'LI B RARY OF THE U N I VERSITY Of ILLINOIS 977.367 totflrtcil Surrij PAST AND PRESENT OF PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. V TOGETHER WITH BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF MANY PROMINENT AND INFLUENTIAL CITIZENS. fCHARLESJMcINTOSH, x ASSOCIATE KDIXOR. ILLUSTRATED. 'A people that take no pride in the noble achievements of remote ancestors, will never achieve anything worthy to be remembered with pride by remote generations." MACAULAY. CHICAGO: THE S. ,T. CLARKK PUBLISHING Co. 19O3. "Biography is the only true history." Emerson. n ux4"O"'"u- O 55 PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. soldiers, almost one-sixth of her population. The average of the state was 100 soldiers for every 742 inhabitants, while Piatt count sent 100 men for 580 inhabitants. Nor were those who for various reasons did not go to the front lacking in patriotic spirit. Early in the war, we find the county issuing bonds, and borrowing money to care for the fami- lies of the volunteers in the front. One per- son was appointed in each township (usual- ly the supervisor) to look after the widows and families of the soldiers, and to see that they were provided with the necessaries of life. When the war closed and the soldiers returned the county gave them a big dinner. This was held on the i6th of August, 1865. A committee from the Board of Supervisors had charge of the dinner. Two beeves were killed, and other victuals in proportion. The county appropriated for the dinner $184.94. JAIL. At the meeting of the Board of Super- visors in December, 1866, a resolution was passed, making an appropriation of twelve thousand dollars to build a county jail, and authorizing the issuing of bonds for twelve thousand dollars, drawing interest at ten per cent. A committee of three persons Hiram Jackson, H. C. McComas and John W. White was appointed to fix upon a lo- cation for the jail. Lewis Bond was appoint- ed to make the plan for the county jail and to procure specifications for it. These were prepared by Dennis and Sutton, of Spring- field, and the contract for building it was let to them in March for $8,800. In March, 1867, H. G. McComas, J. M. White and Ez- ra Marquiss were appointed a committee to purchase a site for the location of the jail. They selected and purchased the last half of outlot No. 4 in original town of Monticello for the sum of $1,000. Work was at once commenced, and the building completed in the fall of '67. At its meeting in November the board refused to receive the jail, but some concessions were made, and the jail was re- ceived by the board in February, 1868, and the final payment on it made. The first sheriff to occupy it was George F. Miller. The old jail and lot were then sold to the president and trustees of the town of Monticello, in April, 1868, for $350. The jail has been repaired from time to time and has been condemned repeatedly by grand juries that have examined it. POOR FARM. In August, 1862, Piatt county acquired a half-interest in a farm of 293 acres for $2,948.52, southwest of Monticello, the oth- er half being owned by James Miner. On July 23, 1863, the following resolution, in- troduced by H. S. Coonrod, was adopted : Resolved, by the Board of Supervisors of Piatt county, that immediate steps be taken to procure the title of James Miner to the undivided half of the farm now owned by him in joint tenancy with the county, for the purpose of making a poor farm out of the same. The committee consisted of H. S. Coonrod, D. Stickle and J. C. Heath. The attempt to buy the interest of James Miner was not successful, and in September, 1863, it is ordered that H. S. Coonrod be empowered to make contract with James Miner for providing for the poor of Piatt county. James Miner was to be paid $2.50 per week for keeping each pauper, and to pay $200 a year for the county's one-half of the farm. Coonrod is to maintain supervis- ion of said paupers, and the said paupers shall 20 PAST AND PRESENT be received by the said James Miner as a onmty charge only on the order of the over- seer of the poor of one of the townships, or of the said Coonrod. In September, 1865, a resolution was adopted appointing McComas, Marquiss and Chambers a committee to sell the county portion of the poor farm, and to purchase not less than 200 acres of land suitably sit- uated for a poor farm, provided that if they can sell the whole farm to a better advantage by buying Miner's half, then they can do so. James Miner appears before the county board in December, 1865, and offers to sell his in- terest in the county farm at $28 (twenty- eight dollars) per acre. The offer accepted and on June 6, 1866, James G. Miner trans- fers to the Board of Supervisors of Piatt county for the use of the inhabitants of said county his interest in the undivided half of the county farm for $4,116. Miner was to run the affairs until the first day of October next, and to pay one-third of the corn in the shock and one-third of the small grain in the half-bushel, and to keep the paupers un- til expiration of his lease from first of March next at three dollars and fifty cents per week. Just before this he had been receiving four dollars a week for adults and three dollars and fifty cents per week for children. From October, 1866, to October, 1867. he runs the farm without rent, keeps the paupers and receives one thousand dollars for his services. In December. 1870. the committee on poor farm report that "the erection of a good, substantial brick building is absolutely neces- sary," and they are authorized by the board to proceed with the erection of a building, to adopt the plans and specifications they think best, the building to cost not to exceed five thousand dollars. The committee, con- sisting of Hiram Jackson and John R. Klapp made a contract with John C. Lowry, William Beatie. Sr., James Brown, John Merryman and Charles Stough for the erec- tion of the building, which was approved by the board. The building was completed the following summer and accepted by the board in September, 1871. It was a brick build- ing, two stories and basement, containing eighteen rooms, six on each floor. RAILROADS. The main line of the Wabash running east and west through Bement and Cerro Gordo townships in Piatt county was con- structed in 1855 and 1856. The construct- ing gang worked from both ends of the line and came together near what is now Cerro Gordo. The Chicago division of the Wabash was completed and put in operation through the county in 1873. This road was former- ly called the Chicago & Paducah, and was laid by the Bloomington & Ohio River Rail- road Company, which was chartered in 1867. What is now a branch of the Illinois Central, between Champaign and Decatur. through Sangamon, Monticello and Willow Branch townships of our county, was put in operation between Champaign and Monti- cello in Deceml)er. 1870. and was finished through to Decatur two years later. This road was chartered as far back as 1861, as the Monticello Railroad, but nothing was done toward building any road until after the war. The charter was changed and the com- pany fully organized in 1865. and active work of constructing commenced in 1867. The road was afterwards bought by the In- diana, Blcomington i Western, was sold and reorganized as the Champaign, Havana i Western. It was bought by the Wabash PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 21 and finally bought by the Illinois Central, which still owns it. The road from Cham- paign to Clinton through Sangamon and Goose Creek townships of our county is now owned by the Illinois Central. It was char- tered in 1867 as the Havana, Mason City, Lincoln and Eastern Railroad, and was built through the county in 1872. That same year it was consolidated with the Mon- ticello road just given, and its history from that time on was identical with the road be- tween Champaign and Decatur. The Big Four Railroad through Blue Ridge township was put through the- county in 1867. It was chartered as the Danville, Urbana, Bloomington & Pekin Railroad, aft- erwards consolidated with the Indianapolis, and Danville, and then became known as the Indianapolis, Bloomington & Western, and later as the Chicago, Cleveland, Cincinnati & St. Louis. The Indiana, Decatur & Western Rail- road was built through our county in 1873. The road was projected as far back as 1847, and the company was originally called the Indiana & Illinois Central road. DREDGE DITCH. Special Drainage District of the Counties of Piatt, Champaign and Douglas. One of the streams in the southern part of the county is called the Lake Fork branch of the Okaw river, usually called Lake Fork for short. The name is very suggestive. The river has but very little fall and is a very sluggish stream. In the rainy season it would overflow its banks and the whole country round about would resemble a great lake.hence the name. The land was the rich black loam, but was not very valuable, be- cause it would overflow, and a crop was by no means sure. A plan was set on foot to dredge the Lake Fork in the southeast part of the coun- ty. The question of forming a drainage dis- trict under the state law was submitted to a vote of the people and the question carried. On the seventh of October, 1882, an election was held in the Concern schoolhouse for the purpose of electing the drainage commission- ers. The election resulted in the election of Alfred Jay, Samuel L. Busich and An- thony Clark. These were the first drainage commissioners. Before work on the ditch could be commenced, the land had to be viewed, and the amount of the benefits to the various landowners determined, and the as- sessments made. There were a great many objections to the decision of the commission- ers with regard to the assessment, and they were restrained by the court for awhile and were delayed in various ways, so that three years elapsed before active work was com- menced. On September 21, 1883, C. D. Moore, county surveyor, was employed to survey the ditch and prepare a plat and profile. The original ditch extended from the north line of Sec. 36, T. 1 8, R. 6, to the Grain bridge, a distance of about eleven miles. This was done that fall and submitted to the commissioners at the meeting held March i, 1884. The plat was approved, and it was decided to advertise for bids to be opened March 31, 1884. When the commissioners met, March 31, no bids were submitted. Nothing more was done until September 20, 1884, when the following motion was adopted : Resolved, That the width and depth of the ditch to be dug be as follows: The width from Grain's bridge to the south line 22 PAST AND PRESENT of Sec. i, Township 17, R. 6, be thirty feet at the top, twenty-five feet from thence to south line of Sec. 36, T. 18, R. 6, and twenty feet from thence to the north line of said sec- tion 36. The bottom of said ditch to be one-fourth as wide as the top, and the depth one foot more, at all points than the depth as fixed by C. D. Moore in the profile approved March i, 1884. The commissioners advertised for bids which were to be received and contract let October 16, 1884. The board, however, ad- journed from time to time, and the contract was not let until the following spring. The contract was awarded to McGillis & Co., at eleven and nine-tenths cents per cubic yard, with the condition that if the ditch was com- pleted by April i, 1886, they were to be al- lowed an additional one and six-tenths cents per cubic yard. A short time after the contract was let the firm of McGillis &.Co. assigned the con- tract to Pollard, Goff & Co., and at a meeting of the commissioners held July 22, 1885, it was decided that with the consent of Pol- lard, Goff & Co., they would make the ditch six feet wide on the bottom from one end to the other, and two feet deeper than the bot- tom of the ditch as shown by C. D. Moore's profile from the north end to within one mile of the south end, and from that point the depth to increase gradually until it is three feet deeper than the bottom of the ditch as shown by the plans and specifications. The width of top of ditch to remain as original contract. The time for the completion of the ditch was extended to June i, 1886. These changes were accepted by Pollard, Goff & Co. and active work was commenced in the summer of 1885, at the north line of Sec. 36, T. 18, R. 6, in Monticello township. The work continued all summer and fall and all the next year until in November, 1886, they reached the Moore graveyard in Unity township. On the second of February, 1887, the boat was burned. The ditch, how- ever, had been completed as far as the origin- al ditch extended, in all over two hundred thousand cubic yards of dirt had been re- moved. As the ditch had been completed within the time, the price paid for the work was thirteen and one-half cents per cubic yard, and the ditch had cost in the neighbor- hood of thirty thousand dollars. The farmers near Mackville formed a special mutual drainage district (called Dis- trict No. 7), and cleaned out the ditch above and below Mackville with teams and scrapers. The ditch was afterwards extended about three miles. Some claim now that the outlet is not large enough, and they are contem- plating the extension of the work at least as far as the county line on the south, and pos- sibly into Moultrie county. A number of laterals have been put in, and that part of the county is getting to be well drained, so that now there is not a better farming re- gion anywhere. It has added greatly to the value of the land, also. To illustrate, in 1882, the year the ditch was commenced, the Dr. Clapp farm of four hundred acres, sold for $10,000 $25 per acre. Perhaps $35 would have been an average price for land in that vicinity. Now it could hardly be bought for four or five times that amount. At first, though, the taxes were very high, and it was a great hardship to many of the farmers to pay. The present commissioners are Ed. Moyer, M. F. Walsh and Michael Morris. PIATT FAIR. (Note. I am indebted to Judge M. R. PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. Davidson for the information about the earlier fairs.) The Piatt County Agricultural Society was organized in 1856. No record of the early proceedings of the society can be found. In 1 86 1 an election of officers of the society was held in the court-house, at which time the following officers were chosen : Presi- dent, Jacob Smith; V ice-Presidents, J. C. Johnson, H. S. Coonrod, Ezra Marquiss, Secretary, A. T. Pipher; Treasurer, Elias Hall and directors. John M. Barnes and Dr. Kelly. The first fairs were held on the grounds east of Mr. Bear's residence in Monticello. In 1861 the society bought fifteen acres north of town, where the present fair grounds are located. The only fence around the grounds was a rail one, and there were no buildings. Jesse Warner, C. P. Davis, and Dr. Farra were appointed a committee to see what could be done. It was decided to mortgage the ground to get money to im- prove with. J. C. Johnson furnished the money, and the ground was fenced, and two cheap buildings erected. The grounds were put in shape by persons who donated their labors. There is very little resemblance be- tween the early fairs and the modern ones. The early fair was a gathering in the inter- est of the farmer; it was an annual county picnic, and an annual occasion for meeting old friends. No races were held. It was morally clean and a distinct success socially, but a failure financially. As Capt. C. P. Da- vis expressed it, "We knew the debit and credit side of our ledger, and the debit side was always in excess." At times the people were solicited for private contributions to keep up the honor of the society for it has always made it a point to 'keep all obligations in good faith. All attempts to introduce races met with violent opposition inside the association until 1876, when there was a change in the offi- cials of the fair, and consequently a change in its management. A race course one-third of a mile long was constructed, which was surveyed by the surveyor of the Monticello railroad free of charge. J. W. Warren and C. P. Davis carried the chain without pay. That year the fair was a financial success. Every one wanted to see the new grounds, and to see what the new management would do. Capt. C. P. Davis was secretary, and J. W. Warren, treasure! 1 , arid they acted as a committee on privileges. It was not an easy matter to make the fair a financial success, and some new device had to be resorted to each year to draw the people. One year the principal attraction was to be a grand balloon ascension, and it was advertised all over the county to take place on a certain day. When the people came to the fair, they found that they were required to procure a balloon ticket in addi- tion to the regular admittance ticket before they could be admitted to the grounds. Some of the people demurred. They didn't want a balloon ticket; they came to see the fair and when the balloon went up, it would be an easy matter for them just to turn their backs. But such an excuse would not go, and the visitor must get the balloon ticket before he could be admitted to the grounds. When the time came, it was too windy for the balloon to go up, and a veritable howl balloon tickets, and the management saved themselves from bodily harm, only by prom- ising faithfully that it should go up the next day. They fulfilled their promise, for the next day the old balloon went up about fifty feet, and the people were satisfied. Another scheme to get a large attend- PAST AND PRESENT ance was to have some eminent man speak on some current topic of general interest. Schuyler Col fax was the orator at one fair, Ex-Governor Oglesby at another. Latei they had chariot races, a "guideless wonder," bicycle races, high diver, jubilee singers, cap- tive balloon, etc. In this time, the fair was put on a firmer financial basis, twenty-eight more acres were bought, a new amphtheatre was built, several buildings and many new stalls added, and a good supply of water for the fair furn- ished. In 1891 steam power was provided for the machinery on exhibition. The receipts for some of the years are as follows: 1877, $1825; 1886, $5225; 1891, $6892 ; 1897, $6272. In 1901, the week of the fair was very rainy, and the attendance was not large. In 1902 the society cleared about a thousand dollars. In 1903, C. A. Tatman, who had been secretary of the fair for over twenty years, resigned, and a new organization was effected. The name of the society was changed to the Piatt County Board of Agri- culture, and the officers elected are as fol- lows: President, C. E. Moffitt; Secretary, C. H. Ridgely; Vice-President, J. D. lack- ey; Treasurer, O. W. Moore; Directors, W. W. Royer, J. A. Mathews, M. F. McMillen, J. L. Bodman, R. M. Dobson, F. Bales, John Phalen, B. R. White and Samuel Howe. The first fair under the new management will be held August 24, 25, 26, 27 and 28, 1903. It will be the fortieth annual fair. COUNTY PAPERS. The Piatt County Herald was started in April, 1874, by H. D. Peters. Mr. Peters was an able editor and managed the paper successfully for eighteen years. The Piatt Independent was started by G. A. Burgess in December, 1887. In 1892 Mr. Burgess bought the Herald of Mr. Pe- ters, and the Herald and Independent were consolidated under the name of The Piatt County Republican, and it has been run un- der that name to the present time. G. A. Burgess is editor and manager. The Piatt County Pilot was started in April, 1896, by L. S. Kilborn and Son. It was run by them as an independent concern until the following November, when it was purchased by a stock company incorporated under the name "Piatt County Pilot." C. H. Kilborn was chosen editor and manager. In May, 1900, it was purchased by L. S. Kilborn and Son, the present owners. The Monticello Bulletin is the oldest paper in the county. The name has . been changed a number of times, but the Bulletin can justly be claimed to be the successor, sev- eral gnerations removed of the Monticello- Times, whose first issue was printed in No- vember, 1856. Mr. James D. Moody pub- ; lished the paper for a short time, and then sold out to J. C. Johnson. Mr. Johnson sold, out to James Outten. After a time Mr. Out- ten sold an interest in the paper to Mr. Has- sett, and the name of the paper was changed to the Sucker State, The paper was next edited by Messrs. Gillilancl and Tritt. Thomas Milligan succeeded them, and the name of the paper was changed to the Con- servative. W. E. Lodge edited the paper from 1862 to 1864, at which time he sold out to N. E. Rhoades, and the paper was conducted under the auspices of the Union League. In the political campaign of 1864 the paper was called The Piatt County Union and was edited by M. A. Bates. In 1865 the paper was sold to Jas. M. Holmes, and the name was changed to the Piatt Independent. PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. It was published under this name for about seven years, and then the name was changed to the Piatt Republican. In 1876 the paper was sold to H. B. Funk, and became as the Monticello Bulletin, and has since been run under that name. Mr. Funk edited the paper , for several years. W. E. Krebs is remem- bered by our citizens as the witty editor of the Bulletin. Mr. Krebs sold out to Mr. Evan Stevenson, who edited the paper very ably for about a year. C. E. Gaumer was the next editor, who sold out to H. W. Buckle, the present editor and manager. IMPROVEMENTS OF COUNTY BUILDINGS. In June; 1901, the Board of Supervisors visited the county farm to see what was needed there. It was found that the buildings were inadequate, and at the request of the committee on public buildings and grounds, Mr. C. S. Bainum, a professional architect, prepared plans and designs for buildings needed to cost about twelve thousand dollars. The buildings were to be of brick, two stories and a basement, with slate roof, and to be provided with convenient and modern equip- ment. The plans were presented to the Board of Supervisors, and with some modi- fications, were accepted, and Mr. Bainum was directed to prepare complete plans and specifications. The lx>ard advertised for bids, and on the 26th of August, the con- tract was let to George Lux for $11,750. The buildings were completed the next year, and formally accepted by the Board of Supervisors. The buildings are all of brick, heated by steam, and are very comfortable and convenient. They are three stories high the sleeping rooms on the lower floor being provided with iron grated doors, so that the occupant can be locked in the rooms if neces- sary. One part of the building is set apart for the men, another for the women. Following is a complete list of the poor farm Stewarts : James G. Miner, E. Carver, G. Turk, Solomon Leitz, W. R. Hyde, John Lohr, W. R. Hyde, D. R. Kemper, George A. Lindsley, Ben Cole. COURT HOUSE AND JAIL. At the meeting of the Board of Super- visors held September 10, 1902, on motion of William L. Plunt, of Sangamon township, it was decided to submit to the voters at the next general election, a proposition to issue the bonds of the county to the amount of one hundred thousand dollars, to erect a court house to cost not more than seventy- five thousand dollars, and to repair the jail at a cost not to exceed twenty-five thousand dol- lars. A great deal of interest was taken in the matter, and the proposition was vigorously discussed by our newspapers and citizens, which discussion continued up to the election which was held November 4, 1902. The result of the election was a majority of 167 votes in favor of the proposition to issue the bonds of the county for the purpose of building new court house, and repairing jail. Steps were at once taken to get suitable plans for the new building. A committee from the Board of Supervisors was appoint- ed to visit a number of county seats and in- spect the court houses. January 20, 1903, the bonds were sold to the First National Bank of Monticello at a premium of $1050, and accrued interest. In March, 1903, it was decided to accept the plans prepared by Architect Joseph W. Rover, of Urbana, and he was instructed to 26 PAST AND PRESENT prepare suitable plans and specifications. The contract was let July 8, 1903, to H. B. Walters, of Danville, for seventy-five thous- and dollars, building to be completed by July 15, 1904. It is to be a three story brick building, with modern conveniences. On the lower floor on the east side will be the office and vault of the county treasurer, and in the south east corner the Board of Suprvisors' room. In the northwest corner will be the rooms of the county school superintendent. South of these will be the vault of the county clerk, and in the southwest corner will be a public waiting room. On the second floor above the rooms of the county superintendent will be the office of the sheriff. South of this will be the rooms of the county clerk. The county court room extends across the south end of this floor. In the southeast corner is the office of the county judge. Just north of him is the state's attorney's office, and north of that the office and vault of the circuit clerk. On the third floor is the circuit court room. In addition to this, there is a room for the law library, the circuit judges' private room, the attorney's consultation room, the petit jury room, the grand jury room, ladies' waiting room, and gentlemen's waiting room The heating plant for the building is at the jail. The old court house was sold at public auction on May 26th, and bought by Lodge Bros., for $138.01, which included the heating plant and the plumbing. By .the first of August the entire building was torn down, and the work of getting the ground in shape for the new building commenced. The work on the jail was also begun. The contract for the repair of the jail was let to V. Jobst and Son, of Peoria, for twelve thousand, four hundred and eighty- eight dollars, work to be completed in four months. The contract for the cell work was let to Van Dorn Iron Works Co., of Cleve- land, Ohio, for eight thousand, six hundred dollars. The contract for the heating plants for court house and jail, and for laying of mains was awarded to Field, Shorb & Co., of Deca- tur, for fifteen hundred dollars, and four dollars per lineal foot for laying the mains. The work of breaking the ground for the new court house commenced August 10, and the work is being pushed rapidly forward. Following is a list of the county officers since the organization of the county : STATES' ATTORNEY. James McDougal, David Campbell, M. R. Rust, John R. Eden, J. P. Boyd, D. L. Bunn, M. V. Thompson, Samuel R. Reed, Peter A. Hamilton, Albert Emerson, Charles Hughes, James Hicks, H. H. Crea and Charles F. Mansfield, the present states' at- torney. COUNTY JUDGES. James Reber, John Hughes, James Ater, A. G. Boyer, H. C. McComas, G. L. Spear, Hiram Jackson, William McReynolds, W. G. Cloyd, H. E. Huston, M. R. Davidson, and F. M. Shonkiveler. the present official. COUNTY CLERKS. Joseph King, J. D. Hillis, James F. Out- ten, J. L. Miller, W. F. Cox, J. A. Helman, W. L. Ryder, John Porter, A. L. Rodgers and B. F. Kagey, the present county clerk. PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 27 CIRCUIT CLERKS. James S. Reber, J. C. Johnson, A. G. Boyer, L. J. Bond, W. T. Foster, W. H. Plunk, G. A. Stadler, Robert Hudgen and J. C. Tippett. COUNTY TREASURERS. (While the county was not under town- ship organizaion the sheriff acted as county treasurer.) N. E. Rhoades, Charles Watts, S. E. Langdon, J. T. VanGundy, Nelson Reid, Theodore Gross, E. W. Walker, Dan Hall, E. W. Walker, S. M. Funk and Isaac N. Biebinger. SHERIFFS. John Piatt, Edward Ater, Charles Har- ris, George Heath, Samuel Morain, G. M. Bruffett, Peter K. Hull, Renben Bowman, F. H. Lowry, E. P. Fisher, W. B. List, George F. Miller, John Kirby, W. H. Plunk, E. P. Fisher, W. M. Holmes, J. E. Andrew, George F. Miller, J. M. Woolington, C. A. Shiveley, J. M. Woolington and Freeman Clow. COUNTY SUPERINTENDENTS. At first this officer was called school com- missioner. The school commissioners were as follows : Joseph King, W. H. Piatt, George A. Patterson, Joseph Kee, Thomas Milligan, John Huston, The first county superintendent was J. W. Coleman. The oth- er county superintendents are as follows : C. A. Tatman, C. J. Pitkin, Mary I. Reed, G. A. Burgess, George N. Snapp, Allen B. Mar- tin, James H. Martin and Charles 'Mclntosh. SURVEYORS. James Reber, George Heath, James Bry- clen, C. D. Moore, Wm. McReynolds, C. D. Moore, Henry Eatherton and W. J. Day. CORONERS. Reuben Bowman, W. M. Barnes, M. N. Secrist. MASTER IN CHANCERY. A. G. Bowyer, A. T. Pipher, S. R. Reed, E. A. Barrington, Albert Emerson. Frank Pittman, H. H. Crea and R. I. Tat- man. GROWTH IN POPULATION. The following table will show the coun- ty's growth in population : In 1850, 1606; in 1860, 6127; in 1870, 10,953; m 1880, 15,583; in 1890, 17,062; and in 1900, 17,706. CHAPTER III. SCHOOLS OF THE COUNTY. The pride of Piatt county is in her schools. The school work has been organ- ized and systematized to an extent much greater than in many counties of the state. The first schools were very crude ones. They were subscription schools, and the main object was to make the children able to write a little, to read some and to "cipher." 28 PAST AND PRESENT The first school houses were like the first dwellings, of logs. There were no desks, the pupils sitting on benches made by putting some legs in a puncheon log. A board along the side of the room held up by sticks driven into the sides of the school house, were the writing desks. The teachers would come around occasionally to set the "copy." In the earliest houses the light came through paper greased with " coon grease,'' the only windows that the houses afforded. Since that time the schools have made rapid pro- gress, and we have a system of schools of which the people are justly proud. At first but few districts were organized and these extended over a great deal of ter- ritory. As the country developed, new dis- tricts were formed bringing the schools , nearer to the people. At the present time there are 101 school districts in the county, most of which contain four sections or a lit- tle more. The largest school district in the county is the Bement district, which has ten and one-fourth sections. A few districts have five and six sections. Watson numbers 50 and Elwood number 53, contain eight sections. A few contain less than four sec- tions. The smallest districts in the county are Hammond, district 84, which contains two sections and 200 acres, and Love, num- ber 85, the smallest in the county, which con- tains but two and one-fourth sections. In all these are 90 rural schools in the county, and 1 3 graded schools as follows : Atwood employs six teachers ; Bement, eleven ; Cerro Gordo, six; Cisco, three; DeLand, four; Hammond, four; LaPlace, three; Mansfield, six; Milmine, two; Monticello, thirteen, 10 in one school and three in the other ; Pierson, two and White Heath, two. The Bement, Cerro Gordo, Mansfield and Monticello schools are on the accredited list of the state University. The funds to support the schools are de- rived from four different sources, the state, county, township and district. The state appropriates a million dollars annually for the support of the schools. The proceeds of the sale of public lands is loaned to the state, and the interest on this (one sixth part excepted which goes to the State University) is distributed to the schools of the state. The interest on the surplus revenue which was loaned to the state by the federal government during Jackson's administration (Illinois gets $477,919.24), is distributed to the coun- ties by the state auditor in proportion to the number of children under twenty-one years of age, as determined by the last state or fed- eral census. The amount due each county is sent to the county -superintendent as a warrant on the state treasurer. This war- rant is cashed by the county treasurer who turns it in when making settlement with the state treasurer in lieu of so much taxes. The county fund is the proceeds of the sale of the swamp lands of the county. The amount in our county at this time is $7,565. This amount is loaned by the county superin- tendent and the interest is distributed to the schools in the same way that the state funds are distributed. Fines and forfeitures im- posed by justices of the peace and police magistrates for misdemeanors are distrib- uted in the same way. The township fund is the proceeds of the sale of the sixteenth section in each township. The amount of this fund varies from $500 to $13,660, according to the location of the sixteenth section, and when the land was sold. Every township in our county has sold its section, and has the money loaned out on interest. The interest on this fund is distributed by the trustees to the different schools of the townships, in proportion to the number of children under twenty-one PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. years of age, at the meetings held in April and October. The principal of the township funds is as follows : 16 6 $ 1,563 oo 176 5.9 l6 28 18 6 500 oo 19 6 1,175 oo 20 6 1,400 oo 21 6 5,000 oo 1 6 5 13,66000 175 2,965 56 18 5 1,072 76 195 2,145 o 20 5 4,000 oo The district fund is the annual tax levied by the board of school directors. Every since 1878, Piatt county teachers have had an organization called the Piatt County Teachers' Association, alternating between Bement and Monticello. The mem- bership for the last few years has included nearly every teacher in the county. Mem- bership is obtained by the payment of an an- nual fee of twenty-five cents, which is used in defraying the expenses of the association. In all sixty-five regular meetings have been held. The meetings are held the latter part of September. October, November, January, February and March. For the last two years the association has been divided into sections for the morning work, as follows : high school section ; country school section, grade section and primary section. In the afternoon the teachers meet in general ses- sion and usually have a teacher from neigh- boring city school, normal school or univer- sity to address them. Resident teachers of the county furnish the rest of the program, which consists of a discussion of the books in the course for the year in the Illinois Teachers' Reading Circle, and a discussion of matters of interest to teachers. About eighty-five percent of our teachers are regu- lar attendants at teachers' meetings. The officers of the association for next year are as follows : President, Supt. J. T. Gale, of the Monticello schools ; Vice-President, Prin. H. H. Kirkpatrick, of the DeLand school; Secretary, Kathryne Heath, of Monticello; Treasurer, Charles Mclntosh, county super- intendent. The executive committee is made up of these persons, and three other elected members as follows : Winifred Hammond, Gertrude Dockum and Lilly Lanier. The executive committee arranges the course of study for the year, and the different pro- grams. SCHOOL DIRECTORS' ASSOCIATION. Two years ago the Piatt County School Directors' Association was formed for the improvement of the schools of the county. The first meeting was held in the Monticello high school building. About seventy-five were present, and a very interesting pro- gram was carried out. A constitution was adopted and a permanent organization ef- fected. The object of the association was to bring the directors in close touch with the schools and with each other so that the effi- ciency of our schools might be increased. L. H. Alvord was elected president; Mrs. Maye Duncan, secretary, and P. B. Maxhimer, L. A. Melvin and G. A. Lindsley and Charles Mclntosh program committee. The second meeting was held in the high school building at Monticello, September, 1902. At this time the following officers were elected : President, P. B. Maxhimer ; Secretary, W. \V. Lefever. An important action taken at this meeting was the adoption of the following resolution : PAST AND PRESENT Resolved, That this association recom- mend that all school boards in the county appropriate a suitable amount each year (at least fifteen dollars) to be spent under their direction for books for the library, for pic- tures for the school, or other similar pur- poses. The next meeting will be held in Monti- cello in October. At the meeting of the Piatt County School Directors' Association held last Sep- tember, the subject of school text books was discussed, and it seemed to be the unanimous feeling of the directors present that there should be a uniformity in the adopted text books of the county. A resolution was adopted providing for a committee of fifteen persons, ten to be chosen by the Piatt County School Directors' Association, five by the Piatt County Teachers' Association, with the county superintendent as chairman of the committee. The directors' association chose the following persons : Charles Aclkins, Charles Burns, A. T. Smothers, A. A. Har- lan, H. C. Marquiss, J. H. Coon, W. F. Stevenson, O. W. Moore, J. H. Easton and P. B. Maxhimer. The teachers' association chose J. G. Gale, J. E. Underwood, Clark Blacker, Len- nia Hart and Winifred Hammond. A preliminary meeting of the committee was held in the county superintendent's of- fice Saturday, April 25, at which the follow- ing members were present : Charles Ad- kins, A. T. Smothers, A. A. Harlan, H. C. Marquiss, O. W. Moore, J. H. Easton, J. T. Gale, J. E. Underwood, Clark Blacker. Win- ifred Hammond and Charles Mclntosh. The subject of county uniformity of text books was discussed, and the members pres- ent were unanimously in favor of county uni- formity. A motion was carried that the committee recommend the adoption of books in three subjects. It was decided to concur in the action taken by the teachers' associa- tion in recommending the adoption of Mont- gomery's primary history for sixth grade, McMaster's school history for the seventh and eighth grades, Rational grammar for the seventh and eighth grades. It was also decided to make a thorough examination of the different readers on the market, and to recommend a series for adop- tion in the county. The committee then ad- journed to meet again May 29. Notices were at once sent to all the book companies that publish readers and they are invited to submit samples. The committee met again May 29. The following mem- bers were present : Charles Burns, A. T. Smothers, W. F. Stevenson, O: W. Moore, A. A. Harlan, H. C. Marquiss, J. H. Easton, J. T. Gale, J. E. Underwood, Winifred Ham- mond and Charles Mclntosh. Charles Ad- kins was not present, but he sent his written opinion, and vote on readers. Representa- tives of the different book companies were given an oppportunity to present the merits of their respective books. After discussion, the committee decided to recommend the adoption of the Cyr's readers for the regular or basal text in the county, and the progress- ive readers and stepping stones to literature for supplementary use. It was also decided to send a circular letter to every school di- rector in the county giving the recommenda- tions of the committee. ANNUAL INSTITUTE. An annual institute is held each year. This year the institute was held June 1-5, with the following instructors : Miss -Edna Keith, of the Western Illinois Normal PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. school, who had charge of the primary work ; Prof. Henry Johnson, of the Eastern Illinois State Normal, who had the work in history, and Prof. F. G. Blair, who had the work in reading and literature. The work in coun- try school management was conducted by County Superintendent Charles Mclntosh, for the beginning teachers. STATE COURSE OF STUDY. The State course of study is now being used in every school in the county. It is a course prepared under the direction of the State Teachers' Association and is in gen- eral use all over the State. The advantages which it has over the old text book method is that instruction will be much broader, so that they get not just simply the views of one man. but they study the subjects. In enforcing the use of this course of study the county superintendent sends out each month to all the teachers questions on the month's work just studied. On a speci- fied Friday the sealed questions are given to the pupils. In the spring the county superin- tendent, in person, conducts an examination of the advanced pupils. Central examina- tions, as they are called, are held- in twelve f.-r fourteen different places in the county. The questions are made out by the county superintendent and the papers are graded by him. From three to ten or twelve different schoo's are at these examinations, so that 'here i? given an opportunity to compare the work done in the different schools. Those who make an average of 75 per cent, in the cental are eligible to the final, which is held the latter part of March or the first of April. Those who make an average of 75 per cent, in the final are considered as hav- iug satisfactorily completed the year's work. When a pupil has completed both the sev- enth and eighth year's work he is entitiled to a common school diploma, and when he has completed both the ninth and tenth years' work he is entitled to a diploma in the higher course. Within the last five years a great deal of interest has been taken in the higher work in our country schools and the interest in it has grown. The fourth annual county commencement exercises were held this year at Monticello Wednesday after- noon, June 17, and at Cerro Gordo Thursday evening, June 18, 1903. Sixteen diplomas were given to the graduates of the higher course and thirty to the graduates of our common school course. A common school diploma will admit the holder to any high school in the county without further exam- ination, and the higher course diploma will give the holder certain credits in the high school, so that the high school course can be completed in about two years. The following statistics with regard to the schools may be of interest : Number of children in county under 21, 6,952; number children in school, 4,313; number rooms used in graded schools, 58 ; number of vol- ' times in libraries, 11,450; amount of bonded school debt, $42,645 : amount of money raised by special tax last year, $81,975.67; amount paid teachers, $57,037.65 ; paid for new school houses. $3,087.54; total expend- itures for school purposes, $82,428.87 ; num- l>er of public high schools, 5 ; number of schools that enrolled fewer than five pupils, i; fewer than 10, 2; fewer than 15, 14; amount received from State Auditor last year, $2.620.58; interest on county fund, $456.65 ; received from fines and forfeit- ures, $30. MONTICELLO TOWNSHIP. The first school taught in Monticello township was by James Outen. The school PAST AND PRESENT house stood west of Monticello, near the river. The first school in the town of Monti- cello was held in the first court house, and was taught by George A. Patterson. The first school house built in the city was a block south of the square next to the Presbyterian church lot. Esquire A. J. Wiley donated the ground and helped build the house. The old brick school house in the south part of town was built in 1857-8. Isaiah Stickle was the first teacher in the new house. At first only three rooms were completed, two below and one upstairs. In 1869 or 1870 the upper room was divided. This was used for school purposes until the present new brick building was erected. In 1903 the old house was sold and torn down. In 1894 a new, large, ten-room house was erected. It is one of the most substan- tial buildings in the county, erected at a cost of $22.000. It is heated by steam, has a splendid system of ventilation and is pro- vided with water. A four-room frame building in the north part of town was erected in 1877. Three rooms of this are now used. In all, Monticello employs thirteen teach- ers. There are three teachers in the high school and one of the teachers gives half her time to teaching music in the grades. The Ikt of principals of the schools are as follows : Isaiah Stickle, Mr. Babcock, Mr. Scovell, W. F. Gilmore, A. T. Pipher, J. A. McComas, Mr. Porter, John P. Mcln- tosh, Arthur Edwards, P. T. Nichols, Jesse Hubbard, Gilbert A. Burgess, Amelia E. Sanford, H. F. Baker, W. H. Skinner, F. V. Dilatush, W. R. Humphrey, James H. Martin, F. E. Auten, P. T. Nichols, J. H. Martin, E. A. Fritter, J. H. Meneely, W. C. Hobson, J. E. Webb and J. T. Gale, the pres- ent principal ( 1903). There is a good high school course and its graduates are admitted to the State Uni- versity without examination. This year's graduating class numbered nineteen, the largest in the history of the school. Margaret Davison. of last year's class, wen the scholarship at the competitive exam- ination last summer. J. T. Gale was the superintendent. The enrollment of the school is about 500. There is a library of 200 volumes, and the apparatus and library used for the high school is estimated at $550. They have one of the finest school grounds in the county. Besides the schools in town there are the following country schools in the township : Stringtown, Dighton, Prairie Chapel, Ridge. Haneline, Independent, New York, Casner, Anderson and Dublin. Each of these schools has a good library, and most of them nice pictures. The Dublin school has nicely framed pictures of Lincoln, Columbus, Longfellow and Washington, a colored Ital- ian copy of the Dance of the Muses and an Italian copy of Sistine Madonna. Prairie Chapel has a fine grove in the school yard. The school house at Haneline is brick. The Casner school is a small one, having but four pupils last year. BEMENT TOWNSHIP. ' The first school in Bement township was taught in the village of Bement by Henry C. Booth in 1856. The length of the school was but three months and the salary was $40 per month. A two-room building was erected in 1859. F. E. Bryant was the contractor and J. M. Camp was the builder. Previous to PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 33 this time they had used rented buildings. The school grounds, which are used even to the present time, and make a fine campus, were donated by L. B. Wing and William Rea. In 1866 four additional rooms were added, although they were not all used for some time. Two more rooms were built on in 1886 and four more in 1892, making in all twelve school rooms. A steam heating plant was put in in 1884. On September 4, 1898, the building was struck by lightning during a storm and was damaged to the amount of $1,350, which was paid by the insurance companies. In April, 1899, the entire frame building was destroyed by fire. The fire originated in the night from some unknown cause, and before it . was discovered the building was past saving". Arrangements were at once made for a new building, and in the fall of 1899 and 1900 a magnificent new building was erected, which is one of the handsomest of any of the smaller towns in the State. Cost, $27,000. It contains eleven school rooms, besides offices, recitation rooms, etc. It is heated by steam, has drinking water on each floor and has a very efficient system of ventilation. N. G. Hinkle, now in Champaign, was a director of this school for twenty-one years and was a very interested and capable "director. The following is a list of the school principals : H. C. Booth, S. K. Bodman, J. W. Richards, C. D. Moore, J. B. Lovell, A. S. Norris. J. A. Helman, J. R. Johnson, J. N. Patrick, E. M. Cheney, Mrs. Shirk, F. M. Fowler, Asa W. Mason, H. A. Coffeen, W. J. Cousins, J. H. McComas, G. C. Gantz, A. C. Butler, Thomas Sterling, Miss Bell Sterling, R. O. Hickman, T. C. Clen- denen, I. N. Wade, W. E. Mann, P. K. McMinn, William Condericker, Charles \V. Groves, A. B. Martin, J. M. Martin, Charles Mclntosh, E. L. McDuffee, C. H. Andrews and Arthur Verner. The school was placed on the accredited list of the State University in 1881, under Mr. Clendenen, but was afterwards dropped. L T nder the superintendency of J. M. Martin it was again placed on the accredited list, and has been on the list continuously ever since. Many of its graduates have entered the State University and have made very cred- itable showings. At least five of its grad- uates have won scholarships given by the State. In 1896 Anna Mitchell won the scholar- ship, the schools under the supervision of Charles Mclntosh. In 1897 Ida M. Hinkle, schools under supervision of Charles Mclntosh. In 1898 Charles Dawson, schools under supervision of Charles Mclntosh. In 1900 Clarence Holcomb, schools un- der supervision of C. H. Andrews. At this same time S. R. Noe was award- ed a scholarship and credited to DeWitt county. He graduated under E. L. McDuf- fee. In 1878 a frame school house was built in the southern part of the district to accom- modate those living at a distance from Bement. Joanna Fleming was the first teacher in the school. This house has been repaired and remodeled from time to time and is now in very good condition. The "Bement Rural," as it is called, has a library of over 200 volumes. There are nine rural schools in the town- ship, as follows : Ray, Moma, Davies, Fisher, Concern, Mitchell, Bement Rural, Coffin, Moore. Davies has a cupola and a 34 PAST AND PRESENT bell, and a flower garden. It has also one of the best rural school libraries in the county. CERRO GORDO TOWNSHIP At first the scholars from Cerro Gordo attended a school situated over in Macon county. The first school house in the town- ship was built in Cerro Gordo on the site of the present school building about 1857. Andrew McKinney was the first teacher in the house, and taught the school for three years. In 1867 a two-room brick building was erected at a cost of $6,000. In 1873 a two- room wing of the same size and material was added. In 1881 a one-room frame addi- tion was added. The rooms were heated by stoves, some of which had two, one in either end. This house did service until 1900, when it was replaced by a handsome six- room modern building, heated by a furnace, and modern in every respect. In 1900 the high school course was revised and enlarged and made four years instead of three. Its work was also accredited at the State Uni- versity. The following is a list of its prin- cipals: Andrew McKinney, Mr. Green, John Carver, Mr. Welch, P. H. Harris, . Duncan, A. D. Beckhart, T. C. Fuller, Miss Olive E. Coffeen, Joshua Thorpe, A. R. Jolly, B. F. Stocks, W. S. Hall, George N. Snapp, W. H. Givler, J. E. Wooters, I. C. Baker, John Loeffler, C. O. DuBois, A. L. Starr, George S. Morris, S. Cass and Earl O. Snider. MILMINE. The present two-story brick school house at Milmine was erected in 1871 and cost $4,500. Jasper N. Wilkinson was its first principal and was followed by A. D. Beckhart. W. H. Chamberlain, Allen S. Stults, John A. Smith, Frank East, Mr. McKinney, Charles Hughes, M. M. Morris, Joel Dunn, George E. Stuart, John J. Wil- kinson, A. C. Duncan, C. C. Walsh, Thomas Gilvere, Charles Mclntosh, J. P. Rose, I. N. Biebinger, Warren Sanders, George F. Arps, F. S. Betz and Mattie G. Johnson, the present principal. Milmine is a two-room school, and its pupils have been making very creditable showings in central and final ex- aminations recently. LA PLACE. The LaPlace school building was erected in 1884. It was a two-room building, erected by Josiah Gunkle, the contract price being $1,999.40. The school board at that time consisted of A. S. Hawthorne, presi- dent; James A. Fleck, clerk, and S. S. Mil- ler. In 1903 they built a two-room addition to the house, the contractor being Frank Michael. The cost of the new building and the repairs on the old was $2,250. The list of teachers is as follows: 1884, George S. Morris and Alta Dawson ; 1885, George S. Morris and Naomi Smith; 1886, J. A. Har- denbrook and Naomi Smith; 1887, E. O. Humphrey and Nellie Espy; 1888, E. O. Humphrey and Maye Gannon; 1889-1897, A. C. Duncan and Maye Gannon; 1897 and 1898, Arthur Verner and Nellie Hoyt; 1899, J. E. Underwood and Mary Mohler; 1900, J. E. Underwood and Mary Mohler; 1901, J. E. Underwood and Alice Dillow; 1902, J. E. Underwood and Minerva Goodrich ; 1903, J. E. Underwood, Grace Hobson and Minerva Goodrich. The first graduating exercises were held in 1902, with four graduates. PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 35 The high school course was revised in 1903 and now consists- of three years work. The enrollment in the school is 110. The school sentiment in the district is good. Beside these three graded schools there are the following schools in Cerro Gordo township : Gulliford, Pemble, East Union, Star, Pleasant View, Voorhies, Center 16-5, Cen- tennial, Prairie Dell, Center, Center 16-4, Clark and Lintner. Pleasant View and Centennial have fine groves in the school yard and the properties HI each of the above districts is well kept up. Lintner district is contemplating the 'erec- tion of a new school house. GOOSE CREEK TOWNSHIP. The first school house erected in Goose Creek township was a log house near where the Piatt school house now stands. George A. Patterson was the first teacher. The next school established in the township was the Morain school. These were both large schools, the average attendance being from sixty to eighty pupils. DeLand is the only village school in the township. It now has a four-room house, heated by steam, built in 1887. The principals at DeLand are as fol- lows : B. F. Stultz, E. E. Carrier, C. D. Thomas, C. H. Wells, Thomas Gilvere, A. C. Staley, Edward C. Graybill, H. S. Davis, Arthur Verner, Noah A. Young and H. H. Kirkpatrick, the present principal. The rural schools in the township are as follows : Mount Vernon, Wisegarver, Western, Fairview. Pleasant Falls, Harmony, Piatt Morain, Ashland, Prospect, Enterprise, Ken- tucky. The Kentucky school house was built in 1902. SANGAMON TOWNSHIP. George A. Patterson taught the first school in Sangamon township. The house was a log school house and stood north of White Heath near the site of the old White school house. James Outen, S. K. Bodman, W. H. Reese, H. Timmons, Charles Hughes, Pamelia (Combes) Hughes, Sadie Reed and others are among the early teachers in this township. White Heath has a two-room frame house, built in 1893. The principals of the school are as follows : J. T. Gale, Florence (Tippett) Duvall, D. W. Carper, Alfred Ewington, C. M. Morris, Lennia Hart, Clark Blackner. The country schools in the township are as follows : Galeville, Sunny Mound, Argo, Madden, Centerville, White, Lodge, Union, Camp Creek and Prairie Dell. The White district has recently completed a modern, one-room building, one of the best arranged in the county. The windows are all on the north side. The Argo district let the contract recently for a similar building, to be completed this fall. WILLOW BRANCH TOWNSHIP. Judge Edward Ater taught the first school in Willow Branch township about 1840 in a log school house on Willow Branch. Among the early teachers of the township may be mentioned the following: Robert L. Barton, J. Hull Brown, Caleb and Riley Tatman, the Suver sisters and Thomas Lamb, Jr. Cisco has the only village school in the township. At first this district was very small, but it has been gradually reaching out until it has nearly four sections and main- tains three rooms. PAST AND PRESENT In 1900 they built a modern, four- room brick house, well lighted, heated and venti- lated. It is heated by a furnace. The cost of the building complete was about $6,000. The principals of these schools have been as follows: C. C. Walsh, J. E. Nichols, George N. Dunham, D. C. Shaff, Chester M. Echols, John C. Hall, D. C. Shaff, T. H. Pease, E. S. Jones, J. R. Simer and Henry C. Gross, the present principal. The other schools in the township are as follows : New Union, Excelsior, Wild Cat, Shady Nook, East Cisco, West Cisco, Oak Grove, Willow Branch, Havely, Riverside. Dillow, Hanover, Baker, Grove. The Riverside school house was built in 1900 and the East Cisco in 1901. The Wil- low Branch school has always been a large one. Recently the house has been extensively repaired, new seats put in and a well sunk. UNITY TOWNSHIP. The first school house in Unity township was a very primitive one, even having the paper windows. It was taught by John Col- lins about 1842. The first school house in Mackville was built in 1858 and was taught by James Lewis. Among the early teachers in the township may be mentioned the fol- lowing: Peter A. Hamilton, Gilbert A. Bur- gess, George W. Poole, J. A. Hawks, J. H. Easton, Mrs. J. A. Hawks, Joseph Trench- ard. John A. Hardenbrook and wife, C. H. Righter and Miss Anna Davis. The first school houses were Shonkwiler, Harshbarger, Mackville and Tryon. Pier- son first belonged to the Tryon district and was a part of that district until 1882. The last school in the old Tryon school house was taught by William Wilson in 1882-3. Tnc house stood just south of A. B. Chambers and a mile and a half south of the Easton school house. In the spring of 1883 the Pierson district was formed. George F. Righter taught the first school here in the school year of 1883-4. He was followed by Belle Barnes, William Loveless, Emily God- win, John H. Easton, Anna Davies, Bell (Righter) Snider. Alberta Easton, B. M. Godwin, Rhoda Lowe, Otto C. Adams and Edward Erhardt. In the meantime the village of Pierson had been growing and they had to have a larger school house, so in the fall of 1892 the present two-room building was com- pleted. Miss Mollie Birks was the first prin- cipal . teaching there the school year of 1892-3. The other principals at Pierson in order are as follows : Holton Hall, John P. Rose, F. S. Betz, Alice Withers and Henry C. Gross. Up to 1876 the pupils from Hammond attended the Love school, which was sit- situated northwest of Hammond, near where the present Hammond cemetery is. In 1876 the school house was moved into Hammond. John Hughes taught the first school in the new location. Among the other teachers in the one-room school house at Hammond may be mentioned : Laura Hines, Levi Harber, Mr. Humphrey and Amos M. Sharp. In 1882 a new two-room house was built and George S. Morris was the first principal. In the summer of 1896 two additional rooms were added. The building is now a four- room frame house, heated by a furnace. The rooms are nicely decorated and some good work is being done there. Four teachers are employed. The list of principals is as fol- lows : George S. Morris, Frank Godwin. W. W. Larrahee. D. L. Baker, John LoefHer, William Theobald, L. C. Foster, Warren Sanders, Jennie B. Burks. J. T. Gale, S. S. PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 37 Mountz and X. B. Bonham, the present principal. The At\voocl district \vas organized as a union district in the spring of 1884. The town of At\vc;od is built right along the count}- line, between Piatt and Douglas, the county line being the main street of the vil- lage. Previous to 1884 the Atwood children on the Douglas side went to the Otter school and those in Piatt county went to the Mack- ville school. Either school was about a mile and a half from town. A four-room house was erected in 1884. Three rooms were used the first year and James Hicks was the first principal. In 1886 four rooms were used. Afterwards a two-room addition was built and the house now contains six rooms. In 1901 a steam heating plant was installed. For some time there was considerable oppo- sition to the district from the Douglas side. The Atwood district maintained school in the old Otter house until 1894, when two sections in Douglas county were taken from the Atwood district and those who objected to the management of affairs at Atwood were placed in the Garret district. Following is the complete list of the At- wood principals in order : James Hicks, John Smith, George S. Morris, T. J. Haney, Charles Gott, W. E. Knott, C. H. Bonnell, M. A. Hester and M. A. Thrasher, the pres- ent principal. There are ten rural schools in the town- ship, as follows : Baird, McCabe, Shonk- wiler. Baker, Morgan, Leavitt, Easton, Harshbarger, Love and Maple Grove. BLUE RIDGE TOWNSHIP. The first school house was built about 1854. The Mansfield school is the only graded school in the township. The first house in Mansfield was a frame one, which jStood in the east part of town. The brick house was built in; 1893 at a cost of about $12,000. It is a modern brick building of six rooms, heated by steam. A four years' high school course was adopted in 1902, and its work has been accredited by the State University. The principals are as follows : G. N. Snapp (2), 1890-91; L. D. Stearns (4), L. B. White, C. C. Faust, J. M. Markel and T. L. Cook. The rural schools in Blue Ridge town- ship are as follows : Blue Ridge, Langley, Van Meter, West Point, Gillespie, McGath, Watson, South Prairie, Klinger, Victory, Pleasant Grove, Number Six, Elwood. The Gillespie is a modern one-room house, built in 1901. The McGath house was extensively repaired in 1902 and practically made into a new house, and the West Point school house was repaired and worked. over in 1903, and the Langley school in 1900. The Blue Ridge school house is brick, all the others are frame. CHAPTER IV. MONTICELLO. The location of Monticello is almost an ideal place for a town. The country is roll- ing and affords excellent drainage; it is near the river and is in the center of a very fine farming and stock country. It is the oldest town in the county, having been laid out in PAST AND PRESENT 1837, four years before the county was or- ganized. Just before this the nearest town at which they could trade was Decatur, about twenty-five miles away by road. The people around here thought that that was too far to go to do their trading and concluded to start a town. A committee consisting of Abraham Marquiss, William Barns, Major McReynolds and J. A. Piatt was appointed to select a location for a town. They searched up and down both sides of the San- gamon and finally decided on the present location. It was indeed a good selection, and they would have had to search long and care- fully to find a better one. It is in the midst of a fine country and is just rolling enough to make a good location. The principal streets of the city are sloping and will almost drain and clean themselves. The land was once owned by James A. Piatt, who sold part of it. The four men mentioned above formed a stock company and laid out the town. It was platted by James A. Piatt, surveyed by Mr. McClel- land and named by Major McReynolds after the home of President Jefferson. The plat was recorded July i, 1837. On July 4th a grand barbecue was held. This was done to attract people to the new town and to sell the lots. The barbecue was very successful from both points of view. A large crowd attended the barbecue. Beeves, hogs and sheep were roasted and a general good time was had. A number of lots were sold, the price obtained being in the neigh- borhood of $2,700. The original plat of Monticello did not include the Heyworth house, erected on what is now the Lodge place. The first house in the limits of the city was a small store house which stood on the northwest corner of the square, where the First National Bank is now located. It was built in 1837 by Mr. Cass, the first merchant in the town. The first dwelling house was built in 1839 by Mr. Nicholas Devore. The house was several 9 years in building and went by the name of "Old Fort" for a number of years. The sec- ond dwelling house in the town was built by John Tenbrooke. It was a log house and served for a hotel. The third house was erected by James Outten just opposite the jail. The fourth house was a little black- smith shop near the Honselman House, one block south of the square. In 1839 this was the extent of Monticello. In 1841 Daniel Stickel opened the first regular store in the town on the south side of the present square. J. C. Johnson opened the first drug store and was the first regular postmaster. The first physician who settled in Monticello was Dr. King. The first preaching in the town was at the home of Mr. Outten, where a circuit rider of the M. E. church stopped once a month. In 1843 and 1844 Rev. Peter Cartwright held meet- ings in the old court house. He was quite a noted character in his day. The first church in the town was built in 1848, two blocks south and one west of the square. It was a Methodist church. Monticello was made a city in 1872. The first election under the new system of gov- ernment was held December 17, 1872, and Daniel Stickel was elected first mayor and William T. Foster, B. B. Jones, E. G. Knight, J. A. Hill, John Keenan and James M. Holmes aldermen. William D. Shultz was elected clerk ; A. T. Pipher attorney ; J. T. YanGundy treasurer. In 1893 (December 5) the city was laid off into three wards for the administration of municipal affairs. The electric light plant was put in in PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 39 1891, the city water works system installed in 1892, the town hall was built in 1896 and the Allerton library was founded in 1897. The system of wards was abolished in 1902. Following is a list of the mayors : 1872-1876 Daniel Stickle. 1876-1878 C. P. Davis and S. H. Hub- bell. 1878-1880 Samuel Reed. 1880-1882 W. H. Plunk. 1882-1884 Bert Emerson. 1884-1885 Julius A. Brown. 1885-1887 W. H. Plunk. 1887-1891 A. L. Rodgers. 1891-1893 John E. Andrew. 1893-1895 R. T. Ayre. 1895-1897 John E. Andrew elected. Served a short time and resigned. Reber Huston was appointed by City Council to fill vacancy until election could be held. Elec- tion held June 25, 1895, and W. J. Britton lected, who filled out unexpired term. 1897-1899 John A. Bender. 1899-1901 John E. Andrew. 1901-1903 Allen F. Moore.. 1903 Wilbur F. Stevenson. MONTICELLO WATER WORKS. The first definite action looking towards city water works was taken in 1889. At the meeting of the City Council held September 3. 1889, a petition signed by forty-four citi- zens was read, asking the council to take action to establish a system of water works. On motion of Alderman C. N. Rhoades the mayor was instructed. to appoint a commit- tee of seven to investigate the matter and re- port conclusions three of the committee to be memliers of the council and four of them citizens. Mayor A. L. Rodgers appointed the following persons on the committee : J. A. Bender, W. R. Yazle, R. R. Meredith, J. A. Brown, W. H. Plunk, G. A. Stadler and F.'V. Dilatush. The committee made a very careful investigation of the matter and made a report to the council November 5, 1889 as follows : A supply of water can be obtained any- where in the northern portion of the city in three different ways by using the well pur- chased of the coal company, by sinking a large surface well fifty or seventy feet deep, or by putting down two or three tubular wells about three hundred feet deep. Any of these methods will furnish water in abundance ; but for the best and purest water we recommend the deep tubular wells, as that which will give the most satisfactory results for the least money. Of the various systems of water works in use the "combined system" of direct pressure from the pump, together with an elevated tank, would be the most durable and economical for our city. This system would be the most effective in use, least expensive to operate, and the first cost to protect a width of six blocks from north to south through the business portion of the city would not exceed $15,000. Tais includes sinking the wells, pump, tank, power house, etc., in fact, the system completed, tested and ready to be received by the city. Under the present law owing to the low val- uation of the city's taxable property but $13,500 could be raised by bonds, 5 per cent, of the valuation being the limit for which a city can bond itself for water works. By raising $1,500 additional by a special tax our city can be as effectually protected as any- city can be, and in view of the helpless con- dition in case of fire at present, we believe our city cannot afford to be longer without this aid. PAST AND PRESENT We therefore recommend that you sub- mit the question to a vote of the people, plac- ing- the cost at a maximum of $15.000, all of which is unanimously concurred in by your committee. Signed by all members of com- mittee. The council postponed action on the re- port of the committee and nothing more was done with the matter for nearly a year. On September 2, 1890, the council decided "to proceed to buy location for water works for city" and the clerk was directed to advertise for bids for sinking a six-inch well. It was decided to buy from H. E. Huston the east half of lots 5 and 6 and all of lot 7, block 10, in Rawlins' addition to Monticello, for $330, as a location for well and plant. October 15, 1890, the contract for sink- ing the well was let to the J. W. Mohler Company at the following price: First 100 feet, $2.25 per foot; next 50 feet, $2.75 per foot, and from 150 to 500 feet, $3.00 per foot. The well was finished the following spring and was put down 311 feet. On October 13, 1891, an ordinance was passed providing for bonding the city for $9,000 for the purpose of instituting a waier-works plant. The bonds were sold to Parson, Leach & Co. The contract for the construction of the water works plant complete with the excep- tion of the pipe lines was awarded to George Cadogan Morgan for $10,450. The contract for water mains laid complete with all con- nections was awarded to Mueller Plumbing and Heating Company for $12,890. The work was completed and the plant installed in 1892. Later an eight-inch well 209 feet deep was sunk. The water in each well stands within twenty feet of the top and is un- usually clear and pure. The working valves of the pump are 100 feet down. The water f tower is seventy feet high and forty-one feet in circumference at the base. On top of this is the stand-pipe, fifty feet high, twelve feet in diameter at base and ten feet at top. The tank holds about 36,000 gallons. The water is first pumped into a reser- voir, which holds 56,000 gallons, and is forty feet in diameter. On the eight-inch well is an Aurora pump and on the six-inch well a Cook pump. The water is forced from the reservoir by a Dean pressure pump. The stroke of this pump is fourteen inches, the plunger is eight and one-half inches in diam- eter, and the steam cylinder ten inches in diameter. The pump will throw 600 gallons per minute. In case of fire the water is pumped directly into the main, and some idea of the force with which it is sent may be ob- tained when you are told that they have sent water over a three-story elevator (Peck's) at least 100 feet away. There are two seventy-five horse-power boilers, put in new in 1899. J. J. Bell is the city engineer and has been for. the past two years. William Hodson is night man. The fire company was organized in 1893. It is a very efficient organization and has done excellent work for the city. Perhaps the worst fire it has ever had to fight was the Peck elevator fire. The fire originated in the upper story and before the fire company arrived it had spread over nearly the whole roof, and it seemed impossible to save the building. The boys went to work with a will and in a short time had the fire under control. The roof had to be replaced, and quite a good deal of repairs made on the upper story, but aside from this, the dam- ages to the building by fire were not very great. The company responds readily to all calls for help in case of fire and is worthy of commendation. The following persons compose the team PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. at present: John Miller, chief; T. A. Tull, secretary ; Scott Tinsman, Thomas Widder- heim. \\'ill Fisher. Will Skelton, Ben Facius, Robert Huhbard, George Peck, Wade Mitch- ell, Claude Weaver, R. M. Zybell and Sam- uel Cooper. TOWN HALL. At the town meeting held at the Baptist church on April 2, 1895. Daniel Hall made the following motion, which was adopted : Resolved, That the sum of $15,000 be raised by taxation in the township of Monti- cello, Piatt county, Illinois, in the year 1894, for the purpose of buying site and erecting thereon a town hall and a room for a public library for the use of the inhabitants of said township. On motion of J. E. Evans the moderator was authorized to appoint a committee of five to procure a site. and to proceed to erect thereon a town hall and a room for a library. The moderator, Wm. H. Kratz, appointed Caleb A. Tatman, Frank V. Dilatush, George F. Rhoades. James L. Allman, Her- bert D. Peters. The committee purchased the west half of cutlot 2. original town of Monticello, as a site for said building at $1,500. H. D. Peters resigned and J. W. Coleman was chosen in his place. The (.riginal plans for the building were drawn by Seely Brown, which were ac- cepted and paid for by the committee, who advertised for bids for the erection of the house according to the plans and specifica- tions. The committee considered all the bids too high and all were rejected. The con- tract for the building was let July 13, 1896, to Mr. Gill, who drew a plan similar to the original one made by Mr.- Brown. The con- tract price was $13,000, which included everything complete, except heating, seating and stage fixtures. The building was com- pleted and accepted the following spring, at the town meeting held April 6. 1897, the committee appointed to have charge of the erection of the building was dicharged and the building was turned over to the town board. At this same meeting, on motion of C. A. Tatman, the chair appointed a com- mittee of six to act as a library committee in all matters pertaining to the Allerton library. The chairman (W. E. Krebs) appointed C. A. Tatman, J. W. Coleman, F. V. Dilatush. A. C. Thompson, (i. F. Rhoades and James L. Allman. The work of this committee is done by the town board, which at the present time consists of the following persons : H. P. Harris, supervisor ; Albert Hirt, town clerk ; M. N. Secrist and W. J. Porter, jus- tices of the peace. The Monticello Cemetery Association was organized May 2, 1873. The following were its first officers : President, J. W. Coleman; secretary and treasurer, H. E. Huston ; directors : W. E. Lodge, Charles Watts, George F. Miller. Twenty acres of ground were purchased about a mile north of town and laid out on modern landscape plans. This work was in charge of Dr. J. W. Coleman, who has been president and superintendent since its or- ganization. The ground was well chosen, being broken, thus permitting of ornamenta- tion. Excellent taste has l>een displayed in laying off the grounds. The driveways and walks are kept in excellent condition, and the cemetery is one of the most beautiful in the State. On the highest rise a large block has been reserved for the soldiers. In the center of this is a tall pole, from which "Old Glory" floats on Memorial Day. PAST AND PRESENT The financial affairs have been well man- aged. Besides the original twenty acres one tract of seven acres and another of eight acres have been added, so that the ground now extends to the Camp Creek road, and in all are thirty-five acres all paid for. There are something over one thousand graves in the cemetery. William Milligan has had the care of the grounds for over four years and takes great pride in keeping them in order. The present officers of the association are as follows : President, Dr. J. W. Coleman ; secretary and treasurer, A. L. Rodgers; di- rectors : S. R. Reed, M. Hazzard and W. F. Lodge. FARMERS' ELEVATOR. Steps are being taken to form a Farmers' Grain Company for the purpose of getting an elevator and shipping their own grain. A meeting of the farmers was held in the Tow'n Hall July 6, 1903. S. H. Minear acted as chairman of the meeting. The matter was discussed and W. W. Royer, James L. All- man, John Salyers, N. P. Kelley and J. M. Smith were chosen as commissioners to ap- ply for a license to form a grain company. It was voted to have the capital stock of the company $10,000, shares $50 each and limit ownerships to four shares. Already similar companies have been formed at Bement, Galesville, Atwood, Lodge, Voorhies. The Allerton library was founded in 1897 by Agnes C. Allerton. Mrs. Allerton furnished the books, furni- ture and pictures. At first there were 2,500 volumes. Since then 1,700 volumes have been added and the total number now is 4.200. Monticello township furnishes the light, heat and salary of librarian. The books have been very carefully se- lected, the reference library being unusually good. There are over 500 volumes of bound periodicals and the following magazines are complete : New England, Century and Har- per. All who live in the township are en- titled to the privilege of the library. Those outside may have the privilege of the library by paying $2.50 per year. BANKS. The first bank in Monticello was started November i, 1870, under the firm name of Robert Huston & Co., H. V. Moore being one of the firm. In 1872 A. J. Dighton was taken in as a partner and the business was done under the firm name of Huston, Moore & Dighton. In 1878 A. J. Dighton died and the business was conducted under the firm name of Houston & Moore. In 1880 Mr. Moore bought out Mr. Huston and the bank was run by H. V. Moore. In 1883 W. H. Plunk became interested in the bank and ever since it has been conducted under the firm name of H. V. Moore & Co. It does a large general banking business, and on ac- count of its wise and conservative manage- ment and the financial standing of its owners it is considered one of the safest banking in- stitutions in the State. In November, 1883, Dr. William Noeck- er started a private bank in the room now oc- cupied by the First' National Bank. About six years later George A. Stadler was taken in as a partner and the business was con- ducted under the firm name of William Noecker & Co. Later John N. Dighton came in as a partner. On December 15, 1892, the bank became the First National Bank of Monticello, with a capital stock of $100,000. The following were the officers: Wil- PIATT COUNTY, . ILLINOIS. 43 liam Noecker, president; John N. Dighton, vice-president; O. W. Moore, cashier; Wil- liam Dighton, assistant cashier. ; Directors : William Noecker, J. L. Allman, F. V. Dila- tush, C. A. Tatman, A. C. Thompson, John Kirby, J. N. Dighton, W. F. Stevenson, R. T. Ayre. These officers were continued until the death of William Noecker in 1897, when the following officers were elected and are the officers of the institution at this time : President, John N. Dighton; vice-presi- dent, William Dighton.; cashier, O. W. Moore; assistant cashier, George B. Noecker. Directors : J. L. Allman, F. V. Dilatush, William Dighton, C. A. Tatman, A. C. Thompson, John Kirby, J. N. Dighton, W. F. Stevenson, R. T. Ayre. The bank was remodeled in 1899 and a burglar-proof steel-lined vault put in. It is fitted with safety deposit boxes and other modern steel furniture. The deposits June 9, 1903, were $377,- 474.06. The Dighton-Dilatush Loan Company was organized October 31, 1900, for the purpose of making real estate loans. The capital stock of the company is $30,000. The following are the present officers: President, John N. Dighton; vice-president, William Dighton; cashier, F. V. Dilatush; assistant cashier, Frank Hetishee. Directors: John N. Dighton, Willfam Dighton, Frank V. Dilatush, C. J. Bear, H. L. Timmons, J. M. Bender, W. H. Firke, E. L. Croninger and J. S. Ater. HARRINGTON BROTHERS. For about twenty years Harrington Brothers have been manufacturing buggies. They have always been striving to make the most substantial and attractive buggy for the least money. The factory was erected in 1900 and consists of a two-story brick, 40x56, and a three-story frame building, 35x70. All together the factory contains 13,630 feet of floor space. There is a well lighted show window. The factory employs fifteen hands. The firm makes a specialty of mail wagons for rural routes. The body of the wagon is 31x56, covered with heavy sail duck and well painted. The interior is fitted with suitable desk, with six letter-boxes and six paper boxes with lock and stamp drawer. The Piatt County Loan Association was incorporated March 26, 1886, and com- menced business April 10, 1886. Its busi- ness has been managed conservatively and it is one of the best institutions of its kind in the State. It never loans more than 60 per cent, of its appraised value on a new build- ing or 50 per cent, on an old one. -As a result of its conservative management it has never had a foreclosure in its seventeen years of business. The following are its officers : President, H. D. Peters; vice-president, W. C. Handlin; treasurer, O. W. Moore; secretary, A. L. Rodgers. Directors : H. D. Peters, Willliam P. Smith, J. A. Bender, C. A. Tatman, W. C. Handlin, C. S. Coe, A. B. Tinder, Willliam E. Rodgers, H. N. Knight. The total assets for the year 1902 were $98,994.02. This association has done a great deal of good for Monticello by making it possible for some of the best business buildings in the town to be erected It has not only helped in the erection of a number of business buildings for the better accommodation of the citizens of the town, 44 PAST AND PRESENT but it has enabled a number of citizens of limited means to o\vn their own homes and has thus helped to improve and beautify the city. ELEVATORS. The first grain elevator in Monticello was erected in 1872 by Piatt, Hubtell & Co. In 1878 a gristmill was connected with the elevator. Later it was made into a corn mill and was fitted with machinery to make meal, grits, hominy and corn flour. It makes a splendid grade of meal and grinds a great deal in fall and winter and supplies the local trade and ships a great deal to neighboring towns. In 1893 the elevator caught on fire. The fire originated in the third story, and when discovered the fire had broken through the roof. The fire was at least fifty feet from the ground, and it was only by the heroic efforts of the fire company that the elevator was saved. A great deal of grain is shipped from this elevator every year. In 1876, Knight & Tinder erected an ele- vator on the then Chicago & Pacific Rail- road. This elevator was destroyed by fire on January 6, 1884. A new one was built that summer, and has been in use to the present time, now being owned and operated by E. G. Knight & Son. The building is to be rebunilt this fall, and a modern grain elevator put up. In 1900 the firm put up a modern elevator near the Illinois Central railroad track. It is conveniently arranged for handling grain, and up-to-date in every respect. E. G. Knight has been in the grain business for thirty-four years, commencing to buy grain in Monticello in 1869. TELEPHONES. The first telephones in Monticello were put in in 1895 by the Monticello Mutual Tel- ephone Company. There were forty share- holders in the company, each taking a phone, and there was no provision made for renting the phones to outside parties. In 1897 this company became merged into the Piatt Coun- ty Telephone Company, an organized stock company, of which W. F. Lodge has the con- trolling interest, and is the president and general manager. The owners of shares in the Mutual Telephone Company surrendered them for so much telephone service rendered by the new company. The company now has exchanges in Monticello, Bement and DeLand, and has a number of farmers' lines connecting with these exchanges. HOTELS. The Monticello hotel building is a three- story brick building near the square, erected by J. C. Johnson. It was remodeled and greatly improved in 1897, and furnished with modern conveniences. Until recently it has been conducted by David Deter and son. The Sackriter hotel was erected in 1892. It is a three-story brick near the square. It is provided with modern hotel equipment. The proprietor, Henry Sackriter, has been in the hotel business since 1890. LIGHT PLANT. The Monticello Light and Power Com- pany was organized in 1891. They secured a fifty-year franchise from the city and erected a brick power house west of the Illi- nois Central depot, and the plant was started in 1892. They have the contract from the city for lighting the streets. They have a forty light arc machine, each light being 2000 candle power. PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 45 For residence lighting they have an 800 light alternating incandescent machine. There are two 60 H. P. boilers and a 120 H. P. engine. It is a stock company with the follow- ing officers : President. C. A. Tatman ; Sec- retary, J. P. Lodge; Treasurer, J. N. Digh- ton ; General Manager, W. F. Lodge. DIRECTORS. C. A. Tatman. C. J. Bear, W. F. Steven- son, \V. F. Lodge, J. P. Lodge. PEPSIN SYRUP COMPANY. Pepsin Syrup Company was organized in 1893 by C. H. Ridgely, Dr. W. B. Cald- well, Harry H. Crea and others, the object being the manufacture and sale of Dr. Cald- well's Syrup Pepsin. This remedy soon became popular in cen- tral Illinois, and the field of operations was gradually enlarged. Mr. Crea finally se- cured a controlling interest which he held un- til June, 1899, when he disposed of his stock to Allen F. Moore and A. C. Thompson. Mr. Moore is president and manager of the company and Mr. Thompson is vice-presi- dent. The medicine has won its way by reason of its merit, and the field has been extended by judicious advertising until it is now sold in nearly every state and territory in the Union, in Mexico and Canada. The business has shown an increase every year since the present management secured control, and the future prospects of the company are very gratifying. A. large force is employed in the laboratory, in the offices and on the road. The company now imports direct several of the ingredients of the medicine, Egypt and China furnishing two of the articles used in its manufacture. H. D. PETERS COMPANY. The business of H. D. Peters Company, manufacturers of writing tablets and cigars, is an off-shoot of the printing business of H. D. Peters, who, for eighteen years, was pro- prietor and editor of the Piatt County Herald former business merging into, and finally su- perceding the latter. This firm does busi- ness over the larger part of Illinois, and some in Indiana, keeping constantly em- ployed a corps of traveling men, selling their own products. From a sale of a few hun- dred dollars of tablets a year, their sales now reach three to four carloads, nearly all their own product. The business in the cigar line has also increased in like proportion. This firm still conducts a printing business, having for thirty years l>een thus continuously en- gaged, making it the oldest printing firm do- ing business in the county, and one of the oldest in the state. From a room 18x30 feet in the second story of the Opera building, they have ex- panded to a building of three rooms 29x90, with a warehouse 20x80, with urgent need of increased room. The business of the firm has shown a steady growth from its in- ception, and employing constantly from twenty-five to thirty people, has become one of the leading enterprises of the city. MONTICELLO CHURCHES THE M. E. CHURCH. The records of the Methodist Episcopal church at Monticello go back to 1843, just 4 6 PAST AND PRESENT two years after the county was created. At that time, it was one of the churches on the Monticello circuit. The records state that the First Quarterly Conference was held No- vember 23, 1843, w i tn W. B. Trotter, pre- siding elder, and Addison Gadsid pastor in charge. In 1844 Rev. Peter Cartwright be- came presiding elder. He was a noted char- acter in his time, and a man of great personal influence. The first church building was erected in 1871, while James C. Buckner was pastor. It was a frame building, and stood where Mr. E. W. Lumsden is now living. Later they built a parsonage just north of the church. In 1857 a great revival was held and four hundred came into the church on probation. The same year the parsonage grounds were enlarged and fenced. In 1859 the Camp Creek church, then on this circuit, was built, and was dedicated by Granville Moody, of Ohio. In 1861 a bell was bought by the Mite Society, and was put on 'a foundation be- tween the church and parsonage. In the next few years it seems that the church became badly disorganized. Many of the men on the circuit went to the war. In 1865 a big re- vival was held and there were 127 accessions to the church. That same year the church was placed in the Champaign district. In 1868 the Monticello church was con- stituted a station with Ira Emerson as pastor. The membership was 138, with four local preachers, and one exhorter. In 1869 the present church building was commenced. It was dedicated December 17, 1870, by Rev. Hiram Buck. It is a large, comfortable brick building just one block from the square. The building was over- hauled this spring, papered and painted, and is now in good condition. The parsonage was built in 1890. It is a two-story frame building, two blocks east of the church. The present church member- ship is 230. Following is a list of the pas- tors: 1843, Addison Gadsid ; 1844, John A. Brittenham; 1846, L. C. Pitner; 1847, James C. Buckner; 1848, I. L. Green; 1849, W. J. Newman and Joseph Lane; 1850, A. Don- carloss; 1852, William C. Blundell; 1854, Christian Arnold; 1856, Miles A. Wright; 1857, Edward Rutledge;i859, A. B. Garner; 1861, Isaac Grove; 1863, D. P. Lyon; 1865, James B. Hoots; 1867, James T. Orr; 1868, Ira Emerson; 1870, W. H. H. Adams; 1872, P. C. Carroll; 1873, George M. Fortune; 1874, I. Villars; 1875, Mr. Everhart; 1876, J. Montgomery; 1877, J. A. Muse; 1878, David Gay; 1879, G. S. Alexander; 1882, E. A. Hamilton; 1885, P. N. Minear; 1887, G. D. Dubois; 1889, J. D. Frye; 1890, M. S. McCoy; 1892, J. S. Wolforth; 1894, James Foxworthy; 1897, W. S. .Calhoun; 1900, J. H. Waterbury ; 1902, J. S. Dancey, present pastor. PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. The Presbyterian church at Monticello was organized in 1842 by Rev. Joseph Ad- ams with ten members, as follows : James Huston, Sarah Huston, Mary Neyhart, Archibald Moffitt, Samuel Moffitt, James J. Patterson, Anna Patterson, Elizabeth Young Hugh O'Neal and Mary O'Neal. .'.'. by letter from some other church. The early years of the church seem to have been very discouraging ones. For several years it was without a pastor, both its elders died, and the membership was reduced by deaths and removals. To Rev. John Huston belongs the honor of being the real founder of the church. He labored faithfully for the- PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 47 church, enduring hardships and making sac- rifices, such as few men would make. He preached here for about six years, spending part of his time in the country churches near Monticello. Under his leadership the church membership was increased, and the church put on a better basis. In 1871 the present church building was erected. It is a frame house 35 by 60 feet, with brick foundation. It was built under the supervision of Architect J. M. Combs, and cost about four thousand dollars. In 1866 the church built a two story frame parsonage just south of the church at a cost of $1150. In August, 1900, the church bought lots in the block south of the square for $2,050 from Mr. and Mrs. George Lewis and W. E. Lodge. They expect to erect a church building on these lots in the near future. Following is a list of pastors : Joseph Adams; R. H. Lilly; 1858-1864, John Hus- ton: 1865-1867, T. P. Emerson; 1867-1869, J. H. Densmore; 1869-1872, S. A. Hummer; 1874-1876, W. R. Glen; 1876-1880, A. F. Ashley; 1881-1884, M. P. Ormsby; 1884, Rev. Coyle; 1885-1887, Fred L. Forbes; 1887-1889. Maurice Waller; 1890-1893, Daniel E. Long; 1894-1898, M. E. Todd; 1898, H. G. Gleiser. LODGES. MASONIC ORDER. Fraternal Lodge No. 58, A. F. and A. M. was organized in 1848, with the following charter members: Peter K. Hall, Master; William Laforge, S. W. ; R. Carlyle, J. W. ; J. J. Patterson, William Marquiss, John P. Tenbrook and J. C. Johnson. The lodge owns the hall over the First National Bank, and has very pleasant rooms. The regular com- munications of the lodge are held the Satur- day of each month, on or before the full moon. The present officers are as follows : W. M., J. E. Evans; S. W., J. T. Vent; J. W., Carl S. Reed; Treasurer, H. Sackriter; Sec- retary, R. I. Tatman; S. D., A. H. Wild- man; J. D., B. F. Craig; S. S., W. J. Brit- ton; J. S., G. R. Dawson; Chap., A. T. Pi- pher; Marshall, L. B. Tinder; Tyler, John Lohr. Maxwell Chapter No. 48, R. A. M. was organized January 25, 1859, with the follow- ing members : Peter K. Hall, H. P. ; James J. Patterson, King; A. G. Boyer, Scribe; Wm. Noecker, C. H. ; B. Cassell, P. S. ; James A. Hill, R. A. C. ; Charles Watts, G. M. 3d V. ; Wm. T Foster, G. M. 2nd V. ; L. J. Bond, G. M. ist V.; Charles Watts, Secretary ; John Mosgrove, Treasurer . M. M. Harshbarger, Sent. ; Members, J. O. Sparks, F. E. Bryant, T. T. Pettit, Charles Marquiss, and S. H. Bender. The stated convocations are held Thursday, on or before the full moon each month. The officers are as follows: H. P., A. T. Pipher; R. A. C, J. M. Woolington; King, R. T. Ayre; M. of 3d V., John V. Ayre; Scribe, Henry Mar- tin ; M. of 2nd V., A. H. Wildman ; C. of H., J. E. Evans, (deceased); M. of ist V., C. A. Tatman; P. S., F: A. Odernheimer; Treasurer, H. Sackriter; Secretary, G. A. Burgess; Sentinel, William Worsley. Monticello Council No. 27, R. and S. M. was organized August 31, 1866, with the following charter members : A. T. Pipher, T. I. G. M. ; Charles Watts, D. G. G. M. ; J. C. Johnson, P. C. W. ; E. P. Fisher, M. of 4 8 PAST AND -PRESENT. E. ; L. J. Bond, Recorder; Wm. Noecker, C. of G. ; X. Haneline, C. of C. ; J. A. Piatt, Sen tinel. The stated assembly is held on Thurs- day after the full moon of each month. The present members are as follows : T. I. M., A. T. Pipher: I. D. M., G. F. Miller; P. C. W.. \Y. J. Britton; Treasurer, H. Sackriter; Recorder, G. A. Burgess; C. of G.. R. T. Ayre: C. of C., J. E. Evans : Steward, Henry Martin : Sentinel, William Worsley. I. O. O. F. Selah Lodge, No. 403, I. O. O. F., was instituted August 26, 1869, with the follow- ing charter members : A. T. Pipher, James C. Harrington, \V. D. Shultz, Michael Haz- zard. Jacob McClain, Pierre Hahn. The first officers of the lodge were as follows: A. T. Pipher, N. G. ; James C. Harrington, V. G. ; W. D. Shultz, Recording Secretary; Michael Hazzard. Treasurer. The lodge owns lots and a store building on the southwest corner of the square which were purchased of H. E. Huston for $1,500. The present officers of the lodge are as follows: N. G., George A. Lindsley ; V. G., John Fitzwater ; Recording Secretary, Hor- ace Meacham ; Financial Secretary, D. X. Kemper; Treasurer, C. Wengenwroth. The encampment branch of the order was organized July 9, 1873, with the following charter members : Joseph T. Van Gundy, Wm. E. Smith. James Houselman, Louis Katz, John Kousho, Henry Sackriter and James C. Harrington. The first officers were as follows : Joseph T. Van Gundy, C. P. ; Louis Katz, H. P. ; James C. Harrington, S. W. ; James Houselman, J. W. ; W. E. Smith. Scribe ; John Kousho. Treasurer. The lodge is known as Fraternal Encampment No. 145, and meets in the Odd Fellows' Hall the first and third Mondays of each month. John Fitzwater is C. 1': J. M. Woolington, Scribe and H. C. Harrington, Treasurer. K. OF P. The K. of P. lodge in Monticello was in- stituted October 17, 1889, with the follow- ing charter members: A. J. Woolingtoii, George A. Stoddler, F. L. Farra, G. T. Priestly, E. W. Walker. W. A. Miller. W. A. Smock. A. M. Thorp, (deceased). W. I. \ v i- koff, W. S. Miller, J. D. Knott. ll S. Hill, (deceased), G. ,N. Snapp, M. M. Holmes, C. G. Schofield, A. V. Washington. S. B. E\v- ing, C. Hughes, H. Lure, J. E. Marquiss, J. A. Bender, A. Fithian, H. H. Crea and C. E. Rhoades. The lodge, is now in a flour- ishing condition. The present officers are as follows: C. C., A. C. Edie: V. C.. D. C. Kelly; K. R. and S., O. L. Markel ; M. of E., George Fisher; M. of F., S. J. Minear. CHAPTER V. EARLY SETTLEMENT BY TOWNSHIP BEMENT. The first settlement in Bement township was made about 1854 by Wm. Bailey. In the summer of the same year, Bement was surveyed, the land at that time belonging to Mr. Joseph Bodman. The first settlers in the town were Joseph Bodman, J. H. Camp. J. M. Cam]). William Ellise, T. T. Pettit and Marion Pettit. The lumber for the first house was hauled from Champaign. It was erected in 1855 ' >v T. T. Pettit and J. M. Camp, and was owned by Joseph Bodman. PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 49 The house stood just west of the present brick hotel building. The second house was built west of the first one. Mr. Force and wife came to Bement in 1855. For awhile they boarded in Monticello. In the spring of 1856, they moved into the third house ever built in "Dement. Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Yost cfime to Bement in 1856, built a house, but soon moved on a farm north of town. Mr. I!. (1. Hopkins moved on a farm west of Bement. since known as the Elihu Fisher farm. F. E. Bryant moved to Bement in i8=;6, and run the first store. He erected the first brick building in the town. The first, hotel' was built in 1857, called the Sherman house. It stood on the main street of the the town, but on the erection of the Masonic building, it was moved back on the corner where the Christian church now stands, and remained there until moved away to give room for the handsome church building. The Pennsylvania hotel, afterwards known as the Thomas House, and kept for a number of years by Royal Thomas, was built in 1888. and is still standing. At that time there were no sidewalks in the town, and no trees, thus presenting a very marked contrast to the beautiful shaded streets and substantial side- walks of the present time. The first bank in the town was owned by Milmine and Boclman. The M. E. church was organized in 1858 under the pastorate of Rev. Edward Rut- ledge, a minister on the Monticello circuit. The meetings were first held in the school- house, and afterward in Bryant's Hall. The first church was erected in 1864, and was dedicated in October, by Rev. Hiram Buck. In 1865. Bement was detached from the Monticello circuit, and with Milmine and Cerro Gordo formed a new circuit. In 1867 Bement was constituted a circuit and Rev. H. S. Tryon was the first pastor. The par- sonage was erected in 1876, at a cost of $l,6OG. The Christian church was organized in 1862. The first church building was erected in 1 867, and cost about $800. T>he building stood where the present brick hotel now stands. This lot was afterward sold and a handscme modern building erected. The Presbyterian church was organized in 1868. with eight members. The church was built in the early /o's. In 1880 a storm blew down the church steeple and belfry, and by noon the next day $200 was subscribed for its repair. The church owns a handsome parsonage, costing about $1,700. The Catholic church was built in 1866, at a cost of $2,100. This was connected with the church at Ivesdale for a time. A hand- some residence for the priest has been erected just north of the church. The Bement Lodge, No. 365 A. F. and A. M. was chartered October i, 1861 ; Be- ment Chapter. No. 65, Royal Arch Masons October 7, 1864. The Masonic building was erected in 1876. The Irwin Lodge, No. 344, I. O. O. F. was chartered October, 1867. There is also a K. of P. lodge organized recently that is now in a very prosperous condition. The Haldeman mill was erected in 1868 by Horace and William Haldeman. and G. C. Nichols, and did a flourishing business for many years. A few years ago the building was sold to the Farmers' Elevator Co.. and the machinery shipped away. In 1890 a stock company put in a three hundred electric light plant. \Y. J. Day has been manager and superintendent of the plant since it was started. At first the Halde- man mills furnished the motive power for the plant, but in 180,6 they erected a power house PAST AND PRESENT of their own just north of the brick hotel. They now have about 800 lights. A system of city water-works was put in about 1893. In 1900 a handsome new brick, school building' was erected at a cost of $27,000. Population in 1890, 1,129; m 1900, 1,484. Bement has a very creditable newspaper, the Bement Register, publishd by M. O. Curry. Bement is an important railroad center, being a division point of the Wabash. The Wabash have recently put down a big well, and most of their engines on these runs take water and coal here. UNITY TOWNSHIP. The first settlers in Unity township were the Monroes, Shonkwilers, Harshbargers and Moores who settled on Lake Fork about 1836 or 1837. The first village in the town- ship was a little settlement started by Mr. McNutt, and hence called Mackville, Here Mr. McNutt kept a small store, and supplied the early settlers with the few "store goods" which they used. The first church in the township was erected in 1858, and the first school was taught the same year. Dr. Mitchell was the first regular physician of the place. Mackville, at one time, was a fair sized town, but when the railroad was put through, the town of Atwood was started, and Mackville commenced to go down. Atwood was laid out in 1873 on ' an d owned by Mr. Levi Budd. The first house in the place was a store building erected in 1873 by Richard Hetton and David Barrett. They each moved a dwelling house over from Mackville, and these became the first resi- dences of the town. L. C. Taylor was the first postmaster at Atwood, Dr. Bennerfield the first physician, and Joseph Moore kept the first hotel. The Christian church of Atwood was dedicated August 15, 1880, by Rev. John T. Phillips. The M. E. church was built at Mackville, and dedicated in 1872, but moved to Atwood in 1882. The Baptist church was dedicated March 18, 1893. Atwood has strong Masonic and Odd Fellow lodges. The town of Atwood is partly in Piatt county and partly in Douglas, the main street of the town being the county line road between the two counties. The population of the town on the Piatt side was 320 in 1890, and 403 in 1800. The popula- tion of the entire town was 530 in 1890 and 698 in 1900. Hammond- was laid out in 1873. The first house in the town was a grain-office built near where Evans and Bunyans' lum- ber yard is now located. Alonzo Newton put up and kept the first store in the town, and also erected the first residence. Mr. J. M. Wortham opened a store in 1873, and is still in business in the place, occupying a handsome corner brick store built recently. M. D. Cook was the first postmaster and kept the first drug store. W. R. Evans had the first hardware store, George Ragland was the first blacksmith and Dr. Abrams was the first physician of the place. The M. E. church was organized in 1876 and dedicated the first church in the town in 1882. The Christian church was organized in 1877 and dedicated their building in 1883. The Baptists have recently dedicated a hand- some new church. The hotel was built by W. H. Lewis, of Lovington, in 1874. The first bank in Hammond was conducted by S. F. Musson in 1895. In 1899 a modern brick bank building was erected, now owned by PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. the State Bank of Hammond. T. J. Kizer is president, O. D. Noe, vice president and J. A. Vent, cashier. The depots were built in 1895. T. J. Kizer's large grain elevator was built in 1881. The population of the village in 1900 was 481. The town of Pierson was laid out in 1 88 1. The postoffice was started in 1877, and Francis F. Flack was the first postmast- er. The postoffice was called Dry Ridge at first, and changed to present name later. The Baptist church was dedicated in 1881. The Christian church was dedicated in 1903. The churches in the country are as fol- lows : The Harshbarger church, about four miles north of Atwood, the oldest church in the county ; the Antioch church, built in 1864; a Christian church about six miles northwest of Atwood and the Prairie Chapel church, a Christian church built in 1891, about a mile east of Voorhies. I CERRO GORDO TOWNSHIP. The first settlers in Cerro Gordo town- ship were the Cunninghams, who settled north of La Place. The first who settled in the neighborhood of Cerro Gordo were the Howells, who came in before the railroad was built. After the railroad was completed the settlers came in rapidly. The first town called Griswold, but when the postoffice was moved from north of town on what was known as the "Gordy Beck" place (on the stage line between Monticello and Decatur), the name of the postoffice came with it, and the place was called Cerro Gordo instead of Griswold. The first house in the town was the section house for the railroad hands. Andrew McKinney put up the first dwelling. and he and A. L. Rodgers conducted the first general merchandise store in the town. John Prosser was the first physician and John Fields was the first blacksmith in the town. The first school building was erected in 1866, and the first church in 1857. The Presbyterian church of this place was organized in Willow Branch township, but most of its members moved into Cerro Gordo. The church building was erected about 1860. Originally, the congregation \vas large, but the membership is small at present. The M. E. church building was erected about 1866 by Mr. John Smith, and dedi- cated by Rev. Hiram Buck. In recent years a handsome modern church building has been erected, and the church is in good condition. The German Baptist church was built in 1878, at a cost of about $2,000, and was do- nated together with the ground on which it stands, by Mr. Metzger. An electric light plant was installed in the place in 1903. Cerro Gordo has never had a saloon, and the moral sentiment of the town is high. It is an almost ideal residence town. It is in the center of a very rich farming and stock country, and a great deal of grain and stock is shipped from here. Population in 1890, 939; in 1900, 1,008. LAPLACE. LaPlace was laid off in 1873, and was named by G. W. Stoner. The first house built in the town was the hotel erected in 1874. Jacob Reedy was the first postmaster of the town, Dr. Pierson the first physician. The M. E. church was organized in the fall of 1874. The church building was erected in 1877. The two-room school building was erected in 1884, and a two-room addition to this in 1903. The John S. Ater Bank was- PAST AND PRESENT started there several years ago. The country around LaPlace is very fine farming coun- try and a great deal of grain is marketed each year. There is a strong lodge of Odd Fellows who own a two-story brick building with lodge room above. MILMINE. Milmine was originally called Farns- worth. and was laid out by Enos Farns- wcrth, who put up the first residence in the town. Mr. Farnsworth sold the plat to Mil- mine and Kerns. Milmine and Boclman opened the first store, which was run by E. B. Sprague. The first postoffice was kept by Hiram Barber, and was called Milmine. a name now given to the town. The school building was erected in 1872. It is a two-story brick building. The Christian church was organized in 1879. They have a very nice comfortable church. The Church of God also has an organization, and a good building. A bank was started in Milmine in 1903. There are two large elevators and a great deal of grain is shipped from this place. Lintner is a small station in this town- ship on the I. D. & W. railroad. It was named, from William Lintner, of Decatur. who formerly owned a great deal of land in that vicinity. It has a general store, a grain elevator, a blacksmith shop and several dwellings. It is a good grain market. Burrowsville is a postoffice two miles east of Lintner. It has a grain elevator and a store. WILLOW BRANCH. Willow Branch township claims the dis- tinction of having the first brick house ever built in the county. As early as 1842. Mr. ( 'icorge \Yidich made brick near Monticello. Some of the- first settlers in the township were the Aters, Pecks, Armsworths, YYm. Madden. John West. S. D. Havely, Michael Dillow, George Widick. Peter Croninger and Henry Adams. Cisco is the only village in the township E. F. Dallas was the first grain merchant in the town. Dr. Caldwell now of Monticello. practiced medicine here for several years. Washington Xebaker kept the first dry goods store: Walker and Carter, the first hardware store. James Click was the first blacksmith and J. B. Hamilton was the first druggist. The village of Cisco was platted April 24, 1874, by Hiram Dodge, Erastus F. Dallas, Abraham Runkle and Thomas Watson. A modern M. E. church building was erected there recently. Cisco has a bank, two large grain elevators and a number of busi- ness houses. It has grown quite rapidly in last two or .three years. The town has one paper, the Cisco Press. The first cabin on Goose Creek was built where George Varner now lives. The early settlers were the Olneys. Abraham Marquiss, Ezra Marquiss, Sr.. Wm. Piatt and wife, Mr. Welch and Mr. Hubbart. The only village in the township is De- Land, where a great deal of business is done. The village was laid out by Thomas Bondur- ant in 1873. S. C. Langdon owned the first dwelling house in DeLancl. R. B. Moody and John Vail built a store in 1873. Dr. J. A. Davis was the first physician. DeLand has two banks, two grain ele- vators, and some good substantial business houses. The population of the village in 1900 was 411. BLUE RIDGE. Among the early settlers in Blue Ridge PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 53 township are the following : William Pierce, Richard Webb, Jacob Denning, Joseph Aik- ens, Xoah Coffman, Mr. Gillespie, Lafayette Cox, James Watson, Mr. Keenan, Thomas Brothers. The town of Mansfield was laid out in 1870 by Gen. J. L. Mansfield, and named in his honor. The first church building was an Episcopal church erected in 1873. The Wabash and Big Four Railroads cross at this place. It is a good grain market and thousands of bushels of grain are marketed here each year. It has two banks. The bus- iness part of the town is well improved, there being some modern brick store build- ings. The Odd Fellows own a very nice building here. The population in 1890 was 533 : in 1900, 708. SANGAMON. Sangamon township was one of the early ones settled. Among the early settlers may be mentioned the following : Mrs. Nancy Ingram, Mr. and Mrs. Hanline, Mr. Wright, Mr. and Mrs. Souders, Oulreys, Maddens, Mackeys, Coons and Argos. Centerville is the oldest town in the township, and was started by Mr. Archibald Moffett. who built the first house. The town was laid out and named about 1850. White Heath was laid out in 1872. The land was owned by Mr. Frank White and was bought by Mr. Heath, hence the name. James Webster erectetd the first dwelling. Miss Frank and Mr. Vin Williams put up the first hotel and opened the first store in the place. Dr. Unangst was the first physi- cian. The town of Galetville was first called Calef's Station and was changed to the pres- ent one in honor of Mr. Calef's wife, whose maiden name was Gale. The first store building was erectetd in 1876 by Mr. Calef, and the first residence was built and occupied by John Donlan. BIOGRAPHICAL J. C. LANGLEY. J. C. Langley is the cashier of the First National Bank of Mansfield. Although yet a young man he occupies a prominent and influential position in business circles, and one may safely predict for him a successful future because he possesses laudable ambi- tion and enterprise which are indispensable elements of business advancement. Mr. Langley was born in Mansfield on the 26th of September, 1873, and is a son of Andrew J. and Celia A. (Curtis) Langley, who are residents of Blue Ridge township, Piatt county. Both the father and mother are na- tives of Pennsylvania, and after their mar- riage they came to Piatt county in 1865, be- coming pioneer settlers of this section of the state. The subject of this review is the third in a family of four living sons. Reared upon the home farm in Blue Ridge township, James. C. Langley attended the public schools and afterward entered the University of Indiana, where he pursued a literary and also a business course, being graduated in that institution with the- class of 1890. In the same year after his comple- tion of his collegiate course, Mr. Langley en- tered the Mansfield Bank, and later became cashier of the Commercial Bank of Mans- field. Throughout his business career he has been identified with financial interests and thoroughly understands the banking business in every department. On leaving the Commercial Bank he became cashier and afterward second vice president of the State Bank of Mansfield, and in 1902 he resigned his position there and opened the First Na- tional Bank of this city, which is capitalized for twenty-five thousand dollars. Its offi- cers are William D. Fairbanks, president; Andrew J. Langley, vice president; J. C. Langley, cashier; and H. P. Gladden, teller. The directors of the bank are John N. Darst, John Gardiner, William DeGrofft, James Caldwell, Joseph Seitner, in addition to the three officers mentioned. Although the existence of the bank covers a compara- tively brief period it has already won favor with the public because of the excellent busi- ness methods which have been instituted there, and not a little of the success of the bank may be attributed to the enterprise, close application and broad knowledge of banking methods possessed by J. C. Lang- ley. It was on the gth of January, 1902, that the bank was founded and subsequently the First National Bank building was erect- ed and splendidly equipped for carrying on the business. It has the triple time Hall safe and Hall vault, and every precaution is taken to insure safety for depositors. Mr. Langley has also engaged in the insurance business as a member of the firm of Clem- ans & Langley, and in this enterprise has a good clientage. On the 27th of October, 1897, occurred the marriage of James C. Langley and Miss Elena Ryerson, a native of Gibson City, Ford county, Illinois, 'and a daughter of C. G. Ryerson, who was one of the early set- tlers of that county. In addition to his PAST AND PRESENT splendid home in Mansfield, Mr. Langley also owns land in Stevens county, Minneso- ta, which he rents. He is a member of the Presbyterian church and fraternally is con- nected with Mansfield Lodge, No. 773, F. & A. M., of which he is treasurer. He also belongs to Celestial Lodge, Knights of Py- thias, of which he is past chancellor and was made a delegate to the grand lodge of the Knights of Pythias fraternity at Rockford, Illinois, in the fall of 1903. In politics he is a Republican and that he has the regard and confidence of his fellow citizens is indi- cated by the fact that he is now acceptably serving as mayor. Whatever tends to prove of public benefit and to advance local prog- ress and improvement receives his attention, endorsement and co-operation, and his ef- forts along many lines have proven of ma- terial benefit to the city of his birth. THOMAS E. BONDURANT. From a humble financial position Thomas E. Bondurant has steadily and persist- ently worked his way upward until he is to-day -accounted one of the most exten- sive landowners of Illinois. There is in his life history much that is worthy of emula- tion, his record being such as any man might be proud to possess. He has worked dili- gently and perseveringly, guiding his efforts by sound judgment, and the reward of hon- est toil is to-day his. He has never incurred an obligation that he has not fulfilled, nor taken advantage of the necessities of his fel- low men in a business transaction, but has placed his dependence upon energy and un- remitting industry. Thus it is that Thomas E. Bondurant stands to-day among the wealthy and honored residents of Piatt coun- ty, his home being in DeLand. He is one of Illinois' native sons, his birth cccurring in Sangamon county, on the 291)1 of December. 1831. The Bondurant family is of Huguenot extraction, and was founded in America by representatives of that sect, who fled to the New World to es- cape religious persecution. Joseph and Mar- tha Bondurant, the parents of our subject. were both southern people, the former a na- tive of Virginia and the latter of Kentucky. In the year 1825 the father removed to San- gamon county, Illinois, accompanied by his wife and three children. Establishing his home there, he continued to carry on farm- ing and stock-raising until his death. He was one of the honored pioneer settlers of the locality and aided in the early develop- ment and improvement of the county, while at the same time he carried on his farm work in its various departments and thus .gained a comfortable living for his family. