one who had a sensible and permanent influence on the community where he was so favorably known for so many years. The father of our subject was born at Hagers- town, Washington Co., Md.. June 27, 1816, and his earl}' life was spent in Maryland and Ohio. His father having died when he was a lad of eight years the boy was thrown largely upon his own re- sources, but he seemed to have within him the ele- ments of success, and those years which were fraught witli perhaps hardship and privation suf- ficed to develop a character of more than ordinary excellence. At the age of nineteen years, being 252 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. dissatisfied with his condition and his prospects in his native state, he emigrated to Ohio and engaged to work out by the month in Greene County on a farm at $12.50 per month. Saving what he could of his earnings young Sidell in due time purchased a horse and mounting it started for the farther West. He crossed Illinois and visited Iowa, hut finding nothing particularly desirable returned to Ohio and took a contract tn cut cordwood at thirty-three and one-third cents per cord. This was extremely hard work for Such small pay, but he persevered at it until he was able to do something better. While a resident of Ohio he was married Jan. 20, 1816, to Miss Elizabeth Cline, who became the mother of two children and died in 1854. lie was then married to Miss Ada B. Ransom, who also died after :i comparatively short period of married life. Mr Sidell came to the county in 1860, and for the firsi > years occupied himself in agricultural pursuits. Lu.ter he drifted into stock-raising and became one of the leading men in this industry in Vermilion County. His eldest son. George A., stalled West at the age of nineteen yens and pros- pected for gold in and around Fair Play. South Park, Col. He was one of the first men to discover silver at Leadville, and was founder of the town. lie became owner of the celebrated Beaver Creek Silver .Mine, eight or ten miles southwest, and con- tinues his residence there. Allie E., the daughter of his first wife, married Mr. C. C. Tincher, who is well known in the financial circles of Danville. Mrs. Ada B. (Ransom) Sidell, mother of the subject of this sketch, was horn in the city of Toronto, Canada, and being left an orphan when quite young, was reared to womanhood by an excellent family who gave her a good educa- tion. She left the Dominion when a young lady, and going to Greene County, Ohio, engaged in teaching, and formed the acquaintance of her fut- ure husband. There were born to them two chil- dren. Mr. Sidell in coming to Illinois settled near Paris in Edgar County, and having some means engaged at once extensively in the cattle trade, lie had learned carpentering early in life. Before locating, however, he traveled extensively on horseback in the West, crossing Illinois nine times and through portions of Texas and Iowa. He was in the Lone Star State before its admission into the Union. It will be remembered that Samuel Houston was chief sovereign of that country at that time, and John Sidell erected a residence for him at Houston. The live stock enterprise of Mr. Sidell prospered very well, and not finding a sufficient area of land to suit his purpose in Edgar County he came to this county where in due time he became the owner of 7,000 acres. Upon becoming a voter he had identified himself with the Old Whig party, but upon its abandonment allied himself with the Re- publicans, lie interested himseif greatly in politi- cal affairs, and was elected a representative to the Lower House of the Legislature, in which position In- acquitted himself in a manner reflecting great credit upon his good judgment and honesty. He was instrumental in defining and improving the road laws of Illinois, and was an influential member of the General Assembly, participating in most of its important deliberations. In later years he gradually retired from public life. At the suggestion of Mr. John C. Short, one of the earliest settlers of Sidell Township, it was given its present name. Mr. Sidell was very lib- eral and public spirited and cheerfully gave of his time and means to encourage the enterprises calcu- lated for the general good. Several years ago he decided to open a portion of his lands to settlers who would locate and make homes for themselves, and thus disposed of a large tract ata very reason- able price, realizing from the sales the sum of $115,000. At the same time he retained a large portion of land himself and was instrumental in bringing the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad to this section, freely donating the right of way. The town of Archie had been laid out and was boom- ing before Sidell had an existence, but finally was practically absorbed by the superior advantages ottered by the founder of Sidell as a business point, ami consequently enterprising men invested their capital here. Mr. Sidell at one time chartered a train and ran it free from Columbus, Ohio, for the benefit of those desiring to make a home in the West. Sidell was laid out in 1881, and its illustrious founder Residence or Alvin Stearns , , Sec.1, (Ti8.-R.ia.) VanccTownship. -. , . : _i_L_^ ■■■-- ^ -■■ Residence of John R.Kin5ey,5ec.23.(T.19.-R.13) Oakwqod Township. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. •2:. 5 lived to note its phenomenal growth ami prosper- ity. He departed this life Jan. 29, 1889, after a severe illness of eleven weeks. Although not a member of any church he donated generously to- ward the erection of the various church edifices in this region, giving to the Kimber Methodist Epis- copal Church alone $500, this structure being lo- cated in Danville. He had identified himself with the Masons some years before his decease and was buried with the honors of the fraternity. To Mr. Sidell and his second wife there were born three children, Jennie II., Joseph John and Luclla Blanche. The eldest daughter is now the wife of William Southwick, a clothier of Streeter, 111.; Luella married Frank Hastings, an extensive cattle breeder, and they live in Essex, Page Co., Iowa; Mr. Hastings makes a specialty of three dif- ferent breeds of cattle, the West Highland Scotch — the first ever bred in America — the Hereford and the Short-horn. The subject of this sketch was born March 11. 1862, at Dudley. Edgar Co., 111., and the scenes of his first recollections were in connection with the first cattle ranch of his father near that place. He began at an early age to assist his father in looking after the cattle, and mounted on his broncho scoured the country for many a mile in the fall enjoyment of boyish youth and strength. He at- tended the schools of his home district. W r hile a boy of seven he went in charge of a train load of cattle from Earimount, 111., to Buffalo, N.Y. In case one of the bovines sought repose by lying down at the risk of being trampled to death, he exerted himself to keep it in a standing position, and if not able to do this alone would solicit the assistance of a brakeman. When a youth of seventeen our subject entered the Russell Preparatory School for Yale College, but he was Western in his mode of thinking and in his habits and manners, and an utter stranger to the mode of living of the light-headed Eastern students, so he abandoned his first intention of en- tering Yale, and returning home continued with his father in the cattle business. He is now re- volving in his mind the plan of embarking exten- sively in this in the near future farther west, prob- ably in Nebraska, but will make his home at the old place, which is beautifully situated 2l(i rods northwest of sidell. The marriage of our subject with Miss Mamie C, daughter of .Michael Fisher, of Indianola, took place at the bride's home in 1884. Mr. Fisher is a hardware merchant and one of the leading men of his town. A sketch of him will be found elsewhere in this ALBUM. Mrs. Sidell was born at Indianola. where she completed her studies, being graduated from the High School. Of her union with our sub- ject there are two children: Rozalia and Zelda Luella. Mrs. Sidell belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our subject, like his father be- fore him, is Republican in politics and belongs to the Masonic fraternity, being a member of Vermilion Lodge, No. 265, of Indianola. He is endeavoring to comply' with his father's wish of having a Ma- sonic lodge established in Sidell. and is a charter member of the M. W. C. at this place, lie is a young man of sterling worth and very popular both in business and social circles. ^•hh- $<:££$>-**- «- ELDER GEORGE W. DODSON. a promi- nent and influential citizen of Blount Town- ship, is the owner of a farm on section 16, which in regard to cultivation and neat, well-ap- pointed buildings is indeed one of the best in this part of Vermilion County. The Elder is one of the leading members of the Regular Baptist Church, and for a number of years has preached almost constantly in this and Champaign County, and as a man of true piety is an acknowledged power for good wherever he may be. He is also closely con- nected with the management of local public affairs, ami has been an incumbent of some of the most re- sponsible civic offices. He has held the position of Supervisor of Blount Township three terms, has served as Road Commissioner the same length of time and has been School Director many years. He has not taken an active part in political affairs, but is a decided Democrat in his views. The subject of this biographical review was born in the vicinity of Hendricks, in Boone County. Ind., Aug. 1, 1839, being the eldest son and fifth child of the six children, four daughters and two 256 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. sons, born to Uuel and Mary (Dickerson) Dodson, natives, respectively, of Kentucky and Virginia. His parents married and settled in Boone County and lived then- till February, 184-8, wben they came to Vermilion County and cast in their lot with the pioneers of Blount Township, settling about a mile northeast of Higginsville. They lived there only three or four years, however, wdien the father sold that farm and bought another that he considered more desirable, pleasantly located in the Faircliild settlement in Blount Township. There the mother died Aug. 8, 1860, and the father took for his second wife Lucinda Walls, who survives him. He died at Kiekart's Corner in Blount Town- ship. Feb. 28, 1871, thus rounding out a life that was a credit to himself, his friends and his com- munity. His son George, of whom we write, was between eight and nine years old when his parents brought him to their new home in Vermilion County, and lie grew to man's estate in Blount Township, his parents training him in all useful labors and care- fully instilling into his mind those high and holy principles that have been his guides in all his after life, lie attended the common schools, and being an apt pupil gained a good practical education. He has always paid attention to the calling to which he was bred, and there is no more skillful or shrewd farmer in the neighborhood than lie, as is shown by the appearance of his farm of 350 acres of well tilled land, with its comfortable dwelling, fine con- veniently arranged barn and other substantial buildings, among the best in the township. Elder Dodson has been twice married. The first time in Blount Township, to Miss Sarah A. Walls, who was born in Hendricks County. Ind.. duly 29, 1842. She was a member of the Regular Baptist Church and a truly good and virtuous woman, whose death Aug. 8, 1867, was deplored far beyond the home circle. She bore her husband three chil- dren: Annie M., the -wife of William O'Toole; John W., who married Fva K. Faircliild; George W., who married Lillie Parks. Our subject was married to his present wife March 12, 1868, and in her he has found a cheerful and ready helper, and an able manager in her depart- ment, she making their home cosy and comfortable for the family and attractive to others, who often share its generous hospitalities. Mrs. Dodson's maiden name was Dorcas T. Pilkington, and she was born in Hamilton County, Ind., Dec. 10, 1846. Her marriage with our subject has been blessed by the birth of eleven children, as follows: Sarah L., who died when about two years old; Carrie E.; Ruel I-'., who died when six months old; Ira W. W., Dora E.. who died at the age of nine months; .lames V.. Jesse R., Effie L.. Bertha \V.. who died when one year old; Lillie M. and Bessie Orella. In all his useful and honorable career the Elder has been guided by the highest moral sentiments, and has ever shown himself to be a just, kind- hearted, pure-souled man, one in whom his fellow- men can safely place their trust, and whose sagacity and wisdom eminently fit him for the part of coun- sellor. He has been identified with the Regular Baptist Church for many years, has filled the office of Deacon, and was ordained Elder in the church Nov. 28, 1874, since which time he has preached regularly in this and Champaign County, as before mentioned, with great acceptance to his hearers. His ministry has been very successful and much good has resulted from it. He has brought joy to many hearts, has soothed and comforted many in grief, and many have turned from the error of their ways, persuaded to do thus by his simple, earnest words of warning, and by the example of a godly, upright life. S?SAAC CURRENT comes of sterling pioneer ! stock, his immediate ancestry on both sides of /!! the house having been early settlers of Ver- milion County, who figured honorably in the his- tory of its settlement. He is a fine representative of the native born citizens who are sustaining and extending the large agricultural interests of this fair land of their birth, and the farm that he owns and is successfully managing in Danville Town- ship compares very favorably with the best in this vicinity in point of cultivation, neat and substan- tial buildings and well ordered appearance, and its fertile acres yield him an ample income. Mr. Current was born in Newell Township, Yer- PORTRAIT AM) BIOGIi Al'AICAL ALBUM. 25 7 milion County. Nov. 17. 1845. He is a descend- ant of Virginia families, both his parents and their parents having been born in the Old Dominion. his father. William Current, April 20, 1803, and his mother. Man Baston, Oct. 19, 1807. The pater- nal grandfather of subject was a fanner in Harri- son County. Va., but he finally disposed of his property in that State, and coming to Vermilion County in 1827, with his family, was one of the ear- liest settlers in what is now known as Newell Town- ship. He entered a tract of Government land and was a resident in that township till death called him hence, though he did not die on that farm. but on the old homestead of his father, which he had entered; after the death of his father he buying that farm of the other heirs. The father of our subject was reared in his native State, and there married Miss Mary, daughter of Henry Baston. Her father was a resident of Harrison County in his native Virginia till 1827. when he came with others to Vermilion County, and entered a tract of land and improved a farm in what is now Danville Township, and lived here many years. He had learned the trade of a hatter in his youth; and after he came here found it very profitable to work at it a part of the time, his hats finding a ready sale. I'k mi this place Mr. Baston moved to Iowa in 1848 and became a pioneer of Marion County. A few years later he came back to Illinois and made his home with his children for a time, and then re- turned to the Hawk Eye State and resided there till his demise at the advauced age of ninety-eight years. His wife lived to be about the same age. They were the parents of fourteen children, ten of whom grew to maturity and married. The father of our subject continued to live in Harrison County till 1827, but early that year he left the State of his nativity accompanied by his wife, his parents and her parents, bound for the then far West, and made the entire journey with ox teams. He settled in Newell Township and entered the tract of Government land that is now owned and occupied by his eldest son. It was wild prairie at the time, with no improvements whatever, and he had to erect a rude pole house for temporary shel- ter, and in that the family resided a year. It was then burned with all its contents, and a more sub- stantial log bouse "as put up iii its place, and in that humble abode the most of his children were born. When he first went onto this land he did not have money enough to pay for it and held it as a claim till he could earn money enough break- ing prairie for others, to buy it. He had learned the trade of wagon-maker before coming here, and he built a shop on his place and devoted part of his time to making wagons. When he had three or four wagons made he would yoke his oxen and start for Chicago to sell them, and at the same time his wife, who was a thrifty, economical housekeep- er, would send the eggs and butter that she had saved, to market. There were no railways for years after he settled here, and deer and othei kinds of wild game were plentiful and often troub- lesome in the wheat fields of the pioneers, and where the flourishing city of Danville stands there was then no village. Mr. Current closed a life that had been a useful one and an honor to his com- munity-, on his old homestead Aug. (I. 18.31, dying while yet in his prime. His wife died in October, 1885. Isaac Current of this sketch was reared and educa- ted in this, his native county. He was but six years old when his father died, and he continued with his mother till his marriage. He then estab- lished himself on a part of the homestead, and two years later bought his present farm, where he has built up one of the most attractive homes in the township. Mr. Current has been three times married. Clar- issa E. Lynch, to whom he was wedded Dec. 14. 1862,was his first wife. She was born in Danville Township in 184.'5, and died here .lime 14, 1869, leaving one child, Rachel II. She is now the wife of Isaac Bowman of Vance Township, and they have one child named William Isaac. Mr. Current's second marriage was to Mary (Campbell) Wyatt, their union taking place Oct. 28, 1869. She was born in Newell Township Aug. 1, 18 1,"), and died June 21, 1872. Mr. Current's marriage with his present wife, Mrs. Derotha (Jones) Noel, took place Jan. 26, 1883. Her first husband was Arthur Noel by whom she had one son, Shelby 1'. Noel — he married Hannah Lappin.lhey have three children, viz: Percy 258 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. Leo, Lorla Belle, and Arthur Raymond. She was born in Rockville, Park Co.. Intl. ,. Ian. 13, 1845. Her father, Cornelius Jones was born in Virginia, and when a young man went to Park County, Ind., and there married Nancy Hull, a native of Ohio, lie lived in Park County till 1881, and then came to Illinois and made his home with a son in Doughs Count}' till his decease in March, 1885. His wife died May 10, 1860. Mr. and Mrs. Current have one son, Charles R. It may well be the pride of our subject that it has been his privilege not only to witness the won- derful progress of his native count}' since his birth, but thai he lias had a share in advancing its mate- rial prosperity and making it a great agricultural centre. He has accumulated a valuable property by the exercise of those faculties that mark him as a man of more than usual sagacity, far reaching forethought, and practical tenacity of pin-pose. Underlying all these traits are those high princi- ples that have gained him the trust and respect of his fellow-citizens. Both he and his wife are act- tive members of the Asbury Methodist Episcopal Church, as is also their son. In politics, on Na- tional issues he sides with the Democrats, but in local affairs the best man for the office gets his vote without regard to his party affiliations. Vi; OHX J. SOUTHWORTH is one of the young leading and progressive business men of one of the most promising villages in Vermilion County. Allerton. The town lies on the line which divides Vermilion from Champaign County. and was laid out in 1887. The depot was built the same fall and located on lands given to that pur- pose by Sam W. Allerton, of Chicago. Mr. Southworth was the first business man who located at the town of Allerton. Before coming here he was engaged in the town of Archie in the lumber business. In 1887 he took charge of Al- lerton's steam elevator, removing his lumber yard here at the same time, and on July 20, 1887, he bought the first load of grain purchased in Aller- ton, a load of corn, from Thomas L. Miller, of Champaign County. The price paid was forty cents a bushel. As soon as the railroad was completed to his town he added to his stock of lumber, salt, binding twine, sand and barbed wire. Mr. South- worth is a son of John R. and Anna (Akers) South- worth, the nativity of the former being at Thom- aston, Mass., while the latter was born in Harris- burg, Pa. John R. Southworth was reared as a mechanic, working in the woolen mills at Lowell, Mass.. but in 1854, thinking the broad prairies of the West were more conducive to happiness than the cramped shops of the East, he came to Champaign County, III., eventually. His first removal west was to Ohio, where he was married. As a farmer of Illinois he was fairly prosperous, and was promi- nently identified with the progress of his neighbor- hood, lie died on his farm at the age of seventy- four years, while his wife still lives there. The maternal grandparents of the subject of this sketch died while Mrs. Southworth was quite young. They were natives of England, as were also the paternal grandparents. The great-grandfather, Roy South- worth, served with distinguished honor through the entire period of the Revolutionary War, and his descendants are in possession of a cane, the head of which is composed of solid silver in the shape of a dog's head, and inscribed thereon are the words, "Southworth, 1776." The silver was taken from the hilt of a British sword, which he captured from the enemy. Our subject's parents had six children: Addie, Julia, Frank, Lehmond, John J. and Lillie. John Jay Southworth was born at Coldwater, Mich., in 1852, and when he was but three years old emigrated with his parents to Illinois, where he was reared upon a farm and received his primary education at the public schools. At the age of twenty he entered Oberlin College, where he con- tinued a student for some time, and afterward com- pleted his education at Champaign. In 1875 he was married to Miss Mary F. Irwin, who was born in Champaign County, 111., and who was graduated from the women's department of the Bloommglon College. She was engaged as a teacher in her na- tive county, for sometime and was reckoned as one of the best teachers. Soon after their mariange the young couple removed to Archie, where Mr. South- worth engaged in business, and from the start has PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 259 been successful. They have had four children: Grace, Walter, Ida and Anna Mary; the latter died when slit- was twenty months old. Mr. Southworth owns a fine farm of eighty acres four miles ninth of Allerton. lie is also engaged in the hotel business, he and his wife being the pro- prietors of the Allerton House. He is a member of the odd Fellows lodge, and votes the Republican ticket. The offices of School Director and Trustee have been filled by him with ability. In all his efforts of life in which he has succeeded he has been ably seconded by his intelligent and faithful wife, and it is safe to predict that they will go on prospering. They are prominently identified with the prosperity of their town, and there are no better people in it. fl WILLIAM COPELAND is the son of Samuel. \/\lli wnose f ;ll 'ier was likewise named Samuel, V(7\y a native of Ireland, having been born near Dublin. He, with his brother, Robert, came to the United States when young men and located at Philadelphia, Pa. From there the brother went to South Carolina, and has not since been heard from by our subject. The grandfather married near Philadelphia, and after a few years removed to Galia County, Ohio, the subject's father being then a little boy. The journey was made on pack horses. The father and older brothers, Isaac and Robert, were carried in a basket lashed to a horse. That journey was made about 1805, many years previous to the building of any railroads. Even road wagons were not in general use at that time. Sleds were used in all seasons of the year. The only wagons in use in those parts were such as were known as truck wagons, the wheels of which were made of a piece, perhaps six inches, sawed off the end of a round log and a hole bored in the center for the axle, which was also wood. The wheels were held on the axle by wooden linch-pins, in fa^t the entire wagon was made of wood. The grand- parents located among the hills and heavy timber and there made n farm on which they reared their family of eight children, of whom our subject's father was the third child and only survivor. The children were: Robert. Isaac. Samuel, .lames. Ham- ilton. Mary A. .lane, and Mahala. The grand- parents spent their last days on the Ohio farm. The parents Of Our Subject were married in (.alia County, Ohio, the mother being Elizabeth, daugh- ter of William Ham, of German ancestry and earlj settlers of Ohio. Like the grandparents, the parents of our subject reared a large family consisting of eleven children: William H„ George W., Perry, Mary A., Nancy, Malinda, Andrew, Delila, Clarinda, Emily, and Elizabeth. The four elder were born in Ohio. In 1827, the parents of the subject of this sketch, with their family, removed to this county and made the journey on a keel-boat down the Ohio and up the Wabash to Perrysvillc, Ind. The father made the boat for the journey and brought the household goods and also salt. Out of the profit on that load of salt he made a start in life. He sold it at Perrysville, where he hired a man with a team to haul his goods and family seven miles north- west of Danville, where he entered eighty acres, part timber and part prairie. His first house was made by laying a pole from one tree to another about ten feet apart on a fork in either tree, against which poles and rails were leaned on each side for a roof. In that tent they lived until they could build a log house, and in this house the family was chiefly reared. After getting the eighty acres in a good state of cultivation he would buy more land as he could, until he had increased his farm to a considerable extent. On that farm the worthy mother spent her last days. The father makes his home with our subject during the winter and with his daughter, Elizabeth, now Mrs. .Milton Lamb, of Danville, in the summer. Thefatherof William II. is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, in which faith his mother died. In the wilds of Illinois educational advantages were very limited, and the school which our sub- ject attended at twelve years of age was called a "subscription school." Each family would board the teacher in proportion to the number of puplis. The school-house was built of round logs, punch- eon floor and slab doors. The window was made with greased paper pasted over the hole cut in a log. The M-ats were also made of puncheon. The 260 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPAICAL ALBUM. school term only lasted about three months of the year, these being the winter months, when the work on the farm was retarded by cold weather. The next step of importance was the marriage of our subject to Miss Racbael Sterns. Her parents were Zara and Mary (Smalley) Stems. They too were pioneers in this county and came from near Clarkesville, Ohio, and were among the very earl- liest settlers. They died at an advanced age near Williamsport, hid. By his first marriage there were ten children: Mary married James Wilson and died in 1860. Mr. Wilson enlisted in the war and was killed at the battle of Chickasaw. Their only surviving child, William II., was reared by our subject for whom he was named; Nancy, now Mrs. W. II. Duncan lives in this county; E. II.; Almeda is married to Frank Johns and died about, 1875; Eli lives in Missouri; Andrew Z ; an infantson; Elizabeth now Mrs. John B. Chambers; George; Harmon; and Charles, who died at the age of four years. Mrs. Copeland died Jan. 27, 1831, a worthy member of the Baptist Church in which faith she lived. Our subject was married a sec- ond time to Elizabeth Kirkhart, September, 1885. Her parents were also early settlers here and came from Whitsell County, Va., in which State they were born. Her mother, Ann (^Courtney) Kirk- hart, died when Mrs. Copeland was about eight 3'ears old. Her father, John died a few years later, thus leaving her an orphan in earl}' life. Previous to her marriage with the subject of this sketch Mrs. Copeland had been married to Stephen Lamb, who died in 1882. William Copeland is a member of the Baptist Church, while his wife is a member of the United Brethern Church. He lias held the offices in this county of Supervisor, twelve years; School Direc- tor, twenty years; Road Commissioner, three years. His politics are strictly Republican. His indus- trious habits have been crowned by a splendid property in the village of Potomac, where he lives. He owns a large, well furnished frame house and three lots, finely planted with shade and fruit trees. The house has all modern conveniences, and testi- fies to the neatness and taste of its owners. He also owns another residence and a. large business house in the village. Beside these, a fine farm of 440 acres in this county, where he lived for many years, and here his family was reared. He has given each of his children at their marriage $2,500, and still has a competency remaining to keep himself and wife as long as they live. I lis pres- ent prosperous condition speaks well for his good management and frugality, for when first married, in 1841, he was destitute of means. Mr. Copeland is one of those worthy pioneers, who is now living a life of peaceful retirement. HARLES E. WHITTON has been a resident , of Illinois nearly all his life, though he has lived in Vermilion County but a short time. He was born in Oneida County, N. Y., J11I3* 3. 1847, and when a boy, came West with his parents, Robert and Mary (Ferguson) Whitton. They set- tled on a farm in Grundy County, 111., and the father and mother are now living at Hammond, Ind., near Chicago. The former is an Englishman by birth, and came to this country with an elder brother when quite young, while the latter is a native of Oneida County, N. Y. Charles E. Whitton was brought up on the home farm in Grundy County, and when Fort Sumter was fired upon, ardently desired to enter the Union army, but was not accepted because of his youth. On i'eli. 7, 1865, however, he stole a few months of the time necessary, and at the age of seventeen years and six months enlisted in Company C, 147th Illinois Infantry, and served for a year. On the declaration of peace, his company was assigned to Provost Marshal duty in Georgia, and was so en- gaged until Jan. 20, 1866, on which day they were mustered out. After his return, being still but a boy, although a veteran, Mr. Whitton went to school, and for two years studied with an especial view of preparing himself for the profession of school teaching. In this vocation he was subse- quently engaged for more than twelve 3'ears, mostly in Iroquois Count}', 111., and in Benton County, hid. In the latter county he was also Superinten- dent of Schools for two years, discharging the res- ponsible duties of that position satisfactorily to the people, and with credit to himself. During all PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBIM. 261 the years he was teaching he was also working at farming during the summer months. In the spring of 1884 lie began work on a rented farm in Iro- quois County, but his first wife dying about- that time, Mr. Whitton gave up this place, and after his second marriage lived for three years on a farm in Iroquois County, belonging to his present wife. This they sold in 1888, and then bought and re- moved to the fine farm of 200 acres, on section 21, in Grant Township, where they now make their home. As stated, Mr.Whitton has been twice married — first in 1 877, to Miss Salinda .bines, who died in the spring of 1884, leaving two boys, Lewis and Law- rence. On Dee. Ill, 1884, Mr. Whitton was united in marriage with Mrs. Laura 11. Dunham, widow of Quiney Dunham, of Logan County, 111. She is a daughter of David and Mary (Houser) Alsop, and was born in Spencer Count}', Ky., Aug. 26, 1840. Both the parents were also born in that county, where Mr. Alsop was a farmer. They emigrated to Logan County, 111., when Laura was but nine years old, and she has ever since been a resident of this State. Her mother died in 1875, and her father is still living in Logan County. He, too, although a southerner by birth, was a soldier of freedom, and served for three years in the Union army as a member of Company F, 106th Illinois Infantry. In fact, all of Mrs.Whitlon's connections showed themselves to be true patriots, her father, her father-in-law, her first and her second husband, all having served bravely in the Union ranks. Wil- liam Dunham, her first husband's father, was Chap- lain of the 106th Illinois Infantry, the same regi- ment in which her father was a soldier. He served through the war. but contracted a disease from which he never recovered, and which terminated his life in 1877. Laura 15. Alsop (now Mrs. Whitton) was married to Quiney Dunham, Dec. 15, 1870. He, like Mr. Whitton, was a youthful soldier, having been born Aug. C, 1847, in Warren County, Ohio, and on Feb. 10, 1865, when seventeen years and six months old. enlisted in Company M. 6th Illinois Cavalry, serving for nine months, and was discharged Nov. 5,1865. After his return from the army, young Dunham was engaged in farming pursuits in Logan County until his death. He bought the farm in Iroquois County, on which .Mr. and .Mrs. Whitton lived after their marriage, but never occupied ii himself. The circumstances attending his death, which occured Dec 9, 1881. were very sad, A man whom he had hired to work on the farm was found to be suffering from smallpox, and Mr. Dunham contracted the disease, and died from it. His brother, Monroe Dunham, who was married to a sister of Mrs. Whitton. and a sister of Mrs. Lucy Zollars, with a child of Monroe's, named .Maud, also fell victims to the same dread disease, as did five of their neighbors, making nine in all who died before the pest could be controlled. Mr. and Mrs. Quiney Dunham became the parents of six children, all of whom are now living with their mother, and are named Clarence K.. Mary I... William D., Arthur A.. Pearl E. and Grace L. Mr. and Mrs. Whitton have one child, a bright little girl, named Estella K. Though not long residents in Vermilion County, they have lived near its bor- ders, and are well known in this part of the county. Both are respected members of the Christian Church, and he is a member of Boswell Lodge, No. 486, A. F. & A. M„ of Boswell. Ind. Mr. Whitton is known as an industrious, hard- working man, who attends closely to the duties of his farm, in which he is ably assisted by his ener- getic and capable wife. The farm they now own is a fine property, and under their careful manage- ment is being rapidly improved, and when their plans are fully carried out, it will be one of the best properties of its size in this neighborhood. fjOHN II. PARRISH has for twenty years or more been one of the leading men of Sidell Township. As a farmer he is skillful and successful, has a comfortable and beau- tiful home, and is genial and hospitable in his manner, gaining the good will of all with whom he comes in contact. He is considerable of a politi- cian, and in 1879 was elected Highway Commis- sioner for a term of three years. He was re-elected in 188;"). and served another term. Prior to his assuming the duties of this office the Commis- 262 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. sioners had contracted for a large amount of road grading, and unwisely involved the township in debt to the amount of $4,000. By careful man- agement on the part of Mr. Parrish this sum has been greatly reduced, so that the township finances are placed upon a sound basis. Our subject was born May 7, 1839, in Coshocton County, Ohio. There his early life was spent, and as his brother had left the parental roof when about sixteen years old, John naturally assumed the principal charge of the homestead. To this he brought a bride in 1864, being married that year to Miss Elizabeth Donnelly. This lady was a na- tive of his own county — in fact they had grown up together from childhood. They resided in Ohio until after the birth of two children, coming to this county in 1868. In the meantime the brother, Joseph Parrish, had become owner of a large farm, a part of which our subject rented, and upon which he operated with success. He, however, with many others at the time suffered greatly from ague, a disease common among the early settlers, be- fore the land had been sufficiently cultivated to do away with miasma. The first purchase of our subject in this county was eighty acres, the nucleus of his present home- stead, and to which he added until he had 200 acres. He put up a fine dwelling in 1888, and has brought his land to a good state of cultivation. To him and his estimable wife there were born nine interesting children, the eldest of whom, a daugh- ter. Giula, is the wife of Joseph Thompson, of Sidell Township; Melvin P. remains at the home- stead; Charles died when eighteen months old; Horace C, Allie, Grace, and Harley are at home. Belle died at the age of eighteen months, and Gro- ver C. died when an infant. Mr. Parrish votes with the Democracy, and is quite prominent in local politics, frequently serving as a delegate to the county conventions. He has also served on the Circuit, Petit, and Grand Juries, and has offi- ciated as School Director for a period of fifteen years. James and Lania ( Hardman) Parrish, the parents of our subject, were natives respectively of Bel- mont and Coschocton counties, Ohio. The Par- rishes were originally from Pennsylvania, in which State the mother's family also flourished quite nu- merously at an early day. The parents were mar- ried in Kosciusko County, where the father success- fully pursued his trade of carpenter and joiner, and lived to be seventy-two years old. The mother died when our subject was a lad of seven, leaving besides himself, an older brother, Joseph, and a sister younger, Hannah, now Mrs. W. 15. Shane, who lives in Smithtield, Ohio. ^^UY C. HOWARD. Among the most promi- || (— -, nent merchants of Armstrong, Mr. G. C. V^i) Howard takes the lead. He is noted for his success and excellent business qualifications. He was the son of Joseph, whose father, Nathan, was a native of Ohio, and who was of English descent. This gentleman came to Illinois among the pio- neers, and located three miles northeast of Dan- ville. His wife, Nancy, was of Irish ancestry. This worthy couple were blest with six children; Joseph, Clinton, Milton. Richard; Julia, who mar- ried C. Campbell, and died in this county; and one other, who died quite young. Our subject's father, who was born in Ohio, is the eldest of these chil- dren. Here he was united in wedlock with Miss Barbara Snyder, a daughter of Asa B. Snyder, who was also a pioneer. Of this marriage there was but one child, our subject. The father had been pre- viously married to a daughter of Ralph Martin, another pioneer of this county. It was here in Vermilion County that the father died in the year 1850, eighteen months after the birth of their son. The mother lived and devoted all her attention to her child, whom she reared on the farm with great care and precision, and whom she has educated in the district schools. "When he became of age lie was married to Miss Emily, daughter of William H. Price. This happy event occurred in April, 1878. lie was profitably engaged in farming until 1887, when he found employment as a clerk for a Mr. Tilton, in Potomac, for about eighteen months. From here he "came to Armstrong, where he has a general store and where he enjoys great prosperity. His stock is valued from '83,000 to £.">.000. His 's/fctfL fl(M,000 a .year. He carries an unusually fine line of general merchan- dise. Mr. Howard is a Democrat, and a member of the A. F. A: A. M. of Potomac', his wife being a mem- ber of the " Enstern Star'' of that lodge. When our subject began business he had nothing to help him on but a determined character and a pair of willing hands. These, however, are effectual in- struments, and never fail to prove themselves due weapons in his battles with the ordinary obstacles of life From what we have already seen of his energy, we cannot but predict for him a bright and prosperous future. I ■OlIX M. McCABE. This friend of the laboring; man has made for himself an un- deniably fine record in connection with the ' important question which is to-day absorb- ing the minds of intelligent men everywhere. A man of more than ordinary talent and possessed of large information, he has not only studied this but many other questions of political economy, and his published opinions have had a marked effect upon the complexion of partj politics in this part of the State. A man of broad and liberal ideas, and with the faculty of giving voice to his opinions in forci- ble language, he has for years been a power in the community, and has, it is evident, sought to exert his influence for good and good only. Mr. Mc- Gabe, while affiliating with the Union Labor party, is also a strong advocate of prohibition, and fa- vored a union of the two parties. We are constrained, before proceeding further, to glance at the home surroundings of Mr. McC'abe, who has one of the most pleasant and inviting mansions in Fairmount and vicinity — a large, old- fashioned house, built in the early days, and situ- ated on the corner south of the Methodist Episcopal Church. It stands on an eminence gently sloping to the south, while Stretching east i> a line orchard containing large and spreading trees, a useful old- fashioned garden, and twenty acres of pasture, in tin' midst of which is a fish pond stocked with German carp. Recently the School Directors have purchased two acres of the twenty for the purpose of building a fine graded school building. The whole premises are both comfortable and elegant, and form one of the most attractive features in the landscape of this region. The tile works, of which Mr. McCabe is proprietor, and which lie at the north end of Main street, were erected in 1882, and have been prosecuted successfully since that time. The subject of this sketch was born in Dearborn County, End., Feb. 19, 18 14, and is the fifth child in a family of nine, the offspring of Alex and lihoda (Knapp) McCabe, who were natives respect- ively of Ohio and North Carolina. The father followed farming after his marriage, in Dearborn County, Ind., to which he had removed with his parents at an early day. Grandfather Knapp was a native of New York State. Alex McCabe, after his marriage, continued in Indiana until 1872, then removed with his family to Stanberry, Mo., where he and his excellent wife still live. Six sons and two daughters lived to become men and women. Mr. McC'abe, our subject, attended school quite regularly until a youth of eighteen years, mostly in the winter season, and worked on the farm with his father. In 1803, desirous of starting out in life for himself, he left home, arriving at Fair- mount with a capital of £2.37, and in debt $5 to his mother for money borrowed to help him get away. Arriving at Fairmount, he engaged in work for Mr. James M. Dougherty, about one mile north- east of town, and with whom he remained until the fall of that year. The winter following he taught school at Walnut Grove. The year following he attended school at Danville a short time, and sub- sequently resumed work on a farm. In the meantime our subject had his mind in- tent upon establishing a home of his own, and in the fall of 1864 was united in marriage with Miss Mary E., daughter of Mr. Samuel Dougherty. The maiden name of Mrs. McCabe's mother was Jane Dalby. and Miss Mary was the third child in a family of seven. The newly wedded pair set- tled on a rented farm, where they struggled along amid many difficulties and drawbacks, Mr. McCabe farming in summer and teaching school in winter until the spring of 1880. He then resolved to 266 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. change his occupation, and abandoning' the farm, secured an interest in a Hour mill at Fairmount. lie withdrew from this eighteen months later, and turned his attention to the manufacture- of tile. He put up an old-fashioned Indiana tile shed on a small scale, using one kiln. By the exercise of great industry and energy his business advanced slowly but surely, and in time he was obliged to enlarge his facilities. He now has one of the most extensive factories of the kind in his part of the State, and in addition to the first products, has added brickmaking and roofing-tile of a new de- sign known as '-Donaldson's patent," which is by one-half the lightest roofing-tile ever manufac- tured in any country. Mr. McCabe has now the only manufactory, ex- cepting a flour mill, in the town, and the people of this vicinity are justly proud of this enterprise, which gives emploj'iuent to a number of men, and enters largely into the success and reputation of its industrial interests. At present (June, 1889) the works demand the services of fifteen men, with a prospect in the near future of the number being doubled. The buildings and equipments are fully in keeping with the demands of the business, which is not only a credit to the town, but to its instigator and proprietor. In politics Mr. McCabe always has an opinion and is never afraid to express it. He was in for- mer years an ardent Republican, but of late has not been tied to any party. He was a delegate to the National Labor Conference at Cincinnati, Ohio, and was nominated for Representative in this dis- trict on the Union Labor ticket in 1888. He has officiated as Justice of the Peace, Village Trustee and School Director, and has been for years a member of the Knights of Labor, the Good Tem- plars, the Grange, and the Masonic fraternity, hold- ing in each organization important offices. He and his excellent wife are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church at Fairmount, and for some time Mr. McCabe was Superintendent of the Sun- day-school. Only two of the four children born to our sub- ject and his estimable wife are living, both daugh- ters. The eldest, Effie, was married in March, 1889, to Owen McClenathan, and they live five miles east of Fairmount. Elsie, a bright child of nine years, is pursuing her studies in the village school, and is a fine amateur musician, playing well on both organ and guitar. Among other valuable features of this volume, the portraits of influential citizens of the county hold no second rank. And of these portraits an important place belongs to Mr. McCabe, the friend of the laborer. -^ <■* s^*W^ EV. MICHAEL OAKWOOD. The strong points in the character of this most efficient minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 11 have been his energetic and uniform advo- cacy of temperance, and his devotion to the cause of the Master, as exemplified in his pulpit work, ex- tending over a period of thirty-five years. lie is possessed in a marked degree of the gift of lan- guage, and has delivered some very powerful and stirring sermons, calculated to have a lasting effect upon his hearers. A man's habits and disposition are usually indicated by his home surroundings, and the fact that we find Mr. Oakwood the possessor of a fine farm, with all needful appurtenances, and surrounded by the evidences of refined and culti- vated tastes, indicates the efficiency with which he has labored and the solidity of his general character, by which he has attained to an enviable position socially and financially among his fellow-citizens. The subject of this sketch was born in Brown County, Ohio. Nov. 10, 1823. His father was a native of Virginia, of German ancestry, and reared in Tennessee. Being an only son, the name was only preserved in America through him. When a youth of nineteen years he emigrated to Kentucky, where he afterward married Miss Margaret Remley, who was also of German descent. She, with her parents, had emigrated to Kentucky from Pennsyl- vania, going down the Ohio River on a flatboat, when the Indians were numerous along its shores. The Remleys were a thrifty and long-lived family, the mother of our subject living to nearly the eighty -ninth year of her age. Henry Oakwood departed this life at the age of sixty-five years. He was a strong, athletic man, of PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 267 very genial temperament, and kept Himself well posted upon the general events of the age in which he lived, especially in the politics of the country. He was a warm supporter of the Whig party, and held some of the local offices, among them justice of the peace, lie loll. .wed farming for his occupation, and reared a family of six suns and three daugh- ters, lie served in the War of 1812, and partici- pated in the battles of the British and Indians at the fall of the celebrated chief, Tecumseh. The father of our subject was a resident of Ohio for a number of years, but in 1833 emigrated to Illinois, settling in this county when Michael was a lad of ten years. '1 he people around him were few and far between, and located mostly along the bor- ders of the timber that skirted the streams. The broad prairies were occupied by deer, wolves and other wild animals in abundance. A village of In- dians was located about a mile from the Oakwood residence, which was frequently visited by these native sons and daughters of America, who seemed to enjoy their, contact with civilization although unwilling to give up their own rude: manner of life. On account of the limited number of white peo- ple in the new settlement, the early education of our subject was conducted at home, there being no es- tablished school in his township for three years. This want, however, was partially compensated for by the father taking the place of instructor on win- ter evenings, when the children would form a semi- circle around the huge replace, and, largely by the light of the. burning wood, would pursue their evening studies with their books and slates. Greater ambition to excel is seldom witnessed in the school- room than existed in that little family circle, and Michael was greatly encouraged to find himself a little in advance of some of his older brothers in his studies. By the prosecution of his home studies, with the aid of the later meager school privileges afforded, our subject, with four of his brothers, became a teacher, and still further anxious to excel in learn- ing, mastered some of the higher branches of an English education, and espeeiallj - delighted in wrestling with difficult mathematical problems and investigating the principles of metaphysical science. History, both ancient and modern, received a fan- share of attention. He was much interested in the history of the nations of the earth, as made m his own day by their struggles, both in time of war and in peace 1 , the gradual advance of human liberty, and the improved <■ lition of mankind, politically in- tellectually, morally, socially and religiously. In politics Mr. Oakwood was a Republican from the foundation of the party through all its strug- gles and took an active part in promoting its suc- cess. During the Civil War he was frequently called iq to address large gatherings of citizens, and labored as far as he was able to keep alive the enthusiasm necessary to the success of the Union arms. Although never aspiring to political honors, he frequently held the local offices, tie was a mem- ber of the board of supervisors seven years, served one term as justice of the peace much against his inclination, and frequently discharged the duties of the other local officej. Mr. Oakwood very early in life was made the subject of deep religious impressions. His parents were members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and in the pioneer days before the country was supplied with church buildings, their large farm house afforded a place for regular meetings for preaching and other religious services. Being lib- eral in their views, there were welcomed under this hospitable roof Methodists. Presbyterians, and vari- ous other religious denominations, who were all permitted to seek God in the manner best suited to their separate views. Michael Oakwood, at the age of twenty-eight years, united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and soon afterward was licensed to preach, but de- clined entering the itinerant field. He was ambi- tious to study and to " show himself approved unto God, a workman that need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth," as Paul advised Tim- othy. !So he committed himself to a Biblical and theological course of study. In entering upon his ministerial career, Mr. Oak- wood rather adopted the expository and didactic style, and his gifts as a pulpit orator were speedily recognized to be such as would command the re- spect and attention of his hearers. On the 2d of October, 1864, he was ordained deacon by Bishop | E. R. Ames, and on Sept. 28] 1 ' s 7:3, was ordained 268 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. elder by Bishop I. W. Wiley. During his ministry lie has received many into the church, united many in marriage, preached many funeral sermons, and administered upon many occasions the ordinances of the church, baptizing as many as fifty in a day, at other times thirty, twenty and in lesser numbers. He held the office of recording steward for the long period of thirty-one years, besides many other offi- cial positions in his church. Mr. Oakwood has been twice married. In 184G he was wedded to Miss Nancy, daughter of Samuel Copeland of Blount Township, with whom he lived happily for six years, and at her death was left with one child — Samuel II. Their first-born, Elizabeth, died in infancy. In 1853 Mr. Oakwood was again married to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Rev. John P. Mills, then of Ross Township. She is still liv- ing, and is a highly-esteemed Christian lady, well educated, and for some time before her marriage was engaged as a teacher. The issue of this union was one daughter and three sons. The daughter, Belle, died at the age of twenty-five years; she was possessed of superior intellectual endowments and a fine Christian character, which, united to her thor- ough education and usefulness as a teacher, con- spired to draw around her a large circle of warm friends. Wilbur, a promising boy, (lied in the sec- ond year of his age; Edwin, a deeply pious child, and a member in full connection with the Metho- dist Episcopal Church, died at the age of nine years. John M. Oakwood, the only surviving child of our subject, is now (1889) twenty-three j'ears of age. He was married in 1888 to Miss Effie, daugh- ter of Rev. A. G. Copeland of Danville. He lias been a Christian from childhood and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is well edu- cated, a great lover of books, and has been engaged in teaching in the Champaign county schools for several years, being at present principal of the high school at St. Joseph. Samuel H., the son of the first marriage, has likewise been a consistent mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church since child- hood; he is now forty years of age. He acquired a good education in his youth, and followed the profession of a teacher several years, after which he embarked in the mercantile business at Newtown. He lived there a few years, then removed his busi- ness to Danville, where he still resides. In 1878 he was united in marriage with Miss Laura Bennett, daughter of John Bennett of Georgetown. Two sons and two daughters were born of this union, but only one child is living, Belva, a promising little girl of four years. The Oakwood homestead is one of the most at- tractive and beautiful in the township of the same name, and our subject, at the age of sixty-six years, with his faithful and estimable companion, sui rounded by friends and in the enjoyment of a happj home, sees much that is desirable in life, and as op- portunity occurs seeks to alleviate the afflictions of those less fortunate. Rev. John P. Mills, the father of Mrs. Oakwood, was a regularly ordained local preacher of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and died at his home in Fairmount Aug. 20, 1882. His estimable wife passed away some years before, Nov. 15, 1868. The fatherof Mr. Oakwood died in October, 1856, and the mother March 8, 1878. HI LIP Y. PETERSON is one of the |j younger citizens of Grant Township, living HJgi p^ () n section 5. He was born in Salem Jl\ County. N. J., Nov. 11.1 847. His parents were named Samuel and Jane (Paden) Peterson. both of whom are now living in Woodford County, this State. The elder Peterson is now retired from active life, being seventy-two years of age, and his wife sixty-seven. Both are hearty and rugged. They are natives of Salem County. N. J., and are descended from Swedish ancestors who settled in this country many generations ago. The elder Peterson was left an orphan at the age of four years, and his mother marrying again, he was brought up in the house of his stepfather, and is essentially a selfmade man, who has made his own way in the world, and now, in his old age is enjoy- ing an ample fortune, the result of years of indus- try and good management. He was married in his native State at the age of twenty-five, but some years later he determined to try his fortunes in the great West, and with his wife and family moved POKTKA1T AND BIOI ! KAPII K'AL ALBUM. 269 to Jefferson County, [nd., but he stayed there only six months, not liking the country, and so, taking his wife, six children and household goods, he came to Peoria, 111. This was in the fall of 1856, and to support his family that winter lie engaged in hauling coal, his wife also helping to support the family by her labor. Next spring he rented a farm twenty miles west of Peoria and the succeeding year bought a place twenty-five miles northeast of that city. On this latter place he made his home till 1885, when he relinquished all active labor. When he first came to Illinois. Mr. Peterson was I r in this world's goods, but rich in pluck, energy and ambition. He now owns three farms in Wood- ford County. III., for the poorest of which he has refused *70 an acre. He owns 400 acres of land altogether. He also possesses a half interest in the elevator at Benson, a handsome residence there, and other property, also a farm of 160 acres in Grant Township, this county, besides personal property. Mr. Peterson has all of his lifetime been very industrious and has taken care to avoid public office, attending strictly to his own affairs, lie and his wife joined the Baptist Church the year after they were married, and for many years he has been an officer of his church in Benson. He was also Trustee of his township. He is a man of genial, happy temperament and kind disposition, upright and honorable in his dealings with his fellow men and is held in universal esteem for his correct life and conduct. Samuel and Jane Peterson are the parents of eight children, all of whom are living, the family cord being unbroken by death. They are named respectively: Mary P. wife of James I. Jeter, a farmer in Woodford County; Simeon P., was mar- ried to Sarah Jane Huxtable and is a farmer, tile manufacturer and owner of three threshing ma- chines and is living in Benson, 111.; Philip Y. was next in order, then David C, who married Ellen Deal: he is a butcher in Kossville, this county. Lewis S. and Sarah Jane are twins; the former is married to Emma Kay, living in Benson, where Lewis S. is running an elevator, lumber yard, and also operates a branch bank. Sarah Jane is the wife of George Tallman, a dairyman of Grant Township, this county; Annie Margaret is the wife of Cal. Iloff. a farmer in Woodford County, 111., and Maria Frances is married to James Huxtable, a merchant of Benson, 111. Beside their children Mr. and Mrs. Peterson have twenty-four grand- children living, and an unusual case, is that they have never lost a child by death, and but one grandchild. Philip Y. Peterson, was eight years of age when his parents emigrated to Indiana. He well remem- bers passing through Danville on their way to Peoria, and says then it was but a collection of small houses, principally shanties inhabited by coal miners. He spent his boyhood on the home farm in Woodford County, III, receiving such education as was afforded by the limited facilities of the time and place. The nearest school was three and a half miles away and not a bridge being built in the lo- cality, when lie attended school he had to wade across the sloughs the best way he could. Under these circumstances he got what little schooling he received. He stayed on the home farm until he was twenty-one, after which he began farming on land belonging to his father, who furnished each of his boys with a team, and boarded them the first year for half the produce of their farms. He lived on land of his father's for five years and then bought a place of 120 acres in Woodford County, and there continued to live until in March, 1882, he sold out and removed to this county. Land here was much cheaper, and just as good as there, and he bought 120 acres of his present home, sub- sequently adding forty more, and he also leases eighty acres, which joins his land on the south. In 1886 Mr. Peterson erected the fine new modern house which he now occupies and which makes a comfortable and commodious home for the family February 23, 1872, Mr. Peterson was united in marriage with Miss Allie Chaney, who was left an orphan at an early age, her mother dying when she was six years old, and her father two years later while he was in the Union army. She was adopted and brought up by a German couple, named Shoup. She was born in Huntington County, Ind., Aug. 1(1, 18f>4. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson are the parents of four children, all at home: Katie F., Lillie Dell, Bessie Jane and Myrtle Edna. Mr. Peterson has never held any office in this county other than that 270 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. of School Director. He and hi* wife are members of the Christian Church in Giant Township and he is connected with its Sabbath-school. By his neigh- bors who know him best, Mr. Peterson is highly respected as an honest straightforward man and a good citizen. -eh. SPANIEL CAMPBELL stands among the )) honest, manly, industrious farmers and (fiJifr stock- raisers of Pilot Township who have made its interests their own, and while building up comfortable homes in this pleasant locality have materially contributed to its advance- ment. His tine well-stocked farm on section 12 compares favorably in all its appointments with the best in the vicinity, and is sufficient evidence that he has achieved success in his chosen calling, although he began life as a poor man and has had to work his way up from the lowest round of the ladder leading to prosperity. Our subject is a native of New York, and first opened his eyes to the light of day in Washington County Aug. 20, 1828. His father. Thomas Camp- bell, was born in Massachusetts, came to this coun- ty in 1868. following his son Daniel to this place, and died in 1879 at a ripe old age. The mother of our subject was Naby Swain, whose parents wen.' of Scottish birth and ancestry, and the} - came to this counti'3' some time early in this century or in the latter part of the last one, and settled in Washing- ton County, N. Y., where she was burn. She died in 1831, while yet a young woman. She bore to her husband five children, two of whom are living, Marvin S. and our subject. The former, who mar- ried a Miss Cole of New York, lives in Tro}', that State, retired from active business. Daniel Campbell passed his boyhood and the opening years of his manhood in the State of his nativity, gleaning such education as was afforded by the schools of the time. In 1856, being then twenty-eight years of age, and in the possession of a sound mind in a sound body, he determined to try life on the rich, virgin plains of the great West, and selecting this part of Illinois as having in all respects the characteristics of soil, climate, etc., most desirable in the eyes of a young farmer and neces- sary t<> the successful prosecution of his calling, he came to Vermilion County and bought 240 acres of improved land in Pilot Township. He imme- diately entered upon his task of bringing it to a high state of cultivation, erecting suitable build- ings as his means allowed, making the place in every way one of the most desirable farms in this part of Vermilion County. By well-directed toil, close economy and sagacious management lie has become very prosperous, and now owns 500 acres of as well tilled and productive soil as is to be found in this fine agricultural region, and he has erected a comfortable, roomy set of buildings for all needful purposes, lie is engaged extensively in mixed husbandry, raising grain, and other farm products common to the soil, and he has his farm well sup- plied with stock of good grades, comprising sixty head of cattle, thirty horses, 160 sheep and forty- five hogs. Mr. Campbell has had the effective aid of one of the most helpful of wives in his work, their mar- riage occurring in 1854. Mrs. Campbell's maiden name was Maggie Campbell, and she was of Irish birth and parentage, her parents being James and Nancy (Pinkertonj Campbell. She came to this country with two of her brothers. Seven children have come to our subject and his amiable wife in their pleasant wedded life, of whom the following are married and settled in life: Sarah J. is the wife of Marion Kirkpatrick, a tile maker, of Indiana, and they have one child. Pearl; Thomas, an agri- cultural implement dealer and grain buyer of Pen- field, 111., married Dora Kirkpatrick of Indiana, and they have two children, Samuel and May; Mary F. is the wife of Fred Thomas, a farmer of Wis- consin, anil they have two children, Otis and Reed; Rosetta is the wife of Henry Hibbler, a farmer of this county, and they have five children — Logan, Earl, Lola, Amy, Ernest. Mr. Campbell is gifted with keenness and tenacity of purpose, and a well-balanced mind, and these attributes have not only placed him with the solid, representative men of the township, but they have rendered his services as a civic official invaluable during his incumbency of the various local offices that have been entrusted to him by the votes of PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 271 his fellow townsmen, and as a juryman. In politics lie is a firm believer in the Republican party, and advocates its policy on all proper times and occa- sions. Both he and his wife are devoted members of the Christian Church, and their children also belong. ■ > V^ir^ ' < • '" ^j] ACOB DAZEF. The present commercial importance and prosperity of Hoopeston is unquestionably traceable to the wisdom of / her merchants, and it is a fitting tribute to those who have honorably distinguished themselves in the commercial arena that their names should be commemorated in history. It is a fact worthy of consideration that nearly all of our prominent busi- ness men have struggled up from obscurity to the foremost places in every branch of trade. As a representative of this class, the following is a brief outline of one who has attained the leading position he holds to-day among the merchants of Vermilion County. Mr. Daze\' is a prominent merchant of Hoopeston, where he carries on an extensive business in heavy and shelf hardware, agricultural implements and lumber. In 1855 he came from Indiana, his native Mate, having been born there on the 25th of March. 1831, near Attica. He remained with his father on the old homestead until he was married, which event occurred on Aug. 18, 1853. His wife, Miss Sarah Whitlatch, died about one year after her marriage. When Mr. Dazey came to Illinois, he purchased a farm of 160 acres which he increased later on to G40. Upon this tract of land he erected the very best of buildings and the improvements are of the very highest order. He continued the business of farming until Dec. 15, 1881 when he removed to Hoopeston and engaged in his present business. ( In April 27. 1855, Mr. Dazey married the second time, taking for his wife. Miss Lorinda Wilkinson, who was born in Montgomery County, Ind., May I. 1838, where she resided until coining to Illinois in 1851. She is the daughter of Abram Wilkinson, one of the early pioneers of Vermilion County, who married Mrs. Harriet Hawkins. They were the parents of two sons and two (laughters. Mr. Haw- kins came from Indiana to this county and entered land upon which he resided until about 1877, when he removed to Benton County, Ind.. remaining there until 1881, when he finally came to Hoopeston, where he has lived with his wife a retired life. Mr. and Mrs. Dazey are the parents of six sons and one daughter, all of whom are still living: — Charles M... lames H., John, William. Frank, George, and Elizabeth. The youngest son and daughter are at home. James II. is married and has three children; Charles M. married Miss Mary Fitzgib- bons; they are living on a farm near Milford, 111., and have one child. John married Maggie Williamson and is residing on the old homestead; they have one child. William married Miss Smith; they are living on a farm and have two children. Frank married Miss Eva Dobe; he is engaged in the mercantile business at Hoopeston. Mr. and Mrs. Dazey are members of the Metho- dist Episcopal Church in which they take great interest. He is one of the trustees of that organi- zation and politically he is identified with the Re- publican party. James Dazey, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Ohio, where he married Miss Mary Gobel and came from Montgomery County, Ind., where he was engaged in farming. In his early days he was a shoemaker, a business he carried on with success, but latterly he was a farmer. He died at Tolona, 111., his wife passing away at the same place in 1883. fi^T^REDKRIC JONES is intimately connected jrafej) with the material prosperity of Catlin ;k\ Township as one of its enterprising, pro- gressive, business-like farmers and stock-raisers, and the farm that he possesses here, finely located on section 35, is in all respects a well-appointed, well-managed estate, comparing favorably with the best in this region of fine farms. Our subject is of English ancestry and birth, as were also his parents, Henry and Sarah (Hough) Jones. He was their sixth child and was born in the city of London. England, May 28. 1844. In 1849 his parents brought him to America, and he 272 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. was reared to manhood in Catlin Township, and can scarcely remember any other home. He was a quick scholar and gleaned a very good education in the common schools. When about fourteen years old he entered upon a mercantile career, going into his father's employ at that age as a clerk. lie was in the store about a year and a half when he went to Lafayette, Ind., to learn the trade of a black- smith in the Lafayette and Indianapolis Railway shops. lie served an apprenticeship of two years and two months, and at the expiration of that time returned to Catlin and building a blacksmith shop, formed a partnership with S. A. McGregor, Si\, and carried on his trade, of which he had gained a thorough mastery, the ensuing two years. At the end of that time he dissolved his partnership with Mr. McGregor and again became a clerk in his brother Richard's store. He remained with him sixteen years, and when his brother died he entered into partnership with his brother Arthur, and they conducted the business together about two years. Our subject then sold out his interest, having decided to devote his attention to the more conge- nial calling of a farmer, and at that time invested a part of his capital in his present farm, which he has owned since 1880. It comprises 171 acres, all under good cultivation and finely improved, having an excellent set of farm buildings and modern ma- chinery for conducting agriculture after the most approved methods. The successful career of our subject is partly attributable to the fact that he is blessed with a wife who is in every sense a helpmate. Their mar- riage was solemnized Dec. 5, 1866, and to them have come ten children — James, Emma, Richard. Harriet A., Elizabeth, Sarah, Frederic, Arthur, Henry, Edward. Mrs. Jones' maiden name was Harriet Ann Dickinson, and she is like her husband a native of England, born in Boston, Lincolnshire, Dec. 28, 1817, to William and Emma (Barker) Dickinson. (For parental history see the sketch of William Dickinson that appears on another page of l ii is w »rk). Mr. Jones is in all respects a manly, upright man, is well and favorably known here, and his in- fluence in the community is felt in eveiything that tends to promote its welfare. He takes an active part in political matters, and in him the Republican parly finds one of its truest and staunchest advo- cates. Religiously both he and his amiable wife sympathize with the teachings of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and carry its Christian spirit into their everyday lives. They are genial, court- eous people, and their a* tractive home is the center of perfect hospitality. -^fX/V.-"* «24£/!5*£- •■m§^~@*3.OT7i»- EORGE M.EVANS. The Keystone State has contributed largely of her best elements V^jjjj to the development of the Great West, numbers of men coming thither at all ages and un- der all conditions, the greater majority, perhaps, those who were dependent upon their own resources and just starting out in life to carve their fortunes by the labor of their hands. The homes of these men are among the finest in Central Illinois. The farm of Mr. Evans, finely situated on the northern line of this county, invariably attracts the attention of the passing traveler, and gives ample evidence of being under the control of a man of more than ordinary ability. It will be acknowledged that he has the true conception of the manner in which to conduct agriculture, and he possesses the cultivated tastes which have enabled him to construct a home second to none in this region. The property of Mr. Evans embraces 328 acres of land, lying on section 26, township 2.'i. range 12, where he settled seven years ago, although he purchased it in 1879. He has effected a radical change in its condition, and purposes to still fur- ther augment its beauty and value. lie came to Illinois when a young man, twenty-four years old, from Berks County, Pa., where he was born in 1852. He made his first trip West in 1876, and after so- journing in Grant Township one year he returned to Pennsylvania, where he spent the winter follow- ing and came back to this county in the spring of 1877, and two years later purchased his present homestead. The subject of this sketch was married in Grant Township, to Miss Tillie Groom, the wedding tak- ing place at the bride's home. Sept. 22, 1885. This lady is a native of this county. Her father, Fred- PORTRAIT AND Bl< >< : KA I'l I1CAI. ALBUM. 27.", erick Groom, came to Illinois from England, car- ried on farming a number of years, and then retir- ing from active labor took up his abode in Rossville, where he now lives. .J<>lm Evans, the father of our subject, was a native of Pennsylvania, where, upon reaching manhood, he married Miss Anna Miller. He settled on a farm in Berks County, and died when his son George M. was a lad of ten or twelve years. His widow survived him until about four years since, her death taking place in Pennsylvania. Mr. Evans upon becoming a naturalized citizen allied himself with the Republican party, and still gives to it his unqualified support. Aside from serving as School Director in his district he has had very little to do with public affairs. *~§* > ■* ^HILLIP CADLE, an extensive and well- known farmer of .Vermilion County and •f one whose career has been marked by suc- \ cess, was born in England on the 22d of February. 184'.(. When four years of age he came to America with his parents and is practically an American bred man. His education was acquired in the common schools, and until he became of age, he worked for his father faithfully on the old homestead. Phillip Cadle is the son of George and Elizabeth (Saunders) Cadle, who were natives of England and were living in Bradfordshire at the time they concluded to better themselves by emigrating to America. The} - sailed from the old country in 1853 and after landing upon American soil, they immediately proceeded to Attica, Ind., where for four years they were engaged in farming, at the expiration of which period they removed to Iro- quois County, 111., four miles north of Hoopeston. Here they remained for two years more, when they again removed to a farm situated one and a half miles southwest of Rossville. 111., remaining there for three years. Their next removal was to Salt Fork, west of Danville, where they lived for thir- teen years, removing from that place to Homer. 111., where the elder Cadle is living in retirement, with his wife, enjoying a well earned rest. They are the parents of eight children : Emma was mar- ried in England to Thomas Edwards and they arc- now living near Armstrong, 111.; Ann is the wife of D. Young and they are residing in Idaho; .lane married .lames Tol liver, both of whom are deceased; Rachael is the wife of C. Hayes. She died some years ago; Sidney (i. is dead; Martha married John Maun; Phillip is the subject of this article, while Dora is at home with her father and mother at Ilomei'. 111. Mr. Cadle's first marriage occurred in Vermilion County, 111., May 30, 1871, his wife being Miss Emma'Weaden, a native of Virginia. Of this union one child was born, Mary Anna, who died when four months of age. The wife died Oct. 23, 1872. In 1875 Phillip Cadle married Miss America Seymour. She is a native of Virginia but came here when a very small child with her parents, who are living at Oakwood, this county. She was the sixth child of a family of nine children. Mr. and Mrs. Cadle are the parents of four bright children: Lilian, Maud, George and Dode, all of whom are living at home and going to school. In addition to his general farming Mr. Cadle is engaged very extensively in the stock business, a combination which has been a success from a pecuniary point of view. In 1871! he purchased 381 acres where he now lives, and at this time, really commenced his active career as a large dealer in hogs and cattle. In the aggregate he owns 915 acres of the very choicest land that lies in Vermilion County, and the build- ings that he has erected are nearly equal to that of a small village, consisting of barns, stables, gran- eries, an elevator, and in fact everything that goes to make up a well appointed farm. He has also a fine system of water-works that supplies his house, pastures and different barns with fresh, pure water. Mr. Cadle deals in grains of all kinds, but more especially in wheat. Mr. Cadle is a consistent Republican and while he has never aspired to office, has held local posi- tions, filling them with the same fidelity which he has shown in his private affairs. Mr. Cadle's suc- cess in life can be directly traced to his prompt business habits, his integrity and his capacity for judging human nature. He is truly a self-made 276 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. man and the fortune he now owns has been accu- mulate (1 within the last eighteen years. A view of the farm residence of Mr. C'adle is shown elsewhere in this volume. /p^EORGE ALLEN is the proprietor of Shrop- (/[(—-, shire Park. His father. George Allen, was ^^Jj known to Europe and America as the lead- ing breeder of Bate Short-horn cattle and Shrop- hire sheep. The history of this extensive enter- prise of breeding, dates back to the early life of the father. While yet a young man he showed a desire and liking for the better grades of cattle and sheep and his son has inherited this disposition to an eminent degree. George Allen, Sr., was born in Derbyshire, Eng- land, while the grand fat her was a tenant farmer of the same place and was born there also. This family were all remarkable for their ureal stature, the great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch being a man of six feet five inches in height, and measured one yard from one shoulder point to an- nother. George Allen. Sr.. was a remarkably large and well-proportioned man and possessed great vigor and unusual activity. He served in the English cavalry for several years, and was dis- tinguished as one of the finest appearing soldiers in the British army. He married Elizabeth Tur- ner, who was a native of England and the daugh- ter of William and Sarah Turner, farmers. After their marriage, they settled at Knightly, England, and there began the breeding of Short-horn cattle, and for the long period of thirty-five years, Mr. Allen continued in this business on the same farm, gaining a wide-spread reputation as a most success- ful breeder of the best strains of cattle and sheep in England. He operated an extensive farm of 400 acres and here he reared a family of four chil- dren — George, Robert II.. Mary Ann and Harry. Robert II., is residing at Darlington, Ind.. where he is engaged in the mercantile business. Mary Ann is residing at Stafford, England, where she married William Ebbern. who is an extensive man- ufacturer of ladies' fine shoes and operates a very large business. They have four children, Harry. is the executor of the Allen estate and the firm ac- cording to the father's will is to continue under the same management and retain the firm name of George Allen & Son. The subject of this sketch and his father saw greater fields for operations in America than in England. They shipped several cargoes of sheep here, exhibiting them for the first time at St. Louis in 1871. This shipment proved profitable and fully exceeded their expectations. The entire management of this enterprise was under George, Jr. lie exhibited his stock at Dayton, Ohio, also, in 1872, on the occasion of Goldsmith Maid's mak- ing her great record. The same year he also showed his stock at Indianapolis and St. Louis. This plan of business was followed for several years and so successfully that in 1879, George and his father — including the entire family — came to America, for the purpose of engaging in cattle and sheep raising, bringing 100 head of Shropshire sheep and twenty-two head of the Bate Short-horn cattle. After casting about for a suitable location they finally concluded that Vermilion County, met all the requirements they were seeking. Here they purchased 960 acres of land, and at once entered upon a career as breeders of cattle and sheep, which in many ways cannot be duplicated inAmerica. The mother died March 6, 1881, at the age of fifty-six years, while the father met his death, March 16, 1889, at the age of sixty-two. And so passed away a couple whose reputation was of the very best and who made this world the better for their living in it. George Allen, of whom this is written, was born April 15, 1818 at Tean. Staffordshire, England. He was seared as a stock-raiser and farmer, an oc cupation which he has followed since he was twelve years of age. He received a common school education, which has been added to since by intelligent and careful reading. At the age of twenty-seven years he was married to Miss Ann Elizabeth Ellsmore. who is a daughter of John and Lucy Ellsmore. They were farmers in England and had two children that grew to maturity: Ann E., and William T. The latter is residing at Staf- ford, England, and is a shoe manufacturer. Mr. and Mrs, Allen had two children born in England; PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 277 George and Florence, who are now at home and attending school. Since coming to America the following children have been born — Frederick ('., William, Elizabeth and Harry. It is unnecessary to state that perhaps there is no man in this country who has a better reputation as a breeder of Short-horn cattle and Shropshire sheep, than Mr. Allen, who has taken more prizes for the excellent qualities of sheep than any other man in the world, a record of which he feels, nat- urally, very proud. From a financial standpoint, he has been most eminently successful, and the pro- ceeds of the earnings of his great stock farm is in- vested in more lands and stock. He has become a naturalized citizen and is a Republican in politics. Mr. and Mrs. Allen worship at the Presbyterian Church. Of the celebrated Bate Short-horn cattle, the Al- iens have on hand about 150 of the following fam- ilies: Airdrie Duchess, Grand Duchess, Oxfords, Barringtons, Wild Eyes, Waterloos, Kirk Leving- tous. Fletchers, Fennel Duchess. Acombs, Plaees, Darlingtons, Georgiannas, Eden Rose, Rose of Sharon and Surmises. The Duke of Vermilion No. 80443, stands at the head of the herd. The Grand Duke of Oxford holds the second place, and is the son of the Duke of Vermilion. He will some day take his place at the head of the herd. The most valuable animals on the farm are the Duchess of Vermilion, Grand Duchess No. 28 and the Duke of Vermilion, which in point of excel- lence have never been surpassed inthe State of Illi- nois or perhaps in America. They have a flock of 5(H) sheep with three celebrated imported rams at the head. Goodsort No. 9904, won second prize at the Royal Agricultural Society in England in 1888, and cost $300 delivered at Boston. True- type, No. 5603, A. S. R. A., won first prize as a lamb at the Shropshire Agricultural Show, at Shrewsbury, England, in 1887. This animal was imported the same year. T. A- W. S. No. 13438, A. S. R. A. was the first prize winning land) in England in 1888. Among the most valuable ewes on this farm may be mentioned Lady Brad burn second, and Jane L., who are great prize winners. The horse breeding department of this farm has been added lately. The celebrated English Shire horse Wymondham 2960 E. C. II. S. 1',. is considered to be as well bred a shire horse as can be found in America. There are also six registered Shire mares on this farm. Shropshire Park is a most fitting name for this extensive farm, which is one of the most valuable in the State of Illinois It has more the appear- ance of a fair ground than a farm. It is well pro- vided with a multitude of houses, sheds, com cribs and implement houses. There are live windmills on the farm which furnish water and grinding power. In concluding this Sketch it would be proper to state that there arc probably no more intelligent stock breeders than the gentlemen who compose the firm of George Allen it Son, of Aller- ton. III. ESSE DAVIS. Although not a native of Vermilion County, this gentleman, the son of pioneer parents, was reared within its limits, and has for many years occupied an important place among its enterprising, far-seeing, thrifty, well-to-do farmers and stock-raisers. On section 30, Catlin Township, he owns a large and valuable farm, cultivated by the best methods, so that it yields an extensive .yearly income. He has erected a fine residence and other substantial, well arranged buildings, while everything about the place shows every evidence of a master mind and skillful band controlling affairs. Our subject is of Southern antecedents, although a native of Ohio. His parents, Joseph and Eliza- beth (George) Davis, are supposed to have been natives of Virginia, but after their marriage they settled in Pickaway County, Ohio, among its early settlers. They remained there until 1833, when, hoping to better their pecuniary condition by going to a still newer country, they came with their family to Vermilion County to try farming on its virgin soil. They selected Catlin Township as a desirable location, and thus became pioneers of the township. The father's useful career was cut short however, in a few years, and while yet in life's prime it was closed in death, August, 1839. He was a man of sound sense, a good farmer, and one whom all respected for his unswerving integrity 278 PORTRAIT AND BIOOKAI'AICAL ALBUM. and kind heart. His widow survived him many years, dying in this township Dec. 30, 1 married Sueldo Johnson; Demna, who married Wesley Smith; Asa and Eben are yet un- married. The others, who died when quite young, are William A., Charles F., Clarissa J., George M., and Jessie G. Aug. 30, 1883, the household of our subject was bereft of the beloved wife and mother, who had been devoted to the interests of her family, and was in every respect a true woman whom to know was to respect. Mr. Sperry was married I" his present amiable wife Oct. 1 1, 1888. She is a good housewife and looks carefully after the comforts of the inmates of the pleasant home over which she presides. Her maiden name was Ellen Cozatt, and she is a daugh- ter of Henry and Nancy Wood, and widow of Terry C. Cozatt. Mr. Sherry is a man of sterling worth, one in whom his fellow-citizens place the utmost confi- dence, lie possesses foresight, thrift and sound discretion in an eminent degree, and they have been factors in his prosperity. In him the United Breth- ren Church finds one of its most earnest and valued members, who carries his religion into the every day affairs of life. In politics he has been a stanch Republican since the early days of the formation of the party. . orx> . ' o&o * ' 1CHAEL McCAUL. There are many- greater men than their garb would indi- cate. We find in the person of this gen- tleman a classical scholar who pursued his youthful studies with the intention of becoming a priest, but untoward circumstances compelled him to leave college and engage in manual labor. This necessarily changed the whole course of his life and we now find him a thorough-going farmer, who in company with his brother owns 120 acres of land on sections 1 and 6 in Sidell Township. Probably Mr. McCaul is the only man in his township who has circumnavigated the globe. After leaving college his mother was unwilling to have him come to America on account of the Civil War, so he went to Australia. He was born in County Cavan, Ireland, in August, 1844, and pursued his early studies in the common schools until the age of fifteen years, when he entered the Larrah Classical School in the same count}-, where he pursued his studies for three years and then his lack of finances compelled him to withdraw. In setting out for Australia, he was accompanied by his brut her, Bernard. They sailed around the coast of Africa, doubled Cape Hope and arrived at Mor- ton Bay Colony, Queensland, where they became employed on the public works, principally railroads for five years. At the expiration of this time the McCaul brothers determined to come to America and set 288 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. >ail from Melbourne, going up through the Pacific. doubling Cape Horn and landing in Liverpool, whence they embarked on a steamer to the prom- ised land. They arrived in New York in the early part of November, 1867, and thence made their way to Marshall County, this State, where they be- gan farming together and operated thus several years. Our subject final!}* removed to Woodford County, where he sojourned a few years, then changing his residence to Champaign County, from which he came, in 1880, with his brother to his present farm. They took out their naturalization papers in 1884. Mr. McCaul believes in protection to American industries and consequently has iden- tified himself with the Republican party. He is in full sympathy with the cause of Ireland and a warm admirer of Patrick Egan, Patrick Ford and other who are endeavoring to free their country from the oppressions of British rule. He has signi- fied his sympathy in a substantial manner, donat- ing liberally of his means. Tlie parents of our subject were Bernard and Mary (McEntee) McCaul, natives of County Cavan, Ireland, and the father was a farmer by occupation. They spent their entire lives upon their native soil, each living to be sixty-three years old. Their live children were named respectively, Ann. Ed- ward, Patrick. Bernard, and Michael. Ann is the vvidow of John Reiley and resides in Sidell Township; Edward and Patrick remain in their native Ireland. Bernard married Miss Mary Gulcheon, a native, like himself of County Cavan. and they have three children — Mary, Bernard, and Maggie. Michael, our subject, continues in a state of single blessedness. 7RANKLIN EMMET ABLOTT. well-known as one of the most enterprising of the younger farmers of Grant Township, was born in Brown County, Ohio, Sept. 12, 18.59, and came to Illinois with his parents when but six years of age. His parents were Wilson and Sarah J. (Brown) Abbott, who were natives of Ohio and after their removal to Illinois, coming direct to Vermilion County, they settled on a farm on sec- tion 22 in this same township a short distance from where Franklin E. now resides. There the family lived for about three years when they removed to a rented farm a short distance off. and a year later Mr. Abbott bought a 40- acre farm on which the family made their home for many years, and on which place Wilson Abbott died on Feb. 14, 1883 at the age of fifty- two. He was a farmer all his life-time, giving his entire time and attention to the work pertaining to his farm, and having no desire for notoriety, as far as possible avoided public position, never holding any office, save such as school director, or the like, that he could not evade. He was known as one of the older settlers of the township, which was comparatively new when he located here, a quar- ter of a century ago. He left behind him a splen- did record as a man and as a farmer. Mrs. Sarah J. Abbott survived her husband nearly four years, dying in the house of her son, Franklin E.. on Dec. 1G, 188G, aged fifty-two years. Wilson Abbott and wife were the parents of eight children, of whom seven are yet living as follows: Frances Evelyn, is the wife of Martin Davis, a fanner in Grant Township; James L.. is married to Miss Maggie Schoolcraft, and is also a farmer in Grant Township; Franklin E., was next in order of birth; Isodora Albertine is the wife of William Trueheart, a farmer in Mead County, Kan.; Mary Luella and Cyrena Belle, make their home with their brother of whom this is written, and Charles L. is unmarried and engaged in farm work. Franklin E. Abbott, the subject of this sketch, has spent his entire life in the county and town- ship, where he now lives, since he was six years old. Two or three years after the death of his father, the old farm was sold and the family home has since been where Franklin now lives. The elder members of the family were justly regarded as the very best people in the neighborhood for industry, intelligence and straightforward conduct, and the younger members are closely following the footsteps of their parents. Mr. Abbott is unmar- ried, his sisters keeping house for him. He hns been School Director of the township, and all of the family are members of the Christian Church, be PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 289 being treasurer of the Sabbath-school connected therewith. Mr. Abbott belongs to that younger element of of farmers of Illinois, which is rapidly coming to the front, and after attaining that position is sine to remain there. He is constructed of the material that make a useful citizen and a good farmer. \j] OHN E. T1K >M PSON. The people of ( >ak- wood Township with one accord declare that this is -'one of the finest old gentlemen within its precincts." This kindly express- ion of opinion among those who have known him long and well, should in a measure compensate him for the affliction from which he is suffering, he hav- ing become almost blind and passing many days which seem long and dreary, lie. however, has a mind to direct his farming operations, and is en- abled to live comfortably upon his little farm of eighty acres, besides which he has eight acres of timber. He raises as much stock as the place will support comfortably, and in his struggles and la- bors has been ably assisted by his estimable wife — a lady possessing all the womanly virtues, devoted to her family, remarkably industrious and frugal, and who has ordered the ways of her household in the most admirable manner. The subject of this notice is the offspring of an excellent old family, and was one of a pair of twins born March 5. 1821, in Clark County, Ohio. His boyhood days were spent in his native State, where he received a practical education in the common school, and when reaching his majority began farm- ing for himself. When twenty-five years old he was married in 1811), to Miss Sarah E. Simpkins, and the young people lived thereafter for three years at the Thompson homestead. In 1802 they came to Illinois and settled first in Edgar County, where they sojourned live years. Their next re- moval was to their present farm, which was then merely a tract of wild land with not a stick of tim- ber or a shrub upon it. Our subject set himself industriously to work for the improvement of his property ably assisted by his faithful wife, and making each year some head- way toward the desired end. After a lapse of years six children were embraced in the family house- hold, four of whom arc living: Rowena Harriet is now the wife of Silas Bean, and the mother of one child by her present husband; they live in Hodge- man County, Kan. By her first marriage with Frank Funk she became the mother of four chil- dren; John Henry married Miss Emma Royer; thej live in Kansas City, Mo., and have two chil- dren; Darius S. is unmarried, and has principal charge of the home farm, and is a member of Lodge No. -181). I. (). (). F. ; Charles S. married Miss Re- becca Hubbard, and lives in Pilot Township, hav- ing no children. Mr. Thompson cast his first Presidential vote for Zachary Taylor, and was a member of the Old Whig party until 185G, when he cast his lot with the Republicans at the organization of this party. He has officiated as Road Overseer in Edgar County, and has been School Director in his present dis- trict for eight years. Socially, he belongs to Lodge No. 489 I. O. O. F. at Fithiau, in which he has been Right Supporter and Outside Guardian. Mrs. Thompson is a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Her parents were D. S. and Rowena Simpkins. the former of whom was a na- tive of Maryland, and later removed with his fam- ily to Ohio, settling in Clark County, where he be- came prominent and well-to-do. The parental household included eight children, of whom Mrs. Thompson was the fourth in order of birth. She was born Nov. G, 1828, in Maryland, and received an excellent education. Her parents spent their last years in Clark County, Ohio. The father of our subject was Jeremiah C. Thompson, a native of Harper's Ferry, Va., and a farmer by occupation. He married Miss Susannah Wolfe, a maiden of his own township and a daugh- ter of Henry Wolfe, a native of Virginia and a prominent man of his time, who lived till nearly eighty years of age. From the Old Dominion, about a year after their marriage, the parents of our subject emigrated to Clark County, Ohio, set- tling among its earliest pioneers. The father in due time became owner of nearly 400 acres of land and was prominent in the community, officiating as .Jusiice of the Peace and occupying other positions 290 PORTRAIT AND BIOKRAPAICAL ALBUM. of trust and responsibility. He departed this life at the old homestead in 1851. The mother had preceded her husband to the silent land eleven years, her death taking place in 1840. They were the parents of eleven children, the most of whom lived to mature years, and were scattered through different States. « WILLIAM CLIPSON, deceased, was forrn- \rJIl er *y an ll0110rec1 resident of Vermilion yystl County, with whose farming interests he was identified. Coming here with his family when this section of the country was still in the hands of the pioneers and purchasing land in Catlin Town- ship, he was actively engaged in its improvement, and in the few years that he was spared to the community he greatly increased the value of his farm. His death when but a few years past the me- ridian of life was a severe blow to the township with whose interests his own were bound up, and his name and memory are still cherished here by those who knew him best. He was of English birth and breeding, born in Lincolnshire, May 18, 1806, and reared to man- hood in a town known as Minonsby, where, he lived till he was about eighteen years old, when he went to Devonshire, England. He was first married in that shire to Jane Shaw, by whom he had eight children, of whom only two lived to grow up, Catherine and Jane. Catherine is the wife of Mil- ligan M. Moore, of Georgetown, 111. Jane married John Swanell, and died in Leavenworth, Kan., in 1859. After his marriage Mr. Clipson removed to London, and there his wife died July 1, 1839. While in Devonshire he enlisted as a soldier in the British Army, and served as messman to King William. After his removal to London he served on the police force of that city, and was afterward inspector for the London Gas Company for some ten or twelve years, and at the same time was en- gaged in the management of a hotel. He was mar- ried a second time in that city, his union with Miss Matilda Ann Barker being solemnized Nov. 5, 1840. She was born in Boston, Lincolnshire, Eng- land, Dec. 22, 1815. Of the thirteen children born of her marriage with our subject the following six grew to maturity: William H., John O, James, Harriet A., Richard, Albeit. William married Mirantha Tipton, and they reside in Clarinda, Iowa. John C. married Margaret Hutchinson, and they reside in Clarinda, Iowa. James married Cla- rissa Douglas, and they reside in Catlin Township. Albert married Ethlen Sanford, and they reside in Catlin Township. Harriet and Richard live with their mother on the old homestead. Mr. and Mrs. Clipson continued to live in Lon- don till the spring of 1853, when they emigrated to America with their family, making the voyage on a sailing vessel in six weeks, and landed in New York, whence they came directly to Vermilion County. They settled in Catlin Township, east- ing in their lot with its pioneers, and here he en- gaged in farming, having purchased 1G0 acres of wild land. He caused a good house to be erected, and made many other substantial improvements, besides getting much of the land under excellent cultivation, and was continually increasing the value of his farm, when death closed his busy, use- ful career July 6, 1862. He was a man of varied experience in life; intelligent and thoughtful, and his place in this township was among its best and most desirable citizens. He was a fair-minded man, and was possessed of ripe judgment, tact and sound discretion, and was always found to be faith- ful and trustworthy in his dealings, so that his life- record is without stain. His venerable widow is still making her home on the old homestead, sur- rounded by all the comforts that the loving care of her children can devise. She is a fine lady- of well- known English stock, is hospitable and entertain- ing, and with her family occupies a high position in the social circles of the community. She is a valued member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and has been connected with it for more than twenty years, and her conduct in the daily affairs of life show her to be possessed of a truly religious, Christian nature. Richard and Albert Clipson, sons of our subject, have formed a partnership and are extensively en- gaged in the stock business. Besides having the management of the old homestead, they r own and operate 360 acres of choice farming land. They PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 291 buy and ship a large amount of stock, having sev- eral men in their employ who are engaged all Un- tune in buying for them. The firm is well-known throughout this part of the West and stands high in financial circles, as the Clipson Bros, are known to be men of honor who are always fair and up- right in their dealings. They are men of large en- terprise, full of energy and push, and possess a marked talent for business, which they conduct systematically and after the most approved meth- ods. Richard Clipson is a member of the I. O. O. F., of Catlin, and Albert belongs to the Modern Woodmen Camp of Catlin. *~=5*$--l seeoi h A.&.10. (23=1E.) and Sec's^.^.-U.) Vermilion &. I roquois Cos.. POKTKAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 297 rapidly promoted through different grades until be reached the rank of Quartermaster. He served until the close of the war, and is now deceased. Dr. G. W. Jones attended the public schools in New York State and later in Covington, and anally completed his literary studies at Wabash College, and also began the stud}- of medicine with his father and uncle Caleb Jones, at Covington. lie attended several courses of lectures at a medical college in Chicago, during which time he received private instructions from Dr. By ford, of that city. In March. 1862, he was graduated, and imme- diately entered the army as Acting Surgeon of the 2Gth Illinois Regiment. After a few month's serv- ice in that capacity he was tendered a commission with the rank of Major and Surgeon of that regi- ment, but preferred to be with his brother in the (>3d Indiana, and accepted the position of Assistant Surgeon of that regiment, where he served until the close of the war. For two years he was one of the Surgeons in charge of the field hospital of the third division of the 23cl army corps. He served with Sherman in the Atlanta campaign, and also in the operations against Hood's army in Tennessee. He carries the scars of the wound received at Pumpkin Vine Creek, caused by the explosion of a shell. After being mustered out of the service in 1805 he came to Danville, and at once inaugurated a successful practice. Dr. Jones has a brilliant war record, and one of which he can justly feel proud. The subject of this sketch was married in I860, to Emelyn K. Enos, of Cincinnati, Ohio, and a daughter of Benjamin and Susan Enos. She is the mother of one child, Hubert W. Dr. Jones and wife are members of Holj' Trinity (Episcopal) Church. Politically, the Doctor is a standi Repub- lican, and for many years has served as a member of the Pension Board, a position he has filled with marked ability. He is a member of the following medical societies: The Vermilion County Medical Society, The Illinois Central, Chicago Medical So- ciety, Illinois State Medical Society, Mississippi Valley, and the American Medical Association. He was a delegate to the meeting of the Inter- national Medical Congress which met in Washing- ton, D. C, in 1888, and which was composed of many of the scientific men of the world. While Dr. Jones stands at the head of his profession in his portion of the country, he is reckoned as one of the best of neighbors and citizens. The Doctor is a member of Lodge No. G9, I. O. ( ). F., of Danville, and also a prominent .Mason, officiating with Ori- ental Consistory of Chicago, and several other secret societies. .;«.;.»> OHN LEEMON. The man who has flowing j through his veins the blood of an honor- able ancestry has occasion for being proud, for he has thus been endowed with thai which is better than silver and gold. If lie has like- wise been endowed with the wisdom to improve his talent, he is doubly fortunate, for no matter what circumstances surround him, he is usually able to fight his way resolutely to success. Some men are met with seemingly more than their share of ad- versity, while the course of others is comparatively smooth, but in either event men usually have about all they wish to contend with of trouble and toil. Those who have succeeded in breasting the waves are naturally looked up to by their fellow-men, among whom they become captains and leaders. The subject of this notice presents a fine illus- tration of the results of perseverance, and what man may accomplish from a very humble begin- ning. Commencing in life without other resources than his own energy and resolution, he climbed his way steadi^' upward until he is now a man of property and importance, owning one of the finest farms in Central Illinois. This comprises 1,080 acres in one body, occupying the greater portions of sections 4 and 10, township 23. range 12, the residence being on 4, and the balance in Iroquois County on the north, in township 24, range 12 In Fountain Creek he has 520 acres, and 120 acres near East Lynn. In Scott and Christian counties he has an interest in 1,785 acres. The home farm, which has naturally been under the especial over- sight of the proprietor, has been brought to a high state of cultivation, and mainly devoted to general farming together with stock-raising. The residence with its surroundings, which are represented by a lithographic engraving on another page, give it 298 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. the air of plenty and comfort which is delightful to contemplate. The buildings and machinery are all that -is required for the successful prosecution of agriculture. Mr. Leemon was born of Scotch parentage in County Armagh in the North of Ireland, May 8, 1829, and emigrated to America when he was twenty-two years old, coming directly to Illinois and settling in Jersey County. He worked out by the month, first at $12, and (luring the winter sea- son husked corn at fifty cents per day and board. His wants were few, and at these small wages he managed to save a little money until he had enough to buy a team. This accomplished, he rented a tract of land in Jersey County, where he carried on farming until 1856. In the meantime he had come to this county and purchased 444 acres of wild land. As soon as possible he commenced its improvement and cultivation at a time when there was not a house in that vicinity, excepting the one occupied by Mr. Hoopes, with whom he boarded, going back and forth to his place, two and one- half miles, night and morning. In the fall of 1857 Mr. Leemon put up a small house on his farm, and, like the bachelor of old, "lived by himself," until he judged it prudent to take unto himself a wife. In the meantime he planted forest and fruit trees, set out a goodly amount of hedge, and instituted the improvements which, as time passed on, resulted in making his farm a very valuable and desirable piece of prop- erty. He has now two windmills and a feedmill. his barn being underlaid with water-pipes which lead to various tanks wherever required for the convenience of stock. The wet land has been thoroughly drained with tiling, which was con- veyed from Bloomington. When Mr. Leemon settled here wild animalsof all kinds were plentiful, especially deer and wolves. He has seen as mam- as seventy-five deer in one herd, while men fre- quently got together to hunt the wolves, which hunger made altogether too familiar to suit the settlers, sometimes stealing the deer meat from their doors. When the time came that Mr. Leemon felt that he could justifiably assume the responsibility of a family, he was united in marriage with Miss Lodema . Brown, of Butler Township, the wedding taking place at Rossville Aug. 26, 1865. Mr. and Mrs. Leemon commenced the journey of life together in their own home, and in due time they became the parents of six children, the eldest of whom, a daughter, Izele. died at the age of twelve years. The survivors are Lida, Robert A., John A.. Charles N. and Edith, and they are all at home with their parents, being given the training and education which will fit them for their proper station in life, as the offspring of one of the first families of this county. Upon becoming a voting citizen Mr. Leemon identified himself with the Democratic party, but in local or State politics, votes independently, aiming to support the men whom he considers best qualified to serve the interests of the people. He has been the incumbent of nearly every office in Fountain Creek Township. He served as Justice of the Peace eight years, also as School Director, and Trustee, and Supervisor for four years, and has uniformly distinguished himself as a man of progressive and liberal ideas — one willing to give his time and influence to those enterprises calcu- lated for the general good. He was reared in the doctrines of the Presbyterian Church. During the early days he labored early and late, frequently plowing all night long and resting a part of the day, on account of the flies. Notwithstanding this he took good care of his health, never abusing himself by using liquor, and is consequently still a well- preserved man and able to enjoy the fruits of his labors, now that he is in a condition to retire. Man}' of the enterprises of Hoopestown have found in Mr. Leemon a substantial friend and benefactor. He is Vice President and Director of the new bank. Thomas Leemon, the father of our subject, was likewise a native of the North of Ireland, to which his forefathers had been driven during the times of religious persecution in Scotland. He married Miss Elizabeth Thompson, and they reared a fam- ily of six children, all of whom followed our sub- ject to America in 1854, three years after his arri- val here. They sojourned for a time in Jersey County, this State, then removed to Christian Count}-, where the father died in 1862. The mother survived her husband some years, and PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. ■20'J spent her last days with her son John, passing away in 1883. Samuel and William Leemon, the two brothers of our subject, are residents of Chris- tian County. Mrs. Leemon was born near Lock- port, in Niagara County, N. Y., and when about seventeen years old emigrated with her parents to Indiana, where she lived until about twenty-two years old. They then removed to East Lynn, this county. Her father, John Brown, spent his last da\s in Marysville. KastTenn., where he died some years ago. The mother, Mrs. Catherine (Bears) Brown, still lives, and makes her home with her daughter, at the advanced age of eighty-one years. *"* -fc— J [JOHN R. THOMPSON. Few men are het- I ter known throughout Oakwood Township | than Mr. Thompson. He owns a good farm I of COO acres, on sections 24 and 25. where he has effected most of the improvements upon it, erecting the barn and other buildings, and himself clearing 150 acres. He has made a specialty of sheep-raising — Shropshires and Merinos — and has probably had a larger experience in this industry than any other man in the county. In this he has been uniformly successful, and maintains that the only money he has ever made and saved, he has accumulated in this manner. He has also dealt largely in cattle, swine and general farm produce, and cultivates 250 acres, which, from its soil and location, is classed among the best land in the township. He is a lover of the equine race like- wise and has four fine specimens of thorough-bred Kentucky running stock, two of Harkaway, one of Gloster, and one from Laurence, promising young horses, who will probably make a fine record. Mr. Thompson proposes retiring from active labor in the near future, which he can well afford to do, having an ample competence. The eighth in a family of eighteen children, our subject was born April 12, 1830, in Washington County, Pa. His parents were Joseph and Nancy (Stoughton) Thompson, natives respectively of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The paternal grandfather was a native of Wales, whence he erni- grated to America at an earl)- day. Joseph Thompson and his wife spent their entire lives in their native State, the father dying in L865, and the mother in 1880. Thirteen of their children lived to mature years, and ten are still living, mak- ing their homes mostly in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illi- nois and Kansas. The boyhood days of Mr. Thompson were spent, in his native county and' his education was acquired in the district school, after which he engaged in farm work until 1851. Then, having reached his majority, he started for the farther West, landing in this count)- and for six years thereafter operated as a shepherd, thus gaining his knowledge of the proper care and treatment of sheep. He watched his Hocks on the wild prairie when the settlers were few :\ni\ far between and occupying farms within a mile of the timber. In coming to Illinois Mr. Thompson drove a flock of 1,300 sheep for another man, beini>- sixty-six days on the way. He attended these until the spring of 1852 then returned to his native State and returned with a flock of 1,500 to this county, making the entire distance on foot and consuming seventy-two days. On the 27 of November, 1856, our subject was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth, daughter of David C. Wright, who had died previously. The young people commenced the journey of life together on a rented farm which they occupied three years, Mr. Thompson still maintaining his inter- est in sheep, which he began to raise in goodly numbers and which brought him handsome returns. In due time he purchased 160 acres of land adja- cent to that which he now owns. He lived upon this four years, then sold it and purchased 190 acres, partly improved and near the timber. Three years later he sold out once more and purchased \\\< present farm. To Mr. and Mr. Thompson there were born twelve children, one of whom died young. The survivors form an unusually bright and interesting group, of which the parents are justly proud. The eldest, Joseph Morton, married Miss Molly Steen and is a leading member of the G. A. R., of Dan- ville. D. Lincoln married Miss Melissa Hall and is senior member of the firm of Thompson Bros., general merchants at Fithian; he has two children. Annie, Mrs. Elijah Board, is the mother of one 300 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. child and lives in Oakwood Township; Nellie F., John R., Gertie K.. Clysses S., Franciena, Maude, Harrison and Dollie, are at home with their pa- rents. The firm of Thompson Bros., is conspicuous for its admirable business abilities and has fen- equals in this part of the country. The children of our subject have all been given an excellent edu- cation, four of the six eldest receiving first-grade certificates. Joseph M. was graduated from the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, receiving special instruction from Judge Cooley. Mr. Thompson votes the straight Republican ticket, being the only one of seven brothers who cast his lot with this party— the other six and the the father being staunch Democrats. He has offi- ciated as School Director most of the time since coming to Oakwood Township and has been Path- master for many years. Socially, he belongs to the I. O. O. F. at Fithian and has passed all the Chairs and through the Encampment. A man never idle when there is anything to do, he has made for himself a good record in point of industry and perseverance. One of the most fortunate things which has fallen to his lot is his estimable and sensible wife, a lady greatly esteemed in her community for her excellent qualities of character and her devotion to her family. Mrs. Thompson was the eldest child of her pa- rents and was born Dec. 26, 1837, in Champaign County. 111. Of the four children born to her pa- rents three are now living, one residing in Iowa and one in Nebraska. Her grandfather, John B. Wright, of Pennsylvania, removed first to Indiana ami then to this county of which he was one of the pioneer settlers. WILLIAM WILSON BUCHANAN, junior member of the firm of Crimmins & Bucha- nan, is with his partner operating the liv- ery stable at Sidell, and is highly popular among the resident^ of this well-regulated little village. He also operates considerably as an auctioneer and salesman. He is a man of undoubted ability, and fine personal appearance, and possesses those correct ideas in relation to both public and private life from which spring the better elements of society. He was born in Gentry County, Mo., March 17, 1859. The parents of our subject were Enoch and Su- san (Beard) Buchanan, the father a native of Ohio and the mother of Kentucky. The paternal grand- father removed from the Buckeye State and settled in Edgar County, Hi. about 1845, bringing his family with him. He and his father both served in the war of 1812. The Buchanan family is of Scotch ancestry and upon coming to this country, settled in Pennsylvania where they carried on farm- ing. They were a large, muscular set of people and usually thrifty and well-to-do. Enoch Bucha- nan was reared to manhood in Edgar County, this State, but was married in Vermilion County, whence he moved to Missouri about 1854, settling on a farm near Fairview. The troubles during the Civil War induced him to return to Illinois and in the meantime his property was destroyed. He was thus left without resources, but set himself to work and was prospered, finally becoming the owner of a farm in Carroll Township. He departed this life in 1878 after an active career of fifty years. The mother is still living and makes her home with our subject; she is now fifty-eight years old. Their four children were named respectively, Sarah, John. William Wilson and Elizabeth. The eldest daughter is a resident of Carroll Township; John died at the age of one year; Elizabeth became the wife of Benjamin Black, one of the leading citi- zens of Carroll, Township. Our subject acquired his education in the com- mon school and as his father's business called the latter away from home, William W., being the only son, necessarily assumed the responsibility of looking after the family, although but twenty years of age. In 1878 Mr. Buchanan engaged in the sewing machine business which he followed un- til the spring of 1889. At the same time he super- intended the operation of his farm. He was married in 1881 to Miss Alice C. Gilroy at her home in Carroll Township. Mrs. Buchanan is the daughter of William and Elizabeth (Beard) Gilroy, whose parents came to this count}- in 1845 and were among the pioneer settlers of Carroll Town- ship. The mother is still living and makes her PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 301 home in Butler County, Kan.; she is about fifty- two years old. Of her firs*t marriage there was born one child only — Mrs. Buchanan. After i he death of her first husband she was married twice, having three children by the second husband and one by the third. Mrs. Buchanan was reared to womanhood in Carroll Township, this county, and completed her Studies in the High School at Indianola. Other union with our subject there have been bom four children — Essie, Leila, Floy E. and Elraa. Mr. Buchanan, politically, votes the Democratic ticket and socially belongs to the Modern Woodmen Camp at Indianola. The firm of which he is a member was organized April 17, 1889, but not- withstanding the business is comparatively new, is in the enjoyment of a good patronage. They have put in an excellent stock of new buggies and harness, have good horses, and, in fact, conduct their enterprise in a manner which makes it ex- tremely popular among the people of this region. They are consequently justified in their expectations of the future. Aside from his livery business Mr. Buchanan is recognized as one of the leading auctioneers of this county, operating principally along its south- ern line. He has been in practice for the last five years, his "transactions being principally in live- stock deals. He is thus widely known throughout Western Indiana and Northern Illinois. He also officiated as Constable of Carroll Township. 3. They came to Illinois in the fall of 1836. Mr. Davis, prior to this, had vis- ited Illinois four times, being determined to settle here. Five of their children are still living, making their homes in Illinois and Iowa. The boyhood and youth of our subject were spent amid the wild scenes of pioneer life during the early settlement of Ohio and he naively states that the only bear hunt he ever took part in was when he was five months old and his father killed the bear. He attended school two months in the winter season for a few years, and after reaching his majority began making arrangements for the establishment of a home of his own. In the fall of 302 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 1834, he was married to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of David Hayes of Washington Count}', Pa. The young couple thirteen days afterward started for Illinois with a wagon and accompanied by an uncle of our subject and his brother Azariah with his wife and child. They were nineteen days on the journey and Mr. and Mrs. Davis walked nearly all the way. Mr. Davis received from his father seventy-seven acres of land in Vance Township, this county, upon which was a hewed log cabin. The newly wedded pair had brought with them a couple of beds and a few things stowed away in sacks, while Mr. Davis had his ax and gun. Two hours after reaching their destination they were visited by prairie wolves which were frequent callers for many years after- ward. After obtaining some wheat which had been raised on his place the year before, Mr. Davis re- paired to Eugene, Ind., and selling this wheat. purchased a few cooking utensjls. He and his wife had stools to sit upon and a table made by boring holes in the log wall of their dwelling, driv- ing in a couple of pins and laying a few slabs across. In those days there were only a few houses between Catlin and Sidney. Homer was not in existence. The Wabash Railway track was sur- veyed in 1837. Our subject's little farm was partly broken before it became his, his father giving him the deed for it in 1837. He was suc- cessful in his first farming operations, although he had very crude implements with which to culti- vate the soil and no help save that of his wife. He struggled along in the new country and grew slowly with it. He thinks the most prosperous times for this "section were between 1850 and 1860 and the two years following the close of the war. Ten children came to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Davis, seven of whom grew to mature years. Rachel became the wife of Daniel Roudebush who is now deceased; she has four children and lives near Portland. Ore.; Edith married Ben- jamin Browning and became the mother of four children; they live near Sacramento, Cal. ; D. Cook married for his second wife a Mrs. Miller of Pen- field. 111., and they have six children; Henry is written of elsewhere in this volume; Jemima is the wife of Sullivan Cox, lives in Dement and has one child ; Lydia, E„ the wife of George W. Baird. is the mother of four children and they live in Vance Township. Mrs. Elizabeth (Hayes) Davis departed this life at the homestead in the fall of 1861. Our subject contracted a second matrimonial al- liance Aug. 21, 1863, with Miss Mary C, daughter of Lawrence T. Catlett and sister of Hiram and Harold Catlett of Vance Township. Mrs. Davis was the third in a family of twelve children and was born Aug. 23, 1821, in Charlottesville. Ya. She attended school for a time in her native State and completed a good education in Ohio. She fol- lowed the profession of a teacher for some years prior to her marriage. The family came to Illinois in 1846 and Miss Mary taught school for some time in this county. She is a most estimable and worthy lady, kind, generous and hospitable and especially attentive to those in affliction. She has always been interested in educational matters and donated 175 from her own private purse to the university at Upper Alton. She also gave $50 to the Baptist Church in Danville of which both she and her husband have been members for man}' years, Mr. Davis serving as Deacon and Trustee and both laboring earnest!}' in the Sunday-school. The health of Mrs. Davis for the past two years has been delicate, preventing her from pursuing this good work as she would have liked. Mr. Davis, more fortunate than many of his com- peers, financially, received $2,500 fromhis father and had the good judgment to take care of it and add to it. He is now the owner of about 1,000 acres of land in this county and five good houses. He has an interest in the implement firm of Davis & Stearns, and also in a large grain warehouse. Besides this he owns fifteen or eighteen lots in Fairmount and has given to each of his children $3,500. He donated $1,000 to the Douglas University at Chi- cago. $500 to the Wabash Railroad, $500 to the university at Upper Alton and has always been a liberal supporter of the schools, churches and other worthy enterprises in this County. His estate is valued at $60,000. While busy with the accumu- lation of this world's goods for himself he has the satisfaction of knowing that the needy have never PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. :;n;; been turned empty from his door. He sympathizes with those less fortunate than himself and none are more ready to aid those, who will try to help them- selves. The first presidential vote of Mr. Davis was cast in 1832 for Andrew Jackson, and he has been a uniform supporter of the Democratic party until 1870, since which time he has been a Greenbacker. Taking a lively interest in politics, his expressed sen- timents have always been pure and upright and could he have his way there would be no wire-working and no political dishonesty. During the election of 1888 he supported the Union-Labor nominee and he has favored the election of a Greenbacker. He is rather opposed to secret societies and has held aloof from them. He served as School Director many years and for several terms officiated as Road Overseer. Few men have kept themselves more conversant with matters of general interest to the intelligent citizen, and few have been of more essential aid in supporting the various worthy en- terprises tending to elevate society and benefit the community. / ^p^EORGE 1 if ,=: there mig A^JJi way aero IEORGE HOAGLAND. In the fall of 1860 light have been seen wending their ross the new country, a young man with his wife and four children, intent upon mak- ing a home in a new section, and practically grow- ing up with the country. Few men had settled at that time in township 23, range 12, where our sub- ject secured 120 acres on section :i2. Upon this land there was a small house, into which he moved his family, and made them as comfortable as pos- sible. Little of the land around them had been fenced or cultivated, while deer, wolves and other wild animals had scarcely learned to be afraid at the approach of man. The nearest trading point was at Rossville, and for anything out of the com- mon line of merchandise Mr. Hoagland was obliged to repair to Danville. Attica or Pax ton, twenty miles away. ( >ur subject came a long distance from his birth- place to seek a permanent home, having first opened his eyes to the light on the Atlantic coast, New Jersey, May I."., 1802. There he spent the Brst nineteen years of his life, and then emigrated with his parents to Hamilton County. Ind.. where they were among the earliest pioneers. In due time he was married to Miss Mary Van Zant, who died, leaving one child. His second wife was Rachel Cushman, and to them there were born five chil- dren, of whom Jonathan C, who lives on the farm with his father, is the only survivor. Our subject first cleared eighty acres from the wilderness, then sold out, and purchased that which he now owns and occupies. He built- this up from the raw prairie, and has given to it the labor of many years in bringing it to its present position, besides a generous outlay of money. Although now quite well advanced on the down hill of life. he retains much of the activity of his former years, and keeps himself well posted upon current events, lie voted for both the Harrisons, and no man lias rejoiced more in the results of the war which brought about freedom and preserved the Union. He has been a member of the Baptist Church since 1828, and is of that kindly and genial disposition which has made him friends wherever he has so- journed. Jonathan C. Hoagland, the only living child of our subject, was born in Indiana, April 24, 1840, and lived there until coming to this countv, in 1860. Soon after the outbreak of the Civil War he enlisted in Company E, 149th Illinois Infantry, which was assigned to the Arm}- of the Tennessee. This regiment, however, while before Atlanta dur- ing the siege of the city, was not called upon to do any active fighting, but was simply assigned to guard duty. They received their honorable dis- charge, and were mustered out in 1866. Mr. Hoag- land then returned to this count} - , and engaged in farming with his father, and has since remained a resident here. Jonathan C. Hoagland, son of our subject, was married on the 24th of December, 1874, to Miss Rebecca Sanders, of Butler Township. The three children born to them — Rose E., Mary M. and Flora B. — are all living at home with their parents. Jonathan C. Hoagland has been School Direc- tor in his district several terms, and, like his hon- ored father, is held in high esteem by his neighbors. 304 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. Mrs. George Hoagland. wife of our subject, was born in Pennsylvania, July 30, 1815, and removed with her parents to Indiana when a maiden of eigh- teen years. She remained under the parental roof until her marriage. Her father, Thomas Cushman, was a farmer by occupation, and spent his last years in Indiana. Charles Barcus, the grandson of our subject, and the child of his daughter, Mary, resides at the homestead. John Barcus, his father, after his mar- riage with Miss Hoagland, located in Grant Town- ship, and they became the parents of three sons and one daughter, one older than Charles, and two younger. — ^^m- — ]/ ENRY LLOYD, a \[ j' wherein he did lo\ ii^ country, is one of H a veteran of the late war. loyal service for his adopted ;ry, is one of the leading citizens of Catlin Township, prominent in the manage- ment of its public affairs, and closely identified with its material interests as an intelligent, pro- gressive farmer, stock-raiser, and stock-dealer. His farm on section 34, with its broad, well-tilled acres, its orderly, commodious buildings, and pleas- ant dwelling is one of the most desirable and at- tractive places in this part of Vermillion County. Mr. Llo} r d is of good English stock, and is him- self a native of the mother country, born in Berk- shire, April 5, 1841. His parents, Richard C. and Susan (Wicks) Lloyd, were also born in England, and were life-long residents of the old country, dying in Berkshire. They were people of sterling worth, well thought of by their neighbors, and they trained their seven children to habits of useful- ness and honesty. Henry Lloyd was the fourth child of the family and the years of his boyhood were passed among the pleasant scenes of his native land. In 18;38, when seventeen years of age he left his old home, ambitious to see more of life and to avail himself of the many advantages offered by the United States of America to the poor youth of other coun- tries to make their way in the world to positions of comfort and even affluence. After landing on these shores he came to Catlin Township, of which he has been a resident since, excepting during the trying times of the great Rebellion, when with a patriotism not exceeded by those native and to the manor born, he bravely consecrated his young life to the defence of the land of his adoption. In August, 1862, tearing himself away from his little family, and laying aside all business interests, he enlisted, and in the following September he was mustered into Company G, 125th Illinois Infantry, and was in the army until after the war closed. He took an active part in the battles of Perryville, Mission Ridge, second battle of Mission Ridge, battle of Dallas, and was with Gen. Sherman in his famous march to the sea. During two years of his service he was detailed to haul ammunition. He was honorably discharged June 9, 1805, and re- turning to Catlin, resumed his former vocation. The first four years after coming to Catlin Town- ship he was engaged in the butcher business, but aside from that he has been occupied in farming and in raising, buying and shipping stock quite ex- tensively. He owns 240 acres of choice land, all improved, and amply supplied with excellent buildings for all necessary purposes and with mod- ern machinery for facilitating the labors of the farm. Mr. Lloyd and Miss Sarah Church were united in marriage in Catlin Township, Dec. 20, 1860. and nine children have been born to them — Edwin C, who died when ten and a half months old; Maria L. is the wife of Abraham Wolf; two who died in infancy; Alice E., Fred R., Fannie E.. Edwin II., and William R. Sirs. Lloyd is like her husband, a native of England, born in London Jan. 7, 1844. In 1850, when she was six years of age, her parents, Henry and Sophia (Puzey) Church, who were likewise of English birth, brought her to this country. They cast their lot with the early settlers of Catlin Township, and passed their remaining days here. They had seven children, Mrs. Llo3'd being the youngest. She is a woman of a happy, amiable disposition, is well liked by all who know her. and is a member in high standing of the Methodist Church. Mr. Lloyd is a frank, open hearted man, gifted with rare energy and stability of character. His public spirit is well known, and any good scheme ■ PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 307 that will in any way promote the besl interests of the township is sure to meet with his cordial ap- proval and substantial support. His fellow-citi- zens have often called upon him for advice in weighty matters, and as a public official he has shown his disinterested regard for the welfare of the community. He has been Road Commissioner three years, Township Collector two years. School Director six years, and Vice-President of the Vermilion Agricultural Society seven years, lie is connected with the A. P. & A. M. as a member of Catlin Lodge, No. 285. He and his family are people of high social standing in this community, and their pleasant residence, situated a short, dis- tance from the road and close to the corporation of Catlin, is the centre of a genuine hospitality, the graceful and kindly courtesy of its inmates making friends and strangers alike feel at home within its walls. IRAM YERKES. The firm of Yerkes & ^ Reese conduct a first-class meat-market in Fairmount, obtaining their supplies from [gj; the farm of Mr. Yerkes. which furnishes the pure article so essential to the health of man- kind. The firm is one of first-class standing, and enjoys the patronage of the best people of Fair- mount and vicinity. The subject of this notice is a man of more than ordinary abilities, with a thor- ough-going business talent, while at the same time he is whole-souled, genial and companionable, en- joying the esteem and confidence of hosts of friends. The Yerkes family originated in Germany, from which country the paternal great-grandfather of our subject emigrated prior to the Revolutionary War. He reared a fine family, and among his sons was Jacob S.. the father of our subject, who was born in Pennsylvania and adopted the business of a wagon-maker and farmer combined. He was married, in his native State, to Miss Ann S. Shoe- maker, who was horn then', ami not long after ward they removed to Ohio, where Mr. Yerkes followed wagon-making for four years. Then he removed to Indiana, and remained a resident of the Iloosicr State a quarter of a century and en- gaged in wagon-making and agricultural pursuits. There the parents passed the remainder of their lives, the mother dying in 1882, and the father in the lull of 188G. To the parents of our subject there were born eight children, only four of whom reached their majority. Iliram, the second in the family, was born May 7, 1840, in Ohio, and was a mere child when his parents left the Buckeye State for Indi- ana. In the latter State his early education was conducted in the primitive log schoolhouse, the terms being very short and far between. He, how- ever, took kindly to his books, and gained a very good knowledge of the common branches. He re- mained under the home roof until the outbreak of the Civil War, and in August. 1 S62, enlisted in the Union army as a member of Company II, 63d In- diana Infantry, which regiment was organized in Indianapolis, first commanded by Col. Williams and later by Col. I. N. Stiles. Mr. Yerkes fought in sixteen battles and fol- lowed his regiment in all its marches, participating in all the hardships and vicissitudes of a soldier's life. The records indicate that he was one of the bravest men of his company, and while at the front, in some of the hardest fought battles of the war, stood at his post without fear or flinching. He was content to enter the ranks as a private, and was first promoted to the post of Corporal, and after- ward to Sergeant. He met the enemy in the field at Resaca, Ga., Franklin and Nashville, Tenn., At- lanta. Kenesaw Mountain, Jonesboro, Cassville, Lost Mountain, Altoona, Chattahoochie, Town Creek, Burnt Hickory, Buzzard's Roost, Ft. Ander- son, Wilmington and Columbia, N. C. Although experiencing many hairbreadth es- capes, Mr. Yerkes never received a scratch. He was at one time entirely buried in the dirt plowed up by a Rebel cannon ball, escaping by a miracle from being torn to pieces by the deadl}' missile. He had the satisfaction of witnessing the sur- render of the rebel Gen. Johnston to Gen. Sher- man, but the joy of the Union arm}' was soon sad- dened by the news of Lincoln's assassination. After the surrender spoken of, they remained in Greensburg until .Inly. 1865, when the regiment 308 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. was discharged, and our subject, being mustered out at Indianapolis, returned to his home in In- diana. On the 21st of September, in the above-men- tioned year, our subject was united in marriage with Miss Hester E. Prevo, daughter of a promi- nent farmer of Fountain County, Ind.. and one of the most lovely young ladies of that region. Mrs. Hester E. Yerkes was one of a family of sis chil- dren, and was born in Indiana, in October, 1839. Soon after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Yerkes came to Illinois, arriving in this county Oct. 17, 1865, and settling upon the land which constitutes the present homestead of our subject. Of this con- genial union there were born six children, the eldest of whom, a son, Spencer G., remains at home with his father. Alice M. is the wife of Charles Price, and they live on a farm two miles northeast of Fairmount. Ella May, Anna L., Susie and Ilattie are at home with their father. The mother of these children departed this life at the home farm in Vance Township, on the 6th day of September, 1877. She was a lady greatly beloved by her family and friends, possess- ing those estimable qualities by which she was en- abled to illustrate in her life the best traits of the devoted wife and mother, the kind and generous friend, and the hospitable neighbor. Her name is held in tender remembrance by all who knew her. Our subject, in January, 1878, contracted a sec- ond marriage with Miss Mary Olive, daughter of the Rev. J. H. Noble, a prominent minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church. This union resulted in the birth of four children, one of whom, Pearl, died in infancy. The others are Hiram N.. Lola (Land Winnie M. The boy Hiram is especially bright, very attentive to his studies in school, and maintains his position at the head of his class, gaining great enconiums from his teacher. Mi-. Yerkes has officiated as Township Supervisor for five years, holding the office during the erection of the County Court House (at Danville), which bears his name upon its corner-stone. This was a scheme in which he was intensely interested, and it was largely through his efforts that the edifice was fin- ished in good shape and without involving the loss of a dollar to the county. So judiciously were its affairs managed that the taxpayers hardly realized that they were contributing to its erection, and never missed the additional sum imposed. The County Jail was erected about the same time and under the same conditions. Our subject has officiated as Highway Commis- si) iner three years, and in this, as in all other posi- tions of trust and responsibility, which he has occupied, bent his energies to effect those improve- ments which would benefit the people and at the same time prevent excessive taxation. While hold- ing the above-mentioned office, he furthered the introduction of the system of stone arch bridges in Vance Township, and they are. without question, the cheapest and most durable bridge which can be erected. Sewer drainage for the small streams instead of the old plank culverts was also adopted, through the persistent efforts of Mr. Yerkes. He has been School Director in his district for many years, and so well has he performed his duties in connection therewith, that the Board is about to purchase a site and erect a new building at a cost of about $7,000. Politically, Mr. Yerkes uniformly votes the Re- publican ticket, and has frequently been sent as a delegate to the County Conventions. In connec- tion with this, as in all other matters, he is content with no halfway measures, and has thus been of effective service to his party in this section, being thoroughly well-informed and alive to all the po- litical issues of the day. Both he and his estimable wife are members in good standing of the Metho- dist Episcopal Church. Socially, Mr. Yerkes be- longs to Fairmount Lodge No. 590, A. F. & A. M.. and to George N. Neville Post, G. A. R., of which he was once Vice Commander. In his church he officiates as Steward and Trustee, and for the past eighteen years has been one of the most efficient workers in the Sunday-school, officiating as Super- intendent nine years, as teacher of the Bible Class the same length of time, and, when not chief Su- perintendent, acting as assistant. The farm of Mr. Yerkes is finely situated on section 9, and comprises 320 acres of land — all in one body. Being just outside the corporate limits of Fairmount, on the southwest, it is naturally very valuable. Ihe whole is in a productive condition, PORTRAIT AND !'.!()( ; KAI'IIK AL ALBUM. 309 and yields abundantly the rich crops of Central Illinois. Mr. Yerkes feeds ueai'ly 100 head of cattle eacli year, ami about seventy-five head of swine. He keeps simply enough horses to operate the farm. He has recently disposed of L 85 acres of coal land, seven miles west of Danville. It is an appropriate testimonial to the worth of Mr. Yerkes that his portrait should occupy a prominent place in the Album of the county, to the material advancement of which he has so largely contributed. FNJAMIX FRANKLIN SNOWDEN. The fact that this gentleman is successfully oper- (r>ti)))' at ' n § three farms in Sidell Township is suf- ^&y flcient indication of his ability as a business man and agriculturist, while his home is one of the most hospitable places to be found in many a mile. Although not a long-time resident of the town- ship, he lias established himself in the esteem and confidence of its people, and is recognized as a citi- zen holding no secondary place in point of sterling worth, honesty and integrity. lie has supervision of the Charles Wright farm — 220 acres in extent — upon which be resides; the A. J. Baum farm of 310 acres, and a little farm of seventy acres, be- longing also to this estate, all of which comprises 630 acres, and all of which, with the exception of forty acres, is under the plow. The land is largely- devoted to the raising of corn and oats, and in the operation of this extensive tract there arc utilized thirteen teams, with a goodly amount of machinery and all the other implements required for success- ful agriculture. The firm of Snowden A- Sons has become generally recognized in this section as the synonym of reliability, push and enterprise. William Snowden. the father of our subject, with his wife, formerly Miss Martha Pigg, were natives of Clark County, Ky., where the paternal grand- father, Joshua Snowden. was also horn and was the son Of David Snowden, a native of Virginia, whos ■ father was also born in the Old Dominion and whose grandfather emigrated from England. Joshua Snowden served as a soldier in the War of 1812, and the great-grandfather of our subject carried a musket in the Revolutionary War. The Snowden family is noted for longevity, many of them reach- ing the age of ninety years and some living to be overt hundred years old. The Pigg family in Virginia owned lands and slaves. They had origin- ally settled in Kentucky, and several of the male ancestors of our subject on this side of the house likewise served in the Revolutionary War. The father of our subject carried on fanning and prosecuted quite an extensive trade in fine horses, cattle and mules, purchasing them in Ken- tucky and shipping to Virginia, Missouri. Illinois and other States. Me brought about the first Short- horn cattle known in this State, landing them in Bloomington, 111. He was born, reared, married and died in Clark County, Ky.. where he was a prominent citizen, well known and highly respected. His business relations extended to Bourbon. Fay- ette. Merritt, Esther, Powell, and other counties of that State, as also into various other States of the Onion. In addition to his extensive private in- terests he served as Notary Public several years, and was noted for his public-spiritedness and gener- osity. He became quite wealthy, but finally became security for large amounts and lost the whole of his property, leaving his son. our subject, almost penni- less. His death occurred April 17, 1884, at the age of sixty-seven years. The mother only survived her husband a short time, her death taking place July 1, 1883, when she was sixty-five years old. Nine children were born to the parents of our subject, being named respectively: Benjamin Frank- lin of this sketch, Thomas J., William N., John W., Louisa, Joshua. Mary, Melissa, who died at the age of thirteen years, and Nancy, who died when three years old. Thomas J. is a live-stock commission merchant at the Union Stock Yards, Cincinnati, Ohio: William N. is farming in Clark Count}', Ky.; John \\~ .. a physician and surgeon, is located at Wade's Mill in Clark County. Ky.; Louisa is the wife of Taylor Mansfield, a farmer of the above- mentioned county; Joshua is farming and resides on the Parkville homestead; Mary is the wife of David P. Duncan, a farmer of Madison County, Ky. The subject of this notice was bom Dee. 8, 1839, 310 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. fourteen miles east of Paris in Bourbon County, Ky. He was a mere child when his father's family removed to Clark Count}', where he developed into manhood. He attended the subscription schools before the days of public schools, and engaged in farming and shipping- stock. When twenty-one years old he was married to Miss Amanda F. Craig of Estill County, Ky., and the daughter of Olando Whitney Craig, one of the first Methodist Episco- pal preachers in the Blue Grass State. Her mother, Miss Maria (Bellis) Craig, was a native of Estill County. Mr. Craig was born in Montgomery County. The progenitors of both removed from Virginia at an early date. The great-grandfather Craig whs one of the earliest settlers of Montgom- ery County, locating there about 1821, and he lived to be one hundred and two years old. He also was a preacher of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His son, William, the grandfather of our subject, spent his entire life in Montgomery County. The father of Mis. Snowden preached at various places in Kentucky — in Montgomery, Clark, Estill and Powell counties — and died in Estill County in 1848, when only forty years of age; the mother survived her husband several years, dying in 1862 at the age of forty-two. Their children, six in number, were named respectively William T., Amanda F.. Eliza J., John T., Mary E. and Sarah E. The parents were excellent and worthy people, and the father especially beloved wherever known. Mrs. Snowden was born in Estill County, Ky., and received a veiy good education. She finally began teaching, and followed this three years prior to her marriage and for some time afterward. Mr. Snowden in the meantime engaged extensively as a stock dealer, buying and selling cattle, horses and mules. He also carried on farming in Ken- tucky. In the spring of 1887 he came to this county and rented the Wright farm, where they have since lived. The record of the eleven chil- dren born to them is as follows: Nancy B. died at the age of three years; John W. assists his father in his extensive fanning interests; Thomas J. is also at home; Martha M. is the wife of James W. Young of Danville, and they have one child, Annie Laura; William M., Lena Hi vers. Joshua II., Mary E. and Nora A. are at home with their parents. The eighth child. Maggie L., died at the age of nine years and the youngest born, Algan. died when seven months old. Mr. Snowden. politically, affiliates with the Dem- ocratic party. Socially, he beiongs to Estill Lodge, No. 4G9, of Spout Springs, Ky., and his wife is a member of the Ladies' Aid Society. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Snowden served in the Revo- lutionary War, and one of her uncles was in the Mexican War. Two of her brothers were in the late Civil War — William in the Confederate Army and John in the Union Arm}*, in which he enlisted three times. The old home of Mr. Snowden is located ten miles from Boouesboro, Clark Co., Ky., and was formerly the home of Daniel Boone, the old pioneer of Kentuck}' and of historic fame. Our subject is well acquainted with several mein- bers of the Boone family, and speaks of them as very worthy people, prominent in local affairs and invariably Hard Shell Baptists in their religious views. ( W n Deut %J Gen: ARL C. WINTER, editor of the Danville Deutsche Zeitung, was born in Heidelberg, many, April 21, 1841. He is descended from a prominent and distinguished ancestry, who have wielded much influence in their native land. Originally the family came in the seventeenth cen- tury from the coast of Holland, near Amsterdam. settling first at Heilbronn, whence the great-grand- father of our subject removed to Heidelberg in L807. His grandfather. Christian Frederick Win- ter, was for many years Mayor of the City of Hei- delberg, an office of greater honor and respectability in that country than in this, and one to which only prominent men are chosen, lie was for many years also a member of the Legislature of the Grand Duchy of Laden, and exercised a wide in- fluence in its affairs. He introduced and procured the passage of the bill inaugurating the jury system in the State, and securing the liberty Of the press. He was afterward Commissioner of the Republic of Baden during the celebrated Revolution of 1849, in Germany, which was the successor of the abortive attempt of 1848. During the year the PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 311 Independent Republic <>f Baden existed, Mr. Win- ter was one of the leading spirits in the affairs of the new State, being an orator of great power and influence. On the suppression of the Republic by the Prussians, Mr. Winter was imprisoned in Ilei- dclberg, and was compelled to indemnify the gov- ernment for all the official funds in the treasury at the time of the inauguration of the Republic. This cost him almost all his large private fortune. He was apolitical prisoner for. about a year and after his release occupied a prominent position in business life, and for several years prior to bis death was again Mayor of Heidelberg. lie was a (dose per- sonal friend of the leaders of the revolutionary movement, and especially of Col. Fritz Hecker. He was alsoan intimate associate of Liebig, the chemist. Humboldt, Goethe, Fichte, Schlegel, and Schlosser, the celebrated German historian, with whom he was engaged in literary correspondence. He was the founder of the great publishing house of C. F. Winter, which printed the works of Dr. Liebig, of Bunsen, the chemist, of Haeusser, of Presenilis, Wohler's "Annals of Chemistry," and the works of many other world renowned writers. Christian Frederick Winter died in 1856, and his wife in 1858. Of their sons several became prom- inent in the State and in business circles. The eld- est, Jonathan, whom in his admiration for this free land his father had named after -'Brother Jonathan," held the position of Under-Secretary of State in Baden, and was about to be promoted to the posi- tion of Minister of State, when he died in 1886, in Carlsruhe, being then in the prime of life. Another son. Christian Frederick, afterward became a prom- inent publisher in Frankfort, and printed many famous works, principally on theological and agri- cultural subjects. He died in Frankfort in 1883. Carl became publisher and bookseller in his native city of Heidelberg, where he was a prosperous and influential citizen. lie died in 1871, leaving a numerous family and a large estate. The remain- ing son. Anton, was the father of our subject. He was born in Heidelberg in 1808, and received his higher education in the celebrated university of that city. He succeeded to his father's business, which he had conducted during the latter part of his father's life. lie maintained the national repu- tation of the great publishing house of C. F. Winter fully up to the standard which had been reached by its founder. After his lather's death he removed the establishment to Leipsic, the great center of the book trade of Germany, and there he conducted it until his death, which occurred in 1859. Anton Winter was married in 1840 to Miss Emily Broenner, whose father, II. L. Broenner, was a pub- lisher at Frankfort. She was born in that city in 1820, and was a highly educated lady, a graduate of the Female Academy at Rumperheim-on-the- Main. She died in December. 1887. She was a lady of many accomplishments, a fine painter, and well versed in science, literature and art. Her union with Mr. Winter was blessed by the birth of six children, of whom our subject was the eldest; Henrietta, the second child, died in Leipsic in 1885; Ludwig is a landscape gardner and florist, and has an establishment of world-wide reputation at Bordighera, on the Riviera, near Nice, Italy. He was educated in his profession at Potsdam, is royal gardener to the King of Italy, and holds a position in his art second to none in the world. Sophia is a noted teacher in the Female Academy of Leipsic, of which she was a graduate; Ferdi- nand is a merchant in London. England, being a partner in and manager of the English house of the Hamburg Rubber Company, the largest hard rubber establishment in the world. Clara died in childhood. Carl C. Winter, our subject, passed bis boydiood amid the beautiful scenery in and around the city of his birth. His early education was in its public schools, and he was carefully trained, both mentally and physically, by highly cultured parents, who left upon him impressions deep and lasting. He was prepared for and entered the Lyceum at Heidel- berg, then under the direction of Professor Hautz. He was thoroughly prepared for the University, which lie entered at the unusually early age of eighteen. He was educated especially to tit htm for the business of publishing, and took a general historical course under Prof. Ludwig Haeusser. author, amongst other works, of an exhaustive his- tory of the Revolution of 1849. He attended a course in philosophy under Prof. Kuuo Fischer, ami a course in English and French literature under 312 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. Prof. Dr. Emil Otto, who gave him private lessons, a distinction shared by two other people only. On account of the death of his father lie left the Uni- versity to assist his mother in settling up the busi- ness of the estate, and, being himself too j'oung to carry it on, the publishing business was sold to an association of capitalists, who still continue it at Leipsic, under the original title of C. F. Win- ter. in order to become practically acquainted with the printing business, our subject worked in several book publishing houses in Prague, Bremen, Mar- burg and in London, England. During this period he contributed many articles to the Illustrirte Welt and the Illustrirtes Familienbuch, the former pub- lished at Stuttgart, and the latter at Trieste and Vienna. While in London, he decided to come to the United States. He made a short visit to his native land in the early part of the year lSfiti, and in April of that year sailed for New York, landing there about the first of May. In that city he en- gaged as a clerk with L. W. Schmidt, bookseller and publisher, but his inclinations being toward literary pursuits, he soon became city editor of the New York Staats-Zeitung, under the veteran editor Oswald Ottendorfer. He filled that position for two years, at the same time contributing literary articles to the New York Herald, and articles on German and French literature to the New York Nation. In 1868 he resigned from the Staats-Zei- tung, to accept the position of editor of the Lehigh County Patriot, published at Allentown, Pa. There he remained for a year, and in that time wrote for the Nation a series of articles on the Pennsylvania- Dutch dialect, also contributing a series of haters on American life to the Daheim, of Leipsic, Ger- man}'. In 186!) Mr. Winter was offered and accepted the position of city editor of the Daily Telegraph, a German paper, published in Indianapolis, Ind., and remained with that paper until 1871, when he re- ceived a Haltering offer from the manager of the Louisville Anzeiger, tendering him the position of city editor and literary writer. He stayed there until 1872, when he was re-engaged by the Indianapolis Telegraph to conduct its city department during thcexeitingPresidenti.il c -t of that year. He was also engaged by Elijah Halford, then editor of the Indianapolis Journal, now Pres. Harrison's pri- vate secretary, and also by the managing editor of the Indianapolis Sentinel, to report and translate for their respective papers the first speech in that memorable campaign delivered in German at In- dianapolis by Carl Schurz. Mr. Winter, after writ- ing out his notes for the German paper, began the translation into English for the two other journals, using manifold paper, finishing the task in little over two hours, the speech occupying nearly two columns in each paper. Each of the editors, after reading a few pages, paid him the compliment of sending his manuscript to the printers without re- vision. Mr. Schurz afterwards told Mr. Winter it was the best translation ever made of any of his German speeches. Mr. Winter stayed in Indianapolis until 1873, when lie was called by telegraph to accept the position of city editor of the Westliche Post, the German paper published in St. Louis by Carl Schurz. He managed that successfully, and while there, also for two years contributed literary articles to his Sunday edition, and several times, while the Missouri Legis- lature was in session, acted as its correspondent at Jefferson City, the capital. In 1875, failing eye- sight necessitated a cessation of night work, and Mr. Winter resigned his position, and went to Rock Island, 111., where he began the publication of the Volks Zeitung, a semi-weekly journal. In this ven- ture he was very successful, and he conducted the paper until 1882, when he sold it. He then bought an interest in the Champion of Personal Libert;/, a paper published in Chicago in the interest of indi- vidual freedom. He traveled in the interest of this journal as correspondent collector and agent six months, then came to Danville, where he bought the good will of the journal of which he is now the editor, and which had by mismanagement been compelled to suspend publication. This paper he has placed upon a secure basis, and it has acquired much influence among the German speaking resi- dents of the county, by whom it is liberally patron- ized. Another literary venture of Mr. Winter's was the writing of a four-act comedy in German, en- titled "Es Stimmt," which has been successfully PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 313 performed in the German theaters of. Chicago. Davenport, Moline, Dayton, Fort Madison, and in several other places. Mr. Winter submitted it to a celebrated critic at Leipsic, who spoke highly of it, saying it was a very dramatic and interesting pic- ture of German-American life. This work he pro- duced in 1880, while he was publishing his paper in Rock Island. Since taking up his residence in Vermilion County. Mr. Winter has become a leader in its German-American circles, in which lie wields much influence. He was United States Deputy Collector for the eighth district of Illinois from the fall of 188.1 until 1887, when the office was abolished. He is a busy man. for in addition to conducting his paper he perforins the duty of a Notary Public, attends to- applications for United States licenses, is a fine insurance and real-estate agent, procures steamship tickets, attends to European collections and is the Secretary of the Germania Building As- sociation of Danville. Being a man of force and executive capacity, he drives his multifarious busi- nesses, and does not let them drive him. He is also correspondent of the Chicago Times. The social relations of Mr. Winter are extremely pleasant, lie is happily married, and moves among the best elements of German society. He is a mem- ber of the Feuerbach Lodge, No. 499, I. O. 0. F., and of the Danville Turner Society, of which he has twice been President, and also Corresponding Secretary. He is pleasant and genial in his deport- ment, liberal to his friends, to whom his hand is ever open, and is deservedly esteemed by all who know him. ^\z^.-v»lLeCrTtM@- . vfgtr&mm - -w» ¥ OIIN CESSNA is busily engaged in tilling the soil and raising stock on his well-man- aged, comfortably improved farm on section 10, Pilot Township. He is a representative self-made man. and by industry and prudence has succeeded in accumulating a competence and in building a cosy home where he may pass his de- clining years well fortified against want and pov- erty. .Mr. Cessna was born in Cochocton County, Ohio, June 29, 1833, his parents being Jonathan and Margaret (Divan) Cessna. His father was born in Pennsylvania in 1810, his mother in Bel- mont Count}-, Ohio. At the age of seventeen the subject of this sketch accompanied his parents to another home near Toledo. Ohio, where they lived but a short time. They then went down the Ohio River on a trading boat to Cairo, 111., where the father died in 1844. After that sad event the subject with his mother and sister returned to Coshocton County. Ohio, and in about two years the mother married again, becoming the wife of Joseph Rich- ardson. In 1848 the family once more came to Illinois and located on the homestead Mr. Richard- son then purchased in this county, and now occu- pied by the mother of our subject. Mr. Cessna has but one sister now, the widow of Elisha Grimes, living on her husband's homestead. She has eight children, namely: John M., Elisha C, William and Jacob (who are deceased), Alvin, Margaret, Ellen, Charles and Belle. John Cessna, of whom we write, commenced life as a farm hand. He wisely saved his earnings and in a few years had money enough to buy a good farm. In 18.">7. smitten with a desire to ac- cumulate wealth still faster, he went to California by the way of New York and Panama. In the Golden State he found employment on a ranche, and was well paid for his work in that country, where good and reliable help was scarce. Twenty- two months of life in that climate satisfied our sub- ject and he retraced his steps homeward, and on his return invested some of his capital in an 80-acre farm, which he subsequently disposed of at a good advance price, and then bought his present home- stead, which then comprised but 140 acres. He has kept adding to his landed property till he now owns 260 acres of fine land, with excellent im- provements, that add greatly to its value, and he is profitably engaged in a general farming business, raising' cattle, horses and hogs of good grades. Mr. Cessna has twice married. The maiden name of his first wife was Ann Rebecca Truax. She was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, in 1841, and died in the pleasant home she had helped her husband to build up, in 1870. Her people were of Irish origin. 314 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. Of her marriage with our subject seven children were born, two of whom are dead ; those living are William, Mary. Charles E., Lemuel E., and Eliza- beth. Mr. Cessna was united in marriage to his present wife in 1877, and to them have come six children, two of whom are dead, Frank and Jona- than. The others are Ann R.. John R.. Albert B., and Mont P., all being at home. Mr. Cessna has been a hard working man, but his labors have been amply rewarded, as he knows well how to direct his energies so as to produce the desired results. He is possessed of sound sense, discretion and other good traits, is honest and straitforward in his manner and dealings, and is in all things a sensible man. He and hi.s wife are es- teemed members of the Christain Church, of which he is one of the trustees at the lime of the erection of the present house of worship. He is prominently connected with the Masonic order as Master Mason. In politics, he is a good democrat, and is loyal in ever}' fibre to his country. He has held school offices and has served on the juries of his county. Our subject's mother died since the above was writ- ten, her death occuring June 30, 1889. Ijp^AMl'EL ALBRIGHT. The subject of ^^^ this notice was one of the first men to set- |l\/jj) tie in Ross Township, along Bean Creek, taking up his abode there on the 11th day of October, 1855. His first purchase was 24b acres of land where he built a small house, and he was the first man to stir the soil with a plowshare. lie did a large amount of breaking himself, en- closed and divided his fields with fencing, put out fruit and shade trees and erected buildings as his needs multiplied and his means permitted. He was prospered as a tiller of the soil and invested his surplus capital in additional land which under his wise management became very fertile and yielded handsome returns. His property lies on sections 19, 30 and 31, and is considered as including some of the most desirable land in this part of the county. About 1875, the first humble domicile of our subject gave place to an elegant residence, while adjacent is a very fine barn flanked by the other ne- cessary buildings. He has the latest improved ma- chinery, including an expensive windmill and an artesian well which throws a running stream of wa- ter two feet above the ground, with its source 130 feet below. In his stock operations, Mr. Albright breeds mostly horses and cattle. Mr. Albright in March, 1886, rented his farm and retiring from active labor, purchased a pleasant home in Rossville where he now resides. His has been a remarkably busy life, as in addition to his farming operations, he has given consider- able of his time to looking after the local interests of his township, officiating as School Director and serving as Justice of the Peace for seven years. He usually gives his support to the Democratic party and for a period of forty-five years has been a member of the United Brethren Church. lie has been at two different times the candidate of his parly in this county for the Legislature, but being in tin' minority, was beaten as he expected. Mr. Albright was born in Fairfield County, Ohio. Sept. 12, 181(3. and lived there until a lad of twelve years. lie then removed to Pickaway County where he sojourned until his marriage, which took place four miles southeast of Circleville the bride being Miss Clemency Morris. ( )f this union there were born two children — lohn M. and Mary Ellen, the latter the wifeof WilliamMcMur- trie of Potomac, and is the mother of four children. Mrs. Clemency (Morris) Albright died at her home in Ross Township in 1805. < hir subject contracted a second matrimonial al- liance. Sept. 10, 1866, with Miss Mary M. Davis. This union resulted in the birth of two children — Orrie Lulu and Lilly Belle. The elder is the wife of William Cunningham of Rossville and the younger remains with her parents. Mrs. Mary M. (Davis) Albright was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, February, I 836, and is the daughter of Am- aziab Davis, who came to this county at an early day and became one of its most prominent farmers and citizens. David Albright, the father of our subject, was a native of Pennsylvania, whence he removed to Ohio when quite young. He was there married to PORTRAIT AND BIOOKAPIIICAL ALBUM. 31' Miss Phebe Newman and they reared a family of nine children. Upon leaving the Buckeye State they settled in Frankfort, Ind.. where the father died some years ago. The mother subsequently came to this county and made her home with our subject until her death. WILLIAM II. PRICE, the son of an early settler of Vermilion County, may also be denominated as one of its pioneers, as he had a hand in developing its great agricultural resources and assisted in laying the foundations of its wealth and high standing among its sister counties. lie is to-day one of the foremost farmers and stock raisers of Pilot Township, and is a man of considerable importance in the public life of this community. He has a large farm of over 700 acres of well-improved land, comprising sec- tions 8, 9 and 10, whose broad fields are under high eultivation.and which is amply supplied with roomy, conveniently arranged, well made buildings, and all the appliances for facilitating farm work, while everything about the place betokens order and superior management. Mr. Price was born in Pike County, Ohio, July 4, 1827. His father, Robert Price, was a native of Lexington, Ky., born of pioneer parents July 29, 1788. The grandparents were from Wales and England. They removed to Pike County. Ohio when the father of our subject was a lad of nine years, and there he grew to maturity and married Miss Nancy Howard, a native of Ohio. Her par- ents came from England to that part of the coun- try in the early days of its settlement. She was born Feb. 27, 1793 and died in middle life, Dec. 22, 1842, some years after the removal of tin' family to this county, which occurred in 1830. She and her husband were early pioneers of this section of the country. The father died .Ian. (J, 1850, in Vermilion County. 111. They were the parents of four chil- dren, of whom our subject is the only survivor. The others were Lloyd II., Drusilla, and Jerusha. Lloyd married Minerva Howard, of Pike County, Ohio, whose parents came to Vermilion County in an early day. ami to them (Lloyd and wife) were born nine children, namely: William. Robert, Thomas, Sarah, Nancy. Frank, Lloyd. May, and ( teorge. Drusilla was the wife of Joseph Dalay, of Vermilion County, now deceased, and they left one child, Nancy, who became the wife of David Clay- pole, a farmer, and they have five children. Jeru- sha married Franklin Adams, of Vermilion County, now deceased, and they have three children — John L., William, and Samuel. When our subject was brought to this county, a child of three years, it was a wild waste of prairie, ami the settlers at that time thought that the land ■aw.i\ from the streams where the timber grew was worthless for settlement, so they confined them- selves to the banks of the creeks and rivers. He grew to a strong manhood in the pioneer life that obtained at that day, and early became independ- ent and self-supporting. Having determined to make farming his life work, he entered 200 acres of prairie land from the Government, as his keen discernment foresaw the worth of the rich and fertile soil to the intelligent and enterprising 3'oung farmer. After his marriage in 1*50. he erected a house and commenced the task of upbuilding his present desirable home. He is still living on the land that he purchased from the Government, and has added more to it as his means have allowed till he owns one of the largest farms in the ncigh- hood, comprising, as before mentioned over 700 acres of choice land. He has besides belped to establish his children in life by giring them land. He does a general farming business, raising all kinds of stock, making a speciality of breeding Short-horn cattle, of which he has a herd of sixteen thoroughbreds, besides all other kinds of stock us- ually found on a model farm. Mr. Price and Mary A. Cazatt were united in marriage in 1850. She was born in Mercer County, Ky., July 4, 1838, to Henry and Susan (Gritten) Cazatt, native of the same county, her father was born about 1808 and her mother Dec. 4, 1810. Mrs. Prices's grandparents were Irish and Dutch. They were pioneers of Vermilion County, coming here in 1837, and here they spent their remaining years, the father dying in 1841, and the mother in 318 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPAICAL ALBUM. 1878, aged sixty-three years. Mrs. Price has one own sister — Minerva J., who married Otho Allison, a resident of this county. The union of our sub- ject and his wife has been blessed to them by the birth of six children — Jerusha J., Lloyd IL, Emily M., Charles R., Alice N.. EmmaB., the latter is deceased. Jerusha married Henry J. Helmick, a fanner of this county, and they have two children — Charles and William E. Lloyd H., a farmer, married Mary -T. Snyder, of this county. Emily married Guy C. Howard, a merchant in Armstrong, this county. Charles R., a farmer, married Delia Hatfield, of this county, and they have one child — Everett Lloyd. Alice married Berry Duncan, a farmer of this county, and they have one child, Lola. Mr. Price is a noble type of our self-made men, who while building up a fortune for themselves have been instrumental in advancing the material interests of the county, lie, and his wife are lead- ing members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he has held the office of Steward and Trustee. He has held the office of Highway Com- missioner for twelve years. lie is prominently identified with the A. F. & A. M. order, and is a Master Mason. In politics, he is a thorough and consistent Republican. He has served with credit on the juries of the State and county. Mr. and Mrs. Price have some valuable heir- looms, which they highly prize, in the old bibles of their fathers and mothers. A fine lithographic view of the country resi- dence and surroundings of Mr. and Mrs. Price appears in the Album, and represents a home of which the owners are justly proud. \|7 OTHER TILLOTSON, Supervisor of Pilot I (® Township, and one of its most intelligent , 1—^Vi and influential public officials, is closely connected with its material interests as a practical agriculturist, owning and profitably managing a good farm on section 30. He was born in Warren County, End., Aug. 13, 1849, a son of E. B. and Mary A. (Cronkhite) Tillotson. His father was born in Cayuga County, N. Y., Dec. 8, 1811, and his father. Luther Tillotson, was a native of New York. The mother of our subject was born in Hamilton, Ohio, Dec. 26, 1816. During some period of their lives the parents of our subject settled in Indiana, and of their marriage twelve children were born, and the following is recorded of the nine now living: Sarah A. married Edward Foster, a farmer living near Armstrong, this county, and they have seven children. Rebecca married Jeremiah Butts, who lives retired in Potomac, and they have six children. James M., a stock dealer and farmer in Calcasien Parish, La., married Mary J. Goodwine, and they have three children. Buell. a farmer of Pilot Township, married Eliza- beth Wiles, and they have one child. Walter B., a farmer of Pilot Township, married Lucetta Endi- eott. Frances married J. A. Knight, a farmer of this county, and they have four children. William M.,a farmer of this county, married Millie French, and they have three children. Mary A. married Frank II. Henry, who is living retired in Armstrong Village, and they have two children. Luther is the subject of this sketch. [For paiental history see sketch of Buell Tillotson.] Our subject came this county in 1856 with his parents. His father is deceased; his mother resides in this county. Mr. Tillotson and Mary E. Myrick were united in the holy bonds of matrimony Sept- ember. 1871, and five children complete their happy household — Bertie, Alden, Cora E., Luther E., and Charles. Mrs. Tillotson was born in Illinois Sept. 15. 1853, and is a daughter of Thomas P. anil Susanah (Firebaugh) Myrick, natives of Ohio and Indiana respectively. They came from the Buck- eye State to this and settled in Pilot Township at an early day. After marriage Mr. Tillotson rented land for eleven years and carried it on to such good advan- tage that at the expiration of that time he had money enough to invest in eighty acres of improved land, which forms his present farm. He has his land well tilled, and it is capable of yielding large crops in repayment for the care bestowed upon it, and Mr. Tillotson has a neat and well ordered set of buildings for every needful purpose. He is doing- well from a financial standpoint, has his farm PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 310 stocked with cattle of good grade as many as it will carry, and displays commendable enterprise in the management of his interests. Mr. Tillotson brings a well trained mind to bear on his work and fully understands how to perform it so as to obtain the best results, which is the secret of his success. His fellow-citizens, feeling that in a man of his education, of sound and sensi- ble views on all subjects, the township would find a superior civic official who would promote its high- est interests, have called him to some of the most responsible otlices within their gift, and his whole course in public life has justified their selection. He has been Supervisor for six years, and was re- elected to that office this spring, and he has also been Assessor for one term, besides having held the ottice of Justice of the Peace for eight years. In politics he is a true Republican, although he performs his official duties without regard to party affiliations. *-•!•- jg^- ?ARON DALBY. The late Civil War de- veloped some rare characters, the depths of which would probably never have been disturbed had it not been for this revolution which shook the country from turret to foundation stone. There were then brought to the surface that God-given quality — the love of the true man for his native land — and the extent of the sacrifices which he was willing to make to save her from dis- memberment. Among all those who are written of in this volume there was probably no truer pat- riot during the war than Aaron Dalby. and he justly esteems the period of his life spent in the Union Arm}- as one of the brightest spots in his whole career. We give this matter prominence be- cause it is a subject dear to his heart and he has lost none of the patriotic affection which enabled him aquarter of a century ago to lay aside all per- sonal ties and give his best efforts to the preserva- tion of the Union. We now find him comfortably located in a quiet country home, embracing a well- regulated farm on section 11, in Vance Township, where, since the war, he has gathered around him all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. In reverting to the family history of our subject, we find that his father, .lames Dalby. was a native of Pennsylvania, a carpenter by trade and in politics an old line Whig, lie married M iss Sarah Sewell, a native of Ohio, April 1, 1820, the wedding taking place in Clinton County, that State. They lived there about fourteen years, Mr. Dalby engaged as a gro- ceryman, a farmer and an hotelkeeper, conducting the old-fashioned country tavern after the most approved methods of those times. About this time the lead mines near Dubuque were being opened up and the demand for carpen- ters was great, so the father of our subject re- moved '.hither with his family in 1835, purposing to work at his trade. lie found the times very hard and the country peopled largely with desperate characters, among whom a murder was committed nearly every night. This state of things made it impossible for him to remain and so he established himself at Quincy, 111., where he lived three years and worked at his trade. He then returned to ( ihio, where he sojourned two years and from there removed to Peru Ind., but only remained there eight months. In August, 1843, he came to this county and on the 19th of October following passed from earth at the age of fifty-three years, lie was a well educated man and especially fine penman. The mother of our subject survived her first husband for the long period of nearly forty-eight years. She was born March 12, 1803, and died Feb. 2G, 1885, when nearly eighty-two years old. The parental household was completed by the birth of six children, four of whom are living. Aaron, our subject, was the fourth in order of birth and was born in Clinton County, Ohio, April 2.">, 1 .s:! I . He attended school at Quincy, 111., and also in Ohio a short time and in Indiana, and came to this county in time to avail himself of instruction in the subscription schools here. Being the eldest son, he, after the death of his father, naturally in due time assumed many responsibilities, and at the age of twelve years worked out for $3 per month, six mouths, from spring until fall. The year fol- 320 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. lowing he was employer! by the same man, with an increase of salary of $1 per month. The mother of our subject was married a second time to James Elliott. Our subject was bound out for a term of six years to Alvin Stearns. Becom- ing dissatisfied with the arrangement he served out only half his time and went to Ohio to learn a trade. He came back to Illinois, however, a year later and employed himself at whatever he could find to do, being at one time the partner of Aaron Hardin in splitting rails and cord-wood. Their best week's work was forty-eight cords of wood, cut. split and piled, and this was done at twenty- five cents per cord, when rails were forty-five cents per 100. The next most important event in the life of our subject was his marriage, which occurred Dec. 23, 1854, with Miss Martha E. Custer. The newly wedded pair commenced the journey of life to- gether at the old Custer homestead, which is now the property of our subject, and Mr. Dalby there- after farmed on rented land until the outbreak of the Civil War. In L862 he went one day to assist a neighbor with his work and when he came back with his pitchfork over his shoulder his attitude and bearing were such that his wife exclaimed when she saw him coming, "there, I bet he is going to the war." He entered the house and asked for some clothing, and in ten minutes was off for Ho- mer, and joining some of his comrades repaired with them to Camp Butler and enlisted in Company E, 73d Illinois Infantry. Mr. Dalby accompanied his regiment to the front and first engaged in the battle of Perry ville, Oct. 8, 18G2. In the early part of the engage- ment he was in the front line of battle and had only discharged six or seven shots when a rebel bullet struck him in the right side of the abdomen, passing through the upper lobe of the liver and came out at the right of the spine, grazing the point of one of the vertebra'. The ball before en- tering his body struck the cap box on his belt, passed through the box and his belt, through his coat, the waistband on his pants then through his body and returning cut through the waistband and "body belt" and knocked the handle off the butcher knife on his belt, leaving the blade iu itp scabbard and glanced off to the rear. He pulled out of the wound a bunch of the wood from his cap box, some cotton-batting from his coat and a metal primer which he carried in the box. He was taken to the field hospital and a rubber tube pulled through his body twice: He was then conveyed to the Perry ville General Hospital, where he remained until October 1863, and was then transferred to New Albany, Ind. He was discharged from the hospital there, Jan. 20, 1864. Mr. Dalby now returned to his family and al- though he has been almost wholly disabled for work since that time he declares he is ready to fight the battle over again if the occasion arises. He and his excellent wife have no children of their own. but have performed the part of parents to a boy and girl, the former the son of a comrade of Mr. Dalby, who was discharged from the army for disability and died. The boy Joe II. Summers, be- came an inmate of their home at the age of seven years and remained there until twenty-one. He is now married and lives in Mendon, Neb. The girl Mary J. Custer was taken by them when but eleven months old and is still with them, now grown to womanhood. It is hardly necessary to say in view of his war record that Mr. Dalby, politically, is a decided Re- publican. He had two brothers in the army, one of whom, Albert, enlisted in Company C. 25th Illinois Infantry and at Murfreesboro was wounded through the wrist and arm. At the expiration of his first term of enlistment he entered the veteran reserve corps from which he was honorably dis- charged. Another brother, William II. II., the youngest of the family, was born in 1840 and en- listed in Company D, 63d Illinois Infantry. He was killed by the explosion of a magazine at Co- lumbia, S. C, Feb. 19, 1865, being terribly mangled and blown into a river. He had strength, however, to swim ashore and was taken to the hos- pital where he died. He had been promoted to the rank of Sergeant. Mr. Dalby has officiated as Road Overseer and is a member of Homer Post No. 263, G. A. R. Jacob M. Custer, the father of Mrs. Dalby, was, with his wife , Elizabeth Ocheltree, a native of Vir- ginia, They came to Illinois in 1819 settling in PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 321 this enmity, but later removed to Champaign County, where the death of Mr. Custer took place, Sept. 17. 1865. His widow subsequently married John L. Myers who has since died, and Mrs. Myers is dow living at Homer at the ripe age of seventy- nine years. She is the mother of nine children, six of whom are li ving and of whom Mrs. Dalby was next to the eldest. She was born Sept. t. 1836, in Fayette County Ohio, received a fair education and was married at the age of eighteen years. She is a very estimable lad}' of more than usual benev- olence and is a member of the Homer Woman's Re- lief Corps, No. 69. She was at one time President of this body ami was presented with a very fine gold badge as Last President by the members of her corps as a token of their appreciation of her worth and services. She has never missed a meet- ing, either regular or special since its organization, in April, 1887. In religious matters, she belongs to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Mr. Dalby during the days of his early manhood was an expert hunter and has brought down many a deer in this county. He is naturally possessed of great courage and bearing, but is uniformly kind-hearted to all except the enemies of his country. I OHN COLE. The bold, hardy, intelligent sons of New England have borne a prom- inent part in the settlement of the great Ittjsjjfi West, and as a noble type of these, one who was a pioneer of Vermilion County in early days, we are pleased to present to the readers of this work a review of the life of the gentleman whose name is at the head of this sketch. In the pleasant spring month of May, 1837, just fifty-two years ago, our subject, then in the prime and vigor of early manhood, twenty-two years of age, left his native home among the beautiful bills of Vermont to see if life held anything better for him on the broad prairies of this then far Western State, animated doubtless, by the pioneer spirit that caused some remote ancestor to leave his En- glish cot and seek a new home on this side of the Atlantic, and still later caused one of his descend- ants, in turn, to journey to the Green .Mountain State on the same quest. In that day the tripeon- templated by our subject was a great undertaking, it being but slow traveling before railways spanned the continent, anil many days and weeks even passed before he reached his destination. He went first with a team to Troy, and thence by the Erie (anal to Buffalo, expecting to proceed on bis jour- ney from there on the lakes, but the ice prevented further passage after the boat had gone thirty miles on Lake Erie. His next course was to hire a man to lake him in a wagon to Chicago, paying him $10. There he saw a little city, or village, rather, situated in a low swamp, from which the frogs would venture to sun themselves on the narrow plank walks till some passing pedestrian disturbed their repose and caused them to jump into the water. There were no indications that one day that spot was to be the site of one of the largest and finest cities on the continent. From there Mr. Cole proceeded on foot to the fertile and beautiful val- ley of the Fox River, and after tarrying there a few days to visit some old friends he walked on to Vermilion County. He loaned what money he had taking a mortgage on a piece of land which was encumbered by a prior mortgage, and he soon had to buy the land in order to save his money. The summer of 1838, was noted among the early settlers as the sickly season, and almost everybody was ill, but Mr. Cole's fine constitution withstood the at- tacks of disease and he remained sound and healthy. ( lur subject found here the virgin prairie and prim- eval forest scarcely disturbed by the few pioneers that had preceded him; there were still traces of the aboriginal settlers of the country, and deer, wolves, and other wild animals had not fled before the advancing step of civilization. Settlements were few and scattering, and Chicago and New Or- leans were the most accessible markets, the only way lo the former city being over rough roads by team, and to the latter by flatboat, via the Vermilion, Wa- bash, Ohio and Mississippi rivers. Mr. Cole fre- quently sent produce to those cities but did not journey there himself. He was one of the first wool growers in the county, but experienced much difficulty in raising sheep in the early days here on account of the wolves that would frequently kill 322 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. some of his flock in sight of the house. He had a small horse that was an expert jumper and mount- ed on that animal Mr. Cole pursued the wolves and killed many of them. He commenced with forty-nine sheep and finally had a large flock, num- bering 2,200 of a fine breed. He invested in real estate here and engaged in farming, and in course of years met with more than ordinary success in his calling and became a large land owner, and now has 1,3G0 acres of fine land, divided into three farms. The one on which he resides on sections 19 and 20, is one of the choicest in the county. We must now go back to the earl}' history of our subject, and refer to his birth and ancestry. He was born in the pretty town of Shaftsbury, Ben- nington Co., Vt,. May 27, 1815. a son of Uriah Cole, a native of the same county and town. Par- ker Cole, the grandfather of our subject, was a na- tive of Rhode Island, of English ancestry. When he was sixteen years old his parents moved to the wilds of Vermont, before the Revolutionary War, the removal being made with one yoke of oxen and one cow, they were guided by marked trees for twenty miles, the road from Williamstown, Mass., being a mere trail. The grandfather of our subject spent his remaining days in the Green Mountain State, buying a tract of timbered land, from which he cleared a farm, and he at one time owned 1,000 acres of land. For some time the nearest market was at Williamstown, Mass., twenty- miles away, and Troy, N. Y., thirty-two miles distant was also a market town. The maiden name of the grand- mother of our subject was Mollie Nash, and she was also a native of Rhode Island. .She frequently told her grandchildren the story of their removal to Vermont, and how when she forded the Connecti- cut River, the water was so deep that the pony on which she rode had to swim. She died in the eighty- fourth year of her age, on the old homestead, and now lies beside her husband in the cemetery at Shaftsbury. The father of our subject was reared in his native town, and after he had grown to man's estate his father gave him a farm in Shaftsbury, and he bought other land till he had about 400 acres. He spent his entire life in his birthplace, dying there wlien about sixty years of age. The maiden name of his wife, the mother of our sub- ject, was Nancy Barton, and she was also a native of Shaftsbury, coming of good old New England stock. Her father, Garner Barton, was a native of Rhode Island, and in early life was a sailor. He was a pioneer of Shaftsbury and buying land he en- gaged in farming and also built and operated a tannery. He was a resident there till his demise at the advanced age of ninety -six years. The mater- nal grandmother of our subject died on the home farm at the venerable age of ninety-four years. She was a Quaker. The mother of our subject was reared and spent her entire life among the green hills of Vermont in the town of Shaftsbury. There were seven children born of her marriage, namely: Hiram, living in North Bennington, Vt.; John; Ahnira. who married George Clark, and died two years later; Elizabeth, who died in infancy; James P.., living in Vermilion County; Mary, wife of Jon- athan C. Houghton, of North Bennington, Vt.; George Byron died in Shaftsbury. The subject of this sketch grew to man's estate in the home of his birth, gleaning his education in the public schools, and as soon as large enough he assisted on the farm until he came West as before mentioned. In the summer of 1839 he returned to Vermont, and in the following December he was married to Miss Aurelia Miranda Huntington, and at once started with his bride for his new home in the Western wilds; traveling with a horse and a covered wagon, they arrived in Vermilion County six weeks and three da3's later. There was an un- finished frame house on his land on sections 29 and 30, Danville Township, and in that he and his bride commenced housekeeping. He resided there about nineteen years, and then rented his farm and moved to Elwood Township where he improved a large farm, and made his home there till 1877. Then leaving his son in charge he went to Shelbyville, 111., where he bought property, and was a resident of that city till 1882, when he bought the farm on which he now resides in Danville Township. Mr. Cole has been married three times. The wife of his early manhood died in January. 1SJ7. leaving one child, Miranda 8., now the wife of James McKee, of Danville. Mr. Cole's second mar- riage, which occurred in 1850, was to Miss Nancy Weaver, a native of Brown County, Ohio, a daugh- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 323 ter of Michael and Mary Weaver. She died about 1«63. leaving one son, Henry .1.. who lives Oil the Ridge farm in Klwood Township. Mr. Cole was married to his present wife Sue Patterson, and to them have come one child, Mary Edith. Our subject can look back over a long life that has been wisely spent, and his record is that of an honorable, upright man, whose high personal char- acter lias made him an influence for good in the county where he has made his home for over half a century, and with whose interests his own are so closely allied that in acquiring wealth he has fur- thered its material prosperity. In politics he is a Democrat. 'NDREW J. SINKHORN, Supervisor of Blount Township, with whose agricultural and milling interests he is connected as a practical, wide-awake fanner and skillful miller, owning and operating a sawmill, is a fine type of the citizen-soldiers of our country, who saved the Union from dissolution in the trying times of the Great Rebellion, and since then have quietly pursued various vocations and professions, and have been important factors in bringing this country to its present high status as one of the greatest and grandest nations on earth. In the early days of the war our subject went forth with his brave comrades to fight his country's battles, he being then but nineteen years of age, a stalwart, vigorous youth, and he consecrated the opening years of his manhood to the cause for which he was ready to give up even life itself, if need be. Not- withstanding his 3'outhf ulness, he displayed the qualities of a true soldier, and in course of time was promoted from the ranks. Andrew Sinkhorn, the father of our subject, was born in Virginia. During some period of his life he went to Kentucky, and was there married to Frances Shannon, a native of that State, and they began their wedded life there in Boyle County, and there their useful lives were rounded out in death. They had a family of nine children, of whom our subject was the eighth in order of birth. Dec. 3, 1842, he was born in his parents' pleasant home in Boyle County, Ky. He was reared on a farm, and his education was obtained in the common schools. Aug. 12. 1861, his heart beating high with youthful ardor and patriotism, he entered upon his career as a soldier, enlisting at that date in Company A, 4th Kentucky Infantry, and had four years experience of life on the battlefield or in rebel prisons. He took an active part in the bat- tles of Chicaumauga and Mill Springs, Ky.. and in the latter contest lost a part of his index finger. He was at Perryville, Ky., Mission Ridge, and Atlanta, and while near the latter city he was cap- tured by the rebels, and was held for seven months, during which time he was confined in Anderson ville, and later in Florence, S. C, suffering all the horrors and hardships of life in rebel prisons. His steady courage and heroic actions in the face of the enemy. and his obedience to his superiors, won him their commendation, and he received deserved promo- tion from the ranks to the position of Sergeant. After the close of the war he was mustered out of the si rvice and honorably discharged. After his bitter experience of military life Mr. Sinkhorn returned to his old Kentucky home and engaged in farming in Boyle Count}' the ensuing two years. In the spring of 1869 he decided that he could do still better in his chosen calling on the rich soil of Illinois, and coming to Vermilion County, he settled in Blount Township, and has re- sided here and in Ross Township since that time, engaging both in agricultural pursuits and in mill- ing with great success, and he is justly classed among the most substantial citizens of the township. Mr. Sinkhorn has been three times married. He was first married in his native county, to Je- mima Ann Cozatt, who was also a native of Boyle County. After the birth of one child that died in infancy, she passed away in her native county. Mr. Sinkhorn's second marriage was to Emily J. Sexton, they having been wedded in Ross Town- ship, this county. March 28, 1880, she departed this life. She was a sincere and active member of the Christian Church. Four children were born of that marriage — William 11., Edward E., Jesse O., and Anna M. The maiden name of Mr. Sinkhorn's present wife, to whom he was united in Blount 324 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. Township, was Mary E. Pilkington, and she was the widow of John Pilkington, and daughter of William Gritton. Two children have been born of this marriage, Ida E. and Girtie. Since coming to this township Mr. Sinkhorn has proved a useful citizen, and a valuable addition to the citizenship of the place. He takes an active part in the administration of public affairs, and in every way manifests an earnest desire to promote the highest interests of the community. His pleas- ant, genial disposition has made him popular with his fellow-townsmen, and, what is better, he enjoys their confidence. He was elected Constable of Blount Township, and served to the satisfaction of his constituents seven years. In the spring of 1886 he was elected Supervisor of the township, held the office one year, and in the spring of 1889 was again selected for this important office, and is still an incumbent thereof. He has a deeply re- ligious nature, and in him the Free Methodist Church has one of its most esteemed members, and at the present time he is Class-Leader. EV. THOMAS COX was born Aug. 6, 1829, in Lawrence County, Ky. He is the son '. of John and Polly Cox, the former of ^jS}; whom was born in Lawrence County, June 22, 1799, while his wife, Polly (Markham) Cox, first saw the light at the same place on Feb. 17, 1817. John Cox served in the War of 1832 known as the Black Hawk War, and was the father of six children, Thomas being the fourth child. John Cox and family came to this county in 1829, settling s j x miles west of Danville on the Middle Fork, where he followed, with a large de- gree of success, the occupation of a carpenter, and also owned a fine farm. He died on May 23, 184G, universally respected by all his acquaintances. Po- litically he was a Democrat. Both he and his wife belonged to the Baptist Church; the latter died on Sept. 2, 1851. This couple were among the origi- nal settlers of this county, and as such, went through all the vicissitudes that surround the pio- neer. They were faithful in everything they un- dertook, and with them life was not a failure. Thomas Cox, of whom this sketch is written, came to this county with his father when he was but six weeks old, and at the age of fifteen yens his father died leaving him to make his own way in the world. He went into the unequal battle with a determination to win, and his endeavors have been met by success. He followed agricul- tural pursuits until he was twenty-two years old when he commenced to learn the carpenter's trade, which occupation he followed until 18G7, when he purchased a farm in Newell Township and where he now resides. On Nov. 28, 1850 he was married to Susan Orr, daughter of John and Parthenia Orr, natives of Kentucky. They came to Indiana in a very early day and were united in marriage in Fountain County, that State. Mrs. Cox was born July 1, 1831, she being the fourth child of a family of twelve. She resided in Indiana until she became eighteen years of age, when she removed to Illinois with her parents, both of whom are dead. The Rev. Mr. and Mrs. Cox are the parents of three children: William L., who is a farmer of this county, married Miss Kate Robinson; Martha J., is the wife of A. Clapp, who is engaged in farming in Newell Township, while David M. is the husband of Miss Sarah Bell. They are living on a farm in the same township. Mr. Cox is the owner of 200 acres of good land which he cultivates with a large degree of success, and besides this he has given all his children a farm and has educated them as best he could in the pub- lic schools. This is one of the beauties of the sys- tem of American farming which makes if possible for the parent to start his children out in life with land enough to insure their comfort and even com- petence, and it is within the reach of every provi- dent farmer to do this to a large or small extent. The industry that Mr. Cox inherited has been the keynote to his success. In 1886 he was ordained as a regular minister of the gospel of the Regular Baptist Church. Before his ordination as a minis- ter, he was actively and intelligently engaged in religious work, a fact which led him up to occupy a pulpit. Mr. Cox has served his township as a Commis- o l^J^c Us. \Z^oo4^-£As PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 327 sioner of Highways and School Treasurer, filling these offices with rare fidelity and intelligence. He has always taken great interest in educational matters and lias consequentlj aided his neighbor- hood in having the best of schools. Politically he acts with the Democratic party, but since en- tering ministerial work he dues not take much interest in political questions. As a Christian worker Mr. Cox is very zealous. He preaches every Sabbath either at home or on a circuit, which comprises Crawfordsville, Ind., Big Shaw- nee and Stony Creek. The record of Mr. Cox as a citizen and a preacher is of the very best. firOIIN W. TURNER, M.D., Mayor of Fair- | mount and a practicing physician of first- class standing, has been a resident of this city since 1881. He occupies one of the finest residences in the place, ami there are h-w men more widely or favorably known in the town- ship. He has been prominent in politics and relig- ion — a leading light in the Republican party and an earnest laborer in the Sunday -school, the friend of temperance and the uniform supporter of all those measures instituted to elevate society and benefit the people. In referring to the parental history of our sub- ject, we find that he is a son of John T. Turner, a native of Maryland, who married Miss Catherine Shane, a native of Virginia. Soon after marriage t lie parents settled in Warren County, Ohio, then removed to Clay County, Ind. The father was a wagon manufacturer, and the household circle in due time included eight children, four sons and four daughters. Of these John W. was the seventh child, lie was born in Clay County, Ind., March 24, 18:ii), and there spent the days of his boyhood and youth, pursuing his early studies in the com- mon schools. The subsequent }'ears of Dr. Turner until a man of twenty-six were occupied mostly as a medical student. Then determined to see something of the country in which he lived, lie started over the plains to Oregon, crossed the Mississippi at Omaha and soon afterward bidding farewell to the haunts of civilization, journeyed on the north side of the I Matte River, through Nebraska. Wyoming, Idaho and on to Oregon. He reached Portland six months after leaving home. During the trip the party had numerous engagements with the Sioux Indians, one very serious among the Black Hills. Besides the Indians the Doctor met men from most all parts of every country during his tour in the wild West, and learned many interesting facts in connection therewith and the habits of life on the frontier, besides having an opportunity to view some of the most wild and romantic scenery in the world. We next find him officiating as a peda- gogue in Oregon for six months. He had already made up his mind to adopt the medical profession, and at the expiration of this time entered the med- ical department of Willamette University, Oregon, from which he wajs graduated with honors in 1872. He commenced the practice of his profession at Vancouver, Wash., where he sojourned four years. Here occurred the first great affliction of his life in the loss of his estimable wife, which occurred in 1876. Soon afterward he returned to this State and was located in Oakland, Coles Count}', for five years. In 1881 Dr. Turner took up his residence in Fairmount, where he has made all arrangements to spend at least the greater part of his life. He has a most pleasant and attractive home, a fine and growing practice and apparently everything to make existence desirable. He was first married in 1861 to Miss Harriet N., daughter of Judge William E. Smith, of Toledo, Cumberland County, this state. Of this union there were born four children, the eldest of whom, a son. Alva M., married Miss lMneba A. Reese,"and is employed in the drug-store of Lamon & Lamon, of Fairmount; his wife died April 25. 188'.). of apoplexy; Sharon C. is doing a large business as a contractor at Ocean Beach, Pacific Co., Wash. He is unmarried; Nancy C. is the wife of Edward Busby and lives seven miles south of Fairmount; they have no children; Will- iam E. was accidentally killed on the railroad track west of the depot, April 18, 1885, at the age of thirteen years. Mrs. Harriet N. (Smith) Turner 328 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. departed this life at her residenee, in Vancouver, Wash., in January, 1876. Dr. Turner contracted a second marriage in April, 1877, with Miss Eliza J. Hoagland, foster daughter of John S. Cofer, of Areola, 111., the wed- ding taking place at Paris. This union resulted in the birth of two children, John W. and Mary, both living with their father and attending school. The mother died April 30, 1884. On the 10th of July, 1884, the Doctor was married to Miss Mary E. Mills, one of the leading lady teachers of Vermilion County. Mrs. Turner is a lady of more than ordi- nary accomplishments and stands high in the social circles of the community. The Doctor and his wife with the elder children are all connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church. Dr. Turner is a member of the Official Board and Vice-president of the Township Sunday-school Association, which latter office he has held for the last three years. He gives much time to the religknis instruction of the young, a subject in which he has entertained a lifelong interest. At the last election for the city offices, Dr. Turner was reelected President of the Board of Aldermen, receiving, with the exception of eleven, all of the votes cast for this office. He is a pronounced Re- publican with broad and liberal ideas, and belongs to the A. F. & A. M., being Master of the lodge at Fail-mount for four years in succession. He also belongs to the Modern Woodmen, in which Order he is Medical Examiner and holds the same position in connection with eight life insurance companies doing business in this state. As may be supposed, his practice and his official duties absorb a large portion of his time, but he still finds the opportun- ity to indulge occasionally in hunting and fishing, in which he is an expert and of which sports he is excessively fond. The temperance cause finds in him one of its firmest advocates. Genial and com- panionable by nature, he is one naturally making hosts of friends. As an orator he possesses talents of no mean order, and is frequently called upon to address political, religious and other meetings. There are always a few men who must lead in a community, and Dr. Turner, of Fairmount, is an admirable representative of this class of the com- munity. Therefore we are pleased to present t<> the readers of this volume a splendid por- trait of Dr. Turner, as perpetuating the features of one honored and esteemed by all, and the pres- ent incumbent of the most important official posi- tion in Fairmount. *«* /p^EORGE W. SMITH, who lives on section if ^i" 31 '" ^ rant Township, Vermilion County, ^^41 has resided here but six years. He for- merly resided in Champaign County, 111. He was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, July 11, 1833, his parents being John C. and Azenith (Lewis) Smith, the former a native of Delaware and the latter of Pennsylvania. The parents of John C. Smith died in Delaware when he was quite young, and at the age of twenty- one years, in 1808, he emigrated to what was then considered the Far West. He was a carpenter by trade, and located at what is now the capital of Ohio, Columbus, then known as Franklin. There he put on the first shingle roof ever constructed in that locality. He was still there when the War of 1812 broke out, and he enlisted in the army under Capt. Sanderson, of Lancaster, Ohio. He served during the entire time of the war, and re- ceived for his services two warrants, each entitling him to eighty acres of land. He was with the army at Detroit, and there endured the hardships suffered b}- that part of the army during that try- ing period. At the conclusion of the war Mr. Smith returned to Lancaster, staying there for two or three years. He never located his land war- rants, which he did not receive for many years, but sold them to another party. In 181!) he settled on a farm on the line that separates Fairfield and Pickaway counties, Ohio, and there lived for the remainder of his life, dying May 21, 1857, in his sevent3'-first year, having been born March 10. 1787. He was married in Fairfield County, in 1819, to Mrs. Azenith Julian, widow of Stephen L. Julian, by whom she had three chil- dren, one of whom yet survives, and is also named Stephen L., and who is now living near .Marion Grant Co., lud., and is in his seventy -seventh PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 329 year. She owned and lived on the farm, where they afterward both died. Mrs. Smith was born May 24, 1788, and died Sept. 24, L852, aged sixty-four years and four months. Mr. and Mrs. Smith were the parents of seven children, the following four being deceased: Rebecca L. was the wife of .lames M. Stewart, and died near Logan, Ohio; Eliza H. was married t < > Henry Dustman, and died at Leaver Dam. Wis.; Mary W., who was the wife of .lames S. McDowell, died at Tolona, 111.; and Elizabeth S.. who was married to John Burton, died also at that place. The survivors are: Hannah A., the wife of L. C. Burr, a furniture dealer in Tolona; Martha J. is living with the subject of this sketch, the lat- ter being the youngest of the family. George W. Smith was brought up on the home farm at Tarleton, Ohio, where he lived until he was twenty-five years of age. Both his parents being deceased, he sold the Ohio farm in 1858 and removed to Tolona, 111., where he bought a farm, on which he lived until 1 MS.'!, when he sold it and removed to his present home. His birth- place was in a hilly country, and the work in clear- ing and cultivating it was arduous. He, therefore, had long directed his attention to Illinois as a place where he could better his fortunes. When he came to Illinois he was accompanied by his three younger sisters, all remaining with him until the the marriage of the two eldest. Mr. Smith was united in marriage Feb. 14, L865, to Miss Julia II. Lock, daughter of William and Hannah (Escot) Lock, natives of England, where Mrs. Smith was born March 20, 1842. Her parents emigrated to Canada when she was seven years old, and in ]si;i settled in Champaign County. 111. Loth arc now deceased, the mother dying in Canada of apo- plexy while on a visit to a son living there, in 187 1, aged sixty-eight. Her father died in Cham- paign County, in 1885, in his eighty-fourth year. Mr. Lock came to Canada alone in 1842, and bought a farm there, and then returned to Eng- land, where he remained for seven years, and then came back with his family. He made several changes there before coming to the United States, buying considerable property. He ultimately be- came a large land-owner, alone owning 1,500 acres in Champaign County, 111. Mr. and Mrs. Lock had eleven children, all but one of whom are now living. William is a farmer in Canada; Louisa i> the wife of Joseph Spettigue, of London, Canada : Henry is a farmer at Belmont, Canada; Eliza was the wife of Corelia Fields, and died in Canada: .lames is living at St. Thomas, Canada, where he is a boot and shoe dealer; Benjamin lives in Champaign County. 111. Mrs. Smith was next in older of birth, then Daniel, a farmer in Marshall County, Kan. John is also a farmer at Philo, 111.. 4 and Hattie is the wife of M. L. Brewer, a farmer in the same place. Frank was drowned while swim- ming, when eight years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have no children, but the child of his sister Rebecca L., Frank L. Stewart, has lived with them since he was four months old, having been adopted by his aunt, Miss Martha J. Smith. He Mas born in Logan, Hocking Co., Ohio, Jan. 30, 1857. While living in Champaign County, 111., Mr. Smith was a School Director for twenty-four years, and also Assessor for five consecutive terms. He also held the offices of Highway Commissioner, Treasurer and Clerk of the Board. He is now one of the School Directors of Vermilion County, and has been since the first year of his residence here. Mr. Smith has always sustained the character of an upright man, and the people wdio know him best are those who admire him most for his good qualities as a man and a neighbor. W EWIS HOPPER. Among the notable I (® characteristics in the makeup of this gen- I ~ * V) tleman is his great self-reliance and the abil- ity to take care of himself, which was evinced at an early age and when thrown among strangers. His life occupation has been that of fanning, in which he has been eminently successful and from which it has been exceedingly difficult for him to make up his mind to retire, although he has now done so. and is comfortably established in a pleasant village home at Fairmount. Among the other fortunate things which befell him during his early manhood was the careful wife and mother who has stood by the side of her husband for these many 330 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. years, encouraging him in his worthy ambitions and ably assisting him in the struggle for a competence. They have lived happily together for many years and are now reaping a mutual enjoyment from the fruits of their earl}' toil and sacrifices. Such have been their lives that they have commanded the esteem and confidence of the people wherever the}' have lived, bearing that reputation for solid work and reliability of character, which form the basis of all well regulated society. In reviewing the antecedents of Mr. Hopper we find that his parents were Beverly and Sarah (Miller) Hopper, natives of Virginia and the father born in Culpeper County. They lived in the Old Dominion after their marriage until 1829, then changed their residence to the vicinity of Newark in Licking Co., Ohio. Later, they re- moved to Indiana, where they died after their nine children were married and scattered. Of these our subject, was the youngest born and six are still living. He first opened his e3'es to the light in Virginia on the 13th day of February, 1827, and was a child in his mother's arms when they removed to the Buckeye State. He attended the subscription school and worked with his father on the farm until a youth of eighteen years. Upon reaching his majority young Hopper be- gan learning the carpenter's trade, but the failure of his employers soon threw him out of business and he returned to the farm. He was married in 1847 to Miss Margaret, daughter of Jacob Kinsey, of Peru. Ind., and lived in the Hoosier State until August. 1853. That year he came to this county with his little family and settled four miles north- east of Fairmount, residing there for a period of eleven years. He then sold out and purchased a farm five miles south-east of Fairmount and com- prising 160 acres all prairie. He turned the first furrow there and effected all the other improve- ments which finally rendered it a valuable piece of property, and occupied it until their removal to the village. The six children born to our subject and his first wife are recorded as follows: John married Miss Rebecca A. Carrington, is the father of three children and lives on a farm four miles south-east of Fairmount; Sarah is the wife of Joseph English, lives near Peru, Ind., and is the mother of one child; Susannah married George Darr and is the mother of four children; they live three miles south-west of Fairmount; Martha Jane, Mrs. Charles Pemberton, is the mother of four children and lives six miles south of Fairmount; Frank married Miss Cora Hall, is the father of one child and lives six miles south of Fairmount; Vina, Mrs. James Smith, is the mother of three children and lives near Peru, Ind. Mrs. Margaret (Kinsey) Hopper departed this life at the home farm in 1870. Mr. Hopper contracted a second marriage March 27, 1.S80 with Mrs. Lou (Stansberry) Olmstead, daughter of Bonaparte and Jane (Wooden) Stans- berry of Catlin this State. Mr. Stansberry was a farmer by occupation and the parental household included six children of whom Mrs. Hopper was the fifth in order of birth. She was born at Cat- lin. Jan. 27. 1812, and grew up amid the scenes of pioneer life, her parents having been early settlers of that region. Mr. Stansberiy died when his daughter Lou was a young child. The mother is still living and is now aged seventy-seven years; she is a bright and intelligent old lady and takes delight in reviewing the scenes of her early life in Illinois to which her father came as early as 1812. She was present at the opening of the first court in Vermilion County. Mrs. Hopper attended the common schools dur- ing her childhood days and was carefully trained by an excellent mother in those housewifely duties which have so much influence upon the happiness and comfort of a home. Although not belonging to an}' religious denomination Mr. and Mrs Hop- per have made it the rule of their lives to do unto others as they would be done by, and among their neighbors and friends have maintained that kindly Christian character, which is the true index of an unselfish and benevolent heart. Their home is pleasantly situated at the east edge of Fairmount, where they have five acres of ground and a neat residence, erected in 1887. The year following Mr. Hopper put up a fine barn. He keeps some stock and pays special attention to the raising of swine. He has enough to keep himself com- fortably busy without overtaxing his energies. While not by an}' means a politician. Mr. Hop- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 331 per keeps himself well informed upon .State and National events and votes independently of any party. He has officiated as School Director and Trustee in his District, also as Road ( (verseer, fulfill- ing the duties of the latter office in an especially creditable manner. He identified himself with the A. F. & A. M. fraternity some j'ears ago, and is connected with Fairmonnt Lodge No. 590. VT'OHN F. McGEE has been a bighly respected citizen of Blount Township since 1857, and . is numbered among its prosperous farmers. ((§£*// He has a good, well-appointed farm on sec tion 34, comprising eighty acres of well-tilled soil that yields him rich harvests in repayment for the care and skill that he expends in its cultivation. In the cosy home that he has built up here he and his wife are enjoying the comforts of life, and are well fortified against want and privation. The father of our subject, William McGee, was a native of East Tennessee, born in one of its pio- neer homes in the year 1807. He was bred to the life of a farmer, and in 1831 assumed the responsi- bilities of a domestic life, marrying Rebecca Hes- sey, daughter of John and Sarah Hessey. Some time after they removed to Missouri, and, after living in St. Louis awhile, they settled in Greene County. Twelve years later they went to Scott County, Ark., where the father bought a farm. They lived there only two years, however, and in 1852 departed for the Lone Star State. They staid but three years in Texas, in Cook County, when they again found themselves on the move, and, returning to Missouri, they settled in New- ton County, on Shoal Creek, eleven miles above the Neosha (New Granby) lead mines. March .">. 1856, the father closed his earthly pilgrimage when scarce past the prime of life. His wife died in October, 1882. Of the ten children born to that worthy couple seven are now living, and he of whom we write was their fourth in order of birth. He was born during their residence in St. Louis. Mo., Dee. 19. 1839. Shortly afterward his parents removed to Greene County, that State, and there, as >oon as old enough, he was sent to a subscrip- tion school, which was conducted in a rude log cabin without a floor, and with rough logs for benches, wooden pins in the ends serving ^s legs. Our subject accompanied his parents in their various removals to and fro, and, being a lad of intelligence and observation, profited by what he saw of the country. He remained an inmate of the parental household till the year of his fa- ther's death (1856), and then, in 1857, came to Vermilion County and to this township. Being pleased with the country around here, and the fa- cilities offered to an industrious, brainy, 3 - oung farmer, he decided to locate here permanently, and. with that end in view, two years later bought his present farm. In the years of hard labor that have followed his settlement here Mr. McGee has greatly increased the original value of his farm, and has brought it under good cultivation. He has it amply provided with the necessary build- ings, and everything about the place is in good order, and betokens thrift and neatness on the part of the owner. Mr. McGee has been twice married. In 1860 he was wedded to Sarah Jane Watson, daughter of James Watson. She was a truly estimable woman, and made a good wife and a true helpmate. In 1866 she closed her eyes iu death, leaving three chil- dren as the fruit of her union — Rebecca Jane,Joseph Thomas, and Precious. The marriage of our sub- ject with his present wife took place in 1874. Her maiden name was Elizabeth Hessey, and she is a daughter of Abram Hessey. Mrs. McGee is a true helpmate in every sense of the word, and of her pleasant married life four children have been born, two of whom died in infancy. The names of the others are Mary M. and Farrin A. During the thirty-two years that he has been a resident of Vermilion Count}', Mr. McGee has won the esteem and respect of all about him by his kind, obliging ways, and by his conscientious, up- right conduct in all the affairs of life. He is a hard working, capable man, and by persevering and well-directed labor has established himself comfortably. In polities he is a sound Democrat, and. religiously, is a consistent member of the Christian Church, known as the Campbellite 332 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. Chinch. He was elected Road Commissioner in 188G, and again in 1889, and is performing the duties of that office with credit to himself and to the advantage of the township. •irsM i-..iW.V.V.V ^ri-** yTLLIAM JUDY. This gentleman bears the reputation of being one of the best ^^ farmers in Middle Fork Township, where where he has resided since about 1851. That year he came with his parents to this county from Hardy County, Ya., the journey being made overland with teams and occupying thirty-one days. The father located a claim upon which there was a log cabin, and into it the family removed, and lived there several years. William was then a lad of thirteen years. Upon reaching manhood, he purchased a half section of land in sections 19 and 20, and by subsequent purchase 100 acres have been added to the original purchase. The elder Judy and his boys improved a good farm, and the father died in 1854, at the age of about sixty -two years. The mother is still living, making her home with her son Samuel, in Iroquois County, this State. Our subject during his boyhood pursued his studies in a log cabin on the subscription plan, at- tending there two terms. Afterwards a regular schoolhouse was built at Wallace Chapel, about two miles from his home, which he also attended for a time. Later he prosecuted his studies in Danville. He distinctly remembers the time when this section of the country was a wild prairie, thinly settled, when deer and wolves were numer- ous, mill and market far away, and when the set- tlers endured many privations and hardships in the struggle to maintain existence. Young Judy' remained with his widowed mother until his marriage, in 18G2, to Miss Nancy A. Wood. This lady was the daughter of Absalom and Mclinda (Copeland) Wood, and the grand- daughter of Henry A. Wood, a native of Virginia, who emigrated to this county and settled in Grant Township, when there was scarcely another white man within its limits. (Further notice will be found in the biography of Samuel Copeland in another chapter of this book.) Here he reared a large family and spent his last days. He was a man of great energy and industry, and improved a good farm from the wilderness. The father of Mrs. Judy was his eldest child, and also entered a tract of land from the Government, from which he built up a farm. The grandparents were members of the Methodist Church. Her great-great-grand- father Wood was born in England in 1739. Grand- mother Wood's maiden name was Hoover. The young couple took up their abode in the humble dwelling, and from that time on labored with the mutual purpose of making a home for themselves and their children. Their toils and sacrifices in due time met with a reward, and. in addition to developing his first land. Mr. Judy added to his possessions until he now has 420 broad acres, the greater part of which is enclosed with beautiful hedge fencing, neatly trimmed, and the land all in a high state of cultivation. A fine large dwelling has supplanted their first humble residence, and a barn and other necessary out- buildings, a flourishing apple orchard and the smaller fruit trees form a most attractive picture in the landscape. There came in due time to the fireside of our subject and estimable wife, twelve children, who were named respectively : Lizzie Grant, now .Mrs. F. M. Slusher; Frank L.. J. Milton, Charles, An- nettie, Alia May. Robert Earl, Myrtie Florence, Fanny Clarinda, Wilber Wood, Mary Melinda ant Grace Ethel. They are all living, and form a re- markably bright and interesting group. Mr. and Mrs. Judy are members in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church, attending Wallace Chapel. Two brother of our subject, Ambrose and John, during the late Civil War enlisted in Company E, 51st Illinois Infantry. John was killed in the battle of Franklin, Tenn., and his friends have never been able to find his resting-place. All the male members of the family uniformly vote the Republican ticket. The father, Nicholas Judy, was the son of Martin Judy, who reared his fam- ily in Virginia, the State of his birth. The father of our subject passed his boy-hood and youth in the Old Dominion, and was married PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. :;;;:; t.i Miss Mary, daughter of Andrew and Mary Skid- more. T<> them was born a family of seventeen. chil- dren: Jehu, John, Andrew, Rebecca, Isaac, Ellen, Amos, Elizabeth, William (our subject), Gabriel, Eve, Ambrose, Edward, Nannie, Samuel, and two who died in infancy. Eight of these children are living, and making their homes mostly in Illinois. Our subject's grandfather, Andrew Skidmore, married Miss Mary Stonestreet, of Virginia. They were both born in that State. He was a farmer and stock dealer, and was the owner of slaves, and died at the age of eighty-four years. Grandmother Skidmore was a noble woman, and taught the first Sabbath-school ever held in that county. Grandfather Martin Judy was of German ances- try and the father of twelve children, six boys and six girls. He was also a farmer and stock-raiser, and a member of the Lutheran Church. He lived and died in Pendleton Co., Va. Great-grandfather John Skidmore, an English- man by birth, married a German lady, Mary Hinkle. Grandfather Stonestreet, on the mother's side, married Miss Williams, an Pjiiglish lady. \t ESSE LEEKA, M.D. One would scarcely suppose upon meeting this gentleman that lie has attained to nearly his threescore / years, for he is still young looking and more than usually active. This has been the re- sult of a correct life and temperate habits and ex- ercising good care over "the house he lives in." He has been a resident of Oakwood Village since 1886 and is numbered among its most successful and prominent physicians, having built up a good patronage and accumulated a fair amount of this world's possessions. The tirst thirty years of the life of our subject were spent in Clinton County. Ohio, where he was born May 19, 1830. He received a common school education and at the age of twenty years began his apprenticeship to the trade of a cabinet- maker, at which he worked in connection with farming for many years. At the age of twenty-five he was married. Fell. 2, 1855, to Miss Rebecca A.. daughter of Francis B. Macy, of Indiana, and now residing in Kokomo, that state. Afterward the | newly wedded pair settled in New Vienna, Ohio, of which the Doctor in due time became Mayor. Subsequently lie resided in Rush County, Ind., where he was Constable and later in Howard County, that State, where he held the office of Coroner two terms. After the outbreak of the Civil War, he on the 12th of December, 1863, en- listed in Company E. 9th Indiana Cavalry and was detailed to serve in the Quartermaster's depart- ment. He was with his regiment all through Hood's campaign and in the engagement at Pulaski. He, however, saw little of active service but en- dured the hardships and privations incident to life in the army, was afflicted with rheumatism some time, and in October, 181! 4, had a severe attack of bilious remittent fever. After the close of the war he received his honorable discharge with the regi- ment, Aug. 28, 1805, at Vicksburg, Miss. Dr. Leeka began the practice of his profession in the spring of 1876 at Jerome, Ind. Later he entered the medical college of Indianapolis, from which he was graduated in the class of 1878. He has practiced in Howard County, Ind., at Fair- mount, this county, whence he came to Oakwood, and is the only established physician in this place, where he has property and a pleasant home. The father of our subject was Philip Leeka, a native of Virginia, who in early life was taken by his parents to Washington County, Tenn., where he was reared to manhood. The paternal grand- father, Christian Leeka, was a native of Germany and crossed the Atlantic as one of the body of troops employed by the British Government to subjugate the American Colonists. Upon his ar- rival here Grandfather Leeka was ill and was con- fined in the hospital until after peace was declared. He settled in Southern Virginia and married an American lady of German parentage. In 1815 they removed to Clinton County, Ohio, where the grandfather died a few years later. Philip, the father of our subject, was the fifth of his seven children. Two of the older boys served under General Jackson in the Seminole War. One of them. Christian, Jr.. died while in the service in 334 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. Florida. The other. Henry, after leaving t'.ie army settled in Randolph County, Ind., where he became a prominent citizen and served as Justice of the Peace for a period of eighteen j'ears. He there spent the remainder of his life, passing away at a ripe old age. Philip Leeka was born March 21, 1799, and reared to farming pursuits He acquired a good education and taught school considerably after his marriage. He maintained a warm interest in edu- cational matters and officiated as a School Director in his district from the time of settling there until his decease. He was married in Clinton County. Ohio, in 1821, to Miss Elizabeth Hodson, who was of Quaker parentage and was born in North Carolina in 1797. The Hodson family emigrated to Clinton County, Ohio, about 1814. After their marriage the parents of our subject settled on a farm in that county, poor in purse but with strong hands and hopeful hearts, and after years of industry and economy, accumulated agood property including a fine farm. The mother passed away at the old homestead in 1842. Philip Leeka survived his wife forty two years, his death taking place near New Vienna, in 1884. when he was'quite aged. The household circle included ten children, nine of whom are still living, and of whom Jesse, our sub- ject, was the fifth in order of birth. To the Doctor and his first wife there were born five children, four sons and a daughter. The latter, Cora A., died when an interesting girl of twelve years. The sons are all living. Francis Edgar married Miss Sadie Sisson, and lives in St. Joe, 111.; Charles Frederick married Miss Ida Ayles- worth, and they live in Hebron, Ind. Of the four children born to them only one is living. William L. married Miss Mary Gibson, is the father of three children, and lives in Durango, Col.; Daniel Cary is unmarried and a resident of Danville. Mrs. Rebecca A. Leeka departed this life April 14, is;::. ( )ur subject contracted a second matrimonial alliance in April. 1885, to Miss Elizabeth J. Tim- raims. formerly of Carroll County, Ind. Her father Elijah Timmons was a native of Ohio, her mother was Mary A. (Bennett) Timmons. of Pickaway Co., Ohio. This lady was one of a family of ten children, five boys and five girls, and was born May 15. 1838. Seven only are living. The Doctor became iden- tified with the Masonic fraternity thirty-six years ago and has always taken a warm interest in its prosperity. He is Senior Vice Commander of George Morrison Post. No. 635 G. A. R., Depart- ment of Illinois, in which he has held the office of Surgeon. He was at one time a member of the Sons of Temperance, and religiously is connected with the Society'of Friends. Mrs. Leeka finds her religious home in the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically the Doctor is an ardent Republican, tak- ing a lively interest in the success and principles of his party and laboring as he has opportunity, to advance the political doctrines which he believes are the surest means of prosperity to one of the best governments on the face of the earth. ENOCH VANVK KLE. More than sixty years have gone by since the subject of this bio- ' graphical review, then a stout, manly lad of fourteen years, first came to Vermilion County witli his parents from his early home in the Buck- eye State. Here he grew to a stalwart, capable manhood, and has since been identified with the development and prosperity of his adopted county, and has been a factor in promoting its agricul- tural interests, with which he is still connected, having a good farm on section 35, Blount Town- ship, comprising 140 acres of as fine, tillable land as is to be found in the whole precinct. By down- right, hard and persistent labor he has brought it to a high state of cultivation, it yielding him a good income, and he has erected suitable buildings. His parents were among the early settlers of the county, and it has been his pleasure to witness and assist in almost its entire development from a state of nature. The father of our subject, Evert Vanvickle, was born either in Pennsylvania or Virginia. His mother, whose maiden name was Sarah White, was a native of Pennsylvania, and after marriage the parents settled in Butler County, Ohio, from there they removed to Jennings County, Ind.. where AtrSftr -affiSf ft -rtTy^waftaiii^-, \bb st-irsa ->j . rr- t' . .- * c^W-rr fc v : ■ ^,^y^Y^^^^-W..«>M^^«^-'- .■^V.^>lW^.>,-. J ..-,-^.' / ,,.^^.^^ t ^ W ^ v -V, .,, y :j .^.. ., t „ T Residence of William Kelly, 5ec.2. Danville: Township. .?-.-. - Residence or Mrs. Eliza Cassel.Sec.it.CT^o-R 13) Pilot Township. w±— : , , ■ -i-^ ■MV-*--^'.«4^=T»a L g ./-■-■;^^-- - . ■- ■ ■ ^fe&aasas*^^ Residence of B.C.Pate,Sec.21.(T.197R.12) Catlin Township. PORTRAIT AND 151CK i RA I'HIC AL ALBUM. 337 they liveil till 1828. In that year they made an- other move westward and penetrating to the wilds of Illinois, came to Vermilion County and settled in Blount Township. After a residence here of some twenty years they went to Holt County. Mo., where their remaining' years were passed. To that worthy couple were born five sons, of whom the subject of this sketch was the second. Our subject was born in the pioneer home of his parents in Butler County, Ohio. April 26, 1814. He accompanied his parents to this county in 1828 and has ever since been an honored citizen of this place. After attaining man's estate he adopted the calling of agriculture to which he had been reared and for which he had a natural taste, and as the years have rolled by he has acquired a comfortable competency, and with the aid of a good wife he has built up a cozy home, in which they arc spend- ing the declining years of a life of usefulness in quietness and peace, enjoying the full respect and affection of their neighbors and friends. Mr. Vanvickle has been twice married. The first time in Vermilion County, in 1837, to Miss Nancy White. Nine children were the fruits of that union, of whom the following seven grew to maturity: Ruth; Andrew, who was a soldier in the army, enlisted from Indiana, and gave up his life for his country at Knoxville. Tenn.; Sarah, Evert, Harriet, John, and Enoch. Mrs. Vanvickle de- parted this life in her husband's home in Blount Township. She was a thorough!}' good, upright woman, and an esteemed member of the Chris tian Church. Mr. Vanvickle was married a second time in Blount Township to Mrs. Cynthia (Souders) Cline. She is a native of Pike County, Ohio, born April 11. 1823. She has also been twice married. Her first husband was Nathaniel Cline. He was a native of Gallatin, Tenn.. and took part in the Rebellion, enlisting from Danville, 111., in Com- pany A, 125th Illinois Infantry. He died at Gal- latin, Tenn. By that marriage Mrs. Vanvickle became the mother of eight children — Amanda. Martha. Mary, Benjamin F.. John B.. Charles. Luketta, and Emma. Amanda and Martha are deceased. Our subject is held in veneration by his fellow- men not only for his pioneer labors in Blount Town- ship, in whose welfare he has always taken a genuine interest, but for those honest traits of mind and heart that mark him as a good man and a desirable citizen. He is one of the few survivors of the famous Black Hawk War, in which he served about thirty days, being then a youth of eighteen years. He, and his worthy wife are esteemed members of the Christian Church, with which he connected himself some twenty years ago. and she joined thirty years ago. Mr. Vanvickle is a true Republican, and in him the party finds a devoted follower. ' 5S5 ^f! AMES DAVIS is one of the prosperous and influential farmers of Vermilion County, who takes great pride in doing all things well. His father was Henry Davis, who was born in Pennsylvania. He removed to Ohio in 1808, and lived there twenty-eight years, and in 1836 settled in Illinois, locating on the farm now owned and occupied by his son James. His mother, whose maiden name was Rachael Pollock, was also a native of Pennsylvania. Henry Davis lived in Pennsylvania but a short time after his marriage, when he emigrated to Ohio, and there cleared a farm of 200 acres. After his removal to Illinois he became a very large land- holder, owning at one time about 4.200 acres of uncultivated Illinois prairie. He was the father of ten children, five of whom are now living. The mother died in 1848, at the age of sixty-one, while the father passed away in November, 1855, aged seventy-four years. James was the youngest of this family of children, his birth occurring Jan. 21, 1828, in Guernsey, County. Ohio. He received a limited education in the old-fashioned log school- house, and his boyhood was mostly employed at work upon the farm. In those days he spent a great deal of time hunting deer, wolves, and other wild game, and refers to these times as the hap- piest moments of his life. He remained at home helping his father on the farm until he was twenty- two years of age. when he married America J. Boggess, Oct. 18, 1849. She is the daughter of John Boggess, who was one of the earliest pioneers 338 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. of Vermilion County. He settled at Brooks' Point, and was a representative farmer of his time. Eleven children were born to him, nine of whom grew to maturity. He and his wife have been dead for many years. Mrs. Davis, wife of the sub- ject of this sketch, was born at Brooks' Point, May 3. 1833. She grew to womanhood in this section, where she received a limited school education. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Davis located on his present farm, where his father gave him 397 acres of as good land as there is in the county. It will be seen that Mr. Davis had a competency witli which to begin life. He possesses the common sense and business skill necessary to keep his in- heritid wealth and add to it. He is a first-class farmer, and raises cattle, horses, sheep and hogs. In 18G.J Mr. Davis erected a fine residence at a cost of $5,000, and since that time has added to it, and made many improvements in its surroundings. He also owns a good house and lot in Danville. Mr. and Mrs. Davis have had two children: .John T., the elder of the two, is married to Miss Katie Thomas, and they are living three miles southwest of Fairmount. He is the father of one son — James Roy — by a former marriage. Rachel A. married E. H. Danforth; they reside in Danville with their three children — Jennie, Annie and James. Mr. Davis has held many of the local offices of his township, and has given the best of satisfac- tion in conducting them. For nine years he held the offices of Road Commissioner and .School Di- rector, and is now a Trustee of his school district. He is a member of Homer Lodge No. 199, A. F. & A. M.. of which he has been Senior and Junior Warden. Junior Deacon and Treasurer. The offices of King and Scribe have been held by him in the lodge of Royal Arch Masons No. 94. He is also a member of the commandery at Danville. Mr. Davis has been a member of the Baptist Church for many years, and he takes some interest in poli- tics. He was born and reared a Democrat, and continued with that party until the War of the Re- bellion, when he changed his political belief, and since that time he has invariably voted the Repub- lican ticket at National and State elections, but in local affairs he casts his vote for the best man. Mr. Davis has been somewhat of a traveler. His first trip was to Chicago, in 1842, with a load of wheat, and in 1848 he took a second trip to Chicago -with a load of apples. In 1875 he visited California, and made an extended trip through that State. He attended the Centennial at Philadelphia in 1876, and on that journey visited many different States. Mr. Davis enlisted in Company C, 71st Illinois In- fantry, and served with his regiment until late in the autumn of 1862, when he was discharged. There is no farmer in this section of the country wdiose judgment is better, and his record is one of the best. his partner, and the year following established himself in that in which lie is now engaged. The marriage of our subject with Miss Mary J. Cromer took place at the home of the bride, Oct. J. 1877. .Mrs. Giddings was horn near Perryville, End:, in February, 1859, and was the daughter of Francis and Isabelle Cromer. Mrs. Giddings died June 5, 1883, and our subject, on the 23d of March. 1887, contracted a second mar- riage with Miss Ella Dill, of Danville, Ind. This lady was horn Jan. 1, 1863. in Clearmont, Ind. Mr. and Mrs. Giddings are members in good stand- ing of the First Methodist Episcopal Church, and Mr. Giddings, politically, is a Republican. Socially, he belongs to olive Branch Lodge No. 38, A. F. & A. M.; Vermilion Chapter No. 82, R. A. M.; Athelstane Cofnmandery No. to, Knight Temp- lar, and Oriental Consistory of Chicago. lie is a man intelligent and well informed, and a favoi - ite both in social and business circles among the people with whom he has grown up from boyhoi d. « JMLLIAM CAN V.DAY, Si:. In giving their \/\/ll just due to the pioneers of Central Illinois, tyy there is required the pen of the historian. who will perpetuate their names and deeds to fu- ture generations, who as time passes on will learn to appreciate them at their full value. It is doubt- ful if those sturdy characters themselves realized the magnitude of the work which they had begun, and the results which were to follow. Nol only did their labors affect themselves personally, but the works of each man contributed to make a grand whole in the development of a rich section of the country which is looked upon with pride by the people to-day. The fact that Mr. Canaday came to Elwood Township when there was but one cabin within its limits is sufficient to establish him as one of the most prominent men of this region, and the further fact that he has labored industriously and lived worthily, forms for him one of the most en- during monuments which can be elected to man. There are four men in Elwood Township bearing the name of William Canaday, and of these the subject of this sketch is the most prominent and the oldest. Of Southern birth and parentage, he was born in Jefferson County, East Tenn., Dec. 22, 1809, and is theson of Henry Canaday, a native of North Carolina, who removed with his family to Wayne County. Ind., in the fall of 1820 and there spent the following winter. In the meantime two Of the sons came to this county and put up in El- wood Township a round log cabin near the present residence of our subject and on the same section. Early in the spring of 1821 the family took posses- sion of the cabin, tin ly house in this region. Indians were numerous and often visited the family to beg, trade or steal. They camped on the banks of the Little Vermilion in the spring of the year to hunt and fish, but never seriously troubled the settlers. The Canadays made sugar that first spring and prepared to carry on farming, but finally one of the sons. Benjamin, returned to Tennessee, where lie bought a farm and soon afterwards was joined by the balance of the family. The whole family returned to this county the following fall, having sold their Tennessee property. They were visited considerably with sickness and the nearest doctor was at Clinton. They had to go to the mill to Racoon Creek, in Park County, Ind., and Terre Haute was the nearest trailing point. They had no horses and broke the new ground with oxen. Wild game was plentiful — deer, turkey and a few buffalo. In the fall they filled the .smoke-house with deer hams ami also had plenty of pork. When returning to Tennessee'the Canaday family left thirty hogs which they had brought from Indiana and which they could not well take with them upon going back South. So the animals ran wild, and for years thereafter their progeny roamed through the woods and became so ferocious that a boar would sometimes kill a cow. The Canaday family occupied the small log cabin, containing one room, for some time, and the mother did the cook- ing by the fire-place. The floor was of puncheon, 348 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. the roof of clapboards lipid down with weight poles and the stick and clay chimney was built on the outside. About the second year of their residence in Ver- milion County, Henry Canaday. the father of our subject, together with John Haworth, set up a " meeting." as it was called by the .Society of Friends, (or in common parlance organized a church). These two men and others who after- wards came to the neighborhood built a log cabin and worshiped therein, and afterwards built a church of hewed logs. Sometimes the attendance was so small that Henry Canaday and his son Ben- jamin would go to "meeting" and sit through the hour for worship, in order to keep up the church organization as per the discipline of that church. Mrs. Matilda (Barnard) Canaday was a native of Nantuckett's Island. Mass., whence she went to North Carolina with her parents when a little girl. Her father, Capt. Benjamin Barnard, followed the sea for many years. The parental family consisted of five children, of whom Mrs. Canaday is the only one living. Her brother Benjamin, died at the age of seventy-eight years; John died when about fifty years old; Frederick ami Mary were each about eighty-two years of age at the time of their de- cease. The subject of this sketch was reared at the old homestead and grew up with a limited education, there being no schools during his boyhood in this region. His father established a tanyard in which young Canaday worked, he also learned saddlery and harness-making. Besides his tanyard and the farm the father also conducted a tin shop. William in later years turned his attention exclusively to farming and stock-raising and operated largely as a stock-dealer. He grew wealthy and is now the owner of 430 acres of land, besides having given 540 acres to his children. The marriage of our subject with Miss Mary Haworth took place in 1831. This lady was born in East Tennessee and is the daughter of William Haworth, a well-known resident of this county. This union resulted in the birth of ten children — seven of whom are living, viz: Julia A.. Mrs. Harold ; G. Franklin; Richard II. ; James A.; Ma- tilda J., Mrs. Brown; Benjamin F. and Alice, Mrs. Morris. Julia married Wilton Harold, of Ridge Faun, but has no children; Franklin married Miss Mary Jackson, who lived near Homer, and they have two children — Gertude and Edwin; Richard married Miss Catherine Harold and occupies part of the homestead, he has one child, William: James married Miss Drusilla Diven.and lives at Burr Oak Grove, in Champaign County; they have four children— Mary E., Dora, Earl and Ora; Matilda married Rev. Thomas C. Brown, of Elwood Town- ship, and has two children — M. Alice and Oliver W.; Benjamin took to wife Miss Cornelia Green, and lives in Elwood Township, and has seven chil- dren — Howard W., Richard A.. Anna A.. Jesse, Mary, Martha and an infant boy unnamed. The last three are triplets; Alice married Dr. Charles C. Morris, of Rockville, Ind., and they have three children— Jesse C, Estella E. and Mary H. Mrs. Mary (Haworth) Canaday departed this life in the fall of 1855. Our subject was married the second time, Oct. 30, 1873, to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Nathaniel Diament, deceased. She was was born in New Jersey. Oct, 2G, 182G, and is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Canaday was reared in the faith of the Quakers, to which he still loyally adheres. In politics he is a sound Republican but has held aloof from the responsi- bilities of office. A fine lithographic portrait of Mr. Canaday is shown elsewhere in this volume. ^^ r***— >wu* MOS JACKSON was born in Clinton County, lnd.. on Sept. 15. 1837. He is IS one of the largest land-owners in the township of Sidell. His father and mother were born in Washington County, Pa., and Ohio, respectively. By his first marriage his father had eleven children, of which Amos was the tenth child and youngest son. The first wife died at Jefferson, Ind., in 1840, when Amos was a little over two years of age. His father remarried but died soon after at the age of forty-eight years. Thus it will be seen that Amos was left mother- less at the age of two and a half years, and when PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 349 he was ten years old he was left without a father, and at this time he began to fight the battle of life alone. His father left a farm of 200 acres, but the administration of the estate left but little for the heirs. As before related, Amos began at the age of ten years, to work for his board and clothes, and under these circumstances his educational ad- vantages were necessarily extremely limited. lie attended school about eight months in all in a little log school-house, walking two miles. He continued to live in Indiana until he was eighteen years of age. when, in 1855, in company with his uncle, Johnson Hoss, he came to Edgar County, 111., and a~-i-t oil his uncle in elearing up a farm. At the age of twenty he returned to Indiana but remained only a year when he returned to Illinois and en- gaged at brick-making at Indianola. It was at this place he first met his wife. Miss .Sarah Hesler. who at that time was living with her grandfather. John Gilgis, one of the earliest pioneers of Indian- ola. Her father and mother were born in Ohio and Kentucky respectively. Mr. Gilgis was a mer- chant at Indianola and a man of considerable wealth. Francis Hesler, father of Mrs. Jackson. was a farmer in Douglas County and the father of eleven children, of whom six were girls. He was married three times and had two children by his first, two by his second and seven by his third wife. .Mrs. Jackson's mother was his first wife, who died when Mrs. Jackson was but three or four years old, and since that time anil till her marriage she re- sided with her grandfather. Mr. and Mrs. Jackson became attached to each other while very young, and at the age of seventeen years, and recognizing the fact that "love laughs at locksmiths," quietly crossed over into the State of Michigan, where they were married. Returning to Indianola. they were of course forgiven and at once launched out on life's highway with the resolution of contradict- ing the theory that marriage is a failure. And in this they have succeeded. In the spring of I860 Mr. Jackson rented a farm north of Indianola and commenced work in earnest to earn a home. Mrs. (iilgis died about two years subsequent to their marriage and they were called back to the home of Mrs. Jackson's grandfather, and when he died he left the young couple eighty acres of land. After- ward Mi-. Jackson purchased a section of land, 640 acres, in Sidell Township, for which he agreed to paj 120,000. lie sold his original eights" acres for 14,000, this leaving him in debt $16,000, drawing ten percent, interest. Through prudent manage- ment Mr. Jackson has not only paid for that land but has added thereto 492 acres. Beside all that he had made many valuable improvements, among which may be mentioned 5,400 rods of drain tile. and there is not five acres of waste land on this immense tract. He has also erected a splendid barn for general purposes, a cattle barn 66x100, a granary and feed-mill 30x30, and the other nec- essary buildings for a large, well regulated farm. He has 150 head of cattle and is feeding a large number of hogs. Of late years Mr. Jackson has begun breeding running horses and has abandoned the raising of Clydesdales. He is a great lover of the Morgan horse, of which he has some splendid specimens. He owns the celebrated running horse "King Nero," who took the four first prizes on a Chicago track in the fall of 1887, amounting to $1,000. He is said to be the best bred horse in Illinois, being sired by - Harry Bassett," the cele- brated Kentucky horse. As a stock-raiser there is none who stands higher in Vermilion County than Amos Jackson. Mr. and Mrs. Jackson are the parents of seven children: John L.j Bertie, who died at the age of four months; Jennie, Laura, Frank, Ada and Lula B. Politically Mr. Jackson acts with the Demo- cratic party and is a member of the Masonic Lodge. Mr. Jackson is exceedingly popular with his neigh- bors, and is fully entitled to enjoy the large for- tune which he has accumulated by his energy and good management. \ OlIN S. CRANK, a resident of Vermilion County for more than twenty years, has lived in Grant Township since the spring of 1867, and on his present place for sixteen years, lie is a native of Yoxford, Suffolk County, England, and was born Aug. 22, 1828. lie was brought up in his native countj . learning the trade 350 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. of a shoemaker, in which lie was engaged until his removal to Illinois. After his marriage in the fall of 1852, he emigrated to Canada accompanied by his parents. They started from London for New York, and on arrival there at once left for Gault, in the Province of Ontario, Canada. There the family settled and John S. carried on business in his trade as a manufacturer and dealer, until he re- moved to the United States. His parents made their permanent home in Gault where they were afterwards joined by others of the family who emigrated from time to time. When he was eighty-four years of age, Grand- father Crane made a trip to America alone to sec his descendants. Here he stayed two years and re- turned to his home in England where he lived to be ninety-six years of age. The parents of John S. Crane were named John and Mary (Girling) Crane. The father was also a shoemaker and like- wise carried on business on his own account until he was quite old. He also lived to be an old man and at the age of eighty-four made a visit to his son in this country. He died four years afterward in his eighty-ninth year. His wife died several years prior to the decease of her husband, aged about seventy -six. Of their nine children six are now living, a record of whom follows: Harry, who is a carpenter and builder in Oault ; George was a ] lumber and painter by trade in London, England and is now a farmer in Kanosh, Utah; William, also a carpenter and builder in Gault; Caroline is the wife of John Milligan, a graindealer in Ross- ville, this county ; Charles is also a resilient of Kan- osh, Utah, and is largely interested in sheep raising and is President of the Wool Growers Association of Utah. He is also interested in the Salt Lake Tribune, the leading paper in that territory. He was learning the trade of a carpenter at Lafa3'ette, Ind., when the war broke out and at the age of seventeen enlisted in the 10th Indiana Infantry for three months, during which time he was in the battle of Rich Mountain. He afterward joined the 63d Indiana Infantry, serving until the close of the war and for some time after that was Govern- ment messenger on the supply trains to the South. The other survivor is John S. The three who are deceased are Clara, who was the wife of James McKendrick, of Gault, and died in that place leaving a family of four children. James was a resident, of New Orleans at the out- break of the Rebellion, and being a Union man made his escape from that cit}' intending to go to Canada, but contracted a fever and died on reach- ing Lafayette, Ind., where his brother Charles was then living. Adaline, the youngest sister, died on her way to America and was buried at sea. John, of whom this sketch was written, stayed in Gault until 1867, when lie decided to give up his business and move to the United States. He had always desired to become a farmer, and the year prior to his removal came to Illinois to visit an uncle whom lie had not seen for many years, and being much pleased with the appearance of the country be decided to make this State his home. Returning to Canada he sold out his property and in the spring of 18G7 located east of where the thriving city of Hoopeston now stands. No rail- road was then in existence here and the site of Hoopeston was an open prairie. On the place where he first settled he stayed but a year, when he removed to a farm of the uncle named, situated on what is known as the Chicago road. Having bought 1 25 acres, a part of his present property, he rented a farm east of it while he was putting up a house and other buildings. The farm was then all wild prairie and the improvements upon it have been made by Mr. Crane — all the buildings, fences, trees, etc., being the result of his labors. To-day it is as fine a properly of its size as there is in this part of the county, and comprises in all 217 acres. Mr. Crane was united in marriage in England in 1852 with Miss Eliza Garwood, who was born in Stratford, St. Mary, that county, March 21, LS30. She was the only one of the family to come to America. Mr. and Mrs. Crane are the parents of four children, one of whom Adeline, died in Gault at the age of three years. The survivors are Oscar G., who is now a resident of Rossville, this county; Edith is the wife of II. A. Hoover, living near Oskaloosa, Iowa; Charles G. is at home with his parents. Mr. Crane is a gentleman who has, by his quiet, unassuming manners, and upright living, won the respect of the people with whom he has lived for now more than a score of years, and he PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 351 is justly counted as one of the most valued citi- zens of the northeastern part of Vermilion County. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity, being a member of star Lodge No. 709, of Hoopeston. lie is a gentleman of domestic habits and tastes ami lias never aspired to office, preferring the quiet of his own home to the worry attending public position. In his comfortable home he and Ii is estimable wife dispense hospitality to all who visit them, and they are justly entitled to the high measure of esteem in which they are held. _^^^m^^ ,,, SA PARTLOW is a native of Danville, tJji where he was born on the (ith day of Jan- uary, 1833. His father, Rueben l'artiovv, was born in Virginia and his grandfather, Samuel Partlow, was a native of the same State. The latter removed from Virginia to Kentucky in an early day and located in Nelson County, where he purchased a tract of land and cleared a farm. In 1835, accompanied by his wife, he came to Ver- milion County to spend the winter with his chil- dren, who were then living here. The journey was made on horseback, and in the fall of the year. They stopped with their son Samuel, in Middle Fork Township, where the old gentleman was taken sick and died during the winter. In these times lumber was very scarce, there being no saw- mills in this section of the country and it was with difficulty that boards could lie purchased at any price. At any rate, it is stated that not enough lumber could be had to construct a coffin in which to bury Mr. Partlow. His sons went to the timber and cut down trees and split enough off them to build a coffin, and in this manner Mr. Partlow was interred. Soon after, and during the same winter, his wife was seized with illness and followed her hushand to the grave. In this family there were nine children, seven of whom came to this county and are entitled to the appellation of pioneers. There were four sons — John. James, Reuben, and Samuel, and three daughters. Reuben Partlow. the father of Asa, was very young when his parents removed to Kentucky, where he was reared and resided until 1831. He married, and then accompanied by his wife, came to Vermilion County, making the journey on horseback, carrying a few household goods with them. lie located at Danville, and being a wheel- wright and c per, he worked at his trade until 1834, when he made a claim in Newell Township, upon which he built a Ion house. At this time stoves were possessed only by thv rich, hut fuel was plenty, and their old fashioned lire-place was a typical one. They made all their clothes of homespun cloth, and were happier than many who wear their fine clothes in these later days. Mr. Partlow lived there about a year, when hedis- posed of his claim and returned to Danville, where he followed his trade for a while, afterward taking another claim in Middle Fork Township. "When this came into market, he purchased it from the Government, and this tract of land has since been the old homestead. Of course, in those days there were no railroads, and for many years all supplies were drawn by horses or oxen from Perrysville and LaFayette and also from Chicago. At one time Mr. Partlow took a half barrel of honey to Chicago and supplied the whole town, returning home with a good portion of it. He was a resident of the old homestead until 1852, when he returned to Danville and lived retired until his death which occurred in May. 1866, aged sixty-two years. His wife's maiden name was Elizabeth H. Humphrey, a native of Kentucky. Her father, John Hum- phrey was born in Virginia and was one of the early settlers of Kentucky. She died in 1865. She was the mother of six children — Asa, Almira, who married Robert Davidson (now deceased); John II. died when fourteen years of age; David is also dead; Sarah A., married A. I. Draper, and they are residents of Danville; Elizabeth married Z. Morris, of Georgetown, this county, wdio is now dead. Asa Partlow, whose name initiates this sketch, attended the pioneer public schools. He describes the first school-house, which he attended, as having no window, but simply a log was taken out where- with to admit the light. As soon as he was large enough he was compelled to assist his father on the farm, but at the age of seventeen he went to 352 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. Georgetown, where lie attended a seminary, and after that taught one term of school. In 1852 he formed a partnership with S. A. Humphrey and J. M. Partlow, under the firm name of Humphrey & Co. They prosecuted a general mercantile busi- ness, and financially were very successful. He was in the trade until 1873, with various partners, and in that year he sold out his store and engaged in the insurance business, and has built up a fine trade. He is also secretary of the Equitable Building and Loan Association. Id 1857 Mr. Partlow was united in marriage with Mary Murdock, who was born near LaFayette, Ind., March 15, 1831. She was the daughter of John and .lane Murdock. natives of New Jersey, and is the mother of the following children: Harry G. married Stella Doane and resides in Danville; Edwin K. and Augustus. Fannie Mabel died at the age of four years; Minnie Ellen died at the age of ten months. Mr. and Mrs. Partlow are members of the First Methodist Episcopal Church, of which Mr. Part- low has been steward and treasurer for a long time. He is also a member of Danville Lodge No. 69, 1. O. O. F. ■ — -*&m- — ^RUMAN WILLIAMS. The farming com- munity of Catlin Township has no more worthy representative than this venerable gentleman, and it gives us pleasure to insert a review of his life in this Biographical Album. He has been a resident of this place for more than forty years, and during that time has improved a good farm on section 36, and has built up a cozy home, in which he and his estimable wife, who has worked by his side for more than half a century. arc comfortably spending life's declining years, en- joying the respect and affection of all about them, Eli Williams, the father of subject, was born in the good old New England State of Connecticut, as was also his mother, whose maiden name was Martha Aldermon. They first settled in their native State after their marriage, but subsequently removed from there to Pensylvania, and from (hence to Onondago County, N. Y., and afterwards to Genesee (.unity. Finally they returned to the Keystone State and settled in Crawford County, and there their earthly pilgrimage ceased, and they were gathered to their fathers at a ripe old age. Ten children were born of their marriage, live sons and five daughters, and of these our subject is the third in order of birth and the only one now liv- ing. lie was born in Onondago County, N. Y., Sept. 6. 1812. Those were pioneer times in that part of the country, and our subject was bred to a hardy manhood under their influence. He remained an inmate of the parental household till he was twen- ty-six years old, and then married and established a home of his own. his marriage with Miss Marga- ret Nelson taking place in Crawford County, Pa., Oct. .".0. 1838. Mrs. Williams was bom in that county Jan. 29, 1817, the third child in the family of nine children, two sons and seven daughters of James ami Sarah (Sloan) Nelson. Her father was a native of Ireland, and came to America when he was about thirteen years old. His wife was a native of Virginia, and after their marriage they settled in Crawford County in an early day of its settlement, and lived there till death closed their earthly career. After marriage our subject and his wife contin- ued to live in Crawford County until the fall of 1816, and then with their little family of children they made their way across the country by the slow modes of traveling in those days, and came to the still wild and sparsely settled country, embraced in this part of the State of Illinois. They spent the first two years after their arrival in Danville Town- ship, and at the expiration of that time located on the farm where they still make their home in Cat- lin Township. Its 120 acres are under good til- lage and many valuable improvements have been made, so that as a whole it compares very favor- ably with the farms around it, and it yields fine harvests in repayment of the care bestowed on its tillage. Mr. anil Mrs. Williams are the parents of ten children, as follows: Minerva; Charles, who died when about six years old; Nancy, the wife of John llarrin; Clarissa, who was the wife of George Jami- son, and died when about twenty-four years old- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 353 Ann died when about ten years old; Elizabeth, the wife of John Clones; Nelson married Mrs. [da (Childs) Doran; Charles married Luda Torrant; Truman married Isadora Valentine; Maggie is the wife of George Cook. Mr. Williams inherited from a sterling New England ancestry the thrift and wisdom that have marked his course and the honorable traits of char- acter that make him a good husband, father, neigh- bor, citizen. He has borne a part in the public affairs of his township and has served very accept- ably as School Director and in minor offices. In politics, he firmly adheres to the Republican party. Religiously, both he and his wife have been mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church a long term of years, and have always performed the duties incumbent upon them in a true Christian spirit. ILLIAM WHITE, a veteran of thelate war is numbered among the skilled farmers of Catlin Township, and his pleasantly located farm on section 2, with its well-tilled fields and at- tractive buildings, is one of the first-class places of this locality, and from its cultivation he derives an excellent income that puts him among the weli- to-do agriculturists of his neighborhood. James White, the father of our subject, was born in Baltimore, Md., while his mother, Hannah Rodg- ers, was a native of Perrysville, Vermillion Co., Ind. After marriage in 1839 these people settled in Perrysville, and there she died in 1845 while yet in life's prime. The father married again and in 1859 came with his family to Vermilion County, this State, and settling in Catlin Township, he made his home here till his demise July fi, 1882. He was a good man, who led an upright life, and was well thought of by the neighbors among whom he had lived for so many years. lie was the father of three children by his first marriage, as follows: William, Samuel and Hannah. William, of whom this sketch was written, was born in Perrysville. Vermillion Co., Ind., Oct. 30, 1841. His education, conducted in the common schools, was necessarily somewhat limited, as being the eldest of the family, his father required his as- sistance, lie accompanied his father to this county in 1859, and has since been a useful citizen of this community, lie had not attained his majority when the war broke out. and in August, 1862, though not yet of age, he patriotically resolved to do what he could to aid the cause of his country, and enlisted in Company K. 125 Illinois Infantry. To his regret his eyesight became impaired so much as to disable him for a soldier, and he was honora- bly discharged in October of the same year. Since then he has given his attention wholly to farming and stock-raising, lie owns eighty acres of highly fertile land, which is under admirable cultivation and is well supplied with an excellent class of build- ing, including a substantially built, commodious residence, lie has his farm well stocked to its full capacity with cattle of good grades, and is doing well in that branch of agriculture. Mr. White has been twice married. He was first wedded in Danville to Miss Susan Cook, by whom he had three children — Oscar, James and Susan. March 19, 1872, this happy household was bereft of the much loved wife and tender mother by her untimely death. Mr. White's second marriage, which took place in Georgetown Township, was to Miss Minerva Bowen. Three children blessed their union — Elmer who died when about a year old; Melvin and Dottie 15. Jan. 11, 1889 the dark shadow of death again fell across the threshold of the dwelling of our subject, and in a few days all that was mortal of her who had been the home- maker was borne to its last resting place. In her happy wedded life she had been all that a true wife and mother could be; devoted to her husband's in- terests, and to the motherless children that thus fell to her charge she gave as much care and love as if they were her own, and in her death the3' have again lost a good mother, while her own darlings, the youngest a dear little girl, scarce two years old. have met with an irreparable loss. Mr. White has succeeded by patient toil in plac- ing himself on a solid basis financially speaking, and since becoming the owner of this farm has greatly increased its value by wise management ami a judicious expenditure of money for improve- ments. He is a quiet, unassuming man, but withal 35 1 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. has that force of character that enables him to work with a purpose, and cany his plans to a successful issue. He has never given his fellow-citizens cause to distrust him, but has always aimed to do rightly by others. In politics, he affiliates with the Democrats, and is ever loyal to his party. For nearly nine years he has held the important office of School Director, and the educational interests of the township with which he has thus become identi- fied have not suffered at his hands. ••O*O-@y^<^(93-0*O.- ylLMA.U \\ II. 1. 1 prising the hist ' WW settlers of Venn TLLIAM WILLIAMS. In a record com- listory of the principal old nnilion County, the name of Mr. Williams cannot properly be omitted. !!<■ es- tablished himself in township -2.'!, range 12. in 1871, securing a tract of wild land, which, after years of arduous labor, he has converted into a comfortable homestead. It is 160 acres in extent, and pleasantly located on sections 18 and 19, the dwelling being on the latter. His career lias been similar to that of many of the men around him. in which he has labored early and late to provide for the wants of coming years, and in all respects has conducted himself as an honest man and a. good citizen. .Mr. Williams is a native of the Prairie Stale, having been born in McLean County. Dec. Li. 1832. lie was there reared to farming pursuits, and remained a member of his father's household until reaching Ins majority. He was blest with good common sense and excellent health, and made the most of his opportunities for obtaining a prac- tical education in the common school. At the age of twenty-one years he began the battle of life on hi- own account, operating first on rented land, and within a few years purchased land and constructed a farm of his own. In the fall of 1871 Mr. Williams took possession of the land which he now owns and occupies, at a time when it was nothing but raw prairie, lie has effected all the improvements which we now behold, and which certainly do great credit to his taste and industry. He made it his business at an early day to set i .u i n grove of young trees, which are now crown, and furnish a delightful shade for the resi- dence and surroundings. Under his wise manage- ment the land has become highly productive. Mr. Williams at first purchased eighty acres, and sub- sequently added to it until he is the owner of the quarter-section. He has a goodly assortment of live stock, and the necessary conveniences for their care and keeping, besides the required machinery for running the farm in a scientific and profitable manner. Shortly before reaching the twenty second year of his age Mr. Williams was married, Aug. 27. 1854, to Miss Abigail Dean. The young couple commenced the journey of life together on rented land in a manner corresponding to their means and surroundings, and worked with a mutual purpose for the future. In due time the household circle included six children, four of whom are living: Elnora is the wife of Samuel Umbanhowar; they live about one-half mile east of the Williams home- stead, and are the parents of five children — Nellie, George, Charles, May and William, .lames ,1. mar- ried Miss Anna Sellers, and lives north of his father's place on a farm; he is the father of two children — Grace and Lula. Mary Evarilla, usually called Eva, and . Jonathan Lee are at home with their parents. Mrs. Abigail (Dean) Williams, the wife of our subject, was born in Knox County. Ohio, Nov. 20, 1833, and is the daughter of J. M. Dean, a native of Maryland. Mr. Dean emigrated when a young man to the Buckeye State, and was there mar- ried to Miss Mary Elwell. They removed to McLean County, this State, when their daughter Abigail was a maiden of seventeen years, and set- tled on a farm, where the father died in 1872 at the age of seventy years, and the mother in Feb- ruary, 1888, aged eighty-seven. They were the parents of nine children, five of whom are living, and residents of Illinois. Kansas and Nebraska. William Williams. Si\, the father of our subject, was born in Tennessee, and when a young man came to .McLean County. 111., where he took up a tract of raw land, and began farming in true pio- neer style. In McLean County he married Miss Evarilla Ilobsou. and they became the parents of Residence ofW^. Hawkins ,Sec.7.,(T.18. R.12.) Catlin Township. — Residence of W m Jurgensmeyer/Sec.23.(T.i8.-R.14.) Vance Township. PORTRAIT AM) liloCh'ArillCAI. ALBUM. 357 one child, William, our subject. Mr. Williams died when a young man, and bis widow wa3 subse- quently married to J. G. Rayburn; she died in i 848, when ber son William was a youth of sixteen years. She was a native of North Carolina, when she removed with ber parents to Ohio, and from there to McLean County, where ber lather. Joshua Hobson, engaged in farming and spenl the re- mainder of his life. Mr. Williams, our subject, cast his lirst Presiden- tial vote for John C. r're t. anil while not niix- ing any with political a flairs, has his own ideas in regard to mailers and things, and gives his un- qualified support to the Republican party. He is one of those solid old landmarks whose word is considered as good as his bond, and who can always he depended upon to do as he says. 41 MLLIAM HAWKINS. The citizen-soldier, %/~\!/i w ''° '"'' s " ,,llu "' 1 toward saving the Union \jjy${/ from destruction in the I ale war, has since, as is well-known, been a prominent element in further- ing the development of the vast resources of our country, and has contributed largely to its material prosperity. As a representative of that element if gives us pleasure to transcribe to these pages a brief record of the life-work of William Hawkins. He is actively engaged in tilling the soil and raising stock in Vermilion County, having on section 7. Catlin Township, as Bnely improved and well cul- tivated a farm as is to be found throughout the length and breadth of this rich agricultural region. Our subject is a native of Indiana, his birth taking place in Wayne County, Jan. I. 1831. His parents. Nathan and Sarah (Wright) Hawkins, were also horn in thai county, and there they were reared and married, and in turn reared a family of ten children. The pood mother passed away from the scenes amid which her entire life had been passed, stricken by the hand of death, but theaged father still survives, and makes his home in the place of Ins nativity. He of whom we write was the eldest of the fam- ily, and was bred to the life of a farmer, and habits of industry and frugality were early taught him by precept and example. He engaged in farming tending sawmill, and in other occupations till he had obtained man's estate, and in the spring of I860 sought the fertile prairies of Vermilion County, this State, accompanied by his wife and child, with a view of establishing a home here per- manently. He has since been a valued resident of Catlin Township, with the exception of the bitter years spent on Southern battlefields, when with true patriotism In 1 heroically pave up home and tore himself from his loved ones to aid hiscountry in the time of her greatest trial. He enlisted on the Llth of August, 1862, in Company G, 125th Illinois Infantry, and for three long and weary years served faithfully and efficiently through many hard cam- paigns, and suffered the hardships and privations of a soldier's life without a murmur. He took part in all the engagements with which his regiment had anything to do, with the exception of that at Chickamauga. At Dallas, Ga., while on picket, duty, he came near being captured, but he cun- ningly managed to elude the rebels. Hisgallant conduct in the face of (lie enemy, received merited commendation from his superior officers and he was promoted to the rank of sergeant before his honorable discharge a1 Washington, 1). ('. After bis experience of military life Mr. Hawkins returned to this county, and resumed his interrupted labors, and has since given his entire attention to farming and Stock-raising. lie owns 170 acres of choice, well-tilled land, on which he has erected a. line set of buildings, including a roomy, substan- tially built residence, a view of which with the surrounding lawns, beautified by lovely shade tree-, is an attractive addition to this volume. March 28, 1855, Mr. I law kins and Miss Dnanali Burgoyne were united in the holy bonds of matrii mony. Mrs. Hawkins is a native of Ohio, born in Muskingum County, Aug. 20, 1835, to .lames and Mary (Miner)Burgoyne, the former of English an- tecedents. The wedded life of our subject and his wife has been blessed to them by (he birth of four children, namely : Lizzie, i he wife of ( teorge Patter- son; Nora, the wife of Thomas Church; Ella; Etta. Mr. Hawkins is a valued member of this com- munity, and his loyalty to his country is as 358 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. marked as in the days when he courageously took his life in his hands and marched forth to do battle for its honor and the preservation of its integrity. In him the Republican party finds one who faith- fully upholds its principles at the ballot box. lie and his wife belong to the Presbyterian Church; and are zealous workers in the cause of religion, seeking to promote the moral and social elevation of the community. y^ILLIAM JURGENSMEYER. The career of the subject of this biography illustrates ^^ in an admirable manner what may be ac- complished by a man beginning at the foot of the ladder and by force of persistent industry making his way upward to a good position socially and financially. Upon coming to this county, Mr. Jurgensmeyer had very little means but is now quite an extensive land owner and has a homestead of great value embellished with fine buildings and everything to make life pleasant and desirable. His course in life should prove an encouraging ex- ample to the young man starting out dependent upon his own resources and with nothing but his own hands to pave his way to a worthy position among his fellow men. The Jurgensmeyer family originated in Prussia where Gottlieb, the father of our subject, served as a soldier in the Prussian army three years, hold- ing the rank of Lieutenant. He was married in early manhood to Miss Caroline Rohlfink, a native of his own Province and whom he met after com- ing to this country in Lancaster, Ohio. In that place they were married and lived about ten j - ears. Thence they removed to Hamburg in the same county and five years later changed their residence to Mocking County, sojourning there also five years. Their next removal was to Logan, county seat of Hocking Count}', where they spent their last years and died within a week of each other, in 1870. The father of our subject began life in this country without means, but was prospered in his labors as a farmer and besides comfortably sup- porting his family of ten children, managed to accumulate a goodly amount of property. Nine of these children lived to mature years and seven are now living. William, our subject, was the sec- ond child and was born March 30, 1843, in Lan- caster, Ohio. He received very limited schooling and with the ax and mattock assisted in digging out two big farms in the Buckeye State. He re- mained with his father until twenty-three years of age, then, in 1867, left home for Illinois, coming directly to Fairiuount, this county. Here he met an acquaintance, Jacob Illes, whose brother was well-known to his father's family. He staid with him about a week, then entered the employ of .lames Dickson with whom he worked for nine months. Later he engaged for a short time with a threshing machine and after that for four weeks earned $18 per week cutting corn. Our subject now sent home for money and pur- chased 160 acres of land which is included in his present farm and of which he took possession in 1868. He put up a house, then returning to Ohio was married April 18, 1869, to Miss Elizabeth Hengst. The young couple shortly afterward directed their steps to their new home in this county and began laboring hand in hand with a mutual purpose in view. The 3'oung wife had come from her father's homestead well supplied with all modern conveniences, to a new country and a home then presenting few attractions. It required great courage and perseverance to meet the diffi- culties with which they had to contend, as they were poor and at one time they could not raise enough cash to mail a letter. Mr. Jurgensmeyer began breaking the sod and preparing his land for cultivation as rapidly as possible. There were fences to be laid and buildings erected and it re- quired incessant labor to make both ends meet and carry on the desired improvements on the new farm. The condition of things since that time have materially changed with our subject and his indus- trious and efficient wife. Their estate now com- prises 640 acres of good land with as fine a resi- dence as can be found in Vance Township. The main barn occupies an area of 60 x 54 feet with 20-foot posts, being built in that solid and sub- PORTRAIT AND IUO< ; R APIIICAL ALBUM. 359 stantial manner which will insure its solidity for the greater part of a century unless some very unusual catastrophe destroys it. A line apple orchard of thirteen acres, more than supplier the needs of the family in this direction while there is a flourishing vineyard and an abundance of the smaller fruits. A beautiful grove of maple trees stands adjacent to the residence and the whole very nearly approaches the ideal country home, where peace and plenty abound. A view of their beautiful residence is presented on another page and will be appreciated by all the readers of this volume. Stock-raising forms one of the distinctive feat- ures of the Jurgensmeyer farm, our subject having usually about 155 head of high-grade, Short-horn cattle, twenty-four head of horses and about 150 swine. It is conceded the world over that the sons of the Fatherland have especial good taste and discretion in the selection of their draft ani- mals and in their enre of them. Mr. Jurgensmey- er's favorite breed is the Clydesdales, while he has some line roadsters of the Gold Dust strain. His sleek and well-fed stock are at once an ornament to the farm and a matter in which he may take par- donable pride. Of the four children born to our subject and his estimable wife only two are living: Mary Eliza- beth was born Sept. ItS. 1871, and lias received a good education completing her studies in the schools of Danville; she is a line performer on the piano and has an elegant instrument which adds greatly to the home recreations. The son. Louis V., was born May 3, 1876, and is a bright and promising boy still pursuing his studies. Mr. Jurgensmeyer votes with the Democratic party on national issues but at the local elections aims to support the men best qualified to serve the interests of the people. He has served as School Director for a period of fifteen years, and with his excellent wife inclines to the doctrines of the Lutheran Church but there being no organization of that church in their town- ship, they have united with the Methodist Episcopal Chinch and are greatly interested in Sunday-school work. In the fall of 186-1 Mr. Jurgensmeyer returned to his native land where he spent several months visiting some of the principal cities of Germany — Hanover. Bremen and Berlin, also going into Lug- land. This journey was a source Of great enjoy- ment and much useful information, and Mr. Jur- gensmeyer considered the time and money well spent, returning with enlarged views and noting with satisfaction the natural changes occurring among an energetic and progressive people. The wife of our subject is the daughter of Lewis Hengst, who with his estimable wife is still living in Fairfield County, Ohio, both being in the seven- tieth year of their age, having been born the same year. Mr. and Mrs. Jurgensmeyer in addition to their own children took into their home and under their protecting love about 188;?, a little girl, Edna Johnson, whom they purpose to keep until she shall have attained womanhood and goes to a home of her own. She was born Aug. 27. 1 S 7 J . in Eu- gene, Vermillion Co., Ind., and will be given a good education with the careful training which they have bestowed upon their own children. Mrs. Jurgensmeyer is a very capable and intelligent lady and has done her full share in the accumula- tion of the fine estate, the taxes upon which each year add handsomely to the sum in the county treasury. ^ll'AMES HAYS. Here and lliere upon the dusty highway of life we come across an individual plentifully moistened with the dew of human kindness, and of this class Mr. Hays is a shining light. All his neighbors testify to bis generosity and hospitality, he being one who is ever ready to lend a helping hand to those in need, never asking or expecting any re- turn. He has a comfortable homestead, compris- ing a good farm on section 14 in Vance Township, where be pursues the even tenor of his way, letting the world wag as it will and striving to do good as he has opportunity. In referring to the parental history of Mr. Hays, we find that his father. Benjamin Hays, was a native of Fayette County, Ohio, and born March 5. 1809. The paternal grandparents were natives of Kentucky, and two uncles of our subject served 360 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBFM. in the War of 1812, one receiving an honorable wound in the leg, from which he recovered. Benjamin Hays, in 1829, was married to Miss Elizabeth Thompson, in Fayette Comity. Ohio, where he operated as a farmer and trailer, and, so- journed there with his family about forty years. Then, emigrating to Illinois, he settled on 320 acres of land in the vicinity of Sydney, Champaign County, 200 acres of which he brought to a fine state of cultivation. The journey hither was made overland, in 1850, with teams, the travelers being thirteen days on the road. The family included nine children, of whom only three are living, .lames being the eldest of these. The others are Mrs. Martha Humes, of Sidney, and Mrs. Maggie Harding, of San Francisco, Cal. The mother died on the 9th of August, 1870. After the death of his wife, Benjamin Hays broke up housekeeping, sold his farm and pur- chased property in Sidney, 111. Later, he went to Ohio on a visit, which he prolonged about six years. Upon returning to Illinois, he took up his abode with his son, our subject, with whom he has since lived, and is now in his eightieth year. He rides about the farm on horseback every day, looks after the stock, and is in splendid health, playing his violin and dancing with much of the grace and agility of his earlier years. He is a great lover of the equine race, and has owned some valuable horseflesh, among which was -'Buck Elk," a Ken- tucky racer of phenomenal speed, and ••Cherokee." a very fine animal which he purchased of Thomas Eads. The subject of this sketch was the second child of his parents, and was born Dec. II). 1830. in the same house in Fayette County, Ohio, wherein his honored father first opened his eyes to the light of day. He received a practical education in the common school, mostly under one teacher. David Eastman, who died about fourteen years ago. He made his home with his father on the farm, assum- ing many of the responsibilities, until twenty-two years of age, when he began the business of life for himself by breaking prairie with seven yoke of oxen. In the winter of 1852-;".:! he fed Kin head of cattle for Ilendrickson & Cowling. In the spring of 1853, April 16, he started with these cattle on foot for New York City, where he ar- rived safely on the 11th of duly. The head steer of the herd was led by Henry White, of Cham- paign. This errand executed, Mr. Hays returned home, and in due time started with another lot of cattle from Parish's Grove, near LaFayette, Ind., driving them through to Lancaster, Pa., and being 105 days on the road. Upon returning home, he engaged in a store at Old Homer for two years, and in the meantime shipped a load of cattle to Chicago for his father. Afterward he handled con- siderable stock for other parties. He assisted in removing the fust house from Old Homer to the present town, and all this time watched the growth and development of Central Illinois with that abid- ing interest which is only felt by the intelligent and thoughtful citizen. The 6th of May. 1858. witnessed the marriage of our subject with Miss Mary E., daughter of .1. M. Custer and sister of Mrs. Aaron Dalbey. These were the only girls in the Custer family. Mrs. Hays was born Oct. 10, 1838. in Fayette County, Ohio, and was ten years old when she came with her parents to Illinois. She received her education in both States, and grew up a very attractive young woman, with a large amount of practical good sense. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Hays lived in Sidney two years, removing to their present home in 1 8(11. The neat and well-regulated farm of our subject bears very little resemblance to the uncultivated tract of land upon which he and his young wife settled upon coming to this county. It was then an open prairie, unfenced and without buildings. Although making no pretentions to elegance. they live comfortably, and probably enjoy more solid happiness than many who make a greater dis- play in the world. The five children born to Mr. and Mrs. Hays are all living. The eldest, Dollie E., is the wife of George T. Poage, a merchant at Prairie View, and they have two children; Mattie E. married Amos C. Harden, who is now deceased, is the mother of one child, and lives three miles west of Fainnouiit; William S., Ella and John M. remain at home with their parents. Mrs. Hays and most of her children are mem- bers in good standing of the Cumberland Presby- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 301 terian Church, unci Sir. II.. although not identified with any religious organization, has a full belief in the doctrines of the Christian religion. He main- tains a lively interest in politics, and keeps himself well posted in regard to those questions of inter- est to every intelligent citizen. Upon becoming a voting citizen, he identified himself with the Demo- cratic party. 1 nit in 1860, when Abraham Lincoln had steal his way to Washington for fear of assas- sination. Mr. Hays said to himself," James, this party is not your right place." Since thai time he has been a decided Republican. He is a strong temperance man, never having used ardent spirits, and steadily opposes their manufacture. Aside from serving as a Road Overseer in 1864, lie lias steadily declined becoming an office-holder. Socially, he belongs to Homer Lodge No. 1!»9, A. F. & A. M., being the oldest member but one, entering the lodge after its formation, and in tins he officiated only as Tyler. although he might have held all the other offices. ^/\/^.-**i2££'.'©^g- ■g?~a>OTZr> „ -v.i^. ^/* ILLS ODLE. This gentleman is one of the Hi 11' nll,s ' prominent and bestknown citizens in I 15 the northeastern part of this county. He * was born in Warren County, Ind., Dec. 26, 1*11, and was brought up to farming, receiving in his boyhood such education as could be obtained in the common schools of his native place. His parents were Nathan I!, and Frances (Watkins) Odle, the father a fanner in the place where his son was born. Our subject remained quietly at the home farm until the outbreak of the War of the Rebellion, when he offered his services to his country and enlisted, while still under age, on June 3, L861, in Company A., loth Indiana In- fantry, commanded by Col. D. G. Wagner and on the 14th of the same month, was mustered into the United States service at Lafayette, Ind. For over three years the young soldier did valiant service in his country's cause. His regiment was first en- gaged in active duty in West Virginia and three months after being mustered in, was in the battle of Cheat .Mountain, W. Va-, on Sept. 12, 1861, and on Oct. 3, following, was engaged at Greenbrier Springs, W. Ya.. both being Federal successes. In November. 1861, the 15th Indiana was transferred to the army of the Ohio, under Gen. Buell, Nelson's division, and here Mr. Odle took a part in several general engagements, lie was in the -'cut battle of Shiloh, Tenn.. begun on April 6, 1862, his regi- men! taking part on the second day. when the hardest lighting was done. Buell arriving on the 7lh in time to reinforce Grant's troops. He was under fire at the siege of Corinth. Miss., and after the evacuation of that place, went East with his regiment to Decatur, Ala., and later from there to Tuscumbia, Tenn., and was in all the toilsome marches and maneuvers, undertaken to prevent the return of the rebel, Gen. Bragg to Kentucky. Finally' the Union army fell back on Nashville, Tenn., and from that point were sent to Louisville, Ky. The first open battle between the opposing forces lighting for the possession of Kentucky was fought at Perryville on Oct. 8, 1862, and in that the 15th Indiana were active participants. They were then returned to Nashville, where they slaved uunlil Dec. 20, 1862, when they were hurried to the front, and were engaged on the last day of the year on the hotly contested field of stone River. The following year they were all through the Tul- Lahoma campaign, and were afterwards engaged at the battle of Chickamauga on Sept. 19, and in the gnat light at Mission Ridge, they were a part of the army that marched to the relief of Knoxville, when it was beleaguered by the enemy, and succeeding that were in many minor battles and skirmishes. The 15th Indiana, were no holiday soldiers, but during their entire term of service, were actively engaged, marching and fighting, and in all their trials, hardships, battles, and skirmishes. Mr. Odle bore himself as a brave and gallant soldier. His term of service having expired, he was mustered out at Indianapolis on the 30th of June, 1804. Returning then to the pursuits of peace Mr. Odle engaged in farming in his native county, in which he remained until he decided to make his home in Vermilion County. 111. He bought 120 acres of land on section 3 in Grant Township, now a part of his homestead, and to that place removed in March 1871, and there his home has since been. To this property he has added by subsequent purchase. 362 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. having now a fine farm of 490 acres, all thoroughly improved and cultivated with a good house and farm buildings, and worth probably about $18,000. In addition to this Mr. Odle is the owner of a farm good business capacities and making for himself the record of an honest man and a good citizen. He was born in Carroll County, Ind., March 19, 1840. and was the eldest child of Silas S. and Bashaba (Elmore) Jack who were both na- tives of Ohio, and the mother belonging to the So- ciety of Friends. They left their native State in their youth and were married in Tippecanoe County, Ind., in 1837. The parents of our subject remained residents of Indiana until April, 1800, then came to this county and located in Fairmount. Only three of their children lived to mature years, viz: two daugh- ters and Reuben, our subject. During the pro- gress of the Civil War the father enlisted in Com- pany E, 73d Illinois Infantry in August, 18G2 and was given the post of Orderly Sergeant. lie soon afterward contracted a fatal disease anil died in the hospital at St. Louis on the 11th of September following The mother survived her husband over twenty years, remaining a widow, and died in Jan- uary, 1883. Our subject acquired his education in the com- mon school of his native State and when approach- ing manhood learned the trade of a shoemaker 364 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. which lie has followed continuously until quite re- cently. He remained at home with his parents until after the outbreak of the Rebellion and en- listed in the same company and at the same time with his father. He was first made a Corporal and later promoted to a Sergeant. lie served three years and engaged in all the marches and battles in which his regiment participated, being at Stone River, Chattanooga, Mission Ridge and all the bat- tles of the Atlanta campaign, including Franklin and Nashville. Aside from the natural effects of hard* ship and exposure on his constitution, and a slight affection of his eyes, he escaped uninjured, being neither wounded or taken prisoner, lie was under the command of Gen. Geoige II. Thomas, Phil Sheridan, Granger, Hosecrans, Sherman, O. < >. Howard and Grant, at the time when James A. Garfield was Adjutant General of Rosecran's army, lie received his honorable discharge with his regi- ment in .Tune, 186."). Like thousands of others who were willing to offer up their lives as a sacri- fice to their country, he was content in knowing that he had done bis whole duty, standing his his ground during the enemy's fire and bearing with fortitude and patience the vicissitudes of a soldier's life. Upon retiring from the army Mr. Jack resumed work at his trade and on the 9th of August, 1865, was married in Fairmount to Miss Mai}', daughter of Daniel Shroyer. This lady was born in Indiana and departed this life in Fairmount, Feb. 20, 1869, leaving no children. Our subject contracted a second matrimonial alliance June 15, 1870, with Miss Frances, daughter of Charles Ruling, of Del- phi, Ind. Mrs. Frances Jack departed this life March 7, 1871, without children. Mr. Jack was married to his present wife, form- lerly Miss Jennie Fellows, Sept. 17, 1872 Mrs. Jennie Jack was born in Wells County, Ind., and is the daughter of George and Mary Fellows, who are now, the mother in Fairmount the father de- ceased. This union resulted in the birth of two children— George B., born June 7, 1875. and Nellie. June 26, 1884. They are a bright pair and will be given the education and advantages suited to their position in life. Mr. Jack has been quite prominent in local af- fairs, lie was elected Assessor and Collector of Vance Township, in 1884, and has been re-elected each year since that time. In 1872 he was elected Township Clerk, holding the office until 1881. In 1877 he was elected Justice of the Peace and served eight years. He cast his first Presidential vote for Lincoln and has ever continued a staunch supporter of the Republican party. As an ex-soldier he was one of the leading members of the (i. A. R. at Fairmount, which lias recently surrendered its char- ter. In this organization lie was first an Adjutant and later a Commander. In the I. < >. (>. F. he is a member of Homer Lodge, No. 252, in which In- i- l'ast Grand. He formerly belonged to the Lodge at Fairmount in which be held all the offices, until it disbanded. < >ur subject and his estimable wife are active mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which Mr. Jack has been an earnest Sunday-school worker for years, officiating as Superintendent of the school and Trustee of the church. A man of domestic tastes and correct habits, he makes it his aim and object to stand on the right side of all questions and give his support to those projects calculated to benefit the community, socially, morally and finan- cially. In connection with his other business already spoken of, he does some conveyancing and represents as a Fire Insurance Agent, the Phoenix of Brooklyn, the Hartford and the iEtna. lie is gen- tlemanly, courteous and liberal, and while not pos- sessed of great wealth manages to stand square with the world and extract a large measure of com- fort and happiness from life. ^p^UY SANDUSKY. The surname of this gentleman is well-known in Vermilion County as that of a pioneer family who had a share in its earl} 7 development and in promoting its later growth. The subject of this sketch is a worthy representative of his sire and grandsire, who planted their homes here when the surrounding country was a wilderness, and, in doing so, pur- chance were more fortunate than they at first deemed possible, and he of whom we write is en- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBl'M. 367 joying the result of their labors, as well as of his own active toil. He was burn Feb. 5, 1854, on the old homestead on section 31, Catlin Township, that he now owns and occupies, and here he has erected a handsome residence, one of the most attiactive homes in the county. He is carrying on agricul- ture and stock-raising with great skill, and from his 3()0-aere farm derives a substantial income. The parents of our subject, Josiah and Elizabeth (Sandusky) Sandusky, were natives of Bourbon County, Ky., where they married, and immediately came to this township. The father had lived in this count}' while a single man, having removed here with his parents as early as 1811), and he went, back to Bourbon County, Ky., to marry. His father, Isaac Sandusky, had come here in the early days of its settlement, he accompanying him, and had made a claim, and before his death accumu- lated quite a little property. In 1837 the father and mother of our subject, after their marriage, settled in this county, and lived at Brook's Point some two or three years, and then Isaac Sandusky, the paternal grandfather of our subject, dying, the father was appointed administrator of the estate, and coming to Catlin Township .vith his family, he located southwest of Catlin Village on section 31. He resided with his wife on this homestead until his demise Sept. 15, 1868. she surviving him until Jan. 10, 1884. Of their eight children four lived to maturity, three sons and a daughter. Guy Sandusky, of whom we write, was the third child of the family, and he was born and reared on the old homestead where he has spent his entire life. His education was conducted in the common schools, and was supplemented at home b}' a wise training from his worthy parents, and on arriving at years of discretion he chose farming, of which he had a thorough, practical knowledge, as the pur- suit best adapted to his tastes. He has a good- sized farm that is complete in all its appointments, and is, indeed, one of the choicest places in the whole township. It is amply provided with a con- veniently arranged set of buildings for every nec- essary purpose, and with all kinds of machinery lor lightening the labors of farm life. The resi- dence is one of the handsomest in the county. Mr. Sandusky and Miss Ada M. Williamson were united in marriage Nov. 12, 1876, and to them has come one child, Inez. Mrs. Sandusky is a daughter of Henry and Jane (Gray) William- son, natives respectively of Ohio and Indiana, and now residents of Linn County, Kan. Mrs. San- dusky was born about ten miles northwest of Dan- ville Oct. 15, 1858. Mr. Sandusky possesses an abundant and never failing supply of sound sense and sharpness, cou- pled with a faculty of doing well whatever he attempts, so that his success in his chosen calling is not at all surprising. The Democratic party finds in him a steadfast supporter through fair and through foul report. He is a valued member of Catlin Lodge No. 285, A. F. & A. M. ^ AMES CLIFTON. The results of persever- ance and energy have been admirably illus- trated in the career of this gentleman, who is one of the most prosperous citizens in a prosperous community, who has been the architect of his own fortune and is in the enjo3'ment of a competence. He is approaching the fifty-seventh year of his age, having been born Oct. 8, 1832. and has spent his entire life in Vermilion County, III., in Georgetown Township where he was born. He remembers the time when wild animals abounded in this region and killed deer within the limits of this township as late as twenty-five years ago. William Clifton, the father of our subject, was a native of Ohio and married Miss Jane Brown, who was born in Tennessee. The grandparents emi- grated to Illinois about 1827, when the parents of our subject were in their youth and the latter were married in Vermillion County, Ind. They became the parents of thirteen children, six sons and seven daughters, and spent their last years in Vermilion County, 111., the father dying at the age of fifty- seven and the mother when sixty-two years old. The paternal grandfather of Mr. James Clifton was of English birth, but came to make his home under our Republican form of government. He was married and became the father of two children 368 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. in Ohio. A short time before the birth of his son, William Clifton, he started for his old home in England and was never afterward seen or heard of. The early education of our subject was con- ducted in the log school house of the primitive times, upon the subscription plan and carried on during the winter season. In the summer he as- sisted in the development of the new farm, grub- bing out the stumps, chopping, breaking prairie and sometimes flat-boating on the river. Hunting formed his chief recreation — a pastime of which he was extremely fond. He served an apprentice- ship at the cooper's trade, which he followed mostly for a period of fifteen yeai s. In the meantime he was married .June 14.1 855, to Miss Martha, daughter of Abraham and Sarah (Brown) Barnhard. The parents of Mrs. Clifton removed from Ohio to Indiana at an early date and in that State Mrs. Clifton was burn, reared and married. Soon after the wedding the young people took up their abode in Georgetown Township, where our subject occu- pied himself at his trade but kept steadily in view his intention of becoming owner of a farm. He accomplished his project and is now the proprietor of 205 acres. This was mostly in a wild condition when he assumed possession, but now forms one of the finest farms in the township. It makes a most delightful and attractive home while at the same time it is the source of a handsome income. Seven children have been born to our subject and his estimable wife, the eldest of whom, a son, William, died when four months old. The others are Ella. Stephen A. D., Olive, Laura, Alonzo, who died at the age of two years, and James, Jr. Ella is the wife of H. G. Canady. and resides at Ver- milion Grove and has one child, Estella; Stephen operates a fine farm of 305 acres in Georgetown Township; the other surviving children are at home with their parents. Mr. and Mrs. Clifton are prominently connected with the Presbyterian Church and our subject, politically, is one of the warmest adherents of the Democratic party. Pub- lic-spirited and liberal, he is ever found givino- his cordial support to those enterprises calculated to benefit his community, and possesses those quali- ties of character which have made him a universal favorite both in social and business circles. Among the most valuable features of this volume is a fine portrait of James Clifton, which is pre- sented elsewhere. K. S. A. COFFMAN. physician and sur- geon, is the pioneer of his profession in the the town of Allerton. He is a young man of more than average ability and is rap- increasing his practice. The growth and development of his adopted town command his earnest and intelligent attention. Dr. Coffraan is a native of Gallipolis, Gal- lia Co., Ohio. His father. Capt. Josiah Goffman, was one of the most prominent river captains and pilots on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, his ac- quaintance extending from Pittsburg to New Or- leans. He ran his first barge down the rivers men- tioned to New Orleans, when he was eighteen years of age and at that time began his popularity as a river man. He purchased a farm in Gallia County but did not remain long in the business of agri- culture. His last boat was the " Pine Ridge." one of the largest steamers that navigated the Ohio River. He died in 1866 at the age of fifty-two years. His wife continued on the farm until her death, which occurred in June 1879. She was born at Shelly ville. Ind. The parents of Dr. Coffin an, had twelve chil- dren of whom eight were boys and nine are now living. The Doctor was born on May, 12, 1858 and was but seven years old when his father died. Ik- was reared in Ohio, where his educational advan- tages were of the best. He first attended the com- mon schools at home, then the High Schools. He was engaged in West Virginia for two years in teaching. From his boyhood days his inclinations were all toward the medical profession, and during the time he was teaching he was studying to the end that he might some day enter its ranks. His first studies, medically, were under Dr. T. F. Sien- cknecht, of Kingston, Tenn.. with whom he con- tinued his studies for eighteen months, when he became destitute of means. He then came West, spending one year in Missouri and from there he PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALIU'M. 369 went to the Indian Territory, finally landing at Os- sawottamie, Kan., where lie engaged in the hospital for the insane. Here his preceptor was Dr. A. II. Knapp. of that institution. By this time his means were sufficient to take him through the Beaumont Hospital and Medical College from which he grad- uated March 15, 1888, standing near the head of his class. He was married in Kansas to Miss Ilat- tie E. Smith, a native of Columbus, Wis. She is the daughter of Asa and Mary Smith, who were pioneers of Sumner County, Kan. Through the influence of Dr. Parks and others, the subject of this sketch was induced to locate at Allerton. which he did in 1887 and where he is achieving success to a large degree. In his practice he has met with no obstructions but has steadily gained the confi- dence of his clients. The Doctor is an ardent Re- publican, and is always ready to do anything to for- ward the interests of his part}', that lies in the path of honor. He is examiner for the Manhattan Life Insurance Company, and is also a member of the St. Louis Medical Association. Dr. Coffman was one of twelve children whose names follow: Elizabeth, Joseph C, William. Harriet; Daniel M., Cyrus P., Thomas J., Cunning- ham. Sylvan G., Emma, Sylvester and Ella. Eliza- beth married Henry Irion, a farmer of Gallia County, Ohio; Joseph C. served in the Union Army, enlisting at the age of eighteen years, com- ing out of the service with the rank of Lieutenant. After the war was over he was commissioned in the regular army serving at Ft. Riley, Ark., and at Fort Union, N. M. He resigned from the army, when he commenced the study of law, graduating at Ann Arbor and is now practic- ing at Quincy, 111. He married Miss Carrie Hawk; Harriet married the Rev. Rose, who is her second husband, and a pastor in the Methodist Church in Athens, Ohio. She had live children by her first husband, James Hamilton; Daniel M. resides at Rockwood, Tenn. He is an attorney at law and married Miss Romaine Blazer, they have one child; Cyrus P., died at the age of eighteen years; Thomas is practicing law at Hume, 111. He mar- ried Estasia Kerns. They have four children; Cunningham died in Texas at the age of twenty- eight; William, who was a twin brother to Joseph, died when one year old; Emma is a resident of Anoka, Minn.; she married J. C. Willey, a railroad contractor and has three children; Ella resides in St. Paul, and is the wife of W. Thornley, who is a contractor in that city. OHN C. SALLADAY. The life-long career of this gentleman is one which his children will love to contemplate in future years. In {&£Jj) his make up, he is possessed of modesty, good manners, sound sense and high principles. He has all the qualities of a good citizen, is a kind husband and father and in all respects approaches the ideal of the Christian gentleman. We find him situated in a comfortable home, the possessor of a pretty farm, and his family relations leave little to be desired. His property is pleasantly located on Section 3 in Vance Township. Mr. Salladay was the eldest child of his parents and was born in Fayette County, Pa., April 16, 1831. When a little lad of three years he removed with his parents to Ohio and acquired a good edu- cation in the common schools of the Buckeye State, pursuing his studies mostly during the win- ter season until twent}' years of age. In the mean- time he became familiar with farming pursuits and remained a member of the parental household until reaching his majority. In December, 1855, our subject was united in marriage with Miss Mary J., daughter of Daniel A. Rich of Ohio, a prominent farmer in his commu- nity. There were four children of whom Mrs. Sal- laday was the second and she was born in Ohio in 1833. Her childhood and youth passed quietly and uneventfully, during which time she attended the common school and received careful home- training from her excellent parents. The young people after their marriage settled on the home farm of the Salladay's, our subject working it upon shares with his father until 1860. He then purchased fifty acres of land and made his home upon this until 186 1 when he sold out and set his face toward the farther West. Upon coming to Illinois .Mr. Salladay purchased 370 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. the bind constituting his present farm and com- menced at first principles to build up a homestead. He was prospered in bis labors as a tiller of the soil and added to bis real estate until he lias now 163 acres in the home farm and 100 acres in Powe- shiek County, Iowa. In connection with general agriculture, he is considerably interested in stock- raising, keeping a good grade of cattle and shipping each year to the eastern market. Five children came to bless the union of our subject and his good wife, one of whom died at the age of eight years. Salina and George D. remain with their parents; Florence is the wife of J. H. Bowen and lives three miles south of the home farm; John B. remains at the latter. Mr. Salladay cast bis first presidential vote for John P. Hale and is one of the most active members of the Repub- lican party in this section. He keeps himself well posted in relation to current events and votes with bis party upon the national issues. In local mat- ters be aims to support the man best qualified for office, irrespective of party. He has officiated as a delegate to the county conventions and is a School Director in his district which office be has held for twenty years, lie lias been Highway Commissioner for six years. He and his estimable wife find their religious home in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in which Mr. Salladav has been an Elder six years and when a younger man labored actively in the Sunday-school. Our subject is the offspring of an excellent fam- ily, being the son of George and Rebecca (Craft) Salladav. who were natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. Grandfather John Salladay emi- grated from the Fatherland at an early period in the history of this country and settled in Pennsyl- vania. Upon the coming of the Revolutionary War he was a baggage muster in the Continental Army from the beginning to its close. The ma- ternal grandparents of our subject were born in Pennsylvania but were of German descent. The parents of Mr. Salladav were married in Pennsyl- vania, where the mother died in 1833, leaving two children — our subject and a younger brother. The father subsequently remarried, and in 1834 removed to Ohio where he sojourned for a period of thirty years. Thence be came to this county in the spring of 1864, residing here until 1877. His next re- moval was to Homer, Champaign County, where he lived eleven years, dying in September, 1888. The mother survives and makes her home with her son-in-law, Mr. Bennett, near Homer and is now seventy-six years old. Both the Craft and the Salladay families were people of note in their com- munity, distinguished for the high principles and sturdy industry which were among the character- istics of their German nationality. They were uniformly well-to-do, industrious and frugal and uniformly exercised a good influence upon the va- rious communities in which they resided. The subject of this sketch is one of the worthiest of their descendants, perpetuating the name with dig- nity and honor. ■j&t^- ■*&■ ^IfLBERT G. OLMSTEAD is a worthy de- scendant of Puritan ancestry, bis fore- fathers having been numbered among the d* early settlers of New England. In a later day and generation his grandparents and parents became pioneers of Vermilion County, and here the most of his life has been passed. He has not only been a witness of the marvelous growth of this section of the country in the fifty years that he has lived here as boy and man. but it has been his good fortune to aid in its upbuilding. For many years he has been intimately connected with the material prosperity of Catlin Township as a progressive and skillful agriculturist, and as one of its most in- fluential public officers. lie owns a farm on section 23, that in all its appointments and improve- ments is equal to any other in this locality, and here he and his wife have an attractive home, to which they welcome many friends, as they have a warm place in the hearts of the entire commu- nity. Stanley Olmstead, the father of our subject, was born in the city of Hartford, Conn., to George Olmstead, Sr., and bis wife, Hannah (Roberts)Olm- stead, natives of New England. They came to Vermilion County from Ohio in 1839, and he died here two years later. His wife did not long survive PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 371 him, dying in September, 1843. Their son, Stanley, married Almira Green, a native of Vermont, and they began the journey of life together in James- town, Chautauqua Co., N. V.. where he was busily engaged for several years in constructing a farm from the primeval forests of that section of the country. He subsequently removed from there with his family to Marietta. Washington Co., Ohio, but after living there five years, he came with them, in 1839, to Vermilion County, making the journey down the Ohio River, up the Wabash River to I'erry.