Full text of "Portrait and biographical record of Montgomery and Bond counties, Illinois"

"LI E> RAR.Y

OF THE:

UN IVER.S1TY
OF ILLINOIS

977.38
C36

!LL!f!0;s HISTOR

AlA

I RECORD

MONTGOMERY AND

BOND COUNTIES,

-ILLINOIS,-

CONTAINING

Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens,

TOGETHER WITH BIOGRAPHIEOND PORTRAITS OF ALL THE

Presidents of the I5nited

CHICAGO:

1892.

E greatest of English historians, MACAULAY, and one of the most brilliant writers of
the present century, has said: "The history of a country is best told in a record of the
lives of its people." In conformity with this idea the PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL
RECORD o f j^is county has been prepared. Instead of going to musty records, and
taking therefrom dry statistical matter that can be appreciated by but few, our
corps of writers have gone to the people, the men and women who have, by their
enterprise and industry, brought the county to rank second to none among those
comprising this great and noble State, and from their lips have the story of their life
struggles. No more interesting or instructive matter could be presented to an intelli-
gent public. In this volume will be found a record of many whose lives are worthy the
imitation of coming generations. It tells how some, commencing life in poverty, by
industry and economy have accumulated wealth. It tells how others, with limited
advantages for securing an education, have become learned men and women, with an
influence extending throughout the length and breadth of the land. It tells of men who
have risen from the lower walks of life to eminence as statesmen, and whose names have
become famous. It tells of those in every walk in life who have striven to succeed, and
records how that success has usually crowned their efforts. It tells also of many, very
many, who, not seeking the applause of the world, have pursued "the even tenor of their way," content
to have it said of them as Christ said of the woman performing a deed of mercy "they have done what
they could." It tells how that many in the pride and strength of young manhood left the plow and the
anvil, the lawyer's office and the counting-room, left every trade and profession, and at their country's
call went forth valiantly "to do or die," and how through their efforts the Union was restored and peace
once more reigned in the land. In the life of every man and of every woman is a lesson that should not
be lost upon those who follow after.

Coming generations will appreciate this volume and preserve it as a sacred treasure, from the fact
that it contains sc much that would never find its way into public records, and which would otherwise be
inaccessible. Great care has been taken in the compilation of the work and every opportunity possible
given to those represented to insure correctness in what has been written, and the publishers flatter them-
selves that they give to their readers a work with few errors of consequence. In addition to the biograpb
ical sketches, portraits of a number of representative citizens are given.

The faces of some, and biographical sketches of many, will be missed in this volume. For this the
publishers are not to blame. Not having a proper conception of the work, some refused to give the
information necessary to compile a sketch, while others were indifferent. Occasionally some member of
the family would oppose the enterprise, and on account of such opposition the support of the interested
one would be withheld. In a few instances men could never be found, though repeated calls were made
at their residence or place of business.

December, 1892. CHAPMAN BROS.

OF THE

' i

OF THE

:,. LIBRARY

OF THE
UN WERSIT1T of ILLINOIS

FIRST PRESIDENT.

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HE Father of our Country was
born in Westmorland Co., Va.,
Feb. 22, 1732. His parents
were Augustine and Mary
(Ball) Washington. The family
to which he belonged has not
been satisfactorily traced in
England. His great-grand-
father, John Washington, em-
igrated to Virginia about 1657,
and became a prosperous
planter. He had two sons,
Lawrence and John. The
former married Mildred Warner
and had three children, John,
Augustine and Mildred. Augus-
tine, the father of George, first
married Jane Butler,' who bore
him four children, two of whom,
Lawrence and Augustine, reached
maturity. Of six children by his
second marriage, George was the
eldest, the others being Betty,
Samuel, John Augustine, Charles
and Mildred.
Augustine Washington, the father of George, died
in 1743, leaving a large landed property. To his
eldest son, Lawrence, he bequeathed an estate on
the Patomac, afterwards known as Mount Vernon,
and to George he left the parental residence. George
received only such education as the neighborhood
schools afforded, save for a short time after he left
school, when he received private instruction in
mathemat ; cs, His spelling was rather defective

Remarkable stories are told of his great physica:
strength and development at an early age. He was
an acknowledged leader among his companions, and
was early noted for that nobleness of character, fair-
ness and veracity which characterized his whole life.

When George was 1 4 years old he had a desire to go to
sea, and a midshipman's warrant was secured for him,
but through the opposition of his mother the idea was
abandoned. Two years later he was appointed
surveyor to the immense estate of Lord Fairfax. In
this business he spent three years in a rough frontier
life, gaining experience which afterwards proved very
essential to him. In 1751, though only 19 years of
age, he was appointed adjutant with the rank of
major in the Virginia militia, then being trained for
active service against the French and Indians. Soon
after this he sailed to the West Indies with his brother
Lawrence, who went there to restore his health. They
soon returned, and in the summer of 1752 Lawrence
died, leaving a large fortune to an infant daughter
who did not long survive him. On her demise the
estate of Mount Vernon was given to George.

Upon the arrival of Robert Dinwiddie, as Lieuten-
ant-Governor of Virginia, in 1752, the militia was
reorganized, and the province divided into four mili-
tary districts, of which the northern was assigned to
Washington as adjutant general. Shortly after this
a very perilous mission was assigned him and ac-
cepted, which others had refused. This was to pro-
ceed to the French post near Lake Erie in North-
western Pennsylvania. The distance to be traversed
was between 500 and 600 miles. Winter was at hand,
and- the journey was to be made without military
escort, through a territory occupied by Indians. The

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

irip was a perilous one, and several limes he came near
losing his life, yet he returned in safety and furnished
a full and useful report of his expedition. A regiment
of 300 men was raised in Virginia and put in com-
mand of Col. Joshua Fry, and Major Washington was
commissioned lieutenant-colonel. Active war was
then begun against the French and Indians, in which
Washington took a most important part. In the
memorable event of July 9, 1755, known as Brad-
dock's defeat, Washington was almost the only officer
of distinction who escaped from the calamities of the
day with life and honor. The other aids of Braddock
were disabled early in the action, and Washington
alone was left in that capacity on the field. In a letter
to his brother he says : " I had four bullets through
my coat, and two horses shot under me, yet I escaped
unhurt, though death was leveling my companions
on every side." An Indian sharpshooter said he was
not born to be killed by a bullet, for he had taken
direct aim at him seventeen times, and failed to hit
him.

After having been five years in the military service,
and vainly sought promotion in the royal army, he
took advantage of the fall of Fort Duquesne and the
expulsion of the French from the valley of the Ohio,
to resign his commission. Soon after he entered the
Legislature, where, although not a leader, he took an
active and important part. January 17, 1759, he
married Mrs. Martha (Dandridge) Custis, the wealthy
widow of John Parke Custis.

When the British Parliament had closed the port
jf Boston, the cry went up throughout the provinces
that "The cause of Boston is the cause of us all."
It was then, at the suggestion of Virginia, that a Con-
gress of all the colonies was called to meet at Phila-
delphia.Sept. 5, 1774, to secure their common liberties,
peaceably if possible. To this Congress Col. Wash-
ington was sent as a delegate. On May 10, 1775, the
Congress re-assembled, when the hostile intentions of
England were plainly apparent. The battles of Con-
cord and Lexington had been fought. Among the
first acts of this Congress was the election of a com-
mander-in-chief of the colonial forces. This high and
responsible office was conferred upon Washington,
who was still a member of the Congress. He accepted
it on June 19, but upon the express condition that he
receive no salary. He would keep an exact account
of expenses and expect Congress lo pay them and
nothing more. It is not the object of this sketch to
trace the military acts of Washington, to whom the
fortunes and liberties of the people of this country
were so long confided. The war was conducted by
him under ever)' possible disadvantage, and while his
forces often met with reverses, yet he overcame every
obstacle, and after seven years of heroic devotion
and matchless skill he gained liberty for the greatest
nation of earth. On Dec. 23, 1783, Washington, in
a parting address of surpassing beauty, resigned his

commission as commander-in-chief of the army to
to the Continental Congress sitting at Annapolis. He
retired immediately to Mount Vernon and resumed
his occupation as a farmer and planter, shunning all
connection with public life.

In February ) i789, Washington was unanimously
elected President. In his presidential career he was
subject to the peculiar trials incidental to a new
government ; trials from lack of confidence on the part
of other governments; trials from want of harmony
between the different sections of our own country ;
trials from the impoverished condition of the country,
owing to the war and want of credit; trials from the
beginnings of party strife. He was no partisan. His
clear judgment could discern the golden mean ; and
while perhaps this alone kept our government from
sinking at the very outset, it left him exposed to
attacks from both sides, which were often bitter and
very annoying.

At the expiration of his first term he was unani-
mously re-elected. At the end of this term many
were anxious that he be re-elected, but he absolutely
refused a third nomination. On the fourth of March,
1797, at the expiraton of his second term as Presi-
dent, he returned to his home, hoping to pass there
his few remaining years free from the annoyances of
public life. Later in the year, however, his repose
seemed likely to be interrupted by war with France
At the prospect of such a war he was again urged to
take command of the armies. He chose his sul -
ordinate officers and left to them the charge of mat-
ters in the field, which he superintended from his
home. In accepting the command he made the
reservation that he was not to be in the field until
it was necessary. In the midst of these preparations
his life was suddenly cut off. December 12, he took
a severe cold from a ride in the rain, which, settling
in his throat, produced inflammation, and terminated
fatally on the night of the fourteenth. On the eigh-
teenth his Body was borne with military honors to its
final resting place, and interred in the family vault at
Mount Vernon.

Of the character of Washington it is impossible to
speak but in terms of the highest respect and ad-
miration. The more we see of the operations of
our government, and the more deeply we feel the
difficulty of uniting all opinions in a common interest,
the more highly we must estimate the force of his tal-
ent and character, which have be"n able to challenge
the reverence of all parties, and principles, and na-
tions, and to win a fame as extended as the limits
of the globe, and which we cannot but believe will
be as lasting as the existence of man.

The person of Washington was unusally tan, erect
and well proportioned. His muscular strength was
great. His features were of a beautiful symmetry.
He commanded respect without any appearance of
haughtiness, and ever serious without U^ing .dull,

LIBRARf

Of THE

UNIVERSITY of ILLINOIS

SECOND PRESIDENT.

OHN ADAMS, the second
^2 p President and the first Vice-
"" President of the United States,
was born in Braintree ( now
,, Quincy ),Mass., and about ten
miles from Boston, Oct. 19,
1735. His great-grandfather, Henry
Adams, emigrated from England
about 1 640, with a family of eight
sons, and settled at Braintree. The
parents of John were John and
Susannah (Boylston) Adams, His
father Was a farmer of limited
means, to which he added the bus-
iness of shoemaking. He gave his
eldest son, John, a classical educa-
tion at Harvard College. John
graduated in 1755, and at once took charge of the
school in Worcester, Mass. This he found but a
'school of affliction," from which he endeavored to
gain relief by devoting himself, in addition, to the
study of law. For this purpose he placed himself
under the tuition of the only lawyer in the town. He
had thought seriously of the clerical profession
but seems to have been turned from this by what he
termed " the frightful engines of ecclesiastical coun-
jils, of diabolical malice, and Calvanistic good nature,''
of the operations of which he had been a witness in
his native town. He was well fitted for the legal
profession, possessing a clear, sonorous voice, being
ready and fluent of speech, and having quick percep-
tive powers. He gradually gained practice, and in
1764 married Abigail Smith, a daughter of a minister,
and a lady of superior intelligence. Shortly after his
marriage, (1765), the attempt of Parliamentary taxa-
tion turned him from law to politics. He took initial
steps toward holding a town meeting, and the resolu-

tions he offered on the subject became very populai
throughout the Province, and were adopted word for
word by over forty different towns. He moved to Bos.
ton in 1768, and became one of the most courageous
and prominent advocates of the popular cause, and
*as chosen a member of the General Court (the Leg-
lislature) in 1770.

Mr. Adams was chosen one of the first delegates
from Massachusetts to the first Continental Congress,
which met in 1774. Here he distinguished himselt
by his capacity for business and for debate, and ad-
vocated the movement for independence against the
majority of the members. In May, 1776, he mcved
and carried a resolution in Congress that the Colonies
should assume the duties of self-government. He
was a prominent member of the committee of ave
appointed June n, to prepare a declaration of inde-
pendence. This article was drawn by Jefferson, but
on Adams devolved the task of battling it through
Congress in a three days debate.

On the day after the Declaration of Independence
was passed, while his soul was yet warm with the
glow of excited feeling, he wrote a letter to his wife
which, as we read it now, seems to have been dictated
by the spirit of prophecy. "Yesterday,'.' he says, "the
greatest question was decided that ever was debated
in America; and greater, perhaps, never was or wil
be decided among men. A resolution was passed
without one dissenting colony, ' that these United
States are, and of right ought to be, free and inde-
pendent states.' The day is passed. The fourth of
July, 1776, will be a memorable epoch in the history
of America. I am apt to believe it will be celebrated
by succeeding generations, as the great anniversary
festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of
deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to Almighty
God. It ought to be solemnized with pomp, shows

JOHN ADAMS.

games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations
from one end of the continent to the other, from this
time forward for ever. You will think me transported
with enthusiasm, but I am not. I am well aware of
the toil, and blood and treasure, that it will cost to
maintain this declaration, and support and defend
these States; yet, through all the gloom, I can see the
rays of light and glory. I can see that the end is
worth more than all the means ; and that posterity
will triumph, although you and I may rue, which I
hope we shall not."

In November, 1777, Mr. Adams was appointed a
ddegate to France, and to co-operate with Bemjamin
Franklin and Arthur Lee, who were then in Paris, in
the endeavor to obtain assistance in arms and money
from the French Government. This was a severe trial
to his patriotism, as it separated him from his home,
compelled him to cross the ocean in winter, and ex-
posed him to great peril of capture by the British cruis-
ers, who were seeking him. He left France June 17,
1779. In September of the same year he was again
chosen to go to Paris, and there hold himself in readi-
ness to negotiate a treaty of peace and of commerce
with Great Britian, as soon as the British Cabinet
might be found willing to listen to such proposels. He
sailed for France in November, from there he went to
Holland, where he negotiated important loans and
formed important commercial treaties.

Finally a treaty of peace with England was signed
Jan. 21, 1783. The re-action from the excitement,
toil and anxiety through which Mr. Adams had passed
threw him into a fever. After suffering from a con-
tinued fever and becoming feeble and emaciated he
was advised to go to England to drink the waters of
Bath. While in England, still drooping and des pond-
ing, he received dispatches from his own government
urging the necessity of his going to Amsterdam to
negotiate another loan. It was winter, his health was
delicate, yet he immediately set out, and through
storm, on sea, on horseback and foot,hemade the trip.

February 24, 1785, Congress appointed Mr. Adams
envoy to the Court of St. James. Here he met face
to face the King of England, who had so long re-
garded him as a traitor. As England did not
condescend to appoint a minister to the United
States, and as Mr. Adams felt that he was accom-
plishing but little, he sought permission to return to
his own country, where he arrived in June, 1788.

When Washington was first chosen President, John
Adams, rendered illustiious by his signal services at
home and abroad, was chosen Vice President. Again
at the second election of Washington as President,
Adams was chosen Vice President. In 1796, Wash-
ington retired from public life, and Mr. Adams was
elected President,though not without much opposition.
Serving in this office four years,he was succeeded by
Mr. Jefferson, his opponent in politics.

While Mr. Adams was Vice President the great

French Revolution shook the continent of Europe,
and it was upon this point which he was at issue with
the majority of his countrymen led by Mr. Jefferson.
Mr. Adams felt no sympathy with the French people
in their struggle, for he had no confidence in their
power of self-government, and he utterly abhored the
classof atheist philosophers who he claimed caused it.
On the other hand Jefferson's sympathies were strongly
enlisted in behalf of the French people. Hence or
iginated the alienation between these distinguished
men, and two powerful parties were thus soon organ-
ized, Adams at the head of the one whose sympathies
were with England and Jefferson led the other in
sympathy with France.

The world has seldom seen a spectacle of more
moral beauty and grandeur, than was presented by the
old age of Mr. Adams. The violence of party feeling
had died away, and he had begun to receive that just
appreciation which, to most men, is not accorded till
after death. No one could look upon his venerable
form, and think of what he had done and suffered,
and how he had given up all the prime and strength
of his life to the public good, without the deepest
emotion of gratitude and respect. It was his peculiar
good fortune to witness the complete success of the
institution which he had been so active in creating and
supporting. In 1824, his cup of happiness was filled
to the brim, by seeing his son elevated to the highest
station in the gift of the people.

The fourth of July, 1826, which completed the half
century since the signing of the Declaration of Inde-
pendence, arrived, and there were but three of the
signers of that immortal instrument left upon the
earth to hail its morning light. And, as it is
well known, on that day two of these finished their
earthly pilgrimage, a coincidence so remarkable as
to seem miraculous. For a few days before Mr.
Adams had been rapidly failing, and on the morning
of the fourth he found himself too weak to rise from
his bed. On being requested to name a toast for the
customary celebration of the day, he exclaimed " IN-
DEPENDENCE FOREVER." When the day was ushered
in, by the ringing of bells and the firing of cannons,
he was asked by one of his attendants if he knew
what day it was? He replied, "O yes; it is the glor-
ious fourth of July God bless it God bless you all.'
In the course of the day he said, " It is a great and
glorious day." The last words he uttered were,
"Jefferson survives." But he had, at one o'clock, re-
signed his spirit into the hands of his God.

The personal appearance and manners of Mr.
Adams were not particularly prepossessing. His face,
as his portrait manifests,was intellectual and expres-
sive, but his figure was low and ungraceful, and h'-s
manners were frequently abrupt and unconrteous.
He had neither the lofty dignity of Washington, nor
the engaging elegance and gracefulness which marked
the manners and address of Jefferson.

LIBRARY

Of THE

UNIVERSITY of ILLINOIS

THIRD PRESIDENT.

MAS JEETEiRSO

HOMAS JEFFERSON was
born April 2, 1743, at Shad-
well, Albermarle county, Va.
His parents were Peter and
Jane (Randolph) Jefferson,
the former a native of Wales,
and the latter born in Lon-
don. To them were born six
daughters and two sons, of
whom Thomas was the elder.
When 14 years of age his
father died. He received a
most liberal education, hav-
ing been kept diligently at school
from the time he was five years of
age. In 1760 he entered William
end Mary College. Williamsburg was then the seat
of the Colonial Court, and it was the obode of fashion
and splendor. Young Jefferson, who was then 17
years old, lived somewhat expensively, keeping fine
horses, and much caressed by gay society, yet he
was earnestly devoted to his studies, and irreproacha-
able in his morals. It is strange, however, under
such influences,that he was not ruined. In the sec-
ond year of his college course, moved by some un-
explained inward impulse, he discarded his horses,
society, and even his favorite violin, to which he had
previously given much time. He often devoted fifteen
hours a day to hard study, allowing himself for ex-
ercise only a run in the evening twilight of a mile out
of the city and back again. He thus attained very
high intellectual culture, alike excellence in philoso-
phy and the languages. The most difficult Latin and
Greek authors he read with facility. A more finished
scholar has seldom gone forth from college halls; and

there was not to be found, perhaps, in all Virginia, a
more pureminded, upright, gentlemanly young man.

Immediately upon leaving college he began the
study of law. For the short time he continued in the
practice of his profession he rose rapidly and distin-
guished himself by his energy and accuteness as a
lawyer. But the times called for greater action.
The policy of England had awakened the spirit of
resistance of the American Colonies, and the enlarged
views which Jefferson had ever entertained, soon led
him into active political life. In 1769 he was chosen
a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses. In
1772 he married Mrs. Martha Skelton, a very beauti-
ful, wealthy and highly accomplished young widow

Upon Mr! Jefferson's large estate at Shadwell, there
was a majestic swell of land, called Monticello, which
commanded a prospect of wonderful extent and
beauty. This spot Mr. Jefferson selected for his new
home; and here he reared a mansion of modest yet
elegant archifecture, which, next to Mount Vernon
became the most distinguished resort in our land.

In 1775 he was sent to the Colonial Congress,
where, though a silent member, his abilities as a
writer and a reasoner soon become known, and he
was placed upon a number of important committees,
and was chairman of the one appointed for the draw-
ing up of a declaration of independence. This com-
mittee consisted of Thomas Jefferson, John Adams,
Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman and Robert R.
Livingston. Jefferson, as chairman, was appointed
to draw up the paper. Franklin and Adams suggested
a few verbal changes before it was submitted to Con-
gress. On June 28, a few slight changes were made
in it by Congress, and it was passed and signed July
4, 1776, What must have been the feelings of that

THOMAS JEFFERSON.

man what the emotions that swelled his breast
\vho was charged with the preparation of that Dec-
laration, which, while it made known the wrongs of
America, was also to publish her to the world, free,
soverign and independent. It is one of the most re-
markable papers ever written ; and did no other effort
uf the mind of its author exist, that alone would be
sufficient to stamp his name with immortality.

In 1779 Mr. Jefferson was elected successor to
Patrick Henry, as Governor of Virginia. At one time
the British officer, Tarleton, sent a secret expedition to
Monticello, to capture the Governor. Scarcely five
minutes elapsed after the hurried escape of Mr. Jef-
ferson and his family, ere his mansion was in posses-
sion of the British troops. His wife's health, never
very good, was much injured by this excitement, and
in the summer of 1782 she died.

Mr. Jefferson was elected to Congress in 1783.
Two years later he was appointed Minister Plenipo-
tentiary to France. Returning to the United States
in September, 1789, he became Secretary of State
in Washington's cabinet. This position he resigned
Jan. i, 1794. In 1797, he was choseTi Vice Presi-
dent, and four years later was elected President over
Mr. Adams, with Aaron Burr as Vice President. In
1804 he was re-elected with wonderful unanimity,
and George Clinton, Vice President.

The early part of Mr. Jefferson's second adminstra-
tion was disturbed by an event which threatened the
tranquility and peace of the Union; this was the con-
spiracy of Aaron Burr. Defeated in the late election
to the Vice Presidency, and led on by an unprincipled
ambition, this extraordinary man formed the plan of a
military expedition into the Spanish territories on our
~outhwestern frontier, for the purpose of forming there
a new republic. This has been generally supposed
was a mere pretext ; and although it has not been
generally known what his real plans were, there is no
doubt that they were of a far more dangerous
character.

In 1809, at the expiration of the second term for
which Mr. Jefferson had been elected, he determined
to retire from political life. For a period of nearly
forty years, he had been continually before the pub-
.ic, and all that time had been employed in offices of
the greatest trust and responsibility. Having thus de-
voted the best part of his life to the service of his
country, he now felt desirous of that rest which his
declining years required, and upon the organization of
the new administration, in March, 1809, he bid fare-
well forever to public life, and retired to Monticello.

Mr. Jefferson was profuse in his hospitality. Whole
families came in their coaches with their horses,
fathers and mothers, boys and girls, babies and
nurses, and remained three and even six months.
Life at Monticello, for years, resembled that at a
fashionable watering-place.

The fourth of July, 1826, being the fiftieth anniver-

sary of the Declaration of American Independence,
great preparations were made in every part of the
Union for its celebration, as the nation's jubilee, and
the citizens of Washington, to add to the solemnity
of the occasion, invited Mr. Jefferson, as the framer,.
and one of the few surviving signers of the Declara-
tion, to participate in their festivities. But an ill-
ness, which had been of several weeks duration, and
had been continually increasing, compelled him to
decline the invitation.

On the second of July, the disease under which
he was laboring left him, but in such a reduced
state that his medical attendants, entertained nc
hope of his recovery. From this time he was perfectly
sensible that his last hour was at hand. On the next
day, which was Monday, he asked of those around
him, the day of the month, and on being told it was
the third of July, he expressed the earnest wish tha';
he might be permitted to breathe the aif of the fiftieth
anniversary. His prayer was heard that day, whose
dawn was hailed with such rapture through our land,
burst upon his eyes, and then they were closed for-
ever. And what a noble consummation of a* noble
life ! To die on.that day, the birthday of a nation,- -
the day which his own name and his own act had
rendered glorious; to die amidst the rejoicings and
festivities of a whole nation, who looked up to him,
as the author, under God, of their greatest blessings,
was all that was wanting to fill up the record his life.

Almost at the same hour of his death, the kin-
dred spirit of the venerable Adams, as if to bear
him company, left the scene of his earthly honors.
Hand in hand they had stood forth, the champions of
freedom ; hand in hand, during the dark and desper-
ate struggle of the Revolution, they had cheered and
animated their desponding countrymen; for half a
century they had labored together for the good of
the country; and now hand in hand they depart.
In their lives they had been united in the same great
cause of liberty, and in their deaths they were not
divided.

In person Mr. Jefferson was tall and thin, rather
above six feet in height, but well formed; his eyes
were light, his hair originally red, in after life became
white and silvery; his complexion was fair, his fore-
head broad, and his whole countenance intelligent and
thoughtful. He possessed great fortitude of mind as
well as personal courage ; and ~:.:s command of tem-
per was such that his oldest and most intimate friends
never recollected to have seen him in a passion.
His manners, though dignified, were simple and un-
affected, and his hospitality was so unbounded that
all found at his house a ready welcome. In conver-
sation he was fluent, eloquent and enthusiastic ; and
his language was remarkably pure and correct. He
was a finished classical scholar, and in his writings is
discernable thg care with which he formed his style
upon the best models of antiquity.

LIBRARY

OF THE

UNIVERSITY of ILLINOIS

FOURTH PRESIDENT.

AMES MADISON, "Father
of the Constitution," and fourth
President of the United States,
was born March 16, 1757, and
died at his home in Virginia,
June 28, 1836. The name of
James Madison is inseparably con-
nected with most of the important
events in that heroic period of our
country during which the founda-
tions of this great republic were
laid. He was the last of the founders
of the Constitution of the United
States to be called to his eternal
reward.

The Madison family were among
the early emigrants to the New World,
landing upon the shores of the Chesa-
peake but 15 years after the settle-
ment of Jamestown. The father of
James Madison was an opulent
planter, residing upon a very fine es-
tate called " Montpelier," Orange Co.,
Va. The mansion was situated in
the midst of scenery highly pictur-
esque and romantic, on the west side
of South-west Mountain, at the foot of
It was but 25 miles from the home of
Jefferson at Monticello. The closest personal and
(wlitical attachment existed between these illustrious
men, from their early youth until death.

The early education of Mr. Madison was conducted
mostly at home under a private tutor. At the age of
1 8 he was sent to Princeton College, in New Jersey.
Here he applied himself to study with the most im-

Blue Ridge.

prudent zeal; allowing himself, for months, but three
hours' sleep out of the 24. His health thus became so
seriously impaired that he never recovered any vigor
of constitution. He graduated in 1771, with a feeble
body, with a character of utmost purity, and with a
mind highly disciplined and richly stored with learning
which embellished and gave proficiency to his subsf
quent career.

Returning to Virginia, he commenced the study of
law and a course of extensive and systematic reading.
This educational course, the spirit of the times in
which he lived, and the society with which he asso-
ciated, all combined to inspire him with a strong
love of liberty, and to train him for his life-work oi
a statesman. Being naturally of a religious turn of
mind, and his frail health leading him to think that
his life was not to be long, he directed especial atten-
tion to theological studies. Endowed with a mind
singularly free from passion and prejudice, and with
almost unequalled powers of reasoning, he weighed
all the arguments for and against revealed religion,
until his faith became so established as never to
be shaken.

In the spring of 1776, when 26 years of age, he
was elected a member of the Virginia Convention, to
frame the constitution of the State. The next year
(1777), he was a candidate for the General Assembly.
He refused to treat the whisky-lovir.g voters, and
consequently lost his election ; but those who had
witnessed the talent, energy and public spirit of the
modest young man, enlisted themselves in his behalf,
and he was appointed to the Executive Council.

Both Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson were
Governors of Virginia while Mr. Madison remained
member of the Council ; and their appreciation of his

JAMES MADISON.

intellectual, social and moral worth, contributed not
a little to his subsequent eminence. In the year
1780, he was elected a member of the Continental
Congress. Here he met the most illustrious men in
our land, and he was immediately assigned to one of
the most conspicuous positions among them.

For three years Mr. Madison continued in Con-
gress, one of its most active and influential members.
In the year 1784, his term having expired, he was
elected a member of the Virginia Legislature.

No man felt more deeply than Mr. Madison the
utter inefficiency of the old confederacy, with no na-
tional government, with no power to form treaties
which would be binding, or to enforce law. There
was not any State more prominent than Virginia in
the declaration, that an efficient national government
must be formed. In January, 1786, Mr. Madison
carried a resolution through the General Assembly of
Virginia, inviting the other States to appoint commis-
sioners to meet in convention at Annapolis to discuss
this subject. Five States only were represented. The
convention, however, issued another call, drawn up
by Mr. Madison, urging all the States to send their
delegates to Philadelphia, in May, 1787, to draft
a Constitution for the United States, to take the place
of that Confederate League. The delegates met at
the time appointed. Every State but Rhode Island
-vas represented. George Washington was chosen
president of the convention ; and the present Consti-
tution of the United States was then and there formed.
There was, perhaps, no mind and no pen more ac-
tive in framing this immortal document than the mind
and the pen of James Madison.

The Constitution, adopted by a vote 81 to 79, was
to be presented to the several States for acceptance.
But grave solicitude was felt. Should it be rejected
we should be left but a conglomeration of independent
States, with but little power at home and little respect
abroad. Mr. Madison was selected by the conven-
tion to draw up an address to the people of the United
States, expounding the principles of the Constitution,
and urging its adoption. There was great opposition
to it at first, but it at length triumphed over all, and
went into effect in 1789.

Mr. Madison was elected to the House of Repre-
sentatives in the first Congress, and soon became the
avowed leader of the Republican party. While in
New York attending Congress, he met Mrs. Todd, a
young widow of remarkable power of fascination,
whom he married. She was in person and character
queenly, and probably no lady has thus far occupied
so prominent a position in the very peculiar society
which has constituted our republican court as Mrs.
Madison.

Mr. Madison served as Secretary of State under
Jefferson, and at the close of his administration
was chosen President. At this time the encroach-
ments of England had brought us to the verge of war.

British orders in council destioyed our commerce, and
our flag was exposed to constant insult. Mr. Madison
was a man of peace. Scholarly in his taste, retiring
in his disposition, war had no charms for him. But the
meekest spirit can be roused. It makes one's blood
boil, even now, to think of an American ship brought
to, upon the ocean, by the guns of an English cruiser.
A young lieutenant steps on board and orders the
crew to be paraded before him. With great nonchal-
ance he selects any number whom he may please to
designate as British subjects ; orders them down the
ship's side into his boat ; and places them on the gun-
deck of his man-of-war, to fight, by compulsion, the
battles of England. This right of search and im-
pressment, no efforts of our Government could induce
the British cabinet to relinquish.

On the i8th of June, 1812, President Madison gave
his approval to an act of Congress declaring war
against Great Britain. Notwithstanding the bitter
hostility of the Federal party to the war, the country
in general approved; and Mr. Madison, on the 4th
of March, 1813, was re-elected by a large majority,
and entered upon his second term of office. This is
not the place to describe the various adventures of
this war on the land and on the water. Our infanl
navy then laid the foundations of its renown in grap-
pling v/ith the most formidable power which ever
swept the seas. The contest commenced in earnest
by the appearance of a British fleet, early in February,
i8r3, in Chesapeake Bay, declaring nearly the whole
coast of the United States under blockade.

The Emperor of Russia offered his services as me
ditator. America accepted ; England refused. A Brit-
ish force of five thousand men landed on the banks
of the Patuxet River, near its entrance into Chesa-
peake Bay, and marched rapidly, by way of Bladens-
burg, upon Washington.

The straggling little city of Washington was thrown
into consternation. The cannon of the brief conflict
at Bladensburg echoed through the streets of the
metropolis. The whole population fled from the city.
The President, leaving Mrs. Madison in the White
House, with her carriage drawn up at the door to
await his speedy return, hurried to meet the officers
in a council of war. He met our troops utterly routed,
and he could not go back without danger of being
captured. But few hours elapsed ere the Presidential
Mansion, the Capitol, and all the public buildings in
Washington were in flames.

The war closed after two years of fighting, and on
Feb. 13, 1 8 15, the treaty of peace was signed at Ghent.

On the 4th of March, 1817, his second term of
office expired, and he resigned the Presidential chair
to his friend, James Monroe. He retired to his beau-
tiful home at Montpelier, and there passed the re-
mainder of his days. On June 28, 1836, then at the
age of 85 years, he fell asleep in death. Mrs. Madi-
son died July 12, 1849.

LIBRARY

OF THE

UNIVERSITY of ILLINOIS

FIFTH PRESIDENT.

AMES MONROE, the fifth
President of The United States,
was born in Westmoreland Co.,
Va., April 28, 1758. His early
life was passed at the place of
nativity. His ancestors had for
=> many years resided in the prov-
ince in which he was born. When,
at 17 years of age, in the process
of completing his education at
William and Mary College, the Co-
lonial Congress assembled at Phila-
delphia to deliberate upon the un-
just and manifold oppressions of
Great Britian, declared the separa-
tion of the Colonies, and promul-
gated the Declaration of Indepen-
dence. Had he been born ten years before it is highly
probable that he would have been one of the signers
of that celebrated instrument. At this time he left
school and enlisted among the patriots.

He joined the army when everything looked hope-
less and gloomy. The number of deserters increased
from day to day. The invading armies came pouring
in ; and the lories not only favored the cause of the
mother country, but disheartened the new recruits,
who were sufficiently terrified at the prospect of con-
tending with an enemy whom they had been taught
to deem invincible. To such brave spirits as James
Monroe, who went right onward, undismayed through
difficulty and danger, the United States owe their
political emancipation. The young cadet joined the
ranks, and espoused the cause of his injured country,
with a firm determination to live or die with her strife

for liberty. Firmly yet sadly he shared in the mel-
ancholy retreat from Harleam Heights and White
Plains, and accompanied the dispirited army as it fled
before its foes through New Jersey. In four months
after the Declaration of Independence, the patriots
had been beaten in seven battles. At the battle of
Trenton he led the vanguard, and, in the act of charg-
ing upon the enemy he received a wound in the left
shoulder.

As a reward for his bravery, Mr. Monroe was pro-
moted a captain of infantry ; and, having recovered
from his wound, he rejoined the army. He, however,
receded from the line of promotion, by becoming an
officer in the staff of Lord Sterling. During the cam-
paigns of 1777 and 1778, in the actions of Brandy
wine, Germantown and Monmouth, he continued
aid-de-camp ; but becoming desirous to regain his
position in the army, he exerted himself to collect a
regiment for the Virginia line. This scheme failed
owing to the exhausted condition of the State. Upon
this failure he entered the office of Mr. Jefferson, at
that period Governor, and pursued, with considerable
ardor, the study of common law. He did not, however,
entirely lay *side the knapsack for the green bag;
but on the invasions of the enemy, served as a volun-
teer, during the two years of his legal pursuits.

In 1782, he was elected from King George county,
a member of the Legislature of Virginia, and by that
body he was elevated to a seat in the Executive
Council. He was thus honored with the confidence
of his fellow citizens at 23 years of age ; and having
at this early period displayed some of that ability
and aptitude for legislation, which were afterwards
employed with unremitting energy for the public good,

JAMES MONROE.

he was in the succeeding year chosen a member of
the Congress of the United States.

Deeply as Mr. Monroe felt the imperfections of the old
Confederacy, he was opposed to the new Constitution,
Thinking, with many others of the Republican party,
that it gave too much power to the Central Government,
and not enough to the individual States. Still he re-
tained the esteem of his friends who were its warm
supporters, and who, notwithstanding his opposition
secured its adoption. In 1789, he became a member
of the United States Senate ; which office he held for
four years. Every month the line of distinction be-
tween the two great parties which divided the nation,
the Federal and the Republican, was growing more
distinct. The two prominent ideas which now sep-
arated them were, that the Republican party was in
sympathy with France, and also in favor of such a
strict construction of the Constitution as to give the
Central Government as little power, and the State
Governments as much power, as the Constitution would
warrant. The Federalists sympathized with England,
and were in favor of a liberal construction of the Con-
stitution, which would give as much power to the
Central Government as that document could possibly
authorize.

The leading Federalists and Republicans were
alike noble men, consecrating all their energies to the
good of the nation. Two more honest men or more
pure patriots than John Adams the Federalist, and
James Monroe the Republican, never breathed. In
building up this majestic nation, which is destined
to eclipse all Grecian and Assyrian greatness, the com-
bination of their antagonism was needed to create the
light equilibrium. And yet each in his day was de-
nounced as almost a demon.

Washington was then President. England had es-
poused the cause of the Bourbons against the princi-
ples of the French Revolution. All Europe was drawn
into the conflict. We were feeble and far away.
Washington issued a proclamation of neutrality be-
tween these contending powers. France had helped
us in the struggle for our liberties. All the despotisms
of Europe were now combined to prevent the French
from escaping from a tyranny a thousand-fold worse
than that which we had endured. Col. Monroe, more
magnanimous than prudent, was anxitjus that, at
whatever hazard, we should help our old allies in
their extremity. It was the impulse of a generous
and noble nature. He violently opposed the Pres-
ident's proclamation as ungrateful and wanting in
magnanimity.

Washington, who could appreciate such a character,
developed his calm, serene, almost divine greatness,
by appointing that very James Monroe, who was de-
nouncing the policy of the Government, as the minister
of that Government to the Republic of France. Mr.
Monroe was welcomed by the National Convention
in France with the most enthusiastic demonstrations.

Shortly after his return to this country, Mr. Mon-
roe was elected Governor of Virginia, and held the
office for three years. He was again sent to France tu
co-operate with Chancellor Livingston in obtaining
the vast territory then known as the Province of
Louisiana, which France had but shortly before ob-
tained from Spain. .Their united efforts were sue
cessful. For the comparatively small sum of fifteen
millions of dollars; the entire territory of Orleans and
district of Louisiana were added to the United States.
This was probably the largest transfer of real estate
which was ever made in all the history of the world

From France Mr. Monroe went to England to ob-
tain from that country some recognition of our
rights as neutrals, and to remonstrate against those
odious impressments of our seamen. But Eng-
land was unrelenting. He again returned to Eng-
land on the same mission, but could receive no
redress. He returned to his home and was again
chosen Governor of Virginia. This .he soon resigned
to accept the position of Secretary of State under
Madison. While in this office war with England was
declared, the Secretary of War resigned, and during
these trying times, the duties of the War Department
were also put upon him. He was -truly the armor-
bearer of President Madison, and the most efficient
business man in his cabinet. Upon the return ol
peace he resigned the Department of War, but con-
tinued in the office of Secretary of State until the ex-
piration of Mr. Madison's adminstration. At the elec-
tion held the previous autumn Mr. Monroe himself had
been chosen President with but little opposition, and
upon March 4, 1817, was inaugurated. Four years
later he was elected for a second term.

Among the important measures of his Presidency
were the cession of Florida to the United States ; the
Missouri Compromise, and the " Monroe doctrine.'

This famous doctrine, since known as the " Monroe
doctrine," was enunciated by him in 1823. At that
time the United States had recognized the independ-
ence of the South American states, and did not wish
to have European powers longer attempting to sub
due portions of the American Continent. The doctrine
is as follows : " That we should consider any attempt
on the part of European powers to extend their sys-
tem to any portion of this hemisphere as dangerous
to our peace and safety," and "that we could not
view any interposition for the purpose of oppressing
or controlling American governments or provinces in
any other light than as a manifestation by European
powers of an unfriendly disposition toward the United
States." This doctrine immediately affected the course
of foreign governments, and has become the approved
sentiment of the United States.

At the end of his second term Mr. Monroe retired
to his home in Virginia, where he lived until 1830
when he went to New York to live with his son-in
law. In that city he died,on the 4th of July, 183?

LIBRARY

OF THE

UNIVERSITY of ILLINOIS

J, 2, Al

SIXTH PRESIDRNT.

^IsHM^^

OHN QUINCY ADAMS, the
sixth President of the United
States, was born in the rural
home of his honored father,
John Adams, in Quincy, Mass.,
on the nth cf July, 1767. His
mother, a woman of exalted
worth, watched over his childhood

during the almost constant ab-
sence of his father. When but
eight years of age, he stood with
his mother on an eminence, listen-
ing to the booming of the great bat-
tle on Bunker's Hill, and gazing on
upon the smoke and flames billow-
ing up from the conflagration of
Charlestown.

When but eleven years old he
took a tearful adieu of his mother,
to sail with his father for Europe,
through a fleet of hostile British cruisers. The bright,
animated boy spent a year and a half in Paris, where
his father was associated with Franklin and Lee as
minister plenipotentiary. His intelligence attracted
the notice of these distinguished men, and he received
from them flattering marks of attention.

Mr. John Adams had scarcely returned to this
country, in 1779, ere he was again sent abroad. Again
John Quincy accompanied his father. At Paris he
applied himself with great diligence, for six months,
to study; then accpmpained his father to Holland,
where he entered, first a school in Amsterdam, then
the University at Leyden. About a year from this
time, in 1781, when the manly boy was but fourteen
yea's of age, he was selected by Mr. Dana, our min-
ister to the Russian court, as his private secretary.

In this school of incessant labor and of enobling
culture he spent fourteen months, and then returned
to Holland through Sweden, Denmark, Hamburg and
Bremen. This long journey he took alone, in the
winter, when in his sixteenth year. Again he resumed
nis studies, under a pri"ate tutor, at Hague. Thence,

in the spring of 1782, he accompanied his father U
Paris, traveling leisurely, and forming acquaintanct
with the most distinguished men on the Continent-
examining architectural remains, galleries of paintings
and all renowned works of art. At Paris he again
became associated with the most illustrious men of
all lands in the contemplations of the loftiest temporal
themes which can engross the human mind. After
a short visit to England he returned to Paris, and
consecrated all his energies to study until May, 1785,
when he returned to America. To a brilliant young
man of eighteen, who had seen much of the world,
and who was familiar with the etiquette of courts, a
residence with his father in London, under such cir-
cumstances, must have been extremely attractive
but with judgment very rare in one of his age, he pre-
ferred to return to America to complete his education
in an American college. He wished then to study
law, that with an honorable profession, he might be
able to obtain an independent support.

Upon leaving Harvard College, at the age of twenty
he studied law for three years. In June, 1794, be-
ing then but twenty-seven years of age, he was ap-
pointed by Washington, resident minister at the
Netherlands. Sailing from Boston in July, he reached
London in October, where he was immediately admit-
ted to the deliberations of Messrs. Jay and Pinckney,
assisting them in negotiating a commercial treaty with
Great Britian. After thus spending a fortnight ii
London, he proceeded to the Hague.

In July, 1797, he left the Hague to go to Portugal as
minister plenipotentiary. On his way to Portugal,
upon arriving in London, he met with despatches
directing him to the*court of Berlin, but requesting
him to remain in London until he should receive his
instructions. While waiting he was married to an
American lady to whom he had been previously en-
gaged, Miss Louisa Catherine Johnson, daughte
of Mr. Joshua Johnson, American consul in London
a lady endownd with that beauty and those accom-
plishment which eminently fitted her to move in ti.s
elevated sphere for which she w;*s <?.s'inecL

JOHN QUINCY ADAMS.

He reached Berlin with his wife in November, 1797 ;
where he remained until July, 1799, when, havingful-
filled all the purposes of his mission, he solicited his
recall.

Soon after his return, in 1802, he was chosen to
the Senate of Massachusetts, from Boston, and then
was elected Senator of the United States for six years,
from the 4th of March, 1804. His reputation, his
ability and his experience, placed him immediately
among the most prominent and influential members
of that body. Especially did he sustain the Govern-
ment in its measures of resistance to the encroach-
ments of England, destroying our commerce and in-
sulting our flag. There was no man in America more
familiar with the arrogance of the British court upon
these points, and no one more resolved to present
a firm resistance.

In 1809, Madison succeeded Jefferson in the Pres-
idential chair, and he immediately nominated John
Quincy Adams minister to St. Petersburg. Resign-
ing his professorship in Harvard College, he embarked
at Boston, in August, 1809.

While in Russia, Mr. Adams was an intense stu-
dent. He devoted his attention to the language and
history of Russia; to the Chinese trade; to the
European system of weights, measures, and coins ; to
the climate and astronomical observations ; while he
Kept up a familiar acquaintance with the Greek and
Latin classics. In all the universities of Europe, a
more accomplished scholar could scarcely be found.
All through life the Bible constituted an important
part of his studies. It was his rule to read five
chapters every day.

On the 4th of March, 1817, Mr. Monroe took the
Presidential chair, and immediately appointed Mr.
Adams Secretary of State. Taking leave of his num-
erous friends in public and private life in Europe, he
sailed in Jane, 1819, for the United States. On the
1 8th of August, he again crossed the threshold of his
home in Quincy. During the eight years of Mr. Mon-
roe's administration, Mr. Adams continued Secretary
of State.

Some time before ;he close of Mr. Monroe's second
term of office, new candidates began to be presented
for the Presidency. The friends of Mr. Adams brought
forward his name. It was an exciting campaign.
Party spirit was never more bitter. Two hundred and
sixty electoral votes were cast. Andrew Jackson re-
ceived ninety-nine; John Quincy Adams, eighty-four;
William H. Crawford, forty -one ; Henry Clay, thirty-
seven. As there was no choice by the people, the
question went to the House of Representatives. Mr.
Clay gave the vote of Kentucky to Mr. Adams, and
he was elected.

The friends of all the disappointed candidates now
lombined in a venomous and persistent assault upon
Mr. Adams. There is nothing more disgraceful in
'V"J past history of our country than the abuse which

was poured in one uninterrupted stream, upon this
high-minded, upright, patriotic man. There never was
an administration more pure in principles, more con-
scientiously devoted to the best interests of the coun-
try, than that of John Quincy Adams ; and never, per-
haps, was there an administration more unscrupu-
lously and outrageously assailed.

Mr. Adams was, to a very remarkable degree, ab-
stemious and temperate in his habits; always rising
early, and taking much exercise. When at his home in
Quincy, he has been known to walk, before breakfast,
seven miles to Boston. In Washington, it was said
that he was the first man up in the city, lighting his
own fire and applying himself to work in his library
often long before dawn.

On the 4th of March, 1829, Mr. Adams retired
from the Presidency, and was succeeded by Andrew
Jackson. John C. Calhoun was elected Vice Presi-
dent. The slavery question now began to assume
portentous magnitude. Mr. Adams returned to
Quincy and to his studies, which he pursued with un-
abated zeal. But he was not long permitted to re-
main in retirement. In November, 1830, he was
elected representative to Congress. For seventeen
years, until his death, he occupied the post as repre-
sentative, towering above all his peers, ever ready to
do brave battle' for freedom, and winning the title of
"the old man eloquent." Upon taking his seat in
the House, he announced that he should hold him-
self bound to no party. Probably there never was a
member more devoted to his duties. He was usually
the first in his place in the morning, and the last to
leave his seat in the evening. Not a measure could
be brought forward and escape his scrutiny. The
battle which Mr. Adams fought, almost singly, against
the proslavery party in the Government, was sublime
in its moral daring and heroism. For persisting in
presenting petitions for the abolition of slavery, he
was threatened with indictment by the grand jury,
with expulsion from the House, with assassination ,
but no threats could intimidate him, and his final
triumph was complete.

It has been said of President Adams, that when his
body was bent and his hair silvered by the lapse of
fourscore years, yielding to the simple faith of a little
child, he was accustomed to repeat every night, before
he slept, the prayer which his mother taught him in
his infant years.

On the 2ist of February, 1848, he rose on the floor
of Congress, with a paper in his hand, to address the
speaker. Suddenly he fell, again stricken by paraly-
sis, and was caught in the arms of those around him.
For a time he was senseless, as he was conveyed to
the sofa in the rotunda. With reviving conscious-
ness, he opened his eyes, looked calmly around and
said " This is the end of earth /'then after a moment's
pause he added, "/ am content." These were the
last words of the grand "Old Man Eloquent."

LIBRARY

Of THE

UNIVERSITY of ILLINOIS

SEVENTH PRESIDENT.

NDREW JACKSON, the
seventh President of the
United States, was born in
Waxhaw settlement, N. C.,
March 15, 1767, a few days
after his father's death. His
parents were poor emigrants
from Ireland, and took up
their abode in Waxhaw set-
tlement, where they lived in
deepest poverty.
Andrew, or Andy, as he was
universally called, grew up a very
rough, rude, turbulent boy. His
features were coarse, his form un-
gainly, and there was but very
little in his character, made visible, which was at-
tractive.

When only thirteen years old he joined the volun-
teers of Carolina against the British invasion. In
1781, he and his brother Robert were captured and
imprisoned for a time at Camden. A British officer
ordered him to brush his mud-spattered boots. " I am
a prisoner of war, not your servant," was the reply of
the dauntless boy.

The brute drew his sword, and aimed a desperate
Dlow at the head of the helpless young prisoner.
Andrew raised his hand, and thus received two fear-
ful gashes, one on the hand and the other upon the
head. The officer then turned to his brother Robert
with the same demand. He also refused, and re-
ceived a blow from the keen-edged sabre, which quite
disabled him, and which probably soon after caused
his death. They suffered much other ill-treatment, and
were finally stricken with the small-pox. Their
mother was successful iv> obtaining their exchange,

and took her sick boys home. After a long illness.
Andrew recovered, and the death of his mother soon
left him entirely friendless.

Andrew supported himself in various ways, such as
working at the saddler's trade, teaching school and
clerking in a general store, until 1784, when he
entered a law office at Salisbury, N. C. He, however,
gave more attention to the wild amusements of the
times than to his studies. In 1788, he was appointed
solicitor for the western district of North Carolina, of
which Tennessee was then a part. This involved
many long and tedious journeys amid dangers of
every kind, but Andrew Jackson never knew fear,
and the Indians had no desire to repeat a skirmish
with the Sharp Knife.

In 1791, Mr. Jackson was married to a woman who
supposed herself divorced from her former husband.
Great was the surprise of both parties, two years later,
to find that the conditions of the divorce had just been
definitely settled by the first husband. The marriage
ceremony was performed a second time, but the occur-,
rence was often used by his enemies to bring Mr.
Jackson into disfavor.

During these years he worked hard at his profes
sion, and frequently had one or more duels on hand,
one of which, when he killed Dickenson, was espec-
ially disgraceful.

In January, 1796, the Territory of Tennessee then
containing nearly eighty thousand inhabitants, the
people met in convention at Knoxville to frame a con-
stitution. Five were sent from each of the eleven
counties. Andrew Jackson was one of the delegates.
The new State was entitled to but one member is
the National House of Representatives. Andrew Jack-
son was chosen that member. Mounting his horse he
rode to Philedelphia, where Congress then held its

ANDRE W JA CKSON.

sessions, a distance of about eight hundred miles.

Jackson was an earnest advocate of the Demo-
cratic party. Jefferson was his idol. He admired
Bonaparte, loved France and hated England. As Mr.
Jackson took his seat, Gen. Washington, whose
second term of office was then expiring, delivered his
last speech to Congress. A committee drew up a
complimentary address in reply. Andrew Jackson
did not approve of the address, and was one of the
twelve who voted against it. He was not willing to
say that Gen. Washington's adminstration had been
" wise, firm and patriotic."

Mr. Jackson was elected to the United States
Senate in 1797, but soon resigned and returned home.
Soon after lie was chosen Judge of the Supreme Court
of his State, which position he held for six years.

When the war of 1812 with Great Britian com-
menced, Madison occupied the Presidential chair.
Aaron Burr sent word to the President that there was
an unknown man in the West, Andrew Jackson, who
would do credit to a commission if one were con-
ferred upon him. Just at that time Gen. Jackson
jffered his services and those of twenty-five hundred
volunteers. His offer was accepted, and the troops
were assembled at Nashville.

As the British were hourly expected to make an at-
tack upon New Orleans, where Gen. Wilkinson was
in command, he was ordered to descend the river
with fifteen hundred troops to aid Wilkinson. The
expedition reached Natchez; and after a delay of sev-
eral weeks there, without accomplishing anything,
the men were ordered back to their homes. But the
energy Gen. Jackson had displayed, and his entire
devotion to the comrfort of his soldiers, won him
golden opinions ; and he became the most popular
man in the State. It was in this expedition that his
toughness gave him the nickname of " Old Hickory."

Soon after this, while attempting to horsewhip Col.
Thomas H. Benton, for a remark that gentleman
made about his taking a part as second in a duel, in
which a younger brother of Benton's was engaged,
he received two severe pistol wounds. While he was
lingering upon a bed of suffering news came that the
Indians, who had combined under Tecumseh from
Florida to the Lakes, to exterminate the white set-
tlers, were committing the most awful ravages. De-
cisive action became necessary. Gen. Jackson, with
his fractured bone just beginning to heal, his arm in
a sling, and unable to mount his horse without assis-
tance, gave his amazing energies to the raising of an
army to rendezvous at Fayettesville, Alabama.

The Creek Indians had established a strong fort on
one of the bends of theTallapoosa River, near the cen-
ter of Alabama, about fifty miles below Fort Strother.
With an army of two thousand men, Gen. Jackson
traversed the pathless wilderness in a march of eleven
days. He reached their fort, called Tohopeka or
Horse-shoe, on the 27th of March. 1814. The bend

of the river enclosed nearly one hundred acres of
tangled forest and wild ravine. Across the narrow
neck the Indians had constructed a formidable breast-
work of logs and brush. Here nine hundred warriors,
with an ample suplyof arms were assembled.

The fort was stormed. The fight was utterly des-
perate. Not an Indian would accept of quarter. When
bleeding and dying, they would fight those who en-
deavored to spare their lives. From ten in the morn-
ing until dark, the battle raged. The carnage was
awful and revolting. Some threw themselves into the
river; but the unerring bullet struck their heads as
they swam. Nearly everyone of the nine hundred war-
rios were killed A few probably, in the night, swam
the river and escaped. This ended the war. The
power of the Creeks was broken forever. This bold
plunge into the wilderness, with its terriffic slaughter,
so appalled the savages, that the haggard remnants
of the bands came to the camp, begging for peace.

This closing of the Creek war enabled us to con-
centrate all our militia upon the British, who were the
allies of the Indians No man of less resolute will
than Gen. Jackson could have conducted this Indian
campaign to so successful an issue Immediately he
was appointed major-general.

Late in August, with an army of two thousand
men, on a rushing march, Gen. Jackson came to
Mobile. A British fleet came from Pensacola, landed
a force upon the beach, anchored near the little fort,
and from both ship and shore commenced a furious
assault The battle was long and doubtful. At length
one of the ships was blown up and the rest retired.

Garrisoning Mobile, where he had taken his little
army, he moved his troops to New Orleans,
And the battle of New Orleans which soon ensued,
was in reality a very arduous campaign. This won
for Gen. Jackson an imperishable name. Here his
troops, which numbered about four thousand men,
won a signal victory over the British army of about
nine thousand. His loss was but thirteen, while the
loss of the British was two thousand six hundred.

The name of Gen. Jackson soon began to be men-
tioned in connection with the Presidency, but, in 1824,
he was defeated by Mr. Adams. He was, however,
successful in the election of 1828, and was re-elected
for a second term in 1832.* In 1829, just before he
assumed the reins of the government, he met with
the most terrible affliction of his life in the death of
his wife, whom he had loved with a devotion which has
perhaps never been surpassed. From the shock of
her death he never recovered.

His administration was one of the most memorable
in the annals of our country; applauded oy one party,
condemned by the other. No man had more bitter
enemies or warmer friends. At the expiration of his
two terms of office he retired to the Hermitage, where
he died June 8, 1845. The-last years of Mr. Jack-
son's life were that of a devoted Christian man.

LIBRARY

OF THE
UNIVERSITY of ILLINOIS

EIGHTH PRESIDENT.

ARTIN VAN BUREN, the
eighth President of the
United States, was born at
Kinderhook, N. Y., Dec. 5,
1782. He died at the same
place, July 24, 1862. His
body rests in the cemetery
at Kinderhook. Above it is
a plain granite shaft fifteen feet
high, bearing a simple inscription
about half way up on one face.
The lot is unfenced, unbordered
or unbounded by shrub or flower.

There is but little in the life of Martin Van Buren
of romantic interest. He fought no battles, engaged
in no wild adventures. Though his life was stormy in
political and intellectual conflicts, and he gained many
signal victories, his days passed uneventful in those
incidents which give zest to biography. His an-
cestors, as his name indicates, were of Dutch origin,
and were among the earliest emigrants from Holland
to the banks of the Hudson. His father was a farmer,
residing in the old town of Kinderhook. His mother,
also of Dutch lineage, was a woman of superior intel-
ligence and exemplary piety.

.-fe was decidedly a precocious boy, developing un-
usual activity, vigor and strength of mind. At the
age of fourteen, he had finished his academic studies
in his native village, and commenced the study of
iaw. As he had not a collegiate education, seven
years of study in a law-office were required of him
before he could be admitted to the bar. Inspired with
d lofty ambition, and conscious of his powers, he pur-
sued his studies with indefatigable industry. After
spending six years in an office in bis native village,

he went to the city of New York, and prosecuted his
studies for the seventh year.

In 1803, Mr. Van Buren, then twenty-one years of
age, commenced the practice of law in his native vil-
lage. The great conflict between the Federal and
Republican party was then at its height. Mr. Van
Buren was from the beginning a politician. He had,
perhaps, imbibed that spirit while listening to the
many discussions which had been carried on in his
father's hotel. He was in cordial sympathy with
Jefferson, and earnestly and eloquently espoused the
cause of State Rights ; though at that time the Fed-
eral party held the supremacy both in his town
and State.

His success and increasing ruputation led him
after six years of practice, to remove to Hudson, th<;
county seat of his county. Here he spent seven years
constantly gaining strength by contending in tin
courts with some of the ablest men who have adorned
the bar of his State.

Just before leaving Kinderhook for Hudson, Mi.
Van Buren married a lady alike distinguished for
beauty and accomplishments. After twelve short
years she sank into the grave, the victim of consump-
tion, leaving her husband and four sons to weep ovei
her loss. For twenty-five years, Mr. Van Buren was
an earnest, successful, assiduous lawyer. The record
of those years is barren in items of public interest.
In 1812, when thirty years of age, he was chosen to
the State Senate, and gave his strenuous support to
Mr. Madison's adminstration. In 1815, he was ap-
pointed Attorney-General, and the next year moved
to Albany, the capital of the State.

While he was acknowledged as one of the most
piominent leaders of the Democratic party, he had

MARTIN VAN BUREN.

the moral courage to avow that true democracy did
not require that " universal suffrage" which admits
the vile, the degraded, the ignorant, to the right of
governing the State. In true consistency with his
democratic principles, he contended that, while the
path leading to the privilege of voting should be open
to every man without distinction, no one should be
invested with that sacred prerogative, unless he were
in some degree qualified for it by intelligence, virtue
and some property interests in the welfare of the
State.

In 1821 he was elected a member of the United
States Senate; and in the same year, he took a seat
in the convention to revise the constitution of his
native State. His course in thi* convention secured
the approval of men of all parties. No one could
doubt the singleness of his endeavors to promote the
interests of all classes in the community. In the
Senate of the United States, he rose at once to a
conspicuous position as an active and useful legislator.

In 1827, John Quincy Adams being then in the
Presidential chair, Mr. Van Buren was re-elected to
die Senate. He had been from the beginning a de-
.-ermined opposer of the Administration, adopting the
'State Rights " view in opposition to what was
deemed the Federal proclivities of Mr. Adams.

Soon after this, in 1828, he was chosen Governorof
the State of New York, and accordingly resigned his
seat in the Senate. Probably no one in the United
States contributed so much towards ejecting John Q.
Adams from the Presidential chair, and placing in it
Andrew Jackson, as did Martin Van Buren. Whether
entitled to the reputation or not, he certainly was re-
garded throughout the United States as one of the
most skillful, sagacious and cunning of politicians.
It was supposed that no one knew so well as he how
to touch the secret springs of action; how to pull all
the wires to put his machinery in motion; and how to
organize a political army which would, secredy and
stealthily accomplish the most gigantic results. By
these powers it is said that he outwitted Mr. Adams,
Mr. Clay, Mr. Webster, and secured results which
few thought then could be accomplished.

When Andrew Jackson was elected President he
appointed Mr. Van Buren Secretary of State. This
position he resigned in 1831, and was immediately
appointed Minister to England, where he went the
same autumn. The Senate, however, when it met,
refused to ratify the nomination, and he returned

home, apparently untroubled ; was nominated Vice
President in the place of Calhoun, at the re-election
of President Jackson ; and with smiles for all and
frowns for none, he took his place at the head of that
Senate which had refused to confirm his nomination
as ambassador.

His rejection by the Senate roused all the zeal of
President Jackson in behalf of his repudiated favor-
ite ; and this, probably more than any other cause,
secured his elevation to the chair of the Chief Execu
live. On the 2oth of May, 1836, Mr. Van Buren re-
ceived the Democratic nomination to succeed Gen.
Jackson as President of the United States. He was
elected by a handsome majority, to the delight of the
retiring President. " Leaving New York out of the
canvass," says Mr. Parton, "the election of Mr. Van
Buren to the Presidency was as much the act of Gen.
Jackson as though the Constitution had conferred
upon him the power to appoint a successor."

His administration was filled with exciting events.
The insurrection in Canada, which threatened to in-
volve this country in war with England, the agitation
of the slavery question, and finally the great commer-
cial panic which spread over the country, all were
trials to his wisdom. The financial distress was at-
tributed to the management of the Democratic party,
and brought the President into such disfavor that he
failed of re-election.

With the exception of being nominated for the
Presidency by the "Free Soil" Democrats, in 1848,
Mr. Van Buren lived quietly upon his estate until
his death.

He had ever been a prudent man, of frugal habits,
and living within his income, had now fortunately a
competence for his declining years. His unblemished
character, his commanding abilities, his unquestioned
patriotism, and the distinguished positions which he
had occupied in the government of our country, se-
cured to him not only the homage of his party, but
the respect ot the whole community. It was on the
4th of March, 1841, that Mr. Van Buren retired from
the presidency. From his fine estate at Lindenwald.
he still exerted a powerful influence upon the politics
of the country. From this time until his death, on
the 24th of July, 1862, at the age of eighty years, he
resided at Lindenwald, a gentleman of leisure, of
culture and of wealth ; enjoying in a healthy old
age, probably far more happiness than he had before
experienced amid the stormy scenes of his active life.

LIBRARY
OF THE

UNIVERSITY

NINTH PRESIDENT.

I'-

ILLIAM HENRY HARRI-
SON, the ninth President of
the United States, was born
at Berkeley, Va., Feb. 9, 1773.
His father, Benjamin Harri-
son, was in comparatively op-
ulent circumstances, and was
one of the most distinguished
men of his day. He was an
intimate friend of George
Washington, \v as early elected
a member of the Continental
Congress, and was conspicuous
among the patriots of Virginia in
resisting the encroachments of the
British crown. In the celebrated
Congress of 1775, Benjamin Har-
rison and John Hancock were
both candidates for the office of
speaker. ,

Mr Harrison was subsequently
chosen Governor of Virginia, and
was twice re-elected. His son,
William Henry, of course enjoyed
in childhood all the advantages which wealth and
intellectual and cultivated society could give. Hav-
ing received a thorough common-school education, he
entered Hampden Sidney College, where he graduated
with honor soon after the death of his father. He
then repaired to Philadelphia to study medicine under
the instructions of Dr. Rush and the guardianship of
Jobert Morris, both of whom were, with his father,
signers of the Declaration of Independence.

Upon the outbreak of the Indian troubles, and not-
withstanding the *emonstrances of his friends, he
abandoned his medical studies and entered the army,
saving obtained a commission of Ensign from Presi-

dent Washington. He was then but 19 years old
From that time he passed gradually upward in rank
until he became aid to General Wayne, after whose
death lie resigned his commission. He was then ap-
pointed Secretary of the North-western Territory. This
Territory was then entitled to but one member in
Congress and Capt. Harrison was chosen to fill that
position.

In the spring of 1800 the North-western Territory
was divided by Congress into two portions. The
eastern portion, comprising the region now embraced
in the State of Ohio, was called " The Territory
north-west of the Ohio." The western portion, which
included what is now called Indiana, Illinois and
Wisconsin, was called the "Indiana Territory." Wil-
liam Henry Harrison, then 27 years of age, was ap
pointed by John Adams, Governor of the Indiana
Territory, and immediately after, also Governor of
Upper Louisiana. He was thus ruler over almost as
extensive a realm as any sovereign upon the globe. He
was Superintendent of Indian Affairs, and was in-
vested with powers nearly dictatorial over the now
rapidly increasing white population. The ability and
fidelity with which he discharged these responsible
duties may be inferred from the fact that he was four
times appointed to this office first by John Adams,
twice by Thomas Jefferson and afterwards by Presi-
dent Madison.

When he began his adminstration there were but
three white settlements in that almost boundless region,
now crowded with cities and resounding with all the
tumult of wealth and traffic. One of these settlements
was on the Ohio, nearly opposite Louisville; one at
Vincennes, on the Wabash, and the third a French
settlement.

The vast wilderness over which Gov. Harrison
reigned was filled with many tribes of Indians. Aboi"

WILLIAM HENRy HARRISON.

the year 1806, two extraordinary men, twin brothers,
of the Shawnese tribe, rose among them. One of
these was called Tecumseh, or " The Crouching
Panther;" the' other, Olliwacheca, or "The Prophet."
Tecumseh was not only an Indian warrior, but a man
of great sagacity, far-reaching foresight and indomit-
able perseverance in any enterprise in which he might
engage. He was inspired with the highest enthusiasm,
and had long regarded with dread and with hatred
the encroachment of the whites upon the hunting-
grounds of his fathers. His brother, the Prophet, was
anorator, who could sway the feelings of the untutored
Indian as the gale tossed the tree -tops beneath which
they dwelt.

But the Prophet was not merely an orator : he was,
in the superstitious minds of the Indians, invested
with the superhuman dignity of a medicine-man or a
magician. With an enthusiasm unsurpassed by Peter
the Hermit rousing Europe to the crusades, he went
from tribe to tribe, assuming that he was specially sent
by the Great Spirit.

Gov. Harrison made many attempts to conciliate
the Indians, but at last the war came, and at Tippe-
canoe the Indians were routed with great slaughter.
October 28, 1812, his army began its inarch. When
near the Prophet's town three Indians of rank made
their appearance and inquired why Gov. Harrison was
approaching them in so hostile an attitude. After a
short conference, arrangements were made fora meet-
ing the next day, to agree upon terms of peace.

But Gov. Harrison was too well acquainted with
the Indian character to be deceived by such protes-
tations. Selecting a favorable spot for his night's en-
campment, he took every precaution against surprise.
His troops were posted in a hollow square, and slept
upon their arms.

The troops threw themselves upon the ground for
rest; but every man had his accourtrements on, his
loaded musket by his side, and his bayonet fixed. The
wakeful Governor, between three and four o'clock in
the morning, had risen, and was sitting in conversa-
tion with his aids by the embers of a waning fire. It
was a. chill, cloudy morning with a drizzling rain. In
the darkness, the Indians had crept as near as possi-
ble, and j'zst then, with a savage yell, rushed, with all
the desperation which superstition and passion most
highly inflamed could give, upon the left flank of the
little army. The savages had been amply provided
with guns and ammunition by the English. Their
war-whoop was accompanied by a shower of bullets.

The camp-fires were instantly extinguished, as the
light aided the Indians in their aim. With hide-
jus yells, the Indian bands rushed on, not doubting a
speedy and an entire victory. But Gen. Harrison's
troops stood as immovable as the rocks around them
until day dawned : they then made a simultaneous
charge with the bayonet, and swept every thing be-
fore them, and completely routing th*" foe,

Gov. Harrison now had all his energies tasked
to the utmost. The British descending from the Can -
adas, were of themselves a very formidable force ; but
with their savage allies, rushing like wolves from the
forest, sear'Jiing out every remote farm-house, burn-
ing, plundering, scalping, torturing, the wide frontier
was plunged into a state of consternation which even
the most vivid imagination can but faintly conceive.
The war-whoop was resounding everywhere in the
forest. The horizon was illuminated with the conflagra-
tion of the cabins of the settlers. Gen Hull had made-
the ignominious surrender of his forces at Detroit.
Under these despairing circumstances, Gov. Harrison
was appointed by President Madison Commander-in-
chief of the North-western army, with orders to retake
Detroit, and to protect the frontiers.

It would be difficult to place a man in a situation
demanding more energy, sagacity and courage; but
General Harrison was found equal to the position,
and nobly and triumphantly did he meet all the re
sponsibilities.

He won the love of his soldiers by always sharing
with them their fatigue. His whole baggage, while,
pursuing the foe up the Thames, was carried in ;i
valise; and his bedding consisted of a single blanket
lashed over his saddle. Thirty-five British officers,
his prisoners of war, supped with him after the battle
The only fare he could give them was beef roasted
before the fire, without bread or salt.

In 1816, Gen. Harrison was chosen a member oi
the National House of Representatives, to represent
the District of Ohio. In Congress he proved an
active member; and whenever he spoke, it was with
force of reason and power of eloquence, -which arrested
the attention of all the members.

In 1819, Harrison was elected to the Senate of
Ohio; and in 1824, as one of the presidential electors
of that State, he gave his vote for Henry Clay. The
same year he was chosen to the United States Senate.

In 1836, the friends of Gen. Harrison brought him
forward as a candidate for the Presidency againsi
Van Buren, but he was defeated. At the close of
Mr. Van Buren's term, he was re -nominated by his
party, and Mr. Harrison was unanimously nominated
by the Whigs, with John Tyler forthe Vice Presidency
The contest was very animated. Gen Jackson gave
all his influence to prevent Harrison's election ; bu'
his triumph was signal.

The cabinet which he formed, with Daniel Webstei
at its head as Secretary of State, was one of the most
brilliant with which any President had ever been
surrounded. Never were the prospects of an admin-
istration more flattering, or the hopes of the country
more sanguine. In the midst of these bright and
joyous prospects, Gen. Harrison was seized by a
pleurisy-fever and after a few days of violent sick-
ness, died on the 4th of April ; just one month after
his inauguration as President of the United States,

LIBRARY

Of THE
UNIVERSITY of ILLINOIS

TENTH PRESIDENT.

OHN TYLER, the tenth
Presidentof the United States.
He was born in Charles-city
Co., Va., March 29, 1790. He
was the favored child of af-
fluence and high social po-
sition. At the early age of
twelve, John entered William
and Mary College and grad-
uated with much honor when
but seventeen years old. After
graduating, he devoted him-
self with great assiduity to the
study of law, partly with his
father and partly with Edmund
Randolph, one of the most distin-
guished lawyers of Virginia.

At nineteen years of age, lie
commenced the practice of law.
His success was rapid and aston-
ishing. It is said that three
months had not elapsed ere there
was scarcely a case on the dock-
et of the court in which he was
^ot retained. When but twenty-one years of age, he
was almost unanimously elected to a seat in the State
Legislature. He connected himself with the Demo-
cratic party, and warmly advocated the measures of
Jefferson and Madison. For five successive years he
was elected to the Legislature, receiving nearly the
unanimous vote or his county.

When but twenty-six years of age, he was elected
a member of Congress. Here he acted earnestly and
ably with the Democratic party, opposing a national
bank, internal improvements by the General ^kivern-

ment, a protective tariff, and advocating a strict con-
struction of the Constitution, and the most careful
vigilance over State rights. His labors in Congress
were so arduous that before the close of his second
term h- found it necessary to resign and retire to his
estate in Charles-city Co., to recruit his health. He,
however, soon after consented to take his seat in the
State Legislature, where his influence was powerful
in promoting public works of great utility. With a
reputation thus canstantly increasing, he was chosen
by a very large majority of votes, Governor of his
native State. His administration was signally a suc-
cessful one. His popularity secured his re-election.

John Randolph, a brilliant, erratic, half-crazed
man, then represented Virginia in the Senate of the
United States. A portion of the Democratic party
was displeased with Mr. Randolph's wayward course,
and brought forward John Tyler as his opponent,
considering him the only man in Virginia of sufficient
popularity to succeed against the renowned orator of
Roanoke. Mr. Tyler was the victor.

In accordance with his professions, upon taking his
seat in the Senate, he joined the ranks of the opposi-
tion. He opposed the tariff; he spoke against and
voted against the bank as unconstitutional ; he stren-
uously opposed all restrictions upon slavery, resist-
ing all projects of internal improvements by the Gen-
eral Government, and avowed his sympathy with Mr.
Calhoun's view of nullification ; he declared that Gen.
Jackson, by his opposition to the nullifiers, had
abandoned the principles of the Democratic party.
Such was Mr. Tyler's record in Congress, a record
in perfect accordance with the principles which he
had always avowed.

Returning to Virginia, he resumed the practice of
his profession. There was a cplit in the Democratic

JOHN TYLER.

Jarty. His friends still regarded him as a' true Jef-
fersonian, gave him a dinner, and showered compli-
ments upon him. He had now attained the age of
forty-six. His career had been very brilliant. In con-
sequence of his devotion to public business, his pri-
vate affairs had fallen into some disorder; audit was
not without satisfaction that he resumed the practice
of law, and devoted himself to the culture of his plan-
tation. Soon after this he removed to Williamsburg,
for the better education of his children ; and he again
took his seat in the Legislature of Virginia.

By the Southern Whigs, he was sent to the national
convention at Harrisburg to nominate a President in
1839. The majority of votes were given to Gen. Har-
rison, a genuine Whig, much to the disappointment of
the South, who wished for Henry Clay. To concili-
ate the Southern Whigs and to secure their vote, the
convention then nominated John Tyler for Vice Pres-
ident. It was well known that he was not in sympa-
thy with the Whig party in the North : but the Vice
President has but very little power in the Govern-
ment, his main and almost only duty being to pre-
side over the meetings of the Senate. Thus it hap-
pened that a Whig President, and, in reality, a
Democratic Vice President were chosen.

In i84r, Mr. Tyler was inaugurated Vice Presi-
dent of the United States. In one short month from
that time, President Harrison died, and Mr. Tyler
thus .cund himself, to his own surprise and that of
the whole Nation, an occupant of the Presidential
chair. This was a new test of the stability of our
institutions, as it was the first time in the history of our
country that such an event had occured. Mr. Tyler
was at home in Williamsburg when he received the
unexpected tidings of the death of President Harri-
son. He hastened to Washington, and on the 6th of
April was inaugurated to the high and responsible
office. He was placed in a position of exceeding
delicacy and difficulty. All his long life he had been
opposed tc the main principles of the party which had
brought him into power. He had ever been a con-
sistent, honest man, with an unblemished record.
Gen. Harrison had selected a Whig cabinet. Should
he retain them, and thus surround himself with coun-
sellors whose views were antagonistic to his own ? or,
on the other hand, should he turn against the party
which had elected him and select a cabinet in har-
mony with himself, and which would oppose all those
views which the Whigs deemed essential to the pub-
lic welfare? This was his fearful dilemma. He in-
vited the cabinet which President Harrison had
selected to retain their seats. He reccommended a
day of fasting and prayer, that God would guide and
bless us.

The Whigs carried through Congress a bill for the
incorporation of a fiscal bank of the United States.
The President, after ten days' delay, returned it with
his veto. He suggested, however, that he would

approve of a bill drawn up upon such a plan as he
proposed. Such a bill was accordingly prepared, and
privately submitted to him. He gave it his approval.
It was passed without alteration, and he sent it back
with his veto. Here commenced the open rupture.
It is said that Mr. Tyler was provoked to this meas-
ure by a published letter from the Hon. John M.
Botts, a distinguished Virginia Whig, who severely
touched the pride of the President.

The opposition now exultingly received the Presi-
dent into their arms. The party which elected him
denounced him bitterly. All the members of his
cabinet, excepting Mr. Webster, resigned. The Whigs
of Congress, both the Senate and the House, held a
meeting and issued an address to the people of the
United States, proclaiming that all political alliance
between the Whigs and President Tyler were at
an end.

Still the President attempted to conciliate. He
appointed a new cabinet of distinguished Whigs and
Conservatives, carefully leaving out all strong party
men. Mr. Webster soon found it necessary to resign,
forced out by the pressure of his Whig friends. Thus
the four years of Mr. Tyler's unfortunate administra-
tion passed sadly away. No one was satisfied. The
land was filled with murmurs and vituperation. Whigs
and Democrats alike assailed him. More and more.
however ; he brought himself into sympathy with his
old friends, the Democrats, until at the close of his term,
he gave his whole influence to the support of Mr.
Polk, the Democratic candidate for his successor.

On the 4th of March, 1845, he retired from th<;
harassments of office, tothe regret of neitherparty, ar.U
probably to his own unspeakable relief. His first wife,
Miss Letitia Christian, died in Washington, in 1842;
and in June, 1844, President Tyler was again married,
at New York, to Miss Julia Gardiner, a young lady of
many personal and intellectual accomplishments.

The remainder of his days Mr. Tyler passed mainly
in retirement at his beautiful home, Sherwood For-
est, Charles-city Co., Va. A polished gentleman in
his manners, richly furnished with information from
books and experience in the world, and possessing
brilliant powers of conversation, his family circle was
the scene of unnsual attractions. With sufficient
means for the exercise of a generous hospitality, he
might have enjoyed a serene old age with the few
friends who gathered around him, were it not for the
storms of civil war which his own principles and
policy had helped to introduce.

When the great Rebellion rose, which the State,
rights and nullifying doctrines of Mr. John C. Cai-
houn had inaugurated, President Tyler renounced his
allegiance to the United States, and joined the Confed-
erates. He was chosen a member of their Congress,-
and while engaged in active measures to desiroy, b"
force of arms, the Government over which he liad
once presided, he was taken sick and soon died.

LIBRARY

OF THE

UNIVERSITY gflUINOlS

ELEVENTH PRESIDENT.

AMES K. POLK, the eleventh
President of the United States,
was born in Mecklenburg Co.,
N. C., Nov. 2, 1795. His par-
ents were Samuel and Jane
(Knox) Polk, the former a son

of Col. Thomas Polk, who located

at the above place, as one of the

first pioneers, in 1735.

In the year 1806, with his wife

and children, and soon after fol-

lowed by most of the members of
the Polk farnly, Samuel Polk emi-
grated some two or three hundred
miles farther west, to the rich valley
of the Duck River. Here in the
midst of the wilderness, in a region
which was subsequently called Mau-
ry Co., they reared their log huts,
and established their homes. In the
hard toil of a new farm in the wil-
derness, James K. Polk spent the
early years of his childhood and
youth. His father, adding the pur-
suit of a surveyor to that of a farmer,
gradually increased in wealth until
he became one of the leading men of the region. His
mother was a superior woman, of strong common
sense and earnest piety.

Very early in life, James developed a taste for
reading and expressed the strongest desire to obtain
a liberal education. His mother's training had made
him methodical in his habits, had taught him punct-
uality and industry, and had inspired him with lofty
principles of morality. His health was frail ; and his
tather, fearing that he might not be able to endure a

sedentary life, got a situation for him behind the
counter, hoping to fit him for commercial pursuits.

This was to James a bitter disappointment. He
had no taste for these duties, and his daily tasks
were irksome in the extreme. He remained in this
uncongenial occupation but a few weeks, when at his
earnest solicitation his father removed him, and made
arrangements for him to prosecute his studies. Soon
after he sent him to Murfreesboro Academy. With
ardor which could scarcely be surpassed, he pressed
forward in his studies, and in less than two and a half
years, in the autumn of 1815, entered the sophomore
class in the University of North Carolina, at Chapel
Hill. Here he was one of the most exemplary of
scholars, punctual in every exercise, never allowing
himself to be absent from a recitation or a religious
service.

He graduated in 1818, with the highest honors, be
ing deemed the best scholar of his class, both in
mathematics and the classics. He was then twenty-
three years of age. Mr. Folk's health was at this
time much impaired by the assiduity with which he
had prosecuted his studies. After a short season of
relaxation he went to Nashville, and entered the
office of Felix Grundy, to study law. Here Mr. Polk
renewed his acquaintance with Andrew Jackson, who
resided on his plantation, the Hermitage, but a few
miles from Nashville. They had probably beer
slightly acquainted before.

Mr. Polk's father was a Jeffersonian Republican,
and James K. Polk ever adhered to the same politi-
cal faith. He was a popular public speaker, and was
constantly called upon to address the meetings of his
party friends. His skill as a speaker was such that
he was popularly called the Napoleon of the stump.
He was a man of unblemished morals, genial and

/AMES K. POLK.

:ourterus in his bearing, and with that sympathetic
nature in the joy s and griefs of others which ever gave
him troops of friends. In 1823, Mr. Polk was elected
to the Legislature of Tennessee. Here he gave his
strong influence towards the election of his friend,
Mr. Jackson, to the Presidency of the United States.

In January, 1824, -Mr. Polk married Miss Sarah
Childress, of Rutherford Co., Tenn. His bride was
altogether worthy of him, a lady of beauty and cul-
ture. In the fall of 1825, Mr. Polk was chosen a
member of Congress. The satisfaction which he gave
to his constituents may be inferred from the fact, that
for fourteen successive years, until 1839, he was con-
tinued 1 , in that office. He then voluntarily withdrew,
only that he might accept the Gubernatorial chair
of Tennessee. In Congress he was a laborious
member, a frequent and a popular speaker. He was
always in his seat, always courteous ; and whenever
he spoke it was always to the point, and without any
ambitious rhetorical display.

During five sessions of Congress, Mr. Polk was
Speaker of the House Strong passions were roused,
and stormy scenes were witnessed ; but Mr. Polk per-
formed his arduous duties to a very general satisfac-
tion, and a unanimous vote of thanks to him was
passed by the House as he withdrew on the 4th of
March, 1839.

In accordance with Southern usage, Mr. Polk, as a
candidate for Governor, canvassed the State. He was
elected by a large majority, and on the 1 4th of Octo-
ber, 1839, took the oath of office at Nashville. In 1841,
his term of office expired, and he was again the can-
didate of the Democratic party, but was defeated.

On the 4th of March, 1845, Mr. Polk was inaugur-
ated President of the United States. The verdict of
the countryin favor of the annexation of Texas, exerted
its influence upon Congress ; and the last act of the
administration of President Tyler was to affix his sig-
nature to a joint resolution of Congress, passed on the
3d of March, approving of the annexation of Texas to
the American Union. As Mexico still claimed Texas
as one of her provinces, the Mexican minister,
Almonte, immediately demanded his passports and
left the country, declaring the act of the annexation
to be an act hostile to Mexico.

In his first message, President Polk urged that
Texas should immediately, by act of Congress, be re-
ceived into the Union on the same footing with the
other States. In the meantime, Gen. Taylor was sent

with an army into Texas to hold the country. He was
sent first to Nueces, which the Mexicans said was the
western boundary of Texas. Then he was sent nearly
two hundred miles further west, to the Rio Grande,
where he erected batteries which commanded the
Mexican city of Matamoras, which was situated on
the western banks.

The anticipated collision soon took place, and wa:
was declared against Mexico by President Polk. The
war was pushed forward by Mr. Folk's administration
with great vigor. Gen. Taylor, whose army was first
called one of "observation," then of "occupation, 1
then of " invasion, "was sent forward to Monterey. The
feeble Mexicans, in every encounter, were hopelessly
and awfully slaughtered. The day of judgement
alone can reveal the misery which this war caused.
It was by the ingenuity of Mr. Polk's administration
that the war was brought on.

'To the victors belong the spoils." Mexico was
prostrate before us. Her capital was in our hands.
We now consented to peace upon the condition that
Mexico should surrender to us, in addition to Texas,
all of New Mexico, and all of Upper and Lower Cal-
ifornia. This new demand embraced, exclusive of
Texas, eight hundred thousand square miles. This
was an extent of territory equal to nine States of the
size of New York. Thus slavery was securing eighteen
majestic States to be added to the Union. There were
some Americans who thought it all right : there were
others who thought it all wrong. In the prosecution
of this war, we expended twenty thousand lives and
more than a hundred million of dollars. Of this
money fifteen millions were paid to Mexico.

On the 3d of March, 1849, Mr. Polk retired from
office, having served one term. The next day was
Sunday. On the 5th, Gen. Taylor was inaugurated
as his successor. Mr. Polk rode to the Capitol in the
same carriage with Gen. Taylor; and the same even-
ing, with Mrs. Polk, he commenced his return to
Tennessee. He was then but fifty-four years of age.
He had ever been strictly temperate in all his habits,
and his health was good. With an ample fortune,
a choice library, a cultivated mind, and domestic ties
of the dearest nature, it seemed as though long years
of tranquility and happiness were before him. But the
cholera that fearful scourge was then sweeping up
the Valley of the Mississippi. This he contracted,
and died on the 15111 of June, 1849, in the fiftv-fourth
year of his age, greatly mourned by his countrymen,

LIBRARY

Of 1HE
UNIVERSITY rf ILLINWs

TWELFTH PRESIDENT.