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bondurant were born eleven .children, of whom our subject was the fifth in order of birth. Four of the number are yet living, and a sister, Mary E., now acts as housekeeper for her brother Thomas. On the old family homestead amid the wild scenes of pioneer life Thomas E. Bon- durant was reared. He can remember cen- tral Illinois when the homes were widely scattered and when the prairies were largely covered with the native grasses, the land having never been placed under the plow. He pursued his early education in an old log" building, wherein school was conducted on the subscription plan, and yet to-day Illinois has a school system unsurpassed in the L T nion. His educational advantages in his yruth were quite limited, but later he at- tended the Walnut Grove Academy, at Eu- reka. Illinois, spending three months there after he had attained his majority. In his vouth he became familiar with all the ex- PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 59 periences of pioneer life, and the hardships incident to the arduous task of developing a new farm. He broke prairie with an ox- team, thus preparing hundreds of acres for cultivation. His father having the contract to put in ties on the Wabash Railroad, Thomas E. Bonduraiit began working for him for two dollars per day and board, act- ing as foreman. This was in 1855. After the contract had been executed Mr. Bondu- rant continued to break prairie through the summer months, turning the first furrows on many tracts which are now fertile fields. In the meantime he had entered from the gov- ernment two hundred and ninety-three acres of land in Piatt county, at fifty cents per acre, this being the nucleus of his present ex- tensive landed possessions. In the winter of 1858 he took a contract at Sangamon Station, east of Decatur, Illinois, to supply cord wood to the Wabash Railroad, and this work occupied his time and attention for a few months, after which he returned to his farm in Goose Creek township, Piatt coun- ty. As he has found opportunity he has added to his original landed interests until he is now the owner of fourteen hundred acres in Piatt county, twenty-six hundred and eighty-two acres in Kankakee county and eight hundred acres in Kansas. He is a man of keen business discern- ment, and his sound judgment has never been at fault in making investments. He has placed his money in 'the safest of all in- vestments real estate and to-day his holdings make him one of the wealthy men of central Illinois. He well mer- its this success, for it has come entirely through his own efforts and his business methods have ever been such as will bear the closest investigation and scrutiny. All the institution during the earlier period of through the years Mr. Bondurant carried on general farming, annually harvesting large crops, and he has also made a specialty of raising and handling beef cattle, horses and hogs. He has always given his personal su- pervision to the operation of his various properties, keeping thoroughly in touch with the work done on each, and the condition of the farm and has a wonderful capacity for business, regarding no detail to unimportant to claim his attention if it has bearing upon the work and its ultimate outcome. In 1900 the First National Bank of DeLand was es- tablished with a capital stock of twenty-five thousand -dollars, and Mr. Bondurant be- came its first president. The success of its existence was largely attributable to his efforts and his sound judgment, and he re- mained as president until 1902, when he re- signed on account of failing health. Mr. Bondurant is a member of the Christian church of DeLand and since its organization he has served as one of its eld- ers. In the work of the church he has al- ways taken an active and helpful interest, and has contributed generously to its sup- port. For the past eight years Mr. Bondu- rant has been a member of the board of trustees of Eureka College, of Eureka, Illi- nois. At the time of the formation of the Republican party he became one of its sup- porters and has since followed its banner, and during the Civil war he was a stanch Union man. For seven years he has served as county supervisor, but has felt that his business makes too great demands upon his time and attention to allow him to seek pub- lic office. In 1882 he built his present home, which is one of the finest in Piatt county. He has his own sewerage system and elec- tric light plant, a hot water system of heat- ing, and hot and cold water throughout his 6o PAST AND PRESENT house. The residence is also tastefully, com- fortably and richly furnished, and the in- terior decorations are in keeping with the exterior adornments, for the house is sur- rounded by a beautiful lawn, always kept in the finest condition, and the home of Mr. Bondurant is a credit to the county. He has seen many changes in this portion of the state, advancement and progress being manifest in all lines of life, and he has kept pace with the universal improvement. A self-made man, without any extraordinary family or pecuniary advantages at the out- set of his career, he has battled earnestly and energetically, and by indomitable cour- age and integrity has achieved both charac- ter and fortune. By sheer force of will and untiring effort he has worked his way up- ward and is to-day numbered among the leading business men of Piatt county. JOHN M. WHITE. When after years of long and earnest la- bor in some honorable field of business, a man puts aside all cares to spend his re- maining days in the quiet enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil, it is certainly a well deserved reward of industry. "How blest is he, who crowns in shades like these, A youth of labor with an age of ease," wrote the poet, and the world everywhere recognizes the justice of a season of rest following the active period of business life. Mr. White is now living retired at his pleas- ant home in Monticello, and his history shows the accomplishment of well directed labor. His residence in Piatt county covers a period of almost forty years, during which he was long connected with agricul- tural interests, but while promoting his indi- vidual success he has also labored for the general welfare and has advocated many measures which have led to the substan- tial improvement and material upbuilding of this section of the state. A native of Ohio, John M. White was born in Franklin county, on the 27th of Jan- uary, 1817, and comes of English ancestry, being a direct descendant of the house of Tu- dor, long the reigning house of England. In the paternal line he is probably of Irish lin- eage, as it is thought that his grandfather, Samuel S. White, was born on the Emerald Isle. For many years, however, he resided in Virginia, where he engaged in teaching school, but early in the Eighth century he re- moved to Ohio, establishing his home near the Scioto Big Run, four miles southwest of the present city of Columbus. Again he resumed his educational work, becoming one of the first instructors in the schools of Franklin county, Ohio. He was also inter- ested in agricultural pursuits, and securing a large tract of wild land he transformed it into a fine farm on which he made his home until his death, which was the result of an ac- cident caused by a runaway horse. He was then ninety-six years of age. He had served as justice of the peace in the county and was a man of considerable prominence, leaving the impress of his individuality upon the early development and permanent improve- ment of that part of the state. His wife bore the maiden name of Jane Stuart, and was of Scotch lineage. She died at the home of Mrs. John M. White, Sr., about 1836. His father was an own ' cousin of Mary, Queen of Scots, and thus comes our subject's PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 61 connection with the house of Tudor. One branch of the Stuart family was established in Virginia, where they conducted hotels, and when the Revolutionary war broke out the great-grandfather, who would not take up arms against the mother country, re- turned to England, there enlisted in the British service and fought against the United States. His property in Virginia was confiscated, and when the war ended he was given a tract of land in Halifax to re- compense him for what he had lost in the United States. He wrote of this to his family, who were prepared to join him in Nova Sco- tia, but no news was ever received from him afterward, and it is supposed that he was lost on the water. Years afterward one of his granddaughters met a lawyer from Halifax, who told her that the property in- cluded in the grant to her grandfather had become very valuable and was held in the name of the Stuart heirs, whom it was thought would some day come and claim possession. John M. White, Sr., the father of our subject, was' a native of Hardy county, West. Virginia, and when a young man accom- panied his parents on their removal to Ohio. When the war of 1812 was in progress he drove a six horse team to Fort Franklin, a military post now included within the city of Columbus, and there his horses were pressed into service and he decided to go with them, thus serving in the war of 1812. He married Mrs. Rachel Moorehead, nee McDowell, and settled on the Moorehead farm, on the Scioto river, two miles from Columbus, where he spent his remaining days. He did not live to an advanced age, however, but passed away November 17, 1833. By her first marriage his wife had three children : Sarah, Jane and Lincoln, all deceased. Unto her marriage to Mr. White, there were also three children born : Samuel S., deceased; John M., of this review; and Marilla, who became the wife of John N. Cherry and died in Franklin county, Ohio.. Amid the wild scenes of pioneer life in Ohio John M. White, of this sketch, was reared. All around lay the uncultivated land, and the forests stood in their primeval strength. Frontier conditions existed and the family had to endure many hardships and trials incident to pioneer life. Mr. White was educated after the primitive manner of the times in a log schoolhouse, conning his lessons while sitting on a slab bench. Light was admitted into the room through greased paper, covering an aperture made by removing a log, and the building was heated by a fire-place, capable of con- taining an immense back log. The methods of instructions were almost as primitive as the little "temple of learning," and thus Mr. White had to depend upon reading, experi- ence and observation in later life to broad- en his knowledge and supplement the in- struction which he gained, in the school room. The Wyandotte Indians were fre- quent visitors at the White home, and deer and other wild game abounded in the forests and Mr. White has more than once brought home venison and other wild meat for the family larder. When his father died he continued to operate the home farm for his mother, and after her death the property was divided, he receiving one hundred and fourteen acres of the land, on which tract stood the home buildings. To the work of farming and stock-dealing. Mr. White de- voted his energies with success, becoming the owner of a valuable property. He con- tinued his residence in Ohio until 1864, when he came to Illinois, and in the fall of 62 PAST AND PRESENT that year settled in Piatt county. Here he purchased two hundred and eighty acres in Sangamon township, and subsequently add- ed to this tract until he had five hundred and eighty-four acres of valuable land, including the Major Bowman farm of two hundred and forty acres, which he continued to cul- tivate until 1886. In the intervening years his carefully conducted business affairs had brought to him a handsome competence, and with this he retired to private life, establish- ing his home in Monticello, where he has since lived in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil. In 1843 was performed the wedding cer- emony which united the destinies of Mr. White and Miss Jane Huffman, who was born near Columbus, Ohio, a daughter of Jacob and Rebecca Huffman, but she passed away in 1845, leaving two children : Ophe- lia J., now the wife of Thomas Mof- fitt ; and Frank, a well-known business man of this county. For his second wife Mr. White chose Rebecca H. Williams, their marriage taking place January 25, 1849. She was a great-granddaughter of Vincent Isaac Williams, who lived near what is now Williamsport, West Virginia. He met a very tragic death. On one occasion while his family were in the fort at Moorefield, West Virginia, he and a colored man went over to his farm to look after his stock. The Indians were then on the warpath and seven of them attacked Mr. Williams, who rushed to his log cabin and succeeded in killing five of the savages. This so enraged the re- maining two that they picked out the mor- tar from the rear of the cabin and while Mr. Williams' attention was directed in front, one of them shot and killed him. The parents of Mrs. White were Isaac V. and Mary D. (Hendricks) Williams, both of whom were natives of Virginia, and the latter was reared to the age of fourteen years at Harper's Ferry. She was a niece of General Darke, in whose honor Darke coun- ty, Ohio, was named. At an early day her parents removed to Ohio and located on the Scioto river, fifteen miles south of Colum- bus and four miles south of Chillicothe. The lives of the early settlers were constantly menaced by the treachery of the red men and Mrs. Williams, afraid to leave her baby in the cabin, would carry it to the spring when she went for a pail of water. Hardships and difficulties of all kinds incident to pio- neer life were experienced by the family, and while the men of the household worked in the fields the wife and mother spun and wove the material which was used in fash- ioning the garments of the early settlers. The nearest market town was Chillicothe, thirty-five miles distant, and the way led through the forests, there being no road save the old Indian trail. At his death the father left an estate of eleven hundred acres, of which his widow took charge and settled. In the family were ni'ne children : Joseph, who married a lady of New York city; Isaac, who married and removed to Illinois in 1883; John and Eliza, who are now deceased ; James, who died in Indiana ; Vincent, who cared for his mother until her death at the age of seventy-seven years ; Sarah, who married Benjamin Rennock, but is now deceased; Edwin, who died in child- hood ; and Rebecca H., wife of our subject, and the only one now living. The last named was the youngest mem- ber of the household. She was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, about four miles from Bloomfield, and by her marriage she has become the mother of five children : Ben- jamin R. ; Vincent I. ; Sarah W., the wife of PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. Horace Caleff; John M., and Mary Darke, the wife of E. 1. Williams, living in Lafay- ette. Mrs. White is a valued and exemplary member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and to her family has ever been a devoted wife and mother. Like her husband, she is a representative of old and distinguished pioneer families, and her ancestral history is one of close and honorable connection with the development of Virginia. as well as Ohio. For almost forty years Mr. White has been a resident of Piatt county, and has therefore witnessed much of its develop- ment. Much of the land was wild and unim- proved when he came to this section of the state, and he has borne his full share in the work of transforming it into what it is to- day one of the rich agricultural districts of this great state, whose fine farms are un- surpassed throughout the length and breadth of this fair land. Throughout his entire ca- reer his life has been honorable and upright, characterized by fidelity to duty in all rela- tions and manifesting energy and enterprise in his business career. His worth is widely acknowledged, and he has the confidence and good will of young and old, rich and poor. He justly deserves the rest which he is now enjoying, and no history of Piatt county would be complete without mention of John M. White. DUNCAN BROTHERS. This well known firm of Lintner is com- posed of S. H., J. M. and A. C. Duncan, dealers in grain, general merchandise and farm implements of all kinds. They are the sons of Israel and Susanna (Henry) Dun- can, both natives of Pennsylvania, and now deceased, the mother having died in 1890 and the father in 1900. They were mem- bers of the Evangelical Lutheran church, and died in that faith, honored and respect- ed by all who knew them. In the family of this worthy couple were nine children, who in order of birth were as follows : Warren H., the eldest, died at the age of thirty years. During the Civil war he enlisted in the Pennsylvania Heavy Ar- tillery and was later with the Second Pro- visional Heavy Artillery. Being wounded in the battle of the Wilderness in 1864, he was sent to the Haddington hospital in Philadelphia, and was subsequently appoint- ed ward master. S. H. was born in York county, Pennsylvania, December 2, 1844, and was reared and educated there. He, too, entered the service of his country dur- ing the dark days of the Rebellion and held the position of wagon master in the quarter- master's department though he dressed in ci- vilian's clothes. He :s now a member of the firm of Duncan Brothers of Lintner, Illinois, and has charge of the implement business. He married Mrs. Kate Gates, and has three sons : Wellington G., B. G. and P. G. Henry, the next of the family, was also a teamster in the Civil war and now resides one mile east of Lintner on his farm. He married Mattie Connister and has six children. J. M. was born on the 2Oth of Au- gust, 1850, in York county, Pennsylvania, and there spent his boyhood and youth, his education being received in the local schools. He owns and operates a farm a mile and a quarter north of Lintner and also four hun- dred acres east of Lintner, making five hun- dred and seventy acres in all. For four years he served as postmaster of Lintner under General Harrison. He married Florence PAST AND PRESENT Green, 'and has two daughters, Effie and Dora. Emma is the wife of John Miller, a resident of Oklahoma. Katherine is the wife of Andrew Spunseller, of Pennsylva- nia, and has six children. A. C, the young- est member of the firm, was born in York county, Pennsylvania, August 31, 1856, and after acquiring a good education in the schools of that state, he commenced teach- ing at the age of eighteen years and success- fully followed that profession for twenty- one years, being principal of the schools at Milmine, Illinois, for four years and of La Place for eight years. He now has charge of the store. His wife, who bore the maiden name of May Gannon and was graduated at the Decatur high school, taught in the pri- mary department at La Place. They have two children, Kenneth and Cedric. A. C. Duncan came to Piatt county in 1882 and since 1897 has served as postmaster of Lint- ner, being appointed to that position under President McKinley. Elizabeth is the wife of Henry Hoffiens, of Abbotstown, Penn- sylvania. Charles H., the youngest of the Duncan family, was killed by lightning in this county, half a mile south of Lintner, at the age of thirty-seven years. He married Etta Wilson, and had two children. They now make their home with her father in Moultrie county, Illinois. The business now carried on by Duncan Brothers was formerly owned by Wilson & Stone. The latter sold his interest to Mr. Glazbrook and J. M. Duncan afterward bought out Mr. Wilson. Later A. C. Duncan bought out Mr. Glazbrook, and in 1895 the firm name was changed to Duncan Brothers, though S. H. did not become connected with the enterprise until 1901, when he took charge of the implement department. In 1898 they erected their elevator at Lintner, which has 'a capacity of twenty thousand bushels, and they have made this place a good grain market as they ship a large amount of grain annually. In the line of gen- eral merchandise they carry a fine stock and have built up an excellent trade by fair and honorable dealing. J. M. Duncan handles considerable stock, making a speciality of horses, and is a very successful farmer. All of the brothers are stanch supporters of the Republican party and Lutherans in religious belief. They are wide-awake, energetic busi- ness men, of known reliability and their suc- cess is but the logical result of careful and correct business methods which they have always followed. JOSHUA HILL. Joshua Hill, one of the early settlers and highly respected citizens of Piatt county, Illinois, now leading a retired life in the vil- lage, of Bement, was born in Franklin coun- ty, Ohio, December 16, 1826, and during his early boyhood was taken to Piqua coun- ty, that state, by his parents, Joshua and Hannah (Cramer) Hill. The father was a native of Delaware and when a young man removed to Ohio, where he engaged in farm- ing. He was by trade, however, a shoemaker, and for a few years he followed that pur- suit. In his farming operations he pros- pered, and at the time of his death he was the owner of two hundred and forty acres of valuable land in Piqua county, Ohio, consti- tuting one of the finest farms of the locality. Fraternally he was a Mason, and for many years he was a worthy exemplar of the craft, but he belonged to no order. Politi- cally he was a Whig in early life, but he at- PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. tended the first Republican convention of Ohio, held in Columbus, and afterward gave his support to the principles of the new par- ty. He died at the age of seventy-eight years and was survived for about two years by his wife. She was born in New Jersey near the town of Hope, and she also passed also passed away at the age of seventy-eight years. A member of the Methodist church, she was an earnest church worker, a devout Christian woman and a devoted wife and kind, loving mother. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hill were born ten children, of whom six reached years of maturity, while the others died in infancy. At this time Joshua Hill has two sisters and one brother living. The "temple of learning" in which Joshua Hill obtained his education was built of logs, after the primitive manner of N the times. He worked upon the home farm in his youth, and afterward spent some time as a clerk in different stores. About the year 1850 he came to Illinois, locating in Piatt county, and for four years he carried on farming here in the summer and taught schools for three terms in the winter. On the expiration of that period he returned to Ohio, and when he again came to Piatt county he established his home near Lodge station, where he has resided since 1861, covering a period of forty-tw r o consecutive years. He removed to Bement on 27th of December, 1862, and established the first regular dray line and conducted the business during his active life, and it is still carried on by his sons. About 1893 he retired from further business cares and is now enjoying the fruits of his former toil. On the 2d of September, 1857, Mr. Hill was united in marriage to Miss Lydia Peo- ples, who was born in Ohio, a daughter of Alexander and Rachel (McClish) Peoples. Mr. and Mrs. Hill have become the parents of eight children: William H., a resident of Decatur, Illinois, married Etta Curfman, and they have two children. Sarah E. is the wife of John W. Powell, of Piqua county, Ohio, a conductor with headquarters in Co- lumbus, and they have four living children. Charles, who is engaged in the dray business in Bement, married Jennie Fisher and has four children. Edward, in Newcastle, Indi- ana, wedded Saddie Swigart. Lewis is en- gaged in the dray business in Bement. Franklin, who resides on the property ad- joining his father's home, and is working for the Wabash Railroad Company, married Willie Dawson, and they have six children. The other two children of the family died in infancy. To the great political questions which divide the country into parties Mr. Hill has given considerable thought, and his views on these have occasioned him to ally his force with the Republican party. He was assessor of his township for fourteen years, out otherwise he has never been an office- seeker, preferring to give his time and atten- tion to his business affairs, rather than to political cares. For at least half a century he has been identified with the Masonic fra- ternity, and he has long been a faithful mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he served for a number of years as a trustee. His life interest has centered along those lines through which flow the greatest good to the greatest number, and he has ev- er favored reform, progress and improve- ment. \Vhen he came to this county, nearly all the land was wild prairie, and he has been a witness of nearly all the changes made as the county has emerged from pioneer condi- tions to take its place with the leading coun- ties of the commonwealth. During his early 66 PAST AND PRESENT residence here he taught for a number of years in the district school and was a very successful educator. He and his wife now have a pleasant home in the village of Be- ment, where they are spending their days in the midst of children, grandchildren and friends, who entertain for them the warmest regard. JOHN KIRBY. To say of him whose name heads this sketch that he has risen unaided from com- parative obscurity to rank among the most successful business men of central Illinois is a statement that seems trite to those fa- miliar with his life, yet it is but just to say in a history that will descend to future gen- erations that his business record has been one that any man would be proud to possess. Beginning at the very bottom round of the ladder he has advanced steadily step by step until he is now occupying a position of prom- inence and trust reached by very few men. Through his entire business career he has been looked upon as a model of integrity and honor, never making an engagement that he has not fufilled, and standing to-day an example of what determination and force, combined with the highest degree of business integrity can accomplish for a man of nat- ural ability and strength of character. He is respected by the community at large and honored by his business associates. Through many years Mr. Kirby was actively and ex- tensively identified with agricultural and stock-raising interests, and is now making his home in the city of Monticello, where he is engaged in the abstract business as the senior member of the firm of John Kirby & Company. Mr. Kirby is among the sons of the Em- erald Isle who have come to the New World to enjoy its broader business opportunities and greater advantages. He was torn in County Limerick, Ireland, on the 8th of December, 1842. His father, Morris Kirby, whose birth occurred in the same locality and who spent his entire life there, followed the occupation of farming. In 1850, how- ever, he resolved to seek a home and fortune in America and crossed the Atlantic, taking up his abode amid the green woods near Ur- bana, Ohio. At a later date he removed to Greenville, Darke county, Ohio, and his remaining days were passed in the Buckeye state, his death occurring in 1878. In early manhood he wedded Elizabeth Tuley, who died in Ireland. Both were consistent and faithful members of the Catholic church. John Kirby, whose name initiates this review, is the eldest of the four children who were born unto his parents and was but eight years of age when he came with liis father to the United States. His educa- tional privileges were those of .the public schools of Ohio, where he remained as a student until thirteen years of age, when he came to Illinois. Mr. Kirby has since been dependent entirely upon his own re- sources, and the splendid success he has achieved is the direct reward of his own la- bors. He first located in Decatur. Macon county, and as it was necessary for him to seek immediate employment he began work as a farm hand, being employed in that way until after the inauguration of the Civil war, receiving ten dollars per month in com- pensation for his services. Although torn across the waters, his love for the stars and stripes was deep and sincere, and in the early part of the long struggle for the preservation of the Union JOHN KIRBY PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 69 lie offered his services in its defense, a>- though but a youth of seventeen years. It was in July, 1861, that he donned the blue uniform and became a member of the Sec- mid Illinois Cavalry. He was appointed one of the carriers on the Mississippi river between Cairo and Belmont, where a battle was fought. He was next dispatched to Bolivar, Tenn., and participated in the engagement at that place, where he had a horse killed and where the colonel of the regirrient and six members of his company were killed. Later Mr. Kirby was under fire at the battle of Columbus, Kentucky, and he was also in many skirmishes with the rebels, while guarding supplies at Holly Springs, Mississippi, the most severe en- gagement in which he participated occurred at that place, the loss of life being very heavy. His regiment led the advance from Milliken's Bend which terminated in the surrender of Yicksburg and also followed Johnston to Jackson. Missis- sippi. A duty which then devolved upon the Second Illinois Cavalry was the destruction of a railroad as far as Brook Haven, and later the regiment was sent to west Louisiana. In the month of February, 1864, the regiment veteranized, and with others of the command Mr. Kirby was granted a thirty days' furlough, which he spent in the north. When the regiment again returned for duty the soldiers were sent to Florida, Alabama and Georgia, suc- cessively, thence returning to Vicksburg. They afterward went on the Red River expe- dition and marched from Shreveport to the Rio Grande in Texas. Thus almost from the time of the beginning of hostilities until after the cessation of all actual warfare, Mr. Kirby was with the army, being mustered out in December, 1865, and honorably dis- charged at Camp Butler, on the 3d of Jan- uary, 1866. He had command of his com- pany as second lieutenant for the last year of his service. His service covered four and a half long years, during which time he experienced all the hardships and rigors of war. Although but a boy when he en- tered the army, he was as true and loyal to the government as many a veteran of twice his years, and his meritorious conduct on the field of battle won him promotion to the rank of second lieutenant. His military service ended, Mr. Kirby then returned to Illinois, and for many years was engaged in farming and stock-raising. In 1869 he made purchase of a tract of land and also invested in some young stock. His success in these enterprises was rapid and consecutive, and as his financial resources increased he extended the boundaries of his farm by additional purchases, and also bought stock until he became one of the most extensive stock-dealers and landowners in this portion of the state. He now operates two thousand acres of valuable farming land. He studies closely the best methods of producing crops and keeps fully abreast with the times in all improvements connect- ed with agricultural work. Upon his place he also made many improvements, including the erection of a beautiful home in 1875. In 1870 he entered into partnership rela- tions with Abraham Piatt for the shipment of cattle and the handling of stock which they purchased over a large section of the country and sent to the Chicago and eastern markets. Each month many carloads of cat- tle were sent by them to New York city.' They sold dressed hogs in the board of trade and made large sums of money by the operation. The partnership with Mr. Piatt continued until 18.75, after which Mr. Kir- PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. by engaged alone in stock business with splendid success. In 1897, however, he put aside agricultural and kindred industries and removed to Monticello, where he is now making his .home, and where he is engaged in the abstract business as the member of the firm of John Kirby & Company. Their office contains all of the abstract books ever compiled of Piatt county lands, beginning more than forty years ago. On the 2 ist of January, 1873, was cele- brated the marriage of John Kirby and Miss Mary E. Marquiss, a representative of one of the old pioneer families of the county, her father being Ezra Marquiss, who settled here in 1833. Mrs. Kirby was born in this county, and by her marriage became the mother of two children, but one died in in- fancy, the surviving child being Nellie May. Few residents of Piatt county are more widely known than Mr. and Mrs. Kirby, and none are held in higher regard. Their home is celebrated for its gracious hospital- ity and its good cheer is enjoyed by their many friends. Mr. Kirby votes with the Republican party, having long been one of its stalwart and active supporters in central Illinois. He has served as a delegate to its county, dis- trict, state and national conventions, and his opinions have carried weight with those who have been called upon to decide ques- tions relating to political work and to the progress of the party. In 1868 Mr. Kirby was elected to the office of sheriff and was most prompt and faithful in the discharge of his duties. For seven terms he repre- sented Goose Creek township on the board of county supervisors, and in that capacity did everything in his power to promote the improvement of this section of the country. His social relations connect him with the Grand Army of the Republic and with the Masonic fraternity, his identification with the latter dating from 1867. That Mr. Kir- by possesses excellent business ability and executive force- is indicated by the marked success which has crowned his efforts. In an analyzation of his character we find many elements worthy of commendation. He has always been energetic in business, enterpris- ing in his work and above all honorable and straightforward in his dealings, never tak- ing advantage of the necessities of his fel- low men in any business transaction. His success has been marked and should serve as a source of inspiration and encourage- ment to others, for Mr. Kirby had to begin life empty-handed. He is to-day one of the honored and respected residents of Piatt county, and the most envious cannot grudge him his success so worthily has it been won and so honorably used. SAMUEL R. REED. The profession of the law when clothed with its true dignity, purity and strength, must rank first among the callings of man, for law rules the universe. The work of the legal profession is to formulate, to har- monize, to regulate, to adjust, to adminis- ter those rules and principles that underlie and permeate all government and society and control the varied relations of men. As thus viewed there is attached to the legal profession nobleness that cannot but be re- flected in the life of the true lawyer, who, rising to the responsibilities of the profes- sion, and honest in the pursuit of his pur- pose, embraces the richness of learning, the firmness of integrity and the purity of mor- PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. a!s, together with the graces and modesty and the general amenities of life. Of such a type is Samuel R. Reed a representative and by many he is accorded the leading place at the bar of Piatt county. He is the sen- ior member of the law firm of Reed, Edie & Reed, of Monticello, where for more than thirty-six years he has practiced. Mr. Reed is a native of Ohio, his birth having oc- curred in Beallsville, Monroe county, on the i6th of June, 1842. His paternal grandfa- ther was William Reed, who was of Scotch- Irish descent. Our subject's father, the Rev. Samuel Reed, was born at Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, in 1795, and became a preach- er cf the Presbyterian church, devoting the best years of his life to the ministry. A man of scholarly attainments and broad learning, fluent in speech and logical in ar- gument, his power in the pulpit was largely felt and his influence for good is yet mani- fest in the lives of those who knew him. lie wedded Miss Margaret R. Thompson, a native of Washington county, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of William Thompson. The father of our subject died in Monroe coun- ty, Ohio, in 1872, and his wife passed away, in 1878. Samuel R. Reed spent his early boyhood days in the county of his nativity and there began his education as a student in the dis- trict school near his home. Later he at- tended a select school in which he prepared for teaching. The year 1860 witnessed his arrival in Piatt county, Illinois, and for sev- eral years he was connected with the intel- lectual interests of this locality as a success- ful teacher. He regarded this, however, merely as a preparation for other profession- al labor and began reading law under the direction of the firm of Coler & Smith, of Champaign, Illinois. In April, 1866, he was admitted to the bar before the supreme court, which at that time met at Ottawa, Il- linois. Well equipped for his chosen profes- sion by broad and comprehensive reading, Mr. Reed then opened a law office in Pax- ton, Illinois, where he practiced for a short time, but soon afterward he came to Monti- cello, where he has since resided. Here he entered into partnership with Judge Mc- Comas, and later entered into partnership with George Clouser, with whom he was as- sociated for twelve months. His next part- ner was E. A. Baringer, now of New Or- leans, and when that partnership was dis- solved by mutual consent, Mr. Reed entered into business relations with Judge M. R. Davidson. In 1895 he became associated in business with A. C. Edie, under the firm style of Reed & Edie, and later the firm name was changed, its present form being adopted at the admission of his son, Carl S., to an interest in the business. Samuel R. Reed is recognized as a lead- ing member of the Piatt county bar, and has been connected with much important litigation, being retained as counsel or defendant in almost every case of import- ance that has been tried in the courts of Pi- att county through a third of a century. He is very thorough and careful in the prepara- tion of his cases, and martials his evidence with military precision. He is logical in his arguments, forceful in the presentation of a cause, and never fails to make a strong im- pression upon court and jury, and has been fairly successful in gaining the verdict de- sired. In 1862 Mr. Reed was united in mar- riage to Miss Jennie Clouser, a native of Fayette county, Ohio, and a daughter of George and Hannah (Coyner) Clouser. This marriage has been blessed with five children : PAST AND PRESENT George M., who is now living in Grange- ville, Idaho; Erasmus E., of Omaha, NY- braska; Maggie L., who is the wife of R. C. Peters,, of Omaha; Carl S., who is associat- ed with his father in the practice of law in Monticello; and Agnes B., the wife of R. D. Winship, of Chicago. Mr. Reed has made judicious invest- ments in farming land, having lands in Iowa and Nebraska, which he rents. Socially he is connected with Fraternal Lodge, No. 58, F. & A. M., with Markwell Chapter, No. 48, R. A. M. He is a worthy exemplar of the Masonic fraternity, taking a deep an active interest in its growth and the extention of its influence. In politics he is a pronounced Democrat, and for three years he was states attorney, while for four years he was mas- ter in chancery. He has, however, devoted his attention chiefly to his chosen profes- sion. His nature is kindly, his temperament jovial and genial, and his manner courteous. He is a most companionable gentleman. FREDERICK ADOLPH ODERN- HEIMER. The German element in our American citizenship has been of the utmost import- ance. The sons of the fatherland have come to the new world, bringing with them the knowledge of business methods in the old country. They have readily adapted them- selves to the conditions found in America, and improving opportunities have worked their \vay upward to positions of prominence here, but not only have they attained indi- vidual success, but have also labored for the welfare of the various communities in which thev have made their home. Frederick A. Odernheimer is a worthy representative of the fatherland, and has become a leading farmer of Piatt count}', his home being on section 12, Monticello township. He was born in Wiesbaden. Germany, on the 3 ist of March, 1857, a son of Frederick and Marian (Rudder) Odernheimer. 'Far back can the ancestry of the family be traced. There is an account of the lineage on the paternal side back to 1200, while on the ma- ternal line the subject of this review is de- scended from Sir Miles Patrick, who flour- ished in 1099. The father of our subject was born at Wiesbaden in 1808, and spent his entire life in that place, his death occurr- ing on the 1 2th of December, 1885, when he was seventy-eight years of age. His wife, who was bora at Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, passed away in 1863. Mr. Odernheimer, whose name intro- duces this review, obtained his early educa- tion in the common schools of his native place, where he pursued his studies until nine years of age. He then entered what is known as a gymnasium, where he pursued a course equivalent to -a high school course in America. At the age of sixteen years he put aside his text-books and entered the na- w as a cadet, being thus engaged with the military service of the country for five years. Successfully passing an examination which made him a lieutenant, he served in that ca- pacity for a short time or until he was obliged to leave the navy on account of fail- ing eyesight. . He then determined to try his fortune in the new world, and in February, 1881, he sailed for the United States, locat- ing first near Austin, Texas, where he acted as deputy sheriff of the county and also as deputy United States marshal for five years. In 1886 he arrived in Illinois, going first to Mansfield, ^ind in that locality he purchased PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 73 a farm which he continued to operate until 1890. On selling his property he purchased eighty acres of land five miles east of Mon- ticello, to which he removed. He has since made excellent improvements upon the property, placing three hundred rods of til- ing upon the land, building new fences, a commodious and substantial barn and other outbuildings. He has also planted an orch- ard which is now returning a good yield. He feeds annually quite a number of hogs for the market, and he also keeps on hand a number of milch cows. He makes a speciaity of the production of corn, oats and clover and he also has rich pasture lands. This farm was purchased in 1890 for forty-sev- en dollars, but because of the many improve- ments he has placed upon it and because of the rise in land values it is to-day worth at a low figure one hundred and twenty-five dollars per acre. Mr. Odernheimer is a progressive agriculturist and the methods which he follows in carrying on his work have brought to him excellent success in his undertakings. In Austin, Texas, in 1884, Mr. Odern- heimer was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Buchanan, of Mansfield, Illinois, who died at Champaign, this state, in the year 1886, leaving a daughter, Virginia Frances, who is now at home. She has completed the common-school course and expects in the year 1903 to become a student in the Illinois University. On the loth of August, 1887, in Monticello, Illinois, Mr. Odernheimer was again married, his second union being with Charlotte Jane Baird, a daughter of William and Marie Baird, of Circleville, Ohio. Three children were born of this union, but all died in infancy. In his political views Mr. Odernheimer is a stalwart Republican, and takes a very active and influential part in the work of the party. He has served as a committeeman of Monticello township for six years, being chairman for three years, and for three years he has also been a member of the county central committee, acting as its chair- man for two years. He is likewise a mem- ber of the executive committee of the Illinois Republican State League Club, and is chair- man of the Monticello League Club. He keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day, thus being able to give an- intelligent support to the party and his la- bors in its behalf have been effective and far- reaching. He is now acting as government crop reporter for Monticello township and is secretary for the Piatt County Farmers' Institute. Fraternally, Mr. Odernheimer is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America and is now venerable consul of Monticello Camp, No. 346. He also belongs to Fraternity Lodge, No. 58, F. & A. M., of Monticello and Markwell Chapter, No. 48, R. A. M., while his wife is connected with the Order of the Eastern Star. He and his wife and his daughter are all members of the First Methodist Episcopal church and are people of the highest respectability, hav- ing the warm regard of many friends. The hope that led Mr. Odernheimer to seek a home in America has been more than real- zed, for here he has gained an excellent competence and has won the friendship and regard of a large majority of those with whom he has been brought in contact. His business affairs have been so capably man- aged that they have returned to him a splen- did income, and his methods have ever been above question. Keen and clear-headed, al- ways' busy; always careful and conservative in financial matters, moving slowly and surely in every transaction, he has kept in 74 PAST AND PRESENT the steady progress which invariably reaches an objective point. The story of his advancement should inspire all young men who read the history of his life with a truer esteem of the value and sure rewards of character. JOHN LARSON. No foreign element has become a more important part of our American citizenship than that furnished by Sweden. The emi- grants from that land have brought with them to the new world the stability, enter- prise and perseverance characteristic of their people and have fused these qualities with the progressiveness and indomitable spirit of the west. Mr. Larson is a worthy repre- sentative of this class. He came to Ameri- ca a poor boy, hoping to benefit his financial condition, and his dreams of the future have been more than realized, for he is to-day one of the prosperous farmers of Piatt county. Mr. Larson was born in Sweden on the 26th of February, 1868, a son of Bonde and Bessie Larson, who are still living in that country, where the father is engaged in farming. He visited his sons in America during the summer of 1902. In the family are nine children, four sons and five daugh- ters, six of whom are now living in this country, namely : N. B. Larson, who lives on the Thompson farm in Unity township, Piatt county ; S. B. Larson, who lives on his uncle Nels Larson's place on section 7, Unity township, just .one mile east of our subject : John Larson, of this review ; Han- nah Hanson, a resident of Macon cdunty, Illinois ; Segrie Pierson, who makes her home in the same county ; and Emma Pier- son, of Argenta, Macon county. Those liv- ing in Sweden are Annie, Larson and Sophie. John Larson was reared and educated in his native land and there learned the trade of carriage making, but has never followed that occupation since coming to America. It was in April, 1886, that he sailed for the new world and landed in Boston, Massachu- setts, whence he made his way westward to Bement, Illinois. On his arrival here he was unable to speak a word of English, but mastered the language in one summer. He commenced work in tiling, which he fol- lowed for one year, and the next year con- tinued to engage in the same occupation in connection -with farm work. Having saved enough money to purchase a team in 1887, he rented a farm in Unity township in con- nection with his brothers. N. B. and S. B. Larson, and the following year took entire charge of a tract of one hundred and sixty acres, which he operated successfully for four years. A part of the time he also had charge of his brother's farm of two hundred and forty acres. At present he rents a half- section of land in Moultrie county, which he operates together with his own farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 7. Unity township, Piatt county, which was part of the McCabe estate. He paid twenty thousand three hundred and ninety dollars for this place, and has erected thereon a substan- tial residence and made other improvements to the amount of three thousand dollars. He has tenants upon his land, but gives his per- sonal supervision to the work, which is car- ried on in the most systematic and practical manner. Mr. Larson is also interested in stock-raising, making a specialty of short- horn cattle and thoroughbred Norman horses, and he owns two registered mares PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 75 sired by Dewey and an interest in some fine stallions in this county. In Moultrie county, Illinois, October 3, 1894, Mr. Larson was united in marriage to Miss Selma Nelson, also a native of Sweden and a daughter of Nels and Bessie Nelson. She came to the United States in 1889, and by her marriage has become the mother of two children: Luella, born June 8, 1896, and Elmer, born April i, 1899. Mr. and Mrs. Larson are members of the Swedish Luth- eran church, and he is a Republican in poli- tics. He has become thoroughly identified with the interests of his adopted country, and is well known as an enterprising and re- liable business man, one who keeps abreast with the times. All who know him hold him in high esteem. GILBERT A. BURGESS. The name of Gilbert A. Burgess is close- ly associated with educational interests of tion has been carried on in this connec- tiontion has been carried on in the school- room and through the press. He is now the editor of the Piatt County Republican, pub- lished in Monticello. Mr. Burgess was born in Sigourney, Ke- okuk county, Iowa, February 12, 1848, and is a son of D. G. Burgess, whose birth oc- curred in New York. When quite young the father accompanied his parents on their re- moval from the Empire state to Illinois, the family home being established near Ellisville, Fulton county. The grandfather was one of the pioneer settlers of the community, coming to Illinois when much of the state was still unsettled and unimproved. It was amid the wild scenes of frontier life in Ful- ton county that D. G. Burgess was reared and with the family he shared in the hard- ships and trials that fall to the lot of pio- neers. In 1844 he became a resident of Iowa, which was still under territorial gov- ernment. He learned the carpenter's trade in Iowa City, where he spent two years, and in 1846 he went to Sigourney, Iowa, being connected with the building interests at that place until his death, which occurred in 1855, at the age of thirty-three years. He had married Louisa Smith, who was born in Fulton county, Illinois, and she, too, died at a comparatively early age, passing away when her son Gilbert was only two years old. She was a daughter of Hezekiah and Lydia Smith, who were born in Indiana and became early settlers of Fulton county, whence they removed to Keokuk county, Iowa, in 1843. Mr.Smith was a millwright, carpenter and builder and these pursuits oc- cupied his time and energies until his death. At the early age of seven years Gilbert Burgess was left an orphan, and in the spring of 1856 went to live with his pater- nal grandmother in Henry, Marshall county, Illinois. He resided with her until 1861, when he removed to Warren county, Illi- nois, there making his home with his uncle, Henry B. Burgess, through the succeeding years, coming with him in the year 1866 to Piatt county. His early education was ob- tained in the public schools and two years in Lombard University at Galesburg, while in Eastman's Business College of Chicago he had mastered the branches of a commercial course in the winter of 1865-6. In the fall of 1866 he began teaching in Kankakee coun- ty, Illinois, and the following summer he spent in Iowa, but inthe fall of 1867 he re- turned to Illinois and taught at Mackville. For ten years he followed his chosen profes- 7 6 PAST AND PRESENT sion during the winter seasons and in the summer months engaged in farming. He entered the state normal school at Normal, in the spring of 1876, therein pursuing a course of advanced study until 1878, when he graduated. For one year, 1878-9, he was assistant in the high schools of Monticello and then hecame superintendent of the schools of this city, serving in that capacity for two years. When a vacancy occurred in the position of county superintendent of schools in July, 1881, he was chosen to fill out the unexpired term and subsequently re- appointed to the same office for a year. At the regular election, 1882, he was chosen for a term of four years, and thus served as county superintendent for more than five years altogether, during which time the schools made rapid advance. Since leaving the position of county su- perintendent of schools in Piatt county Mr. Burgess has been connected with journalis- tic work. Removing to Decatur in the spring of 1887 he engaged in the publication of a school journal in which he owned an inter- est. He then purchased the entire interest in the business, and returning to Monticello, issued the first edition of the Piatt Independ- ent in December, 1887. In 1.889 ne erected the substantial building in which he is now located, and in 1892 bought the Piatt Coun- ty Herald. Since then the union of the two papers has been known as the Piatt County Republican. This was sold to a joint stock company in 1896, and Mr. Burgess has since been its editor and manager. On the i8th of June, 1874, he was joined in wedlock to Miss Jane Conaway, a native of McLean county, Illinois, and a daughter of James and Melissa Cayton Conaway. Three sons have been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Burgess : Lou. Fred and Ralph, all of whom are of age. Mr. Burgess is a mem- ber 'of Fraternal Lodge, No. 58, A. F. & A. M. ; Markwell Chapter, No. 48, R. A. M., Monticello Counsel, No. 27, R. & S. M., and Monticello Chapter No. 159, and in these various departments of Masonry he has held office. He is also a member of Ur- bana Commandery No. 16, Knights Tem- plar. HON. J. N. RODMAN. An enumeration of the prominent and honored men of Piatt county would be in- complete without mention of Hon. J. N. Rodman, who at the time of this writing, in 1903, is serving as representative to the gen- eral assembly of Illinois from the twenty- fourth district, comprising Champaign, Moultrie and Piatt counties. He now resides in DeLand, but for many years has been ac- J J lively associated with farming interests within the county. His activities have touched along other lines of business, and his keen discrimination, wise counsel and unfaltering diligence have been important factors in the successful control of many public and private concerns. Mr. Rodman is a native of Ohio, his birth having occurred in Muskingum coun- ty in 1848. In his childhood days he was brought to Illinois by his parents, Scammon and Eliza (Woolf) Rodman, who located in McLean county. The father was a native of Pennsylvania and the mother of Virginia. On emigrating westward they took up their abode upon a farm in Oldtown township, McLean county, where they spent their re- maining days, the father devoting his ener- gies untiringly to agricultural interests. He died at the age of eighty-six years, while his PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. wife passed away at the age of sixty-four years. In their family were ten children, of whom the suhject of this review was the eighth. He has one brother who resides in DeLand. J. N. Rodman was reared in McLean county, Illinois, and began his education in one of the old-time log schoolhouses, which were common throughout this state in pio- neer days. Later he spent two years as a student in the Wesleyan University, pursu- ing a general course and through the years of an active manhood his knowledge has been constantly broadened by reading, expe- rience and observation. He first worked up- on the old home place known as the Cusey farm. He continued to assist his father in the operation of his land until the time of his marriage, which occurred on the I3th of October, 1878, the lady of his choice being Miss Clara E. Colvin, of Zanesville, Ohio, a daughter of James Colvin who always made his home in the Buckeye state, and who was a prominent and influential citizen, there serving for years as county commissioner. He had a family of six children, including Mrs. Rodman. Prior to his marriage Mr. Rodman pur- chased and shipped stock, making his head- quarters at Holder, Illinois, for several years. After his marriage he began farm- ing in 1879, settling in Goose Creek town- ship, Piatt county, since which time he has been identified with its agricultural interests. In 1 88 1 he removed to the I. W. Scott place of five hundred acres, and this he has con- tinued to operate and improve. He has been buying and selling land throughout the years of his residence in McLean and Piatt counties, and in addition to his property in Illinois, he also owns land in the cotton belt of Mississippi. A man of marked business ability he is quick to note opportunity and to utilize it. He was one of the founders of the State Bank of DeLand, of which he is now the vice president, and his enterprise arid counsel have been valued factors in the successful control of this institution. For some time Mr. Rodman was also proprietor of a grain elevator in DeLand, but has now disposed of the property. While still on the farm he engaged in the raising of cattle, hogs and horses, and he brought up Lady Rodman, training her to a record of 2 :i5/4- When Mr. and Mrs. Rodman were liv- ing upon the home farm their place was not- ed for its open-handed hospitality, and their door was never closed to their many friends and they now occupy a very attractive and beautiful residence in DeLand, fitted up with every modern convenience, including both hot and cold water, bath rooms, a hot air ph.nt for heating and a lighting plant. This home is the center of a cultured society circle and its good cheer is greatly enjoyed by those who visit them. Mrs. Rodman is a valued member of the Methodist Episcopal church and is a most estimable lady. In his social relations Mr. Rodman is a Mason, belonging to DeLand Lodge, No. 812, F. & A. M. He also belongs to the Twentieth Cen- tury Lodge, No. 603, K. P., and has twice been its representative to the grand lodge, and was its first chancellor commander. In politics he has always been a stalwart Repub- lican and has kept well informed on the is- sues and questions of the day, but steadily refused to accept office until 1902, when he was prevailed upon to become a candidate for the general assembly. He made a suc- cessful race and was elected, so that he is now a member of the house of representa- tives. He served as chairman of the commit- tee on roads and bridges, and has been a 8o PAST AND PRESENT member of the committees on agriculture, appraising, farm drainage, federal buildings, live stock and dairying and warehouses. He was likewise made a member of the commit- tee whose purpose it was to visit, inspect and report upon penal and reformatory institu- tions. A man of keen perception and un- bounded enterprise, his success in life is due entirely to his own well directed efforts, and he deserves prominent mention among the leading and representative business men of his town and county. Over his life record there falls no shadow of 'wrong ; his public service has been most exemplary, and his private life has been marked by fidelity to duty. ELI F. WOLFE. Eli F. Wolfe, deceased, who for many years was one of the most honored and high- ly esteemed citizens of Cerro Gordo town- ship, was born on the 8th of January, 1849, in Clinton county, Indiana, his parents be- ing Eli and Barbara (Mussellman) Wolfe, both natives of Ohio. He was one of a family of seven children, two of his broth- ers being now residents of Kansas, while one sister lives in California and another makes her home in Dakota. About 1865 Mr. Wolfe came to Piatt county, Illinois, and took up farming, which he followed successfully until failing health caused his retirement. For about a year prior to his death he was confined to his bed most of the time, and he passed away on the nth of March, 1902, at the age of fifty-three years, one month and twenty- four days. Four of his children had previ- ously died. Mr. Wolfe was married March 7, 1869, to Miss Catharine Wolfe, who was born near Lafayette, Indiana, in 1849, and in 1861 came to Piatt county, Illinois, with her parents, Jacob and Hannah (Shively) Wolfe. They were natives of Ohio, born near Dayton. Her father purchased a half section of wild land one mile east of La Place, but did not live long to enjoy his new home, departing this life in January, 1870. His wife survived him some years and died in 1887. Their children were: Solomon, deceased; Catharine, widow of our subject; Lizzie, who died in infancy; Eli, who first married Fanny Friesner and second Mary Metzger, and is the owner of a farm of two hundred and forty acres on section 34, Cerro Gordo township, which came to him by inheritance ; David, who died with consumption when about twenty-five years of age; John, who died at the age of eighteen years; George, who married Ella Friesner and lives south of Mrs. 'Catharine Wolfe. Unto our subject and his wife were born seven children, but only three are now liv- ing, namely : Hannah is the wife of Cyrus Metzger, a resident of Cerro Gordo town- ship, and has two children, Clarence and Goldie. Frank married Dolly Baney, of Cerro Gordo township and lives on the home farm, one mile east of La Place. Laura is with her mother. Since her husband's death Mrs. Wolfe has made her home in LaPlace, where she has erected a very comfortable residence, surrounded by beautiful shade trees. She still owns the fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres willed her by her husband and now rented to her son Frank. The place is improved with good and substantial build- ings, and the land is well tilled and under a high state of cultivation. Mrs. Wolfe has PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 81 witnessed the greater part of the growth and development of this section of the state. When the family settled in Cerro Gordo township much of the land was covered with sloughs and ponds and was thought unfit for cultivation, but it has since been tiled and drained and converted into the best farming property of the state. Mr. Wolfe led a very quiet, peaceful and industrious life and was a model husband and loving father. He was an active and prominent member of the German Baptist or Brethren church, to which his wife and children also belong, and was a trustee of the same. His funeral was conducted by Elder M. J. McClure, of that church, and his death was widely and deeply mourned, for he had many friends among all classes of people who appreciated his sterling worth and many excellencies of character. For many years he held the office of school di- rector and never withheld his support from any object which he believed would advance the interests of his fellow men or promote 'the general welfare. ALBERT C. EDIE. Endowed by nature with strong mental- ity and a keen, logical power of resolving intricate problems into their component parts and thus gaining knowledge of the points at law which bear upon them, Albert C. Edie Iras won success and prominence at the bar of Piatt county, where he has prac- ticed for almost eight years as a member of the firm of Reed & Edie. At the present time the firm style is Reed, Edie & Reed, the son of the senior member having recently been admitted. Mr. Edie is one of Piatt county's native sons; his birth having occurred upon the home farm in Cerro Gordo township, on the 28th of August, 1868, his parents being Wil- liam H. and Amelia J. (Funk) Edie. The father was born in Hancock county, Ohio, in 1844, and the mother's birth occurred in Washington county, Indiana, in 1843, her father being Abraham Funk, one of the pio- neer settlers of that locality. William H. Edie served his country as a Union soldier in the Civil war, rendering valiant service on the battlefields of the south, and after receiving an honorable discharge he re- turned to his old home in Ohio. Later he came to Piatt county, Illinois, and located on a farm in Cerro Gordo township, where he resided for a number of years, devoting his time and attention to the development and further improvement of his farm. Aft- er some years had passed, during which time he acquired a comfortable competence, he came to Monticello, where both he and his wife are now living. He has retired from business cares, and both Mr. and Mrs. Edie are numbered among the highly respected citizens of the community. In the usual manner of farmer lads, Al- bert C. Edie was reared and in Cerro Gordo township he began his education, attending the district schools, while later he entered the Cerro Gordo school, in which he was grad- uated with the class of 1887. Desirous to make the practice of law his life work, he then began preparing for the bar in the of- fice and under the direction of W. G. Cloyd, of Bement, who was his preceptor for a year. He then went to Decatur and spent one year in the office of Judge W. C. Johns, and in 1892 he was admitted to the bar before the supreme court at Springfield. After his admission he took charge of the 82 PAST AND PRESENT Building and Loan Association, at Cerro Gordo, remaining there for two years, and on the expiration of that period he came to Monticello, where he has since made his home. In 1894 he entered into partnership with S. R. Reed, a distinguished member of the Piatt county bar, with whom he has since been associated in practice, and the law firm ranks first among the lawyers of the coun- ty. Their clientage is extensive, embracing connection with the most important litiga- tion which comes before the courts of the district. As a lawyer, Mr. Edie has the suc- cess which might naturally be looked for where close application and immense power for work are united to mental strength and quickness, an excellent memory and a large appetite for the activities of the profession. In .1894 Mr. Edie was united in mar- riage to Miss Gallic M. Fisher, of Monticel- lo, a daughter of E. P. and Ellen M. (Ward) Fisher. Mrs. Edie is a lady of culture and innate refinement and was educated in the schools of Monticello. By her marriage she has become the mother of two sons. Burl A. and Willis R. The family have a good home in Monticello and both Mr. and Mrs. Edie have the warm regard of many friends here. In his political views Mr. Edie is a stal- wart Republican, and for six years he served as city attorney of Monticello, his term of office expiring in May, 1903. While the incumbent he was a most loyal official, giv- ing most careful attention to the legal inter- ests of the city. Socially he is connected with Phoenix Lodge, No. 204, K. P., and he is the secretary of the Monticello Busi- ness Men's Association, and president of the hoard of education. Everything pertaining to the social, intellectual, political and moral progress of his community receive his in- dorsement, nor has his co-operation been found lacking along lines for the general good. ANDREW J. LANGLEY. The subject of this sketch finds an ap- propriate place in the history of men of busi- ness and enterprise in the state of Illinois, whose force of character, whose sterling in- tegrity, whose fortitude amid discourage- ments, whose good sense in the management of complicated affairs and of marked success in establishing and bringing to completion important business interests, have contrib- uted in an eminent degree to the develop- ment of the best resources of this common- wealth. His career has not been helped by accident or luck, wealth, family or powerful friends, but he is in the broadest sense a self- made man, being both the architect and builder of his fortunes, but not only has he won proninence in business life, but has al- so gained high regard .by his genuine worth. He is now the vice president of the First National Bank of Mansfield and was long associated with agricultural interests, his home at the present time being on his farm on section 17, Blue Ridge township. Mr. Langley is a native of Pennsylvania, his birth having occurred in Erie county about four miles from the city of Erie on the ist of October, 1837. He is a son of James and Jane (Weston) Langley, who were likewise natives of the Keystone state. The Langley family is of Scotch extraction and when sixteen years of age the grand- father of our subject came from the land of the heather to the new world, locating in Erie county. There he afterward followed farming until called to the home beyond. PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. It was in Erie county that he was married and reared his family. James Langley also became an agriculturist, and with his fam- ily he removed to the west in 1853, estab- lishing his home in Macoupin county, Illi- nois. The subject of this review was then a youth of sixteen years. The journey was made overland and nineteen and a half days had passed ere they reached their destina- tion. They did not, however, travel on Sun- days. After arriving in Macoupin county the father purchased land and continued to engage in farming there until his demise. He and his wife were the parents of eleven children, of whom four are yet living, but Andrew J. Langley is the only one now re- siding in Piatt county. One of the family is living in Seattle, Washington, another in Mississippi, and the sister is a resident of Eureka Springs, Arkansas. In the schools of Erie county, Pennsyl- vania, Andrew J. Langley began his educa- tion which he afterward continued in the public schools of Macoupin county, Illinois. He also spent one term in a commercial school of Gerard, Pennsylvania. Under the parental roof he remained until twenty-one years of age, when he began business as a farmer and nurseryman in Macoupin county. As a companion and helpmate for the jour- -ney of life he chose Miss Celia A. Curtis and the wedding was celebrated on the nth of March, 1859. The lady is also a native of Erie county, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of John and Hulda Curtis, natives of Xew York, whence they removed to the Keystone state, where the father followed farming. The Curtis family is probably of English lineage and Mrs. Langley is one of a family of eight children, five of whom are yet living. Unto our subject and his wife were born six children, but a son and daugh- ter died in infancy. Elmer E., the eldest, is now living in Morris, Stevens county, Min- nesota. He married Emma Smith, who died leaving two children : Elbert E., who makes his home in Minnesota with his father; and Emery F., who is residing with his grand- parents, Mr. and Mrs. Langley. Frederick Lincoln, the second son of the family, re- sides at Bingham Lake, Minnesota. He wedded Mattie Holman and they have three children, Max, Wilbur and Celia. James C. Langley is the cashier of the First National Bank of Mansfield. Roy A. is engaged in farming in Morris, Minnesota. Mr. Langley returned to the east for his wife and then brought his bride to Macoupin county, Illinois, where he carried on farming until 1865, and likewise devoted some atten- tion to the nursery business. That year he came to Piatt county and purchased four hundred acres of land, which was then par- tially improved, having upon it a little house of two rooms. He erected a new residence, also built outbuildings and has improved the place in many ways. It was almost destitute of trees when he took up his abode there, but the place is now surrounded by many beautiful trees. Mr. Langley was planting a grove of five acres of walnut trees when a messenger riding across the country from Champaign county called to him the news that President Lincoln had been assassinated. Mr. Langley then gave to the place the name of Lincoln Grove. For a numberof years he successfully carried on agricultural pursuits, but not caring to be burdened with the su- pervision of an extensive farm here, he has since sold all of the home place with the ex- ception of eighty acres. However, he has landed possessions in South Dakota, in Minnesota and Nebraska, having wisely in- vested his money in real estate. PAST AND PRESENT In 1893 in company with his son J. C., and William Firke, Mr. Langley founded what became known as the Langley, Firke & Langley private bank. This was afterward sold to John M. Dighton & Company of Monticello, and they reorganized the State Bank of Mansfield, with which Mr. Langley was identified until 1902. In that year in connection with W. D. Fairbanks and his son, J. C. Langley, he founded the First Na- tional Bank of Mansfield, its present officers being W. D. Fairbanks, president; A. J. Langley, vice president, and J. C.. Langley, cashier. Mr. Langley has always given his political support to the Republican party since casting his first presidential ballot, and he was a warm admirer as well as a personal friend of Abraham Lincoln. For about fourteen years he served as supervisor of Blue Ridge township, holding the office for twelve consecutive years and for one term he was chairman of the board. He has been chairman of nearly all of the committees of the board and has done effective and helpful service in behalf of the county through the exercise of his official prerogatives. Fra- ternally he is connected with Mansfield Lodge, No. 773, F. & A. M. He and his wife are now the only peo- ple living on the "ridge," who were here when Mr. and Mrs. Langley arrived and their own home place has never been out of their possession and the property is a monu- ment to the enterprise and efforts of the subject of this review. While always active in matters of citizenship for the general good Mr. Langley has never taken an active ' part in political work in the hope of gaining office, having always preferred to give his attention to the superintendence of his pri- vate business affairs and extensive invest- ments. A man of unswerving integrity and honor, one who has a perfect appreciation of the higher ethics of life, he has gained and retained the confidence and respect of his fellow men and is distinctively one of the leading citizens of Piatt county, with whose interests he has been identified for more than a third of a century. WILLIAM H. DILATUSH. Among the enterprising and energetic young business men of Piatt county is numbered William H. Dilatush, the popular cashier of the State Bank of DeLand. He was born in this county, July 5, 1871, and is a son of George D. Dilatush, a resident of Decatur. The father in early manhood wedded Cynthia Jeffries, a native of Ohio. He was a native of New Jersey, but in his boyhood days emigrated westward with his parents to the Buckeye state and located in Warren county. They were married in Ohio and in 1868 they removed westward to Illi- nois, settling in Lincoln, Logan county. There they lived until 1870, when they took up their abode in Cerro Gordo township, Piatt county, where Mr. Dilatush purchased land and engaged in farming. He followed that pursuit until 1890, when, having ac- quired a handsome competence sufficient to enable him to put aside business cares and rest in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil, he removed to Decatur, where he has since lived retired. Mr. and Mrs. Dilatush were the parents of five children : Frank V., a resident of Monticello; Jarvis J.. who is living in Utah; Elmer E., who makes his home in Decatur; Lida E., who is with her parents ; and William H., of this, review. PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. In the district schools William H. Dila- tush began his education which was con- tinued in Monticello high school, of which he is a graduate. On putting aside his text- books he entered upon his business career in the capacity of a clerk in a grocery store of Race, Handlin & Company, with whom he continued for four years. He then went in- to the postoffice book 'store, where he re- mained for two years, and in 1898 he came to DeLand, accepting the position as cashier in the John Kirby & Company Bank. This institution was reorganized in 1899 as the State Bank of DeLand, with John Kirby as president and W. H. Dilatush as cashier. The bank was capitalized for twenty-five . thousand dollars and is a most reliable finan- cial institution. The bank building is splendidly equipped, being fitted up with a Mosler safe manufactured at Hamilton, Ohio. There is also a safety deposit vault with sixty boxes. The building was erected in 1902 at a cost of eleven thousand five hundred dollars, and is one of the most com- plete bank buildings in this part of the state. A general banking business is carried on along progressive lines and yet the policy of the firm is conservative enough to insure perfect safety to depositors. In October, 1898, Mr. Dilatush was unit- ed in marriage to Miss Ida Stevenson, a daughter of Wilbur Stevenson, of Monticello, The young couple have many warm friends in DeLand and Piatt county, and their own home is celebrated for its gracious hospitali- ty. Mr. Dilatush is a member of DeLand Lodge, No. 812, F. & A. M., also of Twen- tieth Century Lodge, No. 603, K. P., and in politics he is a stalwart Democrat.' He has served as supervisor of Goose Creek town- ship, filling the office from 1899 until 1901. He is a typical American citizen, wide-awake and enterprising, quick to notice business opportunities and to utilize them for the ad- vancement of his individual success. At the same time he is ever in touch with public progress and improvement and co-operates in many measures for the general good. JOHN W. HILLIGOSS. In public affairs in Mansfield John W. Hilligoss has been prominent and his efforts in behalf of the general progress have been far-reaching and effective. He was born in Fleming county, Kentucky, on the ist of October, 1841, a son of Thomas and Mary (Darnall) Hilligoss, who were also natives of the Bluegrass state. The former was a farmer, and in following that pursuit pro- vided a comfortable living for his family. Both he and his wife died when about sixty- eight years of age, and they were laid to rest in the cemetery at Elizaville, Fleming county. In their family were the following children : John W. ; James T., who is de- ceased ; Jeanette. a resident of Fleming county, Kentucky; Mary, who is a widow and lives in Fleming county; Maggie, who makes her home in Lexington, Kentucky; Cynthia, who is also living in Fleming coun- ty ; Clyde, who has passed away ; and Robert E. Lee, who resides in LaSalle county, Il- linois. Under the parental roof John W. Hilli- goss spent his boyhood days, and in the pub- lic schools he acquired his education, contin- uing his studies there until about eighteen years of age. He was a student through the winter months, and during the summer seasons he engaged in farming, assisting in the operations of the old home place. At 86 PAST AND PRESENT the age of nineteen he began teaching in his home locality, and he there continued to re- side until his removal to Illinois. In Septem- ber, 1862, true to his loved southland, he responded to the call of the Confederates for troops and enlisted as a member of the command of Colonel Thomas Johnson, join- ing the army at Mount Sterling, Kentucky. He was in the service for two years, and on the gth of July, 1864, at Mount Sterling, he was wounded in the right leg. which was amputated just above the knee on the I2th of the same month. This, of course, inca- pacitated him for further service and he re- turned to his home. He continued to reside in Fleming coun- ty, Kentucky, until 1868, when he decided to establish his home in Illinois, and took up his abode near Mattoon,-this state. There he engaged in teaching school successfully until 1873, when he came to Mansfield, and. for thirty years he has been a resident of this place. The favorable opinion passed upon him at the outset of his career here has never been set aside, or in any degree modified, for he has always lived so as to command the respect and good will of his fellow men. For two years he was en- gaged in teaching school here, and in 1881 he established the Mansfield Express which had its origin in Mahomet in 1878. He has since published the paper which is independ- ent in politics, and which has a good circu- lation and a constantly growing patronage. It is devoted to the advancement of the lo- cal and general news and to the furtherance of the best interests of this locality, and is a leading journal of Piatt county. On the gth of July, 1872, Mr. Hilligoss was united in marriage to Miss Hester House, of Champaign county, and they now have a daughter, Clyde, who is the wife of John R. \Yatkins, who is conducting a job printing business in Urbana, Illinois. Socially Mr. Hilligoss is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belong- ing to Brothers Lodge, No. 589, in Mans- field. He has filled all of its offices and has twice represented the local lodge in the grand lodge; is thoroughly informed con- cerning the tenets and teachings of the or- der, and his life has been guided by its be- neficent principles. In public affairs he has been prominent and has served as village clerk, and also as township clerk. During his long residence in this county he has be- come very widely known, and Mansfield numbers him among its respected and hon- ored citizens. WILLIAM H. PIATT. It is most fitting that there be accorded due mention in this biographical history of this prominent representative of a family whose name is borne by the county and whose members have been so prominent in promoting the various interests which have contributed to the country's welfare and progress along all lines of substantial im- provement. Since the time that the first members of the Piatt family located in this section of the state the name has figured con- spicuously in connection with its material, social, intellectual and moral development. Fortunate is the man who has back of him an ancestry honorable and distinguished, and happy is he if his lines of life are cast in har- money therewith. In appearance and in tal- ents Mr. 1'iatt is a worthy scion of his race, and after more than fifty years of honorable and active connection with the agricultural W. H. PIATT PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. interests he is now living a retired life, hav- ing long since passed the Psalmist's span of three score years and ten. Indeed, he has now reached the age of eighty-seven years a venerable man whose upright life should serve as a source of inspiration and as an example for emulation. The Piatt family is of French lineage and was established in America by John Piatt, the great-grandfather of our subject, who was a Huguenot in religious faith. He left his native country of France and crossed the Atlantic to America, establishing his home during colonial days in New Jersey, where he died in 1760. Abraham Piatt, his son and the grandfather of our subject, was born in New Jersey in 1741 and became a sur- veyor. He emigrated to Center county, Pennsylvania, casting in his lot with its pio- neer settlers and taking an important part in the work of development and improvement there. When the colonists attempted to throw off the yoke of British oppression he joined the American army and fought for the independence of the nation. He held the rank of colonel and rendered valiant and ef- fective service to the cause of liberty. He did not live very long, however, to enjoy the fruits of this long struggle, for when fifty years of age he passed away, dying on the 1 3th of November, 1791, from the effects of of a cold which he contracted while engaged in surveying a large tract which was given to him for his services in the Revolutionary war. Jacob Piatt, a brother, was also an officer under Washington and was also granted land. Among the children of Abraham Piatt was James A. Piatt. in whose honor this county was named. His birthplace was Center county, Pennsylvania, and the year of his birth 1/89. He was for many years iden- tified with pioneer life not . only in Illinois, but also in Indiana. In 1815 he left Penn- sylvania and removed to Brookville, Frank- lin county, Indiana, at which time that state was still under territorial rule. The place of his destination was a small village and was situated upon what was then the very west- ern frontier. There Mr. Piatt engaged first in merchandising, but frequently he fol- lowed freight-boating on the Mississippi river, taking many cargoes to New Orleans, which has then the market for all that sec- tion of the country, for the era of railroads had not dawned upon the nation and ship- ments were made by water. Mr. Piatt also made several trips to Cuba with live stock. Fn 1828 he established the first tin shop in Indianapolis, and through two years was en- gaged in business there as a hardware and tin merchant. There was something in his nature that was in accord with pioneer con- dition, and in 1829 he again resumed his westward journey. He came to what is now Piatt county, Illinois, reaching the present site of Afonticello on the 7th of April, after a journey made with ox teams. All was wild and unimproved. The prairies were still as they came from the hand of nature, not a furrow having been turned or an im- provement made. At that time there existed a preemption law whereby settlers were en- abled to hold land for five years before enter- ing it. Mr. Piatt made wise choice of his se- lection of land, although many at that time would have wondered at his choice, for his nearest neighbor, with one exception, was fifteen miles distant. As years passed, how- ever, this land greatly increased in value, and he carried on the work of farming, his labors being attended with very creditable and grat- ifying success. The first family home was a pioneer cabin built of logs, and for many PAST AND PRESENT years it has stood on the Monticello fair grounds, one of the old landmarks of pioneer days, and an interesting relic of the early times when such homes sheltered all the early settlers. Another indication of the wild- ness of the district was the large number of Indians who still lived in this part of the state, and Mr. Piatt became agent for a con- tractor who supplied the red men with ra- tions at the close of the war of 1812. He found favor with the Indians who regarded Mr. Piatt as the donor of the supplies, and always held him in grateful remembrance, frequently giving expiration of their appre- ciation of his bounty by bestowing upon him venison and other wild game. No history of central Illinois would be complete with- out mention of this gentleman, so promi- nently was he associated with the early de- velopment of the locality. He aided in laying broad and deep the foundation for the pres- ent progress and prosperity of the county and his death, which occurred in 1838, caused an irreparable loss to central Illinois. His work in connection with the capture of horse thieves in an early day was likewise notable. At that time such law breakers infested the country, for owing to its unsettled condition, they had good opportunity to get away. However, Mr. Piatt was relentless in his search for such thieves, and more than one instance is related of his skill in capturing those who had stolen horses. In the spring of 1832 two of his best horses were stolen, and, accompanied by a neighbor, he traced the thieves, capturing them in Indiana near the Ohio line. He then returned with them to Decatur, where they were tried, con- victed and sentenced to be whipped by the sheriff, one thief to receive thirty-nine lashes and the other forty-nine. The follow- ing year Mr. Piatt, accompanied by his son, William H., of this review, went to Ohio county, Kentucky, in search of a horse thief, whom they arrested and took to Ottawa, Il- linois, for trial. During the Black Hawk war James A. Piatt served as a ranger in Illinois under the command of Major Warnick, who had been an officer under General Jackson in the war of 1812. In civil life Mr. Piatt was also prominent. In the early days he served as one of the county commissioners of Macon county for seven years before the division of the district into Macon and Piatt counties. His influence was ever given on the side of progress and improvement, and he well de- served the honor of having the new county called by his name. In the early schools of Indianapolis and of Lawrenceburg, Indiana, William H. Piatt pursued his studies, although his educational privileges were extremely limited. He left school when only eleven years of age, and although he has become a broad-minded man and one of good general information, this is due to his experience and observation. He has possessed an observing eye and retentive memory, and these qualifications, added to keen discernment, have gained for him prac- tical experience of much value in the busi- ness world. His surroundings and environ- ments in boyhood were those of the frontier, and he assisted in the arduous task of devel- oping new land and of reclaiming the region for the purpose of civilization. After arriv- ing at years of maturity he chose a com- panion and helpmate for life's journey, being united in marriage on the loth of April, 1838, to Miss Clarinda Marquiss, who was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, in 1819, and is a daughter of Abraham and Elizabeth (Barnes.) Marquiss, who were natives of Pennsylvania, but became pioneers of Piatt county. As the years passed the home of Mr. and Mrs. PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. Piatt was blessed with seven children: James A., who is now deceased; Abraham, deceased ; Charles, who is extensively en- gaged in farming and stock-raising; Frances, the wife of W. E. Lodge, of Monticello; Je- mima, the wife of W. E. Smith, a merchant of Monticello; and Emma L., the wife of Joseph Llewellyn, of Chicago. She is a graduate of the Illinois University and is the author of the Piatt county history. Mr. and Mrs. Piatt began their domestic life upon a farm, and throughout his business career he carried on agricultural pursuits. His first home was the site of the present fair grounds near Monticello,. where he lived for a short time. In the fall of 1839 he built a cabin on the banks of Goose Creek in the township of that name, and while his wife cared for the little home he engaged in the labors of the fields. In his farm work he prospered. The land was rich and proved very productive, returning excellent crops in reward for the labors bestowed upon the fields. As his financial resources increased Mr. Piatt ma This well-known and highly esteemed citizen of DeLand, was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, April 25, 1841, a son of Jason and Rebecca (Turner) Frizzell, both representatives of old Virginia families. The father was born in Ohio in 1808, and was educated in the common schools of that PAST AND PRESENT state. In early life he followed farming in Fairfield county, and for the long period of forty-five years most acceptably served as justice of the peace. At one time he was also the Democratic candidate for sheriff, but was defeated. He was a stanch support- er of that party and' took a very active and prominent part in local politics. In 1830 he married Rebecca Turner, who died when our subject was a year old, and he was again married in 1851, his second union being with Jane Jones, of Pennsylvania, by whom he had three children : Jason, who served in the Civil war as a member of the Seven- teenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry and is now a railroad man living in Ohio; William; and Barbara, wife of Dudley Layman. The chil- dren of the first marriage were Joel, a resi- dent of Ohio ; Frederick, who died in the army ; Jackson, also deceased ; John, of this review ; Emily and Rebecca, both deceased. The father died in Ohio, February c, 1862. J *J' John Frizzell is indebted to the public schools of Ohio for the educational privi- leges he enjoyed during his boyhood, but he was able to attend school but little as he be- gan work as soon as old enough. At the age of fifteen years he commenced learning the tanner's trade, which he followed con- tinuously until the Civil war broke out, when prompted by a spirit of patriot- ism he offered his services to the govern- ment. At Columbus, Ohio, in 1863, he en- listed in the Ninety-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served until hostili- ties ceased. He was in a number of engage- ments, including the battle of Guntown, where he was taken prisoner June 10, 1864. For about seven months he was incarcerated in Andersonville prison, was in Millen pris- on six or seven weeks, and was also confined in the jail at Columbus, Georgia, for a few days, but was finally paroled and sent home, receiving an honorable discharge at Colum- bus, Ohio, in 1865. After resting for a time Mr. Frizzell be- gan work as a farm hand and also did odd jobs. In 1866 he left his native state and re- moved to Charleston, Illinois, where he was married on the jth of June, that year, to Miss Mary L. Frizzell, a daughter of David B. and Harriet (Smith) Frizzell, who were from Ohio. Her mother is still living in Cumberland county, Illinois, at the age of eighty-five years, but her father died in 1868 at the age of fifty-four. He had two brothers : Lloyd drove an ox team across the plains to California in 1849 and died in San Francisco of heart failure. He was county treasurer for one or two terms. John, a physician, served for three years as a sur- geon in the Civil war and died in Butler, Bates county, Missouri, six years ago. The wife of our subject is one of a family of seven children, the others being Sarah, de- ceased ; John, who died in the army ; Craw- ford, a resident of Terre Haute, Indiana; Rebecca, wife of John Jenuine; Alice, wife of George Stults, a farmer ; and Lloyd, who is operating the old home farm. Unto our subject and his wife were born two children, namely : Florence, deceased ; and Gertrude, wife of O'Neal Barnes, who is engaged in farming on our subject's place near DeLand. In 1879 Mr. Frizzell came to Piatt coun- ty and began farming near the present site of DeLand, which was then a cornfield. He bought a forty-acre farm in 1882, but sold the same later and purchased sixty acres, on which he made his home for fourteen years. On disposing of that farm he bought an- other of one hundred acres, which he oper- ated quite successfully until 1902. when he removed to DeLand and purchased town PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. property, though he still owns his farm near the village. His home in DeLand is a valu- able property, consisting of a fine house, good barn and other outbuildings situated on four lots. He has a large amount of fruit upon his place, including cherries and berries of all kinds, and everything is in first-class condition. Here, surrounded by all the comforts which go to make life worth the living, Mr. and Mrs. Frizzell expect to spend their remaining days. They are prom- inent members of the Methodist Episcopal church, taking an active part in its work, and they enjoy the esteem and friendship of all who know them. Mr. Frizzell is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and is a strong Republican in politics. His life has been one of industry and usefulness and he merits the success that has come to him as well as the confidence that is so freely ac- corded him. JAMES CLIFTON TIPPETT. Piatt county figures as one of the most attractive, progressive and prosperous di- visions of the state of Illinois, justly claim- ing a high order of citizenship and a spirit of enterprise which is certain to conserve consecutive development and marked ad- vancement in the material upbuilding of men who have controlled its affairs in official ca- pacity, and in this connection the subject of this review demands representation as one who has served the county faithfully and well in positions of distinctive trust and re- sponsibility. He is now acting as circuit clerk and recorder of Piatt county and makes his home in Monticello. Mr. Tippett was born at White Heath, Piatt county, on the 3d of July, 1873, and is a son of Cumberland Tippett, whose birth occurred in Licking county, Ohio, about the year 1834. The father was a merchant and also devoted some time to farming and to preaching the gospel as a local minister. He Became an early settler of White Heath and his influence for good was widely felt. In his ministerial capacity he was called upon to perform the marriage ceremony for many couples in Piatt and adjoining counties. He was ever the friend of progress, reform and improvement, and his influence was ever given on the side of right and justice. His death was occasioned by accident on the 2d of October, 1875, at which time he fell from an apple tree. His wife survived him and is still living at White Heath. She was born in Ohio in 1848. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Tip- pett were born two children : Florence M. is the wife of Dr. B. E. Duvall, a resi- dent of Atlanta, Georgia. She is also a physician, having pursued a course in the Southern Eclectic Medical College at At- lanta, Georgia, in which institution her hus- band pursued his medical course. Both are now actively engaged in practice and each are in the enjoyment of a lucrative business. In connection with their work in this direc- tion they are editing the Southern Eclectic Medical Journal of Atlanta, Georgia, which is recognized as authority on many subjects of which it treats. James C. Tippett, whose name intro- duces this record, was reared and educated at White Heath. On leaving the public schools he entered the State University at Champaign, where he pursued his studies for several terms, and then returning to his home he engaged in farming and stock-rais- ing, making a specialty of feeding hogs and cattle. His father was the owner of a small 144 FAST AND PRESENT tract en laid out upon this place, which now be- longs to our subject, and was named in his honor. The father tiled this land and made many improvements thereon. For many years he successfully engaged in general farming and stock-raising and was also in- terested in the grain and mercantile business at Pierson for eight years as a member of the firm of Pierson & Son, our subject being the junior partner. His fellow citizens rec- ognizing his worth and ability called upon him to serve as commissioner of Unity town- ship for the long period of nineteen years, and for two years he filled the office of jus- tice of the peace and as tax assessor one year. His friends and neighbors often sought his counsel and he was a man of marked in- fluence in the community where he resided. He was practically the founder of the Mis- sionary Baptist church here and gave the land on which it and the parsonage stood to- be the property of the church as long as it stood there, but the buildings have since been removed. For over forty years Mr. Pierson was a member of the Masonic lodge at At- wood and was also a prominent member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows for many years, holding the office of treasurer in both organizations for some time. After WILLIS C. PIERSON MRS. WILLIS C. PIERSON PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 163 his retirement from active business, he de- voted considerable attention to his apiary, having forty stands, and he found great pleasure in working among his bees. In his political views he was a Democrat and as every true American citizen should do he took an active interest in public affairs. Aft- er a useful and well-spent life he passed away July 6, 1898, honored and respected by all who knew him, and his wife departed this life February 8, 1896. The children of the family still living are : Mary J., wife of A. Beedle and a resident of Garrett, Douglas county, Illinois ; Catherine, wife of H. J. Rigney, the oldest merchant of Pierson ; Candacy, wife of Mel- born Bell, who has a fruit farm near Red- lands, California; A. D., who is fourth in order of birth; J. G., a member of the firm of Pierson & Fisher, hardware merchants of Pierson ; Emma, wife of James White, of Moultrie county, Illinois ; and Mame, wife of Richard Willis, a fruit farmer of Red- lands, California. A. D. Pierson attended the public schools of Piatt county and gained a good practical business education as his father's assistant. For a time he conducted a hotel and livery stable in Buffalo, Illinois, and since then has made his home uninterruptedly in Piatt county. He had a splendid farm of one hun- dred and sixty acres on section 21, Unity township, north of Pierson, and on selling that place he purchased the old homestead where he now resides. This farm consists of one hundred and eighty-four acres on sec- tion 33, Unity township, just south of Pier- son, and is a well-improved and valuable tract. Mr. Pierson is engaged principally in raising broom-corn and is regarded as one of the most progressive and practical farmers of Piatt county. In September, 1880, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Pierson and Miss Susan J. Hook, a daughter of John and Catherine (Montgomery) Hook. Her father was born in Ross county, Ohio, and was but twelve years of age on his removal to Moul- trie county, Illinois, with his parents, Jacob and Susan (Frederick) Hook, the family locating there in 1847. The unbroken prairies abounded in wild game and the Hook family experienced many of the hardships and trials of pioneer life in their new home. Mrs. Pierson is the oldest in a family of ten children, all of whom reached man and womanhood, and six of the number are still living, the others being Mrs. Sarah Shultz; Amanda, who married Hiram Meece, of Moultrie county; James, who married Maggie Dick ; P. C, who married Alice Chase; and Harvey. The mother of these children died and the father subse- quently married Mrs. Susan Davis, and since August, 1902, has lived a retired life in Pierson. He is one of a family of six children and the living are all residents of Moultrie county with exception of Mrs. Pierson's father. Our subject and his wife have six chil- dren : Willis C., Elmer Elsworth, Charley C., Pearl, Grover G. and Samuel D. Willis C., named for his grandfather, was married in May, 1903, to Miss Blanche Benner and lives on the home farm. Mr. Pierson is a member of the Missionary Baptist church and a stanch supporter of the Democratic party. For five years he efficiently served as ditch commissioner and has been a val- uable member of the school board for fif- teen years, taking an active interest in edu- cational affairs and in the material upbuild- ing and prosperity of his township and coun- ty. He is a man of progressive ideas and sound judgment which renders him an im- portant factor in public affairs. 164 PAST AND PRESENT WILLIAM NOECKER, M. D. Fifty years have been added to the cycle of the centuries since Dr. William Noecker came to Monticello. He had just graduated from the Starling Medical Col- lege, and here he entered upon his profes- sional career, in which he was destined to gain honor and distinction. For thirty years he devoted his energies to the alle- viation of human suffering and then he put aside professional cares to engage in the banking business in which he continued for about twenty years, being the "president, as well as the founder of the First Nation- al Bank of Monticello. Among the ear- nest men whose depth of character and strict adherence to principles excite the admiration of contemporaries, Dr. Noeck- er was prominent and he was as influential in financial circles as he was active in the practice of medicine. Banking institutions are the heart of the commercial body, indi- cating the healthfulness of trade, and the bank that follows a safe, conservative busi- ness policy does more to establish confi- dence in times of widespread financial de- pression than anything else. Such a course did the First National Bank of Monticello follow under the able manage- ment of its president, the subject of this re- view. .For a half century he was one of the active business men of Piatt county, and probably no single individual was more widely or favorably known within its bor- ders. The Doctor was a native of Northum- berland county, Pennsylvania, born in April, 1823, and represented an old family of Berks county, that state. It was in the latter county that his paternal grandfather spent his entire life, and there it was that John Noecker, the father of the Doctor, was born. After arriving at years of maturity, however, he married and removed to Northumberland county, where he en- gaged in farming. His wife bore the maid- en name of Maria Stump, and was also a native of Berks county, but both spent their last days in Northumberland coun- ty, where they had long resided and where they reared their family of twelve children, all of whom reached adult age, the young- est to pass away being forty years of age at the time of death. Dr. Noecker spent the first fifteen years of his life under the parental roof and then accompanied an elder brother to Pickaway county, Ohio. As there were no railroads then they traveled in a spring wagon drawn by a team of horses, and for some years thereafter the Doctor was connected with farm work. 'He also em- braced every opportunity possible for se- curing an education, and 'in 1849 he be- gan teaching, which profession he fol- lowed for two years. At the end of that time he resolved to give his attention to other professional labor and took up the study of medicine, Dr. Peter K. Hull, of Circleville, Ohio, directing his reading. In the winter of 1851 he became a student in the Starling Medical College, of Colum- bus, Ohio, where he continued to attend lectures until February, 1853, when he was graduated and received his degree. In March he started for Monticello with the intention of establishing an office and en- gaging in practice here. Westward of Ohio lay a section of the country as yet largely unimproved and in many sections the work of cultivation and development had scarcely been begun. Methods of travel were then very primitive PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 165 as compared to the parlor coaches on the railroads of to-day, and the young physi- cian traveled by stage from Columbus to Cincinnati, where he took passage on an Ohio river boat. On reaching the Missis- sippi he proceeded up that stream to Al- ton and on by rail to Springfield, which was the nearest railroad station to Monti- cello. He learned that at eight o'clock the next morning the stage would start for Piatt county. He made preparations to continue his journey at that time and when the hour arrived he saw a team drive to the hotel, to which was attached a two-wheeled cart, and on the axle was a dry-goods box. The Doctor engaged pas- sage in this primitive vehicle but the driver refused to take both his trunks and he was obliged to leave one behind. Three times the driver stopped to change horses and yet it was three o'clock on the follow- ing morning before they arrived at their destination. In such a manner did Dr. Noecker arrive in Monticello, which was then a mere village in the midst of a sparsely settled region. At that time the merchants largely bought their goods in Springfield and brought them by team to Monticello and Dr. Noecker soon made arrangements with the teamster to bring his trunk. Then began his professional labor here. He formed a partnership with Dr. C. R. Ward, but the connection continued for only a few months, after which Dr. Noeck- er practiced alone. His was the usual ex- perience of the physician who settles upon the frontier in a thinly populated district. Calls came to him from long distances, and necessitated hard rides at all hours and through all kinds of weather. Most of the settlers lived in the timber regions bordering the Sangamon river and Goose and Camp creeks. There was little money in circulation and thus collections were very difficult, but as the years advanced and the people prospered Dr. Noecker re- ceived a profitable and extensive patron- age. For thirty years he continued in practice here and into many a household carried comfort and cheer. His profes- sional skill was continually augmented by his reading and research and viewed from both a professional and financial stand- point his labors were crowned with suc- cess. Great had been the changes which had occurred during that time, the coun- try having become thickly populated, while science, too, had made marked ad- vance, rendering the labors of the progres- sive physician much more beneficial. With a nature that could never content itself with mediocrity, Dr. Noecker had contin- ually kept abreast of the times, and many of his patrons felt loath to part with his professional services when he determined to retire from the practice of his profes- sion. He then turned his attention to the banking business and established the Bank of Monticello, now the First National Bank, which has become one of the safe and re- liable moneyed institutions of this part of the state. In 1861 was celebrated the marriage of Dr. Noecker and Miss Ella Britton, a na- tive of Ross county, Ohio, and a daughter of John and Jane Britton. They had but one child, who died at the age of four years. Mrs. Noecker is a most estimable lady, cultured and of innate refinement, and over her pleasant home she presides with gracious and charming hospitality. The Doctor's political support was ever given to the Democracy, and he served 1 66 PAST AND PRESENT as a member of the school board and as city treasurer. There were many elements in his life history worthy of emulation. The secret of his success was undoubtedly that he had a talent for hard work and close application, combined with a mind which delighted in investigation. Realiz- ing that "there is no excellence without la- bor" he attended closely to the details of his profession and of his banking business, carefully superintending each department. Such methods cannot fail to win success, but it is not the acquirement of success which is so deserving of commendation, but the use of it in ways that benefit man- kind, and in this regard Monticello's citi- zens speak of Dr. Noecker in terms of highest praise. He died very suddenly of throat trouble, May 4, 1897,- at Columbus, Indiana. S. M. FUNK. S. M. Funk, ex-county treasurer and dealer in hardware, cutlery, buggies and har- ness at Cerro Gordo, has resided in Piatt county since the year 1853. He is a native of Indiana and a son of Abraham and Eliza J. (McKinney) Funk, the former a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter of Indiana. The father lived in his native state until 1836, when he removed to Bloomington, Il- linois, where he was married, and there made his home until 1853. In that year he ar- rived in Piatt county, taking up his abode in Willow Branch township, where for several years he was engaged in farming. He then removed to Macon county, Illinois, where he lived for a short time, but soon returned to Piatt county, and at this time settled in the village of Cerro Gordo, where he lived a re- tired life until called to his final rest in the year 1890. His widow still survives him and is widely known as Grandma Funk in Monticello, where she makes her home. There were five children born unto this worthy couple, four of whom are now liv- ing, as follows : Emma, the widow of San- ford Tracy, who resides in Cerro Gordo ; Samuel M., whose name introduces this rec- ord ; Amelia, the wife of William Edie, of Monticello; and Theodore, who married Al- ice Good and now resides in Decatur, Illi- nois. For several years he was a successful teacher of Piatt county. Like the other members of the family Samuel M. Funk pursued his education in the common schools and had no advantages beyond that. After putting aside his text- books he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits in Cerro Gordo township and was engaged in farming until after the inaugu- ration of the Civil war, when in response to his country's need he offered his services. It was in August, 1862, that he joined Com- pany K, One Hundred and Seventh Illinois Infantry under Colonel Thomas Snell of Clinton, and at a later date Colonel Lowry of Monticello commanded the regiment. Captain U. M. Lawrence was in command of the company which took part in a num- ber of important engagements, including the battle of Knoxville, the Atlanta cam- paign and the capture of Wilmington and Raleigh. Mr. Funk was never injured in any way and at Salisbury, North Carolina, on the loth of July, 1865, he received an honorable discharge after three years of faithful and valorous service. Mr. Funk returned to Cerro Gordo township, where he resumed his agricultural pursuits. He was married to Miss Sarah A. Chilson. a native of Ohio and a daughter PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 167 of William A. Chilson, who was one of the early settlers of Piatt county, where he ar- rived in 1857. Here he followed farming, which he carried on continuously until his death. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Funk have been born eight children, of whom four are now living, namely : John E., who is a partner in his father's store; Samuel E., who is now farming in Cerro Gordo township and who served as county deputy treasurer of Piatt county for four years; Cora A., at home; Aaron L., who is assisting his father in the store and who through several years was a capable teacher of the county. The chil- dren of the family who have passed away are Eugene M., who died in November, 1902; Elvaretta, William A. and Charles W. Mr. Funk engaged in farming in Cerro Gordo township until 1883, when he re- moved to the village of that name and en- tered upon his present business. He yet owns a fine farm of 240 acres in Cerro Gor- do township, which is operated by his chil- dren. He now has two large stores, in one of which he carries a full line of general hardware, stoves, etc. To the conduct of this business he gives his personal attention. The other store is stocked with a good large supply of buggies and harness. Mr. Funk has secured a good patronage and now has a profitable trade. He has also been quite active and well known in public affairs. For several years he served as collector of Cerro Gordo township and in 1898 he was elected county treasurer of Piatt county in which capacity he ably served for four years or until December, 1902, when he retired from office as he had entered it with the confi- ' dence and good will of all. In politics he has always been a Republican, taking an active interest in the growth and success of the party and is recognized as one of its lead- er in this part of the county. Socially, he is a member of the Grand Army Post, No. 210 of Cerro Gordo and both he and his wife hold membership relations with the Metho- dist Episcopal church in the town. He has been one of its members for more than for- ty years and takes much interest in church work. Mr. Funk has been a very successful business man and no man is better known in this part of the county. JOHN E. COMERFORD. John E. Comerford is one of the younger and prominent business men of the village of Bement, actively associated with its industrial interests, and he pos- sesses the qualities industry, enterprise and laudable ambition which will bring him future success. He is one of Piatt coun- ty's native sons, his birth having occurred in Cerro Gordo township, near Milmine, on the 26th of April, 1877. He is a son of Robert and Mary (Seitz) Comerford, His father was a native of Ireland, who when but sixteen years of age left the Em- erald Isle for the new world, taking up his abode in Piatt county, Illinois. In 1846 he first purchased a farm in Cerro Gordo. township of eighty acres of prairie land, and at once began its development, mak- ing excellent improvements upon it and transforming it until it was a rich and pro- ductive farm. From time to time he added to the original purchase until he was the owner of four hundred and eighty acres of valuable and improved land. -He carried on his work with marked enterprise and in- dustry and by his careful management i68 PAST AND PRESENT and diligence he accumulated a handsome competence. His death occurred upon the old homestead in January, 1895, at the ad- vanced age of sixty-five years. He be- longed to the Catholic church and was a Democrat in his political views, but he never sought or desired political prefer- ment. His life record furnishes to his children an example that is indeed worthy of emulation, for he so lived as to merit the regard of all with whom he came in contact. His wife survived him and now resides in Bement, where she has pur- chased a pleasant home, being there sur- rounded by the comforts of life. By her marriage she became the mother of six children, five of whom are still living. Bar- ney, who resides near Milmine, occupies a part of the old home farm in Cerro Gordo township, and devotes his attention to its cultivation. He married Bridget Tynan and they have three children : Lona, Mary and Daniel. Anna is the wife of John Uhl, of Pana, Illinois, who is a traveling sales- man for a hide and leather house of Cin- cinnati. They have four children : Mary, Thomas, Victor and Augusta. Michael, who resides upon a part of the old home farm, wedded Alice Gulliford, a native of this county, and they had one child that died in infancy. Robert has recently re- moved from Bement to Monticello, where he is now living. Joseph died in infancy. The youngest member of the family is John E. Mr. Comerford of this review entered the public schools at the usual age and con- tinued his studies in Bement until after he had completed the high school course. Subsequently he entered St. Bede College, in LaSalle, Illinois, and was graduated in that institution when eighteen years of age. Returning to his home in Piatt coun- ty he accepted a clerkship in a cloth- ing store in Cerro Gordo, and was also employed as a clerk in Bement after the removal of the family to this place about eight years ago. He continued in the clothing business for about four years in Bement, and then followed the undertak- ing business as a member of the firm of Evans & Comerford, his connection there- with covering two years. On the expira- tion of that" period he sold his interest to A. Swinson, who still conducts the busi- ness. Mr. Comerford then engaged in the manufacture of brooms at his present location, and from the beginning his busi- ness has. steadily and constantly increased so that he now employs a large force of expert broommakers. They also manu- facture all kinds of brushes that are made from broomcorn. In the control of this enterprise Mr. Comerford has displayed marked business ability, executive force and keen discrimination. He forms his plans readily and is determined in their execution and " along legitimate business lines he is winning very creditable success. On the 29th of April, 1903, in Ivesdale, Champaign county, Illinois 1 , was celebrat- ed a pretty wedding ceremony which unit- ed the destinies of John E. Comerford and Miss Josephine Foohy, a native of Ives- dale. The wedding was solemnized in St. Joseph's church by its pastor, Rev. Charles C. O'Brien, who, assisted by Rev. Haw- ley, of Bement, and Rev. Berry, of Philo, performed the ceremony in connection with solemn mass. The bride is a daughter of John Foohy, who is now living a re- tired life in Ivesdale. where he was for- merly engaged in the grain business. He has always been a prosperous and pro- PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 169 gressive man and has accumulated consid- erable property. He is a communicant of the Catholic church there and a well- known and influential citizen. Mrs. Com- erford was educated in Ivesdale and in St. Mary's Academy, near Terre Haute, In- diana. Both Mr. and Mrs. Comerford are communicants of the Roman Catholic church, and fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Pythias Lodge, No. 199, of Bement, in which he has passed all of the chairs. He votes with the Democracy, but has never sought or desired public of- fice. A young man of genial disposition and kindly manner, he is popular with a large circle of friends, and in Bement is widely and favorably krown. Already he has established for himself a position in the business world and those who know him have no hesitancy in predicting for him a successful future. H. W. BUCKLE. The press has not only recorded the his- tory of advancement, but has also ever been the leader in the work of progress and im- provement the vanguard of civilization. The philosopher of some centuries ago pro- claimed the truth that "the pen is mightier than the sword," and the statement is contin- ually being verified in the affairs of life. In molding public opinion the power of the newspaper cannot be over estimated, but at all events its influence is greater than that of any other single agency. Mr. Buckle is connected with the journalistic interests of Monticello as the manager of the Monticello Bulletin Company, and through much of his life has devoted his energies to this line of work. A native of Ohio, Mr. Buckle was born on the banks of the Ohio river, in Gallia county, and began his education in private schools, while later he continued his studies in the National Normal University, at Leb- anon, where he was graduated with the class of 1892. He next matriculated in Rio Grande College, at Rio Grande, Ohio, com- pleting his work there by graduation in 1895. Turning his attention to journalistic work he was for some time employed on leading newspapers in Wisconsin, and later he began teaching, which profession he fol- lowed for thirteen years, four of which were spent in Kansas, two in Ohio, four in Illi- nois and the remainder of the time being spent in village schools and in graded schools at Mound City and Milan, Illinois. At Gen- eseo, Illinois, he published a daily and weekly paper, and from the latter place he went to Freeport, Illinois, where for a year he was in- terested in the Freeport Daily Democrat. In May, 1901, he bought an interest in the Monticello Bulletin. This paper was es- tablished in 1858 and is the oldest paper in the county, having been published by a suc- cession of proprietors. The paper is now owned by a stock company. In January, 1903, it was incorporated and has one hun- dred stockholders with a paid up capital of five thousand dollars. Its officers are as follows : James Hicks, president ; H. W. Buckle, secretary ; T. J. Ater, treasurer ; and William C. Handlin, vice president, and the board of directors numbers nine members. Mr. Buckle is now the manager of the paper, which has a large circulation in Mon- ticello and Piatt county, and this consti- tutes the journal an excellent advertising medium. The offices are equipped with a 1 7 o PAST AND PRESENT large two revolution cylinder press, a new modern gasoline engine, a folder, a perfora- tor, job press, paper cutter, type, etc., in fact, it is the best equipped newspaper and job plant in Piatt county. Mr. Buckle is thor- oughly familiar with newspaper work in all its various departments and as manager of the Monticello Bulletin he has developed a paper which is a credit to the city. JOHN H. SMOCK. John H. Smock, who is a son of Samuel Smock, follows farming on section 3, Monti- cello township. He was born on the old home farm in Piatt county, November 15, 1861, and was educated in the common schools. He can remember that in his early life there were many log houses in the dis- trict and the school was one of the primitive constructions supplied with slab benches, while planks hinged into the wall served as desks, but long since such buildings have given place to buildings of modern construc- tion. Farm work claimed his attention during the summer months, while the du- ties of the schoolroom occupied his time through the winter seasons. He put aside his text-books about 1881 and continued up- on the home place until he had attained his majority, when he began farming in partner- ship with his father. They made a specialty of the raising of thoroughbred hogs, which they carried on extensively until cholera oc- casioned the loss of many of these animals. They had mostly hogs of the Poland China breed. Mr. Smock continued to carry on farming in connection with his father until 1893, when he was married. The ladv who now bears the name of Mrs. John H. Smock was in her maiden- hood Miss Emma Frances Hubbart, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hubbart, of Ne- osho county, Missouri, but who were early settlers of Piatt county, removing from here to Missouri about thirty years ago. At the time of his marriage Mr. Smock began by renting the farm upon which he resides, then known as the old Hast farm. This he has continued to operate for ten years. The entire place shows general improvement and the farm indicates the careful supervision of the owner who is a progressive and practical agriculturist. He has planted a good or- chard, has built a new residence and out- buildings and has continued the work of improvement until to-day the farm is valu- able and most attractive. For three years Mr. Smock has served as school director and he gives his political support to the Democ- racy. He belongs to White Heath Camp, No. 2219, Modern Woodmen of America, and his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. JOHN M. CAMP. John M. Camp, one of the early settlers of Piatt county now residing in the village of Bement, was born at Mount Morris, New York, on the 3d of January, 1832. The Camp family is of English lineage and the paternal grandfather of our subject was Abram Camp, who was a physician and spent the greater part of his life in the Empire state. He never came to the west except to visit his children and he died in New York at an advanced age. Eldad Cicero Camp, the fa- ther of our subject, was born in Connecticut in 1804, and in early life became a resident ELDAD CAMP J. M. CAMP PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. of New York, where for many years he followed- farming. Upon his removal to Ohio, he purchased land in Knox county and continued its cultivation until 1865, when he continued on his westward way, this time locating in Piatt county, Illinois. For more than thirty years he remained a resident of this county, dying in the village of Bement in 1896. Throughout his business career he carried on general farming and stock-raising. At the time of his arrival here he purchased a tract of raw prairie land which he cultivated and improved, develop- ing it into a good home for himself and family. He wedded Miss Minerva M. Hin- man, who was born in Bradford county, Pennsylvania, their marriage being celebrat- ed in Mount Morris, New York. She died in Ohio in 1863 when about fifty-nine years of age. Both were members of the Presby- terian church, living lives in consistent har- mony with its teachings, and for many years he was an elder in the church, his labors in its behalf being far-reaching and beneficial. His political support in early life was given to the Whig party and upon its 1 dissolution he joined the ranks of the new Republican party, with which he continued to affiliate until his demise. Unto him and his wife were lx>rn thirteen children, six of whom are yet living, the eldest of the survivors be- ing John M. Camp. The others are James H., who resides in Tolono, Champaign county, Illinois; William M., who is presi- dent of the First National Bank of Bement; Eldad C.. a resident of Knoxville, Tennes- see; Curtis, who is engaged in the grain business in Bement; and Henry N., who is also living in Knoxville, Tennessee. Two of the sisters died in early life, but the other reached years of maturity. Those who passed aw r ay in early childhood were both named Harriet and the elder died at the age of five years and the younger at the age of two years. Emily F. became the wife of Dr. Edward Swaney and both are now deceased. She resided in Bement and died at the age of fifty-eight years. Stanley de- parted this life at the age of twenty-five years. Edgar, who responded to his coun- try's call for aid and became a captain of the One Hundred and Seventh Illinois Infantry, was killed in the Civil war. Hanson, who was a boot and shoe merchant of Bement, died in this place about two years ago, leav- ing a widow, but no children. Frederick de- parted this life about 1865. John M. Camp was only four years of age when his parents removed from New York to Knox county, Ohio, and in the latter place he was reared to manhood and obtained his education in the common schools. When not engaged with the duties of the school- room he assisted his father in the work of the home farm. In his youth he also learned the carpenter's trade which he fol- lowed for a number of years in Ohio and which he continued to make his life work after his removal to Illinois. Settling in Be- ment he did the carpenter work and was the contractor for the first house erected in this village. It was built in 1855 and was the property of Joseph Rodman. Mr. Camp also built the first schoolhouse that was erected here and took and executed the contracts for the erection of the Christian and Presbyterian churches in this place. Monuments to his enterprise are still seen in a number of substantial buildings in Be- ment, but in 1872 he discontinued his con- nection with industrial life and turned his attention to commercial pursuits, becoming a grain merchant here. He has since fol- lowed the business and to-dav he owns an 1 7 6 PAST AND PRESENT elevator having a capacity of thirty thou- sand bushels. He is also largely interested in the grain trade at Ivesdale and at Vor- hies, Illinois, owning the elevators at dif- ferent places having greater capacity than the one at Bement. His operations in grain are now extensive and profitable, his business returning to him an excellent financial in- come. In ;86o was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Camp and Miss Margaret Holm, a na- tive of Ohio. The wedding took place in Marion county, Ohio, and with her husband Mrs. Camp came to Illinois, her death oc- curring in Bement in 1870. For his second wife Mr. Camp chose Frances A. Kimber, a native of England who came to the United States to live with her sister, but her parents spent their entire lives in England. Three children have been born of the second marriage, of whom two are living: Mallary C., the eldest, was born in Bement, November 15, 1876, was edu- cated in the common schools and is now engaged in the grain trade with his father. He married Lulu B. Bennett, a native of Ohio. He is a popular representative of the Masonic fraternity and he also belongs to the Presbyterian church. William R., the second of the family, died when about three years old. Lena Z., also born in Bement, resides at home. Mr. Camp gives his political support to the Republican party and has served as the supervisor of the county, as a member of the town board and in other offices, yet has never been a politician in the .sense of office- seeking, preferring to devote his energies to his business affairs. Both he and his wife hold membership in the Presbyterian church and for some years he has been a member of the board of finance. He also belongs to the Masonic fraternity and is true to its teach- ings and its tenets. For almost a half cen- tury Mr. Camp has made his home in Piatt county and his mind bears the impress of its early annals as well as of the later events which have shaped its history. He has been particularly active in business and public life in this section of the county and has co- operated along many lines for public im- provement and progress. In his business dealings he has always been found reliable and energetic, and what he has accomplished has been won through his own well directed efforts. By those who know him his worth is widely acknowledged and his name is in- scribed high on the roll of honored pioneers of Piatt county. ANDREW J. RICKEY. After years of honest toil, mostly de- voted to agricultural pursuits, Andrew J. Richey is now living a retired life in the village of Atwood, enjoying a well-earned rest. He was born in Shelby county, Ken- tucky, on the 2d of October, 1827, his par- ents being Robert and Elizabeth (Biggs) Richey, who were also natives of the Blue Grass state and were married in Shelby county in 1826. When our subject was about five years of age the family removed to Montgomery county, Indiana, being among the early settlers of that locality, and later they lived for some time in Vigo and Sullivan counties, that state, where the father was engaged in general farming. He died in Vigo county in 1861, and his wife, who long survived him, passed away in the same county in 1901, at the extreme old age of ninetv-four years. Unto them were born PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 177 nine children, of whom one died young but the others reached man and womanhood and five of the number are still living. Andrew J. Richey spent his boyhood and youth upon a farm, and was educated in the old-time subscription schools so common in that day in Indiana, the temple of learning being a primitive log structure with its rude furnishings. As soon as old enough to be of any assistance he began to aid in the work of the farm and throughout his active busi- ness life continued to engage in agricultural pursuits. He remained with his father un- til he attained his majority. On the gth of November. 