-ville. and thence going to what is now known as ISalestown, and settling in that vi- cinity among the pioneers that hud preceded them to this then wild, sparsely settled country. The father operated a sawmill known as Olmstead Mill, ami hesides manufacturing lumber, engaged in building flatboats, that being the only mill where such boats were built, and the most of those that were made in this section of the country were built there. He was a member of the Masonic fra- ternity, and quite a prominent man in his commu- nity, and his death, in 1848, was considered a loss to the township. His widow was re-married about ten years afterwards, becoming the wife of Thomas W. Douglas, and is still living in Catlin Township at an advanced age. She holds to the Presbyter- ian faith, and is a sincere Christian. Of the ten children that blessed the union of Stanley Olmstead and wife, our subject was the sec- ond in order of birth. He was born in the vicinity of Jamestown, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., Oct. 14, 1831. He was a lad of about eight years when he accompanied his parents and grandparents to this county, and the remaining years of his boyhood and his youth were passed in Danville anil Catlin townships. His education was obtained in the old Ion schoolhouse of those early days. He early be- wail life for himself, as he was but seventeen years of age when his father died, and the main charge of the family devolved upon him, he renting land and working at farming to support those depend- ent upon him. When he was twenty-four years old he married and rented a farm in Catlin Town- ship the ensuing seven years, the place belonging to Harry Sandusky. After that he bought a small place in Catlin Village, and continued renting land for three years. The second year after the pur- chase of the County Farm in 18G7. he was ap- pointed Superintendent of it, find he was found to be the right man in the right place, faithfully and conscientiously discharging the duties of that oner- ous position, by his skillful farming improving the land, and treating the poor people under his charge with firmness and kindness, lie retained that office eight years, and then tendered his resignation, as he desired to invest some of his money in land and go to farming on his own account. Soon after he took possession of the land he now owns and op- erates, it having been the homestead of the parents of Mrs. Olmstead, of which she inherited a portion. The balance was purchased by Mr. Olmstead. His present farm consists of 180 acres of land, exceed- ingly rich ami productive, and he has been con- stantly making improvements till the place is considered one of the best in the neighborhood. He has erected a good set of farm buildings and a pleasant residence, finely located somewhat back from the highway. This homestead formerly belonged to Mrs. Olm- stead's parents, Thomas N. and Mary Brown (San- dusky) Wright, early pioneers of Vermilion County, and here she was born and bred, and on this spot, under an apple tree in the yard, her marriage with our subject was solemnized .Inly 22, 1855, and here her life has thus far been spent happily and se- renely. She has never been very far from this home of her birth, and has never ridden in the cars, or been beyond the limits of the county. Mrs. Olmstead is a notable housekeeper, and is well versed in the art of making those about her com- fortable, and every one who crosses her threshold is sure of a cheerful welcome. Her parents were born in Bourbon County, Ky.,and when the father was nineteen years old and the mother twenty, they came to Vermilion County, and were united hi marriage six weeks later, in the year 1831, near Indianolia. and immediately settled on the farm now owned by Mr. Olmstead. Mr. Wright built a log cabin, and in that humble abode they began their wedded life. May 31, 1851. Mrs. Wright died, leaving five children, of whom Elizabeth Ann. Mrs. Olmstead, was the eldest. The father was afterwards married to Nancy Dougherty, and 372 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. he died Nov. 18, 1872, on the homestead that lie had eliminated from the wild prairies. Mrs. Olm- stead was born Sept. 22, 1832. In this home of her girlhood and womanhood five children have blessed her wedded life with our subject, namely: Mary B., the wife of John H. Palmer; Charles, who married Agnes Emmett, who died Nov. 17, 1887; William C, who married Miss Eva Beck; George E.; and Albert C. Mr. Olmstead has been a valuable citizen of this section of Vermilion County since attaining man- hood, as he is a man of good personal habits, is just and honest in his dealings, wise and safe in counsel, and has always exerted his influence to advance the interests of his community morally, socially and educationally. He has taken an active part in the public life of this township, has held the office of Supervisor two terms, and for eleven years was School Trustee. lie is a valued member of Catlin Lodge, No. 285, A. F. & A. M. He lias been Master of the lodge. In politics he sides with the Democrats, and is a strong supporter of partj- principles. Both he and his wife are faithful members of the Presbyterian Church, and the acts of their daily lives show them to be consistent Christians. A fine lithographic view of the handsome home and surroundings of Mr. Olmstead is shown else- where in this volume. -ME* * IfelLLIAM CESSNA, Sr., who is well known \fij// throughout Vance Township as one of its Wyl most prosperous men financially, is now approaching the sixty-seventh year of his age, hav- ing been born Nov. 7, 1822. He is a native of Bedford County, Pa., where his father, Evan Cessna, was also born. The latter, when approach- ing manhood, learned the trade of a blacksmith. Later he turned his attention to agricultural pur- suits, and became owner of a good farm. He mar- ried Miss Mary Motelena Fenstermaker, also a na- tive of the Keystone State, and whose ancestors were from Germany. The parents of our subject continued residents of Pennsylvania for several years after their marriage. The father carried on blacksmithing and farming combined, and operated with fair success. He finally decided upon a change of residence, and in 1842 set out for Ohio with his family, settling in the Western Reserve in what was then Trumbull but was afterward changed to Mahoning County. There the parents spent the remainder of their lives. The household circle originally comprised nine children, eight of whom grew to mature years, and six of whom are now living. William was the third child of the family, and like his brothers and sisters, acquired a limited education by attendance in a log school-house, under a system of instruc- tion in keeping with that time and place. Upon approaching manhood he learned the trade of a tanner, also that of a brick and stone mason. Since a bey of twelve he has been mainly dependent upon his own resources, and assisted his father con-' siderably until his marriage. Evan Cessna was very nearly blind for many years, having a cata- ract over each eye, and losing the sight of one en- tirely. The 18th of May, 1850, marked an interesting epoch in the life of our subject, as on that day he was wedded to Miss Sarah Jane, daughter of Rich- ard Hawkins, a farmer and mechanic of Stark County, Ohio. The young couple commenced the journey of life together in a manner corresponding to their means and surroundings, and Mr. Cessna for several years thereafter followed his trade in Mahon- ing County. Finally lie removed to Stark County, sojourning there probably two years, and then, in 1856, changed his residence to Marshall County, Ind. In the latter place also he followed his trade, and purchased 300 acres of land, the cultivation and improvement of which he carried on until 1868. During the above mentioned year Mr. Cessna moved into Champaign County, 111., and about twelve months later purchased the farm upon which his son William now lives, in Vermilion County. Later he added forty acres to it, then traded forty acres for that which he now occupies. Upon this he has lived for a period of thirteen years, and ef- fected very many improvements, planting a 10- acre orchard, putting the fences in repair, and add- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 373 ing the necessary buildings. He has invested bis surplus capital in additional land, and is now the owner of 500 broad acres. His possessions are the result of bis own industry and perseverance, and be lias delved from the soil an ample competence for bis declining years. Mrs. Sarah .lane (Hawkins) Cessna departed this life Sept. 15, 1864, at the early age of thirty-three years, four months and eleven days. Of her union with our subject there were born five children, four of whom are living: John W. married Miss Myra Nichols, who is now deceased; be is the father of five children, and lives in Mineral Point, Kan.; Sarah Amelia is the wife (if Wallace A. Ya/.el; they live four miles northwest of Homer, and have five children; Martha Ellen married Marion Tibbetts, and is the mother of four chil- dren; they live four and one-half miles southwest of Fairmount; William L. 1 >. married Miss Sally O'Shea; they have one child, and live one mile west of Mr. Cessna. Our subject contracted a second marriage Jan. 29, 1865, with Mrs. Lucina Melser, who was the mother of two children by her first husband. The result of this union was three children — Rosa I., Charles M. and Mary M., who are all living at home witli their parents. Mr. Cessna has always taken a lively interest in politics, and keeps himself fully posted upon all matters of national interest- He is one of the warmest supporters of the Repub- lican party, believing it the party of progress and reform, and the party upon which the prosperity of America depends. In Indiana he served as Path master three years, and in the district where he now lives has been a School Director nine years. Formerly he belonged to the I. 0. O. F. Mr. Cessna, with wise forethought and care has furnished us with a portion of the family record, which we append as follows. Mrs. Sarah J. (Haw- kins) Cessna was born in Washington County, Fa., May 1, 1811. John W., her eldest son. was horn in Mahoning County, Ohio, Sept. 7, 1851. Artlissa A., the eldest daughter, was born Feb. 19, 1854, and died in Ohio. Sarah A. was born in Stark County, Ohio, Feb. 11, 185(i. Martha Ellen was born in Marshall, Ind.. April 21. 1858. William L. D. was born in Marshal! County, Ind.. Oct. 23, 1861. Rossa Ilora was born in Marshall Count}', Ind., May 28, 1806; Charles M. was horn in Cham- paign County, III., Jan. 20, 1809. Mary Matilda was born in Vermilion County. III.. Oct. 27, 1872. Evan Cessna, the father of our subject, died July 29, 1861, at the age of sixty-eight year's. His wife, Mary Motelena, died Jan. 20, 1876, at the age of seventy-six years. • i ~ ■» ^ AMl'EL STARK, of Sidell, is numbered among its most useful and praiseworthy citizens, and performed no small part in the early settlement of the place with whose growth and development he has ever main- tained a warm interest. In 1885 he purchased the Cleveland Hotel and from a small beginning built up a good patronage and became popular among traveling men generally. In connection with this be operated excavating machines such as the Mould Ditcher, the Plow Ditcher and Road Grader, and graded several miles of road in Vance, Sidell and Carroll townships, making an excellent thorough- fare which is greatly appreciated by those most nearly concerned. The parents of Mr. Stark were John and Mary (Cassadyj Stark, who were of Kentucky birth and parentage and came to this county during its early settlement, locating on its southern line. Their family comprised fourteen children, eleven sons and three daughters. Samuel was born in Indiana and was reared to farming pursuits. He received a limited education in the primitive schools and developed into a strong and healthful man, sound in mind and bod}' and well fitted for the position which he was called upon to fill as a leading mem- ber of his community. lie was married in Au- gust, 1875, to Miss Christina Rawlings, and the young people commenced their wedded life toge- ther on the Amos Jackson farm. Later Mr. Stark was connected with several farms as general over- seer, among them being the well-known Allerton farm, formerly the property of John Sidell. In 1881 they look up their abode in Danville, Mr. Stark having purchased the furniture in the Me- 374 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. Cormick House of that city. Eight months later they again removed to a farm at Garrett Grove, where they remained four years. Their subsequent movements we have ahead}- indicated. On mov- ing to Sidell Mrs. Stark assumed charge of the Cleveland House, which she has since conducted with marked success and hns become veiy popular with the traveling public. She seems admirably adapted to her responsible position and possesses a great deal of tact, generosity and kindness, having the faculty of making welcome all who come within her doors. She is a lady of more than ordinary business abilities, and is increasing her patronage perceptibly each year. A native of Lee County, Va., Mrs. Stark was born Jan. 19, 1855, and is the daughter of Sampson B. Rawlins, also a native of the Old Dominion and who married Miss Elizabeth Sanford, of his own State. Both were of English descent. They were married in Virginia, whence the}' removed to Clay County, Ky., about 18G0. The father prosecuted farming for three years, but in 18G3 again changed his residence, settling this time near Paris. Edgar County, this State. Ten years later they came to this county and located on a farm in Sidell Town- ship. Finally selling this also, they removed to Fairmount and conducted the Hall House one year. Afterward Mr. Rawlings engaged in the hoot and shoe business of that place about a year. He re- moved to Sidell in 1885 and'in 1887 established a store of general merchandise at Archie. After a time he was burned out, suffering a loss of $8,000. He is now employed as a traveling salesman for a grocery house in Chicago. The mother of Mrs. Stark departed this life March 19, 1888, at the age of fifty-six years eight months and twenty-eight days. Her family con- sisted of nine children, the eldest of whom, Nancy, is the wife of J. P. Jackson, a farmer of Sidell Township, and is the mother of two children; Christina, Mrs. Stark, was the second child of the family; James W. H. II., married Miss Ida Patter- son and operates as a carpenter and builder in Sidell; he is the father of one child. Zarilda mar- ried George B. Baum, of Sidell, who operates as a farmer and liveryman, and they have two chil dren; Bertha is the wife of Austin Jones, a business man of Mt. Carmel, and they have one child; Sarah J is at home with her father; John F. is farming in Sidell Township; Dora is a saleslady at Cerro Gordo, 111.; Fanny M. lives with her father and sister. Mrs. Stark thus in her youth lived in three dif- ferent States, Kentucky, Virginia and Illinois. She attended the common school and at an early age evinced an aptitude for business details. At the age of twenty years she was married to Mr. Stark. She has contributed her full quota to the rapid and thrifty growth of the village of Sidell, in the ex- cellent management of her house and in attracting to it a class of well-to-do and intelligent people. A large force of builders is now (June, 1889) actively engaged in enlarging the Cleveland House, which when completed a month hence, will accom- modate a large number of guests and prove an or- nament to the village. Mrs. Stark patronizes the worthy enterprises established in the village, among them the Methodist Episcopal Church, in whose erection she took a warm interest. She is a lover of music and all those things which contrib- ute to the comfort and satisfaction of the people who may sojourn under her roof. She is a lady of decided views and sympathizes witli the Demo- cratic party.. The Ladies' Aid Society finds in her one of its efficient members. To her and her husband have been born four children : Callie, who died in infancy; Mary Alice; an infant who died unnamed; and Forest E. |ENJAMIN ZEIGLER. This gentleman is ^ the oldest settler in the eastern half of if©)))) Grrat; Township, in this county, having lived there more }'ears than any other per- son now residing within its borders. He was born in Cumberland County, Pa., March 5, 1830, and when twenty years old came to Fountain County, Ind., with his elder brother, John, making the journey the entire distance in a two-seated wagon drawn by one horse. They came from Carlisle, in their native county, to Indianapolis, Ind.. over the road then known as the National Pike, and thence to Residence or John Pollard, 5cc 21. Carroll Tr Verm i i 'ion en feam ^mwffi i ifirfT' : " EBfitMBe i miafiafiSiSfe^ ResidenceofW^ H. Sconce, 5ec, 16. SidellTp. Vfrmii ion Co! ^tore and Residence of Michael Fi5her,Indianola,Vermi lion Co. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBI'M. 377 their stopping place, now named Reitersburgh, then known as Cbambcrsburg. The trip occupied two weeks and four days, but it can now be made be- tween those two points in sixteen hours! .John Zeigler had spent the previous year in Indiana, and our subject made the journey West with him simply as an adventure. But lie liked the looks of the country, and determined to stay, especially as he found he could get twice as much for his labor there as be could in the East. Accordingly be located in Fountain County and began working out by the month. He made his home there until 18.")6, when having by this time secured a life partner, he came to Vermilion County and for two years worked for bis father-in-law. Having saved a little money be bad in 1852 bought 320 acres of Government land on section 1 5 in Grant Township, and it is on this place Ids home now stands. He was too poor, however, to build on it or cultivate it. and be let it lie idle until 1 858, when be managed to get a house built on it, but was yet unable to get it " broke," and therefore for the following two years he farmed what is known as the "Ann Brown" place, of 1G0 acres, one and one-half miles east of his house. In this way be accumulated some small means, and the following year be broke forty acres of his own land with a team of four yoke of cattle and a twenty-four inch plow. His industry and energy soon made themselves felt, and each successive year saw Mr. Zeigler a little better off. Gradually more aud more land was brought under cultivation, fences and hedges were made and planted, farm buildings were erected, and after the lapse of years more land was bought, and to-day our subject owns an excellent farm of 540 acres in one body, well fenced, drained, cultivated and with good and sufficient buildings, and as he looks around over his broad acres he can reflect with satisfaction upon the fact that this is all the work of his own bands. When be first bought this land it was all bare open prairie, not a tree or shrub was on the ground. Now it presents to the eye a typical American western scene. The house stands back some distance from the road and is ap- proached from the front through an avenue lined on either side with well grown maple trees; the buildings are all that are needed, fur the large farm, the growing crops and the contented cattle grazing in the enclosed fields, all bespeak thrift and com- petence. All this is the work of Mr. Zeigler's own hands. The finegrove of maples which surrounds bis house was raised by himself from seed and cov- ers nine acres, and an apple orchard of four acres, also of his own planting. The country when he first came here was wild and unsettled, and his nearest neighbor for some time was two miles away, and from the rising ground near his house, as far as the eye could see, there were less than a dozen houses. Prairie wolves were numerous, compelling the settler to house his stock at night, wild game was plentiful, and deer, ducks, geese and prairie chickens were in such abundance that dogs were kept and trained to keep them from the farmer's grain fields, and the pioneer's table was well sup- plied with delicacies, the fruit of his gun. But one road was then laid out hereabouts, the settlers making their way across the prairies by following tracks made by others who had gone before. Not a fence was up, and to leave the beaten path was to run the risk of being lost on the prairie. Trad- ing was done mostly at Attica, Ind., thirty miles away, the trip to store and back consuming two days. Mr. Zeigler says it was bis custom when re- turning, if overtaken by darkness, to tie his lines and let his horses take their own way, they never failing to bring him safely home when human eyesight was of no avail in finding the road. Now how different the scene. Public highways are laid out in all directions. The country about is thickly settled, and half a mile from Mr. Zeigler's door is the village of Cheneysville, a station on the Lake Erie and Western Railroad. Around his home is a thickly settled and prosperous commun- ity, with evidence on every hand of comfort, schools and churches are easy of access, and all the appliances of civilization are at the farmer's door. This change has been brought about by the toils and sacrifices of such men as our subject. and to such all honor is due. Mr. Zeigler was united in marriage, in Fountain County. Ind., Jan. 3. 1851. with Miss Verlina. Brown, daughter of John and Catherine Brown, early settlers in that part of Indiana. The former 378 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. was born in Perry County, Pa., and the latter in Dauphin County in the same state. After mar- riage they emigrated to Indiana, where Mr. Brown improved a large number of farms, certainly as many as twenty, selling as soon as he could get advance on his property. In this way he made considerable money and during the latter years was quite well-to-do. He died in Hoopeston in the winter of 1884-85. His wife had passed away some years previously at Otterbein, Benton County. End. Mrs. Zeigler was born in Fountain County, Ind.. March 27, 1834. By this marriage nine children were born, all except one, who died in childhood, being now living: Cyrus A., the eld- est, farms a portion of the homestead half a mile e.i-t of his father's house, and is married to Miss Cyrenia Leverton, and they have one child and one is deceased; Peter M. is married to Susan Labaw, has one child, and lives two miles east of his birthplace on a farm belonging to his aunt, Catherine A. Brown; John 1!. is married to Jose- phine Stufflebcam. and lives on a rented farm in the northeastern corner of Grant Township; George B. is married to Mary Ann Labaw, and has two children and lives on a part of his father's farm; Benjamin Franklin, Mary Amanda. Rachael Mahala and William .1. are unmarried and are yet under the parental roof. Mr. Zeigler has witnessed and participated in the growth and increasing prosperity of this part of Vermilion County. When he came within its borders. growth had hardly been begun in this part of the county. The site of the flourishing city of Hoopeston was a barren prairie which he could have bought from the Government at $1.2.3 per acre, but he thought it dear at that, when prospecting for a site, as the land was low and wet, and therefore bought where he is, where the land lies higher. On such small things does fortune sometimes hinge. Yet he has no reason to com- plain. Starting from an humble station and from small beginnings he has achieved a competence, and what is still better, has gained the universal respect, esteem and confidence of the community, a just tribnte to the moral and upright life of the man and to his entire trustworthiness of character. For many years he has been compelled by his fel- low-townsmen to accept office at their hands, hav- ing been School Director. Town Trustee, Road Overseer, etc., and he is now Assistant Supervisor, and among the worthy citizens of Vermilion County none stands higher in the estimation of those who know him than does Benjamin Zeigler, the pioneer. • OC55 - yfclLLIAM THOMAS SANDUSKY has for more than twenty years been prominently identified with the leading farmers and stock growers of Vermilion County, a shrewd, in- telligent set of men, and in that time he has been an important factor in extending its great agricul- tural interests. He has a farm on section 36, Cat- lin Township, of some over 400 acres,' which is well cultivated, and on which he has erected a substantial, roomy set of buildings, and has all the needful machinery and appliances for carrying on agriculture with facility and to the best ad- vantage. Our subject, although a Kentuckian by birth, was reared in Illinois, and has passed the most of his life here, his parents having been among the earliest settlers of Shelby County. His father, William Sandusky, was a native of Kentucky, while his mother, Julia (Earp) Sandusky, was born in Virginia. They were married in Kentucky, and there commenced their wedded life, but in 1829, when our subject was a small infant, they emi- grated to Illinois and settled in Shelby Count}-. In the following spring Mr. Sandusky's earthly career was cut short, while he was yet in life's prime, by his premature death. The wife survived him ten years, when, in 1840, she too passed away. Of a family of three children, our subject was the second child and the only son. He was born in Bourbon County, Ky., March 11, 1829. and was consequently but a few months old when his par- ents brought him to this State. He was bred to a fanner's life in Shelby County, and. amid the pio- neer influences that surrounded his early life, be- came strong, manly, self-reliant and energetic. In the spring of 1848 he left the place where his life had been mostly passed hitherto aud came to Ver- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 379 milion County, having in his charge a drove of cattle, which he herded here till the fall of the year, when he proceeded with them toward New Fork. He only went as far as Sandusky, however, when he disposed of his cattle at a good price, lie then returned to Vermilion County, and for sonic years after that was engaged in farm work and in in tending cattle. In the spring of lH. r >.">. ambi- tious to accumulate money faster than he was doing, he determined that he would seek the gold mines of California, and going there by the way of the Isthmus of Panama, he pursued mining on the Pacific Coast with fair success till the fall of 1855. Tiring of the rough life of the camps, he turned his face homeward, and, coming to Ver- milion County once more, was soon actively en- gaged in the business of buying stock, continuing that till the spring of 1859. At that time he turned his attention to the hotel business, having gone to Greencastle, Putnam Co.. hid., in June, and building a hotel known as the Junction House. He was profitably engaged in its management till the spring of 186G, when he sold out, returned to Vermilion County and bought the farm where he now lives, having decided to turn his attention once more to the calling to which he had been reared, and for which he has a natural aptitude. He now gives his attention wholly to agricultural pursuits, and for several years, besides managing his farm, was extensively engaged in buying and shipping stock, and still continues to raise a goodly number of cattle and hogs. November 30, 1859, was an important dale in the life of Mr. Sandusky as it was the occasion of his marriage with Miss Emily A. Clements, who has been to him all that an intelligent, refined, capable woman can be to the man by whose side she walks the journey of life, making his home pleasant and attractive, and a welcome retreat from the cares of business. She is a wise and tender mother to their children, of whom they had four, as follows: Ada, who died in infancy; Charlie. who died at the age of five months; Maggie and Kate, wha are left to brighten the household by their presence. Mrs. Sandusky was born in Shel byville, III.. May 28, 1839. a daughter of John and Emily (Livers) Clements, natives of Mar}- land. Her parents were among the earlj settlers of Shelby County, and there the father died. '1 he mother is living in Shelby County. III. Mr. Sandusky is a man of much experience, gifted with firmness, sagacity, and foresight to a marked degree, which traits have no doubt been instrumental in gaining him a position among the first citizens of Catlin Township as a substantial, well-to-do farmer. He is very Liberal, and never hesitates to spend his money where it will do g 1 or relieve suffering. lie has a mind of his own, and is very tenacious in his opinions. This is es- peclally true in regard to his political views, he being a very strong Republican, active in political affairs, and giving material support to his party, lb' has not mingled much in public life, having devoted himself Strictly to his own private affairs, hut he has been School Director for a long term of years, interesting himself greatly in educational matters. 6HARLES HILLMAN. There are few mort , industrious or more conscientious and worthy men in Oakwood Township than the subject of this notice, who is located upon a well-improved farm upon section 21. His property is the result of his own unaided industry and has been accumulated by years of arduous labor and close economy. Modest and retiring in disposition he is a man making very little show in the world, but one whom his friends recognize as possessed of high principle and sound common Sense, and one whose word is considered as good as his bond. A patriot during the late Civil War. he contributed his quota in assisting to preserve the Union and it is hardly necessary to say. uniformly votes the Straight Republican ticket. He has ever been the advocate of temperance, practically and theoretic- ally and with his estimable wife is a member in good standing of the .Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he has officiated as Steward and Class- Leader ami held other positions of trust and responsibility. The offspring Of a good family, our subject is the son of Edward Hillman. a native of Eng- 380 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. land and a tailor by trade which he followed for some time in London, Province of Ontario, Can- ada, to which he emigrated when a young man. His mother, who was of Scotch descent, died when a young woman, and when her son Charles was scarcely more than nine years old. Charles and his eldest sister were afterward taken to the home of Mr. John Bateman, of Ontario, with whom he lived until coming to Illinois in October, 1857, when a youth of seventeen years. To the parents of our subject there were born four children, Charles being the eldest. He first opened his eyes to the light March 8, 1840 and re- ceived very few opportunities for an education. He attended school for a time after coming to this Slate but had his own living to make and was mostly employed on a farm. lie saved what he could of his earnings as years passed on. and at the age of twenty-seven was owner of eighty acres of land in Oakwood Township, and some personal property. Upon the outbreak of the Civil War, Mr. Hill- man that same year enlisted in Company I, 35th Illinois Infantry, and served with his regiment in the battles of Stone River, Perry ville and Chicka- mauga. At the latter he was wounded, Sept. 1'.). 18(33, being shot through the left thigh in a pecu- liar and dangerous manner. His recovery was long and tedious, he tying in the hospital until Septem- ber, 1864, at which time expired his term of en- listment and he received his honorable discharge. Upon his recovery he again entered the ranks, Feb. 1, 1865, as a member of Compan}' K, 150th Illinois Infantry. He served with his regiment in Georgia and Tennessee some months after the close of the war, receiving his second and final discharge, Feb. 1. 1866, and now draws a pension from the Gov- ernment. He went into the service as a private and on account of fidelity to duty and bravery in limes of danger, was first promoted to Sergeant and afterward to Second Lieutenant, with which rank he was mustered out. The 8th of October, 1867, witnessed the mar- riage of our subject with Miss Sarah A. Hilliary and the newly wedded pair settled at once upon the farm which they now own and occupy. This em- braces 202^ acres of land all in one body, 132^ acres under cultivation and embracing property formerly owned by Martin Oakwood. The four children born to Mr. and Mrs. Hillman are named respectively Edward J.. Bertha, George F. and Mary E. They are all at home with their parents, are well educated and form a most intelligent and interesting group. Mr. Hillman has officiated as School Director in his district for a period of twelve years, and has been Commissioner of High- ways three years. Stock-raising forms a leading feature of his farming operations, an industry which is very profitable in Central Illinois. As an ex-soldier our subject is identified with George Morrison Post, G. A. R., at Glenburn. Mrs. Hillman was born March 15, 1849, in Ver- milion County, 111., and is the daughter of George Hilliary, one of the pioneer settlers of this county and who died about 1876. His widow is still liv- ing being now seventy-five years old and making her home in Oakwood. ^r ^jr^-v LINTON D. HENTON. M. D., a popular physician of Vermilion County, was born in Fountain County, Ind., on the 3d day of August, 1831. His father, Evan Ilenton, it is be- lieved, was a native of Virginia. He was married in Ohio and in an early day moved to Indiana and settled in Fountain County, where he purchased a tract of land four miles from Attica. He resided here until 1838, when he sold his farm and re- turned to Ohio and settled in Highland County, where he purchased a farm one and a half miles from Hillsboro, and there resided until his death, which occurred in 1856. His wife's maiden name was Maria Inskeep, a native of Ohio and daughter of the Rev. Daniel Inskeep. She died on the home farm in 1876. She was the mother of seven chil- dren, six of whom grew to manhood and woman- hood and whose names follow: Eliza, Clinton, Rachael. Colman, Samuel and Mary. Dr. Henton was a lad of six years when his parents removed to Ohio, where he received his early education in the public schools. He also at- tended Hillsboro Academy. At the age of six- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 381 teen, he commenced teaching and taught and at- tended school alternately. In the meantime he became anxious to study medicine, and pursued his studies in this direction all through the time cov- ered by teaching school. In July, 1853 he came to Vermilion County and inaugarated a successful practice of his profession, but being anxious to further post himself he went from Myersville, where he lived, to Chicago, where he attended Rush Medical College, graduating therefrom in 1861. lie returned to Myersville and practiced until May, 1872, when he came to Danville, where he has been a successful practitioner since. In 1855 he mar- ried Susan Gundy, who is a native of Ross Town- ship, this county, and adaughter of Joseph Gundy, (a sketch of whose life appears in another part of this volume.) Dr. Ilenton is a member of Olive Branch Lodge No. 38, A. F. & A. M., and also of Vermilion Chap- ter No. 82, R. A. M. The Doctor and wife are communicants of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Professionally Dr. Ilenton has been very successful, and as a citizen, his reputation is one of the high- est. He keeps well read up on current events, and is what the world calls a well -posted man. *l-HH.<^^tJ:>JJ!^H- |IKD C. PATE is numbered among the worthy citizens of Vermilion County who, j natives of its soil, have for many years been active in developing and extending its great agricultural interests, and while so doino- have placed themselves in independent and pros- perous circumstances. He was born and reared in Catlin Township, and since attaining man's estate has been a practical member of its farming com- munity, owning and busily engaged in the man- agement of a good farm of 200 acres of fertile land on section 2 1 . Adam Pate, the father of our subject, was a native of Virginia. When he established himself in life he married Elizabeth Owens, a native of Kentucky. They commenced their wedded life in Dearborn County, Ind., but in 1820 they made their way through the rude and sparsely settled country to Vermilion County, and became early settlers in this vicinity, locating at first about three miles north-west of Catlin, and then removing to this farm, which is now in the possession of our subject. Here their remaining lives were spent in the toil necessary to improve a farm in the wil- derness, and now that they have passed away, their memory will be cherished with that of other pio- neers who labored and sacrificed that they might build up comfortable homes, and in so doing aided in building up this commonwealth of Ill- inois. The father died Feb. 24, 1 80 7, aged seventy- four years, two months and five days. The'mother died Oct. 8, 1874, aged eighty years, nine months and twenty-six days. They were the parents of fourteen children, of whom Bird was the thirteenth. He was born in Catlin Township, July 12, 1830, and grew to manhood amid the primitive surround- ings of those early days of the settlement of I he county, and on the homestead where he was reared he has spent his entire life thus far, and has de- voted himself exclusively to farming. To the lady who presides over bis pleasant home and helps him to dispense its abundant hospital- ities to whosoever comes under its sheltering roof, he was united in marriage in Vermilion County, Dec. 21, 1857. Her maiden name was Rebecca Tanner, and she was born in this county, July 30, 1839 to William and Lucinda (McKinsey) Tanner, early settlers of the county. Six children have blessed the marriage of our subject and his wife, of whom five are living — Lafayette P. married Rebecca Jones, and is engaged in the coal business north of Catlin; Horace M. is unmarried and resides in Gar- vanza, Cal.; Asa married Jennie Alexander, and is engaged in farming in this township ; Cla3 T and Clara O., the two latter reside at home with their par- ents. Their eldest child, George W.. died when about four years old, and thus early taken from this weary world, he is "safe from all that can harm, safe, and quietly sleeping." Mr. and Mrs. Pate are very- pleasant people, kindly and generous in their dealings with their neighbors, by whom they are much liked. Mr. Pate has been Road Commissioner and School Di- rector, holding the latter office twenty-one years, and in both capacities has served the public effici- 382 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. ently. He is a sound Republican and earnestly supports the principles promulgated by his party. He is a man of correct moral habits, and though a member of no religious society yet takes an active part in the affairs of the church and does what he can for its welfare. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M., Catlin Lodge, No. 285. A fine lithographic view of the homestead and surroundings on the farm of Mr. Pate is shown elsewhere in this work. —5 #«# *— \f UDGE OLIVER LOWNDES DAVIS. It I is seemingly natural, at least it is easier, for mankind to wander into crooked paths than to follow the straight road of recti- tude and honor; but he who fortunately con- fines himself to the latter, must have some realiza- tion of the homely and ancient adage that "virtue brings its own reward." Men do not realize the truth of this so much as in life's decline, when the shadows of the great change which is soon to come are already visible; then fortunate is he who may humbly feel that his life labors have not wholly been in vain. These thoughts involuntarily arise in contemplating the career of Judge Davis, which has been perhaps, like that of a deep stream, little disturbed at the surface, but with an under-current whose strength has been clear and decided. A native of New York City, he was born Dec. 20, 1819, and is the son of William and Olivia (Thomp- son) Davis, who were natives respectively, of Sar- atoga, N. Y., and Connecticut. After their re- moval to the metropolis the father was for many years engaged with varying success as a shipping merchant. The subject of this sketch pursued his first studies in a select school in his native city, afterward en- tered Hamilton Academy, and later was a student at the academy in Canandaigua, N. Y. After lay- ing aside his books he entered the service of the American Fur Company, which was founded by John Jacob Astor and which was at that time un- der the presidency of Ramsey Crookes. He con- tinued with this company until 1811. and then, having determined to make his home in the West, came to this count}- and settled in Danville, where he now lives. Early in life Judge Davis had looked forward to the time when he could enter the legal profession and now in keeping with his long cherished desire, he placed himself under the tuition of Isaac P. Walker and began the study of law. By close application and untiring diligence he made rapid progress in his studies and on the 15th day of De- cember, 1842, was admitted to the liar. Soon afterward opening an office on his own account, he began the practice of his profession, but contin- ued his studies and in due time established him- self as a reliable practitioner and was regarded as an able advocate who signalized himself as ex- ceptionally honorable and high-minded. In 18G1 upon the formation of the Twenty- seventh Circuit Court, Mr. Davis was elected Judge and was appointed by Judge Treat as United States Commissioner. On the 1st of July, follow- ing, he was reelected to the former office, which he held until Jul}' 10, 1866, when, owing to the meagreness of the salary he resigned and resumed the practice of his profession, which he continued with marked success until 1873. He was then elected Judge of the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit which office he held until 1879, and in that year he was elected and commissioned Judge of the Fourth Judicial Circuit. In the meantime, on the 25th of September, 1877, our subject was appointed by the Supreme Court as one of the Judges of the Appellate Court — an office to which he was twice subsequently re- appointed and in which he served with great wis- dom and discretion for twelve years and at the end of the second appointment retired from the bench. He is particularly distinguished for his legal acumen and honesty, together with great purity of motive, while his equitable rulings and gentlemanly bearing have secured him the high esteem of all with whom he has had dealings. As a lawyer, he has honored his profession, while as a Judge, he holds the un- qualified respect of both bench and bar. In politics, Judge Davis, was oiiginally a Demo- crat, but upon the organization of the Republican party he became identified with that body. He ' PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 383 was elected to the Legislature, first in 1851, and again in 1857. Aside from tliis he has declined political preferment, finding more satisfactory oc- cupation in the practice of his chosen profession. In his religious views, he is a Presbyterian, having united with that church in 1870. Judge Davis was married Dec. 5, 1844, to Miss Sarah M. Cunningham, a daughter of Hezekiahand Mary (Alexander) Cunningham, who were natives respectively of Virginia and Georgia. In the lat tir State were many members of the Alexander fam- ily who rose to eminence, and were particularly gifted with the traits of an illustrious ancestry. Mrs. Davis is a native of this county and was born Sept. 3, 1827. To the Judge and his accomplished wife there were born ten children, six of whom are liv- ing — Mary married Charles .1. Palmer; Lucy, mar- ried .1. B. Mann; Jennie, married S. M. Millike n; Nellie, Henry Harmon, and Fannie. E. «*-*- T AMES E. WHITE is industriously pursuing the calling of afarmer on section 10, Catlin Township, where be owns a good farm whose well-tilled acres yield him an income that enables him to support his family in comfort. He was born in Perrysville, Ind., Sept. 4, 1851, a son of James and Frances Ann (Sanders) White. The former was twice married, his first wife being Hannah Rogers, the mother of William White, of whom a brief account is given on another page of this work. Our subject is the oldest living son of his father and mother, and was a lad of eight years when his parents came to Vermilion County, this State, and here the remaining years of his boyhood and youth were spent, and when it became time for him to settle upon some calling by which to earn a living, he selected agriculture as the one for which he was the best fitted. He has been quite successful thus far and has already placed his 160-acre farm under excellent tillage and has made many good improv- ments. June 3, 1874. was the date of one of the most important events that ever occurred in the life of Mr. White, our subject, as at that time he was united in the holy bonds of matrimony to Miss Emily Eliza Browne, who is faithfully co-operating with him in his work. Seven children have come to brighten their home, as follows: Henry W. Eliza F., Mirriam R., Frederic J., Alice E., who was taken from the home circle Feb. 2, 1888; Jes- sie L., and Minnie E. Mrs. White is a native of Catlin Township, and was born Dec. 2:!, 1852, to William and Eliza (Jones) Browne, natives of England. The latter was born Feb. 3, 1829, and became the wife of William Browne May l(i, 18,50. and with him set- tled in Catlin Township On the 24th day of March, 1851, he was suddenly removed by an ac- cidental death, from the sphere of his usefulness while yet in life's prime. On that, day he was un- loading hay from a wagon near the residence of the late Henry Jones, on the road between Catlin and Danville. He was on the ground at the rear of the load unloosening the pole that bound the hay, and the horses becoming frightened started to run away, and while he was trying to catch them he was struck by the hay ladder of the rack, across the heart, and in less than a half-hour was dead. He was the father of two children — Eliza and Em- ily E., (Mrs. White). Eliza died when about fif- teen months old. The widow of William Browne, and mother of Mrs. White was afterward again mar- ried, this time being united with Frederic Tarrant, a native of England. Mr. Tarrant was born at Stanford in the Vale, County of Berks, old Eng- land, his birth occurring May 15, 1821. He left his native land in June, 1 853, coming almost im- mediately to the great and growing West. Mr. and Mrs. Tarrant became the parents of a large family of children, whose names are given below: Sarah Louisa, born Fell. (1, 1857, married Charles P. Williams, Sept. 1, 1875: Frederic Rich- ard, born Jan. 1. 1859, and died May 17. 1859; Miriam Whitfield, born Feb. 10. I860, and mar- ried Nov. 1, 1882, to Robert White; Ellen Eliz- abeth, born Dec. 18, 18(51, and died May 7, 1862; Arthur Heniy, born May 20, 1863. and married June G, 1888. to Annie Estella l.udy; Jessie Bent- ley, born Dec 20, 18C5, and married March 31, Iur subject operated five years upon rented land to such good advantage that at the expiration of 388 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. this time he was enabled to purchase 100 acres — eighty acres of prairie at $5 per acre and twenty acres of timber at $4 per acre. lie paid cash down for the timber but was obliged logo in debt for the other. He put up a frame house and hauled the fin- ishing lumber for it from a point east of Eugene, Ind., the trip occupying three days. He lived at this place seven years then traded it for a tract of raw land, three and one-half miles southwest of Fairmount. Removing to this he went through the same process as before, bringing the new soil to a state of cultivation, putting up another house and hauling the lumber as before from the same place. This continued the home of our subject and his little family until after the outbreak of the late Civil War. Although there was much to engross the time and thoughts of Mr. Burroughs in connection with his personal interests he. nevertheless, responded to the call of his country and in August, 1862, entered the army as Captain of Company E, 73d Illinois Infan- try. He participated with one exception, in all the battles of his regiment, being prevented by illness from taking part in the fight at Murfreesboro, Tenn. On the 18th of December, 1864, he was promoted to the rank of Major. Although in many of the im- portant engagements which followed he was never wounded except, as he expressed it, " in the hat." He has a vivid recollection of the battles of Perry- ville. Chickainauga, Mission Ridge, Rocky Face, Burnt Hickory, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta, Jonesboro, Lovejoy's Station, Franklin, the two days at Nashville and the fight at Dalton and Resaca. After Lee's surrender he was mustered out in June, 1865, at Camp Butler, III. Upon retiring from the army Major Burroughs returned to his farm which he occupied until 1867. Then, removing to Fairmount, he purchased a home and has since lived retired from active labor. Af- ter giving to his two children each a farm he still has 324 acres left. There were born to him and his excellent wife four children, of whom Melissa, the eldest daughter, became the wife of I. N. Wilcox, who died Sept. 19, 1887, leaving his widow with one child, Harry B; Elsworth Thompson Burroughs, the eldest son of our subject, married Miss Laura Custer, and is the father of two children — Fred and Frank — living near Westville; Esther M., is the wife of William P. Witherspoon and the mother of three children — Stella, Wilson W. and Myrtle; they live in a home adjoining that of Mr. Burroughs. The youngest child Newton W.. remains at home with his parents. Mr. Burroughs usually votes the straight Repub- lican ticket but further than this takes no active part in polities and has avoided the responsibilities of office, although serving as Director and Trustee in his district. He has been a member of the Town Council and as an ex-soldier, belonged to George N. Neville, Post. G. A. R. until its discon- tinuance. Major and Mrs. Burroughs together with all their children, are members of the Cum- berland Presbyterian Church at Fairmount. This was organized in 1869 and the Major has been one of its Elders since that time. He has always enter- tained an active interest in the Sunday-school in which he has held the office of Superintendent many years. He ranks among the foremost temperance men of this communit}' and in all his dealings has preserved that honest and upright course in life which as been the surest guarantee of a substantial success and paved the way to a position in the front ranks among the responsible men of this community. He knows by what toil and struggle his posessions were accumulated, and has a faculty of investing his capital to the best advantage. A portrait of Major Burroughs, which appears in this volume will be valued by his many friends in the county, and especially by his comrades in the G. A. R. *£a-= P~€^-i II LBERT VOORHES, a prominent and well-to-do farmer and stock-raiser of Cat- lin Township, numbered among its most benevolent and public-spirited citizens, is a fine type of our self-made men, who while work- ing hard to establish themselves in the world have materially added to the wealth of this county. When he and his wife began life together, they had to commence in the humblest way, having no means, but by their united labors, with wise econ- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 389 only and prudent management, they have secured a competence, and have built up one of the most at- tractive homes in the township. Mr. Yoorhes is a native of the good old State of Pennsylvania, born in Washington County Dec. 26, 1833, the fourth child in the family of twelve children, five sons and seven daughters, belonging to Andrew W. and Mary (Crockard) Yoorhes. 1 1 is father was born in New Jersey and his mother in Pennsylvania, and after marriage, they made their home in Washington County, Pa., and there their entire wedded life was passed, and there death found them well-prepared for its summons. The father was a farmer and stock-raiser. Their son Albert, the subject of this biograph- ical review, was reared to manhood in the home of his birth, remaining an inmate of the parental household till he married and established domestie ties of his own. That important event in his life took place in his native county Sept. 12, 1857, on which date he was united in the holy bonds of matrimony to Miss Sarah J. Baker. Mrs. Voorhes is a daugh- ter of Enoch and Margaret (Speers) Baker, who were natives of Washington County, Pa., the fa- ther spending his entire life there. The mother is still living at an advanced age. Mrs. Voorhes is the eldest of the eight children, three daughters and five sons, born to her parents, and she lirst saw the light of day amid the pretty scenes sur- rounding her early home Dec. 19, 1839. She was reared to womanhood in Washington County, and carefully trained in all the duties of caring for a household, and was thus admirably fitted for the part of wife and mother that she has performed so well. To her and our subject ten children have been born, of whom the following is recorded: Emery A., died when he was six months old: Sam- Del W.. died when he was twenty-one, his deatii having been caused by a horse kicking him; Charles L., married Miss Cora A. McDonald; Lin- nia I., married Wallace Acree; Albert N.. died when four months old; Delia J. married Albert Fisher; Henry II., Florence B., Kimbro E., and Earl F.. are at home. In the fall of 1857. Mr. and Mrs. Voorhes, then recently married, left their old Pennsylvania borne, and coming to Illinois, settled in Edgar County about eight miles west of Paris. After living there two years, they came to Vermilion County where they have ever since made their home. Mr. Voorhes lias a farm of 243 acres on section 1. (atlin Township, and eighty acres in Vance Town- ship two miles south of Fairmount, on which he has erected a fine set of buildings, and has made other valuable improvements, besides putting the land under good cultivation, and has a place of which lie may well be proud. At one time Mr. Voorhes moved to Fairmount with his famil}'. and lived in retirement there for two years. Mr. Voorhes possesses in a large degree the rugged honesty, truthfulness and steadfast char- acter that mark the man of all men in whom to place implicit confidence. He has good natural abilities, and knows well how to work to the best advantage, hence his prosperity. He and his wife are people of warm hearts and genial, social dispositions, so that they r\re much loved in this community with whose people they have dwelt in amity and peace these many years. They are devoted members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, of which he has been an Elder for more than twenty years. In politics, Mr. Voorhes is a sturdy Democrat of the .lacksonian style. He takes a lively interest in public affairs, and has done his township good ser- vice as Road Commissioner, which office he has held for the last six years; and as School Direc- tor, he having acted in that capacity a long term of years. •£S*g^ WILLIAM P. VAN ALLEN. The subject of this notice deserves more than a passing mention in noting the events in the lives of the prominent men of Vermilion County, to whom it owes in a large measure its uniform prosperity and steadily increasing growth, both morally, socially and financially. We find this representative agriculturist pleasantly situated on ■a line farm occupying a part of section 3G in Oak- wood Township, in the enjoyment of a homestead which he has built up by his own industry and perse- verance. He came to this county like many of his compeers, with limited means, but was possessed of 390 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. those invaluable qualities of persistence and energy which are usually attended by success. He was soon recognized as a valued addition to the com- munity, and from time to time was placed in vari- ous positions of trust and responsibility, the duties of which he has uniformly discharged with honesty and fidelity. In the biography of John II. Van Allen, on another page in this Album, will be found the pa- rental history of our subject, who is a child of the same family. He was born Dec. 20, 1840, in Lick- ing County, Ohio, and there spent his boyhood and youth, receiving a practical education in the com- mon school. He served an apprenticeship at the carpenter trade with his father and worked at this until reaching his majority. After the outbreak of the Civil War he entered the Union Army, Aug. 14, 1862, as a member of Company G, 07th Ohio Infantry, with which he served three years and un- til the close of the conflict. He, like his brother, met the enemy first in battle at Perryville, and later was at Wild Cat Mountain, Crab Orchard and Nashville, where his regiment was placed un- der the command of General Rosecrans and subse- quently fought at Stone River. They spent the winter at this point, in the meantime engaging in several skirmishes and then proceeded to Talla- homa, Tenn., and to Chattanooga, following up the rebel general, Bragg. The 97th Regiment, was, with others of the brigade, ordered in company with Gen. Wilder's Mounted Infantry to march ten miles, pulling the artillery by hand up the mountain, and opened fire on Chattanooga on Waldon Ridge for ten days. This was in order to allow Gen. Rosecrans with his army to cross at Stevenson, forty miles below. Our subject with his comrades was now con- stantly under fire, and the 97th was the first regi- ment to enter Chattanooga. They did provost duty there during the battle of Chickamauga, and later participated in the fight at Mission Ridge, where the regiment lost over 140 killed and wounded. Soon afterward they were ordered upon a forced march to relieve Gen. Burnside, at Knox- ville, Tenn., and later our subject with his com- rades was assigned to the command of Gen. O. O. Howard. After this he fought at the battle of Dandridge. The regiment then retreated back to Knoxville. They guarded the railroad in that vicinity during the winter. On the 3d of May, 1864, they concentrated at Cleveland, Tenn., pre- paring for the memorable march to the sea. At the battle of Kenesaw Mountain, on the 22d of June, Mr. Van Allen was severely wounded in the right thigh by a minie ball. He was sent first to the hospital at Nashville and subsequently trans- ferred to Louisville, from which point his father took him home. When sufficiently recovered he reported at Columbus, Ohio, and was sent to Camp Dennison, where he received his honorable dis- charge in 1865. He had his full share of the hard- ships and privations of army life, and has never fully recovered from the effects of his wounds and the drain upon his constitution caused by hard fare, the forced marches and the sojourn among the malarial districts of the South. Upon returning home Mr. Van Allen served an apprenticeship at the potter's trade and followed it about three years. In the meantime he was married, Nov. 21, 1866, to Miss Caroline V. Kiger, who was the only child of her parents, and was born in Virginia, in 1847. The young people so- journed in the Bucke3'e State until 1869, then came to Illinois, and a year later Mr. Van Allen purchased land and began the construction of a farm. He put up a fine residence in 1879 and is the owner of 112 acres under a thorough state of cultivation. Stock-raising forms a leading feature in his operations, and he makes a specialt}' of Poland-China swine, while he has nearly twenty head of draft horses and a few equines not quite so valuable. Mr. Van Allen takes a pardonable pride in the fact that his first presidential vote was cast for Abraham Lincoln, and he voted for Benjamin Harrison with equal enthusiasm early upon election day in 1888. He is a sound Republican with clear and decided ideas as to the reason of the faith within him. He at an early date became identi- fied with the G. A. R., and has been Commander of George Morrison Post, No. 635, at Glenburn, since its organization. He is likewise connected with Newtown Lodge, in which he has been Treas- urer for years. He represented Oakwood Town- PORTRAIT AND lillli 1 1{ A PII1CAL ALBUM. 391 ^1 1 i | > in the County Board of Supervisors two years, was Justice of the Peace four years and has been School Director nine years. Probably no man in the township has contributed in a more effectual manner to its steady growth and uniform pros- perity. Mr. and Mrs. Van Allen are the parents of nine children, four sons and five daughters, all living: Walter, Frank, Stats, Bertie, John, Mary, Etta, Nellie and Vida. The}' are being carefully reared and educated in a manner fitting them for their future station in life as the offspring of one of the representative families of Central Illinois. i^m^^^- HOMASC. McCAUGHEY, M. D. The rnecl- «gs» ical profession of Vermilion County num- bers among its members some very able and conscientious men, and among them may be classed the subject of this notice. He has distinguished himself as a conscientious practioner, both of med- icine and surgery and has been located in Hoopes- ton since 1871. He is well known as the junior partner of the firm of Peirce & McCaughey, the druggists of Main street. Dr. McCaughey is a gentleman in the prime of life, in the forty-ninth year of his age, having been born Jan. 20, 1841, in Sharon Center, Medina Co., Ohio. He spent his youthful days there and at Fredericksburg, Wayne County. His father, Rob- ert McCaughey, conducted an hotel and engaged in mercantile pursuits. Thomas C. completed his education at Fredericksburg and soon afterward, the Civil War being in progress, he enlisted as a Union soldier in Company II, I02d Ohio Infantry. This was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland and our subject participated in all the engagements of his regiment, serving three years without wound or capture while half of his comrades were killed or wounded. He was frequently in the thickest of the fight and upon several occasions his escape seemed nothing less than a miracle. At the close of the war he was mustered out at Columbus, Ohio, and r< ceived his honorable discharge July 8, I860. Upon retiring from the army our subject visited his home for a brief time, then came directly to Pax ton, this Stale, where In' commenced the study of medicine under Drs. Kelso and Randolph, with whom he remained two years. Next he entered the medical department of Michigan University at Ann Arbor, being a member of the class of 1.SG7. This was followed by another course in Rush Medical College, Chicago, after which he received his di- ploma and established himself in Ford County, near the present town of Rankin, where his rides ex- tended over a large section of country. In 1871, soon after the laying out of Hoopeston, Dr. McCaughey came to this place, being the first physician to establish himself here. In 1881 he associated himself in partnership with Dr. Peirce. For over twelve years he has been surgeon for the Chicago ifc Eastern Illinois Railroad Company. He makes a specialty of surgery and in his office may be seen the latest instruments and appliances in keeping with the progress of this science. He has been a close student and avails himself of every opportunity for information in connection with this most important calling. He is a member of the Board of Pension Examiners and of the Board of Health in Hoopeston. He has for some years been connected with the United Presbyterian Church of which he is an Elder and has officiated as Superintendent of the Sunday-school for seven- teen years. He has always maintained a warm in- terest in its prosperity and given to it a liberal sup- port, lie has no political aspirations, but thor- oughly believes in the principles of the Republican party. Miss Mary E. Johnson, of Rankin, became the wife of our subject Jan. l'4. 1871, and to them have been born three children, — Cora Etta, Mary Isie and Robert S. ( )f these Cora Etta is dead and the last two are living and are aged fifteen and thirteen respectively. Cora Etta was the first child born in Hoopeston. It is the intention of their parents to bestow upon them all the social and educational advantages, befitting their station in life. Mrs. McCaughey was born near Bellefon- taine, Ohio, Sept., 1845 and is the daughter of Stanton and Jane (Stevenson) Johnson, who settled in the vicinity of Rankin, where the father pur- Chased land from which he built up a good farm 392 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. and there his daughter, Mary E., lived until her marriage. The father is deceased. The mother is still living and is now quite aged. Robert McCaughey, the father of our subject, in early manhood engaged in general merchandising, being located on the road between Medina and Akron, Ohio, where also was situated his hotel and where he lived until Thomas O, our subject, was a lad of ten years. He then removed to Doyleston where his deatli took place in 1853. Politically, he was an old line Whig. S7 EVIN VINSON. In the life of the subject I (?e» of this notice there are illustrated the re- jl^vs suits of a strong will under adverse circum- stances, and that which may lie accomplished by steady perseverance in an honest purpose and fol- lowing the impulses of a worthy nature stirred to continuous action, together with the promptings which fill a man with a desire to be able not only to respect himself, but to secure a like sentiment from his fellow-citizens. There are few men who have warmer or truer friends than Mr. Vinson, who, without making any great stir in the world, has fully established himself in the confidence of those who know him, and who is designated as having a tender heart under a rough exterior. The place which he holds in this community has not been secured by the amount of his wealth, but by the possession of those qualities which are better than silver and gold. The Vinson family were first represented in this country in Maryland, whence they emigrated to Kentucky, where Ileuson Vinson, the father of our subject, was born and engaged in fanning pursuits. Upon reaching manhood he was married to Miss Abigail McDowell, likewise a native of the Blue Grass State, whence they removed to Park County, Ind. They sojourned there until 1841, then com- ing to Illinois, settled in this county, and the father died seven years later, in 1848. His widow is still living in this county, and has now arrived at the advanced age of ninety years. They are the parents of niue children, six of whom are living. The subject of this notice was the fourth child of his parents, and was born in Park County, Ind., Feb. 20, 1829. He received a very limited educa- cation, which was mosth obtained before he reached the age of twelve years. He remained at the farm working for his father until twenty years old, then purchased 320 acres of wild land through a sol- dier's land warrant, which proved to have been a forgery, and which resulted in the loss of ICO acres. When approaching the twenty-first year of his age, he was married, Nov. 12. 1849, to Miss Naomi Lig- get, daughter of Jesse Ligget, who is represented elsewhere in this volume. The young people commenced their wedded life under favorable auspices, and though their little farm was undeveloped, they were blest with good health, cheerful hearts and willing hands, and united in a mutual purpose to built up a home for themselves. They still live in the house which was built thirty-five years ago, and Mr. Vinson is now the owner of 200 acres of thorougly cultivated land. Mr. and Mrs. Vinson have never had children of their own, but have raised two others. The eldest, whom they named Edwin Vinson, is now a man of thirty-three j-ears. He married Miss Annie Rogers, lives on a part of the farm, and is the father of five children. The other boy was sent to Illinois from a New York juvenile asylum when seven years of age, was then taken by Mr. Vinson, and is now a promising youth of seventeen, a good, in- dustrious boy, who has been susceptible to good training, and bills fair to make a worthy citizen and a first-class farmer. In 1862, during the progress of the Civil War, our subject, in company with his brother John, raised a company of men, which was made a part of the 125th Illinois Infantry. Of this Mr. Vinson was elected Captain, and served as such for nearly two years, commanding his company at the battle of Perry - ville and during the campaign about Nashville. During the last five months of the service he was quite ill and finally obliged to resign his position and return' home. He votes the straight Republi- can ticket, and has served as School Director and Road Commissioner. Socially he belongs to New- town Lodge, No. 7 14, A. F. & A. M., in which he has PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 393 been Treasurer for several years. He is likewise identified with the G. A. R.. as a member of George Morrison Post, No. 685, at Glenburn in which he has been Quartermaster since its organization. Mrs. Vinson has been connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church for the last thirty-five years, and when a younger lady was greatly interested in Sunday-school work, officiating as a teacher and otherwise looking after the religious interests of the young. The paternal grandmother of our subject lived t<> be one hundred and seven years old, and was twice married, her second husband being Mr. Gib- bons, of Maryland. At the age of one hundred she went out and held a prairie plow to which eight yoke of oxen were attached, and followed it for a quarter of a mile. During the last five years of her life she made her home with Mr. and Mrs. A r inson. ENHY V. DAVIS owns and operates a splendid farm in Vance Township. As r/ .v earl}' as the year 1835 he located in Illinois, igy coming from Ohio. He and his brother A I nam came with their father to put in a crop. They remained here while the father returned to Ohio to close up his business. When he returned he made the largest entry of land that is on record at the Danville land-office in one man's name — over 3,000 acres. Mr. Davis, of whom this sketch is written, re- ceived his education in the primitive schools in the pioneer days of Illinois. When he was nineteen years of age he left the schoolroom and gave his attention to work on his father's farm, continuing to Labor in this way until after he was married. On Feb. IS, 1842, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Ann Copeland, a daughter of Samuel Copeland, a farmer, who lived seven miles north- west of Danville. Mr. and Mrs. Davis were the parents of six children, who lived beyond infancy. Samuel II., the eldest son, was born Sept. 5, 1844, and when the war broke out he enlisted, Aug. 22, 18G1. in Company F, 26th Illinois Infantry. He remained with his regiment until .lune, 1862, when he was taken sick and died, his death occurring at Darlington, Tenn., June 9, 1H(>2. He was interred at the above named place. William E. a farmer who lives in Nebraska, married Mrs. Lilly M.Lucas, daughter of Samuel King, and widow of Rob- ert Lucas. Sarah Elizabeth married George R. Gamble, a photographer of Champaign, III.; the}' have two children. The mother of these children died Sept. 6, 1858. Mr. Davis continued house- keeping after the death of bis wife, and May 25, 1859, he remarried, taking for bis second wife Catherine, a daughter of Cornelius and Mary Calla- han, of Canada. Mr. Callahan was a farmer and had seven children, of whom Mrs. Davis was the eldest, having been born March 11, 18.'!:!. She re- ceived her early education in Canada, and com- pleted it in Union Seminary, located at Danville, III. She was a very successful school teacher, and is a lady of culture and refinement. Mr. and Mrs. Davis are the parents of three children: Oscar Harmon married Clara II. Brown; he is a farmer living in Minnesota. They are the parents of three children: Ira Grant, the second son, married Mary Elizabeth Palmer. They are residing on the old homestead and are the parents of one child — Mallie Leona, who was born on Christmas Day. 1888; George W. is unmarried and lives at home. Mr. Davis owns 426 acres of land in this county, and 514 in Champaign County; a half-section in Minnesota, and a house and four lots in Cham- paign, where he lived thirteen years for the purpose of educating his family. As a farmer Mr. Davis has been eminently successful, and to his children he has given much land and other property. All of the home farm is under excellent cultivation ex- cepting about fifty acres. This place he rented in 1854 and removed to his Champaign County farm, where he remained a year, returning to the old homestead. In 1852 he sold a lot of mules with the intention of reinvesting the money in the same kind of properly, but instead, he entered 982 acres of land, and he never has regretted it. His father gave him 400 acres to begin life with, and he has added to that until he now owns nearly 2,000 acres of land. Mr. and Mrs. Davis worship at the Baptist Church, of which he has been Trustee and Deacon 394 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. for a long time. He gave $ 1,000 to aid in the erection of the Baptist University at Chicago, the site for which was given by Stephen A. Douglas. AVlijle Mr. Davis does not take an active part in politics, he always attends elections, and the last Democratic ballot cast by him was for Franklin Pierce. The troubles in Kansas and Nebraska made him a Republican, and he has since voted for the nominees of that party. Mr. Davis' ability for accumulating land and other propert}', is an evi- dence of his cleverness as a sound business man and a progressive farmer. «~-\/v-•■ :>« •' — -s — ■•-^ k; - < » - /p^EORGE W. MILLER has been a resident iff <=, of Vermilion County for forty-four years. ^SsJjj L"e was born in Vermillion County, hid.. Nov. 26, 1841, his parents being Andrew J. and Catherine (Moyer) Miller. The father was a na- tive of Kentucky and the mother of Ohio. The Millers had been residents of Kentucky for several generations, and Andrew Miller had been brought to Indiana by his parents when twelve years old. There he lived until a few years after his marriage when he removed to this county, living the first year near Alvan. and then coming to where his son now lives. His first house was a log structure in which he lived for several years before he built the fine roomy residence on the opposite side of the road located on section 9, which is now owned by his widow. There he died on Aug. 23, 1 873. When he first came to this county, Andrew Mil- ler was a poor man, having the means to buy only forty acres of land, a yoke of oxen and a horse. He worked faithfully and soon began to accumu- late property, gradually adding to his possessions until, before his death, he was the owner of sev- eral farms in this county, and atone time haviii" 404 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 1.500 acres and when he died he left over 1,000 acres, as he bought and sold whenever he could with advantage. His first start in life was ob- tained by hauling produce to Chicago with his ox- team. In this slow and laborious way he began, and his success well illustrates the capacity and energy of the man. When he first settled in Vermil- ion County in 1845, this was an entirely new coun- try and he witnessed its rapid growth and prosper- ity, in which he was no small factor, and which was brought about by just such men as he. At this time there was only one house in sight of his cabin, that being another log house about three miles north 'of his, and where the thriving village of Rossville now stands was another cabin. Hard work and plenty of it was the lot of the pioneer and his family, and they literally earned their bread by the sweat of {their brows. Breaking prairie was the first thing in order, and to the struggling, poor pioneer was no easj r task. Grad- ually it was accomplished and he soon had his forty acres under cultivation. Fencing it was a necessity, but it had to be delayed for some time. George W. being the eldest of the children, at an early age learned what hard labor was, which contri- buted largely to his own success. Not only was hard work necessary in reclaiming the land but it was imperative that the pioneer guard against dan- ger from wild animals, the wolves, especially being very numerous and daring, compelling him to shelter his live stock and poultry every night. Andrew J. Miller and Catherine Moyer were married in Vermillion County, Ind., and became the parents of twelve children. The first two died in infancy before being named; the next was George W.; then Cornelius, who was a farmer of Ross Township, this county; Tabitha, deceased, was the wife of Jesse Tomlinson, after whose death she married Jonathan Prather; Nancy also deceased, was the wife of James U. Prather; Mary Isabelle, John T. and Enoch died when young; Joseph S. is a farmer in Ross Township, this county; Cather- ine is the wife of Maxwell lieekett, also a farmer in Ross Township; and Mildred is married to Mor- ton Langsdon a farmer of the same place. Mr. and Mrs. Miller were well known to the old settlers of this county and greatly respected. He was a temperate and moral man, noted for his destnsta- tions of obscenity and profanity, which he never failed to check if uttered in his presence. He refused to accept office of any kind though often pressed to do so, preferring to devote all his time and attention to his own affairs. His widow, now in her sixty-fourth year is in good health and strength, and makes her home with her youngest daughter, Mildred. George W. Miller in his youth endured the hardships and privations inseparable from the life of a pioneer. His first reccollections are of the log cabin which sheltered him when he was a boy. There his initiation into the rudiments of an edu- cation was received, the first school in this localit}' being held in his father's house, when the settlers became numerous enough to hire a teacher for their children. It was a good many years before a dis- trict school was established, and that was on the subscription plan. In this way the children of the first settlers grew up but although their actual '•schooling" was little, they learned how to become good men and women and useful members of soci- ety. They early imbibed from their parents those lessons of industry and frugality, which were the general characteristics of the pioneer. George assisted his father on the farm until he was thirty years old when he married and settled on a part of the same tract, on which he now has his home, and which he subsequently bought from his father's estate. In the spring of 1 873 he went to Nebraska with the intention of making that State his home, but the last illness of his father caused his return. In less than three months after he came back his father died, and he settled the estate and built for himself the house in which he now lives. His pres- ent property was partly bequeathed to him and partly purchased from the other heirs. When he got it there was only one building of any kind on the place, the present buildings have been erected by him. He has since added more land by pur- chase of adjoining property and has now 410 acres in all. A creek runs through a part of the farm making that portion especiall}- desirable for stock- raising purposes to which it is devoted. Mr. Mil- ler having, on an average, about fifty head of cat- tle and generally raising about 100 hogs each year. -mmt Jt&swiJLd ^JS^-h^Uo^ PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 107 His principal crops are corn and oats, a greater porti f which is consumed on the farm. On Feb. 15, 1*72. Mr. Miller was united in mar- riage with Miss Vienna Catherine Hawes, daughter of Daniel and Louisa ( Miller) Ilawes, both of whom came from Pennsylvania to this county, locating first in Danville and afterward removing to a farm near Rossville. Mrs. Miller is a native of Penn- sylvania, her birth occurring on Nov. 7, 1852. Mr. ami Mrs. Miller are the parents of eight children, one died in infancy and the rest are at home and are named as follows: Louisa Catherine, Andrew I).. Samuel J., Mary E., George H., Elsie May, and Annie Maud. Mr. Miller belongs to the young enterprising and progressive class of farmers and is deservedly achieving success. Almost his en- tire life has been spent on the place which he now lives and he is known by every one in this section of the country, being as widely respected as he is known. He has held several township offices and is at present Highway Commissioner. jy| RS. NANCY AMIS. It can hardly be questioned that women, although called, with reason or without, the weaker half of humanity, have always done a full share of the world's work. In the opening up of the Great West, especially worthy of note is the part that has been taken by the wives and daughters of the pioneers who have cleared the timber and plowed the prairie. Here as elsewhere the co-oper- ation of husband and wife has produced some of the best results of modern civilization, homes which are the seat of intelligence and refinement, a society where good morals are the rule, not the exception. One of these true helpmates is the subject of the sketch now before us, the widow of Mr. James T. Amis — late resident of Danville Township, a man of character and integrity — and the daughter of Abraham Ilessey, of Virginia. It. is said that the father of Mr. Hessey came to Amer- ica from Ireland when a young man, the vessel in which he sailed being wrecked and he being one of the few passengers saved. Settling in Cooke i ounty, Va., he there spent the remainder of his days. His son Abraham lived in Virginia till the death of his parents, and then moved to Nelson County, Ky. and bought a tract of wooded land, a part of which was in a state of cultivation, and a comfortable log-cabin, his home as long as he lived. Here our subject was born. Her mother, whose maiden name was Sarah McCorinick, was a native of Nelson County, Ky., daughter of Andrew Mc- Cormick, a pioneer of that county from Ohio. Nancy Hessey was six years old when her mother died and fifteen when her father's death occurred. Mr. Hessey having contracted a second marriage, she was brought up by a step-mother, and became accomplished in the housewifely arts of the period, learning to spin both wool and flax. Her cards and spinning wheel are still preserved as precious mementos of early clays. In 1853 her brother, Andrew Hessey, being out of health and a change of climate being considered desirable, she came with him to Illinois, accompanying a familj', who, in the absence of railways, were making the jour- ney with a team. Her first home in this State was with her cousin, William Ilessey, in Pilot Town- ship. Being a prairie, this region had not been settled as early as some other -parts, and was still but partially reclaimed from the wilderness ; deer yet roamed at will. The marriage of Nancy Ilessey and James T. Amis took place Sept. 16, 1855. Mr. Amis was born in Hardin County, Ky., June 18, 1831. His parents, William and Fanny (Davis) Amis, natives of Tennessee, were early settlers of Hardin County, and later of Vermillion County, Ind. Mr. Amis was a young man when his par- ents removed to Indiana, and he there grew to maturity and was educated in the pioneer schools. He came to this county in 1853, and settling in Pilot Township, lived there till 1868, when he bought the present family home in Danville. When he came here the estate was but little im- proved. He labored diligently and successfully in reclaiming and cultivating the land, and in 1883 built a fine brick house in a modern style of arch- itecture. The place is now one of the best im- proved in the township and a monument to his wise forethought and untiring industry. He con- tinued a resident there till his death June 8, 1884. 408 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. Mr. Amis was a man of exemplary habits and t>f sound judgment, a kind husband and father, an obliging neighbor, a good citizen, and respected by all who knew him. He was a member of the United Brethren Church in Pilot Township, as was also his wife, a woman, be it said, in every way worthy of such noble companionship. The homestead is now occupied by Mrs. Amis and her four children — Hania Edward, William I)., .lames A., and Lizzie Hessey. A portrait of the late husband of Mrs. Amis ap- pears on another page of this work and will be highly valued by those with whom he was wont to associate, but from among whom he has now gone forever. THOMAS WILLIAMS. The fact of a man being well spoken of by those with whom he has spent the greater part of his life is a sufficient indication of his character, and thus Mr. Williams may be mentioned as a representative of the best (lenient of his community — a man of the strictest integrity and one who, by a life of industry, and the exercise of economy and a wise judgment has obtained for himself a competence. He is now living retired from active labor, in a pleasant home at Hoopeston. He settled in this town during its infancy and has been one of those who assisted the most largely in giving to it its pres- ent importance. The first nineteen 3'ears of the life of our subject were spent in Harrison County, Ohio, where he was born Nov. 29, 1828. lie acquired his educa- tion in the common school and lived with his wid- owed mother until the age mentioned, when with the natural desire of youth for change, he left home and went to work for his uncle, Thomas Hoopes, in Marion County. Ohio. (A sketch of Mr. Hoopes appears elsewhere in this Album). He worked by the month for his uncle Thomas seven years, and then taking 100 sheep on the shares, he started onfootand drove them through from Marion County. Ohio, to Hoopeston, this county, a distance of 400 miles, being thirty days on the road. lie reached his destination Oct. 20. 1853, and made his home that first winter with old "Uncle" Samuel Gilbert. He spent the time looking after his sheep, feeding them down in the timber, and in thespring went on to a farm owned by Mr. Hoopes, on sec- tion 1 1. northwest of the present site of the town. At that time the nearest house was two and one- half miles south, on the farm which our subject now owns, and the next one was eight miles north; so there was no one but himself and a hand to keep the wolves away from the sheep, although his dogs would chase the wolves for a short distance; then the latter would run the dogs back to the house, so Mr. Williams had to be on his guard all through the day and at night sleep with one eye open, al- though he had a wolf-proof pound for his sheep at night. Mr. Williams thus operated for two years and the second winter his flock was increased by the addition of 400 more. The bad weather and the rattle snakes, however, made sad havoc with his live-stock and he was obliged to turn his attention in another direction. He purchased five yoke of oxen, together with a breaking plow, and followed breaking for three years, being usually able to make *1<»0 per month in the summer time. When the weather was suitable he could turn an eighteen or twenty-inch furrow. In the meantime he preempted 160 acres of land in Iroquois County. This he lived upon a short time, effecting considerable improvement prior to his marriage. The above interesting event in the life of our subject took place on the 9th of June, 1859, the bride being Miss Lavina McFarland of Iroquuis County, 111. Mr. Williams about this time put up a small frame house and added to it a house stand- ing near, thus forming quite a comfortable abode for those times and which the newly wedded pair occupied until Christmas. About that time the}' removed to a farm in the vicinity of Hoopeston, the same on which Mr. Williams had first herded his sheep. He rented this until 1868 and later pur- chasing seventy-five head of cattle, established himself southeast of what is now the town, where he lived on the creek about six years. Then he purchased the Churchill Board man farm, consisting of 500 acres, and which was partially improved. Our subject now began stock-raising in earnest, PORTRAIT AND P.lOO RAPII1CAL ALBUM. 409 and prosecuted tliis industry until the construction of the railroad through this section, after which he engaged more generally in farming. In 1870 he met wiih an accident which resulted in the breaking of his leg and accordingly leaving the farm, he took up his abode in Hoopeston, where he commenced buying grain and operated the elevat- ors in partnership with A. T. Catherwood. He was thus occupied for a period of seven years, the last, two years operating with twelve different elevators, then retired from active business. During these years, he became the half owner of 1,525 acres of land, near Ambia. in Benton County, Ind., which is now largely devoted to the raising of grain, 1,000 acres alone being planted in corn and 250 acres in oats. Mr. Williams visits this farm every week in summer, while Mr. Catherwood attends to it during the winter season. See sketch. Mr. Williams keeps himself well posted upon current events and gives his political support to the Republican party. Socially, he is a Knight Tem- plar and in religious matters a member of the Uni- versalist Church. Upon first coming to Hoopeston he purchased ground on Second street, where he lived four years and later purchased property at tin' corner of Penn and Fifth streets, where he has resided for the past six years. He was the first man in company with others to experiment with the sugar cane here and later became interested in the canning factory, putting up the corn produced from 900 acres the first year, but only prosecuted this two seasons. Miss Lavina McFarland of Marion County. Ohio, became the wife of our subject. June 9. 1859. she was the daughter of Andrew and Sarah McFarland, who in 1857 removed to Illinois and settled in Iro- quois County where Mrs. Williams lived under the parental roof until her marriage. Of her union with our subject there were born six children, of whom only three are living — Charles C, Walter W. ami Frank. The first mentioned is occupied as a bookkeeper at Omaha, Neb.; the others remain at home and will be given the educational advan- tages suitable to their position in life. Nathan Williams, the father of our subject, was born in Bedford County. Pa., and when a young man emigrated to Harrison County, Ohio, where he taught school two years. He had prior to this learned the tailor's trade. In Ohio he purchased a tract of land near Georgetown from which he con- structed a good farm. He married Miss Sarah, daughter of Nathan lloopes. Ten children came to bless this union, of whom Thomas, our subject, was the fifth in order of birth. The father died when a comparatively young man, in 1811. The mother kept her home in Ohio until the children were grown to mature years, then, although retain- ing her property there, she came to the home of her son in this county, where her death took place in 1881, when she was seventy-nine years old, having been born in 1S02. She, like her husband, was a member of the Society of Friends. J ^ AMES M. STINE, Postmaster of Fail-mount, is without question the most popular man in this community. The fact that his ap- pointment as Postmaster was endorsed by two of the Democratic papers in 1889f he being a Republican, is sulficient indication of the estima- tion in which he is held by his fellow-citizens. His early educational advantages were limited, but good sense and energy have proved his valuable stock in trade. Under favorable circumstances he might have made for himself a reputation in the literary field, as he has been a frequent con- tributor both of prose and poetry to the local press. He took a conspicuous part in the late Civil War, and among other duties commanded the flatboat which carried the rock to build the dam constructed by Col. Bailey in the Red River, to float down the gunboats at the time of Banks' expedition up that river. His career has been es- sentially that of a self-made man, who in early life was thrown upon his own resources and whose ex- perience served to develop within him a most admirable character. ( )ur subject conies of excellent stock, being the son of John and Mary (Winn) Stine, who were natives respectively of Pennsylvania and Virginia. They became residents of Ohio in their voulh. and were married in .Muskingum County, thai State. 410 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. where they lived until 1865. Thence they came to this county and settled in the vicinity of Dan- ville, where the father prosecuted farming- and died in 1871. The mother preceded her husband to the silent grave, dying in 1870. Their house- hold included ten children, five of whom are still living and making their homes mostly in Illinois. The subject of this sketch was the seventh child of his parents, and was born April 26, 1843, in Muskingum County, Ohio. He learned what he could in the common schools prior to the outbreak of the Civil War, and made a visit to Illinois in 1860, working in this county on a farm for about- one year. Then, returning to Ohio, he, in Sep- tember, 1861. enlisted as a Union soldier in Com- pany D. 16th Ohio Infantry, which was organized in Wooster and soon afterward proceeded to the South. Young Stine was then but eighteen years old, but he performed all the soldierly duties of a full-grown man, and engaged in all the battles in which his regiment participated, being at Cumber- land Gap, Tazewell, Tenn., Chicasaw Bayou, Port Gibson, Raymond, Champion Hills, Black River, the siege of Yicksburg; was at Jackson, Miss., and in the Red River expedition. At the expiration of his term of enlistment he was mustered out with his comrades at Morganza Bend, in October, 1864. Although experiencing many hairbreadth (.■•capes, he came out without a scratch, and re- mained at home that winter. In the spring of 1865, being unable to content himself at home while many of his comrades were stdl fighting in the field, he enlisted a second time, in Company B, 1,96th Ohio Infantry, and went with his regiment to the Shenandoah Valley, remaining there until the surrender of Lee at Appomattox. Soon after- ward they repaired to Baltimore, and thence to Camp Chase, Columbus, Ohio, where the regiment was mustered out in October, 1865. Upon leaving the army the second lime, Mr. Stine joined his parents in this county, and on the 12th of August, 1866, was married to Miss Eliza Bates, a daughter of Joel Bates, one of the pioneer settlers of Danville Township. Mrs. Stine has an uncle, James O'Neal, who was the first male white child born in this count}', and who now resides six miles south of Danville. Mr. Stine worked on a farm for two years after his marriage; then, in 1X70, removing to Kentucky, was a resident of the Blue Grass State for the following six years. We next find him in St. Louis. Mo., where he was en- gineer in a rolling-mill for one year. His next removal was to this county, of which he has since remained a resident. For the last four years he has been a butter-maker in the creamery at Fair- mount. To our subject and his estimable wife there were born five children, only one of whom is living, a daughter, Mary Belle, who was born Oct. 5, 1876. Miss Mary is an apt scholar in the High School at Fairmount, and possesses more than ordinary musi- cal talent, being a fine performer on the violin. They have a very pleasant and comfortable home, situated in the west part of the town, and enjoy the friendship of a large circle of acquaintances. Mr. Stine has taken an active part in political matters, and is familiarly known as "Old Baldy No. 2." He was a member of the Republican Central Com- mittee during the late campaign, has been Village Trustee two years, and the second year was Presi- dent of the Board. As an ex-soldier he was a member of the G. A. R. Post, which was disbanded in 1888, and of which he was Post Commander one year. Both he and Mrs. Stine are members in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church and the daughter is prominently connected with the Sunday-school. The family is well known throughout Vance Township, and are amply worthy of representatation in a work of this kind. ,/^^USTAVUS C. PEARSON was born in Ra- venna, Portage Co., Ohio, Jul}- 17,1827. His father, the Hon John Pearson, was born in Avon, N. Y.. Jan. 23, 1802. The Pearsons are de- scendants of the Rev. Abraham Pearson of York- shire, England and came to America in 1639, and whose son, also Abraham Pearson, was the first President of Yale College. The grandfather of Gustavus went from Elling- ton, Conn., to New York State, when a young man and was married in Schenectady, Jan. 4, 1789. to PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 411 Rebecca (Waterous) Hull. He located in Duanes- burg, where he lived on patent land until 1796. Hi' then concluded to build a home which he could call his own, where the fee of the laud could lie obtained and free of all incumbrance, and therefore went to the wilds of Western New York and loca- ted at Hartford (now Avon), in company with his mother-in-law, Canada, purchasing 400 acres of land there. He first erected a log cabin but later built the firsl frame house in the neighborhood, which was called "John's Industry and Rebecca's Economy." He brought a grindstone with him in to the country which the Indians soon found would sharpen their tomahawks. Knowing the fear of the family, they would strike the hatchets into the logs and give an Indian whoop. They however became civil and docile afterwards. He also built a store and engaged extensively in mer- cantile pursuits. This was long before there were either railroads or canals, and his goods which were bought in the city of New York and Philadelphia, were transported by pack horses. He used to take cattle, horses and sheep in exchange for goods, and these he drove to market at Philadelphia or New York, the journey occupying from four to six weeks. His death occurred in Avon, Dec. 23, IS 1 2, while his wife survived him many years, dy- ing in Vernon Township, Pa., Dec. 10, 1861, lack- ing but three years of rounding out a full century. The father of Gustavus, the Hon. John Pearson, was graduated from Princeton College in Septem- ber, 1821, when he began the study of law with the Hon. George Hosmer, at West Avon. He was admitted to the bar at Ravenna, Ohio, in the spring of 1832, from which place he went to Detroit, Mich., and took passage on a sailing vessel bound for Chicago. Maj. Whistler then commandant of Ft. Dearborn was a friend of the Pearsons, and in- vited them into the fort where the family remained while the father started out to seek a location, as Chicago was then considered unsafe on account of the Indians. In the month of July of that vear, the first steamer that ever floated on Lake Michigan, landed at Chicago, bringing Gen. Scott's troops and an unwelcome visitor, the cholera. Mr. Pearson soon removed his family to Danville on account of there being a company of rangers sta- tioned there which seemed to insure safety for the settlers. In 183G, he was elected Presidential elec- tor on the Van Buren ticket and was selected as messenger to return the vote of Illinois to Wash- ington City. During the same year he was elected Circuit Judge and removed his residence to Joliet. His circuit included all of Cook, Will, DuPagc, Kane, DeKalb, and other contiguous counties. He held the office of Judge until he was elected State Senator. In 1849, he went to California, making the journey across the plains. He, however, did not make a lengthy stop there, but returned East Locating in New York City, where he practiced law for a time. He shortly returned to Chicago and thence to Danville, where he had large real estate interests, and here resided until his death, which occurred in June, 1875. Judge Pearson, the father of the subject of this sketch, in his day did more for the upbuilding of Danville than any other man. To people who would agree to build on lots, he gave them away, a policy which showed great wisdom. Judge Pearson will remain in the memories of many people as an up- right and able man. His kindness to the poor was proverbial. Judge Pearson was twice married. The maiden name of his first wife, and the mother of Gustavus, was Catherine Tiffany, daughter of Judge George S. Tiffany. She was a native of New York and her death took place June 4, 1842. She was the mother of three children, Gustavus being the eld- est, and Elizabeth who is the wife of Col. William C. McReynolds. George is deceased. The second wife of Judge Pearson was Catherine Passage, of Princeton, N. J. She became the mother of two children: Fannie, wife of Dr. Morehouse of Dan- ville, and Hattie, wife of Mr. Knox, of St. Paul, ; Minn. Gustavus C. Pearson, of whom this sketch is written, is in every sense of the word an old set- tler. He came to Illinois with his parents when not five years old, and he recalls the incidents oc- curring during the residence of the family at Ft. Dearborn, the Indian dances and the cholera scare, which caused a temporary depopulation of the fort. He attended the pioneer schools of Danville and later the Jubilee College in Peoria County. He 412 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. also attended at Allegheny College in Meadville, Pa., from which place lie went to New York and clerked in a store for a short time, afterwaid re- turning to Danville, where he began the study of law with Judge McRoberts. This occupied one year, when he went to Joliet and engaged with Gov. Matteson as clerk, and by hard work be- came, in course of time, general manager of his bus- iness, and so valuable were young Pearson's ser- vices, that Gov. Matteson offered him the profits of a one-half interest in the business, without capi- tal, if young Pearson would remain in his position and not go to California. Here he remained until 1849, when he started for California, having fitted out one team with three yoke of oxen, with others. In their journey across the plains they encountered vast herds of buffalo and especially in the vicinity of where Lincoln, Neb., is now situated. Guards were mounted every night after crossing the Mis- souri River. Along this dreary and lonely route every variety of personal property was scattered, from St. Joseph to California, by emigrants going to the Eldorado. At Salt Lake City, where the Mormons had settled, the part}' was induced by Brigham Young and others to stop, it being represented by the great apostle that the surround- ing country was fully as rich in minerals as Cali- fornia. The}' accordingly staid there about three months, when Brigham declared that those Gentiles wlio would not unite with the Mormon Church should leave at once for California, and that in go- ing they should make themselves useful to the the Mormons by opening a new trail. Young knew that it was too late for them to go by the Northern or Humboldt route, and thought to make them useful to his own people. Thus the party was obliged to start and make their way GOO miles across a country without any trail. Mr. Pearson's wagon was the first one that ever went through Cahon Pass on wheels, but prior to reach- ing this Pass, his part}', composed of ten young men who had left their teams at Armagosa or Bit- ter Waters, traversed a desert of 113 miles, arriv- ing at Prudom's Ranch in an almost famished condition. Capt. Hunt had the previous year gone through the Pass eastward, but had taken his wagon to pieces, aud packed it on the backs of mules. The party stopped at Prudom's Ranch for a few weeks and from there went to Los Angeles, thence to San Pedro, where they embarked in a sailing vessel, and arriving at San Francisco pitched their tent on the beach. A number of the company had perished en route. At this period San Fran- cisco was composed of a few adobe houses and a great mauy tents. The party remained there a few weeks, when Mr. Pearson went to the mining regions and engaged in digging for gold until 1852, and the money thus accumulated was, in 1850, sent to Pennsylvania and loaned at six per cent. He then returned home by the Nicaraugua route. In 1853 he again visited California, and es- tablished the first grape ranch on the red lands, southeast of Sacramento; this land is since celebrated as the best vineyard land m the State, and among the finest in the United States. The land was then de- clared worthless by the Spanish and Gen. Sutter. During the summer of 1855, the weather was so dry that mining was neither pleasant nor profitable, so Mr. Pearson in company with nine others, formed a party and started on a hunting expedition. It was this company that first explored and laid claim to the Yosemite Valley and made its wondrous beauties known to the world. Mr. Pearson re- turned East, and in 1859, commenced operating on the Board of Trade in Chicago, which he contin- ued until 18G9, when he went again to California, and in Yallejo erected the first elevator ever built on the Chicago plan in that State. He was also associated with A. D. Starr, as Pearson & Starr, in building fiouring-inills at South Vallejo, which are at the present time the largest in the world, having a capacity of 9,000 barrels a day. He remained a resident of California, and aided in establishing the San Francisco Board of Trade, but in the year 1880 returned to Danville, where he has since lived, retired from active life. He erected a beautiful residence on the land which his father purchased in 183 I. Mr. Pearson was married Sept. 13, 18G4. to Hat- tie P. Brown, daughter of the Hon. William and Mary J. (Pearson) Brown, natives of New York State. Her father was a resident of Ogdensburg. where he was for many years County Judge, and was always prominently identified with the up- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. U3 building of that city, where lie spent his last years. Mr. and Mrs. Pearson have three children : John A., Frances N., and Nomen N. Mr. mid Mrs. Pearson are members of the Holy Trinity (Episcopal) Church. Mr. Pearson lias always been greatly interested in publie affairs and in politics has ever been arrayed against the mo- nopolists, lie was largely instrumental in organ- izing the Grange Revolution in California, of which he was a prominent member for many years. lie drafted the California Warehouse law. and suc- ceeded in having it passed after ten years of per- sistent effort, which regulated warehouses, and makes their receipts available for business purposes. The entire grain trade of the Pacific Coast had been controlled until then by an individual operator, lie has been a contributor to the Journal <;/' Com merce, in Chicago, and also the Pacific Rural Press, and other newspapers. Mr. Pearson has attained high success as a business man, and this can be attributed to his strict probity and his sagacity. In 1880, he returned to Danville for the purpose of educating his children. Our subject is a member of the Old Settler's Society of Chicago, and is also numbered among the pioneers of California, being one of the settlers of '49. ^ ^f/OHN W. BREWER, a prominent citizen of Vermilion County, was born in the city of Danville July 7, 1*37. His father, William Brewer, was one of the pioneers of this county, and was born in Virginia or Ohio. The grandfather of John W., whose name was John Brewer, was a native of Pennsylvania, and of Dutch ancestry, the name being formerly spelled Brower. The latter moved from Pennsylvania to Virginia, and thence to Ohio, where he spent his last years in Miami County. William Brewer, the father of the subject of this sketch, was reared in Ohio, and when a young man started for the West, going to Lafayette, End., and there married. In about 1832 he came to Vermilion County, locating in Dr.r.ville. Soon after coming here he entered Government land, which was situated in Danville and Xewell Townships; part of this land is now in- cluded in the city of Danville. Parly in manhood he had learned the cabinet-maker's trade, and after coming to Danville, he labored as a carpenter, and has the I >r of being the builder of the first frame house erected in the city. The timbers were hewn, and the weather boards rived or split, by hand, lie resided here until 1840, when he re- moved to Clay County, where he lived eight years, then returned to this county. His death occurred in 1857 in Newell township. The maiden name of his second wife, and the mother of John W., was Sarah Switzer, a native of Ohio and daughter of Peter and .Mary Switzer, natives of Pennsylvania. She was married a second tone to II. B. Current. John W. Brewer had five brothers and one sister who lived to maturity: Mary A. married W. H. Rod rick; she is now deceased. Abraham lives in Danville; Richard is a resident of Oakwood Town- ship, while Peter and Isaac are deceased. John W. attended the pioneer schools of this county in the old-fashioned log school-houses, furnished with primitive seats and desks. The benches were con- structed by splitting small logs, hewing oue side, and inserting wooden pins for legs. The method of securing an education in those early days, com- pared to that of these times, is a practical illustra- tion of the inarch of civilization in the nineteenth century. He resided with his parents until his father's death, when he learned the carpenter's trade, in which business he had received previous instructions from his father. Immediately after his marriage he located on the farm that he now owns and occupies. This contains 180 acres of well-improved land, the greater part being located in Danville Township, about five miles from the city. He was first married in 1858, to Harriet Kester. She was born in Ohio, and died in 1862, leaving one child, George. His second marriage, which occurred in 1867, was to Sarah Oliver, a native of Vermilion County, and a daughter of John and Elizabeth Oliver. Of this union there are seven children: Albert Prank, Edmund, Perry, Ben, Etlie, Clara and Ettie. Mr. Brewer is a member of the Pleasant Grove United Brethren Church, of which he has been Steward one year. He has always taken an interest 414 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. in educational affairs, and has served as Clerk of the School Board. Mr. Brewer is one of the sub- stantial and reliable citizens of his neighborhood. In polities, he is a stanch Democrat. V TLLIAM KELLY, a talented business man :ind able financier.is classed among the fore- most citizens of this part of Vermilion County. He is a coal operator, and is also extensively en ,r aoed in farming' and stock raising, owning and personally superintending a large farm on section 2, Danville Township. Here he has one of the finest country seats in Illinois, comprising a hand- some and commodious brick residence of a modern and pleasing style of architecture, tastefully fur- nished and replete with all the comforts and luxur- ies that make life worth living, with grounds around it beautifully and artistically laid out. The representation of such a beautiful home as this is certainly a pleasing and attractive addition to a book of this character and will be appreciated by all readers. Mr. Kelly was born in County Meath, Ireland, Nov. 1, 1842. His father Michael and his grand- father, Bernard Kelly, the latter a fanner, were life-long residents of the same county, the father dying in Dec. 23, 1888. The maiden name of the grandmother, a native of the same count}-, was Shaw. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Kate Gleniian. also a native of County Meath, and there she died in 1859. There were eleven children in the family of the parents of our subject, nine of whom grew to maturity, and five of them came to the United States, as follows: Michael; Kate, who married Morace Mitchell; Margaret, who married Thomas Gerahty; Ann. who married Edward Oaks; all are residents of Danville. The subject of this biography was reared in his native land, and when eighteen years of age the intelligent, ambitious youth determined to see what life held for him in the United States of America, the goal of so many of li is countrymen, and going to Liverpool he embarked in a vessel bound for these shores, and landed in New York City after an uneventful voyage. He had about $30 in cash at that time, his only capital with which to begin life in a new country. He went to West- chester County, N. Y.. and there did his first work on American soil, finding employment on a farm at ¥12 a month. Six months after that he made his way to Vermilion County, and the ensu- ing nine months worked in Danville, and then, with characteristic enterprise embarked in business on his own account as a coal operator by leasing a bank. The first few months he did all the wink himself, but was so successful in his venture from a pecuniary standpoint that he was soon enabled to employ men, and is still carrying on the busi- ness, often having as many as thii-ty- men at work. In 1873 Mr. Kelly turned his attention in another direction, desiring to expend some of his super- fluous energies in agricultural pursuits, and he purchased in that year the farm which is still in his possession and under his management. It eon- tains 400 acres of choice land, under splendid cul- tivation and yielding large harvests, and amply supplied with roomy, conveniently arranged build- ings, including his handsome residence which he erected in 1888, and has all the modern machinery and appliances for facilitating farm labors. Mr. Kelly raises stock quite extensively, and has Que herds of blooded cattle, horses and hogs. The marriage of our subject with Miss Elizabeth Tyiall was solemnized in 1864. Shi' is a native of County Meath, Ireland, and a daughter of Garrett 1'yrall. She is a woman of fine character and warm heart, and unites with her husband in making their beautiful home attractive to their many friends or to the stranger within their gates, by a genial, gracious hospitality. Their pleasant house- hold circle is completed by the seven children born unto them, namely: Kate, Margaret, Lizzie, Annie, Emma, Lulu, Bertie. Mr. Kelly is a distinguished representative of our self-made men whose industrious, methodical, business-like habits, combined with a steadfast purpose and great executive talent, have led them on to fortune. It is to such men of large enter- prise and liberal spirit that Vermilion County is indebted for her high standing as a prosperous, ;V I - m !*>,. 'Residence off. M.OLEhXSee. 10. ^Danville Township* \fermilion County? Residence of W. V. F? I C KA RT See, S. Itoss Township, \errn Man Ootf/tt\ r PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 117 wealthy community, with flourishing agricultural, mining, manufacturing, ami commercial interests. Our subject possesses great weight and influence in this locality, where he is looked up to as a wise, far sighted, noble minded citizen, and his hand is felt in all schemes that are in any way calculated to benefit the township or county. « MLSON V. RICKART. There are few \/\I/l homesteads in this county more attractive yfyy or more valuable than that owned by the subject of this sketch. Without ostentation or any great amount of display, it is the synonym of com- fort and plenty, with all the evidences of cultivated tastes and the refinements of modern life. The large and well cultivated farm has been brought to its present condition only by the exercise of the most unflagging industry, together with wise judgment and economy, which has enabled the proprietor to invest his capital where it would yield the best re- turns. He is widely and favorably known as a skillful and progressive farmer, prompt in his busi- ness transactions and in all respects a valued mem- ber of his community. Next in importance to a man's own person- ality is the record of those from whom be drew his origin. The father of our subject was .John Kickart and his paternal grandfather was Leon- ard Rickart, the latter probably a native of North Carolina. It is known that John Kick- art was born in that State and was one of five brothers, all of whom signalized themselves as efficient soldiers in the War of LSI 2. They, how- ever, became separated during the vicissitudes of that war and never metagain. John emigrated to Ohio when a young man and was married in Butler County to Miss Nancy Clem, a native of Ken- tucky. His parents also removed to Ohio, where they spent their last days. Twelve children completed the household circle of John Rickart and his excellent wife, eight of \\1 1 were born in Ohio: .Susan married William Allen and came with her husband to this county at an early day, where her death took place about 1850; Mary J. became the wife of George Cope- land and also died in this county; Lucinda married Kesa M. Davis, and resides in this county; Julia A. is the wife of T. 15. Blecvcns. of this county ; Leonard is deceased; Nancy is the wife of Charles Howard, and they live in Labette County, Kan.; Maria is the wife of Robert I). Kinman, of Poto- mac, this county. These, with Wilson V.. our sub- ject, were natives of the Buckeye State. The younger children, Jacob, Frances M., Samuel C. and Elmira, were born in this county. The latter died at the age of sixteen years. The parents of our subject came to Illinois in the fall of 1 .s;i(S, making the trip overland by team and located in Blount Township about nine miles northwest of Danville. The father purchased of a Mr. Skinner a tract of land upon which some im- provements had been made and built lip a good home, where he and his estimable wife spent their last days. He was very successful as a tiller of the soil and the old home farm was considered one of the best in that region. The mother departed this life in November, 1871, when about sixty-six years old. Mr. Rickart survived his wife less than a year, dy- ing in June, 1872, at the age of seventy-two. They were people honest and upright and enjoyed the highest respect of all who knew them. The subject of our sketch distinctly remembers that at the time of coming to this county deer, wolves and other wild animals were plentiful, so that whatever else the family larder lacked they al- ways had an abundance of wild meats. During his boyhood days the nearest market was at Chicago, which was then an unimportant village. On his first trip to the place in company with a party of neighbors, they encamped the first night near the present site of Hoopeston, and the wolves came and howled within thirty steps of their camp, keeping them awake by their noise, but doing no further damage than to frighten them considerably. When a family needed a fresh supply of provisions they would kill a hog of about 200 pounds weight, sell- ing it for wdiatever they could get. sometimes $10 and sometimes &5, and calculated that this must furnish them with groceries for the year. On his first trip to Chicago young Rickart took a load of wheal, and when within forty miles of the place 418 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. met a party of men returning who reported wheat worth $1 per bushel. The day following it was iiuoted at fifty cents. Upon his arrival there the price had risen a little again and he obtained fifty- five cents. There were then three elevators in operation, but others were in process of con- struction. There was only one street south of the river and none of the streets were paved. A wagon would sink in the sand and mud to the depth of about eight inches. About eight years later Mr. Rickart hauled grain to Chicago, when there was about seven miles of town south of the river. A hotel had been built several miles south on the open prairie, where dro- vers stopped over night and their cattle grazed upon the prairie grass. Upon his second trip Mr. Rickart found the city had extended to a point near the hotel. After the building of the railroad to Danville there was a good market at that place, and farm produce was accordingly shipped there. One of the most important events in the life of our subject was his marriage, which occurred Dec. 29, 1859, in Blount Township, this county, with Miss Hester A., daughter of Josiah and Hannah (Watkins) Crawford. Mis. Rickart was born in Hocking County, Ohio, November, 183G. Her pa- rents were natives respectively of Virginia and Maryland, whence they removed to Ohio prior to their marriage. Thence in 1838 they came to this county, locating not far from the home of the Rick- art family. They likewise opened up a farm from the wilderness, and there the mother died, March 21, 1860, at the age of forty-seven years. Mr. Crawford is still living at the old homestead. Five of their ten children are also living: (Sarah .1. mar- ried Vinton Lane, of this county; William, Hester A. and Benjamin are the next in order of birth; Mary L. married William Blankenship, of this county; Minerva died at the age of fourteen years; Samuel. James, Elmira and Lucinda died prior to the decease of the mother. The latter was a lady of many estimable qualities and a member in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. and Mrs. Rickart belong to the United Brethren Church. The Rickart homestead comprises 560 acres of land, which was chiefly wild and uncultivated when coming into the possession of our sub}ect. Under his careful management it has become exceedingly fertile, yielding him a handsome income. He set- tled upon it in the spring of I860, and for many years has made a specialty of stock-raising, chiefly cattle. He uniformly votes the Democrat ticket and has held the various township offices, includ- ing that of Constable and Commissioner of High- ways. The first school attended by our subject was taught in a little frame house b}' Miss Emma Palmer, of Danville, and conducted on the sub- scription plan. The next teacher was Samuel Hum- phrey, who subsequently studied medicine and con- ducted a drug store in Danville, where he practiced and died several years later. Another teacher whom Mr. Rickart remembers was a Mr. Robison, an old sailor. Later Elder William Webster, who now lives in Danville, officiated as the first peda- gogue under the free school law. The prairie grass in those days grew to a height of five or six feet, and the yellow blossoms of the weeds would fre- quently hide a team and wagon completely out of sight. Mr. and Mrs. Rickart have only two chil- dren living, Hattie J. and Ella V. The first men- tioned is the wife of John V. Lane, and they live at the homestead. The second child, Emma C, died at the age of six years. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Rickart, William Crawford, was a soldier in the War of 1812. Grandfather William Watkins hired a substitute for the same war. We take pleasure in inviting the attention of readers to a fine view of the country residence of Mr. and Mrs. Rickart on another page of the volume. STF=W M. OLEIIV. On section 10, Danville — ©) '^ owusn 'Pi about a mile outside of the cor- porate limits of the city, lies one of the finest farms in this part of the county, owned by the gentleman whose name stands at the head of this sketch. He is a native of Vermilion County, born in this township May 3, 1837, and a son of one of its early pioneers. His father, Dennis Olehy, was of Irish des- cent and bori. near Portsmouth, Ohio. He was PORTRAIT AMI BIOGR Al'illCAI. ALBUM. H9 quite young when his parents died so that nothing is known of their history. He was reared in his native State to a sturdy, self-reliant manhood, mar- ried, and resided there until [830. He Mien stalled for the far West, journeying with a team to Ver- milion County, and here made a claim to a tract of land in what is now Danville Township. The greater part of the land in this State was then in the hands of the Government, ludiansstill lingered around their old haunts, deer and other wild game were plentiful in the then sparsely settled country which showed but few signs of the coming civil- ization. Mr. Olehy erected a pole shanty as a tem- porary shelter for his family, and they lived in it till he could put up a round log house, the same in which the subject of this sketch was born. The father continued to live on his homestead till bis demise, which occurred March 2. 1877. lie occu- pied an honorable place among the brave, self-sac- rificing pioneers of the county, and left to his chil- dren the precious legacy of a life well-spent. The maiden name of his wife, mother of our subject, was Elizabeth Glaze, she was of German descent, and is supposed to have been born in Ohio, a daughter of John Glaze, a pioneer of Vermilion County. Her deatli took place on the old home- stead in 1 8 15. Dennis Olehy, the father of our subject, was twice married; his first wife was Elizabeth Glaze, by whom he had seven children, viz: Nancy be- came the wife of Joseph Martin, she is now de- ceased; Rachel, wife of John <,). Yillars; Mary A., wife of Martin Current; F. M., our subject; Isaac Newton, (deceased), married Sarah Emily; James died when a boy; Perry died in the army while serving as a Union soldier of the late war. After the death of his first wife Dennis Olehy married Sarah Ann Jones, by whom he had ten children. Those who lived to maturity are — Jane married Henry Olehy; Adeline married Marion I'agins; Elizabeth married Herbert Hall; Martha married Job Marble; Ruth A., deceased, married Thomas Hathaway; Joshua married Rosa liclle Jones; Ellen married John Marble, and is deceased: Alice married Sherman Waits; Martin and William died when they were small boys. The subject of this sketch was educated in the primitive pioneer schools of the early days of the settlements of Illinois, which with their rude slab benches, dirt and stick chimneys with open fireplaces for heating purposes, were not much like the line educational institutions where the youth of to-day are trained. As soon as he was able to shoulder a gun he took pleasure in hunting and be shot several deer in the course of bis boyhood, lie assisted on the farm, living at borne till bis marriage, and occasionally accompanied Ins father to the nearest markets at Perrysville, Compton or Lafayette, on the Wabash River, quite a distance from home, with produce, and once in a while he made a trip to Chicago, 125 miles distant. He continued to live in Danville Township for a time after marriage, then went to Warren County, Ind., where be rented land, and also leased some land near Burr Oak Grove. In 1868, he returned to this place with his family and located on the farm that be now owns. This homestead comprises 190 acres of choice land, whose finely tilled fields yield a handsome return in repayment of the labor and care spent upon it. It is furnished with a good set of frame buildings which he has erected and he has otherwise greatly increased the value of his property since it came into his possession. Mr. Olehy and Miss Minerva J. Martin were united in marriage Sept. 9, 1858, and they have four children living, namely: Mary the wife of John Yillars. of Champaign County, 111.; William D.; Albert and Minnie are at home with their par- ents; George M., died at the age of about four months. Mis. Olehy's father, George Martin, was born in Beaver County, Ohio, near Georgetown, Oct. 18, 1809. His father, Hudson Martin, was a native of Virginia, and his father, George Martin, Mrs. Olehy's great-grandfather, spent his entire life in that State. Hudson Martin moved to Ohio when a young man. and was married there to Mar- tha Lay cock, a native of Virginia, and a daughter of William Laycock, who moved from his native Virginia to Ohio among the first settlers of Brown County, lie took up a tract of land there, im- proved a farm, and erected good buildings, only to find that he had labored for nothing as he lost his land by some one else having a prior claim. The maiden name of his wife was Harper, and she 420 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. came of an old Virginia family that owned Har- per's Ferry and gave it its name. Mrs. Olehy's grandfather Hudson resided in Ohio many years, but subsequently moved to Ripley County, Ind., whence he came to Vermilion County in 1827, the removal being made with teams to bring the fam- ily and household goods, while the stock was driven along at the same time. He was one of the early settlers of the county, locating in what is now Newell Township, making a claim and entering land from the Government. Mr. Martin at once commenced the improvement of a farm, on which he resided many years. He finally sold it and moved to "Washington, where his last years were spent. Mrs. Olehy's grandmother died at the home of her daughter in Newell Township. Mrs. Olehy's father was in his eighteenth year when he came to this county with his parents, and can remember well the incidents of their early life here. Two years after coming here he returned to Indiana and engaged in boating on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers about four 3'ears. He then re- turned to Vermilion County and established him- self as a farmer. He worked by the month or day for awhile, and at the time of marriage rented land, and later bought some, and was a resident here till 1875. In that year he went to California on ac- count of ill heal Lb and was gone two years. He then came back to the old homestead, which is lo- cated in Danville Township, two miles from the court house. Feb. 23, 1 837, was the date of his marriage with Miss Mary McKee. She was born in Fleming Count}', Ky.,June 2, 1812. Her father William McKee, was born in Pennsylvania Jan. 18, 1783, and was a son of Guian McKee, who is sup- posed to have been a native of Scotland, whence he came to America in colonial times and served in the Revolutionary War. He located in Penn- sylvania, and from there a few years after the Rev- olution he went to Kentucky and was a pioneer of Fleming County. He bought a tract of land, cleared a farm, and was a resident there till his death. Mrs. Martin's father was young when his parents removed to Kentucky, and there he was reared. He learned and followed the trade of a wheelwright some years, and then bought a tract of timber land and built a lou; house in which Mrs. Martin was born. In 1832, he sold out his prop- erty ill his Kentucky home, and coming to Ver- milion County, located on the place where Mr. and Mrs. Martin now reside. It consisted at that time of 160 acres of wild land, and he improved it into a good farm before his death, which occurred Feb. 21.1 872. The maiden name of his wife was Hes- ter Adams. She was born either in Kentucky or Ohio Aug. 12, 1785, and died on the home farm here Dec. 1. 18(J6. Mr. Olehy is a man of good habits and sterling principles, and is a credit to his native county. He is a hard worker and uses good judgment in the management of his affairs, so that he has acquired considerable property, and is numbered among the well-to-do citizens of the township. Politically, he associates with the Democratic party, and is an earnest supporter of its policy. A fine lithographic view of the handsome farm, residence and out- buildings of Mr. Olehy is shown on another page of this work, anil we invite the reader's attention to the same. hENRV .1. OAKWOOD. It is said of this |] jovial, practical, genial and companionable gentleman that "he is the youngest looking old man you will find in six States,", and that "he has not a single enem}' on earth." It is evident by this that, notwithstanding partial friends may look upon him through rose-colored glasses, he is a man of no ordinary stamp, and has ex- ericised in a marked degree the rare qualities of discretion, good judgment and temperance of speech and action, which have gathered around him many warm personal friends. His business quali- fications are fully equal to the other distinguishing traits of his character, he having been uniformly successful and accumulating a competence. A native of the Buckeye State, Mr. Oakwood was born in Brown County, Ohio, March 7, 181!), and came with his parents to Illinois when a youth of fourteen years. His education was completed in Oakwood Township, in an old log school-house on the land which he now occupies, and later he taught school for three years in succession. In due time PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 421 he built a log cabin upon his own land, and eom- menced farming for himself. In lH. r )0 he took unto himself a wife and helpmate, Miss Abigail Smith, but the young wife only survived until the following year, dying in 1851, leaving one child. This child, a son, James, came to his death by drowning in the Middle Fork when four years old. In 1852 Mr. Oakwood contracted a second mar- riage with Miss Priscilla Sailor, and continued to reside at the same place, which by degrees he added to, and is now the owner of 750 acres of land, all in Oakwood Township, which was organized 2 after he came to this county, and was named in his honor. He was largely instrumental in founding the village of Oakwood. and contributed no small amount of money as an inducement to have it lo- cated upon its present site. He at one time owned the ground occupied by the south half of the town. He put up his present residence in 1877, and through his careful supervision and good manage- ment, he has one of the best regulated farms in this part of the county. Adjoining it on the east is the largest coal Meld in the State, belonging to the Consolidated Coal Company of St. Louis. The farm is largely devoted to stock-raising. Mr. Oak- wood keeping about thirty head of cattle, forty head of horses and 100 head of swine, of excellent grades. Adjacent to the residence are the barns and various outbuildings, conveniently arranged for the shelter of stock and the storage of grain. The latest and most improved machinery is utilized in the cultivation of the land, and everything about the premises indicates the supervision of the thorough and progressive agriculturist. To our subject and his present wife there have been born nine children, one of whom died when about one month old. William, the eldest child living, mar- ried Miss Annie Longstreth, is the father of three children, and lives on a farm adjoining Oakwood on the northeast; Morgan married Miss Julia Trimmell, lives south of Oakwood. and has two children; Emma is the wife of Charles Smith, and the mother of one child; they live three miles northwest of Fithian. Thomas married Miss Ftta Longstreth, is the father of two children, and lives a half mile westof the homestead ; Mat-tie, Harvey. Charles and Stella remain at home with their par- euts. All the children of Mr. Oakwood have ob- tained a good education in the district school, being more than ordinarily bright and intelligent, and taking kindly to their books. Both our subject and his estimable wife are chinch members, the former belonging to the Pres- byterian and the latter to the Methodist, and' their children attend Sunday-school regularly. Mr, Oakwood, politically, has been a stanch Republican since reaching his majority, and has officiated as Director in his school district for the long period of twenty-one years. He was Road Overseer six years, Commissioner of Highways seven years, and represented Oakwood Township in the County Hoard of Supervisors eight years. At peace with all mankind, enjoying good health, and in possess- ion of a happy home and an intelligent family, it would seem that he has little more to ask for to make him contented with life. The father of our subject was Henry Oakwood, a native of East Tennessee and a farmer by occu- pation. In early manhood he married Miss Mar- garet Remley, a native of Kentucky, and a daughter of Henry Remley, of Pennsylvania, who emigrated to the Blue Grass regions at an early period, ami sojourned there the remainder of his life. Henry Oakwood took an active part in the War of 1812, was with Hull's army at the surrender of Detroit, as a member of the Kentucky Mounted Troops, under the command of Col. R. M Johnson. The parents were married in Kentucky, where they lived for a time afterward, then, removing to Ohio, purchased the farm and remained there until the fall of 1833. Then coming to this county, they settled on section 2 1, in what is now Oakwood Township, where they spent the remainder of their lives engaged in the peaceful occupation of farm- ing. Indians encamped on the place now occupied by the subject of this sketch, for a year after the family came here. The Oakwood family experienced all the priva- tions and hardships of pioneer life upon coming to this county, being the first settlers in their neigh- borhood, before the time of railroads or even a well defined wagon track. Mr. Oakwood became the prominent man of his community, holding many of the offices, serving as Justice of the Peace 122 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. for a period of twelve years, and Township Treas- urer for nearly the same length of time. After a life well spent he was gathered to his fathers, in 1854, at the age of sixty-six years. The mother survived her husband until 1881, dying at the ad- vanced age of eighty-seven. They were the par- ents of five sons and four daughters, only four of whom are living, and of whom Henry J., our sub- ject, was the third in order of birth. -ssss— LVIN STEARNS. Among the men of this county who have risen from a small be- ginning to an eminent position in the esti- mation of their neighbors, is the gentle- man whose name initiates this biography. To be a a self-made man means something. It indicates that the man who has earned the honor of being so called, has passed through many hardships, and had seen the dark clouds of adversity when per- haps despair was but a step ahead, but by persever- ance and intelligence has emerged in the sunlight of prosperity. Harvey Stearns, the father of Alvin, was born in Vermont, but afterward removed to New York, and was there married to Fanny Lockwood. a na- tive of New York. Thence he removed to Ohio, in 1814, where he bought a small farm, and re- mained there until 1832. He then located on the site of Alvin Stearns' present home, building a log house and becoming a full-fledged citizen of Illi- nois. At that time there were scareely half-a- dozen houses between his farm and Danville, where the Government had stationed some troops to keep the Indians in subjection. Harvey Stearns and his wife were respected by all their acquaintances for their sterling qualities. They were the parents of eight children, five of whom are living. He died Nov. 30, 1847, aged fifty-six years, while the mother survived until Aug. 1, 1877, passing away at the advanced age of eighty-seven years. Alvin Stearns was the eldest of the family, and was born Nov. 28, 1815, in Ohio. He was sixteen years of age when his father located in Illinois. He and his brother Calvin walked the entire dis- tance from Ohio to Illinois, driving cows, sheep and hogs. Mr. Stearns obtained his education partly in his native State, but finished it in Illi- nois. He attended subscription schools, and his learning was secured in the usual manner of the early pioneer days. He was very studious, and al- ways aimed to be at the head of his class — a posi- tion he generally secured. Being the oldest son. and his father being in poor health most of tin' time, he was obliged to take the lead in the work of the farm. Many times he has gone thirty or forty miles to mill, and often was obliged to go to Danville in the night, sixteen miles distant, to call a physician for his father. In those days the farmers in this section transported their wheat by team to Chicago, bringing back supplies. Mr. Stearns remained at home until he was past twenty- two years of age. aiding his father. Mr. Stearns married Miss Elizabeth Lee, April 12, 1837. She was a daughter of William H. and Rebecca Lee, who came from Ohio to Illinois in 1829, and located a mile and a half west of Mr. Steam's present home. Mr. Lee was a prominent and prosperous citizen of the early days, and the father of eight children, all of whom, except one, are now dead, and the father and mother have long since passed to their reward. Mrs. Stearns was the eldest child, born in 181 :i. and at the time of her marriage was nineteen years of aye. Mr. Steams located on a part of his father's place im- mediately after his marriage, where he built a log house and commenced seriously the battle of life. When his father died he purchased the interest of the other heirs, except that belonging to his mother. The old farm consists of COO acres, and he has given each of his children a quarter section of good land, and to one of them a house and lot, which cost $6,000. At the time of his marriage Mr. Stearns did not possess 850. but. aided by his most estimable wife, he has long since passed the mark that divides poverty from wealth. He has now a handsome and costly residence, which is represented elsewhere in this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Stearns are the parents of three children, all of whom are living: Lawson married Amanda Izard, and the}' are residing in Homer, III., with their three children; Ersom is unmarried. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 123 and resides in Homer; Rocella .1. is the wife of T. B. Craig. They :ire living- on the next farm east of the old homestead, and have five children. Mrs. Stearns, the mother of these children, died .Ian. 23, 1887, aged sixty-seven years, nine months and four days. Mr. Stearns has been an administrator for many estates, among which may be mentioned those of his father and the Lee estate, also Aaron Hardin's, William Clutter's, Alfred Harden's and the immense estate that belonged to Mr. Vount. lie has successfully administered all these large trusts, and with satisfaction to each of the heirs, all of which constitutes a most remarkable record in this line. For twelve years Mr. Stearns has been As- sessor and Collector, and for six years has held the office of Road Commissioner. He has also been School Director for twenty years. Politically. Mr. Stearns is a stalwart Republican, and always votes for the candidates of that party. His first ballot was cast for William Henry Harri- son, and he heard that distinguished gentleman de- liver two speeches — one at Wilmington, and the other at Lebanon, Ohio. It is unnecessary to state that his last vote was cast for the other Harrison. Mr. Stearns has been a member of the Baptist Church for the last thirty years, and the fact that he has been chosen to adjust so many estates is evidence that he stands high in the estimation of his fellows. ^p^lEORGE N. NEVILLE. The preservation of J| __ choice blood in the human species has as ^ss4l much to do with the characteristics of an in- dividual, asdoes careful breedinginthe animal king- dom in determining the fine points of that portion of creation ; and he, who can look back upon his ancestry, tracing its lines through generations of high-minded and honorable people, has something of which to be truly proud. The ancestry of Mr. Neville is traced back to the Land of the Thistle, his paternal grandparents emigrating from Scotland to Virginia, in time for his grandfather, Joseph Neville, to take part as a brigadier-general on the side of the colonists in their greal struggle for lib- erty. Unlike many of those who crossed the Atlantic at that time, he came fortified with ample means which he invested largely in land, comprising a valuable plantation, worked by slaves whom he liberated at his death. Among the sons of grandfather Neville was George, the father of our subject, who was born in Moorefield, W. Va., and was the youngest of a family of twelve children. He studied law at Winchester, Ya., under Abrarn Lock and was duly admitted to the bar. His first and last case in court was one in which his client, an old man, in a fit of insanity killed his wife, after they had lived a long and apparently happy life togetherand raised a large family of children, who had married and settled in homes of their own in the neighbor- hood. The old man was arrested and tried on the charge of murder, (ieorge Neville undertook to defend him and made a vow to clear him or never practice again. The prisoner was found guiltv and sentenced to be hung which sentence was carried out to the letter of the law. Mr. Neville kept his vow, immediately took up the study of medicine and practiced that as long as he lived, his decease taking place in 1822. Mrs. Elizabeth (Wolfe) Neville, the mother of our subject, was the daughter of Lewis and Cathe- rine Wolfe, natives of Germany, who emigrated to America and settled in Winchester, Va., where the father became a very prominent man and was en- gaged in mercantile pursuits the remainder of his life. They reared a large family of children and gave them an exceptionally fine education. One son, Thomas, was a pupil in one of the German Universities, and another son, Lewis, developed into a promising lawyer, becoming a leading poli- tician and representing his district in the State Legislature. One daughter married a brother of of Wade Hampton, Sr. The parents of our subject were married in Win- chester, Va., in 1 7H8 and removed thence to Moore- field, where the father spent the remainder of his life. The mother in 1S37 removed to Indiana and died there in 1843. Their seven children included two daughters and live sons and bul two of the family survive — our subject, and his brother, Joseph 424 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. B.. a resident of Sumner County, Kan. George N. was the youngest child of his parents and was born Feb. 2, 1820 at Moorefield, Hardy Co., W. Va. He received a very good education in the common schools, attending until a youth of sixteen. About that time the family came north and George N. remained a member of his father's household until his marriage. The above mentioned interesting event in the life of our subject took place Sept. 24, 1840, the bride being Miss Mary S., a daughter of Warner Throckmorton, a leading lawyer of Romney, Hampshire Co., Va. The great-grandfather of Mrs. Neville. William Throckmorton by name, emigrated before the War of the Revolution from the old county of Gloucester, Va., to Jefferson County, Va. The Throckmorton family had been often and hon- orably named in the pages of history, before they became residents of the United States. Very few of their descendants now reside in the old home; indeed all of that name have removed therefrom, and collateral descendants alone remain of a former influential family. Grandfather Throckmorton was born and reared to man's estate in Jefferon County, Va. He studied law with his uncle. John Dixon, one of the ablest lawyers and most talented man in the State. Under his friendly counsel Mr. Throckmorton acquired legal ability, and rapidly rose in the profession until he occupied a very prominent position among members of the bar in his own State and country. He died in the prime of life, being forty-two years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Neville began their wedded life on a farm eight miles south of La Fayette, Ind., where they lived until 1854. That year they came to this county, settling on the north half of section 10 in Vance Township, when there were but a few people located outside of the towns and prior to the laying out of Fairmount. Mr. Neville evolved a good farm from the virgin soil, the land becom- ing highly productive, and upon which he made excellent improvements. Here with his excellent wife he lived and labored until advancing 3'ears admonished him it would be wise to lay aside some of the sterner duties of life, and accordingly in 1884 he left the farm and established himself in Fairmount, where, surrounded by all the comforts of a pleasant and attractive home, he is spending his later days in peace and quiet. To Mr. and Mrs. Neville there were born ten children, seven of whom are living. The eldest son , George Warner, during the Civil War en- listed in the 25th Illinois Infantry. At the battle of Kenesaw Mountain he was severely wounded and was removed to the hospital at Chattanooga where he died on the 1 1 th of July, 18G4, at the age of twenty-one years, six months and twenty- one days. The G. A. R. Post, organ ized at Fair- mount subsequently adopted the name of this gallant boy, who was a general favorite among his young associates. Miss Anna C. Neville became the wife of Alvin A. Taylor, of Fairmount, and they have one child; Norbourn married Miss Lizzie Price, and they live on the home farm; they have no children. Mary E. is the wife of Rev. Henry Col- lins, a member of the Illinois Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church and they have one child; Frank married Miss Margaret Cannon, is the father of three children and lives five miles south of Fairmount; Sally Virginia remains at home with her parents; Ada is the wife of Rev. D. W. Calfee, a member of the California Confer- ence of the Methodist Episcopal Church and they have three children; Nellie is the wife of Walter G. Owen, living at Fort Smith, Ark., and they have two children. Mr. Neville has held the office of Inspector of Elections and School Treasurer in Indiana, and in Illinois held the latter office for seven years, unti resigning. He has been Road Commissioner for fifteen years, also School Director. Although not an active politician, he takes a lively interest in the success of the Republican party, of which he has been a member since its organization, and al- though born and reared in the Old Dominion, was strongly opposed to the institution of slaver}', his views upon this question assuming definite form at the early age of fifteen years and experiencing no change thereafter. Mr. and Mrs. Neville are devout members of the Methodist Episcopal Church with which Mr. Ne- ville has been identified since a youth of nineteen years, and for many years he has officiated as Stew- ard and Trustee. He has always maintained a warm V 7 o/f^^u tfjt/yjT- • f 1 ^.'i***^ t.jfi~*f PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 429 interest in Sunday-school, mission and temperance work, to which hehas given largely of his time and means and labored as he had opportunity, to ad- vance the moral and social status of the people around him. His life has been one of large experi- ence during which hehas learned well from men and things, and he possesses a fine fund of information which makes him a gentleman with whom it is most pleasurable and profitable to converse. <%**%*& EZRA il.v 1 I port , 1845. Elihu Canaday. Mrs. Babb's father, was married to Elizabeth McCowan. They were the parents of seven children, viz: Adam, Sarah J., Henry D.. Annie M., Mary Jemima, Minerva E., and Rebecca J. Elihu Canada}- died Oct. 4, 1848. Elizabeth (McCowan) Canaday died in April, 1863. Annie M. Canaday who was born April 1 1. 1838. when two years old went blind. She was a sister of Mrs. Babb. This child died at the Blind Insti- tute at Jacksonville, at the age of twenty years. The grandparents of the subject of this sketch, Thomas and Martha ( Ewing) Babb, emigrated from Winchester, Va., to Greene County, Tenn.. in the early settlement of the latter State, locating in Babb'- Valley. They had a family of twelve chil- dren who are scattered throughout the west and Northwest, while some remained in Tennessee. Their son. Levi, the father of Ira, was a soldier in the war of 1812. He also had two brothers. David and Caleb, who served in the army at the same time, all being under (Jen. Jackson. A1 one time they were in a party of soldiers that chased the In- 43'2 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. dians for sis days and nights with nothing to eat save a little spoiled flour, some hickory nuts and sweet hickory roots, and this incident, so Mr. Babb says, is what gave the name of "Old Hickory" to Gen. Jackson, as he too partook of the nuts and n >ots. Mr. Babb has never sought official honors. He is a pronounced and enthusiastic Democrat, lie is proud of llie record his father has made and is in all respects a praiseworthy citizen. Mi'. Babb has in his possession a portion of two almanacs, dated respectively 1828 and 1829, also implements and relics of "ye olden tyme," such as a sickle, and pitchfork over one hundrd years old and many other tilings. THOMAS A. TAYLOR, a prominent resilient of Catlin Township, is a man whose well trained, vigorous mind and progressive views place him in the front ranks of the en- lightened, wide-awake agriculturists of Vermilion County. He lias a huge farm of nearly 600 acres. whose broad, fertile fields, room}' substantial buildings and well ordered appearance generally, mark it as one of the best managed and choicest estates in this part of the county, and here on sec- lion ~i he has creeled a handsome residence that is replete with all the modern comforts. Our subject was born in Tippecanoe County, Ind.. April 25, 1847. a son of Thomas A., and [vea (Allen) Taylor, natives respectively of Ohio County and Shelby County, Ky. After marriage his parents began their wedded life in Tippecanoe County. Ind., near Lafayette, where he followed bis trade, that of a tanner, living there till 1852, where they came with their family to Vermilion County to settle among its pioneers, taking up I heir abode in Catlin Township. The father died here in September, 1876, and an upright anil hon- ored citizen was thus lost to the community with whose highest interests his own had been identical from the first hour of his settlement here. He was a man of sincere piety and a worthy member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. His wife still survives and makes her home in Catlin Town- ship. She is a truly good woman and a devoted member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. They had eight children, of whom our subject was the seventh in order of birth. He was five years old when he accompanied his parents to Vermilion County, and the remainder of his life- has since been passed here. He was given the advantages of a liberal education, obtaining the basis of it in the public schools, and he then became a student at Lincoln University in Logan County and subsequently took an excellent course of study at Mt. Zion Academy, Macomb County, 111., his studies being of a practical character such as would be of benefit to him in his business relations and in his work. After leaving school he devoted himself to the teacher's profession for nine years, meeting with great success in that vocation and by his intelligent methods placing himself in the fore- front of the best educators in this part of the coun- try. He has resided in Catlin. and aside from teaching has given his attention wholly to agricul- tural pursuits, owning and managing one of the largest and finest farms, in this region, as before mentioned. Mr. Taylor frankly acknowledges that he is greatly indebted for much that is good in his life to his amiable wife, to whom he was married in Catlin Township, March 11, 1869. She is in every respect a true Christian, possessing much intelli- gence and capacity, and a model housewife, and fills the perfect measure of wife, mother, friend, than which no higher eulogy can be pronounced. In her the Christian Church finds one of its most consistent members. Mrs. Taylor's maiden name was Mary C. Acree, and she is a daughter of the late Joel and Elvessa (Yount) Acree, known and honored as among the earliest settlers of Catlin Township, where he continued to reside till his death, Nov. 27, 1880. The father was born in Alabama, and the mother in Shelby County, Ky. They married and settled in Catlin Township in early pioneer times. He was a valued member of the Christian Church and a thoroughly upright man. The mother is still living in Catlin Town- ship, and she is also a respected member of the Christian Church. They had two children who lived to grow up, Mrs. Taylor being the eldest, PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 133 and she was born in Catlin Township, Nov. 12, L848. T native also of Maryland, while her maternal grandmother was born in Virginia. Her great grandfather was killed by the Indians, and his wife was left with a large family of small chil- dren. The Porter family were closely identified with the early history of Virginia. Capt. William Swank -was an officer in the War of 1812. He was married in Ohio and came to Vermilion County, in 1820, bringing with him his wife and two children. He was one of the very first settlers of the county. and located close to Butler's Point, at a place then called Indianola. where the old salt works were lo- cated. Mrs. McDowell's mother was one of the two children referred to. She used to relate many in- cidents of the early pioneer history which was thrilling in the extreme, and to the people of this day seemed almost incredible. The hardships that these old pioneers went through >s the basis upon which is founded this splendid State. Mrs. Mc- Dowell's grandfather went to mill in the early days to the Big Racoon River, a journey which oc- cupied an entire week's time. Capt. Swank became well-to-do, owning 000 or 700 acres of land at the time of his death. He laid out one of the earliest town sites in Vermilion County, which was then called Dallas, later he also laid out the town of Indianola. He was associated in this last enter- prise with Mr. William Beard. The Captain died in 1851 and was buried in the Weaver Cemetery east of Indianola. The Swanks also belonged to lead- ing families in Virginia, and were of English descent. Grandfather Porter came to Vermilion County in 1837, and settled about one ami a half miles east of Indianola, where he died in is is. Mrs. McDowell's father was born in 1813 and was of age when he came to Illinois. He resided upon the orig- inal homestead for some years. After selling this he removed to Indianola where his wife died, which occurred in 1886, since which time he has lived with his daughter, Mrs. McDowell. He was the. father of seven children: Rosa. Mary, Emma C. William E., Cordelia. Minerva and Samuel. Rosa resides in Ellwood Township, this county, and is the w T ife of Mr. W. Hayworth. Thev have three children; Mary married A. H. Mendenhall, a PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 1 35 farmer of Carroll Township. They are the parents of six children; William E. married Zetta Black; Cordelia died in 1874. She was the wife of Paul Meiriam. She died in Missouri where they re- moved after their marriage; Minerva married Mar- shal Cummings, a contractor of Indianapolis. They have four children; Samuel is unmarried. Mrs. McDowell was born in Carroll Township, one and a half miles east of Indianola, on April 3, 1849. At the time of her birth the town was called Chillicothe. Here is where she spent her girlhood days and attended school in the little log structure that, answered to the name of school- house, her first teacher being Miss Parks, who is remembered as a very genial and pleasant lady. She attended school for three or four years, when she was promoted to the first frame school house erected at Indianola. and in this edifice she pursued her studies so dilligently that she passed a success- ful examination to enter the profession of teacher. She began teaching at the age of seventeen years, and was very successful as an educator. She be- came acquainted with her husband, Mr. McDowell, when she was a young girl and in lHG'.l was married to him. John A. McDowell was born also in Carroll Township, not far from the present homestead. He was the son of John B. and Eleanor (Yarnell) Mc- Dowell, who were natives of Kentucky. They re- moved from their native State to Palestine, and a few years later came to Vermilion County, where they became a prominent family. Mrs. McDowell's husband was born Nov. 16, 1841, and was the fourth of a family of five children. lie was born and educated in Vermilion County, and while yet a boy he exhibited strong inclinations for business and began to deal in live stock, a business he con- ducted all his days. His generosity was one of his salient characteristics, and when he was called away he was not only mourned sincerely by his relatives and friends, but by the poor people of his commu nity as well. No deserving poor man ever came to him and went away empty-handed. He was ac- tive in matters pertaining to education and for the general developement of the community. Mr. McDowell was emphatically a self-made man and when he died was well-to-do. lie was entirely domestic in his tastes, and his home was sweel to him. He was an h red member of the Masonic fraternity, and his obsequies were perhaps more largely attended than any other similar event that ever occurred in Vermilion County. He left behind him a beautiful home and every thing to make life comfortable. His death occurred on Oct. 9, 1886. He left seven children to mourn the loss of a truly noble father. Their names are: Gracie, Jennie. Carrie, Fred. Ray, Cullom. and Ned. But these children are under the guidance of a good mother who will rear them to be good men and women. Mrs. McDowell is a member of the Baptist Church of Indianola. v ERRY O'NEAL is one of the oldest of the native born citizens of Vermilion County, his birth occurring Jan. 16, 1*25, on the homestead once owned by his father, on section 27, Georgetown Township. He is a son of one of the earliest pioneers of the county, who was quite a prominent, man in his time and did consid- erable to advance its interests. He is noted as hav- ing established the very first manufactory of any kind in the county, a tannery, which he operated successfully several years. Thomas O'Neal, the father of our subject, was born in Nelson County, Ky., a son of John O'Neal. whose early history is unknown, although he was a pioneer of Kentucky, and there spent his last years. The father of our subject vvas reared in his native State, and when a young man started out to seek his fortune in the young State of Indiana, and lo- cating in Madison lefferson County, lie worked at his trade of tanner, married there, and in 182(1 re- moved to Edgar County. But he did not remain Uric long, coming in the following year to what is now Vermilion County, and taking a claim in what is now Georgetown Township. Hebuilta log house on the place for the shelter of his family, and the land, which was part timber and part prairie, he commenced to prepare for cultivation. The land was owned by the government and had nottlun come into the market. As soon as it was for sale 430 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. he sent n man to the land office to enter and pay for it. hut lie failed to enter the land, and another man bought it. Mr. O'Neal then, in 1826, came to Danville Township anil entered eight}' acres, in- cluding .the eastern half of the southwestern quar- ter of section' 27. It was heavily timbered land at the time, and lie felled trees and erected a hewed log house. He soon established a tannery, the first manufacturing industry within the limits of the county. He continued its management several years, and in the meantime cleared a part of his land and engaged in farming. In the comfortable home that he built up by his unremitting and well directed toil his eyes closed to the scenes of earth, and a long and busy life was brought to an honor- able end. His wife also died there, surviving him only two years, and they who had walked the path of life together more than forty years were not long divided in death. Her maiden name was .Sarah Howard, and she was born in Nelson County, Ky., in 171)4. Her father, Samuel Howard, was a pio- neer of that State, and moving from there to Mad- ison, Jefferson Co., Ind.. he spent his last years in that place. Four of the children born to the par- ents of our subject grew to maturity, as follows: James, living in Georgetown Township; Perry; Nancy, wife of Lewis Ballah, a resident of Dan- ville Township; Cynthia, wife of Joel Bates, of Batestown. The father of our subject was a man of more than ordinary intelligence, was gifted with a just, well balanced mind, was wise in council, and held a prominent place among his fellow pio- neers. In 1840 he was elected Coroner of the county, and held that office many years to the en- tire satisfaction of all people and classes. In earl}' life he was a Whig with liberal views, and he was always bitterly opposed to slavery, and was one of the first Republicans. He was well acquainted with Lincoln and with other men of note. The subject of this biographical review spent his entire life here in his native county, and has been a witness of the greater part of its development, from the wilderness to its present advanced state of civilization. He remembers well when the abo- riginal settlers of the soil made their home here, and when deer, turkeys and other kinds of wild game were plenty. Lafayette and Perrysville were llit' early markets, but after Chicago was founded his lather made an annual trip to that city with a team, taking wheat which he exchanged for house- hold supplies. The mother of our subject used to card ami spin wool and flax, and made all the cloth and clothes used in the family, even making the thread with which the clothes were put together. Perry assisted his father on the farm, and attended the early schools that were taught on the subscrip- tion plan in a log house, with rude benches made of slabs with wooden pins for legs. In 1852 he commenced to work a tract of land in Vance Town- ship, which he and his father had entered from the government. He built a good frame house and improved 100 acres of land, and during that time making his home on the old homestead. He now lias 180 acres of land under admirable tillage anil capable of producing large crops, and lie has erected a substantial, roomy set of frame buildings, and has everything about the place in good order, de- noting that he has been prospered in his calling, and is now in comfortable circumstances. Mr. O'Neal is a man of thrift}*, industrious hab- its, and these with other notable traits have en- abled him to lay up a competence, so that as old age draws on apace it finds him well fortified against material want. lie is numbered among the most estimable and highly respected citizens of his na- tive county, in whose development he has had a hand, and he merits the regard in which he is held. In his early years he was a Whig and cast his first vote for Gen. Taylor. Since the formation of the Republican party he has been a firm advocate of its principles. — V •*&*■ l [TCHELL B. GOSSETT, is a leading, pros- \\ perous, and energetic farmer of Sidell Township. His farm consists of 160 acres on section 34, and there is not one that is better tilled in Vermilion County. He purchased this farm in 1881, when but partially improved, and the condition that it is now in speaks well for the owner. His father and mother, G. B. and Julia Gossett, rJZat of<^arm in Sec? 23.24. 25. (T.SI- RJ2.) AND Stc. 19 ( TZ3.-R.ll.) 740.JCRES. Grant Tonwship. Vermilion Co. III. BcNzmcT, Dec "Meadow Brook- Farm!' Residence of Watts Finley,Se< 5. 24. 25.(123. R.I 2.) and Sec.I9.(T.23. R.11.) Grant Tp. Vermilion Co. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. Ill are natives of Highland County, Ohio, where Ihey were married. In 1859 they removed to Edgar County. III., where they are still residing, enjoying good health at a hale and hearty old age. The maternal grandfather served with distinguished ability in the War of 1812, and the ancestry on both sides of the house is an honorable one. Mitchell Gossett was born in Highland County, Ohio, July 21, IS is. His early childhood was spent iii his native county, and there he began at- tending school. His first work was on a farm in Edgar County. 111., where he finished his education. He remained at home until the year before he was married, which ceremony occurred March 1J. 1882, the bride being Miss Josephine Mark, a native of Edgar County. Her parents, Antony and Ellen (Hoppus) Mark, removed to Edgar County from Ohio, and were among the early settlers of Edgar Township, of that county. They are both living, and are looking back upon a record of which they can be proud. Mr. Gossett is a member of the Masonic frater- nity, belonging to Broadlands Lodge, of which he is a charter member. He believes that the Demo- cratic party is one which embodies correct political principles, and consequently he is an ardent sup- porter of the candidates of that organization. In business affairs Mr. Gossett exhibits rare sense and good judgment, and the condition of his farm and its surroundings is an exhibition of the fact that in the race of life he has won. His home is always filled with cheerfulness, and everything in it de- notes the intelligence of those who occupy it. Mr. and Mrs. Gossett are uniformly in the front rank in anything that will lead to the betterment of so- ciety, and are ever willing to aid the unfortunate in any manner they can. \ A ITS FINLET. A residence of over \/iJ/l ''fty-four years in one county is usually Ww considered long enough to establish a man's character and standing among his fellow-citizens. and he naturally becomes a part and parcel of the community, with which, if he is at all worthy, it can scarcely dispense. If, as in the case of .Mr. Finley. he has, by his industry and energy, accu- mulated enough property to considerably swell the amount of internal revenue, he should be con- sidered of no small importance as a tax-payer, and a prominent and useful citizen. A farm of 7 It) acres located on sections 23, 21, and 25, township 23, ranges 11 and 1 2, indicates the manner in which Mr. Finley has improved his time and talents. His residence is on section 24, and his land is largely devoted to stock-raising, including cattle, horses and swine. Our subject first opened his eyes to the light near Lawrenceburg, in Ripley County, hid., Nov. 24, 1833, and in the early part of the following year, when about six months old. was brought by his parents to this county, they settling on a tract of laud south of Danville. He remained a member of the parental household until some time after the parents passed away, they dying not many weeks apart, in 1853. In the spring of 1855, in company with his brother, Miller T., and his sister, Mrs. Capt. Frazier, he came to the farm which the for- mer now occupies, and where he lived four years. In 185:). April 17th, he was married to Miss Margaret Davis, and with his young wife took up his abode at his present homestead, having then purchased 210 acres of wild land. (If this union there have been born three children, of whom but two are living — Mary and Charles. The former is the wife of Aha M. Honeywell, formerly of [ro- quois County. The son remains at home with his parents. It has required no small amount of labor and money to bring the valuable Finley homestead to to its present condition, and this has been effected solely by the present proprietor, who has aimed to excel, and it cannot be denied, has very nearly at- tained to the realization of his ambition. lie has carefully avoided the responsibilities of political Office, although a stanch supporter of Republican principles. Among his neighbors and fellow- townsmen he is well spoken of, which fact is as much to his credit as anything which can be said by the biographer. Ever}' peaceable and law-abid- ing citizen who has aided in the development of this county, deserves recognition and the perpetua- tion of his name in its history. Mrs. Margaret (Davis) Finley was born in Ohio. 442 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. April 16, 1834, and is the daughter of Amaziah Davis, who came to Illinois and located in Vermil- ion County during the period of its early settle- ment, lie made farming his life occupation, and departed this life at his homestead about the year 1881. Mrs. Davis is still living and a resident of Rossville. David Finley, the father of our subject, was a native of Kentucky, and married Miss Nancy Miller, either in Ohio or Indiana. They lived for -oinc years m the Miami bottoms, then, in 1834, came to this county and located near the present site of Catlin. He died in 1853 at the age of sev- enty-three years. The wife and mother passed away when sixty-six years old. A handsome lithographic engraving of Mr. Finley's residence appears elsewhere in this volume. *§~m^* FSSE LIGGET. This veteran of eighty- four years retired some time since from the active labors of farm life, and is situated in a comfortable home in Muncie, where he often reviews the scenes of the past and the ardu- ous labors of a long life, during which he has prob- ably performed more downright hard work than any man within the precincts of Oakwood Town- ship. He received no educational advantages during his youth, having to bend his energies toward making a living, but has, from first to last, maintained the principles of honest}' and integ- rity, able to stand up before the world like Long- fellow's Village Blacksmith "for he owes not any man." A native of the Old Dominion. Mr. Ligget was born in 1805, and the following year his parents removed to Ohio, which had only been converted from a Territory into a State four years before. The country was in its primitive condition, the settlers being few and far between, and the fam- ily endured all the hardships and difficulties of life on the frontier. Our subject was orphaned when a lad of twelve years by the death of both parents, who died in the same year, and without a guardian or assistance of any kind, he was thrown upon his own resources, and after- ward made his own way unaided in the world. John Ligget. the father of our subject, was a na- tive of Virginia, and married a maiden of his own county. Miss Susannah Bennett. They became the parents of eight children, and Jesse, our subject, is the only survivor of the family. After their settlement in Ohio, they were greatly annoyed by the Indians. It was never their lot to accumulate property, and, although they worked hard, they possessed little of this world's goods. Mr. Ligget never went to school a day in his life, but he grew up very industrious and frugal, and when eighteen years old purchased an old farm on credit, and four years later had it all paid for. He was then married to Miss Polly Coddington. who was born in Maryland, and who at the time of her marriage was only fifteen 3'ears old. They be- gan housekeeping on their little farm, worked hard and lived happily together until her death. There were born to them twelve children, eight of whom are still living. Wilson Ligget, the eldest son of our subject, married Miss Amanda Dysert; they live three miles northeast of Muncie. and have four chil- dren; Benjamin married Miss Mary Hughes, lives seven miles northeast of Muncie, and has eight children; Samuel married Miss Mary Barrickmau; they live two and one-half miles west of New- town, and have one child; Jesse, Jr., married Miss Sadie Warner, and lives on the Middle Fork; they have four children: Naomi is the wife of Levin Vinson, anil they live in Pleasant Grove Hall; they have no children. Mary was first mar- ried to Hugh Lounian, who died, leaving his widow with two children; she was then married to Johnson Gammel, and lives in Danville; of this union there have been born four children; Susan, the wife of John McVicker, lives in Danville, and has three children; Anna, Mrs. Asbury Young, lives in Indiana, and has four children. The second wife of Mr. Ligget was Susan Dy- sert, who died about 1880 without children. In 1881 he was married to Mrs. Mahala Bloom field. Our subject came to Illinois in 1836, and lo- cated on eighty acres of land one mile northeast of Newtown. In due time he purchased 160 acres, PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. I 13 tlicn :it two different times added forty acres to his farm, later purchased another quarter-section, and finally was the owner of 600 acre.-.. He has given all of hi* boys and two of his uirls forty acres each, besides other property, and is still the owner of Hit) acres, all in Vermilion County. He raises cattle and swine in goodly numbers, and derives therefrom a handsome income. In his old age he is situated in a comfortable residence at .Muncic. and takes great satisfaction in reviewing the scenes of other years. Mr. Ligget cast, his first Presidential vote for Gen. Jackson, and continued a member of the Democratic party until Abraham Lincoln was made the candidate of the Republicans. Being personally acquainted with honest old Abe, and greatly admiring his character, he could not very well do otherwise than vote for him. and since that time has been identified with the party which made Lincoln President. He has served as School Director in his district, and been a member of the Christian Church since 1830. Prior to this he had united with the Methodist Episcopal Church. He has met with some severe accidents during his battle with the world, having once had his feet badly mashed, his leg broken twice, and his left ankle broken twice. This has left him a cripple, but has not impaired the activity of his mind, which is still capable of recalling many of the in- teresting events of other days. -'V* — «4£j2/©-£3- §&®sdTJVr~ -v/w. *HOMAS GUTHRIE. The early pioneers of lis county will be held in grateful remem- brance long after they have been gathered to their fathers. The hardships and privations which they endured during the first settlement of this county, and the result of their labors, are at the present day receiving greater recognition than ever before, as the fact is becoming evident that they are passing away, and what we learn of them musl be gathered at once, and put in a shape which may be preserved for future generations. The sturdy old veteran with whose name we introduce this sketch, is a man of sixty-seven years, and one of the earliest settlers of Illinois, living in Edgar County before locating in Sidell 'Township, this county, of which lie is now a resident. The Story of his life is one of remarkable interest, ami the scenes which he has witnessed during his sojourn in the West, could they lie told by himself, would make a most readable volume. A man's antecedents are always of interest, espe- cially in the case of him who has distinguished himself as a citizen of more than ordinary merit. The parents of our subject were George and Mar- garet Guthrie, natives of the town of Inniskillen, County Fermanagh, Ireland. They emigrated to America when quite young, settling in Penn- sylvania, where the) - were married and after- ward made their home, thirty miles south of Pitts- burg, in Washington County. There they became the parents of eleven children, viz: William, John. Christine, Thomas, Mary, Andrew, Eliza; Cather- ine, who died at the age of tw r enty-eight years; James, who died when thirty years old; Sarah J. and tieorge. The last mentioned son went to New Mexico, where lit lived five years, and became a leading merchant at Richmond, in Grant County. The station of Guthrie, on the the Lawrenceburg & Clifton Railroad, was named after him. He was elected Justice of the Peace, and in the course of his duties rendered judgment against a desperado who afterward murdered him in his store. There was a requisition for the assassin from Arizona, to which place he was taken and hungfora murder com- mitted in that territory. George Guthrie was mar- ried, and left his widow with one child, a daughter, Ettie. Miss Eli/.a Guthrie became the wife of Robert Black, and died at the age of fort}' years, in this county, leaving six children — Maggie, Clara, John, William, Samuel and George. A sketch of An- drew Guthrie, the next child, will be found else- where in this volume; Mary became the wife of Thomas Metcalf, and died when about twenty -seven years old. in Mohican County, Ohio, leaving one child. James; Christine married Samuel Marshall, and died at Palermo, at the age of fifty-eight years, leaving two children. Abner .1. and Maggie; John died in Sidell Township in 1884, leaving six chil- dren—Maggie, Mary, Rcnna, Charles, Irving and Ill PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. Emma, by his second wife, and one child. Samuel. by his first wife; William died in Effingham County, this Slate, at the age of sixty-two years, leaving three children — Thomas. William and Mar- garetta; Sarah .1. is the wife of George Powell, and they have four children — Irving, Mary, Ilattie and Oscar. The subject of this sketch was born Aug. 11, I K22, in Washington County, Pa., where he received a limited education, and was reared to man's estate. Upon reaching his majority he commenced working out by the month, and later wisely devoted a por- tion of his earnings to adding to his fund of learn- ing, attending the academy at Merrittstown, Pa., where he pursued his studies with such good suc- cess that he became fitted for a teacher, and fol- lowed this profession four years in Washington County, and one year in < Jreene County. Later he engaged as a drover, buying stock in Western Pennsylvania, and driving through to New York and Philadelphia, He also handled a great many sheep, selling them principally in Lancaster County, Pa. In 1854, desirous of establishing a home of his own, Thomas Guthrie was married to Miss Chris- tian Keys, of Fayette County, Pa. Subsequently he engaged to drive 1,600 sheep to Danville, this county, which trip lie made successfully, and he has continued to handle stock since that time, being one of the pioneers of the business in this section, and making of it an art and a science. In the meantime he has operated extensive!}' as a grain- raiser, and has shipped hundreds of car loads of both grain and stock to Cincinnati, Ohio, Chicago, III., and Indianapolis. Ind. lie resided for a num- ber of years near Palermo, in Edgar Count}', and shipped from Hume. In the meantime he was quite prominent in local affairs, serving as Assessor and Collector seven years. He takes r. warm in- terest in politics, and is well known as an active member of the Democratic party. He has solved as Justice of the Peace three terms in Edgar County, and one term in this county. During the progress of the Civil War .Mr. Guth- rie enlisted as a Union soldier in Company K, 125th Illinois Infantry, being mustered into serv- ice at Danville Oct. 2, IMG 2 for three years. The boys comprising Company K, were mainly from Catlin and Carroll townships. Mr. Guthrie en- listed as a private, drilled at Covington, Ky., and met the enemy in battle at Chaplin Hill, and at Mm frees boro in January, 1863. After the first mentioned he was promoted to Sergeant, and later served with the Provost Guards at Nashville. Mr. Guthrie was sent out as a scout nine miles south of Nashville to a place called Brentwood, where he received an injury from a shot, and suf- fered greatly for some time, when it was thought he would never recover. He received his honora- ble discharge at Nashville Oct. 30, 1863, on ac- count of his wound. The three children of Mr. and Mrs. Guthrie — George B., Hugh, and Sarah J. — are all at home with their parents. The latter are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Sidell Town- ship, in which Mr. Guthrie is an Elder and Trustee, also an active Sunday-school worker, and contrib- uted liberally to the erection of the church edifice. He officiates as guardian of the children left by the decease of Dr. Keys, of Hume, and has offi- ciated as administrator of other estates of Dr. Keys- He has also been Justice of the Peace, and his de- cisions have been uniformly sustained. A simple, plain, straightforward man, his object in life has been to do good as he has had opportunity. He is one who has made many warm personal friends, and one who, in both his public and private life, bears an irreproachable character. OSEP1I P.. COOK. This well-to-do and en- terprising citizen, still on the sunny side of forty, owns and operates a well-regulated farm on section 13, in Elwood Township, of which lie is a native and where he has thus far spent his life. He was orphaned by the death of his parents when ho was quite young, and is thus not as familiar with the history of his progenitors as he would desire. Nature endowed him with those qualities of character by which he has been enabled to attain to a worthy manhood and secure the respect and confidence of all who know him. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 145 Our subject w:is born Sept. 2'J, 18.51. and is the sun of J. Riley Cook, who was bora in this county. The paternal grandfather, Zimri Cook, was one of tlif pioneers of Central Illinois, and here spent his last days. J. Riley Cook departed this life when Joseph 1!.. our subject, was a lad of live years. The mother of the latter hail died when he was an infant. He was then taken into the home of his uncle, Joshua Thornton, the husband of his mother's sister, and .Mr. Thornton died when young Cook was a lad of fifteen years. Our subject, after the death of his mule Thorn- ton, began working for himself, arid afterward, de- sirous of adding to his store of knowledge, attended Bloomingdale Academy, under the instruction of Prof. Hobbs, in 1870-71. In ls7:>-7<; he attended Vermilion Grove Academy and afterward turned his attention to farming pursuits. He is the owner of fifty -one acres of good land, and lias charge of forty more belonging to bis mother-in-law. He was married April o, 1883, to Miss Sicily E., daughter of David and Miriam (Mills) Hawortb, the former deceased and the latter living in Elwood Township. John Mills, the maternal grandfather of Mrs. Cook, was a native of North Carolina, and removed to Ross Creek, East Tenn., prior to the War of 1812. There his daughter Miriam was born, June 12, 1809, and came witli her parents to this county in 1822, arriving here the day she was thirteen years old. The Mills family settled in the northwest quarter of section 23, range 12, township 17, Elwood Township, after a journey attended with many dif- ficulties. There were various swamps along the route, and when four or five miles south of Quaker Point the teams were unable to proceed. Miriam, with two of her sisters, together with Ann Ilaworth and Nancy Biggs, all young girls, left the wagons and walked to the Point, while the teams and the men. women and little children were left to follow as best they could. They reached Jonathan Ila- worth's about dark. He was located near Quaker Point, just across the State line, in this county. In due time the travelers extricated themselves and proceeded on their journey. John Mills settled among the Indians and wild animals, and entered four and one-fourth sections of land, where he put up a round-log Cabin, with a puncheon floor, a huge fireplace in one end of the room, with a Stick-and-clay chimney outside and a clapboard roof. The house contained only one room, but there was a loft, in which the boys slept. The nearest trading point was at Terre Haute, Ind..and the pioneers went to mill on Sugar Creek, in Parke County, 1 ml., with os teams. Deer were numerous, the settlers being enabled to kill them almost at their own door. The wolves made night dismal with their howling, and the chickens. pigs ami sheep had to be securely housed in order to save them. The woods were full of bee trees and there was an abundance of wild fruit. This section of the country at that time was almost lit- erally a land flowing with milk and honey, but there was much sickness. The death of Hannah Mills was the first which occurred in the township. She died in the summer of 1X23, and her remains were the first to be buried in what is now Vermilion ( irove Cemetery. The first wedding in Elwood Township was that of Andrew Wagerman and Tabitha Lyons. There came with the family of John Mills, Mr. James Haworth and his family, to whose son. David A., Miss Miriam was married, and became the mother of eleven children. These all lived to mature years, and were named, respectively: Wilison, Clayborne, Maria (deceased), James W., Elvin, John (deceased), Mary J., Beriah, Horace, Sicily and Linley. Mr. Haworth died about fifteen years ago; Mrs. Haworth makes her home with her chil- dren, and is remarkably active and healthy for one of her years. She has been a life-long member of the Society of Friends, to which Mr. Cook, our subject, and his wife also belong. OBERT M. KNOX. Hoopeston, soon after being laid out, became the home of a U\l goodly number of solid and substantial P men, to whom it owes its progress and prosperity. Among them came Mr. Knox, in Sep- tember of 1871, a young man, active and enter- prising, and who has proved one of its most valued 446 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. citizens. He is now engaged in the real estate, loan and insurance business, and has become well- known to a large portion of the people of this lo- cality. He is regarded as a man who can be de- pended upon in all his transactions for honesty and integrity, and lias a well-equipped office located on Market street. The native place of our subject was in Salt Creek Township, Wayne Co., Ohio, where his birth occurred Jan. 14, 1810. He there spent the days of his boyhood and youth, attending the public school, and later pursued his studies at Hayesville Institute, in Ashland Count}'. Upon leaving school he commenced learning the trade of carriage-maker and was occupied at this business until the second year of the Rebellion. On the 7th of August, 1862, under the call of President Lincoln for '"300- 000 more," he enlisted in Company II, 102d Ohio Infantry, and served most of the time in the Army of the Cumberland. He remained in the army two years, and then, on account of disability, was obliged to accept his honorable discharge in De- cember, 1864. ['pon leaving the army Mr. Knox for a time resumed his studies in the institute before men- tioned. Thence he came to Paxton, Ford County, this State, in I860, and was engaged in teaching one year. Subsequently he taught in winter, and farmed in the summer season. He also traveled a part of the time for the Illinois Central Insurance Company, of Decatur, and was thus occupied until coming to this county in the fall of 1871. He now became interested in grain, and associated himself with a partner, and they, under the firm name of Given & Knox, began operations when there were only four or five buildings upon the present site of Hoopeston, and when thirty or forty men were obliged to sleep in a large store room in pro- cess of construction, making their beds upon the shavings as there were no other lodgings to be had. This firm was the second of the kind in the place. Before winter set in there had been erected enough buildings to accommodate all the people. An estimate of the rapid progress of business in the embryo village of Hoopeston at this time, can be had when it is learned that the Cost day the weighing scales were in operation there was a train of wagons waiting for three blocks, as thick as they could stand, sometimes as many as 100 in a day, and from that time on the grain business es- pecially was prosperous. Our subject and his partner, after making a snug little sum of money, sold out, and Mr. Knox became interested in real estate, which kept him very busy as long as tow 11 lots were in demand. Later he began operating as a money lender. He also has charge of property of many who are non-residents. He has meddled very little in political affairs, otherwise than to give his support to the principles of the Repub- lican and Prohibition parties. He has for many years Lad charge of the Cemetery Association, of which he is Secretary, and officiates in the same capacity for the Building Association. Whether in connection with these or any other body, lie has a thorough contempt for wire working, and for any corporation which shall take advantage of the people. Nearly twenty-four years ago, in October, 1865, our subject was united in marriage with Miss Mary .J. Given, and to them there were born three chil- dren, of whom two are living — Lulu B. and Ed- ward. The daughter is at Monmouth, Col., and the son is at home with his father. Mrs. Mary J. Knox departed this life at her home in Hoopeston, Aug. 10, 1875. She was born near New Concord. Muskingum Co., Ohio, and is the daughter of David Given, who came to Illinois in the fall of 1864. Mr. Knox, in June, 1880, contracted a second marriage with Miss Jennie M. Bruce, of Wooster, Ohio, who was born in 1849. Of this union there are two children, a son, Robert K., and an infant daughter. Andrew J. Knox, the father of our subject, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, in 1818, and was there reared to manhood and mar- ried to Miss Mary J. Richards, about 1837. They lived on a farm in that county probably ten 3'ears, the father in the meantime also operating as a blacksmith. lie is now retired from active labor, and makes his home in Fredericksburg, Ohio. The wife and mother died while a young woman, in 1844, leaving three children. The elder Knox was subsequently twice married. He has officiated as an Elder of the Presbyterian Church nearly half a PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 447 century, and as a Sunday-school Superintendanl twenty-five years. Robert M. Knox, like his father before him, has been diligent in church work, holding the office of Elder in the United Presbyterian Church at Hoop- eston, and being connected with the Sunday-school as Superintendent and Assistant for many years. He is quiet and unassuming in his manners, and avoids placing himself before the public in an os- tentatious way. perferring to transact li is business with little noise or display. He has occupied many positions of trust and responsibility in connection with property matters, and enjoys in a marked degree the confidence and esteem of those with whom he has had dealings. A.MUEL DALBEY. In every community there are lives which run still but deep. the lives of men who perhaps make but lit- tle stir in the world, and yet who are pos- sessed of those qualities which have a sensible in- fluence upon the people by whom they arc sur- rounded, and an influence uniformly good. The fact that Mr. Dalbey probably has not an enemy in this community speaks well for his general charac- ter, habits and disposition, and he is recognized as a member of society who has contributed to its best interests as he has had opportunity, a father who has been faithful in the training and educa- tion of his children, and a neighbor uniformly kind, generous and obliging. He is conservative in politics on National questions, casting his vote with the Democratic party, but in local elections is not governed by party lines, aiming to support the men whom he considers best qualified to serve the interests of the people. In his younger years he was frequently sent as a delegate to the various Democratic conventions and did some good work for the advancement of his party. "The boys" as he calls his brothers, are equally divided between the two great political parties. The biographer found Mr. Dalbey pleasantly lo- cated cm a snug farm occupying a part of section 5 in Oakwood Township, and comprising 160 acres 7. crossing the Mississippi with his family, he took up his residence in Lawrence. Kan., during the curly struggles in that Territory and <-:i>t bis vote for the admission of Kansas into the L'nion as a free State. lie returned through Illinois and in the fall of that same year settled in Warren Count}-. Ind., but a year later came back to Illinois anil purchased the interest of one of the (ass heirs in the well-known farm of that name, which he occu- pied four years and which is situated near the ('a*- School-house. Upon selling that property he pur- chased his present farm. To Mr. and .Mrs. Dalbey there have been born seven children, the eldest of whom, a son, Franklin married Miss Seals; they have four children, and live one mile north of Fithian. Theresa A. R., is the wife of .lames Bantz; the}- have four children, and live just south of Muncie. Verner R.. mar- ried Miss Sarah Lucas, is the father of five children and lives on the Fox farm; Mary I'... remains at home with her parents. The next born were twins Ophelia and Otis. The former is at home; Otis married Miss Franie Henry, is the 'father of one child and lives southeast of Muncie: Rosa, the youngest, continues under the home roof. Mr. and Mrs. Dalbey and all their children, are mem- bers of the Baptist Church, in which Mr. Dalbey officiates as Deacon, and all are actively interested in the Sunday-school. In his district Mr. Dalbey has served as School Director and Trustee, and socially he belongs to the Masonic fraternity, be- ing a member of Newtown Lodge. Mrs. Dalbey was the second child of her parents — John and Nancy (Jones) Watts, and was born Sept. 5, 1829. Her father was a farmer by occu- pation in Fountain County, lnd.. and died when his daughter, Sarah C was a mere child. The seven children comprising the parental household all lived to mature years. Sarah like her brothers and sisters, acquired her education in the subscrip- tion schools and developed into a teacher, follow- ing this profession some years before her marriage in Indiana. In due time she came to Illinois on a \ isil to her uncle Joseph Jones, who was a pioneer of this count\- and owned the farm where the village of Muncie is now' located. After his death his widow sold the property to Edwin Corbley. In the meantime Mrs. Dalbey was married to our sub- ject. The house of Aaron Dalbey in those days was the besl structure of the kind in the neighborhood and the only one for years which had glass window panes. It was a struggle for the farmers to support their families and make both ends meet, as con. in the crib would onh sell for six and a fourth cents per bushel on a year's time. Our sub- ject has hauled shelled corn to Fairmount for six- teen cents per bushel. "1 HUN I. MCDOWELL is one of the leading young men of Sidell Township. He is the son of Archibald McDowell, one of the early settlers of Vermilion County, and is the worthy son of a worth}- sire. He has many ster- ling qualities that place him in the front rank in point of popularity. It always speaks well of any man in a community who is spoken of by name in an endearing manner, and the subject of this sketch is known as '-Johnnie" .McDowell, which appella- tion exhibits the popularity he enjoys with the cit- izens of Arcliie and Sidell. and in fact in all this portion of Vermilion County, as well as apart of Edgar County. Mr. McDowell was born Nov. -_':;. 1861, on the old homestead, and is the first child by his father's second wife. His parents are both living, whose biography appears in another part of this AlBUM. He received his early impressions of business on a farm, and was taught that if a thing is worth doing at all. it i- worth doing well, and this principle has been his guiding star. lie obtained his education at the common schools, and being a bright scholar, .JQXP.&J PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 451 soon advanced to the head, until, at the age of twenty years, he became a Vermilion County teacher, conducting his first school in District No. I, in Sidell Township. Here he was remarkably suc- cessful, as his kind waj'8 and persuasive methods eud eared him to all his pupils. When be became of age he engaged in the general merchandise bus- iness at Archie, and from the start has enjoyed a large and profitable trade, a distinction he lias reached by reason of his fair dealings and manly methods. It would not be exaggeration to say li is store was as well patronized as any other for miles around. But a disastrous fire which was attended with considerable loss destroyed his store building and stock, and since this he has directed his atten- tion to teaching during the winter months and assisting on the old homestead in summer time, a fact which illustrates his capacity for turning to anything which circumstances throw in his way. Mr. McDowell is a member of Peace Dale Lodge, I. 0. O, F., which is located at Sidell, and is an enthusiastic Odd Fellow. In his political views lie is a Democrat, and is an ardent advocate of anything that will honorably promote the inter- ests of his party. Being public spirited and popu- lar it is a safe prediction to make that John I. Mc- Dowell is a rising man. "•■«+<*itt>*- :m ^t Ll'IIOXSO T. ARBUCKLE, A. M., M. D., S^LJ, I). D. S., one of the nest established phy- sicians anil surgeons of this county, was born in Symmes Township, Edgar County, this State, Dec. 20, 1856, and is the son of Samuel Ross Arbuckle, a native of Knox County, Ohio. His paternal grandfather, Samuel Ross Arbuckle, Sr., was born in West Virginia and was the son of Samuel Arbuckle. a native of Scotland. The latter emigrated to America at an early day, when a young man. and settling in the Old Dominion was there married to a lady whose name was Elizabeth Berry. He engaged in farming pursuits and became the father of seventeen sons and three daughters. His son, Samuel R., Sr., was reared in his native county and married Miss Rebecca Meacher, a native of that State and of Scotch-Irish ancestry. They em- igrated to Ohio during the pioneer days of Knox County, anil sojourned there until 1*27. They then changed their residence to Symmes, Hamilton Co., Ohio, where Grandfather Arbuckle kept a ho- tel known as the ••Sixteen Mile Stand." This property is now owned by our subject. There were then no railroads in Ohio, and Grand- father Arbuckle engaged in teaming from Cincin- nati to Logansport and Indianapolis, driving six horses to a vehicle, and transporting general mer- chandise. He died in 1875 at the advanced age of eighty-two years. Many and great were the changes which he witnessed in his adopted State where he lived to see the country developed from a wilderness into farms, villages and cities, with the iron horse rushing across the hills and valleys, which when he settled among them had been scarcely disturbed by the foot of a white man. Grandmother Arbuckle passed away one year prior to the decease of her husband, dying in 1874. They reared nine children — four sons and. five daughters — and Samuel Ross, Jr., the father of our subject, was six years old when they took up their abode in Hamilton County, Ohio. He was there reared to man's estate and in 1854 came to Edgar County, 111., where he lived one year, then removed to Macon County, sojourning there two years; at the expiration of this time he returned to Edgar in limited circumstances, the removal having been made overland with teams, to Symmes Township, Edgar Co.. 111. There the father of our subject purchased a sawmill which he operated while clearing the timber from his land. At the time of his settlement in Illinois there was but one store upon the present site of Paris. He put up a log house containing one room and in that the subject of this sketch was born. The father is still living and is a resident of Embarrass Township, Edgar County, III. He now owns a farm of 520 acres, embellished with fine buildings and well stocked and there is every reason to suppose will spend his declining years amid all the comforts of life. Mrs. Lamanda ( Yandervert ) Arbuckle, the mother of our subject, was born in CS2t) in Fayette County. Pa., and is the daughter of .lames and .Margaret Vaiiderverl. Her family consisted of five 452 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. children: The eldest daughter, Medora, became the wife of Zolora Green, and they reside in Oakland. Coles Co., 111. Alphonso T.. our subject, was the second born; Byron E., occupies the home farm in Edgar County, 111.; .lames L., is a traveling sales- man; Walter V. is pursuing his studies in the Wes- leyan University at Bloomington, III. Our subject was reared in his native county ami acquired his classical education in Paris, 111., being a graduate from the High School there in 1870 with the degree of A. M. There also he began the study of medicine in 1 88 1 with Dr. William II. Tenbroeek, with whom he remained two years. He next entered Rush Medical College. Chicago, from which, after a three years' course, he graduated in 1886. Two years of this time he practiced in Cook County Hospital, and in the winter of 188a and 188(5 gave his attention especially to dental surgery and was graduated. He commenced the practice of his profession at Sidell on the 8th of March, of that year, and eighteen months later came to Danville, of which he has since been a res- ident and where he has built up an extensive and lucrative practice. He is popular among all classes and gives that conscientious attention to the de- tails of his calling which invariably brings success. Dr. Arbuckle was married Dec. 14. 1877, at the bride's home in Sidell Township, this county, to Miss Mary E. Rowand. Mrs. Arbuckle was born near Springfield, Ohio, in 1861, and is the daugh- ter of Rev. Edward and Margaret Rowand, the former deceased, while the mother still survives. and lives in Sidell. The Doctor and his wife occupy a neat home at No. 821 East Fairchild street, and enjoy the acquaintance of the best people of the city. Our subject is a member of the Medical Alumni Association of Chicago, and occu- pies a position in the front ranks of the fraternity in this part of the State. He meddles very little with political matters, aside from casting his vote for the man of his choice. .Mrs. Arbuckle is considered one of the most ac- complished ladies in Danville, being a graduate of a literary school, in which she ranked among the best of the pupils, being ambitious in her studies anil quick to learn, while her retentive memory easily retained what it once grasped. She is also considered an expert in all kinds of fancy work, and is a graduate of a fine art school. She occu- pies a front rank in the best society of the town she makes her home, and is welcomed into the most select circles, which her education and refinement fit her to adorn. Mr. Arbuckle is represented elsewhere in this volume by a fine portrait, which perpetuates the features of a man well-known and highly respected among the entire community. f^ ALVIN STEARNS is one of the good citi- j|( zens and prudent farmers whose industry ^^{ and perseverance have placed him in an en- viable position in his community. lie is the third child of Harvey and Fannie (Lockwood) Stearns and was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, Oct. 28, 1820, and when he was twelve years of age re- moved with his parents to Illinois, locating in Ver- milion County, where he has since resided. In those early days education was considered a sec- ondary necessity. If the parents of the pioneer boy- had no work for him to do. he was sent to school, but on the other hand, if he was needed at home for anything at all, the school was neglected. Mr. Steams was a typical pioneer boy. His limited schooling was received in the old-fashioned log school house and under the inspiration of the ever present birch rod. But despite all these difficulties he has accumulated knowledge enough to entitle him to be called a fairly educated man. The elder Stearns built a sawmill on Salt Fork, and there Calvin worked until he left home, which was at the time of his marriage — in 1813 — taking for his wife Miss Priscilla Lee, a daughter of Henry Lee, and a sister to Mrs. Alvin Stearns. The young couple began house-keeping in a small frame house on the old homestead, where his father gave him eighty acres of timber. Mrs. Stearns died June 10, 1850, leaving one daughter, Eveline. In 1853 Mr. Stearns took for his second wife Mary Rogers. He then purchased his present place and improved it by building a house and the necessary outbuild- ings, and planting trees. By his last union Mr. PORTRAIT AM) BIOC R A I'll HAL ALBUM. 453 Stearns was the father of a daughter — Mary II.. who married Francis Cronkhite, who lives inn miles and a half northeast of Muncie, III. They have five children. Mr. Stearns' second wifedied in Octo- ber, 1859 and lier mother lived with him as house- keeper until his third marriage, which occurred in 1867 to Clarinda Cronkhite. By this marriagehe i> the father of two children — one boy and one girl. William C. and Lilley M., both of whom are un- married ami live at home. Mr. Stearns cultivates eighty acres of fine prai- rie land and owns nineteen acres of timber. His farm is a model one. though not extensive, and everything connected with it denotes thrift and in- telligence, lie has been a sufferer financially by reason of his good nature in indorsing- a note for a friend who betrayed his confidence, and while he has had a hard time to recover from the effects of this swindle, he nevertheless is prospering. The olliee of School Director has been held by him, a position in which he has given satisfaction. Mr. Stearns is a member of the German Baptist Church and his wife also worships in the same faith. lie is a mem- ber of Homer Lodge of Masons, and politically is conservative, but always votes the Republican ticket at the National elections, and in local affairs chooses those for the office whom he knows are good men, regardless of political affiliations. NT1IONY LEK ANKRUM is a genial, whole-souled fanner and stock-raiser of Elwood Township, where he owns a line farm on section 2',». His father, David, was born in Virginia, whence he removed to Bel- mont County. Ohio, in the early days of the Re- public, lie was a weaver by trade, his specialty being table linen, coverlets, etc. Anthony still has some of the coverlets his father manufactured and which he considers very valuable as heirlooms. The grandfather, Archibald Ankrum. was a na- tive of the north of Ireland and emigrated to America when a young married man. Anthony's uncle. George Ankrum, was a soldier who made a good record in the warof 1812. The grandfather had three sons, George, David and John. The lat- ter went to New Orleans and was never heard from. Anthony's mother was a daughter of Robert l'.oak, and her name was Abigail. She was the mother of thirteen children, seven of whom are living: George W., Anthony Lee, John, Elwood, David, Wesley and Harrison. One son, Asa, whose biog- raphy is printed in this work, died, leaving a fam- ily; another son, Allen, passed away in his nine- teenth year; the good mother died on Feb. 18, 1857, while the father survived until Feb. lfi, 18G7. Anthony L. Ankrum was born in Belmont County, Ohio, on Sept. 18, 1828. He was married to Miss Lydia A. Smith, on Aug. 31, 1854. She was the daughter of Isaac Smith, a native of Greene County, East Tennessee, and a prominent citizen of his county. He was born in Berkley Co., Ya., Feb. 18, 1832. Her mother was Martha Boss, daughter of Fnos Ross. He went out on the first boat that ever floated on the Ohio River. The vessel was lost and Mr. Ross was never heard from. Mrs. Ankrum's parents have seven children: William and Mary (deceased), David, Hannah, John, Mrs. Ankrum and Isaac. Mr. and Mrs. Ankrum were the parents of six children, two of whom are living: Martha E. and William 15.; one daughter, Allie B., died after she had attained ma- turity; she was married to Charles Foster, and left one child, who has since died. ( (neson, Harry L.died in his twenty-first year; he was physically disabled and a graduate of the Ridge Farm High School; he had just begun teaching school, having taught one term when he died. Martha married James Fletcher ( for a record of her children see sketch of John Fletcher). William B. married Alice Barker; he lives with his father and assists in managing the old homestead. Mr. Ankrum owns 186 acres of land and is en- gaged in general farming and stock-raising. He has on his farm a fine herd of graded cattle and also a lot of Poland-China hogs, each one of which would be a prize winner. He takes great pride in raising and feeding his stock, ami out of them he makes a great deal of money. His farming opera- tions have been very successful, and since he has 454 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. come here he has been devoted to his business. His first place of settlement was with his parents, in 1S38, at Yankee Point, in Klwood Township, where he has resided continuously since. His wife emigrated to this township in 1836, locating near Georgetown, where her parents both died. Her father passed away when he was fifty-two years old, while her mother died in December, 1871. Mr. Ankrum is a stalwart Republican in politics, though he never has sought office of any sort. He has held the position of Road Overseer and with satisfaction to his constituents. The office of Treasurer in the Masonic Lodge has been held by him, and he has also been a Trustee and Steward of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Ridge Farm. Vermilion County contains no better citizen than Anthony Lee Ankrum. !>HOMAS ]',. HUMPHREYS. Few men in Ross Township are more widely known than this honorable pioneer anil none are more generally respected. He is a man plain in speech and manners, contented with plain and comfortable surroundings, but a thorough and skillful fanner, and owns 200 acres of the most valuable and fertile land in this vicinity. Under his careful manage- ment it produces in abundance the rich crops of the Prairie State, yielding to the proprietor a gen- erous income and enabling him like Longfellow's "Blacksmith," to "look the whole world in the face," as not owing any man. The paternal grandfather of our subject, John Humphreys by name, was a native of North Car- olina where it supposed he was married and reared his family and where undoubtedly his son, Jonathan B., the father of our subject, was born. The latter when reared to man's estate was married about 1*15, to Miss Nancy Johnston and to them there was born one child, a daughter, Deborah, before their removal to the North. About 1817, they changed their lo- cation to Harrison County, Ind., settling on a tract of land in the woods and where their son, Thomas B., our subject, was born June 27, 1818. It was probably four years later, about 1822, when they removed from Harrison to Putnam County, Ind . settling in the heavy limber where the chief amusement of Thomas B.. in his boyhood was pick- ing up and burning brush, alternated occasionally with the recreation of fishing. He assisted his father in the clearing of the farm at a time when bears and wolves roamed through the forest, and the latter often made night hideous near the cabin of the pioneer. The mother of the family spun and wove wool and tlax and manufactured most of their clothing. In bis boyhood our subject much of the time wore ••bather breeches," made from the skins of deer. His first pair of boots were purchased when he was nearly a man grown, for $2.50. Prior to this the father had made the shoes worn by the family. The Indians had not then left Putnam County, and were frequently seen skulking through the f< rest stealing when they could, but offering no particu- lar molestation to the family. The father of our subject died in Putnam County, Ind., about 1832. He had, prior to this time come to this county and purchased a farm, building upon it a log house for future occupancy, but upon returning to his fam- ily, was soon afterward seized with the fatal illness which terminated in his death. The mother and chil- dren then remained in Indiana until the latter were nearly grown, coming to this county in 1838. A few years later the mother died leaving five chil- dren, namely: Deborah, Thomas B., our subject, Barbara A., Mary J., and Margaret B., of whom three are living. She and her husband were mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The old home farm of the Humphreys family was in Blount Township, this county, from which they hauled their grain and drove their stock to Chicago to market. Some times they would drive their hogs to Wabash, Ind.. and have them slaugh- tered there, receiving two and one-half to three and one-half cents per pound. The subject of this sketch was married in Dan- ville, this county, in 1842, to Miss Rachel, daugh- ter of Albert Cossart, one of the earliest pioneers of this county. Of this union there were born two sons — Albert, now a resident of Barber County, Kan.; and Samuel, who operates the home farm. Mrs. Rachel Humphreys departed this life in De- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 455 ccinber, L877. She was a lady possessing many excellent qualities and was a consistent member of the Christian Church. Mr. Humphreys has 160 acres in the homestead proper, besides forty acres of timber formerly belonging to the old home farm of his father. He has given to each of his sons a part of his original purchase. The home of Mr. Humphreys is one to which the people of the neighborhood love to resort. Although mak- ing no pretentions to style or elegance, there is about the dwelling an air of comfort and hospi- tality which invariably goes to the heart. ANFORD S. DICKSON, one of the most enterprising business men of Muncie and its leading grain merchant, is numbered among its most prominent citizens and is very popular both in its business and social circles. ( ienial. gentlemanly and possessing more than or- dinary abilities, he is following up a career which thus far has been excessively prosperous with a fair outlook for the future. He has an attractive home, an accomplished and amiable partner, and apparently everything around him to make life pleasant and desirable. In reverting to the family history of our subject we find that he is the son of Simon A. Dickson, a native of this county and was born in 18o3. The Dickson family was originally from Kentucky, from which the paternal grandfather of our sub- ject emigrated to Illinois in 1824, settling near Indianola, this county. In this vicinity Simon spent his boyhood and youth until the outbreak of the Civil War. In 1802 he enlisted in Company (', 125th Illinois Infantry, participating in the bat- tle at Perryville and shortly afterward was taken ill with pneumonia and died in the hospital at Nashville. Tenn.. June 2. 18G3. The mother of our subject was in her girlhood .Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Hiram C. Catlin, a native of Parke County, Ind. He laid out the town of Catlin which was named in his honor, and died in 1 v 71 at the advancer! age of nearly ninety years. He carried on farming, and became a prominent man in his community. After the death of Simon A. Dickson, his widow was married to Dr. Samuel T. Smith in (866, and they now live in Hernando County, Fla. To the parents of our subject there were born four children — Wilbur T., Oliver P., Hiram ('.. and Sanford S., all of whom are Living. The subject of this notice was the eldest child of his parents and was born in Indianola, this county, July 22, 1855. His education was acquired in the district school, which he attended mostly winters until about eighteen years old. He commenced his business career as a clerk in the store of John Littler at Fithian, where he remained about one year, then took a position under Mr. J. A. Cowles, who had bought out Mr. Littler. On the 1st of January, 1877, he became a partner of his em- I ployer and on the 27th of that month they re- moved their stock of goods to Muncie establishing the first store of general merchandise in the place. On the 1st of January, 1886, the firm was dissolved, Mr Dickson purchasing the interest of his partner 1 and since that time has carried on business alone, 1 making of it a pronounced success. He carries a full stock of all the articles required in the city ami country household and, as the most extensive grain dealer in this part of the county, handles thousands of dollars' worth of this commodity each year. He owns a three-fourths interest in a farm two and one-half miles north of Fithian, which is operated by a tenant and comprises ICO acres of good land. He also has the county agency ! for the Davis Sewing machine, keeping two wagons and two men on the road all the year round. Mr. Dickson started out in life for himself at the early age of sixteen years and is one of the fore- most young business men of Vermilion County. He was married Jan. 29, 1879, to Miss Olive, daughter of M. W. Selby, of West Virginia, the wedding taking place in Fithian. The Selby fam- ily came to Illinois in 1866 and settled four miles north of Catlin, this county, where they lived five years. Thence they removed to Fithian, where Mr. Selby became connected with the mercantile business of Hooker & Littler, and has followed merchandising since that time. The Selby family for the last nine years have been residents of Muncie. Of their five children only two are living PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. —Mrs. Dickson and her brother, Calvin, the latter of whom is a resident of Vance Township. Mrs. Dickson was the fourth child of her parents and was born in Palatine. Marion Co.. W. Va., Sept. 5, 1856. She received the rudiments of of a good education in her native State and com- pleted it in the schools of this county. She was a bright and ambitious girl and after leaving school was for a time employed as a clerk in a store in Muncie. She possesses considerable liter- ary ability and for the last four years has been the regular correspondent from Muncie. of the Dan- ville Neivs. Of her union with our subject there have been born three children, one of whom died in infancy. The eldest, Lola M., is attending school at Muncie. Fred C. is a promising little lad eight years of age. Mr. Dickson was Postmaster at Muncie from 1879 to 1885 and was the Assistant-postmaster after resigning the chief position. He was elected Super- visor of Oakwood Township in the spring of 1888 and re-elected in 1889. lie lias officiated as School Director in his district; politically, uniformly votes the straight Republican ticket, with which party he has been identified since reaching majority. Soci- ally, h( belongs to the I. (). O. F. and with his estimable wife inclines to the doctrines of the Methodist Episcopal Church, but there being no society of this denomination in Muncie they attend upon other services. Magruder W. Selby, the father of Mrs. Dickson, enlisted on the 25th of February, 1864 as a private in Company L, 6th West Virginia Cavalry. He was first promoted to Quartermaster, then to Ser- geant and in April, 1864, to the rank of Second- Lieutenant. In October following he was promoted to First-Lieutenant. The regiment was stationed for a time at Moorfield, Va., and later at New Creek. Some of the men including Lieut. Selby were captured by the enemy, but the latter made his escape. They fought with the bushwhackers in the vicinity of Beverly and for a time were stationed in Cumberland, Md., guarding the railroad. Prior to Lee's surrender the regiment had been ordered to Richmond, ami afterward it was sent to Camp Relief at Washington. D. C. Here they were de- tailed as mounted patrol of the city, in which they remained until aftei the grand review. Thence they were ordered to Ft. Leavenworth. Ivan., and later crossed the plains to Ft. Casper, Dak., arriving therein October, 1805 and were stationed as a guard along the American telegraph lines over the old Pony Express Route. They had several skir- mishes with the Black Feet, Sioux and Cheyenne Indians. On the 1st of January, 1866, Lieut. Selby was made Assistant-Quartermaster and Commissary on the staff of lien. Whealon, and on the 1st of April following they were ordered back to Ft. Leaven- worth, where they arrived May 14 and remained about two weeks. The regiment was then mus- tered out ami ordered to Wheeling, W. Va., where they received their final discharge June 1, 1866. 5~* W ^ l-i~!- ylLLIAM SMITH is one of the solid, in- fluential farmers of Vance Township. His ^5HP parents came to Illinois in the Fall of 1829. His father's name was James Smith, and he was a native of Ohio, where he was engaged in farm- ing. His mother, whose maiden name was Mary Sewell, was also born in the same State. When the parents of Mr. Smith removed to Ver- milion County, three other families accompanied them, but there are none of their representatives living in this county except the subject of this sketch. His father was the first to settle in this immediate neighborhood, where he entered 800 acres of land and during his life improved nearly all of it. giving each of his children a portion. James Smith was a very careful man and settled up all his affairs before his death. lie was the father of five children, four boys and one girl, of whom there are three now living. He died in 1872, his wife preceding him to the grave ten years. William Smith was the third child of his family and was born June 12. 1827, near Springfield, Ohio, and when he was bul tWO year.- of age, his pareiils removed to Illinois, lie received his early educa- tion in an old log school-house, situated on his father's land. When he was eighteen years of Hge he ceased going to school and remained at work on his father's farm until he was twenty-one. The fall after he hail attained his majority, he drove a team, in company with sixteen others, to Austin. Tex., the journey occupying ninety days. This was forty years ago and be remained there until March 1, 1849, when he walked from Austin to Houston, Tex., took' passage on a boat to Galves- ton, from there across the Gulf of Mexico on a steamer to New Orleans, thence up the Mississippi to the mouth of theOhio, ascending that stream to where the Wabash intersects it, then to Perryville, Ind. lie then walked to Danville and from there home. In the winter of 1848-49 the cholera was raging and four deaths occurred on the same boat that brought him up the Mississippi River. Mr. Smith was married May 'J, 184i» to Miss Lucy A. Saddler, daughter of William and Ke/.iah (Brooks) Saddler, natives of Richmond, Va. They settled in this county in an early day and were the parents of seven children, two of these being from Mr. Saddler's second marriage, Mrs. Smith's mother having died shortly after locating in Illinois. Mrs. Smith was the fifth child of this family, and was born June 8, 182!), near Richmond, Va. She at- tended school in a log bouse, about three miles from her present home. Her father died in 1864. After marriage Mr. Smith removed to the farm he now owns and occupies; it then belonging to his father who gave each of his children 120 acres of land with which to start in life. Mr. Smith has made four trips to and from Texas, three by team, and one by railroad. On one of these journeys the trip was made on horseback. In 1876 be visited the Centennial at Philadelphia, and March 1. 1889 was present at Harrison's inauguration, and while on that trip, visited Mt. Vernon; be has been a great traveler and has visited nearly all [joints of interest in this country. Mr. Smith is now the owner of a fine farm of 320 acres in one body, and under a high state of cultivation. He raises horses, cattle and hogs, and conducts a general farming business. Some very 4B2 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. fine horses of the Norman. Clydesdale and English- shire draft horses, and also Short-horn cattle may lie seen on this splendid farm. On the whole, Mr. Smith has been a very successful farmer. Four boys and two girls constitute Mr. and Mrs. Smith's family, .lames Everett married Laura Price, who died in 1887, leaving three little buys to mourn her loss; William E., is now living in Iowa, and his son, Lester, is now living with his grandfather, Smith; Byron married Emma Black, they reside on the old homestead and are the parents of two girls; Abraham L. married Cora Baldwin, and they also reside on the father's old homestead; Mary Belle is the wife of Andy Yount; Sadie Jane lives at home. Mr. Smith has two brothers living, his oidy sister dying in 1850. His brother .Tames is living in San Antonio, Tex., while David is a farmer in Guthrie County, Iowa; his brother John died last summer in Dallas County, Iowa, leaving live chil- dren, all of whom have grown to maturity. Mr. Smith has retired from active farming and by his industrious and intelligent manners has earned a competency and is entitled to the rest he is now enjoying. He has always taken an active in- terest in politics and has invariably voted the Re- publican ticket since the organization of that party. The offices of School Director and Road Over- seer have been filled by him in his usual pains-taking manner. Socially, he is a member of the I. O. O. F. and is temperate in all things. In the commu- nity, where Mr. and Mrs. Smith have lived sixty years, they command the universal respect of all their neighbors. As representing one of the beautiful homes in this county, a view of the residence of our subject and his family is given on another page of this volume. •*§&£*■ f I LLIAM J. MANN. Catlin Township has no better representative of its agricultural W^l and manufacturing interests than this gen- tleman, who has long been identified by the shrewd, intelligent farmers, owning and managing a valua- ble farm on section 11. and for some time he has been actively engaged in the manufacture of tile. V He comes of fine old stock, and was born in what is now West Virginia, in Monroe County, Oct. 20, 1824. His father, likewise named William, was a native of the Old Dominion, one of the F. F. Vs., and his mother, whose maiden name was Rhoda Stodghill, was also a Virginian by birth. The par- ents of our subject began their wedded life in their native State, living amid its beautiful scenery till 1856, when they sought to establish a new home in the Praiiie State, and they spent the remainder of their lives in Sidell Township, where he died March 16, 1858, and she March 10.1878. They left to their children and children's children the precious legacy of an honorable name, and the memory of exemplaiy lives. They had a family of six children, of whom our subject was the eldest son and the fourth child in order of birth. He remained at home till he was twenty-one, and the following year went to Alabama. Having prior to that time learned dentistry, he followed that pro- fession in that State for some two years. At the expiration of that time he returned to the Shenan- doah Valley in Eastern Virginia, and passed the ensuing eight years there, actively engaged at his profession. He then returned to his native county, and after remaining there two years, he sought green fields and pastures new in the West, and making his way to Monroe County, Mo., opened an office for the practice of dentistry there. Two years after that, in 1859, he came to Vermilion County, this State, and established himself as a dentist at Fairmount, continuing there till the breaking out of the war, when he gave his attention wholly to agricultural pursuits. He afterward re- turned with his family to Virginia on account of his wife's ill-health, the entire journey being made in a private conveyance, and they remained there three years. After his return to this State, Mr. Mann resumed farming, and now owns a farm of 205 acres, that is well tilled, and supplied with a substantial set of buildings, including a handsome dwelling beautifully located on section 1 1 , on Blue Mound. A view of this attractive farm resi- dence appears on another page, and adds much to the value of the Album. The place is amply sup- plied with all the machinery and appliances for facilitating farm labors. In 1881 our subject PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 163 formed a partnership with David Vaughn toengage in the manufacture of tile, and he also operated a sawmill with him. They n mained together till 1884, when Mr. Vaughn withdrew from the linn, and Mr. Mann bus since carried on the business alone. He manufactures a superior kind of tile, which commands a large sale on its own merits, and is reaping great profits therefrom. Mr. Mann was married to .Miss Elizabeth F. Thompson April 2, 1851, in Augusta County. Yu. .Mrs. Mann was a native of that county, her birth taking place there in 1*21. She was a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Heard) 'Thompson, who died in that county. Five children were born of the wedded life of our subject and his amiable wife : Mary, the wife of Rev. Luther Hendrick; William T.. who married Miss Lizzie Farrin; Walter; George, who married a .Miss C'onklin; Emma and an infant son, Ellis, deceased. Aug. 30, 18*7, death crossed the threshold of the happy home of our subject, and she who was the home-maker, the loved wife and mother, was taken from the stricken family. She was a woman of deep, noble character, in whom the Christian vir- tues were exemplified. She was kindness itself, and her charity knew no bounds, her large heart over- flowing' with tender sympathy toward the needy and .suffering. She was one of the most, active and prominent members of the Presbyterian Church, and in early life was a Sunday-school teacher; the church and society at large sustained with her family an irreparable loss. Mr. Mann is a true gentleman, ever courteous and genial in his intercourse with others, and his frank, kindly nature has won him a warm place in the hearts of his neighbors and numerous other friends. In his career in life he has met with assured success in the various vocations that he has pursued, and is numbered among the moneyed men of his township, as well as one of her most trustworthy citizens. He is a man of earnest relig- ious feelings, and has long been connected with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church at Fairmount, of which he is Deacon, and his fellow-members al- ways find him ready to aid in carrying out any plan for the moral or the social elevation of the community. Politically, he is a loyal supporter of the Democratic party, lie has held various school offices, and takes considerable interest in educa- tional affairs, as all intelligent, public-spirited cit- izens ought to do. /jps^Ol'IRE II. E. P. TALBOTT is one of the ^^L most influential men in Sidell 'Township, (lL^_)j) where he owns and operates a large farm. His father and mother, Augustine and Jo- sella (Parker) Talbott, were natives of Bourbon County, Ky. 'The father was a merchant at M il- lersburg, that State, for several years, but having become security for other people too largely, he failed in business, when in 1826, he removed to Madison County. Ohio, and there began the race of life anew by teaching school in a log house, on the subscription plan. He died at the early age of twenty-eight, a poor man, leaving a widow and three children: John Mason, Hugh A. and Henry Ed- war I Parker. The mother was married a second time in Madison Count}-. Ohio, to Marcus Garrett, a farmer of that county, by whom she was the mother of seven children. In 1851 the stepfather, mother and all the children but Henry, who was serving out an ap- prenticeship, removed to Carroll 'Township, which is now Sidell in this county. 'They prospered fairly well, but the mother died in 1864 at the age of fifty-five years. The subject of this sketch was born Aug. 7, 1831, near London. Madison Co., Ohio. His early life was passed in much the same manner as that of any farmer's boy, receiving his education under difficulties. He remained at home until he was seventeen years old, working for his stepfather on the farm. At that age he began to learn the carpenter's trade, and served an appren- ticeship covering three years, anil during this time he saw the need of an education, and therefore he attended the common schools in the winter, work- ing at his trade during the summer time. He came out to visit his folks in Illinois, remaining here but a short time when he went to Indianapolis, and there worked at his trade for nine years prior to his enlistment in the army. In 18oG, he began 464 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. taking contracts and erected n number of city and country residences, and as a contractor he was very successful. Up to the year last mentioned his sympathies had been with the Whig party, but at the birth of the Republican party lie joined its ranks and has con- tinued to act with that organization until the pres- ent day. When Lincoln issued his call for 300,000 troops, he laid aside his hammer and saw, and took up the musket. He enlisted in Company G, 79th Indiana Infantry in Aug. 1862 and was mustered into the service at Indianapolis as a corporal. Here they were drilled for three weeks, when they were or- dered to Louisville, and there learned further duties of the soldier. The first engagement in which Mr. Talbotl was engaged was the battle of Perry - ville. Ky.. in the fall of 1862 and during their pursuit of Bragg to Nashville, he was taken ill and sent to the hospital at that place, and after lying there for one month, he was discharged in the spring of 1863, when he returned to Indianapolis. .After coming out of the army he was for a long time unable to perform physical labor. In 1865 he removed to Illinois and engaged at his trade at Catlin, building several houses that summer. In 1867 he was married to Miss Lucy E. Utterback, a native of Rolls County, Mo., and daughter of Har- mon and Lovin:i (Falls) Utterback. Her father was a native of Kenton County, Ky., while her mother was born in Indiana. Her parents had ten children, all of whom were born in Missouri. Mrs. Talbott came to Vermilion County for the purpose of attending school. She had relatives here who had no children and therefore lived with them. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Talbott settled on their present farm, where they have resided contin- uously since. They have had three children: Au- gustin Mason; II. Hugh and Sarah E. Hugh died at the aye of twelve years and six months, and the other children are living with their parents at home. Mr. Talbott's grandfather was born in Maryland, of English ancestry. His grandmother, maternally, was a Sandusky and of the same family after which the Ohio city was named. In the early part of the nineteenth century, three brothers came over from Poland, one of whom settled in Ohio, and founded the city of Sandusky, another locating in Mary- land, while Mr. Talbott's ancestor settled in Ken- tucky. His paternal grandmother was a Mason and a lineal descendant of the surveyor Mason, who in company with Dixon, settled a dispute between Lord Baltimore and William Penn by agreeing on the present State line between Pennsylvania and Maryland, popularly known as Mason and Dixon's line, and surveyed by them in colonial times. The name of Mason, therefore, will lie perpetuated in the Talbott family. Mr. Talbott has served as School Treasurer for ten years and as Director for seven years. He has also taught two terms of school in the district where he lives. In 1872 he was elected Justice of the Peace and has served with distinguished ability in that office since, and in the course of that time has had a great many cases appealed to the higher courts, but his decisions have been invariably sus- tained. In 1870 he was elected Supervisor, and with the exception of one year, has served for nine years consecutively. He is a member of the G. A. R., and was the first commander of Sidell post No. 536. He was an active man in organizing it, and was one of its charter members. Mr. Talbott is an uncompromising and stalwart Republican and has served on the central committee of his county for several years. When the Odd Fellows' Lodge was started at Sidell in 1886, he was one of its charter members and its first presiding officer and he has represented his lodge in the grand body. Our subject joined the Odd Fellows Ma\ 22, 1857. ANIEL GURLEY. Few who look upon this hale, hearty, bright and intelligent old gentleman would suppose that he has passed the eighty-first year of his age. His has been a familiar figure among the older resi- dents of this county for, lo, these many years, and since the spring of 1 864 he has been a resident of Danville. He commenced in life at the foot of the ladder without other resources than the excel- lent qualities of mind, heart and disposition with PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 165 which nature lias endowed him, but these proved an invaluable capital, from which he has built up for himself a goodly position among his fellow- men. Our subject was born in the town of Rupert, Bennington Co., Yt.. March 3, 1808. and is the son of Nahum Gurley, a native of Glastonbury, Conn., and of substantial Scotch ancestry. Nahum Gurley was reared to manhood in his native State, from which he removed to Vermont, and was one of the earliest settlers of the town of Rupert. He had learned the trade of a blacksmith in his youth. but after settling in Vermont, purchased land and devoted a part of his time to its improvement and cultivation. At the same time he carried on black- smithing, but in 1820 disposed of his interests in the Green Mountain State and made his way to Western New York, before there was either a canal or railroad in that region. The journey was made with ox teams, and the father of our subject set- tled with his family in the vicinity of Albion, Os- wego County, where he was a pioneer. He purchased a partially improved tract of land, engaged in farming and also worked at his trade. He there spent his last days, passing away about 1858. The mother of our subject was in her maiden- hood .Miss Nellie Goodrich, and she, like her hus- band, was a native of Connecticut. The simple story of her life was that of a pioneer wife and mother who stood bravely by the side of her hus- band in his labors and struggles, and set before her children the example of virtue, thrift and industry, she spun wool and tlax, and, besides manufactur- ing the cloth for the family use, made the garments as well. She departed this life prior to the decease of her husband at the old homestead, in Oswego County, N. Y. The subject of this sketch was a lad of twelve years when his parents removed from Vermont to New York State, and he still distinctly remembers many of the incidents connected with the long journey, especially through the wilds of New York. As soon as old enough, he was taught to make himself useful, and learned the trade of a black- smith of his father. At that early day plows and axes were made by hand, and young Gurley has turned out many of these in connection with the other general work at. the forge. Aloug in the thirties he determined to see something more of the world, mid made his way to Ypsilanti, Mich.. :iiid worked at his trade then and at Auburn nearly a year and until winter, when he Started for home. He crossed the river at Detroit and walked the entire distance, passing through the Sparsely set- tled portions of Canada, and finally arriving in safety at his destination. Soon after his return home, Mr. Gurley opened a shop at Albion, where he prosecuted blacksmith- ing until 1863. He then returned to Michigan, and in Quincy, Branch County, purchased ground and [nit up a shop. The year following he sold out. and, coming to this county, purchased prop- erty in Danville. lie erected one among the firsl store buildings put up on Vermilion street, and en- gaged in the bide and leather business about a dozen years. He was quite prosperous in this enterprise, and at the expiration of the time men- tioned retired from active business, and has since occupied himself in looking after his property. Mr. Gurley was firsl married, in Albion. N. Y., to Miss Lydia Rich, a native of Middlefield, Otsego Co., N. Y.. and a daughter of Col. Moses Rich. She became the mother of four children, and died Aug. 4, L856. Their eldest son. Franklin, is now a resident of Runnels County. Tex. Hewitt re- sides in La Crescent, Minn.; Jerome is a resident of Wisconsin, and Nahum lives in St. Louis. The second wife of our subject, to whom he was mar- ried in March, 1858, was Mrs. Leonora ( Hall) Reed, a native of Ellisburg, Jefferson Co., N. Y., and the daughter of Rufus Hall. Her father was born in Belleville, Jefferson County, and was the son of Giles Hall, one of the pioneers of that county, who owned several large tracts of land and was one of the most extensive farmers there. He silent his last years at Ellisburg. His wife was Rachel Pier, a native of Cooperstown, N. Y., and who died in Belleville. The father of Mrs. Gurley was reared in Jeffer- son County, N. Y., where he learned the trade of a blacksmith. About 1845 he removed to Oswego County, where he carried on blacksmithing and farming combined, and where he spent the remain- der of his life. His wife. Mrs. Harriet (Taylor) 4GG PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. Hall, was born in Balston Spa, Saratoga Co., N. Y. Her father, James Taylor, removed finally from Saratoga to Oneida County, and later to Oswego County, where he died, and where also the death of the mother took place. Miss Hall was first mar- ried, in the twentieth year of her age, to Benjamin F. Reed, of Elmira, N. Y. Mr. Reed was a printer by trade, at which he worked in Oswego, and where his death took place Oct. 7, 1855. Of this marriage there were born two children — one of whom died in infancy, and a son, William Reed Gurley, resides in Danville. Mrs. Gurley has been in all respects the suitable partner of her husband, and is still spared to be his stay and comfort. She is a lady highly respected wherever known, and both number their friends by the score in this county. They occupy a comfortable and pleasant home in the northern part of the city. fOHN GRIFFITH CLARK, J. P., a veteran merchant and early settler of Sidell, has been one of the men most closely identified !{j*^/'' with the interests of this vicinity, for. lo, these many years, and has dispensed justice in his bailiwick for the past four years. He is of that stanch and substantia] character which was most needed in the early settlement of Central Illinois, and has borne no unimportant part in the development of his township and the establishment of the various enterprises which have made it a desirable location for an industrious and intelli- gent class of people. The scenes of the first recollections of our sub- ject were in tiie township of Hamilton, Warren Co.. Ohio, where his birth took place -July 4. 1819. Six or seven years later his father removed to Indianapolis, Ind., which was then in its infancy, there being only five or six frame houses and a few log cabins upon the present site of that now important city. The early education of young Clark was carried on under many disadvantages, he attending the free schools two and one-half months, and later a ••rate" SCllOOl. After working hard during the day, he would take his book at evening and, by the light of a dip candle and the fireplace, extract such knowledge as he could. During those days he wore buckskin breeches and morocco hats. He plowed in the field when a boy of eleven years, anil made himself generally useful about the farm from that lime on until approach- ing manhood. After reaching his majority, young Clark began teaching school in Indiana, and followed this pro- fession twenty -one months at one place, when he resigned, much against the wishes of the School Board, who fully appreciated his faithful services. In 1840, the State of Kentucky now having estab- lished a free school at Alexandria, our subject re- paired thither, and by a course of study qualified himself still further for the duties of his chosen profession. Later, he taught the first school ever conducted under the free school system in Indi- ana, holding certificate No. 1 and being examined by Joshua Stevens and Samuel Merrill, the latter subsequently becoming the first President of the State Bank of Indiana. Upon his second applica- tion for examination by Miles De Couiey. the lat- ter issued him a certificate upon the strength of his former one. While teaching at Alexandria, he met his first wife. Miss Ann Benedict, who was born in Kentucky. They were married in 1842, and settled near Alexandria. Our subject continued teaching, and also carried on farming several years in Kentucky, becoming the owner of a farm there. He also mixed con- siderably in politics, ami in due lime was dubbed '•the leader of the Democratic party in Campbell County." He served on the County and State Central Committees several times, and on the latter in the campaign of 1864. Finally, becoming dis- gusted with the canvass of that campaign, he re- tired from the field, although serving later in the same capacity as before. Of the first marriage of Squire Clark there were born nine children — Elizabeth. Sarah A.. William, John T., Nancy J., Hester E., and three who died in infancy. The mother of these departed this life, at New Richmond, in 1857. Our subject married for his second wife Mrs. Mary Battles, a native of Campbell County, Ky., who was born on the 29th of April, 1816, and was the daughter of PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 167 John and Ellen (Gillham) Fuller. Of her marriage to Mr. Battles there were born seven children, anil Of her marriage with our subject there are two daughters — Carrie B. and Alice II. Leaving Kentucky in 1ST I. our subject came to lhi> county and settled on a farm five or six miles northwest of Sidell. He lived thereuntil 1882, then, coming into town, purchased a stock of merchandise, the first ever exhibited at this place. and established himself as a pioneer merchant. He keeps a well-assorted stock of everything required in the village or country household, and has built up a thriving trade. He and his family occupy a rjood position in social circles, and the Squire and his wife belong to the America Missionary Baptist Church. After the marriage of Miss Gillham and Mr. Battles, they settled in Hancock County, this State, but later removed to Cincinnati, Ohio, where the death of Mr. Rattles occurred. Their seven children were named respectively: Mary E..Reuben, .John Stephen. America, Sarah E., Louisa and Nancy .lane. Mrs. Rattles after the death of her husband returned to her native State of Kentucky, where she formed the acquaintance of Mr. Clark. They came to Sidell before the completion of the Chicago, Danville & Ohio Railroad, and boarded some of the laborers during its construction. Mr. Clark was the first Postmaster of Sidell, and its first grain buyer — purchasing the first load of grain ever shipped from the place. One day. while at Allerton holding an inquest, an accident happened which crippled him, and he now gets about with the assistance of crutches. He cast his first Presidential vote for Martin Van Biiren in is |u. and since then has never missed voting at a Presidential election. While living in Kentucky, he held the office of Justice of the Peace in Alex- andria Precinct for a period of fourteen years. The parents of our subject were Caleb and Elizabeth (Griffith) Clark, the father a native of Greene County, Pa., and the mother of Campbell County. Ky. They were married in the latter place. Caleb Clark was a farmer by occupation, and upon removing from Kentucky settled in Warren County, Ohio, where he sojourned five or seven years, and then removed with his family in Marion C> ty, lnd. He was one of the promi- ment lights of the Democratic party in that- region, and a member of the State Central Committee in 1840-44. He accumulated a very " 1 property, but was finally disabled by a stroke of palsy, anil for the last ten years of his life was incapable of labor, and died a poor man, in 1869, in the seventy- fifth year of his age. The mother of our subject after the death of her husband removed to the home of her daughter, Mrs. Hannah Parker, in this State, where she died, in 1872, at the age of seventy. three years. Of the twelve children in the parental family six grew to mature years, ami four are now living, John G., our subject, being the eldest. Hannah. Mrs. Parker, is the mother of ten children, and lives in Catlin, this county; William R,, a butcher of Si- dell. is married and the father of three children Hannah, John and J. V. ; Mary A., Mrs. Reddick, is a resident of Indiana, and has a family. Caleb Clark, the father of our subject, was the first man that volunteered in the city of Cincin- nati in the War of 1812. He was captured by the British, but soon afterward paroled. The paternal grandfather, John Griffith, served four years in the Revolutionary "War. and was in several battles under the direct command of Gen. Washington. The Griffiths traced their ancestry to Wales. RANCIS MARION ALEXANDER, a thor- ough, skillful, careful and prosperous farm- er of Georgetown Township, owns and Occupies a snug homestead of eighty acres with good buildings, on section (!. He is known to most of the people of this region and recognized as one of the most reliable members of his commun- ity. His course has been marked by honesty and uprightness, and in all his worthy ambitions he has received the aid and encouragement of one of the best of wives. Mrs. Alexander deserves especial mention as having performed her share in preserv- ing the reputation of the family and assisting in the accumulation of the property which has secured them against future want. We find them sur- 4G8 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. rounded by all the comforts of life and those evi- dences of taste and refinement which are so pleasant to the eye. Our subject was named after Gen. Francis Marion, who was a relative on subject's grandmother's side. A native of Fountain County. Ind., our subject was born Nov. 4, 1831, and was the youngest in a family of seven children, the offspring of Robert and Margaret (Hawkins) Alexander, who were na- tives of South Carolina. They emigrated to Indi- ana with their respective parents in their youth, and were married in Fayette County, that state. Later they removed to Fountain County, where the mother died at the early age of thirty-five years. The elder Alexander was married a second time. but died soon afterward at the age of fifty-five. Their children were named respectively: .lames. William, John, Francis M. our subject, Hester, Re- becca and Martha A. Five of these are living. Soon after the death of his father our subject weut to live with William T. Stevens, who had married his sister, Martha Ann, and in 1848 began working on a farm in Georgetown Township, Ver- milion County. Later he operated rented land on his own account. When twenty-two years old he was married, Nov. 4, 1856, to Miss Elizabeth McCorkle, who was a native of Indiana and a daughter of Charles McCorkle. She became the mother of five children and departed this life at the homestead in 1875. Their eldest daughter, Mary E., is now the wife of John Girard, a merchant of Westville. and the mother of one child. Bertie F. ; Martha E. was married to II. G. McMillan and died at the age of twenty-one years, leaving one child, Clarence E., who soon followed the mother; Matilda A. is the wife of H. T. Parker, who has charge of the Alexander farm, and they are the parents of a son, Jones N. ; Mar- garet E. married I). E. Beebe, a stock-man and farmer near Huron, Dak., and they have one child, a daughter, Blanche; Minnie D. is unmarried and remains with her father. Our subject in 1878 contracted a second mar- riage with Miss Mary E. Parker, who was born in Marion County, Ind., and is the daughter of John and Hannah (Clark) Parker, both natives of Ken- tucky. Mrs. Alexander was simply a child when her parents came to Illinois and settled first on a farm in Carroll Township, Vermilion County. They are now residents of Catlin Township. Miss Mary lived at home with her parents, receiving careful training from an excellent mother until her marriage. She attended the common school, and grew up to a modest and worthy womanhood, greatly esteemed by her young associates. Siie has fulfilled the promise of her youth, and has proved in every way the suitable partner of a good man's home. Religiously inclined, she is a consist- ent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Fairview, while Mr. Alexander finds his religious home in the Christian Church, in which he is Elder. Politically our subject advocates the principles of the Democratic party and has served several terms asSchool Director and Road Supervisor. Beyond this he carefully avoids the responsibilities of ollice, finding his chief satisfaction in looking after his farm and family. When our subject was twenty-one years of age he went to Iowa and pur- chased land near Des Moines; then went into mer- chandising, continuing in that threeyears; then re- turned to Westville and went into business at that place; sold that and bought his present place. JIDMAS HA WORTH, who departed this life May 4. 1885, at his homestead in El- wood Township, was esteemed as one of its best citizens and in his death it suffered an irre- parable loss. lie was born in this township July 12, 1845, and was the son of Joel Haworth. a native of Tennessee, who came to this county when a boy, settling among the Indians and wild animals, as early as 1825, and in common with other pio- neers ot that period his career was made an item of history in the published records of this county some years since. Young Haworth, as may be supposed, received only limited school advantages during his boyhood and youth, but his naturally bright mind and habits of observation conspired to make him a very intelligent and thoroughly-well informed man. Hi' assisted his father in the opening up of the home- (^yinM^b CUVl 'OA^^rXA 1 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 17.", stead from the wilderness and upon approaching manhood learned the trade of a plasterer which he followed several years. Later he abandoned this for the more congenial pursuits of agriculture. Ele w:is married when nearly thirty-three years of age. March 28, 1878, to Mrs Hannah M. Spray, widow of Jesse Spray, who died in Indianapolis, Feb. 22, 1876. Mrs. II:i worth was born in Hendricks County, [nd., and is the daughter of David Mendenhall, who is long since deceased. After the death of Mr. Haworth she was married to Silas Mendenhall, March 1 I. 1889. A sketch of Mr. Mendenhall ap- pears on another page in this Aliuji. Mr. Haworth was a liberal and public-spirited citizen and in re- ligions matters belonged to the Society of Friends. He wasa man of the most kindly Christian charac- ter, beloved and respected by all who knew him and none can point to an unworthy or dishonest act associated with his life. BRAHAM SANDUSKY is one of the lead- ing men of Carroll Township, and was 'Mi born in Bourbon County, Ivy., March 24, 1833. His father, also named Abraham, was a native of the same county, and was born March 29, 1793. His mother, Jane (McDowell) was born there also, her birth occurring Dec. 10, 1792. The grandparents were among the early settlers of Kentucky, and were there at the time the Indi- ans were very troublesome. This family traces its ancestry back to Poland's royalty. They came to America in 1756, and as foreigners, were at first looked upon with suspicion, but their true charac- ter becoming known, they were soon in great favor with the people Of the colonics, and since that time there have been no more loyal Americans than the Sandusky family. The original forefather became an Indian hunter and trader, and by them was killed. Of the eight children born to the parents of the subject of this sketch, Abraham was the sixth. He was the last one wdiose nativity was in Kentucky and he was broughl to Illinois in his mother's arms, a babe of six months. He has a good claim to the title of pioneer, and nobly does he sustain that title. His schooling was gained at the public schools of the days of his boyhood but his greatest lessons were gleaned from his father and mother, who taught him industry and honesty. He worked on his father's farm until he was married, Dec. Hi, 1 8G9 to Miss Ellen Baird, a native of Carroll Town ■ ship. He purchased his first land in 1802, and since that time has dealt steadily in real estate, in this way accumulating a great deal of wealth. He speculated in cattle, horses and live-stock generally, and during the war when values were much in- flated, and fortunes so easily gained, he did partic- ularly well. He became connected with the Ex- change Bank and was interested in the corporation to the extent of one-fourth interest. This institution transacted a general banking business for some four or five years, when the railroad was projected from Paris to Danville. This bank undertook the build- ing and operating of the road, a bonus of $500 a mile being voted for its construction by the sev- eral towns through which it passed. The bonded stock of this company amounting to $1,500,000, at one time could have been sold for eighty per cent. The road was sold at forced sale, and being pur- chased by the Wabash, it consequently forced Mr. Sandusky into bankruptcy, this occurring in 1873 and sweeping bis whole fortune away. At that time he was worth 1300,000 in money that he had accumulated by his own efforts. Just here the nobility of Mr. Sandusky's character asserted it- self, and while many others attribute his great losses to the delinquency of another man, yet Mr. Sandusky remains mute, and simply says that the money was lost. His farm was bought in by his brother, William, and through industry and per- severance Abraham has been able to regain 600 acres of it. Through all his trials and losses Mr. Sandusky has sustained his honor, always appearing what he really is, a public-spirited ami generous citizen. Nearly every church, and all other enterprises de- signed for the public good, have felt the strength of his liberality. Mr. Sandusky is now following general or mixed fanning, and Ins Short-horn cat- 474 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. tie are the best specimems of their breed in this country. Politically, he is .1 strong uncompro- mising Republican, and never omits an opportun- ity to aid his party. He is .1 member of the Cum- berland Presbyterian Church, while his wife is a Baptist. Nancy Ellen Baird, the wife of Abraham .San- dusky, was born in Carroll Township. Her father. Joseph, and mother Lydia (Mendenhall) Baird, were early settlers of Vermilion County. The father was born in Kentucky and the mother in Ohio. She came here with her parents when she was eleven years old, while Mr. Baird was a young man, when he arrived in this county. After their marriage they settled upon their farm where they became the parents of eight children: John G., David A., Nancy Ellen. Elizabeth A., Lydia Jane. Emily F., William S.. and Joseph, who died in infancy. Mrs. Baird is residingon the old Mendenhall homestead with her son, Silas, and is in good health at the age of seventy -seven years. Her husband died in 1 86i> nearly seventy years old. Fine lithographic portraits of Mr. and Mis. San- dusky are shown elsewhere in this work, and repre- sent people of fine family, prominent social position and philanthropic spirit. It is the wish of the A 1, hum as well as its many readers that they may remain for many years among those who love them. ^at„ -ET (, fif. OSEPH F. COOK. Somebody has said that the man who loves a good horse is generally a good citizen. The converse of this propo- sition in certainly true that a man who abuses this noblest of all animals is certainly a bad citizen. If there is anything in this world that Mr. Cook likes better than another it is a good horse. He is especially proud of the fact that he is the owner of as fine horses as can be found in Vermilion County. He is a man who possesses great intelligence and uses his talents freely in his business of putting on the market splendid horses. His financial success in this direction fully attests the fact that he has not failed to make for himself an enviable reputation as a fair, capable and relia- ble business man. I lis excellent judgment has led him to select Cleveland Bays and Mambrino strains as the most superior breeds for the class of animals he deals in. Mr. Cook was born in Vermillion County, Ind., about two miles from his present home on Oct. 25, 1859. His father. Dr. Joseph C. Cook, was a na- tive of Virginia and came with his father — and the grandfather of the subject of this sketch — William Cook, to Parke County, Ind., where the latter set- tled on new land. At this time the country was overrun with wild animals and wilder Indians, but they were bound to make a home and in this de- termination they were successful. Dr. Cook lo- cated in Vermillion County, Ind., soon after his marriage, which was about forty years ago and his capital at that time consisted of only fifty cents. lie also owned a horse, saddle and bridle, but above all possessed no little ambition to make a name and accumulate property. He became one of the most eminent physicians in this country, and when he died he was the owner of 1.700 acres of land beside having $48,000 in accounts on his books as well as notes and other property. No call from the sick ever went unanswered by him and the afflicted poor re- ceived as much attention as those that were wealthy. One feature of his philanthrophy was the giving of *600 a year to the worthy poor. He died in Ver- million Township, Jan. 22, 1875, honored and re- spected by the entire community. His widow who was Margaret J. Dallas, before her marriage, is now living on the old homestead, and is the mother of twelve children, five of whom are living: William C, Charles, Joseph F. Addison W. and Bertie C. Joseph F. Cook received his education at the common schools, and nearly all his life has been spent in the occupation of farming. He was mar- ried to Miss Drusilla P., daughter of James Camp- bell, who was an early settler of this township. Mr. and Mrs. Cook are the parents of four children: Nettie P.. Roy F., May D. and Bertie C. Mr. Cook's farm is situated on section 36, range 1 1. El- wood Township, where he owns a quarter section of splendid land. As before indicated he is a breeder of fine horses. He owns the Duke of Cleveland, an imported Cleveland Bay, four years old. which weighs 1,400 pounds and is sixteen and one-fourth PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 475 bauds high. He is also the owner of Roy Davis, whose grandsire is old Dr. Hurr, of Paris, sired by Mambrino Davis, m brother of Joe Davis, the noted trotter thai made a record i>f 2:17 a few years ago. The dam of Hoy Davis is Senorita Parepa. corrected from volume 1. page 2.~>">, of .1. II. Wallace's American Trotting Register, making Roy Davis a thoroughbred. Mr. and Mrs. Cook arc devoted members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and arc always found ready to extend financial help lo any be- nevolent project. Mr. Cook is a wealthy man and and is especially proud of the record of liis father as a physician and philanthropist. ~*V AMES SYLVESTER CLING AN, a retired farmer and a resident of Westville, is the owner of a fine body of improved land in Catlin Township, which is operated hy his sons, lie is in comfortable circumstances and has been blessed with a life partner of more than ordin- ary worth, who has been his efficient helpmate in the accumulation of their property and has con- tributed largely in maintaining the dignity and reputation of the family. They are people held in high esteem and are classed among the best ele- ments of their community. In glancing at the antecedents of our subject we find that he was born in Miami County, eight miles southwest of Troy. Ohio, Dec. 15, 1830, and is the son of William and Nancy (Ramsey) Clingan, the former a native of the same county as bis son and the mother born near Susquehanna. Pa. The latter descended from substantial old Pennsylvania stock, while the paternal grandfather of our subject, James Clingan. by name was a native of Ireland. The parents were married in Dayton. Ohio, and the father carried on farming in that vicinity until 1845. That year they came to Illinois, settling -ix mile> east of Danville and one-half mile from the State line, where the elder Clingan commenced openiug up a farm from the wilderness, but was called away by death two years after his arrival here. The eighty acres of land which he had se- cured was only partially paid for and two-thirds of it had lo he sold. Our subject, then a youth of seventeen years, began working out by the month and assisted his mother until she no longer required his filial services. She passed away Sept. 111. L851. The parental household consisted of eight chil- dren, namely: William, .lames Sylvester, our sub- ject, John. Robert, Joshua, Mason. Sarah, and ( reorge. When twenty-four years of age our subject was married, in 1855 to Miss Alvira, a daughter of John and Mary Olehy. The young people com- menced their wedded life together on a rented farm in Danville Township, where they lived seven years, and then Mr. Clingan purchased part of the estate of his wife's father. Later he sold this and bought 120 acres of land in Catlin Township. He subsequently added to this and is now the owner of 200 acres which is largely devoted to the raising of grain and stock and which yields handsome returns. To Mr. and Mrs. Clingan there have been born four children: The eldest. John W.. a farmer of Georgetown Township, married Miss Mary Nesbitt, and is the father of two children — Dennis A. and Edna A.; Dennis R., who resides on the home farm, married Miss Louisa Graves; Mary 10., died at the age of two years; Luther, a resident of George- town Township, married Miss Martha Graves and is the father of two children — Blanche and Hersch- ell. Our subject and his estimable wife left the farm in November, 188G, and took up their abode in Westville. where they purpose living retired from the arduous labors with which they were em- ployed during their younger years. Mr. Clingan politically affiliates with the Democratic party, but has never sought office and has mingled very little with public affairs, with the exception of serving as a School Director in Ids district for a perod of nine years. The parents of Mrs. Clingan were natives re- spectively of Virginia anil Kentucky. They were married in Ohio where their two eldest children were born and came lo Illinois in 1833, settling three miles east of Danville. There the birth of Mrs. Clingan took place in 18.'!."). Only four of the fourteen children born to the parents are living. 47G PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. The eldest. Louisa, is the wife of Dennis House of Danville. Alvira, Mrs. Clingan, is the next eldest; Mary, Mrs. Herman Civilian, lives on a farm in Georgetown Township; Rebecca Jane, is the wife of George Watson, a farmer of Pilot Township. p^LIZA (SNYDER) CASSEL is the relict of [W] the late John Cassel, a former prominent F /|j-— .J 1 citizen of Pilot Township and one of the leading farmers of this part of Vermilion County, owning a large farm and carrying on stock-raising quite extensively during many years of a busy and useful life. Our subject makes her home on this farm, which she helped her husband to place among the best and most desirable estates in this locality in point of size, cultivation and style of buildings. Mrs. Cassel is a native of Muskingum, County, Ohio, born in May, 1827. Her parents, John and Mary (Blunt) Snyder, were natives of Virginia, and pioneers of Ohio, and subsequently early set- tlers of this county, coining here in 1831 and lo- cating in Blount Township. The father died in 1848. thus ending a life of usefulness, and leaving a name that is held in respect by his descendants. Both he and his wife were of Irish antecedents. The latter died in 1872 at a venerable age. They were the parents of ten children, six of whom are living, as follows: our subject, of whom we will speak further; Cenith. living in New Pontiac, 111., a widow, who has been twice married, Mr. Alfred Lane being her first husband and Isaac Norman her second husband, she having three children by her last union — John, Charles and Wesley: John, a farmer, married Rachel Robinson, and is the father of ten children; Charles married Margaret Olhand. of this county, and they have eight chil- dren; Wesley, living retired in Danville, married Mary Cunnigan, anil they have seven children. Margaret married James Gillen, a farmer in Chero- kee County, Kan., and they have twelve children. Our subject was a small child of scarcely four years when her parents brought her to Vermilion County, therefore she can have but little recollec- tion of any previous home, and here she was reared amid the pioneer scenes of those early days of the settlement of this section of the country to a strong, self-reliant, useful womanhood. When quite young she assumed the responsibilities of married life by uniting her fate with that of Henry Bailey, a young farmer of the neighborhood, his parents coming from South Carolina in early days and settling among the pioneers of the county. Three children blessed our subject and her hus- band, namely: Melissa, Mary and William. Me- lissa married F. M.Ogle of this county, now living in Linn County, Kan., and they have ten children; Mary married James Goff, of this count} - , now living in Wilson County, Kas.. and they have six children; William enlisted in the army in 1861, and-gave up his life to his country, dying at the battle of Corinth, Miss., in 1862. Mr. Bailey de- parted this life about 1848. Our subject was united in marriage to John Cas- sel in 1850. He was born in Georgia, his parents being John and Martha (Dark) Cassel. Of this marriage ten children were born, of whom the fol- lowing is recorded: Columbus, a farmer in Gray County, Kan., married Eva Clark, of Champaign County, 111., and they have three children; Caro- line married Allen Kirkpatrick, a farmer of this county, and they have Ave children; Ann married James Nichols, a farmer of this county, and they have two children; Charles is at home, unmarried; Alice, Frank and Martin are deceased; Martha married Harry Canaday, of Champaign County, 111., now a merchant in Gray County. Kan., and thej T have two children; Rosa married John MeAl- ister, a farmer of this county, and the}' have two children. Mr. Cassel came to this county when a young man, and commenced life on his own account, lie had absolutely nothing to depend on but the labor of his own hands, but in the course of a life of ex- traordinary industry he accomplished a great deal, and placed himself among the men of wealth and solid standing in the county. He owned (i 111 acres of valuable land, all well improved, with substan- tial buildings, and all the appointments of a well- managed farm. In the death of Mr. Cassel, which occurred July PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 477 15, 1880. Pilot Township sustained a severe loss. as be was in every way a fine man and a desirable citizen, who had taken a strong interest in the township and had done a great deal to advance its material prosperity. He was a considerate bus- band, a loving father and a good neighbor, ever just and upright in his dealings, lie was a sound Republican in his political views, and in working fur the good of his party deemed that he was pro- moting the highest interests of his country. He was a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, contributed liberally to the support of the Gospel, and was prominent in the management of the affairs of his church, holding its various offices. Mrs. Cassel has shown herself to be in every way worthy of her husband. She is a quiet, unobtru- sive lady, who has conscientiously done her duty in the various departments of life that she has been called on to till as wife, mother ami friend, and her place in this community is among our best ami most warmly esteemed people. -She possesses excellent judgment and sound common sense, and is a wise manager, so that her husband's estate has not diminished in value since it came into her hands. A view of her pleasant home is given on another page of this volume, and is a good representation of (me of the most comfortable country residences in the county. - - " oCx> * 5 RCHIBALD McDOWELL, an honored citizen and early pioneer of this section of I! the State of Illinois, is now passing his ad- vanced years in the quiet of his home, looking back upon a long record of usefulness that perhaps is not equaled by any of his compeers. He was born in Todd County, sixteen miles from Hop- kinsville, Kv., Sept. 1, 181:3. William and Mollie Nancy (Thompson) McDowell were his parents anil were born in Greenbrier County, Va. Shortly after their marriage they removed to what was then called Christian County (later Todd) Ky., where all of their children were born, whose names follow: Josiah, Margaret, John I).. Eliza, James, Archibald, Robert and William. All of these came to Illinois with their parents in 1826. and of whom now only two are living, Archibald and Wil- liam. William McDowell was t he owner of a large plan- tation in Kentucky, but a desire seized him to em- igrate to Illinois, a move which he never regretted. The journey was made by the means of one wagon and a cart, which were drawn by oxen. Ik' started with thirty head of cattle and thirteen head of horses. On the road the cattle were all seized by an epidemic, as were also the horses, and when they landed at their destination an inventory of their stock exhibited the fact that they had one cow, one ox, and one horse. He settled in Crawford County, four miles from Palestine, where he lived six years, when he removed to Vermilion County. It was under these early circumstances and environments that Archibald McDowell grew to manhood. The country for a few years after his father's arrival in Illinois was entirely destitute of educational privi- leges, and when alleged school-houses were erected, the advantages to obtain an education were not very much better. The teachers of those days were not chosen for their especial literary qualifications, but for their physical ability. 'I he schools lasted only four to six months in the year. About two years after William McDowell re- moved to this county he desired to return to Ken- tucky to settle up some affairs, which he did. On his return trip to Illinois he was seized with a ma- lignant fever and died. Several members of the family who went to see him, were also taken ill with the same disease which carried off two of the children, the mother and one brother recovering after a long siege of illness. Archibald, William and one of the younger sisters were the only ones of the family who were not ill. The following season the subject of this sketch and William planted the crops alone and from that day Archibald became the head of the household. At the age of twenty-one. Mr. McDowell was married to Miss Mary llildreth, who is a native of Bourbon County, Ky.,and reared in Illinois. Her parents came to this State in 1833. After Mr. Mc- Dowell's marriage he settled on 11.") acres of land which belonged to his mother and the heirs. His energy and industry united with his speculative 478 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. genius in handling land, soon placed him compara- tively well-off. His first wife lived fifteen years after marriage, when she died, leaving six children: Columbus. Louisa. Margaret A.. William, Nancy A. and Melissa. Mr. McDowell's second marriage oc- curred in 1859 to Miss Cynthia Ann Seals, who was born in Clark County. 111. She is still living and is the mother of the following children: John I.. Alice J. .George, Amanda,Thomas, Cyrus,Ora and Odbert. Mrs. McDowell is the daughter of Ivan and Nancy Seals, the former being born in Virginia, while the latter is a native of Kentucky. This couple had five children who grew to maturity: Henry, .lane, William. Cynthia and Taylor. Henry, William and Taylor, enlisted in the Union Army and only one of the trio returned from the war. William is now- fanning near Preston, Kan.; .lane married William Craig. They are living four miles east of Oak- land, 111. Mrs. McDowell was reared in Clark County, 111., and came to Edgar County, when she was eighteen years old, where her parents died, the father in 187SaU;he age of sixty-six years and the mother in 1876 at the age of sixty-three years. Mr. Mc- Dowell has held several places of responsibility, es- pecially those pertaining to educational advance- ment, he having served for sixteen years as a School Director. Politically he is in sympathy with the labor movement, although raised in the Democratic faith. The Chicago A: Ohio River Railroad was built in 1881. when Mr. McDowell gave that corporation the right of way through his land. A depot was erected upon his premises and the station was named Archie in honor of the owner of the land. The Post-office also goes by the same name. VfOHN P. CLOYD, M. D., the leading physi- cian and surgeon of Georgetown, and a very able practitioner, has been a resident of this place since 18(i9. A conscientious attention to business and a more than ordinary understand- ing of the duties of his calling has resulted in the building up of a fine patronage, while at the same time he i- liberal-minded and public-spirited, and one of the most enterprising and popular men of the place. In personal appearance he is of fine stature, with a pleasing address and an ever ready wit. and is welcomed as a general favorite in the social circles. As a busiuess man his career has been irreproachable. Our subject was born near the old home of An- drew Johnson, in Greenville, Tenn., June 28, 1838, and is the son of William and Julia (Northington) Cloyd, the former of whom was born in Washing- ton County, Tenn., and was the son of a native of Virginia, who carried a musket in the War of 1812. The great-grandfather, William Cloyd, was born in Bellemony, Ireland, and was of pure Scotch ances- try, followers of the Protestant religion. The mother of our subject was a native of Virginia, whence she removed with her parents to East Ten- nessee when a young lady. The Northingtons were of Scotch-Irish blood, while the maternal grand- mother of our subject, formerly a Miss Crouch, was of English stock. The Cloyds were represented in this country during the colonial days and the great- grandfather of our subject served in the Revolu- tionary War. Grandfather James B. Cloyd was in the War of 1812 under Gen. Andrew Jackson, and also fought the Creek Indians in Alabama. The parents of our subject were reared and mar- ried in East Tennessee, where they spent their entire lives. The father carried on a wagon manufac- tory, turning out the celebrated old schooner-bed, six-horse wagon, numbers of which were afterwards seen making their way slowly to the Great West, over the trackless prairie. He was a very indus- trious and energetic man and accumulated a good property. He died, however, at the early age of thirty years, after a short illness of pneumonia, in 1848. lie left his widow with three children: John Patton, our subject, David Northington and Ja- nus W. After our subject had attained manhood his mother contracted a second marriage, and there was born one child. She died at Greenville, Tenn., at the age of sixty-seven years. John Patton Cloyd received a common school education, and as soon as old enough began assisting his father in the wagon shop. Later he entered Rhea Academy at PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 479 Greenville, where be completed the preparatory course, and about this time decided upon entering the medical profession. At the age of seventeen he became a student in Washington County. Last Tenn.. but on account of limited means was obliged to abandon Ins studies and engage in teaching. At the close of his first term he set out for Indiana, and halting in Vermillion County taught school two years, and in 1859 came to Illinois. Here our subject followed the profession of a pedagogue until 1864. In the meantime he em- ployed his leisure hours in the study of medicine, which he had begun when a youth of eighteen. In 1864 he repaired to Chicago, and entering Rush Medical College took two courses of lectures, and was graduated with the class of 1869. In the mean- time, however, he had begun the practice of his cho- sen profession at Yankee Point, three and one-half years prior to receiving his diploma from Rush. After leaving the college Dr. Cloyd established himself in Georgetown, where he has since re- mained, lie has suffered nothing else to distract his attention from the duties of his profession, and besides being the oldest practitioner in the place, is the most skillful and successful. In 1859 our subject was united in marriage with Miss Hannah Golden, a native of this county, and the daughter of .lacob and Alcie (Frazier) Golden: they also were from Last Tennessee and numbered among the pioneers of Flwood Township, this county. Of this union there have been born five children: Richard. Belle, Frazier, Grace and John, the latter now a bright lad of ten years ; Richard has chosen his father's profession, and is a student at Rush Medical College, Chicago, in the class of ".10. Prior to entering there he was graduated from the Eastern Illinois College, and has taught school live years in this county; Belle is the wife of Rev. I). G. Murray, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church at .Jacksonville, and they have one child. Rose; Frazier is following the profession of a teacher in this county ; Grace and John are at home with their parents. The family residence is pleas- antly situated in the central part of the village and is the frequent resort of its best people. 'I'll'' Doctor, socially, belongs to Russell Lodge No. 1 04, A. F. A- A. M.. at Georgetown, and is also a member of Athelstan Commandery at Danville. He has been Master In his lodge at Georgetown since the time of his first election in 1873, with the exception of three years. He is a charter member of the Medical Association of Vermilion County, and one of its brightest lights. Politically, he affil- iates with the Democratic party. aHARLFS COOPER. There is probably no more popular or more promising young ' citizen of Carroll Township than the sub- ject of this notice. Nature has endowed him with those admirable qualities which constitute the basis of all good society and upon which the wellbeing of a community depends. He is fully in sympathy with the broad, free, independent life of a farmer, and is comfortably established at a neat homestead, 160 acres in extent and pleasantly located on sec- tion 7. He makes a specialty of line cattle ami horses and is able to exhibit some of the handsom- est specimens of these to be found in the county. His farm is finely located near the village of Indi- anola, and the dwelling is just far enough from the highway to insure quiet, seclusion and cleanliness. In its appointments and surroundings it very nearly realizes the modern idea of the country home. Our subject, a native of this county, was born in Georgetown Township. Dec. 30, 1857, and is the son of John E. Cooper, a Virginian b}' birth, who upon leaving his native state emigrated to Ohio and in 1840 came to Illinois. He was mar- ried in Georgetown Township, this county, to Miss Lucinda Cook, and after establishing a home of his own, set himself to work to gain a competence and become a man among men. He was prospered in his labors and in due time became one of the foremost men of his town and the owner of 640 acres of land. He kept himself thoroughly posted with regard to the new methods of farming pro- duced from time to time, and purchased and used the first steel plow ever brought to this county. The old Cooper homestead is a familiar feature in the landscape to most of the older residents of 480 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. this region. Tlie farm is embellished with a large brick mansion four stories in height, with an ob- servatory wliose roof is reared fifty-nine feet from the ground. John E. Cooper and his excellent wife were both consistent Christians and members in good standing of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The father departed this life at the old homestead in 1885 at the age of fifty-nine years; the mother is still living and is now aged sixty- one. The nine children comprising the household circle are recorded as follows: George B., the eldest, and John W., the second son and third child, are conducting in partnership a large livery establish- ment at Greencastle, Ind.; George married Miss Carrie Moreland, and is the father of three children, Opie, Effort and Glenn; .John married Miss Nora Hill, and they also have three children. Elmo, Elgin and Jennie; Miss Jennie Cooper married Russell . bines, a farmer and stock-raiser in the vi- cinity of Carthage. Mo., and they have one child, Beit; Sally was married to John A. Gilkey, who is now deceased, and she has two children. Signal and Ora; they reside at the Cooper homestead with the mother; Annie is also at home; Lizzie became the wife of Will Moreland, and died leaving one child. Johnnie; Kate married J. P. Jones, a whole- sale and retail merchantof Ft. Scott. Mo.; < J n in I,. is unmarried and operates the old Cooper home- stead . The subject of this sketch was a little lad of four years when his father purchased the land which he afterward constructed into one of the finest farms of this region. He there spent his boyhood and youth, assisting his father in the development of the land and acquiring his education in the com- mon school. He remained a member of the parental household until twenty-four years old, and was married in September, 1882, to Miss Kate, daugh- ter of Thomas and Catherine T. ( Hedges) More- land, who were natives of Kentucky. They came to Illinois at an early day and Mrs. Cooper was born in Carroll Township, this county, in 18G0. The first year after his marriage our subject rented the did Moreland Farm and then moved upon that which he now occupies. He makes a specialty of mad horses and is in the habit of carrying off the blue ribbons at the Danville and Catlin fairs. In c:iitl • his favorite breed is the Short-horn, of which he has some excellent specimens with registered pedigree. In 1881 he rented the Hedges farm which he has since conducted with success. Two bright children grace the family cirele, Fleda and Luie, who are aged three and five re- spectively. Although having little time to give to politics. Mr. Cooper is a man of decided ideas and gives his unqualified support to the Demo- cratic party. The beautiful Woodlawn Cemetery is within sight of Mr. Cooper's home and in which was built the Cooper family vault, largely through the instrumentality of the elder Cooper, whose remains now repose within it. This vault, a tasteful and substantial structure, was built at a cost of 11.900 and adds greatly to the appearance of the cemetery, which is frequently visited by the sight-seers of this region. ,/*g|< ASSIUS M. HESTER, a young man ap- \l\ (i, P roac hing tae twenty-eighth year of his ^^^(J age. is a son of one of the pioneers of this county and was born at his father's old homestead in Elwood Township. Dec. 15, 1861. A sketch (if his father, William Hester, will be found on an- other page in this Ai.r.i \i. The latter is a man of note in his community and the son has apparently inherited many of the excellent ((utilities of his sire. Our subject studied his first lessons in the .schools of his native district and later attended Vermilion Academy. At the age of fifteen years he started out to see the world and going to Colorado, in 1876, worked on a farm four months, then engaged in teaming between Fountain City- and Colorado Springs. He also engaged in hauling hay and whatever else he could find to do. He returned home in the summer of 1877 and remained on the farm until his marriage. The above-mentioned interesting event in the life of our subject occurred on the 3d of Septem- ber. 1885. the bride being Miss Rosa, daughter of Rev. James Haworth. Mr. llaworth was formerly of Quaker Hill, Ind.. but is now in Ackworth. Warren %/#&fe-- V. -- V ■',.?!■ ' 11 ^ ffei*5SS'h l>Pr 3 £ PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 183 Co., [pwa, where lie is preaching the Gospel in the Friend's (lunch. Mr. and Mrs. Hester were the parents of one child which was taken from the borne circle in infancy. Our subject like his fore- fathers belongs to the Society of Friends, and is Recorder of births and deaths in the Church at Vermilion Grove in which he also officiates as Treasurer. He is one of the leading lights among his religious brethren and a young man who is a favorite generally in the social circles of his community. — *- £Cv ' < » ■ /UFA) TILTON. Could the pioneers of \ forty years ago have been given the power to discern the result of their long and ar- duous Labors upon first coming to this section of country, they won hi have had everything to en- courage them, and there would have been little excuse for any failure which they might have made. As it was, many of them were giving- the besl part of their lives to an experiment. as it were, hoping indeed that their labors would be rewarded, but not being entirely assured of the fact. Too much credit, therefore, cannot be given them for the manner in which they persevered under many difficulties, and to them is the present generation indebted for the blessings which they to-day enjoy, the comforts of life and many of its luxuries. Among those who were willing to risk their labor and their capital on ;i new soil during the early settlement of this county, was he whose name stands at the head of this sketch, anil who was then at the beginning of life's journey. He had little capital but his own strong hands and resolute will, but he entered upon the task before him with that high courage which distinguished so many of his compeers. As he now looks over his fine farm of 400 acres, the toils and labors of those first years seem to melt away in the reward of the present. His home is pleasantly located on section 29, town- ship 23, range 12. lie purchased his land from the Government in the fall of 1852, paying therefor |1.25 pel- acre. It was then a raw prairie, which the plowshare had never touched, and there WHS not a tree or shrub upon the whole area. The flrsl business of our Subject after purchasing his land was to provide a shelter for himself and family. He purchased a small house in 1 Iiggins- ville. which he had removed to his farm, and then put in his first season's crops, after which he began those improvements naturally suggested to the in- telligent and enterprising farmer. The only wagon road through this part of the country at this time was the old Chicago road, and wild animals were plentiful, so that the family never lacked for meat. A number of years passed before the land was all brought to a state of cultivation, but in due time it began to assume the proportions of a well-re- gulated farm, with substantial fences and good buildings. Mr. Tilton has set out good shade and fruit trees, and has the latest improved machinery for the tilling of the toil. lie is looked upon as one of the leading farmers of his township, and one who has contributed his full share in develop- ing its resources. The subject of this sketch was born near the town of Sherbrook, Canada, March 5, 1821, and lived there until a youth of fourteen years. His parents then removed to Ohio, whence they came to this county in 1836. They settled at Danville, where the father established a brick kiln, and also operated as a contractor and builder, and among other work constructed a dam across the Vermil- ion for the mill built by Amos Williams, who was one of the most prominent millers in this part of the State. Fred assisted his father in his labors, and in 1838 was engaged in hauling stone for the abutments of the Wabash Railroad, which was being built by the State. He also that year for a time carried the mail from Danville to Joliet, a distance of 110 miles with about seven offices be- tween. There was not a bridge between the two places, and the trip occupied two days. Many a time he made it with not a thing in the mail bag. A huge number of people in this region were then suffering from ague, and not able even to get out and cut the feed for the horses, so the mail-carrier had to do it himself. Young Tilton was thus in the employ of Uncle Sam until the fall of 1840, and then, settling upon a tract of land in Middle 484 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. Fork Township, about ten miles north of Danville, began farming on his own account. In due time our subject by dilligent labor was in a condition to establish a home of his own, and in May. 1846, look unto himself a wife and helpmate, Miss Affa K. Horton. Shortly afterward they re- moved to North Fork Township, where Mr. Tilton rented land of Alvin Gilbert, and as soon as other land in that region came into market he purchased 160 acres. One of the first tasks to which he set himself on his new farm was to plant a grove of biicst trees, and as the result of this he has now cut from this his own fire wood for the last five or six years. Ac one time he was the owner of 720 acres Of land, all of which he brought to a state of cul- tivation. Finally he turned his attention to stock- raising, which yielded him handsome profits. He has seen the time when a large hog dressed sold for *l to $1.25, and a small one at seventy-five cents, and under these circumstances Mr. Tilton. like many of his neighbors, naturally met with some difficulty in making both ends meet. Mr. Tilton, in reviewing a career which has been remarkably successful, acknowledges that lie has been greatly assisted by his intelligent and sensible wife, who stood by him through sunshine and storm, and by her careful management of her household expenses, proved a most wise and efficient help- mate. As the farm of our subject grew in dimensions and value, so also the household circle enlarged, and eight of the ten children born to him and his estimable wife are still living: Mary, the eldest daughter, is now the wife of Wesley Blackford; they live in Butler Township, and have two chil- dren; George was first married to Miss Mary Judy. who died after becoming the mother of two chil- dren, lie was then married to Miss Florence Clemens, and lives on his 160-acre farm given him by his father, lying east of the homestead. Sarah is unmarried and remains with her parents; Charles occupies a 120-acre farm given him by his father; James is cultivating eighty acres of his own land; Alice is a milliner by trade and does business at Potomac; Jane is the wife, of Perry Fowler, of Red Lake Falls, Minn., and the mother of one child; Jesse G. is at home with his father. The children of Mr. Tilton have been carefully trained and edu- cated, and thoroughly fitted for their future sta- tions, as the representatives of one of the first fam- ilies in the township. Mrs. Affa K. (Horton) Tilton was bom in Haber- sham' County, Ga., April 16, 182-1, and is the daughter of David Horton, who was a prominent local politician, and remained in Georgia during the Confederate days. His daughter came north with her future husband. Mr. Tilton, riding 600 miles on horseback aud being on the road twenty-one days. She lived with her aunt in Blount Township until her marriage; her father is still living in Georgia, and is quite well advanced in years. Abial F. Tilton, the father of our subject, was born in New Hampshire late in 1700. and when leaving his native State, removed first to Vermont, and later to Canada. In the Dominion he married Miss Cynthia Thompson, of Massachusetts, and they reared a family of ten children, six sons and four daughters. Finally coming West, he settled in Danville, this county, at an early day, but after- ward moved to Middle Fork Township, and began farming. He departed this life in 1866. His wife had die' in 1838. Mr. Tilton is an Independent in politics, but of late years has voted the Prohibition ticket. He served as Township Supervisor two years, also officiated as Township Trustee, and has occupied other positions of trust. He is a man uniformly esteemed and respected by his fellow- citizens, and is considered a representative of the best elements of his community. A lithographic view of Mr. Tilton's residence appears elsewhere in this volume. +*» Ip_ ENRY COTTON, familiarly known through- ill))) out Westville and vicinity, as '-Uncle 'l^y Harry" and "The Squire," is one of the ■i^) most popular men of the place, and an especial favorite with the "boys." There is not a more genial or companionable individual in this region, and he has the faculty of preserving, under all circumstances, that equable temperament and serene countenance, which is one of man's best gifts. He occupies himself as a general merchant PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 185 and without being wealthy is in comfortable cir- cumstances, enjoying a fair income and a modest home. Ele was one of the pioneers of tins section and has been prominent from the start, serving as Postmaster and occupying other positions of trust and res| sibility. Our subject was born in Decatur County, Ind., March 19. 1822. His father. Robert Cotton, was born in the vicinity of Beardstown, Ky., and emi- grated to this county in the fall of 1822, during the period of its earliest settlement and when few white men had ventured onto the frontier. Henry was then an infant of six months and is therefore one of the oldest living settlers of the county. Mrs. Hannah (Howard) Cotton, the mother of our subject, was a native of the same place as her hus- band and was there reared and married and became the mother of two children in the Blue < '< rass State. Upon leaving Kentucky they removed to Switzer- land County, hid., and not long afterward to De- catur County, whence they came to this county. The Cottons trace their ancestry to the stanch old Puritan slock of Massachusetts, where John Cot ton, one of its first representatives in this country, settled at a very early date and figured conspic- uously in public affairs. The father of our subject only lived twoyears after coming to this count}', dying, when a young man, in 1824. He left his widow with a family of seven children of whom Henry was next to the youngest. He, like his brothers and sisters, grew up amid the wild scenes of pioneer life at a time when wild ani- mals abounded in this region, deer being especially plentiful, and wolves howled around their cabin door at night. Frequently the broad and unhab- ited prairie covered with wild dry grass, was lighted up by a conflagration, started perhaps by sonic un wary traveler dropping a. spark from his pipe, when the smoke and flames would sweep perhaps for miles destroying animal life to a great extent and threatening that of human beings. Every level-headed settler made it his first business to protect himself from this catastrophe by plowing around his dwelling and thus destroying the food or the flames which could be forestalled in no other way. The education of the Cotton children was con- fined to a few months instruction each year in a log school-house, with puncheon floor, seats and desks made from unplancd slalis. the window panes of greased paper, a huge lire-place extending nearly across one end of the building and the chiin- ne\ built outside of earth and sticks. The system of instruction corresponded with the time and place, little being required of the teacher except to be able to read, write and ••cipher." Henry Cot- ton, however, availed himself of these meager ad- vantages and in is II began leaching and followed this during the winter season for two or three years. In the meantime on the Kith of January, 1845, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Getty, a descendant of the well-known Getty family of Pennsylvania, from which the town which gained historic fame during the Rebellion was named. Upon reaching manhood, our subject, leaving the farm took to the river and followed the life of a flatboatman during which he made eighteen trips to and from New Orleans. It was upon one of these trips that he met his future wife at Vin- cennes, Ind., where in due time they were married and began housekeeping, residing at Vincennes eight years. When not on the river Mr. Cotton occupied himself as a carpenter. Upon coming to this county, he began fanning in Danville Town- ship and was on the highway to prosperity, having comfortable means and last but not least, a family of four interesting children. This happy state was broken in upon by the notes of war, and in response to the call of President Lincoln for 300,000 men for three years, our subject enlisted July '.>. 1862, in Company G, 125th Illinois Infantry. lb; was mustered into service at Danville, where the company remained drilling for a time, then was ordered to Cincinnati. Ohio, and from there to Louisville, Ky. They drilled also at the latter place and then proceeded to Gallatin, Tenn., where during the arduous duties assigned him. Mr. Cotton was over-heated and suffered so long thereafter from illness that he was obliged to accept his hon- orable discharge in February. 1863. In the tall of the year above mentioned Mr. Cotton changed his residence to Knox County, Ind., where lie sojourned ten years. His next re- moval was to Clay County, this State, and from 4SG PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. there he returned to this county in 1882 and en- gaged in mercantile business at Westville. On April 30, 1883 his store and stock was destroyed by lire but he rebuilt and in time attained to his old footing financially. He was appointed Post- master of Westville under President Arthur and served three years. For four years he has been Justice of the Peace and has discharged tha duties of this office with credit to himself and satisfaction to all concerned. Mr. Cotton cast his first presidential vote for Henry Clay in 1844, being a member of the old Whig party. Upon its abandonment he cordially endorsed Republican principles and has since given his undivided support to this party. Socially he is a prominent member of Kyger Post, G. A. R. at Georgetown. He is the father of six children, the eldest of whom, Robert I)., died Aug. 13, 1888 and left two children. William I., the second son, was also married, became the father of two children and died Feb. 29, 1881; John H. died Sept. 30, 1888; Mary J. died in infancy; George Flmer is a well- to-do farmer of McLean County, this State, and the father of one child; Ellen, the youngest of the fam- ily, is at home with her parents. Both Mr. Cotton and his estimable wife are members in good stand- ins: of the Christian Church. S7 AWRENCE V. MANNING, the veteran I ((§ threshing machine man of Sidell Township, 1^^-, established himself at this business in Ver- million County. Ind., as early as 1863 and with the exception of eight years spent at Fairmount has since been engaged therein. He has worn out several machines, at first using horses, but as time passed on availed himself of the modern improve- ments in connection with this business and now has one of the latest and most improved machines in use, the Hubert Thresher, which is operated by a 12-horse power engine, with the Shrieves Stacker. This has a capacity of 3,300 bushels of oats in nine hours, as demonstrated by Mr. Manning, who has performed with it some of the biggest day's work in this line on record in Vermilion County. Personally, the subject of this notice is a gen- tleman of fine appearance, large, symmetrical and well developed, and with mental powers equal to his stature and muscular system. As a business man he has uniformly displayed superior judgment, investing his capital wisely and has thus acquired a handsome property. Politically, he is a strong Republican and one of the most prominent members of his party in this section. A native of Tomp- kins Count}', N. Y., he was born June 24, 1836, and is the son of Charles and Harriet (Austin) Manning, also natives of that county. The Manning family is of Scotch and English blood and crossed the Atlantic at an early day, settling in New England, where the paternal grandfather of our subject was born. Both he and Grandfather Austin were early pioneers of Tompkins County, N. Y. Secretary Manning belonged to the same family. The father of our subject learned the carpenter trade earl}- in life and was married in Tompkins Count}-, N. Y., whence he removed in 1839 to Ber- lin, this State, where he began working at his trade, but died that same year, leaving his widow with three children — John, Jeremiah and Lawrence Van Cleark. The latter was but three years old at the time of his father's death. The mother was mar- ried a second time to J. SI. Rogers at Springfield and removed from there in 1845 to Vermillion County, Ind., settling in Parisville, where Mr. Rogers prosecuted his trade of cooper and firially became owner of a farm. Of this marriage there were born five children. The early life of our subject was spent on the farm of his stepfather in Vermillion County, Ind., where his time was filled in with hard work and no education whatever, he being seventeen years old before he could read or write. At this time he started out for himself without a dollar, and when the clothing on his back would not have brought this sum if put up and sold to the highest bidder. He had, however, been trained to habits of industry and honesty- and it was his good fortune to enter the employ of one Mr. Lewis, a school teacher for whom he worked in summer and under whose in- struction he attended school winters, working nights and mornings for his board. By faithful applica- tion to lits books he learned the common branches PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBl'M. is: and tbc methods of transacting general business, lie saved whal be could of his earnings and in due time was enabled to buy a team. At the age of twenty years our subject was married to Miss Armilda J. Swisher who was born in Danville, this county, and is a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Hathaway) Swisher. Mr. Swisher was a fanner by occupation and his family con- sisted of seven children, namely: Armilda, Cerilda, Alex, Orilla, Savilla, Thomas and Lawrence. Mr. and Mrs. Manning after their marriage settled on the J. M. Rogers' farm where they lived two years, then removed to Daniel Schutze's farm where tbey lived seven years. In 1869 Mr. Manning pur- chased eighty acres of land which was improved and considered the best farm in that region of country and which formed the nucleus of his pres- ent homestead, which embraces 200 acres. He labored early and late in tilling the soil and carry- ing forward the improvements upon it until 1874, then having contracted a painful disease, he left the farm and removing to Fairmount engaged in the hardware and agricultural implement business in which he made large sales, but found difficulty in col- lecting and thus suffered a loss approaching $2,500. Withdrawing from this venture he turned his atten- tion to live-stock and subsequently shipped thou- sands of dollars worth. In the meantime he also con- ducted a restaurant one year and had been operat- ing his threshing machine as before stated. To Mr. and Mrs. Manning there have been born ten children: the eldest, Elizabeth, is the wife of Will Sanders, a farmer of Sidell Township and they have two children — Adelbert and Bessie. Ella married George Reese, a farmer of Fairmount Township and they have two children — Nellie and Fred. The other children — Grant, Sherman, Mar- ion, Lilly, Eva, Fanny. Louis and Oscar are at home with their parents. In 1887 Mr. Manning erected a handsome and commodious residence, two stories in height, 32 x 34 feet and which is finished and furnished in modern style and forms a most attractive home. He believes in extracting all the enjoyment possible from life and in giving to his children the advantages which shall make of them Hood ami useful citizens. He allows education, art and music to occupy an important pail of his home life and gives his chief attention to the comforts and happiness of his family. Both he and his esti- mable wife are members of the New Light Church at Danville, in which Mr. Manning has officiated as chorister, possessing much musical talent and having a clear, strong voice for singing. While keeping himself well posted upon political matters Mr. Manning has little ambition for the emoluments of office, although serving as School Director in his district a number of years and he is at present a Trustee. His home is one of the most hospitable in this region and no man is more kind or attentive in time of sickness or trouble among his neighbors. He possesses considerable skill as a physician and is frequently called upon instead of the regular practitioner, having excellent judg- ment and quite an extensive experience in treating various ailments. "..~>*j2£CrSM©. -^ i@f®.OT?r>..