ACHARY TAYLOR, twelfth
President of the United States,
was born on the 24th of Nov.,
1784, in Orange Co., Va. His
father, Colonel Taylor, was
a Virginian of note, and a dis-
tinguished patriot and soldier of
the Revolution. When Zachary
was an infant, his father with his
wife and two children, emigrated
to Kentucky, where he settled in
the pathless wilderness, a few
miles from Louisville. In this front-
ier home, away from civilization and
all its refinements, young Zachary
could enjoy but few social and educational advan-
tages. When six years of age he attended a common
school, and was then regarded as a bright, active boy,
rather remarkable for bluntness and decision of char-
acter He was strong, feailess and self-reliant, and
manifested a strong desire to enter the army to fight
the Indians who were ravaging the frontiers. There
is little to bo recorded of the uneventful years of his
childhood on his father's large but lonely plantation.
In 1808, his father succeeded in obtaining for him
the commission of lieutenant in the United States
army ; and lie joined the troops which were stationed
at New Orleans under Gen. Wilkinson. Soon after
this he married Miss Margaret Smith, a young lady
from one of the first families of Maryland.

Immediately after the declaration of war with Eng-
land, in 1812, Capt. Taylor (for he had then been
promoted to that rank) was put in command of Fort
Harrison, on the Wabash, about fifty miles above
Vincennes. This fort had been built in the wilder-
ness by Gen. Harrison, on his march to Tippecanoe.
It was one of the first points of attack by the Indians,
'.ed by Tecumseh. Its garrison consisted of a broken

company of infantry numbering fifty men, many of
whom were sick.

Early in the autumn of i8r2, the Indians, stealthily,
and in large numbers, moved upon the fort. Their
approach was first indicated by the murder of two
soldiers just outside of the stockade. Capt. Taylor
made every possible preparation to meet the antici-
pated assault. On the 4th of September, a band of
forty painted and plumed savages came to the fort,
waving a white flag, and informed Capt. Taylor that
in the morning their chief would come to have a talk
with him. It was evident that their object was merely
to ascertain the state of things at the fort, and Capt.
Taylor, well versed in the wiles of the savages, kept
them at a distance.

The sun went down ; the savages disappeared, the
garrison slept upon their arms. One hour before
midnight the war whoop burst from a thousand lips
in the forest around, followed by the discharge of
musketry, and the rush of the foe. Every man, sick
and well, sprang to his post. Every man knew that
defeat was not merely death, but in the case of cap-
ture, death by the most agonizing and prolonged tor-
ture. No pen can describe, no immagination can
conceive the scenes which ensued. The savages suc-
ceeded in setting fire to one of the block-houses-
Until six o'clock in the morning, this awful conflict
continued. The savages then, baffled at every point,
and gnashing their teeth with rage, retired. Capt.
Taylor, for this gallant defence, was promoted to the
rank of major by brevet.

Until the close of the war, MajorTaylor was placed
in such situations that he saw but little more of active
service. He was sent far away into the depths of the
wilderness, to Fort Crawford, on Fox River, which
empties into Green Bay. Here there was but little
to be done but to wear away the tedious hours as one
best could. There were no books, no society, no in-

ZACHARY TAYLOR

tellectual stimulus. Thus with him the uneventful
years rolled on Gradually he rose to the rank of
colonel. In the Black Hawk war, which resulted in
the capture of that renowned chieftain, Col Taylor
took a subordinate but a brave and efficient part.

For twenty -four years Col. Taylor was engaged in
the defence of the frontiers, in scenes so remote, and m
employments so obscure, that his name was unknown
beyond the limits of his own immediate acquaintance.
In the year 1836, he was sent to Florida to compel
the Seminole Indians to vacate that region and re-
tire beyond the Mississippi, as their chiefs by treaty,
iiac 1 promised they should do. The services rendered
here secured for Col. Taylor the high appreciation of
the Government; and as a reward, he was elevated
tc the rank of brigadier-general by brevet ; and soon
after, in May, 1838, was appointed to the chief com-
mand of the United States troops in Florida.

After two years of such wearisome employment
amidst the everglades of the peninsula, Gen. Taylor
obtained, at his own request, a change of command,
,uid was stationed over the Department of the South-
west. This field embraced Louisiana, Mississippi,
Alabama and Georgia. Establishing his headquarters
at Fort Jessup, in Louisiana, he removed his family
to a plantation which he purchased, near Baton Rogue.
Here he remained for five years, buried, as it were,
from the world, but faithfully discharging every duty
imposed upon him.

In 1846, Gen. Taylor was sent to guard the land
between the Nueces and Rio Grande, the latter river
being the boundary of Texas, which was then claimed
by the United States. Soon the war with Mexico
was brought on, and at Palo Alto and Resaca de la
Palma, Gen. Taylor won brilliant victories over the
Mexicans. The rank of major-general by brevet
was then conferred upon Gen. Taylor, and his name
was received with enthusiasm almost everywhere in
the Nation. Then came the battles of Monterey and
Buena Vista in which he won signal victories over
forces much larger than he commanded.

His careless habits of dress and his unaffected
simplicity, secured for Gen. Taylor among his troops,
the sobriquet of "Old Rough and Ready.'

The tidings of the brilliant victory of Buena Vista
pread the wildest enthusiasm over the country. The
name of Gen. Taylor was on every one's lips. The
Whig party decided to take advantage of this wonder-
ful popularity in bringing forward the unpolished, un-
bred, honest soldier as their candidate for the
Presidency. Gen. Taylor was astonished at the an-
nouncement, and for a time would not listen toil; de-
claring that he was not at al! qualified for such an
office. So little interest had he taken in politics that,
for forty years, he had not cast a vote. It was not
without chagrin that several distinguished statesmen
who had been long years in the public service found
? heir claims set aside in behalf of one whose name

had never been heard of, save in connection with Palo
Alto, Resaca de la Palma, Monterey and Buena
Vista. It is said that Daniel Webster, in his haste re-
marked, " It is a nomination not fit to be made."

Gen. Taylor was not an eloquent speaker nor a fine
writer His friends took possession of him, and pre-
pared such few communications as it was needful
should be presented to the public. The popularity of
the successful warrior swept the land. He was tri-
umphantly elected over two opposing candidates,
Gen. Cass and Ex-President Martin Van Buren.
Though he selected an excellent cabinet, the good
old man found himself in a very uncongenial position,
and was, at times, sorely perplexed and harassed.
His mental sufferings were very severe, and probably
tended to hasten his death. The pro-slavery party
was pushing its claims with tireless energy, expedi-
tions were fitting out to capture Cuba ; California was
pleading for admission to the Union, while slavery
stood at the door to bar her out. Gen. Taylor found
the political conflicts in Washington to be far more
trying to the nerves than battles with Mexicans or
Indians

In the midst of all these troubles, Gen. Taylor,
after he had occupied the Presidential chair but little
over a year, took cold, and after a brief sickness of
but little over five days, died on the gth of July, 1850.
His last words were, " I am not afraid to die. I am
ready. I have endeavored to do my duty." He died
universally respected and beloved. An honest, un-
pretending man, he had been steadily growing in the
affections of the people ; and the Nation bitterly la-
mented his death.

Gen. Scott, who was thoroughly acquainted with
Gen. Taylor, gave the following graphic and truthful
description of his character: " With a good store of
common sense, Gen. Taylor's mind had not been en-
larged and refreshed by reading, or much converse
with the world. Rigidity of ideas was the conse-
quence. The frontiers and small military posts had
been his home. Hence he was quite ignorant for his
rank, and quite bigoted in his ignorance. His sim-
plicity was child-like, and with innumerable preju-
dices, amusing and incorrigible, well suited to the
tender age. Thus, if a man, however respectable,
chanced to wear a coat of an unusual color, or his hat
a little on one side of his head ; or an officer to leave
a corner of his handkerchief dangling from an out*
side pocket, in any such case, this critic held the
offender to be a coxcomb (perhaps something worse),
whom he would not, to use his oft repeated phrase,
' touch with a pair of tongs.'

"Any allusion to literature beyond good old Dil-
worth's spelling-book, on the part of one wearing a
sword, was evidence, with the same judge, of utter
unfitness for heavy marchings and combats. In shorf
few men have ever had a more comfortarA<~ 1 ~>^i.
saving contempt for learning of every kind.

LIBRARY

OF THE
UNIVEHSITr of /LLINOis

THIRTEENTH PRESIDENT.

FILLMIIRE

ILLARD FILLMORE, thir-
teenth Presidentof the United
States, was born at Summer
Hill, Cayuga Co., N. Y ., on
the 7th of January, 1800. His
father was a farmer, and ow-
ing to misfortune, in humble cir-
cumstances. Of his mother, the
daughter of Dr. AbiatharMillard,
of Pittsfield, Mass., it has been
said that she possessed an intellect
of very high order, united with much
personal loveliness, sweetness of dis-
position, graceful manners and ex-
quisite sensibilities. She died in
1831 ; having lived to see her son a
young man of distinguished prom-
ise, though she was not permitted to witness the high
dignity which he finally attained.

In consequence of the secluded home and limited
means of his father, Millard enjoyed but slender ad-
vantages for education in his early years. The com-
mon schools, which he occasionally attended were
very imperfect institutions ; and books were scarce
and expensive. There was nothing then in his char-
acter to indicate the brilliant career upon which he
was about to enter. He was a plain farmer's boy;
intelligent, good-looking, kind-hearted. The sacred
influences of home had taught him to revere the Bible,
and had laid the foundations of an upright character.
When fourteen years of age, his father sent him
some hundred miles from home, to the then wilds of
Livingston County, to learn the trade of a clothier.
Near the mill there was a small villiage, where some

enterprising man had commenced the collection of a
village library. This proved an inestimable blessing
to young Fillmore. His evenings were spent in read-
ing. Soon every leisure moment was occupied with
books. His thirst for knowledge became insatiate
and the selections which he made were continually
more elevating and instructive. He read history,
biography, oratory , and thus gradually there was en-
kindled in his heart a desire to be something more
than a mere worker with his hands; and he was be-
coming, almost unknown to himself, a well-informed,
educated man.

The young clothier had now attained the age of
nineteen years, and was of fine personal appearance
and of gentlemanly demeanor. It so happened that
there was a gentleman in the neighborhood of ample
pecuniary means and of benevolence, Judge Walter
Wood, who was struck with the prepossessing ap-
pearance of young Fillmore. He made his acquaint-
ance, and was so much impressed with his ability and
attainments that he advised him to abandon his
trade and devote himself to the study of the law. The
young man replied, that he had no means of his own,
no friends to help him and that his previous educa-
tion had been very imperfect. But Judge Wood had
so much confidence in him that he kindly offered to
take him into his own office, and to loan him such
money as he needed. Most gratefully the generous
offer was accepted.

There is in many minds a strange delusion about
a collegiate education. A young man is supposed to
be liberally educated if he has graduated at some col-
lege. But many a boy loiters through university halls
ind then enters a law office, who is by no meaas as

MILLARD FILLMORE.

well prepared to prosecute his legal studies as was
Millard Fillmore when he graduated at the clothing-
mill at the end of four years of manual labor, during
which every leisure moment had been devoted to in-
tense mental culture.

In 1823, when twenty-three years of age, he was
admitted to the Court of Common Pleas. He then
went to the village of Aurora, and commenced the
practice of law. In this secluded, peaceful region,
his practice of course was limited, and there was no
opportunity for a sudden rise in fortune or in fame.
Here, in the year 1826, he married a lady of great
moral worth, and one capable of adorning any station
she might be called to fill, Miss Abigail Powers.

His elevation of character, his untiring industry,
his legal acquirements, and his skill as an advocate,
gradually attracted attention ; and he was invited to
enter into partnership under highly advantageous
circumstances, with an elder member of the bar in
Buffalo. Just before removing to Buffalo, in 1829,
he took his seat in the House of Assembly, of the
State of New York, as a representative from Erie
County. Though he had never taken a very active
part in politics, his vote and his sympathies were with
the Whig party. The State was then Democratic,
and he found himself in a helpless minority in the
Legislature , still the testimony comes from all parties,
that his courtesy, ability and integrity, won, to a very
unusual degree the respect of his associates.

In the autumn of 1832, he was elected to a seat in
the United States Congress. He entered that troubled
arena in some of the most tumultuous hours of our
national history. The great conflict respecting the
national bank and the removal of the deposits, was
then raging.

His term of two years closed ; and he returned to
his profession, which he pursued with increasing rep-
utation and success. After a lapse of two years
he again became a candidate for Congress ; was re-
elected, and took his seat in 1837. His past expe-
rience as a representative gave him stiength and
confidence. The first term of service in Congress to
any man can be but little more than an introduction.
He was now prepared for active duty. All his ener-
gies were brought to bear upon the public good. Every
measure received his impress.

Mr. Fillmore was now a man of wide repute, and
his popularity filled the State, and in the year 1847,
he was elected Comptroller of the State.

Mr. Fillmore had attained the age of forty-seven
years. His labors at the bar, in the Legislature, in
Congress and as Comptroller, had given him very con-
siderable fame. The Whigs were casting about to
find suitable candidates for President and Vice-Presi-
dent at the approaching election. Far away, on the
waters of the Rio Grande, there was a rough old
soldier, who had fought one or two successful battles
with the Mexicans, which had caused his name to be
proclaimed in trumpet-tones all over the land. But
it was necessary to associate with him on the same
ticket some man of reputation as a statesman.

Under the influence of these considerations, the
names of Zachary Taylor and Millard Fillmore became
the rallying-cry of the Whigs, as their candidates for
President and Vice-Peesident. The Whig ticket was
signally triumphant. On the 4th of March, 1849,
Gen. Taylor was inaugurated President, and Millard
Fillmore Vice-President, of the United States.

On the 9th of July, 1850, President Taylor, but
about one year and four months after his inaugura
tion, was suddenly taken sick and died. By the Con-
stitution, Vice-President Fillmore thus became Presi-
dent. He appointed a very able cabinet, of which
the illustrious Daniel Webster was Secretary of State.

Mr. Fillmore had very serious difficulties to contend
with, since the opposition had a majority in both
Houses. He did everything in his power to conciliate
the South ; but the pro-slavery party in the South felt
the inadequacyof all measuresof transient conciliation.
The population of the free States was %o rapidly in-
creasing over that of the slave States that it was in-
evitable that the power of the Government should
soon pass into the hands of the free States. The
famous com promise measures were adopted under Mr.
Fillmcre's adminstration, and the Japan Expedition
was sent out. On the 4th of March, 1853, Mr. Fill-
more, having served one term, retired. .

In 1856, Mr. Fillmore was nominated for the Pres-
idency by the " Know Nothing " party, but was beaten
by Mr. Buchanan. After that Mr. Fillmore lived in
retirement. During the terrible conflict of civil war,
he was mostly silent. It was generally supposed that
his sympathies were rather with those who were en-
deavoring to overthrow our institutions. President
Fillmore kept aloof from the conflict, without any-
cordial words of cheer to the one party or the other.
He was thus forgotten by both. He lived to a ripe
old age, and died in Buffalo. N. Y., March 8, 1874.

LIBRARY

OF THE

UNIVERSITY of ILLINOIS

FOURTEENTH PRESIDENT.

RANKLIN PIERCE, the
fourteenth President of the
United States, was born in
Hillsborough, N. H., Nov.
23, 1804. His father was a
Revolutionary soldier, who,
with his own strong arm,
hewed out a home in the
wilderness. He was a man
of inflexible integrity ; of
strong, though uncultivated
mind, and an uncompromis-
ing Democrat. The mother of
Franklin Pierce was all that a son
could desire, an intelligent, pru-
dent, affectionate, Christian wom-

an. Franklin was the sixth of eight children.

Franklin was a very bright and handsome boy, gen-
erous, warm-hearted and brave. He won alike the
love of old and young. The boys on the play ground
loved him. His teachers loved him. The neighbors
looked upon him with pride and affection. He was
by instinct a gentleman; always speaking kind words,
doing kind deeds, with a peculiar unstudied tact
which taught him what was agreeable. Without de-
veloping any precocity of genius, or any unnatural
devotion to books, he was a good scholar ; in body,
in mind, in affections, a finely-developed boy.

When sixteen years of age, in the year 1820, he
entered Bowdoin College, at Brunswick, Me He was
one of the most popular young men in the college.
The purity of his moral character, the unvarying
courtesy of his demeanor, his rank as a scholar, and

genial nature, rendered him a universal favorite.
There was something very peculiarly winning in his
address, and it was evidently not in the slightest de-
gree studied : it was the simple outgushing of his
own magnanimous and loving nature.

Upon graduating, in the year 1824, Franklin Pierce
commenced the study of law in the office of Judge
Woodbury, one of the most distinguished lawyers of
the State, and a man of great private worth. The
eminent social qualities of the young lawyer, his
father's prominence as a public man, and the brilliant
political career into which Judge Woodbury was en-
tering, all tended to entice Mr. Pierce into the faci-
nating yet perilous path of political life. With all
the ardor of his nature he espoused the cause of Gen.
Jackson for the Presidency. He commenced the
practice of law in Hillsborough, and was soon elected
to represent the town in the State Legislature. Here
he served for four yeais. The last two years he was
chosen speaker of the house by a very large vote.

In 1833, at the age of twenty-nine, he was elected
a member of Congress. Without taking an active
part in debates, he was faithful and laborious in duty
and ever rising in the estimation of those with whom
he was associatad.

In 1837, being then but thirty-three years of age,
he was elected to the Senate of the United States;
taking his seat just as Mr. Van Buren commenced
his administration. He was the youngest member in
the Senate. In the year 1834. he married Miss Jane
Means Appleton, a lady of rare beauty and accom-
plishments, and one admirably fitted to adorn ever)'
station with which her husband was honoied. Of the

FRANKLIN PIERCE.

three sons who were born to them, all now sleep with
their parents in the grave.

In the year 1838, Mr. Pierce, with growing fame
and increasing business as a lawyer, took up his
residence in Concord, the capital of New Hampshire.
President Polk, upon his accession to office, appointed
Mr. Pierce attorney-general of the United States ; but
the offer was declined, in consequence of numerous
professional engagements at home, and the precariuos
state of Mrs. Pierce's health. Fie also, about the
same time declined the nomination for governor by the
Democratic party. The war with Mexico called Mr.
Pierce in the army. Receiving the appointment of
brigadier-general, he embarked, with a portion of his
troops, at Newport, R. I., on the 2yth of May, 1847.
He took an important part in this war, proving him-
self a brave and true soldier.

When Gen. Pierce 'reached his home in his native
State, he was received enthusiastically by the. advo-
cates of the Mexican war, and coldly by his oppo-
nents. He resumed the practice of his profession,
very frequently taking an active part in political ques-
tions, giving his cordial support to the pro-slavery
wing of the Democratic party. The compromise
measures met cordially with his approval; and he
strenuously advocated the enforcement of the infa-
mous fugitive-slave law, which so shocked the religious
sensibilities of the North. He thus became distin-
guished as a " Northern man with Southern principles.''
The strong partisans of slavery in the South conse-
quently regarded him as a man whom they could
safely trust in office to carry out their plans.

On the I2th of June, 1852, the Democratic conven-
tion met in Baltimore to nominate a candidate for the
Presidency. For four days they continued in session,
snd in thirty-five ballotings no one had obtained a
two-thirds vote. Not a vote thus far had been thrown
for Gen. Pierce. Trun the Virginia delegation
brought forward his name. There were fourteen
more ballotings, during which Gen. Pierce constantly
gained strength, until, at the forty-ninth ballot, he
received two hundred and eighty-two votes, and all
other candidates eleven. Gen. Winfield Scott was
the Whig candidate. Gen. Pierce was chosen with
great unanimity. Only four States Vermont, Mas-
sachusetts, Kentucky and Tennessee cast their
electoral votes against him Gen. Franklin Pierce
was therefore inaugurated President of the United
States on the 4th of March, 1853.

His administration proved one of the most stormy our
country had ever experienced. The controversy be
tween slavery and freedom was then approaching its
culminating point. It became evident that there was
an " irrepressible conflict" between them, and that
this Nation could not long exist " half slave and half
free." President Pierce, during the whole of his ad-
ministration, did every thing he could to conciliate
the South ; but it was all in vain. The conflict every
year grew more violent, and threats of the dissolution
of the Union were borne to the North on every South-
ern breeze.

SucVi was the condition of affairs when President
Pierce approached the close of his four-years' term
of office. The North had become thoroughly alien-
ated from him. The anti-slavery sentiment, goaded
by great outrages, had been rapidly increasing; all
the intellectual ability and social worth of President
Pierce were forgotten in deep reprehension, of his ad-
ministrative acts. The slaveholders of the South, also,
unmindful of the fidelity with which he had advo-
cated those measures of Government which they ap-
proved, and perhaps, also, feeling that he had
rendered himself so unpopular as no longer to be
able acceptably to serve them, ungratefully dropped
him, and nominated James Buchanan to succeed him.

On the 4th of March, 1857, President Pierce re-
tired to his home in Concord. Of three children, two
had died, and his only surviving child had been
killed before his eyes by a railroad accident ; and his
wife, one of the most estimable and accomplished of
ladies, was rapidly sinking in consumption. The
hour of dreadful gloom soon came, and he was left
alone in the world, without wife or child.

When the terrible Rebellion burst forth, which di-
vided our country into two parties, and two only, Mr.
Pierce remained steadfast in the principles which he
had always cherished, and gave his sympathies to
that pro-slavery party with which he had ever been
allied. He declined to do anything, either by voice
or pen, to strengthen the hand of the National Gov-
ernment. He continued to reside in Concord until
the time of his death, which occurred in October,
1869. He was one of the most genial and social of
men, an honored communicant of the Episcopal
Church, and one of the kindest of neighbors. Gen
erous to a fault, he contributed liberally for the al
leviation of suffering and want, and many of his towns
people were often gladened by his material bounty

LIIMMRr

FIFTEENTH PRESIDENT,

i- ,'i v, -..v.-V'..'! . v; 'i '..'i vy. '," : vv'i *. '. ':: .'>'.''' : >' : "i f .".' ."i 1 :*! 1 .'.'. v .>.' : V : .' : << : ,

1 : v : i 1 ; >' , - ,' ; .' .* v ; V ."i 1 .' -i'-."i' :>' : <<: v .' i: :< '. .v^ i '.i't'.'..v'..'i''...'i''.,'r'.-.'r..'i'V i i '. '. ', v. '. '.-.

AMES BUCHANAN, the fif-
teenth President of the United
States, was born in a small
frontier town, at the foot of the
eastern ridge of the Allegha-
nies, in Franklin Co., Penn., on
the 23d of April, 1791. The place
where the humble cabin of his
father stood was called Stony
Batter. It was a wild and ro-
mantic spot in a gorge of the moun-
tains, with towering summits rising
grandly all around. His father
was a native of the north of Ireland ;
a poor man, who had emigrated in
1783, with little property save his
Five years afterwards he married
Elizabeth Spear, the daughter of a respectable farmer,
and, with his young bride, plunged into the wilder-
ness, staked his claim, reared his log-hut, opened a
clearing with his axe, and settled down there to per-
form his obscure part in the drama of life. In this se-
cluded home, where James was born, he remained
for eight years, enjoying but few social or intellectual
advantages. When James was eight years of age, his
father removed to the village of Mercersburg, where
his son was placed at school, and commenced a
course of study in English, Latin and Greek. His
progress was rapid, and at the age of fourteen, he
entered Dickinson College, at Carlisle. Here he de-
veloped remarkable talent, and took his stand among
the first scholars in the institution. His application
to study was intense, and yet his native powers en-

own strong arms.

abled him to master the most abstruse subjects wi '-
facility.

In the year 1809, he graduated with the highest
honors of his clast. 1 . He was then eighteen years ol
age; tall and graceful, vigorous in health, fond of
athletic sport, an unerring shot, and enlivened with
an exuberant flow of animal spirits. He immediately
commenced the study of law in the city of Lancaster,
and was admitted to the bar in 1812, when he was
but twenty-one years of age. Very rapidly he rose
in his profession, and at once took undisputed stand
with the ablest lawyers of the State. When but
twenty-six years of age, unaided by counsel, he suc-
cessfully defended before the State Senate ore of the
judges of the State, who was tried upon articles of
impeachment. At the age of thirty it was generally
admitted that he stood at the head of the bar; and
there was no lawyer in the State who had a more lu-
crative practice.

In. 1820, he reluctantly consented to run as a
candidate for Congress. He was elected, and for
ten years he remained a member of the Lower House.
During the vacations of Congress, he occasionally
tried some important case. In 1831, he retired
altogether from the toils of his profession, having ac-
quired an ample fortune.

Gen. Jackson, upon his elevation to the Presidency,
appointed Mr. Buchanan minister to Russia. The
duties of his mission he performed with ability, which
gave satisfaction to all parties. Upon his return, in
1833, he was elected to a seat in the United Status
Senate. He there met, as his associates, Webster.
Clay, Wright and Calhoun. He advocated the meas-
ures proposed by President Jackson, cf iv..ik/ng repri-

7<5

JAMES BUCHANAN.

sals against France, to enforce the payment of our
claims against that country ; and defended the course
of the President in his unprecedented and wholesale
removal from office of those who were not the sup-
porters of his administration. Upon this question he
was brought into direct collision with Henry Clay.
He also, with voice and vote, advocated expunging
from the journal of the Senate the vote of censure
against Gen. Jackson for removing the deposits.
Earnestly he opposed the abolition of slavery in the
District of Columbia, and urged the prohibition of the
circulation of anti-slavery documents by the United
States mails.

As to petitions on the subject of slavery, he advo-
cated that they should be respectfully received; and
that the reply should be returned, that Congress had
no power to legislate upon the subject. " Congress,"
said he, " might as well undertake to interfere with
slavery under a foreign government as in any of the
States where it now exists."

Upon Mr. Folk's accession to the Presidency, Mr.
Buchanan became Secretary of State, and as such,
took his share of the responsibility in the conduct of
the Mexican War. Mr. Polk assumed that crossing
the Nueces by the American troops into the disputed
territory was not wrong, but for the Mexicans to cross
the Rio Grande into that territory was a declaration
of war. No candid man can read with pleasure the
account of the course our Government pursued in that
movement

Mr. Buchanan identified himself thoroughly with
the party devoted to the perpetuation and extension
of slavery, and brought all the energies of his mind
to bear against the Wilmot Proviso. He gave his
cordial approval to the compromise measures of 1050,
which included the fugitive-slave law. Mr. Pierce,
upon his election to the Presidency, honored Mr.
Bucrianan with the mission to England.

In the year 1856, a national Democratic conven-
tion nominated Mr. Buchanan for the Presidency. The
political conflict was one of the most severe in which
our country has ever engaged. All the friends of
slavery were on one side; all the advocates of its re-
striction and final abolition, on the other. Mr. Fre-
mont, the candidate of the enemies of slavery, re-
ceived 1 14 electoral votes. Mr. Buchanan received
174, and was elected. The popular vote stood
1,340,618, for Fremont, 1,224,750 for Buchanan. On
March 4th. 1857, Mr. Buchanan was inaugurated.

Mr. Buchanan was far advanced in life. Only four
vears were wanting to fill up his threescore years and
ten. His own friends, those with whom he had been
allied in political principles and action for years, were
seeking the destruction of the Government, that they
might rear upon the ruins of our free institutions a
nation whose corner-stone should be human slavery.
In this emergency, Mr. Buchanan was hopelessly be-
wildered He could not, with his long-avowed prin-

ciples, consistently oppose the State-rights party in
their assumptions. As President of the United States,
bound by his oath faithfully to administer the laws
he could not, without perjury of the grossest kind,
unite with those endeavoring to overthrow the repub-
lic. He therefore did nothing.

The opponents of Mr. Buchanan's administration
nominated Abraham Lincoln as their standard bearer
in the next Presidential canvass. The pro-slavery
party declared, that if he were elected, and the con-
trol of the Government were thus taken from their
hands, they would secede from the Union, taking
with them, as they retired, the National Capitol at
Washington, and the lion's share of the territory of
the United States.

Mr. Buchanan's sympathy with the pro-slavery
party was such, that he had been willing to offer them
far more than they had ventured to claim. All the
South had professed to ask of the North was non-
intervention upon the subject of slavery. Mr. Bu-
chanan had been ready to offer them the active co-
operation of the Government to defend and extend
the institution.

As the storm increased in violence, the slaveholders
claiming the right to secede, and Mr. Buchanan avow-
ing that Congress had no power to prevent it, one of
the most pitiable exhibitions of governmental im-
becility was exhibited the world has ever seen. He
declared that Congress had no power to enforce its
laws in any State which had withdrawn, or which
was attempting to withdraw from the Union. This
was not the doctrine of Andrew Jackson, when, with
his hand upon his sword hilt, he exclaimed. "The
Union must and shall be preserved!"

South Carolina seceded in December, 1860; nearly
three months before the inauguration of President
Lincoln. Mr. Buchanan looked on in listless despair.
The rebel flag was raised in Charleston: Fort Sumpter
was besieged ; our forts, navy-yards and arsenals
were seized ; our depots of military stores were plun-
dered ; and our custom-houses and post-offices were
appropriated by the rebels.

The energy of the rebels, and the imbecility of our
Executive, were alike marvelous. The Nation looked
on in agony, waiting for the slow weeks to glide away,
and close the administration, so terrible in its weak-
ness At length the long-looked-for hour of deliver-
ance came, when Abraham Lincoln was to receive the
scepter.

The administration of President Buchanan was
certainly the most calamitous our country has ex-
perienced. His best friends cannot recall it with
pleasure. And still more deplorable it is for his fame,
that in that dreadful conflict which rolled its billows
of flame and blood over our whole land, no word came
from his lips to indicate his wish that our country's
banner should triumph over the flag of the rebellion
He died at his Wheailand retreat, June i, i863.

LIBRARY

Of THE

UNIVERSITY of ILLINOIS

SIXTEENTH

a j ABRAHAM ">

p < LINCOLN. )> ?

BRAHAM LINCOLN, the

sixteenth President of the
United States, was born in
Hardin Co., Ky., Feb. 12,
1809. About the year 1780, a
man by the name of Abraham
Lincoln left Virginia with his
family and moved into the then
wilds of Kentucky. Only two years
after this emigration, still a young
man, while working one day in a
field, was stealthily approached by
an Indian and shot dead. His widow
was left in extreme poverty with five
little children, three boys and two
girls. Thomas, the youngest of the
boys, was four years of age at his
father's death. This Thomas was
the father of Abraham Lincoln, the
President of the United States
whose name must henceforth forever be enrolled
with the most prominent in the annals of our world.
Of course no record has been kept of the life
of one so lowly as Thomas Lincoln. He was among
the poorest of the poor. His home was a wretched
log-cabin; his food the coarsest and the meanest.
Education he had none; he could never either read
or write. As soon as he was able to do anything for
himself, he was compelled to leave the cabin of his
starving mother, and push out into the world, a friend-
.ess, wandering boy, seeking work. He hired him-
self out, and thus spent the whole of his youth as a
2iborer in the fields of others.

When twenty-eight years of age he built a log-
cabin of his own, and married Nancy Hanks, the
daughter of another family of poor Kentucky emi-
grants, who had also come from Virginia. Their
second child was Abraham Lincoln, the subject of
this sketch. The mother of Abraham was a noble
voman, gentle, loving, pensive, created to adorn
a palace, doomed to toil and pine, and die in a hovel.
"All that I am, or hope to be," exclaims the grate-
ful son " I owe to my angel-mother. "

When he was eight years of age, his father sold his

cabin and small farm, and moved to Indiana Wher-
two years later his mother died.

Abraham soon became the scribe of the uneducated
community around him. He could not have had a
better school than this to teach him to put thoughts
into words. He also became an eager reader. The
books he could obtain were few ; but these he fead
and re-read until they were almost committf 1 ^ tc
memory.

As the years rolled on, the lot of this lowly faroil)
was the usual lot of humanity. Thi're were joys anfl
griefs, weddings and funerals. Abraham's sistt'v
Sarah, to whom he was tenderly attached, was mai
ried when a child of but fourteen years of age, and
soon died. The family was gradually scattered. Mr
Thomas Lincoln sold out his squatter's claim in 1830
and emigrated to Macon Co., 111.

Abraham Lincoln was then twenty-one years of age.
With vigorous hands he aided his father in rearing
another log-cabin. Abraham worked diligently at this
until he saw the family comfortably settled, and theit
small lot of enclosed prairie planted with corn, when
he announced to his father his intention to leave
home, and to go out into the world and seek his for-
tune. Little did he or his friends imagine how bril-
liant that fortune was to be. He saw the value of
education and was intensely earnest to improve his
mind to the utmost of his power He saw the ruin
which ardent spirits were causing, and became
strictly temperate ; refusing to allow a drop of intoxi-
cating liquor to pass his lips. And he had read in
God's word, " Thou shall not take the name of tlv.
Lord thy God in vain ;" and a profane expression he
was never heard to utter. Religion he revered. His
morals were pure, and he was uncontaminated by a
single vice.

Young Abraham worked for a time as a hired laborei
among the farmers. Then he went to Springfield,
where he was employed in building a large flat-boat
In this he took a herd of swine, floated them down
the Sangamon to the Illinois, and thence by the Mis-
sissippi to New Orleans. Whatever Abraham Lin-
coln undertook, he performed so faithfully as to give
great satisfaction to his employers. In this adven

ABRAHAM LINCOLN.

ture his employers were so well pleased, that upon
his return they placed a store and mill under his care.

In 1832, at the outbreak of the Black Hawk war, he
enlisted and was chosen captain of a company. He
returned to Sangamon County, and although only 23
years of age, was a candidate for the Legislature, but
was defeated. He soon after received from Andrew
Jackson the appointment of Postmaster of New Salem,
His only post-office was his hat. All the letters he
received he carried there ready to deliver to those
he chanced to meet. He studied surveying, and soon
made this his business. In 1834 he again became a
candidate for the Legislature, and was elected Mr.
Stuart, of Springfield, advised him to study law. He
walked from New Salem to Springfield, borrowed of
Mr. Stuart a load of books, carried them back and
began his legal studies. When the Legislature as-
sembled he trudged on foot with his pack on his back
one hundred miles to Vandalia, then the capital. In
1836 he was re-elected to the Legislature. Here it
was he first met Stephen A. Douglas. In 1839 he re-
moved to Springfield and began the practice of law.
His success with the jury was so great that he was
soon engaged in almost every noted case in the circuit.

In r854 the great discussion began between Mr.
Lincoln and Mr. Douglas, on the slavery question.
In the organization of the Republican party in Illinois,
in r856, he took an actiye part, and at once became
one of the leaders in that party. Mr. Lincoln's
speeches in opposition to Senator Douglas in the con-
test in 1858 for a seat in the Senate, form a most
notable part of his history. The issue was on the
ilavery question, and he took the broad ground of
.he Declaration of Independence, that all men are
created equal. Mr. Lincoln was defeated in this con-
test, but won a far higher prize.

The great Republican Convention met at Chicago
on the i6th of June, 1860. The delegates and
strangers who crowded the city amounted to twenty-
five thousand. An immense building called "The
Wigwam," was reared to accommodate the Conven-
tion. There were eleven candidates for whom votes
were thrown. William H. Seward, a man whose fame
as a statesman had long filled the land, was the most
prominent. It was generally supposed he would be
the nominee. Abraham Lincoln, however, received
the nomination on the third ballot. Little did he then
dream of the weary years of toil and care, and the
bloody death, to which that nomination doomed him :
and as little did he dream that he was to render services
to his country, which would fix upon him the eyes of
the whole civilized world, and which would give him
a place in the affections of his countrymen, second
r,nly, if second, to that of Washington.

Election day came and Mr. Lincoln received 180
electoral votes out of 263 cast, and was, therefore,
constitutionally elected President of the United States.
The tirade of abuse that vas poured upon this good

and merciful man, especially by the slaveholders, was
greater than upon any other man ever elected to this
high position. In February, 1861, Mr. Lincoln started
for Washington, stopping in all the large cities on his
way making speeches. The whole journey was fraught
with much danger. Many of the Southern States had
already seceded, and several attempts at assassination
were afterwards brought to light. A gang in Balti-
more had arranged, upon his arrival to "get up a row,"
and in the confusion to make sure of his death with
revolvers and hand-grenades. A detective unravelled
the plot. A secret and special train was provided to
take him from Harrisburg, through Baltimore, at an
unexpected hour of the night. The train started at
half-past ten ; and to prevent any possible communi-
cation on the part ot the Secessionists with their Con-
federate gang in Baltimore, as soon as the train haa
started the telegraph-wires were cut. Mr. Lincoln
reached Washington in safety and was inaugurated,
although great anxiety was felt by all loyal people,
In the selection of his cabinet Mr. Lincoln gave
to Mr. Seward the Department of State, and to other
prominent opponents before the convention he gave
important positions.

During no other administration have the duties
devolving upon the President been so manifold, and
the responsibilities so great, as those which fell to
the lot of President Lincoln. Knowing this, and
feeling his own weakness and inability to meet, and in
his own strength to cope with, the difficulties, he
learned early to seek Divine wisdom and guidance in
determining his plans, and Divine comfort in all his
trials, bo'.h personal and national. Contrary to his
own estimate of himself, Mr. Lincoln was one of the
most courageous of men. He went directly into the
rebel capital just as the retreating foe was leaving,
with no guard but a few sailors. From the time he
had left Springfield, in 1861, however, plans had been
made for his assassination,and he at last fell a victim
to one of them. April 14, 1865, he, with Gen. Grant,
was urgently invited to attend Fords' Theater. It
was announced that they would Le present. Gen.
Grant, however, left the city. President Lincoln, feel-
ing, witti his characteristic kindliness of heart, that
it would be a disappointment if he should fail them,
very reluctantly consented to go. While listening to
the play an actor by the name of John Wilkes Booth
entered the box where the President and family were
seated, and fired a bullet into his brains. He died the
next morning at seven o'clock.
Never before, in the history of the world was a nation
plunged into such deep grief by the death of its ruler.
Strong men met in the streets and wept in speechless
anguish. It is not too much to say that a nation was
in tears. His was a life which will fitly become a
model. His name as the savior of his country will
live with that of Washington's, its father; hisco-:ntry-
men being unable to decide which s t1>e greater.

LIBRARY

Of THE
UNIVERSITY of ILLINOIS

B - - - ,

SEVENTEENTH PRESIDENT.

NDREW JOHNSON, seven-
teenth President of the United
States. The early life of
Andrew Johnson contains but
the record of poverty, destitu-
tion and friendlessness. He
was born December 29, 1808,
in Raleigh, N. C. His parents,
belonging to the class of the
"poor whites " of the South, were
in such circumstances, that they
cou'd not cr;nf:r ,:ej\ the slight-
est advantages of education upon
their child. When Andrew was five
years of age, his father accidentally
lost his life while herorically endeavoring to save a
friend from drowning. TT nul teri years of age, Andrew
was a ragged boy abour the streets, supported by the
labor of his mother, who obtained her living with
her own hands.

He then, having never attended a school one day,
and being unable either to read or write, was ap-
prenticed to a tailor in his native town. A gentleman
was in the habit of going to the tailor's shop occasion-
ally, and reading to the boys at work there. He often
read from the speeches of distinguished British states-
men. Andrew, who was endowed with a mind of more
than ordinary native ability, became much interested
in these speeches ; his ambition was roused, and he
was inspired with a strong desire to learn to read.

He accordingly applied himself to the alphabet, and
with the assistance of some of his fellow- workmen,
^earned his letters. He then called upon the gentle-
man to borrow the book of speeches. The owner,

pleased with his zeal, not only gave him the boose,
but assisted him in learning to combine the letters
into words. Under such difficulties he pressed ou
ward laboriously, spending usually ten or twelve hours
at work in the shop, and then robbing himself of rest
and recreatior to devote such time as he could to
reading.

He went to Tennessee in 1826, and located at
Greenville, where he married a young lady who pos
sessed some education. Under her instructions he
learned to write and cipher. He became prominent
in the village debating society, and a favorite with
the students of Greenville College. In 1828, he or-
ganized a working man's party, which elected him
alderman, and in 1830 elected him mayor, which
position he held three years.

He now began to take a lively interest in political
affairs ; identifying himself with the working-classes,
to which he belonged. In 1835, he was elected a
member of the House of Representatives of Tennes-
see. He was then just twenty-seven years of age.
He became a very active member of the legislature
gave his adhesion to the Democratic party, and in
1840 "stumped the State," advocating Martin Tan
Buren's claims to the Presidency, in opposition to thoSv.
of Gen. Harrison. In this campaign he acquired much
readiness as a speaker, and extended and increased
his reputation.

In 1841, he was elected State Senator; in 1843, he
was elected a member of Congress, and by successive
elections, held that important post for ten years. In
1853, he was elected Governor of Tennessee, and
was re-elected in 1855. In all these responsible posi
tions, he discharged his duties with distinguished abi.

ANDRE W JOHNSON.

ity, and proved himself the warm friend of the work-
ing classes. In 1857, Mr. Johnson was elected
United States Senator.

Years before, in 1845, he had warmly advocated
the annexation of Texas, stating however, as his
reason, that he thought this annexation would prob-
ably prove " to be the gateway out of which the sable
sons of Africa are to pass from bondage to freedom,
fl.nd become merged in a population congenial to
themselves." In 1850, he also supported the com-
promise measures, the two essential features of which
were, that the white people of the Territories should
be permitted to decide for themselves whether they
Would enslave the colored people or not, and that
the free States of the North should return to the
South persons who attempted to escape from slavery.

Mr. Johnson was never ashamed of his lowly origin:
on the contrary, he often took pride in avowing that
he owed his distinction to his own exertions. "Sir, 1 '
said he on the floor of the Senate, " I do not forget
that I am a mechanic ; neither do I forget that Adam
was a tailor and sewed fig-leaves, and that our Sav-
ior was the son of a carpenter."

In the Charleston- Baltimore convention of 18(^0, ne
(was the choice of the Tennessee Democrats for the
presidency. In 1861, when the purpose of the South-
2rn Democracy became apparent, he took a decided
stand in favor of the Union, and held that " slavery
must be held subordinate to the Union at whatever
cost." He returned to Tennessee, and repeatedly
imperiled his own life to protect the Unionists of
Tennesee. Tennessee having seceded from the
Union, President Lincoln, on March 4th, 1862, ap-
pointed him Military Governor of the State, and he
established the most stringent military rule. His
numerous proclamations attracted wide attention. In

1864, he was elected Vice-President of the United
States, and upon the death of Mr. Lincoln, April 15,

1865, became President. In a speech two days later
he said, " The American people must be taught, if
they do not already feel, that treason is a crime and
must be punished ; that the Government will not
always bear with its l enemies ; that it is strong not
only to protect, but to punish. * * The people
must understand that it (treason) is the blackest of
crimes, and will surely be punished." Yet his whole
administration, the history of which is so well known,
was in utter inconsistency with, and the most violent

opposition to, the principles laid down in that speech.

In his loose policy of reconstruction and general
amnesty, he was opposed by Congress ; and he char-
acterized Congress as a new rebellion, and lawlessly
defied it, in everything possible, to the utmost. In
the beginning of 1868, on account of "high crimes
and misdemeanors," the principal of which was the
removal of Secretary Stanton, in violation of the Ten-
ure of Office Act, articles of impeachment were pre-
ferred against him, and the trial began March 23.

It was very tedious, continuing for nearly three
months. A test article of the impeachment was at
length submitted to the court for its action. It was
certain that as the court voted upon that article so
would it vote upon all. Thirty-four voices pronounced
the President guilty. As a two-thirds vote was neces-
sary to his condemnation, he was pronounced ac-
quitted, notwithstanding the great majority against
him. The change of one vote from the not guilty
side would have sustained the impeachment.

The President, for the remainder of his term, was
but little regarded. He continued, though impotent!--,
his conflict with Congress. His own party did not
think it expedient to renominate him for the Presi-
dency. The Nation rallied, with enthusiasm unpar-
alleled since the days of Washington, around the name
of Gen. Grant. Andrew Johnson was forgotten.
The bullet of the assassin introduced him to the
President's chair. Notwithstanding this, never was
there presented to a man a better opportunity to im-
mortalize his name, and to win the gratitude of a
nation. He failed utterly. He retired to his home
in Greenville, Tenn., taking no very active part in
politics until 1875. On Jan. 26, after an exciting
struggle, he was chosen by the Legislature of Ten-
nessee, United States Senator in the forty-fourth Con-
gress, and took his seat in that body, at the special
session convened by President Grant, on the 51)1 of
March. On the 27th of July, 1875, the ex-President
made a visit to his daughter's home, near Carter
Station, Tenn. When he started on his journey, he was
apparently in his usual vigorous health, but on reach-
ing the residence of his child the following day, was
stricken with paralysis, rendering him unconscious.
He rallied occasionally, but finally passed away at
2 A.M., July 31, aged sixty-seven years. His fun-
eral was attended at Geenville, on the 3d of August,
with every demonstration of respect-

LIBRARY

OF THE

UNIVERSITY of ILLINOIS

EIGHTEENTH PRESIDENT.

LYSSES S. GRANT, the
eighteenth President of the
United States, was born on
the 2gth of April, 1822, of
Christian parents, in a humble
home, at Point Pleasant, on the
banks of the Ohio. Shortly after
his father moved to George-
town, Brown Co., O. In this re-
mote frontier hamlet, Ulysses
received a common-school edu-
cation. At the age of seven-
teen, in the year 1839, he entered
the Military Academy at West
Point. Here he was regarded as a
solid, sensible young man of fair abilities, and of
sturdy, honest character. He took respectable rank
as a scholar. In June, 1843, he graduated, about the
middle in his class, and was sent as lieutenant of in-
fantry to one of the distant military posts in the Mis-
souri Territory. Two years he past in these dreary
solitudes, watching the vagabond and exasperating
Indians.

The war with Mexico came. Lieut. Grant was
sent with his regiment to Corpus Christi. His first
battle was at Palo Alto. There was no chance here
for the exhibition of either skill or heroism, nor at
Resaca de la Palma, his second battle. At the battle
of Monterey, his third engagement, it is said that
fle performed a signal service of daring and skillful
horsemanship. His brigade had exhausted its am-
munition. A messenger must be sent for more, along
a route exposed to the bullets of the foe. Lieut.
Grant, adopting an expedient learned of the Indians,
grasped the mane of his horse, and hanging upon one
side of the aninsil, ran the gauntlet in entire safety.

From Monterey he was sent, with the fourth infantry,
ro aid Gen. Scott, at the siege of Vera Cruz. In
preparation for the march to the city of Mexico, he
was appointed quartermaster of his regiment. At the
battle of Molino del Rey, he was promoted to a
first lieutenancy, and was brevetted captain at Cha-
pultepec.

At the close of the Mexican War, Capt. Grant re-
turned with his regiment to New York, and was again
sent to one of the military posts on the frontier. The
discovery of gold in California causing an immense
tide of emigration to flow to the Pacific shores, Capt.
Grant was sent with a battalion to Fort Dallas, in
Oregon, for the protection of the interests of the im-
migrants. Life was wearisome in those wilds. Capt.
Grant resigned his commission and returned to the
States ; and having married, entered upon the cultiva-
tion of a small farm near St. Louis, Mo. He had but
little skill as a farmer. Finding his toil not re-
munerative, he turned to mercantile life, entering into
the leather business, with a younger brother, at Ga-
lena, 111. This was in the year 1860. As the tidings
of the rebels firing on Fort Sumpter reached the ears
of Capt. Grant in his counting-room, he said,
"Uncle Sam has educated me for the army: though
I have served him through one war, I do not feel that
I have yet repaid the debt. I am still ready to discharge
my obligations. I shall therefore buckle on my tword
and see Uncle Sam through this war too."
He went into the streets, raised a company of vol-
unteers, and led them as their captain to Springfield,
the capital of the State, where their services were
offered to Gov. Yates. The Governor, impressed by
the zeal and straightforward executive ability of Capt.
Grant, gave him a desk in his office, to assist in the
volunteer organization that was being formed in the
State in behalf of the Government. On the ic*^ of

ULYSSES S. GRANT.

June, 1 86 1, Capt. Grant received a commission as
Colonel of the Twenty-first Regiment of Illinois Vol-
unteers. His merits as a West Point graduate, who
had served for 15 years in the regular army, were such
that he was soon promoted to the rank of Brigadier-
General and was placed in command at Cairo. The
rebels raised their banner at Paducah, near the mouth
of the Tennessee River. Scarcely had its folds ap-
peared in the breeze ere Gen. Grant was there. The
rebels fled. Their banner fell, and the star and
stripes were unfurled in its stead.

He entered the service with great determination
and immediately began active duty. This was the be-
ginning, and until the surrender of Lee at Richmond
he was ever pushing the enemy with great vigor and
effectiveness. At Belmont, a few days later, he sur-
prised and routed the rebels, then at Fort Henry
won another victory. Then came the brilliant fight
at Fort Donelson. The nation was electrified by the
victory, and the brave leader of the boys in blue was
immediately made a Major-General, and the military
listrict of Tennessee was assigned to him.

Like all great captains, Gen. Grant knew well how
to secure the results of victory. He immediately
pushed on to the enemies' lines. Then came the
terrible battles of Pittsburg Landing, Corinth, and the
siege of Vicksburg, where Gen. Pemberton made an
unconditional surrender of the city with over thirty
thousand men and one-hundred and seventy-two can-
non. The fall of Vicksburg was by far the most
severe blow which the rebels had thus far encountered,
and opened up the Mississippi from Cairo to the Gulf.

Gen. Grant was next ordered to co-operate with
Gen. Banks in a movement upon Texas, and pro-
ceeded to New Orleans, where he was thrown from
his horse, and received severe injuries, from which he
was laid up for months. He then rushed to the aid
of Gens. Rosecrans and Thomas at Chattanooga, and
by a wonderful series of strategic and technical meas-
ures put the Union Army in fighting condition. Then
followed the bloody battles at Chattanooga, Lookout
Mountain and Missionary Ridge, in which the rebels
were routed with great loss. This won for him un-
bounded praise in the North. On the 4th of Febru-
ary, 1864, Congress revived the grade of lieutenant-
general, and the rank was conferred on Gen. Grant.
He repaired to Washington to receive his credentials
ai:d enter upon tbf duties of his new office

Gen. Grant decided as soon as he took charge of
the army to concentrate the widely-dispersed National
troops for an attack upon Richmond, the nominal
capital of the Rebellion, and endeavor there to de-
stroy the rebel armies which would be promptly as-
sembled from all quarters for its defence. The whole
continent seemed to tremble under the tramp of these
majestic armies, rushing to the decisive battle field.
Steamers were crowded with troops. Railway trains
were burdened H'ith closely packed thousands. His
plans were comprehensive and involved a series of
campaigns, which were executed with remarkable en-
ergy and ability, and were consummated at the sur-
render of Lee, April 9, 1865.

The war was ended. The Union was saved. The
almost unanimous voice of the Nation declared Gen.
Grant to be the most prominent instrument in its sal-
vation. The eminent services he had thus rendered
the country brought him conspicuously forward as the
Republican candidate for the Presidential chair.

At the Republican Convention held at Chicago.
May 21, 1868, he was unanimously nominated for the
Presidency, and at the autumn election received a
majority of the popular vote, and 214 out of 294
electoral votes.

The National Convention of the Republican party
which met at Philadelphia on the 5th of June, 1872,
placed Gen. Grant in nomination for a second term
by a unanimous vote. The selection was emphati-
cally indorsed by the people five months later, 292
electoral votes being cast for him.

Soon after the close of his second term, Gen. Grant
started upon his famous trip around the world. He
visited almost every country of the civilized world,
and was everywhere received with such ovations
and demonstrations of respect and honor, private
as well as public and official, as were never before
bestowed upon any citizen of the United States.

He was the most prominent candidate before the
Republican National Convention in 1880 for a re-
nomination for President. He went to New York and
embarked in the brokerage business under the firm
nameof Grant & Ward. The latter proved a villain,
wrecked Grant's fortune, and for larceny was sent to
the penitentiary. The General was attacked with
cancer in the throat, but suffered in his stoic-like
manner, never complaining. He was re-instated as
General of the Army and retired by Congress. The
cancer soon finished its deadly work, and July 23,
1885, the nation wenf in mourning over the death of
the illustrious General.

LIBRARf
Of THC

NINETEENTH PRESIDENT.

UTHERFORD B. HAYES,
the nineteenth President of
the United States, was born in
Delaware, O., Oct. 4, 1822, al-
most three months after the
death of his father, Rutherford
Hayes. His ancestry on both
the paternal and maternal sides,
was of the most honorable char-
acter. It can be traced, it is said,
as far back as 1280, when Hayes and
Rutherford were two Scottish chief-
tains, fighting side by side with
Baliol, William Wallace and Robert
Bruce. Both families belonged to the
nobility, owned extensive estates,
and had a large following. Misfor-
iflne cvvtcaking the family, George Hayes left Scot-
.and in i6<So, and settled in Windsor, Conn. His son
George wai; born in Windsor, and remained there
during his life. Daniel Hayes, son of the latter, mar-
ried Sarah Lee, and lived from the time of his mar-
riage until his death in Simsbury, Conn. Ezekiel,
son of Daniel, was born in 1724. and was a manufac-
turer of scythes; at Bradford, Conn. Rutherford Hayes,
son of Ezekiel ai/d grandfather of President Hayes, was
born in New Haven, in August, 1756. He was a farmer,
blacksmith and tavern-keeper. He emigrated to
Vermont at an unknown date, settling in Brattleboro,
where he established a hotel. Here his son Ruth-
erford Hayes the father of President Hayes, was

born. He was married, in September, 1813, to Sophia
Birchard, of Wilmington, Vt., whose ancestors emi-
grated thither from Connecticut, they having been
among the wealthiest and best famlies of Norwich.
Her ancestry on the male side are traced back to
1635, to John Birchard, one of the principal founders
of Norwich. Both of her grandfathers were soldiers
in the Revolutionary War.

The father of President Hayes was an industrious,
frugal and opened-hearted man. He was of a me-
chanical turn, and could mend a plow, knit a stock-
ing, or do almost anything else that he choose to
undertake. He was a member of the Church, active
in all the benevolent enterprises of the town, and con-
ducted his business on Christian principles. After
the close of the war of 1812, for reasons inexplicable
to his neighbors, he resolved to emigrate to Ohio.

The journey from Vermont to Ohio in that day
when there were no canals, steamers, nor railways,
was a very serious affair. A tour of inspection was
first made, occupying four months. Mr. Hayes deter
mined to move to Delaware, where the family arrived
in 1817. He died July 22, 1822, a victim of malarial
fever, less than three months before the birth of the
son, of whom we now write. Mrs. Hayes, in her sore be-
reavement, found the support she so much needed in
her brother Sardis, who had been a member of the
household from the day of its departure from Ver-
mont, and in an orphan girl whom she had adopted
some time before as an act of charity.

Mrs. Hayes at this period was very weak, and the

RUTHERFORD B. HAYES.

subject of this sketch was so feeble at birth that he
was not expected to live beyond a month or two at
most. As the months went by he grew weaker and
weaker, so that the neighbors were in the habit of in-
quiring from time to time " if Mrs. Hayes' baby died
last night." On one occasion a neighbor, who was on
familiar terms with the family, after alluding to the
Iboy's big head, and the mother's assiduous care of
him, said in a bantering way, " That's right ! Stick to
him. You have got him along so far, and I shouldn't
wonder if he would really come to something yet."

" You need not laugh," said Mrs. Hayes. " You
ivait and see. You can't tell but I shall make him
President of the United States yet." The boy lived,
in spite of the universal predictions of his speedy
death; and when, in 1825, his older brother was
drowned, he became, if possible, still dearer to his
mother.

The boy was seven years old before he w<:nt to
school. His education, however, was not neglected.
He probably learned as much from his mother and
sister as he would have done at school. His sports
were, almost wholly within doors, his playmates being
his sister and her associates. These circumstances
tended, no doubt, to foster that gentleness of dispo-
sition, and that delicate consideration for the feelings
of others, which are marked traits of his character.

His uncle Sardis Birchard took the deepest interest
j'n his education ; and as the boy's health had im-
proved, and he was making good progress in his
'studies, he proposed to send him to college. His pre-
paration commenced with a tutor at home; but he
was afterwards sent for one year to a professor in the
Wesleyan University, in Middletown, Conn. He en-
tered Kenyon College in 1838,3! the age of sixteen,
and was graduated ftt the head of his class in 1842.

Immediately after his graduation he began the
study of law in the office pf Thomas Sparrow, Esq.,
in Columbus. Finding his opportunities for study in
Columbus somewhat limited, he determined to enter
the Law School at Cambridge, Mass., where he re-
mained two years.

Irj 1845, after graduating at the Law School, he was
admitted to the bar at Marietta, Ohio, and shortly
afterward went into practice as an attorney-at-law
with Ralph P. Buckland, of Fremont. Here he re-
mained three years, acquiring but a limited practice,
and apparently unambitious of distinction in his pro-
fession.

Vi 1849 he moved to Cincinnati, where his ambi-
tion founq a new stimulus. For several years, how-
ever, his progress was slow. Two events, occurring at
this period, had a powerful influence upon his subse-
quent Mfe. One of these was his marrage with Miss
'Lucy Ware Webb, daughter of Dr. James Webb, of
Chilicothe; the othev was his introduction to the Cin-
cinnati Literary Club, a body embracing among its
members such, men as c hief Justice Salmon

Gen. John Pope, Gov. Edward F. Noyes, and many
others hardly less distinguished in after life. The
marriage was a fortunate one in every respect, as
everybody knows. Not one of all the wives of our
Presidents was more universally admired, reverenced
and beloved than was Mrs. Hayes, and no one did
more than she to reflect honor upon American woman
hood. The Literary Cluu brought Mr. Hayes into
constant association with young men of high char-
acter and noble aims, and lured him to display the
qualities so long hidden by his bashfulne^s and
modesty.

In 1856 he was nominated to the office of Judgs of
the Court of Common Pleas; but he declined to ac.
cept the nomination. Two years later, the office ol
city solicitor becoming vacant, the City Council
elected him for the unexpired term.

In 1861, when the Rebellion broke out, he was at
trie zenith of his professional lif .. His rank at the
bar was among the the first. But the news of the
attack on Fort Sumpter found him eager to take -ID
arms for the defense of his country.

His military record was bright and illustrious. In
October, 1861, he was made Lieutenant-Colonel, and
in August, 1862, promoted Colonel of the ygth Ohio
regiment, but he refused to leave his old comrades
and go among strangers. Subsequently, however, he
was made Colonel of his old regiment. At the battle
of South Mountain he received a wound, and while
faint and bleeding displayed courage and fortitude
that won admiration from all.

Col. Hayes was detached from his regiment, after
his recovery, to act as Brigadier-General, and placed
in command of the celebrated Kanawha division,
and for gallant and meritorious services in the battles
of Winchester, Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek, he was
promoted Brigadier-General. He was also brevetted
Major-Gen eral, "forgallant and distinguished services
during the campaigns of 1864, in West Virginia." In
the course of his arduous services, four horses were
shot from under him, and he was wounded four times.

In 1864, Gen. Hayes was elected to Congress, from
the Second Ohio District, which had long been Dem-
ocratic. He was not present during the campaign,
and after his election was importuned to resign his
commission in the army ; but he finally declared, " I
shall never corne to Washington until I can come by
the way of Richmond." He was re-elected in 1866.

In r867, Gen Hayes was elected Governor of Ohio,
over Hon. Allen G. Thurman, a popular Democrat.
In 1869 was re-erected over George H. Pendleton.
He was elected Governor for the third term in 1875.

In 1876 he was the standard beater of the Repub-
lican Party in the Presidential contest, and after a
hard long contest was chosen President, and was in
augurated Monday, March 5, 1875. He S2rved his
full term, not, however, with satisfaction to his party,
but his administration was an average QI\;

LIBRARY

OF THE

UNIVERSITY of ILLINOIS

TWENTFETH PRESIDENT.

AMES A. GARFIELD, twen-
tieth President of the United
States, was born Nov. 19,
1831, in the woods of Orange,
Cuyahoga Co., O His par-
ents were Abram and Eliza
(Ballou) Garfield, both of New
England ancestry and from fami-
lies well known in the early his-
tory of that section of our coun-
try, but had moved to the Western
Reserve, in Ohio, early in its settle-
ment.

The house in which James A. was
born was not unlike the houses of
poor Ohio farmers of that day. It
,ic about 20x30 feet, built of logs, with the spaces be-
.uzen the logs filled with clay. His father was a
:iard working farmer, and he soon had his fields
jleared, an orchard planted, and a log barn built.
The household comprised the father and mother and
heir four children Mehetabel, Thomas, Mary and
"ames. In May, 1823, the father, from a cold con-
.racted in helping to put out a forest fire, died. At
this time James was about eighteen months old, and
Thomas about ten years old. No one, perhaps, can
fell how much James was indebted to his brother's
toil and self-sacrifice during the twenty years suc-
ceeding his father's death, but undoubtedly very
much. He now lives in Michigan, and the two sis-
vers live in Solon, O., near their birthplace.

The early educational advantages young Garfield
enjoyed were very limited, yet he made the most of
them. He labored at farm work for others, did car-
penter work, chopped wood, or did anything that
would bring in a few dollars to aid his widowed
mother in he' struggles to keep the little family to-

gether. Nor was Gen. Garfield ever ashamed of his
origin, and he never forgot the friends of his strug-
gling childhood, youth and manhood, neither did they
ever forget him. When in the highest seats of honor,
the humblest fiiend of his boyhood was as kindly
greeted as ever. The poorest laborer was sure of the
sympathy of one who had known all the bitterness
of want and the sweetness of bread earned by the
sweat of the brow. He was ever the simple, plain,
modest gentleman.

The highest ambition of young Garfield until hs
was about sixteen years old was to be a captain of
a vessel on Lake Erie. He was anxious to go aboard
a vessel, which his mother strongly opposed. She
finally consented to his going to Cleveland, with the
understanding, however, that he should try to obtair
some other kind of employment. He walked all the
way to Cleveland. This was his first visit to the city,
After making many applications for work, and trying
to get aboard a lake vessel, and not meeting with
success, he engaged as a driver for his cousin, Amos
Letcher, on the Ohio & Pennsylvania Canal. He re-
mained at this work but a short time when he went:
home, and attended the seminary at Chester for
about three years, when he entered Hiram and the
Eclectic Institute, teaching a few terms of school in
the meantime, and doing other work. This school
was started by the Disciples of Christ in 1850, .of
which church he was then a member. He became
janitor and bell-ringer in order to help pay his way
He then became both teacher and pupil. He soon
" exhausted Hiram " and needed more ; hence, in the
fall of 1854, he entered Williams College, from which
he graduated in 1856, taking one of the highest hb.-
ors of his class. He afterwards returned to Hiram
College as its President. As above stated, he early
united with the Christian or Diciples Church at
Hiram, and was ever after a devoted, zealous mem-
ber, often preaching in its pulpit and places where
he happened to be. Dr. Noah Porter, President of
Yale College, says of him in reference to his religion;

JAMES A. GARFIELD.

" President Garfield was more than a man of
strong moral and religious convictions. His whole
history, from boyhood to the last, shows that duty to
man and to God, and devotion to Christ and life and
faith and spiritual commission were controlling springs
of his being, and to a more than usual degree. In
my judgment there is no more interesting feature of
his character than his loyal allegiance to the body of
Christians in which he was trained, and the fervent
sympathy which he ever showed in their Christian
communion. Not many .of the few 'wise and mighty
and noble who are called' show a similar loyalty to
the less stately and cultured Christian communions
in which they have been reared. Too often it is true
that as they step upward in social and political sig-
nificance they step upward from one degree to
another in some of the many types of fashionable
Christianity. President Garfield adhered to the
church of his mother, the church in which he was
trained, and in which he served as a pillar and an
evangelist, and yet with the largest and most unsec-
tarian charity for all 'who loveour Lord in sincerity.'"

Mr. Garfield was united in marriage with Miss
Lucretia Rudolph, Nov. 1 1, 1858, who proved herself
worthy as the wife of one whom all the world loved and
mourned. To them were born seven children, five of
whom are still living, four boys and one girl.

Mr. Garfield made his first political speeches in 1856,
in Hiram and the neighboring villages, and three
years later he began to speak at county mass-meet-
ings, and became the favorite speaker wherever he
was. During this year he was elected to the Ohio
Senate. He also began to study law at Cleveland,
and in 1861 was admitted to the bar. The great
Rebellion broke out in the early part of this year,
and Mr. Garfield at once resolved to fight as he had
talked, and enlisted to defend the old flag. He re-
ceived his commission as Lieut.-Colonel of the Forty-
second Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Aug.
14, 1861. He was immediately put into active ser-
vice, and before he had ever seen a gun fired in action,
was placed in command of four regiments of infantry
and eight companies of cavalry, charged with the
work of driving out of his native State the officer
'Humphrey Marshall) reputed to be the ablest of
those, not educated to war whom Kentucky had given
to the Rebellion. This work was bravely and speed-
ily accomplished, although against great odds. Pres-
ident Lincoln, on his success commissioned him
Brigadier-General, Jan. 10, 1862; and as "he had
been the youngest man in the Ohio Senate two years
before, so now he was the youngest General in the
army." He was with Gen. Buell's army at Shiloh,
in its operations around Corinth and its march through
Alabama. He was then detailed as a member of the
General Court-Martial for the trial of Gen. Fitz-John
Porter. He was then ordered to report to Gen. Rose-
crans, and was assigned to the "Chief of Staff."

The military fcistory of Gen. Garfield closed with

his brilliant services at Chickamauga, where he won
the stars of the Major-General.

Without an effort on his part Ge Garfield was
elected to Congress in the fall of 1862 from tht
Nineteenth District of Ohio. This section of Ohio
had been represented in Congress for sixty years
mainly by two men Elisha Whittlesey and Joshui.
R. Giddings. It was not without a struggle that he
resigned his place in the army. At the time he en-
tered Congress he was the youngest member in that
body. There he remained by successive re-
elections until he was elected President in 1880.
Of his labors in Congress Senator Hoar says : " Since
the year 1864 you cannot think of a question whici.
has been debated in Congress, or discussed before t,
tribunel of the American people, in regard to whici:
you will not find, if you wish instruction, the argu~
ment on one side stated, in almost every instance
better than by anybody else, in some speech made in
the House of Representatives or on the hustings by
Mr. Garfield."

Upon Jan. 14, 1880, Gen. Garfield was elected to
the U. S. Senate, and on the eighth of June, of the
same year, was nominated as the candidate of his
party for President at the great Chicago Convention.
He was elected in the following November, and on
March 4, i88r, was inaugurated. Probably no ad-
ministration ever opened its existence under brighter
auspices than that of President Garfield, and every
day it grew in favor with the people, and by the first
of July he had completed all the initiatory and pre-
liminary work of his administration and was prepar-
ing to leave the city to meet his friends at Williams
College. While on his way and at the depot, in com-
pany with Secretary Elaine, a man stepped behind
him, drew a revolver, and fired directly at his back.
The President tottered and fell, and as he did so the
assassin fired a second shot, the bullet cutting the
left coat sleeve of his victim, but inflicting no further
injury. It has been very truthfully said that this was
" the shot that was heard round the world " Never
before in the history of the Nation had anything oc-
curred which so nearly froze the blood of the peop'
for the moment, as this awful deed. He was smit-
ten on the brightest, gladdest day of all his life, and
was at the summit of his power and hope. For eighty
days, all during the hot months of July and August,
he lingered and suffered. He, however, remained
master of himself till the last, and by his magnificent
bearing was teaching the country and the world the
noblest of human lessons how to live grandly in the
very clutch of death. Great in life, he was surpass-
ingly great in death. He passed serenely away Sept.
19, 1883, at Elberon, N. J.,on the very bank of the
ocean, where he had been taken shortly previous. The
world wept at his death, as it never had done on the
death of any other man who had ever lived upon it.
The murderer was duly tried, found guilty and exe-
cuted, in one year after he committed the foul deed.

LIBRARY

Of THE

UNIVERSITY of JUINOIS

TWEMTY-FIRST PRESIDENT.

HESTER A. ARTHUR,
twenty-first Presi^-in. of the
United States, was born in
Franklin Courty, Vermont, on
thefifthofOdober, 1830, and is
the oldest of a family of two
sons and five daughters. His
father was the Rev. Dr. William
Arthur, aBaptistcJ',rgyman,who
emigrated to tb'.s country from
the county Antrim, Ireland, in
his i8th year, and died in 1875, in
Newton ville, neat Albany, after a
long and successful ministry.
JIK, Young Arthur was educated at
Union College, S< henectady, where
he excelled in all his studies. Af-
ter his graduation he taught school
in Vermont for two years, and at
the expiration of that time came to
New York, with $500 in his pocket,
and entered the office of ex-Judge
E. D. Culver as student. After
I being admitted to the bar he formed
a partnership with his intimate friend and room-mate,
Henry D. Gardiner, with the intention of practicing
in the West, and for three months they roamed about
in the Western States in search of an eligible site,
but in the end returned to New York, where they
hung out their shingle, and entered upon a success-
ful career almost from the start. General Arthur
soon afterward marred the daughter of Lieutenant

Herndon, of the United States Navy, who was lost at
sea. Congress voted a gold medal to his widow in
recognition of the bravery he displayed on that occa-
sion. Mrs. Arthur died shortly before Mr. Arthur's
nomination to the Vice Presidency, leaving two
children.

Gen. Arthur obtained considerable legal celebrity
in his first great case, the famous Lemmon suit,
brought to recover possession of eight slaves who had
been declared free by Judge Paine, of the Superior
Court of New York City. It was in 1852 that Jon*
athan Lemmon, of Virginia, went to New York with
his slaves, intending to ship them to Texas, when
they were discovered and freed. The Judge decided
that they could not be held by the owner under the
Fugitive Slave Law. A howl of rage went up from
the South, and the Virginia Legislature authorized the
Attorney General of that State to assist in an appeal.
Wm. M. Evarts and Chester A. Arthur were employed
to represent the People, and they won their case,
which then went to the Supreme Court of the United
States. Charles O'Conor here espoused the cause
of the slave-holders, but he too was beaten by Messrs
Evarts and Arthur, and a long step was taken toward
the emancipation of the black race.

Another great service was rendered by General
Arthur in the same cause in 1856. Lizzie Jennings,
a respectable colored woman, was put off a Fourth
Avenue car with violence after she had paid her fare.
General Arthur sued on her behalf, and secured a
verdict of $500 damages. The next day the compa-
ny issued an order to admit colored persons to ride
on their cars, and the other car companies quickly

100

CHESTER A. ARTHUR.

followed their example. Before that the Sixth Ave-
nue Company ran a few special cars for colored per-
sons and the other lines refused to let them ride at all.

General Arthur was a delegate to the Convention
at Saratoga that founded the Republican party.
Previous to the war he was Judge-Advocate of the
Second Brigade of the State of New York, and Gov-
ernor Morgan, of that State, appointed him Engineer-
in-Chief of his staff. In 1861, he was made Inspec-
tor General, and soon afterward became Quartermas-
ter-General. In each of these offices he rendered
great service to the Government during the war. At
the end of Governor Morgan's term he resumed the
practice of the law, forming a partnership with Mr.
Ransom, and then Mr. Phelps, the District Attorney
of New York, was added to the firm. The legal prac-
tice of this well-known firm was very large and lucra-
tive, each of the gentlemen composing it were able
lawyers, and possessed a splendid local reputation, if
not indeed one of national extent.

He always took a leading part in State and city
politics. He was appointed Collector of the Port of
New York by President Grant, Nov. 21 1872, to suc-
ceed Thomas Murphy, and held the office until July,
20, 1878, when he was succeeded by Collector Merritt.

Mr. Arthur was nominated on the Presidential
ticket, with Gen. James A. Garfield, at the famous
National Republican Convention held at Chicago in
June, 1880. This was perhaps the greatest political
convention that ever assembled on the continent. It
was composed of the 'sading politicians of the Re-
publican party, all able men, and each stood firm and
fought vigorously and with signal tenacity for their
respective candidates that were before the conven-
tion for the nomination. Finally Gen. Garfield re-
ceived the nomination for President and Gen. Arthur
for Vice-President. The campaign which followed
was one of the most animated known in the history of
our country. Gen. Hancock, the standard-bearer of
the Democratic party, was a popular man, and his
party made a valiant fight for his election.

Finally the election came and the country's choice
,vas Garfield and Arthur. They were inaugurated
Afarch 4, i88t, as President and Vice-President.
A. few months only had passed ere the newly chosen
President was the victim of the assassin's bullet. Then
came terrible weeks of suffering, those moment* of
anxious suspense, when the hearts of all civilized na-

tions were throbbing in unison, longing for the re
covery of the noble, the good President. The remark-
able patience that he manifested during those hours
and weeks, and even months, of the most terrible suf-
fering man has often been called upon to endure, was
seemingly more than human. It was certainly God-
like. During all this period of deepest anxiety Mr.
Arthur's every move was watched, and be it said to hi?
credit that his every action displayed only an earnest
desire that the suffering Garfield might recover, to
serve the remainder of the term he had so auspi-
ciously begun. Not a selfish feeling was manifested
in deed or look of this man, even though the most
honored position in the world was at any moment
likely to fall to him.

At last God in his mercy relieved President Gar-
field from further suffering, and the world, as nevei
before in it's history over the death of any othei
man, wept at his bier. Then it became the duty of
the Vice President to assume the responsibilities o)
the high office, and he took the oath in New York.
Sept. 20, 1881. The position was an embarrassing
one to him, made doubly so from the facts that all
eyes were, on him, anxious to know what he would do,
what policy he would pursue, and who he would se-
lect as advisers. The duties of the office had been
greatly neglected during the President's long illness,
and many important measures were to be immediately
decided by him; and still farther to embarrass him he
did not fail to realize under what circumstances he
became President, and knew the feelings of many on
this point. Under these trying circumstances President
Arthur took the reins of the Government in his ow;-.
hands ; and, as embarrassing as were the condition of
affair? he happily surprised the nation, acting so
wisely hat but few criticised his administration.
He served the nation well and faithfully, until the
close of his administration, March 4, 1885, and was
a popular candidate before his party for a second
term. His name was ably presented before the con
vention at Chicago, and was received with great
favor, and doubtless but for the personal popularity
of one of the opposing candidates, he would have
been selected as the standard-bearer of his party
for another campaign. He retired to private life car-
rying with him the best wishes of the American peo-
ple, whom he had served in a manner satisfactory
to them and with credit to himself.

LIBRARY

OF THE

UNIVERSITY of ILLINOIS

TWENTY-SECOND PRESIDENT.

TEPHEN GROVER CLEVE-
LAND,the twenty-second Pres-
ident of the United States, was
born in 1837, in the obscure
town of Caldwell, Essex Co.,
N. J., and in a little two-and-a-
half-story white house which is still
standing, characteristically to mark
the humble birth-place of one of
America's great men in striking con-
trast with the Old World, where all
men high in office must be high in
origin and born in the cradle of
wealth. When the subject of this
sketch was three years of age, his
father, who was a Presbyterian min-
ister, with a large family and a small salary, moved,
by way of the Hudson River and Erie Canal, to
Fayetteville, in search of an increased income and a
larger field of work! Fayetteville was then the most
straggling of country villages, about five miles from
Pompey Hill, where Governor Seymour was born.

At the last mentioned place young Grover com-
menced going to school in the "good, old-fashioned
way," and presumably distinguished himself after the
manner of all village boys, in doing the things he
ought not to do. Such is the distinguishing trait of
all geniuses and independent thinkers. When he
arrived at the age of 14 years, he had outgrown the
capacity of the village school and expressed a most

emphatic desire to be sent to an academy. To this
his father decidedly objected. Academies in those
days cost money; besides, his father wanted him to
become self-supporting by the quickest possible
means, and this at that time in Fayetteville seemed
to be a position in a country store, where his father
and the large family on his hands had considerable
influence. Grover was to be paid $50 for his services
the first year, and if he proved trustworthy he was to
receive $100 the second year. Here the lad com-
menced his career as salesman, and in two years he
had earned so good a reputation for trustworthiness
that his employers desired to retain him for an in-
definite length of time. Otherwise he did not ex-
hibit as yet any particular " flashes of genius " or
eccentricities of talent. He was simply a good boy.
But instead of remaining with this firm in Fayette-
ville, he went with the family in their removal to
Clinton, where he had an opportunity of attending a
high school. Here he industriously pursued his
studies until the family removed with him to a point
on Black River known as the " Holland Patent," a
village of 500 or 600 people, 15 miles north of Utica,
N. Y. At this place his father died, after preaching
but three Sundays. This event broke up the family,
and Grover set out for New York City to accept, at a
small salary, the position of " under-teacher " in an
asylum for the blind. He taught faithfully for two
years, and although he obtained a good reputation in
this capacity, he concluded that teaching was not his

10.1

5. GROVER

calling for life, and, reversing the traditional order,
he left the city to seek his fortune. ?n?t< % '* / v<-' r ?
to a city. He first tnougnt 01 Cleveland, (Jhio v as
th^re was some charm in that name for him; but
before proceeding to that place he went to Buffalo to
tsk the advice of his uncle, Lewis F. Allan, a noted
stock-breeder of that place. The latter did not
speak enthusiastically. " What is it you want to do,
jnyboy?" he asked. "Well, sir, I want to study
lav," was the reply, "Good gracious!" remarked
ih* old gentleman ; " do you, indeed ? What ever put
that into your head? How much money have you
got?" "Well, sir, to tell the truth, I haven't got
any."

After a long consultation, his uncle offered him a
place temporarily as assistant herd-keeper, at $50 a
year, while he could "look around." One day soon
afterward he boldly walked into the office of Rogers,
Bowen & Rogers, of Buffalo, and told Ihem what he
wanted. A number of young men were already en-
gaged in the office, but Graver's persistency won, and
he was finally permitted to come as an office boy and
Save the use of the law library, for the nominal sum
of $3 or $4 a week. Out of this he had to pay for
his board and washing. The walk to and from his
uncle's was a long and rugged one; and, although
the first winter was a memorably severe one, his
shoes were out of repair and his overcoat he had
none yet he was nevertheless prompt and regular.
On the first day of his service here, his senior em-
ployer threw down a copy of Blackstone before him
with a bang that made the dust fly, saying "That's
where they all begin." A titter ran around the little
circle of clerks and students, as they thought that
was enough to scare young Grover out of his plans ;
out in due time he mastered that cumbersome volume.
Then, as ever afterward, however, Mr. Cleveland
exhibited a talent for executiveness rather than for
chasing principles through all their metaphysical
possibilities. " Let us quit talking and go and do
1," was practically his motto.

The first public office to which Mr. Cleveland was
elected was that of Sheriff of Erie Co., N. Y., in
which Buffalo is situated; and in such capacity it fell
to his duty to inflict capital pi'-.'.shment upon two
cainunals. I.i 1881 he was elected Mayor of the
City of Buffalo, on the Democratic ticket, with es-
pecial reference to the bringing about certain reforms

in the administration of the municipal affairs of that
-'* T r '*i:r ?ffics q.? w|) as that of Sheriff, his
perrormaiice oi duty fcas generally been considered
fair, with possibly a few exceptions which were fer-
reted out and magnified during the last Presidential
campaign. As a specimen of his plain language in
a veto message, we quote from one vetoing an ini-jui
tous street-cleaning contract: "This is a time to*
plain speech, and my objection to your action shall
be plainly stated. I regard it as the culmination of
a mos bare-faced, impudent and shameless scheme
to betray the interests of the people and to wors3
than squander the people's money." The New York
Sun afterward very highly commended Mr. Cleve-
land's administration as Mayor of Buffalo, and there-
upon recommended him for Governor of the Empire
State. To the latter office he was elected in 1882,
and his administration cf the affairs of State was
generally satisfactory. The mistakes he made, if
any, were made very public throughout tlie nation
after he was nominated for President of the United
States. For this high office he was nominated July
n, 1884, by the National Democratic Convention &'
Chicago, when other competitors were Thomas F
Bayard, Roswell P. Flower, Thomas A. Hendricks,
Benjamin F. Butler, Allen G. Thurman, etc.: and he
was elected by the people, by a majority of about a
thousand, over the brilliant and long-tried Repub-
lican statesman, James G. Elaine. President Clove-
land resigned his office as Governor of New York in
January, 1885, in order to prepare for his duties as
the Chief Executive of ihe United States, in which
capacity his term commenced at noon on the 4th ol
March, 1885. For his Cabinet officers he selected
the following gentlemen: For Secretary of State,
Thomas F. Bayard, of Delaware ; Secretary of the
Treasury, Daniel Manning, of New York; Secretary
of War, William C. Endicott, of Massachusetts;
Secretary of the Navy, William C. Whitney, of N^w
York; Secretary of the Interior, L. Q. C. Lamar, of
Mississippi; Postmaster-General, William F. Vilas,
of Wisconsin ; Attorney-General, A. H. Garland, of
Arkansas.

The silver question precipitated a controversy be-
tween those who were in favor of the continuance of
silver coinage and those who were opposed, Mr.
Cleveland answering for the latter, even before his
inauguration.

LIBRARY

Of THE

UNIVERSITY rf&UMOM

TWENTY-THIRD PRESIDENT.

207

ENJAMIN HARRISON, the
twenty-third President, is
the descendant of one of the
historical families of this
country. The head of the
family was a Major General
Harrison, one of Oliver
Cromwell's trusted follow-

ers and fighters. In the zenith of Crom-
well's power it became the duty of this
Harrison to participate in the trial of
Charles I, and afterward tc sign the
death warrant of the king. He subse-
quently paid for this with his life, being
hung Oct. 13, 1660. His descendants
came to America, and the next of the
family that appears in history is Benja-
rrin Harrison, of Virginia, great-grand-
father of the subject of this sketch, and
after whom be was named. Benjamin Harrison
was a member of the Continental Congress during
the years 1 774-5-6, and was one of the original
signers of the Declaration of Independence. He
wa three times elected Governor of Virginia,
Gen William Henry Harrison, the son of the

distinguished patriot of the Revolution, after a su&
cessful career as a soldier during the War of 1812,
and with a clean record as Governor of the North-
western Territory, was elected President of the
United States in 1840. His career was cut short
by death within one month after liis inauguration.
President Harrison was born at North Bend.
Hamilton Co., Ohio, Aug. 20, 183, His life up to
the time of his graduation by the Miami University,
at Oxford, Ohio, was the uneventful one of a coun-
try lad of a family of small means. His father was
able to give him a good education, and nothing
more. He became engaged while at college to tho
daughter of Dr. Scott, Principal of a female schoo
at Oxford. After graduating he determined tc en-
ter upon the study of the law. He went to Cin
einnati and then read law for two years. At tht
expiration of that time young Harrison received tt .
only inheritance of his life; his aunt dying left uin.
a lot valued at $800. He regarded this legacy as 4
fortune, and decided to get married at once, ak3
this money and go to some Eastern town an * 'oc-
gin the practice of law. He sold his lot, and with
the money in his pocket, he started out witu his
young wife to fight for a place in the world- Tie

108

BENJAMIN HARRISONS

decided to go to Indianapolis, which was even at
that time a town of promise. He met with slight
encouragement at first, making scarcely anything
the first year. He worked diligently, applying him-
self closely to his calling, built up an extensive
practice and took a leading rank in the legal pro-
lession. He is the father of two children.

In 1860 Mr. Harrison was nominated for the
position of Supreme Court Reporter, and then be-
gan his experience as a stump speakei He can-
vassed the State thoroughly, and was elected by a
handsome majority. In 1862 he raised the 17th
Indiana Infantry, and was chosen its Colonel. His
regiment was composed of the rawest of material,
out Col. Harrison employed all his time at first
mastering military tactics and drilling his men,
when he therefore came to move toward the East
with Sherman his regiment was one of the best
drilled and organized in the army. At Resaca he
especially distinguished himself, and for his bravery
at Peachtree Creek he was made a Brigadier Gen-
eral, Gen. Hooker speaking of him in the most
complimentary terms.

During the absence of Gen. Harrison in the field
he Supreme Court declared the office of the Su-
preme Court Reporter vacant, and another person
was elected to the position. From the time of leav-
ing Indiana with his regiment until the fall or 18*64
he had taken no leave of absence, but having been
nominated that year for the same office, he got a
thirty-day leave of absence, and during that time
made a brilliant canvass of the State, and was elected
for another term. He then started to rejoin Sher-
jnan, but on the way was stricken down with scarlet
iever, and after a most trying siege made his way
to the front in time to participate in the closing
incidents of the war.

In 1868 Gen. Harrison declined r, re-election as
,-eporter, and resumed the practice of Iaw In 1876
iie was a candidate for Governor. Although de-
feated, the brilliant campaign he made won Tor him
a National reputation, and he was much sought, es-
pecial.y in the East, to make speeches. In 1880,
as usual, he took an active part In the campaign,
and was elected to the United States Senate. Here
iic sei-ved six years, and *ras known as one of the
blest men, best lawyer'; ivnd strongest debaters in

that body. With the expiration of his Senatorial
term he returned to the practice of his profession,
becoming the head of one of the strongest firms in
the State.