1848, Mr. Richey was united in marriage to Miss Bar- bara Dcty, a native of Indiana, who died in 1867, leaving five children, as follows: The- odore, now a resident of Clay county, Indi- ana, married Martha Wilson and has five children. Emery married Belle Nolan and died, leaving six children, who, with their mother, reside in Arkansas. James wedded Eva Lumly and with his wife and five chil- dren makes his home in Atwood. Illinois. Mary is the wife of James Griffin, a farmer of Unity township, this county, and has eight children. Eli. a resident of Moultrie county, Illinois, married Sarah Wagner and has seven children. Mr. Richey was again married December 12, 1867, his second un- ion being with Mrs. Elizabeth Williams, widow of Cornelius Williams and daughter of John and Catharine (Terry) Moon, who were pioneers of Piatt county and .ire now deceased. This Mrs. Richey was born in Monongahela, Pennsylvania, December 12, 1830, and died in 1901. For his third wife our subject married Elizabeth Doty, a native of Indiana, their wedding being celebrated May 21, 1902. Mr. Richev continued his residence in Indiana until 1862, when he removed to Moultrie county. Illinois, where three years later he bought a farm of two hundred acres in Lowe township, and he also pur- chased a tract of eighty acres in Unity town- ship, Piatt county, but made his home on the former place, his time and attention being devoted to general farming until his removal to Atwood in 1891. when he retired from business life. On coming to Illinois he found much of this section of the state still wild and unimproved and as the land in many places was low and under water ague was prevalent. Most of his own farm, however, was higher land and he drained the remainder, using a dredging boat. He fenced his property, erected good and sub- stantial buildings and planted the seed from which to-day have grown the large and beau- tiful trees which now adorn the place. Mr. Richey has been prominently identified with the upbuilding of Atwood and laid out fif- teen acres into town lots. Land which he purchased at nine dollars per acre in 1864 is to-day valued at one hundred and twen- ty-five dollars, while the eighty-acrte tract in Piatt county for which he paid forty-five dollars per acre is now worth one hundred and twenty-five dollars, owing to the rise in value and the many improvements he has placed thereon. Mr. and Mrs. Richey hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church of At- wood and have the respect and confidence of all who know them. He cast his first pres- idential vote for Zachary Taylor and is now a stalwart supporter of the Republican party and its principles. He has efficiently filled the offices of township trustee and school di- rector, assisted in organizing his district and was prominently identified with the upbuild- ing of Lowe township morally, socially and PAST AND PRESENT materially. Mr. Richey has ever been re- garded as one of the representative men of his community and a leader in public affairs. GEORGE W. PITTMAN. Although born in Ohio George W. Pittman has spent the greater part of his life in Piatt county, Illinois, and is here widely and favorably known. His birth oc- curred on the 24th of February, 1837, in Butler county, Ohio, his parents being Aaron Ford and Katherine Bake Pittman. The father was born in New York and the mother in the Buckeye state. He devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits, which he carried on in Ohio for a number of years. In 1854, however, he brought his family to Piatt county, Illinois, and here purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, for which he paid eleven dollars per acre. Establishing his home thereon, both he and his wife lived there until called to their final rest, and they were widely known as prominent farming people of the community, enjoying the warm friendship of many with whom they came in contact. Mr. Pittman, who, was born August 14, 1811, died April 19, 1900, and his wife, whose birth occurred on the I7th of Feb- ruary, 1815, passed away on the i3th of August, 1875. In their family were nine children, of whom the subject of this re- view was the fourth in order of birth : J. V.. who was born March n, 1832, and died July 7, 1893; Jacob Bake, who was born November 17, 1833, an d died August u, 1834; George W., born February 24. 1837; Johnson C., who was born April 14, 1841, and died August 22. 1870; William A., born November n, 1843; Leonard, born August 2, 1845; Sylvester, who was born May 21, 1847, an d died September 29, 1865; Franklin, born June 6, 1850; and Lida A., born September 14, 1855. George W. Pittman acquired his early education in the district schools of Piatt county. He began working by the month when a young man, being employed by George Hayde for sixteen dollars per month. Later he rented his father's farm and thus began agricultural pursuits on his own account. When his labors had brought to him sufficient capital, he made purchase of a tract of land of eighty acres in Blue Ridge township, becoming owner of this property in 1875. About a quarter of a century later he made another pur- chase, comprising sixty acres, and thus his farm constitutes in all one hundred and forty-one acres. A farm in Piatt county is a synonym for fertile soil and productive fields, if even moderate care is bestowed upon it, so rich is the land. Mr. Pittman raises stock and grain and is very success- ful in his work. On the 22d of February, 1893, Mr. Pittman was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Duckwall, who was the third in a family of nine children. Her father, Wil- liam Duckwall, was born August 15, 1808, and is now living near Dayton, Ohio. Her mother, who bore the maiden name of Car- oline Bruner, was born January 27, 1820, and died September 15, 1890. Their chil- dren were Sarah Ann, who was born Jan- uary 21, 1828, and died when but six months old ; John William, born Septem- ber 27, 1840; Mary Jane, born March 17, 1843, ar| d now the wife of our subject; Laura, born November 17. 1845; Charles, born September 13, 1849; Francis Ash- PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 179 bury, born February 19. ^852; Clayton, born February 9, 1855; Clara Ellen, born April. 2, 1858; and Elmer Ellsworth, born June 3, 1861. Mr. Pittman is well known in Piatt county, having here resided for almost half a century. He has witnessed, therefore, almost the entire growth and development of this portion of the state. He has seen Piatt county when it was largely an un- improved district, when its lands were wild and when the work of cultivation had scarcely been begun. He has borne his full share in the task of improvement here and in all measures for the general good he has taken a deep interest, co-operating in many movements that have resulted for the benefit of the communitv. THOMAS LAMB, SR. Thomas Lamb, Sr., a retired agricultur- ist of Bement, now in his ninetieth year, is a true type of the energetic, hardy men who have actively assisted in the develop- ment and improvements of this beautiful and fertile agricultural country. His career has been such as to command the respect and confidence of men, and by honest toil and industry he has secured a competence which now enables him to spend the sunset of life in quiet and retirement. A 'native of Yorkshire, England, Mr. Lamb was born at Kirklavington, April I, 1814, and is a son of Robert and Hannah Lamb, who spent their entire lives in that country. Before coming to America he lived for a time near Middlesex, and in 1854 came to the United States, first lo- cated in Woodford county, Kentucky, where he was employed as herdsman for a Mr. Alexander, a large property owner and cattle-raiser. After spending five years in that locality he came to Piatt county, Illinois, and was engaged in farming for Mr. Scott about five years. At the end of that time he purchased one hundred and sixty cares of land about one mile west of Bement, and in his farming operations here he met with remarkable success, becoming the owner of a large amount of land, but he has recently presented each of his sons with one hundred and sixty acres of im- proved land, though he still retains six hundred acres in this county. The sons have other property besides the quarter- sections given them by their father. Before leaving England Mr. Lamb was married in that country to Miss Elizabeth Lee, whose parents, John and Ann Lee, died since our subject and his wife came to the United States. Mr. Lee was a weav- er by trade, and both he and his wife were lifelong residents of England, where their daughter was also born and reared. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Lamb were born eleven chil- dren, as follows: John, who died in Be- ment at the age of' nineteen years ; Robert, who married a Miss Fisher and is engaged in farming in Unity township ; Thomas, who married Miss Baker and lives in Be- ment township; Elizabeth, at home; Wil- liam, who married a Miss Hall and follows farming in Bement township ; Hannah, de- ceased ; Charles, who wedded a Miss Dun- can and resides in Bement township; Arthur B., who married a Miss Dobson, a daughter of Philip Dobson, of Cerro Gordo township and lives in Bement town- ship: Albert J., who married a Miss Kelly and resides in Bement township; Edward, who is married and makes his home in Unity township ; and Mary J., i8o PAST AND PRESENT wife of J. P. Rose, of Bement. The last four were born in this country, the others in England, and the birth of Arthur and Albert occurred in Kentucky. Throughout his active business life Mr. Lamb continued to engage in agricultural pursuits, but about six years ago he re- tired and has since made his home in the village of Bement. where he is enjoying a well-earned rest in the midst of all that goes to make life worth the living. He came to this country in limited circumstances, but being industrious, enterprising and honorable in all his dealings he prospered in his undertakings and succeeded in ac- cumulating a handsome competence. He is now a supporter of the Methodist church, but he formerly belonged to the Episcopal church, and his life has been an upright and honorable one. B. F. HUFF. For about twenty years Cerro Gordo has numbered B. F. Huff among its most prominent and progressive citizens. He may well be termed one of the founders of the town, for he has been the promoter of many of its leading business enterprises, and the growth and development of the city depends upon its commercial and indus- trial activity. His connection with any un- dertaking insures a prosperous outcome of the same, for it is his nature to carry forward to successful completion whatever he is associated with. He has won for himself an enviable reputation as a care- ful man of business, and in his dealings is known for his prompt and honorable meth- ods, which have won him the deserved and unbounded confidence of his fellow men. He is now connected with various enter- prises of Cerro Gordo, but gives his atten- tion chiefly to the control of the lumber and coal business. The first representative of the Huff family to settle in Piatt county was Charles Huff, an uncle of our subject, who located here in 1863. B. F. Huff is a native of Coshocton county, Ohio, where his birth occurred in 1853. His parents were Aquil- la and Elizabeth (McMorris) Huff, the for- mer a native of Virginia and the latter of Ohio. On account of the institution of slavery Aquilla Huff left the Old Dominion in 1832, and removed to Coshocton coun- ty, Ohio, in order to be away from the per- nicious influence of the institution which at that time was dominant in the south. In the Buckeye state he turned his atten- tion to agricultural pursuits, which he fol- lowed there until 1865, in which year he came to Illinois, settling first in Douglas cdunty. There he successfully engaged in farming until 1881, when he came to the village of Cerro Gordo and here lived a retired life until called to his final rest in March, 1887. At the time of the Civil war he espoused the cause of the Union and held a captain's commission. He was ad- jutant in his regiment of the Ohio National Guards, and was very loyal to the nation's cause. In both Ohio and Illinois he was regarded as a prominent citizen of his com- munity. His worth was widely acknowl- edged by a large circle of friends. His wife survived him for a short period, passing away in Ohio while visiting a son, in Oc- tober, 1888. ' In their family were several children, but these are now living in vari- ous sections of the United States. B. F. Huff is the only representative of PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 181 this branch of the family residing in Piatt county.- After mastering his preliminary studies in the common schools he entered the University of Illinois in 1874, and aft- erward became a student in the Wesleyan University at Bloomington, this state. In 1881 Mr. Huff and his brothers, W. J. and S. E., established a lumberyard on the site he now occupies, under the firm name of Huff Brothers. Having other business connections in Moultrie and Ed- gar counties he did not make his home permanently until 1886, when having sev- ered his connection with the lumber busi- ness he bought a half interest in a hard- ware store, with which he was identified until 1891. In that year he sold out and again entered the lumber business. In 1892 he entered the corporation of Huff Brothers Lumber and Planing Mill Com- pany, of Decatur, Moweaqua, Moroa and Cerro Gordo, as its treasurer, and shortly afterward purchased the yard where he still carries on business. He disposed of his interest in the company in 1898, and has since been alone in business at Cerro Gordo. He deals in building materials and coal, with office near the depot, and enjoys n large trade. Mr. Huff is a man of resourceful busi- ness ability, of keen foresight and discrim- ination; and his wise counsel and untiring activity have been important factors in the successful control of many business inter- ests in Cerro Gordo. For twelve years he has been president of the Building and Loan Association of that place, with which he has been connected since its organiza- tion in 1886, and for two years was its sec- retary. He is now treasurer and a direc- tor of the telephone company of Cerro Gordo, and is one of the directors of the State Bank of Cerro Gordo. In addition to these investments Mr. Huff also owns a small farm situated three miles west of Cerro Gordo, in Macon county. In 1885 he was married at Moravia, Iowa, to Miss Annie Homer, a native of Streator, Illinois, and a daughter of Sam- uel and Elizabeth (Brandon) Hprner. Her father was a farmer and a coal miner, and at one time owned the land upon which the city of Streator has been built. There is still a mine near that place known as the Horner coal bank. Both Mr. and Mrs. Huff hold membership in the Methodist Epis- copal church, take an active interest in its work, donate liberally to its support and do everything in their power for the ex- tension of its influence. Mr. Huff is now- serving as one of the stewards in the church and is also an active worker in the Sun- day-school. His political support is given to the Re- publican party, and his opinions carry weight in its councils. In 1901 he wis elected supervisor of Cerro Gordo town- ship, and is now the incumbent in that of- fice for the second term. He is chairman of the committee on county claims and records and a member of the special build- ing committee of the county buildings. For six years he was a member of the school board, and during that time acted as its secretary, and the cause of education received from him valuable assistance in a practical nature. He is now the. presi- dent of the township school trustees of Cerro Gordo township. He has held a number of other offices in the township and county, and in all he has been found loyal to the trust reposed in him and ca- pable in the performance of his duties. Socially he is a member of the Piatt Camp, 182 PAST AND PRESENT No. 323, M. W. A., of Cerro Gordo, which is one of the oldest camps in the county. He also belongs to Eclipse Lodge, Knights of Pythias. To him there has come the attainment of a distinguished po- sition in connection with the business in- terests of Piatt county, and his efforts have been so discerningly directed along well- defined lines of labor that he seems to have realized at any one point of progress the full measure of his possibilities for accomplish- ment at that point. A man of distinct and forceful individuality, of broad mentality and most mature judgment, he has left and is . leaving his impress upon the business world and his efforts have not only ad- vanced individual prosperity, but have con- served the general welfare of the city and locality in which he makes his home. WATKINS L. RYDER. Honored and respected by all there is no man in Monticello who occupies a more enviable position than Watkins L. Ryder in business and financial circles, not alone on account of the brilliant success he has achieved, but also on account of the honor- able, straightforward business policy he has ever followed. He possesses untiring ener- gy, is quick of perception, forms his plans readily and is determined in their execution, and his close application to business and his excellent management have brought to him a high degree of prosperity which is to-day his. He stands as one of the foremost repre- sentatives of the real estate and insurance interests of Piatt county, his business having assumed large proportions. He is also prom- inent in public affairs, being a cooperant fac- tor in many measures for the general good, and his citizenship is characterized by pro- gression and loyalty. Mr. Ryder was born in Chaumont, Jef- ferson county, New York, on the 6th of March, 1834, and comes of English ances- try, the family having been established in this country at an early period in the colonial development of America. The Ryders are of English lineage and the first representa- tive of the name lived in Rhode Island, whence others went to Vermont. It was in the Green Mountain state that Joseph Ry- der, the grandfather of our subject, was born in December, 1780. Arriving at years of maturity he wedded Mary Hill, and later removed to Jefferson county, New York, which was then a frontier region, the family being surrounded by pioneer environments. The grandfather purchased a tract of land from a Frenchman named De LaRay, whose realty holdings were very extensive and who sold his land cheap to actual settlers. Clear- ing a small portion of his home farm Mr. Ryder built thereon a two-story stone house and after comfortably establishing his fam- ily in their new home he continued to work in the fields, developing and cultivating his land, making his home upon the old farm- stead there until his demise. It was on the 2ist of December, 1806, in Vermont, that Benjamin Ryder, the fa- ther of our subject, was born and during his early boyhood he accompanied his par- ents to New York, where he was reared on the home farm, assisting in its cultivation until he had attained the age of eighteen years. He then left the parental roof and be- gan work as a raftsman on the St. Lawrence river, transporting lumber. After his mar- riage he purchased fifty acres of land from Mr. De LaRay and built a log house which W. L. RYDER PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 187 later he replaced by a frame dwelling. With characteristic energy he began clearing the property, transforming the wild tract into richly cultivated fields. He afterward ex- tended the boundaries of his farm by the purchase of an additional tract of forty acres adjoining his first property and upon the old homestead he continued to live until his death. He had wedded Ann Caroline Hor- ton, a native of Chaumont, New York, born on the I3th of June, 1806. Her parents were James and Martha (White) Horton, and she was a descendant in the eighth gen- eration of Barabas Horton, who was the first of the name known in America. His- tory gives it that this gentleman was born in the hamlet of Mously in Leicestershire, England, and that he came to the new world as a passenger on the American ship Swal- low in 1633 or 1638. After a long voyage he arrived safely at Hampton, Massachu- setts. In 1664 he was a resident of New Haven, Connecticut, and assisted in the or- ganization of the Congregational church there. On the 2ist of October, 1670, he sailed for Southhold, Long Island, where he built the first frame house ever erected on the island. It stood for more than two centuries, one of the landmarks of that sec- tion of the country. Barabas Horton took a very prominent part in public affairs and served for many years as a magistrate and was a number of times a member of the general assembly in Hartford and New Ha- ven. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Ryder were born eight children : Watkins L., Cor- nelia, Wallace, Walter, Vanrantz, Mary, Gaylord and Bruce. The father died on the 3 ist of December, 1866, and his wife long surviving him, passed away at the age of ninety-three years. The boyhood days of our subject were quietly passed on the old family homestead in the county of his nativity. He is indebt- ed to the public school system for the edu- cational privileges he enjoyed in his youth and when eighteen years of age he began earning his own livelihood as a teacher, fol- lowing that profession for three winter terms in the Empire state. When twenty-one years of age Mr. Ryder left New York for Ohio, establishing his home in Oberlin, where he further continued his own mental discipline by becoming a student in the uni- versity at that place. His residence in Ober- lin covered three years during which period he attended college, taught school and also studied law. The spring of 1858 witnessed his arriv- al in Monticello, Illinois, and he became a law student in the office of Milligan & Mc- Comas. In the following year he was ad- mitted to the bar and entered upon his pro- fessional duties at Bement, where he prac- ticed until 1861. During this time he was captain of the Wide-Awake Company, of which he continued at the head until his en- listment in 1861. The war was then inau- gurated and feeling that his first duty was to his country he offered his services to the government in the month of June of that year. He was assigned to duty with Com- pany F, Second Illinois Cavalry and like the others of the command he furnished his own horse and accoutrements. In August of the same year he was mustered into the United States volunteer service and at that time went south, where soon afterward he was detailed to act as sergeant of orderlies to General McPherson. For one year he filled that position and rejoined his regiment, with which he continued in active service until the expiration of his term of enlistment. He was in a number of important engagements i88 PAST AND PRESENT which led to the final victory that eventually crowned the Union arms and when three years had been spent in the service he re- ceived an honorable discharge at Baton Rouge. Mr. Ryder was always found at his post of duty, faithfully defending the old flag and the cause it represented and he has every reason to be. proud of his mili- tary service. Once more establishing his home in Be- ment, Mr. Ryder became principal of the schools at that place, continuing his active identification with educational interests un- til the fall of 1865. He was then called to official service and for eight years acted as county clerk. At the time of his election in 1865 he removed to Monticello, where he has since resided. He retired from office as he had entered it with the confidence and good will of all concerned. He then turned his attention to real estate and land opera- tions. That business has since claimed his time and energies and has been so capably conducted that his labors have brought to him a handsome financial return. Through all the years Mr. Ryder has had a most com- prehensive and accurate knowledge of the value of realty and has thus been able to make judicious investments and profitable sales. He has also teen instrumental in securing good investments for others and in the line of his business has ever enjoyed a large clientage. On the 3 ist of August, 1864, Mr. Ryder was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Spatilding, with whom he has since traveled life's journey. The lady was born in Lake county, Illinois, and is a daughter of Allen and Hannah Spatilding. Her educational advantages and her innate refinement and her many excellent traits of womanhood have won her the love and friendship of all with whom she has come in contact. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ryder were born four chil- dren, of whom Gale died in infancy, while the others are Edith, Clyde H. and Gaylord C. Edith is the wife of Frank W. Caldwell and they reside in Decatur, where Gaylord C. is also living, being engaged in the real es- tate and loan business. He married Nellie Norton. Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell have two children, Kenneth and Robert. To their children Mr. and Mrs. Ryder gave excellent educational privileges, thus preparing them for life's practical and responsible duties and the members of the family occupy a very prominent position in social circles. Mr. Ryder exercises his right of fran- chise in support of the men and measures of the Republican party and, keeping well informed on the questions and issues of the day, has ever been able to support his posi- tion by intelligent argument. He. has, how- ever, sought neither the honors nor emolu- ments of public office, his best service being done as a private citizen. In matters per- taining to the public welfare he is enterpris- ing, alert and active, and his co-operation has teen of value in promoting many interests which have contributed to the general good. Mr. Ryder finds one of his chief sources of pleasure and recreation in travel and has visited many points of interest in this coun- try and also abroad. He has thus gained the knowledge and culture which only travel can bring, and he has stored his mind with many interesting incidents concerning the peoples and places he has visited. His in- terest in his fellow men is deep and sincere and arises from a humanitarian spirit which has prompted his support and co-operation of many measures and enterprises for the general welfare. His career has ever been such as to warrant the trust and confidence PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 189 of the business world and his activity in busi- ness circles forms an important chapter in the history of Piatt county. JOHN MAIER. For more than thirty years John Maier has been a prominent representative of the business interests of Monticello, for throughout this period he has been con- nected with the lumber trade and to-day is extensively engaged in dealing in lumber, shingles and all kinds of building materials. He is a son of the fatherland a country which through many centuries has been a po- tent factor in the civilization of the world, sending its representatives into all countries to carry with them the learning, the culture and the artisanship of their own country. The German-American element in our own citizenship is very important, and Monticello is the home of at least one from the fatherland who is loyal to her inter- ests and active in advancing her business affairs. A native of Wittenberg, Germany, he was born on the 7th of January, 1832, and is a son of Patrick and Catherine (Straub) Maier. The father had charge of timber interests there, and both he and his wife died in Germany. At the usual age of six years John Maier began his education and in accordance with the laws of his na- tive land he there pursued his studies until fourteen years of age. He then began working upon a farm and was employed in that manner until eighteen years of age. At the age of twenty he went into the army, serving for eight years. In 1860 Mr. Maier resolved to try his fortune in America, for he had heard very favorable reports of the opportunities afforded in this country and thought to better his financial condition on this side of the Atlantic. He therefore bade adieu to home and friends and took passage for the new world, crossing the Atlantic upon a sailing vessel, which was twenty-eight days in reaching the harbor of New York. He made his way to Lo- gansport, Indiana, and as he had no cap- ital it was necessary that he secure imme- diate employment. This he did, working at chopping wood. After about eighteen days he went to Champaign, Illinois, and became connected with the lum- ber business, being for eleven years in the lumber yard of W. H. Kratz & Company, at that place. In April, 1872, Mr. Maier arrived in Monticello, where he has since made his home, and here he remained in the employ of W. H. Kratz until 1883, when he bought out his employer and became proprietor of the lumber yard, which he has since conducted. During his residence here Mr. Maier has become very widely and favorably known in business circles, and throughout his long connection with commercial pur- suits in Monticello he has always sustained an unassailable reputation, his business methods being such as neither seek nor require disguise. In 1860 Mr. Maier was united in mar- riage to Miss Catherine Yoerg, a native of Germany and a daughter of Michael and Mary (Vogel) Yoerg, also born in the same country. Mr. and Mrs. Maier have become the parents of fifteen children, of whom fourteen are yet living: Fred; Charles ; William ; John ; Otto ; Lena, the wife of Dr. Graves; Albert; Kate, de- igo PAST AND PRESENT ceased; Anna, the wife of Walter Crisap; Emma; Harry; Martha; Thomas; and Mary. Mr. Maier owns forty acres of land in his homestead place, which is well im- proved, and he also has another tract of one hundred and sixty acres in Monticello township which he rents. His property is the visible evidence of his life of industry and enterprise, his earnest labor and his straightforward methods, and now he is in possession of a comfortable competence for the evening of life. The hope that led him to seek a home in America has been more than realized, and he is to-day one of the prosperous merchants of Piatt coun- ty. In his political views Mr. Maier is a Republican, but has never been an office- seeker, preferring to give his undivided at- tention to his business and the pleasure of the home circle. His force of character is indicated by the fact that after coming to America, while working in the daytime, he attended night schools in order to gain a good knowledge of the English lan- guage. The same determination has al- ways characterized him, and has made him a prosperous business man and valued cit- izen. JOSEPH WILSON. For many years Mr. Wilson was one of the active and progressive farmers of Piatt county, as well as one of its most re- liable and honored citizens, and now in his declining years he is enjoying a well- earned rest, free from the cares and re- sponsibilities of business life. He makes his home in DeLand and is widely and favorably known throughout the county where he has resided for over a quarter of a century. Mr. Wilson was born in Maryland, July 1 6, 1833, a son of John and Sarah (Hunt) Wilson, who were also natives of that state, where the father spent his entire life, his occupation being that of farming. He died in 1834, and his wife, who was born in 1802, departed this life in Ohio in 1874. To them were born two children : Joseph, of this review, and his sister, Sophia. When four years old Joseph Wilson went to Ohio with his mother, his father . having died during his infancy, and at the age of seven he commenced earning his own livelihood. For about two or three months during the winter he was allowed to attend school, conducted in an old log building, but his educational privileges were meager, the remainder of his time be- ing devoted to farm work. At the age of sixteen he hired out to work by the month at eight dollars per month, and was em- ployed in that way until coming to Illinois in 1853. Settling in Tazewell county, he continued in the employ of others until his marriage, and then rented a farm in that county. He afterward operated his father-in-law's place for eight years, and then purchased one hundred and nine acres in the same county, moving his home thereon for three years. On selling his farm he removed to Normal, Illinois, where he spent two years, and the follow- ing five years were passed at Atlanta, Lo- gan county, this state, where he purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres. In 1876 he came to Piatt county and bought three hundred acres near DeLand, which he operated until January 20, 1901, when he retired from active business and re- moved to DeLand, renting his farm. With PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 191 the hope of benefiting his health, which was much impaired, he recently spent four months at Eureka Springs, Arkansas, and on his return purchased the Dresbach property, which he expects soon to occu- py. He bought a house and lot here in 1898 and another in 1902, both of which he now rents. On the 1 6th of October, 1856, Mr. Wil- son was united in marriage to Miss Lu- cinda Judy, a daughter of Jacob and Mary Ann (Musick) Judy. Her mother was born on November 20, 1812, and died in 1884, but her father, who was born in Greene county, Ohio, January 9, 1804, is still living, and, although ninety- nine years of age, still enjoys good health, though his eyesight has failed him. In early life he engaged in farming in his na- tive state, but as early as 1823 he came to Illinois and settled in Tazewell county, where he followed the same pursuit. He is now a resident of Logan county, this state. In 1886 he was again married, his second union being with Mary Ann Hawes. The children by his first marriage were Nancy Jane, the widow of Ellis Rob- erts, of Champaign county, Illinois ; Rob- ert, who died on March 27, 1902; Eliza, the widow of Nimrod Brighton, of Hopedale, Tazewell county, who died at Eureka Springs, Arkansas, about eight years ago; Annie, wife of Allen Haneline, of Arming- ton, Illinois; Mattie M., wife of John Montjoy, of Armington; H. C., a resident of Hopedale, Illinois ; Mary Belle, who died April 28, 1897; Lucinda, wife of our sub- ject ; and Sarah, Hattie and John, who all three died in infancy. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Wil- son were as follows :. Rose Ellen, now the wife of William Gelsthorpe, a farmer of Logan county, Illinois; Sarah Ann, wife of D. P. Swisher, a farmer of Piatt coun- ty; Amanda, who died February 29, 1888; May Bell, wife of J. L. Borton, who is en- gaged in farming near DeLand; Jacob G., a farmer of this county; and Mattie May, who died October 9, 1887. The parents are both earnest and consistent- members of the Christian church, and are held in the highest respect by all who know them. Politically, Mr. Wilson is identified with the Republican party, but he has never cared for the honors or emoluments of public of- fice, preferring to devote his entire time and attention to his business interests. 'He deserves great credit for what he has achieved in life, as he began making his own way in the world at the age of seven years and has since been dependent upon his own rsources. He is a man of good business ability, sound judgment and strict integrity, and to these characteristics is due his success. JOSHUA G. ELLIS, M. D. A native of Illinois, Dr. Joshua G. El- lis was born in Pope county on the 26th of November, 1858, and is a son of James M. and Kizziah Ann (Clay) Ellis, both of whom were natives of this state. The fam- ily comes from the same ancestry to which Henry Clay, a noted American statesman, traced his lineage. James McKee Ellis was born and reared in southern Illinois, his abode being in Pope county, where he engaged in farming until his death, which occurred in January, 1862. His wife, sur- viving him for a number of years, passed away in 1878. 192 PAST AND PRESENT The Doctor is the only one of this fam- ily now living. During his boyhood days he worked upon the home farm and at- tended the common schools of Pope coun- ty, his time being largely passed in this way until he attained his majority. Not de- siring, however, to follow the plow as a life work, he turned his attention to pro- fessional labors, and entered upon the stud}' of medicine. He matriculated in the American Eclectic Medical College of St. Louis, and was graduated in that institu- tion in June, 1880, at which time he re- ceived his certificate to practice. He then opened an office and established his home in Dudenville, Missouri, and in due course of time received a good patronage, demon- strating his" ability to successfully cope with the intricate problems which continually confront the physician in his efforts to re- store health and prolong life. He contin- ued to practice in Dudenville for about six years, and in October, 1885, he re- turned to Illinois, settling in Oakley, Ma- con county, where he practiced until 1888. That year witnessed his arrival in Cerro Gordo, where he has since remained, and he is now the oldest physician in years of continuous practice in this place. For sev- eral years he has been a member of the State Medical Society, and through the in- terchange of thought and experiences there he adds greatly to his knowledge, while reading and investigation are also contin- ually broadening his mental ken and his comprehension of the powers of the physi- cian in the administration of remedial agencies. While residing in Dudenville, Missouri, the Doctor was united in marriage to Miss Rose Brown, a daughter of the Rev. Sam- ual Brown, who was a minister of the United Brethren church, but is now re- tired, making his home in Cerro Gordo. The Doctor and his wife are parents of two children: Homer, born in 1886; and Mervyl, born in 1889. The Doctor and his wife have a pleasant home in Cerro Gordo, and its good cheer is greatly en- joyed by their many friends. Both hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and shape their lives in conformity to its teachings. The Doctor is a Dem- ocrat in his political views, and while he has never been an aspirant for office, he has kept well-informed on the questions and issues of the day. Fraternally, he is connected with the Masonic order, belong- ing to Lodge No. 600, in Cerro Gordo, and he also has membership relations with the Woodmen Camp of this place. Social- ly and professionally the Doctor is popu- lar and well-liked. He has a large prac- tice, both in the village and the surround- ing country, and while his ability in his profession ranks him among its leading representatives, his many excellent person- al traits of character have gained him the high regard and warm friendship of those with whom he has been associated. EDMOND W. LUMSDEN. Edmond W. Lumsden, who for a num- ber of years was actively connected with mercantile interests in Monticello, but has now retired from commercial pursuits, is a representative of the class of citizens in America known as self-made men, and in early manhood he entered upon a business career which has been creditable and suc- cessful alike. His interests have been con- PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 193 ducted with the strictest regard to com- mercial ethics, and his course has ever been one which would bear close investi- gation and scrutiny. Thus he has won an honored name as well as prosperity, and in Piatt county he is widely and favorably known. Mr. Lumsden has spent his entire life in Illinois and doubtless early became im- bued with the spirit of enterprise and ad- vancement which have been so potent in the wonderful development of this section of the country. He was born in Morgan county, Illinois, near Jacksonville, on the I4th of June, 1842, and on the paternal side comes of Scotch ancestry, while in the maternal line he is of German and Irish extraction. His father, William G. Lumsden, was a native of Virginia, born in 1807, and in Kentucky he was united in marriage with Miss Lucy Keeling, a native of Virginia, who was born in 1804. Her girlhood days, however, were largely passed in Todd county, Kentucky, and there she gave her hand in marriage to William G. Lumsden. In 1828 they re- moved to Morgan county, Illinois, set- tling near Jacksonville in pioneer times only ten years after the admission of the state into the Union. Mr. Lumsden be- came the owner of a wild tract of land, upon which not a furrow had been turned or an improvement made, and with char- acteristic energy he began the develop- ment of a farm. He broke and improved his land and added to the property until he has two hundred and twenty acres, highly improved and constituting one of the fine farms of the locality. When he came to Illinois he brought with him one child, born in Kentucky, Susie E., who is now living in Iowa. Later other children were added to the family, as follows : James \\'., who makes his home in Macoupin coun- ty, Illinois; Martha N., a resident of Can- ada; Francis M., who lives in Morgan coun- ty, Illinois; John T., a resident of Cham- paign, Illinois; Mary J., of Jacksonville; Ed- mond W. ; Nancy F., who resides in Blake- poole, England ; and Annie, who is living in Morgan county, Illinois. The father of these children died in 1892, and the mother passed away in 1894. Edmond W. Lumsden was reared in the usual manner of farmer boys, having, perhaps, more privileges than some, and less than others. He received ample training at farm labor, and in the district schools near his home he acquired his education, leaving school when in his fifteenth year. He then continued to work upon the home farm, and when in his twenty-second year he was united in jnarriage to Miss Parthenia Ayer, who was born in England, a daughter of Jonas and Annie (Towers) Ayer. Mr. Lumsden took his bride to the old homestead farm, and for five years was engaged in agricul- tural pursuits there. On the expiration of that period he left his native county and removed to Champaign county, Illinois, where he was engaged in general farm- ing for four years. In August, 1873, Mr. Lumsden arrived in Monticello, where he has since made his home, and for a number of years was ac- tively connected with business interests here. He first formed a partnership. with R. T. Ayer, under the firm name of Ayer & Lumsden, and for five years they con- ducted a meat market, meeting with a high degree of success, for they secured a large patronage. Selling out this busi- ness Mr. Lumsden then purchased the hardware stock of Dr. Ward, and succeed- i 9 4 PAST AND PRESENT ed to the business, which he operated suc- cessfully for some time. He had a well- appointed store, carrying a large and se- lected stock of general merchandise, and for eleven years he did a profitable busi- ness, which brought to him the compe- tence which now enables him to live re- tired. He then sold out to McMillen & Company, and since that time has engaged in no active business save the supervision of his farming interests. He is the owner of two farms, both being choice land. One comprises two hundred and forty acres and the other is three hundred and twenty acres in extent, and is situated in Moultrie county. The rental from these properties brings to him a very desirable income, and his landed interests show that his money has been carefully invested. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Lumsden was blessed with seven children : Walter K., who is living in Monticello; Jonas A., a resident of Moultrie county; James R., who follows farming in this county; An- nie E., a student in the Woman's College, of Jacksonville, Illinois; Olive E., graduate of the Monticello high school; Ethel May, who is a student in the high school; and Albert, who completes the family. Mr. Lumsden votes with the Republi- can party, believes firmly in its principles, and is often found in its councils. He was for three years one of the aldermen of the city, and for a similar period was a member of the school board. An intelli- gent and public-spirited citizen, he gives an active and earnest support to many progressive measures, and since coming to Monticello he has been numbered among her representative men. His has been a busy and useful life, largely devoted to business interests, and through the exer- cise of diligence and unabating energy he has won a creditable position among the substantial citizens of his adopted county. ROBERT H. BENSON. No history of Piatt county would be complete without extensive mention of Rob- ert Harvey Benson. There is no man in this section of the state who has done more for agricultural interests. For many years he was one of the most extensive farmers and stock-raisers of this portion of Illinois and by improving the grade of stock and thereby advancing prices he did much for his fellow men who were connected with the same line of activity. Having now reached the advanced age of eighty-two years, he is practically living retired, an honored and re- spected citizen and venerable gentleman who is revered as one of the patriarchs of the community and as one whose mind bears the impress of the early historic annals of Piatt county. He located here in pioneer times and down to the present he has taken a deep and helpful interest in matters per- taining to public progress. Mr. Benson, who now lives on section 25, Sangamon township, was born on a farm near Springfield, Ohio, April 3, 1821, his parents being Andrew and Sarah (Renick) Benson. His paternal grandfather, William Benson, was born in Virginia and there spent his entire life. Andrew Benson was born on the south bank of the Potomac riv- er in Virginia, in 1781, and obtained his ed- ucation in the public schools of his native state. In 1808 he left the Old Dominion for Clark county, Ohio, where he took up his abode and there in 1812 he was united in R. H. BENSON MRS. R. H. BENSON PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 199 marriage to Miss Sarah Renick, whose birth occurred in Greenbrier county, Virginia, December 20, 1795. Andrew Benson en- tered a large tract of land from the govern- ment, cleared 'and broke it and successfully carried on farming up to the time of his death, which occurred very suddenly in 1826. Returning to his home, he lay down on the lounge and went to sleep. . At nine o'clock his wife requested their son, Robert, to awaken Mr. Benson, which he attempted to do. Failing in this he called his mother and they found that the husband and father had passed away, dying of heart failure. He had never been ill a day in his life nor had he complained of illness on the day of his death. Mr. Benson of this review resided in one of the pioneer log cabins of Ohio during his youth and attended school for about three months in the winter. The little "temple of learning" was a log structure on one side of which there was a log removed and the aperture covered with greased paper through which the light was admitted to the room. In one end of the room was an old- fashioned fireplace eight by ten feet capable of accommodating an immense back log. This school was situated about four and a half miles from Springfield and its methods of instruction were also somewhat primi- tive in keeping with the crude furnishings. Later Mr. Benson attended a select school for a time'. Through broad experience, ob- servation and reading, however, he added largely to his knowledge as the years passed and gained an excellent practical education. When twelve years of age he began working in a brickyard for four dollars per month, but in this way he injured his back, the work being too heavy for him and he has never fully recovered. During the win- ter of 1833-34 he engaged in sawing wood for twenty-five cents per cord, and when fif- teen years of age he began farming on a tract of land of one hundred acres left by his father. He supported his mother, being the eldest of her children. His life through many years was one of earnest toil. In 1841 he started for Missouri on horseback, but the horse died on the road and he was obliged to go to work in ordei; to make the money with which to pay for the animal which he had borrowed for the purpose of making the trip. Mr. Benson remained in .Missouri until 1844 and while he was in the west his mother died. Returning to Ohio he there hired out to drive cattle for four dollars per month. That fall he bor- Towed one hundred dollars and purchased twenty-five head of cattle. This was the be- ginning of his stock dealing which in years grew to be most extensive and important. A year later he borrowed four hundred dol- lars, which he also invested in cattle in In- diana, forming a partnership with another man in this enterprise. Nearly every deal of this character which he made proved profitable and thus he added continually to his income. Wisely he invested his money in real estate and in 1862 he became the owner of six hundred acres of land in Piatt county, Illinois. He continued to reside on the old homestead in Clark county, Ohio, however, until the fall of 1864, when he came to the west. Piatt county was then largely an unim- proved region, being a tract of wild prairie land, much of which still belonged to the government. Mr. Benson took a very ini-- portant part in reclaiming this district for purposes of civilization. He assisted in breaking the prairie, in building roads and in laying the foundation for the present 2 CO PAST AND PRESENT prosperity of this section of the state. He endured all of the hardships and trials inci- dent to frontier life, but his energy and de- termination enabled him to overcome all of the obstacles and difficulties that barred his advance toward the goal of success. He worked almost night and day in these early years in an attempt to gain a good start in business and his unremitting diligence was at length rewarded. For many years he was one of the most extensive, successful and prominent stock-dealers and breeders of this section of Illinois. In 1876 he pur- chased several imported Norman horses and began breeding, his efforts resulting largely in the improvement of the grade of horses raised in Piatt county. In 1882 he went to France, where he purchased nine head of Norman horses which he brought to Ameri- ca. In 1883 he again crossed the Atlantic and returned with twelve head of horses, paying as high prices for some of them as was ever given by an American for French horses. He has also been an extensive deal- er in cattle and hogs, which he has raised upon his own farm, having large pastures in which his stock has grazed in the summer months, while during the winter seasons it has been sheltered in his extensive barns. From time to time Mr. Benson added to his landed possessions until he had at one time over two thousand acres in Piatt county, but he has in recent years disposed of much of this, not caring to be burdened by its su- pervision. To-day he retains only one hun- dred and sixty acres of his farm and he has also put aside business cares in other direc- tions. In the last year he sold but two car loads of stock. His rest is well merited for his life has been one of untiring industry and should be crowned with a period in which to enjoy the fruits of his former toil. On the 1 7th of December, 1877, Mr. Benson was united in marriage to Mrs. Mary A. Piatt, who was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and died May 9, 1880. She was a lifelong member of the Methodist Episcopal church and by her first marriage to Jacob Piatt she became the mother of six children, three of whom are still living. There are few, if any, residents more, widely known in Piatt county than Robert Harvey Benson. His extensive and valu- able farming and stock-dealing interests made him a leading and representative agri- culturist of this section of Illinois. In all his business dealings he was honorable and straightforward and his word is as good as any bond. He certainly has just reason to feel proud of the success he has achieved and he well deserves the proud American title of a self-made man. His youth spent upon a farm in Ohio, living in a log cabin, he is to-day one of the most prosperous cit- izens of Piatt county, Illinois, and at one time was one of the largest landowners here. His capital is now invested, however, in other ways, releasing him from much of the care incident to the control of extensive property interests. Widely known and honored, it is with pleasure that we present this record of his life to our readers. JOHN MOERY. This well known and successful farmer living on section 24, Bement township, was born on the 4th of November, 1853, in the Canton of Berne. Switzerland, and was but six years of age when he came to the United States in company with his parents, Rudolph and Mary (Goodman) Moery, who were PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 20 r also natives of that country. By occupation the father was a farmer and also a school teacher, following both pursuits inSwitzer- land. On his arrival in America, he located near New Philadelphia, Ohio, where he was engaged in farming for about three years, and then removed to Crawford county, In- diana, where he was similarly employed for seme years. In connection with general farming he also engaged in .stock-raising to some extent. Politically, he was identified with the Democratic party, and religiously was a member of the German Reform church. He died in Crawford county, Indi- ana, at the age of seventy-one ye&rs, honored and respected by all who knew him, and his wife passed away about sixteen years pre- viously. They were the parents of seven children, but one died in infancy, and God- fred. Mary and Alice are also now de- ceased. Those living are Lina, wife of Fred Feller, a resident of Missouri ; Ernest, a farmer of Oklahoma; and John, of this re- view. The early education John Moery acquired was largely obtained from his father, and during his younger years he assisted in the operation of the home farm. He remained in Indiana until twenty-six years of age, whence he removed to Sangamon county, Illinois, and two years later came to Piatt county, where he worked in different town- ships. The first land owned by him was in Moultrie county, where he purchased one hundred and seventy-five acres, to the cul- tivation and improvement of which he de- voted his time and energies for four year?. At the end of that time he bought eighty acres near his present home in Bement town- ship, Piatt county, and subsequently traded his Moultrie county property for his home place of three hundred and twenty acres. Here he has erected a large and substantial dwelling and other buildings and has made many other improvements which stand as. monuments to his thrift and industry. In the spring of 1902 he bought another eighty- acre tract, and to-day has one of the best and most desirable farms of its size in the county. He follows general farming and stock-raising with marked success and to- day is numbered among the prosperous citi- zens of the community in which he lives. In 1879 Mr. Moery married Miss Ellen Loveless, a native of Macoupin county, Illi- nois,- where her father, Thomas Loveless, still resides, his occupation being that of farming. Six children were born to our subject and his wife, namely : Lina, who is a graduate of the Bement high school and is at home with her parents ; John, who as- sists his father in the operation of the home farm ; Ralph, also at home ; Ernest and Wil- liam, who both died in infancy ; and Hel- venia, who died in childhood. All of the children were born in Bement township. Mr. Moery is a member of the Court of Honor and attends and supports the Metho- dist church. He votes with the Republican party, but has never cared for office, pre- ferring to give his undivided attention to his business interests. He is widely and fa- vorably known throughout the county of his adoption, and is held in high regard by all with whom he comes in contact either in business or social life. - NELSON W. ZOOK. Nelson W. Zook, who is one of the most enterprising and energetic farmers (if Monticello township, his home being on 202 PAST AND PRESENT section i, was born at Bethany, Illinois, October 14, 1872, and is a son of William and Mary (Kutch) Zook. His paternal grandmother is still living at the extreme old age of ninety-six years, and is now a resident of Kansas. His father was born in Indiana, on the 3d of October, 1845, and was a lad of ten years when he accom- panied his parents on their removal to Illi-- nois, his education being acquired in the schools of Fayette county, this state. Dur- ing his boyhood and youth he assisted his father in the operation of the home farm, remaining under the parental roof until eighteen years of age, when he entered the Union army, enlisting in 1863 m tne One Hundred and Forty-third Illinois Vol- unteer Infantry. After serving one year he was honorably discharged on account of blood-poisoning caused by vaccination. He then returned to Moultrie county, Illi- nois, and rented a farm near Bethany, con- sisting of one hundred and sixty acres, which he subsequently purchased, and which he still continues to operate. He is a man of influence in his community and is now serving as justice of the peace in Bethany. In early life he wedded Miss Mary Kutch, who was born January 26, 1845, in Moultrie county, where her par- ents had located in 1830, being pioneers in that portion of the state. They were of German and Irish descent. Nelson W. Zook is the oldest in a family of three chil- dren, the others being Thomas M., a resi- dent of Bethany ; and Margaretta, who is at home with her parents. The subject of this biography was edu- cated in the common schools of Bethany, and at the age of eighteen years started out in life for himself by working at the carpenter's trade, but he has mainly en- gaged in agricultural pursuits, and since 1900 has operated the Dighton farm on section i, Monticello township, Piatt coun- ty. He owns all of the machinery used in the cultivaton of the land, and also the stock upon the place, being quite exten- sively engaged in the fattening of stock for market. On the nth of September, 1891, Mr. Zook was united in marriage to Miss Nan- nie Duke, a' resident of Bloomfiekl, In- diana, and a daughter of Richard and Han- nah (McDonald) Duke. On the maternal side her ancestors were related to Daniel Boone. Her father served for four years in the Union army during the Civil war, and died in 1898 of heart trouble at his home in Bldomfield, Indiana. He was largely in- terested in the raising of pure blooded Percheron horses and Hereford cattle, and was an extensive and prosperous farmer, owning and operating six hundred acres of land which was supplied with the latest and best facilities for doing his work. He also operated coal mines on his own land, and in all his undertakings met with excel- lent success, so that he was able to leave his family in most comfortable circum- stances. His widow and four children now derive a good income from the proceeds of the farm and mine, the estate being still undivided. Mr. Duke was widely and fa- vorably known and was a man of promi- nence in the locality where he resided. Mr. and Mrs. Zook have one child, Harold, now nineteen months old. They are prominent members of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which our subject's parents also belong, and have a large cir- cle -of friends and acquaintances in their adopted county. Fraternally, Mr. Zook is connected with Todds Point Camp. No. PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 203 550, M. W. A., of Todds Point, and The, mas Strayhorn Camp, No. 227, Sons of Veterans at Bethany, Illinois. In politics he is a stanch Republican, but he does not care for official honors, preferring to de- vote his entire time and attention to his business interests. JOHN H. BURNS. John H. Burns, deceased, was a lead- ing farmer and respected citizen of Piatt county, and when he passed away he left many friends who will be glad to see this mention of his life work in our history. His birth occurred in Carroll county, Maryland, on the igth of January, 1848, his parents being Danie! and Mary (Knip- ple) Burns, who were residents of Mary- land at the time of his birth, but had for- merly made their home in Pennsylvania. John H. Burns was one of a family of five children, being the third in order of birth. His father was a saddler by trade, follow- ing that pursuit in the years of his early manhood, while later he engaged in farm- ing. The son received his education in the common schools of Maryland and became a well-informed man. In 1873 he removed to the west, locating first in Tazewell coun- ty, Illinois, where he remained for eight months. He then removed to McLean county, where he rented lard for six years, and on the expiration of that period he took up his abode in Blue Ridge township, Piatt county, where he purchased two hundred and twelve and a half acres of land that is still in possession of his family. Aft- erward he added to his farm, extending its boundaries until it comprised two hun- dred and thirty-eight acres, lying within a mile and a half of Mansfield. There Mr. Burns carried on agricultural pursuits up to the time of his death. He thoroughly understood farm work in all of its depart- ments, was progressive in his labors and his place, always neat and thrifty in ap- pearance, indicated his careful supervision. On the 2 ist of December, 1870, Mr. Burns was united in marriage to Miss Re- becca. A. Petry, of Carroll county, Mary- land, a daughter of Jacob and Ann Re- becca (Roop) Petry. The father was born in Pennsylvania and the mother in Mary- land and both came of Pennsylvania Dutch ancestry. Mrs. Burns was one of a family of eight children and was the third in order of birth. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Burns were born seven children : Anna May, now the wife of David P. Smith, a resident of Manson, Calhoun county, Iowa, by whom she has two chil- dren, Harold Burns and Everett ; William, who is now the efficient and popular cash- ier of the State Bank of Mansfield and who married Miss Allie Speer, by whom he has one child, Wayne Emerson; Corda Irene, Amy R., Ida Blanche, Catherine R. and Charles L., all of whom are still at home. In his political views Mr. Burns was a stalwart Republican and while living in McLean county he served as county com- missioner. He also held many other of- fices of trust and responsibility and Was al- ways loyal in these, progress and fidelity characterizing his entire .official service. He belonged to the German Baptist church in Blue Ridge township and died in that faith April 25, 1887, his remains be- ing then interred in the cemetery adjoining 2O4 PAST AND PRESENT the Brethren church. The strong char- acteristics of Mr. Burns were such as com- mended him to the confidence and regard of his fellow men and many delighted in his friendship and in his companionship. After her husband's death Mrs. Burns left with a large family commenced to carry on the home farm. There was quite a large sum owing upon it at that time, which she has succeeded by her capable business management and execu- tive force to discharge and is now renting the place, having removed to Mansfield in 1892. She has since made her home in the city and is a well-known and most highly esteemed lady there. She belongs to the German Baptist church and takes an active and helpful interest in its work. ELI DRUM. The value of the local newspapers in the upbuilding of the best interests of any com- munity is universally conceded. The rule is that good papers are found in good towns, inferior journals in towns of stunted growth and uncertain future. It is not so much a matter of size as of excellence and of adapt- ability to the needs of its locality. These conditions given, in an appreciative and pro- gressive community, the size of the paper will take care of itself in a way mutually sat- isfactory to publishers and patrons. Mr. Drum as editor and proprietor of the Star of Cerro Gordo, is a worthy representative of the journalistic interests of Piatt county. A native of Ohio, he was born in Picka- way county on the 2ist of April, 1843, his parents being Benjamin and Lydia Drum. The father was a farmer by occupation and died about 1848, while his wife passed away in 1893, having long survived her hus- band. In the country schools of Ohio and of Illinois the subject of this review pur- sued his education. It was in October, 1856, that he removed from the place of his birth to Piatt county, Illinois, where he has since lived. He remained upon the home farm until nineteen years of age, when he enlisted in the Union army in response to the need for soldiers to aid in the preservation of the Union. On the nth of August, 1862, he becarfie a private of Company K, One Hun- dred and Seventh Illinois Infantry and was discharged in July, 1865, after^ about three years of faithful and valorous service. He served in eastern Tennessee, took part in the Atlanta campaign and then returned to Nashville, where he aided in the movements which resulted in the victories for General Thomas and his army. After the close of the war Mr. Drum re- turned to the north and was engaged in the drug business for twelve years, being a well known merchant of Cerro Gordo. In 1881 he began his present work, and three years ago started the Cerro Gordo Star, and has made of this paper an interesting journal which has a large and growing patronage and which has returned to the proprietor a good income. He has made it an excel- lent advertising medium and at the same time it treats in a fair and interesting man- ner of the leading questions and issues of the day and disseminates local news. On the 3d of February, 1868, at Cerro Gordo, Mr. Drum was united in marriage to Miss May E. Stuart. Their children are S. M., who married Adeline Van Ordstrand ; Flora Lillian, who was the wife of H. L. Lesley and died sixteen months after her marriage; Arthur J., who wedded Miss Er- PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 205 ma Ater; Benjamin E. ; W. Webb; Harry; and Mary. Mr. Drum is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and of the Presbyterian church and gives his political support to the Republican party, furthering its interests through the columns of his paper and also in the same channel advancing the welfare and improvement of the community along many lines. FRANK HETISHEE. Frank Hetishee is assistant cashier of the Dighton-Dilatush Loan Company of Monticello and is thus actively connected with financial interests. The business with which he is so closely associated has become one of importance in Piatt county, and like the other members of the com- pany Mr. Hetishee is recognized as a man of reliability, of enterprise and of honor. He is a son of John and' Elizabeth (Ruff) Hetishee. His father was born in Berne, Switzerland, on the i6th of March, 1826, acquired his education in the schools of his native country and afterward learned the tailor's trade there. In 1848, when twenty-two years of age, he boarded a sailing vessel bound for the port of New York for he had heard much of the priv- ileges and opportunities offered in a busi- ness way in the new 'world and had re- solved to try his fortune in America. Therefore, he came to the new world, ar- riving after fifty-one days spent upon the bosom of the broad Atlantic, the vessel dropping anchor in the harbor of Amer- ica's metropolis. Mr. Hetishee did not remain in New York, however, but pro- ceeded at once to' Ohio, stopping first at Dayton. In 1851 he began farming near that city and there carried on agricultural pursuits for two years. At the" end of that time in 1853 he came to Monticello and soon afterward made choice of a location in Sangamon township, Piatt county, where he devoted his energies to general farming and stock-raising. For a number of years he was an active representative of that line of business and in 1870 he re- moved to Ivesdale, Piatt county, where he purchased a farm, continuing its further development and cultivation until 1891, when he took up his abode in the capital city. While upon the farm he prospered in his undertakings, becoming the owner of five hundred and fifty acres of valuable land, which he placed under a high state of cultivation. The im- provements which he made and the rise in land values, owing to the increase in pop- ulation in this section of the state, made his property a very desirable one and at the time of his death he was considered one of the wealthy men of his adopted county. Upon his farm he erected sub- stantial buildings and also placed modern equipments which would facilitate agri- cultural work and he was likewise suc- cessful in the raising of hogs and cattle and to this branch of his business in large measure can be attributed his prosperity. His business affairs were always con- ducted with energy, diligence and strong purpose and at the same time his methods were honorable and would bear the closest investigation. Both he and his wife held membership in the Lutheran church and lived lives in consistent har- mony with their religious faith and pro- fessions. Mr. Hetishee passed away in 1898 and his wife, surviving him for a 206 PAST AND PRESENT few years, died in 1902. They were the parents of the following named : William, who is a fafmer in Piatt county; Henry, who also carries an agricultural pursuits here; Carrie, the wife of Jacob Geoggle, who resides upon a farm in this county; and Frank, of this review. It is a noticeable fact that the great per- centage of men who are successful and prom- inent in commercial, industrial and profes- sional circles are they who have spent their youth upon farms. Of this class Frank Het- ishee is a representative, his boyhood days being passed under the parental roof at the old family homestead, where in his early youth he was a student in the district schools. He showed mucji aptitude at his lessons, mastering the various branches of learning taught in the public schools and largely supplementing his knowledge by reading, experience and observation. On leaving the farm he accepted the posi- tion of assistant bookkeeper in the Na- tional Bank of Monticello, acting in that capacity for three years, after which he become connected with the Dighton-Dila- tush Loan Company of this city. He was one of its organizers, the company being formed in October, 1900, with a capital stock of thirty thousand dollars, all paid up. In the organization of the company Mr. Hetishee was made assistant cashier which position he still holds and in large measure to his efforts may the success of the institution be attributable. On the I2th of June, 1902, Mr. Hetishee was united in marriage to Miss Elsie B. Gleiser, of Monticello, Illinois, a daughter of the Rev. Henry G. Gleiser, who is pastor of the First Presbyterian church. Her mother bore the maiden name of Elsie F. Kratzer. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hetishee hold membership in the First Presbyterian church of Monticello and are interested in its work and to its support contribute generously. Their pleasant home was erected in 1902 and is the center of a cultured society circle. It is modern in all of its improvements and equipments and is tastefully furnished. It is also the abode of hospitality and is a fav6rite resort with the many friends of Mr. and Mrs. Hetishee. In business af- fairs our subject stands prominent, pos- sessing excellent qualifications, strong de- termination and laudable ambition. He is a genial and affable gentleman and thereby wins the good will and friendship as well as the respect and confidence of those with whom he is brought in contact. JAMES C. EVANS. In the death of James C. Evans on the 5th of March, 1903, Bement and Piatt coun- ty lost one of their most prominent and highly esteemed citizens. His career was a long, busy and useful one, and although he was earnest and active in business, he never allowed the pursuit of wealth to warp his kindly nature, being to the end of his life a kindly, genial friend, one whom it was a pleasure to know and meet under any cir- cumstances. He attained the advanced age of seventy-eight years, retaining to the last those qualities of the mind and heart whicii had endeared him to every one throughout his life. No history of Piatt county would be complete without mention of James C. Ev- ans and it is a pleasure to the historian to present his life record to our readers. His- JAMES C. EVANS MRS. MARY E. EVANS PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 211 life span covered almost four score years and lijs career was so honorable that he won the highest regard of all with whom he was associated. A native of Clark county, Ken- tucky, he was born in the year 1825, and on both the paternal and maternal sides was a member of early Kentucky families. His father was a second cousin of Danfel Boone, the noted pioneer explorer and hunt- er who led the way into the wilds of the Blue Grass state. Mr. Evans was one of a fam- ily of five sons and one daughter, all now deceased. When about ten years of age our sub- ject accompanied his parents on their re- moval to Illinois, the family home being es- tablished in Scott county. There he resided until 1846, at which time his father entered the Mexican war as a lieutenant under Colonel John J. Hardin. Filled with the spirit of patriotism James C. Evans, who about that time attained his majority, also offered his services to the government and became a private in his father's company. (He went to the south where he valiantly aided in the protection of his country's rights and after the cessation of hostilities he returned to Scott county, where he .worked at the cooper's trade, which he had^ learned previous to his enlistment. To this industry he gave his attention until after the discovery of gold in California. Men from all sections of the country flocked to the Pa- cific coast in the hope of rapidly acquiring a fortune and Mr. Evans was among the number who made the long overland trip across the hot stretches of sand and through the mountain passes to the Golden state. In the trip he accompanied his father and broth- er and they spent two years at Hangtown Gulch, which was one of the early mining settlements of California and is now the city of Placerville. Although he did not acquire a fortune as he hoped, he yet found some gold and brought back with him the precious met- al which was made into the wedding ring that signified through more than half a cen- tury his union with Miss Mary Elizabeth Hopkins. Upon his return to Scott county he embarked in merchandising with B. G. Hopkins in the town of Winchester and a year later he was united in marriage to his partner's daughter. Mr. Evans' connection with mercantile interests in Scott county continued until 1856, when he removed to Piatt county and located on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Willow Branch township. This property continued in his possession up to the time of his death, although after a few years he left its cultivation to others, while he turned his attention to commercial pur- suits. About 1863 ne entered into partner- ship with D. Vaughan in the lumber busi- ness, but continued to reside upon his farm until 1870, when he took up his abode in the town. Through long years the partnership with Mr. Vaughan continued with mutual pleasure and profit, the firm enjoying a large and continually increasing patronage. A few years prior to his death, however, Mr. Evans purchased Mr. Vaughan's interest and the firm of Evans & Son was then formed and continued up to the time of the father's death. The home life of Mr. Evans was ideal. They traveled life's journey together for more than fifty years, sharing with each oth- er in all the joys and sorrows, the adversities and prosperity which came to them, their mutual love and confidence increasing as the years went by. Mrs. Evans came of early New England ancestry of English lineage, the line being traced back to the early set- 212 PAST AND PRESENT tiers of Connecticut, who located there in 1642. She is of the fifth generation in di- rect descent from General John Sedgwick, of Cornwall, Connecticut, and of the fourth from Benjamin Hopkins and Stephen Gold of her father's ancestors and of the fourth generations from Elijah Stanton and Joseph Hollister, who came to America in 1642, all of the above men being prominent in the country's early history. She is also of the eighth generation from Captain John Stan- ton, who came to America in 1646 as co- lonial interpreter for the six nations of Pe- quod Indians. By the marriage of James C. and Mary Elizabeth (Hopkins) Evans thirteen child- ren were born, of whom eight are still liv- ing. William G., who resides in the village of Bement, married Miss Viola Workman, and they have two children, Harold and Clar- ence. Charles E., who is a minister of the Christian church and resides at Weiser, Ida- ho, wedded Miss Jennie Miller, of Ohio.- They had four children : Lester, who died when about nineteen years of age; Mayo, a musician, residing in Oregon; Miller and Oliver S. Dora, the third member of the Evans family, is the wife of S. S. Jones, a minister of the Christian church, now lo- cated in Danville, Illinois. Ellen G. is the wife of George D. McKay, of St. Joseph, Missouri, and they have two children. James O., who resides in Bement, Illinois, was born two miles west of the village on the home farm, April 23, 1870, and after pursuing the high school course in Bement continued his studies in Eureka College at Eurekn, Woodford county, Illinois. He was gradu- ated on the completion of the business course and then returned to Bement, where he joined his father in the lumber business, the partnership continuing until the latter's death, since which time the son has been alone in the conduct of this enterprise. He is well known in the commercial circles of the city, and is a leading and representative business man of this place. For three years he has been one of the trustees of the village and is now a stalwart Republican in his po- litical views. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Christian church, and he is a member of the Masonic and Knight of Pythias fraternities at Bement, and has passed all of the chairs in the latter organization. Albert A., born 'December 18, 1872, the sixth member of the father's family, is likewise a resident of Bement. He married Miss Grace L. Landis, a native of Owen county. Indiana, and they have one son, Albert Canada. Albert A. Evans is now associated with his brother, James, in the lumber business. Darley, born Septem- ber 15, 1875, in Bement, is a clerk in the vil- lage of Mansfield, Piatt county. He married Miss Carrie Burns, a daughter of John Burns, of Bement, and they have one son, Eugene. Grace G. is the wife of H. A. De Vaux, of Mankato, Minnesota, where he is manager of the World's Stock Food Com- pany. The other children of the father's family died in infancy with the exception of Dollie. who died in Bement, when twenty- one years of age. Mr. Evans was most devot- ed to his family and considered no personal sacrifice on his part too great if it would en- hance the welfare and promote the happi- ness of his wife and children. On Sunday, the 23d of March, 1902, Mr. and Mrs. Ev- ans celebrated their fiftieth wedding anni- versary, holding an "open house" reception between the hours of two and five in the af- ternoon. This worthy couple had traveled life's journey together for a half century and more than one hundred guests called to PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 213 express their pleasure over this fact and wish for them happy returns of the day, but ere a year had passed Mr. Evans was called from this life. There was nothing, however, to indicate that his life's journey was so rap- idly nearing its close, and the occasion of the golden wedding anniversary was a most happy one. The guests were received in the parlor and later passed through the sitting room into the dining room, which was hand- somely decorated with cut flowers and yel- low ribbon, its beautiful golden tint being in harmony with the occasion. Refresh- ments were served and each guest was given a favor heart-shaped cards tied with yel- low ribbon and bearing a design in gold with the number "50" in white in the center. Mr. and Mrs. Evans were long faithful and devoted members of the Christian church, with which the lady is still identified. He united with the church of this denomina- tion at Winchester, Illinois, about 1845, un- der the preaching of Alexander Campbell, and he connected himself with the church i in Betnent during the meeting held by Rev. A. B. Rice, who obeyed the gospel at the same time that Mr. Evans became one of the followers of that church. For long years Mr. Evans was very active in church work, and even in advanced years his interest there- in never abated in the slightest degree. He always contributed liberally of his means to its support, and his time and energies were freely given for its welfare and progress. Frequently he would perform the baptismal ceremony for the pastor in charge and his character was manifest in his daily life. He lived peaceably with all men, possessed a kindly, charitable spirit and was anxious for the moral welfare of the community. He was also very benevolent, and the poor and needy found in him a friend. During all the long years in which he was able to per- sonally superintend his business it is safe to say that he never left his office on Saturday evening without having given at least five dollars in charity during the week. He passed away March 5, 1903, and thus closed a most honorable and useful career. The county lost one of its pioneers, the communi- ty a valued citizen and those with whom he was associated a faithful friend, while his wife and children mourned the loss of a de- voted, loving and tender husband and fath- er. His memory, however, is still enshrined in the hearts of all who knew him, and re- mains as a blessed benediction to those with whom he was associated in the daily walks of life. JOHN R. PONDER. The history of such a man as John R. Ponder is always of interest to the public, especially when it comes as a direct result of meritorious effect. Mr. Ponder has just- ly earned the title of a self-made man and his life history stands as an exemplifica- tion of what can be accomplished when one has the will to dare and to do. He has con- trolled extensive farming interests in Piatt count}' and is now a director of the Bank of Hammond, and also the president of the village board. He likewise represents one of the pioneer families of Piatt county, having lived here since 1864. Mr. Ponder was born in Washington county, Tennessee, on the i8th of December, 1855, and is a son of Joseph and Matilda (Radford) Ponder, both of whom are na- tives of Buncom county, North Carolina, the former born on the 23d of May, 1816, and the latter on the 8th of March, 1820. 214 PAST AND PRESENT Joseph Ponder made his home in North Car- olina until after his marriage and then re- moved with his wife to Washington coun- ty, Tennessee, where he was engaged in farming for several years. He afterward took up his abode in Clay county, Kentucky, where he followed the same pursuit until the I /th of March, 1864, when he bade v adieu to home and friends in that locality and came to Illinois. He had a cousin living in Piatt county, and thereby was induced to settle in this section of the state, establishing his home in Unity township northeast of the village of Pierson. Resuming agricul- tural pursuits, he carried On farming for two years, and then went to Douglas coun- ty, Illinois, where he engaged in the tilling of the soil for a year. At the end of that time, however, he returned to Unity town- ship and purchased a farm here, devoting his energies to its further development and improvement until 1880. He then went to the home of his son, John R., where he lived for two years, and on the ist of March, 1882. he removed to the village of Ham- mond, where he lived retired until his death, which occurred on the 8th of December, 1892. His widow survived him for about ten years and passed away on the 27th of January, 1902. Both were respected and honored people, and they reared ' a family of six children who are now living and are residents of Piatt county. Like the other members of the family John R. Ponder obtained his education in the common schools and through his youth he spent the summer months in working in the fields on the home farm. He continued to assist his father until the time of his mar- riage, which was celebrated in 1883, Miss Elizabeth E. BoLin becoming his wife. She is a native of Moultrie county, Illinois, and a daughter of J. R. Bolin, who is now a re- tired farmer, making his home in Ham- mond. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ponder have been born three children : Ray B. ; Wilbur H. and Wilma E., twins. Mr. and Mrs. Ponder began their do- mestic life upon a farm in Unity township, where he carried on general agricultural pursuits until 1890. He then removed to the village of Hammond, where he built his fine residence. It is situated in the south- eastern part of the town and is a most at- tractive and commodious home, celebrated for its gracious hospitality. The house stands in the midst of beautiful grounds and everything about the place indicates the cultured taste of the owner. In addition to this property Mr. Ponder owns seven hun- dred and forty acres of fine farming land, all under a high state of cultivation, and therefore returning to him a good tribute for the labor bestowed upon it. Of this twenty acres is located in Lovington town- ship, Moultrie county, but the remainder is situated in Unity township, Piatt county. Mr. Ponder gives his personal supervision to the operation of five hundred and sixty acres of the land, while the remainder he rents, and annually golden harvests are gathered in return for the labors bestowed upon the fields. He is also a stockholder and director in the State Bank of Hammond, and thus his activity has touched upon many lines, whereby he has won prosperity. In matters pertaining to the general good Mr. Ponder is ever progressive and pub- lic spirited, and has given his co-operation to many measures for the welfare of town and county. In politics he is a Democrat, and in 1901 was elected mayor of Ham- mond, in which capacity he is still serving, having been re-elected for a second term. PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 21- For eleven years he has heen a member of the village board and since 1901 has been its president. He also served on the school board for several years and for one year was tax collector of Unity township. He belongs to the Baptist church, and his wife to the Church of Christ, and he is one of the most prominent, influential and prosperous resi- dents of this part of Piatt county. Over the record of his public career and private life there falls no shadow of wrong or suspi- cion of evil, for his wealth has been obtained through honorable methods and he has ever been found faithful in friendship and in cit- izenship. Hammond owes much to his active efforts in her behalf, and no history of this part of Piatt county would be complete with- out mention of John R. Ponder. GIDEON CHENOWETH. Among the honored veterans of the Civil war now living retired in De Land is numbered Gideon Chenoweth, who was born in Darke county, Ohio, March 16, 1840, his parents being Jacob and Sarah (Foster) Chenoweth, natives of Virginia and Ohio, respectively. On the paternal side he is of Welsh descent, while his ma- ternal ancestors came originally from Scotland. His father was horn in the Old Dominion in 1798 and was educated in the subscription schools of that state, the tem- ple of learning being a rude log structure with greased paper windows, puncheon floor and huge fire-place. He was mar- ried in 1818 and settled in Darke county, Ohio, where he entered three hundred and twenty acres of timber land, which he developed into a fine farm. He gave con- siderable attention to the raising of cattle, sheep and hogs and was considered one of the best and most successful farmers and stock-raisers of his locality. After his death, which occurred in 1853, the family remained upon the farm but a year, when the widowed mother sold the place and with her children removed to De Witt county, Illinois, where she made her home throughout the remainder of her life. She died very suddenly in 1867 while visiting friends and relatives in Iowa and was' buried in the town of Bedford, that state. Her early life was passed amid primitive surroundings and our subject well remem- bers hearing her relate of turning the grindstone for Indians while they shar- pened their scalping knives. Gideon Chenoweth is one of a family of twelve children, the others being Abra- ham, who died in Kansas in 1891 ; Rebecca, who died in Clinton, Illinois, in 1899; Joseph, who died in Versailles, Illinois, in 1877; John, who died in Nebraska in 1890; Thomas, who died in 1856 or 1857; Mary Ann, who married Jacob Rarrick and is now living in Portland, Oregon, at the age of seventy-five years ; William, de- ceased ; Martha, who is the wife of Jacob Harless and is living in Weldon, Iowa, at the age of seventy-one; Noah, who is living in Kansas, at the age of sixty-nine; Eliza, who died in 1874; and Cassandra, who died in infancy. During his boyhood Gideon Cheno- weth attended school in Ohio for about three months during the winter season, the remainder of the time being devoted to the work of the home farm. In 1854 he accompanied his widowed mother on her removal to Clinton, De Witt county, where he continued his education until six- 2l6 PAST AND PRESENT teen years of age. In 1857 he led to the mar- riage altar Miss Mary A. Bryant, a daughter of Cornelius and Agnes ( Sims) Bryant, who were of Irish descent. By this union were born five children, as follows : George H., the eldest, died at Argenta, Illinois, Novem- ber 5, 1892. Francis H., the next of the fam- ily, was born in Clinton, Illinois, June 22, 1866, and is a druggist of Charleston, this state. Edward B., born January 4, 1869, is mentioned more fully below. Eliza A., born August 22, 1872, died May 4, 1874. William C, born June 28, 1878, is a drug- gist of Charleston, Illinois. After his marriage Mr. Chenoweth en- gaged in operating a rented farm until he entered the army during the Rebellion. In 1861 he joined the boys in blue of Com- pany E, Twentieth Illinois Volunteer In- fantry and remained at the front until honorably .discharged at Jefferson Bar- racks, Missouri, April 16, 1863. He par- ticipated in the battles of Frederickstown, Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, Shiloh and Corinth, and was accidently wounded at Jackson, Tennessee, being confined in the hospital from the i6th of September 1862, until he left the service. On his return home Mr. Chenoweth accepted a clerkship in a general store in Clinton, Illinois, where he was employed until 1867, when he came to Piatt county and for four years rented and operated the farm belonging to his sister, Mrs. Eliza Lowery.* At the end of that time he re- moved to Monticello, where he con- ducted a meat market for two years, and then assisted in building a branch of the Illinois Central Railroad from White Heath to Clinton, this state. In 1876 he became connected with the firm of Piatt. Hubbell & Company, who were in the elevator business at Monticello, acting as their buyer at Cisco, Illinois, and when the business was sold to E. A. Townley, he remained with that gentleman in the same capacity until 1883. During the fol- lowing two years he was with W. H. Tel- ford, who was in the same line of business, and on the expiration of that time he went to Ness county, Kansas, where he pre-empted three claims, both homestead and timber claims. He had nothing on his removal to that state but on his re- turn to Illinois after five years he was the owner of four hundred and eighty acres of fine farming land in Kansas and one hundred head of cattle besides other per- sonal property, so successful had he been. After his return to Monticello he was in the employ of E. C. Knight in the grain business until November, 1900, when he accepted a position as carrier in the rural mail service and faithfully served as such for two years and two months, during which time he lost but seven days. He made a trip of twenty-seven miles and a half each day and therefore traveled nearly nineteen thousand miles during the twenty-six months' time. Mr. Chenoweth has been called upon to mourn the loss of his estimable wife, who died in Monticello of heart failure on her way home from church December 3, 1899, when sixty years of age. She was a lifelong member of the Methodist Episcopal church and was an active and faithful worker in the' same. On the 7th of January, 1903, Mr. Chenoweth re- moved to De Land, where he is now living a retired life, honored and respected by all who know him. He is still a member of the Grand Army Post at Monticello and enjoys meeting with the gray-haired PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 217 veterans who as young men fought with him on the bloody battle-fields of the south. EDWARD B. CHENOWETH. Edward B. Chenoweth, a son of Gid- eon Chenoweth, was born in Piatt county, January 4, 1869, and has here spent al- most his entire life. Since attaining man's estate his attention has mainly been de- voted to mercantile interests. For two years he engaged in clerking in a store in Argenta and for about eight years was similarly employed in De Land, although during six months of that time he served as assistant cashier in a bank at this place. In November, 1902, he embarked in business on his own account, opening a new store in De Land with a well selected stock of general merchandise. He car- ries an excellent grade of goods and spares no pains to please his customers. In_ 1891 was celebrated the marriage of Edward B. Chenoweth and Olive S. Mitchell, of Weldon, Iowa, a daughter of Rev. George E. and Rosetta (Westfall) Mitchell, and three children bless this union: Lela, now eleven years of age; Lola, nine years ; and Beulah, a year and six months. Socially Mr. Chenoweth is a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge, No. 740, of De Land, of which he is treasurer ; Twentieth Century Lodge, No. 603, K. P. ; and the Modern Woodmen Camp, No. 2178, of which he is clerk. He was also a delegate to the head camp of Mod- ern Woodmen in 1903. Politically he is identified with the Republican party and has held the office of township clerk two years and village clerk the same length of time. He is regarded as one of the lead- ing young men of the town, active, enter- prising and progressive, and although he has been in business for himself only a short time he has already built up a good trade and his patronage is steadily in- creasing. MRS. HELEN C. TIPPETT. Mrs. Helen C. Tippett, a well-known resident of White Heath and a worthy rep- resentative of an honored pioneer family of this county, was born on the nth of Janu- ary, 1842, in Ross county, Ohio, and is a daughter of David and Anna (Porter) Heath. Her father was a native of New Jersey, and when a young man removed to Ohio, where he married Miss Porter, who was born near Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, February 27, 1799, and was a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Clinton) Porter. On the maternal side she was of Scotch- Irish descent. Mrs. Tippett's paternal grandmother bore the maiden name of Wood and was of English descent. After farming in Ohio for about eighteen years, David Heath came to Piatt county, Illi- nois, and purchased eighty acres of land near White Heath. He then returned to Ohio to settle up some business, making the journey on horseback, as there were no rail- roads at that time, and while there caught a severe cold which developed into pneu- monia, from which he died within a year from the time he come to Piatt county, and it was two weeks before his relatives in this county learned of his death. His widow then took charge of affairs, and with the as- sistance of her two sons, Jarnes and Noble, 218 PAST AND PRESENT she transformed the wild tract into a good farm. She was one of the bravest and best of women, bearing uncomplainingly the hardships and trials of frontier life. Many times she was left alone for two or three days while her sons went to the city for sup- plies. Their home was at the edge of the timber and the nearest neighbor was at least one mile away. Wolves and rattlesnakes were numerous and many dangers and diffi- culties were encountered by those early set- tlers. In the Heath family were six children, namely : Mary J., born January 3, 1825, became the wife of B. F. Harris, a banker of Champaign, Illinois, and died March 23, 1883 ; James Clinton, born August 20, 1828, died December 22, 1872 ; Noble Porter, born February 8, 1833, .died June 8, 1893 ; Anna E., born June 6, 1838, died in 1851; one died in infancy; and Mrs. Tippett is now the only survivor. The mother passed away June 10, 1877, loved and respected by all who knew her. Mrs. Tippett was only three years old when she accompanied her parents on their removal to this state and amid pioneer scenes she grew to womanhood. She was educated in an old log school house, known as the Hughes school, and after her gradu- ation commenced teaching at the age of eighteen years, following that profession from 1860 to 1870. On the gth of March, 1871, she gave her hand in marriage to Cumberland Tippett. who then took charge of the old Heath homestead and operated the farm until his death, which occurred October 2, 1875. He was a member of Monticello Lodge, F. & A. M., and was a local preacher of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he was a lifelong meml^er, always taking an active part in church work and doing all in his power for the uplifting of his fellow men. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Tip- pett were born two children: Florence B., born December 18, 1871, is now the wife of Dr. B. E. Duvall. of Atlanta, Georgia. She is also a physician, l)eing a graduate of the Eclectic Medical College of Atlanta, and having also taken a post-graduate course at the Cincinnati Eclectic Medical College. James Clinton, born January 3, 1873. was married October 4, 1896, to Mattie I. Jami- son, and is now circuit clerk and county auditor, living in Monticello, Illinois. His sketch appears on another page of this vol- ume. After the death of her husband Mrs. Tippett and her mother took charge of the farm, hiring a man to run it, and when her mnther died she went to Champaign, where she lived for four years, her brother having charge of the place during that time. The following eighteen years were spent upon the farm with her children, her brother still continuing to conduct the property. In 1901 Mrs. Tippett purchased her present comfortable residence in White Heath, where she has since resided. Her brother continued to manage the farm until 1894, when her son, J. C, was old enough to take charge of the same. He lived there until he was elected circuit clerk and still rents the place. Mrs. Tippett is a woman of many ex- cellent traits of character, who is highly respected and esteemed by all who know her. HON. SEYMOUR MARQUISS. Among the citizens of Piatt county on whom has been conferred public honor and whose careers have reflected credit upon SEYMOUR MARQUISS PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 221 those who have reposed in them public trust is numbered Seymour Marquiss. He has represented his district in the legislature and has been active and influential in busi- ness circles, where his course has ever been such as to commend him to the confidence and good will of those with whom he has come in contact. He is now living a re- tired life in Monticello, having acquired a competence which has enabled him to put aside business cares and enjoy the fruits of former toil. Mr. Marquiss is one of Piatt county's native sons, his birth having occurred in Goose Creek township on the 7th of June, 1837. He is a son of Ezra and Ann Maria (Norris) Marquiss, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Maryland. Their marriage was celebrated in Illinois, the fa- ther having come to this state in 1833 with the paternal grandfather of our subject, Abraham Marquiss, who was a native of Vir- ginia. He settled in Piatt county in 1833 at a very early period in the development of this portion of the state, and there he took up government land. He made the jour- ney from Ohio by wagon and cast in his lot with the early settlers who lived amid frontier environments. Not a furrow had been turned or an improvement made upon his place, but he at once began the develop- ment of a farm and soon rich fields returned to him good harvests. Ezra Marquiss was one of a family of seven children and his education was obtained during his residence in Ohio. After coming with his father to Il- linois he began farming in Goose Creek township, Piatt county, near the old Abra- ham Marquiss homestead, entering forty acres of land from the government. As the years passed he prospered and his business methods were such as to win for him puViiic confidence as well as to gain for him gratify- ing success. As his financial resources in- creased he made judicious investments in real estate until he became the owner of two thousand acres of land. His death oc- curred on the 3d of January, 1898, when he had reached the advanced age of eighty- four years, and his wife passed away on the icth of August, 1881. This worthy couple were the parents of eight children, of whom four are yet living-, namely: Seymour; Pau- lina, the wife of Frank McMillan, of Mon- ticello; Ezra, who is a resident of Monti- cello; and Mary E., the wife of John Kirby, who is also living in the county seat. Under the parental roof Seymour Mar- quiss was reared and attended the old Piatt school in Goose Creek township. He spent his winter months in mastering the studies therein taught, and during the summer sea- sons he worked upon the home farm, early becoming familiar with the labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. The sun shone down on many a field which he plowed and planted in his youth, and when autumn came he assisted in harvesting the crops. He remained at home until twenty-four years of age and then made preparations for having a home of his own by his mar- riage to Miss Caroline McMillen, the wed- ding taking place on the igth of December, 1 86 1. The lady is a daughter of Thomas McMillen, who came to Illinois in 1856 and located in Goose Creek township, Piatt coun- ty. He was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1806, and in 1812 was taken by his parents to Highland county, Ohio, where he lived until 1828. He then went to Indiana, where he was married to Miss Mary Hathaway, who was born in Fort Harrison during the war of 1812. In 1856 he again became a pioneer settler. He 222 PAST AND PRESENT had previously lived amid frontier surround- ings in Ohio and in Indiana, and now he cast in his lot with the early settlers of Piatt county, Illinois. Later he removed to Champaign county, where he died in 1869, when sixty-three years of age. Mrs. Mar- quiss was one of a family of ten children, being the third in order of birth. At the time of his marriage Seymour Marquiss began farming and buying stock. He took up his abode in Goose Creek town- ship near DeLand, and for many years was a most prominent representative of agricul- tural interests. He continued to reside upon his farm until 1887, when he estab- lished his home in the village of DeLand, but is now living retired in Monticello, al- though he has given his personal supervis- ion to the management of his farming inter- ests. While living on the farm he was very extensively engaged in feeding stock, using in this way all of the grain which he raised and also purchasing large amounts of feed for his cattle. He owns two hundred and for- ty-eight acres of rich and arable land lying in sections 8, 9, 16 and 17, Goose Creek township, eight acres of which is in the vil- lage of DeLand. Mr. and Mrs. Marquiss have never had any children of their own, but the kindness of their hearts has prompted them to give homes to six different children, namely : So- phia Norris, who is now the wife of R. M. Cathcart and resides upon Mr. Marquiss' farm; Lillie Ives, the wife of Don P. Chandler, a resident of Nebraska; Minnie Hubbard, who died in San Diego, Califor- nia; Delta M. Parsons, now the wife of Doc- tor Keel, of Monticello: Jessie Parsons, who is teaching school southeast of White Heath, and Florence Tripp, who is nine years of age, and is yet with Mr. and Mrs. Marquiss. Mr. Marquiss exercises his right of fran- chise in support of the men and measures of the Republican party. He served as asses- sor in his township, was also township clerk, highway commissioner and school director. He was found so loyal and faithful in all of his local offices that his fellow townsmen conferred upon him higher political honors, electing him to the fortieth general assem- bly as the representative of what was then the Thirtieth senatorial district. There he served on several committees, including those on license, agriculture, roads and bridges, public buildings, public grounds and state institutions. He was an active working member of the house and did everything in his power to promote what he believed would prove the best interests of the state. He has been president of the DeLand village board for three terms and has taken an active part in the growth and development of this place. Prompt and faithful in the discharge of his duties his official service is a criterion of his entire career, for in all life's relations the qualities of an honorable and upright man- hood have been manifested. He enjoys the confidence and respect of young and old, rich and poor, and well deserves representa- tion in the history of his native county. WILLIAM S. HIGGINS. William S. Higgins is one of the native sons of Piatt county and, although a young man, is classed among the representative farmers successfully conducting agricultural pursuits upon his home place on section 10, Monticello township. - He was born on the 2d of December, 1872, in Milmine, a son of George and Henrietta Higgins. He be- FIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 223 gun his education in the Shadynook school and later successfully attended the Howell and Baker schools, continuing his studies until fifteen years of age, after which he devoted his entire time to assisting his fath- er in the work of the home farm. He never worked for any one save his father until he began farming on his own account. This occurred in the year 1895. On the i8th of March, of that year, Wil- liam S. Higgins was united in marriage to Miss Josephine Lewis, a daughter of Steph- en and Omilia (Oliver) Lewis, of In- diana. The young couple began their domes- . tic life upon the Hale farm, which Mr. Hig- gins rented for five years. He then re- moved to the C. E. Pierson farm which he rented for three years, and at the end of that time he took up his abode upon a farm which is now his home. He cultivates one hundred and sixty acres of land and he is making a specialty of the production of corn and oats. He also feeds a large number of hogs annually for the market, and he has eighteen head of cattle, principally of the Galloway and shorthorn breeds. He also has eight head of horses and several mules which he utilizes in the cultivation of his farm. He now owns a Galloway bull, for which he has refused sixty dollars, and he has a shorthorn cow called Roney for which he has refused one hundred dollars. Mr. Higgins keeps good stock and manifests practical judgment in their care. He also has a nice orchard upon his place and every- thing about his farm is in various ways showing him to be a wide-awake, loyal and enterprising owner. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Higgins has been blessed with four children, but only one is now living George D., who was the second in order of birth, and is now a lad of five years. Emmet, the eldest, died at the age of one year and twelve days. The other children, Iva and Ora, were twins and died in infancy. In his political views Mr. Higgins is a Democrat, but, though re- quested many times to accept public office, he has always refused, preferring to devote his time and energies to his business affairs, in which he is meeting with creditable and well-merited success. HIRAM ROYSE. When Hiram Royse was called to the home beyond one more name was added to the list of honored dead, whose earthly rec- ords closed with the words "Well done, thou good and faithful servant," but as long as memory remains to those who knew him the influence of his upright life will remain as a source of encouragement-and in- spiration. "Our echoes roll from soul to soul," and the good we do lives after us through all ages, handed down from gener- ation to generation. Mr. Royse was a man well known in Piatt county, where, for many years, he was identified with agricul- tural pursuits. He was born in Bartholomew county, Indiana, upon his father's farm, October 23. 1840. His parents were Aaron and Elizabeth (McGuyre) Royse. The father was born in Clark county, Indiana, and the mother's birth also occurred in that state. They remained residents of Indiana through- out their entire lives, and during the greater part of the time Aaron Royse was connected with agricultural interests. Thus it was that Hiram Royse was reared upon a farm r and like most farmer boys of the period he 224 PAST AND PRESENT attended the district schools through the winter months, while in the summer seasons he worked upon the home farm, thus contin- uing to assist his father until he reached his twenty-second year. At that time Hiram Royse was married, the lady of his choice being Miss Helen Long, who was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, in August. 1844, being the fifth in order of birth in a family of ten children, whose parents were Young B. and Cather- ine (Weaver) Long. Both Mr. and Mrs. Long were natives of Pennsylvania, but soon after their marriage they removed to Tuscarawas county. Ohio, and when Mrs. Royse was a little maiden of six summers they went to Bartholomew county. Indiana, where she was reared, educated and mar- ried. It was on the 23d of October, 1861, that she gave her hand in marriage to Hi- ram Royse. The young couple began their domestic life in Indiana, where they lived for about seven years. They also spent two years in Macon county, Illinois, but not being pleased with that locality, they removed to DeWitt county, Illinois, where they spent one year. On the. expiration of that period they came to Piatt county, settling in Goose Creek township in 1871. Mr. Royse purchased eighty acres of new land upon which not a furrow had been turned or an improvement made, but he at once l>egan to break the prairie and to carry on the work of cultivation. Therefore, it was not long before a marked change was wrought in the appearance of the place, and instead of the wild prairie grasses were seen rich fields of grain, giving promise of abundant harvests. From time to time Mr. Royse added to his property as his financial resources increased until within the boundaries of his farm was comprised a valuable tract of three hun- dred and sixty acres. On this place he car- ried on general agricultural pursuits and stock-raising, meeting with excellent success in his undertakings. He erected a good res- idence, built substantial barns and other outbuildings and added other improvements as they were needed. His farm became a valuable one, attractive in appearance and was the visible evidence of the life of indus- try and enterprise led by Mr. Royse. For many years he carried on agricultural pur- suits with success, annually adding to his income until he had obtained a very desira- ble competence. He then removed from his farm to Monticello in 1895 an d continued to make his home in the capital city until his death, which occurred Ma}' 14, 1900. The last five years of his life were spent in honorable retirement from business cares. He well merited the rest which came to him for all that he possessed had been acquired through his own honest efforts. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Royse were born nine children : Emily, who is now the wife of A. M. Doss, a resident farmer of Wil- low Branch township; Amanda E., the wife of Fred Swam, also a farmer; Albert E., who resides in Johnson county, Indiana ; Mary A., the wife of John Stilabower, oi Piatt county : Ella O.,who died in her eighth year; Clara E., the deceased wife of William O. Daffer; Josie, at home; John A., who resides on the old homestead farm in Goose Creek township; and Harvey E., who is a student in school. The home farm of three hundred and sixty acres is still in possession of the fam- ily, and of this Mrs. Royse owns one hun- dred and sixty acres in her own right. She has performed her part of wife and mother in the home, and is a most estimable ladv I MATT COUNTY. ILLINOIS. who shares in the high regard of all with \\hnni she comes in contact. She has a comfortable residence in Monticello, where she is now living, and she has seventeen grandchildren, who take great delight in visiting their grandmother. Of the Metho- dist Episcopal church she is an acceptable member and her life has ever been in con- sistent harmony with its teachings and faith. To this church Mr. Royse belonged and was one of its liberal contributors, took an active interest in its work and thus did what he could to advance its growth and welfare. He died in its faith in 1900, and, passing away, he left to his family not only a handsome competence, but also an untarn- ished record, for his life was ever honorable and those who knew him entertained for him the highest confidence. J. M. SHIVELY. The world instinctively pays deference to the man whose success has been wor- thily achieved, who has overcome the ob- stacles in his path and has reached a creditable position in the business world. This is a progressive age and he who does not continually advance is soon left be- hind. By the improvement of opportun- ities by which all are surrounded, J. M. Shively has steadily and honorably worked his way upward and is to-day one of the prosperous business men of Cerro Gordo, where he is connected with the grain trade as a member of the firm of J. M. Shively & Company. He repre- sents an old and prominent family of the county. He was born in Indiana in 1860, a son of Andrew and Barbara (Metzger) Shively, the former of Montgomery county, Ohio, and the latter of Clinton county, Indiana. Andrew Shively went to Indiana in his youth, locating first in Clinton county, where he carried on agri- cultural pursuits until 1872. He then came to Piatt county and purchased a tract of land in Cerro Gordo township, where he carried on general farming with success until 1887. His well directed ef- forts, his sound business judgement and his indefatigable industry brought to him capital sufficient to enable him to put aside business cares and after removing to Cerro Gordo he lived retired here for a few years. Wishing, however, to enjoy the balmy climate of California, he re- moved to Lordsburg, that state, where he is still living, resting in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil. His wife passed away in Cerro Gordo in 1895. They were the parents of three children : Susan, who is now the wife of Isaac Metz- ger, a resident of Cerro Gordo; John M., our subject ; and Joseph, who resides upon a farm in Cerro Gordo township. To the public school system of this county J. M. Shively is indebted for the educational privileges he enjoyed. After putting aside his text books he began farming in Cerro Gordo township and was thus employed until 1887, when he took up his abode in the town and turned his attention to the grain business. The grain elevator which he owns is the largest here. It was built in 1886 by Mr. Shellabaer, who operated it until May, 1889, and then sold to E. R. Ulrich & Son and this firm continued to conduct the business until the spring of 1902, when they sold it to Mr. Shively and on the ist of November, 1902, our subject admitted 226 PAST AND PRESENT H. Phillips to a partnership and the enter- prise has since been carried on under the firm style of J. M. Shively & Company. They are engaged in buying and shipping grain, for which they pay the highest market price and their business has al- ready assumed extensive and profitable proportions. Mr. Shively was happily married to Miss Katie Wagoner, of Oakley, Macon county, Illinois, and both he and his wife are members of the Brethren church of Cerro Gordo. In politics he is indepen- dent, supporting the men whom he thinks best qualified for office. He has never held nor desired office for himself, pre- ferring to devote his time and attention to his business affairs, in which he is meeting with creditable success. His life has been quietly passed and yet there are in his history lessons worthy of considera- tion and emulation, for he has always" been loyal to the ties of home, of friendship and of citizenship and such a man well merits the esteem of those with whom he comes in contact. FLORENCE SULLIVAN. Among the worthy sons of the Emer- ald Isle who have become residents of Illinois is numbered Florence Sullivan and there is in his life record much that is worthy of commendation and emulation. He has engaged in the harness business in Mansfield since 1870 and under circum- stances that would have utterly discour- aged many a man of less resolute spirit he has worked his way stead'ly upward, ac- quiring a comfortable competence and gaining the respect and good will of all with whom he has been associated. Mr. Sullivan is a native of, County Cork, Ireland, born on the 4th of May, 1836. His parents were Florence and Ellen (Rouan) Sullivan, in whose family were nine children, the subject of this re- view being the sixth in order of birth. The children were named as follows: Corne- lius, Mary, Julia, James, Daniel, Florence, Johanna, Patrick and John, but Mr. Sulli- van of this review is the only one now liv- ing. In the schools of his native country he began his education and was there reared to manhood. He perhaps had more advantages than some boys and less than others. His youth, however, was largely a period of toil. He was thirteen years of age when he crossed the Atlantic to America in company with some of his rel- atives, the family embarking on the sail- ing vessel Bridalbin, which was five weeks and three days in completing the voyage. At length, however, anchor was dropped in the harbor of Boston, Massachusetts, in the year 1849 and the family went from that city to Rutland, Vermont. In 1851 Mr. Sullivan had both of his legs taken off by the cars. He afterward learned the harness maker's trade and em- barked in business on his own account in the spring of 1854. opening a shop in Aurora, New York. During the Civil war he was employed in making harness for the army and earned good wages at that time. He has ever been a man of un- faltering industry and certainly deserves great credit for what he has accomplished m life. He continued to reside in the east until 1870, when he removed to Illinois, establishing his home in Mansfield, Piatt county, on the 3d of November. Here he PIATT COUNTY> ILLINOIS. 227 opened a harness shop which he has since conducted. He is an excellent workman in this line and the business which he has carried on has brought to him a good financial return because of the splendid quality of harness which he manufactures. These find a ready sale upon the market and he now enjoys a good trade. On the 2d of January, 1870, Mr. Sulli- van was united in marriage to Miss Mar- garet McCarty and unto them were born four children, but the mother and children have all passed away. In his political views Mr. Sullivan is independent, voting for the men rather than the party. He has served as a member of the village board for two years and is deeply interested in everything pertaining to the progress and welfare of his community. He holds mem- bership in the Roman Catholic church and is a wide-awake, energetic American citizen imbued with the progressive spirit of the times and keeping in touch with the world's advancement. COLONEL W. H. JAMISON. - Deeds of valor have been the theme of song and story throughout all the ages, nor can such tales be told too often. When this country became involved in civil war over the attempt of the south to destroy the Union, patriotic men from all walks of life flocked to the standard of their country. They came from the shops, the fields, the counting room, the offices and even from the pulpits, all anxious to aid in the preserva- tion of the nation. Among the brave sons of Illinois was Colonel William H. Jamison. Although several years passed after the close of the war before he was called to his final rest, he practically laid down his life upon the altar of his country for his long and ar- duous service in its defense, undermined his health that he was never again able to take his place among the active business men. All honor is due him and his -name should be enrolled high among the brave sons of Illinois who bore such a glorious part in the struggle for the Union. Colonel Jamison was a native of New York, born in the Empire state, on the 6th of October, 1831. His parents were Wil- liam and Ann Jamison, the former of Scotch and Irish extraction, while the latter was horn in England. In her early girlhood, however, she was brought to America, be- coming a resident of New York. During the early boyhood of the Colonel his parents removed from New York to Ohio, settling in Franklin county, about ten miles east of Columbus, where he grew to manhood, ac- quiring his education in the public schools, and in a select school of London, Ohio. In 1855 he started westward and came as far as Monticello, Illinois. He had learned the blacksmith's trade in London, Ohio, and on arriving in this city he opened a shop, which he continued to conduct until after the outbreak of the Civil war, when in re- sponse to his country's call for troops he en- listed, becoming a member of the Twenty- first Illinois Volunteer Infantry under com- mand of Colonel U. S. Grant. He was mus- tered in at Mattoon, Illinois, and on the or- ganization of the company he was com- missioned first lieutenant. He participated in a number of important battles which bore a part in shaping the final victory of the Union army. He took part in the engage- ment at Lookout Mountain and in the battle of Franklin, Tennessee, and at that place he 228 PAST AND PRESENT barely escaped with his life, a ball passing through his chin whiskers. He was always a loyal and valorous soldier, and his bravery and meritorious conduct on the field of battle several times won him promotion. He was first made captain of his company, then pro- moted to the rank of major, and finally be- came lieutenant colonel of his regiment, with which rank he served until after the close of the war, receiving an honorable discharge in December, 1865, having been with the army over four years. His military service was certainly most creditable. He was a faithful officer, and while he never need- lessly exposed his men to danger, he often led them into the thickest of the fight and by his own courage inspired them to deeds of valor. Colonel Jamison, however, made a great sacrifice for his country. He returned to his home in Monticello much broken in health, and was thereafter unable to attend to busi- ness. He continued to suffer from the trou- bles brought about by the exposures and hardships of army life -until thirteen years had passed and he was then called to his final rest in 1878. Before going to the war Colonel Jami- son had married Miss Martha J. Tinder, who was born in Rockingham county, Vir- ginia, on the igth of March, 1833, the sec- ond daughter of Asher W. and Delila C. (Lewis) Tinder. In 1853 ner parents re- moved to Piatt county. She was at that time a young lady of about twenty years, and on the loth of February. 1856, she gave her hand in marriage to Mr. Jamison. They became the parents of two daughters : Inez and Flo A., the wife of Scott Miller, a res- ident of Wilmington, Illinois. He is the su- perintendent of the Widows' Home and was instrumental in its establishment. Mrs. Jamison has two granddaughters : Zola L'rda, who is an artist; and Mattie, who is now the wife of J. C. Tippett, circuit court clerk and recorder of Piatt county. Colonel Jamison was a most active and earnest Republican, joining the party on its organization. It become the defender of the Union in the dark days of the country's peril, and he never wavered in his allegiance thereto, giving to it his stalwart support up to the time of his demise. He did every- thing he could for its success, and he was always deeply interested in the welfare of the city and the promotion of its best inter- ests. At his death many friends mourned his loss for his many excellent traits of char- acter had endeared him to those with whom he was associated. His widow is a member of the Woman's Relief Corps of Monticello, and also of the Chapter of the Eastern Star, the auxiliary of the Masonic fraternity. She is a lady of culture, having graduated in the high school of London, Ohio, and she has a good home in Monticello and is granted a pension by the government. JAMES W. LOWTHER. Prominent among the citizens of Piatt county who have witnessed the marvelous development of this section of the state in the past thirty-five years, and who have, by honest toil and industry, succeeded in ac- quiring a competence and are now able to spend the evening of life in quiet and retire- ment, is the gentleman whose name intro- duces this sketch. His home is on section 7, Unity township. Being left an orphan at a very early age, Mr. Lowthers knows nothing of his par- PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 231 ents, and he was reared by John Daw-son, of Ohio. His boyhood and youth were passed upon the farm, where he early became famil- iar with hard work and thoroughly mastered agricultural pursuits, but his literary educa- tion was limited. He was reared amid pio- neer conditions in Scioto county, Ohio, and when a boy often used a single shovel plow drawn by one horse. Many a day he has dropped corn by hand and cut grain with a scythe and cradle. The hum of the spin- ning wheel was heard throughout the day in the home of his foster parents, and the clothes of the girls were made from lin- sey-woolsey, while the boys wore jeans. Kerosene lamps had not come into use,- and tallow candles furnished the light in the lit- tle pioneer homes. Coming west in 1868, Mr. Lowther set- tled in Piatt county, Illinois, and has since watehecl with interest the growth and de- velopment of this portion of the country. The wild prairies stretched for miles around and were covered with ponds and sloughs, and small game was plentiful. The railroad had not then been built through Voorhies and he has seen the upbuilding of that and other villages in this county. For one year after his arrival Mr. Low- thers worked by the month as a farm hand and then rented land until 1875.' In the meantime he saved money to buy a home and invested in one hundred and twenty acres of raw prairie on section 7, Unity township, for which he paid twenty-five dol- lars and a half per acre, but it is now worth one hundred and twenty-five dollars pet- acre. After tiling and draining his land he placed it under cultivation and successfully engaged in general farming for several years. He planted every tree now found upon the place, built fences, set out an orchard and made many other improvements, so that he now has a very desirable place. For the past nine years he has practically lived, re- tired from active labor, leaving the land to be operated by a tenant, and Mr. Hubbell has been in charge for three years. Mr. Lowther votes the Republican ticket and takes a commendable interest in public af- fairs. He is one of the old and honored residents of his section of the county and deserves representation in the Past and Pres- ent of Piatt county. SAMUEL J. FOULK. Samuel J. Foulk, who is connected with agricultural pursuits in Bement township, where he owns and operates two hundred acres of land on section 21, is a native of Pennsylvania, his birth having occurred in Somerset county, on .the 3ist of January, 1843. The family is of German descent and was founded in America by the great- grandfather of our subject who came from that country and located in the Keystone state. George Foulk, the grandfather of our subject, died in Pennsylvania when a comparatively young man. Jacob Foulk, the father of our subject, was born in Som- erset county, Pennsylvania, in 1817, and throughout his entire life he followed the occupation of farming in the state of his na- tivity. He was a prosperous and progress- ive man, his business being capably con- ducted along the lines which brought to him a good financial return. His political sup- port was given to the Whig party until its dissolution when he joined the ranks of the new Republican party, but while he kept well informed on the questions and issues 232 PAST AND PRESENT of the day, he never sought or desired public office, content to do his duty as a private citizen. He was a member of the Mennonite church, to which his wife also belonged. In her maidenhood Mrs. Foulk bore the name of Barbara Gincrick. She was born in 1816 in Germany, and when seventeen years of age came to the United States with her brother, her parents having died in the fath- erland. Her death occurred when she was seventy-three years of age. To her family she was a devoted wife and loving mother, and by her marriage she had seven children, of whom three are living, the subject of this review being the third in order of birth. His brothers are Jeremiah, who is a retired farmer residing in Pennsylvania; and Ana- nias, who carries on agricultural pursuits in Pennsylvania. Samuel J. Foulk remained in the Key- stone state until after he had attained his majority, and in 1865, when twenty-two years of age he came -to the west, believing that he might have better opportunities in this growing section of the country. He located in McLean county, Illinois, near Hayworth, where he lived for one year, de- voting his energies to general agricultural pursuits. He then removed to the vicinity of Bloomington, where he resided for five years. On the expiration of that period he came to Piatt county and purchased eighty acres of land in Bement township. This was situated on section 21 and was only par- cially improved, but with characteristic en- ergy he began its further cultivation and development, and as the years have passed he has also extended the boundaries of his farm until it now comprises two hundred acres, a part of which he rents to a tenant, but the remainder of the land he cultivates and it has been his home since his arrival in Piatt county in the early seventies. He carries on general farming and stock-raising and in his business career he has met with prosperity, owing to the excellent farming methods which he follows and his progress- ive labors, placing him in the front ranks of the leading agriculturists of the com- munity. In 1863 Mr. Foulk was united in mar- riage to Miss Lizzie Welfly, who was born in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, and came to Illinois after her marriage. She is a daughter of Israel and Susannah Welfly, who were likewise natives of the Keystone state. The father is still living at the age of ninety-three years, but the mother passed away many years ago, dying at the early age of twenty-eight years. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Foulk have been born five children, but only one is now living. The eldest, Emma, died at the age of six months; the second died in infancy ; Alsinus died at the age of four years ; and Orville died at the age of seventeen years. The three eldest were born in McLean county and the others in Be- ment township. The living son is Earl E., who was the fifth member of the family and is now twenty-three years of age. He was educated in Bement township and assists his father in the operation of the home farm. Both Mr. and Mrs. Foulk are members of the Methodist church, taking an active and helpful part in its work, and he is serving as steward, and is one of the church trustees. In politics he is a stalwart Republican and held the office of school director, while at the present time he is school trustee. The cause of education finds in him a warm friend who has done much to promote the interests of the schools and advance their permanent improvement. Coming to the west in earlv manhood, Mr. Foulk here PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 233 found the business opportunities he sought for throughout the length and breadth of the land there is no better agricultural district than is afforded in Piatt county. Working earnestly and systematically he has year by year added to his possessions until he is now accounted one of the substantial farmers of this community. LOUIS BENARD. Louis Benard is a retired farmer and extensive landowner now residing in the village of Hammond, where he occupies a beautiful residence. He is well known throughout Piatt county and is numbered among its pioneer settlers for he located in Bement in 1864 and has since resided in this portion of the state. Great changes have occurred since that time and the transformation wrought in Piatt has kept this county abreast with the universal im- provement, making it one of the leading agricultural counties of this great state. For a number of years Mr. Benard was actively associated with farming interests and as the years passed he made judicious investments in real estate until he is now one of the extensive landowners. A native of Canada, Louis Benard was born in Montreal in 1837, and is a son of Louis and Ovede (LaCrosse) Benard, who were also natives of Canada, in which country they spent their entire lives, the father devoting his energies to agricul- tural pursuits there. Unto him and his wife were born ten children, among whom were three son.s who served in the Union army and are now residents of Albany, New York. The other members of the family, with the exception of our subject, are residents of Montreal. Mr. Benard of this review obtained his education in the country schools of Can- ada and at the age, of seventeen years he left home, going to Upper Canada and afterward to Ogdensburg, New York. Starting out in life with but limited means, he soon realized that there is no royal road to wealth and also recognized the fact that persistency of purpose and strong determination are forceful ele- ments in obtaining success. Therefore he labored energetically at whatever claimed his attention. While living in Ogdens- burg, New York, he was united in mar- riage to Miss Mary Smithers, a native of St. Lawrence county, that state, born on the Qth of Ocober, 1837, and a daughter of Thomas and Marie (Stephens) Smith- ers. who were natives of England and came to the United States in 1836, settling in St. Lawrence county, New. York, where both the father and mother passed away. Throughout the years of his active busi- ness career Mr. Smithers engaged in farming. After his marriage Mr. Benard re- sided for five months in New -Hampshire and during that time learned and followed the shoemaker's trade. He afterward re- moved to Vermont, living successively in Northfield, Montpelier and other places, where he followed shoemaking for six years or until August, 1864, when he came to the west and has since made his home in the Mississippi valley. He set- tled in the village of Bement, Piatt coun- ty, Illinois, where he worked at the shoe- makers' trade for four years. He then traded his shoe shop for a team of horses and removed to Moultrie county, Illinois, 234 PAST AND PRESENT having but three dollars and fifty cents in his pocket at that time. There he en- gaged in farming for four years and in 1872 he returned to Piatt county, settling on a farm in Unity township, where he engaged in tilling of the soil for more than twenty years. In 1895 he removed to the village of Hammond and built his present residence, since which time he has lived retired. Those who know aught of his history recognize that he has been a man of marked industry who has carried on his work so steadily and energetically that he has gained a comfortable competence. He is still the owner of one hundred and eighty acres of land in Unity township near Hammond, this constituting a well improved property. In addition to this he has six hundred and forty acres of pro- ductive land in central Minnesota and three hundred and twenty acres of land in the Ya- zoo valley in Mississippi. He has placed his capital in the safest of all investments, real estate, and is to-day the owner of val- uable property which returns to him a splen- did income, enabling him to live retired from further business cares, save the supervision of his property. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Benard was blessed with four children : Louis, who is with his parents; Lilly, the wife of Charles Bunyan, who is engaged in the lumber business in Hammond ; Marie, the wife of John Dick, a farmer residing in Moultrie county, Illinois ; and Fred E., who married Ethel Kizer, by whom he has one child and who is now engaged in general merchandising in Hammond. Mr. Benard gives his political support to the Democracy, having always voted that ticket, but he has never been an of- fice seeker nor has he desired political preferment. Socially he is a member of the Masonic order, belonging to Bement Lodge, F. & A. M. He always spends his summer months on his land in Minnesota, while the winter season is passed in his pleasant home in Hammond. He is a man of sterling purpose, of strong force of character and of upright life and his suc- cessful career excites- the admiration and commands the respect of those who are at all familiar with his history. He started out upon his business career empty handed and to no fortunate com- bination of circumstances does he owe his success. Such a history should serve as a source of encouragemnt to others, show- ing that prosperity may be won through perseverance and diligence. JOHN G. FULK. The subject of this sketch in one of the leading and representative citizens of Cerro Gordo township, where after years of active labor mainly devoted to agri- cultural pursuits he is now living retired at his pleasant home on section 35. He was born in Rockingham, Virginia, No- vember 9, 1849, an< i is a son f John and Martha (Roadcap) Fulk, who spent their entire lives in that state. In their family were ten children, all of whom reached man and womanhood. Two of the sons were killed during the Civil war, one while serving in the Southern army, and the other while fighting with the Union forces in North Carolina. The father's sym- pathies were with the north during those trying days. One son and five of the daughters are still living in Virginia and PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 2 35 all are married and have families. One daughter is deceased. John G. Fulk passed his boyhood and youth in his native state and was given good educational advantages. On reach- ing manhood he was married December 19, 1875, to Miss Sarah Wine, a daughter of Michael S. and Elizabeth (Fry) Wine, also natives of the Old Dominion, where her father still resides, her mother being now deceased. They had five children, two sons and three daughters, four of whom are now living, two of the number making their home in Virginia. One son, J. C. Wine, is a resident of Cerro Gordo township, this county. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Fulk. Rilla, the eldest, is now the wife of O. R. Turney, of Pocahontas county, Iowa, and has two children, Fern and Elma J. George L. is a graduate of De Pauw University at Greencastle, Indiana, and is now studying law in Chicago, at the same time being in the employ of Bald- win Brothers, prominent attorneys of that city. He is thus making his way through school though he saved part of the money to meet his expenses while teaching in Kentucky for one year. He is also serv- ing as notary public in Chicago. William, the youngest of the family, is a graduate of the Cerro Gordo schools. It was on the 28th of February, 1885, that Mr. Fulk arrived in Piatt county and for nine years he rented the John S. Kuns farm. He had brought with him nine hun- dred dollars, but this was spent in stocking the farm and he would have found it diffi- cult to niake a start here if it had not been for the kindly assistance of Mr. Kuns, who is to-day an extensive fruit farmer of Cali- fornia. In 1894 he removed to his present farm on section 35, Cerro Gordo town- ship, which at that time was only partially improved. The place consisted of two hundred and forty acres, to which he sub- sequently added forty acres, but he later , sold eighty acres, so that he to-day has two hundred acres of as fine farming land as is to be found in the state. He has erected thereon a large and substantial barn, sixty by ninety feet with a brick floor, and capable of accommodating twenty horses, and has also built two cat- tle stables which will shelter thirty head. He has a corn-crib which holds about twenty-five hundred bushels and also has storag-e room for twenty-eight -hundred bushels of small grain besides seven hun- dred bushels of oats in thp. feed bin. He has a good system of private water works upon his farm, and has spent between five and six thousand dollars on improvements since locating here, making his place one of the most desirable .farms of its size in this section of the state. To his industry, enterprise and good management Mr. Fulk ow>s much of his success in life, but he also gives his wife credit for her share in the same as she has proved to him a faithful companion and helpmate on life's journey, aiding him in every possible way by her encouragement and cheerfulness as well as by her labor. They are active members of the German Baptist church of Cerro Gordo, in .which he is serving as deacon, and they have the respect and confidence of all who know them. Mr. Fulk is now practically living retired while two hired men operate his farm, although he still gives his personal supervision to the work. During eight of the nine years while living on the Kuns farm he served as school director and has 236 PAST AND PRESENT ever given an earnest support to those measures calculated to advance the edu- cational, moral and material welfare of the community in which he resides. He is therefore justly entitled to prominent mention in the history of his adopted county. WILLIAM L. LORD, D. D. S. Although one of the more recent addi- tions to the professional circles of Piatt county, during the five years of his residence in Monticello, Dr. Lord has gained a prom- inent position as one of the leading dentists here, having a large and growing practice. Dentistry is unique among the professions, in that it demands three elements for suc- cess marked technical knowledge, mechan- ical skill and the ability to handle the finan- cial interests of the work. He must not only be well equipped in the knowledge which can be gained from text books, but he must also have the power to handle, with mechan- ical precision, the varied and delicate little instruments with which work upon the teeth is executed. In all these lines Dr. Lord is well equipped for his professional work, and has attained a high degree of suc- cess in the prosecution of his chosen calling. A native of Iowa, Dr. Lord was torn in the city of DesMoines, on the 8th of June, 1857. His father, P. A. Lord, is a native of Ohio, but removed to Iowa in 1856, and there engaged in merchandising. Later he made his way to the Pacific coast, where he spent six years, and on the expiration of that period he returned to the east, taking up his abode in Monticello, Illinois, where he carried on merchandising for a number of years. He was one of the leading represent- atives of business interests here, and his ef- forts added greatly to the commercial activ- ity of the citv. He married Miss Margaret J * o Oliver, of Mechanicsburg, Illinois, in which place she was born, reared and married. Her death occurred in Monticello, in April, 1899, and was deeply lamented by many friends, who had learned to prize highly her sterling worth and her faithful friend- ship. After the death of his wife P. A. Lord, having disposed of all his property in Monticello, removed to Springfield. Illinois, where he is now living, in the seventy-fourth year of his age, his birth having occurred in October, 1829. Dr. William L. Lord spent his boyhood days in Logan county, Illinois, and attended the public schools of Mount Pulaski, acquir- ing a good English education. Determining to make the practice of dentistry his life work he then entered upon preparation for that calling as a student in the office of Dr. D. M. Doty, of Mount Pulaski. He com- pleted his studies by attending for one term the dental school in Washington Territory, and then successfully passing an examina- tion before the state board, he received a cer- tificate to practice and located in Mount Pu- laski. In 1884 Dr. Lord located in Dayton, the county seat of Columbia county. Washing- ton, where he engaged in practice for four years, or until 1888. He then returned to Mount Pulaski, Illinois, but after a short time removed -to Homer, Illinois, where he practiced successfully for nine years. He then came -to Monticello, arriving on the 26th of January, 1898. Here he has since built up a good practice, having a well ap- pointed office supplied with everything nec- essary for the successful prosecution of his work in accordance with modern improved PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 237 methods. He has always kept abreast with the progress of the times in the science of dentistry, and in no profession has there been made more marked advance than in the one to which Dr. Lord devoted his energies. On Christmas day of 1879 Dr. Lord was happily married to Miss Mary Eve Mathews, who was torn in Mount Pulaski, Illinois, December n, 1858. They became the parents of seven children, four still liv- ing, namely : Ralph O., who is assistant gen- eral agent of the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Railroad at Sprinfield, Illinois ; Ada. L., the wife of Carl Motherspaw, of Peoria, Illinois; Hilma and Eldon H., who are at home. On the I3th of January, 1900, Mrs. Lord was called to her final rest. She had made many friends during her brief resi- dence in Monticello and here, as in other places where she had lived, her death was deeply mourned by those who knew her. Perhaps no better estimate of her character and life can be given than was presented in the obituary notice published in one of the Monticello papers, which said : "Mrs. Lord was a devoted, faithful wife, a tender and indulgent mother and a kind and thoughtful neighbor. In times of sickness and distress she was ever ready to offer her assistance in any capacity it might be needed. Her na- ture was broad and generous, and no needy one ever appealed to her for aid in vain. She was an accomplished artist, who de- lighted in the beautiful and her home was adorned with many specimens of her talent and skill. Mrs. Lord was a member of the Christian church, was of a deeply religious nature, but was quiet and unostentatious in her belief. She believed in deeds, not words, as an expression of her faith, and in her life she certainly exemplified the true spirit of Christianitv. She was a member of the Royal Neighbors of America and other fra- ternal organizations, and in their beneficent work took an active part. The funeral serv- ices were in charge of the Monticello Royal Neighbor Camp, and the funeral sermon was pronounced by the Rev. W. S. Calhoun. then amid the flowers which she loved so well a very profusion of beautiful floral offerings she was laid to rest." Dr. Lord, in the line of his profession, holds membership with the Washington State Dental Society, and Eastern Illinois society. He is a gentleman of many excel- lent traits of character, not the least of which is his public-spirited citizenship and his deep and helpful interest in everything pertaining to the general welfare. In man- ner he is cordial and genial, and his unfail- ing courtesy has rendered him popular with those whom he has met and his acquaint- ance is a wide one. His attention, like that of the enterprising business man, is chiefly given to his profession, and by his skill and ability he has won the liberal patronage which is to-dav accorded him. SYLVESTER WILHELMY, M. D. Sylvester Wilhelmy is a young man of strong nature and marked force of character who could never content him- self with mediocrity. He has engaged in practice in the village of La Place only since the 29th of October, 1902, but has already won public recognition of his skill. Dr. Wilhelmy is a native of Decatur, Illinois, and was born on the 27th of September, ber, 1875. His parents, Jacob and Mary Wilhelmy are residents of Decatur and the father is there engaged in teaching music. PAST AND PRESENT This worthy couple are the parents of six children, of whom Dr. Sylvester Wilhelmy is the second son. The eldest is Dr. A. F. Wilhelmy, a medical practitioner in Deca- tur. The daughter Mrs. E. E. Edwards resides in the village of Cerro Gordo. Mrs. Charles Edie and Mrs. Charles Pease are residents of Decatur. In the public schools of his native city Dr. Wilhelmy of this review acquired his early education and in Decatur continued his studies until he had completed the high school course by graduation with the class of 1897. Desiring to enter upon professional life and making choice of the practice of medicine as his preferred oc- cupation, he then went to Cincinnati, where he entered upon preparation for his chosen calling as a student, in the Cincin- nati Medical College, in which he re- mained for four years. He was also an at- tendant in the hospital of the same college and thus gained broad, practical exper- ience as well as theoretical knowledge. He was graduated from the institution with the class of 1901, receiving his diploma of practice in May of the same year. He was class orator the same year, which is the highest honor of the class. He then returned to Macon county and, locating west of Decatur, entered upon his professional career there. After about a year and a half he came to La Place and purchased the practice of Dr. Davidson, since which time he has been located here, steadily . gaining favor with the public as his capability is evidenced. Dr. Wilhelmy was married in Cincin- nati to Miss Ida Sanker, a native of Cin- cinnati and they have a nice residence in La Place where gracious hospitality is dispensed. The Doctor is connected with the Woodmen of America, belonging to the camp in La Place and is a Republican in politics, while his religious faith is in- dicated by his membership in the Episco- pal church in Decatur. As there- is no drug store in La Place he carries quite a large stock of drugs in his office and he has built up quite an extensive practice, especially through the country. THOMAS J. MITCHELL, M. D. Dr. Thomas J. Mitchell has reached the eightieth milestone on life's journey and after many years of active and honorable connection with the medical fraternity he is now living a retired life. He was born in Chautauqua county. New York, June 18, 1823. a son of Christopher and Mary A. (Lillibridge) Mitchell. His paternal grand- father was one of the heroes of the Revolu- tionary war and his father loyally served the country in the war of 1812. His birth occurred in Herkimer county, New York, and in early manhood he removed to Chau- tauqua county of the same state. ' As a com- panion and helpmate for life's journey he married Mary Lillibridge, who was born in Rhode Island and was left an orphan at the age of ten years. About that time she went to New York and it was in that state that she formed the acquaintance of Mr. Mitch- ell, to whom she afterward gave her hand in marriage. A farmer by occupation, he devoted his energies to that pursuit through- out his entire business career and he died in the Empire state at the advanced age of eighty-three years. His wife also reached a ripe old age, passing away in her eighti- eth vear. She was the mother of twelve DR T. J. MITCHELL PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 241 children, of whom but three are now living, the Doctor and one brother and a sister. Both of the parents were laid to rest on the old home farm in New York, where Dcctor .Mitchell's birth occurred. In the place of his nativity the Doctor remained until the time when he had at- tained his majority and he acquired his early education in the common schools of the locality. He. afterward became a student in the Academy at Fredonia, Chautauqua county, and when he had completed his academic course he began the study of medi- cine and was graduated from the Louisville Medical College of Louisville, Kentucky. On the completion of that course he re- turned to New York, where he resided for a short time, but, thinking that a more west- ern district would prove a better location, he started for Ohio and on the ist of Jan- uary, 1850, he opened an office in Ironton, Ohio, on the Ohio river. There he contin- ued for about two years, removing thence to Lucasville, Ohio, where he continued in the practice of his chosen profession until the fall of 1853. That year witnessed his arrival in Piatt county, Illinois. He made the journey westward by wagon, after the primitive manner of the times and located in Mackville, where he practiced for about eighteen years, his professional skill and ability gaining for him a large patronage. He then removed to Milmine, where he re- sided for five years and on the expiration of that period he came to the village of Be- ment, where he has since made his home, continuing in active practice until about 1895, since which time he has lived retired. He was a member of the Piatt County Med- ical Society and a physician of broad learn- ing and wide experience. He continually added to his knowledge through reading ;md research and his practice embraced al- most every department of the medical sci- ence. He became the loved family physi- cian in many a household. There is no man in business life who holds a more confiden- tial relation to his patrons than does the physician and there is no represesentative of the profession who has had stricter re- gard for the ethics of the fraternity than has Dcctor Mitchell. Of a hopeful nature, he carried cheer and. sunshine into miny a hcme and his appearance was an effective supplement to the medicines he administered. In Lucasville, Ohio, in 1851. Doctor Mitchell was united in marriage to Mrs. Nan- cy A. Tabor, the widow of Edwin A. Talx>r. They became the parents of a daughter, Mary A., who is now the wife of James A. Hawks, of Atwood, Illinois. Mr. Hawks is a native of New York and came to the west in 1869. He engaged in teaching school at Mackville, Illinois, for four terms after arriving in Piatt county and then became en- gaged in general merchandising. After a time, however, he turned his attention to the milling business and is a prominent and in- fluential representative of business inter- ests in Atwood. At the time of the Civil war he responded to his country's call for aid, enlisting from New York in Battery G, Third New York Light Artillery. He participated in the battles of Roanoke Is- land. Plymouth and Kingston and was never wounded, but was captured and for one month was incarcerated in Libby Pris- on. At the close of the war he returned to his home and he soon afterward cast in his lot with the residents of Piatt county, Illinois, where in 1877 he married Miss Mary Mitchell. At one time he served as township treasurer and supervisor, and in matters pertaining to the general good he -4 2 PAST AND PRESENT has always 1>een public-spirited and progres- sive. He is now successfully engaged in business in Atwood as a grain merchant, lumber dealer and banker, and bis efforts have been effective in promoting commercial activity and prosperity of the town, where he resides. Unto him and his wife has been born a daughter, Mildred C, who is now seventeen years of age. By her first mar- riage Mrs. Mitchell had a daughter, Susan L., who is now the wife of C. H. McCoy, of North Yakima. Washington. In 1900 the Doctor was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died on the 7th of March of that year in Bement, where her remains were interred. She was a daughter of Thomas Boyle, of Louisville, Kentucky, who was a large mill owner, owning and operating an extensive gristmill at the time of his demise. The Doctor aft- erward married Mrs. Susan C. Sampson, who was born in Louisville, Kentucky, and is a sister of his first wife. Doctor Mitchell has ever been deeply interested in the welfare and advance- ment of his country and when the stability of the Union was threatened by the secession movement in the south he offered his services to the govern- ment and valiantly aided in its defense. For fifteen months prior to his own enlist- ment he was engaged in recruiting and helped to raise nine companies, but for such service he received no remuneration. It was on the I3th of August, 1862, that he enlist- ed, being assigned to duty in Company H. One Hundred and Seventh Illinois Volun- teer Infantry. With that command he served until the close of the war and was honorably discharged at Nashville, Tennes- see, in May, 1865. He participated in the battles of Resaca and Rocky Face Creek in Tennessee, and on the I2th of May, 1865, he was commissioned surgeon of the Eighth Tennessee Mounted Infantry at Nashville. He is now a member of the Grand Army Post at Bement, and thus maintains pleas- ant relations with his old army comrades. At the close of the war he returned to Piatt county, where he has continuously made his home, and no resident of this section of the state is more highly or justly honored. His life work has been of value to the people among whom he has lived. His fidelity to honorable principles has been above question ' and his life record should serve as an ex- ample to the young and an inspiration to the aged. CARLETON ORR BOOTH, M. D. Dr. Carleton O. Booth, who is suc- cessfully engaged in the practice of medi- cine and surgery at De Land, Illinois, was born in McDonotigh county, this state, on the Qth of July, 1871, and is a son of Robert and Dora (Jennings) Booth. The father, who is of Irish descent, was born in Youngstown, Ohio, June 20, 1833, an d in early life came to Illinois, settling on his grandfather's farm of one hundred and sixty acres near Macomb, McDonough county. Later he purchased the prop- erty and continues to make his home thereon, his entire life having been de- voted to agricultural pursuits. In Octo- ber. 1869, he married Miss Dora Jen- nings, a daughter of Harvey and Cornelia Jennings, who also lived on a farm near Macomb. She was born November 24, 1851, at Quincy, Illinois, and is descended from an old Connecticut family. The Doc- PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 243 tor is the oldest in a family of three chil- dren, one of whom died in infancy. His sister, Alta Belle, was born August 29, j 877, and is now the wife of Fred D. Rex- roat, a farmer of McDonough county. An uncle. James O. Booth, is a well-known farmer of Blue Ridge township, Piatt county. Dr. Booth began his education in the common schools of McDonough county and afterward attended the Western Il- linois Normal College at Macomb, gradu- ating in the literary and commercial de- partments in 1893. For nine years he suc- cessfully engaged in teaching school and now holds a teacher's lif<; certificate in both -Illinois and Missouri. On abandon- ing the teacher's profession, he entered Barnes Medical College at St. Louis, Missouri, and was graduated at that in- stitution in 1901, with the degree of M. D. Prior to this time he was graduated at the College of Electro Therapeutics of Lima. Ohio, October 5, 1899, and was gradu- ated with the degree of M. E. On the 7th of September, 1901, Dr. Booth located in DeLand and purchased the office building he has since occupied. 'He was not long in building up a good practice, meeting with success from the start, and being a young man of pleasing social qualities he stands high in both social and profession- al circles. On the 1 5th of October, 1902, Dr. Booth was united in marriage to Miss Jeanette Houk, a daughter of William and Rebecca Houk. Her father died several years ago and her mother was subsequent- ly married to Mr. Fry, of Paris, Illinois, where they are now living. The Doctor is a member of DeLand Lodge, No. 812. A. F. & A. M., of DeLand; Twentieth Century Lodge, No. 603, K. P., of De- Land; DeLand Post, No. 131, F. A. of A.; and Rosel Hadd Temple, No. 72, D. O. K. K., at Macomb. His excellent knowl- edge of the profession which he has chos- en as a life work has gained for him the public confidence and a liberal patronage, and his pleasant, genial manner has won the friendship of those with whom he has been brought in contact in any relation of life. HENRY P. HARRIS. For fourteen years Henry P. Harris has been connected with mercantile interests in Monticello as a hardware merchant and pre- vious to that time he was a representative of agricultural life in Piatt county. He has won for himself an enviable reputation as a careful man of business and one whose success is well deserved, as in him are em- braced the qualities of unabating energy, un- faltering honesty and industry that never flags. He is now dealing in hardware, stoves and tinware, and also does a business as a dealer in plumbing and heating appa- ratus. Mr. Harris is numbered among Piatt county's native sons, his birth having oc- curred upon a farm here. His parents were William -H. and Ann Eliza (Hart) Harris, the latter a daughter of James Hart, a native of Kentucky, who settled in Piatt county in 1836. among its pioneer settlers, the work var. Jacob Smith, the great-grandfather of our subject, W. P. SMITH J. G. W. SMITH MARY E. SMITH PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 253 joined the colonists in their struggle for in- dependence and valiantly fought for liberty through seven long years of the Revolution. His son, Samuel Smith, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, and was of English and Ger- man descent. Jacob Smith, the father, was also a native of Dauphin county, born in 1817, and was twice married, his second wife being the mother of our subject. She bore the maiden name of Nancy Shenk, and her birth occurred in Dauphin county, Penn- sylvania, in 1820. Her father was Michael Shenk, also a native of Pennsylvania and of German descent. The children of the first marriage of Jacob Smith were Henry Augustus, who married Margaret Brightbill ; and Catherine, wife of John Diller, a res- ident of Nebraska. Those of the second were J. G. W., who was a teacher for a number of years and died in 1884; James M. ; Mary E. and William P. In the spring of 1857 the father came with his family di- rectly from Dauphin county, Pennsyl- vania, to Piatt county, Illinois, having acquaintances here. He settled upon a tract of land which he developed into a highly cultivated and improved farm and made his home there until 1882, when he removed to Monticello, where he spent his remaining days in retirement from active labor. He was known as Colonel Smith, having commanded a regi- ment of state militia and served as a colonel on the staff of Governor Pollock, of Penn- sylvania. He was a most pronounced Re- publican, and kept well informed on the is- sues of the day, and was thus enabled to support his position by intelligent argument. His life was busy, useful and honorable, and he commanded respect wherever known. He died in 1897, and his second wife is still 12 living in her eighty-second year and is now in fair health. The boyhood days of William P. Smith were spent in the usual manner of farmer lads. He remained upon the home farm until twenty years of age, and during that time acquired his education in the district school and received ample training at farm labor through the periods of vacation. He early became familiar with the labors of the fields and continued to assist his father through the summer months, until after he had attained his majority, while in the win- ter seasons he engaged in teaching school for five years, beginning when he was twen- ty years of age. At the age of twenty-five he entered the office of William E. Lodge, a prominent attorney of Monticello, acting as his bookkeeper and also studying law. He continued with Mr. Lodge for three years, and then embarked in merchandising, handling cigars and tobacco. Having con- ducted his store for three years he then sold out, and in 1891 opened a real estate office in Monticello, since which time he has en- gaged in the purchase and sale of lands, ne- gotiating many important real estate trans- fers. In 1897 he compiled a complete set of abstract books, and thus established a new department to his business. He is also a loan and insurance agent. He has worked earnestly, systematically and along legiti- mate lines in securing a large clientage in the different departments of his business, and his labors have been crowned with a richly merited degree of success. He is also a member of the Piatt County Loan Associa-' tion, one of the strong financial institutions of the county, also one of its organizers, di- rectors and principal stockholders. In 1894 Mr. Smith was united in mar- riage to Miss Catherine Webster, who was 254 PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. born and reared in Monticello, while her fa- ther, Samuel B. Webster, was a native of Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are the parents of three children : Marion, William Web- ster and Richard A. Socially, Mr.- Smith is connected with Selah Lodge, I. O. O. F., and he is also a member of the Modern Woodmen Camp of Monticello. In his political views he is a stalwart Republican, taking a prominent and helpful part in county and state politics. He served for four years as city clerk of. Monticello, and on the 1st of April, 1901, was appointed by Governor Richard Yates a member of the live stock commission of Illinois, and was elected chairman by the board. He was for four years secretary of the Republican county central committee, and "his active connection with the political work here has been a desirable factor in Re- publican successes. His genial manner, un- failing courtesy and deference for the opin- ions of others, which, however, never in- terferes with his stalwart support of his own honest convictions, are elements in his life which have won him the friendship and re- spect of his fellow men. JAMES L. ALLMAN. One of the most extensive landowners of western Illinois is James L. Allman, whose landed possessions aggregate one thousand acres. His home is on section 23, Monticel- lo township. An analyzation of his life work shows that he owes his success not to any fortunate combination of circumstances or to inheritance or the assistance of influ- ential friends, but to the capable control of his own business affairs, to the utilization of opportunity and to strong purpose guided by sound judgment. Mr. Allman was born in Ireland, in Au- gust, 1838, and his father was John All- man, who remained a resident of the Em- erald Isle until his death. At the usual age the subject of this review entered the com- mon schools of that country, and he contin- ued to make his home in his native land un- til 1854, when he crossed the Atlantic to the New World, establishing his home in Piatt county, Illinois. It was necessary that he secure employment in order to provide for his support, and he soon obtained a posi- tion as a farm hand, working in that way until 1862, when, believing his business ex- perience and judgment justified his engag- ing in business on his own account, he rent- ed a tract of land belonging to John Piatt, and situated near Monticello. On this he lived for three or four years, and success- fully operated the property. In 1865 he pur- chased two hundred and forty acres of land on section 35, Monticello township, and continued its cultivation. Later he pur- chased four hundred and forty acres more. From time to time he added to his property, until he is to-day one of the most extensive landowners in the county. When he took up his abode on his present farm it was all wild prairie, and the water covered nearly the entire surface. It required much drain- ing in order to make it cultivable, but Mr. Allman possessed resolute spirit and strong perseverance necessary to the successful prosecution of a work so arduous as the de- velopment of a farm. He endured all the hardships of pioneer life, broke the soil, placed it under the plow and tiled the entire farm. Year by year other improvements have been made, until he is to-day the owner of some of the most valuable farm property PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 255 to be found in this state. He has planted orchards, has erected a good residence and substantial barns and outbuildings, and has set out beautiful shade trees. In connection with the cultivation of cereals best adapted to the soil and climate he annually feeds many cattle for market, making a specialty of shorthorn, black polled cattle and Here- fords. He also raises hogs for the market, selling about four hundred Poland China hogs each year. His has been an extremely prosperous career, and the most envious can- not grudge him his success, so honorable has it been won. He is likewise a member of the board of directors of the First National Bank of Monticello, which is one of the strong financial institutions in central Illi- nois. In April, 1877, Mr. Allman was united in marriage to Miss Anna McCheffey, at Champaign, Illinois. She was born in Phila- delphia, Pennsylvania. They now have seven children : Mary, Agnes, Margaret, Edmond, Anna, James and Joseph, all of whom are still under the parental roof. The parents hold membership in the Catholic church, and Mr. Allman votes with the De- mocracy. In seeking for the causes which have contributed to his success he finds them not so much in their rarity as in their har- monious union. It is no very rare thing for a poor boy in our country to become a pros- perous man, occupying a commanding posi- tion in the business world, but many who have fought their way from poverty to wealth, from obscurity to prominence, re- tains some marks and scars of the conflict. They are apt to be narrow and grasping, even if not sordid and unscrupulous. Mr. Allman, however, is an instance of a man who has achieved success without paying the price at which it is often bought for his pros- perity has not removed him farther from his fellow men, but has brought him into nearer and more intimate relations with them. His life history stands in exemplifi- cation of what can be accomplished in this free land, where opportunity is open to all, and to-day he is numbered among the most prominent as well as the most, successful citizens of Piatt county. BALTIS ORR. In the history of the residents of Piatt county who have been prominent in public affairs or have been worthy representa- tives of business enterprises mention should be made of Baltis Orr, who for many years followed farming in Piatt coun- ty. He was one of the early settlers here, and was well known in Monticello and throughout this section of the state. He resided in the country from 1866 up to the time of his death, and through the faithful discharge of his duties of citizen- ship he aided in the promotion of public progress and improvement. Mr. Orr was born in Licking county, Ohio, November 4, 1835, a son of John and Lavina Orr, both of whom were na- tives of Virginia. On leaving the Old Do- minion they settled in Licking county, Ohio, where they engaged in farming throughout their remaining days, both the father and mother passing away in that lo- cialty. Mr. Orr of this review was the only one of the family that came to Piatt coun- ty. He obtained his early education in the common schools of Licking county, Ohio, and was trained to farm work upon the old homestead. He lived in the Buckeye 256 PAST AND PRESENT state until March, 1865, carrying on fann- ing there, and on severing his business con- nections in Ohio he removed to the Mis- sissippi valley, settling first in LaSalle county, Illinois. There he engaged in farming for a year, and on the expiration of that period he removed to Piatt coun- ty and purchased a tract of land in Unity township. Here he at once began its de- velopment and improvement and success- fully carried on general farming until 1897. Each year saw good crops raised upon his place, and as modern machinery was introduced he secured such accessories as would facilitate his farm work and add to the value of his crops. Everything about his place indicated his progressive supervision, and he continued actively in farming until 1897, when he removed to the village of Hammond, where he lived retired until his death. While still a resident of Ohio Mr. Orr was united in marriage to Miss Hannah L. Boring, also a native of .Licking coun- ty, born on the 2ist of September, 1837. She is a daughter of George Boring, who was born in Virginia, but removed to Ohio at an early day, and there spent the re- mainder of his life upon a farm. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Orr was born one daughter, Ad- die, whose birth occurred on the 3ist of October, 1865, and who died in 1888. She was the wife of H. W. Leavitt, and had one child, Elmer, who now resides with his grandmother, Mrs. Orr. Mr. Orr voted with the Democracy and believed firmly in its principles, but was never an active politician in the sense of office-seeking. He held some minor township offices, but always preferred to give his attention to his business affairs, in which he prospered so that he left his widow in verv comfortable circumstances. He died August i, 1901, respected by all who knew him, for throughout his life he had been honorable in all his relations with his fellow men, and he thus gained uniform confidence and regard. Mrs. Orr is a consistent and valued member of the Baptist church of Hammond. She now owns three hundred and twenty acres of the best farming land in Unity township, which she rents, and in addition to this she has a beautiful residence in Hammond, where she is now living with her grandson. She also owns several building lots in Ham- mond, and she is well known in the county where for thirty-seven years she has made her home. Mr. Orr lived to see many changes wrought here by time and man as the county emerged from its primitive condition to take its place with the lead- ing counties of this great commonwealth. Because of its broad and rich prairies agriculture has been the chief occupation of its people, and of this business Mr. Orr was also a worthy representative. So productive is the soil and so enterprising the farmers that Piatt county has become one of the garden spots of the world. CHARLES M. DAUBERMAN. Charles M. Dauberman, who is en- gaged in business in Mansfield as a grain merchant, was born, in Union county, Pennsylvania, on the 5th of February, 1856, and is a son of Jacob and Esther (Yarger) Dauberman, who are still living. Both were natives of Snyder county, Penn- sylvania, which adjoins Union county, and throughout his business career the father carried on the occupation of farming. On the old homestead in the Kevstone state PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 257 Charles M. Dauberman was reared, and at the usual age he entered the public schools of Union count}', therein pursuing his studies until he had largely mastered the common branches of English learning. His training at farm work was not meager, for at an early age he began assisting in the work of plowing, planting and harvest- ing. He continued upon his father's farm until twenty-one years of age, when he be- gan working in a machine shop in Mifflin county, Pennsylvania, where he was em- ployed for a year. At. the end of that time he began working as an engineer in a flouring mill, and afterward he came to the west, where he secured a position as a farm hand in the employ of W. D. Fair- banks, a well-known agriculturist of Piatt county. He acted as assistant manager and engineer upon the farm for some time, and in 1881 he took up his abode in Mans- field. Here he managed a grain office for W. D. Fairbanks through a period of six years, after which he leased an elevator and engaged in the grain trade on his own account. He had followed that business for himself for six years in Mansfield, when he ceased renting and built an ele- vator of his own, worth about nine thou- sand dollars. He is one of the wide-awake and progressive grain merchants of this place, and his business furnishes an excellent market for the grain-raisers of this, locality, while his own sales are attended with profit and are bringing to him a very creditable prosperity. In 1891 occurred the marriage of Charles M. Dauberman and Miss Sarah M. Osborne. They now have one child, Lucile, who is attending school in Mans- field and is now .nine years of age. Mr. Dauberman holds membership relations with the Modern Woodmen of America, and he exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Republican party. Almost every year he is solicited to become a candidate for of- fice, but has always steadily refused, pre- ferring to devote his energies to his busi- ness affairs. While a member of no church there is probably no resident of Mansfield whose career more clearly il- lustrates the power of honesty and' integ- rity in active business affairs than does that of Charles M. Dauberman. He start- ed out in life empty-handed, but resolved that he would win success if it could be done by persistent, earnest effort. Brook- ing no obstacles that could be overcome by diligence and perseverance, he has steadily advanced to the goal of prosperity, and as a grain merchant is now well known as a successful and enterprising business man of Mansfield. REV. MOSES PREDMORE. Rev. Moses Predmore has for the past twenty-eight years devoted his life to the ministry of the United Brethren church. Who can measure the influence of such a career or can tell of what shall be the harvest of the seeds of good sown? It is a well-known fact, however, that Mr. Fred- more has taken a very active and helpful part in the moral redemption of the people of this locality, and long after he shall have passed away his influence will be held as a blessed benediction by those who know him. Rev. Predmore is a native of Licking county, Ohio, his birth having there oc- 'curred on the gtli of April, 1833. His father, Benjamin Predmore, was a native 258 PAST AND PRESENT of Scotland, a man of powerful frame and well fitted to cope with the hardships and difficulties of pioneer life. He became an early settler of Licking county, Ohio, and aided in the arduous task of reclaim- ing that region for the purposes of civiliza- tion. He wedded Miss Mercy Ann Evans, a native of that county and a daughter of Lewis Evans, who was also born in Ohio. It was of this marriage that Rev. Moses Predmore was born. He was reared as a farmer boy and early became familiar with hard work. His father was a well-edu- cated man and a successful teacher in early life, but he died when his son, Moses, was only two years of age, and the mother passed away ten years later, so that the boy was left an orphan at the tender age of twelve years. After that he made his home among strangers, fighting life's bat- tles as best he could without any one to advise him or to guide him. He was am- bitious and energetic, however, and de- sirous of obtaining an education. He at- tended the district schools as he had op- portunity until his sixteenth year. He then left Ohio and made his way to Ful- ton county, Illinois. As his means were limited he traveled on foot part of the way, and during other portions of the journey proceeded by stage. He stopped first at Otto, Fulton county, where he found employment with a farmer who re- sided on the bank of Otter creek. Rev. Predmore remained in his service for three years, and on the expiration of that 'pe- riod he returned to Ohio. Soon after- ward, however, he went to Arkansas for the purpose of chopping wood during the winter months. Being large and strong, he proved himself especially capable as a chopper, and had no difficulty in secur- ing employment in that way. Returning to the north, he located in Springfield. Illi- nois, and there rented land for four years. Seeking a companion and helpmate for life's journey, on the loth of March, 1861, Rev. Predmore led to the marriage altar Miss Sarah Fairbanks, of Springfield, Illi- nois, a daughter of Samuel Fairbanks. They continued to reside upon the farm near the capital city for four years, and during that time Mr. Predmore prospered so that he was enabled to purchase a larger tract of land, buying one hundred and six- ty acres of land in DeWitt county, Illinois, and there resided until 1875. During that time he had resolved to devote at least a portion of his time to the holy calling of redeeming men from sin, and while there he began studying for the ministry and became a local preacher of the United Brethren church. In 1875 ne commenced work on the circuit, which embraced two or three counties. Later selling his De- Witt county farm, he came to Monticello and continued in the work of the ministry here, giving his labors to the United Breth- ren church in this city until 1902, when, on account of failing health, he was obliged to retire from active connection with the ministry. His deep interest in the church and its work, however, has never abated in the slightest degree, and he does every- thing in his power to promote the cause of Christianity in this locality. In 1896 Mr. Predmore was called upon to mourn the loss of the faithful and lov- ing wife with whom he had traveled life's journey for thirty-five years. He has since married again, his second union being with Mrs. Martha Martin, the widow of John Martin. By her first marriage she had three children : William, a mechanic- PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 259 of Springfield ; Allen, who engages in farming; and Bertha, who is at home with her mother. Like her husband, Mrs. Pred- more is much interested in church work, and has long been active in behalf of the cause of Christianity. Mr. Predmore in former years made judicious investments in real estate, and now owns considerable property in Monticello, including a num- ber of dwellings, the rental from which brings to him a good income and enables him to enjoy the rest which he greatly de- serves. Through his reading, research and observation he has become a man of scholarly attainments, and has ever put forth his utmost power in behalf of his church. In his discourses he is earnest, forceful and logical, and many have heard him with attention and deep interest, re- sulting in a change in the course of their lives. THOMAS MORRIS. Thomas Morris is one of the self-made men and successful farmers of Piatt coun- ty, his home being on section 4, Unity township. The possibilities that America offers to her citizens he has utilized, and though he came to this country in limited circumstances he has steadily and perse- veringly worked his way upward, leaving the ranks of the many to stand among the successful few. A native of Ireland, Mr. Morris was born in County Galway in 1833, and is a son of Michael and Mary ( Shaughnessy) Morris, who spent their entire lives in that country. In their family were nine chil- dren. Our subject grew to manhood in his native land and was twenty years of age when, in 1853, he emigrated to the United States. He landed in New York city and from there proceeded to Pennsyl- vania, where he remained until the fall of 1854, which witnessed tyis arrival in Piatt county, Illinois. Here he hired out as a farm hand and continued to work by the month for about nine years, receiving from sixteen to twenty dollars per month. In this way he gained a start in the business world and for five years rented land in Un- ity township. At the end of that time he was able to purchase eighty acres of land on section 4, the same township, and sub- sequently bought eighty acres on section 9, another eighty acres on section 4, and eighty acres on section '5, all in Unity town- ship. He also purchased two one hundred and sixty acre tracts in Bement township and a similar amount in Monticello town- ship, making four hundred and eighty acres in all. For his first land he paid elev- en dollars per acre and the second tract nine dollars, but it is now very valuable property owing to the rise in value and its present improved condition. When he lo- cated on section 4, Unity township, his place was all wild, but he has tiled and drained the land, made many improve- ments thereon, and is to-day the owner of some of the best farming property in this section of the state. Since 1861 he has been a resident of Unity township and has been actively and prominently identified with its development and prosperity, but at present is practically living retired while his sons cultivate the land. Mr. Morris married Miss Mary Con- ner s, who was born in County Kerry, Ire- land, and came to America when a child. By this union six children have been born namely : Michael, who lives on one of his 26o PAST AND PRESENT father's farms in Bement township, mar- ried Sarah Dooley and has three children ; David, who also lives on a farm belonging to his father in Bement township, wedded Mary Brown and has one child; James married Jane Dooley and makes his home in Monticello township; Thomas, Mary and Henry are still with their parents upon the home farm. Mr. Morris and his family are commu- nicants of St. Michael's Catholic church of Bement and he assisted in building both the old and new churches at that place, as well as the school houses in his section of the county. In his political views he is a stalwart Democrat, taking an actjve interest in public affairs. When he first came to this county the Illinois Central Railroad only extended as far as Cham- paign and he has been a witness of the greater part of the growth and develop- ment of this section of the state. He has broken many an acre of prairie sod with oxen and some with horses and has mate- rially aided in transforming this region in- to a productive agricultural district. In early days he was fond of hunting wild game of all kinds, including ducks, prairie chickens and cranes which were found in abundance. Much of the land was under wa- ter and fever and ague were the prevailing diseases among the pioneers, but all of these conditions have gradually changed and Piatt county now ranks among the best in this great commonwealth. E. S. ROOT. E. S. Root is numbered among the hon- ored veterans of the Civil war, and is also one of the early settlers and highly esteemed citizens of Piatt county. He is now leading a retired life in the village of Bement and well does he merit the rest, for he has himself earned the competence which now 'enables him to put aside further business cares. He was born in Athens, Athens county, Ohio, on the 3Oth of January, 1831. and is a son of Levi and Polly (Stewart) Root. The father was born in Vermont, but at an early day in the history of Ohio he took up his res- idence in the latter state, becoming identi- fied with its farming interests. Throughout his business career he carried on agricultural pursuits, and at length he died in Missouri at the advanced age of eighty-one years. His life record shows that industry and in- tegrity were salient features in his career and formed the basis of his prosperity. He voted with the Republican party and was a member of the Methodist church, his Kfe being in consistent harmony with its teach- ings and principles. His wife was born and reared in Athens county, Ohio, and always lived there until called to the home beyond. She. too, was a member of the Methodist church and into the minds of her children she instilled lessons of honesty and morality which have .borne fruit in honorable lives. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Root were born twelve children, all of whom are natives of Athens county. Ohio, and of this family E. S. Root is the eldest. Eleven of the children are still living, but none are residents of Piatt county with the exception of our subject. The mother was born in 1809. and passed away in 1857, at the age of forty-eight years. Ezra S. Root began his education in Ohio at an early day. His advantages in that direction were somewhat limited, ow- ing to the primitive condition of the schools and to the need of his services upon the home farm, but he made good use of his op- portunities, and in later life has added large- E. S. ROOT MRS. EZRA S. ROOT PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 26$ ly to his knowledge through reading, obser- vation and experience. In 1857 he came to this state, locating first in Douglas county, Illinois, where he engaged in general farm- ing until after the outbreak of the Civil war. Prompted by a spirit of patriotism he of- fered his aid to the government, enlisting in Douglas county in 1862 as a member of Company E, Seventy-ninth Illinois Infantry, with which he served for three years. He was in a number of very important battles and skirmishes, including the engagements at Stone River, Tullahoma, Chickamauga and Mission Ridge, and when the war was over he received an honorable discharge at Springfield, Illinois. He was always found at his post of duty, whether it led him into the thickest of the fight or called him to the lonely picket line. He never failed in his allegiance to the old flag and his military record is one which he has every reason to be proud of. Mr. Root had five brothers in the Civil war, and all retured home save one, Wil- liam Henry, who was killed in the battle of Perryville. The others were D. O., Charles, John Wesley and Lawrence Eugene, the last being but fifteen years of age when he en- listed. The grandfather of our subject on his mother's side, served in the Revolution- ary war, while his grandfather on his fa- ther's side was in the war of 1812. An uncle served in the Black Hawk war. After receiving his discharge Mr. Root returned to Douglas county, where he re- sumed farming, carrying on the work of tilling the soil there until 1874. In that year he removed to Iowa, but after three years returned to this state, making his way to Piatt county. Locating in Bement town- ship he engaged in farming and followed that pursuit throughout the remainder of his act- ive business career. In 1898 he retired from agricultural life and is now living in Bement, resting in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former labor. His life record stands in exemplification of the truth that success is the outcome of energy guided by practical judgment and by laudable ambi- tion guided by common sense. In 1850, in Athens county, Ohio, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Root and Miss Margaret McCreary. who was born in the Buckeye state, and who proved to her husband a faithful companion and helpmate on life's journey for alx>ut fifty-one years. At length she was called to her final rest, passing away at her home in Bement in 1901, at the age of sixty-nine years. She held membership in the Methodist church, and was a woman who was greatly loved by all who knew her, because she was most faithful to her friends and was a devoted wife and mother. In her life she displayed many excellent traits of character, and her death was thus the occasion of deep regret among those in whose midst she had lived. Mr. and Mrs. Root were the parents of nine children, four of whom survive. Emily, who died at the age of forty years, was the wife of William Cravatt, of Iowa, and had three children, Guy and Levi, who are liv- ing, and Grace, deceased. Mary Jane died at the age of eleven months. Elizabeth be- came the wife of James Gill, and at her death left seven children. Harriet is the wife of Cornelius Hopkins, of Bement, who is' em- ployed as a section hand on the W abash Railroad, and they had four children. Myr- tle, Arthur. Jerry and one that died in in- fancy. Levi F., who resides in Bement and works at the coal shaft of the Wabash Rail- road, married Victoria Snyder. Ezra N., the next in the family, died at the age of one 266 PAST AND PRESENT year. Wesley Bement married Bessie Davis and has four children. Theodore G. died at the age of nine months. William Sher- man is a farmer and resides with his father. He married Laura Martindale, and they have two children, Rosetta and Raymond. All of the children were born in Illinois with the exception of the three oldest. Mr. Root has seen many improvements made in Piatt county and has assisted mate- rially in the substantial development and permanent upbuilding of this section of the state. He owns the dwelling in which he lives and three village lots in Bement, in addition to two lots and dwellings which he leases. For his services in the Civil war he draw's a pension. In times of peace he has been as loyal to his country as he was when he followed the old flag on the battle-fields of the south, and his public career is indeed hon- orable and upright. In his business relations he. has ever been straightforward. He holds membership in the Grand Army Post and thus maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades. In politics he has long been a stalwart Republican and feels it the duty as well as the privilege of American citizens to exert his right of franchise in support of the measures he believes will prove of greatest benefit to his country and its government. JOHN H. CARVER. There is an old German saying that a man, may have three things in this world the gains he accumulates, the hearts he loves and his good works. The wealth is the first to leave him when death lays its hand upon his form ; the loved ones go to the tomb, turn from it and pass to their homes ; but the good works followed through all the years, praising his narne and make hallowed his memory. Mr. Gar- ver won creditable and honorable success in his business career, but it was not this that made him so loved by the people who knew him and caused him to be accounted one of the most prominent and best liked citizens of Piatt county. He lived a life that at all times commanded respect and honor and his kindness of nature, his gen- ial disposition and his honorable principles gained for him the warm friendship of all with whom he came in contact. Mr. Garver was born November 3, 1825, in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, a son of Jacob and Susan (Hisey) Garver, both of whom were natives of the Key- stone state, where they lived until 1839, when they came with their family to Illi- nois, settling in Macon county. There the father engaged in farming for several years, but afterward removed to Kansas, where both he and his wife died. Of the children born unto them seven are now living as follows : David, who is engaged in the poultry business in Cerro Gbrdo; Mrs. Susan Johnson, a resident of Kan- sas; Mrs. Mary Wallace, who is living in Humbolt, Kansas ; Samuel, a carpenter re- siding in Louisiana; Barbara, the wife of Sanford Rogers, also a resident of Kan- sas; Daniel, who is clerking in a store in Decatur, Illinois; and Abram, who con- ducts a meat market in Westfield, this state. John H. Garver was a youth of only fourteen years when he became a resident of Illinois and throughout his remaining days he resided in this part of the state. After coming to Cerro Gordo he engaged in the grain business, buying and shipping PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 267 grain of all kinds. He conducted opera- tions along that line for several years and then, disposing of his enterprise, he turned his attention to the grocery business, con- ducting a store here until his life's labors were ended in death. His business meth- ods were very honorable and would bear the closest investigation. In all of his work he was systematic, progressive, in- dustrious and thoroughly reliable and his word was as good as any bond that was ever solemnized by signature or seal. On the 1 6th of December, 1848, Mr. Garver w r as united in marriage to Miss Sarah Jane Hudson, the wedding taking place in Cerro Gordo. The lady is a na- tive of Newcastle, Maryland, born in 1830, and is a daughter of Asa and Phoebe (Jester) 'Hudson, who were also natives of Maryland, but in 1832 they removed to Ohio, where they resided for a number of years. In 1841 they came to Illinois, and settled in Oakley township, Ma- con county, near the village of Cerro Gor- do. Subsequently they took up their abode within the borders of Piatt county and the father engaged in farming un- til his death. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Carver were born nine children, but five of the number are now deceased, namely : Al- bert, Addie, Willie, Chester and Minnie. Of those living Benjamin F. is the eldest. He married Docia Neblock, of Cerro Gor- do, and follows the painter's trade here. Samuel D.,'who married Emma Hummell, is a plasterer who follows his chosen occu- pation in Cerro Gordo. May is the widow of H. E. McKinney, a son of Andrew and Mary (Rogers) McKinney. Andrew Mc- Kinney was a prominent dry goods mer- chant of Cerro Gordo who removed from Illinois to Kansas, where he became an extensive landowner and both he and his wife died in the Sunflower state in 1898. Their son, H. E. McKinney, acted as a salesman in the stores of Cerro Gordo dur- ing the greater part of his life and was a prominent young business man here, popular with a large circle of friends. He belonged to the Masonic fraternity and was a worthy exemplar of the craft. His, death occurred August 7, 1888, and his widow now resides with her mother, Mrs. Garver. Charles A., the youngest of the family, is a farmer and resides in Okla- homa. Mrs. Garver and Mrs. McKinney occupy a pleasant home in the southwest- ern part of Cerro Gordo and each own other valuable property in the village. In early days Mr. Garver was a Repub- lican, but in later life gave his political support to the Prohibition party for he was a stanch advocate of the cause of tem- perance and believed it to be one of the paramount issues before the people. For a half century he was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church to which his wife also belongs and was one of its most earnest and consistent workers. Perhaps no better estimate of his character can be given than to quote from the funeral ser- mon which was delivered at his death by his pastor, Rev. J. H. Waterbury, on the i5th of November, 1898, and who said: "We bury from our sight this day one of God's saints. For three score years and ten he has been engaged in the conflict which all men must wage in this ' world. His pathway has not been one of roses entirely. He knew what it meant to be an overcomer. In the contest for material prizes he has been fairly successful. By the economic use of his energies, he has gained for himself a competency. His de- clining years were spent in the peaceful possession and benefits of accumulation 268 PAST AND PRESENT wrested from the soil. That kind of over- coming is full of hardships, yet his victory in the realm of the moral and spiritual is more significant. "First, I desire to direct attention to our brother's relation to secular life. He enjoyed the confidence of men. His agreements were kept to the letter. One thing that came to the surface in conversa- tion with Brother Carver was his keen discrimination between right and wrong. In business transactions, any injury he may -have done his neighbor was a mistake of the head and not of the heart. He was conscientious. This alone is a record of which men may well be proud, but with him there was no suspicion that he had done anything unusual in doing right. It was a life acting in harmony with a high purpose. "In social life he sustains the position he .gained in secular affairs. It is a grief to lose the example of a good man. Con- sciously or unconsciously he becomes a center of moral power, restraining the bad and encouraging the good. Such was his example. He was universally kind. While he was not able to mingle in society toward the close of his life, he was in touch with all that was going, and contact with him revealed his interest in men. A trait worthy of emulation was the invariable disposition to hang the mantle of charity over the faults of others. This was not due to a desire to palliate wrong doing, but rather a knowledge of the weaknesses of humanity. The influence of such a life cannot be measured this side of eternity. It is educational. It is the good of this world which preserves society from cor- ruption, and the Savior's language 'the salt of the earth' applies to him. "As an overcomer in spiritual matters he reaches the highest place in our confi- dence and esteem. Mr. Carver was a be- liever in eternal verities. Christ was at once his Leader, Master, Friend. It is with pleasure I emphasize his belief in God. You bear me out in this statement who knew him best. He sought out the footsteps of Christ and followed Him. With a child-like faith he placed his hand in that of his Savior and was led through life's changing scenes, ending with the 'val- ley and the shadow of death.' He bowed in humble submission to divine mandates, believing that God does all things well. "If loyalty to the church is a test of spiritual life, the deceased does not dis- appoint. In early life he was a regular attendant upon the services of God's house. Few men have a higher regard for the mission of Christianity than did our brother, and when he was too feeble to leave his home he prayed for the suc- cess of Zion, and gave wings to his prayers by paying promptly of his money to the extent of his ability. A test of this loyal- ty was his attitude toward his pastor. As a minister I am competent to speak here. I visited him often, and in each instance he fixed himself more securely in my af- fections. He was a friend, a brother, an adviser and a confidant. He was not ex- pecting absolute perfection, and yet en- couraged me to do my best. I revere his memory. He was sympathetic and true. There are some in glory to-day and others on the way, whose lives had an impetus toward heaven through contact with this man of blessed memory. "Finally I will speak of his domestic life. How true a heart has ceased to beat no one knows' as well as his familv. As PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 269 a husband he was all that the term im- plies. He was a lover of home and did his share to make it a refuge from the storms of life. He walked by the side of her who is widowed to-day for fifty years and in that period of a half century fulfilled the vows taken at the marriage altar. The home cannot be again what it has been because he is not. As a father he tried to do his duty. He was very tender toward his loved ones, and their joys and sorrows were his joys and sorrows. He repeatedly expressed the hope that God would save them an unbroken family. "It is not my intention to assume that Mr. Carver was without fault. Doubtless he had the weaknesses to which flesh is heir. But the trend of his life was right. His motives were pure, his positions clear- ly defined. He favored no compromises with evil and believed in the ultimate tri- umph of the right. We reluctantly give him up, but we confidently believe that the influence of his life in the business and social world, and in his home, is a per- manent blessing. May God, who was the inspiration and joy of this life, lead us as he was led, that when it is ours to depart it can be said of us 'he has fought a good fight, finished his course and kept the faith.' " AMOS STOLLARD. One of the beautiful country seats of Piatt county is the property of Amos Stol- lard, a commodious and attractive resi- dence standing in the midst of a well-kept lawn shaded by magnificent trees and in the rear are all the outbuildings needed for the shelter of grain and stock. These in turn are surrounded by richly cultivated fields and the farm is complete in all of its appointments. It is situated in section 1 6, Monticello township, and Mr. Stollard carefully superintends the cultivation of this place with the result that it returns to him a good annual income. A native of Ohio, he was born in Picka- way county, upon a farm near Circleville, February 2. 1847, n ' s parents being Wil- liam and Margaret (Vinson) Stollard. 'His father was born in Maryland, April 6, 1814, and was educated there in the common schools, after which he assisted his father at the blacksmith's trade until they re- moved to Ohio. In the latter state they turned their attention to farming in Picka- way county and William Stollard remained upon the home place with his father until he was twenty-one years of age, when he began farming on his own account upon rented land. Soon afterward he was mar- ried to Miss Margaret Vinson and he con- tinued to engage in the operation of a rented farm in Pickaway county until 1867, when he came to Piatt county, Illinois, settling in Monticello township. He' here rented the Marquiss farm, upon which he lived for two years, after which he leased the McReynolds farm for seven years. At the end of that time he retired from active business life, his son, Amos, taking charge of the farm and the father living with him until his death. Unto the parents of our subject were born six children : Martin L., who married Malinda Kuiser and is now living in Tarlton, Ohio; Louis P., a retired farmer of Bement who married Jane Russell and after her death, which occurred in less than a year following their marriage, he wedded Tamson Sullivan; Malinda, who is the widow of Philip 270 PAST AND PRESENT Baum, who died about 1869; Amos, who is the fourth in the family ; Mary Janes, de- ceased; and Minerva, who is the wife of Benjamin F. Hood, now living on a farm on section 18, Monticello township. At the usual age Amos Stollard be- gan mastering the branches of learning taught in the common schools of Picka- way county, Ohio. He continued his stud- ies through the winter months, while in the summer seasons he worked in the fields and meadows, early becoming familiar with agricultural life in all of its depart- ments. With his father he removed to Piatt county, Illinois, and he continued to assist his. father in farm work until after his marriage, which important event in his life occurred in September, 1877. He wedded Miss Sarah C. Jones and then be- gan farming on his own account. After renting land for two years he purchased the farm upon which he is now located on section 16, Monticello township, and has developed this into one of the finest properties in this section of the state. He erected a beautiful residence containing eight rooms, has built two barns and two double granaries, together with other out- buildings needed for the shelter of grain and stock and for the protection of his farm implements from the inclement weather. A driveway winds up to the house, around which is a well-kept lawn shaded by beautiful trees. So numerous are the trees that at a distance the place appears to be a small grove. Everything about the farm is kept in first-class condi- tion. Mr. Stollard has lajd a large amount of tiling and has . enclosed his land by a new wire fence and has also thus divided it into fields of convenient size. He has set out two new orchards, has a deep well upon the place and, in fact, there is no equipment of the model farm that is lack- ing. His landed possessions comprise one hundred and twenty acres, of which eighty acres is situated on section 17 and forty acres on section 16, Monticello town- ship. Annually he produces large crops of corn and oats, also raises considerable clover and has rich pasture lands. He yearly sells many head of cattle and hogs and in all of these departments his farm work is bringing to him a good profit. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Stollard have been born seven children : Amos Elmer, who is attending school in Dixon, Illinois ; Wil- bur Earl, who is at home with his father; Maggie May, who is also attending school in Dixon; Hattie, deceased; Minnie Ethel, who is at home; one who died unnamed in infancy ; and Irene, deceased. Mr. Stollard votes with the Republi- can party, believing firmly in its principles and its platform. For more than ten years he has served as school director and the cause of education finds in him a warm friend. At the present time he is filling the position of road commissioner. His wife is a member of the First Methodist Episco- pal church and both Mr. and Mrs. Stollard are well known in Piatt county. His life record should serve as a source of inspi- ration and encouragement to others, for he started out on his own account without capital or the aid of influential friends. With him success has been ambition's an- swer. He has labored perseveringly, us- ing discrimination in the conduct of his business affairs and as the years have passed his financial resources have in- increased until he is to-day classed among the substantial residents of his adopted county. PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 271 NELS B. LARSON. Nels B. Larson, one of the most en- terprising and practical farmers of Unity township, was born in Sweden, February 18, 1861, and is the oldest of the nine chil- dren of Bonde and Bessie Larson. His parents are still living in that county, where the father is engaged in farming. He visited his sons in America in the sum- mer of 1902. Six of his children are now living in the United States, these being Nels B., of this review; S. B., who lives on his Uncle Nels Larson's place on sec- tion 7, Unity township; John, also a resi- dent of that township ; Hannah Hanson, a resident of Macon county, Illinois; Se- grie Pierson, who makes her home in the same county; and Emma Pierson, of Ar- genta, Macon county. Those living in Sweden are Annie, Larson and Sophie. Nels B. Larson spent his boyhood and youth upon a farm in his native land and is indebted to the public schools of that country for the educational privileges he enjoyed. Deciding to try his fortune on this side of the Atlantic, he emigrated to America in 1881 and has since been identi- fied with the interests of central Illinois. He was entirely unfamiliar with the Eng- lish language on his arrival in this coun- try, but could speak it quite fluently be- fore two years had passed. His first work here was tiling, and he afterward worked by the month as a farm hand for three years. At the end of that time Mr. Larson rented the Ruby farm in Unity township, which he operated for nine years, and next "had charge of the Daniel Dawson place in Bement township three years. The fol- lowing two years were passed on the Ed- mund Davis farm in Bement township, and from there he removed to Moultrie county, Illinois, where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of unimproved land, for which he paid sixty dollars per acre, and he at once began to drain, break and cultivate the land, which to-day is worth one hundred and fifteen dollars per acre owing to the improvements he has made thereon. It is well tilled and a sub- stantial house, barn and other outbuildings stand as monuments to his labor. After residing here for four years Mr. Larson rented the place, which is now occupied by a tenant, and removed to the E. P. Thomp- son farm on section 6, Unity township. On this place he has made his home since 1901, operating the land on the shares, and in con- nection with general farming he carries on stock-raising to a considerable extent, making a specialty of a high grade of horses. He has sold some fine stallions at good prkes and also has some good roadsters. An important event in the life of Mr. Larson was his marriage on the 3Oth of April, 1883, to Miss Emma Ericks, the ceremony being performed at Marinette, Wisconsin. She is a daughter of Erick Swanson, who is now living in Michigan, and is a most hospitable woman, well liked by all who know her. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Larson have been born eight children, namely: Bessie, who is now the wife of Oscar Swanson and a resident of Michi- gan ; Mamie ; Lillie ; Albert ; Annie ; John ; Russell and Stella. Our subject is giv- ing his children the best educational ad- vantages possible, desiring that their train- ing shall fit them for any position in life that they may be called upon to fill. 'His eldest daughter has studied music. On coming to Illinois Mr. Larson 272 PAST AND PRESENT found much of Piatt county covered with sloughs and ponds, and he has done his share in the work of improvement, for he is a public spirited and progressive citizen who takes a deep interest in the welfare of his adopted country. While living in Moultrie county he acceptably served as a member of the school board and as path master. Socially, he is an honored mem- ber of the Odd Fellows Lodge of Bement, and he and his family hold membership in the Presbyterian church at that place. YY. D. FAIRBANKS. Business conditions in America have rev- olutionized the commercial history of the world. No other country has made as rapid advance or as splendid progress as our own republic, where every man is equal before the law and finds his opportunity if he will but diligently seek it. Every community has its leaders men capable of controlling import- ant and extensive business interests and whose carefully earned success awakens the admiration and respect of the public. Such a one is W. D. Fairbanks, who has risen to a prominent position among the most exten- sive land-owners of central Illinois, and his business record is such as any man might be proud to possess, not alone because of his brilliant prosperity, but also because of the honorable manner in which it has been achieved. Judicious investment, careful management and strict conformity to com- mercial ethics stand as salient features in his career and make his name an honored as well as a powerful one in financial circles. Mr. Fairbanks, whose landed holdings exceed those of the majority of citizens in this locality, and who is the president of the First National Bank of Mansfield, Illinois, was torn in Union county, Ohio, on the i6th of June, 1857, and traces his ancestry back through many generations to England. The first of the name of whom we have record was Jonathan Fairebanke, who was born in England before the year 1600, and came with his family to the new world, landing in Bos- ton in 1633. After a residence there of three years he went to Dedham, Massachus- etts, becoming one of its founders, and there he built the celebrated "Old Fairbanks House" in 1836. It is still standing in a good state of preservation, and has never been out of the possession of those who bear the family name. Jonas Fairbank, the sec- ond in line of direct descent to our subject, was born in England and accompanied his parents to the new world in 1833, becoming a resident of Dedham, Massachusetts, after three years. He was killed in an Indian massacre, February 10, 1676. Captain Jabez Fairbank, his son, was born August 1 1, 1670, in Lancaster, Massachusetts, was a valiant officer in the Indian wars, became famous as a scout and stood very high in the confidence of Governor Drummer. Deacon Joshua Fair- bank, a son of Captain Jabez Fairbank, was born in Lancaster, Massachusetts, March 28, 1714. and was a -soldier of the French and Indiana war. The next in the line of direct decent was Captain Luthes Fairbank, the great-grandfather of our subject, who was born in Lancaster, Massachusetts, August 15, 1755, and was a brave and well-known officer of the Continental army. He was one of those who were taken prisoner while in the act of scaling the walls of the fortifications of Quebec, under General Montgomery, in December. 1775. Luther Fairbank, his son, and the grandfather of our subject, was born PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 275 in Swanzey, New Hampshire, September 10, 1780, became a farmer of Vermont and aft- erward removed to Ohio, where his remain- ing days were passed. Loriston Monroe Fairbanks, the father of our subject, was born in Barnard, Ver- mont, May 4, 1824, and was the first of the name to add the final "s." When a young man lie removed to Ohio, locating in Union county, upon a farm near Unionville. He was among the pioneer settlers of the local- ity and took an active interest in the early development of that part of the state. He there met and married Mary Elizabeth Smith, a native of New York, who went with her parents to Union county, Ohio. In early life Loriston M. Fairbanks was a mechanic and engaged in the manufacture of wagons and buggies at Homer, Union county, being in partnership with his father-in-law, Wil- liam DeForrest Smith. He resided at Homer for many years, and ultimately began farm- ing on account of his health. He followed that pursuit throughout his remaining days with the exception of a brief period of three or four years, which were spent in Delaware, Ohio, to which place he removed, that his children might attend the Ohio Wesleyan University there. The last eight years of his life were passed in retirement at his home in Springfield, Ohio, though he and his wife spent their winters at Pasadena, California, where he died January 30, 1900, when sev- enty-four years of age. His remains were brought back and interred in the beautiful cemetery at Springfield, Ohio. His widow now resides in Springfield, with her daugh- ter, Mrs. Milligan. They were the parents of ten children, of whom five are still living : Charles W., who is United States senator from Indiana and one of the distinguished statesmen of the country ; Luther M., who re- sides in Chicago and in Mansfield, and is en- gaged in the grain trade in the former city; W. D., of this review; Newton H., an attor- nev-at-law of Springfield, Ohio ; and Jennie, the wife of Melvin Milligan, of Springfield, Ohio, of which city he was formerly mayor. Those that have passed away are Mary, the eldest child, who died at the age of two and a half years; the second one who bore the name of her deceased sister, Mary, and died at about the same age; Adolphus, who died at the age of four years; Nellie, at the age of twenty; and Harry, who died at the age of twenty-two years. In the county of his nativity W. D. Fair- banks pursued his preliminary education, which was supplemented by study in the Ohio Wesleyan University, in which he pur- sued the scientific course. He then took up the study of law, but his health prevented his continuance in that task, and hoping that he might be benefited by the outdoor life which is required in the supervision of farm- ing interests, he came to Illinois, settling in Mansfield. Here he engaged in the grain business and also l>ecame identified with farming. His first purchase of land con- sisted of eighty acres, two miles west of Mansfield, which he bought in connection with his brother, L. M., with whom he was also associated in the grain trade. As the years have advanced the brothers have made extensive investments in real estate and have carried on their farming and grain business on a mammoth scale. All of this, however, represents much hard labor, keen discrimi- nation, careful watchfulness of the markets and of everything bearing upon their busi- ness, and unfaltering perseverance in their undertakings. Mr. Fairbanks of this re- view is now the owner of seven hundred acres of valuable land in Piatt county and has 13 2/6 PAST AND PRESENT one thousand seven hundred acres of valu- able land in other parts of the state. He has nine hundred and sixty acres in South Da- kota and jointly with his brother owns ten thousand acres in Greene county, Illinois, and seventeen hundred acres in Dickey county, North Dakota. He likewise has full control of five thousand acres in Piatt and McLean counties, owned by his brother, Sen- ator Fairbanks, of Indiana. He conducts an extensive grain business at Blue Ridge, Illi- nois, and fn 1902 -he founded the First Na- tional Bank of Mansfield, of which he is the president. On the 23d of December, 1880, Mr. Fair- banks married Miss Flora A. Kroell, a native of Ohio, and a daughter of L. H. Kroell, who removed from the Buckeye state to Pi- att county and is now deceased. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Fairbanks have been born four children Lulu May, Jennie, William De- Forrest and Bernice. Mrs. Fairbanks be- longs to the Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Fairbanks holds membership in Mans- field Lodge, No. 589, I. O. O. F., of which he is a past grand. He also belongs to Monticello Encampment and to the Modern Woodman Camp. In politics he is a firm be- liever in Republican principles and has served continuously as justice of the peace for fifteen years. The locality in which he has long made his home has found in him a benefactor by reason of the generous and prompt assistance he has given to many measures for the public good. He has never sought to figure prominently before the public in any relation save that of a business man and yet his co-operation is never sought in vain in behalf of measures for the general welfare. In his business life, however, he has achieved a brilliant success along legiti- mate lines, which are open to all. It is his adaptability his quick recognition of oppor- tunity, his persistency of purpose and his dis- criminating judgment which have been the basis of his wealth, and no business man of Piatt county occupies a higher position in the esteem of his fellow men. JOHN H. FRENCH. John H. French, a well-known citizen of DeLand and proprietor of a meat mar- ket at that place, was born on the i8th of October, 1861, in Farmington, Fulton county, Illinois, a son of Edward and Anna Jane (Jamison) French. The father was born near Manchester, England, in 1803, and was reared and educated in that coun- try, where he was employed as a shepherd for some time prior to his emigration to America. It was in 1823 that he crossed the broad Atlantic and took up his resi- dence in New York, where he had a milk route for a few years, and then came to Illinois, settled near Farmington. He made his home there until his death, which occurred in August, 1900, and he was laid to rest there. His wife survived him only three months, passing away in November of the same year. In early life he_ success- fully engaged in agricultural pursuits and became the owner of a good eighty-acre farm, but during the last fifteen years of his life he lived retired from active labor. He purchased a lot in Farmington and erected thereon a good modern residence, where he and his wife passed their remain- ing days in ease and quiet. He was a man of good business ability and met with fair success in his undertakings. His family consisted of three children : Edward, who PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 277 died in infancy; James Edward, who died in California in December, 1897; and John H. The subject of this review was educat- ed in the Farmington high school and re- mained at home with his parents until twenty-two years of age, when he went to California and was with his brother on a fruit ranch for two years. He was then called home by the illness of his father and continued under the parental roof un- til his marriage in 1887, the lady of his choice being Miss Essie Maud Blakeslee, a daughter of S. S. and Addie (Egan) Blakeslee, who lived about eight miles from Farmington. Three children grace this union, namely: Boyd Edward, born in 1891; Bert Carlton, born in 1893; and Oneita Mae, born in 1898. Mr. French spent the years 1888 and 1889 in learning the butcher's business and in the latter year opened a market of his own at Waverly, Nebraska, where he spent four years. He met with success at that place and was much pleased with the location, but on account of his father's fail- ing health he returned to Farmington at the end of that time and accepted a posi- tion with E. Clark & Brother, butchers of that place. Four years later he removed to DeLand, where he has since conducted a meat market and engaged in the butch- ering business with good success, having the only establishment of the kind in the town. He enjoys a good trade and has made many friends since coming to this place by his fair dealing and strict atten- tion to his business affairs. In religious faith both Mr. and Mrs. French are Methodists and they also hold membership in the Court of Honor. He is connected with the Fraternal Army and the Odd Fellows Lodge, No. 740, at De- Land, and in his political affiliations is a stalwart Republican. For one year he has served as village treasurer, being elected on the Citizen's ticket, and for three years he has been a school director, now serv- ing his second term. He takes a commen- dable interest in public affairs and does all in his power to advance the welfare of the community along social, educational and moral lines. HAAGEN SCHWARTZ. Haagen Schwartz is a well-known mer- chant of Monticello, where for a number of years he has been engaged in the jewelry business. He is a native of Norway, which country has furnished to the United States many bright, enterprising young men who have left the land of the mid- night sun to enter the business circles of this country with its more progressive methods, livelier competition and advance- ment more quickly secured. His birth oc- curred in 1859 and in his sixth year he became a student in the public schools of his native land, where he continued to master the branches of learning therein taught until he reached his fourteenth year. At that time he entered upon his business career as an apprentice to the trade of a jeweler in the city of Drammen, Norway. His term of service covered six years, during which time he acquired a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of the trade in all of its departments and was thus well equipped to enter upon busi- ness life. Having heard favorable reports of the 2 7 8 PAST AND PRESENT new world and its opportunities he re- solved to cross the Atlantic in order that he might enjoy the advanages offered by America. In 1878 he crossed the water and for a time was detained at Castle Garden. From New York city he went to Elgin, Illinois, where he secured a situation in the Elgin watch factory, and fiis capable service and fidelity to duty led to his re- tention in the factory as one of its most trusted employes for four years, and in the Illinois watch factory at Springfield for nine years. He then severed his connec- tion with the company, wishing to engage in business on his own account. Remov- ing to Monticello, he has here 'resided for eleven years. Opening a store he secured a good stock of watches, clocks, silverware and jewelry, and now he has a well ap- pointed establishment and is classed among the honorable and reliable mer- chants of Piatt county, having the patron- age of the best citizens of Monticello and the surrounding districts. He is a practi- cal and skilled workman in the line of watchmaking and he carries a large and carefully selected stock of diamonds and jewelry, silverware and china ware, pur- chasing his goods from the most reliable manufacturers. In 1882 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Schwartz and Miss Mary Lauret- son, of Elgin, Illinois. She was born in Christiana, Norway, and by her marriage she has become the mother of six children : Minnie, Inga, Henry, Lillie, Andrew and Lina, who is the baby of the household. Mr. Schwartz is a member of the In- dependent Order of Odd Fellows, also of the Tribe of Ben Hur. He owns six acres of valuable land in the southern part of Monticello, upon which he has erected a comfortable residence and good outbuild- ings. He is an enterprising citizen here deeply interested in the progress and im- provement of Monticello and his active co- operation has been given to many lines for the general good. The hope that led him to leave his native land and seek a home in America has been more than realized. He found the opportunities he sought, which, by the way, are always open to the ambitious, energetic man, and making the best of these he has steadily worked his way upward. He possesses the reso- lution, perseverance and reliability so characteristic of people of his nation, and his name is now enrolled among the best citizens of Piatt county. ALVIN T. SMOTHERS. Alvin T. Smothers, a retired farmer now living in Mansfield, was born on the 2Oth of May, 1867, in Franklin count)', Ohio, and is a son of Emery and Lida (Sherbourne) Smothers. The father was a farmer by occupation and at the time of the Civil war he responded to the coun- try's call for troops, serving for two years. He started with Sherman on the memor- able march to the sea, but was wounded while on the way and was unable to reach the sea coast. For six months he lay in the hospital and afterward received an hon- orable discharge. In April, 1880, his life's labors were ended in death. His widow, however, still survives him and is now liv- ing in Licking county, Ohio. Alvin T. Smothers obtained his prelim- inary education in Harlem, Ohio, and aft- erward entered the university at Wester- PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 279 ville, Ohio, where he pursued advanced studies and became well equipped for the practical and responsible duties of life. On leaving school he enlisted in the regular army of the United States, serving for four years. At the expiration of his mili- tary service he came to Piatt county, Illi- nois, where he began working by the month as a farm hand for Isaac Hilligoss, receiving as a compensation for his serv- ices twenty dollars per month. Later he was married and returned to Ohio where he remained for twenty-one months, but he thought that he preferred Illinois as a place of residence and again came to Piatt county, this time settling upon a farm which he rented from W. D. Fairbanks. For four years he resided there and har- vested good crops as the result of his per- sistent labors. He also spent four years upon a farm which he rented of E. P. Barn- hart and then purchased a part of the farm which he was cultivating, becoming the owner of a tract of eighty acres. For a number of years he successfully carried on agricultural pursuits in this county and in December. 1901, he removed to Mansfield, where he has since made his home. Here he purchased a house and lot and has lived retired from farm life, but to some extent carries on carpentering. Mr. Smothers was united in marriage on the 7th of November, 1889, the lady of his choice being Miss Jennie Bateman. a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Brown) Bateman, who were natives of Ireland and Canada, respectively. The fa- ther left the Emerald Isle in 1848 and crossed the Atlantic with his parents. There he was reared to manhood and aft- er his marriage he came with his wife and children to Piatt countv, Illinois, in 1871. Here he has since resided and is now one of the wealthy, prominent and influential farmers of this portion of the state. He has taken an active part in im- proving and developing this locality and his business career proves the value of en- ergy and activity in agricultural circles. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bateman have been born eleven children : Thomas, Mrs. Jen- nie Smothers, Mrs. Mary Ann Chase, Sam- uel, Charles F., John R., Mrs. Elizabeth Smith, Etta, Nellie, Mrs. Edna Warren and Harry. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Smothers has been blessed with one child, Edith Lisle, who was born on the 27th of August, 1890, and is now attending school in Mansfield. The parents hold membership in the Methodist church and Mr. Smothers is a Republican, doing all in his power to pro- mote the growth and insure the success of the party, yet never seeking office as the reward for party fealty. The cause of education finds in him a warm friend and he is now serving as a school director. He is also a co-operant factor in the moral development of the community and in many measures for the general welfare. His business career has been honorable and active and through his capable man- agement he has gained the competence that now enables him to live retired in Mansfield, enjoying all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. WILLIAM D. COFFIN. The deserved reward of a well-spent life is an honored retirement from business in which to enjoy the fruits of former toil. 280 PAST AND PRESENT To-day, after a useful and beneficial ca- reer, Mr. Coffin is quietly living at his pleasant home in Bement, surrounded by the comfort that earnest labor has brought him. He is a native of Indiana, born in Vermilion county, January 22, 1842, and is a son of Berkley and Narcissus (David- son) Coffin. The Coffin family is of English origin and was founded in America by Christian Coffin, who was one of the first settlers of Massachusetts and from whom all bearing the name in this country are de- scended. The early family was known as the Nantucket clan. Our subject's pater- nal grandfather, William Coffin, was cap- tain of the first company from Wabash, Indiana, that crossed the plains to Califor- nia during the gold excitement, and he died in Sacramento, his being the first death recorded by the secretary of the cemetery. His death-bed was in a wagon. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Eunice Worth, was also a representative of an old eastern family of English ex- traction. Berkley Coffin, the father of our sub- ject, was born in North Carolina and about 1832, when still a boy, removed to Indiana with his brother, Dr. Coffin, who is now a retired physician of Monticello, Illinois. In early life Berkley Coffin learned the blacksmith's trade, but in later years turned his attention to farming, which he followed in Parke and Vermilion counties, Indiana, for some years, and in the spring of 1858 came to Piatt county, Illinois, where he pursued the same occu- pation until called to his final rest in 1861. His wife died in 1852 at Fort Laramie while on her way to California. They had but two children, the older of whom is our subject. His sister Ann is the wife of I. S. Matthews, a resident of Fort Jones, California, and is the mother of nine chil- dren, seven sons and two daughters, though one daughter died April 15, 1903. William D. Coffin was principally reared and educated in Vermilion county, Indiana, though he attended school to a limited extent after the removal of the family to Piatt county, Illinois, in the spring of 1858. As soon as old enough to be of any assistance he began to aid in the labors of the farm and throughout his active business life continued to en- gage in agricultural pursuits with marked success. He accumulated much valuable property and is to-day .the owner of land to the amount of four hundred and eighty acres in Bement township, which he rents. In 1895 he retired from active labor and removed to the village of Bement, where he now makes his home. He has traded quite extensively in farm property and has met with uniform success in his opera- tions. His first purchase of land consisted of eighty acres of raw prairie, which he broke and improved, and he later bought forty acres in the edge of the timber, a part of which he cleared. There he made his home in a log cabin for one year and then removed to his prairie farm. Every- thing was new and wild and there was plenty of game of all kinds, including deer, while the prairie wolves were also numer- ous. At the age of twenty years Mr. Coffin laid aside all personal interests to enter the service of his country during the dark days of the Rebellion, enlisting at Bement. August 7, 1862, as a private in Company D, Seventy-third Illinois Volunteer In- fantry, under Colonel James F. Jaquess and Captain Thomas Motherspaw, who- PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 281 was afterward appointed major and led the charge in the battle of Franklin, Ten- nessee. This was known as the "Preach- ers Regiment" as many of its officers were ministers, and it was the first regiment to be called from the state of Illinois in 1862. For two years Mr. Coffin was under the command of General Phil Sheridan and he remained in the service for three years, being mustered out at Nashville, Tennes- see, June 12, 1865, at the close of the war. The principal engagements in which he participated were the battles of Perryville; Stone River, where he was slighty wound- ed; Chickamauga, September 20, 1863, where he was wounded in the hip by a spent ball; and Missionary Ridge, where he was wounded in the left arm near the shoulder, nearly losing the member. He was all through the Georgia campaign un- til after the fall of Atlanta, when his regi- ment returned to Tennessee to meet Hood and took part in the severe engagement at Franklin, where Major Motherspaw and Adjutant Davis were both killed in leading charges. This was followed by the battle of Nashville where they routed General Hood's army. Dr. Coffin was at Blue Springs when the news came of Gen- eral Lee's surrender and the assassination of President Lincoln, having been sent there with his regiment to fill up a gap. At the close of the war our subject re- turned to Vermilion county, Indiana, and was married September 13, 1866, to Miss Mary Holtz, a daughter of John and Lovinia (Whipple) Holtz, both deceased. The fol- lowing October they came to Piatt county, Illinois, where they have since made their home. Of the eight children born to them the following are still living: Eva, the wife of A. H. Harshbarger, who is en- gaged in the implement business in Be- ment; Harry M., who married Delia Na- tion and lives in Bement ; Bessie and Fred- erick, both at home. Those deceased are Homer, a twin brother of Harry, who was accidentally killed by a gunshot; Emma, who married John Crawford and died of appendicitis; Eddy, a bright little boy, who died of scarlet fever at the age of three years; and William, who died in in- fancy. The children have all received lib- eral educations and the family is one of prominence in the community where they reside. They attend the Methodist Epis- copal church. Mr. Coffin affiliates with the Republi- can party and at one time took quite an active and influential part in local politics. For two terms he acceptably served as township supervisor in Bement township and was school director of the Coffin school, located on his land, for about twen- ty-nine years. He was also a member of the board of education in the village of Be- ment one term 'and never withholds his support from any enterprise which he be- lieves will prove of public benefit. He is well known in the county of his adoption and by those qualities which in every land and clime command respect he has won many friends. The early career of Mr. Coffin was one of unfaltering industry and through strong purpose and diligence he worked his way upward to the plane of affluence. POPE HISER. Pope Hiser, who carries on farming and stock-raising on section 32, Cerro Gordo township, was born on the 8th of August, 282 PAST AND PRESENT 1862, just west of the village of Cerro Gor- do, in Macon county, and is a representative of an old and honored family of this sec- tion of the state. His father, Solomon Hiser. was born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, November- 19, 1826. and in 1855 wedded Miss Mary E. Page a native of Xe\v York, born in 1833. In 1850 he came to Illinois and, settling in Macon coun- ty, aided in its pioneer development. He broke many an acre of wild prairie land, and for nearly forty years engaged in farming there. Most hospitable in manner, he was a model pioneer and although not a member of anv church he was always found on the side of right and order and gave liberally, though unostentatiously, to all worthy objects. He believed firmly in the principles of Christianity and died as he had lived, with a hope of a just reward, not fearing death, but ready to meet his God. He passed away at Cerro Gordo. September 28, 1889. at the age of sixty-two years, ten months and nine days, and his wife died at the same place, at the age of sixty-two years and two months, from the effects of a cancer, after long and patient suffering. Her fu- neral was from the Methodist Episcopal church. Rev. Poe officiating, and her re- mains were interred in the Frantz cemetery. In the family of this worthy couple were eight children : Mrs. J. J. Garver. a resi- dent of Decatur, Illinois ; Pope, whose name introduces this sketch ; Samuel : Mattie. the wife of Henry Berry, of Salem, Illinois; Al- ma, wife of John Eiler, a mail-carrier of Cerro Gordo; and three deceased. Pope Hiser was educated in the district schools near his boyhood home, and early ac- quired an excellent knowledge of every de- partment of farm work. At the age of twen- ty-two he began farming on his own account in Macon county, and remained there until, coming to Piatt county, in 1893, when he set- tled on his present farm, having purchased the place two years previously. It was then in bad repair, but he has remodeled the house, tiled and drained the land and made many other useful improvements, spending about eighteen hundred dollars in this way. He is a progressive farmer and is meeting with well-deserved success in his chosen occu- pation. In 1887 Mr. Hiser was united in mar- riage to Miss Delia Wheeler, by whom he had two children, but both are deceased. Mrs. Hiser is also a native of Macon coun- ty, and is a daughter of John O. K. and Xancy ( Hudgeon) Wheeler, both deceased. She is one of a family of eight children, five of whom are still living, two of the number being residents of Macon county : Grant, of Seattle. Wash ; and John K., of Macon coun- ty. Isaiah resides in Cerro Gordo, Piatt county. Melissa is the wife of John Huff, a farmer of Oakley township. LEWIS M. UHL. One of the best-known and most hon- ored citizens of Cerro Gordo township is the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch, his home being on section 32, where he successfully carries on operations as a farmer and stock-raiser. He is a native of Ohio, born in Ross county, January 12, 1854, and is a son of Peter and Anna Elizabeth (Luthwick) Uhl. natives of Germany. On the 3d of July, 1847, they left the fatherland on a sailing vessel which weighed anchor at Hessedamstat, and after a voyage of forty L. M. UHL PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 285 days landed in New York city, whence they proceeded to Ross county, Ohio. They made their home there until the fall of 1856, and then came to Piatt county, IHinois, first set- tling in Monticello township, where two years were passed. They next removed to Bement township, and on the 3d of March, 1865, located on the farm in Cerro Gordo township, where our subject now resides. The father broke and improved this place, erecting the present residence in 1872. He was one of a family of five chil- dren, all now deceased, and his death oc- curred on the 3d of June, 1889, when in his eighty-third year. His wife, who was one of a family of three children, all now de- ceased, passed away January 16, 1887, at the age of seventy-two. She was a devout mem- ber of the German Lutheran church and a most estimable lady, while her husband was an active and earnest worker in the Christian church, to which he belonged. This worthy couple were the parents of nine children, who in order of birth were as follows : Peter, now a resident of Oklahoma Territory; John, a traveling salesman living in Pana, Illinois ; Jeanette, who married George Erler and died leaving two children. Lizzie and Louis ; L. C., an attorney of Smith county, Kansas; Henry, an attorney of Colorado; Jane, who died in infancy; Lewis M., of this review ; Charles, who is en- gaged in the abstract business in Smith coun- ty, Kansas : and William, who died in in- fancy. Lewis M. Uhl attended the district schools near his boyhood home and early be- came familiar with all the duties which fall to the lot of the agriculturist. His entire life has been devoted to farming with exception of the time spent as postmaster at Kensing- ton, Smith county, Kansas. For several years he worked bv the month for others, and in this way gained a start in life. He now lives on the old homestead of eighty acres, where the family located in 1865, and he materially assisted in breaking and improving the place. It is now well drained and tiled, is under a high state of cultivation and is well improved with good building, a new barn having been erected by our subject in 1896. It is one of the choice farms of the locality and is pleas- antly located on the main road to Cerro Gor- do, being three and a quarter miles east of that village. Mr. Uhl handles a good grade of stock, including horses, cattle and hogs, and finds this branch of his business quite profitable. He has borne his share in the de- velopment and improvement of this section, transforming the wild lands into well-culti- vated farms. When the family first located in this region much of the land was unbroken and wild game was quite plentiful. Mr. Uhl was reared in the Lutheran church and still holds to that "belief. Polit- ically, he is a Democrat, and on his party ticket was once the candidate for township assessor, but was defeated by twenty-three votes, the township being strongly Republic- an. He has served as postmaster and takes an active interest in promoting the welfare of his township and county. Fraternally, he is a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge, No. 346, of Cerro Gordo ; Cerro Gordo Lodge, No. 600, F. & A. M. ; and Bement Chapter, R. A. M. He is also connected with the Modern Woodmen of America, and is a man highly respected and esteemed by aU who know him. EPHRAIM DRESBACH. Illinois ranks among the first states of the Union in agriculture, as well as along manv other lines, and its rich lands have 286 PAST" AND PRESENT been reclaimed for farm purposes by such enterprising and progressive citizens as Ephraim Dresbach. Upon a farm on sec- tion 1 6, Monticello township, Mr. Dresbach makes his home, and he has a splendidly im- proved prpperty, its neat and thrifty appear- ance and excellent equipment indicating his careful supervision and progressive meth- ods. Mr. Dresbach was born in Ross coun- ty, Ohio, on the 5th of August, 1848. His father was John Dresbach, whose birth oc- curred in Ohio, October 13, 1810. In the common schools he was educated, attending the subscription schools such as were com- mon at the time. He not only spent the sum- mer months in aiding in the work of clear- ing and developing the land, but also much of the winter was thus passed, and thus his educational privileges were quite meager. He lived in Ohio until 1855, when he came to Illinois, establishing his home in Piatt county. He also carried on farming here, purchasing what is known as the Brady farm two and a half miles east of Monticello. There he carried on agricultural pursuits for twenty years, breaking most of that land and developing it into rich fields, which re- turned to him excellent harvests. When two decades had passed he removed to the farm now occupied by our subject, and made it his place of residence until his death, which occurred in 1884. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Vinston, was a daugh- ter of Thomas and Margaret Vinston, of Maryland. Eight children were born unto Mr. and Airs. Dresbach, of whom the fol- lowing are living: Mary, now the wife of George Brady, of Monticello; Ephraim; and Edward, who is now engaged in dealing in coal and wood in Chicago. In the common schools of Piatt county Ephraim Dresbach was educated, pursuing his studies in the first frame schoolhouse ever built in Ridge school district. For the building of this the lumber was hauled from Urbana with teams. During his youth Mr. Dresbach also became thoroughly familiar with farm work in all of its departments, as- sisting in the clearing and cultivation of the land and the harvesting of crops. He con- tinued to attend school mostly during the winter seasons, until twenty years of age. On the I4th of May, 1868, was celebrat- ed the marriage of Mr. Dresbach and Miss Samantha Brady, a daughter of John and Sarah (Buesy) Brady, of Piatt county. They lived with his father for about six months, and then rented a house, moving by themselves. Mr. Dresbach, however, con- tinued to engage in farming operations in connection with his father for about five years, at the end of which time he began farming on his own account, buying forty acres of land and renting about forty acres more of the farm which he yet owns or one adjoining this place. In his work he has been very successful, and he has carried on farming operations along progressive lines that have proven of value in bringing to him a comfortable competence. He has tiled the place, thus draining the fields and making them very productive. He has also divided his farm into fields of convenient size by well-kept fences, and has planted an orch- ard, erected a new residence and built a sub- stantial barn and other outbuildings. At the present time he is engaged in further im- proving his home. There is upon his place an old brick house which was probably built here in 1853, and was the first home occu- pied by his father on removing to this local- ity. The brick with which it was construct- ed was made by Gabriel Dresbach, an uncle of our subject, on Camp creek. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Dresbach have been born eleven children : William, who mar- PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 287 riecl Jennie Ashleman, and is a farmer resid- ing about a mile east of Monticello; Cora, who is the wife of Edwin E. Fuller, a resi- dent farmer of Humboldt county, Iowa; Charles, who married Elsie Saint, and is now residing in Humboldt county, Iowa; Jennie, who is the wife of Louis Nisson, a farmer living about four miles southeast of Monticello; Frank, who married Ottie Hon- selman and resides on a farm two miles east of Monticello; Mary, who is at home with her parents ; John, who is working on his brother's farm near Monticello; Emery, who assists his father in the operation of the home farm ; Nellie, who is yet under the parental roof; George, who died when about a year old ; and Letha, who is now eleven years of age and is attending school. Mr. Dresbach belongs to the Court of Honor, Xo. 118, of Monticello, with which he has been connected for four years. In politics he is a stalwart Republican, and has held the office of school director for nine or ten years, the cause of education finding in him a warm friend. He is a representative of one of the old pioneer families of this por- tion of the state, and is to-day classed among the most successful, energetic and reliable ag- riculturists of the community. RICHARD S. MINER. In taking up the personal history of Rich- ard S. Miner, we present to our readers the life record of one who has a wide acquaint- ance in Piatt county, having resided here since pioneer times. He is now living a re- tired life after many years of connection with agricultural interests. He was born in Ross county, Ohio, in 1847, a son f T- C-. and Emeline Miner. The father was born on the 3d of October, 1812, and learned the tailor's trade. He also became a farmer, and for many years engaged in the tilling of the soil. He died in 1901, his death re- sulting from an accident. While walking home one day he slipped on a slab and broke his angle, and the injury terminated his life. His wife, who was born on the 5th of M'ay, 1818, passed away in 1892. The subject of this review has three broth- ers and two sisters yet living in Piatt coun- ty- Richard S. Miner was educated near Monticello, in an old log schoolhouse fur- nished with slab seats, a writing desk around the wall and an immense fireplace in one end of the room. The methods of instruc- tion were somewhat limited, but reading and observation have greatly added to his knowledge as the years have gone by. He accompanied his parents to the west and can well remember the journey. They started on the 2d of November, 1856, driving across the country, and on the i6th of November reached Piatt county. On the way they en- countered a severe snowstorm and the trip was thus fraught with hardships. The coun- try was all prairie, wild and unimproved, and the district abounded in game. The town of Mansfield was not established at that time, nor were any railroads built, Mr. Miner well remembering when the first roads were laid for steam traffic. He remained with his father upon the old homestead, which was known as the Collins farm. The father, oft making the purchase, secured an old buck- skin deed, such as were used at that time. He bought a farm of two hundred and forty- two acres, and then drove to Decatur in or- der to purchase tables and chairs. On the return trip he became lost in a fog, and drove 288 PAST AND PRESENT all day before he could arrive at his home. Many were the hardships and trials endured by the pioneers as they attempted to estab- lish homes en the frontier and perform the arduous task r-f re"' n 'ming the wild regions for the uses of civilization. Mr. Miner as- sisted his father in the development and cul- tivation of the home farm and continued to reside there until the time of his marriage, which occurred when he was twenty-five years of age. It was in 1872 that Richard S. Miner was joined in wedlock to Miss Hannah F. Stewart, a daughter of Levi and Mary J. Stewart. Unto them were born two chil- dren : Etta, who is now the wife of Isaac Wilson and has three children ; and Stew- art A., who at the age of eleven years is liv- ing with his parents. After his marriage Richard S. Miner en- gaged in the cultivation and operation of his wife's farm, comprising one hundred and forty acres. He paid special attention to the raising of stock, having large numbers of cattle and hogs upon his place. He also engaged in the raising of grain and fed much of his crops to his stock. He tiled the farm and improved it from year to year, making it a valuable property. There he continuously carried on agricultural pursuits until about four years ago. when he removed to Mansfield and erected a residence, in which he is now spending his days in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil. His wife's farm is rented to their son-in- law, while Mr. Miner has rented his own farm to his brother. He owns thirty acres of land in Goose Creek township. Both Mr. and Mrs. Miner belong to the United Brethren church, and in his political affiliations he is a Democrat, while socially he is connected with the Odd Fellows' So- ciety of Mansfield, being a popular and val- ued member of that lodge. For five years he served as school director of the county, and the cause of education finds in him a warm friend, interested in its welfare and doing all he can to promote the standard of the schools. His mind bears the impress of the early historic annals of the county. Few men have longer resided within the borders of Piatt county than has Mr. Miner, who from the age of nine years to the present time has lived here. He herded cattle on the prairies when no towns could be seen, none of the small towns which now dot the county here and there having been built. There was only one mill in Piatt county at that time, and it was operated by water power. Corn could be purchased for ten cents per bushel, and prices for other farm products were equally low. The courthouse was an old plank storeroom, and court was only held for one day at a time. Marvelous changes have since occurred as this county has emerged from pioneer conditions to take its place in the leading counties of the com- monwealth. Mr. Miner has ever borne his part in the work of progress and improve- ment, and is known as a highly respected cit- izen, who in all life's relations has been hon- orable, and who in his business career has been active and energetic, thus gaining a comfortable competence. JAMES A. VENT. James A. Vent is the popular and well known cashier of the State Bank of Ham- mond and is recognized as one of the lead- ing and influential citizens of this town in which he has made his home since 1898. PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 289 He \v;is born in Willow Branch township, Piatt county, on the 23d of May, 1874, and is a son of James T. Vent, who is now living a retired life in Monticello. To the common schools of his native township he is indebted for the early educational privileges which he enjoyed. Subsequent- ly he attended Brown's Business College at Decatur for one term and obtained a good business education, graduating in February, 1894. At the end of that time he returned to the old homestead and for a short period he engaged in farming in Willow Branch township, but not desiring to follow the plow as a life work he re- moved to Monticello in the fall of 1894, where he was connected with an implement business for one year. He then entered the employ of the firm of E. G. Knight & Son, with which he remained for three years, during which time he became famil- iar with business methods and was thus well qualified for th ( e position when called upon to take charge of the jewelry house in Monticelo owned by Mr. Knight. He acted as its manager most capably con- trolling its affairs until 1895. 'He also held other positions in business circles in Mon- ticello, remaining there until the ist of November, 1898, when he came to Ham- mond and accepted the position of cashier in the bank owned by Dighton & Thomp- son. It was then a private banking insti- tution. Mr. Vent was the youngest bank cashier in Piatt county, being only twen- ty-four years of age at the time he accepted the position. This bank was organized as a state bank on the 23d of September, 1901, and Mr. Vent has since been cashier, his efforts being an important factor in making this one .of the reliable financial institutions of this part of the county. In Monticello January 12, 1899, was celebrated the marriage of James A. Vent and Miss Jessica Stafford, a native of Graf- ton, Illinois, and a daughter of Charles Stafford. She was reared, however, by Dr. and Mrs. Tidball, of Monticello. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Vent have been born two children: Louise, born December 31, 1899; and Vivienne, born October 17, 1901. Mrs. Vent is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and both our subject and his wife occupy an enviable position in social circles. He belongs to Lovington Lodge, No. 228, F. & A. M., of Lovington, Illinois, and he gives his political support to the Republican party. He is now serving as a member of the vil- lage board and also as school treasurer of 16-5. He occupies a very fine residence in Hammond and is a prominent, well-to-do and popular young business man. He spends the greater part of his time at the bank be- tween the hours of nine in the morning and four in the afternoon, and he is also interest- ed in real estate, dealing largely in that line. He is likewise a representative of the insur- ance business, being agent for the Hartford Company, the Insurance Company of North America and the Security Insurance Company. Whatever he undertakes he carries forward to a successful completion and has found that success is ambition's answer. EDWARD S. STOUT. , Edward S. Stout is one of Illinois' na- tive sons, his birth having occurred in Moultrie county, on the i8th of February, 1867. He is a son of Amos and Catherine (Allman) Stout, and only the first years of his life were passed in the county of his nativity, his parents then removing to 290 PAST AND PRESENT Champaign county. The father was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, and there lived until he had attained his majority. Decid- ing that he might find better business op- portunities in the west he came at that time to Illinois, 'first settling in Monticello township, Piatt county. This was about 1855. There he engaged in farming for some years and afterward was employed in the village of Monticello, where he spent a number of years. At the end of that time he removed to Moultrie county, where he carried on farming for a year, after which he followed the same pursuit in Champaign county for a year. Return- ing then to Piatt county, he located in Bement township, where he purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty acres on section 3. Here the family settled and still reside. He placed excellent improve- ments upon his land, remodeled the house and continued to cultivate the fields with success until his death. He also carried on stockraising in connection with gener- al farming and both branches of his busi- ness proved profitable. In all his work he was enterprising and was thoroughly in touch with the progress that character- ized agriculture in the nineteenth century. In matters of citizenship he was public spirited and was deeply interested in ev- erything pertaining to the general welfare. At the time of the Civil war Mr. Stout es- poused the cause of the Union and in 1862 feeling that he wished to aid in the defense of the old flag and the cause it represent- ed, he donned the blue uniform and went to the front, serving for three years as a member of Company E, One Hundred and Seventh Regiment of Illinois Volunteers. He participated in the battles of Frank- lin, Nashville, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach- tree Creek, Resaca and the Georgia cam- paign and in the engagement at Kenesaw Mountain he was wounded by a bullet in the head, but he never received a pension. Prior to the Civil war he gave his support to the Republican party for a time and aft- erward became a Democrat, voting with that organization until his demise. He served as road commissioner, but was nev- er an active politician in the sense of office- seeking, content to do his duty as a private citizen. Amos Stout was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Allman, who was born in County Kerry, Ireland, and who was Brought to America when a little maiden of eleven years. She was reared in Ohio and came to Illinois when a young lady. Both of her parents died on the Emerald Isle. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Stout were born five children, of whom three are still liv- ing, the subject of this review being the eldest. The others of the family are : John, who died when about thirty years of age ; James C., who is a bank clerk at Ivesdale, and married Miss Annie Crinigan ; Mary, who is the wife of Malachi Loftus, a farm- er of Ivesdale, Illinois, by whom she has two children. The father of this family passed away in 1888 and his remains were interred in the cemetery at Ivesdale. His widow still survives him and is now residing on the home place in Bement township at the age of sixty-one years. Mr. Stout was a leading and influential resident of his community and an honored veteran of the Civil war and his many excellent traits of character gained for him the high regard of all with whom he came in contact. Under the parental roof Edward S. Stout spent his boyhood days, most of his time being passed in Piatt county. At the PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 291 usual age he entered the public schools and therein mastered the branches of learning usually taught in such institu- tions. He assisted in the work of the home farm when not engaged in the duties of the schoolroom and on the old home place he has always resided, devoting his ener- gies to general farming and stockrais- ing. As a companion and helpmate for the journey of life Mr. Stout chose Miss Bridget Grady, the wedding being cele- brated in Ivesdale. The lady is a daugh- er of John and Bridget (Lynch) Grady, and her father is a farmer of Ivesdale, where both he and his wife are living. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Stout has been blessed with three interesting children: Catherine, who is four years of age; Mary, two years old; and Edward, who is the baby of the household. All of the children were born in Bement township. Mr. Stout exercises his right of fran- chise in support of the men and measures of the Democracy and socially he is con- nected with the Independent Order of Foresters, while both he and his wife are members of the Catholic church. Having resided in Piatt county throughout his en- tire life with the exception of a brief pe- riod of two years he is to-day widely and favorably known and among those with whom he has been acquainted from boy- hood are numbered many of his stanchest friends. F. BALES, D. V. S. Dr. F. Bales, who is engaged in the practice of veterinary surgery in Monti- cello, is a native of Indiana, his birth hav- ing occurred in Vermilion county, that state, upon the home farm, June 12, 1865. His father, William F. Bales, was a pros- perous agriculturist and stockraiser of that county, carrying on business in a way that brought to him a good financial return for his labor. He continued to re- side in Vermilion county until his demise. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Nancy Merriweather, was likewise a na- tive of Vermilion county, Indiana, and a daughter of Josiah Merriweather, a prom- inent and influencial gentleman of high standing in the community and of con- siderable wealth. Dr. Bales of this review was educated in the schools of his native county, attend- ing the district school near his home. During periods of vacation he worked up- on a farm and early became familiar with the best methods of caring for the fields and for the stock. His father was especially active as a stockraiser and Dr. Bales learned much concerning horses and cattle, their needs and requirements. His early educational privileges were sup- plemented by one year's study in the Agri- cultural University at Lafayette, Indiana. He afterward read medicine and, deciding to devote his life to the practice of veter- inary surgery, he became a student in a veterinary college at Toronto, Canada, which is considered the best institution of the kind* in the new world. There he studied until he had mastered the branches which constituted the curric- ulum and was graduated in the spring of 1890. Dr. Bales then returned to Indiana and entered upon the practice of his chosen calling. In December, 1890, he removed to Monticello, Illinois, where he opened an office and now devotes his en- 292 PAST AND PRESENT. tire time to his professional duties. He is well established in practice, his business extending all over Piatt county. His treatment of horses has been particularly successful. He has made a very close study of his work and his knowledge is broad, comprehensive and accurate. The Doctor is a Democrat in his poli- tical affiliations and during the adminis- tration of Governor Altgeld he was ap- pointed assistant state veterinary surgeon. This brought to his care a number of im- portant cases. The Doctor is also a breeder of standard bred trotting horses and is the owner of the celebrated stud Vincent DePaul. He is likewise the owner of the noted stallion Pluton, weigh- ing two thousand pounds and imported by John Ulrich of Decatur, Illinois. Another stallion, which is the property of Dr. Bales, is Albrook, sixteen and a half hands high and weighing twelve hundred and fifty pounds. As a breeder as well as a veterinary the Doctor has become well known and is conducting a successful bus- iness in both lines. He has attained a high position in Piatt county and has done much to improve the grade of stock raised in this locality and thus to advance prices whereby the general agricultural popula- tion is benefited. In 1895 Dr. Bales was united in mar- riage to Miss Louise Jones, of Monticello, and this union has been blessed with three children : Harold, Carl and Frederick. MARTIN E. MILLER. Martin E. Miller, a well-known and high- ly esteemed citizen of DeLand, is largely in- terested in agricultural pursuits here and elsewhere, but has practically retired from active labor, leaving the operation of his lands to others while he gives his entire time and attention to the supervision of his busi- ness affairs and the management of his prop- erty. A native of Illinois, Mr. Miller was born in Fulton county, this state, March 27, 1865, and is a son of Jacob F. and Anna (Nicewan- der) Miller, both natives of Franklin county, Pennsylvania, which was their home until after their marriage. The father was born in 1834, and in early life followed the black- smith's trade, but after his removal to Fulton county, Illinois, in 1863, he turned his atten- tion to farming. He rented land until 1870, when he removed to Piatt county and pur- chased a farm of eighty acres in Goose Creek township, near DeLand, to which he after- ward added an adjoining eighty acres though just across the line in DeWitt county. Here he continued to engage in farming until his death, and so successful was he that he was able to add to his property until he had two hundred and eleven acres under a high state of cultivation and well improved. He also fed stock for market and both branches of his business proved quite profitable. After a use- ful and well-spent life he passed away in the fall of 1890. In his family were eight children : Louisa, the wife of Henry Reeser, a retired stock-buyer of Farmer City, Illinois; Martin E., whose name introduces this sketch : Dessie, wife of Newton Troxell, of Huntsville, Alabama ; Oliver, a liveryman and farmer of South Dakota; Cora, a resi- dent of Farmer City; Clarence, a farmer of that place ; Belle, deceased wife of Frank Mc- Bride ; and Tishia. who died in infancy. Martin E. Miller was only five years old when he accompanied his parents on their re- MARTIN E. MILLER MRS MARTIN E. MILLER PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 297 moval to Piatt county, and here he acquired a good practical education in the public schools, at the same time gaining an excellent knowledge of every department of farm work while aiding in the operation of the home farm. He remained with his father un- til his marriage, which was celebrated Febru- ary 4. 1891,' the lady of his choice being Miss Catherine AlcBride, a daughter of Philip and Mary (Johnson) McBride, of Piatt county. Her ancestors were originally from Mary- land and Pennsylvania. To our subject and his wife have been born two children : Corda Opal and Cecil Dale, now in school. After his marriage Mr. Miller located on his father-in-law's farm of one hundred and sixty-six acres in DeWitt county, and on the death of Mr. McBride the property came into possession of Mrs. Miller. Our subject con- tinued to operate that farm until 1901, when he removed to DeLand, but Mrs. Miller still owns the place. In the meantime he had pur- chased a farm of one hundred and two acres south of Farmer City, which he sold in the fall of 1901. and also bought three hundred and eight acres in Carroll county, Missouri, which is still in his possession.- Besides this property he has sixteen and a quarter acres at the edge of DeLand, which is a well-im- proved place, he having remodeled the resi- dence, built a barn, and in other ways en- hanced its appearance. Here he raises some stock, and he still continues to operate his wife's farm, one hundred and sixty-six acres of which is in De\Yitt county, and the re- maining forty, which they have added, be- ing just across the line in Piatt county. He is a practical and progressive farmer, who thoroughly understands the vocation and is meeting with well-deserved success. He is also a stockholder and director in the First National Bank of DeLand, and is a man of excellent business and executive ability. Religiously, both Mr. and Mrs. Miller are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and fraternally, he is connected with the In- dependent Order of Odd Fellows and De Land Camp, No. 2178, M. W. A. His po- litical support is given the men and measures of the Democracy, and he takes a deep in- terest in public affairs. Pleasant and genial in manner he makes many friends, and is held in high regard by all who know him. ALBERT HISER. As the world has progressed in civili- zation history is no longer a record of wars and conquests or the tale of a power- ful nation conquering a weaker one, but has become the record of an enlightened people whose energies are devoted to bus- iness activity and a steady culture. There is no country on the face of the globe that has made such rapid advances along busi- ness lines as has America, and every com- munity has its leading and progressive men who are the promoters of the pros- perity of the towns which they represent. To this class Albert Hiser belongs and he is now largely engaged in dealing in grain in La Place, where his operations having assumed extensive proportions are bringing to him very gratifying success. He has resided in the village for six years and for eighteen years has made his home in Piatt county. He is, moreover, a na- tive son of Illinois, his birth having oc- curred in Macon county, this state, on the 5th of January, 1864. His parents were John and Sarah (Hess) Hiser and the father throughout his business career car- ried on agricultural pursuits in Macon county, but at length when he had ac- 14 298 PAST AND PRESENT quired a comfortable competence he re- moved to the village of Cerro Gordo, where he is now living retired, enjoying a rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves. Upon the old homestead and in the usual manner of farmer lads of the period Albert Hiser spent the days of his boy- hood and youth. When a little lad of six years he was supplied with the necessary text books and made his way to the country school near his home. Therein as the years passed he mastered the branches of learning usually taught in such institutions and during the summer months he assisted his father in the work of field and meadow. He continued upon his father's farm until the time of his mar- riage, which was celebrated in 1883, the lady of his choice being Miss Martha Veagh, also a native of Macon county and a daughter of John Veagh, who died in Macon county. Mr. and Mrs. Hiser now have two very interesting children, Bessie and Firman. After his marriage Mr. Hiser entered upon an independent business career, re- moving to Piatt county, where he pur- chased a farm located in Cerro Gordo township. With characteristic energy he began its further development and im- provement and he cultivated his land with excellent results, producing good crops annually and to the personal supervision of his land he devoted his energies until 1897, when he removed to the village of La Place. Here he became a factor in the commercial pursuits, opening a general mercantile store which he conducted for three years. He then sold out in that line and turned his attention to the grain busi- ness, in which he has since continued. He owns a large grain elevator at the west end of the village and handles many hundreds of bushels of grain annually, his business forming an excellent market for the produc- ers in this section. He is also a dealer in coal and his annual sales of both commodi- ties have reached a large figure. While care- fully conducting his business affairs Mr. Hi- ser has also faithfully performed his duties of citizenship and is public spirited. He has held several minor offices in his township and for the past six years he has been a mem- ber of the school board, doing all in his pow- er to further the interests of education along practical lines. His political support is given the Democracy. Socially he is con- nected with La Place Lodge No. 787, In- dependent Order of Odd Fellows, of La Place and both he and his wife are mem- bers of the M. E. church here. He is a man of distinctive ability and his character is one which is above a shadow of re- proach. He has been faithful in the posi- tions in which he has been called to serve and is widely known and respected by all who have been at all familiar with his honorable and useful career. JOSEPH P. CARTER. From the age of nine years Joseph P. Carter has resided in Piatt county and now owns and occupies a farm of eighty acres on section 35, Bement township. His long association with agricultural interests and his excellent reputation in business circles have made him widely known and gained for him the unqualified regard of those with whom he has been brought in contact. Ken- tucky is the state of his nativity, his birth PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 299 having occurred in Grant county in 1854, his parents being Landon S. and Sally Carter, who were also natives of Grant county. The father followed farming throughout his en- tire life, and about 1863 he left his native state and came with his family to Illinois, settling in Piatt county, where he cultivated a farm for a number of years. He next re- moved to Kansas, where he lived for eight or ten years, and on the expiration of that period he took up his abode in Missouri, where his remaining days were passed. He lived to the ripe old age of seventy-three years. In politics he was a Democrat, but took no active part in political work, prefer- ing to devote his time and energies to his business affairs. His wife died in Missouri about a year prior to the demise of her hus- band. They were the parents of eleven chil- dren, six sons and five daughters, and with one exception all are yet living. Mr. Carter of this review, however, is the only one who resides in Piatt county, the others being res- idents of Missouri. Joseph P. Carter obtained his education in the public schools of Cisco, Willow Branch township, living at that time on the Allegan farm. Five years ago he purchased his present place on section 35, Bement township, and here he has since engaged in general farming and stockra-ising. Before buying his present home, however, he was manager of the Allerton farm in Unity township and continued with Mr. Allerton for twenty-four years as supervisor of his place. He is most thorough and systematic in his work, and everything about his home is indicative of his careful supervision and advanced ideas concerning farming. In 1901 Mr. Carter was united in mar- riage to Miss Nancy M. Carter, the widow of O. T. Carter, a deceased brother of our subject, and a daughter of Frank Nelson, of Argenta, Illinois, who was an early settler of that portion of the state, and died at an advanced age. By her first marriage Mrs. Carter had four children : Jesse O., who is now in the employ of Samuel W. Aller- ton, of Chicago; Willis L., who married Miss Laura Trigg, by whom he has two children and who resides in Bement, de- voting his time and attention to the oper- ation of a threshing machine; Edgar, who resides with his mother ; and Nellie, the wife of Walter Wells, who is living two miles west of Bement. They have one child. In his political views Mr. Carter is a Democrat, his study of the questions and issues of the day leading him to the belief that the Democracy contains the best ele- ments of good government, and has served as school director of Unity township and is deeply interested in the advancement of education, realizing that it is one of the bul- warks of the nation. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Metho- dist church, and at all times he is known as a man of strong and upright character, unfaltering in his fidelity to duty and to his principles. Through a long residence in Piatt county he has witnessed many of its changes and has seen the work of improve- ment carried forward until the district to- day bears little resemblance to that in which the family arrived forty years ago. During his remembrance the wild prairie has been transformed into productive farms which have been made to bloom and blossom as the rose, and along other lines of work improvement has kept pace with the general progress of the world. Mr. Carter takes a just pride in what has been accomplished here, and he certainly deserves great credit for his personal success, for all that he has 300 PAST AND PRESENT has been won through his untiring labor, guided by sound business judgment and prompted by laudable ambition. REV. RICHARD B. HUBBART. Rev. Richard B. Hubbart is now devot- ing his time and attention to general farm- ing on section i, Monticello township, Piatt county, but he has devoted much of his life to the work of the ministry, and it is a hard- ship to him that his entire time and energies cannot be directed for the betterment of mankind and the advancement of moral growth among his fellow men. His health, however, prevents this, and, finding it im- possible to longer continue in the active work of the ministry, he retired to his fa- ther's farm, which is situated just eight miles from his birthplace. His natal day was July 28, 1868. His father, Hon. William C. Hubbart, a distinguished and prominent citizen of Piatt county, now living retired, was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, October 26, 1835. The ancestry of. the family, however, can be traced farther back than this. The great- grandfather of our subject was Thomas Hubbart, a native of Maryland, and his son, Richard Hubbart, the grandfather, was born ' in Pennsylvania. He became a well-to-do and enterprising farmer, and after reaching years of maturity he wedded Nancy Down, who was born in Ohio in 1806. a daughter of William Down. Richard Hubbart's birth occurred in 1807, and the marriage was cele- brated in the Buckeye state. In 1856 he re- moved with his family to Piatt county, Illi- nois, settling in what was then Goose Creek township, where he purchased a tract of land from the government, paying the usual price of one dollar and twenty-five cents per acre. His farm comprised one hundred and sixty acres, to which he added from time to time until it was an extensive property. There he engaged in general farming and stockraising until his death, which occurred in the year 1859. He was for several years swamp land commissioner in Piatt county, and was well known as a leading and influ- ential citizen. From the early days of his residence here he was deeply interested in whatever pertained to the progress and wel- fare of the county, and his efforts proved a patent factor in the substantial upbuilding of this section of the state. William C. Hubbart, the father of our subject, was reared to farm life. He pursued his education in the common schools, his teacher being Samuel Morain. Upon his fa- ther's farm he continued until his twentieth year, and in' 1862, putting aside all busi- ness and personal considerations, he respond- ed to his country's call for aid, enlisting in defense of the Union as a member of Com- pany E, One Hundred and Seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Colonel Snell, of Clin- ton, Illinois, commanding the regiment. Mr. Hubbart took part in a number of skirmishes and battles, but escaped without wounds, nor was he taken prisoner. He served his country faithfully until June, 1865, for some time acting as division mail-carrier, and aft- er the close of the war was honorably dis- charged, returning then to his home in Goose Creek township. He was twice mar- ried, the first union being with Miss Clarin- da Marquis, their wedding being celebrated Xovember 19. 1857, and in 1858 Mrs. Hub- bart was called from this life, leaving a lit- tle daughter, Florence, who is now the wife of Wylie M. DeWess, of DeLand, Illinois. -PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 301 In 1862 Air. Hubbart was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Luanda Coon, a daughter Mr. and Airs. Bartholo- mew Ham, who lived on the Ezra Marquis place in a little pioneer cabin. The second marriage of Mr. Hubbart resulted in the fol- lowing children : Willie, who died in infan- cy; Edith P., who is a teacher; Richard B., a farmer; Jennie M., the wife of Dr. F. P. Stedem, of Saybrook, Illinois; Oliver S., who is a student in the State University at Champaign ; Delia S., who is the wife of Dr. A. F. Conard and resides in Homer, Il- linois; and Dwight C, who is a student in the Northwestern University at Evanston, Illinois. Throughout his business career Hon. William C. Hubbart followed agricultural pursuits, and became one of the prosperous farmers of Piatt county. His landed pos- sessions are extensive and he still owns a fine farm of five hundred acres in Goose Creek township, together with a tract of one hun- dred and sixty acres in Moultrie county, Il- linois, eighty acres in Champaign county and a farm in Sangamon county. He is classed among the largest landowners of this section of the state, and as one of the most prosperous representatives of the agricultur- al class. His success is well-merited, and lias been so worthily won that the most en- vious cannot grudge him his prosperity. He sustains an unassailable reputation as a busi- ness man, and his industry, perseverance and sound discriminating judgment have formed the basic elements of his career. He now occupies a nice home in Alonticello, tastefully furnished with attractive sur- roundings, and there he is enjoying a well- earned rest. Well fitted for leadership, he has left the impress of his individuality upon public thought and action. He served in the legislature in the year 1874 and again in 1895, elected on the Republican ticket. While a member of the house he gave care- ful considration to every question which came up for settlement, and his official career has been characterized by conscientious fidel- ity to duty and patriotic devotion to the wel- fare of the state. Fraternally he is con- nected with Franklin Post, No. 256, G. A. R., and in this organization, as in other walks of life, he enjoys the highest regard and good will of those with whom he is brought in contact. Richard B. Hubbart, whose name intro- duces this review, obtained his early edu- cation in the common schools near his home, and later attended the Wesleyan University at Bloomington, Illinois, but had been there only one year when his health failed him, and he was obliged to discontinue his stud- ies. Prior to this, in 1888, 1889 and 1890. he taught school in Piatt county. A year before going to the university he entered upon the work of the ministry in connec- tion with the Methodist Episcopal church, and for one year he was the pastor of the church of his denomination at Weedman, Illinois, and for two years at Thomasboro. He was then appointed to the church at Og- den. and while acting as pastor for the sec- ond year his health again failed and he was forced to resign. For some time he was very ill, and in March, 1890, he removed to his father's farm, where he is now located for the benefit of his health. He is gaining in strength and health and feels happy in that he has a country home to which he can retire when his strength will not permit him to engage in ministerial labors that being his chosen life work. He expects when he has sufficiently recovered to gain the doc- tor's consent to again enter into active rela- 302 PAST AND PRESENT tions with the ministry. He was very suc- cessful in his labors in behalf of the moral advancement of mankind and while he was preaching he had between four and five hun- dred conversions in his church. On the gth of May, 1894, Rev. Hubbart was united in marriage to Miss Iris Porter, and it was in the same year that he entered into conference relations. The lady is a daughter of Austin and Emma (Jones) Porter and was born in Parnell, DeWitt county, near Farmer City. Her father was a grain merchant at Parnell and owns a farm adjoining the town. He is now living retired, having gained a comfortable com- petence, sufficient to supply him with all the necessities and many of the comforts of life. Mrs. Hubbart taught schools in Piatt coun- county for ten years prior to her marriage. She has a brother, Clarence Porter, who is now^in Oklahoma, and a sister, Delia, who is teaching school in Champaign county, Illinois. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hubbart have been born three children, who are yet living, and they lost one, Harold Evan, the young- est, who was born on 5th of September, 1902, and died on the I3th of November of the same year. The other children of the family are Faith Iris, who was born April 19, 1895, at Weedman, and is now attending school; Ruth Frances, born at Ogden City, this state, February 21, 1899; and Paul Richard, born on the home farm October 23, 1901. Mr. Hubbart is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, having joined Pop- lar Camp, No. 253, on the 6th of June, 1895, at Farmer City. His wife has been an able assistant to him in his work, both upon the farm and in the ministry, carefully superintending the household and encour- aging him by her sympathy and deep inter- est in whatever he undertakes. At the pres- ent time Mr. Hubbart is engaged in the raising of corn, oats and clover. He also has upon his farm twenty-six head of cattle and fifty sheep, together with a number of hogs. In the past year he had a drove of seventy hogs, but thirty-five were killed by cholera. The ' farm is a well improved place with good buildings and modern equipments, and in its control Mr. Hubbart shows excellent business ability. It would be almost tautological in this connection to enter into any series of statements as show- ing him to be a man of genuine public spirit and broad human sympathy for this has Ijeen shadowed forth between the lines of this review. His deepest interests lie in the welfare of his fellow men, in the line of character development and his efforts in this direction have been far-reaching and of marked benefit. JOHN ETNOYER. Since 1893 John Etnoyer has lived re- tired in the village of Cerro Gordo, but for a number of years he was extensively and successfully engaged in farming, and is still the owner of valuable land. He has resided in Piatt county since 1880, and no agricul- turist of this section of the state occupies a higher position in the esteem of his fellow- townsmen. Mr. Etnoyer is a native of Dau- phin county, Pennsylvania, born on the first of February, 1834, and is a son of Henry and Mary (Stupher) Etnoyer, both of whom were natives of the Keystone state. There they spent their entire lives, both hav- ing now passed away and the father devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits in order to provide for his family. PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 303 At the Msual age John Etnoyer entered the public schools, to prepare for life's prac- tical and responsible duties. He- continued his studies during the winter months and during the summer seasons remained at home, assisting his father in the work of the farm. The sun shone clown on many a field which he plowed and planted and ripened the grain which sprung from the seed that he sowed. He became familiar with farm work in all its departments and was thus well equipped to carry on similar Work when he started out in life independ- ently. He chose as a companion and help- mate for life's journey Miss Mary Holin- ger, who was born in Dauphin county, where their wedding was celebrated. Her parents, Christian and Nancy (Kinzie) Hol- inger, were also natives of Dauphin county, and the father carried on farming there in his early life, while later he operated a woolen mill. Both he and his wife died in the county of their nativity. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Etnoyer has been blessed with four children : Emma, who is.now the wife of Michael Stookey, who is a farmer of Bement township, Piatt county ; Anna, now the wife of Samuel Diehl. a farmer living in Cerro Gordo township; Frank, who married Lizzie Shively, and is an agricul- turist of Cerro Gordo township; and Ida, the deceased wife of Samuel Landis, who now resides in the village of Cerro Gordo. After his marriage Mr, Etnoyer en- gaged in the burning of lime in Dauphin county, and later turned his attention to farming, which he followed in his native state for six years. He then came to the west, settling first in Edgar county, Illinois, where he purchased a tract of land and en- gaged in general farming until 1880. That year witnessed his arrival in Piatt countv. He settled in Cerro Gordo township, where he secured a tract of land, and for thirteen years he devoted his energies to its cultiva- tion and improvement until 1893, when he determined to put aside further business cares and spend his remaining days in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil. He then took up his abode in Cerro Gordo, where he has since lived. He yet owns a farm of one hundred and twenty acres north of town and another tract of land southeast of Cerro Gordo. In addition to this he has a nice residence in the west part of the village which he and his w r ife now oc- cupy. Mr. Etnoyer served as a school director in Edgar county for some time and took a deep interest in everything pertaining to the welfare and improvement of the schools. In politics he has ever been a stalwart Rep- publican, giving his support to the party since he attained his majority and never fal- tering in his allegiance to its principles. Both he and his wife are members of the German Baptist church. His life history is another instance of what can be accom- plished in this land where opportunity is not hampered by caste or class, but where energy and strong purpose form the basis of success. Not to any fortunate combina- tion of circumstances or to the aid of influ- ential friends does Mr. Etnoyer owe his prosperity. It may all be attributed to his own efforts and his business career is such as any man might be proud to possess, for it has ever been characterized by industry and unswerving integrity. He possesses in full measure the ennobling qualities which command respect, and his honesty and fair- ness have gained for him the confidence and good will of all with whom he has been as- sociated. 34 PAST AND PRESENT HIRAM DILLIN. It is with pleasure that we present to our readers the life record of Hiram Dillin, for through the conduct of business affairs, which have been capably managed and well directed by sound judgment and energy, he has acquired a competence that now enables him to live retired and enjoy the fruits of his former toil. For many years he was connected with agricultural interests in Piatt county, and now he occupies a fine residence in Monticello, where he has lived continuous- ly since 1895. His residence in the county dates from an early day, and he is therefore familiar with much of its history, while his own labors have been of particular benefit in the line of agricultural development. A native of Virginia, Mr. Dillin was born upon a farm in Taylor county in the Old Dominion, his natal day being July n, 1837. His parents were Thomas and Mary (McDonald) Dillin, both of whom were na- tives of Virginia, and during the early boy- hood of their son, Hiram, they left that state, removing to Hocking county, Ohio, in the year 1845. There the parents settled perma- nently and the father devoted his attention to farming and stock-raising. For about eigh- teen years he carried on his work there, and in 1863 he was called to his final rest, while his wife passed away the following year. They were the parents' of eleven children, four daughters and seven sons, all of whom reached adult age, while five of the number are still living, two being residents of Wis- consin, one of northwestern Indiana and two of Minnesota. Hiram Dillin, whose name introduces this record, began his education in the district schools of Ohio, near his boyhood home. He remained upon the farm until he attained his twentieth year, and during that time he spent the summer months in the work of the fields. In early spring he assisted in the plowing and planting and in late autumn he aided in har- vesting the crops. When in his twentieth year, however, he left home to earn his own livelihood, working as a farm hand during the summer months. In the year 1857 Mr. Dillin came west to Piatt county, and as he had no capital with which to purchase land and engage in farming on his own account, he continued to work as a farm hand, being employed in this way for about five years, most of the time in the service of William Bryden. In 1863 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Dillin and Miss Mary G. Bryden, of Goose Creek township, a daughter of his em- ployer, William Bryden and the latter's wife, Mrs. Catherine (Batie) Bryden. After his marriage Mr. Dillin spent one year in Monti- cello, where he followed various business pur- suits. On the expiration of that period he returned to Goose Creek township, and en- gaged in the operation of his father-in-law's farm, making his home thereon for five years. At the end of that ime, with the money he had acquired, he purchased eighty acres of land, and also receiving a part of Mr. Bryden's old homestead, he became the owner of one hundred and sixty acres. With characteristic energy and unremitting zeal he took up farm work on his own account, and in connection with the raising of cereals best adapted to the soil and climate he engaged in feeding hogs and cattle, thus readily turn- ing the products of his farm into money. In all of his business career he displayed marked energy and determination and. overcoming all obstacles that could be met by persistent, earnest effort, he worked his way upward to the goal of prosperity. He made excellent HIRAM DILLIN PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 307 improvements upon his property, including the erection of a good dwelling, a barn, out- buildings and sheds. All modern equipments and accessories were added to the place, and the farm was developed into a splendid prop- erty, which is now occupied by his son, Rob- ert, the only child of his first marriage. In 1881 Mr. Dillin was called upon to mourn the loss of his first wife, and later he wedded Mrs. S. J. Welch, an estimable lady, who was educated in the schools of Monti- cello and is widely and favorably known in Piatt county. She lost her mother when only five years of age, and was reared by James A. Piatt. who sent her to the schools of Monti- cello. Her father died in 1866. He was a prominent old citizen of Piatt county, coming here in 1855. and was the owner of a valu- able farm of four hundred acres known as the Thomas Reed property. By her former marriage Mrs. Dillin had one son, James Piatt Welch, now a street car conductor of St. Louis. It was in November, 1895, that Mr. Dil- lin removed from his farm to the city, put- ting aside the more arduous cares of business life in order to enjoy a rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves. In 1894 he had purchased his land in Monticello and had erected thereon his present fine residence. This is an attractive home, modern in all of its appointments and equipments, is tastefully furnished and is surrounded by a broad ve- randa eight feet in width, which adds much to the beauty as well as the comfort of the dwelling. The lawn is well-kept and deco- rated with beautiful flowers and trees, and al- together the home is one of the most pleas- ing in Monticello. Both Mr. and Mrs. Dillin hold membership in the First Presbyterian church and Mrs. Dillin takes a very active part in church work. Forty-six years have passed since Hiram Dillin arrived in Piatt county, and thus from early pi< nicer days he has watched the prog- ress and development of this portion of the state. In matters of improvement he has been deeply interested, and to such has often given his co-operation. He certainly deserves great credit for what he has accomplished, for he started out in life empty-handed. He had no influential friends or inheritance to assist him, and he had to learn the value of persistent industry, close economy and care- ful management. Upon this safe and sure foundation, however, he has reared the su- perstructure of success, and as the architect of his own fortunes has builded wisely and well. Such a record is of greater value than the possession of material wealth, for it in- dicates a personality strong, efficient and re- liable. Tried in the battle of life he has not failed. Wherever known he is held in high regard and as an honored pioneer and highly respected citizen he is certainly deserving of prominent mention in the history of his adopted county. NATHAN HANELINE. No history of Piatt county would pre- sent a faithful picture of the locality and its upbuilding without prominent and ex- tended mention of Nathan Haneline who passed away in 1903 after long years of residence in this county dating from its early pioneer days. At the time of his death he was the oldest living pioneer in this section of Illinois. A native of Ohio his birth occurred in Greene county on the 22d of November, 1815, his parents 3 o8 PAST AND PRESENT being Abram and Alsey (Moslander) Haneline. The father was a native of North Carolina, where he spent the first eighteen years of his life, removing thence to Kentucky with his mother. In the lat- ter state he was married and afterward went to Champaign county, Ohio, where he lived for some years. In 1822 he came from Ohio to Illinois and for two years was a resident of Sangamon county. It was there that the mother of our subject died in the spring of 1823, and in the spring of the following year the father came with his children to Piatt county, locating within the present limits of San- gamon township, where he spent his re- maining days. He belonged to that class of representative early citizens to whom the present generation owes a debt of gratitude, for what they accomplished in the work of preparing the way for ad- vancement and improvement at a later date. He assisted in the arduous task of developing new land and gave his in- fluence in behalf of every measure for the general welfare, so that when he was called to his final rest the community mourned the loss of one whose value was great and who had come to be widely known and honored in this section of the state. Nathan Haneline was the last sur- viving member of the family of ten chil- dren. He was reared amid the wild scenes of frontier life, sharing with the family in all the hardships and trials which fall to the lot of the pioneer. Around the home for long distances stretched the unbroken prairie, while along the stream the native timber grew and the work of development lay in the future. The Indians were still numerous in the neighborhood and Mr. Haneline had the little sons of the forest as his playmates. They belonged to the Potta- watomie, Kickapoo and Delaware tribes. Mr. Haneline shared in their sports, went hunting with them and often slept in their wigwams. He acquired a know- ledge of their languages and greatly en- joyed with them the pleasures which they indulged, the Indian always proving friendly to him. He had in his posses- sion up to the time of his death a number of interesting relics as mementoes of his early associations with the tribes. How- ever, his early youth was not all a period of pleasure, indeed, the greater part of his time was devoted to farm work and as soon as old enough to handle the plow he began work in the fields. Throughout his entire business career he carried on farming and stock-raising and for more than a half century he resided upon the farm which was his place of residence at the time of his demise, taking up his abode there in 1850. The farm is situated on section 14, Monticello township, and com- prises two hundred and forty acres of very rich land. When he settled on this place there were but three families living in the entire district. At first he did his farming after the primitive manner of the times, but as improved agricultural im- plements were introduced he kept apace with the general progress and had better facilities to aid him in his farm work. He practiced the strictest economy and the most unfaltering industry in his early days and thus as the years passed he added to his financial resources, ultimately becom- ing one of the substantial residents of his community. There is a period of romance in the PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 309 early history of Mr. Haneline, for he was but eighteen years of age when he sought in marriage the hand of Miss Sarah Souder, who was then but fifteen years of age. 'Her parents were Peter and Mary Souder, who were residents of Champaign county, Illinois. Piatt county then formed a part of Macon county and her parents resided on the Champaign county line. The course of true love did not run smoothly, however, for the young couple. Their marriage was opposed by the par- ents because of their youth and because of the impecunious condition of the young lover. However, they were not to be de- terred by parental objection and finally the parents reluctantly consented to the marriage and arrangements were made for the wedding. The trousseau of the bride was not very elaborate, the wedding dress of white costing but seventy-five cents a yard. The groom went to Pekin to purchase his wedding suit and the shoes for the occasion were the third pair he had ever owned. They were married on the I2th day of November, 1833, and Abe Haneline, a brother of the groom, went to Urbana to secure a justice of the peace to perform the ceremony. They were de- layed on the return trip and did not reach their destination until eleven o'clock at night. When everything was ready it was discovered that the license was issued in Champaign county and that if the wed- ding was legal it must take place in that county. Fortunately the parents lived on the county line, so the party proceeded across the line and under a giant oak the marriage ceremony was solemnized. This was the beginning of a long and happy married life, in which they shared together the joys and sorrows, the adversity and prosperity which come to all. They be- came the parents of eight children, of whom the living are James, now a resi- dent of Piatt county; Mary Jane, the wife of Jacob M. Freeman of Jasper county, Missouri ; Peter, who lives in Piatt coun- ty; Elizabeth, the wife of David Shipman; Columbus Thomas of Stafford county, Kansas. Those deceased are Sarah H., John and one that died in infancy. After traveling life's journey side by side as man and wife for fifty-six years Mr. and Mrs. Haneline were separated in death, the wife being called to her final rest. Mr. Haneline afterward made his home during the greater part of the time with his son James. He is survived by his five chil- dren, twenty-six grandchildren and thirty great-grandchildren. In his political views Mr. Haneline was always a stanch Democrat and did everything in his power to promote the growth and insure the success of his party. He served as township school treasurer and did what he could to pro- mote education in this section of the state. In 1855 he aided in organizing lodge No. 58 F. & A. M., becoming one of its char- ter members and throughout the re- mainder of his life he was identified with the organization. His history is unique in that he lived in four counties without moving out of the neighborhood. He was first a resident of Sangamon, then of Macon, later of DeWitt and lastly of Piatt county. In matters pertaining to the general good he was deeply interested and his interest was often that of active co-operation. He desired to see the sub- stantial development of the county and his assistance was of a practical nature that leaves lasting results. Death came 3io PAST AND PRESENT to him at the advanced age of eighty- seven years. The vital forces slowly ebbed and at last rest came, but he went about the house up to within a short time prior to his demise. It was compara- tively only a few hours in which he had not the use of his faculties. His friends and neighbors had learned to respect and honor him because of his genuine worth, his freedom from ostentation and his life of integrity and honor and because of the important part which he performed in the improvement of Piatt county and be- cause he was so long a representative of its business interests we take the greatest pleasure in presenting his record to our readers. JACOB GROSS. No better illustration of the characteris- tic energy and enterprise of the typical Ger- man-American citizen can lie found than that afforded by the career of this gentle- man, who is successfully engaged in farm- ing and stockraising on section 36, Unity township. Coming to this country with no capital ex-cept his abilities he has made his way to success through wisely directed ef- fort and he can now look back with satis- faction upon past struggles. Mr. Gross was born in Waldshut coun- ty. Baden, Germany, on the 23d of October, 1845. and is a son of Casper and Rachel (Gross) Gross, also natives of that coun- try, where his father followed the trade of wagonmaking until his immigration to America in 1863. In the family were seven children, five of whom are now living : Casper, a furniture dealer of Atwocd. Illi- nois : Henry, a' general merchant of the same place; Theodore, who is living retired in Atwood ; Rachel, wife of William Berch- er, of Atwood; and Jacob, our subject. Those deceased are Salina and Mary. The first of the family to come to the new world was Henry, who settled in Chicago in 1857, and there followed the carpenter's trade for a time. Theodore and Salina also came in 1857; Casper in 1861, and the remainder of the family in 1864. The father was acci- dently killed while walking on the railroad track August 3, 1883, at the age of eighty- one years. Jacob Gross was reared and educated in his native land and although his home was in a- village, 'he worked on a farm -during his boyhood and youth, and has always fol- lowed agricultural pursuits. In 1864 he ac- companied his parents on their immigration to America, and coming direct to Illinois, settled on section 36, Unity township, Piatt count}-. He purchased the Ned Shunk- wieler farm, which was a partially im- proved place of one hundred and sixty-five acres, and also bought forty-seven acres of land where he low lives. He has since made many improvements upon his farm which to-day is well tiled and fenced, and he is suc- cessfuly engaged in general farming and stock-raising, making a specialty of draft horses. He also keeps a good grade of cattle and has prospered in all his under- takings. On the 26th of December, 1872, Mr. Grosi was united in marriage to Miss Kath- erine Scheffer, a daughter of Henry and Katherine Scheffer, both of whom are now deceased. Mrs. Gross was born in Hesse- Cassel, Germany, and became the mother of nine children, those still living being Cas- per, Mary. Arthur. Annie, Mollie and Ma- linda. The wife and mother died .August 29, 1892. when in the prime of life, and PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. two childden died when about seventeen years of age. For his second wife Mr. Gross married Christina Peterson, who was born in Holstein, Germany, and by whom he has two children, Robert and William. The children have all been given good educa- tional advantages and are well fitted for life's responsible duties. In 1879 he became identified with James A. Hawkins in the manufacture of brick and tile at Atwood, a business which they carried on quite successfully under the firm name of Hawkes & Gross until 1893, since which time our subject has given his attention principally to his farming interests. In his political views he is a stalwart Republican and is one of the standard bearers of his party in Piatt county. He has served as a member of the board of education in At- wood, as trustee of the Mutual Telephone Company of the place, and trustee of the cemetery there. He has also been vice pres- ident of the Farmer's Institute of Unity township, and is a man of prominence and influence in the community where he re- sides. He is a member of the County Fair Association and in this connection has done much to advance the interests of this section of the state. Religiously, Mr. Gross is a member of the German Evangelical church at Garrett, Douglas county, and he is a man who commands the respect and confi- dence of all with whom he is brought in contact either in business or social life. STEPHEN SHIVELY. Piatt county is very rich in its agricul- tural opportunities. . Throughout the length and breadth of this land there can be found no district <;f soil more productive or which is better adapted to the production of grain which is the basis of all business prosperity. More than a century ago George Washington said "Agriculture is the most useful as well as the most honorable occu- pation of man," and the truth of this state- ment has been verified throughout the ages. It is to this work that Stephen Shively has devoted his energies through an active and honorable business career, and now he is living a retired life. He has made his home in this section of Illinois for over forty-five years', having settled in Oakley township, Macon county, Illinois, near Cerro Gordo, in 1858. A native of Ohio. Mr. Shively was born in Montgomery county on the 28th of De- cember, 1828, and is a son of Jacob and Susannah (Metzger) Shively, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Pennsylva- nia. The father was reared in Ohio and there lived until 1836, at which time he re- moved to Clinton county, Indiana, where he carried on farming until his life's labors were ended in death. His wife also passed away in that county. They were the parents of three children : Stephen ; Andrew, who married Barbara Metzger and is living in California ; and Mary, who is the widow of John W. Metzger, and makes her home with her children. Stephen Shively was quite young when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Clinton county, Indiana, and there he ob- tained his education in the public schools. He also assisted his father in the work of the home farm until his marriage, which important event in his life occurred in the year 1850, the lady of his choice being Miss Catherine Metzger. She, too, was born in Ohio, her birth occurring on the 4th of No- 312 PAST AND PRESENT vember, 1832, near the place of the nativity of pur subject. She is a daughter of John and Hanna (Ullery) Metzger, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Ohio. Her father was an agriculturist, fol- lowing that pursuit in the east until 1859, when he came to Piatt county, Illinois, and settled on a farm in Cerro Gordo towship. Later he went to California, but soon re- turned to Illinois and lived retired in Cerro Gordo until his death, wlhich occurred in 1896. His wife passed away in 1887. After his marriage Mr. Shively began farming in Clinton county, Indiana, where lie carried on agricultural pursuits for eight years. t On the expiration of that period he came to Illinois, establishing his home in Oakley township, Macon county, where he purchased a tract of land and at once be- gan its development and improvement. There he carried on general fanning with creditable and gratifying success from 1858 until 1881. when he removed to the village of Cerro Gordo, wherehe has since lived a retired life. In his farm work he was progressive and enterprising, steadily advancing along all lines which have proven of value in the work of cultivating the fields and producing excellent crops. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Shively has been blessed with five children : John J., who married Miss L. Blickenstaff and is now a resident farmer of Cerro 'Gordo township; Solomon, who married Mary Yont, and is engaged in carpentering in Ram- sey, Illinois; Susannah, who is the wife of Amos Ratsman, and resides on the old homestead in Oakley township, Macon coun- ty ; Hannah, who is the wife of John Cripe, a farmer of Macon county, Illinois ; and Jacob, who died in 1862, at the age of two years. The parents are members of the German Baptist Brethren church of Cerro Gordo, and have lived earnest Christian lives in harmony with their professions. In political views Mr. Shively has always been a Republican and has held a number of minor offices. During his long residence in this section of the state he has witnessed almost its entire development and improve- ment, and his interest in its welfare has been indicated by the co-operation which he has given to movements for the general good. He is thoroughly genuine, there be- ing not the slightest suggestion of anything hypocritical about him. With him friend- ship is inviolable, his word is as good as his bond, and he clings with unyielding firmness to a position which careful consid- ation and mature judgment has convinced him to be right. ALONZO T. PIPHER. The profession of law when clothed with its true dignity, purity and strength must rank first among the callings of men, for law rules the universe. The work of the legal profession is to formulate, to harmonize, to regulate, to adjust, to ad- minister those rules and principles that underlie and permeate all government and society and control the varied relations of men. As thus viewed there is attached to the profession nobleness that cannot but be reflected in the life of the true law- yer, who, rising to the responsibilities of the profession, and honest in the pursuit of his purpose, embraces the richness of learning, the firmness of integrity and the purity of morals, together with the graces PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 313 and modesty and the general amenities of life. Of such a type Alonzo T. Pipher is a representative. His connection with the Piatt county bar covers a longer period than that of any other resident of this section of the state. A native of New York Alonzo T. Pipher was born in Jefferson county on the 1 3th of May, 1831, and is a son of Lewis and Sophronia (Gardner) Pipher. It is thought that the father of our sub- ject was a native of France and he fol- lowed carpentering in Jefferson county, New York, until August, 1854, when he came to Illinois, settling near Blackberry, Kane county. There he continued to work at his trade for a number of years and afterward removed to Miami county, Kansas, where he spent his remaining days, dying at the home of a son there. His wife was a daughter of Hiram Gard- ner, who was of English descent and was a native of Connecticut, whence he re- moved to New York at an early period in the development of the Empire state. He became one of the pioneers of Alexan- dria, Jefferson county, and it was during his residence there that Mrs. Pipher was born. The tract of timber land which he purchased lie developed into a rich and pro- ductive farm and continued to make his home thereon until his removal to Illinois, where he cast in his lot with the pioneer settlers of Kane county. There he en- tered land from the government, securing a tract of prairie about four and a half miles west of Aurora and to its cultivation and improvement he at once directed his energies. He made his home on that farm until 1847, when he died at about the age of eighty years. His daughter, Mrs. Pipher continued to survive her husband for some time and died in Miami county, Kansas, in 1884. Alonzo Pipher of this review was one of a family of ten children. He acquired his preliminary education in the common schools of Jefferson county, New York, and when he had mastered the branches of learning therein taught he became a student in Aurora Academy at Aurora, Cayuga county, New York, being then nineteen years of age. For two years he was enrolled among its pupils and then en- tered Blackriver Institute at Watertown, New York, where he prepared for admis- sion to Hamilton College. In 1852 he matriculated in that college and com- pleted the work of two years, but failing health obliged him to abandon his hope of graduating there and he had to put aside his text books. In September, 1854, Mr. Pipher arrived in the west, reaching Chicago on the 28th of that month. After spending a few weeks in visiting friends in Bloomington, Illinois, he went to Springfield, afterward to St. Louis, Mis- souri, and then to Kane county, Illinois. He had relatives living in this place and after renewing his acquaintance with them he entered upon his business career in this state, accepting a position as teacher at Ross Grove, DeKalb county, where dur- ing a six month's term he received a salary of twenty dollars per month as compensa- tion for his services and "boarded around" among the pupils. In August, 1855, Mr. Pipher met with an accident that incapaci- tated him for any work for eighteen months and during that period he re- mained at his father's home in Blackberry. In the fall of 1856 Mr. Pipher began ac- tive preparation for the profession which was his life work, becoming a law student in the office and under the direction of John Stephens at Dixon, Lee county. He remained under that preceptor for a year and then accepted a position as a teacher I'AST AND PRESKXT in \Yinthrop, Kane county, thus replen- ishing his somewhat exhausted ex- chequer. On the expiration of that pe- riod lie located in Blooming-ton, where he engaged in teaching school, devoting all of his leisure hours, to the study of law. In 1857 he was admitted to the bar and on the 1 3th of April, 1858, he came to Monti- cello, where he has since practiced. He stands to-day as the nestor o'f the Piatt county bar and has easily maintained a leading position in the ranks of the legal fraternity. Nature bountifully endowed him with the peculiar qualifications that combine to make a successful lawyer. Patiently persevering, possessed of an analytical mind, and one that is readily re- ceptive and retentive of the fundamental principles and intricacies of the law ; gifted with a spirit of devotion to wearisome de- tails; quick to comprehend the most sub- tle problems and logical in his .conclusions ; fearless in the advocacy of any cause he may espouse, and the soul of honor and integrity, few men have been more richly gifted for the achievement of success in the arduous difficult profession of the law. Mr. Pipher was married July i, 1850, to Sophia Singer, a native of Hummels- town. Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Jacob Singer. They be- came the parents of the following chil- dren : Ella Lillian, who is now the wife of Elijah Hedrick; Albertina ; Florence, the wife of Frederick Bostwick ; May ; Alonzo S. : and Sophia. In 1872 Mr. Pipher was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife who died on the 28th of April, of that year. He was again married May 5, 1880, his second union being with Mrs. Caroline H. Mentz, a daughter of John H. and Mary Mona. Mrs. Pipher was born in Ross county, Ohio, and first became the wife of William Mentz, who died in Monticello in 1869. By her first marriage she had three children: Sarah B., now the wife of Frederick Haines ; Nancy Maria and William. Mr. Pipher has served as police magis- trate for a number of years and was also for a long period master in chancery and in the discharge of his official duties he has ever been found prompt, faithful and reliable. His political support is given to the Republican party and he belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church while his wife is a member of the Presbyterian church. Faultless in honor, fearless in conduct and stainless in reputation, such has been his life record. His scholarly attainments, his excellent judgment and his charming powers of conversation would have en- abled him to fill and grace any position however exalted, but he has desired rather to give attention to his professional labors. He is honored in public life and loved by his friends and close associates, and his prominent position at the bar well en- titles him to representation among the leading citizens of his county. BENJAMIN F. .LODGE. Only those lives are worthy of record that have been potential factors in the pub- lic progress in promoting the general welfare or advancing the educational or moral inter- ests of the community. Mr. Lodge was a man of noble character, much of whose life was devoted to the betterment of his fellow men, and the world is certainly better for his having lived. A native of Ohio, he was born in Read- ing, that state, December 26, 1832, and was B. F. LODGE MRS. F. E. LODGE PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 319 a son of Benjamin F. and Julia A. (Brooks) Lodge. His father was born in New Jersey, and at an early day came to Illinois, taking up his residence in Paris, where he and his wife both died. For many years he served as county surveyor of Edgar county, and took an active part in public affairs. In his family were seven children. Mr. Lodge, of this review, was only about five years old when the family removed to this state, and his early education was ac- quired in the schools near Paris. In 1856 he united with the Methodist church in that city, and determining to enter the ministry he aft- erward took a theological course and joined the Illinois conference in 1858. Coming to Piatt county he entered upon his ministerial labors, and for a time was junior preacher on the Monticello circuit. Among his charges were Bement, Cerro Gordo, Monti- cello, Baker schoolhouse, Ridge school, Camp Creek and several other places in the coun- ties of Sangamon, Shelby, Cole, Edgar, Douglas, Champaign, Piatt and Menard, but at the end of nine years he was obliged to giving up preaching on account of ill health, and in 1866 located on a farm near Paris, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits for some years. He then came to Piatt county and made his home on the farm now occu- pied by his widow until called to his final rest. On the 2 ist of April, 1862, Mr. Lodge was married by Rev. Peter Cartwright to Mrs. Frances E. Lyon, a daughter F. Ewing and Eliza (Foster) Berry. Her maternal grandfather was Constantine Foster, who was born in Cape May county, New Jersey, October 18, 1792, and was married in Cum- berland county, that state, to Miss Margaret . Sayre, who was born in the same county, February 25, 1800. They had five children born in Cape May county, New Jersey, who accompanied their parents on their removal to Dayton, Ohio, in 1832, and thence came to Sangamon county, Illinois, in the autumn of 1833. The family first settled in what is now Cartwright township, and two years later re- moved to what is now gardner township. One child was added to the family in Sangamon county. Eliza, L., the oldest, was born in New Jersey, May 13, 1820, and on the 22d of June, 1837, in Sangamon county, gave her hand in marriage to F. Ewing Berry, who died four months later. A daughter, Fran- ces E. Berry, was born of this union in San- gamon county, June 4, 1838, and was mar- ried August 27, 1857, to Henry F. Lyon. His death occurred April 25, 1858, and their only child, Ida, born September 14, 1858, died in infancy. Mr. Lyon was engaged in the shipping of stock at Mechanicsburg, Illi- nois, and was only twenty-nine years of age at the time of his death. Constantine Foster died in Sangamon county, September 29, 1865, his wife April 9, 1867, and both were laid to rest in the Pleasant Plains cemetery. Their other children besides Mrs. Berry were Catherine, who married John C. ,Bone, and both are now deceased ; John S. ; Jacob ; Jo- seph R. ; and Mary J. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Lodge were born nine children, of whom Benjamin F., Julia, Wil- liam and Elmer are all now deceased. Those living are as follows : Charles Albert, now a contractor and builder of Lincoln, Nebras- ka, married Miss Emma Hyder, of Bement, Illinois, a daughter of Mrs. Martha Flynn, and to them were born five children : Clar- ence, who died in Oklahoma at the age of eleven years ; Ethel, who died near Monticel- lo, Illinois, at the age of two; Harold V., now ten years of age; Hazel Marie, aged eight; and Charles Norman, aged six. Frank, the second son of Mr. and Mrs. Lodge, is a rail- 320 PAST AND PRESENT road man and resides- at home with his moth- er. Fannie May is the wife of H. .C. Body, of Bement, and has three children : Alta May, William Neville and Harriet L. Howard F. manages the farm for his mother, and Daisy K. is also at home. All were born in Piatt county with exception of Benjamin F., whose birth occurred at Windsor, Illinois ; and Wil- liam, whose birth occurred in Edgar county. The family reside on the old home place on section i, Bement township, and are people of prominence in that community. Mr. Lodge departed this life July 6, 1902, and in life's span of almost seventy years he accomplished much, leaving behind him an honorable record well worthy of perpetua- tion. He was devoted to the work of the church even after leaving the ministry, and always took a deep interest in religious af- fairs. Domestic in his tastes he displayed a great fondness for his home, and was a most exemplary husband and father. He was also much attached to children, and was especially the young man's friend, aiding him by his wise counsel and advance as well as by more material assistance. His death occa- .itd one hundred and sixty acres in Champaign county, and also an eighty- acre tract there. Thus from time to time he has continued to make investments in real estate, until he now is one of the extensive landowners in central Illinois, his posses- sions aggregating altogether nineteen hun- dred and fifteen acres of well-improved and valuable land. All this is the visible evi- dence of his life of industry, of his keen foresight and business sagacity. He has also been associated with financial interests of the county, having in 1893 organized the State Bank of Mansfield, which is capital- ized for forty thousand dollars. Mr. Firke is its president and holds stock in the insti- tution to the amount of twelve thousand dol- lars. The other officers are Alvah James, vice president ; W. H. Burns, cashier ; and Robert Howe, assistant cashier. This was conducted as a private banking institution until 1899, when it became a state bank. He is interested in the Dighton & Dilatush Loan Company of Monticello. On the 6th of March, 1878, Mr. Firke was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth J. Petry, a daughter of Jacob Petry, a native of Indiana. Her mother died during the infancy of the daughter and the father has also passed away. Six children have been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Firke : Alma Belle, the wife of J. R. Bateman, who resides four miles north of Mansfield upon a farm and by whom she has one son, Russell ; C. W., who was graduated in the law department of the State University of Michigan at Ann Arbor in the class of 1902, and is now prac- ticing his profession in Mansfield; Lutie Phebe, who died at the age of five years ; Ada Catherine, at home ; Ralph W. and Frank J., who are also under the parental roof. Mr. Firke gives his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the De- mocracy and has served eighteen years as school trustee and two years as supervisor. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Firke is a broad-minded man, who looks at life from a practical and humanitarian standpoint. He is one of the well-known citizens of Piatt county, whose labors have closely touched the interests of the state and have contrib- uted toward the general advancement. He is a man of firm convictions, and it is doubt- ful if he ever weighed a single act of his life in the scale of policy, his conduct being prompted by the spirit of usefulness and conscientious obligation. While he has won wealth it has been gained so honorably that the most envious cannot grudge him his success. His achievements represent the result of honest endeavor, along lines where mature judgment has pointed the way. JOHN C. FURNISH. One of the leading and representative farmers of Sangamon township is John C. Furnish, who was born on his present farm on section 21, near White Heath, March 17, 1851, and has here spent his PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 335 entire life, his time and attention being devoted to agricultural pursuits. His father, Samuel Furnish, was one of the oldest settlers of Piatt county. He was born in Kentucky in 1822 and was only two years old when he accompanied his parents on their removal to this locality, making his home here until his death, which occurred in 1869. He cleared and broke a large amount of land which was- originally covered with a heavy growth/ of timber, and became the owner of con- siderable property though prior to his death he disposed of much of it, though he still retained about one hundred and sixty acres. He was educated in an old log schoolhouse such as is generally found in a pioneer settlement, and in his younger days drove cattle from this coun- ty to New York city, where prices were enough better to pay him for so doing. Throughout life he successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits. He married Miss Catherine Coon, a daughter of Henry and Ruth (Clemens) Coon, who were from Ohio. By this union were born six chil- dren, as follows : James, who is now operating the Foster farm northwest of White Heath ; John, of this review ; George and William, both farmers of Missouri; Charles, who is farming one half mile west of White Heath ; and Frank, deceased. John C. Furnish received a common- school education, beginning his studies in what was known as the Hughes school- house, which was a log structure with a puncheon floor, slab seats and a desk made by placing boards on wooden pins driven into the walls. During the early residence of the family in this state deer were known to have eaten salt out of the troughs his father had fixed for the cattle and horses, and all kinds of wild game were then abundant. Like most boys our subject was only able to attend school for a short time during the winter months while through the summer season he aided his father in the cultivation of the farm, re- maining with him until the latter's death, after which he worked out one season. He then returned home and had charge of the farm until the estate was settled, when he received his share of the same. In connec- tion with its operation he also cultivates some rented land and raises corn, oats, wheat and melons, making a specialty of the last named product, which he finds quite' profitable, planting ten or twelve acres of that crop. He hauls his melons by team to the neighboring towns, where he finds a ready sale for them, owing to their excel- lence, and he makes more money on them than he could from any other crop raised on a similar amount of land. On the 30th of April, 1874,- Mr. Fur- nish was united in marriage to Miss Cynthia Blacker, a daughter of Guston and Anna Blacker, of this county. They have become the parents of eleven children : George, now a resident of St. Louis, Missouri ; Frank, deceased ; Lewis, Oscar, Erria, Ollie, Stella, Lola, Pearl and Wilma, all at home; and one who died in infancy. The younger children are still in school. By his ballot Mr. Furnish supports the men and measures of the Republican party, and for three years he acceptably filled the office of school director but refused to hold the office any longer. He is a worthy repre- sentative of one of the honored pioneer fam- ilies of this county and can remember when this region was still largely wild and unim- proved. He was born in an old log house 336 PAST AND PRESENT which stood on the site of his mother's pres- ent residence, it having a puncheon floor, a stick chimney and many other pioneer appli- ances. Some of the land which his father bought cost him only the government price of one dollar and a quarter per acre, and with the development and improvement of the county the family has been actively iden- tified. WILLIAM A. WACHS. One of the prominent German Ameri- can citizens now residing in Monticello, is William A. Wachs, who was born on a farm bordering the Baltic sea, near Colberg, Ger- many, September 22, 1836. His father, Christopher Wachs, was a native of the same place, his entire life being passed upon a farm of one hundred and sixty acres near Colberg. He married Sophia Kopka, and unto them were born three children : Frank, who is still engaged in farming on the old homestead in Germany; Annie, who married a Mr. Benson, a farmer of that country, and died in 1861 ; and William A. Our subject was educated in the public schools of his native land, and on leaving home at the age of fourteen years he went upon the ocean, spending five years as a sailor before the mast. He then returned home on a visit, and while there was draft- ed into the German army, becoming a mem- ber of the Fourth Company, Ninth Regi- ment with Colbeck. After serving for three years he was discharged in the fall of 1858, and the following year he spent at home with his parents. In 1859 Mr Wachs sailed for America, and while on shipboard he met Miss Lizzie Zybell, also a native of Germany and a daughter of John Zybell. They soon be- came fast friends and journeyed together to Monticello, Illinois, where she had a broth- er living. It was not long before they were engaged to be married, and Mr. Wachs de- cided to purchase a farm with the three thou- sand dollars he had brought with him to this country, so that they might have a home of their own. They went to Iowa in search of a location, but not being pleased with the country, and Miss Zybell wishing to be nearer her brother, they returned to Piatt county and purchased forty acres of land in Goose Creek township near DeLand. They were married at Monticello in the spring of 1860 and at once took up their residence on the land which Mr. Wachs had purchased and lived in a cabin he erected thereon. It was all wild prairie and swamp land, and their nearest neighbor at that time was a mile and a half away, so sparsely was the country settled at that time. Tiling and ditching his land, Mr. Wachs soon made it cultivable and after it was broken good crops were raised, but she who had borne with him all of the hardships and trials of frontier life, died in November, 1863, leaving two children: Frank, who married Katie Lust and is now operating a farm adjoining the old home farm in Goose Creek towship: and Martha, who married Elza Davis, a farmer of Iowa, and died in 1888. Mr. Wachs was again married, March 29, 1864, his second union being with Miss Dena Hammerschmit, a daughter of Enda and Elizabeth Hammerschmit, of Dena, Province of Hanover, Germany. Her father died in that country and her mother after- ward came to the United States to live with Mrs. Wachs. Here she married again, be- coming the wife of Thomas Angar, a farm- PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 337 er of Washington. Missouri, where she died in 1890. The children by her first marriage were Louis, a furniture dealer of Monticello; Lizzie, wife of August Zybell. a retired shoe merchant of Monticello; Charles, a carpenter of that city ; August, who is still living' in Germany; and Augus- ta, wife of Henry Smith, who is engaged in farming near Poplar Bluff, Iowa ; and Dena, wife of our subject. By his second marriage Mr. Wachs has four children : Albert, who is engaged in farming on section 35, Sangamon township, and whose sketch appears below; Lillie, widow of Rempt Arends. now residing near Green- up, Illinois; Lizzie, wife of John Nelson, a carpenter of Normal, Illinois; and Rose, wife of Joe Clinton, a farmer of Monticello township. All of the children have been given good educational advantages and have attended high school. After his second marriage Mr. Wachs sold his farm in Piatt county and went to Missouri with the expectation of locating there, but not liking it there he returned to Illinois and bought a farm of forty-three acres in Piatt county, where he spent one year. He was next engaged in the butch- ering business in Washington, Missouri, but as this was uncongenial he again came to Piatt county and purchased a farm of eighty acres in Goose Creek township near De- Land. In the operation of this place he met with excellent success and at the end of five years bought an eighty-acre tract adjoining, and still later another eighty acres. Upon his property he built two good houses and a number of barns and other outbuildings, tiled the land and set out orchards, until he had a well-improved and valuable place. Mr. Wachs continued to actively engage in farming until 1893, when he retired and moved to Monticello, where he now owns a nice home. He is a man of sterling worth and many excellent traits of character, and is held in high regard by all who know him. ALBERT WACHS. Throughout his active business life the subject of this sketch has been identified with the agricultural interests of Piatt coun- ty and is to-day successfully carrying on his chosen occupation on section 35, Sangamon township. He was born on a farm south of DeLand in Goose Creek township, Janu- ary 8, 1866, and is a son of William and Dena (Hammerschmit) Wachs, whose sketch appears above. During his boyhood and youth he worked on the farm with his father in the summer and for about three months during the winter season attended the neighboring school. He remained un- der the parental roof until his marriage. It was on the 8th of October. 1889. that he wedded Miss Katie Baker, who had come from Germany in 1885, and to them has been born one child, Lillie, who is now with her grandparents in Monticello attending school. After his marriage Mr. Wachs com- menced farming upon eighty acres of land which he rented from his father, and when the latter retired and removed to Monticello our subject took charge of half of his land, consisting of one hundred and twenty acres, which he farmed quite successfully. At length in the fall of 1902 he was able to purchase one hundred and ten acres of land, known as the R. H. Benson farm and upon this place he has made his home since the gth of March, 1803. The place is im- 338 PAST AND PRESENT proved with good modern buildings, and the land is under a high state of cultivation, the latest improved machinery being used in its operation. Mr. Wachs' crops are principally corn and oats, and he raises some cattle and hogs for market. He is a very progressive and energetic farmer and well deserves the success that has crowned his efforts thus far in life. In his political view's he is a Republican, active in the party, and influential in its councils. HARMON KUHN GILLESPIE. Harmon Kuhn Gillespie, who for many years was a representative farmer of Piatt county, but is now deceased, still lives in the memory of his friends because he had en- deared himself to them by strong ties. His honorable manhood and his genuine worth won for him the respect and confidence of all and when he was called away his death was deeply deplored. Mr. Gillespie was born in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, in September. 1825, a son of Christian and Dorothy Gillespie, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. In 1845 the parents removed to the west, settling in McLean county, Illinois, where they spent their remaining days. The subject of this review was the oldest of the family and in his early life he was em- ployed in the iron works of the east. He ac- quired a good common-school education in Pennsylvania and when still quite a lad he learned the trade of wagon-making. Ere his removal to the west he was married on the 2Oth of September, 1845, to Miss Nancy Moore, a native of Bedford county, Pennsyl- vania, born on the I4th day of April, 1823, and a daughter of James and Anne (Wein- gardner) Moore. Her people were also from Pennsylvania. Her father followed farming, spending his entire life in the Keystone state,, as did his wife. The Moores were of Scotch- Irish descent, and all were of Quaker faith. The Gillespies were also of Scotch-Irish line- age and the grandfather of our subject came from Ireland to America in an early day. The family was represented in the Revolu- tionary war and also in the war of 1812. Unto our subject and his wife were born nine children, all of whom are yet living: Chris- tian, who resides in Champaign county, Illi- nois, and is mentioned in connection with the sketch of Fred Gillespie; George Moore, who is living in Champaign county, and who wed- ded Ollie Crawford, by whom he has two children, Belle Irene and Luella Ida; Ann Dorothy, who is the wife of Philip Wied- man, a resident of DeWitt county, living near Farmer City, by whom she has two chil- dren Frank L. and Lou Ola ; Samuel Jo- seph, a resident of Storm Lake, Iowa, who- married Miss Eva Wisegarver and has two children Nancy Pearl and Clyde C. ; John Wesley, who resides in Farmer City and married Miss Emma Cook; Henry Martin, who is living near Farmer City in DeWitt county and married Ida Knight, by whom he has one child, Hazel A. ; Lizzie Jane, who is the wife of Henry C. Eakin, a resident of Piatt county; Carl O., who is represented elsewhere in this volume ; and Frank Leslie, a resident of Montezuma, Indiana, and mar- ried Jennie Bunton and has one child, Cas- sius M. C. Mr. Gillespie had been married for but a brief period when with his wife he came to the west, arriving in Illinois in 1847. He settled at Bloomington, and after a residence there of about five years he removed to Piatt PIATT COUNTY. ILLINOIS. 343 county, where he entered government land, becoming the owner of a tract of one hundred and sixty acres. All of this was wild and un- improved, and with characteristic energy he began its development. In course of time it yielded to him good harvests, and as his financial resources increased he added to this property until he owned some four hundred acres of land. There he carried on agricul- tural pursuits until 1891, when he removed to Farmer City, and in the latter place he died, June 25, 1901, his remains being in- terred in Maple Grove cemetery, south of Farmer City. He was a member of the Meth- odist Episcopal church and a valued member of the Masonic Lodge of Farmer City, also of the local chapter, R. A. M., and Urbana Commandery, K. T. He was always true and faithful to the teachings of the craft, and was buried with Masonic honors. In politics he was a Republican and for many years served as supervisor, while for a long period he also acted as justice of the peace. His faithfulness in public office was most marked, and in the discharge of his duties as justice he was impartial and was strictly fair to all. He was largely instrumental in securing the building of the Big Four Railroad from Ur- bana to Peoria, thus obtaining railroad fa- cilities in Piatt county, and he was always a ' very active factor in the development and im- provement of this section of the state. He served as superinendent of construction on the road when it was called the Illinois, Bloomington & Western Railroad. Along many lines his helpfulness was shown and he co-operated in many measures for the public good. BRENT L. BARKER, M. D. The subject of this biography is a well- known physician and surgeon .of White 16 Heath, Illinois. He is a native of Kentucky, his birth having occurred in Somerset, that state, on the I5th of December, 1871. His father, William M. Barker, was also born in Somerset, December i, 1836, and was a son of James Irby and Canzada (Simpson) Barker. The grandfather was born in Lee county, Virginia, in 1795, and on leaving his native state removed to Somerset, Ken- tucky. His parents were John and Lucy (Irby) Barker. John Barker was one of the heroes of the Revolutionary war, and by profession was a minister of the gospel. In his family were six children, namely : As- bury Edmond, who married Keziah Cover; Sarah, who became the wife of Thomas Floyd'; James Irby, the grandfather of our subject; Elizabeth, who died unmarried; Thomas, who served throughout the war of 1812 and was so nearly starved while, in the army that on his way home from New Or- leans he purchased a side of meat and died from eating too much of it, the report of his death being made by his comrade, Fred- erick Tarter, on his return home; and John F., who married Katherine Weaver. The Doctor's grandmother, Mrs. Canzada Bar- ker, was a daughter of James and Sarah (Carson) Simpson. The former died in 1832 and his wife in September, 1840. The latter was of Irish descent on both the pa- ternal and maternal sides, and her parents were quite old at the time of their marriage. Unto James and Sarah Simpson were born twelve children, as follows : William L., who married Susan Buster; Canzada, 'wife of James Irby Barker ; Samuel ; Eliza, wife of John Cover ; Thomas, who married a Miss Stringer ; Greenup ; David, who mar- ried Nancy Cover ; Mary, wife of John Pierce; John R., who married Susan Yager; Sarah Jane, wife of Wesley Cover; Frank- lin, who married Emeline Richardson; and Quails. The children of James Irby and 344 PAST AND PRESENT Canzada (Simpson) Barker were John W., who married Polly Molen; James S., who married Dostia Ann Molen ; William Mason, the father of our subject ; and Sarah G., the wife of Michael Pennington. William Mason Barker was educated in the common schools of Somerset, Kentucky, and after reaching manhood engaged in farming there throughout life. In 1856 he was united in marriage to Miss Malinda Sie- vers, who was born in Germany and came to this country when a child of thirteen years. She died in Somerset, in May, 1875, leaving eight children, namely : Walter O., the eldest, died, and his wife has since mar- ried James Roberts, a resident of Dunnville, Kentucky. John C. is now a physician of Hustonville, Kentucky, having graduated from the medical department of the Univer- sity of Louisville in 1893, and also taken a course in medicine and surgery at Philadel- phia, Pennsylvania in 1896 and 1897. He was married in 1895 to Annetta Hamon, and they have two children, Anna L. and William Hamon. Sarah J. was married at Somerset, Kentucky, to Rufus Barker, and removed to Texas, where she died in 1901, leaving a husband and six children. James F. was married in Texas to Lula Jones, and is now engaged in farming in Texas. Rosa E. is the wife of Stanton Pierce, who was formerly a resident of Somerset, but is now carrying on farming near Greenville, Texas. Brent L., of this review, is the next in order of birth. Alonzo L. is a merchant of Som- erset, Kentucky. Malinda is the wife of Sievers Barker, who follows farming near that place. Dr. Barker acquired his elementary education in the public schools of Somerset, and later engaged in teaching school for two years. He was next a student at the Na- tional Normal University at Lebanon, Ohio, where he pursued a general course, and on leaving that institution he resumed teach- ing, again following that profession for three years. While thus employed at Som- erset, he took up the study of medicine, and in 1893 entered the Louisville Medical School, where he was graduated on the 25th of March, 1897, with the degree of M. D. He was also presented with a gold medal by the same institution, which he won in a com- petitive examination, and was also honored in the same way by the Pulaski County Ora- torical Association, being given the first gold medal ever presented by that society. For one year after leaving medical col- lege Dr. Barker was engaged in the prac- tice of his profession in Kentucky, but in 1898 came to White Heath, Illinois, where he has since made his home. On the igth of July, 1902', he purchased property here, consisting of two lots on which is a nice house and barn in good repair. Here he has his office. He has many patients through- out the surrounding country, covering a ra- dius of fifteen miles, and in his treatment of cases of all kinds he has been remarkably successful. Although still a young man he is regarded as one of the leading practition- ers of his adopted county, and well does he deserve the confidence reposed in him. Dr. Barker was married on the I7th June, 1903, to Miss Nellie Rankin, of White Heath, who was born near Cisco, September i, 1882, and is the third in order of birth in a family of six children. Her parents are now living on the road between White Heath and Monticello. Her father was born August i, 1849, and her mother's birth oc- curred on the 22d of November, 1854. Politically Dr. Barker is identified with the Democratic party, but has never PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 345 cared for the honors or emoluments of office, preferring to devote his entire time and atten- tion to his business affairs. Fraternally, he is an honored member of White Heath Camp, No. 2119, M. W. A., in which he has served as clerk for over two years ; and also belongs to Mount Royal Lodge, No. 120, Court of Honor; Fern Leaf Camp, No. 145, Royal Neighbors; and White Heath Coun- cil, No. 319, Mutual Protective League, all of White Heath. He is quite popular in so- cial as well as professional and business cir- cles and is well liked by all who know him. MARION BOSSERMAN. Marion Bosserman. a well-to-do agricul- turist living on section 28, Goose Creek township, is a typical self-made man, and in the following record of his career there is much to arouse respect and esteem. His suc- cess in life is largely due to his industry and perseverance, and by making the most of circumstances, however discouraging, he has acquired a comfortable competence. A native of Ohio, he was born in Frank- lin county, September 25, 1847, and is a son of Daniel and Rachel (Young) Bosser- man, natives of Pennsylvania and New Jer- sey, respectively. The father was reared and educated in the Keystone state, and in 1^60 came to Illinois, settling in DeWitt county, where he was engaged in farming until his death in 1889. He died very sud- denly, being seemingly well -at noon, but passed away at one o'clock from the effects of an epileptic stroke. His widow is still living at the age of eighty years, but is now in very poor health. In their family were ten children, six of whom are still living, namely: William and Michael, who oper- ate the home farm: Catherine, the wife of Robert Marsh, a farmer living three and a half miles southwest of Weldon, Illinois; Charles, a farm hand; Lucy, at home with her mother; and Marion, of this sketch. Those deceased are John, who died at the age of four years ; David, who died at the age of three; and Lincoln, who died in in- fancy. From the time he attained a sufficient age until the removal of the family to Illi- nois, Marion Bosserman attended school in Ohio, and was later a student in the public schools of DeWitt county, where his par- ents settled. When about twenty years of age he began working as a farm hand in that county, and being careful and econom- ical he was able to save nfost of his wages, in which way he gained a start in life. He began farming on his own account in De Witt county, two and a half miles north of Weldon, where he purchased eighty acres of low land in a very poor condition, but he improved the same, transforming it into a good farm, which he successfully cultivated for some years, adding greatly to its valua- tion during that time. In 1888 Mr. Bos- serman sold that property and removed to Piatt county, purchasing the John Van Sycle farm of one hundred and eighty acres in Goose Creek township. In its operation he steadily prospered and was able to add to his property until he now owns two hun- dred and sixty acres of as good land as Piatt county affords. Upon the place is a pleas- ant residence, good outbuildings, an orchard and various kinds of small fruits, and its neat and thrifty appearance plainly indicates the supervision of a progressive and pains- taking owner. He raises the cereals best 346 PAST AND PRESENT adapted to the soil and climate and also feeds for the market cattle and hogs of a fine breed. He also keeps good horses for his own vise and raises some nice colts. Mr. Bosserman was married in 1873, the lady of his choice being Miss Anna Eliza Marsh, a daughter of John and Anna Eliza (Forceman) Marsh, who were well-known and highly respected farming people of De ' Witt county, Illinois. The children born to this union were Iva, who died in early child- hood'; Laura, the wife of Frank Marvin, a farmer of Piatt county ; John, Robert and Charles, who assist their father in carrying on the home farm ; and Frederick, who died at the age of three years. The sons are honest, industrious and reliable young men. who are of great assistance to their father, and who have the respect and esteem of all who know them. Mr. Bosserman owes not a little of his success in life to his estimable wife, who by her help and encouragement has aided him in every possible way. She is a kind mother and loving wife, who takes pride in making her home a cheerful one and in doing everything for the comfort and welfare of her family. By his ballot Mr. Bosserman supports the men and measures of the Republican party, and he is now capa- bly filling the office of school trustee for a second term. He also served as school di- rector while living in DeWitt county, and is a public-spirited and enterprising citizen. WILLIAM M. DE GROFFT. William M. DeGrofft is now living a re- tired life. Nature was bountiful in her gifts to the agriculturist who was wise enough to locate in Piatt county as a place of residence. The rich land of this portion of the state yields abundant harvests and furnishes excel- lent pasturage for stock, and he who devotes his energies to farming and stock-raising, carefully directing his labors by sound judg- ment, finds that within a number of years he has acquired capital sufficient to supply him with the necessities and many of the com- forts of life without further labor. Such has Ijeen the case with Mr. Groffts, who resides on section 34, Blue Ridge township, and who was long actively engaged in farm- ing in Piatt county. A native of Fayette county; Indiana, he was born in 1842 and is a son of Aaron and Elizabeth DeGrofft, both of whom were na- tives of Indiana. The father, who was a farmer by occupation, is now deceased, but the mother is still living. It was in the year 1857 that this worthy couple came to Illi- nois, locating in Champaign county. The subject of this review was at that time fif- teen years of age. The three came overland, making the journey with a team and wagon, and were thirteen days in completing the trip. The father secured a tract of land and the son assisted him in its cultivation and improvement. When twenty-one years of age William M. DeGrofft, however, left home and entered upon an independent busi- ness career. He rented three hundred and twenty acres of land in Sangamon town- ship, Piatt county, not far from Galesville, and he made his first purchase of land in 1882, becoming the owner of one hundred and seventy-two and a half acres, which con- stitutes the farm that he now owns and oc- cupies. He has added all of the .improve- ments upon the place and has made it a valuable tract of land substantially equipped with good buildings and modern accessories. He gave his attention to general farming. PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 347 carrying on both grain and stock-raising tin- til about five years ago, when he rented his land to his son, Lyman, and is now living retired. His wife owns fifty acres of land near Mansfield, and Mr. DeGrofft has prop- erty in the town of Mansfield. He is also one of the directors of the First National Bank, which was founded in 1902. Year after year through a long period he labored in the fields, plowing, planting and harvest- ing, and as the result of his careful atten- tion and capability he acquired a handsome competence, becoming one of the substantial residents of the community. On the 1 6th of March, 1866, Mr. De Grofft was united in marriage to Miss Cath- erine Macke, a daughter of John Macke, of Warren, New Jersey, who had emigrated to Ohio in early life, and unto them have been torn nine children : Aimer, who is living in Whiteside county, Illinois; Rachel A., who is the wife of Edmund Ouayle, a resident of Champaign county; John W., who makes his home in McLean county. Il- linois ; Lyman, who resides in Piatt county ; Franklin, who died at the age of one year and five months ; Delilah, who is the wife of Edmund Van Sycle, a resident of Piatt count}': Alice, who is the wife of William Patterson, of South Bend, Indiana; a son that died in infancy : and Ida, who is living at home. Mr. DeGrofft is both self-educated and a self-made man. In his early life he pur- sued his studies in an old-fashioned log schoolhouse in Indiana, seated with slab benches, while in one end of the room was an immense fireplace. His attendance there, however, was quite limited, and yet through reading and observation he has gained broad practical knowledge. He possesses an ob- serving eye and retentive memory, and is now well informed concerning the leading questions of the day. His business career has been creditable and by close attention to his work he has advanced steadily on the road to success. Both he and his wife be- , long to the Methodist church' and in politics he is a Republican. For six years he served as road commissioner, but with this excep- tion he has never consented to hold office, preferring to give his time and energies to his agricultural interest, whereby he has won signal success. When he first came to Illinois this county was very wild, being still a frontier region. Wolves were nu- merous and deer were also to be seen in great numbers. Much of the land was under water and some unfit for cultivation, but til- ing has made it very productive and the rich soil annually returns splendid harvests. Mr. DeGrofft has seen the growth of the coun- ty, has witnessed its development and has aided in its progress, especially along agri- cultural lines. As one of the pioneer set- tlers, therefore, as well as a successful citi- zen, he deserves mention in this volume. HENRY GESSFORD. Among the leading and representative citizens of DeLand probably none have done more for the upbuilding and advancement of the place than the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch. For over thirty years he has been prominently identified with its material development and prosper- ity, and has done all within his power to ad- vance its interests. Mr. Gessford is proud to claim Illinois as his native state, his birth having occurred in DeWitt, DeWitt countv, on the i6th of 348 PAST AND PRESENT December, 1842. His father, Elihu Gess- ford, was born in North Carolina, in 1802, but as a small boy went to West Virginia, and in his early manhood followed farming there. In 1834 he came to Illinois and en- tered one hundred and sixty acres of land near DeWitt, in DeWitt county, which he broke and improved, his first home here be- ing a log cabin in which our subject was born. He experienced all the hardships and trials of pioneer life and in those early days he hauled his grain to Chicago by team a distance of one hundred and forty miles. After selling his wheat at from twelve to fifteen cents per bushel he would return home with a load of salt for the cattle. In 1824 he was united in marriage to Miss Frances Webb, a daughter of Henry and Catherine Webb, of Wythe county, Vir- ginia. Mrs. Gessford was born in that county in 1810 and died at Farmer City, Il- linois, in 1871, while her husband passed away on the old homestead farm in 1847. To them were born eleven children, namely : Sarah and Catherine, twins, both now de- ceased ; Malinda and Rebecca, also deceased ; Stephen, a farmer residing near Creston, Iowa ; Frances, wife of George Walters of Kansas City, Missouri ; Columbus, de- ceased; Henry, of this review; William, who was a member of Company I, Thirty- ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry during the Civil war, and died after his return home from wounds received in service; James, who was a member of Company I, One Hundred and Seventh Illinois Volun- teer Infantry, and was killed in the siege of Atlanta; and Annie, also deceased. Henry Gessford was educated in the common schools of DeWitt county near Farmer City, but at the early age of twelve years he started out in life for himself by working as a farm hand at ten dollars per month, being thus employed until the coun- try became involved in civil war. Like his brothers he offered his services to the gov- ernment to help put down the Rebellion, en- listing in 1 86 1 in Company F, Forty-first Il- linois Volunteer Infantry, which was as- signed to the Seventeenth Army Corps. He participated in a number of hard-fought bat- tles, including the engagements at Fort Hen- ry, Fort Donelson, Shiloh, the siege of Co- rinth and Vicksburg. He was also in the bat- tle of Hatchie's Run and Jackson, Mississip- pi. He was wounded at both Fort Donelson and Vicksburg, and after over three years of faithful service he was mustered out and honorably discharged at Springfield, Illinois, August 20, 1864. On his return from the army Mr. Gess- ford commenced farming on his own" ac- count, operating land near Farmer City un- til 1873, when he removed to DeLand and embarked in merchandizing under the name of the Henry Gessford Mercantile Com- pany, conducting the store successfully for five years. He then sold out and turned his. attention to painting and paper hanging. He has since given more or less attention to the real estate business, buying and selling town property, and he now owns five houses and lots besides his own home and some va- cant lots. These houses he keeps in good repair and rents. Soon after coming to De- Land he purchased two lots and in 1884 erected thereon the small house which he now occupies, but in the summer of 1903 it is his intention to erect a fine large residence with eleven rooms and all modern conveni- ences and improvements. His property is well located and is surrounded by beautiful shade trees which add greatly to the at- tractive appearance of the place. On his PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 349 return from the army Mr. Gessford found DeLand unplatted, in fact a large cornfield, and it is largely due to his efforts that the village to-day enjoys its present prosperity. He has bought and sold a number of lots and erected several buildings, including private residences and stores. Mr. Gessford was married December 22, 1864, to Miss Mary Jackson, of Farmer City, Illinois, who was born in Stockport, England, in 1846, and came to this country in 1850 with her parents, Joseph and Han- nah (Higginbotham) Jackson, also natives of that country. On their arrival in Amer- ica they first settled in Rochester, New York, but six years later removed to Le Roy, Illinois, and in 1863 took up their res- idence in Farmer City. Mrs. Jackson is still living at the age of eighty-three years, but has suffered a third stroke of paralysis and is now totally blind. She makes her home with our subject and his wife. Mr. and Mrs. Gessford have four children : James W., a harnessmaker and dealer in harness and saddlery at DeLand ; Charles G., who lives with his father and owns and operates a thresher and cornsheller; Maude DeLand, who was the first white child born in the village for which she is named, and now the wife of Edward Johnson, of Monticello; and Bertram E., who is with his brother James in the harness business. Mr. and Mrs. Gessford are earnest and consistent members of the Methodist Epis- copal church, and he is also connected with Lemon Post, G. A. R., of Farmer City. For thirty-three years he was also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, but was obliged to withdraw from that so- ciety on account of failing health. In poli- tics he is a stanch Republican and he is as true to his duties of citizenship to-day as he was when following the old flag to victory on the battlefields of the south during the dark days of the Rebellion. Upright and honorable in all the relations of life, he merits and receives the confidence and esteem of "those with whom he is brought in contact, and his friends are many in the community where he has so long made his home. JAMES VAN GORDER. Section 19, Blue Ridge township, is the home of this "horny handed son of toil." Here he was born and bred, and in this com- munity none stand higher in the public es- teem. James is the son of Benjamin and Charlotte Van Gorder, who were early set- tlers in the county, and highly regarded for their honesty and integrity. He is a native of the county, born in 1866 in Blue Ridge township, where he still cultivates the home- stead farm. One brother, William Judson, and a sister, Mrs. Mary Martin, who also reside in the county, are the remaining mem- bers of the family. Mr. Van Gorder passed the period of boyhood and youth in the invigorating out- door life of the farm, securing a good pri- mary education at Langley, the district school of the community. For a year after attaining his majority he remained beneath the parental roof, working for his -father, then took up the duties of life on his own account, cultivating a portion of the home farm. In 1895 he purchased forty and five years later purchased forty acres more of the three hundred and twenty acres he now cul- tivates, the remaining portion still belonging to his father. The farm is one of the most =10 PAST AND PRESENT productive in the county, the combined ef- forts of the father and son having brought it to a high state of cultivation. They de- vote its products largely to the fattening of cattle and hogs for the market, using grain as a crop in rotation. Mr. Van Gorder waited until he was well prepared to care for a wife before taking the important step of matrimony, the I3th day of October, 1892, marking that event. Mrs. Van Gorder was a Piatt county girl, the daughter of Hiram and Susan Steele, well- to-do farmers living near Galesville. where her father and sisters still reside, the mother having passed away. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Van Gorder have been born Adelia, Howard, Paul, Vernie, who died in infancy, and baby Bertha, who constitute a most in- teresting family. The weight which attaches to a life well spent entirely within one community is hardly to be estimated. A floating popula- tion is the bane of our civilization. Using the other end of the familiar old saw, "A rolling stone gathers no moss," one finds in the Van Gorder family a fine old moss-cov- ered stone covered with the attractive moss of sterling attributes of character. Their church affiliations lie with the United Breth- ren, while fraternally Mr. Van Gorder is a worthy member of the Modern Woodmen and the Masons, with membership at Mans- field. He is a Democrat in politics, and though not courting office, has been called on to serve his community in a minor way. He is at present school director of the dis- trict and as such is an earnest advocate of the growing idea in educational fields that con- solidation of schools in the country will greatly improve the service which is an idea that is yearly gathering strength as each new experiment demonstrates its feasibility. SAMUEL McCLURE. Willow Branch township has many good citizens but none better known and more fav- orably held in the esteem of the public than the gentleman whose name prefaces this sketch. He resides on a splendid farm of three hundred and sixty acres on section 9. the fine twelve- room modern farm house, which he erected in 1883, having few equals in the county. Mr. McClure's place of nativity was in Jefferson county, Kentucky, where he was born in 1829. His father, William McClure, was born in Lexington, Kentucky, and near there he married Nancy Wheeler about 1823. William McClure was of a stirring, restless character, with an abundance of animal spir- its and not a lazy bone in his body. Had he possessed business ability in a larger degree he would have risen to affluence. In early life he engaged in wagon-making. Later he turned his ingenuity to good account in the manufacture of stocks for cradles and scythes. His later days were passed in agri- cultural pursuits in Macon county. Illinois, to which state he had removed in 1848. After the death of his wife, on November 6, 1877, he became an inmate of our subject's home, where he was. tenderly cared for until his race was run, the date of his death being 1878. The family born to these parents were as fol- lows: John C. W., who entered the army during the Mexican war, and died in Mexico ; Samuel : Emaza J., deceased wife of George R. Farrow; Eranie E., who married William Farrow and is now deceased : Nancy, who died at the age of twelve years, and William, who died at fifteen. Samuel McClure is the product of grind- ing toil and poverty. It was his lot until near his majority to pass the daylight hours, as SAMUEL McCLURE MRS. SAMUEL McCLURE P1ATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 355 well as many of the night, in hardest toil. After he became a man he, Lincoln-like, se- cured enough education to transact ordinary business, and an observant mind has done the rest toward making him what might safely be called a man of good education. His first efforts were directed toward getting a home for his wife, whom he married May 15, 1851, her maiden name having been Eliza Jane Far- row. She was the daughter of Thornton and Catherine Farrow, of Macon county. By renting land and breaking prairie for outside parties he was finally enabled in 1856 to buy his first piece of land, an eighty-acre tract in Macon county, all wild. Several different times he bought and sold, steadily advancing in prosperity. Finally, in 1857, he purchased a part of his present farm, it being at that time virgin prairie, and now, as he looks out over his three hundred and sixty acres of broad domain, Mr. McClure does so with the satisfaction that his is the unaided hand which has wrested from nature one of the finest farms in the whole state. He laid the first tile used in the township, and the farm is covered with objects of his care and fore- thought, fine orchards yielding abundant fruit in every variety, wells and good fenc- ing, and spacious and substantial barns and outbuildings. For many years Mr. McClure was one of the most active farmers in the county, raising large crops of all kinds of grain. Of late years, however, he has taken matters more quietly, pleasing his fancy in the raising of thoroughbred stock Norman horses, Aberdeen and Jersey cattle and Po- land China hogs with which varieties he has had great success. Eight children were born to the union of Mr. and Mrs. McClure: Daniel K., a farmer of Willow Branch township; John C. and Francis, both of Bement; Theodosia, wife of William F. Ater, a bookkeeper of Chicago; and Lyona, wife of O. B. Baker, a farmer of the township. Three girls died in early in- fancy. Life is a 1>attle. To win one must have a superabundance of reserve force. This may consist of inherited wealth or natural ability, reinforced by strong will power. Samuel McClure found himself handicapped as to the former, but endowed with an abundance of the latter he has vanquished adversity. All honor to such a man. As road overseer and school director he serves his community most acceptably, and he and his family deserve the large measure of esteem which comes to them from friends and neighbors. JACOB FISHER. Jacob Fisher is a retired farmer living in White Heath. Fie was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, December 2, 1837, his par- ents being John and Margaret (Cline) Fish- er. The father was a native of Frederick county, Virginia, born on the pth of Au- gust, 1808, and obtained a common-school education in the Old Dominion. In 1836 he was united in marriage to Miss Cline, and in 1839 they removed to Piatt county, Illinois, this being then a frontier region in which the work of progress and improve- ment had been scarcely begun. For miles stretched the wild prairie unclaimed and un- improved. Mr. Fisher took up his abode upon a tract of this land and developed a farm which continued to be his home for fourteen years. In the early days he and his family endured many hardships and trials incident to pioneer life. He broke the prairie with one of the old-time plows, driv- 356 PAST AND PRESENT ing an ox team. He raised wheat and corn for market, and by the sale of these prod- ucts was enabled to gain some of the other necessities of life. He would haul his wheat to Chicago for there was only one other flour mill, and that was in Springfield, but on ac- count of the low prices at which groceries sold in Chicago at that day Mr. Fisher pre- ferred to take his wheat to that city in order to secure his other supplies. He first made the trip with ox teams and afterward with horse teams. His wheat sold for thirty- seven and a half cents per bushel, while pork brought one dollar and fifty cents per hundred weight. He harvested his wheat and corn with the sickle, and shocked it all by hand. All farm work was done with primitive machinery, and the farmers felt that thev were greatly benefited by the in- vention of the cradle which enabled them to do much more work with less labor. There is certainly a great contrast between farm machinery used at that early day and the improved agricultural implements of the present. The home was a log cabin, and while many of the conveniences in use at the present time were then unknown, still pioneer life was not devoid of its pleasures for hospitality then reigned supreme, and many were the merry gatherings held in the different pioneer homes. After some years residence in this county, Mn Fisher purchased a farm of three hundred and forty acres upon which he resided until his death. In addition to general farm products he was also extensively engaged in raising stock for the market, making a specialty of hogs. Year by year the work of improve- ment was carried on by him until at the time of his demise he was considered one of the most successful and prosperous agri- culturists of Piatt county. He died on April n, 1863, respected by all who knew him. His wife was of German lineage and was a most estimable lady, carefully rearing her family. She died on May 1 1, 1849, at tne ac '~ vanced age of eighty-three years. Their children were Jacob; George W., deceased; Mary Ann, who died in early childhood; John, who died in infancy ; Martha, the wife of James Collins, now deceased; Sarah Malissa, who died when but three years old ; Hiram, who died at Memphis, Tennessee, while serving in the Union army; David, deceased ; James, a farmer living three miles north of Monticello; Serelda C, who is the wife of James Phalen, and is living on the Allerton farm, four miles southwest of Monticello; Margaret, the wife of I. N. Holloway, who is living retired at White Heath ; and Ezra, who died Jn infancy. Jacob Fisher is indebted to the public school system of Piatt county for the edu- cational privileges he enjoyed. He gained his lessons sitting upon a slab bench in a log schoolhouse and wrote his exercises up- on a plank desk. There were puncheon floors and old fashioned fireplaces. It was just about that time that sawmills were coming into universal use and lumber was therein prepared for flooring and other purposes. Mr. Fisher worked upon his father's farm and attended school when he could be spared from the labors of the fields, but he was the eldest of twelve children and his services were often needed at home. His educational privileges were therefore limited, but in later years reading, experi- ence and observation have added largely to his knowledge, making him a practical business man. He wedded Mary Ann Morse, a daughter of Henry Morse, of Ma- homet. Champaign county, Illinois. Her father was a Canadian while her mother PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 357 was from Ohio, and Mr. Morse followed the blacksmith's trade in Mahomet, carry- ing on the business also at his farm about half a mile from the town. At the time of his marriage Mr. Fisher began farming upon his father's land and was thus engaged until two years after his father's death. He then purchased land of his own a part of the Cline tract and continued to carry on agricultural pursuits there until 1898, when he rented the place and removed to White Heath. About three years ago he sold his farm to William Alexander and purchased a house and a half block of land in the village. He also owns property in Clinton, Illinois, and the rental from the place brings to him a good in- come. Since his removal to White Heath he has lived a retired life. In all his deal- ings he has been straightforward and honor- able, and his untiring industry has been the source of his prosperity. He has never con- sented to hold office nor cared to figure prominently in public positions, save during three years when he served as school direct- or. Many other times he has been urged to become a candidate for political prefer- ment, but has always refused. Both he and his wife are very familiar with the pioneer history of this section of the state, and passed through the experience and hard- ships incident to frontier life. ' They can relate many interesting incidents concerning the early days, Mrs. Fisher telling of the times, when years ago the water was so high in the spring that it was almost impossible to ford the rivers, and it overflowed many places until it reached the height of a horse's back. On one such occasion her father's family exhausted their supply of flour and meal and were obliged to live three weeks without bread, subsisting on hominy, potatoes and meat. At the end of that time they were all so hungry for bread that Mrs. Fisher's mother parched some corn which she ground in a coffee-mill and then converted the meal into bread, which Mrs. Fisher declares tasted better than any wheat bread they ever ate. An estimable lady, she holds membership in the United Breth- ren church and is most loyal to its teachings. Mr. Fisher votes with the Democracy, and both are widely and favorably known in the county and are held in the highest re- gard by all with whom they have come in. contact. They are among the oldest set- tlers now residing in White Heath, and it is with pleasure that we present to our read- ers the history of people who have been so closely associated with the annals of Piatt county through long years. CHARLES S. DEWEY. One of the most progressive and suc- cessful agriculturists of Piatt county is-- Charles S. Dewey, whose home is on sec- tion 28, Goose Creek township. His meth- ods of farm management showed deep scien- tific knowledge, combined with sound prac- tical judgment, and the results show that high-class farming as an occupation can be made profitable as well as pleasant. Mr. Dewey was born in McDonough county, Illinois, June 10, 1865, and is a son of Edward and Delphina (Lantz) Dewey, and a grandson of Alonzo Baldwin and Emeline (Washburn) Dewey. His fa- ther is a second cousin of Admiral Dewey of America's most prominent naval officers. The grandfather of our subject lived to quite an advanced age and died on the 2oth of 358 PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. March." 1891, but the grandmother died in 1845, at the age of thirty-five years. Edward Dewey, the father, was born in Northfield, Vermont, November 7, 1836, and during boyhood came to Illinois with his parents, the family locating in Mc- Donough county, where he was reared and educated in the usual manner of farmer boys. When the Civil war broke out he resolved to strike a blow in defense of the Union, and op the I2th of October, 1861, enlisted in Company F, Fifty-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Going south he partic- ipated in a number of important engage- ments including the battles of Shiloh, Corinth, Chickasaw Bayou, Champion Hills, the siege of Vicksburg, the capture of Jacksonville, Mississippi, and the battles of Raymond. Missouri Ridge, Kenesaw Mountain, Atlanta and Peach Tree Creek. He was severely wounded in an engage- ment July 28. 1864, and several days later was sent home on a furlough. In due time he reported for duty at Quincy, Illinois, and. was transferred to Company E. Twen- ty-second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and his brigade was assigned to General Sher- man's command. At the time of President Lincoln's assassination his company was stationed at Springfield, Illinois, and was appointed a guard of honor while the body lay in state at the capitol. The war having ended and his services being no longer needed, Mr. Dewey was honorably dis- charged in June, -1865. and returned home. On the 1 2th of May. 1864, at Bushnell. Illinois, he was united in marriage to Miss Delphina Lantz, who was born at Stanhope, New Jersey, October 28, 1842, a daughter of David and Malinda (Heminover) Lantz. Eight children blessed this union, of whom our subject is the eldest. John- E.. born November 4, 1866, is now a farmer of Ringgold county, Iowa. William F., born August 24, 1868, died December n, 1871. Mary Estella, torn June 27. 1871. is the wife of Joseph Severs, a carpenter living in Ohio. Curtis Melvin, born June 8, 1873, is a farmer of Ringgold county, Iowa. Hattie M., born March 29, 1879, is the wife of Ray Covey, a carpenter of Farmer City, 'Illinois. David Edwin, horn March 14, 1 88 1. died January 31, 1889. Etta Viola Jane, born October 26, 1885. is at home with her parents in Farmer City. In 1871 the father brought his family to Piatt county and purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Goose Creek township, four miles and a half north of DeLand. He broke and improved this place, and after operating it for about two years, he purchased forty acres adjoining and eighty acres more two years later. As time passed he steadily prospered and kept enlarging his estate from time to time by additional purchases until at present he owns about a thousand acres of well im- proved land. His success in life is due en- tirely to his well directed efforts, persistent industry and good management for, on starting out for himself he was without cap- ital and had to make his own way in the world unaided. He is a man of exceptional business ability and sound judgment, and has steadily overcome all obstacles in the path to success until he has acquired a hand- some competence which ranks him among wealthy citizens of his community. After years of active labor, he is now living a re- tired life in Farmer City, enjoying a well- earned rest. Charles S. Dewey was quite young when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Piatt countv, and he is indebted to the PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 359 district schools near DeLand for the educa- tional privileges he enjoyed during his youth. During the summer season he would aid in the work of the home farm and at- tended school for about three months dur- ing the winter until seventeen years of age, when he laid aside his text-books and took up the more arduous duties of life. He gave his father the benefit of his labors until about twenty-two years of age. On the 1 3th of March, 1889, Mr. Dew- ey wedded Miss Mary Emma Beckwith, a daughter of James and Laura (Levy) Beck- with, both natives of Pennsylvania, where her father followed farming for some years. In 1871 he came to Piatt county, Illinois, and is now living near Farmer City in De- Witt county. Mrs. Dewey's mother died February n, 1891, at the age of forty-one years and tweny-seven days, and in 1893, Mr. Beckwith was again married, his sec- ond union being with Etta Shreeves, by whom he has one child, Ruth. The chil- dren of the first marriage are Lawrence, a farmer of DeWitt county ; Mary E., wife of our subject ; and Katie May, wife of Frank Keefer. a farmer living near Storm Lake, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Dewey have two children : Clyde Edwin, born Septem- ber 12, 1890; and Ethel May. born Janu- ary 17, 1894. After his marriage Mr. Dewey com- menced operating a part of his father's land and purchased eighty acres of the land. He has since bought tracts from other par- ties, and tod died during his service in the Civil war March 2, 1863. Samuel is now en- gaged in the harness business at Meadville, Pennsylvania. Daniel P. Swisher received a good prac- tical education in the common schools of his native state, and made his home with his mother until reaching manhood, his father having died when he was only seven years old. In early life he learnd the harness- maker's trade at Jamestown, Pennsylvania, and continued to follow that occupation until 1873, when he came west and located a mile west of DeLand, Illinois, in Piatt county. Here he rented eighty acres of land which he afterward purchased in 1883, and although he has since bought and sold a number of farms, on which he has made his home for a time, he finally returned to his first purchase. The farm is well tiled and improved and is divided into fields of convenient size by well- kept fences. A deep well has been made and a windpump set up, and the place is supplied with the latest improved machinery for facil- itating farm work. The family residence has been remodeled and improved and the fields are highly cultivated. In connection with the operation of his own land, 'Mr. Swisher has charge of his father-in-law's farm of three hundred and twenty acres. In 1876 he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Ann Wilson, a daughter of Jo- seph and Lucinda (Judy) Wilson, and to them have been born three children : Ger- trude E., at home; Edith Viola, wife of Charles Marvel, a farmer of Goose Creek township ; and Grace Anna, at home. The family are earnest and consistent members of the Christian church of DeLand, and Mr. Swisher also holds membership in DeLand Lodge, No. 740, I. O. O. F. In political views he is a Republican. JOSEPH C. SMITH. On section 24, Blue Ridge township, is located the home and farm of Joseph C. '400 PAST AND PRESENT Smith, who is successfully carrying' on gen- eral agricultural pursuits. He was born in the year 1845, an< ^ ' s a son ^ Thomas and Jane Smith. . His paternal grandfather was a native of England and came from York, that country, to America in the year 1816, landing at Philadelphia. He crossed the mountains in wagons and came down the Ohio river in a flatboat, landing at Law- renceburg, Indiana. In that locality he pur- chased land and engaged in farming for a number of years, being one of the early set- tlers of the locality. Thus he took an active part in advancing civilization there and aided in laying the foundation for the present pros- perity and progress of the commit rt family were ten children, including Thomas Smith, the father of our subject, who was born in York, England, in 1805. He pur- sued his early education there and acquired good mental training for that day. With his parents he came to America and through long years was identified with agricultural interests in Dearborn county, Indiana. Prior to the Civil war he was a stanch Aboli- tionist and was very anxious to see slaves freed, but he never lived to hear the procla- mation. When because of the cruelty of southern masters many slaves attempted to gain freedom in Canada, Mr. Smith con- ducted what was known as a station on the famous underground railroad. He and his wife frequently sheltered the negroes, who were then fleeing northward and assisted them on their way. Thomas Smith died in 1863, and his wife, who was born in 1807, long survived him, passing away in 1891. In the family of this worthy couple were eight children, and our subject now has one brother who lives in Piatt county. Joseph C. Smith was reared and edu- cated in Dearborn county, Indiana. He pur- sued his studies in an old log school-house and, though his privileges were somewhat limited he made the most of his opportuni- ties arid has always followed that course through life. It has been this that has brought to him his success. He started out for himself when twenty-one years of age, and for two years worked by the month as a farm hand in Piatt county, receiving from twenty-five to forty dollars per month. He purchased eighty acres of land about 1890, and has since added to his original purchase a tract of one hundred and sixty acres. The land was not improved and Mr. Smith broke it, doing the first plowing upon the fields. He has added a great many substantial im- provements, has planted all of the trees, has erected good buildings and has made a splen- did farm. His attention has always been given to general farming, and to-day he has a. valuable property. In 1873 he erected a good residence, and the following year built a large barn. Annually he sells good crops, and as the years have passed he has gradu- ally increased his capital until he is now numbered among the men of affluence in the community. In 1871 Mr. Smith was offered a wagon for one hundred dollars cash or one hundred and ten dollars on time. He went to a bank in Farmer City and borrowed one hundred dollars for three months, paying six dollars interest, but on the expiration of that time did not have the money and paid six dollars more interest. At the end of six months he was still unable to pay and was told that as money was a little more plentiful he could have it for another three months for five dollars. Again he could not raise the one hundred dollars, and this time paid an- other six dollars interest. He was able to settle at the end of the year, after having paid twenty-three dollars interest, which PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 401 would seem very exorbitant price at present. In 1874 Mr. Smith was united in mar- riage to Miss Lida Robinson, a daughter of William Robinson, and they became the par- ents of six children; Omer, who died at the age of sixteen years; Nora, who is the wife of E. B. James, by whom she has two chil- dren ; Raymond, who married Maude El- more; Alfred, who is living at home at the age of twenty years ; Burton, who is now fourteen years of age ; and Glenn, who died in 1902. Mr. Smith is now serving as the efficient road commissioner of Blue Ridge township, and has held the office for four years. Dur- ing the spring of 1903 he had five iron bridges built in Blue Ridge township. In politics he has always been a Republican, and is a progressive citizen, taking an active in- terest in everything pertaining to the welfare of the comunity and its progress along sub- stantial lines. When he came to Piatt coun- ty there were only one or two spring vehicles in the county, and everything was primitive because this district was but a frontier set- tlement. Great changes have since occurred and Mr. Smith has endorsed everything per- taining tq the general welfare and given his co-operation to many movements for the public good. ANTHONY CLARK. Anthony Clark, who is now residing on section 10, Bement township, where he owns and cultivates a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, was torn in Jefferson county, In- diana, on the 27th of March, 1837. The family is of English lineage and was estab- lished in the new world by the great-grand- father of our subject, who settled near Bal- timore, Maryland, on crossing the Atlantic to America. The grandfather, John Clark, removed from the Atlantic coast to Ken- tucky, and there spent his remaining days. Samuel Clark, the father of our subject, was born in Baltimore, Maryland, but was reared in Kentucky and became a steamboat captain on the Mississippi river. He was the pilot on the third boat on that river, and . ran from Pittsburg to New Orleans. For many years he followed that life, but at length was killed in Arkansas by an explo- sion on his boat when thirty-two years of age. He had married Miss Maria Horse- man, who was born near Pittsburg, Pennsyl- vania, and survived her husband for some years, passing away in 1861 at the age of fifty-four years. She was a member of the Baptist church, and a lady whose many ex- cellent qualities greatly endeared her to her family and many friends. Mr. and Mrs. Clark were the parents of four children, a son and three daughters : Elizabeth, the de- ceased wife of Thomas D. George, who was. a Baptist minister, and died in Indiana, while her death occurred in California; Louisa, who resides at Columbus, Indiana, and is the wife of David J. Stilling, a railroad con- tractor ; Anthony, whose name introduces this record; and Catherine, who is the wife of John H. Jones, a retired farmer living in Martinsville, Indiana. Anthony Clark was reared in the place of his nativity, remaining there until 1865. His education was obtained in the public schools of Jefferson county and he worked upon the home farm, early becoming familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He remained upon the old homestead for a short period after attain- ing his majority, and then came to Illinois,. 402 PAST AND PRESENT locating in Pittsburg. For two years he re- sided there and then came to Piatt county in 1867, establishing his home on the place which he now owns and occupies in Bement township. He has made all of the improve- ments here and has to-day a valuable farm, supplied with all modern equipments. He uses the latest improved machinery in carry- ing on the work of the fields, and his place is characterized by neatness and thrift in every department. On the 8th of November, 1872, in Pe- tersburg, Mr. Clark was united in marriage to Miss Anne B. Parks, a native of Glascow, Scotland, who came to the United States in 1 86 1. Her parents were James and Rebecca (Purdon) Parks, both of whom were natives ' of Scotland, and they crossed the Atlantic to the United States two years after their daughter's arrival here, establishing their home in Petersburg. The father was a farm- er by occupation, and thus provided for his family. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Clark have been born three children: Samuel J., who is a ma- chinist residing in Bement, and who was born on the old home farm in Bement town- ship; Thomas P., who resides on the old homestead; and Rebecca M., who is now un- der the parental roof. All of the children were born in Bement township and were ed- ucated in the public schools. In his social relations Mr. Clark is an Odd Fellow, belonging to the lodge at Be- ment, and is one of the supporters of the Baptist church. In politics he is a stalwart Republican, and has held nearly all of the township offices, in which he has proven most loyal to his duties, discharging the ob- ligations which have devolved upon him with promptness and fidelity. When he came to Piatt county most of the land was wild prairie, and he has seen this section of the county developed from its primitive con- 'dition into highly cultivated farms, which are unsurpassed in the state. He has done his full share in making the county a rich farming district, and is a progressive agri- culturist whose worth in business circles is widely acknowledged. ALVAH JAMES. Alvah James is numbered among the cap- italists of Piatt county and makes his home in Mansfield. He is one of the typical citi- zens of the Mississippi valley men of en- terprise, of keen sagacity and strong force of character, who have developed this wonder- ful section of the country in a manner that has made its transformation almost phenom- enal. He started out in life for himself as a school-teacher on a small salary, has also worked as a farm hand, and to-day he stands among the most prosperous residents of this portion of the state, having important landed and financial interest* while at the same time he is well known as a dealer in grain and beef cattle. The extent and volume of his business has made him widely known far beyond the confines of this locality, and his business operations have been so capably con- ducted that they have returned to him grati- fying success. Alvah James was born in Lucas county, Iowa, on the 2ist of November, 1855, a son of Ezra and Susanna (Murray) James. The parents were natives of Ohio, were mar- ried there, and in 1852 removed westward, becoming residents of Lucas county, Iowa. The father entered land from the govern- ment and became a well-to-do citizen of that locality. In 1867 he removed to Marion PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 403 county, Iowa, where he spent his remaining days, his death occurring in 1886, when he was sixty-two years of age. His wife died in 1891, at the age of sixty-six years. They were the parents of eleven children, of whom the subject of this review is the sixth in or- der of birth. Nine are yet living, but he is the only one who resides in Piatt county. In the common schools of Lucas and Ma- rion counties, Iowa, Alvah James acquired his preliminary education and afterward at- tended the University of Indiana, at Valpa- raiso, where he pursued a literary course. After finishing his education he taught school for three terms, one in Porter county, Indiana, one in Marion county, Iowa, and the third in Champaign county, Illinois. In 1880 he came to Piatt county, Illinois, and worked by the month for an uncle, receiving three hundred dollars for the year's service. He then resolved to engage in farming on his own account, and rented three hundred acres of land. Through his untiring industry and careful management he was enabled to gain a start, and with the money acquired through his own labors he purchased two hundred and forty acres of land. His farm- ing and stock-dealing interests have been car- ried on extensively. He is now the owner of one hundred and twenty acres in Doug- lass county, Illinois, ninety acres in Ohio, five acres in Champaign county, twenty-five lots in Roseville, Ohio, and three hundred and twenty acres in Piatt county, Illinois. He resided upon his farm in Blue Ridge township, Piatt county, until 1894, when he removed to Mansfield, Illinois. There he re- mained for two years, during which time he was engaged in the hardware business. He then returned to the farm and came again to Mansfield in 1902. In the meantime he had engaged extensively in dealing in stock and had found this a profitable source of in- come. For several years he was engaged in handling sheep, and during the last few years he has been interested in beef cattle, shipping to Chicago. His purchases and sales are extensive, and the annual financial return from this department of his business materially increases his income. Mr. James also has other business interests, and is a man of resourceful ability, alert and energetic. He is a director and the vice-president of the State Bank of Mansfield ; is a stockholder in the old Citizens' National Bank of Zanesville, Ohio, and is a director of the Howard Grain Elevator and Mercantile Company of How- ard, Illinois. Thus his interests are of a va- ried and important nature, and have been im- portant factors in promoting the prosperity of the communities in which they are located by advancing commercial activity. On the 2Oth of December, 1882, Mr. James was united in marriage to Miss Mat- tie Webb, a native of Piatt county, and a daughter of Preston Webb, a retired farmer living in Mansfield. Unto him and his wife have been born five children : Birdie, Clar- ence, Phebe, and Sybil and Herbert, twins, but Herbert died on the gth of August, 1902, at the age of five years. Mrs. James is a member of the Baptist church and Mr. James belongs to Mansfield Camp, M. W. A., In politics he is a Republican, and while he keeps well informed on the issues of the day, he has never sought or desired office, pre- ferring to give his time and attention to his business affairs, in which he has met with signal success. Intricate business problems he readily masters, and his judgment is sel- dom, if ever, at fault in regard to business matters. There is, perhaps, no history in this volume which more clearly illustrates the force of industry and integrity in the affairs 404 PAST AND PRESENT, of life than does that of Mr. James. He is distinctively a self-made man, and has every reason to be proud of what he has accom- plished, and yet he has never allowed the ac- cumulation of wealth to in any way affect his actions to those less fortunate than himself. His is an honorable career of a successful man, and .one who well deserves mention in this volume as a leading and representative citizen of Piatt county. JOHN V. VAN SYCKEL. John V. Van Syckel, who carries on gen- eral farming on section 21, Blue Ridge town- ship, was born on the 3d of August, 1836, in New Jersey, a son of William and Charity (Smith) Van Syckel. The maternal grand- father of our subject was Major Smith, a soldier of the war of 1812, serving as major- general during the war and afterward as drill master, as the American soldiers kept drilling in fear that the British would make another attempt to subdue the colonists. William Van Syckel resided in Hunterdon county, New Jersey, where he carried on the occupation of farming and also engaged in the operation of some mills. His last days were spent in Illinois, his death occurring in Fulton county, while his wife died in McLean county, this state. He had several brothers and sisters who lived in New York city, but are now deceased. A brother of our subject, Abraham S. Van Syckel, was a drill master in the Civil war. One night he relieved a friend who was to go on picket duty, and during that night while he was on the watch he was shot and killed. John V. Van Syckel, of this review, spent the days of his boyhood and youth in the east and started out in life for himself at the age of twenty-one years. At an early day he acted as head distiller in a distillery owned by his father and uncle in New Jersey, who carried on a more extensive business than any other firm in that line in the locality. Our subject has himself never taken a glass of whiskey, simply for the sake of enjoying the drink. For two years during his residence in the east he worked upon his father's farm and was then given a team of horses in compen- sation for his labors. He afterward rented land and engaged in farming for him- self, continuing the operation of the leased tract for six years. Coming to the west he lived for thirteen years in Fulton county, Illinois, where he engaged in farming on his own account for three years, and then pur- chased eighty acres of land in Piatt county, for thirty dollars per acre. Later he bought one hundred acres more and afterward he sold this and purchased land on which he now resides. His farm comprises a half section, and the land is as rich and valuable as any in Piatt county. Mr. Van Syckel has made all of the improvements there, and now has a well equipped farm. He has paid con- siderable attention to stock-raising, making a specialty of-the raising of hogs, and he has always endeavored to keep a breed that he thought would make the most money for the farmer rather than a fancy breed. He sold thirty-three male hogs iri one year at fifteen dollars each. Mr. Van Syckel is eminently practical in all he does, and thus his methods in the conduct of his farm as well as in the discharge of his duties of citizenship have been of the greatest benefit. At the time of the Civil war Mr. Van Syckel endeavored to join the army. He en- listed and went to Peoria for drill, but failed to pass examination there. In other ways, however, he gave his loyal support to the Union cause, and his efforts in behalf of the PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 405 community have been far-reaching and help- ful. He and his father each gave one hun- dred dollars toward bounty for the One Hundred and Third Illinois Infantry, which was the means of keeping the draft for sol- diers out of Fulton county. In 1864 Mr. Van Syckel was united in marriage to Miss Emeline Hunt, a daughter of Richard Hunt, of Fulton county. This union has been blessed with one child, George Edmund, who married Lila DeGrofft and now resides upon his father's farm. They had three children. In his political views Mr. Van Syckel is a stalwart Repub- lican, but has never sought or desired office, preferring to give his entire time and atten- tion to his business affairs. He is energetic, wideawake and progressive, and has been the architect of his own fortunes, building wisely and well in this respect. He was school trustee for twelve years and refused to longer serve. JAMES PONDER. With the agricultural interests of Piatt county James Ponder has been identified from boyhood, and in his chosen field of la- bor he has met with remarkable success, so that he is to-day numbered among the most prosperous farmers in his locality, as well as one of the prominent citizens of Unity town- ship. His home is on section 19. He was born in Washington county, Tennessee, June 5. 1852, and is a son of J. P. and Matilda (Radford) Ponder, both natives of North Carolina, from which state they removed -to Tennessee and later to Kentucky. In 1864 they came to Illinois and took up their resi- dence in Piatt county, where the father pur- chased a tract of raw prairie land. Wild game was then abundant and furnished many a meal to the early settlers, and most of the land was uncultivated and full of sloughs. Mr. Ponder drained his forty-acre tract in Unity township and soon had it under culti- vation. On his retirement from farm work he removed to Hammond, Illinois, where he died in 1882, at the age of seventy-four years, and his wife passed away near that place January 28, 1901, at the same age. They were the parents of seven children, six of whom are yet living, namely : Mrs. So- phrona Jane Franklin, a resident of Colo- rado; Valanchie K., the wife of J. T. Ed- mondson, of Pierson Station, Piatt county; James, of this review; J. R., a resident of Hammond ; Delitha, wife of J. R. Mitchell, whose home is near Hammond ; and Cena, wife of J. B. Fisher, of Pierson Station. James Ponder was about twelve years of age when he came with his parents to this county, and although his literary education was limited, he gained an excellent knowl- edge of all the pursuits which fall to the lot of the agriculturist. At the age of twenty- two years he started out in life for himself, operating rented land in Unity township for three years, but since that time he has been engaged in the cultivation of his own prop- erty. So successful has he been in his farm- ing operation that he is to-day the owner of some valuable property, comprising three hundred and twenty acres of land on section 1 8, Unity township; two hundred and forty acres on section 19; and one hundred and sixty acres on section 3 1 , making seven hun- dred and twenty acres in Unity township, besides a twenty-acre tract in Moultrie coun- ty, Illinois. In 1882 Mr. Ponder was united in mar- riage to Miss Lucretia Bryson, who was born 406 PAST AND PRESENT in this county in 1856, her parents, Samuel and Mary Bryson, having located here in 1850 among the pioneers. Five children bless this union : Ethel M., Walter S., Leslie J., Eva B. and John. Mr. Ponder had the misfortune to meet with an accident Febru- ary 23, 1903, by his horse falling with him. As his foot was caught under the horse his leg was broken and his ankle sprained. Re- ligiously, he is a member of the Baptist church at Pierson Station, while his wife be- longs to the New Light church, and they re- ceive and merit the high regard of the entire community. Mr. Ponder is a man of recog- nized ability and sterling worth,- and as a citizen ever stands ready to discharge any duty devolving upon him. JAMES M. SMITH. One of the most progressive and ener- getic farmers of Willow Branch township is James M. Smith, who is now succesfully operating the old homestead on section 16, where the greater part of his life has been passed. He was born, however, near Mid- dletown, Pennsylvania, April 24, 1855, a son of Colonel Jacob and Nancy L. (Shenk) Smith. The ancestral line of the Smith fam- ily in America can be traced back to a period antedating the Revolutionary war and the great-grandfathers of our subject on both sides took part in that struggle and were homesteaders in Dauphin county, Pennsyl- vania. Jacob Smith, the paternal great- grandfather, remained in the army for seven long years, fighting for the independence of the colonies. His son, Henry Smith, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Dau- phin county, Pennsylvania, and was of Eng- lish and German descent. Colonel Jacob Smith, the father, was also a native of Dauphin county, born April 4, 1817, and died on the nth of March, 1898. He was first married December 30, 1835, to Mary Nisley, who died April 25, 1847. Four children blessed that union, namely : Fannie; Martin N. ; Henry Augus- tus, who married Margaret Brightbill; and Catharine A., wife of John Diller, a resident of Nebraska. Colonel Smith was again mar- ried, his second union being with Maria Zimmerman, February 8, 1848, but she died June 22, 1849, and their only child, Fannie Maria, died in infancy. On the 22d of Oc- tober, 1850, the Colonel was united in mar- riage to Nancy L. Shenk, who was born in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, December 25, 1820, and is still living, making her home in Monticello, Illinois. Her father,Michael Shenk, was also a native of the Keystone state, and of German descent. By his third marriage, Colonel Smith had four children : John George Washington, who was born July 31, 1851, and died May 20, 1887, after having engaged in teaching school for many years; James M., of this review; Mary Elizabeth, who was born December 15, 1856, and makes her home with her mother in Monticello; and William P., whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume. In 1857 the father came with his family direct from Dauphin county, Pennsylvania to Piatt county, Illinois, having acquaint- ances here, and he became prominently iden- tified with the early development and im- provement of this section of the state. He purchased a farm in Willow Branch town- ship, for which he paid fifteen dollars per acre, that being considered a high price at that time, as the land was still in its primi- tive condition and for twenty-five miles to the northwest all was wild prairie. He is H. H. GILMORE MRS. H. H. GILMORE JAMES M. SMITH JACOB SMITH MRS. NANCY SMITH PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 411 believed to have owned the first sawmill ever erected in Piatt county, having shipped the machinery from Philadelphia, and he also purchased the first piano brought here, it be- ing of the Phelps & Wiley manufacture, and the first sewing machine, which was of the G rover & Baker make. All of his farm ma- chinery he bought in Chicago at that early day, and for his first clover seed he paid fif- teen dollars per bushel. Colonel Smith was a very progressive and public-spirited man, and headed the list with his signature for the right-of-way for the Champaign & Decatur branch of the Illinois Central Railroad. He was also one among the few who fought the signing of the bonds Tor railroad tax, which saved the township many thousand of dollars. He was a most pronounced Republican in politics and kept well informed on the issues of the day, being able to support his posi- tion by intelligent argument. In early life he commanded a regiment of state militia and served as colonel on the staff of Gov- ernor Pollock, of Pennsylvania. His life was busy, useful and honorable, and he com- manded respect wherever known. In 1882 he left the farm and removed to Monticello, where he spent his remaining days in retire- ment from active labor. His widow still makes her home in that city. She has a cov- erlet which she made herself in 1840, shear- ing the sheep, carding the wool, dyeing it and then sending it to Elizabethtown, Penn- sylvania, to be woven. Besides this highly prized relic of early days the family have a clock which is about two hundred years old and is seven feet in height. It was during his infancy that James M. Smith was brought by his parents to Piatt county, and he has witnessed almost the en- tire growth and development of this region. He well remembers when there were but 19 few frame buildings throughout the county, the houses being built mainly of logs. Dur- ing his boyhood he received a good common- school education and became thoroughly fa- miliar with all kinds of farm work. Leaving home in 1878, he went to Nebraska, where he spent one year and then returned to the old homestead, but in 1881 he removed to Iowa, where the following two years were passed as clerk in a general store. He was next engaged in the music business with his brother at Monticello for three years, and later was employed as clerk in the clothing . store of N. E. Rhoades & Son, and also Sackriter & Ormsby, at that place. In 1890 he took charge of the home farm, being over- seer of the estate which is still undivided, and in 1895, he took up his residence there- on. He has since made many improvements on the place in the way of tiling, fencing, clearing and breaking the land, which is to- day under a high state of cultivation, owing to his untiring labors and excellent manage- ment. His principal crops are corn, oats, hay and rye, and he has made a specialty of the raising of potatoes, principally for seed. He has engaged in this business on quite an extensive scale, and thus solved the problem that has so long puzzled the people here how to secure a good crop of potatoes. In February, 1896, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Mattie Keene, a daugh- ter of William and Louisa Keene, of Clay county, Illinois, and to them has been born one child, Wayne K., now three years' old. Mr. Smith is insured in the Fraternal Order of America, and is also a member of Selah Lodge, N'o. 403, I. O. O. F. Politically, he is a strong Republican, and takes quite an active interest in local politics, usually serv- ing as delegate to all county conventions, and as a delegate to the state convention two 412 PAST AND PRESENT years ago. He is a recognized leader of the party in his community, and is widely and favorably known. JOSHUA O. BATEMAN. Joshua O. Bateman, who is engaged in the raising of grain and stock on section 24, Blue Ridge township, was born on the 3th of June, 1851, in New London county, Can- ada, his parents being John S. and Elizabeth (Morgan) Bateman. The father was a na- tive of County Cork, Ireland, and after emi- grating to Canada carried on agricultural pursuits there. He rented a tract of land in that country upon his arrival there and through its cultivation provided for the needs and wants of his family. Joshua O. Bate- man, of this review, is the youngest of the six children of the family, the others being Samuel, John Wesley, Benjamin, Jane and Matilda. After living in Canada for a num- ber of years the father brought his family to Logan county, Illinois, arriving in the year 1866. He then again rented a tract of land, and in about four years removed to Piatt county. Joshua O. Bateman accompanied his par- ents to the United States, and in 1872 he be- gan farming on his own account. After his father's death he and his brothers took pos- session of the old home place, and together they conducted the farm for about four years. On the expiration of that time the place was sold and the money divided equal- ly among the children. After the partnership between the broth- ers was dissolved Joshua O. Bateman pur- chased a tract of land of eighty acres, about 1884. He then engaged in its cultivation and improvement, and also rented a tract of land which he operated, while his sister acted as his housekeeper. Later, however, he was married, Miss Minnie, a daughter of Mar- cus and Mary Walker, becoming his wife. Their marriage was celebrated on the 4th of February, 1885, and they have become the parents of five children : Lora, who was born September n, 1887; Roy, born March 23, 1889; Tessa, who was born April 22, 1891 : one, who was born June 20, 1894, and died in infancy; and. Elsie, born on the 23d of April, 1896. Mr. Bateman sold his first eighty acres of land in Blue Ridge township and bought an- other farm in the same township, comprising one hundred and ninety acres, becoming owner of this tract on the ist of September, 1890. He paid fifty dollars per acre for it, and, with characteristic energy, began its de- velopment and cultivation. On the ist of January, 1903, he made another purchase, this time paying one hundred and twenty- eight dollars per acre for a tract of one hun- dred and fifty-six acres, making altogether three hundred and forty-six acres in Blue Ridge township which he owns. Of this, three hundred and twenty acres are on sec- tion 24, and the remainder on section 19. Mr. Bateman obtained his early education in Logan county, Illinois, and some in Piatt county, and as the years have passed his knowledge has been broadened by practical experience, as well as observation and read- ing, and to-day he is a well-informed man, who is prospering in his business affairs and directing his efforts by intelligent judgment, so that his labors are bringing to him credit- able success. In his political views he is a stalwart Republican, and has been offered several offices, but he would not accept, pre- ferring to devote his time and energies to his PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 417 business affairs. He has engaged in the rais- ing of stock and grain with excellent success. He belongs to Camp No. 9089, M..W. A., of Galesville, in which he carries three thou- sand dollars' insurance. He believes insur- ance is a splendid investment and that every man should thus provide for his family. Mr. Bateman's interest has always centered in his home, and he has put forth every effort to secure for his wife and children advantages which will make life pleasant for them and will promote their best interests. His busi- ness career has been active and honorable, and during the long years of his residence in Piatt county he has steadily worked his way upward until he now occupies a posi- tion on the plane of affluence. R. B. MOODY. In an analyzation of the life record of R. B. Moody "we find that he has well earned and justly deserves the proud American title of a self-made man. He is now engaged in the manufacture of brick and tile in DeLand, and is one of the substantial citizens of this locality who started out in life for himself in a very humble capacity, receiving only six and a quarter cents per day for his services. His history proves conclusively what may be accomplished through strong purpose, un- abating diligence and unfaltering persever- ance, and such a record should serve as a source of inspiration and encouragement to others. Mr. Moody came to Illinois from Ohio. A number of the substantial citizens of this portion of the state are natives of Ohio, and Mr. Moody's birth occurred in Mahoning county about five miles from the city of Youngstown, on the 3Oth of June, 1837. His parents, John and Martha (Hahn) Moody, were also natives of Ohio, and in their family were eight children, of whom the subject of this review is the third in order of birth. In the common schools R. B. Moody ac- quired his education, but his privileges were somewhat limited, as the family was in lim- ited financial circumstances, and it was neces- sary that he should aid in his own support. When he was very young he tegan driving a yoke of oxen to a plow, receiving six and a quarter cents per day for his labor, or the munificent salary of a quarter for four days' work. When fifteen years o>f age he was given only four dollars and a half per month, his duties being to milk fifteen cows night and morning and work in the fields the bal- ance of the time. Hjs youth was largely a period of toil, and his entire life has been one of unusual activity, which, however, has been crowned with a high degree of success. He arrived in the west in 1855, locating in DeWitt county, Illinois, east of Wapello. There he began working as a farm hand, re- ceiving seventeen dollars per month, and in this way he saved some money. When he had secured sufficient capital he began farm- ing for himself, purchasing one hundred and twenty acres of land. In April, 1861, how- ever, he put aside all business and personal consideration in order that he might aid his country in her struggle to preserve the Union. He had been an interested witness of the progress of events which led up to the Civil war, had noted the threatening attitude of the south, and resolved that if an attempt was made to overthrow the Union he would strike a blow in its defense. He, therefore, enlisted, April 20, 1861, as a member of Company E, Twentieth Illinois Infantry, un- 4i8 PAST AND PRESENT der Colonel C. C. Marsh, and was attached to the Seventeenth Army Corps under General Grant. Going to the front, he participated in the battles of Fredericksburg, Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, Shiloh and others. He was wounded at the last named battle, and dur- ing the remainder of his time in the army served on detached duty, continuing with the Union troops, however, until the war closed. From 1864 until 1865 he worked for the gov- ernment on special duty, and among all the soldiers who wore the blue uniform of the nation, none were more faithful to the old flag and the cause it represented. After the close of hostilities and his aid was no longer needed, Mr. Moody returned tq DeWitt county, Illinois, where he began farming, there making his home until after his mar- riage. On the 4th of March, 1868, he was joined in wedlock to Miss Rumina Hassinger, of Ohio. The young couple removed to Sanga- mon township, Piatt county, where Mr. Moody carried on general farming until 1869, at which time they took up their abode in Goose Creek township, there living until 1873. la that year, in company with John Vail, Mr. Moody erected a store building, which was the first built in DeLand. For two years he engaged in merchandising there, and for some time followed the carpenter's trade in that place. He then built an elevator and was engaged in the grain business for fifteen years, during which time he annually handled many thousands of bushels of grain, carrying on a business that was of benefit to the locality, as well as a source of income to himself, for it furnished a market to the pro- ducers. In 1889 Mr. Moody sold out to the firm of Tyler & Company, of Chicago. In the meantime he had become interested in other business enterprises of this locality, having in 1885 purchased a third interest in the tile factory. In 1887 he purchased an- other third interest, and in 1889, after closing out his grain business, he became sole proprietor, and his since engaged in the manufacture of brick and tile. He has a plant that is well equipped with the latest improved machinery, and the product of his factory is of such excellent quality that he finds for it a ready sale on the market, His identification with business interests also extends to the financial affairs of the county, for he is a stockholder in the First National Bank of DeLand. Mr. and Mrs. Moody have had no chil- dren of their own, but have displayed great kindness of heart and sympathetic natures by rearing eight children. These are James W. Moody, now of DeLand ; D. B. Troxell, who is now postmaster of DeLand ; Rumina Troxell, who died when twenty-four years of age; Bruce demons, who resides near Fort Madison, Iowa; Pearl demons, the wife of L. C. Dick, a resident of Port Arthur, Tex- as ; Grace Jones, who died at the age of ten years; Eva Moody, whose name was Eda Carroll, and who lived in Chicago, but for a number of years has resided with her fos- ter-parents and is now attending school in DeLand ; and Lawrence Dawson, who is also with our subject and his wife. This worthy couple are consistent, loyal and active members of the Methodist Episco- pal church and their Christianity is certain- ly shown in their kind and generous treat- ment of the little ones \vhom they have brought to their home and cared for, prepar- ing them for life's practical and responsible duties. Mr. Moody has served as recording steward of his church for a number of years, is most generous in his contribution to its support and is active in the various depart- PI ATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 419 ments of the church work. Fraternally, he is connected with DeLand Lodge, No. 812, F. & A. M. ; Chapter No. 48, R. A. M. ; and Urbana Commandery, No. 16, K. T. He is past master of the lodge here and is recog- nized as one of the exemplary representatives of the craft. In politics he has always been a stalwart Republican, and his close study of the political issues has made his knowledge concerning politics broad, thorough and comprehensive. He has served continually since 1876, except four years, as justice of the peace, and has been school treasurer since 1875. His loyalty in citizenship, his hon- esty in business and his trustworthiness in private life stand as unquestioned facts in his career, making him one of the most hon- ored and esteemed men connected with agri- cultural, industrial and financial interests, as well as public affairs in Piatt county. . GEORGE W. BAKER. George W. Baker, who is now deceased, was a resident farmer of Blue Ridge town- ship and lived on section 13. He was born in 1852 in Darke county, Ohio, and died in Piatt county in 1897, leaving to his family the record of an upright life. He was a son of Jonathan and Sarah Baker, and acquired his early education in the schools of Darke county, Ohio. He was thrown upon his own resources when only fourteen years of age, and from that time forward earned his living and gained through his own labors all that he possessed. He first worked by the month as a farm hand in Ohio until he was twenty- two years of age. He then came to Piatt county, where he was employed for three or four hours as a farm hand, after which he resolved to engage in farming on his own ac- count, and rented land for four or five years. Thus with the capital he had acquired through his own industry, economy and per- severance he purchased land in Piatt county, upon which he lived up to the time of his death. His farm comprised one hundred and sixty acres and the soil was rich and ar- able, returning to him good harvests. He built a barn and made other improvements from year to year, and successfully carried on his labors until he was the possessor of a comfortable competence that enabled him to leave his family in good financial circum- stances. He first gave his attention to the raising of grain, but after a time he began raising stock and gradually increased in this because he found it a lucrative business. He made a specialty of the raising of beef cattle and of hogs, and his annual sales were large and profitable. In the year 1880 Mr. Baker was united in marriage to Miss Mary Leach, a daughter of William Leach, of Mansfield. She was born in 1857 in Grundy county, Illinois, and came to Mansfield with her parents, who lived upon a farm until the time of their daughter's marriage. It was in her home there that Mary H. gave her hand in wed- lock to George W. Baker. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Baker was born but one child, Millie Jane, who is now the wife of Wallace Walk, by whom she has two children, Verna Belle and Clifford Clayton, the former born July 1901 ; and the latter February 19, 1903. Mr. and Mrs. Walk reside upon Mrs. Baker's farm and keep house for her. - Mr. Baker was a member of the Metho- dist church at Mansfield, with which his wid- ow is still connected. In his political views he was a Prohibitionist and was serving as a school director at the time of his death. He 420 PAST AND PRESENT took a deep interest in the cause of tem- perance and in all the movements for the welfare and betterment of humanity. He was a great church worker, indefatigable in his efforts to promote the cause of Chris- tianity. He served as one of the trustees of the church, labored untiringly for the Sun- day-school, and was frequently superinten- dent of the school or one of its teachers. His entire life was in harmony with his profes- sions as a member of the church, and his name was a synonym for honor and integrity in all business transactions. He was long a citizen who enjoyed the highest respect and confidence of his fellow men, and he left to his family not only a good property, but also the priceless heritage of an untarnished name. GEORGE DELAND. George DeLand, who is engaged in the cultivation of small fruits for the city mar- kets and at present rural mail-carrier, and has his home in White Heath, has passed the Psalmist's span of three score years and ten, but is still an active factor in business cir- cles, and his career should put to shame many a man of much younger years who would relegate to others the burdens that he should bear. Mr. DeLand is a native of Rutland, Rut- land county, Vermont, his birth having there occurred on the igth of October, 1832. The same city was also the birthplace of his par- ents, Squire and Hannah (Butler) DeLand, the former born on the igih of December, 1788, and the latter on the 27th of August, 1794. The father of our subject pursued a common-school education in Rutland and then entered upon his business career there as a wagonmaker, following the trade con- tinuously until he left Vermont in the fall of 1837. He removed to Union county, Ohio, and then turned his attention to ag- ricultural pursuits, and purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty acres, which he suc- cessfully operated until his life's labors were ended in death on the 22d of April, 1858. It was on the I4th of December, 1809, that he had wedded Hannah Butler, and unto them were born nine children : Amy M., who was born August 22, 1810, became the wife of Philip S. Fay, and died May 4, 1864 ; Harriet A., born August 15, 1813, married Jonathan Reynolds and died about 1860. Lucy M., born November 6, 1815, became the wife of John Stocks, and departed this life March 10, 1888; Mariette, born February 9, 1818, is the wife of Michael Sager, and resides upon a farm in Union county, Ohio. James, born August 31, 1821, was married October 20, 1842, to Emily Abbott, and died May n, 1896. It was in his' honor that the town of DeLand was named, and he took the contract for the building of the Champaign & Havana branch of the Illinois Central Railroad which ran through that place. Charles, born September 3, 1823. was married April 7, 1846, to Elizabeth A. Eaton, of Madison county, Ohio. He is now a retired farmer of Wymore, Nebraska. Edward, born Feb- ruary n, 1827, married Elizabeth McCloud on the 5th of July, 1853, and is now assistant secretary of the Farmers' Loan and Trust Company of Sioux City, Iowa. Hannah, born April 29, 1831, was married October 12, 1848, to Ross Mitchell. She is now a widow and she and her children reside with her brother, George, who completes 'the fam- ily. - In one of the old log schoolhouses of Ohio, seated with slab benches and supplied PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 421 with other primitive furnishings, George De- Land pursued his education through three months of the winter term. In the summer seasons his attention was given to the farm work, and he gave his father the benefit of his assistance until he had attained his ma- jority. In the meantime, however, he taught school for three winter seasons. In early manhood he was married, the lady of his choice being Miss Ellen A. Converse, and the wedding took place November 3, 1853. She is a daughter of Darius and Lois M. ( Smith) Converse. On leaving her parents' home, she went to the home of her husband upon a rented farm near Plain City, Ohio, where he lived for about seven years, carry- ing on agricultural pursuits in a successful manner. He then turned his attention to merchan- dising in Chuchery, Union county, Ohio, in 1860, and was thus engaged until the out- break of the Civil war, when in response to his country's call he joined the army, enlist- ing on the 1 6th of August, 1862, as a mem- ber of Company I, One Hundred and Thirty- first Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He partici- pated in the battle of Champion Hill and Perryville on the 8th of October, 1862 ; the battle of Chickamauga, September 20, 1863 ; Lookout Mountain, November 20, 1863, and the battle of Kenesaw Mountain, on the 22d of June, 1864. In the engagement at Chick- amauga he was wounded in the back and side, and for two months lay in the hospital. Ke then returned to the army just in time to participate in the battle of Kenesaw Moun- tain, where he was again wounded. He was first struck in the leg and, while trying to slop the flow of blood from that wound, he was again struck by rebel lead, this time in the shoulder. The injuries there sustained were the cause of his discharge on the 24th of February, 1865. Being unable for furth- er field duty he was mustered out at Colum- bus, Ohio, and for two years after returning to his home he was unable to walk save with the aid of crutches. For a long period his health was so impaired that he could not work, but ultimately he obtained a position in a railroad office at Union City, Indiana, where he remained for two years. On the expiration of that period Mr. De Land rented a tract of land near Union City, where he resided until 1881, when he came to White Heath, Piatt county, Illinois. Here he erected a store building and stocked it with a general line of goods, carrying on the business for two years. His store was then destroyed by fire, after which he pur- chased two blocks of ground in 1885, and began raising small fruits. He has since fol- lowed this pursuit, and the products of his place find a ready sale upon the market be- cause he has so effectively labored to raise fruits of superior size and flavor. In addi- tion to this work he carries the mail on the rural route from White Heath, and though now seventy-one years of age, is covering twenty-eight miles daily in this work, hav- ing performed this service for the past two years. Unto Mr. and Mrs. DeLand have been born five children : Linda, born June 26, 1855, died October 17, 1859; Ernest, who was born February 2, 1857, was married February 4, 1877, to Mary E. Alexander, and died August 7, 1896, while his widow is now living in White Heath; Edward R., born March 5, 1862, was married August 10, 1883, to Etta Teats, and is now telegraph operator on the Illinois Central Railroad at Maroa, Illinois ; Lola M., born June 9, 1867, is the wife of B. R. White, one of the most successful farmers of Piatt county; Earl, 422 PAST AND PRESENT born May 8, 1878, was married February 23, 1901, to Minnie Perry, and they are now liv- ing with his father in White Heath. In his political views Mr. DeLand is a stalwart Republican, unfaltering in support of the principles of the party, and he is now serving as town clerk and also owns the township right on the White self-operating farm gate, handling the same throughout Sangamon township. George DeLand, the father, votes with the Republican party, and for some time has been notary public, while for twelve years he has filled the position of justice of the peace. About eighteen -years ago he built the house in which he now lives, it being one of the pleasant homes of White Heath. He and his family are all members of the Universalist church, and he belongs to Franklin Post, No. 256, G. A. R., of Mon- ticello. In days of peace he is as loyal to the old flag as he was when he followed it upon the southern, battle-fields, and in matters of citizenship he is ever public-spirited and pro- gressive, taking a deep and helpful interest in whatever pertains to the general progress and improvement. HENRY H. GILMORE. Henry H. Gilmore, a practical and en- terprising farmer residing on section 32, Goose Creek township, owns and operates four hundred and eighty acres of land in this county, constituting one of the valuable and highly improved farms in this locality. His possessions have been acquired through his own efforts and as the result of his consecu- tive endeavor he has won a place among the substantial citizens of his adopted county. He claims Illinois as his native state, for he was born near Canton on the 5th of October, 1840. His father, William Gilmore, was born in Pennsylvania, in 1782, and during boyhood, removed with his parents to Pickaway coun- ty, Ohio, where, after reaching man's estate, he was married to Miss Addie Vandolah. He followed farming there until 1836, when he came to Illinois and took up his residence in McLean county, where he engaged in the same occupation for two years. His next home was near Canton, where he purchased two hundred acres of land, and continued to operate that place up to within a few years of his death, which occurred on the loth of November, 1870. When this farm came in- to his possession it was all wild and unim- proved, but he transformed it into a highly cultivated and very desirable place. He served in the war of 1812, under the com- mand of General Harrison, and was ever a patriotic and loyal citizen, devoted to the best interests of his country. His first wife died about eight years after their marriage, leaving three children, namely : James, who died in 1877; Sarah Ann, who died in 1882; and Amanda, who died in 1880. About 1820 he wedded Jane Pinkerton, by whom he had one child, Ada Jane, now the widow of David Bennett and a resident of Oregon. This wife survived the birth of her daugh- ter only a short time, and for his third wife Mr. Gilmore married Sophia P. White in 1835, and to them were born four children, as follows : Eliza, who died in infancy ; Wil- liam Milton, now a resident of Lincoln, Ne- braska; Henry H., of this sketch; and Elizabeth M., who died in 1887. The primary education of our subject was obtained in subscription schools, but in 1850 he commenced attending a free school the first in this part of the country, and in .PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 427 1859 ne entered Lombard University at Galesburg, Illinois. After his graduation he entered upon the more practical duties' 1 of business life as a farmer upon rented land, his property at that time consisting of only one team, but he met with success in this un- dertaking, and in a short time had put him- self on a firm footing, being able to have all the teams necessary and everything required to carry on his farming operations. He lived economically, was careful and painstaking, and worked incessantly, almost day and night, never losing an opportunity to make an hon- est dollar. After six or seven years had passed, he was able in this way to purchase three hundred and twenty acres of land on section 32, Goose Creek township, Piatt count}', which he has farmed almost contin- uously since. From 1872 until 1879, how- ever, he was obliged to part with the same during the panic at that time, but in 1880 he bought it back and has since added to it un- til he now has four hundred and eighty acres, besides a sixty-acre' tract in Fulton county, and considerable city property in Can- ton, Illinois. He is also a stockholder and director of both the First National Bank of Farmer City and the State Bank of DeLancl, and is numbered among the wealthiest farm- ers of Piatt county. When his present farm came into his possession it was in a wild state, not a furrow having been turned, or an improvement made thereon, but he soon broke the land, erected a good residence and several barns, and has since built another house. He has also expended several thou- sand dollars in tiling and draining the land, has divided the farm into fields of forty or eighty acres by well-kept fences, and has set out orchards, a new one being three acres in extent, and to-day he has one of the most valuable, well-cultivated and highly improved places in this part of the state. At Canton, Illinois, in 1870, Mr. Gil- more led to the marriage altar Miss Marv o J Jane Chambers, a daughter of Rev. John R. Chambers, a Methodist Episcopal minister, who died in Hamilton county, Illinois, about thirteen years ago. Six children were born of this union, namely : Arthur B. and Fran- cis, both of whom died in infancy; Charles, who married Othela Spratt and is engaged in farming in Goose Creek township ; Ora Raymond, who was drowned when about one year old ; Bertha, who was born July 2, 1893, and is with her parents; and Estella M., who died at the age of one year. While the son, Charles Gilmore, was taking part in a charivari at the home of Daniel Horsh, an accident occurred, the blame of which fell upon him. The matter was brought up in the courts in 1900, where jugment was ren- dered against him for fifteen hundred dollars, and this was afterward affirmed by the ap- pclate court, but when carried into the su- preme court by the state the decision was re- versed and the son's name was cleared of disgrace, the other parties being beaten on the entire three points of the law. The suit cost our subject over three thousand dollars, but he has never regretted the money thus expended. In his political views Mr. Gilmore is a pronounced Republican, and he has been called upon to serve his fellow citizens as school director twelve years, school trustee the same length of time, and also as road ov- erseer. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and are people of prominence in the community where they reside. Mr. Gilmore is a man of recog- nized ability, and his success in life is due en- tirely to his own well-directed efforts and ca- pable management. He is widely and favor- ably known throughout this section of the state, and deserves prominent mention among 42* PAST AND PRESENT the leading and representative citizens of his adopted county. C. H. ASHMORE. C. H. Ashmore, who is residing on sec- tion 36, Blue Ridge township, was born in New Jersey, on the 23d of January, 1848, and is a son of Jabez and Keziah (Reeder) Ashmore, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, having been born in Bucks county. After their marriage they removed to Trenton, New Jersey, and settled in Mer- cer county, where the subject of this review was born. Jabez Ashmore was a blacksmith by trade and followed that pursuit for a long period. When the son, C. H. Ashmore, was two or three years of age, he removed with his family to Lena, Miami county, Ohio, where he established a blacksmith shop and carried on business for a time. He after- ward removed to Plattsville, Shelby county, Ohio, where he made his home for six years and then passed away at the age of thirty- five. His widow still survives him at the age of seventy-eight years, and has always remained true to his memory. This worthy couple were the parents of six children, four of whom are yet living, but none reside in Piatt county save the subject of this review. C: H. Ashmore attended the schools of Shelby county, Ohio, for a time, and after the death of his father the mother removed with her family to Fletcher, Miami county, Ohio, where the son completed his education, his knowledge, however, being more largely acquired through reading and observation in later years than through mental discipline in the schoolroom. The first school which he attended was an old log building seated with slab benches and with a puncheon floor. Around the wall was a writing desk nailed to the logs. The first teacher was a Mr. Heat, who is yet living at the advanced age of.about ninety years. After completing his education Mr. Ashmore began working, . starting out for himself when eleven years of age as a farm hand. The first six years he was bound out, receiving no compensation for his labors but his board and clothing, and the latter was of a very poor quality. The first wages he ever earned was twenty-five dollars a month, a high price for those days. He was industrious and energetic, however, and as the years passed he added to the sum of money which he was enabled to save in his early years. In November, 1865, he came to the west, going first to Secor, Woodford county, Illinois, where he remained until the winter of 1878-9. During this period he worked as a farm hand for twenty dollars per month, and later he operated a ditching ma- chine for a number of years. In 1871 he be- gan farming and rented land in Roanoke township, Woodford county, where he pur- chased forty acres, this being the first land that he ever owned. In the latter part of De- cember, 1878, he came to Piatt county, es- tablishing his home in Blue Ridge township, after the first three months, which were passed in Champaign county. He then bought eighty acres of land in Blue Ridge township, which was unimproved with the exception of a little shanty which had been built thereon. He then planted all of the shade trees, as well as the orchard, has built a good house and substantial barns and out- buildings. His attention has been given to the raising of grain and stock. On the nth of March, 1869, Mr. Ash- more was united in marriage to Miss Bernice Jane Bullington, a resident of Eureka, PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 429 Woodford county, Illinois, and a daughter of Robert and Mary Bullington, who were early settlers of Woodford county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ashmore have been born three children : Ora, who married Miss Lydia E. Knupp, of Mansfield, Illinois, and has three children Amy Fern, Leslie C., and Eulalia Ruth, the family home being in Blue Ridge township, where Ora is engaged in farming; Bertie Lewis, who died at the age of three years ; and Carrie A., wife of S. E. Smith, of Sterling, Colorado. Mr. and Mrs. Ashmore are consistent members of the Brethren church, and his po- litical support is given the Democracy. He is now serving his twenty-first year as a school director, and the cause of education finds in him a warm friend who is deeply in- terested in the advancement of the schools and has done much for their progress. His career has been creditable and his success is the just reward of his capable management and unremitting labor. Starting out in life at the early age of eleven years, and since de- pending upon his own resources, he has steadily worked his way upward, overcom- ing all difficulties that have barred his path to the goal of success. D. F. WYMAN. D. F. YY'yman is one of the more recent additions to the business circles of Mansfield, but during his residence here has given proof of his diligence and energy in the conduct of the lumberyard of which he is now the pro- prietor. Mr. Wyman was born in Essex county, New York, tin the gth of April, 1849, and is a son of Daniel and Anna (Phelps) Wyman, also natives of Essex county, the former born on the 6th of April, 1816, while the mother's birth occurred in Essex county, on the 6th of July, 1825. The father was- a millwright by trade, and followed that pur- suit for some time, but during the last twen- ty-five years of his business career engaged in milling. To the public school system of Crown Point, New York, D. F. Wyman is indebted for the educational privileges which he re- ceived. He continued to reside in the east until 1883, when he came to the Mississippi valley, establishing his home in Iowa. He afterward removed to Nebraska in 1887, and there engaged in the lumber business, contin- uing in the trade there for three years. On the expiration of that period he went south, locating at Eagle Mills, Arkansas, where he became connected with the Eagle Lumber Company. For six years he was associated with that firm, and then severing his business connections in the south he came to Mans- field, Piatt county, Illinois, in order that his children might take advantage of the excel- lent school system of this city. Here he pur- chased the lumber business of W. D. Root and has since conducted his yard which is now equipped with a large stock of lumber and building materials. He has demon- onstrated his right to a share of the public patronage through honorable business meth- ods and an earnest desire to please his pa- trons, and to-day he numbers among his cus- tomers many of the best citizens of: Mans- field and the surrounding country. On the 1 6th of October, 1872, Mr. Wy- man was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Barnett, and unto them have been born four children, all of whom are yet living: Orin, who was born September 25, 1873, was grad- uated in the public schools of Davenport 43 PAST AND PRESENT Iowa, and is now assistant manager of the Eagle Lumber Company at Eagle Mills, Ar- kansas. Charles, who was born December 30, 1875, is a graduate of the schools of Crown Point, New York, and is now accept- ably serving as bookkeeper for the Crossett Lumber Company of Crossett, Arkansas ; Florence, born June 24, 1883, is yet with her parents. Wallace, born June 13, 1890, is now a student in the schools of Mansfield. Mr. Wyman has just completed a beauti- ful home in Mansfield, one of the most at- tractive residences of the town. He holds membership in the Royal Circle and the American Home Circle, two fraternal insur- ance organizations, and his political support is given to the Republican p^rty, for he has firm belief in its principles and its platform. He is now serving as one of the township trustees, and in public office is always loyal and true to the trust reposed in him. He be- longs to the Methodist church, with which he has long been associated, and his religious faith is manifested in his upright life, his loyalty in citizenship, his trustworthiness in business and his fidelity in friendship. PRESLEY B. WEBSTER. Presley B. Webster, whose operations in farming have made him one of the success- ful men of Piatt county and the owner of a valuable tract of land of one hundred and fourteen acres near the postoffice of Lodge, was born on the 171!! of May, 1855, at Cen- terville, Piatt county. He is a son of James and Mary (Enbanks) Webster. At an early day in the history of this section of the state the father came from Ohio to Piatt county and settled near Centerville on the Sanga- mon river, where he purchased a tract of land which was all raw prairie, not a furrow having been turned or an improvement made upon the place. He soon began to clear the land, however, and continued the work of cultivation and development until he had be- come the owner of a very fine farm. Later he purchased other tracts of timber land, cleared it of the trees and built thereon a good residence. For many years he carried on agricultural pursuits, but is now living re- tired in the village of Seymour, having reached the age of about seventy-seven years. His wife, however, has passed away. They were the parents of ten children, and with the exception of one son, all are yet living. Reared under the parental roof, Presley B. Webster acquired his early education in the country schools of Piatt county, attend- ing what was known as the Sangamon school. The little "temple of learning" was a log structure, supplied with slab benches and other primitive furniture. It was in this school that Mr. Webster mas- tered the primary branches of learning and later he continued his studies in the schools of Monticello. He spent much of his youth, however, upon the home farm, his training at the labor of the fields not being meager. He early became familiar with farm work in its various departments, and from the time of earl}' spring planting until crops were harvested in the late autumn he assisted in the work of cultivation. With the excepion of one year spent in the postof- fice at Monticello and two years at White Heath, he has devoted his entire life to agri- cultural pursuits. In the year 1884. with the money earned through his own labor, he purchased forty-two acres of land, for which he paid eleven hundred dollars. As time has passed and his financial resources have in- IMATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. creased, he has added to this property until lie now owns one hundred and fourteen acres, valued at one hundred and thirty dollars per acre. His fine farm is the visible evidence of his life of industry and thrift, and he has to- day one of the valuable properties of Pia.tt county. Mr. Webster carries on general farming and stock-raising, and both branches of his business return to him a good income, because of his thorough understanding of his work and his keen sagacity. He makes a specialty of the breeding of Poland China hogs, and also of fancy poultry, raising Plymouth Rock chickens and turkeys. His energies, however, have not been confined entirely to the work of the farm in its various departments, for he is the owner of a store at Lodge and also of an elevator there. He is a man of excellent business capacity and executive force, readily comprehending in- tricate business situations and carrying for- ward to successful completion whatever he undertakes. Mr. Webster has been twice married. When about twenty-four years of age he was joined in wedlock to Miss Ida F. Conklin, a native of Piatt county. Five children graced this marriage, namely : Amy, who died in infancy ; Elmer ; Maude ; Laura, now de- ceased; and Carrie. In November, 1891, Mr. Webster was again married, his second union being with Miss Mamie Wolf, a na- tive of Champaign county, but who has re- sided during the greater part of her life in Piatt county. Mr. and Mrs. Webster are well known, and the hospitality of many of the best homes in this portion of the state is freely accorded them. Mr. Webster gives his political support to the RepublHfcn party, and always keeps well informed on the issues and questions of the day, thus being able to support his po- sition by intelligent argument. For five years he held the office of assessor, but has preferred to give his time and attention to his business interests, in which he has met with very creditable and honorable success. He is ever true to the relations of the home, citizenship and of business life, and his many sterling traits of character have gained for him the warm regard of all with whom he has been associated. He is well known as one of the leading representatives of agricul- tural interests, and as such deserves repre- sentation in this volume. FRED KERSTEN. The farming interests of Piatt county are well represented by this gentleman who is now living on section 5, Blue Ridge town- ship, where he owns and cultivates a good tract of land. The German element in our American citizenship has been an important one. It is of this class that Mr. Kersten is a representative and his life record has been so honorable and successful that it is creditable alike to the land of his birth and the land of his adoption. Mr. Kersten was born in Germany on the 3d of November, 1840, and in that country his father carried on agricultural pursuits, spending his entire life there. Mr. Kersten of this review was reared and educated in the fatherland and remained there until twenty-eight years of age, when he crossed the Atlantic to the new world, landing at New York. He took passage on a west- ward bound sailing vessel, Shakespeare, and was twenty-eight days upon the water, en- countering some severe storms, but event- ually reached harbor in safety. He then went 432 PAST AND PRESENT to Cleveland^ afterward to Chicago, and later to Bloomington, Illinois. He remained in the last named city for three years, follow- ing various pursuits during that period, in- cluding carpenter work and mason work. He is a man of marked industry, and idleness is utterly foreign to his nature. On his re- moval to Piatt county in 1872 he rented a tract of land belonging to General Mansfield and resided upon that farm for five years. He then rented the farm upon which he now lives for one year, and at the end of that time purchased the property. It contains ninety-eight acres of rich and productive land, for which he paid sixteen hundred and seventy-five dollars. It was not improved, however, when it came into his possession. He has set out all of the trees upon the place, and has made many excellent improvements of a substantial and beneficial character. He uses modern machinery to facilitate his farm work, and everything about his place is neat and thrifty in appearance. On the 23d of February, 1874, Mr. Kersten was united in marriage to Miss Fredericka Spiehs, a native of Germany, who came to the United States in 1873 as a pas- senger on the Maine, which made the voy- age in eleven days. Mr. and Mrs. Kersten are most worthy people and belong to the Evangelical Lutheran church. They take an active interest in the work, contribute gen- erously to its support and do all in their pow- er for its welfare. In his political views Mr. Kersten is in- dependent, voting for the man whom he thinks best qualified for office regardless of party affiliations. He is now practically liv- ing a retired life, having rented his farm to Carl Porter. While actively engaged in farming himself he raised grain, giving lit- tle attention to stock. When he came to Piatt county he then found a tract of wild prairie, for little of the land had been im- proved at that time, but as the years have passed time and man have wrought many changes, and to-day the rich soil of Piatt county is utilized for farming purposes and this district of the state has become one of the garden spots of the entire country. Mr. and Mrs. Kersten were schoolmates in child- hood, and have now traveled life's journey together as man and wife for almost thirty years. They are well known in the com- munity where they make their home, and it is with pleasure we present to our readers the record of their lives. LEWIS J. COPE. It is not often one sees the professions abandoned for an agricultural life, and yet an investigation of the conditions obtaining at this time in the industrial world warrants the belief that sound business judgment is evidenced by such a change. The gentleman whom the biographer introduces to the read- er here qualified in pharmacy, but was led to abandon it after three years for the pursuit of agriculture in the belief that in it was a larger future outcome a fact which his course has already sufficiently attested. Lewis J. Cope comes from Buckeye stock, having been born in Smithfield, .Ohio, in 1873, the son of William and Mary Cope, who now reside there. These parents, with their family, passed a considerable portion of the earlier part of their lives in Piatt county, and are remembered among the older settlers as pioneers in Blue Ridge 4ownship, where they opened the farm on which our subject now resides. Circumstances led them to re- PI ATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 433 turn to the state of their birth, while the son continues the work of improvement which they initiated. The family which they reared consisted of three children, a brother of our subject, Charles, by name, living near by, while a sister, Ida M., married John Hender- son and lives near the parents in Ohio. Lewis J. Cope is the product of a cultured home and the best schools in the Buckeye state. After laying the ground work of his education in the graded schools, he gradu- ated in the Smithfield high school. His further scholastic training was acquired in the Ohio Normal University, after which he matriculated at Scio College, and from which excellent institution he was graduated in pharmacy in the class of 1893. The fol- lowing three years Mr. Cope passed in Wheeling, West Virginia, in the employ of a drug house. A trip of three months throughout the great west taken at this time changed his mind concerning the future, and he settled on his father's farm of two hun- dred and forty acres in Blue Ridge town- ship. Here he found much to engage his at- tention, the farm being in a run-down condi- tion. He proceeded at once to improve it, building a fine modern farm house at a cost of three thousand dollars, together with a commodious barn. Other improvements are in course of construction, and still others are contemplated. Mr. Cope and his brother together own four hundred and eighty acres in this county, and as an investment have lately purchased a section of Minnesota farming land. The marriage of Mr. Cope was an event of June 19, 1895, on which day he led to the altar Miss Martha Isabelle, the accomplished daughter of William B. Adams, of Cadiz, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Cope enter into the so- cial life of their community with intelligent zest and enthusiasm, and ate leaders in ev- ery good cause. They are active members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and Mr. Cope is a member of the Knights of Pythias, No. 634, of Mansfield, Illinois. The wide- awake and intelligent interest which these young people manifest in the welfare of their community has resulted in endearing them to a circle of friends and neighbors whose name is legion. CHARLES C. COPE. Charles Cope, brother of the above, is an- other of Piatt county's energetic young farmers. He cultivates a portion of the old homestead and is regarded as one of the county's best citizens. Charles was born in Smithfield, Ohio, in the year 1870. He also was given the advantage of scholastic train- ing, after graduating from the high school taking a thorough course in the commercial _ department of Scio College. He then ac- cepted a position with a firm of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and for five years was the trusted bookkeeper of that concern. In 1897 he concluded to begin an agricultural life and came to Piatt county, where he has since cul- tivated his father's farm. He has built a snug little cottage at a cost of a thousand dol- lars, and is demonstating the wisdom of his change of occupation. Mr. Cope takes an intelligent and active interest in affairs, votes the Republican ticket, and he and his wife are active members of the Presbyterian church. Prior to 1899 Mrs. Cope was Hul- dah Coomer. She is a Buckeye by birth, the daughter of William Coomer, of Mansfield, Ohio. The current of life for the last half cen- tury has been largely toward the great cities 434 PAST AND PRESENT of the land. Young men have been tempted by the tinsel of city life to give up comforta- ble homes and a solid future, only to wake up late in life to the fact that "all is not gold that glitters." Were there more young men with the wisdom of Charles and Lewis Cope the cities would be unable to drain the coun- try of its best blood. Their example is well worthy of emulation. JOSEPH G. KILE. In the history of Piatt county it is neces- sary that mention shall be made of Joseph G. Kile, else the record would not be com- plete, for he is numbered among its earliest settlers, having located here in 1844, when but a boy of eight years. Around the beauti- ful home which the father established stretched the broad prairie, over which one could ride for miles without coming to a fence or other evidence of settlement to im- pede his progress. The land was covered with its native prairie grasses and along the streams stood the timber as planted by the hand of nature. There were deer, turkeys and other wild game to be had in abundance, and farms could be purchased for a very low price, as there was not as great demand for the property as there is to-day. As the years have progressed Joseph G. Kile has become an active factor in agricultural circles, and has done his full share in reclaiming the wild land for the purposes of civilization. Mr. Kile is a native of Pickaway county, Ohio, his birth having there occurred on the 20th of August, 1836. His father, Josiah Kile, was a native of the same state, and was a farmer by occupation. After arriving at years of maturity he wedded Miss Mary Clarke, who was born in New Jersey. In the year 1838, he brought his family to Illinois, establishing his home in Shelby county, where he rented a tract of land and in con- nection with its cultivation, he engaged in teaming to St. Louis in an early day. In 1844 he made his way to Piatt county, set- tling two miles west of Monticello, where he again leased a tract of land. In 1846, however, he made purchase of a farm of eighty acres in Macon county. This was all raw prairie on which not a furrow had been turned or an improvement made, and he at once began its cultivation. He broke the fields, planted the seed, and in due course of time harvested good crops. He also built a log house upon the place and resided there for four years, after which he sold that prop- erty and again came to Piatt county. Here he rented land east of Monticello for two years, at the end of which time he again bought a farm in Macon county, there living from 1849 until 1883, when he was called to his final rest, passing away at the age of sixty-nine years. He lived a life in consistent harmony with his profession as a member of the Methodist church and took a very active interest in founding the Wesley Chapel at the edge of his farm. His wife, who sur- vived him for some time, passed away at the age of seventy-three years, dying upon the farm of her son, Joseph G., about one mile from the old home place. She was a woman of deep religious nature, of earnest convic- tions and of unfaltering loyalty to the princi- ples in which she believed. She, too, held membership in the Methodist church, and the influence of her life was a potent factor for good among those who knew her. By her marriage she became the mother of ten chil- dren, namely: Elizabeth, who is the wife of O. L. Stewart, a farmer residing in Ma- PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 437 con county : James, who died in 1855 ; Jo- seph G., of this review ; John W., who is liv- ing in Humboldt, Kansas; Isaac W., who makes his home in Argenta, Macon county ; Edward M. and Ezra M., who are located in Decatur; Mary, who is the wife of Irvin Dunbar, a farmer of Nebraska ; Martha, who died when a child of three years; and Reu- ben A., who is also a farmer and makes his home in Missouri. IVlr. Kile's educational advantages were limited to two terms' attendance at a sub- scription school, but through experience, ob- servation and reading in later life he has gained a good practical education that has enabled him to carefully conduct his business interests and to keep in touch with the thought and progress of the day. When only thirteen years of age he started out in life on his own account. He was a young boy to battle with the world, but it seemed neces- sary that he provide for his own support, and in his work he showed adaptability and per- severance. He began earning his own liv- ing by working as a farm hand at seven dol- lars per month, being employed in this way for three months. He then became connected with cattlemen, with whom he worked for four years, making many trips over the mountains to eastern markets. He made one trip to New York which required ninety- seven days. At the end of four years, how- ever, he resumed farm work and was in the employ of friends up to the time of his mar- riage. It was on the loth of February, 1859, in Macon county, that Mr. Kile gained a com- panion and helpmate for life's journey, wedding Miss Elizabeth Carver, daughter of George Carver, who was one of the early settlers of Macon county. Three children were born of this marriage, but one died in 30 infancy. Mary Samantha, the eldest, is now the wife of Charles Stucky, a resident of Cisco. Eliza Ann, the youngest member of the family, is the wife of Oliver Jones, who is now living in Macon county, where he fol- lows farming. At the time of his marriage Mr. Kile rented a tract of land in Macon county, upon which he lived for two years. He then pur- chased forty acres of land in that county, aft- erward added another tract of forty acres and four years later bought forty-five acres in the same locality. When seven years 'more had gone by he bought seventy acres in Piatt county, this being the first tract which he owned in the latter county. This was improved land, for which he paid fifty dollars per acre and after retaining it in possession for thirteen years, he sold it at a good profit, the sale price being one hundred and seven and one-half dollars per acre. Mr. Kile next purchased eighty acres in Macon county on section 18, Friends Creek township, and then bought one hundred and twenty acres adjoining, for which he paid seventy-two and a half dollars per acre. The next purchase made him the owner of one hun- dred acres on section 22, for which he paid ninety dollars per acre, and this property he still has. He owns altogether four hundred acres, which is very valuable, being a part of the rich farm land of central Illinois, which has made this state famous as an agri- cultural district. He also owns five lots in the town of Cisco and two residence proper- ties. Fifteen years ago he came to the vil- lage and has since lived retired, save that he gives his supervision to his investments. On August 5, 1903, he was offered one hundred and twenty-five dollars per acre for all the land he owns, but refused the offer. Mr. Kile votes with the Republican party 438 PAST AND PRESENT when questions of national interest are in- volved, but at local elections often votes inde- pendently, regarding only the capability of the candidates. He has served as commis- sioner of highways, has been school treasurer for six and a half years, justice of the peace for nine years and police magistrate for two years, and in these offices has been prompt and faithful in the discharge of his duties, do- ing everything in his power to promote the welfare of the community. He attends the Presbyterian church and has lived a life that has won for him the respect and confidence of his fellow men. Starting out for himself with very meager advantages, he has stead- ily progressed in the world, and his success has been won along lines which all may fol- low. He met difficulties in his career but he has steadily advanced by determined and honorable purpose, and many of the ob- stacles in his path have served as an impetus for renewed effort. The history of pioneer life in this section of the state is familiar to him and from pioneer times down to the pres- ent he has watched the progress and devel- opn^ent of Piatt county, feeling a just pride in what has been accomplished here. HON. WILBUR F. STEVENSON. Hon. Wilbur F. Stevenson is now serv- ing as mayor of Monticello and is accounted one of the leading and distinguished citizens of Piatt county, for his has been an honora- ble and prosperous career. Success is de- termined by one's ability to recognize oppor- tunity and to pursue this with resolute and unflagging energy. It results from con- tinued labor, and the man who thus accom- plishes his purpose usually becomes an im- portant factor in the business circles of the community in which he is connected. Air. Stevenson through such means attained a leading place among the representative ag- riculturists of Piatt county, and his well spent and honorable life commands the re- spect of all who knew him. A native of Kentucky, Wilbur F. Stev- enson was born in Scott county, that state, on the 1 2th of November, 1842, and is a representative of one of the old families of Kentucky. His paternal grandfather, Job Stevenson, was an active business man, and at one time a member of the Kentucky legis- lature. Evans Stevenson, the father of our subject, devoted his life to the work of the ministry and became a noted, divine of the Methodist church. His services in this con- nection were probably required to a greater extent than any other man of local note. He solemnized many marriages, pronounced many funeral sermons and frequently was called upon to deliver lectures, public ad- dresses and political speeches. He left the impress of his individuality upon the locality with which he was connected, his influence being widely felt in public thought and feel- ing, and from the time when he was seven- teen years of age until his death in 1879. he figured prominently before the public, and by reason of his marked individuality, strong intellectuality and sterling worth he did much to promote progress, reform and improve- ment. He married a daughter of Major John Boggs, who won his title by service in the war of 1812, and who was well known as one of the early settlers of Pickaway county, Ohio. In the state of his nativity amid the re- fining and ennobling influence of a good home Wilbur F. Stevenson was reared, and the lessons of integrity and nobility which PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 439 were impressed upon his mind in early youth have never been forgotten, but have largely aided in molding his character in later life. His arrival in Piatt county dates from 1868. He was at that time a young man of twenty-four years, desirous of win- ning success by his efforts in the business world. Reaching Illinois he entered into partnership with his uncle, John Boggs, Jr., who was prominent as a stockman through- out Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. Throughout the greater part of his residence in Piatt county Mr. Stevenson has been actively and extensively associated with stock-raising, and stock-dealing interests. He has secured a valuable tract of land in Willow Branch township, and there conducted a stock farm, which gained a wide reputation throughout this portion o>f the country. His business affairs were always conducted along legiti- mate lines and in accordance with enterprise. Quick to note and improve opportunity he has steadily worked his way upward, and his efforts have been crowned with a high de- gree of success. Mr. Stevenson was united in marriage to Miss Alice Talman, a native of Pickaway county, Ohio, whence she came to Illinois in her early girlhood. Her mother is now Mrs. Susan Farra, of Monticello. Since coming to Monticello Mr. 'Stevenson has taken a prominent part in public affairs, and in 1903 he was nominated on the Democratic ticket for the office of mayor of the city, and was elected to that position, so that he is now the incumbent in the office. His administration is practical and progressive, for he takes into consideration the real condition of the city, its needs and its possibilities, and he labors along lines of permanent good and substan- tial development. He is a wideawake, ener- getic and reliable man and as a citizen he has .at all times, the good of the community at heart, while his ability has been exerted to make his adopted county rank with the brightest and best of all composing this great commonwealth. He is now numbered among the capitalists of Piatt county, and his life record should serve as a source of encour- agement to others, for he started out for him- self without capital and the position which he now occupies in the financial circles is due to his own labors. ELIAS P. JAMES. Elias P. James has placed his earnings in the safest of all investments, real estate, and is to-day the owner of valuable landed hold- ings in Piatt county. His home is in Blue Ridge township, where he has a splendidly improved property. He was born in the neighboring state of Indiana, his birth hav- ing occurred in Rush county, on the 27th of September, 1835. His parents were Elisha and Catherine (Poston) James, and the father was a farmer by occupation. He was born in Tennessee, and the mother's birth oc- curred in Kentucky. After living for some years in Indiana they removed to Missouri, and afterward came to Illinois, settling in Piatt county. They spent their last days on the farm of our subject, and when called to their final home their remains were interred in the Mansfield cemetery. Elisha P. James obtained his education in Rush county, Indiana, pursuing his studies in the Bell school. The little "temple of learning" was an old log schoolhouse with slab benches. There was a large fireplace in one end of the room, and upon the wall an old-fashioned clock. The books were some- 440 PAST AND PRESENT what primitive in character, and the teaching was also after the same style. Mr. James has led a very busy and useful life. He be- gan working for himself when twenty-one years of age, and rented a tract of land in or- der that he might carry on farming on his own account. The first land which he ever owned was near Bear Swamp in Wabash county, Indiana. He paid twelve hundred dollars for a tract of one hundred and sixty acres. This was all covered with timber and Mr. James cleared away half of it and then sold his land for forty dollars per acre, disposing of the property on the ist of October. 