<\/<^. bENRY F. CANADAV. The family of this name has been prominent, in this county since its pioneer days when they first came (§§)! within its limits and from a wilderness built up good homes, acquiring valuable property and taking no unimportant part in its advance- ment, socially, morally and financially. The sub- ject of this notice has a fine estate on section 34 in Klwood Township, and which in all its details gives evidence of the supervision of a well-regulated and intelligent mind — the mind of a man possess- ing energy and enterprise in a marked degree. He was born at Vermilion Grove, this county. Dec. 12, 1840, and is consequently approaching the fif- tieth year of his age although he would pass for a man many years younger. His life is a fine illus- tration of temperance and the correct habits which form the basis of good citizenship. The father of our subject was Fred Canaday, late of Elwood Township who entered land within its limits, about 1821-22, and built up a valuable homestead upon which he spent his last years. He was born in New Market. East Tenn., and left his na- tive State in the fall of 1820, coming to this county and settling in the wilderness among the Indians 488 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. and wild animals. His father, Henry Canaday, brought his family North that same fall and settled near the present city of Terre Haute whence lie came to this county the following spring. Henry brought with him over 14,000 in gold and silver, carrying it in a box in the front part of his wagon as he traveled overland with a team. During that journey they camped upon the present site of In- dianapolis when there was nothing to mark the spot of a future great city. The wagon was drawn by a six-horse team driven by one Robert E. Bar- nett and in attempting to make a short turn it was tipped over. The precious box burst and the money was spilled out into a little creek. They, however, after much labor succeeded in rescuing it from the mud and water and proceeded on their journey. The Canaday family for several generations had been born and reared in the Quaker faith and had the natural abhorrence of slavery peculiar to that peaceable and liberty-loving sect and they deter- mined to get away from the slave country. Henry the grandfather of our subject, upon coming to this county entered several hundred acres of land which he sold to the settlers as they slowly came in. He was recognized the county over as one of its benefactors and here spent bis last days. Mrs. Charity (Haworth) Canaday, the mother of our subject was, like her husband, a native of New Market, Tenn., where they were married one day and the next day started on horseback for Vermil- ion County. Seven of the ten children born to this pair are still living — Jane, Mrs. Patterson, is a resident of Vermilion County; Mary A., Mrs. Isaac Larrance, lives in Topeka, Kan.; Henry F., is the next in order of birth; Isaac lives in Vermilion County; Sarah, Mrs. George Ankrum, lives in Ridge Farm; John sojourns in Vermilion County*. The mother died while still a young woman, in 1840, and Frederick Canaday was subsequently married to Miss Anna Haworth, in 1849. He died Nov. 6, 1886. The subject of this sketch completed his studies at Vermilion Grove Academy under the instruction of Gen. John C. Black. From his youth up he has been familiar with farming pursuits and chose these for his vocation. After the outbreak of the Civil War he entered the Union army as a member of Company A, 2.5th Illinois Infantry, in which he served two years and was in many of the import- ant battles which followed; viz : Pea Ridge, Spring- field, .Mo.. Stone River, Crab Orchard and subse- quently served two years in Company E, 12th Kansas Mounted Infantry, being in the Red River campaign and various other engagements. Aft°r the war closed he returned to the peaceful pursuits of agriculture. When ready to establish domestic ties of his own our subject was married Sept. 26, 1875, to Miss Maggie S. Brewer. This lady was the daughter of John Brewer, deceased, late of Parke County, Ind.. and was horn in Gurnsey County. Ohio. She came with her parents to Vermillion County. Ind.. when a small child and later they removed to Parke County. Our subject and his wife are the parents of three children, only one of whom is living. Gov- ern II., who was born June 3, 1886. The farm of our subject comprises 1 10 acres of choice land anil he also has an interest in his fa- ther's old homestead. He cast his first Presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln and continues a stanch supporter of the Republican party. He has never sought office but as an ex-soldier receiving an honorable discharge, is a member in good standing of the G. A. R., and also a member of the Grand Woodmen of America. Mrs. Canaday has been a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, for the past twenty years. John Brewer, the father of Airs. Canaday. was born in Pennsylvania and was the son of Jacob Brewer. Jr., also a native of the Ke3'stoiie Slate. The paternal great-grandfather was Jacob Brewer. Sr., who spelled his name "Brower" and who was a native of Amsterdam, Holland, and the son of Swybrant Brower, a millionaire of Amsterdam. John Brewer married Miss Minerva, daughter of John Priest and his wife, Mary A. Mercer, the lat- ter a daughter of John Jacob Mercer. The last named was a native of Germany and emigrated to the United States in 1770. His grandfather was Gideon Mercer, a very wealthy man who spent his entire life in the Fatherland. John Jacob married Miss Elizabeth Govver, of Hagerstown, Bid., and they had one child — Mary Ann. who married PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. is: i John Priest in 1804. These families represented a wide and eminently respectable following who were people generally well-to-do and prominent and influential citizens. Both of Mrs. Canaday's grandparents on the father's side were descendants of King Philip III. OHN E. BOLDEN. When the Emancipa- tion Proclamation of Lincoln was made, it oroke the shackles of 3,000,000 of human beings. These slaves had remained in ig- norance for generations, and their masters had con- sidered that learning was dangerous to a colored man. When their freedom became one of the logi- cal sequences of the great Rebellion, the question arose. Will they make good citizens? Statesmen of all shades of opinion have finally come to the con- clusion that slavery is wrong, and that in all races there arc men who have made a failure in life, but that the negro would in time assimilate with his white brother. Those who have so willed, and have grasped their new condition with intelli- gence — other things being equal — have solved the problem of life as well as a majority of other races. The man whose name appears at the head of this biography is one of those who, born in slavery, has made for himself an honorable place among men. John E. Bolden is a blacksmith at Ridge Farm, where he enjoys a good patronage. He was born in Bedford County, Va., March :S, 1836, his father and mother being also slaves. Mr. Bolden was reared on a plantation by William Iludnel. who sold him in 1863 to one Charles Miller, at Blacks- burg, Montgomery Co., Va. During Gen. Stone- man's raid, in February, 1865, the subject of this sketch ran away from slavery, and was taken in by Company M.. 12th Ohio Cavalry. He remained with this company, doing his duty well, until June. 1865, when he went to East Tennessee for the pur- pose of entering the United States Army in a col- ored regiment, but he was too late. He then en- caged at work at his trade, in Rheatown. Tenn.. when' he continued to labor until 1S70. when he came to Ridge Farm, and has there since worked industriously at his trade, owning both his shop and residence. This property he has accumulated by steadfastly minding bis own business, working hard and being economical. On Feb. 6, ISC"), Mr. Bolden was married to Ann E. Oble, just a few days before he ran away. He left his young wife in Virginia, and while in Tennessee he sent for her. He is the father of twelve children, seven of whom arc living — Laura A., Yinnie A., John II. W., Florence I.., Mabel D., Joshua W. and an infant girl. Laura married Frank Davis, the barber of Ridge Farm. Mr. Bol- den has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church here for fourteen years, and his wife wor- ships at the same church, lie is a member of the colored Masonic Lodge at Danville, and is a man who is highly respected by all his acquaintances for his many sterling qualities. The dreams of Garrison, Wendel Phillips, Garrett Smith and John G. Whittier are fully illustrated as realities in the person of the subject of this sketch. They hail always maintained that the colored man would some day take his place among the men of the earth, and their predictions have come true. Of course, the color line still exists in some portions of this great country, but the time is fast approach- ins when it will be obliterated. >&££&ft^ ffiOHN BLAKENEY. This genial old pio- neer of Vermilion County, although ap- proaching his three-score and ten years IfiSw presents the picture of a green old age. the culmination of a well-spent life, during which he has marked his course uprightly, lived at peace with his fellow- men and gained in a high degree their unqualified esteem. The picture of the Sturdy oak, which has withstood the storms of time and maintained its strength and honor, may lie well compared to the life of Mr. Blakeney. He has al- ways been willing to "live and let live." has helped a fallen brother whenever in his power, and has been satisfied in the accumulation of sufficient of this world's goods to insure him against want in his declining years. He owns and occupies a comfort- 490 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. able home comprising seventy-seven acres of g 1 farming land, lying on sections land 5 in George- town Township. A native of the Blue Grass State, our subject was born in Bourbon County April 26, 1820, and lived there until a lad of nine or ten years. Then leaving Kentucky he came with his parents to Ver- milion County, 111., in September, 1829, and com- pleted his education as it had been begun, in a log school-house. His father, John Blakeney, was a native of Pennsylvania, and the mother, who in her girlhood was Sarah Oliver, was born in Virginia. The Blakeney family was noted for its strong men, who were almost without exception finely devel oped physically, and followed agricultural pursuits. The parents of our subject spent their last years in Georgetown Township. John Blakeney, Sr., lived to be seventy-seven years old, and the mother was six- ty-five years old at the time of her decease. They were the parents of twelve children, namely: Mar- tha, William, Hezekiah, Nancy, John, Thomas, Sarah J., Polly A., Melinda, Hugh, James and Angeline. Young Blakeney grew up amid the wild scenes of life on the frontier, assisting in the development of his father's farm, and also followed the river transporting produce from Danville to New Or- leans. He remained a bachelor until approaching the twenty-eighth year of his age, and was then married Feb. 10, 184 8, to Miss Angeline, daughter of Edward and Mary (Ashby) Bowen, of Bourbon County, Ky. Mrs. Blakeney was a mere child when coming to Illinois in 1829. Her father secured a tract of land in Georgetown Township, Vermilion County, where he spent the remainder of his years, and died at the age of seventy-four. The mother died when comparatively a young woman and when Mrs. Blakeney was but a child, leaving four children: Angeline, Nancy, John and James Henry. Mrs. Blakeney, after her mother's death, was taken into the home of her maternal grandfather, with whom she remained until his death, then re- turned to her father, who was twice married after the death of his first wife. Of his second union there were born six children and none by the third. Mrs. Blakeney still retains a faint recollection of her native county in Kentucky. Of her union with our subject there were born ten children, namely: James H.. Martha J.. Wesley. Mary C, who died when one year old ; Francis, who also died at the age of one year; Alwilda, who died at the age of three; Lincoln, who died when a promising lad of fourteen years; Thomas W., who died at the age of eight years; Lura, who died when one year old, and an infant who died unnamed. Both our subject and his estimable wife are members in good standing of the Christian Church. Mi-. Blakeney, politically, was a Whig until the abandonment of the old party, and is now a strong Republican. James II. Blakeney, the eldest son of our sub- ject, married Miss Charlotte Bennett, and is a resi- dent of Summit Grove, Ind., and the father of two children, Nellie and Hazel; Martha J. married John Lacy, who is a farmer of Vermilion County, this State. They have four children — Hardy. Elbert, Goldie and Minnie; John married Josephine Hinds, and they have one child, a sou, Freddie; they are residents of Georgetown Township. Mr. Blakeney has lived on his present farm for the long period of thirty-two years, and has naturally become one of the old landmarks, whose name will be held in kindly remembrance long after he lias been gath- ered to his fathers. r ILLIAM F. BANTA, Ji; , proprietor of the Ridge Farm Flouring Mill and dealer in grain and hay, occupies a leading position among the business men of Ridge Farm, among whom he has been known from boyhood. Me was born in El wood Township, Dec. 9, 1857, and is the son of James II. Banta, a well known and prominent citizen, who is represented elsewhere in this work. Our subject remained with his parents on the farm until twelve years old, then the family re- moved to Ridge Farm. He received a limited ed- ucation, but by keeping himself posted upon cur- rent events, is at once recognized as an intelligent and well informed man. He served an apprentice- ship at the miller's trade and followed this business Jtfmw JOC/yy, diA JJ&, PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 493 until 1882, when be purchased the mill propertj which he uow owns and which is operated under his supervision by other parties. The building was put up in 1*71 by Davis & Co and was formerly operated by burr machinery. Ii is uow equipped with u full set of rollers, operating by the gradual reduction process, and in which is utilized Nor- dyke, Marmon & Co's system of milling, together with the Eureka Separator & Smith's Purifier. A Burroughs engine of seventy-five horse power drives the machinery, and the boiler is of steel from the Atlas Engine Works of Indianapolis. This boiler is 16 inches by 11 feet in dimensions and contains sixty-two flues. The mill has a ca- pacity of 100 barrels in twenty-four hours. It turnsoul the very best of flour, the Peerless brand being especially fine and pure. The Ridge Farm Mills is steadfastly growing in popularity, and the proprietor evidently possesses in an eminent degree the secret of success. Mr. Banta, in connection with his milling opera- tions, owns and inns the elevator at Ridge Kami. besides a huge steam hay press, lie usually ships about 700 car-loads of grain annually and 300 cars of baled hay. He gives employment to a number of men and has been no unimportanl factor in ad- vancing the business interests of his town. He has without question inherited from his ancestors those qualities of character which are inseparable from the successful business man and the useful citizen, lie is not, married. AMKS SANDUSKY. It is now considered no small honor to have lived during the pioneer days of Central Illinois, and he who looked ui)on the wilderness ere the feel of white men had made their permanent inroads into this region, is viewed with more than ordinary in- terest. To those hardy Spirits arc the people of to-day indebted for the great advantages which they enjoy, the prosperous farms and villages which have arisen from the wilderness ami the ad- vance of civilization, which was led by the adven- turous pioneer. To this region came the Sandusky family at a very early date, and they have left their ineffaceable mark not only by their industry and perseverance, hut in the implanting of those moral principles which form the basis of all good Society. Their children were reared to habits of industry and sentiments of honor, while they ex- tended to high and low that cordial hospitality which is especially prized where people arc neces- sarily dependent upon each other for many of the conveniences and comforts of life. The subject of this notice and his estimable wife form no unworthy offshoots of their respective an- cestral trees, which have grown and flourished ami the names of which will descend to coming gene- rations. They endured all the hardships and pri- vations of life on the frontier. Labored arduously in the building up of a homestead and reared, a family of intelligent children, all but two of whom have lied from the home nest and taken their places as honored members of society. The two remaining it is hardly necessary to say form the light and joy of the household. dames Sandusky was horn in Bourbon County, Ky., July 17, 1817, and has thus more than num- bered his three-score years and ten. His father, Isaac Sandusky, was likewise a native of the Blue I . i :i>s State, where he attained to manhood and was married to Miss Euphemma McDowell, a maiden of his own neighborhood. Later he served in the war of 1812 and was under Gen. Harrison at the battle of Tippecanoe. He was a resident of Ken- tucky until the fall of 1827 and then coming to Vermilion County. 111., settled on a tract of land near Brooks Point and built up a farm from the wilderness, wdiere he and his estimable wife spent the remainder of their days. In the Sandusky family there were eleven children, who were named respectively: Sarah K., Mary A., Julia A., Josiah, James, our sub- ject, Henry Clay. Ann Eliza, Stephen A. Douglas, Thomas, Susan A. and Laura. James was a boy of ten years when his parents removed to Illinois. In preparing for the removal the father had purchased large numbers of cattle, horses and sheep, to bring with him. The journey was made overland in the primitive style, the travelers camping and cooking by tin/ wayside and sleeping in a tent al night. 494 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. During that journey, our subject saw a cooking stove for the first time, and it was viewed not only by himself but by many others with great curios- ity. This article was purchased by his father from Rafe Lytton of Cincinnati, Ohio, and brought to Vermilion County, being the first of its kind in this region. Young Sandusky prior to the removal to the Prairie State had been married in Woodford County, Ky. Dec. G, 1840 to Miss Mary Ann, daughter of James Green, a native of Woodford County, Ky. Her paternal grandparents were natives respectively of England and Germany. After coming to America they were married in Virginia, whence they soon afterward removed to Kentucky, settling in Woodford County, where they spent their last days, .lames Green upon reaching man's estate chose for his wife Miss Polly Hudson, whose family had figured conspicuously in the early history of the State and whose paternal grandfather, Raleigh Hudson of Scotch-Irish blood, did valiant service in the Revolutionary War. The Hudsons invaded the soil of Kentucky at a time when Indians were plentiful and the forest abounded with wild animals. The mother of Mrs. Sandusky was first married to William Campbell and they became the parents of six children. Of her marriage with James Green there was born one child only, a daughter, Mary Ann, in Woodford County. They were wedded in the fall of 1*47 and the following spring emigrated to Illinois and settled upon land owned jointly by Mr. Green and our subject. Mr. Green departed this life in 1845 and the mother diy- -o*o-£?J^A>>f Canada and was reared upon a farm. The father is now resid- ing in Chicago, while the mother i> dead. They had eight children, five of whom grew to manhood, as follows: .laincs Joseph, William, Thomas. Dennis and Elizabeth. The subject of this sketch began his life work as a brick carrier in Chicago, his wages being fifty cents a day. lie was thrown en- tirely upon his own resources while very young, and had he not been naturally gifted with a buoyant dis- position he perhaps would have fainted by the way- side. Being conscious of the necessity of an edu- cation he attended the evening schools at Chicago. About this time he became connected with the Chicago Post as a newsboy, and while thus en- gaged he one day happened to draw the attention of a gentleman from St. Joseph. Mo., who per- suaded him to go to that city, for he perceived the intelligence of the lad and knew he would some day become an able man. In Missouri the boy was treated kindly by his newly-made friend and his family. He was enabled to take a commercial couise at the St. Joseph Col- lege, after the completion of which he returned to Chicago and engaged as a book-keeper for a South Water Street Arm, where he had ample opportuni- ties for learning the ways of the world, and to gain an insight into business. After a three-years' en- gagement with this firm he accepted a position with a retail grocer and wholesale liquor dealer of Chi- cago, and for four years faithfully attended to the affairs of that concern in the capacity of book- keeper. His firm seeing his bright and capable abilities, induced him to accepl the position of commercial traveler which he did, acquiring many friends and gaining steadily in the esteem of his employers. Having gained the warm friendship of Mr. Pattison while in Chicago, it was but natural that he should make the acquaintance of his sister. Emma, to whom he was united in marriage. She is I he daughter of Elijah and Mary (Cox) Patti- son, the latter of whom is now sixty-six years old and living in Vermilion County, where she Mas born, being one of the oldest of the living natives of this county. Mr. ami Mrs. Ilealy made their home in Chicago for about two years, ami although 498 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. being perfectly temperate in his habits, yet Mr. Healy found there was a strong prejudice against liquor dealing, and that social advantages were de- nied him, that by right were his. He therefore con- cluded to abandon the business, though by so doing he relinquished a good situation. In 1882 the firm of Pattison & Healy was formed and they engaged in their present business, at first on a small scale, but which since has steadily increased until it is now paying well. On Sept. 16, 1885 he was appointed Postmaster of Indianola, and has proved himself the best incumbent of that office his town has ever had. He resigned on March 20, 1889, a move which was much regretted by all regardless of politics, lie is Secretary of the Build- ing and Loan Association, and also Secretary of the .Masonic lodge here. Politically, he is a strong Democrat and an officer of the Democratic club. He is serving as Collector of Taxes in Carroll Township, and in all these positions he has acquit- ted himself with singular fidelity and honesty of purpose. .Mr. and Mrs. Healy are the parents of one child, Anna Mi\ . -■ •- .■~-^M^s. .-> , OHN HUMRICHOUS, founder of the vil- lage of Humrick, is recognized as one of the leading farmers and stock-raisers of Elwood Township, a self-made man — one who began life at the foot of the ladder, and by hard work and good management has arrived at a position very near the top. Unlike many men his struggles and sacrifices have not made him cold or avaricious, but on the contrary lie is accounted as one of the most hospitable and public-spirited men of his community. Success has attended his efforts and he is now in possession of a fine property lying in the southeastern part of the township on section 24. Here he has all the modern improvements as- sociated with the well regulated country estate, besides a snug bank account, which will insure his declining years against anxiety and want. A native of York County. Pa., our subject was born Dec. 30, 1823, and is the son of John Hura- richous, who was born in what was then the King- dom of Hanover, and who came to the United States after his marriage, about 1818. His wife, formerly Elizabeth Little, was a native of his own province, and to them there were born twelve chil- dren, eleven of whom lived to mature years, and of whom our subject was the sixth in order of birth. The latter, like his brothers and sisters, only enjoyed very limited school advantages, attending about six months in all, paying therefor three cents per (by. The father of our subject died when John was in the sixteenth year of his age, and he then had to look out for himself as well as the family, lie worked out by the month and assisted his mother until after her second marriage. Later he learned the carpenter trade, which he followed ten years. He left his native State in 1851 , proceeding to Dayton. Ohio, where he sojourned two years. II is next stopping place was at Horse Shoe Bend, on the Little Vermillion River in Indiana, and from there in L856 he went to Bloomfield, 111. The year fol- lowing he traveled through Kansas and Missouri, but finally returned east as far as Vermillion County, Ind., and resided in Newport Township until the fall of 18G4. He then came to Elwood Township, this county, settling where he now lives, and thereafter gave his attention almost exclu- sively to farming pursuits. At the age of twenty -six years, in May, 1850, our subject was married to Miss Susannah Keller, a native of his own county in Pennsylvania and the daughter of John Keller, deceased. This union re- sulted in the birth of eleven children, only live of whom are living: John A. married Miss Malinda Menges. is a resident of Elwood Township and the lather of three children — Ada, John and Jonathan ; Susie is the wife of Charles Waggaman, of Elwood Township, and they have two children, John and Myrtle; Laura married Charles Brown, of Vermill- ion County. Ind; they have no children; Emma is the wife of Robert Slaughter, of Bethel, this county, and they have two children, Artie and an infant unnamed; Melissa is the wife of George A. Collier, and lives with her father; she has one child, John William. The property of our subject embraces over 400 acres of fine land, to which he has given his main PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 199 attention, haying no desire for the responsibilities of office or the anxieties of a public life. He has. however, served as School Director and Justice of the Peace, and is recognized as a citizen of more than ordinary intelligence. Socially, he belongs to the Masonic lodge of Ridge Farm, and with his wife is a member in good standing of the Cumber- land Presbyterian Church at Bethel. /I USES L. LARRANCE is a wealthy pio- neer of Elwood and is a man who is very prominent in the affairs of his township. He owns 340 acres of land, unparalleled for its fertility, on section 25, range 12, where he carries on in a successful manner general fanning. Mr. Larrance was born in Jefferson County, Tenn., on May 9, 1818. His father, John Lar- rance, was a native of North Carolina. He came to Edgar County in 1827 settling in Elwood Town- ship, two miles north of where Moses L. now re- sides. The land was then in its wild state, but he had his choice of nearly the whole county, and lie chose well. He entered 210 acres of land for which he paid the Government price, and thereon erected a cabin, made of round logs and with one room. The floor was constructed of logs split in two, with the flat side up; clapboard roof and doors of the same material. They lived happily for one year in this house and were determined to make a comfortable home though they were ob- liged to suffer privations innumerable in order to do it. In those days stoves could be procured only by the rich, and in the cabin of the pioneer they were an unknown luxury. The good mother cooked in a long handled skillet by the lire-place, and did her baking in an old fashioned brick oven. When Moses was eighteen years old, his father went to Chicago and bought a cook-stove, which was a curiosity to the boy, as this was the first oue he ever saw. They Lived in a frugal manner, never complaining, but happy in the enjoyment of good health, and that in the future they would reap their harvest. The mother of Moses L. was Ruth, the daughter of John Mills, a pioneer of this county. She was the mother of nine children, five of whom arc living, namely: Moses I,., Leroj', William, Isaac, and Lanty. Those deceased are Edith. Jane. Richard, Jonathan and an infant. Moses L. Larrance received his early education in the old school-house with the greased paper win- dows, stick and clay chimney, slab benches and wall desks, of the pioneer days of Illinois. The boys of those days were fortunate if they secured three months' school, as their parents were, of course, unable to pay a teacher for a longer term. He was married Nov. 1, 1838 to Nancy, daughter of Aaron Mendenhall, who came from North Caro- lina to Greene County. Ohio, during the year 1812. His father, Richard Mendenhall was killed by the Indians during that war. Aaron purchased a farm from the Government in 1824, settling in Carroll Township, where Silas Baird now lives. Mr. and Mrs. Larrance are the parents of thirteen children, nine living and grown up. The following is a record of the children now alive. Their names are: John. William, Betsey, Richard, Emily, Char- ity, Lydia. David, and Paris. John married Mary Baum,they have six children — Ella, Frank, Henry, Rosa, Cass, and Cephas; William first married Ella Patterson, by whom he had four children. two of whom are living — Charles and Cassius. His wife died and he married Betsey Frasier; Betsey married Carroll Fellows and they have seven chil- dren — Sylvanus, Cyrus, Louisa. Charley, Oliver, Alice, and Jane; Richard married Jane Wheeler, and they are the parents of seven children — Allen J., Bert, Maude, Frederick, Art, Thomas, and Samuel; Emily married John Canaday, they have five children — Cora, Grace, Charity J., Florence and Flora; Charity married Frank Thompson, who have two children — Odbert and Golden; Lydia married William Nier. they have two children — Ida and Mark: David married Caroline Tuggle, and they are the parents of three children, two of whom are living — Moses L. and Morton M.; Paris mar- ried Martha Snyder, they had one child — Viola, who is deceased. Mr. Larrance at this time owns 340 acres of land and has given COO acres to his children. 180 ants of which he entered from the Government, He belongs to the Republican party and has never '.(Ill PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. sought official honors. He is a member <>f the Friends' Church at Vermilion Grove, Mr. and Mrs. Larrance began life with nothing; have worked hard and by good management they are now enjoying a comfortable fortune, and they de- serve it. yjilLLlAM SAJNDl SKY. Bros., William and Ilarv W^f/ most wealthy and promi ILLIAM SANDUSKY. The Sandusky ey, are two of the nent men in this county, and have distinguished themselves as suc- cessful live-stock breeders, in which business they have engaged for many years, the latter bringing the first ear load of thorough- bred Short -horn cattle to this county in the spring of ls(12. They were purchased from the celebrated breeder of the great trotter •• Maude S.," R. A. Alexander, who was at that time in company with Jerry Duncan and .lames Hall, forming the most illustrious trio of breeders at that time in America. The subject of this notice is a gentleman largely endowed by nature with some remarkable qualities, possessing sound common sense and a line judg- ment, broad and liberal-minded in his views, an ardent lover of national liberty and a strong be- liever in the Republican theory of protection for America and all its citizens. His native place was Bourbon County. Ky., and he was born Nov. 19, 1826. When he was a mere child the family left the Blue Grass State, being transported to Ohio (via Cincinnati) ami Indiana, whose houses were mostly log cabins, and passing through Indianapo- lis, their outfit consisting of three wagons, two drawn by four horses each and one by an ox team. The father of our subject had visited the West prior to this time and started out for permanent settlement in the fall of 1829. William was edu- cated in a log school house and grew up amid the wild scenes of life on the frontier, as Central Illi- nois was then considered the far West. The first time he went to Chicago he rode on a load of pro- duce hauled by two yoke of oxen, which were fed on a spot near the present site of the Commercial Hotel. The youth of that period were at an early :!_:<• mm. d to labor, and young Sandusky, like his comrades, grew up strong and healthful and soon after reaching his majority began to lay his plans lor a home of his own. He was married in April, ISIS, when twenty-two years old to Miss Mary E., daughter of Samuel and Sarah (Weaver) Baum, further mention of whom will be made in the sketch of Frank Baum on another page in this volume. The earliest records of the Weaver family indi- cates them to have been of Scotch-Irish descent, who upon emigrating to this country settled in Maryland. Michael Weaver, the paternal grand- father of .Mrs. Sandusky, served as a soldier in the Revolutionary War and was a very wealthy man. He was born in Maryland, whence he removed to Pennsylvania and from there to Ohio, after which he resided in Brown and Clermont counties. He set out for Illinois in 1828, in which year the par- ents of Mrs. Sandusky also came to this Slate. The grandfather was a peculiar man in many re- spects, possessing a high sense of honor and justice, benevolent and hospitable, and was so extremely conscientious that he would never accept more than six per cent, for Ids money, although he could have loaned it sometimes at forty per cent. Noth- ing ((leased him belter than to assisl those who would try to help themselves, while he was decid- edly averse to speculation of any kind. He would ne> '■■■' charge more than twenty-five cents per bushel for his corn under any circumstances, as he declared that he could raise it for that and it was worth no more. He lived to be a centennarian and .Mrs. Sandusky gave him a reception on the anniversary of his one hundreth birthday, which was made the occasion of a very cheerful gathering of friends and relatives and will be long remembered by those who participated in it. To the parents of Mrs. Sandusky there were born eleven children, viz.: Oliver, Mary E., Susan, Catherine, Francis. Charles. Emeline, Samuel, Wil- liam and Angeline. After the death of the mother when .Mary E., the wife of our subject, was a maiden probably of seventeen years, .Mr. Weaver was married the second time and became the father of four more children. After their marriage Mr. Sandusky ami his young aifcaM^m^feit^riifc ifih- rail *-..&;—. '■■, Miii m — ft..^. — -~ — ,* — Residence or J. M. Current, Sec. 19. ( T. is 7K 13.) Vance Township. Residence of C.T. Caraway, Sec. 29. ( T. I9.-R.i2.) Cat lin Township. ■W«^-~- ~' ..--^■i«»««^&»^^^ ^^s^y^^^^^rv^jjsaaiaaa Residence of A D . Owen,Sec.5.(T.23.-.R.U.j GrantTownship. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 503 wife settled on the farm where they have since lived, and expended their l u-si efforts in the con- struction of a homestead. As may be supposed it bears bu1 little resemblance t<> its original condi- tion, being then but a tract of wild land, with no improvements to speak of . One of the lirst tasks Id which Mr. Sandusky set himself was the planting of an orchard, the trees of which have now be- come almost of giant size. Gradually he erected the various buildings needed for the general pur- poses of agriculture, and for a number of years labored early and late in the cultivation of his land bringing about the comforts and conven- iences essential to the happiness of a home. Al- though almost uniformly successful, lie at. one time met with a loss of $30,000 through one of the Presidents of the Exchange Bank of Danville, lie has handled thousand- of beef cattle, also thorough- bred Short-horns and has now a very fine herd — thirty head of registered animals. As a lover of the equine race Mr. Sandusky is now [laying special attention to thorough-bred run ning horses, of which he has ten or twelve fine animals, including the trotting stallion. '• Wilful Boy," a standard-bred three-year old of great speed and value, Mr. Sandusky was at one time the owner of 220 acres of land upon which he operated largely as a general fanner and stock- raiser, lie keeps himself well posted, not only upon matters connected with agriculture, hut of national interest and is thoroughly opposed to se- cret orders, lie cast his lirst vote for Abraham Lincoln with whom he was well acquainted, and frequently heard him relate some of his character- istic yarns. The Republican party finds no more sincere or earnest follower than Mr. Sandusky, al- though he is no office-seeker and has mingled very little ill public affairs. The five children born to our subject and his ex- cellent wife are recorded as follows: Sarah ,1. died at the age of two years; Caroline is the wife of James Snapp, a fanner of Carroll Township; she has three children, two by a former husband and one by Mr. Snapp. Rochester, who has Inherited his father's love for tine horses, is an expert in this line and remains at the home farm; Addie is the wife ol .1. T. McMillan, a lumberman of Danville; she has four children — William, Nell, Rochester and Edmund. Caroline and Adilie were both Students Of Illinois Female College and Miss Belle attended the Female Seminary at .Morgan Park, near Chicago; she is now at home with her parents. Rochester was graduated from Bryant A- Stratton's Business College. Josiah Sandusky, the father of our subject, is one of the wealthiest men in this county, owning 1,000 acres of land ill Carroll Township ami dealing ex- tensively in live-stock, including line road and trotting horses. He was born Sept. 11, 1837, in Kentucky and is the son of Abraham Sodbwsky, whose forefathers were natives of Poland, whence originated the name which has since been American- ized into its present form. Abraham Sodowsky was born in Bourbon County, Ky., .March 2'.), 171)3, and married Miss Jane McDowell, also a native of that county and born Dec. Hi, 1792. The family were among the earliest settlers of that county, lo- cating there when Indians were still plentiful. The earliest records of this family take us back lo one Sodowsky, a descendant of the Royal family of Poland and a distinguished citizen who was finally banished from the realm for some part which he had taken in political affairs. We find the forefathers of our subject were lirst represented in America in 1756 and they gained favor with the Colonists on account of their high bearing r\nd strict integrity. One married a sister of Gov. Inslip and operated largely as an Indian trader, lie was finally murdered by the Indians in the vicinity of Lake Erie. He was a hunter and a trader and his death was the result of a mistake, as the savages had been imposed upon by the whites and in the fur}' of their revenge attacked the first white man they met. not recognizing who it, was at the time, as he had been their best friend. They regretted their deed greatly and in order to partly atone for it named the Bay in his honor, also the two towns which afterward sprung up anil arc now familiarly known as Upper and Lower Sandusky. The McDowell family were likewise early settlers of America and pioneers of Kentucky. The paternal grandparents of our subject were married in Bourbon County, that State, and emi- grated to Illinois in 1837, settling on the farm now 504 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. occupied by Josiah Sandusky. The old cabin still stands near its original site, having for its compan- ion the stately residence erected by Josiah Sandusky in 1872. Eight children were born of this union the father of whom was successful in accumulating a good property and died in 1865. His wife had passed away the year previously ; Josiah. the father of our subject, was the youngest of their family. He grew up a sturdy and healthful youth, honest and industrious and acquired a practical education in the common school, finally succeeding to the management of the farm of 500 acres which was given him by his father. Upon this he and his brother Abraham operated together and the parents were cared for by them until their decease. Grand- father Sandusky was a first-class business man and his sons wisely submitted to his counsels during his lifetime. Religiously, he was a strong Presby- terian and very kind to the poor and unfortunate. His death was greatly mourned, not only by his immediate family, but by the entire community. Harvey was the only one of the children to retain the Polish name of Sodowsky, the rest adopting the Anglicised pronunciation. On the 18th of December, 1873, Josiah Sandusky was wedded to Miss Susan Moreland, daughter of Thomas and Catherine (Hedges) Moreland who were of English ancestry and coming to Illinois in 1857 settled in Carroll Township. Mrs. Susan Sandusky was born in Bourbon County, Ky., and was a child of six years when her parents came to this county. She attended the Sisters' school at St. Mary's, near Terre Haute, be- came a musician and finely accomplished lady. In 1872 the father of our subject erected an elegant brick residence at a cost of *20,000, which, with its surroundings made one of the most beautiful homes in the county. Later he added 500 acres to his farm. The Sandusky family has always been noted for its dealings and successes in the live- stock business and the father of our subject usu- ally keeps a herd of fifty to sixty head of thorough- bred cattle, numbers of which he exhibits at the State and county fairs and is in the habit of carry- ing off the blue ribbons. He has sold cattle for breeding purposes to parties in nearly every State in the Union, lie also is a lover of fine horses, keeping about thirty-five or forty head of road and trotting thorough-breds. many of them being very valuable and never having had a bridle on them. He has a one-half-mile track and employs a competent trainer to take charge of the stables. Several of his horses have shown a record of 2:19. In addition to his stock operations the elder Sandusky has swine, poultry and Merino sheep, bred from the best strains and has probably done more than any other man in the county to raise the standard of its live stock. He is a Republican, " dyed in the wool," having cast his first Presi- dential vote for Abraham Lincoln, but meddles very little with public affairs and has kept aloof from the oflices. %~*&~1W~ 4pJ§IDEON T. BAUM, one of the well-known |f (=i Baum family of Carroll Township, is rec- ~^^Ji ognized as a vevy industrious and enter- prising young farmer and has a beautiful home on section 29. Here with his estimable and amiable wife he has built up what might be likened to a little paradise, and is apparently surrounded with all the good and desirable things of life. His nat- ural proclivities are such as have gained him the esteem and confidence of his fellow-citizens and he thus occupies a good position socially as well as financially. The father of our subject was Charles Baum, a sketch of whom will be found on another page in this volume. Gideon T. was born Oct. 12,1800, at the old homestead in Carroll Township, and was the fourth son and fifth child of his parents. His boyhood days were spent in a manner common to that of farmer's sons and when reaching the twenty- fourth year of his age he was married Nov. 13, 1884 to Miss Clara, daughter of Elijah and Susan (Jones) Lucas. The father of Mrs. Baum is a native of George- town, Ky., and her mother of Ilarrodsburg, that State. The paternal great-grandfather was of English descent and closely allied to royalit3'; her mother's people were from Maryland. The Lucas family removed from Kentucky in 187G and the PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 505 parents of Mrs. Baura arc now Living retired at Archie, in Sidell Township. Mr. Lucas is sixty- eight years of age and his good wife is ten years his junior. They are the parents of- four children, and the eldest. George, is a resident of Hume. Charles makes his home in Archie; .lames likewise remains with his parents; Clara was born at Har- rodsburg, Ky., where she lived until a girl of eleven years then came with her parents to Ill- inois. They lirst settled near Georgetown and the father occupied himself at farming until retiring from the active labors of life. Mr. anil Mrs. Baum after their marriage settled on the farm which they now own. and which embraces 215 acres of fertile land. The residence had been put up the summer previous to their marriage. The two children born of this union are a daughter and a son — Lulu Weaver and Karl Lucas. Mrs. Baum is a member in good standing of the Baptist Church. Our subject, politically, supports the principles of the Democratic part}'. /*py VRI'S CHARLES BALM, the fourth "Char- (I [ n He" in the Baum genealogy, and a member ^^^/ of the popular and well-known family of that name in this county, is a sober, industrious, intelligent young man, and rapidly becoming wealthy. He has a charming home, a very attrac- tive and accomplished wife who possesses rare musicr.l talent, and. in short, is apparently sur- rounded by a large portion of that which makes life desirable and satisfactory. His well-regulated farm is pleasantly located on section ■>'.> in Carroll Township, and comprises 250 acres of choice land thoroughly developed. Of Charles W. and Catherine (Weaver) Baum, the parents of our subject, a sketch appears else- where in this volume. Cyrus C. was the second son and third child in a family of six. and was born in Carroll. Feb. 1 H. 1853. Ilis boyhood and youth were spent in a comparatively uneventful manner, tirst at the common school and then at the graded school in Indianola, while during the vaca- tions he employed himself in a useful manner around the homestead. From boyhood up he has been temperate and of correct habits, and upon reaching his majority, his father presented him with a large tract of land, which iie traded for his present farm in 1884 To this latter he has given his undivided attention for the last five years, to what good purpose its present condition indicates. In 1876 Mr. Baum was united in marriage with Miss Emma, daugher of Allen and Alma Gilkey, who were both natives of Kentucky. They left the Blue Grass regions at an earh dale, and set- tled in this county during its pioneer days. Of this union there was born one child, a daughter, Lelia, who is now a bright girl of ten years, and is cared for with a mother's affection by the pres- ent wife of our subject. Mrs. Emma (Gilkey) Baum departed this life Oct. 5, 1880. Our subject contracted a second marriage, Nov. 28, 1887, with Miss Josie, daughter of Josephus Baum, a native of Clermont County, Ohio. The maiden name of her mother was Sarah Beall, and she was a native of the same county as her hus- band. Mr. Baum was a blacksmith by trade, and, befoie leaving Ohio, lived at Point Isabel, and in Bainbridge, Ross County. He came to Illinois in ls?.'>, and settled at Ridge Farm, where he is still engaged at his trade and is now probably fifty-nine years old. Ilis good wife is ten years his junior. They are the parents of seven children, viz: Al- bert, -losie, Jessie, Lelia, Maggie, Charles and Minnie. Mrs. Josie (Baum) Baum was born at Point Isabel. Clermont Co., Ohio, Sept. 6, 1869, and was a young maiden of fifteen years when her parents re- moved to Bainbridge. Two years later they came to Illinois, and she completed her studies in the High School at Ridge Farm. She received a care- ful home training from an excellent mother, and apparently takes a loving pride in the adornment of her home and making it the dearest spot on earth to those immediately in its precincts. She is a tasteful performer on the piano, and the home circle is often enlivened by music and the pleasant, intercourse of friends. Mr. Baum. politically, like his father and brothers, gives his unqualified support to the Democratic party, although he meddles very little 506 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. with public affairs, preferring to give his time and attention to the improvement of his farm and the comfort and happiness of those by whom he is connected by the most sacred of earthly ties. L^iHOMAS Hot (PES. The old pioneers, who i/f/SS^ are fast passing away, are naturally looked Vg^ upon with that interest and respect with which mankind is prone to regard those things which, when once departed, can never be recalled. These thoughts involuntarily force themselves upon the mind in contemplating the career of the subject of this sketch, who was the first settler at Hoopeston, and in whose honor it was named. He came to this county, and invested in land Aug. 9, 1853. Returning to Ohio, he remained there until April 8, 1855, -when he with his family removed to this county, and endured his full share of the hard- ships and privations of life in a new settlement, operating as a tiller of the soil a series of years, and is now enjoying the fruits of his labors amid the comforts of a pleasant and well-ordered home i».i the southeastern part of the village, which has been the object of his fostering care. He retired from the active labors of life in June. 1882, and occupies a tasteful and commodious brick residence at the corner of Penn and Fourth streets. He is the owner of a good property, which he accumulated solely by his own industry and perseverance. He owns 2.233 acres of fine land, contracted to young men, and upon which they pay a low interest. He also controls 5,180 acres in his own name, making the total of his land holdings 7,413 acres. Mr. Hoopes was born on the 26th of June, 1806, in a loi; cabin in the woods of what was then Jeffer- son County, but is now the southeast corner of Har- rison County, Ohio, His father in 1810 removed to a point seven miles distant in the same county, and there our subject sojourned until 1846. He pursued his studies mostl}' at home under the in- struction of his mother, and also attended a pri- vate school. He remained a member of the parental household until reaching his majority, soon after which time occurred the death of his father, and the property was divided. Thomas, in 1 829, purchased a two-thirds interest in the estate, and carried on the improvements, which had been begun, clearing the land of the remaining timber upon it and preparing the soil for cultivation. There being six children in the family, the share of Thomas, estimated to be ¥334.04 in value, was accordingly one-sixth of the estate, and in con- tracting to buy out the other heirs, subject to the mother's life interest, he was obliged to go into debt. The task before him, he was aware, required more than an ordinary amount of courage and per- severance, but nature had generously endowed hiin with these qualities, and from that modest begin- ning he succeeded in building up the ample prop- erty of which he is now the owner. Our subject continued on the old farm until the summer of 1846, and on the 30th of July that year, was united in marriage with Miss Anna Gray, of of the same county. Shortly afterward they re- moved to the vicinity of Marion. Ohio, where .Mr. Hoopes purchased a farm of 803 acres on what was familiarly known as Sandusky Plains, and added 100 acres three years later. It was nearly fenced and has been largely devoted by our subject to pasturage. Mr. Hoopes began the improvement of his property, and in 185(1 put up one of the first brick houses in that locality. He devoted his land mostly to grazing, and gathered together a large flock of sheep. He also took in cattle to feed, and continued this course profitably for a period of nine years. His property naturally in- creased in value, and became the source of a com- fortable income. In 1853, however, Mr. Hoopes decided to see what lay beyond, and accordingly disposed of his interest in the Buckeye State, and after residing for a year in Marion Milage came here to buy, moving here with his family in 1855. There were then but few settlers in Grant Township, this county, and frequently the traveler would go from fifty to 100 miles without passing a farm, a large proportion of the land still belonging to the Government. Mr. Hoopes at once bought of W. I. Allen 480 acres, upon which he established a homestead, and was uniformly successful in his labors as an agricultur- PORTRAIT AND HUM iRAPHICAL ALBUM. 507 ist and a stock-raiser. lie later purchased ad- ditional land, and in due time became the owner of 7,1 l.'i acres; besides this lie sold several thousand acres at different times. The first house which he put up was a frame structure of fair proportions, located at the top of a hill on the old "Chicago Road." lying north of the present site of the town. He occupied this with his family for a number of years, and added other buildings as time passed on. He still continued sheep-raising, and frequently pastured large droves of cattle for other men. From the first he made it a rule to keep out of debt, live within his income, and meet his obliga- tions as they became due. Mr. Hoopes, in 18G3, disposed of his flocks of sheep on account of the difficulty in getting help to look after them, and at the same time laid aside many of the cares which had been his for many years. Since that time he has taken life more easily. On the 4th of July. 1 87 1 , the track of what is now the Danville & Yiucennes Railroad was laid across what is now Main street, and the year following the Lake Erie & Western began running its trains. Mr. Hoopes, always a man of wise forethought, judged that here would he a good site for a town, and accord- ingly commenced laying out a portion of his farm in town lots. He did not undertake town-making, but laid out his land after it had been started. Thereafter he engaged in selling these lots and looking after the interests of the embryo village. The town was named Iloopeston by one of the prospectors of a railroad. Mr. Hoopes afterward sold 1,000 acres to the firm of Snell & Taylor, who had a part of the land platted, and sold town lots. In 187:3 Mr. Hoopes purchased a house a short dis- tance west of that which he now occupies, and moved into it. occupying it until 1882, when he erected his present residence. In connection with his dealings in real estate, he still continued the general supervision of his farm, but employed agents to carry on the work. In the fall of 1874 he started for the Pacific .Slope, arriving in Califor- nia October 28, and sojourned there until the 27th of March, 1875. In the meantime he traveled over a large portion of the country with his wife, the latter being in delicate health. Mr. Hoopes cast his first vote in 1828 for a defeated candidate, being then identified with the old Whig party, but upon its abandonment cor- dially endorsed the principles of the Republican party, whom he has since for the most part given his support. In local affairs, however, he is not bound by party ties, hut aims to support the man best qualified for office. During his long residence in this county, he has pursued that upright and honorable course which has gained him the confi- dence and esteem of his fellow-citizens, striving always to be not only just, but also generous, as he has had opportunity. Mrs. Anna (Gray) Hoopes was born in Harrison County, Ohio, July 25, 1810. and was the daughter of Thomas and Hannah (Eckley) Gray, who spent their last years in Fulton County. 111. To our sub- ject and his estimable wife there were born no chil- dren. Mrs. Hoopes departed this life on the 29th of April, 188G. greatly mourned by her husband, and regretted by all who know her. She was a de- voted wife, a lady possessing all the Christian vir- tues, and who was the uniform and efficient helper of her husband during his toils and struggles, and his cheerful, faithful companion amid the hardships and difficulties which they encountered. Her name is held in kindly remembrance by all who knew her. Nathan Hoopes, the father of our subject, was born in Chester County, Pa , May 5, 1765, and was the son of Daniel A. Hoopes, a native of the same county. He lived there until reaching man's es- tate, and was married to Miss Elizabeth Gardner. Soon afterward they removed to Ohio, and settled in the woods of what was then Jefferson County, about seven miles from where the town of Mount Pleasant grew up. He put up a log cabin and be- gan felling trees, and preparing a portion of the soil for cultivation. His first property consisted of only thirty acres, and at this little homestead oc- curred the birth of his son Thomas. Later the father of our subject disposed of this property, and purchased 160 acres of land, where he opened up a good farm, and upon which he spent his last days, passing away in the spring of 1828. The household circle was completed by the birth of seven children, six of whom lived to years of maturity, namely : James and Joseph, J08 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. who were residents of Morgan County, Ohio, until their death; Sarah, Mrs. Nathan Williams, of Harrison County. Ohio; Thomas, our subject; Ann, the widow of George W. Scott, living in Camp Chase; and Mary, Mrs. W. Spurier, who died in Harrison County, whither she returned from Mor- gan County. The mother survived her husband only six years, her death taking place at the old homestead on May 12, 1834. She was a member and minister of the Society of Friends. Mr. Hoopes, our subject, is not a member of any society. Mr. Hoopes owns large tracts of land, also buys any tract a young, but honest and industrious man may desire, lets him have it and pay a very low rate of interest, instead of rent, and avoids double taxation; thus helping man}- young men to start, simply for the purpose of doing what good he can. If he is proud of anything, it is of that, to be con- sidered a philanthropist. -3"*f RA Gr. JONES. Here and there, like a bright light on the hill top, we find a character which convinces us that the world is by no means all bad. and the subject of this notice may most prop- erly be placed in this category. Not only is he the wealthiest farmer in Elwood Township, but its old- est living settler, and one who is known far and wide for his kindly character, and as looking upon the mistakes and wrong-doings of his fellow-men with charity. He had long been known as the poor man's friend — one never seeking popularity — but he has sought to help those who have tried to help themselves, and has set before his fellow-men an example worthy of their imitation. He is by occupation a farmer, and has for many years been engaged extensively in stock-raising. His large possessions are the accumulation of a lifetime of industry, good management, and the prudent econ- omy which has been the rule of his life. A native of Eastern Indiana, our subject was born near Libert}', fifteen miles from the present flourishing city of Richmond, Jan. 11, 182G. His I father. Aaron Jones, long since deceased, was a na- tive of New Jersey, and removed with his parents to Fayette County, Pa., when quite small. The paternal grandfather of our subject was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. The wife of Aaron Jones was Phebe Watkins, a native of Fayette County, Pa., who became the mother of eleven children, all of whom lived to mature years, and three survive, those beside our subject being Will- iam and Henry. The former occupies the old homestead near Quaker Point, just across the line in Indiana, and the latter lives in Fremont County. Minn. Aaron Jones brought his family to this county in October, 1827, settling at Quaker Point, where he rented land two or three seasons. He then en- tered a tract from the Government about one mile east of Quaker Point in Vermilion Township. Ver- million Co., Ind. The first house the Jones fam- ily occupied was a double log cabin with a stick and clay chimney, a puncheon floor and the roof made of clapboards held down with knees and weight poles. Some of the pioneer bedsteads of that day consisted of poles fastened in the wall and resting on a fork in the middle of the floor. The nearest trading points were Newport and Eugene. •'Father Jones," as he was familiarly called, was a very hospitable man, and entertained many a trav- eler under his humble roof. People came as far as eight miles to the Shaw and the Eugene mills, and sometimes would have to wait a week for their grinding. Many of them put up with the Jones family, and were never charged a cent. It was common to drink whisky in those days, and "Uncle Aaron" always had plenty of it in his house — the genuine article, made from his own grain. Not- withstanding this he was a temperate man himself, and never allowed liquor to get the better of him. The early education of our subject was conducted in "Hazel Brush College," a log cabin erected in the same manner as the dwelling heretofore de- scribed. His boyhood and youth were spent in a similar manner to that of other sons of the pioneer farmer, during which time he assisted in tilling the soil, and upon approaching manhood began to lay his plans for the establishment of a home of his own. He was twenty-nine years old, PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 509 however, before securing unto himself a wife and helpmate, and was then married in July. 1855. to Miss Ruth Connor. Tin's union resulted in the birth of seven children, four of whom are living — Emetine, George, Rozella and Seymour. One daughter, Indiana, was married to John Patton, and died, leaving five children — Jennie. Neal, May, George and Lucretia. Emeline married William Arrissmith, of Pilot Township, this county, and they have four children — Lilly, Ira, James and Bertha: George married Miss Annie Phillips, lives in Bethel, and is the father of one child, a son. Claude; Rozella married Charles Busby, of El- wood Township, and has two children. Mrs. Ruth ((minor) Jones departed this life at the home- stead. Aug. II, 1869. Our subject contracted a second marriage, Nov. 24, 1871. with Mrs. Rhoda J. Rice. This lady was the widow of James M. Rice, and the daughter of James F. Weller, of Elwood Township. Of their marriage there have been born four chil- dren, all sons. Pearl, Frank, Bertie and Arthur. Mrs. Jones is a member of the New Light Chris- tian Church. Our subject, politically, votes the Republican ticket, and has been quite prominent in local affairs, officiating as Road Overseer ami Highway Commissioner, and is at present School Trustee and a member of the village Council. He is the owner of 1,600 acres of land, most of it in Elwood Township. His agricultural operations have been conducted with thoroughness and skill, and his home is one whose inmates are sur- rounded with all the comforts ami many of the luxuries of life. HENRY BANTA. Until within a few years back the subject of this notice was one of the leading business men of Elwood Township. He came to this county in 1853 settling near Pilot Grove where he carried on farm- ing until 1869. He then came to the Ridge where he has since lived. He for some time owned and operated the Ridge Farm Flouring Mill and built the elevator herein 1871. He dealt in grain ex- tensively and at the same time interested himself in the various enterprises calculated to build up the town, lie is a man of excellent, business capa- cities and strong qualities of character, one whose influence has been sensibly fell, both in the business and social circles of his community. Our subject was born in Bourbon County, Ky., Aug. 1 I, 1831, ami is the son of Abraham Banta, now deceased. The latter was born in Bourbon County, Ky., whence our subject removed to Nicholas County with his parents when quite young. They settled on a farm two ami one-half miles west of Carlisle on the old Lexington and Maysville pike. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Dorcas Hedges. His paternal grandfather, Henry Banta, served as a soldier of the Revolutionary War. The parental household included eight children, five of whom are living, viz.: Scythia A.. Mrs. Fulton; J. Henry, our sub- ject; Margaret, Mrs. Campbell; William F. and Elizabeth, twins, the latter of whom also married a Mr. Campbell. The deceased were Andrew J., Sarah, Mrs. Collins and Annie M., Mrs. Bogard. Young Banta commenced his education in a log cabin in Bourbon County. Ky. The temple of learning was a very primitive affair, with greased paper for window panes, split log seats, puncheon floor and clapboard roof held in place by weight poles. His childhood and youth passed in a com- paratively uneventful manner until his marriage which occurred in April. 1852. his bride being Miss Mary J. Russell. This lad}' was born in St. Louis, Mo., and was the daughter of Andrew Rus- sell, deceased. Of this union there were born eight children, namely: James A., Nancy E., William F., Sarah A., Margaret E., Annie I)., Andre .v J. and John II. One of tiie leading characteristics of Mr. Banta is his steady opposition to the manufacture and sale of intoxicating drinks. While serving as Mayor of Ridge Farm in 1888-89, he vetoed the whisky license ordinance passed by the Council, and has left no stone unturned in using his influ- ence to put down the liquor traffic. He has been a member of the Town Council several years which facl is sufficient indication of tie estimation in which he is held by his fellow citizens. He is not 510 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. connected with any religious organization but so- cially is a charter member of Lodge No. 632 A. F. & A. M., at Ridge Farm. His estimable wife is a member in good standing of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Mr. Bani,a, with the excep- tion of inflammatory rheumatism, is usually in good health and well preserved. In March, 1889, he took a trip to Hot Springs, Ark., and the treat- ment he received there was very beneficial. The ancestors from whom our subject sprang were first represented in this country by one Epke Jacob Banta. a farmer from Harlingen, East Friesland, Hoi- Land, who with his wife and five sons, emigrated from Amsterdam in the ship '• DeTrouw," which sailed Feb. 13, 1639 for the New World. The account of its passage and its voyagers may lie found in the •■ Documental History of New York, volume 3, pages 52 and 53 and volume 14, page 90." Epke Jacob Banta was appointed one of the court of Oyer and Terminer at Bergen, now a part of Jersey ( it\ in L679. See •• Winlield's History of Wood- ford County, page 100." In 1695 four of the five sons spoken of above — Sclia. Cornelius, Hendrick. and Dirck, with six other persons, purchased from the proprietors of Easl Jersey a tract of land extending in breadth from the Hudson River to Oveipeck (English neighbor- hood) Creek, and in length about two miles and a quarter from north to south. (See deed recorded at office of Secretary of State, Trenton, N. J.) The third son, Hendrick Epke Banta, married Mary Lubbertse Westervelt, at Bergen, Nov. 17, 1678, and there were born to them six children. He became a man prominent and well-to-do in his community and was elected a Deacon of the Re- formed Dutch Church at Ilackensack, N. J., at its organization in September. 1686. Hendrick Banta, Jr., upon reaching manhood mar- ried Geertruy Terhuyne, Jan. 26, 1 7 1 7, and they had four children, the eldest of whom was also named Hendrick. This latter and his wife, Rachel Urou- wer, removed about the 3 - ear 1753 to Somerset County, N. J., where he was an Elder in the Church at Millstone. Later he removed to the northern part of the county and was elected an Elder in the Church at Bedmiuster at its organization, (Jet. 25. 1758. In 1768 he removed with a colony to Adams County. Pa., settling near the present site of Gettysburg and was a conspicuous member of the Church at Conewavo. Ten years later he became one of the pioneers of Madison County. Kv., set- tling near Boonesboro, but subsequently removed to Mercer County, and finally to Shelby County. In the latter he settled near Pleasureville on what was known as the Dutch Tract where he died in LSI 15. Of this latter family there were born six children of whom the fourth, Abraham, the father of our subject, was born April 7, 1805. There was only one family of the name who came to America and their descendants have been people uniformly re- spectable and well-to-do. The subject of this sketch has inherited some of the peculiar traits of his ancestors and besides being totally averse to liquor in any shape, never had tobacco in his mouth and never smoked a cigar. He has done what he coidd to advance those principles in which he con- scientiously believes, and his record has been that of an honest man and a praiseworthy citizen. -w-iEs5*£ H ■ ; ■ - — d JMXLIAM BARCLAY HA WORTH, late of Arjl Vermillion County, Ind., departed this life V^ near Ridge Farm. III., Oct. 12. 1867. His widow, Mrs. Irene Ilaworth. retains possession of the property left her by her husband, and is a lady held in high esteem in her community. She was born in Wayne Count}*, Ind., Dec. 12, 1827. and is the daughter of Seth Mill, deceased, who was a na- tive of Ohio, and who came to this county with his family in 1828. They settled on what is now known as the Thomas Brown place, where they lived seven years, then removed to the Aaron Glick farm, two miles east of Vermilion Grove, where the father died Aug. 19, 1846. On the Ktth of August, 1845, Miss Mills was to married William B. Ilaworth, and the}- at once settled across the line at Quaker Point, in Vermillion County, Ind., where Mrs. Ilaworth lived until 1875. She then removed to Vermilion Grove, her present home. Of the thirteen children born to her and her husband, nine lived to mature years, and c4//yrU^S Q)«j£>aJ4/ '€> St>. $ ?>n^ PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 515 eight are still living, viz: Maria, Susan, Henry M.. Zimri I... Mary K.. Sarah. Laura .M.. and Eva J. One son, Seth. married Miss Martha J. Kits, and is now deceased. Of the two children born to them only one is living, Anna L; Maria married Amos Cook, of Yankee Point; Susan is the wife of Thomas 1.. Commons, of Wichita, Kan., and has has five children — Arthur N.. Adella, Walter, Pearl, and Oren. Henry married Laura Hendricks, and lives at Quaker Point. Ind.; they have five children — Kenneth E., Maria. Alice, George and Myrtle; Zimri married .Miss Sybil Pees, lives in Elwood Township, and has two children — Mary and Albert C; Mary married Ezra Cook, of Yankee Point, and lives in Elwood Township; they have five children — Bertha, Nora, Flora. Seth and Ethel. Sarah married Josiah Marsh, of Frankfort, Ind., and they have one child. Charlie; Laura married Newton Morris, of Elwood Township, and they have two children — Orpha I), and Barclay 1).; Eva mar- ried Levi" Saunders, of Elwood Township, and they have three children — Octavia, Elton and Estella. Mr. Haworth was a member of the Society of Friends, to which Mrs. Haworth and her family also belong. The mother of Mrs. Haworth was in her girlhood Rebecca Canaday, a native of Jefferson County, Fast Tenn., and born June 23, 1806. The parental family included five children: Irena, Henry, Aaron. Lucinda 15. (deceased) and Annie M. The mother died June 18, 1888, in Elwood Township, Vermilion Co., III. She was a life- long member of the Society of Friends. -»•' ! • 3 'I't' l' ~ ORMAN B. DOUGLASS stand.- in the I front rank of the enlightened, enterprising agriculturists, who arc active in sup- porting the immense fanning and stock- raising interests of Vermilion County. lie owns one of the largest and finest improved farms in all Cat.lin Township, beautifully located on section 2. where he has a very pretty home, rendered still more attractive by the number of shade and fruit trees with which he has adorned the grounds. Our subject comes of worthy New England an- cestry on the father's side, and of good Pennsyl- vania stock on the maternal side of I he house. His father, Cyrus Douglass, was born in Vermont, and his mother was a native of Tioga County, Pa. 'liny were married about three miles north of Dan- ville, in this county, and settled soon after about three miles and a half south of that city, where they lived for a long term of years, being very early pioneers of that township. In 1865, they retired to Fail-mount to spent their last years free from the cares and labors that had beset their early life, whereby they had won a competence. She did not long survive the removal from her old 1 e. where her married life had passed so pleas- antly and peacefully, bid Dee. 15, 1866, closed her eyes to the scenes of earth. The father lived four- teen years longer, and then, Dec. 20, 1880, he was summoned to the life beyond the grave. He had served under Capt. Morgan L.Payne in the Indian War of 1831-2. He and his wife were the parents of thirteen children, nine sons and four daughters, all of whom lived to grow up, with the exception of one son, who was injured and died when about nine years old. Our subject was the second child of the family in order of birth, and was born in Danville Town- ship, Oct. 11. 1*'27. He was reared to man's estate in the place of his nativity in the pioneer home of his birth. He gleaned his education in the primi- tive schools of the early days, was bred to a farm- er's life on the old homestead, and has always given his attention to agricultural pursuits, lie remained under the parental roof till 1851, and then, buoyed with the holies and ambitions of an energetic young manhood, he took his departure from the scenes of his boyhood and youth, and crossed the continent to Oregon to see something of the world ami to I" iter his prospects in life, if he could. He Stayed in Oregon but a short time, and then made his way to California, where he remained some time engaged in mining. In October, 1853, he gathered together his gains, having a great desire to see his old home once more after experiencing the rough life of a miner for two years, and embarked on a vessel that took him by the Nicaragua route, and thence made his way by New York City to Illinois and Vermilion County. On his return he resumed 516 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. farming, and followed that peaceful vocation some years. But life in the wild West still held a fasci- nation for him, and in the summer of 1864 he made another trip toward the setting sun, journey- ing across the plains to Idaho and Montana. That time he was gone from here about two and a half years, and was variously employed as a miner and at different occupations. Since his second return from the far West Mr. Douglass has been engaged continuously in farming, and has met with more than ordinary success in that pursuit. He owns 410 acres of as choice land as is to be found in this part of Vermilion County, has it under perfect cultivation, has erected good buildings, including a substantial, well-appointed residence, and made other valuable improvements. The marriage of our subject with Miss Anna Downing, a noble, true-hearted woman, who has devoted her life to the interests of her husband and children, took place in Danville Township. their union being solemnized in the month of Sep- tember. 1855. Mrs. Douglass is the daughter of Ellis and Louisa (Hathaway) Downing, natives respectively of Virginia and Kentucky, and now deceased. Her parents began their married life in Kentucky, and from there went later in life to In- diana, and were pioneers of Logansport, where he died. The mother afterward came to Catlin Town- ship, and made her home here till death. Four children were born of her marriage, two sons and two daughters, Mrs. Douglass being the eldest of the family. She was born near Washington, in Mason County, Ky., Dec. 25, 1825. She is the mother of five children, as follows: Samuel; Eliza, the wife of George W. Cook; Allen who married Maggie Byeiley; Belle B., the wife of Charles Lu- cas; and George W. Mr. Douglas is a man whose frank geniality, tact and readiness to oblige, have won him many fast friends, and with his wife, who is of an amiable, charitable disposition, he stands high in the social circles of this community. He is a man of wide and varied experience and information, a good con- versationalist, and is accordingly a pleasing com- panion. He is a good financier, and also an able manager, having his affairs under good control; he possesses in a large degree those characteristics without which success in life is unattainable. He has mingled somewhat in the public life of the township, has proved an efficient school officer, and has held some of the minor offices with credit to himself, and to the benefit of the community. He is an esteemed member of Catlin Lodge, No. 285, A. F. cfe A. M. He is a loyal and faithful citi- zen, having the best interests of his country at heart, and is in his politics a pronounced Democrat of the Jacksonian type. Elsewhere in this volume the reader will notice a portrait of Mr. Douglass, and beside it is fittingly placed that of his wife, who has been at his side a faithful companion for more than thirty years. -sJl&==_ ■^r *pfl MOS COOK, a representative farmer of Elwood Township, is a hardworking, typi- cal Quaker. He is a native of Elwood jfjp Township, and was born Dec. 15, 1845. His father, Daniel Cook, was one of the early set- tlers of Vermilion County, and a man whose repu- tation for everything that constitutes a model man, was of the very best. The mother was Hannah Hester, a daughter of Thomas Hester, also a pio- neer of Eastern Illinois. The elder Mr. and Mrs. Cook had four children, three of whom are liviny : Amos, Ezra and Daniel, all born in Elwood Town- ship. Daniel was born on Feb. 27th, 1855. He married Electa Powell. They have one child. Alice, and are living on section 10 of Elwood Township. Mary died after she had married and become the mother of two children. Mr. Cook enjoyed but limited advantages for securing an education, as the common schools of his boyhood had not attained to the perfection of the public schools of the present day. He im proved well, however, his opportunities, and re- grets that he C0'"ld not have secured better educa- tional privileges. On Nov. 3d, 186!). Mr. Cook was married to Maria, daughter of Bartley Ilaw- orth (deceased). They have no children. The brother of the subject of this sketch, Ezra Cook, of Vermilion Grove, was born in October, 1848. in Elwood Township. He received a common-school PORTRAIT AMI BIOGRAPHICAL ALBl'M. 517 education and has always worked on a farm. He owns seventy acres of land, where he carries on a general farming and stock-raising business. He has been very prosperous and lias accumulated a i petence. He was married in September, 1875, to Mary E. Haworth. They are the parents of six children, five of whom are living: Bertha L.. Nora A., Flora B., Setb II.. and Ethel M. His wife was horn in Edgar County, 111., and reared in Vermill- ion County, Ind. Ezra never has sought office, and politically, be belongs to the Prohibition party. He and his wife are leading members of the So ciety <>f Friends, as were also their parents. Amos Cook owns ninety-two acres of land, most of which is under a perfect state of cultivation. He prosecutes a general farming and stock-raising business. The stock on bis farm is of the very best blood, and he spares no pains to obtain the best, among which may be mentioned graded Bel- gian horses, .Short-horn cattle and Poland-China hogs. Mr. Cook is considered by his neighbors a model farmer, and a survey of his farm will corro- borate that estimate. He is thorough in all his work, and leaves nothing undone that should be done, and everything connected with his place seems to be in perfect order. Mr. and Mrs. Cook are members of the Friends' Church, where they regularly attend divine wor- ship, and of which they are birth-right members, Mr. Cook has never held any office, nor does he want one. but he votes and works for the Prohibi- tion party as a matter of duty and principle. lb- has never lived outside of Elwood Township. - 1 * <^¥ »- EDUCE W. CANADAY. Among the steady-going men of Carroll Township none \\^/| are more responsible and hard-working than he with whose name we introduce this sketch. He pursues the even tenor of his way quietly and un- ostentatiously, ami is a tine representative of that responsible and reliable element which is so essen- tial to the well-being of every community. lie is the owner of two medium sized farms, has a good home and a pleasant family, including a group of children which he and his excellent wife may be pardoned for looking upon with much pride. The son of a pioneer, our subject was born in Georgetown Township near Concord, Nov. is, 1842, being the youngest of three children, the off- spring of Boater and Ellen (Weidener) Canaday, who were married in Ohio, and came to this county about 1835. They settled in Georgetown Township, where they spent the remainder of their days. The father, however, only lived until 1845, leaving his widow with three children — William R., Sarah J., and George W., our subject. She was married the second time and became the mother of six more children. Mr. Canaday spent his boyhood and youth amid the quiet scenes of rural life, learning to plow, sow and reap. He says, "I have been plowboy thirty- eight 3'ears." He attended the .schools at Cone jrd, and grew up to a healthful and vigorous manhood, with stout muscles and feeling fully equal to the demands of the future. When twenty-five years old he was married, in 1867, to Miss Mary Jane, daughter of George W. Smith, who is now living three miles south of Georgetown. The young peo- ple commenced the journey of life together in El- wood Township, and from that time on have worked with a mutual purpose to make for them- selves a home and leave a good record to their children. In the fall of that 3'ear, thinking he would do better beyond the Mississippi, Mr. Cana- day went into Worth County, Mo., and purchased a farm of 100 acres, driving to it in a wagon. For seven years thereafter he prosecuted farming on that land, performing a great deal of hard labor with encouraging results. Mrs. Canaday finally became homesick, and the family, including three children, in 1874, returned to this county, making the journey overland in a wagon. Mr. Canaday purchased a small tract of land — seventy-two acres — near Ridge Farm, which he still owns, and in 1881 purchased the 120-acre farm in Carroll Township, which he now occupies, and to which he gives his principal attention. Their three eldest children, Emma E., Florence and Cora, were born in Missouri. Ollie and Frank are natives of Illinois. Our subject and his estimable wife belong to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church 518 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. at Concord, and Mr. Canaday, politically, votes the straight Democratic ticket. He has served as School Director ill his district, and believes in the educa- tion of the young as the best means of insuring good citizenship. Mrs. Canaday was born in Georgetown Town- ship Sept. 24, 1845, and is the only child of her father by his first wife, who in her girlhood was Mary Jane Smith. After the death of his first wife Mr. Smith was married a second time, and became the father of seven more children, five living and two dead. — -*&m- — ■RANK A. BAUM, one of the most popular men of Carroll Township,' was born and ljk " reared within its precincts, and is the off- spring of an old and well-known family, the son of Samuel Baum, whose great-grandfather was born in Poland, from which he fled during the troubles of that unhappy country, and for some time after- ward made his home in Germany. Later he came to America, prior to the Revolutionary War, ami married an English lady by the name of Barbara McDonald, a relative of the daring and gallant young McDonald, fighting under Gen. Marion in that war. The senior Baum was later appointed on the reserve corps for special duty and the pro- tection of the early settlements. After the close of the war he settled in Bucks County, Pa., where the nine children of the family were reared, among whom was the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, Charles Baum, Sr. The year following Wayne's treaty with the In- dians Charles Baum and his family sailed down the Ohio River to the month of Bullsink Creek, near where the town of Chilo now stands. Here they commenced the first settlement made in the Terri- tory of Ohio. Grandfather Charles Baum upon reaching manhood married Miss Susan Moier. of Germantown, Ky. They became the parents of ten children, viz: Samuel, John, M. 1).; Mary, Mrs. Weaver; Sarah, Mrs. Van Treese; Charles; Cather- ine. Mrs. Patterson; Susan. Mrs. Sandusky; Eliza- beth. Gideon X.; and Eliza. Mrs. Carter. Samuel Baum was the eldest son of his parents (who came to this county with their children in 1839), ami while a resident of Ohio, was married to a daughter of old Michael Weaver. The latter came to this county in 1827, and settled one miles northeast of the present site of Indian- ola. There were then but five log houses on the Little Vermilion, two of which were purchased by a Baum and a Weaver. The latter gentleman lived to be one hundred years old, the oldest man on record in Carroll Township. He was the father of seven children, of whom Sarah, the wife of Sam- uel Baum, was the eldest. She was a native of Ohio, and after her marriage became the mother of two children there, Elizabeth and Oliver P. After their removal to Illinois there were born six more children — Susan, Catherine, Charles M., Samuel, William and Angeline. The first wife died, and Samuel Baum married a second time to Mrs. Polly Matkins, widow of William Matkins, by whom she became the mother of two children — Theodore and Mary. Of her marriage with Mr. Baum there were born four children: Frank, the subject of this sketch; America, Winchester C. and May. Grand- father Baum was perhaps as generous a man as ever set foot in Carroll Township. He possessed the character and attributes of a true Christian, and was one of the pillars of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Uncle Sam Baum, as he was familiarly termed, was a large, powerful man, six feet one inch in height, and weighing 300 pounds. He was born in Ohio, and reared amid the wild scenes of pioneer life, growing up good-tempered and jovial, and follow- ing farming pursuits. He took the first produce which he raised in Carroll Township to Chicago, driving five yoke of oxen. His sole earthly pos- sessions upon coining to this county were a horse, bridle and saddle, and at the time of his death, in March, 1861, he was the owner of 1.500 acres of good land, besides personal property. During the latter years of his life he belonged to the Repub- lican party, and diet! at the age of fifty-six years. The mother of our subject came to Illinois with her father in 1831, he settling three miles east of [ndianola. She was then but thirteen 3 - ears old. Alter a time they moved to Louisville, Ky., where they sojourned three years, then returned to this PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 510 county, and the mother died about 1883 at the age of sixty-two years. She was a woman of many ex- cellent qualities, and in religion a Presbyterian. The subject of this sketch was born Nov. 15, 1851, in Carrol! Township, where he was reared on n farm, and at an early age became familiar with agricultural pursuits and stock-raising. He was bright and courageous, and at an early age as- sumed unusual res] sibilities for a boy, which had the effect of making him self-reliant and little in- clined to ask favors of anyone. His father died when be was a lad of eleven years, but prior to this Frank had been engaged helping his father in pur- chasing cattle two or three years. With the demise of the head of the family the household circle was broken up, but Frank remained with his mother on the Baum homestead until two years after his mar- riage. The above mentioned event in the life of our subject was celebrated Nov. 18, 1873, the bride being Miss Eliza, daughter of Dr. McIIalfie, one of the earliest physicians in Carroll Township. Mrs. Baum was born in Indianola. and was a child at school with her husband. In 1875 they moved on to the part of the father's estate which fell to cur subject, and to which the latter subsequently added by the purchase of land. There were born to them five children: Harry, Joseph, Beratice ; Samuel, who when sixteen months old; and Benjamin F. Mr. Baum has given his attention largely to the live-stock business, and has fed all the cattle bis farm could sustain. He has never sold any Other o-rain besides wheat. He shipped his cattle to New York, Buffalo, and Chicago, and began operations in this business when a youth of seventeen years. He has made two trips to the Far West, and is a man who keeps bis eyes open to what is going on around him, embracing every opportunity for useful in- formation. He is at present interested in the breed- ing of Clydesdale horses, and is a life member of the Scotch and American Clydesdale Associations. He has also bred Short-horn cattle considerably. His son. Harry, a bright boy of fourteen, is said to lie the best posted youth in the county in connec- tion with this industry. When thirteen years old he passeil a successful examination for a teacher's certificate, and in 1888 was again examined and ranked the highest of any applicant. Mr. Baum thoroughly believes in education, and has given to his children the best advantages in his power. The farm of our subject embraces 160 acres of land, well improved and very fertile. Mr. Baum put in the first tile ever laid in Carroll Township, of which he has live miles on 120 acres. Being thrown upon his own resources early in life, he has had a stern battle with the world, and is of that in- dependent and outspoken disposition which might, with one unacquainted with him. seem abrupt, but at heart he is genuine gold, with sympathy for the unfortunate, and a line appreciation of those senti- ments of honor, which is the leading characteristic of every true man. He is one who naturally es- pouses the cause of the persecuted and down-fallen, and has more than once wrested a friend from trou- ble and disaster. Politically. Mr. Baum is a decided Republican, and has very clear ideas in regard to the protective system of that party. When assailed upon this point he is always enabled frA cause the most hot- headed Democratic free-traders to stop and think. He has been for some time Township Trustee, and is Clerk of the Board of School Directors of In- dianola. He was remarkably fortunate in the selec- tion of a wife and helpmate, Mrs. Baum being a very estimable and intelligent lady, one who has greatly assisted her husband in his labors and struggles, and very nearly approaches the ideal of the self-deny- ing and devoted wife and mother. Although not wealthy, they have accumulated sufficient to shield them from want in their old age, and, what is better, they enjoy the esteem and confidence of hosts of friends. #^ -V— i»,ILLIAM BROWN has been eminently sue- w= as a farmer and a citizen, lie on section 32, Elwood Township, where he owns a good farm. He was born in But- ler County, Ohi n .bin. 4, 1813, and in his time has seen a great many changes in the affairs of this country, by which he has profited. His father, Samuel Brown, was born on (lie ■•beautiful Juniata" River in Mifflin County, Ta. 520 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. His wife, whose maiden name wa< Polly Hearn, is also a native of Pennsylvania, but was reared to wo- manhood in Kentucky. She and her husband reared ten children. five of whom are living: William; Mar- Margaret, Mrs. Ross; C. Perry, Mary, Mrs. A. Shurk; and Sidney, Mrs. Tenbrook. William came with his parents to Parke County, hid., in 1824, where they settled in a country that was in a wild state. Game of every kind, and especially wild turkeys, was abundant. They were not obliged to go hunting for turkeys, but could sit in their doors and shoot them as they passed. The early settlers of that county for the first few years of their residence there were providentially supplied with the best of meat by reason of the plentitude of wild game. The Brown family built their fiist house of round logs, and in its construction not a sawed board was used. The roof was constructed of clapboards which were split out of straight-grained timber. The doors had wooden latches and hinges, and no nails ware used in building them, wooden pegs taking their place. The bedsteads were made by boring holes in the wall and inserting therein poles. The win- dows were constructed by cutting a hole in the side of the cabin and using greased paper in the place of glass. All the hardships that could be imagined they underwent, and at one time the water was so high in that country that the mills were obliged to stop grinding, and in most instances the dams were washed away, and in consequence the Brown family for a month and a half were destitute of flour or meal, and the whole section of country was obliged to use boiled corn instead. This was in the latter part of the winter of 1825-'26. The river at Mon- tezuma inundated the valle}' and covered the tow- path of the old canal. William was present in Montezuma and heard Gen. Howard make his last speech just prior to his embarking on a steamboat on his journey as Minister to Texas. William Brown came to Vermilion county in March, 1 856, where he has since lived. In August, 1848, he married Lizzie, daughter of Salmon Lusk. Mr. and Mrs. Brown are the parents of eight chil- dren, six of whom arc living: Salmon II., Commo- dore P., John L.. William C. Kdgar D., and Benj- amin F. Salmon married Alice C'oe. and is living in Ridge Farm, They have one child, Herbert. Comn.odnri' married Ella Campbell. They are living in this township and have one child. Mr. Brown owns 700 acres of land in Kdgar and Ver- milion counties, and 320 acres in Lyon County, Kansas, independent of which he has given to his children an aggregate of 1280 acres. He is engaged largely in raising graded Short-horn cattle and Clydesdale horses, and as a stock-raiser he has pros- pered. Mr. Brown is devoted to home and cares little for popular applause. His wealth has been gained mainly by sticking to the motto of minding his own business, and this has been the key-note of his success. He never seeks office, leaving that to oth- ers. In his day he has done a great deal of hard work, and knows all about chopping wood, hauling logs. etc. He has the old gun that his uncle car- ried during the war of 1812. which has been the cause of the death of more than one Indian, and has slaughtered tons of wild game. His father disliked an Indian, as the redskins killed the most of his relatives. William's brother. Perry Brown, still lives in Parke County, Indiana, where he is one of the wealthiest real estate owners in that part of the country. -*>^> *&&&&*-* >fll ARTIX HAYWARD is one of the well- educated farmers of Vermilion County. B He owns a most excellent farm on section 20 of Elwood Township, where he is en- gaged in general farming and stock-raising. He believes in the principle of getting the best, acting intelligently, and using energy, and b}- this sign he has conquered. Mr. Hayward was born in Clarke County, Ohio, May 5, 1836. His father, Charles Hayward. of Warren County, Ind., is a native of Baltimore, Md., being born there April 17, 1811. He is a man of iron constitution, and as active as many men are at forty. He has worked for many years alternately as carpenter and joiner and farmer, and is now en- joying the reward of his labors in earlier years. He settled on wild land in Warren County, Ind.. in 1840, the year Gen. Harrison was elected Presi- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 521 dent. Martin well remembers the enthusiasm that was coupled with that campaign. lie saw one cabin drawn by twenty yoke of oxen, also Buckeye log cabin's with coon skins, live coons, and hard cider in abundance. Mr. Hayward received li is learning primarily at the common schools, afterward attending Oberlin College, and the Farmers' Institute at Lafayette, Ind. He taught school for six winters in all, three terms of which were in that county and of six months each, beginning in the falls of 1858-59-62. He also taught two winters in Warren County, Ind., in the township where he was reared. He was very successful as an instructor and disciplinarian. Since he abandoned the profession of teacher he has been engaged in agricultural pursuits. Mr. Hay ward's mother was Emily E. Vickers, a native of Clarke County, Ohio. She was the mother of four children, three of whom are living: Mar- tin; Celia K., Mrs. Kirkpatrick; Ruth, Mrs. Roming. The youngest boy. James W., was a soldier in the Union Army, in the 2d New York Cavalry, or, as it was otherwise known, the '-Ira Harris Light Cav- alry." He was a bugler and served from the fall of 1861 until the spring of 1861, when he was taken prisoner on the Rappahannock, and placed by the rebels on Belle Isle. This island was sit- uated in the river nearly opposite Richmond, and was destitute of any conveniences whatever to protect its defenseless inhabitants from the elements. Here he contracted a cold, from the effects of which he died in the summer of 1865, at the old home- stead in Indiana, and so passed away another victim of the barbarities incident to the late Civil War. On the Kith day of February, I860, Mr. Hay- ward married Marietta 1 1 ol lings worth, wdiose father, John, is a resident of Tippecanoe County, Ind. She is the mother of four children — Lillian, John H., Charles S. and William C. Lillian married John Baird, of Carroll Township, and has two chil- dren — Helen and Bern ice. Mr. Hayward came 'to Iroquois County, 111., in 1864, removing in 1872 to this county, locating on his present farm. He owns 180 acres of laud, and is doing a general farm and stock-raising business. He is a thorough farm '.' and does nothing by halves. With the exception of the eldest son, the family of Mr. Hayward belong to the Friends' Church. The son referred to was bom before Mr. Hayward embraced the doctrines of the Quakers. Mr. Hay- ward is a stanch Republican, and is a firm believer in all its platforms. In all Vermilion County there is not a man who has a better record, or finer repu- tation as a man, than Martin Hayward. f]OHN FLETCHER is one of the solid, sub- stantial and trustworthy residents of El- wood Township. He was born in Clinton County, Ohio, on May 20, 1815. His father, Henry, was a native of England, and a son of John Fletcher, who in turn was a son of Henry Fletcher. The latter was a wealthy officer in the English army and educated his son John — the grandfather of the subject of this sketch — for the army, but he joined the Quaker Church, and was driven by his father to Ireland, where he was given sixty acres of land in that country. His son, Henry Fletcher, father of our subject, was obliged to leave Ireland or join the army, but being a Quaker, he refused to become a soldier and came to America, locating in Philadelphia. This was in 1703. He was on the ocean eleven weeks and four days where they drifted about, the ship being in charge of a drunken captain and mate. The people on board the boat were reduced to a gill, of water a day and to a very small amount of food. But they finally reached land in safety. The father of the subject of this sketch, after landing, lived three years in Philadelphia, and in 1796 he emigrated to the Sciota Valley, Ohio, where he worked on a farm for one season, return- ing to Pennsylvania and there remaining until 1X04, when he went to Warren County. Ohio, and dug a mill race on Cffisar Creek, lie bought 200 acres of military land in Clinton County, Ohio, and then retraced his steps to Pennsylvania, re- maining there until 1806, when he returned to Ohio and improved his laud. The Indians were numerous but peaceable, in the main. In 1806 the father of the one of whom we write this sketch, married Mrs. Sarah (Duncan) Taylor. 522 PORTRAIT AND RIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. Thsy had four children of whom John is the youngest, and only one living. The others were: Mary, Hannah and Sarah. The sisters all lived to lie over seventy years of age. John Fletcher came with his parents to this county in the fall of 1836, sclllmg on the old homestead, where he now lives. He was married in October, 1835 to Rachael Ruth. They had seven children, six of whom are living: Sarah J., Henry. Mary A.. John W., Amanda and James. One son. William, died in his twenty- third year. Mis. Fletcher died Get, 5, 1862 and her husband was again married on Nov. 1st. 1866 to Mrs. Lydia Haworth, widow of Eli Haworth, and daughter of Garrett Dillon, the latter a pioneer of Elwood Township, and a native of Greene County. Tenn. Mrs. Fletcher was horn Dee. 5, 1.S15 and was the mother of nine children by her marriage with Mr. Haworth. Six of these are living: Samuel, Julia. Mahala, Mary. William P., and Charles F. Her grandfather, Peter Dillon, removed from North Carolina to Greene County. Tenn.. during the Re- volutionary War, and was a prominent citizen in both States. The grandfather of Mr. Fletcher on his mother's side, Samuel Duncan, was a soldier in the Revolutionary War and participated in the battle of the Cowpens and others. He had holes shot in his clothes and buttons taken oft by bullets, but was not wounded. He was known as the •■ lighting Quaker," and lie sustained his reputation well. He was a te/imster, and the Tories captured three of his horses, when he mounted the remaining one. and joined the American forces, afterward re- capturing one of his horses. Mr. Fletcher has held the ollice of School Trustee for twenty-eight years, and has served on the ju v ies a great many times. He has also filled the positions of Highway Commissioner and School Director but has never soughc office. He was the treasurer of the fund which was raised to procure substitutes for those drafted during the late war. He was very patriotic during the Rebellion and had he not been so old. would have joined the army. A record of his children's families is as follows: Sarah J., married John Armstrong, of Noblesville, Ind.. and they have one child. May. Henry married Mahala Haworth; they are living in Elwood Township with six children, John. Albert, Marcus M., William. Lydia and Ola; Mary married Larkins Lewis of Carthage, Mo., and they have two children. Laura and Raehael ; John married Martha Price; they live in Cherokee, Kan., and have eight children, Mary, Minnie, Amanda, Oliver, Lennie, Grace, William and Irene; Amanda married Lemuel V. Cupp, of Carthage. Mo., and they have live children as follows: Ora, Maud, Carl. Ethel, Pearl; .lames married Martha E. Ankrum. He lives with his father with two children, Robert A. and Allie. Mr. Fletcher has always been a strong anti- slavery man having voted for William Henry Harrison in IS'M'> and again in 1840. His Repub- licanism began with the date of the birth of that parly and he never has omitted an opportunity to forward, its interests. He had the great pleasure of Noting in 18H8 for Benjamin Harrison. Mr. Fletcher began life poor, but is now wealthy, living in ease and comfort which no one begrudges him and his estimable wife. He is a man of more than ordinary intelligence, and well beloved by all his neighbors. NDREW J. DARNALL. one of the lead- ing merchants of Indianola and Ridge »jl lk Farm, is an extensive dealer in drygoods, boots and shoes, clothing, hats and caps. and, in fact, everything that is kept in a well-regulated general store. He resides at Ridge Farm, but car- ries on his extensive store in Indianola. doing a very large business in both places, and by his methods of dealing he has gained the respect and confidence of all his patrons and neighbors. Mi-. Darnall was born in Edgar County, III., on the 8th of November, 1833. His father and mother. Aaron and Mary (Doke) Darnall, came from Kentucky at an early day. They were mar- ried at Catfish Point. The mother died when An- drew was seven years old. leaving three children — Daniel. Andrew .1. and Thomas, the latter dying while in infancy. Daniel is a brick manufacturer at Petersburg, 111. The subject of this sketch at- tended the common schools in his boyhood, and PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 525 worked on his father's farm. When be attained his majority, he engaged with William Bailey Cor three years and a half as clerk. at Bloom field. III. His first wages were $12.50 per month. In com- pany with William Smick, he houghl hisemployer's entire stock, and continued the business under the firm mime of Smirk & Darnall, when, in June, 1863, Mr. Darnall sold out his interest in the business and went to Ridge Farm, and there. under the firm name of A. .1. Darnall & Co., oper- ated a general store, dealing in all kinds of mer- chandise. After awhile he bought out his partner and ran the business alone, finally selling out en- tirely in 1 88 1.1 nit after some lime he formed anothei co-partnership, styled Darnall A Hustead. He came to Indianola in the fall of 1885, Locating here and inaugurating his present successful business. Mr. and Mrs. Darnall are the parents of two boys and one girl — Ilarlev, Manfred and Minnie. Mrs. Darnall is a member of the Baptist Church. and one of the leading members of the society. The Democratic party finds in the subject of this sketch an ardent supporter, and one who never flays in his devotion to its principles. He has never sought office, finding in his own business plenty to do, but always takes great care in his choice of candidates, generally voting for the man whom he believes to be the best fitted to fill the position to which he aspired. He is eminently a No. 1 busi- ness man, and, commencing with nothing, he has ascended the scale of prosperity until he now finds himself in the proud position of independence. In all that the words imply, he is a self-made man. and. as such is regarded by all his acquaintances. His neighbors are always ready and willing lo vouch for him as an upright, conscientious anil able citizen. . cxrx> , 060 " Jjyfl; ARTIN ITIGII. Among the self-made and successful men of Carroll Township proba- bly none have distinguished themselves in a more marked degree for industry and perse- verance than the subject of this notice. lie occu- pies a most attractive rural homestead, embellished with an elegant brick residence, which with its sur- roundings indicates the existence of cultivated tastes and ample means. A finely executed view of his home appears in this volume and will attract the admiring attention of the many readers. His family at home consists of five very bright and intelligent daughters, and he has another daughter who is married and a resident of Sidell Township. The family met with a deep alii id ion in the loss of the beloved wife and mother, who departed this life Sept. 7. 1 887, at the age of fifty-three years, she was lady possessing all the womanly virtues, wholly devoted to her family, a faithful wife and mother and one who was held in the highest esteem by the entire community. A native of Marion County, Ind., our subject was bom five miles northwest of Indianapolis, March 2, 1831. and was reared to manhood in the suburbs of the capital city. He began working on the farm when a boy of ejeven or twelve, holding the plow when he could scarcely reach the handles. His early education was conducted in the subscrip- tion schools of his native county, and his life passed in a comparatively uneventful manner amid the quiet scenes of rural life until he obtained his majority. Then starting out for himself he worked for $13 per month on a farm about three months. then began operations for himself on rented land lying six or seven miles northwest of Indianapolis. He was fairly successful in his new venture, and in KS59 was united in marriage with Miss Catherine Baum, daughter of Samuel Baum, one of the well- known pioneers of this county. The young people began the journey of life together in Carroll Township, and in 1859 took up their abode at the present home of our subject. Here he has effected fine improvements, putting up the dwelling in 1881 and adding from time to time the other build- ings necessary for the prosecution of agriculture and stock-raising after the most approved methods. The seven children born to Mr. and Mrs. l'ugh were named respectively. Elizabeth .1.. Charles (who died when one year old). Wiluiclta, Maude. Win- nie, Lulu and Helen; Elizabeth became the wile of Mr. Thomas Howard, and they live at the home- stead; Wilmetta married Mr. Gust Rowand, one of the leading horse-breeders of Sidell Township, and they have one child, Dale; Maude, Winnie, 52fi PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. Lulu and Helen are at home with their father. Mr. Pugb identified himself with the Methodist Episco- pal Church at Indianola in 1881, and since the death of his wife, for whom he sorrows with more than ordinary grief, has been especially faithful upon his attendance upon his religious duties. He has very little to do with public affairs, but keeps himself posted upon current events and uniformly votes the straight Republican ticket. He has per- formed jury service at different times and for eight or ten years has been a member of the School Board of his district. The parents of our subject were Enoch and Charlotte (Martindale) Pugh, the father a native of North Carolina and born a short distance from the city of Raleigh. The paternal grandfather, Jacob Pugh, was also a native of North Carolina, and the great-grandfather was born in Scotland. The latter upon leaving his native soil went into England, where he sojourned for a time, then emi- grated to America, settling in North Carolina about the time of the Revolutionary War. His sympa- thies were decidedly in favor of the Colonists, and he met his death in a fray between the tories and patriots, he fighting with the latter. The father of Martin Pugh left his native State witli his parents early in life to make his home in the woods of Marion County, Ind.. when few peo- ple had migrated to that region, and when Indians and wild animals were plentiful. In due time he became owner of 160 acres of land, which he lived upon and cultivated until his death in 1800, when about fifty years of age. His wife, the mother of our subject, was born in South Carolina and emi- grated with her parents to Marion County, Ind., when a young girl. She died at the early age of thirty-five years, leaving seven children, namely: Martin our subject, Dorcas A., Jacob, Alexander, Jane, Thomas Jefferson and Clarinda. Mr. Pugh was married a second time, to Miss Susan Smith, and to them there were born four children, who lived to mature years: Charlotte, Joel, John and Mary. Martin, our subject, first opened his eyes to the light, March 2, 1831, and is consequently past fifty-eight years of age. His praiseworthy manner of living and his correct habits have been the means of preserving his fac- ulties in an admirable manner, physically and men- tally. In 1887 he identified himself with the Metho- dist Episcopal Church at Indianola and is one of its most efficient workers. Self-made in the best sense of the word, he has made for himself a worthy record and feels indebted to no man for his posi- tion socially and financially. As one of the rep- resentative men of this county he stands second to none in point of sterling integrity and those qual- ities which go to make up the responsible citizen and useful member of the community. ^^gjjjl^c : ■ ftlOHN WILLIAM MILLER is a prominent figure in church circles in Vermilion County. His handsomely located and commodious ^JJjl/ country seat is situated one-half mile south of Sidell, on a farm which comprises 152 acres. He also leases a farm of 160 acres. He has been identified with this community as a dealer and shipper of horses and mules for a long time. His operations have been mainly in the southern por- tion of Vermilion County, but he occasionally ex- tends his field of operation into Edgar and Cham- paign counties, where he has formed a large ac- quaintance and made many friends. Mr. Miller was born in Warren County, Ind., near West Point, April 13, 1818. His father, Abraham Miller, was a native of Kentucky, of German extraction, and a farmer by occupation, but through misfortune lost his farm. He was married in his native State, and became the father of four children. His second union was with Miss Mary Biggs, who was born near Darlington, Ind. The second wife died soon after coming to Indiana, after becoming the mother of three children — Ce- lecta, wife of Joseph Cuppy, a butcher of Bloom- ington, 111.; John William, and Mary Jane. The father ended his days at the home of his son Will- iam, dying in 1873, at the age of seventy-four years. Mr. Miller passed his boyhood days in Indiana, where poverty prevented him from getting the ed- ucation he desired. At the age of eleven he began to work on a farm for his board and clothes. He PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALB1M. 527 worked as a day-laborer in a grain warehouse at Lafayette, I ml., for three years. In the fall of L869 he came to Carroll Township, where he com- menced work at cutting corn At this time he met his future wife. Rebecca J. Morse, who was working by the week for his employer. In eight weeks after making her acquaintance they were married, the ceremony occurring Dee. 9, 1869. She is the daughter of Joseph and Catherine Marsh, the for- mer a native of Vermilion County, and is said to be the Brst white child born in this county. Her mother was born at < Georgetown, Vermilion County, and was one of the first native girls of said county. Her father's ancestry dates back to the early history of Pennsylvania, while her great-grandfather was a Quaker, and was present at William Penn's famous treaty with the Indians. Mrs. Miller's father, Lieut. Marsh, served under Gen. Scott in the Mexican War. lie also enlisted in the War of the Rebellion, but. being crippled, was not ac- cepted. He lived to be a man of seventy-four vears of age, dying April 31, 1887. His wife is still living at Sedalia, Mo., and is active and vig- orous. They were the parents of fourteen chil- dren, of whom eight are now living — Cynthia A., Rebecca .1.. William. Esau, Mary E., Jesse C. James and Id'i G. Emma died at Sedalia. Mo.; she was the wife of James Larkins, and left one child. Cynthia resides in Missouri, and is married to a farmer by the name of John Wyley; they have three children: John M. is a dealer in lime, and is married. Esau is at Sedalia, Mo., where he lives with his wife, whose maiden name was Ida Bennett; they have two children. Mary E. is the wife of Millard Perry, who is residing in Sidell Township, being one of the leading stockmen there; his sketch appears in this book. Jesse C. is building a tele- graph line in Texas; James is operating Ins mother's farm at Sedalia. Mo., where Ida G. is also living. At the time of his marriage, Mr. Miller had $1 in money, while his wife's assets amounted to twenty five cents, and from this small beginning they have marched along, meeting every obstruc- tion in the highway of life with industry and in- telligence, and so have succeeded. After marriage Mr. Miller left his bride at Lafayette and started out, walking twenty-live miles in order to get a job of work. After laboring a while he returned for his wife. They rented a farm in Warren County. Ind.. working for one-third of the profit. The first year they made just enough to buy a cow. Mr. Miller came back to Vermilion County, and in partnership with his father-in-law, Mr. Marsh, rented a farm, continuing to work m this manner for six or seven years. The farm was located in Nance Township, and at first fortune seemed to be against him. He paid $4 per acre rent, and the first being a wet season, crops failed. lie pur- chased seventy head of hogs, and calculated to fat- ten them on soft corn, but they were seized with cholera, and all died but three. This left him §250 in debt. Although completely used up financially, he was not discouraged. His landlord was unre- lenting, and demanded the last cent of the rent due. Mr. Miller prophesied that he would sometime see him a day-laborer, and it came true. The next year he rented a farm close to Catlin, and made enough to pay back his former landlord, and from this on he continued to prosper. He first purchased a small farm unimproved, broke it and sold it. He then purchased a lot of young cattle and began to rent on a larger scale. He bought a farm of eighty acres, but sickness came upon him, and for three years he was an invalid. He had mortgaged his farm for $2,000, at ten per cent interest, and he re- alized the fact that he must lose his farm, and against the advice of his doctor started out and began to trade horses, and although at first he was scarcely able to ride a mile, he gradually grew stronger, and the dark clouds of adversity began to disappear. In this way he managed to raise the mortgage on his farm, selling it the following fall at a nice advance. At this time he intended to re- linquisb farming, but availed himself of an oppor- tunity to buy a good farm. In the meantime, his health growing better, he managed to keep on top, and has accumulated a comfortable fortune. He is the father of twelve children: William E.; Franklin died when he was three months old: John D.; Edgar L.; Mabel died when three months old; Cloyd C, Clemme Thomas; Emma I. died when she was one year old; the remaining children died while very young. William E. is at home, and has charge of the farm, assisted by his In-other John D.; 528 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. the remainder of the children are also living at home. Mr. Miller is a Prohibitionist, and omits no opportunity of aiding the cause of temperance. He is serving a second term as Counsellor of the Modern Woodmen of Sidell, and is also an Odd Fellow, hut he takes greater interest in Sabbath- schools and churches than in anything else, he and his wife being members of the Cumberland Presby- terian Church, where he has served as Deacon for several years. He organized the first Presbyterian Sunday-school in Sidell Township. Mr. Miller has plainly demonstrated that a horse buyer can prose- cute his calling and yet be a sober man and total abstainer. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are among the very best citizens of Sidell. A line lithographic view of Mr. Miller's beauti- ful and commodious residence appears in an appro- priate place in the Album. — "^■! | I | S ' ^' " "" Vl?AMES P. COOK. This gentleman deserves honorable mention among the younger mem- bers of the farming community of George- town Township. A native of Catlin Town- ship, he was born March 27, 1855, was reared at his father's homestead, and acquired Ins education in the common school. His boyhood and youth were spent in a comparatively uneventful manner, he in the meantime becoming familiar with the pursuits of farm life, acquiring those habits of in- dustry and being imbued with those high moral principles which have made him a man among men, and one of the most highly esteemed citizens of his township. He remained a member of his father's household until twenty-two years of age, and then, ambitious to establish a fireside of his own, was married, Sept. 5, 1K77, to Miss Ina O'Neal, the wedding taking place at the bride's sister's home in Georgetown. The young people began the journey of life on the farm which they now occupy, and where they have one of the neatest homes to be found in the township. Both have sprung from good families, and are lal miing with a mutual purpose to make a record which shall be worthy of emulation. Tiny enjoy the acquaintance of hosts of friends, who are watching their career with kindly interest. The dwelling is surrounded with all the evidences of taste and refinement, while the farming operations of Mr. Cook are conducted with that thoroughness and good judgment which can scarcely fail of suc- cessful results. The farm is ninety-two acres in extent, lying on section 6, in Georgetown Town- ship. The residence is near the limits of Westville. The parents of our subject were Samuel and Melvina (Graves) Cook, who were natives, respect- fully, of Ohio and Kentucky, and further mention of whom is made in the sketch of Samuel Cook on another page of this work. The mother died in 18G7, at the early age of thirty-three years, leaving live children, namely: George W., James P. (our subject), Mary, Maggie (who died at the interest- inn age of fifteen years), and Charles F. The eld- est son is a resident of Catlin Township, is married and the father of three children; Mary married John Wherry, a farmer of Catlin Township, and is the mother of two children; Charles F. is farming in Georgetown Township. The father of Mrs. Cook was three times mar- ried, and there were born five children by the first union and five by the second. Mrs. C. was the third child of the second wife, and was born in Danville Township, Vermilion County. March 2:i, 1857. The family removed to Georgetown Town- ship a few years later, of which she has since been a resident. Of her union with our subject there have been born four children — Lillian Gertrude, Stella E. and Lena J. (twins), and Herman. Mr. Cook politically votes the straight Democratic ticket, and both he and his wife are prominently connected with the Christian Church. '•'NNIAS BRAN1IAM. This gentleman is particularly distinguished as having been III a an old soldier with a good army record. f After laying aside the implements of war he turned his attention to the peaceful employments of rural life and has gained quite a reputation among the horsemen of the county as being a good PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 529 judge of this animal and quite .skilled as a doctor in this line, lie had considerable experience in the army as a veterinary surgeon and is the owner of some fine horses, among them "Sam, the Canadian." The subject of this biography was born near Bloomington, in Monroe Co., End., on the Bean Blossom River, in the township of the same name, Jan. 27, 1830. I lis parents were Livingston and Susannah (Meade) Branham, the former a native of Last Tennessee and the latter of North Carolina. The paternal grand-parents were natives of Vir- ginia and of Irish ancestry while the Meades trace their origin to Holland. The parents of our sub- ject were married in East Tennessee whence they removed to Indiana in the latter part of 1829, set- tling in Monroe County. The father carried on farming in .Monroe and Owen counties and died near Spencer in the latter county in the year 1865 at the age of seventy years, lie served in the Black Hawk War in 1832. The mother survived her husband until 1875, ami passed away at the ad- vanced age of eighty years. They were the parents of twelve children, viz: Jonathan, Sarah, William, James. Elizabeth, Annias, Amanda, Joseph, Mary, Milton, Elishaand Bud. who died in infancy. The education of our subject was obtained by an attendance at school three months, and upon approaching manhood he worked fourteen years by the month, from the age of thirteen until a man of twenty-seven. On the 5th of April. 18110, he took unto himself a wife and helpmate, Miss Esther E., daughter of Jacob and Esther R. (Kirby) Summet. The parents of Mrs. Branham were natives respec- tively of North Carolina and Halifax County. Ya. They removed to Indiana in their youth and were married at Ellettsville, Monroe Co. to which Grand father Kirby had removed as early as 1824. There was born to them ten children, the eldest dying in infancy. The others were Jeremiah C, Alice C, Es- ther P., William L., Sally A.. Joel II., an infant who died unnamed. Emily and Mary 1*. Esther E. the wife of our subject was born in Monroe County. Ind., April 1, 1839, and remained a member of the parental household until her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Branham began their wedded life on a rented farm in Indiana. ( hi the 3d of July, 1801, our subject entered the Union Army as a member of Company I. 22d Indiana Infantry and was mustered into the service at North Madison. The regiment drilled there for a time, then repaired to St. Louis to guard the city, having for their weapons 10,000 clubs and no muskets for six week-. Thence they were ordered to Jefferson City where they met the enemy in battle and subsequently were at Glasgow, where in the confusion and dark- ness of midnight a fight took place among the Union troops who through mistake attacked each other, billing several men and ollicers. This regiment next met the enemy in battle at, Georgetown and followed up the rebel general. Price on his raid, fighting at Warrensburg, Mo., and capturing 1,100 rebels, next moving upon Raleigh, Springfield and Pea Ridge, Ark. Prior to this Mr. Branham had been detailed as a teamster. Later they were ordered to Cape Girardeau. Mo., where they took the boats and landed at Ham- burg early in the morning. In the afternoon they participated in the battle of Corinth then moved on to Nashville, Tenn., and Perrysville and Crab Orchard, Ky. Next returning to Nashville, they fought on the way to Mumfordsville, Ky., and af- terward at Murfreesboro, Tenn., where our subject with 100 other teamsters was captured by the no- torious Texas rangers, but they were re-taken by the Union troops on the same day. Mr. Branham participated later in some of the important battles of the war. including the siege of Atlanta, during which time his term of enlistment expired. lb- received his discharge in that city and was muste. ed out at Louisville, Ky. He returned to Indiana in the fall of 1864 and remained there till the spring of 1870. His next removal was to Chrisman. 111., where he carried on farming for several years, then in 1875 purchased the farm which he now owns and occupies, ami rents 120 acres besides. From these various sources he rea- lizes a handsome income, which enables him to sur- round himself and family with all of the comforts of life and many of its luxuries. Seven children were born to our subject and his estimable wife, the eldest of whom. Emily F., is a resident of Nebraska; Ellsworth. Kirby, Walter. Ollie, LoSSie and Frank, the baby, arc all at home with their parents. The latter arc consistent mem- 530 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Dallas, and our subject as an ex-soldier, belongs to the G. A. R. Post at Ridge Farm, of which he is a charter member and in which he has held the offices of Senior Vice Commander, Sergeant and Officer of the Guard. He entered the army from a sense of duty and it is one of his dearest wishes that when he is consigned to mother earth it shall be done with the honors properly belonging to a soldier. It is hardly necessary to state that he is a true-blue Republican and believes in the "Union forever." w«v"«az'E , ig' vz^WZTtrB~ LEXANDER COLLIER is one of the early settlers of this country, who is now living in the enjoyment of the pleasant surroundings which are the result of his early privations in doing his share to build up this great Empire. In the career of Mr. Collier we find an excellent example for young men just em- barking in the field of active life, of what may be accomplished by a man beginning pool', but honest, prudent and industrious. In early life he enjoyed but few advantages. His school days were limited, nor had he wealth or position to aid him in start- ing in the great battle. He relied solel}- upon his own efforts and his own conduct to win for him prosperity, nor has his been a success solely in the sense of accumulating wealth, but in doing good to others and in winning their respect and esteem. He has ever strictly observed that most important factor in the successful public or business life of anyone — honesty. Mr. Collier owns 250 acres of land on section 1'.), Elwood Township, where he resides. He was born in Washington County, Tenn., Nov. 12, L830. His lather, Leonard Collier, was a native of Virginia, and located in Tennessee in 1820, where he became prosperous and influential among his neighbors. Alexander's education was received at subscription schools and under difficulties. The schoolhouse in which he attended school was but a rude hut, with no conveniences whatever to in- duce a child to seek knowledge, but, on the con- trary, the surroundings of the alleged schoolhouses of those days were repulsive to the youthful mind and engendered hostility to learning. He came ^0<2sH^esO - publican ticket and keeps himself well posted upon matters of State and National interest. Like his honored parents he belongs to the Society of Friends. The mother of Mr. Hester died May 2, 1867. and his father Nov. 10, 1875. They were most worthy and excellent people, living at peace with their neighbors and doing good as they had opportunity. n< ■- C;& ILAS DICKSON. Few persons can sojourn ~^^ very long in Indianola without becoming ' familiar with the name of Mr. Dickson, who is a son of one of the early pioneers of Vermilion, and one of the first children who, born in this county, have grown up with the coun- try. He is now past the meridian of life. He has inherited from a substantial ancestry those qualities of character which have made him an enterprising business man and placed him in an enviable posi- tion in his community. Mr. Dickson was born May 25, 1830, in Carroll Township, and spent his boyhood and youth amid the scenes of pioneer life, becoming familiar with healthy hard work and receiving his education in the common school. He remained a member of the parental household until a man of thirty-four years, and was then married, Oct. 13, 1864, to Miss Frances Foos. The newly wedded pair settled down on a farm and for anumber of years there, li- ter Mr. Dickson gave his attention to agriculture and the cattle business. In the latter he became inter- ested when only a boy. and since reaching manhoi "1 has driven hundreds of fat cattle to New York City, selling them to local butchers. He saw the first ear-load of beef cattle that were ever slopped into that metropolis from Illinois, and about the time there was being agitated the advisability of shipping stock by rail. Mr. Dickson is an extensive land owner, having 600 acres in Edgar County and a farm of eighty acres adjoining Indianola. To him ami his estimable wife there have been born three children: Robert, Lena, and Albertus. The daughter is the wife of Edward Cannon, who is interested in an electric light plant in Portland, Oregon. The sons are at home with their parents. Mr. Dickson uni- formly votes the Democratic ticket, but with the exception of serving as a juryman several times, has never mingled much in public affairs. Mrs. Dickson is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mrs. Dickson is the daughter of Franklin and Amelia (Howe) Foos, the former of whom is the oldest living native of what was then Franklin, but is now Columbus County. Ohio. He was born July 4, 1803, and now makes his home in Danville. Mr. Foos and Michael Sullivan were schoolboys together. The mother was a native of Maryland and a distant relative of Flias Howe, the inventor of the sewing machine. One of the members of the firm of Foos ife Co., of Springfield, Ohio, is a half brother of Mrs. Dickson's father. The mother died in November, 1883, at the age of seventy-five years. She had a family of eleven children, seven of whom grew to mature years, viz : Louisa. Lydia. Joseph, Amelia. Lovina. Francis, and Ellen. Mrs. Dickson was born in Madison County. < >hio, in 1 s 1 1. and was a girl of ten years when she came with her parents to this county. She made the acquaintance of her future husband in Indianola. David Dickson, the father of our subject, is now a gentleman of eighty-three years. He traveled all over this State from north to south and from east to west at a very early day. when it was the ex- treme frontier and there were but very few settle- ments within its limits. He was born in Lewis County. Ky.. and married Miss Margaret Waters, a native of Stafford Court House. Ya., and closely allied to the F. F. V.'s. Her ancestors came from Scotland, while the Dicksons were ot 538 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. English origin, and upon coming to this country settled in Maryland. Subsequently they removed to Kentucky. The paternal grandfather of our subject, whose name was Means, was of Irish de- scent, and at an early day settled in New .Jersey. whence he removed to Pennsylvania, and then to Kentucky during its pioneer days. He was the representative of a very large and influential family. Mr. Dickson came to Illinois a single man and was married in Vermilion County. He took up land and settled near Paris in 1824, when it was a mere trading place. He became the fattier of four children: Silas. Robert, Permelia. and Jemima. Robert died unmarried at the age of thirty-three years; Permelia became the wife of Dr. Ralston, and resides in Danville: Jemima, Mrs. Varner, lives in Edgar County. The mother died in 1887. KN.IAM1N F. LKACH. In the subject of this notice there is easily recognized a man »i of high social qualities, well educated, cul- tivated in bis tastes, one who is public- spirited and takes a warm interest in educational matters. He was in former years occupied as a teacher, but of late has been interested in agricul- tural pursuits, and is the Grain Weigher of Hinn- riek. He was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, Sept. 23, 1846, and is consequently a man in the prime of life and in the midst of his usefulness. By reverting to the family history of our subject we lind that he is the son of William and Mary ( Monroe) Leach, natives of Culpeper County, Va., and the parents of fourteen children, of whom five are living, as follows. Sarah A., now Mrs. Parker, is a resident of Gentry County, Mo.; Will- iam M. lives in Phillips County, Kan.: Henry C. resides in Washington County, Ark., as does also his sister. Mary ( '.. Mrs. Carney. Benjamin F., our subject, came with the family to this county in ( », tuber, 1852. They met with a great affliction in the death of the father, which occurred less than a year later, June 23, 1853. The mother and sons carried on the farm as best they could until all the children were able to take care of themselves. Mrs. Leach finally went to Neosha County, Kan., where her death took place in 1873. .Mr. Leach, our subject, has been familiar with agricultural pursuits since his earliest recollections, and followed them exclusively with the exception of the time occupied as a teacher. His early ad- vantages were necessarily limited, but he made the most of his opportunities for observation and in- formation and came out a bright and intelligent young man of more than ordinary abilities. When twenty-four years old he was married, in Elwood Township, March 31, 1875. to Miss Alma J., daughter of Darius Baldwin, one of the early settlers of Danville Township, and now deceased. The four children born of this union were named respectively, Albert W.. Richard B., Mary P.. and Nellie C. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Leach took up their residence in Elwood Township, where our subject confined his attention to the development of his farm and lived there until February, 1886; then, retiring from the more arduous duties of farm life, he took up his residence in Ilumrick and now busies himself with lighter employments. He has officiated as Tax Collector of the township three terms; was Highway Commissioner one term, and is at present Justice of the Peace. He finds his religious home in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and socially belongs to the Masonic frater- nity. ^p^ LAYTON B. ELLIOTT. This well-to-do ,jf _ and intelligent bachelor citizen may be \^f / found usually at his well-regulated home- stead on section 26 in Elwood Township, where he is successfully engaged in general agriculture, and from which he realizes annually a snug income. His farm contains seventy acres and lies adjacent to Yankee Point. He also has 160 acres near New- man, in Douglas County, 111. He has been quite an extensive traveler in the South and the West, and, although possessing a limited education, has made such good use of his opportunities for the observation of men and things that he is at once PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 53!) recognized as a well-informed man of more than ordinary intelligence. Our subject was hum in Wayne County, Intl.. March 10, 1854, and is the sun of Nathan Elli- Ott, who is now deceased, and the brother of II. C. and Wesley Elliott, sketches of whom appear else- where in this Album. He was brought to this county by his parents when an infant of ten months, and after attending the common school be- came also a student of Vermilion Academy and the Wesleyan University at Bloomington. In the fall of 1881 he set out for Washington, trav- ersing the Union and Central Pacific Railroads from Chicago to San Francisco and thence by steamer to Portland, Ore., where he spent the winter. In the meantime he was at Puget Sound. In the spring of 1882 he went up the Willamette Valley, where lie sojourned until after the 4th of July. On that day he attended a celebration at a point near by across the river, and saw half-breed Indians and French taking part in the foot races. Later lie repaired to Pataha, in the southeastern part of Washington, ami occupied himself at lum- bering in the Blue Mountains until harvest time. in the month of August. He then repaired to the Pataha Flats and assisted in threshing wheat for twenty-seven days, and until in September, when he returned to the Blue Mountains and worked in the lumber woods until the deep snow drove out the men. Returning now to Pataha Flats he so- journed there until the spring of 1883, then trav- eled on foot to Spokane Falls and to the Big Bend country, in the Columbia River region. He staid over night with Wild Goose Bill, who had a squaw for a wife. There he secured a pony, and. in com- pany with Bill's two boys started out to see a large spring near by. The boys had a lasso, and one of them exerted his skill on our subject. The latter having money feared at first that they were intend- in" to overpower and rob him. hut he found that thev were simply amusing themselves at his ex- pense. They called him a "tenderfoot," and had great sport in lassoing his horse and a colt which was following the pony he rode. Our subject finally returned to Spokane Falls and thence by the Northern Pacific Railroad to its ter- minus, where he took the stage and traveled 300 miles to Bozeman, Mont. We next find him at Livingstone, where he remained until July 3, en- gaged in a lumber-yard and as a carpenter. From there he traveled up the Yellowstone Park, enter- ing it July 1. 1883, and viewing the Yellowstone Falls and ( anyon. the Hot Springs, and all the other natural wonders of that region. He spent the fol- lowing winter at Livingstone, Montana, then jour- neyed to St. Paul via the Northern Pacific Railroad. He visited Chicago on his way home. That same Spring he took a trip through Southern Kansas, visiting his brother Alvin, near Cedar Vale. In September following he settled on a farm and has since given his undivided attention to its various interests. Mr. Elliott, politically, supports the principles of the Republican party, but has never sought offi- cial honors. In his youth he was extremely anx- ious to obtain a thorough education, but on account of the death of his father when he was twenty years old he was obliged to abandon his cherished plan. He remained with his mother and operated the farm two years. ~ »* .o*o.-(0JAx\^..o*o.. FRANCIS GAINES. After a busy life has been nearly spent, and all the trials and ILj ' vicissitudes incident to a pioneer's career have been met with courage, honor and industry, there is nothing more pleasant than to see a man who has been faithful in all things, retire from ac- tive pursuits. Here he can look back upon all his actions with pleasure, and can with truth say that he has done the best he could. And what more is expected of any man? And this is the case with Francis Gaines. Mr. Gaines was born in Clarke County, Ohio, on duly 28, 182:!. His parents went to Greene County, Ohio, soon after his birth, where they lived contin- uously until death called them away. His mother died in 1881, at the age of eighty-four, and his father followed her to the grave in 1886, at the great age of four-score and six. They had eleven children — Elizabeth, Francis, James, William Jon- athan, Benjamin, Henry, Phoebe, Susan. Sarah and 5 JO PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. Amanda. The latter died when she was three years of age, while the remaining- children lived to lie men and women. Mr. Gaines acquired his educa- tion in the primitive school-houses that were scat- tered all over Ohio at the time of his boyhood, and being the oldest son, he was obliged to defer many advantages that he could have taken to gain an ed- ucation. By an inscrutable decree of mankind, the oldest boy of a farmer's family has always been the cart-horse that has drawn the rest of the children after him. Responsibilities have rested upon the oldest boy that have as a rule kept him from gain- ing the education he should have, and Mr. Gaines was in this position. For many a day, and before he was ten years of age he has followed the plow whose mouldboard was constructed of wood. What would the boys of this generation think of such a proceeding as this? And such things as this ought to increase the respect that is certainly due to those who tilled the soil in an early day, and paved the way for an empire. By the time that Mr. (laines became twenty-one years of age he was an expert in agricultural pur- suits, and also as a woodman. At this time he se- cured a job of cutting wood for twenty-five cents a cord, and three or four cords a day was easy work for him. In 1845 he was married to Miss Mary Jane McFarland, of Greene County, Ohio, and in 1847 the young couple settled in Carroll Township, this count}', about three miles south of Indianola. His wife made all their clothes from the raw ma- terial, and everything that was procured in thosfe days was by hard labor. In 1871 the good mother died, and out of seven children born to her but two were reared to maturity — Sarah A. and Ed- mund. Sarah married F. D. Neblick, who is re- siding on the homestead; they have two children — Francis D. and Mabel. Mr. Gaines was married a second time in 1871. to Mrs. Josephine Gaines, widow of his brother William, and by this union one child was born — Mary F. William Gaines died in 18G3. Mrs. Gaines is the daughter of L. Patterson and Cath- erine (Baum ) Patterson, the former a native of Ohio, where he was married, and came to this State in 1839. He lived to be seventy-three years old, and IJs wife died at the early age of thirty-nine. She left six children: Augustus D., Josephine A. (Mrs. Gaines), Emily C, Charles, John Harvey and Albert, who was drowned. Mrs. Gaines was born in Brown County, Ohio, and came to Illinois when she was eighteen months old. She was but four- teen years old when her mother died, and her youngest brother. Albeit, was but three years of age. She was obligged to assume the responsibil- ity of the household, and nobly she cared for her younger brothers and sisters. By her first marriage she is the mother of one child — Franklin W. — who is still living. In 1883 Mr. Gaines erected a very commodious and elegant house in Indianola, which is surrounded with everything to make the place pleasant. The highest amount of bind he has ever owned at one time, was 37.5 acres, and he owns' now a half sec- tion, all under a fine state of cultivation. This is all due to his own industry, excepting §400 which was given him by his father, and invested in lands. He has speculated somewhat in real estate, and in this he has prospered. Mr. and Mrs. Gaines are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, she having belonged to that organization since she was nineteen, while her husband first united with the church thirty-nine years ago. He was Superintend- ent of the Sunday-schools in the southern part of the county, and has served in various capacities in his church, holding the offices of Trustee, Treasurer and Steward. He has held the positions of School Director and Trustee for a long time, and has also served as Road Overseer and Commissioner of Highways. Mr. Gaines has always exhibited great interest in the schools and roads. He votes with 'the Democratic part}' and has never sought office. GRANVILLE PUGH. Those who have been . eye-witnesses of the pioneer scenes of Cen- ^^|l tral Illinois are fast passing away: and when we are privileged to take such an one by the hand, it is an event which will be remembered for many a day. Mr. Pugb. is one of the oldest set- tlers of this county, to which he came when In- dians and wild animals abounded, and when the PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 541 foot of the white man had scarcely pressed the soil of Elwood Township. Here he has spent the best years of his life, and his long and arduous labors have been crowned with success. He owns and occupies one of the finest farms in this re- gion, embellished with an imposing residence, two stories in height, above the basement, and not far away a magnificent grove. Under his careful management the land has been brought to a high state of cultivation, and is improved with all the appliances suggested to the enterprising and pro- gressive farmer. The opening years of the life of our subject were spent in Jefferson County Ohio, where he was born Feb. 2, 1824. His father, John Pugh, deceased, was a native of Chester County, Pa., and emigrated to the Buckeye Stale in 1823. He had been mar- ried to Miss Jane Gamble, a native of Cecil County, Md., and to them there were born three children, all of whom lived to mature years. Edwin is now deceased; Granville, our subject, was the second child; Hannah, Mrs. Kendall, lives in Ringgold County. Iowa. The ancestors of our subject were born and reared in the Quaker faith for many generations back. His maternal grandfather. John- Gamble'. was a native of Ireland, and crossed the Atlantic in time to participate in the War of 1812. John Pugh came with his family to this county as earh as 1830, settling on the Little Vermilion in Carroll Township. In 1836 he changed his residence, and became owner of the land which his son, Granville, now ow T ns and occupies. Here both parents spent their last years, the father dying in 1847, in middle life, and the mother surviving her husband many 3'ears. passing away in 1884. The first studies of our subject were conducted in a log cabin, with its puueheon floor, greased paper for window panes, seats and desks made of slabs and fastened to the wall with rude wooden pius. Young Pugh took great interest in spelling, and on Christmas night, in 1848. spelled down the whole large school at Ridge Farm. lie assisted his father in the development of his homestead, and remained a member of the parental family until passim.' his thirty-second birth-day. He was then married. May 31, L856, to Miss Lydia, daughter of Isaac Thompson, one of the earliest settlers of Elwood Township. Mrs. Pugh was born in Parke County, Intl., March 7. 1835, and of her union with our subject there were born nine children, eight of whom are living. John J., the eldest, married Miss Emily Dillon, and lives in Prairie Township; they have six children — Grace, Ada, Bertha, Charles, Ella and Howard; Ezra K. mar- ried Miss LiUy Thompson, lives in Broad land, Champaign County, and has two children — Itoscoe E. and May; Paris J. married Miss Lucy lliberly, ami occupies a part of the homestead; they have one child — Mary A.; Isaac M.. Monroe, Howard, Jane E. and Dolly are at home with their parents. The landed possessions of Mr. Pugh aggregate 350 acres, largely devoted to stock purposes, he making a specialty of graded Short-horn cattle and Poland-China swine. Since reaching his majority he has been a prominent man in his community, and has held the office of School Director for the long period of forty years. He officiated as Jus- tice of the Peace and Township Supervisor one year, and was Highway Commissioner several years. He votes the straight Republican ticket, and his estimable wife is a member of the Cumber- land Presbyterian Church. The family stands sec- ond to none in Vermilion County. In 1832, during the progress of the Black Hawk War, a man by the name of Isaac Mardick lived upon the same section as Mr. Pugh, and in the month of June was plowing corn. Another man in the vicinity, named Laban Dillon, thinking to have some sport, dressed himself up as an Indian, took a gun and repaired to the field where Mr. Mardick was at work, crawling along Indian fashion, until he was discovered by Mr. Mardick. Then he rose and lifted his gun, as if to fire, when Mr. Mardick ran home as fast as his legs would carry him, leaving his horse and plow in the field. Arriving there he offered another man a colt if he would go and bring the horse to the house. The story naturally leaked out. and .Mr. Mardick became the laughing-stock of the neighborhood. Many were the practical jokes played in those times, and each one was made the most of in the absence of the amusements and recreations of more enlightened times. None enjoyed those little incidents more 542 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. than Ml'. Pugl), and it is safe to say that he con- tributed his share to the general stock. lie has been prospered in his labors, and now, sitting under his own vine and flgtree, feels properly that he has not lived in vain. He has endeavored to do as little harm as possible in the world, and enjoys the con- fidence and esteem of many friends. ►*-H-N3*£H '■!• /p^EORGE HEILEMAN, the leading carriage |[ (-— , manufacturer of Indianola, is a skilled me- V^SI chanic of ability, active and enterprising as a business man, and one who is regarded as a most useful member of society, temperate, peace- able and law-abiding, uniformly upholding the elements which form the basis of good citizenship, lie has risen from an humble position to one of prominence and influence in his community, soci- ally and financially; and for a period of seventeen years he has been engaged in his present business in the town where he now lives. Mr. Heileman was born in Germantown, a suburb of Philadelphia, Pa.. Aug. 22, 1847, and there spent the days of his childhood and youth. His father, John Heileman, a native of Germany, was a blacksmith by trade and was married in the Fatherland to Miss Anna Barbara Slump. They lived one year after their marriage in their native province, then about 1843, crossed the Atlantic with their first born child — Katie, and settled near the City of Brotherly Love, where the household cir- cle was increased by the birth of five more children, viz: an infant, who died unamed, Michael, George, our subject, Rose, and John. Michael Heileman served four years in the Union Army during the Civil War and after- ward emigrated to Corsicana, Tex., where he engaged as a harness-maker. Rose married George Mebs, a carpenter and builder, and they live in Columbus, Ohio; John is a blacksmith by trade and also a resident of Columbus. The father died in middle life anil the mother was left in straight- ened circumstances, being obliged to part with some of her children. Michael and George were pla cd in the Northern Home for friendless chil- dren, where the later remained four years. When nine years old he was taken into the home of James D. Lawson, of Woodstown, N. J., to whom he was bound until he reached his majority. He only stayed with him seven years, as Mr. Lawson retired from the farm and re-bound the boy to a carriage-maker of Salem, N. J. The natural inclinations of young Heileman were in the line of mechanics, and he never found greater delight than in using tools. He served one year in the carriage-shop and then the Civil War being in progress, although near its close, he enlisted April 9, 1865, in Company K, 215th Pennsylvania Infantry, for one year and was mustered into service at Camp Cadwallader. This regiment left at once for Fairfax, Ya., and was mostly afterward employed on guard duty around Washington, and Ft. Delaware, where were imprisoned 5,00(1 rebels. These were paroled at the close of the war and our subject received his honorable discharge, Aug. 15, 1865, when less than seventeen years old. He now returned to his former employer, with whom he remained four years. Next we find him in Williamsport, Pa., employed in a carriage shop, previous to this, he had made the acquaintance of T. F. Ilewes, through whose influence he subsequently came west and joined Mr. Hewes in Indianola in May, 1872. He was in the employ of Frank Miller afterward for a period of five years, then engaged with W. T. Butler for one year, and in 1879 pur- chased the shop standing upon the site of that which he now owns and occupies and which was destroyed by fire March 4, 1887. Mr. Heileman now occupies a snug brick building, the second floor of which is used as a public hall and the reading room of the Modern Woodmen Camp of Indianola. In it are also held the village and township meetings, and in addition it is used as the headquarters of the Indianola Building and Loan Association, of which Mr. Heileman is a char- ter member and Treasurer. In the Camp above spoken of he is banker. He belongs to the A. F. & A. M. fraternity, being Master of Vermilion Lodge No. 265, and with his estimable wife be- longs to the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our subject was married May 7, 1874. to Miss Emma V. McHaffle, who was born in Indianola, RESIDENCE OF JACOB EULTZ.SEC. £6. GEORGETOWN TR, VERMILION CO. RESIDENCE OE JOHN TRISEER. SEC. 3/., SI DELL T'P., VERMILION CO. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. .M.-, and is the daughter of Dr. J. B. McHaffie, who was one of the Bret physicians of this place, and com- mands a first-class practice. His wife, formerly Miss Elizabeth Everhart, is a native of Germany, ami is still living, being sixty-four years old. They have four children surviving, the eldest of whom, Mary, is the wife of William Stark, who is searching for gold in the mines of Colorado; Eliza is the wife of Frank Baum of Carroll Township; Andrew is at home with his mother. Mr. and Mrs. Hieleman have three children — William Howard, Garnet, and Leouidas. Mr. Hiele- man is serving his seventh term as Township Clerk, and his polities will readily he guessed from the fact that he is one of the leading ir em hers of the Indianola Democratic Club. He is also Treas- urer of the School Board, and has served three terms as Clerk of the Milage Board, besides one term as Trustee. He also officiates as Treas- urer and Secretary of the Woodlawn Cemetery Association, being on the second term of six years. II is neat and comfortable residence is pleasantly located on West Main street. The fact that he is well spoken of by his neighbors and his fellow- townsmen, is ample evidence of the estimation in which he is held as a business man and a citizen. 'jfJOHN TRISLER. It is usually fair to judge of a man's character and capacities by his surroundings, and we would thus presume / that Mr. Trisler is second to no man in his township as a farmer and business man, while he possesses the cultivated tastes which have led him to build up one of the most attractive homes within its limits. Soon after settling upon the farm which he now occupies he began planning for the residence which he contemplated building, and prepared the grounds accordingly. There now stands upon them an elegant two-story resi- dence, in the midst of a grove planted by the pro- prietor • fourteen years ago, and which serves to make a delightful shade in summer time, while protecting the dwelling from the bitter blasts of winter. Interspersed with forest trees are beauti- ful evergreens, while the buildings anil appur- tenances adjoining serve to complete the ideal country estate. Mr. Trisler may most properly be termed a self- made man. Having been thrown upon his own re- sources at an early period in life, he has worked his way up by steady perseverance and industry to a good position, socially and financially. He pays Strict attention to his own affairs, is rather exclu- sive in his tastes and manner of living, and is well respected in his .community. In his labors and worthy ambitions he has found a most efficient as- sistant in his industrious, business-like and capable wife, who has done her share toward the accumu- lation of the property and the building up of the homestead. Mr. Trisler during the stormy days of the Rebellion arrayed himself most decidedlj r on the side of the Union, and no man was more re- joiced at its perpetuation and the extinction of slavery. Until a boy of eight years our subject spent his early life in Maysville, Ky., where he was born Dec. 18, 1842. Thence his parents removed to Illinois about 1350, making the journey thither by water and overland. During the progress of this trip the boy was lost in Cincinnati, which occa- sioned great distress to his parents until they found him. Arriving in this State, the family lo- cated in Coles County, where our subject attended school until about fourteen years old, and then re- moved with his parents to this county. Here he attended school in Danville for two years. Later the father decided to take up his residence in Cat- lin Township, and John continued a member of the parental household until it was disbanded, in I860. He had begun work on a farm when a boy of seven or eight years, and was thus employed after leaving home. After the outbreak of the Civil War, Mr. Tris- ler, in 1862, enlisted as a Union soldier in Corn- Company A, 71st Illinois Infantry, in the ninety- days' service, being mustered in at Springfield and assigned mostly to guard duty in the vicinity of Columbus. Ky. At the expiration of his term of enlistment, he was discharged at Chicago, but in the spring of 1863 re-enlisted with the 100-day's men, in Company E. 135th Illinois Infantry. The com- 546 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. pain was mustered into service at Matloon, whence they proceeded to St. Louis, Mo., and were as- signed as guard to prisoners, after which they were sent to Iron Mountain. The second time our subject was discharged at Mattoon, 111., four weeks beyond the expiration of the time for which he had enlisted. The war not yet being ended, our subject for the third time proffered his services, this time for one year or dining the war. in Company K, 149th Illinois Infantry. lie was mustered in at Dan- ville, and. going to the front, marched through Georgia, Tennessee and Alabama. In 1862 he had been promoted to Corporal, and in 1864 received the commission of Sergeant. While along the Mississippi he suffered from jaundice, from which he has never been entirely relieved since. He was finally discharged at the close of the war, in May, 1865, at Dalton, Ga. After retiring from the army. Mr. Trisler re- turned to Catlin Township, this county, and be- gan operating on rented land. On the 6th of Oc- tober. 186s. he was married to Miss Abbie A. Douglas, who was born at Stoughton, Dane Co., Wis. In due time our subject purchased eighty acres of land, which was the beginning of his large farm, now embracing 300 acres. He has made of agriculture an art and a science, which fact accounts for his success. Under his careful management bis land has become highly productive, while he avails himself of modern methods and the latest improved machinery in the tilling of the soil. He keeps himself well posted both in regard to agri- culture and other things of interest to the broad and liberal-minded citizen, and is consequently en- abled to operate to the best advantage as the re- sult of observation and experience. The house- hold circle includes three bright children — Veron- ica T., dishing II. and John Earl. Joseph and Elizabeth (Wells) Trisler, the par- ents of our subject, were natives respectively of Ohio and Kentucky, and were married in the lat- ter State. The father was a farmer by occupa- tion, and came with his family to Illinois in 1850, settling in Coles County. The father is still liv- ing, at the age of seventy-three years, and makes his home in Milwaukee, Wis. The mother diet! April 28, 1855, in Coles County. Seven of their children grew to mature years: William, John (our subject), Sarah E., Mary M., Robert, Johanna and Joseph. The parents of Mrs. Trisler were Cushing and Clarissa Ann (Douglas) Douglas, the father born near Bangor, Me., and the mother in Indiana. Her father was a near kinsman to Stephen A. Douglas, of Illinois, and followed the occupation of a farmer. They were residents of Adams County, Wis., twelve years, and from there came to this county, settling in Catlin Township. Later in life they removed to Catlin Village, where they now live, the father being sixty-five and the mother fifty- six years old. Their four children were named respective^- : Abbie Ann, Hortensia, Clara I. (who died when one year old) and Florence. The second mentioned is the widow of Ed Ruby. She resides in New Mexico, and has one child — Burda. Florence married Theodore Terpening, a druggist of Catlin. and they have four children — Max. Don D., Pussy P. and a babe unnamed. Mrs. Trisler was a girl of fifteen years when her parents settled in Catlin Township. Both our subject and his excellent wife are members in good standing of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, to which they have always given a liberal support, especially during the erec- tion of the church edifice. Mr. Trisler is an un- compromising Democrat, politically, and has served as Director in the school district three years. A fine view is presented elsewhere in this work, of the pleasant home and surroundings of Mr. Trisler, where he lives in the enjoyment of a happy family, and where his friends are ever kindly wel- comed. •4*%"^ }i**i* ffi ACOB FULTZ. The fine farm of our sub- ject, comprising 180 acres, on section II, Gorgetown Township, is a standing monu- ment to his intelligent industry. Mr. Fultz is a native of Indiana, having been born in Eugene Township, Vermillion County, of that State, Aug. 17, 1830. He inherits his fine constitution from his mother, whose people came from the verdure- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. • r >47 clad shores <>f Ireland, bringing with them tlie fine physique for which the natives of that isle are noted. On reaching this country they settled in Virginia, from which place our subject's mother, Miss Nancy Grivens, came to Parke County, Ind.. while yet in her teens. Front his father's side Mr. Fultz inherited his full share of the bountiful sup- ply of brain power with which that parent, was en- dowed. William Fultz. the father of the subject of this notice, was a native of the old Keystone Statt'. his parents having come to Pennsylvania from Germany. While a mere hoy the family turned their faces Westward and came to Ohio. ( In reach- ing more mature years, young William followed on toward the setting sun. and while in Parke County, Ind., met and married his amiable wife. Although Indians were plentiful in their neighbor- hood, they succeeded in escaping unpleasant cour- tesies from them, [n 1826 Mr. and Mrs. William Fultz set up their household gods in Eugene Town- ship, Vermillion Co., Ind.. where they continued to reside until death, the former expiring in 1876, at the ripe age of seventy-one, and the latter eight years later, in 1884, after having traveled life's rugged pathway for three years longer than the alotted time of three-score years and ten. being just seventy-three years old. Having been busy bees in life's hive of workers, they had the satis- faction of seeing abundant prosperity crown their efforts before they crossed the river to the great beyond. Nine children came to claim their care and reward their affection, as follows: Margaret, Jacob, Isaa?, Mary, Rebecca, Martha, William. John and Isabella. Jacob, the subject of this sketch, commenced his school-life at the usual age of six years, attending school the three winter months, while the rest of the year was devoted to work. The school-house that the children of that district attended was built mostly of buckeye logs, hewn on two sides. Slabs ami planks surrounding the fireplace, in the center, formed the seats of the youthful seekers after knowledge. When necessary to heat the building a tire was built and the smoke coaxed to ascend outward by means of a stick and mud chimney, all not escaping by that means finding ready access to the outer air through the numerous cracks in the walls. Although his school facilities were so mea- ger, yet he there laid the foundation of the love of learning that has remained with him until the present day, making him an authority among his neighbors on many disputed points, especially in his- tory, in which subject a naturally good memory. kept in constant practice by abundant and judi- ciously selected reading, enables him to keep abreast of the times, and supplies the lack he might other- wise feel of a better education in his youth. While on a visit to relatives at Springfield. 111., he became acquainted with Joe. Agey and Fd Randal, who engaged him to drive a team for them to Kansas. Border- ruffian ism prevailed in that region in those days, which soon disgusted him, and he returned home, remaining until September. 1862, at which time he enlisted in Company K.. 71st Indiana In- fantry, for three years or during the war. He was mustered into the service at Penny's Mills, Ind.. whence they went to Terre Haute and afterward to Indianapolis, at each of which places they were drilled preparatory to going South for active ser- vice. At the battle of Richmond, Ivy., he nobly sustained his part, fighting desperately until cap- tured by the Confederates under the renowned Kirby Smith. The prisoners were parolled anil permitted to return to Terre Haute, where they re- mained until exchanged. He was then assigned to guard duty at Indianapolis, serving faithfully through the winter of 1862-63. Owing to ex- posure while there, he was taken ill with pneumonia and nearly succumbed to its attack; but in the providence of God he rallied sufficiently to get about, although he was not able to do anything but light work for a period of about four years. In the latter part of April, 1863, he was discharged on account of physical disability, having been in the United States service a year lacking five days. Coming home he operated his father's farm in Eu- gene Township. Vermillion Co., Ind.. for a number of years. In the year 1 87:!. the 3d day of < )etobei\ he was married to Miss Louisa Murrey. This lady had an eventful experience in her youthful days. Being born in New Orleans before the war. and losing her mother while yet a child, her father had her conveyed up the Mississippi River to an uncle and aunt living in Mississippi. Being I'nionists 548 PORTRAIT AND LTOGRAP1IICAL ALBUM. when the war broke out, they were in great peril for sometime, but succeeded in escaping on a steamer coming North. Reaching Eugene Town- ship, they settled there, and in that pleasant lo- cality the amiable Mrs. Fultz blossomed into womanhood. While living there she made the acquaintance of the .subject of this sketch, and. as before stated, was united in marriage with him. In the spring of 1 «7 1 they came to their present farm, securing at first sixty acres, which formed the nucleus of their present large possession. In politics Mr. Fultz is a strung protectionist, agreeing in that respect with the majority of the Republican party, to which he adheres. Believing in progress as he does, and having such a high regard for education, his neighbors have shown their appreciation of his merits by electing him School Trustee of the township, a po- sition he is eminently qualified to fill. Their fam- ily has been increased by t lie addition of seven children, named respectively: John, Mary E., Olive M.. Owen Wendel, Nancy, Lola M. and Carrie. Jacob Fultz is one of the best known men in Georgetown Township. Being endowed by nature with a good judgment, he readily distinguishes in reading between meritorious works and those of little or no intrinsic worth. His happy disposition makes him an agreeable companion among friends, while his generous and public-spirited actions com- mend him to progressive citizens eveiywhere. Hav- ing a profound mind as well as a retentive memory, he has escaped the misery of those narrow-minded men whose ideas all run in one groove, and instead enjoys the blessing of the liberal-minded, who see good in man} 7 places where inferior intellects see only evil. Being fond of literature, he seldom lets an opportunity pass of securing a good book when one is brought to his notice. He enjoys, more- over, that great boon, a good home, and his love for his family and honest pride in their well-being is fully returned, his children not only holding him in affectionate regard, lmt respecting his honest worth as well. Following the occupation of our first parents, he does not disdain to use his intelligence in directing the operations of his farm, but uses his best efforts to pursuade mother Earth to yield him her choicest treasures. Any one wishing to know ''how doth the little busy bee," may easily and pleasantly sc- enic the information by calling on Mr. Fultz, who will lie delighted to give them an object lesson on his farm, where numbers of the little creatures ■• improve the shining hours," to his profit and the visitor's enlightenment. A generous hospitality is extended to guests by Mr. Fultz and his estimable wife. A lithographic viewof their home appears elsewhere in this volume. AVID S. DICKEN. Here and there we j. find an individual who first opened his eyes to the light during the pioneer days of this county, and practically grew up with the country. The early impressions which those youths received were such as would naturally de- velop within them health and strength, both of mind and body, and they have almost without ex- ception attained to a worthy and vigorous man- hood. The subject of this notice was at an early age introduced to labor, and has come out of his struggle with the world with a competence for his old age. He is now retired from the active duties of life, and lives eomfortabby in a pleasant home at Ridge Farm. Our subject was born on section 1, El wood Township. May 14. 1836, and is the son of John C. Dicken, deceased, the latter a native of Ken- tucky. His paternal grandfather was born in Vir- ginia, and coming West at an early day, was the third settler on Coleman's Prairie, Vermillion Co.. Ind., to which Mr. Coleman and one Mr. Hopkins had preceded him. In 1832 he came to this county and settled in Elwood Township. The maiden name of the mother was Hannah Golden, daughter of William Golden, anil the parental househeld in- cluded fen children. Of these onl}' three are living — David S., our subject; Julia A., Mrs. Burchelt. of Paris, and Susanna, Mrs. Loiter, of Prairie Township, Edgar County. The father of our subject removed to George- town in the spring of 1853, and to the Ridge in the following fall. He put up a store and carried PORTRAIT AND BI( KiRAPHICAL ALBUM. .".in on genera] merchandising several years. In 1857 lie went to Newman and built the first store in that place. He sold goods there two years, then re- turned to the Ridge and died in the early part of 1873. The mother had passed to her linal rest in I860. Mr. Dicken, oar subject, attended first the com- mon school. In Georgetown he attended a High School, which was considered the best institution of the kind in the county. Later he began an ap- prenticeship at harness-making, which he followed several years, and finally established in business for himself, conducting a large trade. During the pro- gress of the Civil War. and soon after the call for three years' troops, he enlisted in Company A, 25th Illinois Infantry, in June, 1861, going in as a private. Later he was promoted to a Sergeant, but on account of disability was obliged to accept his honorable discharge. March 9, 1863. Mr. Dicken assisted in raising Company E. 135th Illinois Infantry, in May, 1864, for the 100-days' service. He was elected First Lieutenant, served out his time, then enlisted, in February, 1865, in Company E, 150th Illinois Infantry. While at Camp Butler he was made Quartermaster Sergeant, and when the first vacancy occurred was made Sec- ond Lieutenant of Company F, in the same regi- ment. Subsequently he was commissioned First Lieutenant of Company II, 136th ['. S. Colored Troops. After three week's service he was elected Captain, but was discharged before receiving his commission. He now draws a small pension. Our subject was appointed to the Railway Postal Service in January. 1872, first on the Chicago, Danville & Vineennes, then transferred to the Illi- nois Central and Rock Island Roads mostly, until sending in his resignation on account of ill-health. Oct. 27. 1883. He was first assistant at the post- office in Danville, one year under Mr. Jewell, which position he held until failing health compelled him to retire. He has thus been about seventeen years in the United States service, during which time he discharged his ditties in that faithful and conscientious manner which made for him many friends. The 11th of September. 1859, witnessed the mar- riage of our subject with Miss Ann M.. daughter of William Crawford, f the earliest settler.- of this county, and now deceased. < If this union there have been born three children, the eldesl of whom, Ida M., mat tied Charles E. Che-ley. <>f Dan- ville, and is the mother of two children — Buelahand Edna; EtHe R. married Dr. 1). C. Hinshaw. of Ridge Farm, and of whom a sketch appears else- where in this volume; Mark L., the youngest of the family, makes his home with his father. The mother of these children departed this life April •'!, 1874. Our subject contracted a second marriage. May 12. 18,sii. with Mrs. Mary F. Little, widow of George C. Little, anil daughter of Dudley Mc- Clain (deceased), and niece of Deacon Allen Mc- Clain, of Urbana. Mrs. Dicken had one child by her first husband, Lewis McClain Little. She was born at Old Bloomfield, this State, and is a lady prominent in her community, being a devout mem- ber of the Baptist Church, anil a busy and earnest Sunday-school worker. Mr. Dicken was the first Commander of the G. A. R. Post at Ridge Farm, and is still connected with the organization. He is widely and favorably known to most of the older residents of the county, is an honest man r.nd good citizen, and has contributed his full share toward the development of her most important interests. *~* bENRY C. ELLIOTT, Attorney-at-Law an ! Notary Public, is also President of th Countj' Board of Supervisors and maki d he es (ssX ''' s home and headquarters at Ridge Farm. He is now entering upon his second term as a mem- ber of the Board, and is fulfilling the duties of his position in a manner creditable to himself and satisfactory to hi- constituents. He is very popu- lar among his fellow citizens, a man of a very bright mind and more than ordinarily well in- formed. Ilis aim is to excel in whatever he under- takes, and there is a fair prospect of his attaining to his best ambition-. A native of Wayne County. Ltd.. Mr. Elliott was born Aug. I. 1843, and is the son of Nathan Elliott, a native of South Carolina and now de- 550 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. ceased. The family left the South, removing to Indiana, when Henry C. was a small boy. They were among the earliest pioneers of that region, settling in the woods when Indians and wild animals abounded. The mother in her girlhood was Miss Naomi Mendenhall. also a native of North Caro- lina. Eight children were born to the parents, seven of whom are living and of whom Henry C. is the eldest. His sister. Annie E., Mrs. Rork, is a resident of Sullivan, this State. Wesley lives at Pilot Grove; Alvin makes his home in Cowley County. Kan.; Clayton B. lives in Elwood Town- ship, this county; Mary E., Mrs. Stogsdill, is a resident of Spencer, Iowa: Dclphia, Mrs. Lynch, resides in Ridge Farm. Prior to his marriage with the mother of our subject, Nathan Elliott was married to Elizabeth Maxwell, and to them there were born three children, only one of whom is living — John, of Elwood Township. The Elliott family came to Elwood Township in ].x.->.->. settling one and one-half miles southwest of Ridge Farm, where our subject pursued his primary studies in the district school. He remained a member of the parental household until the out- break of the war, then enlisted as a Union soldier in Company A, 7!)th Illinois Infantry, under com- mand of Col. Buckner. He met the enemy in battle at Rock Face Ridge. Dandridge, Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Marietta, Ii< (Se- ville, Peavh Tree Creek, Atlanta. Chattanooga and Nashville. He was wounded at Atlanta .Inly 22. 1864, but only disabled a short time, and remained with his regiment until the close of the war, re- ceiving his honorable discharge in June, 1865. After the war our subject returned to this coun- ty, teaching school three winters thereafter and farming in summer until 1872. Then, repairing to Danville, he entered upon a regular law course, and later served four years as Justice of the Peace. We next find him in Newman, Douglas County, where he entered upon the regular practice of his profession, and remained until the fall of 1882. Afterward he spent four years in Menard and Sangamon counties, principally engaged in the in- surance business. He returned to the Ridge in 1886 and continued his practice with excellent results. He was elected Supervisor in the spring of 1888, and re-elected in 1889 with little or no opposition. He discharges the duties of Chairman of the Board with dignity and excellent judgment, and has ever evinced a genuine interest in the wel- fare of his adopted county. While teaching in Edgar County he served as Justice of the Peace two years, and one year was the Tax Collector of Ross Township. Mr. Elliott was married on the 7th of March, 1867, to Miss Rebecca, daughter of William Mills, one of the earliest pioneers of this county and now deceased. Five of the seven children born of this union are living, namely : Oliver M., Annie 1)., Mary, Flora and Blanche. Due daughter. Ora, was taken from the home circle by death when a maiden of sixteen 3'cars. In this ijreat affliction Mr. and Mrs. Elliott were given the deep and and heartfelt sympathy of their hosts of friends. Another daughter, Emily, died in infancy; Oliver is in the employ of the Missouri Pacific Railroad, with headquarters at St. Louis. Mr. and Mrs. Elliott are members of the Friends' Church at Ridge Farm and our subject is a sound Republican. Socially, he belongs to the Modern Woodmen, and as an ex-soldier is a member of the G. A. R. \f AMES W. FISlv. In connection with the history of the men who came as pioneers to this county, there is more of interest, per- haps, than can be centered in any other period of its existence; and they who looked upon Central Illinois when it was in effect a wilderness, and who assisted in the development of its rich re- sources, have made for themselves an enduring name, which from this time on is destined to be perpetuated, for the people of to-day realize fully the importance of preserving from oblivion the records, which, as time goes on, seem to increase rather than diminish in value. In the subject of this notice we find one of the leading men of Ridge Farm (having served one term as President of the Board of Trustees of the Village, and one term as a member of that body), and at present a successful dealer in agricultural PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 551 implements, buggies, carriages, wagons and farm machinery. The earlier years of bis life were filled in with arduous labor, (luring which time he devel- oped strength of muscle,ancl those qualities of mind which have made him one of the most reliable anil substantial men of his community. lie was horn six miles north of < • rcencasfle, Putnam Co., Ind.. July 10, 1834, and is the son of Col. James Fisk, one of the pioneers of that county. The latter is still living, and is now eighty-four years old. He was born in Virginia, and removed to Indiana as early as 1825. His father, John Fisk, became a resident of Montgomery County, Ky., when James was a boy, and settled among the Indians, whom he often met in bloody conflict. He also served as a soldier in the Revolutionary War. Col. James Fisk married Cassander Frakes, daughter of Jo- seph Frakes. also a revolutionary soldier and a great Indian fighter. The men of this branch of the Fisk family were noted for their courage and daring, having been engaged in every one of our country's wars, and the women for their virtue and common sense. James W. Fisk began his education in a subscrip- tion school conducted in a log cabin, the seats made of split logs, the floor of the same, and the clapboard roof held to its place with knees and weight poles. The master began the exercises of the day by administering the rod to those boys whom he considered needed it most, and among them,3 - oung Fisk received his share. After coming to this State, he attended a more advanced school in Paris, in 1856. and made his home in Sims Township. The first house in his father's neigh- borhood whose roof was constructed without weight poles, was the dwelling of Joseph Albin, and the roof of this was fastened by means of gimlet holes with pins driven in, and was consid- ered quite stylish. In 1857. starting out for himself, our subject re- paired to Coles County, where lie harvested one crop. He then took up his residence in Clark County, of which he was a resident until April. 1884. In the meantime, during the progress of the Civil War, he enlisted in Company A, 38th Indiana Infantry, in which lie served nine months, mostly as wagon-master, participating in some of the most noted battlesof the Rebellion, and in the memorable march to the sea. In May, 1865, he received a sunstroke, which disabled him for three months. Although not being engaged in active battle, he saw much of the hardships and priva- tions Of a soldier's life — enough to make him, like thousands of other.-, long for the return of peace. Prior to entering the army, Mr. Fisk was mar- ried, Jan. 25, 1858. to Miss Sarah A., daughter of Kmanuel and Mary J. Dodd. This lady was horn in Clark County. III.. April 2, 1843, and they be- came the parents of four children. Of these hut two are living — Robert W., born Nov. 7, 1858 and James E., Sept. 21, 1st;:!. James E. married Miss Maggie F. Horner, and is the father of one chili I, Earl A.; he has been in ill health for the past three years, but is at present City Marshal of Ridge Farm One son, Albert S., died Oct. I. 1880, when a promising young man of twenty years. Both Mr. and Mrs. Fisk are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and formerly attended Wesley Chapel in Clark County. Emanuel Dodd. the father of Mrs. Fisk, was born near Dayton, Ohio, Feb. 12, 181(i. He came with his parents, when a. boy, to Clark County, this State, they settling, in 1830, on a tract of wild land at a time when Indians were plentiful and wild animals — deer, panthers and wolves — abounded. The father of Mrs. Fisk carried on farming, and later conducted a hotel in Melrose for many years. The maiden name of the mother was Mary J. Wells. Their family consisted of two children only — Mrs. Fisk, and her brother, Frank, who is twenty years younger than she. Mrs. Fisk became the mother of two children before her brother, Frank, was born. The latter is a resident of Mel- rose. Mrs. Mary J. (Wells) Dodd departed this life Dec. 31, 1880, and the father of Mrs. Fisk died June '.». 1884. Mrs. Fisk has been the true pioneer wife and mother in every sense of the word, and has done a great deal of hard work- in her time. During the absence of her husband in the army, she plowed with oxen, planted corn with her own hands, and performed all kinds of a man's labor with the exception of making rails and cradling wheat. In the meantime she exerted herself in the 552 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. education of her children, and bestowed upon them that careful, motherly training which no con- scientious woman is willing to dispense with. She deserves special mention among those whose names are honorably recorded in this volume. ILLIAM II. MILLS. The farming com- [' munity of Carroll Township is composed of a large number of more than ordinarily intelligent and progressive men, and among thrui may be numbered Mr. INI ills, who evidently has the proper conception of life in the country and the advantages to be derived therefrom, as a means of expanding the mind, the tastes and the intellect. While an excellent business man and prosperous in t lie accumulation of this world's goods, he does not place the acquisition of money above all other things but gives due attention to those matters which nourish the affections, enlarge the understanding and enter into the home life, making it beautiful and the condition most to be desired on earth. In his worthy ambitions and his cultivated tastes. Mr. Mills has a most ardent sympathizer and helper in the person of his amiable and accomplished wife, who has illustrated in a marked manner the influ- ence which a woman may have in the construction of a home and the happiness of a family. The .Mills farm in all its appointments very nearl}* ap proaches the ideal country estate, set in the midst of peace and plenty and with the surroundings which are so delightful to contemplate. Our subject, a native of this county, was born in Elwood Township Feb. 18, 1843, anil spent his boyhood days at the old Mills homestead. He -was at an early age trained to habits of industry and while pursuing his studies in the district school, likewise pursued an excellent course of reading at home under the instruction of his excellent mother. the father having died when he was a small child. He and his brother Richard, at the ages of twelve and ten years respectively, practically assumed the management of the farm and a few years later en- gaged successfully in the live-stock business, send- ing annually to market large numbers of fat cattle. Mr. Mills and his brother have worked and farmed together since boyhood and still continue in partnership. They have been phenomenally successful and are numbered among the substantial and influential men of the county. In addition to general farming and cattle-raising, the}- are distin- guishing themselves as skillful breeders of Clydes- dale horses and are able to exhibit some very fine and valuable animals. William II., in 1879 was united in marriage with Miss Anna Woodyard, who was horn in Wirt County (now West) Virginia, Dec. 23, 1849. Her parents were Louis and Cath- erine (Wiseman) Woodyard, also natives of the < )ld Dominion, and who came to Illinois in April. 1865, stopping in Paris, Edgar County, two weeks. Upon the day of Lincoln's assassination they removed to the farm which they now own and occupy in Ross Township, that county. Their eleven children were all born in Virginia. The eldest son, William, is .still living there and occupied as a. merchant, in Spencer; he has been prominent in politics and is a member of the State Senate. Harriet is the widow of Senator Alfred Foster of West Virginia, and makes her home with her father in Ross Town- ship. Edgar Count} - . Senator Foster came to Illi- nois about 1867, and died here some few years later. Caleb is one of the leading farmers of Ross Township; James owns a farm and resides near Parsons, Kan.; Mary is the wife of Abe Pribble of Prairie Township. Edgar County; Isaac is farming in Ross Township, that county; John is a grain buyer of Woodyard Station and makes his home with his parents; Frank is farming in Prairie Township; Emma is the wife of Louis Riffe, a dry- goods merchant of Craig, Mo. Mrs. Mills was a young girl of fifteen years when her parents came to Illinois, her life prior to this time having been spent among the mountains of her native Stale. She attended school quite steadily until the outbreak of the Rebellion, and was a pupil in the district school after coming to this Slate. She remained a member of her father's household until her marriage. Afterward Mr. Mills and his wife took up their abode at their present homestead, the old Holiday farm which Mr. Mills had purchased prior to his marriage and which comprises a little over 241 acres of land. I i3,U(ruyiAL PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 555 The two brothers are the proprietors together of 700 acres and operate under the firm name of R. & W. II. Mills. To our subject and his estimable wife theie has been born one child, a daughter. Blanche, July 30, L880. Politically. Mr. Mills affiliates with the Re- publican party. He is the pronounced friend of education and donated $200 to the Vermilion Grove Academy. His father, John M. Mills, was born in Knox County. Tenn.. and came to Illinois with bis parents when a boy of five or six years. He was the son of John and Charily ( Mendenhall ) Mills who emigrated from Tennessee at an early day. settling in this county when Indians and wild animals were plentiful. He chose farming for bis vocation and when reaching man's estate was mar ried to Miss Elizabeth Mendenhall. They became the parents of three children, the eldest of whom is a daughter, .lane, who is now Mrs. Maddock and a resident of Bloomingdale, Ind. The others were Richard and William II., our subject. Mrs. Elizabeth (Mendenhall) Mills was born near Xcnia, Greene Co., Ohio, and is now an in- telligent old lad3' of seventy-two years. She makes her home with Richard, her sou. The wife of our subject is a member in good standing of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church. . •^-sJ{^ ^So> IIARLES S. YOUNG, a prominent citizen 'II ^ of Vermilion County and one of its leading ^^? agriculturists, is distinguished as having been one of the very early settlers of the court v. Coming here in 1829, he has not only witnessed almost its entire growth, but has been an important factor in bringing it to its present high condition as a wealthy and flourishing community. Heowns not less than twenty-five farms within the limits of Vermillion County, and cultivates a large number of acres from which he derives a fine income. His borne for many years has been on his estate on section 21, Newell Township, where he has erected a substantial and roomy set of buildings, includ- ing a handsome residence, second to none in the township in beauty of architecture and neat appoint- ments. Mr. Young is literally a self-made man, as lie began life without any means, and when he came here he had only an eagle, a half dollar and twenty-five cents in his pocket. That small sum of money handled judiciously proved the nucleus of a fortune in bis hands, and to-day he stands ! among the richest men in this locality. Our subject is a Kentuckian by birth, born in Woodford County, Sept. 16, 1809, the second of five children of James and Lucinda (Baldwin) Young, the former a native of Woodford County, Ky., and the latter of Culpeper Court House, Va. They married and settled in Woodford County, Ky., where they spent their entire wedded life. He died in Harrison, and then she came to Ver- milion County and made her home with our subject till death called her hence. Charles Y'oung, of this sketch, was reared to manhood in his native county, living there until he was nineteen years old. He married there, and in 1829, coming to Vermilion County, settled in Newell Township on the 14th day of October, sixty years ago. He purchased eighty acres of wild prairie land three miles south of his present residence, and lived there for many years. In 1857 he purchased the property which has ever since been his home. He has met with more than usual success, as before noted. He has engaged largely in agricultural pursuits and in stock-raising, has bought and sold all kinds of stock, and has driven horses to the Cincinnati. Chicago, Racine and Milwaukee markets. During the Mexican war he was operating in Cincinnati, and has been extraordinarily successful in all his enterprises. He has been connected with numer- ous transactions involving large amounts of money, although he has never signed his name to anything in his life. January 14, 1821), Mr. Young's marriage with Elizabeth Leonard was duly solemnized in Har- rison County. Ky. She was born in that county January 27, 1810, and her death occurred in this county November 21. 1871 after a happy wedded life of more than forty-two years. She was a pleasant, kind hearted woman, a sincere Christian, and a valued member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and always took a great interest in all religious matters. To her and her husband were 556 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. born nine children, six daughters and three sons, of whom the following is recorded: Mary E. is the wife of Milton Hess; Lucindian is the wife of Franklin Stevens; Martha J. is the wife of John Huffman; Cindica is the wife of George Claypool; Noah married Mary Cunningham ; Samanlha is the wife of Andrew Huffman; Leonard married Mary J. Chandler, and died in Vermilion County, March '.), 1871; James L. married Miss Nancy Silvey, who died, and he afterward married Miss Elizabeth Norris; Matilda C. married Dean Tomlinson, and died in Vermilion County, February, 22, 1889. In this brief life-record of our subject it will be seen that he is a man of more than ordinary sagacity, foresight, and shrewd business ability. He has led an honorable, upright life, has wronged no one in his many extensive dealings, and has gained a good name as well as riches, his word being as good as a bond wherever he is known. He is interested in the political situations of the day, and is a stanch Democrat of the Jackson ian type. A portrait of Mr. Young appears elsewhere in this work. Vl? EVI HENRY GRAVES, belongs to one of I (7S) the pioneer families, being the son of James il' —^Vv and Margaret (Blackburn) Graves, and was born Feb. 25, 1827, at the village of Millersburg, Ky., where his father was occupied as a cabinet- maker. The family came to Illinois in Septem- ber, 1828, battled with the elements of life on the frontier, and made for themselves an admirable record as members of a settlement struggling for recognition and destined to form the nucleus of one of the most intelligent communities of the great West. James Graves and his excellent wife were natives respectively of Mercer and Clark counties, Ky. The paternal grandfather of our subject was a na- tive of Scotland and crossed the Atlantic in time to assist in the early settlement of Mercer County. He was married and reared a family and his son James, the father of our subject, signalized himself as a soldier in the War of 1812, fighting under Gen. Harrison on the River Thames, in Canada, and be- coming a personal friend of the hero of Tippeca- noe. He was married in Clark County, Ky., whither his father had removed during his boy- hood. James Graves followed cabinet-making about twelve years after coming to Illinois. He made his first trip to the State in company with Isaac San- dusky and they both took up land in Vermilion County, about one-half mile from each other. In 1828 they brought their families here, settliug in their new homes in October of that 3'ear. Mr. (iraves prospered in his undertaking and became the owner of 400 acres of land in what is now Georgetown Township. He departed this life in 1857 at the age of sixty-seven years. The mother survived her husband thirty years, remainino- a widow and passing away in 1887 at the advanced age of ninety-three years. They brought with them seven children from the Blue Grass State and four more were added to the family circle after they became residents of Illinois. The eleven were named respective^: Greenville H., Evaline, Or- ville S., Cerelda, Joseph B. and James L., twins, and Levi Henr}-; all these were born in Kentucky. The others were: Mary, who died at the age of five or six years; Franklin, Melvina, and John L., natives of Illinois. The father of our subject practically abandoned his trade after coming to. Illinois and turned his attention to farming. Levi H., our subject, was brought here an infant at a time when deer and other w T ild game were plentiful and when the set- tlers still felt insecure from the Indians. On the prairie the grass grew higher than the back of an ordinary horse. Fever and ague added to the other discouragements encountering the pioneers, but they were made of stern stuff and there were but few who withdrew from the contest and sought their old homes in the East. All the Graves' children were required to make themselves useful around the homestead, and our subject when but a lad commenced breaking prairie with the old-fash- ioned '•Kerry" plow and cut grain with the reaping hook or sickle. The introduction of the cradle which he remembers well, was looked upon as a re- markable invention. It was the popular opinion at that time that prairie land was of little value so the PORTRAIT AM) BUM IRA PI I HAL ALBUM. 557 people settled in the timber from whicb they cleared the trees and cultivated the soil. Very little wheat was used during the first few years, and the corn was ground in a mill of very primitive construction and operated by horse power. Our subject remained at home with his parents until twenty-three years old, but, in the meantime had been planning for an establishment of his own. On the 21st of Feburary, 1850, he was united in marriage with Miss Matilda, daughter of John and Marv (Medscor) Cook, of Fulton County, to which they had emigrated from Ohio. Mrs. Graves was born in Brown County, Ohio, and was a young lady when coming to Illinois witli her parents. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Graves settled upon a little farm of forty acres in Vermilion County, which formed the nucleus of their present homestead, upon which they have since lived with the exception of three years which Mr. Graves spent in improving a farm in Bureau County. III. Of this marriage there were born four children, the eldest of whom a daughter, Olive A., married David E. Moore, and lives in Montgomery County, Kan., ami is the mother of nine children — Milton A.. Levi EL, Matilda. Lydia A.. George W., .lames A., Mary 1)., Hannah L. and Daisy: Mary M. married Milton Ashby of the above mentioned county and is the mother of four children — Lillie N., Janus L., Alva M., and Maud M. ; Amanda M, married Samuel O'Niel, of Montgomery County, Kan., and has two children — Minnie L. and Gertude. James died when two years old. The mother of these children passed from earth in 185'.). Mr. Graves contracted a second marriage in 1 8(1 1 with Mrs. Lucinda (Bayless) Chandler, daughter of Samuel Bayless. Her father and mother were natives of the Blue Grass State, where she lived until her first marriage, of which there was born one child, a daughter. Mary Alice. Of her union with our subject there are four children — Martha B., Lou A. and Emma S., twins, and Letta. Martha married Luther A. Clingan, a resident of George- town Township, and they have two children — Blanche and Hersehell ; Lou became the wife of Dennis Clinan and is a resident of Catlin Town- ship; they have no children ; Emma S. and Letta are at home with their parents. The farm com- 53 prises .'illi acres of prime land upon which Mr. Graves has labored industriously for years and de- veloped its best resources. He lias labored early and late and for the first few years, before the ad- vent of the mower and reaper, swung the cradle in the harvest field and farmed amid the other diffi- culties and disadvantages of that time. He is a strong temperance advocate and in politics a warm supporter of the Republican party. He cast his first Presidential vote for Henry Clay, being a Whig until the abandonment of the old party and totally opposed to the institution of slavery. He and his wife and their daughters are members in good standing of the Christian Church, in which Mr. Graves officiates as Elder. :* -**- ipS^ATHAN J. NORRIS, M. D.,son of a pio- j) neer family of Vermilion County, has had \V\J-L an honorable career in life, both as a skill- ful physician and as a practical, successful farmer. Within a few years he has retired from the practice of his profession and now devotes his time almost exclusively to the management of his fine farm in Newell Township, on section 26. The Doctor is a native of Ohio, born in Brown County Dec. 14, 1824. He comes of good old Kentucky families, both of his parents, James and Elizabeth (Carter) Norris, having been born in that State, children of its early settlers. The mother was reared and married there. The father was reared in Ohio, but born in Kentucky, and subsequently settled in Brown. County, Ohio, where they remained till the fall of 1833. In that season, animated by the pioneer spirit that had actuated their sires to penetrate the wilds of Kentucky, they set out for the rude, sparsely settled country em- braced in Vermilion County, this State, to take up their abode among its earliest white settlers. They were among the first to settle in what is now ( >ak- wood Township, and there the patient, self-sacrific- ing mother died in 1841. The father of our subject, after the sad loss of his wife, came to Newell Township and here spent his remaining days, dying in 1850. Our subject was the eldest of the ten children born to him and his wife. He was a lad of nine years when he came with his parents to their new home in Oak wood Township, and there he passed the remaining years of his boyhood and youth. He gleaned his early education in the public schools in Brown County, Ohio, and in this county, and in 1854, returning to his native county he took up the study of medicine, attending lectures in Cincinnati. He was graduated from the American Medical College, in which institution he had maintained a high standing among the leading scholars of his class. After getting his diploma he began to practice his profession in Georgetown, Ohio, where he remained till 1864, the skill and success with which he treated difficult cases securing him a la^gs number of patients. In that year he returned to Vermilion County, and purchasing 110 acres of fine farming land in Newell Township has since lived here. For many years he was in active practice, ranking high among the mem- bers of the medical -profession in this county, but in 1886 he retired from that vocation and has since given his entire time to the improvement and cultivation of his farm. He now owns 153 acres of land, and has erected a substan- tial set of farm buildings, including a well- appointed dwelling, which is one of the most attractive homes in the vicinity. Dr. Norris and Miss Martha Norris were united in marriage Jan. 29, 1852, in Brown County. Ohio. She was born in that county Feb. 17. 1827, and was the eldest of the five children of Nathan and Phillis Norris, natives, respectively, of Maryland and Kentucky. They married and settled in Brown County, Ohio, where they passed their remaining years, he carrying on the occupation of a farmer. Dr. and Mrs. Norris are the parents of nine children : 5G2 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. Nathan J. Jr., Emma P., Lizzie D., John M.. Eva, Mattie, Luella, William N., Jennie. John M. died when about two years old. Our subject has been greatly blessed in the possession of a wife of high personal character, much tact and amiability of disposition, at once a helpmate and companion. Their social position is among' the best people in the community. The doctor has mingled much in the public life of the township, as his learning and ripe judgment make him a wise counselor, and for five years he has held the important office of Supervisor. He has always manifested a genuine interest in the cause of edu- cation, and while serving in the various local school offices has promoted it as much as possible. In politics he is a stanch adherent of the Democratic party. \ ILTON MILLS, of Carroll Township, a gentleman widely and favorably known in his community, is a scion of one of the pioneer families of this county and he is pardonably proud of the fact that they bore no un- important part in its early development. They were simple and honest people, Quakers in religious belief, and reared their children to habits of in- dustry and principles of honor, impressing upon their minds the importance of truthfulness, morality and industry. Mr. Mills has a countenance which indicates the results of his early training, which instilled within him contempt for a mean action, and the love of all which is healthful and broadening, both to the heart and intellect. lie is prominent in the circle of Friends in this county and has taken an active part in the Sunday-school carried on by them. His father, William Mills, was one of the leading pio- neers of Central Illinois and lived in three different counties without changing his place of residence — all being at one time Edgar County and undergo- ing subsequent divisions. He had come to Illinois when a young man of twenty years and when this region was a wilderness. He was one of the first men to build a house within the present limits of Vermilion County, and afterwards traveled forty miles to mill in Indiana, driving a four-horse team and occupying several days in making the journey. He transported his live pork on foot to Chicago at a time when Indians and wild animals were plenti- ful and experienced all the hardships and privations of life on the frontier. He was successful as a til- ler of the soil, accumulating a comfortable prop- erty and rested from his earthly labors in 1872, passing away at the old homestead in Elwood Township when seventy-four years of age. Mrs. Jane B. (Durham) Mills, the mother of our subject, was born in Indiana, where she was reared to womanhood and came to Illinois with her pa- rents. She was married prior to her union with Mr. Mills and became the mother of one child — Dorcas D. Hunt — who married Josephus Hollings- worth and lives in this county. Mr. Mills had also been previously married and had become the father of five children, viz: Adam M., Sarah J., Arininta, Mary A. and Rebecca. To William and Jane B. Mills there were born six children — William D., Emma, Milton, our subject, Pleasant, Milo E. and Everett. The mother died in 1880 at the age of sixty-four years. The subject of this sketch was born Dec. 1, 1853 in Elwood Township, this county. The first twenty- one years of his life were spent on the farm and in attendance at the district schools. Later he pur- sued his studies at Vermilion Grove Academy and continued a student there mostly during the winter season for four years, in the meantime improving his leisure time with his books. In November, 29, 1882, he was married to Miss Nora B., daughter of R. W. Ashbrook, of Mattoon, III. He purchased his present farm of eighty acres in 1882 and has operated it to such good advantage that the whole is now in a good state of cultivation, there being scarcely a foot of it that does not yield something to the proprietor. The residence is beautifully lo- cated three miles southeast of Indianola. Mrs. Mills was born in Coles County, 111., Nov. 1, 18. r )7 and by her union with our subject has become the mother of two bright children — Bessie D. and Jane B. Mr. Mills was carefully reared in the Quaker faith and since reaching manhood has be- come one of the most useful and active members KESIDENOE OF JOHN COLLINS, SEC. 9., SIDELL TB, YERMIMON CO. Rkshoence: ofM^bes JCexncmjds. Skc.8. Eiiwooi> Te,Vbrmiljon Go. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 565 of that church, serving in the double capacity on the Evangelistic Committee, besides Superintendent of the Sunday-school, of which he has iieen Vice- President likewise for t lie past three years. He has ever maintained a warm interest in educational matters and besides being one of the mostgenerous patrons of the Vermilion Grove Academy, is serv- ing on the Board of Trustees of said academy. Al- though strictly a temperance man, he has not thought best to identify himself with the Prohibi- tionists, but maintains a warm adherence to the Republican faith, believing it not the part of wis- dom to encourage a third party in politics. Through the influence of his honored father, Milton while a boy, conceived a strong aversion to the in- stitution of slavery and no man rejoiced more when the land had been purged of it, together with other evils which were remedied by the success of the Union arms. ^ OSES REYNOLDS is a leading citizen of Elwood Township. The Society of Friends and the Vermilion Academy, which are located at Vermilion Grove, have in him a liberal supporter and an anient friend. He donates largely to the support of his church and the educational enterprises connected with it. and the sum of money that he yearly gives away to those who need it more than he. is known to nobody but himself, as he religiously believes in the doctrine of not letting the left hand know what the right hand does. Enough is known of his character to say that his benevolence is proverbial. Mr. Reynolds owns and operates a fine farm of 2'.t0 acres of land on sections 5, G, and 8, where he carries on an extensive business of stock-raising and diversified farming. He was born in Parke County, Ind., on the 6th of May, lK.'iO. His father, Mahlon Reynolds, was a native of Randolph County, N. C. whence he emigrated to Indiana in 1823, settling first on Honey Creek in Vigo County, six miles below Terre Haute, but in 1S2G he removed to Parke County. Ind. lie was one of the pioneers of that part of Parke County, and his reputation as a man was of the highest. His wife. Ruth Rubottom. was a daughter of Simon Rubottom, who was the father of twelve children: Joel. Linton, Alvira, Moses, Elizabeth (Mrs. Folger). Mariam (Mrs. Ha. worth), Mahala (Mrs. Wright), Rachael (Mrs. Smith), Susan (Mrs. Parker), David. Ruth (Mrs. Newlin), and William. The mother of these children died on the old homestead in Indiana in 1866, and the father died in this county ten years later. Mr. Reynolds came to this county in 1854, settling where he now lives. He is engaged exten- sively in raising graded Short-horn cattle, and Poland-China and Chester-white hogs. He feeds and ships a great deal of stock, and in this way has become independent. His farm indicates that its owner is a man who understands his business thoroughly, for everything around it shows thrift and intelligence. On the 14th of August, 1851, Mr. Reynolds married Eunice Pearson, daughter of William Pearson, and to them have been born two children: Mary J. and Alvira A. The latter is deceased. Mary is the wife of Marion Campbell, of Elwood Township. They have had three children, one of whom is now living — Paul. Mr. Reynolds meddles very little in politics, but devotes his spare time to the interests of his church ami to the Academy of which he is a Trustee. He is a Trustee of the property of the Friends' Church at Vermilion Grove and holds the position of Over- seer in the same society. He is also one of three trustees of the funds of the quarterly meetings that have been set apart for the education of worthv and needy children, and in this position he is eminently the right man in the right place. The fund alluded to originated in the following manner: An unmarried man — Richardson Henderson — died leaving $500 to the Quarterly Meeting for the purposes before described, and Mr. Reynolds added to that sum an equal amount, making a fund of 81000, which is invested, and the interest only is u>ed. Mr. Reynolds' son-in-law. F. M. Campbell, lives on the farm adjoining him on the east, and owns 194 acres of very fine land. Mr. Campbell is engaged in breeding fine Norman horses, and 566 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. his other stock is similar to that raised by his father-in-law. He is also a member of the Friends' Church, and was born in Parke County, Ind., but was brought up and educated in Vermilion County, and has always been a farmer. He and his father- in-law are good Republicans. Mr. Reynolds is also largely interested in Sunday- school work, where he teaches a class regularly every Sunday. He has also ably served as Sunday-school Superintendent for many years. On another page of this volume the residence of Mr. Reynolds is presented in a fine view, justly a valuable feature of the Album. -nsm.-njUUZQ/te^Q'. •3£Q>TTinr*-~'\sw. OHN COLLINS. The Irish-American citi- zen has operated largely in the growth and development of Vermilion, and he whose name stands at the head of this sketch is one of the most worthy representatives of his national- ity. He owns a good farm of 200 acres, lying on sections 9 and 10 in Sidell Township, and has a remarkably pleasant home and intelligent family. He is one of a pair of twins, born in County Cork, Ireland, June 20, 1826. His twin brother, Richard, emigrated to America in 1845, and in due time wrote back for John to join him here, which the latter did; they located five miles south of Boston, Mass., and worked in the foundries seven years. In 1853 they came to La Salle County, this State, and worked on the Illinois Central Railroad several years thereafter. On the 23d of March, 1861, our subject was married to Miss Ann Cregor, born in 1833 in his native country. They settled on a farm in La Salle County, where they lived a number of years, coming thence to this county in 1881. In 1880 our subject had purchased the farm which he now owns and occupies. He also owns 160 acres in Shiloh Township, Edgar County, which is ope- rated by his sons, Dennis and Michael. There were born to Mr. and Mrs. Collins eleven children, of whom the third and fourth sons have been already mentioned. The others are recorded as follows: Richard married a Miss Brown, and died in 1884. To them there was born one child. now deceased. John is at home with his parents; . Dennis married a Miss Burns: Mary married Mr. Brown, a farmer, and they have four children: Leo, John. Charles, and Richard. Daniel, Bridget, Juliana, Margaret, and Ann are at home with their parents. The farm is devoted to general agricul- ture and is carried on with that thoroughness and good judgment which is characteristic of its pro- prietor. He has become thoroughly identified with American institutions, and is a man greatly attached to his famil3 r . The parents of our subject were John and Mary (Carty) Collins, likewise natives of County Cork, where they lived on a small farm. Their family consisted of five sons and one daughter, of whom our subject was the third in order of birth. The latter and his estimable wife are members of the Catholic Church at Hume. A view of the home of Mr. Collins is given in this volume, and represents a well-kept country residence with pleasant rural surroundings. J 1 AMES MtMELLAN, who is one of the most popular men of Carroll Township, is oper- ! ating the celebrated Woodlawn Farm of 200 1 acres, where with his excellent wife and his twobrightand promising boys.hejhasoneof the pleas- antest homes to be found in the county. He is largely possessed of all the manly virtues, being upright, temperate and faithful in the discharge of his duties, both in a business and social way. He is widely known as having been for years the 'right-hand man,' of Mr. Harvey Sandusky, a wealthy and prominent land-owner of this county who for sometime employed Mr. McMellan to look after his agricultural interests and his fine cattle. In the discharge of these duties Mr. McMellan had the satisfaction of leading more prize-winners into the show ring at the county and State fairs than any other man in Illinois. The subject of this notice was born in Greene County, East Tenn., Sept. 17, 1853, and is the son of John D. and Rachel (Rector) McMellan. natives of Tennessee and the father a saddler by PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALHUM. 567 trade. The latter after the death of his first wife, remarried and moved to Missouri where he spent his last days. The mother of our subject died in Greenville, Tenn., at the age of forty years, dames 1!., our subject, was the eldest of her two sons, the younger being John, who is now living in Mis- souri. Of the second marriage of John 1). McMel- lan there were horn four children. During the Civil War the father of our subject was pressed into the Confederate service and dames went to live with his grandfather Hector, in East Tennessee, where he received only limited educa- tional advantages, attending school only a few months at the close of the war. lie worked mostly on the farm and finally was persuaded by an aunt to come West. lie made his way to Logan County, this State, and worked there two and one half years upon a farm. Then desirous of a change he emi- grated to Indianola and entered the employ of Dr. Ralston, with whom he remained one year. In the meantime he formed the acquaintance of Mr. Har- vey Sandusky, and in due time assumed charge of his fine cattle, remaining in the employ of this gentleman for a period of ten years. In the mean- time, taking with him some of the finest specimens Of their fat cattle, he visited the fairs at Lafayette, Indianapolis, Chicago, Kansas City. Peoria, Spring- field. St. Louis, Mo., and many other places. A warm attachment sprang up between the two men and Mr. McMcllan was at the bedside of his friend, Mr. Sandusky, at the time of his death. The marriage of James McMcllan with Miss Ida Dye was celebrated in Carroll Township, in 1880. Mrs. McMellan is the daughter of John Dye, a son of Lawrence Dye, one of the oldest pioneers of Georgetown Township. Mr. Dye was a man pos- sessing some peculiar traits of character, was a strong Presbyterian in his religious views, was peculiarly kind and genial in his disposition, a great lover of music and a universal favorite in his community. His wife was the daughter of Col. Girard of Mexican war fame and a good man in the broadest sense of the term, strictly, temperate, hon- est and upright, kind in ins family and a generous neighbor. Everybod}' knew Col. Girard and every- body was his friend. To the parents of Mrs. McMellan there were born nine children and Miss Ida inherited from her father a great taste for and love of music. It was not the lot of Col. Girard to become wealthy, and when a young «irl Miss Ida entered the employ "( Mrs. Sandusky, with whom she remained the long period of eleven years, her faithful and trusted maid and companion. She there met her future husband, our subject, and they, living under one roof for many years, had a good opportunity to become acquainted. Of this congenial union there were born two children only — Harvey and James S., who are bright and promising boys aged seven and one years respectively. Politically, Mr. McMellan is a stanch supporter of the principles of the Republican party, and soci- ally he belongs to the Masonic fraternity. His estimable wife is a member in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church. It is generally con- ceded that there is not a more hospitable roof in Carroll Township than the house at Woodlawn Farm, and no host and hostess who extend to their guests a more high-bred and hearty welcome. Neither friend nor stranger departs from their door with other than a comfortable feeling and a sen- sation that it was good to be there. NDERSON DUNAVAN. The labors of this honest, upright and well-to-do citizen have resulted in the possession of a well- regulated farm of 170 acres, on sections 1 and 6, in Georgetown Township. The greater part of this the proprietor cleared from the forest, and labored early and late for many years in order to bring it to its present condition. By the exer- cise of great industry, frugality and good manage- ment, he has accumulated sufficient means to protect him against want in his declining years, while his career as a citizen has been such as to establish him in the esteem and confidence of his neighbors. The native place of our subject was in Mason County, now West Virginia, eight miles above Point Pleasant, on the Kanawha River. His parents were John and Frances (Hughes) Dunavan, the former a native of Culpeper County. Ya., and the 568 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. latter of the same place. The mother's people were of English stock, and early residents of Pennsyl- vania. Her grandfather served in the Revolution- ary War, and was shot through the breast. He recovered, however, and lived to be nearly one hundred years old. He was provided for during his old age by a pension from the Government. He traced his ancestry to Ireland, where his fore- fathers were mostly linen weavers by trade. The father of our subject, with the exception of the time spent as a soldier in the War of 1812, oc- cupied himself in agricultural pursuits. He and his wife spent their last years in Indiana. They were the parents of eight children, seven of whom grew to mature years — three sons and four daughters. Anderson, our subject, was the eldest, and was born March 22, 1820. He lived in the Old Do- minion until a lad of thirteen years, then emigrated with his parents to Indiana, they settling near the State line in Vermillion County, Ind. He remem- bers the time when there but live houses between Eugene, Ind., and Danville, 111. As. soon as old enough, he was required to make himself useful about the new farm, following the breaking plow, learning to cut wheat with the cradle, and laboring in the primitive style, both in sowing and reaping the harvests. Upon reaching man's estate he was married. May 29. 1844, to Miss Elizabeth Beau- champ. Mrs. Dunavan was born in Ohio, and removed with her parents to Perryville, Ind., in 1830. The newly wedded pair settled on a farm in Vermillion County, Ind., and Mr. Dunavan in due time pur- chased 166 acres of land. Later he sold this, and crossed the State line into Illinois, purchasing, in 1855, the farm which he now owns and occupies. Much of this was covered with timber, and he has cleared all but fifteen acres. The eleven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Duna- van are recorded as follows: James II. died when a promising youth of eighteen years; John A. married Miss Rebecca Mossberger, is the father of four children, and resides in Douglas County; Mary J. married Samuel Hines, and died, leaving three children; Harriet J. died at the age of two years; Charles W.. who remains at the homestead, married Miss Anna J. Howard, and is the father of one child; David A., also at home, married Miss Mary Williams, and has three children; Anderson J. married Miss Caroline Cravens, and is the father of three children; Edward H. married Miss Holder, and lives at the homestead; Edmund II. died when three months old; Lottie married Frank Breesley, and is the mother of two children, they live in this township; Tilda E. is the wife of Till- man Wilcox. James II. Dunavan during the Civil War en- listed in an Indiana Regiment, and died of the measles at home. Mrs. Dunavan is a member in good standing of the Christian Church, and a lady greatly respected in her community. Mr. Dunavan i votes the straight Democratic ticket, and has served as School Director in this district several years. He may properly be classed as a represen- tative citizen of Georgetown Township — one who has assisted materially in maintaining its reputation as a community of law-abiding and intelligent people. /z==^ OLDEN PATTERSON. The gratifying suc- ((( g— > cess which has crowned the efforts of the <^*b life of Mr. Patterson, is the more noticeable and praiseworthy, because of the few opportunities afforded him in the earlier days for that training and other help that are sometimes considered abso- lutely indispensible to a start in life and the suc- cess which is desired. In the case before us, the subject is one of that class of whom many worthy representatives are found in the great West, which is best designated by the term "self-made." Golden Patterson lives on section 13, range 11, Elwood Township, and was born on the old home- stead where he now resides, July 17, 1833. His father, Andrew Patterson, came from Granger County, Tenn., in an early day, settling on a farm which he then located and upon which his son now resides. The country at that time was almost des- titute of civilization, and the Indians were prac- tically in possession. They roamed about at will, although the land belonged to the Government. The elder Patterson entered about 500 acres of land, for which he paid the government price. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 569 This land rapidly rose in value, and at this time is worth a great deal of money. His wife, whose maiden name was Amelia Golden, was a daughter of William Golden, a prominent pioneer of Ver- milion County. The subject of this biography is the youngest of six children, five of whom are now living — Will- iam. Thomas, Sarah J. (Campbell) of Georgetown, Elizabeth (Campbell) of the same place, and Gol- den. The mother of these children died when Golden was an infant, and the father passed away in 1845 at the old homestead. Golden received his education at the common schools of his boy- hood and at the Georgetown High School. After leaving school he learned the trade of a carpenter, but followed this vocation but a short time. He has always been — with the exception of the short time he worked at the carpenter business — a suc- cessful farmer. He owns 420 acres of land where the old homestead is situated and a quarter section in another part of the township, making 580 acres in all. Mr. Patterson manages his farm with rare intelligence, and in all his operations he has been most eminently successful. He takes great care in all the work he does, and therein may be attributed, to a large degree, his success. He has never held any official position, for the simple reason that he never has time. Politically, he belongs to the Republican party, and may al- ways be found in its ranks doing good work. Mr. Patterson enjoys the confidence and esteem of all his neighbors, and is known by the sobriquet of ••The Jolly Bachelor" of eastern Elwood Town- ship. /fifs* HARLES LEONARD DOWNING, a suc- (l cessful farmer, a defender of the Union dur- ^^:' ing the late Civil War, and a true Christian gentleman, occupies a leading position in the com- munity of Georgetown Township, where he has been a resident for a period of twenty years. We find him in comfortable circumstances surrounded by a very interesting family of intelligent children and seemingly in the enjoyment of that which makes life most pleasant and desirable. Of this he is amply deserving, having led an upright life and to the best of his ability seeking to set a good ex- ample to those around him. His homestead com- prises eighty acres of choice land on section 7, and besides this he cultivates twenty-eight acres in the vicinity. I lis farm buildings, machinery and live stock are in excellent condition and in- dicative of the progress and enterprise of the proprietor. The opening years of the life of our subject were spent in Mason County, Ky., where he was born March 21, 1838. His parents, Robert and Susan (Haw) Downing, were natives respectively of Kentucky and Ohio, the latter born a few miles from the "Beautiful River." They were married in the Buckeye State and lived there and in Ken- tucky until their removal to Marion County, Ind.. to which they removed about 1849. The father opened up a farm from the wilderness, where he spent the remainder of his clays, dying in January, 1882, at the age of sixty -six years. The mother still occupies the old homestead and is now about seventy-one years old. Their five children were named respectively, Allie, Lucretia, Charles L., Susan A. aud James Robert, who are all living. Mr. Downing attended the common schools of Ohio and Indiana, and lived with his father on the farm in Marion County, the latter state, until ap- proaching the twenty-second year of his age. In March. 1860. he came to Illinois and engaged to work by the month for William Stevens, in Vermil- ion County. In December following he returned home and in the spring of 1861 entered the employ of H. II. Hall, a minister of the Methodist Episco- pal Church, in Marion County, Ind., with whom he remained seven years. It is proper to state that he began working out summers when a lad of fourteen. The winter season was devoted mostly to his books, and he attended school during these sea- sons until after the outbreak of the Civil War. then, desirous of having a hand in the subjugation of the rebels, he enlisted on the 12th of March, 1862. in Company D, 79th Indiana Infantry, and was mustered into service at Indianapolis. He drilled there with his regiment two weeks, and in less than a month after his enlistment met the enemy in the battle at. Pern ville. He afterward 570 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. fuuglit in some of the most important battles of the war, being at Crab Orchard. Stone River, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge. Lookout Mountain, Knoxville and Spring Hill, at which latter place they remained several days before starting on the Atlanta Campaign. On the way thither they en- countered the enemy at Buzzard's Gap, Dalton and Resaca, Ga., where on the 27th of May, 1863, they lost 1,400 men in one hour out of the third division of the fourth army corps. Later Mr. Downing was with his comrades at the battle of Kenesaw Mountain (where the father of Mrs. Downing was killed). After the fall of Atlanta, our subject was in the battle of Jonesboro, which ended that campaign. Thence they retraced their steps to follow up the rebel general, Hood, and en- tered upon one of the most arduous campaigns of the war, which soon afterward came to a close. Our subject was mustered out at Nashville, Term., in June, 1865, and received his final discharge at In- dianapolis the same month. Although he was in all the engagements of his regiment he was never wounded, and with the exception of four days, when he had the mumps, he never lost a roll-call. Upon retiring from the army Mr. Downing re- turned to his old haunts in Marion County, where he entered the employ of Mr. H. II. Hall, and three days after laying aside his uniform was cra- dling in the wheat field. He continued with Mr. Hall until 1868, then returning to Illinois re- entered the employ of Mr. Stevens. In the mean- time the little orphan girl whose father, Thomas Guess, had been killed in the charge on Kenesaw Mountain, had been legally adopted by Mr. Ste- vens and had now grown to an attractive woman- hood. Our subject in due time made her acquaintance, and the result was a mutual at- tachment which culminated in their marriage, Sept. 25, 1868, at the home of the bride's adopted father, in Georgetown Township. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Downing settled on the farm which they now own and oc- cupy, and the nucleus of which was purchased in the spring of 186 ( J. In 1871 he added eighty acres and has since given to it his best efforts, bringing the whole to a fine state of cultivation and effect- ing modern improvements in the way of fences. buildings and the other appliances naturally sug- gested to the mind of the progressive agriculturist. In the meantime the household circle had been gradually enlarged by the birth of eight children, who were named respectively. Priscilla M., Oscar J.. Frank, Susan, Ella, Lottie, Reason E. and Minnie. Mr. Downing cast his first presidential vote for Douglas, and has since given his unqualified sup- port to the Democratic party. He has served as a Director in his School District, also as Road Over- seer". As an ex-soldier he belongs to the G. A. R. Post at Georgetown. No. 204. He finds his relig- ious home in the Christian Church, to which also his wife and daughter, Priscilla, belong, and of which he has been a Deacon ten years and a mem- ber twelve years. All those enterprises tending to the best good of the people, socially, morally and financially, have found in him a steadfast friend. .. James N., Martha J*, Sally E., Robert L., Minnie (deceased), Amelia S., Nancy, and Melina II. The mother of these children died in 1847, at the age of forty- five years. By his second marriage Gab- riel Mitchell was the father of four children, viz: David B.. Joseph L.. Ruth A. and George B. Of his third marriage there were no children. He re- moved to Wilson County, Kan., in 1870. and died in 1879. ~3M>sH s ^-•<- SPSAAC N. BUSBY. Among- the retired farmers of Faiimount Village, Mr. Busby may be given \ as a fair sample of the worth anil respectabil- ity which have so many illustrations in this county —men who have risen from an humble position in life and whose characters have been developed by the force of circumstances; while their innate hon- esty and integrity enabled them to make for them- selves a good record financially and in their busi- ness relations. The second in a family of twelve children, Mr. Busby was born Nov. 10, 1822, in Virginia, and when a child of four years was taken by his parents to Madison County, Ind. His child- hood and youth were passed amid the wild scenes of life on the frontier, as there were less than 100 people in that county when the Busby family took up their abode there. The early education of our subject was there- fore quite limited, he pursuing his first studies in a log school house, averaging about two months in the year. As soon as old enough his services were utilized upon the new farm, from which he assisted his father in clearing the timber, and remained with his parents until a young man of twenty - three years. He was then married to Miss Sarah Ann, daughter of Edward and Margaret (Volcn- tine) Cotty, Mr. Cotty being a farmer of his own neighborhood and the father of eight children, of whom his daughter Sarah was the fifth in order of birth. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Busby settled upon a farm belonging to the father of our subject, but six months later removed to Pendleton, Ind., where Mr. Busby purchased a half interest in a cabinet shop, and carried on this business for five years. Then selling out he changed his residence to Miracleville, where he purchased a store of gen- eral merchandise, and conducted this two years. Selling out once more he came to this county, in 1853, and purchased a farm in Catlin Township. He sold this in 1858 and bought another in Carroll Township, to which he removed, and still owns the property. In 1858 he came to the farm which he now occupies and which comprises 320 acres of choice land, nearly all under cultivation. He has given some attention to stock-raising, and rather prefers it to general farming, although perhaps in the latter he has met more uniformly with success. Mr. and Mrs. Busby are the parents of a fine family of children, eight in number, and all living. The oldest, Thomas W., married Miss Am\- Ford, is the father of four children, and lives in Adah- County, Iowa; Alice is the wife of Franklin Swishei', of Carroll Township, and they have one child; Horace C. left home some years ago, and is in the great West; Mary L. is the wife of William Carrington, of Carroll Township, and the}* have three children ; Margaret married Charles Cox, lives in Fairmount and is the mother of one child; John E. married Miss Birdie Turner, and they occupy the home farm; they have no children. Ira M. and Carrie are unmarried and remain with their parents. Mr. and Mrs. Busby left the farm in 1886, and now occupy a pleasant and attractive little home in Fairmount. near that of the well-known Dr. J. W. Turner. Mr. Busby owns two and one-half acres of land within the corporation, and is generally well-to-do, having no cause for anxiety as to life's comforts in his declining years. Both he and his estimable wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and have been very active workers in the Sunday-school. Socially, Mr. Busby belongs to Fairmount Lodge, No. 590, A. F. & A. M. Our subject for the last eighteen years has been Township Trustee. Politically he is quite con- servative, and has u due appreciation of the privi- leges of the voting citizen, which are too often held in light esteem. During his early manhood he belonged to the old Whig party until its aban- donment, in 1856. He was not an admirer of John C. Fremont, the Presidential candidate of the 576 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. newly-formed Republican party, neither could he conscientiously vote for James Buchanan, the can- didate of the Democracy. Scarcely knowing how to escape from the dilemma in which he found him- self, he and an ardent Democratic neighbor finally paired off and decided to dig potatoes all day in their adjoining fields, and if either one jumped upon a horse and left, the other one was to go and vote. They dug industriously all day. and as a consequence neither voted at that election. From that time Mr. Busby has voted the Republican ticket. The father of our subject was John Busby, a native of Monroe County, Va., and who married Miss Phebe Boggess, likewise born in the Old Dominion. Grandfather Busby was a native of Virginia and the great-grandfather was born in England. On the mother's side Grandfather Boggess traced his ancestry to Scotland. The parents of our subject were reared and married in their native State, where the}' lived until 1826. They then emigrated to Madison County, Ind., where the father entered 240 acres of land and where he sojourned for a period of twenty-seven years, enduring the toils and vicissitudes of pioneer life. In 1853 he came to this county and purchased 160 acres of land in Catlin Township. After putting in one crop he returned to the Hoosier State for his family, removing them here in 1854. They lived in a log house a number of years, and in the meantime labored in the opening up of the farm, their industry and perseverance meeting with success. The elder Busby accumulated a good property, becoming quite an extensive land-owner. He rested from his earthly labors in 1880, and his name is held in kindly remembrance by all who knew him as having been a useful man in his com- munity, and one who ever sought its best interests. The mother survived her husband until 1887, passing away in 'H'interset, where the father also died. Six of their twelve children are still living and making their homes mostly in Illinois and Iowa. Mrs. Busby was born in Wayne County, Ind., May 23, 1826, and there spent the days of her childhood and youth. She obtained her education in the same manner as her husband, under the primitive system of instruction in the log school house, and became familiar with all useful house- hold duties which fitted her for the careful wife and mother who has looked after the family in- dustriously and conscientiously, and who labored equally with her husband in the building of their homestead and the accumulation of property. Thomas \V. Busby, the eldest son of our subject, entered the arm}- as a drummer, during the late Civil War, before he was sixteen years of age. Through some misunderstanding he was not regu- larly enlisted, but he served all through the war as a private soldier in Company E, 73d Illinois In- fantry, participating in every battle in which this gallant regiment engaged. For two years he never missed a roll call, but suffered later considerably from illness. He remained with his regiment, how- ever, and with it received his honorable discharge, having escaped wounds and capture by the enemy. His experience was similar to that of the common soldier who suffered hardship and privation un- complainingly while he never lacked in bravery, being always found at his post when able, and prepared to accept whatever fate should befall him. The many friends of Mr. Busby will welcome with pleasure the valuable addition to the Album in a fine portrait of him whose life has been passed among them as a book, the open pages of which all might turn and read. s-** -fpsA AMUEL P. DONOVAN. Although for ^^L many years past engaged in the peaceful ImJi) pursuits of agriculture, the subject of this notice will be remembered by a large pro- portion of the old residents of this county, as one nf Kit Carsons' fift} r -two Invincibles who distin- guished themselves by their explorations in New Mexico and Arizona in 1861. The romantic his- tory of that enterprise and the men who conducted it is almost synonomous with the history of this country. There are, however, but comparatively few living of the valiant spirits who took their lives in their hands and ventured into a savage country, far beyond the bounds of civilization. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 5 77 Mr. Donovan, one of the bravest of these, made for himself an honorable record. After the close of the war he turned his attention to farming, and has now one of the finest homes in Carroll Township. This is presided over by a very estimable lady. Mrs. Donovan being endowed with more than or- dinary intelligence, and one who enjoys in a large measure the esteem of all who know her. They are the parents of four children, named: Luella, William O., Emma E. (deceased) and Eva A. A son of one of the earliest pioneers of this county, our subject was born on Stone Creek about two miles north of Danville. Aug. 27. 1829. It will thus be seen that he is among the oldest living natives within its precincts. Born and reared amid the wild scenes of pioneer life, he grew up healthy in mind and body, acquiring a limited education in the log school-house of those times, and being harnessed into work at an early age. When sixteen years old he left home and was employed on a farm by the month until 1861, then seized with the California gold fever he crossed the Rocky Mountains to Pike's Peak, starting on foot and alone to Fairmount, where he took the train to St. Louis and thence proceeded via the Missouri River to Omaha. At this point a company of eighteen equipped themselves with wagons and mules, in- tending to start on a land-exploring trip. After traveling over Southeastern Nebraska and North- eastern Kansas, the whole company Anally set out across the plains from Ft. Leavenworth to Denver, being forty-one days on the road. Thence they proceeded to Golden City, where young Donovan worked by the day for two weeks, then started over the range, wading in snow, in June, until he came to Blue River. At the above-mentioned point there was consid- erable excitement concerning the prospects in California, and Mr. Donovan proceeded thither. Taking a claim he went to mining in the snow about July 1, then sold out and pocketed the snug sum of $1,600 as his share of the profits for two months. We next find our hero on the way to the San Juan Mountains. At Taos, N. M., the party stopped to lay in a store of provisions and then fell in with Kit Carson, who was organizing a company for the purpose of going to the southwestern part of Ari- zona. Young Donovan eagerly embraced the op- portunity to join the expedition, and they were soon proceeding on their long and perilous trip. They traveled through the country of the Navajo Indians, where no white man had ever ventured before and met with many exciting incidents, fighting with the savages and only losing one in- dividual, a Dutchman, who through mistaken brav- et} 7 exposed himself unnecessarily and was shot through by an arrow. Kit Carson is described by Mr. Donovan as being one of the best natured and most kindly disposed men it was ever his fortune to meet. His life on the frontier had naturally made him somewhat rough at times in his manner and conversation, but at heart he possessed the elements of true manhood. The company explored the country along the Colo- rado and Gila rivers and in Southern California, breaking up at Ft. Garland, whence they returned to Colorado, our subject and twelve others return- ing by the same route on which they went out. They engaged in mining at Buckskin Joe. forming a company and working on the Phillips lead and sinking all the money they possessed with poor re- sults. Next Mr. Donovan proceeded to Denver and Central City, where he commenced working by the day. and was thus occupied nine months, making .l>8 per day. He then invested a portion of his capital in No. 3 Nottaway Lead, which he and his partner worked until they made •'525.000 in about six months. Being satisfied with this Mr. Donovan decided to return to Illinois and soon afterward was married, Sept. 10, 1865, to Miss Lydia Stun- kard. Shortly afterward he purchased his present farm of 188 acres in Carroll Township. Of this union there were born no children, and Mrs. Lydia Donovan died after eight years of married life. Our subject in due time contracted a second matrimonial alliance with Miss Sarah Jane, daugh- ter of William Pollard, of whom mention is made in the sketch of Charles Hull on another page in this volume. The Pollards are of English descent and for many generations have been noted for their mechanical genius. The mother of Mrs. Donovan was in her girlhood Mary Ann Battel, and was the offspring of a noted English family who emigrated 578 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. to America at an early period. Her father liuilL the first steam saw-mill along the southern line of this county, and for years thereafter operated :is a millwright and wheelwright. Mrs. Donovan, a very estimable lady, is a member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church, and our subject, politically, has voted with the Republican party since its organiza- tion. After voting for John C. Fremont, the first Republican candidate for President, Kit Carson declared that if he should live to be more than a hundred years old he would never vote for so good a man as Fremont. While Mr. Donovan was in the mountains his wife was in her native England. She ■was born in Yorkshire, where she attended a pri- vate school, and was a girl of fourteen years when coming to America. Her father had visited this country twice before his family joined him in this county. He crossed the Atlantic seven times prior to his death, which took place in 1886, when he was sixty-five years old. The mother, now a lady of sixty-eight years, is still living and makes her home in Indianola. Their five children were named respectively, Paul, John, Sarah J., Peter and Mar- tha A. Mr. Donovan has served as School Director for a number of years, and has always signalized himself as a public-spirited and liberal-minded citi- zen, giving the right of way to the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad, and contributing in other directions to the best interest of the county. The parents of our subject were James and Man (Perkins) Donovan, natives of Bourbon County, Ky., where they were reared and married. They came to Illinois in 1828. The father when a youth of sixteen years served in the regular army under (Jen. Andrew Jackson as private in a Kentucky company. After coming to this county he was employed in the salt works near Catlin; he also hauled quantities of produce to Chicago and trans- ported produce down the river to New Orleans. After a life of industry and many hardships he departed hence when about sixty -years old. The mother died in 1861, at the age of sixty-six years. 'i hey were the parents of fifteen children, three of whom died in infancy. The others were named re- spectively, Joseph, Rebecca. William (deceased), James. Cornelius. Martha. Richard, Samuel Porter our subject. Sarah J.. Arthur C, Jerry. Mary, Louisa, Nellie, and Robert, deceased. The paternal grandfather was born in Ireland, and was there married to a maiden of his own county. Upon com- ing to America they settled in Kentucky where they spent their last dajs. Grandfather Joseph Perkins was a native of England and was married in Kentucky to a lady who was born in Scotland. *-<# Tr^ OBERT W. FISK. This bright and prom- 'JW^ ising young attorney is the eldest son of iii\\\ James VV. and Sarah A. Fisk, and although %j))only admitted to the bar May 8. 1884, has already gained an enviable reputation as a member of the legal fraternity and made many friends among the people of this county, especially in Ridge farm, to which he came soon after completing his law course. He is possessed of a worthy ambition to excel, and devotes much careful study to the various knotty questions which are constantly aris- ing in connection with his profession, aided by an ample library, to which he is gradually adding as time and opportunity permit. He has fair pros- pects for the future and numbers of friends who are watching his career with kindly interest. Our subject was born at Melrose, Clark County, this State, Nov. 7, 1858, and attended the common school during the days of his boyhood and youth. He at an early period in his life evinced an interest in common law, and in September, 1883, entered the law department of the Michigan University at Ann Arbor, where he studied until March, 1884. Then returning to Melrose he sojourned there until being admitted to the Indiana bar, May 8, 1884. On the 8th of May, 1888 he was admitted to prac- tice in the courts of Illinois. He was elected Police Magistrate of Ridge Farm in April, 1887, for a term of four years, and at the Republican District Convention in 1888, received twenty-five votes for Representative out of the fifty-four required for nomination. He officiates as Notary Public, and is building up a practice which is steadily increas- ing in extent and importance, and has recently been appointed Deputy States Attorney for this county. Mr. Fisk has set a worthy example for his young PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 579 men associates, being an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and giving his un- qualified support to those enterprises set on foot for the purpose of elevating the social status of the community where he is destined to make his mark. He was for one year Captain of Charles A. Clark Camp. No. 77 Sons of Veterans, and is at present First Sergeant in that body. lie possesses business qualifications of no mean order, and is a general favorite both in the social and business circles. He remains unmarried. As an orator he is exceptionally eloquent and forcible, and invariably brings his oratorical powers to his support when arguing questions before the courts. -*-C- fl IfclLLIAM MILLER. In that day when \/\l// f'' eef ' 0,n s ' lil " make up the muster roll of W \? her heroes, none on the majestic list shall meet with greater honor than those who, when the Secessionists sought to force our flag from its proud place, sprung to its aid. The farmer boy, the stud- ent, the wealthy, all touched shoulders and marched, suffered and died, that we might have a land un- divided, free and prosperous. It will be an 1111- propitious day for this country when it forgets to sing the praises of her noble defenders. Let his- tory make a record of the fact that the man whose name heads this sketch was one of those who dared to do, when that act meant something, and when the dark clouds of adversity and war hovered over our fair land. William Miller is a retired farmer of Indianola. His father and mother, James and Ruth (Weiley), both died when William was young, and of whom he has no recollection. At the time of their death there were but two children in the family — Squire and William, the former going to Missouri in about 1834, and when the Mexican War broke out he en- listed, and that was the last Mr. Miller heard of him. William was born March 1."). 1810, in Giles County, Va. His ancestors were leading people in the Colonies, and his grandfather Weiley was a sol- dier in the Revolutionary War. Soon after his mother's death William was thrust upon the world to do for himself, and so his young life was spent in struggling to obtain a livelihood. The most of this period of his life was spent on a farm, and at the age of seventeen he came to Vermilion Count}', without money and without friends. He was en- deavoring to work his way to Missouri, where his In-other was then living, but inducements were laid before him that were strong enough to keep him here, where he worked continuously for three or four years. He made his first trip on a flatboat to New Orleans in 1842, having rafted on the Ohio before. At this time he was a man grown, and a strapping fellow of six feet three and a half, weigh- ing 220. and fully calculated, physically, to make his way in the world. He made three trips to New Orleans, and then abandoned the river. lie rented a farm for several years, after which he came to Carroll Township, in 1845, in which year he was married to Miss Mary George, who was born in Hamilton County, Ohio. In 1857 he removed to Indianola, and two years later went to Kansas, where he purchased 1G0 acres of land, intending to permanently remove there the next year. At this time the struggle was going on in Kansas that was to determine whether that State was to be free or slave, and society was so unsettled that he gave up his plan of making that his home. When the war broke out, in 1861, he enlisted in Comyany D. 25th Illinois Infantry, and was mus- tered in at Danville. His regiment proceeded to St. Louis, remaining at that place for a fortnight, when it was ordered to Jefferson City for drill. It then went to Springfield, Mo., thence south and back again to the latter place, when they were or- dered to Rolla, where the regiment spent its first winter. In the following March the orders came to go to Springfield again, whence the regiment proceeded to Pea Ridge and there engaged in its first fight. Mr. Miller was also in the following battles: Corinth, Champion Hills, Stone River, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Noonday Creek, Pinetop Mountain, Kenesaw Mountain, Chattahoo- chee, Peach Tree Creek and Atlanta. This is a brilliant record. By reason of the expiration of his term of service he was discharged at Atlanta. During the entire term of enlistment he had been 580 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. home on furlough but once to see his wife and children. In 18C5 Mr. Miller went to Montana, making the journey with a wagon. His trip embraced Wash- ington, Oregon and Idaho, touching the British Possessions. He returned in 1867. rich in exper- ience, if in nothing else. Being a good shot, he enjoyed hunting in the mountains. About the last of September the mines would close, when he would shoulder his rifle and go into the mountains in pursuit of bear, buffalo, deer, and antelope, and he has killed as high as fifteen deer in one da}'. Since he has returned he has devoted himself to money-getting, and success has been his. On March 6th, 1889, his good wife died at the age of seventy, leaving five children, whose record is given: John W. enlisted in the Union Army, and died at Griffin, Ga., in 1865; Sarah E., married John II. Grimes, of Villa Grove. He died in 1889. and was the father of three children — Gordon, Maud and Roy; Mary C. is the wife of Van Mitch- ell, a resident of Sidell and an ex-soldier. They have five children — Minnie, William, Pearl, Walter, and Nellie; Winfield lives at Sidell; Lucy is the wife of Allen Spicer, a farmer of Carroll Township, and has one child, Benjamin Harrison. Mr. Miller is a Republican from principle. He voted for William Henry Harrison in 1840. and for Benjamin Harrison in 1888. He has never sought office, but adheres to his party at all times. Mr. Miller is one of the citizens of Vermilion County who is respected bj' his neighbors, and all those with whom he is acquainted. ENRY DORUS NEWELL, owns a large t'j farm in Carroll Township, acquired by his own industry, being a self-made man and receiving no financial assistance in making his start in life. Mr. Newell has been engaged in the tailoring business for the long period of forty-five years and operates considerably as a money loaner. His land, 170 acres, is all prairie. Mr. Joseph Newell, the father of our subject, was a tailor by trade and conducted a general merchant tailoring in Birmingham, England, where he was born and spent his entire life, accumulating a good property. He married Miss Jane Young who was born two miles south of Birmingham. Both the grandfathers of our subject were farmers and with their wives lived to be over eighty years old. To Joseph and Jane Newell there were born ten children, viz: An infant who died unnamed, Frederick, Henry Dorus, our subject; Maria, John, Herbert, William, Harriet, and two more infants, unnamed, deceased. The great-grand- father was a Norman Count b}* the name of Joseph DeNewell; the "De" was dropped b} - the father of our subject. The subject of our sketch attended a private school in Birmingham, prior to the era of the na- tional schools. He learned rapidly, being more than ordinarily bright and intelligent, and completed his studies at the age of fourteen years, being also at that age confirmed in the Episcopal Church. He then began working in his father's shop, acquiring the trade of a tailor readily, but he was fond of adventure, and as soon as able to do journeyman's work, left home and traveled through the northern part of England, also going to Greenock and other places in Scotland, lie was thus occupied for a period of nine years, during which time he was the hero of many a romance in which the fair PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 587 English girls and Scofccb lassies figured quite prominently. He visited the principal cities of England, those containing more than 10,000 in- habitants, and in 1846 became deeply interested in politics and in the charter movement, which he favored very Strongly. This was his lirst experi- ence in politics and made him strongly Democratic. During the year above mentioned, he established himself in business in London, where he remained three years, then went to France and worked at his trade in Paris six weeks. Our subject, finally returning to his native city, was married there Jan. L'4. 1851, to Miss Hannah Dovey, the ceremony taking place in St. Phillip's Church, Birmingham. This maiden was his sweet- heart when he was a boy. they attending the same school and growing up together. They lived in Birmingham for a time after their marriage and then Mr. Newell decided to seek his fortune in the land of liberty. There had then been born to the young couple one child, a son. William Henry. On the 13th of August, 1 854, they embarked from Liverpool on the sailing vessel "Enoch Train" from which they landed safely at New Orleans, ( (ctober 8, following. Mr. Newell pursued his trade in the Crescent City that winter, and on the 28th of March. 1*55. set out for Memphis, Tenn. On the way he fell in with Samuel Grondyek. of Eugene. Ind.. who had just marketed his pork in New Orleans and was persuaded by him to return with him to Eugene, lie followed his trade there six months and in the meantime became acquainted with some of the leading men of lndianola. which was then Dallas. So he changed his residence once more and being a first-class workman, with little or no competition. soon established a large trade. Finally, Mr. Newell, changing his occupation somewhat, entered the Government service ami for six months was stationed at Johnsonville on the Tennessee River. He had become a naturalized citizen as soon as the law would permit, and cast his first Presidential vote for Douglas in I860. He invested his accumulated capital in land in Carroll Township, which steadily increased in value and in 1873 associated himself with Mr. Knipe and began operating a sawmill. Later he sold out his interest in this enterprise, but has a one-half inter- est in a sawmill with Abraham Sandusky, which is located on Sandusky Branch. In 1881 Mr. Newell formed a partnership with John W. Baum to build a tile manufactory at (hrisman in Edgar County. This they have since operated profitably. Indeed all the enter- prises with which Mr. Newell has been connected have resulted creditably to his good judgment. He has expended a handsome sum of money in law books and historical works, and frequently Officiates as an attorney, his ready speech and ex- ceptionally good memory serving him well upon these occasions and causing his opponents to look well to their laurels. He is likewise well versed in history of the world at large, especially that of England and the United Slates. The home of Mr. Newell is pleasantly situated in the north part of the village and comprises a neat and tasteful residence with attractive sur- roundings, and within it, are books, music, works of art and all the appliances of refined life. His children are bright and intelligent, possessing much musical talent, ami the elegant upright piano in their home is the source of much pleasure and satisfaction both to them and their many friends. Mrs. Hannah (Dovey) Newell departed this life at her home in lndianola in 1857 leaving two chil- dren, William II. . who died at the aged of twenty- three years, and Jennie who died at the age of four months. Our subject, in 1861, was married a sec ond time to Mrs. Laura A. (Ferrell) .lames, widow of Elijah James by whom she had five children, Jasper L„ Syrena F., B. \\\. Myrtle and Semour. Mrs. Laura Newell was born at Clinton, Vermillion Co., Ind. Of her union with our subject there have been born likewise five children, Beatrice. Birdie, who died in infancy; Dixie, Harvey, and Georgie. who died when one year old. Beatrice is the wife of Jasper Moore, an engineer at Sidell. and they have three children, Harry D., Mossieand a babe named Laura. Dixie married Milton Hen- son, a farmer, and they reside in Villa Grove in Douglas County. III. The other child is at home with the parents. Mr. Newell belongs to the Episcopal Church while Mrs. Newell is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at lndianola. 588 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. Although a decided Democrat, politically, Mr. Newell mixes very little in public affairs, with the exception of serving twice on the County Central Committe. He visited his native land in 1 883 during the World's Exhibition at the Crystal Palace in London, and attended a very interesting shooting match at Wimbledon. America was finely represented at the exposition and it was a source of no little pride to him that he was a citizen of the United States. During this tour he made the acquaintance of several noted individuals, among them being George C. Miln, the famous preacher- actor, who was one of the passengers on the steamer "Parthia" on which Mr. Newell made the return voyage. ville Commercial Company, and business 11' manager of that establishment, was bom in Michigan City, Ind., April 22, 1846. His paternal ancestors, who were of Irish extraction, were for several generations residents of the South, and his father, Archibald Reed Harper, was born in South Carolina in 1815. When the latter was quite young the family removed to Rush County. Ind., where our subject's father lived until 1833. In that year he and an elder brother went to Michi- gan City, LaPorte Co., Ind., which at that time seemed destined to be the leading point of the southern shore of Lake Michigan. Having estab- lished a home there, the brothers sent for their parents and the rest of the family, who soon after- ward joined them. There the grandparents lived the remainder of their lives, and both died in 1851. Archibald Harper and his brother Asa were car- penters and cabinet-makers, and worked at this trade together until 1850, when the former re- moved to Porter County, Ind., where he engaged in farming until 1880, when he retired from active life, and is now living at Chesterton, an honored pioneer of Northern Indiana. He was twice mar- ried, his first wife being Miss Foster, who died leaving one child, O. E. Harper, now a resident of Danville. The second wife, mother of our sub- ject, was Miss Emily A. Atwater. who was born Sept. 1. 1824, in Canada, whence her parents re- moved first to Pennsylvania, and later to Michigan City. She is living with her husband in Chester- ton. This second union was blessed by the birth of eight children. Two died in infancy, and one, Mar- garet, after reaching womanhood. The survivors are: Albert, who is the eldest; Aimer, a merchant of Chesterton; Laura, wife of Irving Brush, a farmer near that place; Homer S., a painter, living in Pierre. Dak.; and Samuel A., a druggist in Ches- terton. The subject of this sketch spent his boyhood <>n the farm, receiving his education in the district schools. When fifteen years of age he began learn- ing the trade of a printer in Valparaiso, Ind., where, with the exception of one year spent in Williams- port, Ind., lie remained until 1869, when he came to Danville, which has since been his home. He began life there as acompositor on the Commercial, and he has since been identified with that journal. In 1870 he bought a quarter interest in the estab- lishment, still retaining his position in the compos- ing room. The following year the business was reorganized under the name of the "Commercial Company." and Mr. Harper was chosen President. In 1877 he was installed as Business Manager, a position for which his practical knowledge of the business, and his affable and pleasing manners, pe- culiarly qualify him. The success of this prosper- ous journal is largely due to his careful and prudent management of its financial interests. May 2'J, 1873, Mr. Harper was united in mar- riage with Miss Julia Payton, who was born in Vance Township, Vermilion County, Feb. 8, 1817. Her parents were John M. and Sarah (Frazier) Payton, and her grandfather, Peter Frazier, was one of the first pioneers of the county, where he entered Government land at a very early day. He lived to an advanced age, dying in 1881, aged ninety-seven j'ears, one of the oldest white men who ever lived in Vermilion Count}'. The mother of Mrs. Harper died Aug. 28, 1878, in Danville, and since then her father has made his home with his daughter and our subject. He is now in his sixty-seventh 3 f ear. Some seven years ago he gave up his farm and is now living a retired life. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Harper has been PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. .-,*'. i blessed to them by the birth of two children — Katie Payton and Ernest Herbert, both attending school at Danville. The parents are both members of the Kimber Methodist Episcopal Church, and Mr. Har- per belongs to the order of the Royal Templars of Temperance and the National Union. During his residence of twenty years in Danville, Mr. Harper has become widely known and highly respected. A gentleman of modest and unassum- ing deportment, of genial manners and of real merit, he lias the confidence and esteem of the entire community. ¥* filLBl'R CAST, the well-known '-Short Stop" of the base ball nine, the Sidell Reds, is designated as the "cute hitter" and with his comrades has furnished great recreation for the denizens of Sidell and vicinity, displaying in a marked degree the skill which may be attained by lorn;' practice and which really amounts to a science. This "nine" is the pride of the town and Mr. Cast one of its most popular hoys. Base ball, however, occupies only a small portion of his time as lie is industriously engaged in the cultivation of his little farm of eighty acres, where he makes his headquarters and although living in an unpreten- tious style, manages to extract a great deal of com- fort from life. His career thus far has been signal- ized by perseverance and integrity, and he is a universal favorite among his townspeople. He has attained to his position solely by his own efforts, having been thrown upon his own resources early in life. Upon coming to this county twelve years ago or so, he engaged as a laborer by the month at Fairmount, and by a course of industry and econ- omy succeeded in making the purchase of his present farm. Mr. Cast was born in Clinton County, Ohio, six miles north of Clarksville, Dec. 22, 1858, and was reared to manhood in the Buckeye state, receiv- ing good educational advantages. His father, Ezekiel Cast, was married in early manhood to Miss Martha ( Francis) Berkely, a native of Clarks- ville, and subsequently operated as a carpenter and farmer. lie is still living on his farm and is seventy years of age. The mother died in 18(il aged about forty years. .Mr. Cast was married three times after the death of his first wife. The parental household included seven children, viz: Mary F.. Isaac William, Letta Joseph. Wilbur F. L., Jennie and Charles. Our subject was only three \ ears old at the time of his mother's death and re- mained in his native State until a youth of sixteen years. Then coming to this county he entered the employ of W. II. Hartley, now a resident of Fair- mount, and he attended school two winters after- ward. He was married in March. 1880. to Miss Celia. daughter of John and Rachel Frances! Collins) Nugent, of Fairmount. The latter named came to this county in 1801. Mrs. Cast was born and reared near Fairmount. and of her union with our subject there are two children, Raymond F. and Katie F. Mr. Cast purchased his present farm in the fall of 188.5. and is making perceptible headway as the seasons pass. He is a strict Republican, politically, and a favorite in both the social and business circles of this community. Mrs. Cast is a mem- ber in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The father of our subject served in the Union army from the beginning to the close of the Civil War. W a " OT mo ■„ILLIAM P. WITHERSPOON, Jr. Among the good things of life, there are few '$^6 more pleasant or desirable than a neat, at- tractive and well-regulated home, be it in the city or country, although to most minds a home amid the green fields with their peaceful and quiet scenes is the most desirable. They who have a true con- ception of the advantages of life in the rural dis- tricts, may. as in the case of Mr. Witherspoon and his estimable wife, build up a home very nearly approaching the ideal, as they have done, working without question, with the mutual aim in view of gathering around themselves the appliances craved by cultivated tastes and refined instincts. That they have succeeded in an admirable manner, is 590 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL Al.1',1 M. quite evident in looking about their home, which is one of the most attractive spots in Vance Town- ship. Their children are receiving careful home training and a good education, such as will fit them for their station in life and make them good and worthy citizens. The subject of this notice is a native of Indiana. and was born Feb. 11, 1848, being the sixth child of William P., Sr., and Permelia (Berlin) Wither- spoon, the former a native of Alabama and the lat- ter of Patoka. Ind. The father of our subject was born in 1808, and twenty years later, leaving his native State, emigrated north to Southern Indiana, and since that time has lived in the vicinity of Pa- toka. Grandfather Berlin was born in Germany, whence he removed to Scotland, and finally came to America, spending his last days in Indiana. William P. Witherspoon, Sr.. was married in Gib- son County, Ind., served in the Black Hawk War, and subsequently became a prominent citizen of his county. The wife and mother died in 1878. Their family consisted of nine children, eight of whom are living. The father has attained the ad- vanced age of eighty-three years and is in reasona- bly good health. Our subject pursued his first lessons in I he schools of Patoka, Ind., and later attended school on the old Tippecanoe battle ground north of La Fayette. He took kindly to his books and became thoroughly well informed. He was but a lad of fifteen years at the outbreak of the Civil War. and three years later, in 1864, entered the ranks of the Union army, enlisting in Company G, 143d Indi- ana Infantry, in which he was made first color guard and occupied a very conspicuous place in time of action. He was with his regiment during the battles of Nashville, Murfresboro, Tallahoma and Knoxville, and from this latter place went to Clarksville, Tenn., where he remained until the close of the war. He was mustered out at Nash- ville in October, 18G5. Three brothers of our subject also served in the Union army. John was a member of Company II, 17th Indiana Infantry, and re-enlisted after the expiration of his first term of service. Moses and ■lames were in Company A, 80th Indiana Infantry. The former was shot five times at the battle of Resaca, Ga., receiving wounds in the left arm, hip. thigh, the calf of his leg and his foot. He is still living, making his home near Patoka, Ind. .lames participated in all the battles of his regiment, ex- periencing many hairbreadth escapes, but returned home comparatively uninjured, and also resides near Patoka. After leaving the army our subject lived witli his father on the farm until in October. 1868, when he came to this county and entered the store of his cousin. .1. li. Witherspoon, of Fairmount, where he continued eighteen month's. Then returning to the farm lie sojourned there one year, and in 1870, in company with his brother Moses, opened a store of general merchandise at Patoka, which they con- ducted until the spring of 1872. On the 12th of March, that year, our subject was united in mar- marriage with Miss Esther, daughter of Maj. Wil- son Burroughs of Fairmount, and a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. About this time Mr. Witherspoon disposed of his interest in the store at Patoka, Ind., and rented the farm which he now owns and occupies. Later he purchased a farm on section 10. to which lie re- moved and lived upon it until in December, 1875. Then selling out he returned with his family to Indiana, purchasing a farm near Patoka, where he lived three years. Then selling out once more he came back to this county and purchased his pres- ent farm, which consists of 100 acres of thor- oughly cultivated land. He is considerably inter- ested in live-stock, horses, cattle and swine, in which industry he has been fairly successful. He keeps about eighteen head of horses and mules. He has built a fine barn, 36x40 feet in dimensions, and an ample system of sheds occupying an area of 16x40 feet. There is no more desirable home on the south road from Fairmount to Homer. East of the dwelling is the first orchard which he planted, and west of it another one younger, but in good bearing condition. Numerous evergreens surround- ing the house add greatly to the beauty and value of the homestead. The three children born to our subject and his estimable wife were named respectively, Stella Z., Wilson W. and Myrtle M. The eldest is sixteen years old and the youngest six. Our subject is ■ y®j0?f !*£-' JS-J^C 19- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 593 rather conservative in politics and lias always voted the straight Democratic ticket. Aside from officiat- ing as School Director in liis district, lie lias steadily declined the responsibilities of ollice. lioth lie and his wife are members in good standing of the Pres- byterian Chinch, and his children attend the Sun- d ay -school regularly. AVID DICKSON. The results of a health- ful, temperate and honorable life are finely illustrated in the career of this sturdy old veteran of eighty-three years, who still re- tains his faculties unimpaired, and with whom it is most pleasant and profitable to converse. He is one of the oldest men in Carroll Township, and preserves a distinct recollection of many events occurring during the period of the early settlement of this county, in which he bore a conspicuous part, and assisted largely in its growth and devel- opment. He was the pioneer stockman and stock feeder of this region, and in all his intercourse with his fellow-men preserved that upright and honor- able demeanor which gained him their highest es- teem and confidence. A native of Lewis County, Ky., Oil] subject was born Dec. 13, 1806, and is the son of Robert and Phebe (Means) Dickson, the former a native of Maryland, and the latter of Miftlin County, Pa. The paternal grandfather. David Dickson, was of English descent, and grandfather John Means traced his ancestry to Ireland. Upon coming to America the parents of the latter settled in Bucks County, where he was born, reared and married, his bride being Miss Jemima Scudder, a native of Trenton, N. J., and of Holland-Dutch ancestry. The maiden name of grandmother Dickson was Jane Stephen- son. She was a native of Maryland, and of Eng- lish descent. The parents of our subject were married in Mason County, Ky. They were of exactly the same age, being born on the same da}' — Dec. 16, 176"). Some time after their marriage they settled in Lewis County, and thence came to Illinois in the spring of 1821. The mother died that year at the age of forty-eight years. To her had been born eleven children, viz.: James, who died in infancy; John, Jane, James S., Amos, David, our subject, Margaret, Robert, Moses, Jemima and Andrew S. Mr. Dickson was married a second time to Miss Hester Stretch, wdio died, leaving two children — William T., living, and Moses Ii., dead. The elder Dickson survived his wife only three years, his death taking place in 1827, from typhus fever. He was a stanch Democrat, politically, and with his good wife was firmly grounded in the doctrines of the Presbyterian Church. The boyhood days of our subject were spent in his native county, where he became familiar with farm pursuits, and was required to make himself useful at an early age about the homestead. His eldest brother was a boat builder, and when the family decided upon a removal from the Blue Crass State, the two boys constructed a flatboat, and with the father purchased a keelboat besides. Upon these they loaded their stock, farming uten- sils and household goods, together with the family, and set sail on the Ohio River to the promised land. At Louisville, however, on account of high water, they were obliged to abandon their boats after un- loading their stock, consisting of oxen, horses and cows, and made their way overland to this county, settling upon the land comprising our subject's present farm. The latter with his brothers, James and Amos, pushed the keelboat up the Wabash River, and unloaded its contents a little wa3 r s above Newport, Ind., at Coleman's prairie. Thence they hauled their propert}- to their destination — the land which their father had entered from the Govern- ment, upon his first trip to the West, in the fall of 1 823. The education of young Dickson, like that of his brothers and sisters, was conducted in a log schoolhouse in old Kentucky, where they sat upon benches made from slabs, and tried to look out of the window, which had greased paper instead of glass for panes. A huge fireplace extended nearly across one end of the building, and the chimney was built outside of earth and sticks. The teacher instilled learning into his pupils largely by the use of the rod, and Daviil Dickson, it is hardly to be doubted, was one of the most mischievous of his students. The system of .instruction was far infe- 594 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. rior to that of the present day, and one book went through the family until it was worn out. When about twenty-three years of age, being ready to establish domestic ties of his own, our subject was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Waters on the 3d of August, 1829. This lady was born in Stafford County, Va., May 10, 1810, and removed to Bourbon County, Ky., with her parents in 1814. In 1828 they came to this county, the family comprising three sons and six daughters. Parents and children were, remarkable for their healthful frames and robust constitutions. The two families soon became acquainted, and it was not long until David Dickson was the accepted suitor of Miss Waters. Mr. Dickson often recalls to his mind the appear- ance of the country in Central Illinois at this time and prior to it. He describes it as exceedingly beautiful, diversified with prairie and timber, the meadows and marshes thriving with a luxurious orowth of prairie grass and wild flowers. At inter- vals some careless traveler or thoughtless settler would accidentally set fire to the dry vegetation, and then would ensue a conflagration terrible to behold, and frightful to those who did not know how to protect themselves from it. Wild animals of all kinds abounded, deer, wolves, etc., while poisonous reptiles— the rattlesnake, the blue racer, the black and the garter snake — kept the traveler on the look-out. There were also great quantities of wild birds — geese, ducks and pheasants, besides turkeys and pigeons. The Kickapoo and Pottawa- tomie Indians had not yet left the country — prowl- in <* around until 1835, when they were removed west of the Mississippi. The people of that time and place were noted for their hospitality and the community of interest which led them at all times to be regardful of each other's welfare. They had all come to build up homes for themselves, and socially, as well as finan- cially, were upon common ground, very few of them possessing much of this world's goods. They had many difficulties in common to contend with, having to go long distances to mill and market, and obtaining their mail at Paris, the county seat of Edgar County. That county then cm- braced a large tract of land, extending from its present limits to Chicago. After the death of the father, each one of the Dickson boys started out in life for himself. They were all bright and energetic, but David, perhaps, led the van in enterprise and perseverance. He began entering land, and in due time found himself the owner of 1,400 acres. A large proportion of this was brought to a good state of cultivation, and he gave away 1,000 acres to his children, so that he now has but 400 acres. Much of this land was obtained on a Mexican warrant. In 1827 he walked to Fort Clarke, now Peoria, stopping there on his way to Galena. He made the journey on foot on what was then called the Kellogg trace, a distance of 180 miles. He carried his clothes and provisions in a knapsack, and saw the vessel which was fired upon by the Winnebago Indians, on ac- count of which, originated the subsequent troubles of that time. He worked for a time in the mines at New Diggings, and in the meantime became ac- quainted with the founder of Fort Gratiot. Some of the time he was employed for others at the rale of $1G per month. In the fall of the year above mentioned he worked his passage down the Missis- sippi to St. Louis on a keelboat, then purchased a pony, and rode across the Slate. He was at Shelby- ville when that city was laid out for the county seat. At one time he was employed in the salt- works north of Catlin, prior to going to Galena. Mr. Dickson made his first trip to the little town of Chicago in 1835, taking with him a load of pro- duce drawn by oxen. Later, in 1839, he began feeding cattle, and was the first man to engage in this industry on the Little Vermilion. In 1844 he drove 100 head of hogs to Chicago, and during 1848. 1849 and 1850 transported in this manner several herds of fat cattle to Philadelphia and New York City. In connection with this fact it may be noted, that Carroll Township has produced more and finer cattle than any other township in the State of Illinois, and Mr. Dickson in his palmy days was recognized as one of the leaders in this business. Four children came to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Dickson, and three are living. Silas is married and the father of three children — Eve- lina, Robert and Bertinus; he makes his home in PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 595 Indianola, and is represented elsewhere in this work; Robert died unmarried at the age of thirty- three years; Permelia J. is the wife of Dr. J. W. Rawlston. of Danville; Jemima is the wife of Allen Varner, a farmer of Ross Township, Edgar County, and they have six children — Jacob 1).. Mary. Margaret, Robert, William and David 1). Mr. Dickson cast his first Presidential vote for Andrew Jackson in 1832, and has voted at four- teen Presidential elections, never omitting one since reaching his majority. He has continued from the first a pronounced Democrat, and keeps himself well posted upon all matters of general interest, lie finds his religious home in the Methodist Episcopal Church at Indianola. He has been an observant witness of the extraordinary changes occurring in Central Illinois, and his experiences, if properly written up, would fill a good-sized volume. The wife of his youth was spared to him until quite aged, her death taking place Aug. 21, 1887, when seventy-seven years old. There are few men of the age of Mr. Dickson whose faculties are so little impaired by the flight of time, and who can recall so vividly events of more than fifty years ago. He is never at a loss for words with which to pre- sent the contrast between the past and the present, and no man has a finer conception of what has been accomplished in the great West by the hardy spirits who ventured to the frontier, and whose labors resulted in the transformation of the wilder- ness to the abode of a peaceful, intelligent and law-abiding people. A volume of this character would be incomplete without the portrait of a pioneer settler, whose life and history are inseparably associated with that of the count}' for which he has done so much. As the reader turns the pages, he will gaze with pleasure upon the loved face of the venerated David Dick- son. AMUEL BLAIR is a native of Vermilion County and was born in Newell Town- ship, Dec. 5, 1838. His father and mother. William G. and Christina (Braden) Blair were natives of Kentucky, the former having been born Feb. (J. 1797, and died May 4, 1882, while Mrs. Blair's birth occurred on April 19, 1798. She died Oct. 2, 1877. This venerable couple settled in Newell Township on 12tl acres of land and as old settlers, are entitled to all the praise that clusters around that brave class of people. They came here when Vermilion County was in its infancy and lived to see it take its place as one of the prominent counties of a great State. Samuel Blair is the youngest of a family of seven children, and as before stated was born in the township where lie now resides. He married Miss Mary M. Casart, daughter of Peter and Mary Casart, natives of Kentucky. Mrs. Blair was born in Glass County. Mo.. March 7, 1842, and came to Illinois with her parents wdiile very young. She is the sixth child of a family of nine children. She is the mother of six children, whose record follows: Henry M. is engaged with his father in buying and shipping grain and also in the mercan- tile business; Robert is the husband of Jennie Watson and is a near neighbor of his father and mother; Alice died at the age of ten months; Clara M. is at home; Franklin F. is dead; Samuel A. lives with his parents. Mr. Blair is the owner of 120 acres of good land all of which is finely improved. In his farming operations he makes a specialty of breeding Short- horn cattle, and the place is especially noted for the fine shade trees thereon. In an early day these trees afforded shelter for the emigrants, and were noted and favorably commented upon from Chi- cago to Cairo. They were indeed an oasis on these vast prairies. During his boyhood days Mr. Blair frequently drove to Chicago with apples and other produce that was raised on the farm, and the events of these pioneer days are related by him with an evident relish. Politically Mr. Blair is a Democrat, and is now postmaster at Newell, where he is engaged with his son in business. He has held the offices of Town Clerk, Treasurer, and Road Commissioner, and his conduct of these offices has merited the applause of his neighbors. There is no person in Vermilion County who is more public spirited than he, and he is ever willing to do anything that will aid in in the prosperity of his community. His home is 596 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. surrounded by all that a cultivated taste and com- fort could suggest, and is one of which a king might be proud. As a business man, it goes with- out saying that Samuel Blair is unqualifiedly suc- cessful. His reputation for honorable dealing has given him a large prestige, which is used with dis- cretion. Religiously Mr. Blair is an energetic member of the United Brethern Church, an organ- ization in which he figures as a leading light. "'/ifs ; t <>I1X L. PADCITT of Georgetown Town- ship, is pursuing the even tenor of his way as a farmer in comfortable circumstances, the hero of a comparatively uneventful career, and has passed the greater part of his life in this region, lie has signalized himself as a peaceful and law abiding citizen, and has a com- fortable home on section 6, where underneath his hospitable roof are frequently welcomed the many friends whom he and his estimable wife have made during their long sojourn in this county. Our subject was born in Highland Township. Vermillion Co.. Ind.. June 28, 1840, and is the son of Alfred anil Elizabeth (Bell) Padgitt, who were natives of Kentucky, where they were reared and married. The father served in the war of 1 S 1 2 and died in Indiana when his son John L. was but six years old. The mother and her children thereafter lived iu Indiana until the latter were able to look out for themselves. Her death took place in Indiana in July. Kit! I. Then' were twelve children in the family, four sons and eight daugh- ters, all of whom lived to become men and women aid of whom John L., our subject, was the ninth child. Mr. Padgitt remained a resident of his native county until reaching man's estate anil when a little over nineteen years old was married July 10, 1859, to Miss Ellen O'Neal, a maiden of seventeen. They settled upon a tract of rented land iu George- town Township, where they lived until Mr. Padgitt, in 1865, enlisted at Danville as a soldier in the Union army in Company E, 150th Illinois Infantry under Capt. Parker. From Danville they repaired to Springfield, whera they were mustered into ser- vice and were afterward employed at Provost Marshal duty around Bridgeport, Ala., Cleveland, Tenn.. Dalton, Atlanta, and Griffin, Ga. There being then no further need of their services, they were mustered out at Atlanta Jan. 1G, I860, and received their discharge at Camp Butler, 111. Afterward. Mr. Padgitt resumed farming in George- town Township and in 1*77 purchased his present place of seventy -one acres. Here he has made a comfortable living and by his industry and good qualities as a member of the community, has fully established himself in tin confidence and esteem of his fellow citizen^. I'ii our subject and his excellent wife there were born three children, the eldest of whom. Viola F., is the wife of Dr. Buford Taylor of Westville, who is represented in this work. They have two chil- dren — Louie and Bertha E; Celia J. is the wife of Charles Cook a farmer of Georgetown Town- ship; Birdie 1). remains at home with her parents. The latter are members of the Christian Church. Mr. Padgitt politically is a sound Republican and has held the office of Constable. Mrs. Padgitt is the daughter of Isaac and America (Lowe) O'Neal, who came to Vermilion County with their parents in their youth and Here married here. The mother died in 1851 at the early age of twenty-eight years. Mr. O'Neal was married twice afterwards. He had live children each 1>\ his first and second wives. His eldest daughter. Ellen, is the wife of our subject; Samuel married a Miss Graves, is the father of two children. Mamie and Gertie, and resides in Kansas; Evaline married James Cook, who resides at Westville and the others are deceased. Mr. O'Neal was a fanner by occupation and is now deceased. #-# ENRY BASS, who is prominent among the well-to-do farmers of Middle Fork Town- ship, owns and occupies 230 acres of choice (^) land upon which he has effected good im- provements. He is a native of Buckinghamshire, England, and the son of Henry and Sarah (Hart) PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 59; Bnss who were bom in Bedfordshire. They rc- mo\ ed tn the first mentioned county in their youth, where they were married and settled in the shire town \ the lake to Toledo, at which point they t 10k a canal boat to Attica. Ind., from which point they came overland by team to this county and located in .Middle Fork Township. Mr. Bass opened the first stoic of gen- eral merchandise in the town of Marysvilte, but a year or two later decided he would prefer farming and accordingly settled to that occupation. In a burying ground near the old English home of our subject is a stone which marks the resting place of one of his ancestors, Amos l!as>. who died probably 100 years ago at the age of ninety-three. The family had I. ecu for several generations resi- dents of Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire, and were people generally well-to-do and universally our subject is Hi" father of seven children, three of whom — Thomas. Samuel and Harriet, died young. Mary is the wife of W. F. Burt of Middle Fork Township; Fanny married Samuel, t lie son of James ( ', illicit of RoSS Town- Fred is selling g is in Armstrong; Arthur S. is farming in Middle Fork Township. Mr. and Mrs. Bass have been able to surround themselves with all the comforts of life and arc held in high esteem liv their neighbors. Both are members in g 1 standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church. ' AMFS II. STEVENS, a gentleman very pop- ular in his community and possessed of more than ordinary intcllig. nee, is engaged in farming on a modest scale on section where he has eighty acres of well developed land with comfortable buildings. He makes a specialty of market gardening, his produce finding a ready demand among the coal miners in that vicinity. Honesty and integrity form the leading qualities in a character of superior excellence, and which has gained for Mr. Stevens in a marked degree the es- teem and confidence of all who know him. Our subject was horn at his father's homestead on section 'J, near Brooks' Point in Georgetown Township. Vermilion County, .Ian. 5, 1826, and there spent the opening years of his life. He ob- tained his education in the subscription Schools, which were conducted in a log house built in the primitive fashion of those times with puncheon floor, seats and desks of slabs, greased paper for window panes, and a few other finishings and furn- ishings incident to pioneer times. He was at an early age taught to make himself useful around the homestead. The nearest mill for a number of 3'ears was at Telle Haute, Ind. There was for a long time only two wagons in the neighborhood within a radius of ten miles, and the neighbors for some distance around used to each send a bag of corn to ii'j.s PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. be ground, while two men would go in charge of the grist. Later a mill was established half a mile from the home of the Stevens family and operated by horse power. This was considered quite a lux- ury, being a great saving of time and travel. Upon approaching manhood young Stevens be- gan making arrangements for a home of his own, and in 1857 took unto himself a wife and helpmate, Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Charles Rountree. This lady was born in Ohio and removed with her parents to Indiana when a girl. She lived at home until her marriage with our subject, which took place near Crawfordsville, Ind. Prior to and ful- some time after his marriage Mr. Stevens engaged as teacher in Illinois and Indiana, covering a period of fifteen years. He met with success as an in- structor and was proffered the professorship of a seminary in Missouri. On account of the outbreak of the Rebellion lie declined, feeling it his duty to assist in the preservation of the Union. He raised a company in Catlin, of which he was to have been Captain, but upon reporting to the Governor un- der the call for 75,000 men, the quota was found to be full and they were not accepted. Mr. Stevens now turned his attention to agri- culture and purchased his present farm of eighty acres, where he took up his abode and has since resided. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Stevens, namely: Charles Fremont, Winfield S. and Jessie F. Mr. and Mrs. Stevens are mem- bers of the North street Methodist Episcopal Church at Danville, and our subject politically is a strong Republican. Upon becoming a voting citi- zen he joined the Democratic party, but in 1856, finding his party had violated their professed prin- ciples, he wheeled into the Republican ranks the year of their organization, voted for John C. Fre- mont, and lias since labored for the success of Re- publican principles. He takes a warm interest in educational matters and keeps himself well posted upon topics of general interest. The parents of our subject were James and Su- sannah (Thomas) Stevens, the father a native of Kentucky and the mother born in Knox County. E. Tenn., in the old fort of historic fame. The paternal grandfather, Solomon Stevens, was born in England, and when coming to America settled in one of the Carolinas, whence he removed later to Kentucky and finally came to Illinois in 1826 in company with his son James. They settled near Brooks' Point, and Grandfather Stevens lived to besevent}' years old. James Stevens was seventy- six years old at the time of his death, and his wife, Susannah, was seventy-three. The latter was of German descent and was an offshoot of the family of the Union General, George H. Thomas, who dis- tinguished himself during the late war. Grand- father Stevens was an own cousin to Alexander Stevens of Georgia, and one of the noted Confeder- ate leaders. Both father and grandfather served in the war of 1812. James Stevens was then only a boy and could only enter the army under his father's permission. They fought side by side in the same company. The parental household included nine children, namely: Lovina, William, Polly A., James H., Henderson P.. John, Sarah F., Nancy and Sam- uel. -*ii&2'©-S@» < | •©fSiOTJrivwv. OHN R. KINSEY. The community of Oak- wood Township recognizes in the subject of this notice one of its most useful and worthy citizens, a man liberal and public spirited, one who gives generously to his church (the United Brethren), in which he is a Class Leader and Steward and an active worker in the Sunday-school, and who in all the walks of life strives to makes the best of circumstances and follow that line of conduct by which he may be enabled to leave a good record for his children to look upon in future years. Conservative in poli- tics, he was first identified with the Old Line Whigs and upon the abandonment of that party by the organization of the Republicans, he identified himself with the latter in whose principles he thoroughly believes and votes accordingly. His occupation is that of a farmer, and he operates forty acres of good land on section 23, also owning fifty-seven acres in Catlin Towhship. He has neat and substantial modern buildings and a com- fortable home, built up by his own energy and in- dustry. The native place of our subject was a few miles PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 599 west of the city of Dayton, Ohio, and his birth oc- curred Oct. 20, 1831. His parents were Jacob and Eliza (Ressor) Kinsey, the former a native of Ohio, and the latter Imni in Germany, whence she was was brought to America by her parents in early childhood. Grandfather John Kinsey, of Pennsyl- vania, removed at an early day to the vicinity of Dayton. Ohio, and purchased land from which he constructed the farm which now belongs to the grounds of the Soldier's Home. There his son Jacob was horn about 1812. The latter was reared to manhood and married in his native State where lie followed farming anil carpentering and became owner of a fine property. Later he met with re- verses and had little to leave to his children at the time of his death. The mother of our subject was a lady possessing all the womanly virtues, and a member of the United Brethren Church. There were born to her and her husband, nine sons and four daughters and five of these children are living. Four of the boys entered the Union Army during the late Civil War. Jacob was in the 35th Illinois Infantry and died in the service; David passed safely through the vicissitudes of army life and after the war took up his abode in Spring River. Mo., where he died about 1*07 or 1868; Benjamin Franklin contracted measles in the army, was sent home and died; Daniel, of the 35th Illinois Infantry, was taken prisoner and wounded but recovered; returning home, he is now a resident of Butler Count}-, Kan. The mother has long since passed away. Her children cherish and revere her memory above all others for she was truly a mother in every sense, devoted to her husband and regarding her children as her dearest treasures on earth. Mr. Kinsey. the father was twice married after the death of his first wife and spent his last years in Kansas. Our subject remained a resident of his native State until a youth of sixteen years, then in 1847. removed with his father's family to Peru, Ind. He lived there until 1853, then coining to this county he located on a farm just east of his present home- stead, lie had received a common school educa- tion, but was of that temperament and disposition which led him to keep his eyes open to what was iiuinjr on around him. and he thus became a well- informed and intelligent citizen. When ready to establish a home of bis own he was married at 1'eru, Ind.. to .Mis. Elizabeth Chronister and soon afterward, c ing to this county, purchased fifty acres of land from his father where he put up a frame house and became involved in debt. Then selling out he rented land of his father for a year and a half, after which he purchased forty acres — his present farm. Here he hewed his own logs and built a house and stable and since that time has given bis attention to the cultivation and improve- ment of his land. It has been well tiled and drained and is very productive. Besides this be has fifty-seven acres in Catlin Township. He rents other land of his neighbors and besides raising quantities of fruit, having a flourishing orchard, he feeds each year a goodly number of cattle and swine. Mr. Kinsey and his family now occupy a two story frame dwelling, thirty-six feet square and which was erected in 1881. It makes a very at- tractive home, beautifully located in the edge of the timber, and is elsewhere represented in this work. To Mr. and Mrs. Kinsey there have been born five children. The eldest. Margaret A., is the wife of Thomas J. Peterson, lives in Kansas and has two children. Jasper N., and the youngest child — Sardis II., remain at home with their parents. John A., is unmarried and a resident of Dakota. Sarah Ellen. Mrs. Daniel Clapp, has one child and lives in Oakwood Township. ffiACOB .1. ROBERTSON, the son of a well- known pioneer family of Newell Township, his native place, is now classed among its prominent citizens and practical agricultur- ists who are ably sustaining its highest material and social interests. His father, Zaehariah Robert- son, was born in Harrison County, Ky., and his mother Elizabeth (Storr) Uobertson, was a native of Ohio. (For further parental history see sketch of Z. Robertson). Our subject was the eldest of their large family of sixteen children, eight sons and eight daughters, 600 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. and ln's birth took place here Sept. 22, 1848. lie was reared to man's estate on his father's farm) gaining a thorough knowledge of the vocation that he afterwards adopted as his life-work, and receiv- ing his education mostly in the public schools. Since attaining manhood he has devoted himself exclusively to farming and stock-raising, making a specialty of Short-horn cattle, and his fine herd of that breed compares with the best in the neighbor- hood. He owns a good farm whose 100 acres of fertile soil are under the highest state of cultivation, and yield him a reliable income. The buildings standing on the farm arc in good order, and he and his family have a comfortable home. Mr. Robertson was married at State Line, Feb. 6, 1872, to Miss Melissa Brithingham, who has greatly aided him in his work as only a capable, de- voted wife can do, and to her he frankly acknowl- edges his indebtedness. Her parents. Benjamin and Eliza (Maechinson) Brithingham, natives of Ohio, where they were married, were among the early settlers of Vermilion County. He died in Middle Park Township, and she died on the old homestead in Pilot Township. They had a family of six daughters and four boys. Mrs. Robertson was the ninth child and was born on the old farm in Pilot Township, Nov. 21, 1848, and has always resided in Vermilion County. Five children arc the fruit of her happy marriage with our subject — Hallie G., an infant, Charles B., Grace M. and Fay. Charles B. died when two years old. In our subject his native township sees one who is an honor to its citizenship, both in public and in private life, as his career has been without a stain. His manly, honest, straightforward disposition has secured him the confidence of his fellowmen and he has proved an invaluable civic official. He lias been Tax Collector for two years, and has been School Director, taking much interest in educational matters. He was elected Supervisor of Newell Township in the spring of 1887 and served with great credit to himself and the community. Dur- ing his term of office an investigation was made into the affairs of some of the county offices and a shortage was discovered of 83.800. One of the county officials offered to compromise by paying into the treasury 82.000. Our subject with but one other of the supervisors voted not to accept the amount, failing to see why a shortage of $3,800 should be settled for scarcely more than half of the amount. Mr. Robertson had the appointment of one of the grand jurors and he gave him special instruction to do all in his power to find an indict- ment against the guilty parties, and if unable to do so, then to use his influence to have the entire Board of Supervisors indicted, as all but two had voted to accept the $2,000 offered in settlement of the deficit. An indictment was found against the guilty officials, and but one was cleared of im- plication in the affair; the others reimbursed the county for the full amount. Mr. Robertson is a prominent member of the I. O. 0. F., being Vice- Grand of Illini Lodge, No. 240. He and his wife arc true Christians, and valued members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he has been Trustee. lir^EV. FRANCIS A. POETTKEN, pastor of 1 1 ji i JLsr St. Joseph's Church, came to Danville in /fcW, September, 188G, and is discharging the ^§1 duties of his calling with that conscien- tious fidelity which has gained him the confidence and esteem of all with whom he is associated. He is a native of the Prussian province of Westphalia, and was born in the town of Muenster, dune 2, 1838. He received a thorough education in his native tongue, and wa6 ordained as a priest Nov. 11, 1861, at Mentz. Subsequently, until 1875, he officiated as pastor of different churches in Ger- many, and in September, that year, came to the United States. The church edifice in which the congregation of St. Joseph's worship, is a handsome brick structure located on Green street. It was first opened for services in 18G7, under the pastorate of Rev. M. Rosenbauer. In 1886 the building was enlarged, and a steeple added. It was consecrated Aug. 1, 1886, by Rt, Rev. Bishop Spaulding, of Peoria. It belongs to the Peoria Diocese, and has a member- ship of ninety families. A parochial school was established in 1875, and is now under the charge "»M0NSEC36 SOFC| TV PROPERTY OF JAMES BARNETT, INDIANOLA. ■^ RESIDENCE OF ANDREW GUTHRIE.SEC. 25. SIDELL TP VERMILION CO. PORTRAIT AND BIOO KAl'llICA 1. ALBUM. 603 Of the Franciscan Sisters, with an attendance of sixty-live pupils. In connection with St. Joseph's Church there is St. Joseph's Benevolent Society, which was organ- ized in 1877. The following named priests haveat different times officiated in this parish: Rev. Anton Reck, now deceased, Henry Koehne, William Kuch- enbuch, Thomas Frouenkefer, deceased, Peter Jo- seph Schmal, Peter Joseph Gerhardy, C. Schurtz, Bernhard Wenning, deceased, and Father Poett- ken. A very important institution in connection with this church, and known as St. Elizabeth Hospital, was established in 1881, and the building it now occupies was erected in 1888. This is a handsome brick structure, three stories in height, with base ment, covering a area of 49x102 feet and with its finishings and furnishings is a most valuable piece of property. It is in charge of fourteen Francis- can Sisters, and at present accommodates thirty patients. AMES BARNETT is one of the leading busi- ness men of Indianola. lie owns and oper- ates an extensive livery, sales and boarding JIJI/ stable, and has acquired a reputation in his business that is praiseworthy. He also owns a beau- tiful farm of '222 acres, which he carries on in con- nection with his other business. On this farm is a pleasant commodious residence, which is illustrated by a line view given elsewhere in this work, and which is surrounded by stately trees and gardens of beautiful Mowers. Mr. Barnett is the son of James Harnett, who was a native of Kentucky, anil settled in Illinois in 1828. The father was married twice, the lirst time to Miss Conway, by whom he had five children; while his second wife, the mother of the one of whom this sketch is written, was named Rosa Xeil. He became the owner of about 600 acres of land, and was one of the most prominent farmers in this part of the country. His ancestors were from Ire- land, and after coming to America settled in Penn- sylvania, away back in Colonial times. The father of James Barnett, Sr., was born in the State named. and was there married to Miss Delila Davis, of Welsh lineage. The father of our subject died in 18tlt;. while his second wife died the same year, at the age of sixty-seven years. She was the mother of seven children, whose names follow: Emily, Eliza, Lenora, Mary, Willis, James and Harris. James Barnett was born April 11, 1845, on the old Barnett homestead, where he was reared to man- hood. He attended the common schools, working alternately on his father's farm, thus acquiring his knowledge of agriculture and of horses, which has servedhim well. In 1871 he was married to Miss Lucinda Martin, a native of Douglas County. 111., and a daughter of John and Mary (Wheeler) Mar- tin, the latter of whom were natives of Athens County, Ohio. John Martin was married three times, Mrs. Barnett being a child of the first mar- riage. His children are as follows: Susannah. John Joseph, Margaret. Nancy, Levi, Isaac, Mary and Lucinda. Mrs. Barnett was but four years old when her mother died. Eight children were born to her father's second union, and by his third mar- riage he was the father of one child. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Barnett re- sided on the old homestead, where they met all the responsibilities thrust upon them with characteris- tic industry and intelligence. He lias since added to the old farm, so that now it is a beautiful place of about 222 acres. In 1878 Mr. and Mrs. Barnett removed to Jewell County, Kan., where they owned a quarter section of land. This move was made on account of Mrs. Bamett's health, and while there she improved greatly. In the mean- time the Kansas land rose in value, so much so. that they concluded to dispose of it. which they did to a good advantage and returned to Illinois, where tliev have since resided. They have an interesting family of five children, whose names are: Rose A., Wilbur J., Armilda Pearl. Edith E. and Olenwood. Mrs. Barnett belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church, of Indianola, and is always found at the front in anything that will forward the interests of her chosen faith. Mr. Barnett is a member of Ver- milion Lodge No. 265, A. F. & A. M., and of the Modern Woodmen. Politically there is no more ardent Republican in the State than he. Mrs. Bar- nett is one of the best of neighbors, and tenderest 604 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. of mothers. She is justly proud of her family, and of her home, while the interior of the latter shows that the hand of the mistress is never idle. „, NDREW GUTHRIE is one of the promi- WlU\ nent and well-to-do farmers of Sidell Township, where he owns and operates eighty acres of well-improved land on sec- tion 25. His father and mother, George and Mar- garet Guthrie, were born in Ireland. The poverty and reign of landlordism in that country is one of the great causes of its people coming to America. Mere if they are industrious and sober they can find occupation for themselves and land for their children, and in pursuance of this object, the elder Guthrie concluded to leave his native country and seek the more hospitable shores of America. He first settled in Pennsylvania, where he was married, and later, about 1850, he came to Carroll Town- ship. Vermilion County, where lie lived on his farm until death called him away, at the age of seventy-three years. His wife died at the same age. They had ten children, of whom live were sons and five daughters, and but three of these are now living, namely: Thomas, Andrew and Sarah. Thomas resides in Sidell Township, and is prosper- ing; Sarah married George Powell, and is residing at Danville. Andrew Guthrie was born July 6, 1826, in Washington County. Pa., twenty-four miles south of Pittsburgh. He grew to manhood in that coun- try, and married Miss Rachael Reynolds, a native of Favette County, Pa. He lived in that State two years after marriage, until in 1854, he heard of the wonderful resources of this part of Illinois, he con- cluded to remove here, and upon his arrival settled in Vermilion County, where for a few years he was obliged, on account of the lack of means, to rent a farm. But industry and honesty will win. In 1873 he found himself able to buy forty acres of land, and to which he has since added another forty. His farm, though not large, yields good re- turns upon the investment, and is a model in every respect, as its owner does nothing at all but that which he can do well. He has erected a commo- dious residence on his homestead, and we are pleased to present on another page a hue view of this pleasant country home. Mr. and Mrs. Guthrie have six children : Mary E., Ella, Wilbur, George, Samuel and Ernest. Mary E. married Abner Orr, who is a large farmer of Clark County, 111. They have six children, and all are well-to-do; Ella and Wilbur are at home with their parents; George is a carpenter, and is living in California; Samuel is a telegraph opera- tor at Allerton; while Ernest is at home attending school. Air. Guthrie has taken a great interest in educational matters, and is always found ready to do anything that will benefit the common schools. Mrs. Guthrie was a teacher, and held a first-grade certificate in Vermilion and Edgar counties, this State. 'I hey are members of the Cumberland Pres- byterian Church, and largely aided in building the edifice in which they worship. In 1809 Mr. Guth- rie had the misfortune to lose an eve, but other- wise he is in perfect health and strength. Mr. Guthrie is an adherent, mainly, to Demo- cratic principles, but when he votes he scrutinizes the candidates' record and qualifications, and then invariably votes for the best man. He is one of the best men of his township, and is held in high esteem by his neighbors. ^# s* JjfclLLIAM REES. There is a goodly repre- \jjj/i sentation of the peaceable Friends in XfyW Elwood Township, and among them the subject of this notice is one of the prominent members. He is a man justly proud of his ancestry, who made for themselves a good record, and has inherited from them many excellent traits of character. His life-long occupation has been that of a farmer, and he is at present located on section 24 in Elwood Township. Here by his in- dustry and perseverance he has made good use of his time, built up a veiy desirable home and accu- mulated a competence for his declining years. Our subject was born in Greene Countj', East Tennessee, April 1U, 1819, and is the son of Will- PORTRAIT AN'l) BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 005 iam Bees. Jr., who «as borD near Richmond, Va., .•mil who died many years ago. The paternal grandfather of our subject was also William Rees, who removed with his family to Guilford County. N. O, about 1771, when his son William was but two years old and prior to the Revolutionary War. The family were at onetime within three miles of the battle-ground of Guilford Court-house and heard the report of cannon and musketry at that battle. The army, however, moved on. but for some time the cannonading could still lie heard. William Bees, Sr., the grandfather of our sub- ject, was also a native of Virginia and the son of Thomas Rees, who emigrated from Wales soon after his marriage and a short time before his son William was bom. The parents of Thomas Rees were of the Saxon race. Thomas was married in his native country to Miss Mary Bowen, and they immediately set sail for America. Upon their ar- rival they settled near Richmond, Va . and became the parents of four sons. William, Robert, Solomon and David. William married Miss Charity Dillon, of Irish ancestry, and by her became the father of seven children, Moses, William, James, John, Mary, Margaret and a daughter whose name does not appear. Thomas Rees lived to be 105 years old. The father of our subject was the second child of his parents and upon reaching manhood was married to Miss Susanna Jones, a native of Virginia, who was taken by her parents to Tennessee when but a child. There were seven other children in the family, three of whom are living: Mary, Mrs. Bales; Rachel, who is unmarried, and our subject, who was the youngest born; the others, who all lived to mature years, were named respectively. Charity, Deborah, John, James and .lam'. Our subject came to this county in 1830, settling in Klwood Township, where he has since lived. In the following winter occurred the deep snow which fell two feet on the level and when nearly all the deer and wolves were frozen to death. The Rees famil}' experienced all the hardships and diffi- culties of pioneer life, living far from mill and market and struggling for a number of years to make both ends meet. Their grinding was fre- quently done in a horse-mill. Three days after his arrival our subject received a wound on his right knee and still carries the seai-. by reason of an injury in a horse-mill. Young Bees studied his first lessons at the sub- scription schools, conducted in a log cabin, with ^l.'ib seats and desks set up on rude wooden legs, with a clapboard roof, a huge fireplace extending nearly across one end of the building and the chimney built outside of clay and sticks. Win- dow glass was too expensive or unattainable in tho^e days and in its place there was used greased paper for panes. The system of instruction was conducted in a manner corresponding to the time and place. Our subject remained at the farm as- sisting his father in its development until ready to establish a home of his own. The marriage of William Bees and Miss Bebecca Hester was celebrated at the bride's home in El- wood Township, Nov. 7, 1843. This lady was the daughter of Thomas Hester and a sister of William Hester, whose biography appears on another page. She was born in Randolph County, Lad., Jan. 23, 1824, and removed with her parent to Tazewell well County this State, in 1829. Six y r ears later, in 1835, they came to this county. Ten of the thir- teen children born of this union are still living, viz: Levi. Martha. Mary, Sarah, Thomas, Sibyl, Perry ()., Omar II. and Bertram. Levi Bees was married to Miss Rebecca A. Par- ker. At an early age he exhibited an uncom- monly bright mind of a deeply religious turn, and he is now pastor of the Friends' Church in Indian- apolis; he has no children. Martha married Mr. Seth Haworth, who is now deceased, and lives near her father. She is the mother of five children, only one of whom is living, Anna L.; Mary is the wife of Thomas Holliday, of Douglas County, this Mate, and is the mother of three children, Grace. Alice and Lizzie; Sarah is the wife of Pleasant Cook, of Champaign County, and they have two children, Lewis and Arthur; Thomas married Miss Florence Elliott, and lives in Carroll Township; they had one child, Lucille, deceased. Sibyl mar- ried Zimri Haworth, of Klwood Township, and they have two children, Mary and Albert. The Rees homestead includes ninety-two acres of choice land which, under the careful management COG PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. of its proprietor, is the source of a good income. Our subject is a stanch Republican politically but has never sought office, and in religious matters belongs to the Society of Friends. His father was born in 1769 and voted for Washington at his second election for President. He subsequently voted for both of the Adamses and was always a Whig politically. -mm — LEXANDER I). OWEN, a farmer widely HjSyLIJi aiid favorably known, and living in Grant Township, was born in Washington Count} - , Ohio, Sept. 6, 1 S 4 ") , and came to this Stale a tier his marriage in 1 869. His great-grandmother, Mary (Gardner) Owen was the first white woman who ever crossed the Ohio River and set foot upon the soil of the Imperial State of that name, and her history is given in its annals. James Owen and his wife Mary (Gardner) Owen, were the great-grand- parents of Alexander 1)., our subject. They were both natives of Rhode Island and left their home in South Kingston, R. I., in 1798, for the territory of Ohio. They settled at Fori Harmer, now the site of Marietta, Ohio, landing there June 5, 1798 — in company with Gen. James Yarnum. As before stated Mrs. Owen was the first white woman to settle in the Northwest Territory. Her son. Daniel Owen, grandfather of Alexander D., was therefore one of the early settlers of Washington County, Ohio, and became the owner of a farm on the Mus- kingum River, on which he lived until his death It was near what was then known as Ft. Harmer, where Marietta now stands. His wife also died at that place. Their son, Vincent, was the father of the subject of this sketch and was born at the above mentioned place in 1811. He likewise was a farmer and a life- long resident of his native county, where he died in 1876 aged sixty-live years. He was a stock dealer and raiser as well as farmer, and accumu- lated a handsome competency as a result of his in- dustry and correct business habits. He was mar- ried to Jane Adams, also a native of < )hio, who died several years before her husband's decease, leaving a family of nine children, of whom but two are now living — Alexander I), and a sister, Louisa, wife of 1). I'. Adams, a plumber, now residing in Washington County. Ohio. Three of the sons were in the Union army and one died in the service at Pulaski, Tenn. The others died after the war at their homes, the one in Ohio anil the other in West Virginia. Alexander 1). Owen was reared on the farm where he was born, living there until January. 1863, when at the age of eighteen years, he too, offered his services to his country, enlisting in Company L, 1st Ohio Cavalry, with which he served until Dec. I860. His company served as (Jen. Thomas' body guard and was also on detailed duty as despatch- bearers, carrying messages along thi' lines, especially during engagements, the serv- ice being especially hazardous. They were so en- gaged at Lookout Mountain, Buzzard's Roost, Macon, Ga,. Dallas, Ala., Peach Tree Creek, where Gen. Harrison ascended the first step that led to the White House: Three Forks and in all engage- ments of that army down to Atlanta. After peace was declared the company was ordered to Nash- ville, Tenn.. where they were on duty until De- cember, 1865, when they were mustered out. Being honorably discharged, Mr. Owen returned to his home ami resumed work on the farm, remaining there until his marriage Dec. 2, 1868, to Miss Catherine Rubrake. daughter of Jacob and Cathe- rine Rubrake, natives of Germany, who emigrated to this country after their marriage, over forty years ago. The father died in Noble County, Ohio, in March 1888 aged nearly seventy -five years, while the mother is still living at the same place and is now about sixty-five years old. In February following their marriage Mr. ami Mrs. Owen removed to Logan County. III., where they lived for seven years, then came to the place he now owns on section 5, in Grant Township, where he has a good farm of eighty acres, on which he has built a fine residence. All the improvements on the place have been made by himself, as his land when purchased was nothing but raw prairie. To- day it is one of the best improved and most desir- able pieces of property in this part of the county. It is all thoroughly tiled, fenced, and in a high state PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 007 of cultivation. Beside Ins general farming, Mr. Owen gives considerable attention to dairying in which In' lias met with success. Mr. Owen is a member of Harmon Post No. 1 15 'G. A. R. of Hoopeston, and both he and his wife are communicants of the First Baptist Church of that place. In politics lie is a Democrat. By the I pie who know him, Mr. Owen is spoken of as an upright, honorable and trustworthy man. and a good citizen, who can always be depended upon to do just what he promises, and he justly merits the respect and confidence of his neighbor. We invite the attention of our numerous readers to a handsome engra\ ing of the elegant home and surroundings on the farm of Mr. Owen. /^EORGE M. SULLIVA] ill c — . ing and industrious I'a ^\^i|l which position he has /-^- Ko1;<;k M. SULLIVAN is the enterpris- 'ath master of Sidell, held for the long period of eleven years. A native of the Bine Grass Stale, he was bom Sept. 16, 1836, and there spent his childhood days amid its pioneer scenes, attending the subscription schools in a log house, with its seats and desks made of slabs and theother furnishings and finishings corresponding toth.it period. lie was harnessed into work at an early age, following the plow when a lad of nine years, and thus were formed within him those habits of in- dustry which have made of him a wealthy and Successful man. [n 1854 the Sullivan family, leaving Kentucky, emigrated to Decatur County, Ind., and our sub- ject engaged first in breaking land upon the new farm. After a time, however, longing for a change of occupation, he secured a position as Freight Agent with the Indianapolis & Cincinnati Railroad Company, and was entrusted with the purchase of tic-, timber and general construction lumber, being in the employ of this company about eight years. In the meantime lie was married, in 1861, to Miss Lucinda Ann Baker, who was then an attractive young lady of nineteen year-. In 1866 Mr. find Mrs. Sullivan settled on a farm in Shelby County. Ind., where they lived two years. In 1868 they came to this county, and Mr. Sullivan rented a farm of Kill acres in Sidell Township from Mr. Oakwood. He was prospered in his labors as a tiller of the soil, and in 187] purchased forty acres of raw land on section .'ill. Upon this he effected some improvements, and three years later sold it to good advantage. Later he purchased the 1110 acres on section :S 1 , which constitutes his pres- ent homestead. To this be has given his undivided attention, with most excellent results. The land is highly productive and embellished with a set of g 1 buildings, the dwelling being a neat frame of one ami one-half stories, well fitted up with the conveniences of modern life. The outbuildings, live-stock and machinery arc what might be natur- ally expected from a man of Mr. Sullivan's push and enterprise, and compare favorably with those of the others enterprising farmers of this section. Seven of the ten children born to Mr. and Mr-. Sullivan are still living, viz: .lames II., Oliver 1*. and Henry A. (twins;, Carrie B., Home 1 1.. Charles W. and Arthur G. .lames II. married Miss Lucy Clester, and is the father of onechild. He is em- ployed as salesman fur Charles Forbes, the agri- cultural implement dealer of Sidell, and in this capacity ranks second to no man in the county. The other children are at home with their parents. Oliver and Henry are cultivating 120 acres of rented land on section 2, making a specialty of corn. Our subject, politically, uniformly votes with the Democratic party, and with his wife is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He has held several of the township offices, giving general satisfaction in the discharge of his duties. The parents of our subject were natives le.-pect- ively of Maryland and Kentucky, the mother born in Mercer County. Her maiden name was Mary Hill, ami her mother was a native of Scotland. The ten children of the parental family were named, re- spectively, Nancy K., John II. , Louisiana. Myriana. Sarah. < leorge Marion, our subject, Martha .1.. Mary Iv, .lames l'.and William.!. Both the grandfathers served in the Revolutionary War. Grandfather Sullivan was a Sergeant under the direct command of ( ion. Washington. A fife belonging to him and used during that war. is still in possession of the family. The father of our subject died in Wash- 003 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. ;ngton Count}-, Ky., at about the age of sixty-one 3-ears, when George M. was a lad of eleven years. The mother died ten years later and was also sixty- one years old. Mrs. Sullivan was born in Decatur County, Ind., and is the daughter of James II. and Louisa Bowen, the father a native of Ohio. They were the parents of six children — four daughters and two sons. ffiUDGE JACOB W. WILKINS, one of the Justices of the Supreme Court of Illinois, has enjoyed a largo and varied experience in his profession, while his learning and dignity and the deep sense of justice he is gifted with, especially fits him to grace this honorable position. His naturally good judgment and sound learning, together with his studious habits and legal abilit}' have long since gained for him the highest esteem of his fellow citizens and the respect of his professional brethren, while his fidelity to duty has ever been apparent in 1 1 is rulings and pro- ceedings. He is an Ohio man by birth, and was born near Newark, Licking County, June 7, 1887. "When our subject was a mere child his father decided to seek the farther West, and coming to Crawford County, 111., settled on a farm in Licking Township, where Jacob W. lived until a youth of eighteen years. He had tip to this time pursued his studies in the common schools, and b} r close application prepared himself for McKendree Col- lege at Lebanon, St. Clair Co., 111. lie entered t!ii> institution and for the following two years prose- cuted his studies with his well known energy and thoroughness. He left the college halls in 1861 and begun the study of law under Judge John Scofield, who was afterward his law partner, residing at Marshall. At the outbreak of the Rebellion he en- listed as a Union soldier, but was soon obliged to return home on account of ill health. His patriot- ism, however, would not permit him to remain at home, and soon again he presented himself to the enrolling officer and joined Company K, 130th Il- linois Infantry, and was mustered in as Captain. His regiment was thereafter in different divisions of the Army of the Cumberland, and later in the Department of the Gulf. It passed through the Vicksburg campaign and participated in all the bat- tles connected therewith, after which the}- joined the army assigned to make the Red River expedi- tion. Our subject was engaged in the battles of Sabine Cross Roads. Spanish Fort and Fort Blake- ley, and was before Vicksburg during the siege of that city. Later he was on duty at the headquarters of Gen. Grant and served until the close of the war — a little over three years — receiving his dis- charge in the fall of 1865 with the rank of Major. Then returning to Marshall he completed his law studies, and was admitted to the bar in the spring of 1866. He opened an office in Marshall and com- menced the regular practice of his profession, following it alone until 18(37. That year he asso- ciated himself in partnership with Judge Scofield, and they remained together until 1873, when the partnership was dissolved by the election of Judge Scofield to his present high position, being also a member of the Supreme Court of the State of Illinois. For a time our subject continued his practice singly in Marshall, then formed a partnership with a younger brother and they continued together until in June, 187 ( J. when Mr. Wilkins was elected Judge of the Fourth Judicial Circuit of Illinois, the other two judges of that circuit being Judge (). L. Davis, of Danville, and C. D. Smith, of Cham- paign. In June. 1885, he was re-elected, and. Judge Davis retiring, Judge Wilkins took up his residence in Danville, where he has since resided. He was assigned to duty on the bench of the Appellate Court of the Fourth Dis- trict in 1885, and was elected to the Supreme bench in June, 1888. Politically, Judge Wilkins is a sound Republi- can, and has been of signal service to his part}', frequently being sent as a delegate to the various conventions. On the 21st of September, 1865, he was married to Miss Alice Constable, who was the daughter of Judge Charles II. Constable, a man of prominence and broad attainments in legal lore. This union resulted in the birth of three children — Harry O., John Scofield and Jessie Belle. Mrs. Alice Wilkins died at her home in Marshall in PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 609 March. 