The political campaign of 1888 was one of the
most memorable in the history of our country. The
convention which assembled in Chicago in June anu
named Mr. Harrison as the chief standard bearer
of the Republican party, was great in every partic-
ular, and on this account, and the attitude it as-
sumed upon the vital questions of the day, chief
among which was the tariff, awoke a deep interest
in the campaign throughout the Nation. Shortly
after the nomination delegations began to visit Mr.
Harrison at Indianapolis, his home. This move-
ment became popular, and from all sections of the
country societies, clubs and delegations journeyed
thither to pay their respects to the distinguished
statesman. The popularity of these was greatly
increased on account of the remarkable speeches
made by Mr. Harrison. He spoke daily all through
the summer and autumn to these visiting delega-
tions, and so varied, masterly and eloquent were
his speeches that they at once placed him in the
foremost rank of American orators and statesmen.

On account of his eloquence as a speaker and hie
power as a debater, he was called upon at an un-
commonly early age to take part in the discussion
of the great questions that then began t j agitate
the country. He was an uncompromising anti
slavery man, and was matched against some of t!:e
most eminent Democratic speakers of his Staw
No man who felt the touch of his blade derred tc
be pitted with him again. With all his e'-oq-ence
as an orator he never spoke for oratorical effect,
but his words always went like bullets to the mark
He is purely American in his ideas and is a splec
did type of the American statesman. Gifted wit'n
quick perception, a logical mind and a ready tongue,
he is one of the most distinguished impromptu
speakers in the Nation. Many of these speeches
sparkled with the rarest of eloquence and contained
arguments of greatest weight. Many of his terse
statements have alreadr become aphorisms. Origi-
nal in thought, precise iu logic, terse in statement,
yet withal faultless in eloquence, he is recognized as
the sound statesman and brill Ian orator o UK day

MONTGOMERY AND BOND COUNTIES,

ILLINOIS.

INTRODUCTORY

HE time has arrived when it
becomes the duty of the
people of this county to per-
petuate the names of their
pioneers, to furnish a. record
of their early settlement,
and relate the story of their
progress. The civilization of our
day, the enlightenment of the age
and the duty that men of the pres-
ent time owe to their ancestors, to
themselves and to their posterity,
demand that a record of their lives
and deeds should be made. In bio-
graphical history is found a power
to instruct man by precedent, to
enliven the mental faculties, and
to waft down the river of time a
safe vessel in which the names and actions of the
people who contributed to raise this country from its
primitive state may be preserved. Surely and rapidly
the great and aged men, who in their prime entered
the wilderness and claimed the virgin soil as their
heritage, are passing to their graves. The number re-
maining who can relate the incidents of the first days
af settlement is becoming small indeed, so that an
actual necessity exists for the collection and preser-
vation of events without delay, before all the early
settlers are cut down by the scythe of Time.

To be forgotten has been the great dread of mankind
from remotest ages. All will be forgotten soon enough,
in spite of their best works and the most earnest
efforts of their friends to perserve the memory of
their lives. The means employed to prevent oblivion
and to perpetuate their memory has been in propor-
tion to the amount of intelligence they possessed.
Th : pyramids of Egypt were built to perpetuate the
names and deeds of their great rulers. ~ The exhu-
mations made by the archeologists of Egypt from
buried Men: phis indicate a desire of those people

to perpetuate the memory of their achievements
The erection of the great obelisks were for the same
purpose. Coming down to a later period, we find tht
Greeks and Romans erecting mausoleums and monu-
ments, and carving out statues to chronicle their
great achievements and carry them down the ages.
It is also evident that the Mound-builders, in piling
up their great mounds of earth, had but this idea r
to leave something to show that they had lived. All
these works, though many of them costly in the ex-
treme, give but a faint idea of the lives and charac-
ters of those whose memory they were intended to
perpetuate, and scarcely anything of the masses of
the people that then lived. The great pyramids and
some of the obelisks remain objects only of curiosity;
the mausoleums, monuments and statues are crum-
bling into dust.

It was left to modern ages to establish an intelli-
gent, undecaying, immutable method of perpetuating
a full history immutable in that it is almost un-
limited in extent and perpetual in its action; and
this is through the art of printing.

To the present generation, however, we are in-
debted for the introduction of the admirable system
of local biography. By this system every man, thougl
he has not achieved what the world calls greatness,
h-is the means to perpetuate his life, his history,
through the coming ages.

The scythe of Time cuts down all ; nothing of the
physical man is left. The monument which his chil-
dren or friends may erect to his memory in the ceme-
tery will crumble into dust and pass away; but his
life, his achievements, the work he has accomplished,
which otherwise would be forgotten, is perpetuated
by a record of this kind.

To preserve the lineaments of our companions we
engrave their portraits, for the same reason we col-
lect the attainable facts of their history. Nor do we
thir.k it necessary, as we speak only truth of them, to
wait until they are dead, or until those who know
them are gone: -to do this we are ashamed only to
publish to the world the history of those whose live* 1
are unworthy of public record.

LIBRARY

Of THE

UNIVERSITY gf ILLINOIS

LIBRARY

OF THE

UNIVERSITY of ILLINOIS

BIOGRAPHICAL.

EWIS H. THOMAS. As an example of the
usefulness and prominence to which men
of character and determination may attain,
it is but necessary to chronicle the life of Lewis
H. Thomas, one of the representative agriculturists
and stock-raisers of Bois D'Arc Township, Mont-
gomery County. He belongs to a highly cultured
and intellectual family, whose members all possessed
superior intelligence and became distinguished
in the different callings in which they engaged.
Born in Greene County, 111., May 24, 1827, he
is the son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Isley) Thomas,
natives respectively of South Carolina and Tenn-
essee. When a boy, the father went with his
parents to Kentucky, and later went to Mad-
ison County, III., where he married Miss Eliza-
beth Isley. In 1818, he removed from there to
Greene County, 111., and bought Government
land, paying therefor $1.25 per acre. He was one
of the first settlers of that vicinity and built the
first log cabin north of Macoupin Creek.

The original of this notice was reared to man's
estate in his native county, amid scenes of pioneer
life, and he was early inured to hard labor. His
primary education was received in the subscription
schools of Greene County, and this was afterward
supplemented by a course in Carrollton Academy.
Since then he has been a great reader and observer
and is well posted on all the current topics of the
day. In the spring of 1851 he came to Montgom-
ery County, having previously entered from the
Government a large tract of land in what is now
Bois D'Arc Township, and he first resided in a

little board shanty. He began at once improving
and developing the farm and later erected a sub-
stantial frame house. The soil was rich and pro-
ductive, and he being energetic and enterprising,
everything prospered under his hands. The frame
building was replaced by a handsome brick struc-
ture, but this was destroyed by fire, and in 1888
his present handsome brick residence was erected.
Reading in the Prairie Fanner of the celebrated
hedge fence then raised by Prof. Turner and others,
lie conceived the idea of fencing his farm with the
same. The hedge was then known as "Osage
hedge," but it subsequently received the name of
'Bois D'Arc," through our subject, and the town-
ship afterward acquired the name through the
hedge fence and was named Bois D'Arc Township
by our subject. He has his entire farm fenced
with this hedge*.

Mr. Thomas owns one of the finest farms in the
State, consisting of nine hundred and seventy-
four acres, and he also owns seven hundred and
twenty acres elsewhere in the township; besides
forty-two town lots in Emporia, Kan., and one-
fifth interest in thirty-four hundred acres near
Warren, Minn. He is a self-made man and all
his accumulations are the result of energy
and industry intelligently applied. In carry-
ing on his very extensive farming enterprises
he has not lost sight of the stock-raising in-
dustry and raises a high grade of Hereford cattle,
and a superior grade of Norman horses, Shropshire
and Oxford Down sheep, and Poland-China, Berk-
shire, Chester White and Victory hogs. He has a

120

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORB.

good grade of roadster horses. All his farming
operations are conducted in a progressive and supe-
rior way, as is very quickly seen when one glances
over his possessions. In his political affilia-
tions he is a Democrat and was elected Supervisor
of Bois D'Arc Township by that party. He has
served as Township Treasurer of schools for
twenty-six years. He is an active worker in the
Bois D'Arc Baptist Sunday-school and for four-
teen years in succession the annual Sunday-school
picnic has been held in his beautiful grcve. He
was one of the founders of the church and has al-
ways been liberal in his contributions to its sup-
port.

During the long years he has spent in this
county, Mr. Thomas has seen the country bloom
and blossom like the rose, and has taken a deep
interest in its progress and development. In 1856
he received the gold medal from the Illinois Agri-
cultural Society for having the largest amount of
well-set and cultivated hedge on one farm, this
being the first and only gold medal offered that
year by that society. In the same year he received
the silver medal given for one thousand rods of
the best hedge fence in the State, this being given
by the Illinois State Agricultural Society. In
1858, he received 'the gold medal for the best and
greatest variety of cultivated timber in a grove
in the State, given by the same society.

Mr. Thomas and his fine farm have acquired a
State reputation and well they merit it. He is
known far and wide for his hospitality, genial
good-nature, and his great generosity, and his in-
telligence, enterprise and many estimable qualities
have gained for him a popularity not derived
from any factitious circumstance, but a spontan-
eous and permanent tribute to his merit. For a
number of years he was engaged in surveying and
continued this for many years in the northern
portion of Montgomery Count}', locating and sur-
veying all the roads in Bois D'Arc Township as
well as surveying many school sites, a work for
which he was well qualified.

The marriage of Mr. Thomas united him with
Miss Sarah Ann, daughter of Isham and Sarah
(Vaughn) Linder. She was a lady of noble char-
acter, and her death, which occurred February 27,

1887, was a heavy bereavement to her husband
and children. Of the latter there are six, as
follows: Etta L., now the wife of Edward Kend-
rick, of Buffalo, N. Y.; John I., William II., Mary
L., Samuel and Minerva C.

On October 3. 1889, Mr. Thomas was married to
Agnes E. Ball, daughter of Richard M. and Maria
(Evans) Ball, who were natives of Wales. Mrs.
Thomas was born in Brecknockshire, Wales, Feb-
ruary 21, 1851. She' came to America with her par-
ents when she was four years of age. They located in
Virden, 111., at which place she received her public-
school training. She was for three years a student
at Normal University, Normal, 111., and was grad-
uated from that institution at the head of her
class in 1877. She taught in the public schools
for sixteen years, the last seven of her work in
that line being done in the Washington School, Chi-
cago. She saw that Chicago was a growing city
and in 1888 purchased a lot in Lakeside, a suburb
of Chicago. It is a section of an ellipse three hun-
dred and forty-five feet front and is but two blocks
from the famous Sheridan Road, which is the boul-
evard from Chicago to Ft. Sheridan. Its market
value is now three hundred per cent, of its cost.
Religiously, she is connected with the Methodist
Church and is liberal in its support.

Mrs. Thomas is the youngest of a family of
fourteen children, ten of whom are still living.
They are as follows: Frederick, a machinist of
Springfield, Mo., who has served a number of terms
as President of the School Board and is identified
with all the public interests of Springfield; Mrs.
.. Arabella Lloyd, of Thomasville, 111.; William E.,
who died in London, England, in 1891; Thomas,
a retired farmer of Girard, 111., who served three
years in the army; Richard, a blacksmith of
Virden, 111., and an active worker in the cause of
temperance, who has served a number of terms as
a member of the Town Board and one term as
Supervisor of his township, Maria, who died in
Wales in 1852; Mary, wife of Robert Brooks, of
Kane, 111.; Francis, wife of A. J. Witt, of Virden,
111.; Ann, wife of Calvin W. Tunnel], who died
near Vfrden in 1872; John, a banker of Farmers-
ville, who in a public capacity has been Director
of Schools, Supervisor of his township and has

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

121

settled more dead men's affairs than any citizen
of Macoupin County; James, a twin brother of
Henry, who died in Virden in 1856; Henry, a
prominent farmer and stock-raiser near Girard;
and George, a retired farmer near Girard, who has
been Treasurer of the State Grange for nearly
twenty years.

The members of the Ball family are ardent Re-
publicans. The family is noted for its clearness
of perception, its keenness of insight, its largness of
heart and its soundness of judgment. The father
of this family died eight months after the fam-
ily came to America. The mother is still living,
at the advanced age of eighty-eight years. Her
mind is still active and she retains her interest in
current events.

^ILLIAM H. TERRY, who controls and op-
erates a fine farm on sections 8 and 9,
Raymond Township, Montgomery County,
was born near Jersey ville, Jersey County, 111., on
the 18th of November, 1838. The Terry family
is of Welsh origin, some of the ancestors having
come to America in the latter part of the seven-
teenth century and located in Connecticut. It was
in honor of this family that the old town of
Terry ville. Conn., was named. Many of its members
have been prominent in the history of this country.
The great-grandfather of our subject was with
Washington at Valley Forge and did good service
in the War for Independence. Gen. Terry, the
noted Indian fighter, was also a member of the
same family.

After the Revolution, the Terry family went to
Virginia, where Jasper M. Terry, the father of our
subject, was born. When he was a small child his
parents removed to Kentucky, and in 1832, when
eighteen years of age, he came to Illinois and lo-
cated in what is now Jersey County, but was then
Greene County. He accumulated quite a large
fortune prior to his death, which occurred in 1876.

His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary A.
Wagner, was a native of Allen County, Ky., and
was of German extraction.

The Terry family numbered nine children, all
of whom are yet living: Jo)in W. is a man of
much learning and is a Baptist preacher by pro-
fession. He was a missionary to Spain for many
years and was there located in 1868, when the
Spanish Government banished all Protestant mis-
sionaries from the country. He then returned to
the United States and went to New Mexico, where
he established the First National Bunk at Socorro.
He is now a wealthy banker and real-estate dealer.
Anslam K., A. O., T. J., and T. F. constitute the
firm of attorneys and real-estate men who do
business under' the name of Terry Bros., in East St.
Louis. They are wealthy citizens and very prom-
inent. A. O. is a graduate of Ann Arbor Univer-
sity.- T. J. and T. F. are graduates of Shurtleff
College. Henry C. resides on the old homestead
in Jersey County. Mary Emma is the wife of
William Hatcher, a hotel keeper of Springfield,
III. Frances A. is the wife of Dr. E. Weir, of
Edwardsville.

Our subject did not have the advantage of a
college education as his younger brothers did, as
when he was a youth, his father had not yet ac-
quired his fortune, but he managed to obtain
a fair English education in the schools of Jersey-
ville, and is now a well-informed man. He assisted
his father on the home farm until March, 1861, when
he came to Montgomery County and located on a
farm in what is now Pitman Township. In De-
cember of the same year, he married Miss Milberry
Sharp, a native of Macoupin County, 111., whose
parents came to this State in an early day from
Tennessee.

After the breaking out of the late war, Mr. Terry
abandoned farming to enter the service of his
country. He enlisted on the 12th of August,
1862, in Company F, One Hundred and Twenty-
second Illinois Infantry, of which he was commis-
sioned Sergeant, and for three years lie valiantly
served his country, participating in many battles
and engagements. When the war was over, he
was honorably discharged, on the 8th of August,
1865. lie then returned to his home, where he

122

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

continued to reside until the spring of 1877, when,
after his father's death, he removed to his present
home.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Terry have been born five
children, namely: William J., who is engaged in
farming near Pana, 111.; Rena who is engaged in
teaching music; George L., an electrician; John
Charles, a musician of much talent and the leader
of the Raymond Band; and Fannie Agnes, a teacher
of recognized ability in the public schools. Mr.
Ten-}' is a man of more than ordinary ability, and
his success in life has come to him as the reward
of his own efforts. Socially, he is a prominent
member of the Grand Army, being Commander of
Raymond Post No. 504.

FOSTER is a well-known and suc-
cessful farmer of Audubon Township,
Montgomery County, and is a veteran of
the Civil War. He was born in County Tyrone in
the North of Ireland in 1838, being the youngest
of four sons and next to the youngest in a family
of seven children born to James and Margaret
Foster. His parents brought him to America
when he was a child, consequently he knows no
other land and is as loyal to the Stars and Stripes
as if he had been born in Uncle Sam's Dominion.
After emigrating to this country, his parents at
once located in Scioto County, Ohio, where his
father secured employment in an iron foundry
and at the same time cultivated a small farm, on
which the family was reared.

George and his brothers and sisters obtained
such education as the common schools afforded.
After the death of the husband and father in 1857,
the widow with her children moved to Adams
County, Ohio, where our subject tilled the soil on
a rented farm until the opening of the Civil War.
On the 29th of July, 1862, his name might be found
on the muster rolls of Company E, Ninety-first
Ohio Infantry as a private. He was at once
sent to Virginia and from there to Fa3'etteville, W.

Va., where for nearly a year and a half the3" were
holding the forts, doing garrison and scouting
duty. They then started on a raid on the line of
the Virginia <fe Tennessee Railroad, their object-
ive point being Dublin Depot, which they reached
after a forced march of forty miles in one day.
They burned the depot and railroad bridge and
returned by way of White Sulphur Springs, intend-
ing to connect with Hunter at Staunton, but their
supplies being cut off they had to again return to
West Virginia to. meet the supply train. They
then proceeded on their way and joined Hunter
at the above-named place. During the journey a
small battle was fought at Lexington, and the
enemy was driven in front of them to Lynch-
burg.

In the battle of Staunton Mr. Foster's regiment
was in the advance and many of its members were
slain. They were then compelled to retreat, dur-
ing which time they suffered many hardships, be-
ing greatly in need of food. After reaching
Parkersburg they took the train to Harper's
Ferry, at which time they were under command of
Gen. Sheridan, and with him took part in the bat-
tle of Stephen's Station, not far from Winchester.
The battle of Winchester next occupied their at-
tention, after which they crossed into Maryland
and for some time thereafter were in camp at
Harper's Ferry. After participating in a number
of fierce engagements, the second battle of Win-
chester was fought, and here our subject received
an injury from the concussion of a shell and was
sent to the hospital at Philadelphia. Later he re-
joined his regiment, and during the following win-
ter was on duty along the line of the Baltimore &
Ohio Railroad, in the vicinity of Cumberland, Md.
In the spring of 1865 he was sent to Winchester, at
which place the news of Lee's surrender reached
him. He was soon mustered out at Columbia and or-
dered to Camp Denison, where he was discharged
in 1865.

With the consciousness of having served his
country faithfully for three years, Mr. Foster re-
turned to his home and there remained about one
year, at the end of which time he located in Mont-
gomery County, 111., where he worked as a farm
hand until 1867. During that year he was united

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

123

in marriage with Miss Lucitta Pettingale, the
daughter of a prominent and well-to-do farmer,
who was also a native of Ohio. At the death of
her father she inherited the fine farm on which
they are now residing in Audubon Township.
They are the parents of five children: Maggie E.,
a prominent school teacher of the county; Joseph
O., who assists his father on the farm; Hattie J.,
Daisy and James Ross.

Politically Mr. Foster has ever been a Republican,
his first vote having been cast for the martyred
President, Abraham Lincoln. He is a member of
the Grand Arni3' of the Republic, belonging to No-
komis Post, in which he has held the offices of
Senior Vice, Junior Vice and minor positions. As
a soldier he was brave, true and faithful; as a cit-
izen he is public-spirited, industrious and honor-
able; as a tiller of the soil he is progressive, thrifty
and energetic; and as a husband and father he is
kind, considerate and generous. His friends are
many, his enemies few, and he is generous in aid-
ing those who are not so fortunate as himself.

ORON CASE. The name that heads this
sketch is that of one of the early settlers of
jj^ this vicinity, whose entire life in this
county has been such as to win him the respect and
esteem of all who are favored with his acquaint-
ance. Coming here when the country was wild
and unsettled, he has borne his part in the devel-
opment of the land and assisted in bringing it to
its present high rank among the counties of this
choice section.

Our subject was born in Washington County,
N. Y., April 6, 1833, and his parents, Naoman and
Mary (Foster) Case, were natives of the Empire
State also. The paternal grandfather is said to
have been a soldier in the Revolutionary War and
fought for independence. When about five years
of age, our subject came with his parents to the
Buckeye State. They settled in Northwestern
Ohio and there Loron Case remained until about

fifteen years of age, when he started out to fight
life's battles for himself. He first went to Wiscon-
sin, where he found employment on a farm and
received as compensation $9 per month. He was
thus engaged for about two years, when the rich
soil of the Prairie State caused him to settle within
its borders. He first located in Greene County, but
remained there a short time only, when he came to
Montgomery County, and almost his first employ-
ment was assisting in setting out the first hedge
fence, Bois D 'Arc hedge, for L. H. Thomas and
also for S. R. Thomas.

On the 22d of Fcbruaiy, 1863, our subject was
united in marriage with Miss Mary J. Sterling, a
native of Ohio, who came with her parents to Illi-
nois when she was a small girl, and has since been
a resident of this State. To Mr. and Mrs. Case
have been born nine children, seven of whom are
living and are as follows: Maria, wife of Joseph
Deatherage; Ella, wife of John Clouse; Anna,
Clara, Elbert, Otis and Cora.

About 1865, Mr. Case and family settled in
Bois D'Arc Township, and they have made their
home here ever since. He owns a fine piece of land,
and all his farming operations are conducted in a
manner reflecting much credit upon his manage-
ment. Thorough-going and progressive, he has
accumulated all his property by his own exertions
and can now enjoy the fruits of his labor. He
has held a number of township offices and at the
present time is Highway Commissioner, and for
many years has served as School Director. He has
always been a public-spirited citizen and is a pa-
tron of education and all worthy enterprises. He
is alive to the interests of the county, is willing to
do his part in forwarding all enterprises for the
public good, and is an important factor of Mont-
gomery County.

Mr. Case is now very comfortably off and his
honesty and liberality in all things have won him
a host of friends. In the public offices he has held,
he has discharged the duties of the same in a man-
ner above criticism, and with a thoroughness
highly creditable to all concerned. In politics, he
adheres to the principles of the Democratic party
and has advocated the principles of the same up
to date. During his residence in this county, Mr.

124

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Case has seen almost incredible changes for im-
provement, and where was once a vast wilderness
of woods now can bo seen finely cultivated farms
and comfortable homes.

'IL_ERMAN POGGENPOHL. Our subject is
jY one of the leading German-American citi-
Jy%7 zens in Harvcl Township, Montgomery
(|(g) Count}'. He has a fine farm located on
section 30, of this township, which bears evidence
of the industry and unswerving attention that lie
bestows upon it. Mr. Poggenpohl is a native of
Prussia, having been born there April 7, 1833. He
is a son of Francis and Margaret Poggenpohl, both
of whom were also natives of Prussia.

Our subject passed the first eighteen years of his
life in his native land, and received the usual
training of German boys, who looked forward to
the military conscription. Possibly it was because
he had different ambitions that he, like so many
other German youths, found that a change would
be advisable at that age. He emigrated to Amer-
ica in 1852, taking passage on a sailing-vessel, and
after a voyage that lasted fifty-seven days, landed
in New Orleans. He proceeded at once to Greene
County, 111., and was in the employ of Mr. John
Thomas for nineteen months, receiving in return
for his labor $9 per month with his board.

In 1853, our subject lost his parents. They had
come to America at the same time as did he, and
after a residence of a few months in Greene
County, the entire family had come to Montgom-
ery County and settled on the farm where our
subject now lives. His father secured a quarter-
section of land from the Government, paying for
it $1.25 per acre. When they went to live upon
it they found it raw prairie land and young Her-
man turned the first furrow on the farm.

Of the family born to his parents, Mr. Poggen-
pohl is the eldest; Mary is the wife of J. H. Todt;
Anthony, Joseph and Margaret were next in
order of birth. The last-named is now a widow.

Our subject was reared to man's estate and made
familiar with all the duties of farm life. He is a
thoroughly practical man in his knowledge and
ideas appertaining to agriculture. Pioneer days
and pioneer style of living are perfectly familial-
topics to Mr. Poggenpohl. He received a fair ed-
ucation before leaving his native land, and since
coining to America has acquired a great deal. He
is loyal as an American citizen, and, retaining a
deep love for the Fatherland, his allegiance is en-
tirely given to the land of his adoption.

Our subject has been twice married and is the
father of a large family of children, whose names are
as follows: John, Antony, Frank, Charles, William,
Mary, Margaret, Christina, Lena, Annie, Katie,
Emma and Bertha. Mr. Poggenpohl is the owner
of seven hundred and seventy-two acres of well-
cultivated land. The home farm comprises four
hundred and four acres. His successes in life are
entirely due to his own efforts. He is well es-
teemed in the township and county, has been
Director of Schools for years, and is a strong ad-
vocate of any improvement in educational meth-
ods. For a number of years he was Township
School Trustee and has been Highway Commis-
sioner a number of times. Politically, our subject
is a Democrat. In his religious preference, he is a
Roman Catholic. He is a kind-hearted and public-
spirited citizen.

JCHARD S. D. ROBERTS was bom in
Henry County, Ky., September 15, 1822,
and died September 17, 1892, when two
days past three-score and ten. He was a
prominent farmer of Bond County, and resided on
section 3, Mulberry Grove Township. His father
was an earl}' settler of this county, having come
"hither in 1822 and settled on Government land,
but did not make this place his permanent home.
After residing here for about two years, he re-
moved to Vanburensberg, Montgomery Count}-,
where he remained for many years.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

125

The father of our subject was born in Bards-
town, Ky., in 1780, and was there reared to man-
hood. In his native State he married Sarah Sim-
mons, who was born in Henry County, Ky., and
died after her removal to Montgomery County,
111. All of her thirteen children grew to maturity
and all married with one exception.

Grandfather Simmons was one of the soldiers in
the war for independence and when the last rec-
ord of him was received lie was still living, at the
unusual age of one hundred and fifteen years.
Whether the climate of their home tends to lon-
gevity, or whether that fabled spring whose waters
give everlasting youth was shown this remarkable
man and his wife, can not be discovered, but true
it is that the grandmother of our subject, the wife
of the patriarch, lived seven years over a century.
This certainly is a most interesting fact, and one
of which the family of Mr. Roberts is justly
proud.

The grandfather of our subject, Benjamin
Roberts, was a native of Virginia and came to
Kentucky at an early day, even before the great
Daniel Boone performed such valorous deeds in
that State. The ancestry of the family was Eng-
lish-Welsh, and that combination has always made
a race which has borne well its part in the battle
of life. The surviving members of the family to
which our subject belonged are a sister who bears
gracefully her eighty years, and a brother who
lives in Colorado and admits his seventy-six years
as another might acknowledge his fiftieth.

Our subject was the eleventh child in a family
of thirteen children, and was two years old when
he came to Illinois. His first school experience
was not very pleasant, as the two-mile walk
through the woods was a long one for a child, and
the place not very inviting when he reached it.
The house was made of logs, the puncheon seats
were hard, and the master made up in authority
what he lacked in knowledge, and altogether the
road to learning in those days was a hard one to
travel. What education the children received was
really earned. In the days of which this is written,
when large families were the rule, as soon as boys
grew to be of use their school days were over.
This was the case with our subject, and his help

was required on the farm because the whole work
had to be done by manual labor, as this was before
the days of machinery. July 27, 1842, Mr. Roberts
was joined in matrimony with Miss Mary R.
White, who was born and reared in Loudoun
County, Va. This worthy lady bravely bore her
part in the pioneer life of the day, and won the
regard of all with whom she came in contact.

After his marriage, our subject located where
the family now resides. He built a log house and
there lived until the breaking out of the Mexican
War. Then with patriotic fervor he enlisted in
Company E, Third Illinois Infantry, and served
for twelve months. Entering as Corporal he was
promoted to be Fourth Sergeant, and received his
discharge at New Orleans in 1846. After the
close of the war, he returned home, and by in-
dustry became the owner of a farm of two hun-
dred and fifty-two acres of land, all of which he
cultivated. It was wood and prairie, but he made
a beautiful home out of what was once a wilder-
ness.

The beginning of Mr. Roberts' life was as that
of many others of the self-made men of the
county. His means were small, but lie possessed
energy, sagacity, and an abundance of industry, and
has made himself the owner of one of the finest
farms in the county. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts became
the parents of the following children: Mary K. is the
wife of Hardin Eltuore, whose sketch appears else-
where in this work; James H. is a merchant at New-
port, 111.; Julia Stark is the wife of P'rederick Durr,
of Bond County; Elizabeth, formerly the wife of
Frederick Kimball. is now deceased, and of the
three children that she left, one is married; George
W. died at the age of eighteen years; Richard S.
and Stephen Douglas live in Bond County.

Our subject was a general farmer and stock-
raiser. He was a Democrat in his political faith,
and was always ready to give his opinions upon
the general topics of the day. The branch of the
church known as the United Baptist was the re-
ligious denomination with which our subject af-
filiated and in which he held the office of Deacon.
He was prominent in his church for many years
and contributed to its support liberally, while he
also aided in the Sun day -school work.

126

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

One of the important families in Bond County
bore the name of Gilham, and were the first
settlers here. At this time there are none of the
old name to give a sketch, and as this family is
connected by marriage with the family of the sub-
ject, it does not seem out of place to insert it
here. Charles Gilliam built the first mill in the
county, where is now Mulberry Grove, about five
hundred yards northwest of Mr. Roberts' house.
He was a prominent man, well regarded and re-
spected by all, and was a member of the Presby-
terian Church. A sister of our subject married
Newton Gilliam, and one of his brothers married
Sarah Gilham. All of these are now deceased.

The full name of our subject is Richard Steph-
ens Dorsey, and he was the namesake of a good
old man, the family physician in the old home in
Henry County, Ky. Our subject ever honored his
name by his life. Throughout this beautiful and
prosperous county, none were more highly re-
garded in the neighborhood than he.

JHUDGE CICERO J. LINDLY, one of the
I most prominent politicians of Bond County,
j is probably better known in the political
circles of the State than any other man of

his years. He is also one of the most prosperous
farmers of Central Township. Born in Madison
County, 111., December 11, 1857, he is the son of
John J. Lindly, who was also a native of Madi-
son County and was born in 1832.

Two Lindly brothers came from England to
America in Colonial times and settled in North
Carolina, and from one of these was descended John
Lindly, the grandfather of our subject. He was a
farmer by occupation, and in those days, when
every man was skilled in the use of fire-arms, he
was an experienced hunter through the wilds of
the Pine Tree State. So expert did he become in
the use of his musket in search of beavers, that the
sobriquet of "Beaver John" was given him by his
neighbors. At a very early day in the history of

Madison County he went there on horseback and
took up Government land, erecting his log
cabin by the side of Silver Creek. He resided
there only a few years and then entered land on
Pleasant Ridge in the same county.

Grandfather Lindly served in the Black Hawk
War, as well as in the various skirmishes with the
savages at that time, and was well known to
many of the Indians, with some of whom he be-
came very friendly. In his hunting and trap-
ping expeditions he became well acquainted with
the natives, and probably understood them
better than did many settlers. His business of
selling beaver fur was very profitable for those
early days, although he did not become an Astor
by the handling of furs. His death occurred in
1866, when he reached his seventy -second year.
The grandmother of our subject, who was in her
maidenhood Sarah Gunterman, was born in Ken-
tucky and is now living in good health and
sound mind in Lebanon, St. Clair County, 111., at
the age of ninety-three years.

The father of our subject gained the rudiments
of his education in the log schoolhouse, but later
attended the academy in Troy, 111. He became a
farmer and cultivated the land belonging to the
old homestead in Madison County, and owns four
hundred acres there. He moved into Lebanon
in 1867, and now lives the comfortable life of a
retired farmer of means. His life has been a suc-
cessful one, and now he enjoys the income of his
property without the labor of attending to it per-
sonally. The mother of our subject was Mary
Amanda Palmer, and she was born on the site of
the present city of Joliet, 111. Her father entered
land there and built the first bridge. She became
the mother of four children: Joseph, Madison
M., Cicero and Mary.

Our subject was reared and educated partly in
Madison and partly in St. Clair County. He first
attended the public schools and then went to Me
Ken dree College at Lebanon, where he took the sci-
entific and law courses, graduating from the former
in June, 1877, and from the latterin 1878. His youth
prevented him from being admitted to the Bar, his
age being only twenty, and he spent a year reading
law with ex-Gov. Fletcher in St. Louis, after which

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD

127

he was admitted to practice in the State of Missouri.
The marriage of Judge Lindly took place Decem-
ber 22, 1880, to Miss Alice J. McNeil, who was
born in this county June 9, 1855, and three chil-
dren have been born of this union, although only
one, a flue boy, Abram, is still living. Alice died
at the age of two and One-half years, and she was
preceded by an infant. The parents of Mrs. Lind-
ly, Abraham and Elizabeth (Etzler) McNeil, were
among the earliest settlers in the county.

After his marriage, our subject settled on the
old homestead in Madison County, where he lived
for two years, and then bought his present farm,
located two miles south of Greenville, and settled
here in July, 1880. Judge Lindly has five hun-
dren and eighty acres of land, all under cultiva-
tion with the exception of eighteen, and the
whole farm is in one body. He carries on a sys-
tem of mixed farming and stock-raising. Two
hundred and forty acres have been cleared since the
Judge took charge of the place, and he has erected
good buildings and has so improved it that it
now ranks as one of the best fiirms in the county.
The yield of wheat for the past year on one hun-
dred and seventy acres of land was four thousand
and eighty bushels.

Judge and Mrs. Lindly are members of the
Christian Church, and to its support contribute
liberally. He is a very important factor in the
Republican ranks of the State, and was an Elector
on the Blaine and Logan ticket in 1884. He was
elected to the position of County Judge for four
years in 1886. Many cases came before him, and
his duty was performed without fear or favor.
At Chicago, in 1888, he was present at ..the Na-
tional Convention as a delegate, and he has been
a delegate to ever}' State convention since 1884.
He was a candidate for State Treasurer in 1890,
and he was nominated for Congress in the Eigh-
teenth District in the same year, but, like many
other Republicans in that year, he was defeated
by a combination of circumstances which history
will explain in the future. This district has only
once in twenty years been carried by a Republican.

Judge Lindly received the Republican vote
twenty-one times in the Legislature in the winter
of 1890-91 for United States Senator, He was

President of the Farmers' Mutual Benefit As-
sociation of the State from 1889 to October, 1891,
and the organization grew from twenty thousand
to seventy thousand members during his adminis-
tration. He has "stumped" the State in every cam-
paign since 1880, and is in demand as a speaker
at all kinds of meetings. At present he holds the
office of Chairman of the Congressional Commit-
tee, and is one of the rising men of the State, of
whom future great expectations are held.

AMUEL H. LIBBEY is a farmer living near
Reno, in Bond County, this State, and as a
veteran who served gallantly in the late
war, commands the regard of all people of
patriotic instincts. Mr. Libbey is a native of this
county, having been born near the place where he
now lives October 22, 1840. He was the sixth
child in the family of nine children born to
William P. and Sallie (Drown) Libbey.

William P. Libbey was a native of the Pine
Tree State, and he went across the border into New
Hampshire in order to get a wife. In 1836, they
came to Illinois and settled on the farm where our
subject was born. Later, they went to Elm Point,
and there Mr. Libbey, Sr., died in 1862, while his
wife did not long survive him, as she passed away
in the same year. All of their children, with the
exception of two, still survive and are named as
follows: Amanda F., William Albert, Sarah A.,
I. H., John B., Edward P., and our subject. The
eldest sister is the widow of Leonard Jernigan,
and now lives at Newton, Kan.; William resides at
Coffeen, Montgomery County; Sarah A., the widow
of A. A. McLean, lives at Newton, Kan.; I. H.
is a farmer living near Newton, Kan.; John, who
served in the First Cavalry during the late war,
is a real-estate agent at Altamont, Kan.; and Ed-
ward P., a farmer living near Newton.

June 1 1, 1861, Mr. Libbey went into the army and
served in Company D,of the Twenty-second Illinois
Infantry. He enlisted as a private and gave three

128

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

years of good service and was discharged July 7,
1864. He participated in many of the hard-fought
battles of the war, among them those of Belmont,
Island No. 10, Pittsburg Landing, Farmington,
Corinth, Nashville, Stone River, Chickamaugaand
Missionary Ridge.

After coming out of the army, the original of
our sketch resumed his farming, but later became
engaged in the mercantile business, which he fol-
lowed until 1880, when he bought his present
farm which adjoins the town of Reno. Our sub-
ject was married on the 17th of March, 1862, tak-
ing the step after he had entered the Government
service. His bride was Miss Nancy Elizabeth Mc-
Cracken, like himself a native of Bond County,
and born near the present site of Sorento. Mr. and
Mrs. Libbey hare been the parents of four chil-
dren, whose- names were Minnie M., James Will-
iam, Ella and John Albert. The eldest daughter
died after a brief period of married happiness with
Dr. R. Seymour; J. W. married Ida Jett and lives
on a farm near Reno; Ella married G. M. Redfearn,
but is now deceased; John Albert, who has just
reached his majority, is still a young bachelor at
home. Ella left one daughter, Minnie Ella, whom
the grandparents have adopted as their own.

Mr. Libbej- springs from a long line of Whig
ancestors who became Republicans upon the organ-
ization of that party, and there has never yet been
a member of his family disloyal to his party and
principles. He lives anew in the experiences of
his military career in his reunion with his soldier
comrades, being a devoted Grand Army man. His
wife is a member of the Presbyterian Church of
Reno.

. GREENWOOD. One of the men
who by personal sacrifice and by persevering
industry wrested a home and fortune from
the wilderness, and one who will long be re-
membered by those among whom he made his
home, is he whose name heads this brief sketch.

During life he was a prominent farmer and an
early settler of this county.

The birth of our subject took place May 8, 1812,
in Boston, Mass. His father, John Greenwood,
was born near the same city, December 14, 1780.
The latter was a carpenter by trade and engaged
in that occupation in his native county before
coming to Illinois. In 1833, Mr. Greenwood, Sr.,
came to Alton, 111., on a prospecting tour, and in
1836 he returned to Illinois, where he worked at
his trade for the following two years. The jour-
ney from Massachusetts was made by cars, and boats
down the Ohio River and up the Mississippi, and
location was made on the present farm of our sub-
ject in 1839.

At that time the whole country around here
was covered with woodland and there were no im-
provements whatever, but as both men were car-
penters the erecting of a neat frame house was
a very easy task for them. The father continued
to reside with his son until his death summons
came at the age of eighty-one years. Our subject
came to this place at the same time as his father,
and after spending several years in Alton, settled
on his present farm, which he cleared and devel-
oped as rapidly as possible. At one time he
owned six hundred and forty acres of land, but
sold off all but four hundred and twenty aci;es.
He was known as a hard worker and good manager.
June 10, 1845, Mr. Greenwood was married to
Miss Harriet Birge, whose parents were James and
Abilena (Eaton) Birge, and both were natives of
Vermont. They came to Illinois in 1834, and
reached Greenville November 9. The journey
was made by wagon and eight weeks were consumed
on the way. They saw a great many deer and
also some wolves. Mr. Birge made settlement
near Greenville, on the old St. Louis road, where
he became the owner of eighty acres and did much
of the clearing and development of that place.
He was a typical New Englander, of quiet disposi-
tion, but firm in his convictions. Mr. Birge died
on his homestead about 1850, his wife having died
in 1842, at the age of sixty years. She reared a fam-
ily of seven children, and she and her husband
were both members of the Presbyterian Church.
In politics, Mr. Birge was a Whig,

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

129

Mrs. Greenwood's early life was spent on the
farm and she came here when fourteen years of
age with her parents. She attended the district
school in Vermont and spent several years in the
old primitive log schools of this county after com-
ing here. After marriage she settled here and has
resided here ever since. Five children were
born to her and her husband, four of whom are
still living, namely: Elizabeth A.; Mi Hard F.; Mary,
who became Mrs. Henry Floyd; and Rebecca, who
became Mrs. Arthur Wait. The death of Mr.
Greenwood occurred August 22, 1886. He had
been a consistent member of the Presbyterian
Church, in which his wife still holds membership.
A Republican in politics, he was always ready to
uphold the principles of his party.

Mrs. Greenwood carries on the work of the
farm with the assistance of her son, Millard F.,
in an efficient manner since her husband's death.
She has seen the most of the development of this
part of the county and is very well known and
much esteemed. Her husband has been much
lamented by the whole community, as he was a
man whose character was above reproach in every
way and one who served as a fit representative of
the best class of pioneers of this county.

^ILLIAM N. POTTER is a prominent and
wealthy farmer of Bond County and a
member of an old settled family. The
beautiful home of our subject, with its trees and
flowers, proclaims to the stranger that it is the
abode of culture and refinement.

The subject of this notice resides upon the farm
where he was born, December 29, 1841. His
father was James M. Potter, a native of Kentucky,
who was born in 1811, and was a farmer and car-
penter. At the latter trade he was very success-
ful, as he was of an ingenious turn of mind, and he
also carried on the business of running carding ma-
chines. He came into the State about 1830 and
into Montgomery County in 1838, but only lived

there a short time, and then came on here. At
this place he entered three hundred and seventy-
five acres of prairie land from the Government,
and then married and settled in this place in 1840.
There were many deer and wolves in this region
at this time, but Mr. Potter was no hunter and he
did not molest them as they seemed afraid of him.
Here he built a frame house and made the first
improvement on the land.

James Potter raised considerable stock, but at
that time St. Louis was the nearest market; there
were no railroads to carry anything, and it was
necessary for the farmers to haul all their produce
to this far distant market. This necessitated a
trip of some four days and a camp by the way.
His early political opinions were those of the
Whigs and later he became a member of the Re-
publican party and was a man of great firmness
and determination in following what he believed
to be right. His death took place in March, 1857.

The mother of our subject was Malinda Paisley,
who married James Potter September 24, 1840,
and who was born in this township, October 13,
1819. Her father was William Paisley, of whom
a sketch will be found in the notice of Robert
Paisley. Two children were reared by Mr. and Mrs.
Potter, William N. and Nancy A. The latter mar-
ried Robert Forsythe and lives in Logan County,
111. Mrs. Potter is still living and resides with
her children.

Our subject was reared on the farm and was ed-
ucated in the subscription schools and then at-
tended the Mt. Zion Academy for two seasons,
during his eighteenth and nineteenth years. His
father died when he was seventeen years old and
he was obliged to take charge of the place himself.
When the war broke out he was one of the first to
enlist and joined Company E, First Illinois Cav-
alry, and served one year, being mustered out
at St. Louis. He was on duty all through Mis-
souri and was in the battle of Lexington, being
captured there, but was paroled and was mustered
out of the army in July, 1862. In 1867 he was
married to Miss Edia Z. Johnson, who was born
in Hancock County, 111., November 20, 1847. Five
children have resulted from this marriage, James
H., Dora, Isabel, Flora and Robert.

130

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Our subject has three hundred and seventy-five
acres of prairie land and has eighty acres in tim-
ber. He has made all of the substantial improve-
ments upon the place and now has a farm second
to none in the county. He has raised both stock
and grain and has a thorough understanding of
the management of the former. In 1878 he went
to Harvey County, Kan., and dealt in cattle and
hogs until 1883, buying and shipping them. His
present beautiful residence was built in 1884, when
he also erected a large granary and buggy house.
The home is a charming one and the people are
worthy dwellers in it. Mrs. Potter is a lover of
flowers and her taste is seen in the beautiful ar-
rangement of her lawn. She is a member of the
Presbyterian Church and a lovely Christian lady.
In politics, Mr. Potter votes the Republican ticket
and upholds the principles of that party.

Almost all of the advancement in the county
has come under the notice of Mr. Potter and he
lias done his share toward the development of his
section.

, ROF. J. L. TRAYLOR. It is a fact credit-
)' able to the character of the American peo-
ple that in settling up the country one of
the first objects they have endeavored to
achieve has been that of making provision for the
education of the youth. In the pioneer days, when
the settlements were small and the children scat-
tered, there was an endeavor on the part of the
Western communities to secure for their chil-
dren such advantages of education as were avail-
able. Much attention was paid to this important
subject, and that this attention has not been al-
lowed to lessen with increase of population may
be learned by noting the school houses that crown
every hill-top. Prominent among those who have
ever evinced much interest in educational matters,
stands Prof. J. L. Tray lor, who is now the able and
efficient Superintendent of Schools of Montgomery
County, 111.

Prof. Traylor is a native of this county, born in
East Fork Township, April 7, 1858, and is a son

of Joel C. Traylor, a native of the Blue Grass State.
About 1844, the latter came to Montgomery
County, 111., and located in East Fork Township,
where he kept a general store for forty years. He
died in April, 1887. In politics, he was a Demo-
crat, and his first Presidential vote was for Jackson.
He was School Treasurer for thirty years in the
township, and was a worthy and consistent mem-
ber of the Universalist Church. He married Miss
Sarah Ohmart, a native of Ohio, and the daughter
of George Ohmart, who was born in Pennsylvania.
Mrs. Traylor came to Montgomery Countj' when
fourteen years of age, and was married in this
county to Mr. Traylor in 1846. She is now resid-
ing on the old home place. The paternal grandpar-
ents of our subject, James and Nancy (Cardwell)
Traylor, were natives of the Old Dominion, and the
latter was a cousin of John Randolph, of Roanoke.
Our subject's great-grandfather, Humphrey Tra}'-
lor, was also bora in Virginia, and was a Revolu-
tionary soldier, serving under Shelby.

Of the thirteen children born to his parents, ten
sons and three daughters, seven of whom are liv-
ing, our subject was eighth in order of birth. His
first educational advantages were received in the
common schools, but later he attended for ten
weeks the old Hillsboro Academy. After this he
started out as a teacher, and followed this profes-
sion for fifteen years, teaching for seven and a-half
years in Walnut Grove. He taught his last term
there. He was very successful as an educator, and
won an enviable reputation in that capacity. The
happy domestic life of our subject began on the
14th of April, 1878, when he was united in mar-
riage to Miss Mary F. Hicks, a native of Tennessee.
Five children have blessed this union, two sons
and three daughters: Lewy, Claire, Lyman, Jessie
and Alma.

Mr. Traylor is a Democrat in politics, and be-
fore reaching the age of twenty-one years he was
elected Assessor of the township. In November,
1890, he was elected County Superintendent of
Schools. He is a gentleman well qualified for the
position; he is pleasant and painstaking in his
milliners, and has the requisite ability to properly
conduct that business, He is at present Trustee
of the village of Coffeen. Our subject is a mem-
der of the Lodge No. 1,143, M. W. of A., and is
also a member of Lodge No. 4., K. of P. He is the
owner of forty-one acres of land, and is progress-
1 ive and enterprising. He has ever been deeply in-
terested in educational work, and since his nine-
teenth year has devoted his time to this work.

"EVERGREEN VILLA FARM ". RESI DENCE OF LEWIS

. THOMAS, SEC. 10., BOIS D' ARC TR, MONTGOMERY CO.JLL.

LIBRARY

0^ THE

UNIVERSITY ot ILLINOIS

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

135

'OHN P. DAVIS. Our subject is a native
of Crawford Count}-, Pa., where he was
born March 10, 1825. Without doubt, his
parents settled in that wild portion of what
\v.-i> then considered the West after having fol-
lowed in the wake of Washington's expedition
thither, when he went to inspect the French force
preparatory to centralizing the power of the Eng-
lish forces. The writer well appreciates the con-
ditions of life at that time and place. Crawford
County is among the foothills of the Alleghany
Ridge; the winters are long and severe and the
summers too short for such crops as the farmers
raise here in Southern Illinois. The houses were
built very differently then from what they now
are, and it was not unusual for the lads snatching
the last forty winks of their morning nap to find
themselves in the winter time covered with a
downy blanket of snow, which had drifted through
the cracks and openings of the attic roof. But
these hardships proved to have. developed a sturdy
race of man, to whom ordinary difficulties are but
small obstacles.

Our subject's father was by name David G.
Davis, and his mother's maiden name was Rhoda
Craven. The former died in Crawford County,
Pa. The widow removed to Montgomery County,
this State, where she passed away. Of a family of
ten children, John P. was the eldest. He was
reared upon the home farm in his native county
and State, remaining there until twenty-one years
of age. Thence he went to Wilmington, Del., and
during his residence in that State made good his
time in learning the plasterer's trade, to which he
served a faithful apprenticeship. For several years
he engaged in his trade in Wilmington and New
Jersey, and then returned to his native place and
was engaged in his trade for three years.

The West was beginning to offer most alluring
inducements to the young men who had ambitions
above the every-day routine, and of these oursub-
ject was one. He came to Litchfield, this State,
where he followed his trade for three years and
then purchased one hundred and twenty acres on
section 10, of North Litchfield Township. He has
endeavored to make this his paradise on earth and
it has been his home eyer since. IJis attention
6

has been given chiefly to general farming. The
buildings upon his place are very good, his house
cozy and pleasant, and his barns and outhouses in
good repair. He has added to his original pur-
chase until his acres now number two hundred
and sixty.

Mr. Davis' life has been enriched by the com-
panionship of a good wife. Her maiden name was
Ann Dolbow, and she is a native of Salem
County, N. J., where she was born June 23, 1820,
the daughter of Gabriel and Mary Dolbow. Our
subject and his wife have reared six children to
lives of usefulness and honor. The eldest child
died in infancy. The remaining ones are: George
D., Gideon S., Wesley C., Orlenna, Charles O.
and William J. Orlenna is the wife of S. R.
Blackwelder. Two sons and a daughter reside in
Pratt County, Kan.

The original of this sketch has been a faithful
custodian of several of the minor offices in the gift
of the township. In politics, he is a Democrat,
and likes to think of the principles of his party in
the beauty and simplicity of its originator. Both
our subject and his wife are members of the Meth-
odist Episcopal Church, and have found great
comfort in the social as well as religious associa-
tions there encountered.

(IIOMAS G. LAWS. Among the shrewd,
successful and far-seeing young business
men of this section is Mr. Thomas G. Laws,
whose life of industry and usefulness and whose
record for honesty and uprightness have given
him a hold upon the community which all might
well desive to share. He is a native-born resident
of Montgomery County, 111., his birth occurring
in East Fork Township December 5, 1851, and the
reputation he has enjoyed has been not only that
of a wide-awake, thorough-going business man, but
of an intelligent and thoroughly-posted man in all
public affairs. He is engaged in merchandising
in C'offeen, and is also a live-stock nn(\ grain
dealer of considerable prominence,

136

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Mr. Laws is the eldest son and second child born
to William and Mary (McCaslin) Laws, both na-
tives of Kentuck3', the father born in Todd and
the mother in Caldwell County. After their mar-
riage, the parents settled in a little round-log
house on sixty acres of raw land, and immediately
began making improvements. They experienced
all the hardships of pioneer life, and lived to see
the wilderness blossom like the rose. They now
have a very comfortable home, and are enjoying
the accumulations of previous years. Nine chil-
dren were born to their union: Sarah E.,our sub-
ject, Lucinda M., Alfred W., Fielding F., Mary E.,
Charles L., William II., and Albert P. (deceased).
All these children were reared on the old home
place. The father is a Republican in his political
views, takes an active part in all the laudable en-
terprises, and is a public-spirited citizen.

The youthful days of our subject were spent on
the home place, and in addition to a common-school
education he entered the Hillsboro Academy,
where his education was completed. He remained
under the parental roof until his marriage in April,
1873, to Miss Sarah McCurry, a native of Mont-
gomery County, 111. She died in 1878. leaving
two sons, Clement and William, both at home at
the present time. The second marriage of our sub-
ject was to Miss Nellie Wesner, a native of Fayette
County, 111. This union has been blessed by the
birth of four children, two sons and two daugh-
ters: Mary, Ralph, Gladys and Vivian.

Our subject followed farming in East Fork
Township for many years, and as he had been
reared and trained to the duties of farm life from
an early age, and understood every detail of the
same, it was not to be wondered at that he was suc-
cessful in that pursuit. However, he moved to
Donnellson in 1880, embarked in the grain busi-
ness, and remained there until 1889, when he
moved to Coffeen, where he engaged in the live-
stock and grain business. Later, he started a gen-
eral store in connection with his other business,
and is doing a very successful and prosperous busi-
ness. He ships to Toledo, Baltimore and many
other points, and is one of the leading men of the
county. He owns five buildings in Coffeen and
the' best business block in the village. He is

widely and favorably known in the county, and
fully merits the success which has attended all his
enterprises. Like his father, he is a stanch sup-
porter of the principles of the Republican party
and a useful and prominent citizen. Socially, he
is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America
and the Knights of Pythias.

OHN C. McLEAN, ESQ., is one of the most
prominent and progressive farmers of the
section in which he lives, as well as an hon-
ored veteran of the late war. He resides in
Lagrange Township, Bond County, and was born
in Montgomery County, 111., June 13, 1843. His
father, William R. McLean, was born in North Car-
olina in 1823, and his grandfather was William
McLean, a native of Scotland, who came to this
country and settled in Guilford County, N. C.,
about 1800. He carried on farming there and died
at an advanced age.

The father of our subject was reared on a farm
and came to Montgomery County in 1841, mak-
ing the trip of course by wagon. Here he entered
eighty acres of Government land and built a small
frame house. This was one of the very first
erected on the prairie in Hillsboro Township, and
here he resided until his death in 1876. His gun
was his trusty friend, and many were the deer he
shot and the wolves he drove away.

At his death Mr. McLean owned two hundred and
forty acres of land which he had worked hard to
secure and cultivate. His nearest market was St.
Louis and to that city all grain and pork had to
be hauled, and this necessitated a trip of five days
with a night camp by the way. In 1876, he died,
at the age of fifty-three years, after a useful
and honest life. His religious convictions made
him a Calvinist, and very strict was he in his
ideas of right and wrong. In politics, he was
a Whig, and later became a Republican, and at-
tended to his duties as a citizen as faithfully as
he performed every act of his life.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

137

Tlie mother of our subject, Emily J. Barry,
was horn in Kentucky, the State that is noted
for its beautiful women, and she was brought to
Montgomery County when only a little girl. Her
family consisted of ten children, and seven of
these grew up. They are: John C., Samuel II.,
Nancy J., Mary J., Joseph R., Melissa J.and Ida E.
This worth}- lady is still living honored among
her children, a devoted member of the Presbyter-
ian Church. Her father was Richard Barry, a na-
tive of Kentucky of German extraction. His set-
tlement in Montgomery County was among the
h'rst made there, and he became the possessor of two
hundred acres of land before his death.

Our subject was reared on a farm and attended
the old log schoolhouse with its primitive appli-
ances for educating the young of that day, and
he was among the most studious of the pupils.
When the Civil War broke out he was among
the first to spring to the defense of his land,
and Octobsr 1, 1861, he enlisted in Company E,
Forty-ninth Illinois Infantry, and was mustered
in at St. Louis and served in the Western divi-
sion of the army. He was one of the valiant men
who fought at Ft. Donelson, and Pittsburg Land-
ing, and siege of Corinth, and then was put on
patrol duty along the railroads for a long time;
later he was in the battle at Little Rock and in
the Meridian campaign with Sherman, and then
was with the Red River campaign and took pait
in all the battles. His regiment was in the
struggles at Cold water, Miss., later was sent on
the Missouri campaign after Price, and then to
Nashville after Hood, and from Columbia, Tenn.,
to Paducah, Ky., where they were permitted to re-
main at garrison duty until the close of the war,
when he was mustered out in September, 1865. Our
subject is now in receipt of a $6 pension a month-
After the war the farm seemed most attractive
to Mr. McLean, and south of Hillsboro he carries
on his agricultural pursuits. September 27, 1867,
he married Miss Sarah E. Laws, who was a native
of Montgomery County, and eight children have
been added to the family, although Emma and Jes-
sie are numbered with the dead. Those living are
Freddie, Bertie, Clarence, Estic, Samuel and Char-
ley. Our subject settled upon sixty acres of the

old homestead and bought sixty acres more where
he lived -until 1881, when he sold there and
bought his present place in the spring of that
year. Here he has one hundred and sixty acres,
and about all of it is improved and our subject has
done the most of the clearing of it. He raises
grain and fine stock and not only farms his own
one hundred and sixty but about as much more
which he rents.

Mr. and Mrs. McLean are members of the Cum-
berland Presbyterian Church and in that connec-
tion are highly regarded. In his political belief
he is a Republican and he has been in his present
office of Justice of the Peace for the past four
years. Also he is one of the three Road Commis-
sioners, having miles of road to oversee and is
now serving his third term in that office. He is
connected with the Grand Army of the Republic
Post in Greenville, and is one of the most highly
regarded men of his section, his friends being-
legion.

QUIRE J. AV. WIIITLOCK. Prominently
engaged in the real-estate, loan and in-
surance business in this city is Squire
J. W. Whitlock, who is well established,
and who has earned a well-merited reputation for
the conscientious and efficient manner with which
he conducts all affairs entrusted to his care. Al-
though our subject has only been established here
since 1890, his business has already taken a very
important hold upon the community, for in the
very nature of things it was impossible that a
man of such calibre as Mr. Whitlock could en-
gage in any business without making an indel-
ible impression upon the favorable opinion of
the residents and business men of the locality.
His business is far-reaching in its nature, and he
has always on his list a number of very choice
lots for investment. In insurance matters he is
well to the front, is agent for some of the lead-

138

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ing companies, and can always quote premiums
at lowest rates.

Our subject was born in Montgomery County,
Ohio, near Brookville, January 4, 1839, and was
fifth in order of birth of seven children born to
Elias and Mary (Johnson) Whitlock, the father a
native of New Jersey, born in the year 1797, and
the mother a native of Delaware, born in 1805.
Our subject's grandfather, William Whitlock,
came to Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1810, when there
was but one hotel in the city, and later located on
a farm about twelve miles from the city, where
he remained during the remainder of his life.
Luke Johnston, the maternal grandfather of Squire
Whitlock, was an early settler of Hamilton County,
Ohio, locating there about 1810.

Elias Whitlock was reared in his native State,
but came to Ohio witli his father, and was mar-
ried in that State, in 1827, to Miss Johnston, who
was reared in Hamilton County, Ohio. Later, this
ambitious young couple settled in Montgomery
County, Ohio, on entered land, and there con-
tinued to make their home until 1870, when they
moved to Piqua, Miami County, Ohio, and there
passed the remainder of their days, the father Ay-
ing in 1880, and the mother in 1886. Of the
seven children born to them, six sons and one
daughter, all reached mature years, married and
became the heads of families. All are now living
but one daughter, Sarah, who died in 1888. The
other children are: Isaac J., at Piqua, Ohio; Will-
iam, Professor of the Ohio University, of Dela-
ware; Stephen II., pastor of the First Methodist
Episcopal Church at Clinton, 111.; John W., our
subject; Arthur O., who resides four miles east of
C'offeen and is a farmer; and Rev. Elias D., of Del-
aware, pastor of William Street Methodist Epis-
copal Church.

The youthful days of our subject were spent on
the home place in Ids native county, and his first
educational advantages were received in the dis-
trict schools. Later, he attended the Normal
School at Piqua, Ohio, and when eighteen years
of age began learning the carpenter's trade. This
he followed until the breaking out of the late war,
when he enlisted in Company C, Fifteenth United
>States Infantry, as a private. He was wounded in

the battle of Shiloh, in 1862, by a canister-shot
and was disabled from further duty. lie was dis-
charged in 1863, and returned to his home in the
Buckeye State. In the year 1865, lie was mar-
ried to Miss Emma Fiet, a native of Montgomery
County, Ohio, and remained in that State until
1872. when ho decided to move to Montgomery
County, 111. After reaching the Prairie State, he
located in Hillsboro,and there engaged in the car-
penter's trade, which he followed for four years.
In 1876, Mr. Whitlock moved his family toCof-
feen, where he now resides, and was engaged in
liis trade until 1890, when he embarked in the
real-estate business. He is also connected with
the Safety Loan Association, of St. Louis, and is
carrying on a successful business. In politics, he
is a Republican and an active worker for his party.
He was elected Justice of the Peace in 1890, and
is also Notary Public. Mr. and Mrs. Whitlock are
consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church. Their union has been blessed by the
birth of six children, three sons and three daugh-
ters, as follows: Lizzie H., wife of W. II. Snider,
of Coffeen; Mary, deceased; Wesley W., of Cof-
feen; Maggie, deceased; Orvis B., of Coffeen; and
Charley J., at home.

I? GUIS SEDENTOP. It is an undeniable

I (@ truth that the life of any man is of great
l> -AX benefit to the community in which he re-
sides, when all his efforts are directed toward ad-
vancing its interests, and when he lives according
to the highest principles of what he conceives to
be right, helping others and practicing the Golden
Rule in very truth. Such a man is Louis Sedentop,
who is a self-made, prosperous and leading citizen
of BoisD' Arc Township, where he has resided
for forty years. His name has become a familiar
one to the people of Montgomery County, as well
as the surrounding counties, and his genial and
sincere nature, no less than the occupations and
enterprises in which he lias been engaged, has
tended to bring about tljjs result, He is the

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

139

founder of the thriving village of Farmersville,
and much credit is due him for its present pros-
perity. Without a doubt, he has done more for
the village than any living man, and is possessed
of strong convictions and the courage to maintain
any position he may take.

Mr. Sedeutop was born in Brunswick, Germany,
May 3, 1835, and his parents, Christopher and
Dora Sedentop, were natives also of the Father-
land. In the year 1852, when not yet of age,
young Sedentop decided to cross the ocean to
America. He took passage at Bremen, and fifty
days later landed at New Orleans. From there he
went up the Mississippi River to St. Louis, which
was then a small town, and was engaged in differ-
ent occupations there. During the winter, he
came to the Sucker State, and in the spring of
1853 stopped in Macoupin County for about three
months. I n 1853, he came to Montgomery County,
this State, with only about $10 in money.
For several years he worked as a farm hand and
was obliged to work very hard to get a start. He
had received a good education in the German
language in his native country, and after coming
here he acquired a fair knowledge of the English
tongue.

His marriage with Miss Honora Leonard was
celebrated on the 16th of March, 1859. She was
born on the green isle of Erin, County Limerick,
and was the daughter of Patrick and Catherine
Leonard, both natives of Ireland. She came to
America in 1857. This union resulted in the
birth of the following children: Jane, wife of
Charles Clark; Josephine, Dennis, William, Dora,
Katie, Maggie, Nora, and Louis M. (deceased).
For seven years Mr. Sedentop worked as a farm
hand for Frank Fassett, who resided near Zanes-
ville, 111., and subsequently rented land of the
same man for over three years. During this time,
by industry and economy, he had accumulated
considerable means and lie then purchased eighty
acres in Macoupin Count}'. This land was un-
cultivated and he went earnestly to work to im-
prove and develop it. After remaining on it for
three years, he removed to Montgomery County,
and first settled on eighty acres one-half mile west
of his present farm in the spring of 1869.

All Mr. Sedentop's accumulations are the result
of years of hard labor, for he is a self-made man
in the true sense of the term, and his possessions
have been obtained by industry, economy and
perseverance on the part of himself and his most
estimable wife. Me has made all the improve-
ments on his fine farm, and on this the present
village of Farmersville was started and laid out in
1887, Mr. Sedentop being the promoter of the
same.

When our subject first came to America, he was
a Lutheran, but since his marriage he has joined
the Roman Catholic Church, of which his wife is
also a member. In politics, he is an ardent Demo-
crat, and takes an active interest in the success of
his party. He is public-spirited and enterprising,
and takes a deep interest in everything pertaining
to the public good. Mr. Sedentop is prominently
identified with the stock-raising interests of the
county, and is raising a fine grade of sheep. All
his farming operations are conducted in a manner
showing him to be a man of excellent judgment
and much good sound sense. He has met with the
success attending perseverance and industry, and
is now one of the substantial men of the county.
His broad acres and his pleasant and attractive
home are a standing monument to his industry and
good management. He is one of the most intelli-
gent, self-made men of Montgomery County, and
in every walk of life has conducted himself in an
upright and honorable manner.

AMUEL W. KESSINGER, B. S. Centur-
ies ago it was said that a " prophet is not
without honor save in his own country."
This, however, seems to have lost its force
in the present generation in America, for talent
and genius are recognized very quickly and fos-
tered, and, it is to be regretted, flattered, until some
times the divine spirit is lost in egotism.

Mr. Kessinger, who is the editor of the Litch-
field Monitor, is one of the best products of the

140

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

city and one of which the city is very proud. He
was born here September 25, 1867, and is a son of
Thomas G. Kessinger, who was a prominent set-
tler and located here at an early Any. Mr. Kes-
singer, Sr., was born in Grayson County, Ky.,
January 1, 1832, his family being of German ori-
gin. Grandfather Josiah Kessinger. who is eighty
years old, still lives twelve miles southeast of
Litchfield. On first coming to this State, he set-
tled near Scottville, Macoupin County, in 1837.
There he resided for some time, engaged in farm-
ing.

Our subject's father made his home for a num-
ber of years with his uncle, William B. Peebles, of
Shaw's Point Township, and while there learned
the blacksmith's trade. He married Miss Rebecca
Cheney, of Macoupin County, but born in New
York May 5, 1834. After his marriage he settled
in Zanesville, this county, and was emplo3'ed at his
trade. He came here in 1856, when the country was
crude, the village having been platted in 1854.
Here he established a blacksmith shop. He was
in early days an Abolitionist, at a time when there
were few with those views here, and when it cost a
man considerable to maintain his views. In 1870,
he engaged in the general merchandise business
and labored actively until near the time of his
death, which occurred May 16, 1890. He left a
widow and two children: Josiah S., now a mer-
chant of Raymond, and our subject.

Samuel Kessinger acquired his early education
while under the home roof, and then attended
Blackburn University at Carlinville, 111. lie as-
sumed proprietorship of the Monitor March 1,
1887, he being at that time the youngest editor in
the State of Illinois. Mr. Kessinger carried on
the main work of the sheet until September 1,
1891, when he became sole owner. The paper is
now an eight -page, six-column quarto. It is based
upon the Republican principles as far as politics are
concerned, but, first of all, is a newsy sheet. It
has a wide circulation through the western part
of Montgomery County, and also through the
eastern part of Macoupin County.

Our subject became a benedict June 27, 1888, at
which time he was united in marriage to Miss Bes-
sie Caldwell, of Zanesville, daughter of Dr. G. W.

Caldwell. Two children brighten and gladden
their home, a boy named Harold, and a little girl
called Ruth. Both Mr. and Mrs. Kessinger are
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The
latter, like her husband, is a graduate of Blackburn
University.

Iff AMES T. STANSIFER. One of the most
prominent men in the city of Litchfield, 111.,
is the gentleman whose well-known name
opens this sketch. He represents the city
as Alderman from the Third Ward, and is a mem-
ber of the real-estate, insurance and loan firm of
Wood & Stansifer.

James T. Stansifer was born in Florence, Boone
County, Ky., October 24, 1842. He was the son of
Henry and Lucy (Richardson) Stansifer. and
passed his childhood daj's there beneath the pa-
rental roof. His father followed the occupation of
carpenter, and was a man much respected in his
community. His last days were spent in Boone
County.

The early education of our subject was obtained
in Boone County, but at the age of fourteen years
he left school and went to Auglaize Count}-, Ohio,
and located at Wapakoneta, and remained in that
town for a space of two years. He then came to
Centralia, 111., in the winter of 1860, and there en-
listed in Company C, Twenty-second Illinois In-
fantry, at first for State service and then for the
three years of the war. He was sent to Cairo,
Bird's Point, and then with the Anny of the Missis-
sippi to New Madrid and Island No. 10. He was
through the siege of Corinth (promoted to be Sec-
ond Lieutenant), and was at Nashville under Gen.
Palmer, and was then put into McCook's Division
of Sheridan's Corps. He went through the
Stone River campaign, and was one of the brave
unfortunates who were wounded on the bloody
field of Chickamauga. He was then discharged
from the army for disabilitj^ after a long and pain-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

141

ful time in the hospital. This release was obtained
February 27, 1804, and he then became a farmer
in Montgomery County in this State. This occu-
pation he carried on until August 1, 1890, when
lie went into his present partnership with Mr.
Wood in the insurance and loan business.

Mr. Stansifer still owns a farm of one hundred
and forty acres in Zanesville Township, which is
well managed, although the residence of Mr. Stan-
sifer is in Litchfield. He is also part owner of the
Wood <fe Stansifer Addition, and is a stockholder
in the Homestead Loan Association. He is a man
of good business qualifications, and stands high in
the commercial circles of the count}'.

On November 18, 1866, Miss Abigail Barnett,
of Barnett, Montgomery County, 111., became Mrs.
James T. Stansifer, and three interesting children
have been added to the household. They are
Stephen H., Minnie and Albert R., all fine repre-
sentatives of the Prairie State.

The family of Mr. Stansifer are consistent mem-
bers of the Christian Church and followers of the
moral precepts promulgated by the great and good
founder, Alexander Campbell. The war record of
our subject is a fine one, and will be remembered
by his companions in arms as well as by those who
have profited by the sacrifices he made. The true
American can never grow indifferent toward her
veteran soldiers.

, ANIKL P. WOODMAN. One of the most
useful men in a community is the lum-
berman and the honest dealer in all build-
ing supplies. The original of the name
that opens this sketch carries on a business in lum-
ber, cement and builder's hardware in the town of
Litchfield, 111. He has been located in this place
since 1861, and has been very successful in his
business ventures here.

Mr. Woodman was born in Newbury, Essex
County, Mass., September 11, 1834, and was the
son of Sewall and Ilulda (Perley) Woodman. His

father was engaged in farming and was also a
stone-builder and contractor, and took contracts
for stone-work on dams and on coasts and in in-
teriors. The grandfather was also a workman of
the same kind, and it was he who built the Boston
milldam. The father, Sewall. remained with his
wife in the old home in Massachusetts and died
there in 1888, a just man, well known and re-
spected. His wife only survived him three weeks.
Our subject obtained his education at Dummer
Academy, a preparatory school, and after he fin-
ished his course he came to St. Louis. There he
engaged as a clerk in a wholesale house, dealing in
dry goods and straw goods, and in this place he
remained for four years. He then changed his
location, but not his business. He went into the
same kind of business in Louisville, Ky., and re-
mained with that establishment for a number of
years and only left it in July, 1861, to come to
Litchfield. He was pleased with the appearance
of the place and remained until 1863, when he
went to Alton and opened a lumber yard with R.
G. Perley, which continued for sixteen years.
Then the Litchfield yard was operated until 1879,
when Mr. Perley died, and our subject became sole
owner of the yard until he disposed of it in 1889.
It is a large plant and the most importa'nt one in
this part of the county. II was bought by the
Litchfield Lumber Company and will be carried
on by them. Since the sale Mr. Woodman has
been settling up his business, which in a long
career has grown irksome. lie has been interested
in many enterprises in this little city, one of them
being the Car Company. He was a stockholder in
the Beach, Davis & Co.'s Bank and in the Litch-
field Coal Company, and was among the first of
those who took stock. He was trusted with sup-
plying the furnishings of many of the large build-
ings in the town, and sold the most of the mate-
rial for the large mills.

Mr. Woodman has been one of the useful men
of the community. He has acceptably held the
position of Alderman of the Third Ward, and has
been a member of the Library Board, and was on
the School Committee when he was in the Coun-
cil, as he was known to favor all educational mat-
ters. He was not brought up under the shadow of

142

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Boston without feeling her influence. His mar-
riage to Miss S. M. Knowlton, of Bunker Hill,
111., whose grandfather commanded Connecticut
troops at Bunker Hill, Mass., was the happiest
event in his life, and three children have been
born to them, but only one of these is now living,
named Mary P.

f| AMES B. McDAVID, President of the Cof-
feen Coal Company, and a prominent agri-
I culturist, stock-raiser and large land-holder
of Montgomery County, 111., may be truth-
fully said to know and be known by almost
every individual in his section of the country.
He is a native of the soil, and was born in East
Fork Township, March 31, 1821, and for over
sixty-five continuous years resided upon or within
a few miles of the old family homestead, which
his father located in 1819, and which has since
been known as McDavid 's Point.

The ancestors of our subject settled at an early
day in Virginia. His grandfather, Patrick Mc-
David, was a millwright by trade, and was sup-
posed to be a Scotchman by birth. William Mc-
David, father of James B., born in 1790, left the
Old Dominion when about sixteen years of age
and went to Missouri, journeying afterward lo
Tennessee. During the next twelve years, he passed
much of his time in warfare. He was a man of strong
principles, earnest in his convictions and unswerv-
ing in duty. Those who are familiar with the rec-
ord of his life know he fought bravely in the War
of 1812, and again in 1815 at the battle of New
Orleans, nor did he fear to face the savages in the
noted Black Hawk War.

Peace having been declared, William McDavid
took unto himself a wife, and, traveling by slow
stages to Montgomery County, entered one hun-
dred and sixty acres of land in East Fork Town-
ship. He paid the Government for his claim in
two installments and built a little log house in
which James B. was born. In this humble home

the old pioneer lived for forty-six years, and died
there in February, 1866. His death was a loss to
the entire community, with whose public affairs he
had so long been identified. He was a County Com-
missioner two terms, always took an active interest
in politics, and was ever a firm Jackson man. In
religious belief he was a Presbyterian.

The maiden name of our subject's mother was
Elizabeth Johnson. She was born in Ohio, Sep-
tember 20, 1800. Sharing all the privations of a
pioneer life, she yet lived to a good old age, pass-
ing pe:icef ully away October 11, 1883. Her father,
Jesse Johnson, was a Virginian and fought bravely
in the Black Hawk War. William and Elizabeth
McDavid had nine children and all but one grew
to manhood and womanhood in the little log
cabin. William C., the eldest, resides in East
Fork Township, near his birthplace. James B. is
the subject of our sketch. John T. has a pleasant
home in Irving Township. Jesse J. and Nancy were
twins, and the former fought in the Mexican war.
In 1852 he crossed the country to California. For
nine years no tidings of him have reached his
early home. Nancy was the wife of John H.
Barringer. Emily J. married Joshua II. Wilson.
Harriet M. became the wife of William B. Polland.
Thomas W. is yet living on the old homestead.
The daughters are all dead.

James B. obtained a rudimentary education in
the subscription school of the pioneer settlement.
He assisted his father at farming until twenty-
seven years of age. He was married February 29,
1848, to Miss Mai'3' A. Burke, daughter of Andrew
and Rachael Burnett Burke. Mrs. McDavid was
born in Smith County, Tenn., December 26,
1827. Her parents removed to Montgomery
Count3 r when Mary was but two years old. Mr.
and Mrs. McDavid settled upon a farm within
sight of the old home, but in 1887 removed to
Hillsboro where they now reside.

They have but one child, William A., born in
1854. This gentleman manages a Keeley Insti-
tute at Carbondale. His wife was Miss Martha J.
Wilson. Their son Joseph is about seventeen
years old. Our subject is a large stockholder in
the Loan and Trust Company's Bank of Hillsboro
and together with his son and nephew holds the

o
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o
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

145

controlling interest in the Coffeen Coal Company.
Mr. McDavid has three fine farms all under culti-
vation and owns one hundred and sixty acres of
timber. He presented his son with a one hundred
and sixty acre tract some time ago.

James B. McDavid is a Democrat and held the
official position of County Treasurer ten years.
He was County Assessor the same length of time
and was the Township Assessor for two seasons.
In the discharge of his public duties he was ever
prompt and faithful. Our subject is a Mason,
member of Mt. Moriah Lodge No. 51, Hills-
boro. He and his wife are Presbyterians and in
both social and church relations occupy a high
position.

YRUS H. JORDAN. Elsewhere in this vol-
ume is given a biographical sketch of two
of the brothers of our subject with an out-
line of the family history, therefore we will con-
fine ourselves in this account to the personal his-
tory of our subject. He is a resident in Pitman
Township, Montgomery Count}', having a fine
farm on section 24. Although a native of Mary-
land, the major portion of his life has been spent
in the locality where he now resides. During the
years that have elapsed since he reached a think-
ing age, he has seen many changes, not only in the
country but in the state of society and in political
reform.

Our subject spent most of his early manhood
days in Greene County, this State, and while still
a lad became familiar with everything pertaining
to agricultural work, that having been his calling
all his life thus far. It was he who broke the
first sod on his father's farm in Harvel Township,
and for six seasons he ran a breaking plow, mak-
ing ready for cultivation about three hundred and
sixty-five acres of raw land each season. He is
not a man who would hesitate to undertake a hard
or disagreeable task, knowing it to be to the ad-

vantage of the country or himself. Many are the
pioneer scenes which he recalls, some tinged with
humor and others pathetic in their hardship.

The original of this sketch received his knowl-
edge of book lore and the principles that have
aided him in his mental development in a log
schoolhouse in Greene County. The conditions
under which he studied Lindley Murray, the speller
and the old arithmetic, were such as to show that
he appreciated the expected result, for certainly
there was no comfort in the process of acquiring
it. The benches were merely slabs held up by
wooden pegs. There were no desks and no win-
dows, the light coming from an opening made by
the cutting out of a log. However, Mr. Jordan
eagerly seized upon every literary production that
came within his reach, and many were the nights
that he read by the light of the blazing logs in the
fireplace. It is not always the man who has at-
tended college who has the best education, but
rather he whose mind seizes upon truth and turns
it to his own advantage.

Our subject has served in several official capaci-
ties. He has been Hoad Commissioner of Pitman
Township, and was one of the first School Trustees.
He is independent in his political ideas, voting for
principle rather than part}'. His fine farm com-
prises five hundred and eighty-five acres of land,
where he raises most of the cereals that form the
staples of life. He also has some good stock, for
which he finds a ready market, and his operations
in dealing in stock are quite extensive, as he buys
and ships to Eastern markets.

Mr. Jordan was married December 4, 1857, to
Miss Jane B. Hankinson, a native of Ohio. Of
eight children born of this union only one son
survives, Fremont. March 29, 1882, our subjeefc
married Miss Clara Hawley, who died June 15,
1890.

Sr^jfeOBERT M. ANDERSON. Two years ago

j|Wf Pitman Township, Montgomery County,

'C!M\\ was robbed by death of one of her most

citizens, a man whose interest was
so wide extending in the affairs not only of his

146

VORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

borne, but of the county, State and country at large,
that his loss was greatly felt in his locality.
It cannot but be of interest to the present genera-
tion, as well as being a valuable lesson presented
by the life of a good man, to here give an outline
of his history, touching upon the salient features
as connected with his public life.

Mr. Anderson was a native of Alton, 111., and
was born October 11, 1851. He was a son of Peter
and Elizabeth Anderson, who came to Pitman
Township as early pioneers'. The father lias been
deceased for a number of years; the mother still
survives, and is numbered among the oldest pio-
neers of the county. She is a woman of strong
and noble character, whose example and teaching
were well repeated in the life of her son.

Our subject came to Montgomery County with
his parents when but a small boy. The early home
was upon a farm, where the trials and self-denials
incident to early pioneer life were thoroughly ex-
perienced. He attended the district schools in the
county, and grew up an intelligent and loyal citi-
zen, ready to take his part in the active duties of
life. Mr. Anderson was married, November 28,
1880, to Miss Frances II. Stevens. The lady was
a native of New York State, having been born
February 23, 1854. Her parents were William H.
and Elizabeth Stevens, both natives of New York
State. They emigrated in 1857 to Minnesota, set-
tling in Bcnton County, and engaging in farming
as pioneers.

Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Ander-
son, four of whom are living at the present time.
They aie Richard P., Harry, Grace and Robert.
James is the deceased son. These children with
the widow felt most keenly the loss of that beloved
father and companion, to whom they owed all that
was best and dearest in life. When the black-
winged angel hovered over the homestead Octo-
ber 24, 1890, and took therefrom the husband and
father, the family was indeed bereft. The mourn-
ing, however, was not confined to these loving
hearts, for so highly was he esteemed in his neigh-
borhood and locality that the grief of his passing
away was universal.

Of his worldly possessions Mr. Anderson left
kis family one hundred and twenty-five acres of

land, bearing a comfortable home. He took a
great deal of interest in the local politics of his
section, being an ardent Republican, who left no
stone unturned in working for his party. Mrs.
Anderson is a member of the Episcopal Church, and
a most useful worker therein. Our subject's char-
acter was noted for its integrity. He was a mem-
ber of the Modern Workmen. In business as in so-
cial life, he enjoyed the greatest confidence and re-
spect of his fellow-men. Fraternally, he was a
prominent member of the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows, and his interment was conducted in
accordance with the rites and ceremonies of that
order. He had been a number of times delegated
by his fellow-citizens to represent them in county
and State conventions.

r/ ILLIAM A. NORTHCOTT, of Greenville,

111., is the States Attorney of Bond County,
and the senior member of the law firm of
Northcott <fe Fritz. He was born January 28, 1854,
in Murfreesboro, Tenn., and is the son of Gen.
Robert S. and Mary C. (Cunningham) Northcott.
The father and mother were both natives of Ruth-
erford County, Tenn. The former received such
limited education as could, at that early day, be
obtained in the count}' schools. He was a man of
great intellectual activity, well versed in all scien-
tific and literary questions, and for many years
prior to the outbreak of the Rebellion he was the
editor of the Rutherford Telegraph, a newspaper of
which he was the founder. He was a candidate
on the Union ticket as a delegate to the State
Convention which was to decide the question
whether or not Tennessee should remain loyal to
the Government. Before the assembling of this
convention their work was anticipated by the
Legislature of Tennessee, which was very strongly
in favor of secession. This Legislature accordingly
passed an ordinance by which Tennessee was placed
on the Confederate side. Gen. Northcott's Union
sentiments made it seem best that he should leave

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD

147

his native State, which lie therefore did, going
North to Vevay, Ind., at which point he had rela-
tives. Soon after the train which was hearing him
northward had left Nashville, the authorities of
that city received a telegram from Jefferson Davis
to arrest him, but, luckily for Gen. Northcott and
his friends, the telegram came too late.

After a few months' residence in Indiana, at the
request of Senator Carlisle, of West Virginia, Gen.
Northcott removed to Clarksburg, in that State, and
there established a newspaper which he named the
Clarksburg Telegraph, and which is still in existence.
Gov. Pierpont, of West Virginia, gave Gen. North-
cott a commission as Lieutenant-Colonel of the
Twelfth West Virginia Regiment. He was taken
a prisoner of war in the battle of Winchester, and
was confined for nine months in Libby Prison.
Since his release, he has written many articles de-
scribing his captivity. While he was there con-
fined. Gen. Straight, of Indianapolis, and many
others made their memorable escape from the
prison by means of a tunnel. Gen. Northcott had
assisted in planning and digging the tunnel, but
at the time of the escape was unable to reap the
fruit of his labor on account of being very ill and
confined to his bed. He was afterward exchanged
with other prisoners and was breveted Brigadier-
General by the President, and at one time com-
manded a brigade in the same division with Pres-
ident Hayes.

After the close of the war, Gen. Northcott took a
prominent part in the politics of West Virginia and
was elected a delegate to the National Republican
Conventions of 1868 and 1872. For a period of ten
years, extending from 1868 to 1878, he was Regis-
trar in Bankruptcy for the District of West Virginia.
He was an Aid-de-Camp on the staff of Gen. Fair-
cliilds, Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army
of the Republic, and is at present a member of the
National Executive Council of that organization.
He still resides at Clarksburg, W. Va., at the ad-
vanced age of sevent3 r -three years, and has retired
from active business.

The paternal grandfather of our subject was Ho-
sea Northcott, who was born in Wilmington, N. C.,
and was a brother of Benjamin Northcott, a Meth-
odist minister of note who lived in Kentucky. Ho-

sea Northcott settled in Tennessee in an early day,
and was present at the famous duel between Pres-
ident Jackson and Richardson, in which affair he
always blamed the former very much for his action.
He never voted for the Democratic party during
his lifetime and his illustrious example lias been
followed by his son and grandson. Hosea North-
cott was a nephew of James Northcott, of England,
a somewhat celebrated writer of fables. His father,
William Northcott, emigrated from England to
North Carolina, and from him are descended the
numerous families of that name now living in the
United States.

The mother of William A. Northcott, who bore
the name of Mary Cunningham before her mar-
riage, was of Scotch ancestry. Her father, Dr.,
Cunningham, died when she was quite young.
She was next to the youngest in a large family.
One of her older brothers was a soldier in the War
of 1812 and fought with Jackson at New Orleans.
Septimus, her youngest brother, was a soldier in
the Mexican War and has never been heard from
since that time. It has never been known whether
he was killed in battle or taken prisoner. Her
eldest brother, James, like her father, belonged to
the medical profession, and died at Mount Vernon,
111., at the age of seventy-six years, leaving several
children who now reside in that Stale. Mrs.
Northcott's mother was a cousin of Mrs. Gen.
Logan, who also bore the name of Mary Cunning-
ham before her marriage with the General. Mrs.
Northcott was a woman of great energy and cour-
age. While her husband was in the army and a
prisoner, she took care of her little family and so
carefully managed her finances as to accumulate
enough money to purchase a home out of the sal-
ary which her husband sent to her. That home-
stead is still owned by the family. Her death oc-
curred on the 5th of August, 1881, after an illness
of several months.