1870. He then purchased one hun- dred and sixty acres of land in Blue Ridge township, Piatt county, becoming owner of this farm on the I5th of October, of the same year. He has devoted his time and en- ergies largel}' to the raising of stock and grain, and he was at one time the owner of seven hundred and fifty acres of valuable land. This, however, he has divided among his children, giving to each forty acres, so that he now has himself a tract of two hundred and eighty acres, all in Blue Ridge township. He bought one hundred and fifty acres at twenty-four dollars per acre, forty acres for thirty-one and a half-dollars, one hundred and fifteen acres for thirty-six dol- lars per acre, one hundred and sixty for sev- enty dollars, one hundred and fifteen acres for ninety dollars, eighty acres for one hun- dred and six dollars, and forty acres for one hundred and one dollars per acre. Thus he has invested large amounts of money in land, but has found this a profitable way to use his capital, because of the rich yield which the fields give and because of the excellent pas- turage which the land affords, this making it profitable to raise stock. In Wabash county, Indiana, Mr. James was united in marriage on the 6th of Febru- ary, 1862, to Miss Mary I. Shephard, who was born March 16, 1842, in McDonough county, Illinois. The lady is a daughter of Robert and Sallie Shephard, and by her mar- riage she has become the mother of seven children, four sons and three daughters: Stella B., who was born January 19, 1864; Cora B., born May 23, 1865 ; .Charles E., born September 23, 1867; Emma Z., born December I, 1869; Elmer B., January 9, 1872; Robert Ouincy, torn January 29, 1876; and Elias Ollan, born March 9, 1879. A number of the children were married and Mr. and Mrs. James and their sons and all of their children by marriage are members of the Christian church. Mr. and Mrs. James have been members of this section since 1862, and have led earnest, consistent lives in har- mony with their professions. Mr. James also belongs to the Masonic fraternity of Mans- field, and he votes with the Republican party. The honors and emoluments of of- fice, however, have had no attraction for him, as his time has been fully occupied by his business interests. He has displayed sound judgment in all of his work, untiring energy in the prosecution of his affairs, and unfal- tering honesty in all of his relations with his fellow men. His life record should serve as a source of help and inspiration to others, showing what may be accomplished through persistency of purpose and diligence. He is to-day one of the best known as well as one of the most successful agriculturists of Piatt county. WILLIAM J. SISSON. No history of the business interests of Mansfield would be complete without men- tion of William J. Sisson, who is proprietor PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 441 of a department store that would be a credit to a city of much larger size. His is a splendidly equipped establishment, com- prising a varied line of goods and in his busi- ness methods Mr. Sisson has gained general confidence. He never loses the patronage of those whose business he once secures, because in all his dealings he is found reliable, while in his treatment of those whom he serves he is ever courteous and obliging. Mr. Sisson is one of Illinois' native sons, his birth having occurred in the city of Gales- burg, Knox county, on the 5th of Novem- ber, 1854. His parents were Frederick P. and Mary Ann (Field) Sisson. The father engaged in manufacturing pursuits in early life, and during the period of the Civil war purchased horses for the government. In the schools of his native state William J. Sisson obtained his education and was thus well trained for the practical duties of life. After putting aside his text-books he secured a po- sition in a mercantile establishment in Gales- burg, being employed as cash boy when about thirteen years of age. Later the firm with which he was connected failed and he then accepted a clerkship in a shoe store. In 1871 he went to Peoria, where he entered the employ of Charles Seaberry & Company, with whom he remained for twelve years, a fact which certainly indicates his fidelity to those whom he served, and the unqualified confidence reposed in him by his employers. During the last nine years of his connection with that house he served as traveling sales- man upon the road, and annually negotiated a large amount of business for the firm. In severing his connection with business inter- ests in Peoria in 1883, he removed to Indian- apolis, Indiana, where he entered the employ of D. P. Erwin, with whom he remained for sixteen years. Certainly no higher testi- monial of his business capability and his trustworthiness could be given than the fact that he has been so long retained in the ser- vice of these two firms. On leaving Indian- apolis he came to Mansfield. He had pre- viously purchased his store here and was also the proprietor of a store in Princeville, Illi- nois, but on coming to Mansfield he disposed of the store in Princeville in order to give his entire attention to the supervision of his business interests in this place. He now car- ries a large and carefully selected stock worth thirty thousand dollars, and has one of the most modern and completely equipped general mercantile establishments in central Illinois. The store is heated by hot water and is supplied with all modern improve- ments, including the Luxfer prism lights, such as are seldom found in any store outside of the large cities. He also has handsome toilet-rooms and fine bath-rooms in the building. The basement is ce- mented and is also used as a salesroom, being so splendidly lighted that the ab- sence of sunlight is never noticed. Alto- gether the floor space of the store covers ten thousand square feet, and in addition to this Mr. Sisson has an oil house, flour house and a warehouse. He conducts a general department business, carrying a large line of dry goods, notions, carpets and floor cover- ings, clothing, hats, mens' furnishing goods, shoes, chinaware and groceries. His sales have reached a large annual figure, and are constantly increasing. He has studied closely the desires of the public and makes his pur- chases accordingly. In 1886 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Sisson and Miss Mary E. Venemann. They now have three children all living. Frederick P. was educated in the schools of Indianapolis and Mansfield, and is now as- 4-P PAST AND PRESENT sisting his father in the conduct of the store. Ella Richey and Sarah are at home. The family attend the services of the Presbyterian church, of which the parents are members. In his political views Mr. Sisson is a Repub- lican, and while he keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day, as every American citizen should do, he has no time or inclination to seek public office. He owns a beautiful residence in Mansfield in addition to his store, and is classed among the most prominent and influential citizens here. He has been the architect of his own fortunes, and has builded wisely and well, gradually working his way upward from the humble position of a cash boy until he is to-day a prosperous merchant, doing a large and prof- itable business. He is genial in manner, progressive in spirit, and as a citizen is very deeply interested in what pertains to the gen- eral welfare, co-operating largely in meas- ures for the public good. ELDER JOHN ARNOLD. Among Piatt county's honored and re- spected citizens should be numbered the gen- tleman whose name introduces this sketch, the present pastor of the German Baptist Brethren church of Okaw. He was born on the i6th of June, 1846, in Mineral county, West Virginia, and is a son of Solomon and Susan (Wine) Arnold, also natives of Vir- ginia, and of German extraction. The father who was a farmer by occupation, died in that part of the old Dominion which, during the Civil war, became the state of West Vir- ginia. Later the mother and her family came to Piatt county, Illinois, in the spring of 1868, and she died at the home, of her daugh- ter, Mrs. Samuel Henricks, near Cerro Gordo, in 1901. at the age of eighty-eight years. She had seven children, three of whom died in West Virginia. The others are as follows : Samuel married Lucina Rose, now deceased, and has three daughters, Laura, Mame and Flossie. Daniel is mar- ried and with his family resides in Missouri. John, of this review, is the next in order of birth. Lizzie is the wife of Samuel Hen- ricks, and a resident of Cerro Gordo, Illi- nois. John Arnold was educated in a primitive log schoolhouse with its slab benches and huge fireplace, continuing his studies there until about sixteen years of age. He made the most of his advantages in that line as it was his desire to 'obtain a good education, and by reading and observation he has added greatly to the knowledge acquired in the schoolroom. During his boyhood and youth he assisted in the work of the home farm, and has since been identified with agri- cultural pursuits. In the spring of 1868 he came with his family to Piatt county, Illi- nois, and settled in Cerro Gordo township, where he has since made his home. He and his brother, Samuel, engaged in farming to- gether for several years, but on the marriage of the latter the partnership was dissolved. Our subject began life here in limited circum- stances, but prospered in his farming opera- tions, and in 1881 purchased his present farm of eighty acres on section 29, Cerro Gordo> township, which was then under cultivation, but in tiling and other improvements he has laid out more money than the eighty acres cost him. Since then he has added to it an adjoining eighty, making one hundred and sixty acres. In 1887 he built a good barn and also corn-cribs, and in 1895 erected a nice modern residence, which is a verv at- PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 443 tractive home on the main road. The place is divided into fields of convenient size by well-kept fences, and everything is in first- class condition. On the 3ist of May, 1875, Mr. Arnold was united in marriage to Miss Mary Hen- ricks, who was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, in February, 1840, and died on the 23d of August, 1890. Her parents were Elder Joseph and Lizzie (Seitz) Henricks, also na- tives of Fairfield county, Ohio. Mr. Arnold was again married in June^ 1892, his second union being with Lydia Heeter, a daughter of John and Elizabeth Heeter, of Wabash county, Indiana. The children by the first marriage are Nora S., Etta May and Stella Ethel. The oldest daughter is a graduate of the German Baptist school at Mt. Morris, Il- linois, and will leave this year as a mission- ary to India, having made preparations to devote her life to that noble work. In 1876 Mr. Arnold was ordained as a minister of the German Baptist Brethren church, and has since served as assistant pas- tor most of the time, though he has been in full charge of the congregation at Okaw (formerly La Place) since 1897, succeeding Jacob Olery at that place. During his minis- try the membership has grown and now num- bers over two hundred, and the church has been otherwise Strengthened and built up. Mr. Arnold has preached throughout Piatt, Macon and Moultrie counties, and has la- bored untiringly in the interests of his. church. In 1898 he retired from active farm work, and now rents his land, living in hon- orable retirement from business. However, he' still attends to his ministerial duties, and on the 30th of May, 1903, went to Bellefon- taine, Ohio, to attend the general annual con- ference of his church. He has often been a delegate to such conventions, and for four years served as .president of the mission board in southern Illinois. He is widely and favorably known throughout this section of the state, and those who know him best are numbered among his warmest friends. WILLIAM F. LODGE. One of the most progressive and ener- getic young business men of Monticello is the gentleman whose name introduces this re- view. He was born in that city on the I2th of November, 1868, and is a son of William E. and Frances A. (Piatt) Lodge, the latter a daughter of William H. Piatt, in whose honor the county was named. In the public schools of Monticello our subject began his early literary education and later became a student in the State University at Cham- paign, where he pursued his studies for some time. Leaving that institution he entered the law department of Northwestern Uni- versity, at Evanston, Illinois, in which he was graduated on the completion of the reg- ular course, with the class of 1892. He was then admitted to practice before the supreme court at Springfield the same year. Returning to Monticello, Mr. Lodge joined his father as a member of the firm of Lodge, Hicks & Lodge, and became inter- ested in the manufacture of building brick and tile, the plant being situated just outside the city limits on the north. This enterprise was established in 1891, and the machinery is of the latest improved patterns. The out- put of the industry is now large, and employ- ment is furnished to a number of men and boys. Mr. Lodge also became secretary and incorporation promoter of the electric light company, and was instrumental in erecting 444 PAST AND PRESENT the plant. He succeeded in selling ten thou- sand dollars' worth of stock, and for nine years efficiently served as manager of the company, and also as electrician. He still owns a part of the stock. Mr. Lodge was also one of the organizers of the Mon- ticello Mutual Telephone Company, which was afterward merged into the Piatt Telephone Company with exchanges at Be- ment, Monticello and DeLand, and about five hundred phones in use. This company was organized and incorporated in 1896, with a capital stock of ten thousand dollars. Our subject and his brother, James P., now own about seven hundred telephones in oper- ation throughout Piatt county, and he gives his personal supervision to that business. The Lodge family occupy the old Piatt homestead where the first location was made in this county, and two rooms of the resi- dence were built by Mr. Barnett, becoming, the property of our subject's father about forty years ago. The house is surrounded by a spacious lawn, the grounds comprising about twenty acres. Mr. Lodge is a young man of marked business ability and execu- tive force, of keen sagacity and unfaltering energy, and along many lines he has con- tributed to the substantial improvement and permanent develppment of his native county. JESSE W. WARNER. Jesse W. Warner is one of the extensive land owners of Piatt county, his possessions aggregating five hundred and sixty acres. He is likewise well known as a large cattle- dealer, and both branches of his business have been so capably conducted that they have brought to him very deserved and grat- ifying prosperity. His home is on section 35, Goose Creek township, and for a half cen- tury he has resided in Piatt county, being one of its respected citizens and honored pio- neers. , A native of Ohio, Mr. Warner was torn in Ross county on the i6th of December, 1829, and is a son of George and Delilah Warner, both of whom were natives of Penn- sylvania. They were farming people and for many years the father was connected with agricultural pursuits in the Buckeye state. There he died at the age of fifty-nine years, and the mother afterward came to the west. spending her last days in Piatt county, Illi- nois. In the family were eleven children, seven sons and four daughters, of whom Jesse W. Warner was the sixth in order ol birth. In the public schools of Ohio Mr. Warn- er, of this review, obtained his education, but his advantages were somewhat limited as his services were needed on the home farm. His father died when the son was seventeen years of age, and for two years thereafter Mr. Warner remained with his mother, as- sisting in the operation of the home farm. He then began farming on his own account in Pickaway county, Ohio, but thinking that he might have better business opportunities further west, he left his native state in the fall of 1852 and came to Monticello, where he arrived with a cash capital of eighteen dol- lars and fifty cents. He also had a horse, saddle and bridle, having made the journey westward on horseback. On reaching Piatt county he secured work by the month as a farm hand, and was thus employed until 1856. when at the age of twenty-six years he lost his right arm in an accident on a railroad. This would utterly have discouraged many a man of less resolute spirit, but Mr. Warner J. W. WARNER PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 447 showed marked strength of character in facing the situation. He attended school and learned to write with his left hand. For two years after the accident he worked with an- other man in operating a mole ditcher, and in 1860 he engaged in the cattle business with Absalom Fisher and James Piatt, the relation between these gentlemen continuing until 1864, and their efforts were crowned with a high degree of success. With the money which he thus realized, Mr. Warner purchased two hundred and ninety-seven and a half acres of land, for which he paid five thousand dollars. This was largely unim- proved, and with characteristic energy he be- gan its development, transforming the tract into rich fields, which are now very product- ive. As his financial resources have in- creased he has added to his property until he now owns five hundred and sixty acres of the rich land of Piatt county, which is equal in productiveness to any to be found in this great agricultural state. On the 24th of June, 1873, was cele- brated the marriage of Mr. Warner and Miss Katie Schultz, of Piatt county. She died in 1876 and their only child died in infancy. On the 6th of January, 1878, Mr Warner was again married, his second union being with Miss Lulu Connor, a native of Bloom- field, Ohio, and a daughter of Abner and Rachel Connor, who came to Piatt county in the year 1851. The father was a farmer and stock-buyer, and was thus closely asso- ciated with the leading business enterprises of the county for a number of years. He died at the advanced age of seventy-five years, his widow is now living with Mr. and Mrs. Warner. Unto our subject and his wife have been born four children : Ollie, Edward, Lu- ella and Lena. The eldest daughter is now the wife of James Miner, a resident of Goose Greek township, and they have two children : Harold and Ruth. While carrying on the work of cultivat- ing the fields, Mr. Warner is also giving con- siderable attention to raising and dealing in stock, making a specialty of beef cattle and hogs, and annually he sends to the city mar- kets large numbers of these animals. He is a man of resourceful business ability, quick to note opportunity and to utilize the advan- tages which come to him. In 1900 he was in- terested in founding the State Bank of De- Land, of which he has since been a director. For about fifteen years he has served as pres- ident of the Monticello Fair Association, an enterprise which has been of marked value to this section of the state, cultivating ambi- tion for progress among the farmers with the result that better farm products and stock have been produced. Whatever tends to prove of value to the agricultural community is of interest to him, and he has always been a leader in matters of advancement in this di- rection. Mr. Warner is also prominent and active in fraternal circles and now belongs to Selah Lodge, No. 403, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he has passed all the chairs. He is also a member of the encamp- ment of Monticello and has been representa- ative to the grand lodge, while both he and his wife and their daughter, Luella, are con- nected with the Rebekah degree and their son is a member of the Knights of Pythias fra-; ternity. In his political views Mr. Warner is an ardent Democrat, and has served as road commissioner for three years, while for one term he was overseer, but he has alw r ays preferred to give his time to his business in- terests rather than to political work, and along the line of his chosen field of labor he has won every gratifying and honorable pros- PAST AND PRESENT perity. His life has been a useful, active and upright one, and now in the evening of his days he has the respect, confidence and good will of all with whom he has been asso- ciated. He has witnessed many changes and improvements in the county during the half century of his residence here, and well de- serves credit for what he has accomplished, and mention among the honored pioneers. JOHN W. CYPHERS. John W. Cyphers, who was one of the de- fenders of the Union cause during the dark days of the Civil war, and is to-day an hon- ored citizen of Piatt county, Illinois, was born on the 2ist of August, 1843, in Morgan county, West Virginia. His parents, Joseph S. and Elizabeth (Zeger) Cyphers, were both natives of Pennsylvania, the former born in 1806, the latter in 1812, and in Mer- cersburg, that state, they were married in 1834. After following farming in Pennsyl- vania for some years, the father removed to Morgan county, West Virginia, in 1839, making his home there until coming to Illi- nois in 1858, when he located in Fairview, Fulton county, which was his home until called to his final rest. Throughout life he followed agricultural pursuits, and also owned a large herd of sheep, being quite ex- tensively engaged in buying and selling those animals. He died on the 4th of July, 1868, and his wife passed away in 1885. This worthy couple were the parents of nine chil- dren, five of whom are still living, namely : Eliza, the wife of John Cosa, a shoemaker, of Fairview ; Urias, a harnessmaker of that place : Jacob, a policeman of Chicago ; Charles, a painter of Fairview ; and John W.. of this review. Having spent the first fifteen years of his life in the state of his nativity, John W. Cy- phers began his education in its public school, the first temple of learning being an old-fashioned log structure with puncheon floor and slab seats, and after coming to Illi- nois in 1858, he attended school for two win- ters, while working on his father's farm through the summer. He early acquired an excellent knowledge of every department of farm work, and later worked at six dollars per month as a farm hand. Mr. Cyphers was thus employed when the Civil war broke out, and not being content to remain quietly at home while the country was in danger, he entered the*army in August, 1862, enlisting in Company D, One Hun- dred and Third Illinois Volunteer Infantry, which was assigned to the Second Brigade, First Division, Fifteenth Army Corps. He participated in the battles of Mission Ridge and Kenesaw Mountain, the siege of At- lanta, Georgia, and was with Sherman on his celebrated march to the sea, being all through that campaign. The war having ended he took part in the grand review at Washing- ton, D. C, and was there discharged from the service, being mustered out at Chicago in July, 1865, with a war record of which he may be justly proud. Mr. Cyphers then returned to Fairview, Illinois, and learned the plasterer's trade, which he followed continuously until coming to Piatt county in 1870, when he purchased a farm of eighty acres adjoining the village of DeLand and turned his attention to agri- cultural pursuits. He has since operated his land quite successfullly, and has added twenty-five acres to the original tract, and has made many other useful and valuable im- provements which have added greatly to the attractive appearance of the place, including the erection of a fine ten-room residence sur- PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 449 rounded by lovely shade trees. In connec- tion with the raising of cereals best adapted to the soil and climate, he also raises cattle and hogs for market, and in both branches of his business is meeting with well deserved success. In 1867 Mr. Cyphers was united in mar- riage to Miss Ellen Cook, a daughter of Jo- seph and Mary Cook, of Fairview, but -she died within three weeks of their marriage. He \vas again married in January 1888, his second union being with Miss Caroline Zeger, a daughter of Joseph and Mary Zeger, and by this marriage five children were born, but only one is now living, this being Jerry, who is at home with his parents. John Wesley, Robert Franklin and Joseph Dickey all died with membranous croup, and Hattie May died in infancy. Joseph Zeger, the father of Mrs. Cyphers, was born April 3, 1822, and died February 5, 1901. when almost seventy-nine. His widow, whose birth occurred on the 3d of February, 1828, now makes her home with our subject and his wife. Politically Mr. Cyphers is a staunch Re- publican, and fraternally is a charter mem- ber of De Land Lodge, No. 740, I. O. O. F. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and are held in the highest respect and esteem by all who know them. JAMES W. ELLIOTT. James "W. Elliott, who is now success- fully engaged in general merchandising at Voorhies, was torn in Lynnville, Morgan county, Illinois, on the I3th of October. 1855, his parents being George and Ann (Wilkinson) Elliott, who were of English extraction. Leaving England in his twen- tieth year, the father came to America, land- ing in New York, where he worked at his trade of harness making for a time, and then removed to Jacksonville, Illinois, where he was similarly employed, bu he now follows farming in Macon county, his home being three miles west of Decatur. He has been twice married, his first wife, the mother of our subject, having died about 1860. By that union there were two childlren : James W. and Frances. The latter was for some time a popular schoolteacher, and is now the wife of a Mr. Brown, of Kansas. James W. Elliott passed his boyhood and youth upon a farm and received a good com- mon school education. Being a lover of good literature, he has become a well informed man, and keeps abreast of the times. At the age of twenty-three years he left the home farm in Macon county and went to Kansas, where he engaged in farming for about twelve years. While there he was married in 1881 to Miss Ella M. Orr, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1862, and was educated at Cannonsburg, that state. They now have three children, two of whom were born before leaving Kansas. In order of birth they are George, Charles and Beulah, all of whom have received good educational advantages. One of the sons is now attending business college, while the other assists his father in the store. On his return to Illinois, Mr. Elliott' had charge of his father's farm for a time, and in 1892 removed to the E. P. Thompson farm in Unity township, which he conducted until the fall of 1895, when he came to Voor- hies. Here he embarked in general mer- chandising on the ist of January, 1896, and in this new venture has steadily prospered,. 45 PAST AND PRESENT having a stock valued at about two thousand dollars, though he started out with a capital of seven hundred dollars. He is a thorough business man, prompt, energetic, and nota- bly reliable, and generally carries forward to successful completion whatever he under- takes. He is independent in politics and is well worthy the high regard so freely accord- ed him. JOHN D. BELL. An honorable retirement from labor has been vouchsafed to John D. Bell, who after many years connection with business affairs in which his success was won through hon- orable, persistent effort, is now resting in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil. He is a native of Pennsylvania, bcrn in Mifflin county, on the 3d of September, 1830. His parents were George T. and Sara (Sample) Bell. The father was born in Mifflin county on the I5th of March, 1803, and resided at the place of his birth until 1864, when he came to Illinois. He was a farmer by occupation and followed that pursuit during his residence in the Key- stone state. He had also learned the black- smith's trade in early life, but devoted his energies to it for but a brief period. A mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal church, he was always interested in its work and pro- gress, and in his political views he was a Democrat. In the county of his nativity he married Miss Sara Sample, who was born and reared in Mifflin county. Bringing his family with him to Illinois, he located in the village of Bement, where he spent his remain- ing days, passing away just two days before the seventy-seventh anniversary of his birth. His attention was not given to any business calling after his removal to the west, the small farm which he purchased being culti- vated by his son, John D. and others. He was a prosperous and progressive man, pub- lic spirited and interested in all that tended toward improvement. In his work he was systematic and kept everything about his home in a neat condition. He passed away in 1880, and was survived seventeen years by his wife. She was born in i8oy and passed away at the advanced age of eighty- eight years and five months. Her Christian faith was manifested by her membership in the Methodist church, with which she be- came identified during her girlhood days. For long years she was one of its active workers, and her labors were effective in advancing the moral development of the community. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bell were torn but two children, John D. being the elder. The daughter, Mary Jane, who was born in Pennsylvania, became the wife of Jacob Mut- thersbaugh,, who came to Bement, Illinois, at the time of the removal of John D. Bell and her parents to this place. Mr. Muttersbaugh engaged in the butchering business here after several years, and was engaged in it at the time of his death. He was laid to rest in Be- ment cemetery by the side of his wife, who passed away in 1876. They left five children : William and Harvey, who are now conduct- ing a meat market in Bement ; James, a resi- dent of Nebraska; Addie, a resident of De- catur, Illinois; and May, who is on a farm near Decatur. John D. Bell obtained his early education in the old-time log schoolhouses of Pennsyl- vania and assisted his father upon the home farm from his early youth up to the time of his marriage, in 1853. when he took charge of the farm then vacated by his father, who located on a small fruit farm in Pennsylva- PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. nia. remaining there until the family came west in the spring of 1864. On his arrival in Piatt county, Illinois, our subject pur- chased a farm just north of the village of Bement. erected a large and substantial brick residence and made other excellent improve- ments there. It continued to be his home un- til the spring of 1874, when, his wife having died in 1872, and his daughter being unable to keep house on the farm, he left the place and removed to Bement. Subsequently he engaged in the butchering business for ten years, and afterward bought a half interest in a drug store, but not liking the latter busi- ness he sold out to his partner in about a year. Since that time he has not engaged in any business on his own account, though he held a position in a furniture store until 1900, and since that time has practically lived retired from all business cares. On the ist of September, 1853, at Mc- Veytown, John D. Bell was united in mar- riage to Margaret E. Oliver, the widow of G. W. Oliver. She was born in the Key- stone state, a native of Huntingdon county, and a daughter of David Jackson, who was a farmer of that county. Both her father and mother died on the old home place in Hunt- ingdon county. Mrs. Bell was a member of the Presbyterian church, and in that faith she died, November 19, 1872, at Lincoln, Illinois, while visiting her daughter, Mrs. Houser. Her remains were brought back home and at her request were then interred in the Mc- Veytown cemetery near her old home in Pennsylvania. She was a devoted wife and a kind and loving mother. By her first hus- band she had three children who made their home with Mr. Bell : John L. Oliver, who now resides in Colorado; Mary, the wife of Dr. W. W. Houser, of Lincoln, Illinois ; and George W. Olliver, who resides in Texas. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Bell was blessed with five children, three of whom are still living : Sadie, the wife of R. O. Hick- man, of Colorado; Anna, the wife of A. C. Stadler, of Bement, Illinois, by whom she has one child, Arno Karl ; and Elmer E., who is a traveling salesman, residing in New Jer- sey. He is married and has four children : Two children born unto Mr. and Mrs. Bell died in infancy and were laid to rest in the McVeytown cemetery. During his residence in Piatt county Mr. Bell has so lived as to win the high regard and confidence of his fellow men. In his busi- ness relations he has been active and straight- forward, and through capable management and enterprise he has won a competence that now enables him to live retired; He has passed the psalmists's span of three score years and ten, having reached the seventy- third milestone on life's journey. His worth is widely acknowledged, and it is with pleas- ure that we present to our readers this record of his career. HENRY W. GANTZ. Prominent among the successful business men of Piatt county is numbered the gentle- man whose name introduces this sketch. For many years he has been actively identified with the agricultural, industrial and mercan- tile interests of this locality, and he has at- tained a leading place among its representa- tive citizens. In business affairs he has pros- pered through his own unaided efforts and sound judgment, and is now quite well-to-do. A native of Ohio, Mr. Gantz was born in Richland county, September 3, 1845, and is a son of David and Mary (Laninger) 45^ PAST AND PRESENT Gantz, both natives of Pennsylvania. The father was born July 7, 1806, and the mother September 18, 1817. They were married in the Keystone state on the 26th of Febru- ary, 1837, and subsequently removed to Ohio, where the father followed his chosen occupation that of farming until his death, having entered one hundred and sixty acres of land from the government. In his family were seven children as follows Hiram, born in 1838, engaged in farming in Ohio until his enlistment in the Fifty- fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry during the Civil war and died in the service in 1862. Re- becca, born August 21, 1840, married Wil- liam Nagle, of Ohio, and died in June, 1899, leaving a husband and five children. Har- riet is the wife of Michael Katzemire, a shoe merchant, owning two stores, one in Upper Sandusky and the other in Toledo, Ohio. Henry W. is the next of the family. George Washington, born June 13, 1848, is- a resi- dent of Morgantown, West Virginia. Wil- liam Franklin, born July 6, 1855, is a farmer of Wayne county, Illinois. Sarah Alice, born July 3, 1858, died September 23, 1863. During his boyhood Henry W. Gantz attended the common schools of Ohio from thirty to forty days in winter, the remainder of the year being devoted to the work of the hone farm. He would also haul wood to the neighboring town, and on the return trip would bring home supplies for the family. On leaving home he started to earn his own livelihood "in the lumber woods by manufac- turing shingles. Deciding to try his fortune on the prairies of Illinois, he came to this state at the age of twenty-two years, and af- ter working as a farm hand for one year, he purchased a team, and for one year operated a part of the Jacob Swigart farm of one hun- dred and sixty acres in DeWitt county. He was then taken ill and during his sickness lost all that he had made, being thus forced to accept employment on a farm at twenty dollars per month. During the year passed in that way he borrowed one hundred dollars and made his first payment on forty acres of land in this county, and then rented one hun- dred and sixty acres of land in DeWitt coun- ty in partnership with Jonathan Donnar, farming the same quite successfully until he had paid for his forty-acre tract in Piatt county. He then borrowed money t;> purchase an adjoining forty -acre tract, but after living upon his property for one year he traded it for one hundred and sixty acres of land in Goose Creek township, three miles southwest of De Land, which place he operated until 1883, in the meantime adding one hundred acres to his farm. Since then he has made his home in the village of De Land, but is still interested in fanning prop- erty, and now owns four hundred and twenty acres in this county, four hundred acres in Wayne county, Illinois, and a half interest in five hundred and forty acres in White county, this state. In 1882 he erected a tile factory in De Land, but sold the same two years later and embarked in the mercantile business at this place as a member of the firm of I. L. Rinehart & Company, which firm was changed to Gantz & Fuller in 1896. In 1900 Mr. Gantz became sole owner and car- ried on the business under the style of the Gantz Mercantile Company for one year, when he sold a half interest in the store to Wiley Dewees, the firm becoming Gantz & Dewees. In the fall of 1901. however, Mr. Gantz sold his interest to his son and Mr. Dewees sold out to a Mr. Cox, since which time business has been carried on under the firm name of Gantz & Cox. Our subject is a stockholder and one of the directors of the PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 453 First National Bank of De Land, and owns forty thousand shares in the Mascot Gold Mining Company, which is capitalized at two million dollars, and is operating in Colorado. On the ist of October, 1873, Mr. Gantz was united in marriage to Miss Amanda Porter, a daughter of James and Elizabeth Porter, and to them have been born three children : Hattie Ethel, who was born July 8, 1874, and was married June 28, 1899, to Dr. Charles Smith, of East St. Louis; Inez, born January 10, 1878; and Ira W., born February 10, 1882. The younger children are still at home. Dr. Gantz and his family hold member- ship in the Methodist Episcopal church and he is also connected with the Knights of Pythias lodge at De Land. His political sup- port is given the men and measures of the Republican party, and he has served as coun- ty commissioner from Goose Creek town- ship one term and as a member of the school board two terms. A man of keen perception, unbounded enterprise and good business abil- ity, his success in life is due entirely to his own efforts, and he deserves prominent men- tion among the leading and representative business men of the county. He is what the world terms "self-made," and well does he deserve the prosperity that has come to him, for he started out in life for himself with no capital, and by industry and perseverance has overcome the obstacles in the path to suc- cess. JESSE J. CROOK. James M. Crook, father of our subject, was torn in the county of Fountain in the Hcosier state in 1830, and lost his father when he was a lad of fourteen, the widowed mother being left with seven children. With them she settled in Willow Branch township on the creek of that name about the year 1845. James, being one of the eldest of the boys, early felt the burdens of man's estate, and secured little education. Others of the fam- ily were, George, deceased ; Jane, deceased wife of George Hopkins ; Thomas J. ; Martha, wife of Dr. H. Hickman, of Oklahoma; Mary E., widow of Daniel Madden, of Dan- ville, Illinois; Benjamin F., deceased; Har- riet, wife of Sheridan Rose, of Oklahoma; and Delilah, also of Oklahoma, the wife of Murphy Secrest. On arriving at years of maturity James M. Crook married Charity, daughter of Enoch and Elizabeth Peck, who had settled with their family in Willow Branch township as early as 1839. Life was simple and full of toil in those days, and Mr. Cook began his married life as a railsplitter. He finally succeeded in saving sufficient to make a pay- ment on a tract of swamp land near Cisco. This he improved as he could and in 1868 sold it for a price which enabled him to pur- chase the first forty acres of the farm which he afterwards brought to high perfection and which our subject still cultivates. He later added to it a quarter section of land. This land was virgin and was reclaimed from that state by his hand. He was a man of shrewd judgment and gave his attention largely to one 'line, that' of the raising of hogs. He was very successful with these animals, and it is said that he paid for a full eighty-acre tract by the sale of one single drove. He had just finished remodeling his house when he took a severe cold, which after two years' illness re- sulted in his death, the date being November 9, 1884. He left a wife and four children, the wife still surviving him, living at Mil- mine. The names of the children are Wil- 454 PAST AND PRESENT Ham Wallace, now residing in Monticello; James M., who died in 1894; Jesse; and Ora, who now resides in Cerro Gordo township, the wife-of William McQuay. Jesse J. Crook has held continuous resi- dence on the old homestead since the date of his birth. March 8, 1868. Hawver district school equipped him in the educational line, and he aided his mother in the cultivation of the home farm until his marriage, when he as- sumed the management himself. His wife, whom he married on the 8th of October, 1891 , was Austie Snyder, daughter of Benner and Mary (Christian) Snyder. Her parents were farmers of Ohio, where she was born and reared, coming to Illinois in 1876. They set- tled on a farm in Cerro Gordo township, but after a fe\v years moved to Milmine, where the mother died in 1881. The father is now living a retired life in Milmine. In the fam- ily beside Mrs. Crook were Victoria, who married Frank Root and resides in Bement ; Virginia, now Mrs. James Doyle, of Ham- mond, Illinois ; Lyda, now Mrs. Frank Coak- ley, of Bement ; Laura, wife of Watts Caffee, of Pittsburg, Kansas; William, of Milmine; John, of Kansas; Addie, wife of John Hend- ricks, of Willow Branch township; Quinter, of Milmine; Bartley, of Willow Branch township ; and Jesse, at home. To Mr. and Mrs. Crook have been born Elma, Lester R.. Chattie Fay and Dimple May. To speak of the life led by our subject would be the enumeration of the manifold du- ties performed by the busy farmer. Like many farmers, he has his weakness, and that is a good horse, of which he is an excellent judge. He has made a specialty of blooded stock, and has now in his possession two very fine animals. These horses are both regis- tered. Schley III, a Percheron ; and Milmine King, a fine Shire horse. In the county round about Mr. and Mrs. Crook have a large acquaintance, among whom they are highly esteemed for their open-handed and generous hospitality. Mr. Crook served a term acceptably as tax collect- or of Willow Branch township, and six years as school director, and both are popular mem- bers of the Loyal American Lodge, No. 32, at Milmine. ALBERT R. ROSS. The above named gentleman is a repre- sentative of one of the oldest families in the county, his father, Francis Asbury Ross, having settled here during the great Civil war, after he had rendered gallant service to his country. He was born in Essex, New Jersey, April i, 1841, the son of Simon and Eveline Ross. He came to Illinois when about three years of age, and* was educated at Whitehall, and at a college in Jacksonville, Illinois. Soon after leaving school he entered the army as a private in Company K, Twenty-seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served for eighteen months in the Army of the West. He participated in the battles of Belmont and Island No. 10, when he was taken sick and passed the remaining time in the hospital at Benton Barracks. Upon his return home in 1863, on the 3ist of Decem- ber he married Miss Frances, daughter of William and Mary Cotter. After his mar- riage he purchased a farm in Blue Ridge township, then one of the wildest portions of the county. Here they patiently passed through the severe trials incident to pioneer life for a period of five years, thence remov- ing to Mansfield, where Mr. Ross engaged in merchandising for some twenty-six years. His health failing he exchanged his store for A. R. ROSS PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 457 land in Cheyenne county, Nebraska. After a period of rest he again engaged in mercan- tile life in Mansfield, but was again com- pelled to give it up and traded his store for six hundred and forty acres of choice land in Wcodson county, Kansas. He removed to Bloomington, where he passed the rest of his days, dying in September, 1898. His wife survives him and is now a resident of Chicago. To them were born four children, those living being the subject of this sketch, and Brant C. Ross, now a student in Chicago Dental College. Albert R. Ross, supervisor pf Blue Ridge township, was born in DeWitt county, Illi- nois, on the 29111 of July, 1867. He received a good education and at twenty-two began life for himself as a farmer. His marriage to Hannah Belle Hilligoss occurred February 22, 1888. Mrs. Ross is the daughter of B. E. and Eliza Hilligoss, of Mansfield, and is the mother of six children. The five living are Albert L., Duane E., Frances Adelaide, Henry G. and Frank C., the three eldest be- ing in school, the younger ones at home. Mr. Ross is one of the extensive farmers in Piatt county, cultivating four hundred and eighty acres of land and shipping from one to two hundred cars of beef cattle and hogs every season. For investment purposes he holds one thousand one hundred and twenty acres in Nebraska, a section in Kansas, and an eighty in Minnesota. It will thus be seen that Mr. Ross is one of the large land owners in the county, and an influential and re- spected citizen. His interest in matters of public moment is that of the good citizen, who, though not courting public attention, is yet willing to do his duty in administering the unpaid offices of the local government. In 1902 he was elected supervisor of the township on the Republican ticket, and is 21 serving most acceptably. He is at present chairman of the building committee which is erecting a handsome stone and brick court- house and jail in the county seat. Mr. Ross is a thorough believer in the fraternal principles and is a popular member of several of the best societies, notable among which are the Knights of Pythias, of which he is a charter member of No. 634 of Mans- field, the Modern Woodmen of America, and the Royal Circle, of which Mrs. Ross is also a member. Still a young man, with a record of helpful and efficient service to his credit, our subject has before him a useful future. Successful in business affairs, courteous and obliging with all his associates, he is held in high esteem wherever he is known. NATHAN E. RHOADES. The activity of Nathan E. Rhoades has touched many lines and to the benefit of all, and Monticello has profited by his marked energy, keen discernment and business sa- gacity, for he has labored in such a manner as to promote the public welfare while ad- vancing individual success. His name is as- sociated with commercial and agricultural interests of the county and with its political history, and throughout the years of his con- nection with varied interests here, he has so guided his affairs that he has won the un- qualified regard of the public by reason of his straightforward business methods. A native of Ohio, Nathan E. Rhoades was born in Franklin county, near the village of Reynoldsburg, in 1834, and his parents, Daniel and Catherine Rhoades, were also na- tives of the same county. In the year 1845 the father removed with his family from the PAST AND PRESENT Buckeye state to Illinois, settling in Piatt county upon a tract of land which now consti- tutes the county poor farm, three miles west of Monticello. His possessions included two hundred and fifty acres, and for years he oc- cupied that property, giving his time and at- tention to its cultivation and improvement. He died in 1854, and many friends mourned his death, for he was a citizen of worth. His wife, who survived him for almost twenty years, died in March, 1873, in Monticello, where she had removed after the death of her husband, Nathan E. Rhoades was a little lad of about eleven years when his parents came to Illinois, and amid the wild scenes of pioneer life in Piatt county he was reared, aiding in the arduous task of developing a new farm and sharing in the hardships and difficulties of life on the frontier. He had spent three months in school before coming to Illinois, and he continued his education in the district schools of Piatt county. Farm work became familiar to him in its various departments, but in 1853, he left the farm and came to Monticello, where he engaged in clerking for a time in the employ of various mer- chants' of the city. In 1859 he was called from commercial life to public service, being elected on the Republican ticket to the office of treasurer of Piatt county. Only three years before the party had placed its first presidential candidate in the field, but the new organization had gained great strength in Piatt county and Mr. Rhoades was num- bered among its earnest endorsers. He has never faltered in his allegiance thereto throughout all the years which have come and gone since that time, and has done much toward securing its success in' this locality. Entering upon the duties of the office of county treasurer he proved so faithful to the trust reposed in him that he was re-elected and filled the position for eight consecutive years. He was also deputy circuit clerk for four years and deputy county clerk for a sim- ilar period. For several years he served as trustee of the Monticello school district, and the cause of education found in him a warm friend. On his retirement from office Mr. Rhoades again became an active factor in mercantile circles this time as a proprietor. He conducted his enterprise from 1877 until 1901, covering about twenty-four years. During the latter part of his connection with mercantile interests, he was the senior member of the firm of N. E. Rhoades & Soa. In 1895 he established the Cedar Hill stock farm, and has since been engaged in the breeding of fine stock, often having as many as twenty head of fine horses in his stables. His stud Bernal has a record of 2:17, and was bred by Senator Stanford, of California, and after the Senator's death was sold in Kentucky. Later Mr. Rhoades purchased Bernal. He is sixteen hands high, weighs thirteen hundred pounds, is seal-brown in color and of a gentle disposition. Besides en- gaging in the breeding of horses Mr. Rhoades was at one time the owner of a very fine herd of shorthorn cattle. In the way of building Mr. Rhoades has done much to improve Monticello. The Rhoades opera house block was erected in 1874 and with the exception of the room oc- cupied by the bank and the basement under- neath, and two offices, the entire building is owned by Mr. Rhoades. He also laid out an addition to the city known as the Rhoades ad- dition, and owns a nice park just north of the town. In 1868 he erected a palatial home of fourteen rooms. It is constructed of brick and was long the finest house in the town. PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 459 In 1857 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Rhoades and Miss Mary E. Ross, of Madison county, Ohio, in which place she was born and reared. By this marriage there are two sons : Charles N., now a prom- inent farmer and stock-raiser of Oklahoma; and Corwin E., at home. Mr. Rhoades is a member of the Independent .Order of Odd Fellows, and both he and his wife have a wide acquaintance and large circle of friends in this part of the state. To him there has come the attainment of a distinguished posi- tion in connection with the various interests of the county, and his efforts have been so discerningly directed along well-defined lines of labor that he seems to have realized at any one point of progress the full measure of pos- sibilities for accomplishment at that point. A man of distinct and forceful individuality, of broad mentality and most mature judg- ment, he has left and is leaving his impress upon business activity in this community. For years he has been an important factor in the development of this part of the state, and has been a witness of its growth for nearly sixty years. Great changes have occurred during this long period, the wild prairie land being developed into some of the richest farms of Illinois, while in other ways the county has kept apace with the universal progress. Mr. Rhoades has done everything in his power to further its advancement, and is justly accounted one of its most valued and respected citizens. SCAMON C. RODMAN. Scamon C. Rodman, who is now engaged in the grain business in DeLand, Illinois, and is also interested in lead mining in Missouri, was born on the 22d of April, 1844, near Zanesville, Ohio, and was educated in the common schools near Bloomington, Illinois, having come with his father to this state when nine years old. He was preparing to enter college when the Civil war broke out, and he laid aside his text-books to enter the service of his country, his patriotic spirit being aroused. He first enlisted in 1864 in Com- pany H, One Hundred -and Forty-fifth Illi- nois Volunteer Infantry, with which he served six months, and later being mustered out at Camp Butler he re-enlisted in the One Hun- dred and Fiftieth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He participated in the engagements at Cleve- land, Tennessee ; Dalton and Atlanta, Geor- gia ; and Jonesboro, North Carolina ; and aft- er hostilities ceased he assisted in the estab- lishment of the civil government in the south during the reconstrucion period. A lengh he was mustered out at Griffin, Georgia, Jan- uary 16, 1866, and was discharged at Camp Butler. On his return home Mr. Rodman re- mained with his father until his marriage. It was on the 6th of January, 1870, that he wedded Miss Emily Fleming, a daughter of A. M. and Sarah Fleming, and to them have have been born five children: Gertrude L., now the wife of G. W. Griffin, of Nevada, Missouri ; Roy S., who is in the employ of the Chicago Telephone Company of Chicago; Mabel F., Herbert G. and Earl C., all three at home. For four years after his marriage Mr. Rodman operated his father's farm, and then purchased a store and grain business at Padua, McLean county, Illinois, thirteen miles from Bloomington, conducting the same until 1877, when he removed to DeLand and opened a general store in partnership with his brother, but sold out to his brother 460 PAST AND PRESENT a year later. He next embarked in the grain ?,nd stock business with R. B. Moody and built the first elevator in DeLand with a ca- pacity of seventy-five thousand bushels. That connection continued for ten years, and in 1888 he sold out to his brother, J. N. Rodman, on account of failing health. He then removed to southwestern Missouri and engaged in the real estate and mining busi- ness, under the firm name of Rodman & Mc- Clure, at Carthage, that state, the capital stock of the company being twenty thou- sand dollars. In 1889 Mr. Rodman also em- barked in the commission and farm imple- ment business, which he followed for eight years, and on the end of that time he went to Salem, Iowa, where he was engaged -in the clothing and general merchandise business, conducting what was known as the Salem Clothing House. After six years spent at that place he sold out and returned to De Land in September, 1892, and took the man- agement of the J. N. Rodman elevator. He is still interested in a lead mine at Oronoga, Missouri, and has one hundred and sixty acres of land in that state, besides a nice home in DeLand, which he purchased of Ed- ward B. Chenoweth, in 1902. The Republican party has always found in Mr. Rodman a stanch supporter of its principles, and he has taken quite an active and commendable interest in affairs, serving as town clerk in Goose Creek township, this county, justice of the peace while in Iowa, and as a member of the school board for six years. He is a charter member of the Odd Fellows Lodge at DeLand, and both he and his wife belong to the Congregational church. He is a man in whom the community places the utmost confidence, and he has always been found worthy of and true to every trust reposed in him. GEORGE W. HOFFMAN. One of the leading and representative cit- izens of Blue Ridge township is George W. Hoffman, who is successfully carrying on his chosen occupation on section 19, where he owns a valuable and well-improved farm of two hundred acres. A native of Illinois, he was born in Logan county on the 24th of July, 1856, and is a son of James M. and Mary (Barr) Hoffman, who are natives of West Virginia and Illinois, respectively. When the father was three years old he ac- companied his parents on their removal to Ohio and grew to manhood in Champaign county, that state. At the age of twenty he turned his face westward with the intention of making an overland trip to California, but on reaching Waynes vi lie, DeWitt county, Il- linois, he stopped and remained there until the spring of 1869, when he removed to Mc- Lean county. He was there engaged in farming throughout the remainder of his ac- tive business life, and since 1897 he and his wife have lived retired in Farmer City, Illi- nois, enjoying a well-earned rest. Unto them were born six children, but only three are now living, these being George W., of- this review ; Mrs. Delia Cross, of Farmer City; and Mrs. Addie L. Orendorff, of Bloomington, Illinois. George W. Hoffman received his early education in the common schools of McLean and Logan counties, and passed his boyhood and youth in much the manner of farmer boys, gaining an excellent knowledge of the duties which fall to the lot of the agricultur- ist. On the 2nd of April, 1879, ne was united in marriage to Miss Ella Orendorff, of Mc- Lean county, a daughter of Lewis and Susan R. ( Hoover) Orendorff. Her father was the first white male child born in McLean county. PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 461 Of his four living children none are residents of Piatt county with exception of Mrs. Hoff- man. Our subject and his wife have nine children, namely : Myrtle, now the wife of Lincoln G. Heller, of McLean county, and the mother of one child, Bernice Evelyn : Daisy Pearl ; Edith ; Elmer O. ; Mary ; Hazel Laverne ; James Lewis ; George Arthur ; and Ruth Lucile. After his marriage Mr. Hoffman began farming in West township, McLean county, on land which Mr. Orendorff had given him and his wife, and they continued to reside there until February, 1893, when they re- moved to the farm in Blue Ridge township, Piatt county, where they now live. Mr. Hoffman first purchased one hundred and sixty acres, to which he has since added a forty-acre tract, making two hundred acres in one body. This he has improved and placed under a high state of cultivation. He is engaged in general farming and stock-rais- ing, handling horses, mules, cattle, sheep and hogs, and gives considerable attention to that part of, his business, which he has found quite profitable. In 1886, on account of Mrs. Hoffman's health, the family removed to Tennessee, where they spent almost a year, and while there our subject engaged in buying and sell- ing stock. With that exception he has al- ways made his home in Illinois. He is an act- ive and prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Weedman, of which he has been trustee for some years, and was also superintendent of the Sunday-school six or seven years. Fraternally, he is a member of Poplar Camp, No. 253, M. W. A., and po- litically, is identified with the Republican party. He has filled the office of tax collect- or, but has never cared for political prefer- ment, his time and attention being taken up by his business interests. He is a man of sterling worth and commands the respect and confidence of all with whom he is brought in contact. ELBERT G. KNIGHT. Since 1877 Elbert G. Knight has figured in business circles in Monticello, where he is now extensively engaged in dealing in grain, implements and coal, and also in the manu- facturing of harness. His achievements rep- resent the result of honest endeavor along lines where mature judgment has pointed the way. He possesses a weight of character, a native sagacity, a discriminating mind and a fidelity of purpose that command the re- spect, if not the approval, of friends and foes alike. His is an honorable career, and he is recognized as one of the leading and repre- sentative citizens of Monticello. His ancestral history is one of close con- nection with New England from an early day, although the family is of Scotch descent. Moses Knight, the great-grandfather of our subject, was a soldier of the Revolutionary war, who fought valiantly for the cause of independence, and his son, Moses, the grand- father of our subject, again took up arms in behalf of his country in the second war with England, entering the service in 1812. Pa- triotism has always been one of the strong characteristics in the Knight family, and many incidents might be cited of the love of country of the different people who have borne the name of Knight. Joshua Knight. the father of our subject, was born in New England, in 1802, and resided in that section of the country until after his marriage and the birth of his children. His last years, how- ever, were spent in Illinois, his death occur- 462 PAST AND PRESENT ring in Monticello in 1881. In early man- hood he wedded Miss Elizabeth Gage, a daughter of James and Elizabeth Gage. She died in 1853. In the family were five chil- dren. Elbert G. Knight, whose name intro- duces this record, was reared in New Eng- land, attending the public schools of Bath and later working at various pursuits until he was twenty years of age. His birth occurred in Haverhill, Massachusetts, on the 2gth of September, 1836, and in 1856 he came to Monticello, Illinois, where he entered upon his business career in the humble capacity of a clerk in a general store owned and con- ducted by O. Bailey. That he proved a ca- pable and faithful employe is indicated by the fact that he remained in Mr. Bailey's service for five years. He was afterward in another store for ten years. In 1862 he vol- unteered his services for the Civil war, but not being accepted he returned to Monticello and was appointed deputy sheriff under E. P. Fischer for one year. On the expiration of that time he entered the employ of Piatt & Bryden, with whom he remained, sixteen years, and in 1877 started in business with L. B. Tinder, as dealers in grain. This con- nection continued until 1884, when he pur- chased his partner's interest in the business, and his son became a member of the firm in 1892. They handle all kinds of grain, and as they found opportunity they have extended the field of their labor until to-day they have several elevators on the Wabash & Illinois Central Railroads, having a capacity of six- ty thousand bushels, and owing to the close proximity of the railroads they have good facilities for the shipment of both grain and coal. They deal in the latter commodity on quite an extensive scale, and in the various branches of their business they have gained success. Business was carried on under the firm style of E. G. Knight & Son until 1903, when it was incorporated under the name of the Knight Grain Company, Mr ; Knight be- ing president, while H. N. Knight is vice president and treasurer, and W. K. Davidson is secretary. This is one of the best-known firms in the county, and its business methods are unassailable. In July, 1858, was celebrated the mar- riage of Mr. Knight and Miss Ann R. Cur- ran, a native of Towanda, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Daniel and Anna (Duggan) Curran. This marriage was blessed with four children : Anna E., the wife of J. W. Davi- son; Ella Y., who married Daniel Bohon, of Monticello; H. N., who is in business with his father; and Jessie F., wife of J. E. An- drews. Mr. Knight is the owner of a good farm of forty-five acres about four miles distant from Monticello and situated on the banks of the Sangamon river. The place is skirted with of the finest springs in Piatt county Mr. Knight has erected suitable buildings, and has a little rustic house which he uses as a cottage in the summer months, the family spending a part of the hot season of the year in this quiet, cool retreat. In his political views Mr. Knight is a pronounced Republic- an, taking a deep interest in the success of his party, for he earnestly desires the welfare of the county and the election of his friends. He has, however, never been an active poli- tician in the sense of office-seeking on his own account, although for eleven years he served as a member of the city council of Monticello. Such, in brief, is the life record of one of the well-known citizens of this state, whose labors have closely touched the inter- ests of state and have contributed to the ad- vancement toward that perfection for which PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 463 a majority of the world's people are striving. He is a man of firm convictions, and it is doubtful if he ever weighed a single act of his life in the scale of policy, his conduct be- ing prompted by the spirit of usefulness and conscientious obligation. Strong in his in- dividuality he never lacks the courage of his convictions, and this taken into consider- ation with the sterling integriy and honor of his character have naturally gained for him the respect and confidence of men. HERMAN G. MEYER. A member of the Teutonic race who has made a success of farming in Piatt county, is Herman G. Meyer, who resides on a farm on section 32, Goose Creek township. He is a native of Germany, having been born there on the loth of December, 1836, and is the son of George H. and Gertrude Frances (Hend- ricks) Meyer. The family is of German de- scent, tracing its origin far back into the mid- dle ages. The father of our subject was born in the town of Pilsun, Province of Hanover, March 9, 1807. He grew to manhood in the fatherland, and with his family came to this country in 1867. He settled in the city of Peoria, Illinois, where he followed his trade of weaver for a period of some six years. At the solicitation of our subject, he removed to Logan county, where they together rented a farm, which they continued to operate for a period of fifteen years. The father then re- moved to Piatt county, where he purchased a farm of eighty acres in Goose Creek town- ship. Here he resided some twenty years, at the end of which time he retired from active work and took up his residence in Monticello, where he died on the gth of December, 1891. Our subject's mother was born also in the fatherland, the date being February 24, 1814, and her death occurring in Logan county, May 15, 1903, her age being eighty-nine years, three months and one day. She was the mother of seven children, five of whom are living : Herman ; Lowery, widow of Nanka Rademaker ; Henry, retired farmer residing in Monticello ; Ties, a Logan county farmer; and Albert, who also resides in Lo- gan county. Herman G. Meyer received a good educa- tion in the common schools of Germany, and came with the family to this country on the date above mentioned. He had for some time previous to this been the mainstay of the fam- ily, and paid the passage of his parents to this country, he himself working his way as cook on the vessel. He was first employed in this country in the coal mines near Peoria. and, as stated, associated himself with his fa- ther in the cultivation of a farm in Logan county. He accompanied his father to Piatt county and in company with him purchased a farm of eighty acres in Goose creek town- ship. After the retirement of his father Mr. Meyer continued the operation of this farm, and in 1880 had accumulated sufficient to purchase a tract of three hundred and twenty acres near by, for which he paid thirty dol- lars an acre. Upon this farm he continued to reside until the death of his father, when he removed to Monticello, and for two years resided in the home which he had bought for his father upon his retirement from active du- ties. A long life of activity on the farm, however, has unfitted Mr. Meyer for the mo- notonous life in town, and he therefore again took up his residence on the home place, where he has since resided, but which he rents to tenants. Mr. Meyer has been quite a dealer in real estate, and has purchased and 464 PAST AND PRESENT improved several valuable farms in the coun- ty, which he sold at a good price. His own farm is a model of the agriculturist's art, be- ing thoroughly tiled and ditched and one of the most productive farms in the county, Large barns and many convenient outbuild- ings have been erected, and orchards consist- ing of all kinds of the best fruit surround the home. The married life of Mr. Meyer began in the fatherland June 22, 1860, when he was joined in marriage to Rincha, daughter of Lewis and Grace Frances (Stroman) Adams. To them have been born two children, George, who married Miss Belle Reynolds ; and Lewis, whose wife's maiden name -was Dina Lubbers. Both of the sons are culti- vating portions of the home farm, and reside near their parents. The mother of these boys was born in Germany, and is one of four children residing in this county, the others being Rinder, a brother, who is a retired farmer living in Ackley, Iowa ; Wupke, the widow of H. Blacker and a resident of Pe- kin, Illinois; Tetge, the widow of Simon Up- hoff and also a resident of Pekin. Mr. Myer is one of the substantial men of the county, and has a reputation for hon- esty and integrity of character. Politically, he supports the Democratic party, has been school director for a period of two years, and for the past five years has been one of the ditch commissioners of the county. He is a worthy member of the Masonic Fraternity, and holds a membership in lodge No. 58, of Monticello. He and his wife are active mem- bers of the Presbyterian church of Monti- cello, in this regard following in the footsteps of Mr. Meyer's father and mother, who were both lifelong members of that church. Secure in the possession of the esteem and respect of their neighbors, and the love of their children, Mr. and Mrs. Meyer are passing a happy and serene old age, conscious of duty well and faithfully performed. Hon- est toil and fair dealing have brought their sure reward, assuring a surcease from the heat and labor of the day for the remaining portion of their lives. ROBERT HENRY ALLERTON. One of the beautiful country homes of central Illinois is that owned by Robert H. Allerton about four miles west of Monticello, the artistic taste of the owner being shown in all its appointments. Mr. Allerton is a native of Illinois, born in Chicago, March 20, 1873, and is a son of Samuel Waters and Pamilla (Thompson) Allerton, of that city. The father is one of the most prominent farmers and bankers of this state, where he owns a large amount of land. The Allerton family was founded in America by Isaac Allerton, who came to this country in the Mayflower. Robert H. Allerton began his education in the schools of Chicago, and later attended St. Paul's at Concord, New Hampshire. Af- ter leaving that institution he went abroad, where he spent five years in study and travel, gi ving special attention to art in Paris and Munich, and he was graduated at the Royal Academy art school at Munich in 1894. Since his return to America he has made his home principally in Piatt county as he is very fond of country life, and takes great delight in horses and clogs. He has made a scientific study of farming and practices the rotation of crops in the operation of his land, owning ten thousand acres in Piatt county, eight thousand in his own place and two thousand three miles the other side of Monticello. The PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 467 land is all under cultivation with the excep- tion of about one thousand acres of forest. His residence, which 1 is a palatial structure, and also his stables and other buildings up- on the place are of Georgian architecture, and the former is elegantly furnished. The grounds are also in keeping with the home, being laid out in a most artistic manner and under the supervision of expert landscape gardeners. Mr. Allerton has become interested in a number of business enterprises which claim a portion of his attention, being president of the A. T. Ranch Company in Wheeler coun- ty, Nebraska; president of the First National Bank of Primrose, that state, and president of the Jersey City Stockyards of New York. In religious faith he is a Universalist and in pol- itics is a Republican. He is now serving as a trustee of the St. Charles Home for Boys. By their investments and improvements Mr. Allerton and his father have done much to promote the interests of central Illinois, and have become prominently identified with its welfare and advancement. JOHN H. REEVES. Although for many years John H. Reeves was connected with general farming in central Illinois, he is now living retired in Cisco, in the enjoyment of a rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves. He was born on the I7th of June, 1837, in Picka- way county, Ohio, his parents being Josiah and Eliza (Mauser) Reeves, both of whom were natives of the Buckeye state. The fa- ther was a farmer by occupation, following that pursuit throughout his entire life in or- der to provide for his family. On leaving Ohio he removed to Jackson county, Mis- souri, taking up his abode there after the Civil war. He continued his residence in that state until called to his final rest in the year 1887, at the age of seventy-five years, his birth having occurred in 1812. In the family were nine children, of whom five-are yet living. John H. Reeves spent his early boyhood days under the parental roof and obtained his education in the old-time subscription schools of Ohio. Pickaway county during the period of his boyhood, was largely a fron- tier district, in which the work of improve- ment and progress had scarcely been begun. His training at farm work, however, was not meager, and from an early day he began work in the fields, assisting his father in the task of plowing, planting and harvesting, un- til about twenty-one years of age. Thinking that the newer west, with its more rapid de- velopment, furnished better business oppor- tunities, he then resolved to establish his home in Illinois, and made his way westward to Champaign county, settling near Ma- homet, where he lived for about three years. In the spring of 1861 he came to Piatt coun- ty, and has since been a representative of its agricultural interests. Mr. Reeves was married in Ohio to Miss Angeline Williams, and brought his bride with him to Illinois. They began their domes- tic life in Champaign county upon a tract of rented land, and after coming to Piatt county he again rented land until 1872, during which time his industry and economy enabled him to acquire sufficient capital to purchase forty acres of land. Thus becoming the owner of a home of his own, with renewed courage and determination he began its development and placed the land under cultivation. He then bought forty acres more, and traded this 468 PAST AND PRESENT eighty acres for the one hundred and sixty acres. As the years passed he gathered good harvests as the reward of his labors and de- velopment of a property which in its neat and thrifty condition indicates his careful su- pervision. To the original purchase he added forty acres, which he also placed under culti- vation, and ditching and tiling have made the fields very productive. He also placed ex- cellent improvements upon his property, and as his financial resources have increased he has added to his realty holdings until his landed possessions now aggregate four hun- dred and forty acres, of which two hundred and eighty acres are in Piatt county and the balance in Macon county. He has also town property, including two residences and six lots in the village of Cisco. All that Mr. Reeves possesses has come to him through his own efforts, and while promoting his in- dividual prosperity he has also been an active factor in the development of Piatt county, co- operating in many measures for the general good along lines of substantial improvement and permanent development. After the death of his first wife Mr. Reeves was united in marriage to Sarah P. Eva, a widow. By his first union he had six children : Turney, who is now deceased ; Wil- liam; Edward; Orin C. ; Corilda; and Alba, who is also deceased. Mr. Reeves has given his political support to the Democracy since casting his first presidential vote for John Bell in 1860, but while he has kept well informed on the questions and issues of the day and taken a deep interest in the success of his party, he has never sought political prefer- ment for himself. In 1893 he came to Cisco and purchased good residence property, since which time he has lived retired from the active work of the farm, enjoying the fruits of his former toil. While there is nothing in his life history to attract the read- er in search of a sensational chapter, there are valuable lessons to be learned by those who have regard for the things of life which de- velop honorable character, upright manhood and which win success. He has ever guided his life by principles which will bear the clos- est and most rigid scrutiny, and in his deal- ings with his fellow men has ever been straightforward and honorable. IRA F. MINER. t _. Ira F. Miner is a son of James and Erne- line (Fleming) Miner, and was born in Clarksburg, Ohio, April 5, 1840. His educa- tion was that of the common schools, and he remained with his parents until after his re- moval with them to Piatt county. He then began farming for himself, buying forty acres of what was known as the John Digh- ton farm. Holding this two years, he sold and bought eighty acres on Stringtown lane. He improved this farm, and at the end of six years again sold out and purchased eighty- five acres in Goose Creek township. After the death of his father, he sold this farm and removed to a tract of sixty-four acres, which he received from his father's estate, and where he has since resided. Mr. Miner is one of the successful farmers of the county, giving especial attention to the raising of thoroughbred horses, some of which have at- tracted more than a local notice. His home is modern in every respect, and is surrounded with every convenience and necessity which go to make up country life. Mr. Miner was married July 4, 1861, to Mary Bruffett. a daughter of William and PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 469 Amanda (Freeman) Bruffett. Her father was born in Madison county, Ohio, Feb- ruary 18, 1822, and her mother Novem- ber 15, 1820. They were married De- cember 18, 1843, and in the fall of 1851 C5n to Piatt county, Illinois, -where they were leading farmers until their deaths, the father dying July 19, 1855, the mother surviving until June 24, 1871. Mrs. Miner is the eldest of their children. David Bruf- fett, a brother, is in the marble business at Urbana, Illinois. Rachel, a sister, died at the tender age of seven years. To Mr. and Mrs. Miner have been born nine children : Emma, widow of Frank Rob- inson, resides in Monticello; Amanda is the wife of Edward Aterson, a farmer residing near Cisco, Illinois. They have three chil- dren : Warren, Willarcl and Gladys. Fannie married William Robinson and resides north of Bement, Illinois, with their children, Nel- lie and Lynn. Tallie is the wife of William McCartney, and resides on a farm near Cisco with their children : Ward, _Wayne and Ira. Mary died at eleven years. James E. is a farmer of Goose Creek township. He mar- ried Olive Warner, to whom has been born Harold and Ruth. Nellie is the wife of Roy Jones, principal of schools at Foosland, Illi- nois. Her two children are Helen and Hazel. Roy D. is still a young man at home. Pearl, the youngest of the family, is a successful school-teacher, her last school being at Gales- ville, Illinois. Fe\v families of the county stand better in all that m.akes up good citizenship than the one here treated. Strong, manly sons and home-loving, womanly daughters speak with no uncertain tone of the splendid train- ing received in the home of our subject and his good wife, and they .constitute the crown- ing glory of well-spent lives. The family is one of the most esteemed in the county and is well worthy of representation in a volume devoted to the representative citizens of Piatt county. HERBERT D. PETERS. The many avenues of activity in which Mr. Peters has sought an outlet for his abili- ties and aspirations have invariably profited by his common-sense methods, his sterling worth and sound judgment. A prominent representative of industrial interests and well known in political circles, he certainly de- serves mention in this history of his adopted county. His name figures conspicuously in connection with the Republican party in cen- tral Illinois, and his business interests have now assumed an importance which makes him one of the leading men of Monticello. He is now engaged in the manufacture of cig- ars, also writing tablets, does a printing busi- ness and is also a jobber of stationery, school supplies and tobacco articles, and his enter- prise has reached extensive proportions. Herbert D. Peters was born upon a farm in Steuben county, Indiana, November i, 1849. His paternal grandfather was Rich- ard Peters, a native of New York, who, when a young man, became a pioneer of Summer- field township, Monroe county, Michigan, and the village of Petersburg, that state, was named in his honor. He was quite an exten- sive farmer and stock-raiser, and owned a large amount of land in that- locality. He was twice married, and died in 1862. Of his three sons Charles Peters was. the father of our subject. He was born in 1827 in Monroe county, Michigan, not far from the city of Detroit. Reared amid the wild scenes of frontier life, he aided in the improvement of 470 PAST AND PRESENT his father's farm, and after attaining his ma- jority he was united in marriage to Miss Julia A. Burnham, a native of Massachusetts and a daughter of Calvin Burnham. Unto them were born three children, who are still living. Spending his boyhood days under the parental roof, Herbert D. Peters began his education in the public schools of Michigan, later became a student in the high school of Monroe, and afterward entered the State University, at Ann Arbor, in which institu- tion he was graduated in the class of 1873. He entered upon his business career thor- oughly equipped with broad mental training. For a time he was connected with journalistic work in Detroit, being employed on one of the papers of that city, and in 1874 he came to Monticello, Illinois, where he established the Piatt County Herald under the firm name of Scroggs & Peters. A year and a half later he became sole proprietor and continued the publication of the Herald as a Republican paper for eighteen years. At length he sold his interest to its present editor, Mr. Burgess, who now publishes it under the name of the Piatt County Republican. On disposing of his newspaper Mr. Peters continued in the printing business along other lines, and also became a jobber in stationary and school supplies. Later he added another department to his business the manufacture of tablets and to-day he does a large business and carries an extensive stock, being represented on the road by sev- eral traveling salesmen, covering the greater part of Illinois and portions of Indiana. Later he began the manufacture of cigars and tobacco, thus adding another department to his business, and the upper story of his large brick building is now being utilized in this way. He has a building twenty-nine by nine- ty feet and two stories and a basement in height, and all devoted to Mr. Peters' busi- ness. In 1884 he also erected a brick business block that is now occupied by the Hott drug store, and thus he has added to the improvement of the central section of the city. In 1894 he erected his present building, which is twenty-nine by ninety-five feet and two stories in heigh with basement, and in this he conducts a part of his business. He employs a force of from twenty-five to thirty people, and is conducting an enterprise of importance to the city as well as to him- self. The prosperity of any town or city depends upon its business activity and the promotion of its industrial and commercial interests, and Mr. Peters has done much in this direction. In 1879 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Peters and Miss Anna Huston, of Mon- ticello, who was for several years a teacher in the Monticello schools and a daughter of John and Mary E. ( Prichard) Huston. They traveled life's journey happily together for about fifteen years, and then Mrs. Peters was called to her final rest in January, 1894, leav- ing a son and two daughters : Grant, who is a graduate of the Monticello high school of the class of 1903 ; Mary and Julia, who are at- tending school. In his political affiliations Mr. Peters has always been a Republican, unfaltering in sup- port of the principles of the party, and for several years he was connected with the Re- publican central committee of Piatt county as is secretary, and in other capacities. He has also been a delegate to the state conven- tions of his party and his efforts in behalf of the organization have been effective and bene- ficial. He has made a close study of the is- sues and questions of the day, and is thus able to support his position by intelligent ar- PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 471 gument, and he has also left the impress of his opinions upon public thought and action. In local politics he has figured prominently, and he was for two years a memljer of the city council from the first ward. He has also been president of the school board, the cause of education finding in him a warm friend. In 1880 he was nominated to represent Piatt county in the state legislature, was elected "from the thirty-second district, and was an active working member of the body, serving on a number of important committees. He took an active part in the business that was transacted in the council chambers of the state, and his course was ever above suspi- cion. The good of the nation he places above partisanship and the welfare of his constit- uents before personal aggrandizement. He commands the respect of those with whom he comes in contact everywhere, but at home in the county of his adoption ^where he is test known, he inspires personal friendship of unusal strength, and all who know him have the highest admiration for his good qualities of heart and mind. SAMUEL S. ARMSWORTH. Samuel S. Armsworth is one of the lead- ing young farmers of Willow Branch town- ship, his home being on section 25, where he was born on the I3th of March, 1871, a son of James and Emma (Gulliford) Arms- worth. The birth of the father occurred on the same place, it being originally the home of our subject's paternal grandparents, Sam- uel and Celia Armsworth, who located there when the county was in its wildest state. The father was educated in the common schools of this locality, and when a young man began dealing in stock and also ran a ditching machine, which he owned in part- nership with his brother-in-law, Thomas Gulliford, and John Kirby, of Monticello. They ditched much of land of this county. After his marriage James Armsworth contin- ued to reside on the old homestead, and in connection with its operation he conducted a brick and tile factory, which was located on his land, having been established there by D. O. Loy, who had leased the land from James Armsworth. About 1880 the father purchased the plant and successfully carried on the factory throughout the remainder of his life, manufacturing much of the brick and tile used in this region. In 1883 he erected one of the finest brick houses in Wil- low Branch township, it being of the very best workmanship throughout and built for the convenience of himself and family. The brick was manufactured in his own factory and no pains were spared in the construction of the residence. On the gth of December, 1866, was cele- brated the marriage of James Armsworth and Miss Emma Gulliford, who was born in Somersetshire, England, in 1840, and is a daughter" of William and Mary (Ashford) Gulliford. Her paternal grandfather was William Gulliford, Sr., a property owner jn England, while on the maternal side she is related to a Mr. Ashford, who has much wealth at his command in that country. In 1853 Mrs. Armsworth came with her par- ents to the new world and settled near Mil- mine. Piatt county, Illinois, when this section of the state was very wild and unimproved. Wolves and deer were then numerous and smaller game was also found in abundance. The homes of the early settlers were mostly built of logs, and were widely scattered. Mrs. Armsworth's father was a butcher by 472 PAST AND PRESENT trade, but he also engaged in the bakery busi- ness to some extent, and was capable of do- ing almost any kind of work. . After com- ing to this country he turned his attention principally to farming, his home being near Milmine in this county. Unto James and Emma (Gulliford) Armsworth were born the following chil- dren : William Edwin, now deceased; Sam- uel S., whose- name introduces this sketch ; Celia Lavina, Bertha Alma and Floyd Fred- erick, all three deceased ; Ernest Albion, who died at the age of two years, before the fa- ther's death ; and Edith May, who is at home with her mother and brother. After a useful and well-spent life the farther passed away in 1885. Most of the children were then quite small, but Mrs. Armsworth not only reared her own family, but also three children belonging to her husband's brother, these being Sadie, now the wife of Samuel D. Parr, who is engaged in farming east of Monticello; Chattie, wife of John Mitchell, who lives near Ivesdale; and Scott, who is still with Mrs. Armsworth. At different times the family have resided in Monticello and Cerro Gordo, but they prefer the quiet of farm life and now occupy their beautiful country home. Mrs. Armsworth is an active and prom- inent member of the Presbyterian church, to which her husband also belongs. He never cared for political preferment, but served as school director for many years, and always took a deep interest in all enterprises calcu- lated to promote the moral, educational or social welfare of the community in which he lived. He was a very successful farmer and stock-raiser, and derived a good income from his business as a stock-dealer, buying and selling cattle on quite an extensive scale in earlv life. The old homestead had been rent- ed for several years prior to his marriage, and when he took charge of the same it was in rather a dilapidated condition, but he tiled, fenced and improved the land, erected good and substantial buildings and made his farm one of the best in the county. The property is now under the control of Samuel S. Armsworth, who is successfully operating about three hundred acres, raising corn, oats and fruit of all kinds, and he usual- ly ships a carload of hogs to market each year. He was reared on the farm, and since his father's death has remained with his mother, doing all in his power for her com- fort and pleasure. He raises a good grade of stock and has some very fine colts upon his place. On the 3d of November, 1892, he married Miss. Catharine Maier, a daughter of John and Catharine Maier, of. Monticello, but she died, April 25, 1895, and their daughter, Catharine, who was born January 14, 1895, died the following July. Bessie, born September 22, 1893, is still living. Mr. Armsworth is now serving his sec- ond term as tax collector in Willow Branch township. Politically, he is a Democrat, and socially, he is a member of Arela Lodge, No. 599, I. O. O. F., and the Royal Circle of Cisco. EDWARD ALLMAN. After years of active labor, mostly de- voted to farming, Edward Allman is now liv- ing a retired life in the city of Decatur, en- joying a well earned rest and the fruits of his former toil. He is a native of County Kerry. Ireland, and a son of John Allman, who spent his entire life in that country. He still has one brother and a sister living, these be- ing James L., a prominent citizen of Monti- PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 473 cello, and Mrs. Edward S. Stout, also a res- ident of Piatt county. Edward Allman spent the first thirteen years of his life in his native land, and then came to the United States, landing in New York City, whence he made his way to Ohio, where he spent two years. At the end of that time he proceeded westward and set- tled in Monticello, Illinois. In partnership with his brothers, James L. and John All- man, he took up a tract of wild prairie land in Monticello township, Piatt county, which at that time was covered with ponds and sloughs, but by draining and cultivation they converted the place into a well improved farm. At that early day deer, wild geese and other game was plentiful and furnished the early settlers with many a meal. The farm machinery then in use was very primitive, and the first corn Mr. Allman helped to culti- vate was with a single shovel plow, while he cut grain with a- cradle. Upon their place the brothers erected a small frame house, which was later replaced by a more commo- dious and modern residence, and all of the improved machinery and conveniences were added to their farm. When his adopted country became in- volved in Civil war, Edward Allman laid aside all personal interests and was one of the first to enlist from Piatt county, becom- ing a private of Company E, One Hundred and Seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, which was at first under the command of Colonel Snell, and when he resigned under the command of Colonel Lowery, who was killed in the battle of Franklin. The cap- tain of Company E was John W. Wood. Mr. Allman went into camp at Camp Butler, and from there was sent south with his reg- iment. The first engagement in which he par- ticipated was with Morgan in Kentucky, and after his capture in Ohio returned to Ken- tucky our subject took part in the battles of Nashville and Campbell Station, the siege of Knoxville, the battle of Peach Tree Creek, the siege of Atlanta and the battles of Jonesboro and Newbern, North Carolina, besides several other engagements of less importance. After three years of val- iant and meritorious service on southern battle-fields, he was honorably discharged in 1865, and returned home to Piatt county. After leaving the army Mr. Allman con- tinued to engage in general farming and stock-raising with his brother, James L., for some years. He worked by the month for 'some time after coming to Piatt county, but about 1868 started out in life for himself. His first purchase consisted of a tract of vir- gin soil, upon which he laid about seven miles of tiling, and also erected thereon a good set of farm buildings. He is still the owner of a good farm of two hundred and forty acres in Monticello township, where he was suc- cessfully engaged in agricultural pursuits for many years, and gave considerable attention to the stock business, which he found quite profitable. In 1892, on account of ill health, he rented his farm and has since lived retired. He has twice crossed the ocean to visit his native land, and also went west in the search of health, having traveled quite extensively over this country for that purpose. Since 1892 he has made his home in Decatur. and now has a beautiful residence at No. 1006 E. Lincoln avenue, surrounded by well kept lawns. His housekeeper is his niece, Miss Maggie C. Allman, a daughter of John and Nora (Cronin) Allman, both now deceased. By his ballot, Mr. Allman supports the men and measures of the Democratic party. He is a devout member of the Catholic church, and has helped to organize the 474 PAST AND PRESENT churches at Tolono, Champaign, Ivesdale and Bement, but is now connected with St. Pat- rick's church of Decatur. He well remem- bers seeing the first Catholic missionary that ever came to Piatt county, and he has borne an active and prominent part in the moral and material development of this section of the state. He is one of the self-made men of the community, his success in life being due en- tirely to his own well directed efforts and good business ability, and he not only de- serves the prosperity that has come to him, but he has also gained the confidence and good will of those with whom he has been brought in contact either in business or so- cial life. JOHN W. KINGSTON. John W. Kingston is a member of one of the pioneer families of the state and has been a resident of Piatt county since 1867. He is now living a retired life on section 35, Goose Creek township. He is a native of Peoria county, Illinois, born April 5, 1827, the son of George and Susan (Miller) Kingston. George Kingston was born in County Cork, Ireland, and came to this country at the age of seventeen years. He later located in the middle west and purchased a tract of two hundred and eighty acres of government land in Woodford county, Illinois. He con- inued to cultivate this farm until the death of his wife, when he went to reside with the children. He was one of the early and re- spected settlers in Woodford county, and lived to the advanced age of eighty-seven years. He married Susan Miller in Morgan county and became the father of twelve chil- dren, six of whom are now living : John W. ; George, who resides in Florida; Mary A., Mrs. Hollis Thompson, of Bloomington, II- linis; Charles \Y., a Nebraska farmer; Mil- ten, a Kansas farmer; and Julia, widow of Charles Fredericks, now residing in Wash- ington. John W. Kingston is a product of west- ern institutions, having been educated in the pioneer schools of Woodford county, which he remembers as being of the old log-house, puncheon-floor variety. He, however, suc- ceeded in absorbing enough education to car- ry him through life, and has made a most useful and respected citizen. As he came to an age of responsibility, he worked by the month for adjacent farmers, and later learned the carpenter's trade. This trade he followed for a period of fifteen years, when he re- turned to the occupation of farming. He bought a tract of eighty acres in Woodford county, paying therefor two dollars and fifty cents per acre; improving this for a period of ten years he sold at the splendid advance of forty-five dollars an acre. With the result of this sale he came to Piatt county in Sep- tember of 1867, and bought the farm of two hundred and eighty acres where he now re- sides. He continued in active cultivation of the soil until 1893, when his success was such as to warrant his retirement and the turning of his farms over to his boys. The original two hundred and eighty-acre farm is now one of the most highly improved in the county and is worth the highest price paid for farming land, though Mr. Kingston paid but seven dollars per acre for it at the time of purchase. It is thoroughly ditched and tiled, and there is a fine modern farm- house, together with a complete equipment of barns and outbuildings. Mr. Kingston formerly OAvned forty acres, but has since sold twenty acres to his sons. He is looked upon as one of the solid men, financially, of Piatt county. Our subject entered the state of matri- PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 475 inony in M'ay of 1851, Mrs. Kingston's name having teen Sarah M. Bunting. She was the daughter of John and Jane Bunting. Their children are as follows : Rose married Henry Purkheiser, a railroad conductor, living in Macon county, Illinois ; George W. married Mary Ann Cooper and is a farmer living on section 26, Goose Creek township; Susan married James Spurling and is now de- ceased; John married a Miss Reynolds, and removed to California, where he died in 1891 ; Ansel is a farmer living near Weldon, Illinois ; Ellis married Miss Cooper and is a farmer of Goose Creek township; Virginia died at the age of eleven years. Mr. and Mrs. Kingston are prominent and leading members of the Baptist church, in \yhich they were ordained as deacons in 1888. For a period of twenty-seven years, both our subject and his wife have been ear- nest and enthusiastic workers in this denomi- nation, he being at the present time superin- tendent of the Baptist Sunday-school of Monticello, while she is one of the efficient teachers. The consistent Christian lives of our subject and his wife have endeared them to a very large circle of friends in the coun- ty, among whom they are most highly re- garded. GEORGE W. KINGSTON. George W. Kingston, a son of John W. and Sarah M. ( Bunting) Kingston, was born in \Yoodford county, Illinois, in 1857, and now cultivates a farm on section 26 and 35, Goose Creek township, Piatt county. He re- ceived his education in the common schools of Piatt county, and resided on the home farm until he had attained his majority. In Feb- ruary. 1879, he was happily joined in mar- riage to Mary Ann, daughter of Joshua and Martha ( Rainwater) Cooper. Mrs. King- ston's parents were leading farmers of Gocse Creek township. Her father entered the army during the Civil war as a member of Compa- ny D, Seventy-third Illinois Volunteer In- fantry, and after a period of service was stricken with disease and died. A short time later the mother also died, Mrs. Kingston being thus left an orphan at the tender age of three years. The other members of the fam- ily were: James F., a stockbuyer of Kansas, and Martha E., who is the wife of John Laka, a farmer and storekeeper residing at Breeze, Missouri. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. King- ston have been born five children, as follows : all of whom still reside at home : Alva E., Dora V., Bertha, Ray and Carl. After our subject's marriage, he rented a portion of his father's farm and met with such success in its cultivation that he was soon enabled to buy the quarter section adjoining, on which he now resides. On this farm he has erected a modern farm house and large "barn, has tiled the entire place thoroughly, and has it under a high state of cultivation. He is re- garded as one of the best farmers in the coun- ty, being particularly careful in the use of good stock and up-to-date machinery. He carries on general farming, and demon- strates that care given to such an occupation will make it pay. In the field of politics MT. Kingston sup- ports the principles of Jefferson and Jack- son, and has been school director of his dis- trict for the past twelve years. He and his wife are prominent members of the Metho- dist Episcopal church, taking an active part in all the work of that organization. They are most highly esteemed in their local com- munity. 476 PAST AND PRESENT OLIVER M. MARTIN. One of the younger representatives of ag- ricultural interests in Piatt county is Oliver M. Martin, who resides on section 34, Goose Creek township. The birth of Mr. Martin occurred in Piatt county, November 29, 1868. His father was William S. Martin, his mother Jane M. Chandler. The former was born in the Hoosier state, November 9, 1835, and at eighteen years came west to De- Witt county, Illinois, where he passed three years on a rented farm. In 1856, he bought eighty acres of prairie in Piatt county, to which he later added another eighty acres, and at the end of fifteen years owned a half section. He continued to cultivate this body of land successfully until 1894, when he passed a year in Bloomington, and then set- tled in Monticello. Here he resided for the following four years, and after a trip to Cal- ifornia moved to Weldon, Illinois, where he died October 25, 1901. He was a man of sturdy qualities and of patriotic mold, hav- ing served his country loyally during the Civil war as a member of Company B, One Hundred and Seventh Illinois Volunteer In- fantry. His wife, whom he married Febru- ary 28, 1866, was a daughter of Hiram and Rachel (Manlove) Chandler. She became the mother of six children : Ettie M., resides with her mother in Weldon ; Oliver M. is the second child ; Edgar O. is a farmer of Goose Creek township ; Luther died at two years ; Wenford B. is a practicing physician at Free- port, Illinois; Manford R. is a student of medicine in the College of Physician and Surgeons of Chicago. Oliver M. Martin, since his father's death, has resided on the home place, which is regarded as one of the fine farms of the county. He was educated in the public schools of the county and lived dutifully at home until he was twenty years old. He then went to California with the intention of making that state his home, but after an eight months' period on his uncle, Wilbur F. Chandler's ranch, he was cured of his west- ern fever and returned to his native state. Here, on the 4th of June, 1891, Mr. Mar- tin was united in marriage to Miss Sarah E. Ennis, who is also a native of Illinois, and they now have five children, namely : Erma F., Gladys E., Bernice, William Lawrence and Granville N. William H. Ennis, the father of Mrs. Martin, was born in Mary- land in 1837, and in early life came west, lo- cating in Sazewell county, Illinois. He was married at Pekin in 1866 to Sarah E. Houk, who died two or three years later, leaving one child, James E., now a minister at Cat- lin, Illinois. For his second wife Mr. Ennis married Martha Jane Houk, who was born in Tazewell county in 1847, ar >d they now make their home on a farm in Willow Branch township, Piatt county. The children born of this union are: William D., a farmer of Macon county; Mrs. Martin; Thomas J., a farmer near Kanawha, Iowa; Mary E., Mrs. Emery McGinnis, of Piatt county, Illi- nois; Louie J., wife of Carmi Parrish, of Macon county ; Ira Lee, a farmer of Sullivan, Illinois; Handy M., of Glenhaven, Illinois; Cora E., now Mrs. Clarence Pease, of Cisco. Illinois; and Lester C, who resides with his parents. The father of this family was a sol- dier of the Civil war, having enlisted in Au- gust, 1862, in Company B, One Hundred and Seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry. After the marriage of Mr. Martin, he set- tled on a rented farm in DeWitt county, where he passed three years, and then rented the old home place from his father, where he has since resided. Here he carries on gen- PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 477 eral farming, and has made a specialty of raising blooded cattle of the polled Angus breed. Mr. Martin has also a fine reputation as a dealer in thoroughbred horses, he hav- ing but recently purchased a car load of splendid animals in the famous state of Ken- tucky. Upon his settlement upon the old home place, he began systematically to put it in splendid condition, remodeling the house, fencing the entire place with a good wire fence, and adding many new outbuildings. He is now the owner of the farm, together with other lands, making in all three hundred and twenty acres. The character of his citizenship has been such as to secure to him and his family the respect and esteem of the whole country side. In politics he favors the principles of the Re- publican party, and he is a liberal supporter of the Presbyterian church, of which his wife is a- faithful member. CHARLES F. WEILEPP. Through forty-five years Charles Fleet- man Weilepp has been a resident of central Illinois and is one of the venerable citizens of Piatt county, his mind bearing the impress of the early historical annals of this part of the state. He has passed the eightieth mile- stone on life's journey, having been born on the pth of December, 1819, in Prussia. His parents were Christopher and Hannah Weil- epp, and the father was a farmer by occupa- tion, following that pursuit throughout his entire business career. He and his wife died in the fatherland, her death occurring before the emigration of her son Charles F. to the new world. In the land of his nativity Charles F. Weilepp was reared and educated and in 1851 he crossed the Atlantic to America, be- lieving that he might have better business opportunities in the new world than could be obtained in the older countries of Europe. He landed in New York with only fifty cents in his pocket. He had made the voyage in the sailing vessel Idelphia, which weighed anchor in the harbor of Bremen on the 6th of June and reached the harbor of New York on the 24th of August, 1851. He exper- ienced pleasant weather and a voyage which was without danger. Mr. Weilepp did not tarry long in the east, but started at once for the interior of the country, making his way to Rush county, Ohio, where he remained for about six 6r seven years. It was neces- sary that he secure immediate employment for he was without funds, and he first worked at daily labor. He was afterward employed at farm work and in 1858 he came to Illinois, settling in Macon county upon a tract of rented land. Thus he began farming upon his own account, and' for ten years followed that pursuit at his first location. As the years passed Mr. Weilepp prospered in his under- taking, gaining a comfortable competence, and in agricultural circles he was well known as a leading representative of that line of business activity. In 1885 he left the home farm and came to Cisco, where he has since lived with his son. Mr. Weilepp was married in Prussia about sixty-four years ago, the lady of his choice being Christina Hyer, who was 'born in Prussia and who was long a faithful com- panion and helpmate to his on life's journey. They became the parents of nine children : Minnie, who is now the widow of Samuel Smith and resides in St. John's, Kansas; Charles, deceased ; Edward, who is also liv- ing in St. John's ; David, who resides in 4/8 PAST AND PRESENT Maroa, Illinois; Laura, who is the widow of John McKinley and makes her home at Forsyth : William and Samuel, who have passed away; Frank S., with whom our sub- ject makes his home; and John, who died in Ohio. The mother of these children depart- ed this life in 1870, dying in Macon county. She had gained many friends during her residence in this part of the state, and her loss was there-fore deeply and widely mourned. Mr. Weilqip, of this review, was one of the early settlers of Macon county, and as- sisted in breaking a great amount of new land there and in otherwise reclaiming the district for cultivation and improvement. He resided in that county for twenty-six years, but has spent his later years at the home of his son in Cisco, living retired. Mr. Weilepp cast his first presidential vote for Abra- ham Lincoln, but since that time has sup- ported the Democracy, and is unfaltering in his allegiance to its principles, for he believes its platform contains the best elements of good government. He is a member of the German Lutheran church, to, which his wife also belonged, and has lived an earnest Christian life, doing unto others as he would have them do unto him, making the most of his opportunities, and at all times giving his influence for improvement along lines of benefit to the entire community. FRANK S. WEILEPP. The broad prairies of Illinois furnished splendid opportunities to the agriculturist who annually harvests good crops of grain. Because of this there has sprung up various industries of a kindred nature and Mr. Weil- epp, of this review is a representative of one of these, being to-day extensively engaged in the purchase and sale of grain, having a large elevator in Cisco. He is a native son of central Illinois, and is imbued with the spirit of enterprise and progress which has been the dominant factor in the development and permanent improvement of this section of the state. He was torn in Macon county on the ist of June, 1862, and acquired his early education in the common schools. His youth was spent in working upon his father's farm, where he early became familiar with the labors of field and meadow and continued Under the parental roof until eighteen years of age, when he went to Forsyth and em- barked in the grain business. About 1882 he arrived in Cisco, where he began buying grain for the firm of Day, Sons & Company, with whom he remained for about seven years, when he purchased his employer's in- terests in the business in connection witlrM. Croninger. Since that time Mr. Weilepp has enjoyed a very prosperous career, meet- ing with gratifying success in his undertak- ings. The elevator has a capacity of about forty thousand bushels, the granary in con- nection about thirty thousand and the total capacity of elevator, granary and cribs is about one hundred thousand bushels of grain. This is a well equipped plant, of which Mr. Weilepp is sole owner. The valuation of his business property is fifteen thousand dollars, and he is to-day regarded as one of the lead- ing representatives of the grain trade in this part of the state. His operations are quite extensive and his business furnishes an excel- lent market for producers so that his work is of value to the community as well as a source of good income to himself. Mr. Weilepp is also a stockholder in the bank owned by the late M. Croninger. He likewise owns about twenty-five acres of land near Cisco, and one PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 479 hundred and sixty acres in Macon county. He also leases and sublets about a section of land, and has some valuable real estate hold- ings, besides those already mentioned. He has a good residence in Cisco which he occu- pies and another which he rents, and alto- gether his property possessions represent large investments and indicate something of the success which has come to him in reward for his life work. On February i, 1883, Mr. Weilepp was united in marriage to Miss Ada F. Nogle, a native of Illinois, and this union has been blessed with eight children, namely : Lela N., Carl N., Edward S., Louise M., Eva F., Laura, Paul and Max. Mr. Weilepp is a Democrat in politics. He regards it the duty as well as the privilege of every American citizen to exercise his right of franchise unrestricted by a political ring, and he reserves to himself the right which he grants to others of forming an un- biased opinion. ' ' Socially, he is quite prominent. He has taken the three degrees of the blue lodge of Masonry at Weldon, also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias fraternity, and in the last two has held office. He has served as a member of the town board of Cisco, and both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Having spent his entire life in this section of Illinois, he is well known. The qualities of an up- right manhood are his, and his reliabiltiy in business and his trustworthiness in every relation of life make him respected by all with whom he is associated. In business cir- cles he sustains an enviable reputation, and is recognized as a man of energy and enter- prise. He has ever conducted his affairs along progressive lines and commands uniform confidence. OTTO LUBBERS. One of the thrifty Germans of the county who has made a splendid success at farming is Otto Lubbers, residing at the present time on section 33, Goose Creek township. He was born March 9, 1846, in the fatherland. His father was Reemt Lubbers, his mother Dena Bookhoff. They came to this coun- try in 1870 and purchased a farm near Mani- to, Illinois, where they lived for a period of four years, and then purchased a quarter sec- tion in Logan county. The father died on this farm in his sixty-third year, having survived his wife for a time. They were the parents of Eike. a farmer of Goose Creek township ; Fannie, wife of Chris Roos, a Logan county farmer ; Otto, the subject of this sketch ; George, a farmer near Enclen, Illinois ; Net- tie, Mrs. Harm Hohlfs, residing in Logan county; and Dena, wife of John Roos, a Goose Creek township farmer. The education of Otto Lubbers was ac- quired in Germany, where he continued to reside until his twenty-second year. In 1868 he came to America and settled on what was then known as the Sculley land in Logan county, Illinois, where he purchased a quarter section. After five years he sold this farm and came to Piatt county, where he purchased the farm of two hundred and eighty acres on which he now resides, paying therefor thirty dollars per acre. To the original purchase Mr. Lubbers has added two hundred acres, constituting him one of the largest farmers in the county. He has made many improve- ments upon his place. In 1892 he erected a handsome residence on the site of the old frame house, and the previous year built a good barn for all purposes, good sheds and granary. Near the house stands a splendid orchard planted by his hand, while wind- 480 PAST AND PRESENT mills draw water from wells which have been sunk at different times. The farms are all thoroughly tiled and ditched, and in all their appointments are among the up-to-date farms of the county. Prior to 1873 the wife of our subject was Miss Kate Remmers. She was the daughter of Jurko and Wendelke (Tenhove) Rem- mers, and is the mother of nine children : Dena married Lewis Meyer, and resides on section 32, Goose Creek township ; Winnie is the wife of Jurgen Weets, also residing on section 32 ; Fannie is Mrs. Christ Lubbers, who resides on section 31 ; Reemt is a young man at home; Jurko, Kate and Otto are at home. Mr. Lubbers and his family are consistent members and supporters of the Baptist church, of which he is one of the trustees. To this church they have given many of the best years of their life, he being at the present time secretary of the church, and superin- tendent of the Sunday-school, in which the wife is also a teacher. In political affiliation, Mr. Lubbers votes with the Democratic par- ty, though he does not aspire to the emolu- ments of office. Men, as well as trees, are judged by their fruit. The life of our sub- ject has been singularly fruitful in good works and deeds, and the splendid Christian character which he has built up in his home community wields a powerful and beneficient influence. CASPER WACK. Casper Wack is one of the well-known stock-raisers of Piatt county, his home be- ing in Blue Ridge township. He was born September 20, 1850, in Canton township, Fulton county, Illinois, a son of Casper and Mary Jane (Linaberg)* Wack. The father was a farmer and carpenter by occupation, following both pursuits. The subject of this review was reared on the old family home- stead in Fulton county, Illinois, and acquired his early education there, pursuing his studies in the Mound schoolhouse, which is still standing and is yet used for educational pur- poses. In the summer months Mr. Wack as- sisted in the labors of the fields, and thus early gained practical experience of farm work. When he was twenty years of age his father began paying him wages. He received twenty dollars per month in compensation for his services, and he worked in this man- ner for his father for one year, at the end of which time they entered into partnership relations. They raised and bought consid- erable stock and as the result of their stock- dealing they prospered. Both were men of good business ability and marked energy, and their capable management and strong determination enabled them to progress along lines of their chosen occupation. On the 4th of September, 1878, Mr. Wack was united in marriage to Lizzie Ash- by, a daughter of Jeremiah and Ann (Mc- Kee) Ashby, of Hamilton county, Indiana, where Mrs. Wack was born September 13, 1851. Her parents died there many years ago. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Wack were born three children : Garrett J., born July 23, 1879, is now living with his father; Wallace, born February 23, 1881, married Miss Millie Baker and they have two children ; and Emery, born September 3, 1883, is yet at home. There is also an adopted child, Leo, born on the 27th of January, 1897. Mr. Wack now devotes his attention al- most exclusively to the raising of stock of various kinds. He perhaps pays more atten- tion to Poland China hogs than any other^ PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 481 but he has large numbers of cattle and horses upon his place. At the present time he has nineteen head of horses and mules, and he feeds annually about forty head of cattle, all of which he ships to the Chicago markets. He buys stock cattle in Kansas City, and be- ing an excellent judge of farm animals he is thus enabled to invest his money so that his sales bring to him good financial returns. He feeds almost all of the grain which he raises to his stock, and yet he annually harvests good crops for his fields are rich and produc- tive, returning to him excellent harvests. Mr. Wack lives upon a rented farm in Piatt county, but he owns a good tract of land in Hamilton county, Iowa, near Webster City. In his political views he is an earnest Democrat, and has held some minor offices, having served as school director in his town- ship for six years, while for nine years he was a trustee. He belongs to the Masonic frater- nity, holding membership in Mansfield Lodge No. 773. The beneficent spirit of the craft appeals to him, and he endorses its princi- ples by active co-operation for its good. His business career has been .honorable and awakens the admiration of those who know his history, for all that he possesses has been attained through his own labors. JUDGE M. R. DAVIDSON. Judge M. R. Davidson, who has gained distinction by capable service upon the bench and by marked ability in the trial of cases at the bar of Piatt county, now makes his home in Monticello, where he is enjoying a good practice. He was born in Macon county, Il- linois, on the 4th of April, 1847, an ^ is a son of Baxter W. and Elizabeth (Harbaugh) Davidson. The father was a native of Illinois and the mother of Kentucky. The parental grandfather of our subject was Samuel Da- vidson, who removed from South Carolina to this state before the admission of Illinois into the Union. Pioneer conditions were ev- erywhere prevalent and in many sections of the state new settlements had been made. He took up his abode in White county, where later his son Baxter W. Davidson was born, and with the early development and progress of his locality he was actively identified, tak- ing a helpful part in many measures which pertain to the public good. Upon the old family homestead Baxter W. Davidson was reared amid the wild scenes of frontier life and early became fa- miliar with the arduous task of developing and cultivating a new farm. In 1830 he re- moved to Macon county and became one of the early settlers of that locality. It, too, was a frontier district, and he entered land from the government and began its cultivation, turning the first furrows in the fields upon what became his homestead there. For many years he carried on agricultural pursuits in Macon county and was widely known as one of the successful, progressive and enterpris- ing farmers of this portion of the state. His business career was honorable, because in all his dealings he was straightforward, never taking advantage of the necessities of his fel- low men in any trade transaction. He died at his home in the village of Mount Zion, on the 23d of January, 1899, at the advanced age of eighty-one years, one of the honored pioneers and respected citizens of the com- munity, in which he had made his home through nearly seven decades. His wife died on the ist of March, 1867, and both lie buried in the cemeteries of Mount Zion, Il- linois. This worthy couple were the parents 482 PAST AND PRESENT of seven children, five of whom are yet living, but the subject of this review is the only one residing in Piatt county. Judge Davidson acquired his early edu- cation in the district schools of Mount Zion township, Macon county, and when he had mastered the branches of learning therein taught, he became a student in Mount Zion Seminary, which has since become the Milli- kin University of Decatur. He there pur- sued a classical course and for several terms he engaged in teaching school in Macon and Shelby counties. In 1871 he entered the law office of the firm of Nelson & Roby, having formed the determination to make the prac- tice of law his life work. Both of his precep- tors are still living and Judge Nelson is yet in active practice. They carefully directed his reading and he applied himself assidu- ously to the mastery of the principles of juris- prudence. Necessity compelled him to teach again in order to replenish his depleted pock- et-book, and he taught for two years, and one year engaged in farming in the mean- time. After studying for two years he was admitted to the bar before the supreme court of Springfield in January, 1877, and has since been an active factor in professional circles of the state. He first practiced in Lovington. Illinois, as a colleague of Judge William G. Cochran, there remaining for almost three years, and in 1878 he came to the county seat of Piatt county, since which time he has lived in Monticello and has been recognized as one of its most prominent lawyers. He was a partner of Samuel R. Reed from 188.2 until 1885, but with that exception has been alone in the prosecution of his profession. He prepares his cases with great diligence and care, carefully weighing every point of evi- dence until he has ascertained with correct- ness the most important points, and is thus enabled to present them with clearness and force before the court and jury. His argu- ments are strong, his deductions logical, and he seldom fails to win the verdict desired. Many important interests have beeri intrusted to his care, and he has thus been connected with the litigation which has awakened much interest and attention in his district. In 1891 he was elected county judge and served for a term of four years. A man of unimpeach- able integrity and with profound learning of the law combined with the ability to put per- sonal prejudices and opinions aside in order to ^'ve an unbiased judgment, he took to the bench high qualifications for this responsible office and proved an able jurist. On the 5th of March, 1874, Judge David- son was united in marriage to Miss Emma M. Reeme, a daughter of William H. Reeme, and unto this marriage have been born four children: Myrtle F., who is a teacher in the city schools of. Chicago; Mabel R.. who is at home with her parents ; Cloyd O., who is occupying a responsible position as manager of a canning factory in Barron, Wisconsin ; and Lois A., who is still a student in the schools of Monticello. The family is well known and prominent in social circles here. In his political views the judge is a Demo- crat, warmly espousing the cause of the party and rendering effective aid in its behalf. He is likewise an active member of the Presby- terian church, of which he has been an elder for a number of years. Universal progress and improvement are causes dear to his heart and he has been a co-operant factor in m"anv measures for the general good. ANDREW J. DIGHTOX. Piatt county with its splendid agricultural opportunities attracted to this section of the state manv men of marked business enter- PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 483 prise, whose qualifications prepare them for the conduct of extensive and important farm- ing interests. Of this class Andrew J. Digh- ton was a representative and he became one of the most successful and honored agricul- turist and stock-raisers of the community. He based his business principles and actions upon strict adherence to the rules which gov- ern industry, economy and unswerving integ- rity, and by constant exertion associated with good judgment, he raised himself to a posi- tion of affluence and of prominence, and his straightforward career won him the confi- dence and respect of the entire community in which he lived. Mr. Dighton was born in Erie county, Pennsylvania, on the ist of May, 1822, and was of English lineage. His paternal grand- father was born in England and came to America with Burgoyne's army. He was pleased with the country to which he had been transported for military service, and in- stead of returning to his native land he re- mained in the new republic, and, finally join- ing the Continental army, aided in securing independence to the nation. When the Rev- olutionary war was over he established his home in Watertown, New York, where some of his descendants are still living. John Dighton, the father of our subject, was born and reared in Watertown and after arriving at years of maturity, wedded a lady of that place. He, too, was loyal to this land when the war cloud hovered above the horizon and he took -up arms against the British in the war of 1812. In the state of his nativity Andrew J. Dighton spent his early boyhood days, re- maining there until seventeen years of age. At that time he started out in life on his <>\vn account and whatever success he achieved afterward was the direct result of his own labor, merit and perseverance. He went first to Ohio, afterward to Kentucky and subsequently to Virginia, spending several years in the last named state. He was not only a self-made man, but also a self-edu- cated one and by reading and study greatly broadened his knowledge, and thus became qualified for teaching, a profession which he followed for some time. He afterward com- pleted a course of study in the Transylvania University in Virginia, where he was grad- uated, and also he won a diploma as a grad- uate of the law course. He never practiced the profession, however, although his knowl- edge of law proved of valuable assistance to him in his business career. His own educa- tion being completed, he engaged in teach- ing school in both Kentucky and Virginia, although he spent the greater part of his time as a representative of that profession in the Blue Grass state. About 1852 Mr. Dighton arrived in Piatt county, Illinois, where he remained until the following year, when he returned to Ken- tucky, where he wedded Sarah C. Netherton, a most estimable lady, who was born- in Ken- tucky, on the 26th of August, 1834. Her parents were John and Margaret Netherton, both of whom were natives of Virginia, and the ancestor on the paternal line came from the fatherland. Mrs. Dighton was the second daughter born unto her parents and she continued to reside in her native state un- til her eighteenth year, when she gave her hand in marriage to Mr. Dighton, and. with him went to his new home in Piatt county, settling in Monticello township. Here she has resided almost continuously since, and by her marriage she became the mother of eight children : John N., Elvira, William and Mary, all of whom are living in Piatt county. Elviea is now the wife of F. V. Dilatush. PAST AND PRESENT Those who have passed away are Morris, Andrew J.. Annie and Ida M. After his marriage Mr. Dighton brought his bride to Piatt county, and upon a farm north of Monticello, they began their domes- tic life. He purchased eight hundred acres of land at fifteen dollars per acre. Few im- provements had been made upon it, but with characteristic energy he began its further de- velopment and cultivation, and in course of years it became a splendid estate. As his financial resources increased he made judi- cious investments in property until his land holdings were extensive and valuable. In all his farm methods he was progressive, was systematic in his work and was determined in carrying out his plans. His opinions were never hastily formed in regard to business matters, but when once reached he adhered to them closely. A man of resourceful busi- ness ability, he readily recognized, appreci- ated and utilized them for the benefit of his own business career. Moreover, in all of his transactions he was strictly fair and honor- able and was never known to take advantage of his fellow men in any dealing. His. word became a synonym ofr integrity, and he en- joyed, to an unusual degree, the confidence of those with whom he was brought in con- tact. About the time of the organization of the Rank of Monticello, he became one of its stockholders, joining the banking firm which was known as Houston, Moore & Dighton. In public affairs pertaining to the general welfare, Mr. Dighton was deeply and actively interested, and he served as supervisor of Monficello township in a manner which rc- ilected credit upon himself and was satisfac- tory to his constituents. His political alle- giance was given to the Democracy. He passed away December 25, 1878, and for a number of years Mrs. Dighton continued to reside upon the old homestead, but in 1899 removed to the city of Monticello, where she erected a substantial frame residence, mod- ern in all of its appointmens. There she is liv- ing with her daughter, Mary, a most estima- ble young lady, who was educated in Monti- cello Seminary in Godfrey, Illinois. The best thoughts and efforts of Mr. Dighton's life were wrought into Piatt county's pros- perity. He was the friend of education, of justice and of the elements that prove of ben- efit to mankind. Though his early educa- tion was meager, yet he achieved for himself broad learning, and his continuous interest in every great question of the age made him a man of profound thought and scholarly at- tainments. The strong qualities which made him useful in one locality would have insured his eminence anywhere. Though never a seeker for political honors he exerted, through his wide acquaintance, an influence exceeding that of many whose names are fa- miliar in public affairs. He was honored and respected throughout Piatt county, and his life record, indeed, furnishes an example worthy of careful study. JAMES OLSON. Prominent among the agriculturists of Piatt county is James Olson, who cultivates a farm on section 25, Goose Creek township. He has resided in the county since 1884, and has by his upright life secured the esteem and respect of his home community. Mr. Olson was born in Sweden on the I3th of August, 1842, and is the son of Ola and Annie ( Person) Jonsson, who were well- to-do farmers in the old country, and passed their entire lives there, the father dying at the PI ATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 485 advanced age of eighty-nine, April 8, 1903, the mother having passed to her rest several years previously, May 5, 1894, at the age of eighty-one. The children born to them were : James, the subject of this sketch; John, farmer of Goose Creek township, residing on section 26: Betsy, the wife of Peter Nelson, of Helsingborg, Sweden ; Kate, wife of Charles Seaburg, of Weldon, Illinois; Peter A., contractor, living in Chicago; and Han- nah, who is the wife of P. Johnson, a mer- chant of Helsingborg, Sweden. James Olson was carefully trained in the public schools of his native country, and at the age of twenty-nine came to America. He located first in Menard county, Illinois, where he worked on farms by the month for some two years. He. then rented a farm near Farmer City in DeWitt county, which he cul- tivated for one year, thence to Piatt county, where he has since resided. He rented farms for several years, but by thrift and economy was finally enabled in 1884 to purchase eighty acres of the farm which he now culti- vates, and where he has continued to labor successfully. He has added to his original purchase a tract of one hundred and sixty acres, and is now in possession of one of the most productive farms in the county. At the time of its purchase, it was much run down on account of the fact that it had been rented for many years. Under the careful manage- ment of Mr. Olson and at a large expense, the farm has been put in splendid condition, he having tiled it thoroughly, and in 1896 erected a handsome modern farm residence and the following year a commodious and well-appointed barn. At various times he has set out new orchards, and has improved his fencing with the best quality of wire, fence, has sunk several deep wells, over which he has placed windmills, and in many ways has .-hewn that he is an up-to-date, progress- ive farmer. In the year 1875 he led to the altar Miss Christina Johnson, who has borne him three children : Oscar, the eldest son, is one of the progressive young farmers of Goose Creek township, cultivating a farm of his own, but still residing at home. The second son, Charles, also owns an eighty-acre farm near by, \\hile Edgar, the youngest, has marked out for himself a career as a physician in the new line of osteopathy, and is at present at the famous school of Kirksville, Missouri. During his residence in the county Mr. Olson has evinced a good citizen's interest in public matters, having been for the past fourteen years a member of the local school board, and for the past four years has been road overseer of his community. He and his wife are consistent members o'f the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is a trustee and steward. Both he and his wife are earnest and active members, and are always found at the head of any movement which looks to the advancement of the Master's kingdom. The political affiliation of Mr. Olson lies with the Republican party, though the casting of his vote on election day constitutes the ex- tent of his interest in politics. Mr. Olson is in many respects a model citizen and well deserves mention in these memoirs of Piatt county's representative citizens. DAVID H. PRINE. This prominent and representative farm- er cultivates a farm of two hundred and for- ty acres on section 15, Goose Creek town- ship, where he has resided for some years. He is a Buckeye by birth, born in Pickaway 486 PAST AND PRESENT county, Ohio, on the 5th of April, 1856. His father, Albert Prine, was also a native of Pickaway county, and died when David was but three years of age. His mother was Xancy Robinson, who was born in Ohio in 1830, and is now an inmate of our subject's home. After the death of her first husband, she went to live with her father, David Rob- inson, with whom she came to Piatt county in 1 86 1. where she later married Robert Du- Vall. To the first marriage three children were bcrn, David being the only one living. To the second marriage were born : Maggie, now the wife of James Perkins, a farmer of Goose Creek township : Isabel, who resides at Monticello. the wife of John Fitzwater; and Xannie, who is the wife of Joseph Fitz- water, a farmer of Monticello township. David H. Prine passed the early years of his life in Ohio, where he received a good common-school education. Upon his remov- al to Illinois, he was placed in the home of a Mr. Watson until the date of his mother's second marriage, after which he lived in her home. Upon the death of Mr. DuVall, the mother became an inmate of our subject's home, where she has since been tenderly cared for. Mr. Prine's own home life be- gan in 1895. when he was happily joined in marriage to Annie May, daughter of Wil- liam Perkins. Their children are : Edna Amy, six years old; Charles H., four years old: and Homer O., one year old. The first purchase of land made by our subject was an eighty-acre tract adjoining his present farm, and which he now culti- vates in connection with the farm which came to him through his mother. He has also pur- chased a farm of three hundred and eighty- four acres in Mississippi, as an investment. Mr. Prine's home farm is a model of neat- ness and thrift. It is thoroughly tiled, and ever\' fence and building on the place shows the master hand of one who understands ag- riculture in its higher lines. He has placed upon the farm several new orchards and many fine shade trees, and is engaged largely in fattening, shorthorn cattle and hogs for the general market. Mr. Prine takes an active interest in the welfare of society about him. He is a Re- publican in politics and is a thorough be- liever in the fraternal principles, being a member of DeLancl Camp of Modern Wood- men and of the Odd Fellows. In religious belief he is a member of the Church of God, his wife holding membership with the United Presbyterians. DAVID H. DAWSON. Not all who seek success win it. Some fail because of a lack of persistency of pur- pose, others because of unfitness for the work which they undertake, but the man who chooses wisely his calling and labors persist- ently therein may always gain the compe- tence for which he strives. David H. Daw- son is among the prosperous men of Piatt county, and after long years of active and honorable connection with agricultural inter- ests he is now living a retired life in Bement. The story of the pioneer experiences in this section of the state is familiar to him for his residence here dates from a very early day. He is a native of Sussex county. Delaware, bcrn on the 4th of July, 1824, his parents be- ing Zachariah and Mary ( Beacham) Daw- son. The father was a native of Delaware and the mother's birth also occurred in that state. The Dawson family is of Scotch de- scent. The maternal grandmother of our PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 487 subject was Celia Beacham, who lived to the extreme old age of one hundred and ten years, and the grandfather also lived to be about as old. The father of our subject was a farmer by occupation, and throughout the greater part of his active business life carried on ag- ricultural pursuits. After coming to the west he also owned and operated a flouring mill at Winchester, Illinois. He arrived in this state in 1834, locating in Scott county and there he carried on business for a number of years, but the mill was eventually destroyed by fire, and he did not rebuild it. In his life history there is also a chapter of military ex- perience, for he was a soldier of the war of 1812, joining the army as a private in defense of American interests in our second war with Great Britain. His political support was given the Whig party until the organization of the new Republican party, when he joined its ranks and continued to follow its banner until called to his final rest. In business he was successful and honorable in citizenship, was loyal and public spirited, and to the du- ties of his family and friendship he was most faithful. He passed away in Winchester, Scott county, Illinois, when about eighty- eight years of age and the mother of our subject survived for several years. -She was born in Delaware, living there until her re- moval to Illinois with her husband in 1834. Called to the home beyond, her remains were interred by his side in the Winchester ceme- tery. This worthy couple were the parents of eleven children, six of whom are still liv- ing, and the eldest brother of our subject is Jesse Dawson, who is now eighty-eight years of age. David H. Dawson and his brothers early became familiar with the arduous task of de- veloping new land, for they cleared the tim- ber from four hundred acres in Scott county. The}- were reared in one of the old log cabins with its primitive furnishings and pioneer surroundings, and David H. Dawson ob- tained his education in a log schoolhouse with greased paper windows and slab seats. The children were clothed in homespun gar- ments, and the shoes for the family were pur- chased of a traveling shoemaker who visited the homes once each year, and made the shoes for the different members of the family. Tallow dips were used in lighting the house and the fires were started by striking sparks with flint. Each Sunday the family walked six or seven miles to church. The farm wag- on owned by the family was but a two- wheeled cart, all made of wood, having neither tires or iron in any part of its con- struction. All grain was cut with the old time cradle and scythe, and farm work was carried on in a manner which seems very primitive compared with our modern pro- gressive methods. Mr. Dawson of this re- view has witnessed almost the entire develop- ment and improvement of Scott and Piatt counties, and has seen the progress made in all lines of business activity. In the fall of 1854 he took up his abode in Piatt county, first settling in the edge of the timber in Wil- low Branch township. The prairie' land at that time was completely covered with water during the rainy season, and was considered unfit for cultivation, but draining and tiling has made the tract very rich and productive. There was good fishing in all the streams around, and deer and other wild game was to be had in abundance. There were many prairie wolves and evidences of frontier life were seen in every direction. The nearest neighbor to the Dawson family lived six miles away, but hospitality in those days reigned supreme, and the latch-string always hung- out. Air. Dawson first purchased a half sec- 488 PAST AND PRESENT tion of land in Bement township, but after a few years had passed he sold one hundred and sixty acres, retaining the other quarter section, which he still owns. The purchase price was seven and one-half dollars per acre and he paid one hundred and 'fifty dollars down, having seven years in which to pay the balance. He broke his land with five yoke of oxen, and purchased all his farming implements on credit from the agent who had sold him the land. Building a house on his land he soon afterward put up a barn and in due course of time developed an excellent home for himself and family. In 1874 he re- placed his first residence by a large brick house, one of the substantial and attractive homes of the county. He has also placed many rods of tiling upon the farm, paying out altogether fifteen hundred dollars in this way. He has erected a large barn and, in fact, his is one of the model farms of the county. He continued its active cultivation until February 1884, when he left the farm and purchased a home in the village of Be- ment, where he has since resided, leading a retired'life. Mr. Dawson has been twice married. He first wedded Caroline Malissa Elliott, who is now deceased. They became the parents of eight children, of whom two died in in- fancy, while six are still living, namely : Belle, who married Joseph Medaris, of Be- ment, by whom she has three children ; George, who wedded Emma Ragland and resides in Missouri ; Clara, who is the wife of E. Deatheridge, of St. Louis; William Zeb, who is married and resides near St. Louis, where he is in the railroad service; Kate, at home ; and Frank E., who is living in Louisi- ana. For his second wife Mr. Dawson chose Mrs. Ella (Holderman) Madden, who, in her earlv life was a successful school-teacher. Mr. Dawson is a member of the Metho- dist Episcopal church, and his life has ever been in harmony with his profession. He has contributed liberally to the church as he has prospered in his work. He now makes his home in Bement and owns several village lots besides his valuable farm property. Dur- ing long years he has witnessed the growth and development of this section of the state, and has borne an active and helpful part in the work of improvement. He certainly de- serves to be mentioned among the honored pioneers, and his life history, if written in detail, would present a faithful picture of the early conditions in this section of the state. He has now ' almost reached the eightieth milestone on life's journey and because of his fidelity to principle, his honor and integrity in all life's relations, he can look back over the past without regret. He now receives the veneration and respect which should have ever been accorded to one who has lived up- rightly and has reached an advanced age. JOHN OLSON. John Olson is another member of the family elsewhere spoken of under the sketch of his brother James. He is one of the stir- ring citizens of Goose Creek township, culti- vating a large farm on section 26. He was born in Sweden, June 3, 1845. His educa- tion was such as could be secured in the local schools of his home community, after which he dutifully helped his parents on the home farm until he was tw T enty-five years of age. He preceded the coming of James to Menard county, Illinois, by a year, and as in his case, worked as a farm hand for the first few years. He finally rented a farm of two hun- PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 489 dred and eighty acres on the line between Piatt and DeWitt counties, but after pro- ducing one crop came over into Piatt county, where he rented a farm of one hundred and sixty acres near Mansfield, and where he con- tinued to reside for four years. By close economy he had by this time saved enough to purchase the first forty acres of the farm on which he now resides, and for which he paid thirty dollars per acre. He later at dif- ferent times added an eighty and a forty to the original purchase. He is also the owner of a quarter section in Greene county, Iowa, which he purchased in 1901. .The original purchase of his home farm was largely of wild land, and Mr. Olson has gone through the usual trials of the pioneer farmer in bringing order out of chaos. The farm has at present over two thousand rods of tile and is well ditched, making it one of the good farms of the county. In 1892 he erected a handsome new residence and later added a large barn. The farm is equipped with sev- eral good wells _ with the usual windmill pump, several fine orchards and many hand- some shade trees, and the entire place is un- der good wire fence. Mr. Olson gives spe- cial attention to the breeding of cattle for the market and is also specially engaged in the raising of thoroughbred horses. The married life of Mr. Olson was initi- ated in 1873, when on the 25th of Septem- ber he led to the altar Miss Nellie Poulson. To them have been born children as follows : Philip, the eldest son, married Bessie Wed- dle, and is a farmer living near Paton, Iowa ; Alma became the wife of Herman Melvin, a school-teacher residing near Weldon, Illi- nois; Annie was educated at Normal, Illi- nois, and is now one of the successful school- teachers of the county, her last school having been taught at Stringtown; Florence was also educated at Normal and is a successful teacher in the county schools; Clark, the youngest child, is a sturdy farm lad aiding his father at home. Mr. Olson and his family are highly re- garded in the social circles of Piatt county. In political belief he ascribes to the tenets laid down in the Republican platform and has served his community in several of the unpaid local offices, having been on the township board for the past two years, school director of his district, and for seven years has been drainage commissioner of district L, Goose Creek township. His re- ligious affiliations lie with the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he and his fam- ily are active members and in which he is a trustee. The hope of the Republic is in its well- ordered homes. The early inculcation of a love for home intensifies the spirit of patriot- ism in later life and cements the bond which exists between people and country. This principle is exemplified in the homes of M. James and John Olson, whose citizenship has always been of the highest character and received the deserved enconiums of a large circle of friends and neighbors. FRED W. KEEL, D. D. S. Dr. Fred W. Keel, who for the past five years has successfully engaged in the prac- tice of dentistry at Monticello, is a native of Illinois, born in Marion county, September 9, 1874, and is a son of Ambrose and Mary Jane (Connaway) Keel, who are natives of Illinois and Indiana, respectively. For some time the father was engaged in farming in Marion county, this state, but when our sub- 490 PAST AND PRESENT ject was seven years of age he removed to DeWitt county, locating near Weldon, where the family spent one year. At the end of that time they came to Piatt county and Mr. Keel is now residing in Cerro Gordo town- ship. He had eight children, of whom six are still living. During his boyhood Dr. Keel received a good common-school education, and later en- tered the Western Dental College, at Kan- sas City, where he was a student in 1896, 1897 and 1898, graduating in the latter year with the degree of D. D. S. Soon after his graduation he opened an office in Monticello, where he has since engaged in practice with good success, having already secured a good patronage. On the 22d of February, 1899, Dr. Keel was united in marriage to Miss Delta M. Parsons, of DeLand, Illinois, a daughter of Clay Parsons, now a resident of Missouri. Having lost her mother when quite small, she went to live with Mr. and Mrs. Seymour Marquiss, of DeLand, and made her home with them from the age of seven years until her marriage. The Doctor and his wife have a little son, Harold Marquiss, born August 26. 1901. They are members of the Pres- byterian church, and, fraternally, the Doctor is also a member of the Illinois State Dental Society. In his political views he is a Re- publican. To some extent he has become in- terested in the real estate business, dealing in northwestern lands mostly, but given his at- tention principally to his professional duties. T. J. KIZER. If those who claim that fortune has fa- vored certain individuals above others will but investigate the cause of success and fail- ure it will be found that the former is largely due to the improvement of opportunity, the latter to the neglect of it. Fortunate envi- ronments encompass nearly every man at seme stage of his career, but the strong man and the successful man is he who realizes that the proper moment has come, that the present and not the future holds his oppor- tunity. The man who makes use of the Xow and not the To Be is the one who passes on the highway of life others who, perhaps, started out ahead of him. It is this quality in Mr. Kizer that has gained him an enviable position in the business world and made him widely known as a grain dealer of Ham- mond, Illinois, and also as the president of the State Bank here. He is honored and re- spected by all who know him in both finan- cial and commercial circles, and he is justly accounted the leading citizen of the village where he has made his home for over thirty years. Mr. Kizer is a native f Macon county, Illinois, his birth having occurred near De- catur on the iith of June. 1847, h' s parents being John S. and Lydia (Davis) Kizer, the former a native of Ohio and -the latter of Kentucky. The father resided in Ohio until 1835, when he came to the west, settling in Sangamon county, Illinois. There he en- gaged in carpentering until 1846, at which time he removed to Macon county, where he purchased a tract of land and again carried on general agricultural pursuits. He made farming and carpentering his life work, but in 1888 retired from business and lived in Decatur until his death, enjoying a well-mer- ited rest. His life was ever honorable and upright, busy and useful, and the sterling traits of his character won fer him the un- qualified regard and confidence of those with PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 491 whom he associated. He passed away on the loth of April, 1903, at the very ad- vanced age of eighty-seven years, and his widow now resides in Decatur, making her home with her children. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Kizer were born nine children, eight of whom are yet living, five being residents of Macon county, two of Hammond, and one of Rock- ford, Illinois. .Mr. Kizer received only a common- school education, attending in Macon coun- ty. In his youth he remained at home, and through the months of summer he assisted his father in the operation of a farm, early becoming familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. In December, 1873, he was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Adams, a sister of Dr. Adams, of the Wesleyan University, and a daughter of Christopher B. Adams, who was a farmer, spending the greater part of "his life in Macon county, where his death eventually occurred. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Kizer were born two children : Ethel, who was born on the i6th of March, 1878, is now the wife of F. E. Benard, who is engaged in general merchandising in Hammond, and they have one child, Glenn P. Loren P., born June 2, 1880, resides in Decatur, where he is connected with the Weare Grain Company. Mr. Kizer came to Hammond in June, 1873, and embarked in the lumber trade. Four years later he also entered the grain trade, conducting both enterprises with good success until 1885. In that year he sold out the lumber business, but continued operations in the grain trade, which has since claimed considerable of his time and attention. He now owns two large grain elevators in Ham- mond, with a capacity of forty thousand bushels, and is carrying on the grain business on a more extensive scale than any other man 23 in the southern part of Piat.t county. He ships largely to Cincinnati, Indianapolis and St. Louis, makes judicious purchases and profitable sales, and in the control of his busi- ness has met with creditable and gratifying success. When the State Bank of Hammond was organized John Dighton was made its first president, but in January, 1902, Mr. Kizer succeeded him, and has since acted in that capacity. The bank is capitalized for twenty-five thousand dollars, and a general banking business is carried on along lines which have won for the institution a most en- viable reputation for reliability. In matters of citizenshp Mr. Kizer is also progressive, and for twenty years he served as school treasurer. He gives his political support to the Democratic party, and never fails to cast his ballot for its men and meas- ures. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Ham- mond, of which he is now serving as trustee, steward, treasurer and recording secretary. He takes much interest in church work, put- ting forth e\;ery effort in his power to extend the influence of the church and promote its permanent growth. He thoroughly enjoys home life and takes great pleasure in the so- ciety of his family and friends. He is always courteous, kindly and affable, and those who know him personally have for him warm re- gard. A man of great natural ability, his success in business, from the beginning of his residence in Piatt county, was uniform and rapid. As has been truly remarked, after all that may be done for a man in the way of giving him early opportunities for obtaining the requirements which are sought in the schools and in books, he must essentially formulate, determine and give shape to his own character; and this is what Mr. Kizer has done. He has persevered in the pursuit 49 2 PAST AND PRESENT of a persistent purpose and gained the most satisfactory reward. His life is exemplary in all respects, and he has ever supported those interests which are calculated to uplift and benefit humanity, while his own high moral worth is deserving of the highest com- mendation. MRS. PERMELIA E. STAATS. Mrs. Permelia E. Staats, widow of John P. Staats, makes her home on. section 3, Willow Branch township, where she owns a fine, well-improved farm. She is a native of Illinois, having been born two miles and a half from Lincoln in Logan county, this state, and is a daughter of John and Mary Musick, who were old settlers of that locality and were of German descent. Her father was engaged in farming in Logan county for many years, and there Mrs. Staats was reared and educated, remaining under the parental roof until her marriage, which was celebrated on the 2d of March, 1871. Her husband, John P. Staats, was born May 23, 1841, in Clifton, West Virginia, near the Ohio line, and was also of German lineage. His parents, Isaac and Elizabeth Staats, were lifelong resident of West Vir- ginia. He was only three years old when his. mother died, and his father passed away five years later. Thus he was left an orphan at the early age of eight years, and his edu- cational advantages were consequently lim- ited. For some time he made his home with a family by the name of Coleman, in West Virginia, and was forced to work when only a small boy. His sympathies being with the south he served for three years as a sol- dier in the Confederate army during the Civil war, and when hostilities ceased in 1865, he came to Illinois and settled in Lo- gan county, where he had sisters living at that time. For one year he rented the farm of Levi Musick his brother-in-law and at the end of that time bought a tract of land near what is now the home place in Piatt county. It was not long, however, before he sold that and bought a portion of the present farm, to which he added from time to time as his financial resources increased, until at the time of his death his landed estate consisted of three hundred and twenty acres of rich and arable land. Mr. Staats began life in this state with no capital, and when he made his first purchase he had but one hundred dollars. He was, however, a very energetic enterprising and industrious man, who made the most of his advantages, and through his own unaided efforts was able to leave his family in comfortable circumstances. He converted the wild .prairie and swamp land into well-tilled fields, tiling, fencing and breaking the land, and making many sub- stantial improvements thereon. On the 1 5th of October, 1896, Mrs. Staats was called upon to mourn the loss of her husband. For many years he was a faithful and consistent member of the Cum- berland Presbyterian church, of which he was an elder, and he was a man highly re- spected and esteemed by all who knew him. Three of his sisters are still living, namely : Cynthia, wife of A. Blake, a resident of Fish- er, Illinois; Mrs. Elizabeth Musick. who makes her home near Lincoln, Illinois; and Rebecca, wife of David Atwell, of Mon- mouth, Illinois. The children bom to Mr. and Mrs. Staats are as follows : Alma, wife of Joseph Rainey, of Willow Branch township; Mary F., wife of Hiram Starkey, who lives near PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 493 the home place; John R., a resident of Nor- cross, Minnesota ; Cynthia I., wife of Louis Kreker, of Willow Branch township; Edith E., John D. and Raymond, all three at home with their mother. Mrs. Staats operates the farm with the assistance of her sons, and in the management of her business affairs has met with good success. Two years ago, however, she had the misfortune to lose her house by fire, but promptly rebuilt, erecting a more modern and attractive residence, which is now the home of the family. They are active members of the Cumberland Pres- byterian church and are people of promi- nence in the community where they reside, their circle of friends and acquaintances be- ing extensive. JOHN BLACKER. John Blacker is a retired farmer, now liv- ing at DeLand. He was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, November 20, 1834. He can trace his ancestry back through several gen- erations to his great-grandfather, Lucas Blacker, w T ho was born in Germany and be- came the founder of the family in America. It is believed that he was married in this country and that his wife was a native of Ireland. The grandfather of our subject emigrated to Virginia in his early days, and later took up his abode in Pickaway county, Ohio. He married Clarissa Payne, who was of Scotch descent. Our subject's father, Augustus Blacker, was a native of West Virginia, born August 28. 1810, and in that state he resided until he was about eighteen years of age, when he removed to Pickaway county, Ohio, and se- cured work as a farm hand. He was em- ployed in that way until 1839, when he rent- ed a tract of land and began farming on his own account. In the meantime he had mar- ried, having wedded Miss Aner Madden, a daughter of Major and Elizabeth (Miller) Madden, the latter of German descent. The Major was a native of Ohio, while his wife went from Delaware to the Buckeye state. For many years Augustus Blacker continued to engage in farming in Pickaway county, Ohio, following that pursuit there until his life's labors were ended in death in August, 1855. His widow still survives him and now makes her home with her eldest daugh- ter, Mrs. Frank Hott, in Monticello. She was born in Belmont county, Ohio, and is now in her ninety-first year. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Blacker were born eleven children, of whom John is the eldest. The others are Elizabeth, who was born April 7, 1836, in Pickaway county, Ohio, and is the wife of F. M. Hott, of Monticello; James Madison, who was born in Ross coun- ty, January 15, 1838, and is now living re- tired upon his farm near White Heath ; Jo- seph, who was born in Ross county, April 10, 1839, and is a retired farmer of Monti- cello; William, who was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, December 13, 1840, and is liv- ing retired in Monticello; Mary Jane, who was born in Kosciusko county, Indiana, in 1842, and died in early childhood; Rebecca, who was born in Kosciusko county in 1844, and died in infancy; Francis Marion, who was born in Kosciusko county, March 13, 1845. and is now following the carpenter's trade near White Heath; Helen V., who was torn October 19, 1847, and is the wife of Harvey Camp, a resident of Lincoln, Logan county, Illinois ; Levi, who was born April 5, 1851, in Pickaway county, Ohio, and is a re- tired farmer living in Shelby county, Illi- 494 PAST AND PRESENT nois; and Cynthia Jane, \vho was born in Pickaway county, March 27, 1854, and is the \vife of John Firnish, a farmer of White Heath, Piatt county. Of this family James, Joseph and W r illiam were all soldiers of the Civil war, who valiantly fought for the de- fense of the Union. John Blacker, whose name introduces this record, was educated in Kosciusko county, Indiana, pursuing his studies in a log school- house, in which was a puncheon floor. The seats were made of slabs and there was an immense fireplace in one end of the room ca- pable of accommodating a very large back log. He afterward continued his studies in Pickaway county, Ohio, but all the schools were conducted on the subscription plan and he had little opportunity to attend, because his parents were in limited financial circum- stances and his labors were needed to assist in support of the family. He had the privi- lege of pursuing his studies, however, to some extent in the winter months, while dur- ing the summer he worked as a farm hand until about 1857. He then worked with his father on the home place for two years, after which he was married and made preparations for having a home of his own. It was in September, 1859, that Mr. Blacker was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Orrison, of Circleville, Ohio, at which time he rented a tract of land in Pickaway county, where he carried on agricultural pur- suits for two seasons. He then came to Piatt county, where he has since lived. Unto him and his wife were born the following chil- dren : Frank Douglass, who is a farmer of Sangamon township, Piatt county ; Matilda, the wife of Lewis Robinson, a farmer near DeLand in Goose Creek, township ; Mary, who died on a farm in Monticello township in her twentieth year ; Cynthia, who died in infancy; Henry C, a resident farmer of Be- ment township; John, who died at the age of a year and a half ; Marcus, who died when but two years of age; Arthur, who is now carrying on agricultural pursuits in Monti- cello township ; Jasper Augustus, who is also a farmer of Monticello township ; Charles Clarence, who is engaged in the tilling of the soil in Goose Creek township; and Lena Myrtle, the wife of Ora Stiverson, who is living in Goose Creek township. The mother of these children has been called to her final rest, and Mr. Blacker is now living with his daughter, Mrs. Ora Sti- verson. He has put aside business cares and is now enjoying a well-merited rest. For many years he was a well-known and active agriculturist of Piatt county. He came here at an early day and undertook the task of de- veloping a farm. He is a man who carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes, and in the control of his busi- ness affairs he won a comfortable compe- tence. In all his dealings he was strictly honorable and straightforward, and those with whom he was associated respect him for his genuine worth and unfaltering integ- rity. His life has been in constant harmony with manly principles and wherever he has lived he has won the good will and confidence of those whom he has met. His political sup- port is given to the Democratic party. MRS. JACOB E. ANDREWS. In a pleasant home in the village of Cisco live Mrs. Jacob E. Andrews and her two sons, Hanson and Harmon. The young men are proprietors of the Cisco Press, a weekly newspaper which they purchased in PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 495 1902, and which they are rapidly making a power in their local community. The salient points in the history of the Andrews family are as follows : Airs. An- drews was born in Pickaway county, Ohio. March 25, 1844, the daughter of H. S. and Charlotte (Martin) Coonrod. The Coonrods were of German descent, the Martins being traced to New Jersey. The father, H. S., was brought from Virginia to Ohio in his mother's arms on horseback long before the days of wagon roads, this occurring about the year 1815. The father of the family died shortly after removing to Ohio, and H. S. was reared by the widowed mother. He was given a fair education and remained at home until his majority. He had previously pur- chased a farm near the old homestead and there in 1842 began his married life. The family remained in Ohio until 1856, thence removing to Piatt county, Illinois, where they located on what is now known as the Allerton farm. Six years later purchase was made of a farm three miles northeast of Cisco, where the family resided until 1882. Mr. Coonrod was a stock-buyer and, circumstances mak- ing it desirable to locate in Missouri, a farm was purchased in that state near Nevada. Later the family removed to Iowa and were residents of Gushing at the time of the fa- ther's death, December 6, 1899, the mother having died in Piatt county, Illinois, in 1875. Five children constituted the family J. H., now a resident of Flandreau, South Dakota;- J. B., of Rock Rapids, Iowa ; Lavinia, wife of Jasper Chandler, Gushing, Iowa; Fran- ces, now Airs. George Dawson, of Monticel- lo, Illinois ; and Sophronia. now Mrs. An- drews. Mrs. Andrews received an excellent edu- caton, finishing in Mount Zion Seminary, fol- lowing which she taught successfully for a period of five years in the schools of Piatt county. Jacob E. Andrews, of Kendallville, Indiana, had come west from the Hoosier state and soon found an attraction of irre- sistible quality in the fair Piatt county schoolma'am. Their marriage was celebrat- ed on the 2gth of December, 1870. Mr. An- drews was a son of J. E. and Elizabeth (Coonrod) Andrews, and was a gentleman of many noble traits of character. He took his bride to a farm of eighty acres, two and one-half miles northeast of Cisco, where the first six years of their married life were spent. Prior to the purchase of the present home the family passed three years in the cultivation of a Champaign county farm, The years passed happily away until the 3d of September, 1894, when the husband and father was taken away, leaving the wife and three sons to mourn his death. The children living are Hanson, Harmon and Chester. The last named is now engaged in the sheep business in North Dakota. Three others are deceased Grace M., Claud Abbie, and Les- ter. The father of these children was one of the gallant defenders of the Union in the dark days of the Civil war, having enlisted first in the hundred-day service and later in Company B, Twenty-second Indiana Volun- teer Infantry. He served faithfully in the ranks, his honorable discharge dating July 24, 1865, at Louisville, Kentucky. The two boys, Hanson W., aged twenty- seven, and Harmon R., seven years his broth- er's junior, are still inmates of their mother's home, to whom they yield a loving fidelity. Their present business enterprise is the re- sult of their own efforts. The paper had not been a paying venture under its former own- er, and it has tested the metal of the boys to place it on its present prosperous basis. But the powers that be always help those that 496 PAST AND PRESENT help themselves, and with a continuance of past energetic effort and good judgment in business management the future of the Press is assured. Both they and their gentle mother have a warm place in the hearts of all to whom they are known. MAJOR LAWSON S. KILBORN. No history of Piatt county would be com- plete without mention of Major Lawson S. Kilborn, for he is a self-made man, an hon- ored veteran of the Civil war and, moreover, was formerly connected in a prominent man- ner for many years with the educational in- terests of this section of the state, and is at present a representative of its journalistic in- terests. His labors have in many ways touched the activities of the world, bearing upon advancement and improvement, and to- day he is regarded as one of the representa- tive men of his adopted county. The Major is a native of Kingston, Can- ada West, his birth having there occurred on the 28th of December, 1835. When but an infant, however, his parents removed to the Empire state, crossing Lake Ontario to Monroe county, New York, when the Major was but six weeks old. At the age of eleven the father died. The eldest daughter of the household married, and three of the older brothers had gone to Indiana to seek their fortunes, the family at home then consist- ing of the mother, two sisters, an elder brother named Hiram, and Lawson. It was arranged that the Major was to care for the home, and throughout all his spare time was to work through the day and thus supply the table of the family while Hiram, who could command high wages as a farm hand, was to spend his time in that way and apply his earnings to paying for a home on which he had traded the family horse as a first pay- ment. Major Kilborn's first act as he started upon this independent career was to go in debt for a sack of flour, but the strength of character of the boy was shown by the promptness with which he. discharged this obligation, and it also foreshadowed the cor- rect business methods which he has ever fol- lowed. He has never allowed himself to be- come burdened by debt and has ever met every trust reposed in him. Through the summer months Major Kilborn continued to work, and in the winter months attended school, his time being thus passed until his seventeenth year, when it was decided to sell the home, the members of the household be- ing disposed of in the following manner. The two youngest children were to spend a year in a near-by academy, and the mother was to visit through the winter with a mar- ried daughter, while Hiram was to go to In- diana, there to be joined by the others of the family in the following spring. Thus it was that Major Kilborn and his sister Emma be- came students in Riga Academy in the town of Riga, New York, through the winter of 1852-3. In the spring of 1853 he came to the west in company with his mother and his eldest sister and her family, her husband having gone to Indiana the previous year with his brother-in-law, Hiram Kilborn. On reaching Lafayette, Indiana, Lawson Kilborn began working for his brothers, who- \\ere engaged in carpentering in that city, but soon he became connected with the edu- cational interests of the west. In the winter following his arrival he was employed to teach in an old log schoolhouse about seven miles from Lafayette. The school was con- ducted on the subscription plan, and he PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 497 realized about ten dollars per month from his labors. For some time thereafter he con- tinued his work as an educator, his third term of school-teaching being spent at Lin- den, Montgomery county, Indiana. It was during that time that the Major was mar- ried, the lady of his choice being Miss Sa- mantha Aydelott, a daughter of a fanner liv- ing near Linden. In the spring of 1860 Ma- jor Kilborn secured the position of principal of the Central school of Lafayette, and proved there a most capable and successful educator, winning popular favor and accept- ably serving until the spring of 1862. The country, however, was then engaged in civil war, and he felt a strong desire to join the army. When at length he left for the field there devolved upon his wife the care of their little children, the youngest of whom was only a month old. It was with regret that he left his family, although he so much wanted to serve his country, but when speaking on the subject to his wife, she replied : "I know how you feel, and if I were a man I should go. I and the little ones will be taken care of, never fear." This response decided him at once, and he set about recruiting a com- pany in connection with his brother-in-law, Dr. J. B. Johnson. In about a month's time the company was raised and mustered in with the Seventy-second Indiana Regiment, with Dr. Johnson as captain, H. B. Wilson, first lieutenant, and L. S. Kilborn, second lieutenant. He took a very active part in Indianapolis the Doctor was promoted to the medical deparment, Mr. Wilson became captain, and Mr. Kilborn was then made first lieutenant. He took a very active part in many important military movements with his regiment. When his captain's health failed and he resigned his command at Murfrees- boro, .Mr. Kilborn was given the vacant po- sition as commander of the company, and just before the army moved he was detailed to command the pioneers of the brigade. This cut him off from active participation in the movements on the battlefield and there- fore was not pleasing to him, but as Colonel Wilder said that he had only one other man in the brigade who could get as much work out of men as Captain Kilborn, and as that man could not be spared for the position Cap- tain Kilborn was compelled to remain in that service for a time. However, after the capture of Gurley, he was relieved of the command of pio- neers by General Crook and was detailed to command scouts to be attached to the general headquarters. In that position Ma- jor Kilborn accompanied General William S. Smith on his raid along the Mobile and Ohio Railroad to West Point and Columbus, Mississippi, and was thus often engaged in severe and perilous service.- A part of the Seventy-second Regiment together with Ma- jor Kilborn's scouts were all of the Wilder Brigade that went on this expedition. Cap- tain Kilborn was promoted to the majority of his regiment November 9, 1864, and served with credit until the close of the war. He went with General Wilson on his famous raid through Alabama and Georgia, result- ing in the capture of Selma and Montgom- ery in Alabama, of Columbus and Macon in Georgia. From the latter place the com- mand was ordered home and the Seventy- second was mustered out in June, 1865. While Major Kilborn was in the field faithfully performing his duty to his coun- try, and doing everything possible for the preservation of the Union, his wife was caring for their little family at home, and by her economy and industry she had bought a house and lot in the village of Ladoga, In- PAST AND PRESENT cliana, and had almost completed the pay- ments thereon. After the Major's return they traded this property for a quarter sec- tion of land in Shelby county, Illinois, and removed there in the fall of 1895. The fol- lowing year they went to Marion county, Illinois, and as Major Kilborn had not pros- pered in his agricultural pursuits he again became connected with educational work as principal of a graded school. Through many years he continued to follow the pro- fession and won high standing among its representatives in this section of Illinois. He was principal of the schools of Marshall. Il- linois, for seven years, and his name was prominently mentioned as a candidate for superintendent of public instruction at the Prohibition convention at Bloomington, in 1882. In the schoolroom he closely studied the needs and requirement of the situations and planned for the furtherance of the schools and the permanent improvement of the educational systems of the various local- ities in which he was located. His own zeal in the work inspired the teachers who came under his guidance and he won for himself a prominent position in educational circles. In 1900 Major Kilborn became a resi- dent of Monticello, and here he is now well known as a representative of journalistic interests, being the senior member of the firm of L. S. Kilborn & Son, editors and pro- prietors of the Monticello Pilot, which he publishes in the interests of the Republican party. It is a bright entertaining journal and its editorials from the pen of Major Kilborn show comprehensive understanding of the questions which affect the state and national welfare. He has always been a flu- ent and ready writer, a master of the art of rhetoric, and yet one whose language is but the adornment for keen thought and decis- ive logic. His life has been all that is exem- plary of the unright and therefore truly great citizen. He has favored progress, reform and improvement, and has labored as earn- estly for the welfare of his country in times of peace as when he followed the starry ban- ner of the nation upon the battlefields of the south. CHARLES EDWARD ENGLAND. Charles E. England, one of the most pro- gressive and successful agriculturists of Piatt county, is the owner of a valuable farm of several hundred acres in Goose Creek township, and his management of the estate is marked by the scientific knowledge and skill which characterize the modern farmer. A native of this county, he was born on sec- tion 4, Goose Creek township, on the 9th of April, 1866, and is a son of A. T. and Har- riet (Plunk) England. His paternal grand- father was Rev. John England, a minister of the Christian church, who was engaged in preaching the gospel through this section of the state for many years, his home being in Sangamon and Logan counties most of the time. He was also a mechanic and fol- lowed farming to some extent. A. T. England, the father of our sub- ject, was born in Sangamon county, 'but was principally reared in Logan county, whither his parents removed when he was quite young. He received a good common- school education and throughout his active business life successfully engaged in farm- ing, but is now living a retired life in Monti- cello, Piatt county. He was married in 1865. Mr. England, of this review, attended first the public schools of Monticello, and later became a student at the State Univer- PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 499 sity at Champaign, where he remained for two years. His school life being ended in 1884, he returned home and on attaining his majority, began life for himself by oper- ating a farm which was formerly owned by his father. He has since devoted his time and energies almost exclusively to agri- cultural pursuits, and has made his home in the neighborhood where he now resides. In his undertakings he has met with remarka- ble success and his landed estate now amounts to eleven hundred and twenty-six acres, all in Goose Creek township. His crops consist principally of corn, oats and hay, and he is also engaged in the feeding of stock for market, shipping from three to four carloads of hogs each year. He also raises some very nice colts for the market. Mr. England's home is a beautiful place, his splendid residence being well and taste- fully furnished. The farm buildings are neat and substantial and a beautiful grove near the house adds to its attractive appearance. There are also fine orchards and many kinds of small fruit on the place, the land is under a high state of cultivation, and in fact it is one of the model farms of the locality. Mr. England is a stockholder and vice president of the First National Bank of DeLand, and is a man of marked business and executive ability. In 1893 ne was united in marriage to Miss Esta M. Fitzwater, and to them have been born four children, namely : Leland, now eight years of age; Helen, five; Dor- othy, three; and Herbert, a year and a half. Both Mr. and Mrs. England are members of the Christian church, and he is also iden- tified with the Blue lodge of the Masonic fraternity at DeLand, and the Twentieth Century Lodge, Knights of Pythias, of the same place. By his ballot he supports the men and measures of the Republican party, and takes an active interest in public affairs, giving his support to every enterprise for the public good, and materially aiding in the ad- vancement of all social, educational and moral interests. JOHN F. McGINNIS. John F. McGinnis, who is successfully engaged in the operation of a nice farm on section 10, Willow Branch township, Piatt county, was torn on the 5th of March, 1857, in Owen county, Indiana, and is a son of John H. and Marinda (Hinkle) McGinnis. The father was also a native of that state, where he was reared and educated in much the usual manner of farmer boys of his time, and he made his home with his parents, Elisha and Amelia Abigail McGinnis, until grown. They were originally from Ken- tucky and of Scotch-Irish descent, our sub- ject's great-grandparents having come to this country from the north of Ireland. On the 2d of January, 1851, was cele- brated the marriage of John H. McGinnis and Miss Marinda Hinkle and to them were born ten children, as follows: Amelia A., now the wife of C. C. Bales, a farmer of De- Witt county, Illinois ; Emily Jane, who died at the age of two years ; Elisha, who died in 1896; John F., of this review; James H., who died August n, 1888; Jesse B., who died May 23, 1893, leaving a wife and three children; George R., who died March 5. 1901, leaving a wife and five children; Thomas Lee, who is married and is engaged in the draying business in Cisco; Emory S., a farmer of Cisco; Charles P.. who died Jan- uary 21, 1891. ;co PAST AND PRESENT After his marriage the father of our sub- ject continued to reside in Indiana until 1868, when he came to Illinois and located two miles west of Weldon in DeWitt county, where he rented land and engaged in farm- ing quite successfully for some time. Later he removed to the farm on which his son now resides, and in 1881 purchased the place which was then known as the William Coleman farm and consisted of seventy- eight acres. He erected thereon new build- ings, fenced and tiled the land, and made many other substantial improvements. At an early day he raised considerable wheat, but for the past twenty years there has been very little of that grain produced in Piatt county, corn and oats being the principal crops at the present time. Mr. McGinnis died on the 7th of January, 1895, and his wife passed away July 19, 1898, honored and respected by all who knew them. They left many friends, as well as their immediate family, to mourn their loss, for they were widely and favora- bly known. John F. McGinnis began his education in the public schools of Indiana, and after coming to Illinois at the age of eleven years he continued to attend school here during the winter season until he attained his ma- jority. In the meantime he also gained an ex- cellent knowledge of all kinds of farm work, and to-day successfully operates the old home farm. He gives considerable atten- tion to stock-raising and usually raises about a carload of hogs each year. He never left the parental roof, and after the death of his father he took entire charge of the farm, and since his mother passed away he has also managed the household affairs. He has made many improvements on the place, and to-day has a fine bearing orchard of one hundred trees and all kinds of small fruits. Politically, Mr. McGinnis is a stanch Democrat, and for fifteen years has most efficiently filled the office of school di- rector, being clerk of the board at the pres- ent time. He takes a deep interest in educa- tional affairs and gives his support to all measure which he believes will prove of pub- lic benefit. ELIJAH CAMPBELL. Elijah Campbell, who resides on section 33, Goose Creek township, owns and operates a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres pleasantly located two miles north of De- Land, its neat and thrifty appearance plainly indicating his careful supervision. Substan- tial improvements are surrounded by well tilled fields, and all the accessories and con- veniences of a model farm are there found. A native of the neighboring state of In- diana, Mr. Campbell was born in Clark coun- ty, July 7, 1840, and is a son of Turner and Isabel (Hinthorn) Campbell. The father was born in Ireland, of Scotch ancestry, and trie mother was of Irish descent. Through- out life Turner Campbell followed farming and died in Indiana in 1844. Four years later his widow became the wife of John Loudenback, of Kentucky, and after residing in Indiana for a few years, they removed to Fulton county, Illinois, making their home there until 1888, when they went to How- ard county, Missouri, settling near Mob- erly, where Mrs. Loudenback died about 1892. Mr. Campbell is one of a family of nine children, who in order of birth were as fol- lows : Isaiah died in Indiana; William died in Missouri in 1899; John died in Indiana, leaving a wife and three children, Francis PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. Marion, Elizabeth and John Floyd; Oliver died when alxnit twenty-two years of age; Isaac married Jane Ailman, a daughter of John Ailman, of Canton, Illinois, and with his wife and children is now living on a farm near Wyoming, Illinois. Alexander, who was single, disappeared from a farm near Canton, Illinois, about fifteen years ago, when forty-five years of age, and has never been heard from since ; Turner died of ty- phoid fever at the age of fourteen years ; Elijah is the next of the family; and Sarah married Michael Phalen and died in Mis- souri about 1863, leaving three children. Her husband has since married again. Elijah Campbell obtained his early edu- cation in an old-fashioned log schoolhouse in Indiana, with its puncheon floor, hewed seats and a fireplace large enough to hold a six-foot log. He attended school only through the winter season, while through the summer months he worked on the home farm from sunrise until sundown. The school also lasted all day and through the noon hours the boys cut wood, meeting on Saturdays to haul it to the building with ox teams. In 1863 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Campbell and Miss Sarah Elizabeth Carter, of Lewiston, Fulton county, Illinois, where her parents, Jackson and Harriet Jane ( Riley) Carter, made -their home. She is the oldest in their family of seven children, the others being Atha, wife of James O'Brien, a farmer of Fulton county; Eldora, wife of H. D. Porter, a grain-dealer of DeLand; Everett, also a farmer of Fulton county; Almecla, deceased wife of Jacob Miller, a farmer ; Ouincy, who is engaged in the lum- ber business at Sidell. Illinois, and Jessie wife of John Wertman. a farmer of Fulton county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Campbell have been born twelve children : Hattie Belle, the old- est, was married in 1886 to Thomas Wise- garver, and they have one daughter, Aubra. Cora is the wife of Frank Huddleston, of Webster City, Iowa. Atha is the wife of Luther Cox, a member of the mercantile firm of Gantz'& Cox, of DeLand. Lillian is the wife of George Galliver, of Bagdad, Santa Rosa county, Florida. Both are phy- sicians and are graduates of the Harvey Medical College of Chicago. Wynona is the wife of Smith Wisegarver, a farmer of. Piatt county. Pearl is the wife of Edward Hag- gard, also a farmer of this county. Ray- mond R. was recently graduated at Lorn-' bard College, Galesburg, Illinois, with the highest honors, being three points higher than any other graduate there during the forty-eight years of the existence of the col- lege. He has taught in a training school in Chicago, and by teaching earned the money with which to pay his way through college and meet all his expenses while there. He is a young man of marked ability and deserves great credit for what he has accomplished. At present he is in Chicago, undecided as to what he will devote his time in the future. Turner Jackson, the next of the family, ma- ried Jennie Armstrong, a daughter of Leon- ard Armstrong, and at present is engaged in draying in DeLand, though he previously followed farming in this county. Canova died in infancy. Caddie is the wife of Oscar Moody, who follows farming near DeLand ; Wave and De Forest are both at home with their parents. After his marriage Mr. Campbell rented a farm in Fulton county for two years, and in its cultivation was fairly successful. He then came to Piatt county and purchased eighty acres of land, which he operated for 502 PAST AND PRESENT two years, and on disposing of that he pur- chased another tract here. Since then he has bought and sold a number of places, usually making money on the transaction, and finally purchased his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 33, Goose Creek township. His crops are principally corn and oats, and he gives considerable attention to the breeding of pure blooded Ohio Im- proved Chester hogs, which are considered a superior breed, and in the raising of which he has met with remarkable success for sev- eral years. He usually ships from eighty to one hundred hogs each year, and as those he raises are among the best to be found on the market, they command the highest prices. He may well take a just pride in his success in this enterprise. He also feeds some cattle for market. His farm is under a high state of cultivation, and there is a good or- chard and many varieties of small fruit up- on it. He has erected a new house, barn and other buildings, and everything is in first- class condition. Mr. Campbell, his wife and all his chil- dren are members of the Christian church of DeLand, and for thirty-two years he has also been connected with the Masonic order, now holding membership in DeLand Lodge, No. 812, F. & A. M. The Democratic party has always found in him a stanch supporter of its principles, and his fellow citizens recognizing his worth and ability have called upon him to fill several local offices, the du- ties of which he has most capably and satis- factorily discharged. He was road commis- sioner one term, road overseer seven years and township treasurer twenty-two years. He is still filling the last named office, and is also school treasurer of his township. Up- right and honorable in all the relations of life, he well merits the confidence and trust reposed in him. MALDEX O. CURRY. To succeed where others have failed, to advance where others have retrograded indi- cates certainly thorough understanding of the business in which one is engaged together with marked capability, close application and keen sagacity. Maiden O. Curry in 1890 became proprietor of a paper in Bement, which, previous to this time, had had various proprietors and editors, none of whom had made the journal a paying enterprise. He brought to the work strong determination, resolving that he would brook no obstacles that could be overcome by honorable and de- termined effort. He is now editor and pro- prietor of the Bement Register, which is a weekly newspaper, and the only one pub- lished in the village. Mr. Curry was born in Moultrie county, Illinois, March 16, 1866, a son of Thomas A. and Martha A. (Davis) Curry. The father was born in Kentucky on the 22d of December, 1827, and in an early day came to Illinois, locating in Moultrie county, where he engaged in farming. During his residence in Moultrie county he drove cattle through Piatt county, taking them to market across the prairies. There were then no rail- reads through this part of 'the coihitry, and but a few settlers, so that one could journey for miles without coming to a fence or other evidence of settlement to impede progress. By trade he was a cabinetmaker, learning the business at Sullivan, Illinois. He fol- lowed the pursuit for some years before go- ing to Missouri, in which state he resided for some time. Upon his return to Illinois he lo- cated in Shelby county, where he is yet living. His 'political support is given to the Democracy, and his religious faith is that of the Christian church, with which he has long held membership. His wife, who bore the PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 503 maiden name of Martha A. Davis, was born in Moultrie county, Illinois, April 8, 1837, and died on the 26th of August, 1900, in Shelby county, Illinois. She, too, was a member of the Christian church, and was a most estimable lady. By their marriage September 4, 1855, eight children were born, live of whom are now living, but Maiden O. Curry is the only one residing in Piatt county. Maiden O. Curry spent the first six years of his life in Moultrie county, Illinois, and then accompanied his parents to Missouri, where they resided for six years, returning then to this state. He has since been a res- ident of Illinois, and in the public schools of Shelby county he acquired his early educa- tion, pursuing his studies there until fourteen years of age. He began learning his trade in 1880 in a newspaper office in the village of Stewardson, Shelby county, Illinois, where he continued for several years. He was aft- erward employed at his trarle in Effingham, Altamont, Kinmundy, Chicago, Brazil, In- diana, Bloomington, Monticello, Assumption and Bement. All these places are in Illinois, with the exception of Brazil. On the loth of January, 1890, he became editor and proprie- tor of the Bement Register, entering into partnership at this time with G. A. Burgess, of Monticello, under the firm style of M. O. Curry & Company. Later our subject formed a partnership with C. A. Burks, which con- tinued for three years, and he was afterward with F. E. Unholz until 1895, when he sold his interest to Mr. Unholz. He then pur- chased the Assumption News in Christian county, Illinois, and remained there until October, 1897, when he returned to Bement and again became owner and editor of the Be- ment Register, which he is still publishing. The office is well equipped with the latest improved machinery needed in his line, and be- turns out a high grade of work as viewed from the printer's standpoint. On the igth o'f November, 1886, Mr. Curry was united in marriage to Miss S. Olive Patton, who was born in Shelby coun- ty, Illinois, near Shelbyville, was edu- cated in that county and taught school there for several terms. Both Mr. and Mrs. Curry are devoted and active members of the Christian church and are greatly interested in temperance work, doing all in their power to suppress the evil of intoxication. Mr. Curry votes with the Prohibition party, and his wife is a member of the Woman's Chris- tian Temperance Union. Unto them have been born four children, of whom two are living : Marvella O., who was born in Chi- cago and educated in Bement; and Lois O., who was born in Assumption, Illinois, and is now seven years of age. The other two children died in infancy. Mr. Curry holds membership in Bement Lodge, No. 199, Knights of Pythias. Through the columns of his paper he advocates every measure which he believes will prove of permanent benefit to the community. EVAN STEVENSON. Evan Stevenson is numbered among Piatt county's native sons for his birth oc- curred on the old home farm in Willow Branch township, September 3, 1872. He is the only son of Wilbur F. and Alice (Tall- man) Stevenson, who are mentioned on an- other page of this work. Back to a pioneer epoch in the history of Kentucky can the ancestry be traced, and his pafernal great- grandfather. Job Stevenson, was not only a PAST AND PRESENT leading business man of that state, but was also a member of the legislature and aided in framing the early policy of the common- wealth. His son, Evan Stevenson, for whom the subject of this review was named, became well known in political circles and was equally prominent as a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church. While on the maternal side Mr. Stevenson of this review- is descended from John Boggs, his grand- father, who served as major in the War of 1812, and aided in laying broad and deep the foundation for the present development of Pickaway county, Ohio' being one of its pioneer settlers. Upon the home farm Evan Stevenson was reared and in his early youth he attend- ed the district school of the neighborhood. Later he continued his studies in the Monti- cello schools and subsequently he pursued a collegiate course as a student in the Mich- igan State University at Ann Arbor, Michi- gan, where he remained for two or three years. On account of ill health he was obliged to leave school, and returning home he be- came owner of the Monticello Bulletin, but when a year had passed he severed his con- nection with that paper and in 1898 went to Texas with the hope of benefiting his health. At that time the Spanish-American war was in progress and he joined a volunteer cav- alry company which was used in patroling border, remaining in the service four months. The state militia had gone to Cuba and it was rumored that an attempt might be made by Mexican adventurers to invade Texas. Since his return to Piatt county Mr. Stevenson has taken an active part in poli- tics. In 1900 he was nominated by the De- mocracy as a candidate for state senator, but was defeated after a vigorous campaign. In 1902, however, he was elected to the lower house of the general assembly of Illinois, where he served on a number of important committees. Each question which came up for settlement received his close considera- tion and he labored in behalf of many im- provements which he believed would con- tribute to the general good. Particularly he worked for liberal appropriations for the University of Illinois, which is located in his district. -His influence and efforts have extended beyond the confines of Illinois. In 1901 he went to New York city and took an active part in the campaign there in support of Edward M. Shepherd, the Tammany nominee for mayor of New York. He is a fluent and forceful speaker, logical in his ar- gument and bases his statements upon fact as shown by history and statistics. He never fails to entertain an audience and to leave an impression upon the thinking mind. Mr. Stevenson is a typical American citizen, alive to the interests and questions of the day, and to the welfare of his county, state and na- tion. Although yet a young man, his work has been felt in political circles and should he continue to give his attention to political work he can undoubtedly win success and distinction in that line. His fellow towns- men respect and admire him for what he has acomplished, and he well deserves mention in the history of Piatt county. AUGUST OHLER. August Ohler, who is now so efficiently serving as supervisor of Unity towship, was born on the 28th of August, 1858, in Fred- erick county, Maryland, his parents being Jacob and Emeline (Forney) Ohler. both now deceased. In the countv of his nativity he PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 505 grew to manhood, and is indebted to its com- mon schools for the educational privileges he enjoyed during his boyhood and youth. He remained on the home farm, assisting in its operation until the spring of 1880, when he went to Decatur, Illinois, and was there engaged in the manufacture of tile for four years. At the end of that time he came to Piatt county and rented a farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 23, Unity township, belonging to Charles S. Traver, of Decatur. This place he has since successfully operated, being engaged in gen- eral farming. He is a very industrious and energetic man, and is highly respected and esteemed by all who know him. On the 7th of December, 1882, Mr. Ohl- er was united in marriage to Miss Christina VVinn, of Decatur, who was born in Arkan- sas, and they have become the parents of five children, two of whom died when about sev- en years of age. Those living are Florence, now the wife of Morris Broyles, of Ham- mond ; and Clarence and Roy, both at home. The family is one of prominence in the com- munity where they reside. Mr. Ohler is one of the leading Republicans of Unity town- ship, and on his party ticket was elected supervisor, which office he is now so accept- ably filling. ERNEST L. CRONINGER. The gentleman whose name is here pre- sented belongs to one of the oldest families of the county, Mr. Croninger's grandfather. Peter Croninger, having settled on the farm upon which the grandson now resides in about 1840. With his wife, Cynthia, he had come from the Buckeye .state, and they were of German descent. They built the usual log cabin and started in to subdue nature's wilds. With the patience characteristic of the pioneer, they cleared their land, and year by year saw the result of their efforts in the attempt at home building most splendidly realized. In 1868 they had so prospered as to erect one of the best homes in the coun- ty, which still stands a monument to their energy. It is of brick, burned on the farm by the aid of neighbors, and stands in a no- ble grove of shade trees well back from the road. Grandfather Croninger was a man of remarkable mold, and was instrumental in settling the high standard of morals which early characterized the citizens of Piatt county. He died at the age of seventy- seven years. He reared but one son, Mahlon Croninger, who was born in this cdunty. In 1868 he married a daughter of James Rhine- hart and to them four children were born, as follows: Ernest L., who constitutes the subject of this review; Charles L., of Deca- tur; Nellie G., wife of Dr. M. Pategale, of Cisco, Illinois; Braley F., still residing on the old homestead, which he helps to culti- vate. Ernest L. Croninger, eldest son of the family, was born on the old homestead, March 8, 1870. He received a good common- school education in Langley school, and later attended Brown's Business College. He aided his father in his large farming inter- ests until 1897, when he became interested with his father and others in a banking busi- ness at Cisco, he acting as cashier of the in- stitution. The confinement attendant on such employment, however, threatened to un- dermine his health, and while he is yet cash- ier of the bank and assistant attends to the more arduous duties. At his father's death our subject succeeded to his interest in the bank. In addition to his banking interests PAST AND PRESENT Mr. Croninger, together with other mem- bers of the family, is interested in a large grain elevator, and the business attendant to it, under the firm name of Croninger & Weilepp. This firm carries on an extensive business, handling nearly all the grain raised in Piatt county. After the original pur- chase of land by the grandfather, different members of the family have at various times added to the domain, until at the present time the farm, consists of two thousand two hundred and twenty-five acres, all of which save two hundred acres of wood land, is un- der cultivation. Mr. Croninger' is a gentleman of genial temperament and fine social qualities, and it is not strange that the fraternal idea ap- peals to him with such force. He has taken the third degree in the noble lodge of Ma- sons, is a Knight of Pythias, an Odd Fellow, and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Politically, Mr. Croninger supports the principles of the great Jefferson, and is now serving his second term as supervi- sor of Willow Branch township, to which he was elected on the Democratic ticket. Though still in the hey-day of youth, our subject has fully demonstated his fitness to handle any trust imposed on him by society, and may look forward with confidence to a career of great usefulness. JOHN GARDINER. John Gardiner, living on section 20, Blue Ridge township, was born in Ireland in 1844, the place of his birth being County Antrim. His parents, John and Mary Ann (McKnight) Gardiner, were also natives of County Antrim, where the mother died. Crossing the Atlantic to the new world, the father spent his last years in America. He died at the age of eighty-five years and the mother reached the very advanced age of nine- ty-two years. In their family were seven children, who attained adult age, but the sub ject of this review is the only one now resid- ing in Piatt county. It was in 1867 that the father came to America with Andrew and John, and located in Piatt county, where he remained until called to the home beyond. John Gardiner spent the first twenty- three years of his life on the Emerald Isle, no event of special importance occuring to vary the routine of life for him in his youth. Work and play fell to his lot, and it also be- came his duty to master the branches of learning taught in the common schools. Aft- er reaching years of maturity, however, he sailed for the new world, taking passage at Londonderry, Ireland, upon an old-time steamer, which was upon the water for some days. At length, however, he landed at Portland, Maine, and by way of the Grand Trunk Railroad went to Chicago, and after- ward proceeded to Pittsfield, Pike county, Illinois, where he spent a few months. He then removed to Logan county, this state, where he remained for two years, during which time he was employed by the month as a farm hand. In 1869 he arrived in Piatt county where he worked for William John- son, whose daughter he afterward married. Later he rented a farm and for three years he was in the employ of A. J. Langley. Sub- sequently he purchased a tract of land of eighty acres and locating thereon, at once be- gan its improvement. He broke the prairie and after turning the sod planted crops which in due course of time yielded good harvests. He also built a house and im- proved that property in many ways. After 1'IATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 5C7 a time lie sold it and purchased another tract of eighty acres, which he later disposed of. He then bought the one-hundred-and sixty-acre farm upon which he now resides, paying for this thirty-seven and a half dol- lars per acre. He has since added to its boundaries to the amount of two hundred and forty acres, so that he now has in one farm a valuable tract of four hundred acres. His attention has been more largely given to the raising of grain and in his work he has met with very creditable and gratifying success. In 1874 Mr. Gardiner was united in marriage to Miss Teresa Emily Johnson, a daughter of William and Julia Ann John- son. Her father passed away many years ago, but was survived for some time by his wife. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner have been born eight children : William E. ; An- drew ; Mary Ann; one who died in infancy; Walter ; Addie : Ida and John. Both Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner hold mem- bership in the Presbyterian church of Mans- field, of which he formerly served as a trus- tee, and at the present time he is an elder. He takes a ^ep interest in church work, do- ing all in hu power to promote the growth of the church :md extend its influence. His first presidential ballot was cast for General Grant, and he has since voted with the Re- publican party, having firm faith in its prin- ciples. He has also served as school director for five years and the cause of education finds in him a stalwart friend. Landing in this country without capital, he has, through his persistency of purpose and untiring ef- forts, steadily worked his way upward until he is now one of the prosperous agricultur- ists of Piatt county. His manner is genial and entirely free from ostentation. Without pretense or display he commands the respect 24 of his fellow men and is regarded by them as one who has been true and faithful in ev- ery relation of life in which he has been placed. TIMOTHY F. DEVENY. Among those who valiantly fought for the Union when the South endeavored to se- cede was Timothy F. Deveny, who to-day is one of the leading citizens of Goose Creek township. He is engaged in farming and the dairy business, supplying the people of De- Land with milk of the finest quality. He was born in Richland county, Ohio, August 8, 1841, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Dewitt) Deveny. The father was a native of the town of Little York, York county, Pennsylvania, and of German descent, while the mother was born in Ulster county, New York, and belonged to an old Holland fam- ily. In early life John Deveny learned the tailor's trade, and for over thirty years con- ducted a shop in Plymouth, Ohio, where he was making his home at the time of his death in 1855. His wife died at the same place in 1890. This worthy couple were married in Plymouth and became the parents of seven children, namely: Benjamin F., a resident farmer of Plymouth; Timothy F., of this review; Jennie, wife of John Wilson, a molder of Plymouth; Elizabeth, deceased wife of James Moore; Henry, who. died when quite young; Henrietta, wife of Frank Sable, a plasterer and mason of Plymouth, Ohio; and Martha, who died at that place in 1892. The boyhood and youth of our subject were passed in Plymouth, Ohio, and he is in- debted to its common schools for his early educational advantages. He learned the 5 c8 PAST AND PRESENT trade of a stationary engineer at that place, and later was employed as a locomotive engi- neer on the Baltimore & Ohio railroad for about ten years. At the end of that time he removed to Columbus, Ohio, where he ran a stationary engine for five years, and then, in 1884, went to Le Roy, Illinois, where he ran the engine in the flouring mill of Bar- num & Kenun for the same length of time. On the expiration of that period he came to DeLand and rented a farm of eighty acres near the village, which he has since operated. There is a fine orchard upon the place, the fields are well, tilled and everything is in first- class condition. The home is a pleasant resi- dence of nine rooms, surrounded by beautiful shade trees, and is known as the old Marquiss homestead. Mr. Deveny raises the cereals best adapted to the soil and climate, and keeps a number of milch cows for dairy pur- poses, having a good milk route in DeLand. Soon after passing his twentieth birth- day, Mr. Deveny entered the army, enlist- ing on the I5th of August, 1861, in an Ohio regiment of volunteer infantry, which was assigned to the Seventeenth Army Corps. On the expiration of his term of enlistment he was discharged at Chattanooga, Tennes- see, September i, 1864, but afterward re- enlisted, this time becoming a member of Company G, One Hundred and Ninety-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry. When hostilities ceased he was again discharged on the 27th of August, 1865, by order of the govern- ment, as his services were no longer needed. He was in the siege of Vicksburg and in the battles of Greenbrier, Crosskeys, Winches- ter, Kenesaw Mountain and Peach Tree Creek, and finally returned to his home with a war record of which he may be justly proud. At Newark, Ohio, October 9, 1879, Mr. Deveny was united in marriage to Miss Hat- tie Smith, a daughter of Wesley and Mary Ann Smith, of that place, and to them has been born one son, Justus Neal, who is at home with his parents. All three are mem- bers of the Christian church, and Mr. De- veny is also connected with the Masonic Lodge, No. 812, of DeLand, in which he is now serving as senior warden. By his bal- lot he supports the men and measures of the Republican party and is as true to his duties of citizenship in days of peace as he was when following the old flag to victory on southern battlefields. OSCAR D. NOE, M. D. The life history of Dr. Oscar D. Noe touthes upon many fields of activity. His efforts have covered a wide range and have been of practical benefit to his fellow citizens as well as to himself. He is now successfully engaged in the practice of his profession at Hammond, where he also conducts a drug stored He is the vice president of the State Bank of Hammond. A typical American citizen realizing the force of industry, per- severance and integrity in the affairs of life he has so directed his efforts that he seems to have realized at any one point of progress his possibilities for accomplishment at that point. At the same time he has been a co- operant factor in many measures for the gen- eral good, and we express the public senti- ment when we speak of him as one of the representative, valued and honored residents of Piatt county. Dr. Noe came to Hammond in 1875, and is now one of the oldest physicians in years of connection with this part of the county. PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 509 He was born in Columbia, Boone county, Missouri, on the i6th of October, 1849, ar) d is a son of Joseph and Matilda Noe, both of whom were natives of Kentucky, and were there reared and married. They afterward removed to Boone county, Missouri, where the father engaged in merchandising until the last five years of his life. During that period his attention was devoted to agricul- tural pursuits, which he carried on success- fully until his death in 1879. The mother of our subject died when the Doctor was but six years of age, and the father afterward married Miss Elizabeth Angel, who now re- sides in Columbia, Missouri. There were five children of the first union : James, a res- ident of California; Amon, who is living in the same state; George, who makes his home in Woodland, California; Oscar D., and Newton, who became a physician, having graduated from the Missouri Homeopathic Medical College, of St. Louis, and who died at the age of thirty-five years. The three children born of the father's second marriage are R. B., who is a practicing physician at Thorntowri, Indiana; Issathar, who makes his home in Columbia, Missouri ; and Amanda, the wife of W. B. Holmes, of Kan- sas City, Missouri. Dr. Noe, whose name introduces tliis record, acquired his early education in the public schools of his native city, and after- ward attended Columbia college, of Colum- bia, Missouri. With broad general learning to serve as an excellent basis for profession- al knowledge, he began preparation for the practice of medicine as a student in the St. Louis Allopathic Medical College, in which he was graduated in the class of 1872. He then received his certificate for practice and came direct to Hammond, where he opened an office and entered upon his professional work. Soon afterward, however, he returned to St. Louis, where he pursued a course in the Homeopathic Medical College, being grad- uated therein with the class of 1877. Again coming to Hammond he once more resumed practice here and also established his drug store, which he has since conducted in con- nection with the prosecution of his chosen calling. Dr. Noe continued in active prac- tice here until 1898, when he was elected professor of senior obstetrics in the National Medical College and Hospital of Chicago. He occupied that chair until the ist of March, 1899, when he returned to Ham- mond and again took up the practice of 'med- icine, giving especial attention to the diseases of women and children, and to surgical prac- tice. He has, moreover, a large general practice as well as an extensive patronage along the line of his specialties, his business making constant demands upon his time and energies. In his store he keeps a general line of drugs, stationery and wall paper, and has a liberal patronage there. Dr. Noe, unlike many professional men, possesses marked business ability and execu- tive force as well as broad scientific learning, and his counsel and aid have therefore been important factors in the successful control many interests. He is the vice president of the State Bank of Hammond, and is the president of the Hammond Telephone Com- pany both enterprises of importance in the town. He is also the owner of over five hundred and twenty acres of valuable farm- ing land, two hundred acres of which lie in Moultrie county, while the remainder is sit- uated in Cerro Gordo township. The Doctor is thoroughly progressive along all lines, and is the owner of- the only automobile in Ham- mond, finding his machine of value to him in his profession as it enables him to reach his patrons with very little loss of time. The Doctor was united in marriage in PAST AND PRESENT Hammond to Miss Clara Van Hook, a native of Kentucky, as was her father, Lawrence Van Hook, who at an early day brought his family to Piatt county, Illinois. He engaged in farming in Unity township and afterward removed to the village of Hammond, where he engaged in the drug business until his death, which occurred in 1890. His wife also died here. Unto the Doctor and his wife has been born a daughter, Dr. Estella V. Noe, whose birth occurred September 19, 1 88 1. After acquiring her preliminary edu- cation in the public schools she attended the Bloomington University at Bloomington, Il- linois, and subsequently the Hahnemann Medical College of Chicago, in which she was graduated with the class of 1901. She then returned to Hammond where she began practice with her father, and now she has a large patronage, having demonstrated her skill by the successful handling of a num- ber of important cases. The family occupy one of the finest residences in this part of the county, and in social circles are prominent while the hospitality of their own beautiful and attractive home is greatly enjoyed by their many friends. Both the Doctor and his wife hold mem- bership in the Christian church of Ham- mond, and he belongs to the Knights of Pythias lodge here, and also to the Odd Fel- lows lodge. In politics he usually gives his support to the Democracy, but at local elec- tions frequently casts his ballot for the men whom he thinks best qualified for office, re- gardless of party affiliations. The Doctor is a man of scholarly attainments and of broad general learning, as well as compre- hensive scientific knowledge. He is a man of keen forsight and marked executive abil- ity in business affairs, and at all times and in all relations of life he is found reliable, his life being in conformity to the strictest pro- fessional, commercial and social ethics. He came to Hammond a young man with lit- tle capital, but his personal worth and profes- sional ability proved the foundation upon which he has builded creditable and gratify- ing success, and to-day he is one of the most prosperous and respected residents of this portion of the state. NELS LARSON. It is astonishing to witness the success of young men who have emigrated to Amer- ica without capital and from a humble posi- tion have worked their way upward to one of affluence. The readiness with which they adapt themselves to circumstances and take advantage of opportunities offered brings to them success and wins them a place among the leading men of the community in which they reside. To this class belongs Mr. Lar- son, who now makes his home in Voorhies, where he has a most beautiful residence. A native of Sweden, he was born Jan- uary 29, 1841, and is a son of Lars and Elma ( Wrensen) Johnson, both of whom are now deceased. In their family were four children, two of whom, a son and daughter, still re- side in Sweden, while our subject and his sister, Mrs. Johnson, are now living in Piatt county, Illinois. Mr. Larson was reared to manhood up- on a farm in his native land, and was twenty- six years of age when he crossed the Atlantic to America, landing in New York city, whence he made his way at once to Gales- burg, Illinois. For one year he worked on a farm in Knox county, and then came to Piatt county, where during the ensuing PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. eighteen months he was employed on the farm of William Burgess in Bement town- ship. On his arrival in this country he was entirely unfamiliar with the English lan- guage, and had that difficulty to encounter as well as many others, but he soon overcame these and is to-day a well-informed man keep- ing abreast with the times in all particulars. In 1870 he entered the employ of William Voorhies, for whom he worked a year and a half and afterward operated rented land in Unity and Cerro Gordo townships. Sub- sequently he purchased an eighty-acre tract in the former township and began life in earnest as a general farmer. He has since added to his property from time to time until he now owns four hundred and eighty acres of as well improved and valuable land as is to be found in that part of the county. With the assistance of hired help he operates two hundred and forty acres of this, raising prin- cipally corn, which yields on an average of from fifty to sixty bushels per acre. Mr. Larson is also interested in the grain trade, having erected an elevator at Voorhies, where he is engaged in buying and selling grain, handling about three hundred thou- sand bushels a year through J. M. Camp, of Bement. His son George W. now has charge of the business and attends to the of- fice work for his father. At Bement, Illinois, March 16, 1872, Mr. Larson was united in marriage to Miss Jo- hanna Nelson, who was also born in Sweden, April 14, 1842, and came to America when twenty-six years of age. Two children have been born to them, namely : George W., who was graduated at the Bement high school in 1893, and received a diploma from Brown's Business College of Decatur, the following year; and Eleanora, who is also a graduate of the Bement high school. The home of this family is a model one, being complete in all its appointments and elegantly furnished. It was built in 1901 by James Howard, a contractor of Bement from plans made by a Chicago architect, and without an exception is the finest home in Piatt coun- ty, having cost about eight thousand dollars. It contains fifteen rooms lighted and venti- lated by a large number of windows, is heated by hot water, and supplied with hot and cold water. The grounds are beautifully laid off and adorned with flower beds, and the walks are all of cement. In addition to his own private residence Mr. Larson owns all of the houses at Voorhies and much other property. He was reared in the Lutheran faith, but he and his family now attend the Christian church. Politically, he is a stanch Republican and has been a delegate to various county conventions of his party. For five years he served as postmaster of Voorhies under the first administration of President Cleveland, and also under President Harrison, and his son, George, is now filling that office. He is a man of exceptionally good business and executive ability, and to his own untiring efforts and good management is due his wonderful success in life. MISS LYDA COLEMAN. Miss Lyda Coleman, the well-known li- brarian of the Allerton Public Library of Monticello, is a native of that city and a daughter of Dr. J. W. and Carrie R. (King) Coleman. The mother is now deceased and with the exception of Lyda, all of the six children of the family have also passed away. Dr. Coleman has been engaged in the prac- 5 12 PAST AND PRESENT tice of medicine in Monticello since 1860, and is one of the leading physicians and promi- nent citizens of that place. He was one of the organizers of the Monticello Cemetery Association in 1873, and has been its secre- tary ever since. He also assisted in organ- izing the Monticello high school and was president of the board in 1865, 1866, 1867, 1868 and 1899. For a number of years he has been a member of the United States board of pension examiners, and has served for some time as commander of Franklin Post, No. 256, G: A. R. His daughter ob- tained her preliminary education in the pub- lic schools of Monticello and later entered Farmer's College at College Hill, Ohio, where she continued her studies until the close of the junior year. In June, 1897, she assumed the duties of librarian in the Aller- ton Public Library, and has since filled that position in a most creditable and satisfactory manner. JESSE BUSHEE. Jesse Bushee, an honored veteran of the Civil War, who is now living a retired life in White Heath, Illinois, was born in Fair- field county, Ohio, on the i ith of September, 1840, and is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Gettings) Bushee. The father was a na- tive of Pennsylvania, born in 1787, and on leaving that state removed to Ohio, where he engaged in farming until his death. The mother died in 1852. In their family were seven children, but our subject is the only one of the number now living. In the county of his nativity Jesse Bushee spent the first sixteen years of his life, re- maining at home until his mother's death. His education was acquired in the local schools, the temple of learning being a log structure with puncheon floor, slab benches and greased paper windows. On starting out in life for himself he worked as a farm hand by the month until 1856, when he de- cided to come to Illinois, and by team jour- neyed with his brother-in-law, Ezra Fos- naugh, across the country to Macoupin county, it requiring about six weeks to make the trip. There Mr. Bushee engaged in splitting rails for about six months, and then came to Piatt county, where he worked on a farm by the month until the Civil war broke out. Prompted by a spirit of patriotism he entered the service of his country, enlisting for three months in the Twenty-first Illinois Volunteer Infantry General Grant's old regiment, and was mustered in by General Grant himself. After five months spent in the army he returned home and rented a part of the George Boyers farm, which he oper- ated until the I3th of August, 1862, when he again entered the army, this time as a member of the One Hunded and Seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He was in the march from Glasgow, Kentucky, through Ohio and Indiana to Ironton, where they captured General Morgan and his army. Mr. Bushee, with others of his command, took the prisoners to Cincinnati, and from there went to Lebanon, Kentucky, and on the noted march over the Cumberland moun- tains, where they were forced to live on two or three small pieces of hardtack per day. He was in the siege of Knoxville and all through the Georgia campaign as far as At- lanta, and was also in the battle at Loudon, Tennessee. Mr. Bushee was taken ill at At- lanta and sent to the hospital at Marietta, Georgia. On his recovering he was granted a furlough and returned home to vote. Later PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. he rejoined his regiment and was in all of the engagements from Atlanta to Resaca, and was in the battles of Buzzard Roost. Kenesaw Mountain and many others, in- cluding that of Nashville. After the last named engagement he returned to Cincinnati by boat, and from there went to Washington, D. C., whence he proceeded by boat to Smithland, North Carolina. He was in the fight at Fort Anderson and Raleigh where his command met that of General Sherman, and then proceeded to Salisbury, North Carolina, where he remained until mustered out at the close of the war in the spring of 1865. After his return home, Mr. Bushee re- sumed farming on Benjamin F. Cressip's place, but shortly after marriage in 1866 he removed to the farm belonging to Jehu Trotter, where he spent two years, and the following year was passed on the John Jones farm. For one year he made his home in Champaign county, but at the end of that time he returned to Piatt county, operating the Charles Smith farm for two years. He next farmed on property adjoining the vil- lage of White Heath, owned by the firm of White & Heath, remaining there until 1890, when he retired from active labor, buying a nice little home in the village and three and a half acres of land at the edge of town. On the 2d of September, 1866, Mr. Bushee was united in marriage to. Miss Ma- tilda Jane Teats, who was born in Adelphi, Ross county, Ohio, March 27, 1849, and in 1856 came to Piatt county, Illinois, with her parents. Mathias and Mary (Puffmberg) Teats. All of their seven children are now deceased with the exception of Mrs. Bushee and her brother, George W. Teats, of White Heath, who is represented elsewhere in this volume. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bushee were born five children : Mary Elizabeth, who died at the age of three months; Carrie J., wife of John Cox, a resident of DeLand; Jessie Estella, who is at home with her par- ents, and is a member of Mount Royal Court of Honor, No. 320, White Heath; Ralph W., who is now working on a farm by the day, but spends his evenings at home; and one who died in infancy. The family is widely and favorably known and their circle of friends is extensive. CHRISTIAN ROTH. Christian Roth, one of the leading and influential citizens of Blue Ridge township, residing on section 28, was born in Witten- berg, Germany, on the i8th of July, 1834, his parents being William and Elizabeth (Craft) Roth, both of whom were natives of the same province. They were farming people who spent their entire lives in Ger- many. In their family were eight children, of whom Christian Roth is the fifth in order of birth. He attended the home school un- til fourteen years of age, and then worked upon a farm up to the time of his emigration to America in the year 1857. A forward look into the future, a mental review of the advantages afforded in his native land and in the new world and a comparison of the op- portunities which both offered, led him to cross the Atlantic, and in the year 1857 he sailed from Havre, France, being six weeks upon the voyage. They encountered rough weather and lost three of the sailors, but ul- timately the vessel reached the harbor of New York in safety. Mr. Roth landed in that city, but did not tarry long there, im- mediately coming to the west. He went first 5*4 PAST AND PRESENT to Springfield, Illinois, where he had friends living, and soon afterward he commenced work on a farm in Sangamon county, re- ceiving eighteen dollars per month for his services. This seemed to him a large sum of money when he compared it with the wages paid in Germany. He continued to reside in Sangamon county until 1862, when his patriotic spirit being aroused in defense of his adopted land, he enlisted in the Union army, becoming a member of Company A, One Hundred and Sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry under the command of Captain Yates, an uncle of the present governor of the state. The commander of the regiment was Colonel Latham. Mr. Roth participated in the siege of Vicksburg and took part in a number of the important battles with the Army of the Tennessee. He was very for- tunate in that he was never wounded, and after the close of the war he was mustered out in Springfield, Illinois, in 1865. Following his military experience, Mr. Roth was engaged in conducting a butcher shop in Old Berlin for two years, and then came to Piatt county and purchased land. As a companion and helpmate for the jour- ney of life he chose Miss Julia Ann Auer, a daughter of Mathew Auer, who lived and died in Germany. Mrs. Roth was born in that country and their marriage occurred September 22, 1866. Unto our subject and his wife have been born ten children : Eliza- beth, who is the wife of Simeon Keiser, a resident of Champaign county, Illinois, by whom she has four children. John, Teresa, Juliana and Alma; Agnes, who is the wife of German Wesler, a resident of Mansfield, by whom she has two children, William and Lawrence; Mary, the wife of Mark Schudel, by whom she has one daughter, Juliana; Katharine, the wife of Michael Schudel, by. whom she had three children, John, Mollie and Irene, but the first named is now de- ceased ; William, a resident farmer of Blue Ridge township, who married Minnie Kruz- weg, by whom he has three children, Clar- ence, Mabel and Emma; Lena, the wife of John Beckenholdt, a resident of Blue Ridge towship; Emma, the wife of Frank Wolf, who is living in Oklahoma ; and Nellie, John and Christian, all at home. After coming to Piatt county Mr. Roth purchased eighty acres of land which was wild prairie, paying for it ten dollars per acre. Since that time he has carried on agri- cultural pursuits with excellent success, grad- ually adding to his landed possessions until they now aggregate four hundred acres, all of which is located' in Blue Ridge township, with the exception of a tract of eighty acres that lies in Hensley township, Champaign county. He carries on general farming, rais- ing both grain and stock. He makes a spe- cialty of beef cattle and of hogs, and the products of the farm annually find a good sale on the market and bring to him a de- sirable financial reward for his labor. Year by year he has carried on his farm work, making his labors of such force in the busi- ness affairs of life that he is to-day one of the substantial citizens of his community. Mr. Roth belongs to the Presbyterian church, and his wife is a member of the Catholic church. He also belongs to Mans- field Lodge, Xo. 589, I. O. O. F., and in poli- tics he is a Republican. He has served as school director, but at other times has al- ways preferred to .give his time and energies to his business interests. If those who claim that fortune favors certain individuals above others, will but examine into the life records of the majority of successful men. it will be found that the great numljer of them have PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 515 gained their possessions as Mr. Roth has done, though close application, earnest labor and unfaltering perseverance. Coming to America empty-handed he has adapted him- self to the changed conditions of this coun- try, has improved the opportunities which have come to him and to-day is one of the men of affluence in Blue Ridge township, where he is also known as a loyal citizen. No native born son of America could have been more true to her interests during the dark days of. the Civil war and his entire life has been characterized by unswerving fidelity to this land. CHARLES MINER. This well-known and highly" esteemed citizen of Goose Creek township, who carries on general farming on section 21, has spent his entire life in that location, being torn on a farm on the same section, March 12, 1857. His father, James G. Miner, was a native of New York, his birth having occurred on the 27th of October, 1814, but he was principally reared and educated in Chillicothe, Ohio, his family having removed to that state during his boyhood. His parents were Jonathan and Mary (Mallet) Miner. The former was born in Connecticut in 1783, and in early life removed to New York, where in 1816 he married Mary Mallet, a native of that state. His second removal made him a resident of Ross county, Ohio. By trade he was a cab- inet-maker and followed that occupation throughout life, dying in 1867, at the ripe old age of eighty- four years. His wife had passed away in 1854. James G. Miner, our subject's father, learned the tailor's trade in Columbus, Ohio, and worked at the same time in various cities for a number of years, spending twenty-one years at Clarksburg, Ohio. In 1856 he came to Monticello, Illinois, where he was similar- ly employed for five years, and then turned his attention to farming, renting land in that vicinity. Ere long he was able to purchase a farm in Willow Branch township, but in 1867 he sold that place and bought two hundred and fifty-seven acres of land on section 21, Goose Creek township, where he lived until life's labors were ended in death on the 24th of March, 1900. He was married April 26, 1836, to Miss Emaline Fleming, who was born in Kent county, Delaware, in 1818, and was a daughter of Richard and Piercy (Harrington) Fleming, natives of Maryland and Delaware, respectively. During her in- fancy her parents removed to Ross county, Ohio, and in her new home she grew to wo- manhood. Her father, who was a tailor by trade, died May 2, 1847, at the age of sixty- five years, and her mother departed this life November 8, 1852, at the age of sixty-seven. She was a life long member of the Methodist Episcopal church and a most estimable lady. Charles Miner is the fifth in order of birth in a family of six children. Annie, the eldest, is now the widow of James Harring- ton, a carpenter of Monticello, who made the first wagon ever manufactured in Piatt county and dropped dead at his work, about six years ago. Ira married May Broffet and is engaged in farming in Goose Creek town- ship. Elbert is living retired in Monticello. Richard married Hannah Stewart and is now living a retired life in Mansfield. Eliza is the wife of Jacob Warner, a farmer near Ma- homet, Illinois. During his boyhood Charles Miner at- tended the public schools of Goose Creek township and aided in carrying on the home farm. At the age of seventeen he commenced PAST AND PRESENT operating a part of his father's land on the shares, and on the death of the latter the property was divided among the heirs and he came into possession of sixty-two acres of the old homestead, which he now farms quite successfully. He raises principally corn and oats and keeps a good grade of stock for his own use. There is a good brick house upon his place, surrounded by beautiful shade trees, and he has set out a new orchard and equipped his farm with the latest improved machinery for carrying on 'his work in the best and easiest manner. On the I2th of April, 1876, Mr. Miner was united in marriage to Miss Mary Shafer, a daughter of Samuel and Mahala (Coffel) Shafer, the former a native of Ohio, and the latter of Indiana. Mrs. Miner is the oldest of their children, the others being Elizabeth, wife of Lorenzo Tinsmon, who is living re- tired in Monticello. John, who married Dora Frey and follows'farming in Monticello township; Susie, wife of Elijah Parsons, foreman of the' tile-yard at Monticello; Charles, a horse-buyer and trainer of Monti- cello; Addie, wife of Albert Plunk, a farmer of Sangamon township; and three who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Miner have seven children : Olga, wife of Oliver Hostler, a farmer liv- ing near Monticello; Fenton, who married Gertrude Widdershine and is a clerk in his brother-in-law's grocery store at Monticel- lo; Samuel, a fireman on the Illinois Central Railroad and a resident of Champaign; Grace, wife of Thomas Parsons, a farmer of Monticello township ; Richard, who assists in the operation of the home farm ; and Josie and Charlie, also at home. In his political affiliations Mr. Miner is a strong Republican and he takes a deep and commendable inter- est in public affairs. FREDERICK HAMMAN. Frederick Hamman, who is successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits on section 28, Cerro Gordo township, was born in Pike county, Ohio, on the 2d of February, 1855, and is a son of Franz and Kate (Rocky) Hamman, also natives of that state, the for- mer born in Pike county, the latter in Fair- field county. Coming to Illinois in 1868, the father was engaged in farming in Morgan, Sangamon and Macon counties for some years, and afterward lived retired in Piatt county, where he died at the home of his son, William, in 1890, at the age of seventy-one years. His wife survived him and passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Elizabeth Hamman, in Bement, in January, 1903, when in her eighty-fourth year. The ten children of the family were as follows : Daniel and William, both residents of Bement township, Piatt county; Philip, a resident of St. Louis ; Nancy, wife of James H. Boyer, of Bement ; David, who died in in- fancy ; Henry, a resident of Kansas ; Fred- erick, of this sketch; Elizabeth, wife of Philip Hamman, of Bement ; John, of Kansas ; and George, of Moultrie county, Illinois. Frederick Hamman's boyhood days were passed amid rural surroundings, and his lit- erary education was received in the common schools of his native county. In 1876, on at- taining his majority, he started out in life for himself, and for a number of years oper- ated rented land in Macon county, Illinois. About 1887 he purchased eighty acres of un- improved land on section 27, Cerro Gordo township, and also bought an improved place of one hundred and sixty acres on section 28. Both farms are now under a high state of cul- tivation and yield to the owner a good return for the care and labor expended upon them. PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS. On the 6th of March, 1884, Mr. Hamman married Miss Nettie M. Wade, a native of Macon county and a daughter of Thomas and Martha (Myers) Wade. Her father is now deceased, but her mother is still living and now makes her home in Warrensburg, Macon county. To Mr. and Mrs. Hamman were born seven children, namely : Lovina ; Mabel. Thurman; Everett; Clifford, who died in infancy ; Flossie and Annetta. The family hold membership in the Church ot God, of which Mr. Hamman is one of the elders and also a trustee, and he has served as superintendent of the Sunday-school at Gulliford schoolhouse and as assistant super- intendent at Milmine. He has held the office of school director in Cerro Gordo township and has ever taken an active interest in pro- moting the social, educational and moral wel- fare of the community in which he has re- sided. He is an upright, honorable man, and has the confidence and respect of all. UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS-URBANA PAST AND PRESENT OF PIATT COUNTY, ILLINO