188;!. Her children are still living, and are bring given the best advantages in the way of ed- ucation and careful training. Judge Wilkins contracted a second marriage in July. 1885. with Mrs. Sarah K. (Whitlock) Archer, daughter of Judge William C. Whitlock, of Mar- shall. The family residence is pleasantly located in the central part of the city, and its inmates are surrounded by all that ample means and cultivated tastes can supply. They occupy a high social po- sition in their community. The Judge has accumu- lated a comfortable property. The father of our subject was Isaac Wilkins, a native of Virginia, and born July 11, 1806. When a young man he emigrated to Licking County. ( )hio. where he was married to Miss Sarah Burner in 1827. In Ohio he operated as a contractor and builder, but after his removal to Crawford County, this State, turned his attention to farming and be- came the owner of 320 acres of land, which he brought to a good state of cultivation. He also dealt considerably in live stock, and finally accu- mulated a good property, so that he was able to retire from active labor. He died Nov. 17, 1886. 1 1 is wife is still living, and a resident of Marshall. She was born in Virginia Nov. 9, 1811. and is the daughter of Henry Burner, who removed with his family to Licking County. Ohio, about the same time that the Wilkins family settled there. The parental family included nine children, live of whom are living. Ml : sS^Jffac : ■ yilLLIAM T. STEVENS. Among other ven- turesome spirits wdio sought the frontier \J^5 I during the earl}- settlement of Central Il- linois came the subject of this notice, and he has made for himself a record worthy of preservation. We find him a well preserved old gentleman, ap- proaching his three-score and ten years, having been bom March 18, 1821. His native place was Rush County. Ind., and his parents were James and Susannah (Thomas) Stevens, both of excellent families, which produced names of historic fame — Alexander Stevens on one >ide of the house and Gen. George H. Thomas on the other. In the sketch of James II. Stevens found elsewhere in this volume, is given a more extended notice of the parental history. The family of ten children were named respectively: Lovina, William Thomas. James EL, Mary A.. Henderson P., Nancy. Samuel <;.. John A.. Sarah and Stephen C. Mr. Stevens has resided in Vermilion County for the long period of sixty years, and for forty years has occupied his present farm. There is nothing which confers dignity and stability in a larger measure than a prolonged residence in one commu- nity, especially if the career of the man has been such that he has found favor in the eyes of his fel- low-men, as in the case of Mr. Stevens. He came to Illinois a child with his parents, grew up on a farm, was trained to habits of industry, and ob- tained a limited education in the subscription school. The tales which he could tell of pioneer life would verify the adage that "truth is stranger than fiction." For several years after the settle- ment of the Stevens family in this region there was no mill nearer than Terre Haute, Ind.. to which one member of the family would travel on horse- back, carrying his bag of corn or wheat with him. and returning in the same manner with the meal or Hour. To guard against bad weather or accidents preventing the journey to the mill, they made ready what was called a hominy mortar block, be- ing simply a large oak log, hollowed out by burn- ing and scraping, in which they could pound their grain and thus prepare a sort of meal which could be made into bread. If not fashionable it was at least unadulterated and sweet, and formed when cooked very palatable food. They made a rude sieve out of a deer skin, in which the}' sifted their meal. The finer portion of this would be made into bread, and that which would not go through the sieve was made into hominy. In due time a small mill run by horse power was established near Brooks Point, which later was suc- ceeded by a larger mill, and the settlers felt very rich in its possession. In order to build a school house all of the people within a radius of several miles, brought in two or three logs and put up a temple of learning. The master who understood the "Rule of Three" was considered sufficiently 610 PORTRAIT AND BlO< i UAI'IIICAL ALBUM. competent, and each head of the family would pay so much a quarter for each scholar. Thus the teacher received a part of his salary and "boarded around" for the rest. Young Stevens, like his brothers and sisters, was required to make himself useful at an earl}' age, and as soon as strong enough followed a breaking plow, the old "bar share," driving an ox team. He remained a member of the parental household until his marriage, which occurred in 1848, with Miss Martha, daughter of Robert Alexander, who died leaving no dhildren. Mr. Stevens contracted a sec- ond marriage Feb. I, 1*72, with Miss Nancy, daughter of William and Susan (Ellis) Blakeney. Mr. Blakeney was an old pioneer of this county, and served in the Black-Hawk War. He was of a splendidly developed frame, and bore the reputa- tion of being the strongest man west of the Wa- bash. He and his aged partner are still living, being respectively seventy-six and seventy-five years old. They occupy a neat and comfortable dwelling a few rods from the house of their daugh- ter, Mrs. Stevens, by whom they are cared for with the most filial affection and their wants studiously looked after. They are the parents of twelve chil- dren, of whom Mrs. Stevens was the sixth in order of birth. She was born in this township, Vermilion County. May 16, 1843, and by her union with our subject has become the mother of three children — Ina J., Susanna and Savannah E. The Stevens homestead comprises 1(15 acres of thoroughly cultivated land, which is very valuable and a portion of which is underlaid with a rich coal deposit which has never been developed. Our subject and his amiable partner are members in good standing of the Christian Church, in which Mr. Stevens officiates as Elder. Socially, he be- longs to the Masonic lodge at Catlin. He assisted in the erection of the church building at Westville and has been Superintendent of the Sunday-school four or five years. He has served on the Grand and Petit Juries, and politically is a solid Demo- crat, casting his first vote for Andrew Jackson. Mr. and Mrs. Stevens some time ago bound a little girl, Matilda Ann Guess, whose mother had died when she was a small child, and whose father fell in the Union service at the battle of Knoxville. The child, now a woman grown, is the wife of C. S. Downing, who is represented elsewhere in this work. There is no pleasanter place of resort in Vermilion County than the hospitable home of the Stevens family, made so as much by the prudence, good judgment and cultivated tastes of the wife as by the business capacities, resolution and perse- verance of the head of the house. Mr. and Mrs. Stevens deserve honorable mention among the pio- neers of Vermilion County. 1LAS MENDEXHALL, a peaceful and law- abiding citizen of Elwood Township, re- sides at a comfortable homestead on sec- tion 13, where he pursues the even tenor of his way, making very little stir in the world and striving therein to do the least possible harm. He was born in Greene County. Ohio, May 2*. 1829, and is the son of Malachi Mendcnhall. who was a native of North Carolina, and spent his last years in Carroll Township, passing away years ago. From the South, the father of our subject re- moved to Ohio when a small boy, whence he came to this county in 1838, and thereafter made his home in Carroll Township, where his death oc- curred in January, 1880. He had married in early manhood to Miss Elizabeth Stair, and to them were born ten children, five of whom are living — Joy, Frederick, Silas, our subject, James and Lewis. They were given a common-school edu- cation and Silas has always followed the occupa- tion of a farmer. Our subject was first married April 10, 1854, to Miss Asenath, daughter of William Maxwell and of this union there were born live children — Dora C, Frank W., Kate C, Anna M., and Hattie. Dora married Oscar Larrance, of Carroll Township, and has three children — George S., Hugh M., and Claude E. Frank married John Morris of this township, and they have three children — Ivy A., Mabel A., and Odberl A. The mother of these children departed this life Jan. 8, 1**5. Mr. Mendcnhall was married a second time on March II. l*,s:i to Mrs. Hannah M., widow of cu vy\0> 4h#/w>cn^ PORTRAIT AND IiKXiRAPHICAL ALBUM. 613 Thomas Haworth. Mr. Mendenhall supports the principles of the Republican party, but has never been an office-seeker and prefers the quiel home life to the responsibilities connected with office. He is a member of the Society of Friends, and lias followed farming all his life, giving of late consid- erable attention to stock-raising. His mother is still living: and resides at the old homestead. ^ -*■- \YjAMKS THOMPSON. Many are the horns which have been passed in a pleasant and profitable manner by the biographer, listen- ing to the stories of the pioneers of I Ins county, some of whom still survive and furnish a valuable link between the past and present. In looking upon them it is almost impossible to realize the toils and dangers which they encountered dur- ing the period of their early life on the frontier, the battle with the primitive soil, the disadvantage of the distant market and the numberless other difficulties which beset those intent upon building up a home from the wilderness. The subject of this sketch is a man of large ex- perience, and one who has watched the growth and development of central Illinois, with more than ordinary interest, as the friend of progress and all the enterprises tending to elevate the people. He has had the unspeakable satisfaction of witnessing the downfall of slavery in this country and the preservation of the Union, and in his day suffered no little on account of his sympathy with the cause of freedom. He is now quite well advanced in years and has the satisfaction of knowing that his life has been honest and upright, and that he has lived in an age, which, perhaps, has witnessed more of change and advancement than that of any other period since the world began. The first forty-live years of the life of our sub- ject were spent on a plantation in his native State of Kentucky, where he was born in Mason County, Aug. L3, 1818, near Maysville. lie attended the subscription schools, and at the age of twenty-four was married, in 1842, to Miss Mary A. Harrison, lie settled with his young wifeon a plantation near Maysville. Mrs. Thompson had taught school prior to her marriage and was a lady of decided ideas. Our subject, as well OS his ''a was :i strong Whig, and it finally became not oiuh ry un- pleasant, but absolutely dangerous for him to remain in his native State, especially after the out- break of the Rebellion, lie was finally obliged to tlee with his wife and children for safety, and crossing the Ohio River made his way to Carroll Township, this county. That period of his life, more than any other, brought out the true charac- ter of the man, and developed the fact that he would sacrifice his property rather than his princi- ples, and he consequently met with great loss. Three or four years after coining to this county he purchased a tract of land which he sold later and finally removed to Sidell Township, where he now owns two farms. That upon which he resides comprises 160 acres and is supplied with very good buildings. He has in all 314 acres of fine, well- cultivated land. Mr. Thompson is spending his declining years, retired from active labor and in the enjoyment of a competence. Of the seven interesting children born to Mr. and Mrs. Thompson, the eldest son, John J., died when a promising young man of twenty-four years; Elvira is the widow of George Clarkson, who is represented elsewhere in this work, she has four children — Henry Thomas, Mary J., Alice B.. and George James; Charles M., married Miss Lucy Sconce, is a resident of Sidell Township, and the father of one child — Mary C; Mary J. became the wife of John S. lies, a fanner of Sidell Township, and has three children — Ivory V., Jacob J., and Grace A.; William H. died at the age of seven years; Joseph II. married Viola Parrish and is a resident of Sidell Township; he is represented else- where in this work; Benjamin A. died when twenty-one months old. Mr. Thompson is now as strong a Republican as he was a Whig in the early days, and lias frequently served as a delegate to the various conventions. Both he and his wife are members of the Cumber- land Presbyterian Church. Mr. Thompson has Served as School Director in his District and has taken a warm interest in educational matters. He is the offspring of an excellent family, being the fil4 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. son of John and Eliza (Cole) Thompson, the father horn in Washington County, Pa., and the mother in Mason County, Ky. ; they were married in the Blue Grass State, and the father was a farmer by occupation. He died in 1848, when about sixty- five years old. The mother survived her husband for the long period of twenty-eight years, dying in 1870. when about eighty-four years old. Benja- min Cole, the maternal grandfather of our subject, served in the Revolutionary War and was wounded at the battle of Brandywine. Mrs. Thompson is the daughter of Alfred and Sarah (Vice) Harrison, the former a native of Lewis Count}-. Ky. Her paternal grandfather, John Har- rison, was a native of Virginia. The parents of Mrs. Thompson, spent their entire lives in Ken- tucky, the father dying when a young man of thirty-five years, and the mother at theage of sixty- four. They had a family of eight children, four sons and four daughters of whom Mrs. Thompson was the eldest, she being born May 13, 1825. An excellent portrait of this worthy citizen and well-known resident of Sidell Township is pre- sented on another page of this Album, and will be highly valued both by the younger generation and the sturdy old pioneers of the count}'. *\fj OHN R. NEWKIRK, an insurance agent and a leading undertaker of Indianola, is also an old and faithful public servant, having ifiSllJ served in various capacities for many years. He has held the offices of Collector, Assessor and Justice of the Peace, filling these positions with ability and fidelity, and for the past thirty. one vears has been a resident of the Stale of Illinois. Mr. Newkirk was born in Somerset Township, Washington Co., Pa., on Dec. 12, 1827. His father. Tunis Newkirk, and mother, Jane Rainey, were also natives of the same place as their son. His grandfather. Newkirk, was a native of Virginia, where he entered land from the gov- ernment immediately succeeding the Revolu- tionary War. The Newkirks are of German ex- traction, while the Rainey family were English. The elder Newkirks died in Pennsylvania, the father being seventy-two years old at the date of his death, while the mother was forty-two years old when she died. She left eight children, seven of whom grew to maturity. Their names are: Isaac J., Eliza, and. Sarah A., deceased. John R., Rhoda A., Carolina O., deceased, and Will- iam. John R., learned the trade of cabinet-making and undertaking and became very proficient in his calling. His ingenuity and industry aided him in soon mastering the intricacies of his trade, so that he was able to start out in life, master of the situation. On Dee. 12, 1854, Mr. Newkirk married Miss Elizabeth Neblick. He remained in Pennsylvania until 1857. At this time he concluded that the West offered a better field for his trade and in pursuance of that idea, he concluded to emigrate to Illinois. The journey from his native State to Vermilion County was made the entire distance, in wagons. He located on the east side of Sidell Township, on what is now called the Rovvand farm, which he rented for five years, afterwards buying twenty acres and living on that for five years. He rented Barnett's farm for two years, at the expiration of which time he came to Indianola and here he has resided since, working at his trade and prosecuting the insurance business in a manner that has won for him success. He is the father of four children: Lobe J., Wil- mot, Albertis and Alaquinpa. Lolie married E. E. Weaver, who is a leading merchant of Em- poria, Kan; Wilmot married Dora Smick and is residing at Cushman, Edgar Co., 111. They have two children — Cassius and Maud; Albert is en- gaged in the restaurant business; Alaquinpa mar- ried Edward McVey, who is residing in Pittsburg, Pa., where he is an expert in the electric light business. Mr. Newkirk, as before indicated, has served in various public capacities, and his terms as Assessor and Collector have covered the period of twelve years. He is now serving as Justice of the Peace. These matters of record are pointed out to exhibit the esteem in which he is held by his fellow-citizens. He has been a member of the Masonic Order since he became of age and is enthusiastic in every thin"- PORTRAIT AM) l!l()< 1RAPIIICAL ALBUM. 6 1 5 pertaining to that ancient organization. Tin' Democratic party has no more faithful follower than he. as he believes that true Democracy teaches the correct principles for the administration of the gov- ernment. He believes that the Leaders of his parly are better fitted to choose candidates than anyone else, ami therefore, usually votes the straight ticket. He has inherited his honesty and patriotism for the reason that his ancestors were of the very best peo- ple of their section of the country. fe- ••@fa/OT7rv>~'wv. •/i/w-'.eiilC'Sf-jQ. /p^EORGE F. SANDERS is one of the farm- Ill ,_—, ers of Ehvood Township, who exhibit '^^ii great interest in all benevolent enterprises, and in matters that look to the education of the rising generation. His farm, which is situated on section 10, is improved by the best methods known to modern agriculture, and the buildings on it are of the best, the dwelling house especially, being noticeable for its fine appearance and its comforta- ble arrangement. The place is well tiled and fenced. Mr. Sanders was born in Pittsylvania County, Ya., on Feb. 11, 1836, where his father, Coleman Sanders, was also born. His mother was a native of the same place and was born Aug. 15, 1815. Thev were the parents of fifteen children, seven of whom are living: George F., Daniel. Elizabeth, liuth, Virginia, Amos, and Maria. One daughter. Susan, died after having attained maturity. Mr. Sanders had two uncles, .lames and Leonard San- ders, who were soldiers in the War of 1812, the latter holding the commission of captain. Mr. Sanders' maternal grandfather, Stephen Sea, also fought in the War of 1812, and his remains are interred at Yankee Point, where his grave is deco- rated each Memorial Day. Mr. Sanders came with his parents to Eugene, Ind., in the fall of 1840, when Gen. W. II. Harrison was a candidate for president. The excitement of that memorable campaign, with its log cabins, coon skins and hard cider, is vividly recalled by him. anil especially the ceremonies which occurred at Terrc Haute. lie was in his fifth year at the time and was glad to have the honor to \ >te for the grandson of Gen. Harrison for the same high office forty-four years later. The family lived in Ver- million County. Ind.. until Feb. 1. 1855, when the} came to Elw 1 Township, settling on section 10, where the subject of this sketch now resides. Here he owns 240 acres of land and is engaged in general farming and stock raising. He takes great pride in raising the best of cattle and horses, and in this way has made a great deal of money. He is a thorough and energetic farmer and does every- thing well. On June the 4th, 1856, Mr. Sanders was united in marriage to Nancy J. Shires, daughter of James and Ruth Shires, the latter deceased. There are four generations living in Mr. Sanders' house. Politically he votes the Republican ticket, and has held the office of Highway Commissioner for five years, but has never sought an office. His family are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and while Mr. Sanders is not a member of any denomination, he gives liberally to the support of the gospel and every charitable purpose. While he was a boy he was obliged to work earl}* and late, and therefore his advantages to secure an educa- tion were limited. He now sees where the benefits of a school can aid the rising generation, and he therefore does everything in his power to promote educational enterprises. By his own efforts he has risen from poverty to the position of a wealthy farmer, as a survey of his fine farms and buildings will demonstrate. Mr. Sanders is one of the best citizens of his neighborhood, and by the people who are best acquainted with him he is held in the highest estimation. 4-*%* Y-* MANTEL SNYDER. Oneof the best regu- iHg lated farms in Carroll Township belongs to j }* — -■"? the subject of this notice, and where with his large and interesting family he is extracting much comfort out of life. Providence has blest him in his labors and enabled him to accumulate a good property, while he is endowed with the quali- ties which have inspired him to an upright life and 616 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. gained him the esteem and confidence of his fel- low-men. He owns and occupies 273 acres of choice land on sections 9 and 10, which with its improvements constitutes a fine estate, upon which is paid in taxes a round sum annually. Our subject was born in Clay Township, Fair- field Co., Ohio, May 6, 1830, and was there reared to man's estate, attending the common school, and becoming familiar with the various employments of rural life. When a young man of twenty-three years, he was married, in 1853, to Miss Lovina G-lick, a native of the same comity as her husband, and born in Bloom Township. A year later the young people removed to Bartholomew County, Ind., where Mr. Snyder purchased a farm, where he lived five years. Later he removed to Tippe- canoe County, where he sojourned seven years and came thence, in 18117, to this county, settling on his present farm, to which he has since added. Mr. Snyder has almost rebuilt his present resi- dence, which is large and commodious, admirably adapted to the convenience of the inmates. His barns and sheds are substantial structures like the dwelling, with little ornamentation, to be sure, but amply adapted to health and comfort. Much of the labor upon them has been done by his own hands. The fences are kept in good order, the fields well tilled, and everything about the premises is indicative of thrift and good management. Mr. Snyder makes a specialty of live-stock, Short-horn cattle, Poland-China swine and good horses, and has raised a great deal of winter wheat. He has done a large amount of very hard work, and while in the Hoosier State, engaged considerably in threshing, log-rolling, etc. He is at present iuter- ( sled in bee-keeping, having about forty-six swarms, which produce a very fine quality of honey, with which the family is amply supplied the year around. The household circle of our subject and his wife was completed by the birth of ten children, the eh lest of whom, a daughter, Catherine, became the wife of Thomas Bone, of Champaign County, and died in 1888; Simon married Miss Lydia Jones, and they are living in Carroll Township; they have two children — Emery and Edith. Martha A. is the wife of P. Lawrence, a farmer of Carroll Township; Henry D. married Miss Jane Hinton ; they have one child, and live at the home farm. Monroe is married and farming in Broadland, Champaign County; Jonathan, William, Erma, Perry and Maude remain at home with their parents. Mr. and Mrs. Snyder are members in good standing of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and our subject, politically, is an uncom- prom ising Democrat. The parents of our subject were Henry and Elizabeth (Tosh) Snyder, natives of Germany, who came to America after their marriage. The father had settled in Fairfield County, that State, about 1840, and there both parents spent their after lives, Mr. Snyder dying at the age of seventy- five years, and the mother at the age of eighty, in 1878, ten years after the decease of her husband. Six of their children grew to mature years, viz.: Philip, Henry, George, Fred, Emanuel and Elizabeth. *"-*-tP" ^f'OHN W. NEWLIN, a native-born citizen of this county, and a veteran of the late Civil I War, in which he consecrated the opening years of his manhood to the service of his country, and won an honorable record as a fearless, patriotic soldier, being promoted from the ranks — is to-day one of the leading citizens of Catlin Township and one of its most able and popular civic officials. He has a good farm on section 31 and a fine residence near Catlin village, and is actively engaged in buying, feeding and shipping stock'. lie is derived from worthy parentage and comes of good old pioneer stock. His father, Thomas B. Newlin, is supposed to have been born in Harrison County, Vn., and his mother, whose maiden name was Angeline Griffith, was born in Wayne County, Ind. Her father was Stephen Griffith, one of the earliest settlers of this county, coming here in 1826, the mother of subject being then about nine years old. The father of our subject had attained manhood when he accompanied his father, John Newlin, to this county in 1837, coming from Champaign County, Ohio, and settling in Catlin PORTRAIT AND BIO< HI Al'IlK'AL ALBUM. r,i: Township, and thus becoming pioneers of this place in an early day of its settlement. After marriage the parents of subject settled rnOakwood Township, where the father carried on his occupa- tion as a fanner fur many years, heing an impor- tant factor in developing the agricultural resources of thai township. In 18(36 he and his wife re- moved to Kansas, lmt in 1872 they returned to this county and established themselves in Danville, where he died in February, 1877, thus closing a life that had been an exemplary one and leaving the precious legacy of an honorable name to its de- scendants. The mother of subject makes her home in Kansas and is held in high respect in her community as a woman of true worth and fine character. Our subject was the eldest of seven children, and he was born June 13, 1840, in what is now known as Oakwood Township. He was reared to man's estate on his father's farm and there obtained that thorough training in agricultural pursuits that has contributed so much to his success in later years. He obtained an excellent education in the common schools of Vermilion County and was thus well equipped to start out in life on his own responsibility. He was not twenty-one years of age when the great Rebellion broke out, and while watching its course with intense interest he longed with patriotic ardor to fling himself into the cause and aid in fighting his country's battles. In a short time he was enabled to leave home and enter the army, and in July, 1861, the month following that in which he became of age, he enlisted in Company I. 35th Illinois Infantry, and served with great credit till September. 1801, a period of more than three years. He took part in the bat- tles of Pea Ridge (Ark.), Stone River, Siege of Corinth, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, etc., and was with Gen. Sherman on his famous march to the sea. He was slightly wounded at the battle of Kenesaw Mountain, and was twice taken prisoner but managed to elude the vigilance of his captors and make his escape both times. That his services were of value on the field is shown by the fact that he was mustered out at Springfield with the rank of Sergeant, he having received deserved promo- tion for gallant conduct in the face of the enemy. After retiring from the army Mr. Newlin re- turned to his native township and there engaged in farming and also in teaching. After assuming the cares and responsibilities of married life he took his bride to Winterset, Iowa, where they established their home, lie engaged in agricul- ture there one year, and at the expiration of that time returned to this county with his family, and has since resided in Catlin Township, where he owns a choice farm of eighty acres, and. as before mentioned, is quite extensively engaged in the stock business. Mr. Newlin has been blessed by agood wife, who has not only added to his happiness but has aided and encouraged him in his work, as a sensible, practi- cal woman alone could do. They were united in marriage Sept. lit. 1865. Her maiden name was Ivea E. Taylor, and she is a daughter of the late Thomas A. Taylor, Sr., and his wife Ivea (Allen) Taylor. They came to this county in 1853 and located in Catlin Township, where he died Sept. 19, 1876. Mrs. Taylor survives him and makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Smith. Mrs. Newlin was born in Tippecanoe County. Iud.. Feb. 2, 1845. and received from her mother care- ful instruction in all household duties, so that when she came to have a home of her own she was amply able to manage it. Five children have been born to her and our subject, as follows: Tempie J., Nora. Mildred. Lena, Lowell T. Mr. Newlin possesses a clear head, sound busi- ness faculties, a strong will and a stable character, which traits, with his well known incorruptibility, render him one of the best township officials, and he has held some of the most important and re- sponsible local public offices. lie has been Super- visor of Catlin Township three terms, has been Assessorand Collector and has also been an incum- bent ot the various school offices. He is a man of exceptional public spirit, always favoring all feasi- ble plans for the advancement of the township or county. He is a Republican to the heart's core, taking an active part in political matters, although his official course is never biased by party prefer- ences, and he stanchly supports those principles for which he fought so nobly in days of yore. He is identified with the A. F. & A. M. as a member of G 18 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. Catlin Lodge, No. 28a ; Vermilion Chapter, No. 89, and Athelstan Commandery, Xo. 45. He and his wife are zealous members of the Cumberland Pres- byterian Church and take an active interest in Sunday-school work. He has been elected Elder of the church but did not feel inclined to serve in that capacity. - ooo - P - 1 ERDINANU M. HACKER. This gentleman ) came to Danville in 1853, when it was only a small place, and the country roundabout was still in a wild, sparcely settled condition, deer in the vicinity, and squirrels and rabbits and other game abounding near the city. Since that time he has been closely identified with the industrial in- terests of this part of Vermilion County, both as a practical farmer and as a skilled mechanic. He now devotes the most of his time to the cultivation of his highly productive, well-improved farm in this township. ( )ur subject is of foreign birth, a representative of the German nationality, born in the province of Pomerania, Prussia, Oct. 18, 1831. His father John Hacker, and his grandfather, Joseph Hacker, were natives of Mecklenburg, the latter being a life-long resident of that province. The father was reared in the land of his nativity, and when a young man was an overseer on a large estate be- longing to some person of wealth. He was but eleven years old when the great Napoleon invaded his native place and he was drafted into the ser- vice of the French, and made to drive a team a short time. He went from Mecklenburg to Prus- sia, and was a resident there, engaged there as be- fore mentioned, till 1S52. In September of that year, accompanied by his wife and the four chil- dren that had been born to them, he set sail from Hamburg and going to Liverpool, Eng., embarked on board of an American-bound vessel, and landed in New York on the day of the National Thanks- giving, after being forty-six days on the ocean. The fares had been paid to Wisconsin, but the family were swindled out of their tickets, and hav- ing no money concluded not to go further than Chicago, and there the father and the children that were large enough, found work. In 1853 Mr. Hacker. Sr., made the acquaintance of Judge Pear- son, who induced him and other families to come to Danville, giving to each, who would build a house, a lot. and he and his family started for this place in the month of July, that year, coining witli a horse and wagon and taking their household goods along. The father built a log house here and was a resident of this city till his death in 1881, at the venerable age of eighty-two years. Thus he was an interested witness of much of the growth of this flourishing, busy city, and aided in bringing about the great change. The maiden name of his wife was Dorathe Lewerenz, and she was a native of Pomerania. She is now a welcome inmate of the household of our subject, and has attained the ad- vanced age of seventy-eight years. Then' were six children born to her and her husband : Ferdinand M.; Fred C. living in Danville; Charles, in New- port, Ind.; Minnie married John Balls, and after- ward died. Two died in Germany. Ferdinand, of whom we write, attended school in his native place quite steadily until he was four- teen years old, and as is the custom of his church, was then confirmed, and was afterward employed with his father. In 1847 he commenced to learn the cabinet-maker's trade, his father paying *-_' 1 cash for that privilege, and he received his board during the three years he served. At the expira- tion of that time he did journeyman work a few months, and then, in 1852. came to America with his parents. After coming to this country he worked for a time in a box-factory in Chicago, and in 1853, after settling in Danville, went to work at the carpenter's trade till the fall of the year, and then engaged at his old calling as cabinet-maker, doing journeyman work till 1855. In that year he went to Fithian Station and worked on a farm a few months, and then returned to town and worked at his trade till 1856. After that he was actively and prosperously engaged as a carpenter, and was a res- ilient of Danville till 1870, when he bought the farm where lie now resides. On this he has made many fine improvements, greatly increasing its value, has erected a good set of frame buildings, and lias brought the land to an excellent state of cultivation so that it is highly productive, yielding PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 619 bounliful harvests inrepaymeul for his toil. Here In- anil his family have a pleasant. COSy home, and its generous hospitalities are appreciated by the weary stranger who happens within their gates. Mr. Hacker was married Aug. 13, 1854. to Anna Heal, a native of Germany, who came tu America when quite young. To them came seven children — Albert, Mary. Charles. Martin. Edward, .John and Emma. This happy home circle was invaded by death in 1874, and the wife and mother was taken from her sorrowing family and friends. Mr. Hacker was married tu his present wife in 1876, and their peaceful wedded life has been blessed to them by the birth of three children — Annie. Ferdinand B. and Ida May. Mrs. Hacker's maiden name was Emma Kaley Sheets, and she was born in Reading. Burks Co.. Pa. Mr. Hacker stands well in this community as a man and as a citizen, and in all the relations of life that he has been called on to fill, as son, husband, father and neighbor, he has done his duty, and no one can bring aught against his character or his re- cord, which are stainless. That he has a comforta- ble home he owes to his incessant industry, di- rected by sound common sense and excellent judgment. Mr. Hacker has a deeply religious na- ture, and in him the Lutheran Church Bnds one of its most active supporters, he having been one of the first members of the denomination in Danville. He belongs to the Fire Keck Lodge No. 199, I. 0. 0. P.. find to the Turner Society. iUFORD TAYLOR. M. 1).. one of the favor- ite sons of Georgetown Township, is now a resident of Westville, and is rapidly making his mark as a physician and surgeon, and also as a politician. He is married to one of the accomplished daughters of Georgetown, and they occupy a neat and comfortable home in the village of Westville. where they enjoy the warm friend- ship of many acquaintances. The Doctor has a good practice, and living as he does in the midst uf the coal regions, has frequently the opportunity Vo exercise his skill as a surgeon among the miners, who often meet with accidents requiring his ser- vice. In political circles the Doctor is a member of the Republican Central Committee, and promi- nent in the councils of the party in this section. He has attained to his present position, both in the profession and among men generally, by his own exert inns, paying his way through college and sig- nalizing himself by the industry and perseverance which is the surest guarantee of success in every avenue of life. Our subject was born May 15, 1862. and grew up familiar with farming pursuits. He attended the common school and made such good headway that when but fourteen years old he began teach- ing, and followed this live winters in succession. In the meantime he conceived the idea of becoming a physician. He began the study of medicine un- der the instruction of Dr. .1. E. Raich, of Westville, with whom he remained two and one-half years, then entered the office of Dr. W. A. Yohn, of Val- paraiso, Ind. Later he became a student of the Medical College at Indianapolis, from which he was graduated Feb. 18, 1885. He commenced the practice of his profession in Westville, and has since been making steady progress toward the top of the ladder. A few months after receiving his diploma, being prepared to establish a home of his own, the Doc- tor was united in marriage with Miss Viola Padgitt, the wedding taking place at the home of the bride in Georgetown, July 26, 1885. Mrs. Taylor was born in Georgetown Township, April 3, I860, and is the daughter of John L. and Ellen (O'Neal) Padgitt, who are well known in this part of the county as among its most esteemed citizens. She acquired a good education, and, like her husband, engaged in teaching, which she followed six years. After their marriage the Doctor and his bride set- tled in Westville, where they have since resided, and where our subject enjoys the patronage of its best people. He is pardonably proud of some of his performances in surgery, especially a case which he recently had in charge, where a very difficult am- putation was required, and which he executed with exeat skill and with successful results. o To the Doctor and his estimable wife there have been born two children, bright little daughters — 620 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. Louie and Bertha E. Mrs. Taylor is a member in good standing of the Christian Church. The poli- tics of the Doctor have already been indicated. Socially., he belongs to the Masonic Fraternity of Georgetown, and is also identified with the Sons of Veterans at Danville. He is serving as a School Director in his district, and is recognized as a lib- eral and public-spirited citizen, one always read}' to contribute of his time and means for the ad- vancement of the enterprises calculated for the general good of the community. R. PATRICK II. SWAIM. of Ridge Farm. is recognized by the people of Elwood Township and the outlying country as one of the most successful physicians and sur- geons in the county. He is comparatively a young man, on the sunny side of forty, having been born Oct. 19, 1849. His native place was Guilford County, N. C, from which he removed with his parents in 1852 to Parke County. Ind., they settling- nine miles north of Montezuma, where the father, Brantley Swaim, died in 1882. The mother, Mrs. Irene (Fields) Swaim, is still living at the old homestead in Indiana. Eight children comprised the family of the pa- rents of our subject, seven of whom are living, viz: Byron, Christopher W"., Isalielle, William B., Patrick IT., John B. and Milton. Our subject first attended the common schools of Bloomingdale, Lnd then entered the academy conducted by Prof. Barnabas B. Hobbs. When twenty-three years old — in the fall of 1871 — he began teaching, and followed this profession thereafter for live years in his own neighborhood. He then began reading medicine, and in the meantime attended medical lectures in Rush College, Chicago. Later he attended the College of Physicians and Surgeons f Hamilton. His father, Louis Gray, was a native of New Jersey, but came to Fort Cincin- nati in 1801 and built a log cabin on what is non- known as Third street in the city of Cincinnati. Here he purchased 200 acres of land at a shilling an acre, which, upon his removal to Butler County, Ohio, the so-called land of promise, he sold at a small advance on the original cost. He was mar- ried to Miss Mary Winnigs. this event taking place in New Jersey a short time previous to their re- moval to Ohio. Louis Gray was a strong sup- porter of the old Whig party and an ardent ad- mirer of Henry Clay, Harrison, and other men of his party. When the Republican party was formed, in 1856, he joined that political organization, but died regretting the fact that he could never have the opportunity of casting his vote for John C. Fremont. At the time of his death, in 1856, he was seventy-eight years old. Early in life he was crippled, a fact which prevented him from enlist- ing in the war of 1812. He made an endeavor to join the army, but was rejected. Louis Gray was married twice, his fust wife being the mother of William. His second wife was Mrs. Ann Collins, a native of New Jersey. By his first marriage he was the father of five children; Amos, who was drowned in boyhood; Phoebe, Daniel, William and Harvey. The grandfather of the subject of this sketch was born in America, but his father was a native of England, coming to this country in colonial times. William Gray's birth occurred on May d. 1816. he is the only survivor of his mother's family, but has three half sisters living. His first boyish recol- lections are of the old log house in the woods on the banks of the Miama River, but this stream has since washed away the site of the structure. Here the happiest moments of his childhood were passed. His father was a contractor for the building of the Miami Canal from Dayton to Cincinnati, and about the first work in which William engaged, was driving a yoke of oxen on this contract, while his father had charge of 100 men and about forty or titty teams of cattle. William was obliged to stand on a Hour barrel in order to put the yoke on his oxen. His father, in common with other sturdy pioneers of this country, believed implicitly in the plan of rearing his sons to industry, a fact which has left its imprint upon the generation succeeding him. After the canal was completed, William's father invested his earnings in Butler County land, but in 1844 he concluded to remove to Indiana, which he did. locating near LaFayette. It was under these circumstances that the sub- ject of this sketch grew to manhood. He attended the subscription schools in the winter time, and during the summer months worked upou the farm. He also learned the cooper's trade, as his father owned a cooper shop in connection with his grist- mill. In 1841, when he was twenty-five years of age, he was married to Miss .Sarah A. lIarman,who was born three miles east of Lebanon, Warren Co., ( )hio. She is the daughter of Samuel and Mary Harman, who came to Warren County while they were children. Her grandfather, Henry Harman, was a native of Germany, while her mother's peo- ple came from an old American family of Scotch- Irish descent, Her parents continued to live in Warren County several years, but finally removed to Tippecanoe County, Ind., and later spent their declining years with Mrs. Gray, her father dying in March, 1875, at the age of seventy four years, while her mother passed away in February, 1M,S7. at the advanced age of eighty-four years. This venerable couple were the parents of twelve chil- dren, whose names are herewith given: Sarah A., Alfred, Elizabeth. Susan, Henry, David, Rebecca and Mary (twins), Samuel. Catherine, Martha and Emma. Mrs. Gray was born Oct. 14,1822. Her early PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 625 flay 8 were passed in a manner similar to those of her husband. They lived only twelve or fourteen miles apart, and became acquainted while yet children. In 184 1 Mr. Gray with his family— and also accompanied by*his father's family — removed to Clinton County, Ind., and resided there until 1859, when they settled on their present home- stead in Vermilion County. Mr. Gray purchased 10(1 acres of land, which at the time was nnini proved. He staked off the foundation for his house by the shadow of the sun at noontide, but his watch being a little fast, the foundation was not located due north and south. While in Indi- ana Mr. Gray began to pack pork, working at it every winter, and in company with John Blair built a plant for this purpose and also for packing beef. His packinghouse was located at Crawfords- ville, and in this industry he was prospered, killing about 20,000 hogs each year, for three years. Since Mr. Gray has lived in Illinois, however, he has devoted his entire time to farming, and in this occupation has been eminently successful. Mr. and Mrs. Gray have become the parents of nine children: Harvey, Mary .lane, Alfred, Will- iam H., wdtodied at the age of live years; Elizabeth A.; Sarah C.who died when fiteen years old ; Milton, who died when six months old; Clara and Alice. Harvey enlisted in Company 1).. 25th Illinois In- fantrv. and at Chickamauga was wounded and taken prisoner, but being disabled was left by the rebels on the field of battle. He was taken to a Union hospital at St. Louis, where he died a victim of small-pox. Mary Jane married .lames Mills, a Union soldier, and he died in April, 187!). leaving three children — Alfred, Elma and Effle. Since the death of Mr. Mills his children, as well as their mother, have lived at the home of Mr. Oray. Alfred married Miss Vena Carroll, and is farming in Sidell Township. They have two children, John and William. Elizabeth A., is the wife of John Wilson, also a I'nion soldier, anil a farmer of Sidell Township. They have two children— Otto and Charles. Clara is at home. Alice mar- ried Samuel Guthrie, who was also a soldier of the Union army and now a fanner near Tuscola, 111. They have four children — Eva, Sarah, Ola and Harrison. Mr. and Mrs. Gray are living in a. very pleasant home, which is illustrated by a line view on an- other page of this volume. All of the surround- ings indicate the refinement and good taste of its occupants, while their splendid line of books also exhibits the fact that Mr. and Mrs. (iray arc fond of good reading. Mr. Gray has served as School Director for several years, ami is much interested in educational matters. He has also been a Justice of the Peace, holding that honorable office for six years, and for many years held the position of Highway Commissioner. Politically he is a stanch Republican, and does good work for his party. In all this section of the country there is not a more generous, hospitable and public-spirited couple than Mr. and Mrs. Gray. AYU) JOHNSTON. It is a fact gener- ijjj ally acknowledged and widely commented ,(iJ)&r upon, that in the great world with its mil- lions of men no two are alike, although they may be possessed of many corresponding traits of character. Mr. Johnston is one of those who have assisted largely in the development of a portion of the soil of Vermilion County, and has distinguished himself by hard labor, sobriety, honesty and the other solid qualities which go to make up the useful citizen. His life occupation has been that of a farmer, and we find him com- fortably located at a snug little homestead on sec- tion 1 , Oakwood Township. He has been reason- ably rewarded for the toil and sacrifices of his earlier years, and has been surrounded by all the comforts of life, while at the same time enjoying many of its luxuries. The first record we have of this branch of the Johnston family was the settlement in Pennsyl- vania of Grandfather David H. Johnston, who sub- sequently removed to Mason County, Ky., during the pciiod of its earliest settlement, where he dealt extensively in fat cattle, horses and mules, and be- came one of the wealthiest men in that region. He also owned and operated a distillery, but distin- guished himself as a patriot, ami was appointed 626 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. by the American Congress during the Revolution- ary War to visit the Tories in his region and con- fiscate whatever he could lay his hands upon of their property, which he sold, and applied the pro- ceeds to the carrying on of the war. It is easy to imagine that nothing pleased the old hero better than this errand, and none rejoiced more than he at the result of the Declaration of Independence. Among the sons of Grandfather Johnston was John, the father of our subject, who was born in Mason County, Ky., was reared upon a farm, and removed to Ohio about 1826. He had three sis- ters — Hannah, Nancy and Polly Ann. He married Miss Sarah Mathaney, a native of that State, and the daughter of Elias Mathaney, who was born near Harper's Ferry, in West Virginia, and in connection with farming pursuits became one of the best breeders of fine horses in the Blue Grass regions. lie was married three times, and died about 1862. The parents of our subject after their marriage visited Kentucky, then settled in Adams County, Ohio, and there spent the remainder of their days. John Johnston was a well-educated man, and be- came prominent in his community. He was by nature a polished gentleman, and a man always in demand at public meetings to introduce the speakers to the people, and make other various little arrangements so essential to the smooth work- ings of those gatherings. He departed this life at li is home, in 1834. and the mother followed her husband to the land of the hereafter, four years later, in 1838. The latter frequently related the incident of her father "poling" a keel boat from New Orleans to Pittsburg before the days of steam. To Jolm and Sarah (Mathaney) Johnston there were born five children, three sons and two daugh- ters, of whom three are living, and of whom David, our subject, was the eldest. He was born in Mason County, Ky., Feb. 6, 1826, and at the early age of twelve began to paddle his own canoe. His education was very limited, and he worked for his uncle about three years after leaving home. Later he was employed by John Dalton, of Brown County, Ohio, several years. In September, 1844, when a youth of eighteen, he started for Illinois on horseback, and upon his arrival in this county was employed the first year on a farm for Henry Florher, and he was similarly occupied until his marriage. This important and interesting event was celebrated Nov. 11, 1852, the bride being Miss Mary A. E., daughter of Dr. A. W. Britting- ham, an old Thompsonian physician who came to Illinois in 1830, and was a very prominent man in his day. His grandfather. William Brittingham, was born in Maryland, and married a lady whose first name was Elizabeth. His parents were Jeremiah and Mary (Williams) Brittingham. the latter a daughter of John Williams, of Maryland. Jere- miah was born Dec. 3, 1764, and his wife, Mary, Oct. 12, 1760. Jeremiah Brittingham removed to Ohio in 1810, and to Illinois in 1830, arriving in this county Nov. a. 1830. He became the father of eight chil- dren, five of whom died when quite young in Maryland. The three who grew to mature years were: Benjamin A., Mary and Arthur W.. the lat- ter the father of Mrs. Johnston. To the latter and his excellent wife there were born eight children, of whom five are living, viz: Mrs. Johnston, Mrs. Lucretia Osborh, Mrs. Julia Ann Osborn, Arthur W., Jr., and Jeremiah. The last-mentioned is still unmarried, and makes his home with our subject. He is a prominent member of Oakwood 1. ( ). ( ). F. Lodge No. 564, in which he has passed all the chairs, and in February, 1889, finished his term as Past Grand. Arthur W. Brittingham departed this life Aug. 19, 1885. The mother of Mrs. Johnston was in her girlhood Miss Matilda Watson, daughter of the Rev. Henry and Mary Ann Watson, who were among the early settlers of this county. She was born Sept. 3, 1801, and died Aug. 1!», 1877. Mrs. Johnston is a native of this county, and was born Nov. 8, 1833. After their marriage Mr. Johnston operated on a rented farm about seven years, then entered 160 acres of land from the Government, and purchased forty acres. This he he sold later, and bought 100 acres, which he now owns and occupies. His landed possessions com- prise 21)7 acres, nearly all under cultivation, lie erected his present residence in 1876. He raises considerable stock, feeding a carload of cattle each year. Only a son and daughter have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Johnston. The latter, Matilda Jane, PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 627 became the wife <>f David Young, and lived on one of her father's farms until her death in 1880; she left one child, who is being reared by the grand- parents. John W. Johnston, the only son of our subject, is a very bright and promising young man. and re- main-; on the homestead with his parents, assisting in the operation of the farm. lie is a prominent member of Lodge No. 71 1. A. F.& A. M.,at New- town, in which he has been Secretary five years and Senior Warden three years, still holding the latter office. lie is also a member of Vermilion Chap- ter No. 82, at Danville, and of Athelstan Com- manders' No. 15, at Danville. He is also Record- ing Steward of the Methodist Episcopal Church, a School Trustee and Vice-President of the Town- ship Sunday-school Association. Both Mr. and Mrs. Johnston have been mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church for the past, six years. Mr. Johnston cast his first* Presi- dential vote for Zachary Taylor, and has always kept himself well posteTl upon the political issues of the day. lie identified himself with the Repub- lican party at its organization, in 1856, and since that time has steadfastly remained a supporter of its principles. ATTHEW TRIMBLE, one of the sub- \1\ stantial and successful men of Sidell Township, and one who is well iden- tified with the advancement of his com munity. is now engaged in general or mixed fanning. He is one of the substantial men of his township, and is entitled to a place in history as a self-made man. He was born Dec. 27, 1827 in Ohio, and was reared on a farm, and in a new country. His father was one of the pioneers who was obliged to hew his way through the forest, in order to make a farm, and as Matthew was the oldest boy of the family, he was obliged to work hard at plowing and breaking among the stumps. His boyhood days, as before stated, were desti- tute of any of the advantages calculated lo give him an education, as the school teachers in those days were on a par with the scboolhouses, exceed- ingly crude. Later, as he crew to lie a young man. a brick school-house was built, of which he aided in the construction, and there he attended school for three terms. When he came from Ohio in the summer of 1863, lie brought with him a drove of 700 sheep, driving them the entire dis- tance with the aid of a boy and a dog. and this was his first substantial start in the stock business. His first wife, whose maiden name was Cassandria Pig- inan.died in 1862, when he sold his farm and engaged exclusively in the stock business. He has traded and dealt in live stock of all kinds since his boy- hood, and at the time of selling his farm was con- sidered one of the shrewdest buyers in this section of the country, and up to this time he had made an even $2,000 on his sheep. He was married the first time in 1849 and by this union he was the father of four children: Rebecca A., William, Rachael and James. Rebecca married Scott Hildreth, a farmer of Carroll Town- ship. They have three children, Elizabeth A., Joseph and Blaine: William resides in Povvesheik Count}', Iowa; Rachel married George Bennett. They have four children: Clinton, Minnie, Frank and an infant. Frank is a tinner by trade. Mr. Trimble was married a second time in 1864 to Mrs. Lydia Harvey. She was born in Pennsylvania and came to Indiana when a small girl, and in 1862, emigrated to Vermilion County. Her first husband, whose name was Oliver W. Harvey, died in the army, leaving two children — Jane and Charles W. Mr. and Mis. Trimble have two children — Chaun- cey and Lucy. The former is at home working on the farm, while Lucy married Elmer Ilite, who lives in Kansas. Mr. Trimble has assisted his children in getting a start in the world, and they are the pride of his declining years. He has taken an active and intelligent part in all the matters per- taining to public schools, and has served as Direc- tor fifteen years. He has also tilled various other positions in the township, although he has never aspired to political honors. Mr. and Mrs. Trim- ble are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Sidell. and they are materially aiding in the erec- tion of a new house of worship. He is an original Lincoln Republican, as In- considers that the prin- 628 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. ciples of that great man are the correct ones for the government of politics. He belives that the Union Labor party of America is, some da}', bound to succeed. Mr. Trimble since be has commenced to do for himself, has been successful, which is wholly due to his judgment of men and his industrious habits. He takes hold <>f all matters of business with energy, and never has known that there is such a word as "fail." 8 K HAEL FISHER has for the past ten years been engaged in the hardware busi- ness in Indianola, where he has conducted a large and prosperous business. His store is one of the finest in the town, and is always the scene of activity. He was born in Carroll Township, within half a mile of Indianola, Nov. 6, 1835. His father, David Fisher, came to this count}- in 1833, bought school lands from the State, and also entered a tract of government land in the same year, and at the time of his death, which occurred in 1878, he owned nearly 1,000 acres of land. He was born in Ohio, his father being of good old Pennsylvania stock. The Fishers were of German extraction and pioneers of Pennsylvania, where they settled during Colonial times. David Fisher was married in Carroll Town- ship to Miss Jane Weaver, who is still living. She is a native of Ohio, her father coming to this coun- try in 1828 and being therefore one of the very earliest pioneers. He lived to be one hundred years old, while his wife was past ninety when she was called away. David Fisher was the father of five children, whose names are: Michael, John YV., Mary J.. George and Lucinda. Michael was reared on a farm and received good educational advantages in the schools of his childhood, which were of the subscription sort. He was married in 1864 to Miss Maryette Baum, daughter of John W. Baum, an old settler of Carroll Township. She was born in Indianola. After marriage .Mr. and Mrs. Fisher continued farming until 1 H 7 7 , when he engaged in the hardware business, as before indicated. He started the erection of the •■Fisher Block" in 1881. completing iU the next year. The store is 44x66, and comprises two store rooms, the Masonic and Fisher's Hall. Mr. and Mrs. Fisher have three children: Frank. Maud and Eva. Frank is attending the Univerity of Illinois and is a member of the class of '90. He is taking the civil engineering course. Maud is the wife of Joseph J. Sidell — whose sketch ap- pears in this volume — while Eva is at home. In addition to his hardware business Mr. Fisher deals largely in agricultural implements, and also owns and manages two farms near Indianola. He has served his neighbors in several offices, having been Justice of the Peace for sixteen years and Asses- sor and Collector for four years each. While liv- ing in Kansas in 1857, he joined the Odd Fellows fraternity to which society he has since adhered. Politically he belongs to the Democratic party, but is in favor of the best man being elected to any position, and in consequence he votes independ- ently. As before stated he has held many town- ship offices and with distinguished honor, but he has never been an office-seeker, as his neighbors have recognized in him the qualities which sin mid belong to every man occupying a public position. His fine education coupled with his splendid judg- ment lias been recognized and appreciated. Mr. Fisher was a student at the Georgetown Seminar}' where he acquired a classical education, and in his younger days was a teacher, being eminent in his profession. lie is one of the leading citizens of Vermilion County and is respected and hon- ored as such. A fine view of the home of Mr. Fisher is shown in this volume. +* J M3*£^~h ANIEL OAKES. a gentleman of unusually ) : modest demeanor, may be usually found ^ at his homestead, on section 11, in Vance Township, where he carries on farming and has lived since 1869. The inroads upon his health, made by the rigors of war when he was but a youth, have had their lasting effect upon his con- stitution, sci that he has not been enabled to realize PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 629 the full measure of his ambition among the busy laborers of the world. He is, however, a man highly respected among his fellow-citizens, possess- ing that integrity of character which has enabled him to live uprightly and at peace with all the world. The early tramping "round of our subject was in Seneca County, Ohio, where he was born Aug. 26, 1843. His father. Michael Oakes, was a native of Pennsylvania, a farmer by occupation, and mar- ried Miss Rebecca Farner, who was born in Ohio. In 1850 they moved to Clark County, 111., and later returned to Ohio to make a visit, and Mrs. Oakes died while on the journey thither. The father was subsequently married, and after some years, about 1858, returned to this county. The children of his first wife comprised three sons and one daughter, of whom three are living. One son, John, during the Civil War. enlisted in Company F, 25th Illinois Infantry, and died in camp at Scottsboro, Ala., in the winter of 1862. Michael Oakes departed this life at his home in Nance Township, in 1882. The subject of this notice attended school in Clark County, 111., the temple of learning being an old log schoolhouse, with its primitive accommoda- tions, and the system of instruction far inferior to that of the present day. When a youth of seven- teen, the Civil War being in progress, he enlisted as a Union soldier in Company F, 71st Illinois In- fantry for three months. At the expiration of this time he re-enlisted in Company F, 26th Infantry, for three years, and took part in man}' of the im- portant battles which followed — Atlanta, Scotts- boro, Savannah, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Grape Creek — and went with Sherman in his memorable march to the sea. He had the pleasure of witnessing the surrender of the rebel General Johnston in North Carolina, and after the surrender of Lee, repaired with his comrades to Washington, and took part in the Grand Review. On the 28th of -Inly, 18G4, at Atlanta, Mr. < takes received a gunshot wound in the right side, hut he kept on fighting, and never lost a day on accouut of it. At Savannah he was wounded in the right knee. His health was greatly impaired by hardship and exposure, and it is hardly possible that he will ever regain his former robust health. Mr. Oakes was first married in 18G7, to Miss Melissa Morrison, who became Hie mother of four children (two of whom are living), and who died in 1880. The two children remaining are Charles and Eva, who are living with their father. Mr. Oakes was married a second time in 1881, to Miss Margaret Hickman, and the}- have one child — Willie. Mrs. Oakes is a member of the Presbyte- rian Church. Our subject takes no active part in politics, but goes regularly to the polls, and votes the Republican ticket, even if he has to leave a sick bed, as at the last election. He is a member of Homer Post, G. A. R., but on account of frail health, has not been permitted to attend the regu- lar meetings. The most of his time is spent on his snug farm of 110 acres, which is finely located on section 7. and is under a good stale of cultivation. NDERSON W. ELDER. The subject of this notice came to this county from Ohio ll\ in 1878, for the purpose of taking charge tfgfj of the large farm which he now operates, and which comprises 320 acres, the east half of sec- lion 34, in Sidell Township. His efficient manage- ment is observable in the well-cultivated Gelds and the general appearance of the premises. While operating as a tiller of the soil, Mr. Elder is also engaged in the cultivation of his mental capacities — a man who has read and observed much, and who has decided ideas coupled with the faculty of giving them expression, and with the good sense which usually inspires him to temperance of speech and prevents him from giving offense to those dif- fering from him in opinion. He is in the prime of life, active and energetic, and the son of one of the most wealthy farmers of the Buckeye State. John Elder, who was the owner of nearly 1,000 acres of land in Claris County, Ohio, and who died May 31, 1889, at the advanced age of eighty-one years, one month and nineteen days. The subject of this notice was born near Spring- field, in Greene Township, (lark Co., Ohio, Aug. 26, 1852, and was there reared to man's estatl a 630 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. farm. About 1877, lie started on a traveling- tour, visiting the Eastern States, the Dominion of Can- ada, also Kentucky and Missouri, after which he came to this count}'. He was married in 1881, to Miss Libby, daughter of W. B. Squires, of Sidell Township. Mrs. Elder was born in Iowa, whence her parents later came to Illinois, then removed to Kentucky, and she was reared in these two States. Of her union with our subject there have been born four children, viz.: Edna, Inez, Edith and Jolmie B., who are all living and at home with their parents, and are looked upon by the latter with pardonable pride, being remarkably interest- ing and intelligent. Mr. Elder, politically, is a sound Republican, and is able to give a reason for the faith that is in him. He is no office-seeker, and has had very little to do with public affairs. simply serving on the Circuit Jury. The father of our subject was a native of Harris- burg, Pa. ; the mother, whose maiden name was Phebe Casey, was born in Springfield, Ohio. She died in 1860 at the age of forty-live years. Nine children comprised the parental family, who were named respectively, Ann J., Wallace, Findlay, Me- linda, Samuel, Anderson W.. David, Robert and Charles. - — -&m- — Tp^ICHARD R. WORTHINGTON, M. D., )&y physician and surgeon, is one of the •J^\ best of the profession in his community, ^p; where he has resided for the past fifteen years. He is a native of Mason County. Ky., having been born near Maysville on Aug. 1 1, 1851. His father and mother were also natives of the same county, and were very prominent citizens there. The father, the Hon. Samuel Worthington, was elected as a Whig to the State Legislature and was noted as an independent, outspoken man. He died in his native county, in 1862, at the compar- atively early age of fifty-four, and in this world's goods he was fairly well off. He was killed by one of his former slaves. His wife is still living at her old home and is a lady of seventy-one years of age. The elder Worthington had been married three times and by his fust wife was the father of two children, who grew to maturity. He had three by his second wife and eight by his third, four of whom grew to maturity; the latter of whom were Mary It., who died in Mason County. Ivy.; Anna; Richard Runyon, of whom this sketch is written; and Martha L. Anna married Elder W. G. Cox, and is residing at Middletown, Ky. Martha L. is the wife of J. G. Thompson, who is a prosperous merchant and land-owner of Fernleaf, Ky. Dr. Worthington was reared on a farm. He at- tended the common school, and later on. the col- lege at Minerva. Ky., which institution he entered at the early age of thirteen. Here he continued a student for three years when he relinquished his studies to take charge of his father's farm, which Occupied his time for two years. In 1870. he removed to Catlin, Vermilion County, where he began to read medicine under Dr. T. II. Runyon. He continued his studies in this manner for about eight months, when he entered the Medical College of Ohio at Cincinnati, graduating from that insti- tution in the class of 1871. In October, of the same year he located at Indianola, entering upon a successfid medical career. He was married in 187'J to Miss Vina McMellan, daughter of 'Squire William McMellan, one of the leading men of Indianola, whose biography ap- pears in this volume. She was born in Carroll Township, and attended the common schools of her town, gaining a good education. She is the mother of three children — Samuel Lester, Chester Allen and Anna Love. Dr. Worthington put in a stock of drugs the first year he located at this place, buy- ing out the store operated by Dr. .1. L. Hull. His practice has increased until to-day he has all the pa- tients that he can attend to. He is a member of the County Medical Association and is constantly studying, thus keeping apace with the practical de- tails in the improvements of medicine. As a physi- cian he is patient, constant, sympathetic, yet in the hour of extremity, cool, calm and courageous, thus inspiring the sick and distressed in scenes of dan- ger, lie is the Examining Physician for the Little Vermilion (amp of Modern Woodmen, of which he is a charter member. He was a charter member of the 1. O. O. E., Lodge No. 584, and passed through chairs of that order, and was Represents- G* CA OurUrtJSrUZ, PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 633 live to the Grand Lodge. Ho was the first Presi- dent elected under the incorporation act of the vil- lage ami served with fidelity and intelligence, and has held that office ever since. He was elected Supervisor in 1 889. Dr. Worthington is an adherent to the princi- ples of the Democratic party and is an active worker in its ranks. He was one of the original projectors of the Indianola Building and Loan As- sociation, being President, of that organization. He is very prominent in the affairs that look to the improvement of his town, and a public-spirited citizen in every sense of the word. ffiOHN F. ROWAND, Supervisor of Sidell Township, although quiet and unobtrusive in manner, possesses strength of character and from the fact that he has just entered upon his seventh year in this capacity, it is evident that he stands high among his fellow-citizens. He is a farmer by occupation, owning and operating 300 acres of choice land, 200 on section 12 and 100 on section 1. Nature has endowed him with a gen- en his fund of sound, common sense, a quality des- cended to him from a most excellent ancestry. The native place of our subject was the present site of Springfield in Clark Count}-, Ohio, where his birth occurred June 2, 1853. His parents, Edward and Margaret (Smith) Rowand were nat- ives respectively of Maryland and Ireland. The father emigrated to Ohio at an early date and settled on a tract of land near the present city of Springfield where he cleared a farm from the wil- derness. He was first married to a Miss Luce who became the mother of seven children, all of win mi lived to mature years. Of his marriage with Miss Smith there were also born seven children, viz.: Edward M., John F., our subject, Isaac, an infant who died unnamed, Margaret J., Mary E. and Davis. Of these six are living. The Rowand family came to Illinois in 1*57. and settled near Paris in Edgar County, where they lived one year; then coining to this county they located where the city of Sidell now stands. The father was a very able man and especially act- ive in church work. lie accumulated a comfortable property but finally returned East as far as Ross County, Ohio, about 1859. Here his death oc- curred in 18C1 when he was seventy-four years old. The mother then came back to this county and is now living at the old homestead, three-fourths of a mile southeast of Sidell. Our subject was in the fifth year of his age when his parents came to Illinois, and after their return to Ohio he attended school in Ross County. After the death of his father he went to live with his half-brother, William Rowand, in Clark County and remained a resident of the Buckeye State until 1869. In the meantime, upon approaching man- hood he worked ou a farm'at *8 per month, during the summer and attended school during the winter. He earned the money for his book's, notwithstand- ing his father left a good property. One of the half-brothers managed to hold the estate, which was in litigation for a period of five years before divided equally among the rightful heirs, being settled in 1877. While a resident of Illinois our subject was married April 2, 1878, to Miss Elizabeth A. Cross. This lady was born in Greene County, Ohio, and is the daughter of Ethan O. and Nancy Ann (Webster) Cross who came to Illinois in 1 862 and settled in this county. The father prosecuted farming and died in 1884, when about fifty years of age. The mother had passed away ten years before, at the early age of thirty-eight years. Their eight children were named respectively, Charles E., Elizabeth Almira, Sarah Matilda, Frank who died at the age of two months, Fanny B., Jennie S., Bessie who died when one year and ten months old and Nettie Adelaide After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Rowand settled upon 200 acres of land which fell to our subject as his share of his father's estate. Upon this he has effected good improvements and for the past five years has been largely interested in live stock, making a specialty of cattle. In 1880 he purchased eighty acres of land on section 1 and in 1881 twenty acres on the same section, which is watered by the Little Vermilion. The farm is well equipped with good buildings and modern machinery, includ- fi34 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. ing a windmill and an artesian well, the latter 210 feel deep. To our subject and his estimable wife have been born four children — John F., Jr., Jennie E., Charles 1). and HattieM.,all living. Mr. and Mrs. Rovvand are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church of Sheridan in which Mr. Rowand is serv- ing his fifth year as Elder. Me has served as Town- ship Supervisor and in politics votes the straight Democratic ticket. Ho is quite prominent in local politics and a member of the Democratic County Central Committee, also of the Democratic Club of Sidell. Nancy Ann Whit, the great-grandmother of Mrs. Rovvand, was the daughter of a Mr. Zanes after whom the town of Zanesville, Ohio, was named; she was married to Mr. Maxwell at the age of six- teen years and in the Revolutionary War carried bullets in her apron to the soldiers, said bullets being •'run" by her sister. She was a courageous and loyal old lady — one of the typical grandames of the colonial times. A portrait of Mr. Rowand appears on another page of this volume. AR1US BOSWELL REID, President of the Village Hoard and Supervisor of George- town Township, is recognized as one of the leading men of this county, with whose interests he has been closely identified for many years. A Kentuckian by birth, his native place was near Maysville, in Fleming County, and lie is the son of Joseph C. Reid, who was born on the eastern shore of Maryland. The family is of Irish origin. Mrs. Rebecca (Montgomery) Reid, the mother of our subject was born in Pennsylvania, af English ancestry. Joseph C. Reid was first married to Miss Susan Lee, in Kentucky. She was a high-born lady and a descendant of old Gen. Richard Henry Lee, of Revolutionary fame. Of this union there were born three children, only one of whom grew to mature years — a daughter, Mary M., who became the wife of Thomas Scott, and at the time of her death left two children — Marion and Alexander. The former was a soldier of the late war and died during that struggle. Joseph Reid was a man highly endowed by nature, remarkably intelligent and a great lover of music in which he was quite proficient, having a line voice for singing and skillfully playing the violin. He taught school during his early man- hood and in the meanwhile prepared the manuscript for an arithmetical text book, which, however, was never published but is still in the possession of the family. The father of our subject likewise learned the trade of a shoemaker which he followed mostly , he fought under Gen. Harrison as ensign at Ft. .Meigs in 1813, anil after the war re- lumed to his home in Kentucky. His first wife died in the Blue Grass State and he was then mar- ried to the mother of our subject. In 1835, after the birth of three children they left Kentucky, coming to Edgar County, this State, and settling in what is now Bruellet Creek Township. They re- sided there until 1850, then removed to Wayne County, where the father entered 120 acres of land on his war claim. He only lived two years there- after, passing away in 1852. ' After the death of her husband Mrs. Reid sold the farm and returned to Edgar County. Later she came to live with her son. our subject, and died at his residence, Dec. 14. 1884, when seventy- five years old. She had been a devoted Christian for more than twenty years and was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Joseph Reid, politically, first belonged to the old Whig p ar ^ and was true to the principles which afterward laid the foundation of the Republican party. The pa- rental household included four children, the eld- est of whom, a daughter, Susan J., married Jason P.. Sprague, who later became Captain of Company 1), 29th Illinois Infantry, and was killed on the battle-field of Shiloh. He left his widow with six children — Sarah A.. Edgar II.. Thomas, Wealthy A.. Charles and Mary. Mrs. Sprague died in La bette County, Kan., at the age of forty years. The second daughter, Elizabeth A., married Shirley Trotter, became the mother of three children and died in Wayne County, this State: Sally F. is the 1'ORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. G35 widow of Francis Robinson and resides in Wayne County; she lias four children. Tlic subject of tins sketch was born .Inly 11, 1833, and was lint two and one-half yearsold when brought by his parents to Illinois. His education was confined principally to his own home, his fa- ther being his tutor, although he attended for a short time the subscription scl Is in Edgar County. There he made the acquaintance of his future wife. He was brought up on a farm and after leaving Wayne County the last lime worked one year in a brick-yard and subsequently was em- ployed the same length of time on a farm, lie came to Georgetown in the summer of 1855 and entered the employ of Pike Sprague for a term of three years, at the expiration of which time he was married, duly 1 I. 1858, to Miss Sarah A., daughter of Rev. Patrick and Lurena (Wilson) Cowan. The parents of Mrs. Reid were from Virginia whence they removed to Indiana and then to this State, settling finally in Edgar County. Their family consisted of nine children, <>( whom Sarah A . was next to the youngest. She was born in Illinois, and was reared in Edgar County; hia- tal her was one of the pioneer preachers of the Methodist. Episcopal Church in Eastern Illinois. Since their marriage Mr. and .Mrs. Reid have made their home in Georgetown, and have a snug resi- dence in the eastern part of the town. In later years our subject turned his attention to carpenter- ing and has built a great many fine residences in and about Georgetown besides churches and school buildings. He put up the academy building at Vermilion Grove and the Friends' churches at Georgetown. Seven children came to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Reid, but the first-born died in infancy. Rebecca A., the fourth child, died at the age of three years; Mary L., Robert J., .lames I".. Alex. C. and Luranah^fe the survivors. Miss Mary became the wife of Kims Campbell, a blacksmith by trade; they live in Georgetown and are the parents of one child. Robert .1. is a telegraph operator and sta- tion agent of the Union Pacific Railroad Company, at Hayes City, Kan.; .lames F., an expert mechanic and builder, is in the employ of the P. E. Kane Bridge Company, of Chicago, making his head- quarters at Lincoln, Neb., where he is at present superintending the construction and laying of the iron works on one of the public buildings of Lin- coln. Alex, has charge of Mr. Reid's farm of forty acres and lives at home. Luranah is attend- ing school at Georgetown, being a member of the class of '91. Politically, Mr. Reid is a strong Republican and in full sympathy with the principles advocated by that party. He has held the ollice of Commissoner of Highways with great credit to himself for the past nine years. lie has been School Trustee a number of years and for several terms has occupied his present position as President of the Village Board. In the spring of 1885 the Democrats brought forward an opposition candidate for Su- pervisor, but notwithstanding this Mr. Reid was unanimously elected to the oflice. He has'served as juryman several times and thus has made himself useful in the affairs of his community, whose con- fidence and esteem he enjoys in a marked degree. Both he and Mrs. Reid are members in good stand- ing of the Methodist Episcopal Church at. George- town. Socially Mr. Reid has been identified with the Masonic fraternity fora period of twenty years, belonging to Russell Lodge No. 154, at George- town, in which he has served two terms as Master and is now Junior Warden. Personally Mr. Reid is of large and commanding figure with a counte- nance and bearing highly indicative of his true character — that of an honest man and a gentleman. ellARLES F. GRAY. Prominent among the manufacturers of Vermilion County and a leading citizen of Sidell, is the sub- ject of this notice who has been known to the people of this region since his boyhood, having grown up among them, being the son of one of the earliest settlers of Sidell Township. His specialty is I he manufacture of tile and brick, in connection with which he has a $15,000 plant and gives em- ployment to a large number of men. In addition to being a young man of more than ordinary busi- ness ability, he is of that generous and genial 636 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. temperament by which he makes friends wherever lie goes and is highly esteemed, not only by his compeers, but by his subordinates. His aim in dealing with his employes is to be not only just. but generous. In appearance he would attract at- tention most any where, being portly and robust, while his high sense of honor shines out through his expressive countenance and is at once a pass- port to the confidence and esteem of his fellownien. His business affairs necessarily demand much time and attention, but these have not prevented him from taking a warm interest in the enterprises set on foot for the good of his community. In glancing at the antecedents of .Mr. Gray we find that his father, Harvey M., was born near Mid- dletown, in Butler County, Ohio, and was the son of one of the earliest settlers of Hamilton County, Ohio, Lewis < iray, who located as early as I 800 near the present site of Cincinnati and established the first cooper shop in that place. He finally became a contractor on the l!ig Miami Canal and accumu- lated a large property, operating both a mill and a distillery. During the panic of 18.i7 he lost nearly the whole of his property, but finally regained partially his financial standing and spent his last days surrounded by the comforts of life, lie died in 1 85G at the age of seventy-five years at Jeffer- son, Clinton Co., Ind., where he had owned and conducted a hotel. He was a native of New Jersey and of English ancestry. The great-grandfather of our subject lived to be ninety-six years old. Mrs. Susan (Harman) Gray, the mother of our subject was born in Warren County, Ohio, and is still living, being now a lady of sixty years. Her parents were Samuel and Mary (Anderson) Har- man, the former a native of Virginia and whose parents were born in Germany. The maternal grandmother of our subject was born in New Jer- sey and was of Scotch descent. Upon their re- moval to Ohio the Ilarnians settled near what was then Lebanon and engaged in farming pursuits, and there the childhood and youth of Mis. Cray were spent until her marriage, which occurred when she was a maiden of seventeen. The parents of our subject after their marriage loaded up their wordly effects and started overland for Clinton County, Ohio, where Mr. Cray with his father had become the proprietor of a cooper shop at Jefferson, father and sou prosecuted coop- ing in the winter and carpentering in the summer for eleven years, and at the expiration of this time Harvey Gray decided to strike out for the farther West. By this time the household included six children and he was desirous of acquiring more land, also in hopes to regain his failing health by a change of climate. Upon their arrival in this county they unloaded their goods directly west of the present site of Sy mines' burying ground, and Mrs. Cray witnessed the first burial there in the fall following. They only staid there one year, then removed to what has now for many years been familiarly known to the people of this region as the Gray homestead. The father of our subject was an important mem- ber of the pioneer community and aided largely in forwarding the enterprises leading to its advance- ment. Politically, he was a strong Whig and cast his first vote for Gen. Harrison in 1810. lie was a man of progressive ideas and in religion was a Universalist. He took particular interest in the establishment of schools, and carried out his idea of Christianity by assisting those in need immedi- ately around him. Many a poor man was fed from his table and received the assistance and advice most needed. In his family he was remarkably kind and indulgent, a lover of home who found his highest enjoyment "there, lie improved a good farm of 160 acres and left his family in comfort- able circumstances at the time of his death, which occurred in 1 866. After the death of her husband Mrs. Gray dis- played remarkably good judgment in the manage- ment of her family and her property, giving to her children a good practical education and training them to habits of industry and .sentiments of honor. She is a blight, intelligent and well-pre- served lady, with an attractive countenance, sug- gestive of much beauty in younger years, and her heart has never grown old. The record of her twelve children is as follows: Samuel who married Miss Loah Harman, is occupying a part of the homestead and is the father of five children; Martha A. married G. M. Spry, of Sidell, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work; Hannah PORTRAIT AND BI< >< ; RAPIIICAL ALBFM. 63; .M. became the wife of Oscar Mitchell and died leaving two children, Harvey and Birdie; Sarah F. is junior partner of the firm of C. F. & S. I''. Gray and presides over the <1 estic affairs of her brother Charles; rda E. is the wife of George T. Mason of Areola, III., and they have four children. Mr. Mason is associated with Chapman Bros., pub- lishers of this work. Emma M. was first married to Henry Shear who was killed in a well; her presenl husband is J. R. Morrison and they live on a farm near Sidell; they have one child. Laura married S. \V. Baird, a farmer near [ndianola, and they have one child; Frank married Miss Lilly Harman and resides in Sidell; Lewis M. died when a promising youth of nineteen years; Albert at the same age and Harvey when three weeks old. The subject of this sketch was born .Feb. 11, 1859, at the homestead where he spent his boyhood, remaining on the farm until twenty-four years old. lie then became interested in the tile business at. Sidell, which enterprise was first inaugurated by his brothei', Samuel Gray, backed by John Sidell and operated under the firm name of S. Cray & Co. In 1883 it was merged into Gray Bros. The first buildings were put up in the fall of 1882, but in July 1, 1< S ' S I a cyclone tore the building to pieces and the $5,000 plant was destroyed in less time than it takes to write of it. The property was then sold under a mortgage and purchased by Miss Sarah Gray and was managed by our subject for two years, at the end of which time the indebt- edness was all paid and the firm became C. F. & S. F. Gray. Mr. Gray has given his whole time and attention to his present, business since becoming part proprie- tor, and as a result of his enterprise the town of Sidell boasts of the best tile factory in Eastern Illinois. He added to it the manufacture of brick in the spring of 1888. He gives employment to about twenty-three men and enjoys an extensive patronage throughout the county. The kilns ami the drying-room machinery are models in their way, and constructed after the most approved pat- terns. The works turn out about 150 miles of tiling annually, running winter and summer. The brick business is in its infancy, but there is every prospect of its complete success. A railroad switch has been made by Mr. Cray so that lie has shipping facilities over two roads, the Chicago & Eastern Illinois and the Chicago & Ohio River. Although the personal interests of Mr. Gray necessarily occupy a large portion of Ids time and attention, he is found always willing to put 1 1 i ^ shoulder to the wheel in support of the enterprises calculated to promote the interests of Sidell and vicinity. He was one of the Leading men in the erection of the elegant new brick school building and has been a member of the Board of Directors for the pastfour years. He belongs to the Baptist Church of Palermo, and is a Trustee and Treasurer of the new Methodist Episcopal Church at Sidell which lias the finest church edifice in the county out- side of Danville. He served as Town Clerk one year and in the spring of 1889 was the candidate of his party for Supervisor, but his ticket being in the minority, he was defeated. Socially, he is an active member of the I. ( ). 0. F., Peace Dale, No. 225, in which he has filled all the chairs. He also belongs to the Encampment at Homer. He is likewise identified with the new Masonic lodge at [ndianola in which he takes much interest. Of strictly temperance principles, he is a charter mem- ber of the lodge in Sidell, and is a man upon whom is naturally conferred many positions of trust and responsibility. As the appointed agent of the Sidell heirs he is looking after this property with that conscientious fidelity to duty which has marked all his transactions, and given him a posi- tion as a business man and a citizen second to none in his county. ^ON. JACOB II. OAKWOOD, a man of V much prominence in public life in Vermilion County, who is connected with its agricul- tural interests, owning and managing a val- uable farm on section .°>I5, Catlin Township, is the representative of a leading and well-known pioneer family of this county whose record is interwoven with its earl}- history. His parents came here in the early days of settlement, and the father being a man of more than ordinary ability and under- C38 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. standing, though entirely a self-made and self-edu- cated man. soon became very influential in the administration of public affairs, and was often sought out for advice and counsel. Oakwood Township, where he located, was named in his honor, and during his life he was instrumental in advancing its growth. The Oakwood family originally came from Ger- many, but so long ago that all record of their arrival in this country has been lust. They were a, thrifty, enterprising, well-to-do people, and have been land owners and home owners from their ear- liest known history. They settled in Virginia in colonial times, and the first member of the family of whom personal mention is made is the grand- father of our subject, who owned 400 acres of land in the Old Dominion near the town of Abingdon and close to the Tennessee line. He died when the father of our subject was quite young, leaving a widow, one son. and three daughters. One of his daughters married the late .Jacob Hickman, whose family reside in this county. Another married Peter Hickman, who died, leaving two sons who settled in Missouri. The other daughter married a Mr. McC'racken and remained in Tennessee. The grandmother of our subject married again, becom- ing the wife of Peter Hickman, who owned 800 acres of land, lying partly in Virginia and partly in Tennessee, a part of the dwelling house being in each State. The grandmother is said to have been a woman of many good qualities, and her step-children lauded her very highly, saving that she was the best woman in the world, a praise not often given to step-mothers. Henry Oakwood, the father of our subject, was born either in Virginia or Tennessee, probably on the line between those States, and there he was reared to a vigorous manhood, remaining at home till he was twenty or twenty-one years of age, when, animated by the spirit of his pioneer sires, he sought to build a home for himself in the wilds of the more recently settled State of Ohio, and thus became an early settler of Brown County. He was a volunteer in the war of 1812, and took an active part in the battle in which the famous Indian chief, Tecumseh, was killed. He married Margaret Remley, who was probably born in Green County, Pa., their marriage taking place in Bracken County. Kv.. and they settled in Brown County, Ohio, on land which he had previously bought, and there he was busily engaged at his occupation of farming. In October. 183:5, he and his wife with their nine children came to Vermilion County, 111., and located in what is now Oakwood Town- ship the following spring, being among its earliest pioneers, and the township was subsequently named in his honor. Although lie attended school but six weeks in his life, Henry Oakwood was fairly well educated for the times, his vigorous intellect compensating him for the lack of educational ad- vantages, and being a man of keen vision, and well balanced mind, well dowered with firmness, activity and enterprise, he became a conspicuous figure in the public life of the township and county, and bore an honorable part in their government, holding many olHces within the gift of his fellow- citizens, serving as County Commissioner. Justice of the Peace, etc. His death in 1855 was consid- ered a serious blow to the interests of the commun- ity where he had made his home lor more than twenty years, and his memory is still held in honor as that of a noble man, a leading pioneer, and a good citizen. His wife, who was in every way worthy of such a husband, survived him till l,s?7, when she loo passed away in Oakwood Township. Of their family of nine children, six sons and three daughters, all were born in Brown County, Ohio, and all lived to maturity. Jacob II. Oakwood, the subject of this biograph- ical review, was their eighth child, and he was born Nov. 18, 1828. He was about live years old when became with his parents to Vermilion County, ami he has always made his home here since that time. He was reared to manhood in Oakwood Township, receiving such educational advantages as were afforded to the youth of his day. In 1857 he established himself in the mercantile business in Catlin Milage, and was successfully engaged that and the following year, and in the years 1862, 18G3. Aside from that he has given his attention entirely to agricultural pursuits and stock raising. He has a farm of 132 acres, which is well stocked, and in point of cultivation and improvements is equal to the other farms in the vicinity. Here he and his PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 639 family have an attractive borne, neat in it.s ap- pointments, and replete with all the comforts that enhance the pleasure of living. Mr. Oakwood has been twice married. To the wife of hi.s early manhood, whose maiden name was Isabella Caraway, he was united in marriage in Catlin Township, Feb. L3, 1851. She was a daughter of Charles and Elizabeth ( McCorkle) Caraway, who died in Catlin Township, of which they were early pioneers. She was a native of this township, horn Nov. 27. L834, and here her life closed Feb. 15, 1882, two days after the anniversary ot her wed- ding that had occurred thirty-one years before. Of her happy married life with our subject eight children were born, as follows: .Mary 10. died Oct. 8, 1864, aged fourteen years; Charles 11. married Dora Smith of Georgetown Township; George W. married Isabella Graves; Franklin died in infancy; Emma .1. is the wife of L. W. Jeffres; two children who died in infancy; Anna, living at home with her father. Mr. Oakwood was married to his pres- ent estimable wife, formerly Mrs.Rosanna(Coleman ) Alexander, widow of the late .1. .1. Alexander, in Danville. 111.. May 1, 1884. Our subject bears worthily the mantle of his honored sire, and since the hitter's death has seemed to till bis place, and lias had a distinguished public career. His fellow-citizens have twice called him to cme of the highest offices within their gift, that of State Representative, being elected as the candi- date of the Republican party, and bis course as a legislator marked him as a wise and efficient states- man, who looked carefully after the interests of his State and county. He was first elected to the General Assembly of Illinois in the fall of 1872, and served one term, and in the fall of LS7(J he was again elected as a member of that honorable body. During his second term occurred the memorable contest for the United States Senator- ship between Gen. John A. Logan and Judge David Davis. Mr. Oakwood has filled several of the local offices very acceptably, such as Township Clerk, Justice of the Peace, etc. He has taken a prominent part in the movement to deepen the in- terest in agriculture, to advance its growth, and to promote the study of the best methods of conduct- ing it profitably, first in bis position as Secretary of the Agricultural Society of Vermilion County for live years, and then as President of that organ- ization, which position he filled ably and intelli- gently for the long term of twenty years. He is identified with the A. F. & A. M. as a member of Catlin Lodge. No. 285. He is a public spirited man in the truest sense of the term, has the dearest interests of his county and township at heart, and never neglects an opportunity to promote their welfare in every way possible. His personal char- acter is irreproachable both in public and in private life, anil he is ever courteous, considerate, and affa- ble in his intercourse with all, and is held in high regard by the entire community. rUA.NK Y. BARNETT, one of the leading builders and contractors of Indianola, and a very rapid and efficient workman, has left the marks of his skill upon some of the most im- portant buildings in this part of the county. Among them are the extensive steam grain eleva- tors at Sidell and Broadlands, the largest structures of their kind on the Chicago and Eastern Illinois Railroad, one having a storage capacity of 65,000 bushels, and a loading capacity of one car in twenty minutes. Both are litted up with the latest and most improved machinery, the placing of which was superintended by Mr. Barnett, he setting the engines anil locating the boilers, lie takes pride in bis business and has always aimed to excel. It must be admitted, he has come very near the rea- lization of his hopes. A native of Nicholas County, Ky., our subject was born within two miles of the celebrated Blue Lick Springs, whose name is contemporary with that of the Indian hunter, Daniel Boone. His fa- ther. Ambrose Barnett, was the son of John T. Burnett, one of the earliest pioneers of the Blue t.iass State. The great-grandfather, John Barnett, was a native of Maryland and a noted frontiers- man, conspicuous for his bravery and daring, and who bore a wound received at Fort Meigs. Indeed the whole family were prominent in the govern- 640 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. mental affairs of Kentucky, at a time when the set- tlers were seldom ever secure from the ravages of the Indians, and the agitation following the out- break of the Revolutionary War. In 1855 the father of our subject emigrated from his native State to Illinois, settling near Paris, in Edgar County. In 1863 he changed his resi- dence to this county, locating on a tract of land in Carroll Township, where he labored as a carpenter and joiner, and departed this life in 1874, at the age of sixty-three years. The men of the Barnett family, as far back as the records go, were cele- brated for their mechanical genius, being able to handle edged tools of all kinds, and to construct nearly everything required in those days. The mother of our subject survived her husband a num- ber of years, dying in 1JSIS2, at the age of sixty- nine. The household circle was completed by the birth of six children, of whom the record is as fol- lows: Frank V., our subject, was the eldest of the family; Elizabeth .1. became the wife of Robert Anderson, and lives in Western Kansas; Nancy married William Spicer, and lives near George- town, 111.; Mary A. is the wife of Tillman Smink, a farmer of Sidell Township; .lohn died in child- hood at Paris. Edgar County; .lames A. is a carpenter and blacksmith combined, and lives in Indianola. The subject of this sketch was born Aug. MO. 1 845, and studied his first lessons in the public school at May's Lick in Kentucky. He was a boy of ten years when the family came to Illinois, and distinctly remembers many of the incidents con- nected with the journey, and that they were among the first travelers over the new thoroughfare, kno.vn as the Terre Haute. Alton & St. Louis Rail- road, now the "Bee" or the Indianapolis & St. Louis line. He enjoyed the journey immensely, and at its end made himself useful in the building up of the new homestead. Along with the hard work there also came much pleasure and recrea- tion, and young Barnett being very skillful with his rifle was recognized as one of the most expert hunters of his neighborhood, bringing down many line specimens of deer, Mild turkey and other game. During those times also our subject assisted in the plowing, the sowing of crops and the harvest, besides working with his father at the trade of a car- penter. His education was obtained mostly during the short sessions of the winter school. In Feb- ruary, 1865, the Civil War being in progress, he entered the ranks of the Union Army as a member of Company E, 150th Illinois Infantry, which went into Camp Butler to drill, and from there jour- neyed south, where the regiment was held as a re- serve at Bridgeport, Ala., Cleveland, Tenn., Dalton. Atlanta and Griffin, Ga. Not long afterward fol- lowed the surrender of the Confederate forces, and our subject received his final discharge without being required to participate in any active engage- ment. He was blessed usually with good health, never absent at roll call, never in a hospital, and never reprimanded for any misdemeanor. After leaving the army our subject resumed the peaceful pursuits of farm life one year, then began to work with a ditching machine in Edgar and Vermilion counties, and was thus occupied four years. In 1869 he was united in marriage with Miss Isabel, daughter of John Stark, one of Ver- milion County's earliest pioneers. This union has resulted in the birth of seven children, namely : Carrie E.;Sissie, who died in infancy; Ella and John, twins, both of whom died in infancy; Will- iam, also deceased in infancy; Melissa and Ru villa. Mr. Barnett has never had any weakness for of- ficial preferment, although he has his political pref- erences, which may be guessed at from the fact that he is best known in political circles as "the Democratic pole-raiser." At this business he has proved himself an expert, raising liberty poles at Ridge Farm, Indianola, Palermo, Catlin, George- town, Hume and other places. In addition to the structures already mentioned he has superintended the erection of school-houses at Indianola and Si- dell, besides other important structures in different parts of the county. Socially, Mr. Barnett was Master of Lodge No. 265, A. E. & A. M., in 1883-4-5 at Indianola. and has filled all the other offices of the lodge. He lias represented it three times in the Grand Lodge at Chicago, and is a warm advocate of the principles of the brotherhood. In business and social circles he is a general favorite, being recognized as a man PORTRAIT AND Hl< >t ! RAP] IICAI. ALBUM 643 prompt to meel his obligations, and one who-.' word is considered as good as bis bond. WILLIAM VEST WINTERS. We find this gentleman in posession of one of the most attractive homesteads in this county, located in the northwest corner of Sidell Township. His farm is very valuable, under a high state of culti- vation, and embellished with a commodious two- story frame residence set in the midst of a well- kept lawn, surrounded by handsome evergreens and otber shade trees. We present, on another page a fine vievv of this pleasant home with its lovely sur- roundings. A fine apple orchard adjacent and the well regulated outbuildings, are suggestive of the plenty and comfort which is one of the leading features in connection with this home, built up 1>\ one of the leading men of his township. Mr. Winters is a man of large experience and great intelligence, of tine personal appearance and unlimited hospitality. He is a very strong Repub- lican, politically, is fond of reading and study, and in his home are all the evidences of refined tastes — music, literature and the embellishments of modern art. The family is universally popular, and occupies an enviable position among the intel- ligent people of this region. A native of Indiana, our subject was horn Aug. 19, 1824, in Washington County, twelve miles south of Salem. He grew up on a farm and acquired his early education in the subscription schools, lie first visited Illinois when a youth of nineteen or twenty years, but remained a member of the pa- rental household until his marriage. This most interesting event in his life occurred on the 27th of March, 1847, the bride being Miss Nancy, daughter of John and Betsey Hepburn. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Winters set- tled on a farm in Carroll County, this State, where they sojourned for a period of fifteen years. Then, in 1868, they moved back to Vermillion County. Ind. In 1*72 they came to this county, and for seven years thereafter made their home in Ross- ville, after which they removed to their present farm, which comprises 160 acres of choice land ami which, with its appurtenances, constitutes one Of the most desirable estates in this part of the count \ . Nine children came to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Winters, the eldest of whom, a son. Will- iam, married Miss Martha Cosy and lives on a farm in Beadle County, Dak.; they have eleven children. Elizabeth is the wife of B. W. Macklin, who served through the entire Civil War, and is now farming in Champaign County; they have six children. Hannah is the wife of Mr. Harvey Thompson, also of Beadle County, Dak., ami tuey have five children. John, a tinner by trade, resides in Huron, Beadle Co., Dak.; he married .Miss Laura, daughter of Dr. Steele of Indiana, and they have two chil- dren; Martin married a Miss Braden and died, leaving his widow with two little girls; James married .Miss Rosa Edwards, and is farming in Sidell Township; David married Miss Qttie Cus- ter, and lives at the homestead; they have two children; Mary is the wife of Joseph Tattman of Sidell Township, anil has charge of the homestead; Miranda, the youngest, is unmarried and remains with her parents. In religious matters our subject and his excellent \ wife believe in an inspired religion, and Mr. Win- ters has always been the friend of education, doing whatever lay in his power to assist in the mainten- ance and establishment of schools in his township, and has occupied the unsalaried office of Director several terms. In connection with his farming operation-; Mr. Winters has followed threshing for the last twenty- five years, and thereby has added a snug little sum to his annual income. In this he is associated with Benjamin Macklin ami Samuel Crow, and the three are accounted as among the leading men following this business in Vermilion and Champaign counties. They have a complete Rumley steam threshing outfit, which docs beautiful and expeditious work. The offspring of a good family, our subject is the son of Timothy and Jane (Scritchfield) Win- ters, who were natives respectively of New York and Pennsylvania. They were married in Wash- ington County, Ind. The father made farming his principal occupation, although he also operated as 644 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. a pilot on the White River, during which time he landed many a cargo safely at its destination, tie served in the War of 1812 and spent his last days in Indiana, dying in the prime of life. The mother survived her husband only one year, her death taking place when she was between thirty-five and forty years of age. .She was the second wife of Mr. Winters and the mother of seven children, viz: Margaret, William V., our subject, Clinton and Alexander, who died in infancy, Mary, Sarah and McAllen. Of bis tirst marriage there had been born six children. -I-HM* ELIM (). BALL. This gentleman, a vet- eran of the late war in which he did gal- lant service for bis country, is a fine representative of the shrewd and energetic members of the fanning community of Pilot Town- ship, who are prominent factors in upholding its material prosperity, and are among its most intelli- gent and public-spirited civic officials. He is prosperously engaged in mixed husbandry, raising grain and rearing stock, and bis farm on section 3G is under a fine state of cultivation, and is pro- vided with a neat and tasty set of buildings, in- cluding a commodious and well-built residence and a substantial, roomy barn, wtib all the needful ma- chinery for lightening its labors. Mr. Ball comes of sterling ancestry, and was born in West Bloomfield, Essex Co., IS*. J., Oct. 5, 1834. His father, Moses Ball was born in the same county in the month of duly, 1801, and lived in the place of his birth till the year 1 837, actively engaged at his trade as a mechanic, and then re- moved to Fayette County, Ohio, with bis family, and is still living at the advanced age of eighty- eight years, respected and esteemed as a man of upright character, whose long life has been a worthy one. The good wife who walked hand in hand with him through so man}' years of bis life, numbering more than half a century, passed away in April, 1884. Her maiden name was Jane Camp- bell, and she was, like himself, a native of Essex County, N. J. She was of Scotch lineage, and among her ancestry were the founders of the city of Newark, N. J. To her and her husband were born eight children, six of whom grew to maturity. John ('., deceased, married Annie Davidson, of Madison County, Ohio, now living in Nebraska, and they bad five children; Sarah is a retired school teacher, making her home in Ohio; Isaac has been twice married, his first wife was Miss Stilt, of < )hio, and they had two children; after her death lie married Mary Trimble, of Johnson County, Mo., where he is engaged in farming, and they have four children. Theodore, living in Blooinsburg, Ohio, married Helen Friend, of that Stale, and they have six children; Ilattie married Mr. Allison, of Vermilion County, 111., formerly of Terre Haute, Ind , now a merchant in Cham- paign County, 111., and they have two children; Scott, a farmer in Colorado, married a Miss Lara- more of Ohio, and they have three children; Mary and William died in infancy. Selim Ball, of this biographical review, was given a common school education, and when he started out in life bad no capital, aside from a strong young manhood, and had to make his way unaided to the honorable position he has since achieved. In January, 1858, he came to Illinois and bought forty acres of land in a wild state, but shortly after disposed of it at an advance, and purchased eighty acres of land unimproved. Selling that in 18G4 he turned away from his personal interests to offer his services in defence of the stars and stripes, and enlisted in the loth regiment of Illinois In- fantry under command of Col. McWoods and Captain Wilson. Our subject was with Sherman on his famous march to the sea, and was honorably discharged at Washington in June, 18G.0, having done bis duty as a soldier faithfully and efficiently. After his return from the South Mr. Ball pur- chased a farm near Homer, in Champaign County, 111. This be subsequently sold, making a good profit on the sum paid for it, and then invested some of his money in his present farm in Pilot Township, of which he has since been a highly re- spected resident, and, as before noted, has been very much prospered in his vocation. Mr. Ball has been twice married. His first wife. Eleanor McCoy, of Ross County, Ohio, was born PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 645 in 1830, and died in June, 1867. Her parents, Al- exanderand Martha (Ocheltree) McCoy, were early settlers of the Buckeye State from Kentucky. By that union Mr. Ball became the father of live children, Of whom Mary and Eleanor are deceased. and of the others it is recorded that Scott, a farmer. married Belle Franklin, of this county, and they have one child, Maggie; Jessie married Benjamin Strickland, a fanner of this county, and had four children: Karl. Mabel, Estella and Hans, the latter deceased. The present wife of our subject, to whom he was united in marriage in 1872 was Ze- ruah Roberts. She was born Nov. 22, 1854, her parents, Abraham and Elizabeth ( Walters) Roberts, being of Welsh and English origin. They came to this county in 1865. The pleasant home of our subject and his wife has been gladdened by the birth of four children, namely: Austin A., Sadie. Elise, Arena. Mr. Kail is prompt and systematic in the man- agement of his affairs, and brings to his work zeal and a good degree of proficiency in carrying it on intelligently by the most approved methods. These traits also render him invaluable as a town- Ship official, as has been found in his incumbency of the various local offices, and likewise as a jury- man. In him the Republican party has an active and stanch supporter. He and his wife are mem- bers in high standing of the United Brethren Church, being among its most earnest workers, and he has held the different offices of the church. Mr. Ball is a reader of good literature, keeps himself closely informed on all topics of general interest. and can converse well on all subjects. A view of the pleasant rural home of Mr. ami Mrs. Ball is presented elsewhere in this volume, and is a fine illustration of one of the representa- tive residences of Vermilion County. ... .« - . .'^-^.Sl/.^-^' _J. . .. •°* _ ^ a V-7»?ir--V E ^ - ~* &HOMAS R. RICE, is one of the wealthy and influential farmers of Carroll Township and one of its largest land-owners. His home farm consists of a little over a quarter of a section of the productive land of Illinois, and besides this he owns about 120 acres in other parts of the county, all of which he has accumulated through industry, sobriety and a good use of his opportunities. Mr. Rice was born June 22, 182.") in eastern Tennessee. His father and mother. Charles and .Mary Jane (Rhea) Rice, were also natives of that State. They came to Ohio when Thomas was a child of two years, and in 1835 settled in Ver- milion ( Jrove, residing for a few years before that in Madison County. Ind. The father was a prom- inent farmer and when he died was considered a wealthy man. His death occurred when he was seventy-four years old, and his wife was about, fifty-four years of age when she died. They had five children — William. Thomas R., Jacob, James and Mary. Thomas spent part of his boyhood days in Indi- ana, but most of his younger experience has been in Illinois. He attended private subscription schools, but never went to a free school a day in his life. During his boyhood days his health was extremely poor, and the early schools of the sub- scription sort that obtained in Illinois, were not calculated to be conducive to anybody's health. Many times they were so far distant that it occu- pied from two to three hours to reach them, and when they were reached they were destitute of comfort and their only characteristic, perhaps, that would interest the scholar was the frowns and birch rod of the alleged teacher. To compare these schools with those of our day, would be as a comparison of Sodom and Gomorrah to Eden. Mr. Rice grew up among the Quakers of Elwood Town- ship, working on his father's farm until after be attained his majority. In those days he hauled wheat to Chicago, for which he received fifty cents per bushel, and transported shelled corn by team to Lafayette getting therefor a shilling a bushel. In 18G8, Mr. Rice was married to Susan Baum. [See sketches of the Baums in this Album.] Af- ter marriage Mr. and Mrs. Rice settled on a farm, purchased by him some years before, where they have prospered. They have two chlildren — Min- nie May and Charles F. Their elegant brick man- sion, situated pleasantly just south of Indianola, is a beautiful ami commodious one. This house was erected in 1879 and contains everything to make 6 16 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. life desirable, while the entire premises give evi- dence of prosperity and good management. In the pastures of this farm there can be seen some of the very finest cattle and horses in this section of the country. Mr. Rice is respected by his neigh- bors for his public-spiritedness, and many good traits of character. Politically, he acts with the Democratic party. -wv-vtiiacrg,^@- ' ?>*£i&LRrvr~-isw- * IjfclLLIAM A. VANNEMAN. One of the \/*J// IIIOSt beautiful homes in Carroll Township Ww is that of Mr. Yanneinan, which is situated on section 27. Everything about it, within and without, gives evidence of the touch that beauti- fies and the taste that refines. Thrift and pros- perity have gone hand in hand with intelligence and culture, and the result is an ideal rural home. It has taken years, however, to rear this monument to man's industry and woman's refined taste, and the proprietor may well regard it and the broad, well-tilled and fertile acres, in the midst of which it is situated, with pardonable pride, for both the home and farm at large are speaking witnesses of the career of patient and persevering industry which have been exercised in its construction. The life of our subject has been an extremely busy one, in which he has used his brains as well as his hands, and his prosperity is but the legitimate outcome of well directed and intelligent effort. The career of such a man cannot but prove interesting, and we therefore give below the story of his labors, which furnishes but another evidence of the fact that success and prosperity seldom fail to reward the efforts of those who with dilligence and frugality pursue their way, and are content, not only to labor, but to wait. Mr. Yanneman comes of German ancestry. His grandparents on both sides of the bouse emigrated to America soon after the close of the Revolutionary War. His parents, Andrew and Ann (Miller) Yan- neman, were born in Salem County, N. J., about the beginning of the present, century. The father was a farmer by occupation, and died while his son William was but an infant, leaving besides him bis sisters, Annie and Margaret. The former is now Mrs. Waddington, of Salem, N. J.; the latter mar- ried a Mr. Simpkins, and died at the age of thirty years, leaving one child. The father of our subject was a fine-looking tall man, with blonde complexion and light blue eyes. He was given a college education, and after removing to Brown County, Ohio, operated as a fanner and teacher. In 1839 he came to this State. and settled in El wood Township, but a few years later removed to Carroll Township. He soon be- came active in public matters, and served for a number of years as Township Supervisor and School Trustee. During the war he was Overseer of the Poor. He died suddenly of heart disease, in the seventy-fourth year of his age, and until six months prior to his decease was robust, hearty, and appar- ently health}' in every way. A few years after the death of Mr. Yanneinan the mother of our subject married Joseph Mapes, by whom she had four children — Emily, Joseph B., Thomas and Jane. William A., our subject, was born March 11, 182(1, and lived in Salem County, N. J., until a boy of thirteen years. He then en- tered a drug store in Wilmington, Del., having in view the study of medicine. The lack of means necessary to give him a college education com- pelled him to change his plans, and accordingly, returning to New Jersey, he apprenticed himself to a painter and graiuer. After serving the required time, five years, be at the age of twenty and a half began work for his instructor as a journeyman. He soon became very skillful, and was given steady employment at good wages. Painting, notwith- standing he liked it, was injurious to his health, and a change of occupation became a necessity. There- fore, at the age of twenty-five years, he and his brother-in-law, Joshua Waddington, came to Illi- nois for the purpose of engaging in agriculture and stock-raising. Upon their arrival in this county our subject and Mr. Waddington purchased the farm, then consist- ing of 320 acres, upon which Mr. Yanneman's home now stands. Before the deed could be made out Mr. Vanneman purchased the interest of his brother- in-law, and in 1853 moved his family from New Jersey to this county. They proceeded by rail as PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 647 fnr as LaFayette, Ind., then the railroad terminus of the West, and the remainder of the journey was made overhand by team. Being now installed in his new home, in a new country, Mr. Vanneman proceeded with the task of changing the virgin prairie into productive fields. He worked early and late. Daylight was so prec- ious Mini so necessary for pressing work, that he made his needed purchases at the store after night- fall. The cows were often milked before daylight, and after dark. In connection with his farm work Mr. Vanneman followed his trade of painting, graining and decorating, and many evidences of his skill as a workman, and taste as an artist, may still he found in the neighborhood where he resides- The interior decorations of his own handsome resi- dence are highly artistic, and exhibit much origin- ality. As Mr. Vanneman prospered he added to his possessions, and enlarged the home place until it embraced nearly 10(1 acres of land. He also ac- quired 400 acres in Sidell Township, and twenty acres in the heart of Ridge Farm. At onetime li is landed possessions in Illinois and Iowa amounted lo about 1,600 acres. When Albert, his youngest son, became of age he gave him and his other two children. Mary and Franklin, each eighty acres of land. He also sold several tracts, leaving as his present estate 320 acres in Sidell Townihip, and the homestead in Carroll Township. The latter, when Mr. Vanneman first moved upon it, in 1853, con- tained much swampy land, but by intelligent ditch- ing, draining and tiling, he has converted the swamp into rich and productive fields. whose exhausfless soil seems to know no deterioration. As the result of many years of hard labor Mr. Vanneman is now in well-to-do circumstances, and ranks as one of the wealthiest and most influential farmers and stock- raisers of this county. In 1849 Mr. Vanneman was married to Miss Margaret E. Miller, a native of Cumberland County, N. .1., and when they came to Illinois, in 1853, they were the proud parents of two bright little girls. The first great shadow fell upon the house- hold in the death of the wife and mother, which occurred June 17, 1876, in New .Jersey, whither she had gone purposing to visit the Centennial Ex- position at Philadelphia. The home of her infancy and youth was at Bridgeton, in Edgar County. where her father occupied himself as a farmer and tanner. Mrs. Vanneman in her youth was a Hicksite Friend, but after her marriage she and her husband joined the Orthodox Friends. She had three sis- ters and two brothers — Elizabeth, Margaret, Anna. John and Franklin. The latter is now a blacksmith in Indianola. Mary, the eldest child of Mr. and Mrs. Vanne- man. attended school at Bloomingdalc, Ind.: Frank and Albert were students of the Friends' Academj . at Vermilion Grove, and later Albert graduated from the Wesleyan University, at Bloomington, 111; Anne M., the youngest daughter, died at the age of four years; and Howard, the youngest born, died when but eighteen months old; Mary M. is the wife of William 1). Brown, an active temper- ance worker, and a recorded minister of the Friends' Church. She is now at, Long Beach, Cal. She is the mother of two daughters — Ruth and Mattie, aged sixteen and fourteen years respectively. Franklin, the third child of Mr. and Mrs. Vanne- man, is located at Hickory Grove, in Sidell Town ship; he married Miss Margaret Canady, and is the father of three children. Albert, the youngest child living, was graduated from Wesleyan Uni- versity, at Bloomington, III., and soon afterward starting out to seek his fortune, proceeded to Da- kota and engaged in teaching school. He is now in the real-estate business in California. On the 14th day of August, 1877, Mr. Vanne- man contracted a second marriage with Miss Emma ('., daughter of Leonard and Catherine (Baum) Patterson. Leonard Patterson was born in Ken- tucky, but when a child of eight years removed with his parents to Brown County, Ohio. John Patterson, the paternal grandfather, was of Irish descent, and a man who in stature and presence universally commanded attention, being very large and tall, with a fair complexion and blue eyes. He engaged in farming, and for man}- years was a lay minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His mother, Mary Sellers, was a native of Germany. Mr. Patterson, politically, was a Whig until that party went out, of existence, when he identified himself with the Republicans, lie was the father (US PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. of six children — Augustus D., Josephine A.. Emma C, John H., Charles M.. and Albert AV„ all of whom lived to mature years. The last mentioned was drowned in the Little Vermilion River, when about twenty-five years old and unmarried. Mrs. Catherine (Long) Patterson was of Polish ancestry, and in whose veins flowed the blood of kings and princes of that unfortunate country. She was the daughter of Charles Baum, who after the dismem- berment of Poland was banished from his native land by the Russians, and made his home in Ger- many for a number of years. He came to America about the time of the Revolutionary War, and served with the militia on the frontier, protecting the settlers from the British soldiery and their sav- age allies. After the war was over Mr. Baum took up his residence in Bucks County, Pa., where lie continued to live until the year after Gen. Anthony Wayne's treaty witli the Indians. Then with his family he moved back to Ohio, sailing down the "beautiful river" in a Hat boat, and landing near the mouth of Bullskin Creek. Here they began their first settlement, in the then new Territory of Ohio. It will be seen therefore that Mrs. Vanneman is the descendant of a hardy- rugged and liberty- roving race. Her parents. Leonard and Catherine (Baum) Patterson, were married in Clermont County, Ohio, and she was their third child and eldest daughter. She was born in El wood Town- ship, this county, July 26, 1840. Her father owned 140 acres of choice land, and was in good circum- stances. He was well read, and religiously in- clined, though not a member of any church. He died Sept. 19, 1884. Mrs. Vanneman is a lady of culture and excel- lent education. She is a lover of music, and sup- plemented her early education by a judicious read- ing of the best authors. The fine library which adds to the attractions of this beautiful home bears testimony to the tastes and inclinations of its in- mates. Personally Mrs. Vanneman is very attract- ive, and possesses a kindly and loveable disposition. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Indianola, and takes an active interest in its affairs. Mr. Vanneman during his long career of honoi able industry has never sought or accepted office. An anti-slavery Whig, and a Republican during and since the war. he has remained true to his po- litical principles with neither noise nor parade, and has been the stanch friend of religion and educa- tion, contributing liberally in aid of both, and en- dowing a scholarship in Vermilion Grove Academy. He has served as School Director and on the Petit Jury, and is a thorough temperance man, although he has never allied himself with those who seek to make that a question of political issue. He is self- made and self-taught, energetic and progressive, and is acknowledged by all to be one of the most public-spirited citizens of his county. fif'OHN MENDKNHALL. Although four- score years of age, this old and highly re- spected resident of Carroll Township is still a sprightly, active and vigorous man. Of him it may be said as one of old. "his eye is not dimmed nor is bis natural strength abated." His mind, memory and body have withstood the rav- ages of time. As the result of a temperate and abstemious life, old age finds him free from tin' decrepitude usually consequent upon advanced years. His present hale appearance and rugged health give promise of another decade at least, of placid and peaceful life. Mi-. Mendenhall is the scion of a hardy and long- lived Scotch-Irish ancestry, the son of Aaron Men- denhall by bis second wife. Lydia Anderson. His father was born in Guilford, N. ('., near the scene of the battle of Guilford Court-House, and fought between the British and the Continentals during the Revolutionary War. His paternal grandfather. Richard Mendenhall. was killed by the Indians while on his way from North Carolina to Ohio, soon after the opening up of that Territory, and was one of the many daring and intrepid pioneers who lost their lives while endeavoring to plant civilization in the Western wilderness in the face of a murder- ous and merciless savage foe. At this time the father of our subject was a. small child. His maternal grandmother was a native of PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 640 Nantucket, Mass. After marriage she removed to Greene Comity, ( >)i i<>. where his mother was horn. Prior to her marriage with Mr. Mendenhall she had buried one husband. By the first, a Mr. H'orney, she became the mother of the children — Hester, Paris, Deborah, Rhoda and Anderson, are all de- ceased. By her marriage with Aaron Mendenhall she was the mother of six children : John, our subject, was born Nov. :i, 1 S<>9 ; Aaron died half a century ago; Lydia is the widow of Joseph Beard, and is living in Carroll Township; Nancy is the wife of M. L. Larrance, of Carroll Township; Elizabeth, the widow of John Mills, also lives in this town ship, and Richard died here iii May, 1889. \\ lien Mr. Mendenhall was a youth of fifteen years his parents, leaving the Buckeye state, emi- grated tij this county and settled upon the farm now owned by Silas Baird. The father entered 210 acres Of land about, the year 1824, when Illinois was one vast wilderness — a prairie peopled only by Indians and wild animals. Like all the early set- tlers his parents endured the hardships and priva- tions incident to pioneer life. They were, however, brave and stout-hearted and did successful battle in subduing the virgin prairie to the uses of agri- culture. Being thrifty and industrious people their children were early broken into farm work. John's rugged frame was made strong ami his muscles were hardened, following the plow and tilling the soil with the rude implements in use in those prim- itive days. His educational advantages were few, and confined to such instruction as could be ob- tained in a subscription school, whenever an itin- erant preacher happened along anil organized one. Politically, to use his own expressive language, Mr. Mendenhall was ''a Whig morning, noon and afternoon" as long as that party was in power. lie cast his first vote for Henry Clay, and looked upon that leader as one of America's greatest statesmen. Later he became a decided Republican. He served six years as a School Director and was never sum- moned to attend court other than as a petit juror. Religiously, he has been a Friend for twenty-five years and a liberal contributor according to his means to the support of Vermilion Grove Acad- emy. Nov. 24, 1831, he was united in marriage with Miss Rebecca, daughter of John and Charity Mills. Mrs. Mendenhall was born Nov. 8, 1HI2. twenty miles east of Knoxville in Jefferson County, Tenn. Her parents prior to this had removed from North Carolina. Her mother was a daughter of Mordecai Mendenhall, and was of Scotch-Irish de- scent, [n this family there were eleven children: Ruth died at the age of eighty-three years; Wil- liams died when past seventy; Hannah died in 1823, when a maiden of eighteen years; Sarah died in is;:), aged nearly eighty; Ira died in Missouri about 1881, at the age of seventy-four; Miriam is the wife of II. Hayworth, of Vermilion Gi-ove; Re- becca, Mrs. Mendenhall, was the next in order of birth; Millican is living in this township, :iged seventy- four; John died at about the age of thirty years, probably thirty years ago; Charty J. died when four years old, and Lanty died in infancy. Mrs. Mendenhall was nine years of age when her parents, in 1822, removed from Tennessee to this State. Her educational advantages, like those of her husband, were limited, but she learned to read and spell at home, and was carefully trained in the doctrines of the Quaker faith. Of her union with our subject there were born eleven children, and they can now gather about them forty-eight grand- children and seven great-grandchildren. Their eldest child, Millican. died when about fifty-five years old; James died when a lad of twelve; Char- ity Jane, Mrs. Thomas C. Reese, and Sarah, Mrs. John W. Elliott, live at Ridge Farm; Francis Marion died at the age of twenty-six years of par- alysis contracted in the army during the late war; Rhoda died at the interesting age of eighteen years; Aaron H. lives on a farm in Carroll Township; Lydia died when four years old; John M. is a far- mer and a resident of Carroll Township; Emeline married Silas Hester and died at the age of thirty- three years, leaving four children; Louisa E. is the wife of Frank 10. Baird and the mother of five children — Lester W., Albert C, Blanche R., Algia M.. and an infant, Wilber J. The son. Francis Minion, enlisted in Company A. 79th Illinois In- fantry, in July, 1862, and served until Aug. 20, 1864; he died shortly after his return home. Mr. Mendenhall is a ruddy faced, well built, and well preserved old gentleman, one of the finest specimens of an octogenarian in Central Illinois. 650 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. His mind is active, his memory bright and clear, and his eyesight good. I lis healthful looking com- plexion, sparkling eye, and vigorous, active step betoken both health and strength not usually found in one so aged. His wife is a quiet, placid-man- nered, motherly looking old lad}', and but three years younger than her husband. She does not appear to be much above sixty. There is a purity of expression in her face, which reveals a mind that has often communed in prayer with Him who doeth all things well. Although she has known sorrow, it has but made her life sweeter and her hope brighter. One does not need to be told that she is a sincere and earnest Christian, whose faith will endure to the end. ft OIIN W. FISHER, of Carroll Township is recognized as one of its most wealthy fanners, who has accumulated a fine property solely by the exercise of his own inherent industry and perseverance. His early advantages were quite limited, he being thrown largely upon his own resources ami obliged to light the battle of life for some time with little to encourage him. The fact that he is now the owner of 980 acres of land is sufficient indication of the manner in which he has spent his time, and illustrates forcibly what a man may accomplish by a resolute will, prudence, economy and good management. The subject of this sketch was born Jan. 25, 1840, on the old Fisher homestead in this town- ship where he grew to man's estate and acquired a practical education in the common school. He worked on the farm and about the time of reaching his majority, was married, in 1861, to Miss Mary L. Dye. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Fisher set- tled on forty acres of land in Carroll Township, which Mr. Fisher had purchased prior to this time, and which formed the nucleus of his present large estate. He later received from his father's estate 176 acres, and like the wise man of Scripture, has been enabled to add to his talent in a marked de- gree. Upon locating here, his land was a cornfield without trees or buildings, and the improvements which embellish the present homestead have been effected by him. Fight children were born of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Fisher, the eldest of whom, a son, Kver- ettc, died at the interesting age of fifteen years; Charles married Miss Jennie Meyers and lives in Sidell Township, they have one child, Charles, who is farming near Sidell; Olive died when two years old; Eddie is at home with his parents; Ar- meda married Douglas Miller of Carroll Township, and they have one child. Winona; Mattie died when eight years old; Josephine and Jacob remain with their parents. Mr. Fisher votes the straight Democratic ticket, but in looking after his exten- sive fanning interests, has little time to devote to politics. Our subject is the son of David P. and Jane (Weaver) Fisher, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Massachusetts. The maternal grand- father of our subject, Michael Weaver, lived to be a centenarian and was one of the leading pioneers of this county, to which he came from Ohio where he had accumulated a large amount of property. He was noted for his strict honesty and upright dealings with his fellow men. The Weaver family was of excellent ancestry, and various members of them are reverted to elsewhere in this Album. David P. Fisher, the father of our subject, lived in Indiana before coming to this State and had onlv *1 in his pocket when he came to this county. By untiring industry and great prudence in living he gained a solid footing, financially, becoming the owner of nearly 1,000 acres of land. His career is that of an upright man and a good citizen and he lived to reach the age of seventy-two 3'ears, passing away in 1M80. His wife survives and lives with her son Michael, being now seventy-six years old. The five children of the parental household were named respectively: Michael, John W., our sub- ject, Mary J., George W. and Lucinda. Mary was married and died at the age of twenty-four years, leaving two daughters, Jennie and Nora. The other brothers and the sister of our subject are still living. Mrs. Fisher is the daughter of Lawrence and Mary Ann (Van Treese) Dye, to whom were born nine children, viz.: Hiram, (deceased), Martha, PORTRAIT AND BKXiKAPIIICAI. ALBUM. 65 1 Phebe, (deceased). Elizabeth, Albert who died in infancy, Angeline, John, Mary L., Mrs. Fisher. All but the youngest were born in Kentucky. Mrs. Fisher was only one and one-half years old when her parents came to Illinois and settled in George- town Township. The mother died at the age of forty-three years. The father Lived to be seventy years old. During the Civil War and when he was past fifty years old, he enlisted as a Union soldier from conscientious motives, feeling that it was his duty to give his services to his country. -* — o^o— Y OHN B. HILDRETH, one of the first-class agriculturists of Carroll Township, owns and operates a [well-regulated farm of 352 acres, ninety acres of which lie in Vermil- ion County and 262 in Edgar County. The resi- dence is in the former. The leading features in the character of Mr. Ilildreth are his strict atten- tion to business, his promptness in meeting hi> obligations and his excellent understanding of all the branches of general agriculture. In person, he is a man who would attract attention in a crowd. being of commanding presence, of portly figure and a handsome and intelligent countenance. lie numbers his friends by the score in this county and welcomes beneath its hospitable roof its best people. He has a beautiful home where he has effected modern improvements, including a commodious dwelling, handsomely and conveniently arranged and second to none in this part of the county. His standing in society is lirst-elass and in his politi- cal affiliations he is in sympathy with the Demo- cratic party. The Ilildreth family prior to their removal to Illinois flourished in the South, sonic of them in Bourbon County, Ivy., where Alvin K.. the father of our subject, and his wife Sarah A., [tetter, were born and where they were reared and married. Leaving the Blue Grass State about 1832 they came to this county and settled on the Little Vermilion, on the tract of new land from which they constructed a homestead, where they spent the remainder of their lives, and where they died. The father died -luly 19, 187 I, and the mother July 1. 1.S77. There were born to them eleven chil- dren, viz: Mary K., William II.. five who died in infancy. Sarah A.. John B., our subject, Louvisa and I'arlhenia; four of these are living ami residents of Vermilion and Edgar counties. The subject of this sketch was born March 19, 1842, in Carroll Township, this county, and here has spent his entire life. He was at an early age introduced to the various employments of the farm and chose its peaceful pursuits as his vocation. When ready to establish domestic ties of his own, he was married to Miss Philetta Ross, of Edgar County. This lady became the mother of four children, only two of whom are living — Carrie A. is the wife of William Black, of Carroll Township, and Alice remains at home with her father. Our subject contracted a second matrimonial alliance with Miss Eliza Harnett, daughter of Rob- ert Barnett, and of this union there have been born two children, only one of whom is living, a daughter — Daisy. The present wife of our subject was formerly Miss Sarah A. Cook, and they have four children — John ()., Emma, May Jennie and Lennie L. OBERT S. SLAUGHTER. By far the greater portion of the solid men of Ver- milion County have been those who com- menced life dependent upon their own resources, and who, gathering together their posses- sions little by little, were blest with the faculty of being able to fake care of them. It is not alone the man who is able to make money that is able to keep it; indeed the latter faculty seems to be one of the most importance, and the ability to disburse with good judgment and free from avarice is, perhaps, the best quality of all. The snug farm of the subject of this notice comprises eighty-one and one-half acres of land on section 25 in Elwood Township, and makes a pleasant and comfortable homestead, every acre of which he earned with the labor of his hands. It is all under a good state of cultivation, with good buildings, substantial fences, and the other appli- ances necessary to the modern and well-regulated 052 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. estate. Mr. Slaughter is comparatively n young man, having been born Dee. 28; 1849, and is a native of Hardin County, Ky. His father, George R. Slaughter, also a native of that county, removed at an early day to Vermillion County. Ind.. where lie sojourned two years, anil until 1X00. Thatyear he came to Edgar County. III., settling in Prairie Township, where he now lives. The boyhood and youth of our subject passed quietly and uneventfully, while lie assisted his father on the farm and attended the common school. At the age of twenty- live years he was married. March 1, 1885. to Miss Emma, daughter of John Ilumrichous. a well-known resident of Elwood Township, and a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Slaughter are the parents of two children, a daughter, Artie Frances, born May IS. 1886; and an infant un- named. Mrs. Slaughter was born m Elwood Town- ship, March 14. 1867, and remained mostly with her parents until her marriage. She is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, while our subject guides his life by the Golden Rule ami belongs to the Masonic fraternity. He is (irmly established as a respected citizen, with the pros- pect of a competence for his declining years. -J #W*. -!~ /^ HR1STIAN FAGNER. The character and III n standing of a man are usually determined \^s by what he has accomplished. The life- work of Mr. Fagner is finely illustrated in the amount of property which he has accumulated ami the comforts by which he is surrounded. He has one of the most attractive homesteads in township 23, range 12, finely located on section :i:3. This embraces 200 acres of choice land while he has a farm in the township south. The Fagner farm is supplied with first-class build ingsand an especially line and commodious barn — one of the best in the township. Everything about the premises are kept in good shape, from the live- stock to the farm machinery, and the many con- veniences which the proprietor has gathered about himself and family indicate the progressive charac- ter of the man. He comes of substantial stock and is a native of Pennsylvania, having been born in Dauphin County, Dec. 15. 1835. When a year old his parents removed to Lancaster County, where he spent his youthful days until reaching his majority. He received the advantages of the com- mon schools and became familiar with farming pur- suits as carried on in the Keystone State. At the age of twenty-one our subject, ambitious to do for himself, left the parental roof and making his way to Fountain County, Ind., located in Cov- ington, where he sojourned eight years, employing himself for a time atanything he could find todo — principally at painting. Thence he went to War- ren County, one mile from the Illinois line and re- mained there ten years. In 18(17 he rented a farm upon which he operated two years; prior to this he had worked six years in order to get a team. In 1877 he crossed over into Illinois and purchased 200 acres of land from which he constructed his present admirable farm. The years which followed were replete with labor and the exercise of great prudence and economy in living, this course faith- fully followed producing the results which we look upon to-day. (hie of the most attractive features of the homestead is a fine large grove adjacent to the residence, while around it is choice shrubbery, and near by. a fine orchard in good bearing condition. with trees of the smaller fruits. One secret of Mr. B'agner's success has been his faculty of attending strictly to his own concerns. In political affairs he has refused to be bound by party lines, and supports the men whom he consid- ers best qualified for office, independent of Repub- lican or Democrat. The wife of our subject was in her girlhood Miss Louisa Sehwalen, was born in Schuylkill County, Pa., Oct. 18, 1841, and they were married Feb. 7. L861 in Pennsylvania. Soon afterward they re- moved to Indiana. The three children born to them are all living. Frederick E., is a resident of Dakota; Alice married John Bauman, of Koss Township; Anna May is their only child; William II. remains at home with his parents. The father of our subject was John Fagner. a native of Ger- many and born in 1802. He emigrated to America when a single man. settled in Pennsylvania and was PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 653 there married to Miss Margaret Miley, He came to Indiana in 1861 and purchased a farm in Warren Comity, near the Illinois line, "here lie spent, the remainder of his life, dying in 1884, at the ad- vanced age of eighty-two years. The wife and mother departed hence twenty-three years prior lo the decease of her husband, her death taking place in 1861. They were the parents of six children. five of whom are living and located mostly in Illi- nois and Indiana. ~— -** *~ ffl OTHER A. RIGGS. This gentleman has I (f§ been a resident of Illinois since 1860, and J'L- ^\ with the exception of two years has spent that entire period in Vermilion County. He was horn in Washington County, La.. Oct. 29, 1830, and is a son of Joseph Cook and Bethany (Axtell) Riggs, the former a native of New Jersey, horn March 28, 1788, and the latter horn in Washington County, Pa., April 7, 17'.»2. Joseph Riggs was about eight years of age when his parents removed from New Jersey to Washington County in 171)6. His early life was therefore one of toil and hard- ship in the dense wilderness. All of his life was spent in the occupation of farming in Washington County, where he died June 19, 1849, at the age of sixty-two years, two months and twenty-two days. He had been married three times and was the father of a large family, the subject of this sketch being a child of the third wife. His wife died in Dec. 1863, aged seventy years and nine months. Of their seven children five are yet sur- viving: Hannah, horn Nov. 13, 181 '.I. is the widow of Cephas Condit, and is still living in Pennsylva- nia; Eunice was horn Sept. 21, 1824, and is the wife of .lames l'cdcn and lives in Danville, this county; Sophia was horn Oct. til. 1833; she is un- married and makes her home with her brother in Washington County. Pa.; Joseph was born ,7une I s. 1838 and also lives iii the last mentioned place; Luther A., of whom this written. The deceased were named: Lucinda, horn Nov. 2, 1*27, who be- came the wife of Washington Gregory and died in this county April HI. 1870, and Ksenafh. horn I'eh. 23 1 N22. who was the wife of John Peden and died April "i.'1852. in Washington County, Pa. Luther A. Riggs was brought up to farming, first on a farm on Ten Mile Creek in his native county, which had belonged to his grandfather, descending to his father. When young, however, his fat her sold his place and removed to Greene County. Pa., returning to Washington County several years afterward. In these places Luther spent his early- life, but he had his thoughts turned toward the broad prairies of the West, on which he believed farming could be more easily and comfortably prosecuted. When he was twenty-seven years old he made an arrangement with his future brother- in-law, John Carter, to come with him to Edgar County, 111., where the latter had rented a farm. Taking his own team and putting it in with one of .Mr. Carter's he made the trip alone with the four horses, his wagon loaded with household goods. He was on the road nineteen days, arriving in Grand View, Edgar Co., III.. April 10, 1857, where he remained six months, returning to Penn- sylvania in the fall. A strong attraction, however, existed in Illinois, which brought him hack to Ed- gar County with a view of settling down, and on Aug 25, 1860, he was there married to Miss Debo- rah Carter, whom he had known about all his life- time in his native county. Mrs. Riggs was born in Washington County, Pa., April '.I, 1828. Her parents were Harvey and Char- lotte (Clark) Carter, the former of whom lived and died there in September, 1840, when he was hut thirty-seven years of age. having been horn in the year 1 S03. The mother survived her husband nearly forty years, remaining a widow and doing her part nobly in bringing up her family of seven young children. She died in Vermilion County in No- vember, 1878, full of honors and years. Her eld- est son. Ezckiel, came to Edgar County, III., in 185 I. and two years later she, with the rest of the family, followed, locating near him. She was ac- companied by her sons, William and Harvey, and her daughters Deborah and Rebecca. They lived in Edgar County, III., two years and then came to Vermilion County, locating on a farm about four- teen miles southwest of Danville, and there the faithful wife and devoted mother lived until her 654 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. death. Four of her sons, Ezekiel, John, William nnd Harvey are farmers in the southwestern portion of the county. Her daughter Rebecca is the widow of John Ross and resides in Rossville, this county. Another daughter named Lottie, died in girlhood. Mr. Riggs and his wife removed to Vermilion County in the autumn of 1862 and rented a farm in Carroll Township, where they lived two years, then rented another for a year. His first purchase of land was made at this time, when he bought eighty acres of uncultivated prairie which was destitute of any kind of vegetation except a luxuriant growth of grass. lie built a small house into which he moved in the spring of 1866. At once he began the labor of improving it. and soon had a part of it broken, giving to it much hard labor, and the re suit was a finely cultivated farm, which has no.v on it good buildings, is all well fenced and drained and is in every respect (irst-class. Here he made his home for twenty-one years and there his eldest son, Harvey J., now lives. As the years rolled by prosperity came to the pioneer and his wife, and easier times were in store for them. Three chil- dren grew up around their hearthstone, and as they got old enough, shared and lightened the labors of their parents. One child died in infancy. In the spring of 1**7 Mr. and Mrs. Riggs gave up their old home and removed to a place of 160 acres, which he had bought in Grant TowtfShip. Here they have a comfortable home and g 1 sur- roundings, and are silling in the twilight of old age, enjoying what they have earned by long years of patient labor and thrift. The farm is carried on by their sons. Cyrus ami Frank. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Riggs has been blessed by the birth of four children, as follows: Harvey .1., born Aug. 23, 1861, who married .Miss Dora West; Cyrus A. was horn Feb. •">. 1864, while Frank L., first saw the light of day April 15, 1870; John E. was horn Feb. II. 1866, and died July 31, 1866. They have also an adopted daughter. Flora ]'>. Devenger, whom they are rearing as their own. and who goes by her adopted parents' name. During the more than thirty years that have (lapsed since Mr. Riggs first came to Illinois, ureal changes have occurred, and since taking up his residence in Vermilion County he has witnessed and participated in its growth, from its wild and unsettled state to its present condition, as one of the most prosperous agricultural counties of the eastern part of the State. Mr. Riggs has done his share in ils transformation. He has been a hard-working man all his life, and has but little time or inclination for politics, and has held but a few minor offices. In his fourteenth year he joined the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and he and his wife are both members of that organization at Pleasant Ridge, of which for several years he was an Khler. By the people who know him well, Lu- ther A. Riggs is spoken of as an honorable, upright and trust-worthy man and most excellent citizen. v£g\ IIARLES A. BAKER, one of the younger !|! n members of the farming community of Ross ^^zf* 1 Township, iscomfortably established on sec- tion 9, where he is successfully conducting a well- regulated farm and has seemingly a very fair out- look for the future. lie is not yet twenty-eighl years old, having been born Oct. 1 !». 1861, in Ilar- risburg, Dauphin Co., Pa. When a little lad of six years he went to live with his Grandmother Yost, in Womelsdorf, and remained with her until four- teen years old. Thence he repaired to Allentown, Pa., where he attained his majority and after one or Iwo changes, came to this State in 1884 and located at Rossville, this county. In his native Slate he had gained considerable experience in mercantile business, having officiated as clerk in both a grocery and dry-goods store, but after coming to this county, he took up house-painting, which he followed a year, and later became inter- ested in farming pursuits. The paternal grandfather of our subject was by birth a Frenchman, while his grandmother was of English ancestry. Their son Cornelius, the father of Charles A. Baker, was born and reared in Dau- phin County. Pa. He was there married to Miss Mary Shower, a native of Lebanon County, Pa., and who died in 1S72 fit the age of forty-four years, leaving a family of eleven children. The father is still living and a resident of Reading. Pa. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBl'M. 655 Tlie brothers and sisters of our subjecl were named respectively, William P>., Silas ('.. Emma, the wife N. D. Redinger, of Allentown, Pa.; Leah, Mrs. Isaac Dc Turk, of Rossvillc, this county; Edwin ( '.. Samuel D., Katie, Mrs. Christopher Garnian, of of Pennsylvania; Harry M., Magdalena, Mrs. Will- iam Rummel, of Reading, Pa., and who died in April. 1889; and Susan ('. The father married for his sec I wife Miss Sally A. Snyder, of Reading, Pa. He has been a member of the Evangelical Church since a lad of fourteen \ ears and since 1 86 1 has officiated as a minister of that body. The mother also belonge I to the same church and died firm in the faith. Charles A. Baker was married Feb. 28, 1888, to Miss Catherine, daughter of Thomas Armstrong, a sketch of wl i will be round elsewhere in this Ami m. The young people have :i very nice hoi ic and the wishes of hosts of friends for their future happiness and prosperity. 'llo.MAS REYNOLDS. Gibbon has said well that every man has two educations, which is given him, and the cither and most important that which he gives himself. Sir Walter Scott emphasized this, when he said: The best part of a man's education is that which he gives himself. The mind has been endowed with no more powerful ambition than that of self-improvement. The self- made man carries with him hi> own capital, a cap- ital unaffected by monetary crises, 'an investment whose interest is not regulated by success of spec- ulation — a treasure v.'hicl ne can dispute, and of which no one can deprive him. Such a man is Th as Reynolds, the subject of this sketch. He is the son of William and Gemima (Mead) Reyn- olds, natives of England, who lived about forty miles northeast of London, where their sun Thomas was born, lie is purely of English descent, his an- cestors having been members of the established church of that country for many generations. Thomas Reynolds was reared in his nativecoun- iry. prior to the establishment of the Compulsory Education Law. The father being in limited cir- cumstances, the education of the son was com- pletely licglccied; all the knowledge, therefore, that he has acquired, has come to him by virtue of his own untiring labor in its pursuit, lie was married in England October 1854 t<> .Miss Ann. the daugh- ter of James and Sarah Perry, who were natives of the part of England, fr which he himself came. Miss Perry's family, like thai, of her husband was of "Id English origin, but this is not the only feature of similarity between them as they were both mem- bers "I I lie - one eh u id i. ( )f this marriage there was one son. Philip by name, who was hum in England. On dune 2. in the year 1856, our subject started on a voyage to America. His intention was to come direct to the United staler but unfortunately the steamship "Canadia" in which he set out was wrecked. This occurred about forty miles from Quebec after a cruise of eleven days. From the Canadian coast they were taken by a sailship down the St. Lawrence river. As soon as the '-Canadia" was taken off the Rock on which she was wrecked, she sink. It was a scene never to be forgotten, but although startling it was not as dangerous as might have been expected, as the passengers and crew were all saved, by what seemed to sonic, a miracu- lous interposition of Providence. I laving landed in Quebec, .Mr. Reynolds traveled by railroad to Loda. 111. From here he walked across the country over a matter of some twenty miles, when he arrived at Mr. Mann's residence, which was situated near Rossville. He was offered a position by Mr. Mann to work on his farm. He accepted the otter and labored by the month for about seven years. Hav- ing in this manner obtained a line start, he did not lest until he had worked his way so far as to enable him to purchase for himself a line farm of 200 acres. His estate is now one that attracts the at- tention of all wdio pass that way. Its picturesque neatness and the care and taste with which it is de- signed, cannot but be admired. The shade trees by which his pretty residence is surrounded are unusually tine and large. Before the house is a neatly sodded lawn and the beautiful arrangement of the whole grounds, speaks well for the skill of the supervisor. The water used on the farm is con- veniently furnished from the well by a windmill. Notwithstanding the attention which is paid by 656 PORTRAIT AND Bll .)< ; HA I'll IC'A L ALBUM. Mr. Reynolds to the cultivation of his property his lime is not wholly employed in that one pursuit, lie takes great pleasure in the raising of the cattle, hogs and sheep, with which his farm is well stocked, lie is also greatly interested in horses, his favorite being the Englishshire. Our subject and his wife are members of the Methodist Episeopal Church of Wallace Chapel. lie has eight children living, their names are as fol- lows: Philip; George W.; Susan, now Mrs. John W. Smock, wdio lives in Butler Township, this county, and is the parent of five children: Walter, Ida Belle, Martha, Thomas and Minnie M. There were two other children, James and Sarah, who unfortunately died when young. When our subject arrived at Loda he had only one cent, and was in debt $200 to his brothers Philip and Samuel. This money which they loaned him had paid the expenses of his trip from Eng- land. The life of this gentleman has comprised a most interesting array of facts and figures; in reading it we wonder at the tact and perseverance which marked his career. His trials indeed were heavy ones, so burdensome in fact that only a strong de- termination and a sturdy nature, such as his proved to be, could have overcome them. He is a stanch Republican and a liberal contributor to the interests of schools and churches. -«u| NTHONY LONG is a young man of more .fS/JJ, than ordinary enterprise, judgment and capacity, and by those traits has already won an assured success as a farmer and stock-raiser, although he began life a few years ago in comparative poverty. He has a model farm of .'on acres of land of exceptional fertility, carefully tilled and well supplied with comfortable buildings anil good machinery, his place being very pleasantly located on section 34 of the pretty township of Pilot. Our subject is of Pennsylvania origin. His father, Anthony Long, was born in the year 1805, mar Harrisburg, the capital of the Keystone State. and lived in that region many years, being em- ployed as a carpenter after attaining man's estate. After his marriage with the mother of our subject, which occurred Dec. 20, 1813, he moved with his family to Ohio, and engaged in farming among the pioneers of Seneca County, and was also profit- ably employed at his trade. In 1803 he again took up his westward march, and coming to Vermilion County purchased a farm here, and devoted the remainder of his life to agricultural pursuits on this rich soil. He was a man of undoubted worth and stability of character, and during his residence here his conduct merited and received the apprecia- tion of all in the community, who respected him accordingly. He was twice married, and the fol- lowing are his three children by his first wife: Sarah, the wife of Ephraim Norris, of Seneca County. Ohio; Catherine, the wife of William Miller, a farmer of Wood County. Ohio; Susanna, the wife of Michael Walker, a farmer of Williams County, Ohio. The maiden name of his second wife, the mother of our subject, was Jane Engler, and she was born in Maryland, Oct. 20, 1817, and died on the homestead here Nov. 27, 1879. To them three children came — Samuel. Walter and Anthony. Samuel was a soldier in the late war. lie enlisted in the 101st Ohio regiment in 1862, engaged in many hard fought battles, and while in the South contracted consumption, of which he died March 9. 1867, thus giving up his life for his country as much as if he had fallen in battle. Walter was born March 23, 1851, and died July 23, 1869. Anthony Long, of whom we write, was born in Seneca County. Ohio. Oct. 21, 1855, was an active, wide-awake lad of eight years when he came with his parents to this county, and he was already large enough to be of great use to his father on the farm, and received from him a sound, practical training in the best methods of conducting agriculture. which lias been of great profit to him in his after career as an independent farmer. His educational advantages were necessarily limited, but he availed himself of what schooling he could get, and by- observation and reading has in great part made up for the early deficiencies of his education. When he first began life for himself he had no capital except a stout heart, strong muscles and a clear PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 657 head, and after marriage, not having the where- withal tn buy land, he rented some for a few years. He prudently saved his money till he was enabled in buy eighty acres of partly improved land, and from that time on has been much prospered in his undertakings, so that ho is now the owner of 200 acres of as fine farming land as is to be found in this part of Vermilion County, and has it under good improvement, as before noted. He engages i ti mixed husbandry, raising considerable grain and other farm products and rearing stock of fine grades. Feb. 22, 1X77, Mr. Long took an important step in his life, which has undoubtedly contributed much to Ins success, as on that date he and Elizabeth Dixon were united in the holy bands of matrimony. She is a native of Kentucky, horn Oct. 9, 1856, to John and Elizabeth (Leeper) Dixon, who were of German ancestry. They came to this country dur- ing the late war, and settled in Sangamon County, 111. Two children have blessed the union of our subject and his wife: Alice, born May 9, 1879; Maude, born Sept. 7, 1883. It is the united testimony of his fellow-towns- men that Mr. Long is in all things a man of con- scientious principles and exemplary habits, one who is free hearted, kind and considerate, and always willing to lend a helping hand to others less fortunate than himself. He and his wife are regarded as among the most worthy and consist- ent members of the Christian Church, and they cheerfully give of their means to its support. Mr. Long takes an intelligent interest in the affairs of his country, and on all political questions >idcs with the Republican party. .;*<;.*> JAMES M. CURRENT. Elsewhere in this volume is presented a view of one of the most inviting homes in Vance Township. It belongs to the subject of this notice, and comprises a well-regulated farm, embellished with a new dwelling and the other necessary buildings, pleasantly located on section 11). The proprietor is one of the representative men of his community, prominent in religion. and politics, liberal-minded and public-Spirited, and in all respects a liist-class citizen, lie is a native of this county, and was born .Ian. 21. 1842, being the son of one of its oldest and most honored pioneers, William Current, who with his wife. Mary Baston, were natives of Virginia. The paternal grandparents of our subject were natives of Pennsylvania, and Grandfather Baston was one of the most prominent men in his county, having much to do with its affairs generally. Will- iam and Mary Current were married in their native State, and resided there five or six years after that event. Coming to Vermilion County in 1827 they Settled live miles northeast of Danville, in Newell Township, and endured the usual experiences of pioneer life. The father secured a tract of land and built up a good homestead, where he and his excellent wife spent the remainder of their days. William Current departed this life in 1851. The mother survived her husband the long period of thirty-three years, remaining a widow, aim dying in 1SS4. He was born in 1803, and his wife in 18(17. He served in the Black Hawk War, and the family arrived in Illinois in time to experience the rigors of the winter remarkable for the deep snow. The household circle comprised fourteen children, se\ en of whom are living. The subject of this notice was the eighth child of his parents, and received his early education in the old log structure known as the Lamb school house. Although his advantages were necessarily limited, he improved his opportunities, and by a steady course of reading has always kept himself well informed upon current events. He has been a Bible student all his life. He started out for himself in life when a youth of eighteen years, and when ready to establish a home of his own was united in marriage, Oct. IK, 1859, with Miss Mary E. Lynch, daughter of Abraham and Sarah Lynch, who were natives of Virginia. Our subject and his young bride began their wedded life on the old Current homestead, in this county, where they lived until 1872; then remov- ing to Danville Mr. Current engaged in the butch- ering and grocery business, operating thus until 1875, when he established himself on his present 658 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. farm. This comprises 170 acres of choice land in one body, and the whole is under a good state of cultivation. Mr. Current makes a specialty of stock-raising half or three-fourth blooded Short- horn eattle. Poland-China swine, and graded Clydesdale horses. In the early days he set out an orcha r d, which is now in fine bearing condition, and his resilience, erected in 1888, is one of the finest in the neighborhood. All that ample means and cultivated tastes can do has been brought about in the erection of this model home. Of the six children born to Mr. and Mrs. Cur- rent two died at the ages of three and one. Their eldest son, William II., married .Miss Lavina II.. daughter of Thomas Gibson, and they live one mile ea>t of the homestead; they are the parents of one child. Abraham L. married Miss Hester A., daughter of Francis Roderick, of Newell Town- ship; is the father of one child, and lives three miles south of his father. Martin A. and Fay Ray complete the family circle. The former, a promising youth of nineteen years, is a student in the Junior class of Chaddock College, at Quincy, 111., where he proposes to take the full course. Mr. Current at one time held the office pf Justice of the Peace, but finally resigned. He has also officiated as School Director and Road Overseer, and in politics votes the straight Republican ticket. haying been a member of this party since the late war. He believes, however, in voting for princi- ples and not men, and in local matters supports the men whom he considers best qualified to serve the interests of the people. Mr. and Mrs. Current united with the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1850, and have been prominent and consistent members since that time. Our subject was Assist- ant Superintendent of the Sunday-school prior to his marriage. In Danville he was Steward in the North Street Church, and has been Class-Leader for the past fourteen years; likewise Superintend- ent of the Sunday-school thirteen years, still hold- ing the position. His excellent wife is in no wise behind him in all good works, having a class in the Sunday-school, and laboring as she has opportunity in the Master's vineyard. Abraham Lynch, the father of Mrs. Current, came to Illinois at an early day, and was soon recognized as one of the most worthy citizens of Danville Township. His family included seven children, all of whom are living, and of whom Mrs. Current was the second child. She was born in Newell Township, this county, March 9. 184(1, and like her husband pursued her early studies in a log school house under the imperfect system of instruc- tion given at that day. YnllN VAN DUYN was born in Parke County. End., April 28, 1835. His farm which is situated on section lit in El wood ' Township, consists of 1 50 acres of good land all of which is cultivated in a manner that will bring about the highest results. He is successfully engaged in raising graded Shorthorns ami Poland- China hogs. Cornelius Van Duyn, the father of John, was a native of New Jersey, and came with his father to Indiana, when a boy. The mother was Catherine Blue, a native of Pickaway County, Ohio. She was the mother of eleven children, seven of whom are living: John. Cornelius. Henry J., William, Tilgh- man A. 11.. Luther W . and James C. The elder Van Duyns were leading citizens of their time and were regarded as among the best people in the country. They were thrifty and intelligent, and in financial matters, generally succeeded. John Van Duyn received a limited education at the subscription schools which were in vogue in this country during the pioneer days. The school-house, where he learned to read and write was built of logs and contained a fire-place in one end, slabs for seats and oiled paper for window panes. Let the youth of to-day contemplate the difficulties which surrounded their fathers and grandfathers in their effort to get an education, and be thankful for the splendid school privileges they now enjoy and strive the harder to improve them. Mr. Van Duyn came to Vermillion Count}', Ind., with his parents in 1 853, whence he removed to this county three years later. He was married March 26, 1867, to Dorothy, daughter of Archibald Edmonston, a native of Bun- combe County, N. C. She was born in Vermilion PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 661 County, Ind., where her parents located in 1831. [Ier father, an old pioneer of Indiana, was a soldier of the war of 1812. Ilei mother Melissa Ander- son, was a native of Mercer County, Ky. The lat- ter removed with her parents to Dubois County, Ind., at the age of eleven years, and in 1831, she located with her In is hand in Vermillion County, the >:une State, she was the mother of eight children, five of whom are living: Thomas A.. Mrs. Van Duyn, William, Lerov T. and Melissa. Mother Edunonston still lives in Indiana, six miles south west of Newport and is eighty-four years old. She is possessed of extra g I health for a lady of her years. .Mr. and Mis. Nan Dnyn have had five children and but one is living, .Melissa, who is the wife of Professor Mitchell, principal of the Ridge Farm school. She is also teaching there with her husband. She began work in her profession when but fifteen years old. and is a graduate of the Stale Normal School of Terre Haute. Both have State certificates of Illinois. They are the parents of one child — Verne V. By his own efforts Mr. Van Dnyn has prospered financially, and is now living in ease and comfort. He is generous and hospitable and is never happier than when he is smoothing the road of some un- fortunate whose footsteps are handicapped in the race of life. GARLAUGH. The extensive tract of land familiarly known as the Garlaugh farm is operated in two divisions by the sub- IP) ject of this notice and his brother, Tay- lor Garlaugh, and comprises some of the finest land lying out of doors. It was purchased by the father in 1873 nt the time of the famous Sidell land sale, which is noted elsewhere in this work. Mr. Garlaugh, our subject, has effected many valuable improvements on this property, erecting a commodious two-story frame dwelling, a good barn and cattle sheds, has good fences and the latest im- proved machinery for the prosecution of his calling. A windmill forms one of the appurtenances and the land is amply watered and very fertile. In riding past the farm the traveler is at once impressed with the idea that its manager is not only a man of enterprise and energy, 1ml is one bound to succeed. Mr. Garlaugh employs two men and four two horse teams in carrying on the farm and feeds an- nually 100 head each of cattle ami swine. lie makes a specialty of attending to his own concerns and does not aspire to political honors, although thoroughly in sympathy with the principles of the Republican party and the watch-cry "America for Americans." In referring to the parental history of our sub- ject we find that his father. Jacob Garlaugh, was born in Greene County. Ohio, and remains a resi- dent of that State, living near the city of Dayton. The mother, formerly Miss Elizabeth Miller, was born in Virginia and emigrated to Ohio with her parents when a young girl. The first representa- tives of the Garlaugh family in America came across the water from Germany and settled in Maryland whence Grandfather Garlaugh removed to Greene County, Ohio, 1^1807. The homestead which he built up from the wilderness has never passed out of the hands of the family and upon it the father of our subject is still living with his estimable wife at the ages of seventy-nine and sixty-nine years respectively. Thirteen children were born to the parents of our subject — seven sons and six daughters — of , whom he was the seventh. He first opened his eves to the light Feb. 17, 1853. He attended the com- mon schools and was reared to farm pursuits, re- maining a member of the parental household until coming to Illinois in 187'J when a man of twenty- six years. He was married in this county in 1883 to Miss Nellie, daughter of Calvin and Elizabeth (Collison) Martin now of State Line. Mrs. Gar- laugh was born at Bixby, 111., and completed her studies in the Normal School at Danville. Subse- quently she followed the profession of a teacher until her marriage. She became the mother of two children — Mamie E. and Ida M. and died Dec. 26, 1887. The young wife anil mother passed away, deeply mourned by her husband and a large circle of friends. She possessed many estimable qualities and in her death our subject received the sympathy of all who had known them during the brief years 662 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBLM. of their happy married life. Mr. Garlaugb is looked u[x >n as one of the rising young men of his community — one eminently worthy of a record in :i work designed to perpetuate the names and deeds of the leading men of Vermilion County. HARLES W.F< »RBES,the leading and pioneer agricultural implement dealer of Sidell, ear- ^^' ries an extensive stock of merchandise per- taining to his line of trade, and from his long residence in this locality and his substantial traits of character, is regarded as one of its leading men. A native of .Medina County, Ohio, lie was born March 17. 1853, and in consequence is on the sunny side of forty and in the prime of a vigorous and healthful manhood. His career has been marked by success, and he possesses those mental qualities which have nut only been of great service in the management of his business affairs, but has established him in an enviable position among his fellowmen. He takes a warm interest in the growth of the village and as a liberal-minded and public- spirited citizen, contributes as he is able toward its advancement. Mr. Forbes is the offspring of a good family, being the son of Alex and Cornelia Ann I Randall) Forbes who are still living and in good health, the father being eighty-five years old and the mother seventy-six. Charles W. was the eighth in the family of ten children, five of whom are living, the other four being Med win, George, Hiram and Marietta. Alex Forbes was one of the early set- tlers of Medina County, Ohio; where he operated prominently as a builder and contractor until he retired from active labor, and still resides in Ohio. Our subject pursued his first studies in the com- mon schools, and later at a select school at Litch- field. Ohio. When a youth of eighteen years he became interested in a creamery at Wellington, with which he was connected until coming, in 1881, to Shelby County this State. He built a creamery in the latter place which he operated two years and then removed to Rantoul, where he prosecuted the >aine business successfully for a time, then selling out, established himself in Casey, Clark County, this State, where he built another creamery, but only sojourned six months, coming to Sidell in the fall of 1885. In his business here he has been successful from the start, and his progress may be indicated by the fact that his sales in 1885 amounted to $10,000, and those of 1888 to $17,- 000j He has erected a commodious store with ware-rooms, and now also conducts a thriving trade in furniture as well as carriages ami wagons. He has put up a tasteful and substantial residence of modern architecture at the corner of Gray and Fnglish streets, which with its surroundings forms a very pleasant ami attractive home. The marriage of our subject with Miss Myru Fisher was celebrated at the home of the bride in Clarksliehl. Huron Co., Ohio. Dee. Id, 18711. Mrs. Forbes was born at Rochester, Lorain, Co., that State, February, 1807, ami is the daughter of Robert and Olive M. (Cunningham) Fisher, the former a native of the province of Ontario, Canada, and the latter of Clarksfield, Ohio. Mr. Fisher left the Dominion when a young man and afterward followed the trade of a harness-maker until his death, which took place in 1870 when he was fifty years old. The parents were married in Clarks- field, Ohio. The mother is living and makes her home with her daughter. Mrs. Forbes; she is now fifty three years old. Of her five children, Myra, Mrs. Forbes, was the eldest born. The next one, a son, Foster, died in infancy; Hiram Way, Frank S. and Emma U. Mr. Forbes, politically, is a stanch Republican and is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belong- ing to Peace Dale Lodge, No. 225. He is a charter member of the Modern Woodmen of America, be- longing to Sidell Camp, No. 405. The maternal grandmother of Mrs. Fisher was married the first times to Corydon Sheldon, and by him became the mother of one child, Jairus C, who was a representa- tive from the Fifteenth District of Illinois to the Forty-ninth Congress and served two terms. After the death of her husband. Mis. Sheldon was mar- ried to Hiram Way Cunningham, and to them were born nine children, among whom was the mother of Mrs. Forbes and Joseph Oscar Cunningham. who is one of the leading lawyers and prominent PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 663 citizens of Qrbana, 111., and was for several years Probate Judge. The girlhood of Mrs. Forbes was spent in ClarksGeld, Ohio, and she attended the High Scl 1 al Norwalk. Later, at the age of seventeen, she entered Baldwin University, taking the classical and musical courses, and continued a student there for some time. Afterward she engaged in teaching in Huron County, Ohio, follow- ing this profession for four years prior to her mar- riage. Mr. and Mrs. Forbes are members of the Metho- dist Episcopal Church at Sidell in which Mr. Forbes is one of the Hoard of Trustees and is on the Building Committee. This church has one of the finest edifices in Vermilion County, outside of Danville. Mrs. Forbes was the first President of the Ladies' Aid Society, which was established for the purpose of raising means to build anew church. —=*- «-H > EWITT C. BENNETT, familiarly known throughout Carroll Township as "Clint Beunett," is one of the most popular young men of his community and a farmer by occupation, operating a line body of land in the southwestern part of the township. He has worked his way up from an humble position in life, signal- izing himself by his industry and integrity of char- acter, and, aside from being on the highway to success financially, has fully established himself in the confidence and esteem of his fellow-citizens. The fact that he was from the age of eighteen years until twenty-eight — a period of ten years — the '-right hand man " of the cattle king, John Sidell, is sufficient indication of his true character and furnishes as good a recommendation as he could possibly wish for. There was also another party in the employ of the same family, namely, a most estimable young lady, who became the wife of our subject and whose record is fully equal to that of her husband in point of sterling worth of character and cultivated tastes. As the wife of our subject, she has been in all respects his true companion and helpmate, and they are justly proud of their blooming family of children, and their attractive home, which, without making any pretensions to elegance, is the place where affect inn abides and to which they frequently welcome the many friends and acquaintances who have watched their career with kindly interest . The subject of this notice is a native of this county, and was born in Vance Township, June I. 1849. lie was reared in Vance and Catlin town- ships, acquiring his education in the common school, and left home, as we have already indicated, at the age of eighteen years. While in the employ of Air. Sidell. he drove thousands of cattle to the East, frequently riding night and day, without sleep or rest. 1 1 is father, Philander Bennett, was a native of New York State, and married Miss Sarah Ann Wolf, who was born in Tennessee. In the biogra- phy of Henry J. Bennett, found on another page in this volume, will be noted the parental history. Philander Bennett and his excellent wife are still living, making their home in Palermo, Edgar County, where the father and his younger sons are operating a rented farm. Mr. Bennett is now about seventy-four years old and his wife ten years his junior. They are the parents of nine children, the eldest of whom, Ann E., is the wife of W. M. Jamison, of Catlin, and the mother of six children: Charles, Kate. Mary. George, Willie and Bertie. Henry J. was the second born; DeWitt Clinton, our subject, was the third child; George Franklin married Miss Rachel Trimble, and is a fann- er of Dundee County. Neb., and they have four chil- dren, Clinton, Minnie. Frank and a babe unnamed. .Mary E. is the wife of Jonah Turner, a farmer of Edgar County; they have no children. William K. died in boyhood; Jacob remains at home with his father; Ida B. married Esau Marsh, resides in Missouri, and is the mother of two children; Allic married Wilson Glaze, a resident of Chrisman, Edgar County, and they have two children. Mr. Bennett was married in 1877 to Mrs. Nancy Jane Spellman, daughter of Jerry and Mary 1. Fuller. Her father was horn in Illinois and her mother in Campbell County, Ky. The par- ents were married in the latter State and were of Irish' descent. They settled first in Cincinnati, Ohio, where Mr. Fuller engaged in teaming, and later removed on to a farm in Kentucky, where 664 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. his death took place. The mother was sub- sequently married to John (lark, a sketch of whom appprars elsewhere in ibis work, ami they are living at Sidell. Of the firs! marriage there were born seven children, viz: Reuben, John and Mary (who died young), America, Sarah. Louisa and Nancy Jane. Mrs. Bennett was born in Cin- cinnati, Ohio, but was reared in Kentucky, and when nineteen years of age became the wife of Thomas B. Spellman. Of this union there was born one child. For six years after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Bennett continued with Mr. Sidell and afterward began farming on rented land. They are now the parents of six children, namely : Sarah I., Charles Clinton, Jacob C, Bessie W. and Luella. Mr. Ben- nett is a prominent member of the Modern Wood- men at Sidell, and has filled most of the offices of the order. Politically he votes the straight Dem- ocratic ticket and has been School Director in his district. :®H North— sc DAM STADLER. The armies of the SO Statistics exhibit — were eom- <> posed of one-third foreigners, or their direct descendants. These, or their par- ents, bad come from countries where tyranny held them in as firm a grasp as the negroes were held in America, and their condition was but little above that of the slave of South Carolina. They longed for that perfect political freedom that characterizes this country, and in consequence fought for a prin- ciple that was dear to them, and the most of these people, by the peculiar laws of their native land, were obliged to serve in the army The person whose name heads this sketch is one of those who had seen service in his native country. His father was Christopher Stadler, .a farmer of Baden and a native of that country, while his mother, Regina (Horsch) was also a native of the same province. This couple were married in Baden and came to America in 1854, locating in Henry County, Ind., with their son Adam, who bad come to America before them. The father died in 1856 aged sixty-eight, and the mother is still living in ( (bin with one of her daughters. They had five children, three boys and two girls, four of whom are now living in America. The oldest buy died in Germany. Adam, of whom we write, is the second child of the family, and was born Dec. 28, 1821, in Baden. There lie went to school until he was fourteen years old, receiving a very fine edu- cation in the higher mathematics and engineering, lie finished bis schooling in the military academy of Carlsrnhe, the capital of Baden, graduating from that institution and receiving his diploma in 1844, Previous to ibis, he served his time as an appren- tice ai the cooper's trade and continued at thai for si\ years, or until he was twenty years of age. In 1841 Mr. Stadler was drafted into the army. lb- served six ironths as a private and was pro- moted to the ranks of Corporal and Sergeant, serv- ing in these positions for one and two years re- spectively. In 1848 the rebellion broke out in Baden against King Leopold, at which time Mr. Stadler was serving as Quartermaster Sergeant. The army in which be was doing duty was directed against the rebels, but in 184'J the soldiers became disaffected and rebelled against the King. Mr. Stadler was then elected as Captain of the same battery of artillery in which he had served pre. viously as a loyal soldier. His company fought in every battle in 1849 in the rebel army. At that time the commander of the rebellions soldiers was Gen. Miroflefski, who turned out to be a traitor to the cause. He was succeeded by (leu. Franz Sigel. who afterward distinguished himself in the Union army during the laic Rebellion. Gen. Sigel was in command of about 25.000 men and in opposition to this small army. Prussia sent 150,000 troops and the States of Wurtemburg, Bavaria and Hesse-Darmstadt fur- nished as many mure. This immense army of troops succeeded in killing many of the rebels, but failed to crush them. Sigel's army was driven into Switzerland and the war closed. The remnant of this little army two months after was dispersed. The private soldiers were allowed to go where they pleased, but the officers were condemned to be shut whenever found on their native soil. The natural place for them to seek refuge was in America, and here they came, Mr. Stadler being one of PORTRAIT AND P.IOC UAPI1ICAI. ALBUM. 665 them. He came in the same vessel that brought Lawrence Brentano, now of Chicago and they ar- rived at New York in Nov. L849. Mr. Sladler was married May 2s, 1846 to Sophia l'azell, daughter of John and Caroline (Sweitzer) Yazell. Mrs. Stadler was the youngest of the family and was born Feb. 2, 1829. She received a line education, and married Mr. Stadler while he was a Sergeanl in the army 6f the King. While the war was in progress — in which her husband took su active a pari — she remained at Carlsruhe, and when the army was driven into Switzerland, she joined her husband there and --ailed with him to America. They wen! to Cincinnati, where he was employed al his trade, and also in a brewery, for one yeai'. At this time both Mr. and Mrs. Stadler were seized with typhoid fever, which was followed by fever and ague, their illness lasting in all, fourteen months. After recovering their health they removed to Indiana, where Mr. Stadler stall i'«l a. cooper's shop and remained in that busi- ness for fourteen years. lie then rented a farm. and began Hie life of a farmer. In 1861, when the first eall for troops was made by President. Lincoln, Mr. Stadler enlisted in the 12th battery of Indiana Volunteers, o aauded by Capt. Stallings. He went out with the battery as First Lieutenant, proceeding from hidianapolis to st. Louis aud thence to Fort Donelson. After the fall of that fort, the battery was ordered to Nashville, and from there to Pittsburg Landing, am! after the battle of Shiloh, the company was changed to heavy artillery, ami again returned to Nashville. In the fall of 1862 Mr. Stadler resigued hi- commission, because of rheumatism, lie re- turncd home ami again took up his work on the farm in Indiana. lie had escaped unhurt in the many battles in which he was engaged both in Germany and America, and while in the service in I he old country, he had three horses killed while riding them. In October, 1867 Mr. stadler removed to Illinois and bought his present home where he has lived since. lie has 125 acres of good land, and as a farmer he has been Successful. Mr. and Mis. Stadler have had six children, three sons aid three daughters, five of whom are living: George C, a banker, married Ada Newton; they arc living in Monticello. where he is Clerk of the Court, and havi two children; Adam A., married Anna Bell, they are residing at Bement and are the parents of line child; Kena is the wife of Dr. Clark Smith of Cornelius. Ore.; Jacob l'\. married Susan Simpson, and they are living on a part of her father's farm, and have one child; Caroline lives at, home with her parents, and is an accomplished young lady, being noticeably proficient in painting. She has executed many fine specimens, which adorn her father's parlor. Mr. stadler is a strong free-trade Democrat and while he is not an ollice-sccker he takes great inter- est in politics. lie has held the office of Road Overseer, filling the position with his usual energy. Before leaving Baden Mr. and Mrs. Stadler were members of the Evangelical Protestant Church, but, since coming to America thej have been united «iil 'eligious organization but attend church regularly. They arc; held in high esteem by all their acquaintances as possessing all the attributes i hat cluster around g I neighbors, andjlaw-abiding cit izens. • OIIN POLLARD. This branch of the Pol- lard family is noted chiefly for its mechan- ical genius — the ancestors of our subject, / being peculiarly gifted in this in; oner. William Pollard, the father of our subject, learned mechanical engineering in his native England when quite a young man. and the paternal grand father, John Pollard, was a wheelwright, mill- wright and wood-worker of great skill. To William and Mary Ann ( Bartel) Pollard, natives of Yorkshire, England, there were born live children in their native country: Paul lives in Carroll Township; John, our subject was the second child; Sarah J. in the wife of S. P. Dono- van, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume; Peter died in infancy; Martha is the wife of Charles Hull, also represented elsewhere in this work. The father crossed the Atlantic seven time-- four times before bringing his family here. G6G PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. in 1864 — when he located in Carroll Township, this county. He built the first steam sawmill south of Danville, and, besides being a first class me- chanic, was an excellent business man. and soon found himself on the high road to prosperity. < >f a most generous and easy disposition, it was often remarked that he "was too good for his own good." He could never say "no" when solicited by a friend for a favor, consequently he appended his name to various notes for friends, which re- sulted in the usual way, namely, the loss of a large amount of his property. He lived, however, to rally from this disaster, and at the time of his death. July 3, 1886, left his family in comfortable circumstances; he was then aged sixty-nine years. The mother is still living, making her home in In- dianola, and is of the same age as her husband was at his decease. The subject of this sketch, like his parents, was a native of Yorkshire, Englaud, and born May 3, 1847. He pursued his early studies under careful instruction in a private school, which was held under the auspices of the Methodist Episcopal Church. While still a boy, he began working in a factory as a spinner, anil at the early age of seven- teen was given the position of overseer in the spin- ning department of Scott's Woolen Mills, in Eng- land. After a time, however, he conceived the idea of coming to America, so gave up his position and sailed across the Atlantic with his brother, the rest of the family coming later. The labors of young Pollard were only inter- rupted for a comparatively brief time, and, after reaching Illinois, he entered the employ of his father in a sawmill, and was thus occupied until thirty six years of age. Then, as proprietor, he assumed the entire charge. Hundreds of thou- sands of feet of lumber have passed through his hands, and he has been uniformly successful in this department of industry. He purchases the logs in the rough, and from them manufactures all kinds of lumber for building and other purposes, dealing mostly in the finer grades — oak. walnut, and woods of that description. He has built up a regular patronage, doing an extensive custom business. Mr. Pollard and his family occupy a very pleas- anut and comfortable home. His farm comprises choice land, with a neat and substantial frame dwelling and the other buildings necessary for their convenience and comfort. He was married. Aug. 29, 1886, to Airs. Fanny (Thresher) Hunt, daughter of Everett Thresher and widow of Ely Hunt. Mrs. Pollard was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, Dec. 6, 1855. The maiden name of her mother was Elizabeth Collins, and both parents were born in Pickaway County. ( )hio. Mr. Thresher was a farmer by occupation, and when a boy of eight 3'fars came with his parents to Illinois, set- tling in Coles County. Later they removed to Douglas County, where the parents still live, and are comfortably situated upon a good farm of their own. Mr. Thresher is sixty-seven years of age, and his good wife fifty-nine. Of the twelve chil- dren born to them ten lived to mature years, viz: Sarah. Hugh. Fanny. Mary, John. Mahala. Minerva, Celia, Henry and Oeorge. Miss Fanny Thresher was first married in Doug- las County, this state, to Ely Hunt, a farmer by occupation, ami they became the parents of one child — Lewis, who was born in 1877. Mrs. Hunt in 1882 occupied the position of a clerk in Danville, where she met, our subject, and in due time they were married. Both our subject and his estimable wife are members in good standing of the Metho- dist Episcopal Church, at Indianola. and Mr. Pol- lard, politically, gives his unqualified support to the I )emocratic party. A view of Mr. Pollard's place is shown elsewhere in this work. ELISIIA C. U. F1TIIIAN. The Fithian fam- ily has been widely known in Central i Illinois for many years. We find the sub- ject of this notice comfortably located on section 19, in Oakwood Township, where he has followed agriculture since 1854. He is the youngest of three sons, the offspring of Dr. William and Orle- thea T. (Merry) Fithian, who were natives of Ohio, where they were reared, educated and married, and came to Illinois as early as 1830. [See sketch on another page.] They settled at Danville, where PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 06; the father followed his profession continuously until about 1879. '1 he manner in which he was prospered is indicated from the fact thai lie is now the owner of 2,700 acres of land in Oakw 1 and Vance town- ships, 40(i acres being in timber and the balance under a g 1 state of cultivation. L is mostly leased toother parties, and our subject is superintendent of Hie whole. The parental family comprised three children, only two of whom are living, the eldest son. George B., having died in 1874. The son besides our subject is William Henry, a resident of Fithian, III. The subjed of this notice was the youngest of his parents' three sons, and was horn Nov. 8, L837, in Danville, this county. lie acquired a practical education in the public schools, and at the age of seventeen years began farming for himself on the hind which he now occupies. He met with fair success, and on the 10th of February, 1865, estab- lished domestic ties of his own by his marriage with Miss Annie M. Hays. Mrs. Fithian was the third child in the family of John Hays, who came to Illi- nois from Ohio, in 1862, and settled near Homer, Champaign County, where he occupied himself in farming. His family consisted of twelve children, eight of whom are living. Mrs. Fithian was born March 15, 1840, in Athens Co., Ohio. Since his marriage Mr. Fithian has continued the superintendence of his father's farm. The Doctor is now past his ninetieth year, and is ipiile feeble in health, lie continues a resident of Dan- ville. He has been a very prominent man in his community — active, energetic and public-spirited — and the town of Fithian, which was laid out, by the Indiana, Bloomington A- Western Railroad Com- pany, was named in his honor. Ilis first wife died in early womanhood, in 1887, and he was subse- quently married to Mrs. Black, the widowed mother of Gen. John C. Black, and she died in 1886. John Hays, the father of Mrs. Fithian, died on the 7th of August, 1886. Her mother is still living. making her home in Muncie, 111., and is now seventy-one years old. Mr. Fithian is quite conservative in politics, and has always been a member of the Republican party, casting his hist vote for Abraham Lincoln in I860, lie was personally acquainted with him. having often met him at his father's house, the martyred President regarding Dr. Fithian as one of his warm, personal friends, and frequently visiting him. Mr. Fithian has been a School Director for many years, and socially belongs to Fairinount Lodge, No. 590. A. F. & A. M.. with which he has been connected for about sixteen years. The live children of our subject and his estimable wife were named, re- spectively: Paid H., Lalla R., Klisha C. B., John C. B. and David W. DA.M EATON. There is nothing in life more beautiful and attractive than a se- ll) renc and quiet old age, the result of a life well spent, with a conscience void of offense, and a consciousness of having lived up- rightly and in a. manner deserving of the esteem and confidence of mankind. These thoughts in- voluntarily arise in noting the career of the subject of this sketch, who is in fair circumstances, and occupies a comfortable homestead on section I, in Sidell Township. Mr. Eaton is a man of large experience, a native of Barren County, Ky., and born near Glasgow, March 1, 1«2"2. His early studies were pursued in the subscription schools of his native township, and he accompanied his father's family in their various removals through Kentucky to Tennessee, Missis- sippi and Alabama. In the meantime, upon reaching man's estate he employed himself in connection with the " tobacco and the cotton and the corn." and was a witness of all the phases of life in the Smith during that period and prior to the outbreak of the Rebellion. In Tennessee he found his wife, being married in 1 S-l 1 to Miss Frances Giner, a native of that State. Mr. and Mrs. Eaton, after their marriage, re- moved to Kentucky, and thence, in 1845, to In- diana, where they lived seven years, and where their eldest child was born. In 1852 they came to this county and set-tied live miles east of Danville, where our subject rented a farm of Dr. Porter, upon which he remained ten years. Then, in 1879 with the results of his labors, he purchased eighty GG8 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. acres of land, from which he constructed his pies ent homestead. lie has effected good improve- ments and surrounded himself and his family with all the comforts of life. Living at peace among his neighbors and giving his chief attention to the interests immediately connected with his home, he has had ample time to reflect upon the vicissitudes of life and draw his own conclusions therefrom. The four living children of Mr. and Mrs Eaton are recorded as follows: David married Miss Rachel Raffet, and lived in Sidell ; they have seven children living. Malen married Miss Ida Soyer, lives in this township, and is the father of one chill — Les- lie; Mary is the wife of Simon Hill, of Sidell. and the}' have two children — Elmer and Walter; Pres- ton remains at home with his parents. Mr. Eaton votes the straight Democratic ticket, and both he and his wife are members of the New Light Church. The parents of our subject were David and Eliz- abeth (Thomas) Eaton, the father a native of Ten- nessee. They were married in Kentucky, and lived there for a time on a farm. About 1815 they re- moved tn Indiana, settling in Harrison County, and later came to this county, where the lather died at the age of eighty-six years. The mother was eighty years old at the time of her decease. Their family consisted of eleven children — four sons and seven daughters — of whom Adam, our subject, was the second born. "<&& AMUEL W. BAUM is one of the many well-to-do men of Carroll Township, and a popular stockman of Vermilion County For several years he has been engaged in breeding Shorthorn cattle, and at this writing has on hand a herd of his favorite breed of cattle of good pedigrees. The animal standing at the head of this fine herd of cattle is the celebrated "Com- modore Barney," a well-known prize winner, and was owned by the late Harvey Sodowsky, which is a guarantee of the excellence of tin's beautiful animal. Mr. Baum is the son of Samuel Haum, who was a very popular gentleman, and one of the old set- tles of Carroll Township. His mother was Sarah Weaver, a daughter of Michael Weaver, who lived to be one hundred years old. The elder Baum and Weaver came together to this county in wagons drawn by oxen. The Baums built up the oldest city in the county — Indianola — and were instru- mental in directing the outside world to the fer- tility and resources of Vermilion County as a desirable location. The Baums were also distin- guished pioneers of Bucks County, Pa., and of Clermont County, Ohio, while that country was under territorial rule. The grandfather, Charles Baum, was a gunsmith by trade. He volunteered in the War of 1812, but was thought to be too valuable a man to enter the ranks, so he was em- ployed in making and repairing firearms. He made a gun for his own use in the army, but gave it to another soldier. lie was very religiously inclined, and respected by all who knew him. Samuel Baum was married twice, and by the first union had eleven children: Oliver P., Mary, Elizabeth, Susan A.. Catherine, Francis, Emiline, Samuel \\ .. William and Angeline. Samuel W. was born Feb. 15, 1843, and was reared to agriculture in this county. He is largely engaged in the stock business, and is an extensive shipper. He owns several farms, the homestead containing 600 acres. All his land has been im- proved by himself, as when he bought it, it was in a wild condition. His farms are all well fenced, conveniently arranged, and well supplied with water; the barns are commodious, and the pastures are of the very best. His dwelling is a comfort- able one. and in it can be found a genial hostess, whose hospitality is proverbial. The stock on this farm is of the very finest. Any one of the ani- mals would take a prominent place at a fair or a fat stock show. It is safe to make the assertion that there are no better cattle in the State of Illi- nois than those owned by Mr. Baum. Mr. Baum was married to Miss Delia E. Stewart, a daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Cochrane) Stew- art, the former being a native of Ohio, while the latter was a daughter of Gen. Cochrane, a hero of the War of 1812, and who represented his people in the Legislature. Mr. and Mrs. Stewart came to Georgetown from Woodford County, 111., having PORTRAIT AND lUO< ! i! API1 ICA I. ALBUM. 661) settled there Brat upon coming ti> this State. They floated down the Ohio and came up the Mississippi mid Illinois rivers, until they reached their des- tination. Mr. and Mrs. Stewarl are both living, and in this world's goods are well-to-do. They arc the parents of seven children, all girls: Tamer E. and Mary M. (deceased), twins; Lovina, Sarah A. I deceased ). Josephine, Frances, Delphine and I )olly .1. Mrs. Baum was horn in Georgetown, where she attended the public schools, and at the age of six- then entered the High School at Danville. She is an accomplished lady and a faithful wife. Mr. and Mrs. Baum have no children. Mr. Baum is a strong Republican, a protectionist, and a friend of progress and prosperity. He be- lieves thai his party's platforms embody political wisdom, and that its candidates, as a rule, are good, and, therefore, he votes the Republican ticket, though he never seeks office. Mr. Rauui's reputation among those who know him hest. is irre- proachable. \~f/„. KNRY B. CURRENT has a pleasant home f[j) in Newell Township, and is a gentleman of r Justice of the Peace, and secured 1302 out of 1831 votes. This office lie held four years, and in the meantime continued his law studies, lie passed a written examination and was admitted to the bar in Springfield, and as a .lustier of the Peace acquitted himself so satisfactorily that lie was re-elected, receiving 1831 out of 2400 rotes, heating the closest competitor of seven can- didates by 299 votes. In the spring of 1889 he was elected on the Republican ticket by 125 major- ity, the first time in which party politics had any thing to do with the election of this officer. He pursued his law studies first under Col. Jesse Har- per eighteen months, and then with W. R, Law- rence six months. After being admitted to the bar he opened an office on East Main street and prac- ticed in all the courts, besides discharging the duties of his office as Justice of the Peace. lie also operates as a real-estate dealer and loan agent, and has just put out a Directory for the city of Danville. It will thus be seen that he must pos- sess «reat energy and has few idle hours. So ciallv he belongs to the I. 0.0. F., the K. of P., and Modern Woodmen of America. In religious, views he coincides with the doctrines of the Presby- terian Church. He at one time officiated as Editor- in-chief of the Danville Argus, and as Special Correspondent of the Chicago Time*, and Tribune. Isaac 1'. Smith, the father of our subject, was horn near Snow Hill, in Worcester County, Md., in 1792. His boyhood days were spent upon a farm and his education was acquired in the ( i- mon school. In his youth he learned the trade of a carpenter, also that of a baker, and later became a contractor and builder. Of his first marriage there i there were born eleven children, all of whom lived to mature years. Finally he left Maryland and took up his abode in Pickaway County. Ohio, where he entered a tract of land, which he im- proved, and also followed his trade. Later he moved to Northern Indiana, whence he came to this county in the summer of 1832. All these journcyings had been made overland with teams, the teams being utilized in hauling the goods, while the family came most of the way on foot. After arriving in this county Air. Smith entered a tract of land in what is now Danville Township. and situated six or seven miles south of the pres- ent city. He set out a great many trees, especi- ally sugar maples, from which he made a large amount of maple sugar, and lost considerable by the Indians. - - BRAJvl MANN. Picture to the mind's eye 1 an imposing and beautifully appointed resi- dence situated on a gentle rise of ground in the midst of shade trees and shrubbery, with tasteful walks and driveway, with the var- ious needed carriage barns and outbuildings in the rear, a choice apple orchard of bearing trees in good condition and trees of the smaller fruits, yielding abundantly in their season, and we have the surroundings of the subject of this sketch. The Mann family originated in England prob- ably several hundred years ago, and this branch of it was represented in the United States about 1K34, by Abram Mann, Sr. The paternal grandparents of our subject were people in good standing in their community and members of the Church of England. Their son, Abram, likewise a native of Bedfordshire, was married there to Miss Mary A. Smith and they be- came the parents of four children who were named respectively. Mary A., Catherine. Abram, our sub- ject, and John. In 1835 the whole family emi- grated to the United States and coming to Illinois settled at Danville. Our subject although a mere boy remembers well the time when there were but few houses between this point and the then unim- portant little town of Chicago. There were but few families then in Ross Township. In 1 h;?7 the family removed to this latter township where the parents spent their last days. The father and mother were members of the Methodist Episcopal ( Ihnrch. Abram Mann. Jr.. the subject of this sketch, was born in February, 1829, in Bedfordshire, England, lie chose for his life occupation fanning pursuits, and remained a member of the parental household until reaching man's estate. He was married to Mi^s Margaret Dale, daughter of John J. Dale, who was born in Maryland and removed to Clark 672 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. County, Ohio, when quite young. Upon reaching man's estate lie was married to Miss Elizabeth Davison, by whom he became the father of eight children in Ohio anil one after their removal to Indiana. In I860 they came to this county, settling in Ross Township where the father died in 1878. Mis. Dale ami seven of her children are still living'. One son, Daniel D., served in the Union Army (luring the late Civil War and met his death on the battlefield of Murfreesboro, Tenn. The father of our subject at his death left a fine estate including 5.000 acres of land. This splendid trad of land is remarkably rich and fertile and it has most prop- erly been embellished with one of the finest farm residences in the county. The main building cov- ers an area of 50 x 57 feet with an " L " 40 x 20 feet, is two stories in height and built of brick. In addition to carrying on general farming Mr. Mann for many years dealt extensively in cattle, horses and sheep. The accommodations for the shelter of stock and the storage of grain are ample, while the farm machinery is of the latest improved pattern and all the other appliances are fully adapted to the general purposes and employments of rural life. Mr. Mann and his sister are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the doctrines of which they were carefully trained from child- hood and in the faith of which their parents died. Mr. Mann cast his first Presidential vote in 1852 and has since given his support to the Republican party. During the late Civil War he contributed largely to the support of the Union cause. To him and bis estimable wife there were born two children only, both sons, John and George Dale. His brother John also left two children, Abraham and Marian who are now living with him. ROF. THEODORE REYNOLDS is an eminent educator of Vermilion County, ami is a gentleman who takes agieat inter- est in anything pertaining to the education of the youth. He is the Principal of the Ycrniiiion Academy, Elwood Township, and all his energies are centered in this institution. He is a tireless worker, and one in whose hands the academy will never suffer, for nothing escapes his notice that will forward its material or moral welfare. Mr. Reynolds was born in Elwood Township, three miles east of Ridge Farm, on June 7th. 1855. His father. Linton Reynolds, was a native of Indi- ana, and in his early life a wagon-maker and car- penter, but of late years he has followed farming exclusively, and in tins line of business he has prospered, being a man of intelligence and energy. I lis wife was Lydia. daughter of Asa Eolger, a prominent pioneer of this county, who came here from Indiana about 18:50, with her parents, when she was three years of age, and therefore has been practically reared in this neighborhood. Mr. and Mis. Reynolds are the parents of five children, four of whom are living: Theodore, the subject of this sketch; Luther, Othello and Mary E. (Mrs. Lewis). Mr. Reynolds was educated in the common schools, the Bloomingdale Academy and Wabash College, being graduated from the latter in June, 1884, with a degree of B. S., and in 1.S87 he re- ceived the degree A. M, from the same institution. Before being graduated from college Mr. Reynolds taught school for five years, bis first effort in this direction being at Locust Corner, in Elwood Town- ship. He made an application in 1881 for bis present position, but was rejected. After his rejec- tion he taught the Vermilion public school for eight months, commencing in September, 188 1, and before the year had expired, the same board that had rejected him gave him a call to take charge of flic academy, which he accepted, entering upon his duties in September, 1KS5. He has remained in charge of the institution since, being elected for the fifth consecutive year. Mr Reynolds has given great, satisfaction to all the people who are connected with the academy, and it is safe to say that the tenure of his office rests solely upon his will. The Vermilion Academy is rapidly coming to the front as a standard institution of learning. It was established at Vermilion Grove in 1874, by the Quarterly Meeting of the Society of Friends, which meets at this place annually. They recognized the fact that they needed a place where their people could be educated in the same manner as other de- PORTRAIT AND Bloi ; RAPHICAB ALBUM. 673 nominational schools, and the result of their delibe- rations in this direction was the establishment of tli is Academy. The building is a large two-story structure, built <>f brick, and was erected in the year named by private subscriptions, and also lias been the beneficiary of endowments. The incorpo- rators were all members <>f the Quarterly Meeting, and in 1875, when the corporation was formed, a resolution was passed creating all members of the Quarterly Meeting over twenty-one years of age legal members of the corporate body, thus making the school the property of the church. There are about seventy students in attendance, and Mr. Reynolds lias one assistant. Mr. Reynolds married Lovina J., daughter of Samuel KuvUendall. The latter is a resident of Indiana, ami a farmer living near Tern' Haute. Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds have three children — CoraB., Ethel L. and Bertha. Mr. Reynolds es- tablished a graduating course and nine were gradu- ated this year. The commencement exercises were full of interest, each one acquitting himself and herself nobly. As a matter of course, Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds belong to the Quaker Church. They are very highly respected in the community as o I neighbors and excellent citizens. — i-«-&=S>^8-«- y RS. CATHERINE T. MORELAND, widow of Thomas R. Moreland, is one of the most active and cheerful of the elderly ladies of Carroll Township, and is a general favor- ite with all, old and young. She is the daughter of Peter and Susan (Miller) Hedges, natives of Botirbon County, Ky.. where they passed their en- tire lives, ami where thei r remains were laid to rest to await the resurrection morn. Grandfather John Hedges was born near Balti- more, Md., on his father's farm, the Hedges having been farmers throughout several generations, fol- lowing that occupation in Maryland and Virginia. The genealogy of the Hedges family can be traced back to the person of Sir Charles Hedges, who was a worthy English Parliamentarian, and graduate of Oxford University, from which institution he re- ceived his diploma in 1675. He was appointed one of the chief Secretaries of State under Queen Anne in 17(10, and about the same time was returned to Par- liament in which body he held a seat several years, but when the Whigs obtained control of the go\ eminent in 1707 he was dismissed. At his death in 1711 he left one son, Charles, who on hisdemise divided his vast estate, by will, between his family of five children which consisted of one son and four daughters. This son. Joseph, emigrated to America where he made a home, and continued to reside in this country until his death which oc- curred in Prince George's County, Md. l-'roni him spring the large family of Hedges in America, and a vast estate estimated at $250,000,000 is still left in England awaiting the rightful heirs to prove their claim and secure the money. The parents of our subject had four children who grew to maturity, namely: Henry. Zerilda A.. Catherine T., .Mary A. and John T., who was a son of Mr. Peter Hedges by his second wife and now resides in Bourbon County. Ky. Mrs. Moreland is the only survivor of the children born to the first wife. She was born Nov. 5, 1827, in Bour- bon County, Ky.. where she passed her childhood and young ladyhood. She attended the best pri- vate schools in the county and completed her education at a seminary taught by the Sisters in Lexington, Ky. She entered that institution when a miss of fourteen and completed the course with high honor when about eighteen, having endeared herself by her many good qualities ami amiable traits of character not only to the gentle ladies in charge of the school, but also to her school-mates with whom she was a general favorite. Miss Catherine took upon herself the duties of wifehood at the early age of nineteen years in ltf 17 when she was married to Thomas R. Moreland in 1817. The wedding occurred during the palmy days of slavery, and as the parents of Mrs. More- land owned a large number of slaves, the exquisite fairness of the dainty bride and her attendants, was well set off against a dusky background formed by the sable followers of the numerous guests usual on such occasions, mingling with the home repre- sentatives of the "peculiar institution." Although the colored members of the Hedges' estate occupied G74 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. a servile position, their love and esteem was lav- ishly bestowed upon young ''missie," and no truer or more heartfelt wishes for her welfare were uttered, than came from the lips of the so-called in- ferior race. Mr. Moreland, a native of Bourbon County. Ky., was horn March 27. 1827. His parents Will- iam and Margaret (Wbaby) Moreland, were both natives of Pennsylvania, in which State they were married and from which tliey emigrated to Ken- tucky, establishing themselves in the above named county, and making that their lionie during the remainder of their lives. They prospered in the new locality and reared their family in comfort giving them an excellent education. About ten years after marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Moreland left their childhood's home and located in Carroll Township, Vermilion Co.. 111., the date of their arrival in that State being 1857. Their change of location proved a fortunate one as they prospered finely in their new home, and their bark glided smoothly over the stream of life, meeting few obstacles to hinder its progress until 1864, when Mr. Moreland crossed over the river, leaving Mrs. Moreland to continue the jour- ney onward without his sympathy and companion- ship. Although lonely and sad at times, she is. at the age of sixty-two, a cheerful, active lady, a de- sirable acquaintance for those in prosperity and a sympathetic friend to those in adversity. Mr. and Mrs. Moreland became the parents of eight children, seven of whom are living, their resid- ences being in various places in the Stales of Indi- ana, Missouri and Illinois. r. I ^| ON All M.DAVIS. The subject of this notice established himself at Ridge Farm in the spring of 1855, where, with the exception of tRsMl one summer spent as a clerk in old Bloom field) he has since lived and engaged in various branches of business. He is now engaged as a furniture dealer and undertaker, and from his known in- tegrity and promptness in meeting his obligations, ranks among its leading business men. He is well educated and a man of more than ordinary intelligence — one who has made the most of his opportunities in life, and kept his eyes open to what has been going on about him. He numbers his friends by the score in Elwood Township, where his familiar figure has been passing to and fro for the long period of thirty-four years. Our subject was born on the sea coast near Cape Lookout, in Carteret County, N. C, March 2, 1824. His father, Jesse Davis, was a native of the same county and of Welsh ancestry. The family was first represented in America on Nantucket Island, whence they emigrated to different parts of the country. The parents of our subject set out for the North in the spring of 1832, establishing themselves at Milton, Wayne Co.. Ind., where our subject pur- sued his early studies in a school carried on under the auspices of the Society of Friends. In due time he developed into a teacher, but after teach- ing two terms, desirous of adding to his store of knowledge, he entered the High School of the Friends at New Garden, Guilford Co., N. O. where he spent the spring and summer of 1847. lie taught school the following winter near the old homestead, and returned to Indiana in 1848. He was a resident of Henry County tor nearly a year thereafter, then entered the Friends' High School near Annapolis, now (Bloomiugdale), lud., and studied while also acting as assistant teacher a por- tion of the time. The school was then presided over by Prof. Harvey Thomas, its founder. From this place our subject, in the fall of 1849, made his way to Miami County, Ohio, where he taught school a year on the Still Water, near Ludlow Falls, where there is an extensive cedar grove, supposed to have been planted by the Indians, and which was an object of admiration to both resi- dents and travelers. Mr. Davis, in the fall of 1850, came to this county and took charge of the public school at Vermilion Grove, which numbered lid pupils, considered at that day something remarkable. He was obliged to employ assistants, and held this position iive years, after which became to Ridge Farm, and was engaged with Abraham Smith in the mercantile business for a few years, and then with Henry C. Smith ayearor two; continuing the PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 675 business in company with a brother undci the linn name of Davis Bros, until the year 1867. Merchandising vtas a lucrative avocation during these years, which included the war of the slave- holder's rebellion. In the year 1872 the brothers lmilt the Ridge Farm flouring-mill, which they sold six months thereafter, and our subject retired from active business life for several years. The 9th of November, 1875, witnessed the mar- riage of our subject with Miss Ella, daughter of Benjamin F. Jenkins, and who, like her husband, was also a popular teacher prior to her marriage. They have three children — Royal, Ruby and Nellie. Mrs. Frances ('. Jenkins, the mother of .Mrs. Davis, is n prominent minister in the Friends" Church, a noted temperance worker, and an active member the W. C. T. I. Mr. Davis and his wife are both connected with the Society of Friends, and render efficient service in every Christian enterprise, being careful to devote at least one tenth of their income to benevolence.. In the year 188G Mr. Davis purchased a furni- ture store in Ridge Farm, and has been pleasantly employed with his congenial wife in pleasing th'e tastes of their great host of friends far and near. Mr. Davis, politically, votes with the Republican party, but has no time or inclination for the re- sponsibilities of office. yfelLLIAM II. ROD RICK. As a native cit- izen of Vermilion County, horn here in pioneer times, son of one of the very ear- liest settlers, this gentleman has witnessed the greater part of its development, and since attaining manhood has home an honorable part in promoting its growth, and is identified with its agricultural interests. He owns and manages a good farm in Danville Township, and is numbered among its Substantial, highly respected citizens. lie was born in Newell Township, this county, April 24, 1833. His father. Solomon Rod rick, was born in Ohio, Sept. 19, 1803. His grandfather, Daniel Rodriek. was a native of Germany, was reared and married there, and afterwards, coming to America, settled near ( hillieothe, ( >hio, and was a pioneer there, lie bough! a large brad of land, on which he built a log house, and then commenced to clear a farm. But floods in the Ohio River Spoiled his crops and drowned his stock, and that disaster, with prior claims on his land, ruined him financially, and he died there a poor man. The father Of Our subject was reared in that pioneer home, and lived there until 1825. He then came to Illinois, and was one of the first settlers of Ver- milion County, lie entered a tract of ( tovernment land in Newell Township, improved a good farm, and resided there until 1884. In that year, having accumulated a. competency, he came to Danville to make his home for the future, and is still living here in honorable retirement, free from the cares ami labors of his earlier years. lie has been three times married. The maiden name of his first wife, mother of our subject, was Sarah Brewer. William Rodriek obtained his education in the primitive pioneer schools, taught in a log house, the seats being made by splitting logs and hewing one side and inserting wooden pins for legs, and the rude structure was heated by a huge fireplace with a. dirt and a stick chimney. As soon as lie was large enough, the active lad began to hunt deer, wild turkeys and other game that abounded at that time, and he supplied the family larder with delicious venison, etc. There were no railways here in those early days, and his father used to draw his wheat to Chicago, 12;") miles distant, sell- ing it for fifty cents a bushel. At first he used to cut grain with a sickle, and later with a cradle, and having no threshing machine his grain was trodden out by horses or beaten with a flail. Our subject remained an inmate of his father's house until lie married and established a home of his own, settling at that lime on the farm he still owns and occu- pies. It was heavily timbered, with the exception of six acres, and his has been the task of the pio- neer to develop it from the hand of nature to a well-cultivated estate, all but thirty acres cleared and under tillage, neatly fenced, and provided with a substantial, roomy set of frame buildings, the whole forming one of the pleasantest homes in the township. .Mr. Rodriek was married in 1853 to Mary A. 676 POKTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. Brewer, who was, like himself, a native of Vermil- ion County, born in Danville to William ami Sa rail (Switzer) Brewer. To them came ten chil- dren, five of whom are living — Thomas R., Sarah ('., Mary E.. Francis and Minnie May, six having died in infancy. Death invaded the happy house- hold of our subject and removed the loved and loving wife and mother. In his life-work Mr. Rodrick has shown himself to be possessed of prudence, thrift, steadiness of purpose, and other traits necessary to success in any calling. And while laboring to gain a com- petence, lie has not been unmindful of his duties as a good man and a reliable citizen, and has won for himself a reputation for honesty and truthfulness, and for considerate and kindly dealings with his neighbors, who hold him in great respect. xvv/v -vtaefirg-SS- >**&^s)>zny&*'~ -\y\~- is^SIIOMAS BRADY, living in honorable re- tirement in ( 'at 1 in Village in one of the finest residences in the place, and one of the pleasantest homes in the county, was formerly largely identified with the agricultural interests of this section, and still owns 500 acres of very valuable farming land, nearly all located in this township. Our subject is a native of Vermilion County, born of pioneer parentage, Oct. 8. 1832, in Danville Township, and he may well be proud of its prog- ress and of the part that he has played in bringing about his present high standing, wealth and pros- lie rity. The father of Thomas Brady, John Brady, was born in the old commonwealth of Virginia, while his mother was a native of Ohio. They married and settled in Brown County, the latter State, and remained there till 18152. In that year they de- cided to try pioneer life still farther westward, and pushing their way to Illinois, they located in Dan- ville Township and were among its early settlers. The father took tip land and busily engaged in its improvement till death removed him from his sphere of usefulness in 1855. His wife died in 1848, when she laid aside the cares and toils of earth to fall into that dreamless sleep that knows no waking this side of the grave. Fourteen children were the fruits of the marriage of those good peo- ple, of whom Thomas was the seventh. His enrly years were passed on his father's farm, where he learned the practical part of a farmer's life, and his education was gleaned in the log school-houses of those days. He remained an inmate of the pa- rental household till he was twenty-two years old, when he married and settled in a home of his own across the line in Catlin Township, and was a resi- dent of his farm there till 1881, giving all his time and attention to agricultural pursuits, and to such purpose that his well directed labors were hand- somely rewarded by a line competence, and he was enabled to take his place among the wealthy, sub- stantial farmers of this section of the country. In the year just mentioned he retired from the active labors of his farm to the village, where he erected his present commodious, well-fitted up dwelling. Mr. Brady has been twice married. To the wife of his early manhood, America Finley by name, he was wedded in Georgetown Township. She was a native of Vermilion County, and a daughter of Mahlon anil Margaret (Falls) Finley, deceased. Two children were born to our subject by that mar- riage — Clarence M. and George M. Mrs. Brady was a woman whose character combined so many line traits of mind and heart that she was an in- fluence for good to those about her. She was a woman of devoted Christian piety and a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Her death, which occurred in Winfield, Kan., May 8, 188.'!, while on a health-seeking tour, was a loss not only to her family, but to church and society, and to the community at large, where she was so well known and esteemed. Mr. Brady was married to his present wife, form- erly Miss Lura Williams, March 21, 1885. She is a native of Vermilion Count}-, born .Ian. 20. 185! to Myron and Sarah (Sterrett) Williams, natives, respectively, of Pennsylvania and Virginia. She was the second child of their family of ten chil- dren. Mrs. Brady is a woman of true refinement and much culture, and is an artist of much merit, many of her beautiful pictures adorning the walls of the attractive home, over which she presides so graciously, warmly co-operating with her husband Residence of JkgyMTIi®J^vs,SEGaSO r 2J (T19=Rlg)@AThiNTp.,VERMibioN (So. Residence of W;W.,Kl:MT.^Ee.25.(T.2I=R.II.)NEWEi 2 ET¥!,V r ERMii a i0Neo PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL ALIHJM. 679 in extending its charming hospitality to friend or stranger. .Mr. Brady has accumulated wealth, not (inly by steady industry ami sound judgment in all matters pertaining to his business, but by a strictly upright course in all his dealings with others lias won the fullest trust of his fellow-townsmen. He is a Dem- ocrat in his political beliefs, but has never sought office, preferring the quiet and peace of his happy fireside to the turmoil of public life. Mrs. Brady is connected with the Christian Church as one of its most zealous workers and members. ~ *> o^o-^Ax^yJ-.o+o.- <^- ¥% YV. KENT is a most affable and Agreeable gentleman, who is proud, as he well may he, of his family and splendid residence. Mr. Kent was horn in 1850, on the 26th of March, and spent his lioyhood days near State Line, Ind. In 1868 he married Miss Emma Cronkbite, the daughter of Hosa and Elenor(Garrettson)Cronkhlte, natives of New York, from which State they came at an early date, and settled in Warren County. Ind. Here Mrs. Kent was born and raised with her five elder sisters and brothers. Her union with Mr. Kent was blessed with six children: Claud ie W., deceased at the age of two years and six months; Perrine, who attended college at Greencastle, Ind., and at the l)e l'auw University; Clarence. Stelle, and Grace, who died at tbe age of four months; and Inez, the last, who was twenty-three months old at the time of her death. Mr. Kent lived in Indiana until 1872, when he went to Kansas and located in Coffee County. Here he farmed for eighteen months, after which lie came back to Illinois and settled on his present farm of 200 acres. Year by year he increased the extent of his possessions until it now amounts to 460 acres, which he has improved by placing ii) it an unusually fine building, in which he resides. This house was in fact the finest in the county at the time of its erection in 1883. The arrangement of his land is as artistic as it is convenient. The laying of the lawns, the fixing of the shrubbery, and the placing of trees and walks, speak a taste European in its accuracy. I n ids stables ma\ be found studs of the finest horses, and lie is the owner of the celebrated stallion "Medino." He makes a specialty of line Short-horn cattle and Percberon horses. In politics Mr. Kent is a Democrat, and bis views are strong and well founded, and his opinion is often sought to settle a debate. Although he is Stanch in his ideas he has never aspired to the hold- ing of an office. Ml'. Kent's education is an excel- lent one, anil his stock of general information is unrivaled by that of any man in the township in which he lived. This education was acquired by hard study at the college of Crawfordsville, Ind., of which he is a graduate of the business course. It is not learning alone, nor is it physical power that makes a perfect man. but it is the combination of both of these attributes. This fact is fully ap- preciated by our subject. He is therefore never tired of aiding the workingman to obtain the knowledge necessary to his calling. Mr. Kent has served as School Director in his township for some time. He affiliates with the Presbyterian Church. His home is surrounded with every convenience and comfort, and he is generally appealed to in local matters, as he takes great pride in assisting in anything whatever that may serve to aid or improve his surrounding friends. In all the township in which he lives, there is no man more respected and looked up to than our sub- ject. His sound judgment, his large charities, and his kindly disposition, have made him loved and honored by all who know him. Mr. Kent has one of the finest residences in the township, a view of which is shown elsewhere in this work. ~v^--"«j2££.'®^S ■$%&37rz ffv^-vw- OI1N THOMAS is identified with the agri- cultural and coal interests of Vermilion County, and has a tine farm on sections 21 and 20, Catlin Township. On it there is a valuable deposit of coal which he works, while at the same time he is actively engaged in the culti- vation of his land. Our subject is of mingled Welsh and English ancestry, although his parents, Jacob 680 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. and Sarah Thomas, were both natives of England. After marriage they settled in the southern part of Wales, where they ultimately died, having spent a part of their wedded life, however, in England, and there their son John, of this biography- was horn Jan. 11. 1834, near the town of Bristol, in Gloucestershire. His parents moving to Southern Wales, he was reared to manhood in that part of the country, and was early put to work to earn his own living in the eoal mines. In 1851, anxious to better his prospects in life, he resolved to try life in the New World, in that part of it embraced in the United States of America. Accordiug he end- grated to these shores with his wife and four chil- dren in 1851, and landing in New York made his way to Tioga County. Pa., and lived there and in Ohio for some years. In 1857 he came from Cam- bria County, the former State, to Vermilion County, and has ever since resided here, lie was at first employed in the coal mines in the vicinity of Dan- ville, but about 1859 he invested some of his hard-earned savings in his present farm in Catlin Township, and has built up a substantial home here. He owns 160 acres <>f line land, and by its cultiva- tion and the mining of the valuable coal bank on it. derives an income that places him among the in- dependent, moneyed men of his neighborhood. Mr. Thomas has been three times married. His first marriage, which took place in South Wales, was to Miss Jeanette Price, by whom he had two children, John and Mary Ann. The wife and mother departed this life in South Wales. Mr. Thomas was a second time married in South Wales, Miss Ann Davis becoming his wife, and the fol- lowing children were born to them: John, Tom, Sarah, Emma, Anna, Shadrack, Meshack, Abednegi > and Maltha. Abednego, Jacob G. and Anna are dead. Mrs. Thomas accompanied her husband across the waters from their old home, and in ISO.") closed her eyes to the scenes of earth. Mr. Thomas' marriage to his present wife took place in Danville, 111., March. L868. At that time she was the widow of a Mr. Baker, and by her first mar- riage had five children — Elizabeth J., Eva M., Cora B., Mark B. and Lewis E. Mrs. Thomas' maiden name was Paulina Will- iams, and she is a daughter of Thomas and Pau- lina (Rote) Williams, the fourth child in a family of twelve children, and was born in Ripley, Ind., March 21, I .s:>5. Her father came to this country from his native England when he was fifteen years old, and lived to quite an advanced age, dying in Catlin Township, March 15, 1889. After the death of his first wife, Mrs. Thomas' mother, a native of Dearborn County, Ind., who died in Ripley County, Mr. Williams came to Vermilion County in 1851, ami established himself permanently in Catlin Township, He married for his second wife Mrs. Catherine (Palis) Pate, and she dying in Catlin Township, he was again married, taking to wife Mrs. Margaret (Fruits) Patterson, who is still a resident of Catlin Township. Mrs. Thomas is a woman of more than average ability and force of character, and is well endowed with sound sense and good judgment, and these traits have made her an invaluable helper to her husband. She is a cheerful and ready giver, possessing a charitable, sympathizing nature, and is highly thought of by all in the community. Mr. Thomas is a man of good standing in the township, and his thrift, shrewd management of his property, and methodical habits have been the means of placing him among the well-to-do citizens of the place. He is a worthy member of the Oak- wood Lodge I. O. O. F. No. 564 at Oakwood. lie affiliates with the Republican party, having cast his first Presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln, and is an anient supporter of the principles of that party. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas have a comfortable home, a view of which is presented elsewhere in this work, and there they welcome and most hos- pitably entertain their many friends. /£g\HARLES T. CARAWAY is a son of one ((( n °' *^ e ear ^ est pioneers of Vermilion County, ^^7 and for many years has been connected with its immense farming interests. A native of Catlin Township, where he was reared and the most of his life has been spent, it has no better or more public spirited citizen that he, one who is ever interested in its welfare, and is always glad to promote in any PORTRAIT AND Bl< )( ! H.\ 1M1ICAL ALBUM. 681 way in his power, its highest interests, material, social, educational, and moral. His well-ordered farm on section 29 is conducted after the most ap- proved methods, so as to produce the best results with the least expenditure of labor and time, and here he has built up a home that is not rivalled in pleasantness and comfort by any in its vicinity. As representing one of the many beautiful homes of Vermilion County, we are pleased to present to our readers a view of Mr. Caraway's residence. Mr. Carawav is a fine representative of the citizen- soldiers of our country, who in the trying times of the late Rebellion, laid aside all personal aims, and leaving happy homes and loved friends, went forth to Southern battle-fields to fight for the dear old Hag or die in its defense. For good conduct in camp and field, anil for bravery in the face of the enemy, our subject was promoted from the ranks, anil won an honorable military record, of which he and his may well be proud. Charles T. Caraway, was born in this township I let. 22, 1838, the posthumous son of another Charles Caraway, whose earthly career had been untimely ended the month preceding that in which our subject first saw the light of day. The father was a son of Thomas Caraway, and was born in Green- briar County, W. Ya.,in 1788. After attaining to man's estate he married one of his neighbor's fair daughters, Elizabeth McCorkle by name, who was also a native of that county. They lived a few years in their native State, but in 1829 made their way across the wild, sparsely settled country in- tervening between their old home and this .State, and coming to Vermilion County, became very early pioneers of the county. They located in what is now Catlin Township, and here a few years later the stalwart husband and father met his death, in September, 1838, while yet in life's prime, leav- ing his desolate widow with four children and an unborn babe, who on his birth was named Charles T., in memory of his father. The other children were Harriet, Martha, Isabella, and Ann E. The mother afterward married Anson Butler, and con- tinued to reside in Catlin Township until her death, in 184*. Our subject grew to a strong and vigorous man- hood in Catlin Township, where he hits always made his home, ami when he arrived at years of discretion chose the calling of agriculture, for which he had a natural aptitude, and has ever since made if his life-work. His farm comprises ICO acres of valuable hind, w.hich is well tilled, and he has erected good buildings for every necessary pur- pose, including a neat and pretty dwelling. He i- also a breeder of thorough. bred Short-horn cattle. In the opening years of his manhood the great Civil War broke out, and our subject, thrilled to the heart by the deep and abiding love of country that animated so many of the true and patriotic spirits of this great Republic in those trying days, and caused them to leave pleasant firesides and and loving friends to go forth to battle for the grand old Stars and Stripes, cast aside the hopes and ambitions of a generous young mind, and the bright prospects of a successful career in his chosen calling, to join his brave compatriots on Southern battle-fields with the solemn feeling that he owed even life itself to his native land. In August, 1861, he enlisted in Company I, 35th Illinois Infantry, as a private, and was with his regiment in many im- portant engagements with the enemy, including the siege of Corinth, battle of Stone River, Chick- ainauga and Mission Ridge. In the latter battle he was severely wounded in the left leg, and con- fined to the hospital nine months, suffering greatly. Soon after the battle of Chickainauga the namesof himself and a few of his comrades were placed on the Roll of Honor, on account of meritorious con- duct and daring in the encounter with the enemy, by order of Gen. Roseerans. Our subject also received further merited mark of approval for his Courage and ability as a soldier, whereby he was raised from the rank and file to the position of corporal. Shortly after the close of the war Mr. Caraway was united in marriage with Miss Jennie Dough- erty, their union being solemnized in Decatur, Macon Co., 111., Aug. 22, 180'5. She is the daugh- ter of William and Mary (Myers) Dougherty, well known and highly respected residents of Catlin Township, with whose interests they have been identified for many years. The father was born in Montgomery County, Va.. Aug. 15, 181, r >, and the mother in Brown County, Ohio, Dec. 1;"), 1815. 682 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. After marriage they lived for some time in Ohio County, Ind., whence they came to Vermilion County. 111., and east in their lot with the pioneers that had preceded them. That was in the fall 4 of 1856, and the}' first .settled near Tilton, but came from there in 1858 to Catlin Township, which has since been their home. Their happy, peaceful wedded life has been blessed to them by the birth of six children, namely: Andrew, Sarah A., Joseph, .Jennie, Wallace ami Maggie. Andrew and Maggie are deceased. Jennie, Mrs. (_!ara way, born in Ohio County, Ind., Oct. 20, 1814, and was .twelve years of age when she accompanied her parents to this county. Four children have been born of her union with our subject — an infant that died unnamed, Warren E., Charles H. and Nellie B. Mr. Caraway stands high in the estimation of his fellow-men. not only for his loyalty and patriotism in the late war, but for his conduct in the more peaceful pursuits of life before and since that time. He is a man whose honor is unquestioned, and whose strict regard for what is right is beyond dis- pute. His public spirit is commendable, and leads him to take a genuine interest in all that concerns the material, moral, or educational welfare of his native township, lie has been connected with the administration of its public affairs as Highway Commissioner and in various school offices. Me is prominently identified with the] following social or- ganizations; Catlin Lodge No. 285, A. F. & A. M.; Vermilion Chapter and Athelstan Commandery at Danville, and politically, belongs to the Union Labor party. *SS! 'iff AMES J. RICE, coming of good old Revo- lutionary stock, is a representative pioneer of Vermilion County, one of those whose courageous, self-sacrificing toil in the early and later years of the settlement of the county laid a solid foundation for its present prosperity, in which they have also been factors, and who have lived to enjoy the fruit of the seed that they planted so long ago, that has yielded so abundantly in the happy homes, smiling farms, and busy towns and cities now flourishing on the once wild prairies. Our subject came to Vermilion County as early as 1835 and in 1 Hill came to his present location in Pilot Township. Here he has a farm of 320 acres of choice, highly cultivated land, pleasantly situ- ated on sections 16 and 21. Mr. Rice was born in Chautauqua County. N.Y., June 13, 1812. His paternal grandfather was of Scotch descent, and he was a faithful soldier in the Revolutionary War, having served seven years. Silas Rice, the father of our subject, was born in the eastern part of New York, and dying when he was away from home, the dates of his birth and death are unknown. The maiden name of his wife was l'liebe Leonard, and she was a native of Cayuga County. X. Y. She died in Vermilion County, III., in 1857, at a ripe old age. She was the mother of eight children, three of whom are still living, Lucy, Hannah and James. Lucy, living in Dan ville, this county, is the widow of Isaac Balengee, who was in the rebel army during the late war. She has four children, namely: .lames II., America, Minerva and Lucy. Hannah married Charles Clifton, of Piqua County, Ohio, now a farmer near Omaha. Neb., and the}' had three children, Sarah. George and Elizabeth, deceased. James Rice, of whom we write, received a lim- ited education in common with most farmers' boys of his time, and in the fall of 1835, in the opening years of his manhood, he came to this county, hav- ing chosen fanning as his life-work, and deciding to cast in his lot with the pioneers of this section of the country who had preceded him. and take advantage of the rich alluvial soil of the virgin prairies. He lived nine years on Salt Fork, and then coming to Pilot Township took up his abode in the eastern part of it and dwelt there five years. At the expiration of that time he located on his present farm, whose value he has greatly increased by unremitting toil, wiseeconomy and a judicious expenditure of mone}', so that it is classed anions the fust and best farms of the vicinity. Starting out in life with a capital of #100, he has thus in- creased it many fold, and is now a man of means and is accounted one of the solid, substantial citi- zens of the township. Mr. Rice was fortunate in the selection of a wile PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 683 who has been to him all that a true woman can lie to her husband, and an important factor in making his life a success, as she has worked un- weariedly at his side for the highest interests of their family. Her maiden name was Mary Davis, and she was horn in Pickaway County, Ohio, Sept. 13, l!s - 2.'i. her marriage with our subjeel taking place in Vermilion County, Sept. II, 1845. Her parents were Isaac and Klizabcth (Coylc) Davis. The father was born in Kentucky in 1 T'.MI, and the mother in Ross County, Ohio, in about 1799. The father died in 1878 at a ripe old age, and the mother in March, IN(I7. They were among the early pioneers of Vermilion County, coming here in IM32, and their memory is held in respect. They were the parents of seven children, of whom the following is recorded: Irene married F. M. Brewer, of South Carolina, now deceased, and she is living in Champaign County IN., with her two children; Emily married George Wilson, of Indiana, now living in Champaign County, and they have four children; Cynthia A. is the widow of Milton Cannon, of Ohio, and she and her five chil- dren are living in Champaign County; Diana, liv- ing in Vermilion County, near Muncie, is the widow of Daniel Cannon and the mother of two children; Lura J. married James H. West, of Ohio, now deceased, and she and her two children are living in Linn County, Kas. ; Owen, a fanner, married Sarah Brown, of Arkansas. Mary is the wife of our subject, and they have six chil- dren, namely: Bruce L., Isaac L., George C, Kinerefta J., John 1)., Mary C. ; Bruce married Kmelinc Ncff, of Indiana, and they live in this county with their six children, Mary. Grant, Min- nie. Oscar, Lucy, Elmer J.; Isaac, a farmer in Ilico, Benton Co.. Ark., married Clara T. Wilson, of this county, and they have two children, Carrie and J. J.: George C. is a merchant and Postmaster in Charity. 111.: Knieretta married T. J. Mailer, of Indiana, now a farmer in this county, and they have three children, John I.. Nellie and Lillie; John 1)., merchant and Assistant Postmaster at Charity, this county, married Emma Todd, of Putnam County. Ind.; Mary C. lives at home with her parents. Mr. Rice occupies a high place among the best citizens of Pilot Township, where so many years of his life have been passed, and his strong integ- rity in word and deed causes him to Ik- regarded with absolute trust by the entire community. He is a prominent member of the Church of Christ and has held the office of Elder for man}- years. In him the Prohibition party has one of its most earnest and and consistent supporters. Mr. Rice has served very acceptably on the juries of State and county. -5- r|> -:- LINER P. BALM owns and carries on two farms, the homestead containing lfi"> acres, while the other embraces a half-section ad- joining the village of Sidcll on the east, lie also has sixteen and three-fourths acres of timber land, close to Indianoli. Therefore Mr. Bauin may be considered one of the leading land owners, lb' is a very extensive farmer and one whose .success lias been steadily growing since he first started in life. His father, Samuel Bauin. settled in Carroll Township in 182!b in company with Michael Wea- ver, ami was one of the prominent pioneers. The father was a very large man. weighing 365 pounds. The grandfather. Charles Baum,wasa prominent man in his day, and noted for his piety. The great-grandfather was banished from Poland and came to the colonies, where he soon established a reputation for patriotism and fidelity to American principles, lie married Barbara McDonald, anil settled in Bucks County. Pa., immediately succeed- ing the struggle tor independence in 1776'. Soon after Wayne's treaty with the Indians, he with his family sailed down the Ohio in a family boat, and made the first settlement in that territory, close to the mouth of the Bullskin Creek. He died full of years and honors in Clermont County, in the State he helped to form. The mother of the subject of this biography was Sarah Weaver, the oldest daughter of Michael Weaver, who was a man possessed of a great many peculiar characteristics. He always had money to loan, but would never take more than six per cent. C,sl PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. for its use, when he could easily ask and obtain forty. He was a rich man when he came from Ohio to this county, in 1829, and many a pioneer owes to Michael Weaver a debt of gratitude. lie was as generous and open-hearted a man as ever lived. lie would fix the price for his corn at a reasonable rate, and would not take for it either a higher or a lower price, lie adhered inflexibly to the rule that it was not right to extort by specula- tion or any other method, and when he made a price on any commodity, it was based upon actual cost, witli a living profit added. Mr. Weaver studiously endeavored to aid the pool', but he invariably re- fused to loan money to speculators. By this it will be seen that his peculiarities were all virtues. At I he great age of nearly one hundred and one years he passed away to his reward. The mother died when she was about forty years old, leaving eight children, of whom Oliver 1'. is the oldest. His father was married a second time, to Mrs. Polly (Sandusky ) Matkin, four children being born of this union. Oliver P. Baum, was born in January, 1828, his birthplace being Clermont County, Ohio. He grew to man's estate in Carroll Township, and at the age of thirty-three his father died, leaving him a good property. He has been engaged in feeding cattle for the past thirty years. The market places for his stock are Chicago and Buffalo, where he is well and favorably known as a business man. He also feeds a large number of hogs, and in this branch of stock-raising he is equally successful. As Mr. Baum puts it, "nothing but prairie grass and rattle- snakes were on the land in Vermilion County when he came here." He passed through all the trials and tribulations of a pioneer, and has witnessed Illinois struggle from comparative poverty up to affluence, and attain the proud position of a sov- erign State. Far better than all the titles that roy- alty can bestow, is the simple one of a pioneer. The nobility has torn down, while the mission of the pioneer was to build up, and when the awards are given to mankind, whose will be the highest? Mr. Baum erected the elegant mansion which he now occupies in 1875, and in its construction is exhibited a great deal of common sense. He also has a large barn, 44x60, which is a model of strength and utility. His place is laid out in a manner to insure good results, and for the peifect handling of stock. Taking this farm as a whole, including its buildings, surroundings and everything connected with it, it would be no exaggeration to make the statement that for the purposes for which it is de- signed there is not a better farm in Vermilion County. In 1871 Mr. Baum was married to Miss Helen McClenathen, of Washington County, Pa., daugh- ter of George S. and Sarah (Remley) McClenathen, both natives of the Keystone State. When her parents came to Danville Township, Mrs. Baum was five years old, and therefore her early training and growth to womanhood occurred in this neighbor- hood. Her father and mother are both living in Faiimount. retired at the ages of seventy and sixty- four, respectively. The}' had twelve children: .lames, William, Helen, Lucy, John, Belle, Anna. Kmma, Owen, Ethel, Volney and George Byron. Mr. and Mrs. Baum, are the parents of one child — Herbert. She is a member of the Kingsley Chapel, Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Baum votes with the Democratic party. His present fortune and position in society are based upon his intelli- gence and industry. f OHN J. JACKSON, a popular and energetic farmer of Sidell Township, owns and oper- i a'tes 1G0 acres of land on section 31, town- ship 18. ranch 1-1. lie is a native of Ohio and was born Jan. 31, 1828. His parents came to Clin- ton County, Ind.. when he was a small boy. His father and mother, John and Katie (Ross) Jackson, were born in Pennsylvania, and before leaving that State were married. From there they removed to Ohio, where they resided forsome time and in 1 f his boyhood, and therefore his ad vantages for securing an education were limited. His father, like all of the early pioneers of Indiana, was extremely poor, and his children were therefore obliged to work as soon as they were able. John J., being the oldest boy, vyas obliged to lake the lead in work, and was held responsible, in a measure, for its being well done, and to this fact may lie traced the reason of his being painstaking in everything he does. At the age of twenty-one years Mr. Jackson was married to Miss Ellen McCray, a native .. was born Feb. 1(1. 1886. She is a hearty and promising child. 692 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. Fortunately for Mr. Dougherty, his excellent wife has always enjoyed fine health, and he attrib- utes the prolongation of his life to her affectionate care and attention. Mr. Dougherty has never been an active politician in the sense of office- seeking. On the contrary, he has several times declined to enter upon the responsibilities of a public position. Since becoming a voter, he has uniformly supported the principles of the Republican party and temper- ance, and has endeavored to exert his influence on the side of right. Upon the organization of the Fairmount Building and Loan Association, he was made a Director, and has since been connected with it in this capacity. .Mrs. Dougherty became identified with the Meth- odist Episcopal Church fourteen years ago, and at last succeeded in bringing her husband into the fold, he having united with this chinch quite re- cently — Feb. 18, 1889. He has always been a be- liever in the Christian religion, but his poor health interfered largely with his taking part, as he de- sired, in the duties belonging to the church mem- ber. The death of his little son was a severe blow to him, as well as to his wife, but his new interest and belief in the comforting and redeeming power of the Savior, lias given him strength to bear his affliction, and to believe that "He doeth all things well." 1=t'RANCIS M. ALLHANDS, of Danville, took 8-^gv up his residence at this place in the fall of Iks 1866, and in the fall of the year following, was elected County Treasurer in which office he served ten years. Afterward he served six and one-half years as Deputy County Clerk. He is thus well known to the people of this vicinity. He was born in Montgomery County, Ind., Jan. 17. 1832, and is the son of Andrew Allhands, a native of Butler County. Ohio. His paternal grandfather, Daniel Allhands, was born, it is believed, in Penn- sylvania of German parents, and was one of the early pioneers of Butler County, Ohio. Grandfather Allhands removed from Ohio to Indiana about 1830 and purchasing land in Mont-. gomciy County established himself there for life. His son, Andrew was reared and married in his native county and later, like his father, removed to Montgomery County, Ind.. where he purchased 1 1 that was partially improved, and later sold it at an advanced price and purchased again in that locality, where he first settled in a log house and remained there until 1842. In the year above mentioned the father of our subject set out for Illinois, making the journey overland with teams. Upon his arrival in this county he purchased a tract of timber land four and one-half miles west of the present site of Dan- ville and upon which was a double log house and forty acres cleared. He proceeded with the im- provement of his property and there spent the re- mainder of his days, resting from his earthly labors in 1851. I lis first wife, the mother of our subject, was in her girlhood, Miss Margaret Swank, a native of Butler County, Ohio, and the daughter of Jacob Swank who was born in Pennsylvania, was of Ger- man descent, and, like Grandfather Allhands, a pioneer of Butler County, Ohio. Mrs. Margaret Allhands departed this life in April, 181 1, while still a young woman. Our subject was ten years old when he came to this county with his parents. He spent his boy- hood and youth in assisting to open up the farm, while lie acquired his education in the pioneer school. This was before the time of railroads and Chicago was the principal market for grain and other farm produce. Francis M. resided with his parents until eighteen years old, then started for Oshkosh, Wis., with a drove of horses and cattle, from which trip he returned with an ox team. This now nourishing town was then but a hamlet and Indians were plentiful. Later young Allhands learned the carpenter's trade which he followed in this county until 1861. There was now need for his services as a soldier, and he enlisted Sept. 20 that year in Company F, 35th Illinois Infantry, after which he participated in many of the important battles of the war, in- cluding the Atlanta campaign. He was severely wounded at Rocky Face Ridge, May II, 1861, and on the 18th of July following suffered amputation at Nashville. Tenn. Being unable to rejoin his regi- ment he was given his honorable discharge and PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBIM. 693 reaohed home on the 6th of January, 18(>, r >. TUe spring following lie was elected Assessor of Catlin Township and in 1866 took up his abode in Dan- ville of which he has since been a resident. Mr. Allhands was married in 1858 to Miss Mary .1. Ililliary. a native of this county. The four children born of this union were named respect- ively. Orvilla A., (Want W., Mcltie M.. and Mabel E. Mr. Allhands belongs to the Methodist Epis- copal, Church, the Republican party, and Kenesaw Post, G. A. R. \y, OHN J. CAMPBELL, a prominent and well- informed farmer and stock-raiser of Vermil- ion County, was born March 1. 1854 in '*§z)) Newell Township, where lie passed all his boyhood days on his father's farm. When he was nineteen years of age he went to college at Craw- fordsville, End., where he spent one year, after which, being equipped with a good education, he began his life work, that of farming. Mr. Campbell's father and mother Corroyan Campbell and Man (Britingham) Campbell were born in New York in l«.'i.'3. The father removed at an early da}' to Wisconsin where he engaged in trade and where he was successful. The wife died in 1870. John J. Campbell married Catherine Demand, daughter of John II. and Tena (Homan) Gernand* who are natives of Pennsylvania and who came to Vermilion County in an early day and settled on a farm one mile north of Danville, where Mr. Ger- nand now resides. His wife died Oct. 16, 18G.'J and is now resting in the Danville Cemetery. Mrs. Campbell received her education in Danville where she was reared to womanh I, and is the oldest in a family of three children. She was born Oct. 17, 1856 and is the mother of three children: Charles G., was born Nov. '.*, 1876 and is at home; Stella S. was born Sept. 12, 187K, while the birth of Nellie A. occurred on Oct. S. 1885. After re- maining on the farm for about six years Mr. Campbell removed to Danville and engaged in the grocery business, which he successfully prosecuted for about four years, when he went back to his farm where be now resides, enjoying life with everything comfortable surrounding him. His beautiful home consists of 293 acres of splendid land, all in a high state of cultivation and the buildings which are erected here are of a substan- 'tial kind. In everything pertaining to the higher grades of live-stock Mr. Campbell is an expert. lie is particularly interested in Short-born cattle of the Bates family and Pomoto strains, lie is al>o devoting a great deal of attention to the im- provement in the breed of horses and owns some line specimens of the Cleveland bays. As a stock-raiser there is none more successful in this county than he, simply because he invites intelligence to guide his efforts in this direction, lie reads extensively and profits thereby, and therein lies the success of many a man who is engaged in stock-raising and general farming. Politically, Mr. Campbell is an active Democrat. He is always ready and willing to make an honor- able fight foi- his parly which he does wholly on principle. Mr. Campbell is a member of the Methodist Church, while his wife worships with the Presbyterians. Mr. Campbell is a member of the Masonic Lodge and has belonged to the order since 1852. There is not a man in Vermilion County who takes hold of any project with more energy than Mr. Campbell, and of course he is successful. -*M* > LIVER P. STUFFLEBEAM. This gentle- man represents property in this county to the extent of over 1,000 acres of land, and occupies an elegant brick residence in Rossville — one of the finest in the county outside of Danville. His possessions are the result of his own industry and good management. During the years of his early manhood he labored early and late, having in view the accumulation of a competence foi his later years, and has arrived at a point very near the realization of his ambition. The example of his courage under difficulties, is one which may well be imitated by many another young man who. like himself, has been early in life thrown on his 694 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. own resources. Warren Comity. Ind., was the early (ramping ground of our subject, where his birth look place Feb. 13, 1837. lie spent his boyhood and youth in bis native count}', acquiring a prac- tical education in the common school. He had been left an orphan at the age of seven years and made his home with his maternal uncle. Zebulou I-'oster, until reaching his majority. Mr. Stufflebearn came to this county in 1858, and in I860 purchased a tract of raw land in Ross Township. He at once set about its improvement and cultivation, and in the course of time set out fruit and shade trees, together with hedge fencing, and instituted the improvements naturally sug- gested to the enterprising pioneer. There sprang up seven miles west of it the town of Rossville, and our subject occupied that farm until 1872. That year he removed to another part of his farm, lying in South Branch Township, and lived there until his removal to Rossville. Like most of the men around him he eventually became interested in stock-raising, which yielded him large profits. The residence of Mr. Sufflebeam is finely located and built of pressed brick, with tasteful trimmings, handsomely finished, and within bears the evi- dences of refined taste and ample means. A large number of natural shade-trees furnish a delightful coolness in summer and protect it from the chilling winds of winter. Near by is a ten-acre private park, heavily wooded, and the object of admiration in all the country around. The marriage of our subject and Miss Anna Johnson, of Tippecanoe County, Ind., was cele- brated at the bride's home, March U, 1862. The household circle was completed by the birth of eight children, all of whom are living. Ilattie, the eldest born, is the wife of II. H. Brown, of Grant Township, and the mother of one child. The other children, Caroline, Kittie, Charles, P. ail, Abner, Marcia, and Myron remain under the home roof, and are being carefully trained and educated. Mrs. St u til beam was born May 12, 1841, and is the daughter of Abner Johnson, who died in Tip- pecanoe County, Ind., Dec. 1. 1885, aged seventy- one. His wife, Mrs. Hannah (Fuller) Johnson, had preceded him to the silent land, her death taking place in January, 1881, when she was sixty-three years of age. The father of our subject was John Stuffibeam, who was born in Scoharie County, N. Y.. in 1795. He lived there until reaching man's estate, and then started for the West. His first wife died in her youth, and he was then married to Miss Harriet Ostrander. in Indiana. Subsequently he removed to Warren County, that State, and tak- ing up new land opened a farm upon which he lived and labored until his death on May 1, 1811. Our subject, who was the child of the second wife, was then less than seven years of age, and his mother died in January, 1X4."i. at the early age of twenty- nine years. She was born in Kingston, Ross Co., Ohio. By her death four children were left in orphanage, all ot whom lived to mature years, and of whom Oliver P. was the eldest. His younger brother, Morgan, is a resilient of Warren Count}', Ind.; Miller (). lives in Kansas; Margaret married a Mr. Walters and they live in Washington. The paternal grandfather of our subject was Michael Stufflebeam, a native of Germany, who upon coming to America located on land in Sco- harie County, N. Y.. where he operated as a farmer a number of years. Later he came West, to War- ren County. Ind., and spent his last days with his son. He was born in 1710 and lived to a ripe old age. His wife died in Scoharie County. N. Y. Our subject politically votes the straight Repub- lican ticket, but otherwise than this has kept aloof from public affairs, preferring to devote his time and talents to his farming interests. .INGHAM C.GREEN. There is no better indication of a man's life and character than the fact that those nearest to him hold his name in lasting remembrance and evince a desire to perpetuate it in honor anil affection. The subject of this notice, late a resident of Ross Township, this county, departed this life at his homestead on section 25, March 26, 1888, and has left behind him the record of an upright life, till- ed in with benevolence, honesty of purpose and all the qualities which form a character worthy of imitation. Mr. Green was a native of New York, PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 695 Ontario Comity, and was born in September, 1817, Ilia father, Benjamin Green, is supposed to have been a native of New York State, and was the son of Hezekiah Green, who traced In* ancestry to Eng- land. Bingham C. spent his early years in his native county, anil came to Illinois in 1 840, settling in this county, where he met and married Miss Jose- phine, daughter of Alonzo and Mary A. (Hill) Knight. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Green settled upon the farm which has since remained the home of the family. It. was then only slightly improved, and Mr. Green, with characteristic energy anil perseverance, labored early and late in the Cul- tivation of the soil, and carrying forward the im- provements naturally suggested to the enterprising and progressive citizen. lie added to his landed estate, and at the time of his death was the owner of 1,000 acres largely devoted to grain and stock- raising. This property he had accumulated solely by his own industry and good management, having begun life without means and dependent upon his own resources. Mr. Green was an active member of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church, in which he officiated as Trustee and to which he contributed liberally for its support. The Green homestead is excelled by none in the county in point of beauty and location and natural attractions, which have been augmented by the exercise of cultivated tastes and ample means. The residence stands about, 200 yards from the road, and is approached by a gravel drive through a pretty grove, which lends coolness in summer and protection from the blasts of winter. The parents of Mrs. Green were natives of Ver- mont and came to Illinois in their youth. Mr. Knight for many years operated as a contractor, and as such assisted in the construction of tin' Erie Canal. Later he was interested in a saw-mill. To Mr. and Mrs. Green there were born seven chil- dren: Ellen, the eldest daughter, is the wife of William A. Yea/.el of this county, and they have seven children; May married C. G. Wilber, of this county, and they have two children ; Maurice L. married Miss Mary Thompson and they have two children; Charles and Eva F. remain at home with their mother; Elwood and Clark died when quite young. Ellen belongs to the United Brethren Church, and Mrs. Green with her other children is a Methodist in religious belief, being connected with the church at .Mann's Chapel. * HfHfr-B-- i;s. LUCINDA COOPER is the widow of .John E. Cooper, who died Aug. 8, 1882. She is the daughter of Larkin and Jennie (Boyce) Cook; the father was a native of Ohio or Virginia, the mother of Ohio. Her parents were married in Dearborn County, Ohio, where they lived on a farm for some time, when they removed to Indiana. Afterward they again removed in 1827 to Vermilion County, III. Her father was noted for his strict integrity, and with his amiable wife, soon became known far and wide for their genial dispositions. Their home became famous for hospitality, and they were the leaders in all the merry-making around. They had ten children, Mrs. Cooper being the eighth in order of birth. Mrs. Cooper first saw the light of day in Dear- born County, Ind. Although but four years old when she left her old home in Indiana, she can remember it very well, and loves to recall incidents that happened there. When twenty-three years old she married Mr. John E. Cooper, a native of Kentucky. Although a Kentuckian by birth, Mr. Cooper was reared in Greene County, Ohio. Coin- ing to Illinois when eighteen, he met and married his wife when he was twenty-seven. Fourteen years after marriage Mr. and Mrs. Cooper moved on their present farm, becoming the owners of 100 acres. Their union has been blessed by eleven children: Robert and Eliza, died in infancy; George, Clara. Johnnie, Sallie, Anna, Charles, Lizzie, Kate and Quinn. George married Miss Carrie Moreland, and they live in Greeneastle, Ind. He is in the livery business. They have three children — Opa, Everett and Glen. Jennie married Russell Jones, ami they reside on their farm neat Carthage, Mo. They have one child, Bertie. John married Miss Nora Hill, and resides in Greeneastle, Ind., being in partnership in business with his brother George G9G PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. Tiny have three children, Elmo, L. G.,and Jennie. Sal lie married John Gilky, who died in 1879. She now makes her home with her mother at the Cooper homestead, and has two children — Sygna E. and ( >ra A. Anna still brightens her mother's home with her presence. Charles, who married Miss Katie Moreland, resides in Carroll Township, Vermilion County, where he has a fine farm. They have two children — Fleda and Louis. Will More- land, now of Chrisnian. III., where he is engaged in the livery business, married Lizzie, who died in 1'881, leaving one child, John. Kate married Jethrow Jones, a commercial man, and they now live in Fort Scott, Kan. They have four children — Elgie, Lelab, J. C. and Cora. Quinn manages the home farm, and has proven an adept in agri- cultural matters. Mrs. Cooper is a lady of elegant manners and reliued tastes, belonging to one of the best families of our country. She has the finest home in George- town Township and one that will compare favor- ably with any place in the State. ,*p^ USAN E. ROSS, is the widow of John ^^^, Ross and is operating 1 15 acres of land in T\ //%i 11/ ))) Sidell Township. She is a daughter of Samuel and Eleanor McCray, who were horn in Virginia. In 1832 Mr. McCray came with his father to Clinton County, Ind., where he be- came a farmer. He continued in that business with a large degree of success until his death which occurred in 1849 at the age of fifty-five years. His wife died at the home of Mrs. Ross. They were the parents of ten children : John C, Mary E., .lames R., George G., Susan E., Nancy E., Martha, and Samuel. Two died in infancy unnamed. Mrs Ross is the only one of this large family now living. John and James enlisted during the war of the Rebellion and the former was shot at Mnr- freesboro, where he died, while James was drowned in the Missouri River on his way to the field of battle. So it will be seen that her family contrib- uted its share to the putting down of the great re- bellion. Mrs. Ross was born Oct. 17. L831, in Rockbridge County. \'a. Her early days in her native county were spent on her father's farm and she received no schooling until she came to Indiana. On March '.». 1854, she was married to John Ross, who was born in Butler County, Ohio, and came to Indiana in an early day with his parents. He con- tracted his first marriage on Feb. 11, 1838, the bride being Rebecca C. Davis. After his second marriage Mr. and Mrs. Ross lived on a farm in Indiana, for a year ami a half, and in the early part of l8f>G, he and his wife removed to Illinois, set- tling on the hanks of the Little Vermilion River. They lived with Mr. Ross's brother until their house on their present farm was completed, and in this house Mr. Ross lived until the day of his death, and Mrs. Ross has continued to reside there since. They became the parents of ten children : Rebecca J.; .Mary E.; Martha A.; Samuel J., who died at the age of eleven months; Almeda; two in- fants who died; John and Williams, twins, the lat- ter dying al the age of two years and six months, and Elizabeth. Rebecca, married George W. Huff- man. She died in 1ST."), leaving two hoys; W'eldon O. and Charles C. Mary E. is the wife of \V. I). Lradfield, who is now in charge of the Ross farm. They own a farm in Kansas. Martha A. married Isaac M. Cundiff. a resident of Saunders County, Neh. They have three children: L. Lester. Orville and Elizabeth. Almeda married J. W. McCoy, of Wyandotte, Kan. They have one child — Clarence 1). John is a student at Galesburg, 111., and grad- uated in June. 1889. Elizabeth is the wife of John D. Daniels, a teacher residing at Archie. Mr. and Mrs. Ross made all the improvements on their farm, which are quite valuable. They worked hard to accomplish an end and nobly suc- ceeded. Mr. Ross died April u, 1877. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity and a man of most excellent character, and is remembered as one of the kindest men in this community. He was commonly called '-Uncle John," which is an evi- dence of the respect borne him by his neighbors. He and his wife early joined the Cumberland Pres- byterian Church, he remaining a consistent and worthy member of that, organization up to the time of his death, while his wife still worships at the same place. Mrs. Ross is living in the enjoy- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 697 ment of what she 1ms earner! by the early sacri- fices <>f her pioneer days, and there is not a person who «ill begrudge her any comfort she may enjoy. She is one of the besl of women, and by her chil- dren, will be remembered always as one <>f the kindest of mothers, while her husband's memory will he cherished as long as any of his descendants live. ASPKK JAMES LA NULL V, born in Dan- v ville Township, Vermilion County. Feb. 25, SiJ/J 18.'J5. in the pioneer home of one of the well-known early settlers of this region, is now one of its representative citizens. He is one of the most extensive land owners of the township, and is a man of weight and influence in the community where his life has been passed. Nathaniel Langley, the father of our subject, was born in Nelson County, Ky.. his father having been a pioneer of that county, spending' his last years there. The father was reared in the place of his birth, and was there married, continuing to live there till about 1830, when he came with his family to this county, the removal being made with teams. He located in Danville Township, buying seventy- acres of timber land on section 27. He built a log house, in which the family lived about three years. He then sold that place, and bought over 200 acres on sections 2G and 27, this township, and made his home thereon fill death called him to a higher sphere in 1*18, at which time the community lost a valuable citizen — one who had ever taken a warm interest in its welfare, and had promoted it to the best of his ability. The maiden name of his wife was Margaret Holtshouser. She was born in Nelson County. Ky., a daughter of John Holts- houser, who hail gone from his native State, North Carolina, to Kentucky in pioneer times, and was one of the earliest settlers of Nelson County. There were no roads at that time, and the removal was made with mules, on which the household goods were packed. lie cleared a farm, and was a resilient there till denth closed his earthly career, when he attained the age of nearly one hundred years, his wife also attaining the same remarkable age. The mother of our subject died on the home farm in 1865. There were four children born of her marriage: Elizabeth married John Stevenson, and now lives in Danville Township; Thomas and Charles are dead. The subject of this sketch was the youngest child of the family. He attended the pioneer schools taught in a log SChoolllOUSC, with home- made furniture, the benches being made of pun- cheon, with pins for legs. When he was young, deer and other wild game were plentiful, and our subject used to find pleasure in hunting and sup- plying the table with the delicacies of the chase. There were no railroads here for years, and his father used to go to Chicago, 125 miles distant, it taking from seven to ten days to make the journey over the rough roads. Our subject was thirteen years old when his father died, and he continued to live with his mother and to assist her in the management of the farm till her death. After his marriage he settled on his present place, and has been actively engaged in carrying it on. He has been very much prospered, and his 496 acres of choice land are in a high state of cultivation, and the improvements compare with the best in the township. He has erected a fine set of frame buildings, with all the modern conve- niences, and has good machinery to carry on his work. In the wife, to whom he was married in August, 1805, he has found an able helpmate, one who has co-operated with him in his work, and makes his home comfortable and cosy. Their pleasant house- hold circle is completed by the presence of their nine children — Leona. Nora. Margaret, Hor tense, Isabelle, Roseoe C. Joseph, Bessie and .lames Blaine. Mrs. Langley's maiden name was Isabelle Ander- son, and she was born in Fulton County, N. V., a daughter of William and Martha (Warner) An- derson. Her father was born in the North of Ireland, of Scotch ancestry, and came to America in 1812. He located in New York State, and in 1819 married in Albany. A few years afterwards he bought a farm in Fulton County, and engaged in farming there till his death , in 1851. Mrs. Langley's mother was born in Balston, Saratoga Co., N. V. In 1852, with her children, she moved 698 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. to Perrysville, Ind.. ar.d resided there several years, Anally coming to Danville, where she died in the home of our subject, Dee. 16, 1877. Mr. Langley is in every way a credit to the citi- zenship of his native county, as he is a man of line personal character, whose habits are exemplary, and he deserves the confidence and respect of his fellow-citizens, who have watched his career with satisfaction. In him the Republican party of tliis part of the State finds one of its most intelligent, and stanch champions. Mis. Langley is a valued member of the United Brethren Church, and is in all respects a sincere Christian. j>ILLIAM 11. SCONCE. Among the men who looked upon Vermilion County in its pioneer clays, the subject of this notice is worthy of more than a passing mention. He has occupied one farm since 1858, a period of thirty-one years, having settled upon it when it was nothing but raw prairie, without tree, shrub, of building. He labored early and late in the improvement of his property, lived economically and prudently, and at the same time watched the growth and develep- ment of this section of country with the interest which is always felt by the intelligent and pro- gressive citizen. lie lent a helping hand to those in need during the early days, and has not yet parted with his character for probity, benevolence and kindness. Without making any great display in the world, he has lived the life of an honest man and a good citizen, loyal to his home and his coun- try, and contributing his full share toward the progress and development of his adopted county. A native of Bourbon Count}', Ky., our subject- was born May 1, 1823, and spent his childhood in the Blue Grass .State. lie distinctly remembers the journey to Illinois, and that the family crossed the Ohio River at Cincinnati in October, 1830. Later they crossed the Wabash on a cold, cloudy day. and arrived at Brooks Point the latter part of the month. There was an abundance of wild game and a great many snakes, and in the spring the horizon was darkened by the smoke of prairie fires. In the waters of the Wabash were pike, suckers, perch, bass and other choice specimens of the finny tribe. Mr. Sconce pursued his early studies in a log school-house, with its huge fireplace, the chimney outside of earth and sticks, and its one small win- dow. The seats and desks were home-made, and the school was conducted on the subscription plan three months every winter. His father engaged in stock-raising, selling to home buyers. Our sub- ject made three trips down the river to New Oi- lcans with produce loaded on a llatboat or barge, which excursions he enjoyed very much, because they afforded him an opportunity of seeing the country. Our subject was married Oct. 18, 1855, to Miss Catherine, born Aug. 1, 1*37. in Burr, Tipperary Co., Ireland, to .lohn and Mary O'Marrow, who were natives of Ireland, where the father spent his entire life. He died when his daughter, the wife of our subject, was small, and the widowed mother, with her four children, two sons and two daughters, sought a home in the United States. The date of her removal from Ireland was 1811), and three months were consumed in crossing the ocean. They settled in Xenia, Ohio, which was her home for a period of more than seven years. In 1K.J7 she came to Georgetow-n, 111., and on the 18th of Oc- tober, as before mentioned, she was united in the holy bonds of matrimony with William II. Sconce. Mr. Sconce made his first purchase of land about this time — eighty acres — upon which he settled with his young wife after his marriage, and which was then uncultivated prairie. Later he purchased another eighty acres, and brought the whole to a good state of cultivation. Seven children came to bless the union of our subject and his estimable wife, the eldest of whom, a daughter, Lucy L. L.. married Charles Thompson, a prosperous farmer of Sidell Township, and they have one child — Mary C. The next daughter, Mary M. J., married Joseph Willison, and they have live children — Asil William, Norah M., Or- rell G., Joseph E. and John E.; they live on a farm in Carroll Township, and are doing well. Gerro Gordo married John Cheney, and they have two children — Leslie G. and a babe named Treovie O.- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 699 tlicv live on a farm in Carroll Township. Lilly F. married Kemp A. Catlett, a farmer and a stock- breeder of Fulton County, and they live near Fair View; they had one child — Bessie A. Luella mar- ried W. ('. Layton, a farmer of Fulton County. .John NY. ('. and Althea l>. are .-it home with their parents. .Mr. Sconce votes the straight Republican ticket mid is at present lli«' Drain Commissioner of his township. Ilr has served as School Director sev- eral years. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity at Georgetown, while his estimable wife has been a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church since 1861. Their daughters Lucy and Lilly completed their studies in the Normal School at Danville, and subsequently engaged as teachers. The parents of our subject were John L and Lucy (Spicer) Sconce, the father a native of Nich- olas County, Ky.. born near North Middleton, and the mother a native of Bourbon County. They were married in the latter county, where the elder Sconce carried on farming until emigrating to Illi- nois, in l.S.'iO. lie settled at Brooks Point, about six miles south of Danville, where lie engaged in farming and was prospered. The mother died at Brooks Point in 1854, at the age of fifty-six years, leaving nine children, of whom only David and Philemon S. are living. The others were named, respectively: Minerva .1., Louisa A. 1).. John R., Elizabeth Lucy, Martha S. and Susanna A. These are located mostly in this county. On another page appeals a line view of the pleasant resilience of Mr. and Mrs. Sconce. e5§*J^L*4s=^_ yMLLIAM II. GARDNER, editor and pro- prietor of the Rossville Weekly Press, Ross- ville, III., formerly of St. Joseph County. Mich., although having been only a brief time a resident Of this place, has already established him- self in the esteem and confidence of the citizens. He is a gentleman of ability, and of excellent fam- ily, a native of Steuben County, N. Y.. and born March 15. 1830. Hiram Gardner, the lather of our subject, was born in Bristol County, R. I., whence he removed to Steuben County, N. V., when it was a wilder- ness, constructed a comfortable homestead after years of industrious labor, and there spent the last years of his life. The wife of his youth was Miss Sarah Patchen, and they became the parents of two Children. Both the latter are living, the brother residing at Cooper's Plains, N. V. The subject of this sketch grew up amid the scenes of pioneer life in the Empire Stale, receiv- ing such education as the imperfect school system of that day afforded. His education was carried on mostly during the winter season, while the bal- ance of the year he made himself useful around the homestead, manufacturing rails and shingles, driving oxen and utilizing himself in whatever manner required. When out of school he by no means neglected his books, making a practice of reading as time and opportunity presented. At the age of nineteen years he commenced teaching, anil officiated thereafter as a pedagogue for a period of more than twenty years. Leaving his native State in the spring of 1856, he emigrated to Lee County, III., where he employed himself in farming and teaching, and became a prominent citizen in con- nection with educational affairs. He was twice elected Superintendent of Schools. During the war he got out timber for the United States Govern- ment, and upon one occasion seven days from the time the trees stood in the forest, a bridge was made of them spanning a river in Tennessee. Mr. Gardner has been engaged in the newspaper work since 1 Still, being formerly part owner of the Grand Rapids Democrat. He withdrew from this to eiHer the otiice of H. N. F. Lewis,, publisher of the Western Mural, at Chicago, and took the first order for advertising for that paper, nailing up the first office sign for it in Chicago. He con- ducted the affairs of this office one year, when the main office was removed from Detroit to Chicago, and Mr. Gardner became traveling correspondent and editor. Later he was connected with the Humane Journal for a period of eleven years. He purchased the St. Joseph County Republican in May. 1888, of which be took charge in the July following. It was a spicy, six-column octavo de- voted to the interests of the county and Repub- rim PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBl'M. lican party, At present lie is managing the affairs of the Rossvillc Week!)/ Press with his customary ability and tact. The marriage of William II. Gardner and Miss Margaret Holmes was celebrated in Homer, N. V.. Dec. 31, 1855. This lady was the daughter of Amasa Holmes, of Homer, and of her union with n ui- subject there were horn two children, one of whom, Frances, became the wifejjof Walter Chad- band, Superintendent of Rosehill Cemetery. They reside in the beautiful suburb of Roger's Park, near Chicago. Mrs. Margaret ( Holmes) Gardner departed this life at her home, in Rogers Park, March 2, 1888. She was a lady highly esteemed by her acquaintances, a member in good standing of the Baptist Church, and an active Christian worker. fej) to being a thorough and skillful farmer, this gentleman possesses mechanical genius of no mean order, is expert with tools and occupied largely as a carpenter and builder. He is remark- ably industrious and energetic, never content with being idle, and operates successfully a good farm of -JG7 acres in Georgetown Township. Lie has siient his entire life in this region, having been born in Vermilion County, End., in what was then called Springfield, Dec. 17, 184C. The opening years of his life were spent upon the farm where he made himself useful as his size and strength permitted, and acquired his early education in the district school. In the meantime, while yet a. boy. he began to use carpenter tools and in 1868 en- gaged as a contractor. Thereafter he superin- tended the building of many houses in that immed- iate vicinity. He also at the same time engaged in moving houses, and operated a threshing machine and a steam sawmill in Georgetown Township, this county. When twenty-two years old Mr. Richardson was married, in 1808 to Miss .Mary P., daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth (Cook) Thornton. Mrs. Rich- ardson was born in Elwood Township, Vermilion County, and removed with her parents to Iowa when a small child. They finally returned to Ver- milion County, where they are now living. They had a family of four children — Mary E., Derinda, Matilda Esther and Edom. Miss Mary remained under the parental roof, acquiring a common-school education and becoming familiar with all house- wifely duties. Of her union with our subject there have also been born four children— Horace M., Harmon A.. Orpheus A. and Alvia A. Mr. aud Mrs. Richardson belong to the Christian Church and Mr. Richardson, politically, is a sound Repub- lican. He has mingled very little with public af- fairs, simply serving as a School Director in his district six years. The parents of our subject were Adoniram .Uni- son and Maria (Taylor) Richardson, wdio were natives of New Hampshire where they were reared and married. After marriage they emigrated to Indiana, settling in the vicinity of Terre Haute and later changed their residence to Vermilion County, that State. The}' finally removed to i leorgetown Township, where they are still living, both having arrived to the advanced age of eighty - four years. They are the parents of nine children, viz. : George T;, Mary A., deceased; Martha A;, Francis K., and William II.. deceased; Sarah E., John T;, Ferona E., deceased and Francis A. ¥\ TLLIAM I. ALLEN, one of the earliest settlers of Eastern Illinois, came to the State in 1841 and to this county the year following. He settled in the vicinity of Danville, and for three years thereafter taught the village ami adjoining schools. He entered land now oc- cupied by the northwestern part of Hoopeston, but at that time a tract of uncultivated ground, over which deer, wolves', prairie chickens and other wild creatures had up to this time wandered un- disturbed by man. There was not a tree or shrub in sight ami the pioneer, after erecting his cabin, fre- quently stood in his door and counted numbers of deer, sometimes as high as sixty in one herd. Mr. Allen came to this county a single man. but after becoming settled was married, Oct. 17, 1848, PORTRAIT AND 1?I< K ! I! A 1'IIICAL ALBUM. 7()l to Miss Emily Newell. lie then commenced break- ing his prairie hind, and in due time pul up a house and barn, set oul an orchard, planted hedges and proceeded with the improvements naturally suggested to one Of his progressive mind and in- dustrious habits. He occupied Ins farm during the summer months and in winter taught school, and studied and practiced law for a number of years. Finally he sold out to Mr. Hoopes and set- tled six miles west where East Lynn now stands. By entering and purchase lie acquired 3,2110 acres Of hind which was mostly devoted to grazing, although he carried on agriculture considerably, lie put up three houses and effected other improve- ments, remaining there until after the outbreak of the Civil War. He then enlisted m Company C, 12th Illinois Infantry, which regiment was first ordered to Cairo and then to Paducah, Ky. Mr. Allen in due time was presented with a Captain's commission, but was obliged to resign on account of disability, and returned home. Our subject now occupied his farm for a time, then purchased 500 acres in the vicinity of lioss- ville. A few years later he sold out once more and returned to the northern part of East Lynn, which was located on a part of the old farm, about the time the railroad was built through. In 1884 be went to Cherry County, Neb., but in 1 888 re turned to lloopeston. where he still lives. He has built up for himself a good record, serving as County Treasurer two terms and the same length of time as School Commissioner. He usually votes with the Republican party, and is proud of the fact that in all his life he never east a ballot for a 1 (emocrat. To Mr. and Mrs. Allen there were born six chil- dren, live of whom are living, namely: Hugh A. of Holt County, Neb.; Charles A., who is repre- sented elsewhere in this work; Mary, Mrs. Tl las Van Brunt; Emily N., who is unmarried; Clyde II. and Martha, who died in January, 1 KSO at the age of twenty-three years. Mrs. Emily (Newell) Allen was born in Kentucky in 1824 and came to Illinois with her parents when a small child. Newell Township was named after her father, .lames Newell, who was a prominent farmer and useful citizen. Our subject's father, Asaph Allen was a native of Massachusetts, but reared in Vermont and was married to Miss Sarah McCloud. They emi- grated to Franklin County. I >hio, settling upon land now occupied by a part of the city of Columbus. Finally the} 7 removed over the line into Madison County, and lived until a few years ago when the fattier died at the age of eighty-three. The mother of Mr. Allen died while he was an infant. * WILLIAM FLEMING, editor and proprie- \/\l/l tin- of the lloopeston Democrat, was born WW iii Gurnsey County, Ohio, July 2, 1846, where he spent a large portion of his boyhood, moving from there to Birds Run, Tuscarawas County, and from there to West Lafayette, Cosh- octon. Co., Ohio; after a residence at the latter place a number of years he went to Cadiz, Harri- son, Co., Ohio, where he learned the printing busi- ness on the Sentinel, published by the Hon. C. N. Allen. Here, Mr. Fleming worked till the war-fever seized him. Being refused the privilege of volun- teering on account of youthfulness, by Mr. Allen, his uncle, he repaired to Tod's Barracks. Columbus. Ohio, and on the 19th day of February, 1864, vol- unteered for the Infantry service for three years or dining the war. and was assigned to Company H, 88th Ohio Infantry, and was on duty at Camp Chase, Ohio, guarding and transporting prisoners all of the term of his service. lie was discharged July 3, 1865, by reason of General Order, No. 136, headquarters, Northern Department, Cincinnati. Ohio," the war being over. One month after his discharge from the army, Mr. Fleming's father died leaving a family of eight children and with no means of support. With characteristic energy that is worthy of all praise, he went to work on a railroad section at $1.50 per day, to keep his brothers and sisters together. After three years of hard service in this line his brothers grew up. so that they could take care of themselves by the older ones working out. when Mr. Fleming returned to his trade, that of a printer, engaging in an office at Kansas City, Mo., remain- ing there for some time, but finally returning to ro-> PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. Crescent City, Iroquois Co., 111., where he married Miss Fiances Hunter, on the 2Gth day of March, 1874. From there he went to Hoopeston and worked for seven years and three months as fine man of the Chronicle. He was finally induced to take charge of the Hoopeston Journal and edit and publish it, which he did April 27,1882. On Novem- ber 10, of the same year, he bought the plant and ran the paper until September, 3, 1885, when he sold it to a syndicate. On November 10, he flung to the breezes the Hoopeston Independent, which met with favor with the people. This paper lie published eighteen months, when he bought the Hoopeston Journal and merged the two papers into the Hoopeston Democrat, which he still eon- ducts with ability and energy. By his first wife Mr. Fleming was the father of two children, one of whom is still living — Ella. His first wife died at Hoopeston, March 12. 1881. He afterward married Mrs. Alice M. Hitler nee <>.-- born, and by this union two boys were born— Leroy and Jay. Thornton Fleming, the father of William, was a merchant of West Lafayette, Ohio, and married Miss Eliza Ann Gorseline. He died at the last named place, and his wife is now living at Kearney, Neb. Mr. Fleming is conducting his paper with success, and it is looked upon as a re- liable journal. His advertising patronage is good, and upon the whole he is scoring a success in his enterprise of maintaining a first-class paper at Hoopeston. %^ UGH MONTGOMERY ROBINSON, of i Champaign, 111., familiarly known in Fair- mount and vicinity as "Mont Robinson," ^§| while not one of the earliest settlers of this county, came here when the prairie was not con- sidered suitable for human habitations, and the residents were mostly timber settlers, very few having yet ventured far from the woods. He was born in Darrtown, Butler Co., Ohio, Sept. 7, 1835, and came to the Wabash Valley in the spring of 1853. His father was a native of Harrisburg, Pa. and his mother was a member of the Valliant(origin- ally Valiant, from France) family from the eastern shore of Maryland, some of whom figured conspicu- ously in official positions in Baltimore and other places in that State. At the age of twenty years Mr. Robinson was married, Nov. 28, 1855 to Miss Mary Jane, a daughter of Isaac Dickason of Perrysville. For some time afterward he worked at Danville, but was deterred from moving his family to that vil- lage on account of its notoriety as a milk-sick cen- ter. Very few people moved to Danville in those days on that account. Later, Mr. Robinson ven- tured within three miles of the pLace and finally took up his residence within it. He resided there six years and in I862chauged his residence to Sid- ney. In lHll.'i he removed to Fairmount, of which he was a resident until July, 1889. His next re- moval was lo Champaign, in order to establish a new Democratic paper, the Champaign Orbit. In the meantime, in 1882, Mr. Robinson was seized with Bright's disease ami not being able to follow his trade of shoe-making, himself and his daughter, Ida, started a small paper, which they named the Fairmount Veto, intending only to pub- lish this until the health of Mr. Robinson si Id be restored and he could return to his trade. By means of an exclusively skimmed-milk diet Air. Robinson not only regained his health, but was even better than he had ever been before in all his life. and indeed is practically ten years vounger than when he commenced this treatment. He wishes this fact recorded so that other- may be benefited by the experiment. The Veto became eminently successful and pop. ular and was continued until the removal to Cham- paign. Miss Ida Robinson deserves especial mention for the part she has borne in making the Veto a signal success. In 1886, in connection with this, Miss Ida and her father established the Sid- ney By-Way and this loo proved a fortunate ven- ture. Afterward Mr. Robinson turned over the establishment to his widowed daughter, Mrs. Eva Stewart, who is conducting it singly and alone and making it a paying institution. Mrs. Mary Jane (Dickason) Robinson was born in Fountain County. Ind ., March 1 !t. 1*37. Eva the eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robinson was PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALRI'M. 703 bom in Paris, 111.. Oct. 2. 1856. Their eldesi son, Hart Benton, now married and living in Sidney was born in Danville. Aug. 15, 1858; Ida was also horn in Danville, May 18, I860; I.arkin Gray, the youngest, was horn in Fairmount, Aug. 13, 1869. They now reside at No. 311, East Clark Street, Champaign, where they will welcome any of their old-time friends, and hope to cultivate new lines. \l| OSKI'II Moss. In the career of the subject | of this notice, we find an excellent exam- ple for young men just embarking in the V&J field of active life, of what may be accom- plished by a man beginning poor, but honest, prudent and industrious. Mr. Moss in early life cn- joyed lint few advantages. His school days were limited nor had he wealth or position to aid him in his struggle with the world. He was obliged to rely solely upon his own efforts to win for him success, and lie lias reason to believe that his labors both of hand and brain have not been for naught. He is now in comfortable circumstances, retired from active labor, and has a very pleasant home, com- prising a well-tilled farm in Middle Fork Town- ship. The Moss homestead is especially noticeable on account of its modern improvements, including a line artesian well from which flows a constant stream of water through the milk house, and to tanks in the barnyard for the accommodation of the stock and whatever other purpose required. The build- ings are commodious and conveniently arranged and the farm-machinery is first-class. Next in importance to the personal history of our subject is the record of those from whom he sprang. His "paternal grandfather Moss, it is believed, was born in Germany and after his emigration to America died in one of the Eastern States. Among his sons was John, the father of our subject, who spent his early years in Ohio where ho was married. and whence he came to Illinois when his son, Jo- seph, was four years of age. The latter was born in Treble County, Ohio. The journey to this county was made overland by teams, the party con- sisting of the parents of our subject with their three children, the paternal grandparents and the step-grandfather, the grandmother having died many years previously. John Moss and his step- father entered eighty acres of land in the vicinity of Georgetown, this county, where Mr. Moss estab- lished a lanyard, which he operated until the fall of 1826, when his labors were cut short by his death. The widowed mother of our subject, Mrs. Cathe- rine Moss, was left with three small children. Joseph, Jesse and Elmore. They experienced many hardships and difficulties until Joseph was old enough to assi-t in the support of the family. When he was thirteen years old Ids mother was married to Mr. George Swisher, and Joseph was bound out until he should become nineteen years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Swisher became the parents of three children,- — John, George and a daughter now deceased. The mother died in this county about l.si 1. Young Moss, when released from his bondage at the age of nineteen years, began to paddle his own canoe and engaged as a farm laborer by the month. His honesty and industry secured him friends on every hand and in due time he was in a condition to establish a home of his own. ( )n the 17th of April, 1845, he was married to Miss Delilah Starr, who like himself was a native of Preble County, Ohio. The young people began housekeeping in a log cabin, the chinks stopped up with mud. the (ire-place laid with earth and the floor of puncheon. The chimney was built outside of earth and sticks, and a clapboard door was hung on wooden hinges closing with a wooden latch raised by a string. They occupied this domicile one summer then re- moved to a larger cabin but furnished pretty much in the same style. Mr. Moss after his marriage was employed for a lime in a earding-mill. then began farming and finally purchased sixty acres of land near Myersville, fur which he contracted to pay $350. lie paid cash down $150, and eighteeu months later sold the land at an advance of $50. About L850 Mr. Mossentered 160 acres of wild land in Middle Fork Township, located near Blue Grass Grove. lie put up a small frame house. made some other improvements and lived there 704 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. until March, 1884. In that year he purchased and took possession of his present home where lie has twenty-seven acres of choice land and elsewhere has 3(10 acres, all improved, besides property in Potomac. lie lias given his son. John B., eighty acres of land, thus providing him witli a fine start in life. His daughter, Sarah A., is the wife of Benjamin Wise. These two are the only children of Mr. Moss. He and his estimable wile belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church in which Mr. Moss has held the office of Steward and Trustee. He identified himself with the church when a young man, twenty-two years of age. while Mrs. Moss has been a member since a maiden of sixteen. They have been acquainted with each other from the time when in his youth our subject assisted father Starr in the harvest field and raked hay with a hand rake. Peter and Catherine (Ilevvet) Starr, the parents of Mrs. Moss were natives of North Carolina and removed to Preble County, Ohio, where they lived many years and wdiere Mrs. Moss was born. They came to this county in in 1830 and located on land three miles west of State Line City, where the}' so- journed many years. After the parents had trav- eled the journey of life together over fifty years and were too old to be left alone, they took up their abode with our subject. Mr. Starr departed this life Feb. 20, 18(12. The mother survived her husband many years, passing away "April 18, 1881. ^ APT. SAMUEL FRAZIER. This honored (ll n °' C ' veteran ot? neal 'ly eighty-three years, is *^^y one of the pioneers of '33, coming to this county when a young man of twenty-seven years. During the long period of fifty-six years which he has spent in Central Illinois, there has passed like a panorama before his eyes the change which has transformed the wide and houseless prai- rie into the homes of an intelligent and civilized people. The slow ox team of the early emigrant has given place to the hurry and dispatch of steam; three important wars have been fought, and a free people each time come off victorious; men have changed for the better in their ideas of labor and their pride in progress, and the intelligent man be- lieves that the world is growing better in propor- tion to its increasing population. The middle of September, 1833, found the sub- ject of this sketch established on a tract of land two miles northwest (if what is now Catlin. but was then a lonely prairie. His life prior to this had been spent in the Buckeye State, where he was born Sept. 13, 180(i. in the Township of Hubbard, Trumbull County. When a lad of six years his father enlisted as a soldier in the war of 1812. He returned home the year following, disposed of his interests in Trumbull County, and settled at Springfield, about fifteeen miles from Cincinnati. The family sojourned there four years, then re- moved to Dearborn County, Ind.. where the father secured a tract of land, and where the subject of our sketch remained with them until a youth of eighteen years. Then, desirous of a change, he began following the river, flatboaling and steam- boating, and in 1824 was at Natchez, Miss., about the time of the visit of Gen. Lafayette at that place. Our subject looked upon the present great city of Cincinnati before a single pavement was laid. After the family came to this county he em- ployed himself mostly at farming. Prior to com- ing to Illinois, our subject made the acquaintance of Miss Buelah Ann Finley, who was born in De- cember, 1812, and to whom he was married March 15, 1832. For two years after his marriage Mr. Frazicr rented land over the line in Indiana, raised two crops of corn, and in the fall of 1833, purchased 2oo acres of land, the product of two years' work. The spring following he moved upon if with his wife and one child, making the journey with an ox team, and being fifteen days on the road. Upon coming to this county Danville was a little town of 400 or 50(i inhabitants, but it had already been made the count}' seat and a court-house had been built. Upon li is own land was a cabin into which Mr. Frazier rtioved with his little family, and for two years thereafter confined his attention to the improvement of his property, breaking eighty acres, putting up a barn, and making an addition lo the dwelling. lie then sold out for $1,000, but PORTRAIT AND Plot : RAPHICAL ALBUM. 