The subject of this sketch, William A. Northcott,
is said to resemble his mother very much in phy-
sical appearance and is fortunate enough to pos-
sess in a great degree her energy and concentration
of purpose. From his father he inherited a taste
for literature, public speaking and writing. He
attended school at the Northwestern Academy, in

148

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Clarksburg, W. Va., until thirteen years of age.
He was then a page in the State Senate at Wheel-
ing, W. Va., for two years, and there cultivated his
taste for public speaking and his love of parlia-
mentary debate. In September, 1869, he entered
the United States Naval Academy, at Annapolis,
Md., where he remained until June, 1873. During
this time, he made several voyages on the Atlantic,
visiting parts of Europe, the Madeira Islands, and
also going to portions of British America. From
1873 to 1877, he taught school and studied law at
Clarksburg, W. Va. In July, 1877, he was admitted
to the Bar and after practicing law with consider-
able success in that State, he removed in June,
1879, to Greenville, 111., where he has engaged in
the practice of law up to the present time. In
1888, the President appointed him as Supervisor
of the Census for the Seventh District of Illinois,
which position he filled to the great satisfaction
of the department, and for his services received a
very complimentary letter from Supt. Walker.
In April, 1882, our subject was elected States
Attorney of Bond County, which position he still
holds. In June, 1890, the President selected him
to serve as a member of the Board of Visitors of
the United States Naval Academy. On this com-
mission were such distinguished men as Admiral
Kimberly, Senators Hale and Blackburn, Congress-*
men Boutclle, Wallace, Rush and others. At the
same time the newly-elected Senator of New
Hampshire, Mr. Galliuger, also served on this
board. Mr. Northcott was selected as the orator
to deliver the address to the graduating class by
the vote of this board. This was a high honor to
be thus selected from such distinguished men. So
well did Mr. Norlhcott fulfill the task assigned
him that his address was generally considered to
be one of the finest ever delivered on such an oc-
casion. It was published and favorably com-
mented upon in most of the leading papers of
the country. He is an orator of considerable
note and is always active on the stump in ever}'
campaign in behalf of the Republican party. In
1884, he spoke at Centralia and Belleville with
Gen. Logan and was continuously in the campaign
of that year and also in that of 1888. He be-
lieves strongly in the protective tariff and in the

principle that the right of the Federation is superior
to the right of the State. While he is earnestly
devoted to the Republican part}', he is not a rad-
ical partisan and is so fair in his relations to his
Democratic acquaintances that he has always polled
a large Democratic vote in his political contests.

As a lawyer, Mr. Northcott is very successful,
being earnest and indefatigable in his labors for
his clients, and by this means he is enabled to win
in a large majority of cases, and is engaged on
one side or the other of nearly every case on the
docket of courts in this county. He also takes an
active part in the real-estate business and is one of
the hardest workers in Greenville, but he has his
various business interests so systematized that they
are all conducted in a proper manner.

In March, 1880, Mr. Northcott married Julia A.
Dressor, the daughter of Nathaniel Dressor, the
largest land-owner of Bond County and President
of the First National Bank of Greenville. Mrs.
Northcott departed this life on the 15th of March,
1881, leaving an infant son who is still living. In
September, 1882. our subject married his present
wife, whose maiden name was Ada Stoutzenburg,
of Marine, 111., and by this union has been born
one child, Amy Allen, now five years old. The
child of the former marriage is Nathaniel Dressor
Northcott. Our subject and his worthy lady have
a very pleasant home and they delight to enter-
tain their many friends and visitors. Mrs. North-
cott is a musician of considerable reputation and
comes from a family noted for their musical abili-
ties. The families of both our subject and his
wife are members of the Episcopal Church.

Mr. Northcott had three brothers and two sisters,
of whom all survive with the exception of one
sister. Mrs. Naomi Everett is the Principal of the
High School at Huntington, W. Va. In the sum-
mer of 1890, the readers of the Cincinnati Post
voted for the most popular lady teacher in the
States of Ohio, Indiana, West Virginia and Ken-
tucky. The Post promised to give a free trip to
Europe to the one receiving the highest number of
votes. Mrs. Everett was the proud recipient of
one hundred and seventy-five thousand votes and
was therefore awarded the prize. G. A. Northcott,
although only a young man, is at the head of a

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

149

large clothing establishment in Ilinitington, W. Va.
Another brother, Robert II., is Cashier of a bank
at Akron, Colo. The youngest brother, Elliott, is
studying law in the University of Michigan, at
Ann Arbor.

On the 13th of November, 1890, Mr. Northcott
was elected Head Consul of the Modern Woodmen
of America. This places him at the head of the
largest fraternal insurance society in the North-
west, comprising in its membership fifty thousand
of the best citizens of the States of Illinois, Mich-
igan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North and South Da-
kota, Iowa, Nebraska and Kansas. Until the sum-
mer of 1888, Mr. Northcott had never been a mem-
ber of secret societies, but since that time has
united with the Modern Woodmen of America;
the Odd Fellows; the Masons; Knights of Pythias
and Sons of Veterans.

B. MONDAY, JR. The gentleman of whom
we write is the pleasant and obliging Manager
of the Western Union Telegraph Office at
Litchfield, 111., and he has held this position for
nine years.

Our subject was born in Milledgeville, Ga., June
17, 1863, and is the son of C. B. and Victoria
(Bivins) Munday. His father was engaged in gen-
eral merchandising in his native place. Our sub-
ject went to South Carolina when he was twelve
years old, and then by himself he made his way to
Tipton, Ind., where his education was finished,
lie went into the drug business while at Tipton,
and remained there for two years, but in 1883 he
carue to this place and engaged in telegraphing.
He had learned this craft in South Carolina, and
from the time of his arrival he took charge of the
office here. He employed then three men, but now
the business has so increased that it is necessary to
keep a force of five men. He has charge of the dis-
trict between Alhambra and Springfield, on the St.
Louis & Chicago Railroad, rind the St. Louis and
Peoria lines, There is so much activity in this dis-

trict that the Manager finds little time for play,
but he has so arranged his affairs that he can real-
ize profits from other lines of business in which he
has a silent interest. Among these we may men-
tion the Munday Bros, and the Threshing Ma-
chine Companies, in each of which he was one of the
original stockholders. The former was incorpor-
ated early in 1892 with a capital stock of $15,-
000, and is doing a general grain and brokerage
business. He is also interested in the two city
Building and Loan Associations, and in the North
and South Chicago Association, in which he is the
Vice-president of the local board.

Mr. Munday has taken a great interest in the
educational affairs of the city, and at present is
Secretary of the Board of Education. Our subject
was married January 31, 1883, to Miss Bride
Buscher, of Atlanta, Ind., and three bright little
ones are now members of the family: Guy, Joseph
and Mary.

The Roman Catholic Church of St. Mary's
claims the family of our subject as members. In
his dealings with his fellow-citizens, Mr. Munday
has shown a public spirit that has made him to be
regarded with respect, and in his social relations
he is one of the principal factors of Litchfield
society. His relations with his employers have
been of the pleasantest nature, and their reliance
upon his fidelity and ability is shown in the
many years of service which they have required of
him.

B. TRAVERS, a representative
and stock-raiser of Pitman Town-
ship, living on section 7, is a native of
Dorsetshire, England, who was born December 22,
1828, and was the son of Joseph and Eliza Travers,
both of whom were natives of England.

Our subject was reared to years of maturity in
his native county and was taught the principles
of good farming. He went to school in England,
but was interrupted in his education, so that his

150

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

knowledge is almost all self gained. The father
thought that America would give the family better
opportunities than did Britain, so they took pas-
sage at Liverpool, England, in 1850 for the United
States and arrived in New York City after a trip
of twenty-four days. The "greyhounds" of the
ocean were not yet built, and scarcely conceived of
in the brains of the daring navigator.

The destination of the Travers family was
Macoupin County, and thither they came as soon
as they landed in Illinois. They were among the
early settlers, but the father and mother did not
live long enough in the new land to enjoy the re-
sults of their venture, the mother dying in 1851,
and the father, missing her encouragement, died in
1855. The children who survive are George B.,
Joseph, Mathew, James; Eliza, the wife of Henry
Weiss; and Elizabeth, the widow of John Morris.

After arriving in Illinois, our subject began
work on a farm, and engaged with Henry Law, of
Macoupin County, to work for $1 1 per month.
After the death of his father, . our subject as-
sumed the management of the family, and be-
came their mainstay. To him they all looked
for assistance, and nobly did he perform the
offices of both parents. His marriage took place
June 9, 1858, to Miss Frances J. Swafford, born
in Kentucky, the daughter of Hiram and
Mary (Hudspeth) Swafford, her parents being
early settlers of Macoupin County, 111. To Mr.
and Mrs. Travers five children were born: Albert
E., Edwin C., George E., Frederick J., and Jennie M.

For several years after marriage our subject
farmed as a renter in Macoupin County, but in
1869 he moved to Montgomery County and set-
tled on a farm, and there he now resides. He owns
one hundred and sixty acres of land, and this is
a reward of honest labor. He commands the re-
spect of all who know him and his example shows
to others what may be accomplished in overcoming
adverse circumstances. In his political opinions
Mr. Travers is a Republican and always votes
with the parly which he thinks protects the inter-
ests of the poor man in his efforts to better his
condition. The Patrons of Husbandry, an agri-
cultural association, claims Mr. Travers as a valued
member, and for twenty years he has served his

township as School Director. For nearly two
years he lias been the efficient Highway Commis-
sioner of Pitman Township and for one year he
acted as Township Collector. The success of Mr.
Travers' life has been obtained through honest in-
tegrity and persevering labor, and his whole career
has marked him as a man in whom his fellow-
citizens can take pride.

ON. EDWARD LANE. The Buckeye State
has given to Montgomery County, 111.,

'' many estimable citizens, but she has con-
tributed none more highly respected, or,
for conscientious discharge of duty in every rela-
tion of life, more worthy of respect and esteem
than Hon. Edward Lane, a prominent lawyer of
Hillsboro. He is at present Congressman of the
Seventeenth District of Illinois, and is discharg-
ing the duties of his office with ability, fidelity
and excellent judgment. At an early age he was
left an orphan, and it was through his own efforts
that he acquired a good education, his entire ca-
reer being such as to win him the respect and
esteem of all who are favored with his acquaint-
ance. He is a self-made man in every sense of
the term, and although his experience in life has
been a varied one, it is at the same time one that
reflects only credit upon him as a man.

Mr. Lane is a native of Cleveland, Ohio, as
were also his parents, John and Catherine Lane,
both of whom are now deceased, the father dying
when a young man, or in 1846. He was a very
successful business man, and was engaged in mer-
chandising in his native city at the time of his
death. Five children were born to their union
three daughters and two sons and all grew to
manhood and womanhood. When but four years
of age, our subject was left an orphan, and he
drifted along, caring for himself, until he carne to
Montgomery County, 111., this being when he was
about sixteen years of age. lie first found em-
ployment in a livery stable in Hillsboro, and then

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

151

worked in a brickyard for some time. Realizing
that a better education was necessary, this ambi-
tious young gentleman entered Ilillsboro Academy,
and by the money obtained by day work, attended
the school for four years, thus laying the founda-
tion for his subsequent prosperous career.

When twenty-two years of age, young Lane
commenced the study of law, and at the same time
taught a country school, to furnish him with the
necessary funds to carry on his legal studies. On
the 1st of February, 1865, he was admitted to the
Bar, and commenced practicing in Ilillsboro, where
many able and eminent lawyers graced the Bar.
Thus surrounded, the young lawyer saw the diffi-
culties in his path, but with a zeal, earnestness and
perseverance rarely equaled, he applied himself to
the intricate labors of his profession, and soon
became one of the ablest lawyers in the district.
His superior abilities being recognized, he was
elected City Attorney in 1867, and held that posi-
tion several years. Two years later, he was elected
County Judge, and held that position for four
years. He not only acted as Judge, but he was a
Judge in every true acceptation of the term firm,
dignified and courteous to the members of the
Bar, and polite, impartial and just to litigants. It
is safe to say that no County Judge in Illinois
ever commanded more respect, or filled the office
with more distinguished ability. His decisions on
legal questions alwa3 r s commanded the highest
respect, and his clear, strong intellect and excel-
lent command of the English language enabled
him to make the simplest understand the principles
enunciated.

In the capacity of practitioner, Judge Lane is
eminently successful. Fluent, easy and strongly
argumentative, his speeches to courts and juries
rarely fail to carry conviction. In 1874, he was
elected Supervisor, filled that office one term, and in
1886 was elected to Congress, and is now serving his
third term. He is an- eminent man, and an orna-
ment to the Bench and Bar of Illinois, whose sky is
studded with so many luminous names. Neither dur-
ing his early struggles for an education, nor in sub-
sequent 3'ears, has Judge Lane ever gone in debt,
and one of his familiar sayings is. "Debt makes a
slave of a man." lie has a beautiful residence in

Hillsboro, a large two-story brick, of modern
architecture, with a lovely lawn and everything to
render one comfortable and happy. This charm-
ing residence is presided over by his most estima-
ble wife, formerly Miss Tucie Miller, who became
his wife in October, 1870. She is a daughter of
Samuel K. Miller, of Lawrenceville, 111. To Judge
and Mrs. Lane have been born two interesting
children a son and a daughter Guy C. and
Bessie.

I AM G ARTNER, one of the most prom-
inent and enterprising farmers of South
Litchfield Township, resides on section 19,
where he has a fine farm and an elegant home.
Born in the kingdom of Prussia, on the 7th
of November, 1845, lie passed his early youth in
his native land. He was the youngest of the fam-
ily of three children born unto Charles and Char-
lotta Gartner. His father died when William
was only six months old, and his two sisters died
in this country. His mother married again, be-
coming the wife of Henry Stockamp, and to them
was born one child.

Our subject acquired a good education in the
schools of his native land, and in 1859, when thir-
teen years of age, came with his mother and step-
father to Ameiica. The family located in South
Litchfield Township, where for a short time Will-
iam attended the public schools, but he was soon
obliged to begin life for himself. His mother died
at his home in 1869. Mr. Gartner entered upon
his business career us a farm hand, working by the
month for five years for small wages. In 1864,
having acquired a small capital, he made his first
purchase of land, consisting of eighty acres, which
formed the nucleus of his present fine farm. He
is now one of the extensive farmers of the com-
munity. His first home was a little frame house
12x14 feet, and in it, with him, lived his mother
and step-father. This dwelling still stands upon
the farm, and, in contrast to his present beautiful

152

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

and commodious residence, indicates the enterprise
and well-directed efforts which have brought him
success. From time to time he has added more
land until now he owns four hundred acres, which
are under a high state of cultivation. All the ac-
cessories of a model farm may there be found, and
the place is complete in all its appointments.

As a companion and helpmate on life's journey,
Mr. Gartner chose Miss Mary Schweppe, also a na-
tive of Prussia. Their union was celebrated in 1869
and unto them have been born two children : Henry
W., who was born February 11, 1873, and William
F., who was born January 5, 1877. The family are
all members of the German Lutheran Church, and
are highly respected people, who hold an enviable
position in social circles. Mr. Gartner is a stanch
Republican in politics. He has made a study of
the history of the two parties and is an earnest
advocate of the principles which he endorses by
his ballot. He has filled the office of School Di-
rector for a number of years, and the cause of edu-
tion finds in him a warm friend. His success in
life has all been acquired through his own efforts,
and he certainly deserves great credit for the fact
that through his industry and enterprise he has
won the property which is to-day his. His exam-
ple is well worthy of emulation, and we are pleased
to enter this record of his life in the history of his
adopted county.

N. RANDLE. The first question that
agitates a public is the question of food
supplies, and it can but be admitted that
the well-appointed grocery store is the
principal factor in solving the problem. Due refer-
ence is made to the substantial and well-conducted
house of which Mr. Randle is the proprietor, and
which has gained in popular favor until it is one
of the leading concerns of the kind in the county.
He was born in Jersey County, this State, January
19, 1842, ou a farm near the town of JerseyyJUe, &

son of James G. and Jennie (AVhite) Randle, the
former being of Scotch descent. Just when his
ancestors settled in this country is a matter of con-
jecture, but there is little doubt that his grand-
father, Peter Randle, was born in North Carolina
about the close of the Revolutionary War. In
that State, James G. Randle was also born, in 181 1,
and in 1820 he and his parents are found on the
bleak prairies of Illinois, near what is now Edwards-
ville, Madison County. About the year 1832,
they took up their abode in Jersey County, and
here James G. was married to Miss White, who was
born in this State, to which her parents emigrated
from Georgia at an eariy day. Both James Randle
and his wife lived to a ripe old age, the former
passing to his reward in Nokomis in 1879, and the
latter in Jersey County about 1875.

H. N. Randle was brought up to a knowledge of
the calling of agriculture and received a fair com-
mon-school education. At the age of eighteen
years, he commenced to learn the mason's trade in
Jerseyville, which occupation he successfully fol-
lowed in that place and in Nokomis until about
ten years ago, when he entered the extensive
establishment of G. S. Upstom, of Nokomis, as
manager of his grocery department, where he con-
tinued for eight years, his services being very sat-
isfactory and highly appreciated by his employer.
At the end of this time, he established himself in
the grocery and queensware business on his own
account and brought, besides energy and intelli-
gence, long experience to bear, evidence of which is
amply attested by the liberal patronage he already
controls. To show in what high esteem he is held
by his townsmen and fellow-citizens, it is but
necessary to state that for four years, ending in
the spring of 1892. he was Mayor of the town, and
has held the office of Town Clerk, Tax Collector,
and is at present filling the office of Assessor. He
has always been a Republican of pronounced type,
as was his father before him. His grandfather
abhorred the institution of slavery so much that it
was his chief reason for leaving his native State.

II. N. Randle has been married twice, his first
union being celebrated in 1864 in Jersey County,
111., Miss Catherine Irwin, a daughter of Samuel C.
Irwin, becoming his wife. She was born in Jersey

LIBRARY

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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

155

County and died in 1874, leaving two children,
one boy and one girl, the former of whom, Charles,
is a young man of about twenty-four years of age,
and is a jeweler of Lexington, III. The daughter,
Nellie, is a young lady aged twenty-one years,
and. having completed her education, is now at
home. Miss Delia Coon became Mr. Handle's sec-
ond wife in 1879. She was born in Jersey County,
and is an intelligent and agreeable lady. Mr.
Randle is active in the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows' lodge, and he is also a worthy member of
the honorable order of the Knights of Pythias. He
is a whole-souled, generous and public-spirited
gentleman, and as a business man spares no effort
to please and satisfy each and every one of his
numerous patrons. The premises occupied by him
are of ample dimensions and contain a fine stock of
staple and fancy groceries, which will bear favor-
able comparison with that displayed by any similar
establishment in his section. Popular prices pre-
vail and business is always done on the square.

yMLLIAM II. BREWER, Vice-president of
the Hillsboro National Bank, has been
closely identified with all the active inter-
ests of this city for more than half a century. He
was born in Trigg County, Ky., January 4, 1826.
His paternal grandfather, William Brewer, and his
father, the Hon. William Brewer, were natives of
North Carolina. Grandfather Brewer was reared
in the old Tar State, where after his marriage he
settled with his wife on a farm, and in that home
a son was born in 1803, and named William.

About 1807 the family removed to Kentucky.
Father, mother and children, together with a few
household effects, were slowly but safely trans-
ported by wagon to their destination. William
Brewer, the son, was an adept in the daily lessons
of pioneer life and grew up a fearless, self-made
man, well deserving the positions of trust ac-
corded to him in later years. In those early days
every ambitious boy desired a trade; William
7

Brewer learned that of a saddle and harness-
maker, and it is safe to say that he did his work
faithfully and well. In Cadiz, Trigg County, he
married Delia, daughter of Samuel Hough, a na-
tive Virginian, but an early settler of Ohio. The
mother of our subject was born in Virginia in
1807.

William Brewer and his young wife lived for a
time in Elkton, Todd County, Ky., but in 1834
removed to Crawford County, 111., whence they
later came to Hillsboro and settled permanently
in Montgomery County in 1839. Mr. Brewer
bought a general store, in which he conducted
business for nine years, selling out at that time to
his son, William H., who had shortly before at-
tained his majority.

Although retired from mercantile pursuits, Mr.
Brewer, Sr., led a busy life. He was an ardent
Republican and took an active interest in politics.
He served as Justice of the Peace, was a County
Representative, and also filled the responsible posi-
tion of Probate Judge with honor and integrity.
He and his wife were both members of the Meth-
odist Church, and active in its good work. Mrs.
Brewer died in 1859. Judge Brewer survived her
man}' years, entering into rest in 1883. Three
of his children lived to adult age, viz.: Sarah E.,
wife of A. A. K. Sawyer, of Hillsboro; Mary, who
married S. M. Grubbs, of Litchfield; and William
H., the subject of our sketch. The last-named
finished his studies in Hillsboro Academy, and
soon after attaining his majority became pro-
prietor of the general store in which he transacted
business twelve years. At the expiration of that
time, he disposed of his store and gave his atten-
tion to farming and stock-raising, making the han-
dling of Short-horn cattle a specialty for a time.

The first wife of our subject was a sisler of
Judge Phillips. She was united in marriage with
Mr. Brewer November 17, 1857, and died in 1867.
She was the mother of four children, all of whom
are deceased. Mr. Brewer's second marriage took
place July 14, 1875. His bride was the daughter
of G. V. Brookman and the widow of W. W.
Brown. This estimable lady is a native of Hills-
boro and has two children by her first marriage:
Ellen, wife of Otto Walter, of Omaha; and J. T.

156

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Brown, a resident of Ilillsboro. Mr. and Mrs.
Brewer have one daughter, Mary.

Our subject owns five valuable farms, much of
the land being under a high state of cultivation.
Three hundred and sixtj'-four acres are located on
section 14, Hillsboro Township; three hundred and
twenty in East Fork Township; eighly on section
26, Irving Township; about one hundred and
twenty on section 5, Hillsboro Township; and
eighty on section 34, Hillsboro Township. Besides
these extensive farming properties, Mr. Brewer
owns a valuable business block and other city
real estate. Following in the footsteps of his hon-
ored father, he is a Republican in politics. He is
a worthy member and Trustee of the Methodist
Church, one of the oldest religious organizations
in the cit}'. Mr. and Mrs. Brewer are foremost in
social and church enterprises, and active in all
good works.

NDREW B. COPELAND, who is engaged
in general merchandizing in Walshville,
has spent his entire life in this county, hav-
ing the honor of being one of its native
citizens. He was born in Grisharn Township, June
30, 1835, and is a son of Samuel II. and Nancy
H. (Gray) Copeland, the former a native of Ken-
tucky, and the latter of Tennessee. Both father and
mother came to Illinois in 1828. They were married
in the year 1834, locating upon the farm where
our subject was born. Their family numbered three
daughters, but only one is now living: Elizabeth
M., wife of A. T. Strange, who resides near AValsh-
ville. The father of this family died in 1847, and
the mother afterward became the wife of George
Forehand. By their union were born four children,
three of whom are yet living: Emma O., wife of
G. H. Webster, of Nokomis; Unity J., wife of
Franklin Morrison, of Sorento, Bond County; and
George II., of Denver, Colo.

The subject of this sketch was quite delicate in
his youth, and as he had to ride on horseback five

miles to school his educational privileges were nec-
essarily limited, but by reading, observation and
experience in later years he has made himself a
well-informed man and keeps himself well posted
on all the current events of the day. His first
business training was received as clerk in a drug
store in Hillsboro, where he was employed for four
years. In 1861, he engaged in clerking in the
store of C. T. Hodges, of Walshville, where he was
employed for one year, when, in 1892, he became
proprietor of this store and is now carrying on
general merchandising. Previously he also engaged
in agricultural pursuits thirty years, from 1862 to
1892.

On the 1st of January, 1884, Mr. Copeland was
married to Mrs. Sophronia Butler, nee Canon.
They have but one child, Edgar Boone. In
Grisham Township they have a very pleasant
home and the parents are highly respected citizens.
Mr. Copeland has faithfully served his fellow-citi-
zens as Justice of the Peace for twelve years, was
Treasurer of the school for a period of six years,
and has also filled the office of Constable. In pol-
itics he is a stalwart Republican, and in his social
relations is a Mason, belonging to the lodge of
Walshville, of which he is Treasurer. In the line
of general merchandising, Mr. Copeland has had
much experience. Since he started in business for
himself, his trade has constantly increased, and by
his fair dealing and courteous treatment he has
secured a liberal patronage, which he certainly
well deserves.

>ILLIAM H. GUTHRIE. "All the world's
a stage, and all the men and women in it
players." It matters not whether the fig-
ure that one presents on the stage is in central
position, or whether it is but a tiny part that goes
lo make the whole perfect, if it is filled to the best
of the player's ability he deserves as much credit
AS though he were the hero and central person of

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

157

the play. Our subject disturbs himself but little
over the game of chance called politics, and leaves
to others whose researches in scientific fields have
been more extended than his own to settle ques-
tions that belong to that line. He is content in
doing the best lie can in his own sphere; in being
a good man, loyal to his country, a peace-loving
and peace-making citizen.

Mr. Guthrie is a representative farmer and stock-
raiser of Harvel Township, Montgomery County,
owning a fine farm on section 29. He is a native
of Greene County, and was born October 3, 1840,
being a son of Milton and Catherine (Fisher)
Gutlirie, both of whom were natives of Kentucky.
Milton Guthrie came to Illinois and located in
Madison County with his father in boyhood, and
there spent the major portion of his life. Our
subject is the third son in his father's family, and
of a large family the following five children sur-
vive: John, William H., Joshua, Mary and Demp-
sey. Mary is now the wife of John K. Moore.
Mrs. Milton Guthrie still survives. She is now
past eighty years of age, but retains her faculties
to a remarkable degree.

The State was young when our subject came
hither, and its main development has taken place
under his close observation. From a wild and un-
cultivated prairie it has changed to a fruitful gar-
den spot, worthy of the best cultivated places in
Old England, and is possessed of a metropolis that
rivals in many respects the great cities of the East
and Europe. Our subject himself has been peace-
fully engaged all his life in the avocation of a
farmer, his attention being directed chiefly to gen-
eral farming, while he bestows much attention on
his fine and well-selected stock. Like most of the
youth of Illinois who grew up under pioneer
auspices, his educational advantages were limited.
Our subject was married November 9. 1865, his
bride being Miss Elizabeth Martin, a native of
Greene County and a daughter of Josiah and
Eliza Martin. Six children have filled to over-
flowing the couple's domestic happiness. They
are, John O., Joseph M. (deceased), Luella, Laura
15., Dennis E. and Lizzie M.

In the fall of 1861, our subject came to Mont-
gomery County and settled in Raymond Town-

ship. He remained there for a number of years
and then removed to Harvel Township, locating
on his present farm. By his constant efforts he has
metamorphosed the virgin prairie into its present
highly productive state. He is the owner of three
hundred and twenty acres of land which bear
good improvements. He has a pleasant home that
is comfortably furnished with all the necessities
as well as some of the luxuries of modern life.
Politically, our subject is a stanch adherent of the
Republican doctrines. He has served his township
as School Director and in other ways has proved
himself a loyal citizen.

AVID R. WILKINS, M. D., is one of the
most successful and prosperous physicians
of this section. His training has been med-
ical, as his father has long been known as
one of the most skillful practitioners of the county,
and it is not too much to say, remembering his
popularit}', that he has probably inherited some of
the qualities which have gone far to make his
success assured. The steady nerve, the quick eye
and the tender, sympathizing touch which make
a physician so affectionately regarded, are qual-
ities which no school of medicine can give, if
they are not a part of the man himself. With this
introduction, we pass on to the brief sketch of the
life of one whose past augurs well for the future.
David R. Wilkins was born in Medaryville,
Ind., March 28, 1855, and was the son of Dr. Da-
vid Wilkins, of Greenville, 111. At the age of two
months he was brought by his parents into Mul-
berry Grove, this county, and later accompanied
them in their removal into Greenville. At that
place he attended school, and received every ad-
vantage until he was eighteen years of age, when
he went into a drugstore to learn the uses of med-
icine, and here he remained for four years. Dur-
ing this time he was reading medical books in the
regular course, and l)3 r the time two years of his
drug stove experience were passed he was ready to

158

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

attend a course of medical lectures in the Missouri
Medical College, and two years later, in 1878, he
graduated from there.

Looking about for a pleasant and profitable sit-
uation, our young M. D. selected Old Ripley, in
this county, and remained there until 1881, at which
time he joined his aged father in Greenville, and
practiced there for three years. However, his pa-
tients at Ripley demanded his return, and he came
back for one year, but in 1885 he came to Poca-
hontas. September 15, 1881, he was married to Miss
Jennie Harned, who was born in Old Ripley Town-
ship April 22, 1861, and three children are now
happy little members of the Doctor's household,
and their names are Lillian, John and Paul.

The Doctor's practice extends over a wide extent
of country, and is constantly increasing. He is a
valued member of the Methodist Church, and at-
tends upon its services and contributes to its sup-
port. The home of Dr. Wilkins is very attractive,
and has lately been so re-modeled that it is most
convenient, with office, drug room and consulting
room in communication. He takes great interest
in the Masonic order, in which he lias long been
prominent, being now Secretary of the lodge at
this place, and belongs to the Ancient Order of
United Workmen, and is one of the social factors
of his community.

1 NTHONY ALMOND. This part of the
Prairie State has proved a mine of wealth
to thousands of industrious farmers who
have come hither from the East and from
foreign countries, and by dint of hard work and
enterprise have developed the resources which na-
ture so liberally provided. One of the salient
features of the agriculturists of Montgomery
County is their energy and push, or, as the Amer-
ican puts it, "go-aheadativeness." This county
forms a striking example of the truth of the as-
sertion, and Mr. Almond furnishes us with a
striking case in point. Like many of the promi-

nent citizens of the county, he is of foreign birth,
Sussex Count}', England, being his native place,
and was born on the llth of February, 1830. His
parents, Anthonj' and Winnifrcd (Paine) Almond,
were also natives of England, where they spent
their entire lives, the father engaged as a team-
ster.

The youthful days of our subject were passed
in his native country, and not having very good
educational advantages, he is mainly self-edu-
cated. He early learned the teaming business, at
which he was engaged for some time, but seeing
a better opening for a struggling young man in
America, he went to Liverpool in 1851 and took
passage in a vessel bound for this country. After
an ocean voyage of a little over seven weeks, he
landed in New Orleans, went from thereto Mis-
souri, and thence shortly after to Jersey County,
111., where he worked as a farm hand for about two
years, receiving $12 per month as pay, that being
about the average wages. While in that county,
he subsequently farmed on rented land for some
time, and in 1856 came to Montgomery County.
He settled on his present farm in Bois D' Arc
Township, and there he has made his home ever
since.

On the 17th of January, 1856, Mr. Almond was
united in marriage with Miss Alice Stanley, a na-
tive of New Jersey, born December 8, 1836, and
the daughter of Thomas and Alice (Cook) Stanley,
natives of England. Several years previous to
her birth, her parents took passage for America,
located in New Jersey, where they resided until
1845, and then removed to Jersey County, 111.,
where they passed the remainder of their days.
Of their children four survive: Matthew C'.; Jane,
wife of Oliver Randolph; Alexia, wife of Mark
Risley; and Mrs. Almond. One of her brothers,
Robert Stanley, entered three hundred and twenty
acres of land from the Government, and our sub-
ject now has one hundred and sixty acres of this.

Mr. Almond's marriage resulted in the birth of
eight children, who are named in the order of
their births as follows: James, Mary, George, Car-
oline, Etta. Ella, Robert and Hattie. When our
subject first settled in Montgomery County, lie
began developing raw prairie land, and by indus-

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PORTKAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

161

try and good management soon had his place in a
good state of cultivation. The soil was rich and
productive, the climate all that could be desired,
and fortune favored him. Although one of the
early settlers, he has kept thoroughly apace with
the times, and all his farming operations are con-
ducted in a thorough and progressive manner.
His worthy wife has been a true helpmate to him,
and as they now have sufficient of this world's
goods, they are comfortable and happy. They are
members of the Patrons of Husbandry at Diver-
non, 111., and are prominent in all good work.

In politics, Mr. Almond is a Democrat. Since
coming here, he has witnessed many changes in
the country, and has been a potent factor in its
growth and development. Our subject has two
brothers and two sisters living, all residing in
England, viz.: Harriet; Jemima, wife of George
Eldridge; John and Thomas, all worthy and excel-
lent citizens.

RANCIS DRESSOR. The well-watered val-
ley of Shoal Creek Township is an admir-
able locality in which to raise stock. The
tender juicy grasses make the finest tissue, if they
do not give that strength and endurance obtained
from the blue limestone deposits found in the Blue
Grass region. So profitable is the business in Bond
County, that our subject, Mr. Dressor, gives to it
almost his exclusive attention and he is one of the
most prominent farmers and stock men of the
locality. He was born in the State of Maine, May
30, 1827, and is one of the family of eight children
born to Rufus and Tamar (Cothren) Dressor. Of
this family there are now two brothers and two
sisters living, namely: Joshua P., who is a farmer
living near Reno, and Nathaniel, a wealthy stock-
man near Wisetown,of this same county. Polly is
the widow of the late James Cruthis, and Olive is
the wife of J. B. Denny, of Sorento.

When the subject of this sketch was a lad of ten
years of age his parents started Westward from

Maine, coming hither with team, and living, during
the overland journey, in their wagon, as do the
gypsies of to-daj'. After two months spent on the
way they settled on a tract of land that is only a
mile or so distant from Mr. Dressor's present home.

The Dressor family is of English extraction,
the great-grandfather Dressor having been born in
England in 1740. He later came and settled in
Massachusetts, and there the grandfather was born
in 1 768, and our subject's father July 29, 1 795. The
latter died in Bond County, October 13, 1858. His
wife, who was born in Farmington, Me., February
12, 1797, also died in Bond County, July 17, 1880.
She was of Scotch and Irish ancestry; thus it is
readily seen that from both sides of the family Mr.
Dressor has the goodly inheritance of nationalities
noted for their superior traits and natures.

The original of this sketch was brought up on
the home farm. He received but a limited educa-
tion, the advantages offered in this way in the
pioneer settlements being of the scantiest and most
ordinary character. August 23, 1853, Mr. Dressor
took upon himself the bonds of matrimony and
was united in marriage to Miss Martha A. Rose-
brough, who was born in Perry County, Mo., Jan-
uary 7, 1830. She died August 14, 1854. The one
child that she left her husband was named Almira
C. She died September 18, 1855.

Mr. Dressor again married, January 10, 1856, the
lady of his choice being Miss Mary E. Rankin, a
native of this county and State, having been here
born March 31, 1832. By this union six children
were added to the family: Emma Alice, who
died when an interesting baby of a year old.
Hattie also died when young. John C., who was
born November 6, 1856 is a graduate of the State
University of Champaign, 111., and is now Assistant
Cashier of the Western Bank and Trust Com-
pany, at Piedmont, S. D. James Rufus, who was
born April 22, 1858, was educated at the Green-
ville High School, finishing at the State University
at Champaign. He married Leona Conkling, and
they have two children. He is now engaged in the
carriage manufacturing business in Pueblo, Colo.
William F., who was born July 16, 1864, and who
also received the advantages of a good education,
graduating at the Business College at Greenville,

162

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

now looks after his father's farm. He was married
October 25, 1892, to Miss CallieCary. Lucy J.,who
was born March 9, 1866, is a graduate of the
High School at Greenville, 111. and received vale-
dictorian honors at that place. She for five years
has been engaged~in teaching.

Mr. Dressor is a prominent figure in the Prohi-
bition party. He was formerly a Republican, but
although a lifelong temperance man, he felt that
a greater stress should be laid upon the purity of
personal life as regarding National politics. For
one term he was the incumbent of the oiHce of
Associate County Judge. His father had held the
office of Township Treasurer from the time the
township was organized until his death, when
Francis Dressor was elected. Our subject and his
wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, he
having been an Elder in the same for twenty years.
He has also been a great Sunday-school worker and
for the past six years has been County Superinten-
dent of Sunday-school Conventions. He is the
present President of the District Sunday-school
Association and devotes much of his time to this
work. His fine farm, which comprises three hun-
dred acres, is the site of a beautiful home, in which
comfort reigns supreme.

1 OIIN PRICE, a venerable pioneer of
Grisham Township, Montgomery County,
111., now residing upon section 11, is
supposed to be the oldest settler in that por-
tion of the country. He was born in Wayne Coun-
ty, Ky., August 22, 1816. For three-score years
his life has been full of activity and incident.
Thrown upon his own resources at fifteen years
of age, he bravely faced the world, his sole capital
a stout heart and willing hands.

The father of our subject was drowned when
John was but eight years old. His mother was a
native of the South, and a woman of courage and
resolution. She had borne five children and

bravely shared the hardships of her husband's life.
He died a poor man and left his family unpro-
vided for. Overcoming all obstacles with patient
endurance, the widow journeyed with her children
to Illinois, locating in what is now Ilillsboro Town-
ship. Toiling and saving to keep the wolf from
the door, the mother yet spared a little money to
send John to the subscription school in the neigh-
borhood.

Judge Rountree gave our subject his first em-
ployment. The lad was handy and soon learned
to make rails and handle the carpenter's tools. He
made the sixteen thousand shingles that covered
the second court house in the county. As time
passed on he prospered and made a home of his
own. Ellen N. Loving was the name of the lady
he chose for a wife. She was born in Simpson
County, Ky., March 2, 1824, and was there-
fore but seventeen years of age when she was mar-
ried to John Price, April 22, 1841, but she had
grown up amid the scenes of pioneer life and un-
derstood well the ways of the household.

Mr. Price took his young wife to a fort3'-acre
farm in Grisham Township, section 9. There
was a little log house, 12x14 feet, and a little
log stable in the rear. Only twelve acres of the
farm were under cultivation, the rest being un-
broken prairie. In about a year Mr. Price traded
this property for another farm of sixty acres on
section 22, of the same township. Upon -this farm
our subject and his wife remained for years con-
tented and happy. Finally they removed to their
present location, on which there is some fine tim-
ber. There was the usual primitive cabin on the
land, and in this humble home the family dwelt
until in 1855 Mr. Price built his present residence,
hauling all the timber from Alton, a distance of
forty miles.

Mr. and Mrs. Price have had fourteen children,
nine sons and five daughters. Of this large family
eight survive: George W., of Montgomery County;
Mary C., wife of D. S. Clotfelter, of Ellis, Kan.;
John E., who is a widower and lives with his pa-
rents; Thomas S., of Bond County 111.; Isaac K.,
of Mead Centre, Kan.; James E., of Donnellson.
111.; Joseph A., of Montgomery County, and. Martin
C., supposed to be in Arizona.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

163

The homestead has now two hundred and twenty-
five acres, two hundred of which are under fence
and much of it is highly cultivated. Mr. Price origi-
nally owned six hundred acres, but has given each
of his children farms, thus materially reducing
his own holdings. Our subject began life without
the aid of friends or money, but he has always
been well able to care for the little ones who came
to him, and the great pleasure of his latter days
has been to start them on their upward way.

No man in the Western country has a greater
store of valuable reminiscences than the subject of
this sketch. Past events of public and private in-
terest are as familiar to him as household words.
He shot deer where the town now stands, and was
known as a skillful hunter of the early days. Mr.
Price cast his first vote for Buchanan. For several
years he supported the Republican ticket, then fa-
vored the Greenback party, and now votes for the
best man, regardless of politics. Mr. Price has been
a Class-leader of the Methodist church for many
years; his wife is also a valued member of the same
persuasion, and both are interested in all religious
enterprises.

B. TRAYLOR. In compiling an account
of the different business enterprises of
Coffeen, 111., we desire particularly to call
attention to Mr. Traylor, who is one of
the successful general merchants of this thrifty
and progressive village. Since locating here he
has conducted affairs very satisfactorily on his own
responsibility, and owing to the excellent stock
which he keeps, and the fair dealings all receive
at his own hands, he has obtained a fair share of
public favor.

Mr. Traylor was born in East Fork Township,
Montgomery County, 111., November 5, 1856, and
is a son of Joel C. and Sarah (Ohmart) Trayior,
natives respectively of Kentucky and Ohio. About
1844 the father came to Montgomery County, 111.,
and located in East Fork Township, where he

kept a general store for forty years. In 1846, he
married Miss Ohmart, daughter of George Ohmart,
who was born in the Keystone State. She came
to Montgomery County when fourteen years of
age, and now resides on the old home place. Mr.
Traylor died in April, 1887. He was a Jackson ian
Democrat and was deeply interested in the wel-
fare of his party. For thirty years he was School
Treasurer of the township, and was a consistent
and worthy member of the Uuiversalist Church.
Our subject's paternal grandparents, James and
Nancy (Cardwell) Traylor, were natives of Virginia,
and the latter was a cousin of John Randolph, of
Roanoke. The great-grandfather, Humphrey Tray-
lor, was also born in Virginia, and was a descendant
of a prominent family in that State, and was a
Revolutionary soldier.

Our subject was one of thirteen children born
to his parents, and was reared in his native place,
receiving a good practical education in the district
schools. At an early age he displayed much busi-
ness acumen, no doubt inherited from his father,
who was a very successful and popular merchant,
and as soon as able was placed behind the counter.
He remained with his parents until November 27,
1879, when he was united in marriage with Miss
Emma D. McDavid, daughter of Rev. Thomas
McDavid, who was a prominent minister of Mont-
gomery County. Mrs. Traylor was born in East
Fork Township, this county, and is a lady of good
taste and judgment. Four children have been
born to this union, but one died in infancy. The
others were Joel T., Frank A. and Nellie A.

Mr. Traylor located in Coffeen, 111., in 1888,
and directly afterward started in his present busi-
ness, which he has carried on very successfully
since. He carries a full supply of hats, caps, boots,
shoes, clothing, groceries, etc., and is a pushing,
active, energetic and enterprising gentleman, fully
alive to the requirements of the public and ever
anticipating their wants. He is held in high es-
teem in the community for his social and business
qualities. He takes a deep interest in the welfare
of the town, and is public-spirited and liberal in
his ideas. In politics he is thoroughly identified
with the Democratic party, and at all times advo-
cates its principles. He has held a number of

164

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

local positions, prominent among them being Town-
ship Treasurer and Collector, both of which posi-
tions he held five years. He is a member of the
Modern Woodmen of America at Donnellson.

ROBERT MACK AY, one of the old settlers of
Bond County, now residing on section 17,
has been very successful in life and has de-
served all that kind fortune can bestow.
Robert Mackay was born here February 14,
1829, and was the son of Alexander C. Mackay, a
native of Kentucky, born March 8, 1792. The
paternal grandfather bore Ihe immortal Scotch
name of Walter, and was a native of Scotland,
where he married and had several children born
to him. He came to America and first settled in
Virginia, but later went into Kentucky, about 1790,
and there, near Richmond, occurred the birth of
the father of the subject of this notice. At that
time the Indians were very troublesome and made
the families of the settlers feel unsafe. He died in
Kentucky at the advanced age of eighty years.

The father of our subject lived in Kentuck}-
until he became a young man, and then spent
about eight years in Alabama, and with a brother
learned the trade of a wheelwright. After this
he traveled for some time through Texas, Arkan-
sas, Indian Nation, and finally located in Wayne
County, 111., where he married. In 1825, he
reached this place and entered eighty acres from
the Government, in section 7, and there devel-
oped a farm. At this time the Indians were very
troublesome, and song and story are full of the
tales of the savage depredations of the natives, and
thrilling stories are told of those who escaped by
miraculous interventions; or of the captures which
resulted in turning white children into savages
after a life among them. Deer were still abundant,
and the howlings of the wolves could be heard at
night, but oar subject never used his musket for
sport.

Alexander Mackay worked here at his trade of

carpenter and wheelwright, and many of the
buildings that he erected at that time are still
standing, testifying to the thoroughness of his
labor. At the time of his death he owned two
hundred and forty acres of land, although he had
begun with nothing. The religious denomina-
tion to which he clung was the Scotch Presbyter-
ian, in which faith he was firm as a rock, while in
politics he was a Whig. He was one of the vol-
unteers who went out in the Black Hawk War,
where he was tomahawked.

The mother of our subject was Mary Car-
son, and her home had been in the State of Ken-
tucky. She became the mother of seven children,
as follows: Mary, John, Eleanor, Robert, Alexan-
der, William and Joseph; of these our sub-
ject is the only remaining member. His beloved
mother died February 26, 1844, aged forty-two
years and twenty-two days. His father survived
until July 14, 1856, when he died, aged sixty-
three years, three months and twenty-eight days.

The maternal grandfather, John Carson, was
born in Ireland, where he married. After this event
he came to the United States and located in the
Carolinas, but later went into Kentucky, and later
still into Wayne County, III. He settled here about
1826, but subsequently removed to Barry County,
Mo., where he died at an advanced age. By oc-
cupation he was a farmer, though he also practiced
medicine occasionally. Our subject was reared
here and received the rudiments of an education
in the pioneer log schoolhouse that every old set-
tler remembers so well. Although this temple of
learning was primitive in the extreme, yet here
were taught the fundamental principles which
could be applied in after-life. The Indians had
not all passed away in his boyhood, and one of his
duties in those days was to watch the sheep by
day, and to pen them up securely at night, in order
to protect them from the depredations of the hun-
gry wolves, which, itseemed to his childish imagin-
ation, howled around the cabin by night by the
score. At the age of twenty-four years, our sub-
ject married Miss Margaret L. Sugg, November 17,
1853, and of this union the following children
were born: Mary, who married J. T. Corric; George
C.; Emily, who married John C. Jackson, Jr.;

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Of THE

UNIVERSITY flU.H1W*

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

167

Eleanor J., who married Lemuel Hunter; Sarah E.,
Henry, William, Alvin, Ollie, Walter and Mattie,
who are deceased.

After his marriage, our subject settled here, and
has now a farm of three hundred acres, all in one
body, and all improved except sixty acres, which
arc in timber. He has carried on mixed farming
and has handled a good amount of stock of all
kinds. He has himself done a great amount of
grubbing and has cleared up and improved one
hundred and fifty acres of land, but the hard work
has broken him down and he has not been able to
do much personally for the past five or six years.
In politics, our subject is a Republican, and served
his county as Commissioner from 1875 to 1878,
and for one term was Coroner of the county. For
a number of years our subject was Township Trus-
tee and for twenty-five years was a School Direc-
tor, so actively did he always work in educational
matters. His life has been crowned with success
because lie has earned it, and he now enjoys the
respect and esteem of all with whom he has be-
come acquainted.

ON. SALMON A. PHELPS, Judge of Bond
, County, and one of its honored and prom-
inent residents, now residing in Greenville,
is a native of the Empire State. He was
born in Otsego County, June 2, 1817, and is a son
of Joshua and Elizabeth (Peck) Phelps, who were
natives of Connecticut. His father removed to
New York about 1800, locating in Otsego County,
where he engaged in farming, about nine miles
from Cooperstown. The Phelps family is of Eng-
lish descent, but was founded in America at an
early day. In 1848, Joshua Phelps emigrated to
Illinois and resided in Bond County until his
death. The mother died in Otsego County, N. Y.,
in 1819. They had a family of nine children, but
only two are now living, Sarah and our subject.
Salmon A. Phelps resided on the home farm in

his native State until ten years of age, when he
removed with his father to the village of Coopers-
town, where his school life commenced. He there
remained for four years, after which he became a
student in the academy at Bloomfield, N. J.. and
in 1834 entered Union College at Schenectady,
N. Y, from which he was graduated in 1838. He
carried off the honors, being valedictorian of his
class, which enrolled ninety-five students. This
college was then under the leadership of Dr. Knox.
After completing his school life, Mr. Phelps en-
gaged in teaching in a private academy in Steuben-
ville, Ohio. Ere leaving New York, in fact when
but a boy, he rode on the old Vanderbilt Railroad
from Schenectady to Albany, the first road built
in that part of the State. On leaving Ohio, he
became Professor in a private academy at Wood-
ville, Miss., for a year. While attending school
and while teaching, he devoted his leisure hours to
the study of law, and during his residence at
Woodville he was admitted to the Bar, in 1841,
and continued to practice in that place for several
years.

Judge Phelps was married in 1841, to Miss Han-
nah II. Bulkley, of New York, who died in 1843,
leaving one son, Alfred C., who enlisted during
the late war as a private in the One Hundred and
Thirtieth Illinois Infantry. After a year's service,
he was transferred to another company and made
First Lieutenant. He is now an attorney-at-law
of Denver, Colo. The Judge was again married,
in 1845, his second union being with Miss Caroline
Bulkley, a sister of his first wife. Unto them were
born four children, one of whom is now deceased,
and the mother died in 1881. George 8., the eldest
child, was a soldier in 1864, and is a prominent
lawyer of Leadville, Colo., and has been County
Judge of Lake County, Colo., for a term of four
years. Rev. Philo F. is a Presbyterian minister,
now of Fresno, Cal., and Charles B. is engaged in
farming among the mountains of Tennessee.

It was in 1844 that Mr. Phelps came to Bond
County, but he did not permanently locate here
until the summer of the following year. He is the
oldest legal practitioner in the village. On coming
to this county, he purchased land in Pocahontas
Precinct, and has always owned land in the county.

168

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

It was not long before lie established a high repu-
tation as a lawyer, and since that time he has
ranked as one of the leading lawyers of the Bond
County Bar. During his early residence here, he
served for twelve years as Justice of the Peace,
and was attorney for the Vandalia Railroad Com-
pany. In 1890, he was elected County Judge, and
by his able administration of affairs has won the
commendations of all. His rulings are just and
show careful study and thoroughly-weighed evi-
dence. In politics, he is a stalwart Republican,
and probably no citizen has done more for the
county than he. During the Rebellion, he was a
stanch friend to the Union, and did much toward
raising troops and fitting them for service. His
life has been ruled by upright and honorable prin-
ciples. . Everywhere he goes he makes friends, and
he is respected and loved by all who know him.

i REWER A. HENDRICKS. Among the rep-
resentative, thorough-going and efficient
fSD)]|l officials of Montgomery County, 111., there
is probably no one more deserving of men-
tion than Mr. Hendricks, who holds the responsi-
ble position of County Clerk. Although retiring
and unpretentious in manner, he has always been
a strong factor in the city, literally promotive of
the community's welfare, and, honorable and up-
right in all his relations with the public, the con-
fidence in him is not misplaced.

Like many of the representative citizens of the
county, he is of foreign birth, born near Berlin,
German}', July 2, 1856, and like others of that
nationality he is industrious, frugal and warm-
hearted. His parents were natives of the same place,
and the same year our subject was born they came
to America, being thirteen weeks in crossing the
ocean. They first located in Jersey County, 111.,
remained there one year and then moved to Ma-
coupin County, where they resided for six years.
From* the re they moved to Montgomery County,
Bois D'Arc Township, and there the mother died.

Her maiden name was Mary Sunnerfeldt. The
father is still living and resides in Virden, 111.

Fourteen children were born to them, seven sons
and seven daughters, five sons and four daughters
now living. Of these children our subject is the
tenth child and sixth son. As he was but an in-
fant when brought to America by his parents, he
has known no other country and is as thoroughly
an American as though born here. He grew to
mature years in the Sucker Stale and received his
primary education in the district schools of Mont-
gomery County, finishing at HillsbOro Academy,
where he pursued his studies for three months.
He then remained with his parents until his mar-
riage on the 17th of May, 1882, to Miss Flora A.
Whitlow, a native of Illinois, born in Macoupin
County on the 31st of May, 1862, and the daugh-
ter of William W. Whitlow, who is now a resident
of Montgomery County, 111.

To our subject and wife have been born an in-
teresting family of four children, two sons and
two daughters, as follows: Eliza May, Earl Ellis,
Cora Lois (deceased), and Guy Curtis. Directly
after his marriage Mr. Hendricks located in Harvel,
Montgomery Count}', and engaged in merchandis-
ing. Energetic, persevering and thorough-going,
he made a complete success of this enterprise and
continued it at that place for about four and a-half
years. In 1886, he was elected County Clerk, and
the same year moved to Hillsboro, where he has
remained ever since. The duties of this office he
discharged in such an able and satisfactory man-
ner that he was re-elected to the same position in
1890.

In the space allotted to his sketch it is impossi-
ble to mention in detail all the services rendered
by Mr. Hendricks, suffice it to say that his good
name is above reproach and that he has won the
confidence, respect and esteem of all who know
him, and is one of the most popular men who has
ever held official position in the country. While
in Harvel Township, Mr. Heudricks held the office
of Supervisor, Town Clerk and School Director.
Previous to his marriage, in the winters of 1879.
1880, 1881 and 1882 he taught school in Round
Tree, Butler and Ra3 r mond Districts, and was un-
usually successful as an educator. He is a mem-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

169

her of Montgomery Lodge No. 40, I. O. O. F., of
Ilillsboro, and is a charter member of Calypso
Lodge No. 226, K. P., and Modern Woodmen of
America at Hillsboro. Mr. Hendricks is yet a
young man in years, and his prospects for the
future seem unusually bright.

W. LINDBECK. The Sorento Blade, which
is the most popular news medium of the

pretty town of Sorento, Bond County, is
the literary child of the enterprising firm of
Liiidbeck & Olson, the senior member of the firm be-
ing the gentleman to whose history we devote this
page. Mr. Lindbcckis a native of Illinois, having
been born at Bishop Hill, Henry County, August
17, 1862. He is a son of Lars J. and Christina
(Peterson) Lindbeck, and is of Swedish ancestry.

Lars and Christina Lindbeck left the laud of
Thor and Woden, and set out for the new land
where legend is replaced by energy, landing in
America in 1846, having come hither in company
with what was known as the Bishop Hill Colony.
This association, or colony, purchased a township
site, but it was disorganized in 1860.

Our subject's father was a brick mason by trade,
and was thus employed in his place of residence.
There, too, young Lindbeck was reared, and edu-
cated in the public schools. On reaching manhood's
estate, he was engaged in the lumber business at
Bishop Hill, and was thus employed for five years,
at the expiration of which time he sold out his in-
terest and went to Lindon, Colo.

Our subject's career as a journalist began with
his advent in Lindon, where, in company with his
brother, P. J. Lindbeck, who was a practical printer,
he started the Lindon Rustler. While thus con-
nected, the young man acquired a knowledge of
the art of printing, and, richer by this knowledge,
in 1889 he returned to Bishop Hill, and in com-
paii3 r with Mr. O. B. Olson, under the firm name of
Lindbeck & Olson, the}' started an independent
sheet called the News. This they ran for two years,

and then, in March 7of 1891, they moved the
plant to their present field of labors, and estab-
lished the Sorento Blade, which is also an inde-
pendent paper.

Mr. Lindbeck is sole manager of the Blade at the
present time, the association~with Mr. Olson being
in other business affairs in Bishop Hill. The office
of the Blade is a busy place, for in addition to the
large circulation the Blade enjoys, a large amount
of job printing is done, for our subject is a thor-
oughly business man, who leaves no stone un-
turned in developing his business interests as far
as possible.

Mr. Lindbeck 's sister Lavinia is the wife of R.
H. Northcott, Cashier of the State Bank of Akron,
Colo. Our subject's own domestic happiness is
in the keeping of a lady, who, prior to her
marriage, was known as Miss Almeda C. Krans,
a daughter of Peter O. Krans, a prominent busi-
ness man of Galva, this State. Mrs. Lindbeck was
born in Bishop Hill, September 5, 1863, and her
marriage with our subject was celebrated October
30, 1885. They have had four children, of whom
three are living, and are as follows: Lester
Anson, born November 20, 1887; Marguerite C.,
April 3, 1890; and Roy Clifford, August 20,
1892. Fraternally, Mr. Lindbeck is a member
of the Knights of Pythias, and also of the Modern
Woodmen.

ICHAEL PROBST, farmer of Witt, Mont-
gomery County, 111., is a prominent agricul-
turist and one of the representative men
of the county. He and his family oc-
cupy an assured position in the social life of the
community, and always lend substantial aid to
the advancement of any social, educational or
moral enterprise that arises. Mr. Probst was born
near Lawrenceburg, Dearborn County, Ind., April
4, 1845, being the third in a good old-fashioned
family of eleven children born to John and Julia

170

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

(Kizer) Probst, the former of whom was born in
Bavaria, Germany, but was brought to this
country when quite young by his father, William
Probst, locating with him on a farm in Dearborn
County, Ind., where he breathed his last in the
year 1858, his wife having passed away some
years before, or when the subject of this sketch
was about eight years of age.

From the death of his father young Michael
was obliged to work his own way in life, and for
some time was a farm laborer, during which time
he obtained but few opportunities for securing an
education. Seven members of the above-men-
tioned family are residing in Illinois, but the
others are residing in Indiana, in which State
Michael continued to make his home until 1869,
when the fertile prairies of Illinois induced him to
settle in this State, and for two years after locat-
ing here he rented land in the vicinity of Witt.
He was then a single man, and almost every cent
that he earned was put carefully by for a "rainy
day," and when he had accumulated a sufficient
amount of means, he, in 1873, purchased a part
of his now fine farm, to which he has since added
from time to time until his estate embraces two
hundred and forty acres of magnificent land,
which he devotes to the raising of the usual agri-
cultural products, as well as to the propagation
of enough stock to successfully carry on his farm.
His land is cultivated in a very intelligent man-
ner, and everything about his place indicates that
he is a man of far more than ordinary ability,
whose views on agricultural matters are sound
and exceedingly practical. There are excellent
buildings upon his place, the famil3' residence is a
neat and attractive one, well furnished and well
supplied with many conveniences, and the barns
and outbuildings are kept in excellent repair,
and are characterized by the thoroughness of finish
that distinguishes his entire place.

Just prior to purchasing his farm in 1872, he
married Miss Annie Hand, a daughter of Joseph
Hand, one of the wealthiest farmers in this sec-
tion of the county, and an Englishman by birth.
To this union three children have been born :
Clara, Mary, and John, all three of whom are at-
tending the public schools. Mr. Probst is quite a

factor in the local politics of his party, and has
always been a strong Republican, by which party
he was elected a member of the County Board of
Supervisors from his township in the spring of
1892. Mr. Probst has been very successful in all
his undertakings, and having ever been depend-
ent upon his own exertions, his efforts have been
crowned with success to a gratifying degree.
Personally an unassuming and modest man, he
yet commands the esteem and liking of his
neighbors.

J| OHN H. TODT. Germany has given us many
of our best and most industrious citizens.
i Of these Mr. Todt is one, being a promi-
nent resident of Harvel Township, Mont-
gomery County. He was born in Germany, Octo-
ber 21, 1834, and is a son of Joseph and Elizabeth
(Miller) Todt, both of whom were natives of Ger-
many. The father died when our subject was a
baby, and after her bereavement the mother deter-
mined to come to the New World and make a
new life for herself and son. Mrs. Todt died in
Macoupin County, May 11, 1872.

Our subject was reared in his native land until
he had completed his eighteenth year. It was in
1852 that he and his mother, two sisters, one
half-sister and one half-brother crossed the Atlan-
tic, taking passage on a mailing-vessel. Their trip
orer consumed nine weeks and five days,
and the reader may be sure that they were glad to
put foot once more on terra firma when the boat
landed at New Orleans. They almost immediately-
proceeded to Greene County, 111., and there took
up the labor of life in the cultivation of a farm.
Our subject worked for five years as a farm hand,
receiving for his labors $12 per month and his
board. Out of this pittance, he, with economy
that is known only to the Germans, contrived to
save enough to purchase some land in Macoupin
County. There he made his home for several
years, but came to Montgomery County in the

rOKTRAlT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

171

spring of 1865. He has lived on his present
farm ever since that time.

Mr. Todt was married February 23, 1857, to
Miss Mary Poggenpohl. His wife proved to
be a loving helpmate in all his career. She
presented him with seven children, four of
whom are living; they are Herman, Frank, Eliza-
beth and Margaret. The eldest daughter is now
the wife of William Laugenn, and Margaret is the
wife of John Langenn.

Since his original purchase in this county, our
subject has added as he has been prospered, so
that he now owns five hundred and sixty acres of
land. All this with the improvements his farm
bears have been made by industry and economy on
the part of Mr. Todt and family, for there was
neither golden nor silver spoons at hand at the
birth of our subject. He has, however, made the
most of every opportunity to acquire knowledge
that has come within his reach. His excellent judg-
ment and good common-sense have done much for
him, and he is greatly honored and respected by
his town's- folk. He has served as School Trustee
for eighteen years, and also as School Director. He
has also been Supervisor of Harvel Township,
and during his incumbency of that position was
greatly interested in developing the natural re-
sources of the locality. Politically, Mr. Todt
casts the weight of his vote and influence with
the Democratic party. In his church relations he
is a Catholic. Mr. Todt was Postmaster under
Johnson and Grant at Herndon, in this township.

-ii ( i. i i ffij

ILLIAM PEACH, one of the most success-
ful and prominent farmers of this locality,
was born in Randolph Countj', 111., Octo-
ber 25, 1826. He has worked hard, and has ac-
cumulated much of this world's store, and now
owns over four hundred acres of the rich land of
the Prairie State, from which his yields of wheat
are so large that a stranger might ask in wonder,

"How can beings starve, when for adequate labor
the soil of this beautiful land yields like this?"

The father of our subject was William Peach,
who was a native of Newbury, Vt., and was born
October 20, 1800; his grandfather's birth took
place in Marblehead, Mass., May 31, 1777. The
great-grandfather of our subject, named William,
was one of two brothers who came from England
in Colonial times and settled in Massachusetts.
The grandfather was a sailor by profession, and
when he tired of the sea, he made himself a home
and adopted farming for the rest of his life. His
first settlement was in 1817, at Marietta, Ohio, to
which place he removed his family by wagon, and
there he lived until 1820, at which time he joined
other neighbors and moved to Illinois. The trip
was made down the Ohio on a flat-boat, and then
on the Mississippi until the party reached Horse
Prairie, in Randolph County, and at this place Mr.
Peach took up Government land and resided until
his death, December 11, 1822.

The father of our subject was appointed Admin-
istrator of his father's estate, and finally settled it
to the satisfaction of all, and he there lived until
about 1829, when he removed into St. Clair County,
and went to farming. At one time he owned
five hundred acres of land, and conducted a saw-
mill. His beginning was poor, but industry gave
him returns, and as he was a hard-working man,
he became very successful in age. His political
convictions made of him an old-line Whig, and he
took deep interest in all that went on around him
in public life. For many years he was Justice of
the Peace, and was considered a man of probity
and honor. His death occurred in March. 1874,
and he was mourned by his relatives and the mem-
bers of the Baptist Church, of which for many
years he had been a valued member.

The mother of our subject wasPriseilla Simmons,
who was a native of Maine, and was born March
29, 1801. Her death occurred August 20, 1835,
she having been the mother of four children: Lois,
Rebecca, Sarah and William. The second marriage
of Mr. Peach, Sr., which united him with Eliza-
beth Grotts, resulted in the following children:
Samuel, John, Charles, Elizabeth and Eliza A. The
second wife died and a third time Mr. Peach mar-

172

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ried. This wife was Altnira Simmons, who was the
sister of his first wife, but no children were born
of this union.

Our subject was only three or four years old
when the family removed to St. Clair County, and
at that time the droves of deer were familiar sights
and the wolves were numerous enough to require
the careful shutting of the sheep pen to keep the
animals from the stock. An occasional Indian
wandering over the old hunting-grounds would
appear and beg for food, but our subject never saw
any savage ones. Their race had been about ex-
terminated in this section, or driven toward the
"Western mountains, where they now occasionally
make a feeble attempt at rebellion. The old log
schoolhouse, which in some remote places has been
left standing as a memento of the past, was the
university which our subject was permitted to at-
tend, and well does he remember the slab benches
and the ingenious contrivance of a plank resting
against the wall, supported by pins of wood, upon
which the luckless little ones placed their writing,
books. Here, with their quill pens they learned
to form the pot-hooks, -and then the letters of the
alphabet, and for three months in the year these
privileges were extended.

At the age of twenty-one, our subject was a man
capable of managing for himself, and he took
charge of the sawmill, and conducted it for a few
years. He cleared up a farm and worked it for
some time, and then his health failed, probably
from too hard labor at too early an age. O'Fallon
needed a general store, and this seemed a fine
opening, and he purchased a stock and opened up
there. For five years he conducted a successful
business, but when the war broke out all business
stagnated, and he sold out and returned to farm-
ing, buying one hundred and sixty acres near
Lebanon. This he improved and worked until
November, 1880, when he sold and bought his
present farm.

Thp first marriage of Mr. Peach look place July
12, 1849, to Miss Malinda Leach, who was a native
of St. Clair County, 111., and six children were
born to them, who were AVilliam (deceased),
Alice, Theodore, Mary, Asa and Horace. His wife
was taken away August 16, 1864, His second mar-

riage was with Miss Elizabeth Peach, March 15,
1866. Her birth occurred in New Hampshire, June
3, 1828, and she came to Indiana when twenty-
eight years old, and in 1866 came to St. Clair
County, 111. One child, Carrie, has resulted from
this marriage.

Mr. Peach is a large land -owner, having two
hundred and thirty acres here, and one hun-
dred and seventy in Smithboro, which latter he
rents. He has carried on mixed farming, but
this year he rents the most of the land, upon which
he has made grain his principal product. Al-
though Mr. Peach is a Baptist, and his wife a Con-
gregationalist. perfect harmony reigns, both being
good Christian people according to their own ideas
of right. In politics, Mr. Peach is a Republican,
and has been very prominent in public affairs, and
was nominated for Representative in 1890, but in
the general defeat of the party through the State
he did not get elected. For twenty years he has
held some school office, and now holds a member-
ship with the Masonic order, in which he is highly
regarded.

JAMES MARSHALL. In every condition of
life and in every locality where the struggle
for a livelihood is going on, where can in-
dependence be found more faithfully por-
trayed, or more clearly demonstrated, than in the
life of the honest, industrious farmer? To omit
the name of Mr. Marshall from this volume would
be to leave out one of the most prominent and
successful agriculturists of the county, who has
not only thoroughly identified himself with the
farming interests of this section, but by his pleas-
ant, genial manner has won many friends. In
former years, the life of the farmer was considered
a laborious one, but in this progressive age, with
such improvements in machinery, he can do his
work with half the dispatch or labor as in the time
of his father, and, in fact, work but little, if an}-,
harder than the average man who strives to make

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

173

a living. Besides all this he is independent, which
is one of the much sought for conditions of life.
Mr. Marshall is one of the successful farmers who
have kept thoroughly apace with the times, and
have reached the condition of life mentioned
above.

Our subject was born in Ohio, June 18, 1837,
and is a son of Michael and Sarah Marshall. He
grew to mature years in his native State and re-
ceived his educational advantages in the common
schools. In 1861, at the breaking out of the Civil
War, he enlisted in Company G, Fourteenth Mis-
souri Infantry, and operated in Missouri, Tennes-
see and Kentucky. lie participated in the battles
of Ft. Henry, Donelson, Shiloh, siege of Corinth
and other engagements of minor importance. Dur-
ing service, he became physically incapacitated and
was honorably discharged after having served
nearly two years. He receives a pension of $8 per
month.

On the first of February, 1876, Mr. Marshall
married Miss Eliza Tapscott, who was born Octo-
ber 22, 1847, and by her he has one son, Joseph
E., whose birth occurred May 17, 1882. In 1859,
Mr. Marshall came to Illinois and located in
Jersey County, where he -remained for some time.
Later, he came to Montgomery County and settled
on his present farm, where he has since resided.
He is the owner of one hundred and sixty acres,
has it in a fine state of cultivation, and is one of
the leading tillers of the soil in his locality. His
home is all that a cultivated mind or a cultured
taste could wish, and on every hand are evidences
of thrift and industry intelligently applied. He
and Mrs. Marshall are highly-respected members of
society and are well known as public-spirited and
enterprising citizens.

Mrs. Marshall was born in Indiana and is the
daughter of John and Phoebe A. (Woodward) Tap-
scott, both natives of the Buckeye State. About
1848, her parents came to Illinois, purchased a
farm in Jersey County, and there resided for a
number of years. Later, they moved to Warren
County. Ohio, and there they reside at the present
time, both over seventy years of age. Although
well along in years, they enjoy comparatively good
health, and are a much esteemed and honored old

couple. Charles Tapscott, Mrs. Marshall's brother,
lost his life in the Civil War. Her mother was
matron during the war at Camp Dennison, near
Cincinnati, and draws a pension of $12 per month.
Mr. Tapscott was also nurse in a hospital during
that trying war.

fjL IRAM SHEPHERD. The name of this
jll much-respected citizen and old pioneer is
J*ft/t well known in the county, for he has been
(g); successfully engaged in the arduous duties
of the farm in this locality for many years, and
now owns one of the most productive, best culti-
vated tracts of land in the locality. He was born
in Fillmore Township, Montgomery County, 111.,
August 18, 1830, and there his youthful days were
passed.

His father, Pleasant Shepherd, was a native of
the old North State and grew to manhood in that
State. When a young man, he went to Kentucky
and there married Miss Anna Brown, a native
of the Old Dominion, but reared in Kentucky.
After this union Mr. Shepherd came direct to
Montgomery County, 111., in about the year 1827,
and located in Fillmore Township, where he en-
tered land from the Government. About 1832,
he sold out and moved back to Kentucky, but
after remaining there one winter he made his way
back to Montgomery County, 111., and settled in
what is now North Litchfield Township. There
he improved a good farm and resided the re-
mainder of his days. His death occurred in
1834, while his wife followed him to the grave in
1848. Her father, Richard Brown, was a native
of Virginia and came to Illinois about 1827.

Hiram Shepherd was one of five children, three
sons and two daughters, two of whom died in in-
fancy. He was reared in his native county and
was but four years of age when his father died.
When he was eighteen years of age, his mother
died, and then he started out to fight life's battles

174

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD,

for himself. At first he worked by the month on
a farm, receiving $9 per month for his services,
and continued at this occupation for two years.
He then began farming on shares for himself.
In 1852 a great desire came over him ,1.0 cross the
plains to the land of gold. He started out with
ox-teams, and went by way of Salt Lake City,
first stopping at what was then called old Hay
Town. After reaching the Pacific coast, he en-
gaged in mining for about two years and in 1854
returned via Panama and New York City on the
"John L.Stephens" and the "Pacific."

After reaching the Sucker State lie farmed the
first season, then went to North Missouri, where he
remained but a short time. In the fall he went to
the Lone Star State, but in 1855 returned to Illi-
nois, where he again resumed agricultural pursuits,
following this for about two years. After this he
engaged in the sawmill business two and a-half
miles northeast of Litchfield and followed this
for about two years, when he traded the mill for a
farm in North Litchfield Township. On this
he located and remained another two years, when
he traded it for another farm in the same township
In 1864 he sold this and bought the place where he
now resides, on section 26, and has since tilled the
soil here with substantial results. He is wide-awake
and prosperous and has displayed excellent judg-
ment in the management of lite affairs. All his
property has been accumulated by honest toil
and good management, and as a citizen and neigh-
bor he has no superior.

On the 21st of October, 1857, Miss Nancy A.
Williams, a native of Washington County, 111.,
became his wife, and their union has been blessed
by the birth of nine children, four sons and five
daughters: Anna E., wife of George H. Barringer,
of Fillmore, 111.; Sarah E., in the millinery business
at Hillsboro, 111.; Mattie J., wife of John Moore,
of Fillmore Township; John P., of Raymond
Township; Rosa A., at home; Lillie L., wife of J.
L. Williamson, of Fillmore Township; Charlie H.,
Frank and Edward E.

Mr. Shepherd settled on the farm where he now
resides in 1864, and on the farm was a little frame
house, 16x24 feet, and a small log stable, which
have since given place to a large two-story frame

residence and substantial out build ings. Since
then Mr. Shepherd has added to his land until he
now owns two hundred and forty acres and is en-
gaged in general farming and sto.ck-raising. The
political views of our subject have brought him in
affiliation with the Democratic party and he is an
earnest upholder of its principles and policy. He
was School Director for twenty years or more and
has also served as Highway Commissioner. He is
a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church
and one of the Trustees of the same. He is a man
whose career has been above reproach and one
whose honesty and uprightness have never been
questioned.

E. TUOHY. To those who would have
their cupboards filled with those luxuries
la which make a table a pleasure to sit down
to, the name of Mr. Tuohy is very sug-
gestive, for he is an extensive dealer in poultry
and eggs, being the efficient manager of the house
which was established by A. Jordan. He was born
in Nokomis, 111., April 2, 1863, a son of Thomas
and Sarah (Balton) Tuohy, both of whom were
born on the green isle of Erin, but early in life
came to America, and first located in Worcester,
Mass. Early in the '50s, they turned their faces
toward the setting sun and eventually located on
the broad and fertile prairies of Illinois, and in
1859 took up their abode in Nokomis. Here for
twenty-five years the father was in the employ of
the Big Four Railroad Company. He was of a
very energetic temperament, was industrious, per-
severing and honorable in all his transactions, and
was respected by a large circle of friends.

M. E. Tuohy grew to mature years in the town
of Nokomis, and fortunately for him received a
liberal education in the public schools, for he in-
herited the active brain and quick wit of the Irish
race, together with the sound judgment that made
him grasp at each and every opportunity for bet-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

177

tering his financial condition, and the years that
he spent in the acquirement of an education were
not thrown away, as has since been proved. When
he had attained to about the age of eighteen years,
he followed in his father's footsteps and entered
the employ of the Big Four Railroad Company,
taking a position in the office at Nokomis, where
he remained until May, 1885, making a trusted
and efficient official. At the above-named date,
he received a Government appointment to the
United States Mail Service on the Vandalia Line,
and the following year was appointed by President
Cleveland to the position of 1'ostmaster at No-
komis, a position for which he was well qualified
and which he filled to the universal satisfaction
of both political friends and opponents until the
month of February, 1890. To show that his services
were satisfactory, it is but necessary to state that
while he was a Democrat, appointed to his posi-
tion by a Democratic President, he continued to
hold the office for a year after the Republican
party came into power again.

Our subject resigned the position of Postmaster
and took upon his shoulders other duties, once
more becoming an employe in the office of the
above-named railroad company at Nokomis, but
soon afterward he was elected to the position of
Town Clerk of Nokomis,, and filled this position
in a very efficient manner for two years. In the
spring of 1892, he resigned this position to become
the manager, for the extensive poultry and egg
shipping establishment mentioned above, and of
which he bas exclusive control. Under his able
management, the company has met with un-
bounded success, and the business is rapidly grow-
ing in popularity. Mr. Tuohy is polite and atten-
tive to his patrons, and their orders are filled with
a promptness and accuracy that are very satisfac-
tory. System and order prevail throughout, and
everything about the place indicates that Mr.
Tuohy is the right man in the right place. In
1884, he was married to Miss Minnie Hovey,
daughter of D. Hovey, who was for many years
Agent of the Big Four Railroad, and to their union
a bright little daughter has been given, who is now
about five years of age and whom they have
named Margery. Mr, Tuohy is a thorough busi-

ness man, is a very agreeable and satisfactor3 r
gentleman with whom to have business dealings,
and in the social circles of Nokomis is highly re-
garded.

DWIN W. DRESSOR, a prominent young
farmer of Bond County, and the present
Supervisor of Central Township, is located
on a fine farm near Greenville, and is a man of
means, intelligence and education.

The parents of the subject of this notice were
Nathaniel and Elizabeth Dressor, who were pio-
neers of Bond County. The father was a native
of the Pine Tree State, where he was born in 1825.
The grandfather, Rufus Dressor, was a farmer by
occupation. Our subject was born near Reno, 111.,
December 12, 1854. His education was begun in
the best schools of the county, and at the age of
thirteen be became a pupil of McKendree College
at Lebanon, 111., from which, after completing the
scientific course, he was graduated June 12, 1876.
His studies finished, he returned to the farm, and
on March 7, 1877, he was married to Miss Mary
Ann Kirkland, who was born in Montgomery
County, 111. Three children were born to this
household, the eldest of whom, Orla E., is de-
ceased. The surviving children are Edith Mabel
and Blanche.

Mrs. Mary Ann Dressor died October 21, 1887,
and November 14, 1889, Mr. Dressor married Miss
Lizzie Thraner, who was born in Bond County,
III., October 10, 1859, and one child has been born
of this marriage, Nathaniel Edwin. After his first
.marriage, our subject located at this place, where
he has twelve hundred acres of fine land, all in
one bod}', with the latest improvements and in the
highest state of cultivation. He has carried on
mixed farming, and has raised a great number of
all kinds of the best stock, having an enviable
reputation throughout this locality for his fine cat-
tie, horses and hogs. He has spared no exertion in
order to obtain tue bes>t grades of cattle and

178

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

secure the best of improvements on his farm. Not
only lias he embellished his own property, but he
has also advocated improvements throughout the
entire township.

Our subject is very public-spirited, and is always
the first to favor any advanced step in the county,
either in an agricultural or educational way. In
his political opinions, he favors the Republican
party, because he believes in that party can be
found the principles best suited to the government
of a great country like the United States. He is
very popular in the ranks of his party, and has
been honored by them in his election as Supervisor
for the third term. During the first year of his
service, he was elected Chairman of the Board, and
so well did he perform the duties of his office that
this year he was honored with the same office.

The Masonic order claims our subject as one of
its most honored members, and he has been most
active in its meetings. He also affiliates with the
Modern AVorktnen at Greenville. He is a man of
independent means, and probabty has made the
major portion of his property in shipping stock
and grain, both of which he buys extensively and
ships to the different cities, principally Chicago
and Indianapolis. He is well known throughout
the community, where he is highly esteemed.

W T. TOWELL was born in White County,
111., March 26, 1836, being the eldest in a

ill family of ten children born to William M.
and Martha (Stark) To well, of which family
but live members are now living: William M., who
served for three years in the civil war as a member
of Company L, Third Illinois Cavalry, did valiant
work for his country, and is now a resident of
Litchfield, 111., where he is following the calling of
a wheelwright; Samuel L.. who is now a resident
of Kansas, also served his country in the Third
Illinois Cavalry during the war; Charles L. resides
in Waggoner, Montgomery County, 111.; Dora J.

is the wife of James De Grate, of Walshville, 111.;
James II., who served with conspicuous bravery in
the Civil War for three years, is in the Third Cav-
alry, and in 1867, while a member of the Kansas
State Militia, and fighting the Indians near Ft.
Hayes, was massacred, being literally shot to pieces,
and was buried near that fort.

Isaac Towell, the grandfather of the subject of
this sketch, was born in Pennsylvania before the
War of the Revolution, but in early life removed to
Tennessee, where William M. Towell, the father
of the subject of this sketch, was born in 1817.
He was brought to Illinois in 1835 and afterwards
became a wagon-maker and farmer of White
County. It was on his farm that the man of
whom we write was born and reared, his early
scholastic training being received in the common
schools near his home. In addition to the three
brothers above mentioned and the father who
went forth to battle for their country during the
perilous times of the Civil War, none donned his
suit of blue with greater eagerness than did the
subject of this sketch, who did good and faithful
service during that great struggle. They were all
members of the Third Illinois Cavalry, and during
the last year of the war the father serve;! as Regi-
mental Commissary. He lived until September
1890, and died at Walshville, Montgomery County.
I. T. Towell answered to his country's first call for
troops, and in April, 1861, we find his name on the
roll of Company D, of the Seventh Illinois In-
fantry. During this enlistment he did not leave
the State but part of his time was spent at Cairo.
On the 7th of August, 1862, he became a member
of Company L, of the Third Illinois Cavalry, as a
private and for two years thereafter his company
was body-guard to different commanders of the
Thirteenth Army Corps. He was in many of the
bloodiest combats of the war, including Jackson,
Champion Hills, Black River Bridge, siege of Vicks-
burg, Franklin and Nashville, and followed Hood
into Alabama. He was promoted in regular line,
and for more than a year was Orderly-Sergeant of
his company, with which rank he was mustered
out of the service, May 22, 1865, and returned
home without a scratch from any implement of
war in the hands of a rebel.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

179

Since the war lie has devoted his attention to
agricultural pursuits in the vicinity of Litchfield,
111., and is now the owner of a magnificent farm
in Witt Township, the result of his own good
management. He is a Republican politically, has
served a term as Collector, and for five years was
a member of the County Board of Supervisors. He
is a member of the Grand Army, and is a Master
Mason. In 1860, he was united in marriage to
Miss Elizabeth Chapman, a Kentuckian by birth,
who became a resident of Montgomery County
'early in life. To them a family of nine children
has been given, who are as follows: John W.
is married, and is a wheelwright at Li tch field;
Laura is the wife of Henry Lee, an Englishman
by birth, and a farmer of Witt Township; Mattie
is the wife of Jacob Baucrla, a farmer of Audubon
Township, of Montgomery County; and the follow-
ing are at home: Nora, Ida, Eva, R. T., James E.
and Maude. All these children were educated in
the public schools, but Ida completed her education
in Hillsboro Academy. Mr. Towell is one of
nature's noblemen, and is an acquisition to the
locality in which he resides, for he is public-
spirited, energetic, and liberal in the use of his
means.

EO ESSENPREIS is one of the oldest set-
tiers of Bond County, and one of those who
have made much of its unwritten history.
He came here poor, and by the energy of his char-
acter and the perseverance of an honest man, he
has won his way to the front rank in the wealth
and influence of his section.

The subject of this sketch was born in the cit}'
of Baden, in Germany, February 2, 1827. His
father, John P>ssenpreis, was also a native of the
same place, and there grew up, lived his quiet,
unostentatious life as a farmer, and died, after
settling his family in America, at the age of sev-
enty-three years. The mother of our subject was
named Elizabeth Greilick, and was born in Baden,

where she lived with her husband, the careful
mother of nine children, and the frugal "hausfrau"
of her home. When she had passed her seventy-
third year her life ended, and both she and her
husband passed away under the comforting min-
istrations of the Roman Catholic Church. The
family came to America, and the names of the
children were: Mary A., Elizabeth, Anton, Sophro-
nia, Leo, Helen, John B. and Louisa. They are
now scattered, and their descendants are in many
places.

Our subject was reared on the farm in Germany
and came to America in 1841, being then four-
teen years old. His schooling was obtained in his
native country, where, if the methods were old-
fashioned they were thorough. The ocean trip of
the Essenpreis family covered forty-seven days
in an old sailing-vessel, and after landing they
made their way to Madison County, 111., and there
the father purchased a farm in the wilderness. At
that time there were plenty of deer yet in the belts
of timber, where they remained on account of the
water, but our subject was no hunter, and did not
molest them. He had a short season at school after
coming to America, but there was too much work
to be done, and at the age of twenty-one he took
the responsibility of his own life upon his shoul-
ders.

There was no difficulty then in securing work,
and as Mr. Essenpreis was most modest in his de-
mands, he soon found emplo3 - ment, and for six
years worked by the month. For the first four
years he was the possessor of $2 at the end of every
thirty days, but when he began on his fifth year
his wages were raised to the munificent sum of
$8 per month. The ceremony which joined Miss
Elizabeth Knebel to him, for better or for worse,
took place March 31, 1850. The young lady
was a native of Baden, Germany, and came
to this country in 1848. She was a true and faith-
ful wife, and the mother of seven children. Her
death occurred in 1879, and her family were Henry,
John, David Baptist, Anna Clara and Charles Leo,
all of whom are deceased, while the living are
Philip and Fritz.

Our subject married a second time, February 2,
1880, and his wife was Miss Emma Wise, a native

180

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

of Bond County, 111. One child, William, has been
added to the family by this union. After his first
marriage, our subject located in Madison County,
where he rented land for two years and then
came to this county, where he bought ninety acres,
and this was the beginning of his landed posses-
sions. There were no improvements upon it, and
he went to work to build a house, and to make the
place into something like a home. As his means
increased, he bought more land, and at the present
time he has six hundred and forty acres, and has
given his two eldest sons four hundred and fifty
acres for a home of their own. Our subject has
probably done more hard work than any man m
Bond County. He raises stock and grain, and has
found that the wisest plan is to raise feed and put
it into stock and hogs, and to sell them.

Mr. Plssenpreis moved here in 1880, and since
that time he has lived retired and rents out his
land. He feels that he has done enough hard work
in his life. Both he and his estimable wife are
members of the Roman Catholic Church, and he
has contributed liberally of his means to the sup-
port of the church as he has prospered. Our sub-
ject is a Democrat now, although he voted both,
times for Lincoln, because he was opposed to hu-
man slavery. He is now pleasantly located at Pier-
ron, Bond County, and is a man who commands
and deserves the respect of the whole neighbor-
hood.

fp^UGENE L. GREENLEAF. The gentleman
whose name we place at the commencement
of this sketch is the eldest of seven children
born to Edward S. and Catherine P. Greenleaf.
His mother bears the distinction of never having
changed her name, she being a member of a family
bearing the same name as her husband, although
in no way connected. Edward S. Greenleaf was a
native of the State of Maine, his birth occurring
in October, 1837. When eight years old, his
mother died, and his father sought to forget this

bereavement in the Western country, which at that
time was so fraught with adventures and achieve-
ments. The grandparents of Edward S. Green-
leaf represented old Southern families, both on
the father's and mother's side, and the lineage of
the family can be traced back nearly a century, at
which time the ancestors were prominent people
in St. Louis, Mo., and New Orleans, La.

Edward S. Greenleaf became interested in the
railroad business very early in life, and worked
his way from the bottom round of the ladder until
lie became .Superintendent of the Jacksonville &
Southeastern Railroad, making his headquarters at
Jacksonville. He filled this position with more
than ordinary abilit\ r for a term of fifteen years,
and enjoyed the reputation of being one of the
best-posted men the company had at their com-
mand. In 1889. Mr. Greenleaf resigned his posi-
tion with the railroad company, and started in
the grain business at Jacksonville. It is given to
but few men to serve a master for a short lifetime,
and then embark on an entirely new enterprise,
feeling responsible to no one but themselves, and
make a success in the new field. He of whom we
are writing was blessed with more than ordinary
ability for railroad work, and carried the same
amount of ability into the field of merchandise,
thus making a success of his undertaking. In a
very short time after commencing as a merchant,
Mr. Greenleaf, Sr., was recognized as one of the
most prosperous business men in the place where
he had been so popular and had become so well
known as Superintendent of a railroad.

So much of the character of an individual is
foreshadowed in his ancestors, that the old trite
saying, "Like father like son," is often very
applicable. Eugene Greenleaf, with whose name
we commenced this biography, inherited from
his father many of the traits that made his
life a success. He received his education at
Jacksonville, this State, and aftei concluding that
he had all the knowledge necessary to help him
toward success in the business world, he turned his
attention to railroading. AVhen only nineteen
vears old our subject received the appointment of
Station Agent at Reno. The labors incumbent
upon this position were not sijftjcienl to keep him

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

183

occupied, and ho soon became interested in the
grain business, which he managed in connection
with his railroad duties, and succeeded in estab-
lishing himself as a business man. Industry and
energy ever seek larger fields of employment, and
our subject soon learned that one possessed of his
executive ability could add other enterprises to
those already undertaken. With this end in view,
he started as a dealer in railroad ties, and became
known throughout this portion of the State as an
extensive dealer. He is considered one of the best
business men in this community. His knowledge
of affairs is extensive, and his opinions would do
credit to one who had multiplied his years.

Mr. Greenleaf is a stanch supporter of the Re-
publican party, but has always been too busy with
his business matters to give much attention to
politics. Too much praise cannot be accorded him
for the way in which he has built up his own busi-
ness, and he has the good wishes of all who know
him that he may reach the goal of his desires and
enjoy the position which his talents and endow-
ments have so eminently fitted him to fill.

The surviving members of the family of our
subject's father are his sisters, Mrs. Alexander,
wife of William Alexander, a grain merchant of
Jacksonville; and Martha E., Grace, Catherine,
Edward M. and Moses, who are all receiving their
education at Jacksonville.

eW. JOHNSON, M. D., a very prominent
and successful follower of the science of
medicine, is one of Litohfield's most enter-
prising physicians. lie is also the proprietor of
the Central Illinois Infirmary, which institution is
well and favorably known throughout the State.
Mr. Johnson hails from the flowery shores of the
celestial land of China, having been born in Hong
Kong, May 17, 1848. However, he does not be-
long to the Mongolian race. His father, John W.
Johnson, was a missionary of the American Baptist

Board of Foreign Missions, and it was during his
stay in the city of Hong Kong that his son C. W.
was born.

John Johnson was born in New Hampshire in
January, 1821, but left that State when a child
and removed to Maine. He was a graduate of
Amherst College, and soon after leaving that insti-
tution he studied theology, first as a Congrega-
tionalist, but during his course he was led to
change his views on immersion and united with
the Baptist Church before his studies were com-
pleted. In the year 1847, he chose a helpmate in the
person of Miss Anna Stevens, who was born at
Eastport, Me., and who was slightly his junior.
After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Johnson set
sail for China, which was to be the scene of their
labors.

Mr. Johnson remained in the missionary seryice
until his death in 1872, and devoted his entire
life to the conversion of the heathen. In 1860,
he left Hong Kong and made Swatow his head-
quarters, where he remained until his death. Dur-
ing the entire time of his residence in China, he
made only two trips to the United States. His
was a grand, noble life, self-sacrificing and Christ-
like. Any missionary deserves the respect and
esteem of all people, but when a missionary is as
good and devout a man as Mr. Johnson, no praise
is too great. His wife, to whom he was devotedly
attached, died when her only child, our subject,
was born, and Mr. Johnson was left alone in a
strange land. His body rests in the land he la-
bored to redeem and gave his life for. Peace be
to the ashes of such a hero.

Our subject was sent to his mother's sister, when
only two and one-half years old, via Liverpool to
Amesbury, Mass., and while on the way over, the
ship was attacked by pirates and one-half the crew
lost. In 1859, the father made a trip to America
and took his son back with him to China, but
young Johnson only remained there three years.
November 11, 1862, he set sail for the land of his
adoption from Foil Chow, on the "Jacob Bell," an
East Indian tea ship. When the ship had been
out ninety-six days, they were captured by the
rebel privateer, "Florida," and their vessel was
burned. They were kept on the "Florida" for

184

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

five days and tlien transferred to a Danish barque
bound for the West Indies. After reaching the
last-mentioned place, Johnson proceeded to the
Bermuda Islands, thence to Halifax, Nova Scotia,
by steamer, and from there managed to reach
Boston, March 8, 1863, after a voyage of nearly
four months.

After our subject's second arrival in America,
he entered school at Phoenix, R. I., where he re-
mained for one year, and then completed his prep-
aration for college at Philip's Academy, Exeter,
and the University Grammar School in Providence,
R. I. He then entered a business college at the
same place, from which he was graduated in 1867.
Afterward, he followed steamboating for one year
and book-keeping for one half-year, at the end
of which time he decided to devote his life to the
physical needs of human ity, as his father had
given his life to their spiritual needs. In accord-
ance with this resolve, he began the study of med-
icine in 1868, under the instruction of Dr. L. P.
Babb, at Eastport, Me. His lectures were received
at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, from
which institution he was graduated March 9, 1872.

Upon graduation, our subject settled in East
Machias, Me., and practiced his profession until
the 4th of September, 1884, having built up a fine
practice during that period. It was a country
practice, however, and was so large that he was
completely broken down attending to the demands
made upon his time and skill. He therefore sold
the good-will and devoted himself to special
studies in his profession, serving as Chief Assist-
ant to O. H. Allis, who had charge of the Ortho-
pedic Department of Jefferson College. In addi-
tion to his studies and the duties of his office, he
carried on a practice in a large section of the city.
There he remained until 1886, when he removed
to Litchfield, 111., where he has built up a fine prac-
tice, having had the confidence of the people from
the first.

In 1890, Dr. Johnson purchased the Infirmary
to accommodate the large number of patients he
had under his care. On first going to Litchfield.
he had purchased a residence and in that endeav-
ored to treat such patients as required his con-
stant care, but the house soon became too small for

his needs, and in September, 1890, he opened this
institution. It is always crowded, and has never
been without occupants, with the exception of ten
days. The knowledge that Dr. Johnson has full
control of the establishment is advertisement
enough for it, as everyone has the fullest confi-
dence in his skill and abilit3 r .

On the 9th of Januarj-, 1873, our subject mar-
ried Miss Allie Ryerson,of Lubec, Me., and succeed-
ing years have proven his choice to be a happy one.
One child, a son, has been born of their union,
namely: Simeon Ryerson. Dr. Johnson is very
prominent in his section of country, holding
many of the important positions of different or-
ganizations, and is identified with the American
Medical Association, Knights of Pythias, Knights
Templar and Eastern Star. In addition to this he
is a member of the Board of Education, and for
three years was a Trustee of the Maine State In-
sane Asylum, his term of office extending from
1883 to 1886. He is a devout member of the
Methodist Church, to which he contributes liber-
ally, and his name is a S3 r nonym for geniality,
intelligence and skill. All unite in praise of so
learned and successful a man.

<fe CORNELIUS. The enterpris-
. ^ ing firm composed of the two gentlemen
as given above conducts with marked abil-
ity the crisp and newsy sheet known as the
daily Herald. This is also supplemented -by an
issue called the weekl3' Herald. Under various
managements the paper is one of the oldest es-
tablished in the county, but under its new pro-
prietorship it was re-christened with its present
name.

In March, 1888, Mr. Boulton purchased the
plant and good-will of the sheet before issued.
He edited it alone until 1890, when he associated
with himself Mr. W. S. Parrott, of the Raymond
Leader, and the two papers were consolidated. The
first issue of the daily- dates from April 28, 1890.

PORTKAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD

185

It is a seven-column quarto page and so ably is it
edited that it meets with a flattering degree of suc-
cess in circulation, both locally and throughout the
county. Mr. Parrott was succeeded in the associ-
ate editorship by Mr. Cornelius, who began work
upon the paper January 1, 1891. Under the com-
bined efforts of the present firm, the local and ag-
ricultural interests have little more to desire in the
way of news. Its editorials are timely and well
considered,while all the local items are reproduced
with care and exactitude. The weekly paper is
an eight-column quarto, also having a good circu-
lation both in Montgomery and Macoupin Coun-
ties.

Mr. Boulton, the senior editor of the Herald, is a
native of Boone County, Mo., where he was born
June 29, 1854. He is a son of Jesse A. and Clara
D. (Perrine) Boulton, both of Mason County, Ky.
The former was born in 1817 and was, during the
greater part of his life, engaged as a farmer. Their
marriage took place in Kentucky, whence they re-
moved to Missouri. They continued their agri-
cultural interests there until removing to Virden,
III., where Mr. Boulton still lives. He is a man
who has always commanded the respect of his asso-
ciates and fellow-citizens. While in Missouri, he
held the office of County Judge, and that State
continued to be his home until 1891. He and his
wife, who still survives, have reared four sons and
one daughter, also another child by a former
marriage. The children are as follows: Mrs.
J. H. Darneille, the eldest, of Chatham, III.; Wal-
ter E., Payne A. and John W. The half-sister
mentioned is now Mrs. Monroe Bateman, of Col-
umbia, Mo.

Our subject received his education in his native
State and finished at the State University of Mis-
souri, where he earned the degree of L. B. in the
Class of '77. Three years later, he added to his
diploma the degree of M. L. Thereafter for some
time he was engaged in teaching in the public
schools in Boone County, Mo., and was also in the
Christian University at Canton, Mo. He finally
located at Hannibal, Mo., and remained there until
June 1, 1887, when he became editor and proprie-
tor of the Hannibal daily and weekly Journal. At
the date above mentioned, he disposed of his inter-

ests in the Journal and purchased a one-half inter-
est in the Troy (Mo.) News, which was consolidated
with the Free Press in January of 1888. He sold out
his interest the following August, and two months
later came to Litchfield and associated himself as
above narrated. Besides his journalistic interests,
he is also a stockholder in the Litchfield Thresher
Company. While in Missouri, he was several times
a delegate to the State Democratic conventions
and took an active part in politics. Socially, Mr.
Boulton belongs to the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows. In his church relations he is a member
of the Christian organization.

OBERT E. CORNELIUS. If so young a
man could with propriety be called a vet-
eran, surely Mr. Cornelius deserves that
title as applied to his career in newspaper
work. From the tender age of eleven years, he
has passed through all the forms and phases of
getting out a sheet, and has worked his way up
from "devil" to his present position as associate
editor and proprietor of the Litchfield daily and
weekly Herald.

Our subject was born May 6, 1865, in Benton, 111.,
and is a son of Robert E. and Lou (Adams) Cor-
nelius. The father was a harness-maker by trade,
to which the son, however, had no inclination.
After he had received the rudiments of his educa-
tion at Benton, he began to learn the mechanical
part of printing in the Benton Standard office at
the age of eleven years. He continued in that
office for four years and then went into the office
of the Baptist Banner at Cairo.

Mr. Cornelius first came to Litchfield in October
of 1889. He worked away until January 1, 1891,
when he was offered an interest in the paper of
which he is now half-owner. The department over
which he has exclusive control is the mechanical
business of the journalistic work.

Our subject has a pleasant home, which is pre-
sided over by a pleasant, courteous lady, who was

186

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

known before her marriage as Miss Cora Bun-ess,
of Benton. Their nuptials were solemnized March
13, 1885. Two children bring gladness into their
household and bear the suggestive names of Dot
and Bee. Mrs. Cornelius is a daughter of Dr.W. D.
Burress, a well-known physician of Benton.

TEPHEN R. RICE, one of the most pros-
perous and happy farmers in Pitman Town-
ship, resides on his fine farm on section 19,
and there enjoys the comforts and pleas-
ures of middle age, which have been gained by
his energy and persevering labor. The birth of our
subject took place in Macoupin County, 111., March
14, 1833. He was the son of a man whose memory
is still green in this section, and he has grown
up and done that father honor.

William B. and Elizabeth (Cave) Rice were the
parents of our subject, and both ancestral families
came from below Mason and Dixon's Line. Will-
iam B. Rice was a native of Kentucky and came
into Illinois in the '30s with his family, and spent
the first year in Sangamon County. He then de-
cided that this was a good State to live in and
moved to Macoupin County, and there entered
land on the edge of a belt of timber, knowing
that where there were trees there would be water.
One of the most distressing wants of the pioneers
was the lack of water, and as Mr. Rice had thought
of that possibility, he selected his land where there
was no fear of such a calamity. His location was
near the site of the present village of Palmyra,
and here he yoked up his ox-team and went to
work breaking the laud.

Mr. Rice became a prominent man in his lo-
cality and served as Justice of the Peace, a very
important position in those days, and as one of
the pioneer school teachers of Macoupin County.
The family that he left at the time of his death,
in 1864, consisted of six children, four of whom
are now living, viz: Stephen R.; Lucretia V., who
married Daniel Chapman; John F. and Charles

W. In his death Macoupin County lost one of
her first settlers, and one of her strongest men.
In early life he had been a Whig, but later be-
came a Republican.

Stephen Rice was reared among the scenes of
pioneer life and early learned the use of six yoke
of oxen and a wooden moldboard plow in break-
ing land, and can give much information about
the early methods of farming, because he made
practical tests. His education was obtained in the
subscription schools of his time, and he well remem-
bers the log hut with its puncheon floors and slab
seats. Human nature, especially boy nature, was
probably the same then as now, and there was
plenty of playing and little learning. The edu-
cation which finally became his he gained in con-
tact with the world, as he has always kept well
posted on topics of general interest.

When the time came for our subject to think of
forming his own home, he prevailed upon Miss
Polly A. Dalton to become his wife, and they were
married September 21, 1854, after which she took
up the reins of his domestic affairs, and has made
his home in all of these years a place of peace
and pleasantness. She still continues by his side,
and none realizes more than he what a blessing a
good wife can be. The birth of Mrs. Rice oc-
curred in Morgan County, 111., February 19, 1837.
and she is the daughter of Isham and Rebecca
(Ray) Dalton. Her father was a native of Vir-
ginia and her mother was born in North Carolina.
In 1817, her parents started for Illinois when it
was yet a Territory, and settled in Madison
County. They resided there for a number of
years, and then moved to Macoupin County, and
subsequently went into Morgan County, where
her father mainly reared his family. He finally
returned to Macoupin County, and resided there
until his death, in 1875, his wife living until
1884. Three children survive: Lewis, Mrs. Jack-
son Seymour, and Mrs. Rice. The occupation of
Mr. Dalton was that of a brickmason and manu-
facturer and farmer, and he was an early settler
of the township.

To Mr. and Mrs. Rice two children have
been born, William H. and John B. The acres
of which our subject is the owner amount to

LIBRARY

Of THE

UNIVERSITY rf ILLINOIS

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

189

ninety-one, and this fine land lias been accumu-
lated by the efforts of one man, assisted by a ca-
pable and industrious wife. They are both val-
ued and beloved members of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church, in which body Mr. Rice has long
been a Class-leader, and is now a Trustee and
Steward. For twenty-one years he has served as
School Director, and for four years as Road Com-
missioner of Pitman Township.

Mr. Rice always is in the front rank when im-
provements in the county are suggested, and the
society of both church and neighborhood would
seem wrong and wanting if the genial presence
of Mr. and Mrs. Rice was withdrawn. In 1859,
Mr. Rice located on this place and has improved
it in every way. He is a Republican in politics
and a good all-round man, who would be sadly
missed by his neighbors and friends should he
remove from this locality.

f(2, extensi
%J* & Edv

JA. WEAVER is a member of the
, extensive mercantile house of Weaver
^J & Edwards, of Sorento. He was born
in Cumberland County, this State, on the 22d of
October, 1862, and is a son of A. D. and Eliza-
beth A. (Armstrong) Weaver. But little is known
of the ancestry of either of these families. They
were both born in Ohio and came to Illinois about
1840, and when our subject was but a few months
old they located in Coles County, not far from
Mattoon. There the father had a small farm, and,
being a man of some learning, taught school in
that locality for some years. He served during
the late war in Company K, of the Fifty-fourth
Illinois Infantry, and three of his brothers also
served in the army.

About 1870, the family moved to Greenville,
Bond County, where the mother expired in 1873.
After this young Weaver had to make his own
way in life, his father being a man of very limited
means. He early applied himself to securing an

education, at the same time contributing to the
support of his two young sisters. After he was
twenty-one years of age, he entered the Gem City
Business College, of Quincy, from which he grad-
uated in 1884. He was then tendered the posi-
tion of book-keeper for the Colchester Coal Com-
pany. This he accepted, remaining with them for
a year, and then resigned the position in order
to accept that of confidential clerk to W. S.
Dann, the merchant prince of Southern Illinois,
and located at Greenville. This position he held
more than four years, but our subject was not made
of the kind of stuff that would long be content to
work on a salary. He wanted to forge to the
front and be a merchant prince himself.

With this end in view, Mr. Weaver came to Sor-
ento in 1889, and with his meagre savings, in com-
pany with a Mr. Maxey, opened a small store. He
was possessed of business ability and push, and
the capital that he lacked to transact an extensive
business was readily furnished by" parties having
not only the money but unbounded confidence in
the integrity and ability of this rising young busi-
ness man. The partnership with Mr. Maxey lasted
only a few months, when O. M. Edwards, a wealthy
farmer living near Sorento, became the junior and
silent partner in the firm, leaving the active trans-
action of the business entirely to Mr. Weaver.

The financial interests of the firm have reached
goodly proportions and the business is steadily
increasing. They now carry an immense stock
of general merchandise, and one that would be a
credit to a much larger town than is Sorento, yet
the trade demands it, and this is largely due to
the management of our subject in his popularity
as a tradesman. He has ever been active in what-
ever is for the benefit of a thriving little town,
and many of the enterprises of the place have
found a helpful hand in this wide-awake business
man.

Mr. Weaver is the eldest of a family of five
children. His father died February 24, 1880. Of
his brothers and sisters, Thomas lives in Oklahoma;
John is in the employ of his brother G. A.; Laura
, lives at Pocahontas, and Ruth in St. Louis. Mr.
Weaver was married December 15, 1886, to Miss
Alice M. Presgrove, who was born in Clinton

190

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

County, 111., October 18, 1863. She is a daughter
of B. F. Presgrove. Of the two children" that
have blessed this union, the eldest, Vallee W., died
when but nine months of age, August 3, 1888. The
surviving child, Vernon A., was born August 10,
1889. Politically, our subject comes from a strong
Republican famity, but is himself an equally ardent
Prohibitionist and has always been a strict temper-
ance man.

5 ~ Z

REDBRICK J. PANNWITT is a fair illus-
tration of the advanced position which the
young men are now occupying in every
phase of life in the United States; in fact, this
might be called the young man 's era, for never be-
fore has youth taken so prominent a position in
affairs, commercial, political and governmental, as
at the present time. Mr. Pannwitt was born in
Mecklenburg, Germany, August 31, 1860. He is
the son of Frederick and Mary (Haeppner) Pann-
witt. The elder Mr. Pannwitt engaged as a farmer
in his native land, but, seeing larger opportunities
for his children as well as himself in the States, he
emigrated to America in 1865.

The Pannwitt family made their home in Chicago
for one year. That was before the fire which came
to the city, a blessing in disguise, and laid low the
city by the lake so that it then bore little resem-
blance to the great metropolis of the present time.
From Chicago the family removed to Eflingham
County, and located on a farm, doubtless the
best place for bringing up a young man, and there
our subject giew to manhood. He attended the
district school until eighteen years of age, and
then, considering himself equipped for the strug-
gle of life, he determined to set out for himself,
and accordingly went to Missouri and located at
Bland, a country crossroads in Gasconade County.
While here he entered a blacksmith shop in order
to learn the trade, and gave three years of his time
to making himself master of the business.

In the spring of 1882, the subject of this sketch

came to Xokomis and entered the employ of J. L.
Freasier, with whom he continued until January
1, 1885. lie then purchased his emploj-er's inter-
est and continued the business in his own name.
He has brought to it all the energy and ability of
his nature and mind, and has been very successful
in every effort he has thus far made.

Immediately after establishing himself in business
on his own account, Mr. Pannwitt was married to
Miss Margaret C. Essmann, their marriage being
celebrated February 24, 1885. Their home is one
of the finest residences in Nokomis, and was built in
1891. Mrs. Pannwitt has brought all her tact and
taste to bear in making this an ideal home for her
husband and child. She presides over the place
with much grace, which shows to admirable advan-
tage her natural alility. Mrs. Pannwitt is a native
of Missouri. One child, Edwin F., a bright little
boy of five years of age, gladdens the house with
his winsome presence. Truly the family life as en-
joyed by our subject is a very gracious one, well-
ordered and prosperous, and bears the benediction
of a truly religious uplifting. Mr. Pannwitt is a
man of more than ordinary ability, deeply respec-
ted by all who know him, and is a true type of
the German gentleman. He is an exemplary mem-
ber of the Methodist Church, and is a strict tem-
perance man. Politically, he pins his faith to the
garment of no party, but votes as he believes to be
for the best interests of his country, independent
of platform or local interest.

ENRY GRUBE, a retired fnrmer residing
in Greenville, claims Pennsylvania as the
State of his nativity. Lancaster County
is the place of his birth, and the date Sep-
tember 1, 1823. He is a -son of John and Anna
(Summy) Grube, natives of Lancaster County.
The father was a farmer by occupation, and fol-
lowed that business throughout his entire life.
In 1836, he removed to Clarke County, Ohio,
where he purchased five hundred acres of land,

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

191

making a home thereon until his death, which oc-
curred on the 2d of- November, 1880. His wife
survived him for about five years, and died March
10, 1885. The paternal grandparents of our sub-
ject, Jacob and Susan (Wayland) Grube, were also
born in Lancaster County. The former, who was
of Swiss descent, was a boot and shoe maker by
trade, but also engaged in farming. The maternal
grandfather of our subject was Christian Summy,
who was engaged in keeping a hotel, and also fol-
lowed fanning. He was born in Lancaster County,
where the birth of his wife, whose maiden name
was Catherine Musselman, also occurred.

The subject of this sketch had no sisters and but
one brother, Aaron, who was 'killed when twenty
years of age in a railroad disaster in Montgomery
County, Ohio. Henry spent his boyhood days
upon his father's farm, and acquired his education
in Pennsylvania. He remained at home until
twenty-four years of age, when was celebrated his
marriage with Miss Margaret J. Humphreys, of
Clarke Count}', Ohio, daughter of James and
Catherine Humphreys. They began their domes-
tic life upon a farm in Clarke County, and Mr.
Grube there continued agricultural pursuits from
1848 until 1868, when he removed to Springfield,
Ohio, and there lived a retired life for two years.
lie then went to Jasper County, 111., where he en-
gaged in farming upon three hundred and forty-
five acres of land for six months. ' Upon the expi-
ration of that period, lie removed to Clinton
Count}' and purchased a tract of land of one hun-
dred and thirty-seven acres, of which fifty are situ-
ated in this county, although it is all in one body.
He made his home thereon from 1870 until 1878,
when he returned to Ohio to take care of his
parents, and remained in the Buckeye State until
the 20th of June, 1880. He then again came to
his farm in Illinois, and since 1887 he has been a
resident of Greenville. He also owns one hun-
dred and sixty-four acres in LaGrange Town-
ship.

In 1887. Mr. Grube was called upon to mourn
the loss of his wife, who had borne him seven chil-
dren, four of whom are yet living: Charles H.
married Kate Whitaker, of Crawford County, 111.,
and is engaged in the drug business; Dr. Robert

II., a practicing physician, married Miss Margaret
Ernshaw, of Dayton, O., and is now living in
Pittsburgh, Pa.; Aaron C., a merchant of Fair
Haven on Puget Sound, and George, a book agent
for the Riverside Publishing House of St. Louis.

Mr. Grube's second marriage was celebrated in
1870, when Mrs. Emma L. Noe, of Grant County,
Wis., became his wife. She is a daughter of Jo-
seph and Mary A. Hall. Both Mr. and Mrs.
Grube are leading members of the Presbyterian
Church, and she is one of the earnest Christian
workers of Illinois. In the church she serves as a
Deaconess, is a member of the Missionary Society,
and until last year was President of the Woman's
Christian Temperance Union of the county. Mr.
Grube is also a warm advocate of temperance
principles, and votes with the Prohibition party.
He is now living a retired life, enjoying a well-
earned rest and a handsome competence, which
has been acquired through his industrious and
well-directed efforts. On coming to Greenville he
purchased an acre of land, and owns one of the
finest homes in the city.

)EV. HENRY BECKER, D. D., a widely
known and highly esteemed priest of South-
IA\ \^ ern Illinois, and for many years an arduous
laborer in various parishes of the State, is
now the spiritual adviser of the Roman Catholic
Church in Hillsboro, Montgomery County, 111.
His presence is a familiar one in scenes of sor-
row and distress, especially among the members
of his own congregation, but he is a public-spirited
man, liberal in sentiment, and, desiring the mutual
welfare of the entire community which surrounds
him, has won the confidence and respect of all
good citizens, irrespective of church or party affil-
iations.

Father Becker was born in Westphalia, Ger-
many, July 1, 185G. His father, Henry Becker,
and his mother, Elizabeth (Behrens) Becker, were

192

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

botli natives of the province which gave our
subject birth. In the home of their infancy they
passed their quiet, uneventful life, nor wished for
change. They were the parents of five sons and
five daughters. The little ones were early trained
to habits of industry and thrift. When old
enough the children went to school, and regularly
attended the parish church, and soon the daugh-
ters shared the mother's duties and the sons
assisted the father in his daily work.

Four children of this German home have passed
away. The living sons and daughters are Sophia,
who early consecrated her life to religious duties,
and is now a Sister of Charity in Belgium; Anna,
who devotes her life to the education of the
young, and is now a teacher in the public schools
in Germany; Elizabeth is in Minneapolis, and
like her eldest sister has entered upon a religious
life as a Sister of Charity; Maria is also a member
of a religious order and a Sister of Charity in
Namur, Belgium; Herman, a man of business in
Chicago; and Henry, the parish priest of Hills-
boro.

From early youth Henry Becker was a studious
boy, of strong religious inclinations, and at the
proper age began a course of preparation for the
priesthood. He readily acquired the Latin tongue
and afterward studied mental philosophy in Bel-
gium. He then resolved to complete the higher
course in America, which he had long before de-
cided to make his future field of labor. Journey-
ing safely across the Atlantic, he landed in New
York, September 25, 1875. He tarried not long
in the United States, but soon proceeded to his
destination, Montreal, Canada, where he entered
the Grand Seminary, and took the four-year
theological course.

Father Becker graduated with honor as Doctor
of Theology in 1879. He was ordained priest
December 20 of the same year, and was then as-
signed to Illinois, Diocese of Alton. His first
parish was in Mound City, and he also ministered
to the needs of Metropolis, Stone Fort and Ilar-
risburg. He remained with this charge one year
and was then sent to Mt. Vernon, his religious
duties also including the pastoral work in Okaw-
ville and McLeansborough. His next parish was

in Kaskaskia, Randolph County, the oldest settle-
ment in the Mississippi Valley. He remained one
year, and then on account of sickness was sent to
Grantfort, Madison County, where he was sta-
tioned a year.

Our subject had now for five years faithfully
gone his wearying round, answering with his
cheerful presence the constant demands of acci-
dent, sickness and death. He was over-worked
and, finally obliged on account of his health to
take a rest, visited the Fatherland. Old friends
and neighbors greeted him; his father was yet
alive, but his mother was gone from the old home
to "a house not made with hands." At three-score
years and ten she had entered into rest.

In 1885, Father Becker, with health restored,
was assigned the pastoral charge of the church at
Vandalia, with charge also of Greenville and Ram-
sey. In 1888 he assumed charge of the church at
Hillsboro, and also officiated as priest at Gil-
lespie, performing his varied duties with unabated
energy and conscientious diligence. In 1890 he
went again to Europe, this time journeying to
Rome, whose grandeur and magnificence never
cease to employ the pen and pencil of author and
artist.

Fifty families attend the Catholic Church of
Hillsboro and since our subject took charge he
has aided in clearing off a debt of $700 and is now
erecting a building (a residence for the parish
priest) to cost $2000. Father Becker's undoubted
business ability is of great value to the parish,
whose religious interests are his first thought.

;ESLEY SNELL. It will be unanimously
conceded that the well-appointed restau-
rant fills an important niche in the sum
total of any town's acquisitions, and it is in such
connection that due mention is made of the estab-
lishment of which Mr. Snell is the proprietor.
Tliis popular house was established about four
years ago, and is conducted in an admirable man-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

193

ner, while the cooking is beyond reproach. Prices
are moderate, and a first-class meal can be ob-
tained for a sum within the reach of all.

Mr. Snell was born at Stanton, 111., April 11,
1843, to John and Elizabeth (Best) Snell, the for-
mer of whom was born in North Carolina, and
came to Illinois in 1823, with his father, Roger
Snell, and settled on a farm not far from Stanton.
On this same farm the subject of this sketch was
born. The grandfather died at the very advanced
age of ninety-two years, while John Snell's de-
mise occurred on the 7th of March, 1892, at the
age of eighty-six years. Young Snell grew up on
the farm on which he was born, and, being next
to the youngest in a family of nine children, re-
ceived but a common-school education.

When the war cloud, which had hovered over
the country for so long a time, burst in all its
fury, he, with two of his brothers, William and
James, joined the Third Illinois Cavalry, and
served three years. William was slightly wounded
at the battle of Pea Ridge, but was otherwise un-
injured in the service. He died in 1881, and
James in February, 1892. Wesley Snell entered
the service on the 7th of March, 1865, and became a
member of Company H, Twenty-eighth Illinois
Infantry as a recruit, and was sent to the front at
Mobile, Ala., and at once took part in the siege of
that place. He was with his company at the fall
of Spanish Fort, Ft. Blakely and the fall of
Mobile. They were in camp near the latter city
when the news of President Lincoln's assassina-
tion reached them. They were then sent to the
Rio Grande in Texas, and continued to do guard
duty in the vicinity of Brownsville, where Mr.
Snell remained until his term of enlistment had
expired, in March, 1866. He was discharged on
the 7th of that month, after whicli he spent one
year on a farm in Macoupin County, 111., then
came to Montgomery County, and engaged in
farming seven miles south of Nokomis, where he
remained until 188>, when he established himself
in business in the town, and has since successfully
conducted his restaurant and bakery.

The establishment of which Mr. Snell is the
proprietor is excellent of its kind, the bread especi-
ally being of a very superior quality, while cakes

of all description, both ornamental and plain, are
seen in the show-cases. In politics, Mr. Snell has
always been a strong Republican, but has never
aspired to public position. He married in 1868
Miss Mary E. Bond, a native of Madison County,
111., by whom he has a family of six children, five
of whom are living: Lulla I.; Elizabeth E., wife of
John E. Todd, of Mattoon, 111.; Eva E., who died
at the age of thirteen years; Minnie, John B., and
Essie. Mr. Snell's brother, the Rev. Asa Snell,
has been a Methodist minister for the past thirty-
six years, and is now located at Spring Garden.
Mr. Snell is a well-known man of business, who
has gained an influential and wide-spread patron-
age through his honorable methods in dealing
with the public, and by his energy and prompt-
ness in filling the contracts that are given him.

SA J. SHERBURNE is a prominent and
enterprising farmer of Bond County and

<K li owns one of the best-improved and most
v)J fertile farms in this part of the State.
Perhaps it would be difficult to find among the
farming community a man who enjoys wider pop-
ularity than he, and his biographical sketch will
therefore be of interest to our readers.

Asa J. Sherburne was born near Rochester, N. Y.,
July 11, 1827, and is the son of Henry Sherburne,
also a native of New York, whose birth took place
in 1799. The family is of English descent and was
represented in this country before the Revolution-
ary War. In his younger days, Henry Sherburne
followed the trade of a blacksmith and engaged in
making edged tools and in mill work. Later he
became a merchant and dealt in notions and dry-
goods. About 1856, he removed to Indiana and
settled in Terre Haute, where he engaged in busi-
ness for some years. His active labors ceased at
the age of seventy-four years, and he passed away
mourned not only by his family but throughout
the entire community. He had been a valued
member of the Methodist Church, In politics, he

194

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

was first a Whig and a strong Abolitionist, and
in later years became a Republican.

The mother of our subject, Mary (Bronson)
Sherburne, was born in New York and died at the
age of seventy-four years. The church of her
choice was the Methodist, in which she was long
an active member. Mrs. Sherburne became the
mother of nine children, eight of whom grew to
maturity, namely: James, Jethro, Charles, Asa,
Squire, William, Melvina and Lucy. Jane died at
the age of eleven years. Our subject was reared
in New York and was educated in the common
schools of his place. At the age of sixteen, he
left home and began the struggle of life for him-
self. At Waterloo, N. Y., he learned the trade of
blacksmith and worked at it until 1851, when he
made his way to Indianapolis, Ind.. and engaged
in work ' on the Vandalia Railroad, which was
being built from there to Tor re Haute. When the
road was finished, he was engaged as engineer and
ran on that line between Indianapolis to Terre
Haute for nineteen years, and later fron Indianap-
olis to St. Louis for five j-ears as passenger con-
ductor.

Tiring of this life, in 1873 Mr. Sherburne left
railroad work and bought his present farm. His
marriage, April 30, 1854, united him to Mary
Burton, who was born in Terre Haute, Ind., and
four children have been born unto them, namely:
Harry V., who married Rebecca Plumb; Cora, Mrs.
Curtis C. Paddock; Lua E., Mrs. William II. Ebert;
and Ned C. Our subject has two hundred and
eighty acres of fine land, all in one body. The en-
tire tract is in the highest state of improvement, ex-
cept twenty acres, which he prefers to keep in tim-
ber. His commodious residence was erected in 1881
and is beautifully located on a high ridge, near the
railroad on which he spent so many years. In
1886, he built the large frame barn, which is one
of the most substantial improvements in that
neighborhood. Mr. Sherburne has raised a great
deal of wheat and also much fine stock. In polit-
ical matters, he is a Republican and his popularity
with the party of his choice is testified by his elec-
tion to the position of School Director, which
oflice he has held for many years. For thirty
years, he has been a prominent member of the 3Ia-

sonic fraternity and is at present identified with
the Blue Lodge, and has reached the thirty-second
degree. The family is highly respected and its
members have made hosts of friends among the
residents of that portion of Illinois embraced in
the confines of Bond County.

ON. WILLIAM YOUNG, who for twelve
* years administered law as Justice of the
Peace, and who in the early '50s, before the
organization of the township, represented
three counties in the Legislature, now resides upon
his farm, on section 13, Hillsboro Township, Mont-
gomery County. Our subject well illustrates the
homely old proverb, "Where there is a will there is
a way." He began life with but two valuable
possessions a horse and a saddle. The broad well-
tilled and well-stocked farm which he now owns
was gained by unremitting toil, patient saving and
wise investment.

Mr. Young was born in Maury County, Tenn.,
October 5, 1810. His father, Henry Young, was of
Scotch descent, but a native of Pennsylvania, in
which State he received his early training. The
mother of our subject, Sallie Fifer, was born in
Germany, from which country her parents emi-
grated to America and located in South Carolina
when she was about two years old. Henry Young
and Sallie Fifer were married in North Carolina,
and first settled in Roanoke County. From that
State they removed to Kentucky, thence to Tennes-
see, where, upon a farm about fifteen miles south
of Columbus, their son William was born.

The father died upon that farm at the age of
sixty-four. His widow removed with her family
to Montgomery County, 111., in 1830, and lived
there until her death in her seventy-eighth year.
John and Sallie Young were the parents of twelve,
children, all of whom reached adult age. Of this
large family (eight daughters and four sons) but
three survive: Lovina, the widow of Rev. C. C.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

195

Aydelott, resides in Donnellson, Montgomery
County; Harriet, the widow of J. Harder, lives in
Perry Township; our subject is the eleventh child
and the youngest son. His boyhood was passed in
his native place, and he was twenty years of age
when he came to Illinois.

For a time Mr. Young worked by the day and
month, but immediately following his marriage to
Miss Jane Paisley, which event occurred March 1,
1832, he took up land west of Donnellson and lo-
cated upon section 21, township 7, range 4. . The
four-hundred acre tract was a Government claim,
and upon its broad surface not even a sod had been
broken. A small log-house, 16x16 feet in dimen-
sions, entirety destitute of windows, and with a
puncheon floor," was the home of the newly-wedded
pair. For furniture the}' had two split-bottom
chairs, a table made of split walnut logs, and a bed-
stead of the same. These articles were not hand-
some, but they served their purpose and were
highly valued by the good lady of the house.

Mr. Young cleared the place, and made miles of
rail fence to enclose it. He hauled his grain to St.
Louis, the nearest market, and there exchanged it
for groceries and other necessities of life, receiving
according to market fluctuations from twelve and
a-half to eighteen cents per bushel. For fifty
years our subject remained upon that farm, but in
1880 he bought two hundred and fifty-two acres,
upon which he now resides, and which is under
high cultivation. Mr. Young also owns ninety
acres on section 24, three hundred acres in town-
ship 7, range 3, sections 16 and 17; six hundred
acres in township 8, range 3, sections 29, 30 and
32. This large body of valuable land (twelve
hundred and forty-four acres) is all situated in
Montgomery County. A tract of two hundred and
forty acres in Butler County, which our subject
formerly owned, has recently been disposed of.

Our subject was twice married. His first wife,
who died in 1851, was the mother of nine chil-
dren, three surviving her: John, William A. and
Harriet M., widow of William McCulloch. All re-
side in Montgomery County. Three of the fam-
ily died in infancy; James J. died in 1889; Sarah
Jane and Samuel died when they had reached
mature years. Mr. Young's present wife was a

native of North Carolina, and came to Mont-
gomery County when she was sixteen years
of age. She is the mother of three children:
Francis H.; Anna, the wife of Charles Linx-
willer; and Jacob, who resides with his parents.
Mr. Young cast his first vote for Jackson and
abides by his early convictions. As an official, he
made an excellent Justice of the Peace, and ably
represented the counties of Montgomery, Bond
and Clinton in the Legislature of 1851.

OHN P. YOUNG, the present Assessor of
Harvel Township, is widely known and
highly respected for his excellent business
ability and integrity of character. His par-
ents wire natives of Germany and in early life
made themselves a home in Baden. In this beau-
tiful city of the Fatherland, John P. was born
May 19, 1839, and, being a dutiful son, he re-
mained with his parents until nearly nineteen
years of age. The lessons of frugality and patient
training in habits of industry acquired in his
childhood home gave him confidence in himself,
and as he neared manhood, his ambition was
aroused by the reported success of others who had
gone to the New World. He now determined to
emigrate to America, the Eldorado of countless
millions.

Mr. Young's journey to the New World was
not made in a fast-sailing steamship. He em-
barked on a sailing-vessel which left Havre No-
vember 24, 1858, and arrived at her destination,
New Orleans, February 20, 1859. The three-
month voyage gave the young German many
hours for leisure thought and planning for the
unknown future, and it is probable that much of
his later success was due to this fact. The Sunny
South did not keep the young emigrant long in
its territory, as he soon turned his face northward,
and in Jersey County, 111., received his first em-
ployment in this country. Beginning as a farm
hand, John, as he was familiarly called, worked

196

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

steadily two years, receiving, even in the busy-
season, only the modest sum of $15 per month.
But the sturdy young man's wants were few, and
having now become a true American, he was con-
tent to wait his time. His next step upward was
achieved in Montgomery County, where lie farmed
on shares three years in Pitman Township. At
the end of this time, he accepted employment
which promised better returns at Decatur.

Mr. Young, however, preferred his late place of
residence, and being convinced that Montgomery
County was his best field for work, returned there
after a brief time, and again became a tiller of the
soil in Pitman Township, and subsequently pro-
prietor of eighty acres of well-improved land. In
the meantime, about eight years after his arrival
in America, the young farmer selected a life part-
ner, and upon August 9, 1867, married Miss Fan-
nie Fetir. Already a land-owner, blessed with
health, prosperity, home and wife, the future out-
look was even at that early day very bright.
Seven children have blessed Mr. Young's union
with Miss Fchr. and six of these children Frank,
Mary, Katie, Minnie, Sophie and John are now
living, the death of a son George being the only
affliction this happy household has known. -Po-
litical^, the subject of this sketch is a Democrat,
defending his views with intelligent ability, and
his heart is with the masses, one of his chief aims
in life being to educate and elevate the multi-
tude.

Mr. Young is an ardent advocate of the public-
school system of his adopted country, and for
several years has untiringly and conscientiously
performed the duties of School Director. Many
readily accept such office, neglecting the work
which attaches to it, but the fidelity of John P.
Young has accomplished much for the youth of
his immediate neighborhood, and the good he has
done will be shown in the lives of many coining
men arid women.

Besides the position of School Director, which
brought him into frequent contact with the chil-
dren both great and small, Mr. Young's appoint-
ment as Collector of Pitman Township gave him
a wide-spread acquaintance, For nine consecutive
years he acceptably discharged his duties as Town-

ship Collector, and for the past two years has been
Assessor.

Mr. Young is a consistent attendant and mem-
ber of the Roman Catholic Church. As a citizen,
he enjoys the full confidence of his associates and
neighbors, and pleasant indeed must be the retro-
spect of the past. Alone in a new country, rely-
ing solely on his own energy, he has made for
himself a record to be envied, and has won a
happy home and wide-spread influence, whose
value cannot be over estimated.

VJ. OWENS. Litchfield is a pretty city of
homes, where the matrons do their own
marketing and are wise in all the culinary
arts and sciences, from selecting their roasts, vege-
tables and cereals to concocting mysterious dishes
that their unsuspecting husbands, fathers and
brothers are expected to digest. In the face of
such knowledge of these matters, the purveyor to
these wants must be a shrewd and honest man with
keen judgment of the needs of his customers.
Such a one is Mr. Owens, who is proprietor of the
grocery, meat-market, flour and feed store at the
corner of Taylor and Chestnut Streets. He here
has a fine place, having many modern appoint-
ments, as the building was erected about January
1, 1891, and he enjoys an excellent share of the
trade.

Our subject was born in Collinsville, Madison
County, 111., December 28, 1854. He is the son of
J. W. and Mary A. (Jones) Owens, the former of
whom was an early settler here, having con:e
originally from Kentucky. Here he married his
wife, who came hither from Liverpool, England,
but who had received her education in London.
Mr. Owens, Sr., has from boyhood been engaged
in the mercantile business, and is still one of the
most energetic business men of Collinsville. He
adheres to the principles of the Democratic party
and has been Justice of the Peace for twenty-four
years, not having been out of office during that
time,

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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

199

W. J. Owens received his education in St. Clair
County, at Caseyville, and later attended commer-
cial college at St. Louis. After that he was en-
gaged as a locomotive engineer for five years on
the Iron Mountain and Jacksonville & South East-
ern Railroad. On severing his connection with
the railroad company, Mr. Owens came to Litch-
field, in March, 1889, and was placed in charge of
the City Water Works. lie held this position for
two years, at the same time having control of the
Electric Light Plant. His own position was that
of Chief Engineer, and, although he had assistance
at each place, the responsibility for the safe opera-
tion of both plants rested upon him. He remained
in charge until the separation of the two plants,
when he established himself in the business in
which he is now interested, and in which his trade
is ever increasing. He devotes his whole time and
attention to his business, and the sales amount to
about $900 per month.

Our subject has a pleasant home in Litchfleld,
which is presided over by his amiable and charm-
ing wife, to whom he was married at Carlyle, this
State, October 19, 1882. She was Miss Ada F.,
daughter of Mrs. Jacob Young. Her education
was acquired in the High School of Carlyle. Mr.
and Mrs. Owens are members of the Presbyterian
Church, and our subject is identified with the In-
dependent Order of Odd Fellows and the Brother-
hood of Locomotive Engineers.

p^ OBERT WILLEFORD, a pioneer settler and
honored residentof Ripley Township, Bond
:*^ \\ County, is also a veteran of the Mexican
_J) War, and a citizen of undoubted courage
and integrity. Born in Rutherford County, Tenn.,
June 6, 1818, he was but nine years of age when
lie came to Illinois with his family and found a
permanent home within its boundaries. Locating
upon the broad prairie, about seven miles west of
Greenville, he 1ms for almost sixty-five continuous
years been closely identified with every marked

improvement and growing enterprise of the imme-
diate neighborhood. As a County Commissioner
he served with faithful ability three terms, his en-
ergetic efforts in behalf of public interests win-
ning him the confidence and esteem of his official
associates and the community at large.

The immediate ancestors of our subject were
Virginians by birth, both his father and paternal
grandfather having been born in the Old Domin-
ion. Jordan Willeford, the grandfather, at the
early age of sixteen enlisted as a soldier in the Rev-
olutionary War, and fought nobly for God and
liberty. Afterward returning to his birthplace,
Hampton County, he married, settled upon a Vir-
ginia plantation and became a slave-holder. His
son James, born in Hampton County in 1791, was
the father of our subject. Grandfather Willeford
early removed to Tennessee, and there died at the
advanced age of ninety-six years. He was a man
of fine presence, energetic and fearless, and lived
to witness almost a century's progress of our na-
tion.

Robert Willeford was the eldest child born to
James and Sally (Price) Willeford. The mother
was a native of Virginia, and died in Tennessee in
1826, leaving to her husband's care four little
children, the youngest scarcely more than a babe.
Some time after his first wife's death, James Wille-
ford married Nancy Price, the sister of his former
wife. The children of the first marriage were: our
subject, Robert; Elizabeth, who married Aquilla
Sugg, and died in October, 1883; Nancy Ellen, the
widow of William Turner, who resides five miles
east of Old Ripley; and James, who was born in
1825 and died April 12, 1880. By his second mar-
riage, James Willeford became the father of four
children, three of whom died young, the only sur-
vivor being Willis Willeford, a wealthy citizen
and retired farmer of Ripley Township. The death
of James Willeford occurred in 1862, upon the
Illinois farm, where he had located thirty-five years
before. He had never acquired wealth, and could
give his children but the limited advantages of the
early subscription and little district schools, but
he trained them in the habits of industry and self,
reliance, which fitted them for the battle of life.

In common with tlie sops of other pioneers, our

200

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

subject began hard work in early life, and while
engaged in regular farming duties, the years went
swiftly by, until in 1846 he enlisted in the service
of the United States, and for one year, with gal-
lant braveiy, fought upon the fields of Vera Cruz
and Cerro Gordo. Having returned to his home,
he married, July 2, 1848, Miss Malinda, a daughter
of Daniel File, who came to Bond County from
North Carolina in 1818. Mrs. Willeford died in
1852. on the farm where her husband had located
immediately following their marriage, and where
he has lived ever since. Robert Willeford has been
a life-long Democrat, and still takes an active inter-
est in the conduct of public affairs. He is a promi-
nent member of the Baptist Church, and has mate-
rially aided in extending its religious work.

Hon. Edward L. Willeford, one of the prominent
agriculturists and stock-raisers of the State, and
the only child of our subject, was born October 7,
1850, on the homestead where he now resides. He
received a primary education in the public schools
and completed his course of study in a private
academy at Greenville. At eighteen years he taught
school, continuing in that occupation for a time,
but soon permanently engaged in the business
of his life general agriculture and stock-rais-
ing. Mr. Willeford and his father own about six
hundred acres of valuable land, and have the finest
herd of thoroughbred short-horn cattle in the
county. At the early age of nineteen years Ed-
ward L. Willeford and Miss Lucy S. Davenport
were united in marriage. Mrs. Willeford is a native
of Montgomery County, and a daughter of very
early settlers in the State. Mr. and Mrs. Willeford
are the parents of six children. Francis M. is the
wife of James A. Tabor, a farmer of Ray County,
near Richmond, Mo.f Ella Gordon is a teacher in the
public school; Maud married Frank Barker, and
resides in old Ripley. Robert L., Effie and Blanche
are at home. Ella and Robert completed their ed-
ucation in Greenville, and the other children have
profited by the now excellent public schools.

In 1888, Mr. Willeford was elected by the Dem-
ocrats to the State Legislature, and evinced so
much ability in the discharge of his ollicial duties
that he was placed on several importantconimittces.

Mr. Willeford is a prominent member of the In-

dependent Order of Odd Fellows, and is a genial
gentleman, possessing hosts of friends. He is an
important factor in the progressive interests of the
county, and was one of the leaders in the estab-
lishment of the Farmers' Central Township Mu-
tual Insurance Company of Bond County, of which
he is the efficient Secretary.

kEOPOLD KNEBEL, one of the largest land-
owners in the State of Illinois, and a well-
f
known grain buyer at Pierron, is the sub-
ject of this present writing. lie began the battle
of life a fatherless boy at sixteen, and by the ster-
ling traits in his character, has conquered all diffi-
culties, and now is wealthy and respected.

The gentleman of whom we write was born in
Baden, Germany, November 27, 1839, a son of
Sebastian Knebel, who was also a native of Baden.
Before coming to America, our subject had the ad-
vantage of six months of schooling in Germany,
but in 1847, be, with his parents and four other
children, started for the New World. The ocean
trip was long and tiresome, taking fifty-six days
to accomplish, and when the passengers were
landed in New Orleans, they still had an eight-
day voyage between them and St. Louis, on the
way to their destination in Madison County, 111.
Upon reaching Southern Illinois, Mr. Knebel
bought land in township 5, range 8, Madison
County, selecting one hundred and forty acres on
the edge of some timber.

Of course the educational advantages to be se-
cured in such a place were not very extensive, but
our subject attended the subscription schools, then
held in the log schoolhouses, which were only sup-
plied with slab benches and earthen floors, and ab-
sorbed as much learning as did his fellow-students,
whose opportunities were the same, and many of
whom had come from the same land across the sea.

The father of our subject was removed by death
when Leopold was only twelve years old, and the

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

201

latter was obliged to think of some wa}- in which
he could obtain a livelihood. Labor he must, and
so he hired out by the year, after having it put into
the bond that he could have three months of school-
ing. For two years he worked for board and clothes,
and at the expiration of that time he received from
$5 to 17 per month for two years longer. By
the time he was sixteen, he desired to become master
of his own wages, so hired out and worked from
that time until he was twenty years old for from
$8 to $10 a month.

When twenty years of age he had saved enough
from his rather slender salary to purchase eighty
acres of wild prairie land, and felt enough faith in
the future to ask Miss Caroline Walter to become
his wife. The wedding took place March 3, 1862.
She had had a trying experience on her way to
America from her native place, Baden. The year
of her departure was 1854, and at that time the
same dread disease which of late has hung along
our shores, the cholera, was raging along the Mis-
sissippi. After a long trip of forty-eight days on
the ocean, the passengers took the boat to ascend
the Mississippi from New Orleans to St. Louis, and
forty-eight of the passengers died on that boat.
Water was low, and four weeks were consumed
upon that passage up the river. She was accom-
panied by her parents and her seven brothers and
sisters.

The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Knebel are
Julia, Carolina, Ida, Edward L., William and
Henr3'. Our subject settled on his farm in Madison
Co,unty, and now has twenty-one hundred and fifty
acres, all of which he has improved, with the ex-
ception of thirty acres of timber. lie has owned
more land than this, but has sold part of it off in
lots. His income from his land now is from $5,000
to $7,000 a year. One branch of his business is
the buying and shipping of cattle and hogs to all
points. lie buys all of his grain at this point, and
has an interest in the elevator with Charles Speck-
art, who is his son-in-law. His farming docs not
trouble him much, as he rents. out about all of his
land, but the time lias been when lie was a hard-
working man. and it has been on account of his
good management and industry that he now occu-
pies the position that he does.

Mr. and Mrs. Knebel are members of the Roman
Catholic Church, and to it he gives liberally of his
means. In his political opinions our subject is a
Democrat, although he voted for Lincoln because
he was opposed to slavery, as at that time that was
the principal question of dispute. He also voted
for Grant when he ran for President the first time.
Since then other questions have come up upon
which Mr. Knebel thinks the Democratic party
takes the proper stand. He has been a delegate to
both county and Congressional conventions.

Mr. Knebel has seen about all of the advance-
ment of this section. He hauled the first load of
lumber for the beginning of the present town of
Pierron, and built the first building on this site.
His acquaintance is large, and he is regarded with
respect as a man of sterling worth.

J~~JOHN SCHWARTZLY. Some of the best
citizens of Nokomis Township are natives
of Germany. Their thrift and industry
' have made this southern portion of Illinois,

bordering as it does on both North and South, to
blossom like the rose. The German mind is natur-
ally of a scientific bent, and when applied to agri-
culture it is found to be exceedingly advantage-
ous.

Mr. Schwartzly was born in Baden, Germany,
September 22, 1829. His father was a farmer, but
while yet a lad our subject learned the baker's
trade and followed that until 1857, at which time
he came to America. Locating at Louisville, Ky.,
for two years, he was engaged in working at his
trade and then determined to turn his attention to
farming. He located on a good tract of land in
Madison County, 111., not far from Alton. Life
was not complete to the young German, away
from the Fatherland and among strangers, without
a home and domestic ties, and in April, 1861, he
remedied this want by his marriage to Miss Birdie
Shoos, a native of Madison County and of Ger-
man parentage. In 1870, the young couple came

202

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

to Montgomery County and located on the farm
where they now live in Nokomis Township.
Providence and nature have smiled upon the agri-
cultural efforts of our subject. His farm, which
comprises two hundred acres of land, is one of the
best in the German settlement, and bears the finest
of improvements, all of which he himself has
made. Owner of a comfortable home, our subject
is able to raise much of the necessities of life upon
his own place, and makes it yield to him a gener-
ous supply of what other things are necessary.

Mr. and Mrs. Schwartzly are the parents of nine
living children. The eldest daughter, whose given
name is Ellen, is. the wife of Enoch Koock. The
remaining children are all under the home roof as
yet. They are named as follows: Frank, Louisa,
Charles, Lewis, Rosa, Etta, Julia and Minnie. They
are a bright and happy family of active, energetic
young people, who are bound to make their way
in the world.

APT. JOHN D. DONNELL. The gentle-
man whose sketch now claims our atten-
/ tion has passed from the stage of life, but
his memory is dear to his surviving friends, and a
RECOHIJ of the prominent people who have made
Bond County what it now is would not be com-
plete without a notice of his life.

John D. Donnell was born in Guilford County,
N. C., September 8, 1817, and was brought to this
county by his parents (see sketch of family history
in life of William Donnell, of Greenville) when
he was only three years old. The trip was made
by wagon in the usual emigrant fashion. He was
sent to the country log schoolhouse, with its primi-
tive arrangements for accommo'dation of the pupils,
and within its walls were to be found many chil-
dren who have since made their names known in the
public affairs of the State. By them this modest
temple of learning is remembered with affection
and the instruction received there has aided them

in their advancement. After his early life there,
our subject attended a good school in Hillsboro,
111., for one year.

At that time the land in Bond County was
unimproved and the deer and wolves were still
numerous. Occasionally, our subject went upon
hunting expeditious, but life was busy then and
he had to work hard without many play days.
When he had reached man's estate, lie decided to
found a home of his own and chose Miss Ann R.
Robinson to become his wife. She was born in
this county, December 18, 1822, and her marriage
took place June 15, 1843, when she was twenty-
one years old. Four children blessed this union:
Edwin is now married and resides in Salida, Colo.;
William J. is at home unmarried; Ann Elizabeth
married Daniel Hair and is deceased, and Charles
D. died in infancy.

The father of Mrs. Donnell was Gideon Robin-
son, a native of North Carolina, who came to this
State in 1819, in an emigrant wagon a prairie
schooner as it was later called. Mr. Robinson
entered land in Central Township and built a log
cabin in the woods, where he developed a large
farm. He died at the age of sixty years. In his
political belief, he was a firm Whig. The mother
of Mrs. Donnell was Rachel Craig, a native of
Tennessee, and four children were reared by her,
William T., James P., Mary B. and Ann. Her
death occurred when she was about sixty j'ears
old. She was a member of the Methodist Church,
and a good, kind, Christian woman. After mar-
riage, our subject and his wife settled upon this
farm in a snug three-roomed house and immedi-
ately began making improvements upon the place.
Into this happy household, the rude clarion of war
sounded, and the husband and father shouldered
his musket to do battle for his country.

The enlistment of Capt. Donnell as a private in
the One Hundred and Thirtieth Illinois Regiment
took place in August, 1862. He was promoted
until he reached the rank of Captain, and served
until December, 1864, when, on account of rheu-
matism, lie was forced to resign. Capt. Donnell was
with Gen. Sherman in his campaigns and fought
in the battle of Vicksburg. After his return from
the army, he remained at home until the follow-

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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

205

ing summer, when he and his brother crossed the
plains with an ox-team to Denver.

At the time of his decease, Capt. Donnell owned
about five hundred acres of land. His death oc-
curred December 18, 1872. Since that sad event,
Mrs. Donnell and her sons have managed the farm
and have been very successful in the work. Capt.
Donnell was a member, with his wife, of the Pres-
byterian Church and gave of his means to its sup-
port. In politics, he was a Republican and upheld
all things which seemed right in his sight. His
good business qualities resulted in his acquiring
wealth and particularly was he fortunate in the
buying and shipping of cattle. He did a large
business in that line in 1806, when he bought in
Kansas and sold at other points.

AMES F. BLACKWELDER, M. D., is num-
bered among the leading physicians of this
city, Litchfield, where he has resided since
1871. It seems almost wonderful that so
man}' physicians of repute should be residents of
this one city, yet it is a fact that the medical pro-
fession is better represented in this place than
many others, and among them all stands pre-emi-
nent the subject of this brief sketch.

Dr. Blackwelder is a native son of this same
county that he now honors with his residence, his
birth occurring near this city, August 2, 1841. His
father, Peter Blackwelder, was one of the pioneer
settlers of this count}', the date of his advent in this
region being 1832. He was born at Concord, N. C.,
September 7, 1810, but when a young man. came
with a cousin, Alfred Blackwelder, to Illinois, and
located near Hillsboro, but afterward removed to
this locality, settling near the city of Litchfield.
The journey from North Carolina was made on
horseback, and as the young men were young and
active, they enjoyed the trip with all the ardor of
young venturesome men, to whom hardships were
nothing.

When the father of our subject came here, there

were but few improvements, and he was able to
put up a new claim for a very small sum. On this
claim he put up a log cabin and made a home
for the bride he brought to brighten his fireside
for him in 1837. This lady was Mrs. Wagoner, nee
Scherer, who was born in Greensboro, N. C., and
came to this county at about the same time as her
husband. This couple reared a family of the follow-
ing children: Mary E., wife of S. Lewdwick;!. S., of
Chicago; our subject; Mrs. S. J. Witherspoon; M. L.,
of Washington, Kan.; and G. II., of Wichita, Kan.
Peter, the father, died about 1857, and the mother
died in 1853, of cholera. The parents were both
members of the Lutheran Church.

Our subject received a good education in the
public schools of his native county, and in the
Hillsboro Academy, where he took an academic
cojurse. He began the study of medicine in 1861,
under Dr. L W. Fink, of Hillsboro, and took a
course of lectures at the St. Louis Medical College,
but was graduated from the Cincinnati Medical
College in the Class of '69. During the war he
offered his services to the United States army, and
was appointed Assistant Surgeon on field duty and
field hospital, and was sent with Sherman in his
march to the sea. His next assignment was with
the Thirty-second Illinois Regiment at Marietta,
Ga., thep in preparation to march to the sea, and
he was with it through almost all its whole term of
service, John Logan, of Carlinville, being his
Colonel. The Doctor saw a good deal of active
service, participated in the Grand Review at Wash-
ington, and then returned to Hillsboro, after serv-
ing his country faithfully.

After a shoi t residence in the last-named place, Dr.
Blackwelder located at Moro, Madison County, 111.,
but to better his condition, he removed to Litch-
field in June, 1871. He did not come alone, as he
had taken unto himself a wife in the person of
Miss Grace Frick, of Alton, 111. They were mar-
ried October 10, 1867, and both regard that day as
one of the happiest in their lives. Mrs. Black-
welder was born in 1842, at Muney, Pa., and when
but a girl removed to Alton, in about 1850. She
is a daughter of C. H. Frick, who became a well-
known citizen of that place, where he was the orig-
inator of the glass works, which he first started

206

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

with his own money, but finally induced capitalists
to invest in and enlarge, until it is now the largest
industry of Alton. Ever since Dr. Black welder
came to Litchfield, he has continued in practice
here, and now enjoys a large and lucrative income
from the same.

Our subject has other interests in addition to his
practice, among which are the Building and Sav-
ing Associations and the Threshing Machine Com-
pany, of Litchfield, for the manufacture of thresh-
ing machines, in both of which corporations he is
largely interested. The Doctor served as Alder-
man of the city for three years, but has never ac-
cepted any other nomination, and is a member of
the Litchfield Chapter, A. F. <fe A. M., in which or-
der he is a prominent person. The Doctor and his
estimable wife are worthy members of the Evan-
gelical Lutheran Church of this city. To the
union of Dr. and Mrs. Blackwelder have been born
two children, the elder of whom, Charles H., died
when fourteen years old. The other is named
Fred C., and still is at home attending the High
School.

/pill H. HAYES. Our subject is engaged as
full general agent for the State of Illinois for
the Anthony & Kuhn Brewery of St.
Louis, which company has its distributing
depot situated on the Wabash Railroad at Litch-
field. Mr. Hayes was born in Delaware, Ohio, No-
vember 4, 1845. He is a son of D. S. and Ann
(Wells) Hayes, the former being engaged in bus-
iness at Springfield, Ohio, in early years. After
the war, he moved to Tolono, 111., and was for
some time engaged in the hotel business, remaining
there until his death, which occurred in March,
1883. His wife still survives and resides in Cham-
paign.

Our subject is one of a family which contains
six sons, the other five being railroad men. Four
of them are passenger conductors and are famil-
iarly known on the road as John C., Theo W.,

I George N. and Judson D., respectively. The fifth
brother is a locomotive engineer, and bears the
name of William N. Mr. Hayes has one sister,
whose name is Sabina, now the wife of Henry
Weiglc, of Danville.

The original of this sketch received his early
school training in the city of Springfield, Ohio.
On the breaking out of the war, he enlisted in
Company C, of the One Hundred and Twenty-
ninth Ohio Infantiy, and later in Company K, of
the One Hundred and Fifty-second Infantry, and
Company E, One Hundred and Eighty-fourth
Ohio Infantry. He joined the army July 11,
1862, and with his regiment was sent to the Army
of the Cumberland. With them he experienced
all the horrors of war in the memorable campaign
of the Shenandoah Valley. He was also at the
battle of Lookout Mountain, that of Mission
Ridge, Resaca, Atlanta, and, in fact, served gallantly
until the close of the war. When peace had been
declared, our subject, as did thousands of others
of the Union soldiers, marched eastward to the
National Capital, and the first reunion was held
under the name of the Grand Review in the city
of Washington.

Mr. Hayes saw a service of three years in the
Civil War, and when he came out of the fight was
still in his minority. He came with his father to
Tolono and engaged in business for himself until
1870, when he moved to Irving, and in 1875 came
to. Litchfield.

On first locating in this city, our subject en-
gaged in the butchering business, and in 1883 he
took the agenc}' he now holds. His thorough
knowledge of the country and his energy have en-
abled him to build up an extensive trade in this
portion of the State. The company have every
convenience for storing their product. They have
a very large cold storage place, which contains the
most improved style of ice boxes and other things
necessary to the perfect care of the brewing. Mr.
Hayes has charge of the railroad business and
handles about ten thousand kegs per annum.

Our subject was united in marriage in 1868 to
Miss Alma E. Kelley, of Delaware, Ohio. They have
one son whose name is Arthur Howard, and who
is at the present time taking a course of civil,

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

207

mechanical and electrical engineering in the Uni-
versity of Michigan, at Ann Arbor. Mr. Hayes is
a member of the Fire Department of the city and
also belongs to the S. B. Phillips Post, G. A. R.
He is also a Knight of Pythias, and is numbered
among the Knights and Ladies of Honor, also the
order of Tonti No. 343, of Litchfleld.

RICHARD W. RIPLEY, a prominent and re-
presentative farmer and stock-raiser of sec-
tion 21, Pitman Township, is a native son
of the Prairie State. He was born in St.
Clair County, 111., November 4, 1839. On the
maternal side of the family, our subject can trace
his family back to a grandfather who came
into Illinois in 1811, and was one of the first set-
tlers in the State. He became a prominent man
there and had charge of the first land office at Ed-
wardsville. The mother of our subject, Martha P.
Randel, was at that time two years of age, and she
grew up in a pioneer family and was prepared for
the life of her future, for the most of it was spent
as the wife of a pioneer still farther West. The
ancestors of the Ripley family were probably of
Irish descent, and the father of our subject came to
this region and entered Government land in what
is now Madison County and resided there from
1847 until 1855, when his bus}' life was closed.

The members of the family of our subject who
lived and bore their part in the upbuilding of the
history of the State are Josiah R., now a resident
of Staunton, 111.; Richard W.; and Mary L., who is
now a resident of Macoupin Count}'. The mother
and one of her brothers are yet living. Our subject
when about eight years old, with his parents, moved
to Macoupin County, 111., and resided there a short
time and then, with them, removed into Madison
County and was there reared to maturity. His
home was on wild prairie land and his life that of
the pioneer boy of the section and time. He at-
tended the subscription schools of the district when
it was possible, but there were so many duties that

a lad of about his size could perform, that often
his education was sadly neglected. He was deter-
mined to gain knowledge, and embraced every op-
portunity and finally entered college at Marshall,
111., in the winter of 1860.

Just at this time, the great Civil War broke out,
and our subject, with the enthusiasm of youth, en-
listed in Company F, Seventh Illinois Infantry,
and served three months. He was employed on
guard duty at Alton and Cairo and was also sent
to Mound City. He re-enlisted when his time had
expired, in Company L, Third Illinois Infantry,
and was then sent to Southwest Missouri. He was
one of the boys in blue who bore the brunt of the
battle at Pea Ridge and was on all of the long and
tiresome marches, and in all of the fighting in that
campaign whose history is known to every Ameri-
can school boy. He went through the siege of
Vicksburg and was under Gen. Grant; he was
subsequently in the army commanded by " Old
Pap Thomas " at Nashville and there was mustered
out of the army, December 16, 1864, when his term
of service had expired.

Tired of military life, our subject returned to
his native State and engaged as a clerk at Staun-
ton, 111., and remained in this employment for
several months. He then felt like trying an agri-
cultural life and made the venture in Madison
County where he continued until 1871, when his
health began to show him that a different climate
or a change of life in some way was necessary.
His trip to California, which occupied several
months, was the result of this conviction, and he
came back from the Pacific Coast much improved.
At Staunton, 111., he opened a hardware and im-
plement business and continued there for several
years and subsequently became Cashier of the pri-
vate bank of Wall, Taylor & Co., at Staunton, 111.,
and held that position for several years.

Mr. Ripley subsequently came to Litchfield, 111.,
and engaged in the hardware and implement busi-
ness for a time, after which he carne to Bois D'Arc
Township and engaged in farming there for five
years. In the year 1886, he came to Pitman
Township and has since remained here. He was
married, in 1872, to Sarah E. Kirkland, a native
of Jersey County, 111., who was a daughter of

208

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Thomas C. Kirkland, now a resident of Litchfleld.
Her mother was Edith Irwin. By this union there
were born five children, Hilary T., William H.,
Nora A., Benjamin J. and Edward W.

While living in Maeoupin County, our subject
served as Collector for several years and for two
years was Highway Commissioner of Pitman
Township. In politics, Mr. Ripley is a Republican
and is in favor of all improvements in the county.
Mrs. Ripley is a member of the Methodist Episco-
pal Church at Waggoner and botli Mr. and Mrs.
Ripley are prominent members of society. He is a
member of the Order of Modern Woodmen at
Waggoner and is now serving as Venerable Con-
sul in Grand Prairie Camp No. 677, at Wag-
goner, 111., and is also identified with the S. B.
Phillips Post No. 379, G. A. R., at Li tch field, 111.

FRANK JESTES, one of the prominent
farmers of Shoal Creek Township, Bond
County, and a veteran of the late war, is the
gentleman of -whom we shall attempt a history in
outline. Mr. Jestes was born October 14, 1841, in
Indiana, and was one of a family of five children
born to Garrison and Mary (Noe) Jestes. The
other children all died when young, and when our
subject was but a few weeks old his parents re-
moved to the Prairie State and located in Clinton
County, where his father died before the son was a
year old. A year later he suffered the double loss
of his mother.

One's tenderest sympathies are called forth at
the idea of a helpless child being at the mercy of a
thoughtless, unappreciative world and without
friends, yet such was the state of our subject in his
earliest youth. For several years he was without
a home, living with different people, but finally
entered the family of William File. During this
time he had received little or no learning, being
denied even that birthright of an American
citizen, a good practical business education. He

continued to live in the File family until the break-
ing out of the war, and on July 2, 1861, entered
the service, joining Company D, of the Third Illi-
nois Cavalry.

It would be tedious to enter into a detailed ac-
count given in chronological order of our subject's
arm3' experience, suffice it to say that he rendered
loyal service to the Union, and hazarded his life in
many of the engagements that now take their place
among the most noted of the world's battles. He
was slightly wounded in the engagement at Pea
Ridge, and on August 21, 1864, was taken prisoner
by Forrest's army at Memphis, Tenn. He was in-
carcerated in the rebel prison in Cahaba, Ala., and
there spent eight months and twelve days. Only
one who has endured a similar experience can ap-
preciate the torture, privations and tediousness of
rebel prison life. From January 1 to the 16th,
the prison was flooded, and at no time was the
water less than knee deep. His sufferings were
added to in no little degree by seeing many of his
comrades drowned. Upon entering prison Mr.
Jestes weighed one hundred and seventy-four
pounds, but when finally released the strong man
was reduced to a shadow of his former self, and
weighed but ninety-four pounds.

After the war, for a period of two years, our
subject was unable to do any active work, but in
February. 1867, he purchased a part of his present
place and has made it his home ever since. He
now owns two hundred and eighty acres of fertile
and well-cultivated land which bears valuable im-
provements. The thoroughness with which all
branches of his farm work are finished is a distinct
characteristic of the owner.

In June of 1865, our subject persuaded Martha
R. Rankins to take up with him the journey of life.
She was a daughter of James E. Rankin, one of the
pioneers of Bond County, who had been a school
teacher for many years and who, as far back as
1829, had held the office of County Clerk. He
died December 2, 1878, at the home of our subject.

Mr. and Mrs. Jestes are the parents of eight chil-
dren. The eldest, W. J., is the popular Postmaster of
Sorento and is besides engaged in the furniture
trade. He was born March 3, 1866, and in 1887
married Miss Sallie Gill, a daughter of James Gill,

LIBRARY

OF THE

UNIVERSITY of ILLINOIS

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

211

of Mulberry Grove, this State. James E. is a clerk
in Sorento. The other children are named as fol-
lows: Joseph Calvin, Lemuel Franklin, AVinnie J.,
Hattie L., Sinali M., and Lula R., all of whom arc
living at home. Mr. Jestes is a Republican, who
never lets an opportunity slip to impress upon his
hearers the beauty of his party platform. He is an
enthusiastic Grand Army of the Republic man,
whole-souled and warm-hearted, and numbers his
friends by the host.

^ OHN B. DENNY. After meeting the genial
and open-hearted gentleman whose name
adorns this page, a stranger would soon
discern that he is a descendant of that
race to whom wit and humor are as natural as the
breath they draw. Mr. Denny is a farmer liv-
ing near Sorento, but to him the calling which is
to so many a weariness and drudgery is enliv-
ened by versatile -humor and a sanguine disposi-
tion. Beside his farming operations, he holds the
position of Treasurer of the Sorento Coal Com-
pany. It is a notable fact that the majority of
the prominent citizens in and about Sorento are
natives of this locality, and our subject is no ex-
ception to what is the -general rule.

Mr. Denny was born within half a mile of his
present place of residence, his natal day being
May 3, 1839. He is a son of Robert W. and
Eleanor (Finley) Denny. Elsewhere in this vol-
ume, in the sketch of I. H. Denny, mention has
been made of the ancestry and various move-
ments of our subject's parents, hence we will con-
fine ourselves to his individual history, merely
stating that Robert AV. Denny died about 1845,
and that his wife survived until 1889, finally-
passing away in Kansas, at the ripe old age of
eighty years.

J. B. Denny grew to manhood's estate, receiv-
ing mainly the training of a farmer's boy. He
had acquired a very good education for his day,
and at the age of nineteen years began to teach

school, devoting himself to his teaching in the
winter and to farming in the summer. July 7,
1861, he went into the army, joining Company E,
of the First Illinois Cavalry. As a private he
was in the siege of Lexington, and was slightly
wounded in the right hand. He was also taken
prisoner, but was paroled, and while enjoying
this hampered freedom was discharged from the
service.

January 6, 1862, our subject was united in
marriage with Miss Olive Dressor, who was born
in Bond County. She was a daughter of Rufus
and Tamar (Cothren) Dressor, a family of Eng-
lish extraction. Mrs. Denny's great-grandfather
came from the Old Country at an early date and
settled in Massachusetts, where her grandfather
was born. The old Bay State was also the birth-
place of her father, Rufus Dressor. whose natal
day was July 29, 1795. He went to Maine when
a young man and there married Tamar Cothren, a
lady of Scotch-English extraction, though a native
of the Pine Tree State, her birth having occurred
February 12, 1797. Her parents made the trip
from Maine to Illinois, taking the overland route,
in 1837, and her father died in this county Octo-
ber 13, 1858. The mother survived until July
17, 1880, when she passed away at the advanced
age of eighty-three years.

In 1864, Mr. Denny brought his family to the
place where he now lives, and which immediately
adjoins the farm where his father settled on first
coming to the State. Here he has been exten-
sively engaged in farming and stock- raising. He
was one of the parties most instrumental in devel-
oping the Sorento coal mines, and is now and has
for many years been the Treasurer of that com-
pany. In early life he served for four years as
Justice of the Peace, and has been many times
identified with the school interests. In his party
preference he is a Republican. He is devoted to
the interests of the Grand Army of the Republic,
and for three years was Commander of the post at
Sorento.

There have been three children born to Mr. and
Mrs. Denny. Of these Elizabeth is the wife of
Charles Gordinier, a native of Indiana, and one
of the stockholders in the Sorento coal mine.

212

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Mary Ellen is the wife of J. F. Harris, a young
attorney at Sorento. John Oren is a student at
the Southern Illinois College, of Enfield, this
State. Mr. Denny does not actively operate his
farm to any great extent, leaving it to the charge,
for the most part, of responsible parties who carry
out his instructions. His time is mostly given to
the development of the coal interests and other
financial enterprises on foot in Sorento and local-
ity. Mr. Denny was one of the three who acted
as Commissioner in assessing the value of the con-
demned right of way at the time the first rail-
road, the Vandalia Line, was run through the
county. He was also Census Enumerator for
Short Creek Township in 1880 and 1890.

'OSEPH O. TANNEHILL is the popular
proprietor of the Clover Leaf Hotel, of Cof-
feen, 111., which is one of the best-kept and
most popular hostel ries in the county of
Montgomery. Mr. Tannchill was born in St. Clair
County, near Belleville, 111., February 2, 1841, a
son of A. J. and Mary J. (Whitside) Tannehill,
the former of whom was born in the Blue Grass
regions of Kentucky, and the latter in St. Clair
County, 111. A. J. Tanneliill was taken by his
parents to St. Clair County, 111., when he was
about two years of age, and his father, James B.
Tannehill, became the owner of the first gristmill
of Belleville, as well as of the first hotel and the
first whiskey distillery. He was born, reared and
married in Kentucky, but was of Scotch descent.
The maternal grandfather, William T. Whitside,
was a Virginian, of Irish descent, and one of the
first settlers of St. Clair Count}-, 111. He was a
brother of 'Gen. Samuel A. Whitside, a noted pio-
neer of the Sucker State.

The parents of Joseph O. Tannehill were mar-
ried within three miles of Belleville, 111., soon
after which they located in the town, where the
father followed the occupation of carpentering
and building, these occupations receiving his at-

tention for man} 7 years. His last days were spent
in .St. Louis, where he died at the age of seventy-
six years, his wife dying at seventy-two years of
age, and they are now sleeping side by side in the
Bellefontaine Cemetery at St. Louis. The}* were
the parents of ten children, seven sons and three
daughters, all of whom grew to mature years with the
exception of one daughter. Those now living are:
Joseph O.; Andrew J., of St. Louis; G. William, of
Kansas City; Samuel A., of St. Louis; and George
W., also of St; Louis. Those deceased are: James
W., Mary, John, Lutica and Anna.

Joseph O. Tannehill is the second of this family
and was reared in St. Clair County, where he ob-
tained a practical education in the common
schools, and remained with and faithfully assisted
his father until he had attained twenty-one years
of age. He then determined to seek his fortune in
California, and crossed the plains with a horse-
team, via Salt Lake City, to Sacramento City,
where he worked in a lumber yard and at mining
and also followed the latter occupation in various
localities for nearly two years. At the end of
this time he returned home via Graytown to New
York City, where he remained three days, thence
going to St. Louis and finally to Belleville. He and
his brother, James W., then engaged in coal-mining
four miles east of the town, an occupation that
received their attention for about one year. May
12, 1864, Mr. Tannehill married Miss Sarah E.
Blackburn, who was born in Montgomery County,
111., a daughter of G. W. Blackburn.

Soon after his marriage, Mr. Tannehill located
on a farm in East Fork Township, where he tilled
the soil for about twenty-seven years, but sold out
in 1891, and took up his residence in Coffeen,
where he began keeping hotel, for which business
he has shown a remarkable aptitude. The estab-
lishment is well patronized, as it deserves to be,
for it is conducted in a very praiseworthy manner
and the table is well supplied with wholesome and
well-prepared food, and the rooms are kept very
clean and in good order. Mr. Tannehill is part
owner of one of the best threshing machines in
the county, which is very completely fitted up.
He and his wife are the parents of five daughters
and three sons: Naomi, wife of W. O. Ma} 7 ; Mary

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

213

A., wife of Jefferson Hill; Gustavus A., Bessie;
Laura E., wife of William Miller, of Hillsboro, 111.;
George W., Susan C. and Joseph W. Mr. Tanne-
hill has always supported Democratic principles,
but has never been very actively interested in
politics.

OHN J. CASS, one of the honored pioneers
of Montgomery County, and a prominent
retired farmer, now residing in the thriving
town of Raymond, is a native of the Buck-
eye State. He was born in Warren County, Sep-
tember 15, 1825, and is a son of John and Martha
(Swallow) Cass, the former a native of Kentucky,
and the latter of Penns3'lvania. They were of
English and Irish extraction respectively, and
were pioneer settlers of Ohio, having located in
Warren County at an early date.

In 1832 the family emigrated by team to Illinois
and located upon the prairies of Montgomery
County. They located in Raymond Township,
south of the site of the village of that name, al-
though there was no settlement at the place at
that time, and the inhabitants of the county were
very few. There were no tailroads; the land was
still in its primitive condition and the work of
progress and civilization seemed scarcely begun.
Mr. Cass began the development of the farm on
section 31, which our subject now owns, but was
not long permitted to enjoy his new home, being
called to his final rest in 1834. The mother was
thus left with a family of seven children and with
but limited means. She displayed great energy
and heroism in the care of the children, whom she
kept together, making for them a home. She was
a lady of good education, and to help support her
family opened a school in her own home, and thus
had the honor of teaching the first school -in the
township. Her death occurred in 1852.

Our subject was the only son in the family of
seven children, the youngest of whom was born
after the father's death. Only three are now liv-

ing. His sisters are: Augusta, wife of Harrison
Mils, a farmer of Raymond Township, and Louisa,
widow of Frank Hitehings, of the same township.

Mr. Cass, whose name heads this record, was
reared to manhood amid the wild scenes of front-
ier life, and in his boyhood was early inured to the
hard labors of the farm. He worked in the fields
and aided his mother until her death. As a com-
panion and helpmate on life's journey he chose
Miss Helen Lawler, a native of White County, 111.,
and a representative of one of the early families
of that locality. Their union was celebrated on
the 17th of June, 1856, and unto them were born
five children, of whom one died in infancy. The
other four are now living: William S. is a veterin-
ary surgeon and liveryman of Raymond; Nora
A. is the wife of Joseph Williams, of Butler Grove
Township; Mary was joined in wedlock with Frank
Welshand and they reside in Litchfield; Lula B.,
who completes the family, is living with her pa-
rents in Raymond.

Mr. Cass followed farming throughout his busi-
ness career, and although he started out in life
empty-handed, has worked his way steadily up-
ward to a position of wealth and affluence. In
1880 he left the farm, which, however, he still
owns, and removed to Raymond, where he is liv-
ing retired, enjoying the rest which lie has so truly
earned and richly deserves. He is a pleasant, ge-
nial gentleman, who has many friends and is held
in the highest regard throughout the community.

USTIN MILLER, a prominent resident and
leading agriculturist of Pitman Town-
ship, Montgomery Count}-, successfully
manages one of the finest farms in the
State of Illinois. The broad acres (two hundred
and fort}' in extent) are mostly under a high state
of cultivation and evidence the judgment and
knowledge of their owner. The desirable location
of the land upon section 15 makes this a valuable

214

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

holding and inheritance for our subject's de-
scendants.

Mr Miller is a native of Madison County, 111.,
and was born January 26, 1848. His father was
a native Tennesseean, while his mother's birth
took place in Illinois. His paternal grandfather
emigrated from his native State to Illinois at a
very early clay and was a noted pioneer of Madi-
son County, where Madison Miller, the father of
our subject, spent many 3'ears and where he was
married. The father and mother of Austin Miller
settled in Montgomery County in 1858, locating
on a farm near the present site of Raymond vil-
lage, but in a short time they removed to Pitman
Township and there remained permanently. The
father died many years ago; the mother still sur-
vives and continues her residence upon the old
homestead.

Our subject was one of a family of seven chil-
dren, five of whom are now living. The brothers
and sisters are Lucinda, wife of Alexander Woods;
Austin, Loftin R., Buford and Charles F. The pi-
oneer father was a sturdy Democrat of the good
old-fashioned kind. He and his wife were mem-
bers of the Christian Church and zealous workers
in the cause of morality and religion. The ven-
erable widow, now nearly eighty years of age, is
one of the oldest pioneers in her section of the
country, and has a store of valuable and most in-
teresting reminiscences of early days in the new
and then rugged Wesc. Her maiden name was
Sarah Fmley, and she came of good descent.

Austin Miller has been a life-long farmer, and
has three times made unbroken prairie land into
improved and valuable farms, in each instance
finding large returns for his skillful cultivation.
Our subject was married March 24, 1885, to Miss
Celia A. Haynes. This attractive lady is a native
of Macoupin County, 111., and was born April 4,
1860, a daughter of Martin and Phoebe (Loper)
Ilavnes. Her father came to Macoupin County
in early times, and when Mrs. Miller was but six
years old her mother died; three daughters now
survive her: Celia, Emma T. and Jennie L.

Our subject and his wife have four children:
John M., Charles A., Mattie E. and Daniel.
Though yet in their early childhood they give

promise of noble manhood and womanhood. Mr.
Miller has had a prosperous career as a tiller of
the soil, and aside from his valuable homestead
owns a valuable farm of one hundred and sixty
acres in Adams County, Neb. He is just in the
prime of life, and, with his energy and wide knowl
edge of agricultural work, is sure to achievt
greater success in the future than he has in th_>
past.

Mr. Miller was a participant in the late Civil
War, as, though but eighteen years old at the
time, he gallantly answered to his country's call,
and enlisted in Company A, One Hundred
and Forty-ninth Illinois Infantry, January 26,
1865, and was honorably mustered out in 1866,
at the close of the war. During his service he
was under Gen. Thomas and did garrison duty at
Block-houses Nos. 7 and 8, and was at Chickamauga
River, Dalton, Marietta and Atlanta. As he was
then ready to serve his country with all the ardor
of a patriotic boy, Austin Miller is to-day the
same in spirit, a true and representative American
citizen.

j^ AMUEL M. GRUBBS. The prominent re-
sident of Litch field, 111., whose name
opens this article is the President of the
First National Bank of Litchfield, to
which prominent office he was elected in 1890.
This bank was organized June 20, 1889, with a
capital stock of 8100,000, with J. R. Whitney as
President, S. M. Grubbs as Vice-president, and
with Eli Miller as Cashier. At the following
election, S. M. Grubbs was made President, T. C.
Kirkland became Vice-president, and Eli Miller
continued as Cashier, and are the present offi-
cers. The business has been prosperous from the
beginning, and has a surplus of $4,000.