705 afterwards raised another crop on the same land. He moved into Danville in February, L8S8, set- tling on Vermilion street, between Main and North streets, where he lived until purchasing property on Main street. About 1836 our subject entered a tract of land in Champaign County, this State, which he sold two years later at a handsome price, lie conducted an hotel one year, then purchased property on Main street, where he lias erected a big brick block, extending from the court-house to Hazel street, and known as the Frazier Block. He lived there for twenty-live years, carrying on his hotel live years of this time. In 1840 he was elected sheriff of Vermilion County, which office he held eightyears, being the third man elected to this position. Upon retiring from this he engaged in buying cattle, and made many a trip driving these through to Chi- cago, when the country was all open prairie. Merchandising also formed one of the enter- prises of our subject as senior member of the firm of Frazier, Lamb & Co., which continued two years. Then Mr. Lamb withdrew, and the firm be- came Frazier & Ccssie, the latter the son-in-law of the Captain. After two years the latter assumed sole charge of the business, which he conducted probably ten years, and until the outbreak of the civil war. Strongly imbued with the Union senti- ment, he then raised the first company of men in this county — Company C, which was assigned to the 12th Infantry under Col. John McArthur. Mr. Frazier was elected captain, and proceeding to Cairo, served three months, and then being no longer needed returned home with his men, and thereafter gave his attention to his business affairs. Mrs. Buelah Ann (Finley) Frazier became the mother of twelve children, and departed this life March 2. r ), 1864, leaving four children, the only ones remaining of that numerous family. Edward entered the army, was taken ill, returned home and died ten days afterward, at the age of nineteen years; Angeline became the wife of James II. Phillips of Danville, and is now the mother of six children; Mary F., the wife of M. A. Lapham, is a resident of Springfield, Mo., and the mother of two children; Florence, Mrs. W. W. Phillips, lives in Danville, and is the mother of four children, one of whom is dead; De Witt C. married Miss Emma Reed, and is a practicing attorney of Danville. In lsill ('apt. Frazier disposed of his mercantile interests and purchased his present home at the corner of North and Pine streets, where he has since resided. On the 12th of April, 1865, he was married to Miss Nancy Finley, who was born Sept. 17, 1823, a sister of his first wife. The family residence is a fine large brick struct- ure, and after standing over twenty years gives little evidence of its age. At the time of its erection it was considered one of the best in the town. The Captain cast his first presidential vote for John Quincy Adams, and was an old line Whig until the abandonment of the party by the organ- ization of the Republicans. lie was well acquainted with Abraham Lincoln, who often partook of his hospitality in the above named block while prose- cuting his law business in this part of the county. Capt. Frazer reverts to those episodes with pardon- able pride, and declares that Mr. Lincoin was one of the most congenial and companionable men it was ever his lot to meet. The Captain for over half a century has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which his first wife belonged, and with which the present Mrs. Frazier is also connected. He was for many years quite active ns an official and has given liberally to its support. For a number of years Capt. Frazier operated as a farmer, and is the owner of 700 acres of land near Catlin, which he has since divided up among his children. He was one of the first directors of the First National Bank, and has been interested in most of the en- terprises calculated to build up the town. He con- stitutes one of the old landmarks, and will lie kindly remembered long after he has been gath- ered to his fathers. The father of our subject was Samuel Frazier, Si-., u native of Maryland, born on the eastern shore across the bay from Baltimore. He lived in that vicinity until after his marriage with Miss Mary Massey. The3* became the parents of nine children, six of whom lived to mature years, and of whom our subject is the only survivor, the eld- est dying at the age of twenty-six. The family left Maryland in the spring of 1806, and moved roo PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. across the mountains into Ohio in a two-horse cart, all the property the elder Frazier possessed. There accompanied him six men and one woman besides his wife. He purchased a tract of timber land in Trumbull County, upon which he labored six years and worked some at his trade of shoemaking, which he had learned in his native State. In the meantime occurred the war of 1812, and the elder Frazier joined the militia and was n i > pointed to the rank of Major. After the surren- der of Hull the Ohio militia was called out, and at the end of three months the command was muster- ed out. The Frazier family then moved to Dear- born County, Ind., where they resided twenty years, and upon leaving' there, about 1838, came to this county. The father purchased land adjoin- ing that now belonging to our subject, and which is still owned by one of his heirs — Mrs. Lawrence. He departed this life in 1846, and his wife died the following year. He was first a Whig, politically. and then a Republican, a man of decided ideas, and and one whose opinions were generally respected. David Finley, father of the two Mrs. Fraziers, was born in Kentucky, Dec. 10, 1781, and was there married to Miss Nancy Miller, who was born April 14, 1787. lie departed this life August 29, 1853, and his wife passed away four days prior to his decease — August 25. He had been mostly en- gaged in agricultural pursuits, but for a number of years was on the river, running to New Oilcans. His daughters, Buelah and Nancy, were born in Dearborn County, Ind., and the latter named re- sided with her parents until the time of their death. *->&£&&&&* -v*— rjljUELL TILLOTSON, a skillful, practical farmer, is quietly and prosperously carry- ing on his fanning operations on his farm. ^^ one of the best and most highly productive of Pilot Township, very pleasantly located on sec- tion 36. He is a native of Indiana, born in War- ren County, Sept. 23, 1847. His grandparents on both sides of the house were pioneers of Ohio in the early days of its settlement. His father, Eph- raim Tillotson, was born in Miami County, that stale, in 1811. his ancestors being of English origin, and he a descendant of the same branch of the fam- ily as that famous English divine, Archbishop Til- lotson. The mother of our subject, whose maiden name was Mary A. Cronkhite, was also born in Miami County. After her marriage with the father of our subject they came westward to the State of Indiana and located in Warren County, and there the father died in 1884. The mother survives at an advanced age and makes her home on a farm in Vermilion County. Of her marriage twelve chil- dren were born, of whom the following eight are living: Walter, a farmer of this county married Lucetta Endicott; Madison, who lives in Louisiana, married Kate Goodwine, and they have three chil- dren; Luther, a farmer, married Mary E. Myrick, and they have five children; Wallace, a farmer of this county, married Emily French, and they have three children; Buell is our subject: Sarah married Edward Foster, of Indiana, now living in this county, and they have seven children; Rebecca married J. K. Buettz, a retired farmer of Potomac, and they have six children; Frances married Alonzo W. Knight, a farmer of this county, and they have four children: Mary married Frank Henry, a retired farmer of this county, and they have two children. Buell Tillotson gleaned a good education in the common schools, and a practical training at home that fitted him to cope with the world when he be- came independent. When he Hrst began life he did not have the wherewithal to buy the land for him- self, and ns he was very desirous ofcarrying on farm- ing he rented a farm. He met with such good success in that venture that in a few years by unremit- ting toil and frugal economy he was enabled to lay up money enough to buy a farm of his own, and he became the possessor of one, comprising 160 acres of land of unsurpassed fertility. lie now has it under good cultivation, and has made many substantial improvements that have greatly increased its value, and he has established a cozy, comfortable home for his family. He is engaged in mixed husbandry, and besides raising grain and other products com- mon to this climate raises stock, all that his farm will carry. Mr. Tillotson was united in marriage with Miss PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 707 Lizzie Wiles, whose parents were both natives of Denmark, but who emigrated at an early date to this county, where Mrs. Tillotson was born. The wedded life of our subject and his wife lias been blessed to them by the birth of two children, one alone living, a daughter, Luectta. Our subject is a quiet, unassuming man, with much force and decision of character, however, and his place in the community is among its best and most deserving citizens. He and his wife are worthy members Of the Christian Church, as is attested by their conduct in the every-day affairs of life. Mr. Tillotson is a firm ally of the Repub liean party, taking an intelligent interest in politi- cal matters. lie has served on several juries, and is in every way fitted to perform the duties attend- ant '.poll good citizenship. ^ QUIRE STEPHEN s. SHAW. To be the founder of a town is no small honor, and next to the founder is the man who has made it the object of his fostering care. The town of Allerton is largely indebted to Mr. Shaw, who bears the honor of being the first Post- master, for its incipient growth and development, and for the interest which he has taken in its progress and welfare. He is a man of sterling worth and integrity, the owner of a good property without being wealthy, and is possessed of those substantial and reliable traits of character which have made him a. man to be depended upon in whatever he says and where assistance is needed in furthering every good and worthy enterprise. Our subject opened his infant e\es in Jefferson County, Ky., August 17, 1848, but while a small jhild was taken by his parents to Vigo County, Ind.. where he attended the common school, and later entered the seininarj- at Farmersburg, which he attended four years, completing a normal course. For the same length of time he engaged in teaching in Vigo and Parke counties. He came to Illinois in 187(5 and rented a 100-ncre farm in Champaign County, in company with his brother .lames, and where he remained four years. For some time they kept bachelor's hall, but Stephen S. filially resolved it was not good for man to be alone, and was accordingly married .Ian. 21, 1881, to .Miss Llicretia Ackers, in Douglas County. Mr. and Mrs. Shaw after their marriage resided for a time on a farm in Edgar County, 111., then coming to this county settled at Allerton, soon after which Mr. Shaw was appointed Postmaster and also as- sumed an interest in a stock of groceries and general merchandise. Since that time his interests have centered here, ami he is looked up to as one of the leading men of the place, [n the spring of 1889 he was elected Justice of the Peace, ami is dis- charging the duties of his office with his usual good judgment, giving satisfaction to the people. Po- litically he is a strong Democrat. The father of our subject was Temple Shaw, a native of Jefferson County, Ky., and who married Miss Elizabeth Moore, also of the Blue Grass Stale. Grandfather Jesse Shaw was an early settler of Kentucky, and his father came from Scotland. The Moore family- flourished in Maryland. The parents of our subject moved to Indiana in 1855, where the father carried on farming successfully and became well-to-do. Both be and his excellent wife are still living and aged respectively seventy-four ami sixty-six years. Mr. Shaw has served as Justice of the Peace for the long period of forty years. Eleven children were born to the parents of our subject, the eldest of whom, Julia, is the wife of Jacob Ridgeway, her second husband and a fanner of Sullivan County, Ind. She is the mother of three children by each husband, the first one being Elijah Hanger. Eliza married II. A. Pratt, a barber of Waveland, Ind.. and died childless in 1887. Alex married Miss Martha Allen, is the father of two children and operates a farm in Vigo County, Ind.; Martha married Benjamin L. Dowell, a farmer of Vigo County; they have no children. Stephen S., of this sketch, was the fifth child; James W„ married Miss Plina Danes and they have one child; Alice married William Yaw, a farmer of Vigo County, Ind., and they have four children; Mollieis the wife of John Howell of Vigo County, and they have two children; Theodore married Miss Clara Jones, is fanning in Vigo County, ami they have One child; Clara remains at 708 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. home with her parents; Helen became the wife of Samuel McMulin, who died on his farm in Sullivan County, Ind., and she now makes her home with her parents; she has one child. Mrs. Shaw is the daughter of John and Susan ( Kanneer) Ackers of Pennsylvania. They removed to Douglas County, 111., at a very early day and are still living on the farm which they opened up from the wilderness, and which lies eight miles from Allerton. Mrs. Shaw was the seventh in a family of eleven children; she was horn in Penn- sylvania and was a mere child when her parents came to this State. Of her union with our subject there have been born four children: Russell. Charles P., Freddie (who died when an infant), and Jennie B. Mr. Shaw is not at present engaged in any active business. The neat and shapely family residence was put up in 1887, and with its surroundings and furnishings, forms a very pleasant and attractive home. Mr. Shaw socially is a charter member of Centennial Lodge, in Philo, Campaign County, from which he was demitted, and now belongs to Broadlands. He was active in securing a dispen- sation from Broadlands. ■ * * * "' i^ ' i ' ll ' S ' S 1 * «" !|r^ OBERT ELLIOTT is one of the men who JW^ have done much to develop the resources ;4\\\, of this county. He owns and lives on a ^15. farm in Ross township, situated on section 7, township 23, ranges 10 and 11, which lias been his home since 18(58. He was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, about fourteen miles east of Zanes- ville, on Sept 8, 182G, his parents being Francis and .lane (Hunter) Elliott. His grandparents on both sides came from the north of Ireland, and were of the excellent old Scotch- Irish Presbyterian stock, which has given to our country many of its hest citizens, possessed as they were of sturdy in- dependence and honesty, traits which the majority of their descendants inherit in a marked degree. The paternal grandfather of the subject of this biography was also named Robert. He emigrated from Ireland many years ago, and after landing in America came direct to Muskingum Count}', Ohio, then considered the Far West. He and his wife settled in the densely wooded country and there literally hewed out a home in the wilderness. Years afterward Robert Elliott and one of his sons re- moved to Licking County, Ohio, settling on a farm near the site of the present city of Newark, and there the elder Elliott spent the remainder of his days. Francis Elliott, father of the one of whom this biography is written, was born in Ireland, and was but a year old when his parents brought him to America. He was reared on a farm and followed the occupation of a farmer all his life. He had his share of the hard work necessary to clear the home- stead farm, the country thereabout being very hilly as well as heavily wooded. He did not ac- company his father to Licking County, remaining in Muskingum County until his death which oc- curred iii 1837, when he was in the prime of life, and in a very mysterious manner. He left his house one cold and slippery morning with a bag of grain on his back, to feed his cattle. The subject of this sketch and a brother noticed an hour afterward that the cattle were not at their usual feeding place, and going out to ascertain the cause found their father on his knees by a stump, dead. It was sup- posed that he had stumbled and fell, breaking his neck, but as no post mortem examination was held it was impossible to determine exactly the cause of his death. He was married, in Muskingum County, to Miss Jane Hunter, who was born in Westmore- land County, Pa., her parents being also from the north of Ireland, of the same stock as her husband's family. She proved herself a noble woman, a faith- ful wife and devoted mother, whose memory is held in veneration by her children. After her husband's untimely death she devoted herself to rearing her family and saw them all happily married and set- lied, and then she herself married .lames Howell, an old friend and neighbor. She died in 1879, aged about sixty-seven years. Francis and Jane Elliott had eight children. The eldest, Eliza, who was married to James llerdman. a civil engineer, died in Zanesville, Ohio, where her husband is still living; William is married to Ethe- linda Carter; he is engaged in blacksmi thing at PORTRAIT AND I5K Ml R APIIICAL ALHUM. ;o:t Hamilton, Mo. The next in order is Robert, .lames, who was married to Electa St. Clair, was a fanner living on the old homestead when lie died; John is a fanner in Oregon and was married bo Nancy Owensbey, who died in that state; Mary .lane is the wife of Johnson Morgan, a carpenter of Danville. 111.; Margaret Catherine died in girlhood, and Esther is married to Edward Dunkin, a farmer of Middle Fork Township, this county. Robert E., of whom this is written, spent his boyhood in Muskingum County, Ohio, and early learned what hard work was. lie lived with his parents until he was twenty-one years old. and be- ing then married he bought a farm of eighty acres about a mile from his old home, where he lived until his removal to Vermilion County, 111., in 1863. His farm in Ohio was hilly and rocky, and its cul- tivation made extremely hard labor. Making a visit to this county in 1861 to his sister Mrs. Dun- kin, who with her husband had settled here some years before, he was so much pleased with the lay of the land that here he determined to make his future home, lie sold his land in the East and made the change at the time stated. His first pur- chase in this county was a farm of 120 acres north- east of State Line, on which he lived for four years, when he sold it and rented for two years another farm in the same neighborhood, then buy- ing his present homestead of 160 acres, upon which he has lived continuously since. When he bought this place eighty acres of it was under partial cultiva- tion. The outbuildings, fences, hedges, good barns, commodious two-story house 28x28, are all there- suit of his own labor and energy. A large part of this land was swamp ana bog, the eastern eighty acres, being by many considered worthless. With thor- ough ami careful draining and good cultivation he has not only reclaimed this land but has made of it one of the most fertile pieces of soil in this section of the county, producing fine crops. In fact he has brought every acre of his land into thorough condition, not a foot of it being waste. Many changes have taken place since Mr. Elliott settled here and he has not only witnessed the growth and development of this part of the county, but has himself participated in it. and to accom- plish this great result, has done his part. He is an industrious man both by nature and habit, and though he has leached a position where his own labor is not necessary, still his active habits will not permit him to be idle, and he is always to be found usefully employed about his place. Mr. Elliott was married on the 1 1th of Sep- tember 1818, to Miss Nancy Morgan, daughter of Morgan Morgan, her mother's maiden name being Nancy Sisly, and who died when her daughter was a young girl. Mrs. Elliott was born July 30, 1831, in Westmoreland County, Pa., and a few years after that date her parents emigrated to New Concord. Ohio. Mr. and .Mrs. Elliott have ten children, as follows. Lewis Henry, the eldest, is married to Katie Jenkins, and is a fanner in this county; Nancy Jane is the wife of Dr. D. D. Webb, of Hoopeston; Ida May is the wife of Ed Leighton, of Rossville; Carrie died unmarried at the age of twenty-two years; Edson and Elda are twins, the former assists his father on the home farm and the latter at present teaching school in Wichita, Kan.; Hubert, Morgan and Odessa are still with their father and mother, while an infant son, Johnson, second of the family, died before the removal from Ohio. Mr. Elliott is a member of the Presbyterian Church in Rossville, of which he has for over twenty years been a Deacon. Those people who know him best are unanimous in the opinion that Robert Elliott is a thoroughly manly man. No better eulogy can be pronounced upon anyone. fkM ARGARET RICHARDSON is the widow II \\\ of the late Joseph Richardson, a former I IB well-known and highly esteemed pioneer of * Vermilion County. This venerable lady still lives on the old homestead, on section 10, Pi- lot Township, owning 120 acres of it, which her husband, with her active co-operation, wrested from the wild prairies in the years of the early set- tlement of this part of Illinois. She has witnessed with pleasure almost the entire development of this section of the country, where she has dwelt for nearly sixty years, and has lived to see the uneul- Tin PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. tivated prairie and forest land smiling with abun- dant harvests and the home of a prosperous and contented people. Mrs. Richardson was born Feb. 3, 1815. She received a training in all the duties pertaining to the care of a family, and was thus enabled to act well her part in the care of her own in after years. In 1832 she was wedded to Joseph Richardson, and they soon came to establish themselves in the wilds of Vermilion County, and were thus early pioneers of this section. Mr. Richardson was a native of the State of Maryland, and when he was a mere lad, his parents removed to Washington County, Pa., and subsequently to Ohio, where the father died. The mother survived him, and coming to Illinois, her life closed in Vermilion County in 1851. Mr. and Mis. Richardson settled on 300 acres of wild land, purchased of the Government, and passed through the usual experiences and hardships that befall pioneers in a new country, but by per- severance they overcame every obstacle, and by indefatigable toil were enabled to build up a good home. After her husband's death Mrs. Richardson received as her share of the property the Il'D acres they had jointly accumulated, and is living in peace and plenty, enjoying all the comforts of life, as she richly deserves. Mr. Richardson's death was considered a loss to the community where he had dwelt so many years. His whole course of life won him the thorough respect and regard of all witli whom he came in contact, and his reputation in his adopted town- ship was of the highest order. In him the United Brethern Church found one of its most zealous and valued members, who ably held the various offices of the church at different times. In .politics he was a Arm believer in the Democratic party, and was active in its support. In his wife Mr. Richardson found a true com- panion and a useful helpmate. She is a worthy. member of the United Brethren Church, and her daily life has always been guided by true Christian principles, as shown by her kindly, helpful conduct towards her neighbors and others; she lias won a warm place in their affections, and none know her but to respect her. The snows and frosts of seventy-four winters have whitened her head, but they have not affected her heart, and none appeal to her in vain who need her assistance or sympathy. Of the two children born to her and her husband — Mickham and William — the latter is spared to her, and with his children* and grandchildren bless her declining years and make life pleasant. William, a farmer in Vermilion County, married Sarah A. Rhodes, of Defiance, Ohio, and they have four children — Joseph C, Samuel, John and Mary Ann. William's son, Samuel, a farmer in Montgomery County. Kan., married Miss Clara Smith, and they have two children, Arthur C. and Clemence E. ANIKL KICK, the subject of this sketch, is now approaching his three score years and ten, and is afflicted with partial blind- ness, but he has made it the business of his life to rise above circumstances as far as possible, and gain all the comfort which men may enjoy by an upright and honest life and the endeavor to do unto others as he would be done by. Mr. Rice came to this county in September, 1 863, settling at once in Sidell Township. He is the scion of a good family, being the son of Elijah and Sarah (Rife) Rice, the former being a native of Kentucky. The paternal grandfather, William Rice, was born near Centreville, Ohio, and was the son of James Rice, a native of England. The lat- ter was one of the earliest settlers of Centreville, and upon the anniversary of his one hundredth birthday his many descendants assembled there, and in the hilarity of the occasion the centenarian ran a race with our subject, then a boy of twelve or thirteen years, and came out ahead. He lived to the great age of oue hundred and thirty years, but during the last fourteen years of his life was blind. Grandfather Rice fought in the Revolution- ary War in Virginia and on the frontier with the Indians in Ohio; he lived to be nearly one hun- dred years old. The parents of our subject was married in Ken- tucky; the mother was a native of Virginia and of English ami Swiss descent. The maiden name PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 711 of ber mother was Mary Muncey, a native of England. Mrs. Rice removed to Kentucky with her parents when a young lady, they settling in Law- rence County. Later they removed to Carter County and died there in 1851, at about the age of sixty-five years. The mother subsequently came to this county and lived on a farm near Fairmount until her death which occurred in 1866, when she was sixty-nine years old. All of their thirteen children — with the exception of the eldest boy — grew to mature yoars; nine suns and three daughters. Our subject was the fourth chilil and second son, and the eldest son now living. Daniel Rice was born Oct. 2 1, 1820, in Lawrence County, Ky., at a time when deer, hear and other wild animals abounded in the eastern part of the State among the Cumberland Mountains. He brought down many of these with his trusty rifle, shooting nnc day six deer, and another day one hear with foui- culis. In hunting the latter animals — the black bear — he experienced many narrow escapes as this animal is very ferocious. His opportunities for education were very limited, he attending a subscription school three months dur- ing the winter, in a log school-house with a teacher that could merely read and write. His love for fine horses was developed at an early age, and indeed the entire Rice family has been distinguished for its love of, and skill in training this noblest of all animals. Our subject continued a member of the parental household until approaching the twenty-fifth year of his nge; when he was married in August, 1845, to Miss Flora Ann Jourdan. This lady was born in Greenup County. Ky.. and was eighteen years old at the time of her wedding, which took place under her father's roof. They remained residents of the Blue Grass State until after the birth of six children, then in September. L863, came to this county. Their eldest son, William .)., married Miss Martha Pratt and they have one child, a son, Carl; he is engaged as a stock buyer and shipper at Fairmount. Mary E. married G. Dellart. They settled in Kentucky where she became the mother of two children — Annie and James — and died. Albert R. D. has charge of the homestead, he married Miss Mary E. Moore, who died leaving no children; he makes a specialty of horse training and is remarably successful. .lames G. married Miss Faraba .lane Mugen; they have two children — Waverly W. and Robert — and live on a farm. Edward A. married Josephine Price and they re- side on a farm in Sidell Township; they have three children — Charles, Mary E. and Walter. Lemuel died in infancy. After the outbreak of the Civil War, Mr. Rice enlisted as a Union soldier Oct. 24, 1861. from Carter County, Ky., in Company D, 22d Kentucky Infantry, and was mustered in at Camp Swygart on the Ohio for three years, or during the war. Me was under the command of George Morgan, and engaged in various skirmishes in the eastern part of Kentucky. At Ashland he was taken se- verely ill with measles, and for a time his life was despaired of. lie was finally sent home on a fur- lough, but returned to his regiment at Baton Rouge in February, 1S64. His health continued poor and he was obliged to accept his honorable dis- charge, Ma}' 10, following. This experience ended in nervous prostration and undermined his health to such an extent that he has never been the same man since. In the meantime Mr. Rice while at home on his furlough, brought his family to this county for safety from the depredations of guerrillas. After leaving the service he went first to Arkansas with a view of looking up a location for his future home, but finally returned to his family and pur- chased land iu this county. His first wife died and he was married to Mrs. Eliza .lane Moore, daughter of William J. and Susan (Rawlings) Robertson. The latter were natives respectively of Kentucky and Virginia, were married in Indiana and are now residents of West Virginia. Grand- father Rawlings and his wife were from Germany, while Grandfather Robertson and his wife were natives of Kentucky and of Scotch descent. Mr. Moore removed to Indiana with his familj' where he operated as a farmer and carpenter, and they became the parents of five children — Martha A., Eliza .)., John W., Elijah R.. and Catherine. Mrs. Rice was born in Parke County, Ind., and remained with her parents until her first marriage, at the age of seventeen years, to William H. Moore 712 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. If, of Mint county. Of this union there were born five children— Mary E., Charles A., Millie S.. Reuben II. and William W. The eldest daughter became the wife of Albert Rice and is deceased; Charles A., a stock man is married, has one child and lives at Colorado Springs; Millie S. is the wife of Carl Hiberger, of Wichita. Kan.; Reuben H. is a newspaper man and connected with one of the journals of Wichita; William W. remains with his mother; the daughters were teachers prior to their marriage, one of them beginning at the early age of sixteen years. Mrs. Rice is a member of the Baptist Church at Terre Haute, Ind. Mr. Rice in his political views supports the principles of the Demo- cratic party. — V ffiOHN M. CHI MM INS is the senior partner in the firm of Crimmins & Buchanan, livery men of Sidell. They are also proprietors of the feed and sale stable, which is operated in connection with their livery business. He is a native of Clark County, Ohio, and was born on April 15, 1 858. His father, Morgan Crimmins, and mother, Ellen Eager, were natives of Ireland. where they were married in 1848. A few days after their marriage they started for America, and settled first in Greene County and eventually in Clark County, Ohio, where they followed farming and became well-to-do, although the}- landed in the United States, wholly without means. The mother is still living on the Crimmins' homestead in Carroll Township, about three miles east of Sidell, where they settled in 1859. Her husband died Jan. 22, 1889, aged sixty-nine years. They were the parents of five children — Robert, Honora, Jeremiah, John M. and Maggie. Robert is a grain- buyer at Hildreth Station; Honora is residing in Edgar County, 111., and married to Samuel Stunk- ard, who is engaged in farming; Jeremiah is in charge of the old homestead in Carroll Township, while Maggie also resides in the same township and is the wife of Thomas Ramsey. Mr. Crimmins was but a babe when his parents came to Illinois and has substantially lived here most of the time since. His education was ac- quired at the public schools, which has been sup- plemented by extensive reading. He remained at home until lie was twenty years of age, when on Christmas, 1878, he was married to Miss Ella Stunkard, who was born and reared in Carroll Township. She is a daughter of Robert and Eliza- beth CHeavlin) Stunkard. Her father was a farmer and came to Vermilion County, settling in Carroll Township, where he resided until his death, which occurred when he was sixty-six years old. Her mother died at the age of sixty-three. Mi', and Mrs. Stunkard were the parents of twelve children, ten of whom are living, as follows: Joseph, Han- nah, Plnebe, John. James, Jacob, Samuel. George, Ella and Sadie. Mr. and Mrs. Crimmins are living in a quiet way and are tilling their mission in the world as good neighbors, lie is a member of the I. (). O. F., having been a charter member of Peace Dale Lodge, No. 225. Mr. Crimmins is a firm believer in the principles advocated by the Democratic parly. He is one of the rising young men of his town, highly popular and possessing great business capability. Morgan Crimmins, father of our sub- ject, after coming to America sent money back to Ireland to pay the passage of three relatives and three friends. He located in Clark County, Ohio, and when he came to Illinois, they came with him. Some of them are still living in Vermilion. ftfOSEPH WHERRY is a worthy member of the farming community of Catlin Township, and is faithfully performing his share in sus- taining its prosperity. His farm on sec- tion 36 is under excellent cultivation, is capable of producing fine harvests, and compares favorably w'th others in the neighborhood. Mr. Wherry is a Kentuckian by birth, born in Mason County, Feb. 24, 1819, to James and Catherine (Downing) Wherry, natives of Pennsylvania. After marriage his parents had settled in Mason County, Ky., and thence they subsequentby removed to Clinton County Ohio, where their last years were spent. S PORTRAIT AM) BIOOKAPIIICAL ALBUM. 713 They were people of merit, sober-minded and in- dustrious, and brought up the thirteen children born t<> them iii the path of honesty and good habits. Our subject was their seventh child, and he was a year old when they crossed the Ohio to make their home for the future in Clinton County, ami there the years of his boyhood and youth were passed. At the age of eighteen he left the shelter of the parental roof to begin an independent life, and returning to his native State and county, he found employment by the year on a farm and thus engaged there nearly eleven years. During his residence in that county he contracted a matrimon- ial alliance with Harriet P. Barclay, April I. 1817, and to them five children were born; namely: Catherine. CoraE., Florence 15., William S. and John A.; the first three are deceased. This wife of his early years, who had been a good helpmate and a tender mother to their children, departed this life in Catlin Township, Oct 12, I860. Mr. Wherry's second marriage took place in Catlin Township, and was to Mrs. Elsie (Brady) Bur- roughs, daughter of John and Rosanna Brady, and widow of Jonathan Burroughs. She was a native of Brown County, Ohio, born May 20, 1828, anil when young was wedded to Jonathan Burroughs, who afterward died in Catlin Township, leaving her with two children — Mary J. and Araininla. She is the mother of two children by her present marriage, Ida and Hannah. She is a capable, kind- hearted woman, and makes her husband and chil- dren comfortable in their cozy home. Mr. Wherry has always devoted himself to agri- cultural pursuits, and thinking to improve his prospects on the fertile soil of the broad prairies of this State, he came here with his family from Ken- tuck} - in 1853, locating first in McLean County, and coming to this county two years later and settling in Catlin Township. He has done well since he has been here, and his many years of toil have been productive of good results, as he has a desirable farm of 103 acres of land of exceeding fertility, on which he has made many fine improve- ments. Mr. Wherry is a man of excellent character and standing in this community, and as a good citizen, and kind neighbor, and a steadfast friend is all that can be wished for. In him the Democratic party has a faithful follower. Both he and his wife are exemplary members of the Christian Church, and their daily conduct is guided by sin- cere religious principles. |LBA HONEYWELL. The man who has been a witness of the great changes occur- ring in Illinois during the past forty years, and has given to these his intelligent and thoughtful attention, is worthy of more that a pass- ing notice. As one of these Mr. Honeywell stands prominently among the pioneers of this region, and he has been no idler during the labors which have transformed a wild tract of country into the homes of an industrious and intelligent people. He is one of the oldest residents of the little city of Hoopeston, coming here soon after its inception, about 1871, and he has since been a resident here most of the time. Cayuga County, N. V., is the native place of our subject, and his birth occurred Dec. 15, 1821. When a lad of twelve years he removed with his parents into that part of Steuben now call Schuyler County, N.Y., where he first attended the common school and academy of that period, and completed his studies at Oneida Institute, near Utica, then under the presidency of the noted reformer and theologian, the Rev. Beriah Green, and later spent several years lecturing on temperance and anti-slavery, meantime contributing to the several reformatory periodicals of the day. He also occupied himself con- siderably as a teacher in common schools and acad- emics, and was one of the first to actively engage in the Abolition movement. He served as a delegate to the Buffalo Convention, which nominated JamesG. Birney, the Liberty Party candidate for President, , and subsequently read law in the office of Gilbert & Osborne, a prominent law firm of Rochester, N. Y. During those years Mr. Honeywell made the ac- quaintance of many eminent men, among them Gerritt Smith, William Goodell, A I van Stewart and others interested in the anti-slavery movement. 714 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. Upon leaving Rochester Mr. Honeywell removed to New York City, and became editor of the New York Eagle, and subsequently became connected with the American Anti-Slavery Society of New York City, and for four years was sub-editor of the Anti-Slavery Standard, until failing health com- pelled him to retire. During those years lie made the acquaintance of Wendell Phillips, Fred Doug- las, William Lloyd Garrison, .lames Russell Low- ell, Sidney Howard Gay, and many other men of that time who, for the sake of their principles, suf- fered to a large extent ostracism from society. This, however, instead of discouraging either Mr. Honeywell or his compeers, still more^deeply rooted their principles, and while Mr. Honeywell was called to other fields of labor, he rejoiced in the fact that the anti-slavery cause moved on and finally triumphed. In the spring of 1K53 Mr. Honeywell made his way to Iroquois County, this State, landing at La- Pax ette on the I Hh of April from a packet-bout. The people were then talking up the Wabash Hail- road. Mr. Honeywell located in Iroquois County, III., purchasing 1,000 acres of land in what is now Stoekland Township. He li veil upon this three years, effecting considerable improvement, and pur- chased 400 acres additional. While teaching and farming he never failed, whenever opportunity oc- curred, to disseminate his anti-slavery sentiments. In the spring of 1850 he started out, accompanied by his family, and traveled all through Minnesota Territory, arriving in Chicago during Fremont's campaign, and became associated with the Chicago News (not the News of to-day), and which was edited and controlled by the Republican element, which was then being brought into prominence and in which year the party was organized and named. Mr. Honeywell spent that winter in Chicago, and in the spring of 1857 removed to Logansport, Ind., where he established himself as a manufac- turer and dealer in lumber, and also taught school for several terms at that place and LaFayette. During the progress of the Civil War he was offered the appointment of Adjutant in the arm}', but circumstances prevented his accepting it, and in 1803 he returned to his farm in Iroquois County. He proceeded with the improvement of his land, and in the meantime became prominent in local affairs, serving as Township Supervisor each year until 1869, when he was elected County Clerk for four years, and served in this capacity until 1873. In 1871 he purchased land on the present site of Hoopeston, and at the close of his term of office removed here with his family. He assisted in lay- ing out the town, and secured the location of the Chicago railroad to the place. If was largely through his aid that the town grew and became prosperous, being a portion of the time its Mayor. He made two subdivisions, and still controls the sale of lots, lie assisted in the organization of the sugar and canning factories located here, and was connected with them until the latter became self- supporting, expending 15,000, for which he received no return. Meantime anil later Mr. Honeywell gave his at- tention to agricultural pursuits, having a farm of nearly 1,000 acres adjoining the city. He was one of tin; founders of the First National Bank of Walscka, with which he has been connected as stockholder and director for a period of twenty years. In addition to his Illinois property, he has several hundred acres of laud and a tine orange grove in Florida, where hi' frequently spends his winters. Altogether he is the owner of about 3,000 acres of land, much of it rich and valuable, in Iroquois, Vermilion, Cook, Lake and Scott counties, 111, and in Lake ami Marion counties, Fla. Politically, until about 1884, he supported the principles of the Republican party, then iden- tified himself with the Prohibitionists, and lives in hopes that the entire prohibition of the manufac- ture and sale of alcoholic liquors as a beverage, will ultimately be secured. He is a man of decided views and opinions, fearless in the expression of them, and while necessarily enunciating some truths distasteful to some men, is nevertheless held in universal respect. Our subject was married April 3, 1851, in Schuyler County, N. Y., to Miss Cornelia Andrews, daughter of Dr. Anson Andrews, and they are now the parents of four children, all living and named respectively: Fstella Emma, Florence An- drews, Lillian Amelia, and Sarah Eliza, The eldest PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL AI.IHJM. 715 daughter is the wife of John ('. Cromer, and the mother of one child, a son, Alba, named after the grandfather; Florence possesses considerable talent as an artist, teaching both portrait and landscape painting, and is otherwise quite accomplished; she remains at home with her parents. Lillian occupies the Chair of Mathematics in Hedding College, Knox Co.. 111.; Sarah is pursuing her studies at that in- stitution. Mrs. Honeywell was born at Sodus l!ay. on Lake Ontario, in 1S2"J, and lived there and in Yates County,- N. Y., with her parents until her mar- riage. The father of our subject was Enoch Hon- eywell, who was born in Westchester County, N. V., in 1787. He received his education mostly in that county near New York City, and upon approach- ing manhood engaged in the manufacture of patent wheel heads for spinning, which proved a paying enterprise. In 1816 he made his way to Indiana, and entered Hid acres of wild hind, embracing the present site of the city of Terre Haute, where he established a home and lived for several years until malaria drove him away. In the meantime he engaged Jin farming and shipped pork, via New Orleans to New York City, going with his mer- chandise himself. He subsequently located in Cayuga County, N. Y., and engaged in chair mak- ing, and lived there until 1836, when he went onto a farm in Steuben County, N. Y., where he lived until his death in 1887. Mrs. Eliza (Dye) Honeywell, the mother of our subject, was a native of Rhode Island, and the parental household included three children, of whom Alba was the eldest born. His younger brother, Gilbert, is living in Schuyler County, N. Y. Emma, the only sister, married a Mr. Fenno; and lives on the old home farm in the same county. Enoch Honeywell was a man who, under favorable circumstances, would have distinguished himself in the world of letters, being a ready writer both in prose and poetry. Our subject came hon- estly by his hatred of slavery and his love of tem- perance, having inherited the sentiments from his honored father. Our subject was at one time greatly interested in the l'ittman System of Pho- netic Printing and Short-Hand. He was editorially associated with Andrew and Boyle in 1848, and in the Anglo-Saxon, a newspaper in New York City, advocating the phonetic reform, and printed wholly in the new type advocated. He is also the author of several works, the largest of which (yet un- published) is an exhaustive treatise on language, embracing all its departments from elementary phonetics to rhetoric and logic — in all eleven books. The father of our subject, in addition to his other views, was directly opposed to Masonry and all secret societies. He traveled over a large portion of the United States, and although promi- nent as an agitator, never sought political office. In his early manhood he was a member of the Bap- tist Church, but becoming dissatisfied with the apa- thy of his church in regard to the slavery question, he left it and identified himself with the Wesleyan Methodists, remaining with them until his decease, which occurred in New York State Jan. 14, 1887, at the advanced age of ninety-nine years. He re- tained his faculties in a remarkable degree until the time of his decease, which was the result of an accident. He hail put forth a number of pamphlets largely at his own expense, and wrote scores of newspaper articles, setting forth his convictions, which were widely distributed throughout the country. The wife and mother departed this life in I8GG, when about seventy-four years old. THEODORE LEMON, M. D., one of the pioneers of the city of Danville, was born in the village of Bunker Hill, Va., Dec. 1(5, 1S12, and here began the study of medicine, which he completed in the cities of Baltimore, Md., and Washington, D. C. Here he turned his attention to the West and decided to locate in Danville, this county, for another brother, Joseph B., had been for a year a resident before our subject's emigra- tion. In 1 835 he made the trip from Virginia by horse and wagon in company with an uncle, the Rev. James Chenoweth, who was on his way to the AVest. For a year succeeding his arrival in Danville, Dr. Lemon taught school in what was then the Presbyterian Church building. He soon, how- ever, acquired a practice in his profession which 716 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. demanded all his time and attention, often being in that day compelled to ride to a distance of fifteen or twenty miles away to see a patient. His success was assured from the very first, and he became a leading physician in this county, in which lie passed a long and useful life, and in which he became widely known and highly esteemed. He ever evaded notoriety, but was called by his fellow- citizens, rather against his will, to fill several pub- lic positions. He remained a student all his life and kept abreast of all of the latest developments, not only in the profession of which he was an honored member, but he gave much time and thought to other branches of advanced studies. Especially did he take great interest in mathemat- ics, of which exact science he was an ardent student, and in which he was regarded as an author- ity. He died Dec. 19, 1885, in his seventy-fourth year. Dr. Lemon was a cousin of Hon. Ward Lamon, the friend, biographer, and counsellor of President Lincoln. The family name was originally spelled Lamon, but the people of Danville called him Lemon, and the Doctor fell into that way of spell- ing it, until it has now become the recognized orthography. He was a quiet and courteous gentle- man, who always conducted himself with a dignity and self-respect which commanded the respect of others, and won for him hosts of sincere friends and the esteem of the entire community. During his half-century's residence in Danville Dr. Lemon had witnessed the many changes and developments which transformed it from a mere hamlet to a thriving city, and he was ever foremost in advo- cating all measures which he believed tended to its growth and prosperity, which he did his full share in promoting. He was one of a family of seven sons and six daughters, of whom the following yet survive: Mary E. is unmarried and is a resident of Danville: George is a farmer in Texas; Virginia 1)., widow of John II. Moores, lives in Oregon; R. Bruce is Judge Advocate of the Pension Depart- ments at Washington, D. C; Ella E. is widow of I. R. Moores, and is also a resident of Oregon, and Charles E. is a practicing physician at Eairmount, in this county. Those deceased were named re- spectively: Joseph B„ who died in Danville; Re- becca R. was wife of Dr. Cromwell, who died in Virginia; she subsequently came to this county, where she died; James C. went to California, where he died; Ann E., who was the wife of Carlisle Turner, died in Danville; John E., who was a Union soldier, fills an unknown grave in the South, and Lucy A., who was the wife of W. T. Cun- ningham, died in Danville. Sept. 11, 1848, Dr. Lemon was united in mar- riage with Miss Lavinia E. Sconce, who was born in Bourbon County, Ivy., Jan. 20, 1828. The year following that of her birth her parents removed to Vermilion County, where her entire life since has been passed. Her father, James Sconce, was a cabinetmaker by trade and carried on a shop in Danville lor many years. lie and his wife, Mary, were well known to the early settlers, they them- selves ranking as pioneers of Vermilion County. The first court house, a small wooden building, was erected in Danville some years after they came here, and Mrs. Lemon remembers that the few houses then comprising Danville were grouped about the square, which was then covered with hazle brush. She has since that, seen the then insignificant village become the thriving city of to-day. Her life for sixty years has been spent here, and she is now, at the age of sixty -one, calmly awaiting the summons which shall reunite her with her companion of nearly forty years. The parents of Mrs. Lemon, James and Mary Sconce, made Danville their home ever after their first settlement in that place. He died in 1857, at the age of sixty-three, and she in 18C2, when nearly seventy years old. Mr. Sconce was a man of quiet, retiring disposition, and never took any part in public affairs, but was esteemed as an honest and worthy citizen. Dr. and Mrs. Lemon were the parents of eleven children, of whom three died in infamy. None are married, and when not absent from the city on business all make their home with their widowed mother. They are named, respectively: Albert T., who is now Town Clerk of Danville; Charles V., Edward B., Theodore II., Mary L., John James, Lavinia E., and Lafayette Fay. All of the sons have adopted music as a profession, and all are performers of note, being frequently called upon PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 717 to fill engagements all over the country. Their musical predilections were derived from their ma- ternal uncles, who were well-known musicians. The family have the entire confidence, good-will ami esteem of the entire community, as well en their own account, as on that of their honored father. ickinson, daughter of William and Emma ( Barker) Dickinson, natives of Lincolnshire, England. (For parental history see sketch of William Dickinson, which appears on another page of this volume.) Mrs. Jones is, like her husband, of English birth, born in Lincolnshire, Dec. 25. 1852, and she was but an infant of six or eight weeks when her par- ents came to this country, ami therefore has known no other home. Five children have been born of the pleasant wedded life of our subject and his wife, namely: Edward A., William II., Nettie I'... Cora M. and Dora II. Nettie and Cora, who were twins, are dead. Our subject, possessing high and honorable traits of character, is classed among the most estimable and trustworthy men of the county, and his fellow- citizens, often entrusting to his wise guidance some of the most responsible offices within their gift, have found him to be an invaluable civic official, who places the interests of t lit- public above private or party considerations. Il<- was first elected Supervisor of Catlin Township in 1880, and served one year. In the spring of 1885 he was again called to that important position, and has acted in that capacity ever since, being reelected in the spring of ims'.i. He is prominently connected with 18 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. the Vermilion County Agricultural Society, and was treasurer of that organization for several years. During Gen. Giant's administration lie was appointed Postmaster of Catlin Township, and held that office thirteen years, giving general satisfaction to all without regard to party. Our subject takes an active part in politics, ami is a leader among the Republicans of this section. He is identified with the A. F. & A. M. as a member of Catlin Lodge No. 285. IRAM MAKEMSON is the youngest of fc four children born to Andrew and Hannah Makemson, natives of Kentucky, where they were residents of Harrison Comity until 1828, when they emigrated to Illinois and settled in Newell Township, about two and one-half miles from where their son, the subject of this sketch, now resides. Mr. Andrew Makemson was a stal- wart Republican, and always faithful to what he considered the best interests of his country. He and his wife were both worthy and sincerely good members of the Methodist Church, and were highly esteemed not only by their religious associates but also by the large circle of friends which their many good qualities had gathered around them. Their death was a loss to the community, and they were followed to their last resting place in Lamb's Cemetery by a large concourse of relatives and ac- quaintances. Mr. Makemson died in 1880. and his wife in 1889. The subject of this sketch was born in Harrison County, Ky., April 2, 1825, hence was only three years old when his parents removed to Illinois. His youthful days were enlivened by witnessing, and when old enough participating in the various hunt- ing parties which were made up from time to time in the neighborhood, which sometimes had for their object the providing of food for the table, and at others the dispersing of depredatory [lacks of wolves or roving bands of Indians, which served to make things lively for the settlers, and varied the monot- ony of the usual routine of farm life. Mr. Makemson remained under the parental roof tree until he reached his majority, getting such education as the short term of the public school each year, assisted by an occasional term of sub- scription school, afforded, and making himself use- ful when out of school in whatever capacity lie could be employed. On April 29th, 1852, he took to wife Miss Prudence Campbell, a charming maiden of Newell Township, where she was born Sept. 18, 1834. She was the daughter of John and Almira Campbell, natives of New York, who came to Illinois in the early days of its settlement and located in Newell Township, where they reared a family of nine children, of which Mrs. Makemson was the youngest. Upon the return of Mr. and Mrs. Makemson from Danville, where their marriage took place, they immediately entered into possession of their present home, where they have continued to reside happily and contentedly ever since, rejoicing in the addition to their family of five children, namely: Almira 1).. who remains at home to com- fort and cheer the parents for the absence of the other members of the family; Mary A., wile of W. W, Current; Bertha P., wife of Morton Bird, and lives in this county; Sherman T. married Miss Sadie Bird, on the 1th of November. 1886, and lives on a portion of his father's farm. Mrs. Sher- man Makemson is a daughter of Moser and Polly Bird, and shares in the prosperity and excellent reputation which her husband justly enjoys as a resident of the township. They have no children. Joseph C, the youngest child, is also at home, where he assists his elder sister to drive dull care away from the old place. Mr. Makemson owns, and with the assistance of his sons operates, an estate of 816 acres of land, all lying in Newell Township, and under good culti- tion. Politically, he votes with the Republican party, in whose principles he is a firm believer. TlDHN STALLINGS, dealer in drugs and medicines at Sidell, was born in Orange County, Ind., June 7, 1862. His parents, Samuel and Martha E. Stallings, were na- tives of Indiana; the mother is now a lady of fifty- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 710 seven years. Ten children were bora to them. nine still surviving. They are named: Charles, Belle (Mrs. Thompson), Zino, Reiley. Elzora ( Mrs, Price), John, our subject; .lames, LeRoy, and ( (scar. John Stallings was a child of two years when his parents removed to Parke County. Ind.. and in 1870 removed to Fairmount, III., where the father engaged in farming. Our subject, went to Chicago, where he entered the Chicago College of Pharmacy at the age of twenty-one. having previously been graduated by the Business College of Ladoga, Ind. He was graduated by the Pharmaceutical College with the class df '84. He then engaged with A. C. Mussel white. No. 50 Clark street, Chicago/and con- tinued in his employ until 1885, when he set up a store for himself at, Sidell. and has done a very satisfactory business. The marriage of our subject and wife. Miss Grace Cornelius, daughter of John Cornelius, took place at the bride's home July 28. 1885. Mrs. Stallings is the youngest of three children born to her par- ents, namely: William, Lizzie, and Grace Amanda. Oursubjecl and wife are the parents of one child, Eva Ella. Mr. Stallings has erected a line and COmtnodiOUS residence on Chicago street, of this city. He is a member of the I. O. O. P., Peace Dale Lodge No. 225, of which order he is at pres- ent Treasurer. lie is also a member of the Modem Woodmen, Sidell Camp No. 105, and a stalwart Republican; he was appointed Postmaster April 30, 1889. »7|fS- <~ JAMES W. ORR. Among the prominent business men of Sidell is the above-named gentleman, who is a lumber and grain dealer. The former business is carried on under the firm-name of Lyons and Orr, but the grain trade is controlled solely by Mr. Orr. His father, James Orr, was born in West Virginia, and his mother, formerly Mary Ross, was a native of Greene County, Pa. For ancestry see sketch of James ( In elsewhere in this volume. The parental family numbered four children, all boys, of "In uii the subject of our sketch is the third in order of birth; he was born in Coles County. III.. April 15.1857. When he was two years old his parents removed to Edgar County. Ohio, where the son grew up on a farm, and attended the common schools of the township. In 1885 he engaged in business at Sidell in which he has continued ever since. In 1887 Mr. I'.ushnell, of I Ioopestown, built the largest grain elevator in the county at Sidell. Mr. Orr married Miss Eliza Todd, daughter of David and Maria Todd in 1884. Mrs. Orr was born in Vermilion County, whither her parents moved in 1851. Mr. and Mrs. Orr are the parents of one child, Edward Lisle, two years old. The wife is a member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church. Mr. Orr is a charter member of the I. ().(). F. Lodge No. 225. Peace Dale of Sidell, which was organized in 1886, and of which he is now serving as Nice Grand. Mr. Orr is the owner of forty acres in the addition to Sidell, south. The linn are doing a very satisfactory business as re- gards the lumber interests. Mr. Orr usually votes with the Democratic party, but uses his own judg- ment in local elections. -w-a^eH--*- jj>ACHARIAH ROBERTSON, who resides in Newell Township, is a son of Zachariah and /l 1 —^ / Elizabeth (Jones) Robertson, natives of Kentucky. Mr. Robertson, Sr., was I he parent of seven children by his first wife, the mother of our subject. He was a Revolutionary War Veteran and located near Brunswick. III., in 1 837, on the land which Dr. Henderson now owns. During his long life of ninety -four years he was associated with the Democratic party and always upheld its principles; he and his good wife were faithful and consistent members of the Baptist Church and foremost in every good work. His death took place in 1839 and that of his wife a year later. The subject of this notice was born October 1, 1822, and passed the early years of his life in his native Kentucky, then removed with his father to Illinois and engaged in work on a farm, which oc- cupation he followed the rest of his life. Aug. 25, 1842, he was married to Miss Abigail Starr, daugh- 720 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. ter of Peter and Catharine Starr. Mrs. Robertson was born July 4. 1824, in Preble County, Ohio, and after a life of usefulness and faithful perform- ance of duty, was ferried over the river by the boatman pale to the beautiful land beyond, her earthly remains being laid to rest Dec. 25, 187i). Mr. Robertson was the seventh in order of birth of a family of fifteen children, and became the father of sixteen sons and daughters. Mr. and Mrs. Robertson located on their farm in 1844, and it has continued to be the family residence ever since. Mr. Robertson procured a patent from the Govern- ment which he still holds, it having- never been transferred to any other person. He owns at pres- ent 105 acres of finely improved and highly culti- vated land. Being a good judge of horse flesh he has always kept a number of fine animals on his place to either trade or for use. He has always manifested a deep interest in educational matters and has tilled the office of School Director for many years. In political life he sustains the principles of the Democratic party. The Methodist Church and Granger Lodge are pleased to number him among their most useful and inlluential members. ^f| AMES STEELE CATHERWOOD is the present postmaster of Hoopeston, taking charge of that office April 25, 1885. Hoopes- ton and Danville are the only two presiden- tial offices in Vermilion County. He is engaged in life and fire insurance, and does a general collect- ing business in connection witli the firm of Allen & Catherwood, the former being a representative in the Legislature from this district. Mr. Catherwood was born in Belmont County, Ohio, April 12, 1845, and when a child not a year old, removed into Guernsey County, Ohio, where his father engaged in farming. The family resided there until .lames was twelve years of age, when they removed to Shelby County, 111. Here he re- mained engaged on the farm until 1859, when he removed to Christian County, 111., where he re- ceived his education at the common schools. He enlisted April 7, in the 1 15th Illinois Infantry. This regiment served in the western army under Rosecrans, and was at Raleigh. Mo., from April until September, when it was mustered out of the service. After coming of age, he attended school at Mount Zion, and then going to Penns3dvania. attended school at Concord Hill Academy. After leaving this institution, be came back to Illinois, and engaged as a clerk in a store for a year with his older brother at Stonington. In August, 180'!), he went to Kansas, where he was engaged in the stock business, being four years in Salem, one in McPherson and two in Ellsworth. He and bis I not her worked in this manner, keeping ahead of civilization, where their stock could feed, and in the winter time retracing their steps to where they could procure food for their animals. They 7 continued in this business for five years, their herd averag- ing from 1,2(10 to 1,500 head many times, the enter- prise being financially a success, until the last year of their operation, when they lost about 16,000 by reason of an unusual panic in the business. In 1874 they sold out, and James came to Indianapo- lis, and engaged as a commercial traveler for a linn of that city, following this business for three years and traveling in the States of Illinois and Indiana, and occasionally in Ohio. In September, 1H77, Mr, Catherwood removed to Howard County, Ind.,and engaged in the general merchandise business at Fairfield. Here on the 26th day of December of the same year, he married Miss Mary Ilartwell. In December, 1K79, he again took up his residence in Indianapolis, and engaged in the retail grocery business, which was successful, and in 1882 became to Hoopeston, and engaged in the grain business until he was appointed postmaster. Mr. Cather- wood, from its inception, has been Secretary o f the North Vermilion Loan Association, and has filled the difficult duties of that office with rare ability and fidelity. Mrs. Catherwood was born on Dec. 1(1, 1847, and was the daughter of Dr. Ilartwell, who died when she was nine years of age. She spent the early part of her life in Ohio. She received a fin- nished education, 'and after coming to Danville, be- gan literary work. Her first labors in that direction were for Lippincott. She wrote for this house for several years, when she turned her attention to PORTRAIT AN!) BIOGRAPHICAL AI.IUJM. "21 juvenile literature, writing for the Si. Nicholas and Harper's Bazar. Her first story for the Century Mdijii-.iiii' was the immensely popular "Romance of Dullard." She lias written several popular hooks, including "Rocky Fork," "The Dogberry Bunch," "Old Caravan Days," "The Bells of Ste. Anne," all of which were juveniles; and two historical ro- mances, "The Romance of Dollard," and "The Story of Tonty." Dr. Marcus Ilartwell, father of Mrs. Catherw I. was born Oct. 18. 1821, and died on Jan. 27. 1857. lie received his early education at Worthington College, and after leaving school took up the study of medicine at Columbus. Ohio. He practiced in that State for two or three years, when, in 1851, he removed to Milford, 111., and there he remained practicing his profession until his death. He mar- ried Miss Phoebe Thompson in Fairfield County, Dec. 21, 1846. The result of this union was seven children, of whom only three lived to mature age. Mrs. Catherwood is the oldest child; Roxanna, now Mrs. Smith, is living near Portland, Ore., where her brother, Marcus, also resides. Mrs. Hart- well died on Feb. 3, 1858, aged thirty-three years. Dr. Ilartwell affiliated with the Republican party, having voted for John C. Fremont. Mi. and Mrs. Catherwood are the parents of bul one child, a daughter, named Hazel. He is an active worker in the Democratic pari}', but has never been a political aspirant, lie organized the first Democratic club in Hoopeston, and through the influence of Gen. Black of Danville, was appointed postmaster, which position he has filled to the en- tire satisfaction of all the patrons of the office. His commission will expire in January. 1890. r»»F- IIOMAS ARMSTRONG. It is usually safe to judge of a man's character by what he has accomplished, both as a financier and a member of the community. We find Mr. Arm- strong occupying one of the most beautiful farms in Ross Township, where he has a choice body of land well drained and very productive; indeed, it stands second to none in this part of the county and has been brought to its present condition solely by the unflagging industry of its proprietor. Mr. Anderson labored early and late during the first years of his residence upon it. expending a large amount of time and money, and is now enjoy- ing ample returns. At the same time, while hav- ing extensive interests of his own to look after, he has distinguished himself as liberal-minded and public-spirited, encouraging the enterprises calcu- lated for the best good of the people around him and keeping himself well posted upon matters of national interest. During the progress of the Civil War he took an active part in raising funds lo prosecute the struggle for union and liberty, and this in itself is a lasting honor to his name. In looking at the antecedents of our subject we find that he springs from an excellent family, being the son of Robert Armstrong, the sou of James Armstrong, who was born in Westmoreland County, Pa., and when a young man emigrated to Kentucky. A few years later he pushed on into Ohio, settling in Chillicothe, where he employed himself consid- erably as a carpenter and assisted in the erection of the first house built in that city. He also oper- ated as a survejor and was one of the Commission- ers who located the city of Columbus and assisted in* the laying out of the town. He was recognized as a useful and intelligent citizen, and after filling other positions of trust and responsibility, was elected Associate Judge of one of the courts and is still remembered by his grandson as making a dignified appearance on the bench. The parents of Grandfather Armstrong were buried three miles north of Chillicothe on the old Armstrong farm. Grandmother Armstrong and her children were at one time captured by the In- dians and held prisoners three years, this being prior to the birth of her son James. Her husband had gone to the mill and upon returning he found his house burned to the groud and his wife and four children missing. Grandmother Armstrong finally made her escape and walked the whole dis- stance ><( about 500 miles to her home in Pennsyl- vania, where she and her husband were reunited. After Hie birth of their son James, the grandfather of our subject, the family removed lo Kentucky, 722 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. and in company with a party of six men went up the Ohio and Sciota rivers in a keel boat to Chilli- cothe, where the grandparents spent their last days. It is believed that Grandfather James Armstrong was married in Westmoreland County, l'a. His wife was Nancy Fulton, a near relative of Robert Fulton, the inventor of the steamboat. They be- came the parents of seven children, namely: John, Robert, the father of our subject, James, Jr., Jane, Maria, Eliza and Rachel, all of whom are now de- ceased. The great-grandfather was born in En- gland and emigrated to America at an early date. The Fulton family was of Irish ancestry. Robert Armstrong was born in Ross County, Ohio, in 1801, on the old farm three miles north of Chilli- cothe and was there reared to manhood. He mar- ried Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas and Rhoda Earl, in HS24. The young people soon afterward removed to Madison County, that State, and settled upon a farm. There were born to them ten children, the eldest of whom, Fulton, is now the owner of the old homestead; Thomas, our subject, was the second child; Maria married Ed- ward Cowling, and died in Ohio; Albert came to this county, and died in 1853; Robert is a resident of Missouri; Elizabeth married John McMillen, and lives in Kansas City. Mo.; William is a resi- dent of Bloomington, 111. ; James lives in Henry County, Rio. ; John F. is in Livingston County, this State; Mary J. married Riley McMillen, and lives in Henry County. Mo. Mrs. Elizabeth (Earl) Armstrong, the mother of our subject, departed this life while a young woman, in 1844, and was buried at London, Ohio; the father survived for a period of twenty-two years, dying in 1866. Thomas, our subject, was born April 18. 1826, and reared in Madison County, Ohio. In 1818 he made his way to this State and settled in Hancock County, where he lived two years, and upon his removal thence came l<> this county. Here he formed the acquaint- ance of Miss Nancy Smith, daughter of William Smith, to whom he was married August 24. 1850. They have four children living, the eldest of whom. Isabelle, was first married to Calvin Lamb, in March, 187*. He died, and she was then mar- ried to James Alison, in March. 1888; they are living at Armstrong, this county. Thomas J., James L. and Catherine M., Mrs. Charles A. Baker, remain upon the homestead. The deceased are. Mary, who died in the fourteenth year of her age, and an infant son who died unnamed; the wife and mother departed this life, Nov. 27, 1878. Our subject was soon recognized as a valued addition to the community of Ross Township and was tendered from time to time nearl}' all the local ollices. He, however, had about all he could at- tend to in the management of his farm, and simply discharged the duties of Tax Collector for a num- ber of years, declining other responsibilities. He is one of the most extensive land-owners in the county, having in his home farm 1,546 acres, in a high state of cultivation. He came to this county with a capital of $1,500 given him by his father, and aside from the farm mentioned has 775 acres, upon a part of which the village of Armstrong, in Middle Fork Township, is now located. For the last few years he has been largely interested in live-stock, mainly cattls and swine. On his home farm are five tenement houses besides his own pri- vate residence, which is beautifully situated about forty rods from the road, with a handsome drive and a beautiful lawn with shrubbery and ornamen- tal trees. The graded road which leads from his house to the village of Rossville, about one mile distant, is the result of his enterprise. Mrs. Armstrong was a member in good standing of the Presbyterian Church, and in politics our sub- ject is an ardent Republican. No man has done more in the building up of his township than he. lie put up the first two houses in the village of Rossville, the site of which was donated by Alvin Gilbert and Joseph Satterthwaite, in 1858. That first house is still standing, but the other was re- moved a few years ago. Upon the farm of out- subject is a tile factory, from which Mr. Arm- strong has manufactured §15,000 worth of tiling, the most of which has been used in the drainage of his home farm, while on his other farm he has laid §10.000 worth. On the 26th of September, 1864, at a meeting held in Rossville a committee was formed to solicit funds for the prosecution of the Union cause. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 723 Alvin Gilbert was chosen Cli strong one of the members, by subscription in Ross and sum of $7,768.50, and M airman and Mr. Arm- The committee raised Grant townships the r. Gilbert yave his check for enough to swell the amount to $8,000. We give below the names of contributors and the amount they thus donated, and which is suffic- cient comment upon the spirit of that time and place: Alvin Gilbert S. I). Thompson T. R. Bicknel Miller Finlej' L. S. Metcalf Thomas Armstrong. . Allium Mann John Mann Richard Bicknell. . . . James B. Davis J. J. Davison Z. B. Holliway Perry Cossatt William Spcrry II. Cossett Hugh McGrannahan . William Anderson . . . .1. II. Fairchiids William II. Martin . . John Martin Curtis Elliott Charles llavanna. . . , John D. Collet Thomas Smith James Haas John Cork Wesley Swisher Elijah Hale Thomas Edward .... William Harrison. . . Fulton Armstrong.. . E. S. Towersen Fred ( Irooms R. B. Ray William Pilkerton . . . Thomas Williams. . . . James Carter Parker Satterwhite. . . J. A. Bradley Wesley T. Harris. . . . Samuel Thomas George Steely Mali Ion Lewen < reorge Ruth William Smith Frederick Tilton John S. Tinvnseiiil . . . Abel Tilton Samuel Bennett .$00 . 30 . 30 . 50 . 30 . GO . 90 . 90 . ISO . 30 . 30 . 30 . 30 . 30 . 30 . 30 . 10 5 . 30 . 30 . 5 . 30 . 30 . 30 . 30 . 30 . 30 . 30 . 30 . 30 . 40 . 30 . 30 . 30 . 30 . 30 . 30 . 30 . 30 . 30 . 30 . 30 . 30 . 30 30 . 30 . 30 . 30 . 30 Simon Bennett 30 S. W. Gatches 30 William Edwards 30 V. R. Boardman 30 J. R. Hoover 30 I )a\ is Pervines 30 James H. Petty 30 W. II. Compton 30 Edward Fisher 30 S. Y. Davison 30 James R. Crandal 30 Johnson Henderson 30 James Co lei 30 Henry Boyd 30 Isaac Cruder 30 William I. Allen 30 Thomas Campbell 30 John Yates 30 John Title 30 Chancy Dayton 30 George R. Messic 30 John Putnam 30 Al Davis 30 Frank May 30 Ephraim Edwards 30 Samuel Merchant 30 John I livens 30 John Smith 30 W. D. Foulke 30 Andrew Kerr 30 William Ludlow 30 William York 30 L. M. Thompson 30 John Sines 30 Thomas McKibben 25 Van B. Hass 30 Bennet B. Crook 30 J. R. Stewart 10 C. O. Davis 30 John Ellison 30 Harry Brown 30 William Ross 30 Jacob Bottroff 30 William Yining 30 R. Pendergrass 30 Henry Dayton 30 Watts Finley 30 E. B. Jenkins 30 John Bridgeman 30 D. F. Baker 30 Philip Holmes 30 G. C. Davis 30 Daniel Knight 30 W. A. Boardman 20 James Dayton 3(1 A. H. Grenana 30 W. I). Hanley 30 A. M. Davis 30 ( leorge Inglas 3(1 John Davidson 30 W. W. Harris 30 E. F. Yates 30 Brien Carter 30 Jacob Dale 30 O. P. Stufflebeam 30 Miles Stufflebeam 30 George A. Collins 30 Henry Calarsttern 30 Isaac Dale 30 Josiah Hivens 30 James Mi Lane 30 Andrew Lane 30 Joseph Lane 30 Enoch Watkins 30 Henry Conner 30 Isaac Clapp 30 William Kight 30 John Holmes 30 Ed Foster 30 J. W. McKibben 30 William H. Collins 30 John W. Collins 30 M. M. Allison 30 E. MeElhaney 30 John Ellwell 30 J. J. Grant 30 S. Andrews 30 Lemuel S. Bigges 30 William P. Hanah 30 J. W. McTagget 30 John A. Clapp 30 William Salmons 30 J. H. Johnston 30 F. A. Randolph :in Enoch Bullock ;(o Bernard Pullers 30 'Thomas J. Jones 30 J. J. Jones 30 724 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. There were a few more whose names are not herein mentioned and whose contributions were obtained oh the second round, nearly every one of whom gave as much more as is mentioned in the foregoing list, until the desired sum was raised to clear the township from a draft. Prior to this there had been raised about $5,000 in the township in the way of bounties. Mr. Armstrong has always taken an active part in the support of the schools and churches of Koss- ville and all the other measures calculated for the advancement of the people, socially, morally and financially. He controls the operations of his farm, hiring the men who live in his houses for cash and each one [laying his lent in the same way. The work is let out by the job, and accordingly the man who works the hardest makes the most money. The plowing is done by the acre, the corn cultivated in the same manner and gathered by the bushel. Each man furnishes his own team and implements. Mr. Armstrong pays for breaking. *1 per acre; cutting of corn-stalks, 15 cents per acre; harrowing, 15 cents per acre; planting, 17 cents per acre; cultivating, 35 cents per acre for each time gone over. .Mr. Armstrong determines as to the time and manner in which all the work shall be done. This simple method of transacting business is at once understood by all concerned and settle- ments are made without any trouble. The career of Mr. Armstrong has been from the Start distin- guished by this systematic manner of transacting business, and thus he knows at all times how he is standing financially. /p^EORGE D. HUFFMAN. To most minds (f( <— , there is something very praiseworthy in not \^j| only the accumulation of property, but in transmitting that property from one generation to another; and almost invariably the homestead which remains with one family is regarded by the people as something possessing more than ordinary interest and value. The subject of this notice owns and occupies the old homestead of his father, which was built up by the latter from a tract of wild, uncultivated land, and which now stands as an illustration of what persevering industry and determination may accomplish. The Huffman family are widely and favorably known in their community, and represent its best elements. The subject of this sketch was born in Harrison County. Ky., May 11, 1829, and was brought by his parents to Illinois when a child four years of age. He is the son of Daniel P. and Elizabeth Huffman, who left the Blue Grass State in the fall of 1 832, and coming to this county, settled in Newell Township, not far from the present site of the fam- ily residence. The father only lived four years thereafter, his decease taking place in 1836. The mother survived her husband twenty-one years, dying in 1857. There being no burying ground within ten miles, the remains of the parents were laid to rest in a pleasant spot on the farm, a few yards from the present residence, and a fine monu- ment marks the spot. The father's first purchase was 169 acres of land, and the property has never changed hands except to pass from father to son. •Our subject, after the death of his father, was at an early age invested with much responsibility, and remained the main stay and support of his mother until her death. The farm was mostly developed by him, and was literally transformed from a wil- derness to a valuable homestead. In his boyhood he attended the subscription school two winters, and this comprised the greater part of his educa- tion. He has, however, been a reader, and keeps himself well informed upon matters of general in- terest. He put up the comfortable house in which he now lives, and added all the other improvements which have combined to made a valuable estate. Mr. Huffman has been a man quite prominent in his community, serving as Road Commissioner six years, and has been a school Director in his district for a period of thirty years. He has taken a par- ticular interest in education, believing that the young should be given all the advantages which will fit them for honest and intelligent citizens. In politics he is a sound Democrat, and in religious matters is a member of the Christian Church. The 18th of September, 1865, was a day memo- rable in the life of our subject, made so by his marriage with Miss Mary, daughter of John and PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 72:. Elizabeth Cox. This lady rcmovedjwitb her parents from Ohio to Indiana, and after a comparatively brief sojourn there they came to this county. To Mr. and Mrs. Huffman there have been born seven children, the two eldest < if whom John F. and Daniel P. died at the age of sixteen months. < leorge I), died when three months old; Emily J. is the wife of John F. C ruler; Mary E. married Charles Richie; Edna A. died when three years old; Ellie M. re- mains at home with her parents. All of the de- ceased children were buried in the family cemetery, and beautiful stones mark the spot. -WV.- \*£ej2'©-3g-* >^g£s2»ZOT».~ -w*. ENXIN II. ROUSE. Pleasant is the task of the biographer \v\in\ employed in re- counting the life and history of those who. bravely enduring the hardships and priva- tions of pioneer life in western wilds, have by laborious industry and sagacious management of affairs, seemed a competence for their declining years, together with the respect and confidence of their fellow-citizens. Such a career is the one now given us to contemplate, and thus it began: To Reason and Martha (Olehy) Rouse, of Scioto County, Ohio, Feb. 14, 1828, was born a son, our subject. His father is thought to have been born in Delaware, as it is known that his grandfather, Solomon Rouse, supposed from the best informa- tion at hand to have been a native of England, re- moved in 1815 from Delaware to Ohio. He was an early settler in the Scioto Valley, where he bought a tract of timber laud and improved it as a farm, spending thereon the remainder of his life. Here his son Reason grew up and married, his bride being a native of Frederic County, \'a. She was a daughter of Dennis Olehy, who was born in Ire- land, near Kilkenny, and coming to America in 1790, settled in that county, and lived thereuntil his death. In 18ol Mr. Rouse sold out his interest in Ohio and prepared to remove with his family to Illinois. Just on the eve of their intended depar- ture he sickened ami died. Two weeks later Mrs. Rouse started with her six children and made the entire journey with teams, driving the stock before them. At that time this part of the country was but sparsely populated, the land being yet owned ! by the Government, the settlers selecting the tim- ber along the streams. .Mrs. Rouse bought eighty acres of forest covered land, two and one-half miles from the present site of the court-house in Danville. The family spent the winter in a vacant log cabin near by. Before the close of the season the mother was taken ill, and in April, 1832, she died. After that sad event live of the orphan children returned to Ohio, and resided for the next three years with uncles and aunts, at the end of that time coming back to Illinois. Our subject was taken into the family of his uncle, Dennis Olehy, in this county, whose sketch appears else- where in this volume. Here he remained until he attained the age of nineteen years. The log house in which he received his first schooling was a most primitive structure, window glasses being conspic- uously absent, a piece of paper, smeared with'grease, inserted in an aperture made by taking out a piece of a log, admitting the light somewhat dimly. Benches for seats were made of split poles fitted with wooden legs. When not in school young Rouse worked with his nncle on the farm, improv- ing the land. He distinctly remembers being sent out frequently in early spring to drive deer from the wheat field. Wild turkeys were common, so that the tables of our pioneers can hardly have lacked for game. For many years LaFayette, Ind., was the nearest market. A great deal of produce was taken on flat boats to New Orleans. The boats were built on the Vermilion River, tloated down that stream and the Wabash to the Ohio and Mississippi. At nineteen our subject took a new start in life by working out at $7 a month, continu- ing this for the next three years. He then hired land and cultivated for five years. In this way he acquired means which enabled him to obtain a farm for himself. He bought'eighty acres of wild prairie land in Catlin Township for $4 an acre. On this he built a frame house, in which he lived with his family until 188'.), when he left the farm in charge of his son Reason, and moved with the other members of his household into Danville, where he now resides. On the 30th of October, 1850, took place the 720 PORTRAIT AND BKM 1 KAIMIICAL ALBUM. marriage of Dennis Rouse and Louisa Olehy, of Scioto Count}-, Ohio. Two children were the fruit of this union — Reason A. and Dennis A. Reason married Feb. 20, 1 889, Dolly J. Stewart, and lives on the home farm near Catlin. Mrs. Rouse was a daughter of John and Mary (Ritter) Olehy, of Scioto County, Ohio. A virtuous woman, looking well to the ways of her household, she has mater- ially aided her husband in the building of their common fortune. Mr. Rouse has met with more than ordinary suc- cess in the prosecution of his calling, and has con- tinued to add at intervals to his original purchase until he is now the owner of 1,090 acres of well- improved farm land, besides his city property. Having begun life a poor boy with two strong hands, a stout heart, and little more, he may point to his possessions with pardonable pride as the rich result of self-denying toil. A pioneer farmer, one who has taken the lead in reclaiming the wilderness, causing hitherto untitled soil to laugh with the harvest, is a public benefactor. His estate is more honorable than that of the lucky speculator in Wall Street. Laboring not for selfish ends alone, he has the satisfaction of knowing that he has materially increased the sum of the world's wealth. and has so far made it practjcally a better world to live in. ERIAH HAWORTII resides on section 11, range 12, Elwood Township, Vermilion County, near the place where he was born, Sept. 1.5, 1847. The father of Beriah was named David, who is now deceased. Our subject was educated in Vermilion Grove Seminary, and has always followed farming as his occupation, and has lived in this township on his present farm as long as he can remember. Our subject was united in marriage with Miss Anna Lewis (Oct. 30, 1879), daughter of William Lewis (deceased) a pioneer of Crab Apple Grove, just across the line in Edgar County, 111., but has lived mostly in this county. Three children have come to brighten the home of our subject, named respectively: Carrie M., born Sept. 13, 1882; Ho- mer, Oct. 12, 1884; and Mary. Dec. (!, 18H8. Mr. Haworth owns a farm of seventy-five acres of good land, and in connection with his agricultu- ral pursuits is engaged in stock-raising. His favor- ites are the Clydesdale and Morgan horses, Short- horn cattle and Poland-China swine. Our subject and his estimable wife are devoted members of the Quaker Church. Mr. Haworth, politically, votes the straight Republican ticket, but has carefully refrained from the cares and re- sponsibilities of office, preferring to give his time and attention to his farming interests. THOMAS PRATT. This gentleman is a suc- KKll uess ^ 11 ' farmer and stock-grower, and stands among the leading agriculturists of Catlin Township, lie is a native-born citizen of Vermil- ion County ; the most of his life has been passed within its limits, and he is one of the many who have furthered its progress in various directions, till it stands in the foremost rank among its sister counties in this part of Illinois. He and his family are living on the old Sandusky homestead, on sec- tion 3, one of the pleasantest and most desirable estates in the vicinity, which he purchased some years ago, and has since greatly increased its value. It comprises 240 acres of land of exceeding fer- tility, well adapted to general farming, to which Mr. Pratt devotes it. He has been extensively en- gaged in buying and shipping stock of all kinds, and now makes a specialty of raising Short-horn cattle. Our subject owns, besides his homestead, seventy-three acres of fine land. Mr.Pratt comes of sturdy Indiana stock, his father, Jonathan Pratt, and his mother, Nancj (Stevens) Pratt, both being natives of that State the former being born in Ripley County, and the latter in Jasper County. They met and were mar- ried at Danville, in this county, and were among the earliest settlers of this portion of the State. They began their wedded life at Brook's Point, but subsequently removed from there into the Big Vermilion River district, and while living there, PORTRAIT AM" BIOORAP1IICAL ALBUM. Mr. Pratt enlisted in the Rangers soon after the Black Hawk War. He had served nearly a year, proving to be a fearless, efficient soldier, when he died of cholera, near Galena, within six clays of the expiration of his term of service. The mother afterward married John McCarty, and removing to the vicinity of Westville, spent her last days there. Our subject was the youngest of the two chil- dren born to his parents, a girl and a boy, and his birth took place Nov. <">, 1831, at what was then known as Brook's Point. He was reared to manhood in that place and in the vicinity of the Big Vermilion River, and received as good school- ing as was obtainable in those pioneer days. At one time he was engaged for a year in the butcher- ing business in Danville, and was also interested in a market in that city. He subsequently went to Westville, in Georgetown Township, this county, and was engaged in buying and shipping grain from that point the ensuing five years. For about fifteen years he was engaged in buying and shipping stock of all kinds in connection with farming. He con- tinued to reside in Georgetown Township with his family till the spring of 1880, when he removed with them to this township, having purchased the old Sandusky farm, as before mentioned. He has his land under admirable tillage, has a good class of neat and conveniently arranged buildings, and a home replete with all the comforts that add so largely to the enjoyment of life. Mr. Pratt was first married at Brook's Point, Feb. 20, 1851, to Miss Nancy Scott, who was bom in that plate Jan. 23, 182U. There her life was brought to a peaceful close ere it had fairly reached its meridian, and she fell into that sleep that knows n2 to this county and settled on section 18 which af- terward became the property of our subject. Upon his settling here the land was in its primitive con- dition ; Indians were numerous; deer, turkeys and thousands of prairie chickens could be had for the shooting. Mr. Smith's entry of land consisted of 160 acres and which was subsequently added to by the purchase of many more acres. The mother of our subject, whose maiden name was Mary Carri- ger, was the daughter of Michael Carriger, now de- ceased. She was one of a family of seven children, five of whom are living, namely: William, John, Isaac, and Elizabeth, now Mrs. Baum. Our subject received a limited education in the subscription school held in a log cabin with its slab scats, wall desks, etc. This early training was sup- plemented by attendance at the schools in George- town, and Vermilion Grove which education fitted him the better for coping with life's difficulties when he should launch out for himself. Our sub- ject chose farming and stock raising for his occu- pation and has had no reason to regret his choice. In those early days there were no steam cars rush- ing over the country and emigrants came in wagons bringing their few household effects along with them. In order to find a market for their stock they had to drive them to Wisconsin. Pork sold for $1.50 per hundred and ^ood cows for $10. They also hauled produce to Chicago and our sub- ject often drove a team to and from that now great city, and on the return trip loaded his wagon with salt. Upon his first trip to Chicago, that city- was about the size of Ridge Farm at the present time. (1889.) On the luth day of January, 1352, our subject took a very important step in his life, namely his marriage to Elizabeth Hester. Mrs. Smith's father, John Hester, was a pioneer of Tazewell County, this State. Mrs. Smith was born in that county and by her union with our subject has become the mother of six children, who bear the names of Mary J., Francis P., Amanda, Isaac, Perry and Delia. Mrs. Smith passed from earth Feb. 1, 1888. Both our subject and his wife have for many jears been active and consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Ridge Farm. Mr. Smith holds a leading position among the citizens of his township and is one of its represent- ative farmers, owning 1.236 acres of land. This he has divided among his children, reserving eighty acres for himself. During the early settlement of the county, our subject sold a cow to George Geb- hart for $9 and took his pay in rail making at forty cents per 100. Soon after the State road was laid out, our subject, his father and brother secured six yoke of oxen and a team of horses and plowed PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 729 the furrows in order bo locatea track from Elwood t<> Chrisman. This undertaking required all day and they received from Amos Williams, the con- tractor, 15. The many friends of Mr. Smith rec- ognize in him such character and personal worth as entitles him to a position among the representa- tive citizens of the count v. AMES F. HILL. M. 1)., followed his pro- fession in Indianola for twenty-one years, but retired from its active pursuits several years ago and now lives in the quiel enjoy- ment of his modest income at his comfortable home in the above named city. He is a native of Ross County, Ohio, and is a son of Daniel Hull, who was brought by his parents to that county from the East, while in his early childhood. The father of our subject was reared in Ross County, where he received a good common-school education, and after leaving school was apprenticed to a brick- mason. Upon completing his term of apprentice- ship to that trade, he returned to his favorite oc- cupation of fanning, which he followed during the remainder of his life, varied with work at his trade, which was confined principally to building brick chimneys. When t lie United States came to blows with Great Britian in 1812, he enlisted in his coun- try's service and returned blow for blow, doing good service till the haughty British finally aban- doned the attempt to re-conquer the vigorous young Republic, which the Revolutionary heroes had established on the soil of America. lie de- parted this life at the age of seventy-four, in Cov- ington. Ind, whithar he had removed in the fall of L829. The mother of Dr. Hull was Margaret Long, a native of Pick Count}', Ohio; she was born near Circleville, and passed her youth in that county, which was also the place of her marriage and residence during the early years of her wed- ded life. She died when our subject was but twelve years old leaving him and a younger brother and sister to the care of their father, who married a second time and became the parent of two more children. Following the loss of the second wife the father was again married. The subject of this sketch was born May 31, 1821. and when eight years of age removed in the care of his parents to Covington. Ind., where the father entered eighty acres of land from the Gov- ernment and began fanning. His early life was passed in the usual manner of a farmer's boy until he reached the age of seventeen years when he was apprenticed to learn the tanners and curriers' trade, which occupation lie followed some six or seven years [during which time he was married, Nov. 1, 1813, to Miss Gemima Baum, a native of Ohio. The parents of Mrs. Hull removed to Foun- tain County, Ind., when she was only one year old, and that remained her home until her marriage as above stated in Covington, Ind. to Dr. Hull. The first records of the family of Mrs. Hull are found in Pennsylvania, where, her mother's father figured as a German Baptist or Dunkard preacher. He was a good German scholar but never learned to either speak or write the English language. Her paternal grandfather and mother were also German scholars and confined their reading and nearly all their conversation to that language. Her father, Jonas Baum served honorably throughout the War of 1812. Dr. Hull began the study of medicine in the office of Dr. Weldon, of Covington, continuing there some three or four years when he began the practice of medicine near Paxton, Ford Co., 111., where he purchased a piece of land. He remained there about three years then removed to Iliggins- ville, Vermilion County, in 1859, when after a short stay in that place he moved to Marysville, where he followed his profession until he finally Located in Dallas now Indianola, in 1869. Dr. and Mrs. Hull have had eight children, five of whom grew to maturity. They are named res- pectively: Francis ML, Kissy B., William W., who died in infancy; Martha A.; .lames M. died an infant; John 0. Freemont; Emma S. died when four years old; and Edwin M. Dr. Hull has had an extensive practice in his profession, as large, perhaps, as any physician in Indianola, and was at oue time quite wealthy not- 730 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. withstanding his generous liberality, but his kind- ness was cruelly taken advantage of by a man engaged in the business of buying horses for the western trade. This man persuaded Dr. Hull to endorse his notes, but after securing the horses by means of the security furnished by them, decamped taking the animals but leaving the debts, which, of course, were collected off the unfortunate doctor and caused him the loss of several thousand dol- lars. The subject of this sketch has lived in retire- ment for the last four or live years, advancing age and delicate health compelling him to relinquish the calls made upon hiin except those whose urgency would not admit of refusal. He and his excellent. wife are consistent Christians and liberal contribu- tors to every good work and are worthy members of the Baptist Church. The Doctor is a Mason on holding his membership in the Vermilion Lodge No. 265. The pecuniary interests of Dr. Hull have all been centered at Indianola. He was one of the ineorpor- ters of the village and has served on the Village Board a position which afforded him the opportu- nity of advancing the interests of his constituents, lie was an old line Whig, but at the disruption of parties consequent upon the agitation of the slavery question, and the formation of new ones based upon that issue. He cast his lot with the Republi- cans, voting for John C. Fremont, after whom he named his son — .1. C. Fremont Hull. *-# -5~ ^r^FORCE W. ANKRUM who was born Oct. (((,—, 19, 1826, in Berkeley County, Va., was V ^^4I raised at Ridge Farm where he lived with his father, who was a weaver, his mother and nine brothers, six of whom are living, viz: Anthony L.. John, Elwood, David, Wesley and Harrison; one of these died at the age of fourteen years and Asa who came to this county in 1837 settling in this township, near Yankee Point, died at the age of forty -seven. The subject of this sketch received a primary edu- cation in a log cabin with puncheon floor, greased paper window panes, clapboard roof, and split-log seats. When still a boy he learned the weaver's trade at which he was very apt and soon became proficient in weaving double coverlets, carpets, woolen and cotton goods. He followed this trade until his health began to fail and then became a farmer. He plowed with the old fashioned plow, with wooden moldboard and had to carry a paddle with him to clean off the plow every few minutes. Oct. 4, 1800, Mr. Ankrum married Sarah Canada, a daughter of Frederick Canada, a pioneer of this township. They became the parents of four chil- dren. Thej' were named as follows; Donnie E., Harrison !>., Lilly A., and Frederick B. Donnie was married to James L. Bell of this township anil had one child, Georgia. Lilly married John II. Davis of the Ridge and has no children. He, of whom we write never sought official honors, but passed the remainder of his life at the Kidge where he had a fine residence and 250 acres of land. I, ERRICK PATTON, late of section 29 El- wood Township and now deceased, first saw the light near Zanesville, Ohio, having been born March 27, 1830. His parents dying when he was quite small he accompanied his older brothers and sisters to Hamilton County, Ind., to which they removed. His education was re- ceived in the primitive school house so many times described in this volume, with its puncheon floor, clapboard roof and split-log seats. Notwithstand- ing the many disadvantages which he labored under, our subject acquired a fair education and later turned his attention to agriculture, in which occu- pation he was successfully engaged until his death. The subject of this biography was married July 11. l«. r )L', to Miss Priscilla Mendenhall. daughter of James Mendenhall, deceased. This congenial union has been blest by the birth of seven children, five of whom are living. They were named respect- ively: Mahlon R., .Mary J. (Mrs. Lancaster), Davis R., Lilla E. and Ira E. Mr. Patton, of this sketch. passed from life Feb. 15, 1870. He was a devoted and consistent member of the Society of Friends, PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. r 31 of which Society Lis family wore also members. Our subject lived in such a manner as to command the respect of his fellow townsmen, and now that he has gone, will always lie remembered as an acth e and useful member of the community. -*>-*■> &&&&f&^ 0~ HARLES A.WRIGHT is a young man of great promise, universally esteemed for his many sterling .qualities, prominent among which are courtesy, good judgment, ability and his exhibition of public spirit. He came from a most excellent family, his father being one of the lead- ing citizens of Sidell Township. lie has been par- ticularly active in furthering the advancement of his stirring little village, and his name will go down in its history as one of its earliest and most enterprising journalists. Mr. Wright is also a young man of considerable means, owning a large farm, printing office and Other property. He may well look forward to a promising future. If Sidell ever becomes a large town, its growth may be attributed in a large meas- ure to the enterprise and public spirit of Mr. Wright. The Sidell Journal was established May 1, by James E. Whipple, of Cayuga, Ind., who sold the plant, after operating it fourteen weeks, to Mr. Wright, who took charge of it August 1, of that year. It was an eight-page folio, bright, newsy and well printed, and was one of the chief instru- ments in the growth of the town. Mr. Wright leased his office building and presses to T. M. Mor- gan, who is now publishing the Sidell Wayside. Mr. Wright is the son of Silas Wright, who came to Vermilion County in 1846, and who was a resident here for more than forty years. lie died on the 6th day of May, 1886, his wife following him to the grave five weeks later. They were the parents of five children: William IL, Charles A., Ella M., Mabel, and George A., who died at the age of six years. William is a farmer in Sidell Township; Ella M. is the wife of Charles Church, a miller of the same place; Mabel resides at home with her brother William. Charles, of whom this is written, was born April 15, 1860, in this town- ship, on the old Wright homestead, where his early life was passed, lie attended the public schools of this county, and at the age of twenty-three lie en- tered the Norma] School at Danville, where he continued his studies until his duties called him home to labor on his father's farm, which he inher- ited after the decease of his parents. In [887 he went, to San Antonio, Tex., where he purchased :i car-load of Texas ponies, and shipped them to Sidell, and there sold them. He has also dealt ex- tensively in mules, purchased at St. Louis and shipped north. On Dec. 12, 1888, he was appointed postal clerk on the route from Chicago to Terre Haute, Ind., and in -March. 1889, he resigned this position. He is an advocate of temperance, hav- ing been a charter member of the Good Templars' Lodge at Sidell. Although young in years, Mr. Wright hasalarge knowledge of the world, and is therefore well fitted to fill any position to which lie may aspire, lie is an enthusiastic Democrat, and will employ all hon- orable means for the success of his parly, while he and his newspaperare potent factors in the Demo- cratic cause. J)EV. DAVID COAKE, farmer and preacher of the gospel, a resident of Danville Town- ship, was born in Carter County, Ky., Oct. j) 6, 1848. His great-grandfather, of thesame Dame, came to America with his family in colonial times, and fought in the War of the Revolution. He settled in Scott County, W.Va., and there spent his last years. The grandfather of our subject was three years old when he came with his parents to this country He was reared in Scott County. After his marriage to Rebecca Flannery, a native of Seott County, he removed to Lee County, where he was engaged in farming till his death. His son. Henry ,1. Coake, father of our subject, was born in that county, Aug. 18, 1818. At twenty years of age. his father being dead, the young man went with his mother to Kentucky. He there married Lienor Rowe, daughter of Edward and Lienor (Littleton) Rowe, of Carter County. Mr. and Mrs. Coake re- l:\-l PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. sided in that county till 1863, when they came to Illinois, and purchased the farm that he and his son now occupy, which is beautifully located on section 10, Danville Township. The subject of this present sketch was in his fif- teenth year, when he accompanied his father and mother to this place, lie married in 1875 Miss Ann Willim, a natiVeof Carter County. Ky., daugh- ter of Edward and Clara C. (Duncan) Willim. Of their happy wedded life one child has been horn, Bertha. David Coake united with the Chris- tian Church when seventeen years of age, and be- gan preaching at thirty-six. Bred to agriculture, a lover of the country and its peaceful pursuits, Mr. Coake. in taking up the clerical profession, did not abandon the plough, and has not ceased sowing seed in material soil since he began the culture of spiritual fields. No doubt, in practice the blending of the two vocations is a benefit to both. Sharing on the week day, the labors of the people, yet not engrossed by them, partaking of their joys and anxieties, yet not bound up in worldly cares, he is better fitted to give counsel to the erring, advice to the inquiring, to lend a helping hand to the weak and stumbling, and to speak of heavenly things to those who are bidding farewell to things of earth. .«.;.»-. eHAULKS CHURCH, junior member of the firm of Rice & Church, general stock buyers and shippers of Sidell, is also the proprie- tor of the Sidell Star Feed Mills. He was born in Catlin Township and reared there. His father, William A. Church, is one of the substantial farm- ers of this township, and is a native of this county. The grandfather, Alexander Church, is still living, is in his eighty-seventh year and was one of the first pioneers of this county, where he came in 1821, from Virginia. Our subject's mother is Hester (Douglas) Church, a member of the Douglas family from which the Hon. Stephen A. Douglas came. Alexander Church and wife are the parents of five children, namely: Sarah 1)., William .1.. Annie L., Thomas W. and Charles S. Sarah is the wife of J. Acree of Danville; William is farming in Catlin Township; Annie L. married L. Bushy, who also farms in Catlin Township; Thomas W. lives at home with his parents. The birth of our subject occurred Feb. 9. 1864. lie acquired his education in the public schools at Danville. At the age of twenty-four our subject met and married his wife, Miss Ella Wright, lie came to Sidell Nov. 8. 1888 and bought village property and the feed mill the same fall. He then formed a partnership with Mr. W. J. Rice and they are now shipping hogs to Chicago and Indianapolis. Our subject owns a fine farm of 100 acres north of Sidell, and has placed tenants on it. Mr. Church, in his political sentiments, is firmly established upon the Republican foundation, and is a young man of character, ability and enterprise. ON. DAVID D. EVANS, Judge of the County Court of Vermilion County, is regarded as one of the ablest lawyers of Wv Central Illinois. A close student and an extensive reader, he is not only well versed in the duties of his profession, but in all respects is a man of more than ordinary capacities. Not alone has he distinguished himself at the bar, but in his private life and as a citizen possesses those traits of character which form the basis of all good so- ciety. In politics lie is a sound Republican, and has had a sensible influence amid the councils of his party in Illinois, serving in various positions of trust and responsibility. In 1870 he was a del- egate to the National Republican Convention that met at Cincinnati. The subject of this sketch was born near Ebens- burg, Cambria Co., Pa.. April 29, 1829. His grandfather on his father's side was a freeholder in the north of Wales. Having a large family and his land being subject to the English law of entail- ment, lie concluded to sell his life estate to his old- est son and move to America, to give his other children a chance for fame and fortune in a free country. Ik settled in Pennsylvania about the year 1780, but soon thereafter died, leaving only PORTRAIT AND BIOORAPIIICAL ALBUM. 733 Mil example of industry and energy, as an inherit- ance to liis family. David Evans, father of the subject of this sketch, learned the tradeof a stone mason and followed that business as a workman and contractor until about the year 1810, when he married and settled on a farm near Ebensburg, I'm. He followed the business of a fanner and contractor the balance of his life, and died in Ebensburg, Dec. 19, 1859. Thirteen children were born to David Evans, one of whom died in infancy. Seven are still liv- ing. His wife, Anna, was the daughter of Rev. Wees Lloyd. Mr. Lloyd came from Wales about the year 177'.», and was a fellow emigrant with the father of ex-Gov. Bibb. The latter went to Ohio. but Mr. Lloyd settled in the woods where now stands the quaint old town of Ebensburg, Pa. There he chopped out a farm, fought the wolf from the door, preached the Gospel and raised his fam- ily. Soon after settling in these then western wilds he procured the organization of a new county, and caused it to be called Cambria, in honor of the an- cient, name of Wales. He also donated fifty acres of his farm and laid out a town, which he called Ebensburg in honor of a deceased son, named Ebeu or Ebenezer, and procured its selection as the county seat of the county. In his old age Mr. Lloyd again became smitten with the spirit of emigration and the western fe- ver, and started for the village of Cincinnati, Ohio. Finding it only a few log huts among the hills, and not liking its scenery, nor foreseeing its future, he pushed on to the southern part of Butler County, that State, where he again met his friend and fel- low emigrant, Mr. Bibb. Here, with a part of his family, on the rich bottoms of Paddy's Run, near the village of New London, he spent the remain- der of his days, dying at the ripe old age of about ninety years. Mr. Evans, the subject of this sketch, worked on his father's farm until he was twenty-three years of age, with the exception of one summer, when he was employed in a blacksmith shop with a broth- er-in-law. His early education and advantages were extremely limited. He was a stranger to the inside of a school house until in his tenth year. For a few years thereafter he attended a country district school for about two months each winter. Commencing in his twenty-fourth year, he attend- ed several terms of theEcleCtic Institute at Hiram. Ohio, paying his way without assistance from any source, teaching school in the winter and working in the harvest field during the summer vacations. One of his fellow students at the Eclectic Institute was the late 1'res. Garfield. Upon leaving Hiram, Mr. Evans went to Southern Ohio, where he taught school one term at West Elkton, Preble County and for live years and six months in one house at Miltonville, Butler County. While teaching he commenced reading law, entered the law depart- ment, of the University of Michigan in I860, and was graduated with his class in 1863. While during the war of the rebellion, the gov- ernment had the support and warmest sympathy of Mr. Evans, his military service was of but little material assistance. Soon after going to the field he was attacked with a malignant type of typhoid fever which unfitted him for duty, and he was hon- orably discharged in the fall of 1864. After his recovery he repaired to Danville, 111., taught school for a few terms, and in 18G5-6G he was editor and part proprietor of the Danville Plaindealer. He commenced the active practice of law in the fall of 1866, and continued successfully until the sum- mer of 1882. He then became a candidate for the Republican nomination for the office of County Judge. After a close and somewhat acrimonious contest, lie succeeded against a very popular oppo- nent, and was elected without opposition by the Democrats. He found the affairs of the office in exceedingly bad condition, straightened them out. and revolutionized the heretofore loose practice of the court. At, the end of the term he was renom- inated without much opposition, and was re-elected over m slroiii,'' Democratic opponent by the largest majority of any Republican on the ticket. Hestill keeps up the business and the vigorous practice of the court. He is in excellent health, ami good for twenty years more of active life. Judge Evans was married to Mrs. Edwilda A. Sconce, Oct. 0, 1807. To them three children have been born, the eldest of whom, Lloyd Cromwell, died in the eighth year of his age. The second child, Ruth Edwilda, died in infancy. WaldoCarl, JU PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. the youngest, remains to his parents, and is now (1889) in his thirteenth year. Mrs. Evans was born in Berkeley County. W. Va., July 31. L838, ami is the daughter of Dr. Edward and Rebecca Bruce (Lemon) Cromwell. Mrs. Cromwell was the daugh- ter of John Lemon, who came from Berkeley County, W. Va., to Danville at an early day. Dr. Cromwell practiced in Kentucky, and died while Mrs. Evans was an infant. Mrs. Cromwell like- wise passed from eartli many years ago. Their daughter, Edwilda A. Cromwell, was first married to George Fithian, a son of Dr. William Fithian, who is still living, and over ninety years old. Of this union there was born one child, Will E. Fith- ian, now of San Antonio, Texas* Mrs. Fithian was married the second time to Lafayette II. Sconce, of Danville, who only lived a short time after his marriage. .Mr. Evans is a member of Olive Branch Lodge, No. 45, A. F. & A. M., of Vermilion Chapter, No. 82, R. A. M., and of Athelstan Commandery, and is also a member of Damascus Lodge K. of P. ' C. FREEMAN will be remembered as the polite and efficient gentleman who for fif- teen years has served the city of Danville as its City Clerk. Forced to resign that position, which he had creditably held for the last fifteen years, on account of being troubled with heart disease, he refused to again become a candi- date for the otlice. He was born Aug. 7, 1832, at Beallsville, Washington Co., Pa., eight miles from Blaine's birthplace. His father. Lewis Free- man, was a very prosperous merchant, who died at the early age of thirty-five years. The subject of our sketch attended the common school until the age of fourteen, when he began to clerk at different points in the county until he was twenty-three years of age, when he came to Edgar County, this State, and worked on a farm until 1861. He was subject to asthma, but the Western country agreed with him and in a great measure he regained his health. Miss Jennie R. Newkiik. who became the wife of our subject in 1850. was the daughter of George and Maria Newkirk, of Washington County, Pa. She came of a family distinguished for their hon- esty and patriotism. In 1859, the year of their marriage, she came to Illinois with her husband. In 1861 Mr. and Mrs. Freeman came to Fair mount, Vermilion Count}-, where Mr. Freeman became Station Agent and Postmaster. In 1807 lie was placed in charge of the station at State Line, Ind., aKo on the Wabash, and continued in the employ of the Wabash until 1872. In 1874 he was elected City Clerk, which position he held for fifteen years. His first wife lived about two years and left two children: Charles A., an infant who died a fjw days after the mother, and Ella Nora, now living. Mr. Freeman was married a second time in 1864, to Miss Mary W. Dustin, born in Enfield, N. II., and daughter of Sylvester and Marilla (Wells) I iiistin. by whom he had five children: Harry L.. Fred I).. Albert 1)., Nettie J. and Edmund <; Mr. Freeman's life and position in connection with the Wabash Railroad Company, as well as with the city of Danville, has implied a great deal of responsibility as the custodian of thousands of dollars, both for the Wabash and the city. Mr. Freeman has been a Mason since 1854 and became a Knight Templar in 18«2. He is a member of Athelstan Commandery of Danville, No. 45. He is also a member of the Knights of Honor, Frank- lin Lodge, No. 409. A very decided Republican, lie with his son are the only members of the family belonging to that part}'. Since his retirement from office he has led a quiet and retired life at his home in Danville. JONATHAN LARRANCE, late a resident of I section 35. Elwood Township, is a native of ] this county, having spent his entire life in ^' the township where he first saw the light. Jan. 7. 1834. The parents of our subject. John and Ruth Larrance, emigrated to this county from Last Tennessee in the fall of 1827 and immediately set about establishing for themselvesa comfortable home, which they succeeded admirably in doing. The subject of this biography conned his Mist PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 735 lessons in Vermilion Seminary, now Vermilion Academy, which was quite an improvement over the primitive log cabin in which the most of the youth of those days were obliged to gel an educa- tion. Mr. Larrance, however, upon launching out in life on his own account, chose farming for his vocation and had no cause for regretting his choice. The first important step in the life of our sub ject upon establishing a home of his own was his marriage. Dec. 5. 1861, with Miss Hannah, daugh- ter of Alexander and Mary McGee, both of whom are deceased. Mrs. I.arrance was born in Tuscar- was County, Ohio. Jan. 28, 1837, and of her union with our subject has become the mother of seven children, six of whom are still living, viz. : Perry M., born Aug. 22, 1862; John, May 27. L865; Alice, .March 5, 1807; Laura, Sept. 1, 1870; Mark, April 17. 1874; Martha E.. Dec. 25, 1876. One son, Marion, born Dec. 10, 1868, died May 6, 1870. Perry married Miss Nancy K. Black, and lives On a part of the old homestead; he is the father of a daughter, Annie; Alice was married to Charles Canady, of Georgetown Township, this county. Our subject was the owner of 2'J5 acres of excel- lent farming land, which has since been divided among his heirs. He also held a half interest in the Ridge Farm Tile Factory, which has since been sold. He passed from earth .Ian. 25, 1885, regret- ted and mourned by all who knew him. He had earned for himself a position among the honorable and upright citizens of the county. Mr. Larrance, although never seeking political preferment, always cast his vote and influence cm the side of right. Socially he was a Freemason, and religiously a member of the Society of Friends. ^# 'n0 bill than that Harrison should have failed of election. Upon two different occasions he left the farm anil removed to Rossville, deciding to retire from active labor, but found lime hang- ing heavy on his hands and twice went back to the farm where, although not performing any of its duties, he is busily employed looking after its extensive interests. He is a member of the .Metho- dist Church at Rossville, and has always con- tributed to the support of churches both at Hoopes- ton and Rossville. In preparing to celebrate Independence day in [867 Air. Finley fortified himself with a congenial companion on the 3d of duly that year, being mar- ried to Mrs. Rebecca Pate, an occasion both will remember as long as life lasts. They commenced their wedded lives together in Grant Township and is due time there were born to them three children — Nannie J., Gertie and Edith. They still make their home with their parents and are being given the educational and social advantages befit- ting their birth and station. Mrs. Finley is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Rossville to which our subject has contributed generously, especially in the erection of their church edifice at Iloopeston. Mrs. Finley was born in Ripley County, Ind.. Sept. 2. 1830, and is the daughter of .lane and Nehemiah Morehouse who arc now deceased. She remained a resident of her native county until her marriage with Mr. Rate, then came with him to this county, settling near C'atlin. where the death of Mr. Pate took place in 18(17. David Finley, the father of our subject, was a native of Kentucky and lived till the advanced age of seven- ty-two years. He removed to the vicinity of Law- renceburg, Ohio, when a young man and was there married to Miss Nancy Miller. Upon leaving the Buckeye State they settled in Ripley County, Ind.. whence they came to Illinois. Their family in- cluded seventeen children, thirteen of which lived to mature age. Mr. Finley followed farming all his life, the most of which he spent on the frontier. Her mother's maiden name was Henderson. ~— ^>^^^^— UILLIAM FITHIAN, M.D.. for many years a well known resident of Danville, and one Wy/ of its most popular practitioners, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on April 7, 1799. His father, George Fithian, a native of Elizabeth town, N. J., was reared and married in that Slate. Afterward he removed to the Northwest Territory, and was one of the earliest settlers of Cincinnati and the first to engage in mercantile business there. A few years later, however, he removed to Springfield, Ohio, where he lived but a short time. When the town of Urbana was laid out he removed thence, and erected the first house in the place. This was a commodious log building, which he opened as a publichouse and kept a tavern several years. Finally he and his wife came to this count}', and spent their declining years in Danville with their son, the subject of this sketch, and their remains were laid to rest in Danville Cemetery. William Fithian was but thirteen years of age at the breaking out of the War of 1812. Most of the able-bodied men of the neighborhood enlisted in Hie service, and when the Indians became trouble- some the elder men were called into the service, leaving the younger ones at home. These latter organized themselves as homeguards, and young Fithian joined them. When seventeen years old he began the study of medicine under Dr. Joseph Car- ter, a successful and eminent physician of Urbana, Ohio. He commenced practice at Mechanicsburg, el.ven miles east of Urbana, and after two years 740 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. formed a partnership with his preceptor, Dr. Car- ter, with whom he practiced until 1830. Dr. Fithian now decided to move to the frontier, and accordingly, accompanied by his wife, came overland by team to this county, settling in Dan- ville when there were hut few families upon its pre- sent site. Indians still lingered here, while (Icel- and other wild game was plentiful. The surround- ing country was very thinly settled, the land being mostly owned by the Government and for sale at $1.25 per acre. The doctor had saved some money while practicing and began entering land, acquir- ing in due time a goodly area. He at once entered upon a successful practice, covering miles of the surrounding country, and even extending as far as Chicago. lie pursued this prosperous course for upwards of fifty years, anil became the owner of land not only in Vermilion County; but indifferent parts of the State. He now has a well improved farm of 2.500 acres in this county, which is oper- ated by his sons. The doctor has been four times married. His first wife, Francis L. Shain, died two years after her marriage without children. He was then wed- ded to Miss Oleatha T. Berry, a native of Urbana, Ohio, who became the mother of four children, of whom George and John are both deceased. Tin' survivors are Henry and Elisha C. B. Mrs. Oleatha Fithian only lived eight 3'ears after her marriage. His fourth wife was Miss Josephine L. Black, who remained his companion for a period of sixteen years, and then she, too, passed away. -er- «|fl? LLEN LEWIS. It is fifty-one years since ^•'l- [ J Mr. Lewis, the oldest living resident of his township, first set foot upon the soil of Ver- milion County. He had emigrated hither from his native State of New York, coming on foot the entire distance, with the exception of four- teen miles, being about one month on the way. 1 1 is purpose was to secure a tract of new land in the u ild West, anil which he hoped in time would prove to him a valuable acquisition, although the prospect then was anything but flattering. He entered ninety-seven acres on section 22. After a six months' stay, he went back to New York State, where he remained three years and was married to Miss Jeanette Green. Upon returning to this county for permanent settlement, our subject and his young wife made the trip from Chicago to Rossville in a " prairie schooner." They sojourned near Rossville four or live years, then rented an hotel, which furnished one of the early stopping places for travelers com- ing from Milford, and was the first house of its kind in this region. Mr. Lewis officiated as " mine host" three or four years. He had entered con- siderable laud in the meantime, but finally con- cluding it was of little value, sold it at $4 nr*.'i per acre. There were few people coming in a't first. ami wild animals, especially deer, were plentiful. Of these he believes that he has seen as many as :300 in one day, so whatever else the settlers lacked in the way of provisions, there was plenty of wild meats, and in the summer season there were quant- ifies of gooseberries, mulberries, blackberries, etc. Mr. Lewis during his residence in this county has improved a great many acres of land. His present farm cost him only $1 per acre, and he set- tled upon it in 1853. Prior to the establishment of a postoflice at Rossville he was made Postmaster of a place called Rio, and this frequently was the re- sult of an income for the Postmaster of only #1.25 per quarter or about $5 or $ii a year. Mr. Lewis was the first Postmaster in this part of the county. and held this office for about four years. He as- sisted in the establishment of Hie first school, and has a large portion of the time officiated as School Treasurer. To our subject and his estimable wife there were born four children, only two of whom are living. The son, Sylvester, married Miss Ilattie Clanahan; they have four children, and live three-fourths of a mile north of the old farm. Isabelle, the daugh- ter, is the wife of Albert Board man, and they arc living in Rossville, for the purpose of educating their two children. Mrs. Jeanette (Green) Lewis was born in Ontario County, N. Y.. and is the daughter of Benjamin Green, who was one of the early settlers of that region, and whose farm ad- joined that of the Lewis family. Mr. Green died PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 711 some years ago; be was the father of Ira Green, who is represented elsewhere in this Ai.ia m. The parents of our subject were Sylvester and Catherine (Dubois) Lewis,and the father was born in New York State, near the Hudson River, lie came to the West while it was a wilderness, living in the woods four years before seeing a wagon. He opened up a good farm upon which he spent the remainder of his days. He belonged to the Pres- byterian Church, while his wife was a Baptist in religion. They were the parents of nine children. Allen, our subject, in religious matters, inclines In the Presbyterian Church, of which he is a member at Rossville. lie is one of the oldest living resi- dents of bis township, and has made for himself a good record as a man and a citizen. bON. CHARLES A. ALLEN, member of ) the Thirty-Sixth General Assembly from the Thirty-First District of Illinois, was ((j5)j elected on the Republican ticket in 1884, 1886 and 1888, and is consequently serving bis third term. He has brought to bis position line natural abilities, a large experience, anil a con- scientious fidelity to duty, which has enabled him to study the best interests of his constituents, to whom he has given uniform satisfaction. Mr. Allen is recognized as a gentleman of more than ordinary ability, and has been prominent in the councils of his part} - for years, both in Cen- tral Illinois and in the Legislative balls at the Capitol of the State. In 1885 he served on the Judiciary Committee and with several other im- portant bodies, and in 1887 was Chairman of the Railroad and Warehouse Commission, being that year also on the Judiciary Committee. In 1889 be was Chairman of the Committee on Corpora- tions and Educational Institutions, while at the same time remaining with the Judiciary Commit tee. During the lively discussion over the matter of Gen. Logan's appointment be was the first man on the roll call, at that time a very important position. All the interests of Mr. Allen have been centred in this county and vicinity, and here he has spent nearly his entire life. lie was born in Danville, July 26, 1851, and two years later the family re- moved to the Ridge, in the northern part of the county, where they were the earliest settlers. Young Allen after leaving the district school en- tered the law department of the Michigan State University, by which be was graduated in 1876. He began the practice of his profession in Ross- ville. where he remained until 1881. when the new- town of Hoopeston began to assume encouraging proportions, and he. accordingly, removed thither, where he has since made his home. In connection with his practice he has dealt considerably in real estate, and is now the owner of 1,200 acres of land. In the meantime he became one of the most prominent attorne3's of this part of the county, and he has held various responsible positions con- nected with local affairs. Socially, be is a charter member of the K. of P., and also belongs to the Masonic fraternity and the I. ( ). 0. F. In Rossville, on the 4th of April. 1879, Mr. Allen was united in marriage with Miss Mary Thompson, daughter of L. M. Thompson, a sketch of whom appears elsewheie in this volume. Of this union there have been born two bright chil- dren, both sons — John N. and Lawrence T. The family residence is pleasantly situated, and forms an attractive resort for its most cultivated and re- fined element. The father of our subject is William I. Allen, the first man to settle along the Northern line of this county. He is still living, and is represented on another page in this work. — V #«# *, AVID R. SMITH, one of the self-made men of Elwood Township, is engaged in farming on section 17. His native State was West Virginia, he having been born there Sept. 17. 1824. His father, Isaac Smith, now deceased, was a native of East Tennessee and his mother, whose maiden name was Martha Ross, claims Virginia as the place of her birth. The parental household numbered seven children, two 742 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. of whom are deceased. Those living are named: Isaac, John, Lydia A., Hannah and David R., our subject. Our subject accompanied his parents to this county when a lad of ten or twelve years and re- ceived his primary education in the customary log school house with its puncheon floor, clapboard roof, slab seats and wall desks. His first step towards establishing a home for himself was his marriage April 8, 185t>, to Lydia MeNeese, daugh- ter of William MeNeese, who is now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been born six children, only three of whom arc living — Alfred, Pleasant and Isaac. Alfred took to wife Mahala Biggs of Georgetown, they have no children; Pleasant married Miss Viola Biggs and resides in this township; they have one child a daughter, Edna. Our subject is the possessor of sixty acres of good farming land and which yields him a comfortable income. He has served his township Several years in the capacity of School Director. and has also held the position of Path Master and Constable, the latter office three years. Both Mr. and Mrs. .Smith are members and active workers of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Politi- cally our subject casts his vote and influence with the Republican party. \ RS. MARY PATTERSON. Indianola claims one of the oldest children of Vermil- ion County in the person of Mrs. Mary Patterson. She was born in what is now Carroll Township, June 13, 1823, and is the daugh- of Simeon and Nancy (Mundle) Cox. Her father was a native of Virginia, where in the bracing mountain air lie grew to manhood. While sojourn- ing awhile in Pennsylvania, he met and married a daughter of the Keystone Slate. Eollowing his occupation of a millwright, he built a number of mills in his immediate neighborhood, but in the year 1823 emigrated to Carroll Township. He also built several mills in this vicinity, although making a farm his home until his death. Mr. and Mrs. Cox had thirteen children: Charles, Abner, Lot, Thomas, George, Adeline, Melinda, Mary, Jane, Louisa, Priscilla, Annie I), and Minerva I-;. The subject of our sketch attained to years of maturity in Carroll Township, enduring the vicis- situdes and enjoying the pleasures of pioneers of those days. When nineteen years of age she was married to Mr. Elijah Patterson, a native of Ken- tucky, but reared to manhood in Brown County, Ohio. Upon reaching manhood, stories of the Great West attracted him thither, but after his marriage he returned to his old home in Ohio, where he lived twelve or thirteen years. For a second time he cast his lot with those brave pio- neers of the desolate frontier, and, with his fam- ily, settled in Carroll Township, which was his home until death called him away in 1875, at the age of sixty two years. To Mr. and Mrs. Patterson were born ten chil- dren, as follows: George, Simeon, Eugene D., Ann E.. Emma C, Franklin P.. Leander, John W.. .Mary J. and Louella. Of these, John and Mary died at the ages of four years and three months re- spectively. The others reside as thus stated ; George lives in Chicago, being a commission merchant in the Union Stockyards; his sister, Ann E., resides with him. Simeon is a barber in Indianola, and Eugene 1). is a carpenter in the same town; Emma C. married Mr. James J. Heal}', who is a merchant in Indianola, and whose sketch appears in this vol- ume; Franklin P., Leander and Louella are still at the old homestead. Mrs. Patterson is an intelligent and devoted Christian, having been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Indianola for a period of more than thirty years. During a long life of use- fulness she has made a large circle of friends, and is known and loved for miles around. Glancin" back through more than half a century, and com- paring the condition of the country then with wnat it is to-day, she feels that the years have not onh/ brought prosperity to the country, but have brought to her the right of enjoying well-earned repose in the bosom of her family. In her child- hood's home she could stand at the door, and as far as the eve could reach there appeared nothing but the seemingly boundless prairie, save where the solitude was broken by the fleeing deer or the PORTRAIT AND BlOO UAPHICAL ALBUM. 7 1 3 wandering huntsman. Indians sometimes came near the lonely cabins, but even :it that early date they were drifting toward the setting Sun. The same child, now grown to lie a prosperous and ven- erated woman, can still stand at the door of her comfortable home and witness the changes which time has wrought on the old familiar landscape. The former solitude is now as a blooming garden, with prosperous people and elegant residences. But among all these present residents the name of Mrs. .Mary Patterson will be remembered with pleasure long after she lias passed from among those who love her. „ vrx> . . JOHN HOLE, a dentist of rare talent. makes his residence at Ridge Farm, lie was born in Belmont County, Ohio, in 1831, and is a son of donah Hole, a native of Loudoun County, Ya.. and who is now deceased. The mother of our subject was, Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Jonathan Ellis, a distinguished Quaker. Mrs. Hole was a native of Culpeper County, Ya. The grandfather of our subject, Jacob Hole, married Mary Thomas, sister of Col. Thomas of Revolu- tionary fame. Jonah Hole, father of our subject was a Quaker minister and preached throughout Canada, the Carolinas, New England and the Mid- dle States. Our subject migrated to Champaign County, Ohio with his parents in 1840, where they settled on a farm. His education was received in the cus- tomary log school-house of those days. He remained with his parents until September 1851, at which time he went to Oregon, in the northwestern part of Missouri, remaining there only a year, when he retraced Ins footsteps to Illinois, settling at Ridge Farm where he has since resided, and bears the distinction of being the oldest settler but one of the village. Margaret L. Rice became the wife of our subject, Aug. 13, 18.")3. She was a daughter of Lewis and Eliza Rice, both of whom are deceased. Eleven children have come to bless this union, seven of whom are living: Lewis W„ Lydia, Oliver C, Margaret L., Charles W., Louisa J. and Frank. Lydia is the wife of Evans .1. Arnold and resides at St. Augustine, Fla. : she is the mother of two children, Rolla and M. Pearline. Mr. Arnold is Grand Master of the I. O. < ). F. of Florida; Oliver married Lucy Castle, is the father of one child. Melvin, and makes his home in Hutchinson, Kan.; Margaret became the wife of Hugh F. Gilkerson and resides at Ridge Farm, where her husband is Township Collector and architect; she is the mother of one son, Noble. Socially, Dr. Hole is a member of the Masonic fraternity and was Master of the lodge five years. Mrs. Hole is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The Doctor sympathizes with the Republican party in his political views. He was Railway Postal Clerk on the Danville and Cairo route for eleven years. In 1861 he estab- lished himself as a dentist and has since followed that profession with the exception of the eleven years above mentioned. Our subject has the marriage certificate of one of his ancestors — Wil- loughby Warder and Mary Howell, who were mar- ried June 4, 1696. It is printed and written on parchment and bears the signatures of William Penn, George Whitehead and other noted Quakers. He also has in his possession a lease given his an- cestors, to a part of the land where Philadelphia now stands, and which was executed in 1785. Of sterling worth and integrity. Dr. Hole is accorded that tacit respect earned by the pioneer of Illinois, and is a man whose word is considered as good as his bond. AMUEL THOMPSON, one of the well- known farmers, now residing on section 35, Elwood Township, was born either in this or Edgar County, Oct. 6, IS:!."). His father. .lames Thompson, was a native of Kentucky, and came to the Blue River Valley, Ind., when a young married man, and removed to this county before the subject of this sketch was born. His mother was Elizabeth May, also a native of Ken- tucky, and died Sept. 1 I, 1858. The parental household numbered ten children, live of whom are living, viz: William, Thomas, George, Isaac- 744 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. and our subject. William and Thomas are resi- dents of this township; George lives in Prairie Township, Edgar County, and Isaac lives in Arkan- sas City, Kan. Our subject received his first education at a sub- scription school, held in a log cabin with puncheon floor, split-log seats with pin legs, and having for desks a lot; hewed and pinned to the wall. Greased paper also served for window panes; a huge fire- place in one end; clapboard roof. After receiving his education our subject began to shift for him- self, and chose farming for his occupation, which he has always followed successfully. Mr. Thompson was married Aug. 28, lK.jy. to Miss Osie Grosser, daughter of Jacob Crosser, now deceased, and who was also a pioneer of this county. Mrs. Thompson was born in this town- ship, and has become the mother of seven children: Sylvanus, Sylvester, Flora. Charlie, Dora. Amanda, and William C. Sylvanus married Lucy Mangus; lives in this township, and has two children — Frank and Osie. Sylvester married Minerva Jane IIol- lingsworth, and lives in this township; they have one child — Verney. Our subject never was an office-seeker, and re- ligiously is a member of the Cumberland Presby- terian Church. His son. Sylvanus, is also a mem- ber of that denomination. Mr. Thompson is the proprietor of 17:">i acres of fine land. He turns his attention mostly to the raising of stock, his favorites being the graded Short-horn cattle and Poland China swine. f)ONATHAN KILBOURN was born in Ham- ilton County, Ohio, in 1817. His father, Joseph Kilbourn, was a native of Connecti- cut. His ancestors came to America among the first emigrants and became early settlers of this county. The father was reared in his native State and received a general education, which fitted him for teaching. He removed from Connecticut in the year 1805, and made the trip overland to Pitts- burg, Pa., and thence down the Ohio River to Cincinnati, then a very small place. He located near Ml. Pleasant, and bought a tract of timber land and built a log house thereon. He taught school during the winter and the rest of the year released land, and resided in Hamilton County until his death. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Miss Rebecca Howe, a native of the same State as her husband, and who depart ed this life six weeks after his death, in Hamilton County, Ohio. Jonathan Kilbourn was a lad of five years when his parents died, and he was left to the care of his elder brothers and sisters until he could take care of himself, which he did at the age of twelve or fourteen years, when he worked out for £1 a month; he continued to work out for several years. He saved his earnings and engaged in the mercantile business in Venice, Ohio, which he continued until the year 1854, vlien he came to Danville. Vermil- ion County, and bought sixty acres of land, en- gaged in farming, and resided there until 1868. lie then sold it and bought where he now resides, which consists of 2G0 acres of laud on the east bank of the Vermilion River. lie has retired from active labor and his sons run the farm. Our subject was married on May 12, 184(1, to Susan M. Lutes, a native of Butler County, Ohio. By this union there have been six children born to them, viz: Sarah married J. B. Bradford, and re- sides in California; Perley P. lives in Oregon; Emma, Andrew, William, and Herbert are still under the parental roof. -^-$%&<- WILLIAM PATTERSON is the owner of 1 60 acres of prime land on section 34, Elwood Township, Vermilion County. lie was bom Feb. 22, 1824, in Granger County, East Tenn. His father was Andrew Patterson (deceased), native of the same State as his son, who brought his fam- ily to this county in 1827. They settled at Yankee Point, in this township, among Indians and wild animals, such as deer, wolves, wild hogs, and an abundance of turkeys, pheasants, prairie chickens, and other wild fowl. The pioneers settled in and along the timber, thinking the prairie could never be utilized for anything except grazing. They PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 745 went to Sugar and Goal Creeks, in Parke County, Ind., for their milling, but later mills were built over the country run by horse power. The bolting was done by turning a crank by hand. Our subject endured all the hardships and priva- tions incident to pioneer Life. The maiden name of his mother was Amelia Golden, daughter of William Golden (deceased), who came from Gran- ger County, Tenn., in 1824, settling in this town- ship nt Yankee Point. She became the mother of six children, our subject being the eldest. The others are: Thomas, Sarah (Mrs. Campbell), John (deceased), Elizabeth ( Mrs. Campbell), and Golden. All live in this county, the girls in Georgetown Township and the hoys in this township. William Patterson led Mary Tatty to the mar- riage altar, Jan. It:. 1853. She is the daughter of Eli Patty, deceased, who came to this county from Carroll County, Ind., in 1847. They have been blessed by the birth of seven children, four of whom are yet living, viz : John, Pleasant, Cathe- rine, and Lincoln. They are all single and still under the home roof. In 18") I our subject went to Broadland, in the southwestern part of Champaign County, III., improved a fine farm, and was residing there when Mike Sullivan first started his noted Broadland farm; he remained there until tin- spring of 1861, when he returned to this township, where he has since resided. Religiously, both Mr. Pat- terson and his excellent wife are members in good standing of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, where much respect is given this worthy old pio- neer. •fcgfe&S- ■ ' OHN FOLGER resides on section 25, Harri- son's Purchase, Elwood Township, and was born in the same township on Sept. 17, 1829. He was the son of Latham Folger, a whaler, who was taken prisoner while in whaling during the Revolutionary War, by the British, and because he would not consent to fight, was taken to a small rocky islaud, and left to starve to death, but to his good fortune an American vessel soon came along aud rescued him. He was then a resident of Nan- tucket Island. Benjamin Franklin's mother was a Folger, and was related to Grandfather Folger, be- ing his first cousin. Ex-Secretary of the United States Treasurer Folger. was also a member of the same family. Latham Folger, the father of the one of whom we write, entered land in the Harrison Purchase, and wa- a tanner, shoe-maker and a manufacturer of horse collars. He ran a tannery, and the above named trades in Elwood from the spring of 1829 until 1845, when he settled OD his hind in the south- ern part of Elwood Township, where he carried on farming extensively. The mother of our subjeel was Elizabeth Starbuck. She became the mother of ten children, namely : Walter, Erasmus. Matilda, who married a Mi. Haworth, and is now deceased; Lydia, married Mr. Reynolds, and is a twin of Ma- tilda: our subject, Mary. Mrs. Mills; Uriah, Sarah, (Mrs. Dubre), Rachael (Mrs. Ellis) and Thomas. The father died early in the year of 1k."jL\ and the mother departed this life in the fall of 1S7!». The early life of our subject was spent in the tan-yard, and later he worked on the farm, lie ob- tained his education at the Vermilion Academy and at Bloomingdale. Ind., under Professors Thomas ami llobhs. He then acted in the capacity of a pedagogue for three winters, but finally chose farm- ing for his life occupation. In September, 1852, occurred an interesting event in the life of our sub- ject, namely, his marriage to Miss Elizabeth, daugh- ter of Mahlon and Ruth Reynolds. Mrs. Folger first saw the light March !S. 1831, in Parke County, Ind., and remained a resident of that county until her marriage. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Folger has been blessed by the birth of nine children, all living but two. Ida died at the age of twenty-three years; she was a student in the State Industrial College, Champaign, 111., and a bright and accomplished young lady. Her death was caused by hard study, which injured her brain and ultimately resulted in her death. The remaining children were named, respectively: Alonzo M., Julius, Adolphus D., Ro- mania .1., Rachael E., Clotillie and Lottie R. The eldest son, Alonzo, married Carrie Castle; they live in Dana. Ind.. and are the parents of one child, a son, Ray. Julius was married to Annie Jordan, is the father of two children, only one of whom is 744> PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. living, Alvin; lie makes his residence in Pontiac, Mich. Romania became the wife of Jacob M. IIol- lingsworth, resides in Prairie Township, Edgar County, this State, and is the mother of three chil- dren — Harry, Esther and an infant girl. Mr. Folger is the possessor of 154 acres of line farming land, and has added stock raising to his fanning interests. His favorites are the graded Short-horn and full-blooded Durhams, with regis- tered pedigree, lie also has some fine horses of the Clydesdale, Norman ami Whip breeds. His hogs arc the Poland-China and Berkshire's. Mr. and Mrs. Folger, together with their chil- dren, have for many years been active members of the Society of Friends, in which communion our subject was a minister. He traveled quite exten- sively attending the annual meetings at Philadel- phia, Baltimore, and Lawrence, Kan., defraying his own expenses. He also attended many of the yearly meetings in Indiana and Oskaloosa, Iowa. He now Alls the pulpit at various points in this State and in Indiana. Himself and wife are held in the highest possible regard by a large circle of friends, who recognize in them such character and personal worth as entitle them to a position among the representative citizens of the county. ->€*£~e- WfelLLIAM CHANDLER, a retired farmer and a resident of Bismarck, was one of the earliest pioneers of this county, coming to this region with his parents when a lx>3' of seven years. The country was but little removed from its primitive condition and not many years prior to this was mostly the tramping ground of the Indian. Wild animals were still plentiful and only here and there was erected the cabin of the adventurous set- tler. Some who came in grew discouraged and moved away, usually returning to their old homes. The Chandler family, however, had come to stay and thej 7 prepared themselves for every emergency, labored early and late, endured many hardships and privations and in due time reaped the reward of their toil and sacrifices. The subject of this sketch was born in Harrison County, Ky., Sept. 5, 1821, ami was the fifth in a family of nine children, the offspring of John and Polly (Jones) Chandler. The parents were mar- ried in the Blue Grass State, but in 1828 resolved to seek their fortunes in the West and made their way to this county, arriving here on the 1 6th of November, that year. They located on a tract of wild laud in Newell Township, where the father tilled the soil and made some improvements, then, in 1853, sold out and took up his residence in the young town of Danville, where he spent the remainder of his life, passing away in 1859. The mother had died at the farm some time previously. Our subject remained a member of his father's household until reaching Ins majority, acquiring a limited education in the subscription schools. Then .starting out for himself he settled on a tract of land a short distance from the farm of his father, becoming the owner of fifty-one acres. Shortly afterward, however, he sold this and purchased 140 acres which he improved and which he occupied until 1864. Then selling out once more he changed his residence to Danville wdiere he remained ten years. In 187 1 he removed to Bismarck of which he has since been a resident. Mr. Chandler was married at the age of twenty- three years to Miss Melinda, daughter of William and Mary Cunningham. Mrs. Chandler was the eighth in a family of eleven children. She became the mother of Ave children and departed this life in 1803. Their eldest daughter, Mary (i., is the wife of Andrew Clay pool; Emma A. married James R. Hoover and is living at St. Lawrence, Dak.; Rosetta C. ; William J. and Laura E. is the wife of Howard S. Hicks of Milford, 111. In politics Mr. Chandler uniformly supports the principles of the Republican party and at present holds the office of Justice of the Peace and Notary Public. He served two years as Assessor of Newell Township and is one of the representative men of this community. In religious matters he is identified with the Christian Church. He has been an interested wit- ness of the marvelous changes going on in the great West, since he came to years of discretion, and has pursued the even tenor of his way as an honest man and a good citizen, encouraging those projects calculated for the moral elevation of the people. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 717 anil lending his influence to the enterprises calcu- lated to develop the county. The old settlers are fast passing away and in recounting their names and deeds the career of Mr. Chandler can by no means lie allowed to pass unnoticed. lOSIAHS. SANDUSKY, one of the prom- inent farmers in this section of Illinois, and one whose operations as a stockman are / among the first in this great Slate, owns and occupies 1 .000 acres of land in Carroll Township, where he handles all kinds of stock and lino road and trotting horses. His stock dealings embrace the best strains of blood that can be procured, and in his selections he is aided by great experience and a natural aptitude for the business. His father rvnd mother, Abraham and Jane (Mc- Dowell) Sandusky, were natives of Bourbon County, Ky.. the former's birth occurring on March 29, 1793, while the mother was born on Dec. 16, 171I2. The grandparents were among the brave pioneers whose fortitude aided in the settlement of Kentucky, and who were constantly in peril 1)3' reason of the desperate red men of that region be- ing particularly troublesome. The Sandusky family contains what is commonly known as " blue blood," as it descended from the nobility of Poland. The original Sodowsky, as he spelled and pro- nounced his name, was a distinguished nobleman of that country, and by reason of his desire to aid the downtrodden, he was forever banished from his native land. He came to America in 1756, and soon was a great favorite with the American colo- nists. He married the sister of Gov. Inslip, of Virginia, and later on. while in the vicinity of Lake Erie, was brutally murdered by the Indians, who had been imposed upon by the whites, and in the fury of their revenge attacked the first white man they met. This happened to be Sodowsky, their best friend. They regretted their deed very much, and, in order to partly atone for the crime, sought to show their respect to their murdered friend by naming a bay in Lake Erie " Sandusky," from which was named the Ohio city. The mother's people were early settlers and patriots of this country, and the McDowell's were m leading family of Kentucky. The parents of Josiah had live children when they emigrated to Illinois in 1837, where they settled on the land now owned by the subject of this sketch. The old cabin still stands close to ils original site, which was where the magnificent man- sion, erected by .losinh in 1872, now stands. The parents continued to prosper fur a long time, and were indeed model fanners. Their memory will be cherished by all their acquaintances as noble people. The father died in 1865, while the mother passed away a. year previous. Eight children were left to mourn their loss, whose names are herewith given: Harvey, Elizabeth, Polly, Agnes (who died young), William, Abraham, Euphemia .lane, and Josiah. Harvey was the oidy one of the children who spelled his name in the Polish man- lier, the rest changing it to Sandusky. Josiah Sandusky was born in this county on Sept. 11, 1837, ami in the township where he now resides he grew to manhood. His father was a most industrious man. and he expected his boys to follow his footsteps in this regard. At the age of six years Josiah was afflicted with the white swell- ing which crippled him in his left leg. lie attended the schools of the township and his education was gained from this source, lie succeeded to the management of the farm of 500 acres given him by his father. Josiah Sandusky was married Dec. IK. 1 873, to Miss Susan Moreland. who is a daughter of Thomas and Catherine (Hedges) Moreland, of English an- cestry. The latter came to Illinois in 18.57, settling in Carroll Township, and were the parents of eight children, who lived to be men and women. Their names follow: Mary E., Margaret Susan, Fannie, William, Peter II., John, Carrie, and Katie. Mis. Sandusky was a native of Bourbon Count}', Ky., and removed to Illinois with her parents when she was a little girl of six. She attended the Sister's School at St, Mary's, near Terre Haute, where she acquired a fine education, and is an ac- complished lady. Before his marriage Mr. San- dusky erected a brick mansion, upon which lie spent $20,000 in building and in beautifying the 748 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. grounds, and since that time he has added 500 acres to his farm, making it the most valuable place in lliis part of the county. His father was a great stockman, and his inclinations all tended to the breeding of fine stock. So it will be seen that the subject of this sketch inherited his love for the business in which he is now engaged. He keeps constantly on hand a large herd of thoroughbred cattle ami horses, which he exhibits at the fairs, generally securing prizes and honors. He has sold cattle for breeding purposes in nearly every State in the Union, and his mind does not run to cattle alone. He is a good judge of horses, and owns many tine animals that are prize winners, his specialty being road animals and trotters. He has several horses whose record reaches below 2:20. Sheep, swine, and poultry are also seen on this magnificent estate. The allurements clustering around otlicial posi- tion have never had any charms for Mr. Sandusky, and while he is a thoroughgoing, aggressive Repub- lican, he never permits politics to interfere with his business in any manner. Mr. and Mrs. Sandusky are the parents of five children, three living, named: Pearl, born .Ian. 22, 1878; Abraham J., Oct. 2, 1883; and William 11.. May 27, 1880. Two died unnamed. ^p^EORGE BARNETT is the son of one of 'II (—] Vermilion County's earliest pioneers and ^^5 most highly respected citizens. He is pleas- antly located on his farm of 160 acres immediately west of the village of Sidell. Robert E. Barnett, the father of the subject of this sketch, was a pioneer of Vermilion County, arriving there sometime in 1828 or 1830, coming from Bourbon County, Ky., which was the State of his nativity, he having been born there in 1800. The mother of Mr. Barnett was Miss Rebecca Moore, a native of Ohio. The farm belonging to her father, on which she was born, is now embraced within the limits of Columbus. His grandfather, George Barnett, emigrated to Illinois with his family about 1828 or 1830, and established himself on a farm southeast of what is now the village of Sidell, at the head of Little Vermilion timber. Robert E. Barnett was a young gentleman of twentj'-two or three years when he tried his fortune in Illinois for the first time, but he had received a good education, which was a commodity rather scarce in the wilds of a new country at that time, and was correspondingly highly appreciated. He. therefore, found no difficulty in getting himself appointed to the position of teacher for the district. So far as known, his was the first school to be opened in the township, and he naturally felt somewhat elated to find himself occupying the elevated posi- tion of " schoolmaster ;" however, pupils were not numerous, and he soon wearied of the monotony inseparable from a country teacher's life, so after teaching a few terms, he abandoned the profession and betook himself to a more lucrative, if not more congenial calling. He engaged in the business of general merchandise at Eugene, Ind. One of the prettiest young ladies in town was a customer at his store, and, being of an obliging disposition, he frequently found it convenient to call at her father's house, presumably to inform them of rare bargains to be had at the store, but hy-and-by the services of a minister were requested, and the ceremony that followed secured for the enterprising young mer- chant a partner whose interest in the business was equal to his own and who engaged for life. Im- mediately following their marriage the young couple began housekeeping, and remained residents of that city until after the birth of all their children, whose names were: Jane, Alice, Thomas (died unmarried at the age of forty), (Jeorge, and John. Mr. Barnett continued in the mercantile business in Indiana until the spring of 1858, when he removed to Illinois, on to the farm which had been previously purchased by his father. He conducted the operations of the farm with such energy and pru- dence that he soon became quite wealthy, owning at one time some sixteen or seventeen thousand acres of excellent land, which was well stocked and im- proved, but unfortunately for the continuance of his prosperity, he. through misplaced confidence in a supposed friend and honest man, lost about $13,000, which necessitated the putting of his estate into the hands of a receiver at the time of his death. PORTRAIT AND BlOORAPHICAL ALBUM. 749 Hi- departed this life in l.SNil. at the age of eighty years. The mother survives and makes her home in Danville, at the home of her daughter Alice, where at the age of seventy years, she occupies "grand-ma's corner," and tells the little ones who like to surround her easy chair, story after story of the olden time, which are more fascinating to their youthful minds than the most thrilling fairy tales. Mr. George Barnett was born September I. 1848, in Eugene; Ind.. and was a small boy when his father moved to the farm in Illinois. The public schools of Eugene numbered him among their brightest pupils, but before he had advanced far in his studies he was obliged to leave consequent upon the removal of the family mentioned above. He pursued his studies for some time longer in the schools of Illinois, but was compelled to abandon the study of hooks in any regular fashion and betake himself to work at something that would assist the family in the struggle for a livelihood. His lir.sl work was begun on his father's farm, when he was about fourteen years old. After some months spent in that manner he was enabled to resume his pursuit of knowledge, and entered the Academy of Moreland, Ind., where he continued (me year, studying diligently and making good pro- gress, then returned to the farm and settled down to regular work, which he continued uninterrupt- edly until he reached his majority. .Mr. Bametl and Miss Lizzie Keys, a native of Washington County. Pa,, were married in 1877, al the residence of the bride's parents, William and Emily (Mills) Keys, in Palermo, Edgar Co., Ind. The parents of Mrs. Barnett arc well ad- vanced in years, and are passing the evening of lift' in the quiet enjoyment of their pleasant home, in Palermo, Mr. Keys having retired from the active pursuit, of his business. Mrs. Barnett was one of a family of eight children, their names being: Har- riet. Sarah. Richard, Cassey, Setb, Hugh, Will and Lizzie, who was a mere child when her parents removed from their home, in Pennsylvania, to Illinois. The family of Mr. Barnett has been increased by the addition of three children: Lena. Alice and .lane. The second daughter died when an infant, the other two are at home attending school, where their bright minds and pleasant manners make them general favorites. Two years before marriage Mr. Barnett formed a partnership with his brother-in- law, L. T. Davis, of Palermo, and entered upon the business id' general farming and stock raising. They operate a farm of 960 acres of land, which they have managed for seven years, meeting with gOOd success. As before stated. Mr. Barnett's father died in- solvent, but the two sons, by hard work and good management, succeeded in rescuing a considerable portion of the large estate from the general wreck so that they now have a tract of 580 acres clear of debt and under good cultivation. In l.s.x-j. Mr. and Mrs. Barnett established themselves in their present home, which is one calculated to create in the hearts of the dwellers in crowded cities a long- ing for the delights of country life. Their home is indeed a charming one, and being situated only about 2KI rods from the village pOStofHce of Sidell. they enjoy all the comforts of rural life and the conveniences of town. Mr. Barnett was elected Township Clerk several years ago, and has been re-elected every year since, so that he is now serving his sixth term with honor to himself and entire satisfaction to his constit- uents. BNER SNOW was born at Butler's Point, Vermilion County, Oct. 28, 1828, where he has resided continuously since. His father, Marcus Snow, was born in Monl- pellier, Yt., while his mother, wdiose maiden name was Annis Butler, was a native of Chittenden County, the same State. Marcus Snow emigrated from Vermont to Ohio but did not remain there long, eventually removing to Vermilion County with .lames Butler in a very early day. The latter, Mrs. Snow's father, settled at Butler's Point, where the father anil mother spent their last days. The parents of Abner Snow were married in Vermilion County and settled where Westville now stands, but lived there only a few years when they re- moved to Catlin Township, locating on land that, was situated nil the State I'oad, near the residence 750 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBKM. of Jesse Davis. Here the elder Snow and his wife prospered, lived and died. They were among the people who came here when Vermilion County was a wilderness for the purpose of building up a home for themselves and their children and they met with success. Their reputation in their neighbor- hood was that of honest, hardworking and intelli- gent people. Mrs. Snow, the mother of Abner, outlived her husband and became the wife of Cyrus Douglas. Marcus Snow is the father of six chil- dren, five sons and one daughter, Abner being the second son. Aimer Snow, as has been stated, has always lived in this county, a larger portion of the time in Catlin Township. Here he lias successfully followed agricultural pursuits, and is counted as one of the prosperous men in this section. By his inherited industry and good management he has accumu- lated a fine property and now owns 285 acres of good, rich soil. General fanning occupied flic most of his time. He was married in this county to a Miss Ashman by whom he is the father of five children: Albert, Jessie, William, Lucius M. and Bertha A. Mr. Snow is an active Republican, but the allure- ments of office has little charms for him. He is contented to carry on his fine farm, believing that the honors gained by making a home for himself and children transcend all others. sIIOMAS M. MORGAN. The journalistic profession of Illinois finds a worthy repre- sentative in the able and popular editor and publisher of the Sidell Wayside, who is a man of excellent education, cultivated tastes and literary ability. Before entering upon the sketch of his life, it may be well to devote some space to his an- cestors. His grandfather. Daniel Morgan, was a member of a family of Scotch origin, which had settled in Virginia in colonial times. He was a nephew of Gen. Daniel Morgan of Revolutionary fame, and became the grandfather of Gen. John H. Morgan, who bore a prominent part in the Con- federate army during the late civil war. He set- tled in Kentucky about 1790 and resided there until the time of his death in 1869. The father of our subject when a young man learned the black- smithing trade. During the Mexican war he en- listed in the famous Kentucky regiment known as the Salt River Tigers, only seventeen men of which, out of an enrollment of 104, survived the san- guinary contests of thatconflict. He was honor- ably discharged at Newport Barracks, Ky., after having served two years and eight days. He was married in 1852 to Martha E. Watson, who, like himself, was a native of the Blue Grass State, a member of an old Virginia family who settled in Kentucky at an early date. After following his trade for a short time in Kentucky he removed to Macon County. III., and later to Wabash County. Inil., where he died in the year 1882 at the age of fifty-six. Our subject's mother is still living at the ai^e of fifty-two, and resides with her parents near 'Moweaqua, Shelby Co., III. She is the mother of eleven children: Thomas M., Worth M.. who died at the age of three; Sylvester V., Sarah J., Olive, Ida M., Mary B., who died at the age of one and a half years; Luella, who died at the age of fourteen; Delia A., Estella and Charles W. Sylvester V. is now connected with a prominent Kansas City house; Sarah J. is the wife of Benja- min Phillips, and resides in Wabash County, Ind.; Olive is the wife of Wesley Pyle, a prominent young farmer of Wabash County, Ind. The re- mainder of the family, with the exception of our subject, are unmarried. Thomas M. Morgan was bom in Anderson Coun- ty, Ky., May 10, 1853. He was but live years of age when his parents removed to Illinois, where two years of his childhood were spent in Macon County. His parents then removed to Wabash County. Ind.. where his young manhood was passed. Having been crippled by an accident at the age of thirteen, his school da}'S were limited to a period twenty months. This accident occurring at the very period of life when an active boy finds most enjoyment, he passed many weary hours while his youthful companions were enjoying the sports titled to their years. For three years and a half he walked upon crutches, but his mind seemed to de- velop more rapidly on account of his bodily in- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 751 firmity. IK- pursued his studiesat home, carrying on the work with great zest, and alone and unas- sisted took up the studies of algebra, geometry, ancient and modern history, and carried on :i varied course of reading. At the age of twenty he took up the profession of teacher, his first school being at Stockdale, Wabash Co., Ind. From this time until 1882, he continued in this profession. teaching in different counties in Indiana and llii nois. In 1882 he entered upon a more public Life, taki.ig the stump in Indiana as a Submission Dem- ocrat, favoring the submission of the prohibition amendment to the people. In 1885, he came to this county and engaged in teaching in the district and graded schools. In thesuramer of l,s,s7 he became city editor of the Danville Daily and Weekly Prr.ss. beginning his labors with its first issue, and contin- uing on the /'/-cs-.s- staff until the succeeding sum- mer, when he was obliged to withdraw on account of his frail health. In the spring of 1889 he took charge of the Sidell Wayside. It is a bright, newsy sheet, a. credit to southern Vermilion Coun- ty, and is deservedly enjoying a good circulation. Like a tine journalist, Mr. Morgan conducts his paper according to his own best judgment, with- out regard to fear or favor. Politically the sheet is independent, although the publisher is looking forward to the time when he can publish a ted hot Democratic paper, he being a staunch adherent of the principles of Democracy. Mr. Morgan was married .bine 7. 1888, to Miss Lulu Montgomery of Coles County, III. Her father, Rev. O. W. .Montgomery, now of Newman, 111., is a native of Tennessee and has been identi- fied with the clerical profession since his twenty- eighth year. He now belongs to the Foster Pres- bytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. 1 1 is wife, formerly Miss Sarah A. Rankin, was also a native of Tennessee, but grew up in Missouri, where she was married. .She was the mother of twelve children, one of whom died in infancy. They arc named respectively: John T.. Mack A., Man E., George W.. Samuel T., Laura M., U. Lincoln. Lulu S.. Carrie M., Donald R., Finis E., the de- ceased infant having borne the name of Rosa. Mrs. Morgan was born in Caland, Coles Co., 111., April 2. 1*117. and grew to womanhood in her native Slate, living at various places, where her father served his different congregations. She became a pupil of Bethany Academy at the age of twelve and was also a student in the Southern Illinois College for three years. She is a most estimable youno lady of refined character and cultured mind and has been prominently identified with the educa- tional profession in this and in Coles (' ity. Mr. Morgan is a very well read man and having decided literary tastes, covering a range from the precision and accuracy of Geometry and similar sciences to the imaginative ami the descriptive charms of poetry, though perhaps he most enjoys historical writing. He is an ardent admirer of Buckle, Draper, Hume, Macauley, Hegel, Sehlegel, Castelar and others. He is not only an admirer of literature in various forms but himself wields the pen of a ready writer and has written dialectic, di- dactic and lyric [ ms. Among the former we mention ••Them 01' Fashioned Days;" "When the Days are Groin' "Warm and the Fields are Gettjn' Green ;" "How we worshiped in the Forties." Of his lyric- poems: --Songs Unsung;" "The Reward:" ••Sorrow;" and "A New Year's Greeting." Among his didactic poems we mention but two: "Two Pictures" and "Dream-seen Days." Mrs. Morgan is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, while her husband strongly favors the Methodist doctrine. *3M* ?RANK CARTER is one of the most popular merchants at Indianola. A prosperous busi- ness man in the grocery and queenswarc line, he has grown up in this neighborh 1 anil is known and respected by everyone. His father, Abraham Carter, came to Illinois at an early date ami was married, in Carroll Township, to Eliza A. Bacon, sister of Sarah and Oliver Bacon, sketches of whose lives will be found on another page in this volume. After marrying the father removed to Peoria County and resided there and in Tazewell County seven years. He farmed and was engaged in the butcher business at Peoria, and died in 1869 at Peoria at the age of forty -live years, leaving- a wife 752 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. and three children — Charles A., Frank A. and Will- iam II., now Deputy Circuit Clerk of Vermilion County. The subject of our sketch was horn Oct. 18, 1860, in Tazewell County, this State. About nine years old when his father died he began life under difli- culties. His mother moved back to Carroll Town- ship, Vermilion, Co., and our subject found a home with an uncle on "Woodlawn Farm" where he re- mained for twelve years. He attended school at Indianola during' the winters and obtained a very fair education. As he grew older he became his uncle's show boy and took great pride in leading the celebrated prize-winners from "Woodlawn" into the show ring. He remained with his uncle until 1884, and in 188(5 engaged in the mercantile business with his brother, William II. The latter was the manager until two years ago when his brother Frank took the helm. I5esides their store business they purchase wool at Indianola and Villa drove, and also deal in all kinds of produce. The village of Indianola may well feel proud to own two brothers of the sterling qualities that dis- tinguish these two estimable young men. Their aged mother is well provided and cared for by their filial love. Being yet in the noon of life Frank Carter may well look forward to a bright and pros- perous future. Mr. Carter was the choice of the Republicans of Carroll Township for Collector in I ss."]-H6-H7. which position he held with credit and honor during his term of office. A member of the Indianola Republican Club ho was delegate to the Republican County Convention. He is a charter member of the Indianola Building and Loan As- sociation, and is a strong Repnblican. ARON DALBEY. The late Civil War de- veloped some rare characters, the depths of which would probably never have been disturbed had it not been for this revolution which shook the country from turret to foundation stone. There were then brought to the surface that God-given quality — the love of the true man for his native land — and the extent of the sacrifices which he was willing to make to save her from dis- memberment. Among all those who are written of in this volume there was probably no truer pat- riot during the war than Aaron Dal be j', and lie justly esteems the period of his life spent in the Union Army as one of the brightest spots in his whole career. We give this matter prominence be- cause it is a subject dear to his heart and he has lost none of the patriotic affection which enabled him a quarter of a century ago to lay aside all per- sonal ties and give his best efforts to the preserva- tion of the Union. We now find him comfortably located in a quiet country home, embracing a well- regulated farm on section 11. in Vance Township, where, since the war, he has gathered around him all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. In reverting to the family history of our subject we find that his father, James Dalbey, was a native of Pennsylvania, a carpenter by trade and in politics an old-line Whig. He married Miss Sarah SewelLa native of Ohio, April 4, 1820, the wedding taking- place in Clinton County .that State. They lived there about fourteen years. Mr. Dalbey engaged as a groceryman, a farmer and an hotel-keeper, con- ducting the old-fashioned country tavern after the most approved methods of those times. About this time the lead mines near Dubuque were being opened up and the demand for carpen- ters was great, so the father of our subject re- moved thither with his family in 1 8,'J5, purposing to work at his trade. He found the times very hard and the country peopled largely with desperate characters, among whom a murder was committed nearly every night. This state of things made it impossible for him to remain and so he established himself at Quincy, 111., where he lived three years and worked at his trade. He then returned to ( >hio. where he sojourned two years, and from there removed to Peru, Ind.. but only remained there eight months. In August, 1843, he came to this county, and on the 19th of October following passed from earth at the age of fifty-three years. He was a well educated man and especially fine penman. The mother of our subject survived her first husband for the long period of nearly forty-eight PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 53 years. She was born March 12, ISO.'!, and died Feb. 26, 1885. when nearly eighty-two years old. The parental household was completed by the birth of six children, four of whom are living. Aaron. our subject, was the fourth in order of birth, and was born in Clinton County, Ohio, April 25, L831. He attended school at Quincy, 111., and also in Ohio a short time and in Indiana, and came to this county in time to avail himself of instruction in the subscription schools here. Being the eldest son, he. after the death of his father, naturally in due time, assumed many responsibilities, and at the age of twelve years worked out for $:> per month, six months, from spring until fall. The year fol- lowing he was employed by the same man, with an increase of salary of $1 per month. The mother of our subject was married a second time to James Elliott. Our subject was bound out for a term of six years to Alvin Stearns. Becom- ing dissatistied with the arrangement, he served out only half his time, and went to Ohio to learn a trade. He came back to Illinois, however, a year later, and employed himself at whatever he could find to do, being at one time the partner of Aaron Hardin in splitting rails and cord wood. Their best week's work was forty-eight cords of wood, cut split and piled, and this was done at twenty- five cents per cord, when rails were forty-five cents per 100. The next most important event in the life of our Subject was his marriage, which occurred Dec. •_'.">. 1854, with Miss Martha E. Custer. The newly wedded pair commenced the journey of life to- gether at the old Custer homestead, which is now the property of our subject, and Mr. Dalbey there- after farmed on rented land until the outbreak of the Civil War. In 1862 he went one day to assist a neighbor with his work, and when he came back with his pitchfork over his shoulder, his attitude and bearing were such that his wife exclaimed when she saw him coming, "there, I bet he is going to the war." He entered the house and asked for some clothing, and in ten minutes was off for Ho- mer, and joining some of his comrades, repaired with them to Camp Butler, and enlisted in Com- pany E, 7-5, 1862; Mary E. May 22, 1865; Edna A. was born Dec. 17, 18(19. and died March 6, 187:!; Ellie M. was born Feb. 5, 1*75. Both Mr. and Mrs. Huff- man are members in good standing of the Chris- tian Church, Our subject in connection with general agricul- ture keeps a goodly quantity of live slock, and has by a course of economy and prudence laid by suf- ficient to secure him against want in his old age. He lias uniformly signalized himself as a liberal and public spirited citizen, taking a warm interest in educational affairs, and serving as School Di- rector and School Trustee for over thirty years. lie was Commissioner ot Highways six years, and has held other positions of trust and responsibility. Without any desire for the spoils of office, he has kept himself thoroughly posted in regard to mat- ters of general interest, and gives his unqualified support to the Democratic party. ~ EORGE DILLON, Esq., was born in George- Gtown. Vermilion Co., this State, Jan. 111. 1837. His father and grandfather were na- tives of North Carolina and removed to Ohio in the early settlement of that State. They settled several miles south of Cincinnati, where they bought timbered land and resided there until the death of the grandfather. The father, Luke Dillon, was fif- teen years old when his parents moved to Ohio, where he grew to manhood and married and resided until 183d, when he came to Vermilion County ac- companied by his wife and six children. The journey was made with a six-horse team, bringing his household goods, while the party cooked and camped on the way. He located near the present site of Georgetown and bought a tract of land, where he resided in a log cabin for a time, when he built one of the first frame houses in that section of the country and resided there until his death. His son George attended the early schools of his native county and resided with his father, assisting him on a farm until the death of the latter and then remained with his brothers and sisters until the age of twenty -one. lie then brought a farm near Georgetown, where he remained until enlist- ing in the army, in 1*62. He was a member of Company D, 25th Illinois Infantry, where he served until February, 1805. He was in the battles of Perrysville, Ky., Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, and was with Sherman when he started from Chat- tanooga to the Atlantic and served in various bat- tles and skirmishes until June 7, when he was wounded in the right arm and sent to the hospital, where his arm was amputated close to the shoulder and he returned home in February, 1865. A strong Republican in politics he has held several offices. In 1866 he was elected Town Clerk of Georgetown. In 1867 he was elected Assessor and Collector and re-elected in 1868. In the fall of 1868 he was elected Circuit Clerk of Vermilion County, and twice re-elected and held office for twelve years. In April, 1889, he was elected Justice of the Peace and in 1887 was elected Assistant Supervisor. George Dillon married, in 1861, Miss Desde- mona F. Martin, born in Georgetown in 1841. She was the daughter of Henry and Mary Martin, who were among the early pioneers of Vermilion County. They had six children: Lucretia, Alma, Hannah, William S., Grace. Joseph G. and Robert M. Since his retirement from public life he has not been engaged in any active business but has dealt some in real estate. Mr. and Mrs. Dillon are active and energetic members of the Christian Church and are among the most respected and estimable people in the community. ~^?£&Z&rZ>*^ ITELL TILLOTSON, a skillful, practical farmer, is quietly and prosperously carry- ing on his farming operations on his farm, & one of the best and most highly productive of Pilot Township, very pleasantly located on sec- tion 36. He is a native of Indiana, born in War- ren County, Sept. 23, 1847. His grandparents on both sides of the house were pioneers of Ohio in the early days of its settlement, His father, Epbraim Tillotson,' was born in Miami County, that State, in 1811. his ancestors being of English 756 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. origin and he a descendant of the same branch of the family as that famous English divine. Arch- bishop Tillotson. The mother of the subject, whose maiden name was Mary A. Cronkhite, was also born in Miami County. After her marriage with the father of our subject, they came westward to the State of Indiana, and located in Warren County, and from there removed to Vermilion County, 111., where the father died in 1884. The mother survives at an advanced age and makes her home on a farm in Vermilion County. Of her marriage twelve children were born, of whom the following eight are living: Walter, a farmer of this county, married Lucetta Endicott; Madison, who lives in Louisiana, married Kate Goodwine, and they have three children: Luther, a farmer, mar- ried Mary E. Myrick, and they have five children; Wallace, a farmer of this county, married Emily French, and they have three children; Buell is our subject; Sarah married Edward Foster, of Indiana, now living in this county, and they have seven children; Rebecca married J. K. Buettz, a retired farmer of Potomac, ami they have six children; Frances married Alonzo W. Knight, a farmer of this county, and they have four children; Mary married Frank Henry, a retired farmer of this county, and they have two children. Buell Tillotson gleaned a good education in the common schools, and a practical training at home that fitted him to cope with the world when he became independent. He came to Illinois in 1856 with his father. When he began life on his own account he did not have the wherewithal to buy land for himself, and as he was very desirous to carry on farming he rented a farm. lie met with such good success in that venture that in a few years, by unremitting toil and frugal economy, he was enabled to lay up money enough to buy a farm of his own, and he became the possessor of one comprising 160 acres of land of unsurpassed fertility, and now has it under good cultivation, and has made many substantial improvements that have greatly increased its value, and he has established a cozy, comfortable home for his family. He is en- gaged in mixed husbandry, and besides raising grain and other products common to this climate, raises stock, all that his farm will carry. Mr. Tillotson was married April 8, 1885, to Miss Lizzie Wiles, daughter of Aaron and Margaret Wiles, residents of Vermilion County, 111. She was born in this county, and was one of three chil- dren, of whom two are living at the present time, Mrs. Tillotson and her brother, Lankford Wiles. The father. Aaron Wiles, died in 1869, and his I widow married again in 1873, being then united with Thomas P. Mryie, by whom she had one child, a daughter, Myrta, now ten years old. The wedded life of our subject and his excellent wife has been blessed to them by the birth of two children, of whom one alone lives. Lucetta. The great-uncle of our subject, Simon Buell. (who was also an uncle of Major-General I). C. Hncll of the late war) was a Revolutionary soldier. Indian fighter, and pioneer, and could tell many interesting and thrilling stories of adventures and hair-breadth escapes from Indian tomahawks, in connection with the settlement of eastern Ohioand western New York. When a boy he was once captured by the Indians, but escaped in company with two men, and with them traveled night and day until they arrived at an American settlement. One night they slept in a pit, around which some- thing stealthily crept all night, peering over at them with eyes like coals of Are. The lad saw and watched all the movements of the animal with quivering but suppressed excitement, but the others slept through the danger, and he feared to awaken them lest the noise would endanger their lives, and as he was between the two he thought if it jumped on any of them it would be on those outside. When morning came the animal left with wild, mournful screams that made the woods ring, and then they discovered that it was a panther. Another incident illustrates the animosity existing between the Tories and Whigs at the close of the Revolutionary War, as well as the coolness and courage of oneof those brave veterans. Mr.Buell had returned to his farm only to find it devastated h\- the invading armies, and was one day walking over it, viewing the ruins and thinking how best he could rebuild the burned house and fences, when a bullet whistled close to his ear. He knew at once that it was from a Tory enemy, and also concluded from the interval between the whistle of the bul- ■ '•>??<, • 9&&Je&nce of JOHN N.ENGELMANN*K*zS2 (r/SL/tJ£)Gat£at Townshi/t. Vermilion (Jourtty. , _, ■ ■ %fe&/xfcrJ\U&RS.j?y';^' composed of people who were well-to-do in (ji§J) their own country and the sons of wealthy parents. In a great many instances they have found the country contrary to what they pictured it, and becoming discouraged, have returned to their native country. The majority of the people spoken of came here imbued with the idea that dol- lars grew on bushes, and that it required no effort to march along to prosperity. In all this they were mistaken. Labor is its own reward in America, as well as in other parts of this world. The man whose name heads this sketch was a well-to-do and representative business man of London, having been connected with one of the leading dry goods houses of the metropolis of the world. He is a gentleman of refinement, education, and possesses knowledge of the world, and without any previous experience that agriculture gives, he came here to win a place as a farmer, and he has met with un- qualified success. All the characteristics of Mr. Puzey bear out the assertion that he is a typical English gentleman. His" father, Joseph Puze3 r , was a native of England and a man prominent in his country. His mother was descended from France and her name was Beatrice Blanche before her marriage. Her people during the time of the French Revolution sought safety on the British Island and eventually became English subjects. The father died in Eng- land, and was seventy years old, while the mother is still residing in England and is eighty-five years of age. (She reared ten children to maturity, of which but three arc living in America: Henry, Thomas and Albert. Henry, of whom this sketch is written, is the oldest child, and was born Aug. 16, 1826, in Berkshire, England. His early educa- tion was such as was obtainable in the private schools of his own class and those connected with the Episcopal Church. He passed bis entire child- hood under his father's roof on the farm in Berk- shire, and as he grew up he desired to enter mercantile pursuits, and under the direction of his father he was apprenticed to the dry goods house owned by his father's brother, Henry Puzey. at Bow. London, where for five years he served an apprenticeship, his father paying forty pounds ster- ling as tuition, clothing him beside. Showing a great deal of natural aptitude for bis chosen voca- tion, he remained with this house during the five years of his apprenticeship and four years longer, receiving an annual salary varying from twenty to forty pounds sterling from his first to his last year in that business. The years of manhood were now dawning upon him, and as time passed by his inclination grew stronger to see more of the world, and so his at- tention was naturally directed to America. His experience in London was very valuable to him as a business man. In the latter part of April, 1850, he crossed the Atlantic, landing at Castle Garden, New York City. From the metropolis of the New World he came directly to Vermilion County. Land was very cheap in Illinois at that time, yet with all his money he could scarcely buy forty acres. Here he was, almost at the end of civiliza- tion, without means and without experience save as a dry goods clerk in London. He was about to conclude that he had made the great mistake of his life, but a determined will to succeed kept him steadily and persistently following out his original idea of growing up with the American West. After remaining here seven years he returned to England, where, in 1857, he was married to Miss Hannah, daughter of James and Elizabeth Rymer, who were well-to-do farmers of Gloucestershire, England. Both her parents were born at the same place, and after a lifetime of industry and prosper- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 76] ity, died at seventy and sixty years respectively. Mrs. Puzey was brought up in Gloucestershire, where she was educated in g I private schools, r 1 1 1 • I her early religious instruction was in the Epis- copal Church. Mr. and Mrs. Puzey remained eighteen months in their native land, before they took their final departure for their uew home in America, where they arrived, aftera pleasant jour- ney, in the latter part of 1858. Through the in- telligent use of his opportunities and enhanced by an endowment from his wife's estate, Mr. Puzey has prospered and become independent, financially speaking. He has become a most excellent farmer and is a thorough American at heart. Mr. Puzey owns two farms, the homestead con- taining 340 acres, and operated by himself, and a quarter section upon which he has tenants. Mr. and Mrs. Puzey have five children : Joseph, .lames l;.. Thomas. Francis E. and Henry, all of whom are at home. Mr. Puzey's career is a brilliant illustration of the fact that a poor man is better off in America than in England, and that success is always a reward of industry. This worthy couple are members of the Episcopal Church of England. i LANSON N. ALBRIGHT. Farming, there is little doubt, stands at the front of all the industries, for without it men could scarcely exist and carry on the multitu- dinous labors of the world. As time passes it is coming to be looked upon in its true light as an art and a science, and is being prosecuted by some of the most intelligent and able men living. While many arc interested in other projects besides, he who has a surplus amount of capital invests it wisely when he devotes a portion of it to the acqisition of landed estates and the tilling of the soil. The reputation of this county as a dwelling place, the richness of its resources and its standing to-day is mainly due to the excellence of its farm- in;? population. Among the men who have assisted it to its present position may be most properly mentioned the subject of this sketch. Alanson Albright represents valuable farm prop- erty to the amount of Km acres of land in Boss Township, and occupies a well-regulated home- stead on section 20. After bringing his land to a good state of cultivation he fumed his attention largely to live-stock, and thus hud the foundation of a snug fortune. His career has been signalized by that honesty and integrity which has gained him the respect of his fellow citizens and raised him to an enviable position in his community. He was born June 12, 1824, in Ohio, and is the son of David Albright. His father was George Albright, Jr., he was the son of George Albright, Sr., the two latter natives of Switzerland, where the great- grandfather of our subject reared his family and spent his entire life. George Albright, Jr., the paternal grandfather of our subject, emigrated from the land of William Tell with his brother Jacob, when they were boys, and they sold themselves to a Lancaster County, Pa., farmer, Mr. Grubb, for three years to pay their passage across the ocean. In view of this fact it is believed they ran away from home. Grand- father Albright served his three years and then was married in Berks County, Pa., to Miss Barbara Cradlebaugh, prior to the Revolutionary War. As the conflict increased in importance he finally left his young wife and shouldering a musket entered the arm}' and served under Gen. Anthony Wayne for seven years. Jacob was also in the arm}' at the same time. After the close of the war Jacob Al- bright located in YorkCounty, Pa. Notwithstand- ing his early escapade he was piously inclined, and turned his attention to religious matters, organizing the Albright Church, and giving his life to the ministry thereafter. He spent his last years in York County. Grandfather Albright settled on Dunkin's Island, in Perry Count}-. Pa., where he spent the remainder of his life. At that place was born his son, David, the father of our subject. To the old Revolutionary hero there was awarded by the Government Gill acres of land in what after, ward became Ohio Territory and upon which is now situated the City of Columbus. This prop- erty naturally fell to David, and he. in 1796. visited it. and considering it of little value, returned Hast and located in Virginia, where he employed him- self at his trade of distiller two years. At the 702 PORTRAIT AND l',IO< : RAPII1CAL ALBUM. expiration of this time, returning to Pennsylvania, he was married to Miss PUebe Newman. In due time there was former! a little settlement in Fair- field Bounty, Ohio, and the father of our subject traded his land for a marc a cow and $25 in money. The family removed to that county in the mean- time, and there our subject was born, in Perry Township. June 12, 1821. Soon afterward his parents removed to Pickaway County, in the same State, where he was reared. To the parents of our subject there were born the following children, namely: Samuel. Betsy. Hannah. Alanson N., Louis, Jackson, Polly, Oliver P. and Frederick. Five of them are living and located mostly in this county. In 1840 the parents resolved upon another change of residence, and removed to Clinton County, Ind., where they ex- perienced all the hardships and privations of fron- tier life. George Albright was an expert hunter, a sport in which he took great satisfaction and de- light. He lived to be about ninety years old. The mother passed away at the age of eighty years. Our subject was a youth of fifteen years when he removed with his father's family from Ohio to Indiana. About that time he started out for him- self, and engaged by the month to drive cattle from Indiana to the Eastern markets. He was then em- ployed until the fall of 1855. In the meantime he was married, Jan. 10, 1854, to Bliss Jane, daughter of William Beevens. of New York State. In 1843 he made his way to this county and herded and drove cattle, prior to the time of any settlement within its limits. It was he who named Lean Creek. About 1858 he began farming in Vance Township, but afterward made several trips East with stock. He also visited the South, selling stock in several of the Southern States, as well as the Eest. The parents of Mrs. Albright came to this State probably early in the fifties. Mrs. Albright died in 1859, while a young woman, leaving no children. Our subject, on the 17th of November, 1861, con- tracted a second marriage with Miss Ama Plevins; of this there was two children, one is still living. His second wife died in 1858. The daughter's lrmic is Hannah Jane. His third wife was Athinda, daughter of Henry and Fve (Hamaker) Groves. This union resulted in the birth of seven children, namely: Susan, Mrs. W. R. Braden of this county; George W. 1)., Mary E. C, Frederick R., Charles P., Aaron J. K. and Laura A. M., all of whom are living. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Albright was George Grove, a native of Holland, where he spent his entire life and reared his family. Her parents were natives of Pennsylvania, their mar- riage occurring in Dauphin County, Pa. They settled in Sangamon County, 111., in 182 1, where they spent the remainder of their lives. The Hamaker family also located there at an early day. < Grandfather Grove and his wife were devout mem- bers of the German Baptist Church. Grandfather Hamaker was a preacher in this Church. Mrs. Albright belongs to the Christian Church. Mr. Albright cast his first Presidential vote for Gen. Taylor. Further than keeping himself well posted upon current events, he has had little to do with public affairs or the responsibilities of office, lie is, however, President of the Agricultural Society of Ross Township, and belongs to the Ma- sonic Fraternity, bodge No. 527, at Rossville, of which he is a charter member. He has been a Mason for the long period of forty-five years, be- coming identified with the fraternity in Circleville, Ohio. ! WILSK TILTON is a prominent merchant and Postmaster in the township, in which he lives. His father Enoch Tilton, was born in Fayette Count}', Pa. His mother Elizabeth Wil- son, was born in Beaver County, of the same State. They settled in the place of her birth, and from there moved to Ripley County, Ind., in 1814. It was here that Mr. Tilton died. Not long after this, his wife also died at Potomac, this county, in 1887, leaving a family of nine sons, of whom our subject was the second. The place of his birth was Beaver County, Pa., and the time Jan. 8, 183G. In 18G2 he traveled to this count}', and taught school for four 3'ears. Thus far thirteen years of his life had been spent in teaching, as he had been a school-master nine years prior to his coming to Vermilion County, lie then found employment as PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 763 clerk under the late Richard James. Tins position he kept for two years, after which, in 1868 he formed a partnership, and went into business for himself. Eventually Mr. Tilton bought out the en- tire business, which lie has since conducted in his own name. He carries an unusually fine stock of merchandise. In addition to his store at Catlin, lie owns one which is operated by his son. Mr. Tilton was appointed Postmaster under the administration of Cleveland. He had held the Office of Superintendent, and almost all the offices in the township. For fourteen years he was con- nected with the Vermilion County Agricultural So- ciety, being its President for three months, and its Vice-President for several years. Our subject is a member of the Catlin Lodge A. F. & A. M., No. 285. and was Master of the lodge five years. Our subject's life is a noble record of vast en- ergy, untiring labor, and fervent, and unfading courage. Those who knew him familiarly, loved and valued him more and more,' the longer their intercourse lasted. His marriage with Elizabeth Albright, occurred in Ripley County, Ind. They had three children: Charles Virgil, who is in com- pany with his father; Elsie Venus, who is the wife of A. McGregor; and Bertie Victor. Mr. Tilton has been a correspondent of the Danville JTeics for fifteen years. Mr. Tilton is rather a reserved man. and boasts very little of the good and loveable traits and sentiments which he so happily possesses. F011N W. GILDINGS, a prominent citizen of Danville, and a native of that place, was born April 21,1842. His father, William Giddings, was born in Bedfordshire, Eng- land, and was there reared and married. He was the only member of the family that came to Amer- ica. He learned the trade of a wagon maker in his native land, and was a journeyman till 1837, when He sailed from London early in that year, [and was a journeyman till 1837, when he sailed from Lon- don early in that year, and in due time landed at New York. He came directly to Danville, the journey being made by the way of the lakes, canal and teams. When he came to Danville he was wealthy in everything but money, that is to say, lie was in the possession of good spirits and of anj amount of hope. The town was then a small place. Heat once commenced work at his trade as a journeyman, and with his savings he bought his employer's business, anil engaged in the manufac- ture of wagons and plows. The plows lie first made were constructed with wooden mould boards. The forests were searched to find trees that had the right shape for this portion of the plow. Later lie manufactured carriages, wagons and steel plows, and in this business lie built up an extensive trade, in which he was engaged until the time of his death, which occurred in September, 1875. For many years there was no railroad built to Dan- ville, and he procured his supplies from Cincinnati by teams. After a few years Chicago became the commercial center, and he changed his place of buying to that place, but still the only mode of transportation was with horses or oxen. The maiden name of his wife and the mother of the subject of this article, was Caroline Kitchener. She was born in Bedfordshire, England, and died in Danville in 1874. Herself and her brother Charles were the only members of her family that came to America. Charles settled near Worcester, Mass., and is now deceased. In the family of William Giddings were nine children, eight of whom are living: Fannie is the wife of John .1. Partlow. and lives in Danville; Caroline is dead; Charles, George and Albeit live in Danville; Eliza married Harvey Riggs, and is now residing in Spink County, Dak.; Laura is the widow of Edwin Martin, and lives in Danville. John W. Giddings was educated in the schools of his native city, and when but a boy commenced work in his father's shop, and thoroughly learned the art of carriage painting. He thus continued at work until May, 1862, when he enlisted in Com- pany A, 71st Illinois Infantry, for the period of ninety days. He was sick nearly all the time of his service, and was discharged in October, 1862, when he returned home, remaining ill for one year after his return. He again entered the army, in May, 1864, this time enlisting in the 135th Illinois Infantry, serving until the following fall, when he r<; i PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. was discharged on account of the expiration of his term of service. In 18G5, with his brother Charles, and brother-in-law, O. S. Stewart, a partnership business was formed under the firm name of Gid- dings, Stewart & Co., the firm succeeding to his father's business. This linn continued four or five years in business, when lie and his brother bought the interest of Mr. Stewart, and so con- tinued until 1876, when he purchased his brother's interest also, and was thus the sole proprietor. In 1879 he formed a partnership with James A. Pat- terson, adding to the business. On the 13th of January, 18(17, Mr. Giddings married Samantha A. McKee, who was born in Georgetown, this State. She was the daughter of Elijah and Abigail (Starr) McKee. Mr. McKee was born in Fleming County, Ky. Mr. McKce's father, the grandfather of Mrs. Giddings, was born in Pennsylvania, and emigrated to Kentucky at an early day. He resided there until 1838, when he came to Vermilion County, the trip being made with teams. He settled two miles east of Dan- ville, and bought timber land and built a log house. He resided on the old farm until his death. The father of Mrs. Giddings was eighteen years old when he came to this county. He taught school several terms, and at the time of his marriage was learning the trade of a wagon-maker, lie fol- lowed this occupation until 1860, when he was elected to the office of Clerk of the Circuit Court, a position he held eight years. His death occurred March 5, 1869. Mrs. Giddings maternal grand- father, Absalom Starr, removed from Ohio to this State in 1821. The journey was made with ox teams. They remained awhile near Palestine, Ind., and while there the mother of Mrs. Giddings was born. They came to Danville in 1821. and Mr. Starr is among the first settlers of Vermilion County, his deed being the first one ever recorded on the county books. The land is located two miles west of Georgetown, and was originally heav- ily timbered. He resided here on the old home- stead until his death. His wife survived him many years, dying at the age of eighty-seven. John W. Giddings has inherited, in a full meas- ure, the characteristics of his father. He is an energetic, capable and honorable business man, and though his father came here a poor man, and at the time of his death was one of the wealthiest men of Danville, there is no doubt but that the junior Giddings would have followed in the foot- steps of his worthy father had he been placed in his position, Mr. Giddings has a beautiful resi- dence, built in 18*7. and located on Hazel street. where he lives happily with his family. Mr. and Mrs. Giddings worship at the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he is a member of the Odd Fellows. s . LBFRT G. OLMSTED is a worthy de- scendant of Puritan ancestry, his fore- fathers having been numbered among the early settlers of New England. In a later day and generation his grandparents and parents became pioneers of Vermilion County, and here the most of his life has been passed. He has not only been a witness of the marvelous growth of this section of the county in the fifty years that he has lived here as boy and man. but it has been his good fortune to aid in its upbuilding. For many PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. J 69 years he has been intimately connected with the material prosperity of Catlin Township as a progres- sive and skillful agriculturist, and as one of its most influential public officers. He owns a farm on section 23, that in all its appointments and improve- ments is equal to any Other in this locality, and here lie and his wife have an attractive home, tu which they welcome many friends, as they have a warm place in the hearts of Hie entire commun- ity. Stanley Olmsted, the father of our subject, was born in the city of Hartford, Conn., to George Olmsted. Sr.. and his wife, Hannah (Roberts) Olm- sted, natives of New England. They came to Vermilion County from Ohio in is:!!), and he died here two years later. His wife did not long- survive him, dying in September, 1843. Their son. Stanley, married Almira Green, a native of Vermont, and they began the journey of life together in James- town, Chautauqua Co., N. Y„ where lie was busily engaged for several years in constructing a farm from the primeval forests of that section of the country. He subsequently removed from there with his family to Marietta, Washington Co., Ohio, but after living there live years, he came with them, in 1831), to Vermilion County, making the journey down the Ohio River, up the Wabash River to Perrysville, and thence going to what is now known as Batestown, and settling in that vicinity among the pioneers that had preceded them to this" then wild, sparsely settled country. The father operated a sawmill known as Olmsted Mill, and besides manufacturing lumber, engaged in building flatboats, that being the only mill where such boats were built, and the most of those that were made in this section of the country were built there, lie was a member of the Masonic fra- ternity and quite a prominent man in his commun- ity, and his death, in 1848, was considered a loss to the township. His widow was re-married aboul ten years afterwards, becoming the wife of Thomas W. Douglas, and is still living in Catlin Township at an advanced age. She holds to the Presbyter- ian faith, and is a sincere Christian. Of the ten children that blessed the union of Stanley Omsted and wife, our subjeel was the sec- ond in order of birth. He was born in the vicinity of Jamestown, Chautauqua Co.. N. Y., Oct. 1 1, 1831. He was a lad of about eight years when he accompanied his parents and grandparents to this county, and the remaining years of his boyhood and his youth were passed in Danville and Catlin townships. His education was obtained in the old log school-house of those early days. Heearlv be- gan life for himself, as he was but seventeen years of age when his father died, and the main charge of the family devolved upon him, he renting land and working at farming to support those depend- ent upon him. When he was twenty-four years old he married and rented a farm in Catlin Town- ship the ensuing seven years, the place belonging to Harry Sandusky. After that he bought a small place in Catlin Village, and continued renting land for three years. The second year after the pur- chase of the County Farm in 1867, he was ap- pointed Superintendent of it, and he was found to be the right man in the right place, faithfully and conscienciously discharging the duties of that oner- ous position, by his skillful farming improving the land, and treating the poor people under his charge with firmness and kindness. He retained that office eight years, and then tendered his resignation, as he decided to investsomeof his money in land and go to farming on his own account. Soon after he took possession of the land he now owns and op- erates, it having been the homestead of the parents of Mrs. Omsted, of which she inherited a portion. The balance was purchased by Mr. Omsted. His present farm consists of 180 acres of land, exceed- ingly rich and productive, and he has been con- stantly making improvements till the place is considered : one of the best in the neighborhood. He has erected a good set of farm buildings and a pleasant residence, finely located somewhat back from the highway. This homestead formerly belonged to Mrs. Olm- sted's parents, Thomas N. anil Mary Brown (San- dusky ) Wright, early pioneers of Vermilion County, and here she was born and bred, and on this spot, under an apple tree in the yard, her marriage with our subject was solemnized July 22, 1855, and here her life has thus far been spent happily and se- renely. She has never been very far from this home of her birth, and has never ridden in the 770 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. cars, or even beyond the limits of the county. Mrs. Olmsted is a. notable housekeeper, and is well versed in the art of making those about her com- fortable, and everyone who crosses her threshhold is sure of a cheerful welcome. Her parents were born in Bourbon County. Ky., and when the father was nineteen years old and the mother twenty, they came to Vermilion County, and were united in marriage six weeks later, in the year 1831, near Indianola, and immediately settled on the farm now owned by Mr. Olmsted. Mr. Wright built a log cabin, and in that humble abode they began their wedded life. May 31, 1851, Mrs. Wright died, leaving five children, of whom Elizabeth Ann, Mrs. Olmsted, was the eldest. The father was afterwards married to Nancy Dougherty, and he died Nov. 18, 1872, on the homestead that he had eliminated from the wild prairies. Mrs. Olm- sted was born Sept. 22, 1832. In this home of her girlhood and womanhood five children have blessed her wedded life with our subject, namely: Mary B., the wife of John II. Palmer; Charles, who mar- ried Agnes Emmett, who died Nov. 17, 1887; William C, who married Miss Eva Beck; George E. ; and Albert C. Mr. Olmsted has been a valuable citizen of this section of Vermilion County since attaining man- hood, as he is a man of good personal habits, is just and honest in his dealings, wise and safe in coun- sel, and has always exerted his influence to advance the interests of his community morally, socially and educationally. He has taken an active part in the public life of this township, has held the office of Supervisor two terms, and for eleven years was School Trustee. He is a valued member of Catlin Lodge No. 285, A. F. & A. M. He has been Master of the lodge. In politics he sides with the Democrats, and is a strong supporter of party principles. Both he and his wife are faith- ful members of the Presbyterian Church, and the acts of their daily lives show them to be consistent Christians. A tine lithographic view of the handsome home and surroundings of Mr. Olmsted is shown else- where in this volume. w ILLIAM W. BARR. This highly-esteemed oid resident of Edgar County has had a ' road experience of Western life and dur- ing his younger years spent some time in the mining regions of California and Montana. He suffered the usual experiences of the travel across the plains in the early times, coming in contact with all kinds of men and frequently encountering danger from Indians and the cosmopolitan popu- lation which sought that region from most all portions of the civilized world. He, however, was mainly prosperous in his undertaking and would probably have sojourned there longer, but was constrained to return on account of his aged mother for whom he cared a number of years until her death. His present homestead is a well-regu- lated farm of 120 acres, lying on section 1 in Edgar Township and he stands well among the people of his community. Mr. Barr was born twenty-five miles from the city of Cincinnati, in Hamilton County, Ohio, April 14, 1824. When a child of six years his parents emigrated to Illinois overland with teams of horses and oxen, crossing the Wabash River at Perryville where they spent the winter. In the spring of 1831 they came to Edgar County, 111. and settled on a tract of wild land, that which con- stitutes the present farm of our subject, and for a number of years lived in a log cabin. The Pot- tawatomie Indians had not yet left this region and our subject has seen as many as 300 at a time. There was an abundance of game including large numbers of deer, also wolves, and in hunting the latter the settlers frequently banded together. Our subject was reared to manhood at the farm which he now occupies, growing up with limited school advantages, his studies being conducted in the log cabin mostly during the winter season. He remained under the home roof until twenty-one y r ears old, then in the spring of 1845 started on foot for the Oalena lead mines accompanied by a friend. Sometimes they would walk nearly a whole day without seeing a single house. Upon his arrival at Janesville, Wis., Mr. Barr abandoned his first intention of lead mining and engaged to work on a farm. He remained in the Badger State until the fall of the year and rode home in a wagon. PORTRAIT AM) I'.K )( i RAl'lIICAL ALBUM. 771 lie sojourned with the family until the following spring. Our subject now set out for Piatt County where he worked on a farm several months, then in the fall returned home, remaining there that winter. In 1846, crossing the Mississippi, he* went on horse- hack into Mahaska County, Iowa, but stayed there only six months, then went to Marion County and assisted in the erection of a sawmill four miles north of Pella on the Skunk River. In the fall of 1848 lie engaged in rafting and boating on the Des Moines and Mississippi rivers as far as St. Louis, following this one season. In the spring of 1850 our subject started for California witli an ox team taking the North Platte route, and crossed the plains to Salt Lake City where he heard Brigham Young preach two sermons. After a journey of four and one-half months he reached Placerville almost out of funds but managed to buy an old shovel and pick and commenced working in the mines. A few days later, however, he went further south to the vicinity of Sonora on the Stanislaus River and sojourned in that vicinity over two years doing well. In June. 1853, he started home- ward via the Panama route and when reaching this county purchased his present farm. lie brought his mother to his home and engaged in farming and stock-raising until the spring of 1864. Our subject now started for Montana with an ox team, joining a train at Qskaloosa and once more went over the plains, this time finding a few scat- tering houses along the route for 200 miles west of Omaha. At one Lime while in camp the party were attacked by 700 Indians against 300 of their own number. The3 _ fought from 7 a. m. until 4 p. M..then disbanded and left forty of their numbei dead on the field. Mr. Barr and others made their way to Virginia City where he stayed four months engaged in mining, then repaired to Silver Bow Creek and stayed there mining until the fall of 1865. He then set out for home down the Yellow Stone and Missouri rivers on a Satboat to Omaha, then joined a train and in due time reached home and has since been engaged in agricultural pursuits. Mr. Barr has made all his improvements on his present place, breaking the first sod. building fences, setting out forest and fruit trees and adding from time to time the various conveniences neces- sary to successful agriculture. He makes a specialty of stock-raising, having a good quality of cattle anil swine and Norman draft horses. He was married in Edgar Township in 185-1 to Miss Letitia Wood who was born in Clairrnont County, Ohio, and came to Illinois with her parents, William and Sally (Stinson) Wood, at an early day. Mr. Wood was a blacksmith by trade and the parental family consisted of twelve children. The seven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Barr are recorded as follows: Sarah J. became the wife of L. C. Stewart, a farmer of Champaign County, 111.; Mary E., is the wife of Richard Daniels, and they live at the homestead; Rosetta is also with her parents; J. William owns and operates 160 acres of land in Gilliam County, Ore. ; Anna B., Elizabeth and Oliver are unmarried aud at home. Mr. Ban-. politically, is a staunch Democrat and has been a School Director in his district for many years, lie was Commissioner of Highways two years and has served as Road Supervisor. The father of our subject was William Barr, Sr., a native of Ireland from which country the paternal grandfather came and settled in Pennsylvania where he spent the remainder of his life. William was a lad of nine years when he crossed the Atlantic and was reared in the cities of Pittsburg and Philadelphia. When reaching manhood he went to Ohio where he was married and engaged in farming in Hamilton County. In 18.30 he started with a team for the West and coming to Edgar County, 111. entered eighty acres of the farm now occupied by his son, our subject. He put up a log house, brought the land to a state of cultivation and purchased forty acres additional, owning at the time of his death 120 acres. His decease occurred in 1852, when he was sixty-five years old. In re- ligion he was a Predestinarian Baptist and officiated for a time as a Deacon. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Mildred Carter; she was born in Virginia which was also the birthplace of her father, George Cartel', who had the honor of occupying the posi- tion of overseer of the slaves of Gen. Washington. Later he moved to Kentucky where he was a pio- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. neer settler and where he spent his last days. The mother <>f our subject spent her last days with the latter, dying at the advanced age of ninety three. The five children of the parental family were named respectively, Elizabeth, a daughter of the mother by a prior marriage to a Mr. Davis; Mary J., a resident of Oregon; William W.. our subject; James, living near Georgetown in Ver- milion County, III., and John C, a resident, of Oskaloosa, Iowa. The latter during the late war served in an Iowa regiment. 1RAM FRAS1ER, a well-known resident of Hunter Township, owns and occupies a neal homestead on section 7. containing ln'o acres. 1 10 on section G, and forty-five acres on section 8, where he has good improvements, and the modern embellishments of a well-regulated farm. A native of Floyd County, Ky., he was born Oct. 8, 1 825, and is the son of Weeks and Anna (Sammons) Frasier, who were either natives of Kentucky, or went there with their respective par- ents from Virginia when very young. The pater- nal grandfather of our subject, William Frasier. by name, was a native of Virginia, whence he removed to Kentucky at a very early day. and lived there many years. When quite well advanced in life, lie emigrated to Illinois and spent his last days in Dan- ville, Vermilion County. The maternal grandfather of our subject also be came a resident of the Blue Grass State at a very early period in its history, and there spent his last days. The parents of our subject were married there, and remained there several years. About 1831 they emigrated to Illinois, and the father en- tered a tract of land from the Government, located in Stratum Township, where he lived many years and built up a home from the wilderness. He erected his log cabin in the woods, and cleared the timber by degrees, bringing the soil to a good state of cultivation. In these labors young Hiram took an active part. The present nourishing town of Paris was then a hamlet of a few log houses am! a market place. Oursu'ijccl attended school in Strat- um Township, the temple of learning being like the other structures around, built of logs and finished with a puncheon floor, and the seats and desks manufactured from slabs, the former set upon rude wooden legs. When -writing, the pupils would sit with their faces to the wall, and when .studying would turn around and sit with their backs against their writing desks, which was a long piece of tim- ber fastened to the wall, and upheld by wooden pins. A large fireplace extended across one end of the building, and the chimney was built outside of earth and sticks. The school was maintained on the subscription plan, and the teacher "boarded around." The '-institution" was conducted about three months in the year during the winter season. Thus the boyhood and youth of our subject were spent in a comparatively uneventful manner until he began to make preparations for the establish- ment of a home of his own. The maiden whom he had chosen for his wife, was Mi>> Isabel, daughter of Levi and Elizabeth (Bell) Mann, and they were married Jan. 18, 1*855. Mrs. Frasier was born near Greencastle, Ind., and came to this county with her parents about 1854. Mr. Mann was a native of Ohio, and the son of an old Virginian of German ancestry. Benjamin Bell the maternal grandfather, i-, supposed to have been a native of Pennsylvania. When leaving the Keystone State, lie emigrated first to Darke County. Ohio, and from there to Put- man County, Ind. He sojourned in the Hoosier State a number of years, then pushed on westward across the Mississippi into Hamilton County, Iowa, where he died at the age of one hundred and five years. To our subject and his estimable wife there were horn six children, namely: Jackson I., Anna J., Levi D., Indiola, Stephen I).. and Mary C who are all living. The Frasier homestead embraces G.'ill acres of land upon a part of which our subject ami ins wife began housekeeping soon after their mar- riage. Mr. Frasier politically is a stanch Demo- crat,, and has lieeu quite prominent in local affairs. sen ing as Township Supervisor, two terms. Com- missioner one term, and otherwise identified with its best interests. In 185*2 he crossed the plains with a span of mules and a buggy from Omaha. Neb., to Salt Lake City, and from that point went PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 77;; *+-*- ;*l IjfelLLIAM A.ZIMMERLY, a native of Grand \/\l/i View Township,and a son of one of its ear- Ww liest pioneers, owns and occupies his father's old homestead, comprising a well regulated farm on section :;<;. He is easily recognised as a man of more than ordinary intelligence, and occupies a good position in the community, being prominent in social and business circles, and at diffeient times elected to the various local offices. His farm is embellished by one of the best houses in this sec- tion, a roomy and substantial structure, finely adapted to all the purposes of farm life. The other buildings, together with the machinery and live stock, indicate the supervision of the thorough and skillful modern agriculturalist. Jacob Zimmerly, Jr., the father of our subject, was a native of Virginia and the son of Jacob, Sr., who was born in Germany. Grandfather Zimmerly emigrated to Illinois about fifty-two years ago, set- tling in Symmes Township, this county. Father and son died the same year, about forty-seven years ago. The mother of our subject was in her girl- hood. Miss Becky Hays, a native of Kentucky. After the death of Mr. Zimmerly, sic was married to Atwell Sisson and became a widow a second lime. She is still living, unking her home with l.i i -on, William A., our subject, and is seventy - with a team to Sacramento, Cal., " here he remained aboul two and one half years. He returned via the water route from Sau Francisco on the steam- ship "Golden Gate" to the Isthmus of Panama, then traveled forty miles on muleback to the Cha- gres River, where he took a train to Aspinwall, and thence sailed by (lie ocean steamer "George Law," to New York City, after which he returned home. lie considers the time and money involved as well spent. To the parents Of our subject there were born five sons and five daughters, namely: James, born in Floyd County. Ky., May 11. 1818; William. Hiram. I.ucinda. Thomas, Jonathan, Holly, Fannie, Nancy .1., and Sarah A. Four of these are living, and residents of Illinois. Missouri and Dakota. fi mi years old. She en joys g 1 health and is able to relate many an intersting incident of life in the pioneer days. The par. "ds of our subject were married in Illinois. i:i is;;;., and began their wedded life together at, the place now owned by their son. Wil- liam A. It was then merely a tract of wild land, and they commenced at first principles to construct a homestead. The. father was successful in his labors as a tiller of the soil, and was recognised as oiu' of the leading men of his community. The household circle was completed by the birth of three children, only two of whom are living. William A., the youngest of the family, was born -Ian. 24, 1841. lie studied his first lessons in a little log cabin, at a school conducted on the subscription plan, and carried fin in the winter season only. His educational advantages were thus very limited, but by reading and observation he kept himself posted in regard to important events, and thus bears fair comparison with the intelligent men around him. lie took upon himself the sterner duties of life at the age of eighteen years, assuming the management of the home farm, which he has Since operated, and in connection with its cultiva- tion he has for many years been interested in live stock, buying, feeding and shipping. Our subject, in 1862, brought a bride to the old roof tree, being married. toMiss Arminta, daughter of Lemuel Walls, of Symmes Township. They be- came the parents of live children, only three of whom are living; and .Mrs. Zimmerly departed this life in L875. Horatio V., the eldest son, married Miss Chrissy Walz, is the father of one child, and is farming in Grand View Township. The other sims, Andrew A. and Jacob L., are at home with their father. Mr. Zimmerly, in 1877, contracted a second marriage with Miss Mary Walz. daughter of .lames Walz, late of Embarras Township. This lady was born April 8, 1842, in this county, and with our subject is a member in good standing of the Christian Church in which Mr. Zimmerly officiates as Deacon. The Zimmerly homestead comprises 190 acres of land, 140 acres of which are under a good state of cultivation. Our subject, in 1875. put up a two story brick residence, at, a COSt Of $2,000, which 774 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. with its surroundings approaches very nearly the ideal rural home. Mr. Zimmerly since becoming a voting citizen has given his support to the principles of the Democratic party, is quite active in politics, and is frequently sent as a delegate to the various conventions. He has served as Road Commissioner three years, Supervisor two years, School Director nine years and School Trustee four years, and is still holding the latter position. Socially he belongs to Grand View Lodge No. 614 I. O. O. F. Jy| AJOR ELVIS P. SHAW is one of the very oldest living residents of Paris, and since 1822 has resided on the property where he now lives. His father came to this county in that year, and entered the quarter sec- tion, where his son is now living, before the county was organized. Smith Shaw, the father, was born on the line between North and South Carolina, in Guildford County, of the former State, January 20, 1784, and when a young man went to Charles- ton and engaged in clerking for his older brother. On Feb. 12, 1805, he married Miss Elizabeth McMinn. in Wilson County, Tenn., where he was visiting at the time. He lived there until the spring of 180C, when, with his father, William, he went to Christian County, Ky. The family after- ward removed to .St. Charles County, Mo., but the Indian troubles drove him from that country back to Kentucky, where they stayed a short time, removing again, this time, to Indiana. There they raised one crop, when they removed to Craw- ford County, 111., where Elvis P. was born, March 4, 181C. The father removed to Edgar County in the fall of 1822, locating the quarter section on which the home of the subject of this sketch now stands. At that time there were no houses on what is now called the city of Paris. The Shaws built their cabin near a spring on a tract of land now near East Court street, and after a short time they moved on the hill where Elvis P. now resides, and there erected a frame house, on the site of which Mr Shaw erected his present residence, in 1855, which is still standing. The elder Shaw improved his land and engaged in agricultural pursuits on this ground until his death, which occurred April 13, 1838, having spent most of his time as a pioneer. In the early da3's he was obliged to go to Vin- cennes for his flour. His nearest grocery was at Palestine. The office of County Commissioner was held by him, he being the first to fill that posi- tion in Edgar County, and he was active in secur- ing the location of the town of Paris on its present plat. He was also a Justice of the Peace, and held many other local offices. The circuit riders of the early days always found a home with Smith Shaw, who was a strict Methodist, and the first sermon preached in this county was at his home. He was an active worker in the causeof his church. Eliza- beth McMinn was also horn in Guildford County, N. G, July 20, 178S, removing with her parents to Tennessee, where she married Mr. Shaw. She died Jan. 16, 1875. Of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Smith Shaw, the following record is given: The lion. James D. Shaw moved to Arkansas in 1839, where he en- gaged in farming. He served in both houses of the Legislature of that Stale; Martha Ann married Amos Williams, and lived in Danville until her death ; Charlotte F. married the Rev. A. L. Rislev, a Methodist minister. She diedatLebanon.il!.; Julia H. married I. 11. Alexander, who died, and her second husband was Dr. Fithian. Her death occurred in 1849; William N. lived a long time in Iowa. He traveled all over California and Oregon, finally dying in Bates County, Mo, in 1870; our subject, Elvis P; Harvey S. is a Methodist minis- ter, and is now living in McPhersou, Kan., with his son; Mary J. is the widow of James B. Crawford, who spent an active business life in Paris. She is now with her son in Kansas City, Mo.; Cornelia J. married Samuel T. Newland. and removed to Cali- fornia in 1850. She is now matron of the conval- escent Ladies' Ward of the Insane Asylum at Stockton. Cal.; Jurretta died in 1822; Albert F. died March 31, 1885; Elizabeth Amanda is the widow of Dr. Smith, and is now living in Paris; Daniel M. died in LS47 ; Alfred M. died in 1 S32 ; ( »r- lando C. was a victim of the late Rebellion, having PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 77o been killed in West Virginia, in L861, while in tbe army. He was the youngest of the fifteen children. Elvis P. Shaw received a practical education in the common schools, after which he worked on a farm until he was seventeen years old. He then engaged in the dry goods and grocery trade, hav- ing previously been in the business as a clerk at Danville, Milwaukee and in Iowa. He continued in that line from 1844 until 1853, and from that time until his retirement in 1 872 was carrying on a livery, grocery and other business. He was obliged to give up work on account of his health iu the last year mentioned, and has since done but little. He has held different official positions in the county, always filling them with fidelity and intelligence. In 1861, he was commissioned as Major in the 10th Illinois Cavalry, commanding the 1st Battalion. He made a good record in the Western Department. Mr. Shaw married Mrs. Emily (Smith) nee Street, Jan. 13, 1853. They are the parents of one child, Charles E., who is now in business in Paris, and lives in the same house with his father. He married Miss Lillie J. Shepherd. They have five children all living. The wife of the subject of this sketch was born in Shelby County, Ky., March 4, 1823. She married Mr. Shaw at Grand View, 111. She is a member of the Methodist Church, and Mr. Shaw politically is a stanch Republican, but in the days of the Whig party acted with that party. He is a member of the Masonic Order. NDREW MERKLE. The Merkle family deserves honorable mention in noting the prominent people of Edgar County. They are possessed of more than ordinary intel- ligence, are industrious, thrifty and well-to-do and have contributed largely to the moral, social and financial interests of this section. The subject of this sketch is one of the most worthy representa- tives of the name, a man who has made for himself a good position among his fellow-citizens and an i 1 ant home in the shape of a well-cultivated farm i,i 3 10 acres, finely located on section 14, in Em- barras Township. The dwelling with its pleasant surroundings is one of the chief objects of attrac- tion, while the barn, outbuildings, live-stock, fruit and shade trees and the improved machinery for the cultivation of the soil are fully indicative of the character of the proprietor. A native of Ross Counts', Ohio, our subject was born March 16, 1848, and is the son of Charles Merkle, who was born in Germany and who came to the United States when a young man. The lat- ter subsequently married Miss Eve Slager, a native of his own country, and afterward occupied him- self in farming pursuits. We find him established in Embarras Township in 1853, where he operated successfully as a tiller of the soil, building up a good homestead upon which he spent the remain- der of his life. After a residence of thirty-two years in Edgar County he departed hence in Feb- ruary, 1885. The mother is still living. Of the seven children born to them five are living, viz.: Andrew, our subject, Charles, Henry, Douglas and Mary F. The deceased are Louisa and Jacob. Andrew Merkle, like his brothers and sisters, acquired his education under the disadvantages of life in a new country, but was taught those habits of industry and frugality which have brought him success. He chose farming for his occupation, at which he began his apprenticeship when a mere boy. He remained with his parents until a young man of nearly twenty-three years, and was then married in February, 1871, to Miss Maggie Slager. They commenced life together in a manner corres- ponding to their circumstances and established themselves at their present homestead in March, 1871. There have born to them three children — Charles, Eve and Minnie, who are at home with their parents. In connection with general agri- culture Mr. Merkle makes a specialty of stock- raising, in which industry he has been very success- ful. He votes with the Democratic party, but has always declined the honors and responsibilities of office. Eighty acres of his land lie in Shiloh Township. The residence is a fine, two-story brick structure, the main part occupying an area of 36x16 feet. There have been built to it two addi- tions, also of brick, one story in height, and there is a dry, light cellar llxli feet walled with brick, 770 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. and which furnishes a tine receptacle for the ample stores of fruit and vegetables which are placed within it in the fall for winter use. North, and across the road is a commodious barn 40x40 feet in dimensions with 12-foot posts, with an 8-foot shed on the east side and a 12-foot shed on the west, thus providing ample shelter for stock. There is one tenement house in Embarras Town- ship and another in Shiloh. The farm is conducted with that thoroughness and skill which never fails to yield handsome returns, and Mr. Merkle with his family enjoys all the comforts and main' of the luxuries of life. ~w\. —*4£j2ri- sippi took up his abode in Randolph County, Mo., where his life ended. He was married in his na- tive State and there a part of his family of six chil- dren were born. The others were born in Kentucky . and of these Elizabeth was the eldest. Gooden Lycan, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was a native of Wilkes County, N. C. lie was a black- smith by trade and removed to Virginia, where it is believed he spent the remainder of his life. The subject of this notice was a boy of eleven years when he came to Edgar County, 111., with his parents. He attended school in a hewn log house with the floor and seats made of plank, the latter upheld by rude wooden legs. The structure was heated by a large fireplace at each end, and the chimney was built outside of brick. The teachers of those days were not expected to have a classical education, and enforced their rules largely by the use of the birch rod. Thus amid the pioneer scenes of life on the frontier our subject developed into manhood, and when ready to establish a home of his own was married, in Symmes Township, Edgar County, to Miss Lydia Ogden. Mrs. Lycan was born in Morgan County, Ky., and is the daughter of Jesse and Nancy (O'llair) ( >gden. Her father was a native of Virginia and removed to Kentucky with his parents, Stephen and Lydia (CumptOll) Ogden when a young man. They lived there until about 1834, then the father and children (the mother having died in Kentucky) emigrated to Edgar County. III., settling ou sec- tion 36 in Symmes Township, where the grand- father, together with the parents of our subject spent their last days. Grandfather Michael O'llair was a native of Ireland, and upon emigrating to America located in Morgan County, Ky., and died there. Mr. Lycan located upon his present farm in 1831. lie was at one time the owner of about 1,000 acres of land but has divided the greater portion of this among his children, having now the homestead of 240 acres. Upon this he has erected a tasteful and commodious farm house, a substantial barn and the other buildings necessary for his convenience and the successful prosecution of agriculture. The first orchard which he planted has long since given way to a younger growth of trees and the farm has been continuously undergoing the process of improve- ment, so that it is now a very valuable piece of property. Mr. Lycan when a young man was a First Lieutenant in a company of militia, and still has in his possession the commission then given him. He served as Supervisor when Paris and Symmes Townships were one. When they were divided he was ousted by the Democratic element. He gives his support to the Republican party, but his extensive farming interests have led him to meddle but very little with public affairs. The twelve children born to our subject and his estimable wife are recorded as follows: Of John M., a sketch will appear elsewhere in this work; James N. is living with his father; Harvey N. is living in Buck Township; Nancy A. is the wife T. M. Slemons, and they live in Paris; Emily is the wife of Rilen Barnett, and they live in Piatt County, this State; Sally, Mrs. W". C. Slemons, lives in Paris; William Riley lives in Symmes Township; Mary E. is the wife of Luther Tate and lives near Grand View; Lydia B.. the twin sister of Mary, is the wife of Jacob Perisho, living near Grand View; Jere- miah V. is married and lives on the home farm with his parents; he is the owner of 295 acres of land comprising a part of the original farm estab- lished by his honored father. His wife was form- 778 PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. erly Miss Ella O'Hair, daughter of Julin W. O'Hair, of Symnies Township, and they have two sons — Chester N. and Asa B. Miss Laura Lycan became the wife of S. H. Preston, of Symmes Township; Olivia R. became the wife of W. W. Perisho, like- wise a farmer of Symmes Township. 'OHN M. LYCAN. Among the well-to-do native-born citizens of Edgar County may be properly mentioned the subject of this biography — one of the younger residents of Paris Township — located at a well-regulated farm on section 5. He was born in Symmes Township, Sept. 1, 1843, where he developed into manhood, attended the district school, and made himself use- ful around his father's homestead until ready to commence operations on his own account. He distinctly remembers the time when the farm which he now occupies (and which is one of the best in the township) was an open prairie where he herded cattle and frequently from morning till sunset saw scarcely a traveler going on his lonely journey across the country. Times have wonder- fully changed since then, and the boy born on the frontier grew up with the country and has become one of its most praiseworthy citizens. The father of our subject was Jeremiah V. Lycan, who came to Edgar County with his parents when a boy of twelve years, about 1831. He as- sisted his father in opening up the new farm from the wild prairie and after his marriage settled on it. To the elder Lycan and li is excellent wife there was born a family of twelve children, who present the remarkable spectacle of a group still unbroken by death — parents and children being all living and the former still occupying the same homestead where they settled when beginning their wedded life together. Jeremiah Lycan, Sr., the paternal grandfather of our subject, was a native of one of the Carolinas, whence he removed first to Virginia and then to Kentucky. Later he came to Illinois and entered a tract of land, from which he built up a farm where he and his good wife, Elizabeth (James) Lycan, spent their last days, and upon which in a quiet and secluded spot their remains were laid to rest side by side. On the mother's side of the house the grandparents were Jesse and Nancy 'O'Hair) Ogden, both natives of Kentucky. They emigrated to Edgar County, 111., when their daughter. Lydia, the mother of our subject, was a mere child, but she still remembers many incidents of the journey, which was made overland by team. They located on a tract of Government land in Symmes Township and Grandfather Ogden became one of the leading landholders of this section. Botli he and his wife spent their last days upon the old farm, where they settled first and where they were buried. Probably the most important and interesting event in the early life of our subject was his mar- riage, which occurred Oct. 18, 187G, the bride be- ing Miss Nancy Perisho, a lady of Symmes Township and the daughter of Hervey and Elizabeth (Ogden) Perisho. The parents of Mrs. Lycan came to Edgar County when children with their respective parents. The family originated in Frame, where the paternal grandfather, Joseph Perisho, was born. He was kidnapped by a fisher- man when three years old and brought to North Carolina. Later he removed to Virginia and was msrried to Barbara Zink, a native of Germany. Thence he removed with his family to Washington County, Ind., where their son, Hervey, the father of Mrs. Lycan. was born in 1815, before Indiana had been transformed from a territory into a state. IIerve3' Perisho upon coming to Edgar County, III., settled in Grand Mew Township, where his children were reared. Later he removed to Symmes Township, where he now lives and where the mother died in June, 1888. at the age of sixty- eight years. There were then seven children sur- viving, two of whom are since deceased. To our sub- ject and his wife there have been born four children, only two of whom are living: Lydia I. and Laura E. Jeremiah V. died when two years old. and one child died unnamed in infancy. Mr. Lycan is the owner of eighty acres of land, comprising his homestead, while he operates eight}' acres adjoin- ing belonging to his father. Besides carrying on general agriculture, he is interested in draft PORTRAIT AND BIO .KAI'IMCAI. ALBUM. 77!i horses and is part owner of one very fine equine of English and Belgian stuck, an animal of great beauty and symmetry and weighing about 1,800 His. During thc> progress of the late Civil War Mr. Lycan enlisted as a Union soldier in Company E, 66th Illinois Infantry. Western Sharp-shooters, and served until July, 1865, going through the Atlanta campaign. Later he marched from Pu- laski, Tenn.. to Washington, being under lire almost constantly for about four months. He escaped, however, without a wound and was pres- ent in the grand review at the capital city. As an ox-soldier he is identified with the religious beliefs coincide with those of the Christian Church, of which he is a leading member. ENJAMIN O. CURTIS, horticulturist and crop reporter, is proprietor of oneof the |j finest and oldest nurseries in the State. He served an apprenticeship at this business in his boyhood, and it seems one to which he is es- pecially adapted, judging from the success which has clowned his efforts. This nursery was estab- lished by his father, Joseph Curtis, seventy years ago, being the first industry of the kind in the State, and enjoys a patronage extending far be- yond its limits. In addition to his skill in his chosen calling, Mr. Curtis is one of the most popular men of Edgar Township, and his domestic affairs are presided over by a lady in every way lilted for her position as bis wife. Both occupy a high social position, ami entertain in their hospitable home the most cultivated people of their community. The home- stead comprises 168 acres of land, lying on sections 3, 12 and 1 I. and Mr. Curtis has forty-eighl acres in Hunter Township. He has spent his entire lite in Edgar County, having been born in Stratton rownship March lib 1824, and was reared on the pioneer farm during the early settlement of the country, when wild game was plentiful, and re- members seiing from sevi ntem to twenty deer in a herd. In his youth he frequently joined in the wolf hunts, which the neighbors instituted at stated pe- riods in their efforts to exterminate this dangerous and mischievous animal. Mr. Curtis, under the instruction of his honored father, commenced grafting trees when a boy. His school advantages were limited, he attending a few weeks during the winter season, pursuing his studies in a log cabin, but was mostly educated at home by the fireside, although at times attending a night school. He remained with the family until twenty-two years old, but prior to this time had been mostly in charge of his father's nursery. He now started a nursery of his own in Paris Township, which be operated ten years in partner- ship with his brother. David S. Later he was the owner of about 3,000 acres, entered upon a Mexi- can land warrant. In 1848 he entered from the Government his present place of 168 acres. While occupied with his nursery near Paris. Mr. Curtis proceeded with the improvement of his land. In 1856 he removed to bis present home- stead, where he had already established his nursery. He had at time about 1,200 acres, which he leased to other parties. He labored industriously, eat I \ and late, in the improvement of his land and erect- ing the needed buildings, besides looking after his nursery business and gathering in new varieties of fruit and shrubbery. In this line he excels, and is credited with having the largest variety of choice fruit and ornamental trees of any -man in the county, and it might be truthfully said, of all of them taken together. Twenty acres are devoted to an apple orchard, while he has five acres in pears, three acres in general nursery stock and eight acres in young walnut trees. He pays special attention to the cultivation of strawberries, and by his study of the different plants has been en- abled to originate not only new kinds of these, but of most of the other fruits. Mr. Curtis avails himself of the leading periodi- cals pertaining to this industry, keeping himself well informed and gleaning useful knowledge from the experience of others. In connection with his nursery, be carried on general farming until within the last six years, but during this time has given his principal attention to the nursery. He has each 782 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. year a fine exhibit of fruit at the county fairs, and is in the habit of carrying off the blue ribbons. Not only does he stand first at these, but at the State fairs. He has disposed of portions of his land from time to time, until he has now only the homestead, the land of which has been brought to a high state of cultivation and is valuable. The 3d of September, 1850. witnessed the mar- riage of our subject, at Paris, with Miss Jennie \V. Stout, who was born at that place Feb. 5, 1828. Adiiel Stout, the father of Mrs. Curtis, was born in Kentucky, March 25, 1800, and was taken to Ohio in early childhood, where he was reared to man's estate. The paternal grandfather, .John N. Stout, was a messenger boy in the American army during the Revolutionary War. After his removal to Ohio, where lie settled in Adams Count}', he fol- lowed carpentering, and there spent his last days. His son Adriel, the father of Mrs. Curtis, was a potter by trade, which he followed in Ohio until 1822. Then, coming to Illinois, he located near Paris, in Edgar County, and entered 160 acres of land, from which he improved a farm, where he re- sided until his death. He was one of the leading members of the Presbyterian Church, being instru- mental in its organization, and in which he offici- ated as Elder for thirty-three years, and signalized himself as a remarkably earnest worker in the Sun- day-school. Mrs. Eliza (Means) Stout, the mother of Mrs. Curtis, was born in South Carolina, and is the daughter of William Means, who, upon leaving the South, settled first in Ohio. In 1822 he came to Illinois, and spent his last days in Edgar County. He likewise served in the Rt volutionary Mar. Mrs. Stout was a member of the Presbyterian Church. She became the mother of eight children, six of whom grew to mature years. Nancy, Mrs. McCord, was a resident of Paris, and is now deceased; John is farming in Paris Township; Hattieand James are deceased ; Mary, Mrs. Athon, resides in Edgar Town- ship; James, the youngest, born about December, 1842, during the first year of the Civil War en- listed in Company E. 12th Illinois Infantry, and was killed at the battle of Shiloh in April. 1862. Mrs. Curtis was born Feb. 5, 1828. and received a good education, attending the High School at Paris, and completed her studies in the academy. Subsequently she engaged in teaching for a period of six years. Of her union with our subject was born one child only — Mary E.. who died in 1882. in the bloom of womanhood. Mr. Curtis, politically, gives his undivided sup- port to the principles of the Republican party, which he frequently serves as a delegate to the county conventions. He has been School Director several years, and also Road Supervisor, and is a member in good standing of the Methodist Epis- copal Church. Mrs. Curtis belongs to the Pres- byterian Church, at Paris. The horticultural in- terests of this region have received a great im- petus from the efforts of Mr. Curtis for their advancement. His whole heart is in the work, and he makes of it an art and a science. He was appointed Crop Reporter in the year 1879, and sends the results of his observations both to Springfield and Washington, and gives reports of the special conventions held in different parts of the country. Rev. Joseph Curtis, Jr., father of our subject, was born in New Jersey, and was the son of Joseph Curtis, Sr.. wiio was of Welsh extraction and sup- posed to be a descendant of one of six brothers who emigrated to America during the Colonial times. He was a farmer in New Jersev in the early day, whence he removed to the vicinity of Manchester, Adams Co., Ohio, after having served in the Revolutionary War, in which he was a special despatch carrier for Gen. Washington. When eighty-five years old he came to Illinois to live with his grandson, our subject, and died at the age of eighty-eight, firm in the faith of the Quaker belief, in which he had been reared. The father of our subject was quite young when taken by his parents to Ohio, and he lived there until 1818. In the meantime he was married, but not content with the progress he was making fi- nancially, determined to seek the Farther West. The family set out on a keel-boat to Terre Haute. I nd., taking with them 300 bushels of dried fruit, which they sold at $3 per bushel. Mr. Curtis in 1819 located in what was then Wayne, but is now Stratton Township, entering a tract of Govern- ment land — 320 acres — and paying therefor $1.25 ■ PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. r83 per acre. He was the sixth man to locate In Edgar County. He carried on the improvement of his land and established the first nursery in Illinois. The labors connected with this were more con- genial to his tastes, and he continued in the busi- ness most of the time during the balance of his life, and made sales all over the country. Politically, the father of our subject, upon be- coming a voting citizen, identified himself with the old Whig party. He was an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, with which he united in boyhood and officiated as Class Leader and local preacher. He also traveled one year preaching. He organized the first class meeting in the county, and labored earnestly upon the be- half of souls. He passed away at the age of sixty- six years. His wife, who in her girlhood was Hannah Shelby, was born in Pennsylvania, and was the daughter of David Shelby, also a native of that State. The latter was of English descent, and served in the Revolutionary War. Later he re- moved to Pickaway County, Ohio, where he spent his last days. Miss Hannah received a good edu- cation and taught school several years before her marriage. She died in Stratton Township, III., in the ninety-fifth year of her age. The parental family consisted of six children, the eldest of whom, Joseph, died when a year old; David S. is a resident of Hunter Township; Harvey W. makes his home in Topeka, Kan.; Benjamin O., our sub- ject, was the fourth child; Isaac H. is a resident of Edgar Township; and George is deceased. David Shelby was a captain in the 79th Illinois In- fantry during the late Civil War, enlisting in 180 1, and serving until he resigned his commission. OHN N. COOPER, late of Shiloh Township, was a striking illustration of the results of perseverance and energy, lie came to Ed- jT/ 1 gar County, III., in 1861. and began opera- tions on ten acres of land, preferring to have a small spot which he could call his own and clear of debt than to assume the responsibility of a large area unpaid for. It was mostly covered with tim- •5s ber, and there was much labor involved in clear- ing it and preparing the soil for cultivation. He made good progress, however, was prospered in his labors, and added to his possessions by degrees until he had a farm of 100 acres under cultivation and improved with good buildings. He departed this life at the homestead which he had thus built up, April 1, 1889. Mr. Cooper was one of the oldest residents of this county and a man respected by all who knew him. He did a large amount of pioneer labor and performed his lull quota in redeeming this portion of the county from a state of nature. A man of irreproachable character, he possessed high moral sentiments and had been a member of the Metho- dist Episcopal Church since a youth of sixteen years. He was diligent in Christian work, offici- ating as Superintendent of the Sunday-school and laboring for the Master as opportunity occurred. He was an ardent Republican politically and prom- inent in local affairs, serving as School Director and Road Commissioner and otherwise identifying himself with the best interests of his community. He was a warm admirer of the principles of the Masonic fraternity, and belonged to Bloomfield Lodge at Chrisman. He was also a member of the Masonic Protective Association of Edgar County. The marriage of John N. Cooper with Mrs. Margaret (Fleming) Allen occurred May 1. 1856, in Parke County, Ind. This lady is the daughter of Robert and Annie (Wasson) Fleming, the father a native of County Down. Ireland, and the mother a native of Pennsylvania. Mr. Fleming was a weaver by trade, which he followed in Ireland until emigrating to America, at the age of about twenty-one years. Afterward, locating near Pitts- burg, Pa., he first engaged in farming there, then removed to Wayne County, Ohio, where he spent his last days. He had been reared a Presbyterian and in the principles of this faith passed away. Grandfather Robert Wasson was likewise a native of Ireland, where he grew to man's estate and was married. He was likewise a Presbyterian in relig- ion, and after coming to America occupied himself as a farmer in Pennsylvania until his death. The mother of Mrs. Cooper, after the death of her hus- band came to Illinois and died in Bond County 784 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. about 1879. The parental family consisted of six children, viz.; James and Andrew twins, deceased; William, deceased; Russell and Mary A., residents of Bond County, 111., and Margaret, Mrs. Cooper, who is the youngest of the family. James during the late Civil War enlisted in an Indiana regiment, was captured by the rebels at Chattanooga and taken to Libby Prison. While confined there he became so feeble from the want of proper food, that after being exchanged he died before he could reach his home. Mrs. Cooper was born near Dayton, Ohio, Jan. 5, 1834, and in 1839 was taken by her mother to Indiana by way of the Wabash River. They set- tled among the pioneers of Parke County, at a time when the Indians were often to be seen and wild game was plentiful. She received very good school advantages for those days, and being natu- rally bright and observant grew up an attractive young lady. She remained with her mother until her first marriage, with Allison Allen, which took place in Vermillion County, Ind., June 20, 1851. Mr. Allen was a native of that county, and his father had served in the Black Hawk War. Mr. Allen was a well educated man. and after leaving his father's farm engaged as a clerk at Clinton. Ind., until his marriage. Later he assisted at the operation of a sawmill near Hillsdale, and died in 1854. After his decease his widow returned to her mother and remained there until her marriage with Mr. Cooper. John Cooper, the father of Thomas, emigrated from Ohio to Vigo County, Ind., where he was one of its earliest pioneers. He was successful as a farmer and accumulated a good property. In 18(51 he came to Edgar County, 111., where he spent his last days. Mrs. Cooper, since the death of her husband, has successfully managed the farm, which is located in Mulberry Grove, about five miles from the markets, and of which Mrs. Cooper is the oldest remaining settler. She is a lady of more than ordinary ability, and lias kept up the home- stead in its old-time style, operating successfully in grain and stock — cattle, sheep and swine. She keeps about ten head of horses and seventy-five head of sheep. The buildings are all that could be desired on a homestead, while the farming oper- ations are prosecuted with the latest improved machinery. To Mr. and Mrs. Cooper there were born six children, the eldest of whom, a daughter, Linnie, married James Gunning, a farmer of Shiloh Town- ship; Minerva is the wife of Perry Conrey, of Shi- loh Township; Benjamin was one of the first three men to settle in Greeley County, Kan., where he has 320 acres of land and is well-to-do. Edwin owns 160 acres of land in Greeley County, Kan., and has town property in Horace. James and Hat- tie remain at home with their mother. Of Mrs. Cooper's first marriage there were bom two chil- dren: Robert resides in Clinton. Ind., and Mary A., wife of Charles Smith, live in Rogers, Benton Co., Ark. Mrs. Cooper became a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church when a young girl of fourteen years and has since continued with it. She assisted materially in the building of the church edifice at Shiloh. She is a lady who keeps herself well informed upon current events and be- lieves in the prohibition party. Her children have grown up around her, bright, intelligent and well educated, and are proving themselves useful and praiseworthy members of society. — -' l * 3 ' j[ ' t ' 2 " ~ — Ol'GLAS MERKLE. The old Merkle homestead, which was established in pio- neer da3 - s on section 5 in Embarras Town- ship, has become one of its most familiar landmarks. Upon it lives the subject of this sketch, and where he first opened his eyes to the light Sept. 6, 1861. Next to the honor of bein^' a pioneer is that of being the son of one, and one who has taken upon himself the duty of perpetu- ating in a worthy manner the homestead built up by his sire. Mr. Merkle takes pride in his farming operations, and aims to excel. In addition to general agriculture, he makes a specialty of stock- raising, an industry which lias laid the foundation for much wealth in Central Illinois. Charles Merkle, the father of our subject and a native of Germany, was among those who first ventured to Embarras Township after it was «-« & PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 7*7 opened for settlement. He secured a tract of land from the Government, and, with the thrift and prudence characteristic of his nationality, labored, economized and waited for results. He took unto himself for his wife Miss Eve Stager, likewise a native of the Fatherland. They lived and labored many years together, and the father passed away at the homestead which witnessed so many years of labor and hardship, but which at the last pro- vided them with all the comforts of life. The mother is still living. Our subject pursued his first studies in the dis- trict school, taking kindly to his books and mak- ing good progress. In due time he was prepared to enter Westtield College, where he completed his studies, and then, returning to the old roof tree, remained there until a little over twenty-six years of age. He was then married, Sept. 29, 1887, to Miss Kttie, daughter of Thomas Ferguson, of Em- bnrras Township. This union has resulted in the birth of one child, a daughter, Etoille. Mr. Merkle is the owner of 214 acres of land. and is largely interested in graded Short-horn cattle, Berkshire swine and English draft horses, lie has a one-third interest in the especially fine animal "Old Times." which was imported from England at the age of six years, and weighs 1,820 pounds. He also has a thorough-bred Kentucky pacer, "Pert," weighing 1,200 pounds. He lets a portion of his land to other parties, and the bal- ance is largely in pasture. Politically, Mr. Merkle supports the Democratic party, but, aside from casting his ballot at general elections, has very little to do with public affairs. He never seeks office, declining to spoil a first-class farmer for the sake of official honors. Although not connected with any religious organization, he believes in the establishment and maintenance of churches, and gives liberally toward the support of the Gospel. -*~£XSrber- lin. Ohio, and makes a specialty of music. The wife of our subject also taught school prior to her marriage. The farm of our subject is finely located eight miles from Paris, and forms a most delightful rural home. The dwelling is neat and commodious, and the barn admirably adapted to the shelter of stock, and the Storage of grain. Mr. Curtis has modern farm machinery, including hay-scales and a windmill. together with tanks from which water is made con- venient for home and stock use. The whole prem- ises gives ample evidence of being under the man- agement of a thorough and skillful agriculturist. Mr. Curtis, politically, is a decided Republican, and has been of great service to his party in this section, going as a delegate to the County Conven- tions, and otherwise contributing of his time and means to further the principles in which he believes, one of winch is. protection to American industries. He has served as a Director in his school distrtct for a number of ye: rs, and lias given his uniform encouragement to all enterprises set on foot for the good of the community. His estimable wife is a member in good standing of the Methodist Epis- copal ( hurch. (» I.. JACKSON M. SHEETS is the editor and proprietor of the Paris Republican, which {' was established Jan. I, 1877, by Joseph M. Prior, as a weekly publication, and was conducted by him for lifteen months. On April 1, L878, Col. Sheets purchased the plant, and has since guided it on to prosperity. In 1880 he com- menced the publication of a daily edition which has been a success from the start. Jackson M. Sheets was born near Baldwinsville, Edgar Co.. 111.. Oct, 6, IS II. He lived on a farm until 1858 when he engaged at work on the Wa- bash Valley Blade, which was printed at Paris. He continued in this occupation until the beginning of the war, when he enlisted in Company I of the 21st Illinois Infantry. He was mustered in as cor- poral, and served as such until his discharge, which he received by reason of wounds contracted while in the line of duty. The following is his war rec- ord condensed, which will be found interesting. Col. Sheets was engaged in the operations in the West, and part of Missouri, in following Jeff Thompson, who was mounted while our soldiers consisted of infantry. His command went from there to Arkansas and was then called back to Shi- loh, from there it went to Cap. Girardeau. The regiment was at the siege of Coiinth. The 21st Regiment was originally commanded by 2 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. cation and came to Edgar County to visit an aunt in 1865. She remained with her and engaged in teaching until her marriage. Her union with our subject has resulted in the birth of seven children, live of whom are living, viz: Frank H., Chester A., Josephine M., Mabel A., and Maude A.; they are at home with their parents. -Mr. Moss, politi- cally, it is hardly necessary to say. is a sound Re- publican. He belongs to the G. A. R. post,' ami has officiated as a School Director in his District for many years. His example of thrift and in- dustry is worthy of emulation and has been the means of placing him in an enviable position among his fellow citizens, both socially and finan- ically. lie has been the uniform encourager of those enterprises calculated to benefit the people and is in all respects a leading citizen, amply worthy of representation in a work designed to per- petuate the records of those who have been most active in promoting the interests of Edgar County. 1 / EEFER LAUFMAN. Among the men who '^Twv x have achieved financial success and like- i \ wise been prominent in social and official \§) circles, the subject of this biography. Clerk of the County Court, is entitled to more than a passing notice. He spends the greater por- tion of his time at a well-improved farm of 240 acres on section 18 in Sims Township, and which farm has been the scene of his labors for many years and until the time when, finding himself on a solid basis financially, he had time to turn his attention in another direction. For six years prior to 1886 he represented his township in the County Board of Supervisors, and was then elected Clerk of the County Court, which position he still holds, and is acquitting himself with great credit and satisfaction to his fellow-citizens. A native of Franklin County. Pa., our subject was born June 21. 1824, and when a lad of eight years removed with his parents to William sport, Md. Two years later, however, they returned to Franklin County, l'a.. and thence removed to Wayne County, Ohio. From there, in 1838, they emigrated to Illinois, locating in Edgar County when our subject was about fifteen years old. Since that time he has been closely identified with its most important interests, and has watched its growth and development with the satisfaction only felt bj- its most intelligent and efficient men. The Laufman family incoming to Edgar County, 111., located in the heavy timber along its Southern line so that the father could obtain tan bark, he being a tanner by trade. In due time he estab- lished a tan yard, and in this Keefer was employed nntil 1816. and after the outbreak of the Mexican War. He then entered the army as a volunteer in Company II, 4th Illinois Infantry, under com- mand of Col. E. D. Baker, who later served as a General during the Rebellion. Young Laufman was promoted to Sergeant, and saved out of $8 per month enough money to enter forty acres of land on a soldier's land warrant. This land he still owns and occupies. At the close of the war, our subject resumed work with his father at tanning and farming, and the\ thus operated together several years. In the meantime the father entered eighty acres of land, from which he constructed a good farm, which af- forded him a comfortable home in his last days. Jacob Laufman was born in Carlisle, Pa., where he lived until approaching manhood, and then en- tered the army during the War of 1812, volun- teering in the defence of the city of Baltimore. When his services were no longer required he re- turned to his native State, and was married to Miss Margaret, daughter of Gideon and Susannah Keefer. The paternal grandfather of our subject was Philip Laufman. a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1767, and a soldier in the Revolutionary War. He was but a lad of fifteen years when entering the army, and was under the direct command of Gen. Wash- ington, being present at the surrender of Corn- wallis. His wife, Mary E. Pence, was born in 1772, and was a native of Pennsylvania. Grandfather Laufman after the independence ol the colonists had been established returned to his native Slate and was married. He became the father of eight children, of whom Jacob was the second born. He followed the peaceful pursuits of agriculture and, with his estimable wife, spent PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 793 li is last days upon the soil of the Keystone state. Both were members of the Lutheran Church, in which Grandfather L. was one of the chief pillars. 1 le was always interested in worthy public enter- prises, and was for many years a Steward of the County Infirmary. The maternal great-grand- fatherof our subject was Christian Keefer, a native of Pennsylvania, born in 178."), where lie spent his entire life. The subject of this sketch was married in Sims Township. Nov. 9, 1849, to Miss Harriet .Shively, who was horn in Muskingum County. Ohio, and is the daughter of William anil Tolly (Brown) Shively. The latter were natives of Virginia, whence they removed to Ohio during its early set- tlement. They left the Buckeye State in is I.",. and, coming to Edgar County, 111., here spent their last days. To Mr and Mrs. Laufman there have been born nine children. The eldest. Ro- seltha. is the wife of Garrett Snedeker, and they live at Redmon, this county; Orlando was married and died. Leaving his widow, formerly Sarah .1. Morton, with six children; Edward married Miss Nancy Welch, and is the father of three children; Mary, Mrs. Charles McFarland. lives in Terre Haute. and is the mother of four children ; Jacob mar- ried Miss Katie Lewis. and they have two children; Margaret, Mrs. Goodman Forsythe, is the mother of three children ; William is at home; Harriet is the wife of Nelson Campbell, and the mother of one child; Cyrus is the youngest of the family, and is at home. During his career as a soldier in the war with Mexico, Mr. Laufman participated in the bom- bardment of Vera Cruz, and was also in the battle of Cerro Gordo, and for his great courage and daring promoted to Second Sergeant. lie is a stanch Democrat, politically, and socially, belongs to Elbridge Lodge No. 579, A. V. A: A. M., with which lie has been connected many years. The ample property which he possesses has been accu- mulated by his own industry and perseverance. He started out in life at, the fool of the ladder and, without other resources than that which kindly nature had given him, in the possession of a willingness to perform any honorable labor which would enable him to get a comfortable liv- ing ami something besides. He has always put his own shoulder to Hie wheel and adhered closely to the advice of Benjamin Franklin, attending as much as possible to his own concerns, not trusting to others thai which he should look after himself. This has been the secret of many a man's success, and has proven a mole reliable capital than an abun- dance of money without it. ^ILLIAM II. HILDRETH. The family of which the subject- of this notice is a most '^V worthy offshoot, came to Edgar County about L832, when William II. was a child of three years, having made the journey from Bourbon County. Ivy., by team, where our subject was born in 1829. His parents. Alvin K. and Sally < Hitter) llildreth, were respectively of English and German descent. They likewise were born in Kentucky, where the father was reared to farming pursuits, and grew up inured to labor and trained in habits of industry and economy. He possessed all the hardihood and courage of the native Kentuckian, and was well fitted to enter upon the task before him, when venturing' into the wilds of a new coun- try. The father of our subject was born in Kentucky, 1802, landed in Vermilion County, 111., with about $400, and at the time of his death, left a large es- tate consisting of over 2,600 acres of choice land, nearly all in one body, and the most of it under cultivation. Besides this he had a large amount of personal property. In his prosperity he gener- ously acknowledged that in his accumulations he was assisted largely by his faithful, sensible and capable wife, who was a lady of more than ordi- nary intelligence, and in whose good judgment and womanly counsel he had the most implicit confi- dence. In the days of their prosperity they uni- formly remembered those less fortunate, and for the last twenty years of their active lives, they prac- tically kept an open house for the needy, none of whom were ever turned empty from their door. Alvin K. llildreth. while not a member of any religious organization, contributed liberally of his 794 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. means for the establishment and maintenance of churches. He believed in a future state, and in all his dealings endeavored to follow the precepts of the Golden Rule, doing unto his neighbor as he would be done by. He departed this life July 19, 1874, and was followed by the faithful, affectionate and devoted wife and mother; she was born in Bourbon County. Ky., in 1810, and died July 15, 187G. Their names will be long held in grateful remembrance in the community of which they were such valued members, and where they reared their family to take their places as -useful and worthy citizens. The subject of this sketch was given the rudi- ments of a common-school education in the district where he was reared, and was at an early age taught to make himself useful about the new farm. The father was largely interested in stock-raising, mak- ing a specialty of cattle and mules, and handling considerable numbers of horses, sheep, and swine. William at an early age was entrusted with the pur- chase of live-stock, to which business he seemed peculiarly adapted, and operated with excellent judgment. He remained at home and worked with his father until a man of thirty-seven years, and at that time had a good property of his own. Up to this period he had remained a bachelor, but in 1869 he was united in marriage with Miss Mary E. Horn, daughter of Dr. A. and Harriet (Linton) Horn, the former of whom is a well-known veterinary surgeon of Edgar County, and a very able man in other re- spects. The children of William II. and Mary E. Hildreth, are as follows: John, Alvin K., Henry C, Alice. Minnie M., and Larina; James H. and Will- iam are deceased. Mrs. Hildreth is a very indus- trious and economical woman, and has extraordi- nary good business proclivities, hence, is good coun- sel and a helpmate for him in carrying on his business successfully. Mr. and Mrs. Hildreth began their wedded life together on the large farm which they now occupy and which comprises 70(1 acres of fertile land under a thorough state of cultivation, and all in one body. . It is entirely surrounded with a hedge fence, and the fields are divided with the same, making a broad and beautiful picture in the landscape. Mr. Hil- dreth has laid probably (3,000 rods of tiling, and thus thoroughly drained, the soil is very produc- tive. Forests and fruit trees serve to embellish the homestead, and a new residence is now (July, 1889) in course of completion. This structure, when finished, will be one of the finest of its kind in the township. There is a fine barn and all the other buildings necessary for the shelter of stock and the storage of grain, while the most modern ma- chinery Is used in tilling the soil. For the past few years Mr. Hildreth has engaged extensively as a dealer in live-stock, wdiich has yielded him handsome returns. The land which he received from his father's estate, was mostly in its primitive condition, and he has made all the im- provements which are upon it. Mr. Hildreth is re- ^ ligiouslya firm believer in the Spiritualistic philo- sophy, and has one of the largest libraries in the county. He is thoroughly well informed on most of the great issues of the day, and has never sought or held office, except some of the minor offices of his township. He is a Democrat. He is recog- nized as one of the most public-spirited men of the county, and was largely instrumental in securing the passage of the Chicago & Ohio River Railroad through this section. There was at the time a bit- ter contest over this road, but the persistence of Mr. Hildreth, resulted in its being built through its present location, instead of three miles west. He gave $1,000 in money, and the right of way, be- sides weeks of hard labor. Notwithstanding a man may have been subjected to the most careful and thorough training in his youth, this is given in vain unless he has within him the elements of industry and perseverance. Mr. Hildreth has displayed these qualities in an un- usual degree, and it has been noticeable all through his life since reaching years of discretion, that what- ever he has undertaken, has been followed up as long as there was a possibility of his attaining his purpose. It is said that "all things come to those who wait." Mr. Hildreth has not been content to wait alone, but has labored industriously in the meantime, and has perpetuated in a most praise- worthy manner the honorable name of his father, and his own will be held in remembrance years af- ter his active mind and hand shall have ceased their labors, it is to such men as lie that the great State RESIDENCE OF W. K .H A R RIS, SEC. 1 1., PARIS TR, EDGAR CO R ESIDENCE OF D.A.COFFMAN, SEC.4. GRANDVIEWTR, EDGAR CO. RES. OF JAMES FO RSTER, S EC. £5. E LB R I DGE TP, EDGAR CO. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 797 of Illinois is indebted for her wealth and prosper- ity, and the achievements which have given her no secondary position as a commonwealth of the Great West. It is gratifying to be able to preserve the life history of such an individual — one which will be perused with interest by not only his immediate descendants, but by all those who have any interest in the prosperity of Illinois. \E&, R. CHARLES W. MARTI NIP:. The lit- tle village of Palermo, or Hickory Grove, as it is more familiarly called, is the oldest village in Young America Township. It lies one mile south of the Vermilion County line, and three miles east of Douglas County, west of the center of the township. Besides a store or two. it has had from the outset of its career that familiar personage known as the "village doctor." Before 1870, several persons authorized to write "M. D." after their names, had located in this village, ling- ered a year or two, and then removed to other fields. In the above mentioned year, however, a new candidate for the favor and friendship, and patronage of the people of Palermo and vicinity, made his appearance in the person of a young man, who introduced himself as Charles W. Martinie. He came unheralded by any reputation achieved in the art of healing. His only credentials were a fine appearance, a frank, open countenance, and a general makeup, physically and mentally, indica- tive of earnestness, energy, and a fixed determina- tion to succeed where others had failed and fallen by the wayside. He seems to have pinned his faith to the' old adage, that success is sure to come to him who has learned to "labor and to wait." He la- bored hard, patiently, steadily, and perseveringly amid many discouragements, and much that was disheartening, but he succeeded, and now after nineteen years, he not only has a lucrative and pay- ing practice, but is a large land owner and a promi- nent and influential member of the community in which he lives. He is essentially a self-made man, and a successful and skillful physician. The following sketch of his career will show how he has won his way by his own efforts. Charles W. Martinie was born in Henry County, Ky., Nov. 7, 1847. His parents, David and Mary Martinie, were natives of Kentucky, and were of German ex- traction. At the outset of his career his father fol- lowed farming. In 1850, however, he embarked in mercantile business in Port Royal, Ky., in which he continued until 1863. After engaging again in farming, he went into the grocery business. Ho is now at the age of sixty-three, enjoying well-earned rest. His residence is in Arlington, Ky., where he lives in comfort on the revenues derived from his lands. The mother of our subject died when he was about ten years of age. His boyhood was spent on the farm, and he early became acquainted with hard but healthful work, which tended to finally develop a robust form, and fit it for sustaining a vigorous, active mind. Dr. Martinie's parents had five children born unto them, he being the eldest. The second born, Alice I., married J. W. Churchill. She died in Au- gust, 1886, near Prairie View, Champaign Co., III., leaving three children. Her husband was a farmer. John, the next born, died in infancy; O. S., the fourth child, resides near Fithian, III.; Ethelliert E. died March 15, 1887; he grew to manhood, studied medicine and graduated from Miami Medi- cal College, Cincinnati, Ohio, and practiced three years in Vermilion County, this State. He died at Prairie View, Champaign Co., 111. Hewasayoung man of fine education, and gave promise of an hon- orable and successful career as a physician. The subject of this sketch, after passing his boy- hood on a farm, and getting such an education as a few months each year at the common schools af- forded, became possessed of a desire to drink still deeper at the fountain of knowledge; and accord- ingly at the age of seventeen commenced a course of study in the Battle Ground College near LaFay- ette, Ind. He remained here three years, when at the age of twenty years he entered the office of his uncle. Dr. C. E. Triplett in Morocco, Ind., where for another three years he diligently applied himself to the study of medicine. This course of reading under his uncle's supervision, was followed by an attendance during the winter of 1869-70, 798 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. upon a course of lectures at Rush Medical College, Chicago. With this preparation for his life's work, he came to Palermo, and on June 20, 1870, began the practice of medicine, among the people who are now liis friends, neighbors, and patrons. He came among them empty handed, but not empty headed, and they soon found him deserving of their confi- dence both as a man and as a physician. In the fall of 1873, having accumulated a little means, and being desirous of still further qualify- ing himself for the successful pursuit of his pro- fession, he went to Cincinnati and became a student in the Miami Medical College, from which lie grad- uated in the spring of 1874. After his graduation he returned to Palermo, and resumed his practice. On July 2, 1871, Dr. Martinie married Miss Mary M. Marshall, daughter of Samuel and Chris- tian Marshall. Mrs. Martinie was born in Wash- ington County, Pa.. Nov. 5, 1.SJ7. and is two days older than her husband. Her parents were natives of Pennsylvania, and of Scotch-Irish extraction. They had two children beside herself — George, who died in boyhood, and Abner J., who is now in Col- orado. He is unmarried. Mr. Martinie's father died when he was an infant. His mother survived him until ten years ago, when she too departed this life at the age of sixty-one years. Two children have been born to Dr. and Mrs. Martinie — Nellie May, who died in 1873, at the age of eleven months, and Charles A-. who is now eleven years old. Dr. Martinie has never sought or held any public ofiice. Though a Democrat, he takes no active part in politics beyond voting, preferring to devote all his energies to his profession. He belongs to but one secret order, the I. O. O. F. lodge, anil is, a member of Palermo Lodge No. 6 10. He and Mrs. Martinie are consistent members of the Cumber- land Presbyterian Church. Our subject is a man of line personal appearance. He is about six feet tall, his form being well pro- portioned to his height. His well poised head, erect figure, firm yet elastic step betoken health, vigor, buoyant spirits and manly dignity. His hair is dark, beard of a slightly reddish color, his eyes blue, and his complexion of a clear healthful hue. He has the appearance of being in the very prime and vigor of his strength, and of possessing a con- stitution equal to the demands of the arduous duties and exposures incident to his profession. Dr. Mar- tinie lias not only been a student of medicine dur- ing bis years of practice, but he has also kept him- self abreast of all the current thought of the times. His private library is well selected, and contains the latest works of the world's best thinkers. As the result of industry, application, prudent economy and business foresight and judgment. Dr. Martinie is to-day in well-to-do circumstances. Be- sides his pleasant and attractive home in Palermo, lie owns 640 acres of rich and well-cultivated land in one body in sections 26 and 35 Sidell Township. Vermilion Co.. HI. As has been already set forth, his practice is large and lucrative, and he gives it the same clear and conscientious attention that he did in the days before fortune began to favor him with her smiles. The people who have known him for the past nineteen years, have not only confidence in his professional skill, but have accorded him a high place in their esteem because of his sterling in- tegrity as a man and a citizen. OllN B. GALWAY was bom Oct. 31, 1826, in East Bethlehem Township, Washington Co., I'a. His father, James Galway was a ■(Cg)/' native of Chester County. Pa., and was born in the year 17H7. His grandfather, Robert Gal- way, emigrated to America from the County Mon- agban, Ireland, in 1775. the year of the breaking- out of the Revolutionary War. He landed at Phila- delphia, and having no love for British tyranny, soon joined the patriotic forces. He served in Max- well's brigade, participating in a number of battles and skirmishes, among which may be mentioned Brandy wine. Cliadd's Ford and Paoli. At the lat- ter place be received a bayonet wound in the side, from which he never fully recovered. After the close of the war he visited Ireland and married his second cousin, Elizabeth Galway, with whom lie re- turned to America, and settled in Eastern Penn- sylvania. He died in the early part of the present century, at about sixty years of age. His wife sur- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 799 vived him twenty years, and died about the year 1835. at Mt. Pleasant, Ohio. She with her husband were members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Robert Oalway was a farmer. James Galway whom we have before mentioned, was bom and reared on a farm, lie was educated in the subscription schools, among the Quakers of Chester County. He was a close student and a great teacher during Ids time. .lames left Chester County when about twenty-five years old, and went to Ohio, where he remained a year or so. when he returned to Pennsylvania and began farming in Washington County. In December, L825 he mar- ried Miss Margaret II. Beatty, daughter of James and Margaret Beatty. Mr. Beatty was born hear Shepherdsburg,and his wife in Washington County, Pa. He was of English ancestry, and she of Scotch- Irish. There were born to the parents of our subject, six children: John B., William B.. Robert P., Da- vid II., Joseph. James II.. and Margaret. William B. lives just east of the one of whom we write. A sketch of William is given elsewhere in this work; Robert P. died in 1861, leaving a widow and one child; David II.. in answer to his country's call, enlisted as a private in Company D. 25th Illinois Infantry. He was promoted to Sergeant-Major of his regiment, and would, doubtless, have won his wax to higher honors, had he not died very sud- denly of rheumatism of the heart in December. 1862; James H. died when a boy, and Margaret when two years old; Joseph is a bachelor and lives with our subject. John 15. Galway married Miss Elizabeth Mitch- ell, daughter of John and Christy Anna Mitchell, ( let. 30, 1851. Mrs. Galway was born in Wash- ington County. Pa.. Sept. 1. 1828. Her father was a native of New Jersey, and of Irish ancestry. Her mother was a native of the same county as her daughter, and came of German ancestry. Three years after the marriage of our subject and wife, they removed to Illinois and settled in Carroll Township, Vermilion County. A year after this Mr. (ialway removed to this county and rented the place now occupied by H. Kendall in Young Amer- ica Township. In 1861, having by industry, fru- gality and economy, accumulated some means, he purchased eighty acres of land in section 13, range 13, Young America Township. To this modest be- ginning be has made additions Ity purchase, until bis present estate nbers .MM) acres of well-culti- vated and exceedingly fertile land. It is Sufficiently high to be well drained, and is one of the most pic- turesque locations found in the county. Though repeatedly solicited to run for office, Mr. (ialway would not consent to accept any but such as connected him with township affairs in which lie had a personal interest. He was the first Town Supervisor in 1857, and served six years. He served as Township Treasurer thirteen years, and was Justice of the Peace three years. He is the oldest Republican in Edgar County; was one before the party was formed. When he lived along the National road, which runs through Terre Haute, lie used to see gangs of negroes being driven to Missouri to be sold to the slave owners of thatState. The sight of these unfortunates — some wdiite to all appearances — firmly fixed him in his anti-slavery principles, and made him a Republican before there was a Republican party in Illinois. He has been an active member of his party, and has frequently served on the County Committee. He is a mem- ber of Burns Lodge No. 292, Knights of Honor, in which he holds the office of Vice-Dictator. He is a member and Elder in the Christian Church. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Galway. The oldest. Roxana is the wifa of John (). Kizer, a livery man of Metcalf; they have one child. James II.. who farms part of the homestead, married Daisey Kizer, cousin to Roxana's husband ; they have four children; Josephine and the fourth child are deceased, the latter dying in infancy. re c. ¥ WILLIAM BLACKBURN, one of the oldest native citizens of this county and a retired farmer and stock-raiser in good circum- stances, has his home on the outskirts of the city and is passing his declining years amid the com- forts which a lifetime of industry and economy have insured for his old age. He was born about, five miles east of Paris in Stralton Township. Oct. 800 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 15, 1823, and is the son of James M. and Cassan- dra (Widner) Blackburn, the former of whom was born near what is now Cynthiana, Ky., in 1797 and removed to Indiana with his parents when quite young; Mrs. Blackburn was born on the Wabash, near Vincennes, Ind., in 1799. William Blackburn, Sr., the paternal grandfather of our subject, was a farmer by occupation and a pioneer settler of Sullivan County, Ind., where he met his death accidentally at a barn-raising. 1 1 is wife, Elizabeth McClenahan, lived to a very old age, dying at the home of her son, James M., in her ninety-second year. She was an interesting and estimable old lady, one who had lived in this county for many years and is spoken of with great respect by her descendants. To her and her hus- band there was born a numerous family of whom only one son, Alexander Blackburn is living and a resident of Macomb, this State. James M. Blackburn, the father of our subject, was the eldest child of his parents and he lived in Indiana until he was twenty- three years old, where he was married. In 1820, he came to Illinois with his young wife, settling on the place where he spent the remainder of his days, dying in Stratton Township, Sept. 21, 1883, in his eighty-seventh year. He was always a farmer and stock-raiser and a man of very positive and decided views. His opportunities for education were limited in his youth, but by reading and observation he became an unusually well-informed man. From the teach- ings of his pious mother he imbibed religious ten- dencies and he was a church member for over fifty years. He was one of the organizers of the Pres- byterian church at Paris. During the Black Hawk War he raised two companies of volunteers, which were joined to others and he was elected colonel of the regiment taking the field under Gen. M. J. Alexander. This regiment took part in the battle of Prairie du Chien, where Blackhawk was cap- tured and the war ended. Mrs. Cassandra Blackburn was one of the first if not the very first white child born on the Wabash. Her father, John Widner, was a pioneer of Knox County, Ind., settling within twenty miles of the present site of Vincennes, where there was a fort which afforded partial protection from the Indians. He was of Irish descent, while his wife traced her ancestry to Wales. He lived to be quite an aged man and both parents died in Knox County, Ind., the mother in August 1833, fifty j'ears prior to the decease of her husband. The latter was subse- quently married to Mrs. Rachael (Shelby) Webster, one of the Shelby family numerous in Ohio. To the parents of our subject there were born six children: Mary Ann became the wife of Thomas Patrick, now of Mattoon, 111., and died at her father's house in this county a year after marriage; William, our subject was the second born; John is practicing law in Salt Lake City, Utah; Alexan- der is farming on a part of the old homestead ; Elizabeth became the wife of Thomas Martin, a merchant of Newton, 111., where she died; Cassan- dra, the youngest is the wife of W. O. Wilson, Supervisor of Stratton Township, and lives at the old Blackburn homestead. By the second marriage there was one child, David S., now a farmer at Buena Ventura, Cal. The subject of this sketch was reared at the place of his birth in Stratton Township, where he lived until his marriage at the age of twenty-five, working for his father on the farm and buying and selling cattle for him. His common school educa- tion was supplemented by a short course at Vena- ble's Academy in Paris and his early life was like that of the early settlers in this part of the county, lie remembers the time when there was not a corn- field a mile west of Paris, the country being open prairie, and in the other direction toward his home, there were little or no improvements and not a hab- itation in all the six miles. The first person to settle upon this waste was a man who built a mill on Sugar Creek to which young Blackburn often rode a horse with a sack of corn, bringing home a sack of meal, and keeping one at the mill so as not to be obliged to wait for his grist. In those days there were herds of deer on the prairies; wild turkeys were plentiful, and wolves were too numer- ous to be agreeable, greatly annoying farmers for whose poultry and young pigs or lambs they had a special liking. The difference between that time and the present is shown by an incident which happened during the childhood days of our subject. His father had PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 801 discovered a bee tree standing near what is now the center of Paris. William and his brother Alexander, now living in Macomb, took their axis with several buckets and cutting down the tree filled the buckets with honey, then they shot a deer and returned home, being of course well loaded down. Shortly afterward the family enjoyed a richer feast than is often set before the present residents of Paris. Upon the occasion of the first death of the neighborhood, father Blackburn rode eight miles on horse back to order a coffin and re- turned in the same manner, bringing it with him. The land was cultivated by plows with wooden mold boards and an iron share. The hay was turned with wooden forks and all the other farm implements were of a like primitive character. The present generation can scarcely realize how their fathers farmed in those days, but the hardships and trials they endured and overcame made possible the ease and prosperity enjoyed to-day by their descendants. After his marriage our subject settled on a farm near (irand View, this county, where he lived nearly twenty-two years, then removed to his present home. Here he erected a commodious brick residence on a lot of forty-five acres, but he owns 320 acres a mile west and cultivates a part of the old homestead, which is now the property of his brother, Alexander M., who is not in very good health. He handles about 100 head of cattle annually, together witli horses and swine. His first wife, to whom he was married, Nov. 8, 1848, was Miss Rebecca Tate, a native of Virginia ami who died at the homestead near Grandview, Feb. 19, 185G. Her parents, John and Nancy (Moffat) Tate, came to this county from Virginia and set- tled near Grand View, where both died. By this union there were three children, namely: James M., who died in 1851, when a year and three months old; Nancy M., the widow of John Gano, who was a fanner near Grand View; she is now living with her father; and John Tate theyoungest who died in infancy shortly after the death of his mother. Mr. Blackburn, Oct. 14, 185(i, was the second time wedded to Miss Louisa Downard, who was born in Newport, Ky., in 1832. Her parents were Thomas and Margaret Logan Downard, the mother being of the same family as the celebrated Gen. John A. Logan. The seven children born to this union are all living: Cassandra is the wife of Ed- ward Guthrie, a resident of Paris; Milton A. is farming in Edgar Township; William T. lives with his parents; Margaret L. is at home; James M. is married and lives on a farm given him by his father, a mile from the homestead; John W. and Nellie remain under the parental roof. Mr. Blackburn was Supervisor of the township, while living in Grand View and has twice held the same office in Paris Township. Since twenty years of age he has been a member of the Presbyterian Church, in which, while at Grand View, he was an Elder for many years. Soon after removing to Paris he was elected an Elder in the church at that place, which office he has since held. Not only is Mr. Blackburn one of the oldest native born citi- zens of Edgar County, but the testimony of his neighbors is, that he is rightly classed as one of its most esteemed inhabitants. ENRY H. FOUTS. There is probably no more hospitable home within the limits of Edgar Township, than that occupied by the subject of this notice and his interesting He is a man who, although, like most others has met with his reverses, yet has been en- abled to extract much solid comfort from life and is disposed to make the best of circumstances. His farm, 131 acres in extent, occupies a part of sec- tions 20, 21 and 28, the dwelling being on the first mentioned. The land is naturally fertile and under careful management yields a comfortable living to our subject and his family. The Fouts family is of German descent and it is believed was first represented in America bj' the great-grandfather of our subject, who settled in Maryland and became the father of a family among whom was Andrew who upon reaching manhood became owner of a plantation and slaves in North Carolina. He served as a soldier of the Revolu- tionary War and spent his last days in his native 802 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. State. In the meantime he was married and be- came the father of a family, among his sons be- ing David, the father of our subject, who was born in Guilford County, N. ('.. and upon reaching man's estate, cleared a farm from the timber. He likewise converted this in a plantation, principally devoted to tobacco. He left North Carolina, how- ever, and emigrating to Indiana settled among'the earliest pioneers of Washington County. By entry and purchase he became the owner of 1,200 acres of land and was prosperous. He served as a Justice of the Peace during the greater part of his resi- dence there and was a prominent member of the Baptist Church. Politically, he was a Jackson Democrat of the strongest type, He died in 185(3. Mrs. Martha (Parr) Fonts, the mother of our subject, was a native of Guilford, N. C and was the daughter of .Indue Arthur Parr who was horn in Virginia and when a boy removed with his parents to North Carolina. Later he served under Gen. Washington in the Revolutionary War and participated in the battle of Princeton, where he was wounded three times — in the breast, right thigh and left knee — carrying the two last balls to his grave. He also suffered from frozen toes. After the war was ended he returned to his native State where he became owner of a plantation which he operated until 1803. Then leaving the South he made his way to Washington County, Ind., overland by teams, constructed a home from the wilderness and became a prosperous and highly respected citizen. He served as Judge and Asses- sor a number of terms and there spent his last days. The mother of our subject died in Indiana at the early age of thirty -six years and the father was subsequently married the second time. Of the first union there were born six children, viz.: Washington, Enoch and Solomon deceased; Henry H., our subject; Malinda. deceased, and Martha. Of the second marriage there were burn seven children — Melissa, a resident of Washington County, Ind.; Rachel, deceased; Mary, of Washing- ton County; David, a resident of Kansas; Merrill of Pawnee County, Neb.; Benton and John, the two latter deceased. David during the Civil War enlisted, in 1861. in the 35th Missouri Infantry and served as a Captain until the close of the war. Merrill served in an Indian regiment nearly from the beginning until the close. Benton was a mem- ber of the s;nae regiment, served until the close and died soon after reaching home. John, who served in the army with his brothers, died at St. Louis, Mo. The subject of this sketch was born near Salem. Washington Co., Ind., April I, 1814. He attended school a few months in the winter season until a lad of fourteen years, then commenced running on the Louisville canal as -grog boss." Three months of this life satisfied him ami returning to terra firma he engaged in a wholesale coffee house at Louisville, Ky., where he remained two years. Af- terward he ran a storeboat one year for another party and at the age of eighteen years commenced Hat- boating down the river to New Orleans. Inl832 he commenced running a snag boat in the Ohio River one year, making thirteen trips on the flat boats. Finally Mr. Fonts determined to change his oc- cupation, and going to Carroll County, Ind., in I 835, entered 160 acres of land. He cleared a part of this and operated it until in September, 1836, when he sold out and changed the scene of his operations to Delphi. There he engaged as a car- penter, following this business three years. In the fall of 1839 he started out for Vermillion County. Ind.. overland by team, crossing the Wabash at Cov- ington. He located in Clinton, Vermilion County, and for a few years worked on a farm. In IS in hi' repaired to Feeder Dam on the Fel River and took the contract for building a dam and three miles of a canal which occupied him three years. In the meantime he had associated himself with a partner who ran away with the money and consequently Mr. Fouls returned to Clinton barren of resources. We next find our subject on the other side of the Mississippi in Lawrence County. Mo., where he commenced trading with the Indians and where he sojourned four years. He then came up into Ver- million County. Ind., where he farmed until 1858 and that year changed his resilience again to Young America Township, Edgar Co. 111. Here he rented land and began dealing in live-stock, feed- ing and shipping at which he continued very suc- cessfully until 1871. That year he purchased fifty - six acres of land in Edgar Township and which PORTRAIT AND B10< 3 EtA I'll ICAL ALBUM. 803 was then in its wild state. He commenced its im- provement and cultivation and added to it until it assumed the proportions of his present farm. He labored industriously many years, bringing the whole to a state of Cultivation, building fences. setting out groves and an orchard and in the mean- time carried on his live-stock operations. He put up a house and ham and instituted two fish ponds, one of which is stocked with gold lish and another with German carp. Our subject was Brat married in Washington County, End., Sept. 17. 1835, to Miss Lueinda Menaugb who was a native of that county -and died in 1838, leaving one child. The latter, a daugh- ter. .Martha, is now the wife of II. M. Roush, who is a prosperous fanner owning 320 acres of land in Cass County, Mo. To the present wife of our sub- ject, formerly Miss Elizabeth I). Boswell, our sub- ject was married at Clinton, Ind., Feb. 27, IS to. This lady is the daughter of < l arret Boswell, a native of Stokes County, 111. Her paternal grandfather. William Boswell. was a Virginian by birth and a na- tive of Albemarle Count)' where he became owner of a plantation and slaves. He was also a practical mil- ler and took an active part in the whiskey insurrec- tion which has become a matter of history. In IK2f), leaving the South, he emigrated to Washington County. Ind., but only remained there two years, lie then removed to Vermillion County, that State where he entered a large tract of land upon which he farmed until 18:34. Then crossing the Mississippi he located on a large farm in Lawrence County, Mo., where he operated .successfully as a stockman and spent his last days. He was a Whig, politically, and traced his ancestry to England. The father of our subject was reared and married in Stokes County. N. C. whence he emigrated to Vermillion County. Ind., in 1827. lie entered land and engaged in farming until 1 843, then re- moved to Lawrence County, Mo., and from there later to Audrain County where he spent his last days. lie was a peaceable ami law-abiding citizen and a niem- in food standing of the Baptist Church. His wife. Mrs. Martha (Dowling) Boswell. was born in Vir- ginia and was the grand-daughter of Thomas Dowling, a native of Ireland. The latter emigrated to America when a boy and located in Virginia where he learned tailoring, finally operated as a merchant tailor and there spenl the remainder of his life. The mother of our subject died in 1876 in Audrain County. Mo., at the age of seventy - seven years. The parental family consisted of ten children, viz : Albert, a resident of Iowa; William of Missouri; Thomas, deceased; David, in Washing- ton; Benjamin in Oregon: F.veline, deceased ; Eliz- abeth. Mrs. Fonts; Margaret ami Mary deceased; and Martha, a resident of Missouri. Thomas dur- ing the Rebellion was pressed into the Confederate army and was never heard from afterward. It is believed he was shot for refusing to light against the Hag of 1 is country. Mrs. Fouls was 'horn in Stokes County, N. C, Jan. 1"). 1822, and was three years old when her parents removed to Indiana. She learned to card and spin cotton and was also taught all the other housewifely duties by her excellent mother. Of her union with our subject there have been born fifteen children, the eldest of whom, a daughter, Mary, died when nine months old. Albert B. is farming in Audrain County, Mo.; David W. is a resident of Chrisman; John H. operates the home farm ; Sarah J. became the wife of W. W. Hurst and is deceased; Melissa A. is the wife of Samuel Julian and resides in Bloomfield, III.; James T. en- listed in the Union army in the spring of 18G5 in an Illinois regiment and died in New Orleans, while on his way home after the close of the war; Joseph G. remaines at home with his parents- Margaret is the wife of Silas Welsh of Washington County. Kan.; Mariah married George Sours and re-ides in Neosha County, Kan.; Harriet E. is the wife of A. Hawkins of Edgar Township; Nancy is the wife of C. Stanfield of Edgar; George W. is de- ceased; Andrew J. is farming in Edgar Town- ship; Emma A. is the wife of John Wright, a farmer of Edgar Township. Mr. and Mrs. Fonts rejoice in the possession of thirty-six grandchildren am' five great-grandchildren. They contemplate the celebration of their golden wedding in February, 1890. Mr. Fouls cast his first Presidential vote for Gen. Jackson and has since given his unwavering ad- hesion to the Democratic party. lie has labored :i- opportunity offered in the furtherance of his 804 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. political principles, frequently serving as a delegate to the various conventions. He has served on the grand and petit juries, was Justice of the Peace for several years, Commissioner of Highways three years, and has been a School Director for the long period of thirty years. Socially, he belongs to Bloomfield Lodge, No. 148, A. F. & A. M. at Chrisman, in which he has served as Deacon and is also a member of Edgar Chapter, No. 32. His estimable wife belongs to the Baptist Church of Chrisman. Nothing seems to suit them better than the entertainment of their many friends under their pleasant roof tree, while the stranger likewise receives cordial welcome and carries away with him pleasant remembrances of the Fouts family. ORACE R. PLUMB. Among the hardy W spirits who established themselves on the frontier in the early days, Mr. Plumb is de- serving of honorable mention. He selected a piece of land within the present limits of Shiloh Township prior to its organization and assisted in this important process. A man of sound common sense, steady habits and great industry and perse- verance he, from a small beginning, has accumu- lated a fine property. This includes a valuable farm of 200 acres, nicely located on sections 2, 3 and 4, where he has gathered around him all the comforts and conveniences of modern farm life. He is a man of decided views and great force of character, a Democrat, politically, and has been given important positions in connection with the local affairs, serving as Town Clerk and Assessor two terms, School Director six 3'ears, and is at pres- ent the Road Commissioner of his District and a member of the Democratic Central Committee. The subject of this sketch was born in Jackson- ville, Windham Co., Vt., Dec. 27, 1837, and spent his boyhood and youth in his native town, pursu- ing his first studies in the primary schools and later attending one term in the academy in Roe, Mass. In 1857, when a youth of sixteen years he started for the West, proceeding by rail to Chicago, and made his home with his maternal uncle at Elk Grove, Cook Count}-. He sojourned there on a farm until 1860, which year witnessed his advent into Edgar County. Here he located in Hunter Township, where he lived until 1868. That year he purchased eighty acres of his present farm in Shiloh Township, which was then apart of Young America Township, and of which our subject was one of the first settlers. A large portion of the country was unoccupied except by wild animals, and the settlers often banded together to hunt wolves. Deer were also plentiful, besides wild turkeys and other game, so that whatever else the pioneers lacked in the way of provisions they were never without good meat. Mr. Plumb proceeded with the improvement of his farm as rapidly as possible and was prospered in his labors. Afterward he purchased fort}- acres at a time until his farm assumes its present pro- portions. He has brought the whole to a good state of cultivation, built substantial fences and laid tiling wherever necessary for drainage. He has a substantial dwelling and a good barn, to- gether with other buildings, necessary for his comfort and convenience. He likewise set out for- est and fruit trees, and has of late years turned his attention to live stock, feeding one car-load of cattle per year and a goodly number of swine. In noting the parental history of our subject we tind that his father, Saxton Plumb, was a native of Stonington, Conn., and a son of James Plumb, who was also born there and during his younger years he followed the sea. He finally moved from his native place to Windham County, Vt., where he opened up a farm from the wilderness, became the owner of a large tract of land, and there spent his last days. The great-grandfather of our subject was Capt. Samuel Plumb, a native of Connecticut, who likewise was a seafaring man, which it is sup- posed he followed the greater part of his life. The first representatives of the Plumb family in Amer- ica came over from England in 1632, soon after the Pilgrim fathers, and settled near the Plymoth Rock. From them it is believed sprang all the families of this name in the United States. The great-grandfather owned his vessel and traded be- tween the West Indies and New England. /L^t^O U^r^^^^^^^) PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 807 The father of our subject was reared to man's estate in Vermont, where lie was engaged as a clothier and manufacturer at Jacksonville. He also owned and operated a gristmill there. Finally removing to Norlh Adams, Mass., he associated himself with a partner and they carried on the manufacture of cloth under the linn name of Handy & Plumb. Mr. Plumb finally removed back to Jacksonville, Vt., where he sojourned until 1854. That year he came to the West and sojourned with his children in Chicago two years. In 1856 he came to Edgar County and spent his last days with J. Y. McCulloch, in Hunter Township. He had been a prominent man in bis native place and named the village of Jacksonville, of which he officiated as Postmaster and put up its first building. In politics, he was a stanch Democrat. Mrs. Harriet (Roberts) Plumb, the mother of our subject, was born in Whitingham, Yt., and was the daughter of Hon. John Roberts, a native of Green- field, Mass., whence he removed to the Green Mountain State with his father early in life, and learned to write on birch bark by the light of the fire. Beyond this his educational advantages were very limited, but he was possessed of great energy and industry, and in addition to becoming a skillful and successful farmer, studied law in his liesure hours and qualified himself for an Attorney. He built up a successful practice, was elected to the office of Sheriff and finally became Judge of the County Court, in which position he served three terms in succession. Still climbing upward, he was elected to represent his County in the State Legis- lature ,]where he served six terms and about 1852 was made the nominee of the Democratic party for Governor. In religion he was a Universalist and spent his last days in the Green Mountain State. The maternal great-grandfather of our subject was Hon. James Roberts, native of Greenfield, Mass. and one of the pioneer settlers of Windham County, Vt., being one of three men who obtained a char- ter to enter the wilderness and clear a farm. He also became prominent in political affairs and rep- resented the County in the State Legislature. He assisted in laying out the town of Whitingham, and named it. He traced his ancestry to Wales. He gave his children a good education, which his granddaughter, the mother of our subject, also en- joyed. To the parents of our subject there were born four children, viz: Sarah a resident of Shiloh Township; Olive the wife of of J. V. McCulloch. a fanner of Hunter Township; John a chair manufac- turer of Baldwinsville, Mass.; and Horace R. of this sketch. •>.♦*.• GEORGE O. DJNSMORE, whose portrait — . appears in this Album, ranks among the prominent and influential men of Ross Township, where he is the owner of 320 acres of choice land, lying on sections 1!) and 20. He has effected modern improvements, and is by habit and disposition moral, frugal and indus- trious, a man taking a genuine interest in his home and his family, and one who has provided for the latter in the most generous and admirable manner. His labors as an agriculturist have been more than ordinarily successful and he has the prospect of an ample competence for his old age. Our subject is the offspring of an excellent fam- ily, being the son of Hon. J. T. G. Dinsmore, who was born in Windham, N. II., in 1800. The pa- ternal grandfather was a native of Scotland, from which he was driven in the time of Queen Anne, on account of the religious persecution, and fleeing to the North of Ireland, lived there until setting sail to America. He located in New Hampshire near the present site of Windham, and became the owner of a large farm upon which he resided until his death. The father of our subject was reared to agricul- tural pursuits and after his marriage purchased 200 acres of land near Derry, N. II., upon which he operated a number of years, then removing to the town and purchasing a gristmill, which he con- ducted successfully until his death. He was one of the most solid supporters of the Democratic- party and officiated as Justice of the Peace for a number of years. He served nine terms in the State Legislature and was at one time a Captain in in the New Hampshire militia. His religious principles accorded with the doctrines of the Meth- 808 PORTRAIT AND I4IO< i RAPIIICAL ALBUM. odLst Episcopal Church, in which he was a promi- nent member, officiating as Steward and forming one of its chief pillars. Mrs. Mehitable (Mellorn) Dinsmore, the mother of our subject, was likewise a native of the (Mil Granite State, born near the city of Salem and the daughter of Cadford Mellorn, who followed farm- ing and died in New Hampshire. The twelve children of the parental family were named respec- tively: James, deceased; Cadford M., a resident of Exter; George < >.. our subject; Silas A.; Susan K. and Ruth A. are deceased; Ira is a resident of Col- chester, Conn.; John T. G. Jr., of Manchester; Martha B. (Mrs. Morse); Kate M. a resident of Boston; Theodore of Parsons, Kan.; and Hattie living in Massachusetts. Rev. C. M.. during the late war officiated as chaplain and Theodore was a drummer. The subject of this notice was born in Windham, N. H.. July 7, 1828, and spent his childhood and youth among the hills of his native State, assisting his father on the farm and receiving a good edu- cation in the common school. lie completed his studies in the academy at Derry, at the age of eighteen years, and then remained on the farm until reaching his majority. Upon leaving home he repaired to Chicopee Falls, Mass., where he was employed in a manufactory for two years. Failing health compelled him to change his occupation and location, and in the fall of 1852 he started to the West making his way by rail and wagon to this county, and at Bloomfield was engaged as clerk for two years. The next three years were occupied at farming, and he then associated himself in partner- ship with an other man and commenced raising, grazing and feeding live stock, doing his own shipping, and this occupied his time until 1857, when he commenced renting land and in the spring of 1 860 purchased the farm which he now owns and occupies, paying for it $10 per acre. It was raw prairie, the most of which he broke with ox- teams, and gradually effected the improvements, which has made it one of the most desirable home- stead in the county, lie planted a goodly quantity of hedge and has given his attention to sheep rais- ing, usually shearing a large number each year. He has a goodly supply of modern machinery with a windmill, water tank, and an artesian well from which water is conveyed to whatever point needed. At one time he was the owner of 500 acres of land. In October, 1852. Mr. Dinsmore was married in his native State to Miss Annette F. Hazel ton, who was born near Chester, N. II., acquired a thorough education and occupied herself as a teacher. She became the mother of five childrenand died at the homestead in this county in 1800. Their eldest child. Abbie. is the wife of A. P. Morse, a farmer and miller of Chester, N. H., and is the mother of two children — Leroy and Mary A. Emory H. is operating a farm of eighty acres in Ross Township; he married Miss Sadie Tustison, and they have two children — Robert M., and Mary A. John T. G. married Miss Ida Kenton, operates forty acres of land in Ross Township, and is the father of two children — (ieorge O., Jr.. and Mark F. Bert is at- tending school at Greencastle, Ind.; Sadie remains at home and occupies herself as a music teacher. Mr. Dinsmore in 1870 contracted a second mar- riage with Miss Fanny Choat, who was born in Derry, N. II. He affiliates with the Republican party and is frequently sent as a delegate to the various conventions. He has served as School Trustee for the last eighteen years; Road Commis- sioner eighteen years, and Assessor one year. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M. fraternity at Christman. and in religious belief coincides with with the doctrines of the Methodist Episcopal Church, being associated with the society at Mt. ( (live, where he is a Trustee and Steward. '*&£&&&**' / ^p^EN. MILTON K. ALEXANDER, late of HI — Pan's ami now deceased, was one of the [( j—j Raris, and no Vi=JAi most eminent citizens and a resident there for a great many years. The Alexander family came from the north of Ireland and settled in North Carolina prior to the Revolution. In 1775 six of them signed the celebrated Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence. The father of Mil- ton K. was John B. Alexander, who was born in Charlotte, Mecklenburg Co., N, C, about the year PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 809 1705. lie lived there until a short time before his marriage, then removed to Elbert County, (in., and in that place was married to Miss Barbara King, who was born in Scotland. In ism the family removed to Williamson County. Middle Tenn.. where they were pioneers. In the above mentioned place Mr. Alexander built a log cabin and cleared a small farm, which he occupied until 1811, removing in that year to Lincoln County in the same State. Seven years were passed in that place, when in 1818, another move was determined upon, this time to Lawrence County, Ala., nine miles east of Monlton, the county seat. That was then an entirely new country, and land had jusl been offered for sale. The admission of Illinois as a State in 1818, drew many emi- grants to it, and in 1820 the Alexanders were found in the line of travel, coming to this part of Clark County (within whose limits Edgar County was then included) in November of that year. The ensuing winter was passed on the hanks of the Lit- tle Vermilion River, four miles west of George- town, where they had but, one neighbor, Henry Johnson, wdio had settled there two months before their arrival. John B. Alexander bought a quarter section of land the next spring, near the present site of Bald- winsville, and lived there until 1825. He then en- tered a large farm west of Georgetown, staying there until his numerous family were all grown, (with the exception of a few years passed in or near Paris.) and then he went to Danville, where his death took place in 1850, at the age of eighty-five years. Upon the division of Clark County in 1823, he was elected one of the first Commissioners, and as such assisted in forming the county into its original five townships. In this same year he was appointed the first postmaster, but soon resigned. Milton K.,who was engaged in mercantile and ag- ricultural pursuits in the new town of Paris, which had been made the count}- seat, was appointed in his stead. The elder Alexander was a man of prominence, and held various positions of honor and trust. His wife, Barbara, passed away in March. 1817, three years prior to his death, at the age of eighty-one. Gen. Milton K. Alexander was born in Elbert County, Ga., Jan. 2.'!. 1796, and was the fifth in a family of twelve children. Although but a boy at the time he took part in the war of 1812, enlisting in the Tennessee Mounted Volunteers. He was cho- sen First Lieutenant of his company, and until the taking of Pe.nsacola, Nov. 0, 181 1. was under the direct command of Gen. Jackson, who upon going to New Orleans with the main pari of his army, left Lieut. Alexander with that part of the com- mand detailed to chastise the rebellious Seminole Indians. In this campaign, in the everglades of Florida, he contracted a disease from the effects of which he never fully recovered. At the close of the war he returned to his father's home in Lincoln County, Tenn.. and was married Dec. 16, 1819. to Miss Mary Shields of Giles County. Tenn., and lived there until Nov. 1823, then re- moved to Illinois, which was three years after his father and family came. In 1823 Gen. Alexander located in Paris, and at once engaged in mercantile pursuits, in which he continued for many years. Upon the resignation of his father as postmaster, he assumed the position, which he held for a period of twenty-live years. In February, 1826, he was appointed clerk for the County Commissioners, and acted in that capacity until September, 1837. In 1826 he was also elected and commissioned Colonel of the l'Jlh Illinois Mil- itia by Gov. Coles, and in December, 1830, was appointed aid-de camp to Gov. Reynolds. In this capacity he accompanied the Governor to Rock Island in 1831, at the outbreak of the Indian troubles preceding the Black Hawk War. The ster- ling character and ability of Gen. Alexander led to his promotion in 1832 to the rank of Brigadier General, commanding the 2d Brigade of Illinois Volunteers. He served all through the Black Hawk War, and at its close returned to his home in Paris. While quietly attending to his business in Paris. Gen. Alexander was. without solicitation on his part, elected by the General Assembly a mem- ber of the Board of Commissioners of Public Works, an office of great trust and responsibility, charged, as the members were, with the disburse- ment of the $10,000,000 appropriated by the State for a general system of internal improvements. Upon the meeting of the Board, Gen. Alexander 810 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. w:is chosen its president, and retained the position until the whole system of internal improvements was abandoned by the State. In the cares and re- sponsibilities involved in the discbarge of the on- erous duties entrusted to him. Gen. Alexander ever displayed those qualities of keen judgment and practical ability which were his prominent charac- teristics through life. No jobs were allowed to lie smuggled through while he held the reins, and upon retiring from his arduous and often trying labors, he did so with a reputation unsullied by a single act which could be termed questionable. In fact, in the discharge of the many responsible du- ties imposed upon him during his long and useful life, no single act of his was ever performed from any other motive than a desire to honorably, faith- fully, and to the best of his ability fulfil] the wishes of the people who trusted him. In his private life Gen. Alexander was no less worthy. He was a faithful husband, a kind and devoted father, and he brought up his children in the same Christian principles in which he believed. In 1830 lie united with the Presbyterian Church in Paris, and of this remained a consistent member until his death, which took place July 7, 185G, at the age of sixty years. No citizen of Edgar County ever left behind him a brighter record or a more spotless character than did Gen. Alexander. His wife, Mary, died Jan. 1, 1866, aged nearly six- ty-five years. They were the parents of eight chil- dren, of whom three are deceased: J. Washington S. was a Union soldier, Colonel of the 21st Illinois Infantry (became Colonel after Gen. Grant's pro- motion) and was killed on the second day of the battle of Chickamauga, while leading his regiment at the very moment he received an order to re- treat. He left one child, a daughter, since deceas- ed. James C. Alexander had also served in the Union army, and died in March. 186:"), from dis- ease contracted therein. Gertrude was the wife of J. A. Ross, a merchant of Paris, and died there in the spring of 1871. Of the surviving children the record is as follows: Jane C. is the widow of Dr. John Tenbrook. a sketch of whom is given elsewhere in this volume; Angeline M., is the widow of Dr. U. G. McMillan, formerly a wholesale druggist of Cincinnati, and she now lives in Paris with her sis- ter, Mrs. Tenbrook; Mary E. is the widow of Fleming R. Payne, formerly a practicing physician at Marshall. 111.: Jacintha A. is the wife of Wil- lett H. Judson, now of Paris, but who for many years was a merchant of Vicksburg, Miss.; Lucy A. is the wife of R. Bruce Lam on, Judge Advo- cate in the Land Department at Washington, D. C. When Gen. Alexander first came to this county, in November, 1823. he went to live with his father on the North Arm of the Grand Prairie at Hald- winsville, .Edgar County, then Clark County, for the winter. The following spring, when the towii of Paris was laid out he removed there, where he spent the remainder of his life, his residence being mi the northeast corner of Central avenue and Washington street. His first residence was a log cabin, one end of which the family occupied as a dwelling, the other being devoted to the store and postottice. After returning from the Black Hawk War Gen. Alexander commenced the erection of the first brick residence built in Paris. It is the same residence now occupied by Mrs. Dr. Ten- brook, and the oldest house in the city, at the same time beginning the erection of his store building fin the southeast corner of the square on the west side of Main street. The store was destroyed by fire, but the resilience is still standing, and though the oldest house in Paris, so thorough was its con- st ruction that it is to-day one of the best structures in the city, and is in a state of complete repair. It is a commodious and comfortable dwelling and many are the important personages to whom its hospitality has been extended in bygone days. In politics Gen. Alexander was always a stanch Democrat. OIIN C. PALMER, abstracter of titles, and dealer in real-estate and loans, Paris, III., has been a resident of that city for the past eighteen years. He was born in Washing- ton County, Ohio, Jan. 7, 1837, his parents being James and Polly (Tuttle) Palmer. The father was a native of New Hampshire and the mother of Connecticut. The grandparents. Pemberton and Mary E. (Harris) Palmer, emigrated to Ohio in PORTRAIT AND ISIOO RAPIIICAL ALBUM. 811 1821 with their family, and were among tlie pio- neers of that part of the State called "the Ohio Pur- chase" of the Northwestern Territory. In that place Pemberton Palmer bought a farm on which he passed the remainder of his life. After his death his widow went to make her home with a son in Iowa, and there she died at the advanced age of eighty-six years. James Palmer learned the trade of a maker of tombstones and monuments, but later in life adopted the trade of a cabinet-maker, at which lie worked on his own account in Marietta, Ohio, until 1855, when he sold out and removed to Mt. Pleas- ant. Iowa, remaining there two years. His next field of labor was in Topeka, Kan., and that was his last homestead, as he preempted a farm near that city and spent his remaining days there. In 1878 he passed away, when he was nearly seventy- five years old. He had been a stirring, active man all his life, and took agreat deal of interest in pub- lic affairs. He was in matters political an Old- Line Whig, and at the disruption of that party adopted the principles of the Republican party, with whose platform he was in sympathy. He could never be prevailed upon to accept office for himself, though he would use his utmost exertions to secure positions of trust for his friends. He believed that every man has a right to his own opinions. He was a member of the I'niversalist Church, but sincere in his belief, and always lived np to what he believed to be right. He was an honest, upright man who acquired the respect of and esteem of all who knew him. He was an advo- cate of temperance and a member of the Sons of Temperance. James Palmer and his wife had nine children, of whom eight survive: Sarah M., who was the wife of H. \V. Seevers, died in Kansas; Mary E. is the widow of William A. Collins, who was Sergeant Major in an Ohio regiment during the Civil War, and died from the results of exposure in the army; She is now living in Arizona. Luther was a cab- inet-maker, and is now a resident of Topeka, Kan.; Alpheus. a retired farmer, lives in Topeka; John C, our subject, was the next by birth; Jane T., is the wife of R. A. Randlett, also of Topeka, a rail- road employee; Ernest L., is interested in mining in Colorado; Emily V., is the wife of D. W. Bout- well, a carpenter in Kansas, his home being in To- peka; Josephine L. is the wife of Mr. Stafford, also a railroad employe in Topeka. Alpheus was in Kansas during the time of the Border War in which he took an active part, in the ranks of the free- soilers, lighting under the well-known Gen. James II. Lane, but he was fortunate enough to keep out of personal trouble. John C. Palmer, our subject, was eighteen years of age when his parents removed to Iowa. He re- mained behind them a year longer, then came West to Iowa. The next year he accompanied them on their removal to Kansas. There he was living at the outbreak of the Rebellion, and in April, 1861, he enlisted in Company A.. 5th Kansas Cavalry in (Jen. James II. Lane's Brigane, serving during the whole war. On returning to the pursuits of peace Mr. Palmer bought a farm near Topeka. Kan i which he lived from 1865 until 1871, in which year he came to Paris. He had learned the trade of a cabinet- maker from his father, but on coming here he em- barked in the grocery business, the firm being Gor- don it Palmer, carrying on that business until 1882. In 1874 he also engagi d in the merchant-tailoring trade under the firm name of Palmer & Wieder. i This connection continued for two years, and when it was dissolved Mi-. Palmer continued the business alone until 1881. During that year he sold out and bought the business of the firm of F. R. Axson & Co., and the Edgar County Abstract Company. Since then he has been engaged in the abstracting of titles, and dealing in real-estate and loans. Upon reaching the age of twenty-seven Mr. Pal- mer was united in marriage with Miss M. M ( lordon, daughter of James anil May (Riley) Gordon, na- tives of Kentucky, and then residents of Paris, where they had settled at an early day. Their first home was in Bloom field, this county. The father died in Paris in October, 1884, having reached the ripe old age of eighty-four years. Mrs. Gordon lives in Paris, and is now in her eighty-third year. Mrs. Palmer was born in Bloomfield, this county, Avg. 21, 1835. and is one of a family of seven children, of whom five are living, two making their homes in Paris, J. M.. a chair manufacturer, and 8 1 2 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. until the close of the conflict. Although having enjoyed the proud distinction of battling for his country's life in her two earliest struggles for free- dom, he was jet a modest pleasant, intelligent man and an agreeable neighbor. ( »ur subject was one of a. family of four children, three of whom are yet living, the survivors being besides our subject, Edward and Amanda, now Mrs. Grace. After the decease of the father of our subject, his mother was again united in marriage, taking for her life partner Mr. William Ranney. This union resulted in three children — John and Thomas deceased; Sarah, now Mrs. Matkins; Thomas served all through the late war in the United States army under Col. Van Sellars and died in New Orleans just after the war closed and before coming home. When our subject was about six or seven years old, his parents removed from Kentucky to Frank- lin County, Ind., taking him with them, but he re- turned to Kentucky in a few years and made his home with his grandfather Weaver. In the autumn of 1833 he changed his location to AVarren County, Ind., and remained there about three years, coming to this county in the spring of 183G. The growing period of our subject was spent on a farm, where bis chances of obtaining an education were exceed- ingly circumscribed, being limited to such schooling as was afforded by the teachers of pioneer times dining the few months of the year that the log cabins called school-houses, were kept open. Not only were the terms short, the seats of split logs, the doors puncheon and the roof of clap boards, but the teachers themselves were drawn from a class, who were in general only a little better educated than their neighbors. Notwithstanding the imperfect schools, our sub- ject kept his eyes open and was a close observer of nature's operations and made diligent use of all the advantages coming in his way. He thus secured a practical education that has been of more use to him in the battle of life than a classical course in some of our best colleges has been to many another boy. Methods of agriculture were very primitive dur- ing the youth and manhood of our subject. He plowed with a wooden moldboard and reaped the O. B. engaged in the grocery business. A daugh- ter, E. F., is the wife of Luther B. Huston, of Tay- lor County, Iowa, and another daughter, E. F., is the widow of John A. Peck, and is living near To- peka, Kan. Mr. and Mrs. Palmer have had two children., both of whom have, however, been removed by death. Mary G. died at the age of five years, and Nellie M. when fifteen years of age. Mr. Palmer is a member of the City Council of Paris, also of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the Paris Lodge No. 208, A. F. & A. M.; to Edgar Chapter No. 32, R. A. M. ; to Young Council ,No. 9, and Palestine Coinmandery, No. 27, K. T. lie is also a member of Charity Lodge, No. 100, A. O.U. W., and of Driskcll Post, No. 209, G. A. R. A man of integrity of character, upright in his business deal- ings, and of good judgment, he commands the re- spect and esteem of his fellow-citizens. « IMLLIAMG. CULBERTSON, a wealthy, in- \rJ// telligent and highly respected citizen of WW Buck Township, Edgar County, resides in an elegant brick residence, which cost $8,000 on section HI. range 12. He is a native of Kentucky where he was born Aug. 22. 1817, in Fleming County. His father, James Culbertson, now de- ceased, was a native of Mason County, Ky.. and was a son of James Culbertson, who was a native of Scotland and came to the United States in the early history of our country, and was one of the pioneers in the Washington settlement, near Mays- ville, Ky. The father of our subject was a saddler by trade and did an extensive business in Flem- ingsburg. The mother of our subject was Sarah Weaver, daughter of Phillip Weaver, who was a Revolutionary hero and was present at the sur- render of Cornwallis at Yorktown. When the British again made war on our infant country in 1812. his ardent spirit would not permit him to remain at home while others put their life in jeop- ardy to sustain our country's honor and he en- tered the service and was assigned to the duty of a wagon master, which post he filled honorably r PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 813 grain with a sickle When our subject came to this county in L836 he Located in Sims Town- ship in the timber on Big (reek. Having always lived in the forest the settlers of that day though! it was impossible to live with any degree of com- fort or safely on the prairie, hence they selected places for their new homes, where the timber grew the thickest. The soil of the prairie bail never been upturned and exposed to the transforming influ- ences of the sun. and it had rarely had its bosom pressed by the foot of a white man before their coming. Resides the Indians the only other white people who had visited this region ere the pioneer with his Hide implements of agriculture, were the scouts and hunters who bail at long intervals rested during the noonday sun under the shade of the trees along Big Creek and slaked their thirst and that of their faithful horses with the flowing waters of the stream. The first house that our subject was the possessor of in this hitherto untrodden country was composed of logs. The logs were unhewn and built so as to form a double wall all around and the building was completed with a puncheon floor and clapboard rout". A whip saw was used in preparing the lum- ber necei-sary for the buildings that were first erected. Our subject entered lt)0 acres in Sims Township and cultivated it. until 1*17, when he came to his present place and again made a set- tlement on the wild prairie. Here he set diligently to work and put up a temporary dwelling to shel- ter himself not, only from the elements, but also from the droves of prairie wolves that daily passed across his land, frequently coming so close to the house that he could have shot them from his front door. Industry, economy and enterprise have re- sulted in bringing up his estate from its primitive condition to its present superior .-tale of cultivation and prosperity. Mr. CulbertSOn is a third cousin of Charles Cul- bertson, the noted fanner and line stock raiser of Newman. III. He owns 662 acres of land, which is devoted to the purposes of general farming and stock raising. His stock consists of fine Norman and Hamblelonian horses and short-horn cattle. The first Shorn-horn cattle and the first imported Norman horse ever brought to Edgar County were secured by his means. His enterprise did not slop here but he also brought the first Southdown sheep to this county importing them from Kentucky. His Sheep are all of that breed as he believes them to be the best for his purpose that can be secured. His hogs are Poland-China and are kept in the same line condition that he keeps his Other stock. Our subject and his family live in a fine brick residence, two stories high and fifty feel square with an ob- servatory on the top, ten feet square. The house was built during the war at a cost of over $8,000 and is not only an elegant structure but is well planned and convenient and reflects great credit upon its owner. In 1848 Mi*. Culbertson was married to Miss Nancy Ledgerwood, a daughter of William Ledgerwood, deceased, a pioneer of Carlisle, Ind.. who located there when Indiana was a territory and brought bis slaves with him from the South. .Mrs. Culbert- son was born in Carlisle, lnd.. and was one of a family of eight children, six of whom are living — William, Elizabeth, Blanche, Florence, Edward and Samuel. The eldest daughter, Sarah ('..died when a young lady. She had spent the winter at Austin, Tex., hoping to improve her health, but not re- ceiving any benefit she started for home but died on the train, when near MattOOn, 111. William married Pauline Townsend, a lad}' whose home was in Austin, Tex. He has no children but lives in a pleasant home in Paris. Elizabeth married Harry Mcl'hillips of Terre Haute, Ind., and has one child — Letha. Blanche married Ilugar Hodge, of Paris and has One child — Walter M. Our subject is a well educated and intelligent man and owes it to his own unaided efforts, he hav- ing improved his spare moments in reading and studying books and periodicals of an instructive nature. His family is one of unusual intelligence and his children are receiving the best education that first-class magazines, a well-filled library and superior schools can afford. Politically, he is a stanch and true Republican, unswerving in his al- legiance to his chosen principles but has never sought nor accepted an office. He and his family are constant attendants upon the Presbyterian Church at Paris and liberal contributors to its sup- port and Mr. Culbertson is a consistent member. 811 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. Mrs. Culbertson was a lady of strong intelligence, warm affections and of a very cheerful, domestic turn of mind. Her death several years ago was a severe loss to her family hut they find consolation in the hope of seeing her in the better world, where partings are no more. Her last hours were soothed by the consolation of religion, she being a member in good standing of the Presbyterian Church of Paris. Mr. Culbertson although not so young in years as when he listened to the howling of the prairie wolves on the dark nights succeeding his first entry into this part of the county, yet enjoys the youth and vigor of mind that, being at peace with thft world, never grows old but outwears the body leaving it at last as a worn out garment. His eye is yet bright, his step as elastic and his nerves as firm as in the hey day of youth. The neighbors of our subject are justified in holding him in high esteem, for his enterprise has been a means of greatly im- proving the stock of the neighborhood. In addi- tion to his excellent strain of Hambletonian and Norman horses of which mention has been made before, he has a fine Kentucky trotter for which he [iaid $100. ooo 0^ IIARLES NEWCOMB has resided in Prai- rie Township since 1827, and is therefore _^l the oldest inhabitant now residing here. He was born in Flemingsburg, Ky., Sept. 20, 1*22. His education was received at the pay schools, which were held in log houses with rail seats and no floors. While he was very young when he came to Illinois, he underwent all the hardships incident to pioneer life. His father; Daniel, was a native of Virginia, and removed to Kentucky when he was 3'oung. lie there engaged in farming, owning a farm of 335 acres of land. In 1827 he removed to Illinois, lo- cating in Edgar County, on the present place occu- pied by his heirs. He constructed a log house on his 700 acres of land, which lie purchased from the Government, and from the start was successful, lie resided here until his death; which occurred in 1806, at the age of eighty-two years. His wife was Annie Coharn, and was a native of Virginia. Her ancestors came from Ireland. She died at the res- idence of her son Charles in 1863. She was a member of the United Brethren Church, and left ten children: Jefferson, Delila, Daniel, Nancy, Robert, Juda, Charles, Isabella, Mary and William. The grandfather of the subject of this sketch, Dan- iel N. Newcomb, was a native of England, and early settled in Virginia, where he engaged in farm- ing. He distinguished himself as a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and held the rank of captain. He removed to Kentucky, where he purchased land of the celebrated Daniel Boone. Here he died in' the faith of the Dunkard Church. Charles Newcomb was but a lad of five years when he came to Illinois with his father from Ken- tucky. The journey was made by wagon and con- sumed fourteen days. At that time this county was almost wholly uninhabited, and wild game of all kinds was seen on every hand. He became a great hunter, and where civilization now exists he has killed many a deer, wolf and wild turkey. Set- tlers were very scarce in those days, and therefore it was difficult to build school houses for the ac- commodation of the few, but within a short time after their arrival, a school house was erected of the most primitive kind, and in it Mr. Newcomb received his schooling. At this time there were plenty of Indians, who remained in this region for six or seven years after the Newcombs emigrated here, but they were entirely peaceable. At the age of twenty-seven Charles engaged in farming for himself. He engaged in buying and raising cattle, and driving them to Chicago, a town then of but 1,000 people. The time consumed in reaching the village by the lake was fifteen days. When his father died he bought the old homestead of the heirs, and is residing there. He has made a great many improvements on it, and has now 200 acres of land highly cultivated and well drained. He erected houses, barns, etc., and planted groves, and orchards of apples and peaches, until his place is a model in every respect. He is interested in the mercantile business in Scotland, being in partner- ship with his son. Mr. Newcomb has traveled a great deal in search of a place that he would like better than Edgar County, but has failed to find it, Residence of John Mason, Sec. 15. ElbridgeTownship, Edgar Co Residence or J. D.Scott, Sec. 24 PrairieTowns hip, Edgar Co. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. si 7 and is now satisfied that lie is well situated. Stock- raising, buying and feeding cattle and hogs, and shipping them to Chicago and Indianapolis now employs the most of his time. He raises Durham cattle and Clydesdale and Norman horses, and finds it profitable. In IS 17 the subject of this sketch married Miss Mary J. Jones, who was born in this county, and whose parents came to Illinois in 1825. She was one of the popular teachers of Edgar County before her marriage, and is the mother of four chil- dren: Nancy A. married M. Inghram, who is en- geged in farming; Daniel is a farmer of Prairie Township; Warren resides in Scotland, where he is a merchant and holds the office of Supervisor; Ella is at home. She has attended high school at Paris and Terre Haute, and has received a first grade cer- tificate as a teacher. She is in the millinery busi ness at Scotland, and is Assistant Postmaster. Mr. Newcomb is a strong Republican and is one who helped to build the famous Harrison and Mor- ton ball, which rolled from this county to Wash- ington, spreading enthusiasm [in its wake. He has held the office of Township Treasurer for fifteen years, and is the present incumbent. The positions of Assessor and Collector have been filled by him with fidelity. Mr. Newcomb is now retired from active business and enjoying the fruits of a well spent life and the respect of all his acquaintances. J/OHN MASON. The honest and intelligent I farmer is finely illustrated in the subject of I this notice who is considered one of the ' best citizens of Elbridge Township. He owns 240 acres of thoroughly cultivated land finely situated on sections 15 and 16, and has been a res- ident of this count}' since 1 838. He was born in Casey County, Ivy., Dec. 6, 1815, and there re- ceived such education as the schools of that time and place afforded. He lived with his father in his native county until he was twenty-three years old and then the whole family came to Illinois, settling in Elbridge Township, this county, where the parents sojourned until 18C5. That year they emigrated across the Mississippi into Knox County, Mo., where they spent their last days. After his parents came to Illinois our subject started out in life for himself having in view the establishment of a home of his own. In 1811 he was married to Miss Sidney Davis, daughter of George Davis, who with his wife were natives of Kentucky. Of this union there were born ten children, and the mother died in 1806. Her life had been such as to gather around her many friends and she was a consistent member of the Baptist Church. Their eldest son, William W., died in the army at the age of twenty one years. George is a resident of Douglas County, this State; Ellis lives in Sti'atton Township, this county; Warren. I), is farming in Douglas County; Sarah is unmarried and remains at home with her father; Mary M. is the wife of T. E. Pennington, living in the northern part of this county; John J. is a resident of Grand View Town- ship; Roda became the wife of Charles Brown and they live in Red m on; and Francis M. lives in Douglas County. Mr. Mason in 1861) contracted a second mar riage with Miss Fanny, daughter of David Poll, who with his wife was a native of Kentucky. Later, they removed to Edgar County, where their daughter Fanny was born May 15, 182S. She has forty acres of land in her own right. Of her union with Mr. Mason there are no children. Although not an aspirant for public oflice Mr. Mason is de- cided in his views and opinions and since reaching his majority has given his support to the Dem- ocratic part}'. He has, however, held the oflice of School Trustee in his Township and is always found to be on the side of those enterprises calcu- lated for the moral and intellectual growth of the people. Religiousl}', he with his wife belongs to the Presbyterian Church, in which he holds the office of Deacon. He began life on a capital of $100 in money, besides a cow and pony, and has ac- cumulated his property solely by the exercise of persistent industry and by following the rule that he laid down early in life, to live within his income. He is properly classed among the solid men of Edgar Count}', who have assisted in estab- lishing its reputation and standing, and have given it a position among the first-class communities of 818 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. Central Illinois. On his farm he has erected a pleasant commodious residence, a view of which appears in this work, and here friend and stranger receive a hospitable welcome. **&mm&** SRAEL 1). SCOTT. In the mysterious dis- pensation of Providence, to a small portion of \ mankind are given the talents, property and that winning personality which bring about them hosts of friends and all the good things of life. Happy is he who, instead of wasting the talents be- stowed upon him, improves them and as far as in him lies exercises a good influence upon those by whom he is surrounded. Mr. Scott is a man much above the average in disposition, training and in- tellectual capacities. He is one whom it is exceed- ingly pleasant to meet, being well informed and standing upon a broad and liberal platform, in keeping with the progress of the age. A native of the Prairie State, our subject was born in Prairie Township, Edgar County, May 30, 1 844, was reared at the farm and commenced his education in a log school-house. His studies were completed at an early age and then he assisted his father at farm work until twenty-three years old. He evinced, when quite young, an aptitude for business and branched out early into the stock business, buying and shipping, and thus acquired the capital with which at twenty-three years of age he was enabled to purchase a farm. He did not abandon his live-stock operations, however, and re- sided on his farm until 1874. That year he sold out and turned his attention to mercantile pursuits in partnership with his brother, Robert L., under the firm-name of Scott Bros. This young and enterprising linn soon auncbed into a paying business, and in connection with merchandising, also purchased grain extensively and carried on farming. They continued their store until the 10th of April, 1889, then traded it forland, adjoining Mt. Vernon, in Jefferson County, this State, and which is operated by a renter. In 1888 Mr. Scott removed to his present place of 107 acres on section 21. This he stocked with the cattle which he already owned and continued buy- ing and feeding, shipping about three car loads annually. Elsewhere in this volume appears a view of the residence of our subject which is situated three- fourths of a mile from Scottland, where he also owns a residence and lot. He has rendered efficient assistance in building up the place and in the improvement of his own home hauled rock from Wabash and put up the largest dwelling in the town- ship. Besides his cattle and horses he deals con- siderably in swine and utilizes five teams in the operation of his farm. He is a lover of fine horses and is a member of the Scottland Horse Company. Mr. Scott was first married in Prairie Township April 25, 1868, to Miss Louisba MeClure who was born in Vermilion County, this State, April 9, 1850, and who departed this life at her home in May. 1881. Of this union there were born five children, viz.: William, Albert, Owen, Irwin and Samuel, the latter deceased. The others remain with their father and William is engaged as a teacher. Mi. Scott contracted a second marriage in Edgar Township, March 5, 1883, with Miss Lucinda P. MeClure, daughter of Isaac MeClure and who was also born in Vermilion County, near Indianola, in 1853; they have two children — Ethel and Robert. Isaac MeClure the father of Mrs. Scott, was born in Pennsylvania in 1820 and when a young man ■tint to Ohio whence he came to Illinois and lo- cated near Indianola. but later removed to the vicinity of Bloomfield in Edgar Township, this county, where he became owner of 300 acres of land and was prospered. He died at the homestead which he had built up in 1862. Politically, he was a Democrat and in religious matters, a Baptist. The mother of Mrs. Scott was in her girlhood Miss Rebecca Parker. She was born in Brown C lty, Ohio, and was the daughter of John Parker who finally came to Illinois and died. The mother is living at the old homestead in Edgar Township, and is now seventy-two years old. Six of her eleven children grew to mature years. Amy Iras since died; Stephen is a resident of Kansas; John is liv- ing in Paris: Louisba is deceased; Lucinda is next to the youngest; Frank is on the home farm; John PORTRAIT AN'I) BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. S19 and Stephen served in the Union army during the late war in an Illinois regiment. William Scott, father of our subject, was born near Martinsville, Morgan Co., Ind., July 13, 1819. His paternal grandfather was Samuel Scott, Sr., a native of Fleming County, Ky., and of English descent. He came to Indiana when a young man, where he was married and purchasing land engaged in farming. The town of Martinsville occupies a portion of that land. He was possessed of the same feeling as Daniel Boone, and when the country began settling up, he moved further West, in 1829, and located in this county. He had hut limited means, but being an excellent manager became wealthy by his operations in farming and stock-raising. He drove his cattle through to the l'ttle hamlet of Chicago, disposing of them at Fort Dearborn. "Uncle Sum- mit," as he was then familiarly called, was about the only capitalist in this region in those days and loaned money, thus assisting many to get a start in life. He occupied the local offices and lived in Prairie Township until 1859. He then removed to Ross Township, where he became a large land owner and died while on a visit to his son William in Prairie Township, in December, 1869. William Scott, the son of Samuel, was a boy often years when he came to Illinois and remained with his parents until reaching his majority. Then, by entering and buying land he finally became owner of 1,000 acres and gave the railroad company the right of way besides half of the town-site of Scott- land which was named after him. He dealt largely in live-stock and led a busy life until 1881, when he retired from the farm and removed to Paris where he still resides. He is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and in politics a stanch Democrat. William Scott was married to Miss Elizabeth C. Legate, who was born in Ohio, June 10, 1821, and was the daughter of Robert Legate, a native of Tennessee. The paternal grandfather was Capt. John Legate, a native of the North of Ireland who upon coining to America located in Tennessee and later removed to Brown County, Ohio, where he engaged in farming. lie had served as a captain in the Revolutionary War under the command of Gen. Marion. Hobert Legate was married young and died in Brown County, Ohio, -in 1822, at the early age of twenty-three years. After his death his wife was married to a Mr. Sayer and their daughter. Elizabeth came to Illinois with her step- father at the age of ten years. She died Sept. 28. 1869. in the faith of the Methodist Church. With the exception of two years Mr. Scott has served as a School Director continuously since reaching his majority. He officiated as Collector' one year, was the Postmaster of Scottland four years and is the only Democrat ever occupying this office. He was Township Collector one year, and m the various enterprises tending to advance the interests of the people he has been a leading spirit. He has seen considerable of pioneer life and remembers the time when wild game was plen- tiful in this region and when he savv as many as ten head of deer in one herd during his boyhood days *#-# ENRY ROSS. This gentleman is a son of jlj Mr. William Ross, a sketch of whose life will be found elsewhere in this work. Mr. Ross was born January 20, 1846, in Clinton County. Ind. His early life was spent upon his father's farm, the latter moving with his family to Vermilion County. HI., when our subject was but six years old. His education was received in the common schools which he attended during the win- ter months. On May 29, 1870, at the age of twenty-five, Henry Ross married Martha M. Dains. daughter of Josiah C. and Mary J. Dains, who are still living near Hildreth Station, Young America Township, Edgar County, and who are the parents of eleven children, all of whom are living: Mary Ann, the eldest, has been married twice. Her first husband was Albeit Green, by whom she had two children; her second husband, W. H. Ross, is a brother of our subject. Sarah J. married D. H. Mull; she is the mother of three children and is now a resident of Missouri; her husband is a fanner. Eli I. lives in Douglas County. 111.; his occupation is farming and his family consists of himself, wife and one child. William II. resides in Palermo, where he 820 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. operates his own farm; he has a wife and two chil- flren. James G. is a prosperous farmer residing near Brocton, this county, with his family which includes a wife and five children. Prudence L. is the wife of Abner Heaton, a farmer living near Winterset, Iowa; they have five children. Levi is a merchant at Prairie View, Champaign County, 111.; he is married and the father of one child. Pelina is the wife of James Shaw, a farmer who lives in the western part of Young America Town- ship. They have one child. Franklin is single. He is a telegraph operator in the employ of the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad Company at Villa Grove, 111. Lydia T. is the wife of Elmer Lavering. She and her husband reside at Palermo; the}- have one child. Mr and Mrs. Ross have had six children born unto them: Edgar A., Frankalena. Henrietta. Ben- ton W., Franklin E. and Henry Elwood. Franka- lena and Henrietta died when about three years of age. The others are living at home. Mr. Ross was reared to manhood on his father's farm, engaging in all the usual occupations that such a life requires and improving all the opportu- nities of obtaining an education which the schools of the district afforded. In 1861) he took a trip to California for his health, and spent the greater part of that year beneath its sunny skies. He is now residing with his family on a part of the old home- stead, eighty acres of which he operates. A Dem- ocrat in politics he has without endeavor on his part, been made the recipient of several offices and positions of honor. He has served eleven years as School Trustee of Young America Township, and is at present a School Director of his district. He has also served his party in the capacity of dele- gate to its county conventions. His wife and him- self are members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Henry Ross may well be described as a genial, friendly and sociable gentleman. Educa- tion, travel and observation have stored his mind with much useful and valuable knowledge. He is a ready and entertaining talker, though a very modest and unobtrusive one. He is a man who has a deep affection for his home and for the loved ones who form his happy and contented family. His oldest son, helpful, intelligent, thoughtful and industrious, is reaching towards man's estate. His only daughter gives promise of becoming a lovely and beautiful woman. The other children — two buys — are bright and wide-awake little fellows, for whom the future is full of hope and promise. E. POWELL, President of the Paris Gas- light and Coke Co., is a son of Thomas M.. and Lucretia A. (Dill) Powell, both now deceased. The former was born in Kentucky, and was a son of Jeremiah Powell, a farmer, who emi- grated in 1834 to this county , settling at what was then known as Sugar Creek Point, in Paris Town- ship, two and one half miles northwest of the city of Paris. Mr. Powell bought 400 acres of land, and there he passed the rest of his life. Chills and fev- er abounded in that region in those days and the Powell family suffered from its insidious attacks. The pioneer head of the household finally died from its effects in 1845. He was a farmer in this county, as well as -in Kentucky, but in the latter named State, had carried on the business of a gun- smith, which he abandoned on coining to Illinois. He and his wife had six children, all of whom ac- companied the parents to Edgar County, although but one is now living there, namely: Mrs. A. A. Hannah, of Paris. The only other survivor is Harvey, who served as a soldier in the Union army, and there contracted a disabling disease. After receiving his discharge he settled in Iowa, where he is now living. Thomas M. Powell, father of our subject, was born in Nicholas County, Ky., in 1814, and was therefore twenty years of age at the time of the migration of the family to this county. He lived on the farm until the death of his father, when he sold his portion of the estate, and removed to the embryo city of Paris. He engaged there in team- ing, and any other work which came to hand, part of the time also working a faun owned by his wife's father.Capt. J. Abner Dill. In this way by industry and energy he acquired a moderate compe- tence, and was always in comfortable circumstan- ces, although never what might be called wealthy. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 821 lie was an untiring worker, doing thoroughly whatever he undertook. When the public square in Talis was remodeled he removed most of the houses, and by that venture made considerable money. lie continued to reside in Paris until his death, which occurred in 1874. Mr. Powell was a man of positive character and decided in his opinions, and he took an active in- terest and prominent part in matters pertaining to the welfare of the city, lie served for several terms as a member of the Council of the city of Paris, lie was a man of strong religious feelings and impulses, and with his brother-in-law, the late Capt. A. A. Hannah and six others, organized the now flourishing Christian Church in Paris, of which he remained a member until his death, serving for many years as Deacon. Conscientious and upright in his dealings he was held in the highest esteem by every one who knew him. Thomas M., and Lucretia A. Powell were the parents of three children, all yet living. Resides our subject there is A B., now a farmer in Coffee- ville, Kan., who while yet living in Edgar County, was twice elected Clerk of the Circuit Court, serv- ing two terms of four years each. He served in the Union army all through the war, being Quarter- Master-Sergeant of the 79th, 111., Infantry. After the close of the war he was agent at Paris, for the Indianapolis & St. Louis Railroad under Col. II. C. Moore, and while in the service was elected Clerk of the Court. On leaving the latter position he again went in the service of the railroad company, resign- ing to engage with his brother-in-law, C. W. Powell, who was a distant cousin also, in the business of fur- nishing railroad ties and timber, This connection was dissolved at the end of a year, and A. I!., went to Kansas, there embarking in the cattle business. The principal part of this he subsequently sold, and returned to Chicago, where the former busi- ness partnership was resumed. Selling out his busi- ness after a time he returned to Paris and took charge of the business of the Gaslight Company, of which he was president for two years. At the end of that time he resigned his position, and removed to Coffeeville, Kan., where he built a number of business blocks, which he yet owns. He was truly a representative man, and had he remained in Paris would have occupied a leading position in its busi- ness and municipal circles. The other member of the family is Sue M.. now wife of the C. W. "Pow- ell already mentioned, of the firm of Powell & Lord, dealers in general railroad lumber supplies of all kinds, at Chicago. He has been a very suc- cessful man, and by energy and thorough business abilities has accumulated a large fortune. Z. E. Powell, subject of this sketch, was born on the farm in Paris Township, Nov. 6, 1844. When seventeen years old he entered the office of the "Beacon" at Paris, to learn the trade of a printer. He worked at this occupation more or less for about eight years in all but not consecutively, be- ing for a time engaged in railroad business with his brother. On the election of the latter to hold the office of Clerk of the Circuit Court, he was ap- pointed agent in his stead, holding the position for several years, when he resigned to engage in the business of furnishing timber, tics, etc., to the railroad. At. this he was occupied for about three years, when an unfortunate business connection with the Midland Railroad, which was then building between Paris and Terre Haute, and with which he became heavily involved, tied up all his means for a time, and he was compelled to give up his business, and again accept the position of agent for the Indianapolis & St. Louis Railroad at Paris. With this corporation he staid until 1 88 Land during that time also engaged in the coal business, which had been neglected by that company. In this he worked up quite a trade. About this same time he was made superintendent of the Paris Gaslight Co., and thus had his hands full of business. He was likewise interested in coal mining enterprises, and in 1881 he resigned his position as agent in favor of Ed. Buckley, and became actively engaged at the coal fields. He was made General Manager of the Ed- gar Coal Company's mines in Vigo and Clay coun- ties, Indiana. He was in charge of those mines until the company sold out in December, 1K8U, when he came back to Paris and accepted the posi- tion of President of the Gaslight and Coke Co., to which he had been called in September preceding. This he has occupied up to the present time, hav- ing entire charge of the affairs of the company, and superintending all their works, which have 822 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. been changed to what is now known as the Pratt and Ryan Water Gas System. The 8th of August, 1879 was a very important date in the life history of Mr. Powell, as he was then united in marriage with Miss C. Belle Camp- bell, daughter of Col A. K. Campbell, who was Commander of the 6 * — ^*/V» \T, OIIN C. HULL was born Oct. 10, 1803, to Thomas and Margaret J. Hull. His father is a native of New York, and is now a resi- !^^j/i dent in Newman, Douglas Co., 111., where he owns a large estate and is one of the most prom- inent citizens in the county. The mother of our subject was a daughter of J. Campbell and died when her son was but two years old. Four other children were in the parental family, but he alone survives. His father again stood before the altar, with the lady of his choice, Miss Maria B. Robison. The union resulted in four children — Margaret H., Louisa, Rosa and Emma. His second wife died about eight years ago and he entered the marriage relation the third time, taking Miss Ella Cole for his partner. One child — Lewis was the fruit of this union. Our subject and Miss Carrie Cornwell, a daugh- ter of William D. and Ellizabeth S. (Laird) Corn- well, were united in marriage, Sept 6, 1885. Mrs. Hull was one of a family of nine children and was born Oct. 20, 1869. Her brothers and sisters are named, respectively: Lydia, who is single, and resides in St. John, Kan.; John, Stella, Mabel, Ger- trude, Ella and Jessie live at home near Newman with their parents. Mr. Hull, our subject, owns eighty acres of fine land in the northwestern part of Young America Township on the Douglas County line. It was a gift to him by his father and he has carefully and faithfully improved it, and by his industry and strict attention to business bids fair to become as prosperous a man as his father, he having all the elements necessary to succeed, in his make-up, be- ing well versed in the art of agriculture and pos- sessing prudent and economical habits of business, there can be no doubt of his future prosper^'. He is a practical man and has very little time to spend on questions of philosophy or other abstruse problems, but he keeps well posted on the current topics of the day and looks forward to the time BffV, Portrait and biocrapiiical album. 827 when the cares of life will leave him more leisure to devote to the so-called refinements of life. Mrs. Hull is a practical, domestic housewife, who looks well to the ways of her household and mana- ges in the intervals of more exclusively practical work to keep her well cultivated mind constantly stored with information both now and old. They have a pleasant cozy home in Young America Township, Edgar County. Mr. and Mrs. Hull have three children — Alfred ('., Ella May and Thomas William. . R. LEROY O.JENKINS is a conscientious physician and surgeon who takes pride in his profession, and makes it his aim to ex- cel. It is acknowledged by the people of this region that he is one of the leading practition- ers in the northern pari of this county. By his proficiency in the science of medicine, as well as by his genial and courteous manner, he has built up a large practice, and fully established himself in the confidence of his patrons. He has been uni- formly successful, as much, perhaps, on account of his agreeable and sympathetic personality as the the drugs which he has administered. In addition to his profession he is considerably interested in live stock, having a well regulated farm which yields him handsome returns. The first year of the life of our subject was spent near Sinking .Springs, i;i Highland Co., Ohio, where he was born June 4, 1851. In 1852 his parents came toDe Witt County, this State, but in 1800 the family gathered together their possessions and started out once more in search of a permanent home. Proceeding overland with teams, they made their way across the Mississippi to Chillicothe, Mo. There young Jenkins grew up in town and attended school, receiving a good education. After being graduated from the high school he, 1871, entered the State University of Columbia, where he attended two years. In the spring of 1872 he engaged in teaching, and devoted his leisure time to the study of medicine. He officiated as principal of a school one year, and later read medicine with Drs. Bonis and .1. A. Munk, of Chillicothe. In the spring of 188 1 he entered the American Medical College at St. Louis where he took a year's course, and in the bill of 1885, came to this county, establishing him- self in Scottland. where he practiced one year. Then returning to St. Louis, he took his last course, and was graduated in the spring of 1888, with honors, being the valedictorian of his class. Then immediately returning to Scottland he entered upon the career which has been phenomenally success- ful, building up in a short time the largest practice of any physician in the place, and visiting patients both in this and Vermilion counties, both of Illi- nois and Indiana. In his live stock operations Dr. Jenkins at one time handled a considerable number of fine horses, mostly imported Clydesdales, heavy draft horses; but of late years has turned his attention to cattle. His farm of 120 acres is situated in Prairie Town- ship, and improved with good buildings, while he also rents eighty acres in Bruellet Township, and has eighty acres in pasture near Shiloh. He feeds about twenty-five head of cattle annually. One of the prominent features of his pleasant home in Scottland is a fine library from which he extracts much satisfaction and a great deal of learning. Dr. Jenkins was married at Paris. Sept. 6, 1877, to Miss Ada Clark, who was born there, and ob- taining a thorough education in Oxford, Ohio, fol- lowed the profession of a teacher prior to her marriage. The Doctor socially belongs to the Ma- sonic fraternity in Scottland, is a member of the Chapter and a Knight Templar, belonging to the Commandery at Paris. In the Methodist Episco- pal Church, of which he is a member, he has been Class Leader, and one of its most efficient helpers, agisting in the building of the church edifice, and otherwise acting as one of its chief pillars. He is a member of the Eclectic State Medical Associa- tion, and in politics is a sound Democrat, being a member of the Central Committee, and stumping the county in the fall of 1888. He was also a delegate to the State conventon. William Jenkins, the father of our subject, was a native of Tennessee, and the son of Electious Jenkins, a native of England. The latter emi- grated to America when young, served in the War 828 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. of 1812, and was a gunsmith at the Harper's Ferry arsenal. Finally he removed to Tennessee, and later to Highland Count}'. Ohio, where he was a pioneer, and where he spent his last days. Will- iam, his son, became a farmer in Ohio, where he ciwned 200 acres of land. Later he removed to l)u Witt County, this Stale, and in 1860 to Liv- ingston Cpunty, Mo., settling near Cliillicothe. There also he purchased land and engaged in fai m- ing. He is now retired from active labor, having arrived at the age of seventy-nine years. lie is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The mother of our subject was in her girlhood, Miss Mary A. Lowe, and a native of Maryland. Grandfather John W. Lowe owned a large planta- tion worked by slaves, and finally sold out both land and slaves, and moved to Highland County, Ohio. He, like the Jenkins family, moved to Mis- souri, where he died at the age of ninety years. The maternal great-grandfather of our subject was Gen. Lowe, a native of England and a man of note. Upon coining to America he located in Virginia and engaged in the Revolutionary War on the staff of Gen. Washington, and was also Quartermaster. He spent his last days in Washington, D. G, dying at the age of seventy-five years. The six children born to the parents of our sub- ject were named respectively, Joseph, Lewis, Sam- uel, Henry W.. Bell and Leroy O. Joseph in 1862, enlisted in the 39th Iowa Infantry, and served until he was disabled by a fall, when he received his honorable discharge. Lewis joined Merrill's Missouri Cavalry in 1863, with which he remained until the close of the war. An excellent engraving of this prominent phys- ician and honored citizen is a valuable addition to the Album, and appears on another page. JOSEPH KETTERSON. The farming com- munity of Paris Township probably presents no finer illustration of the self-made man than Mr. Ketterson. He was bom in County Tyrone, Ireland, Sept. 6, 1831, and came to America when twenty years of age, without means and nothing to depend upon but his own resources. I>y a life of great industry and frugal- ity he has succeeded in accumulating a competence and is now numbered among the leading farmers of his township. He makes a specialty of stock- raising, in which industry he has been remarkably successful and is able to exhibit some of the finest specimens of Short-horn cattle to be found in Cen- tral Illinois. Unlike many men. prosperity has neither made him envious or penurious, but he bears the reputation of a broad and liberal-minded citizen, who votes the straight Republican ticket and lias always taken a warm interest in every measure calculated for the good of his commu- nity. The friend of education, he has served on the School Board of his district; and in religious matters, is, with his wife and two children, a mem- ber in good standing of the Presbyterian Church. Our subject upon crossing the Atlantic landed in the city of Philadelphia, a stranger in a strange land. Soon afterward he made his way to Lan- caster County, Pa., where he worked on a farm for one year, then went to Muskingum County, Ohio, where he remained until October 1864. Then deciding to seek the farther West he made his way to this county and commenced working in a sawmill in Palis. He was thus employed eighteen months and at the expiration' of this time leased sixty acres of land just south of Paris. Five years later he commenced buying land, and is now the owner of a finely improved farm of 167 acres, which he built up from the primitive soil. His first dwelling was a log cabin, but he now has a handsome anil substantial frame residence with neat and convenient outbuildings and the various improvements usually suggested to the mind of the intelligent and progressive agriculturist. lie avails himself of modern machinery and improved methods of farming, and has thus taken advantage of his work in all respects — a work which at the present day is carried on in a very different man- ner from that of thirty years ago. On the loth of August, 1860, Mr. Ketterson took unto himself a wife and helpmate. Miss Mary Ann Rolston, who was born in County Donegal, Ireland, March 3, 1830. Mrs. Ketterson is the daughter of Uavid and Elizabeth Rolston, and was PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 829 left an orphan when a mere child. She came to America with an aunt in 1859 and one year Later became the wife <>f our subject Tin's union re- sulted in the birth of two children, the elder of whom, Joseph ('.. married Miss Ida May Hamilton and lives on a farm just east of his father: they have two children. Mary E. is unmarried and re- mains at home with her parents. Joseph Ketter- son, Sr.. the father of our subject, married a lady whose first name was Elizabeth, and they spent their entire lives in their native Ireland, their remains being laid to rest in County Tyrone. ■*^VH^^ ■\f AMES A. CASSLE. This gentleman de- serves special mention in noting the leading farmers and stock-raisers of this county. His homestead is situated one mile east of Vermillion and eight miles from Paris, and com- prises 12(1 acres of thoroughly cultivated land with good buildings erected under the personal supervi- sion of the present proprietor. Mr. Cassle was born in Knoxville, Tenn., April 7. 1836, and in 1837 came to this county with his parents, they locating in El bridge Township. His father. Hiram Cassle. with his wife Lode ma Cusick, was likewise a native of Tennessee and the paternal grandfather was horn in South Carolina. Loth were engaged in farming pursuits, hut the father for a period of twelve years was occupied as a tan- ner in his native State. After coming to this county, he in 1838 built a tannery, which is still standing, one mile due east of Elbridge Township, on Sugar Creek. He also entered a tract of land from the Government, which he cleared, and in due time became the owner of 30(1 acres, the whole of which he brought to a productive condition. Po- litically Hiram Cassle was a Whig until 1861, anil then he identified himself with the Republican party and became widely and prominently known as one of its moving spirits in this section. A Strict Presbyterian religiously, he was an Elder in the church, and after making a good record as a man and citizen, passed away at a ripe old age in 187 1. His remains and those of his excellent wife were buried side by side in New Providence cem- etery. Right of the nine children bom to them are still living. The early education of our subject was con- ducted in a log School-house, where he attended mostly during a brief term in the winter. The balance of the year he occupied his time round the homestead assisting his father until a young man of twenty-two years. He was then married to Miss Essemiah W. Revenaugh, whose parents, William and Margaret Revenaugh, were natives of Ohio, whence 1 hey removed to Fayette Township. Vigo Co.. Ind.. where Mrs. Cassle was born June 1, 1836. She received a very good education, and by her union with our subject has become a mother of six children, five of whom are living: Cynthia Ann is the wife of Edward White, a resi- dent of Stratton Township; George W.; Julia A. Hall married and lives in Elbridge Township; Icy Dora is the wife of Willis C. Shaeffer of Elbridge Township; Charles B. died Sept. 15, 1870, when about six years old; Laura and Henry Horton are at home with their parents. Mr. Cassle politi- cally is a sound Republican and has held the office of Justice of the Peace; he has also served as a School Director and takes a warm interest in edu- ca1 tonal matters. Socially Mr. Cassle belongs to Lodge No. 563 I. O. 0. l'\. at, Vermillion, in which he is Past Grand and has served as Secretary and in other positions. His estimable wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, attending services at Vermillion. They have a pleasant and attractive home, which is the frequent resort of the many friends whom they have gathered around them by the exercise of that kindly spirit of hospitality and generosity which invariably brings its reward. WILLIAM CRAIG. This quiet and unas- suming old gentleman bears the distinction of being one of the earliest settlers of Em- barras Township. He came to this region soon after the Indians had left the country and when wild animals were plentiful, and begun the battle 830 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. with frontier life which resulted in the acquisition of a comfortable home, lie has given his children a good start, and has reserved for himself a farm comprising 140 acresof highly cultivated land with good buildings. lie has been quite an extensive traveler, and by keeping his eyes open to what was going on around him in the world, lias gathered here and there a useful fund of information, which makes him an interesting conversationalist, and with whom an hour can always be spent pleasantly and profitably. He began life for himself without means, but by a course of industry and prudence has fortified himself against want in his old age. His property is pleasantly located on section 22, where his well cultivated fields yield bounteously and to spare. The first eleven years of the life of our subject were spent on the Delaware River, in New Jersey, about forty-five miles above Philadelphia, where he was born Sept. 16, 1824. He came to this county with his father, Thomas Craig, about 1K35. The latter entered about 1,200 acres of land, a part of which is still occupied by his son, William, and of which the latter has still in his possession the patent granted at that time for 180 acres. The maiden name of the mother was Mary Savior. She was a native of New Jersey, and of German parentage. The household circle included ten children, only four of whom are living. Samuel of Brownsville, Neb.; Daniel, a bachelor, who spends his time mostly traveling around among relatives: Thomas, a resident of Thomas County, Kan. ; and William, our subject. One son. Henry, yielded up his life in the service of his country during the late Civil War. The earl}' education of our subject was conducted in a log school house, fashioned after the primitive manner of those times, destitute of lath and plaster, the floor made of puncheon, the seats and desks of slabs and the window panes of greased paper, lie pursued his studies in the winter season and worked on the farm in summer. When leaving home he emigrated, in 1843, to Southwestern Wis- consin, where he worked in the lead mines in the winter season for about five years. He employed his summers in breaking prairie. Mr. Craig, in 1854, was married to Miss Susan M.. daughter of Eurastus E. Hall. She became the mother of one child, and died in the fall of 1855. Subsequently Mr. Craig returned East and visited friends in Pennsylvania a short time. In May, 1K50, he resumed operations in Wisconsin, and in June, 1857. returned to the old homestead, where he has since lived. In the meantime our subject contracted a second marriage, April 15, 1858, to Miss Jane E., daugh- ter of Evan Scales. To them there were born three children. The eldest, Susan M., became the wife of Morey L. Sherman, now of Oklahoma, and they have seven children: Amanda D., William L., Estella A., Clara B., Horace C Owen and Edgar; the two latter are twins. William Craig, Jr., mar- ried Miss Sarah J. Zimmerman, daughter of a family well known in this county, and they live at the homestead; they have two children, Olethea M. and William A. Henrj' S. Craig is unmarried and lives with his parents. . BRAIIAM SHANE. The Shane family originated in Germany, and was in due time represented in Ross County, Ohio, where the subject of this sketch was born, Jan. 1<>, 18111. In 1835 his parents emigrated to Indiana and lived in a log cabin in Vermillion County, a number of years. Thence they came to Douglas County, III., living there until 1 807. Their next removal was to the home of our sub- ject, where they spent their last da}'s, the mother dying in September, 1868. Later the father was married to Jane Liniger and they lived in the house with our subject until the death of the father, which took (dace in March, 1882, when he was eighty-eight years of age. Daniel Shane, the father of our subject, was first married in Ross County, Ohio, to Miss Elizabeth Meanor, who was born in Pennsylvania. Grand- father George Shane bad emigrated to Ohio from the Keystone State during the period of its earliest set- tlement, and there spent his last days. Daniel Shane when removing with his little family to Indiana had only twenty-five cents in money, but the PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 83 1 mother had hidden away a $10 gold piece, market savings, which her husband knew nothing of until lie was worrying over the fact that they were out of money, and as may be supposed this was to him a most agreeable surprise. Mr. Shane, however, had a wagon and four horses which he trailed for forty acres of land, upon which they took up their abode and lived until laying aside the more active duties of life. In the meantime the father had been prosperous, and became the owner of a good property which he eventually turned over to his son, our subject, who was to take care of his parents in their old ago. The father ami mother lived har- moniously together for the long period of fifty. six years. Marly in life they had embraced the doc- trines of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the faith of which they reared their children and in which they died triumphantly. Their lives were marked by that consistent Christian walk and con- versation which was the surest proof of their belief in that which they professed, and their names are hold in the most sacred remembrance by their son, while those who knew them best esteemed them the most highly. The subject of this notice was married in Prairie Township, this county, to Miss Delilah Newcomb and they have one child, Delilah, who is now the wife of Andrew Jennings, of Perry Township. One child, Elizabeth, died when twenty-one years old and Ibhy J., the wife of Silas Jones, died about 1886, leaving a family of eight children. Mrs. Delilah (Newcomb) Shane departed this life in June, 1888. Our subject was subsequently mar- ried to Miss Mary Darker, a native of Edgar County and bom 1851). Both are members of the Methodist Protestant Church as was the first wife of our subject. Daniel Shane, the father, about six months after his marriage, enlisted as a soldier in the War of 1812 in which he served about one year. He was a pensioner during the later years of his life. The mother of our subject traced her ancestry to Ireland, the first representatives of which crossed the Atlantic at a very early day and became thoroughly Americanized several generations back. Mr. Shane, politically, is a Republican and served as Constable and School Treasurer for fourteen years. He has been a Com- missioner several years and still holds the position. Socially and in business circles he is one of those men whose word is considered as good as his bond, and one who takes a uniform interest in all the projects tending to benefit society and advance the interests of the people. \|JAMES FORSTER. There are few men in Elbridge Township more widely or favor- ably known than Mr. Forster. lie is one of its leading fanners and land owners and is pleasantly located on a farm of 500 acres, while he has 182 acres east of his homestead. He makes a specialty of stock-raising and has probably cleared a greater area of land than most of the surviving pioneers of this section. By reverting to the parental history of our sub- ject, we find he is the son of Arthur and Nancy (Esry) Forster, the former a native of Kentucky' and both of Scotch descent. The father cut the first stick of timber for the building of the pioneer courthouse at Paris, and after the organization of the Republican party, was its stanch supporter. He survived his wife a number of years and both were members of the Methodist Protestant Church. They were the parents of three children, James, our subject, being the oldest. He was born April 15, 1822, at the old homestead in Elbridge Township and has been a life-long resident of this county. He grew with its growth and after attaining man- hood assisted in its progress and development. His early studies were prosecuted in the primitive log school-house and, taking kindly to his books, he grew up an intelligent and well-informed man. At the age of twenty-four years our subject was united in marriage with Miss Nancy M., daughter of Vance Parish, a native of Tennessee. Of the five children born to this union, only one is living, a daughter, Catherine, who is the wife of Daniel Roll and resides near Kevin's Station. Mrs. Nancy M. (Parish) Forster was born in 182:i and departed this life in 1856. Our subject contracted a second marriage with Miss Nancy H., daughter of Mathew Stump, a 832 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. native of Kentucky. There were eight children horn to this union, six of whom are living, namely : Thomas, Amanda, Elsworth, William, who is mar- ried and living just east of 1 1 is father; James and Elbert; Helen and Ezra died when quite young. Mr. Forster politically, like his honored father, is a warm advocate of Republican principles aud has represented his township three terms as Supervisor. He has served as School Trustee for a number of years, and has been connected with the Methodist Protestant Church since about 1854. He lias labored long and industriously and has himself brought about all the improvements upon his present farm. His dwelling is a commodious modern structure and a fine view of it on another page portrays one of the beautiful rural homes of Edgar County. The barn and outbuildings are all that could be reasonably desired b} r the nineteenth century farmer. Mr. Forster bears the reputation of an honest and upright man who looks with contempt upon a mean action and has uniformly exercised a good influence wherever he is known. WrlLLlAM K. HARRIS, a resident of Paris Township and pleasantly located on sec- tion 1 1, has one of the neatest homesteads within its limits and there has a beautiful residence which is represented on another page by a litho- graphic engraving. The well-tilled land is in a high stale of cultivation, much of it under-drained with tile and very productive. It is devoted to general agriculture and contains a goodly assort, ment of live stock. The buildings are neat and substantial and improved modern machinery is used in developing the best elements of the soil. The subject of this sketch was born in Marshall County, Ya., where he lived until a youth of seven- teen years. He then accompanied his parents to Illinois where they took up a tract of land in sec- tion 1 1 and 12. this township, a part of which is included in his present farm. The father operated upon this and dealt in .live-stock until 1881; then removing to Paris, he retired from active business. The maiden name of his mother was Sarah Reiser. Both are still living anil are residents of Paris. In 18(il our subject was married to Miss Naomi, daughter of Daniel and Susan (Mathews) Clay- baugh and they are the parents of six children, the two eldest of whom — Mary, Mrs. Henry Ogle, and Lodema, Mrs. Richard ( >gle, are residents of Paris Township. James. Eliza, Sarah and Clifford remain at ho7ne with their parents. Three children died in infancy. The farm embraces 138 acres of land upon which Mr. Harris has erected a good frame house with a substantial barn and other structures necessary for the general purpose of ag- riculture. The life of Mr. Harris has been passed in a comparatively uneventful manner, during which he has acquitted himself as an honest man and a good citizen, living at peace with his neighbors and enjoying their esteem and confidence in a marked degree. -i-O-t- |)ENJAMIN F. WALDRUFF. In going around among the business men of Chris- man and vicinity, the attention of the bio- grapher is called to the subject of this notice as one who is taking a leading part in the financial affairs of Chrisman, and conducting a prosperous trade in grain and hay. He is a man of substan- tial worth, possessing those sterling qualities of character which form the groundwork of all good society, and whose influence is exerted in behalf of those enterprises calculated to advance the interests of the people, socially, morally, and financially. Mr. Waldruff is a man who has learned much from observation and contact with the world, and although quiet and self-contained, exerts an un- mistakable influence upon those with whom ho is associated, and whose respect he commands in a marked degree. He is the owner of a comfortable property, having besides the business already men- tioned, 1-20 acres of land adjoining the town limits, and eighty acres at Tuscola. Stark County. Ohio, was the early tramping ground of our subject, and he was born near Mt. Eaton, Feb. 18. 1831. His father dying when he was a mere boy, he was taken into the home of his uncle J. Coins, at Millersburg. the latter being a blacksmith by trade, lie attended the common PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 833 school, and assisted in the blacksmith shop until twenty -one years of age, and had become quite ex- pert at this business. At this time, starting out for himself, he repaired to New Philadelphia, Ohio, where lie followed blacksmithing three years, then changed his residence to Hardin County. Later he established a shop of his own at Dunkirk, and there met his fate in the person of Miss Elizabeth Brant, to whom he was married in 1853. He conducted his blacksmith shop there four years. In 1858, Mr. Waldruff returned, to Waynesburg, Ohio, where he established another shop, and where lie remained until the outbreak of the Civil War. Upon the second eall for troops, he entered the ranks of the Union Army as a member of Company I!. 65th Ohio Infantry, being mustered in at Mans- tield. and assigned to the blacksmith department. After reaching Louisville, he was detailed as black- smith in the 6th Ohio Independent Battery, and later was head blacksmith in the Army of the Cum- berland. He met the enemy with his comrades at the battle of Atlanta, Chattanooga, and Nashville, and at Chiekainauga was called upon to man a gun after the regular gunner had been shot. lie went with Sherman on the Georgia campaign, returning with the command of Gen. Thomas, and was mus- tered out at Nashville in December, 1861, after serving three years and four months. Upon retiring from the army, our subject re- turned to Illinois, and established a blacksmith shop at Cherry Point, which he conducted very suc- cessfully. Here he met his first great affliction, in the death of his wife, which occurred October, 1 866. Mrs. Elizabeth (Brant) Waldruff, was born in Stark County, Ohio, and acquired a good educa- tion, following the profession of a teacher prior to her marriage. Of this union there were born two sons: Luther, who died when about eighteen months old, and Charles, who is now a telegraph operator in Trinidad, Colo., in the employ of the Texas & Bio Grande Railroad Company. Our subject contracted a second marriage at Cherry Point, 111., in 1869, with Miss Emily Hart- ley, who was born in Boss Township, this county. Of this union there have been born live children — Carlotta, Lulu. Eva, Harker ()., and Lawrence. They arc all at home with their parents, and have been given good advantages, Eva being graduated from the High School. Mr. Waldruff purchased Kin acres of land where he carried on agriculture in connection with blacksmithing, but in is? I sold out ami removing to Chrisman, put up an hotel, anil operated as "mine host" two years. Later he established a lumber-yard and was interested in this until the fall of 1888. In the meantime he pur- chased the elevator which he still runs, and puts up large quantities of hay in bales. He erected a neat residence in town, where he has a very pleasant and comfortable home. Politically, Mr. Waldruff gives his undivided sup- port to the Republican party, and in religious mat- ters is a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he serves as Steward and Trustee, lie has been Commissioner of Highways two terms, and socially belongs to the Masonic fraternity, be- ing a member of the Chapter at Paris and Chris- man, and Treasurer in the K, of P.. and also K. of H. He and Mr. Allen Sly did most of the work of building the Methodist Episcopal Church, as far as pushing the enterprise and raising the money was concerned. The father of our subject was Philip Waldruff, a native of Ohio, and a farmer by occupation. He spent his entire life in his native State. The mother, who in her girlhood was Miss Sidene Has- kins, was born in Hardin County, that State, and is still living, making her home with her daughter. Elizabeth, in Taylor County, Iowa; she is now eighty years old, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The daughter above mentioned was the eldest child of the family. The next one, Susanna, died when about ten years old; George W. lives in Taylor County, Iowa, and is the twin brother of our subject. lie served in the Union Army, and suffered a broken arm from a gun-shot. -•-<>*- ORVAL II. L1NNABABY, senior partner of the firm of Linnabary it Cooper, is conduct- ing a thriving business as a general merchant at Hume, and is numbered among its leading citi- zens. He was born in Harlem Township, Delaware Co., Ohio, Aug. 27, 1843, and is the son of Anan 8'J4 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. Linnabary, who was a farmer by occupation and lived in Delaware County until 1882. He then removed to Paulding Count}', where his death took place Feb. 11, 1886, at the age of sixty-six years. He was born in Delaware County, and spent his entire life in the Buckeye State. Grand- father Joseph Linnabary was a native of Pennsyl- vania, and the son of a native-born German, who, upon emigrating from the Fatherland, settled in Pennsylvania at a very early date. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Louisa Jones. She like her husband was a na- tive of Delaware County, Ohio, and died there in 1877, when fifty-six years old. They were the parents of twelve children, eight of whom grew to mature years, viz. : Joseph J., George M., Orval Howard (our subject), Nancy, Charlotte, Rosetta, Hannah and Mattie. The deceased in early life were Mary Ann, John Webster, Charles Welsey and James Buchanan. Joseph J. carried on farm- ing in Delaware County, Ohio, and at his death left four children — Lyman, Mary, Edson and Onnie ; George M. served as a soldier in the Union Army during the late Civil War, and was killed in a skir- mish near Mill Springs, Ky., June 9, 1863, after the battle at Capt. West's farm. He was a daring and courageous boy, and had been promoted to Serpeant, and was in advance of his company about eight feet at the time of the encounter, when the deadly missile pierced him to the heart. Nancy is the wife of James Rolo, a farmer of Hamilton County, Neb. ; Charlotte is the wife of Orrin Cha- pin, a farmer of Hamilton County, Neb., and they have five children; Rosetta, Mrs. Wesley Hubbell. lives on a farm in Morrow County, Ohio, and is the mother of five children ; Hannah is a resident of Paulding County, Ohio, and the wife of James Breese, by whom she has one child; Mattie is the wife of Emery Waldron, of Morrow County, Ohio, and they have one child. The subject of this sketch was born Aug. 27, 1843, in Delaware County, Ohio, and lived there until a lad of eight years, when his parents re- moved to Paulding County. He assisted in open- ing up a new farm, but on account of fever and ague the family subsequently returned to Delaware County, and settling in the woods, put up a log cabin and once more hewed a home out of the wilderness. The educational advantages of our subject were necessarily limited, but he was natu- rall}- bright and fond of his books, and improved every opportunity for obtaining useful information. He remained at home assisting his parents until after the outbreak of the Civil War, and then, at the age of nineteen years, enlisted in the Union ranks under the call of President Lincoln for 3(10,000 three-years' men, at Centreville Aug. 4, 1862. He was mustered into service at Camp Chase, Columbus. Ohio, as a member of Company G, 45th Ohio Infantry, which was subsequently mounted. They were ordered to Lexington, Ky., where they drilled about tw r o months, and early in 1863 were assigned to the Army of the Cumberland under command of Gen. Lew Wallace. They were mounted in February, 1863, at Danville, Ky., under command of Gen. Ilobson, in Wolford's brigade. Not long afterward they encountered the enemy at Dutton Dill, Ky., where Lieut. Jones and our subject were the first to bounce over the fence which served as the Rebel breastworks. From that time on they were engaged in skirmishing. At Paris, Ky., young Linnabary captured a beautiful Kentucky charger, which he was allowed to retain, and to which he became greatly attached on ac- count of its intelligence and the great service which it rendered him. It was in color a shining black, veiy docile and tractable. At the battle of Phila- delphia, Tenn., Mr. Linnabary with the balance of his company, was compelled to beat a hasty re- treat under the incessant fire of the 'pursuing Con- federates. A rail fence barred their way to a thicket on the other side. This fence was partially torn down in three different places — the Confed- erates directing their fire to these points, where horses and riders both fell under their murderous aim. Our subject, instead of seeking one of these outlets in the hope of escape, determined to trust to the sagacit}' and strength of his horse, fearing, however, for the result. He expected that the animal would be unable to clear the fence, but that he, himself, in the encounter, might be thrown into the thicket, and thus sheltered from the fire of the enemy. He spurred on his gallant steed, which, to the surprise of himself and everyone else, cleared '~^rre;r--'ggsg?^^s?;K=*y?^^!>%^.-g J » Residence of Jo hn R. Honnold Sec.1. Kansas Tp. Edgar Co Residence or T. G. Brown, Sec. 14. ElbridgeTp. Edgar Co «<& « w «^» w &*j& Residence of Thos. Poulter.Sec.10. KansasTp. EdgarCo PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 837 the seven rail fence and gracefully bore his rider to a place of safety. Subsequently Mr. Linnabary was detailed with others to pursue the raider Morgan, and was thus occupied for twenty -two days and nights. lie was one of the advance who captured Morgan's men at Blufliington's Island, and assisted in conveying the prisoners on a boat to Cincinnati, after which they were transported to Camp Nelson. It was the intention to rest there for a period of two or three days, but finding Col. Pigram raiding the country in that vicinity and near Richmond, active operations were begun at once. They drove the rebels back into Tennessee, and crossed the mountains west of Cumberland Gap, pulling the cannon by handsome of the time, in which there was frequently required the aid of 200 men at a single rope. The troops finally crossed into Tennessee and joined the Army of the Cumberland under Gen. Burnside. skirmishing continually, for the rebels were in possession of the country. They engaged then at Loudon, and crossed the Tennessee River at that place on a pontoon bridge, after which Col. Wolford's brigade was sent as an outpost five miles west to the village of Philadelphia. After this they went into camp for a month at that place. For a month they were engaged almost continu- ously in skirmishing and foraging. Mr. Linnabary kept a memoranda of daily events from the time of his enlistment until the fight at Philadelphia. There they were engaged by the rebels in numbers greatly in excess of their own, sometimes as many as three to one, and there were frequently very desperate charges. The Union troops broke through the Confederate ranks, pushing their way through underbrush of burr and jack oaks, and in one of these encounters Mr. Linnabary, having hispaniers on one side of his horse and his haversack on the other, was obliged to cut them away in order to made his escape, and thus the)- were lost. He ex- perienced many hairbreadth escapes prior to the time when he was wounded, and suffered the loss of his right arm. The troops now fell back to Loudon, Tenn., where they were reinforced and drove the rebels thirty miles west to the Iliawasse River, where they met the rebel General, Longstreet, and acted as a rear guard, keeping him and his forces in check", and fighting continuously for about fifteen days. They finally fell back to Knoxville, and crossed the Holdston River, where the)- met the rebel ad- vance and dismounted in the woods to act as rear guards in tailing back. The Confederates made a combined charge of infantry and cavalry, but the Union troops, seeing the defense was hopeless, were ordered by the commander to "take care of themselves every man." A sad tumult followed, in which every man lost his horse, and our subject saw no more of the beautiful animal to which he had become so much attached, and which had ren- dered him such faithful service. Upon the night following this eventful day Mr. Linnabary was the only private to report at roll- call. A few hours later, however ,jnany others came in, while others were captured; some were wounded and many were killed. Upon that day Mr. Linna- bary did some of the fastest running he ever per- formed in all his life, flying one and one-half miles at his greatest speed back to the fortifications. Upon the following day they recrossed the river, and going west to Ft. Sanders, engaged the enemy on the 17th and 18th of November. About 3 o'clock in the afternoon of the 18th, after having been with the troops which repulsed the enemy twice, Mr. Linnabary was struck by a minie-ball in his right wrist, wheh shattered the arm and muscles from the wrist to the elbow and above. He was taken to Bellevue Hospital at Knoxville, and after repeated operations finally suffered ampu- tation of the arm. He left the hospital Feb. 1 7, 18G4, and returned home on a furlough. Subse- quently returning to Columbus, Ohio, he was given his honorable discharge on account of disability. Up to the time of being wounded he had never missed a roll call, and he never flinched in his duty in whatever direction it lay, whether fighting the foe on the field of battle or performing service in the camp and on the march. His army record is similar to that of thousands whose deeds will be held in remembrance by a grateful country, and who will be ever recalled to mind as those to whom later generations are indebted for their freedom and prosperity. Upon returning home Mr. Linnabary attended 838 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. school for a time, and soon engaged as a teacher in Delaware County. He remained there until after his marriage in 1867. His wife was formerly Miss Flora Cockrell, who was a native of that county and the daughter of Monroe and Catherine (Fritz) Cockrell, who emigrated to that region during its pioneer days. He remained in Ohio until 1871, then came to Illinois and rented a farm in Young America Township with the intention of following agricultural pursuits. He and his brother-in law put in 110 acres of corn that first year, and Mr. Linnahary operated with fair success in this manner until 1876. Then deciding upon a change, he left the farm and established himself at Hume, where he built and operated the first hotel in the place for five years very successfully. Later he engaged in general merchandising and farming in partner- ship with a Mr. Jones, under the firm name of Linnabary iV .lones. After six months he pur- chased the interest of his partner, and conducted the store alone for two years. Then, in August, 1883, he sold a half-interest to Mr. Cooper, his present partner. These gentlemen have together built up a satisfactory trade, which is steadily on the increase. They carry a full stock of dry-goods, hardware, tinware, stoves, clothing, hats and caps, boots and shoes, trunks and valises, watches, clocks and jewelry — in fact everything called for in a country store. To Mr. and Mrs. Linnabary there have been born four children, the eldest of whom, a daughter, Alma I)., died in Ohio at the age of three and one- half years; Rose Belle died in Edgar County, 111., when two years old. The survivors are Orville George and Louisa C. The family residence is pleasantly situated in the central part of the village, and without any pretensions to elegance it very nearly approaches the ideal home, inasmuch as its its inmates are surrounded with all the comforts of life. Mr. and Mrs. Linnabary are members of the Christian church, to which they contribute a lib- eral support, and our subject was largely instru- tal in the erection of the church edifice. In politics Mr. Linnabary is an uncompromising Democrat. He was appointed Postmaster of Hume under the administration of President Cleveland, holding the position three years, and then resign- ing, in June, 1888, on account of ill-health. Ik- has served as Assessor four terms, also as Collector, and has been otherwise prominently identified with local affairs. Socially, he is is a charter member of Hume Lodge No. 725, I. O. O. F. There is probably no more popular man in the vicinity of Hume than Mr. Linnabary. Although of slight frame, he has the energy and will-power which has enabled him to accomplish more than many a man of larger stature and stouter muscles. He is recognized at once as a man of culture and refined tastes, and whether in business or social circles, always has the bearing and appearance of a gentleman. *»+ ** ]t-ENRY M. NOLAN. The subject of this 'if J' sketch was born in Edgar County, 111., Oct. 'iW' 6, 1846. His father, John Nolan, was born ((^) July 26, 1820, in Augusta County, Va., and when only three months old came with his parents to Vermillion County, Ind. They crossed the Wabash River at what is now the site of the great city of Terre Haute, then only a corn-field, a cabin and a solitary spring bubbling up in a barrel. Samuel Nolan, the grandfather, entered nearly three sections of Government land in what has since become the townships of Ilelt and Clin- ton, in Vermillion Count}-, Ind, and Hunter, in this county. At that time the Indians, princi- pally of the Kickapoo tribe, were numerous, and at times troublesome. The dark forests were peopled by the fiercest and wildest wolves. All honor to the brave pioneers who reared homes in this wilderness and braved the dangers of a fron- tier life through a dark and gloomy period, when vigilance was the price of life. Amid such hard- ships and privations, the father grew up to man- hood's estate, and in 1844 was united in marriage to Miss Mary Foltz, who was also a native of Virginia. Mrs. Mary (Folz) Nolan was born in Rocking- ham County, on the banks of the beautiful Shen- andoah River, Oct. 23, 1827. When twelve years old she came with her parents to Edgar County, locating first on the north arm, then PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 839 in Wayne Precinct, afterward Hunter Township. Her parents after a few years purchased a large farm near the Indiana Furnace, in Vermillion County, and removed thither. The young couple built for themselves a home in the northeast corner of Hunter Township, where, in, 1846, Henry M., the subject of the pres- ent biography, was born. Two sons — Fielden ('. and J. Monroe, and two daughters — Lizzie and Lucitta, were afterward added, all of whom are married, except the latter, who lives with the aged mother on the old homestead. The father passed from earth in 1882. Henry M. Nolan early manifested a passionate fondness for books. His first opportunites for acquiring knowledge were very meagre. Not until 1855 were there any county officers appointed or elected to examine teachers or superintend schools. The earlier generation of teachers in this county were in the main not school teachers, but school keepers, in fact, tbey were called school "masters," and so the}' proved to be in the use of the rod. Tiny believed that boys could not be taught with- out whipping, and plenty of it. The old school- house in which lie was first taught the "three R's" stood about a mile northwest of Sugar Grove Church, in Bruellett Creek Township. It might be rightfully called a log pen, chinked and daubed and covered with clapboards. The benches were puncheon with rough legs, bored in with a two- inch auger. The fireplace was in one end, and nearly the width of the house. At the age of sixteen our subject entered Edgar Academy, at Paris. This was the first High School in the Wabash Valley. It was presided over by Thomas II. Rogers, A. M„ a graduate of the Mi- ami University, Oxford, Ohio. At the age of eighteen he taught his first school near Clinton, Ind.. afterward studying in the office of the Hon. 1!. N. Bishop, in Paris. On the 17th of Septem- ber, 1868, he was married to Miss Eliza Gerrish, of Vermillion County, Ind. .Mrs. Nolan was born in Thetford, Vt., July 21, 1 849. They are the parents of one child — Ivy E., born Jan. 10. 1872. Mr. Nolan early united with the Methodist Protestant Church, and was licensed to preach in 1876. At an annual conference held in Odin, 111., Oct. 6, 1877, he was ordained to the regular ministry. Failing health from excessive study caused him to abandon continued preaching, and devote himself more exclusively to Sabbath- school work, in which he has been very successful. He has taught in the public schools of Edgar and Vermilion counties more than fifteen years. He has a nice little farm and a pleasant home in Hunter Township, and by industry and careful management has some money invested in good se- curities. His love of books has led him to collect probably the largest and best library in the county. Mr. Nolan stands in the front rank as a public orator in this section of the country, and his ser- vices are always in demand at all religious and Sunday-school celebrations and conventions; es- pecially is he in demand as an open air and plat- form speaker. Sll ACOB W. ROBINSON, who was born Feb. 21. 1813, in McMmn County, Tenn., is the son of William and Mary (Warren) Robin- son, who were both natives of East Tennes- see. Mr. Robinson is of Irish descent on his fath- er's side. In 1859 Mr. William Robinson removed with his family to Monroe County, Ky., where he followed the dual occupation of farming and black- smithing until the breaking out of the civil war. He was a strong Democrat, but on the general dis- ruption of parties and change of political relations, which that event occasioned, he became affiliated with the newly formed Republican party, which he continued to support until his death, which occurred in I860. During life he was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which commun- ion his wife also finds her religious home. Mrs. Robinson, the mother of our subject, is still living in Monroe County, Ky., at the venerable age of seventy-eight years. The parental family consisted of nine children; Sarah lives in Sumner County. Kan., and is married to Crittendon Chism; Anna, who died in 1865, aged twenty-two years; Charles lives in Monroe County, Ky., and is married; Samuel, who died in 840 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 1882; Mary, who also died iu 1882; John lives in Southwestern Kansas, and is a farmer. He is married to Armilda Chism, and is the father of four chil- dren; William lives in Richardson Comity, Neb., with his family on a farm. Our subject was the recipient of a good educa- tion, having attended both the public schools of his native place, and also was sent to subscription schools in the intervals arising by reason of the short terms of the common school. On the break- ing out of the war he enlisted in the 9th Kentucky Infantry, serving three years, and was discharged in the fall of 1864. He participated with credit to himself and honor to his country in the battles of Shiloh, .Stone River. Chickamauga. Mission Ridge, and Atlanta. He was married Sept. 11, 1870, at Cherry Point., Edgar Co., to Miss Francis A. Rex- road, daughter of the Rev. Solomon and Mrs. Ag- nes Rexroad, both natives of West Virginia. Solomon Rexroad was a son of Henry and Cath- erine Rexroad. Mrs. Rexroad's mother's maiden name was Catherine Drake, daughter of George and Elizabeth Drake, natives of Virginia, and who were descendants of the distinguished Sir Francis Drake. The Rev. Solomon Rexroad was for thirty years a local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Church at Cherry Point. He entered the Union army in 1861, serving in the 7th Virginia Infantry in the army of the Potomac. He was mustered out and honorably discharged in 1862. He resided at Cherry Point until his demise, which occurred about two years ago, when he was seventy -six years of age. His widow now makes her home with Mr. and Mrs. Robinson. Four years after his marriage Mr. Robinson pur- chased forty acres, which he has since increased to 1 20 acres, this forming his present home place on sec- tion 24, Young America Township, Edgar County. A part of his land, however, lies in Ross Township. Mr. and Mrs. Robinson have become the parents of seven children, namely: William S.. Mary A . Anna L., Homer W., Francis II., Lucy M., who died in infancy, and Dan Harrison. Mr. Robinson lias been Highway Commissioner, School Director and Township Trustee. He is a member of the G. A. R. Post at Ridge Farm. He and his wife are active and efficient members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Robinson votes the Republican ticket and assists by his influence and his means to elect the candidates honored by his chosen party. Mrs. Robinson is a prominent member of the Wo- man's Relief Corps, and belongs to James Adams Posl No. 72 at Cherry Point. She represented her corps in the State convention held at Springfield in 1888. Mr. Robinson's home is on the line between Young America and Ross townships, part of his farm being in the latter township. Mrs. Robinson is a beautiful and intelligent woman, with a fine, thoughtful, kindly face. She is an excellent house- wile and a conscientious, Christian woman. Mr. Robinson is a medium sized man, of wiry rather than muscular build, a pleasant talker, and of gen- ial and hospitable disposition. His children are being carefully trained, and his domestic circle is is a happy and harmonious one. Books anil papers find ready reading in his home. JTONATHAN T. HALL, M.D.. has been a practicing physician in Palermo, Young America Township, since 1885. He is a f) young man who has risen by his own exer- tions, and is destined to occupy a prominent place in his profession. He is very popular and very successful, and his practice is growing rapidly. He is energetic and determined to keep himself well posted on all that pertains to his profession, as well as in general matters of interest. From a poor orphan boy he has worked himself upward to his present position in the professional and social world. He has a neat and attractive home in Palermo and nn interesting family of boys and girls, to whose training and education he and his excellent wife are devoting themselves. The subject of this notice was born Nov. 5, 1851, in Boone County. Ind., to John A. and Sarah (Burns) Hall, who were natives of Indiana. The paternal grandfather was a native of Virginia, ami lived near Harpers Ferry and was of Scotch- Welsh descent. The mother's parents were natives of < >hio, of Scotch-Irish descent. The father of our PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 841 subject followed the triple occupation of a carpen- ter, machinist and millright. and built the first house in Zionsville, His death occurred in 1858. He survived his wife six years, she having died in March, 1852, when our subject was but four months old. The father and mother of our subject were both married twice. The father's first wife was Sarah Burnes, by whom he had two children. The mother's first husband was Mr. McManis. by whom she had three children : Thomas B. McManis, who died in 1883, in Indianapolis, Ind., leaving his wife. He was a minister in the Methodist Epis- copal Church, and left five children to mourn his loss. Rachel A. is single and resides in the State of California; John R. resides in the State of Califor- nia as the representative of the Cincinnati Buggy Company. Our subject's own brother. William N. Hall, is a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and resides with his wife. Catherine X. (Farrow), and two children in Burlington, Iowa. Our subject spent his childhood and youth under the roof and in the care of his paternal grand- mother, in Boone County, Ind. When he had reached the age of twenty-two, he began the study of medicine in the office of D. N. Walker, M.D., in Augustine. Marion Co., Ind. After pursu- ing the study of medicine in this office for some time, and feeling the need of a better general edu- cation, he entered the University ab Greencastlc, Ind., where by diligent study and correct deport- ment he made good progress in securing a liberal education and won the esteem and confidence of his teachers and fellow-students. Subsequently he matriculated at the College of Physicians and Sur- geons in Indianapolis, Ind., where, after pursuing the full course of studies, he graduated with honor. In 1876, our subject and Miss Julia Loftin were united in marriage at the home of the bride's parents, in Indianapolis. Ind. Six children have entered their home, named respectively: Ora L., Pearl, Roy, Fayne, Bessie and Harlan. Our sub- ject first began the practice of medicine at Morton, Putnam Co., Ind., and continued there seven years, building up a good practice and making many friends. He then removed to Lafayette, Ind., where he resided three years. While there he officiated as County Health Physician for one year and County. lail Physician one year, and then tilled the position of Township Physician for Wabash Township, continuing in this olfice one year. In 1885, he came to his present home in Palermo, where he has since resided, making many friends and building up an extensive and remunerative practice. He and his amiable and cultivated wife are consistent members and warm supporters of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a good Democrat, although not taking any active part in the councils of his party. AMUEL SCOTT is one of the substantial farmers of Prairie Township, where he owns and occupies ICO acres of land on section 25. He is a native of the township where he now lives, and first saw the light of day April 25, 1816. Here he was reared and received his education. His father, William Scott, was born near Mar- tinsville, Morgan Co., Ind., .Inly 25, 1819. The grandfather, Samuel, was a native of Kentucky, and of English descent. When a young man he emi- grated to Indiana and located in Morgan County, wnere he purchased a tract of land and engaged in agriculture. His original farm was where the town of Martinsville is now situated. About the time that this town was being located the grand- father determined to leave the country, saying he would not live so near a village, and in 1829 he located in Edgar County, buying the most of his land from the Government, and then engaged in stock business. He early conceived the idea of engaging extensively in buying and feeding cat- tle, and driving them through to Chicago, dispos- ing of them at the fort located at that point. This he did, and prospered thereby. He was the only man in this portion of the country of the early pio- neers who had money, and more than one of the earl}' settlers owe their start in life to him. He was held in high esteem, a fact that will be illus- trated by his being known as '-Uncle Sammie." lie was Lin? "guide, philosopher and friend" of the 842 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. early settlers of Edgar County. He resided hi Prairie Township until 1859, when he removed to Ross Township, where he purchased a large tract of land, and at the time of his death was the largest landowner in Edgar County, owning about 3,500 acres in this county, and 1 ,000 acres in Kansas. He died while on a visit to his son William, in Prairie Township, in December, 1869. The father of the subject of this sketch was a boy of ten years of age when he came to Illinois. He remained at home working for his father until he became of age, when he turned his entire atten- tion to farming, and he was prospered. He entered and bought land in Prairie Township, and owned about 1,000 acres where the town of Scotland is located. He donated the right of way to the rail- road company, and one half of the town site, for the purpose of inducing the railroad to locate the town here. In an early day he was engaged ex- tensively in buying and feeding stock, and driving them to Chicago. He still owns a large block of land in Prairie Township, and in 1881 retired from active life and removed to Paris. He is is an in- fluential member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and politically, acts with the Democratic party. In 1812 he was married to Elizabeth C. Legate, who was born July 10, 1821, in Ohio. Her father, Robert, was a native of Tennessee, and her grandfather, Capt. John Legate, was born in the North of Ireland, and came to America while a young man and located in Tennessee, later remov- ing to Brown County, Ohio, where he pursued farming. He served in the Revolutionary War as a captain under Gen. Marion. Samuel's mother came to Illinois with her stepfather, when she was ten years of age. She died Sept. 28, 1869, leaving ten children: Israel I)., Samuel, John M., Robert L., Albert, Lemuel, Rebecca, William M., Norval D., and Franklin. Samuel Scott has passed through all the trials of life incident to a pioneer. The school-houses in which he gathered his education were built of logs, the benches and floors of which were made of rude puncheon, and the windows were constructed of oiled paper. The teachers of those days were not of the best, but were employed mainly for their ability to preserve order. When he was twenty- three years of age Mr. Scott went to Terre Haute, and attended a commercial school at that place for two winters. At the conclusion of his stay at that place he rented land and went to farming. Later on he was enabled to purchase eighty acres, which is a part of his present farm. He improved this land, and from the start has been prosperous, until he now owns 120 acres of the best kind of soil, and fully improved. He has a good house, 21x30, and a splendid barn, which is 42x60, and other build- ings to match. His farm is well watered by a creek, and he has also a pond in which he is raising fish. His farm is embellished with nice yards, hedges and large orchards, and everything in con- nection with it denotes thrift. He is engaged in general farming, raising cattle and hogs, buying and feeding them, and ships about three cars a year to the markets. Draft and road horses occupy his attention, and he is a member of the Scotland Horse Company, a corporation which deals in im- ported English shire horses. At the head of this stable is the well-known horse Sampson, whose weight is 1,900 pounds, and is said to be one of the very best ever brought across the water. He also raises mules. On Aug. 14, 1870, Mr. Scott married Miss Lu- cretia A., daughter of Manoah Jennings, a well-to- do farmer of Prairie Township, and one of the old settlers. Mrs. Scott's mother was Elizabeth Honey, who was born in Brown County. Ohio. Lucretia was born in Prairie Township, and she is the mother of three children — Otto Raymon, Ora Delle, and 01 ma Noah. Mr. Scott takes great interest in educational affairs, and has been a School Trustee for three years, and he has also held the office of Assessor. He votes with the Democratic party, and has served on its central committee. ANNEAL MORRIS. It is acknowledged by all l( r w ' 10 ' iave an y acquaintance with the history %Jf of Ohio that it is settled up by the most in- telligent people who in the early part of the nine tcenth century ventured on the frontier. To them is due the high position which it holds to day PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 843 among the Western States — a position which is dis- tinguished by wealth, education and those elements which have established churches, schools and col- leges and sent abroad, mostly to the westward, a people who have surely left their footprints on the the sands of time. Among the early pioneers of the Buckeye State were the ancestors of our subject, Offshoots of the Morris family which is believed to have originated in Ireland. A portion of them settled in Pickaway County and among them is the grand father of our subject who reared a fine family of children. One of the sons, Henry, the father of our subject, was born in Pickaway County, where he grew up amid the wild scenes of pioneer life and chose for his Wife one of the maidens of that region. Miss Charity Shelby, who was born and reared not far from the home of her husband. Ezerial Morris, the paternal grandfather of our subject was a native of Pennsylvania whence he emigrated to Ohio while it was still a territory, and prior to the Revolutionary War. True to the instincts of patriotism born in him, he laid aside his personal interests, and shouldering his musket, marched to the relief of the colonists, beinc under the immediate command of Gen. Washington. He lived to see the triumph of free- dom and independence, and it is supposed followed agriculture the balance of his days. On the mother's side grandfather David Shelby was also a pioneer of Ohio, settling like the Morris family, in Pickaway County, where he lived many years and there passed to his final rest. The father of our subject spent his entire life on the farm where he was born, with the exception of the time in which he served in the War of 1812. In that struggle he was under the command of Gen. Harrison and always maintained a pardonable pride in the fact that he was permitted to enjoy the personal acquaintance of the hero of Tippecanoe. To him and his excellent wife there were born nine children who were carefully trained in the doc- trines of the United Brethren Church to which the parents religiously adhered until departing hence. Six of their children are living and residents of Illinois and Kansas. The subject of this sketch was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, Sept. 18. 1825, and passed his boy- hood uneventfully upon a farm. He attended the district school mostly in the winter season and in the seasons of sowing and reaping, made himself useful with the other children of the parental family. Upon reaching manhood his chief ambi- tion was to establish a home of his own and he was married May 20, 1830 to one of the most attractive maidens of his neighborhood, Miss Susannah Rudy. This lady was the daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Rudy, who were natives, likewise, of Pickaway County, Ohio. The young people, in the fall of 1855 concluded to seek their fortunes in what was then the far West, and coming to Edgar County, III., located in Paris Township where Mr. Morris purchased 320 acres of wild prairie land. The task of bringing the new farm to a state of cultivation, making fences, erecting buildings, planting, sowing and gathering in the harvests each season, was by no means a light one, but it was undertaken by a man possessed of more than ordinary courage and persistence. These carefully exercised, together with great economy and o-ood management, in due time brought their legitimate results and in time Mr. Morris was in possession of one of the most valuable farms of the township, the land brought to a high state of cultivation and the building and other appurtenances all that could reasonably be required by the progressive and en- terprising agriculturist. This farm, however, was abondoned by our subject about twelve years ago, when he sold out and came to that which he now occupies. Here he has 440 acres, with a fine, large, elegantly furnished house, two large barns and other outbuildings, the most approved modern machinery and a goodly assortment of livestock. When Mr. Morris came to this latter farm there was much to be accomplished in order to carrv out his ideas and make a home in accordance with his desires. It has taken no small outlay of time and money, and he now has a homestead which invari- bly attracts the attention of the passerby anil forms one of the most pleasing pictures in the landscape of that region. Six children came to bless the union of our sub- ject and his estimable wife, the eldest of whom, a daughter, Eveline, is the wife of Hiram Perisho 844 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. and they live on the home farm. Henry R. lives in Kansas; Elizabeth, Mrs. John Henry, is a resi- dent of Paris Township: Martin L., in Paris Town- ship; John W., in Paris Township, and Anna B., at home. Mrs. Morris, a lady held in high esteem in her own community, is a prominent member of the Lutheran Church. Our subject, politically, is a staunch supporter of the Democratic party, but his private interests are too weighty to allow him time to run after office. For more than thirty years he has made a specialty of stock-raising, which in- dustry has been largely the secret of his wealth and success. He buys and feeds usually about 150 cattle per year and large numbers of swine. The farm is chiefly devoted to grazing, and the green fields with their broad pastures and fat herds present a most delightful picture to contemplate. The parents of Mrs. Morris had a family of eight children, all of whom lived to mature years. Four are now living and residents mostly of Ten- nessee and Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Rudy spent their last years in Ohio. ACOB ZIMMERLY. The Zimmerly home- stead, finely located on section 33, Sims Township, forms one of its most prominent features of interest, and is readily recog- nized as the home of an enterprising and progress- ive citizen. It is embellished with a tasteful and commodious brick residence, a substantial barn and the various other outbuildings essential in the operations of the farm, while there are forest and fruit trees, a goodly assortment of live-stock, and the machinery necessary for successful agriculture. The proprietor of this charming retreat is one of the most prominent men of his township, a man who has occupied many positions of trust and re- sponsibility, and who rightly esteems it no small honor that he has been elected and re-elected to the various offices within the gift of his fellow-citizens. Honest and upright, capable, intelligent, and pro- gressive in his ideas, he has borne no unimportant part in bringing his com m unit} - to its present con- dition in point of morality, education, and those elements which form the basis of good society. A native of Edgar County, 111., Mr. Zimmerly was born in this township, July 10, 1834, received his early education in the district school, and re- mained at home with his parents until reaching manhood. His father, Isaac Zimmerly, was born in Virginia, and emigrated to Illinois in 1 829, locating at once. In this township he was married later to Miss Susan Zink, who was born in Kentucky, and came with her father, Daniel Zink, to this county during its earliest settlement. Later they were joined by her paternal grandparents, the latter spending their last days here. The parents of our subject reared their family of six children in Sims Township, of whom Jaeob was the second born. Both were members of the | Methodist Episcopal Church. The father entered his first farm in the timber, where he put up a log cabin and cleared the land, being very successful and accumulating a good property. He gave to each of his children a farm, and reserved for him- self 240 acres of land. This was divided after his death, which occurred in 1682. The mother died in 1874. The subject of this notice chose farming for his life occupation, and was married in June. 1855, to Miss Eveline, daughter of Harmon and Delilah (Easton) (Iregg. This union resulted in the birth of ten children, two of whom, John William, and Thomas B.. died in infancy. The survivors are Dora, the wife of J. B. Frazier-; Isaac H.. Mary S., Mrs. John W. Laughlin, George E., Jacob (i., Lilly Eveline, Charles F., and Daniel A. Mr. Zim- iiii'ilv in the fall of 1886 was appointed to till the unexpired term of K. Laufmann, as Supervisor, and was re-elected to the office in the spring of 1887-88-89. These successive re-elections are am- ple illustrations of his standing in this community. The farm of our subject embraces 390 acres of choice land which has been brought to a high state of cultivation. He also has a fine timber tract. Formerly for a number of years he engaged quite extensively as a stock dealer, but has practically abandoned this business as it became unprofitable. Both Mr. and Mrs. Zimmerly are members of the Christian Church, and our subject, politically, votes /^e^^ PORTRAIT AND l'.lOC UAPHICAL ALBUM. SIT the straight Democratic ticket. He has been iden- tified with the Masonic fraternity many years, and at the present time is a member of Prairie Lodge at Paris. ~V EN JAM IN ALLEN, Jr. The large farm *v of 307 acres belonging to the subject of this notice, is one which reflects great credit upon his industry and good judgment, comprising as it does one of the best regulated homesteads in Slratton Township. It came into his possession when a wild and uncultivated tract, and has been transformed by him into a marvel of beauty and fertility. In connection with its cul- tivation he raises live stock in large numbers each year, besides grain and other produce, and also operates a steam sawmill which stands convenient to the residence. Mr. Allen has for many years been one of the leading men of his township, holding the offices of . Justice of the Peace, School Treasurer and Super- visor, aud has always maintained a warm interest, in educational matters, serving as School Director in addition to his other duties. In politics, lie is a pronounced Republican, as likewise are his boys, and socially, he belongs to the I. O. O. F. and the Gooil Templars, being in the latter a member of Lodge No. 562 at Vermillion. In religion he is a I'niversalist, and one of the Trusteesof that church in Vermillion. In reverting to the ancestry of our subject we find that his father. Benjamin Allen, Sr., was born in Pennsylvania, but when quite young removed with his parents to Kentucky, they settling in Meade County. He attended school there until tin' War of 1812, then enlisted in the army, but owing to pressing business matters sent a substitute instead of serving. Meanwhile he occupied himself as a farmer and trader and owned a number 'if slaves. He transacted a large amount of business in New Orleans, traveling on foot to and from there. and finally became the principal stockholder in the fust steamer that was put on the river between Lou- isville and the Crescent City, lie managed success- fully for many years, aud it. in connection with the operation of his plantation of 640 acres, con- spired to make him a very wealthy man for those days, being worth $30,000. Mrs. Mary (Ross) Allen, the mother of our sub- ject, gave birth to the first white child born in .Meade County, Ky.. and in all was the mother of Seven children. The eldest boy, Marshall, after reaching years of maturity, disappeared from the sight of his family, who never learned his fate; James died when about sixty years old; Hardin C. died in Kansas some years ago; Benjamin, Jr., our subject, was the next in order of birth; Delilah H. lives in Kentucky; Sarah is dead; Mary died in childhood. The family came to this county in 1825, and here the parents spent their last days. Their remains were laid to rest in Blackburn Ceme- tery in Stratton Township. The subject of this notice was born in Meade County, Ky., June 13, 1814, and lived there until a youth of eleven years, at which time his parents came to this county. He assisted his father in de- veloping the new farm, breaking the sod around the stumps of the newly cut trees, and performing the various other labors incident to life on the frontier. He was one of the early wolf scalpers of this county. He was occupied in different ways until nineteen years old, then began flat-boating, running South more or less until 1 850. In that year he was married to Miss Nancy II. Hudson, a native of Tennessee and who died in 1865. Of this union there were born eight children: Charles A. is married and living in Galion, Ohio, where he is superintendent of railway construction; Alonso S. was killed by an explosion on the railroad; Luella is the wife of William Lee, who is engaged in the lumber business near PugetSound, in Wash- ington; Delia is the wife of Thomas J. Crawford, and they live in Vermillion Village, this State; Emma is the wife of Benjamin Morton, of El- bridge Township; Benjamin W. is engaged in business connected with the river and harbor, and lives in Tennessee; Sarah died in infancy; Jennie H. is a resident of Chicago. The present wife of our subject, to whom he was married in 18(j(>, was formerly Miss Mary Ap- pleby, a native of Indiana. This union resulted in 848 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. the birth of six children, namely: Edward G., Artie, Jesse B., Essie M.. Frerldic and Allen A., who are at home with their parents. A tine por- trait of Mr. Allen will he found on another page of this volume. — -*sii?* — Alexander Baldwin. The splendid farm of (i(l() acres which for many years has been familiarly known as the" Baldwin home- stead," was during the early settlement of this county an open, bleak prairie, and the father of our subject was the first to take possession of a portion of the land and begin the opening up of a farm. Alanson Baldwin was a man of more than ordinarily excellent qualities of character and pos- sessed the sturdy perseverance which was necessary at that day for those who would win in their bat- tle with the elements of a new country. He labored long and to excellent purpose, and was not only successful financially, but was a man beloved by the entire community. Although not a member of any religions organization, he was liberal to the church, kind to the poor, and at his decease, in 1874, scores of people in this county felt that they had lost their best friend. Alanson Baldwin was born in Green County, N. Y., and there received a common-school educa- tion and developed into manhood. He then came West with his parents. Joseph and Sarah Baldwin, Stopping at Evansville. Ind.. where the father died about eighteen months later. The widow sojourned there with her children until they had arrived at mature years and were married. Shespent her last days at Newburg, Ind. In 1830 the father of our subject emigrated to this county and entered a tract of land, beginning at once its improvement and cultivation. In due time he made the acquaint- ance of Miss L. Sophia, daughter of Alexander and Lucy (MeColloch) Conkey, and the mutual attachment which followed resulted in their mar- riage in 1832. The young people began the journey of life together at the village of Baldwinsville where the father of our subject engaged in the mercantile business in company with Gov. Whitcome of Indi- ana, their store being the first establishment of the kind in this part of the county. They carried on business successfully until 1861, in the meantime obtaining their supplies in the grocery line from New Orleans and their dry goods and hardware from Pittsburg and New York City. Some times they would be obliged to have their goods unloaded from the boat at Evansville and hauled thence overland by team. Some years prior to 1861 Mr. Whitcome retired from the firm and the business was conducted by Mr. Baldwin alone until 1 861, when he decided to turn his attention to the im- provement of his land and took possession of it. The father of our subject was a man of un- bounded energy and his labors in due time met with their legitimate reward. He gradually added to his real estate until, at the time of his death, he owned nearly 1.000 acres of land. Liberal and pub- lic spirited, he was ever willing to give of his time and means in the furtherance of those enterprises calculated for the general good. The village of Baldwinsville was named in his honor and he was the first Postmaster, holding the office for the long period of nearly thirty years. He had come to this county poor in purse and his career illustrates in a marvelous manner the results of industry and perseverance. Not only was he successful finan- cially, hut he made for himself a record which may ever be looked upon with pride by his descendants. To Alanson Baldwin and his estimable wife there were born four children: Kmeline, now the widow of William It. Nofsinger and a resident of Kansas City, Mo.; Alexander, our subject; Julia, Mrs F. D. Nofsinger, of Kansas City, and Charles J., who died at the age of eighteen years. The kind and indulgent husband, the revered father and the good citizen, Alanson Baldwin, departed this life ( let. 14, 1874, at the age of seventy-four years. Ilis widow is still living at the old home- stead where she hopes to spend the remainder of her days. She was born in Franklin County, Mass.. December, 1815. of which State her parents were also natives and where they were reared and married. They had a family of four children of whom Mrs. Baldwin was next to the youngest. Their journey from the Bay State to the Far West was made after the primitive fashion of those days PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 849 they going to Buffalo, N. V.. by canal, thence by* lake to Toledo, Ohio, and from there down the Wabash River on a keel boat landing at Durgey's Ferry, [nd. Thence they came by team overland t<> Hunter Township, this county, where the par- cuts of Mrs. Baldwin spent their last days. Alexander Baldwin was reared after Hie manner of the sons of pioneer farmers, acquiring his edu- cation in the district school and the schools of Paris. He was with his father in the store a large part of the time until it was disposed of, then going to Indianapolis, was engaged as head book- keeper and later as teller in a bank. From that place he emigrated to Kansas City, Mo., where he spent live years engaged in pork and beef packing. After his father's death he was called home to as- sist in the settlement of the estate, and has since continued here, managing the farm and property and attending to the comforts of his aged mother. The residence is a large, commodious brick struc- ture, surrounded by fruit and shade trees, and con- spicuous by the air of plenty and comfort which is the usual accompaniment of the well regulated country homestead. In the rear are the barns and other outbuildings, amply adapted to the shelter of stock and the storage of grain. The home- stead stands as a monument to the industry and perseverance of him who established it, and. it is to be hoped, will remain in the family for genera- tions to conic. yfelLLIAM M. VAN HOUTIN. The gen- ial disposition and more than ordinary intelligence of this gentleman have con- spired to make him one of the most popular men in Edgar Township. He pursues his way quietly ami unostentatiously, engaged in agricultural pur- suits, on a good farm of eighty acres occupying a portion of .section 33. Without making any pre- tentions to elegance he and his family live com- fortably, give a portion Of their time to the culti- vation of their minds and manage to extract a large portion of good from life. The subject of this sketch is a lifelong resident of Edgar County and has spent the most of his days near the place of his birth which occurred in Stratton Township. Sept. 29, L831. His boy- hood and youth were spent in a comparatively une- ventful manner, amid the quiet scenes of rural life, while he acquired a practical education in the common schools. His first lessons were pursued in a log house with greased paper for window panes. a floor of puncheon, the scats and desks of slabs and the chimney built outside of earth and slicks. His recreations consisted of fox. coon, wolf and deer hunts, and of the latter he has seen as many as twenty-five in one drove. He grew up like his companions healthy in mind and body and chose farming for his future calling. He distinctly remembers the advent of matches and stoves in this county. At the age of twenty years young Van Houtin, in L851, entered from the Government eighty acres of land which constitutes his present homestead. He spent his time upon this thereafter during the summer seasons until his marriage, and in the winter developed his talent for vocal music and engaged successfully as a teacher for fourteen seasons in succession, adopting the Harrison system at first and then the Hay don. He was thus occupied in Vermillion, Vigo and Parke counties, [nd., and in Edgar, Coles, Jasper. Douglas, Moultrie, Macon, Christian and Clark counties. 111. Our subject finally determined to establish a fireside of his own and on the 8th of November, I860, was united in marriage with Miss Sarah, daughter of William T. Sims, a well-to-do farmer of Sims Township and the owner of the old home- stead comprising 300 acres of land. The young people commenced their wedded life together at their own home and our subject- proceeded with the improvements, breaking the soil with oxen, setting out forest, fruit trees and hedges, and at first devoting the land mostly to the raising of grain. He also raises live stock on a small scale, cattle, horses and swine. He uses two teams in the operation of his farm. He takes time to keep himself posted upon the leading events of the day and gives his unqualified support to the Republican party. The father of our subject was (apt. Benjamin 850 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. Van Iloutin who was born in New Jersey in 1801. The paternal grandfather, William Van Iloutin, was a new Jersey fanner in moderate circumstances, but left that State in 1818 and settled at Merrim, Ind. The year following, however, he pushed on further westward to Edgar County, 111., locating in Stratton Township, his being the ninth family to settle there. He entered land from the Govern- ment, 160 acres, and there spent the remainder of his days occupied in farming. He traced his an- cestry to Holland and possessed the substantial traits belonging to that nationality. Two of his sons served in the Black Hawk War. The father of our subject was a youth of seven- teen years when he left New Jersey with the family. In the meantime he had learned the trade of a tan- ner. The journey westward was full of interest to him, a part of it being performed by boat on the Ohio River and after coming to Illinois he en- tered "2()o acres of land in Stratton Township. He was successful as a tiller of the soil and made a specialty of stock-raising. He also added to his income by teaming to Chicago. He erected a tan- nery on a small scale on his place which he oper- ated for several years and at one time was the owner of :5G0 acres of land. He sold ICO of this and has now the farm of 200 acres where lie re- sides. In 1886 -Mr. Van Iloutin received a paral- ytic stroke and is in consequence much of the time confined to the house, lie has arrived at the ad- vanced age of eighty-eight years. When reaching his majority he identified himself with the oil Whig party and is now an ardent Republican, thoroughly believing in its principles. He united with the Christian Church in Little Grove many years age. In 1850 he joined a company of pros- pectors bound for California with cattle, and of which company he was made the Captain. They were six months reaching their destination and Mr. Van Iloutin remained there until the spring of 1851 engaged in mining. He returned by way of the Isthmus. At one time lie was Captain of a company of Illinois State Militia. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Hannah Morrison. She was born in 1807 in Kentucky where Grandfather Morrison carried on farming and spent his last days. After his decease his wife Mary (Williams) Morrison came in 1821 with her family to Illinois and entered land in Stratton Township. She superintended her farming operations successfully until her death. The nine children of the parental family were named respect- ively, David E., now a resident of Goshen, ind.; William M., our subject; Mary and Benjamin, de- ceased: James and John who arc residing in Strat- ton Township; Catherine, of Kirksville, Mo.; Euphemis, of Stratton Township; and Sarepta, of Clark Count}', this State. James during the late war enlisted, in the fall of 1861, in the 7th Illinois Cavalry and served until the close of the war receiving a gunshot wound through his linger, but otherwise escaped unharmed. John enlisted that .same year in the First Missouri Engineer Corps and served until the close of the war. Hall Sims, the paternal grandfather of Mrs. Van Iloutin was a pioneer of 1820 after whom Sims Township was named. He served in the Black Hawk War and made for himself a good record both as a soldier and a citizen. His son's wife, formerly Margaret Zimmerly, was born in Ken- lucky. Our subject and wife are the parents of ten children. The eldest daughter, Agnes, is the wife of Walter Van Sickle and resides on a farm near Horace. William is farming in Stratton Township and Benjamin carries on agriculture in the vicinity of Shiloli. Margaret. A. ]).. Addie, Jennie. Mary and Laura are at home with their parents; they are all remarkably intelligent and improved their school days to such good advantage that they are well educated. Miss Jennie is especially bright and always maintained her place at the head of her class. The wife and mother departed this life Feb. 18, 1882 and the household is presided over by the daughter, Margaret. Mr. Van Iloutin. politically, is a sound Republi- can and takes a warm interest in the success of the principles of his party. He has been quite active in politics and is frequently sent as a delegate to the county conventions. He serves occasionally on the grand and petit juries and has been a School Director in his district for sixteen years. He at- tends religious services at the Christian Church at Maple Grove, with which he is identified in member- ship, assislcd liberally in the erection of a Church edi- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 85 I fice and has been Superintendent of Sunday-schools. It will thus be seen thai he is a most useful man in his community and only seeks for his reward in the approval of his own conscience and the friendship of his fellow men. \1,()11N W. MAJORS was horn Dec..",. 1861, in Morgan County, [nd., to Caldwell and Mary Majors, natives of Kentucky; the mother's maiden name was Mary Miller, a daughter of John Miller. The father of our Subjecl was a tiller of the soil, following that occupation in Kentucky for several years. When a youug child he had the misfortune to lose both of his parents. lie was then taken charge of by an uncle living in Kentucky. where he was kindly and tenderly reared, obtaining a liberal and practical education. His marriage occurred in Brown County. Ky.. and the union resulted in the birth of seven children — Mary Ellen, Martha. John W"., our subject; Will- iam, Oliver. Eva and Cora. Mary Ellen died in 1884; she was the wife of Samuel Downey, whose home was in Terre Haute. Mr. Downey was a farmer and commercial traveler. Martha is mar- ried to Milhvard Sanders, a farmer who lives in Young America Township; William died in boy- hood at the age of six years; Oliver married Miss Ruth Brown. He is a farmer and resides with his family in Clark County, III.; Eva is single and makes her home with Mrs. Sanders; Cora died twelve years ago at the tender age of five years. The parents of our subject removed from their home in Kentucky to Indiana where they remained until he was ten years of age. They then changed their abode to Edgar County, 111., and settled in Nhiloh Township on a farm which they rented from one of the large proprietors in the vicinity. After two years they again removed, locating this time in Young America Township, where after one short year's residence they went back to Indiana, locat- ing six miles south of Terre Haute. After travel- ing along life's pathway until middle age was leached, the mother of our subject quietly fell asleep to take up the tangled thread of existence in another and better world. Subsequently the father Of our subject took to himself another helpmate who bore the biblical name of Leah. When our subjecl had arrived at the age of twenty-one years he started out in the world to do for himself, and located on Gossett's place in Young America Township, where he worked twelve months. He then rented 160 acres of land in Shiloh Township, living on it one year. His next move was to secure 200 acres from his brother-in- law. Martin Mann, winch he rented anil made it his home for one season. He is now and had been for two years previous in charge of 2.1(10 acres of land owned by James Gaines. It is a stock farm. 160 acres being under cultivation in the products of which he has a share. Besides having a comfortable and pleasant home he receives $365 per year for superintending the management of this extensive place. His intelligence, discretion and nerve are frequently taxed to the utmost in conducting the operations required to successfully handle the large number of cattle under his con- trol. The stock on the place numbers from 50(1 to 700 head all of which he has constantly under his charge. Our subject and Miss Lucinda Gosset, a daughter of J. B. and A. M. Gossett, were married at the elegant residence of Mr. Gossett, Sept. 8, 1885. The parents of Mrs. Majors are natives of Ohio. Four children have come to brighten the cozy home of our subject and his amiable wife. The eldest, Owen and Ethel were twins, but to the great grief of their parents little Ethel was claimed by the pale messenger from the other world, and. grieving sorely, the parents laid her little body to rest under the sod. The flowers also bloom above another erase, of a little one who died in early in- fancy. The third child. ( >rian. remains to fill their home with its childish prattle and innocent joys. Mr. Majors is a member of Palermo Lodge, No. 646, I. O. O. F. He and his wife are members and devoted, active workers in the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically Mr. Majors is allied with the Democratic party, hut has never sought or accepted an office, believing his talents and influence can be more usefully employed in the walks of private life. Mr. Majors is a tall, rather 852 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. slenderly built man, giving the impression of strength and endurance. His blue eyes are calm or sparkle as necessity or occasion requires. In social life he is genial and companionable, making many friends; in business is energetic, industrious and intelligent and is destined to become a solid. prosperous fanner and an influential citizen. Our subject's father's name was Caldwell Majors, and his grandfather's name Isaiah Majors; his grand- mother's name was Elizabeth Majors. R. CHRISTOPHER C. HATES. This gen- tleman is a successful, practicing physi- cian, and a popular and respected citizen of the village of Metcalf. Tall in stature, of spare build and feature, he carries about him the air of culture and education. 1 1 is face has a thoughtful, sincere and sympathetic expression, and one can easily see that behind the physician there is a man keenly sensitive to human suffering and animated by the most kindly ami humane impulses. He is not an aggressive man, but rather one who entrenches himself slowly but surely in the confi- dence of his fellow-men; in other words, he wears well and wins lasting friends. He is quiet, studi- ous, unostentatious and attentive to the duties of his calling. A Kentuckian born, he carries himself with ease and grace in the presence of friends or strangers, and the latter never fail to be favorably impressed with him. Dr. Bates was born near Louisville, Ky., June 7, 1848, and is consequently but a little more than forty-one years of age. He is the son of William C. and Eliza Jane Bates, the former a native of Kentucky, and the latter of Virginia. His parental grandfather. John Bates, was born in Pennsyl- vania, and was of German ancestry. The mother of our subject was the daughter of Hugh Hall, of English descent. His father was one of eleven chil- dren — Joseph, George. David, James, John, Heiry, Washington, Levi, William, Matilda, and Rose Ann. With the exception of Washington and Will- iam C, the father of our subject, all are deceased. These two brothers are farmers, and reside in Jeffer- son County, Ky. William C. and his wife belong to the Presbyterian Church, and he is a Democrat in politics. The mother was one of a family of ten children, viz: Jacob. Clayborn, John, Hugh. An- drew, (lark, Westley, Elizabeth X.. Eliza Jane, and Anna E. The two last mentioned are the only sur- vivors. The subject of this sketch was the eldest of nine children comprising the family of his parents. Cassner, the second born, remains a resident of his native State of Kentucky, where he was married, and has become the father of two children; Fran- cis, unmarried, is living with his brother, Joseph, who is a druggist at Lawrence. Kan.; he has a wife and two children; Martha is the wife of Clifton Beach, a druggist of Allegheny City, Pa., and they have four children; Mary A. is unmarried and lives with her parents in Jefferson County, Ky. As a 3'outh. Dr. Bates received a common-school education. After a preliminary course of reading, he entered the Kentucky school of medicine at Louisville, from which he was graduated at the age of twenty-one. Immediately afterward he began the practice of his profession at Hartford, Ind., but a year later returned to his native county in Ken- tucky, and practiced one year near his old home. In 1872, seeking the West again, he came to Illi- nois and settled in Clarksville, Clark County. Here he practiced until 1886, then removed to Terre Haute. After a residence there of nine months, he established himself at Dudley, Edgar County. Two years later he made another removal, and settled this time in Metcalf, where he is now enjoyino- a growing and lucrative practice. Dr. Bates was married at Paris, III., Oct. 12, 187C, to Miss Luella, daughter of Madison and Maria Gordon. The parents of Mrs. Bates were natives of Edgar County, 111., and of English an- cestry, as was also his excellent wife. Mr. Gordon for a number of years was engaged in mercantile business in Paris, and is now running a chair fac- tory. The Doctor and his wife are the parents of four children — Charles, William M., Harry (L, and Edgar, the latter of whom died in infancy. During the period of his residence in Clark County, Dr. Bates held the office of Township Trustee nine years, and was Township Supervisor PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 653 one year. He still retains his membership in Clarks- \ illc Lodge No. 713, 1. 0. »>. P. Mr. and Mrs. Rates are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Mini active participants in church work. Though nol a demonstrative man. Dr. Bates firmly ami unflinchingly adheres to his political principles, and like his honored father, is a supporter of the I democratic party. Like most country practitioners, Dr. Bates is his own pharmacist. He carries a stock of drugs and medicines needed in his practice, ami compounds all of his own prescriptions. The requirements of his profession make it necessary for him to be a constant student, and to spend not a little of his time pouring over medical works, periodicals and reviews in order that he may keep abreast of the most important discoveries in therapeutics. lie also keeps himself informed concerning the best current thoughts in literature, and the everyday events of the world. In years Dr. l'.ates may be said to lie in the prime of life. He bears the repu- tation of being a careful, conscientious and skillful practitioner. Though faithfully attentive to the duties of his profession, he is quiet and unobtrusive in his calling, and content to let his practice de- pend upon his merits as a physician, and his con- duct as a courteous anil kindly gentleman. «£•*$* tlLLIAM B. GALWAY, whose splendidly equipped estate of 630 acres of rich, fertile ty^S fl"d productive land is the outcome of a quarter of a century of intelligent, painstaking, and persevering industry. He began life with nothing but a rugged frame, strong hands, hopeful courage, and a determined will, ready to meet and overcome all obstacles that man's mind and strength might be expected to contend against. His present well- deserved prosperity may well serve to inspire struggling young men everywhere to heed Long- fellow's apt advice, "learn to labor and to wait." for full fruition is sure to follow well directed and in- telligent effort, just as harvest follows seed-time. A reference having already been made to Mr. (ial- way's parents in the sketch of John 1>. Galway, to which attention is directed, we will now confine ourselves to his personal history, which is both in- teresting and instructive. lie was born in Wash- ington County, Pa., Nov. 2s. 1828, and is" now nearly sixty-one years of age. lie received in his youth a good common-school education, followed by a course of general reading. He taught school in his native Slate before moving to Illinois, and has the honor of being among the earliest public school teachers of Young America Township, hav- ing taught near the present village of Hume in the winter of 1860-61. In the year 1854, when mil' subject was twenty- six years of age, he came to this county and en- gaged in farming, at which he continued until the breaking out of the war. when he enlisted in Com- pany K. 125th Illinois Infantry, and was mustered in as Second Sergeant, and afterward promoted to Second Lieutenant. lie served under Gens. Buell and Daniel in Hooks brigade of the 14th Corps, and participated in the battle of Perryville, Ky. He was with Rosecrans when that, ill-fated but brave commander fought the bloody and disastrous battle of Chickainauga. and with Sherman under Grant, when the Union forces won the splendid victory of Mission Ridge. Mr. Galwaj continued with his regiment, enduring the privations of camp and march, and the dangers of bivouac and battlefield until October, 1864, when, being broken in health, he received an honorable discharge and returned to this county. Mr. Galway was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Howden March 2, 1865. The bride's parents, John and Elizabeth Howden, were natives of Pennsylvania, and whose grandparents, Andrew and Margaret Howden, were natives of Ireland. They were the parents of nine children. The mother of our subject. Elizabeth West, was the daughter of Jonathan and Frances West, who emi- grated from England to Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Galway were the parents of one child, which died in infancy. They arc both mem- bers of the Christian Church, in which the husband is a Deacon. Besides being one of the most pros- perous and successful fanners in Eastern Illinois. Mr. Galway has been a prominent, public-spir- ited and useful citizen. In 1856, upon the or- 851 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBFM. ganization of Young America Township, lie was chosen the first Township Clerk; in 1K58 he became the first School Treasurer of the Township, a posi- tion he held until lie entered the army. He served several years as a Township Assessor and Commis- sioner of Highways, and has repeatedly served upon the grand ami petit juries. Socially, the subject of this notice belongs to the Charles Clark Post G. A. R. No. 184 at Ridge Farm, and also Vermilion Lodge, A. F. & A. M., No. 265, at Indianola. Politically, Mr. Galway is a Republican. He was a delegate to the State Republican Convention in 1808, and has several times been a delegate to the county conventions of 1 1 is party. The present farm of 630 acres belonging to Mr. Galway consisted of eighty acres at, the outset of his career for himself. He made purchases from time to time as his means increased/until he stands to-day among the most successful farmers of this State. Impaired health, the result of his army service, has made it necessary for him to use his head rather than his hands, and his success is due to the careful and business-like supervision of his own affairs. He is of tall, square build, has a quiet, kind and pleasant face; Ill's full beard is streaked with gray, but his clear face shows but slight evi- dence of advancing years. A well-filled and well- selected library shows him to be a student and a lover of the best literature, while his papers and magazines serve to keep him posted upon the cur- rent views and thought of the day. Mrs. Galway is one of seven children. The eld- est. Frances M., resides at Saltsburg, Indiana Co., Pa. She is the widow of Milton McJunkiu, and the mother of two children; Andrew, a merchant of Lawrence, Kan., married Louisa Newkirk; they have a family of four boys; Margaret (Mrs. David Myers) resides in Washington County, Pa.; Lu- cinda, now Mrs. Joseph Kam merer, also resides in Washington County, Pa.; Maria A. is the wife of Prof, Joseph Jennings, who since 1876 has been Principal of the High School at Monongahela City, Pa.; John Alexander married Miss Ella Riddle; the)' reside in Washington, Washington Co., Pa., and he is engaged in the real-estate business. Mrs. Galway is a lady of fine presence, and is friendly in her greetings of acquaintances and of strangers who cross her threshold. Her beautiful home testifies that she is a woman of refined tastes, as well as a skillful and painstaking housewife. Her husband and herself are living out the golden hours of their ripening years, without show or os- tentation, becoming contented in the affection they bear for each other, to pass their remaining days in the peace and retirement of well-earned rest and repose, after a life of love, labor and helpfulness to each other. >jp 5 »HOMAS SCOTT, a veteran of seventy-three years and a resident of Bruellet Township, came with his parents to this county as early as 1825. and remembers the time when In- dians were numerous and the cabins of the white setttlers few and far between. He was born in Adams County, Ohio, in 1816, and may be properly termed a self- made man, one who has been the architect of his own fortune, and who by his industry and perseverance has accumulated a snug property. We find him pleasantly located on a farm of 160 acres, occupying a part of sec- tion 15. including twenty acres of timber. The residence is a neat and modern frame structure, while the land, under a good state of cultivation, is the source of a comfortable income. For some time after the Scott family came to this county the nearest markets were at Clinton and Terre Haute, Ind., to which the pioneer fanners transported their dressed pork overland, receiving from $1.50 to $3.00 per hundred. Thomas worked with his father on the new farm until reaching manhood, then entered 120 acres in forty-acre lots, one by one, as he could pay for them. His present residence stands upon the first land of which he thus became possessor, and in order to establish his claim to this he was obliged to borrow money. His early education was ex- tremely limited, he never attending school until nearly a man grown. This school was conducted in a log cabin upon the subscription plan. In those days turkeys and wolves were numerous, and RESIDENCE OF JOHN WESTBROOK,SEC.7, HUNTER TR. EDGAR CO. RESIDENCE OF JAMES L. HONNOLD, SECT., KANSAS T'R, ED6AR CO. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 857 the latter frequently howled around the cabin door of the pioneer. The Scott family first settled on "Congress land." upon which they lived about six years before the father could secure enough money to enter it from the Government. In the meantime the family suffered greatly from illness. and met with many hisses in various ways. The father of our subject persevered, however. amid many difficulties, and eventually became the owner of 1 00 acre.- of land, which, with the excep- tion of seventy acres, he divided up among his children. This seventy acres comprised his own comfortable homestead, where he spent his last days. His death took place Jan. 22, 1886, and that of the mother in the fall of 1870. Thomas, our subject, was first married April 22, 1842, to Miss Mary M. Reid. Of this union there were born three children. One son, Thomas M.. after the outbreak of the war, enlisted as a Union soldier and participated in the battle of Fort Donelson, Fort Henry, and other important engagements. He was captured by the rebels, but released in Yicks- burg, where he was taken ill and died. The second child, Alexander, is in Montana. The first child died in infancy. Mrs. Mary M. (Reid) Scott de- parted this life in Feb. 1 1, 1846. In due time our subject contracted a second mar- riage, with Miss Melvina Cowan. This union resulted in the birth of four children: Frank. Win- lield. Belle and Florence A. The mother of these children died .Inly 29, 1881. Their daughter, Florence, became the wife of William Clowser, and is now deceased. The present wife of our subject, to whom he was married Nov. 30, 1888, was formerly Miss Ethalinda Edgington, a native of Edgar County. Mr. Scott uniformly votes the Democratic ticket, and has held the office of Road Commissioner, besides the various school offices in his district. S3 AMES L. HONNOLD. This well-known resident of Kansas Township is numbered among its wealthiest and most prominent citizens, and probably has done what no other man has — not only in Edgar County, but possibly in the State of Illinois — having kept a strict account of all the money he has received and expended since he began life for himself Over thirty-seven years ago. The figures at least are of much value to himself, and, no doubt, would inter- est others, were he disposed to give them publicity. He is acknowledged as a successful financier, and, as a farmer, occupies no secondary position in this portion of the State. He has done much to im- prove the grade of livestock in Kansas Township — his specialty being horses. His homestead is embellished by an elegant brick residence, with a fine lawn and choice shrubbery, and is represented h\ a lithographic view on another page. His farm is accounted as among the very best in Edgar County. The Honnold family during the early part of this century was prominent in old Virginia, having located in Loudoun County upon first crossing the Atlantic from Germany. Richard, the father of our subject, was born there, and when three years of age emigrated to Muskingum County, Ohio, with his parents. In that county James L. was born, Oct. 28, 1832. His paternal grandfather was James Honnold. a blacksmith, who spent a portion of his life in Loudoun County, afterward removing to Ohio, where he died. Grandfather James Honnold served an apprenticeship at black- smithing, and transmitted the art to his son Rich- ard, who was a carpenter likewise, and in after years did all of his work in this line. The paternal great-grandfather of our subject was the only representative of the family in America. He mar- ried a lady of German parentage, whose early edu- cation was conducted exclusively in the German tongue. The subject of this notice began his education in a log cabin schoolhouse amid the Ohio wilds, and still recollects the split log seats upheld by rude wooden legs, anil the writing desks reposing on pins driven into the wall. It is often the case that the memory retains facts of the most trifling moment, and loses those of greater importance. One of the earliest recollections of our subject was a crooked seat in the log cabin spoken of, which the boys used at noon for coasting purposes. The luxury of window glass was then beyond tin- means of that, pioneer region, and greased paper 858 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. was substituted until they could afford the genuine article. The methods of instruction were quite dissimilar to those of the present day, and if the teacher knew enough to write and "cipher," he was considered fully equipped for the profession. Young Honnold being fond of his books out- stripped many of his comrades, and developed into a pedagogue of no mean talents for that time. He was occupied in teaching three terms in Ohio, receiving $13, $15 and $20 per month. In April, 1855, he set out for Illinois, and taught school the following summer. For five consecutive winters he followed teaching in Edgar County, receiving $20 per month, while he worked on a farm in summer. Subsequently, he devoted his entire attention to agriculture, and has been almost con- tinuously a resident of Kansas Township. On the 1st of March, 1X59, Mr. Honnold took a most important step toward the establishment of a home of his own, being married at that date to Miss Elizabeth C. Mock, daughter of John I). Mock, who came to Coles Country, 111., in 1854, and to Edgar County two years later. Mrs. Hon- nold was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, Jan. 19, 1837, and came with her parents to this county in 1856, the same year that witnessed the arrival of the Honnolds. Her father, John D. Mock, was a native of Loudoun County, Va., but in early life emigrated to Ohio, and about 1836 was married to the mother of Mrs. Honnold, who was born in Muskingum County in 1812. Further reference to the family will be found in the biography of J. R. Honnold on another page of this volume. Of the five children born to our subject and his estimable wife the record is as follows: Richard married Miss Mollie Payne, and is farming in Shiloh Township; they have one child, an infant daughter. Cynthia B. became the wife of Harvey De Lapp, of Indiana; they reside in Kansas Town- ship, and have a baby girl. Elsie is the wife of Henry Collier, of Embarras Township; their only child is deceased. Ira N. and John O. remain with their parents. Mr. Honnold votes the straight Republican ticket, and, like his brother, has been prominent in local affairs, serving as I Huh way Commissioner and School Director each nine years, and filling other positions of trust and responsibility. He and his wife, and all of their children — with the ex- ception of the youngest son — are prominently con- nected with the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Honnold began operations in this county with a capital of £70. and has lost $3,000 by undersign- ing notes for others, meeting with the usual results of such transactions, lie has accumulated his prop- erty by hard work and good managemement, and has no use for the idler, wherever he may be found. \|" OHN WESTBROOK. The story of a man i beginning life with modest means and aris- ing to a good position, socially and finan- cially is again reproduced in the life of the subject of this sketch. He came to this county with a capital of $42 in money, two horses and a cow and calf. His father-in-law gave him $5(10, and thus equipped he started out. and with hard work and good management upon the part of him- self and his excellent wife, has accumulated a line property a part of which comprises 185 acres of well improved land. Besides this he has 160 acres a half mile west, the whole of which is in a good state of cultivation. The home farm lies on sec- tion 7. in Hunter Township and with its substan- tial buildings, its goodly assortment of live stock and an ample supply of farm machinery, presents the picture of the well regulated modern estate, built up by the hand of industry and under the supervision of a mind more than ordinarily intelligent. A native of Guernsey County, Ohio, our subject was born July 3, 1830 and when a boy of eleven years, accompanied his parents, Martin anil Joanna (Charlott) Westbrook, to Putnam County, Ind., where the maternal grandparents had previously emigrated and where they spent their last days. The Westbrook family sojourned there until 1860, then came to this county, where the decease of the father and mother took place. Both were members of the Presbyterian Church. The father was born in 1'ennsylvania and the mother in New Jersey. The latter went with her parents, Stephen and PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. .S.V.I Rachael (Peck) Charlott to Guernsey County, Ohio, where she was reared to womanhood and married. Soon afterward the newly wedded pair went over into Pennsylvania on pack horses, the wife riding on a feather bed on (lie horses, the bed being care- fully tied up with a clothesline. The husband walked all the way. After a sojourn of several years in Pennsylvania and the birth of three or four of their children, they traveled back to Guernsey County, Ohio and located in the woods, where the father cleared a farm and where the rest of his children were born and reared. Thence they migrated to Indiana as already noted. They were foremost in the organization of the Presbyterian Church, which was then frequently called the Ohio Church. John Westbrook came to this county in the fall of l.s 111, locating on the land comprising his pres- ent farm, and upon which there had been built a log cabin. Later he put up another log dwelling on the site of his present residence. They could stand in the doorway of the first humble abode and pick hazelnuts off the bushes. Upon removing into it they spent the first night without any door. The country was infested with wild animals, tur- keys and deer being plentiful. Our subject, as soon as possible, set about the cultivation of his land and his industry in due time met with its legitimate reward. His three eldest children were born in the first log cabin. In 1855 he put up a frame house, which in 1809 was abandoned by the family for the present modern and commodious dwelling, which is presented on another page by a fine lithographic engraving. Our subject was first married in 1849 to Miss Celia, daughter of Levi and Jane (Bell) Mann. Mrs. Westbrook was a native of Putnam County, Ind., and died in Hunter Township, this count}', in March, 18C5, leaving five children, namely: Will- iam H., Levi M., Rachael B. (Mrs. Webster Collins), a resident of Paris, Charles L. and Edward R., (twins) aiu> Howard A. Mr. Westbrook contracted a second marriage in 186(1 with Miss Susan C, daughter of Jonathan and Margaret (Mayo) Crumm. Of this union there were born five children, the eldest of whom, a daughter. Minnie, died on the fifth anniversary and at the very same hour of her birth. Scott M., died at the age of ten months; Joanna E. died when about five years old; Walter B., and Mary F., are at home. The first wife of our subject was a member of the Baptist Church. The present Mi's. West- brook belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our subject politically, like the male members of his family since 1856, is a warm supporter of Re- publican principles. He has held the school offices of his district for the long period of thirty years and has always maintained a warm interest in edu- cational matters. He has taken especial pains with the training and education of his children and has given to each of them $2,000 as a start in life. They are doing well and are highly respected in their community. Socially Mr. Westbrook belongs to Prairie Lodge, No. 77, A. F. & A. M. at Paris, and his sons who are old enough, also belong to the Masonic fraternity in which Howard A. is S. W. of the Lodge. Miss Margaret E. Crumm, a sister of the present wife of our subject has been a helpful and cherished member of the family for the past twenty-two years; she is alse a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and a great worker in the Master's cause. VtpS^ELSON McCOLLUM. In the career of the JJJ subject of this notice we have that of a IH.-i^i gentleman who in his younger years dev< >ted himself to arduous labor, and who has realized in a goodly measure the results of industry and per- severance. He began life dependent upon his own resources without financial aid, ai.d by his courage and resolution has established himself in a good position among his fellowmcn. He is propri- etor of one of the finest farms in Embarrass Town- ship, besides owning other property, having his homestead on section 29. He has given to his chil: dren several hundred acres of land and otherwise provided for the comfort and happiness of his fam- ily. His possessions all told include 720 acres of land besides town property in Hume. A native of Washington Count}', Pa., our sub- ject was born Dec. 18, 1821, and is the son of sco PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. Daniel and Malissa (Harris) McCollum, who were likewise born in that county, and who became the parents of sixteen children. Nine of these lived to mature years and live are still living-, namely: John, of Jefferson. Greene Co., Pa. ; Nelson, our subject, Caleb, of Amity, Washington Co.. Pa.; Daniel, also within that county, and Demas, of Waynesburg, Pa., where he has been agent for the Pennsylvania Railroad a few years. Our subject received a limited education in the subscription schools of his native county, and at an early age was required to make himself useful about the homestead. He assisted his father in clearing the land in good weather and studied his books when it was raining. He remained a resi- dent of his native county until a man of nearly forty-three years, then in April, 1864, set his face toward the Prairie State and secured a portion of the land which constitutes his present farm. Hedid a large amount of pioneer labor, enclosing his fields witli fences, breaking the ground, erecting buildings, setting out fruit and shade trees, providing for the needs of his family and caring for his live-stock. A few years of arduous labor placed him upon a solid footing financially, and he began investing his surplus capital in land, which has proved for it a safe deposit, impossible of transportation by the defaulting bank cashier. Iu coining to Illinois our subject was accompanied by his wife, formerly Miss Jane Hathaway, to whom he had been married in Pennsylvania, March 2!), 1848. This lady was the daughter of Simeon Hathaway, who is long since deceased. She like- wise was a native of Washington County, Pa., and was born Dec. 18, 1827. This union resulted in the birth of thirteen children, nine of whom are now living: Florinda became the wife of George Baber, of Indianapolis, and they have one child. Nelson: Salina married George Boatman, of Paris, HI.; they have no children. Simeon married Miss Lena Cash, and they are living on a farm in Young America Township; they have two children — Walter and Nettie. Nelson married Miss Hattie (iossett. of Shiloh Township; they have no chil- dren. Deborah was married to Albert Stephen and died leaving two children, Walter and Flora; Emma is the wife of John Will, of Bridgeport, Fla.. and they have two children — Olive and Archie; Rob- ert. Hiram, Jennie and Belle are at home. Mr. Mc- Collum, politically, affiliates with the Republican party, but has no ambition for office, and conse- quently mixes very little in public affairs. He and his wife with four of their daughters are members in good standing of the Presbyterian Church. On account of his wife's health Mr. McCollum intends going lo Florida in the near future. #•4* epfNDREW KEYSER is one of the pioneers 'fiJIl of Edgar County, and is now living in Paris, lie was born June 13, 180l», in Belmont County, Ohio, opposite Wheeling, W. Ya.. where he remained until 1851. Then he was engaged in agricultural pursuits. lie married .Miss Ann Harris in March. 1831; she was born in Wheeling March 21, 1808. The young couple op- erated a farm in West Virginia for five years, when they came to Illinois, having become tired of the hills on the Ohio River. When Mr. Keyser removed to this State in 1857 Edgar County was comparatively new, and there was but a small por- tion of the tillable land improved. Mr. Keyser purchased 120 acres of land, partially improved, on which he lived until 188:5. He was a School Director for the Sugar Creek District and promi- nent in the affairs of the township. His wife died Feb. 11. 1883, at their home in Paris. He sold his farm in 1882, and removed to town. Mr. and Mrs. Keyser worshiped at the Presbyterian Church for many years. At present Mr. Keyser is not engaged in any business. Mr. Keyser is the father of ten children, of whom but four are living. He gave three sons to his country, two being killed in the battle of Chica- mauga during the War of the Rebellion, and one died at Louisville while at the hospital. Sarah married Frank Steward, of Bellefontaine, Ohio; Margaret is the wife of Richard Davis, they are residing at Elmwood, Peoria Co., 111.; Eliza mar- ried John M. Davis, of Paris; Samuel resides in Paris Township; Oliver, the eldest son, enlisted at the beginning of the war in Gen. Grant's old retri- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. .sci merit, the 2tst Illinois, lie was one of the brave soldiers of that gallant organization, and was killed at the battle of Chickamauga. Reuben also enlisted and while in the service died at Louisville, Ky. The battle of Chickamauga carried away another son, William. William Keyser, father of Andrew, was a native of Belmont County. Ohio, where he wasengaged in farming all his life. He married Miss Margarel Workman and they reared a family of ten children, of whom only one is dead. But two of these chil- dren are in Illinois. Andrew and another brother in Peoria. The subject of this notice is proud of the fact that he was able to furnish three soldiers from his family to fight the battles of his country. This country will always honor its brave defenders. and the men who survived that terrible ordeal have as true sentiments of patriotism to-day as when they left the old home for the front. Wher- ever they are found, in all questions of National or State, import it springs forth. It is not spasmodic in its action but constant, incorruptible and endur- ing. Wealth cannot bribe it, neither ambition blind it, fear cannot intimidate, nor injustice change it. Mr. Keyser is a stanch and true Repub- lican, and in 1840 voted for Gen. W. II. Harrison. and forty-four years later cast his vote for Benja min Harrison. Mr. Keyser now draws a pension from the ( iovernment. iENJAMIN I). KELSHEIMER. The sub jeet of this sketch occupies a leading posi- f/©))!/ 1 tion among the well-to-do farmers of Edgar ^S^ Township, and has a homestead chiefly built up by himself, consisting of 166 acres of well tilled land, the residence being on section 8. lie is prominent both in religious and political cir- cles, being an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he is District and Cir- cuit Steward, also Class-leader and Superintendent of the Sunday-school. He identified himself with this church at the age of seventeen years and has since been active in religious work. Politically his sympathies are decidedly with the Republican party. He has served as Commissioner of High- ways three years and as a Director in his school district for fourteen years. Possessed of more than ordinary intelligence, he is thoroughly well-in- formed, and in this is wonderfully aided by a most remarkable memory, especially of dates, ill which he is excelled by few. Personally he is a "gentle- man to the manner born." courteous to all nrouud him and of that genial disposition which is inclined to look on the bright side of life. The native place of our subject was in the vicin- ity of Rockville, Parke County. Ind., and the date of his birth Oct. 15, 1833. His father, .John Kel- sheimer, was born in 17S-J in the State of Delaware. The paternal grandfather, Begandus Kelsheimer, was a native of Germany and arrived in America in tune to take a hand in the Revolutionary War. His son, John, learned the trade of a shoemaker early in life and emigrated to Cincinnati. Ohio, of which he was an early settler. He sojourned here but, a brief time then pushed on to Sullivan County, Ind.. whence later he removed to Parke County and engaged in the war of 1812. After- ward lii' worked at his trade, and also entered eighty-five acres of land which he improved and lived upon until 1845. Then selling out he oper- ated again on rented land. He did not live to be a very aged man, his death taking place in 1851, when sixty -eight years of age. Politically he was a sound Democrat and in religious matters a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The mother of our subject was in her girlhood Miss Harriet, Edwards. She was born in the city of Columbus. Ohio, and was the daughter of Thomas Edwards, who was of Scotch-Irish descent, and after his marriage settled in Sullivan County. Ind. He met his death accidentally, being crushed by a falling building. He was one of the early pioneers of Sullivan County, and during the early days engaged in numerous skirmishes with the Indians. They finally kidnapped Winston, his son, who was never afterward heard of by the fam- ily. The mother died in 1846 at the age of fifty- four years. Both were prominent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The parental famih included eight children, the eldest of whom, a son, John, died in 1887. Two of his sons served in 862 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. the army during' the late Civil War, one of whom died in the service, and the latter died soon after returning home; Thomas died early in life, in 1857; Edward is living in Edgar Township; Will- iam died in 1875, and Garrett in 1851; Benjamin D., our subject, was the eighth child; Margaret A. died in 1863, and Harriet E. in 1852. Until a lad of thirteen years Mr. Kelsheimer at- tended school mostly during the winter season, his text-books being a speller and a Testament. After this he worked for his brother, William, until reaching his majority. He then began farm- ing for himself on rented land along Otter Creek, in Vigo Count}-, Ind., and was quite successful. He lived in Indiana until 1857, then came to Edgar County, 111., locating in Edgar Township and being possessor of a team of horses and $805 in money. He purchased sixty-two acres of unim- proved land and operated upon it for a period of seven years. He then turned his attention to live- stock, and rented the Houston farm of 160 acres, which he operated for two years. In 1868 our subject returned to the old place, which he rented until 1872. He then purchased 126 acres of it. where he began the construction of a separate homestead, and later added forty acres, comprising a part of sections 11 and 14. He planted hedge and forest and fruit trees, set out a fine orchard, and repaired house and barn, to- gether with the other structures necessary. The land is plentifully watered by a living spring, and in addition to that which is under cultivation there are seven and one-half acres of native timber. Mr. Kelsheimer pfakes a specialty of stock-raising, having good cattle and swine, and keeps about seven head of excellent draft horses, utilizing two teams in the operation of the farm. Our subject was married in Parke County, Ind.. •Ian. 7, 1866. to Miss Mary J. Lewis, who was burn in Chicago, 111., Nov. 16, 1836. Her parents were Reed en and Rebecca Lewis, the father a native of Canada and the mother of Ohio. Upon emigrating to Chicago Mr. Lewis engaged in teaming until his removal to Rockville, Ind. Mrs. Kelsheimer was brought by her parents to Parke Count)', Ind., when a child of six years and there grew to wom- anhood. Of her union with our subject there were born three children: Edward, Frank and Ivan. Mrs. Kelsheimer departed this life at the homestead Dec. 2, 1888. She attached herself to the Metho- dist Church, in 1868, and lived a consistent member until death. #~# -*— ^ AMES E. VALE, senior member of the firm of J. E. & C. E. Vale, proprietors of the Kansas Herald, Kansas, Edgar County, was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, March 31, 1833, to Eli Vale, (deceased), who was a native of York County, Pa., and came to Columbiana County, Ohio, in pioneer days, being one of the first settlers in Middleton Township, where he en- tered land for himself and his father, John Vale, who was also a native of York County, Pa. Eli Vale, the father of our subject, enlisted in the war against the British in 1812, and was as- signed to duty in the division of the army engaged in the Coast Defense Service. Like a true patriot he was faithful to his trust, and when peace was de- clared had the satisfaction of knowing that he had done his duty and could transmit to his posterity, a fitting example for them to follow. The mother of our subject was Annie P. Underwood, a native of York County, Pa. The parental family consisted of ten children, of which our subject was the youngest. The names of the others are: John T., now residing on the old homestead in Ohio; Beulah (Conkle), now of Fremont County, Iowa; Susan- nah (Mrs. Booth), residing in Columbiana County, Ohio; Louisa, now Mrs. Pyle, of Oskaloosa, Iowa; Lewis W., at present a resident of Washington, I). ('. ; I' rank T. B., of Saline, Kan.; and James E., of whom we write. The father of our subject died in Ohio a few years ago, at the venerable age of ninety-live years. His mother breathed her last in the same place on April 26, 1833, when her son, our subject, was an infant, but I lie Power that marks even the sparrows fall, gave wisdom and strength to the bereaved father to rear the child to a noble manhood. Mr. Vale's early years were spent on his father's farm, attending the common schools in the winter, PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 8*13 and learning what nature could teacb him in the woods, and employing himself usefully in assisting the other members of the family in their work on the farm. When seventeen years of age, he was apprenticed to a carriage-maker in Salem, Ohio, to learn the trade and served him four years. He was married in Defiance County, Ohio, Jan. 5, 185, r >. to Miss Angeline Mel/., a daughter of John and Eliza- beth Metz. Mr. and Mrs. Vale made themselves a cozy borne, and as the years rolled by, their worldly circumstances were improved, and they were en- abled to provide the comforts of life for the ten children which came to their home. The names of the nine children that arc now living, are as fol- lows: Laura, Nettie. Edmond L., Llewella, Lizzie, Charles 1'.. May, Howard, and Rate. Laura mar- ried William 11. Geisenhof, and resides in Sioux City, Iowa; she is the mother of three children — Ernest, Vera, and an infant girl. Nettie wedded Dr. David T. Stewart, of Hartley, Iowa, and has one child, an infant girl; Kdmond married Miss Jennie Pugh, and lives in Sioux City, Iowa; they have one child, a little girl, Nellie. Llewella and licit Holland, of this township, were united in mar- riage, and have one child, Lctha; Lizzie married Frank 11. Anthony, who is at present working on the Kansas Herald; they have no children. Mr. Vale, the subject of this notice, came to this county in the fall of 18G5, and located at Vermill- ion Station, where he followed his occupation of a wagon and carriage-maker. He also worked some- what at the trade of carpentering, and did a gen- eral wood working business, uniting with his other occupations the duties of undertaker. Leaving this place in 1M72, he came to Kansas and purchased a home, and has made this place his home ever since. In connection with his son, Charles F., he estab- lished the Kansas Herald in April, 1888. Mr. Vale is a man of more than ordinary intelligence, a keen Observer, and a good business manager, and with the able assistance of his son. who manages lliecdi torial department, is carrying on a prosperous anil lucrative publishing business. Mr. Vale is a Mason, and has been Secretary of the Masonic Lodge for eight years. He is also a member of the I. 0. 0. F. encampment, and be- longs to the Improved Order of Red men. lb; is ill addition to his excellent business qualifications, a fine Christian gentleman, being a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, although his early training was according to the belief of the Quakers. Politically, our subject exercises his right of suffrage in favor of the Republican party. ^-— sg^Jjj^c : ■ fF^OBERI' T. BERKSHIRE is a son of Robert v4fi and Mary Berkshire, and a native of Illinois, in which State he was born July 28, 1854, in Peoria. His grandfather was Anthony Berkshire, a native of Pennsylvania, in which state the father of our subject was also born. The mother of our subject was born in Ohio. Her maiden name was .Miss Mary VanFossin, and her ancestors came from Germany in the early history of our country. Our subject was one of a family of seven children, who were named respectively, Joseph, Rebecca A., Shedrick, one who died in in- fancy. Robert, George and Eliza. Joseph is a farmer residing with his wife and child in Edgar County; Rebecca A., died ten years ago in Paris. She was the wife of Zachariah Jewell; Shedrick lives in Licking County, in Newark, Ohio, with his wife and three children; George is unmarried and lives in Edgar County; Eliza is Mrs. Luther Rhine- smith. They live on her husband's farm, which is southwest of Paris, and have a family of four children. When our subject was one year old his father moved to Ohio and settled in Muskingum County. They resided thereabout twenty years, when here- turned to Illinois and located near Metcalf, where he rented a place and occupied it until his demise, about lifteen years ago. The mother of our sub- ject preceded her husband to the better land. pa><- ing from the loving care of her children about sixteen years ago. The father of our subject was always an ardent Republican and dedicated his ability to the service of his county. For several years during his life he held a position in the County Committee. He also represented the voters of his district at several important conventions held by his party in the county. .sr, 4 PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. December 18, 1884, Mr. Berkshire and Miss Emma Bussart, a daughter of Otis and Ann A. Bussart, were united in marriage at the residence of the bride's parents. After marriage the young couple took up their home on eighty acres of land, which they leased from a gentleman in the vicinity. Mr. and Mrs. Berkshire have three children, who are the pride of their hearts and the delight of their home. Mrs. Berkshire is a kind, affectionate wife and mother, a good neighbor and a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Berkshire is a stalwart Republican, but takes very little active part in the counsels'of his party, and has so far suc- ceeded in evading the responsibilities of office. Al- though his educational advantages were limited in his youth, he has succeeded in obtaining a fair share of knowledge, principally of a practical kind. and is a pleasant, intelligent gentleman. His farm is located about a mile and a half northwest of Metcalf, in section 24, Young America Township, Edgar County. Their children are named Arthur YV., born Aug. C, 18KG; Anna M., Aug. 19, 1887; Will- iam H., March 10, 1889. •~v - v,-\*aj2i2"©3g<»' ! >>»S&a/z>OT*./> -v/v»- ENRY HARRISON HURST. This gentle- k ' man who was born Jan. 10, 1813, in Harri- son County, Ind., was named after the hero of Tippecanoe, for whom he voted at the Presidential election of 1830-40; with no less en- thusiasm lie voted for the grandson in the election of 1888. He was first identified with the old Whig party, and upon its abandonment in 18f>G allied him- self with the Republicans, and it is safe to say this party has not a more ardent or conscientious fol- lower in its ranks than he. He owns a snug farm of eighty acres on section 30, Embarras Township, where he has been content to put forth his best efforts without ambition for office, and has conse- quently excelled as a farmer. In 1887 he wisely retired from active labor, and placed his son Frank, in charge of the farm, by whom it is now operated. Our subject is the son of Elijah and Mary (Lind- say) Hurst, who were natives of Virginia, but who, leaving the Old Dominion at an early date, emigra- ted to the wilderness of Harrison County, Ind., and settled among wild animals and Indians at a time when salt had to be transported from beyond the Alleghany Mountains. Elijah Hurst during his early manhood fought in the War of 1812, and was at Tippecanoe under the direct command of Gen. Harrison. To him and his excellent wife there was born a family of twelve children, only three of whom are living, viz: William, a resident of Louisville, Ky., and aged ninety-one years; Henry II., our subject; and Lydia (Mrs. Boyer), of (lark County, III., who is now seventy-two years old. Our subject studied his first lessons in a log cabin in his native county, the floor of which was pun- cheon, the window-panes of greased paper, the seats and desks of slabs, and the chimney built outside of clay and sticks. The school master was only required to be able to write and cipher, and "taught the young idea how to shoot" largely by physical suasion. Young Hurst grew up on the frontier with well-developed muscles, and the habits of in- dustry which have served him so well in later years. He lived in Indiana until 1852, and then at theage of forty years, came to Edgar County, 111., and es- tablished himself on a tract of land in Kansas Town- ship, where he sojourned until March. 1858. That year he entered 160 acres of land from the Govern- ment in Embarras Township, where he built up the farm which he now owns and occupies. One roof sheltered him until the fall of 1888, when he put up a neat new residence. Soon after attaining his majority, Mr. Hurst was married April 10, 1831, to Miss Elizabeth Boyer, who was born in Kentucky, and is the daughter of John Boyer, long since deceased. The Boyer fam- ily emigrated to Harrison County, Ind., when Miss Elizabeth was one year old, and there the parents spent their last days. Our subject and bis young wife commenced the journey of life together in a manner corresponding to their means and surround- ings, and in due time the household circle embraced thirteen children. Eight of these ore living: Mary M., became the wife of David Hamilton, lives in Hume, anil they are the parents of two children, Sanford and Orris (twins); Joseph T. married Miss Clarissa Duley. and they live in Montgomery l^?o? PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL A I. HTM. 86 'i County. Kan.; they have eight children — William L., Ulysses S.. lira D., Herbert A.. Carrie A., Jo- seph T., Elzie, and Rosa. Elijah E. married Miss Sarah J. Famiha; they live in Kansas. Edgar County, this State, and have four children — Dora A.. George M., .lames 1*\, and Maggie. Anthony W. married Miss Fanny Elliott: they live in Wright County, Mo., and have five children — Fluta I.. Ira A.. Eva E.. Harry, ami Carrie (twins). William M. married Miss Mary F. Burtner, and they live in Champaign County. 111.; they have five children — Charles II., Helle, Myrtie I., Ross, and Frank. Lydia A., Francis H., and R. P., are living; Jane mar- ried Isaac Swanson. of Morris County. Kan., and they have two children, James F.. and Harry. Mr. Hurst is a member in good standing of the Meth- odist .Episcopal Church at Brocton. :HOMAS II. CHAPMAN". The Chapman family has a numerous representation in Illinois and the branch to which the subject of this notice belongs has long been recognized as one of its most ci editable offshoots. His father, Samuel Chapman, was a native of New York State, I Kirn not far from the metropolis, reared in this county, and it is believed received his education in the city school. When reaching man's estate he was married to Miss Nancy Dawson, a native of Virginia. In 1837 the father of our subject, accompanied by his brothers. Daniel and Wesley, his mother and sister Mary, struck this county on their way to Texas, stopping for the winter on Clay Prairie in Hunter Township. The} - were so pleased with the appearance of Illinois and so hopeful of its future. that the trip to Texas was abandoned and the fam- ily located in Jasper County. III., about I .vis. They settled on Crooked Creek in what is now Granville Township. Upon the outbreak of the Mexican War Samuel Chapman raised a company of which he was elected Captain and made prep- erations to go to the scene of conflict. Owing to the surrender of Gen. Santa Anna, their services were not required and they disbanded, returning home. Samuel Chapman only lived a few months afterward, his death taking place in 18 is. five days after the decease of his wife, and their remains were laid side by side in a quiet spot on the old homestead. They were the parents of live chil- dren. One son, William, died when about twenty- live years old; Mary is the. wife of Joseph Cum- mins and lives in Jasper County, this Slate; Louisa and Emily were quite small when taken to Texas where they remained and nothing is known of them; Thomas II.. our subject, the eldest of the family, was born in New York City, Aug. 15, 1832, and was a little lad of five years when he came to Edgar County, 111. lie commenced his education in the common school and finished at Hartsville College, Ind. When the Civil War broke out, our sub- ject, desirous of assisting in the preservation of the Union enlisted in 1862, in Company E.. 123d Illinois Infantry, under command of Col. .1. Monroe, with the three years' men. Shortly afterward he was taken ill. sent to the hospital, and from there was discharged in November. 1862. He then resumed the study of medicine to which he had given some attention prior to entering the army, and became especially interested in diseases of the eye. Soon afterward he began traveling through eastern Illi- nois and other places as an oculist and was thus successfully employed for five years. At the expiration of this time he concluded to set- tle down upon a farm and in due time became owner of 282 acres,, where he now resides, and from which he has constructed one of the best farms in this part of the county. In 1857 our subject was united in marriage with Miss Sarilda, daughter of Jubal and Nancy (Macy ) Meadows, natives of Virginia, and at this time residents of Edgar County. III. Only three of th? six children born of this union are living, a daugh- ter and two sons. Mary Louise is at home with her parents; Thomas II. Jr. married Miss Cora Martin ami they live at tiie homestead; Charles C. is unmarried and a resident of Arkansas; Mr. and Mrs. Chapman are members in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church and he is a Royal Arch Mason, also a Sir Knight belonging to Strat- ton Lodge, No. 108. lie is also identified with tire <;. A. 1\. and is a member of the Protective and 868 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. Detective Association. He votes the straight Re- publican ticket and is frequently sent as a dele- gate to the various conventions, attending in that capacity the Waterway Convention held at Peoria, 111., in 1887. He has been Justice of the Peace for a period of eight years, and has in all respects signalized himself as a wide-awake and useful citi- zen, standing second to no man in this community. A fine lithographic portrait of Mr. Chapman is shown elsewhere in this work. #HN* ANIEL A. COFFMAN. Seldom does the J] labor of man persistently followed with one aim ami object in view, fail of suc- cess. He who begins life without other resources than his own indomitable will and perse- vering energy, learning to overcome discourage- ments and finally arriving at a point approaching the top of the ladder, deserves more than a passing mention. The subject of this notice, the Super- visor of Grand View Township, is a forcible illustra- tion of what may be accomplished by a man beginning poor but honest, with little education or experience, but with the ambition to become a man among men. We find him prominent in his com- munity, the owner of one of the best farms in Grand View Township, a liberal supporter of edu- cational and religious institutions anil in all respects a useful and praiseworthy citizen. The fact that he is highly spoken of by those who have known him best for long years, is sufficient indication of his tine character. Within the limits of Edgar County Mr. Coffman has spent his entire life. He was born at his father's old homestead in this township, March 21, 1844, and is the son of William Coffman. a native of Au- gusta County, Ya.. a brick mason by trade as well as a contractors n d builder. The great-grand- parents on both sides of the house emigrated from Germany during the colonial days and settled in the Old Dominion, where it is believed they spent the remainder of their lives. The great-grand father Coffman brought with him his seven sons, admirable specimens of pure German stock, who transmitted to their descendants their own high qualities of honesty, industry and love of truth. One of these, Jacob by name, was the grandfather of our subject and did good service as a soldier in the Revolutionary War. Mrs. Lydia (Acord) Coffman, the mother of our subject, was likewise the daughter of a Revolu- tionary hero, who while in the discharge of his duties was shot through the body just above the hip. The wound was probed by having a silk handkerchief run through it, and the victim re- covered and lived to a ripe old age. William Coff- man and his future bride grew to mature years in their native State where they were married and lived until 183G. That year, emigrating to Illi- nois, they came to this county and settled near Grand View, where they lived a couple of years, then changed their residence to the western portion of this township, where they spent the remainder of their days. They were among the pioneers of this region, doing much labor and enduring in com- mon with the people about them, the hardships of life on the frontier. The father became the owner of a piece of land and died April 30, 188;"). The mother departed this life Nov. 4, 1871, fourteen years prior to the decease of her husband. To the parents of our subject were born twelve children, all of whom are living — a most remark- able circumstance, perhaps not equaled in the county. They were all given practical educations in the common schools. Among them Daniel was the seventh in order of birth; he remained with his parents contributing his earnings to the family treasury until he was a man of twenty-five years. In the meantime near the close of the Civil War, which had begun when he was a mere youth, he enlisted as a Union soldier. Feb. 15, ] 8G/>, in Com- pany B, 154th Illinois Infantry. This regiment was organized at Camp Butler, near Springfield, and soon afterwards was ordered to Louisville, Ivy.; thence they were sent to Nashville, Tenn.. later to Murfeesboroand Tullahoma, returning to Nashville without being required in any active engagement, and soon afterward, the war being at an end, they were sent home, mustered out and discharged Sep- tember 29, of that same year. Four brothers of Mr. Coffman were also in the service. Daniel A. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHIC AT. ALBUM. SG9 experienced many of the hardships incident lo life in the army, and contracted a lung trouble from which lie still suffers considerably. For some years after returning from the army Mr. Coffman was in very pour health, hut lie la- bored as much as possible on the farm and in due time prepared to establish a home of his own. He was married Xuv. 12, 1872. to Miss Arabell, a daughter of Jesse and Eliza (Willie) Perry, origi- nally from Indiana, but at, that time residents of Douglas County, this 'State. The family on both sides of the house was of English descent. Mr. Perry was a prominent man among the early settlers of Douglas] County, a successful farmer and stock- dealer, and possessed an unblemished character. He died in 1884. The mother is still living, and a resident of Douglas County. They were parents of eight children, the eldest of whom, a son, Jef- ferson, entered the Union army during the Rebel- lion, was Captain of Company E, 79th Illinois Infantry, and was killed at the battle of Franklin. Tenn. Another son, John, was alsoa soldier in the Union army, and is now a resident of Kansas. Mrs. Coffman was the seventh child of her par- ent- and was born in Clark County. Ind., July 31, 1852. She received a good education and success- fully passed a teacher's examination, receiving a certificate but. never using it. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Coffman settled upon the farm which they now occupy, and which our subject had pur- chased a short time previously, and had already made good headway towards its improvements. The young people had very little money at the outset, but by living economically in due time found themselves financially on solid ground. To our subject anil his estimable wife there were born four children, only three of whom are living — Vashie E., now (1889) twelve years of age; Cora A., six years old. and Alon/.o ()., aged two years. Mr. and Mrs. Coffman are both members in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which Mr. Coffman has been Steward and Trustee for many years, anil to which he has been a liberal contributor, giving $400 toward the erection of a church edifice, which is a fine structure, and an or- nament to the town of Grand View. Mr. Coffman politically has. since becoming a voter, been an active member of the Democratic party, and has been sent as a delegate to many of the county con- ventions. He attended in this capacity the Senato- rial Convention of 1888 at Paris. Socially lie belongs to Grand View Lodge A. F. & A. M.. and to Kansas Post G. A, R. In 1870 he was Town- ship Assessor; he has otlieiated as School Director and Road Supervisor and is serving his second term as a member of the County Board of Supervisors. The Coffman homestead comprises 240 acres of finely cultivated land, situated on the main road leading from Grand Viewto Martinsville. With its buildings and appliances it constitutes one of the most attractive features of the landscape in this region, and those of our readers who have never been so fortunate as to see it, will enjoy the fine view of the house presented in this volume. It is ad- mirably adapted to stock-raising, of which the proprietor makes a specialty, having at the present time sixty head of cattle, 200 head of fine sheep, thirteen head of horses, including some very fine animals, and about 100 head of hogs. From these various sources Mr. Coffman realizes a handsome income, and the family are surrounded by all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. The maternal grandfather of Mr. Coffman was a Tin- ted States Surveyor connected with the Corps of Surveyors in Tennessee. jjp^a EAT( )N S. RICE, operates 620 acres of land ^%^ situated just west of Hildreth Station, VM)J) which he rents from the owners, Loften & Patterson. He was born Nov. 22. 1H34, in Shelby County, Ky.. to Strother G. and Hannah (Underwood) Rice, both natives of Shelby County. Ky. Grandfather Rice was a Virginian, but crossed the mountains to Kentucky for a bride. She was a line lady of the old school, domestic in her tastes and motherly in her nature. She raised three fam- ilies of children. The father of our subject was a cultivator of the soil by means of which he gained a livelihood for his family, but devoted his Sun- days and other spare time to the edification of neighbors and friends, ministering to their religious 870 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. needs in the pulpit of the Baptist Church until lie laid down the burden of life when about forty-live years of age. The mother of our subject con- tinued in the enjoyment of good health until the year 1881, when she too was stricken and passed away at the age of seventy-eight. This couple had eighl children — Lucy Ann, the second child, died in infancy; S. S., our subject, Elizabeth F., James A., William T., Charles N.. and John II. Lucy Ann married Jesse Kennedy, a fanner. She died in Putnam County. Ind., at the age of forty years, leaving five children. Elizabeth F. is now Mrs. John W. McKee and lives in Putnam County, Ind. She has three children living. James A. lives in Rochedale, Putnam County, Ind., where he follows the occupation of a brick mason. He is married and has seven children. During our late war he served his country in the Union army, gallantly battling a!ong with his comrades in an Indiana rc_i- iment. William T. died about nine years ago, leaving a widow and one child. Charles N. de- parted this life when only fourteen years of age. John II. is single, and resides in Edgar Township, where he follows the occupation of a farmer. When Mr. Rice was two years old his parents removed to Putnam County. Ind.. where they pur- chased land and farmed it with wisdom and energy. The father also preached there, and they continued to make that their 1 le during life. In August, 1856, our subject was married to Miss Elizabeth J. Catherwood, at the bride's 1 ie in Putnam County, Ind. Putnam County was also the birthplace of Mrs. Rice and her home until marriage. After marriage the young couple rented a farm and op- erated until August, 1874, when they removed to Edgar County, this State, when they again rented land and followed farming. Mr. and Mrs. Rice have had but one child of their own. They have, however, 'cared as their own, Charles William AloilZO, a son of William T. Rice. He is now about eighteen years of age and gives promise of well repaying the love and care bestowed upon him by his uncle and aunt. They have also an adopted child. Ora E. King, who is brighl and intelligent, and no doubt will he the means of demonstrating the words of the Holy Writ that " bread cast upon the waters will return after ninny days." Politically Mr. Rice is a Democrat, and has served his district as School Director and Road Supervisor. In religious life he assists in support- ing the Presbyterian Church, in which communion his wile finds a congenial home. Mr. Rice is a tall, well built man. with a pleasant, genial expression of countenance. His nature is simple-hearted, honest anil sincere, and he is good, honest, up- right citizen. —>, and clieil Feb. 22, 1862, when he was in his nine- tieth year. He had eight children, of whom six lived to be more than sevent3' years of age. His eldest son. John, was grandfather of him of whom we write, lie was born in Maryland, June 24, 1794, and in 17:>7 was broughl by his parents to Kentucky, they settling near Augusta in Bracken County. In the spring of L813, John Hitch made a journey on a keel-boat down the Licking, up the Ohio t<> the Kanawha, then up the latter river to the salt works, a venturesome trip for a youth of less then nineteen years. Procuring six barrels iif that precious article he made tln> return in safe- ty, and then sold the salt to his neighbors for twenty five cents a peek, it having before that sold for lifty cents. About this time Gov. Shelby issued his call for volunteers to fight the British and Indians, and John Hitch was one of the first to offer his servi- ces. He fought under Gen. Harrison at the battle Of the Thames, where the Indian chief. Tecnmseh, was finally overpowered and killed. John Hitch was a brave and daring soldier, and was one of ten intrusted with the carrying of important dis- patches, a duty which he invariably performed to the entire satisfaction of his commander. After the war he returned to the quiet of his home, hut sunn emigrated to Clermont County, Ohio, where he arrived April 12, 181 I. In January of the year following he was united in marriage with Miss Nancy Simmons. In this county he passed the re- mainder of his life, dying at Bantam, Ohio, Jan. 23. 1876. Benjamin F. Hitch, father of Charles 1'.. was the eldest son of John. He was born at Laurel, Clermont Co., Ohio, April 18, 1818, and thus is now in his seventy-second year (1889). He was reared to the life of a farmer, ami one of the earliest lessons he conned in the book of experi- ence was the meaning of the term, hard work. He assisted his parents in building up a home in the wilderness, and in clearing away tin- primeval for- ests. He remained with his parents until hi- mar- riage, which took place Dec. is. [838, his bride being Miss Laura A. White,daughter of Firman and Polly White. Sonu after his marriage he began the business of wagon-making, which he left fin- a time to embark in milling, at Elk Lick Hills, on the Last Fork Cr.ck. He continued in the latter business until about the year 1853, when he re- moved to the village of Bantam and again engaged in the manufacture of wagons, carriages, etc. on quite an extensive scale from that time and place. Attracted, however, by the greater possibilities of the new West he sold his business, reserving his real estate and removed to Mount Pleasant, Iowa, where for a time he engaged in farming. Not liking that country as well a- he hail expected to he returned to Ohio, and repurchased his former business, which he carried on until 1st;.") on a large and in- creasing scale. During the war he took the con- tract for making hames and harness for the Gov- ernment, and in that business accumulated a con- siderable fortune. At the close of the war he changed his place ot residence to New Richmond, Ohio, twenty miles from Cincinnati, and there erected a large manufactory for the making of carriages of all kinds. He conducted that business for live years, then gave it up to his elder sons and returned to his old home in Bantam. But he was not content to retire from active life, and so established a general merchandise store, dealing in all sorts of articles, trading for stock, tobacco, etc. In 1S.S7 he made a speculation in tobacco from which he cleared over $15,000. About this time his sons sold the carriage business to an uncle, and they too returned to Bantam. Again the father turned the business over to them and this time he retired from active life, and is now devoting his attention to the oversight of his line large farm near Bantam. He is now seventy-one \ ear- i if age, his wife being sixty-nine, and on the 18th of December, 1888, they celebrated their golden wed- 872 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. ding anniversary, on which occasion a large num- ber of their descendants and friends were present. He has always been an active man, but cared more for his business than for public office. He. however, believes in the principles of the Republi- can party and uniformly votes that ticket. Benjamin F., and Laura A. Hitch were the par- ents of six children, namely: Mary Elizabeth, who was the wife of Albert G. Justice, died at Bantam; Frank A., is a merchant of Amelia, Ohio; Levi W., is a merchant in Bantam, of which town he is Postmaster under the Harrison administra- tion. He carries on the store formerly conducted by his father, and is also interested in farming: John W.. is in the stock business at Walnut Hills. Cincinnati; our subject was next in order of birth; the youngest is Anna Belle, wife of Prof. W. S. Plynn, Principal of the North District at Cincin- nati. Charles 1'. Hitch remained under the parental roof until he had attained the age of fifteen years, when he commenced the course at Parker's Acade- near New Richmond, where he finished his educa- tion. From that institution he went to New Rich- mond, and entered his uncle's dry-goods store as a clerk. lie remained with him until 18G9,then came to Edgar County. His first occupation here was as clerk in the dry-goods of A. C. Connely in Paris, with whom he staid for years. In 1873 he was ap- pointed Deputy County Clerk, which position he held for eight years. In 1881 he was elected Grand Recorder of the A. O. V. W„ holding that position up to the present time. In 1872-73 he served a term as City Clerk of Paris, and in 1884 was elected Alternate Delegate to the Republican National Convention in Chicago, which nominated James G. Blaine for President; and in 1888 was a regular delegate to the National Convention ami voted for Gen. Harrison for President, on the fourth ballot with two other delegates from Illi- nois. He was one of the State delegates who voted continuously for Harrison until he was nominated. On May 24, 188 ( J. Mr. Hitch was appointed to the responsible position of United States Marshal for the Southern District of Illinois, taking possession of his office. July 1, 1889. For fifteen years Mr. Hitch has had a faithful helpmate and companion in the person of his wife, who has been a sharer of his joys, and a comforter in time of trouble. With her Mr. Hitch was united in marriage Dec. 25, 1874. She was in her youth .Miss Mary I. Huston, daughter of Dr. Raul Hus- ton, a physician ami surgeon of Paris. She was born in that city Dec. 17, 184'.). Their union has been blessed to them by the birth of one child, Lucy W. Mi'. Hitch belongs to the Masonic fraternity, is a member of the Paris Lodge. No. 2(58, A. F. and A. M.; of Edgar Chapter, No. 32. R. A. M„ and is likewise a member of Apollo Lodge, No. 58. K. of P. and of Austin Lodge No. 664, I. ( ). O. F. A gentleman of unblemished character and of decided ability, with which he combinesa genial and courte- ous mannerjie has hosts of friends, and wields a con- siderable interest in social and political circles. He faithfully discharged the many responsible duties entrusted to him, and everyone who knows him is pleased with his well deserved success and ad- vancement. -«-N3*£H-i~^ 1TIRAIM TOWNSON. In Young America on section 12, is located the |(ri Township dL^ homestead of Mr. Townson who was born in Winchester County, Md., Feb. 28, 1829. His parents were likewise natives of that State and of English ancestry. His father, Ephraim Townson. died a month prior to the birth of his son. When Ephraim was eight or nine years of age his mother emigrated to Marion County, Ind., where she married a farmer by the name of Charles Britten- ham. Mr. Brittenham came to Edgar County about forty years ago and settled probably seven miles west of Paris, where he rented a farm. Subse- quently he removed to the vicinity of Cherry Point in Ross Township, where his death took place prior to the outbreak of the late Civil War. His widow, the mother of our subject, survived until the spring of 1805. Of her marriage with Mr. Townson there were born two children only, our subject and his sister, Eliza. The latter married a Mr. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 87:i Reed and died in Indiana several years ago, leav- ing a family. By her second marriage the mother of our subject had two more children — Samuel and Nancy — who arc both deceased. The former served in the Union Army and died about seven years ago. The subject of this sketch, upon the outbreak of the Rebellion, enlisted in an Illinois Regiment, but before he could be mustered into service he was taken ill with typhoid fever and obliged to accept his discharge. Upon his recovery, however, here- enlisted in Company K., 59th Illinois Infantry and participated in the battles of Franklin and Nash- ville. He served until the close of the war and received his final discharge, June Hi. 1865. He had been married in October, 1853, to Miss Martha A., daughter of William and Charlotte Hawkins. Mrs. Townson was born in Edgar County. Her mother died in 1857. Her father is still living near old Bloomfield and is now about seventy-five years of age. Since his return from the army Mr. Townson has followed farming and is now operating on 200 acres of rented land. Ten children have been born to him and his estimable partner, namely: America, Sarah A., Charlotte, Kanada, Mary, Ida A., Ilattie, Nancy, William and Ellen. America became the wife of Morgan Wasson by whom she had two children ; Mr. Wasson died about nine years ago; Mrs. Wasson is living near Camargo, Douglas County, this State, with her second husband. James Heck, by whom she is the mother of one child. Sarab is the wife of John Smith, a farmer living near Cisco, in I'iatt County; they have three chil- dren; Charlotte died when twenty-three years old; Kanada is the wife of Elsie Roberts, a farmer and has one child: Mary married Kellcy McKec.a pros- perous farmer living next to his father-in-law, Mr. Townson, and they have four children; Ida mar- ried Benjamin Mclvee, a brother of Kelley ; they have one child and live in Ross Township; Ilattie is the wife of Alfred Walls, a school teacher, resid- ing in Indianola. and they have one child ; Nancy is the wife of Andrew Smith and lives on a farm south of Metcalf; William and Ella remain at Ik line with their parents. Mr. Townson has been a hard-working man all his life. Since his return from the army his health has been delicate, but he has nevertheless been a persistently industrious man. Theii married chil- dren have done well and are comfortably situated in good I les. Although receiving but a limited education, on account of his father'.-, early death, Mr. Townson is nevertheless, a man of good general knowledge, lie is honorable and fair in his deal- ings with his fellow men and of very correct and frugal habits. He gave to his children a practi- cal education and taught them haliits of industry, together with those high moral sentiments which have made of them upright and praiseworthy citi- zens. In politics, he is a sound Republican. He has held no public office, being content to quietly meet and discharge the duties of a private citizen and give such attention to his home and his family as will secure the most comfort and happiness there. M~ON. WASHINGTON ALEXANDER is 01) one of the early pioneers of Edgar County, and has played well his part in shaping its '>(£©/ history. He came here at the age of twelve, in 1820. His father, John B. Alexander, was a native of Meeklenberg County, N. C, where he was born in 1765 and where he lived until a short time before his marriage to Miss Barbara Kinir, who was a native of Scotland. He then moved to Elbert County, Ga. In his youth he learned the fulling business but after attaining his majority he followed farming. In 1*04 he removed from Georgia to Williamson County. Tenn, where he was one of the early pioneers. Washington Alexander was born June 3, 1808 anil was the eleventh of a family of twelve children. In 1811 his father removed to Lincoln County, Tennessee, where he continued farming, and there Washington commenced attendinga private school. In 1818 his father again changed his location to Lawrence County, Ala., that being the second year that laud was placed on the market there. The family only remained in Alabama two years, when they embarked in a "prairie schooner" Or covered ! wagon and started for Illinois. When they arrived 874 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. in Edgar County, the hind had not been surveyed by the Government. They finally located on the Little Vermilion River, four miles west of George- town, there being but one family in that locality at the time. Henry Johnson had been there two months. There the Alexanders constructed a cabin and lived the first winter. The country at that time was overrun with wild game. In the spring of 1821 they removed to near where Baldwinsville now stands. Here the elder Alexander purchased a quarter section of land, on which he remained until 1825, making the usual improvements. He then went four miles west of whore Georgetown now is, and there entered a farm, remaining on this place until the children were grown. He then went to Danville and spent his last years, dying there in 1850. He was a prominent factor in the develop- ment of this section of the country, and in the early days held many responsible positions. He was at one time Commissioner of Clark County, and in 182:!, he was commissioned as the first Post- master at Paris. He was elected to the Legislature in 1826 as the candidate of the Democratic parly. Mr. Alexander was eighty-five years old at the time of his death, while his wife was eighty-one years of age when she was called away. Washington Alexander lived with his father at the various places mentioned above, until he was twenty-six years of age. when he began selling goods at Georgetown. lie afterward removed to Paris, then a town struggling for existence, and containing but a few families, and on his removal carried with him a stock of general merchandise, latterly building up a good trade. He was in partnership with his brother, (Jen. Alexander. The postofflce was connected with the store, but the mails in those days were not overloaded. The postage ranged from six and a quarter cents to twenty-five cents and the mail arrived at Paris every two weeks, not over a dozen letters being in each mail. In 1832 Mr. Alexander enlisted in the Black Hawk War. His first enlistment occured in Vermilion County, 111. He then went to Joliet and joined the command there, but for some rea- son was mustered out of the service. He subse- quently enlisted in the regiment that was formed in this county, which was stationed at that time at the mouth of the Little Vermilion River, where it empties into the Illinois River, then known as Ft. Wilburn. The command was then ordered to Dixon, from there it marched to Ft. Hamilton up the Peca- tonica River in the Galena lead mine district, from Ft. Hamilton went up Rock River and on this march they got short of provisions. They finally marched over to the Portage between Fox and Wis- consin livers, thence returned to Gen. Atkinson's headquarters on Rock River, then pursued the In- dians and took part in the battle of Bad Axe, from there returned home. All of this occurred from May to August. After being -mustered out, Mr. Alexander the next year began merchandising in Georgetown and the following year came to Paris and remained until 1845. He was elected to the Legislature on the Democratic ticket in 1844, and served one term. In 1833 Mr. Alexander in company with his brother-in law. Col. I. R. Moores, made a journey to Philadelphia on horseback. They also went to New York, the object of the trip being to buy goods, and at this time they took their first ride on a railroad. The goods were shipped to Chicago by canal and lake and then transported to Georgetown by team. In 1850 Mr. Alexander crossed the plains with ox-teams, starting in the middle of March and arriving at Placerville, Cal., August 28. He stopped in the mines and engaged in digging for gold until 1854, when he came home by the way of the Isthmus and New York. After his return he engaged in farming quite successfully. He origi- nally owned ten acres of ground, where the second ward of Paris is now located, which is known as "Alexander's Addition" and on this land Lincoln, Douglas, Cassius M. Clay, Owen Lovejoy and Voorhes spoke at different times. Mr. Alexander was well acquainted with these distinguished gen- tlemen and knew Lincoln when he was practicing in the courts here. For several years Mr. Alexander has not been actively engaged in business except in the sale of real estate. He never has sought office, being of a retiring nature, and very modest. He held the office of Deputy Internal Revenue Collector dur- ing the war. this appointment being tendered him by reason of his special fitness for the position. He 1 Residence of W. D. Marley,5ec.3. Elbridge Tr, Eusar Co. Old house at Baldwinville. ■.a*feSfec^'-y . U;;; ,:-g;^w ■ ■■■■■ a->- "•■'' - ■■-.n^V/" r ,■,;,•:■■■:',.■,•■, ,V ,..;- r -r- y-->-- -. ,,.. ,■. .,, ...■. ^....■.■ i -.,....■..... ,-,- , . J ,-.^...- T1W y».-.-.^g Residence or J. Y. M-.Culloch ,Sec.9. Hunter Township, Edgar Co. PORTRAIT AND BI< >< I KA 1'IIICAL ALBUM. 877 has been a member of the Presbyterian Church for years, and is ever found ready to do his share in alleviating the sorrows of this world. lie was married to Miss Sarah Young, of Paris, March 2.">, 1841. By this marriage five children have been born, of whom two are living — Ravilla C. and Frank R. They are at home with their father. Mis. Alexander w:is born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Sept, 29, 1821. where she received her education. Her father. Jonathan Young, was a native of New Jer- sey, where be married Miss Sarah McFarren and removed to Cincinnati, and from there to Edgar Count}-, where he entered a section of land just west of Paris. He lived in town until his death which occured in August, 18G8. His wife died in December, 1880. * WILLIAM D. MARLEY. For more than \/\//i ^ly years Mr, Marley has been a resident Ww of this county, and is now numbered among its wealthiest and most prominent citizens. Like many of his compeers, he has arisen from a modest position in life, and practically without means com- menced the struggle in the pioneer days, which has resulted in his becoming one of the largest land- owners in this count}', and closely identified with its growth and development. His homestead is finely located in the vicinity of Marley's Station, where he first settled in 183G, on eighty acres of land lying on section 3. Elbridge Township. Later he traded it for a 160-acre farm in Jasper County, this State, where be resided two years, but not I ic- ing satisfied with the country in that section, re- turned to this county, of which he has since been a resident. He first farmed on rented land two sea- sons, then purchased eighty acres east of where his residence now stands, and to it he has added until he holds the warranty deeds to 1,500 acres, all in Elbridge Township. Mr. Marley has been uniformly successful in his [abors as an agriculturist, and of late years has made a specialty of cattle-raising, shipping mostly to Indianapolis. For the proper carrying on of this in- dustry bis farm is equipped with all modern con- veniences, while he avails himself of modern machinery and the appliances requisite for farming anil stock-raising in the most economical and profit- able manner. He is a stock-holder in the First Na- tional Hank at Paris, and has given his uniform encouragement to those measures adopted for the moral and financial growth of the people among whom he has attained prosperity, and with whose interests he has been closely allied during the period of his long residence in the county. Randolph County. X. C. is the native place of our subject, bis birth occurring .Inly 31, 1818. He attended the common schools, acquiring a limited education therein, but what he lacked in advantages was supplied by his habit of observation and the faculty of keeping himself well-informed upon what was going on around him in the world. His parents, John and Lillie (Fields) Marley, were like- wise born and reared in Randolph County, N. C, and were of Irish descent. John Marley was a shoemaker by trade, and two or three of his broth- ers served as soldiers in the Revolutionary War. William learned shoemaking of bis father, and worked with him until a youth of eighteen years, manufacturing foot gear for the slaves of one man, for which he was paid forty to fifty cents per day. Finally becoming dissatisfied with bis condition, and his prospects, young Marley struck out for the North, reaching this county Nov. 27, 1836. Not long afterward he abandoned shoemaking altogether and turned bis attention to farming pursuits. When ready to establish a home of his own, he was married, in 1838, to Miss Julia A. Yeargin, a na- tive of his own county, and who came to Illinois with her parents when quite small. The family of the latter comprised nine children, of whom Mrs. Marley was the fifth in order of birth, and of whom live are now living. Twelve children came to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Marley, only four of whom survive. George is operating a mill in Paris; Henry is a resident of Vermilion; Firman is farming in El- bridge Township; James also operated a farm there and officiates as Township Supervisor. Politically, Mr. Marley supports the principles of the Republi- can parly, but has had very little to do with public affairs, simply holding the office of Supervisor one 878 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. year. The standard of agriculture and stock-rais- ing lias undoubtedly been greatly elevated through the efforts of Mr. Marley, who entertains a justifi- able pride in his achievements in this line. In his pleasant home, a view of which appears in this volume, Mr. Marley lives quietly and happily in the society of a devoted wife, and surrounded by all the comforts of a rural home. •*$** l@ |OHN Y. McCULLOCH, one of the most prominent men and successful farmers of Hunter Township, occupies a homestead of 400 acres which possesses for him a far more than moneyed value, as it was here he was born Jan. 12, I 820. Besides this he is the owner of 100 acres near, all of which is in productive condition and is the source of a handsome income. The McC'ulloch family came to this county at an early day and are numbered among its most prominent and influential citizens. They are people of more than ordinary intelligence and have exerted no small influence in elevating the moral and social standard of so- ciety. The parents of our subject were Otis and Ann (McCulloch) McCulloch who emigrated from Mas- sachusetts to Illinois about 1820, making the jour- ney by canal and lake to Ft. Wayne and thence down the Wabash to Dukes Ferry, End., and from that point to Hunter Township, this county, where the father entered a part of land comprising the present homestead. The mother lived only a few years thereafter, passing away in 1828 when nel- son, our subject, was a little over two years old. Later the father returned East and was married to Miss Zeruah Crocker, a native of New York State. who only lived four years after her marriage, dying also at the home farm. Of the first marriage there, had been born four children, of whom John Y. was the only one who lived to mature years. The third wife of Otis McCulloch was Mrs. I. B. Keys and they became the parents of one daughter, Ann, who is the wife of William II. Lamb, of Tus- cola. The father died in 1860 at the age of seventy years and his last wife died in 1875. Mr. McCul- loch was the first to come di recti}' from New Eng- land to Illinois without stopping on the way. The land in this region was then chiefly owned by the Government and the present farm of our subject included the original town site of Cambridge which town long since became a thing of the past. Our subject remembers when the Indians often passed through the country and wild animals of all kinds were abundant. The nearest market during the earlier days was at Terre Haute, Lid., where they purchased whatever they needed for the farm and family, including salt and nails. The maternal grandfather of our subject was James McCulloch, who enjoyed the personal acquaintance of Gen. Washingtonand was a soldier of the Revolutionary War. He married Miss Sarah Otis, the daughter of a prominent family and while serving in the Continental Army was at the sur- render of Burgoyne's army at Yorktown. There he got possession of a young horse which he kept until it was thirty-six years old, and our subject now has a pair of saddlebags made from the hide of the animal. Prof. Ilurty of Paris took these saddlebags to New Orleans during the late exposition, where they were gazed upon by thousands as a valuable relic of the past. On the mother's side, the great-grandfather of our subject was John Otis of Scotch ancestry in which country also originated the McCuIlochs. John Y., our subject, was married in Cook County, 111., to Miss Olive II. Plumb, daughter of Saxlon and Harriet (Roberts) Plumb. Mr. Plumb was a native of Connecticut and when a child of tvvo years was taken by his parents, James and Eunice (Minor) Plumb to Vermont where he was reared and where the grandparents died. After the death of the mother in Vermont the father of Mrs. McCulloch came to this county and died here. Our subject and his estimable wife are the parents of eight children, the eldest of whom, a daughter. Mary is the wife of J. T. Butler of Dakota. Otis and Hattie died at the ages of eighteen months and twenty-six years respectively. The survivors are James, George, Esther, John and Julia. The old barn which the father of our subject built six months before the birth of the latter and in which were held religious services many years PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBFM. 879 ago, stood until 1867 when it was destroyed by fire. At the time of its raising men came from thirty miles away to assist. The country was thinly set- tled and few people had neighbors nearer than several miles. The parents of our subject were members of the Presbyterian Church in which the father was an active and zealous worker. On another page of the Ai.ium will lie found a lithographic view of the residence of Air. and Mrs. McCulloch with its beautiful and homelike sur- roundings. ..NDREW JACKSON BAR Til. hi noting ■WiL] the career of the leading men of Young America Township, that of the^subject of this notice cannot with propriety be omit- ted. He bears the reputation of being one of its most energetic and industrious citizens, intelligent. a first-class business man. prudent, frugal and careful in his expenditures, by which means he has built up one of the neatest homesteads in his township, the land thoroughly tilled and well im- proved, yielding to the proprietor not only a comfortable income for the present, but some- thing to lay up for a rainy day. It is finely located on section 21. and is the object of admira- tion by all who pass by it as denoting more than ordinary thrift, good management and cultivated taste. It stands prominently among the substan- tial landmarks which the old and respected resi- dents of Edgar County will leave, together with their honorable names, as a rich legacy to their children. The subject of this biography was born in Rick- away County. < >hio, on the 1 8th of September, 1818, and is the son of Andrew and Catherine (Barth) Barth.the families bearing no relation to each other. Both were of German descent and natives of Ger- many. They were married in Columbus. Ohio, and afterward came to Edgar County, 111., where the father was first employed as a weaver, but sub- sequently occupied himself in farming. The pa- rental household included twelve children, of whom there are living: Henry, Andrew Jackson (our subject), Jacob, Henrietta. Francis A., Mary Ann. Nellie and Carolina (deceased). The- others died in infancy and youth. Henry is a stonemason by trade, and is married; he resides at Chrisman, and is the father of three children. During the late Civil War he was a member of Company A. 25th Illinois Infantry, and fought in the battles of l'ea Ridge, Murfreesboro and Mission Ridge, being wounded at the former place. Jacob, who is mar- ried and the father of four children, is farming near Cherry Point; Henrietta is the wife of Jacob Williams, a farmer of Brooks County. Kan., and they have one child; Francis A. is married, and farming near Chrisman. Mary Ann and Nellie are unmarried, and reside with their father north of Chrisinan. Carolina, became the wife of Mark Tucker, a farmer in the vicinity of Cherry Point, and died at the early age of twenty-eight years, leaving four children. Mr. Barth. like his brothers and sisters, received a common-school education, and when reaching man's estate, chose the pursuits of agriculture for his vocation. When ready to establish a home of his own. he was married, March 1 J, 187-1, to Miss Cynthia Ellen, daughter of William and Nancy (Henrey) Tucker, who were natives of Kentucky. The young people after their marriage settled on farm near Cherry Point, where they lived until 1882. That year our subject purchased 111 acres on section 2 1. in Young America Township, ami besides this he leases forty acres. Five children have been born to him and his excellent wife, viz: Cora Ann, Clara Belle, Walter F., Lottie Ellen and William A. A Demociat in politics and a man of decided views and opinions, Mr. Barth has been prominent in local affairs, and represented his township in the County Convention of 1888. He is at present a member of the Township Committee, and is likewise Com- missioner of Highways and Drainage, and very efficient in the discharge of his duties. He is highly in favor of thorough drainage, and is active in the encouragement of the enterprise involving the letting of contracts for over fifteen miles, in which it is proposed to construct a canal fifteen miles long, twenty to thirty feet wide and eight to nine feet deep. It is estimated that the cost of 880 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. this will aggregate probably over 825.000, but the results to be obtained, it is believed, will amply justify the outlay. Mr. Barth has been Township Collector of Young America, and for many years has served as School Director in his district. Both he and his excellent wife are prominently connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Barth keeps himself thoroughly posted upon current events, and is a gentleman with whom it is both pleasant and profitable to converse. "*OHN RHOADS, Esq., Justice of the Peace of Embarras Township, is worthy of more than a passing notice. A sun of one of its earliest settlers, he was born in Sims Township, Edgar County, on the 13th of March. 1 828, and practically grew up with the country. While he was securing a limited education in the pioneer log school-house the immigrants were slowly settling up this section of Illinois, and as soon as he was old enough to be of service he joined them in their labors of reducing a portion the wilderness to the abode of a civilized and en- lightened people. He is pardonably proud of the fact that he has been a resident of this county fur the long period of sixty-one years, having sojourned here almost uninterruptedy during his entire life. Mr. Rhodes has made for himself an admirable record as an honest man and a good citizen, and one who has been closel}' identified with the best interests of his county. He has discharged with fidelity the duties of the various local offices, has accumulated a comfortable property and reared a very intelligent family of sons and daughters, lie comes of excellent Kentucky stock, being the son of Jacob Rhoads, who was born in Mublenburg County, where he lived until 1822. Then, when a young man grown, he emigrated to the West and settled live miles south of Paris, in what is now Sims Township, Edgar County, taking up his abode among the Indians and wild animals. The red men, however, were peaceable and he experienced no molestation from them. He battled with the ele- ments of life on the frontier, being obliged to get his mail and do his trading at Terre Haute, hid., fifteen miles distant. Besides deer, turkeys and other game, there were wolves, bears and panthers roaming amid the heavy timber where lie estab- lished his cabin home, but he escaped all dangers from these, felled the trees, prepared the soil for cultivation and opened up a good farm, where he spent the remainder of his days. He departed this life May 2, 1857. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Elizabeth Ripple; she was the daughter of Daniel Ripple, one of the earliest pioneers of Edgar County. To the parents of our subject there were born nine children, three only of whom are living, viz.: Letitia, Mrs. Mapes; Alney M..and John. our subject. The eldest child. Eve. married a Mr. Fos- ter, and went to Iowa forty years ago and has not been heard from since during the war. The mother was bom in 1788 and died in October, 1859; she was a native of Pennsylvania and probably of German ancestry, as she fluently spoke this lan- guage with a mixture of the Penns3'lvania Dutch. The subject of this sketch was reared at the old homestead, pursuing his early studies in the winter season, mostly in a log cabin school-house, with puncheon floor and scats and desks made of the same, these upheld by wooden pins driven into the wall; greased paper for window panes, clapboards for the roof, a huge fireplace occupying nearly one end of the building, anil the chimney outside built of earth and sticks. The plan of instruction was in keeping with the surroundings, the teacher not being expected to possess a classical education. Young Rhoads lived contentedly on the farm with his parents, seldom going outside the limits of his own township, and never living outside of the county. Remaining under the home roof until a man of twenty-three years our .subject was then married, April 13. 1851. to Miss Sydney, daughter of Leven Walls, who is long since deceased. The young couple spent the first few years of their wedded life in Sims, then in 18(13 established themselves on a farm in Luck Township. Later, in the spring of 1880, they removed to the vicinity of Hume, where they sojourned two years, and from there move.) PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 881 in the present homestead . This comprises sixty acres "f well-tilled land which is highly productive, supplied with good buildings and is in all respects a neat and comfortable home. To Mr. and Mrs. Rhoads then/ have been born eight children, the eldest of whom, a daughter, Itosella, became the wife of Bruce Nays, of this county, and they have four children — Arthur C, Blanche, Fred and Claude S.; I. aura is the wife of Ira N. Lilley, of Muck Township; their one child is deceased. Clara E. is the wife of Stephen Lamb- din of Marshall, Clark Co.. III., and they have three children — Edna Y.. Tessie C. and Mabel V. Isa- belle F. married Willis O. Miller, of Shiloh Town- ship, and they have two children — Omar L. and Ethel. Emily C. is the wife of Gilead Honeywell. of Bucks Township, and they have two children — Ivan II. and Ben lab F. ; John R. and Henry II. are with their father. IN I is. Sydney Rhoads departed this life March 2(1. 1889. She was a very estimable lady and a consistent member of the Christian Church for a period of twenty-eight years. Our subject is also connected with this church, and is numbered among its chief pillars. Politically, he votes the straight Democratic ticket, and has held the office of Township Collector, Supervisor and Highway Commissioner, lie was elected -Justice of the Peace in the spring of 1889, and is evidently well qualified for the office. r=5>LI.lAll W.ANDREWS. The popular idea ■■Sj that anybody can carry on farming success- , ! — ^ fully, has long been exploded, and we find that, as in other channels of industry, farming has become an art and a science, and is being carried on by the most intelligent portion of mankind. Those who are blessed with intellectual gifts find here full scope for their imagination, ami amid the peaceful shades of rural life have been penned some of the finest thoughts ever given to the world. Mr. Andrews has long been known as a writer of prose and poetry of more than ordinary talent, and through the columns of the Cincinnati Enquirer, under th<' nam de plume of •• Poliuta," has obtained a national reputation, and the most complimentary notices probably ever given to any man in this sec- tion of the Prairie State. lie loves the country, and has established one of the pleasan test and most attractive homes in the rural regions, occupying a portion of section 'J. Embarras Township. This comprises 200 acres of choice land on section 'J. the greater part of which is operated by his sons. His residence is specially an object of attention, standing as it does, on a fine elevation, command- ing a broad view of the surrounding country, and being in the midst of those pure airs so beneficial to the health and spirits. The native place of our subject was in Warren County. N. . I., and the date of his birth Sept. 7, 1819. His father, Jacob Andrews, was a native of the same State, and of German parentage. He was a blacksmith by trade, at which he worked in New Jersey, and where he married Miss Elizabeth Twav. who was born in that State. They became the pa- rents of eight children, only three of whom are living, viz.: Ann, Mrs. Wurman ; Catherine. Mrs. I lendrickson, and Elijah W., our subject. The pa- rents spent their last years in New Jersey. Our subject learned the trade of carriage and wagon maker from his father, serving his appren- ticeship early in life and working at it for several years. In the meantime he became a skilled work- man, and once made a wagon in Paris which sold in St. Louis for *17o. He had been reared to man's estate on the farm, receiving an ordinary ed- ucation but having the habit of observing what was going on around him in the world, and a taste for reading and study by which he became well in- formed, and carefully cultivated his literary tastes. In 1845 our subject, leaving his native State, mi- grated to Dayton. Ohio, where he sojourned nine years, then, in 1854, changed his residence to Ed- gar County. HI., settling in Paris when it was only a small village. Afterward, during the Civil War, he entered the Union service as one of the sappers' and miners' regiment, with which he remained some months, operating mostly around Cape Girardeau, Mo. In 1865 he became a resident of his present place in Embarras Township. The Kith of June, 1849, witnessed the marriage of our subject with Miss Elizabeth, daughter of 882 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. Abel Johnson, who is long since deceased. This union resulted in the birth of five children, the eldest of whom, a son, Francis M.. married Miss Lucy Crawford, and lives in Buck Township. They have six children: Lizzie B., Trevor C, Edna. Clara M., Clarence E., and Howard M. Clara is the wife of Douglas Ilybarger, of Buck Town- ship, and they have two children: Floyd and Flos- sie E. Ella is the wife of Halleck McCulley. of Buck Township, and they have one child, Arthur. Mis. Elizabeth (Johnson) Andrews departed this life July HI. 1881. Mr. Andrews lives easily and sensibly, giving largely of his time to literal}' pur- suits, and carefully avoiding the responsibilities of office. Politically he advocates the principles of the Prohibition party at the present time. \f OllN R. HONNOLD. Kansas Township contains many wealthy and enterprising men who have proved their industry and progress by their surroundings, and who have given to the world a fine illustration of what may be accomplished by steady perseverance amid difficulties and drawbacks. Few travelers passing through this portion of Edgar County fail to ob- serve the llonnold farm, which occupies 320 acres on section 1, and forms one of the most beautiful homesteads of that region. The dwelling is a neat and substantial modern structure and is represented in this volume by a lithographic engraving. The barn adjacent fulfills the modern idea of what such a building should be in all its appointments, and is a marvel of the builder's art especially in point of the interior, being complete in its arrangements for the storage of grain and hay and the shelter of stock. Of the latter Mr. Honnold keeps none but high-grade animals: and in the cultivation of the soil he employs the most improved modern ma- chinery and in consequence realizes handsome returns. As a man and a citizen he has led an irre- proachable life, is progressive, liberal minded and the uniform eneourager of those measures set on foot for the general good of the people. The native place of our subject was near the town of Otsego in Muskingum County. Ohio, where his birth occurred Aug. 17, 1834. His father, Richard Honnold. was a native of Loudoun County, A'a.. and was born May 17, 1812. 1 1 is paternal grandfather was James Honnold, also a native of Loudoun County and of German parent- age. The family consisted of seven brothers, one of whom crossed the Atlantic and settled in the Old Dominion. It is believed that they followed agri- cultural pursuits and the character of their de- scendants is sufficient evidence that they were honest, substantial people who paid their just debts and made a comfortable living for their families. The father of our subject learned blaeksmithing in his early manhood and, being skillful with edged tools, also followed carpentering considerably, doing all his own work in these lines. When es- tablishing a home of his own he was married to Miss Hannah Bradford, the daughter of John Brad- ford, direct descendant of Gov. Bradford of Vir- ginia. Mr. John Bradford settled in Loudon Count}', that State, where his daughter, Hannah, was born Jan. 25, 1812. Of her marriage with Richard Honnold there were born twelve children, nine of whom lived to mature years and eight yet survive, namely: James L., John R., our subject; Hannah J., Mrs. Sutton; Benjamin W. of Winfield, Kan; Sarah E., Mrs. Stradley of Hume, 111.; Samuel F., Elizabeth M., Mrs. Yenawine; and Mary [■'.. Mrs. Fell. With the exception of Benjamin and Mrs. Stradley they are all residents of Kansas Township. One son, Jefferson, during the Civil Wor, enlisted in Company H, 59th Illinois Infantry and met death on the battle field at Iluntsville, Ala. The deceased children died in infancy. Ben- jamin also served in the late war and receives a pension from the government as a partial compen- sation for services rendered and injuries sustained. Mr. Honnold took up his residence in this county in September, 1 855, settling first with his parents on section 3 in Kansas Township. At the homestead which they then built up, the father died in 1.S77. The mother is still living there, hav- ing now attained the age of seventy-eight years. John R., like his brothers and sisters, acquired his early education mostly in the chimney corner by the light of the evening fire, attending school only PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 883 about two months each for a few winters. The school house was a log cabin built in the most primitive style, with split log seats and floor. greased paper for window panes and the writing desks held to the wall by rude wooden pins. The teacher was usually in keeping with Ins surround- ings and generally enforced his precepts by the free use of the rod. Being fond of his books young llonnold managed to secure a fair amount of practical knoweldge and finally developed into a teacher, which profes- sion he followed for seven winters, five terms of which were in tic building now used by Mr. John McAdams for a cow stable. During the summer season he assisted his father on the /arm. He has always been fond of agriculture and chose this for his vocation. Shortly after his twenty-fourth birth- day he took unto himself a wife and helpmate, being married Sept. 2:5, 1858, to Miss Frances 1! . daughter of John D. Mock, and a native of Nor- wich, Muskingum Co., Ohio, where she was born Oct. 7. 1838. Mr. Mock came to Edgar County in 1854 and is now a resident of Kansas Township. Of this union there were born six children, five of whom are living: Susan is the wife of Millard L. Rhodes, a farmer of Kansas Township, and they have one child, Jesse B. Ezra was first married to Miss Mary Kilgore, who died leaving one child — J. Harlan. Ilis second wife was formerly Miss Ella Meadows and they reside in Kansas Township. Anna L. is the wife of Mansfield Rhodes of this township. Carrie V. and Ora E. are at home with their parents. The property of Mr. Honnold includes 320 acres of choice farming land which is largely devoted to live-stock. In cattle his preference is for high- grade Short-horns, while he makes a specialty of English and Norman draft horses and Poland-China swine, lie cast his first Presidential vote for John C. Fremont, the first Republican candidate for President, in the fall of 1K5G, and lias since sup- ported the principles of that party. lie has held most of the local offices, being Township Assessor for two years, Sel 1 Trustee nine years, School Director twelve years; is serving his second term as Commissioner of Highways and is Treasurer of the Board. His religious views coincide with the doctrines of the Methodist Episcopal Church with which he is identified as is also his estimable wife and children. In this church .Mr. llonnold is :i lending member, officiating as Steward, Class Leader and trustee, is an exhorter of no mean talent and for a Dumber of years was Superintend- ent of the Sunday -school. Socially, he belongs to Kansas Lodge. No. 280, A. F. and A. M. John I). Mock, the father of Mrs. Honnold, was bornin Loudoun County, Va„ May 17, 1812, and lived there until reaching his majority. When starting out in life for himself he migrated to Muskingum County. Ohio, in 1833 and thence came to Coles County, III. From there in 1856 he came to Edgar County. He was a life-long farmer anil a man greatly respected in bis community. The mother. Mrs. Hannah (Fell) Mock, was a native of Pennsylvania and the daughter of Amos Fell. Mr. and Mrs. Mock became the 'parents of quite a large family of children, of whom only three lived to mature years. Elizabeth C. married James L llon- nold. the eldest brother of our subject and Susan- nah \V., married a Mr. James H. Shiveley. Mr. and Mrs. Mock are still living, occupying the old home- stead, and are numbered among the honored pioneers of Edgar County. IBILLIAM M< CORD. There is an excellent rjjj representation of Southern people in Ed- W^l gar County, among whom is the subject of this notice, who was born in Greene County, Tenn., May 2G. 1819, and is now one of the well-to-do farmers of Paris Township, occupying I 1 7 aires of land on section 2. David McCord, the father of our subject, died in Tennessee when the latter was a child of seven years. The mother, Esther (Perry) McCord, emi- grated in the fall of 1833 to Johnson County, hid.. and there spent the winter with her little family. In the spring of lis.) I they moved to Coles County, III., where one of the sons, David, Jr., entered a tract of land including the present site of Oakland. He put up a log house which the family occupied until in February. ]*.">;>. The same year he removed 884 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. to Macon County, 111., returning in the fall to Edgar County. Then the mother and children com- ing to Edgar County, February, 1836, located south- east of Paris, and the mother died there in 1842, leaving seven children. Two other children had died prior to the decease of the mother. William McCord was the youngest child of his parents. In August, 1845, he purchased from John S. MoConky the land which comprises his present farm, and upon which the only improvement was a rail fence. The task of bringing the land to a state of cultivation, dividing the fields, planting forest and fruit trees, erecting buildings, and gath- ering about himself and his family the appliances of modern life, has been no light task, and has absorbed the time and labor of years. It now pre- sents the spectacle of a well regulated farm, em- bellished with a commodious brick residence, a good barn and all the other outbuildings required for the shelter of the stock and the storage of grain. The soil is tilled with the aid of modern machin- ery, and a goodly assortment of live stock adds at- tractiveness to the scene. The year after our subject had taken upon him- self the dignity of a land owner, he was married in October 1*47, to Miss Nancy, daughter of Adriel ana Eliza (Means) Stout. Mrs. McCord was born in Manchester, Ohio. June 13, 1822, and in the same year, was brought by her pa- rents to Edgar County, 111. Here she was reared to womanhood and married. Her father and grandfather. William Means, located in Paris Town- ship among the Indians, and to which place they had been preceded by only one family. The town of Paris was not then in existence, nor had it even been laid out. All the country west of this was an open prairie, abounding with wild animals — deer, turkeys, wolves and Indians. Father and son im- proved each a farm and here spent their last days together with the mother of Mrs. McCord. Adriel Stout departed this life in 1858. His wife Eliza had preceded him to the silent land, her death taking place in 1855. John N. Stout, the paternal grandfather of Mrs. McCord, was probably a native of Kentucky, and he reared his family in the Blue Grass State. Grandfather William Means was a resident of Ohio many years, and came to Edgar County, 111., in 1822, within whose limits he resided until depart- ing hence. To our subject and his estimable wife there were born four children, viz.: Josephine, Eliza, the wife of Dr. Z. T. Baum, who is repre- sented elsewhere in this volume; Adriel S.. and Shelby H. N. The latter, a bright, promising and worthy young man, and a true Christian, died on the 5th of October, 1887. He was a member of and an earnest worker in the Presbyterian Church, and his death was deeply mourned not only by his immediate family, but by a large number of asso- ciates and friends. David McCord, the father of our subject, was born and reared in North Carolina. His wife, Esther, was a native of Virginia, where she was reared to womanhood, and where, it is supposed, she was married. John McCord, the paternal grand- father, was born in Pennsylvania, and when a young man migrated to North Carolina. The great- grandfather of our subject was David McCord, a native of the north of Ireland. There he learned the trade of a weaver, and in company with a bro- ther emigrated to the United States prior to the Revolutionary War. lie occupied himself at his trade and met his death at the hands of the Indians. On the mother's side of the house the great- grandfather. Thomas Berry, was likewise a native of Ireland, born in 1718. He also crossed the At- lantic in the colonial times, and was twice married, first to a Miss Buchanan, by whom he became the father of five children. His youngest son, Will- iam, was killed at the battle of Guilford in 1778. His second wife, to whom he was married in 1795. was Esther Ward, a native of Pennsylvania. To them there were born seven children, and Esther. the mother of our subject, was next to the young- est. The family of Grandfather Berry was reared in Augusta County. Va. One daughter, Barbara, by his first marriage, became the wife of Jonathan Dryden, and they settled in Middle Tennessee, where their son David was born. The latter came to Coles County, 111., about 1832, where he reared his family and died. The anniversary of his birth is still celebrated each year, at which time a collec- tion is taken up and the proceeds applied to the education of some member of the family for the min- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. ss; istry of the Presbyterian Church, with which the family lias lieen connected as far back as known. Mrs. MeCord departed this life at her home in Paris Township Aug. 8, I889i JOHN McKEE. The McKee homestead of 300 acres in Edgar Township is a remark- ably fine piece of properly, the land being thoroughly cultivated and embellished with all the modern improvements. It was purchased in 1864 by the subject of this sketch who labored suc- cessfully in transforming it from its almost primi- tive condition to its present state. He put up a house in 1874. the present large and commodious structure which is illustrated on another page by a lithographic engraving, planted forest and fruit trees, evergreens and shrubbery, and added by degrees the other embellishments which make it one of the most delightful homes in the township. The master hand ceased its labors after a long career of usefulness, Mr. McKee departing hence on the 24th of April, 1888. John McKee was born in Edgar Township this county. March 28. 1836 and was the son of John and Rachel (Ellsberry) McKee, the former a native (if Virginia and the latter of Kentucky. .John Sr,. left the Old Dominion at an early date and lived in Kentucky until coming to this county and settling in Edgar Township. Here he was one of the ear- liest pioneers and entered a tract of Government land, upon which he labored to such excellent pur- pose that indue time he became the owner of 1,200 acres; all of this he brought to a good state of cul- tivation and improved with substantial buildings. In the meantime, during the earlier years of his residence here, he occupied himself as a teacher and was a prominent man in the community. His death took place at the old homestead in 1879, where also his estimable wife spent her last days. They were the parents of ten children of whom John was the eighth in order of birth. John McKee was reared to farming pursuits and on the 20th of August, 1857, was united in mar- riage with Miss Amanda.!. Osbom. This lady was born in Urbana, Champaign Co., Ohio, and was the eldest child of Levi and Frances (Williams) Os- born, the father a native of Virginia and the mother born in Fleming County. Ky. The paternal grand- father, Joseph Osbom, was also a native of the < )bl Dominion, where he farmed during his younger years, then moved to Fleming County, Ky., of which he was an early pioneer. Finally, however, he sought the Western country settling in Cham- paign. III., where he still prosecuted agriculture. then removed to the vicinity of Rochester, in Ful- ton County, where he spent his last days. He was of Irish descent, a man of much force of character and prominent wherever he resided. Levi Osbom was reared to man's estate in Ken- tucky and upon coming to Illinois engaged in farming on rented land in Champaign County. Later he branched out as a dealer in live stock, mostly horses and mules, large numbers of which he purchased and drove south into Mississippi. Louisiana, Georgia and Florida. He was thus oc- cupied until 1851, when he changed his residence to Ross Township and purchased 100 acres of land on the State Road north of Chrisman. He im- proved a good farm and made it his home until his death which occurred in March. 1858, when he was fifty-two years old. He was a conscientious and high-minded man, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and a strong adherent of the Republican party. On the maternal side of the house grandfather Mordaca Williams owned a plantation ami slaves in Kentucky where his death took place. After the death of her husband, the mother of Mrs. Mc- Kee made her home with the latter and died in 1881 at the age of seventy -six years. She was a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. The parental family included six children, viz: Amanda J., William and Francis M., deceased, America A., a resident of Kansas City Mo., Levi II., a mer- chant in Garneft Kan., and Henry C, a fanner of Anderson County, that State. Dining the late war William ei, listed, in 1861, in the 42nd Illinois Infantry of which he became Captain anil after serving his first term entered the ranks a second time. He finally resigned his commission on ac- count of ill health. After the war he moved to 888 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. Murfreesboro, Tenn.. and commenced the prac- tice of law; lie was considered a very alile and ac- complished lawyer. Francis was graduated from Rush Medical College, Chicago, and subsequently enlisted in the same regiment with his brother, be- ing appointed surgeon. He was promoted to the rank of Major General and was killed by guerrillas at Memphis Tenn. Mrs. McKee received the advantages of a common school education and was a maiden of sixteen years when she accompanied her parents to Illinois. They made the journey overland with teams, cross- ing the Wabash at Terrc Haute and coming thence directly to Edgar County. Amanda .1., made her home with her parents until her marriage which occurred under her father's roof, Aug. 20, 1857. After marriage they remained upon the paternal homestead until 18(11. then removed to the farm which Mrs. McKee now occupies. This is largely devoted to stock-raising. Mr. McKee invested a goodly portion of his cap- ital in land and accumulated 650 acres. lie was one of the most enterprising and public-spirited men of his community, officiating as School-Direc- tor, Commissioner of Highways and serving on the grand and petit juries. The doctrines of the Bap- tist Church coincided with his religious views and in this he was a chief pillar, serving as Deacon for many years, as Superintendent of the Sunday- school and contributing liberally to its support. Politically, he supported the Republican party, be- lieved in woman suffrage and was an ardent advo- cate of temperance. Since the death of her husband Mrs. McKee has superintended the operations of the farm, which is largely devoted to the raising of grain and stock, the latter including cattle, swine and first-class draft horses. Three teams are utilized in the farm operations. The seven children born to Mr. and Mrs. McKee are recorded as follows: Emma died when twenty-one years old; Flora is the wife of Jacob Wyaff, a farmer of Ross Township; Eflie A., married Milton Blackburn and lives in Edgar Township; Robert married Miss Lottie Hollings- worth and remains at the home farm; Marion died in January, 1888; L. Orion and Fred are at home with their mother; Emma was the wife of A. Boomer of Prairie Township and died in March, 1889. As an appropriate addition to the Album of Edgar County, we present elsewhere a fine portrait of Mr. McKee, and thus perpetuate the features as well as the history of him whose life is so intimately asso- ciated with the growth of his native county. #~# -»*- tf_ EROD N. CRAWFORD. As an illustration jj of the results of steady perseverance, eco- nomical living and wise management, the career of Mr. Crawford is amply worthy of mention. He came to this county about 1855 and purchased 350 acres of partially improved land upon which there was a little old frame house but nothing else to mark it as a spot which had ever been the habitation of man. There was no fencing and not a fruit or forest tree upon the place, in fact simply nothing but the little structure referred to. The passing traveler now looks upon a well-regulated farm under a good state of cultivation, embellished with groves, orchards, and substantial buildings, including a commodious frame residence and a good barn and the other appurtenances usually belonging to the well-to-do agriculturist. The subject of this notice was born in Clark County, Ohio, Feb. 27, 181 I, and is the son of Abel Crawford, whose birthplace was in the vicin- ity of Brownsville, Pa., where he was reared and for some years was engaged in flat-boating, con- veying produce to New Orleans where he would likewise dispose of his craft and return to Pennsyl- vania on horseback or on foot. He was married in his native State, but shortly afterward removed to Kentucky and later to Clark County, Ohio, settling in the latter State among the Indians and upon a tract of heavily timbered land. He hewed a farm out of thi' wilderness and became the father of four sons, of whom Herod N., our subject, was the youngest born. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Mary Newland, also a native of Pennsylvania, and she with her husband spent her last days on the old homestead in Ohio. The mother of our subject died when a young woman and when Herod N. was a lad of eight years. PORTRAIT AND BI( )( ! I; \ IMIICAL ALBI'M. 889 The father was subsequently married to Mrs. Mary Pierce, but of this union no children were born. The father and both his wives were members of the Method isl Episcopal Chun-h, in the faith of which tlu-y passed away. Young Crawford was reared to man's estate in his native county, and there married to Miss Margaret Arthur, who was born in Pennsylvania. They became the parents of four children: Mary, Airs. Samuel Sidenbender, and Caroline, Mrs. .lames Oliver of Paris Town- ship; Joseph, of Paris Township, and Abel who died when forty-eight years old. The mother of these children departed this life at their home in Clark County, Ohio, and Mr. Crawford subse- quently married her sister. Miss Mary Arthur. »She died without children in 1886. Mr. Crawford has virtually divided his land among his children, retaining ownership of it, dur- ing his lifetime. Although not a member of any religious organization he endeavors to follow the Christian precepts of the Golden Rule, and if the reports of his neighbors be true, he has succeeded in an admirable manner. lie cast his first Presi- dential vote for Gen. Jackson, and continues an unvarying supporter of the principles of the Demo- cratic party. 5$ FORCE W". FAIR. There is prohabu no ,— , more popular man in Ross Township than ^^Jl Mr. Fair, who owns eighty acres of land on seel ion 22, and operates eighty acres elsewhere. He possesses the proper spirit of enterprise to achieve success, and there is every prospect that he will continue to advance both as an agriculturist and a citizen. He has already built up a very nice home from the prairie, which speaks well for his industry and patience, and to the beauty and value of which he is adding each year. He keeps himself well posted in regard to current events, votes the Straight Republican ticket and is frequently sent as a delegate to the county conventions. At pres- ent he is a Director in his School District, and is a member of the Baptist Church, at Chrisuian. He is one of the men usually consulted in regard to the various matters which naturally arise in a com- munity, and in which each intelligent citizen is in- terested. Out subject is a native of this county, having been born at Steam Point Feb. 25, 1853. He was bul a boy when his father died, and later removed to Bloom field with his mother, where he attended the common school. In the meantime his mother was married a second time, and be removed with the family to a point near Horace, this county, and remained a member of the household until reach- ing his majority. Young Fair, now starling out for himself, es- tablished the first store at, Horace, which was con ducted under the firm name of G. W. Fair A- Co. About that time he was made Deputy Postmaster and Railroad Agent, and operated there success- fully two years. In 187(5 he disposed of his in- terest in his store to his partner, and for a year thereafter engaged in farming. Next he took up his resilience at Cherry Point, where he was em- ployed as a clerk for Tucker & Jenness, and with whom he remained two years. On the 18th of April, 1878, he was married to Miss Dorotha L. lloult, who was born near Chrisman, and who only survived her marriage six years, (lying in 1881. In 1879 Mr. Fair moved on to his present farm of eighty acres, which, with the exception of fenc- ing, was unimproved. He has now brought the whole to a good state of cultivation, put up a house, a barn and the other buildings necessary, planted an orchard of two acres, together with forest, fruit trees and hedge, and is now consider- ably interested in livestock, keeping about 300 sheep and a goodly herd of Poland-China swine, lie has seven head of horses, graded Normans and Clydesdales, and utilizes two teams in the farm work. The second marriage of Mr. Fair took place March 18, 1886, in Edgar Township, with Miss Emily, daughter of William Hoult, who was born in this township, where her father carries on farm- ing. They have one child, Susie, born Feb. 18, 1887. The father of our subject was Richard Fair, who was born in Fayette County, Ky., in October, 1816, and remained there on a farm until after his father's death. He came to Illinois in 1835, bring- 800 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. ing with him his brother and the rest of the fam- ily, and located in Carroll Township. Vermilion County. In 18 17 lie removed to a point, near Bloonilield. and engaged in buying cattle and horses for a number of years. He then purchased a farm near Steam Point, but only lived a short time thereafter; he was a member of the Baptisl Church. Grandfather James Fair was a native of Vir- ginia, and a soldier in the ^Y r ar of 1812. During the early settlement of the State of Kentucky lie re- moved there and located in Fayette County, where he engaged in teaming for a short time, then em- barked in the grocery trade, but soon went on to a farm, which he operated very successfully, accu- mulating a good property, and there spent his last davs. He was the son of Kdward Fair, a native of Virginia, who spent his last days in Kentucky, where he was one of its earliest pioneers. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Susan Baird, who was born near Paris, this county) where her father was one of the earliest settlers. After the death of Mr. Fair she was married to ((shorn Tucker, and died at Horace about 1x71. Mr. Tucker is still living, residing in Paris. She became the mother of three children by her two marriages, those of Mr. Fair being Charles E. and George W., our subject. The other was Lucy I. Tucker, who is now a teacher in Paris. •SSfes* ,OBERTG. McCUBBlNS. The pioneers of Edgar County are slowly but surely passing *^\ ing away, but they should comfort them- ^|jj) selves with the reflection that they will by no means be forgotten, and their names will be held in kindly remembrance as an illustration to future generations of what may be accomplished through great difficulties by a courageous and pa- tient perseverance. Mr. McCubbins is one of those who located here as early as is 10. and while watch- big with warm interest the growth and develop- ment of the great State of Illinois, may comfort himself with the thought that he has contributed as far as in him lay towards bringing it to its pres- ent position, inasmuch as the faithful labors of one man contribute essentially to the great whole. Our subject was born in Athens, McMinn Co.. Tenn., Sept. 15, 1823. and lived a part of the time in Claibourn ami Granger counties. Tenn., until a youth of seventeen years, attending the common school and occupied in farm pursuits. He came with his mother and a younger brother to Illinois, making the journey overland with a team, and being on the road two weeks. It was the fall of the year, and they sojourned at Col. Mayo's that winter. The following summer our subject purchased a partially improved farm, one and one-half miles south of Paris, upon which he labored ten years. During the California gold excitement he crossed the plains in 1350, driving his own team and taking with him several others. He sojourned in Sacra- mento until the spring following, then went up the mouth of Babbit Creek on the Feather River, where he staid one and one half years. Later we find him in Virginia City, where he worked in the mines with very good results. He was on the Pacific Slope about ten years, and then settled in Virginia City, Nev., where he staid five years, engaged in mining and carpentering, and was very prosperous most of the time. In March. 1865, he returned to Tennessee, and on the 4th of July following was married to Miss Martha Huddleston. Then return- ing to this county, he settled on the old farm here- tofore spoken of, where he lived until 1882, then retired from active labor and took up his abode in Paris, where he now lives. He retains ownership of the farm, where he has effected good improve- ments, and which comprises 270 acres of land. He has land elsewhere, and in all is the owner of -loo acres. His property was accumulated solely by his own energy and industry, and he had the good judgment to invest his capital in paying enter- prises. Mr. McCubbins votes the straight Republican ticket, and the fact that he is well spoken of by his neighbors is sufficient indication of his true character. In the early days he marketed his pro- duce in Chicago, which was then an unimportant town, giving no indication of its future greatness. To him and his estimable wife there were born four children, all of whom are living, viz.: Lulu Belie, PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 891 John, Robert and Mary, who forma bright and in- teresting group, enjoying all the advantages which ample means can afford. Mrs. McCubbins was born in Union County, Tenn., May'27, 1838,andis the daughter of John F. and Mary (Smith) Huddleston, with whom she lived in her native State until her marriage. Her father was a fanner by occupation and died in Ten- nessee. The mother is still living there. The father of our subject was William MoCubbins, a native of Central Tennessee, and the mother in her girlhood was Miss Phebe Duncan. They had a family of four children, only two of whom lived to mature years, our subject and his brother Zack II. The latter was for some years a resident of Jasper County. 111., where he engaged in business, but for the last eight years has lived in Rogers, Ark. He served three years in the Union army. William McCubbins died when his son Robert G. was a small boy in Tennessee. The mother died at the old homestead in this county in December, L875. THOMAS C. BROWN 1 . The subject of this notice may be properly mentioned among l' the leading farmers of Elbridge Township. He makes a specialty of stock-raising, and has all the facilities for carrying on agriculture after the most approved methods of the present day. His homestead is finely located on section 11, and com- prises 175 acres of thoroughly cultivated land, situated in the western part of the township. It possesses a far more than moneyed value to the pres- ent proprietor, as upon this land he was born, in a log house. March 17, 1.S36. Joseph Brown, the father of our subject, came to this county during the pioneer (lays, and contrib- uted his full share to its growth and development. He was a native of Tennessee, whence he emigrated to Illinois as early as 1826, ami settled first in Sangamon County. Four years later he changed his residence to this county, where he and his good wife. Nancy, spent the remainder of their days, the father dying in 1840 and the mother in 1811. Mr. Brown, politically, affiliated with the Democratic party, and in religious matters was a member of the Baptist Church. Our subject, left an orphan at the tender age of eight years, was bound out to Samuel Vance of Paris Township, for whom he did farm work and all other kinds of labor until a youth of fourteen years. He then commenced learning the black- smith trade of his brother, ami followed this until I860. In 1854 he was married to Miss Lucy Veargin. who was also born in this county, and was the daughter of Peterson and Patience Yeargin, natives of Virginia and North Carolina. The pa- rents of Mrs. Brown came to this county in 1836, and settled iii Elbridge Township, where their daughter. Lucy, was born in 1837. The young people began their wedded life on a farm in Elbridge Township, and in 1 85 I took posses- sion of a part of that which they now own and occupy. The household circle was gradually en- larged by the birth of twelve children, eleven of whom are living. The two eldest, Violet A. and Joseph P., still remain under the home roof. Charles married Miss Rhoila, daughter of John Mason, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume, and they are residing in Redmon, where he follows the profession of a teacher. Six of the children hold certificates for teach- ing. Cynthia I. died when about six months old; William R. remains at home with his parents; Thomas J. is in Colorado; Nancy*)., Lucy J.. Robert E., Bernice, Susan, and Augusta continue under the parental roof. Mr. Brown, politically, like his honored father, adheres to the principles of the Democratic party, and finds his religious home in the Baptist Church. He has always taken a warm interest in educational matters, and has given his children the best ad- vantages to be obtained in the township. lie iden- tified himself with the Masonic fraternity many years ago, and is Nice Dictator of Burnes Lodge. No. 292, K. of II. in Paris. He is a reader and a thinker, anil keeps himself thoroughly posted upon leading events the world over. As a conversation- alist hi' is fluent and interesting — one with whom an hour may always be spent with profit ami pleas- ure. Mr. and Mrs. Brown attended to all the wants of Mr. and Mrs. Yeargin during the latter part of »:)■. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. their lives, .and made their last days pleasant and agreeable. On another page is presented a fine view of the home of Mr. and Mrs. Brown, and under its hospitable roof they welcome their many friends, and pleasantly entertain the associates of their children. ICHARD D. HONNOLD. If a man's sur- roundings are indicative of his true charac- ter that of Mr. Honnold is of the best quality. He has one of the most finely cultivated farms in Shiloh Township, a body of land 160 acres in extent, enclosed with neatly trimmed hedge and embellished with good buildings. The residence occupies an elevated position, one quar- ter of a mile from the common highway and is picturesquely located, commanding a fine view of the surrounding country. It is flanked by a good barn and other neatly constructed outbuildings, and in all its surroundings indicates cultivated tastes and ample means. The proprietor, personally, is a very pleasant gentleman, courteous alike to friends and strangers, easy in his manners, industrious and energetic, working with both brain and hands, and is popular both in the social and business circles of his community. A native of Edgar Count}', our subject was born Dec. 15, 1859, and is the son of .lames L. and Elizabeth ('. (.Mock) Honnold, who were both born in Ohio. The maternal grandparents, .John and Hannah Mock, are still living and residents of Edgar County, having attained to their fourscore years. Grandfather Honnold died in Edgar County, Oct. "28, 1877. His wife is still living near Kansas, 111. To the parents of our subject there were born five children, all of whom are living, and of whom Richard U. is the eldest. Cynthia became the wife of Harvey Delapp, a farmer living near Kansas, .•mil the}' have one child; Elsie is the wife of Henry Collier, and resides near Redmon; Ira and John are unmarried and reside at home. Richard D., our subject, was wedded to Miss Mary Payne, Oct. 2. 1884. This lady is the daugh- ter of James II. and Ilanna (Dickson) Payne, who live on a farm adjoining that of our subject. They are natives of Ohio, and the parents of six children. Their eldest daughter, Delia, is the wife Marion F. Winn, and the mother of three children; they live in Edgar County. The others, with the exception of Mrs. Honnold, are at home with their parents. Mr. and Mrs. Payne live on a farm near Brocton. Our subject has been Highway Commis- sioner and School Director, and as a working Republican has been frequently sent as a delegate to the County Conventions. He and his good wife are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Honnold was born and reared a Republican, and clings to the faith in which he has been grounded from boyhood. In connection'wlth mixed farming he makes a specialty of stock-raising. All his operations are carried on in the most syste- matic and thorough manner, aided by improved machinery and the appliances required by the progressive agriculturist. He frequently serves as a delegate to the Republican Conventions and is a member of the Township Central Committee. He serves as a School Director in his district, and with his wife belongs to the Methodist, Episcopa inch attending services at Brocton. Mr. and Mrs. Honnold are the parents of one child, a daughter, Edith M., born July 27, 1888. They also have adopted a child, named William E., born Sept. 5, 1882. -o*o-£Sy^^"0*o.. ^■«HOMAS ELLIOTT. Of sturdy Scotch an- ' cestry, Mr. Thomas Elliot has, during a long life of honorable toil, established for Himself a reputation for geniality and gentlemanli- ness, unblemished moral conduct and unswerving integrity such as will long endure after "his pale form is laid to rest within any tears." The memory of such a man is certain to be cherished and the example of his life to be emulated by all who de- sire to leave behind them a record of well-doing and correct living. Mr. Elliot's life has been marked by earnest, honest and continuous toil. He was born in Aher- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 893 dcen, Scotland, Aug. 12, L822. His father, Percival Elliott, was the son of Rowland Elliott who lived to the remarkable, do! to say phenomenal age, of one hundred and twenty-five years. When one hundred and twenty years of age he went into the harvest field and built a stack of oats, and lie was in the habit of walking to and from church, a distance of one and one-half miles, every Sunday. He was mentally and physically active up to the time of Ids death, about 1820, and was ill only about a week before the occurrence of that event, lie was a native of France, to which country, doubtless his ancestors lied dining the troublous times in England and Scotland. He removed from France to Aberdeen. Scotland, where he spent the remainder of his life. His wife. Mary CCassidy) Elliott, was horn in the North of Ireland. She lived tn he nearly one hundred years old and died after a very brief illness. Grandfather Elliott was a large stout, man and followed the occupation of farming. Percival Elliott was likewise born in Aberdeen, Scotland, and was reared to agricultural pursuits, lie married Miss Mary, daughter of Thomas anil Margaret Parker, who were of English parentage and ancestry. He combined farming with preaching, officiating as a minister of the Methodist Episco- pal Church. Some time after his marriage his wife inherited property in County Fermanagh, Ireland, whither he moved with his family and there spent his last days. He was the father of eight children, viz: Margaret, Thomas. John, Caroline, Mary Ann, Lena, William and Robert. .Margaret became the wife of Joseph Haslit, and died in 187G in Clark County, UI-, leaving seven children; John is mar- ried, has a family and is farming in Clark County; Caroline, Mrs. Medley, is a widow and resides in Kansas; Mary Ann died in infancy; Lena was mar ried to Uev. William Granville Schurk, a minister of the Baptist Church of Barring-ton, III., and died about 1881; William is chief of the detective force of Glasgow, Scotland, where he makes his home; Robert was in the employ of the British Govern- ment, having charge of government bridge work in Scotland, ami died about 1863. The early education of our subject was limited to such lime spent in the common schools as could be spared from work at home. He remained a dent of his native*place until a man of thirty-two years, then resolved to quit the land of his an- cestors and seek his fortune in the United States. Making the voyage across the Atlantic in safety he landed in New York City with no capital save a healthful, rugged frame, strong hands and a will- ingness to work at any honorable employment. This he first found in. a stone quarry near Newark, N. .1. In due time lie turned his face toward the new and growing West, halting first at Terre Haute, Ind., where he took charge of a livery stable. He remained there several months, proving himself very capable and efficient, and was finally encouraged logo to Chicago and enter upon the training of horses for the race course. Finally he emigrated to. Evanston, a northern suburb of the city, and here met his tale in the person of Miss Annie Cook, daughter of Christopher and Nancj Cook of Bradford. England. The mutual affection which succeeded, culminated in the marriage of the young people, Aug. 21, 1858. Soon after his marriage .Mr. Elliott came with his young wife to Edgar County, III., and rented a farm in Kansas Township. Upon this he remained live years, then transferred his operations to a rented farm in Douglas County. Having now ac- cumulated some means he purchased a farm in Piatt County to which he removed, but here his fortune was changed, sickness visited him and being unable to complete the payment for his purchase, he was obliged to abandon it and become a renter again. Then, about four years ago, he moved upon his present place which occupies a portion of section ■> in Young America Township. Mr. and Mrs. Elliott are the parents of three children. Their eldest, a daughter, Mary Ann, is the wife of Charles Freesch. a farmer living near Metcalf in Edgar County; they likewise have three children. Parker, a young man grown, lives at home and assists his father in the cultivation of his land; Nellie, a young lady of education and refine- ment, occupies herself as a teacher and is very suc- cessful. In personal appearance Mr. Elliott is tall in stature, rather sparely yet strongly built, with dark hair and full beard streaked with gray. His eye retains much of its youthful fire, while his firm .v.l I PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. step and hardened muscles indicate that his capacity for working is not yet departed. His manner is frank, open, and unostentatious and he bears an excellent reputation among 1 1 is neighbors, who en- tertain for him a high respect on account of his blameless life and his firm adherence to the prin- ciples of honesty and honor. The wife of our subject is a quiet, modest, motherly-looking lady whose kindly eye betokens a gentle, generous and loving nature. Mr. Elliott has never sought nor held office. In politics, he is a stanch Democrat and (daces a high value upon the advantages of education. He lias given to his children such schooling as he was able and has been a liberal buyer of good books, a generous number of which may be found in his modest but carefully- selected library. Both he and his wife are members in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church and active participants in its work. M* "jy/AMKS WATSON. This gentleman, now the owner of nearly (500 acres of land in Hunter Township, all of which is well improved i(^/, and under a high state of cultivation, began life in this county on forty acres of rented land in the woods upon which was a little log cabin minus a roof and destitute of any other furnishings. He put a roof on the structure and built a chimne}', then turned his attention to the cultivation of the soil. In the course of over two years he had pur- chased the land and a span of horses, one cow and sixteen small shoats. It is proper to say here that Mr. Watson prior to tiiis time had accumulated *800 which he lost. He then borrowed money to obtain seed wheat for sow- ing his first crop. It is hardly necessary to stale that the years which followed were distinguished by the most arduous industry and the best management, and in due time he found himself on solid ground and with the prospect of a competence for the future. Self-made in the broadest sense of the term, he from the first was compelled to rely upon his own resources and although the way seemed rough at the outset, tie experience of those years developed in him those traits of character which have made him a man among men and practically independent, financially. His land is more than ordinarily productive, he having, in 188ii, realized from it 3, GOO bushels of wheat besides other produce. From the first he made it the rule of his life to be honest with all men and this course steadily pursued gained him the esteem and confidence of his fellow citizens so that he could always obtain security on his paper without even asking for it. if his friends suspected that he needed it. Our subject was born in Bullitt County, Ky., May 2, 1835, and there was reared to man's estate. His father. .lames Watson, St., was a native of Lan- caster County. Pa., whence he removed to Ken- tucky when a young man and was there married to Miss Rachel Younger, a native of that State. Thev became the parents of nine children of whom our subject was the seventh in order of birth. The parents spent the remainder of their lives in the Blue Grass State. The paternal grandfather of our subject was born and reared in the city of London and trained in the doctrines of the Church of Eng- land. He emigrated to America when a young man and located in Pennsylvania, where he was married, reared a family and spent his last days. On the mother's side, Grandfather Henry Younger was a native of France and, upon coming to America, located in Kentucky and died there. He married a lady of German birth andparentagc whose first name was Rachel. He served as a soldier in the Revolutionary War under the command of Major Oldham, and was at the battle of Horse Shoe Bend in November, 1701. The subject of this sketch was a lad of eight ye?.rs at the time of his father's death, which took place in January, 1S43 and the mother died one year later. James, Jr., thereafter made his home with a neighbor until he was nineteen years old. He then began working by the month and a year later, leaving Kentucky, he came to this county and operated as a farm laborer for about two years. At the expiration of this time he rented a tract of land which he cultivated until 1860, and was then married to Miss Nancy J. Dean. This lady was born in Vermillion County, Ind., and like her husband, is a believer in the Bible and a 8 fiM»&8i«^sSisaii^^ ,^-^vi^^.-^^ ^■^■^.^ra-.^fc-nt^^ ■•^■■^s-,..,-,m . -^usas&ri^&ssgs^^ Residence or John B. Kxr rick, Sec. 11. Elbridge Towns hip, Edgar Co. Residence of Miles Rogers, Sec. 3. Ed gar Township, Edgar Co. PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL ALIiUM. s'.iT member of the Christian Church, in the faith of which the parents of our subject died. Mr. and Mrs Watson have eight children, six living, as fol- lows: Mary Belle, William .1.. Charles B. Y.. John A.. Gracy and .lames L. The Watson homestead is embellished with a com- modious frame residence which with its outbuild- ings,forest and fruit trees and the other appointments of the modern rural estate, bears fair comparison with anything of the kind in the county. This place was formerly known as the .lames Bruce farm ami lies cm the Mate line. It is well watered and finely adapted to agriculture and stock raising. Nothing, however, less than the excellent management to which it has been subjected by Mr. Watson could have brought it to its present condition. It is very valuable and yields to the proprietor a generous income. •yOlIN B. KERRICK. The traveler passing the Kerrick homestead, on section 1 1 in El- bridge Township, has his attention invaria- (BjgJ ) bly attracted to the elegant residence and the surroundings, which betoken the existence of cul- tivated tastes ami ample means. A lithographic engraving of this residence is presented elsewhere in this volume, and represents one of the many happy homes of Edgar County, the abode of peace and plenty. The farm comprises 300 acres of thoroughly-cultivated land, adorned with fruit, forest and shade trees, improved with first-class buildings, well stocked with a choice assortment of domestic animals, ami supplied with modern ma- chinery, which produces the best results from a naturally fertile soil. The subject of this notice is a native of this county, and was born at his father's homestead in Elbridge Township, Oct. 28, 1834. lie attended the primitive schools until a youth of nineteen years, and then took a three months' course at Marshall. He remained a member of the parental household until twenty-two years old, and was mar- ried in October, 1850, to Miss Margaret, daughter of Martin Ray. a native of Tennessee. The young bride survived her marriage only eleven months, and her remains were laid to rest, in Providence Cemetery. Mr. Kerrick contracted a second marriage with Miss-Eli/.abeth A., daughter of .lames W. and Mary (Hicklin) Parish, natives of Tennessee, and among the earliest scalers of this county. They are de- ceased. Mrs. Kerrick was born Die. 13. 1831, in Sims Township. Edgar Co., 111., and received a common school education. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Kerrick resulted in the birth of four children, one of whom, Jacob, died when twenty-six months old. Mary. Frank, and Gusta are at home with their parents. The present residence was put up in 1871), and the brick of which it is built was man- ufactured by our subject. Mr. Kerrick is a Demo- crat politically, lie has represented his township in the County Board of Supervisors and has held theolliccsof Assessor, and Collector. Socially he belongs to the Masonic fraternity. Stephen and Maria ( Iladden) Kerrick. the parents of our subject, were natives, respectively, of Vir- ginia and North Carolina. They were married in Tennessee in 1830, and two years later emigrated to Illinois, settling in Elbridge Township, this county, where the father farmed one year, then entered forty acres, which comprises a part of the present homestead. The parental household was completed by the birth of seven children, of whom five are living, making their homes mostly in Illi- nois and Indiana. The father in early manhood identified himself with the old Whig party, and later became a Republican, He passed to his rest in 1863. The mother is still living, at the advanced age of eighty-five years, and makes her home in Elbridge Township. She is a member in good standing of the Presbyterian Church. f II. ES ROGERS, who is the owner of (140 acres of land, in Edgar Township and "200 acres in Ross Township, is one of the most extensive farmers of this region as well as one of the most prominent and popular citizens of the county. He came to Central Illinois during 898 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. its pioneer days, as early as 1826, settling at once in Edgar Township, of which he has since been a resident. Not only has he been the architect of his own fortune but has been the uniform encour- ager of all the enterprises calculated to advance the interests of the county. A native of Louisville, Ky., our subject was born July 23, 1824, and is the son of Elias Rogers, a native of Vermont. The paternal grandfather was Elias Rogers, Sr., who was likewise born in the Green Mountain State, and was of English descent. He carried on farming during his early manhood in ln's native state, then emigrated to New York Slate, settling near Iloneoye Lake. Later he re- moved to Hardin County, Ky., where he became owner of 1.000 acres of land and a number of slaves and where he lived until 1836. That year lie came to Edgar County, 111., and entered a tract of eighty acres from the Government, opening up a farm where he spent the remainder of his life. The father of our subject was a young man when he went to Kentucky and thence came to Illi- nois in 1*25. He made the journey overland by ox team and located in Edgar County. While the family were residents of New York State he served in the War of 1812, being stationed at Niagara Falls after Hull's surrender had turned the arms and men over to the English. Mr. Rog- ers with his comrades recaptured the arms in the dark, but their boat was stranded on a sandbar and pickets were left in charge. While defending the island from the British Mr. Rogers received a flesh wound in the hip and carried the scar to his dying day. He had many a fight with the Indians after coming to this State. He first operated a distillery in the State of New York, then turned his atten- tion to farming and stock-raising, and became owner of 800 acres of land in Edgar Township, a part of which he improved. Upon first becoming a voting citizen he identified himself with the old Whig party, but upon its abandonment joined the Republicans and died firm in the faith in 1868. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was 1'ermelia Holden; she was born in New York State and was the daughter of Rev. Thomas Holden, a native of the same State and a minister of the United Brethren Church. When approaching old age he turned his attention to farming. He was a man of commanding stature. In middle life he re- moved to Hardin County, Ky., where he labored in his Master's vineyard until 1825. That year he came to Illinois and purchased 120 acres of land in Ross Township. He organized a congregation and was instrumental in bringing a large number of persons into the fold. He built a log house' on his farm and there spent his last days. Mrs. Per- melia Rogers survived her husband a number of years and died in Edgar Township in 1878 at the age of seventy-five years. The eleven children of the parental family were named respectively Lavina and Almira, deceased ; Miles oursubject; Silas, who died at the age of six- teen years; Emily and Newell, also deceased; Asaph, a resident of Nebraska; Louisa, deceased; Asel, a resident of Kansas; Daniel is in Colorado, and Harvey is a resident of Edgar County. Asel during the Civil War enlisted in 1861 in the 25th Illinois Infantry and served three years and six months; Daniel enlisted in 1864 in the 64th Infan- try and served until the close of the war. '1 he subject of this sketch was brought l>y his parents to Illinois when an infant, they making the journey overland from Kentucky with an ox team. He was reared on the frontier and can remember the time when Indians roamed over the country and wild game abounded. He has seen as many as fifty deer in one herd and fifteen wolves at a time. The settlers frequently banded together to hunt the latter, which made themselves obnoxious by howling at night and were particularly fond of young pigs. The education of young Rogers was conducted during the winter season in the log school-house with its puncheon floor, the seats and desks made of slabs, a huge fire-pleee across one end, and the chimney built outside, of earth and sticks; light was admitted through the doorway and from window panes of greased paper. Young Rogers attended school only one winter, the bal- ance of his education being acquired through his habits of observation and reading. He assisted his father in the development of the farm, joined in the wolf hunts on the prairie (the settlers chasing the animals on horseback through the woods and underbrush). He became an expert hunter and PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 899 frequently went out and killed a buck before breakfast. Remaining at the Lome farm until reaching bis majority young Rogers then purchased eighty acres of wild land, the nucleus of his present farm. He pul up a log house on the banks of the Bruellet and was prospered in his labors as a tiller of the soil, lie soon had a little spare money which he wisely invested in additional land adjoining his first purchase, which he secured for $1 per acre on :i Mexican land grant. He purchased direct 1 10 acres from the Government and the remaining 200 from other parties. For sonic he paid as high as *.">o prr acre. He has effected all the improvements upon his farm, planting with his own hands a large proportion of the hedge with which the fields are fenced and cross-fenced, setting out forest and fruit trees, and has always assisted more or less in the erection of his buildings. He made a specialty of raising swine, which yielded him handsome re- turns and which he drove to Clinton to market. He is now interested in stock-raising, an industry which has been very effective in improving his financial condition. Hehas a large area of pasture land and raises and feeds large numbers of cattle each year. He has eighteen head of horses. Of late years he has rented a large proportion of his land and is gradually retiring from the active la- bors which characterized his younger years. The marriage of Miles Rogers and Miss Mary Brittenham was celebrated in Edgar Township. 111., in 1851. Mrs. Mary Rogers was born in In- diana, and by her union with our subject became the mother of five children, four of whom are de- ceased, viz., Eliza, Julia, Susie and Janie. Eliza was married to Mr. M. Henderson, and Susie was the wife of J. Click; .lanie married .John Watson and became the mother of two children; Albert is farming in Edgar Township. The mothor of these children died in 1878. Our subject contracted a second marriage in 1879. with Miss Mary A. Clouse, a native of Vir- ginia. They have two children, Russell and Ilense. Mr. Rogers votes the straight Republican ticket and Mrs. Rogers is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our subject has served several years as a School Director and has been Road Supervisor. In l.s.s.s he set out tor tin- farther West, and traveled through Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, Kansas and Dakota, but, searched vainly for a second Illinois. He is convinced that. Mi. no better country Id live in than the Prairie State and its environments. Elsewhere in this volume we present a tine litho- graphic engraving of the pleasant home of Mr. Rogers and its beautiful surroundings. * felLEY THOMPSON. Next to the honor \wi ( ' f k ein o one of the earliest pioneers of (he Ww county, is that of being the son of one, as is the subject of this sketch, whojjperates 127 acres of fertile land on section 1 in Prairie Township. He was bcrn in what was then the hamlet of Scott- laud, in Prairie Township, Aug. 29, 1845, to George and Lena (Asher) Thompson, both natives of Indiana, the father born in 1804 and the mother in 1807. They were reared and married in their native State and came to Illinois early in the '20'-. overland by team, bringing with them their worldly possessions and settling on section I'll, on Salt fork, where the father entered land and occu- pied himself in fanning and stock-raising. By a course of persevering industry George Thompson became well-to-do, and indue time wis the owner of 1,000 acres of land. He was promi- nent in local affairs, holding many positions of trust and responsibility, and spent the last years of his life at the homestead which he had built up from the wilderness, passing away in 1868. The mother survived her husband until 1S72, anil like- wise died at the homestead. She was a lady pos- sessing many estimable qualities, and belonged to the United Brethren Church. The paternal grandfather of our subject was James Thompson, a native of Kentucky, and one of the earliest settlers of Owen County, Ind. He entered a tract of land from the government and engaged in farming until his death. He was of Scotch-Irish ancestry, and possessed all the hardy elements of his race. To the parents of our sub- ject there were born three children. Wiley being ihiii PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. the youngest of the family. The others. Simpson and Julia are deceased. The boyhood and youth of our subject were spent in a manner similar to that of the sons of pioneer farmers, during which he was trained to habits of industry, and acquired a good education in the schools of his native town- ship. During his younger years wild game was plentiful in Prairie Township, and Mr. Thompson slates that he has seen as many as fifteen to twenty deer in one herd. When not employed at his studies he made himself useful around the home- stead, and completed his education in the high school at Paris. He worked with his father until twenty years old; then engaged in farming and stock-buying on his own account. He shipped numbers of cattle to this county to feed, and also raised full-blooded Durhams. In 18G8 Mr. Thompson became the possessor of ;!.'!() acres of land adjoining Scottland. which he operated until 1879. In March of that year he sold out and removed to the farm which he now occupies. In the meantime he has traveled ex- tensively in the Territories. He has been quite successful with sheep, having about 400 head, including some thoroughbred Shropshire's. He is also interested in horses, being a member of the Scottland Horse Association. Mr. Thompson was married in Prairie Township, Dei. 10. l.sij.j, to Miss R. Jennie Riley, who was born in Ross Township, ami is the daughter of Rev. Zaeh Riley, of Ohio, and a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church. This union resulted in the birth of four children, the eldest of whom, a daughter, Louie, is the wife of Louis Wallace, a farmer of Prairie Township; Alice I)., Pearl, and Clarence are at home with their parents. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson are members of the Society of Friends, attending services at Wesley Chapel, and our sub- ject is Secretary of the Sunday-school Union. He has decided views upon the political issues of the day and uniformly gives his support to the Repub- lican party. He has been quite prominent in local politics, and is frequently sent as a delegate to the various conventions. He has several times offi- ciated as a juror, and was on the first jury bring- ing in a verdict of guilty in the case of one J. M. Casey, who hail murdered his wife in this county. Mr. Thompson has for a number of years been Highway Commissioner in his township, and has always maintained a warm interest in its general welfare and prosperity, encouraging the enterprises set on foot for the general good of the people. W ARKIN D. NEWLON. a well known resi- I (jp dent of Stratum Township, is a son of one /!=&) of its earliest pioneers, and was born here Oct. 19, 1834. He was reared on a farm, attended the common schools ami worked with his father at the homestead until a man of twenty-seven years and now resides within two miles of the place of his birth. In 1861, he was married to Miss Kate Ashley, daughter of Noah Ashley, a native of Mas. sachusetts. Of this union there were born two children, only one of whom is living, a son, Hiram, who remains with his parents; the daughter, Mary died when twenty-one months old. Mrs. Kate (Ashley) Newlon was born in Knox County, Ind.. and died in Emporia, Kan., in IMG. Mr. Newlon was then married to Mrs. Dorinda Purdon, widow of Luke Purdon, a native of this State. Three children were born to this union, only one of whom is living. Dora, who is at home. The homestead comprises 105 acres of good land, well improved, with substantial buildings and all the other appliances for prosecuting agriculture suc- cessfully. Mr. Newlon is a peaceful and law-abid- ing citizen, pursuing the even tenor of his way. absorbed with his farm and his family, and has never been prevailed upon to accept the respon- sibilities of office. Politically he is Republican; socially a Mason. Hiram Newlon, the father of our subject, was born April 13, 1794, at a noted place in Virginia called (loose Creek Meadows, in Bedford County, lie lived there until about twenty-three years of age, when his father sold his property there and Hiram, in company with his parents, removed to Washington County, Ind., settling on a farm in the vicinity of Salem. There was much to do in brinij- ing the soil to a state of cultivation, and Hiram assisted his father at this one rear. Then startino PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 901 out to seek his fortune, he lirst went to Louisville, Kv.. where he obtained a position as clerk and later entered into a contract for the building of pike roads. In that locality he met Miss Margaret Fields, the result of winch was a mutual attach- ment, and they were married Dec. 9, 1819. Mrs. Margaret (Fields) Newlon was the daugh- ter of John and Lavina (Short ridge) Fields, who were natives of Kentucky and spent their last rears, the father in Kentucky, the mother in Illinois. This union resulted in the birth of eight children, three of whom are deceased. John I-'., died and was buried in Oswego, Kan.; Benjamin F.,died ami was buried in Hancock County. 111.; Cyrus S.. married Janet Middleton, and is connected with an agricul- tural implement warehouse at Atlantic, Iowa; Will- iam S., is a practicing physician of Oswego. Kan.: Hiram 1'., also a member of the medical profession, resides in Tulsa, End. Ty.; Larkin 1)., was the next in order of birth; Malissa M., who married J. X Sochenour, died and was buried at Oak Grove, this township; Dorinda L., is the wife of Will- iam Newcomb, and lives in Vermillion, this county. The wife and mother departed this life Aug 21, 1884, and the father Jan. 18, 1887. Their remains lie side by side in Oak Grove Cemetery. Hiram Newlon came to this county in 1823, land. ing with a capital of $1.50 in money and a cow and calf. He settled on section 26, but a year later was appointed by Gov. Edward Coles the first Gover- nor of the State, Justice of the Peace, and was required to take an oath that he would suppress duelling. He was re-appointed to the office by ( io\ . Ninian Edwards, and later was elected to County Commissioner for two terms. About the close of the second term occurred the mobbing of Elijah Lovejoy at Alton, when his printing press was thrown into the river, and after this occurrence Mr. Newlon would never become a candidate for office. He was a strong Anti-slavery man, and one of a few men in the place who entertained these sentiments. or who at least dared to express them, prior to the breaking up of the Whig party. The first man to call a meeting designed lostreng- then the Anti-slavery cause in this section was 1 lira m Newlon. and he assisted in the organization of the Republican party in Edgar County, lie never failed upon any occasion to speak for the "down- trodden, and he uniformly extended substantial aid to I lie needy and the Oppressed. He lived to see the extinction of the peculiar institution, and no man living experienced a deeper joy on account of this, :uid the preservation of the Union. Larkin D., our subject, has preserved the old land patents obtained by his father and signed by Presidents Monroe, Van Buren, Jackson and 1'ieree. They are carefully preserved as valuable relics of a time long past, and will increase in value as time goes on. The name of Hiram Newlon is held in kindly remembrance by the friends who have survived him. as a man wielding a most important influence in his com- munity and an influence which was always on the side of right and justice. ^EOEGE WASHINGTON TRIPPLETT. (If ^— , In the person of this gentleman we have '*ss«l that of an active and enterprising man in the prime of life prominent among the prosper- ous agriculturalists of Ross Township, and the owner of 319 acres of choice land on sections :!l' and 33. lie has a line family, consisting of an intelligent and capable wife and three interesting children. Their home is without question the abode of plenty and comfort, and they arc blest with the esteem and confidence of a host of friends. The career of an upright man and a good citizen is amply illustrated in the life of Mr. Tripplett, who is esteemed as one of the most useful and reliable men of the community. Our subject, the only child of Daniel M. and Emcline (Rogers) Tripplett, was born at the home- stead which he now occupies Oct. 25, 1847. He was deprived by death of the affectionate care of his mother when a child of two years, and was taken into the home of his aunt, Elizabeth Jennings, in Centreville, Ind., where he lived until a boy of seven years. Afterward Ik; became an inmate of the home of Christopher Iliddle of Vermillion County, Ind.. where he remained and attended the common school until a youth of sixteen years. In the spring of 1864, the Civil War being in 902 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. progress, our subject enlisted in Company K, 129th Indiana Infantry, and was mustered into the service at Indianapolis. The company drilled there one month and were then ordered .South to Chattan- ooga, where they joined Sherman's command. Mr. Tripplett was taken ill at Chattanooga and confined in the hospital for a time, but on his recovery rejoined his regiment, and among other engage- ments participated in the battle of Marietta, Ga.. and was at the siege of Atlanta, after which he was sent back with Gen. Thomas to Nashville. Later followed the battles of Columbia, Franklin and Nashville, Tenn., after which they were sent to North Carolina by boat and later participated in t lie battle of Kingston, soon after which the war was ended by Lee's surrender. At Rolla our sub- ject was seized with pneumonia, from which lie suffered a short time, and was then sent to David's Isle. New York Harbor, where he remained until receiving his honorable discharge, in June, 18C5. Soon after leaving the army Mr. Tripplett made his way back to Indiana, whence he came to Illinois and assisted his father in operating the home farm until the fall of that year. Then, desirous of ad- vancing his education, he attended the Paris High School, and after leaving it worked for his uncle four years on a farm. At the expiration of this time he began operating on rented land in Ross Township, and later settled in Young America Township, where he farmed four years. In 1878, he returned to the homestead and remained there until the death of his father, which occurred in 1886. In 188G, Mr. Tripplett received his share of his father's estate, 123 acres, which he improved and to which he has added until he has a tine, large tract of hind, all under a good state of cultivation. It is sup- plied with good buildings and running water and admirably adapted to stock raising, to which it is largely devoted. Mr. Tripplett keeps about seventy head of cattle, twelve head of horses and a goodly number of swine, shipping of the latter a car load annually. Our subject was married on April 25, 18G8, in Ross Township, to Miss Nancy B., daughter of John Klsbcrry, the latter a native of Clark County, Ky. Grandfather Elsberry owned a large planta- tion and kept slaves and died in the Blue Grass State. His son, John, left there in 1856, coming to this county and locating in Edgar Township, where he engaged in farming. His wife in her girl- hood was Miss Elizabeth Ilulett, also a native of Kentucky and the daughter of Jacob Ilulett. a farmer of that State, who came to Morgan County, 111., where he died some months later. The mother made her home with our subject thereafter and died at the age of seventy years. She was a lady pos- sessing many estimable qualities and a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The seven children of the parental family were named respectively Benjamin, Ellen (deceased), Jane, Joseph, Nancy, John, Rachel and James (deceased). Benjamin and Joseph served in the 64th Illinois Infanty, and the latter was wounded at the battle of Kenesaw Mountain. Mrs. Trip- plett was born near Winchester, Ky., Jul} 7 7. 1849, and was a child of seven \ r ears when her parents came to this State. She remained under the home roof until her marriage, and by her union with our subject has become the mother of three child, en: Daniel W., Norah F. and Julia G. The father of our subject was Daniel M. Trip- plett, a native of Virginia and born in 1800. His paternal grandfather carried a musket in the War of 1812. Daniel M. was reared to farming pursuits, which he followed in the Old Dominion, and later, during the above mentioned war, served as a team- ster. Upon leaving his native State he settled near Cireleville, Ohio, where he engaged in farming until 1832, then came to this county. Locating near Paris he became overseer in the employ of Mr. Neff of Chrismau, and a few years later entered eighty acres of land in Ross Township, of which he was one of the earliest settlers. He im- proved a good farm and remained upon it until his death, which occurred in April 11, 1886. He was a stanch Democrat politically, and served as Com- missioner of Highways a number of years. Mrs. Emeline (Rogers) Tripplett, the mother of our subject, was born in New York State, and was the daughter of Elias Rogers, a native of the same State, and who participated in the War of 181 2. He came to Illinois in 1829 and entering land in Edgar Township prosecuted farming and stock rais- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 903 ing very successfully, and invested his capital in land until lie became the owner of 700 acres. He died in 1869, surviving his daughter twenty years, The mother of our subject ha\ ing passed away in I HI!). Mr. Tripplett east his first Presidential vote for 1 . s. Grant, and is one of the most ardent adher- ents lit' the Republican party. Socially, he belongs to the Masonic fraternity, being a member of chap- ter No. 32, at Paris, ami Treasurer of the lodge at Chrisman. He has served on the petit jury, but has never sought office, having all lie could pro- perly attend to in the management of his large farm and its various interests. ?fflSHER O. ('OLSON is one of the popular young business men of Paris, and a man who is very popular among his fellows. He is the proprietor of a confectionery, restaurant and bakery business on the south side of the square, where he has carried on a successful trade for the last nine years. He is obliging, and always atten- tive to his business. Mr. Colson was born in Charleston, Coles ('<>.. 111., Aug. 25, 1856, and when lint a boy he removed to Mattoon, III., there receiving his education at the common schools. After leaving school he learned the printer's trade in the Mattoon Journal office, working there for nine years faith- fully, and was considered an expert in the art of printing. After quitting the printing business lie engaged in the manufacture of candy, having be- come proficient in the business in 1870. He located at Paris in 1880, where he has "been in the business indicated since. He commenced with a small stock of goods, but has enlarged his establishment, until now he has a very complete stock of confec- tionery, and is prosecuting an exceedingly prosper- ous business. Politically, he belongs to the Repub- lican party, but official honors have never had any charms for him. Mr. Colson is a Royal Arch Mason, and belongs to the K. of P., and 1. <). < >. K., and worships with the Methodist Episcopal Church. His honest, deal- ings and strict integrity has made for him a name that is better than gold. He has been the architect of his own business since nine years of age and has made his way unassisted in the world. .Mi-. Colson married Ada Cordon, of Vincennes, Ind., Nov. 19, 1879. Mrs. Colson* is a native of Indiana, where she was born in 1861. -«-<>-»- y>ILLIAM ROSS. A sharer in the ph. r life of three States, this sturdy veteran is, Wyi at the age of seventy-one years. :i splendid specimen of the robust and rugged manhood to which Illinois stands indebted for her rapid de- velopment from a savage-peopled wilderness, to the first among the commonwealths of the Middle Union. Born in Ohio, Jan. 8, 1818, taken by his parents to Indiana in 1828, where his boyhood was spent with Indian children for playmates, he early became inured to all the hardships and privations incident upon pioneer life. During that period was laid the foundation of his future success in hab- its of industry and toil, such as the environment of frontier life made necessary in order that existence itself might be maintained. Nature gave to William Ross a frame which de- veloped into almost gigantic size and strength. To-day he stands over six feet in height and weighs 210 pounds. His rugged features are stamped with the strong individuality of his character, and one reads in the firm, massive jaws, the overhanging eyebrows, and the keen, flashing eyes, the evidences of a strongly energetic nature, and a self-reliant and firm will. Such men were the lit forerunners of civilization in the West, and their names and memories are deserving of reverence and perpetua- tion. As already intimated, Mr. Ross is a native! of Ohio. lie was born near Jacksonburg, Butler County, in that State, Jan. 8. 1818, his birthday being the third anniversary of Gen. Jackson's vic- tory over the British at New Orleans. 1 1 Is father, John Ross, was a native of < i-recne County. Pa., and married Christina Conrad, a native of Washing- ton County, that State. His paternal grandfather was a native of Scotland, from which he emi- grated to Pennsylvania prior to the Revolutionary 004 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. War. He married after coming to America, and employed himself asa farmer and miller, owning and operating a mill near Waynesburg, Pa., for a num- ber of years. His children v/erc bred to farm work and had lint limited opportunities for an education. a few months now and then at the subscription schools being all that could be given them. John Ross, the father of our subject, was a farmer and drover combined. Shortly after the Territory of Ohio was opened up. he went to Butler County, Ohio, after his marriage in Pennsylvania. They became the parents of nine children — Abraham, Catherine, Mary, Henry, John, Jacob, Johnston, .William, and Elizabeth. Abraham died in Edgar County. 