The gentleman who now occupies the most
prominent position in the city of Litchfield was
born in Hillsboro, 111., August 12, 1835. His
father, Moody Grubbs, was a native of Kentucky,

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

215

and in thai State lie married Cynthia A. Boono,
who was a grandniece of the great Daniel Boone,
the hero of tale and soug. Moody was a me-
chanic, and he and his young wife came to this
State at an early day and made Hillsboro their
home. Here they lived until the death of Mr.
Grubbs, which sad event took place when our sub-
ject was a babe of only two years. His mother
possessed some of the characteristics of her illus-
trious ancestor, and kept her famity with her, car-
ing for them until the time came when they were
able to care for her. Our subject was reared in
Hillsboro, went to school, and at an early age
began to earn his own livelihood. He first be-
came a clerk, and then went into the drug busi-
ness on his own account for a short time, and
then enlarged his business and became a general
merchant. He was attentive to his business and
his customers, and was considered a rising young
man, but in 1865 he concluded to remove to
Litchfleld, where he thought he could do better.
It is this seizing of opportunities which often
turns the scale in a man's life. He became very
successful, as the business habits and the agreeable
manners of his earlier years continued with him,
and he only sold out his mercantile interests in
1868 to engage in the banking business. The
firm name of the association was Brewer, Seymour
<fe Co., and when Mr. Seymour retired the firm be-
came Brewer & Grubbs. Finally, Mr. Grubbs suc-
ceeded Mr. Brewer, and the business was contin-
ued as S. M. Grubbs & Co., and that continued
until the organization of the First National Bank,
as above stated. The First National Bank now
owns the fine building where the business is car-
ried on, and it is the most modern structure in
the city. The Litchfield Library is also located in
it, and it is the center of the commercial interests
of the place. Our subject has been interested in
many of the business ventures in Litchfield," and
he owns some very valuable real estate. A busi-
ness block on State Street is in his possession, and
a valuable farm in the country, consisting of five
hundred acres of valuable improved property, be-
longs to him. He now holds the position of
Treasurer of the Litchfield Marble Company, also
Treasurer of the Oil City Building and Loan

Association , and for many 3'ears has been Presi-
dent of the Library and Heading Room, a valu-
able acquisition to the city. In the year 1874,
his fellow-citizens elected him to the most
honorable position in their gift that of Mayor
of the city. He was also made Treasurer of
the city two terms, and served with credit and
to the satisfaction of all.

The marriage of Mr. Grubbs took place in Hills-
boro, with Miss Mary Brewer, second daughter of
Judge Brewer, of Hillsboro. Seven children were
the result of his union, four of whom died
in infancy; Ella married G. W. Atterberry, and
died leaving one child, Hazel. Mamie is the wife
of E. R. Davis, the assistant of the bank, and the
other daughter. Lila, became the wife of E. R.
Elliott, of this cit}'. Mrs. Grubbs died in 1888,
and our subject married Mrs. Bettie A. (Beach)
White, on April 30, 1890.

Mr. Grubbs has affiliated with the prominent
orders of a social nature in this city, and holds a
desirable position in Litchfield Lodge No. 517, A.
F. & A. M., and is a member also of the Knights
of Honor. He has long been a prominent mem-
ber of the Methodist Church, in which he is a
Trustee and Steward. His social position in the
city is of the highest, and in all the relations of
life he is a man to be admired and respected.

R. S. H. McLEAN. Few, perhaps none
save those who have trod the arduous
paths of the profession, can picture to

themselves the array of attributes, physical,
mental and moral, and the host of minor graces of
manner and person essential to the making of a
truly successful physician. His constitution must
needs be of the hardiest, to withstand the constant
shock of wind and weather, the wearing loss of
sleep and rest, the ever-gathering load of care,
and the insidious approach of every form of fell
disease to which his daily round of duties mo-
mentarily expose him, Free and broad should be

216

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

his mind to seek in all departments of human
knowledge some truth to guide his hand; keen
and delicate the well-trained sense, to draw from
nature her most treasured secrets and unlock the
gates where ignorance and doubt have stood sen-
tinel for ages.

Closely approaching the ideal we have attempted
to sketch in the above paragraph is Dr. S. H. Mc-
Lean, one of the most prominent physicians and
surgeons of Hillsboro, 111. He is a native-born
resident of Montgomery County, 111., having been
born six miles south of Hillsboro, on a farm, April
12, 1849. His father, Robinson McLean, was born
in the old North State, and he grew to manhood
there. Led by the promises of the Western prairies
of Illinois, he came direct to Montgomery County,
and entered land from the Government. His
father, William McLean, was a descendant of
Scottish ancestors. Our subject's mother, whose
maiden name was P^mma Barry, is a native of
Kentucky, and is now residing on the old home-
stead in Montgomery Count}'. The latter's father,
Richard Ban-}', it is supposed was a native of
Kentucky, and was one of the early settlers of Illi-
nois. The parents of our subject had born to their
union seven children, four daughters and three
sons, all of whom grew to mature years and are
now living. Only one is unmarried.

Dr. McLean, the second in order of birth of the
above-mentioned children, became familiar with
the tedious details of farm life at an early age, and,
like the average country boy, received his first
educational advantages in the district schools, j
Desiring a more complete education, he entered '
Hillsboro Academy and remained there during
1867 and 1868, after which he entered Lincoln
University at Lincoln, 111., and was graduated at
the E. M. Institute of Cincinnati, Ohio, in the I
year 1874. The same year he located at Donnellson,
111., and entered actively upon the practice of his
profession. In 1877, he came to Hillsboro and
immediately entered upon a successful career as a ]
practitioner of the healing art. Since the year of
1874, he has devoted his life to the highest tem-
poral mission among men, a combat with disease
and death, and his efficiency, skill and signal suc-
cess in this calling are well known.

Dr. McLean is a member of the Montgomery
County Medical Society, and is a member of the
Illinois State Medical and National Medical Asso-
ciations. He is a member of Mt. Moriah Lodge
No. 51, A. F. <fe A. M., also of Hillsboro Lodge of
the Modern Woodmen. He is examining physi-
cian for many of the insurance companies, and is
President of the Pension Examining Board, which
meets at Litchfield weekly. He is a good Repub-
lican, and was Mayor of the city of Hillsboro in
1887 and 1888, during the time the water works
were established, and many other improvements
were made. The Doctor is now Chairman of the
Republican Central Committee of Montgomery
County, and is a member of the Methodist Episco-
pal Church and a Trustee of the same. The Doc-
tor selected his wife in the person of Miss Lina
Kerr, and they were married in September, 1875.
Mrs. McLean was born in the Buckeye State, but
was reared in Illinois. Her parents were Robert
and Caroline (Hughes) Kerr. Dr. and Mrs. Mc-
Lean have one son, Benjamin O., who was born
February 2, 1886.

EONIDAS HARD. The Buckeye State has
contributed to Illinois many estimable cit-
izens, but she has contributed none more
worthy of respect and esteem than the subject of
Ihis sketch, who is one of the intelligent farmers
and prominent citizens of Montgomery County.
He keeps thoroughly abreast of the times in the
improvements and progress made in his calling, is
well informed on the current topics of the day,
and converses with intelligence and judgment on
lending subjects. He is one of those much-valued
citizens whose constancy to the business in hand
and whose thrift have added greatly to the value
of the fine agricultural regions of this part of the
State.

Our subject was born in Scioto County, Ohio,
September 16, 1839, and was the next youngest in

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

217

a family of eleven children born to Jonathan and
Sophia (White) Hard, early settlers of Ohio.
Very little has been learned of the ancestors on
either side, hut Mr. Hard's mother was born not
far from the city of Boston, Mass., and his father
in one of the Eastern States. The latter died
when our subject was about five years of age, and
left a widow and eleven children, nine of whom
are yet living, and scattered through different
States. Two served in the late war. Joseph served
for more than four years in the First Illinois Cav-
alry, and Fifty-fourth Illinois Infantry, and is now
a resident of the Lone Star State; and B. S. served
in the One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Illinois In-
fantry, and is now living in Marion County,
111.

When the original of this sketch was about ten
years of age, he came to Illinois to make his home
witli a brother-in-law, A. Kellog, and from that
day he had to make'his own way in life. All he
has obtained in the way of this world's goods is
the result of his own good fighting qualities, and
as he had very limited educational advantages in
his youth, much credit is due him for his success.
When the war broke out he was anxious to enlist
in defense of the Stars and Stripes, but his mother,
who had also removed to Montgomery County,
greatly objected to his going, as two of her sons
were already in the field. However, when it was
seen that a long struggle was inevitable, our sub-
ject determined that he would enlist anyway, and
on August 9, 1862, he became a member of Com-
pany F, One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Illinois
Infantry.

This regiment saw much hard service, but its
duties were not on the battle-field much of the
time. In all the long marches, battles, sieges, and
skirmishes of this regiment, Mr. Hard was ever at
his post, and no braver soldier ever trod the red
sod of a battle-field. On Bank's expedition up
the Red River he took a severe cold that settled
in his eyes, and for about six years after the war
he was almost blind. He still suffers greatly with
his eyes, and probably will the remainder of his
days. He was mustered out at Pine Bluff, Ark.,
July 12, 1865, and returned to Montgomery
County, where he began tilling the soil. He was

married in that county in 1866, to Miss Isadora
Burk, also a native of the Buckeye State. About
this time Mr. Hard bought his first piece of land,
to which he added from time to time, until he
now has a very fine large farm. He is progressive
and advanced in his ideas on agricultural subjects,
and his fine farm is one of the most productive
and best cultivated in the county. His marriage
resulted in the birth of three children, as follows:
Ida F., wife of R. D. Stanley, a farmer in Audubon
Township; Laura L., a young lady, is at home with
her parents; and Leonard W., the youngest child,
is also at home. Mr. Hard is a stanch adherent of
Republican principles, and belongs to the Grand
Army of the Republic, being a charter member of
the post at Nokomis. His mother died while on a
visit to Indiana in 1880, when eighty-four years
of age.

HARLES A. ROGERS. Litchfield is the
residence citj- of many of the wealthy re-
tired agriculturists who are exempt from
active participation in farm interests by virtue of
years and accumulated results of the toil of those
years. Of these our subject was one, and his ex-
perience as a farmer was such as' to enable him to
spend his later years in comfort and elegance, as
one of the most prominent citizens of Litchfield.
In his death, which occurred September 8, 1892,
the county lost one of its noblest citizens and most
upright men.

Our subject was born in Monmouth County, N.
J., November 4, 1829. He was a son of William
II. and Anna (Pryne) Rogers. The former had
adopted farming as his calling, and located about
one and one-half miles north of Jersey villc in 1829.
About 1852, he removed to Macoupin County,
just north of Bunker Hill, and continued to reside
there until the time of his death.

Charles Rogers was sent to school near Jersey-
ville, and his knowledge of the "rule of three,"
Murray and Webster were acquired in a log school-

218

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

house, where, although the methods of teaching
were primitive, loyal American citizens were turned
out after finishing their course. He remained with
his father until of age, and September 30, 1856,
took upon himself the obligations of married life,
his bride being Miss Edith E. Sinclair. During
the early part of the following year, the young
couple came to Zanesville Township, and there
purchased a farm comprising eighty acres of prai-
rie land. From time to time they added to this
original holding until they possessed three hun-
dred acres. This was cultivated and improved
with a good class of buildings, and made for the
family a comfortable home until February, 1888,
when our subject removed to Litehfield, having
purchased a site for a home in the northeastern
portion of the town, on the corner of Walnut and
Taylor Streets. Here he built a fine residence,
which is now the family home, and from the rental
of the farm they derive a handsome income.

Mrs. Rogers is a native of Greene County, 111.,
and was born December 18, 1836. She is a daugh-
ter of J. and Rebecca (Parks) Sinclair. The former
was a native of Tennessee. Our subject and his
wife are the parents of one daughter, Rebecca, now
the wife of E. W. Gore. They reside in Litehfield,
and have one daughter, who is named Edith E.
Mr. Rogers was a stanch Republican, ready to do
anything in his power to support the principles of
his party. He was one of the honorable and hon-
ored men of his county, and his death is counted a
public loss.

AMUEL LEE. In mentioning those of
foreign birth who have become closely as-
sociated with the business interests of
Montgomery County, 111., we should not
fail to present an outline of the career of Mr. Lee,
for he is one who has fully borne out the reputa-
tion of that class of industrious, energetic and far-
seeing men of English nativity who have risen to
prominence in different portions of this country.

Mr. Lee is at present the leading merchant of Witt,
111., and in all the business relations of life he has
acquitted himself with credit and honor. Person-
ally, Mr. Lee is held in the highest esteem, is a
man of sterling integrity, and is honored alike for
his business and social standing. lie keeps a choice
stock of goods, is prompt and reliable, and lias a
large and increasing trade. Although young in
years, he has already won an enviable reputation
as a business man.

Mr. Lee was born in Somersetshire, England,
in November, 1856, and is a son of Charles Lee,
who followed agricultural pursuits in England for
many years. The elder Mr. Lee, thinking to bet-
ter his condition in every way, immigrated to the
United States in 1871, and made his way toward
the Sucker State, settling on a farm in Macou-
pin County. He was a man possessed of much
energy and ambition, and was fairly successful as
an agriculturist. Our subject was but fifteen years
of age when he crossed the ocean to America, and
he grew to mature years on the farm in Macoupin
County, receiving but a limited education in the
common schools. However, he possessed an un-
usually good head for business, and a vast amount
of energy, perseverance and industry, all of which
have contributed very materially to his success.
He assisted his father in cultivating the farm un-
til he had reached mature years, and in 1882 came
to Montgomery County, where he was engaged in
tilling the soil until 1887. At this date he opened
a general store in Witt, and here he has since been
engaged in a very successful business. His father
also removed to Montgomery County in 1882, and
is now residing on his farm about two miles from
the town.

Our subject was united in marriage with Miss
Delia Balsley, a daughter of a prominent farmer of
Nokomis Township, and a native of the Prairie
State. She is a lady of much refinement and highly
esteemed for her many womanly virtues. One child
has come to brighten their pleasant home, Burrell,
a bright boy, born in the spring of 1892. In
addition to his fine stock of goods, Mr. Lee is also
the owner of his store building and a good resi-
dence in Witt. lie is one of the public-spirited
men of the town, is active in his support of all en-

LIBRARY
UNIVERSITVJf/LLINOlS

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

221

terprises tending toward the improvement and de-
velopment of the county, gives liberally of his
means to all churches and schools, and is one of
the foremost men. In political matters, he is
identified with the Democratic party, but takes no
part in politics, and has never held an office.

IIRISTI AN LINCK, M. D. Among the names
held in honor in Litchfield, that which in-
troduces these lines has for many years oc-
cupied a prominent place. He who bears it came
here in 1867 and has since borne an important part
in the growth of the city, maintaining an unceas-
ing interest in its prosperity and contributing to
its upbuilding. Some mention of his ancestry and
personal history will, in view of his prominence,
be of especial interest to our readers.

The father of our subject was a German resident
of Wurtemberg, Germany, where Christian was
born September 8, 1828. In his native place he
passed his boyhood and meanwhile attended the
schools taught in his native language. In 1846
with his father he came to America, and located in
the city of Baltimore, Md., where he went to school
in order to gain a knowledge of the English lan-
guage. He was very apt, and his quick mind was
spurred on by the desire to b'ecome a physician, so
that his progress was astonishing. In Baltimore
he read medicine and took his first lectures in the
Allopathic school, from which he was graduated in
1850.

After practicing his profession for a time in Bal-
timore, Dr. Linck became interested in the new
school of IIomeopatli3 r , and in order to pursue his
investigations thoroughly, he went to Philadelphia
and took a course in the college of Homeopathy
there, graduating in 1853. Next we find him in
Virginia, where, however, he did not remain long,
but proceeded to Ohio and practiced thero until he
decided to visit Chicago, lie went from the latter
city to Mexico and in 1867 lie civrae to Litchfield,

where he has since remained, giving his attention to
his extensive practice. His professional labors and
good judgment have been rewarded by the acqui-
sition of a large property, and in his lovely home
he has all the comforts which enhance the happiness
of life.

Dr. Linck is a member of the Whitegross Lodge,
Knights of Pythias, uniformed rank, and is also
identified with the Masonic order, both in Chapter
and Commandery. He holds membership in the
Homeopathic Western Academy. In his political
preference, he is a Democrat, ever loyal to party
principles. The home of our subject is presided
over by the lady who was once Miss Sophia Laub,
and one child, Elizabeth, has been born into the
household. The Doctor is an owner of considerable
valuable real estate in this place and has done his
share toward advancing the interests of the com-
munity. His life has been a busy one, for he has
always been quick to respond to the call of distress,
and all organizations for the public weal have
found in him a hearty supporter. He affiliates with
the Lutheran Church, which is that of his fore-
fathers.

OSEPH M. DONNELL, a retired farmer
I and prominent citizen of Greenville, was
.born in Guilford County, N. C., June 16,
1816, and is of Irish descent. The great-
grandfather of our subject, Thomas Donnell, was
a native of the Emerald Isle, but was forced to
leave the country on account of religious persecu-
tion, and in 1731, braving the dangers of an
ocean voyage in that early day, came to America
with seven brothers and three sisters. They set-
tled near Philadelphia, Pa., where Thomas Don-
nell spent the remainder of his life, d3'ing at a
ripe old age. He came of Scotch ancestry, who
were forced to leave their native country on ac-
count of religious trouble, and went to the North
of Ireland. The grand parents, John and Eliza-,
betli (Denny) Donnell, were natives of t|ie Key.

222

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

stone State. The former became a Major during
the Revolutionary War and valiantly aided the
Colonies in their struggle for independence.

George Donnell, father of our subject, was born
in Guilford County, N. C., July 1, 1793, and died
April 16, 1877, at the age of eighty-three years,
nine months and fifteen days. He established the
first Sunday-school in Southern Illinois. This
school was commenced on Saturda}-, when spell-
ing, reading and writing were taught, and on
Sunday the children were trained in Bible lessons.
When a young man, Mr. Donnell joined the Pres-
byterian Church under the preaching of the Rev.
Dr. Caldwell, who for sixty years was pastor of
the Buffalo Clnirch of Guilford County, N. C., and
was ever a great church worker and a faithful
Christian gentleman. He came to this county in
1819, and located on Big Shoal Creek, seven
miles west of Greenville. His wife was also prom-
inent in church work, and the children all be-
came Presbyterians. The family numbered ten
children, six of whom are now living: Joseph M.,
William N., James M., George W., Henry C. and
Mrs. Emily McCoy.

Our subject was the eldest of the family and
was three years old when his parents came to this
county. He was educated in the subscription
schools, where the children all studied aloud, each
one seemingly trying to outdrown the others. He
remained under the parental roof until twenty-
four years of age, when his father gave him one
hundred and fifteen acres of land, the same amount
that he gave to all of his sons except one, who re-
ceived his portion in money. The farm thus
given to Joseph is located partly in La Grange and
partly in Central Township, but he first made his
home in La Grange. He afterward purchased other
land in Central Township, erected a fine house,
barns and other outbuildings, and there made his
home until 1877, when he came to Greenville,
where he built a beautiful and commodious resi-
dence, on the corner of Sixth and Summer Streets,
where he has since resided.

Mr. Donnell was first married in 1840 to Miss
Mary J. Morrison, of Ilillsboro, Montgomery
County, 111., and unto them were born five chil-
(Iron. all of vyUoin are yet living; Clarissa, the wife

of A. C. Phelps,has the following children: Horace,
Idell, Harlow and Enid, twins; Ada A. is the wife
of Jacob Brown; Lenora is the wife of George N.
Wheeler, and has a daughter, Edna; Chalmers mar-
ried Juliet Hardin, and has two sons, Joseph
and Chalmers; and Arthur M. The mother of
this family died February 14, 1862, and Mr. Don-
nell was again married, August 26, 1869, his sec-
ond union being with Mrs. Anna F. Catlin, of
Hay worth, McLean County, 111., a daughter of
Amos A. and Minerva (Gary) Franklin, who were
natives of Connecticut and came to Illinois in
1847. The father engaged in farming until his
death, in 1858, at the age of seventy-three years.
His wife died in 1859, at the age of seventy-two
years. Mrs. Donnell was the sixth in their fam-
ily of nine children, five of whom are yet living:
Amos A., Hannah C., Sarah F., Anna F. and Mary
B. By her first husband, Mrs. Donnell had one
son, Franklin I. Catlin, now a resident of Ken-
tucky.

While residing in La Grange Township, Mr. Don-
nell served as School Director for some seventeen
years, and was also Town Supervise!'. He is a
Republican in politics, and both he and his wife
are members of the Presbyterian Church, in which
he serves as Elder. His life has been one of up-
rightness, well worthy of emulation, and by fair
dealing, perseverance and enterprise he has ac-
quired a handsome property.

>G=T

IOHN WEITEKAMP, a prominent citizen of
Pitman Township, is now serving his fellow-
1 citizens as Highway Commissioner. He is
a native son of the Prairie State, and one
who has done as much as any one in his section
for her advancement and material prosperity.

Our subject was the eldest son of Frank and
Theresa (Langen) Weitekamp, who were natives
of Germany, and who came to America at an early
day, nnd became'pioneer settlers of Greene Coiint.y,
111, The revered father died Pecember 28, 1869,

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

223

but his mother is living in peace and comfort in
Christian County, in possession of her faculties
and able to look back upon a useful life and for-
ward to her reward in another world.

The birth of Mr. Weitekamp took place June 13,
1858, in Greene County, 111., and there he was
reared until, during the Civil War, his family re-
moved to Christian County, and there he grew to
manhood in Ricks Township. His training was
for an agriculturist's life, and so well did he learn
the mysteries of soils and grains, of rainy seasons
and drouths, with the proper means of taking ad-
vantage of one and protective measures against
the other, that he has made success of his farming
life.

The wife selected by Mr. Weitekamp combined
in her mind and person those, qualities which
make a good woman attractive to a quiet, sen-
sible young man. Her name was Christena A.
Strasser; she was the daughter of Jacob and Eliza-"
beth Strasser, and her birth took place in New Or-
leans, La. The wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Weide-
kamp occurred April 18, 1882, and now four chil-
dren have been added to the family: Henry W.,
Frederick J., Edward J. and Lena C.

In 1886, our subject was attracted to the rich
land that was for sale in Montgomery County, and
he realized that here was an opportunity of a life-
time. He came and settled in Pitman Township
on eighty acres of land. and here he has remained
perfectly contented to pass the remainder of his
days in the pleasant spot where good fortune has
placed him. When only nineteen years old, he
was obliged to start out for himself, and went to
work as so many other self-made men have done
before and since, and made himself a desirable
hand on the farm on account of his practical
knowledge. lie had no' trouble in getting em-
ployment, and his progress has been upward ever
since.

The politics of Mr. Weitekamp are of Demo-
cratic tendencies, and he permits nothing to in-
terfere with his casting his ballot for his favorite
candidates. He has been honored by his fellow-
citizens with the position of Highway Commis-
sioner, a very important one in a county, and so
well has lie tilled the situation that he is now serv-

ing his second term. Our subject is one of the
most prominent and influential members of the Ro-
man Catholic Church, and is a man who commands
the respect of all of his neighbors. His life has
been one of uprightness in their midst, and he de-
serves the esteem in which he is held.

HARLES WESLEY GARRISON is a promi-
nent stockman and at present the Super-
visor of Shoal Creek Township, Bond
County, and resides one and a-balf miles east of
Sorento. Mr. Garrison was born in Walshville
Township, Montgomery County, this State, Sep-
tember 14, 1853. lie was next to the youngest of
a family of ten children born to Taylor and Susan
(Clark) Garrison. But little can be learned of the
antecedents of either of these families more than
the fact that both of the parents of our subject
were natives of the State of Tennessee and pio-
neers in the settlement of Montgomery County,
locating on the farm where C. W. was born and
where his father died in 1873.

Our subject's mother lived until August, 1891,
when she died in Sorento at an advanced age. Of
the eleven children there are but four living:
Charles Wesley, who is the subject of this sketch;
James A., who lives in Montgomery County on a
farm not far from the old homestead, and is
a prominent stock-raiser; Nancy M., the wife of
W. J. Kirkland, residing on a large farm not far
from Sorento; and Mary J., the wife of Samuel
McRe-iken, of Sorento.

Our subject was reared on his father's farm and
received a fair education. His occupation has
always been that of a farmer and stock-dealer. In
1881, he removed to his present place of residence,
which is a little east of Sorento, and where he is
quite extensively engaged in raising and buying
and shipping stock.

Mr. Garrison has been a prominent factor in
bringing about township organization in Bond
County, and at the first election was nonored wjtj)

224

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

the office of County Supervisor of his township,
and re-elected by an increased majority on the
Democratic ticket. As the township is strongly
Republican, the fact of his re-election speaks vol-
umes for his popularity with both parties. He
conies from an old Democratic family, and has
faithfully adhered to the political creed of his
forefathers.

While living in Montgomery County, oar subject
served on the School Board from the time he was
twenty-one years of age until he left there. He
was a member of the Board of Supervisors and was
for several years Constable. Fraternally, he is a
prominent and active Mason, also a member of the
Modern Woodmen of America.

Mr. Garrison was married, August 14, 1873, to
Melissa F. Brite, a daughter of R. E. Brite, a
prominent farmer of Missouri. Mrs. Garrison was
born in the State of Missouri. Their four children
are Susan Lueinda, a young lady who has had
every advantage given her in an educational way;
Louaua Alice, Nancy Melissa and Charles Wesley.

AFAYETTE M. GERHARD. Prominent
among the representative and prosperous

fanners and stock-raisers of Bois D'Arc

Township, Montgomery County, whose biography
it is a pleasure to give among those of honored
citizens of this locality, is the worthy gentleman
whose name heads this sketch. His life of useful-
ness and industry, and his record for integrity and
true-hearted faithfulness in all the relations of
life, have given him a hold upon the community
which all might well desire to share. In every-
thing connected with the growth and prosperity
of the county, he has taken an active interest, and
as a tiller of the soil he stands in the foremost
ranks. All his property has been accumulated by
honest toil and good management, and he' has
now one of the best farms In this section.

State of Pennsylvania has furpished Mont-

gomery County many excellent citizens, promi-
nent among them being Mr. Gerhard, who was
born in Bedford County, March 31, 1844, to the
union of Samuel and Ann Gerhard, natives of
Maryland. In 1844, when our subject was an in-
fant, the parents came to the fertile prairies of
Illinois, settling in Pike County, and there made
their home for several years. Thence they
removed to Cass County, and in 1862 they
came to Montgomeiy County and settled in Pit-
man Township. Later, they removed to Bois
D'Arc Township, purchased a good tract of land,
improved it and there passed the closing scenes of
their lives, the mother dying February 9, 1876, and
the father May 23, 1888. They were highly es-
teemed by all, and their lives were replete with
acts of kindness. Of their children the following
are now living: Mrs. Eye, Mrs. Canby, Mrs.
Witt, William K. and Lafayette M., all prosperous
and highly-esteemed citizens.

Like the average country boy, our subject di-
vided his time in youth between assisting his
father in clearing and developing the farm and
in attending the schools of Montgomery County,
where he secured a fair education. He was a
farmer's bo3 r , purely and simply, doing his part of
the necessary work about his rural home. He re-
mained under the parental roof until grown, as-
sisting to bring his father's farm under cultiva-
tion, and spending his winter in school during
that time. April 27, 1876, he was married to Miss
Mary J. Newport, the daughter of John Newport,
of Farmersville, one of the prominent men of the
county.

The union of Mr. and Mrs. Gerhard was
blessed witli nine children, who are in the order
of their births as follows: Otis, deceased; Nel-
lie M., John, Henry, Chalmers, Emma, Samuel,
Frank, and an infant daughter yet unnamed. Mr.
Gerhard's land comprises four hundred acres,
and is carefully tilled and cultivated. All his
farming operations are conducted in a progressive
and superior manner, and it needs but a glance
over his broad acres to understand that an ex-
perienced hand is at the helm. His records as a
private citizen and neighbor are alike untarnished
and in all the affairs of life lie lias bojiic himself

RESIDENCE OP PETER STUTLE , SEC.11.,5. LITCH FIELD TP, MONTGOMERY CO., ILL.

RESIDENCE OF L. M. GERHARD , SEC.22.,BOIS D'ARC TR,MONTGOMERY CO., ILL.

LIBRARY

t IU.IN0IS

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD

227

in an upright manner, and is recognized as a man
of true worth. He had very little of this world's
goods to start with in life, and what he lias accum-
ulated is the result of hard work and good man-
agement on his part. His political views have
brought him into affiliation with the Democratic
party, and he is an earnest upholder of its princi-
ples and policy.

fig

^ETER STUTLE, who owns and operates a
fine farm of three hundred acres on sec-
tion 11, South Litch field Township, Mont-

jl), gomery County, is a Bohemian by birth.
He was born on the 29th of June, 1825, in Bohe-
mia, and was reared in a little mining town of that
land. As soon as old enough, he began work in
the silver mines and was thus employed until 1850.
His parents had previously died, and with two
brothers and three sisters he crossed the Atlantic
to America. They landed in St. Louis, where Peter
learned the cooper's trade, which he followed in
that city for two years. He then removed to Col-
linsville, Madison County, where, in company with
his brother-in-law, he opened a cooper's shop, en-
gaging in business in that line for some time.

It was in 1869 that Mr. Stutle came to Mont-
gomery County. Having acquired some capital
through his industry and perseverance, he here
purchased forty acres of land, constituting a part
of his present farm, and also established a small
cooper shop. After working all day in the fields,
he would follow his trade at nights, many times
until twelve or one o'clock. In this way he got a
start, and from a small beginning he has steadily
worked his way upward. As his financial resources
increased, he extended the boundaries of his farm,
until he now owns three hundred acres of rich land
and is one of the most extensive grain and stock-
raisers in this locality. If Peter Stutle does not
have good grain and good stock, none can be found
in the county.

While a resident of Collinsville, Mr. Stutle was

united in marriage with Annie Turney, and unto
them have been born eight children: Joseph, the
eldest, is a resident farmer of North Litchfield
Township; Frank, a young man of twenty-nine
years, is at home; Tony, aged twenty-four, is com-
pleting his education in the Hillsboro High School;
Albert is engaged in teaching; Eddie is at home;
Mary is the wife of George Hancock, of California;
Emma lives with her sister in California, and
Annie makes her home with her aunt in St. Louis.
In politics, Mr. Stutle is a supporter of the
Democracy and warmly advocates its principles.
The cause of education finds in him a valued
friend, and he has held the office of School Direc-
tor for man}' years. He and his wife are members
of the Christian Church and are people of many
excellencies of character. We see in Mr. Stutle a
self-made man, who by enterprise, energy and well-
directed efforts has steadily worked his way up-
ward and gained a comfortable competence, which
numbers him among the substantial citizens of the
county.

eATHERINE M. FITZJARRELL. The ven-
erable lady whose honored name opens this
sketch is affectionately known in the county
of Montgomery as "Grandma." She has so en-
deared herself to the people among whom she has
passed her long life, that none are more respected
or more dearly loved than this pioneer woman.

Catherine Fitzjarrell was born in Jefferson
County, Tenn., November 13, 1820, and was the
daughter of Joseph and Julia (Brown) Skeen, na-
tives of Tennessee. Some time in the '30s, the
family emigrated to Greene County, 111., whence,
after residing there a short time, they removed to
Macoupin County, and were among the very first
settlers of that county. Her father entered Gov-
ernment land there and the family settled down
upon the raw prairie. The face of Nature was
very beautiful, with flowering prairies and belts
of forest trees by flowing streams, but there wore

228

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

other things to think of beside th,e pleasures of the
eye. From those unpromising fields must come
the sustenance of the little family, and perhaps it
was partly discouragement that caused the death of
the father in one year from the time of the re-
moval. The poor mother could also endure hardship
no longer, and in three weeks more the children
were orphans. The biographer would love to give
to interested readers the details of the life of the
subject of our sketch, but within the present limits
he must be brief.

The children of Mr. and Mrs. Skeen who still
survive are as follows: John, Catherine, Henry,
Marion, and Ellen, who is the wife of John Chisin.
None of these children had any educational ad-
vantages, as the}' grew to maturity in the pioneer
times of the count}', but they all have become peo-
ple of prominence and have conducted their lives
and affairs with fully as much success as has at-
tended many of a younger generation who have
had more advantages.

Catherine was married March 11, 1841, to Dan-
iel K. Fitzjarrell, who was born in Ohio in April,
1818, and was the son of Eli and Tabitha Fitzjar-
rell. When a boy he came to Illinois with his
parents, and the first location of the family was
in Greene County, but later Macoupin County
became their home. To Mr. and Mrs. Fitzjarrell
ten children were born, and five were reared: El-
len, the wife of Columbus Reno; Celia, Mrs. Wiley
Hines; Joseph; Sarah. Mrs. Roach, whose husband
is deceased; and Emma, the wife of A. Miller.
For many years after marriage our subject resided
in Maconpin County, but just before the Civil
War the family moved into Montgomery Count}',
and for several years lived on the farm now owned
by C. H. Barton, in Pitman Township. Thence they
moved to the farm where Mrs. Fitzjarrell now lives,
and where, in the spring of 1863, occurred the deatli
of Mr. Fitzjarrell, who was one of the men of a
community who can be ill spared. He was respected
by all, and the sterling traits in his character made
him a man to whom all looked for guidance. He was [
active in the forwarding of all county interests,
and was lamented as a kind father and husband
and an obliging neighbor.

Mrs. Fitzjarrell is well known among her pioneer

neighbors and is beloved wherever known. Her
ready sympathy is always extended to those in
trouble, and she understands how to lighten heavy
burdens. Her tales of pioneer life are most enter-
taining, and all wish that she may long live to re-
late them. She owns one hundred and fifty-eight
and one-fourth acres of land, this being a part of
what she and her husband worked for and earned.
Her home is now with her daughter, Mrs. Miller,
and four dear grandchildren here claim her care
and affection: Francis Z., Catherine E., Ellen and
Eli L. Another daughter, Mrs. Roach, lives on
the farm, and in her family are two grandchildren,
Laura E. and Arthur A., in whom "Grandma"
Fitzjarrell renews her youth.

E. APPLETON. The name with which we
commence this biography is that of one of
the oldest residents of the town of Litch-
field. He came here in 1854, at which
time the place had just been platted, and can
therefore give a great many points with regard
to the early history of the section of the country
in which he has so long made his home.

Mr. Appleton is a native of Hampshire. En-
gland, his birth having occurred February 13,
1828. He received his education in England, and
after completing the same took up the trade of
wagon-maker as the vocation he chose to pursue
through life. In the year 1851, the tide of emi-
gration from the Mother Country swept near the
home of our subject, and he became inspired witli
the spirit of enterprise, which soon compelled his
departure for the United States, where the pos-
sibilities of a prosperous future seemed to be more
easily realized than in his native land.

Mr. Appleton first settled at Alton, Madison
County, 111., where he worked at his trade.
Afterward he moved to Ridgley, where, with James
W. Jeffries, R. W. O'Bannon and W. T. Elliott, he
inaugurated a town, and there our subject con-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

229

tinned as a wagon and carriage maker, and was
very successful in bis line. In the year 1866, he
took a position as superintendent in a coal com-
pan}-, and increased the business to such an extent
that in 1875 lie assisted in incorporating a com-
pany with $10,000 capital stock, and assumed the
direction of same as Vice-president. For some
time after the incorporation of this company, the
enterprise did not prove as successful as was anti-
cipated, but owing to the keen business manage-
ment and excellent ability of Mr. Applcton, it
was recognized in a few years as one of the best-
paying concerns of its kind in that part of the
country. Mr. Appleton is the possessor of a farm,
and is also one of the stockholders of the Electric
Light and Water Supply Company.

The residence of our subject is one of the beau-
tiful spots in the city with which he has been so
closely allied as founder, citizen and promoter of
its enterprises. One of the first pieces of real
estate he owned in this locality is what is now
known as Market House Square, which was a gift
from Mr. Appleton to the town. He is a man of
generous and kindly impulses, and fortune has
crowned his efforts with success, placing him in a
position of independence with regard to his fel-
low-men. He is a firm believer in the doctrine of
giving to the poor and lending to the Lord, but
his charities are of the kind that seek no publica-
tion, and none but the donor and recipient have
knowledge of the many deeds of kindness that are
somewhere recorded against his name.

The immediate family of our subject consists of
a wife and two children. Mrs. Appleton was Miss
Alva E. Butt, a lady of English birth and parent-
age, and one whose life and labors have won
for her the hearty respect of those who know her,
and the more loving regard of all with whom she
is more intimately associated. Our subject's chil-
dren are E. B. and Miss Jessie Appleton.

When the story of the organization and early de-
velopment of Litchfield is fitly told, the name of
H. E. Appleton will be found among those who
have always had the welfare of the place at heart,
and generously aided the settlement, improvement
and growth of Litchfield by their own exertions
and means. It is to such men that our country

owes her success, and the characteristics of him
whose biography we have here sketched are the
same personal attributes possessed by the founders
of our Republic.

R. H. S. SHORT is a member of that pro-
fession which is one of the noblest to
which a man can devote his life, and one
which operates effectively in time of need
in arresting and alleviating the pains and ailments
to which the human body is heir, and one also
which deserves the most appreciative consideration
oh the part of the public. As a follower of this noble
calling, the gratitude of hundreds is due to the
skill and talent of Dr. Short, who has been an ac-
tive practitioner in this section for many years
and has acquired considerable prominence. He
was born in Randolph County, N. C., May 4, 1840,
a son of Lemuel and Mary (Haskett) Short, who
were born, reared and married in the old North
State, the former being a successful school teacher.
He followed this occupation forty-four years and
attained prominence as an educator.

John Short, grandfather of our subject, was born
in the North of Ireland, but was brought to Am-
erica by his parents when about four years of age,
and eventually became a school, music and writing
teacher in North Carolina. He was well educated,
and became more than ordinarily successful in his
chosen calling. He followed this occupation for
fifty years and lived to be eighty-seven years of
age. Isaac Haskett, the maternal grandfather of
the subject of this sketch, was born in North Caro-
lina, was a farmer by occupation, and died in
Virginia, at the patriarchal age of ninety-eight
years. His parents were born in France.

Lemuel Short and Mary Haskett were married in
Randolph County, N. C., April 5. 1838, and the
mother is still living, being now (1892) in her
seventy-sixth year. After the death of Mr. Short,
she became the wife of J. H. Buckmaster on the
4th of July, 1866, but this union did not result in

230

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

the birth of any children. Eleven children were
born to her first marriage, seven sons and four
daughters, namely: F. E., of Tennessee; Dr. H. S.,
the subject of this sketch; Adella J., deceased, who
became the wife of Bennett Poland and the mo-
ther of twelve children; Jonathan S.; Mary R., the
wife of George Stokes, of Fayette County, 111.;
William A., who was killed in Montana; Nerius,
who died at the age of two years; Oliver S., of
Fillmore, 111.; A. J., who died in 1880; Hannah L.,
who is deceased, and Frances I)., also deceased.

Dr. H. S. Short was the second member of this
family, and until he attained his fourteenth year
he was a resident of the State in which he was
born, and there commenced attending school at
the age of four years. He also attended the dis-
trict schools of Fayette County, 111., and the West-
field (Ind.) High School, but upon the bursting
of the war cloud that had so long hovered over
the country, he, on the 3d of July, 1861, enlisted
in the service of his country and became a mem-
ber of Company C, Thirty-fifth Illinois Infantry,
as a private, and took part in the following en-
gagements: Corinth, Perryville, Stone River, and
Chattanooga, and was with Gen. Sherman on his
famous march to the sea. He received his dis-
charge at Springfield, 111., September 27, 1864, and
was mustered out there by S. S. Sumner. Three
of his brothers also saw service in the army. After
the close of the war, he returned to Illinois and
began teaching school at Ramsey, and also read
medicine with Dr. J. C. Jones. He then took a
course of lectures in the Medical College of Cin-
cinnati, Ohio, after which he practiced four years.
He came to Fillmore July 27, 1869, and May 19,
1873, graduated at Cincinnati from the Eclectic
Medical Institute. He has been a member of the
Illinois State Eclectic Medical Society since its or-
ganization, as well as of the Montgomery County
Medical Society.

October 31, 1871, our subject married, at Ram-
sey, 111., Miss Sarah M. Stokes, a native of Fayette
County, this State, who was born on the 25th of
October, 1851, a daughter of Byrd and Margaret
Stokes, and their union has resulted in the birth of
four sons and two daughters: William T., Mary
L., Emma E., Ulysses S., Walter C. and Lemuel B.

Mary L. is an experienced and successful school
teacher, as is also William T., who has followed
that occupation with good results since he was
nineteen years of age. The Doctor has been a
member of the Ancient Free & Accepted Masons
since 1866, and is also a member of the Modern
Woodmen of America, in which he is now Ex-
amining Surgeon. He is a strong Republican and
ran as a popular candidate for County Coroner in
the fall of 1892. His professional career from the
first has been one of gratifying results, for he is
thoroughly fitted by study and experience for a
superior physician, and has built up a reputation
for professional skill and ability that is not merely
local but extends over a wide range of territory.

ENRY G. WHITEIIOUSE, one of the wide-
i awake and enterprising young farmers of

Montgomery County, residing on section
29, South Litchfield Township, was born
near Mt. Olive, in Macoupin County, 111., March
2, 1856. His parents were William H. and Justine
(Nobbe) Whitehouse, the former of whom had
come to America in 1843. He was then a young
man in limited circumstances, but by good busi-
ness ability, enterprise and perseverance, worked
his way steadily upward to a position of wealth
and affluence, and at his death, in 1878, left a large
estate. He had made several trips to Europe, hop-
ing to benefit his health, but at length was called
to his final rest. He left nearly three thousand
acres of land, besides other valuable interests. In
the family were five brothers, namely: William,
Gottleib, Henry, Fred and Charles, though three
are now deceased. Charles is a wealthy farmer
residing in this county. The brothers were all
successful business men and acquired considerable
property, but the father gained the largest fortune
of them all. The mother of our subject is still
living.

Henry G. was reared to manhood in the usual
manner of farmer lads, and his education was ac-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

233

quired in the German and public schools. After
attaining to years of maturity, he was united in
marriage, in 1877, with Miss Ann, daughter of
Henry Neimann, one of the substantial and repre-
sentative farmers of this community. Six children
grace this union, one son and five daughters,
namely: Louis, Sophia, Augustina, Lena, Mary
and Matilda.

Since the death of his father, Mr. Whitehouse
has not only looked after his own fine farm, but lias
assisted his mother in the management of the es-
tate, which lias not yet been divided among the
heirs. His land is well tilled and under a high
state of cultivation, and the many improvements
upon his place indicate the thrift and enterprise
of the owner, who is numbered among the leading
agriculturists of the township. He is a prominent
citizen and has been honored with several local
offices, having served as Highway Commissioner,
School Director, and for the past ten years has been
the efficient Treasurer of South Litchfield Town-
ship school funds. He is a leading and influential
citizen, and has the confidence and high regard of
a large circle of friends and acquaintances in this
community. In political matters he is a stanch
Republican.

eAPT. P. C. WOOD. This gentleman may
be counted among the old residents of
Montgomery, for he was born in East Fork
Township, August 22, 1835. His father, Thomas
Wood, was a native of South Carolina, who was
born in 1801, and there grew to mature years. In
1823 he came to Bond County, 111., but only re-
mained there until the following year,when lie made
a settlement in Montgomery County. He located
on section 9, where he took up land from the
Government and built a log cabin, 18x18 feet,
cutting the trees for the house from his farm. He
improved his place, cleared it of the brush and

timber with which it was covered, and there re-
ceived his final summons in 1858. He was a sol-
dier in the Black Hawk War.

Our subject's paternal grandfather, Thomas
Wood, Sr., was of English descent, and was also a
native of the Palmetto State, where he grew to
manhood and was married. He died in Mont-
gomery County, 111. The mother of our subject
bore the maiden name of Anna Ellis, and was a
native of Kentucky, where she was born in 1805.
She came with her parents to Bond County, Jll.,
in 1816, when but eleven years of age. Her father,
John Ellis, was a native of North Carolina, but re-
moved to Kentucky about 1790, and was with
Daniel Boone at one time. After coming to Illi-
nois, in 1816, he located in Bond County, three
miles north of Greenville, where he built the first
log house. He was one of the earliest settlers in
the county, and died on the place where he had at
first located. He was a soldier in the War of
1812, and was a descendant of the French Hugue-
nots.

Our subject is the second son among eight chil-
dren, three sons and five daughters, the three sons
being the only survivors. The mother died in
1881. Mr. Wood's early schooling was received
in the log schoolhouse of early times, and he as-
sisted his father in improving the farm until his
marriage. He selected for his wife Miss Elizabeth
Barry, a native of Montgomery County, 111., their
union being celebrated in 1857. She was the
daughter of John Barry, but did not long survive
after her marriage. She died in 1858, leaving a
child that died a few years later.

In 1861, Mr. Wood enlisted in Company A,
Twelfth Illinois Infantry as a private, for three
months. At the end of that time he re-enlisted
in the Twenty-sixth Missouri Infantry as a private
and was promoted first to be Corporal, then Lieu-
tenant, and finally Captain. He was in the service
three and one-half years, and was with Grant and
Logan most of the time. He was slightly wounded
twice. As an officer and a soldier, he acquitted
himself with bravery, and was ever to be found at
the front. He was in the battles of Corinth, luka.
Vicksburg, and many others of minor importance.
He was honorably discharged in 1864 and mus-

234

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

tered out at Vicksburg, after which he returned to
Montgomery County.

Since then Capt. Wood has been actively en-
gaged in tilling the soil, and has met with sub-
stantial results in his life's work. Thorough-going
and progressive, he has prospered in all his enter-
prises, and is now classed among the most substan-
tial and successful citizens. In politics, he is a
Republican, and one of the first in the county. He
is at present School Trustee, has been School Di-
rector, served as Deputy Sheriff four years, and
has held other responsible positions. Socially, he
is a member of Hubble Post No. 403, G. A. R., of
Hillsboro, and was also a member of the Masonic
fraternity for some time.

J| ACOB PAUL. It is gratifying to trace the
| history of those of the early pioneers of
, Montgomery County who have persevered
1 through trials and hardships and have at
last reached the point where they can enjoy the
wealth and prosperity which rightly belong to
them. In the life of the gentleman whose name
we now give, we find such a history, and the pop-
ularity which belongs to such a man is the just
meed which his neighbors are glad to pay to his
worth and work. This honored representative of
one of the best old Eastern families is now residing
in Bois D'Arc Township, and is one of the most
esteemed and respected citizens of the same. He
was born in West Virginia on the 19th of Septem-
ber, 1815, a son of John and Keziah (Mills) Paul,
the former a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter,
it is supposed, of Virginia.

Philip Paul, an uncle of our subject, was a sol-
dier in the War of 1812. John Paul and his wife
emigrated to Morgan County, Ind., and came down
the Ohio River on a flat-boat to Cincinnati. Then
with horse and wagon they went to Southern Ind-
iana and there located, being among the early
settlers, and there the father died about a year
later. The youthful days of our subject were

passed amid the scenes of pioneer life and his mus-
cles were early hardened to the duties of the farm.
Indians at that time were plentiful and wild game
abounded in the wood. On account of the scarcity
of schools, young Paul received very limited edu-
cational advantages and is mainly self-educated.
He has ever b en a great reader and books are his
delight, he being enabled through that medium to
become thoroughly posted on all important sub-
jects.

The original of this sketch selected his wife in
the person of Miss Ellen McLean, a native of Ken-
tucky, and six children blessed this union, viz.:
Frank, John, Douglas, Levi; Alice, wife of Nelson
Darr; and Keziah, wife of Albert Taylor. A short
time before the Tippecanoe Presidential campaign,
Mr. Paul and wife removed to St. Clair County,
111., and resided there a few months, after which
he went to Missouri. Shortly afterward, he came
to Alton, 111., and remained there until early in the
'50s, when he located in Macoupin County; after re-
siding there a few years he came to Montgomery
County, settling on his present farm in Bois D'Arc
Township. He broke the first sod on this place and
has spent a good number of his days in developing
and improving this fine tract of land. He is now the
owner of two hundred acres of land, all the result
of honest toil and industry on the part of himself
and his worthy wife, who was a true helpmate to
him in the trials and privation of pioneer da3'S.
In those times, he used a wooden plow, drawn by
oxen, in breaking the prairie. He has done much
pioneer work, and in every public enterprise that
had for its object the upbuilding of the county,
he has taken a prominent part. October 4, 1892,
he suffered a severe blow in the loss of his wife,
who was called to the better land.

In his political views, Mr. Paul is a stanch Dem-
ocrat and has ever been interested in the triumphs
of his party. In eveiy walk of life, he has acquitted
himself in an honorable and upright manner, and
his word is as good as his bond. His history is an
example of what frugality, industry and integrity
will accomplish and he enjoys a success as great as
it is pronounced. He had two sons, Frank and
John, who were soldiers in the Civil War. As be-
fore stated, Mr. Paul is a Democrat and has voted

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

235

the straight ticket with one exception and that was
when he voted for Abraham Lincoln when he was
nominated the second time. Mr. Paul has worked
at man\- different occupations during his life and
for a time was a steamboat hand on the Missis-
sippi River. This was while he was a resident of
Alton, 111. He is one of the oldest citizens of the
county and is well known throughout its length
and breadth, and has a host of warm friends. He is
very popular with all, and we take great pleasure
in representing him in these pages.

ON. J. A. COMBS, one of the very promi-
nent and widely-known residents of Mul-
berry Grove, 111., is a familiar personage in
the social and commercial as well as the po-
litical circles of Mulberry Grove Township, Bond
County, 111. He is engaged in the real-estate and
insurance business, and holds the important office
of Police Magistrate, and is also a Notary Public,
having held the latter office for nineteen years.

Our subject was born in Coles County, 111., No-
vember 2, 1833, near the village of Ashmore. The
father of Mr. Combs was John Combs, a man who
was well known throughout the State. He was
born December 20, 1810, in East Tennessee, and
remained in the same locality until he was seven-
teen years old, when he moved with his parents
into Indiana, where they remained for four years.
Here the young man began the study of medicine,
and when the family removed to Clark Countj',
111., he continued his studies and became a practic-
ing physician, and followed his profession until his
death, which occurred in Mulberry Grove, July
13, 1851, of cholera.

The grandfather of our subject was also a native
of East Tennessee, and there conducted a farm
until his enlistment in the War of 1812. The
mother of our subject was formerly Elizabeth M.
Mitchell, who was born in Russell County, Ky.,
January 3, 1812, and when quite young removed
with her parents to the State of Indiana. She

came to Coles County, 111., in 1828, while her
death took place in Kansas, in 1866. Her father,
John Mitchell, a native of North Carolina, resided
near Guilford, where occurred the battle of Guil-
ford Court House. This battle was fought on her
grandfather's plantation, and there yet may be
found in some of the deep furrows which the plow
of the husbandman turns up an occasional bullet
which long ago did its deadly work. The family
came of that mixture of Scotch-Irish blood which
has given the world some of its most eloquent
men and lovely women.

The parents of our subject reared a family of
nine children, only six of whom grew to full ma-
turity, and but five are now living. Of these the
gentleman of whom we write is the eldest. His
youngest brother, William, became prominent in
the State of Kansas, and held the position of Judge
of Lyon County from 1888 to 1890. The others
of the family have become well and favorably
known in the localities where they have lived.

Mr. Combs of this notice came into Bond County,
111., March 1, 1845, and to the town of Mulberry
Grove March 2, 1846. His first school days were
passed in Marshall, Clark County, 111., whence
he went to the celebrated McKendree College at
Lebanon, 111., to finish his education. He was only
nineteen years of age when he began the manage-
ment of his own affairs, and so determined was he
to obtain an education, that he perseveringly
worked his own way through a year's course at
college. After such a preparation he found teach-
ing a congenial employment, and for six years he
followed it. August 21, 1859, he married Martha
E. Buchanan, who graced his home but a few short
years, when death claimed her for its own. She
left three children at the time of her decease: Jen-
nie, now Mrs. Holt, of Pocahontas; Lillie, who
finds a home with her sister; and Ernest E., who is
a graduate of the college at Valparaiso, Ind., and
was elected President of the Alumni, and is now
Principal of a school at Sorento, 111.

The second marriage of our subject took place
here, and the lady who became Mrs. Combs was
Louisa A. Burke, nee Russell, a resident of this
town. No children have resulted from this union.
Mr. Combs is an ardent Republican and has done

236

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

much for his party, of which he has been a mem-
ber since its organization, and in 1869 he was
elected to the office of Justice of the Peace and
served until 1877; he was re-elected in May,
1891, andlias also served one term as School Di-
rector. He has been a Notary Public for the past
nineteen years, and is the second oldest Notary in
the county. His election to the Legislature to
represent the district composed of Bond, Clinton
and Washington Counties, took place in 1888, and
he took an active part in the special session of
1890, when the World's Fair question was under
discussion.

Mr. Combs served three years in the late war.
having enlisted in Company E, Twenty-second Il-
linois Infantry, and was in all of the principal
battles of the war. He came out of the struggle
without wounds, but with experiences which have
left a lasting influence. His life has been one of
business and he has been successful in many ways.
Few men attain all of the heights which youth
promises, but Mr. Combs has accomplished much
more than many of those who started under more
favoring circumstances.

ON. DAVID H. ZEPP. Among the many
l) prominent names that make up the strength
of the Illinois Bar is that of Hon. David H.
)j Zepp, who possesses solid, substantial tal-
ent and is an example of what may be accom-
plished by push and energy. He is one of those
men. too few in number, who fully recognize the
truth so often urged by the sages of the law, that,
of all men, the reading and thought of the lawyer
should be the most extended. Systematic reading
gives a more comprehensive grasp to the mind, va-
riety and richness to thought, and a clearer percep-
tion of the motives of men and the principles of
things. This he has found most essential in the
prosecution of his professional practice. He is
one of the prominent attorneys and capitalists of
Nokomis, and is a true type of the self-made man.

Born in Carroll County, Md., August 5, 1845,
Mr. Zepp is a son of Samuel and Caroline (Zim-
merman) Zepp. Our subject's great-grandfather,
Leonard Zepp, was a native of Switzerland and
came to America just at the close of the Rev-
olutionary War. Settling in Frederick County,
Md., he reared his family, and in that State the
grandfather of our subject, Leonard Zepp, Jr.,
was born. The father of our subject, Samuel
Zepp, was born in Frederick County, Md., in 1822.
The Zimmermans were of German extraction, and
the first one of the family to settle in America was
our subject's great-grandfather, who located in
Adams County, Pa., about the year 1750. In this
county, Mrs. Zepp's father, Christian Zimmer-
man, was born about 1780, and in 1800 he moved
to Maryland. He settled in that part of Frederick
County now included in Carroll County, and there
Mrs. Zepp was born in 1824.

Samuel Zepp and Miss Caroline Zimmerman
were married in 1843, and on their plantation the
original of this notice grew to manhood. He gen-
erally attended school three or four months during
the year, and the balance of the time was devoted
to the arduous duties of the farm. This continued
until he had reached his eighteenth year, when he
started out as a school teacher in his native county.
After teaching one term he was engaged as Prin-
cipal of the public schools at Taueytown, Carroll
County, Md., and the following year was made
Superintendent of the public schools at West-
minster, on a salary of $50 per month, that being
the highest salary paid in the county up to that
time. He continued in that position for two
years, and during this time he commenced to read
law in the office of Judge John E. Smith, with
whom he remained two years, and in Novem-
ber, 1868, upon motion of Judge Smith, he was
admitted to the Bar. In the winter of 1868 and
1869 he was Superintendent of the schools at
Union Bridge, Md., but in May, 1869, he deter-
mined to seek fame and fortune in the great
West. Accordingly, he left his native heath and
journeyed toward the Prairie State, first stopping
at Mattoon, Coles County. When starting out for
himself, Mr. Zepp's cash capital was by no means
large, and when he arrived at Mattoon he was al-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

237

most penniless, in fact, in balancing up his cash
account he found he had just thirteen cents. He
was in a strange land, among strangers, and some-
thing had to be done.

After remaining at Mattoon for one month, he
went to Bunker Hill, where the harvest was just
commencing, and lie being a strong and able-
bodied man, hired out at $3 per day, and in
this manner accumulated considerable means. He
began teaching school in Palmyra, Macoupin
County, and the following harvest found him
again in the field, for in his ambition to get a
'start in the world he was determined, for the time,
to do any work that would bring him money, pro-
viding it was honorable employment. While work-
ing in the field he learned that the Board of Educa-
tion at Hillsboro wanted to secure a new Superin-
tendent, and he at once went to that place to make
application. A week later lie received word by mail
that he had been appointed to the position at a
salary of $80 per month for ten months. At
the expiration of this time, or in June, 1871,
he formed a partnership in the law business with
T. A. Walls, a prominent attorney of Nokomis,
but the following October his partner died and he
succeeded to the thriving business of the office.
His reputation as an educator caused the Board of
Education at Nokomis to secure him as Superin-
tendent of the public schools at this place, which
position he occupied for one year. He was then
out of school for two years, when they again made
a proposition that if he would accept $125 per
month, they would allow him to have time to at-
tend to his law practice and be present during the
sessions of court. This he saw fit to accept, and
the arrangement lasted one year. Then on ac-
count of his constantly increasing business, he was
obliged to give up the place.

Soon after this, or on the 8th of September, 1874,
he was married to Miss Ella Beaver, of Westmin-
ster, Md., who was reared, like her husband, in
a slave State. Early in life our subject learned
to detest the institution of human slavery, and as
he grew older he became a pronounced Abolition-
ist, It would be only natural therefore to expect to
find him after the abolition of slavery a pro.
and ardent Republican, as lie is, In 1876,

his party, recognizing his true worth and great
ability, elected him to the State Legislature, a po-
sition he filled in a most satisfactory and capable
manner. He was a member of the house when the
great fight was made against Logan for the United
States Senate, and, being a great admirer of the
soldier and statesman, he supported him from
first to last. Even when defeat stared him in the
face he never wavered. While a member of the
Legislature his ability was recognized by his being
placed on many of the important committees, and
he was Chairman of the Committee on Executive
Departments. which brought him in contact with
Gov. Cullom. Our subject was also a member
of the Committee on Judicial Departments, as
well as on the Committee on Corporations. He has
been in all the Republican county conventions
since be came to Montgomery County, as well as
many of the State conventions, and has also been
a member of the Republican Central Committee.

In 1892, Mr. Zepp was elected a delegate to the
National Convention at Minneapolis, and was an
ardent supporter of Gen. Harrison for re-nomina-
tion. As a financier he has few equals and no su-
periors in his locality. Quick to see an opportu-
nity, he instantly grasps it, and one incident is
given to show this: Just prior to the resumption
of specie payment, and when great depression in
value spread over the land, Mr. Zepp could see
that the depression was at its lowest point, and
that improvement was sure to come in the near fu-
ture. The vacant lots in Nokomis, and about two
hundred acres of land adjoining, were for sale at
panic prices. He saw his opportunity, and, inter-
esting some capitalists in the scheme, they made the
purchase, as well as a tract of four hundred acres
of valuable land in Shelby County. The change
came as he had predicted, and this master stroke
brought him his fortune. In 1884 he stocked the
large farm in Shelby County with blooded stock
and spent two years on the farm looking after this
interest. This was his only absence from his office
since locating in Nokomis. About 1880, he or-
ganized the Nokomis Building and Loan Associa-
tion with a capital of $100,000, and has been its
President from the start. lie is a prominent and
enthusiastic Mason, joining the order in Maryland,

238

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

having sent in his petition to the first meet-
ing held after he was twenty-one years of age.
He is a member of the Blue Lodge of Nokomis,
of which he has been Master, Hillsboro Chapter
and Council, and also of St. OmerCommandery at
Litchfleld. Mr. Zepp is a true type of the South-
ern-bred gentleman, and it is a great pleasure
to make his acquaintance.

NTHONY CALIHAN, a well-known and
honored resident of Montgomery County,
was born in the city of New York in 1841,
of Irish parents, both of whom died when
he was small. They came to this country from
the land of their birth, the Isle of Erin, but were
not here long enough to gain a foothold on the
ladder of success, and when death called them
hence they left their son without means and at
the mercy of a cold world. He was separated from
a brother at this time and has never seen or heard
of him since. Anthony was very young at that
time, and hardly knows what became of himself for
some time thereafter, but supposes that he was con-
signed to the care of a poor-house or some charitable
institution in that great city. He soon found him-
self botind out to one Thomas Wolston, a New
Jersey farmer, and there he grew to mature years
without the thoughtful and loving care of a
mother or the wise counsels of a father. He re-
ceired little or no education, and while his foster-
parents were kind to him, it was not the kindness
born of love. They well knew the warm blood in
the veins of the Irish lad, and policy had much
to do with the kindness that was accorded him.

When the great Civil War came, the blood in the
Irish boy began to tell and lie asked the consent of
Mr Wolston to enlist in the Union service, but
permission was refused, as the time for which he
had been bound out had not yet expired. This
only added fuel to the llames of his determination
to enlist, and when President Lincoln made his

second call for troops young Anthony took French
leave of his foster-parents and on the 12th of
August, 1861, his name could be found on the
rolls of Company B. Thirty-fifth Illinois Infantry.
He enlisted from Montgomery County, to which
place they had moved in 1858 or 1859. His com-
mand followed Price through Missouri, and he
was a participant in the battle of Pea Ridge, which
was his first general engagement. For some time
afterward he was in Missouri and Arkansas, and
made a forced march from Batesville to Cape
Girardeau, a distance of two hundred and forty
miles, in nine daj*s en route to Pittsburgh Land-
ing, lie was in the siege of Corinth, Miss., and
during his life as a soldier performed many acts
of bravery, and was in all the hard marches and
battles, including the bloody battles of Stone
River and Tullahoma, in which his regiment par-
ticipated. We next find him on the bloody battle-
field of Chickamauga, where in the first day's
fight, September 19, 1862, he was felled by a rebel
bullet and as he lay bleeding and stunned he was
taken prisoner.

Behind the walls of Libby Prison, Mr Calihan
was confined for seventeen months, during which
time he suffered the tortures, privations and slow
starvation for which Southern prisoners were noted.
He was at Danville and also in that foul pen,
Andersonville, but the greater period of his incar-
ceration was spent in Libby. A volume could be
filled with his reminiscences of prison life, and the
sufferings that were crowded into those months of
captivity were more than sufficient for a lifetime.

When he was finally released in the spring of
1865, he was little more than a living skeleton,
covered with a few rags that took the place of
clothing, and with all his teeth gone from the
effects of scurvy. Upon receiving his discharge
on the 22nd of April, 1865, he returned to Mont-
gomery County, and as soon as he was able he en-
gaged in farming, to which occupation his atten-
tion has since been devoted. In 1868, he was
united in marriage with Miss Lucy Kellogg, a
native of this country, and a daughter of Alfred
Kellogg, a prominent old settler. .Soon after his
marriage he located on the farm on which he is
now residing in Audubon Township,

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

239

Mr Calihan has been the soul of honor in his
business transactions, has carried himself in an
upright manner throughout life, and as a result he
has numerous friends and very few, if any,
enemies. To himself and wife five children have
been born r two of whom died when small. The
others are Laura, wife of Charles Nevlin, a busi-
ness man of Alton, 111.; Mary, who resides in No-
komis; and Roy. a bright boy of seven years. In
politics Mr Calihan is a hearty and most earnest
supporter of Republican principles. He is a mem-
ber of the Grand Army of the Republic, belonging
to the Post at Nokomis, in which he has served as
S. V., J. V., and in other minor offices.

ENRY SAATHOFF. The public is always
curious concerning men who have made a
success in life, no matter whether that suc-
cess may be one of rank, wealth or state, or
a result of noble endeavor. Oftentimes this is
an idle and impertinent curiosity, but on the other
hand the history of one who fills his niche accept-
ably, doing to the best of his ability that which
fate has set before him, cannot but be a helpful
lesson to the reader. Of such is our subject, who,
though living the quiet life of a farmer, brings
such thoroughness and persistent effort to bear
in his daily vocation, that a dignity is lent to it of
which it is sometimes unhappily bereft.

Henry Saathoff is one of the German- American
citizens of this locality, who was born in the king-
dom of Hanover, December 31, 1846. He is a son
of Heiel and Annie (Mueller) Saathoff, and is the
fourth in order of birth of their family of eight
children. Of these, himself and brother Ilciel are
all that are spared.

When our subject was only eleven years of age,
or in 1857, the Saathoff family came to America,
and at once proceeding Westward, settled in Mad-
ison County, this State. After a residence of two
years there, they removed to Montgomery County.
As the family means were very limited, and each

child had to contribute as much as possible to the
common support, young Henry found but little
time to prosecute his studies. That which he has
was mostly acquired before his eleventh year, in
his native country. In 1876, he lost his mother,
and eleven years later death came and laid its rest-
ful hand upon the heart that had beaten for him
in paternal solicitude.

In 1867, Mr. Saathoff was united in marriage

' O

with Miss Frances Keiser. She died March 10,
1890. Of the nine children that came to gladden
their home, five are now living. Of these, Annie
is the wife of J. F. Whitworth, a merchant of
prominence in Soreuto. Mary died at the age of
fifteen years; Heiel, John, Ira and Lena are all
prosecuting their studies here, and preparing to
take their places as loyal American citizens.

April 19, 1891, our subject married his present
wife, who was a Miss Sophia Haafker, a native of
Hanover, Germany, and a daughter of Heine and
Mate Haafker, now of Mt. Olive, this State. Their
one child, Lizzie, is a lovable girl baby. In 1886,
Mr. Saathoff purchased the Central Hotel of Sor-
ento, and for a year was its active proprietor. He
again purchased the tine farm where he now lives,
still, however, retaining his ownership of the hotel,
besides having other valuable property in the
town. Although he has for many years been a
Democrat, he leaves to others the red tape of po-
litical work, merely assisting his party by casting
his straight Democratic vote at each election.

m F. WEBER. It is with pleasure that any
true-hearted patriot recounts the life
history of one who saved our nation with
devotion, and it is with reverence that we look
upon the infirmities that have come upon these
crippled veterans in our country's service. The
old soldier of whom we write, and who is now
one of the most substantial and prosperous farm-
ers of Audubon Township, is a native of Chau-
tauqua County, N- Y., born March 20, 1837, he

240

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

being the eighth in order of birth of nine chil-
dren born to Joseph and Eunice (Johnson) AVeber,
both natives of the Empire State. The grand-
father, Nicholas Weber, was also a native of that
State, and was born about thirteen years prior to
the Revolutionary War. The family is of Ger-
man extraction, and the great-grandfather of our
subject, no doubt, came from the Fatherland many
years before the signing of the Declaration of In-
dependence. The mother of our subject was of
English extraction, but no date is before us of the
early history of this family, or the exact time her
forefathers came to this country.

In 1840, when the subject of this sketch was
but a child of three years, the parents left the
Empire State for the great West, and traveled by
team to the Ohio River. From there they went
by flat-boats to Pittsburg, and by steamer to St.
Louis, Mo., where they again took to team and
made their way to the then wild prairies of Mont-
gomery County, 111. The}- settled on a piece of
unbroken land not far from the now thriving
county seat of Montgomery County, or Hillsboro,
and here it may be said of Mr. AVeber:

" He chopped, he logged, he cleared his lot,
And into many a dismal spot
He let the light of day."

The mother died a few years later, or when our
subject was about seven years old, and on this farm,
which he had labored hard to clear and develop,
the father passed away in 1853. Of this pio-
neer family there are now but five living the
original of this notice, two brothers and two sis-
ters. Jacob, the eldest, resides not far from the
place where the family first settled, north of Hills-
boro. He served his country faithfully in the
Civil War. and was in the One Hundred and
Twenty-sixth Illinois Infantry, and was discharged
after the fall of A'icksburg on a surgeon's certifi-
cate of disability. AA r illiam W. is a farmer living
in this county; Harriet is the wife of Philip
Flacker, of St. Louis, Mo.; and Julia married
James P. Hancock, who was a member of the One
Hundred and Twenty-sixth Illinois Infantry, and
died at Jackson, Tenn., of typhoid fever) Ml Ho
in service,

Like the children of other pioneer families, our
subject was early inured to the arduous duties of
the farm, and was fairly educated for those days.
For a number of years prior to the Civil War, he
was engaged in the sawmill business, and thus we
find him actively employed when President Lin-
coln made his first call for troops, in April, 1861.
He promptly tendered his services and was en-
rolled in Company H, Ninth Illinois Infantry, and
spent the greater part of his enlistment at Cairo.
At the expiration of his term of enlistment, three
mouths, he was discharged, and returned home,
but early in the summer of 1862, he re-en-
listed in Company F, One Hundred and Twenty-
sixth Illinois Infantry, as a private. His command
was at once sent to the front at Bolivar, Tenn.,
and this regiment, while one of the best in the ser-
vice, had many duties to perform, holding the
rebels in check, guarding forts and railroads, and
transportations for Grant's army. It was in the
great siege and fall of Vicksburg, and many small
engagements and skirmishes.

The greater part of the time was spent in Ten-
nessee and Arkansas, and while near DuvaPs
Bluff, in the latter State, on AVhite River, our sub-
ject was personally in charge of a sawmill for the
Government for about a year. The last year of
the war his regiment was engaged in skirmishing,
scouting, and in long marches in the State of Ar-
kansas, and was mustered out in Pine Bluff, that
State, July 12, 1865, and discharged at Springfield,
111., on the 2d of the following August. He
served his country with bravery and valor for
more than three years, endured many hardships
and suffered much. During his service he was
ruptured, contracted rheumatism, and nearly lost
his eye-sight, one eye becoa.ing entirely blind.

After returning from the army he again en-
gaged in the sawmill business, which continued
until the fall of 1866, when he purchased the
farm in Audubon Township, on which he has since
resided. For six years he was a member of the
Board of Supervisors of Montgomery County, for
two years was Justice of the Peace, Clerk two
terms, for three years was Commissioner, and for
twenty-five years was Treasurer of his school dis-
trict. He is a Grand Army uiuu, nud life-long

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UNI vEsirr ILLINOIS

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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

245

Democrat. Mr. and Mrs. Weber had born to them
nine children, seven of whom are living. One
died when a child, and Ida died when twenty
years of age. Laura E. is the wife of 11. Teter, of
Fairmont, Neb.; diaries and Perry, at home; An-
nie is a teacher in the public schools; Lulu, Hattie
and Maud are at home. Mr. Weber has a fine
farm of two hundred and forty acres, has good,
substantial buildings, and is one of the representa-
tive men of this section.

SCHARF. Our subject has reached
that age when the dignity of years well
spent in active and productive labor ex-
empts him from the weariness of toil at the pres-
ent time. He is now recognized as one of the
prominent and wealthy retired farmers, living at a
pleasant distance from the busy t wn of Sorento,
in Shoal Creek Township, Bond County. The
town of Sorento when laid out included a part of
what was then his farm.

Mr. Scharf was born in the province of Schlesien,
in the kingdom of Prussia, August 11, 1825.
Early in life he learned the blacksmith's trade,
which he followed in his native land until he went
to America in 1852. After that time, he was em-
ployed at his trade in St. Louis for four years,
and in 1856 he purchased one hundred acres of
land in Pleasant Prairie, Bond County, where he
has ever since lived.

While residing in Missouri, February 18, 1854,
our subject was married to Augusta Lohmann, who
is a native of Hanover, Germany. She had one
child, who, on her mother's marriage to Mr. Scharf,
took that name. He grew to manhood, the pride of
his foster father. It was this child, August Scharf,
who laid out the thriving town of Sorento. It
was also he who organized the Sorento Coal Com-
pany, and to his push and energy the people of
the town are greatly indebted for the many enter-
prises that make of it a noted commercial center.
11

He had the advantages of an excellent education,
and was a naturally brilliant and capable busi-
ness man. His community received his constant
attention, and everything that was possible for
him to do that was for the interest of the town,
he willingly sacrificed himself for, if necessary, and
when he was cut down in the prime of life, and in
the days of his greatest prosperity, by the fell de-
stroyer. Death, the mourning was universal. So-
rento felt that not only a good and noble man
was taken from her midst, but that one of the
mainstays of the place was removed when he was
most needed. He died November 12, 1891, at the
age of forty-two years. The large fortune which
he left goes for the most part to the two other chil-
dren that his parents reared: Thomas Scharf and
Augusta Lohmann, the latter the wife of Charles
Reum. A small portion of it goes to Rhoda M.
(Cole) Scharf, to whom he was married on his
deathbed.

The wife of William Scharf and the mother of
August died January 9, 1890. They had no other
children, but those already above mentioned re-
ceived the tender parental care that comes only
from great and generous hearts. Mr. Scharf is
possessed of an ample fortune, and takes all
the comfort he can get from these latter years of
life. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Reum and his adopted
son Thomas reside with him in his home adjoining
Sorento. There is a satisfaction to the observer
of many of the freaks of fate, in the fact that oc-
casionally merit reaps its own reward, and pa-
tience, perseverance and industry do not become
so warped that the broader interests of life cannot
be thoroughly enjoyed.

**-

OHN SCHLUP, one of the leading business
men of Greenville, is there engaged in the'
manufacture of wagons, and as this is one
of the most important industries of tlm
city, the proprietor well deserves representation in
this volume. His birth occurred near Berne, Swit-

246

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

zerland, in 1833. His father, John Schlup, Sr.,
was also a native of that country, was a wagon-
maker by trade, and in connection therewith car-
ried on agricultural pursuits. The family num-
bered four children.

Our subject attended the public schools, and at
the age of seventeen bade good-bye to friends and
native land, and sailed for America, landing in
New York on the 2d of November, 1851. A
stranger in a strange land, he was thenceforth
dependent upon his own resources. Going to
Ohio, he secured work in a coal mine during
the winter, and in the following spring began
work as a farm hand at $8 per month. After that
summer he drove horses on the Ohio Canal until
the autumn of 1854, when he came to Madison
County, 111., and located in Highland, where was
living his maternal uncle, Michael Mollet, who was
engaged in the manufacture of wagons. His uncle
wished him to learn the trade, and he did so, serv-
ing an apprenticeship of two years. He then
worked as a journeyman for a month, after which
he bought out his uncle and carried on business
for himself for two years.

On the expiration of that period, Mr. Schlup
sold and came to Bond County. He helped to lay
out the town of Dudleyville, bought lots in the
place, built a house and shop, and there carried on
wagon-making until 1861, when, at the call of his
adopted country for troops, he enlisted in Com-
pany D, Third Illinois Cavalry. He went in as a
private, but was discharged as a Sergeant. For
three years, he faithfully defended the old Hag and
the cause it represented, and, with the army of
Gen. Curtis, participated in many battles west of
the Mississippi. After his discharge, in 1864, he
returned to his home, and in September of the
same year came to Greenville. For three years he
worked at wagon-making in the employ of others,
and then commenced business for himself on Sec-
ond Street, where he remained four .years, when he
traded for the brick wagon shop on Third Street,
his present location. The wagon shop is 24x50
feet, the smithy and paint shops are both build-
ings of the same dimensions, and the storage room
is 30x36 feet. Employment is furnished some
seven men, and he is doing an excellent business.

In 1857, Mr. Schlup was united in marriage with
Miss Catherine, daughter of Michael Buchter, a na-
tive of Germany. They hare two children, Mary
and John. The former is now the wife of William
Gerkin, of Greenville, and their union has been
blessed with two children.

Mr. Schlup is independent in politics. He faith-
fully served for two years as City Alderman, but
has never been a politician in the sense of office-
seeking. Socially, he is a member of the Odd Fel-
lows society and the Grand Army of the Republic.
Besides his business, he owns two lots and a resi-
dence on Fifth Street. He has worked up an excel-
lent trade, and well deserves the liberal patronage
which he receives, for his work is done in a first-
class manner, and he is upright and honorable in
all his dealings. As a citizen, he is public-spirited
and progressive, and has done much for the up-
building and development of the best interests of
the community.

WILLIAM N. DONNELL, who for many
llj years was connected with the agricultural
y interests of this community, but is now
living retired in Greenville, has the honor of be-
ing a native of Bond County, and is a worthy re-
presentative of one of the prominent pioneer
families. He was born November 1, 1821. Two
years previously his parents, George and Anna
(McLean) Donnell, had come to this county from
North Carolina. They were natives of Guilford
County, that State, and mention is made of
them in the sketch of Joseph Donnell, which ap-
pears on another page of this work. On reaching
this county they located on a farm five miles
southwest of Greenville.

At .one time the father was acquainted with
every man in the county, for the settlers were few
at that early day. Subsequently he removed to
La Grange Township, where he purchased a farm
of one hundred and sixty acres of timber land and
sixty acres of prairie. Later he removed to

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

247

Greenville, and spent the remainder of his days
retired from labor, and died in 1877, when about
eighty-four years of age. His wife was called to
her final rest in 1888, at the very advanced age of
ninety-live years. The fainity numbered ten chil-
dren, six of whom are now living, as follows: Jo-
seph M., William N., James M., George W., Henry
C. and Mrs. Emily McCord.

William Donuell spent the days of his boyhood
and youth in the usual manner of farmer lads.
He was educated in Hillsboro Academy, and after-
ward engaged in teaching school for two terms.
He took a trip to North Carolina on horseback,
some eight hundred miles, and while on his return
visited Gen. Jackson in Tennessee. He also heard
Henry Clay speak for two hours in Raleigh, N. C.
In 1847, Mr. Donnell was united in marriage with
Miss Luticia J. White, of Greenville, daughter of
Samuel and Cynthia White, who were pioneer
settlers of this village. By their union have been
born seven children: Delia, now the wife of W. C.
Ingram, of Kansas, b} 1 whom she has three chil-
dren, Nellie, Lotta and William; Mary E., Samuel
H. and Calvin M., at home; Albert O., who married
Ella Wallace; William D. and Ellen W.

Throughout the greater part of his business
career, Mr. Donnell engaged in agricultural pur-
suits. Entering one hundred and twenty acres of
land from the Government, upon which not a fur-
row had been turned or an improvement made, he
began farming in La Grange Township, and to the
development and cultivation of his land devoted
his energies until he transformed it into an excel-
lent farm. He also extended its boundaries until
it now comprises four hundred acres. The im-
provements upon it aie in keeping with a model
farm, and in all its appointments the place seems
complete. He continued to engage in the opera-
tion of his land until 1875, when he removed to
Greenville, in order to better educate his children,
and has since made his home here.

The cause of temperance has ever found in Mr.
Donnell a warm friend, and he votes with the
Prohibition party. He has never been an office-
seeker, but served as Treasurer of his township for
twenty years, a fact which indicates his personal
popularity and the high regard in which he is

held. He has long been a faithful member of the
Presbyterian Church, and for thirty years has
been one of its Elders, serving as an Elder of the
church at Greenville for twelve years. The his-
tory of Bond County is well known to him, and
he is numbered among its honored early settlers.

bB. HUBBARD, one of the old settlers and
I prominent farmers of Bond County, resides
. on section 6, Pleasant Mound Township.

He is descended from patriotic ancestors, and his
father, Peter Ilubbard, Sr., fought bravely on the
side of the Colonists during the entire period of the
Revolutionary War. He was a native of South
Carolina and was there reared to manhood. After
leaving home, he first settled in Tennessee and
then came to Madison County, 111., in the year
1809. Here he married Martha Gilham, who was
also a native of South Carolina.

In 1817 Mr. and Mrs. Ilubbard moved into Bond
County, where he took up sixteen hundred acres
of Government land. He was obliged to go over
into Madison County to get men to assist in raising
his house, as he was one of the first settlers in the
new county, and the largest land-holder. Here he
remained until within one year of his death, which
event occurred when he was eighty-seven. The
death of his wife took place when she was sixty
years of age, and the parents lie buried on the old
home place. Nine children were born to Mr. and
Mrs. Ilubbard, eight of whom grew to maturity.
All of these but one were born in Bond County,
111., and four of the family are still living, three of
them in Bond County.

Our subject is the fourth child and third son,
and his birth occurred in Bond County, 111., Decem-
ber 24, 1819. He was reared in his native place
and his education was obtained in the pioneer log
schoolhouse, where rough slabs served for seats, one
small window admitted light, a stick chimney held
the logs of firewood, and the door had wooden

248

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

hinges, from which hung the proverbial latch string.
Our subject remained with his parents assisting on
the farm until his marriage, October 6, 1840, when
he was united with Miss Sarah Grigg. This lady
was born in North Carolina, April 14, 1821, and came
to Bond County, 111., with her father and mother
when she was nine years old.

The young married couple began their wedded
life on a farm in Mulberry Grove Township, where
the husband had entered two hundred acres of land.
They remained there for about six years, and then
moved to Fond du Lac County. Wis., where he en-
gaged for about eight yeais in farming and lum-
bering. In 1856, he again changed his location
and moved to Marion, Linn Count}', Iowa, where
he remained for four years, but in 1860 he moved
his family back to Bond County and located where
he now resides. Mr. and Mrs. Hubbard were the par-
ents of the following children: Francis M. died at
the age of about twenty-two years; John II. resides in
St. Louis; Elizabeth E. died at the age of thirteen
years; George N., lives in Greenville; and Charles B.
and William B. reside in Smitliborough.

Our subject-has a farm of one hundred and twen-
ty-six acres and is now carrying on general farm-
ing. For many years he worked at his trade of a
carpenter, and has done considerable building in
Bond County, many houses and barns in that lo-
cality testifying to his skill in that line. Mr. Hub-
bard has been a stanch Republican since the forma-
tion of the party. He now lives one mile from the
place where he was born, and he and his wife are
one of four couples living in the same township
who have been married over fifty years.

/RANK TACKLE. One of the most note-

worthy establishments in Nokomis, III., is
the footwear manufactory of which Frank
Yackle is the proprietor. He can guarantee his
goods to his customers for superiority of material,
workmanship, style and durability. He is well
known for his enterprise, energy and push, and

richly deserves the large measure of popularity
and prosperity that he now enjoys. He was born
in Baden, Germany, August 12, 1863, and is a son
of Anslen and Catherine Yackle, the former of
whom was a weaver in the Old Country, but after
coming to America, in 1866, located at Hillsboro,
III., where he was for some years employed in the
woolen mills. He was a typical German in every
respect, being industrious and honorable, and
those who knew him had naught to say of him
but kind words.

Frank Yackle grew to mature years in Hillsboro,
and until fifteen years of age had the good for-
tune to attend the public schools of that place,
where he proved himself a good average student,
and made reasonable progress in his Studies. Af-
ter lie attained his fifteenth year, he went to Louis-
ville, Ky., to join an uncle, who was a boot and
shoe manufacturer of that city, and enteied his
shop for the purpose of learning the trade. Dur-
ing the four years that he remained thus employed,
he learned the minutest detail of the business, and
upon leaving the establishment he could make as
good a boot or shoe as his uncle, who had devoted
many years to the business, and thus was a credit
to his teacher. He at once returned to Hillsboro,
111., where lie established himself in the same busi-
ness on his own account, but later turned his at
tention to the clothing business, and opened an
establishment of some pretensions in Hillsboro,
which he conducted with reasonable success for
three years, at the end of which time he disposed
of his stock of goods and began turning his atten-
tion to other pursuits.

On the 1st of January, 1891, he took up his resi-
dence in Nokomis, and once more turned his at-
tention to his former occupation of manufacturing
boots and shoes, and founded his present reliable
establishment. He at once secured a foremost
place in the confidence and patronage of a dis-
criminating public, and his unremitting energy
and industry, as well as his upright dealing, have
made his house a thoroughly reliable one. He
manufactures a full and complete line of footwear
for all ages and both sexes, from the daintiest
French kid ball slipper to stout shoes for men and
boys' wear, and what he does not know about the

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

249

manufacture of boots and shoes may safely be
said to be not worth knowing. His prices are very
reasonable, and, as he is prompt in meeting his
orders, his house lias deservedly become a popular
one.

He is a public-spirited citizen, wide-awake to the
interests of his section, and, being a gentleman of
pleasing address, is much esteemed. He is a mem-
ber of the Modern Woodmen of America, and,
having been reared in the Roman Catholic Church,
has always clung to that faith. On the 4th of
May, 1886, he was united in marriage with Miss
Catherine Huber, of Perry County, Mo., by whom
he has two bright little children, a son and daugh-
ter: Carl Huber and Florence Adeline.

A. LYNCH. In no line so much as in the
liquor business has a buyer to rely so much
on the knowledge and representations of
the seller, therefore it is pleasant to note
the name of a house having a special name for
reliabilit}-. The firm of Lynch Bros, is one of the
most prominent and reliable in the city of No-
komis, and its members are men of enterprise and
excellent business acumen. J. A. Lynch, the sen-
ior member of the firm, is a native of the "Sucker
State," born in Litchfield, Montgomery County,
January 18, 1867, and is one of seven children
born to Martin and Nora Lynch, now residents of
Litchfield.

Martin Lynch was born in the North of Ireland,
and came to America about the year 1845, locat-
ing at Crawfordsville, Ind., where he was engaged
by what is now known as the Big Four Railroad
and was for years section boss at different points
on the line of the road. For twenty years he has
been thus engaged at Litchfield. He is a gentle-
man of much enterprise and ambition and from
him our subject has no doubt inherited his good
judgment and business ability. The seven chil-
dren born to the marriage of this worthy man
were in the order of their births as follows:

Ella, wife of Adam Linck, of Litchfield; M. J., re-
tired from business and residing at Mattoon, 111.;
Kate is the wife of P. J. Kenary, a popular con-
ductor on the Wabash Railroad, who resides at
Decatur; T. M., in the liquor business at Sullivan,
111.; J. A. (our subject); D. P., of the grain firm of F.
A. Masher & Co., of Terre Haute, Ind., and Mary
A., who has just graduated at the Ursuline Acad-
emy at Litchfield, and is now residing with her
parents at that place.

The original of this notice was reared in Litch-
field, and was a student in Ursuline Academy un-
til his thirteenth year, at which age he had mas-
tered telegraphy, picking it up at odd times.
When fourteen years of age, he was placed in
charge of the office at Litchfield, and, as far as we
have been able to learn, was the youngest boy who
had filled a like position up to that time. He was
thoroughly familiar with the art, and continued
in the office at Litchfield for several years. From
there he went to Mattoon, where his brother
was train dispatcher, entered the office, and there
continued for some time. Subsequently he went
to St. Louis, became assistant train dispatcher,
holding this responsible position when but a boy,
and remaining for some time.

Returning to his native place he continued as
telegraph operator until 1888, when he resigned
his position to engage in the liquor business with
his brother at Litchfield. In this business he re-
mained until July, 1891, when he was again
seized with a desire to return to his former occu-
pation. He went to Denison, Tex., and worked
in an office at that place for a few months but it
soon lost its charm and he returned to Illinois.
He resumed business with his brother in the sa-
loon at Mattoon, where he conducted that busi-
ness until he came to Nokomis to take charge of
the business at that place.

These brothers, active, enterprising and pro-
gressive as they are, have a saloon at Sullivan,
one at Mattoon and another at Nokomis. They
handle the products of the best distilleries, and
all their goods are noted for their purity and age,
and their stock in all lines is full and complete.
Although the history of this house in Nokomis is
comparatively short, it has already readied a po-

250

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

sitiori among the leading bouses in its line in that
city, and its trade is constantly increasing in vol-
ume. Our subject is a great favorite with the
railroad boys and a very agreeable and genial
young man.

r/ILLIAM W. WHITLOW. Our subject is
a prominent citizen of the locality in which
he lives, and Supervisor of Ilarvel Town-
ship, Montgomery County. He has a fine residence
on section 21, of this township, where he carries
on extensive farming operations. He is a native
of Greene County, this State, and was born April 1,
1834. His parents were Daniel and Fannie (Ray)
Whitlow; the former was a native of Kentucky and
the latter of North Carolina. They came to Greene
County, 111., during the '30s.

Our subject was the eldest son of his father's
family. He was reared to man's estate in his
native county and although he had not the advant-
ages of a higher education, whatever knowledge
he gained was due to his own efforts. He keenly
appreciates the fact that a man with a practical as
well as theoretical knowledge of the sciences and
arts has greatly the advantage over one wko is
deficient in this respect.

Feeling that life was incomplete without a part-
ner to share his joys and sorrows, our subject took
unto himself a wife. He was married May 11, 1858,
his bride being Miss Fannie E. Thomasson, a native
of Greene County and a daughter of William
Thomasson. This union has been blessed by the
advent of six children, whose names areas follows:
George E., William A., John W., Agnes, Flora and
Eva. Agnes is the wife of John F. Aull; Flora
married B. Hendricks, and Eva is the wife of John
Fehr.

The advent of our subject into Montgomery
County was in 1865, and at that time he settled in
Harvel Township and that lias been his home ever
since. He owns seven hundred and twenty acres
of land, of which he has made an ideal farm. Every

part is cultivated as thoroughly as possible, and
drainage, water facilities and labor-saving devices
are found here to perfection. All that he possesses
he has made by his personal exertion and as can be
seen the years that have passed have been in nowise
wasted.

For fifteen years our subject served as Highway
Commissioner and has been re-elected year after
year to the office of Supervisor of the township.
In addition to these duties, he is School Treas-
urer and his public offices occupy much of his
time and attention. Democracy is the prin-
ciple of politics that appeals to him most strongly.
He seeks to enthuse his neighbors with an idea
that improvement in any direction is for the pub-
lic good. Fraternally he is a member of the Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows and serves at the
present time as Treasurer of the lodge.

D. HOLMES. Agriculture and stock-
raising have formed the principal occupa-
tion of this gentleman, and the wide-awake
manner in which he has taken advantage
of all methods and ideas tending to enhance the
value of his property has had a great deal to do
with obtaining the competence which he now en_
joys. Personal popularity, it cannot be denied,
results largely from the industry, persevenin ce and
close attention to business which a person displays
in the management of any particular branch of
trade, and in the case of Mr. Holmes this is cer-
tainly true, for he has adhered so closely to the
above-mentioned pursuits that high esteem has
been placed upon him. He is a native-born resi-
dent of this county, his birth having occurred in
East Fork Township, September 5, 1847.

His father, Joel Holmes, was a native of the
Pine Tree State, born in the year 1813, and
when about three years of age his father and
mother died. He, was put out and reared in
New York State until twenty-one years of age,

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

251

when lie came direct to Montgomery County, 111.,
and entered the land where his son, our subject,
now resides. He was married in this county to
Miss Marandis D. Bennett, a native of the Old Bay
State, who was thirteen years of age when she came
with her parents to the Prairie State. After mar-
riage Mr. and Mrs. Holmes located where our sub-
ject now resides, made many improvements on the
place and there received their final summons, the
father dying in 1870 and the mother in 1883.
They were honest, upright citizens, frugal arid in-
dustrious, and were highly esteemed in the com-
munity in which they lived. Their family con-
sisted of six children, three sons and three daugh-
ters, two sons and one daughter now living.

The original of this notice was reared and edu-
cated in his native place, and received his scholastic
training in the log schoolhouse with no windows,
and in Hillsboro Academy. He assisted his father
in developing and improving the home place, and
continued to reside under the parental roof until
his marriage, which occurred on the 30th of Oc-
tober, 1870, with Miss Amanda Barnett, a native
of Franklin County, 111., born May 7, 1849, and
the daughter of Jesse and Mary A. (Abbott) Bar-
nett. Directly after his marriage, our subject lo-
cated on section 2 8, East Fork Township, and there
continued to make his home for about five years,
after which he moved to the farm that he now
owns. This is the old homestead, where his boy-
hood days were spent, and here he expects to pass
the remainder of his life.

Mr. Holmes has made many improvements in his
farm and now has one of the most productive
tracts of land in the township. Beginning life
with little capital, he has been very successful, and
is now accounted one of the substantial men of his
locality. His business abilities are first-class, and
few men in this section have taken better advan-
tage of such opportunities as have been afforded
him. While his own interests have engrossed his
attention to a great extent, he has never lost sight
of the public welfare, and there are few of his fel-
low-citizens who have been more helpful to the
general good of the community than has Mr. M. D.
Holmes.

His marriage resulted in the birth of eight chil-

dren three daughters and five sons, as follows:
Ilattie D. died at the age of eighteen years; Fred
D.; Ollie S. died when two years of age; Chester
D.; Hiram M.; Clara D. died at the age of fourteen
months; Bertie died at the age of nineteen months,
and Harold, died when quite small. Mr. Holmes
owns two hundred and" forty acres of land, nearly
all under cultivation, and is a first-class farmer and
stock-raiser. In politics, he is a Republican. For
twenty years he has been School Director, and both
he and his wife are worthy members of the Presby-
terian Church, in which he is a Trustee.

N. WILCOX. It takes a strong
al ' m an d steady nerve to be the undoing of
the gift of life to even the humblest of
God's creatures, and although the purveyors of
the more substantial part of our daily food are
necessarily engaged in a sanguinary business, it is
one not enough appreciated. Mr. Wilcox, of whom
we write, is the most prominent butcher in No-
komis. He is a native of this State, having been
born in Christian County, October 30, 1851.

Edward N. is a sou of George and Elizabeth
(Hulett) Wilcox, both of whom, however, died
when he was but a small child. The little orphan
was made one of the family of Mr. John Busby, a
farmer residing in Montgomery County, 111. His
educational advantages were but limited, but he
had the making of a good man in him, and what
is born in a man is sure to come out in his later
life, irrespective of conditions or position. Mr.
Wilcox had inherited a sturdy fiber and persistency
that insured him success in whatever he attempted.
His ambitions were modest, and set within what he
was sure that he could attain.

Our subject was engaged in farming until 1880,
when, in company with a brother-in-law, he came
to Nokomis, and soon became engaged in the
butcher business. He was thus occupied for four
years, and then, feeling the necessity of a change,
he returned to his agricultural occupation, and was

252

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD

thus engaged until the winter of 1892. Seeing a
lucrative opening in the business in which he had
formerly been engaged, he re-established himself
in Nokomis in partnership with Lewis J. Rupert,
and they have the leading market in the town, and
cater to the best trade. Their patrons are always
sure of finding delicious, juicy steaks, anil roasts
such as would gladden the heart of an English-
man.

Our subject's family life began in 1882, when
he was married to Miss Lill3' D. Sleeth. Their
pleasant home has been brightened by the advent
of three attractive children: Yerlie, Grace and
May. Their fond parents look eagerly into the
future, anticipating bright destinies for their dear
ones.

_ '

HERWIG. The reputation that Mr.
Herwig enjoys is not only that of a substantial
and progressive farmer, but of an intelligent
man who is thoroughly posted on all public
affairs. Although just in the prime of life, he has
made his way to the front ranks among the ener-
getic farmers of Montgomery County, and owing
to the attention always paid to every minor detail,
he has accumulated a fair share of this world's
goods. He is now the owner of one of the finest
farms adjoining the thriving town of Nokomis,
and everything about his place indicates to the
beholder that an experienced and competent hand
is at the helm.

Our subject was born in Cassel, Prussia, on
the 9th of January, 1848, and was the youngest of
three children born to the marriage of William
and Sophia (Fulkmar) Herwig, both natives of the
Fatherland. Our subject's brother, George, never
came to the United States, but the sister, Dena,
emigrated to America and married Fredrick Rohl-
ancler. She died in Christian County, 1 11., in 1871,
leaving two children. William Herwig, father of
our subject, followed the pursuit of farming in
his native country, and in addition was also en-

gaged in wool-spinning. About 1868, he came to
America, and located on a farm in Christian
Count} 7 , where the mother died December 31, 1872,
and the father in the latter part of December, 1889.
They were highly esteemed wherever they made
their home, and were most exemplary and honored
citizens.

The original of this notice was trained to the
arduous duties of the farm in his native country
and received a good, practical education there.
In connection with farming he also worked a part
of the time in the woolen mills with his father,
and with him came to America in 1868. He culti-
vated the fertile soil of the Sucker State in con-
nection with the brick-mason's trade. For some
time he resided in Christian Count}', and later
purchased a good farm there, about five miles
north of Nokomis. On that place he resided until
1889, when he sold out and purchased his present
farm of two hundred and forty acres adjoining the
town of Nokomis, and now has one of the most
productive, best-cultivated and best-improved
farms in this section. His farming operations are
conducted in a scientific manner and with a thor-
ough knowledge of every detail of this industry.
The buildings are substantial and commodious,
and everything about the place shows him to
be a man of more than ordinary thrift and energy.
While he is an agriculturist of advanced ideas and
tendencies, he does not lose sight of the stock in-
terests, and has gained quite a local reputation as
an extensive breeder of high-grade cattle.

In politics, Mr. Herwig affiliates with the Re-
publican party, and takes a deep interest in all
political questions. He has held a number of local
positions and discharged the duties of the same in
a creditable and very satisfactory manner. For
three years he was one of the Commissioners of
Christian County, this State. In 1872, he married
Miss Mary Teik, a native of this country, but of
German descent. Ten children resulted from this
union, nine of whom are living and named as fol-
lows: Annie, William, Bertha, Johnnie, Emma,
Dena, Henry, Mary and Lydia. Mr. Herwig and
family are worthy members of the German Meth-
odist Episcopal Church, and are liberal contribu-
tors to the same. They are active in all good

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

255

work, and are classed among the public-spirited
and esteemed citizens of the county. Mr. Herwig
is a member of the Mutual Benefit Association
connected with his church in Chicago, and is a
member of the Modern Woodmen of America.

UDGE A. G. HENRY. Our subject is one
of the venerable men of Bond County, for
nearly seventy years have left their record
upon his head in whitened hair. However,
he retains his honorable position by virtue of his
keen ability and well-preserved physical attributes.
He is a large land-owner in the county, possessing
at the present time something more or less than a
thousand acres.

Our subject was born in Bourbon County, Ky.,
February 28, 1824. He is a son of John and Bet-
sey (Mills) Henry, natives of South Carolina and
Kentucky, respectively. John Henry was a car-
penter by trade, and followed his calling for a
number of years, but finally gave it up in favor of
farming. When a young man he was engaged at
his trade in Kentucky. He came to Bond County,
111., in November, 1827, and taking up Govern-
ment land settled on Beaver Creek, where he re-
mained until 1852, and then removed to Texas.

Ten children made the house and home of John
Henry and his wife a scene of busy activity. These
were all born in Illinois except the two eldest.
Six of them are now living, our subject being the
eldest of the family. John Henry, while in Texas,
was very extensively engaged in farming. He re-
turned, however, to this county in 1859 and here
died. His wife still survives and resides here at
the age of ninety years, having celebrated her
last birthday in May, 1892.

Our subject was reared on the home farm and
received the advantages of a fair education. After
remaining at home until twenty-six years of age,
he spent one year in the North. Prior to leaving
home, he studied law and was admitted to the Bar

in 1853. He commenced his practice in Bond
County and has followed it ever since. In con-
nection with his profession he has had large real-
estate interests. As before stated, he owns one
thousand acres of land in this county, all of which
is under cultivation, and he also owns large tracts
in other counties. He is one of the Directors of
the Vandalia Railroad. The first office to which
he was elected in this county was Justice of the
Peace. In 1872 and 1874, he represented Bond,
Clinton and Washington Counties in the State
Legislature.

In 1848, our subject married Miss Mary Hull,
of Bond County. She is a daughter of Benjamin
and Lucinda (Allen) Hull, natives of Tennessee
and Indiana, respectively. Of the two children
born of this marriage that are still living, Eliza,
who is now Mrs. Berry, of Pratt, Kan., is the
mother of four children, whose names are Nellie,
Nonie, Caroline and Henry. Lucy is Mrs. T. P.
Morey, of Greenville. Her two children are Henry
and Louise.

Judge Henry lives in his own residence, which
is a fine brick house, imposing in style and struc-
ture. It has handsome grounds and its furnish-
ing is characterised by the idea of comfort rather
than of useless elegance. Judge Henry has always
been a worker in the cause of the Republican
party, although he can never have been said to be
a politician, leaving that to men whose individual
interests demanded less time than his own.

LEE ELLIOTT. Sorento is truly of
mushroom growth, scarce numbering in its
history a decade, and yet so well organ-
ized is the town as to compete successfully
in commercial interests with many of its older
sisters. It commands a splendid agricultural dis-
trict and the trade enjoyed therefrom is very large.
Our subject, Mr. Elliott, is one of the pioneer mer-
chants of the place and is numbered among the
most substantial men here in business. He was

256

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

born in Grayson County, Ky., May 20, 1856, and
is the only child of George and Lucina (Kessinger)
Elliott.

Our subject's father, George Elliott, was a lineal
descendant of Commodore J. D. Elliott, who was
second in command under Perry in his memorable
fight on Lake Erie in 1812, and who succeeded to
the office in 1813, and was in command of the Phil-
adelphia Navy Yard at the time of his death in
1845. The Elliott family was no doubt of Scotch
ancestry, but the date and the name of the orig-
inal emigrant is a matter of conjecture, but his
arrival occurred, as nearlj' as we can learn, early in
the eighteenth century.

The mother of our subject, Lucina Kessinger,
was, like her husband, born in Grayson County,
Ky. She was the third child of William L. Kes-
singer, who was born in Hart County, Ky., and
was the son of Joseph Kessinger. The latter in
turn was the eldest son of one Solomon Kessin-
ger, he being the son of Mathias Kessinger, a
German nobleman of great prominence and
wealth. Solomon Kessinger was born in what is
now the province of Bavaria, near the River
Rhine, in the united kingdom of Germany. He
was educated by his father for a Catholic priest,
but before taking the vows he became enamored
with one Betsey Greenwalt, and, as the laws of
the Roman Catholic Church forbade the marriage
of the clergy, love, as is usual, won the day, and
he forever renounced Catholicism, left his native
land, fame and fortune behind, and came to
America, where he met his betrothed at Baltimore.
There they were married and at once went to what
is now Hart County, Ky., whence the Kessinger
family in America springs.

We have given sufficient outline of the ances-
try of the Elliott and Kessinger families to show
the patrician blood that flows in the veins of the
man of whom we write. He was less than a year
old when brought to Illinois by his relatives.
They located at Litchfield, where he was reared.
He early applied himself to obtaining a liberal
education, which by hard work and perseverance
he completed at the Litchfield Seminary before he
had reached his nineteenth year. After the close
of his studies he was employed as a successful

teacher in the public schools, spending three years
of the time in Kansas.

February 27, 1878, our subject was married to
Miss Maggie, daughter of Isaac Bishop, a pioneer
of Montgomery County and a veteran of the Mex-
ican War, who died in 1863, leaving a snug
fortune, a portion of which wns inherited by the
daughter. After marriage, Mr. Elliott continued
to teach, judiciously investing his earnings in land
which brought him in quite a comfortable income.
With the proceeds of his investment, in June,
1882, he established himself in business at Ray-
mond,^ the northern part of Montgomery County;
but before he had been there long he saw a better
Held for his young and energetic mind, for on
what was known as Pleasant Prairie, in Bond
County, the Jacksonville & Southeastern and
Charleston, Neoga & St. Louis Railway Companies
had formed a crossing. The town of Sorento was
laid out and we find that Mr. Elliott was among
the first to establish himself in business in the new
place.

Moving his stock of goods from Raymond, our
subject came here with the determination to de-
velop his interests in proportion with the devel-
opment of the place. In 1884, he erected a two-
story brick building, and therein he is now estab-
lished in the general mercantile business. He was
one of the original stockholders of the Sorento
Coal Company, and for four years was a member
of the Village Board of Trustees. His business
interests are by no means confined to the mercan-
tile line. He is engaged in the land, loan and
insurance business and formerty carried on a
heavy business in buying and selling gram, and
also handled large quantities of railroad ties. As
he is a Notary Public he is frequently called upon
to look up and settle estates. Besides giving an
able attention to these various interests, he is
devoting much time to improving his beautiful
suburban farm, where he is extensively engaged
in fruit culture. He raises a good class of stock,
having upon his farm some animals that are well
pedigreed.

Politically, our subject springs from a long line
of Whig ancestors, who all became Republicans on
the organization of the party, and with this party

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

257

he was identified until 1884, when he joined hands
with the Prohibitionists. Since that time he lias
thrown all the energy and enthusiasm of his na-
ture into the balance with his party. He is at
present a County Central Committeeman, and
also a local manager. He has been a life-long
temperance advocate. In his church associations,
he is a Methodist and no man in his locality is
more devoted to the cause of Christianity than he.
Greatly interested in Sunday-school work, at the
present writing he is Township Chairman of the
State Sunday-school Association. Modest and
unassuming, Mr. Elliott is a man who makes
friends with all with whom he comes in contact.

p^HOMAS P. MOREY, who is now living re-
tired in Greenville, was born September 27,
1847, in Mulberry Grove, Mulberry Grove
Township, Bond County. The Morey family is of
English descent. The grandparents of our subject,
David and Harriet (Campbell) Morey, were na-
tives of Vermont and New Hampshire, respec-
tively, and became pioneers of Knox County, Ohio,
where the grandfather engaged in farming and also
followed his trade of a stone mason. He was a
member and liberal supporter of the Methodist
Episcopal Church and a highly respected citizen.
His son, Hiram Morey, father of our subject, was a
native of the Buckeye Stale. lie married Eliza J.
Brown, a native of Tennessee and a daughter of
James and Dorcas Brown, who were also natives of
that State, but who emigrated to Fayette County,
1 11., in an early day. The father was a farmer by oc-
cupation and reared a large family. Hiram Morey,
having emigrated from Ohio to Illinois, settled in
Hond County, but was married in Fayette County,
lie located in Mulberry Grove Township, Bond
County, purchased land and engaged in the manu-
facture of carriages, wagons, etc., until 1875, since
which time he has lived retired from active busi-
ness.

The Morey family numbered ten children, seven

of whom arc yet living, namely: Sarah, wife of T.
M. Sawrey, of Bond County; Thomas P., of this
sketch; Dorcas, who became the wife of W. W.
Willett, and died in Fayette County in 1889, at
the age of forty years, leaving five children;
Harriet, wife of II. Lilligh, of Bond County;
Henrietta, wife of John W.Jones, of Bond Count}-;
Belle, wife of F. Snodgrass, of this count}-; Dora,
wife of W. A. Davis, and Orriu M.

Our subject spent the days of his boyhood and
youth quietly upon his father's farm and was edu-
cated in the district schools. Then between the
ages of nineteen and twenty-three years, he en-
gaged in teaching, after which he was a student in
McKendree College, of Lebanon, 111., for two years.
He then became Principal of a High School in
Sandoval, 111., and afterward was Principal of the
schools in Mulberry Grove for a year.

Thomas P. Morey has been prominently identi-
fied with the public interests of the county for
some time and is widelj' and favorably known
throughout its borders. In 1876, he was elected
Circuit Clerk of Bond County for a term of four
years, and on the expiration of his term of service
was re-elected, in 1880, and served in all for eight
years. In 1885, he opposed Prof. Slade, President
of Almira College, as candidate for an unexpired
term as County Superintendent and won the elec-
tion. In 1886, he was elected and served for a
full term of four years as County Superintendent
of Public Schools, since which time he has lived a
retired life.

September 27, 1873, Mr. Morey was united in
marriage with Miss Ollie Borror, who died in 1878.
In 1883, he was married to Miss Lucy A., daugh-
ter of Judge A. G. Henry, of Greenville. Two
children grace their union, Henry H. and Louise.
They have a beautiful home just south of Almira,.
College and are numbered among the prominent
and highly-respected people of the community, the
Professor and his wife having many friends.

Mr. Morey is one of the most extensive land-
owners of the county. As his financial resources
increased, he made judicious investments and at
one time owned some fifteen hundred acres. He
now has one thousand acres under good improve-
ments. In politics, he is a stalwart Republican and

258

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

is now serving as a member of the Board of Erin-
cation. Mr. Moroy is a fine scholarly gentleman, a
leading and influential citizen of the county, and
with pleasure we present this record of his life to
our readers.

OSEPH McCULLEY, one of the prominent
and wealthy old settlers of this county, is
a well-known resident of LaGrange Town-
ship, and has seen almost all of the wonder-
ful growth of the county. His part in the same
lias not been small, as he came here in the early
days when the deer still roamed over the broad
prairie at will, and the cultivated fields were only
brush and over-grown wilderness.

The subject of this sketch was born in Rock-
bridge County, Va., November 11, 1821. He was
the sou of Frederick McCulley, who was a native
of County Deny, Ireland, in which country he
was also married and came to America in June,
1819. His first settlement was in the State of
Virginia and there he found a home until the year
1838, when the desire came upon him to see more
of this great country, and accordingly he moved
his family to Alabama in 1838, but not finding
everything congenial there he came to Mont-
gomery County, 111., in 1841.

Going into the wilderness at that day was a
very serious undertaking, as Indians were still
very numerous in the new State, and the wild an-
imals still found a home there. But the hearts of
those early pioneers were brave and they had
courageous wives and daring children, and the
long wagon journey did not appall them. Many
long days were consumed and many were the
eamps made at night by the roadside log fire, but
at last the new home was reached; a farm at first
was rented, and Mr. McCulley and family settled
down to become residents of the great Prairie
State. This farm which he leased and worked, is
the Poor Farm of Montgomery Count}-. Father

McCulley died in Bond County when he had
reached the age of seventy-two years. He had be-
come a Whig in his political belief, for lie was a
man who took a deep interest in his new home as
soon as he reached these hospitable shores.

The mother of our subject had also been born
among the green hills of Ireland, in County Derry,
and after a life of much activity she died at the
age of sixty-four years. Both she and her husband
had been firm adherents of the Scotch-Presbyter-
ian faith, and lived as they finally died, good,
worthy people. Six children were left of the fam-
ily to mourn the parents' death: Elizabeth,
Joseph, Margaret, James, Martha and Jane.

Our subject was reared on the farm and had
only the educational advantages which were
offered at the subscription schools. The old log
house is still remembered with its slab benches and
great wide mud and stick chimney, its door with
wooden hinges, and the old-fashioned birch rod
was not absent. Game was abundant for those
who cared to hunt, and wolves were so trouble-
some that sometimes the settlers would have to
combine to drive them away.

Farming was a pleasure to our subject, as the
rich, black loam so readily returned profits, but
the many inconveniences of pioneer life made the
business of tilling the soil much less profitable for
time and labor expended than at the present day.
One great lack was the distance of the markets,
and Mr. McCulley very often made the long trip
to St. Louis with grain and stock and camped out
by the way, as at least five days were required to
make the journey.

Our subject came here in 1846, and bought
eighty acres of land and rented more for some
years. He began the struggle of life with very
little, but industry and thrift have given great re-
turns, and now he is one of the financial pillars of
the county. It was not until in April, 1876, that
our subject felt himself ready to become a bene-
dict, and at that time Miss Martha L. Mitchell
became his wife. She was born in Missouri,
November 15, 1840, and one child, Margaret
L., has been born to them. The farm of our sub-
ject consists of three hundred and twenty acres of
land and all of it is improved, and he has become

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

259

a dealer in stock, horses, mules, cattle, sheep and
hogs, but considers that he lias made the most of
his money out of mules. He has raised some grain,
but deals mostly in stock.

Our subject and wil'e are Presbyterians and are
very highly regarded in the neighborhood. Mr.
McCulley is familiarly called " Uncle Joe " by all,
and enjoys the esteem in which he is held. In
politics, he is a Republican, but his pleasant man-
ner, even when disagreeing with his political op-
ponents, never gives offense. He is a typical pio-
neer, and as such is well known and beloved.
Probably no man in the county has more friends
than "Uncle Joe" McCuliey. He has gained
much more than a competency in these long years
of labor, but better still is the regard in which he
is held by those who know him best.

ARTIN V. HINKLE. The pursuits of life
are as varied as are the tastes and capaci-
ties of men; and it is an interesting and
useful study to observe the degrees of
their assimilation. Reverses in the early business
efforts of life are often ripening in their results,
though the experience is dear. When these occur,
pride should be invited to the rear, and, if needs
be, the victim should step down into the breach
and resolutely commence again from the bottom
of the ladder and profit by the miscarriage. Labor
is honorable idleness is corrupting. A narrative
of success in life may be found in the career of
Martin V. Hinkle, who is one of the prominent,
influential and representative farmers and stock-
raisers of Bois D'Arc Township, Montgomery
Count}'.

A successful man of affairs, a worthy citizen,
and one of the most respected men in the county is
Mr. Hinkle. He was born in Sangamon County,
111., August 12, 1843, and inherits the sturdy
traits of character of his German ancestors on the
paternal side. His father, Jacob Hinkle, was born
iu Pennsylvania, and the mother, whose maiden

name was Nancy Hatchet, was a native of the Old
Dominion. About 1818, the parents emigrated
Westward and made a settlement in Sangamon
County, 111., where they were among the very first
settlers.

In this new country and among utter strangers,
Jacob Hinkle began improving his farm and culti-
vating the rich soil which soon brought him in
large returns. He passed his entire life in this
county and died on the 12th of November, 1889.
In his death the community lost one of its pioneer
and most highly-esteemed citizens. He lived to
be seventy-seven years of age. Of the children
born to his marriage the following are now living:
Elizabeth, Mrs. Galloway, a widow; John; Diana,
wife of Michael Baker; Martin; Sarah J., wife of
Charles Willison; Elvira; Harrison IL; Mary,
wife of Augustus Smith; Amanda, and Laura A.
The father was a soldier in the Black Hawk War,
and was a worthy and exemplary member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church. His widow survives
him and is now past seventy years of age. She
still makes her home in Sangamon County, of
which she is one of the pioneers.

Martin V. Hinkle was reared to man's estate in
his native county, and inherited the best qualities
of industry and energy from both sides of the
house. Early in life he showed a determination
to make his way in the world, and although his
education was limited, he was a keen observer of
men and things, and is mainly self-educated. He
has been a thorough student of books during his
entire life, and in that way has acquired a knowl-
edge of all important subjects.

The marriage of Mr. Hinkle to Miss Sarah E.
Hoover, a native of Christian County, 111., oc-
curred on the 13th of March, 1867, and three
children were born of this union, viz.: Charles
M., born June 15, 1868; Lula E., March 29, 1870,
and Alpheus, July 16, 1873. Mrs. Hinkle.'s father,
George Hoover, is a resident of Marion County,
111. She was born August 22, 1849. After his
marriage Mr. Hinkle resided in Sangamon County
until the spring of 1875, since which time he has"
been a resident of Montgomery County. He is the
owner of nearly two hundred and twenty-five acres
of land in Bois D' Arc Township, and is one of the

260

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

wide-awake, thorough-going farmers and stock-
raisers of this section. He raises a high grade of
trotting horses, and is engaged in general mixed
farming. He is public-spirited and is in favor of
all movements that have for their object the ad-
vancement of the county. His well-improved
farm and fine residence attract the attention of
all, and in the management of his large estate he
has shown excellent judgment and sound sense. In
politics, he advocates the platform of the Demo-
cratic party.

H. SPRADLING, a retired farmer of Mul-
berry Grove, was born in Maury County,
Tenn., August 1, 1828. He is the son of
James Spradling, whose birthplace was in
the State of Tennessee, and who was reared in
that State and came to Bond County, 111., in 1832.
He located in Mulberry Grove Township, where
he took up Government land and lived in a log
house until the time of his death, at the age of
seventy-two years. The mother of our subject,
Frances T. Oliver, was a member of the old Vir-
ginian family of that name and was reared in that
State. She attained to the age of eighty-three
years. Mr. and Mrs. Spradling lived peaceful,
happy lives, and died mourned by friends and
relatives.

The family of Mr. and Mrs. Spradling consisted
of two daughters and one son, the. latter being
our subject. Eiiierautlia is the widow of James
Rile}- and resides in Mulberry Grove Township;
and Frances J. is the widow of John Scgrest, of
Mulberry Township. Our subject was the second
child, and was four years old when he came to
Bond County with his parents. His school ex-
perience did not begin until he was several years
older, when he attended the log schoolhouse of
pioneer days, and the puncheon floor and slab
scats of the barren little building will never be
forgotten. Air and sunlight were unobstructed,
because there was uo glass iu the window, aud

the birch trees grew near, so there never was any
difficulty concerning a proper amount of dis-
cipline. Mr. Spradling was reared to farm work
and became thoroughly acquainted with the re-
quirements of the soil and the proper cultivation
of the cereals. His mind was not much disturbed
by the outside world, for, except at the market
towns, there was not much communication in
those days, with the great unknown lands east of
the State of Illinois, where civilization reigned,
and west of it, where there was still a wilderness.

The neighbors in those pioneer times were
friendly and sociable, and when our subject
reached the age of twenty-one years there was
no difficulty in selecting a congenial partner for
his life journey. The lady of his choice was
Miss Cynthia Ann Jackson, a native of Indiana,
and the daughter of William Jackson. After his
marriage, which took place December 30, 1849,
our subject removed to section 25, Mulberry
Grove Township, aud there built a log house,
16x18 feet, for which he cut the logs himself.
That humble abode was for a time the family
home.

Mr. Spradling was engaged for seven years in
the lumber and hardware business at Mulberry
Grove. He has a fine farm of two hundred and
forty-three acres in Mulberry Grove Township,
which he now rents. He also owns a farm of
ninety acres in Fayette County, which is well
improved with a brick house and good barns. His
property in the village is quite valuable. Mr.
and Mrs. Spradling became the parents of seven
children, two daughters and five sons. John F.
died November 25, 1881; Eliza P. is the wife of
Joseph Call, a farmer of Faj'ette County; Will-
iam II. is an agent and telegraph operator at Poca-
hontas, 111.; Albert M. lives in Mulberry Grove;
George L. is located on his father's farm in Fay-
ette County; Laura is the wife of Frank Brown,
who is in the lumber business in Mulberry Grove;
Harry W. is at home. The mother of this family
died March 31, 1883.

Our subject started with but little means, and
now has the satisfaction of knowing himself to be
one of the wealthiest men in the township, and his
money was not made in speculating, by which one

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

261

man gets rich at the expense perhaps of a hundred
others. He is a Republican now, although before
the war he was a Democrat. He was deeply in-
terested in the Underground Railroad and assisted
man 3 - negroes to reach the land of freedom, Can-
ada. His fellow-citizens regard him with respect
and esteem, and have called upon him to act as
School Director. His position in the community
is one of prominence and importance, and he has
done his part toward the upbuilding of Bond
County.

<* MLLIAM L. WOOSTER. The biography of
\/jJ// tne successful gentleman whose name in-
^vf/ troduces this sketch furnishes another
instance of a poor boy who by industry and thrift
has gained wealth and social position through his
own unaided efforts. A prominent business man
of Litchfield, he is also popular and well known
throughout the surrounding coun'ry. Our sub-
ject is a son of William C. and Mary (Gilbert)
Wooster, honorable residents of Connecticut,
where the father conducted a general store until
his death, which occurred in 1863. His faithful
wife still survives him and makes her home in
Connecticut, where she has lived for so many
years.

The son of these parents, the subject of his
sketch, was born in New Preston, March 23, 1861,
the year memorable in history as that in which
the great Civil Wa,r burst upon the country with
such fuiy. When only two and one-half years of
age, death deprived our subject of a paternal
guide, but a devoted mother supplied the place of
the departed parent, and young William grew to
manhood under her gentle supervision. He re-
ceived his education in New Preston and Wash-
ington City, but alwa3 r s made his home in the
former place while pursuing his studies. In 1880,
Mr. Wooster came to Litchfield, where he first en-
gaged as clerk in a clothing store; but ability such as
lie possessed could not be confined to work like this

and he soon entered the employ of the Big Four
Railroad. As lie was unfamiliar with the work,
he was obliged to begin with an inferior position,
but during the last four years of the nine he was
in their employ he was their agent.

About that time, Mr. Wooster found a favorable
opportunity to engage in the tile business and ac-
cordingly entered it, but as he did not realize his
anticipations he withdrew after six months. Next
he formed a partnership with Capt. Kirby, which
continued until 1889, when he withdrew and en-
tered the employ bf the Wabash Railroad, where
he continued for six or eight months. His next
enterprise was the conducting of a furniture busi-
ness with Jesse McHenry as partner for one year,
when Mr. Wooster bought Mr. McHenry's interest
and continued the business alone for one year. In
1892, the Litchfield Furniture, Hardware & Imple-
ment Company was incorporated with Mr. Woos-
ter as President and Manager, and he withdrew
from the furniture business to accept the respon-
sibilities of his new position. This corporation has
a capital stock of $12,000, and in addition to hard-
ware and farm implements the firm deals in furni-
ture and queensware and carries on an undertaking
establishment. They occupy a substantial building
two stories high, and have the largest retail store,
not only in the city, but in this part of the county.
The stock is new and complete and the firm gives
employment to twelve men.

June 12, 1883, Mr. Wooster married Miss Mary,
daughter of William Fisher, a prominent citizen of
Litchfield. Three children have been added to
their family, namely: Lawrence Fisher, Grace
Kirby and Russell Hill. Mr. Wooster is an earnest
member of the Presbyterian Church, while his
wife is equally devoted to the Baptist denomina-
tion. Our subject is very prominent in Litchfield
Lodge No. 517, F. & A. M., and has the honor
of being its Past Master. No one in Litchfield
has been more successful in so short a period of
time, with no assistance from any one, than has
Mr. Wooster. He never allowed anything to dis-
courage him, but persevered until he has attained
the proud position of President and Manager of
the leading retail house in this section of the
country. His is certainly an example to emulate.

262

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

IABRELT BRUNKEN. Many of the fertile

spots in our great Republic have been col-
onized by worthy representatives of the
German nation, and these places invariably show
that the Teutonic element is an excellent one to
be infused in a locality. Thrift, order, commend-
able economy and intelligence are seen in all their
work. Nokotnis Township, Montgomery Count}',
is an admirably farmed district, as a result of its
German residents, and our subject is one of them. He
was born in Ostfriesland, Hanover, Germany, July
14, 1839, and is a son of Frederick and Gebke
(Landmann) Brunken, who were also natives of
that part of Germany. The former devoted him-
self to the cultivation of the soil and was pro-
ficient in all the methods of the German farmer.
On his well-cultivated tract our subject grew to
manhood, alternating farm duties and school work,
his development being well balanced between the
theoretical and practical.

After attaining to man's estate, Mr. Brunken
followed the calling of a farmer in his native land
until 1868, when he and his parents came to Amer-
ica, drawn hither perhaps by the glowing accounts
sent them of the conditions of the country by two
brothers who had preceded them hither, Eillert
in 1855 and Brunky in 1859. The former died
many years ago, and the latter, after an honorable
service in the Union army, lasting for three years,
is now in the Soldiers' Home at Quincy, thi State.
Another brother, Frederick Brunken, is a prosper-
ous farmer in Christian County.

For two months after the advent of the Brunken
family in America, they stayed in Madison County,
this State, and then came to Montgomery County,
locating upon the farm where our subject has ever
since lived. Here his mother departed this life in
1870 and the father in 1883. Our subject has been
very prosperous since coining to the States and
has one of the finest and best cultivated farms in
Nokomis Township. It comprises one hundred
and sixty acres and bears good improvements.

May 10, 1873, our subject married Miss Annie
"Wattycs, also a native of Germany, and they have
since traveled together over life's pathway most
harmoniously, although their experience has not
been without its pain, as in every human lot. Of

six bright children born to them they have lost
two. Those surviving arc: Henry, a lad of thir--
teen years; Lena, a girl of eleven; Annie, a child
of eight years; and Freddie, the youngest of
the family. Mr. and Mrs. Brunken are members
of the Lutheran Church, in which the former is a
Deacon. In his farming operations, our subject
has directed his attention to that very profitable
line, stock-raising, and has done much in encourag-
ing the raising of finer breeds. The county in
which he lives counts him as one of her progres-
sive citizens, of whom she may well be proud. In
his political preference, he is a decided Republican.

GEORGE LYMAN, a Union soldier in the
Civil War, and a prominent citizen now
residing in Bois D'Arc Township, Mont-
gomery Count} r , was born in Orange County, Vt.,
February 18, 1832. For many years he has been
identified with the interests of Montgomery County,
and ranks as a noticeable illustration of that in-
domitable push and energy which characterize
men of will and determination. Ever since his loca-
tion within the borders of the county, he has
been engaged in tilling the soil, and has enjoyed
the reputation of being an intelligent and thor-
oughly-posted man on all the current topics of
the day. His scholastic training was received in
the common schools of his native county, and, as
is the case with so many of our American young
men, his advantages in that direction were pieced
out by observation and assimilation. He is a well-
posted man who has read extensively.

Mr. Lyman's parents, Abel and Esther (Bigelow)
Lyman, were natives of New England, of English
descent, and both were born in the Green Moun-
tain State. Our subject comes of Revolutionary
stock, some of his forefathers having participated
in that struggle. The original of this notice at-
tained his growth in Vermont, and at an early age
became familiar with the duties necessary to carry
on a farm. Led by the promises of the prairies of-

LIBRARY
UNIVERSITY

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

265

Illinois, lie turned his face towards the setting sun,
and in the year 1856 reached Illinois. For some
time he resided in Sangamon County, but finally
decided to move to Montgomery County, where he
has made his home ever since. He located on his
present farm in Bois D' Arc Township, then all
new prairie land, and finding the soil rich and pro-
ductive, he soon realized large returns for his in-
dustry. To improve and cultivate his land re-
quired years of hard labor, but his toil has been
rewarded, and he now has one of the best-im-
proved places of his locality.

He owns one hundred and sixty acres of land,
and during the years that have passed, he has
added greatly to its value in the improvements
that he has placed upon it. He is an intelligent
gentleman, of superior mental attainments, who
seeks to develop himself as well as his agricultural
interests in the best and broadest direction. On
the 5th of February, 1868, he married Miss Min-
erva ,T. Collins, a native of Franklin Count}', Ohio,
born August 11. 1839, the daughter of Isaac and
Emma (Whitehurst) Collins, both natives of Penn-
sylvania. She came with her parents to Sangamon
County, 111., when seventeen years of age, and
there both her father and mother received their
final summons. Mr. and Mrs. Ionian's union re-
sulted in the birth of four children: Eva, John A.,
Esther B. and Lewis T. Mrs. Lyman has three
brothers: Jehu, John and Isaac.

Mr. Lyman served two years as Highway Com-
missioner of Bois D' Arc Township, and has held
other local positions, filling all in an able and satis-
factory manner. He takes an interest in all laud-
able enterprises, and is public-spirited and pro-
gressive. During the late unpleasantness between
the North and South, he fought bravely for the
Union, and was ever at the post of duty. He en-
listed August 11, 1861, in Company D, Thirty-
third Illinois Infantry, and participated in the bat-
tles of Vicksburg, Jackson and Champion Hill. lie
also operated in the Lone Star State, and was hon-
orably discharged in October, 1864, atfrt now re-
ceives a pension of $6 per month. Returning to
Illinois, he has resided in this county since. In
politics, he is a Republican, voting as he fought,
and takes a decided interest in the success of his

party. His wife is a member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, and both are esteemed members
of society.

P. FULLER. Among the well-known
and influential citizens of Fillmore Town-
ship, Montgomery County, is the gentleman
whose name introduces these paragraphs,
and who is a successful farmer, using the best
methods of fertilizing the soil and improving the
land. He came from the Buckeye State, which
has contributed so much of population and intel-
ligence to Illinois, and from a parentage marked
by strength of character and largeness of nature.
Born in Clarke County, Ohio, March 23, 1823, he
belongs to one of the prominent families of Vir-
ginia, his parents, Moses and Elizabeth (Priteman)
Fuller, being natives of that grand old State.
They were married in Virginia, and afterward
moVed directly to Clarke County, Ohio, where
they were among the earliest settlers. The father
improved three good farms in the county and there
remained until 1840, when he thought to better
his condition by settling in Montgomery County,
111.

Moses Fuller located in East Fork Township
and there passed a long and useful life, living to
be ninety-four years of age. The mother was
about eighty years of age when she died. They
were the parents of eight children, seven daugh-
ters and a son, three of the daughters now living.
Our subject was in his eighteenth year when he
came to Montgomery County, and nearly all his
schooling was received in his native State. He as-
sisted his father in cultivating the farm and re-
mained under the parental roof until twenty-five
years of age. Then, on the 13th of July, 1848, he
married Miss Mary J. Greer, a native of the Blue
Grass State, but who was quite small when she
came with her parents to Illinois.

The same year of his marriage our subject set-
tled in a log house, 18x24 feet, on the place where

266

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

he now resides. Many years has he passed in im-
proving and cultivating this farm, and success has
attended his efforts, for he now owns one of the
most productive farms in the township. He is
thoroughly familiar with all the details of farm
life, is progressive and enterprising, and all his
operations are conducted in a manner showing
.him to be a man of good judgment and sound
sense. As the years passed by there clustered
around his hearthstone eleven children, three of
whom died in infancy. The others are in
the order of their births as follows: Sarah E.,
wife of Dr. Mabry, of Iowa; Rilda C., the widow
of William A. Snyder, of Fayette County, 111.;
Clara, Mis. William Looney, of East Fork Town-
ship; Mary S., wife of Price Davis, of East St.
Louis; Laura E., at home; William M., Shelby G.
and John E., all of whom were born in Mont-
gomery County.

Our subject has one hundred and sixty acres of
good land, and in connection with agricultural
pursuits he managed a sawmill in P^ast Fork Town-
ship for ten years. He has ever been industrious
and enterprising and attributes his' success to his
industry and perseverance. In his political views,
he is attached to the Republican party and is an
earnest advocate of its distinctive principles. He
has held membership in the Methodist Church for
thirty-five years and has filled all the offices in the
church, having served as Class-leader and Super-
intendent of the Sunday-school during almost the
entire length of period of his membership. He
takes much interest in all worthy enterprises and
they are never allowed to drag for want of sup-
port on his part.

Sir- -3 VAN OGAN. Among the many prominent
jlpS] merchants of the busy town of Sorento, the
/!_ ^ gentleman whose name appears above is
numbered among the most energetic and ambitious,
lie is a hardware merchant and carries a large and

complete stock of goods. Mr. Ogan was born
near Cumberland, in Guernsey County, Ohio, Au-
gust 1, 1849, and was the eldest of the family of
ten children born to Lee and Tameron (Bay) Ogan.
Lee Ogan was born near Cumberland and was the
eldest in a family of seven children. His father,
Lee Ogan, Sr., together with two brothers, came
from Scotland. The brothers settled in Tennessee
and Lee in Ohio, where he died in 1872, at an ad-
vanced age.

The father of our subject was a farmer by occu-
pation, while one of his brothers, Peter, is a prom-
inent Baptist preacher. Of the ten children of
whom our subject was the eldest, there are now
living seven, as follows: Marg.iret, Angeline, Will-
iam Jasper, Nancy J., Melinda and Lucinda, be-
side our subject. The eldest sister is now the
wife of John W r est and resides on a farm near the
old homestead in Ohio. Angeline is the wife of
Henry Walker, of St. Louis, while William is a
farmer in Missouri, near Springfield. Nancy is
now Mrs. John Wise, and her husband is a farmer
near Springfield, Mo. Melinda is the wife of a
Mr. Spratt, and Lucinda is living in single blessed-
ness in Kansas.

Evan Ogaii grew up as most farmer boys do,
his duties at home interspersed with school and
merry-making. He received a fair education and,
equipped for the serious business of life, when
twenty years of age, or in 1869, he started out
to make fame and fortune in the West. He
spent about a year in Louisiana, Mo., and finally
settled in St. Louis, where he was engaged in the
pump and machinery business. He remained there
until 1875 and then located at Greenville, Bond
County, where he was engaged in selling farm im-
plements. He was thus occupied until 1883, when
he came to Sorento and entered the employ of
Cress Bros., for whom he worked one year and
then launched into the general hardware busi-
ness on his own account, and since that time has
built up a large and constantly increasing busi-
ness.

In 1891, Mr. Ogan built the large two-story
block where he is now located. It is quite impos-
ing in size and style of architecture and is alto-
gether a handsome piece of property. Our subject

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

267

has been a Republican during all his voting years.
He was a member of the Town Board of Sorento
when the town was incorporated and is at present
serving as Tax Collector. In his social connections,
the original of this sketch is u Knight of Pythias
and is, moreover, a member of the United Wood-
men and also of the Ancient Free and Accepted
Masons, holding membership with Madison Lodge
No. 560, New Douglas.

In 1871, our subject's parents removed to South-
western Missouri and there the mother died about
1884. The father is still living at the old home in
Ohio and has reached a patriarchal age. In 1875,
Mr. Ogan was united in marriage with Miss Sophia
C., a daughter of Col. Benjamin Johnson, a prom-
inent citizen of Missouri, who was one of the parties
that opened up the iron mines at Pilot Knob, that
State. Mrs. Ogan is a lady of marked culture and
intelligence. She is a graduate of a St. Louis
school and was for some years a teacher. Their
two children are named Albert Lee and William
Evan.

s^EORGE BRAKENHOFF, a prominent and

I ( wealthy German-American farmer of No-
S^JI komis Township, Montgomery County, III.,
was born in Ostfriesland, Hanover, Germany, Janu-
ary 3, 1834, one of a family of nine children, eight
of whom are living at the present time. Two sis-
ters still reside in the Fatherland, and another sis-
ter is the wife of Henry Carsten, a leading citizen
of Nokomis Township. Of the five brothers, four
are living in Nokomis Township: George, Henry,
Eillert and Harmon. The other brother lives in
Terre Haute, Ind. The father of these children,
Eillert Brakenhoff, was an agriculturist of con-
siderable note in his native land, and died there
many years ago. He was a man of worth, and as
such was regarded by those who had the honor of
his acquaintance, and who knew him intimately.
George Brakenhoff received a fair education in

his youth, and was reared to the healthful, thougli
somewhat monotonous, pursuit of farming, his in-
struction in this branch of business being received
at the hands of his father, who thoroughly under-
stood every detail of the calling. This life became
somewhat distasteful to him after a time, and he
left the plow to become a sailor, running princi
pally on inland boats, but in 1857 he gave up this
occupation also to come to America to seek his for-
tune, his brother Henry having come to this country
some years before. He located at Mt. Olive, 111.,
where the calling of an agriculturist received his
attention until 1868, when Montgomery County
became his home, and on a farm in Nokomis
Township he has resided ever since. In addition
to his first purchase of land, which was rather
modest in extent, he has made other purchases
from time to time, until at the present time he is
the owner of as fine a tract of land as one need
wish to see, comprising two hundred acres well
tilled and neatly kept. In all of his investments,
he has shown the test of judgment, and has so
conducted his affairs that naught has ever been
said derogatory to his honor as a business man.
Since opening up his farm, he has accumulated a
goodly fortune, which he manages with great
judgment and keen foresight. Like all men of
his nativity, he is progressive in his views and of
an energetic temperament, and all of his opera-
tions have been carried on according to the most
advanced ideas, and have consequently resulted
to his own good and the benefit of those with
whom he has come in contact. He has long since
gained the reputation of being one of the foremost
tillers of the soil, and he has been a leader in the
use of new and improved machinery for the saving
of labor.

In 1858, he married Miss Trinta Akebauer, who
was born on German soil, and their union has re-
sulted in the birth of a family of ten children:
Eillert, who is now managing his father's farm;
Annie, who is the wife of Altman Brakenhoff, a
cousin; Gerhart married Nevada Travis, and is a
merchant in Nokomis; Foska, who became the wife
of Andrew Peribone, and resides at Iowaton,Iowa;
Maggie, the wife of John Thcen,a farmer of Mont-
gomery County; Theressaand Henry, who are liv-

268

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ing at home; John M.; Katie and Robert. All
these children have had liberal educational ad-
vantages given them, improved them, and are now
substantial citizens of the country, an honor to
themselves and to the parents who reared them.
Mr. Brakenhoff is a strong Republican in his politi-
cal views, but has never held any office except
some small township office, such as being a mem-
ber of the Board of Education of his district.
In 1880, he made a trip to his native land to see his
mother, whd was then living, but who has since
died.

'OSEPH T. ALEXANDER. The undertak-
ing business is of the utmost importance to
society, and every consideration suggests
that its representatives shall be reliable,
sympathetic and experienced. This vocation is
essentially a very delicate one, and it involves
for its successful prosecution peculiarly important
qualifications, which but comparatively few indi-
viduals possess. It is only by long experience
and natural aptitude that a man is able to dis-
charge his duty in this relation to the entire and
unqualified satisfaction of those most directly in-
terested. Among the prominent business men of
Fillmore, Montgomery County, 111., stands Joseph
T. Alexander, who, in connection with his under-
taking business, is quite extensively engaged in
dealing in furniture.

Our subject was born in Fillmore Township,
Montgomery County, this State, September 17,
1834, and is a son of Richard Alexander, and the
grandson of Joseph Alexander, who is supposed
to have been born in America, but whose father
was born in Ireland. Richard Alexander was born
in 1810, in Tennessee, and there passed his boy-
hood and youth. He came to Montgomery
County, 111., when a young man, and here married
Miss Sarah Whitten, a native of Kentucky, who
came to Montgomery County after reaching
womanhood. Her father, Eastern Whitten, was a

native of the Palmetto State, and an early settler
of Montgomery County, 111.

After marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Alexander located
in what is now Fillmore Township, and took up
land during Martin Van Buren's administration.
They made many improvements on this place, and
resided on the same the remainder of their days.
The father died May 12, 1874, and the mother,
who was born in 1813, died December 19, 1853.
They were the parents of six children, four sons
and two daughters, three sons and one daughter
living, as follows: Joseph T., our subject; Samuel,
of Fillmore Township; Henry, of Minneapolis,
Minn.; and Elizabeth, wife of John Hill, of Fill-
more Township. Our subject, the eldest child,
was reared in his native place, and attended school
in a little log schoolhouse with all the rude con-
trivances of pioneer days, having stick and mud
chimney, puncheon floor, puncheon seats, and slabs
for desks. All his clothing was home-made, and
his parents tanned the leather for his boots and
shoes. His early life was one of privation and
hardship, and he was early initiated into the du-
ties of the farm.

Our subject worked out one month during his
life, and afterward was in a general store for
one year. Until twenty-five years of age he re-
mained with his father, with the exception of the
time, he taught school during the winter months,
the summer season -being devoted to farm work.
On May 3, 1859, he married Miss Irene Wright, a
native of Fayette County, 111., and the daughter
of Joseph Wright, and after this union he and his
young wife settled on section 2, Fillmore Town-
ship, on a piece of raw land, and in a log house,
18x24 feet. On this farm he remained until. 1875,
when he bought the old homestead on section 1,
and there continued to make his home until the
spring of 1889, when he came to Fillmore and
embarked in his present business. To his marriage
were born two daughters and two sons: Evelyn
C., wife of H. L. Prater, of Sumner Count}', Kan.,
who is engaged in the grocery business; Easton
W.; Sarah R., wife of T. II. Lane, a meichant of
Fillmore; and Homer L., at home. Mr. Alexander
is a Democrat in politics, and was Assessor of the
township in 1877. He was afso Highway Com-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

269

missioner for six years, Township Treasurer for
twenty-three years, and lias held other township
offices. He is a member of the Masonic frater-
nity, Fillmore Lodge No. 670. Mr. Alexander is
one of the county's most prominent and popular
business men, and lias met with substantial results
in all his enterprises.

ARM KEISER, who resides on section 7,
)]) Walshville Township, is one of the most
prominent farmers of the community, and
one of the county's valuable citizens. A
native of Germany, he was born in Ostfriesland,
Hanover, October 8, 1839, and is the eldest of five
children whose parents were John and Gesehe
Keiser. His grandfather, Harm Keiser, came to
America in 1850, and located in Madison County,
111., where he died September 23, 1869, at an ad-
vanced age. In 1854, the parents of our subject,
with four sons and a daughter, came to America
and sought a home on the wild prairies of the
Mississippi Valley. The father purchased a tract
of land in Macoupin County, but before he had
paid for it, he died, in 1855, leaving his widow
with a family to support and a heavy debt upon
the home.

Harm, being the eldest child, set to work with
his brothers and mother to clear the home of debt,
and this was in due time accomplished. Mrs.
Keiser lived to enjoy the home which was thus
preserved to her by the loving care of her sons,
and saw all of her children occupying comfortable
homes and respectable positions in society before
she at length passed away, in 1890, at a ripe old
age. Her two sons, C. J. and Andrew, are the
wealthy bankers, millers and merchants of Mt.
Olive. John, the other brother, operates the old
homestead. Annie is the wife of Frank Prange, of
Walshville Township.

The eldest of the family, our subject, after the
mother was provided for, purchased eighty acres
of land for himself in 1862, which formed the

nucleus of his present extensive possessions. Farm-
ing has been his chief occupation, and he now
owns eight hundred acres of valuable land, which
yield him a golden tribute He has also been in-
terested with his brothers in coal-mining, and for
two years was Superintendent of the mines at Mt.
Olive. Under his able management these becaine
a great financial success. Mr. Keiser brings to all
his business undertakings keen judgment, sagacity,
enterprise and energy, qualities which are essen-
tial to a prosperous career, and which have won
him his extended estate.

On the llth of July, 1863, Mr. Keiser wedded
Miss Mary Focken, a native of Germany, who
came with her parents to America in 1855, and
was reared in Madison County, 111. Two sons
and three daughters grace their union: Annie is
now the wife of Frank Weidned, of Dorchester;
Henry married Kathrina Walters, of Sedalia, Mo.;
Hannah, Lydia and Albert are still under the
parental roof. Henry was graduated from the
Central Wesley College, of Warren ton, Mo., in 1890
and now aids his father in the management of his
property.

In politics, Mr. Keiser is a stalwart Republican.
In 1879-80, he served as a member of the County
Board of Supervisors. He then refused re-elec-
tion, but again, in 1887, was placed in that office,
which he has filled continuously since with credit
to himself and to the satisfaction of his constitu-
ents. His long-continued service indicates his
great personal popularity as well as the efficient
manner in which he discharges his public duties.
His life has been a busy and useful one, and his
honorable, upright career has won him universal
confidence.

ETER MOOS for many years was a suc-
cessful and prominent tiller of the soil,
but is now retired from the active duties
of life, and is in the enjoyment of a com-
petency which his own excellent business qualities

270

PORTRAIT AKD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

and good judgment won him. He was born on
the extreme northern coast of Germany, Septem-
ber 27, 1832, his parents being Peter and Doratio
Moos, also natives of that part of the Fatherland,
where they were highly respected. The father was
a coppersmith and the owner of a large copper
mill, where he manufactured copper plate for use
in the construction of the ships that were built on
that coast. The subject of this sketch was or-
phaned by the death of his father when he was a
boy of some twelve or thirteen years. Prior to
that event he had been in school, but afterward
he was obliged to commence the battle of life on
his own responsibility, and he at once entered a
sawmill for the purpose of learning the trade.
There he continued to remain until he had at-
tained his twenty-fifth year, or until 1852, dur-
ing which time he acquired a most thorough and
practical knowledge of the calling.

Our subject then determined to seek a home
under the shelter of the Stars and Stripes, and
after landing upon American shores, he imme-
diately proceeded to Lincoln, 111., where his
brother, Christ Moos, was living. The latter had
come to this country some eight years previous;
he died a few years since in Lincoln. Another
brother, John, came to America with him, and is
now the well-known proprietor of a machine shop
at Lincoln. For some time after his arrival in
this country, Peter Moos experienced some very
hard times, but, true to his nature, he continued to
persevere, and although for the first two years he
labored on a farm, receiving only $150 per annum
for his services, he, with the usual thriftiness of
his race, contrived to save some money, with which
he rented land in Logan County, and began tilling
the soil. There he remained until 1867, when he
came to Montgomery County and purchased
eighty acres of land in Nokomis Township, after
which he worked at farming, carpentering or any-
thing he could find to do in order to pay for his
property. From time to time he made other pur-
chases of land, as his judgment directed, and is
now the owner of two hundred and forty acres of
excellent and fertile farming land in a high state
of cultivation.

It is said of Mr. Moos that he built the ma-

jority of the buildings in the German settlement
in which he lived for so long, and the structures
which he has put up are characterized by dura-
bility and the substantial manner in which they
have been erected. About 1890 he decided to lo-
cate in the city of Nokomis, for the purpose of
following his trade, and since that time has been
successfully employed as a contractor and builder,
renting his large farm. In addition to the farm he
owns some fine property in Nokomis. His pros-
perity dates from the time he located in Montgom-
ery County, throughout which he is well known
and highly respected.

Mr. Moos was married at Lincoln, HI., in 1857,
to Miss Christina Niscn, a native of the same part
of Germany as that from which he came, and to
them six children have been born: Jesse, the eld-
est, is a carpenter in Nokomis; Mary is the wife
of Green Taylor, a son of George Taylor, the
Vice-president of the Nokomis National Bank, and
resides on one of her father's farms; Peter is mar-
ried and lives on the home farm; William is a car-
penter and builder of Nokomis; Rena married
Dick Frerecks, who is in business in Nokomis; and
Eddie lives on the farm. Mr. Moos is a Demo-
crat, but is not active in politics, and upon being
elected to the position of Justice of the Peace at
one time refused to serve. He and his wife are
exemplary members of the German Lutheran
Church.

DEED C. BARNETT is a prominent resident
of the thriving city of Litchfield, 111.,
_ll and is the President of the Western Grain
Company, which has its principal office at this
place. George W. Barnett, the father of our sub-
ject, was a native of Kentucky, and came to
Mucoupin County at an early date and bought
land there, paying $2.25 per acre, which land
now commands $60 an acre. His purchase was
of nine hundred acres, and he put it all under

K)RTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

271

cultivation, but when the railroad crossed the
place he marked out a town, and a post-oflice was
established here. After this he engaged in busi-
ness in the town, and with our subject carried on
a general store and also dealt in lumber, grain
and coal.

Fred C. Barnett was born in Carlinville, 111.,
July 28, 1865, and is the son of George W. and
Frances (Poley) Barnett. He was well educated,
having taken a full course at the Illinois College
at Jacksonville, III., and graduated there in the
Class of '86. He immediately went into business
with his father in dealing in lumber and grain,
and the firm operated under the name of G. W.
Barnett & Son, their place of business being in
the village of Barnett, which place G. W. Barnett
had founded, as above stated, and which is lo-
cated on the J. & S. E. and L. C. & W. R. R. He
remained with his father until March, 1891, when
he came to this town and established the Fred C.
Barnett Grain Company. He did a large track-buy-
ing business, and handled large quantities of grain
and thousands of cars. lie devoted his time to
the enterprise and made it a great business.

Mr. Barnett has other interests, as he is a stock-
holder in the Threshing Machine Company, in
the Litchfleld Paint & Color Company, the Oil
City Building & Saving Society, and the Litch-
field Homestead & Loan Association, the North
& South Chicago, and also the St. Louis Safety
& Homestead Association, of East St. Louis.
Socially, Mr. Barnett belongs to Charter Oak
Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and to St. Omer Com-
mandery, and holds the position of Junior Warden
in the lodge and that of Warden in the com-
mandery. The present company with which Mr.
Barnett is connected is doing business under the
name of the Western Grain Company and is a
late consolidation of the Fred C. Barnett Grain
Company with that of the Munday Bros., and the
capital stock is $15,000. The business is that of
brokerage and general grain dealing. The} 7 have
a wide experience and manage a large territory.

Our subject is a popular man in his neighbor-
hood, and this was illustrated when he, a strong
Republican, was elected Supervisor in a Demo-
cratic district. He served to the satisfaction of

all concerned, but his commercial engagements are
of such a nature that he would seem to hare little
time to spend in political affairs. His religious
connection is with the Christian Church. The fa-
ther and mother of our subject are still living
and, no doubt, look with pleasure on the thriving
little village of Barnett, which has literally sprung
up under their own eyes. Our subject was the
first Postmaster of the place. The railroad has
assisted the town in its growth, and the location
of it reflects credit on the judgment of George
W. Barnett.

H. WITT. The State which Charles Eg-
bert Craddock has immoitalized in her
beautiful stones of mountain life, is the
native State of our subject. He was born in Jef-
ferson County, Tenn., November 24, 1834, and is
a son of James S. and Susan (Carmikel) Witt. His
parents were also both natives of that State.
When our subject was a child of but three years of
age, the family determined to come to Illinois, be-
lieving it to possess greater advantages in an agri-
cultural line than their own native State.

On coming to Illinois, the Witt family settled
in Greene County first, and that continued to be
the family home until our subject was eighteen
years of age. In the meantime, his mother had
been taken away by death when he was a lad of
thirteen. In 1852, in company with his father, he
moved to Macoupin County, and there lived until
1875, in which year he determined to come to
Montgomery County. As a boy his knowledge of
life was mostly that obtained from his rural asso-
ciations, and although the prairies were wide and
the climate lacked nothing in quality or quantity,
still the lad could not be expected to assimilate
from these advantages alone any great knowledge
of higher educational branches. As much learn-
ing as the average boy of his clay possessed was
instilled in the youthful mind in the district

272

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

schools of his locality, or rather in the subscrip-
tion schools, for the district schools had not then
been organized where he lived.

December 16, 1858, a marriage was celebrated in
Madison County, of which our subject and Miss
Martha J. Deck were the principals. She was a
suitable and capable companion for Mr. Witt, and
seconded his efforts in every way she could. The
following children were the fruit of this union:
Warren E., who is a graduate of Blackburn Uni-
versity; Austin E., John W., Olive J., Irene,
Annie and Ida, ail of whom are bright young peo-
ple with good prospects of life before them.

Mr. Witt settled on his present farm perma-
nently in the year 1875, and has ever since
made it his home. He owns two hundred and
thirty-three and one-half acres of land, a well-
cultivated and arable tract, which bears evidence
of the close attention given it by its owner. Mr.
Witt has twice been honored with the election to
the office of Supervisor of Harvel Township. He
is a man of decided views of his own in regard to
most of the things of life, and in his political af-
filiation, he is a Democrat, and is ready to do any-
thing he can for the support of his party.

R. W. H. COOK. In a comprehensive
work of this kind, dealing with industrial
pursuits, sciences, arts and professions, it
is only lit and right that the medical
profession should be noticed. Dr. W. H. Cook,
whose skill in the healing art is well known,
not only throughout East Fork Township, but also
throughout Montgomery County, was born in
Shelby County, Ky., on the 27th of March, 1834,
and his father, Fielding B. Cook, was also a native
of that county, but came of a prominent Virginia
family. The grandfather, James Cook, was born
near Richmond, Va. The mother of our subject,
whose maiden name was Meekee Rosebery, was born
in Shelby County, Ky., where she passed her en-
tire life. Her father, Charles Roseber}', was born

in Berkeley County, Va., and was a son of Hugh
Rosebery, a Highland Scotchman, who was in the
Revolutionary War and who lived to be one hun-
dred and fifteen years old. All were long-lived
people on the mother's side. Our subject's grand-
mother on his mother's side, Nancj' Thurston, was
a native of Virginia, but was brought to Kentucky
when twelve years of age. Her father, Ezekiel
Thurston, was also a native of the Old Dominion.

The parents of our subject were married in
Shelby County, Ky., in 1832, and afterward lo-
cated on a farm in the same place. There Mrs. Cook
died in 1836, when our subject was two years old.
Two children were born of this union, but the
younger died. The father's second marriage was
to Miss Susan McDonald, who bore him six chil-
dren, five sons and one daughter. Our subject,
the only child living of the first marriage, received
his early schooling in the subscription schools of
his native county, and was thirteen years of age
when his father died. He remained with his step-
mother until eighteen years of age, and after reach-
ing his nineteenth year came to Putnam County,
Ind., where he taught school and clerked in a store
for some time.

In 1856, he commenced the, study of medicine
with Dr. R. B. Denny, of Fillmore, Ind., and con-
tinued with him for about two years. During that
time he ran a drug store, and in the spring of 1861
lie located in Montgomery County, 111., where he
now resides.' In 1867 he graduated from the St.
Louis Medical College, and since then has been
actively engaged in practicing his profession here.
He has gained a wide reputation for what he has
accomplished, especially in difficult cases, as he has
carried through to success some cases which are
considered almost miraculous. The Doctor is a
member of the Montgomery County Medical Soci-
ety, the District Medical Society of Central Illi-
nois, and the Illinois State Medical Society. He
is a member of Lodge No. 51, A. F. & A. M., of
Ilillsboro, and has been a member of the order since
the year 1856. He is a stanch supporter of Dem-
ocratic principles, was twice County Coroner, and
once Supervisor of East Fork Township.

His marriage with Miss Elizabeth F. Robinson,
a native of Putnam County, Ind. .occurred in 1856,

'-x-7^-VZ/l-^--7

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

275

and four children were given them. One died in
infancy, and the other three are: Charles E., a na-
tive of Fillmore, Ind., now a prominent lawyer
of Greenville, Bond County, 111.; Ella J., wife of
Joseph J. Wright, of Montgomery Count}*, 111.;
and Melville T., a student of De Pauw Univer-
sity, at DePauw, Ind.

SJ MBERT H. DENNY. Our subject is one of
the older inhabitants of Bond County, of
ill which he is a native. He was born January
11, 1835, upon the farm in Shoal Creek Town-
ship where he now lives and where he carries on
an extensive business in general farming and
stock-raising. He is a son of Robert Wilson and
Eleanor (Finley) Denny. Grandfather Denny
was an Irishman by birth and when quite young
came to America, settling in North Carolina, where
Robert Wilson Denny was born.

Our subject's mother was of Welsh ancestry,
her father having emigrated from Wales and
settled in Tennessee, but the exact time of their
coming to this country or even the date of her birth
is not known to us. In 1820 our subject's father
and grandfather came to Illinois, the balance of
the family coming hither in 1828. They first
settled on the farm where our subject was born,
and there both grandfather and father died, the
latter about 1845. Mr. Denny's mother lived
until 1889, and died in Kansas at the age of
eighty years.

Our subject is the eldest of a family of five
boys, of whom four are now living, namely: J. B.
who lives on an adjoining farm; Robert W., who
is an extensive miner in Mexico but resides at
Newton, Kan.; and P. B., who lives at Walshville,
this State. All four of these men did excellent
service in the late war. He of whom we write
grew up on his father's farm and received the ad-
vantages common to the agricultural class of his
day and locality.

July 7, 1861, Mr. Denny enlisted in the army,

joining Company E, of the First Illinois Cavalry,
under Capt. Paul Walters. He was taken prisoner
at Lexington, but was released on parole. He
was not, however, exchanged until his term of
service was out, when he was discharged. While
the war was still in progress, our subject married
Miss Emily Bowen, a native of Springfield, Vt.
She died four years later, leaving one daughter,
Nellie R., who married Charles A Fellows, of Buf-
falo, N. Y.

Mr. Denny has been a farmer all his life but has
other interests in which he has money invested
that bring him a handsome income. He was one
of the original stockholders in the Sorento Coal
Company, in which he is at the present time a
Director, lie was instrumental in getting the
right of way for the two railroads that cross at
Sorento, and has always given freely of bis time
and ability to whatever cause appeared to be for
the benefit of the community.

The second marriage of Mr. Denny took place
February 28, 1871, the lady of his choice being
Miss Melinda Armstrong, of Montgomery County.
There have been eight children born to Mr. and
Mrs. Denny: Emily J. and Hattie May were both
educated at the Lincoln University; James Imbert
is now at school at Sorento, as are Pearl, Hilda
and Fay. Marcia E. and Herschel A. are de-
ceased.

The father of Mr. Denny was a school teacher
of some note in his day and served as County
Commissioner and County Clerk. He was one of
the Associate Judges of the county and for many
years acted as Justice of the Peace.

ENRY BRAKENHOFF is a prominent Ger-
man-American citizen and farmer, who
keeps abreast with the progress of the
times, and is one who has advanced the in-
terests of his adopted country at all times. His
life of industry and usefulness and his record for
integrity and true-hearted faithfulness in all the

276

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

relations of life have given him a hold upon the
community which all might well desire to share.

Mr. Brakenhoff was born in Ostfriesland, Ger-
many, May 5, 1831, and his father, Eilbert Braken-
hoff, followed the occupation of an agriculturist in
his native land. On this farm young Brakenhoff
grew to a sturdy manhood, and received a fair ed-
ucation in the common schools. Under the laws
then existing in Germany, he would at the age of
twenty-one years be forced into the German army,
so not being ambitious to become a soldier, and
not being able to obtain the consent of the king
to leave the country until he had served his time
in the army, he determined to leave without his
knowledge or consent. Accordingly, in 1851, and
before he was twenty-one years of age, he quietly
arranged with a friend from America, then visit-
ing in Germany, to pay his passage to the New
World, agreeing to work for him until his ex-
penses had been made good.

Young Brakenhoff sailed from Bremen to Amer-
ica, and after a seven-weeks ocean voyage landed
in New Orleans. He proceeded at once to Alton,
111., and there found employment in the coal
mines, thus earning the money to pay his friend
for expenses incurred in the trip. He continued
in the mine for five or six years, after which he
engaged in farming near Mt. Olive. Two years
later he again returned to the mines and continued
there until 1867, when he came to Montgomery
County, purchased the farm where he has ever
since lived, in Nokomis Township, and has met
with unusual success in tilling the soil. For a
number of years he has lived a retired life, and his
sons are working and looking after the farm.

In 1872, Mr. Brakenhoff made a trip to the
Fatherland to see his mother and many friends,
and enjoyed his trip immensely. However, he
was glad to return to the land of his adoption,
and here he has remained ever since, realizing
that America is the best country after all.

The original of this notice was married in
Alton in 1854 to Miss Henrietta Carsten, a high-
minded German lady and a sister of John Carsten,
the wealthy grain merchant and politician of
Nokomis. This union has resulted in the birth of
seven children, two of whom died in infancy,

and one, Lena, died after reaching womanhood.
Those now living are as follows: Eilbert and
Harmon, both bright and promising young men,
living at home and carrying on the large farm;
while Garrett, a member of the large mercantile
firm of J. Waltman & Co., of Nokomis, is a thor-
ough business man. The last-named married Miss
Lucy Essman, of Missouri, and their daughter,
Foska, is the wife of C. Croon, who owns a farm
near by. The children are all industrious and in-
telligent, and have made excellent citizens.

Mr. Brakenhoff and wife are exemplary members
of the German Lutheran Church, in which he is a
Deacon, and in which he has ever been a leading
figure. In politics, he is a strong advocate of the
principles of the Republican party. He is one of
the public-spirited citizens of the county, is inter-
ested in all enterprises of a worthy nature, and no
laudable movement is allowed to fail for want of
support on his part. He is one of the most pop-
ular men of the county, and a true German-
American citizen. Such men are a credit to any
community.

_~ i- '.

J] A C O B McCONATHY, a representative
| farmer of Montgomery Count}', residing in
Raymond Township, section 5, has the
' honor of being a native of this State. He

was born in Greene County, near Carrolton, Febru-
ary 24, 1844. and is a son of Perry and Matilda
Jane (Olverson) McConathy. The McConathy
family is of Scotch-Irish extraction and was
founded in America by the great-grandfather of
our subject, who crossed the Atlantic when a
young man and located in Kentucky in the seven-
teenth century. Jacob now has in his possession
a razor which was brought by his ancestor from
the Emerald Isle. Jacob McConathy, the grand-
father of our subject, was born in Kentucky be-
fore the Revolutionary War and for many years
was a leading miller of that State.

Perry McConathy was born near Lexington,

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

277

Ky., August 17, 1813. By trade he was a saddler.
In 1837, he made his way in a two-wheel cart
from Kentucky to the wild prairies of Greene
County, 111. For a time he worked at his trade,
but. soon located on a farm near what is now Rood-
house, where he continued to reside until his
death, which occurred in 1881. He was quite
successful and accumulated considerable property.
He was a man of sterling worth and was held in
the highest esteem by his fellow-townsmen. For
twenty-four years he was honored with the offices
of Justice of the Peace and Notary Public, and
for seven years was Assessor of his township, his
long-continued service indicating his great popu-
larity and the ability with which he discharged
his public duties. Little is known concerning the
maternal ancestry of our subject. His mother
was born in Grayson County, Ky., January 7,
1819, and in an early day came to Illinois. She
is still living in Greene County.

Jacob McConathy, whose name heads this re-
cord, was the fifth in a family of fourteen chil-
dren, numbering seven sons and seven daughters,
of whom all of the former and two of the latter
are yet living. He was retired on his father's
farm and received but a limited education, his
privileges being such as the common schools in
the early days of Illinois afforded. He carried on
farming in Greene County until 1872, when he
came to Montgomery County and purchased the
farm in Raymond Township on which he now
resides. It was in 1865 that Mr. McConathy wedded
Miss Mary J. McCracken, a native of Greene
County and a daughter of Samuel and Mary
(Branyan) McCracken, natives of Perry County,
Pa., who were of Scotch descent. They located
in Greene County, 111., in 1835. Her grandfather,
William Branyan, served in the War of 1812.
Her father died when she was seven years of
age, but her mother is still living in Greene
County at the age of seventy-three years. Unto
Mr. and Mrs. McConathy were born nine children,
of whom two died in childhood, but seven arc yet
living: Charles H., Perry Milton, William Leslie,
Cora Lula, J. Tilden, Mamie and Pearl Elizabeth.

In politics, Mr. McConathy has always been a
Democrat, but has never been an office-seeker.

Socially, he is a member of the Modern Wood-
men Society. He is a man of good business
ability, enterprising and sagacious, and by his well-
directed efforts has won prosperity. He is recog-
nized as one of the successful farmers and stock-
raisers of the community.

, LEXANDER C. DURDY, Chairman of the
U\\ County Board of Supervisors of Mont-

gomery County and a prominent grain
and elevator man of Ohlman, is a true
type of the American self-made man. He is of
Scotch-Irish descent and inherits the thrift and
enterprise of the former and the wit and true
heartedness of the latter. He was born in Wash-
ington County, Md.,on the 6th of July, 1838, and
was the youngest of the family of seven children
born to James and Mary (Lindsey) Durdy. The
first representative of .both the Durdy and Lindsey
families in America were early settlers of Mary-
land, where they located prior to the Revolution,
and the grandfather of Mrs. Durdy fought in the
war for independence.

The father of our subject was one of those hon-
est, hardworking men upon whom the sun of finan-
cial prosperity never shone with any degree of
brilliancy. In fact, he was a very poor man. In
1850, thinking to better his condition, he removed
with his family to St. Louis, Mo., where he soon
afterward died, leaving a widow and a large
family of children in very poor circumstances.
Then it was, at the tender age of twelve years,
that our subject was obliged to begin the battle of
life for himself. He became an office boy for a
large foundry in St. Louis, and about all the edu-
cation he received he obtained while attending
night school. However, he made good use of his
time and acquired a good business education.
Gradually, he advanced until he had obtained the
position of head book-keeper, which place he re-
tained until 1868, when he resigned to accept a

278

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

position in the office of the Northern Missouri
Railroad Company. However, lie remained in this
position but a short time when he had offered to
him at a big salary the position of salesman on the
road for a large wholesale liquor house in St.
Louis. This position he held continuously up to
the year 1881, and in the meantime acquired quite
a fortune. In the last-named year, he began look-
ing around for a suitable location, where he could

rear and educate his children, and finally estab-
lished himself in the elevator business at Ohlman,
where he has met with much success in his business
venture.

Mr. Durdy was married in 1862 to Miss Jose-
phine Burback, a native of St. Louis, of German
descent, and to them have been born ten children,
all of whom but one are living, namely: Mary E.,
wife of William Schaper, of Indianapolis, Ind.;
Alexander C., Jr., married Miss Annie M. Best,
daughter of Henry A. Best, one of Montgomery
Coimty's most prominent citizens, and a wealthy
farmer of Nokomis, who is connected witli our
subject in the grain business; Stella, wife of E. A.
Rice, a prominent lumber merchant of Litchfield;
Cora T. is the wife of E. S. Umpleby, agent of the
Big Four at Ohlman; Anna C., Florence, Eliza-
beth, Louis Leon and Leon Cleveland. The last
five named are still in the school room. The
mother of our subject died in St. Louis in 1872, and
of his brothers and sisters there are but two of the
former and one of the latter living. Two of his
brothers, Robert L. and James, fought bravely in
defense of the flag during the Civil War, and the
former received injuries in the service for which
he received a pension of $30 per month. He is
now a resident of Havana, Mason County, 111.
The other brother answered to the final muster a
number of years ago. William J., another brother,
is a sergeant on the St. Louis police force, having
served in that capacity for the last twenty-six
years. Our subject's sister, Mis. James Hanson, is
a widow and resides in St. Louis.

In politics, Mr. Durdy has been a life-long Dem-
ocrat, as was his father befor.e him, and has held a
number of local olfices. For six years he has been
a member of the Board of County Supervisors and
is the present Chairman of the Board, a position

he has held for four consecutive years with great
satisfaction to his constituents and with equally as
great credit to himself. He began at the bottom
round of the ladder a poor orphan boy, and his
career through life is worthy of emulation. He is
spending the evening of his well-spent life in his
beautiful home, where he enjoys all the comforts
of domestic bliss and where, surrounded by a
happy family, he can enjoy rest and quiet.

LIZABETH ANDERSON, widow of the late
P. M. F. Anderson, an early pioneer, a rep-
resentative farmer, and highly respected
citizen of Pitman Township, Montgomery County.
111., still continues to reside upon section 23, where
in their happy home she and her husband spent so
many useful years. Our subject is the daughter
of John and Jean Montgomery, and was born in
Ayrshire, Scotland, the home of her ancestors,
June 28, 1822. Her parents were honest, God-fear-
ing people, humble, industrious and upright in
character, and under their careful training their
daughter Elizabeth grew up to womanhood.

Our subject's parents could give her only the
advantage of a modest education, obtainable in
the neighborhood of their home. But Elizabeth
grew up a bright, intelligent, blooming lass, full of
life, energy and ambition. Her mother had care-
fully instructed her daughter in the ways of the
frugal household, and when in 1841, at nineteen
yeaft of age, our subject gave her heart and hand
to her chosen husband, Peter M. F. Anderson, she
was a self-reliant, capable woman, well fitted to
become a faithful and loving wife and mother.

Mr. and Mrs. Anderson began their housekeep-
ing in " bonnie Scotland," and prospered there as
people must who possess hope, health, energy and
will. The years passed on and little ones came
into the home, bringing joy and sunshine, but they
brought added cares as well. Anxious considera-
tion for the future of their children determined
our subject and her husband to emigrate to Amer-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

279

ica, which offered to all worthy new-comers a
hearty welcome and an independent home.

It was thought best that Mr. Anderson should
go first and select the location of their future res-
idence; he therefore bade a brief farewell to wife
and babes and departed for the New World in
1849. The letters he wrote home were full of^cheer
and bright anticipation, and the presence of his
family was only needed to make his life in Amer-
ica a prosperous and happy one. Mrs. Anderson
was impatient to rejoin her husband and share
with him the new exeriences of pioneer life upon
the broad prairies of the Western Hemisphere, and
in 1850, with her children and the few household
treasures which could be easily and safely trans-
ported, she embarked for America. The journey
was both long and tedious; the sailing-vessel made
slow progress, and for seven weeks and four days the
impatient passengers tossed about upon the rolling
waves of the broad Atlantic.

Safely landed in New York, our subject was not
long in reaching her destination, Alton, 111. The
reunited family made their residence in this city
for about eight years and then removed to the
homestead in Pitman Township. Mr. Anderson
was a stonemason, and had also followed the trade
of carpenter, but his farming venture was a suc-
cessful one, and he continued an agriculturist the
remainder of his life. When Mrs. Anderson with
her husband and family settled upon section 23,
the land could scarcely be called a farm. It was
in fact unbroken prairie, upon which Mr. Ander-
son turned the first sod. Years went on and the
fertile soil annually yielded an abundant harvest,
amply repaying him for all the toil and culture.
In all the labors of the home and farm the parents
had the willing assistance of their children, of
whom four of the large family of twelve still
survive: the living children are: James, John;
Mary, wife of James Oiler, is the mother of five chil-
dren ; and Margaret, wife of Leroy C. Franks. Chris-
tina, wife of J. Holmes, died recently. Our subject
and her husband gave their children all possible
educational advantages, and had the satisfaction
of seeing them become useful and honored citizens
in the land of their adoption.

Mr, and Mrs. Anderson were progressive peo-

ple, and both took deep interest in public advance-
ment. Mr. Anderson served efficiently as School
Director, and his wise advice and sagacious coun-
sel were highly appreciated by his co-laborers in
the educational field. He was a stanch Republi-
can, but impartial in his judgment of official
worth. Our subject and her husband were both
members of the Presbyterian Church.

Peter Anderson was born March 10, 1815, in
Perthshire, Scotland; he died in Harvel Township,
August 17, 1866, universally regretted by the entire
community, among whom he had spent an honored
life. Mrs. Anderson is the grandmother of thirteen
living children; her son Robert, who died October
24, 1890. left Richard, Harry, James, Grace and
Robert M. Mrs. Christina Holmes was the mother
of Elizabeth, Margaret, Murray and an infant son.
Happy, useful and beloved, our subject waits her
appointed time. Her days have been long and
varied, her interesting experience in pioneer life
a story of the past which never fails to find ready
listeners. That her presence may long bless her
friends and relatives is the earnest wish of all.

Hi l31SEli

UGUST BROKMIER, a prosperous German -
American, citizen who has done his part
toward the improvement of this portion
of the county, resides in Pitman Town-
ship. His farm consists of one hundred and sixty-
one acres of fine land and it shows careful, intelli-
gent farming.

Our subject was born in Prussia, on the 26th
of September, 1850, and is a son of Henry and
Frances Brokmier, natives of the same country,
who remained there all their lives, quiet, un-
pretentious people, who did not possess the ven-
turesome spirit of their son. Until the age of
eighteen, August remained at home, or, to be pre-
cise, he passed his eighteenth birthday while on
the ship that was bearing him to the new land,
where he had determined to make a borne in spite
of all obstacles,

280

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

In the older countries of Europe, where popula-
tion is dense, land is so valuable that nearly every
foot is considered capable of cultivation, and that
teaches the young men the thrifty habits which
cling to them and become characteristics of their
farming when they come upon the broad acres of
Western America. The subject of this notice
reached the United States after a nine weeks' trip
from Bremen, and upon landing at New Orleans,
set out for St. Louis, and soon found work in a
chair factory. His labor proved satisfactory, and
he continued there for a year and a-half, but his
hope and ambition was to become a farmer, so that
he could put into practice the methods which he
had learned in his native country.