111., in 1877, leaving a widow and grown up children; Catherine was the wife of John Jack- son, a farmer, and died in Clinton County, Ind.. when about forty years of age, leaving ten chil- dren; Mary was married to Stephen Allen, and died about 1878, leaving seven children; Henry died about 1869 in Champaign County, 111., where he was a farmer; he left a wife and eight children. John died in 1879. in Vermilion County, III., leav- ing a wife and five children; Jacob moved to Los Angeles, Cal., where he died probably in 1879, leaving a wife and five children ; Johnston is the owner of a large stock ranch in Bee County, Tex. ; he is married, and the father of eleven children, only four of whom are living. Elizabeth is the wife of Francis (ireen, of Chrisman; out of nine children born to herself and her husband, only three are living. The father of our subject died Sept. 2, 18111, aged sixty-eight years, five months, and two days. The mother of our subject died Jan. 7, 1869, aged sixty-nine years, seven months, and two days. Our subject received his education in the sub- scription school. When he was ten years old, his father removed to Clinton County, Ind., and set- tled among the Indians, there being at that time only seven white families in the county. At the age of twenty-three years, Mr. Ross was married to Miss Aseuath Crull, daughter of William Crull who was of English ancestry; ten children resulted from this union — Rebecca. Henry, Rhoda, Lewis C, El- mira, Philetta, William. Elizabeth. Asenath, and one who died in infancy. Rebecca, the eldest child of our subject, was first married to Jacob Brinkerhoff, by whom she had two children. Her second husband, Ralph Smith, is a grain buyer in Metcalf, and by him she had one child. Henry, whose biography appears on another page, resides on the home farm; Rhoda married John Smith, and died in Kansas in 1888, leaving five children; Lewis C. married Miss Alice Pound, and lives in Beeville, Bee Co., Tex., being a wealthy ranchman, and the father of four children; Elmira. Mrs. Milton Julian, is living in Danville, 111.; she has two children; her husband is a farmer. Phil- etta married John B. Hildreth, of Carroll Town- ship, Vermilion County, and died about fourteen years since, leaving four children; William married Miss Susan Reese, lives on the home place, and has two children; Elizabeth became the wife of II. Law- rence Reed, and died in Vermilion County, Aug. 1, 1 888, leaving four children ; Asenath married Wash- ington Reed, a brother of II. Lawrence Heed, and they are living in Kansas; they have four children. Our subject remained in Clinton County, Ind.. until 1852, when he came to Illinois, and settled in Carroll Township, Vermilion County, where he purchased 280 acres of land. That same year lie also entered 800 acres in Young America Town- ship, Edgar County, a part of which constitutes his present homestead, and to which he removed in 1856. His first wife died ten years later, and in 1870 he was married to Mrs. Mary ( Hitter) Reed. This lady at the timeof her marriage with our sub- ject, was a widow of George Reed, by whom she had three children. Two of her sons, Lawrence and George Washington, married Elizabeth and Asen- ath, daughters of William Ross. Her other son, Martin, is unmarried, and living in Bee' County, Tex. Mrs. Ross has had no children by her second marriage. Since coming to Illinois. Mr. Ross has ranked as one of the most prominent and prosperous farmers of Edgar County. At one time his landed poses- sions amounted to over 1, COO acres. He has di- vided land among his children, until he has but, .'520 acres left. This in itself is a large farm, and under the careful cultivation to which it is subjected, it yields a revenue adequate for itsownerand his two married sons who reside on it, and assist in its till- age. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 90; Caring nothing for office, except wherein he can serve his township, Mr. Ross has not withstanding filled all i if the local offices one or more terms, as Township Supervisor, Assessor, School Treasurer, and Commissioner of Highways. He and his ex- cellent wife are consistent members of the Christian Church. Mr. Ross is a Mason in good standing, and in politics a sound Democrat, who has fre- quently served as a delegate to the various conven- tions. The residence of William Ross is pleasantly situ- ated in about the center of section 9. Though of plain exterior it is tastefully and comfortably furnished, contains a well -selected library, and a generous list of papers and periodicals which furnish recreation to the mind after the toils of the day and the week are over. The four children of his deceased daugh- ter, Elizabeth, brighten his home by their childish mirth and happy faces, and are the objects of his warm affection and protecting care. Mr. and Mrs. Ross pass their lives quietly and pleasantly, evi- dently being conscious of having lived to leave the world better for their sojourn in it. They have been privileged to see their children grow to man- hood and womanhood, and some of them to win for themselves honorable places. Others laid down the burden of life in the vigor of their years, with the bright promise of their youth scarcely realized. The sorrows of bereavement have only served to make the hearts which have suffered more gentle, and the mind more charitable, while their joys have not been unappreciated as the gift of One who in wisdom, love and mercy has chastened them, and in whom they have an enduring and confiding trust. -'•'W- vt££i£>t!5~S@ • @^2H7Zra»'.-'\/v->'- OBERT R. BENNEFIEL. late of Shiloh Township and now deceased, was numbered ii vl, among its early pioneers, having settled here ^H'about 184ii. He made the journey with his little family from the vicinity of Carlisle, Sullivan Co., Ind., journeying overland by team and set- tling on a rented farm of 12(1 acres which he occu- pied three years. He then removed to a tract of wild land in Buck Township, from which he con- structed a good farm, his home until 1870. That year he sold out purchasing the farm now occupied by his widow. Mrs. Mary .1. Bennefiel, and children and which comprises :i 1 1 acres on section 19. Here he engaged successfully in farming and stock-rais- ing and instituted many improvements, putting up a house and barn and planting fruit and forest trees. His death, which occurred March 2.'!, 1882, was caused by the kick of a horse. He was then sixty-five years old. having been born in 1817, in Carlisle. Ind. Mr. Bennefiel was numbered among the liberal and public-spirited men of his county and was fore- most in all good works. He officiated as a Steward and Tfustee of the Methodist Episcopal Church and in politics was an ardent Republican. He served as a School Director in his district and occupied many other positions of trust and responsibility. After his death, his widow operated the farm until 188C, then rented it to her sons and moved to Paris. In 1888 she returned to the old homestead of which she owns seventy acres and which she carries on in company with her sons. The land is fertile and well watered by Bruellet Creek. The farm lies four miles from Metcalf and with its im- provements, forms a very attractive rural home. It is largely devoted to grain and stock-raising and three teams are used in its operation. Mrs. Benne- fiel was born in Carlisle, Ind., June 1G, 1819, and received a good education in her native town. Her father, Chester Ingram, was a native of Con- necticut and after emigrating to Sullivan County, Ind., engaged in mercantile pursuits until hisdeath. The mother, whose maiden name was Diana Hall, was born in New York State and also died in Car- lisle, Ind. John Hall, the paternal grandfather of Mrs. Bennefiel, was a native of England. Emigrating to America, he located first in New York State, then removed to Carlisle. Ind.. where he engaged as an hotclkeeper and operated a stage line. He was one of the first settlers of Sullivan County. He served in the war of 1812 ami died in Carlisle many years ago. After their marriage which occurred Feb. 13, 1842, Mr. and Mrs. Bennefiel lived in Indiana until 1846, then came to Edgar Count v. III. There were 908 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. born to them eight children, the eldest of whom, Francis M.. died when nearly twenty years old ; Belle is the wife of Mr. Lewis Reed, a druggist of Cen- tralia, 111.; Addison L. is at home with his mother; Laura is the wife of A. F. Long, a prominent farmer of Edgar Township; William and Clar- ence are at home; Edward D. and Sarah died at the ages of fourteen months and four weeks. Mrs. Benneflel is a member in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Paris and her sons, like their father, vote the straight Republican ticket. Although forever passed from the midst of his friends, Mr. Bennefiel lives in their loving memo- ries, and thus they will welcome with pleasure the addition to this volume in a fine portrait of him. whose life was devoted to the upbuilding of his county and the development of its resources. ¥ ESSE MOORE. Edgar County has been largely settled up by natives of the Blue (irass State. They have been a hardy race of men, possessing the elements most needed in order t<> battle successfully with the toils and hardships of frontier life. The subject of this no- tice, a veteran of seventy-seven years, was burn near Dry Ridge, Scott Co., Ky., May 30, 1812, and came to Edgar County, 111., during the period of its early settlement. He has seen many years of arduous labor, but battled successfully with the new soil and the other disadvantages attendant upon pioneer life, and is now comfortably situated at a good homestead on section 17. Edgar Town- ship. This property lias been accumulated by his own industry, and forms a very attractive home, one of its distinctive features being a beautiful large walnut grove, a part of which was planted l>v his own hand over forty years ago. Our subject is the offshoot of a substantial South- ern family, being the son of .lesse Moore. Sr., a native of Virginia, anil the grandson of an old Revolutionary soldier, likewise born in the ( > I « 1 Dominion. The latter subsequently removed to Kentucky, where he labored successfully as an agri- culturist, and died in good circumstances. The records indicate that he came of a hardy race, which originated in Ireland. Jesse Moore was a young man when he accompanied his father's fam- ily to Scott County, where he engaged in farming and spent the remainder of his life. He possessed in a marked degree some of the substantial traits of his progenitors, was very fearless and outspoken in his opinions, and a Jackson Democrat of the deepest dye. He stood up and voted for William II. Harrison in 1 and in 1840, and upon several occasions felled a man to the earth for speaking disparagingly of the hero of -'Tippecanoe." The mother of our subject was in her girlhood Miss Margaret Hedger, and the daughter of Reu- ben Hedger, who was born in Virginia, and at an early day removed to Scott County. Ky.. which was the birthplace of his daughter, Margaret. He farmed extensively in Scott County, but later re- moved to Harrison County, where he spent his last days. This family was likewise of Irish descent. The mother spent her entire life in her native county, and died a member of the Baptist Church. Of her marriage with Jesse Moore, there were born eleven children, nine of whom are deceased, viz: Jefferson, the eldest; Lucinda, the third child; Sally, Polly. Catherine, Mary, Eliza, Annie. Phebe, and Sanford. who were born in the order named. Jesse, oiu' subject, was next to the eldest. The only two living besides himself, is Thirza, and Amanda a resident of Edgar Township. The subject of this sketch assisted his father on the farm during Ins boyhood, and until a youth of eighteen years. Then starting out for himself, he made his way to Clermont County. Ohio, where he worked on a farm two years, then returned to the old Kentucky home. After a few week's sojourn, however, he set out again, in the fall of 1831, and traversing the States of Ohio and Indiana, came to Edgar County, this State, making the journey over- land, accompanied by his uncle. The}' crossed the Ohio River at Cincinnati, and the Wabash at Terre Haute, and locating at Steam Point, our subject worked one year for $5 per month. He continued the employe of others until 1837, then commenced making rails at twenty cents per 100, and chopped wood at twenty-five cents a cord. He was an expert PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 909 in this line. sometimes getting out 500 rails a day ami live cords Of wood in Hie same time. It is hardly necessary to say that he was excelled by few in this line. In 1837 he made his first purchase of land — forty acres — without any improvements. The re- creation of the settlers in those days included the wolf hunts, in which they engaged al stated periods and Mr. Moore has himself killed as many as five in a day. Upon taking possession of his land. Mr. Moore first put up a log cabin, got in his first season's Crops, ami then began making improvements. He sel out fruit and forest trees, including the walnut grove spoken of. which is acknowledged to he the finest in the county, and in due time the log cabin was abandoned for a commodious modern residence. The land is watered by a living spring, and when his means permitted, .Mr. Moore added to his real es- tate so that he is now the owner of 1 15 acres, the greater part of which is under the plow. He makes a specialty of horses, and from this source alone. realizes a good income. The marriage of our subject with Miss Hannali Morgan was celebrated at the bride's home in New- port. Ind., in 183.°). Mrs. Moore is the daughter of Wells Morgan, one of the earliest settlers of Edgar County, she was born in Morgan County, Ky.. in 1815, and came with her parents to Illinois when a child of seven years. She became the mother of ten children, and departed this life June 1.3, 1889. Their eldest daughter, Margaret, Mrs. Conover, lives on a farm in Edgar Township; Samuel, a horseman and farmer combined, resides in Chris- man; Catherine, Mrs. Lemuel Sayre, lives in Tus cola; Jefferson is a carpenter by trade, and makes his headquarters at Terre Haute, lud.; Therein is the wife of Benjamin McKee, a fanner of Edgar Township; .lohn and Scott are twins, the former is at home, and Scott operates a feed stable in Montgomery County. Kan.; Mary died at the aye of about twenty-five years; Taylor is at home with his parents; his twin brother. Marion, died wlien three years old. Mr. Moore finds his religion-, home in the Baptist Church at Bloomfield. lie voted for Gen. William II. Harrison in 1840, and in 1856 he identified him- self with the Republican party, of which he has been a strong supporter. The grandson of old Tippecanoe, received his enthusiastic support in the election of 188s. Aside from serving on the jury, he has had very little to do with public affairs, giv- ing his principal attention to his farming interests. Besides their own child. Mr. and Mrs. M -e reared a grand-daughter, Annie Heinman, who is still in the family, and another child, Elmyra Wallace, who is now deceased. R. JOHN MILLS bears the distinction of being the pioneer physician and surgeon of Kansas, having located within the town- ship at a time prior to the regular estab- lishment of roads, when he traveled over the country on horseback and ministered to the people from the contents of his saddle bags. He rode through the woods fin dark nights, through rain and snow and cold and heal, enduring frequently hunger and thirst and weariness, but his sympathy and fidelity in time were rewarded by the esteem and confidence of the entire community. We now find him established at a comfortable and pleasant home in the town of Kansas where lie is numbered among her first citizens. A native of the Old Granite State, our subject was born in the city of Concord, May 10. 1819. His father, lion. John Mills was a native of the same place and lived at a time when there were seven John Mills in the township The father of our subject was a man of fine abilities and prom- inent in New Hampshire, serving for six years as a member of the Legislature. He was. however, fond of agricultural pursuits and carried cm farm- ing in connection with his other interests. Finally, in [838, leaving his native hills he emigrated with his family to Kalamazoo County. Mich., where the early education of our subject, was begun. The mother. Mrs. Susannah (Church ) Mills, was born not far from the early home of her husband and was the daughter of John Church who died in New Hampshire at the age of one hundred and three years. To the parents of our subject there were born ten children, only three of whom are 910 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. living, viz.: John, our subject. Dr. Charles H.. a resident of Champaign, III., and David M., who at one time was a resident, of Dakota but is now farm- ing twelve miles north of Sioux City, Iowa, lie was a member of the Territorial Assembly for several terms. Two sons, Ambrose and William, adopted the medical profession. The former died in Kalamazoo, Mich., when thirty-two years old; William died in Chillicothe, Ohio, at the age of twenty-eight; one daughter, Margaret, died when an interesting young lady of twenty years; Susan- nah died when a child of eight years; another son, Frederick, the youngest of the family, was at one time a practicing attorney in the city of Philadel- phia. Pa., but not having been heard from for years, it is supposed that he is dead. Dr. Mills attended school quite regularly during his boyhood and after leaving the High School went, in 1841, to Zanesville, Ohio, and commenced the reading of medicine under the instruction first of Dr. Workman, and later of Dr. Holston, who subsequently became Gen. Grant's family physi- cian. While in Zanesville he cast his first Presi- dential vote for .lames K. Polk. He began the practice of his profession in November, 1843, at Adamsville, Muskingum County, and remained there ten years. In December, 1853, deciding to seek the farther West, he came to Edgar County. 111. and settled in what was then Warrenton, now a defunct town of Kansas Township. In the fall of 1855 he changed his residence to Kansas, III., which was just then struggling into existence and which was known as Midway Station, being located halfway between Paris and Charleston. With the exception of two years spent in Paxton, Ford County, he has since continuously followed his practice in Kansas and vicinity. During those years he rode all over the western part of Edgar and the eastern part of Coles County, and for a long period was associated in partnership with Dr. O. Q. Derrick, who was a surgeon during the late war and who died in Kansas, 111., in August, 1873. Dr. Mills has been particularly successful in the department of surgery and has performed some very difficult operations, especially in cases of skull fracture, in which he never lost a patient. The marriage of Dr. John INI ills and Miss Rebecca Wheeler was celebrated at the bride's home in Mus- kingum County, ()hio,Oct. 3, 1843. Mrs. Mills was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, April 22, 1821, and was the daughter of Henry Wheeler, who spent his last years in Ohio and is now deceased. Of this union there have been born four children, only two of whom are living, namely: Franklin W., a tele- graph operator of Paris and Ellen A., who married Rev. William Downs, and she has three children. Franklin married Miss Mell Jones and is the father of one child, a son, Herbert. The Doctor also had a daughter, Mary Frances Barry, deceased, who left two children, Tessie and Ellen. The Doctor, while a resident of Ohio officiated as Justice of the Peace for six years, but since coming to the West has preferred to give his whole attention to the duties of his profession. He is an Elder in the Christian Church. Mrs. Mills died Aug. 2G, 1880, and is buried at Harmony Church, four miles north of Kansas. ^JjOSIAII D. SAYRE owns and operates 250 acres of land on section 30 in Prairie Township. He is one of the most promi- nent and influential men of his neighbor- hood, and is ever found taking an active part in public enterprises for which his good education and fine judgment eminently fits him. He is familiars- known to his acquaintances as "Dick Sayre," which exhibits the respect in which he is held. His father, Israel D. Sayre, was a native of Ohio and a cabinet-maker by trade. When a young man he concluded to abandon his chosen vocation and engage in farming. So, in January, 1829, he emigrated to Illinois, locating in Edgar Countv, where he bought land of the Government, im- proved his opportunities and did well. He was noted for his strict temperance views and was held in high respect by his entire circle of acquaintances. He at one time owned 1,800 acres of land, ami was con- sidered one of the most extensive farmers in the county. He died in the prime of life in 1849, at the age of forty-two years. Politically, he was a prominent Whig, and belonged to the Methodist PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 91] Episcopal Church, of which he was a Class-Leader. His wife was born in Brown County, Ohio in 1799 and died on the homestead, .Inly 19, 1888. Her first husband was named Legate, by whom she had two children, John M., and Elizabeth C. She and Mr. Sayre were the parents of ten children, five of whom grew to manhood: Robert L., Lemuel I!., David C, Israel B. and Josiah !>., of whom this sketch is written. The latter was born in Edgar County, Jan. 28, 1831. He was reared on a farm and attended subscription schools. He remembers well when wild game was plentiful in this section of the country, and especially that noblest of Amer- ean game birds, wild turkey. Deer and bear were also plentiful. When he was ten years old, in 1840, ami in company with his father, he returned to Brown County, Ohio, in a wagon, a journey he remembers very well. That was in the fall of the Harrison campaign and he distinctly recalls the excitement of that period. They remained there but a little while and after their visit was ended, returned home. When he was twenty-two years of age he took charge of his present place, upon which there were no improvements. He went to work with five yoke of cattle and a twenty-two inch plow and broke his land. He has now a splendid place with orchards, hedges and all the appurtenances that are connected with a well regu- lated farm. In 1885 he erected a line house, 28x32, and two stories in height, which is sur- rounded by a lovely yard. In connection with raising grain he operates extensively in feeding stock. He has a fine lot of graded Clydesdale horses, in which he takes a great deal of pride. On June 30, 1853, he was married to Miss Ruth A. McFerren, who was born in Adams County, Ohio. She died Jan. 27, 1855, leaving two chil- dren — Altamira ami Abbie. The latter married Daniel Fulton, a farmer of Prairie Township. Mr. Sayre took for his second wife Miss Eliza McFer- ren, being married on Dec. 26, 185G. They are the parents of eight children: Luella, Ruth A., Matilda, Estella G.. William S., Ocalla. Mary !•'., and Alforetta. Ruth A., married Robert Yelton. a fanner of Prairie Township; Matilda is the wife of .lames Welman, who is a farmer; Estella is married to Charles Lee, a carpenter, of Prairie Township; William S.. married Maggie E. Carson, they are on the old homestead; Ocalla, now Mrs. Smith, is at home, her husband is deceased. The balance are residing at home. Mr. Sayre is identified with the Republican party and is a prominent member of its conven- tions. He has held the office of School Director and has been Collector for si\ years and Constable for four years. He belongs to the Masons and is recognized by those who know him bestasamanof charitable inclinations. m AMES HANKS. The business interests of 1 Kansas and vicinity find a wide-awake repre- I I sentative in the person of Mr. Hanks, who «|k» is conducting a thriving grocery and drug trade at its center, and whose popularity in social and business circles is only equal to his deserts. A Kentuckian by birth, his native place was in Mor- gan County, that State, and the date of his birth Sept. 7, 1827. His father, William Hanks, left the Blue Grass country in 1828, and coming to Edgar County, 111., settled in the wilderness of Sims Town- ship, where he built up a good home, and was recog- nized as one of its best citizens. The subject of this sketch was the only child of his parents at the time of their coining to Illinois. The father came to this section without means, hav- ing no money and little personal property with the exception of an old gray mare, lie began as the employe of others, labored early and late, finally secured a tract of land, and was prospered as a tiller of the soil. In due time he turned his attention to stock-raising, also feeding and shipping, and in- vested his surplus capital in real estate, so that at- one time he was the owner of over 1,0(10 acres of land. In addition to this he provided for a family of thirteen children out of fourteen who were born to him, and of whom ten arc still living — these lat- ter being James, our subject. Berry, Nancy J.. Mrs. SwangO ; Sibby, Mrs. Wells; Caroline, Mrs. Sizc- more; Mary E., Mrs. Baber; Michael, Nelson, Eva- line, Mrs. McAlister, and Sarah, Mrs. Quinu. The mother, Mrs. Mary (O'Hair) Hanks, wasanative of 91: PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. Kentucky, and a sister of John, Michael, -lames. William, and Washington O'llair. She still lives near Pan's. The deceased of the parental family were Will- iam, Jackson, and Green, besides a (laughter who died in infancy. The survivors are residents prin- cipally of Edgar County. James, like his brothers, obtained a limited education in the log cabin school- house which he attended mostly during the winter season. For a number of years the people in that region had their corn and Hour ground at a mill belonging to Mike O'llair. which was operated by horse-power, and located at Elbridge. In thelabor of opening up a (arm, all hands were made useful, the children being required todo their part as they were able. Mr. Hanks lived with his parents until his marriage, and then took possession of a 1"^ cabin of his own. This structure contained one room, and was finished off with a puncheon floor, a clapboard roof and door, the former held in its place by knees and weight poles, and the latter by wooden hinges. A huge fire-place extended across one end of the building, before which the bride performed her cooking operations. Our subject followed farming until 1855, then established himself at Grand View as a general mer- chant, where he remained one year. Thence he removed to Kansas, III., and in company with two partners prosecuted merchandising under the firm name of Hanks, Zink & O'llair. Since that time he has never left the channels of trade, this business proving more congenial to him than anything else which he has followed. He in due time purchased the interest of his partners, and has since conducted the business alone, carrying a full line of groceries, flour, drugs and medicines, making a specialty of [ flour, of which he sells more than any other house in the town. This being the New Douglas Extra Fancy, outsells all others on account of its superior quality. Mr. Hanks has a bakery in connection with his other interests, which, however, he ope- rates only a portion of the time. On the 7th of September, 1847, our subject was j united in marriage with Miss Mary Zink, at the home of the bride in Grand View Township. This lady is the daughter of Emanuel Zink, who is one of the earliest settlers of Edgar County, and is now deceased. Seven children were bora of this union, five of whom are living, viz: Delilah. Lindes, Emanuel, Emily, and Angie. Delilah is the wife of Samuel Smith, of Kansas, 111.; the one child bora lo them is deceased; Lindes married Miss Caroline Brown; they live on a farm in Kansas Township, and have four children. Emanuel mar- ried Miss Mamie Redmond; they live in Kansas Township, and have one child. Emily married Charles Owens, of Kansas. 111., and they have three children; Angie is the wife of Vance Arterburn. of Kansas, and they have one child. The mother of Mr. Hanks is still living, making her home on the old farm five miles south of Paris, and is now in her eighty-first year. The father died several years ago, an honored and wealthy citizen. He gave atone time §:j00 lo the building of a church, and was always a libera] and philan- thropic man. Mrs. Hanks, the wife of our subject, belongs to the Christian Church. Mr. Hanks, al- though not a professor of religion, believes in its efficacy, and donates liberally to the support of the < rospel. ARION STEWART, of Shiloh Township, occupies a good position socially and finan- cially, being numbered among its most worthy and respected citizens. A native of Fayette County, Ind., he was born Feb. II. bsi.i. and is the sou of David and Martha (Wiles) Stewart, who were born in Indiana. The paternal grandparents were from Pennsylvania. The father of our subject received but an ordinary education in his youth, and followed farming the remainder ef his life. The parental household included live children, our subject being the eldest. Perry is farming in Blue Mound Township, near Paris. He married .Miss Etta Guthrie, and has six children.'' Keziah became the wife of William Hanks, and died at Walnut (.4 rove in 1872, leaving four children; Peter was married, and his wife died leaving four/ children, and he lives in Indianapolis, Ind. The father politically was first a Whig and later a Republican; he died in 1876. The subject of this sketch was reared in Sims PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 913 Township on :i farm, and educated in llic district school. After the outbreak of the Civil War he. at the age of eighteen years, enlisted in Companj 15. "Engineers Regiment," which went from Illin- ois, bui was credited to Missouri, aud was engaged in engineering and building bridges trestles along the railroads and over rivers. The regiment was familiarly known as Bissell's Engineers, and with it young Stewart remained until receiving his hon- ourable discharge at Nashville, in Oct. 31, 1864. Upon his return home, oursubject began to take up the more serious business of life and was mar- ried Aug. 31. 1865, to Miss [sabelle Rotroff, daugh- ter of John and Elizabeth Rotroff. who were natives of Ohio. Mrs. Stewart- was born Feb. 15, 1844, in Ohio. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Stewart lived for two years on the old homestead) five miles south of Paris, and afterward lived one year north of Metcalf, in Young America Town- ship. They removed to their present farm on sec- tion 14, in Shiloh Township in 1869, which our subject purchased that year and which comprises ,°) -_'ii acres, he having doubled the original purchase. Of this union there were born ten children, viz. : David. Grant, Minnie. Keziah, Alice, Marion C, Olive, who are now living; and Arthur, Grace and .lames 1>., deceased. Mrs. Isabel Stewart departed this life at the homestead Nov. I, 1876. Our subject contracted a second marriage with Miss 1 sabelle Moore, Oct, 27, 1877. I The father of our subject upon leaving Indiana, about 1854, came to Edgar County, 111., and settled near Paris, where he lived until 1865. Thence be removed to Young America Township, north of Metcalf, where his death took place Sept.. is, L876. The mother had passed away twenty-four years prior to the decease of her husband, her death taking place Nov. 8, I852,in Indiana. Mr. Stewart, after living alone twenty years, was dually married a second time, in October, L872, to .Miss Nancy McNees, and to them there were born three chil- dren. Elva. Etlie and one who died in infancy. David Stewart married Miss Lolly Julian, and is farming in Young America Township: Minnie is the wife of Thomas Braiding of Shiloh Township. Our subject politically is a sound Republican, and is a man useful to his party, being a member oi the Central Committee, and is frequently sent as a delegate to the County Conventions. He has officiated as Highway Commissioner and as School Director in his district. Socially he belongs to o/.ark Lodge, Xo. 280, [.O.O.F., at Brockton, and Kansas Post, No. 105, < r.A.R. &m NDREW -I. SCOTT. It is maintained that *'4!I] every man has his hobby and that of Mr. 14 Scott is live-stock, especially horses. There are few better judges of equines than Mr. Scott. He takes pride iii his profession in this line and has met with unqualified success. lie is one of the extensive land-owners of the county his possessions aggregating fully 7 father, Reason Mc- Vay, long since deceased, was likewise a native of Washington County, where he carried mi farming during his younger years, then, in 1826, emigrated to Guernsey County, Ohio. There he settled among the Indians and wild animals, put up a log cabin in the midst of the forest, and literally hewed out a farm from the wilderness. Amid the wild scenes of that region our subject attained to a lusty man- hood, with limited education it is true, but forti- fied with those habits of industry and sentiments of honor which resulted in his success later in life. While a resident of Ohio our subject was mar- ried, Nov. 24, 1847, to Miss Phebe Williams. This lady was the daughter of Nimrod Williams. who spent his last years in Ohio. She became the mother of three children, all of whom died young, and she passed from earth Oct. 3, 1853. Mr. McVay was married the second time Nov. 24, 1854, to Miss Mary, daughter of Zadoc Ilollis. This union resulted in the birth of six children, viz : Jerome, Lincoln, Wiley, Reason 0., Jennie and Herman. Lincoln married Miss Lilly Ross, daugh- ter of Charles Ross, of Brocton; they live at that place and have one child, Jacob C. R. The other children are at home with their parents. Mr. McVay held the office of Highway Com- missioner three years. His estimable wife is a member in good standing of the Methodist Epis- copal Church. He has been a continuous resident of Edgar County since first coming here, in 1854. His present residence is a fine two-story frame structure, conveniently arranged and neatly furnished, while he has large barns ami ample facilities for the shelter of stock and the storage of grain. He takes advantage of the most modern machinery and the most approved methods of eul- 918 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. tivatingthe soil, and both as an agriculturist and a member of the community, stands second to none in his township. llis paternal grandfather was a native of Scotland. His mother, Rachel, was the daughter of Samuel House, who was born in Hol- land, and upon emigrating to America located on Ruff's Creek, in Greene County, Pa., where his daughter Rachel and several other children were born. To Reason and Rachel McVay there were born eight children, seven of whom are living, viz.: Cassander, Mrs. Sinclair; Samuel, Jacob; Leah, Mrs. Shamhart; Hannah, Mrs. Stewart; Ra- chel, Mrs. Denus; and Cynthia, Mrs. Jarvis. Father MoVay died July 1(5, 1867. The mother survived her husband until May, 1873. A litho- graphic view of Mr. McVay's residence appears elsewhere in this volume. H3- ~^J3'^- "/B"s~ fl IfclLLIAM A. WOZENCRAFT located in \/\lr l' :ll ' is '" •I lllle - 1855. when it contained Wy very few houses. He engaged in the busi- ness of dealing in stove and tinware, continuing in this successfully until 1887, when he retired from active pursuits. He had built up an exceedingly large trade, and one that was lucrative, tie was a man of strict business principles, and made friends of everybody. Mr. Wozencraft was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, July 4, 1832, where he lived until he was twenty years old, finishing his education in that city. After he learned his trade he went into business for himself at Dayton, Ohio, for a short time when he associated himself witli a partner. The part- nership continued for about two years, and was then dissolved. Mr. Wozencraft then removed from Dayton to Paris. He was for a number of years Alderman of his ward, and Mayor of the City of Paris for several terms, and he took great interest in the lire department, being one of the founders of the first fire company in the city. One hose company is now perpetuating his name, the organization being named for him. He was Chief of the fire department for a number of years, and an active and honored member of the volun- teer force, lie usually voted with the Democratic party. Mr. Wozencraft married Miss Amanda A. Rick- ford at Dayton, Ohio, Dec. 11, 1854. To this union came three children, of whom one son and one daughter are living: Oliva, now Mrs. F. 1'. Vergin, of Paris, where John Alexander, the son, also resides. Mrs. Wozencraft was born Dec. 24, 1832, at Exeter, N. II. She is the daughter of Daniel and Hannah Bickford, who came to Day- ton, Ohio, when Amanda was live years of age. She remained at Dayton until her marriage. Her lather was in the mercantile business in that city until a few years before he died. He removed to Troy, Ohio, and in 18G2 his death occurred. His wife passed away some years previously. Mr. Bickford was born in Exeter, N. II., Dec. 24, 1805. He was married in Haverhill, Mass., the birthplace of his wife. They reared six children, four of whom are still living. Mr. and Mrs. Bick- ford worshiped with the Universalist Church. John J. Wozencraft, the father of our subject, was born at Milford, near Cincinnati, Ohio. He has always remained there, engaged in dealing in stoves and tinware. Mr. Wozencraft was born in August, 1807. and is still living. He married Miss Olivia King, who bore him seven children, of whom three are still living. Mr. and Mrs. William A. Wozencraft for many years have been among the representative families of the city of Paris, and respected by all who had had the pleasure of their acquaintance. Mr. Wozen- craft died Aug. 6, 1888, sincerely mourned by his multitude of friends, and when he passed away a good citizen went to his reward. ^v II I LI I' JONES. Seldom does the biog- JJj rapher encounter a more pleasant or genial 'i <^ gentleman than Mr. Jones. He is firmly I \ established in Bruellet Township as one of its representative citizens and the son of one of its pioneer families. He was early taught to make himself useful around the homestead, and care- full}' trained in those sentiments of honor and PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 91!) principles of truth which have developed a char- acter of more than ordinary excellence. lie is the owner of a moderately-improved farm of 100 acres on section 30, and which comprises a part of the old William Allen estate, which was among the Brsl tracts of land improved in the township. Mr. Matthew Junes, father of our subject, was born in North Carolina about 1818, and was the s f Philip and Sarah ( Boswell) Jones, who emi- grated from North Carolina to Vermillion County, Ind. They settled upon a tract of wild land, and Matthew, when reaching- man's estate, was married to Miss Mary, daughter of Harmon and Mary (Drennen) Hutson. She was horn in Virginia, and removed with her parents in 1818 to Vermil- lion County, Ind.. when a child of two years. The young couple soon after their marriage moved across the line into this county, where the father died iii March, 1889. The mother is still living. Grandfather Jones was a great hunter, and our subject has often seen the gun which he used upon first coining to this country. It was then an old Hint-lock rille. but is now changed to a shot gun. and is in the possession of our subject. The old gentleman wore his buckskin pants, and took de- light in roaming the woods and fields for game. especially deer. Both the parents of our subject were members of the United Brethren Church for many years, and died engrafted in the faith. Our subject remained on the old home farm until the outbreak of the Civil War. and enlisted in Company A. 149th Indiana Infantry, with which he did garrison duty simply, and after nine months' service was discharged, in September, 1865. The most of his lime he was in Decatur, Ala. Politically, he is a Democrat, and. as an ex- soldier belongs to Harrison Bates Post No. 341. He 1ms served as Township Assessor two terms. and Commissioner one term, and is a man gener- ally respected wherever known. Philip Jones was married in this county. 1867, to Miss Martha Henry, and there were born four children, namely: William and .John, deceased; Bert and Mollie are at home with their father. The mother died in February, 1873. Mr. Jones contracted a second marriage with Miss Emma Foncannon, who was born in Vermillion County, Ind.. and is the daughter of Til man and Sallie Foncan i, who were natives of Pennsyl- vania and of German descent. They emigrated to Indiana at a very early day. and are residents of Vermillion County, that Slate. To our Subject and his present wife there have been bom three chil- dren, all sons— Daniel. Moses and Karl, who re- main with their parents. ^-+§N3*£?4-M- NDREW M1LL1KIN, Steward of Edgar County Infirmary, assumed the duties of 1 his present office in 18S9 and by his excel- lent management has effected many im- provements in this institution. He has been a citizen of Edgar County since 1851 to which he came from Preble County. Ohio, where his parents settled when he was a lad eight years of age. He was born, however, in Butler County, that State. March !). 1837, and is the son of Thomas B. and Caroline P. (Tapscott) Millikin, the latter of whom died in Butler County when our subject was seven years old. Thomas Millikin married for his third wite Mrs. Fidelia (Cruikshank) Danton, daughter of Dr. Cruikshank, a physician of good repute who spent his last years in the city of Harrison on the line of Indiana and Ohio. This lady came to this county with her second husband and died here ( >ct. 1 (i.l 859. Later the elder Millikin was married to Mrs. Eliza (Hodge) Patton, who still lives in Paris. .Mr. Mil- likin died in Edgar County when sixty-five years old. The paternal grandfather of our subject was Dr. Daniel Millikin who served in the War of L812 under the direct command of Gen. Harrison. After- ward he practiced his profession many years very successfully in Butler, Ohio, and obtained an envi- able reputation throughout that portion of the Buckeye State. He hail four brothers, also resi- dents of Butler and vicinity, who were men of note in their community and whose descendants are vet living and are numbered among the prominent people there. The paternal great-grandfather of Mr. Millikin was ■■< native of Ireland and emigrated to America 920 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. in time to distinguish himself as a soldier in the Revolutionary War. His descendants were prom- inent in the councils of the old Whig party, and ui)on its abandonment those since living arc fully as ardent Republicans as were their forefathers, lovers of liberty and equality. To Mrs. Fidelia Millikin, the third wife of the father of our subject, the latter yields a most grate- ful and affectionate tribute of remembrance. She reared him from a child of eight years and had he been her own she could not have extended to him more loving or watchful care than that which fol- lowed his youthful steps until her mission on earth was ended. She was a lady of more than ordinary intelligence and great kindness of heart — one who was ever ready to assist those in affliction and es- pecially the sick, to whose bedside she was often called and to whom she ministered with that deli- cacy and attention which in most all cases is more efficient than medicine. In her )'ounger years she had taught school in Kentucky and there observad the workings of that peculiar institution — slavery, which she learned to view with a noble hatred as the source of great cruelty and wrong. Under the careful training of his step-mother our subject approached an honorable manhood fullv in sympathy with her views in regard to slavery, and during the agitation of this question in later years, became a strong Abolionist and one of the warmest advocates of Republican principles. This excellent woman died of cancer, the result of virus received into her system while ministering to others. Her last days were spent at the home of her husband in Prairie Township and she passed away Oct. 16, 1859. Mr. Millikin chose farming for his occupation early in life and was married in Edgar County, •Ian. 1, 18G0, to Miss Harriet A., daughter of Will- iam and Nancy (Pritchard) Rush. Mrs. Millikin was left an orphan by the death of botli parents when about three years old, and was reared by her uncle, Allen Rush, mostly in this county to which she had come with her uncle when quite young from Indiana, where she was born Sept. 26, 1841. Her parents were natives of Darke County, Ohio, whence they removed to Vermillion County, Ind., where they died. Mr. and Mrs. Millikin are the parents of two children — a son and daughter — Thomas A. and Caroline, the latter of whom married Alonzo Francis and is living in Dudley, Edgar County. In addition to general farming Mr. Millikin makes a specialty of stock-raising which has proven a profitable industry. lie was appointed to his present position as Superintendent of the County Infirmary in 1889. He is one of those men who take pride in preserving their family history and keeps in mind the fact that he also will have a record to leave to his posterity, while he is determined that it shall be one which they can look upon with pride. While perhaps he has not been the hero of any very thrilling event, he has acquitted himself as an hon- est man and a good citizen, and this in itself is worth}- of record. His brother, Henry, during the late Civil War, was a member of the 71st Indiana Infantry and met death on the battle-field at Rich- mond, Ky., in 1862. Mrs. Millikin and her daugh- ter are members of the Presbyterian Church at Dudley. fl IMLLIAM T. WILKIN, one of the best ^joj/l known residents of Bruellet Township wns Ww born within one mile of where he now lives, Feb. 28, 1842 and reared upon the same farm. His life has been spent in a comparatively uneventful manner, during which he has been con- tinuously engaged in farming pursuits with the exception of the time which he spent as a soldier in the Union Army. During that period he made for himself the record of a brave and faithful patriot and has the satisfaction of feeling that he contributed in effecting the peace and freedom which the nation enjoys to-day. The name of no soldier, however humble, should be omitted from the list of those who cheerfully volunteered to risk their lives in the service of their country. Our subject is the offspring of a good family, being the son of Abraham Wilkin, who was born in Highland County, Ohio. 1 1 is paternal grand- father first opened his eyes to the light in the Shenandoah Valley, Ya., whence he emigrated with his parents when but a boy to Ohio, settling among the earliest pioneers of Highland County, PORTRAIT AND UK M IRA PIIICAL ALBUM. 921 where he was reared to manhood, was married ami became the father of a family. He lived there until 1837, then coming to this county, purchased a farm after which lie returned home and sold his Ohio farm to a Kentuckian" lie sent his son, Abraham, to Kentucky to get the money with which to pay for a farm in this county, to which the family emigrated overland in wagons. They were soon joined by Abraham with the money, he having come on horseback from Kentucky. This moiie\ was invested in a tract of wild land, the only improvement upon which was a log cabin which for some years afterward remained the abode of the family and until they could put up a frame house. Upon reaching man's estate Abraham Wilkin was united in marriage with Miss Hannah, daugh- ter of Samuel Littlelield, also a pioneer of this county. William T., our subject, was their first- born and three other children completed the house- hold circle. He and his sister, Mary E., are the only survivors. The mother died at the home- stead about 1847. Mr. Wilkin later was married to .Miss .1 nlia Stanfield and to them there were horn two children, both now living. The second wife died at the home farm. The father of our subject married for his third wife Miss Elizabeth Morgan and they became the parents of eight children, four of whom are living. The father died Dec. 10, 188u at the age of sev- enty years. Our subject remembers hearing his grandfather Littlefield tell of the time when In- dians weie numerous in this region and the white settlers few and far between. He worked on the farm with bis father until of marriageable age and then took to himself a wife and helpmate, Miss Catherine A., daughter of Levi Houston. Seven children were born to then and named respectively, Oliver M., Mary, Albert, Levi A., Genevera, Gray P... and Coral E. Mr. Wilkin is the administrator of his father's estate comprising a farm of 1 70 acres which is not yet divided. Besides his interest in this, his farm embraces 247 acres of well-improved land which he has transformed from a wilderness to a high State of cultivation and embellished it, with mod- ern buildings and all the conveniences required by a progressive agriculturist. He cast his first Pres- idential vote for Gen. Grant and is a stanch sup- porter of Republican principles. As an ex- soldier he belongs to Driskcll Post, No. 209 of Paris. The army experience of our subject commenced on the 24th of August, 18(11. when he enlisted in Company II., 29th Illinois [nfantry as a Corporal and served four years and three months. In the meantime he was promoted to Second Lieutenant and participated in many of the important battles of the war. He witnessed the attack upon Fort Donelson, although ill at the time and not being permitted to enter the ranks. Later he was at the battle of Shiloh and received a flesh wound in the neck. He went through the siege of Corinth and the second battle there, and was in many skirmishes in Tennessee. At Holly Springs, Miss., he was captured by the Rebels, but the latter were so closely pursued by the Union Cavalry that the prisoners were paroled and our subject among others was sent to St, Louis. After the surrender to Grant at Vicksburg, he joined his regi ni and was on guard duty along the Mississippi thereafter for about one year. Subsequently he joined in the Mobile campaign and was present at the capt- ure of Fort Blakely and Spanish Fort and the sur- render of Mobile. Next his regiment was ordered to Texas, remaining in that region until their final discharge and participating in various skirm- ishes. The paternal grandparents of Mrs. Wilkin were Joseph and Delilah Houston, pioneers of this county, where they spent their last days. -—■ -V- ^# -v- ARCELLUS KEYS. The time-worn maxim HI \\\ that " honesty is the best policy," is as truthful and forcible to day as when if was first uttered. It was taught Mr. Keys at his mother's knee, and it has been his watchword through life. While lie is the possessor of a good property, and is surrounded by all the comforts of life, be finds his chief satisfaction in the reflection that he has never defrauded any man, and through- out his whole career has sought to do unto others 922 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. as he would be done by. He is in the prime of life and in the midst of his usefulness, having been born Nov. 22, 1828, and is a native of Vermillion County, Ind. When our subject was but an infant, death called away his father, Isaac Keys, who had come with his newly married wife to Western Indiana dur- ing the period of its earliest settlement, from his na- tive Stale of Virginia. In the Old Dominion he had been married to Miss lngabou B. Spangler. Mrs. Keys, after the death of her first husband, was mar- ried to Otis M. McCulloch, a sketch of whom ap- pears in the biography of John Y. McCulloch. elsewhere in this volume. Isaac Keys had been a recruiting officer in the Black Hawk War, and served from the beginning until the end of the struggle. He was the father of three sons and three daughters, of whom Marcellus was the fifth in order of birth. Mr. Keys lived with his mother and step-father until a lad of ten years, then went to the home of his uncle, Thomas Keys, in Bond County, 111., with whom he sojourned about five years. Next he en- tered the store of Col. Baldwin, of Baldwinsville, as a clerk, and remained with him the long period of fourteen years. During this time he saved what he could of his earnings, and filially purchased his present homestead of his employer. With the latter he had engaged for the salary of $60 per year, but at the close, such hail been his faithful- ness and efficiency, that Col. Baldwin gave him $100. The year following young Keys contracted with his employer to receive #125 for his year's labor, and the Colonel paid him $175. This circumstance is a forcible illustration of the distinguishing traits of his character. In 1851, desirous of establishing a home of his own, he was united in marriage with Miss Eliza, daughter of Harrison Moss, who came to this county from Kentucky. The young couple started in life without any money, but by industry good management and close economy, our subject soon found himself on the high road to prosperity. He has now a fine farm of 2 10 acres, well improved, besides 110 acres in the same locality, and a farm of 200 acres elsewhere in the township. On the home farm is a tile factory, which Mr. Keys has conducted six years very successfully, and which is patronized largely by the farmers around. His land is largely devoted to stock-raising, Mr. Keys feeding his grain mostly to his cattle and swine. To this estimable couple there were born six children, viz.: Henry A., Erasmus S.. Abraham L., Thomas J.; Lucy, Mrs. John Arthur, a resident of Paris Township, and Mary E. His married children are located near the old homestead, and the fam- ily is recognized as amongthe best element of this community. * and has filled all the chairs and has been a representa- tive of the Grand Lodge four different times. lie and Mrs. Mason are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Ross, the eldest son. is a clerk. ^IfMOS G. CooK. Farming, which has be- @/-l come an art and a science, has been adopted /// IS by some of the most able and intelligent f men to be found anywhere. Especially is this noticeable in Central Illinois, a section of country possessing rich resources which could have been properly developed only by this class of men. Among them the subject of this notice stands in the front ranks, being possessed of more than ordinary capabilities, a thorough business man, a skillful farmer and usually successful in whatever he undertakes. We find him located on a well-tilled farm of 240 acres, occupying a portion Of Sections 11 ami 12, the residence being on tin- southwest quarter. Under the careful super vision of the proprietoi the land has become ex- ceedingly fertile, a mine from which may be gathered almost inexhauslable stoics. Mr. Cook has spent nearly his entire life in this county, having been born in Slratton Township, Aug. 6, 1859, and lived with his parents on the farm until a youth of eighteen years. In the mean- time he had pursued his studio in the common schools, but at that time entered Karlhain College at Richmond. Ind.. and after completing his stud- ies remained at home until reaching his majority. He then started out for himself and began farming on rented land until purchasing, in 18JSS, that which he now owns and occupies. In the meantime he tailored in partnership with his brother, and the two together operated a larger extent of land than any one man in this part of the county. For this purpose they supplied themselves with the best modern machinery, and Mr. Cook then, as now, kept himself thoroughly posted in regard to the devices which are constantly appearing in connec- tion with agriculture, and which makes farming to-day pleasurable as well as profitable. In addition to general agriculture Mr. Cook has given much attention to stock-raising, and has been considerably engaged in threshing, being owner of a •!. I. Case separator machine. In the interval he has effected many improvements upon his farm. repairing the buildings, making fences and laying a goodly amount of tiling. He has the whole un- der a good state of cultivation, with forest and fruit trees, and around the residence are the vari- ous little comforts and conveniences, which have so much influence in the happiness of a home, lie raises large quantities of grain and stock, also buys and feeds cattle, making a specialty of Clydesdale horses. In addition to the home farm Mr. Cook also operates, in company with his brother, a farm of 300 acres elsewhere, and employs sixteen horses and mules to operate the same. Considering the fact that he began life dependent upon his own resources and has received no financial assistance, il must be acknowledged that he has made excel- lent headway. He has never aspired to official preferment, but keeps himself posted upon National affairs and votes the straight Democratic ticket. A man of decided views and opinions he is not easily PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. turned when once his mind is made up. and in social and business life exhibits that firmness and self- reliance of character which invariably commands respect and admiration. The great-grandfather of our subject was Eli Cook, a native of North Carolina, and the owner of slaves and a large plantation. Isaac Cook, the father of our subject, was a native of Butler County. Ohio, and the son of James Cook, a Ninth Caro- lina planter, who emigrated to the Buckeye State at the age of twenty-one years, locating in Butler County, where lie was one of the earliest pioneers. He was successful in his labors as a tiller of the soil, and became owner of a large farm, near which grew up the prosperous town of Hamilton. He had been reared iu the doctrines of the Quaker faith, to which he clung tenaciously his entire life. Tlie father of our subject came to this county in 1859, and died at the advanced age of eighty-two years. The family is of English descent. The journey from Ohio to Illinois was made overland by team, the father of our subject bringing quite a quantity of live-stock with him. He first purchased land in Clark County, near the present site of Marshall, but lived there only about two years, selling out then and coming to this count}'. Here he located in Stratton Township, where he purchased 11)0 acres of land and lived 141011 it until 1861. Then selling out once mure he changed his residence to Prairie Township, where he carried on farming un- til near the time of his death, Sept. 9, 1887, at the age of sevent3'-two years. He was reared a (Qua- ker, and in politics was a strong Democrat. He had been prominent in his community, officiating as Justice of the Peace and holding other positions of trust and responsibility. Mrs. Susannah (Shannon) Cook, the mother of our subject, was born in Preble County. Ohio, in Febru- ary, 1824, and is the daughter of .lames Shannon, a native of North Carolina, where he owned a large plantation. I'pou leaving the Smith he settled in Butler County, Ohio, and later served as a soldier in the War of 1812, receiving an honorable wound in the side. Prior to this he had fought on the side of the colonists in the Revolutionary War. The Shannons were of English descent. In 1859 the father of Mrs. Cook left Ohio, and comin<> to this county located in Elbridge Township, where he accumulated some property r.nd died at the ad- vanced age of eighty-five years. He was an active member of the Baptist Church, an honest man and a good citizen. Mrs. Cook is still living, making her horn • with her son, our subject, and is now sixty-five years old. The parental family included eight children: A. Jackson, a resident of Bruellet Town- ship; Ellen (Mrs. Wright ), and Elizabeth, residents of Prairie Township; Eli and Catherine, living in lb -delict Township;William F. of Prairie Township; Amos G. and John E.. of the same. The many readers of this Alijum will be pleased to find else- where a valuable portrait of Mr. Cook. tl/ACOB SUNKEL. The substantial German pioneer made his appearance in Central Illi- nois very soon after its first settlement began and he has borne no unimportant part in developing its best resources. He brought with him those sturdy qualities which were most needed on the frontier and has steadfastly maintained his position among the best elements of its population. The subject of this notice is one of the most worthy representatives of his nationality, a man who has achieved success financially, through his persever- ing industry, and has in no less degree established himself in the esteem and confidence of his fellow- citizens. A native of the kingdom of Bavaria, our subject was born Aug. 19. 1845, and is the son of William and Margaret (Heinz) Sunkle who emigrated to the United States in 1847 when their son Jacob was little more than an infant. They had united with the Presbyterian Church in the Fatherland, in which they had been carefully trained and the doctrines of which had been faithfully followed by their an- cestors for generations. They became the parents of live children, four of whom are living and of whom Jacob, our subject, was the third in order of birth. William Sunkle in his native country followed farming pursuits, but after coming to America lived in the city of Zanesville. Ohio, a number of PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 929 years. Later he removed to a farm, then returned to town whore lie still sojourns. Jacob acquired his education at the primitive schools of the Buck- eye State and upon reaching manhood began laying his plans for the establishment of a home of his own, In 1869 he was married to Miss Margarel Burkey, a native of Muskingum County, Ohio, and whose parents were natives of Germany and Swit- zerland. In thespringof 1869 Mr. Sunkle made his way to [llinois and located on a rented farm in Buck Township, this county, where he operated several years. He commenced with a capital of $500 and is now the owner of 280 acres of valuable land upon which he has made excellent improvements. Our subject. like his forefathers, was reared in the doctrines of the Presbyterian Church, to which he faithfully adheres. Mrs. Sunkle was reared a Catholic which remains the church of her choice. Of this her parents wete members in Germany. Our subject and his estimable wife are the parents Of eight children, one of whom, Frederick A., died at the age of four years. The survivors are John \Y., Rosa, Frank. Alonzo, .Margaret, Josephine and Jacob. Mr. Sunkle votes the straight Democratic ticket and has held the office of Road Supervisor since the spring of 1887. ,z=^ FORGE F. HOWARD, editor and proprie- (|| tor of the Paris Daily and Weekly Beacon, ^J|( is a native of Camberwell, Surrey Co.. Eng- land, and was horn April 24. 1851. His education was commenced al the EInathan Academy, Brixton, in his native county, and finished at Rev. C. II. Spurgeon's Metropolitan College in London.' Holli his parents were of English birth, anil were named respectively Thomas Cumpton and Emma (Parker) Howard. The former, who was a solicitor attorney - at-law by profession, died when his son, George l'\, was bul four year- of age. The mother is yet liv- ing in England. After leaving college George secured employment in a wholesale paper ware- house, but at the age of seventeen determined to try his fortune in America, and accordingly came to New York. There he engaged in various kinds of work, trying his band, a ng other occupations al newspaper work and farming. He emigrated to Illinois in 1871, and locating in Paris, entered the employ of the Paris & Decatur Railway, which had then just commenced operations. With this corpo- ration he remained, occupying different position:. until 1880, being promoted through the various grades from timekeeper to storekeeper, and finally filling the responsible position of purchasing agent. In the year mentioned he resigned to accept the position of special railroad and traveling agent for the Travelers' Insurance Company, of Hartford. Conn., afterward giving that up and purchasing an insurance agency business in Paris, which he con- tinued until 188.'S. Mr. Howard in 1878 became interested in the A. O. U. W., and succeeded in working up Charity Lodge No. 100, of which he was the first P. M. W. He attended the Grand Lodge of Illinois in 1881, when he was appointed Assistant Grand Recorder, and has filled said position ever since. At the sol- icitation of friends in the order he bought, in 1883, their official organ, the Illinois Foreman, then pub- lished at Roodhouse, 111. He removed the office and business to Paris, changing the name to the Anchor and Shield, but in consequence of the pres- sure of business he gave the paper up in 1888. In January, 1886, Mr. Howard had bought the Pans Beacon, which journal was established in 1848, and is the oldest paper published in Paris, rts original title was the Volley lilaele. On the 12th of March. 1888, Mr. Howard issued the first number of his daily edition, named the Daily Beacon, whii h he has made a successful and influential journal. It is edited by himself with the assistance of a bright young newspaper man. Mr. William II. MacBcth, as local editor. The bachelor life of Mr. Howard came to an end September 14. 1877, when he was united in mar- riage with Miss Sophia A. Smith, daughter of Rev. George J. Smith. Both of the parents were of English birth, and had emigrated to Canada, where the mother died.. The rest of the family came to Paris some time after that event, in 1872. The father subsequently emigrated to Moorhead, Minn., where he yet lives. Airs. Howard was born al 930 PORTRAIT AND UK (GRAPHICAL ALBUM. White-parish, Wiltshire Co., England, Jan. 2, 1851. She is the mother of two children: Kniina Ada and Edgar George. Our subject has taken great interest in secret and beneficial societies, and is a member of several, as the K. of P., A. O. U. W., and I. O. (). F. In the latter body he has been Grand Master of the State of Illinois, holding that rank in 1887-1888, after passing through other responsible otliccs in the same body. He is now Junior Warden of Paris Lodge, No. 26$. A. F. & A. M.. and Senior War- den of Palestine Commandery. No. 27. K. T. He is also a member of the First Baptist Chinch of Paris, of which he is a Deacon, and has been Super- intendent of its Sunday-school for the past ten years. A gentleman of unblemished character and up- right life, Mr. Howard is highly respected in the community, in which personally and through his newspaper he wields an influence for good. \I7 EVI HOUSTON, a pioneer of 1 835, and who I ((d) became one of the best-known citizens of It— *Vi Bruellet Township, was bora in Bracken County, Kv., and emigrated to Illinois with his parents, Joseph and Delilah (Weldon) Houston, who were natives of Maryland. The latter accom- panied their parents to the Blue Grass State earl}' in life. Grandfather Levi Houston was a native of Maryland and spent his last years in Kentucky. Levi Houston. Jr.. was reared to manhood in this county and married Miss Lovina, daughter of Daniel and Catherine (Kline) Camerer. Mr. Cam- erer was born in Clermont County, Ohio. His wife's parents were natives of Westmoreland County, Pa., whence they emigrated to Ohio about 1807, five years after it had been admitted into the Union as a State. The father cleared a farm from the heayj timber, in the meantime occupying a log cabin for many years. The Camerer family left the Buckeye State in the fall of 1829, and once more took uptheirabode on the frontier, building up another farm from the wilderness. For some years thereafter this region was infested by Indians, especially in the fall when they were o>it on their hunting expeditions, camp- ing along the creeks. Chicago was at that time the nearest market and their milling was done on the Wabash River in Indiana. Our subject after his marriage located upon a tract of wild land from which he constructed a good farm, and there spent the remainder of his days, passing away in Febru- ary. 2887, at the age of seventy-three years. He had been greatly prospered, and at his death left a large farm of 800 acres, well improved, and upon which the widow and her son Daniel are still liv- ing. To Levi Houston and his estimable wife there were born six children, viz.: Vachel F.; Catherine, now Mrs. Wilkin, a sketch of whose husband appears elsewhere in this volume; Daniel J, Delilah; Frances Mrs. Martin Stratton, and Charles. The father was a member in good standing of the Baptist Church, while the mother inclined to the doctrines of the Methodist Episcopal Church, with which she has been identified for many 3'ears. In LS50 Mr. Houston crossed the plains to California and was absent two years. He was a quiet, peaceable, order- loving citizen, respected by his neighbors, voting the Republican ticket, and unambitious of office, although he represented Bruellet Township in the County Board of Supervisors ami also served as Commissioner. Daniel Houston is numbered among the substan- tial farmers of Bruellet Township and owns about 400 acres of the old home farm. He is largely en- gaged in breeding cattle and swine, and his land is improved with very good buildings, the residence being especially comfortable and substantial, with plenty of room. There is a good barn, and the other outbuildings are amply adapted for genera] farm purposes. Mr. Houston acquired his education in the district school and was trained to habits of industry and econom}'. He was married, in Bruellet Town ship, to .Miss Ida Kipps. whose parents. John and Mar- tha Kipps were natives of Ross County. Ohio, where they were reared and married. They came to Illi- nois at quite an early day, where their family was reared and of which Mrs. Houston was among the younger members. She was born in 1868 in Edgar County, and of her union with our subject PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. :i.", I there are two interesting children — Edith and lithe] . Mr. Houston is a Republican, politically, and is serving his second term as Road Commissioner. His estimable wife is a member of the United Brethren Church. -===c£*J!lfL*|,e IftS^R. SAMUEL 11. BRADLEY, physician and surgeon, is one of the pioneers of Hume, III., having been identified with the growth and development of the village since its inception. His father. Dr. John Bradley, was a native of Sohan, England, and his genealogj can lie traced back to the twelfth century, to the per- son Of Sir Walter Temple. The vast estate left by Sir Walter, which for some reason has not yet been claimed by his heirs, amounted to more than 70,000,000 pounds sterling in 1872, and is await- ing distribution pending the proper legal steps ne- cessary to be taken. The mother of our subject, Ruth M. Patrick, was a native of Iiardstown, Nel- son Co., Ky., her parents having come from Cork, Ireland, and settling in America in the early days of our history. In 1830, when a young woman, she came with her parents to Edgar County, set- tling on Clay's Prairie, where she remained until her marriage to Dr. John Bradley, then a rising young physician giving good promise of future usefulness. The father of our subject came to Edgar County when a young man and engaged in the business of cabinet making at Paris. After following this oc- cupation for some time he entered the office of Dr. Hopkins, one of the earliest physicians in the com- munity, and studied medicine. On the conclusion of his studies he located at Clay's Prairie, engaging in the practice of his profession. He built up a good practice at this place, but family troubles in- tervening caused a separation of himself and wife, she continuing', to reside on Clay's Prairie while he went to Missouri, where he built up an extensive practice and continued in his profession until his death. This union resulted in three chil- dren : William Thomas, Samuel II. and Stephen 11* William T. is a farmer residing near Marysville, Iowa; Stephen B. enlisted in the army and died in the -ervicc. The mother of our subject was again united in marriage to Mr. Keynes, the union result- ing in the birth of four children: Augustine, Henry. Ellen and Emma. Although about seventy years of age she still survives residing near Mo- nience, III. Samuel II. Bradley, the one of whom we write, is a native of Illinois. He was born Oct. 2."). 1839, at (lay's Prairie, this count}'. His early years were spent on a faun under the i rotcction of his mater- nal grandparents, to whoso care he was committed at the time of his mother's second marriage. His recollection of his father is confined to a single in- stance. Through the general lack of the apprecia- tion of the value of an education on the part of his grandparents, his schooling was limited to less than one year in the common schools. He studied well at home, however, and at the age of twenty years began to Study medicine under the direction of Dr. Young of Highland. Ind., continuing under him two years. About this time the war broke out and in response to Lincoln's call for 75,000 three months' men he enlisted in the 18th Indiana Regi- ment, Infantry. The quota being filled before the organization of the regiment was completed, it was not accepted under the first call, but by consent of its members was among the first of t lie Indiana regiments to enlist for three years. They were mustered in at Indianapolis Aug. 10, 1861, remain- ing in that city thirty days to drill, before being ordered to St. Louis Mo., where they were drilled thirty days more in Lafayette Park. They were then ordered to Jefferson City, where the regiment did guard and scouting duty. From Jefferson City the Regiment went to Southwest Missouri. It first engaged the Confederate forces at Pea Ridge, Ark., in which battle Dr. Bradley was struck by a minie- ball where his shoulder strap and licit crossed. After penetrating these two thicknesses of leather belts, it lost a large portion of its force and buried itself just beneath the skin at his back, after having splintered the right lumbar vertebra. He was ren- dered insensible, and left on the Held for dead, hut soon afterwards recovering consciousness, he pro- ceeded to follow up his command. His comrades were not a little surprised :it his appearance in their 932 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. midst, and he won their admiration for his courage by continuing to fight with them during the three days the engagement lasted, notwithstanding the fact that he still carried the bullet in his body. In the absence of a surgeon his captain attempted to remove the ball, but failing, it was not until sev- eral days after the battle that it was taken out by the regimental surgeon. Dr. Bradley continued in Southwest Missouri and Southwest Arkansas, par- ticipating in all the skirmishes and lights of that campaign, coming in frequent contact with the forces of Gens. Sterling Price, Mcintosh, Van Dorn and Gen. Ben McColloch. This regiment was then ordered to Helena, Ark., where it arrived in time to participate in the Vicksburg campaign. It was actively engaged in the battles of Magnolia Hill, Jackson, Champion Hills. Edward Station and Black River Bridge, and the siege of Vicksburg. At Champion Hills a minie-ball struck him in the region of the breast. Being a smoker he carried a tobacco pouch in his inside blouse pocket. The passage of the ball through this tobacco so impeded its progress that although passing through his ap- parel it did not pierce the flesh. Its force, however, felled him to the earth, where he remained uncon- scious for several hours. For many months after- ward he carried a reminder of it with him in the shape of a black and blue spot the size of a teacup. At Edwards Station the impetuous and fiery Gen. John A. Logan, in his desire to be in the front of the line of battle, rode his horse through the ranks knocking down and severely injuring one of Dr. Bradley's comrades. This aioused his indignation, »nd, Logan attempting another similar act, Dr. Bradley leveled his gun and threatened to shoot him off his horse unless he remained in the rear of the rank, where he belonged. A few years ago at a re-union at Tuscola, the Doctor met and shook hands with Gen. Logan. During the conversation that ensued he reminded him of the above incident. Gen. Logan replied: " I have good reason to re- member you, my boy." During the siege of Vicks- burg Dr. Bradley formed a part of the detail which did the tunneling under the Confederate works, called by the soldiers " ground hogging." He par- ticipated in the bloody engagement which followed the explosion of these underground mines on the 22d day of May, 1863. His command remained with the beseigers until the surrender of Pember- ton on the 4th day of July, which day was cele- brated by the victorious Union troops under theii unfaltering leader, whose motto was "unconditional surrender" by their triumphal entry into that ill- fated Confederate stronghold. The next service seen by him and his regiment was at Port Hudson, after the fall of which they were ordered to New Orleans. Then they wereordered to Berwick Bay, La. On reaching this place they embarked for the mouth of the Rio Grande. Shortly after their ar- rival they engaged the Confederates at Mustang Island. They were next ordered to Indianola, Tex., where they went into camp for the winter- While there the regiment, including our subject, re- enlisted for three years or during the war. After their re-enlistment they returned to New Orleans. Here they were given the choice of going with Banks up the lied River and on their return taking a ninety days' furlough, or relieving the detachment at Baton Rogue and taking a thirty days' furlough. They chose the latter. In the spring of 1864 Dr. Bradley came home on the long sought furlough with the rest of his regiment, Coming up the Mississippi on a boat he was stricken with pneumonia, which assumed an alarming type, and upon arriving at Indianapolis he was in a delirious condition in which state he remained for twenty -five days. His recovery was of necessity slow, and it was not until January, 1865, that he was able to rejoin his regiment, which was then at Savannah, (ia. During the time of his ill- ness his regiment had been re-organized and as- signed to the command of Phil. Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley, Va.: after which it was ordered to Savannah. Ga., to relieve Sherman's men. Dr. Bradley b^ing still in delicate health and unfit for active service, was detailed as Hospital Steward and placed upon detached duty. In this capacity he had opportunities to render favors and gain friends. An incident of more than ordinary im- portance happened to him at this time. Dr. C. II. Todd, a Confederate surgeon and brother of Mrs. Abraham Lincoln, wife of the martyred president, being a prisoner in Savannah and desirous of ob- taining a speedy parole, was assisted in doing so PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 933 by Dr. Bradley. As n mark of appreciation of this kind act ho gave Dr. Bradley an order upon a friend for a pannier containing sundrj surgical in- struments and medical works. The officer in com- mand, a Frenchman, Dr. Boschie, learning that our Subject hail these things in his possession, ordered them sent to headquarters. The doctor, however. retained three of the medical works, which are now very highly prized by him as relies of the late war. A fly leaf in one of the volumes contains the following inscription in autograph: " C. II. Todd, C. s. A., 6th Louisiana Regiment, Hays' Brigade, Camp Raccoon Ford, Army of Northern Virginia." The war closing, Dr. Bradley was mustered out at Darien. Ga., and received his final pay and hon- orable discharge at Indianapolis. After more Mian four years of service Dr. Bradley returned to the pursuits of peace, broken down in health. Until within a year he has been a sufferer from frequent hemorrhages of the lungs, the right one of which is nearly gone and partially useless. Being, how- ever, of a clear ami energetic nature, Dr. Bradley, notwithstanding his delicate health, resumed the study and practice of his chosen profession, study- ing under Dr. Davis of Palis for eighteen months. lie received his first license as practicing physician in the winter of 1867. He entered into partner- ship with Dr, Grimes, of Jones, Ind., practicing with him for three years, exhibiting great aptitude and proficiency. His next step was to go back to Clay Prairie, where he opened an office and began practicing for himself. Dr. Bradley was married April I I. 1869, to .Miss Sarah Grimes, daughter of Dr. Grimes. .Mrs Bradley was born in Sarahsville, Noble Co.. Ohio. The family removed to Missouri before the war, on the breaking out of which they were compelled to llee for safety, and took refuge at Jones. Ind. During the war Mrs. Bradley taught school before leaving Missouri. When she was but fifteen years old she became a. teacher in the public schools of that State, but left it with her father in 1861. After her marriage she continued teaching more or less for some years, liefore the depot was located at Hume Dr. Bradley was induced to come and locate, which he did. and is thus the pioneer physician of Hume. The Doctor lias ever taken a deep interest in the' development of the village. He has buill his office, and filestore immediately north of it which i- occupied by the milliner. He has also built a nice plain residence which i- lo- cated near the central part of the town. Dr. ami Mrs. Bradley are the parents of seven children, three of whom are Using — Daniel Yor- hees, Rosebud Anna and Ruth. In [lis medical practice the Dr. has been very successful, and he is now at the head of a large ami satisfactory practice. The Doctor expends every year a great deal of his earnings in increasing his large and valuable library, containing many standard and medical works, and also in furthering medical and surgical science. He is well supplied with surgical apparatus, and has had marvelous success in the treatment of cases arising in an extensive general practice. The Doctor is a prominent member of the Alexander G. A. R. Post. No. 413. He has held the position of surgeon in it ever since its being chartered. In matters pertaining to local politics the doctor aims to vote for men and meas- ures. In national issues he casts his ballot with the Democratic party, lie has many and warm friends. \l ON. GEORGE E. BACON, Attorney-at- Law and Senator from the Thirty-first Dis- trict, has been a resident of Edgar County <0; since ls.'iT. He was born in Madison, Ind., Feb. 4, 1851, and is the sou of Alfred and Emma (Salmon) Bacon, both descendants of excellent families. The I'.aeou family was represented in an early day in New Jersey, where .lame- Bacon, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was horn, .•md whence he removed to Madison. Ind., where he engaged as a butcher and spent the remainder of his days, passing away in 1858. Grandmother Eliza Brown) Bacon, was a native of Kentucky, the Blue Grass State, and is still living, at the age of seventy-seven years, in Madison, Jef- ferson Co.. Ind. Her three children living are: Nathan and .lames, who are farming in the vicinity of Madison, and Eliza, the wife of Wade Melton, 93 i PORTRAIT AND BIOC.RAPIIICAL ALBUM. who sre residents of that city. Alfred Bacon, the father of our subject, was born at a place called Ryker's Ridge, near Madison, Ind.. June 27, 1824. lie was brought up on a farm and learned the trade of butchering from his father. lie lived with his parents until his marriage, and for a short time before removing in the spring of 1855, to Coles County. 111., was in business in Madison. Finally he purchased a farm, which he occupied two years, then removed to Kansas, Edgar County, where he resumed butchering, in which he was engaged until his death, which occured on July 2G, 1889. In Madison, Jefferson Co. Ind.. occurred the marriage of Alfred Bacon, in 1849. with Miss Emma Salmon. Mrs. Bacon was born, in 1834, in Covington. Kv.. where her father, Jacob Salmon, operated as a rea'-estate dealer. She died in Kan- sas, this county, .June 11. 1882. Alfred Bacon was a plain everyday man. an excellent representative citizen, thoroughly honest, upright and straight- forward in all his dealings. lie has never taken a leading part in public affairs and has never held, or wished to hold, political office, although a stanch supporter of the Republican party, which he joined at its formation. He was a member of the Christian Church, with which he united under the adminis trations of the Rev. W. F. Black. To Mr. and Mrs. Bacon there was born a family of ten children, seven of whom are deceased: Olive, became the wife of Sylvester Oar. a blacksmith of Kansas, where she died Nov. 14, 187G. and where Mr. Oar is yet living; Alfred J., died in Coles County, in childhood; Eliza, Charles, Laura, Orson 0- an d Lillie May all died young. The sur- vivors are our subject; Clarence Logan, who is a horse buyer and living in Kansas, this county, where he has a large establishment, also in Newark, N. J . supplying horses for the New York market; James Edgar, a resident of Newark, in his brother's employ as manager of his barns. Oeorge E. Bacon was a lad of but four years when his parents came to Illinois, and spent his youth in Kansas, attending school there, after which he became a pupil of the Northwestern Christian University at Indianapolis and Eureka College in Woodford County. In 1877, he was Assessor of Kansas Township and afterward studied law in the office of Col. II. Van Sellar, in Paris, in 1878. Next he attended the Union College of Law at Chi -ago, and was admitted to practice by the Supreme Court of Ottawa. June 19, L879. Re- turning to Paris, he began the practice of law in 1880, and on June 14 that same year was nominated by acclamation by the Republican County Conven- tion for the office of State's Attorney, without his solicitation, he not being a candidate. The county has about 300 Democratic majority, but Mr. Bacon came within 160 votes of election. He has been engaged in the practice of his profession at Paris since his admission to the bar. In 1882, Mr. Bacon was elected Police Magistrate of Paris for a term of four years, but at the expir- ation of three years resigned the office in order to give his entire attention to his Increasing practice In the fall of 1886 he was nominated by the Repub- licans of the thirty-first Senatorial district, com- prising the counties of Edgar and Vermilion for the honorable position of State Senator, and has just completed his term, serving in the sessions of the General Assembly of 1887 and 1889. He was on a large number of committees, serving upon nine of these during the first session. He acted as chairman of the Committee on State Library and of the Committee to visit State Charitable Institutions. The other committees upon which |,e served were the Judiciary and Judicial Departments, Appro- priations, State Charitable Institutions. Penal and Reformatory, Railroads, and Mines and Mining. In the session of 1889, Mr. Bacon was Chair- man of the Senatorial Caucus, and was. therefore, also Chairman of the Joint Republican Caucus which re-nominated United States Senator Cullom. He was Chairman of the Committee on Printing; was on the Judiciary Committee, the Committee on Judicial Departments, Penal and Reformatory, Mines and Mining. Federal Relations, Agriculture and Drainage. Mr. Bacon bore during his legis- lative career an excellent reputation as a careful, painstaking and hard working senator, jealous of the rights of his constituents, whom he served ably and faithfully with credit to himself and very satisfactorily to the people he represented. Our subject was married Nov. 30, 1880, to Miss Ida May, daughter of O. O. and Mollie M. (Mil- 1 * - ■ Residence of W.F.Banta, S ec. 32.., Prairie Town shir 1 Residence of A.W.Mark, Sec. (5.. Edcer Townshir PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 937 cli el I) Reed, of Paris, 111., but who arc now living in Kansas, this county, where Mr. Reed is engaged in business as a photographer. .Mr.-. Bacon was horn iii Grand View, Ind., May 1. 1860. They have two children, Paul Breese and Ruth. Mr. Bacon is a member of Austin Lodge, No. 664, LO.O. F.-, of I'aris. and was representative of his lodge to the Grand Lodge two terms; he also belongs to Charity Lodge, No. 100. A.O.U.W., and is its present representative to the Grand Lodge, lie and his wife are members of the Christian Church at Paris, and he hears among his fellow citizens the reputation of an honorable, upright and straightforward man. Vet a young man. Mr. Bacon has a future before him, which his many friends hope may lie tilled with honors and g(K>d npute. As a political speaker Mr. Bacon stands in the front rank in the State of Illinois, and is also a favorite speaker at soldier's re-unions throughout the State. — >■* .o*o..g5JA><\^v3..<*»o.. <■ — «^J NTHONY \V. MARK. The early sur- roundings of an individual are most likely to determine his character for the future. The youth who is compelled by circum- stances to work hi- own way up in the world, is the one who usually develops into the most worthy and honorable manhood. The experience at the time may have seemed somewhat hard, but it usually brings to the surface those qualities which make a man strong anil self-reliant, enabling him to breast the storms of life with courage and en- durance. These are the men wdio form the bone ami sinew of a community, and from which spring its best elements. We find Mr. Mark a selfmade man, and one of the leading citizens of Edgar Township, the owner a line property comprising 200 acres of land on section 15, eight acres on section 17, 131 j acres in Shiloh and 160 acres in Osborn County, Kan. When it is remembered that this property is the accumulation of his own industry, and that he re- ceived no financial assistance from any source, it must be admitted that he has made good use of his time and opportunities. lie was born near Washington, Fayette Co., Ohio., Feb. 6, 1826, and here spent his early life, being put to work on a farm as soon as he was able t<> carry a bundle of brush. Ilis education was obtained during the winter season in a log cabin, built in the most primitive style, and under a system of instruction far inferior to that of the present day, ami con- ducted on the subscription plan. lie grew up familiar with all the hardships and privations of pio- neer life, and remained under the home roof until a young man of twenty-four years. Young Mark began business for himself on a tract of rented land in his native township, where he operated two years. By arduous industry and the most economical manner of living he in due time found himself. on the road to prosperity. In the meantime he was married. June both friends and strangers possessing a love for antiquities. A line view of Lhe cozy home d!' Mr. and Mrs. Banta is presented elsewhere in t lie Album, and in it they welcome and hospitably entertain tluir many friends, including both old and young, for miles around. « SALTER G. BE ALL, r| 'liis y \/~\I/> Uprising farmer althougl Vx? of Ross Township but i ALTER G. BEALL, r, 'liis young and en- 1 a resident one year, is recognized as one of its most useful and enterpris- ing citizens and it is evident that lie will con- tribute his full quota toward its general prosperity and advancement. Nature lias endowed him with more than ordinary capacities." it h an excellent judg- and sound common sense, and the perseverance which almost invariably leads to success in what- ever his judgment justifies him in undertaking. lie has a fine farm of 2 Hi acres lying on sections 1 1 and 12 with his home on the latter, and seems to have a thorough knowledge of the best manner in which to ci induct his farming operations. Mr. Beall was born near El rod, Ripley Co., Ind., Feb. 23, 1858, and spent his boyhood and youth amid the quiet scenes of farm life, attending the common school and remaining under the home roof until a youth of sixteen years. In 1874, de- termined to see something of the world, he set out and crossing the Mississippi into Clark County. Mo., engaged to work on a farm but only staid there one month. We next find him in Hancock County, III., near Nauv engaged as before until the fall of 1874. From there he emigrated to Jasper County, Iowa, where he sojourned until January, 1K7!). still following agricultural pursuits. He now returned to his home in Indiana, but in the fall of that year repaired to the vicinity of Philo, Cham- paign Co., III., where he engaged on a farm until the spring following. At this time, changing his occupation somewhat, our subject became a contractor on the Indianapo- lis, Cincinnati & St. I is Railroad, a narrow guage, putting up bridges from Vetersburg, Ind.. to Oakland. In 1881 he engaged in farming near Mctcalf for two years, Spending his winters in Danville as elerk in a hotel. In the fall of 1886 he established himself in a restaurant at Ridge Farm, operating with a partner under the linn name of Gault & Beall about one year. He next went to Dunning, as clerk in a hotel. In the spring of L888 he located on his present place, which was given to his wife by her father ntaining 190 acres and later securing fifty acres adjoining. His land is all under a good state of cultivation and watered by the north fork of the Iiruellct's Creek. He has a fine residence and all his other buildings are sub- stantial and in good repair. He operates throe teams in his farm work, raising large quantities of grain which he feeds mostly to his stock, including graded cattle and swine. Our subject was married in Covington, Ind.. June 6, 1887 to Miss Luella Clark. This lady was born in Ross Township and acquired a good edu- cation, being graduated from St. Mary's at Terre Haute. Ind. They are the parents of one child, a daughter, Elsie. Mr. Beall. politically, is a straight Democrat and. socially, belongs to the Masonic fraternity at Ridge Farm in which he is a Master Mason, and is a member of the Modern Woodmen in the same place. The father of our subject was William Beall, a substantial farmer of Ripley County, Ind. His paternal grandfather was of Scotch ancestry and one of the first settlers of Ripley County, where he labored successfully as a fanner and accumulated a good properly. In the spring of 1 863 William Beall was drafted into the army and served in an Indiana regiment until the close of the war. He contracted an incurable disease and died in 1865. He was also a stanch Democrat and an active member or the Baptist Church. The mother of our subject was, in her girlhood. Miss Elizabeth Whitcomb and was born in Ripley, Ohio. She came to Indiana, with her step-father and is still living in Ripley County, that State being now sixty-live years old. The nine children bom to the parents arc named respectively. James, Eliza, I leorge, I lain ill on, (deceased ). Mow K.. .Me- lissa. Waller C .. our subject ; John, (deceased |, and 942 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. Lewis. James served in an Indiana regiment dur- ing the late war from 1861 until its close. All the children living with the exception of our subject and Lewis, are residents of Ripley County, hid. The latter lives in Edgar County. 111. -5 ^ - ^ ' - ~*~ <£p; YRUS LEWIS. Many admirable characters (Ir^v, are developed amid the peaceful surround- ^^J' ings ol rural life, who sometimes are un- recoverable until some great emergency calls them forth from their retreat. Their leading qualities, however, may be guessed at by their sur- roundings, and to a great extent, the amount of their possessions. Mr. Lewis owns and operates 320 acres of land, finely located on sections 19 and 29, and which under his careful management as- sume the proportions of one of the best regulated farms in Ross Township. Mr. Lewis was born near Te ire Haute, Ind., .Ian. 1, 1834, at the modest homestead of his parents, where he became familiar with farm pursuits and at- tended district school two months in the year. His first studies were conducted in a log house with slab benches and puncheon floor and the system of in- struction was largely in keeping with the temple of learning and its surroundings. There was little of elegance or style in those days, and the sons of the pioneer farmers were at an early age introduced to hard work, but they grew up strong and self-reliant and well fitted for the battle of life. Young Lewis remained a member of his father's household until twenty-two years old. then com- menced farming for himself on rented land. In 18G1 he determined upon a change of location and started out overland with a team for this county with a capital of $700. He purchased 2 III acres of hind on section 27. in Ross Township, where he engaged in farming two years, then sold out and bought eighty acres of his present homestead. He was prospered and gradually added to his real estate until it assumed its present proportions. His land is finely watered by Bruellet's Creek, and is fenced and cross-fenced with hedge which presents a most beautiful appearance, especially during the summer season, lie has underlaid a goodly portion of his land with tile and the whole produces in abund- ance the rich crops of this region. He has a neat and comfortable residence, the main part occupy- ing an area of 22x32 feet with a wing 16x21 feet. The barn is 40x48 feet. There is a corn crib of goodly dimensions and all other appliances for the shelter of stock and the storage of grain. Mr. Lewis makes a speciality of graded Short-horn cat- tle and Norman draft horses, of which he keeps about twenty-four head, utilizing three teams on the farm, ami also raises a goodly number of swine each year. He is as thorough and skillful in his operations as a farmer, as he is upright and prompt in his business transactions. In Parke County. Ind., Mr. Lewis was married .March 1. 1860 to Miss Margaret Overpeck. This lady was born there and died at her home in this county in 1874. Of the three children born of this union, the eldest, Laura J., is the wife of Charles lloiilt of Ross Township; Ella M. and Sadie A. are at home with their father. Mr. Lewis contracted a second matrimonial alliance. July 29, 1875 with Miss Margery M. Law. who was burn in Shelby County, Ind, acquired an excellent educa- tion and thereafter followed the profession of a teacher. Of this marriage there were also born three children — George C, John A. and Maggie L. The warm interest which Mr. Lewis has always taken in the temperance movement finally resulted in his identifying himself with the Prohibition party. He has served as Assessor and Collector one year each, and been a Director in his School District for several years. In religious matters lie inclines tu the doctrines of the Methodist Episco- pal Church, in which he officiates as Class-Leader at Cherry Point, and Assistant-Superintendent of the Sunday-school. He has also been Steward and Trustee and contributed liberally to the support of the church. He keeps himself well posted in re- gard to matters generally of interest to the intelli- gent citizen and is of that genial and compan- ionable disposition which naturally attracts to him a great many friends. Isaac Lewis, the father of our subject, was a na- tive of Virginia, and the son of Jonathan Lewis. who was a Virginia farmer, and who emigrated to PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 943 Highland County, Ohio, during the early settle- ment of that State, lie took up a tract of Gov- ernment land, where he farmed for a few years then pushed on further west to VigoCounty, Lnd., where he settled in 1829 on rented land. Thence he removed to Parke Comity, in the same State, where he secured L60 acres of land ami spent his last (lavs, living to attain the age of seventy-six years. He was of Welsh descent. The father of our subject, when a young man settled first in Vigo County, lnd., but later entered land in Parke County, where he carried on farming and stock raising, driving his stock to Chicago be- fore the days of railroads, lie became the owner of 360 acres of improved land, ami died in 1867 al the age of sixty-seven years. He was a sound Republican, politically, and a prominent member of the .Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he served as Class-Leader and which he gave a cheer- liberal support. The mother, Mrs. Margaret (Shoumaker) Lewis, was of German descent and a native of Virginia. She died al the homestead the same year as her husband, and like him was a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They were the parents of twelve children, nine of whom lived to mature years. Mary A. is deceased; San- ford and Melincla are residents of Parke County, lnd; ( yrus. our subject, was the sixth child; Emily resides in Wilson County, Kan.; John is deceased; Margarel and Phebe are residents of Parke County, lnd.; David, who was next to the youngest, lives in Moultrie County, this State; he served in an Indiana Uegiinciit three years during the late ('nil War. AMES D. BARR, Deputy County Treasurer of Edgar County, is a son of one of its old native residents and the grandson of Michael 'I I I'.arr. an early settler, who came here in 1829. He and his wife were born in Bourbon County, Ky.. where they lived until 1812. That year thev emigrated to Davis County. lnd.. and thence came to this county, settling upon a tract of wild land in what is now (! rand View Township, where they improved a farm. Mr. I'.arr departed this life March 17. I*?:'., at the age of seventy- three years, having been bom in the opening year of the nineteenth century. Grandfather Barr was the firsl Supervisor of (Jrand View Township, and was an active man in everything tending to the public good. Like his brother pioneers he endured many hardships 1 trials, the relation of which to his descendants in later years, proved not only of interest to them but a source of satisfaction to himself. In the early days he frequently drove through to Chicago with produce when that now great city was an unim- portant village, giving no indication of its future. Grandmother I'.arr died many years before her husband. The worthy couple were the parents of nine children, of whom five are living. James oc- cupies the old farm in GrandView Township; Michael V. is a grain-buyer living in Muck Town- ship; Hugh is farming near the old homestead, where he was born; Hannah is the wife of Rev. Silas Moffatt, of Kansas; Susanna married Thomas Mays, in honor of whom was named the station on Terre Haute ife Peoria Railroad. Andrew J. Barr, the father of our subject was born at the old homestead in Grand View Township. March 25, 1839J andjwas educated in the common schools of that day and in his earlier years occu- pied himself as a teacher. lie also assisted his father on the farm and lived with his parents until his marriage at. the early age of twenty years. Soon afterward young Barr began fanning on forty acres of land given him by his father, and which the latter had entered for him in Embarras Town- ship, as the boy, not being of age, could not enter it himself. There he erected a house containing one room sixteen feel square, and entered upon the career which placed him among the leading men of his neighborhood, lie possessed a large frame ot greal strength and was familiarly known by tie 1 name of ••Hickory." lie worked hard, lived with- in his means and added to his real estate until he owned a handsome and well improve I farm of 100 acres, which is still in possession of his heirs, There he spent his years until his election to the Office of County Treasurer, when he removed to Paris, where his death took place Dec. l'.".. 1885. For some years prior to his death the father of 914 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. our subject had been engaged as a grain-buyer ;it Red mon, where he became prominent in the com- munity and assisted largely in building up the town. He held many of the township offices, the first being that of Collector, in which he officiated several terms. Later he represented the county a number of terms in the County Board of Supervis- ors. He was popular among all classes and an ar- dent adherent of the Democratic party, by which he was nominated in 1887 for the position of County Treasurer. He filled this acceptably, and two years later was re-elected. Under a change in I he law be held over a year, thus serving as Treas- urer five years, with great credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. He was successful in all bis business adventures, honest, upright and conscientious, and accumulated a competence. Al- though not a church member he was a supporter of all moral and religious movements, and was especially a friend of the Young Men's Christian Association, to which he contributed regularly and liberally. Socially he belonged to the Masonic fraternity. Andrew .1. Barr was married Oct. 2, 1859, to Miss Maria R., daughter of Barnett and Ann M. (Morrow) Thomas, the former born in Hamilton Count}', Ohio, and the latter a native of Kentucky. The Thomas family were early settlers of Clark County, this State, whence the}' removed to Edgar Count}'. Mrs. Barr was born in that county in 1842. She is making her home in Paris, her un- married children living with her. To her and her husband there were born five children, one of whom died in infancy, and Charles Edgar died at the age of eleven years. The survivors are: James D., our subject, Lillie M. and Harry I., the two latter living with their mother. The subject of this sketch was born on the home farm in Kiiibarras Township, Sept. 8, 1801, and lived there until seventeen years of age, attending school in the neighborhood. Upon the removal of his parents to Paris he began attending the High School, which he afterward left to assist his father in the Treasurer's office, being employed there by the latter during the last three years of his term, which ended in 1882. In this place he acquired a good business education. After leaving it he took charge of the farm lor bis father until the latter's death and then administered upon the estate. In December, 188G, he was appointed Deputy County Treasurer by J. B. Wood, a position for which his previous experience had peculiarly fitted him and which he still holds. The marriage of our subject with Miss Haltie Wilson was celebrated at the bride's home in Paris March 15, 1883. Mrs. Barr was born April 25, 1864, in Edgar Township, and is the daughter of Thomas anil Elizabeth Wilson. The two children born of this union are a son and daughter. Karl and Edna. The family occupies a neat home in the southeastern part of the city and enjoys the esteem and confidence of its best people. f, OHN STAFFORD. The name of this gen- cannot be properly omitted from a work de- signed to represent the solid and represen- tative citizens of Edgar County. He has been a lifelong agriculturist, gleaning his first experience in the Blue Crass State where he was born, in Johnston County, Feb. 17, 1821. There likewise he received his early education and was married. His parents. John and Polly (Davis) Stafford, were natives of Giles County, Va., whence they removed to Kentucky at an early day where they spent the remainder of their lives. They were devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, most worthy and excellent people who trained their children carefully and exercised a good influence in their community. The paternal grandfather of our subject, Ralph Stafford, it is believed, was of Irish ancestry and he served as a soldier in the Revolutionary War. He was wounded in a cavalry charge from the ef- fects of which be died a few years later. John Stafford, of this sketch, was married in his native county to Miss Mary Caviet whose father, Ezekiel Gaviet, a native of New York State, changed his residence to Kentucky when a young man. Later he married Miss Sarah Chapman and they spent their last years in Kentucky. They were members of the Baptist Church. To our subject, and his es- /y^^^<^O^yCA^^ PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. Ill 7 tiraable wife there were born seven children, all natives of Kentucky, namely: Sarah, (Mrs. Jacob Dawson), Ezekiel, Mary J. and Lydia D., deceased; John, Julia II., now Mrs. Henry David, of Bruel- Ict Township and William D. In ls7."> our subject with his family came to this county and located on the farm which has since been the homestead. It is 1G0 acres in extent and under the wise management of the proprietor yields in abundance the richest crops of Central Illinois. Mr. Stafford is assisted in its operation and management by Ins son William, who has forty acres adjoining. Mr. and .Mrs. Stafford are mem- bers in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The father of our subject was a Justice of the Peace for forty-five years and originally be- longed to the old Whig party. OllN V. SUDDUTH. The subject of this sketch is pursuing the even tenor of his way at a comfortable homestead on section 3, Hunter Township, where he is recognized as a peaceful and law-abiding citizen, content to perform the ditties of every-day life, making little stir in the world and striving to exert a good inllu- ence over those by whom he is surrounded. A native of old Virginia, be was born May 14, 180:5, and when a mere child was taken by his mother, Leanna (Young) Sudduth, to Kentucky, where he was reared to manhood, and where the mother spent her last days. His father, George Sudduth. had died in Virginia. After her removal to Kentucky the mother of our subject was married a second time, to a Mr. Crigler, who died a few years later, leaving bis widow with a family of five children, all by the first marriage. These she kept together until they were able to do for themselves. John V.. our sub- ject, was mostly employed in farming pursuits, and when reaching man's estate was married, in Ken- tucky, to Miss Sarah Crow, a native of that State, and bis mother thereafter made her borne with them until her decease. The paternal grandfather Of our subject was George Sudduth. Si\. also a native of Virginia, and who spenl his last days in that State. In Kentucky there was born to our subjed and his wile one child, a son. Walter. They continued residents of the Blue Grass State until 1831, then emigrated to Indiana and located in Danville, where Mr. Sudduth engaged in the manufacture of wagons and carriages about four years. lie then changed the field of bis operations to ( ireencastle. Ind., fol- lowing the same business, but in 18 H) came to this county and located on a rented farm. Indue time he entered from the government apart of the land which be now owns and occupies. He has now 200 acres, which he has brought to a good state of cul- tivation and upon which he has made all the im- provements which now embellish it. H was mostly a timber tract with large quantities of undergrowth when he took possession, and it has required no small amount of time and labor to bring it to its present condition. After the removal of our subject and bis wife to this county the household circle was enlarged by the birth of eleven more children. Besides Walter, alieady spoken of, and now a resident of this town- ship. Benjamin was born in Indiana, and is now in Edgar County; Matilda is the widow of Bartholo- mew Whalen, and since the death of her husband has lived with her father; Letitia and Garrett arc deceased; William lives in Kdgar County, and Alonzo in Hume. III.; Sarah A. became the wife of John T. Craig, and is now deceased; Margaret married Dr. Darby, and is a resident of Hunter Township; John is deceased; Otis lives in this township; Emma is deceased. John, Garrett, and Walter served as Union soldiers during the late Civil War, and the first mentioned met his death ou the battlefield at Franklin, Tenn. Waller was in the army over three years, and his health was undermined by hardship and privation. Mr. and Mrs. Sudduth have traveled the journey of life togetJier for the long period of fifty-nine years, and labored with one mutual purpose in building up their home, ever keeping in view the best interests of their children. Without display or ostentation, they live peaceably and comfortably, and have sufficient to maintain them in their old age. Politically Mr. Sudduth is a Democrat, and 948 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. east bis first Presidential vote for Jackson, having steadily maintained his first principles since that time. He identified himself with the Masonic fra- ternity more than twenty years ago, and is an ardent advocate of the principles of the brother- hood. A fine portrait appears elsewhere in this work of the aged man, the honored pioneer, the venerated citizen, whose life record has been ihus briefly out- lined. \ippIRST NATIONAL ■ The organization of a BANK of Paris, 111. Linking institution in any community, is usually indicative of its growing prosperity and importance; and it is usually effected by its most enterprising and ener- getic men — men, who possessed of forethought and an abundance of mental resource, are willing to risk their capital and give their time to that which does not benefit themselves only, as many suppose, bui which is of equal benefit to their community. No town or city of any importance can transact any degree of business without the aid of a bank of deposit and exchange, and to those men who have been foremost in establishing such an enter- prise, there is due much credit as being public bene- factors. The First National Bank of Paris was organized for business Any;. 12. 1865, with a capital of 180,000, having for its first President, Hon. Rich- ard B. Sutherland, and for its cashier Asa J. Baber. It enjoyed the confidence of the people from the start. Business accumulated so rapidly, that in 1870 it was thought advisable to increase the capi- tal to §125,000. which was done. In January of that year, however, Mr. Sutherland had resigned his position as President, and Mr. Baber was pro- moted to the place vacated by him. .Mr. William Siebert was then elected cashier, being promoted from the position of book-keeper, which he had held since the organization of the bank. Among the successful business men of Paris and vicinity who have served as directors of this bank from time to time, are the names of James A. Eads, Alexander Mann. Hon. Richard B. Sutherland, Judge James Steele, Lewis Shrader, John K. Boyer, Elvis P. Shaw, A. J. Baber, Adin Baber, William Siebert. and Hon. William P. Hole. Asa J. Baber being one of the charter members of the bank, was made cashier at that time, and served in that capa- city until KS70. and as President until August, 1885. A new organization was then effected with the same amount of capital, when Mr. Baber was again elected President, and Mr. William Siebert, cashier, which positions they still hold. James A. Kads was made Vice-President of the bank in 1870, ami still retains that position. In August, 1885, when the charter of the old bank had expired, quite a number of the original stockholders had died, and some had sold out, thus leaving very few of the charter members of the old bank to take stock in the new. Although the former had operated with marked success, it is excelled by the new, which is now one of the most promi- nent and solid institutions of its kind in Eastern Illinois. At the time of its re-organization, stock was secured by about thirty of the prominent busi- ness men and farmers of Paris and vicinity. Among them are Asa J. Baber, James A. Lads, E. P. Shaw. George Dole, Jacob Sholem, William Siebert. I). S. Selienek, Simon Hamburger, James Stewart, Adin Baber. William D. Marley, A. J. Barr, George W. Hughes, Charles W. Lowell. L. A. Augustus, Will- iam 11. Moss, Harrison Moss, Newton Stewart, Will- iam J. Hunter, Philip Bibo, R. G. Sutherland, Jesse Swango, D. 1). Huston, I. Q. Huston, Eunice C. Steele, A. B. Huston, Joshua Davis, and Edward Perkins. The following is a list of the directors of the new bank elected Aug. 13, 1885, and still holding their offices : A. J. Baber. James A. Eads, E. P. Shaw, Adin Baber, William D. Marley. Charles W. Powell, and William II. Moss. The new bank has continued to grow in popularity, and with the in- crease of business has been able to add quae respectable amount to its surplus fund, and its di posits have gradually increased until they nov amount to over §5011,000. Its present employ) are Walter S. Burt, assistant teller and general book-keeper; and the individual book-keepers are Albert Geohegan and Abraham Risser. Amos Ba ber attends to the collection department, and olli- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBl'M. :i i :i oiates as general clerk, assisted by Master Fred, son of A. .1. Baber. The bank owns the large brick building on the easl side of the public square, where it docs business, and in which it has one of the Largest and most solidly constructed vaults in the Wabash Valley. EiUGENE B. CRANDALL. This gentleman deserves honorable mention .-11110112: the ij promising young farmers of Shiloh Town- ship as one who, by 1 1 is integrity and correct hab- its, has secured the respect of his neighbors, and by his industry and skill as a farmer, bids fair to accumulate a good share of this world's belongings. He is successfully operating eighty acres of land on section 6, Shiloh Township, where he has made good improvements, having a very neat residence, and a g 1 barn with neat and substantial fences, and tin- other appliances of the well-regulated mod- ern estate. Being in the drainage district, it is well tiled, and the land exceedingly fertile. With its improvements his land has cost him over $70 per acre. It is all under the plow and very fertile. Stock-raising comprises his chief employment, ami the grain which he raises is mostly used for feed. The homestead is located nine and one-half miles from Paris. Mr. Crandall rents other land, and in all operates 1 10 aires, using three teams. In the fall he adds to his cash account by operating a steam thresher. Our subject has been quite prominent in local affairs, and is serving his second term as Commis- sioner of Highways. He has been Constable one year, is serving as School Director, and in politics votes the straight Democratic ticket. Socially, lie belongs to the A. O. V, W., and attends the Meth- odist Episcopal Church, of which bis estimable wife is a member. Mr. Crandall was born in Sims Township, Edgar County. Aug. 29, 181!), where he lived until twelve years old. His father then removed to Grand View Township, where the boy had ample oppor- tunity to develop his muscles on the farm, while his education was conducted in the winter school. He assisted in grubbing stumps and rolling logs, ami in tin' other labors incident to opening up a new farm. When sufficiently advanced in his studies, he entered the academy at Paris, and there completed his education. He remained at home until twenty-one years old, and thru started out in life on his own account, fanning on rented land. The life of our subject thus passed in a compara- tively uneventful manner until his marriage, which occurred Aug. 20, 1871. The maiden of his choice was Miss Lydia Becker, daughter of Varney Becker, a native of New York State, and a shoemaker by trade. Mr. Becker was an early settler of Paris when its present site was occupied by a very few house.. He opened up a shop, and followed his trade for a number of years, then invested a por- tion of his capital in a stock of groceries. He finally branched out as a merchant, and became one of the leading business men of the city, lie accumulated a good property, and retired from active business about four years prior to his death. He was a sound Democrat, politically, and a prominent mem- ber of the Baptist Church. Mrs. Catherine (Hurst) Becker, the mother of our subject, was born in Virginia, and was the daughter of Nathaniel Hurst, a blacksmith by trade and who served in the War of 1812. He came to Illinois at an early period in its history, and lo- cated in Grand View. Edgar County, where lie fol- lowed his trade until his decease. The mother is still living, and makes her home in Paris. The pa- rental family consisted of three children — Robert, John, and Lydia. Robert died when about nine days old, and John died at the age of twenty-eight years. Lydia, Mrs. Crandall. was born in Paris, and there reared to womanhood, remaining with tier mother until her marriage. John Crandall. the father of our subject, was a native of the Empire State, where he was reared to manhood, and thence emigrated to Illinois, locating first in Whiteside County. He lived there a num- ber of years, and was engaged in selling clocks. Later he became interested in the patent right busi- ness, and began traveling quite extensively. He finally concluded that Edgar County was the garden spot of Illinois, and accordingly established himself in Sims Township, where lie was one of the 950 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. early settlers. Not long afterward lie located on a farm, operating as a renter until 18G1. Thence he removed to Grand View Township, and purchased forty acres of forest which lie cleared and improved and whereon he established a home which he occu- pied until his death, in February, 1882. His genial and obliging disposition always made friends for him wherever he went. lie had been reared a Quaker, and steadfastly adhered to the principles of his early training as long as he lived. The mother of our subject was in her girlhood Louisa Cassaday. She was born in Kentucky, and was the daughter of Daniel Cassaday, a native of Virginia. Mr. Cassaday, upon leaving his native State, removed into Kentucky, where he was one of the earliest settlers, and engaged in farming. Later he pushed on westward, and coming to Edgar County, 111., secured land in Sims Township, and in a few years, by adding to his real estate, became one of the most extensive land owners in this re- gion. He was likewise successful as a farmer, and as a business man, possessed more than ordinary ability. He departed this life in Sims Township, about 1859. The mother is still living upon the old homestead, and is a member in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The parental family included three children only — Eugene B , our subject; Frank, a resident of Grand View Town- ship; and DeWitt, who died when about eight years old. To our subject and his estimable wife there have been born six children, viz: Fred, Bessie, Gertrude, Ethel, Clara L., and Nellie jp5}I)WAUl) P. KNIGHT. A well-tilled farm of fifty-eight acres on section 24, Shiloh ■Sj Township, comprises the homestead of this gentleman, who is a Pennsylvanian by birth, his childhood home being in the vicinity of Phila- delphia, where he first opened his eyes to the light Dee. 25, 1835. He was given very good school advantages, and when a youth of sixteen years commenced an apprenticeship at. the miller's trade, which he followed almost continuously until 1865, having during the last few years a mill of his Dwn. ] Finally, leaving his native State, our subject removed to Parkersburg, Va.. where he prosecuted milling two years. At the expiration of this time, he turned his steps toward the Farther West, and,] crossing the Mississippi with his family and his household effects, established himself on a farm in Crawford County, Mo. Not being quite satisfied; however, with that enterprise, he, in 1872, made his way to Edgar County. III., and located on the' partially improved farm where he now resides. Without making any pretentions to elegance or display, he lives comfortably and at peace with his neighbors, and manages to extract considerable pleasure therefrom. .Mi'. Knight, while a resident of the Old Do- minion, was married. Aug. I. 1869, to Miss Eliza, daughter of Daniel Wilkinson, who was a native of Annapolis, Md. Mr. Wilkinson was reared to manhood in his native place, and contracted a taste for mercantile pursuits, which he followed in Wheelingand Parkersburg. Va.,a number of years. Finally-, however, desirous of a change, he aban- doned merchandising and invested his capital in land, which he leased lo other parties for cultiva- tion. In the meantime he officiated as County Clerk of Wirt County, W. Va., for a period of seventeen years. He had received a good educa- tion in bis native city, and was thus well qualified for the duties to which he was afterward called. Mr. Wilkinson, however, in 1865 resigned his. clerkship, sold his land during the oil excitement and, coming to Illinois, purchased (180 acres of land in Edgar County. After farming one year in the Prairie State, he rented his land and went over into Crawford County, Mo., where he purchased land, and, with that which he operated, control led 300 acres until 1871. Then, disposing of his possessions in that State, he returned to Illinois, located on his farm in Edgar County, effected considerable im- provement, and here spent his last days, dying May 1, 1874. lie was a man of decided views and great force of character, and a stanch adherent of the Democratic party. Mrs. Eliza (Wilkinson) Knight was born in Parkersburg. W 1 Co.. W. Va.. March 18. 1811. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALlil'M. 95 I Her mother c I i e < 1 when she wms not qjiite two weeks old, and she was adopted by a cousin, with whom she lived until her marriage. Her union with our subject has resulted in the birth of seven children, viz: Bernard and Daniel ^twins), Elizabeth, Julian, Carolina, James and Edward. Mr. Knight, politi- cally, is a sound Democrat, but has never had a desire for the spoils of olliee. lie was upon one occasion elected Justice of the Peace, hut declined to serve. Paul Knight, the father of our subject, was a native of Pennsylvania and the son of Daniel Knight, likewise a native of the Keystone Stale. The latter followed farming and died there. The family is of English descent, and Quakers in re- ligious belief. Paul Knight, after reaching man's estate, became the owner of a farm, together with a saw and gristmill, and, in connection with his lumber business, was occupied with these his entire life. He owns Considerable real estate, having hind on the Black River, in .Michigan, ami else- where. Politically, he affiliated with the Demo- cratic party, and in religion, like his forefathers, was a i Quaker. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Elizabeth Perry. She was horn in Pennsyl- vania, and was the daughter of Edward Perry, a Pennsylvania Quaker of English descent and a farmer by occupation. Mrs. Knight came West, and died in Young America Township, Edgar Co., 111., in 1885, at the age of seventy-four years; she was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. There were horn to herself and husband two chil- dr< n, of whom our subject was bhe younger. The elder son, Allen, died when five years old. »^ eHARLES L. HOI. LEV, ex-Sheriff of Edgar County, and of the most prominent men within its precincts, is the owner of a good property, and has a pleasant home in the vicinity of Ferrell Station. Elbridge Township, lie was born in Vigo County, Ind., .Inly 2(1, 1840, and is the son of John and Sarah (Kirby) Holley, the former a native of Ohio, and the latter of Ken- tucky. They were married in Vigo County, hid., and settled in that State in 183G. They became the parents of three children, of whom Charles L., was the second horn. The other two are deceased. John Holley wms a blacksmith by trade, and was foully murdered while in his >h'>p at night, h\ a man named Eli Sparks, in 1842, near Swango Sta- tion, in Edgar County. The assassin was afterward senl to tin' penitentiary. The mother did not long survive her husband, dying in Elbridge Township, this county. Both were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our subject was thus left an orphan at a Very early age. hut he possessed great energj of character, and learned the blacksmith trade, which he followed for many years. In 1865 he was married to Miss Emily, daughter of Isaac Elledge, one of the pioneers of Sims Township, this county, anil a minister of the Christian Church. Mrs. Holley was born in Sims Township in 1846, and lit her union with our subject, there were born four children of whom only one is Living, a son, William V.. who i~ book-keeper for a wholesale linn in Austin. Tex. The deceased children are; Frank. Martha, and Isaac. The mother of these died in 1873, and their remains arc peacefully re- posing in Elledge cemetery. Mrs. Holley was a devout member of the Christian Church. Our sub- ject in 1874 contracted a second marriage with Miss Cornelia, daughter of Hailey Shirar, of Ohio, and continued blacksmi thing until 1876. That year he was elected Sheriff of Edgar County, ami re-elected at the expiration of his first term. When with- drawing from the olliee, he turned his attention to agriculture, ami purchased his present farm of 300 acres, which he has improved with good buildings and fences, ami brought to a line state of cultiva- tion. Mr. Holley politically, uniformly votes the Dem- ocratic ticket, and has held the various township offices including that of Supervisor and Collector for two terms each. To whatever position lie has been called, lie has given it his conscientious atten- tion, and proven a faithful and efficient officer. There are few enterprises in his township tending to hetter the condition of the people, to which he has not given a cheerful and cordial assent and assistance, Socially, he is identified with the Ma- 952 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. sonic fraternity, belonging to Edgar Lodge No. 91, at Paris, and has been sent as a delegate to the State Conventions. His religious views coincide with those of the Baptist Chinch. fflAMES SHANE, a brother of Abraham Shane, who is represented elsewhere in this volume, is one of the most highly esteemed citizens of Bruellet Township, and is the the owner of a well-developed farm on section 19, where he has labored to excellent advantage since 1849. His mind, like that of his father and brother has been piously inclined from his boyhood and he takes more satisfaction, perhaps, in his religious record than in that of any other achievement in life. He was born in Ross County, Ohio, six and one-half miles southeast of Chillicothe, April 28, 1817, and lived there until a youth of seventeen years of age. Then he came with his parents to Vermillion County, End., living there with them until 1819, in which year he removed to Edgar County, this State. The parents established a good home there where they sojourned a few years, then took up their abode with their son Abraham, where the father died at the age of eighty-nine years the mother having died in this county Sept. 1 1. 1868, aged eighty-one years. Upon coining West the parents of our subject were poorly equipped as to this world's goods, hav- ing only a few household articles, four horses and a wagon. The father in due lime secured forty acres of land in Indiana upon which was a log cabin into which they removed. Later they built a larger dwelling of the same description and added to their landed estate. The father became owner of a large amount of land and finally turned over his property into the hands of his son Abraham, who was to take care of his parents until their decease. The household circle originally included nine child ren of whom but four are living. Susan became the wife of Ephraim Dressback and is a resident of Douglas County; Mary is the widow of Andrew Conner; Abraham has been already mentioned. The subject of this sketch was married in Ver- million County, Ind., to Miss Rachel Clearwater and they have one son Jacob, who lives near Coon Rapids, Iowa, and has become quite wealthy. Mrs. Rachel Shane departed this life many years ago ami our subject later was married to Miss Mary .lack- son, a native of Kentucky with whom he has lived for more than forty years. His snug little farm of sixty-six acres is well improved and is under a high state of cultivation. For many years Mr. Shane speculated in real estate and was quite successful. Both he and his wife are members in good standing of the Methodist Protestant Church in which Mr. Shane has served as Class-Leader and Steward and aided as he has been able to put up not only this but other church edifices. His house has always been a home for the preachers. Mrs. Shane has been for some time in delicate health and with her husband is at presenl boarding with a family occupying their house. Our subject keeps no stock except one driving horse and is taking life quite easily, enjoying the fruits of his earlier labors. Daniel Shane, the father of our subject, served as a soldier in the War of 1812. leaving his wife six months after their wed- ding to join the army and drive the British once more from American soil. Later he drew a pen- sion from the government many years. Loth he and his wife were almost life-long members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, living and working together in the same Christian faith for more than half a century. In that faith their children were reared and with the parents became members also of that church. This united family exercised a wide influence for good in their community and aided largely in building up the chinch in this re- gion. - °rx> ■ ® WILLIAM I. S. \J/I veteran, a pk WW County with cCo II, MAM LS.PINNELL. This sturdy old pioneer of 1830, came to Edgar h his parents, Abraham and Prances M. (Estes) Pinnell locating in Kansas Township, while Indians still roamed over the coun- try, and desperadoes sought protection in this re- gion from the consequences of the misdemeanors which they had committed elsewhere. The only PORTRAIT AND 15IO< : R A I'll ICA I, ALBUM. 953 public road in this part of the county ran through the fiiriii upon which Mi-. Pinnell now lives, anil which In- built up from the wilderness. A stage- line ran to st. Louis, which formed one of the near- est markets, the others being Chicago, Terre Haute, and Louisville, Ky. The settlers had their milling done at Terre Haute, ami there transported mosl of their pork. Corn in those days sold at six and one- fonrth cents per bushel, and that which was re- quired for seed by the settlers. COSt them * I per bushel. The subjecl of this sketch was born Nov. II. L828, in Olden County, Ky.. and acquired his early education in a log cabin with puncheon seat and tloor. and a slab laid across on pins driven in the wall under a window for a desk. An aperture was sawed out of the logs, and over it greased paper was pasted in lieu of window-panes. The teacher was only expected to lie able to read, write and ••cipher," and the school was Conducted in the win- ter season, mostly on the subscription plan. Young Pinnell was at an early age required to make him- self useful around the homestead, and was taught those habits of industry and frugality to which he owed largely his Success later in life. Upon reach- ing man's estate, he took unto himself a wife and helpmate, Miss .Martha .1.. sister of Harrison Poul- ter, a sketch of whom will be found elsewhere in this work. The three sons living of this union, are Jacob E., Willis ().. and Harrison P., all residents of Kansas Township. John II., when a little lad of three years, fell into an open stock well, and was drowned. A daughter. Brao, died at the age of eleven years; Leroy was taken from the household circle when an interest- ing youth aged fourteen years, one month and one day. Mrs. Pinnell ami her sons. Willis ami Harri- son, are member of the Christian Church. <>nr subject, politically, VOteS the straight Republican ticket, but has never sought office, preferring to give his attention to his farming interests. The father of our subject was a native of Vir- ginia, whence he emigrated with his parents to Ken- tucky when a lad of ten years, lie was the son of William and Anna (Murphy) Pinnell, who came to Edgar County. III., in 1830, and spent their last days in (irand ViewTownship, Grandfather Pin- nell .lied at the age of ninety-four years, and six mouths, lie served as a soldier in the Revolution- ary War. . -uid was also in Hie War of 1812. lie was fond of music, and when quite aged, whistled the tunes played by the regimental band in the army. Abraham and Prances Pinnell were mem- bers in g 1 standing of the Christian Church. Our subjecl performed a large amount of labor in the cultivation and improvement of his farm, 210 acres in extent, and where he creeled a sub- stantial and commodious dwelling, with a good barn, ami the other buildings necessary for the shelter of slock, and the storage of grain. lie sometime since retired from the active labors of life, dividing up his land among his children, giv- ing the home farm loan unmarried son. with whom he lives. Surrounded by all needful comforts. His son. Harrison P., owns forty acresQof the farm opened up by the father of our subject, and 210 acres besides. During the early days wild animals were plentiful in this region, and among the recrea- tions of the young men were the wolf hunts which wcii> joined in by individuals for miles around, and at which great hilarity frequently prevailed, as they rushed over the ground and through the brush af- ter the troublesome and mischievous animals, who carried off their small stock, and made night hide- ous wit h their howling. ^p^i AUL BUTTS, the efficient Postmaster of ^^^2 Dudley, where he is also engaged in uicr- Tj\/^uj chandising, is one of the most energetic and wide-awake citizens of the place, who began life without other resources than his own industry and perseverance, and who has now be- come prominent, especially in church ami Sunday- school work. He votes the straight Republican ticket and is an uncompromising advocate of tem- perance. The father of our subject was Benjamin D. Hulls. a native of New York State, and who married Miss Mary IS. Schultz, who was born iii West Virginia. Both the grandfather, John Schultz, and his wife are Still living in Dudley, aged eighty-four and eighty- 95 1 1'ORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. one years, respectively. They are in the enjoy- ment of good health for persons so aged. The grand- parents on the father's side are also living, having their home in Lake County, Ind. Grandfather Albert G.Butts, was born in New York State in 1810 and his wife, Elmira, a native of Vermont, was born in 1807. The}' were the parents of one ehild only — Benjamin I). Benjamin I). Butts was the second husband of our subject's mother, and their union resulted in the birth of six children, all of whom are living, and of whom Saul, the third of the family, was born .Tan. 14, 1801, in Lake County, Ind. When a boy of twelve he, in company with his brother Alphonzo, started out on foot to seek their fort- unes and walked most of the way to this county. They were bright boys, ambitious to advance their education and attended school the first winter, pay- ing their way by doing janitor work in the school- house and church, and sawing wood. This admirable move on their part naturally made for them many friends. In the spring Saul went to work on a farm, and for five summers thereafter was in the employ of Horace B. Griswold, a fact which speaks well both for master and man. In December, 1878, our subject repaired to his native county on a visit, and later at Grant Park, III., the two boys went to work in a gristmill owned by their father. Saul subsequently spent about a year in Kankakee County, as the employe of Mr. Sol Kendriek. Aftenvard, when approach- ing manhood he operated a rented farm fine sum- mer in Lake County, Ind., but finally returned to Dudley and worked another year for his old friend, Mr. Griswold. At the expiration of this time he and his brother opened a general store at Warren- ton, which they conducted for eighteen months, then Saul purchased his brother's interest and car- ried on the business ten months longer. Later, selling out, he visited one summer in Newton County, Ind., and in December, 1885, opened a store in Dudley, where he has resided since that time. Mr. Butts identified himself with the Presbyter- ian Church in 1874, and in 1889 was chosen Dea- con. He is assistant Superintendent of the Sunday school, he likewise holds the position of Treasurer and is especially active in the religious instruction of the young. Socially, he belongs to the Improved Order of Red Men at Kansas, and has held some of the offices in the lodge. He received his appoint- ment as Postmaster in April. 1889. and is awarded much credit for the manner in which he is discharg- ing his duties. 6 ^EORGK B. TUCKER. It is gratifying to note a young man starting out in life equip- "V^ijl ped with energy, enterprise ami the other qualities which go to make up a worthy citizen. In connection with this Mr. Tucker deserves special mention. He is comfortably located on section 33, Edgar Township, where he operates forty acres of land, and is considerably engaged in stock lmying. He has very good improvements on his place, and as a member of the community isageneral favorite. Our subject was born near Carlisle, in Nicholas County, Ky., Oct. 1, 1850, and grew up deprived of many of the advantages extended the youth of to-day. He met with a great misfortune in the loss of his mother when a child of two years, and was then taken into the home of a paternal uncle, James C. Tucker, a farmer, with whom he remained four years. He then returned to his father and remained with him until a youth of sixteen. In the meantime, in 1871. they emigrated overland to Illinois, being on the journey about eighteen days. George B. engaged in farming in Edgar County, and acquired a little more learning in the district scl 1, which he attended winters until reaching his majority. After that he was employed as a farm laborer by the month until 1889, when he purchased his present place. This was partially improved, and he has since added much to its value by repairing the old buildings and erecting new ones. The land is watered by a never-failing spring, and the whole is under a good state of cul- tivation. It is located nine miles from Paris, and well adapted to stock-raising. Mr. Tucker has a taste for fine horses, and his stables contain, among other fine animals, "Billy Wilson," a Hambletonian of 1,300 pounds, and eligible for registry. In all 1 Pa ■ P P % & ^ Cu p <-> tv s ! , Cs ? J4 _ J^_ c> Oi If "I ^ V» . 1 £ X % PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 957 he has eleven head, and engages largely in buying and selling, lie ships a goodly number of swine each year, and from bis stock operations realizes a snug income. The marriage <>f our subject with Miss Emma J. Collins look place at the bride's home in Edgar Township March 29, 187!). They are now the parents of two children — Ethel Zoe and Freddie Clarence. Mr. Tucker has served as School l)i- reetor and Constable, occupying the last mentioned Office for the past four years. llis choice, relig- iously, is the United Brethren Church, of which his estimable wife is also a member, attending ser- vices at Prairie Chapel. Mr. Tucker has officiated as Superintendent of the Sunday-school, and gives as he is able to the prosperity of the church; Po- litically, he is a strong Republican, and is frequently sent as a delegate to the county conventions. The mother of our suhjeet died in Kentucky in 1858. She was a woman of many excellent quali- ties d a member in good standing of the Baptist Church. The parental household comprised the following children, viz.: John, a resident of "Mis- souri; Ellen, Mrs. Barth, of Edgar County; Nancy, Mrs. Ellis, of Danville; George, our subject and Henry, of Shelby County. Ind. l jT/ ANGE BROS. The farming and stock rais* I ((?>< i"u interests of Shiloh Township are adinir- [ IL-^S ably represented by this enterprising linn, who own and operate together SOU acres of land all adjoining on sections 21, 22 and 15. In point of reputation and business integrity they are un- excelled by any men in Central Illinois. Of Ger- man ancestry they possess in a marked degree the .substantial and reliable trails peculiar to the sons of the Fatherland and are distinguished by great industry and perseverance, which have assisted them in overcoming many obstacles, so they arc now on the high road to prosperity, and are classed among the wealthiest farmers of this part of the county. The brothers, Frederick W. and Charles G., are the only children of their parents, and were born in Graefenhaynichen, Prussia, the former April 20, 1834, ami the latter Aug. 26, 1836. They had vers good school advantages, living in a land practicing compulsprj education. They were placed in school at the age of live years and con- tinuing their studies until fourteen. Frederick W. then learned the trade of a butcher, which he followed until a young man of twenty years. He then determined to seek his fortune On the Other side of the Atlantic, of which he had heard great things. Accordingly bidding adieu to his parents and friends he set out alone, Feb. 12. 1854, and boarded the] sailing vessel -'.loan" at Bremen, which after a voyage 6f forty-two days landed him safely in New York City. He was thus a stranger in a strange laud, without friends, and with two cents in his pocket representing his cash capital. It. is hardly necessary to say he made it his first business to seek employment. His honest face soon gained for him what he wished and he engaged with a farmer in New Jersey at the munificent salary of *7 per month. Remaining East until the following September, our subject set out by rail for Terre Haute. Ind., and thence walked to Paris, Edgar County, a feat with which he was greatly delighted. lie began working on the railroad and was thus employed six months; afterward he secured a job with a butcher in Paris, remaining thereuntil 1856. In the meantime he had been joined by his father, mother and only brother, and purchased eighty acres of land, comprising a part of his present homestead. It was then an open prairie abound- ing in wild animals. They put up a frame cabin and the father and son operated together until the death of the former. Our subject then formed a partnership with his brother. Charles G., which has existed to the present time. The Lange homestead was first operated upon with oxen and by the aid of the most primitive implements. By degrees the fields were enclosed with substantial fences while the first humble dwelling gave way to a line brick residence of modern architecture. The brothers planted forest and fruit trees and carried on the cultivation of the soil profitably and sucessfully. There are now lovely groves on the place, principally walnut, also fruit of all kinds. They have added to their pos 958 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. sessions by degrees and now have 800 acres, and are numbered among the leading land owner* of the county. The large brick residence with it suroundings lias about it the air of comfort and plenty only obtained by the hand of thrift and industry. Seven acres are devoted to apple trees and live acres to walnut trees. The most of these were set out by the Lange Bros. The homestead lies four and one-half miles from Hume and 800 acres are in one body. Stock-raising com- prises an important part of their operations. They usually feed about 1 To head of full-blooded Short- horn cattle annually and keep twelve head of draft horses, using three teams in the operation of the farm. Frederick Lange votes the straight Democratic ticket and for the past six years has been one of the Trustees of his School District. He was the first Road Commissioner of the township and as- sisted in its organization. As one of its earliest settlers he lias been a witness of the remarkable changes occurring in Central Illinois, and may justly feel that he has done his part toward bring- ing it to its present proud position. Charles (J. Lange had the same school privileges in the Fatherland as his brother, and in the spring of 1855 accompanied his parents to America; coin- inn toSliiloh Township the year following he asso- ciated himself in partnership with his brother and began the farming operations which have made them practically independent. Unlike his brother who remains a bachelor, he was married in Shiloh Township, Dec. 25, l!S7b\ to Miss Mary Miller, a native of his own country and born in the city Luckenwahle. Province of Brandenburg. They are the parents of four interesting children — Daniel, Franz, Carl and Albert. Charles G. is also a Dem- ocrat in political views. The father of the Lange Bros, was Frederick W. Lange, Sr. likewise a native of Prussia and born in 1805. He owned a small farm in the old country, and lived there until L855. Then having received favorable accounts of life in America from his sou, Frederick W.. he was persuaded to dispose of his possessions and seek that promised land. lie made his way directly to Edgar County, and purchased eighty acres in Shiloh Township, which he operated with the assistance of his sods until his death, in 1858. A man simple in his habits, industrious and honest, he made very little stir in the world but was respected by those who knew him. lie was a Lutheran in religion. The mother, Mrs. Rosina (.Miller) Lange was a native of the same province as her husband and sons and accompanied them to America. She survived her husband until 1H73, and died at the homestead in Shiloh Township. We invite the attention of our numerous readers to a tine lithographic view of the handsome resi- dence and farm of the Lange Bros, on another page. —*&m- — - SHOMAS POULTER, a life-long resident of 1/jjss.v Kansas Township, was born on the farm * where he now lives, March 1. 1841. His father, William R. Poulter, was a native of Ken- tucky, and came to Illinois at a very early day, locating on a tract of land in the wilderness. Upon this he built a log cabin and constructed a comfortable home, but which, however, he was destined not long to occupy. His hopes and plans were broken in upon by the death of his wife. Eliza A. (Doing) Poulter, which occurred March HI, 1847, when aged only twenty-seven years, two months, and twenty-eight days. After the death of his wife the father of our subject was compelled to sell his little farm of forty acres in order to pay the doctor's bill con- tracted during her long illness, and he was thus left without resources. He then removed southeast about six miles and rented land, upon which he operated until enabled to save some money. Then returning to the old neighborhood he purchased twenty acres, to which he later added until he became the owner of 195 acres, lie rested from his earthly labors Aug. 30, 1877, at the age of fifty-eight years, six months, and twelve days. His remains were laid by the side of those of his wife, in a quiet spot on the old farm, where also repose the remains of John Poulter, the paternal grandfather of our subject. After the death of his first wife the father of our subject was married to Mrs. Rachel II. (Gibbons) PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 959 Musgi'ave, who is still living at the old farm in Kansas Township, and a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume. Thomas, our subject, has spent bis entire life in this township, and here, upon reaching manhood, was married, March 6, 1867, to Miss Mary F., daughter of Abraham Pin- nell. a well-known pioneer, and of whom further mention is made in the sketch of W. 1. S. Pinnell, on another page in this volume. Of this union there were horn eight children, viz.: Henry G., deceased; AlviuT.. Myrtle L., Forest R., Marshall A., Ada 1'., Amelia A., and Mary A. After the outbreak of the Civil War Mr. Poulter, in August, 1861, entered the tanks of the Union army as a member of Company 11, 59th Illinois Infantry, and served as a private until September, 1864. He participated in some of the principal battles of the war. including Pea Ridge, Corinth, l'crrvvillc. Stone River, Lookout Mountain. Buz- zard's Roost. Rock Face, Murfreesboro, the siege of Atlanta, and other battles. Our subject, although experiencing many hairbreadth escapes, came out of the army without a wound. Upon one occasion 'his knapsack was shot from his back, and completely destroyed, by a cannon hull. Upon another occasion a hole was shot through his hat. and several hul let- holes were made in his overcoat. He saved most of the money which he received in the employ of Uncle Sam, sending home $216 to his father, as the difference between a forty-acre tract of land which his father had given him, and a more desira- ble tract of the same extent upon which his house now stands. Later he purchased another forty acres of his father, paying therefor $1,200. lie is now the owner of 250 acres, the greater part, of which is in a high state of cultivation. Mr. Poulter cast his first Presidential vote for Lincoln, and is a stanch supporter of the Repub- lican party. He belongs to Kansas Post, .Nil 405, C. A. R., and has served as Road Commissioner of the township six terms. He and his estimable wife find their religious home in the Christian Church at. Hitesville. A man unobtrusive m his life, he has been content to make very little stir in the world, while at the same time he has by his exam- ple encouraged the maintenance of law and order and given his support to those enterprises calcu- lated to elevate society and benefit the county. Mr. Poulter has a bright and intelligent family, who arc much attached to their pleasant home ami commodious residence. :t lithographic engraving of which appeals elsewhere in this volume. TpXjKV. JOSEPH SKEETERS, a minister of L^i the Baptist Church, is a resident of Edgar \ Township, where he owns a snug home ^p)! with live acres of laud and is numbered among the most prominent citizens. He is the offspring of a good family, being the son of .lames Skeeters, a native of Hamilton County, Ohfo, to which the paternal grandfather removed from North Carolina, his native State, at a very early day and when Hamilton County was a wilderness. lie assisted in its survey ami purchased 120 acres of land upon which was built up the city of Cin- cinnati, lie there followed his trade of a shoemaker putting up the lirst shop in that vicinity and re- ceiving a generous patronage from the boatmen. In the meantime the Pottawatomie Indians came ami captured his wife and child carrying them northwest to Rock River where they remained in captivity four years. At the expiration of this time the mother made her escape, while in camp near Kankakee, 111., from which she found her way to Cincinnati. The mother and son had been separated and did not see each other until the latter was a youth of fifteen years when his exchange was effected through the agency of the French traders. The grandparents thereafter lived together in Cincinnati until the death of the grandmother, and then Grandfather Skeeters removed to Lexinsr. o ton, Ky.. where he followed his trade until his death. He was a Frenchman by birth and upon emigrating to America located Mist in Virginia. The father of our subject was reared in Kentucky where he engaged in farming, lie fought in the War of 1812 under Gen. Gaines, and afterward settled in Lexington where he lived until his mar- riage. He then removed to a farm in Boone County and from there in December. 1823, emi- grated to Parke County. Ind.. settling within one '.160 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. and one-half miles of the Chief of the Cherokee Nation and opening up from the wilderness a farm of eighty acres. In 1834 he sold out and coming to Coles County, 111., prosecuted farming a few years, then becoming discouraged returned to In- diana and purchased the old home in Parke County. Retaining this until 1861 lie sold out once more and purchased a farm near Middleport, in Iroquois County, where he sojourned until his death. He had been a member of the Baptist Church for the long period of fifty years, much of the time offi- ciating as clerk. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Lucy Aldridge. She was born in Crab < >rchard, K\ .. to which her father had removed at an early day from his native State of Maryland. He pur- chased Government land and engaged in farming until his death. The Aldridge family is of English descent. The twelve children of the parental fam- ily were named respectively, William, a resident of Neosha Falls, Kan.; .lames II. and Mary, deceased; .Joseph, the subject of this sketch; Lucy, a resident of Iroquois County. III.; Elizabeth and Martha, residents of Wood County, Kan.; Daniel P.. de- ceased; Louisa of Iroquois County; Willis R., deceased; Greenbury W. in Iroquois County and Nancy, deceased. Daniel I*. Skeeters served in an Indiana regiment during the Civil War and was captured at two different times. His exchange was effected and he died soon after the battle of Pea Ridge. Joseph, the subject of this sketch, was born near Big Bone Lake. Ohio, Feb. 1 1, 1822 and lived there with his parents until their removal to Indiana, which was made overland with an ox team. He still remem- bers that pioneer home in Parke County, when the cabins of the settlers were few and far between, and Indians were plentiful, mostly Cherokees. He at- tended school with the sons of the chief and with Dagnet, now the present chief. His boyhood and youth were spent in the occupations common to frontier life, during which time he received a very limited education in the log school house and re- mained a member of the father's household until nineteen years old. The life of our subject passed in a comparatively uneventful manner until his marriage which oc- curred Dec. .'!, 184U, in Parke County, Ind., the maiden of his choice being Miss Sarah McFerrin. This lady was born in Shelby County, Ky., and was the daughter of Jonathan McFerrin who was of Scotch-Irish ancestry and an early settler of In- diana. After his marriage Mr. Skeeters engaged in farming on rented land until 1861, when he pur- chased land in Posey County, Ind., where he lived three years, then selling out, purchased the home- stead which he operated for a period of seventeen years. Our subject, in 1849, began preaching in the Baptist, Church and since then has devoted about half his time to the ministry in Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky. Ohio and Missouri. In 1853 he was ordained near Montezuma, and took charge of the home congregation besides three other charges. Thereafter for a period of forty years he devoted the greater part of his time to the Master's work, frequently walking ten miles or more to meet his congregation. At the same time he cultivated his farm receiving no assistance from the people whom he served. He lived on his farm m Indiana until 1X7S. then moved to Montezuma, where he lived until September, 1882. Then selling his farm ami renting his home in the town, he purchased his present place in Edgar Township, where he has put up good buildings and made all the improvements upon it. In the meantime he has had charge of the Bloomlield Church and preaches regularly to his old congregation. Mr. Skeeters suffered a stroke of paralysis and in two hours lost the use of his eyes, so that he has not been able to read since that time. Notwith- standing this he prosecutes his pious duties and is greatly aided by his remarkable memory. He contracted a second marriage at Paris, April 3, 1876, with Mrs. Mary McConkey, daughter of Jacob Wildman, who with his father, John Wild- man, was a native of Virginia. The great-grand- father, Jacob Wildman, was born in England, reared a Quaker and upon crossing the Atlantic settled in the Old Dominion. He served in the Revolutionary War and later became the owner of a plantation of 70(1 acres and twenty slaves on the Potomac River. In religion he was a Baptist. The father of our subject carried on farming in PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. or, i Virginia until emigrating to Illinois whan he lo- cated near the present site of Paris in Edgar County. Like liis father before him, he was suc- cessful in the accumulation of this world's goods and was an active member of Hie Baptist Church. lie was prominent in local affairs and a Justice Of the Peace for many years. The mother, Mrs. Mary (LaFaber) Skeeters, was horn in Virginia and was the granddaughter of Henry LaFaber, a native of France. The latter was a stone mason by trade which he followed in Virginia after emi- grating to America and died the possessor of 1.000 acres of land. He also was a member of the Bap- tist Church. His daughter, Mary, the mother of our subject, joined the Presbyterian Church and died in the ( >ld Dominion. The nine children of the parental family were named respectively, John, Joseph, Jacob, Lewis, Ellen, Elizabeth, Frances, all of whom are deceased; Mary, Mrs. Skeeters, and Anna, who lives in Paris Township. The wife of our subject was born in Loudon County. Va., in I 822 and came West, with her parents when a young lady, remaining with them until her first marriage to Mr. George Lang- ley. The latter was a native of Kentucky and died at his farm in Klhridgc Township in 1849. Mrs. Langley was subsequently married to Capt. John McConkey, a native of Tennessee and one of the earliest settlers of Edgar County. He served as a Captain in the Mexican War and was wounded at the battle of Buena Vista, but recovered and car- ried the bullet until his death. After leaving the army he engaged in fanning a number of years. Then hi' removed to Paris and purchased property, residing there until his death in 1874. He belonged to the Christian Church and was a prominent man in his community. His widow lived there until her marriage with our subject and still owns 11)0 acres of land adjoining the town, besides two resi- dences in Paris and property in Montezuma. Mr. and Mrs. Skeeters are the parents of ten children, the eldest of whom, a daughter, .Mary .1., is the wife of Samuel Heath, and Rebecca married William White, both are farming in Edgar Town- ship. William .1. is conducting a meat market .-it Marshal, 1ml.; Nancy, (Mrs. McLean.) is a resident of Parke County. Ind.; .Inmes M. is manager and Steward of l'arkc Count y, ( Ind. ) Hospital; Tilman A. 11. operates as clerk in a store in Edgar County; Jonathan V. is farming in the vicinity of LeRoy, III.: Samuel B. remains at home with Ins parents; Ellen S., (Mis. Paine) lives on a farm in Edgar Township; Lucy is deceased. Mr. Skeeters, politically, is a sound Democrat, He has served as a School Director for years, and for two years was Assessor in Putnam C ity, Ind. He was at one time solicited to become the candi- date for Representative for the State Legislature, hut felt that he was called to higher duties. In the pursuance of these Mr. Skeeters traveled from 10,000 to 20,000 miles per year. y-x OAII W. I'd. A LCHAMP, editor and proprie- JlJ tor of the Kansas Journal. Edgar County, i^SM^) was '""'" * n North Manchester. Wabash Co.. Ind.. on May 4, 1846, being a son of Asa Beauchamp (deceased,) who was a native of Ohio, hut a pioneer of North Manchester, End. Mr. Asa Beauchamp was an educated and intelligent man, well read in law and a good business manager. For many years he performed the duties of an at- torney at law. to the complete satisfaction of his clients, and also carried on a brisk trade as a mer- chant. The mother of our subject, whose maiden name was Martha Williams, was a native of Ohio. She now resides in Rawlins County. Kan., at the ad- vanced age of seventy-five years. The parents of our subject had a family of ten childre f whom three are living — our .subject and two sisters — Sarah A. (Long) and Mary A. (Brown), he be- ing the only survivor of the seven brothers. One, Clark W. lost his life while gallantly fighting in the support, of the ••starry Hag'' during the late war. One sister. Ellen, died when twenty-seven years old, being at the time of her death the wife of William II. Warn pier, who died at the Soldiers' Home at Dayton, Ohio, a few months later. Mr. Beauchamp was reared to manhood and edu- cated in his native place. When he was sixteen years old he entered a print inu office ill Wabash and learned the trade, and has continued in the 962 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. printing business ever since, covering a period of twenty-seven years. His first venture was pub- lishing the Wabash Tribune, from 18GG to 18G7, when he removed to North Manchester and resided on a farm nearly two years, hoping to regain his lost health. Finding his strength still abated he went to Ottawa, Kan., in the autumn of 1868 and se- cured employment on the Ottawa Journal. He stayed there until 1871, and returned to North Manchester and bought the Journal, which he car- ried on until 1882. then sold out and bought the Kansas. III. Ac" 1 *. Changing the name and in- creasing the facilities of the office he established the Journal in its place and has conducted it suc- cessfully ever since. It is a spicy and well edited paper, is an eight column folio, and is published on strictly business principles. He occupies his own two story brick. Our subject was married Dec. 12. 1866 to Cynthia .1. Spradling, a native of Wabash County. Ind. and daughter of William J. Spradling (deceased ). This couple have had an interesting family of seven children, of whom five arc living and are receiving the best education and advantages of culture that the place affords. They are named respectively, Lorena, Charles A.,Maudie, Jessie, and Oron Milo. During the Civil War Mr. Beauchamp offered his services to the defense of his country and en- listed in the 14th Indiana Battery. During all the engagements in which he participated he exhibited intrepid courage, great coolness in time of danger and unswerving attention to duty. His battery participated in the battles of Spanish Fort, Gun Town, Miss., where our subject was wounded, the three days before Nashville, Tenn., and various other engagements of that long and hotly contested campaign. After doing his duty as a soldier until the expiration of his term of enlistment, he was mustered out and honorably discharged and re- turned once more to the walks of private life. Although a brave soldier, he in common with thousands of his comrades, has no desire to see another war in this country, believing that "Peace hath her victories as well as war." Our subject is a Past Post Commander in the G. A. R. and is an honorable Christian gentleman, being a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal Church in this place. His Christianity is of a kind that does not permit him to hide his light under a bushel, but prompts him to [dace it where it can enlighten Others and assist them on their heavenly way. Holding such views he has accepted the position of Class-Leader and exhorter in the Methodist Episcopal Church and has for many years given public testimony to the faith that is in him. Mr. Beauchamp belongs to the ranks of enterprising Americans, who have begun life poor, but have succeeded in securing a competence. He and his family are now in good circumstances and are able to enjoy the pleasures and secure the comforts of life. "nll.N W. TATE. The Tale family is widely and favorably known throughout Grand View Township and vicinity and amply wor- i^)' thy of record in a work designed to be han- ded down to future generations. The subject of this sketch is one of its most worthy representatives and occupies a finely cultivated farm on section 22. He was horn in this county Dec. 1, 1846, and has since remained a resident of Grand View Township, growing with its growth and being closely identified with its most important interests. Here he received his education and here have cen- tered his best thoughts and labors. The father of our subject was Robert M Tate, a native of Rockbridge County, Va., and a farmer by occupation. The family is of Scotch — Irish de- scent and was represented in the old Dominion at a very early day. Grandfather John Tate was born there and had several male relatives -dio served as soldiers in the Revolutionary war. In September 1837. leaving the place of his birth, he made his way to Illinois with a colony and set- tled on a tract of wild land, one-half mile west of the present site of Grand View, where he constructed a comfortable homestead and sojourned until his death which took place in 1851. He left a family of five children, one of whom was Robert M.. the father of our subject. Robert M. Tate was but twenty-two years of a<*e at the time of his mother's death and hail hut PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 963 a short time previously been married to Miss Susan Gold, who like himself, was horn in Virginia, where her people were prominent, both in social. business and political circles, and where her father lived to celebrate his ninetieth birthday. In due time, Robert M. Tate put up a substantial residence which is still Standing, one of the central features of the old homestead comprising nearly 400 acres of land, which under the careful management and thorough cultivation given it, became exceedingly valuable. To the parents of our subject, there were born live children all of whom are living. The father departed this life .Ian. 21, 188C. The mother is still living, being seventy-one years old, is in fair health and making her home in Grand View. The subject of tin's sketch is the second child of his parents and was given a good education, be- ginning in the schools of his native township and ending at Edgar Academy at Paris, where he pur- sued his studies two years, taking the scientific course. Upon leaving school he returned to the farm and worked with his father until his marriage. This important and interesting event was celebra- ted Feb. 20, 1883, the bride being Miss Julia, daughter of Samuel Utter, who entered land near the present site of Paris as early as about 1825. The maternal grandfather by law of Airs. Tate was Samuel Vance, who emigrated to Illinois from Tennessee, entering land including the present site of Paris, and later laid out the town. The father of Mrs. Tate was twice married and she was the eldest of four children born of the second mar- riage. Her father died in 1803 at the age of sev- enty-two years. lie became very wealthy and was one of the most prominent citizens of Paris Town- ship. John W. Tate, our subject, began in the world practically without means but by a course of industry and sobriety has attained to a good posi- tion socially and financially. He purchased his pres- ent farm in 1885 and is steadily effecting improve- ments which tend to increase its value. In politics he is a sound Republican, and with his estimable wife is a member in good standing of the Presby- terian Church which was founded by Grandfather Tate in 1837 and in which our subject is one of the Klders. He is also \cr\ active in the Sunday - Superintendent and a- •c . )• pos>i- y in discountenancing both the manufacture and sale of ardent spirits. They are the parents of two bright children, both daughters — Susan born May 20. 1884, and Eliza Aug. 3, 1886. school in which lie has been - teacher for many years. Both he and his estima- ble wife are warmly interested in the temperance question and lend their influence whenever possi- i.l.. :.. .1 : i ■ t , , .i -H-H-i^^^i-i-H — IhM ARI()N u - HALE. The younger farmers of Edgar County are generally making a g 1 record for industry, energy and enterprise, and among them may be properly mentioned Mr. Hale, who is pleasantly located on section is in Hunter Township. A na- tive of Hendricks County, Ind., he was born Dec. I, 1852, and came with his parents to this county when about four years old. They took up their abode in a log cabin in Hunter Township, where they sojourned about four years, then .removed to Vermillion, living there about the same length of time. Their next removal was to the neighbor- hood of the homestead of our subject, where thei lived until 1885. and then removed to Ashland, Boyd Co.. Ky.. where they now reside. Vincent and Eliza J. (Miller-) Hale, the parents of our subject, were natives of Virginia, where they were reared and married and where they lived a few years afterward. The journey from Virginia to Kentucky was made in a wagon drawn by oxen, .and upon arriving at their destination the father traded the oxen for a piece of land, lie only staid a short time, however, then started for Indiana in a one-horse wagon. From there to this county he rode on horseback, and drove his cow all the way, and upon his arrival here he worked by the day a number of years, then bought, forty acres of land, and in due time sold the forty acres lo liis sou, our subject, for the sum of $2,000. Marion W. Hale, on the 7th of October. 187:>, was married to Miss Lora 1)., daughter of isaa-- Hurst, whose father was one of the early pioneers of Grand View Township. The mother of Mrs. 964 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. Hale was in her girlhood Eliza Hunter, daughter of John Hunter of Paris. She died when Mrs. Hale was a young girl of twelve years. Upon his marriage Mr. Hale was the possessor o f two horses and a buggy, and the young people began their wedded life on a farm in this township. By in- dustry and the closest management he has thor- oughly improved his land, erected a good house, and has an orchard, and the outbuildings required for his farming operations, which, although not ex- tensive are carried on in that methodical manner which inevitably yields good returns. Mr. Ila'c makes a specialty of Short-horn cattle. Poland- China swine and good grades of horses. Politi- cally, he is a sound Republican. He is the father of three bright children — Arthur. Clyde and Cecil — in whose education and training the parents maintain the liveliest interest. /Z^EORGE H. SHANK. The city of Paris || (=7 contains no individual of more gentlemanly ^s^il instincts or higher moral principles than the subject of this sketch. He is in good circumstances, retired from active labor, and occupies a very pleasant home at the intersection of Central avenue and Edgar street, where have been gathered many of the evidences of refined tastes and ample means. The dwelling is well shaded by handsome and well- kept forest trees, with a smooth lawn in front, and in the rear the smaller fruits with grapes, in abun- dance. Half city and half country, the home is replete with the comforts and conveniences of mod- ern life and is the frequent resort of the many friends which Mr. Shank and his estimable family have gathered about them. They occupy a high social position and are numbered among the lead- ing residents of the town. A native of Greene County, Ohio, our subject was born June 2, 1821, and there spent his boyhood and youth, receiving careful home training and a practical education. His father, Henry Shank, was a native of Maryland and married Miss Barbara A. Crumbaugh whose birthplace was not far from that of her husband. As early as 1812 they re- moved to Greene County. Ohio, where the}' opened up a farm from the wilderness and spent the remain- der of their lives. Both were members of the Lutheran Church. They reared a family of seven children who became good and worthy members of the community. The Shank family is of German ancestry and the Crumbaughs flourished in Mary- land for many years. Some of them emigrated to Kentucky and later the family was represented in McLean County, this State, during its pioneer days and where the remains of many of them have been laid amid the quiet dead. The subject of this notice was married in his na- tive county 10 Miss Rebecca Hawkins, who was also born there and they began housekeeping on the old Shank homestead in Ohio, which the father of our subject had assisted in clearing from the heavy timber. There also their two children were born — Oavis H. who is represented elsewhere in this volume, and .Mary K., now Mrs. A. J. Crumbaugh, a resident of McLean County, 111. Mr. Crumbaugh is a farmer by occupation and the father of two children — Eddie and Clara. The parents of Mis. Shank were natives of Vir- ginia and removed to Ohio about IS 12. Our sub- ject came with his famil}- to Edgar County. III., about 18G6 and purchased the farm now occupied by his son, Davis. He lived thereuntil 1873, then took up his residence in Paris. After coming to Edgar County he purchased 100 acres of land but, has now only 200 acres, having divided up the bal- ance among his children. Mr. and Mrs. Shank were reared in the doctrines of the Lutheran Church bul there being no society of that denomination in Paris, they united with the Presbyterian Church to which they contribute a liberal support. In politics he is a stanch Democrat. -f-O-!- ^ AMl'EL W. IGO, of Bruellet Township, may usually lie found pursuing the even tenor of his way at his farm on section 20, where he has a comfortable home which he built up from a tract of .partially improved land. He was born in Highland County, Ohio, Aug. 14. 1851, and was there reared, acquiring his educa- tion in the district school. He chose farming for 4®H ■■&8fc^ i . ' *^"*' I ^K)fa ^l^v<_ PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 9(m his vocation, and to this has given Lis principal attention through life. Lewis Igo, the father of on r subject, was likewise a native of Highland County. Ohio, anil the son of William Igo, one of the earliest settlers of that, region. The Igo family tniees its ancestry to Scot- land, while the paternal grandmother of our subject was <>f German descent. The old home farm in the Buckeye State is now occupied by two of his brothers and mother. The maiden name of the mother ofoursubjeel was Loace McCoy. The par- ents were married in Ohio, wheie were born to them nine children, of whom Samuel was the sixth. Lewis Igo died in Ohio in 1885, and the mother is still living there. Her father, Daniel McCoy, served all through the War of 1812. Our subject came to Vermillion County. Ind., about 1872, sojourning there three years, and in the meantime was married, Oct. 12, 1873, to Miss Nancy .1.. daughter of Alexander Skidinore, a na- tive of Indiana. Soon after his marriage he pur- chased forty acres of laud, which is now included in his present farm and which was then covered with brush and timber. He put up a log hous,. ICxl8 feet square, and as he was able, added to it until lie had constructed a very comfortable dwell- ing. He cleared his land by degrees and added to his real estate until he was the owner of 101) acres, tin- most of which he has brought to a good slate of cultivation. His first forty acres cost him $12.85 per acre, and it, is now considered at least worth $35 per acre. Mrs. Igo has twenty acres of her father's old farm. Both our subject and his excellent wife arc members in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They are the par- ents of seven children, namely : Blanch, Ward, Ida. Grace. Sadie. Orin and Veranda. They live quietly and comfortably, at peace with all the world and enjoying the respect of their neighbors. - ^ •:• c - \ / ILI.IAM II. LAMB. In noting the prom M incut men and pioneers of Edgar County, the subject of this sketch can scarcely with propriety be omitted from the category. The reader will find elsewhere in this Aim \i a tine por- trait of Mr. Lamb, a valuable anil essential feature in the history of a county, with whose upbuilding he has been so prominently associated. By great diligence and perseverance he has ( structed a well-regulated farm from the primitive soil, and is now pleasantly located on section 8, Stratton Town- ship. His property embraces 160 acres of im- proved land, which, with its building and other appurtenances, presents the picture of an attractive country home where peace and plenty abound. Mr. Lamb's entire career is that of a quiet and unostentatious citizen, retiring in his habits, but at the same time he has signalized himself as an intel- ligent and useful member of his community. He is a stanch supporter of the Republican party, and is frequently sent as a delegate to the county con- ventions. Usually he has declined the responsi- bilities of office, but has served as Road Commis- sioner and in other positions of usefulness. In religious matters he is liberal, while his good wife is :i prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The town of West Union, Clark County, this State, was near the early tramping ground of oursubject, and here his birth took place May 5, 1820. The school privileges of that time and place were very Limited and principally carried on during the win- ter season. The temple of learning was a rude log cabin, where our subject, sat astride a bench made of a slab, and studied his books with the aid of the light struggling through window panes of greased paper. When at home he assisted his father in opening up the new farm, and became familiar with all the other employments of pioneer life. At the age of twenty-One years our subject was married, April -1, 1811, to Miss Maliala A., daughter of William and Nancy Vansickle. The parents of Mrs. Lamb were natives of Indiana, whence they emigrated to Illinois at a very early day. settling upon the land which constitutes the present farm of our subject. The young people commenced their wedded life in this county, and as years passed by a family of nine children gathered around the hearthstone. Two of these are now deceased. Herman, the eldest living, is :i resident of Olpe. Kan.; Isaac .1. is farming in Stratton ;>(',« PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. Township, this county; Jasper N. is a resident of Vermilion; Louisa is the wife of William Sovern of Hunter Township; William II. anil Samuel are at home with their parent; Anna is the wife of William Volkers of this Township. Aimer ami Abigail (Trogdon) Lamb, the parents of our subject, were born, reared and married in North Carolina, and came West in 1814, locating in Orange County. Ind.. where they resided four years. Aimer Lamb was born in 171) I. and his wife, Abigail, in 171K5. They resided in Indiana four years, as above stated, then came to Clark County, 111. Later, in 1827, they came to this county, and located in Elbridge Township, where the father carried on farming and spent the remain- der of his days, dying Aug. 18. 18(17. The mother survived her husband nearly fourteen years, her death taking place in January, 1881. Of the seven children born to them only two are living: William, our subject, and Mahala, the wife of William Davis of Nebraska. k~^w^- ^fOIIN C. EPPERSON, M. D., a young and energetic physician and surgeon of Kansas, Edgar County, was born in Coles County, / IM., adjoining the Edgar County line, on the 2nd day of January, 1841) to Oreen Epperson (deceased,) a. native of Grayson County, Ky., who emigrated to Illinois in 1 8:i:S and established him- self in Coles County. The house he erected to shelter his family, was the same one which our sub- ject first saw the light and where Green Epperson laid aside the duties and responsibilities of this life in I8. r >0, and entered into the enjoyment of his reward in the regions beyond. The grandfather of our subject,, was a Virginian of Scotch extraction ami no doubt much of the success of Dr. Epperson is ilue to qualities inherited from thatsturdy race, whose love of country and freedom is prover- bial. The mother of our subject was Thirza Wood, whose father was a soldier in the War of 1812 and was wounded in battle. The parents of our subject had a family of eleven children, of whom eight are living — Brutus C, Cassius C, Sid- ney, Green, Joseph, Martha (Mrs. Lawson) of Terre Haute; Kate, (Mrs. Arturburn) resides in Coles County, and John C, the subject of this biography. Brutus, Cassius and Green are in California; Sidney is in Omaha. Neb.; Joseph is on the old homestead. Another son of this family, named Rhodes, was in the late war and was wounded while gallantly charging the enemy in battle. He is now deceased. Dr. Epperson was reared upon a farm until he had reached the age of thirteen years, when he was placed in the Westfield school to be educated and remained there two years, applying himself dilli- gently to his studies and making many friends amongst both teachers and scholars. At the expiration of his term in Westfield he entered the Mattoon School, where he pursued his edu- cation two years longer. He then obtained employment as a clerk in a dry-goods store in Mattoon, remaining there three years, when, his health being poor he went to California, hoping to be benefited by the change of air and scenery. He remained there nine months and then returned to Mattoon, very much improved in health, and en- tered the office of J. M. Ilinkle, M. D.,and studied medicine one and one-half years under his direc- tion. In 1871 Drs. Ilinkle and Allen opened a branch surgical institute in San Francisco, Cal., and our subject accompanied them and was placed in charge of one department, receiving a suitable salary. He pursued his studies while there and in 1878 graduated from the Pacific Medical College of San Francisco. Not being entirely contented with the progress which he had made and desiring to further increase his usefullness as a physician, he took a course of study in the Cooper Medical College of San Francisco, graduating from it with high honor in 1882. He stood at the head of the class and got the first diploma ever issued from the new College. The expenses attending his courses of study at these two colleges, were provided for by the salary he received as a practitioner in the Surgical Institute, which has been mentioned above, with which he remained connected until Decem- ber 1882, when he severed relation with them and went to Weston, Ore., where he opened an office ami followed the practice of medicine five years. His aged mother being in frail health and wishing PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 969 to see him, before departing this life, induced him to return to his native State. Shortly after his ar- rival in Illinois in 1887, he located in Kansas;, where his eminent "abilities have been recognized and rewarded with a large and increasing and re- munerative practice. The aged mother of our subject gently rolled off the burden of life Oct. 7, 1888. She was a native ofBcurbon County, Kv.. where she was born Dec. f>, 1807. Although her departure was a great grief to her family, yet they were resigned, feeling that their hiss was her gain. The subject of this notice was married Dee. is, 187s to Miss Helen Griffin, a daughter of Hiram B. Griffin, of Pendleton, Ore., Their union has been blessed by the birth of three children — Thir/.a, John and Hiram. He is a mem- ber of the I. (). O. F. and of the Modern Wood- men. Dr. Epperson is nut only a young and successful pratictioner, a graduate of two medical colleges, but is a man of more than ordinary intelligence and culture. In his method of treatment in chronic cases and in surgical practice, especially in those ca^cs requiring delicate manipulation, he has been eminently successful. jjp^AAMMKL 1!. KILLGORE. A goodly pro- ^^# portion of the younger men of Edgar ^\\J_jf) County are its native-born citizens, suns of its earliest pioneers. Among them is the subject of this notice who is living retired from active labor in Vermillion and owns a good farm of seventy-six and one-half acres in Stratton Town- ship, lie was born in this township .July It. 1845, and after leaving the district school entered VVcst- field College of which he was a student one year. Afterward he embarked in farming, being al dial time owner of his present property which he has brought to a fine state of cultivation. This he now rents to other parties and realizes from il a hand- some income. Mr. Killgore is a bachelor, and spends some of his time traveling. He identified himself with the United Brethren Church this year but was formerly a Methodist. Politically he is a pronounced Prohi- bitionist. He has from boyhood been familiar with agricultural pursuits, spending the early part of his life on the farm with his father in Stratton Town- ship, where he was reared to habits of industry ami admirably lilted for the later duties of life. IK' has practically grown up with the country which during his childhood was in its infancy and has been the privileged witness of the extraordinary changes occurring, not only throughout Central Illinois, but the entire West. The parents of our subject were Joseph and Mary (Meadows) Killgore, the former of whom was born Nov. 3, 1817. and came to Illinois in 1832, settling in Stratton Township, this county, with his parents, lie was the eldest of a family of live children and the son of Anthony Killgore. who was a soldier in his (lav, serving with old Tippecanoe and was on the battlefield where Tecumseh was slain. He was born near (Jermantown, in Mason County, K}'., and after coining to this county, be- came prominent and popular, being possessed of fine business abilities and the integrity of character which drew around him many warm friends. He became identified with the Republican party at its- organization and occupied many positions of trust and responsibility, serving as Township Supervisor and otherwise making himself useful in local affairs. He was a devout member of the Methodist Episco- pal Church and closed his eyes upon the scenes of earth May 1. 1888. Mrs. Mary (Meadows ) Killgore. the mother of our subject, was born in Kentucky and came with her parents to this county, in 1831, they settling in Stratton Township. The family consisted of nine children, of whom Mary was the eldest born. She firs! opened her eyes to the light in Breckenridge County, Ky., in Dec. 8, 1818. Of her union with Mr. Killgore there were born seven children, one of whom is deceased. Samuel I!., our subject, was the eldest of the family. William A. is a resident of Stratton Township; Elizabeth A. remains at home with her mother; Talitha; Carrie is the wife of Rev. C. Galeener, of Springfield, 111., where Mr. Galeener has charge of the Methodist Episcopal Church; Mary A. died when twenty-seven years old; Joseph G., M. D.. is a resident of Huffmansville, !»70 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. this county. Mrs. Killgoreis now in tlie seventieth year of her age her, home is in Vermillion, this county. She is an intelligent and sprightly old lad}', held in high esteem by all who know her and belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church. The family is widely and favorably known throughout the county and have contributed in no small degree to its growth and prosperity. ^r ->^^^r^^—~- GlEORGE RINGLAND, M. I)., physician and , surgeon. Kansas, Edgar County, was burn _j in Washington County, Pa., Sept. 5, 1823. Ills father was the Hon. Thomas Ringland (de- ceased), a native of County Down. Ireland, where he was born in August 178.'i. Braving the dangers of an ocean voyage in 1 795, William Ringland, ac- companied by his son Thomas, then a lad of twelve years, turned his back on the Emerald Isle and crossed the stoimy Atlantic to the hospitable shore of the United States and settled in Washington County, Pa., where he followed his favorite occu- pation of a tiller of the soil. His son. Thomas, as- sisted him during youth and in mature years followed his father's footsteps in the same occupa- tion. The mother of our subject was Anna McCol- lum, a daughter of Samuel McCollum, (deceased). She was bom in New Jersey, which also was the native place of her father. The father of our subject was a major of a Penn- sylvania regiment during the war of 1812. His regiment was under the command of Gen. William Henry Harrison and assisted to build Ft. Me:'gs at the mouth of the Mauinec River. He commanded a regiment of Pennsylvania militia for some time after the war and became its colonel. Being an in- telligent and enterprising man and popular in his political district he was elected to the Legislature and served nine years, four of which were in tin upper house; the last two years of his membership in the Senate were spent in the president's chair. During the time he was president- of the Senate his decisions were able and gave satisfaction to the members. He was an ardent supporter and one of the originators of the law establishing the public school system of Pennsylvania. In 1858 he left the Keystone State and came to this county, lo- cating in Grand View Township, where he resided until called hence, .Ian. 18C9, his wife following him into the shadowy land one year later. This couple had both reached a good old age, the father being in the eighty-sixth and the mother in her eighty-third year. They were the parents of nine children, of whom three are living — George. Ben- jamin A., of Oakland, and Alec II.. of Dudley, III. The names of the deceased children are: William, John N., father of the noted Dr. Ringland of Riv- erside Health Institute of Hamilton, III. ; Mary, who married Jacob Braden of Dudley; Samuel, Nancy and Anna. All were married except Samuel and Nancy. The subject of this biography was reared on a farm and during the early years of his life attended the common school of the'district. When reaching a suitable age lie was placed in Carmichaels Academy in the eastern part of Greene County, Pa., where by diligent application he made good progress in his studies, and. on completion of the course, en- gaged in teaching. He followed the profession two years, teaching in Greene. Washington and Fayette counties. Pa., then entered the office of Dr. Strouse of Amity and began the study of medicine. Aftei a few months spent in this office he left it and en- tered the office of Dr. Culver of Jefferson, Greene Co., I'a.. where he remained one year. Afterwards he studied in the office of Dr. Neff of Mason town, Fayette Co., Pa., remaining there nearly a year, when he left to attend a course of lectures at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, following which he, in the same year, 1810, opened an office in West Liberty, Fayette Co., Pa., and pract- ice!' there a few months, then removed to McClel- lan in the same county and practiced four years. In 1850 he removed to Greene County, Pa.. where he practiced until 1857, when he left the State and. in company with his brother. Alee H., removed to this State, locating where Newman is at present situated. In order to secure a place to reside the}' were obliged to rent a farm, which was managed by his brother Alec. Temporary buildings were put up for their use and conven ience and he practiced there some two years. In PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. !)71 the meantime the town of Newman was laid out mid in 1859 be built n bouse there, it being one of the first dwellings to be erected in the town. He built up a large practice in that place and was pros- pering finely, but in 1' S <'>1 lie once more removed, coming to Kansas, where he has since made his home. Since locating here he has built up :i large and lucrative practice. Dr. Bingland's success has been owing to the fad that he attends strictly to business, and never wastes time meddling in politics or seeking official honors, believing that those who give such subjects their exclusive attention are the ones best fitted to manage its affairs. ( )n Feb. 7. 1843, our subject and .Miss Martha Rea were united in marriage at the home of the bride's father, John Rea. Mrs. Ringland is a native of Greene County. Pa. Dr. and Mrs. Ringland have had their home blessed by the appearance of six bright intelligent children, of whom four sur- vive to cheer and comfort their parents, and are named respectively: William P.. Kay C. Mary and Margaret. The deceased are Hannah, who died in her seventeenth year and John T.,who died when at the age of sixteen years. William and Miss Caroline McCorkle "ere mar- ried and reside in Hastings. Neb., with their two children — Raul F. and George L.. where he is Pres- ident of Hastings College; Ray married Josephine Phillips and lives in Decatur, 111., and is the father of two children — George L. and an infant hoy. Dr. Ringland is a member of the Esculapian So- ciety Of the Wabash Valley and was its president during the year 1888. He is a R. A. M. and was Master here one year. Dr. Ringland and his entire family are devoted members of the Presbyterian Church, the Doctor having been connected with the church since 1842 and now serves the congre- gation in the capacity of Elder, an office which im- plies a high degree of christian activity and moral rectitude. William Ringland. the oldest son of Dr. Ring- land, reflects threat credit upon his parental care and training. He early manifested an ardent de- sire for knowledge and showed great aptitude in acquiring it. His parents determined to permit him lo follow the natural bent of his mind so after completing the curriculum of his native town he was placed in Wabash College at Crawfordsville, I ml., from which institution he graduated with high honors in 1.S77 and afterward entered the McCormick Theologies I Seminary of Chicago, grad- uating from it in 1880. Alter being ordained In the ministry he returned to his native town and preached fur the home congregation fur some time, but was afterwards sent to Hastings, Neb., and in- stalled pastor of that church. His pastorate there was eminently satisfactory to the congregation, but the authorities in charge of the college pre- vailed upon him to relinquish his charge and take the presidency of that instituti which position he now holds, although not entirely retiring from the ministry. During the course of his honorable and success- ful career, Dr. Ringland has been a sorrowing wit- ness of the evil effects of alcohol in its multitudi- nous forms and has dedicated the powers of his splendid understanding to the suppression of the traffic, ami in order to secure the consummation of this desirable result has thrown himself heart and soul into the arms of the third or Prohibition party, believing that they alone are sincere in endeavor- ing to overthrow the rum power. ... RNOLD P. ADAMS. Among the neat .@Y/j[i homesteads of Bruellet Township, that be- lli longing to this gentleman is worthy of more than a passing notice. It is pleas- antly situated on section 7, and with its neat build- ings and other improvements, reflects great credit upon the taste, industry and good judgment of the proprietor. Mr. Adams is accounted one of the most worthy men of his community, and is of that gentlemanly and courteous bearing which at once impresses itself upon the strangei as that of a man possessing those traits of character which form the basis of all good society. Our subject was born in Venango County. Pa., April 8, 1837, and when fifteen years old, removed with his parents, .lames and Lelitia (Cannon) Adams, to Perry County. Ohio. They lived there 9 72 PORTRAIT AND BUM 1RAPJ I1CA I. ALBUM. about two and one-half years, then in the fall of 1854, came to this county, and located in Edgar Township. The mother, however, had died in her native State of Pennsylvania, in June, 1851. There was :i family of thirteen children, twelve of whom lived to mature years, one having died in infancy. The father only lived about four years after com- ing to this county, dying in Ross Township, in June. 1858. Our subject was the sixth child of his parents, and eight of the children are still living, lie re- members many of the incidents of the journey from Pennsylvania to Ohio, and from that State to Illi- nois, both of which were made overland by teams. In this county the boys fanned on rented land dur- ing the father's lifetime, after which Arnold P. worked out try the month until after the outbreak of the Civil War. That same year, 1801, he en- listed as a Union soldier in Company 1), 25th Illi- nois Infantry, entering the ranks as a private, and being promoted to First Lieutenant. He served three years, and participated in many of the im- portant battles of the war. At Stone River he re- ceived a tlesh wound in the right side, and at Chickamauga was shot in the right arm. He did not suffer these wounds to disable him, however, but entered upon the Georgia campaign with his regiment, and at Kenesaw Mountain, was wounded in the left hand. This was more serious than the other two, and he was off duty until his final dis- charge. He experienced all the hardships and pri- vations of a soldier's life, but never regretted that he had thus given his assistance in the preservation of the Union. After leaving the army, our subject returned to this county, and in November, 18G5, was married to Miss Eliza, daughter of John Legg, a native of Ohio. Of this union there was born one child, a daughter, Letitia, now Mrs. Michael Sowers, who is living in Bruellet Township. Mrs. Eliza Adams departed this life in June, 1868. Our subject, in 1871, was a second time married to Miss Mary J. Nice, and they became the parents of eight chil- dren, viz: Anna, deceased ; Vara; George T.. and his twin brother, who died in infancy; America, Horace II., Estella, and Caroline. The snug little farm of our subject embraces sixty-six acres of well-tilled land, which he pur- chased with his own earnings, and which now affords him a comfortable living. He and his wife are members in good standing of the Methodist Protestant Church. The first Mrs. Adams belonged to the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Adams, politically, is a Democrat, and has held the offices of Township Supervisor and Collector, four and three years respectively. The paternal grandfather of our subject was VVeldon Adams, who was born and married in Eastern Pennsylvania, and who re- moved to Venango County during its early settle- ment. On the mother's side Grandfather James Cannon, was a native of Ireland, and crossed the Atlantic with his little family when a young man. ( >ne of his children died at sea. and was committed to an ocean grave. That branch of the family were also members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. ( )X. SILAS II. ELLK III', is one of the piom- |j inent men of Edgar County, who has aided largely in its development. He is now re- tired from active pursuits, on Prairie street. Paris, where he has a line home. The farm on which he lived for many years and where he made his record as a pains-taking and successful farmer, is located two miles north of town and contains 800 acres of fertile land. Mr. Elliott was born in Butler County. Ohio, Dec. 19, 1812, and resided in different parts of his native county, until he removed to Illinois. After becoming of age he engaged in farming for himself, and so continued until 1853 when he re- moved to the farm north of Paris. That place he improved or caused to be improved, entirely him- self, erecting a good house and all the necessary outbuildings for carrying on an extensive farming business. In 1858 he won a gold medal which was given for the best improved and most highly cultivated farm in the State. He continued to live on that farm until 1872, when he removed to town, and there built a home on Central avenue, in the meantime supervising the work on the farm until PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 973 1876. He resided on Central avenue until 1880 when he purchased his present beautiful home. In 1859 Mr. Elliott was honored by an election to the Legislature <>n the Republican ticket, which he always votes. lie served on the committees on railroads, swamp lands, etc. lie was the author of the Paris School Bill* which by his efforts became :i law, anil he was largely interested in amendments to railroad charters, ami in securing tin- incorpo- ration of the Paris Coke ami Gas-light Company. Mr. Elliott was conspicuous in forwarding the san- itary work during the late war, healing all his own expenses and spending four years of time. lie was with the army a great deal of this period engaged in the work of caring for the wounded, bringing home the dead, and conveying provisions and cloth- ing to the front. His operations were mainly in Tennessee, where he went through acres of hos- pitals and miles of battlefields searching and hunt- ing for those who were in need of help. He had three sons in the service, two of whom were badly wounded, and one of them gave up his life for his country. There were only three sons in this fam- ily. This record of Mr. Klliott is one deserving of special mention, and one which his countrymen will never forget. Mr. Elliott has always been an active and influ- ential Republican worker and high in the councils of his party. In all of his political work he has been conscientious, doing everything for the sake of principle. In 1887 he wa.s stricken with mus- cular paralysis and for a time it was feared by his multitude of friends that the results would lie ser- ious, but he has gradually regained his health until he is, at this writing, able to be about with his mental vigor unimpaired, lie has led an exemplary life, and is a total abstainer from tobacco and in- toxicating liquors. In 1851 Mr. Klliott was instru- mental in organizing the Edgar County Agricul- tural Society, was elected its first President and in the following year, was chosen secretary of the society. Since that time he has taken an active part in sustaining it, giving largely of his means to that purpose, until now Edgar County can boast of one of the healthiest agricultural societies in the Slate. The Edgar cemetery which is one of the most beautiful in this section of the State, was ori- ginated by Mr. Elliott, who ploughed the grounds and planted the first shrubbery and hedges that now adorn thai lovely city of the dead. The cem- etery was incorporated thirty years ago, and hut one man is now living who was then associated with Mr. Elliott in its incorporation — Dr. Euston. All projects that have tended to beautify Paris and its surroundings, have been guided on to success by the master hand of Silas II. Elliotl and the p.opie are indebted to him more than they realize. Mr. Elliott has been an active officer in the Methodist Episcopal Church for fifty -eight years, and now holds the positions of Steward and Trus- tee. On every hand praise of the warmest kind is heard of him as a charitable, public-spirited and model christian citizen. and in commemoration of the virtues and christian character of his father who was an old pioneer preacher, the large Methodist church is called Elliott Chapel. It was constructed in 1856, and cost $15,000. In the erection of this splendid house of worship Mr. Elliott spent a large amount of money and nearly two years of time. He has been a member of the Masonic Order for half a century, and that ancient institution honors itself by counting as one of its members such men as Mr. Elliott. On February 18, 1835, Mr. Elliott was united in marriage to Miss Rhoda M. Magic, a native of Ohio, and of this union there were born live children, of whom all. but Theodore, the youngest son, are liv- ing. Theodore died from wounds received in bat- tle during the late Rebellion. David B. is now in the grain and elevator business in Paris. He mar- ried Emma Murphy, and they have three children. George W. married Miss Rachael Kyle and they are residing in Paris. Mary married Theodore T. Van Horn. They have two children, and are also living in Paris. Sarah Elizabeth is an invalid. On May 1, 1885, Mrs. Klliott passed to her reward. She was an active christian lady, a devoted wife and loving mother. Six weeks before her death, she celebrated her golden wedding, which com- memorated fifty 3'ears of happy and useful wedded life. She was born in Warren County, Ohio. Aug. 28,1813, and removed with her parents, when young, to Butler County, that State, where she lived until her marriage. Her father, Benjamin 974 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. Magie, was born and reared in Elizabeth, N. J. He there married Miss Sarah Brown, and afterward removed to Lebanon, Ohio, where he engaged in stock-raising. He later removed to Butler County, the same State, when' he spent li is last years. He was born March '.». 177'.), and died Jan. 10, 1842. His wife died A ng, 15, 1855. They were most estimable people and members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Arthur W. Elliott, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Baltimore County, Md., Feb. 22, 1784, and died Jan. 28, 1858, in Edgar County. Illinois. His wife, Mary (Pierce) Elliott was born June 1 I. 1782, and died in August 1857, in Hamilton, Ohio. /p^EORG !$EORGE W. CHAMBERS. The career of ■. Chambers, who is a well-known resi- of Stratton Township, has been one marked by many vicissitudes during which he has sometimes felt that he has had more than his share of difficulties to contend with along life's journey. However this may be, there has been developed within him those best qualities of manhood 'which have made him a highly respected citizen and a useful member of the community, one who has been the uniform encourager of those measures which must form the basis of all good society. Without making any great stir in the world, he has pursued the even tenor of his way in a praisworthy and conscientious manner, fighting against odds some- times but in the main coming off a victor in point of moral strength and with the fixed determination to make the best of life under all circumstances. We find him occupying a snug homestead of sixty-five acres on section 7, Stratton Township, where he has a neat and substantial residence, with well ap- pointed outbuildings and all the other appliances conducive to the comfort of himself add family. He has never had any assistance financially since starting out for himself early in life, save that of his estimable partner who still remains his faithful and devoted companion and who has aided him in all his worthy endeavors. Both are consistent members of the United Brethren Church, and po- litically, Mr. Chambers is a stanch adherent of the Republican party. In reverting to the parental history of our sub- ject we find that he is the son of David and Phebe (Cruze) Chambers, the former of whom was born in Lancaster County. Pa., where he lived until the outbreak of the War of 1812. Then en- listing he served in the army until the British were a second time driven from American soil, and later was married. The mother was born in Lancashire, England and came with her parents to America when but a child. They settled near Philadelphia, Pa., where she was reared to womanhood. Of her mar- riage with David Chambers there were born eight children — George W., being the fifth in order of birth. Our subject was left an orphan by the death of both parents when about eight years old, and being bound out to a severe task-maker he experienced ten years of very hard usage with scarcely any education. His guardian was brutal in the extreme, frequently beating him and requiring him to perform all the drudgery about his place. Fi- nally he was released by the death of his tyrant and hoped for better times. The mistress after the death of her husband proved equally severe but he managed to stay with her two years longer. One day he made up his mind that he had borne enough of abuse and tying his clothes in a bundle, started out in the world of which he had little knowledge and less experience. He obtained a situation as an apprentice in a cooper shop and learned the trade in a short time, acquiring a thorough knowledge of the business and being able to command a fair salary. Our subject now feeling justified in establishing a home of his own. was married in 1848 to Miss Martha Brubaker. This lady was born in Penn- sylvania and was the daughter of Jacob and Eliza- beth Brubaker, who were also born and reared in that State. This union resulted in the birth of fourteen children, twelve of whom are living. Anna is the wife of Joseph Lambert, a minister of the Mormon Church, and they reside in Iowa; Abram is a resident of Kansas; Mary A., Mrs. Kirkendal, is a resident of Iowa; Margaret is the wife of E. Baden, and they live in Paris, this Residence of Firman James , Sec. 15. ElbridgeTownship, Edgar Co. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. '.'7 7 county; Elias is ;i resident of Vermillion, this county; Joseph lives in Mattoon, 111.; George is Farming in si ration Township; Eleanor is the wife of John Unsung and they arc living in Indiana; John is also a resident of that stale; Hattie is the wife of John Day, of Denver. C'<>1.; Alice is un- married and at home with her parents. Mr. Chambers followed the cooper's trade for ten years after his marriage, then removing to In- diana, purchased a farm in Clay County where lie sojourned ten years. Then selling out at a good figure he came to Illinois and invested pari of his capital in a farm of 1'H) acres, where he soon had a comfortable home. Finally through an unwise business transaction he lost a large amount of property, then sold out once more and purchased the farm which he now occupies. This is devoted to general agriculture and a goodly amount of live- stock, and forms one of the pleasantest homes in this part of the country. The Chambers family occupies a good position in the community ami an amply worthy of representation in a work designed to perpetuate the lives of the older settlers of Ed- gar County. ■ ..a ■ i S m ?t iTf t i m J \*i I ■ P'IRMAN JAMES. The career of many of the leading men of Edgar County should prove a source of encouragement to the young man starting out in life without other re- sources than his good health and strong hands. Among its self-made men none have presented a more creditable record than he whose name stands at the head of this sketch. He begau in life a poor boy at the foot of the ladder, but was endowed by nature with those qualities which enabled him to persevere amid many discouragements until he at- tained ultimate success. Mr. .lames is now in possession of a line prop- erty and as one of the leading farmers of Elbridge Township makes a specialty of live-stock — sheep, cattle and swine — large numbers of which he ships annually to Indianapolis although selling princi- pally to the home market. He has handled a large amount of money in his day and has dealt consid- erably in real estate, investing a large i unt of capita] as a money-lender and taking real estate se- curity. We find him occupying a beautiful In •. and having an elegant residence, which with its surroundings is represented by a lithographic en- graving elsewhere in this volume anil compares fa- vorably with anything of the kind in this part of the county. Time and money have evidently been employed liberally in bringing the farm to its present high state of cultivation, in erecting the various buildings and gathering together the ma- chinery necessary to successful agriculture. A native of Allegany County, Md., our subject was born Dec. 27. 1813, and is the son of Esau and Lydia (Wolf) James, who were natives respect- ively of Maryland and Virginia, the father of Ger- man descent and the mother of Welsh and English ancestry. In 1815 the parents, leaving Maryland, emigrated to .Muskingum County, Ohio, where they sojourned for a period of twenty-live years. There our subject acquired his education in the common school and worked with his father on the farm until a young man of twenty-one years. In the meantime the father operating as a saw-log contractor, Firman occupied much of his time in hauling logs from one place to another, and re- mained a member of the parental household until his marriage. The above-mentioned interesting and important event in the life of our subject took place in 1839, the bride being Miss Mary A. Hanks. Mrs. James was born in Virginia, Oct. 18, 1817, and was taken by her parents to Ohio when less than a year old. Her early education was acquired in the Iiuckeye State where she lived with her parents whose fam- ily consisted of thirteen children, she being the third in order of birth. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. James settled on a farm in Muskingum County, where they lived one and one-half years then turned their faces to the farther West. They arrived in this county on the 18th of October. 1HI2 and settled on a very new farm just opposite where they now live and which comprised 240 acres of land. Mr. James and his estimable wife lived in true pioneer style and labored industriously for many- years until they had obtained a firm, foothold finan- 978 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. cially, and could partially lay aside life's sterner duties. Mr. James wisely invested his surplus capital in additional land and is now the owner of 1800 acres, lying in Clark and Edgar counties, this State, and in Muscatine County, Iowa. The whole is fairly improved and under a high state of culti- vation. Mr. and Mrs. ■lames have no children. Until the troubles incident upon the effort of the Southerners to make Kansas a slave Slate, Mr. .lames had voted the Democratic ticket. The scenes enacted upon the soil of bleeding Kansas led him to change his views, and he identified himself with the Republican party of which he has since been a stanch supporter. He has never sought office but at the solicitation of his party in Elbridge Town- ship, consented at one time to represent the town- ship in the County Hoard of Supervisors and acquitted himself in a most creditable manner. He is a member in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church, attending services at Asbery. Tiny number their friends by the score in this part of the county with whose most important interests they have been closely identified for so many years and in whose material growth and develop- ment they have borne a conspicuous part. -3"> . _ —®\ AMES M. STEELE, Jr., son of (he well- | known Dr. James M. Steele, an old resident of this county, is one of the few inheriting a fine property at life's outset. He has one of the most beautiful homes within the limits of Grand View Township, and a fine engraving of his residence is presented elsewhere is this Album. He is in fact one of the wealthiest men of his county, is well educated and very popular; a member of the Kansas base ball nine, the heaviest batter in it, fond of athletic sports and the life of the social circles of his community. Dr. James M. Steele, the father of our subject, was born in Monroe County, Ya., May 6, 1806, and lived there until 1835, whence he removed to War- ren County. Ohio. In the fall of 1836 he came to Illinois and took up his residence in Edgar County, of which be afterward remained a resident until his death, which took place May 23, 1887, after he had reached the advanced age of eighty-one years. He began the study of medicine when a young man of twenty-six, completed a course in Pennsylvania University, and practiced in this county for the long period of forty-two years. He did much work among the poorer classes, responding to every call even when he knew he would never receive any pay. Especially was he the friend of young and worthy physicians striving to gain a foothold in their profession. He was a close leader and when- ever it was possible attended the local and State medical conventions. The marriage of Dr. James M. Steele and Miss Margaret I. Tate, of Augusta County, Va., occurred at the bride's home in this county. Sept. 12, 1838. This union resulted in the birth of four children, threeof whom are living: Nancy T.,Mrs. H. Baker of Salina. Kan.; Anna E., Mrs. J. B. Lord, of Chicago; and James M., the subject of this sketch. John M. died Jan. 12, 1864. The mother is still living, making her home with her son, our subject, and is in the enjoyment of good health at the age of sixty- nine years. Dr. Steele was very liberal and public spirited, and could always be depended upon in assisting in any new and worthy enterprise. He gave to his children a thorough education, his daughters being college graduates. As a physician he was remarkably successful and accumulated a large property. The subject of this sketch was the youngest child of his parents anil was born Feb. 12, 1862, in this township, this county. After leaving the primary schools he entered Wabash College in Indiana, where he took a scientific course and studied four years, withdrawing in 1882. Upon returning home he turned his attention to fanning and assumed sole charge of the homestead. On the 4th of October of that year lie was married to Eda, daughter of William and Louise Juntgen, of Kansas, 111. The father of Mrs. Steele is a prominent stock dealer and extensive land owner in this county. Mrs. Steele, like her husband, is well educated and musi- cally inclined, being graduated in music from the school at Warren, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Steele are the parents of three children: Louise, born Oct. 16, PORTRAIT AND Blot ; KAPHICAI. ALBUM. 979 1883; Anna T.. Feb. II. 1885, and Karl Ledger- wood, Dec. 6, 1887. The Steele estate comprises •") 17,1 acres of land, thoroughly cultivated and improved, and is largely devoted to stock-raising. Mr. Steele is a lover <>f line horses and is one of the owners of "Union .lack 2," said tn be the finest draft animal in the county. Politically, our subject is a sound Republican, with which party he has voted and worked since assum- ing the right of suffrage, lie has been a School Trustee for a period of seven years, and with his estimable wife is a member in good standing of the Presbyterian Church at Kansas. Both are active in Sunday-school, and Mrs. Steele is organist at the regular services in church and Sunday-school. Their beautiful and hospitable home is the frequent resort of the scores of friends whom they number in this county. There is probably no more attract- ive home within its limits, or more indicative of intelligence, culture, and the finer elements of life. - ■ fr »!< ■ $ ■- - ffiOHN MOSS. Ex-County Treasurer and Mayor of Chrisman, is recognized as one of | its leading citizens and one who has entered ' largely into the building up of the town. He is a man of property and influence and carries on agriculture and the live-stock business at a tine farm of 200 acres adjoining the city limits, lie also has a goodly amount of land in the vicinity of Olney. He is well educated and possessed of more than ordinary business abilities, while bis value as a citizen is acknowledged generally by the people of this section. His native place was near Sber- bourne, Fleming Co.. Ky.,and the date of his birth Sept. 7, 1840. The early education of Mr. Moss was conducted in the common school and, in 1853, when a youth of thirteen, he came to Illinois, driving overland with a team. Krom that time he occupied himself at farming in this county during the summer and attending school during the winter. Perhaps the most interesting and important event which fol- lowed was his marriage on the nth of January, 1868, to Miss Nancy Sousley, which was celebrated at the home of the bride near Klizaville. Ky. This lady was the daughter of Harrison Sousley. a planter and slave owner, but a strong Union man and a native of Fleming County, Ky., where he spent his last, years. In the spring of L 8.69, our subject, in partner- ship with his brother became owner of 200 acres of land in Edgar Township, where he operated two years, then purchased the old farm of his father in Hunter Township, and which embraced 100 acres. He operated this one year and was then elected County Treasurer, when he moved into Paris and resided there two years. Then returning to the farm he continued upon it until 1X73, when he traded it for 200 acres adjoining Chrisman and lost about $10,000 in the trade. He now commenced farming and stock- raising, also bought and shipped largely until 1884, when he sold out once nunc and purchased the farm which he now owns and which is situated on sections 31 and 35. Besides this property he has a modern residence and lots in the city. His live-stock includes a (lock of 200 sheep and, from these various resources he realizes a handsome income. Politically. Mr. Moss is an uncompromising Democrat and is prominent in the councils of his party, frequently being sent as a delegate to the various conventions. He was a member of the Hist Town Council, with which body be continued for six years and has been a Trustee nine years, lie was one of the committee during the erection of the school building and is an Elder of the Pres- byterian Church, to whose support he has always contributed liberally. Socially, he belongs to the I. 0. O. F., the A. O. U. W. and has ever been foremost in encouraging the enterprises calculated to Imild up bis town. To Mr. and Mrs. Moss there have been born five children, the eldest of whom, a daughter, Grace, is the wife of William Holt, a resident of Prairie Township. Rosa, Edward and Mamie are at home with their parents. The father of our subject was William II. H. Moss, likewise a native of Fleming County, Ky., and the paternal grandfather, Will- iam Moss, was born in Scotland. He emigrated to America in early life and located in Fleming County, Ky., before the Indians had left thatreeion 980 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. and when they committed many depredations upon the white settlers. The whites hnd many conflicts with them and, during one of these, Grandfather Moss was captured and held a prisoner two years, lie linally made his eseape and returning to Kentucky engaged in farming and there spent his last days. The father of our subject received only three month's schooling in his youth, but by his own efforts afterward developed into a very good scholar, lie was an excellent business man, skilled as a farmer and successful as a stock raiser, and be- came owner of .'i20 acres of land in Fleming County, lie left the Blue Grass Stale in 1851 and, coming to this county r , purchased 640 acres of laud near Baldwinsville. Later he returned to Kentucky to make some collections, and died there in 1853, at the early age of thirty-seven years. .Mrs. Mary (Chrisman) Moss, the mother of our subject, was likewise, a native of Fleming County, Ky.,and the daughter of John Chrisman, who was born in Germany. He emigrated to America, set- tling in Kentucky, and acquired a good property. In I 852 he came to the present site of Chrisman and secured Too acres of land. His wife was Jane Somerville, a native of Ireland and of Scotch-Irish descent. The mother of our subject is still living, making her home with her daughter, Mis. Belle < Iray, at Chrisman, and is now seventy-seven years old; she is a member of the Presbyterian Church. To the parents of our subject there were born eight children: Eliza, Mrs. Keyes, is a resident of Baldwinsville; Margaret is deceased; William lives in Edgar Township; John, our subject, was the fourth child; Mathias was accidentally killed by a runaway team; II. Clay is a resident of Chrisman; Harrison is deceased; Belle, Mrs. Gray, also lives Chrisman. (g^ QUIRE JOHN W. McGEE, is one of the ^£ extensive and popular farmers of Prairie Township and one of its Largest land holders. His father, William McGee, was a native of Berkley County, Ya., and came to Ohio in an early day. locating on the Muskingum River, afterward removing to Logan County, where he en- gaged in farming. At a later day he removed to Fulton County, Ind., '-here he died at the age of sixty-three years. He was a Democrat and a mem- ber of the United Brethren Church. His wife, Su- sannah Dawson, was also born in Virginia and is now residing with her son, John W., at the age of eighty-one. She is the mother of six children: John W.; Sarah, now Mrs. Briggs, of Logan County, Ohio; Mary Owens, who is living in Ful- ton County. Ind.; Elijah, who was a soldier during the Civil War, and is now a farmer of Hie last mentioned place; Samuel and Moses also of the same place. John \V. McGee was born near Bath, Berkley- Co. , Va., on Oct. lib 1827, and while very young, came with his parents to Ohio, where he grew up on a farm and attended school in log school-houses. He remained at home until he was twenty years of age when he started out in life on his own account by renting land. In connection with his farming- he also operated a saw and gristmill at Quincy, Ohio. In 1852 he came to Illinois and entered land in Edgar County, a part of which comprises his pres- ent farm. After doing this he returned to Ohio, ami continued his milling business until 1855, when he returned and immediately set to work in making improvements on his Edgar County land, which he had increased then to 200 acres. He since purchased 120 acres adjoining his original farm. Here he is engaged in raising cattle and horses and in general farming. His farm is under a high state of cultivation, well fenced and well drained. On his place is situated the school-house for his district, and also two residences and the necessary buildings for a farm of such extensive proportions. He raises a great many Poland hogs, lie is engaged in breeding a superior kind of draft horses and in fact he raises none but the best stock, and he finds that it pays. In 1817 he was married to Miss Sarah Arnold, a native of Ohio. They have seven children : Felix, William, Matilda. Martha, John A., Arthur and Otis. Felix married Miss Canady and is at home following farming; William is a telegraph operator at New Lenox, 111.; Matilda is the wife of Amos McCourtney; Martha married Mr. Southard. They are farming on the homestead. The rest of the PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. '.is | children are at home. Mr. McGee lias been fulled to several local offices and has filled them with abil- ity, lie has held the olliee of Justice of the Peace for nine years. School Director over thirty years and has been Supervisor of Roads, lie is Chaplain of the .Masonic Lodge at Ridge Farm and a mem- ber of the Methodist Church, of which he is a ( llass- Lcader and Steward. lie has also served as Super- intendent of the Sunday-school for a great many years. The Republican party has a no more faithful adherent than Mr. McCee. and he generally at- tends its conventions and gatherings lie is a man of greaf influence, and during tin 1 War of the Re- hellion, though physically incapacitated for the duties of the soldier, he did all in his power to prosecute the war. raising money to lill the quota of his township. WJAMES A. KERRICK. The unsurpassed school system of the State of Illinois, the pleasant, and in many instances, grand and '(fc^/ magnificent school buildings which are thickly scattered throughout, its borders, stand as enduring monuments to the ennobling character and benificient labors of ^he element of society to which the subject of this sketch belongs. Mr. Kerrick is Superintendent of Schools for Edgar County, which office he has held since 188G. lie was born in Cumberland County, Tenn.. Aug. 21, 1862, but when he was eight months old his parents removed to the southeast part of this county, locating in Elbridge Township, where they lived two or three years. James \. acquired his edu- cation at the common schools, supplementing it at the Teachers' Institutes and at the Training School, which is located at Oregon. Ogle Co., 111. lie has been for eight years continuously in school work, having taught six years. Mr. Kerrick married Miss Lizzie Asher, of Hume, September, 1884, and to them have been born one boy — Irvin. Mr. Kerrick has always been associated with the Democratic party, be- ing enthusiastic in upholding il- principles. Me is a member of the I. 0. (). F. and belongs to Austin Lodge No. 91. The successful life of Mr. Kerrick. although a young man. can la; traced to his habits of industry and his strict probity. He is painstaking in all his work, and in educational affairs he is well informed. His ability is sure t" lead a successful career. John W. Kerrick, father of James A., was born in Fauquier County. Va., in March. 1832, and when he was a boy. his parents removed to Cum- berland County. Tenn.. where they were engaged in farming. His father, Edwin, the grandfather of James A., was an officer in the War of 1812. He was a Baptist minister and teacher. John W. married Miss Sarah L. Deatherage, and the former is now living in this county, owning and operating a farm. Nine children were born to them, of whom seven are living, and five of them have been teachers. Catherine married .1. I). Waters, and they are living at Lincoln, Neb.; Henry C. is a physician in this county; .lames A., subject of this sketch; Lizzie and Charles L. are teachers; William, and Sally E. -reside in this county; Mary E. and Bushrod T. are deceased. Bushrod was twenty- seven years old when he died and was a success- ful teacher. The mother has been dead for about ten years. Mrs. James A. Kerrick was born in Indiana in 1 863 and when a young girl came to I (ouglas County where her father was a farmer. She received a good education ami became a very popular teacher, following that profession for three years in the Hume School, in Edgar County." She was a daugh- ter of Newton and J uretta (Dodds) Asher. The former was a native of Indiana but spent the last twelve years Of his life in Illinois. Hi- wife is stil! living. j A SON W. HOWELL, City Attorney and Jus- I he i if I he Peace in Paris, was born in Henry County. Ind.. Aug. '_".t. 1849. His parents were Hillcry and Fanny (Bedwell) Howell, and his paternal grandfather was Jason Howell, who was born in one of the Carolinas. The latin emigrated to Wayne (dimly. Ind., at an early da\ : 982 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. was a Dunkard in religion and a farmer by occu- pation. He was married in Indiana to Miss Mary Small and lived to be eighty-eight years old pass- ing away about 18(10, many years after the death of his wife. Hillery Howell, the father of our subject, was born in Wayne County, Ind., in 1814, and like the sons of farmers of that day was early inured to hard work. That part of the country was heavily tim- bered, and the early settlers literally hewed their homes out of the wilderness. Young Hillery How- ell lived with his parents until reaching his majority, and for a few years afterward carried on farming with his uncle near La Porte. Finally he took up 140 acres of Government land lying on Stony Creek near Blountsville, and here constructed a homestead, where he settled after his marriage and where his ten children were born. About twenty years before his death he sold his property and purchased the farm of his father-in-law, adjoining Blountsville on the north. He lived there for some years, and until advancing age disqualified him for labor, when he sold out again and purchased a home in Blountsville, where he spent the remainder of his days. He died suddenly March 6, 1888, from heart disease. A son living with him, upon returning home the evening of that day, found him lying dead upon the Boor, death having been apparently painless and instantaneons. He had that evening been out to visit another son and had evidently just returned home, his cane being hung up on the wall but his hat was still on his head. His life had passed in a comparatively uneventful manner. He united with the Christian Church in middle life and remained connected with it until his death. In his habits he was industrious, temperate, strictly honest and upright in all his dealings and was held in high esteem by his entire community. A man of genial temperament lie made many friends. He was a kind and indulgent father and gave his children all the advantages of education within his power. His wife, Fanny, preceded him to the tomb but a few weeks, dying Feb. IS), 1888. Of the family born to Hillery and Fanny Howell nine are yet living. The deceased daughter, Sarah Jane, was the wife of Silas llaynes. a farmer living near Blountsville, Ind., and she died in 1868; Ke- turah is the wife of George Russum, a farmer of Linn County. Kan.; Osborn G. lives near Arba, Ind., and is connected with the postal service; Jonathan B. is a merchant of Montpelier, Blackford Co.. Ind.; Jason W.. our subject, was the next in order of birth; Caldwell R. is farming near Blountsville, Ind.; Serena A. is the wife of A. W. Jordon, living near Blountsville; Leroy T. is employed as a clerk at Burney, Ind.; Alonzo G. is also a clerk; and Orange L. W. is a stone-mason by trade; both are residents of Blountsville. The subject of this sketch spent his boyhood and youth on the farm where he was born, acquir- ing his education in the district school and becom- ing familiar with the various employments of rural life. At the age of twenty years he left home, and coining to Coles County, this State, engaged in teaching school for a time at Ilitesville. Later he returned to Blountsville, where he taught school one year, then came to this county and taught school in the western part of it. Finally crossing the Mississippi he visited Iowa, Nebraska and Mis- souri, teaching a term in the Hawkeye State in the summer of 1871, and the following winter taught in Missouri. In the spring of 1872 Mr. Howell came back to Edgar County, and was engaged as a pedagogue three years. Then with his wife ■ind a child he removed to Blountsville, Ind.. where he conducted a school two .years in the same build i no- where he had attended when a boy. In May, 1 *77. he came to Paris, which has since been his home. In the meantime he had improved his leisure hours in reading law, and now entered the office of Jo- seph K. Dyas, Esq., where he commenced the regu- lar study and applied himself to such good purpose that he was admitted to the bar July :5, 187!), before the Supreme Court in session at Mt. Vernon. He commenced the practice of his profession in Paris, and has met with uniform success. He was elected Justice of the Peace in 1881. re-elected in 1885 and entered upon his third term in 1889. In 1887 he was elected City Attorney of Paris and re-elected in 18.89. None other than a conscientious atten- tion to duty could have retained him in the posi- tion which he now occupies. Jason Howell was united in marriage with Miss Ida Patton Feb. 8. 1871. This lady is the daugh- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 983 ter of Robeson M. and Nancy (Hamilton) Patton, the father a mason by trade and living near Kan- sas, this county, although he owns a farm near what is called Donica Point. Mr. Patton came to tin's county from Hamilton, Ohio, about 1857. Both he and his estimable wife are now deceased, he dy- ing in 1884 anil the mother about 1887. Mrs. Howell was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, Nov. 29, 1850. and is the youngest in a family of seven children, all of whom are yet living except one. Of her union with our subject then' have been born seven children, two of whom are still living — Fannie F. and Herbert II. Mr. Howell, politically, is a Republican, and socially belongs to Austin Lodge, No. 001. 1. t ). (). I'". and is also a member of the Masonic fraternity. P">RANCIS .1. MADDOCK. The subject of j this notice is one of the most solid citizens of Pirnellet Township, and operates a farm of 780 acres in extent on section 35. He was born Nov. 15. 1846 in West Elkton, Preble Co., Ohio and in 1858 came with his parents to this county, where his father, Joseph Maddock, died in I860. The mother died in July 17, 1889. The mother of our subject was in her girlhood Miss Irene Macey and of her union with Joseph Maddock there were born eight children, viz: Phebe C, Stephen, Isaac, who is deceased, Mary, Francis J., our subject; Lorenzo, Ely C. and Yer- linda, who died in infancy. The paternal grand- father, was also named Francis, was born in North Carolina, and early in life moved to Preble County, Ohio, during the fust settlements of that State, lie opened up a farm upon which he spent the re- mainder of his life, becoming a substantial and well-to-do citizen. He was married in North Car- olina to Miss- Phebe Cook, and they became the parents of a fine family of sons and daughters among whom Joseph, the father of our subject, was one of the older children. The subject of this notice was married in Prairie Township. Dec. I. 1870 to Miss Serena Scott, a native of Illinois, and of this union there have been born two children — Terrence and Nettie, aged seventeen and nine, respectively. Mr. Maddock cast his first Presidential vote for Grant and uniformly supports the principles of the Republi- can party. -~-»/\. ■^tuaatS-iS^ *§!^KTO>» -va/>«. LI CIIARLLEEN TURNER. There are few men younger than Mr. Turner repre- sented in this work, as it requires years of experience for a man to establish himself in any business ami to build up a reputation among his fellow-citizens. The subject of flu's notice is a gentleman of more than ordinary capacities, who improved his early years in the acquirement of an education, and now in addition to farm pursuits occupies himself as a teacher. He makes his home with his father. Isaac Turner, at a well regulated homestead on section 1 in Shiloh Township. Mr. Turner was born near Dudley, Grand View Township, Aug. I, i 858, and thereafter during his boyhood and youth divided his time in attendance at the district and graded schools and working on the farm during vacations. He made such good use of his time at, school that at the early aye of seventeen years he began teaching, which profes- sion he has since followed continuously during the winter season. "When twenty one years old he ;,| tended Hurley's Academy in Paris. Our subject removed with the family to Shiloh Township in 1875. where he has since made his home. As an instructor he bears the reputation of being a decided success, and his whole heart is in the work, lie attends all the institutes of the county and has taught in nearly every township along its northern line. This is sufficient indica- tion of his success and popularity. Durin<» the summer season he assists his father in operating the farm. He is a strong Republican politically, and at various times has been made a candidate for the various local offices, and although receiv- ing a hearty support, his party being in the minor- ity, failed of election as he expected. lie i- ver\ popular iii social circles and a great favorite anion" the young people of his neighborhood. Eli ('. 984 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. Turner married Lydia Ellen Boulger, Aug. 11. 1889; she is the daughter of Jeremiah and Martha Boulger. Isaac Turner, the father of our subject, was bom in Manchester, England, Aug. 6, 1825. The pa- ternal grandfather, William Turner, was likewise a native of England, and during his younger years employed himself as a silk manufacturer near the city of Manchester. In 1829, however, he de cided to seek his fortunes on the other side of the Atlantic, and locating in Philadelphia, Pa., fol- lowed his old-time occupation until his death, which occurred from cholera in 1832. Grand- mother Mary (Kay) Turner, a native of the same county as her tfusband, came with him to America and passed away in 1831; she was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The father of our subject was the youngest of fourteen children born to his parents, and is the only survivor of the whole family. He was a Utile lad of four years when he was brought to America by his parents and at the age of seven years was left an orphan in the city of Philadelphia. For ten years thereafter he made his home with one of his sisters, and then at the age of seventeen years began his apprenticeship at the blacksmith trade. At the age of twenty he commenced working as a journeyman and was thus employed twelvemonths in New York City. Later he worked for a time in Newcastle, Del. From there he returned to Philadelphia where he sojourned until the spring of 1849. The father of our subject now having an oppor- tunity to see something more of the world, em- harked on a sailing vessel and subsequently went as second engineer on a steamer bound for Central America. It was a small steamer used to run up the .lagers River. The vessel not being ready he employed himself at blacksmithing in the vessel until the fall of the year, when he set out for Cali- fornia from Panama on a'.-teamer and locating on the Uba River began prospecting for gold. He remained there two years, meeting with success. In the spring of L852 he returned to Philadelphia, and shortly afterward was married to Miss Re- becca Charlleen. She was born in Delaware County. Pa., July 18. 1822. and is the daughter of Kb Charlleen, also a native of Penns3'lvania. and by trade a carpenter and joiner. He came to the West in 1854 and made his home with his daughter until his decease. In the fall of 1852 Mr. Turner came to Cincin- nati, Ohio, looking for a location, but not finding anything desirable pushed on into Illinois and se- cured a tract of land in Grand View Township. In the course of time he had improved two farms. In the spring of 1869 he went to California in- tending to locate, making the journey via the Isth- mus of Panama, and preempted 160 acres of land in Fresno County, Cal. He had gone there with his money in greenbacks, but was not able to stand the discount of thirty per cent in exchange for gold, so returned that same fall, leaving his claim, lie then located in Dudley, 111., where he engaged in buying and shipping grain. He was successful in his enterprise and in due time purchased a tract of raw land in Shiloh Township, upon which he built up a good farm and where he instituted mod- ern improvements. It is now largely devoted to grain-raising and high-bred horses. Mr. Turner votes the straight Republican ticket and is a mem- ber in good standing of the Masonic fraternity. The mother is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Their family consists of two children. Eli Charlleen. and Jennie, the wife of ('.(>. Rogers, of Hume. ^%&* fir OHX II. HARRIS of Paris Township, enjoys the reputation of being one of the most prominent stock dealers of Edgar County. / He owns and occupies a beautiful home- stead upon which has been effected all the modern improvements. The residence is a commodious and tasteful frame structure in front of which ex- tends a well-kept lawn and around which are planted shade and ornamental trees. The barn adjacent is of ample dimensions, while the other outbuildings, the live-stock and the farm machinery give to the premises that air of plenty and solidity which is delightful to contemplate. Mr. Harris was born in Wheeling, now West Virginia, and when a boy of ten years, came, in 1857. with his parents to this county. The latter, re m m 2 o 13 Co Co > 33 O z C/l X m D O > 33 O o £1 PORTRAIT AND BIOOItAPIIICAL ALBUM. 987 Joseph and Sarah (Keyser) Harris, were both natives of Bellaire, Ohio. The father secured a trad of land from which he opened up a farm and there with his family spent many years. Finally retiring from active Labor he removed to Paris. of which he and his estimable wife are still resi- dents. The paternal grandfather of our subject w:is Reuben Han-is, who took up his abode in Bel- laire, Ohio, when there was nothing to indicate a future town. The house which he Imilt and lived in for many years, is still standing and for some time it was the only dwelling in the place. Grandfather Harris became owner of a Large tract of land now covered by the city of Bellaire. and where he built up a good farm from the wilder- ness. At that homestead the father of our subject was born and reared, and ran the ferry across the Ohio River for several years. He was married near the place of his birth, but scum afterward re- moved across the river into Virginia with his young wife, where they sojourned until their family Of nine children were born. Of these John II. was was the fifth. Two more children were added to the household circle after their removal to this State, one now deceased. The subject of this sketch was educated in the district schools of his native township and early in life, became familiar with farming pursuits. When reaching man's estate he was married Oct. 31, 1872, tn Miss Mary J., daughter of John and Eliza (Moss) Arthur. The young people began their wedded life in a manner corresponding to their means and surroundings, making it a rule to live within their income, and employing their time in- dustriously in obtaining a competence. This course pursued a series of years could scarcely fail of good results. Mr. Harris is now the owner of I in acres of land. Upon the home farm of 200 acres he has effected the improvements which invariably attract the eye of the passing traveler. Besides this he has two other improved farms in Paris Township. lie has for years been engaged in buying, feeding and shipping stuck, principally cattle of which he usually feeds about 100 head per year. This in- dustry alone has been the source of a handsome income. Mr. and Mrs. Harris are the parents of eighl children, seven <>f whom are living, viz: Leonard, Charles, John, Myrtle, Irma, Hazel and Amelia. One child dieil unnamed in infancy. Noah Harris, a brother of our subject, during the late Civil War served in the Union army a member of the 7th Illinois Cavalry. Reuben, another brother, en- listed in thi' three-month's service, in the 12th Illinois Infantry and died of starvation at Paducah, Kv. Albert Harris served six months in an Illinois regiment and is now :i resident of this township. & * ILLIAM M. SMITH. For a man compar- atively young in years, this gentleman has made a line record both as an agriculturist and a business man, and is already in independent circumstances. Personally he is a "gentleman to the manor born," a fact which must be at once recognized by both friend and stranger. In all he is Hie owner of 303 acres of land, 217.1 lying on section 13,' where he resides, fifty and two-thirds acres in Bruellet Township, and five acres in Ver- million County, hid. The farm is embellished by a commodious residence, a lithographic engraving of which is presented on another page, while ample und convenient, outbuildings add to the conven- ience of the farmer. The land has been thoroughly drained with tile and brought to an exceedingly productive condition. The fields are largely en- closed with hedge, which adds greatly to the beauty of the landscape. There is an abundance of im- proved farm machinery and a windmill with tanks for supplying water wherever needed. Mr. Smith makes a specialty of stock raising — cattle, horses and swine — ships about two cars annually, and has some of the linest roadsters and draft horses to be found in this part of the county, mostly Normans, IWO teams of which are utilized in the farm opera- tions. Our Subject, like his honored father. i> a native of this county, and was born at the I estead which he now owns and occupies, Dec. 2."i, 1858. Ili< father. Shcphard Smith, was the son of Dr. Abraham Smith, a native of Washington County. I'ciin., and born May 17. I T'.MI. In 1821 he I, •II 988 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. his native .State and established himself on a tract of land in the vicinity of Plainville, Hendricks ( D.. Ind. While a youth in Tennessee he had studied medicine under the instruction of his maternal grandmother, Mrs. Paine, who was a physician and surgeon in the hospital during the Revolutionary War. In Indiana Grandfather Smith commenced the practice of medicine, and living among the In- dians and associating with them, he gained much valuable information in connection with the use of roots and herbs, mainly from a Pottawatomie Chief. In 1823 Grandfather Smith crossed over into Illinois, and located near Georgetown in Vermilion County, where he resided until 1832. That year he made another removal to this county, locating in what is now Ross Township, and entering land including the presentsite of Chrisman. He became the owner of 769 acres and engaged in farming and stock-raising, making a specialty of trotting horses, and was thus occupied until 1852. Then selling out his interests in Illinois he crossed the plains to Oregon, where he engaged in farming until 1859. That year he returned to the ' l East- ern country," as he called it, and located in Bloom- ington, Ind.' where he followed his profession, established a large practice, and engaged in distill- ing nil. In 1881 he retired from active labor with limited means, having deeded his property away. He now makes his home with his grandson, our subject. He is a man of commanding stature, over six feet inheightand remarkably intelligent, keep- ing himself well posted upon current events. Po- litically he votes the Republican ticket, and in religions matters belongs to the Christian Church. The great-grandfather of our subject was Absa- lom Smith. a native of Frederick County, W. \'a., and an own cousin of John C. Calhoun. He was a man of line abilities, and ranked among the largest farmers in the Old Dominion. In 179 1 he removed to Tennessee, where he spent his last days, lie traced his ancestry back to the English John Smith whose life was saved by the Indian maiden. Poca- hontas. The father of our subject remained with his pa- rents until a youth of nineteen years, then leaving the farm engaged in opcralinga ditching machine. which occupied his attention until 1849. That year he purchased 160 acres of land in Prairie Township, from which was constructed the present admirable homestead of William M. Smith, lie became an extensive stock dealer; and invested his capital largely in additional land, the most of which was brought to a good state of cultivation. In 1 860 he crossedthe Mississippi into Nodaway Coun- ty, Mo., where he invested in land to the extent of 400 acres, operating it two years and then return- ing to this county. In 1868 he disposed of his Mis- souri property, and two years after, Nov. 19, 1870, departed this life, when but forty years of age. He had been a prominent man in his community, voting the straight Republican ticket and holding some of the local offices. The mother of our subject, was, in her girlhood Miss Matilda A. Wood, and was a native of this county, born near Logan. Her father. David Wood, was one of the earliest pioneers of this county, entering land near Logan, where he carried on fanning until his death. Mrs. Matilda (Wood) Smith became the mother of eight children and departed this life at the homestead in Prairie Town- ship, Aug. 17. 1868, at the early age of thirty-four years. She was a lady possessing many excellent qualities, and a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Luna, the eldest son of the fam- ily, is now a resident of Prairie Township; Marion is deceased; William M., our subject, was the third child; the next infant died unnamed; Viola .1. ( Mis. Roberts) lives in Bruellet; .John G. is farm- ing in Prairie Township; Millignn and Matilda A. (Mrs. Ross) are residents, respectively, of Ross Township and Bruellet Township. William M. Smith was a lad of eleven years only at the time of his father's death, and soon after- ward commenced the battle of life working out on a farm. His education was mostly acquired dur- ing the winter season, he attending, the com- mon school until he reached his majority. In 1879 he rented forty-seven acres of land, but continued as a farm laborer for two years before locating on his property. In 1881 he purchased land adjoining, which made him the owner of 200 acres, upon which he operated until the fall of 1 ,s,s-_>. when he changed the scene of his labers to Lean. PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 989 and commenced to buy and ship stock. This proved a very Fortunate venture, but in the fall of 1883 lie repaired to Chrisman and embarked in general merchandising, in company with a partner, under the firm name of Roberts & Smith. They contin- ued together until the fall of 1888, when the part- nership was dissolved on account of the ill health of both, and in the spring of 1880 our subject re- turned to his farm. In the meantime he had pur- chased additional land, and is now in the midst of a successful farming business which yields him a handsome income. The 18th of October, 1881 . witnessed the mar- riage of our subject with Miss Katie X. Roberts, a native of Bruellet Township, well educated and employed as a teacher. She only remained the companion of her husband a little over a year, her death taking place Nov. 7, 1882. Mr. Smith con- tracted a second marriage, Feb. 2, 1887, at Chris- man with Miss Minnie Gray, a native of Paris Township, and the daughter of 1)?. S. R. Gray, of Chrisman. Mrs. Smith attended school at Jack- sonville one year and was graduated from the Chrisman high school. She is a lady greatly re- spected in her community, and a member in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Smith, politically is a strong Republican, and has been Township Clerk one year. He is a man looked up to in his community, and one whose opinions are generally respected. Socially he belongs to the 1. O. O. F, at Chrisman, and religiously attends services at Wesley Chapel. ~>^£M&& *-r-V- /p^EOROK W. KIMBLE. In mentioning the ill c — , leading citizens of Paris Township, the ^^||y name of Ml'. Kimble can by no means be omitted. He has from the start been prominent in his community, and for the las! nine years has held the office of Road Commissioner by successive re-election. l»y occupation he isa life-longagricnl- turalist. His home farm embraces 230 acres of land originally belonging to his father, while he also has 150 acres in young America Township. A course of industry and prudence has resulted in the accumulation of a competence, while his liber- ality as a citizen and his progressive ideas as a man have raised him to a good position in his com- munity. A native of Paris Township, this county, our subject was born .Ian. If), 18:!]. and thus fur has spent his life in the place of his birth. His par- ents. Lawson and Elizabeth (Chaplin) Kimble, were natives of Washington County. Ohio, and Esses County. .Mass., respectively. They were married in Lawrence County, Ohio, wdience they came to Illinois, in 1830, and located upon the land now occupied by their son, our subject, and in this home the latter was born. His paternal grand- father, a native of New Jersey, emigrated to the Territory of Ohio about 1800, as did also the ma- ternal grandfather: The latter was obliged to keep his cows on the opposite side of the river, in Virginia, as on the Ohio side there was nothing but heavy forest, and the girls crossed the river in a skiff to milk. Amid these primeval solitudes Grandfather Kimble settled in a little log cabin, began felling the trees around him, and finally suc- ceeeded in clearing a farm. He there spent his hist days. On the mother's side of the house. Grandfather Moses Chaplin was a native of Massachusetts, and the house on the old farm where he was born was still standing a few years ago. He and his family of seven emigrated to Ohio with the New England colony at a very early date, settling at Marietta, and from there moved to Lawrence County. Ohio, where he spent the remainder of his life. His father, the great-grandfather of our subject, served in the Revolutionary War. Lawson Kimble upon coming to this county located on the edge of the prairie, in Paris Town- ship, where he opened up a fine farm at a time when Indians were numerous, and were often seen stray- ing over the country, and sometimes camping on the creek near by. The nearest market for fruit and other produce ill those days was Chicago, where our subject hauled several loads of apples prior to the lime of railroads. These sold from WUx cents to .-si pee bushel. They conveyed their pork to market to Clinton and Terre Haute. Ind. The early education of our subject was prose- T.HI PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. cuted in a log cabin, with puncheon floor, with seats and desks made of slabs, the former set up on rude wooden pins for legs and the latter sustained by pins driven in the wall, across which the slabs were laid. A huge fireplace extended along one end of the building, and the chimney was made outside, of earth and sticks. With the exception of a couple of years spent at school in Paris, our subject here completed his education. He was married April 13, 1854, to Miss Sarah .1., daughter of Thomas Hannah, a native of Delaware County, N. Y. The grandparents of Mrs. Kimble on both sides, as well as her mother, were natives of Scot- hind. She was born in Delaware County, N. Y,. and was taken by her grandmother to Schenectady, N. Y., remaining there until seventeen years of age, when she came to this county with them. The young people began their married life on a tract of land in Paris Township, taking possession of their present farm in 1854. They are the parents of five children: Clarence C, Willis P., Amelia G. (now Mrs. .lames McCulIoch), William L. and John 1). Clarence C. Kimble was married April 1, 1888, to Miss Catharine Keifer of St. Catharine, Canada, and they are now residents of Chicago, Willis P. married Miss Sarah Gates, is employed as a civil engineer and surveyor, and lives in Marceline. Mo. lie ran the first line of railroad into Northern Mexico from the United States. William L. and John D. are at home. Mr. and Mrs. Kimble own and occupy a fine residence, which is represented in this work by a lithographic engraving, and their many friends always meet with a warm and cordial reception i'l their pleasant home. FREDERICK GUMM. The elements of m- Py dustry and perseverance in the make-up of this gentleman have resulted in his success financially, while as a man and a citizen he occu- pies an enviable position in his community. His native place was on the other side of the Atlantic, in the village of Horn, Prussia, and he was born Dec. 25, 1827. He emigated to America in 1848 when a young man of twenty-one years and, in July following, established himself as a resident of Edgar County, III. He is now numbered among the well-to-do farmers of Paris Township, a self- made man who began at the font of the ladder, de- pendent upon his own resources and is making excellent progress toward the top. In noting the parental history of our subject we find he is the son of George and Maria E. (Ilarter) Guram who were natives of the same province as their son. They sprang from an excellent ancestry and for generations were identified with the Evan- gelical Church. The father of our subject served as a soldier in the Prussian Army and spent his last days in his native land. The maternal grandfather was Jacob Ilarter, also a Prussian by birth, who spent his entire life upon his native soil. The voyage to this country was made by our subject on the sailing vessel "Antwerp" and con- sumed about sixty days. Most of the time the sea was veiy rough and the wind in the wrong direction so that the ship could only make very slow progress, lie finally landed in safety in New York City and thence made his way, via the Hudson River to Al- bany. From there he traveled by canal to Buffalo and thence by lake to Sheboygan, Wis., where a few of his old acquaintances had settled. A few days later he proceeded to Milwaukee anil from there to this county as before noted. Our subject now commenced working on a farm by the month and was thus occupied two and one- half years. At the expiration of this time, he had with genuine German thrift and prudence accumu- lated sufficient means to begin operations on his own account. He began farming on rented land and in due time took unto himself a wife and help- mate. Miss Anna Graff, a native of Switzerland, to whom he was married in Paris Township, Jan. (i, 1859. Mrs. Gnmm came to the United States with her uncle, Jacob Pfister, a brother of her mother, who had died in Switzerland. Her people, like those of our subject, were members of the Evan- gelical Church. Mr. Gnmm continued to farm on rented land until he had accumulated sufficient to purchase forty acres to which, later, he added forty more PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 991 where his buildings now stand, and which joins his first purchase. As his means accumulated he in- vested his spare capital in additional land and is now the owner of 240 acres. lie has brought this to a high state of cultivation, laid a considerable quantity of tiling and improved it with good build- ings. Such has been his career that he enjoys the unlimited confidence of his neighbors, who consider his word as good as his bond. To our subject and his excellent wife there have been born nine children. The eldest, a daughter, Anna E., is the wife of Jacob II. Zise and they re- side in Englewood, this State. Mary became the wife of Charles Ilanes and died in Paris in Febru- ary, 1889; Edward lives in Buck Township; John T., William F., Albert 1).. Jennie Y. and Pearl B. are at home with their parents. Ella S. died when twenty months old. Mr. and Mrs. Cumin are mem- bers of the Presbyterian Church and our subject, politically, givers his unqualified support to the Democratic party. He has served as School Di- rector in his district about twelve years, but aside from this has avoided the responsibilities of office. A half-brother of our subject. Peter Pross, and one of his own brothers, George, accompanied him to this country. Mr. Pross enlisted as a Union soldier during the late Civil War and died of measles at Nashville, Tenn. Mr. George Gumm is a resident of Buck Township, Edgar County. ^~hH3*S3>§-h-J~ Vl?OSIAS F. AT1ION is one of the old settlers of Edgar County. He located two miles north of Paris in 1851, which at that time (jKSg/' was the only farm, with one or two excep- tions, between Paris and Mulberry Grove. Mr. Athon bought an improved farm, where he lived for seventeen years, making the place a very de- sirable one. He planted trees, shrubbery, and or- chards, and otherwise improved it. Hewasoneof the first School Directors and aided in forming the first district in his neighborhood. In 1868 Mr. Athon removed to Paris, where he engaged in the hotel business. He added forty- two rooms to the Paris House, making it the finest hotel in Eastern Illinois. This venture was not a financial success, although he continued in the business for ten years. lie has been Assessor for the city and township for nine years, tilling this difficult position to the satisfaction of the tax- payers. Mr. Athon was born in North Carolina, March 9, 1*17. lie lived there but a short time, when his parents emigrated to l'aoli, Ind., and afterwards to Bedford, when that place consisted of three log cabins. His learning was received in tin- common schools of his boyhood, and after gaining a limited education he followed farming. Our subject was married to Miss Serene Ganey, June 25, 1835. lie lived in Indiana until 1851, when he purchased 200 acres of land, as before staled. At that time he also owned 600 acres in Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Athon are the parents of thirteen children, of whom ten are still living. John W . was killed in the war of the Rebellion in front of Atlanta; Henry married Miss Clara Boucher; she died, and he took for his second wife Mrs. Osborne; Flavius J. is now living six miles north of Paris on a farm; William is a clerk in a hotel at Terre Haute Ind.; Nathaniel I). is living in Paris; Margaret married C. E. Carpenter, of Topeka, Kan.; Catherine is at home; Fletcher is now living in Topeka, Kan.; Clara married I). II. Jenkins, of Los Angeles, CaL; Susan is now Mrs. A. S. Lamb, of Aspen, Col.; Charles L. is living in this State. Two children died in infancy, named Winfield and Mary. Mrs. Athon was born in Pulaski County. Ky., in 1818, and when a babe of eighteen months her par- ents removed to near Springville, Ind., where she lived until her marriage. She was the daughter of Alien and Margaret Ganey, who were among the first settlers in that part of Indiana. Joseph Athon, father of Josias. was born in Maryland, Nov. 1), 1764, where he lived until he became of age. He taught school in Washington, Baltimore, anil other places in the latter part of the last cen- tury. While in Maryland he married Miss Mary Wolverton, of Fredericktown. lie was thirty-four years old at the time of his marriage, and his wife was seventeen. The early part of their married life was spent in Rockbridge County, Va.; from I there they removed North Carolina, remaining in 992 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. that State seven years, when they came to Indiana and located near Springville, where lie died in his eighty-fourth year. The mother died in 1852, when the cholera was epidemic in Indiana. This worthy couple were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church for more than fifty years, and their house was the home of the circuit riders. When only a hoy of eighteen years, Peter Cart- wright, the eccentric Methodist preacher, delivered a sermon in Mr. Athon's house, which was a regu- lar preaching place where he preached ever} - four weeks. Josias F. Athon is one of the substantial citizens of his county, and takes great pride in doing well the work allotted to him. As Assessor he has the reputation of handing in the best books to the county authorities, of any official in this county. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he has been a member since 1838. Politi- cally he was in the early days a Whig, and his first Presidential vote was cast for William Henry Har- rison and on the formation of the Republican party he became a stanch Republican, and a strong Union man during the war. At the last presidential elec- tion he voted for Gen. Harrison. ^ ARK ROWE, M. 1)., Physician and Sur- geon, who also follows the occupation of a farmer and stock raiser on section 22, town- ship 11, range 13, Buck Township, Edgar County, was born in Yorkshire, England. April 29, 1834. Dr. James Rowe, (deceased), the father of our subject, was a native of the same place as his son. He brought his family to the United States in 1852, and located in Dubuque, Iowa, where he resided a few years, hoping to regain his lost health in the dry and bracing air of that climate, but was doomed to disappontment, his health remaining poor and growing worse until he was finally laid to rest in that place. Dr. Rowe received the rudiments of an educa- tion in a select school while a youth in England. On arriving in this country, lie was placed in the Cedar Valley Seminary, Cedar Valley, Mitchell Co., Iowa, where he pursued his studies, and on com- pleting the course in that school, entered the Homeopathic Institute in Brooklyn. N. V.. where he received the degree of doctor of medicine, and be- gan the practice of medicine under the rules of that school. Becoming dissatisfied with this school of practice, he matriculated in the medical college of Cincinnati, Ohio, in 18G5, taking the Eclectic course of studies in Materia Medica, which he pur- sued with unfaltering ardor and diligence through- out the entire course, and received his diploma in 18C5. His first location under the rules of the Eclectic schools of medicine was in Grand View, where he built up a large practice in that town and vicinity. In 1867 he removed to Dudley, and re- mained there until 1875. when he came to his pre- sent place. Dr. Rowe's practice while a resident of Dudley, was not only large in the number of his patients, but extensive in the distances he had to travel from his home. During a stay of about fifteen years in that place, he was obliged to do as much, if not. more riding than any other physician in Edgar County, averaging about 10,000 miles a year for ten years of that time, but during recent years he has endeavored to diminish his practice by degrees, with a view of totally abandoning it. Coveting a life of rural delights, and having an experience in agricultural matters, he purchased the large estate which is the present home of himself and family, and on which he has erected an elegant dwelling. In addition to his home place of 240 acres, he owns 320 acres in Wichita County, Tex. Cropping the luscious herbage on the broad acres surrounding the commodious dwelling place of Dr. Rowe, may be seen hundreds of tine cattle, and other blooded stock, enjoying the present, and fitting themselves to till the coffers of their owner in the future by securing the highest market price when sold. Our subject and Miss Elizabeth I*. Kennedy, daughter of Guy Kennedy (deceased), were mar- ried in June, 1855. Mrs. Rowe was a native of Dubuque, Iowa, and has become the mother of two children, Anna E, and Charles K. Anna married Dr. Frank Sweney, of St. Paul, Minn. He is a graduate of Rush Medical College. Chicago, and a brother of Senator Sweney. They have two ehil- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 993 (Iri'ii. Kate, and Marcia. Charles married Miss Belle McNeill, and makes his home in Philadelphia, Pa. lie is a graduate of the Medical Department of the University of Pennsylvania, from winch in- stitution lie received his diploma, and takes high rank in his chosen profession in the Quaker City. In 1861 Dr. Rowe suffered the loss of his wife, and after four years of loneliness was again united in marriage in 1865, taking fur his life partner, Mrs. RosannaE. Adams, a daughter of Israel House niul widow of Anson Adams. She was a native of Berlin, Vt., ami the fruit of this second union was one child, Herberl 1!. Mrs. Rowe hail four chil- dren by her first husband, of whom one survives — Nellie — who is married to Randolph White, of Car- bon, Iml.. ami is the mother of two children, Har- riett ami Randolph. Although our subject has not neglected any of the duties pertaining to the successful prosecution of his life-work, he has kept up his interest in the general affairs of the world, anil is well informed on all the subjects of the hour, also following out an extensive course of reading in the literature of his own profession, and his eminent abilities make him a valuable member of the Esculapian Medical So- ciety, and of the American Medical Association. lie is also a member of the Masonic fraternity, holding his membership in Kansas Chapter, in Grand View Lodge and Palestine Commandery at Paris. Our subject has views of his own on the political and economic questions of the day. hut (iocs not spare much time to discuss them, being satisfied to exercise his right of a. freeman at the periodical elections, casting his ballot in favor of the Democracy. ./v/\*;— ♦♦ WlollN M. LEGATE, is one of the Old settlers of Kdgar County, where he is held in unL versal respect for his rugged honesty and \\) great energy of character. lie owns and occupies 400 acres of as nice land as the sun ever .shone upon, and upon which is built all the struct- ures that are essential to the operation of a well- regulated farm, lie has accumulated his compe- tency wholly by his own endeavors, and can be called, in truth, a self-made man. His father, Robert Legate, was a native of Ten- nessee, from which Slate he removed to Brown County, Ohio, being one of the earlier settlers there. lie died at the age of twenty-one in the yeir 1 823, respected as a model young man. lie was a Presbyterian. His paternal grandfather, Capl. John Legale was a native of the north of Ireland and came to America when a young man. locating in Tennessee. lie afterward removed to Brown County, Ohio, where he purchased Hill acres of land, lie was a captain in the Revolution- ary War and served under Geu. Marion. He died on his farm in Ohio, respected by all who knew him. The mother of John M., was Catherine Mearse, a native of Ohio, Her father. David Mearse. was born in Ireland, where he married, whence he came to Kentucky in an early day and bought a small farm. He later moved to I'.rown Count). Ohio. While going down the Ohio River, himself and family were captured by the Indians at Three Islands, where they were bought by the whites and taken to Detroit ami sent back to Ken- tucky. They remained in the latter State but a short time, when the family removed to Ohio, set- tling on a, quarter section of land. There the grandfather lived until death called him away. The mother of the subject of this sketch was born and reared in Ohio. Her second husband was Israel D. Sayre. She died in Edgar Township, July I 'J, l*< s S. and was the mother of two children, John M. and Elizabeth. The latter married Will- iam Scott of Prairie Township and is dead. John M.. of whom this sketch is written, was born in Brown County. Ohio. Oct. 11, L819. He was reared on a farm, and while yet a babe, was left fatherless. His Grandmother Legate took charge of him and gave him good school advantages. In the spring of 1830 he came to Illinois with his Step-father, by wagon. The country was then en- tirely new anil destitute of anything that would indicate civilization. Wild game of all kinds, deer, wolves and turkeys abounded in profusion, and he recalls the fact of seeing forty-two deer in one herd. lie stayed at home until he was twenty-two years old and, in August. 1842, he bought a farm 9!i I PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. in Edgar Township containing 160 acres improved. He remained on this place about twelve years, when he sold it and loeated where he now is, in Prairie Township. His present farm consists of 225 acres, which lie originally bought and to which he has added enough to make 400 acres. This is all well improved with fences, hedges, etc., and is abundantly watered by a creek. Good springs are also plentiful oi: the place. General farming en- gages his attention and also feeding and buying cattle, sheep and hogs. On Sept. 5, 1886, he had the misfortune to lose his house by fire, and it was supposed to have been the work of an incendiary. He soon rebuilt his house on a larger and finer scale. Groves and orchards are interspersed (in this model farm and everything connected with it indicates thrift. On March 10, 1842, Mr. Legate married Miss Susan Clark, a native of Oldham County, Ivy. She came to Edgar County when she was six years of age — early in the fall of 1831. She is the mother df eleven children: Francis M. is operating the home farm; Edmund lives in Paris, this county; William II. is at home; Nancy married Joseph Longer and is residing in Prairie Township; Catherine is the wife of R. B. McFerren, a farmer of Osage County, Kan; Malinda married Aivill Boz of Prairie Township; Emma and Sarah are at hoine; Mary and Ellsworth are deceased. Mr. Legate is a prominent and standi Republi- can and has held the offices of School Director, Constable and Supervisor of Roads for a long time and has given great satisfaction in the conduct of these positions. Mrs. Legate worships at the Friends' Church. iZRA H. IIONNOLD was bora Sept. 27, I860, in Kansas Township, Edgar Co., 111., just a short time prior to the election of Abraham Lincoln to the Presidency of the United States. The house in which the subject of this notice was born is now the property of James II. Shively, and is used for a wash-house and wood- shed, lie is a young fanner of thrift and enter- prise, and in all respects a model agriculturist and a first-class citizen. His beautiful little farm com- prises eighty acres on section 2, township 13, range 1 4 west, Edgar County, 111. He is also a stock-raiser, making a specialty of Norman and English draft horses, Short-horn cattle and pure breed Chester- white swine, and in the latter is especially inter- ested and uniformly successful. As to his political views, he is a Republican, having cast his first vote for James G. Blaine. He is the second child of John R. and Frances B. Ilonnold, and has one brother, Ora E., and three sisters — Sue C, Anna L. and Carrie V. Our subject is a member in good standing of the Harmony Methodist Episcopal Church, of which his grandfather, Richard Ilon- nold, was a consistent member, and gave it the name of Harmony. He is a lover of old relics, having in his possession an old stone Indian tom- ahawk found by his father a number of years ago upon the Indian battle-field near Cambridge, Ohio. He spent his school days at what is known as the Ilonnold, School-house, in District No. 1, section 2, and a view of it will be found in this volume in connection with the engraving of his lather's homestead. Our subject received excellent instruc- tion and a good education, his teachers being as follows: Daniel Brading, John B. Holland. Will- iam Allen, Edward Shy, Maggie Snyder, Dora Mc- Christy-; Frank Ault, M. B. Moffett, W. C. Morris, Nelia Ilite, and John Snyder. He is the namesake of the Rev. Ezra Starkey, of the East Ohio Con- ference, a man of note in the church, and who died April 20, 1886. Our subject is of German descent and of the fifth generation of the only one of the 6even Honnold brothers who came from Germany to America. The parents of him of whom this biographical review is written, were John R. and Frances B. Honnold, nee Mock, and were bora in Muskingum County, Ohio. They came to Illinois in 1855, and were united in marriage Sept. 23, 1858, by the Rev. E. Hook. Our subject was first married to Mary A. Killgore, the youngest daughter of the late Joseph Killgore, this event being solemnized March 15, 1882, and the ceremony was performed in Vermillion, Edgar Co., III., by the Rev. Chris Galeener. One son was born of this union, J. PORTRAIT AM) l'.IOC RA 1MIICAI. ALBUM. 995 Harlan, the date of his birth being May 20, 1883. The wife died Nov. 13, 1887, and the little one was left with the father and grandparents Honnold. Our subject was again married, March 7, 1889, to Ella Meadows, the daughter of .lames and Mat- lie Meadows, the ceremony being performed by the Kev. A. L. Plowman. Mrs. Honnold was born near Vermillion, Edgar Co., 111., April 29, I860, and is the second child of her parents. l'.esides herself, there were three others in her father's fa mil}-, viz: William, James, and a sister, Gracie, who died in infancy, .lames Meadows, the father of Mrs. Honnold, was born near Vermillion, Ed- gar Co., III. Her mother. Mattie Meadows, nee Cole, was horn near Case)-, Clark Co.. III. Mr. Honnold's grandfather, John I). Mock, was one of the F. F. Y.'s. and is the only person living in Kansas Township who has ever seen Gen La Fayette. . 1851. Mr. Scott was one of the early settlers of this county and a worthy citizen, (if this union there were born two children: Mary A., who died when twenty-three years old and Jacob 10. , who remains at the homestead. Mrs. Elizabeth (Scott) Wyatt departed this life at her home in Ross Township in May. 11. 188:1. Our subject contracted asecond marriage Sept. n, 1888, with Miss Periza Edging- ton, a native of Ohio and the daughter of Lyman 996 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. r. Edgington, also a native of the Buckeye State and one of the early settlers of Edgar Township, this county. Politically Mr. Wyatt is a straight for- ward Democrat and religiously belongs to the Bap- tist Church at Chrisman in which he holds the office of Deacon. He assisted materially in the erection of the church edifice and is numbered among its chief pillars. f'OSEI'II R. PINNELL. This gentleman bears the reputation of being one of the most wide-awake and energetic farmers of Shiloh Township. He is comfortably lo- cated on 160 acres of land, occupying the east quarter of section 15, where he has a neat frame residence, a good barn, fruit and shade trees, plenty of green grass, and all the other surroundings which complete the attractiveness of rural life. With the exception of three years he has been a resident of Shiloh Township since 1876. In 1881 he rented his land and removed to Hamilton County, Neb., where he engaged in farming on on rented land in the vicinity of Aurora. In 1884 he returned to the old place, where he has since re- sided. A selfraade man in the best sense of the term, he has arisen from a modest position in life solely by his own efforts, has accumulated a com- fortable, property, and likewise secured the esteem of his neighbors. The native place of our subject was in Grand- View Township, Edgar County, and the date of his birth July 16, 1850. When quite young our subject removed with his parents to Kansas Township, where he spent his boyhood and youth receiving very little schooling. His father hav- ing died when he was a lad of twelve years, he assisted his mother in the farm work and was thus occupied until [sixteen years old. Then, leaving home, he worked out by the month five years, and at the expiration of this time embarked in business on his own hook as a renter of land in Kansas Township. He thus operated upon different farms in that vicinity until 1876, when he located on his present place in Shiloh Township, which then com- prised 140 acres without any improvements. Tak ing possession he erected a dwelling, commenced breaking the sod, and was successful in his efforts to build up a farm. In due time he purchased twenty acres adjoining, and has now an even quar- ter section of well cultivated land. He has set out groves and an orchard — maple and willow trees — enclosed and cross-fenced his fields and now makes a specialty of grain and stock. In cattle his favor- ites are high-grade Short-horns, of which he feeds and ships one car annually. He has Poland-China swine and about nine head of draft and road horses, using two teams on the farm. He has laid considerable tile for drainage purposes, and nearly all his land is exceedingly fertile, yielding in abun- dance the rich crops of this region. In Kansas Township. Jan. 30, 1876, our subject was united in marriage with Miss Mary \. Cash. This lady was born in Kansas Township July 9, 1857, and is the daughter of Jacob Cash, one of its earliest settlers and most prominent citizens., owning a well-regulated farm of 120 acres. This union has resulted in the birth of two children — Osborne R. and Joseph II. Mr. Pinnell is a stanch supporter of Republican principles, and officiates as a School Director in his district. He was at one time identified with the Grange movement, and his religious ideas coincide with those of the Christian Church, of which his wife is a member in good standings. The father of our subject was Elijah Pinnell, a native of Virginia and the son of John Pinnell, who fought in the Revolutionary War and after- ward settled down on a farm in the Old Dominion. He was a man of excellent traits of character and justifiably proud of his substantial Scotch an- cestry. Finally, leaving his native State, he emi- grated to Kentucky, of which he was one of t la- early pioneers, locating in Oldham County. He was there employed as an overseer and inspector at a distillery, and had under him the negroes em- ployed about it. Subsequently leaving Kentucky, he came to Edgar County, 111., and located on Killed land in Grand View Township. Later he re- moved to Kansas Township. In 1860 he pur- chased ten acres of land in the latter, where lie established a home and spent his last years, dying in PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. :i:r, 1862 at the ageof seventy-three. When becoming a voting citizen be identified himself with the Whig party, and upon its abandonment became a stanch Republican. Mrs. Mary (Ongles) Pinnellwas born in Oldham County, Ivy., and was the daughter of Joseph II. Ongles, a native of Maryland and a blacksmith by trade. lie was one of the earliest settlers of the Blue Grass State, where lie followed his trade and spent his last days. Mrs. Pinned is still living, being now seventy-five years old, and makes her home with her sou, our subject. She is a lady of many estimable qualities, and an active member of the Christian Church at Hume. To the parents of our subject there were born ten children, nine of whom lived to mature years: Klilm is a resident of Allen County. Kan.; Ann E. is living in Coles County, this Slate; Lucy died when about twenty-live years old; John II. is a resident of Sheridan County, Mo.; William II. lives in Hamilton County, Neb.; Melinda B. sojourns in Taney County. Mo.; Joseph 11.. oursubject, was the next in order of birth; Sarah B. is a resident of Paris, Edgar County; Willis O. lives in Elk County, Kan. Elihu, during the late Civil War, enlisted, in 1861, in Company E, 12tb Illinois In- fantry, and served three years. He was wounded by a car running over his foot. John II. likewise served three years in Company II, 79th Illinois Infantry, in which he enlisted in 18G2. William entered the ranks of the Union Army in the spring of 1864, and served in Company 11, 150th Illinois Infantry until the close of the war. <& IfclLLIAM WYATT. This gentleman hears \/\j/l the distinction of being one of the oldest ^\y settlers of Ross Township, and is supposed to be the oldest native-born citizen of this county. He is an easy-going farmer in comfortable circum- stances, renting his land to Other parties and enjoy- ing in the wisest manner the proceeds thereof. He has eighty-four acres on section 24. and forty acres of timber in Prairie Township. The father of our subject was Col. William Wyatt, a native of Monongalia County, (now West) Va., and was born in 1791. Grandfather Jasper Wyatt was a native of Delaware, and when reaching man's estate removed to the above men- tioned county in Virginia where he engaged in farming until the outbreak of the War of 1812, when he was employed as a spy in the American army, lie spenl his last days in Virginia, Col. William Wyatt served likewise in the Black Hawk War. and subsequently engaged in agricultural pursuits in West Virginia, lie was married there and started for the West, making his way by boat to Vincennes, Ind., where he sojourned until the fall of the year. Next he went to Otter Creek, and January 21 journeyed to this county by team. He settled in Hunter Township and entered the employ of Col. Blackburn, with whom he remained a short time; he then entered land on section I, Edgar Township, where he began the es- tablishment of a home, putting up a log house anil carrying on gradually such improvements as he could until the outbreak of the Black Hawk War. He then volunteered his services and was mustered in as Second Lieutenant under Gen. Alexander. Soon after he was promoted Lieutenant Colonel and commanded a regiment until the close of the struggle. After leaving the service the father of our sub- ject returned to his farm in a region of country where he was one of the tirst settlers. In fact he was the first man to locate in Edgar Township,and there he spent the remainder of his days. He was an active member and supporter of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and became widely known for his many excellent traits of character. His friends were everywhere, among the poor as well as the rich, and his death, which occurred in July, 1846, was mourned and regretted by all who knew him. Mrs. Elizabeth (Prickett) Wyatt. the mother of our subject, was born in Virginia and came to this county with her family. After the death of her husband she removed to the vicinity of Monroe, Wis., where she resided with her daughter, Mrs. Elizabeth Austin, until her decease, which Occurred about 1877. The family circle was completed by the birth of fourteen children. Shelby, a resi- dent of Edgar Township, this county: Jacob and Df)8 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. Elizabeth, deceased; Zachariah, of Clark County, Iowa; Jemima, deceased ; Catherine, living in Iowa; William, our subject - ; .lames, of Ross Township; Casandra, of Cherry Point, Ross Township; Ely living in Oregon; Ananias living in Idaho; John, deceased; Augustus located near Ft. Scott, Kan., and Polly, deceased. Zachariah during the late war served in an Iowa regiment, and Augustus served in a Kansas regiment. John enlisted in a Wisconsin regiment and was wounded at the siege of Vicksburg; he suffered the amputation of an arm, from the effects of which he died soon after- ward. The subject of this sketch was born in Edgar Township, this county. March 24, 1821. in the primitive log cabin built by his father on the new farm, and grew up healthy in body and mind, re- ceiving a limited education, principally in the win- ter season, in a log school-house with slab benches, puncheon floor and greased paper for window panes. For some years there was not a house be- tween the home of the Wyatts and the present flourishing city of Paris, which was then but a hamlet of a few houses. The youth of those days were early inured to hard labor, and our subject, when a boy of ten, drove a breaking team, plowing, and performing such other labor as his strength and size permitted. He also assisted in grading the State Road when there was not a fence on the prai- rie for miles. lie was an expert hunter when but a boy, and nothing delighted him better than join- ing in the wolf hunts about four times a year, dur- ing which he brought down numbers of these mischievous animals, and was voted the champion shot. He also killed many a deer, besides prairie chickens, and wild turkeys, wildcats and coons, and made considerable money selling the hides. Our subject remained under the home roof until a young man of twenty-four years, then engaged in farming for himself. In 1850 he entered from the Government the land which he now owns and oc- cupies, paying therefor $1.25 per acre. It lay in its primitive condition without any improvements whatever, and he broke the prairie with oxen, put up a frame house, planted hedge and made other fencing, set out fruit and forest trees and inaugu- rated the many other improvements suggested to Iiis active and progressive mind. The first dwell- ing was abandoned in 1871 for a more modern residence, which occupies an area of 16x36 feet, with an L 18x20. He has a commodious barn 52x60 feet in dimensions. In 1881 while engaged in threshing he suffered a broken ankle, and for the last eight years his land has been tilled by other parties. Mr. Wyatt has always been interested in horses and has given considerable attention to the breed- ing of fancy Kentucky roadsters, having at the present time nine of these, some of which are quite valuable. He has uniformly signalized himself as a liberal-minded and public-spirited citizen, en- cou raging the enterprises set on foot for the gen- eral advancement of the community. He has been for years identified with the Baptist Church at Chrisman. and in politics is an uncompromising Democrat. He has had no desire for the responsi- bilities of office, although serving as County Com- missioner and on the Grand and Petit juries. He has also been a Director in his school district for years and was Commissioner of Highways for six years. The first marriage of Mr. Wyatt, in 184!», was with Miss Minerva Manning, of Edgar Township. The three children born of this union were: John, now deceased; Franklin who is fanning in Kansas, and James, who deals in horses and lives in Chris- man. Mrs. Minerva (Manning) Wyatt departed this life in January, 1856. The present wife of our subject, to whom he was married in 1862, in Ross Township, was formerly Miss Catherine Painter, a native of Kentucky. -« #«# «— ftp OHN W. N. DOAK, late a resident of Paris and now deceased, was born in Wash- ington County, Tenn., Dec. 10, 1838, and was descended from ancestors who occupied a high position in that part of the country. His great-grandfather, Samuel Doak, 1). D., a graduate of Princeton, was the founder of Washington Col- lege, at Greeneville, Tenn., which was chartered in 1795, and which was the parent of the present PORTRAIT AND BIOOBAPIIICAL ALBUM. 999 Greeneville and Tusculum College, this institution being the outgrowth of that and Greeneville Col- lege, chartered in 1794, and founded by Hezekiah Balch, 1). D.; and of Tusculum College, founded in 1844 by Samuel Doak and Ins son, Samuel \V. Doak, D. I). In 1868 these institutions were united, the 6 rst president being W. S. Doak. I). 1)., grandson of the founder of the old Washington College, and a cousin of the subject of this sketch. Samuel Doak was an eminent Presbyterian minister, and bad a wide reputation for great ability as a pulpit orator. He died in Tennessee, and the old records speak of him as a man who exercised a vast influence for good. John W. Doak, a son of Samuel, was nn eminent and eloquent Presbyterian minister, who labored for many years in East Tennessee, lie was married to Miss Alexander, a sister of A. A. Alexander, D. I)., of Princeton Theological Semi- nary, and to them was born a family of several sons and daughters, among whom was John Newton Doak, M. D., who was graduated from Washington College in 1S17. The parents of our subject were John Newton and Martha (Payne) Doak. both of whom were na- tives of Tennessee. The father was a physician and surgeon, practicing in Greeneville, but at an early day, about the year 1832, he came to this county and both entered and purchased land in Paris and Siinms townships, besides some town lots in Paris. He was here but a few years when his liist wife died, and he then returned to Tennessee. where he spent the remainder of liis life, dying in 1840. After liis return to Tennessee he was mar- ried to Martha Payne, the mother of our subject. She, some years after his death, removed to Mis- souri, and was there married to William Jordon. In consequence of the troubles in that State at the beginning of the Rebellion, they thought best to leave Missouri, and coming to this county, settled on a farm which belonged to the father of our subject. They occupied this until the fall of 18(j.") (after the close of the war), and while they were preparing to return to Missouri, Mrs. Jordon was was taken ill ami died Oct. II, 18G5, just three days prior to the decease of her son. John W. N. Doak was reared in Tennessee and educated in the college founded by his great-grand- father. He accompanied his mother to Missouri, and about the year 1859 he and a brother named William came here to look after the laud which bad belonged to their father. Some of it had been sold, but on a part of the remainder they settled. This was situated about two miles southwesl of Paris, and here our subject continued farming until 1861. He then enlisted in Company E, 66th Illinois Infantry, for three rears, served his entire time, and proved a brave and gallant soldier, giving his life for his country as truly as though he bad died on the Held of battle, as his death was caused by exposure, primarily from a heavy cold caught in the trenches at Ft. Donelson. Mr. Doak participated in the light at the above- mentioned place in a corps of sharpshooters. He was also engaged in the desperate battle of Shiloh, and many of the other battles fought in the south- west. Although frequently exposed in the front he was never wounded or taken pi isoner. At the expiration of his term of enlistment he was mus- tered ott, receiving an honorable discharge, and returned to his farm in Paris Township. There the remainder of his life was passed, and there the brave soldier died Oct. 17, 1865, three days after the decease of his mother. • A man of quiet and reserved disposition, Mr. Doak was a true Christian, carrying his religion with him, wherever he went. He was conscientious in all his transactions a man of spotless character. a fact recognized by his old comrades, some of whom are yet living in Paris and its immediate vicinity. lie was a member while here of the Presbyterian Church in Paris, and by those who knew him was held in high esteem. He was united in marriage with Miss Emily, daughter of William and Lucretia (Henderson) Guthrie, June 13, 1865. The father of Mrs. Doak was born in Boss County. Ohio. Nov. 2,'n 1 sos, and her mother in Lancaster County, Pa.. Aug. 20, 1815. They were married in Boss County, where the Outlines settled in and near Chilicothe at an early day. and where the father of William Guthrie built the first State house. The latter with his wife emigrated to Cass County. Hid., about 1S37, remaining there about three years, then, coming to this county, they purchased a farm 1000 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. iu Hunter Township upon which they lived for thirty years, removing thence to Paris, where the death of Mr. Guthrie took place March 20, 1874. The wife and mother died in Vermilion County. this State. May 23. 1886, while on a visit to a daughter, and was laid by the side of her husband in the Edgar Cemetery of Paris. Mrs. Doak was born Oct. 6. 1838, near Logans- port, in Cass County, Ind., and of her marriage with our subject there was born one child only, u son, John W., March 1 1. 1866. He is an attorney and resides in Paris. «N» -&.— UILLIAM N. WILSON. The man who takes pride in the preservation of his fani- Wy/ ily history is one who is most likely to order his own life in that manner which shall reflect honor upon his posterity. The subject of this notice was born in Fleming County, Ky., which was likewise the native place of his parents, John and Margaret (Newcomb) Wilson. There the lat- ter were reared and married, and later emigrated to .Monroe County, Ind. After a few years' so- journ in that region they once more gathered together their worldly possessions, about 1824. and, coming to Edgar County. 111., settled among the Indians in Hunter Township. Here the father constructed a farm and reared his family, and they together endured all the hardships and privations of life on the frontier. Their industry and perse- verance, however, were in due time rewarded in the possession of a comfortable home, while their children took their places in the community and were recognized as forming a portion of its best element. The paternal grandfather of our subject was Andrew Wilson, a native of the city of Dublin. Ireland, where lie was reared, educated, and learned the trade of a tailor. About 1785 he emigrated to America, a poor boy without money, friends, or influence, having not even enough cash to pay his passage across the Atlantic, but working it on the ship. After landing lie made his way into Ken- tucky, where he supported himself by the labor of his bands, finally married, reared a family, and spent his last days in the blue grass regions. On the other side of the house, the maternal grandfather of our subject was William Newc b, a native of Fleming County, Ky., where he was reared to man's estate and married to Miss Eliza- beth Bell. They removed to Monroe County. Ind., and later to Edgar County, 111., being among the earliest pioneers of this region. In a few years, however, Grandfather Newcomb decided upon another change of residence and moved with lii> family into Macon County, where he spent the remainder of his life. John, the father of our subject, accompanied his parents in their different removals until ready to establish a home of his own. William N. distinctly remembers the time when Edgar Township was mostly a wild tract of country, and when but few settlers had ventured into this region; when Indians were plentiful and wild animals abounded. Large droves of deer were frequently seen crossing the prairie not far from the cabin home of the Wilsons, and the vvolves frequently made night hideous howling around their door. The nearest market for a number of years was at Clinton. Ind., from which point the principal products were transported to New Orleans by tlatboats. The primitive schools were con- ducted in log cabins, and likewise the church ser- vices, these often being held also in private houses. Our subject during his early manhood served as constable for a period of fifteen years, and during that time enjoyed a personal acquaintance with nearly every man in the county. Reared amid the wild scenes of life on the fron- tier, young Wilson grew up strong in body and imbued with those excellent moral sentiments which were characteristic of regions where vice is almost wholly unknown. His chief aim in life was to attain loan honorable manhood and a home of his own. After due preparation he was married in Johnson County, Ind., in 1843, to Miss Mary A., daughter] of Meshack and Sarah (Tucker) Turner. The young people, full of courage and hope, entered upon the journey of life together upon the farm where they now live, and labored with one mutual purpose in view. There were born to them three children, the eldest of whom, a daughter, Louise, is PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. Kilil now the wife of William Darling, and lives in York County, Neb. ; John T. is married to Ann Malony; Margaret is the wife of Elias B. Sheets, and they live in Sedalia, Mo. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Wilson was .lames Turner, a native of Spottsylvania County, Ya.. where he lived until reaching man's estate and married Miss Sarah Farmer. Later they removed to Georgia, where they spent the remainder of their lives. The great-grandfather. Dr. .lames Tinner. was a native of England, where he received a g 1 education and emigrated to the United States early in life. He settled in Virginia and died there. 1 1 is sons were named Meshacfc, Shadrack, Abed- nego, John, and .lames. They also had a daughter who married a Mr. Ogeltree, and who were direct heirs to the large estate of the Turner family in England. Mrs. Wilson is a very estimable lady, and a member in good standing of the Christian Church. Around their present dwelling is one acre of ground, which makes a snug home, and in con- nection with which are modern conveniences and improvements. Mr. Wilson also has forty acres else- where in Hunter Township. ^ AVIS II. SHANK. That the career of this gentleman has been filled in with in- dustry and signalized by success, is evi- dent in his surroundings, which comprise a well-regulated farm with excellent modern im- provements. He has followed agriculture all his life, and may certainly feel that he has not labored in vain. His property, comprising 120 acres of land, is pleasantly situated on section 20. in Paris Township, and the fact of his long residence here and that he has uniformly performed his part as an honest man and a good citizen, has placed him in an enviable position among bis fellow-men. Our subject claims as his native State, Ohio, which has furnished so many of the men who have labored to g 1 purpose in the development of the Great West. He was born in Greene County, in 1843, acquired his early education in the dis- trict school, and in later years attended a commer- cial school at Dayton. In the meantime he made his headquarters at the old homestead, where he learned the principles of farming and occupied himself with his father until reaching man's estate. In 18(11 he was married to .Miss Mary .1. steel, and in 1866 he came with his wife and his parents to this county. They purchased about 101) acres of land and erected the first tile factory in the county. The people of this region were slow to adopt the system of tiling, as it was difficult to make them understand how the water could be drained from the ground in this manner. In due time, however, by great patience and perseverance on the part of Mr. Shank, they became converted, and the enterprise proved an immense success. After operating the tile factory a number of years Mr. Shank sold out and invested a part of his capital in the lumber business at Paris. Finally he returned to the farm, to which he has since de- voted his attention, and engaged largely in slock and fruit raising. He has the largest herd of thorough-bred Berkshire swine in the county, and which is familiarly known as the "Glenwood Herd." In the fruit line he has a line vineyard, with a goodly assortment of the smaller fruits and benies. and raises choice varieties of potatoes. The family residence is a fine large frame structure, set iii the midst of a large, beautifully shaded yard, which forms a delightful retreat in summer, while the buildings are protected from the bitter blasts of winter. There is an ample supply of outbuild- ings, including a large barn with sheds, pens, etc, and a mill for grinding feed. All of these improvements have been instituted by the present proprietor. He has 120 acres of laud, which pro- duces in abundance the rich crops of Central Illi- nois. Mr. Shank took an active part in the construc- tion of the pike road, which runs past his farm — in fact, with the assistance of (J. W. Kimble, was chiefly instrumental in bringing if into existence. The various other enterprises having for their object the general good of the people and the up- building of the township, have ever received his hearty co-operation. His home is one of the most pleasant to be found in the county. His fam- ily circle includes live interesting children, viz.: 1 002 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. Cora E.; John A. is .1 member of the first Congre- gational Church; Jessie S., Nellie E., and Nettie P. Millie was taken from the household by death at the age of seven weeks. The wife and eldest daugh- ter of our subject are members in good standing of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Shank, socially, belongs to Edgar Lodge No. 91, I. O. O. F., at Paris. While a resident of his native State lie was a member of the militia. .Mis. Shank is the daughter of Jacob Steel, like- wise a native of Greene County, Ohio, and the son of Ebenezer Steel, one of the earliest pioneers of that region. The latter was a native of Maryland, and emigrated to Ohio during its pioneer days, settling mi a tract of heavily timbered land and literally chopping out a farm from the wilderness. He there spent his Inst days. Henry Shank, the paternal grandfather of our subject, likewise set- lied in that region, in the western part of Greene County, not far from Dayton, when that now flour- ishing city was but a hamlet. He was a saddler by trade and manufactured saddles and harness, which lie traded for work to the settlers, and thus man- aged to clear his farm. He was married to Miss Barbara Crumbaugh. They reared a fine family of children, and spent the remainder of their lives in the Buckeye State. Their son, the father of our subject, married Miss Rebecca Hawkins, in Greene County, and to them there were born two children only: our subject, and his sister, Mary F., now Mrs. Andrew Crumbaugh, a native of McLean County, this State. w FJLLIAM II. DOWNS. One of the most beautiful farms in Embarras Township is that belonging to the subject of this sketch. It is finely located on sectic and is embellished with a large two story frame dwelling around which have been planted fruit and shade trees, and which is Hanked by a commodious barn with sheds and other necessary outbuildings, the whole situated in a commanding position with n good view of the surrounding country. The farm is largely devoted to stock-raising and its various departments bear evidence of being under the supervision of a man of more than ordinary in- telligence. Mr. Downs is largely self-made, a man who has arisen to an enviable position, socially and financially, by his own efforts. A man now in the prime of life, our subject was born Aug. 26, 1848, at the family homestead in Paris Township and is the son of James B. and Betsy A. ( Metcalf ) Downs, the former a native of Loudon County, Va., and the latter of Jefferson County, Ky. The father of our subject came to Illinois in 1838 and until 1850 lived in Paris Township. That year he changed his residence to Embarras Township of which he was a resident for the long period of thirty-five years. Two uncles, Noble and Benjamin Downs, served as soldiers in the Mexican War. To the parents there were born three children only — William II., James N. and Anna M., (Mrs. McLean,) the two latter are residents of Paris. Mr. Downs after leaving the district school pre- pared himself for entering Eureka College in Woodford County, where he pursued his studies for a time and then entered the law department of Michigan University at Ann Arbor. After being graduated he crossed the Mississippi into Wichita, Kan., and commenced his law practice there in about LS7.'5. Six months later, however, he en- tered 160 acres of land in Sedgwick County and in 1874 returned to his native haunts and resumed teaching which profession he had followed prior to this time. He was thus occupied five winters while in the summer season he employed himself at farming. In the fall of 1850 the elder Downs had entered 320 acres of land and upon this our subject settled in 1879 and has since remained. The first dwelling on this place was built by set- ting posts in the ground to which boards were nailed and the whole finished off with a shed roof. The Downs family lived in true pioneer style for a number of years, careful to keep their expenses within their income ami in due time found them- selves on solid ground, financially. William H. is the owner of 250 acres of the old farm which he has operated with such admirable results. In the December following his twenty-first birth- day Mr. Downs was married, in 1869, to Miss PORTRAIT AND P,l(>< i RAPIIICAL ALBUM. 1003 Ellen A. Mills. This lady is the daughter of Dr. John Mills of Kansas, Edgar County and by her union with our subject has become the mother of five children, three only of whom are living, namely: Tessa M., Valetta R. and Roscoe F.. all of whom are at home with their parents. Mr. Downs politically, is an uncompromising Democrat. He cares very little for official honors but has been prevailed upon to serve as School Director and to represent l-'.mbarras Township in the County Hoard of Supervisors, lie is a worthy member of the Christian Church and in the Masonic fraternity has advanced as far as to become a Knighl Temp- lar. He also belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America. lIDF.ON MINOR, one of the oldest mer- chants of Edgar County, is postmaster at Edgar, and although quite well advanced in years is remarkably active and has always been recognized as an honest man and a good citizen. He has had his full share of the difficulties of life with which to contend, but has maintained his in- tegrity and is held in great respect by the people who have known hiin for a lifetime. He served as a School Director twelve years and in polities is a very strong Democrat — a man who has been of great service to his party in this section and who is frequently sent as a delegate to the various con- ventions, has also been a member of the Central Committee. The boyhood of on r subject was spent in Clermont County. Ohio, where he was horn Dec. 8, 181 1. lie was raised on the frontier, receiving limited edu- cational advantages in the subscription school. and left home at the age of seventeen to engage as general merchant in a store at Felicity, Ohio, lie re- mained in that place until a man of thirty-six years and in 1846 became a resident of Butler County and was still employed as a clerk at Darrtown. The year following he came to Illinois, bringing with him a stock of goods and locating in Bloom- field. In due time. business proving good, he en- larged his store and remained there until 1873. That yeai he came to Edgar and put up the first dwelling in the town of Edgar. He likewise brought to it the first stock of goods and for a lime all went well. In 1879 he met with reverses, but partially recovered his losses ami established a grocery on a small scale, later adding to his Stock in trade hoots and shoes. Although not in affluent circumstances, he owns his dwelling and store and has many of the comforts of life, lie was appointed Postmaster in December. L872 and has since held the office. Our subject was married in Mason County, Ky.. in lK.'i'.l to Miss Leonora Ilolfon, a native of Ver- mont, who received a good education and taught school for some time prior to her marriage. ( )f this union there have been born eight children of whom the two eldest. Thomas ami Anna, are de- ceased; Mary is the wife of Albert G. Bates, a farmer and they live near Vevav, Ind.; Charles operates the grocery store for his father and is also in the coal business; Robert, Judith and John are deceased. Mamie is the wife of John F. Stephen- son who was formerly County Surveyor and is now a resident of Edgar Township. S/AMES M.PERISHO. The simple and con- tented home life possible amid the quiet scenes of the country, is happily illustrated V§W ' n " ,c surroundings of this genial and com- panionable old gentleman who owns and occupies .■I well-regulated farm on section 24 in Grand View Township. He has spent his entire life in this county, being the son of one of its representative families and was born in Grand View, three miles from the homestead where he now lives, Jan. 30, 1826. He was the youngest child of his parents, Joseph and Barbara (/.ink) Perisho, the former of whom was born in North Carolina. Dec. 27. 1786. The father of our subject left his native State when a lad of fourteen years, going into Kentucky and thence removed to Indiana where he was mar- ried in 1H14. lie sojourned in the Hoosier Slate until 1825, then coming to this county look up a trad of wild land from which he constructed the 1 'stead now occupied by his sou and where his 1004 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. death took place in 1838 while he was still a young man. He became prominent in local affairs and was in all respects a highly esteemed and reliable citizen. The mother survived her husband for a period of thirty-four years, passing away in 1872. They were the parents of eight children, all of whom grew to mature years and seven of whom are living. The paternal grandfather of our subject was Joseph Perisho, a native of France who emigrated In America at an early day, probably during Revo- lutionary times, and settled in North Carolina. ( )n the other side of the house, Grandfather Daniel Zink was born in Germany and upon coming to America settled in Washington County. Ya.. where his daughter, Barbara, the mother of our subject, was born July 27, 17'J2. Later the family removed to Kentucky, thence to Indiana and finally to Illi- nois in 1825. James M. was the youngest child of his parents and like his brothers received a limited education in the subscription schools of this county, which were mostly conducted in the winter season. He assisted his father in developing the new farm and when a youth of eighteen years, began busi- ness on his own account. There were many In- dians in this section during his boyhood days and wild game of nil kinds was plentiful. Young Perisho grew up with the country and has been one of the privileged witnesses of its transformation from a wilderness into the homes of an intelligent and enlightened people. In the successful care and culture of a portion of the soil he lias thus contributed his quota to the value of the taxable property of his native count}'. Mr. Perisho remained a bachelor until approach- ing the thirty-seventh year of his age and was then married Jan. I, 1863, to Miss Sapora Ann, daugh- ter of Robert Anderson of Coles County, this State. They became the parents of five children, only three of whom are living — Emanuel M., Catherine R. and Carmelia A., all at home with their father. The mother died Dec. 8, 1876. Our subject contracted a second marriage June 4, 1878, with Miss Sarah Ann, daughter of John and Susan Schultz, who are now residents of Dudley this county and quite aged, the father being eighty-five years old and the mother eighty-one. Of the ten children bom to them, seven are now living. Sarah Ann, (Mrs. Perisho) was the fourth child of the family and was born July 2, 1835 in Virginia. The year following they all came to Illinois, set- tling in this county. The farm of our subject embraces 1G7 acres of land and is still under his supervision, although his son, Emanuel, attends to the plowing and the heav- ier work. The home surroundings are pleasant in the extreme, the dwelling being surrounded with innumerable flowers, indicating the fine tastes of Mrs. Perisho, who is a very estimable lady, entirely devoted to the comfort and happiness of her family. She is a member in good standing of the Presby- terian while Mr. Perisho belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church. In years past he was a leading Granger. He east his first Presidential vote for James K. Polk and since that time has uniformly given his support to the Democratic part}'. He keeps himself well posted upon State and National issues and has always borne the reputation of a peaceful and law-abiding citizen, one who has ever given his cordial support to the enterprises best calculated for the general good of the people around him. Such has been his life that he scarcely has an enemy in the world and his name will be held in kindly remembrance long after he has been gathered to his fathers. J^f/BRAHAM F. LONG. Living upon the theory that a ••rolling stone gathers no lii moss," the subject of this notice still clings to the old homestead where he was born, Feb. 25, 1851. This is a tine body of land, 160 acres in extent, and pleasantly located on section 24 in Edgar Township. Here were spent the boy- hood and youth of our subject, who received his education in the district school and worked with his father until a man of twenty-one years. Then, having had a practical experience in farming, he assumed charge of the place, which he has man- aged since that time, and which became his about L885. Mr. Long himself made the improvements PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. which are now viewed with much interest by the passing traveler, and which consists of a sub- stantial dwelling and barn, sheds, and the other buildings required for the successful prosecution of agricultural pursuits. The land is watered by Bruellet Creek, and spring water besides, while there is an abundance of native timber, an orchard of apple trees in good bearing condition, and the smaller fruits fur the use of the family. In addi- tion to general farming, .Mr. I. out; makes a specialty of Norman and Clydesdale horses, keeping on hand from fifteen to twenty head. Most of his land is operated by a renter. Besides this property, Mr. Long owns 1(10 acres four miles south of Osborne City. Kan. lie remembers the time when deer and wild turkeys were plentiful in this region, and one of his youthful recreations was hunting. The 20th of October, 1887, marked an interest- ing event in the life of our subject, being the date of his marriage with Miss Laura J. Benneflel. This lady was burn in Shiloh Township, Edgar Co.. 111., March 10. 1865. A sketch of her parents. Robert and Mary .1. Bennefiel, will be found on another page of this Album. The early life of Mrs. Long was spent quietly under the parental roof, where she was trained in those housewifely duties and accomplishments which have well fitted he to preside gracefully over her pleasant and tasteful home. She is very intelligent and well- informed, and adorns her position as the wife of a leading citizen. For some time past she has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, at Paiis. Mr. Long, politically, is a strong Repub- lican and an active member of his party, frequently being sent as a delegate to the county and Stale conventions. He assisted in the nomination of "Dick" Ogiesby for Governor, and has served on the Central Committee. Franklin Church, which was called after him, was removed by him from Bloomfield to its present site, near our subject's farm. The father of our subject was Andrew Long, a a native-born Virginian and the son of John Long, who was also born in the Old Dominion, and served in the War of 1812. Later, he was in the employ of the Government in the United States Arsenal at Harper's Ferry, and was thus occupied at the time of bis death. The great-grandfather was William Lung, a native of England, who, upon emigrating to America, settled in Virginia, where lie spent his last days. Andrew Long was reared by one of his uncles, and early in life removed with him to Ohio, settling in Fayette County, where he engaged in farming. In is:i7 he set out for Illi- nois overland by team, and upon bis arrival iu Edgar County purchased a claim of 160 acres of land, which he improved, and upon which he re- mained until his death, July 1, 1886. He was a prominent man in his community, and identified with its educational affairs. For the long period of fifty years he has been a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Margaret Mark. She was born in Hunting- ton County. Pa., of which State her father was also a native, whence he removed with his family to Fayette County. Ohio. He participated in the War of 1*12 as a commissioned officer, in which he bore himself with greal credit, being well versed ill mili- tary tactics. The Mark family was of German de- scent, and first represented in this country prior to the Revolutionary War, in which the great-grand- father of our subject carried a musket and lived through it, to be killed at the first celebration of the 4th of July, on Manhattan Island, by the premature explosion of a piece of artillery. The mother of our subject accompanied her family to Edgar County. 111., and died at the homestead now occupied by Abraham I'"., our subject, in Septem- ber, I 878, at the age of sixty-eight years. The ten children of the parental household were named re- spectively: .Martha. John F. and William A., de- ceased; Lavonia II., Mrs. Calvin, of Paris; Mary O, Mrs. Price, of Champaign County, III.; Stroder M., a banker of Newman, 111.; Samuel L.. a resi- dent of Douglas County; Mahala J., living at New- man; Alpheus C, an inventor of some note, being the inventor of a patent lifting jack, and also a patent wagon coupling, of Paris; and Abraham F., our subject. Mr. Long has served as Justice of the Peace four years, and was appointed Notary Public, first under Gov. John Hamilton, next under Gov. Ogiesby, and finally by Gov. Joe Filer, lie is of 1006 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. that genial and obliging disposition which has made him a universal favorite both in business and social circles, and he believes in extracting all the good attainable from life as he goes along. The home of the Longs is consequently a very pleasant place of resort, and under its hospitable roof the proprietor and his amiable wife frequently entertain their many friends. -efe- EP . O. I-'. Lodge at Chrisman, occupying the post of Junior PastGrand, was the representa- tive to the State Grand Lodge and is frequently sent as a delegate to the Republican county con- ventions He was one year a member of the Cen- tral Committee and has always been active in pro- moting his party's interests. His occupation has been that of a farmer and his homestead of 160 acres is located on section l 6. 'J he family history of Mr. Little possesses many points of interest, lie is the son of Alpheus Little. who was born near Hamilton, Butler Co.. Ohio, of which Grandfather Ezra Little was also a native, and the only child of his parents. When a young man Grandfather Little moved with his family to Montgomery County, hid., where he cleared a farm from the forest and as the result of great industry and economy, became the owner of liOO acres of land. lie was a man of excellent abilities and an active member of the Close Communion Baptist Church. The paternal great-grandfather of our subject was .lob Little, a native of New Jersey. He went to sea when a boy and followed the life of a sailor until forty years old. remaining to this time a bachelor. He was then married to Miss Joanna Miller who was born in Ohio and was an aunt of Gov. Oliver P. Morton. He located in Butler Count}', Ohio, but later removed to Indiana, where he spent his last (lays. The Little family are of Scotch ancestry. The father of our subject was four years old when he went with his parents to Indiana. lie obtained a a common school education and when a young man engaged in teaching. In due time he purchased land in Montgomery County. Ind., where he op- peiated until 1853. He then removed to Clinton County, where he purchased another farm of 1(10 acres, but in 1857 sold this and came to Edgar County, locating on his present farm of 160 acres. In connection with farming he engaged successfully in stock-raising and became the owner of loo acres of land, which with the exception of 160 acres, he divided among his children. lb' was a active member of the Christian Church in which he officiated as an Elder, and contributed liberally to its support, furnishing the greater part of the funds to erect the church edifice. The maiden name of tin' mother of our subjeel was Cynthia Butcher. She was born in .Mont- gomery County. Ind., ami was the daughter of 1008 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. John Butcher, a native of Virginia. The latter upon leaving the Old Dominion, removed to the vicinity of Newark, Ohio, and from the latter to Montgomery County, Ind., where lie was one of the pioneer settlers and became a horse-dealer of great repute. He was also an expert hunter and de- lighted in this sport. He traveled through Illinois when it was a wilderness, but made his home in In- diana where he spent his last days. In addition to farming lie operated as a veterinary surgeon. He was a prominent and popular man and familiarly known as '-Uncle John." When a child he lost all (if the fingers of his right hand by being burned, but notwithstanding this he could perform a man's labor and was considered the best shot in the country. Tne great-grandfather Butcher emigrated from Newark, Ohio, to Indiana, where he spent his last days. This family was of German descent. The mother of our subject is still living and is fifty- nine years old. Then' were only three children in the parental family, Morris, our subject; Sarah E., Mrs. Manning, of Edgar Township; and Hannah M., Mrs. Moyer. Morris Little was born near Darlington, Montgomery Co., Ind., Oct., 8, 1851, in an old log house. He was taken to Clinton County when an infant and resided there until the spring of 1857. when his parents came to Illinois overland with teams. He pursued his studies in the common schools a few weeks in the winter seasons until twenty-one years old, then en- tered the High School at Chrisman from which he was graduated. He taught school thereafter for two winters, then turned his attention exclusively to farming, in which he has since been engaged. Our subject when commencing work on his own account rented his father's farm, but in the winter of 1H7I-75 conducted a general store in Edgar, having -$2,000 worth of stock. He located upon his present place in the spring of 1884. There had been deeded to him from his father's estate eighty acres of this and he had purchased eighty acres ad- ditional. A portion of the soil had been broken, but aside from this there was no improvements. He put up a house and stable besides other less im- portant structures, planted hedges for fencing and cross-fencing and for the first few years was en- gaged mostly in the raising of grain. In the mean- time he has laid considerable tiling and the land is well watered by the South fork of Bruelett Creek. Stock-raising now forms a part of the general oper- ations of the farm including cattle, horses, sheep, and swine. Of the latter Mr. Little ships a car- load annually. These are full-blooded mostly, while his horses are Norman and Clydesdale; he utilizes three teams on the farm. Our subject was married on the 6th of March, 1882, at Paris, to Miss Mary Mark. This lady was born in Edgar Township and is the daughter of A. W. Mark, one of its most prominent farmers and well-to-do. A sketch of him appeals on another page in this volume. The three children born of this union are .lames Blaine, Edna Blanche and Gary Morton. Mr. Little is serving his third term as Supervisor and has occupied nearly all the other local offices, being Collector and Assessor two years each and Township Clerk one term. He was School Trustee for a period of nine years. AMES STEWART is a native of Edgar i County, and was born in Sims Township, five miles south of Paris. .Inly II. 1841. He spent his youthful days on his father's farm, and received a good education at the common schools. When he was twenty years of age he en- listed in the defense of his country, joining Com- pany B, 1st Missouri Engineers, duly 27, 1861. His regiment was assigned to the Western army, and was engaged with Gen. Pope in the reduction of Island No. 10, then at New Madrid, going from there to Vicksburg, aiding in the siege of that city. The regiment was also at the siege of Corinth, and for some time under Gen. Grant in different parts of the West and South, performing the duties of an engineer regiment. Mr. Stewart served faith- fully and well until Aug. 5, 1864, when he was mustered out of the service at Nashville, Tenn. After the war was over Mr. Stewart engaged in farming, locating seven miles northwest of Paris. He continued working on his farm until 1881. He had 280 acres of land and improved it thoroughly. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. [009 In the war mentioned he engaged in the milling business with Laughlin, .Marly & Stewart, in what is known as the ••Paris City Mills." Hecontinued in this business for three years, and in tin* mean- time, in 1882, he was elected Sheriff of Edgar County, that being the lir>t year the office was ex- tended to four years. lb* filled (his position with credit to himself and honor l<> the county. He was nominated for the < > 1 1 i> ■< ■ of County Treasurer, Imt as the Democratic party was united, he was defeated. Since the expiration of his term of oilier as Sheriff, he has purchased l^n acres of timber land in this county, and with a partner is engaged in the lumber, wood and tie business veiy extensively. One-third of the land has already been put into cultivation, and sometime the whole tract will make a splendid farm. Mr. Stewart is at present an Alderman for the 1st Ward of the city of Paris, and lie has held other offices of trust, lie is a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity and of the G. A. R. lie belongs to the Odd Fellows and United Workmen, and in all of these societies he is wvy popular. Mr. Stewart and wife arc members of the Metho- dist Kpiseopal Church. On Feb. 15th, 1866, the subject of this sketch was united in marriage with Sally K. Middlcton. They are the parents of five children, three of whom are still living: Ulysses C, Claude A. and Otto M. I'lysses married .Miss Bessie Green, of Paris, and they have one child, Josiall. Ulysses is living on his father's farm north of town. Mrs. Stewart was horn in Edgar County, March 30, 1845, and is the daughter of Josiah Middlcton, who was a fanner of Elbridge Town- ship. James Stewart, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Ross County, Ohio, in 1805, where lie lived until he attained his majority. In 1839 he removed to this county, locating on a farm south of Paris, which was partially improved. There lie made himself a gooil home, and when he died, in 1 868, was respected by all his acquaintances. His widow still lives. They reared a family of eleven children, all of whom attained maturity, and eight arc now living. The following is a record of all the children: Adam and Rebecca are dead; .lane is the wife of Benjamin Morton, a farmer of Elbridge Township; Rachael is the wife of John A. Sims, a resident of this county; New- ton is a farmer in Buck Township; Mary Ann married John Ryan: .lames i> the one of whom we write; Alexander died when he was twenty-three years old; Sarah married I.. Snedicker, and they are residing in Buck Township; Angelinc is the widow of John (Vyder, who was a farmer. She is living in Paris; Lucretia is the wife of Samuel North, of Sims Township. All of l he living I lie in hers of t he family are in this county, and are thrifty and representative people. The father of this estimable family was interested in the organization of district No. I. township 11, range I •_'. at an early date in the history of Edgar County. He was a member of the Christian Church, and largely through his efforts the church building was erected in the neighborhood last men- tioned, lie married Mary Ann Henderson, a na- tive of Washington County, \'a. Her parents were from England. PRAM C. HAWKINS. This gentleman ranks prominently among the native-born citizens of Edgar Township, and was born Vj) near Bloom field, July 1G, 1850. lie was reared to farm pursuits and given a good practical education in the common school. His boyhood ami youth were spent in a comparatively unevent- ful manner under the home roof, where he remained until a young man of twenty-two years. We now find him comfortably located on the well-regulated farm of eighty acres on section ."> and he also oper- ates 21(1 acres adjoining. This in itself indicate-, his industrious habits and the worthy ambition to provide against his old age. His farm lies in the northwestern part of Edgar Township, two and three-fourths miles from Metealf. Upon first leaving home our subject started out overland by team, in 1872, and a month later landed in Oak (.rove, Seward Co.. Neb. He pur- chased a claim of Hit) acres in Butler County, se- cured his title to it by remaining there the required length of time, then sold it and returning to Illi- nois bought forty acres of land on Cherry Point Kill) PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. road in Edgar Township upon which he operated until 1881. During that year lie sold this also and purchased his present farm which was a tract of eighty acres partially improved. He has en- closed the Held with fences, put up a barn 40 x 48 feet in dimensions, also a carriage shed, has laid tiling and planted hedge and also set out an orch- ard. He makes a specialty of stock-raising, having beside his cattle and swine twenty head of valuable high-grade Norman and Clydesdale horses, lie employs three teams in working the firm. The dwelling is located two and three-fourths miles from Metcalf. Mr. Hawkins was first married .Ian. 30, 1873, to Miss Mary E. Ward, the wedding taking place at the bride's home in Bloomliehl. Mrs. Hawkins was born in Indiana and received a good educa- tion. She was later employed as a teacher. She only survived her marriage ten months, dying that same year. She was a lady of great culture and refinement and her loss was deeply mourned. She left one child, a son, William W., now a promising young man who remains at home with his father. Our subject contracted a second marriage in Edgar Township in September, 1878, to Miss Hattie E. Fonts, daughter of II. II. Pouts, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume. She also was born in Indiana Nov. 26, 1854 and taught school there prior to her marriage. This union has re- sulted in the birth of four children — Otis, Albert, Myrtie E. and Edith M. Mr. Hawkins is an active Democrat, politically, and is frequently sent as a delegate to the county conventions. He served as Constable for four years, Assessor one year and has been a Director in his school district for a period of eight years — in the meantime officiating as President of the Board. Personally, he is a very pleasant and agreeable gentleman and invariably makes a good impression upon those with whom he comes in contact. William Hawkins, the father of our subject, was born in Hardin County, Ky.. and was the son of David Hawkins, who served in the War of 1812 and later operated as a farmer in the above-named county. Later he emigrated to Illinois, locating near the present town of Bloomfield when its set- tlers were lew and far between, lie carried on farming thereafter until his death. William was a young man upon coming to Illinois and operated in Edgar County as a farmer and carpenter, also as a teamster. He frequently drove through to Chicago, and in the pursuance of his trade found employment there and put up a number of build- ings in the pioneer days. Finally he located on a farm of seventy -seven acres in Edgar Township where he spent his last days and died at the age of seventy-seven years. Politically, he was a stanch Democrat and his religious views harmonized with those of the •■ Hardshell" Baptist Church. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Charlotte Drake. She was likewise a native of Indiana and died in Edgar Township, 111., in 18G3. The six children of the parental family were named respectively, Martha, a resident of Young America Township; William II., living in Nebraska; David S., deceased; Sarah A. in Dan- ville; Edward L. of Fairniouut, III., and Abram C, the subject of this sketch. ■"vet ~-*JU2J2/&i3*i I **~^J-2>\~'v\^v~ public office except that of School Director, which position he occupies more by virtue of his great- interest in educational matters than as a party man. lie is a member of the Democratic Township Committee, where hi> sa- gacity, integrity and public spirit, make him a valued helper in their councils. Mrs. Jones is a lady who is active in every good work, and is a consistent, earnest and devoted member of the Baptist Church. Our subject and his family reside in a beautiful home, situated in the midst of highly ornamented grounds in the center of section "22. His farm is all under fence, in first class cultivation, and well adapted to the purposes to which it is devoted. Closely planted and trimmed hedges and good build- ings serve to give an additional attractiveness to this tine estate. Mr Jones' present prosperity is owing to his habits of industry, frugality and good business foresight. Socially he is a genial and friendly man, hospitable and liberal to all g 1 works. ILLIAM II. PATRICK. Could the pio- (Jj neers of forty years ago have been permit- ted to look into the future and note the outcome of their labors and privations, they would have felt amply repaid for the scenes through which they passed during the period of life on the frontier. Some of them, it is true, have been permitted to view the result of their labors, while others passed to their long home in the midst of their usefulness. They came from all portions of the Eastand South, and among the States which sent their delegations of emigrants Kentucky was one of the foremost. The Patrick family nour- ished in the Blue Grass State in the early part of the present century and were recognized as among its best elements. In that State was born Thomas C. Patrick, the paternal grandfather of our subject, who did valiant service in the War of 1812 and afterward settled down on a farm near the place of his birth, where he remained until about 1885. In 1 he meantime he made the acquaintance of many eminent men, being himself prominent and of more than ordinary ability, and numbered among hi* personal friends the immortal Henry ('lav. fi- nally in the year above mentioned, Grandfather Patrick had his attention attracted to the voting and growing State of Illinois and decided to come hither. Halting in Edgar County lie entered a tract of land in Bruellet Township which he se- cured from Henry Clay and upon which he oper- ated successfully until his earthly labors were ended. He traced his ancestry to Scotland and possessed the force of character and strength of frame which i> characteristic of that nationality. A g the children born to Thomas ( '. Patrick. Sr., was Tin Unas C, dr., the father of our subject, who was a youth of sixteen years when he accom- panied the family to Illinois. After sojourning a while with them in Edgar County he went into Jasper County anil entered land, upon which hi' began operating successfully and added to his possession until he was at one time owner of 1,000 acres. He became largely interested in live-stock and remained there until 1858. Then selling out he removed to Mattoon, where he invested in land and town property and where he still resides. lie is recognized as among the prominent men of that region, is one of the lights in the Republican party and a conscientious member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church. The mother of our subject, whose maiden name was Eliza Chrisman, was born in Nelson County. Kentucky, and is the daughter of Nathaniel Chris- man, likewise a native of that county, and who carried on farming there in his younger years. He. too, Anally joined the caravan coming West- ward and entered a tract of land from the Govern- ment on the Chicago road in Edgar Township. He labored in true pioneer style in the opening up of the farm and upon it spent the remainder of his life. His daughter Eliza remained a member of the parental household until her marriage. Her death look place in Mattoon III., in January, 1889, when she was sixty-nine years of age. She. like her husband, was active in the Methodist Episco- pal Church, of which she became a member in 1111 1 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. childhood. To the parents of our subject there were born four children: Cynthia, deceased, Will- iam II. our subject, John T., who is farming near Mat toon, and Walter A., a merchant of •Montgom- ery, Ala. ■ The subject of this notice was born near New- ton, Jasper Co., 111., Nov. 6, 1845. He made him- self useful around the homestead as soon as of suitable age and strength, and pursued his studies in a log school-house during the winter season. The first schools were conducted on the subscrip- tion plan, and later free schools were established. Young Patrick when sufficiently advanced entered the High School at Mattoon and there completed his studies. He left home when a youth of eight- een years and began clerking in a dry-goods store at Newton, where he remained two years. After this he became interested in live-stock, which he began buying and shipping to Chicago and from which he realized handsome returns. He made his first purchase of land in 1808, 240 acres, for which he paid $5 and $8 per acre. It was all prairie with no improvements, and indeed there were few improvements in the whole township. This prop- city lie still retains and has added to it until he is now the owner of 320 acres, all lying on section 1. He commenced breaking with ten yoke of oxen, and in addition to the cultivation of the soil pro- ceeded with the improvements as rapidly as possi- ble, making fences, putting up buildings, and gathering around himself and his family the com- forts of life. In connection with general agricul- ture he has operated continuously as a dealer in live-stock, and usually ships two car-loads of cat- tle annually besides large numbers of swine. He keeps good horses and utilizes four teams in run- ning the farm. Our subject remained a bachelor until 1882, and was then married in Hudsonville, Crawford Co.. III., to Miss Mattie .Teffers, who was born in that county, acquired a good education and occu- pied herself as a teacher prior to her marriage. ( )f this union there has been born one child, a son, Roy Thomas. March 25, 1883. Mr. Patrick polit- ically is a straight Republican, and has served as a School Director in his district, also as Clerk of the School Board, and was at one time Commissioner of Highways, but resigned the office. Mrs. Patrick belongs to the Christian Church. The farm is finely located on the Buck Township line and occu- pies the west half of section 1. No traveler pass- ing through this region fails to notice the air of enterprise and thrift surrounding it, the beauty and fertility of its fields and the evident comfort and plenty which is a feature of the immediate home. As a citizen who has redeemed a large area of the soil from its original condition and pays over each year a snug sum in the County Treasury in the way of taxes, while at the same time encouraging all the enterprises calculated to benefit the people morally and financially, Will- iam II. Patrick is fully worthy of representation among the leading men of Edgar County. SCAR HUFFMAN. If a man's general ehar_ acter may be determined by his surroundings that of Mr. Huffman is first-class in every respect. We find him occupying one of the finest farms in Hunter Township — a thoroughly culti- vated body of land, comprising 140 acres on sec- tion 19, while he has 150 acres elsewhere, the whole of which is in a productive condition and improved with good buildings. Our subject was born in Hunter Township, this county. May 23, 1846, and received his rudiment- ary education in the district school. Later, he at- tended the Commercial College at Terre Haute, Ind. He is the offspring of an excellent family, being the son of David Huffman, who was born in Virginia, and who, in 181 1. emigrated to Licking County, ( )hio. He there learned the trade of a blacksmith at Zanesville, and was married to Miss Catherine Stover, daughter of Samuel Stover, also a native of the Old Dominion and a pioneer of the Buckeye State. The grandparents on both sides of the house were all members of the Baptist Church, and are long since deceased. The paternal great-grandfather of our subject served in the Revolutionary War. and was the son of a native of Germany wiio emigrated to the United States when a young man. His father had embarked on PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 1015 the ship with him, but died on the voyage, and was buried at sea. The parents of our subjecl came to this county in 1837, and the father entered a tract of Govern- ment land in Hunter Township, where he made a permanent settlement and constructed the I e- Stead now occupied by his son D. A. Paris was then simply a cluster of little log cabins. The nearest market for the pioneer farmers was at Clin- ton, I ml., and the father afterward hauled his pro- duce to Chicago, bringing back with him salt, leather and such other articles as were required by his family or his neighbors. The land which he took up was covered with heavy timber, from which he made charcoal, which was then used for fuel at the old Indiana Furnace, lie felled the trees, prepared the soil for cultivation, and here spent his last days, dying about 1 882. The mother had preceded her husband to the silent land, dying in 1876. She was a most worthy and excellent lady, and a devout member of the Baptist, Church. David Huffman held the office of Justice of the Peace a number of years, served as Road Commis- sioner twelve years, and as School Treasurer fif- teen years. The parental household included eighl children, of whom our subject was the sixth in order of birth, and only three are living. During the second year of the war our subject enlisted in the three months' sei vice, in the 7th Illinois Infantry, serving his time, and the following February re-enlisted in Company E, 66th Illinois Infantry, known as •■Western Sharpshooters," with which he remained until the close of the conflict. He participated in many important battles, includ- ing that of Kenesaw Mountain, and was at the siege of Atlanta, where he received a gunshot wound in the left thigh and still carries the hall. Upon sev- eral occasions his clothes were perforated by bul- lets. He escaped injury, however, and at the close of the war received his honorable discharge. After his return home from the army, our suh- ject began to make arrangements for the estab- lishment of a fireside of his own. and in 1868 was married to Miss Ella, daughter of Joel and Lucy (Gideon) Dyer. This union resulted in the birth of four children — Harry. Sivola (deceased), Bertie M. ami Bessie (deceased). Mr. Huffman voles the straight Republican ticket, and has been school Treasurer in his district for a period of fifteen years. Both he ami his estimable wife are prominent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Huffman, socially, belongs to Driskell Posl No. 20!), G. A. R., of Paris, lie has served as Town- ship Clerk one term, but otherwise has been mosth engaged in farming pursuits. From IK71 to 1873, however, he was occupied as a general merchant at Vermilion. .J.NTHONY TWEEDY. It has been truly WlLM said that — "There is a tide in the affairs of (!) men, which taken at the Hood leads on to fortune." A review of the histories of many whose life-records are given herein, illustra- tes the truth of this saying. Perhaps with s e the tide comes in so slowly that only the fast re- ceding waters cause the mind to grasp the truth of the Hood time of fortune. But whether slowly or rapidly, bearing fortunes of money or happiness or peace, it will surely present to all the golden op- portunity. A study of the life of Anthony Tweedy gives a fitting illustration of this principle, lie did not at one sudden bound reach the acme of human desires, but gradually, slowly and surely attained his pres- ent comfortable position. He is at. the present time a resident of Paris, where he removed from his farm in 1 «* ' , a resident of Kansas; Reuben S., Catherine .' mucl II. and William VV. Benja- min, Oliver, Samuel and William served in the Union Arm}' all through the late Civil War. 4~f^ ^*w UCIUS B. BACON. This gentleman is counted one of the most extensive stock shippers in Edgar County. He has a line farm, comprising a quarter section of land and the latest improved machinery for its profitable culti- vation. Skillful and thorough as an agriculturist, he has been deservedly prosperous financially, and in social and business circles occupies an enviable position. He enjoys a large acquaintance in the county, and the fact that he is a favorite wherever known is sufficient indication of his true character. No man in Ross Township is more worthy of representation in a work designed to perpetuate the names and deeds of its leading citizens. Mr. Bacon has particularly distinguished himself as the champion of temperance ami a high morality, and takes a warm interest in forwarding all religious movements. Politically he is a sound Republican. The subject of this sketch was the youngest of twelve children, the offspring of Elijah and Jolima (Boldingl Bacon, and was born in the township where he now lives Dec. 10, 184.5. Elijah Bacon was born in Schuyler County, N. Y., in 1707. and was the son of Elijah Bacon, Sr., a native of Mas- sachusetts. The latter served as Drum Major in the Revolutionary War from the beginning to the end. being then a young man. Upon leaving his native State he settled in Schuyler County, X. Y.. where he experienced all the privations and hard- ships of pioneer life. He, however, was physically well fitted for the duties which he had undertaken, being of large and commanding stature and of great strength. He was descended from a hard}' line of ancestors, who traced their descent to Eng- land and who for many generations were identified with the Presbyterian Church. The father of our subject was a silversmith and watch repairer by trade, which he followed in con- nection with operating his small farm in Schuyler County, N. Y., at a time when he was surrounded by Indians. His kindness to the red men gained their good will, and thus, far from suffering mo- lestation at their hands, they proffered him many acts of kindness. He was a man of decided views and resolutely opposed to human slavery. He emphasized his sentiments in this respect during the long period of twenty years, by traveling all through the Southern States and preaching against the peculiar institution, from the time he was a young man of twenty-three years until approaching fifty. While in Charleston, S. C, he was brought into council with the leading slave-holders, but through his great ingenuity and temperance of speech, suc- ceeded in allaying their anger, making friends of them. He went on with his good work, devoting to it his whole time without any recompense. He acquired his education in the chimney corner, and under the circumstances it is hardly necessnry to say, was acknowledgey as a man of more than ordinary ability. Elijah Bacon, in 1844. made his way to Illinois, traveling by boat to Clinton, and locating in Ross Township, of which he was one of the first settlers. He entered about 400 acres of land, which he improved, and engaged extensively in fruit raising, being the leading man in this industry in the Township. He became prom- inent- in social, business and political circles, portrait and biographical album. 1(121 and was made the congressional candidate of the anti-slavery party. He was also nominated for the Legislature, but his party being in the minority he was defeated, as he expected. lie possessed rare judgment and high principles, lie- sides excellent health, the result of a temperate life anil correel habits. At one time lie was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, but later be- came more liberal in his views and was not identi- fied with any religious organization. Politically he was a straight Republican, and lived to see the triumph of the principles which he so faithfully advocated during his young manhood. After a well spent life he departed hence in 1*77. The mother of our subject, Mrs. Jolima (Hold- ing) Bacon, was born in Steuben County. N. Y., and was the daughter of Jacob Bolding, also a na- tive of the Empire State. The maternal great- grandfather of our subject was one of the early settlers of Steuben Count} 7 , locating in the Wabash Valley, and becoming one of its leading fanners. About 1X20 he removed to the vicinity of Terre Haute, where he became a large land owner and carried on agriculture extensively, there spending his last days. The mother of our subject passed away ten years prior to the decease of her husband, dying in 1K67. She. like him, at that time was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They were the parents of twelve children: Fanny, de-' ceased; Samuel T., living in Missouri; Elizabeth. Amanda, Henry. .James and Lydia, all deceased; Sarah, a resident of Vermilion County, this State; Benjamin, living in Danville; Mary and Merej A., deceased; Lucius B., of this sketch.; and two dying in infancy. Henry and Benjamin, daring the late war enlisted as Union soldiers in 1862, in t.he7:»th Illinois Infantry. Henry died at Nashville, Tenn.. and Benjamin received his honorable discharge' prior to the close of the war on account of physical disability. Lucius B., our subject, was born Dec. 10, 1845, and received his primitive education in the primitive log school house of Ross Township. He, however, when a youth of nineteen year.-. Studied t'oi' one winter at the Paris High School, then attended the Commercial College at La Fayette. Ind., from which he was graduated in March. 1SI1K. Afterward returning to the farm, he sojourned there briefly, and then commenced renting laud of his father, upon which he operated until the death of the latter. In 1*7*. he made hi> liist purchase, eighty acres of land, upon which he began at Brst principles to effect the improvements which have now brought it to a well regulated and valuable estate. lie planted hedge, enclosing and cross fencing his land, and put tip a house. 20x30 feet in dimensions, with a wing 12x20. He has a good barn and added to his real estate until he was the owner of Kid acres, all in one body. He set, out forest and fruit trees, has tine grounds around the dwelling, and Las labored to such good pur- pose that the premises in all respects form a most attractive home, and yields to the proprietor a com- fortable income. The land is largely devoted to grain raising, while Mr. Bacon is extensively en- gaged in the buying and shipping of live stock of all kinds. The live stock purchases of Mr. Bacon are made mostly in Eastern Illinois and Western Indiana. while lie also obtains goodly numbers from South- ern Illinois. He ships to Buffalo. New York and other eastern cities, lie has attained considerable reputation as a breeder, his favorites being full- blooded Jersey cattle, and in sheep he has the Shropshire and Southdowns. In draft horses he handles Clydesdales and Norman, of which he has at the present time thirteen head. He has for years m'ade a study of the equine race, ami fre- quently occupies the position of judge at the county fairs. Our subject was first married at Paris. .Ian. 29, 1869, to Miss Nancy .1. Bolding, who was born near Terre Haute. Ind. This union resulted in the birth of two children. Charles G. and George E., and the mother died in October. Ins."). The elder son is a student of Wabash College, at Crawfords- ville, Ind., while the younger remains at I ic with his parents. Our subject contracted a second marriage Nov. 24, 1886, in Richland County, this State, with Miss Annie 15. Waxier, a native of Ohio, and they have one child, a son, Blaine. Mr. Bacon has been quite prominent in local affairs, officiating as Township Collector one year. ( 'lerk six years, and is at present School Director in his district, Socially he belongs .. 1022 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. to the I.O.O.F., at Cbrisman. He united with the Methodist Episcopal Church when a youth of six- teen years, and has been one of the most liberal contributors to its support, donating also a hand- some sum to the erection of the church edifice. He has officiated as Steward and Class-Leader, likewise as Superintendent of the Sunday-school. It will thus be seen that he has been a useful man in his community, and the uniform encourager of those measures calculated to elevate society and benefit tin- people. 4H* -i— ^] ASPER N. BAUM. No family is more widely or favorably known than the one of whom the subject of this notice is a most worthy representative. They were among the first to venture into the wilds of Central Illinois, and right nobly have they performed their part in the development of its resources. They brought with them the elements of a substantial and honorable ancestry, and have left footprints on the sands of time in this region, which will be recognized in generations to come. Jasper N. is one of the worth- iest representatives of the family, numbers of whom are yet living in Vermilion County, and are invari- ably people of note and prominence. Several of them are mentioned elsewhere in this volume. The subject of this notice, in addition to being a first-class farmer, is a keen-eyed financier, losing no opportunity to drive an honest bargain, is thrifty and energetic, while at the same time cau- tious and prudent, and "looks well before he leaps." lie is shown to possess cultivated tastes, dwelling in a large, commodious and handsome farm house, which crowns the highest points on the ridge in the northwestern part of Young America Township, and commands a fine view of the surrounding coun- try in all directions. It stands half a mile from the public highway on the northern line of section 1 1. and with its adjacent outbuildings, trees, shrub- bery and green grass, is without question a most attractive spot. The most approved machinery is employed in the cultivation of the land, which is exceedingly fertile and well-watered. The subject of this notice was born in Carroll Township, Vermilion Co., 111., Nov. 25, 1857, and was the second child born to Charles W. and Cathe- rine Baum, who were numbered among the earliest pioneers of Vermilion County. He remained un- der the home roof until reaching his majority, and then formed a partnership with his father, and car- ried on agriculture thus for a period of seven years. He was then presented by his father with 400 acres of land, upon which he settled in the spring of 1879, after his marriage, and to which in due time he added 200 acres more. He thus now has a fine estate embracing GOO acres, and which comprises one of the largest and most valuable farms in the county. In the meantime, in November. 1876, our sub- ject was united in marriage with Miss Josephine, daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Cochrane) Stewart, who were natives of Ohio, and of Irish descent. Mrs. Baum was born in Elwood Township, Vermil- ion County, Aug. 27, 1857, and was one of five children comprising the parental household. Her sister, Tamar, became the wife of Thomas Patrick, of Vermilion County, and they have seven living children; Vina is the wife of Clark Maddox, a farmer of Sidell Township, and they have eight children; Delia married S. W. Baum. a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work; Dolly J. is the wife of Reason Roush, and a resident of Catlin, III., near which place he carries on farming. In addition to general agriculture, Mr. Baum has operated as a successful breeder of Short-horn cat- tle and Ilambletonian horses, an industry in con- nection with which he has obtained an enviable reputation throughout this part of the State. As may be supposed, in consideration of his extensive farming interests, he has little time to devote to outside matters, and otherwise than giving his sup- port to the Democratic party, has very little to do with politics, or offices, simply officiating as a School Director in his district. To our subject and his estimable wife there have been born four children — Blanche, Georgia V ., Dolly, and Weaver. Mr. and Mrs. Baum, when first married, resided in Carroll Township, Vermil- ion County, until removing to their present farm, in the spring of 1879. Ten years have worked a PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 1023 remarkable transformation in its condition, and il is the means of yielding a snug sum to the county treasury in the way of taxes. The man who has thus contributed his quota toward redeeming a por- tion of the soil from its primitive condition, and establishing a homestead, where once was a wilder- ness, is worthy of having his name recorded for the perusal of coming generations. We append to the biography of Jasper Banm, a few important facts in the history of his father, Charles W. Baum, whose sketch is published in the Aiuuwof Vermilion County. Charles W. Baum traces his ancestry hack to the royal blood of Po- land, whence his grandfather of the same name as himself, was compelled to flee during the vicissi- tudes and troubles of his country. An exile from his home, he remained in Germany until about the time of the Revolutionary War, when he emigrated to the United States, and served as a militia man on the reserve force in the Colonial Army. After peace was made with England, Grandfather Baum removed with his family down the Ohio River, and settled in the State of Ohio. Charles W. Baum, the father of our subject, was born in Clermont County, Ohio, April 4, 1815, and was the sixth in order of birth among ten children. He grew to a hardy and robust manhood, well fitted to take his place among the pioneer residents of Kansas, whither he emigrated as far back as 1836. Preempting a claim of 160 acres, this was in due season increased by purchase, until he be- came the owner of 1.660 acres of fertile soil, be- sides 2(10 acres given his wife by her father. Mr. Charles W. Baum was united in marriage March 11. 18:39, to Miss Catherine Weaver, a na- tive of Clermont Count}'. Ohio. She is a woman of unusual strength of character, combined with sweetness of disposition, versatility of mind, and soundness of judgment. To her and her husband were born a family of twelve children, namely: Celestine A. (Mrs. William T. Hunt), Jasper N., our subject. Charles Cyrus, A. Jacob. Gideon P., George B. McC, Marcus D., Orintha, James IL. John W.. and two infants who died unnamed. The six first enumerated are living at the present will- ing, while the others died in childhood. Mr. Ban in gave his children excellent educations, and upon their starting out in life, gave each of them finan- cial assistance. He will leave behind him a record of which his children may be justly proud, and his life will be an example for them to guide their foot- steps aright down the pathway we tread but once. 3h*-§> — * ; OUNH.CARAWAY, a well-to do bachelor, and a resident of Chrisinan, operates a very large tract of land, the joint property of ' himself and four sisters, who have aboul 13,000 acres; the whole of which was left them by their late father. He makes a specialty of live stock, in which he takes great pride, and which yields him a tine income. He is a favorite both in social and business circles, and stands well among the leading men of his township. Our subject has spent his entire life in Ross Township, of which he is a native born citizen, first opening his eyes to the light August 30, 1855. He was at an early age taught habits of industry and frugality, and received his principal education in the common schools. At the early age of sev- enteen years he commenced renting land from his father, and at the same time engaged in the live- stock business, which he has since followed, and in which he is excelled by none in this region. In 1879 Mr. Caraway purchased 160 acres of land in Young America Township, which he im- proved and sold two years later at a good advance. Next he purchased 140 acres further west. Then lie sold this and purchased a store in Chrisman, and in the latter put in a stock of hardware, which he operated six months; then on account of too much business disposed of it, and not long after- ward was appointed administrator of his father's es- tate. The management of this occupied the greater part of his time until the spring of 1889, when the property was divided. Mr. Caraway owns 300 acres adjoining the town, the most of which he rents. His favorite cattle are thoroughbred Here- fords, of which the celebrated "Arnold " stands at the head of the herd. He has Ave head of full bloods, and also breeds Poland-China swine in goodly numbers. His pasture lands are supplied 1024 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. with running water, and he lias all the conveniences for prosecuting his business after the most approved methods. Mr. Caraway, politically, affiliates with the Pro- hibitionists, and is frequently sent as a delegate to their various conventions. Socially he is the Past Grand in the I. (). O. F. Lodge at Chrisnian, while he also belongs to the Masonic fraternity and the Modern Woodmen. He is a very active member of the Baptist Church, and one of the leading men of his town in encouraging the enterprises calcu- lated for the advancement of its people. OOP coo ffiACOB SHUMAKER. Fortunately for him, Mr. Shumaker selected some of the best land in Edgar County upon which to build up a l (^/, homestead in 1867, some fifteen years after his advent into the county. The result is a valua- ble farm which he has brought to a thorough state of cultivation and which yields him golden harvests for his labor. He is another illustration of the self-made man who began at the foot of the ladder, and by his perseverance and energy has established himself in a position very nearly the top. As a citizen he is all that could be desired; being pro- gressive and liberal-minded, and one upon whom the people can depend in encouraging the enter- prises which should be for the best good of the community. Politically, lie is a sound Republican, keeps himself well informed upon the current top- ics of the day, and represents in a worthy manner the intelligence and moral worth of his section. His farm comprises 240 acres of land on section 12 in Kansas Township, and is largely devoted to stock-raising, graded Norman and English draft horses, .Short-horn cattle ami Poland-China swine. The Old Dominion contributed some of the best of her sons to the early settlement of Illinois, and among them was the subject of our sketch, who was born in Loudoun County. March 17. 1831. When a young man of twenty-one years he came to Illinois witli his father, George .Shumaker, who was also a native of London i County. Ya.. and who established himself in Grand. View Township in this I county, in 1852. Not being satisfied, however, with his progress financially, he removed to Coles County in the spring of 1856, but returned to Ed- gar County in 1857 and settled in Kansas Town- ship one mile south of where our subject now lives. He and his family endured the hardships and pri- vations incident to pioneer life, and he spent his last years in Edgar County, dying in 1860. The mother departed this life the same year, six weeks after her husband. The paternal grandfather of our subject was George Shumaker. likewise a native of Loudoun County, Va., and a son of Jacob Shumaker, a native of Germany, who emigrated to the United States when a young man and settled in Virginia, where he spent his last days. His grandson, George, the father of our subject, when reaching man's estate was married to Miss Christina Brill, a native of his own county and the daughter of Samuel Brill, who was also born there, and who, like the Shumaker family was of German descent. To the parents of our subject there were born eleven children, of whom Jacob was the fourth in order of birth, and seven of whom are living, viz: Elizabeth, Airs. Shirer; Solomon, Jacob, Mary. William, Ann and Samuel. Jacob Shumaker, like his brothers and sisters, received a limited education, and as soon as large enough was required to make himself useful in the development of the new farm. He took to agri- culture cheerfully, and has made it his life voca- tion. When approaching his' majority his chief ambition was to excel in all the arts pertaining to the cultivation of the soil, and it must be admitted the he has very nearly attained to the standard of excellence which he then set before himself. He remained a bachelor until approaching his thirty- fifih year of his age and was then married, Nov. 25, 1866, to Mrs. C. A. Ogden, daughter of Cephas Hanks, who spent his last years in Ohio. Mrs. Shumaker was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, Aug. 20, 1830. She was married to Mr. Ogden in Muskingum County. Ohio, and they became the parents of three children — Mary V., Carlos A. and Iva A. Mr. Ogden lost his life in the service of his country. Of her union with our subject there have been born two children, only one of whom is PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 1025 living, a son. Cowan ('.. now seventeen years old. Mr. and Mrs. Shumaker and all the children are members in good standing of the Methodist Episco- pal' Church. They occupy a high position in the social circles of their community, and our subject forms a portion of the bone and sinew of Edgar Gounty, which he has assisted in elevating to its present condition. — *- #"# ff/ACOB WETZEL, deceased. The Wetzel family came to Edgar County during its early settlement, and in honor of one of them, Wetzel Station was named. The father of the subject of this notice, located in Edgar Township in 1854, and purchased 400 acres of land upon which he operated successfully a number of years, then, retiring from active labor, took up his abode in Paris. Our subject, on the 28th of Feb- ruary, L888, while attempting to board a train at Paris, missed his footing-, and falling under the wheels, was instantly killed. Thus Paris lost one of its most honored citizens, and Edgar County a man who had assisted materially in its growth and de- velopment. The subject of this notice was born in Columbus. Ohio. Sept. 29, 1832, and lived there until a young man of twenty-two years. He then came with his father's family to Illinois, and they located in Ed- gar Township, and renting the land comprising the present homestead, engaged in farming. The Wet- zel family was of German descent, and Jacob, Sr., the father of our subject, and in his native country a shepherd of Lorrain, after coming to America, located in the embryo town of Columbus, Ohio, where he occupied himself as a gardener, and spent the remainder of his days. In his own country he had served as a soldier, and was captured by the enemy. Mr. Wetzel was married in Columbus. Ohio, to Miss Christina Barth. who was of French descent, and whose father. Nicholas Barth, was born and reared in France. He received a good education in Gorman, English, and French, and learned tail- oring, which he followed as a journeyman until coming to America. After crossing the Atlantic, lie located in New York City, following his trade for a time, and joined the State militia. In 1840 be established himself as a merchant tailor at Co- lumbus, Ohio, »here he became owner of five acres of land inside the corporation, and was in comfort- able circumstances al the time of his death, which took place in 184 I. He was prominently identified with the Democratic party, and was a member of the church. The maiden name of the mother of Mrs. Wetzel was Anna Eva Wise. She was born in France, and was the daughter of Henry Wise, who emigrated to America, and located in New York City, where he died. Their French ancestry was intermixed with German. The mother died at Columbus, in 1855. Their family consisted of three daughters and one son, viz: Catherine, a resident of Cherry Point; Christina ( Mrs. Wetzel); Henry living at Bloomfield, and Louisa, at Cherry Point. Mrs. Wetzel was born in New York City, July 16. l«o2, and lived there until a child of eight years. In 1840 the family removed by boat to ( lo- lumbus, where Christina was reared to womanhood, and educated in the German and English schools. She remained at home with her parents until her marriage. Her wedded life commenced on a farm in Edsrar Township, which remained her home until 1889, when it was disposed of by administrator's sale, and Mrs. Wetzel contemplates buying that which she now occupies. The land of this has been subjected to thorough cultivation, and the Fields are enclosed with hedge and watered by Willow Creek. The residence is a commodious structure, 10x36 feet in dimensions, flanked by a large barn, shells, and the other necessary buildings. Forest and fruit trees have been planted in goodly numbers, and the farm is devoted to the raising of grain and stock. Three teams are used in carrying on its various departments. To Mr. and Mrs. Wetzel there were born eleven children, the eldest of whom, a daughter. Charlotte, is the wife of A. Rinesmith, a farmer of Edgar Township; Emma is deceased; Nicholas is farming in Edgar Township, where he has also officiated as Assessor; Charles is a telegraph operator and sta- tion agent at Wetzel; Harry is farming in Edgar 1026 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. Township; Nellie is the wife of Joseph Johnson, a fanner of Edgar Township; Anna is the wife of Maroe Athon, of Edgar Township; Jesse. Walter, Ola. and Rolland remain at the homestead with their mother. Mr. Wetzel took a great interest in the construction of the railroad through Edgar Town- ship, and donated the right of way. He was the first Postmaster at Wetzel Station, and held the office from the establishment of the same, until January. 1888. He was also Township Collector two terms, and served as School Director. His re- ligious belief coincided with those of the Presby- terian Church. In politics he was a member of the Democratic party. Mrs. Wetzel intends buying in the near future 154 acres adjoining the homestead. The farm is beautifully situated and finely adapted to the rich crops of Central Illinois. Mrs. Charlotte (Anthony) Wetzel, the mother of our subject, was bom in what was formerly the French Province of Lorrain, and spent her last years in Paris, 111. There were only three children in the family: Jacob, our subject; Louis and Nicho- las, who are residents of Paris, III. ^p^lEORGE 1). MITCHELL owns and operates jf[ ^ 1 19 acres on section 34, in Edgar Township. V ^sjH Hi* father and grandfather were both na- tives of Pennsylvania, and both bore the given name of William. The former was born in Mifflin County and the latter in Adams County. Grand- father Mitchell served in the Revolutionary War, fighting at Brandywine under Lafayette and Wash- ington, in 1777. At the conclusion of the war he returned home, and in 1780 took for his life part- ner Miss Elizabeth Hamilton. Shortly after mar- riage the young couple mounted their horses and followed the bridle path to Mifflin County, finally settling in Dry Valley, where he purchased 300 acres of forest, which by indefatigable work he cleared, making a fine home. The great-grandfather of our subject, John Mitchell, was a native of the North of Ireland, where he grew to manhood. Being a gentleman of fine appearance and of sterling worth, he suc- ceeded in wooing and winning the daughter of Lord Ross, of Ireland. On discovering his daugh- ter's marriage, Lord Ross became furiously en- raged, and offered a reward of £100 for the head of John Mitchell, who hail presumed to aspire to his daughter's hand. This state of affairs obliged them to seek refuge, finding it in America. They first sojourned at Philadelphia, but soon afterward removed further West, settling near Carlisle, Adams Co., Pa., where they remained until the close of life. William Mitchell, the father of our subject, was born in 1798. In his chosen occupation of fann- ing he was quite prosperous, owning about 300 acres of land. For a number of years he was a captain in the Pennsylvania State Militia, and in all the affairs of the county took a prominent anil active part. Some time along in the fifties the father of our subject came to Illinois and bought land, but never made it his home. He retained the 300 acres of land in Pennsylvania until his decease. During life he was a member in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The mother of our subject was Margaret Clayton, a native of the same county as her son, and a daughter of Alex- ander Clayton, a native of Mifflin County, where he followed the occupation of a miller. His ma- ternal great-grandfather. Peter Hackenberry, and his wife. Polly, were both natives of Huntington County. Pa. Mrs. Hacken berry's mother was Priscilla Mingen. a native of Wales, a land made famous in song and story as the home of Prince Arthur and his merry Knights of the Round Table. After the death of George Mitchell's father mother Mitchell removed to Lincoln County. Kan., in 1879, remaining there until she sweetly fell asleep. The parental family consisted of eight children: John, now in Saline. Kan.; the Rev. William, a Methodist Episcopal minister now lo- cated at Areola. 111.; Priscilla, Mrs. Allbright. of Lincoln Count}', Kan.; Amos W. resides in Saline County, Kan.; Matilda E., now Mrs. McClure, is residing in Lincoln County, Kan.; Hamilton R. also lives in Lincoln Count}', Kan.; George D.,our subject, and Allen P., of Lincoln County, Ivan. Hamilton R. .Mitchell was in the 1st Pennsylvania Cavalry, enlisting in 1861; he served three years PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBFM. 1027 will] the rank of Sergeant; Allen P. was also a sol- dier in the late war, enlisting in 1862. He served nine months in the 131st Pennsylvania Infantry, being a member of Company I). On October 26th, 1838, Mr. Mitchell opened bis eyes to the light of day aear Shady Gap, in Tus- carora Valley, Huntington Co., Pa. He was reared in Mifflin County, Pa., attending the common schools of the district until Ids eighteenth year. when he entered the Lewiston Academy, which he attended three winters. Peeling himself capable of teaching, he followed that profession until l*i;^. In August of that year he enlisted in the 1 .'» 1 st Pennsylvania Infantry, Company 1).. going to Harrisburg. where they were mustered into the United states service, young Mitchell receiving the rank of Sergeant. His regiment was almost im- mediately sent to the front, where they wereshortly afterward engaged in a conflict at ArlingtonHeights. Making a forced march not th ward, they were in time to participate in the battle of Antietam. Fol- lowing the success of our arms in that engagement, the Army of the Potomac, of which it was now a member, went slowly southward, remaining in the vicinity of the Potomac River, during along period of comparative inactivity, which, preceding the gallant ami bloody but indecisive assault on Fredericksburg, where Burnside got stuck in the mud resulted in checking the further march of our arms toward Richmond. Following this he engaged in the battle of Chancellorsville under Gen. Hooker, and also participated in several other skirmishes. At Antietam he was on the disabled list, serving in the 1st New York Light Artillery, Capt. Barnes, Company C, acting as Corporal. He was mustered out and honorably discharged at Harrisburg in lune, 1863, returning home imme- diately. Six weeks later he enlisted in the Penn- sylvania State Militia and was sent to Huntington County to guard the approach of the enemy from Gettysburg. While in this service he was coin- missioned First Lieutenant, and remained with his fellow-soldiers in that vicinity until they were no longer needed, when they were disbandoned, in the fall of 1863. Thereupon oursubject returned home and employed himself upon a farm until September, 1864, when he removed to this county, having the good fortune to have a railroad to Carry himspeedih to his destination. He located a i Vermillion, Stratton Township, and again took up the profession of teaching, following that occupation through the winter. In 1866 he began farming, working on the farm of his father-in law. .Mr. Mitchell and .Miss Mary ('. Driskell were united in marriage Nov. 30, 1865. Mis. Mitchell was a daughter of Joseph Driskell, of Brecken- ridge County, Ky. Her grandfather, Joseph, St., was also a native of Kentucky, where he was an ex- tensive fanner, owning slaves, as was the custom, and engaged in boating on the Mississippi River. Reaching New Orleans on one of his trips, he there fell a victim to the yellow fever. The great- grandfather of Mrs. Mitchell. David, when a mere babe came wit h his parents from Ireland and set- tled in Kentucky. Joseph was a lad of fifteen when he came to Illinois, accompanying his mother in 1858, and locating in Stratton Township. Edgar County, where he engaged in farming when of a suitable age. his mother. Nancy A. (Riley) Driskell, entiling the land in Stratton. In 1840 she went to McDonongh County, residing there until her death, which took place in 1*50. Mr. Driskell prospered in his adopted home. securing over 300 acres. In 1876 he removed to Paris, where he now resides, he having been born in the memorable year of 1*12.. He is a Repub- lican in politics and subscribes to the principles of the Methodist Episcopal Church, although not being a member in that communion. The wife of Mr. Driskell was Judith Mayo, a native of Ken- tucky and daughter of William .1. Mayo, a Revolu- tionary hero, who left his native State of Virginia at the close of the war to take up his residence in Kentucky. Having enjoyed the advantages of a good education in his youth, he employed a portion ot his time instructing the youth of the neighbor- hood, also following his profession of a civil engi- neer, as well as overseeing the operations of the farm. Partaking of the restless disposition of those times, he left Kentucky, coming to Edgar County in 1825, and locating in Hunter Town- ship, Wayne Precinct, where he bought 160 acres of land, building the first frame house in the town- ship. Mr. Mayo was a line classical scholar, and a 10-28 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. warm personal friend and admirer of Kentucky's great statesman, Henry Clay. lie served his native county as clerk, also performing the duties for a number of years of a local minister of the Metho- dist Episcopal Church, in which communion he died, in 18 lit. at the advanced age of eighty years. Great-grandfather Mayo was Jacob, a native of Virginia, having been born in that State Aug. 1, 1744, of English parentage. The mother of Mrs. Mitchell, an educated and accomplished lady, was born July 11, 1813. in Ford County, Ky., where she grew to womanhood. Following the varying fortunes of her husband, she at length fell asleep in 1841 in Stratton Township. During her married life she became the mother of seven children: William died at the age of seventeen; J. M. is at present a resident of Clark County. Kan ; Elizabeth A. is a resident of Paris; George W., also deceased; Mary C, wife of our subject; Caroline, deceased; and E. B., who re- sides in Paiis. John M. was one of the earliest ones to answer the first call of President Lincoln for troops in 1861, enlisting in Company E, 12th Illinois Infantry. At the expiration of four months he came home sick. The second of the family to enter the war was George W.. who enlisted in 1862 in the 79th Illinois Infantry. In July, 1863, he died of a wound received in the battle of Liberty Gap. On making an examination of the body a minie-ball was found embedded in the leaves of a bible which he carried in a pocket over his heart. The G. A. R. Post at Paris was named Driskell Post No. 168 in honor of him. Mrs. George 1). Mitchell, the wife of our sub- ject, was born .March 18, 1843, in Stratton Town- ship, receiving a good common-school education and teaching one term in the home school. Since coming here our subject, George D. Mitchell, has secured 1 lit acres of land, and has built a new house of nine rooms, planning it with reference to convenience and comfort. It is situated in the midst of finely improved grounds. In addition to raising grain extensively he also supplies the market with hogs and line horses. The family of Mr. Mitchell has been increased by the addition of five children: Clayton. Walter M.. Francis J. R.. Florence M. and William J. Clayton attended the Commercial College at Terre Haute. Ind.. two winters, and has since been employed as a book- keeper in Paris; Walter is at home with his par- ents. After finishing a course of instruction at the home school, Francis J. R. attended the High School at Paris two years, where he has since re- mained. Mr. Mitchell is a member of the G. A. R. Postal Paris, and is also a member of the A. F. it A. M. at Chrisman. Both himself and wife are con- sistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Pine (Wove. Believing that the responsibility of the good government of this country rests with its citizens, he has always taken an active part in politics, being a delegate to the County Conven- tions of the Republican parly. -*-«* . AVID WARD. The subject of this notice deserves special mention among the lead- ing farmers of Edgar Township. A self- made man in the strictest sense of the term, he has arisen to a good position, socially and financially, over the disadvantages of his boyhood and youth. He received only a limited education hut has kept his eyes open to what was going on around him in the world, and by a course of read- ing has gained much useful information. In con- versation he is pleasing and has the happy faculty of discoursing intelligently upon the current topics of the day. His attractive homestead of 113 acres occupies a part of sections 11,15 and 33, the resi- dence being on section 33. The dwelling, although built of logs, has been made an attractive domicile and provides an exceedingly safe shelter for its inmates. The other improvements are fully in keeping with the progress and enterprise which have distinguished its proprietor. Our subject is of Southern birth and parentage, being the son of John Ward, who was born in North Carolina and was of English descent. lie employed himself as a cabinet-maker in the early days, and remained in his native State until 1833. That year he set out overland for Owen County, Ind., where he entered land which he improved, PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 1029 and in connection with it also worked at his trade. He was a very fine workman and commanded nearly all the patronage in this line in his locality. He lived in Owen County, thirty years, then, in 1863, changed his residence to Vigo County, End., where he purchased forty acres of land six miles from Terre Haute. IK- lived upon this until L872, then changed his residence again, this time to Edgar Township, where he purchased a small farm and slid resides upon it. He is a member of the Christian Church, in which during his more active manhood he officiated as Elder, lie is now seventy-five years old. Mrs. Jemima (Humble) Ward, the mother of our subject, was the daughter of David Humble, who was of German ancestry and who located in North Carolina, where he spent his last days. The great-grandfather was a native of Germany and a man of large frame and very strong constitution. David Humble owned a large plantation in North Carolina. He participated in the War of 1812, and in 1834 removed to Owen County. Ind.. where he became a large land owner and where he died. The mother of our subject is now eighty-one years old. David was the eldest of the three children. The others were Eli W. and .lane (.Airs. Ashley), both residents of Edgar Township. Eli during the late war enlisted, m 1861, in the 71st Indiana Infantry, which was afterward mounted and changed to the Gth Cavalry. He was but a youth of sixteen when he entered the army and he served until the close of the war. The subject of this sketch was born in Mont- gomery County. N. C, Feb, 16, 1832. He was but one year old when his parents removed to Owen County. Ind. He acquired a limited education in the public schools, and as soon as able was required to make himself useful around the homestead, where he remained until a young man of twenty- four years. He then began farming for himself and in the meantime purchased forty acres of laud which he retained possession of until 1862. Then selling out he removed to a point in Vigo County. six miles from Terre Haute, where he purchased eighty acres and lived until < >ctober,1864. The Civil War being then in progress with no immediate prospect of its close he enlisted in Company E. 57th Indiana Infant ry, and being mustered in al Pulaski, Trim., was sent with his comrades to the front under the command of Gen. Thomas. He partici- bated in the battles of Spring Hill. Franklin and Nashville, and after several other engagements with the enemy was sent with the regiment to Texas I" guard the frontier. He was mustered out in the I. our Star Mate, ainl repairing to New Orleans re- ceived his honorable discharge. After returning to civil life Mr. Ward resumed farming at the homestead until 1873. Then sell- ing out he crossed the Mississippi with a team and established himself in Marion County. Iowa. After a brief sojourn there he came back to Edgar County. [11., and purchased the farm which he now owns, where he has cleared over 100 acres, fenced it and put up a house and barn and makes a specialty of grain ami stock, especially Poland-China swine. He has >ix head of good horses, and his farm op- erations are generally conducted with thoroughness and skill. He votes the straight Republican ticket and is a member in good standing of the Baptist Church at Horace. Our subject was married, in the fall of 1856, m (>\vcn County, Ind., to Miss Artie A. C reach, who was born in (lay County, that State. They have six children, viz.: John L. Joseph I>.. Thomas Franklin, Sadie. ( His 1!. and Emma. John G. is fanning for himself in Edgar Township; the Others are at home with their parents and form a bright and interesting group, who have been well trained and thoroughly educated. *^$& AVID S. CURTIS. One of the oldest liv- li ing native-born residents of Hunter Town- ship, is naturally looked upon with more than ordinary interest, as in the ease of thesubjeel of this notice. He has jusl rounded up his three-score years and ten. and such has been his career, that he is affectionately viewed as one of the old landmarks whose name will lie preserved in kindly remembrance long after he has departed hence. We line! him the owner of a large and val- 10.30 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. liable farm, embellished with a commodious frame duelling, neatly painted very white, and kept in good repair, with a large grassy yard, with hand- some shade trees and evergreens, a substantial barn and other modern improvements. He likewise has a nursery forty acres in extent, and as a fruit- grower, has gained an enviable reputation. He has been a prominent man in his community, is a stanch Republican, politically, and a member in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Curtis was born in Hunter Township, July 1 , 1 8 1 It, at a time when the face of the country bore little resemblance to its present condition, being a wild and uncultivated district, abounding in wild animals, and over which the Indians frequently passed from one place to another. His early studies were conducted in a log school-house, with punch- eon floor, seats made of slabs and upheld by rude wooden legs, and desks made of puncheon laid across pins driven into the wall. Light was admit- ted through the doorway and window-panes made of greased paper. The system of instruction cor- responded with the surroundings, but the boys of that, day grew up strong of muscle, and healthy in moral principle, well fitted for the duties which lay before them. Young Curtis received careful training from his excellent parents, and assisted his father in the de- velopment of his new farm, becoming familiar with agricultural pursuits. When approaching manhood his chief ambition was to establish a home of his own, and July 27, 1848, he took unto himself a wife and helpmate, being married at the bride's home in Hunter Township, to Miss Frances R. Dickenson. She ivas born in Virginia, and came to this county with her parents, Robert N., and Cynthia (Rives) Dickenson, when a young girl. They are the parents of five children: Alice; Belle, wife of A. D. Siders; David S., Joseph W., and Jennie L.; all are at home. Our subject and his brother Benjamin, associated themselves in partnership, and engaged in farming and the nursery business for several years. In the meantime they furnished capital for a mercantile business at Paris, which was conducted by George Hoge. Farming, merchandising, and the nursery business have thus occupied the life of Mr. Curtis with the exception of nine months which he spent in the army during the late Civil War. He organ- ized a company of the 79th Illinois Infantry, of which he was made Captain, and served until he was obliged to accept his discbarge on account of ill-health. He has been a man of great persever- ance and energy, and these qualities have enabled him to accomplish far more than many men blessed with a robust constitution, but of lesser qualities of resolution and industry. Politically, he is one of the warmest adherents of the Republican party, and has been honored by his fellow-citizens with various local otlices. Joseph Curtis, the father of our subject, was a native of New Jersey, whence he was taken by his parents to Virginia, in childhood. Later they left the Old Dominion, and removed to Adams County, Ohio, and Joseph, upon reaching manhood, there made the acquaintance of Miss Hannah Shelby, and they in due time were married. The mother of our subject was born in Pennsylvania, but at the time of her marriage was a resident of Pickaway County. The parents left the Buckeye State in 1818, and coming to Edgar County, III., located in Hunter Township, where Joseph Curtis established the first nursery in the State that same year. He also inaugurated the root-grafting process in this county, and was highly successful in his business as a nurseryman, enjoying a patronage extending throughout the county, and a largo area of the country adjoining. The father of our subject organized the first Methodist Episcopal Church of Hunter Township, of which both he and his excellent wife were devoted members, and died firm in the faith. The paternal grandfather. Joseph Curtis, Sr.. was likewise a na- native of New Jersey, where he was married, and later removed to Ohio, where his wife died. After her decease he came to Illinois, and spent his last days with his son, Joseph, Jr.. dying at the age of eighty-eight years. He was an honored veteran of the Revolutionary War, and enjoyed the per- sonal acquaintance of Gen. Washington. The Cur- tis family traces its ancestry to England, and was first represented in America during the Colonial days. The meagre details which have been gleaned of their history, denote that they were people of PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. L081 eminent respectability, there being among them many men of repute, who made for themselves a record reflecting honor upon their descendants. '*'w-" OL. GEORGE DOLL, late a well-known and highly respected citizen of Paris, was I a resident of this place with the exception of the four years which he served in the army, from the time he was eighteen years old until his death, which occurred near Baldswinville. in this county, Feb. 14, 1888. lie was born in Hockville, Ind., Jan. lit, 1834. and was thus approaching, at the time of his decease, the fifty-fourth year of his age. The circumstances attending the death of Col. Dole were peculiarly sad and distressing. On the day preceding he attended the funeral of an old friend and brother Elder in the church. Mr. H. .V. Conkey, about six miles northeast of Paris. Me was one of the pall bearers and assisted in convey- ing his friend's remains to the hearse, lie had but a short time before remarked that he was feeling unusually well, but after entering his carriage and when not more than a hundred yards from the residence, he said to a friend, by whom he was sit- ting that he felt strangely and would get out. At- tempting to do so he fell against his friend in a helpless condition and was at once taken back to tin' house whence he had so lately helped to carry all that was mortal of his brother in the church, and it was found that he was suffering from a stroke of paralysis. The next day another shock was received, and the brave Christian soldier and es'eemed citizen, rendered up his soul to Him who gave it. The life of George Dole was one full of encour- agement to young men and well worthy of emula- tion. By the death of his father. Franklin Dole, he was left without paternal care or guidance at the age of four years, and his mother, who was in limited circumstances, removed with her two boys to Napoleon, Ohio, where the earliest years of our subject were passed. A part of his time was spent with his cousin William P. Dole, one of the leading merchants of Paris, and at eighteen years of age he took up his residence permanently in that place. At this time he hail only acquired the rudiments o( an education which he get about obtaining with an energy and perseverance which had it> legitimate reward. Disdaining no honest labor he began his career in Paris by cutting wood at (illy cents a cord, and while engaged in this bard labor, gave all his spare moments to diligent study. Husband- ing carefully his scantj resources he accumulated some little means and soon acquired sufficient ed- ucation to enable him to teach a district school. His salary was carefully saved and he thus became enabled to enter the academy at Paris, after which he for some time alternately attended and taught school. By slow degrees his means grew until he had saved enough to enable him to attend Wash- tion (now Washington and Jefferson) College, in Washington County, Pa., where he was graduated with high honors in the class of '61. of which he was one of the foremost members. In the meantime had occurred the outbreak of the Civil War and upon the day of his graduation young Dole was summoned to Washington by his cousin. William Dole, who had been appointed by President Lincoln, Commissioner of Indian Affairs. The war brought to Mr. Dole as to many others, the opportunity to show the metal of which he was made and it gave out the true ring. Through the influence of his cousin he was appointed adjutant of the 3d Indian Regiment of United Slates troops, which was recruited from the friendly In- dians of Kansas and the Indian Territory. In this command he served until the close of the war, be- ing commissioned Lieutenant-Colonel of the regi- ment in 1863. During his service he participated in several hard fought battles, among them that at Shirley's Ford, Cane Hill. Fort Davis. Prairie Grove, Greenleaf Prairie. Honey Springs, Mays- ville, and Webber's Falls, besides many .skirmishes. His soldier life was characterized by the same grace which distinguishes his entire career. He gave his best to his country's service and every duty undertaken was thoroughly and conscien- tiously performed. His heart was in his work and his country numbered among its defenders no braver or more patriotic spirit or fine more willing to endure for her sake the hardships and privations or risk the dangers of a soldier's life. 1032 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. Dining the four years of his service Col. Dole was absent from his command only twenty days, at which time he obtained a furlough to come home and be married to a lady who remained his loving and faithful companion for nearly a quarter of a century. For two years of his service he never slept or ate in a house and the God of battles, whom he sincerely worshipped, preserved him amid all the dangers to which he was exposed. Upon the return of peace he was honorably discharged and mustered out at Ft. Gibson, Indian Territory. in June, 1865. Col. Dole had prepared himself thoroughly for the practice of law and coming back to Paris, he in May, 18G6, formed a partnership with Col. II. V. Sellar. then and now an eminent member of the Edgar County bar. This connection remained un- broken until it was severed by death, a period of twenty-two years, during all of which time the most implicit and unbounded confidence and the closest personal friendship existed between the partners — a fact which well illustrates the honora- ble and upright character of both men. In Greencastle. Ind.. March 24. 1864, Col. Dole was united in marriage with Miss Anna E. Osborn, a daughter of Col. John and Emily (McCorkle) Osborn. the father a prominent member of the bar of Putnam County. Ind. Both parents were na- tives of Kentucky, Col. Osborn of Maysville, Ma- son County, and his wife of Flemingsburg, Fleming County. The father died in Greencastle and the mother at the home of her daughter in Paris. Mrs. Dole was born at Rowling Green, Clay Co., Ind.. Jan. 11. 1840. Her union with Col. Dole was blessed by the birth of four children. The eldest, Milton ().. died in Paris, Jan. 28, 1889, aged twenty-three years. He was a young man of most exemplary character and his untimely death left his widowed mother doubly bereaved. The second child and only daughter was Mary a lovely girl, the pride and joy of both parents, from whom she was taken by death. Nov. 14, 1885. at the age of nine years. The two living children are named respectively: Alfred Eramett, now a student in Wa- bash Collage, Crawfordsville, Ind., and eighteen years of age; and George, eleven years old. who is at home with his mother. The domestic relations of this family were of a peculiary happy character. To their children the parents set an example of Christian love and char- ity, beautiful to behold and worthy of emulation. The home circle was the dearest place on earth to him, who was its head, and the lessons there taught by the patents left their impress upon the children. Especially was this shown in the case of the eldest son. who during the long and tedious illness preceding his death, when he was battling for life with that dread foe consumption, never murmured against the decree winch hail gone forth and which he well knew meant for him at best an early death. He endured and suffered patiently and died as he had lived, a sincere Christian, firm in the belief of a better and brighter world where sickness and sorrow are unknown. George Dole was a man of a quiet and rather re- tiring character. The success which attended his business career was gained not by loud self-asser- tion but by genuine worth, and grew 'out of the in- flexible devotion to duty, which characterized him all through life. No charge ever committed to his care was neglected, nor was a word ever whispered against his integrity. Honorable public position was within his reach but he preferred to devote himself to those duties which were directly in the line of his profession in which he won the confi- dence and esteem of those with whom he came in contact. He was appointed by the court Receiver of the Illinois Midland Railroad, holding that posi- tion for two years and by his judicious and able management of its financial affairs, did much to save the property of its stock-holders. It was his just boast that during those trying times for the road, there was no trouble with its employes nor '-strikes" to embarrass its operations. We append the follow- ing clipped from the Railway Age: The Receiver of the Illinois Midland Railroad, Mr. George Dole, has been relieved from that office at his own request, This is unprecedented. In Illinois the position oi receiver of a railroad is con- sidered one of the '-fattest" things out. Thousands cry for it; no one was ever known to decline it, The simple word of the man who happens to sit on the bench throws the absolute control of millions of dollars' worth of property into the hands of the PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. in:;:; man whom he may take the humor to select, ami instead of charging ami compelling him to handle the property tor the interests of its owners, the court virtually says to him — '-go in andgel all you can." This is the meaning of the monstrous pro- vision giving the receiver two and a half per cent of all money which he receives ami pays out. It means "make the receipts as big as you can no matter if you have to give losing rates, pay out all the money you can find any pretext for. For every *U>l> you handle you may keep $2.50." The history of receiverships in this Slate show how faithfully these hints have been followed. Mr. Dole says he resigned because the road cannot be made to pay expenses. As this would lie no objection to the man who simply wanted to grab his two and a half per cent., since he could get it from a losing- road rather better than from one that did not have to payout all that it earned, we judge that Mr. Dole was a good man to keep as receiver, and that the road may not gain by bis retiring. The social life of Col. Dole was also a success. He was a member of several organizations all of whom sorrowed for bis sudden death. Resolutions of regret and sympathy for the bereaved family were passed by the count}' bar; by the Paris Hoard of Underwriters; by Driskell Post No. 209, !.. A. R. ; by John A. Logan Republican Club; by Edgar Council 0. C. F.; by Austin Lodge No. 664, [.O. O.F., and others. He had publicly united with the Presbyterian Church at Paris, Dec. 26, 1856, and remained a devout and faithful follower of the Master until the day of his death. In 1871 he was chosen an Elder, tilling that office accepta- bly the remainder of his life. For thirteen years be was Superintendent of the Sunday-school, dur- ing which his close attention to it was marked. Ik- resigned this position at length to take charge of a class of young men, many of whom through his influence became devout and consistent Christians. Taken in every relation the life of our subject was one worthy of all praise. In business he was honorable ami trustworthy; as a soldier he was un- flinching ; in the domestic circle he was a faithful husband and a kind and devoted parent and in the Church he was all he professed. To him ma\ be well applied the words of the Psalmist, "Mark the perfect man. and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace.'" ILLARD B. TUCKER. The State of Illi- nois owes her prosperity to the men who first emigrated hither, and who came from all parts of the Last and South. That she is classed among the leading Slates of the Union is due to the energy and industry of her pioneer settlers, no less than to their rare intelligence and the excellent moral traits of character which dis- tinguished them as a peculiarly honorable and law- abiding people. Among this class of people the Tucker family deserves honorable mi ntion, and especially • >sborn Tucker, the father of our subject, a native of Ohio, and of English descent, born Sept. 11. 1802. The father of our subject was reared to man- hood in Kentucky, whither his parents moved, where he lived until the spring of 1856. Then, with the desire to see something of the Great West he made his way to this Stale, and employed him- self as a carpenter and painter, at which trades he had served an apprenticeship. The first \ ears of bis sojourn in Illinois he lived in Edgar County, then changed his residence to Logan County, where be carried on fanning until retiring from the active labors of life. He afterwards mule his home with our subject, and is stout of his age. He has reached the advanced age of eighty-seven years. The wife and mother was in her girlhood Miss Cynthia I'.at- tershell, a native of Kentucky, and who died in Kentucky about 1850. The parental family in- cluded thirteen children, viz: William, a resident of Edgar Township, this county; Polly, deceased ; John, residing in Falls. Iowa; Emily (Mrs. Smick) lives in Ross Township, this county; Elizabeth (Mrs. Roberts) is a resident of Paris; Conoway re- sides in Missouri; Dillard B.. our subject, was the seventh child; Henry is deceased; Mark is a resi- dent of Douglas County. 111.; Peter is deceased; Sarah lives in Ottawa City. Kan.: Ann lives in \li>- i. ami Charles is deceased. Mark and Con- 10:54 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. oway served as soldiers in the late Civil War. Henry was in a Kentucky regiment, and while at home sick on a furlough the rebels captured him while in his bed and forced him to march, during which he died on the way. The subject of this sketch was born in Paris, Bourbon Co., Ky., Dec. 5, 1840. and spent his boy hood and youth upon a farm, receiving his educa- tion in the common schools. He came with his father to Illinois when a youth of seventeen years, and completed his education by a few months' attendance at school during the winter season. Prior to this he had only attended one term in his native township. In the spring of 1859 he set out for Pike's Peak. The route was by Leavenworth. Kan., where he obtained a team and went across the State to Denver, which occupied thirty days. Upon reaching the Peak Mr. Tucker engaged in mining in Russell Gulch, where he operated until fall, and then, being satisfied with his venture in the far West, returned by team to Omaha, Neb., and thence by stage to St. Joe, and from there home by rail. He was then but nineteen years of age. Aside from this his life passed in a compara- tively uneventful manner until the opening of the Civil War, and then, at the age of twenty years, under the call for 300,000 troops, he enlisted in August, 1861, in Company A, 7th Illinois Cavalry, and was mustered in at Camp Butler. Thence they were sent to Cairo, and later furnished with their equipments at Bird's Point on the Mississippi. They first engaged with the enemy at Point Pleas- ant, Tenn., and later at Tiptonsyille. Ky., where they captured a number of rebels. Next they were ordered to Shiloh, and there our subject was taken ill and confined in the hospital. In the spring of 1862 Mr. Tucker was allowed to go home on a furlough. When sufficiently recov- ered re-entering the ranks, he was stationed in the convalescent camp at Louisville, and in January, 1863, rejoined his regiment in Mississippi. The first two years the boys had their own horses, but afterward were furnished animals by the Govern- ment. Our subject subsequently participated in many of the important battles which followed. being at Jackson. Miss., Baton Rouge, La., and Memphis. Tenn. Thence they worked their way east, to La Grange, that State, which was made their headquarters until 1863. Young Tucker, in the meantime, had some narrow escapes, and upon one occasion his hat was shot off by a spent ball. He went by the name of •• Sergt. Tuck." He and his cousin. Sanford Battershell, enlisted at the same time, ami upon starling out resolved to stay together through thick and thin. They were familiarly known to their comrades as "Tucker- shell and Bat." They shared with each other the hardships and privations of a soldier's life, and had the happiness of realiizng their hope of remaining together until the close. In the winter of 1863-4 our subject, with his com- rades, met the enemy in battle at West Point, Miss.. also at Aberdeen, and thence went into Alabam .. where they were largely engaged in skirmishing, lie participated in the battle of Nashville in Dec- ember, 1864, and witnessed, with a feeling of deep satisfaction, the routing of the rebels at that place. From that time on until Christmas they were nearly continually under fire and our subject wound up his term of enlistment in the rear of the battle of Franklin. He re-entered the ranks at La Grange, Tenn., in the spring of 1863. Soon after- ward the regiment was sent to Alabama, and re- mained in the vicinity of Tuscumbia until Novem- ber, 1865. The war having now closed, Mr. Tucker was mustered out at Nashville, and received his honorable discharge at Springfield. III., November, 16, after a faithful service of four years and three months. He escaped injury otherwise than having his left wrist somewhat mangled by the falling of a horse upon it. Mr Tucker purchased the farm which he now owns and occupies ia February. 1866, eighty acres, for which he paid $15 per acre. It was a tractof cultivated prairie, and he began at first principles in the construction of a farm. First securing a shelter for himself and family, he got in his first season's crops, and by degrees planted forest and fruit trees and instituted the other im- provements necessary to the well regulated home- stead. He laid tiling, planted hedge, purchased scales and other farm machinery, got together a goodly assortment of live stock, and in due time began to enjoy the fruits of his labors. He has 1 in acres in the home farm and eighty acres elsewhere PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 1035 in the same township; the latter is likewise im- proved with buildings, which he rents. Besides grain raising, he is largely interested in live stock, cattle, sheep and swine making a speciality of the latter. He 1ms fourteen head of good horses. After the war our subject was first married in Edgar Township, Dec. 31, 186.i, to Miss Loviua Brothers, a native of Ohio. To them there were born two children, Julia and Ida, who are at home with their father. The mother died at her home in 1882. Our subject contracted a second marriage, Nov. 30, 1882, in Edgar Township, with Mrs. Mar) Parks, daughter of William Iloult. This lady was born in Edgar Township, and is the sister of W. F. Moult, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this Album. Of this union there are four children : David and Dolly, Carl (deceased) and one un- named. Mr. Tucker is a sound Republican polit- ically, and has served as a School Director in his district for ten years. Me has been identified with the Baptist Church since a youth of eighteen years, and is at present one of the Trustees. As an ex- soldier in good standing, he belongs to the G.A.R. at Chrisman. Genial, obliging and courteous, he has friends wherever known, and is a most worthy representative of an excellent ancestry. W WELLINGTON W. TROVER. It is said that a gentleman may be detected by his conduct in a crowd away from home; and a gentleman may also as surely be detected by his treatment of the stranger whom he meets and who has no special claim upon him. The gentleman with whose name we introduce this sketch was one whom the detective biographer pronounced a gen- tleman at the first meeting. Genial, accommodat- ing and courteous in his manner and possessed of more than ordinary intelligence, he at once estab- lished himself in the confidence and esteem of that humble individual, as he has also done in the confi- dence and esteem of his fellow citizens. Me is worthy of special mention as one of the leading politicians of Edgar Township and one specially devoted to the interests of the Republican party. As an ex-soldier of the Union army, he ha> since retiring from the ranks fought for his Republican principles with all the natural strength of his character, and nothing gratifies him more than to expend his time and his talents in upholding them. We find Mr. Trover occupying a snug farm of seventy-four acres on sections G. 7 and s in Edgar Township, within whose limits he was born July 12, 1843, Me was reared to farm pursuits and being the child of a family in moderate circum- stances, received his education mostly by the tire- side and at the aye of thirteen commenced the battle of life by working out on a farm. Me was thus occupied until after the outbreak of the Civil War andjhen, a youth of nineteen years, enlisted in Company I, 8th Illinois Infantry. Me was mus- tered into service at Camp Butler and went with the three months' men to Washington City, whence they were ordered to Alexandria, where young Trover with his company was mostly on patrol duty until the expiration of their term of enlist- ment, in July following. Thereafter, until the spring of 1803, Mr. Trover occupied himself again as a farm laborer, then re-entered the army as a member of Company K. (>2d Illinois Infantry, soon after which he was sent to Little Rock, Ark., and later met the enemy in several skirmishes, after which he went with his comrades into the Indian Territory, to keep the red men at a respect- able distance. In the meantime our subject was detailed as mail carrier between Forts Gibson and Smith and had only one horse to perform the duly. He was kept at this until the close of the war and performed fully as important and responsible work as many who fought in the ranks. In the spring of 1866 he was mustered out of service at Little Rock, Ark., after an army life of three years and three months. Upon returning home our subject worked as a carpenter with his father until 1871. That year he resumed agricultural pursuits and purchased eighty acres of land on section . r >, Edgar Township. Me engaged in stock raising successfully until 1 874, then sold out and removed to his present place. The first purchase was seven acres upon which he moved his parents and which they made their home. Me still follows Stock-raising success- 1036 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. fully, making a specialty of swine and buys anil sells largely on commission. He put up the house which he now occupies, also the barn and has the other buildings necessary for his convenience. His land is well watered by Sprint:' Branch and under thorough cultivation, has become very fertile. The marriage of our subject with Miss Rachel Lustison was celebrated at the bride's home in Edgar Township in January 1*71. This lady was born in Ohio. Nine children have been born of this union, viz.: Edgar, (deceased); Lucy, and Sarah, (deceased); Viola, Bert, Mamie, Gertrude, (deceased); Bertha and B., all of whom are at home with their parents. Mr. Wellington Trover was elected Supervisor in 1886 and re-elected the spring following, thus serving two terms. He has also officiated as Township Collector two years. lie is a member of Driskell Post, No. 209, G. A. R. lie has served on the grand and petit juries and officiated as a delegate of the county conventions several times, while he has been likewise a member of the County Central Committee. The father of our subject was David Trover, a native <>f Virginia, and the son of a farmer of Eng- lish descent who emigrated to the United States at an early day and spent the balance of his life in the Old Dominion. David served an apprentice- ship at carpentering and in due time operated as a builder and contractor. He emigrated to Clinton County, Ind., at a very earl}' day, when a young man and unmarried. Thence he came to Edgar County, 111. and settled in Edgar Township, where he was married and was successful in business, ac- cumulating a good property. He voted the Democratic ticket until the candidacy of James Buchanan, in 1856, during which year the Repub- lican party was organized, when he cast his ballot for John C. Fremont, the candidate of the latter, and thereafter was a decided Republican. He was a man of more than ordinary intelligence, thor- oughly well informed, although having had very limited advantages for an education. He departed this life in 1873 in the Universalist belief. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Elizabeth A. Sheets. She was born in Ohio to which State her father had removed from his na- tive Virginia at a very early day. After a few year's residence in the Buckeye State he came to Edgar County, 111. and entered about 200 acres of land in Edgar Township. This was mostly timber which he cleared and improved and built up a good homestead, where his death look place in 1881 at the advanced age of eighty-two years. Politically, he was a sound Democrat and held most of the local offices, including that of Road Commissioner and School Trustee. He was an en- terprising and reliable citizen and influential in his community. The mother of our subject died at her homestead in Edgar Township. The nine children of the parental family were named re- spectively, Louisa, deceased; Wellington W.. our subject; Singleton, a resident of Missouri: Alfred. living in Edgar Township; Jane, a resident of Missouri; Joseph, of Edgar Township ; Llewellyn; David, deceased ; and Delila. in Missouri. Singe- ton and Alfred during the late Civil War enlisted as Union soldiers, in 1862, in the 02d Illinois Infantry and served until the close. - 5 #M# ,- AVID HANLEY. In the year 1819, it is hardly necessary to say. very few white people had ventured into Central Illinois or into any part of the State. Among them that year came Mr. Hanley, who is probably one of the oldest living residents of the county. Deer, wild tur- key, wolves and Indians were plentiful, the latter prin- cipally the Cherokees and they often camped near the cabin of the white man. Our subject had Indian boys for his playmates and although they fre- quently differed in their ideas, he seldom had any serious conflict with them. He often recalls the time when the farmers threshed their grain wih a flail, the grain being laid on rails with linen sheets underneath to catch the kernels. For ten years after coming here they drove through with a team to Chicago, making the trip with four yoke of oxen and consuming one month. They kept this up as late as 1838. For their recreations the settlers had log rollings, corn huskings and dancing. The subject of this notice was born in Muhlen- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. I ic; 7 berg County, Ky., July 5, 1818, and a year later his parents set out by wagon for Illinois. The scenes of Ins first recollection lie in Edgar County, where he began work on a farm when a boy. His early education was conducted in a log scl 1- house with the ground fur the floor, slabs for seats and desks, greased paper for window panes, a huge fireplace extending nearly across one end and the smoke coaxed through a chimney built outside of mud and sticks. Young Hanley remained at home until twenty-one years old and then until twenty- five employed himself as a farm laborer. lie then in 1843 entered 160 acres of land in Sims Town- ship. This was mostly covered with timber. He had before entering, worked it in order to get money to secure it for his own. He proceeded successfully with its improvement and purchased eighty acres adjoining. In due time he became the owner of 240 acres and lived upon it eight years. Then selling out he rented laud in Paris Township five years, then purchased 240 acres adjoining Redmon, which was unimproved and upon wRich he labored industriously until 1n77. Then selling out he removed to his present place, a well-culti- vated farm of 160 acres. In 1878 he rented this ami removed to the northwestern part of Shilob Township and followed agriculture there live years as a renter. In 1883 he returned to his old farm which had been greatly run down in the meantime and which he has improved, building fences. [Hit- ting in tile and planting walnut and mulberry trees. He has 1 20 acres under the plow. The soil is very fertile and moistened by a running stream. The homestead lies fourteen miles from Paris. Mr. Hanley has good cattle and swine with fourteen head of draft horses and uses about four teams in his farm work. The marriage of our subject with Miss Hannah Patterson occurred in Sims Township. May .3, 1842. Mrs. Hanley is the daughter of William Patterson. a native of Pennsylvania and born near tin- city of Pittsburg. His father, William Patterson. Sr.. was a native of Ireland and upon coming to America located in Pennsylvania where he spent his last days. Willliam, Jr., removed from Pennsylvania to War- ren County, Ohio, when a lad of ten years. There he grew to man's estate and worked in Cincinnati in a rope factory until his marriage. Afterward he engaged in farming in Southern Ohio, and lived there until the fall of 1883. Then coming to Illi- nois lie located at Walnut Grove, in Kansas Town- ship, where he engaged in farming and milling. Subsequently, however, he returned Last, as far as Lake County. Iml.. where his death occurred. He was a Republican, politically, and in religious matters a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The maiden name of the mother of Mrs. Hanley was Nancy Hamilton. She was a native of Virginia, born near the town of Moresficld and was the daughter of Thomas Hamilton, who was born in England. He served in the English army and as a soldier of that army was brought over the Atlantic to fight the colonists. This he did not wish to do, so deserted the ranks and located in Virginia and lived in Palmyra, Warren County, the remainder of his days. The mother of Mrs. Hanley was reared to womanhood in Ohio and died in Momence, 111. in 1884. when eighty-four years old. Of the nine children, born to the parents, six are living, viz. : Sarah, a resident of Wellington. 111. ; Catherine, liv- ing in Will County, 111; Hannah, " . Hanley; Caroline is deceased; Russell, a i of Will County; Henry II. and Leander, of Di le. Le- ander during the late war enlisted in 181 42d Illinois Infantry and served until the (•:■ The deceased are William. Caroline and Emma. Mrs. Hanley was born near Palmyra, Warren Co., Ohio, Jan. IG. 1828. She came to Illinois with her parents when a child, they making the journe}' overland with teams. She was fond of her books ami by close application obtained a good education. She learned thoroughly all housewifely duties and was particularly expert at weaving. She has kept up her interest in reading and study and is thoroughly well informed. The twelve children, born of her marriage with our subject were named respectively: Sarah J., deceased; Savilla; Nancy deceased ; Caroline; William; Ellen deceased ; Lean- der, Henry, Thomas, Emma, Lizzie and Hannah. Sarah J. became the wife of Condy O'Donnell and they are both deceased ; Savilla married Stephen Jump, who is now a retired farmer and they live at Brocton; Nancy was married to George Wood; 1038 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. Caroline was the wife of George Coffer, of Baxter Springs, Cherokee Co., Kan.; Ellen married a Mr. Massey and at her death left three children; Leander is a house carpenter and lives in Ft. Gibson, Indian Territory; Henry is farming in Crocker County, Kan.; Thomas is fanning in Shiloh Township, Ed- gar County; Emma, Mrs. Massey, is a resident of Champaign County, 111.; Lizzie, Mis. Russell, lives in Hendricks County, Ind.; Hannah is the wife of Abner Russell and they occupy the home farm; they have two children — Everet Lee and Emma. Mr. Hanley for years affiliated with the Demo- cratic party, but in the election of '88 cast his bal- lot for Benjamin Harrison and intends hereafter to support the Republican party. He was Path Master in the early days and has for many years served as School Director. In religion he is a member of the United Brethren and a regular attendant upon the services at Prairie Chapel. He is a man who has made a great deal of money, but has likewise lost much on account of appending his name to notes for lriends. In this way he has parted with a small fortune. He has given eighty acres of land to his son, Henry, and helps his other children as much as possible. He intends putting up a new residence in the near future. He and his estimable wife have lived together happily for many years and are of that genial temperament which has drawn around them hosts of friends. The father of our subject was Samuel Hanley, a native of Pennsylvania, and his paternal grand- father was born in Ireland. The latter crossed the Atlantic at an early day and thereafter farmed in Pennsylvania the remainder of his life. Samuel served an apprenticeship at shoeinaking and early in life established himself on a farm in Muhlenberg County, Ky.. where he became well-to-do. He con- tracted the western fever, however, and in 1819 came to Illinois and entered land in Sims Town- ship, Edgar County. He put up a house and estab- lished the first mill in this region. He afterward improved four different farms and likewise estab- lished the first distillery in the county. He was a man of great energy and industry and died in Paris at the advanced age of eighty-five years. The maiden name of the mother of our subject v\as Mary Ripple. She was a native of Pennsyl- vania and the daughter of Michael Ripple, who was likewise born in that state and is of German descent. He served through the Revolutionary War under the direct command of Gen. Washing- ton and afterward established himself on a farm in Kentucky whence he removed to Illinois in 1825. He spent his last days in Sims Township, passing away at a ripe old age. The mother likewise died in Paris; both were members of the Christian Church. Their large family of fifteen children grew to mature years, were never sick a day, never had a doctor and never lost a meal until after they had grown to manhood and womanhood. Joseph, Matthew, William and Lydia are deceased. Mary is a resident of Clark County, III.; Michael. Cyn- thia, Samuel, Anthony and Ephraim are deceased. John is a resident of Paris Township. David, our subject, was the next in order of birth. Elizabeth and Sarah are deceased, Savilla is a resident of Paris. %t~i i saas ■ JOSEPH H. MURPHY. It cannot be denied that a continued residence in one place, con- fers upon a man importance and standing in AJ^J' his community. Mr. Murphy has spent his entire life in Bruellet Township.and was born within one mile of his present home. He was reared upon a farm, and educated in the district school, and at an early age began reading law at home. He prac- ticed in Eastern Illinois and Vermillion County, Ind., having been admitted to the bar in Indiana, in 1881. In the meantime, however, he maintained his partiality for rural life, and established himself on a farm occupying a part of section 1G, in Bruel- let Township, where he has effected good improve- ments, and gathered about himself anil his family all the comforts of life. Thomas Murphy, the father of our subject, was born in County Antrim, Ireland, where he remained until reaching manhood, acquiring a good educa- tion. Upon leaving his native isle, he set sail for Nova Scotia, and was occupied there as a school teacher several years. There also he found his bride, a native of that island, Miss Nancy A., daughter of Alexander Thompson, and after their PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 10.50 marriage they lived there until four children were born. About L836, they came to the States, laud- ing "ii the present site of Chicago, whence they made their way to this county by means of an ox- team. Tliey settled in the vicinity of Scottland, where there father taughl school aboul two years, then secured a tract of land, which he converted into the farm now occupied by his son, Joseph II. This section was then a dense forest, and Mr. Murphy taughl school, and worked upon his land alternately until his death. May 12, 1844, when he was killed by :i falling tree, lie had been educated for the priesthood, his parents being members of the Catholic Church, hut this being not in accord- ance with his tastes, he declined to enter upon the course marked out for him, and later liccame a Protestant, and identified with a Protestant Church, lie left a widow with eight children, and she sur- vived until 1881. Their eldest daughter, Gazelle, is now the wife of Daniel McColley; Hannah mar- ried John Carnes; William and Alexander are next in order of birth; Catherine married Daniel Hum- rickhouse. and is now deceased ; Thomas, Joseph II.. and John W.. complete the list. In the late Civil War, John was a drum-major, and died in 1863 in Helena, Ark.; William served four years in Com- pany A.. 13d Indiana Infantry, was captured by the rebels, and confined fifteen months in Tyler, Tex.; he escaped twice, and was twice re-taken by blood hounds. He finally returned home without a wound. Thomas served in the army four years in Company C, 18th Indiana Infantry, and re- ceived a gun-shot wound in the left hand; Joseph, our subject, enlisted in Company K, 34th Illinois Infantry, in which he served from March until Au- gust. 1865, when he was mustered out thirty days after the regiment was disbanded, at the hospital in Cumberland, Md.. where he had been confined since the June previous from typhoid fever and rheuma- tism. After receiving his discharge, he returned home, and was occupied as a farm laborer until his marriage. The above mentioned important and interesting event in the life of our subject, was celebrated al the bride's home in 1 809, the lady being Miss Mary Edcs a corn-cooker and filler of which he is the inventor and patentee, and which is an in- genious contrivance, automatic in its action. Into this the corn runs, is cooked and conveyed out into cans which arc placed under the tilling' nozzles, all being operated by steam power simultaneously. It is probable that the fortune of Mr. Staff is assured through this invention alone, and he has alreadj been offered $25,000 for a half interest in it. At this writing Mr. Staff is completing a new build- ing. T.'jxlU feet, lo be used for the manufacture of empty cases and labeling and stamping all the filled cases after leaving the process room. The ca- pacity of the factory is 15,000 quarts pier day. and gives employment to 150 persons. Thus it will he seen that the enterprise is of inestimable value to tin' town, bringing to it not only a large amount of business but a large number of people to be fed and clothed. The home of Mi. Staff is pleasantly located in I he eastern part of town, and he enjoys the society and the friendship of its best people. He was mar- 1042 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. ried May 14, 1872, to Miss Lyda Shomberg. This lady was born in Edinburg, Ind., and they have live children — Harry. Estella, John. Anna and Katie. Mrs. Staff is a member of St. Stephen's Church at Terre Haute, and our subject, socially, belongs to the A. O. TJ. W. -i-+ -M- ffi OHN T. CUSICK. This gentleman, who is | on the sunny side of forty, occupies a lead- ing position among the younger members ' of the fanning community of Edgar Town- ship, being the owner of sixty-six acres on section 21. He was born in Vigo County, Ind., May 4, 1850, and has spent the most of his life in this county. At an early age he became familiar with farming and pursued his studies in the com- mon schools, mostly in the winter season, until a youth of seventeen years. In 1867 the family re- moved to Indiana, where our subject remained with them until 1869. Then entering Westtield College, 111., he pursued his studies industriously two years, returning to the farm to spend his vaca- tions. Cpon one of these occasions, while follow- ing a threshing-machine he met with an accident by which he lost an eye. which put an end to his studies. Our subject now remained upon the farm with his father for a time, then rented the old place and operated it until 1881. That vear he removed to his present homestead. He has made all the im- provements upon it. has laid considerable tile draining, set out trees and built fences, besides the house, barn and other outbuildings, and although his farm is not extensive it yields handsome re- turns. He makes a specialty of graded stock. raising the grain for their consumption and the produce for the needs of the family. He has about eight head of horses and utilizes two teams on the farm. Mr. Cusick was married in Clark County, 111., Nov. 12. 1877. to Miss Mary J. Crowther. Mrs. Cusick was born in Terre Haute. Ind., and is the daughter of Edward and Elizabeth Crowther, na- tives of Leeds, England. Her father is a mechani- cal engineer, but is fond of agricultural pursuits and owns a farm in Clark County. < )f this union there have been born four children. Myrtle E., Mattie E.. Hortensia and Maudie E. Our subject politically votes the straight Democratic ticket and was a School Director in Indiana four years. Here he is quite prominent in local politics and is fre- quently sent as a delegate to the county conven- tions. Anderson Cusick, the father of our subject, was born near Knoxville in East Tennessee, and was the son of David Cusick, a native of the same State, who was a farmer by occupation and served in the War of 1812. The latter emigrated to Illi- nois in 1818, during the year of its conversion from a Territory into a State, and located in El- bridge Township, Edgar County. B3' entry and purchase he in due time became the owner of 250 acres of land the most of which he brought to a good state of cultivation. His son Anderson, the father of our subject, was a boy when coming to the Prairie State and spent his after years in a manner similar to that of the sons of pioneer farm- ers. He followed the occupation of his forefathers and in due time purchased eighty acres of land in Stratton Township, upon which he labored a num- ber of years, then selling out established himself in Edgar Township on a tract of 160 acres. After- ward he made his way across the Mississippi and purchased the same amount of land in Wayne County. Iowa. Finally, however, he returned to Edgar Township. In December, 1867, he rented this farm and going to the vicinity of Vigo, Ind.. purchased 240 acres of land, upon which he estab- lished himself, engaging in farming and stock- raising, and there spent the remainder of his days, passing away about 1877. Mrs. Martha (Tucker) Cusick. the mother of our subject, was born in Tennessee, and was the daughter of Joel Tucker, a native of South Caro- lina, who removed first to Tennessee and then to Vigo County, Indiana. He was a farmer by oc- cupation and spent his last days in Vigo County. Mrs. Cusick died at the homestead in that State; she was a member of the Congregational Church. The seven children of the parental family were named respectively, Jane, now deceased ; Joseph, PORTRAIT AND lilt m ; i;a I'l IK A I. \l.l;l M. 1043 a resident of Vigo County. Ind; Nancy A.. Mrs. Horsley, of Edgar Township; Sarah E., deceased; America, a resilient of Clark County, this State; John T. our subject; and David A., deceased. — •*» * '% * " ' ft ' I * IS 1 * *" BRAHAM STUM'. Here and there in his travels the biographer cnines across a vet- eran of the late war. who is always an object of interest to the intelligent and pa- triotic citizen. Many of them have lust none of the spirit which fired them m their youthful days and led them to go forth and fight the battles of their country, as one of the stern duties which they had no thought of evading. Mr. Stipp performed his part in that bitter conflict, and has been permitted to live and rejoice over the many blessings which followed the preservation of the Union and the ex- tinction of slavery. We now find him comfortably situated on a well-regulated farm of 210 acres of land on section 7 in Elbridge Township, where he took up his residence more than twenty years ago. He is widely and favorably known throughout this part of the county as one of its most substantial men and most useful citizens. A son of one of the earliest pioneers of this county, our subject was born in Elbridge Town- ship, April 12, 1842, and scarcely left its limits until after the outbreak of the Rebellion. Early in the conflict he entered the Union army as a member of Company C, 70th Illinois Infantry, was mustered into service at Mattoon. and thence went to the front in the latter part of August. He soon met the enemy in active conflict, taking part in the battle of Stone River, Tenn., next at Liberty Gap and later at Chickamauga under the command of Gen. Thomas. At this place he experienced a very narrow escape from being captured by the rebels, and he next fought at Missionary Ridge, near Hragg's headquarters, where they made a success- ful charge upon the enemy, routing them com- pletely. This division of the army next moved upon Dalton, Ga., where the Union arms were again vic- torious, and where our subject barely escaped with bis life from the sharpshooters. At the battle of Resaca, which followed, he was wounded in the leg just above the knee, which confined him in the hos- pital for six months. When he was sufficiently recovered, hi' was sent first to Chattanooga, and then to Nashville, and later was given a furlough and was sent home. When able to rejoin his regi- ment, he was transferred to the Infantry Reserve Corps of Veterans, and detailed to guard the pris- oners at Rock Island, 111. ( )u the 1st of March the prisoners were taken to Virginia, our subject being one of those accompany ing them, returning from the expedition the latter part of that month. Later, he revisited the Old Dominion, and thence went to New Orleans with prisoners, remaining there the following winter. His term of enlistment having now expired, he was mustered out and re- ceived his honorable discharge. He experienced all the hardships and privations of life in the army, and by his bravery and fidelity to duty gained the esteem of his comrades and the approval of his commanding officers. Upon retiring from the army. .Air. Stipp re- sumed farming, and in KS(i7 was united in marriage with Miss Mary E., daughter of Thomas and Nancy (Van Kirk) Williams. Mr. and Mrs. Williams were natives of Indiana and Pennsylvania respectively, and after their marriage took up their abode in Ripley County. Ind. They became the parents of seven children, of whom Mrs. Stipp was the third, and who was born Dec. 26. IS) I. She received a good education in the common school, and re- mained a member of the household circle until her maniage. Mr. Williams died in Indiana about L852. The mother was subsequently married, and, coming to this county, made her home in Stratton Township until her death. To our subject and his good wife there have been born six children, the eldest of whom, Eliza E.. died at the interesting age of fifteen years. The others — lohn T., William. Jeanette and Clara A. remain under the home roof. Mr. Stipp purchased his present farm in 1867, to which he has since added until it now embraces :.' 1 acres, and has brought the land to a high state of cultivation, besides making first-class improvements. The resi- dence is a roomy and convenient brick structure, 1044 PORTRAIT AND BI< (GRAPHICAL ALBUM. while the barn and other outbuildings are amply adapted to the various purposes of agriculture. Politically. Mr. Stipp votes the straight Repub- lican ticket, and has always taken a warm interest in the establishment and maintenance of scl Is, serving on the Board two terms and encouraging the measures instituted for the proper training of the young. Both he and Mrs. .Stipp are members in good standing of the Christian Church, and socially, Mr. Stipp belongs to Vermilion Lodge No. 563, I. O. O. F. The parents of our subject were John and Ellen K. (Ballou) Stipp, the father a native of Ohio and the mother of Tennessee. John Stipp came to this county when a young man. and here met his fu- ture wife. They settled upon land constituting the present homestead of our subject, and from which the father constructed a fine farm, which he occupied until his death, in 1855. The mother is living, making her home with her son, George W., in this township. They were the parents of four children: Peter, Abraham, George W. and Zackariah. Without making any great show in the world, they were looked upon as honest, in- dustrious and worthy people, possessing those ele- ments which form the ground-work of all good society. Both were members of the United Breth- ren Church, and the father, politically, was first an Old-Line Whig and later a Republican. i LZA N. BLAIR. There is probably not a £g more public-spirited or liberal-minded citi- ' — ■? zen within the environments of Embarras Township than Mr. Blair. Uniformly interested in educational and benevolent institutions, he con- tributes of his means to the establishment and sup- port of these as opportunity occurs and likewise to the church, although not connected with any re- ligious organization. By occupation, he is a life long agriculturist and in this as in business chan- nels, has been uniformly successful. He owns 120 acres of highly-cultivated land and looks after the 122 acres owned by his wife. The homestead is pleasantly located on section 30 and with its build- ings, its pasture lands, its fruit and shade trees, live stock and farm machinery, leaves very little more to be desired in the way of a complete rural estate. 1 1 forms one of the valued land-marks of this part of the county, inaugurated and perpetuated by a citizen whose name will be held in grateful remem- brance long after he has been gathered to his fath- ers. Our subject has never wandered very far from the place of his birth, which occurred April 24, 1858 in Embarras Township, 111. His father, Thomas Blair, a native of Indiana, came to Edgar County over fifty years ago when a boy and accom- panied by his father Thomas. Sr. The latter was one of the earliest pioneers of Kansas Township, establishing his cabin home in the wilderness, among Indians and wild animals. He was a man of brave and courageous spirit and having once put his hand to the plow never turned back, lie persevered amid the difficulties and dangers of life on the frontier and lived to see the march of civil- ization and the establishment around him of an intelligent and prosperous people. Grandfather Blair departed this life about June 27, 185G. Thomas Blair, Jr., grew to manhood and tools for his wife and helpmate Miss Diana Hickey. He, like his father before him. reduced a portion of the soil to a state of cultivation and built up a comfortable home. To him and his estimable part- ner there were born four children — Elza N., Sam- uel II.. Emma L.. and Ida M.. all of these are liv- ing, those besides our subject being located two in Edgar and two in Douglas County. The father died in Oct. 30, 18G4, at the homestead in Coles County where he had established himself about 1859. The mother was subsequently married to John Laugh- er son of Frederick Laugher. Of this union there were born three children — lohn W., Charles I!., and Leroy, and who are now living near Oakland in Coles County, with the mother and father. The subject of this sketch was bred to farm pursuits and obtained his education in the common school. About the time of starting out in life for himself, he was married March 6, 1879, to Miss Amanda E.. daughter of Samuel II. Ashmore, who was one of the pioneers of Coles County, III., anil is now deceased, Mrs. Blair was born February 12, 1858, PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 10-15 in Oakland Township, Coles County, and remained a member of the parental household until her marriage; of this union there is no children. Mr. Blair, politically, gives his support to the Demo- cratic party but otherwise than performing the duty of an American citizen at the polls, meddles very little with public affairs. He keeps himself posted upon current events the world over and is a man who makes very little stir in the world, but nevertheless is one exercising a marked influence in his community and one whose (.pinions are gen- erally respected. ff/OIIN ROLL. Among the wide-awake and successful men of Embarras Township none have started out with prospects more Mat. tering than Mr. Roll, the present supervisor of that township. He is comparatively young in years, having been born Oct. 17. 1857, and occupies a farm adjacent to the old homestead where lie lirst. opened his eyes to the light, and which is pleasantly located on section 17 in Em- barras Township, Edgar County. In his farming operations his aim is to excel, audit must he ad- mitted that few men in his vicinity are prosecut- ing agriculture with more praiseworthy results. As a financier, he is a decided success, likewise. In the meantime, while operating as a tiller of the soil, he has given to his mind that careful culti- vation which has made him a man of more than ordinary intelligence and one with whom an hour may always be spent in a pleasant and profitable manner. The early education of Mr. Roll was conducted in the district school and he made his home with his parents until ready to establish a fireside of his own. The 13th, of October, 1881, was appropriately celebrated by his marriage with Miss Mary E., daughter of Charles Merkle, who was one of the early pioneers of Edgar County and who is now deceased. The Merkle family is widely represen- ted in this section of Illinois and recognized as comprising a portion of its best element. Mrs. Roll was born at her father's old homestead. Nov, 1. 1858, and was reared to an attractive woman- I d. lieinu well educated and fitted for her future position in life as the wife of a leading citizen, Mrs. Roll has in her own right 160 acres of land which our subject operates in addition to his own farm of 480 acres. He is a lover of fine horses and has an interest in those described ill the bio- graphy of Douglas Merkle, elsewhere in this vol- ume. As a stock-breeder he lias gained an envia- ble reputation and in this as in hi* general farm- ing operations, is content with nothing less then the best. He is the father of three children — Charles A., John I) . and Hannah E. Politically. Mr. Roll gives his uniform support to the Democratic party. Ileal present represents his township in the County Board of Supervisors. He has officiated as School Director six years and is a member in good standing of the United Breth- ren Church. His father Abraham Roll, was one of the earliesi pioneers of Edgar County, being born in Sims Township when it was peopled largely by Indians and wild animals. He constructed a home from the wilderness and spent his last years in peace and comfort, departing hence about 1K77. lie was a conscientious Christian man and a devo- ted member of the United Brethren Church. The mother in her girlhood was .Miss Hannah, daughter of Thomas McDonald, who likewise ventured on to the frontier during its early settlement. They were the parents of live children. Our subject's sister Mary. Mrs. Hathaway, who is now a widow, with her only child. Lilly F.. fourteen years old. lives at the old homestead. To the parents of Mrs. Roll there were horn five children, of whom three are living. Miss Sally Roll, a younger sister of our subject, makes her home with her mother on the old b estead. Re- becca and David died at the ages, of about eight and twelve years respectively. -*>+<— ARRISON POULTER. One of the chief haracteristics in the makeup of this gen- tleman is his natural-horn patriotism; an- ((§)'' other is his regard for his ancestral history in which he takes a justifiable pride. He has al- 1046 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. ways kept himself well posted in regard to war history and has in general kept the run of national events, aided by good memory and more than or- dinary intelligence. A farmer by occupation, he may lie usually found at his headquarters, a well- conducted homestead on section 15 in Kansas Township. In this township he was bom May 6, 1837, near where he now lives, being the son of John Poulter who settled in this region during its pioneer days. The father of our subject was a native of Mid- dletown, Ky.. and born about twelve miles above the city of Louisville. There he was also reared and married, and thence soon set out with his bride mi a wedding tour. The medium of transportation was a wagon drawn by one yoke of oxen and a yoke of cows. Landing in Edgar County, 111., they settled among the heavy timber of Kansas Township, having for their only neighbors Indians and wild animals, both of whom visited the Poul- ters nearly every day. Their dwelling was a small log cabin and their Indian neighbors were friendly, frequently inviting the white man to share their hospitality. Upon one occasion the father of our subject accepted and sat down to a repast, a part (if which consisted of sou]) made from a deer's head without removing the hair. Mrs. Poulter, who was also invited, was unable to partake. The Indians laughed at her and brought her some veni- son and Johnnycake baked on a board. For several years the Poulter family had their corn and wheat ground in a mill operated by horse power, and when young Harrison was of suitable age he went to the mill on horseback, when so small that the sack had to be tied on the horse and he lifted on top of it. It was necessary to start early on these excursions and upon one occasion he reached the mill before daylight, being the first one there and was thus entitled to the first grind- ing. A man, however, came soon afterward and before the miller could reach the mill, this man poured his grain into the hopper and hitching his team to the sweep commenced operations. Young Poulter said nothing but watched his chance to speak to the miller privately and the latter com- pelled the man to take his team away and his corn out of the hopper. The Poulter grist was then substituted and our hero marched away with it in triumph. Mrs. Mary (Arturburn) Poulter, the mother of our subject, was likewise a native of Kentucky .•ind of her union with Frederick Poulter there were born ten children, six of whom are living, viz.; Eliza A. and Martha .1., both of whom mar- ried into the Pinell family: Lucy, (Mrs. Wright.) John I).. Harrison and George W. The subject of this sketch spent his boyhood and youth under the parental roof, acquiring his education in the pioneer schools. He was tired to farm pursuits at which he employed himself mostly until the out- break of the Civil War. He then enlisted in Company H. 79th Illinois Infantry, the regiment being under command of the noted Col. Buckner, and participated in the battles of Crab Orchard. Murfreesboro, Stone River, Liberty Gap. Kenesaw Mountain, Chattanooga and Rock Face Ridge, in the latter of which the Colonel was wounded. Of this our subject had a presentiment at the time and although not seeing him, hunted for him and found him badly shot through the body. He had him conveyed to the hospital and was his close at- tendant for six weeks thereafter, bringing him out in good shape. Col. Buckner was naturally deeply grateful for this service which he often alluded to in his re-union speeches, saying that -'to Harrison Poulter he owed his life." Our subject also fought in the siege of Atlanta and at Columbia, Franklin and Nashville, Tenn., besides other important engagements with the eneu)3'. After the close of the war he returned home and resumed the peaceful pursuits of farm life. With the exception of that period and two years in Vernon County, Mo., and in the vicinity of Decatur. 111., he has spent his entire life in Kansas Township. In this township he was mar- ried Aug. 14, 1856, to Miss Anna, daughter of William Waite, one of its earliest pioneers. Mr. Waite was born in England and crossed the Atlantic when quite young; he spent his last years in Kan- sas Township. Mrs. Poulter was born in Kansas Township March 18, 1837. She is now the mother of four children only two of whom are living — John II. and .Alary J. William E. died when a promising young man in the twenty-first year of PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 1047 his age; Lovina was taken from the home circle by death in the bloom of womanhood; she had been married to William Stoddard and left two children, Lilly and Bessie, who make their home with their grandfather Poulter. John II. Poulter married Miss Martha Burgess and they live in Douglas County; they have two children — Frederick II. and George E. Miss Mary Poulter became the wife of John T. Lee and lives in Westfield, Clark County; they have two children — Anna May and Charles Clyde. Mr. Poulter, politically, affiliates with the Re- publican party. He has held the various local offices and for the last three yeai-.- has been Town- ship Assessor. Socially, lie belongs to the Masonic fraternity and the G. A. I!.. while his religious views are in harmony with the Christian Church, being a member of Hie society at Hitesville, Coles County. His farm comprises eighty acres of well- tilled land ami he gives special attention to graded stock. \fi_—^ ENRY FRKI. As an example of stirring Y jj energy, perseverance and resolution, the ca. >^c reer of Mr. Frei is worthy of more than a 'i(|y) passing notice. He occupies a high position as one of the leading merchants of Kansas, III. .and one who began in life without other resources than those which lay within him. He has seen much of life in its various phases, lias had a wide experience as a traveler, and has always kept his eyes open to what was going on around him in the world. He has always found honesty to he the best policy, ami has adhered to this maxim in his dealings with his fellowmen. In his merchandising operations he deals in dr\ -goods, clothing, hats and caps, hoots and shoes, carpets, etc., and has built up a large and flourishing trade. A native of "hat was then the Kingdom of Wnr- temburg, Germany, our subject was horn Feb. 7, 1830, and is the son of Meir and Nina (Frei) Frei, who were also natives of that Province. The mother died when her son Henry was in the ninth year of his age. The father spent his entire life in Germany and died there a feu years -inee. Iln,i\ was reared and educated in his native town and served an apprenticeship of three years at the turner's trade. This, however, was not congenial to his tastes, and he therefore did not follow it. In 1852, when a young mi f twenty-two years, he decided to seek his fortune on the other side of the Atlantic. After setting foot upon American soil lie titled himself out with a pack of Yankee notions which he peddled through New Hampshire and Connecticut one year. Next we find him in the city of Baltimore, Md., where he winked one year for $4 a month and his hoard. It is not to he wondered at that Mr. Frei was dissatisfied still with his condition and his pros- pects, SO leaving the East he made his way to Illi- nois in 1854 and halted in Danville where he .secured employment as clerk in a small store. A month later he went to Beloit, Wis., where he clerked one year for the same man. and later was in a number of stores all over the country. In the meantime he was swindled out of two year's wages and was turned out again in the cold world with only $5 in his pocket. His next objective point was Cincinnati, Ohio, where he landed without a. cent. He pawned his watch and spare clothing to pay his hoard until he could find work. He fort- unately met a friend who secured a position for him with a party who had a branch store in Oska- loosa, Iowa, and wdio sent young Frei there, where he remained until establishing a branch store in Alhia. Here he did an extensive business tor the firm, remaining there nine months. Then under instruction he took the goods in a wagon and sold them at auction in the little towns over the southwestern part of the State, for which service he was paid &i>0 per month and expenses. He was now becoming quite an expert as a salesman and had laid up *G00. The next enterprise of Mr. Frei was to take a car-load of flour, meat, tobacco and whiskey, and -tart, farther westward, to Pike's Peak. He had with him several oilier men. hut one old Germnn in the company persisted in getting drunk, so Mr. Frei and another man concluded to withdraw from the corporation. 'J hey divided the goods, giving to the other parties the whisky and most of the to- bacco. Mr. Frei and his partner kept the Hour, 1048 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. meat and some of the tobacco, and with it made their way to Nebraska City. They had great diffi- culty in crossing the river on account of high water. but after reaching Chillicothe. Mo., they were fort- unate iu selling out everything, merchandise as well as teams. After this they made their way back to the river and thence to St. Louis at which point they set out for Pilot Knob, with the expectation of establishing a store at that point. They found no opening, however, and thence retraced their steps to Beardstown, 111. Here the partner was taken ill and Mr. Frei. leaving him went to Cincinnati. He has never heard from him since and cannot even recall his name. In 1858 Mr. Frei established himself at Pari.-. 111., and thereafter for line year he was clerk in a store at $12.50 per month and his board. His em- ployer borrowed his money and lost it in gambling, finally becoming bankrupt. Mr. Frei attached the goods and thus recovered his loss. In the fall of 1 859 he went to Berlin, Md., and was clerk in a dry- goods and grocery store for about eighteen months. At the outbreak of the Rebellion lie was solicited to enter the Confederate army, but he very sensibly left the country with his money, and walkingabout twenty-live miles to the nearest railroad station took a train for New York City. One da} 7 while walking along Broadway Mr. Frei heard some one call his name, but thinking perhaps some one else was meant paid no attention to it. Presently a person tapped him on the shoul- der, and looking around he saw Mr. .lake Sholeni, of Paris, who solicited him to return to Paris as his clerk. He consented and remained with him until the fall of 1863. lie then engaged in the buying and shipping of poultry, eggs, etc., on his own ac- count, which he followed up for nine months alone. Then he associated himself in partnership with Austin Ernest. They prosecuted this business in Paris on the south side of the square. They first purchased a small grocery store, from which they sold their goods in this line and later put in a stock of dry-goods and clothing. Mr. Frei was in Cin- cinnati after new stock at the time Richmond was taken and when goods dropped nearly one-half. He purchased largely and the next week there was a rise and he made a profit of 300 per cent. His sales were all cash and ran from 850 to 8223 per day. which did not have to be shared with any clerk, unless Ernest stood in the store while Mr. Frei was absent at his meals. In 1865 Mr. Frei was in partnership with Mr. Barlow, and in April, 1866. they dissolved and he went to Kansas, 111. In this latter place he established himself as a dry- goods merchant and clothier, and while having mada some money has also at various times met with serious losses. He is now, however, the owner of a fine property, including his store and residence. His store is fitted up in a tasteful and convenient manner, and his patronage embraces the best people in the township. Mr. Frei was married, Jan. 9, 1867, to Miss Caroline Beer, who, like her husband, was born in Wurtemburg, and who came to America in 1862, Her father. Ilirsh Beer, spent his last years in t'er- many. Mr. and Mrs. Frei have no children of their own. but some time since adopted an orphan child, Rachel, who was born in Memphis, Tenn., about 1874. Her parents died of the yellow fever. Upon becoming a naturalized citizen Mr. Frei identified himself with the Republican party. He believes in union and freedom and is thoroughly in sympathy with the institutions of his adopted country. He is a Royal Arch Mason, was for sev- eral years treasurer of his lodge in Kansas, and has been secretary of the chapter since 1882. He also belongs to the I. O. O. F. -$*sS~*- yp,ILLIAM NUCKLES. There is nothing in the world more pleasant to contemplate \}^}' than a well-spent life — the career of a man who has done good as he has had opportunity and who presents an example worthy of emulation. These thoughts involuntarily arise in reviewing the career of Mr. Nuckles, a man scarcely having an enemy in the world and who is well spoken of by 7 the people of his commnnity. He is one of the pioneer settlers of this county, coming within its limits when it had been invaded by comparatively few white men and the greater portion of its land laj' PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 1049 in its primitive condition. He came hither without resources other thnn his own resolute "ill and the habits of industry which bad been taught him from his childhood, but these proved the qualities most needed and which have enabled him to secure a g 1 homestead and spend his later years in com- parative ease. His farm uprises 160 acres of well- cultivated land on section 16, where Mr. Nuckles lias effected good improvements and added measurably to the taxable property of his town- ship. Our subject is the offspring of an old New Eng- land family and the son of Robert Nuckles, a na- tive of Virginia who. when a young man, emigrated to .Mercer County. Ky.. where he was married. Later he removed to Vermillion County, Ind., where lie purchased land and sojourned a few years, then sold out and came to this county. Here he became the owner of land in Ross Township, where he opened up a farm and was one of the firsl settlers in his neighborhood. Later he removed to a point on the Stale Road north of Chrisman. where in con- nection with farming he opened his house to trav- elers and for several years officiated as "mine host." Finally selling out he removed to Ridge Farm and established a grocery business in connection with a meat-market, which he conducted until once more selling out and removing to the vicinity of 1'rliana. In that vicinity he purchased another farm Upon which he remained until his death, sev- eral years ago. He was for many years a member of the Presbyterian Church and prior to the war affiliated with the Democratic party. Duringthe conflict between the North and the South, he con- sidered that he had reason to change his political views ami wheeled over into the Republican ranks. Mrs. Rachel (Martin) Nuckles. the mother of our subject, was a native of Rhode Island, and died in Ross Township, this county, prior to Hie decease of her husband. They were the parents of eight chil- dren — Fanny, deceased; Jefferson, now a resident of Kansas: Elijah, deceased: William, the subject of this notice: John, living in ( Iregon: Rhoda, Mrs. Loop, of Metcalf; Rachel, living in Ridge Farm, this state, and .lames, a resident of Missouri. Jef- ferson and Elijah served as Union soldiers during the late Civil War. William, our subject, was born near Montezuma, Vermilion Co.. hid.. Dec. 9, 1829 and lived there with his parents until a lad of ten .\ ears, lie then came with tin-in to this coiintv ami was reared to manhood in Ross Township, lie re- members the time when wild game was plentiful and when he traveled to mill with a sack of grain on his horse's back. lie remained under the home roof until a youth of nineteen years. t hen starting mil. for himself, worked by the month for several years, In 1849, our subject crossed the Mississippi into Jackson County. Iowa, making the journey by team and purchased a claim. This subsequently he traded for a horse and resumed his labors of farm- ing for other p irties one \ ear. then wenl south into Mississippi, lie chopped w 1 there during one winter and in the spring came up the river pre- pared t<> establish a home of his own. On the 7th of February, 1850, he was married in Ross Town- ship to Miss Elizabeth Pierce: this lady was horn in Vermillion County. Ind.. and onlysurvived her marriage but a brief time, dying in 1 .s.5;i. of this union there were born two children — Caroline who is now the wife of Mr. Brownfield, of Missouri, and Lucretia, who died when about fourteen years old. From this time on until 1859 Mr. Nuckles en- gaged in farming on rented land in this township, but that year purchased his present farm which was then a tract of school land without any im- provements. In the meantime he had been married again, Nov. 8, 1855, in Prairie Township, to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Edmond Clark, a native of \ermont. Mr. Clark left the Green Mountain State at aii early day, emigrating to Fleming County. Ky., where he sojourned until 1831. That year, coming to Illinois, he entered a tract of land in Prairie Township, this county, upon which he labored very successfully and became well-to-do and the owner of a large extent of land. lie had married Miss Nancy Graves, a native of Virginia and whose father emigrated to Kentucky, where he engaged in farming and met his death at the hand of Morrell's gang, who at the time were committing tiian\ acts of violence in that region. Mrs. Nuckles' father died in Prairie Township, and the mother S e years after in the same place. She was a woman of many estimable qualities and a member of the Baptist Church. Her family consisted i 1050 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. eight children — Alex, deceased; Mary, a resident of Oregon : Marinda, in Kentucky; Susan, living in Edgar County, 111.; Elizabeth, Mrs. Nuckles ; Emily, deceased ; James, a resident of Chrisman and Lucy. residing in Prairie Township. Mrs. Nuckles was born in Fleming County. Ky.. April 1. L827, and was four years old when her parents came to this State. She remained under the home roof until her marriage and by her union with our subject has become the mother of nine children. The eldest, a daughter, Mary, is the wife of II. Wood, a well-to-do farmer of Boss Township; Dorinda is at home with her parents; Charles mar- lied Miss Laura Womack and is farming in Bruellet Township; Edgar married Miss Jennie Black- burn and is engaged in hop-raising in Oregon; John died when a child; William is farming in Ross Township; Albert, Nannie, and James II. remain under the parental roof. On the 7th of March, 18G5, Mr. Nuckles laid aside his personal interests in order to assist in the preservation of the Union. Enlisting in Com- pany G, 28th Illinois Infantry, he was mustered into service at Danville, soon after which the regi- ment was sent South to Mobile. Next they were ordered to Ft. Blakeley and from there into Texas. At Brady's Island, our subject was taken ill and confined in the hospital for some time. Upon his recovery he was assigned to the duty of a nurse in the hospital at Sedgwick. Fa., and was thus occupied until being mustered out at Springfield, 111. He received his honorable discharge in April, 18Gb'. Upon his return from the army Mr. Nuckles re- sumed in earnest the cultivation of his land and ef- fecting the much-needed improvements around his homestead. He is a warm advocate of temperance and somesince time allied himself with the Prohibi- tion party. Both he and his excellent wife are active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Ml. Olive and Mr. Nuckles contributed liberally toward the erection of a church edifice. He has officiated as Steward 'and Trustee, also as Class-Leader and for some time has been Superintendent of the Sun- day-school. Although his life has been compara- tively uneventful, he has ever maintained that uniform regard to duty andjprinciple which have had a sensible influence upon those around him. His land is largely devoted to the raising of grain and he is especially interested in good horses, of which he owns about fifteen head, mostly draft animals. lie uses two teams in his farm operations. * IMLLIAM FRANCIS \sJ/l t, ' iere m ms peregrins \jysff meets a character of FRANCIS IIOU1.T. Here and lations. the biographer more than ordinay interest, as in case of the subject of this sketch, lie finds him located amidst the most attractive rural scenery in a beautiful home, situated in a se- cluded spot along the forest banks of Bruellet creek, the residence, a tasteful brick structure which both within and without is indicative of cultivated tastes and abundant means. The pro- prietor of this charming homestead is fully in keeping with his surroundings, both mentally and physically, being a man of classic education and pleasing exterior, of fine presence and luxurious tastes. He has chosen for his companion, a lady well fitted for her position, one of refined and cultivated tastes and, like himself, the offspring of an excellent family. Their lives have unquestion- ably thus far been cast in pleasant places and they have hosts of friends whose esteem and confidence testify to their genuine worth and excellence. Mr. Hoult. a native of Edgar Township, this county, was born near Bloomfield, Aug. 1, 1865. He was brought up on the farm and attended the common school until fifteen years old. Soon after- ward he was graduated from the Chrisman flieji School and in the fall of 1881, entered Wabash College at Crawfordsville, Ind., where he was a student four years,~taking the classical course and remaining until the spring of 1885. In the fall of that year he commenced teaching in Ross Town- ship and followed this profession three years in succession. In the spring of 1888 he located on his present place, where he has sixty acres of choice land which is especially adapted to the raising of grain and stock and is finely located on section 30, Prairie Township, and 1G0 acres on section 25 in Ross Township. The 8th of July. L 887, witnessed the marriage PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 1051 of our subject :it Chrisman, with Miss Grace, daughter of John Moss. a prominent citizen of this countj and who is fully represented elsewhere in this volume. Mrs. Iloult is. like her husband, a native of Edgar County, and completed her edu- cation in Jacksonville Female Academy. Later she engaged as a teacher in the Chrisman High School. This happy home has been still further brightened by the birth of one child, Geneva Francis. Mrs. Iloult is a member of the Presby- terian Church at Jacksonville, and our subject in his political views is wholly in accord with the principles of the Republican party. The father of our subject was William Iloult, the third in a family of twelve children, and who was born near Fairmount, .Marion County, (now West) Yu.. Oct. 27, 1814 and lived there until a youth of eighteen years. He then accompanied his father to Illinois, making the journey by boat to Clinton and thence by team to Edgar Township this county. He remained in the Prairie State until 1836, then returning to the Old Dominion employed himself as a carpenter about a year, after which he again sought the Prairie State. In 1810 he went back to Virginia, where he occupied him- self, principally as a cabinetmaker and sojourned three years. William Iloult on the 17th of February. 184$, was married in Edgar Township, to .Mrs. Rebecca Smith. This lady was born in Montgomery County, Ky.. Au jr. •-'<;. isi |, and was the daughter of Jobn McKee, also a native of the Blue Grass State. The father of Mr. McKee was a native of Ireland. In 1 829 John McKee came to Illinois without means and commenced the struggle of life in the Wesl :i> a school teacher. As soon as able he secured a tract of government land and as years passed on. such was his industry and good management that he had acquired at the time of his decease in Edgar Township, 2,000 acres of land. He departed this life many years ago leaving his family in comfort- able circumstances. After his marriage William Iloult engaged in farming and purchased the farm in Edgar Town- ship, which be still owns and operates. Upon it he has made all the improvements which attract the admiring eye of the passing traveler and like hi.- father-in-law Mr. McKee. has become one of the largest land owners in the county, lie has been an excellent citizen, is independent ill politics and in religion belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church. To him and his estimable wife there were born eight children, the seven besides our subject being: John, a farmer of Ross Township; Mary. (Mrs. Tucker,) living in Edgar Township; Dorothy L., (Mrs. Fair.) deceased; Emily, (Mrs. Fair.) a resident of Ross Township; .lames, a farmer of Prairie Township and Rachael E., (Mrs. Keys) in Hunter Township, and an infant, deceased. R. LYSANDER PORTER. The subject j). of this sketch is a practicing physician ajJi&r and surgeon of Bloomfield, residing in his comfortable home in the midst of exten- sive grounds, comprising some twenty acres. His father was a native of Cayuga County, N. V., being named John after his father, the grandfather of our subject, who, originally from England, came early to America, and made his home in New York, following the honorable occupation of a fanner. The father of Dr. Porter served with credit as a Sergeant in the memorable War of IM l'. Some time after the conclusion of that conflict he removed to Indiana, locating in Vermillion County, coming there in the early days, while settlers were yet few and far between, and the land was in almost undisputed possession of the original for- ests, Indians and wild animals. Nothing daunted he entered 160 acres of land, and set bravely to work clearing his land and building a home. Being fitted by nature and education to occupy a more prominent position in the community, he was early called by the suffrages of his fellow citi- zens to the office of Associate -ludue. and was never afterwards permitted to retire to private life for any great length of time, being successively elected Justice of the Peace, County Surveyor, Associate Judge, ami crowning all, was elected Rep- resentative from his county to the Indiana Stale Leg- islature, lie also Served as Auditor one term, was County Commissioner a number of years, never 1052 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. succeeding in escaping public duties until his death, which occurred in the court-house in 1844, when he had just reached the allotted period of three- score years. During the time he served as County Surveyor he made a map of the county, being the first man to get a correct one. In addition to his other duties, he also served bis county as attorney at law. The mother of our subject was Miss Phoebe Hedges, who was born and reared in Cayuga County, N. Y., her father being a supposed descend- ant of a relation of Joe Hedges of Maryland, who had a fortune le f t to him in England. While living in Clinton our subject had the great misfort- une to lose his mother in death. The parental family consisted of nine children: Elizabeth. Charles. Amos and Clarinda, all deceased. Lysan- der, of whom we write, was the next in order of birth. William and Jane are deceased; John re- sides in Coffee Count}', Kan., on a farm; Emily, also deceased. John fully sustained the reputation of our Northern boys for gallantly during his two years service in the Civil War. fighting under the banner of the Kansas Regulars until its close. ( )ur subject first saw the light of day on his fath- er's farm, two miles west of Clinton, Ind.. his birthday being April 23, 1823. He was reared on, the farm, enjoying only such limited advantages in the way of education as were afforded by the common schools of those days. The school house was one built in the usual style of pioneer times, having a log out on each side to serve for windows. The slab seat and puncheon Boor made a substan- tial if not elegant house, and one which he attended until his eighteenth year. The seven succeeding years of his life were spent in the profession of teaching, which he then left for a time to follow the farm. In 1846 he removed to Illinois, locating in Edgar Township, Edgar County, working on the farm a short while, then securing work in a carding mill. He operated a carding machine for several years, then concluded to study medicine. Entering the office of Dr. Cary he studied under him one year, then finished his studies under Dr. Whitcomb, with whom he went into partnership, remaining with him two 3*ears. In the fall of 1849, he entered the Ohio Anatomical A' Medical College at Cincinnati. Pursuing his studies there one year he graduated in the spring of 1850. He returned to Bloomfield, remaining one year, when he removed to Oakhall, Champaign Count} - , establishing a practice, but only remaining there one year. In the spring of 1853. he went to Georgetown, I'll., where he practiced one year, then changed to Par- isville, Ind., entering into partnership with Dr. Kemp. After practicing there about one year. Dr. Whitcomb left Bloomfield, following which our subject returned to Bloomfield, where he has re- sided ever since, having established a good prac- tice. In the fall of 1850 Dr. Porter was married in Bloomfield to Miss Eliza Wood, daughter of Will- iam Wood of Ohio, one of the early settlers of Edgar County. Farming, varied with occasional work at his trade of blacksmithing, formed his oc- cupation. During the brief but sanguinary Black Hawk War, he gallantly bore his part, never flinch- ing in the hottest of the tight. Mrs. Porter was a native of Ohio, being one of a family of four chil- dren. Following the advent of our subject into Bloom- field the second time, he bought the spacious grounds on which his present elegant home is situ- ated, improving and beautifying it until he has brought it to its present fine condition. Not the least attractive feature of the place, especially on a warm summer day, is the fine spring of clear cold water that bubbles up from the bosom of mother earth, bringing health and refreshment to all who partake of it. Dr. Porter has also some fine stock on his place, keeping only the best. Dr. and Mrs. Porter are the parents of four chil- dren: Sarah A, was married to Nelson Barklv. a telegraph operator at Robinson, 111.; she is since deceased; William is a farmer in Edgar Township; Mary B. is married to E. Adamson, of Rosodale, Ind., who is employed in the service of a railroad company; James is farming in Edgar Township. Appreciating the power derived from knowledge, our subject has always taken a deep interest in edu- cational matters, and has very properly been elected School Director. He is also a member of the A. F. A A. M. The Baptist Church of Bloomfield num- bers him among its most intelligent and active sup- PORTRAIT AND HI( )( SRA1MIICAL ALBUM. 1053 porters. Politically he votes and works with the third party, believing the prohibition of the liquor traffic to be the most important subject now claim- ing the attention of the voters of this country, lie was a delegate to the last county convention. He has frequently spoken in public in behalf of cher- ished political principles. His first vote was cast for Henry Clay. Ilis youthful enthusiasm prompted him to assist in the erection of a Clay pole. He voted the Whig ticket until the Republican party was organized, when he voted for Fremont, after- ward throwing in his lot with the Republican party, until 18?<4. when he voted for St. John. ( /p^EORGE M. JETER, Attorney-at-law and 'If (-_, Justice of the Peace at Paris, was born in %2( New Albany, Ind., July 4. 1855, amid the explosion of the national artillery which heralded in the anniversary of colonial freedom. He is the offspring of a good family, being the son of Will- iam and Elizabeth (Albertson) Jeter, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Indiana. The paternal grandfather of our subject was Patrick Van Dine, a native of County Tipperary> Ireland; the mother's ancestors came from Amster- dam. Holland, many generations ago, and were Quakers in religious belief. She throughout her life adhered to the religious faith which had been taught her in her youth. Grandfather Van Dine made his way alone across the Atlantic when a boy of fifteen years and secured employment in Virginia with a German farmer named Jeremiah Jeter. The latter had one child, a daughter, and the young emigrant proving industrious and faith- ful, was adopted by Mr. Jeter and his wife, who gave him their name, after which he married their daughter, and they willed to them their property. He was married in the Old Dominion and there spent the remainder of his life. He reared a fam- ily of five sons, the youngest of whom was William the father of our subject. William Jeter was educated at Louisville. Ky.. and later studied medicine and was graduated from the medical college in that city. He commenced the practice of his profession in New Albany, Ind., but died quite suddenly in 1857 at the early age of twenty-seven years. Ilis father had conferred upon him the advantages of a good education, but had not left him much of his property, and his early death left his widow and young children in limited circumstances. Ilis wife, Elizabeth, to whom he had been married in New Albany. Ind.. when very young, in 1848, belonged to a family of Quakers, and was left an orphan when a mere child. She was educated by the Society of Friends for a teacher in the Friends' Seminary for < i iris in New Albany. Mr. Jeter was a Roman Catholic, and his marriage with Miss Albertson caused the lat- ter to be expelled from the ranks of" the Friends. Upon the death of her husband she was left with four young children, to whom she devoted herself for several years, maintaining herself and children by teaching in a public seminary in New Albany, Indiana, and when they were partly grown she married a man named Yearling, with whom she removed to Columbus, Tex., where her death took place. The subject of this sketch was the youngest of his father's three sons, and he was reared by Jere- miah Harris, of Hunter Township, this county, with whom he made his home until he was of age. He. however, began to look out for himself early in life, acquired a good common school education and enjoyed the comforts of an excellent home, being treated by Mr. and Mrs. Harris as though he were their own child. Ilis early years were spent upon the farm, but his inclinations from his youth were toward the law as a profession, which he steadily kept in view until he could put his desires into a substantial form. When a youth of fifteen years he was employed by a company of Scotch coal- miners as a sort of interpreter and salesman, they not speaking English fluently. At the age of sev- enteen he became a traveling salesman for Puell & McLean, dispensing (latent medicines principally in this county. During the three years and more that Mr. Jeter was thus employed he accumulated some means and when twenty-one years old embarked in the timber trade along the line of the Vandalia & Midland Railway. While thus employed he met 1054 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. with a severe accident on the railroad by which he was badly crippled, both ankles being broken and one arm disabled. This caused an enforced rest and also enabled Mr. Jeter to put his cherished plans into execution. Coming to Paris, this county, he employed a private teacher to carry on and supplement his early education, and soon en- tered the office of .1. W. Howell, Esq.. where he read law for six years. Subsequently he was ex- amined before the Appellate Court at Mount Ver- non, which examination he passed with honor, receiving 100 per cent, in all his studies, and was admitted to the bar in February, 188'J. Since his residence in Paris Mr. Jeter has taken an active part in politics. He was reared under Democratic influences, Mr. Harris being a member of that party, but on reaching his majority he identified himself with the National Greenbackers, remaining with them until 1879, then resumption having been accomplished by the Republicans, he considered the mission of the Greenback party ended and since that time has given his undivided support to the Republican Party. In the spring of 1885 he was nominated by this party for the office of Justice of the Peace, receiving every vote cast in the convention and was elected by a major- ity in advance of the balance of ticket. He served his term of four years acceptably and in 188'J was unanimously re-nominated and elected by a ma- jority of 333. The marriage of George M. Jeter and Miss Nettie Sizemore, was celebrated at the bride's home in Sims Township, Nov. 17, 188C. This lady is the daughter of Martin and Margaret (Priest) Sizemore, the father a well-to-do farmer and a leading citizen of Sims Township, where he settled in the pioneer days and accumulated a large property. He died in 1872, and his widow now makes her home in Paris. Mr. and Mrs. Jeter are the parents of one child. George M., Jr., born Nov. 20, 1888. They occupy a neat residence on East Court Street and enjoy the friendship of a large circle of acquaintances. The position which Mr. Jeter has made for himself in social, business and political circles is one of which he has reason to be proud. Reared among the hills with limited advantiges he h..s certainly made good use of his later opportunities. He is decided in .his political views, but never offensive in advancing them, be- lieving in the right of every individual to think and act for himself. He is well known throughout the county and has many friends who will be pleased at his further advancement which may reasonably be expected in the near future. So- cially he belongs to Austin Lodge No. GC4, I.O.O.F. at Pans. TP^EY. DAVID COAKE, farmer and preacher |Wf of the gospel, a resident of Danville Town- -> «\ s 'iip. was born in Carter County, Ky , Oct. %| 6, 1848. His great-grandfather of the same name, came to America with his family in colonial times, and fought in the war of the Revolution. He settled in Scott County. W. Va.,and therespent his last years. The grandfather of our subject was three years old when lie came with his parents to this country. He was reared in Scott County. After his marriage to Rebecca Flannery. a native of Scott County, he removed to Lee County, where he was engaged in farming until his death. His son. Henry J. Coake, father of our subject, was born in that county, Aug. 18, 1818. At twenty years of age. his father being dead, the young man went with his mother to Kentucky. He there married Lienor Howe, daughter of Edward and Elenor (Littleton) Rowe, of Carter County. Mr. and Mrs. Coake re- sided in that county until 1863, when they came to Illinois, and purchased the farm that he and his son now occupy, which is beautifully located on seel ion 10, Danville Township. The subject of this present sketch was in his fif- teenth year when he accompanied his father and mother to this place. He married in 1875 .Miss Ann Willim, a native of Lewis County, Ky., daughter of Edward and Clarissa ( Duncan ) Wil- lim. Of their happy wedded life one child has been born, Bertha. David Coake united with the Christian Church when seventeen years of age. and began preaching at thirty-six. lie removed to Kan- sas in 1879. and there being no organized Christian Church ner.r, he attached himself to the Society of Friends. On his return to Illinois in 1886, he PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 1055 again united with ih<' Church «>f Christ. Bred lo agriculture, a lover of the country and its peaceful pursuits, Mr. Coake, in taking up the clerical pro- fession, did nut abandon the plough, and has not ceased sowing seed in material soil since he began the culture of spiritual fields. No doubt in prac- tice the blending of the two vocations is a benefit to both. Sharing on the week day the labors of the people, yet nol engrossed by them, partaking of their joys and anxieties, yet nol bound up in worldly cans, lie is better fitted to give counsel to the erring, advice to the inquiring, to lend a help- ing hand to the weak and stumbling, and to speak of heavenly things to those who are bidding fare- well to things Of earth. ,^ps\ APT. SAMUEL MITCHELL. Gov. Ogles- Ill by said of this sturdy veteran upon pre- ^^j /l senting him, during the encampment at Danville, that he was "a man who had seen more active service in the army than any other in the State of Illinois." He served four years during the late Civil War, and was one year in the .Mexican War. He looks upon his army re- cord with pardonable pride and for his daring and gallant services, received not only the admiration of his comrades, lint the high approval of his su- perior officers. He bears the still further honor of being one of the earliest settlers of Edgar Town- ship, and has the prettiest residence within its limits and which forms the most attractive feature of a well-regulated farm of 220 acres lying on sec- tions 25 and 26, adjacent to the town limits of Horace. This branch of the Mitchell family traces its an- cestry to Scotland and was probably represented in America by the great grandfather of our sub ject who settled in New York State where his son Ensign, the grandfather of our subject was born, grew up on a farm and distinguished himself later as a soldier in the Revolutionary War. Subse- quently he emigrated to the vicinity of Darby Plain, in Ohio, where he was a pioneer settler, farmed on 120 acres of land and officiated as a local exhorter of the Methodist Episcopal Church, lie was a man of great energy and prominent in his community and his name is still remembered in and about Mechanicsburg where he died .-it the advanced age of ninety years. Ensign Mitchell. .Jr.. the father of our subject, was reared to manhood in his native Mute of New York and served in the War of 1812. While a young man and unmarried, he removed to Ohio :tnd became interested in the salt works in the vi- cinity of Kenawa. and afterwards removed to Georgetown where be accumulated a fine property, becoming the owner of 640 acres of land and was largely engaged in pork-packing and shipping pro- duce on flat boats to New Orleans. Unfortunately however, by signing notes for friends he lost the greater part of his property, and in 1 S2'.l left the State, setting out for the West overland with a wagon and two yoke of cattle bringing with him his family and household effects, lie Located On the State Road in Edgar Township, where he entered 160 acres of land and established a home which he occupied until his death. He was a strong Aboli- tionist and a leading member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, organizing the first society in the township and serving for many years as Class- Leader. Mrs. Elizabeth (Calvin) Mitchell, the mother of our subject, was born in Brown County. Ohio, and was the daughter of Hiram Calvin, who was of French descent and carried on farming successfully in that county. The mother of oursubject died in 1846 when a young woman. The parental family included nine children, of whom Calvin, Joseph, Chandler and Elizabeth are deceased. The surviv- ors are Lucy, Mrs. Ralston, of Bloomfaeld, 111.; Nancy, a resident of Rapid City. Dak.; Polly, of Newman, and John, a resident of Washington; Samuel, our subject, was next to the youngest born. John during the late war enlisted in 1862 in the 79th Illinois infantry and was captured by the rebels at the battle of Chickamauga, Sept. 19, 1863. He suffered imprisonment at Libby and Andersonville, and in the latter prison was the leader ill digging a tunnel for the escape of himself and comrades. When it was completed he was so weak that he was unable to travel and was obliged 105(5 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. to retrace his steps; later lie became very ill and remained in prison until the close of the war. He had been given the commission of First Lieutenant with which rank he was mustered out. The suffer- ings and privations which he endured affected his health to such a degree that he has never fully re- covered. The subject of this sketch was born in George- town, Brown Co., Ohio, March 4, 1827, and was a child three years of age when he was brought by his parent to Illinois. He grew up on the frontier in the vicinity of Bloonifield and wore moccasins to the log school-house where he obtained his early education. In 1840, when a youth of nineteen years, he enlisted, June G, as a soldier in the Mexican War in Company H, 4th Illinois Infantry. He was mustered into the service at Springfield and went with his comrades to Jefferson Barricks, Mo., where they drilled two weeks. They then re- ceived marching orders and joined the command of Gen. Zachary Taylor, after which for six months they saw considerable skirmishing and some fight- ing, and later were assigned to the command of Gen. Winfield Scott who led them in the battle of Vera Cruz and Carre Gordo. Our subject an- ticipated entering the City of Mexico with his regiment but before this could be accomplished his term of enlistment expired at Pueblo, and he re- ceived his honorable discharge. He was mustered out at New Orleans in June, 1847, bearing the dis- tinction of being the youngest man in his company. During his service he was severely injured in the leg, being run over by a company of cavalry, the horses of which tramped upon him before he could make his escape. Upon his return home Capt. Mitchell remained with his father until reaching his majority. In 1850 he traveled overland to Wisconsin with horses and after making his sales in Milwaukee, proceeded to the vicinity of Baraboo and exchanged his land warrant for 160 acres which he subsequently traded for forty acres of land in Edgar County, 111. He returned to the latter place a few days later and taking possession of his property commenced farm- ing and making improvements, and purchased forty acres additional. He operated upon this until 1861, and then the outbreak of the Civil War con- strained him to lay aside his personal plans and in- terests and in June, of that year, lie organized Company A, of which he was made Second Lieu- tenant and which was assigned to the 25th Illinois Infantry. The company proceeded to St. Louis where they were mustered into the service and thence were ordered to Jefferson City. They had an unimportant skirmish with the enemy at Spring- field and participated in the battle of Pea Ridge. Lieut. Mitchell later was tendered a Captain's com- mission on account of his meritorious service at this battle. Prior to this he had been sent out to reconnoitre and discover the enemy's position which he carefully noted and reported at head- quarters and which resulted in the Union troops winning the fight the next day. Later followed the battle of Corinth, Miss., and Champion Hills, in which our subject was staff of- ficer and where his horse was wounded. By hold- ing up the head of the animal he managed to go some distance. Later, in the battle of Stone River thirteen men of his company were killed and wounded. Ne,xt he fought in the battle of Chiek- amauga, one of the most desperate engagements of the war, and which occurred Sept. 19 and 20, 1863. On the 18th of the month he made six charges and was beaten back each time. On the 19th he started out with eighteen or twenty men only, having lost the others the day before. Capt. Mitchell was wounded in the breast and shoulder by a falling missile and in this way lost all but three of his men. He fought his way through the thickest of the fight, but on the skirmish line was knocked on the head with a gun and fell unable to go further. He was taken with bleeding at the lungs, and at Chat- tanooga was sheltered in a private house where he remained about two weeks. He then joined his regiment in time to participate in the battle of Missionary Ridge when his left arm was tied up, and against the order of Gen. Wood he led his men and made a charge up the Ridge within thirty feet of the rebel breastworks. The concussion of a rebel gun, fired almost in his face, produced deaf- ness of the left ear, from which he has not re- covered. Capt. Mitchell besides the battles mentioned, fought at Noonday Creek (July 18, 1864), Pine PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 1057 Top and Kenesaw Mountains, Chattahooehie, Beacb Tree Creek and Atlanta. At Champion Hills he was taken prisoner by the rebels but by strategy effected his escape. At the expiration of his term of enlistment he was mustered out at Springfield, in September, 1864. lie returned home, intending to remain, but the following spring be organized Company IS. which was assigned to the 154th Illinois Infantry and of which against his inclination he was made Captain. He was finally mustered out at Louisvilie, Ky., in November. 1865 with the rank of Captain. During hie army service he participated in twenty-seven battles and about 150 skirmishes during both wars. Retiring to civil life a second time, our subject resumed operations on his farm and gave consider- able attention to stock-raising, lie was unable to do manual labor himself and he was obliged to pay out considerable for hired help, but notwithstand- ing this he was prosperous and purchased addi- tional land until he is now the owner of 250 acres. He made all the improvements upon it and resided there till 1882, and removed to his present resi- dence. He gave to the Chicago, Yinccnnes & Cairo Railroad Company the right of way besides $200. His farm is mostly carried on by his son and is devoted largely to stock-raising and feeding cattle and swine, ('apt. Mitchell is also large!}' interested in draft horses and roadsters, of which he has about twelve head. His cattle are full- blooded Short-horns and his swine Poland-China and Berkshire. The marriage of ('apt. Mitchell and Miss Martha M. Long occurred at the bride's home in Edgar Townshipin 1852. Mrs. Mitchell was the daugh- ter of A. F. Long, a sketch of whom will be found elsewhere in this volume. She died about 1858. The Captain in 1865 contracted a second matri- monial alliance with Miss Harriet .1. daughter of David Calvin and a native of Edgar Township. Mr. Calvin was one of the largest farmers in this region. Mrs. Mitchell obtained a good education and taught in the graded schools of Paris prior to her marriage. There was born of this union a son, Herman, who is now going to school in Tennessee. (apt. Mitchell, politically, is a sound Republican and has been prominent in local affairs, serving on the Central Committe and as a delegate to the county conventions, lie has officiated as ( lollector, Assessor and School Director ami socially belongs to the Masonic Lodge at Paris and the (LA. R. Mrs. Mitchell, an accomplished, refined and intel- ligent lady, is highly spoken of in her community, and is a prominent member of the Baptist Church at Horace. ISRALL X. ARCHBOLD. is one of the most prosperous farmers of Edgar County. His '41 father, the Hon. Edward Archbold, was bom in Washington. 1). C, 1805, and studied law under Gen. Jackson of Clarksburg, Va. When he was about twenty-three years of age hi' was admitted to the bar, after which he commenced a lucrative practice in Woodslield, Ohio, until 18(58. Deserved two terms in the Ohio Senate and was a prominent member of the convention that framed the present State Constitution of Ohio in 1850. He was originally a Democrat until the formation of the Republican party in 1855. when he united his fortunes with the new organization. In 18G* he removed to Paris. 111., where he resided for one year, and in 1869 he located in Nebraska City, Neb., and engaged in the practice of his profession until his death in 1873. He was considered one of the most eminent men of his profession and sus- tained a good reputation as a man. The grandfather of the subject of this sketch was .lames A. Archbold. lie was born near Dublin, Ireland, and traced his ancestry to England. He came to America and located at Washington and was employed as a clerk in one of the departments, under the administration of John Adams. Later he removed to West Virginia, where he engaged in farming and died there in 1818. His wife was named ( 'anady, whose people were prominent in the Revolution, and of Irish descent. The moth r of Israel N. was L'achael Nicklin. who was born in Loudoun County. \ a., and the daughter of John Nicklin, a native of Philadelphia, and a prominent physician in Eastern Virginia, who later removed to Tyler County, W. Va., where he practiced his 1058 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. profession until his death in 1839. Mrs. Archbold removed to Oregon in 1874 and remained there until her death, which occurred at Hillsboro, on June 2, 1886, when she was eighty-four years of age. She was a member of the Methodist Episco- pal Church and was the mother of five children, whose records are given: Alston C, lives in Ore- gon and was a Probate Judge there; John was a captain in the 25th Ohio, in which he enlisted in 18G1 as a lieutenant and was killed at the battle of Honey Hill, S. C, in the spring of 1865. Eliza- beth married Capt. Jones, but died after her mar- riage in 1862. Mary resides in Hillsboro; Alston C. was lieutenant in the 25th Ohio Infantry. He enlisted in 1861 and resigned the following year, when he went to Boise mines and from there to Oregon. Israel N. Archbold was born in WoodsBeld, Monroe County, Ohio, on July 6, 1833, where he received good educational advantages, finishing his education at the Barnesville Institute at the age of eighteen years. He then engaged in teaching in Monroe County, commenced, but abandoned the study of law. In 1860 he came to Illinois and ac- cepted the position of principal of the schools at Ridge Farm, a position he filled during the winter term of 1860. He located on his present farm im- mediately succeeding his engagement in the school. In Oct. 1864 he entered the 18th Illinois Infantry and was mustered in at Danville, whence he was sent to Little Rock, Ark., and there assigned to duty. Here he was discharged on account of dis- ability, and several j-ears after his discharge, he suffered from the effects of his army life. It will be remembered that during the campaign of 1888, a ball was built for use in the Harrison campaign. The famous Harrison & Morton ball was constructed at Ridge Farm by Mr. Archbold at the cost of some $400, he bearing most of the expense. This ball was started rolling for Indian- apolis on Sept. 27 and created a great deal of en- thusiasm, in the county through, which it passed. It is made of wood and weighs 3,500 pounds, per- fectly round and pointed red, white and blue, with a view of the old big cabin, which cut such a figure in the old Harrison Campaign. The ball is sixteen feet in diameter and is supported from the ground by r means of flanges nineteen feet high. An iron gudgeon extends from each side of the ball and. re- volves within the iron rings of the shafts, which project forward to a wagon as the motive power. The ball is constructed of half-inch poplar lumber and is so built that it can be opened and explored by the curious. It is now at Brazil, Ind.. and it is expected that it will be eventually taken to In- dianapolis. In 1840, when Mr. Archbold was a boy of seven years, he saw a ball that was built by the admirers of William Henry Harrison. This was about six feet in diameter over all, and the lad then thought that it was too small and vowed, that if another Harrison ever ran for president he would build a larger one. Circumstances threw it in his way to do so and. immediately upon the nomination of Benjamin Harrison, he began working at his hobby with the result above stated. It was a great scheme and reflects credit upon the projector. It is un- necessary to state that Mr. Archbold is a strong Republican. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M., No. 632, and is a man universally respected for his sterling qualities as a citizen. -^ -stHN* *""- ffiOHN TENBROOK, M. D., was a leading physician and surgeon in Paris, 111., where he was actively engaged in practice for over \^^)l forty-live years. His paternal ancestor s were of Holland extraction, the name being spelled original " Tenbroecke." They settled first in New Amsterdam, as New York was then called, and from there the family subsequently spread over the Eastern States, principally in New York, along the Hudson River, in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Andrew Tenbrook, the father of John, was a farmer in Northumberland County, Pa., spending his en- tire life there. The mother's maiden name was Eleanor Curry, a native of Scotland, who also died in Northumberland County. The family of which she was a member settled in Greene County, Ohio, where they are quite numerous. The subject of this memoir was born on his fath- er's farm, a few miles from Milton, Northumber: POliTliAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL Al.lil \l. L059 land Co., Pa., on Dec. 21, 1808, at a place known ms Warrior's Run Meeting House. Ele receivedhis academic education at Milton, and was graduated afterward at La Fayette College, Easton, Pa., which heattended from 1832 to 1836. While there he was the first president of the La Fayette Temperance Society as early as 1832, the year in which he en- tered. On leaving college he began the stud}' of medicine under Dr. McDougal al Milton, Pa., was afterward graduated and received his diploma from Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, in 1838. Later lie received the honorary degree of M. D. from Rush Medical College. Chicago. In March. IK 10. he came to Paris, 111., and here established a practice which, as the years went by, increased greatly, and he became one of the most widely known and respected physicians in this part of the county, as well on account of his high personal character as his ability as a physician. He loved his profession, and was always a student, keeping abreast of the modern developments in the science of medicine. He was elected to the Illinois Legis- lature in 1862 without any effort on his part to se- cure either the nomination or the election. In fact, it was rather against his wish that his name was men- tioned in connection therewith, as he was in no way a politician. When the battle of Shiloh was fought, Gov. Vales telegraphed for volunteer phy- sicians, and Dr. Tenbrock was among the first of those who went. Most of them soon returned to their homes and their practice, but our subject re- mained six weeks, attending to the sick and wounded in the hospitals at Savannah", never re- ceiving a penny for his services, and not even hav- ing his railroad fare paid. Dr. Tenbrook was a man of deep and strong re- ligious feeling, was a lifelong member of the Pres- byterian Church, and for many years a Trustee of that church in Paris. While firm in his own be- lief, he was tolerant of that of others, believing in the fullest liberty and never controverting the sin- cere opinions of those who differed with him. He was always a warm advocate of the cause of tem- perance reform, to which lie gave his earnest efforts from his earliest, manhood. His life was one filled with jiood works, and he died as he had lived, a Christian in the highesl sense of the word. lie passed from earth, after much suffering, in the sure and certain hope of immortality, Aug, 8, 1885, al the age of seventy-six years. His ailment was brain disease resulting, probably, from a fall from his carriage sometime previously. On the 23d of April, 1840, Dr. Tenbrook was united in marriage with Miss .lane ('.. daughter of Gen. Milton K. and Mary (Shields) Alexander, of whom a sketch is given elsewhere in this volume. Mrs. Tenbrook was horn in Giles County. Tenn., Dec. 12. 1820. This union resulted in the birth of six children, two only of whom arc living, namely: Nellie, the wife of Stephen Bird, a rail- road man living in Paris, and Dollie T.. the wife of (). S. Jones, a real estate dealer in the same place. .John, the eldest in (he family, died in 1844, when three years old. Nettie died unmarried in 1870, aged t wen tj years. Zachary died in 1860 al the age of thirteen years. Elizabeth, the youngest, died in 1 854, when two years old. An interesting incident in connection with the history of Mrs. Tenbrook is that the substantial and commodious brick house in which she lives and where she has passed many years, is the oldest dwelling in the city of Paris, and in a state of ad- mirable repair. In that house she first met her husband and was there married to him. It was l he home of her parents, and she had lived there up to the time of her marriage. For several years prior to the death of the Doctor, it was the home of him- self and his family. Mrs. Tenbrook is likewise a member of the Presbyterian Church, and her name is associated with many good works. kFNJAMIN McKEE is a son of Benjamin F., v and grandson of John and Rachel McKee both natives of Kentucky the former born April 7, L819, the latter in 1794. Grand- father McKee was a farmer and like a I rue yeoman shouldered his musket and marched to the f runt in the War of 1812, answering British gun pow- der with his trusty rifle until surrounded by the Indians when he was taken prisoner and confined on ship board on Lake Erie. He ran the Indian 1060 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. gauntlet and gained his liberty. On securing his liberty he returned to the farm, which he after- ward partially abandoned, preferring the more lu- crative occupation of flat-boating on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. In 1829 he came to Illinois, locating in Edgar Township. The journey was made in the usual style of the time, wagons and horses conveying the family and household goods across the country to their new home on the bound- less prairie. Bringing $700 with him he was com- paratively well off, and being industrious he ac- cumulated a snug fortune before his death which occurred in 1877. Besides his other work he taught school for some time and filled the position of Surveyor for the district, surveying not only the laiKLhe entered or purchased for himself, but also that of his neighbors. Before his death, of which mention is made above, he secured the un- disputed title to over 2000 acres in Edgar and Ross townships, leaving a fine inheritance to his family. The great grandfather of our subject was Samuel McKee, a native of Virginia and a hero of the Revolutionary war, fighting under Washington and being present at the surrender of Cornvvallis at Yorktown. On the close of the war he removed to Kentucky, then in possession of the Indians and assisted his fellow pioneers in their many cam- paigns against the savages, and it is said that he killed one Indian certain. The McKees arc of Irish descent and come of good fighting stock, some of their ancestors having been in the siege of Sou- dan. Benjamin F. McKee spent his youth in Edgar Township and on his maturity engaged in farming, assisting in the management of his father's place. He was a consistent member of the Baptist Church until his death, which occurred Sept. .5, 1812, being only twenty-three years old. The mother of our subject, Dorothy Hoult was a native of Mar- ion County, Va., where she was born in 1822, being the daughter of Klisha Hoult, who was also a na- tive of Virginia, and followed farming there until 1832, when he came to Illinois. Leaving Virginia in the spring of that year he brought his family by boat to Clinton Ind., finally locating in Edgar County, on the state road. He bought a squatter's right in Edgar County, entered laud and engaged in farming; being fond of good living and his cir- cumstances, owing to his successful industry, per- miting him to enjoy it, his home became a synonym of hospitality and good cheer. He was a member of the Episcopal Church and an active Democrat, taking a prominent part in all the public meetings, his party services being rewarded with the office of County Commissioner, which he held one year. His death occurred Sept. •'!. 1851. The mother of Benjamin McKee entered the marriage relation the second time with Thomas Wynn one of the early settlers of the county. They passed their life on a farm in Edgar Town- ship where Mrs. Wynn died in .Inly 26, 187."). Throughout her life of useful activity she found a religious home within the fold of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Dining her first marriage she became the mother of one child — Benjamin McKee. Her second union resulted in the birth of three children — Jonathan, now in Texas; Newton and Elisha, also in Texas. Our subject was born in Edgar Township, and after the death of his father was taken into the family of his grandfather Hoult, where he re- mained until nine years of age. While there he attended the common school of the district and also. . < ; UAl'IIICAL Al.liI'M. 1063 and became well-to-do. .lames Plumb was a sea- faring man, and the son of Capt. Samuel Plumb, a native of Connecticut, who also followed the sea and worked Mis way from before the mast until I iming Captain and finally owner (if a vessel, ami traded between the United States and the West Indies. The grandfather of our subject became a pros- perous merchant, and was a prominent man in his county, largely concerned in its growth and de- velopment, lie laid out the town of Jacksonville, Vt., giving to it ils name after the ex-President, Andrew Jackson, and was the first man to be ap- pointed Postmaster, winch office lie held until re- signing it. Later in life he removed to North Adams, Mass., where he resumed his old business as a cloth manufacturer, but remained there, how- ever, only a few ycn>. Finally he returned to Jack- sonville, and continued the manufacture of cloth until 1854. That year he set out for the West, and halting in the young town of Chicago, sojourned there with his family until 1856. During the latter year he came to Edgar County. III., and spent his last days with his son, John Y.. in Hunter Township. ( rrandmother Harriet ( Roberts) Plumb was born in Whitingham, Vt., and was the daughter of Hon. John Roberts, a native of Greenfield, Mass.. who removed to Vermont with his father when a boy. His advantages for a education were extremely limited, but by his own exertions he learned id read and write On birch bark, and after mastering the common branches took up the study of law. and became one of the most prominent attorneys his county. He was successful as a money-getter, and invested a large portion of his capital in land, lie was elected to the office <>i Sheriff in Windham County, in which he served a year, and later was Judge of the county court three successive terms. Finally, he was elected to the state Legislature, in which he served six terms. In 1852 he was made the nominee of his party for Governor. Hon. James Roberts, maternal great-grand- father of our subject, was born in Greenfield, Mass.. and was one of the earliest settlers s Gertrude Kimble. Mrs. McCulloch was born in that township, and is the daughter of George W. and Sarah (Hannah) Kimble, who are numbered among the leading citizens of that locality. Mrs. McCulloch was carefully trained and completed her education al St. Mary's, Ind., and like her hus- band is a favorite in the social circles of their neighborhood. A sketch of the Kimble family 1064 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. will be found on another page in this volume. Mr. McCulloeh, although not mingling very much with political affairs, has his own decided views, and uniformly supports the principles of the Demo- cratic party. #-# — *- r^ICHAM) STOKES. The man who forms U^ 7 his opinions and abides by them conscien- . tiously cannot fail to command respect, ^) even though the majority of men may differ from him. One of the leading character- istics of Mr. Stokes is his Democracy, "dyed in the wool," and which it would take a mira- cle to eradicate; another is his firm belief in the doctrines of the Close Communion Baptist Church with which he has been connected since his youth. An honest, hardworking, upright and intelligent citizen, he has enunciated his principles by his example and has no use for the drones in the world's great hive, but nevertheless no man posesses kindlier impulses or gives a more hearty aid to those who will try to help themselves. On section 11 in Embarras Township may be seen the homestead of Mr. Stokes, which comprises 188 acres of land with good improvements and twenty acres elsewhere which make all told 208 acres. At the age of nearly fifty-nine years, having been born Sept. 15, 1830, Mr. Stokes is still able to superintend his farming operations with his old time thoroughness and energy. He is a native of North Carolina and the son of John Stokes who was born in Virginia, but who was brought by his parents to Illinois when a small boy and is now a resident of Oakland 111. The latter had a full ex- perience with the difficulties of life on the frontier, to which he came when the present flourishing city of Paris was designated simply by a few log huts, near which he settled. The Stokes family finally changed their residence to Embarras Township where they sojourned a few years near the present site of Isabel. Since that time Richard has been a resident of this township. The maiden name of his mother was Lutitia Allen and the parental family included ten children, six of whom are living, viz: Richard. John W.. Su- san, Ellen, James and Alma. One daughter, Mary A., died in the bloom of womanhood, and a son, Levi died when a promising young man of over twenty- years. The survivors besides our subject are residents of Illinois. The education of Mr. Stokes was conducted in a log cabin under the primitive methods of instruc- tion peculiar to that day. The floor of the temple of learning was made of split logs with the flat sides turned up, the roof covered with clapboards held in their place by weight poles, a huge fire- place occupied nearly one end of the room and the chimney was built outside of sticks and clay. The seats and writing desks were manufactured of the same material as the floor, the former upheld by rude wooden legs and the latter fastened to the wall with wooden pins. The birch rod was freely used in order to enforce the lessons from the elementary spelling book which passed from child to child through the family until it would no longer hold together. The schools were conducted in the winter season and during the summer our subject like his com- rades, was required to make himself useful on the farm. He began plowing when a lad of ten years and prided himself upon his accomplishments. He remained a single man until twenty-five years old and in the fall of 1855 was married to Miss Man', daughter of Joseph Bradbury who was a pioneer settler of this county, and is long since deceased. This union resulted in the birth of three children, two of whom are living. Sarah is the wife of James Lauher of Edgar Count}', 111., and has three children — Norah, Frederick and William. Mary is the wife of Henry Wilson of Shiloh Township and they have two children Flora and Mary S.; Sophronia married Francis Collins and died leaving two children, Clarence and Bertie. The mother of these children passed to her long home several years ago. Mr. Stokes contracted a second matrimonial alli- ance with Miss Rebecca A., daughter of John Galbreath. Their six children were named respec- tively John R., James W.. Mahala, Clara 15.. Jarret and Joseph C. Mrs. Rebecca J. Stokes died also and Mr. Stokes was married the third time, Oct. PORTRAIT AND BI( K J RAPIIICAL ALBUM. L065 3, 1879, to Miss Sarah E. Sisk. Ansel Sisk, the father of Mrs. Stokes, came t<> Edgar County about forty years ago, performed his share of pioneer labor and rested therefrom Feb. I. 1887. The three children born of tins union are Delia L., Es- tella V., and Jesse Cleveland. Mr. Stokes has never sought office, preferring to remain a private citizen and perfect himself as a farmer, which with- out question he has fully accomplished. Without making any pretentions to elegance, his home dis- plays comfort and plenty and will compare favora- bly with that of ai>3' of his neighbors. ~^i^H~^ti> n which lie lived until his death in 1889. The parents of whom we write had live chil- dren, three boys and two girls, Robert E. being the eldest; Jeremiah lives in Vermilion County, on the old place; he married Miss Lydia Stringer, and is the father of two children. Ilanora. now Mrs. Samuel Stunkard, resides in Shiloh Township. She is the mother of three children. Her husband is a farmer. John lives near the old homestead; he married Miss Ella Stunkard. lie runs a farm in Carroll Township and a livery stable in the vil- lage of Sidell. Margaret is the wife of Mr. Ram- sey, a prosperous farmer residing in Carroll Township, Vermilion County. They have three children living. Our subject was born in Greene County. Ohio, Dec. 23, 1853, and is now in his thirty-sixth j 7 ear. lie was educated in the public schools what time he could be spared from assist- ing his father on the farm. November 23, 1878. Mr. Crimmins was united in marriage with Miss Parthenia Home, daughter of Dr. A. and Hariette Home. Miss Home is one of ten children, eight of wdiom are living: Mary E., Francis M., Cinderella. Parthenia, Dora V.. William, Sarah E. .Jennie, John and Margaret. Mary E. is the wife of William Hildreth, who re- sides at Hildreth and after whom the village is named. He is a prominent and wealthy farmer, his estate consisting of 700 acres of land. He is the father of six children. Francis M. is a widower and a traveling man; he has three children living. Cinderella is the wife of William Corley; her home is in Kansas and her husband is a traveling man. She has four children, three of whom are dead. Dora V. (Mrs. George Christleib) resides in Philips County, Kan. William lives near Clinton. Iowa: he is unmarried. Sarah E. is the wife of John Durr, a farmer who lives near Newman, Douglas Co.. 111. Jennie, who is unmarried, lives with her sister, Mrs. Christleib. John and Margaret died in infancy. By this union Mr. and Mrs. Crimmins have be- come the parents of five children: Anna. Ginevra, Harriet E., Mary E. and an infant yet to be named. Mr. Crimmins is the present postmaster of Ilil- dreth and the Supervisor of Young America Town- ship: he has also served as School Director. Socially he is a member of Palermo Lodge No. 6 16, I. ().(>. V. I'oltieally Mr. Crimmins is an advocate of the Democratic parly. lie has been a resident of Hildreth twelve years and has in addition to fanning followed the business ol buying grain. He contributed $50 towards securing the Chicago brother. William A. They engaged in the manufacture of drain tile and brick at Sydney. III. After familiarizing himself with the manufacture of tile. Mr. Jones, April 1, I 88.5. came to his pres- ent location. In the operation and management of his factory he has brought to bear a. lifetime of valuable experience. The result is a satisfactory measure of success and a constantly growing and increasing business. Being a man of unimpeach- able private character, unassailable integrity and unblemished reputation, Mr. Jones stands high in the esteem not only of his neighbors and friends. but of all who have business relations with him. He is a safe, reliable, prudent man of business, with a reserve force equal to every emergency. Mr. Jones was married. Dec. 15, 1857, to Miss Sarah Lancaster, daughter of .lames L. Lancaster. His wife's parents were natives of Pennsylvania. Ten children have resulted from this union: W. A., James A., Mary. Lillian. Olga. Agnes. Pearl, Edward, Josephine and Maud. W. A., the eldest of the family, was killed on the railroad about six years ago; James A. and Edward reside at home, and assist in the factory; Mary is the wife of W. W. Biddleman, a fanner; they have three children. Lillian resides in Columbus, Ohio; her husband, Ilarland Randall, is a raiload engineer. She is the mother of three children. Olga is married to Charles Schreller, who works with Mr. Jones in the tile factory; Agnes, who is single, remains at home. Mr: Jones is a member of Hume Lodge, No. 725, I. O. O. P.. and at present holds the office of Inside Guard. He is a member of the Board of School Directors of Metcalf. and is serving 1 1 i .- 1070 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. second term. Though not an active politician, Mr. Jones is an earnest Republican, and might, were lie a little more aggressive in his own behalf. be an influential member of his party. Mr. Jones' Tile Factory is located in the western part of the village of Metcalf. and contains ma- chinery, kilns, etc., for turning out large quantities of drain tile. The clay is abundant and of fine qual- ity, anil the factory is kept busy supplying the demand that comes to it from a large drainage area. -3~£§§!~€r T. BAUM. M.D., is one of the leading physicians and surgeons of the city of /*<-^ £' Paris, 111. He is a native of Indiana, be- ing born in White County, Dec. 15, 1847. His parents were Henry and Harriet (Cross) Bauni. the former born in Pennsylvania, in 1806, and the latter in Ohio in 1814. He comes of a race of pioneers, his grandfather, Daniel Baum, being one of the first six men who settled in what is now Carroll County, Ind., in 1825, coming with his family from where the city of Chillicothe, Ohio, now stands, down the .Scioto River on a flat boat to the Ohio, then down the latter to the mouth of the Wabash, thence up the latter to the site of the present city of Delphi, in Carroll County, Ind. He carried his family and household goods with him, while the stock was driven overland. The joniney was tedious and hazardous, but the hardy spirit which animated the early pioneers sustained him. and on arriving at his destination Daniel Baum at once took up a farm, which he improved; there he passed the remaining years of his life and there he died, an honored citizen, at the age of seventy-seven years. His wife, whose maiden name was Asenith Rothrock, survived him several years, dying at the advanced age of eighty-nine years. Henry Baum, father of oursubject, was nineteen years eld when the removal to Indiana took place, and in that new country adopted the life of a pioneer farmer, remaining in that occupation all of his life. He removed to White County. Ind., and was there married, in 1832, to Harriett Cross, whose family had come from Ohio to Parke County, Ind.. in which place her parents died. The quiet life of a farmer did not entirely satisfy Henry Baum, who was of a somewhat adventurous spirit, and he made what was considered in those da3's very long journeys, going as far south as Texas and New Orleans. In 1841, he removed with his family to Missouri, but not liking the country, returned to White County, where he bought another farm near his old home, which he had sold before going away: at this place he passed the remainder of his life, dying in 1854, aged forty- eight years. His widow is still living at the age of seventy-five, and makes her home in Paris. Aside from his penchant for traveling, Henry Baum lived a quiet life, but never accumulated a large property, as his travels consumed a large part of his earnings. In politics he was an ardent sup- porter of the Whig party. Henry Baum and his wife were the parents of ten children, two of whom died in infancy and the remaining eight lived to years of maturity. Mary, the eldest, is the widow of John McBeth, a Union soldier, who died in the loathsome rebel prison pen at Andersonville. She now lives in Paris, and has one son, William II.. local editor of the Beacon. Rachel is the widow of Robert Cornell, and lives in White County, Ind. Belle is the wife of U. B. Stigers, and lives near Oskaloosa, Iowa. Charles S. died in 1866, from the effect of disease con- tracted while in the Union Arm}', in which ho served for three years, in the 46th Indiana Volun- teers. Adam P. is farming in Dawes County, Neb. He was also a patriot soldier, serving eight- een months in the 20th and in the 116th Indiana Infantry, and, being taken prisoner during this time was confined in the famous Libby Prison at Rich- mond. John Clay, another brave soldier, gave his life for his country, dying in 1869, from disease contracted in the army. He served three years and eight months in the 20th, 72d and 116th Indiana Infantry. Martha M. is the wife of S. D. McCarthy, and is a resident of Paris. The youngest of those who lived to maturity was the subject of our sketch. Z. T. Baum lived in his native county until he was thirteen years old, when his father being dead PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 1(171 his mother removed to Carroll County, Ind., while he worked at farming in the summer and attended sehool in the winter until 186.'i. when lie, too. fol- lowed the patriotic example of his elder brothers. and at the age of fifteen years and six months became a soldier of the Union, enlisting in Com pany E, 116th Indiana Infantry for six months. Upon the expiration of this time, he enlisted in the 135th Indiana for one hundred days, and when that time had expired he re-enlisted in the 150th Indiana, where he served until the close of the war. He was mustered out of service Aug. 5, 1865. and then resumed his farm work in the summer and teaching school in winter, until the fall of 1867, when he began the study of medicine in Pittsburg. Carroll Co.. Ind.. under Dr. .1. L. Morrow, also a war veteran, who had been Surgeon of the 72d Indiana. In his office Mr. Baum read medicine for three years and attended courses of lectures in Chicago and Cincinnati, and was graduated at the Miami Medical College, at the latter city. He com- menced the practice of his profession at Transit- ville, Tippecanoe Co., Ind., staying there until his removal to Paris, April 1. 187:!. since which time he has lived at the latter place, and has built up a large and lucrative practice. A faithful assistant and companion of Dr. Baum for the past eleven years has been his wife, formerly Miss Eliza E. McCord, with whom he was united in marriage Dec. 12, 1878. This lady is the daugh- ter of William and Nancy (Stout) McCord, early settlers of Sims Township, whence they removed from their old home in Tennessee. Mrs. Baum was born in Paris Township, Edgar County, June 17, 1852. This union has been blessed by the birth of one child, Ralph A., who was born June 16, 1881. Since taking up his residence in Paris. Dr. Baum has occupied a prominent position in its public affairs and social life, lie served two years as Alderman of the 2nd Ward, and in 1888 was re- elected, serving but one year, however, when he resigned. He was Supervisor from 1881 t<> 1886, serving full five years in that capacity, and in 1885 he was elected Mayor of the city of Paris after a heated contest, the Doctor accepting the nomin- ation late in the canvass, after the declination of the candidate previously Dominated, lie and his friends, however, made a stirring canvass, and he was triumphantly elected. Dr. Baum was also from lis77 to 1885 United states Examining Sur- geon for Pensions, but lost that position under the Cleveland administration because of his "offensive partisanship," hi' being a life-long Republican, lie has, however, been re-appointed by Commissioner Tanner, one of the Board of Examining Surgeons, which he was instrumental in having appointed for this county. Dr. Baum is Commander of the Driskell P<»t, No. 201), (i.A.R.. of Paris; is also a member of the Apollo Lodge, No. 57, Knights of Pythias, and of the Paris Lodge. No. 268. A.F. & A.M.. of which he is W.M.; he is also a member of the Order of Modern Woodmen of America. He is a public spirited and energetic citizen and wields nn small influence in the affairs of the thriving city where he has made his home. A feature of the family history of which the Doctor may well be proud, is the fact that every- one of the family of suitable age was in the Union army, not only himself and his brothers, but all his near relatives to the number of over twenty, a bright record of patriotism of which their des- cendants may well be proud. -9-SS*-*- \¥ JOHN ALLEN, Jr., Postmaster and general merchant at Grand View, is one of its lead- ing men and politicians and began business in this place in 1880 with modest means. He was successful from the start, and besides ac- cumulated a snug sum of money has fully estab- lished himself in the esteem and confidence of the people, who have given him many expressions of their friendship and good will. Politically, he is an enthusiastic Republican, giving freely of his time and means whenever opportunity occurs to be of assistance to his party. Lebanon, Warren ('<>.. Ohio, was the native place of our subject, and the date of his birth April II, 1845. He attended the district school during his boyhood, but at the early age of fourteen years 10 72 PORTRAIT AND BIOC RAPIIICAL ALBUM. began lift- on his own account, working on a farm first al 84 per month. He wasthus occupied until a youth of nineteen years and until the outbreak of the Civil War. Then desirous of having a hand in the subjugation of the Rebels, he enlisted in Company C, 150th Illinois Infantry at Paris, and was soon sent with his comrades to the front. Their first objective point was Nashville. Tenn., and they next went to Bridgeport, Ala. Later. they were at Cleveland. Tenn.. and Dalton, (^a.. whence they went to Spring Place, Ga., then re- turned to Dalton: they reached Westpoint, Ga., Aug. 7. and on the 10th of January, 1866, returned to Atlanta after the close of the war, whence they were ordered home and mustered out without par- ticpating in any active engagement, although en- during the hardships and privations of army life. Upon laying aside the weapons of war, our sub- ject resumed the implements of agriculture, at which he was occupied until 1880. He then pur- chased the store ami stock of Robert Moseley, at Grand View, since which time he has prosecuted general merchandising with great success, building up an excellent trade which is steadily increasing. • in the 1st of October, 1867 he was united in mar- riage with Miss Jenny, daughter of John W. Bur- ton, who later removed to Missouri and died there. In the family of Mr. Burton there were six chil- dren, of whom Mrs. Allen was the third in order of birth. She was born April 5, 1851, in Virginia, and received a common-school education. Of her union with our subject there have been born three children, one of whom, Mary died in 187G at the age of four years; Zella, the elder daughter, is an interesting young lady of nineteen years, and Ida is a bright girl of eleven years. Both are at home with their parents. Air. Allen owns eighteen acres of land near Grand View, and has a pleasant home in the village. He has officiated for the past ten years as School Director in his district, and before receiving his appointment as Postmaster, in 1889, had officiated as Assistant-Postmaster for a number of years. Both he and his estimable wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which Mr. Allen for several years has been Steward and Trustee. Mrs. Allen is a teacher in the Sunday-school, which the two daughters attend regularly. Socially our subject belongs to Grand View Lodge, No. 614, I. O. O. F., in which he has held all the offices and for the last ten years has represented it at the vari- ous conventions of the Grand Lodge. He is also a member of Kansas Camp I. O. O. F. and Kansas Post No. 405, G. A. R. In the latter he was elected an Alternate of the Convention held at Springfield in February, 1889. Upon the inaugu- aration of President Harrison, March 4, 1889, he visited Washington and witnessed this ceremonial among other interesting sights at the National Capital. JfOIIN DAVIDSON. The thoughtful in. I dividual cannot fail to look upon the early pioneer with more than ordinary interest. )) To those having the faculty of drawing out from them a relation of their experiences on the frontier, there is presented a picture of toil, strug- gle, sacrifice and courage seldom known to the peo- ple of to-day. Among those whose experiences, if properly written down would make a good-sized volume of rare interest, may be mentioned Mr. Davidson, who is one of the old residents of Edgar County, and who trod on the soil of Shiloh Town- ship soon after the Indians had left it and while wild animals, deer, wolves and other creatures roamed almost unrestrained by the fear of man. We find him pleasantly located on a finely improved farm of 150 acres occupying a portion of section 3, near the edge of Mulberry Grove, where he es- tablished himself in 1854 and has a good home- stead. A native of Sullivan County, Ind., our subject was born at the modest homestead of his parents near Carlisle, Nov. 13, 1830, and lived there on a farm until a young man of twenty-four years. He received very limited school advantages, pursuing his studies in the log cabin under the primitive methods of instruction incident to that time and place. At the age mentioned, determining to see something more of the world, he in the fall of 1854, set out overland with a team to Illinois and PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 1073 located in what was then Buck, but is now Shiloh Township. Besides his team, he ("inn- empty handed, and for a time engaged as a farm laborer. As soon as able he began operating on rented land and finally purchased eighty acres of his present farm. Young and active, labor seemed light as long as he was reasonably rewarded and. although the recreations of the young people of that time were not strictly classical, they probablj enjoyed those they had. fully as much :is Hie rising genera- tion. Young Davidson took part in the wolf hunts and the various other kinds of amusements indulged in by the young people of those times, such as coin huskings, apple parings and similar gatherings. At the same time he proceeded with the improvement of his purchase. Mulberry drove was atone time a timber tract comprising several thousand acres. It was somewhat misnamed, as it never contained but very few mulberry trees. Once in the early days an emigrant encamping here happened to pitch his tent under one large mulberry tree and, naming "the place Mulberry Grove, the name has clung to it since that time. Mr. Davidson while cultivating the soil set out forest and fruit trees and first put up a log house. Later he added as he was able the structures most needed. It hardly seemed possible that he could leave home and assist in subjugating the rebels dur- ingthe Civil War. and he watched the conflict until in February- 1865. He then decided thai he must have a hand in the strife, and enlisted in (' pany C, 150th Illinois Infantry. He was mustered into service at Jacksonville and sent South to Nashville and later to Dalton, Ga., where the regiment was drilled and assigned principally to guard duty. Thence they went on to Atlanta and wintered at Spring Place in Georgia. They endured many hardships and great exposure fr which Mr. Davidson suffered greatly, but he managed to re- main with his regiment until it was mustered out in February, 1866. He received his honorable dis- charge at Camp Butler and as soon as possible thereafter returned to his farm and his family. The 25th of December, 1856, was appropriately celebrated by our subject in liis marriage to Miss Mary Myers. This lady was born in Shiloh Town- ship, August. 1840, and is the daughter of Archie Myers, a native of South Carolina and one of the earliest settlers of Edgar County. Mr. Myers be- came very successful as a farmer and in his husi- ness transactions, and accumulated 100 acres of hind. He spent his last days at the home of his son-in-law. our subject, dying about 1874. liis wife, Lucinda Dillinger, a native of Indiana, like- wise died in Shiloh Towuship. Mrs. Mary (Myers) Davidson departed this life at her home in Shiloh I'ownship, in February, 1888 leaving seven child- ren, viz: William. Archie. George, Sarah, John, Jr., Mark and Bessie. They are all at home with their father. Our subject, politically, votes the straight Democratic ticket, and has been Director in his school district for a period of twenty years. He has also officiated as Road Supervisor and served on the petit jury. lie has little ambition for official honors, being absorbed mostly by his farming Interests. The father of our subject was George Davidson, a native of Jessamine County, Ky . and of English descent. lb: was reared in the Blue Grass State, where he engaged in farming in his younger years, then emigrated to Sullivan County. 1 n < 1 . . and ac- quired land near which was afterward built up the town of Carlisle. He was very successful as a farmer and spent his last days upon the old home- stead, dying, however, at the early age of forty years. The mother, Mrs. Cynthia (Portwood) Davidson was likewise a native of Kentucky, of which her parents were early pioneers, and her mother, ili-s. Lizzie Portwood, was well acquainted with the old Indian fighter. Daniel Boone. She also died at the homestead near Carlisle, lnd. She was a woman possessing many excellent qualities and was a conscientious member of the Baptist Church. There were born to the parents ten chil- dren; viz: Mary of Greene County, lnd.; Eliza, deceased; Susan; Paulina, Mrs Milam of Metcalf; William of Sullivan County, lnd.; John, our sub- ject; Anna of Greene County, [nd.;George of Sul- livan County; Dudley of Greene County, and Lucy of Texas County, Mo. George, during the late Civil War, was a member of the fi'.Hh Indiana In- fantry in which he served over three years. He \\ :i~ :it one time captured by the Rebels, but was exchanged at St. Louis a lew days afterward. 1074 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. John, our subject, served in the army one year and contracted rheumatism, from which he has since suffered greatly and is unable to do any labor. He is very obliging and sociable and held in esteem by his neighbors. ->&£&&&&*■ -V 1 // J -^ AL %jl ° ourier Wfl ing a ge J. BLACKSTOCK. editor of the Chrisman and Leisure Moments, besides be- entleman of large experience and considerable travel, especially in the West, is a journalist of marked ability, and both as a business man and a citizen is amply worthy of representation in a work of this kind. He wag born in Allegheny City, Pa.. Aug. 14, 1848, and is the son of James Blackstock, a, native of Scotland and born near the city of Edinburgh. The paternal grandfather of our subject was Joseph Blackstock, likewise a native of Scotland and a contractor and builder by occupation. He emigrated to America at an early date and located first on Prince Edward Island, whence he removed to Quebec, Canada, and there prosecuted his call- ing. In Scotland he had been quite an extensive land owner and a man of importance. James Blackstock, like his father before him, also ope- rated as a contractor and builder which he followed in the Smoky City, although not living there. He became well-to-do and was prominently identified witli the Presbyterian Church. He married Miss Mary Richie, a native of Bedford County, Pa., and who had two brothers killed in the Mexican War, Grandfather Richie was of German descent, but born in Pennsylvania. He followed school teaching and farming combined and was at one time owner of 2,500 acres of land in Bedford County. He is still living in Pittsburg and al- though sixty-live years old, has not a gray hair on his head. To the parents of our subject there were born three children the two besides himself being sisters — Mrs. Maria Hancock and Mrs Lizzie Friedenrich, both of Pittsburg. The early advantages of our subject were quite limited but he made the most of his opportunities and is recognized as a thoroughly well informed man. When a lad of fifteen years he engaged as a boat-hand on the Ohio, Mississippi and Missouri Rivers which he followed three years, being pro- moted in the meantime from cabin boy to steward. In 1866 we find him in Dakota, roughing it among the Indians, hunting and chopping. He learned to speak the Sioux language fluently and at one time for the period of twenty-one da}s was in Sitting Bull's camp near the place where Gen. Custer was killed. He sojourned in Dakota and Montana, until 1873, ranching it, being employed in a woodyard and at whatever came to hand. Upon leaving that region he, that same 3'ear, lo- cated at Pine City, Minn., where occurred his first newspaper venture. He began reading and study- ing without a tutor, conducting his paper, became interested in real estate and claims and held vari- ous county offices, being Register of Deeds, Clerk of the Court and Justice of the Peace. In the fall of 1877 Mr. Blackstock returned to Pittsburg, Pa., and began publishing the semi- weekly Tribune, running in connection therewith a job office and the Hotel Reporter. He was afterward connected with different papers in Pittsburg, in- cluding the Gazette and the Daily Dispatch. In 1874 he became connected with the Allegheney Errning Mail and thereafter continued on one of the dailies until March , 1887. That year he emi- grated to Chicago, where he was in business until September and whence he came to Chrisman and purchased the Advance. He changed the name to that of the Courier and instituted many improve- ments. It is a six column quarto and one of the handsomest papers in the count}', filled with gen- eral and local news. Mr. Blackstock also pub- lishes Lesiure Moments a four column quarto and and has a well-equipped job office with steam power press and other necessary adjuncts. Our subject was married in Pittsburg, Pa., June •27, 1880, to Miss Ella Grey, a native of Phila- delphia, and the daughter of Joseph Grey a prom- inent resident of the Quaker City. Mr. Blackstock politically, is a sound Republican and while a resi- dent of Minnesota was quite prominent in politics. He is at present serving as Police Magistrate. So- cially, he was at one time connected with the K. of PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. KIT.". P. and the K. of II. In religious matters bis pref- erences are with the Methodist Episcopal Church. A personal sketch of Mr. Blackstock would hardly be complete without mention of his pel ilog .Indue, a mixture of the Gordon .Setter. Scotch Collie and Spaniel. This animal is recognized as one of the most intelligent canines in the county. obedient, docile, courageous and seeming to under- stand everything that is said to him. In being written up by the Chicago I)nil>i News he was des- ignated as "the dog who thinks." It is hardly nec- essary to say that he possesses a far more than nominal value in the estimation of Mr. Blackstock, from whom he could scarcely be purchased at any price. -~o-*- ffiAMES SOMMERVILLE, of Edgar Town- ship, with his sisters.. Molly, Nancy, and .Margaret, owns and operates 100 acres of land on section IS, adjoining the site of I!l< omfield. the family also owning considerable real estate in Washington. The conveniently arranged homestead is very pleasantly situated, the dwelling and adjacent buildings being lo- cated near the cross roads, and commanding a fine view of the surrounding country. Mr. Som- merville was at one time among the largest stock- buyers in Edgar County, and has been prominent iD local affairs. He was elected a School Director before reaching his majority, in which office lie served five years. He was Township Clerk and Collector two years each. Assessor one year, and represented his township in the County Board of Supervisors four years in succession. Politically, he is an uncompromising Democrat, active in the councils of his party, and has been for years sent as a delegate to the various conventions. The eldest of a family of eight children, our sub- ject was born in Edgar Township. Dec. 30, 1840, and received a practical education in the common school. He remained at home assisting in the la- bors of the farm until reaching his majority, and at that early age developed more than ordinary good business talent, He began buying and shipping stock to the Eastern markets — Indianapolis, Chi- AAAj \% ^ i cago, and New York City, and in the pursuance of his business, has visited nearly all the large cities east of st. Louis. He is a man observing of what is :_; < ' i 1 1 lj on around him in the world, and in his vari- ous travels has picked upa useful fund of informa- tion. The father of our subject was Alexander Som- merville. a native of County Donegal. Ireland, and horn in August. 1798. The paternal grand fat her. John Soinmeiville. also a native of County Done- gal, carried on farming there for a number of years after reaching his majority, in the meantime be- coming married, and the father of a family. lie finally decided to cast his lot on the other side of the Atlantic, and in 1802 made the voyage with his family, landing in the city of Philadelphia, .Inly I. Thence he proceeded to Fleming County. Ky., where he was one of the earliest pioneers. lie set- tled in the wilderness, from which he constructed a comfortable home, and there spent his last days. It is believed that he was of Scotch-Irish descent, as he was reared in the Presbyterian faith, to which he firmly adhered during his entire life. The father of our subject was reared to man's estate in Fleming County, Ky., where In. like his father before him, cleared a farm from the wilder- ness, and lived until 1836. He then decided to seek the Great West, and made his way overland by team to Illinois, settling on the eastern line of Edgar Township. Notwithstanding his early sur- roundings, he had acquired a good education, largely supplemented by his own efforts in his stu- dious application to his hooks at home. He entered and purchased land in Edgar Township, where he lived three years, then, in 1859, sold out and pur- Chased land of .lames Gordon, adjoining Bloom- lichl. lie added from time to time to his real estate, until he became the owner of KM) acres, in addi- tion to operating his farm, he c lucted an hotel al liloomlield until the building of the railroad to this point. lie was a prominent man in the commu- nity, a decided Democrat, politically, ami served as Constable for years. His death occurred Dec. 17. 188lTat the homestead, which he had built up. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Rosa Cochran. She was born in Fleming County, Ky.. in [815, and was the daughter of .lain.- 1076 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. Cochran, a native of Virginia. The latter, upon leav- ing his native State, removed to Fleming County. Ky.. where he became owner of a large farm and slaves. In addition to prosecuting agriculture, he engaged in flat-boating down the Ohio and Missis- sippi rivers to New Orleans. He was a man of great energy and perseverance, one who was looked up to in his community, and at his death left a good property. lie spent his last years in Kentucky, dying in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The mother of our subject was reared a Methodist, of which church she remained a member many years, and until her death, which occurred in Edgar Township, Nov. 16, 188S? To the parents of our subject there were born eight children, viz: .lames. Molly, Nancy, Melinda ( Mrs. Soinmerville),and a resident of Rush County, Ind. ; John VV.. living in Garfield County, Wash- ington; Joseph H., a resident of Columbia County, Washington; Rosa, (Mrs. Hoult), of Edgar Town- ship, and Margaret. Mr. Somnierville is a man of much originality of thought, which finds expression in such unique lan- guage and forcible metaphors, as to render him a most entertaining companion. He recalls some amus- ing experiences of his early days, which when told by himself, gain much in the relation, as he is an inimitable raconteur. At one time, his father kept a tavern at which travelers were accommodated for the small sum of a "bit," or twelve and one-half cents, for a meal, and a ••picayune," or six and one- fourth cents, for horse feed. Even these trifling- bills appear to have been too high for the pocket- books of some of the guests, as they sometimes tried to evade payment by slipping away very early in the morning. In every case however, the land- lord followed and brought them back, giving them their dinners and a fresh start, and making sure of his pay before they again departed. With all this, he was a kind-hearted, benevolent man. who never! turned the needy wayfarer from his door. Our subject was brought up under religious in- fluences, and in his youth was to use his own words, "one of the best boys on earth, and never failed to attend Sunday-school and religious exercises when- ever opportunity offered." His sense of right and wrong, received however, a severe shock as he ad- vanced in years. The reasons cannot be better given than in his own graphic words, so we let him relate his own story. '-As I grew older, I grew smarter. and disposed of about all my religion for good reasons. After I became of age, and was doing business on my own hook, there was a young preacher who gave out that he would preach a sermon on the 'Immorality of Dancing.' He drew a terrible pic- ture of the evil, and told how it would lead to dis- honesty. However, he had sold a bunch of cattle to be weighed the following morning, and it turned out that they were the worst ''stuffed" lot of cattle that ever went out of Edgar County. I always thought that sermon was prepared for the express purpose of stuffing that drove of cattle, so I have never been in a church since, but have often been deceived the same way. Another time. I bought a bunch of cattle of a man that was worth $50,000, and had no children. I was satisfied he was going to stuff those cattle on me, so I did not let him know when I would take them, until late the eve- ning previous. But to make sure of it. I went and sat up with the cattle until 2 A. M., and accidentally went to sleep, and before I woke up. lie had come two miles, fed. salted, and watered the cattle on me. I always believed that he found me that night and mesmerized me. "On another occasion I bought a lot of hogs from a rich old farmer that had the reputation of mak- ing everything weigh heavy at home, and light in market. It was very cold weather, and I knew his slop would be frozen up, but he seemed to be a lit- tle late getting to the scales, so I concluded to walk over and assist him in driving, but when I arrived on the scene of action, I found the honest old farmer boiling water and soaking a lot of old damaged wheat to sell to me at about *1 per bushel. I came very near fainting, but couldn't see that it affected him in the least. I reckon he had been boiling salt and water all night, and for the life of me I cannot see why such men as those will vote to retain the tariff on salt, one of the greatest necessaries of life, wealth, and happiness, to the honest old farmer." In 1873. Mr. Somrnerville having proved him- self a true Democrat, was given the nomination for Township Supervisor, the party having at that time about forty majority in the township, although as PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 1077 he remarks, in those days elections were run ou high moral principles, and the two parties would often agree to vote for the best man. lie 'an ahead of his ticket, and was elected. The next year he was again a candidate, but the Granger party having been organized in the meantime, his majority was cut down, although he was successful as before. The two succeeding years he was again elected. That the demoralization of politics had already begun, is evidenced by the statement, that in those days "floaters" were to be "found, although they could be "counted on your lingers, and cost only $1 to *2 apiece, a §."> man being called a thorough-bred. Since those days, the men whose votes can be bought, have become more numerous. and more expensive, costing all the way from $10 to $25." Mr. Sommerville is fully alive to the crying evils of the day, and while somewhat pessimistic in his views, very clearly sees the injurious effects upon the community of the lax methods of administer- ing justice, and the wrong uses to which political power is put by unscrupulous demagogues. He is thoroughly Democratic in his anxiety to sec tax-pay- ers relieved of the many burdens placed upon them, and in desiring and working for a purer system of government, in which the weight of the purse will not overbalance the demands for justice, and the greatest good to the greatest number. He has moreover the courage of his convictions, and does not hesitate to speak out his sentiments in regard to politics in his immediate neighborhood, and ex- presses himself thereupon in his own quaint way as follows: "The township stands 190 Republicans. 170 Democrats, 15 Prohibitionists, and 10 float- ers. While the Democrats use a little 11101103-. the Republicans use both money and liquor, and the Prohibitionists keep a full supply of eloquence, wind, and water on hand, with which they barely hold their own. While the county is Democratic, the majority of the Board of .Supervisors are lie- publicans. This makes the Grand Jury decidedly Republican; then we have three nice tender-hearted Republican Judges; the}' look like Justices of the Peace from Kentucky. The first thing the Judge does is to select the foreman, and generally from Paris, or one that is reliable. There a long iron- clad oath is administered to him. ami the Judge gives the jury long, windy instructions on "bucket- shops," when they would not know one if they wire to see it. Then the jury retire to their room, and about the first thing they do, is to pass a resolution to have nothing to do with election matters. The Republicans all vote solid for that amendment to the constitution, in order to give them equal chances. Then they indict all the saloon keepers on three cases, and send a Republican committee around to confer with them, and they finally agree to let up on them, provided they will give their voles and influence to the Republicans in the next election. After this they set for about two weeks, drawing their pay and selling out occasionally on good ease-, and finally reluctantly adjourn with about loo indictments to make a good showing, mostly against Democrats that haven't got the money, or won't put up. About one case out of ten. stands the test, anil then it is very amusing to see the Judge put on his judicial countenance, and hear him pour about two volumes of compliments in the ears of the jury for their great and successful efforts in keeping the people civilized, and, he should add, in keeping the Republican party organized. This pieee of machinery costs the tax-payers in full, from $3,000 to $4,000 at each term, and the wheel goes round twice a year." w ,hk>. The parental household consisted of twelve chil- dren. The eldest, John, is deceased; Joseph and Elizabeth live in Indiana: Samuel died in Pennsyl- vania; James died in Indiana; William died in California; Benjamin died in Ohio and Archibald died in California. Thomas, our subject, was the ninth in order of birth; Robert, Isabelle and David are living in Ohio. Jobn served as a soldier in the War of 1812. ^|/AMES M. WILLIAMS. There is probably no more popular man in Edgar Township, than the subject of this notice. He owns and occupies fifty-five acres of choice land, lying on sections 14 and 1."), which comprises a part of the homestead where he was born, March 14, 1837. He remembers many of the incidents of the early days of this county when wild game was plen- tiful. He assisted in herding cattle in the open country when a lad of eight or nine years and when thirteen years old traveled overland to Chi- cago with a team. That was in the year 1840, when the now flourishing city was a village without side- walks and giving no indication whatever of its fu- ture importance. Young Williams assisted his father in the culti- vation of the farm, remaining under the home roof until nineteen years old. In 1856 he drove a lot, of cattle to Minnesota, being forty-two days on the road, after which he went into Dakota and so- journed one winter engaged in trapping and hunt- ing, which yielded him very good returns. It was a period very enjoyable in other respects also, and he was considered one of the best shots in the coun- try. From that time until L859 he engaged in farm- ins in Illinois: next he purchased eighty acres of land in Edgar Township for which he paid $23 per acre. He cultivated the soil, erected -nod build- ings and instituted various other improvements and at the same time was very successful in his farming operations. In 1880, he purchased eighty acres adjoining, which he retained until 1887. and then sold it with the exception of fifty-five acres, which he still owns. This is enclosed with neat and substantial fencing, mostly of hedge, and is embel- lished with groves and an orchard, a stream of running water, with good springs, and the land has been made fertile by thorough drainage. Mr. Wil- liams in 1886 sustained considerable loss by the burning of his barn. In addition to general agri- culture he makes a specialty of stock-raising and also buys and feeds considerably. He keeps six- good draft horses and utilizes two teams in his farm operations. The marriage of our subject with Miss Olive Collins, took place at the bride's home in Edgar County in 1860. This lady was born in Edgar ( ounty. III., and is now the mother of two children — Alice and Hester. The elder attended the city schools at Paris and for six years has been a suc- cessful teacher. Hester remains at home with her parents. .Mr. Williams politically is a solid Demo- crat and one of the most active members of his party in this vicinity. He frequently officiates as a delegate to the county conventions and labors as he has opportunity for the success of its prin- ciples, lie served as Constable for a period of eight years and has been a School Director. The father of our subject was Reason Williams. who was born in Brcckenridge County, Ky.. and was the son of an old Virginian, wdio emigrated from his native State to Kentucky in the pio- neer days. He purchased land, engaged in fann- ing and there spent the remainder of his life. The father of our subject, like his honored sire, also chose agriculture for his life occupation, but elected to prosecute it on the soil of Illinois. Jour- neying overland by means of an ox team, he in 18:S4, came to Paris Township and purchased land which he improved with oxen, having no horses for several years. He finally parted with his first purchase and entered forty acres of land in Edgar Township. He also purchased a like amount 1082 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. adjoining and added to his real estate until he was at one time the owner of 211 acres. He engaged quite extensively in the live-stock business driving his fat cattle through to Chicago in the early days. He departed this life full of years and honors in 1878. He was a man well known throughout this community, was first a Whig and then a Democrat, and a member of the Hardshell Baptist Church. Mrs. Maria (Seaton) Williams, the mother of our subject was born in Virginia and was the daughter of William Seaton. a native of that State and who there spent his entire life. The daughter, Maria, went to Kentucky prior to her marriage. She is still living, occupying a part of the homestead, and is quite well advanced in years. Her son, James M., looks after her needs carefully and sees that she wants for nothing. The parental household included eleven children of whom Henry, William and George are deceased. James M. was the fourth in order of birth; Albeit is ceased; Harrison is a resident of Kansas; Sarah. Mrs. Collins, lives in Edgar Township; Juda, Maria, and Emily are deceased; Lucy lives in Kansas; George, during the late Civil War, served three months in 1801 in a regiment of Illinois Infantry; Albert enlisted in 1861 in a Wisconsin regiment and died in one of the Southern hospitals. AVID SCOTT. The Scott family every- where are recognized as among the lead- ' ing citizens of this county and the subject of this notice, one of its most worthy off- shoots, is located on a fine farm of 320 acres on section 15 in Ross Township. He was one of the pioneer settlers and is a man possessing great in- tegrity of character, reliable and prompt in meeting his obligations, and a member of his community which it could not well do without. A sketch of his father, Samuel Scott, will be found in the biog- raphy of Andrew Scott elsewhere in this volume — David and Andrew being brothers. The subject of our sketch was born in Moores- ville, Morgan Co., Ind.. Feb. 21. 1824. and was reared to manhood on a farm, mostly in this county, as his parents in 1829 left Indiana and came to Illinois. He consequently remembers very little of his early home, but recollects some inci- dents of the journey, which was made overland and consumed several weeks. Wild animals of all kinds abounded in this region at that time, and young Scott at times, has seen as many as fifty deer in one herd. His education was limited by a few weeks each year in the log school house, the school being conducted on the subscription plan. Our subject was at an early age introduced to farm labor and, when a boy of ten, herded cattle on the prairies and became a fearless rider. He frequently accompanied his father, driving cattle through to Chicago, which was then an unimportant town, and he took part in the wolf hunts which were frequently organized in order to exterminate that disagreeable and mischievous animal. He re- mained at home until twenty-two years old and, in 1851, crossing the Mississippi, he located in Mon- mouth Township, Jackson Co., Iowa, where he purchased 120 acres of land and a farm ten miles west of Maquoketa. He lived there for a period of twenty years and. in 1871, came back to this county and located upon the farm which he now occupies. Mr. Scott has five houses on his farm occupied by his men, and is largely engaged in stock-raising, feeding and shipping cattle, disposing of from five to six carloads annually. Seven teams of horses are utilized in the farm labor, these being graded draft animals of excellent breeds. The farm lies about two and one-half miles north of Chrisman and is considered a very valuable piece of property. The marriage of David Scott with Miss Emma Lock took place at the home of the bride's parents at Anamosa. Jones Co., Iowa, in the fall of 1853. This lady was born in Coles County, 111. Mrs. Sec lit departed this life at her home in Edgar County. 111., May 2. 1880. Their eldest child, Sylvester, operates the home farm, where he lives with America L. and David M., his sister and brother. Columbus is also on the home farm; Serena is the wife of Ted Coslett, a farmer of Young America Township. Mr. Scott is a very strong Republican, and is $■■ MZ 'A- PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 1095 quite prominent in party politics in this section, frequently serving ms a delegate to the county con- ventions, lie has served on the Grand and Petit juries a number of times; has also sit veil as School Director, and in Iowa was Constable for many years. He assisted in building the first school house in the Hawkeye State and has all his life been interested in educational matters. In Iowa he was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. There, also, he was a member of the Vigilance Com- mittee who made it their business to look after horse thieves, and attended the first trial of one of these, which was held on the open highway. Dur- ing those days the Indians encamped in large num- bers along the banks of the Maquoketa River and Mr. Scott frequently traded horses with them. He has watched with lively interest the changes oc- curring during a period of thirty years and has contributed his full quota to the development of one of the richest sections of country in the Great West. 3"*- R. ABEL IIORNE. Veterinary Surgeon, is a gentleman of recognized ability, not only in connection with his profession, but one who is thoroughly well informed, and pos- sesses mental gifts of a high order. A native of AVayne County, Ind., he was born Jan. 1(1. 1852, and is the son of Wilson and Clarkey (Henby) Home, who were natives of Wayne County, N. C, the father born in the year L800, and the mother in L801. They were of English and Scotch ancestry, respectively, and carefully reared in the Quaker faith. The}' spent their childhood and youth in their native State, where they were married, and whence they removed to Indiana in 1822. They were among the pioneer residents of Wayne County, and built up a homestead from the wilderness, where they spent the remainder of their lives, the mother passing away in 1866, and the rather two years later. To Wilson Home and his excellent wife, there was born a family of twelve children, only four of whom are living: Dr. A., our subject ; Hannah, Mrs. Cammack, of Xenia, Ind.; Eliza. Mrs. Canady. of Amboy, Ind.; and Clarkey J., Mrs. Lamb, of Richmond, Ind. The subject of Ibis sketch, in common with his brothers ami sisters, acquired his early education in the district school, and remained with his father upon the farm until reaching man's estate. In 1850, before attaining his nineteenth year, he was united in marriage with Miss Harriet Linton. They remained in Indiana for six years thereafter, and in 1856, started for the Great West., their destination being Omaha. Neb. Our subject there engaged as a real-estate dealer three years, then re- turned to his native county in the fall of 1859. He had always been fond of horses, and a close observer of their habits and needs, and determined to turn his attention to the study of their diseases. Repairing to St. Louis, he entered the Veterinary College, which was under the superintendence of the well-known Dr. Keller, and was graduated that same year. In the spring of 1861 Dr. Home established himself in Edgar County, III. and commenced the practice of his profession which he continued with but slight interruptions, in Edgar and Vermilion counties until 1880. During this time he acquired an enviable reputation in this line of practice do- ing an extensive business and which proved the source of a fine income. It is estimated that in eleven cases out of thirteen he was successful in the treatment of tetanus or lockjaw by a remedy of bis own discovery and his novel manner of ad- ministering the same won for him much praise. He also saved the lives of six or seven very valu- able animals by an operation called tracheotomy, which consists of making an artificial opening in tin' windpipe. He also saved a number of cattle and horses by inserting a trocar into the animal's flank and thus liberating the carbonic acid gas. He has indeed made a specialty of animal surgery. performing many critical operations and being almost uniformly successful. Since the year 1880 Dr. Home has been engaged in quite another field of labor in the connection with the publication of biographical and county bi>tory. but in the meantime his leisure hours have been employed in a close slinly of all the late pub. lications, French, English and American, in relation 1096 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. to the veterinary science, tbe results of which he .proposes to give to the world by resuming his practice in the near future. He is now established at Hildreth with a choice stock of drugs and medi- cines and the instruments necessary to his chosen calling. At the same time he will < fficiate as auc- tioneer, a profession which he has followed success- fully for twenty-five years and he will also act as attorney whenever required, having by a course of law study perfected himself so as to he able to conduct any ordinary case. It will thus be seen that he has spent few idle hours since reaching years of manhood and his ambition has kept pace with his mental acquirements. During the first year of the late Civil War Dr. Home entered the Union army as a member of Company E, 150th Illinois Infantry in which he was first Orderly Sergeant and later received a Captain's commission. Ill health, however, obliged him to leave the army before receiving his com- mission and he reluctantly returned to his old field of labor. To him and his estimable wife there have been born ten children, the eldest of whom, a daughter, Mary E., is the wife of William II. Hildreth, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume; Francis M. is a commercial trav- eler; Cinderella; Partliena is the wife of Robert E. Crimmins, who is represented elsewhere in this work; Dora Y. married George Christlieb of Kan- sas; Willie, Sarah E., Jennie L., deceased; Mar- garet and John are deceased. The mother of these children died in August, 1876. The Doctor contracted a second marriage in 1M77 with Miss Lund Fleraming, and to them were born two children. Carrie and John, the latter of whom is deceased. The present wife of our sub ject, to whom he was married in 1H82, was form- erly Miss Fiankie Y. Young, daughter of Omega and Nancy (Staytor) Young and niece of Gov. Wise of Virginia. She was born in Brown County, Ohio, Sept. 2, 1853, and is a sister of W. W. Young, a law partner of Gen. Blackburn, of Ohio Mr. Young is considered one of the ablest criminal lawyers in the Buckeye State. Another brother, W. D. Young, is the Mayor of Ripley, Ohio, and likewise a prominent attorney. Her father was a minister of the New Light Church during his 3'ounger years, but later became a Freethinker. Both he and bis wife are deceased. Mis. Frankie Y. Home was well educated, being graduated from Lebanon College, where subse- quently she was engaged as a teacher. Dr. Home was reared in the Quaker faith, but when eighteen years old identified himself with the Methodist Episcopal Church and later officia- ted as a minister for a period of four years. Since that time his religious views have changed and he is quite liberal. Although his school education was quite limited, his inclinations have always been toward literature and science, and by improv- ing his leisure hours he has become well informed upon most of the leading topics of the day. His researches constrained him to enter the lecture field, the result of which has been many interesting addresses upon the subject of electrical psychology, physiology, geology, natural philosophy, the horse and his diseases, and < thet topics. He has like- wise been a debater of no mean talent, and in the field of theology has met some very able public speakers. His remarkable memory gives him great advantage in these contests, while his natural elo- quence and gift of logic makes him an exceed- ingly interesting speaker. A self-made man, Dr. Home deserves more than a passing mention, lie who amid the disadvant- ages of his early life climbs up unaided the ladder of knowledge, forms a part of that element which has given to the world some of its most valuable men. Not only should it prove a stimulus to oth- ers, but it has opened up many channels of thought- and assisted the world's progress intellect- ually; and inasmuch as the mind becomes enlight- ened and the thoughts elevated, it must follow in the nature of things that the world is to be made better. Every man who is the means of instruc- tion to his fellows has contributed something to the general good, and is the means of exerting an influence which will remain effective long after he has been called hence. In closing this brief sketch, the publishers of this Album wish to express in this public man- ner their appreciation of the ability and faith- fulness of Dr. Home. Long and close business ac- quaintance with him gave us ample opportunity PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 1097 of knowing him well. A kinder-hearted man is seldom met. He is generous to a fault, unless if be a fault to be too open handed. His friendships are strong and no malice toward one who lias in- jured him ever finds lodgment within his breast. A genius in the use of language, almost a prodigy for remembering all lie either reads or hears, a tire- less worker, Dr. Home is in many respects a re- markable man. We take pleasure in presenting his portrait in this volume. -S~HH3*£M§-'-4- ENJAMIN F. MANNING. The father of our subject was born in Clermont County. I]l|] Ohio, where he grew to manhood. Coming to Edgar Township in 1829, he located on eighty acres of land. Being one of the first set- tlers of the township, he and his family experi- enced the usual vicissitudes of pioneer life, fighting as occasion required Indians or wolves. Using his best efforts to improve this farm of eighty acres, he succeeded in making a home for his family, and had the satisfaction of seeing the boundless prairie dot- ted all over with farms and villages. He followed this active and useful life till he quietly fell asleep nt the age of seventy years. The mother of our subject wasElizabeth Day. She was born in Ohio, where she married John Manning, and with her husband came to Edgar Township, where she con- tinued to reside until her death. The parental family consisted of thirteen children, namely: Minerva, deceased ; Alonzo. deceased, lie enlisted in the 54th Regiment, Illinois Infantry, in 1801. and served with credit to himself until he was taken prisoner at the battleof Cbickamauga, and was sent to Andersonville, where after one year's suffering lie died of starvation. Edward J., the next son. enlisted in the 54th Illinois Infantry in 1861; although wounded in the lirnb he served until the close of the war, and now lives in Bates County, Mo. ;Cina, deceased; Melvin, is now living in Bour- bon County, Kan.; he served in the war in the same regiment as his brothers. Edward and Alonzo; while fighting bravely he was wounded by the ex- plosion of a shell. In 1863 Wesley and Oliver enlisted in the Illinois Cavalry, serving fearlessly until the close of the war. The remaining mem- bers of the family are: Eli/.a, still at the old home- stead in Edgar County: Thir/.a. deceased ; John, is living in Barton County. Mo.; Wesley, is in Walla Walla County, Wash.; Alfred is in this county; Oliver is living in Decatur, III.: Joseph is in Huron County. Ohio; and Benjamin, oursubject. The youngest member of this family and the subject of this sketch was bom in Edgar Town- ship Nov, "-'7. 1850, growing up on the farm. Even in bis early years he was obliged to work, follow- ing the plow as soon as he was old enough to hold one. His educational advantages were limited, being confined to the meagre course of instruction afforded by the common schools of those days, lie can remember the times when wild game, deer, and wolves roamed over the prairie, obliging the settlers to guard their lives and their crops. When a boy he took part in the many wolf hunts on the prairies, enjoying, the exciting rides with all the ardor of youth. The architects of those days did not build houses for show, but for comfort and endurance, so that our subject was enabled to live in the same house his parents had first built until he was twenty years old, when he left home to do for himself. He rented land in Edgar Township, and followed farm- ing until 1878, when he started a store in Edgar, buy- ing out the stock of Robert Wasson. Engaging in general merchandise, he carried on the business one year and then sold to Morris Little, going back to his present place of eighty acres. Since returning he has made improvements, amongst others having planted a fine orchard. While raising the usual ! quantity of grain and stock, he also pays attention to fine cattle and hogs, having plenty of water, his farm being located on both sides of the Bruellet Creek. He has two teams of horses and a large apiary. October, 1870, in Edgar Township, Mr. Man- ning was united in marriage with Miss Sarah E. Little, an account of whose life appears in Morris Little's sketch. Mrs. Manning is a native of Clin- ton County, Ind.. where she was born April 12. 185 1. and came to this Stale in 1858, growing up in Edgar County. Mr. and Mrs. .Manning have lll'.IS PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. seven children, named respectively: Otis Marion, Lulu Maud, Inez Mead. Eflie Mabel. Artlia Ethel, and the twins, Jessie Hila, and Bessie Nila. Our subject is Constable of the county at present, and has been a School Director for six years. In politics he is a Republican, and was a delegate to the County Convention. His wife is a devoted member of the Christian Church. - x. .v-^>r<^-v. _» , . family of sixteen chil- dren. At the age of seventy years he emigrated to Ohio, where ho died when ninety years old. Her great-grandfather, David Gibbons, lived many years in Pennsylvania and died there; the place of his birth is no1 known. The mother of Mrs. Poulter was horn in New York City, and was the daughter of Dr. Rodney Scott, one of the must noted physicians and sur- gi s of his time. The maiden name of his wife was Hannah Gildersleeve. The maternal great- grandfather of Mrs. Poulter was Robert Scott, a native of Scotland, who crossed the Atlantic dur- ing the Colonial times. Mr. Musgravc, the Srst husband of Mrs. Poulter, belonged to the Society of friends, while Mr. and Mrs. Poulter were iden- lied with the Christian Church. The Poulter fam- ily is widely represented in Central Illinois, and are recognized as forming a portion of its best social elements, while their industry and thrift have made them generally well-to-do. p^HEODORE SCHANCE. There is probably in the whole of Edgar County no man hav- ing a better understanding of general me- chanics and blacksmithipg than the subject of this sketch. Of this business he has made a study and a science, and takes pride in his acquirements. lie is far above theaverage in intelligence and natural abilities, a man who has read and thought much, and one with whom it is most pleasant and profit- able to converse, lie has forty acres of fine land on section 33 in Ross Township, and 364 acres el-cwhere. some of it lying in Young America Township. A native of Cliristianstadt. Sweden, our subject was horn Dec. 24, 1826, and until a yonth of six- teen years remained on the farm with his parents, in the meantime attending the common school. He then began his apprenticeship as a machinist, and was in the employ of one man for a period of eight years. He, however, was ambitions for sonic- thing better than it appeared he migbl attain in his native land, and in 1851 set sail for America on thegood ship •'Christiana." which landed him in New York City after a voyage of ten weeks and four days. From the metropolis one subject proceeded to Jamestown, N. Y.. anil thereafter for sis years was in the employ of one man, officiating the greater part of the lime as foreman of machinery. When leaving the Empire State, in 1857, he came to this county ami located in Bloomfield, where hi' es- tahlished a shop for himself, conducted it one year and then sold out. His next removal was to Cherry Point, of which he has since been a resident. He put up a shop, and was prospered from the start, engaging in general blacksmi thing and as a ma- chinist. In 1863 Mr. Schance built the first store at the Point, assisted in organizing the town and was in- strumental in establishing the PostofHce. He pur- chased forty acres of land in 1858, and followed his trade until 187:5. That year he removed to the farm in Ross Township, where he established his residence and improved his land. He operated thereuntil 188:!, then returned to Cherry Point, and is now considerably engaged in the fruit busi- ness. He has constructed a fish pond, which is stocked with German carp, and in which he justly lakes much pride. He at one time engaged in feeding and shipping stock, handling sometimes as many as 250 annually. Our subject was married in Sugar Grove, War- ren Co.. Pa., in March. 1853, to Miss Caroline Jones, a native of Northern Sweden, who came to America in 1851. Of this union there were horn two children: Clarence E. married Miss Helen Kiddle, of Mattoon, and is farming in Ross Town- ship; John G. took to wife Miss .Minnie Brant, of Chrisman. and he is engaged in farming and as a stock-dealer at Cherry Point. Mr. Schance is one of the mOSl earnest advocates of the principles of the Republican party, and has officiated as School Director for the past nine years; he has also served as Highway Commissioner three years. He has served on the grand and petit juries, and, socially, belongs to Bloomfield Lodge No. 148. A. F. & A. M., and also the lodge at Chrisman. His sons are both members of the Masonic fraternity and the I.O. o. F. Mis. Schance. a very estimable lady, 1102 PORTRAIT AM) lilOORAPHICAL ALBUM. is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In the spring of 1873 our subject returned to his native land and spent a few weeks very pleas- antly among the scenes of his childhood and with his parents and old friends. He has a marked affection for the land of his adoption, which is ever ready to recognize talent and true worth, and upon whose soil there has been developed so many ad- mirable characters coming from the other side of the Atlantic. The father of our subject was Olaf P. Schance, also a native of Christianstadt and the son of a gentleman of French birth, who was an officer of the French army, with which he went to .Sweden, and thereafter spent his life. He died at the ad- vanced age of one hundred and four years, and his wife was one hundred and throe years old at the time of her decease. The father of our subject spent his entire life in his native Sweden, engaged largely as a stock-dealer, and departed this life at the advanced age of eighty-nine years. His wife, Annie, also lived and died there. The five chil- dren of the parental household were named respect- ively: Olaf and Peter, deceased: Theodore, our subject; John, deceased; Andrew and Anna, who remain in Sweden. John emigrated to America, and during the late war enlisted in Company A, Tilth Infantry, and met his death on the battlefield of Stone River in the spring of 1862. +*»+ \W7 EWIS W. BOLEN. The mercantile in- |! ((e) terests of Edgar County find a worthy rep- J LA\^ re sentative in the subject of this notice, whose patronymic in former time* was ''Bowling." In order to simplify the name this representative of the family changed it to its form as above given. He is one of those progressive characters, who delight in the march of civilization and recognize the importance of preserving the family record. In his case this is something of which to be proud, as his ancestors were people who left their indis- putable footprints upon the sands of time. His father, Lewis Bowling, long since deceased (July, 1872) was a native of Stafford County, Va., and served as a soldier in the War of 1812. He was among the troops which marched out of Washing ton in time to escape the British, who entered and blew up the Capitol. The paternal grandfather, Simon Bowling, served in the United States Army • prior to and during the War of 1812. He died at Sacketts Harbor, probably about the time the war closed, or soon afterward. Two of his brothers also participated in this conflict and died of mumps while in the service. The subject of this notice was born in Notting- ham Township, Harrison Co., Ohio, June 15, 1832. To this place his parents had emigrated from their native Virginia — the mother, who in her girlhood was Margaret Helfling, having also been a native of Stafford County, Va., and born near what was known as the "wood cuttings." She spent her last days in Owen County, hid., dying about 1866, at the age of eighty-seven years. The parental fam- ily consisted of six children, three of whom are living, and of whom Lewis W. is the youngest. His sister, Sarah, (Mrs. Staneart) lives near Pome- roy, Meigs Co., Ohio; Louisa, (Mrs. Brock) is a resident of Owen County, hid. The early education of our subject was con- ducted in a log-cabin amid the Ohio wilds, where he sat on split-log seats and conned his lessons by the indifferent light admitted through window panes of greased paper. The roof of this structure was made of clapboards and kept in its place with knees and weight poles. A huge fireplace occupied nearl3- one end of the building and fuel was plenty and to be had for the chopping. The chimney was built outside of sticks and clay. The writing desks of those times were manufactured from a slab or a piece of puncheon and upheld in their place by wooden pins driven into the wall. The teacher was not required to have any classical education and enforced his percepts largely by the use of the birch rod. Thus life passed in a comparatively uneven manner until the removal of the family to Indiana, in March, 1851, when our subject was approaching his nineteenth year. They sojourned in Owen County, that State, until May, 1870, then coming to Edgar County, III., Lewis W. purchased 160 acres of land at Five Points in Shiloh Township. PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 1 103 He occupied this four years, then established him- self at Isabel, purchasing the stock and store of J. W.& ('. D. Pierce, general merchants, and con- ducted the business nine years. Hitherto he had been quite successsul, but now misfortune and sickness overtook him and he repaired to French Lick Springs, Ind.. for his health. This change had the desired effect and in due time he pur- chased his old business and since 1884 has ci in- ducted it uninterruptedly and successfully. He knew nothing about merchandising when he em- barked in the business and although paying out over $2,200 for goods, he sold them at a profit and has since been uniformly successful, lie now carries a capital stock of 84,000, consisting of groceries, light hardware, drugs, medicines, paints and oil, boots and shoes, hats and caps, dry-goods, notions, willow and wooden ware — in fact every thing usually found in a first-class general stoic. His honesty and integrity are proverbial and he has consequently built up a large and lucrative trade. The 18th of May. 1851, witnessed the mar- riage of our subject with Miss Eliza A., daughter of Nelson Payne, which took place at the bride's home in Owen County, Ind. There were born of this union seven children, four of whom are living. viz: George W., Daniel W., .lames I. and Adella A. Mrs. Eliza A. Bolen departed this life March 25, 1883. Mr. Bolen contracted a second marriage Sept. 20, 1883, with Mrs. Eliza (Payne) Anderson, daughter of Lemuel Payne, and who by her first husband became the mother of two children — Marion anil Anna, the latter i> now the wife of Lewis Fiddler. Mr. Bolen officiated as Postmaster of Embarras for a period of nine years and when withdrawing from this office refused further positions of trust and responsibility. After the outbreak of the Civil War. lie enlisted in Company II. 97th Indi- ana Infantry, and was under lire ten or twelve (lays at the siege of Jackson, Miss., during which time the city was captured by Union troops. His army service covered a period of one year and thirteen days, during which he gained a good in- sight into the hardship- and privations of life in the army. Politically, he is a sound Republican. warmly devoted to the interests of his party ami keeping himself well posted upon political events. George W. Bolen, the eldest son of our subject traveled all over the western and southern States and is now established as a stock merchant of Kan- sas City. Mo. He formerly belonged to the A. F. & A. M. fraternity. Daniel is a merchant of Isabel; James carries on merchandising and the lumber business in Conway; Adella. is the wife of Harry Sent t. a telegrapher, and they live near Garden City, Kan. Mrs. Bolen is a member in good stand- ing of the Methodist Episcopal Church as was also the first wife of our subject. *«* THER K. BURTON. The business interests of Isabel (ind a worthy representative in this gentleman who operates successfully at ics business center in grain, farm implements, &c. He is a native of the Prairie State, having been born in Ash more, Coles Co., -Ian. 1:5. 1861. His father, Albert Burton, yielded his life in defense of the Union during the late Civil War, dying in about 1862 amid the horrors of Andersonville Prison. The mother, whose maiden name was Sarah A. Tinsley. was the daughter of Henry Tinsley, a native of Kentucky, She survived her husband until 1S77. spending her last years in ( oh s County. The parents of our subject came to Edgar County in 1861 when the latter was an infant of siv months. They located in Kansas Township and with the exception of seven years spent in Oak- land Township. Coles County, Edgar County has since been the home of our subject. He prose- cuted farming until 1884, then engaged in the dry - goods trade at Oakland in company with his father-in-law. Six months later, however, Mr. Burton, removed to Isabel where he established a blanch store and the partnership was dissolved in the fall of 1885. Mr. Burton then engaged in general merchandising until the fall of Ks.ss when selling out once more he embarked in the grain and implement trade*. This he is prosecuting Successfully with a good outlook for the future. 110 1 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. In addition to the articles already mentioned, he deals in Rushford wagons. Besides his residence and other property in Label he owns seventy acres of land which under his supervision is operated with profitable results. The marriage of our subject with Miss Sarah J. Kees was celebrated in the bride's home. Jan. 31, 1884. This lady is the daughter of Lewis Kees, deceased, late of Oakland. She, like her husband, was born in Coles County, 111., but was reared in Isabel. Of this union there have been born three children — Louie. Annie M. and Earl K. Our sub- ject, politically, belongs to the Democratic party and socially, is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. He has no desire for official honors, preferring to give his attention to his business in- terests. Both he and his wife are prominently connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church. They are worthy representatives of the education and intelligence of their community and popular in its social circles. **>&&&*&r&*^ i f, OlIX ARTHUR. Probably no county in the Prairie State has been more fortunate in the character of its early residents than Ed- gar; and among those who came here in '50s equipped perhaps with little except their stout hearts and well-developed muscles, was the subject of this notice, lie was a man well fitted to battle with the elements of a new soil, having that patience and persistence which ensured his success. Settling in Paris Township, in 1854 soon after his marriage, he went in debt for a part of his first 160 acres, and the fact that at his death which occurred in 1881, he was the owner of 1,500 acres of well- improved land with a record as one of the most successful stock-dealers in the county, is ample in- dication of the manner in which he must have labored and managed. Mr. Arthur was the son of Joseph Arthur, a na- tive of Pennsylvania, who emigrated to Ohio at an early day with his family, where he and his wife spent their remaining years. The family was of Irish descent and possessed in a large measure the kindly and generous traits of that nationality. The boyhood and youth of our subject were spent in his native county, where he acquired a common- school education and employed himself around his father's homestead until his marriage. The maiden Of his choice was Miss Eliza ('. Moss, who was born and reared in Clark County. Ohio, and was the daughter of Henry Moss, a native of Augusta County, Va. Henry Moss when a young man removed with his patents. Jacoli and Mary Moss, to Ohio, where he was married to Miss Barbara Arbogast. The latter had emigrated to Ohio from Virginia with her father, David Arbogast. when a little girl. Grandfather Arbogast was a native of Germany, but left the Fatherland in his youth, and after- ward followed agricultural pursuits until his earthly career was ended. To the parents of Mrs. Arthur there were born six children, all of whom lived to mature years, being reared in Ohio and all came to this county in 1851 witii Mr. and Mrs. Arthur. The parents spent their last days in Paris Town- ship. The land which Mr. Arthur first purchased had underg but very little improvement, and its only building was a small log-house, ruder this humble roof the newly wedded pair began the journey of life together, strong in courage and hope ami worked witli the mutual purpose of gain- ing a home for themselves and a competence for the future. In duo time the little log house was exchanged for a neat frame residence, which re- mained the home of Mr. Arthur until he was called hence. Mr. Arthur, although not a member of any church, was the uniform friend and encourager of every institution having for its object the social and moral good of the people. He was also a peaceable and law-abiding citizen, never having a law-suit with his neighbors or any difficulty in his business transactions. Kind and devoted in his family, he was deeply mourned by his wife and children and regretted by the entire community as one of its most useful men. Mrs. Arthur after the death of her husband left the farm and removed to Paris, where she occu ■ pies a neat ami comfortable residence on North Main Street. Her children are all married, and PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 1105 with one exception, live near her. Athelinda, is the wife of George W. Brown, a well-to-do farmer of Paris Township; Daniel; Mary -I. is the wife of John II. Harris, (a sketch of whom appears else- where in this work); Henry II.. John I)., ami Arthur; Addie is the wife of Simon Kisser, of Paris Township. The children have been "ill educated and carefully trained in those principles which have given solidity to their character and which will enable them to perpetuate the family name in dignity and honor. €-*-!*- w /1LLIS <). PINNELL. A residence in Edgar County of thirty-six years has caused this gentleman to lie well known by the greater portion of its older residents and, judging from the manner in which they speak of him, he has evi- dently made a good record. He first located on a farm near which grew up the town of Kansas and engaged in agriculture until 1882. In the mean- time he had become identified with the most im- portant interests of his township, signalizing him- self as a liberal-minded, public-spirited citizen and, in the spring of the year above mentioned, was elected Clerk of the County court and changed his residence to Paris. After serving his term accept- ably he withdrew from the office and engaged in the stock commission business at Indianapolis, which he still follows. He spends the most of his time in the city with the exception of Sundays, when he is at home with his family. He still re- tains ownership of the old farm in Kansas Town- ship and which comprises a tine body of land, 500 acres in extent. He has 2(10 acres in another tract and 1G0 acres in another His residence in Paris is a handsome and commodious frame structure. pleasantly situated on West Court street, and, with its surroundings, is an ornament to the place. The subject of this notice was born in Oldham County. Kv.. .Ian. 21. 1824. and pursued his first studies in the district school. He was raised to farm pursuits and spent his boyhood and youth in his native county. There, also, he was married to Miss Margaret, daughter of Thomas Wilhitc. the wed- ding taking place at the bride's home. Juno 2. In Is. Of this union there was born one child, a son. William C. Mrs. Pinnell came to Edgar C t\ with her husband, but died in 1856 while still a young woman. She was possessed of many excel- lent qualities and was a member in good standing of the Christian Church. Mr. Pinnell contracted a second marriage with Mrs. Louisa (Wilhitc) He Haven. To them there was born one child who died in infancy. The second wife died at the homestead, in Kansas Town- ship in 1867. Our subject was married a third to Mrs. Glawvina (Shaw) Wilhite, by whom he has two children — Brent II. and Exia. In 1862 during the progress of the Civil War, Mr. Pinnell enlisted in Company II. 79th Illinois Infantry, which com- pany he organized in the vicinity of Kansas, and of which he was elected Captain. He was obliged to tender his resignation in 1863 on account of ill- ness in his family. In the meantime he had been operating with his regiment and saw active service. Mr. Pinnell as an ex-soldier belongs to Driskell Post, G. A. R. at Paris. Both he and his wife are prominently connected with the Christian Church. The father of our subject was George Pinnell, a native of Virginia who, when a young man, emi- grated to Kentucky at a time when the latter State was divided up into three counties. He was thus one of the earliest pioneers of the Blue Grass regions, and built up a home in the wilderness where he spent the remainder of his clays, lie married Miss Lucy, daughter of Benjamin and Anna (Christopher) Clore, and who like her par- ents, was a native of the Old Dominion. The paternal grandfather, John Pinnell, was likewise a native of Virginina, where his father lived during the Revolutionary War in which he participated, rendering good service as a brave and faithful soldier. Mi'. Pinnell, our subject, was the sixth in a family of eleven children born to his parents, eight of whom are living. They were all reared at the old farm in Kentucky where the parents spent their declining years. Most of them are engaged in agricultural pursuits, and all arc honored and praiseworthy citi- zens, enjoying in a high degree the respect of their friends and neighbors. Mr. Pinnell may he classed 1 L06 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. among the representative citizens of Edgar County, and especially of Paris, where bis official career has been creditable in the extreme and whose people hold him in the highest esteem. rfps^TEPIiKN W. THAYER, Very few per- ^^£ sons remaining for any length of time in vi^J/J Edgar County, fail to become familiar with the name of Mr. Thayer, who is very pop- ular in this county and ranks among the leading farmers of Ross Township. His property embraces 293 acres of choice land, to which in later years lie has given his undivided attention, so that it has be- come remarkably productive and yields to the in- dustrious hand of the husbandman handsome returns. Mr. Thayer has wisely spent a portion of his means in travel, having visited all the important cities of the East. He attended the inauguration of President Harrison. March 4, 1889, also the inaug- ural ball and Maj. Powell's reception, during which time he with several others had their headquarters with Gov. Fifer. of this State. Mr. Thayer also visited the International Exposition at New Orleans on his second wedding trip, and those travels with his natural habit of reading pursued since boyhood, have resulted in making him an exceedingly well in- formed man — one with whom it is both pleasurable and profitable to converse. In glancing at the parental history of our subject we find that he is the son of Eli S. Thayer, a na- tive of Boston, Mass., and the grandson of Prof. John S. Thayer, the only son of his parents ami likewise a native of the Hub. The latter obtained a good education, having been graduated from an Eastern college, after which he engaged in tin' jewelry trade. In later years he came to Illinois and spent bis last days with his son. Eli S. The great-grandfather of our subject was a na- tive of France. Eli S. Thayer, when a young man, taught school considerably. Upon leaving his na- tive State he went to the Western Reserve in Ohio, where he officiated as pedagogue for a time, then migrated to Tennessee and finally, coining North, located at Charleston, III., and entered a small tract of Government land. He finally became quite an extensive dealer in lands and live-stock. He be- came owner of two farms in Coles County, 111., but eventually sold out and removed to a point near Areola, in Douglas County, where he purchased land. Eventually he took up his residence in Ar- eola, where he spent his last days, dying in 1876 at the age of fifty -six years. He was for many years an Elder in the Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Mary E. ( Bo velD Thayer wasanativeof Ten- nessee, a daughter of a minister of the Presbyterian Church. The father was a graduate of Washington College. Tennessee, of which he subsequently be- came President. He suffered much from ill health during the latter years of his life, which were spent in Paris, this county. He died at Paris at the early age of thirtj'-six years. The Bovell family was of French descent. Mrs. Mary E. Thaj'er is still liv- ing and a resident of Areola, being now sixty-nine years old. To the parents of our subject there were born six children: John S.. a traveling man, makes his headquarters in Kansas City. Mo.; A. J. is a prominent farmer of Douglas County, this State, owing 640 acres of land; Stephen W., our subject, was the third child; James L. is a leading merchant of Sullivan, III.; Hannah C, Mrs. Cawood, is a res- ident of Janesville, 111. ; Mary O. lives in Areola. The subject of this notice was born near Charles- ton, Coles Co., this State, Nov. 6, 1851, and lived there until a youth of fifteen years, attending the common schools. Then, in 1806, he removed with his parents to Douglas County and later became a student in the seminary at Loxa, in Coles County, where he remained until 1869. Subsequently for three years he was occupied as a teacher in Douglas County, then became a clerk and bookkeeper in in Areola and had charge of a store there for six months. We next find him in the dress goods de- partment of a dry-goods establishment in Cincin- nati — William 11. Andrews & Co. — for seventeen months. Thence he went to the firm of Lockwood, Nicholas . The mother. .Mr-. 108 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. Lizzie (Church) Sly, also of English birth and parantage, lived and died in her native county. There were eight children in the parental household, four of whom lived to become men and women. John died in Chrisman; Rebecca and Betsy are in England; Allen our subject is next to the young- est of the survivors. At the age of twenty-four years, greatly dissat- isfied with his condition and his prospects, our sub- ject set out for America, leaving Liverpool on the 25th of December, 1851, on board the sailing ves- sel "St. John" bound for New York City, where he landed on the 1st of February, following. Thence he proceeded to Schuylkill County, Pa., where lie sojourned until the 10th of June engaged on the public works. He now started for the West, and coming to this county located in Prairie Town- ship, and for two years thereafter was in the em- ploy of Samuel Scott. Later, he began renting kind and feeding stock. In 1850 ho purchased forty acres in Prairie Township, where he put a frame house and operated successfully until 1861, when he purchased forty acres adjoining. This he improved, and in the course of time added still further to his landed possessions until he had 240 acres, all improved and brought to a fine state of cultivation. For some time after Mr. Sly came to this county, wild game of all kinds abounded and he killed a large number of ducks and geese, probably more than any other man in the county, selling them in Paris by the wagon-load. One season he shot seventy-five dozen quails and in one week $86 worth of prairie chickens. In April, 1873 he vis- ited England with his wife and remained there un- til the following fall amid the pleasant scenes of his boyhood days. In 1875 lie sold his farm and removed into Chrisman, where for two years he lived retired from active labor. The long habits of industry, however, could not be laid aside, and in 1877 he purchased a farm of 320 acres in Young America Township. Of this he still retains posses- sion, but it is operated by a tenant, and he has sixty acres of valuable land elsewhere adjacent to the town. He has also forty acres in Vermilion County, 111., near Horse Shoe Bend, which pro- duces a fine quality of coal. The fine residence of Mr. Sly universally attracts attention and here he has three barns which fur- nish stabling room for his horses. In 1872 he bought the first Norman stallion brought to this county and which was valued at $3,000. This he kept seven years. He has now three imported ani- mals — "Chicago," imported from France; "Norman Prince No. 21,000," three years old; and "Young Champion." He has without a question the largest stock of horses in the county in which he has in- vested fully $6,000 in imported animals alone. He has taken the blue ribbon six years at the annual fairs for horses and colts. Our subject was married in Cambridgeshire, England, Jan. 8, 18-18 to Mrs. Eliza (Boone) Bates, who was born in Cambridgeshire, Nov. 13, 1*22, and is the daughter of John and Betsy (Peck) Boone, who were the parents of six children — Sarah, Betsy, Nancy, John, Susan and Eliza, of whom the latter is the only one living. She remained with her parents until her marriage and first be- came the wife of Thomas Bates, who died in Eng- land. She caiie to America about the time that Mr. Sly crossed the Atlantic. Our subject has always been a warm advocate of temperance and is now identified with the Prohi- bitionists. He frequently serves as a Delegate to the various conventions of his party, and has served as County Commissioner. He attended the State Convention at Springfield in 188-1. and keeps himself generally posted upon matters of interest to the intelligent and enterprising citizen, lie has contributed to the erection of every church build- ing for ten miles around, probably disbursing $1,800 in this direction. He has served as School Director about six years, also r.s Road Supervisor. He has been Class Leader in the Methodist Episco- pal Church since 1861, officiating as Superintendent of the .Sunday-school for ten years, and was one of the Building Committee during the erection of the church edifice at Chrisman. -!-<>■»- w where ILLIAM II. REED, an ex-soldier of the Union Army and a native of Bruellet Township, makes his home on section 30, he has a tine farm of 160 acres, well- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. I hid improved, with good buildings and supplied with the requisite machinery for the successful prosecu- tion of agriculture. He is looked upon .-is one of the must. Liberal and public-spirited citizens of this section and intensely interested in church work. To the latter he was carefully reared, receiving by the parental fireside those early teach- ings, which "ill leave their impress upon his mind and heart until mind and memory fail. The father of our subject was Michael F. Reed, a native of North Carolina, who. when a lad of four- teen years removed, in 1832, to Vermillion County, Ind , accompanied by his parents, Jacob and Eliza- beth (Smith) Reed. They settled in the wilder- ins- on a tract of Governinenl laud, where they opened up a farm and where the parents spent the remainder of their lives. Michael F. was the second born in a family of six children of whom only one is living, Andrew, a resident of Edgar County. Upon reaching man's estate Michael Reed un- married in Bruellet Township, this comity, to Miss Eliza A. Engle, whose father was one of the early pioneers of this region. Of this union there were horn twelve children, nine of whom are living-, and of whom William II., our subject, was the fourth in order of birth. The parents for a number of years occupied a log-cabin upon a part of the land, which Grandfather Reed had entered from the Government, and there Michael Reed spent his last days, dying at the age of sixty-six years, in Jan- uary, 1884. They experienced in those early days all the toils and privations of life on the frontier, the nearest, market being at Clinton. Ind. The Reed family making the journey from North Car- olina fcO Illinois traveled overland with teams, camping wherever night overtook them, cooking by the wayside and sleeping in their wagons. They were eminently religious and the father of our sub- ject at an early period in his life united with the Methodist Protestant Church, in which he was a Trustee ami one of the most active workers. lie was usually the leader in enterprise-, requiring funds or other assistance, and conscientiously performed every known duty in connection therewith. He was active and industrious, possessing excellent judgment in regard to business affairs, and in his death lefl a line legacy to his heirs, includin." Ton acres of choice laud. The old homestead em- braces 191 acres and there the widowed mother still lives, being now sixty-live years old. The subject of this sketch spent his boyhood anil youth asssisting his father around the homestead and acquiring a limited education in the primitive schools of Illinois. lie was married in Vermillion, County. Ind.. June 2(1, 1869 to .Miss Nancy .1. Green, daughter of Rev. Jeremiah and Chloe (Daly) Green. This union resulted in the birth of nine children, live of whom are living — Alice M., .lames II.. Albert, Vernerl. and Benjamin L. The four deceased are Chloe A., Nancy E., Irena A. and Melvin. The father of Mrs. Reed was born and reared in Ohio, where he joined the Methodist Protestant Chinch. After coming to Illinois he entered upon his ministerial duties and thus labored in the Master's vineyard many years ami until advancing age obliged him to retire. He then took up his residence in Jonestown. Ind, where he engaged in mercantile pursuits some years and finally came to live with his daughter, Mrs. Reed, where his death took place Jan. 7. 1881. The mother died at the home of her son. .John I)., in Lawrence County, this State. Near the close of the late Civil War our subject enlisted in Company C, 150th Illinois Infantry in February. 1865 and served until January, 1866. lie was mustered out at Atlanta. Ga., after having been chiefly assigned to garrison duty. He had become a member of the Methodist Protestant Church when a youth of eighteen years. Mrs. Reed joined this church when a young girl of fifteen years. In 1886 they united with the United Breth- ren Church, of which they have since been mem- bers. .Mr. Reed, like his father, has always been prominent in church circles, holding the different offices wherever he has been located and is now Officiating as Steward and Trustee. From early manhood he has been a faithful laborer in the Sunday-school, most of the time as Superintendent ; he is also President of the Township Sabbath- school organization. Politically, Mr. Reed is a -olid Republican. lie mixes very little in public affairs, however, pre- ferring to devote his time and attention, aside 111(1 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBl'M. from his religious duties, to his family and farm. He is considerably interested in stock-raising, making a speciality of uattle and swine. He has a sorghum factory on his farm, where he manufac- tures from 1,0(10 to 1.800 gallons of syrup per year. Mr. Reed assisted in the organization of the Methodist Protestant Church at Coal Creek, the meetings being held in a school house, where also services were held for a time by the brethren. Later. Mr. Reed obtained a preacher and finally In- continued efforts and solicitation among the peo- ple, raised enough money to build a church at that point in Stratton Township. Mr. Reed hav- ing sold his property in Stratton Township, re- moved to Bruellet Creek Township, organized a Sabbath-school at the Jones schoolhouse, and there raised money, and also built a church at that place, the people of the vicinity contributing liberally to- ward the enterprise. In this work he had the hearty co-operation of Messrs. Huston and Jordon and others. ^p^EORGE WASHINGTON TRIPLETT. In III <^»" tne P erson °f * n * s gentleman we have that ^^J of an active and enterprising man in the prime of life, prominent among the prosperous agriculturists of Ross Township, and the owner of 31 'J acres of choice land on sections 32 and 33. He has a fine family, consisting of an intelligent and capable wife and three interesting children. Their home is without question the abode of plenty and comfort, and they are blest with the esteem and confidence of a host of friends. The career of an upright man and a good citizen is amply illustrated in the life of Mr. Triplett, who is es- teemed as one of the must useful and reliable men of the community. Our subject, the only child of Daniel M. and Emeline (Rogers) Triplett, was born at the home- stead which he now occupies Oct. 25, 1847. He was deprived by death of the affectionate care of his mother when a child of two years, and was taken into the home of his aunt. Elizabeth Jen- nings, in Centreville, Ind., where he lived until a boy of seven years. Afterward he became an in- mate of the home of Christopher Iliddle of Ver- million County, Ind.. where he remained and at- tended the common school until a youth of sixteen years. In the spring of 1864, the Civil War being in progress, our subject enlisted in Company K, 1 29th Indiana Infantry, and was mustered into the service at Indianapolis. The company drilled there one month and was then ordered South to Chatta- nooga, where they joined Sherman's command. Mr. Triplett w T as taken ill at Chattanooga and confined in the hospital for a time, but on his recovery rejoined his regiment, and among other engage- ments participated in the battle of Marietta, Ga., and was at the siege of Atlanta, after which he was sent back with Gen. Thomas to Nashville. Later followed the battles of Columbia, Franklin and Nashville, Tenn., after which the}' were sent to North Carolina by boat and later participated in the battle of Kingston, soon after which the war was ended by Lee's surrender. At Rolla our sub- ject was seized with pneumonia, from which he suffered a short time, and was then sent to David's Isle, New York Harbor, where he remained until receiving his honorable discharge, in June, 1 805. Soon after leaving the army Mr. Triplett made his way back to Indiana, whence he came to Illinois and assisted his father in operating the home farm until the fall of that year. Then, desirous of ad- vancing his education he attended the Paris High School, and after leaving it worked for his uncle four years on a farm. At the expiration of this time he began operating on rented land in Ross Township, and later settled in Young America Township, where he farmed four years. In 1878 he returned to the homestead and remained there until the death of his father, which occurred in 1886. In l.s.sG Mr. Triplett received his share of his father's estate, 123 acres, which he improved and to which he has added until lie has a fine, large tract of land, all under a good state of cultivation. It is supplied with good buildings arid running water. and admirably adapted to stock-raising, to which it is largely devoted. Mr. Triplett keeps about seventy PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 1111 head of cattle, twelve head of horses and a goodly number of swine, shipping of the latter a car load annually. Our subject was married on April 25, 1868, in Ross Township, to Miss Nancy B., daughter of .John Elsberry, the latter a native of Clark County. Ky. Grandfather Elsberry owned a large planta- tion and kept slaves and died in the Blue Grass State. His son, John, left there in 1850. coining to this county and locating in Edgar Township, where he engaged in farming. His wife in her girl- hood was Miss Elizabeth Hulett, also a native of Kentucky and the daughter of Jacob Hulett, a farmer of that State, who came to Morgan County. III., where he died some months later. The mother made her home with our subject thereafter and died at the age of seventy years. She was a lady pos- sessing many estimable qualities and a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The eight children of the parental family were named respectively: Benjamin, Ellen, (deceased), Jane, Joseph, Nancy, John, Rachel ami Janus (deceased). Benjamin and Joseph served in the 64th Illinois Infantry, and the latter was wounded at the battle of Kenesaw Mountain. Mrs. Trip- lett was born near Winchester. Ky., July 7, 1849, and was a child of seven years when her parents came to this State. She remained under the home roof until her marriage, and by her union with our subject has become the mother of three children : Daniel W.. Norah F. and Julia G. The father of our subject was Daniel M. Trip- lett, a native of Virginia and born in 1800. His paternal grandfather carried a musket in the War of 1812. Daniel M. was reared to farming pur- suits, which he followed in the Old Dominion, and later, during the above mentioned war, served as a teamster. Upon leaving his native State he settled near Circleville, Ohio, where he engaged in fann- ing until 1832, then came to this county. Locat- ing near Paris he became overseer in the employ of Mr. Neff of Chrisman. and a few years later entered eighty acres of land in Ross Township, of which he was one of the earliest settlers. lie im- proved a gooil farm ami remained upon it until his death, which occurred in April 11. 1886. lie was a stanch Democrat politically, and served as Com- missioner of Highways a number of years. Mrs. Emeline (Rogers) Triplet t. the mother of our subject, was born in New York Slate, and was the daughter of Elias Rogers, a native of the same State, and who participated in the War of 1812. He came to Illinois in 1829 and entering land in Edgar Township prosecuted farming and stock-rais- ing very Successfully, and invested his capital in land until he became the owner of 700 acres. He died in 1869, surviving his daughter for twenty years, the mother of our subject having passed away in 1 8 I!). Mr. Triplett cast his first Presidential vote for I '. S. Grant, and is one of the most ardent adher- ents of the Republican party. Socially, he belongs to the Masonic fraternity, being a member of chap- ter No. 32, at Paris, and Treasurer of the lodge at Chrisman. He has served on the petit jury, but has never sought office, having all he could prop- erly attend to in the management of his large farm and its various interests. S/AMES ORR. This life has been compared in its flight to the quick passing of a me- teor, the changing sands in the hour-glass. ] IJfj the ceaseless waves beating on the sea-shore, and then forever lost to view, the falls whirling and tossing and then moving on the great ocean, only to be swallowed in its eddying currents. Nut only is the earthly sojourn brief, but it is also un- changeable. The meteor never retraces its path. the water never comes back again, the sands pass out and return no more. So in human life, we cannot retrace our footsteps, but must forever advance. "The moving linger writes, and having writ. Moves on ; nor all your piety nor wit Can line it back to cancel one-half line. Nor all your tears wipe out a word of it." 4'hose who can look back on a life well spent, in acts uf kindness and deeds of charity, have much to be thankful for. Their thoughts turn to a past quietly and usefully spent, and no remorseful, re- 1112 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. gretful recollections mingle with those happy thoughts. He of whom we write is able to turn with perhaps greater pleasure than the majority of his fellow men, to review the actions of a life which is now approaching its twilight. How many hearts crushed and broken he has soothed, how many lives he has changed, doubtless he could not tell, even if willing to do so. But for many years he has officiated as a minister, doing his duty in a quiet, unpretentious way. and not at the same time neglecting his farming interests. He thus imi- tated in his own way the example of the apostle Paul. Mr. James Oir, was for many years a resident of young American Township. Edgar Co. 111., but is now living in Sidell, Vermilion County. He has served for some time as local minister at Hickory Grove.jEdgar County. He was one of the first preach- ers of his (Baptist) denomination in Edgar Cauiity, and was the meansof accomplishing much missionary work among the pioneer settlers there. He is now in his eighty-first year, having been born .Ian. 1, 180i» in what is now West Virginia, but was in those days a part of the old Dominion. Of one of the old plantations of that State, among its moun- tains and hills he grew to manhood. The educa- tional opportunities of the earlier part of the nineteenth century were not so extended as now, but the children usually attended school during the winter session, and were always proud of that privilege. Then, perhaps, the happiest days in the life of the girl and boy were when with books under the arm and lunch in the pocket, the little ones start off through rain and snow to con their lessons on hard benches, with insufficient light, and no ventilation. Such was the experience of out- subject between the ages of five and eighteen years. At that period of his life he commenced to impart instruction to others, and was far above the aver- age teacher of the time. For from early boyhood he had high ideals of existence, and was not con- tent with the knowledge he had attained but was ever striving upward and onward in the path of learning. Not alone in matters moral and social but also in religious enterprises he was foremost. He showed the effects of Christian instruction, for he was born of Christian parents, who endeavored to train him not only for this life but for some- thing beyond. .John Dale Orr. the father of the subject of this notice, was born near the city of Baltimore, Balti- more Co.. Md. He was united in marriage with Elizabeth Johns, a native of Bucks Co., Pa., the wedding being solemized near Uniontown. Pa. After this important event in his life. Mr. Orr re- moved to Virginia, and in Preston County, that State, engaged in farming. The remainder of his existence was passed in this home with the wife of his youth, and surrounded by a devoted, happy family. When he died, he had reached the age of eighty-four years, and his wife also passed to rest at the same age. This husband and wife were con- sistent members of the Baptist Church, and their lives were characterized by sincerity and purity of action. Thev left a name which their children rngard as a most precious legacy, and were.univer- sally esteemed and honored. Mr. and Mrs. John Dale Orr were the parents of six children who lived to manhood and woman- hood, viz.: Catherine, John, Ruth, Hiram. George and James. It is of the last mentioned that we write, and he alone remains of this family. As has been before mentioned, James Orr was reared to manhood in West Virginia, and made that his home until he was forty years of age. He then followed the tide of emigration westward. He did everything possible to assist the church even before he cast his lot with any denomination, and prepared to minister to their spiritual necessities. When fifty-three years of age he joined the Baptist Church ami in it has labored ever since. As a minister h" has been persevering, ardent, eloquent, and above all he has been sincere and earnest. He organized the Baptist Church of Hickory Grove in 1858, and at first they had a membership of only nine. Our subject has not been without the assistance of a helpmate in his ministerial labors. His first marriage occurred in West Virginia, June 5, 1834; the bride being Miss Margaret Fortney, a native of Virginia, where she also died. By this wife Mr. Oir had four children, namely : James A., who was accidentally shot at the age of sixteen years; Louise J.: John I), and Margaret. Louise J. became the wife of William II. Ross, but died and left five PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 1113 children who live with their father in Becville, Tex. .John I), is unmarried. Margaret married and afterward died, leaving no children. Mr. Orr was married a second time in 1845 lo Miss Mary A. Ross, a native of Pennsylvania, near Waymsburgh, in Greene County. She was the daughter of Jacob and Abigail Ross, and has been a faithful compan- ion of her husband in his earnest efforts to promote the gospel, and spread the joyful tidings of salva- tion. After the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Orr. they made their home in Virginia for a time, but in 18.V1 came to Illinois and settled on a farm in (Joles County. This was only a temporary home. and soon after they removed to Young America Township, Edgar County, which was until recently their home, and where they number their friends a ng the best people of the community and en- joy the esteem and respect of all who know them. To Mr. Orr by his second wife have been born six children, namel}': Abncr Ross. Thomas J.. Timothy W.. Hiram E., James W. and B.Franklin. The first born, Abner R.. resides in Clark County. 111., where he is a prosperous farmer. He married Mary Elizabeth Guthrie, daughter of Andrew Gu- thrie of Vermilion County. They are the parents of six children, viz: Maude. Esther. Mabel. Myrtle, Harry and Abner Ross, Jr. Thomas -T.. the next in order of birth, lives in Cumberland County, III. He married Miss Mary Elizabeth Lowderbacfc and has two children by this union — Iva M. and Fran- cis; the third son. Timothy W.,died when six years of age; Hiram E.. the next by birth, died when only two years of age; .lames \Y. is a grain buyer Of Sidcll, and married Eliza Todd, by whom he has one child, a son, Edward Lyle. The youngest in this large family of sons is Benjamin Franklin, who is a resident of Kansas, where he is a successful ranchman and cattleman. He married Miss Lettie Ross. Mr. Orr, the subject of our sketch, as is fitting for the father of so many sons and a consistent Christian, is a strict temperance man and is in fa- vor of anything which will improve the social con- dition of those around them, lie is benevolent, kind-hearted and hospitable. Many suffering and wronged ones have owed to him what happiness they enjoyed on earth, and unite with others in wishing for him and his estimable wife all the joys of this life and the greater ones that remain unto the faithful. ♦ — ->s? ^ '.S> * sr^jf^ BIOGPJpEF?I Archbold, I. N i°57 Armantrout, Hiram 195 Armstrong, Thomas 7 21 Arthur Chester A 99 Arthur, John "°4 Athon, J. F 99» B Babb, Ira 43° Bacon, Hon. George E 033 Bacon, L. B '0*0 Baker, C A °S4 Baldwin, Alexander 848 Baldwin, F. 2 »4 Baldwin, J. R 2o8 Ball,S.O 644 Bandy. John W 198 Bandy, William 247 Bank, First National. 948 Banta,J.H 509 Banta, William F 49° Banta, W. F 939 Banlz, Ezra J 4 2 9 Barnett, Geo..'. 748 Barnett, R. E 748 Rarnett, F. V 639 Barnett, James 603 Barth, A.J 879 Barr, James D 943 Barr. W. W 770 Bass, Henry ---596 Bates, Dr. C. C 852 Bauin, Jasper N 1022 Bauin, Z, 1 '., M. D '070 Baum. C. C 5°5 Baum, Charles M 199 Baum, Charles W 45^ IJ.uim, Frank A... 518 Baum, G. T 5°4 Baum, Oliver P 683 Baum,H W 668 Beall, W. G 941 Bcnuchnmp. N W 961 Bell. Oliver 1039 Bennenel. Robert R Q07 Bennett, D. C 663 Bennett, Henry J 45 8 Berkshire, Robert 863 Be ve ridge, John L 171 Bissell, William H 151 Blackburn, M. A 1099 Blackburn. William . . .799 Blackstock, W. J 1074 Blair, E.N 1044 Blair, Samuel 59s Blakeney, T. W 495 Blakeney, John 489 Boardman,V.R 217 Boggess, J. W., M. D 221 Bolden, John E 489 Bolen, L. W 1102 Bond, Shadrach in Boyce, Henry G 240 Boyer,John K 779 Brady, John 394 Brady, Thomas. 676 Bradley, Dr. S. H 931 Branham, A 528 Brewer, J. W 413 Brooks, John 557 Brown. T. C 891 Brown, William 519 Buchanan, James 75 Buchanan. W. W -300 Buckler, J. C 1018 Buhl, Charles *97 Burroughs, Major Wilson 387 Burton, O. K "C3 Busby, I. N .---575 Bushnell, H. L 198 Bushu, James 822 Butler, W. T 226 Butts, Saul 953 Ca.dk, Philip 275 Campbell, D 270 Campbell, J.J 693 Canaday, G. W 5'7 Canaday, Henry F 487 Canaday, William, Sr 347 Cannon, Hon.J-G 225 Caraway, C. T. . 680 Caraway, J. H 1023 Carlin, Thomas 135 Carter. Frank 75 1 Cassell, Eliza S 476 Cassle, James A 829 Cast, Wilbur 589 Cast, William.. 227 Cat her wood, A. T 219 Catherwood, J. S 720 Cauble, William B 281 Chambers, George W 974 Chapman, Thomas H 867 Cessna, John 313 Cessna, Wm --372 Chace, Henry L.. 246 Chandler, Wm 746 Chandler, W. R 764 Christman, J. S 235 Church, Charles 732 Clark, )ohn G 466 Clarkson, George 242 Cleveland, G rover S 103 Clifton, James 367 Clingan, J. S 475 Clipson, Wm 290 Ctoyd, J. P., M. I> 478 Coake, Rev. David 1054 Coffman. D. A 868 Coffman.S. A., M. D 368 Cole, John 321 Coles, Edward 115 Collier, Alexander 532 Collins, John s fi6 Colson, U- O g j Condon, John 1017 Cook, A. G 527 Cook. Amos $\ fj Cook, J. F 474 Cook, James P 528 Cook, Joseph B -444 Cook, Samuel 236 Cooper, Charles 479 Cooper, Mrs. Lucinda 665 Cooper, John E 695 Cooper, John N ^83 Copeland, Wm 259 Cotton, Henry 484 Cox, Thomas 324 Craig, William 829 Crandall, E. B 943 Crane, John S ...... . . . .349 Crane, O. H ig6 Cranson, John B 239 Crawford, Herod N 888 Crimmins, John M 712 Crimmins, Robert E 1066 Culbertson, W. G 812 Cullom, Shelby M 175 Cummins, John 787 Cunningham, W. O 249 Current, H. B 669 Current, Isaac 256 Current, J. M 657 Current, W. W ^84 Curtis, B. O 781 Curtis, D. S 1029 Curtis, Isaac H 788 Cusick, John T 1042 D 1 la Ibey, Aaron 752 Dalbey, Samuel 447 Daniel, O. M 362 Darnall, A. J 522 Davidson, |ohn 1072 Davis, Henry 229 Davis, H. V 393 Davis, James 337 Davis, Jesse «?? Mavis, Jonah M 674 Davis, Judge O. 1 38a Davis, William 301 INDEX. Dazey, Jacob 271 Dicken, David S 5-18 Dicken, WiUiaih C '006 I tickinson , William 212 Dickson, David 5°3 I lickson, Sil is 537 I'ickson, S. S 455 I i lion, Jonathan 73? I lilloil, ^eo 755 I 1 ins more, George O 607 1 'ixon, Alfred M 34' Doak, John W. N 958 I todson, Geo. W 255 Dole, Col- George 1031 Donovan, S. I' 57° Dougherty, B. F 689 Douglass, D. B ■ -515 I tauglass, J. M 238 Dawning, C. L 569 Dvwtis, W. H 686 Downs. W. H 1002 Dunavan, A 567 I I uncan, Joseph 13' Entan, Adam 667 F.di*ns, Dr. Geo F.d wards, Ninian 119 Elder, A. W 629 1- !li -tr. Clayton 13 538 1 Iln.it. H. C 549 Elliott, Hon- S H Q7=> !■ lliott, John M 623 1 lliott, Robert 70 8 F lliott, Thomas 892 I- Lliott Wesley 583 Fnyjelmann, John N 759 Epperson, Dr. J. C 968 Evans Geo. M . .27* Evans, Hon. David D 732 Ewing, William L. D 127 Fagner. Christian 652 Fair, George W.... 889 Fan rot, Ira 250 Fifer, Joseph 183 Fillmore, Millard 07 Finley, M. T 738 Fin ley. Watts 441 Fisher, Jno- W 650 Fisher, Michael 628 Fisk. J. W 550 fisk, K. W 57 8 Fithian, K. C. B 666 Fithian, Wm.,M.D 739 Fleming, W 701 Fletcher, Henry 558 Fletcher, Jn© 521 Folger, John 745 Folger, Uriah 581 Forbes, C. W 662 Ford, Thomas 139 Forster, James .831 Fcutz, Henry H .801 Frasier, H ira m I- 1 -.i? km , Samuel 704 Freeman, At. 734 Freem? n. H. I . . .; .262 Frei, Hi in > 1047 French, AOgiistnTC.. .. .. 143 French. Ersom 75 Fnltz, Jacob 540 G Gaines, Francis 539 Gal way, John B .798 Galway, W. H, 853 Gardner. Win. H 699 Garfield, James A 95 Garlaugh, H 661 Geddes, J. M 213 Giddings, A Ibert .344 1 ■ idd tngs, Jno. W .763 Goings, 1 - V 402 Good wine, J- W 207 Gossett, M. 1! 436 Giant, U. S 87 Graves, Levi H 556 Gray, C K 635 Gray, William . . .624 ' ireen, Bingham C .694 Gritten, I. a lien 731 Grundy , A 559 Gumm, Frederick 990 Gurley, Daniel (64 Guthrie A rid re w ro4 Guthrie, Thomas ^ \ \ H Hacker, F. M 61S Hagley, T. K 401 Hale,M. W 963 Hall, J. T., M. D 840 Hamilton. Jno. M 179 Hanks. James 911 Han ley, David 1036 Harper, A 5 88 Hanis, John H 984 Harris, W. K 832 Harrison, Benj F 107 Harrison, William Henry 51 Hawkins, A . C 1009 Hawkins, William. -357 Haworth, Beriah 726 Ha worth, llios 468 Haworth, W. H 5 i Hayes, R. B 91 Hays, James 359 Hay ward, Martin 520 Healy , James J 497 Heffelfinger, T 1080 Heileinan, Geo 542 Henton, CD 380 Herron, William G 285 Hester, Cassius M .480 Hester, William 536 Hewes, T F 713 Hildreth, John B 651 Hildreth, William H I I ; llni. 1 11 , ( ha rles 379 liinshau I '1 D. ( Hitch. ( hailes P... I I nag land, I i-:o 3c 3 Mil:, Dr John 743 II'.M.-Y. C. 1 951 Hoi oway, /-. C 232 llolton, Henry C. M . D .. 530 Honeywell, A 713 Hon nold, James L 857 Honnold, John R 8S2 Ffonni Ld, R. D '.892 Honnold, E. H 994 H 00 pes, Thomas . . 506 Hopper, Lewis j2y Horne, Dr. A ioys i unit. William, Jr 1077 Hoult, W F. 1050 Houston , D . J 930 Houston, Levi g ;o Howard, George F 929 Howard, Guy C 262 Howell, Jason W 981 Huffman, Oscar 1014 Huffman, Geo. D 754 Hull, C F 531 Hull, J- F-. M. D 729 Hull, John C 8; 4 Humphreys, Thomas I! --.-454 Humrichous John 498 Hunter, J. D 1098 Hurst, Henry H 864 Igo, Samuel W . . 964 Jack, Reuben / Jackson, Amos 348 Jackson, Andrew 43 Jackson, Jno. I. 238 Jackson, J. 1 684 James, Firman . . . .977 Jefferson, Thomas 27 Jenkins, L. O 827 Jeter, George M 1053 Johnson, Andrew .. 83 Johnston, David 625 Jones, A 717 Jones, E. P 210 Jones, F 371 Jones, Geo. Wheeler, M. D..292 Jones, Ira G 508 Jones, J- H 1068 Jones, Philip 918 Jones, William 1012 Judy, William 1133 J urgensmeyer, Wi] Ham 3 « K Kelly William 414 Kelshi nner. B. D 861 Kent. W. W t; Q KepUnger Thomas .3^0 ECerrick, James A... 981 Kerrick.JohnB 897 Ketterson, Joseph '...828 Keys, M 921 Keyser, Andrew 860 Kilbourn, Jonathan 744 Killgore, Samuel B 969 Kimble, George W 089 Kimb rough, A. H., M. D 2*8 Kingsley, V. C. T., M. D.... 338 Kinsey, Jno- R 598 Knight, E. P . ..950 Knox, R. M 445 Lamb, William H 967 Lange, C. G 957 Lange, F. W g.57 Langley, Casper J 697 Larrancc, Jonathan 734 Larrance,M. 1 497 La 11 f man, K 792 Lauher, William M 1061 Lay ton, D 685 Leach, Benj - F 538 Lee, Thomas 211 Leeka, Dr. Jesse 3^3 Leemon, Jno 297 Legate, John M 993 Lemon, Theodore M . D 715 Lewis, Allen 740 Lewis, Cyrus 942 Ligget, Jesse 442 Lincoln, Abraham 79 Linnabary. O. H 833 Little, Morris 1007 Lloyd, Henry 304 Long, A. F 1004 Lone, Anthonv 656 Lycan, John M 778 Lycan, J . V 776 Lytic, J. K ., M. D 433 M Madison, James 31 Maddock, F.J 983 Majors, J. W 851 Makemson, Hiram 718 Makemson, John 583 Mann, A 671 Mann, W. J .46.1 Manning, B. F 1 097 Manning, L. V .4S6 Mark, A. W y37 Marley, W. D 877 INDEX. Mjrtinie, Charles W., M. l> .797 M ason, James K 923 M nson, I'll n 817 Matkin.T 580 M in- son, Joel A 147 M 1 Broom, William Mel are, l.li" M 265 M I augl ey,T.C.,M I 1 .30' Mi i ml. Mi had 287 Mi ( 01 I, Wll i.un 883 Mi ' ni bins, R. G 890 McCnlloi h, James II "062 McCnlloch, John V 878 McC, ilium. Nelson S 5 q Mi 1 lowell, Archibald 4-7 McDowell, J. I. 448 McDowell, Mrs 1 I ....4:4 .1 ... I nl, n 1' . ' 1 , lohn W 0J0 McKee, Uenjamin . '"59 M' Kec, John S87 McKee, I . U 201 McMillan, James 566 Mi V iv , [acoh s*i 7 McVn . John 2.0 I* cMillin.William Mendenhall.John 648 Mendenhall, Silas 610 M erkle, And ew 775 Merkle, Douglas 784 Merkle, Henry S 1065 M ill r, I...... W 403 Miller, J. W 526 Miller, William -.-.'.79 M illikin, Andrew .. ....Qlg Mill,. Dr. John 909 Mills, Henry 57' Mill,, Mikon ,62 Mills, William II 55' M inor, Gideon 1003 Mitchell, Capt, Samuel 1055 Mitchell, G, D .1026 Mitchell, James N 570 Monroe. James 35 i 1 ■'. Jesse 908 Moreland, Mrs C. T 673 M ..1 1 I .M.I . I I as K 6/3 Morgan. S. Ross 559 Morgan, I. M 750 Morris. I iNeal 842 MoSCS, J. S 585 Moss, Joseph 703 Moss, Alex 7tyo M John 979 Murphy J. H 1038 N Nay, William 1010 Neville, Ceo. N v mb, ( harles 814 N« . !l, Henry D Newkirk, Jno. R 614 New I in. J no. W, .. . . 616 New Ion, L. D ... . . . .$00 Nolan, H. M 838 Norris N, J , M 1) 561 1 s, William 1048 o Oakes, Daniel 628 ' >.■,-. a ood ,111 ( l.ikwood, Hon. J. H 037 Oak wood, M ichael . 260 1 Idle, Miles Oglesbj . i : -' ichard 1 16.1 Olehy, F. M t'S l Ueh 3 , U iIIi.imi 1 584 ( Hmsted, A. G ;<<• < PNcal, Perry 135 ( > r r . lames W 719 < h r, James 'in Owen, \ 1 sxandei D fo*> Padgilt, John 1 ... $96 Palmer. John C 810 Palmer, John M 167 Park, Timothy 339 Parrish, John H 2b 1024 Stall. I J ■ .... v 5 . Sinkhorn, A. J 323 Skeeters, Rev. Joseph 9C9 Slaughter, K. S ■. . . .651 S'y, A] I'-n 1107 Smith . I 'avid K 741 Smith, F. P 620 Smith , Geo VI 328 Smith, George W 728 Smith, Jno. K , . .218 S in itli , M illikin 1078** Smith, R. B 670 Smith, William. 461 Smith, William M 987 Snow, Abncr 749 Snowden, B. F 309 Snyder, E 615 SommerviU •, James 1075 South worth. J. J J58 S perry, (> 286 Spry. G. M 399 Stadler, \ il .1 1.1 1 lohn 'J .i..,i Stafford, John 944 Stalling!,. J — ... .718 Stark, Samtiel sir., rns, Alvin Stearns, Calvin 452 Steele, James M 978 Stevens, J as. H 579 Si evens, Samuel I . Stevens, W. T 609 Stewart, James 100S Stew art, M 91 a St i ne, James M 409 5l 1 pp, V In. .h. tin 1013 Stokes, Richard . . 10*4 Stufflebeam, O. P Sudduth, J . V (j Sullh an, ' ieo. M S li nkc I . Jacob ... . ... 928 Swaim, Dr. P. H 620 Talboll, II. I . P. . |( Tate, John W ... 902 Taylor, Buford, M D 619 Taylor, I ho mas \ • , 7 I -ij I ■ • r , Zachary - Tenbrook, John, M. D 1058 Thayer, S. W Thomas, John Thompson, James 613 l I; in pson , John E 289 Thompson , J . R 299 ■ m. Samuel 743 Thompson .Wile; 899 Tillotson, Buell 755 Tillotson, Luther 318 I ilton, Fn d I ilton, G W 762 I ownson, Ephraim 872 Trimble, M r Triplett, George W . 11 10 Trisler, John 545 L* rover,- W, W., 1035 I 1 11 1 ( apt Joseph. 278 I hi ker, D. H I ucket , G. E 954 Turner, E. C 983 INDEX. Turner, Dr- J no. W 327 Tweedy, A 1015 Tyler, John- 55 Vale, J. E 862 Van Allen, J no. H 342 Van Allen, William P 389 Van Buren, Martin - 47 Van Duyn, John 658 Van H out in, William M 84g Vanneman, Wm. A 640 Van vickle, Enoch 334 Villars. G M 398 Vinson, Levin ... 392 Voorhes, Albert 388 w Waldruff, B. F 832 Walling. H 776 Ward, David ...1028 Warner C. W 765 Washington, George 19 Watson, James 8154 Webster. Miss Sarah 727 Westbrook, John . . 858 Wetzel, Jacob 1025 Wherry, Joseph 712 White, A. L 343 White, Henry 823 White, James E 383 White, William 353 Whitton.Chas E 260 Wiley, Hon. I.eRoy 1065 Wilkin. W. T 920 Wilkins, Judge J. W 608 Williams, J. M 1081 Williams, Nathan 585 Williams, Thomas -408 Williams, Truman 352 W i 11 i.ims, WiiJiam 354 Wilson, William N 1000 Winter, Carl C 310 Winters, W. V 643 Witherspoon, W. P 589 Wood, John 155 W'orthington, R. R 030 Wozencraft, W. A qi8 Wright, Chailes A 731 Wright, Hugh 291 Wyatt, James 995 Wyalt, William 097 Y Yates, Richard 159 Yerkes, Hiram 307 \ oung, Charles S 555 z Zeigler, Benjamin 374 Zimmerly, Jacob 844 Zimmerly, William A 77 1 Adams, John 22 Adams, John Q 38 Allen, Benjamin, Jr 846 Amis, James T 406 Arbuckle, A. T 45° Arthur, Chester A 90 Bantz, Ezra J 4 2 7 Bantz, Mrs. E. J 426 Bennefiel, Robert R 906 Beveridge, John L .170 Bissell, Wm. H i 5 o Bond, Shadrach no Buchanan, James 74 Burroughs, Maj. W 386 Busby, Isaac N - - -574 Canady, William 346 Cannon, Hon. J . G 224 Carlin, Thos 134 Cauble, Willis B.. M .11 281 Chapman, Thomas H 866 PORTRAIT! * p ^H* iS C 1 -* Cleveland, G rover S iov: Clifton. James 366 Coles, Edward 114 Cook , Amos G 926 Cullom, Shelby M 174 Cummins, John 786 Davis, O. L 382 Dickson, David -592 Dinsmore, George O . ... .806 Dougherty, Benjamin F 688 Douglas, Dorman B 513 Douglas, Mrs. D. B ...51a Duncan. Joseph... 130 Edwards, Ninian. 118 Ewing, William L. D 126 Ford, Thos 138 Fifer, Joseph W ,82 Fillmore, Millard 66 French, Augustus C 142 Garfield, lames A g8 Grant, UlysseS S 86 Hamilton, John M 178 Harrison. William H 50 Harrison, Benjamin ........ 106 Hayes, Rutherford II ... go Hcrron, W. G 284 Home. Di . ALel 1095 Jackson, Andrew ... 42 Jefferson, Thos 26 Jenkins, Dr. Leroy O 8s6 Johnson, Andrew 82 Lamb, William H 966 Lincoln, Abraham 78 McCabe, John M' 264 Madison, James 30 Matteson, Joel A 146 McKce, John 886 Monroe. James 34 Ogelsby, Richard J 162 Palmer, John M 166 Peirce, Hon. W. P ..244- Pierce, Franklin 70 Polk, James H 58 Reynolds, John 122 Rowand, John F. 630 Sandusky, Abraham 470 Sandusky, M rs. A 471 Sandusky, James 4^7 Sconce, James S igo Scott, W 1067 Stevens, Samuel T 534 Sudduth, John Y 946 Taylor Zachary 62 Thompson, James... 612 Turner, John W 326 Tyler, John 54 Van Buien, Martin 46 Washington, George 18 Wood, John 154 Yates, Richard 158 Yerkes, Hiram ^06 Young, Charles S 554 Ball, Selim, 642 Banta, William 936 Barnett, James ... .602 Brown, Thomas C -835 Cadle, Philip 274 Caraway, Charles T 502 Cassell, Eliza S 336 CofTman, Daniel A 795 Collins, J 564 Christman, Joseph S 234 Current J . M 502 Elliott, J. M 622 Engelmann, J. N 758 Fin ley. Watts 438-4-39 Fisher, Michael 376 Forster, James 795 Fultz, Jacob 544 Goodwine, John W 204-205 Gray, William 622 Guthrie, Andrew 602 Harris, W'illiam K 795 Ilawkirs, William 356 Honnold, James 1 856 Honnold, J . R 835 James, Fir man 976 Jurgensmeyer, W 356 Kelly, William 336 Kent.W W 678 Kerrick.John B 896 Kimble, George W 9S6 Kinsey.John R 254 Lange, Bros 956 Leeinon, John ..... - . ^94-295 Mann, William J 460 Mark, A nthony W 936 Marley, William D 876 Mason, John 816 McCullgch, John V 876 M ... Kee, Mrs- A. J .916 McVay, Jacob 916 Miller, J. W 524 Olehy. F. M 416 Olmsted, Albert 254 O we n , A . D 502 Pate, Bird C 336 Pollard, John 376 Pou Iter, Thomas 835 Price, Wm. H 316 P ugh, Martin 524 Reynolds, Moses 564 Rickhart, W. V 416 Rogers, Miles 896 Sconce, W. H 376 Scott, Israel D 816 Smith. William 460 Smith, William M 986 Stearns, Alvin 254 Steele. James 976 Tilton, Fred 482 Thomas, John 678 Trisler, John 544 Villars, G. M 758 Westbrooke, John 856 Winters. Wm. V 64* AiB ^0F mm