When opportunity offered, he came to Mont-
gomery County, 111., and engaged to work on a
farm by the month, and gladly accepted $18 a
month as good pay during the busy season. In
this, as in his other work, he satisfied his employers,
and kept right along until he was able to rent a
place for himself. So well did he prosper in
this that by the time the year 1880 came around
he was in a position to purchase an excellent
place of his own. He had had plenty of time to
look about and choose a pleasant location, and
when he came to his present place he settled here
with his eyes open. He knew that hard work
awaited him to make the farm what he wished it
to be, but he did not grudge any of that. The
one hundred and sixty-one acres he has toiled
over until now they are a pleasure and pride to
him.

Mr. Brokmier has been thrice married, and
seven children survive at this time. They are:
Henry A., Minnie, Tena, William, Anne, Herman
and Charles, while John and August are dead.
Our subject is a respected member of the Lutheran
Church of Farmersville, and has favored all of the
improvements which have taken place in the
county since his residence in it. He is a self-made
man, and one whom all must regard with the
greatest respect, as he has asked help of no man,
but " paddled his own canoe " in the face of many
difficulties, not the least being his imperfect
knowledge of the language. In his own country
he was well educated for his age, and since coming

here he lias acquired an understanding of the
English tongue, but having to learn it was some
drawback to him. He compares his condition now
with that of the poor lad who landed in St. Louis
with only seventy-five cents in his pocket, and
feels that his work has not been in vain, but that
his possessions pay him for time and labor ex-
pended to obtain them.

Jl AMES W. ROBINSON. A privilege that but
few are spared to enjoy is that of having
witnessed the birth of the nineteenth cen-
tury and to still live to join in the cele-
bration of the fourth century of the discovery of
this land, which is the home of freedom and equal-
ity. Mr. Robinson is one of the rare individuals
whose experience extends over this long space of
years, he now being in his ninety-third year. He is
one of the pioneers of Bond County and is as
conversant with the history and development of
Illinois as any man now living. He was born in Lin-
coln County, N. C., March 14, 1800, and is a son
of Alexander and Martha Elizabeth (White) Rob-
inson. His father was also born in North Carolina
and was the son of Alexander Robinson, a native
of Ireland, who came to America in the early part
of 1700.

In 1812, the Robinson family went to Tennessee,
and in 1816 our subject came to Illinois. After
harvesting a trial crop in Madison County, he
brought on his family and stayed one year in that
locality. He then came to Bond County and set-
tled on land not far from where Reno is now lo-
cated, the land still being in the possession of our
subject. There his parents died. Of the three
brothers and three sisters that he had, none are
living.

James W. Robinson was married December 31,
1831, to Catherine Hess, a native of the State of
Ohio. Their companionship was of only two
years' duration, her decease occurring July 11,
1833. She left to her husband one son, Alexander

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

281

S., who on reaching manhood gave his life for his
country, dying in Libby Prison, January 20, 1864.
Our subject again married, February 12,1835,
his bride being Miss Polly Ann Armstrong. She
survived until December 27, 1889, and on her
death left two children, Mary E., the widow of
Milton Rosebrough, who lives near Valley Falls,
Kan., and Elvira, the wife of H. M. Ferguson, at
whose home our subject is pleasantly passing the
latter years of his life. Mr. Robinson inherits his
principles in politics from a long line of Whig an-
cestors, and has voted the Republican ticket ever
since the organization of that party. He has been
a life-long member of the Presbyterian Church,
and for many years has served as Elder. Mr.
Robinson is a vigorous and hale old gentleman
who retains his faculties remarkably and bids fair
to welcome in the twentieth century.

ENRY M. FERGUSON, the son-in-lnw of
Mr. Robinson, was born in Madison County,
111., April 30, 1848. He is a son of Alex-
ander and Ann Eliza (Gould) Ferguson,
both natives of New Hampshire, who came to Mad-
ison County, this State, in 1831. There both par-
ents died. Mr. Ferguson was next to the young-
est of a family of eight children, of whom four
are now living: George, who was a Lieutenantin
Company A, One Hundred and Twenty-second
Illinois Infantry, is now an attache of the Agri-
cultural Department at Washington, D. C.; Solon
is a lumberman, located at Liberty, Ind.; Helen is
the wife of Samuel R. Waggoner, a farmer of Mad-
ison County.

Mr. Ferguson was brought up on the home farm,
receiving a good rudimentary education in the
public schools of the vicinity. He completed his
studies at the Mclvendree College, of Lebanon, this
State, and was thereafter engaged in teaching for
some years in Madison and Jersey Counties. He
came to his present farm in the fall of 1875.

Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson were married October

10, 1872, Mrs. Ferguson being, as stated in her
father's sketch, Miss Elvira Robinson. They have
had six children, but of these three died when
quite young. The surviving children are: Ger-
trude, Nellie and Eugene. Originally a Republi-
can, Mr. Ferguson has espoused the Prohibition
cause, believing that upon the purity of this party
does the future strength and power of our nation
depend. He is a member of the Presbyterian
Church, and for seven years served as Elder. He
is Vice-president of the Sunday-school Association.

ANEY DAVIS, so long identified with
the best interests of Pitman Township, yet
lives, and will long live, in the hearts and
emories of the friends, neighbors and
general business community, by whom he was much
beloved and highly respected. His biography is
well known, but a brief recital here may still more
firmly establish the record of his honorable, up-
right and useful life.

The parents of our subject, Alfred and Ann M.
Davis, were both Southerners. Alfred Davis was
a Tennesseean, but the promise of prosperity in the
North caused his immigration to Illinois, where he
and his wife settled in Macoupin County at a very
early day. In the new home Raney Davis was
born, October 12, 1838. Years passed by, and in
the quiet uneventful life of the farm, the child
grew to man's estate. Mr. Davis had no extended
opportunities for an education, but he punctually
attended the district schools when he could be
spared, and lost no chance to gain the knowledge
he coveted. Farming duties early and late en-
grossed much of his time; hours of work were
long and the labor often tiresome, but books or
newspapers that came in his way were eagerly de-
voured for the varied information and news thus
obtained from the outside world.

Keeping pace with his work conscientiously as a
faithful son and bread winner, he also found time
to learn a trade. Alfred Davis, the father, was a

282

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

blacksmith and naturally taught his son a trade, so
necessary in a new country. Thus, arrived at the
age of twenty-one in his native county, our sub-
ject found himself doubly armed for the battle of
life. To do his best work for man and beast seemed
to have been his earnest effort, and in the double
avocations of farmer and blacksmith he found no
idle time. Self-educated, mainly, he gained beside
the anvil and in the field an insight into man3 r
problems of life, and it was a common saying that
no man was better _posted on the topics of the
day than Raney Davis.

Within the walls of his blacksmith shop, eager
and convincing arguments for the right were lis-
tened to with respect by friend and neighbor. The
district school had planted the seeds of integrity
and honor which Mr. Davis' life developed to full
maturity. But farming and work at the anvil did
not occupy the whole of our subject's early years.
He found plenty of leisure to woo and win, and
on November 21, 1861, married Miss Emeline Mc-
Cluer, also of Macoupin County. This lady, a
daughter of John and Hannah McCluer, was born
in Indiana, August 15, 1840. The McCluers soon
after removed with their infant daughter to this
State, and thus together boy and girl they grew
up side by side, each a favorite in the county and
neighborhood. Into the new home just founded
six_ children brought sunshine and joy, though
two of them have passed beyond. Charles R.,
Bertie L., Annie M. and Albert L. still survive.
Joseph R. and Frank died in early childhood. In
the spring of 1861, Mr. Davis and his family re-
moved to Montgomery County and settled on the
farm which is still the family homestead, and began
in the new neighborhood the life which brought
to them both much happiness and honor. The
land upon which Mr. Davis located was unbroken
prairie, but his energetic management soon yielded
him goodly crops, and the improvements of to-day
are a monument to his skillful toil.

As before mentioned, he continued his trade of
a blacksmith, in which he found ready custom from
the surrounding country. Although always a
busy man, he yet found time to serve the public
as Highway Commissioner of his township. He
was also a valued member of the School Board,

acting at times in the capacity of Clerk of the
Board and School Director. Mr. Davis was a life-
long Democrat, and together with his wife be-
longed to the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which
they were valued members. As a kind friend, ad-
viser and public-spirited citizen, Mr. Davis was
widely known. The entire township became
mourners when death called him from its midst,
May 7, 1891.

OSEPH P. THOMPSON is a retired farmer
living in Greenville, Bond County. A
self-made man, by his own efforts he has
// worked his way upward and achieved the
success which brought him a comfortable compe-
tence and enables him now to lay aside all busi-
ness caies. He was born in Davidson County,
Tenn., October 31, 1822. His grandfather, Joshua
Thompson, was a native of Ireland, who emigrated
to America and settled in Virginia, where William
Thompson, the father of our subject, was born.
The latter went to Tennessee in 1816, and mar-
ried Sarah, daughter of William Scallej^, a native
of Tennessee, born of German parentage.

William Thompson was engaged in farming in
Tennessee until 1837, when he removed to Law-
rence County, Ind., where he continued his agri-
cultural pursuits until 1853. In that year he
went to Missouri, where he spent the remainder of
his life. In politics he was a Democrat, and
knew Gen. Jackson and Zachary Taylor, becoming
acquainted with the latter while serving as Cor-
poral in the Black Hawk War. With some others
he got a quantity of honey from a bee tree, and
they presented the best of it to Gen. Taylor, who
did not even thank them for the gift. From that
time Mr. Thompson had not a very high regard
for Mr. Taylor.

We now take up the personal history of our
subject, whose boyhood days were spent upon his

LIBRARV
Of THE
UNIVEKSirr

WILEY LIRE

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

285

father's farm. His education was acquired in the
common schools, and lie afterward engaged in
teaching in Virginia. Later, he engaged in mer-
chandising in Indiana for four years, and in 1846
embarked in fanning in Lawrence County, Ind.,
where he spent ten years. The year 1856 wit-
nessed his arrival in Bond County, where he lo-
cated near Elm Point, LaGrauge Township, and
purchased, on July 4, one hundred and ten acres
of land, which he developed and improved. He
extended the boundaries of his farm until it com-
prised over four hundred acres, and made his home
there until 1875, when he sold out and purchased
three hundred and forty acres elsewhere, devot-
ing his energies to the cultivation of the latter
tract until 1881, in which year he came to Green-
ville. He here purchased four lots and three
acres of land adjoining, and now has a fine home
with beautiful surroundings.

In 1846, Mr. Thompson wedded Miss Elvira
Hoopingarner, of Lawrence County, Ind., and
unto them were born six children: Thomas B.,
the eldest, married Jennie Sharp, and has three
children, William, George and Cecil; Mary J. is
the wife of Thomas Foster, by whom she has
eleven children: Thomas, Joseph E., Annie, Will-
iam, Estella, Ellen, Renna, Bevey, Blaine, Frank
and Pearl; John M. married Miss Nancy Walker,
and they have four children: Arthur, Pearl,
Grace and John; Joseph P. is the next youngest;
George F. married Rosa Williams, and has one
son, Harold B.; and Moses E. married Isephine
Watts, and they have two sons, Joseph T. and
Dwight M. The children all reside in this
county. The death of the mother occurred in
1865. She was a member of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church. Mr. Thompson was again married,
in 1866, his second union being with Mrs. Per-
melia Henderson, of Orange County, Ind. Four
children grace this marriage: Maggie, wife of
Shelton Jett, of Kansas; Ida, wife of Henry M.
Blizzard; Harry M. and Elva M. at home.

Mr. Thompson exercises his right of franchise
in support of the Republican part}'. He served as
Justice of the Peace for eight years, as City Ald-
erman of Greenville, and has been honored with
other offices. Industry and enterprise are iium-

bered among his chief characteristics, and by his
upright dealing and good business ability he has
won the prosperity which has justly crowned his
efforts.

I LEY LIFE. The subject of the following
sketch can certainly look back upon a
busy life and feel that his labors have not
been in vain. When success crowns any victor in
a struggle, reward is his due, and Mr. Lipe re-
ceives his reward in the peace and plenty which
surround his declining years, and the rest he can
now take after the hard fight against disadvanta-
geous circumstances and poverty.

The grandparents of our subject were of Ger-
man extraction on both sides. The father bore
the name of John Lipe, and the mother was Rachel
Blackwelder. They were married in North Caro-
lina, and when Wiley was ten years of age, came
to Illinois and settled near Hillsboro, where they
rented land and remained two years. They then
entered Government land three-fourths of a mile
south in Irving Township, and there they resided
until the time of their death. Mr. Lipe was an
old-line Whig until the formation of the Republi-
can part}*, with which he was afterward identified.
He held no offices, as in those days men had opinions
without being paid for them. His religion was
that of the Lutheran church. Some thirty years
have passed since his death, which occurred when
he was about sixty-six. The mother of our sub-
ject lived to be about eighty years old, her death
having occurred about seven years since.

The family consisted of sixteen children, but
seven died before the}' attained maturity. Those
who lived were given the following names: Bar-
bara, Nelson, Allen, Noah, Delilah, Wiley, Eliza-
beth John and Martin. Barbara married Michael
Hefly, of Irving Township, who died about forty
years ago and left a large family ; afterward she mar-
ried Michael Walchor and became the mother of two
children who still live on the same place. Nelson,

286

PORTKAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

formerly a resident of Irving Township, married
Nancy Hoffner, and died leaving a large family.
Allen married LeahNeusman and both are now de-
ceased. Noah married Elizabeth Weller, and both
he and his wife have passed away. Delilah first
married Tillman Hefty, and after his death she be-
came the wife of Michael Walcher. Elizabeth, now
residing in Irving Township, is the widow of Mil-
ton Nusler, who died about fifteen years ago. John
first married Louisa Lingle, four children now sur-
viving of that union, and after her death he mar-
ried Catherine Reinhart. His death occurred in
1888. Martin married Sophia Bone, and both have
passed away, but their children still live.

Wiley Lipe was born in Cabarrus County, N. C.,
and was reared there until his tenth year. He was
then brought to Illinois, but he found no opportu-
nities for gaining an education in the locality
where his parents settled. The school of stern,
hard necessity was the only one in which he was
educated. All of the knowledge he possesses he
picked up as best he could, and if his intelligence
has made him more learned than man3 r who have
had better advantages, he deserves that much more
credit. He remained at home until he was of age
and then started out for himself. He took up
forty acres of Government land, which he cleared
and fenced, and added more land as his means per-
mitted. As the result of his arduous work, he now
owns one thousand acres of fertile prairie, meadow
and timber land, which are his by the divine right
of labor. He is an example to others, showing where
there is the will there will be the way.

In the fall of 1845, Mr. Lipe married Harriet
Newell Granthain, a daughter of Thomas and Eliz-
abeth (Christie) Granthain, but she died nine
months after marriage. His second wife was Ma-
ria Lingle, a native of North Carolina, and the
daughter of John J. and Sarah (Blackwelder)
Lingle. Her life ended May 18,1889. The rec-
ord of her children is as follows: John, a carpen-
ter residing at Pana, married Alice Bulkam, and
they have two children. Joseph married Sarah Dra-
per and they are the parents of two children.
Harriet Newell married John Weller and has six
children. Sarah Clarinda married Mark Miller, of
Auburn, 111., and they have two children. Wil-

liam Marshall lives in this township. His mar-
riage to Belle Page has brought him eight children.
Clark is unmarried and makes his home in Irving
Township. Dorcas married Hade Wyman, and
they, with their two children, reside near Auburn.
Minerva became the wife of Thomas Miller and
lives in Missouri, her marriage being blessed by the
birth of three children. Frank never married, but
died at home when twenty-three 3'ears of age. Al-
vin married Ora Draper and they reside on an ad-
joining farm. Wiley Adelbert died at home at
the age of sixteen. Five children died in infancy
and youth.

Mr. Lipe married for his third wife Mrs. Louisa
(Hilt) Farniss, the widow of Robert Farniss. Four
children of her first marriage survive: Charles,
Katie, Philip and Robert, all at home. Like his
father, Mr. Lipe has been a Republican and he has
never desired office. He is well known through-
out the neighborhood and indeed enjo3'S an ex-
tensive acquaintance in this part of the State. He
is a consistent member of the Methodist Church,
and is much respected in the community where his
life has been passed.

AXTER HAYNES, M. D. This gentleman
is a pioneer physician of Montgomery
County, and resides on section 20, town-
ship 7, range 2, Fillmore Township. He
located here in 1874, when few indications of the
present prosperity were apparent, and has since
been closely identified with the growth and devel-
opment of the county. By his skill and success in
his chosen work, he has won an excellent reputa-
tion as a physician, and the good-will of the citi-
zens. He was originally from Barren County, Ky.,
born December 20, 1827, the eleventh child and
seventh son of twelve children born to Rev. Will-
iam and Anna (Henle}') Haynes, natives, respec-
tively, of North and South Carolina. The pater-
nal grandfather, John Haynes, was a native of
England, but his wife, Mary Slice, was born in

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

287

Germany. The maternal grandfather, Timothy
Henley, was a native of the green isle of Erin.

The parents of our subject were married in Bar-
ren Count}', Ky., and there remained until the fall
of 1829, when they came to Illinois, settling in
Morgan County. There the father followed the
occupation of a farmer, and was also a minister in
the Baptist Church. lie died in May, 1830, when
forty-six years of age. The mother passed away
in Morgan County when seventy-eight years of
age. Their family consisted of seven sons and five
daughters, all of whom lived to be fifty years old,
except one, who died when fourteen years of age.
Our subject was but two years of age when he was
brought to Illinois by his parents, and his first
educational advantages were leceived in the dis-
trict schools of Morgan County. He remained un-
der the parental roof until seventeen years of age,
and then, in 1844, went to the Lone Star State,
where he spent the winter.

Returning to his home, our subject remained
there until June, 1846, when he enlisted in Com-
pany G, First- Illinois Infantry, for service in
the Mexican War, under Capt. W. J. Wyatt. He
served one year, being discharged in 1847, and
again returned to Morgan County, 111. In 1848,
he crossed the plains with an ox-team, but later re-
turned to Morgan Count} r , where he was married on
the 4th of January, 1849, to Miss Susan Bull, who
died March 3, 1863. Five children were born to
this union, as follows: Dr. Moses, of Fayette, 111.;
Jane, wife of Clark Nichols, of East Fork Town-
ship; Anna, wife of William J. Lynn, of Fill-
more; Elizabeth, wife of P. H. Smith, of East Fork
Township; and William, of Fillmore Township.
Our subject's second marriage occurred on the 20th
of January, 1864, his bride being Miss Margaret J.
Brown. Four daughters and a son have blessed
this union: Farie B. (deceased) was the wife of
William Ovcreem; Hiram S. died in 1866, in in-
fancy; Caroline S. is the wife of John L. Smith-
deed, of Fillmore Township; Effie May married
Stephen J. Jett, of Bond County; and Delia A.
completes the family circle.

In 1819, the original of this notice located on a
farm in Macoupin County, Hi., remaining there for
two years, and then located in Sugar Creek Grove

of the same county, where he was engaged in farm-
ing. In 1852, he removed to Morgan County, lo-
cated on a farm, and after residing on the same
until 1856 removed to Dallas County. Tex. There
he commenced practicing medicine, remaining
there until the following spring, when he located
in Bates County, Mo. In connection with his
practice, he was engaged in farming, and followed
both until August of the same year. From there
he removed to Kansas and settled in Bourbon
County, where he practiced for two months. Thence
he returned to Macoupin County, 111., where he
practiced medicine until 1862.

Being filled with a patriotic desire to serve his
country's cause. Dr. Haynes enlisted under the
Stars and Stripes, January 15, 1862, and raised a
company of one hundred and three men, which be-
came Company E, One Hundred and Twenty-second
Illinois Infantry. He served as Captain for one
j'ear and eight months, and was injured at Park-
er's Cross Roads in December, 1862. His wife died
about this time, and on account of that bereavement,
and his injuries, he resigned in April, 1863. Later,
he located in Zanesville, Montgomery County, 111.,
and was actively engaged in his practice for a
time. Next, he located at Donnellson, in the same
county. After remaining there two years, he lo-
cated on a farm four miles east of that place, and
continued his practice for eight years. He then
disposed of that property, and removed nine miles
east of Donnellson. Ten years later he returned
to Donnellson, where he remained three years, and
then settled on his present property in 1887.

Since 1864, Dr. Haynes has been engaged in the
active practice of his profession, and is one of the
most popular physicians of the count}'. His prac-
tice extended twenty-five miles in every directio^
and he was well known over a wide scope of terri-
tory. He began the study of medicine when twenty-
eight years of age in Rush Medical College, Chi-
cago, and remained there during 1864-65. In
1879 and 1880 he attended the College of Physi-
cians and Surgeons in St. Louis, graduating in the
latter year. He is a member of the Montgomery
County Medical Society, and the District Medical
Society of Central Illinois, also the State Medical
Society. Socially, he is a member of Fillmore

288

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Lodge No. 270, F. <fe A. M., and is one of the most
respected and esteemed residents of the county.
Although he is a self-made, self-educated man, he
has met with success in all his occupations, and is
the owner of three hundred and sixt3 r -four and
one-half acres of land in Fillmore Township. When
starting out for himself, he worked by the month
or day, and with the money thus earned he bought
two calves. Later, he traded these for a horse, and
in that manner he made his start in life.

eAREY W.JENNINGS is quite a prominent
farmer in Shoal Creek Township, Bond
County. He was born in Johnson County,
Ind., January 24, 1835, a son of Benoni and
Rachael L. (McKinney) Jennings. The elder Mr.
Jennings was of English and Welsh ancestry, but
was born in Brown County, Ohio, in the year 1800.
His wife was a native of the same locality, and of
Irish ancestry. Soon after marriage they moved
to Indiana, and in 1841 came to Coles County,
111., and in 1844 to Bond County, locating near
Greenville, which place continued to be their home
for five years.

The Jennings family, at the expiration of the
time above named, moved to a place three miles
north of Old Ripley. There both parents died in
1854, having fallen victims to the cholera. Aug-
ust 12, 1861, our subject entered the army, joining
Company D, of the Third Illinois Cavalry, and
was made a Corporal. He served throughout a three
months' campaign in Missouri, and was in the fight
at Sugar Creek and at Pea Ridge. Later, his com-
pany was appointed as escort to Gen. Steele. Much
of the time during Mr. Jenning's war experience
he was sick, and was finally discharged at Spring-
field, 111., September 5, 1864, after a service of
three years and twenty-three days. He now draws
a pension of $16 per month.

The business to which the original of this
sketch has given his undivided attention, with the

exception of the time spent in the army, is that
of a farmer. From 1871 to 1874 lie was in Morgan
County, Mo., but came to Sorcnto in 1883, and
here he has lived ever since. August 9, 1856, a
momentous event was celebrated in our subject's
career, that of his marriage, at which time he took
upon himself the vow to protect and cherish as
his wedded wife Mary E. Willey. Her father,
Wilson W. Willey, was a Lieutenant-Colonel in
the Mexican War. The years that have passed
since their union have been blessed by the advent
of seven children, five of whom are now living.
They are William G., who resides in Sorento;
Amanda F., the wife of Thomas P. Moss, also of
Sorento; E. W., who is at present in Texas; George
E., also in Sorento; and Nettie Belle, who is still
in school. The Republican party receives the fa-
vors which Mr. Jennings has to bestow in a polit-
ical way, while in a social way he is a strong Grand
Army man.

^'OSEPHUS CAUBY has always resided in
this State, and his principal occupation has
been farming, although he has also held a
number of local offices, and was Assessor of
Bois B'Arc Township for some time. He has ever
been identified with the best interests of Montgom-
ery County, and ranks as a noticeable illustra-
tion of that indomitable push and energy which
characterize men of will and determination. In
addition to being a successful farmer, whose opin-
ions upon matters pertaining to agriculture carry
with them great weight, he is a man of broad in-
telligence, who has given much attention to ques-
tions of public' import. At present Mr. Cauby is
a resident of Farmersville, and is a prominent cit-
izen of that place.

Born in Cass County, HI., February 26, 1834,
Mr. Cauby is the son of Joseph and Sophia
(Simms) Cauby, the father a native of the Palmetto
State, and the mother probably of Kentucky.
The parents were early settlers of Illinois, where the

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

289

father entered land from the Government. He
was industrious and enterprising, and was promi-
nently identified with the growth and prosperity
of the county. By hard work and economy he
became the owner of an excellent farm, and he
and his excellent wife received their final sum-
mons on the homestead where they had passed
the best years of their lives. The youthful days
of our subject were spent in assisting his father to
improve and develop the farm, and as he became
thoroughly familiar with agriculture in his youth,
it was not to be wondered at that he should
choose it as his calling in his life.

The district schools of Cass County furnished
our subject with a good practical education, but
the principal part of his knowledge has been ob-
tained by his own exertions. He was married on
the 13th of April, 1856, to Miss Emaline Gerhard,
a native of the Buckeye State, born in Montgomery
County July 17, 1837, and the daughter of Sam-
uel and Ann (Kardis) Gerhard, both natives of
Maryland. At an early date, and when Mrs.
Cauby was quite small, the parents moved to Scott
County, 111., where they were among the pioneers,
and where she was reared. To Mr. and Mrs.
Cauby have been born seven children, six of
whom are living at the present time, viz: Anne,
wife of William Downey; Frank; Nettie, wife of
Mathias Clow; Joseph F.; Clara, wife of George
Browning; and William. Emma C. is deceased.

In the spring of 1861, Mr. Cauby moved to
Montgomery County, and settled in Bois D'Arc
Township on a farm, where he remained until the
spring of 1888.. He erected good buildings and
all necessary adjuncts, has accumulated his fine
property by industry, economy and good manage-
ment, and is now one of Montgomery County's
solid men and enterprising citizens. In the
above-named year he moved to Farmersville, and
here he has made his home up to- the present time.
He owns one hundred and sixty acres of land, and
is a self-made man in every sense of that term.
For three years he served as Assessor of Bois
D'Arc Township, and has held other positions in
the township, filling all with ability and efficiency.
He is highly respected, and his advice and nid in
all enterprises regarding the advancement of his

community are very much appreciated. Mr. and
Mrs. Cauby are worthy members of the Baptist
Church, and he is serving as Clerk in the same.
They are also identified with the Missionary
Society of the church. In politics he is a pro-
nounced Democrat, and takes much interest in the
triumphs of his party.

ON. R. F. BENNETT, M. D. Should the
inquisitive stranger ask in the city of
Litchfield for its most prominent citizen,
very many would mention the gentleman
whose name opens this article. He is the present
Mayor of the place and also is one of the leading
physicians, having been in practice here since
1862.

Dr. Bennett was born in Shelby County, 111.,
October 2, 1839, and was the son of William B.
and Lavina (Curry) Bennett. The father was a
native of Virginia, having been born near the
picturesque city of Lynchburg, December 9, 1815.
He received his education at Nashville, Tenn., his
parents having located there when he was quite
young, and came to Illinois when he had grown to
manhood. He married in Shelby County a lady
from Tennessee, and he still lives in Shelby County
on a farm with his youngest son. He became a suc-
sessful Illinois farmer and a prominent man in
his county. He is a Republican in his politics and
is a member of the Board of Supervisors. He and
his wife were members of the Christian Church,
but the former is not now living, she having died
in 1872, at the age of fifty-six years.

Our subject was the eldest in the family of chil-
dren and was sent to the Moultrie County Semin-
ary to acquire an education. This was a fine school
and our subject improved his opportunities so that
at the age of seventeen he was able to take charge
of a school for himself, and for two succeeding
years he continued a teacher. He had made up his
mind in the meantime that he would become a
physician, a fine, thorough one, and to that end

290

K)RTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

he began reading under the direction of Dr. Henry,
at Paradise, 111. He then attended lectures in
the medical college at Cincinnati, Ohio, and was
graduated from that place with honor in 1861.
He had studied hard with the hope of success be-
fore him and realized that in these later days a
physician must very thoroughly understand his
profession to be able to keep up with the times.
His first field of practice was in a small town.

Dr. Bennett was confident of his ability, and in
1862 he came here, where he saw there would be
many calls made upon a good phj'sician, and here
he has remained ever since. At that time, the place
only contained fifteen hundred people, and there is
no one here in active practice who was here at the
time when Dr.Bennett opened his office. He has been
a general practitioner and has a wide experience in
this growing city. His long country rides are now
over, but he loved his work and even took the hard-
ships with pleasure. His practice has been remun-
erative, but there are more cases on his books, or
in his memory, of medical care and advice that he
cannot balance on the right side of his ledger than
of those who have remembered the Doctor when
they were well as quickly as when sickness over-
took them.

Dr. Bennett is a member of the Illinois State
Eclectic Medical Society, of which he has twice been
President. He has many interests in the city,
has two farms, also bank stock, and real estate,
and holds the position of President of the Oil
City Building and Loan Association. This is a
large local association with a capital of 81,000,000,
which is soon to be increased to $3,000,000, and
they are just about to pay the first series, having
run about nine years. Our subject is one of the
incorporators,he having taken an active part in it
all the way through, as he has seen its advantages.
He has been a public-spirited man and has helped
to get the mills, shops, etc., which have made the
place assume its thriving condition. He was
Mayor of the city at the time the St. Louis Rail-
road was put through here, and he is now closing
his fifth term as Mayor. His defeat for any city
office has yet to take place. In 1888, he was the
Republican nominee for the State Senate, and the
first count gave fourteen hundred votes against

him, but the official record was only five hundred
against him. He has been an Alderman four
years, a member of the Board of Education for a
number of terms, and has been President of the
Board for two terms. His property in the city is
principally residence property and is very valuable.
The fraternities to which Dr. Bennett belongs
are: Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Knights
of Pythias, Knights of Honor, and Modern Wood-
men of America. He is a consistent member of
the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he has
taken great interest for many years. He was mar-
ried to Miss Elizabeth J. Storm, of Shelby County,
111., the daughter of Green up Storm. They have
two children: Harry F., who is in Chicago, having
been recently graduated from the Northwestern
University; and Mary. The home of Dr. Bennett
is a model of all that a home should be, and in him
and his family the good people of Litchfield take
just pride.

[,'OHN SIMON. Among those of foreign
birth who are closely associated with the
farming interests of Montgomery County,
and who are early settlers of the same, we
should not fail to present an outline of the career
of Mr. Simon, for he has fully borne out the repu-
tation of that class of industrious, energetic and
thrifty men of German nativity who have risen
to prominence in different portions of this coun-
try. There are sterling qualities about the nation-
ality that particularly fit them for almost any oc-
cupation, and they have done excellent work in
helping to develop the various resources of the
country. Therefore it is with genuine pleasure
that we include his sketch in this work, for he is
not onl}- one of the pioneers of this county, but a
man whose honesty, uprightness and sociability
have won for him the esteem of all.

Born in Germany, near Frankfort, October 24,
1823, our subject is the son of George and Eliza-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

291

beth Simon, natives of the Fatherland, where they
remained until 1829. At that early date they
emigrated to the "Land of the free," and settled
in Maryland, where they passed the remainder of
their days. The following children were born to
their union: John, Catherine, Caroline, Theodore,
Mary, Louisa, Matilda and Huldah. Our subject
was reared in Maryland, and received but a limited
education in his youth, his advantages being very
inferior to those of the present day. Being a great
reader and a man of more than ordinary intelli-
gence, he is mainly self-educated, and is as well
informed as many who have had much better ad-
vantages.

On the 5th of September, 1844, Mr. Simon was
united in marriage with Miss Catherine Peck, a
native of Pennsylvania, born in Somerset County,
March 4, 1825. She is the daughter of Henry and
Eva Peck, natives of the Keystone State, and of
German descent. The children born to Mr. and
Mrs. Peck were as follows: John; Catherine, Mrs.
Simon; Jacob, Elizabeth, Samuel, Sally, Susan and
Henry. The four last named died after reaching
mature years.

Of the children born to our subject and his wife,
the following now survive: Elizabeth, Susan,
Sarah. Savilla, Louisa, Catherine, Lucinda, Julia,
Alice, Jonas and George. Seven children are de-
ceased, five sons and two daughters. In the fall
of 1866, our subject with his family removed to
the Prairie State and located first in Macoupin
County, but in the spring of 1867, came to Mont-
gomery County and settled on a farm in Bois
I)' Arc Township, where he has resided since.

Mr. Simon has acquired about one hundred and
fifty-five acres of land, upon which he has since
closely applied himself to farming and stock-rais-
ing, and with what success may be inferred from a
glance at his farm. His estimable wife has been a
helpmate indeed, and has aided him in every effort.
They settled on the raw prairie land, and Mr.
Simon turned the first furrow on the place. He is
a self-made man, and he and Mrs. Simon have
reason to be proud of their energy and persever-
ance in gathering around them so many of the com-
forts and conveniences of life. They have wit-
nessed almost the entire growth of the county,

have contributed their share toward its develop-
ment and progress, and are citizens of whom any
community might be proud. Both are worth} 7 mem-
bers of the German Baptist Church, and Mr. Simon
is a Deacon in the same. During her girlhood Mrs.
Simon attended a subscription school, and, although
she had limited educational advantages, she is a
thoughtful reader and observer, and an intelligent
conversationalist. They are honorable and useful
citizens, and an ornament to their community.

OHN T. MADDUX is among the most enter-
prising and deservedly successful of the
many eminent gentlemen who devote their
time and energies toward the material ad-
vancement of the best interests of Hillsboro and
Montgomery County. Few maintain a higher
reputation for integrity and reliability, and as he
has been a resident of Montgomery County since
the age of three years, he is well and favorably
known throughout its length and breadth. His
methods are straightforward and honorable, and as
a consequence the volume and value of his real-
estate and insurance business are steadily enlarg-
ing from day to day. A large part of his success is
due to his knowledge of real-estate law, thereby
protecting investors from imperfect titles, and giv-
ing them confidence that money invested through
his office is not only profitable, but safe.

Our subject was born in Greenville, Bond
County, 111., April 5, 1833. His father, John Mad-
dux, was a native of Kentucky, as was also the
grandfather, John Maddux, Sr. The father of our
subject was born in the year 1798, grew to man-
hood in his native State, and was there married to
Miss Rebecca White, who was born and reared in
the Blue Grass State. After marriage, the parents
remained in Kentucky until about 1830, when they
removed to the Sucker Stale, locating in Green-
ville, Bond County. They removed from there to
Hillsboro, 111., in 1836, and in that place passed
the closing scenes of their lives, the father dying

292

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

at the age of fifty-six, and the mother at the age
of eighty-two. He was a private in the Black
Hawk War.

Six children were the fruits of the above-men-
tioned union, two sons and four daughters, five of
whom grew to mature years, and three are still
living, our subject and two sisters, viz: A. Jane,
wife of Thomas Standing, of Hillsboro; and Eve-
line' P., the widow of M. J. Blockburger. Our sub-
ject was the youngest member of the family, and,
as before stated, was but three years of age when
his parents brought him to Montgomery County.
As a consequence, all his recollections are of this
county. He received the rudiments of his educa-
tion in the public schools of Hillsboro, and finished
his studies in the Hillsboro Academy. In 1853, he
commenced clerking in a general store for James
Glenn, and continued as clerk f"or three years. In
1857, he was appointed by the Governor as Mail
Agent on the now Big Four Railroad, running
from Terre Haute, Ind., to St. Louis, and held that
position for one year, when he resigned, being
elected County Clerk of Montgomery County. He
filled that position with much efficiency for four
years.

In 1862, our subject enlisted in Company C,
Seventieth Illinois Infantry, and was made Captain
of his company, which numbered one hundred and
one men. He was at Camp Butler for one hun-
dred days, and was out six months, guarding
prisoners most of the time. At the end of that
time he returned home, and was Deputy Circuit
Clerk for one 3'ear. In 1865, he engaged in the
general merchandising business in Hillsboro, and
carried this on very successfully for two and one-
half years, when he sold out and embarked in
the real-estate, brokerage and insurance business,
which he has since continued. He was elected the
first Mayor of the city of Hillsboro, and held that
position one 3 r ear, his administration being marked
by the decided improvements made in the city dur-
ing his incumbency. He has been a member of the
Council many terms. He is a Knight Templar in
the Masonic fraternity, and is a member of Hills-
boro Lodge No. 51, Chapter of the same in Hills-
boro and of Litehfield, K. T., No. 30.

Mr. Maddux was married on the 26th of Jan-

uary, 1860, to Miss Mary F. Sammons, a native of
Lewis County, N. Y., and they have had but one
child, Elsie E., who died at the age of twelve
years. Mr. and Mrs. Maddux have a very pleasant
home in Hillsboro, are deeply interested in the de-
velopment and progress of the city, and are uni-
versally respected.

J1 OSEPH M. BAKER. The learned professions
I have many disciples who aspire to honor
j and dignity in their chosen fields, and all,
' with greater or less reason, expect their
efforts to be crowned with success. He of whom
we have the pleasure of attempting a short bio-
graphical sketch, is one of the many to woo the
fickle goddess of fortune before the Bench and
Bar. Nor does he aspire without cause, for nature
has gifted him generously with those qualities
that make themselves felt in the legal profession.
He has much of the mesmeric power that, in plead-
ing a case, can make Judge and jury see the case
from his own standpoint.

Mr. Baker is a product of the Prairie State, born
in Grisham Township, Montgomery County, Oc-
tober 5, 1866, and is the son of Rev. William P.
and Margaret J. (McLean) Baker, both natives of
the Sucker State, the father born in Macon, and
the mother in Montgomery County. The grand-
father of our subject, William D. Baker, was born
in the old North State and was a farmer by occu-
pation. He inherited much of the thrift, enter-
prise and courage of his Scotch ancestors. His
wife, who is the daughter of a Revolutionary sol-
dier, is still living and is ninety-two years of age.
Our subject's maternal grandfather, Joseph Me
Lean, was born in North Carolina and was a prom-
inent man for his time and day.

Rev. William P. Baker, father of our subject,
became a prominent minister in the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church. lie and his wife are now
residing at Hillsboro, and are prominently iden-
tified with all worthy enterprises. They are much-

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or THE

of ILLINOIS

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

295

esteemed citizens and Mr. Baker takes a deep in-
terest in his noble calling. Mr. Baker is now liv-
ing with his second wife. To his first union were
born two children, a son and daughter: William C.,
deceased; and Ora D., the wife of G. H. Donnell,
of the State of Washington. The second union
also resulted in the birth of a son and daughter:
our subject and Mary J., the latter at home.

The original of this notice, the eldest child by
the second marriage, improved his chances in the
district schools until fifteen years of age, when he
entered Hillsboro Academy, and graduated from
that institution in 1885. After this he commenced
the study of law, but at the same time began
teaching school and followed this profession for
three years. He studied law in the office of Hon.
J. M. Truitt, and remained with him for two
years. In 1889, he was admitted to the Bar before
the Supreme Court of the State and has practiced
his profession in Hillsboro since. Although among
the younger members of the Bar, he is not only
a lawyer of ability, but is also painstaking and in-
dustrious in preparing his cases and guarding the
interests of his clients with great care.

As a lawyer, he combines ability and a thorough
training in legal principles with industry and
close application, and enjoys general esteem as a
scholarly young man, a valuable counsellor and a
useful and influential citizen. He is public-spirited
and enterprising, giving his hearty support to all
worthy movements, and is a worthy member of the
Presbyterian Church. In his political affiliations
he is a stanch Republican.

[/GUN N. PRICKETT. Our subject is a
farmer living near Sorento and a veteran
of the late war. He was born in Bond
County, near Greenville, December 24,
1826, and was the second oldest of a family of
four children born to John and Anna (Holbrook)
Prickett. The latter was born in Georgia April
8, 1801, and died December 30, 1885. Mr. Prickett,

Sr., was also a native of Georgia and came to
Illinois in an early day, but died when our sub-
ject was a lad of, seven years of age. Mrs. Prickett
again married, her second husband being John E.
Evans.

Of the four children born to our subject's par-
ents, James R. is in Washington, and Jacob T. in
Litchfield, this State; Thomas W. Evans, a half-
brother of our subject, lives near by. He is also
a veteran of the late war, having served in the
One Hundred and Fiftieth Illinois Infantry. John
N. was reared on the home farm, and there learned
many things besides the rudiments of the educa-
tion which he received in the district school. He
was engaged for a number of years as a teacher in
the schools of the locality. September 5, 1861,
he entered the army, joining Company A (an in-
dependent company of sharpshooters), which was
attached to the Twenty-sixth Missouri Infantiy.
This company was for a time body-guard to Gen.
Fremont. They took part in the battles of luka
and Corinth. After the latter engagement our
subject was taken sick with a complication of dis-
eases and was for a long time in a hospital at
St. Louis, from which he was finally discharged
January 6, 1863.

February 3, 1865, Mr. Prickett had so far re-
covered that he again enlisted in Company G,
One Hundred and Fiftieth Illinois Infantry, hav-
ing a commission as Orderly-Sergeant. He was
afterward promoted to the post of First Lieuten-
ant of his company, and served until January
30, 1866, when he received his honorable discharge
at Camp Butler, at Springfield, 111.

After our subject returned from the army, he
took unto himself the duties and obligations of
married life, his bride being Miss Julia A. Denny,
a sister of O. C. and E. W. Denny, whose family
came to Illinois in pioneer days. Mrs. Julia
Prickett died January 18, 1878, leaving three
children, one of whom died in infancy. Willie
S. married Miss. Nellie M. Linxwiler; Addie lives
with her father. Our subject again married, June
9, 1881, his present wife having been Miss Nancy S.
Wilej', who was born in Montgomery Count}',
where her parents were early settlers, coming
hither from Kentucky. Her father, James Wiley,

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

was born in Lincoln County, Ky., and her mother
in Buncombe County, N. C. The decease of both
took place in Montgomery County. Mr. Prickett
is a strong Republican and is a practical exponent
in his agricultural interests of the benefit reaped
from the policy of that party. His associations
and reunions at various times with the Grand
Army of the Republic have given him great pleas-
ure. For many years he was engaged in teach-
ing. He now lives on his farm, still retaining
enougli of its active management to be a pleasant
occupation for him.

'AMES H. COX. It is the fad of the day
to assume that a newspaper, and especially
a political organ, must be the popular edu-
cator. This is doubtless true, and as with
educators of other sorts, the editor and maker of a
live, newsy sheet must be up and doing. It is an
easy matter in these days of ''patent insides" and
"scissoring" of the bright things from the metropol-
itan sheets, to make up an ordinary paper, but to
know how to add its proper spice of local fact and
fancy so that it will appeal to its own public and
be indeed a cyclopedia of grateful knowledge, is
another thing. Our subject, however, who is the
editor and proprietor of the Daily JVewis, a bright,
original little sheet published in Litchfield, has
shown that he has all the necessary attributes to
edit a well-printed local sheet.

Mr. Cox was born at Denison, Tex., September
26, 1867, a son of A. M. and Virinda (Hobbs) Cox.
He was brought up, as one might say, in a print-
ing office, his father before him having been en-
gaged in the printing business. Mr. Cox, Sr., was
originally from New Jersey, and his wife from Vir-
ginia. They were both persons well adapted to
the training of a precocious young mind having
aspirations for something really effective in the
line of work to which it was directed.

Young Cox received the early part of his ed-

ucation in his native place, but when he was ten
years of age his parents moved to Bunker Hill,
111., and a year later came to Litchfield, where the
lad finished his educational course In 1880, he
turned his attention wholly to newspaper work,
including the mechanical part as well as the com-
piling of the literary portion and news items. He
was first, engaged in the Monitor office, where he
remained for two years. Following his connec-
tion with this paper was an engagement of two and
a-half years with the Mt. Olive Herald.

Newspaper men are proverbially restless crea-
tures, always longing to see and know more of the
great world, and this spirit for traveling is ren-
dered easy by the fact that a compositor can make
a living in any portion of the country. Mr. Cox
determined to see something of the South, and
worked his way through many of the large cities,
gaining, beside the pleasure incident to travel, a
knowledge of the methods used in different pub-
lishing houses. He spent some time in Louisiana
and Texas, and thence went East. In all his travel,
however, he kept a tender remembrance and a
loyal feeling for the place of his rearing and adop-
tion, and finally came back to Litchfield. For a
short time after his return to this town, our sub-
ject was engaged in the restaurant business. Ap-
ril 12, 1890, however, he purchased the Daily News,
which had been established by Mr. F. M. Roberts
in 1885. It is a seven-column folio, with a pop-
ular circulation in the city and county, and is the
oldest daily paper in the county. Mr. Cox spares
no means or pains to make it acceptable to the
public.

^ipvATHANIEL H. MARTIN LINGLE was

111 born in Rowan County, N. C., May 3,
111 M^ 1831. He is the son of John J. and Sarah
(Blackwelder) Lingle, who were natives of North
Carolina, of English and German extraction. John
J. was a farmer and his ancestors in North Caro-
lina carried on agricultural pursuits there and

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

297

took part in the Revolutionary War. He died in
the old North State when our subject was three
and one-half years of age, but his wife survived
him until 1860 and died in this county. She mar-
ried George Carriker in North Carolina and they
moved into this township in 1842, where her second
husband died about 1850.

The brothers and sisters of our subject were as
follows: Monroe married Lucinda Blackwelder
and lives in Cabarrus County, N. C., but his wife
died in 1888 and left one child; Alfred Wiley
married Elizabeth Carriker and moved into South-
ern Illinois, but he was killed in the war while
performing his duty in Sturgis' Raid at Pittsburg
Landing, and left four children; Reuben married
Katie Wilhelm and is a farmer in Pulaski County,
111., and has a family of seven children; Matthew,
a minister in the Lutheran Church now living at
Olney. 111., married Sophia Scherer, who at her
death left two children; Selina married Henry
Spangle, lives at Mattoon and has four children;
Maria, who was the wife of Wiley Lipe and died in
May, 1889, at the age of sixty-two; Louisa mar-
ried John G. Lipe and died July 16, 1889, leaving
five children: Joseph died April 16, 1862; and
Jacob, who married Mary Lipe, lives in Irving
Township and has three children.

Our subject was reared in North Carolina until
he had reached eleven and a-half years of age,
when he was sent to the subscription school and
gained a good foundation there. He was brought
to this State in 1842, by his mother and step-
father, and the family settled in Roundtree Town-
ship and there our subject remained until he had
attained his majority. He was not satisfied with
his surroundings, and in March, 1852, went to
California to try his fortune and remained away
for two years, when he returned to Roundtree
Township. In 1855 he went to North Carolina,
his native State, but came back to Illinois in 1856,
and worked for eight or nine years at the carpen-
ter's trade. When the war broke out he enlisted
for three months in Company H, Ninth Illinois
Infantry, and remained until his time expired,
but he found a soldier's life did not agree with
him, so he returned to his work as a carpenter. In
1862, he purchased fifty acres of land, which he

added to until he finally had four hundred and
seventy. His choice for a wife was Miss Catherine
Lipe and the marriage was performed March 20,
1862. She was the daughter of Allen and Leah
(Nussmann) Lipe and was born in Irving Township.
Her parents both died in Roundtree Township.
Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Lingle,
as follows: Albert died when only a year old;
Forrest married Ada Chamber and lives in this
town; May married Jacob Snyder, a farmer; Belle
remains single; Orville, Grace, Alma and Hubert
are at home.

Mr. Liugle is a Republican in his political belief,
and has been true to party and has desired no of-
fices. He is a valued member of the Lutheran
Church, which he supports and attends. He has
carried on a system of mixed farming and has
been very successful and is a man much respected
in his neighborhood.

F. FILE. The pleasant little town of
Sorcnto, which is notable for its phenomenal
growth, is the place of residence of a num-
ber of retired farmers, who have accumu-
lated a handsome competency in their calling, and
have settled here to spend the halcyon days of the
late summer of life. Our subject is a notable
member of this class and has a very attractive
home.

John F. File was born in Ripley Precinct, Bond
County, July 13, 1832. He is a son of George
and Mary (Lyttaker) File, and was the third boy
and fifth child in order of birth of a family num-
bering fourteen children, namely: Henry, Peter,
Elizabeth, Margaret, Moses E., Catherine, George,
Sarah Melinda, Nancy E., Amanda, Hester, James
N. and Susan, beside our subject. Some of these
children are now deceased. The survivors are
honored and respected citizens of the locality in
which they live.

As to the ancestry of the File and Lyttaker
families, but little is known bej^ond the fact that

298

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

they were both of old Pennsylvania Dutch stock,
who in an early day emigrated to North Carolina.
There the father of our subject was born in Oc-
tober, 1798. His mother was born in Tennessee in
1808. In 1822, Mr. File came to Illinois, settling
in Bond County, where he took up land, but for
many years he was engaged in the distilling busi-
ness. He died in Ripley Township in 1857. After
his first prospecting tour in Illinois, in 1822, he
returned to Tennessee and married our subject's
mother. After a life spent in good works, this
noble woman died in March, 1878, at the age of
seventy years.

John File grew up on his father's farm, receiv-
ing such education as was furnished in the com-
mon schools of the day. March 17, 1853, he was
married to Miss Barsheba Willey, who was the eld-
est of six children born to Willis and. Frances
(Mills) Willey, both natives of Nashville, Tenn.,
where the former was for many years a large slave-
holder. The family early came to Illinois and
located in Bond County, where his business as a
farmer was only interrupted by his experience in
the Mexican War. He went out with a Captain's
commission and came back as a Colonel. He died
in 1858, and his wife followed him in 1866. Mrs.
File was born in Pocahontas Township, in 1836.

Our subject and his wife have been the parents
of nine children, as follows: Columbus was
killed when but fifteen years of age, by being
kicked by a horse; Mary F. is the wife of Hiram
Chestnut, a farmer who served four years in the
late war in the Third Illinois Cavalry; George W.
lives in Greenville; Carey F. lives in Sorento;
Emma J. is the wife of John Stafford, and resides
in Sorento; Lemuel is a clerk in the hardware
store of S. C. Cress, of Sorento; John F., Jr., Henry
A. and Lula live at home.

February 25, 1864, Mr. File entered the army,
joining Company E, of the Third Illinois Cavalry.
He entered the ranks at St. Louis and thence went
to Memphis, afterward to Helena, Ark., then to
Little Rock; in fact, was with the regiment in all
their expeditions, fights and campaigns, including
the expedition from Ft. Snelling, Mo., to Devil's
Lake, Dak., and was mustered out of service at
Ft. Snelling, October 10, 1865. On returning

from the war, our subject rejoined his family in
Ripley Township, and resumed farming operations.
In 1867, he was appointed Deputy Sheriff of the
county, and filled the office for seven years. He
also served as Supervisor of his township, mean-
time continuing his fanning until 1890, when he
moved to Sorento, where he has since resided. He
has a small suburban farm which claims some of
his time and attention. He is a strong Republican
in politics, and is an equally ardent member of the
Grand Arm}-. He receives a pension of $10 per
month.

eOL. PAUL WALTER. Prominent among
the active enterprises of a city like Hills-
boro the livery business occupies neces-
sarily an important place, contributing as it
does to the pleasure, convenience and necessi-
ties of the community. Among the most noted
establishments of this class is that conducted by
Col. Paul Walter, it being one of the most popular
ones in the city. The Colonel is a native of North
Carolina, born in Cabarrus County, October 3,
1821.

His grandfather, Paul Walter, was born in Ger-
many and came to America when a young man.
He served in the Revolutionary War and was
wounded four times. His son, Nicholas Walter,
the father of our subject, was born in the Old
North State, grew to manhood there, and learned
the millwright's trade. He was married in his na-
tive State, to Miss Catherine Goodman, a native
of France, who came to America with her parents
when a child. They located in North Carolina
and there Mrs. Walter grew to womanhood. After
marriage, this worthy couple located in Cabarrus
County, N. C., and there the father passed away in
the year 1825. After his death, or in 1838, his
widow came to Montgomery County, 111., and lo-
cated on a farm north of Hillsboro, where she
passed the remainder of her days. They were the
parents of eight children, four sons and four

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

299

daughters, all of whom grew up. married, and be-
came the heads of families. Only one beside our
subject is now living, Henry J., of Ilillsboro.

Our subject is the youngest of this family and
was seventeen years of age when he came to Mont-
gomery County, 111. His first schooling was in
North Carolina and after coming to Montgomery
County, he attended the schools of the same. He
remained with his mother and assisted on the farm
until February 1, 1844, when he was married to
Miss Emaline Scott, a native of North Carolina
and the daughter of Alexander Scott, also of the Old
North State. The fruits of this union were eight
children, four sons and four daughters, as follows:
George A., W. Scott, Marcilla, Illinois, Susan,
Miller, Estella and James. Following his marriage,
Mr. Walter located on a farm eight miles north of
Ilillsboro and was engaged in general farming un-
til 1850, when he was seized with the gold fever.
He crossed the plains to California, via Salt Lake
City, with teams, and was a resident of that Stale
for four years. He returned by way of the Isth-
mus to New Orleans and thence to his home.

Two months later. Mr. Walter returned to Cali-
fornia and two years later returned to the East via,
the Isthmus and New York City. During his two
trips to the Gold State, he made $48,000. In the
year 1861, he enlisted in Company E, First Illinois
Cavalry, as a private and was made Captain of his
compan_y. He was in service two years and took
a prominent part in many of the leading engage-
ments. He was taken prisoner by Gen. Price and
afterward paroled. He then re-enlisted and was
discharged on special order. Returning to the
farm, he continued to till the soil until 1867, when
lie located in Ilillsboro, where in connection with
the livery business lie embarked in the elevator
and grain business, lie is not in the grain busi-
ness at the present time, but devotes his whole
time and attention to the livery business, of which
he has made a complete success.

In politics, our subject is a strong adherent of
the principles of the Republican party and was
Mayor of Hillsboro in 1873 and 1874. He was
also Alderman for many 3'ears and lias been promi-
nently identified with all movements of note. He
is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Mt. Moriah

Lodge No. 51, Hillsboro, and is a member of the
Frank 1). Hubbell Post No. 304, G. A. R., being
the first commander of the same.

;ILLIAM KOCH, a retired lumber man of
Greenville, is a native of Klein, Ruden,
Germany. He was born March 22, 1822,
and is a sou of Christian and Fredericka (Macke)
Koch, natives of Brunswick, Germany. His father
was an extensive farmer of that country and he
and his wife spent their entire lives in their native
land. They had a family of eight children, of
whom three came to America. Of these Jacob
located in Vandalia, 111., and died in Tazewell
County; Christian was a resident of Vandalia, 111.,
until his death; and William.

We now take up the personal history of our sub-
ject, who was educated in his native land and re-
mained on the home farm until his immigration to
America in 1849. He crossed the Atlantic' in a
sailing-vessel and after a tempestuous vo3'age of
twelve weeks, landed in New Orleans and from
there came up the river to St. Louis and on to
Vandalia, 111., where his brother Christian was liv-
ing. Two years afterward he purchased two hun-
dred acres of land northwest of Vandalia and em-
barked in farming, and made his home upon that
farm for about twenty years. He then sold that
tract and purchased two hundred acres of wild land
near Vandalia, which he transformed into rich and
fertile fields and improved with good buildings,
etc. Subsequently, he again sold out, and after a
short residence in Vandalia came to Greenville and
embarked in the lumber business with J. C. Gerichs.
This partnership continued for twelve years and
they did a large volume of business over an ex-
tended territory.

Mr. Koch was married in Vandalia in 1851 to
Miss Mary J. Walter, who died in that city. In
1869, he was again married, his second union being
with Miss Minnie Stoll, who departed this life in
1883. Mr. Koch has no children of his own but

300

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

has reared three: John Walter, who came to him
when eighteen months old and under his roof grew
to manhood, and two nieces Carrie and Maggie
Sonnmann, who have lived with him from the
ages of fourteen and six years respectively.

In connection with his other business interests,
Mr. Koch purchased one hundred and sixty acres
of land just south of the city and another tract of
sixty acres which he has improved and has under
a high state of cultivation. He has a fine flock of
Shropshire sheep 011 the farm and owns besides a
large amount of other stock. He laid out the Koch
Addition to Greenville, in the southwest part of
the city, and has been a prominent and influential
citizen, who takes a commendable interest in all
that pertains to the welfare of the community and
its upbuilding.

In politics Mr. Koch is a Republican and has held
the office of Alderman for six years, for one year
was City Treasurer, and has been one of the Direc-
tors of the School Board for seven years. The
prompt and faithful manner in which he ever dis-
charges his public duties has led to his frequent
re-eleclions, and won him the commendation of all
concerned. He is a faithful member of the Christian
Church in which he serves as a Deacon. His home
is a fine residence in Waits Addition, and the owner
is recognized not only as one of the wealthy but as
one of the prominent and valued citizens of this
community. His life has been an honorable and
upright one, which lias gained him the confidence
and respect of all witli whom he has been brought
in contact.

>ILLIAM A. SHUPING is a member of the
firm of Dixon <fe Shuping, who are exten-
sive dealers of grain at Witt, 111. This
firm is well and favorably known throughout this
section of the country, has an unquestioned credit,
and is considered quite a factor in the market.
Mr. Shuping was born near Salisbury, N. C.,
March 16, 1849, a son of Andrew and Polly (Cense)

Shuping, and knows but little of the ancestry or
early history of his family further than the fact
that they were natives of the old North State,
where the father was an extensive and well-to-do
planter. There is but little doubt that the Sliup-
ings were early settlers of Pennsylvania, and might
be termed of Dutch extraction. Andrew Shuping
and his son Henry espoused the Confederate cause
at the opening of the Civil War and were in every
sense of the word Southern sympathisers and loyal
to Southern interests and institutions. The father
is still living in North Carolina, and the son Henry
is a resident of Sunnier County, Kan.

On the typical old Southern plantation belong-
ing to his father, the subject of this sketch was
reared, but in his youth was deprived of advantages
for securing an education, save what the common
schools afforded, but in these he managed to ac-
quire a practical knowledge of the common
branches. His early life was healthy, happy and
free from care, but at the age of twenty-one, or in
1870, he took upon his shoulders the burden of his
own support, and began his independent career as
a tiller of the soil in Montgomery County, 111.
This honorable and useful employment occupied his
undivided attention for a few years, after which
he turned his attention to the business of grain
buying in the town of Witt, where he has built up
a reputation for honesty and fair dealing which
has gone far toward making him the successful
man of business that lie is.

Mr. Shuping is personally held in the highest
esteem, and is honored alike for his business quali-
fications and social standing. He is a fine financier
and holds the confidence of the best grain houses
of his section. His career bears evidence of his
personal worth and he is one of the leading social
factors of the place, conspicuous for his promptness
and energy. Through energetic management the
house has become a well-known and well-conducted
one and the well-ordered premises are supplied
with all requisite facilities, which enable them to
offer special advantages to customers.

Mr. Shuping wooed and won for his wife Mrs.
Ellen (Holmes) Anderson, their union being cele-
brated in .January, 1886. .Mrs. Shuping was born
in England but was brought to the United States

TORTEAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

301

by her parents when a child, and in this country
was reared to womanhood. This union has proved
a very happy one but has not resulted in the birth
of any children. Mr. Shaping lias always supported
Democratic principles and candidates, in which re-
spect he follows in the footsteps of his worthy
father. He has thoroughly identified himself with
the section in which he resides, and all moral pub-
lic measures which commend themselves to his ex-
cellent judgment find in him a hearty and liberal
supporter.

JOHN REISER. This influential farmer of
Montgomery County, like many of the other
prominent citizens, is of foreign birth, born
in Ostfriesland, Hanover, Germany, June 3,

1 842. He is the fifth in order of birth among seven
children born to J. H. and Johanna (Juergena)
Reiser, both natives of the Fatherland. The father
was a man of great mental ability and was well
educated. He was a powerful debater, a deep rea-
soner and thinker, and for many years a promi-
nent school teacher in his native land. At the
time of the birth of our subject, he had retired to
a farm, and on this the boyhood days of the latter
were passed.

Young Reiser attended the schools of his native
country until 1851, at which date the family emi-
grated to Ameiica, sailing from Bremen to New
Orleans, the trip occupying fifty-one days. After
touching American soil, the family proceeded at
once to the Prairie Stale and located on a farm
near Alton, Madison County, where they tilled the
soil for two years. From there they removed to
Macoupin County and located near what is now
Mt. Olive. Here the father purchased his first land
in the States. He was industrious and progressive
and was fairly successful in his undertaking.

The advantages for receiving an education were
not the best for our subject in the locality where his
parents had settled, and it being the desire of the

elder Mr. Reiser that his son should be a minister,
John was under his father's tutelage preparing for
college. In 1863, he entered the Concordia Col-
lege of St. Louis and there diligently prosecuted
his studies for one year. Then it was that he
thought the time had come for him to do something
in defense of the flag of his adopted country, and,
leaving his books and college life, he tendered his
services to the Union. October 12, 1864, we find his
name on the rolls of Company E, One Hundred and
Forty-fourth Illinois Infantry,as a private. He was
mustered in at Alton, and about thirtj' of his com-
pany, including himself, were detached, mounted,
and sent on an expedition through Central Illinois
for the purpose of breaking up Copperhead camps
that were being formed in different sections.

After a number of months in this line of duty,
and having accomplished their mission, the men
returned to Alton, but were soon sent to St. Louis
where for some months our subject was engaged in
escorting and guarding prisoners, doing garrison
duty, and guarding bridges through Missouri. The
company had received orders and was about to
embark for Memphis from St. Louis when the word
came that Gen. Lee had surrendered. They were
then held in St. Louis until the first part of July,
when they were ordered to be discharged. This
occurrence took place on the 25th of July. As
stated above, Mr. Reiser had entered the ranks as a
private, but he was promoted to be Corporal, then
Commissary Sergeant, later to Orderly Sergeant,
and was acting Second Lieutenant at the time of
his discharge. During the time he was in the army,
his father had died, and upon his return to the
parental roof he was unable to resume his studies
at the college, being obliged to take charge of his
father's estate.

In the spring of 1869, Mr. Reiser came to Mont-
gomery County and located on the farm where he
now lives, in Roundtree Township. This he had
purchased about two years previousl}', giving f>9
per acre. He has been successful in all his under-
takings and has acquired a comfortable competence.
For a number of years past, he has not been act-
ivety engaged in farming, preferring to rent his
land, and is now enjoying the fruits of his labor.
I He is a man of sound sense and good judgment,

302

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD,

and his counsel and advice are much sought after
among his people. Much of his time is devoted to
the settling of estates, etc. He has ever been a
Republican in politics and his first Presidential
vote was cast for Abraham Lincoln. Mr. Keiser
has held the office of Township Clerk three years,
Supervisor three years, and has served as Highway
Commissioner. Ever active in educational matters,
he has been one of the Board of School Trustees
for years. He is also an active worker in the Ger-
man Lutheran Church, of which he has been a life-
long member and Superintendent of the Sunday-
school since it was first organized. For twelve
years, he has been President of the Church Board,
and for many years served as its Secretary. He
is a strong advocate of temperance and is a total
abstainer.

Mr. Keiser selected his wife in the person of
Miss Hilka, daughter of Cornelius Croon, a promi-
nent German farmer of Christian County, who
died in 1872. Mrs. Keiser died in 1879, leaving
two children of three born to them, one having
died in infancy. Miss Johanna is a young lady of
good education and keeps house for her father.
Cornelius, a boy of thirteen, is a studious, intelli-
gent lad, and is now attending school. The
mother of our subject died on the 23d of Septem-
ber, 1889, when eighty-two years of age. Of her
seven children but two are now living, our subject
and Martin, a wealthy farmer of Christian County,
111. Harbert, who was a successful school teacher
residing at Mt. Olive, died August 1, 1892.

vtr^MERY C. JONES, M. D. The eminent
\\rfi physician whose name introduces this
/*' -3 sketch impresses even those who meet him
in a casual way as a man who has drifted easily
and naturally into the medical profession, who
realizes that he has made no mistake in the choice
of his vocation, and who feels thoroughly at home
in the position which he occupies. This first
impression deepens with a more intimate acquaint-

ance, and familiarity with the history of his life
leads to the unbiased and impartial view, that the
splendid success which he has achieved is the
logical sequence of talent rightly used, together
with energy and industry never misapplied. Dr.
Jones has found in the study and practice of med-
icine an occupation more congenial to his tastes
than anything else could possibly have been; he
could not have taken up any other calling with-
out doing violence to the dominant instincts of
his nature, and he is devoted above all else to his
profession.

Dr. Emery C. Jones was born in Owen County,
Ind., November 7, 1853, and in that State he was
reared to mature years. His parents, Jesse and
Sarah (Crow) Jones, were natives of Indiana, and
the mother is still a resident of Owen County.
Our subject received his primary education in the
schools of Spencer, Ind.. and supplemented this by
attending the Valparaiso Normal School during
the greater part of three years. He pursued what
is called the Teachers' Course, both classical and
scientific, at different periods for about four terms,
and afterward taught in the public schools of
Owen County, Ind. When about twent3'-three
years of age, he began reading medicine with Drs.
Evans and Matson, of Greencastle, Ind., and re-
mained with them for about one year. Believ-
ing in the profession and feeling himself fitted to
meet the requirements, none of the numerous ob-
stacles which he found from time to time in his
pathway were allowed to more than temporarily
check his progress towards the goal of his ambi-
tion.

In the year 1878, our subject entered Jefferson
Medical College at Philadelphia, and attended one
preliminary and one regular course. Afterward,
he entered the medical department of the Uni-
versity of Louisville, Ky.,and was graduated from
that institution in 1880. During the same year,
he came to Montgomery County, 111., and located
where he now resides. In 1889, he took the full
course, post-graduate, at the Medical School of
New York City, and afterward returned to Mont-
gomery County, where he entered upon his work
thoroughly equipped and fully prepared to meet
any professional demands that might be made

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UNIVERSITY ot ILLINOIS

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

305

upon him. This is attested by the fact that suc-
cess attended his efforts from the start, and, al-
though practically a self-made man, he has won
an honorable position among the professional men
of the county.

The original of this notice is a member of
Macoupin County Medical Society and his name
occupies a prominent place on the rolls of the
medical men of Montgomery and surrounding
counties. He married Miss Henrietta Terry,
daughter of Robert and Ann (Morell) Terry, both
natives of Macoupin County, 111. To Dr. and
Mrs. Jones have been born two children, Mabel
(deceased), and Lola. The Doctor is the owner of
one hundred and fifteen acres of land and is one
of the substantial and progressive men of the
county. In politics, he is an ardent Republican
and is now serving as Central Committeeman of'
the county. Socially, he is a member of the Ma-
sonic fraternity at Virden, 111.

JOHN NEWPORT. Montgomery County
has won an enviable reputation as a prosper-
ous farming community, and this reputa-
_ tion has been acquired through the enter-
prise and energy of such agriculturists as Mr.
Newport. He has been, prominently identified
with the development of the county and with its
advancement in every worthy particular, and has
discharged the duties of a number of township of-
fices in a very satisfactory and creditable manner.
He was Supervisor of Bois D' Arc Township for a
number of years, and is one of the most useful men
of the community. A prominent and useful citi-
zen, the county owes its prosperity to just such
men as he.

Mr. Newport claims Ohio as his native State, and
was born in Preble County, September 30,1824.
He is the son of Thomas and Sarah (Biggs) New-
port, natives of Pennsylvania. One of his uncles,
lames T. Newport,was a Captain in the War of 1812.
Our subject was reared to mature years in his na-

tive State, and from an early age has been engaged
in tilling the soil, an occupation which has brought
him substantial returns. He secured a good prac-
tical education in the public schools of Preble
County, and later he attended private schools
there, thus securing a good education for his time
and day. For fifteen 3 r ears afterward he engaged
in teaching school, principally in Preble County,
but he also taught in Morgan, Sangamon and Pike
Counties, III.

About 1854, Mr. Newport located in the Prairie
State, and in the spring of 1868 he came to Mont-
gomery County, settling on a farm in Bois D' Arc
Township, where he improved one hundred and
sixty acres of land. At that time his farm was all
prairie land, but he went to work with much energy
and soon had it under cultivation. As the years
passed away many improvements were made, until
now this farm is one of the model estates of the
county. On this, Mr. Newport resided until De-
cember, 1891, when he removed to Farmersville,
and there he has resided since. For several years
he served as Justice of the Peace and School
Trustee and discharged the duties incumbent upon
these positions in a very satisfactory and capable
mam(|r. He also served as Supervisor of Bois D'
Arc Township for three years, and during the last
year he was in that position he served as Chairman
of the Board.

On the 29th of March, 1855, Miss Elizabeth M.
McCormick, a native of Nicholas County, Ky., born
September 9. 1831, and the daughter of John and
Jane W. (Lockridge) McCormick, became the wife
of our subject. Her parents were born in the Blue
Grass State, and her grandfather McCormick, who
was a gunsmith b3' trade, it is said, made guns for
the Revolutionary soldiers. Her uncle, Walter
McCormick, was a soldier in the War of 1812.
When three years of age, Mrs. Newport came with
her parents to Morgan County, 111., and there
grew to womanhood. She received her education
in this county and subsequentlj' taught school for
a time. For two terms she attended the Presbyter-
ian College at Jacksonville, and is a lady of much
more than average intelligence. Three children
have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Newport, as fol-
lows: Mary J., wife of Lafayette Gerhard; Clial-

306

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

mers L., and Emma V., wife of James McCormick.
These children have been well educated and are
prominent and useful citizens.

In his political views our subject is a stanch
Republican, and takes much interest in political
matters. He and his wife are classed among the
intelligent members of society, are well known
throughout the county, and are highly esteemed
by every one. Mrs. Newport is identified with the
Presbyterian Church, and devotes much of her
time to charitable and worthy enterprises;

EWIS W. JORDAN. The gentleman whose
name is at the head of this sketch is one
of the old settlers of Harvel Township, and
his fine farm located on section 8 shows that he '
has given to it the constant care of years. Mr.
Jordan is a native of Maryland and was there
born April 28, 1833. He is a son of William and
Catherine (Ruminel) Jordan, the former a native
of Pennsylvania and the latter of Maryland. At
a very early age he, in company with his parents,
migrated to Trumbull County, Ohio; that con-
tinued to be the family home for several years
and then they came to Greene County, this
State, making the exodus in 1843. After a resi-
dence there of one year, the family moved to
Montgomery County and settled on the farm on
which our subject now lives, in Harvel Township.
Our subject's father, William Jordan, entered
one hundred and twenty acres of land from the
Government at the time of coming here, paying
for it $1.25 per acre. He also had a soldier's
grant of forty acres, having served in the War of
1812. At that time the country was one vast
rolling prairie, unbroken for miles by the plow
and having but few landmarks beside those placed
by nature. The nearest dwelling was a distance
of four miles. Much of the family history has '
already been given in the sketch of Alplieus C.
Jordan, a younger brother of our subject, and for
a more minute and detailed account of the same
we refer the reader to it,

After completing a course at the district school,
our subject was sent to the High School of
Greene County. Although he received what was at
that time a fair education, it would at the present
time be lightly considered. However, natural
ability has greatly aided our subject in covering
the defects that are to be found in the old system
of education.

Mr. Jordan was married on the 28th of May,
1863, Miss Mary F. Russell becoming his wife.
She was a native of the Hoosier State and a
daughter of Thomas and Sarah Russell, now resi-
dents of Montgomery Count}'. By this marriage
he has become the father of nine children. Of
these Albert W. is deceased. Following him are
Thomas W., Lewis R., David D.; Florence, wife of
David Bonnett; Edna, Ethel, Rebecca and Alma.
Although the size of his family has required the
most constant efforts in order to provide for all
their dail}' wants, it certainly has had its charms,
and home would not be home without the merry
banter in which the children indulge. Our sub-
ject is the owner of one hundred and three acres
of land, all of which is under a high degree of
cultivation.

With few advantages other than what he has
himself made, Mr. Jordan is a highly respected
and honorable man. Politically the tenets of the
Republican party appeal to his sense of justice and
equity. He has been a close observer of the
growth of this portion of the State for many years
and can recall many typical scenes and business
transactions.

M. HARTSOCK. Up to a comparatively
recent date no important change had been
made in milling machinery invented and
brought into use about the time of the adoption
of the Federal constitution by Oliver Evans, of
Pennsylvania. But in this as in other de-
partments of industry American inventive gen-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD

307

ius saw opportunity for improvement, and as
a result the gradual reduction process, or, sis it
is known, the roller system, was introduced.
This has produced so great a change that at
the present day this system is adopted by all
leading and prosperous mills in the countiy.
Among those milling enterprises which have se-
cured cons picuousn ess on account of the uniform
excellence of their products, we notice especially
the Nokomis Roller Mills, whose proprietor, L. M.
Hartsock, is one of the representative business
men of the place.

Mr. Hartsock was born near Johnsville, Fred-
erick County, Md., November 9, 1841, and is
a son of Nicholas Hartsock, who was a native of
the Keystone State, but an early settler of Fred-
erick County, Md. The latter was a farmer
but also followed the trade of a mason. When
but four years of age our subject was left an or-
phan, and as a consequence he knows very little
of his ancestors on either side. When his mother
died he was sent among strangers and grew to
rugged manhood on a farm, receiving very little
schooling, perhaps one or two months in a 3'ear,
and that by going a distance of two and a-half
miles each day to school. Under these circumstances
his early life was not a pleasant or happy one.

When eighteen years of age, young Hartsock
entered a flouring mill near Middleburg, Md., to
learn the trade of a miller, and there he remained
for about two years and a-half. After this he en-
tered a mill at New Windsor, where he was fore-
man for about a year. After this he came to Illi-
nois, was employed in a mill at Staunton for a year,
then in 1867 he rented a mill at Bunker Hill, 111.,
and operated it for one year. From there he went
to Waterloo and was one of a company that oper-
ated a mill, and it was a "Waterloo" indeed, for the
great decline in wheat, from $2.50 to 90 cents per
bushel, caused a suspension and the loss of all
he had. Not daunted in the least he went to
work again, and from that time until the spring of
1872 he worked in different mills. At that date
he came to Nokomis to work in the mill of E. A.
Cooley & Co., but in 1873 this firm failed and the
mill was shut down.

Soon after, however, Mr. Hartsock and a Mr.

Ilobson made arrangements to rent and oper-
ate the mill, and later on they purchased
the plant. They prospered from the start and
the partnership continued until the death of
Mr. Ilobson in 1883, at which time our subject
became the sole proprietor. In 1888 the old mill
burned down and in 1889 Mr. Hartsock in com-
pany with B. F. McGrew completed the fine, new
one hundred and fifty barrel roller mill, of which
he is sole proprietor, having purchased his partner's
interest in January. 1892. He has quite a large
trade from New England and New York as well as a
large direct export business. After the many misfor-
tunes of early youth, Mr. Hartsock is well deserv-
ing the large degree of prosperity he is now en-
joying. All he has accumulated is the result of
his own good, energetic qualities, and he is now
very comfortably off in life. In politics, he has
ever been a Republican, and socially he is a Mas-
ter and Chapter Mason. He married in 1868
Miss Frances A. Cooley, a native of Indiana, and
this union has been blessed by the birth of four
children: Margaret at home; Arthur L., in his
father's mills; Robert L. and Ethel, both now at-
tending the public schools.

ASCAL C. ABELL. A plain statement of
the facts embraced in the life of Mr. Abell,
a man well and favorably known to the
Jl\ people of Montgomery County, is all that
we profess to be able to give in this volume. Yet,
upon examination of these facts, there will be
found the career of one whose entire course
through the world has been marked by great hon-
esty and fidelity of purpose. He has followed the
active and industrious life of a fanner all his life,
and has met with substantial results in this occu-
pation, owning now a fine farm in Witt Township.
Our subject was the eldest of a family of seven
children, his birth occurring not far from Spring-
field, Sangamon County, 1 11., May 15, 1834. His par-
ents, J. II. and Adeline (Derly) Abell, were natives

308

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

of Kentucky and Tennessee, respectively. The
great-grandfather of our subject was a native of
Wales, and came to America at a period antedat-
ing the Revolutionary War. He settled in Vir-
ginia, and there the grandfather of our subject,
Joshua Abell, was born. J. II. Abell was born in
1801, and came to Illinois in 1827, locating on the
then wild prairies of Sangamon County. Fie was
one of the pioneers of the county, and was very
active in its improvement. In 1840, he came to
Montgomery Country, and for some time was en-
gaged in mercantile pursuits. His death occurred
on a farm in Bond County in 1863. He was a
man whose uprightness and honesty of purpose
were well known, and who was universally re-
spected. His wife was the daughter of Jehu Derly,
who came to Sangamon County, 111., before the
Black Hawk War, and who had a brother killed in
that war.

Pascal C. Abell grew to manhood, as did the
sons of other pioneer settlers, with but limited
educational advantages, but being naturally an
apt scholar, he obtained a fair knowledge of the
different branches, and even now, when nearly
sixty years of age, he can in a very short space of
time memorize a chapter in the Bible. During the
fore part of the late war he was fanning in Bond
County, and on the 26th of November, 1864, he
enlisted in Company D, Forty-seventh Illinois In-
fantry, as a private, and was at once sent to the
front. He was on many hard marches, and was on
garrison dutj" most of the time. He was on de-
tached duty at the fall of Ft. Blakely, on the
march from Mobile to Montgomery, and suffered
greatly during this trying period, being obliged
to march and sleep in the rain. He contracted a
chronic disease, from which he still suffers.

Our subject was discharged at Montgomery,
Ala., November 27, 1865, and returned to his farm
in Bond County, where he made his home until
1867. In that year he came to the place where he
now lives, in Witt Township, and here he has a
productive and well-cultivated farm. He has ac-
cumulated a snug fortune by his industry and strict
adherence to his chosen calling, has a comfortable
and attractive home, and is surrounded by all the
comforts and conveniences of life. In his politi-

cal views, he supports the Democratic party, and
has held a number of local positions. He was a
member of the County Board of Supervisors for
eight years, Justice of the Peace for two terms,
Assessor of his township, and for thirteen years
was a School Trustee. He is a member of Nokomis
Post, G. A. R.

On the 14th of January, 1855, our subject mar-
ried Miss P. M. Lynn, who was born in Fayette
County, 111., and they have had three children, one
of whom died when a child; Albert Jefferson mar-
ried Miss Sarah F. Harris, and is in business at Fill-
more, this State; and Mary Ronta Belle became
the wife of R. J. Fish, a farmer of Fayette County.

ESSE McADAMS. This name is one of the
oldest and most honored in Bond County)
111.- It was borne by the grandfather of
our subject, who was one of the very first
settlers and did much for the early development
of this part of the State. Our subject is the owner
of over one hundred acres of fine land, and is a
worthy representative of his ancestor.

The name of Jesse was bestowed upon our sub-
ject at the time of his birth, April 28, 1847, on this
farm, that being the family name, his father and
grandfather having borne it. Both the father and
grandfather were natives of Kentucky, although
the latter's immediate ancestors had come to this
country from Scotland and Ireland. In the new
territory opened for settlement, where the Indian,
wolf and deer still found a home, came the family
of Grandfather McAdams in a great wagon, with
their household effects, to settle on the tract of
Government land which he had taken up. A log
cabin was erected on the edge of the timber on
what now is section 34, in this township, and in
this lonely spot the pioneer life went on. Here
was developed a fine farm, but under many diffi-
culties. There were no roads at that time, and
often the Indian trails were dangerous and almost
impassable, but the produce had to be marketed

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

309

at St. Louis, a distance of four days' travel, and
from this place had to come the luxuries which
the pioneers seldom allowed themselves. The
precious ''store tea," which in sickness took the
place of sassafras or sage, was one of the coveted
articles which it was difficult to procure.

The rugged old man who braved so many dan-
gers and paved the way for the footsteps of his de-
scendants, was supported by a faith that taught him
to labor and live righteously, and his reward
would come in another world. A firm Presbyterian,
his house was given to the members of that belief
who had settled near enough to attend services
when some missionary came into the neighborhood.
In his political faith he was a Democrat, and the
principles of that party were ever dear to him.

The father of our subject had his experience of
pioneer life, as he was only a boy when he was
brought into the new country to find a home. He
learned the carpenter's trade, and some of the
large buildings now standing in Greenville testify
to his workmanship. His amusement in youth was
to shoot deer as they fled by his home, and never
was there any scarcity of game in the house, as his
musket was often used for the pleasure of hunting.
Like his father, he grew into a man of great firm-
ness of character, and although he was a peaceable
citizen he insisted always on his rights. At his
death, at the age of forty-five years, he was the
owner of four hundred acres of land. The mother
of our subject, was Elizabeth Williamson, who was
a native of Bowling Green, Ky., and came here
with her Grandfather McAdams. She became the
mother of nine children, of whom four are yet
living, namely: Nancy, Catherine, Hiram and Jesse.
She died when over seventy years of age, in the
faith of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, of
which she had been a consistent member for many
years.

Our subject was reared on the farm and at-
tended the log schoolhouse which was nearest his
home, and there he learned all that the teacher
could impart. There were not manj' luxuries in
the school buildings of that day, but upon the slab
benches sat many of the lads who became in after
years the most prominent and powerful men in
the State. The loss of his father our subject did

not realize, as he was only a baby of five months.
At the age of fifteen years he had to go out to bat-
tle with the world by himself, and his first attempt
at work was by the day, and then he began farm-
ing upon the home place. On June 21, 1868, he
was united in marriage with Miss Louisa Long,
whose death occurred one year later. His second
marriage took place October 7, 1872, when Miss
Leonora Durant became his wife. She was born
in Ohio, near the city of Columbus.

Our subject is a man of means, owning a farm
of one hundred and twenty-five acres of land, all
of which is improved except six acres, which he
has in timber. He has been a grain farmer and
has handled stock also. The present neat frame
residence was built in 1879 and here he has made
a great many improvements. Both Mr. McAdams
and his wife are members of the Methodist Episco-
pal Church of Greenville. In politics, he is a Pro-
hibitionist, and believes that in that reformatory
party lies the redemption of the country. The
Modern Woodmen is the order with which he has
connected himself, and in this body at Greenville
he is regarded with much esteem.

OBERT BLACKBURN. A history of any
community, large or small, is made up to a
greater or less extent of the lives of its
citizens, and it is apparent to any intelli-
gent observer that the history of Montgomer}'
County is only such as has been made by those
who have been identified with its development
from an early period. Among that class of pio-
neers we cannot fail to make mention of Robert
Blackburn, for his residence within the borders of
the county has extended over a period of fifty-
four years, and he has been so prominently asso-
ciated with its material progress and development,
that it is but just to number him among the hon-
ored few now living who were brave enough to
open the way for civilization. The occupation of

310

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

a farmer has been his calling, and his career from
an humble beginning in life to the present posi-
tion which lie occupies is one of honorable ascent,
and reflects great credit upon him. He was born
in Loudoun County, Ya., March 29, 1818, a son of
Thomas and Sarah (Ball) Blackburn, who were
born, reared and married in the Old Dominion,
the mother's death occurring when the subject of
this sketch was eighteen months old. The father
was called from life at Dayton, Ohio, when about
seventy -three years old.

The parents of our subject had ten children
five sons and five daughters all of whom grew to
maturity, married and reared families. Of this
family only three sons are now living, and Robert
is the youngest. He came with a brother to Mont-
gomery County, III., in 1838, and after remaining
with him for about three years began to do for
himself. On the 1st of March, 1846, he was mar-
ried to Miss Sarah Ann, daughter of William and
Margaret (Bodkin) Fuller. She was born in Clarke
County, Ohio, January 2,1826, and was there reared
and educated.

Mr. Blackburn located on the farm where he
now resides immediately after his marriage, at
which time there were no improvements whatever
on the place. He at once built a frame house
containing three rooms, and made other substan-
tial and valuable improvements, and at the pres-
ent time it would be difficult to find a neater or
better tilled farm of one hundred and sixty acres
than that of which he is the owner. Besides this
land, he owns forty acres of land in East Fork
Township, making in all two hundred acres, and
some valuable houses and lots in Ilillsboro. lie
was in debt when he started out in life for him-
self, but by continued application, push and econ-
omy he soon discharged his obligations. He and
his worthy wife are the parents of one child, a son,
William L., who is residing at Grant's Pass, Ore.

Mr. Blackburn has found a profitable source of
revenue in the cultivation of the rich soil of Illi-
nois, but could hardly fail to succeed as an agri-
culturist, for from the very first he was carefully
taught every detail connected witli farming. In
the conduct of his estate he has given each por-
tion of the work his personal attention, and the

care and method ever exercised have contributed
to place him among the foremost farmers of the
vicinity, as he is one of its most intelligent citi-
zens. Politically, he has always supported Repub-
lican principles, and for many years has been a
member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church,
of which he was at one time Deacon.

W. YOUNG. The agricultural inter-
ests of Montgomery County are ably repre-
sented by the subject of this sketch, a man
whose life has been passed in the calling
which now receives his attention. He is a native-
born resident of the county, his birth occurring on
the 18th of July, 1834, and has witnessed the
complete growth of the country. He has ever
been an active supporter of all laudable enterprises
and is one of the county's best men. He is a son
of William Young, who for many years was one
of the esteemed and respected citizens of Monl-
gomeiy County.

Our subject was the second in order of birth of
the children born to his parents and passed his
boyhood and youth in his native county, assisting
his father in cultivating the soil, thus becoming
familiar with all the details of farm life at an
early age. Like the majority of country boys, he
received his education in the district school and
remained witli his parents until twenty-one years
of age. At that age he began business for him-
self, but worked the farm for his father, and
bought stock, traded horses, branching out as a
stock-dealer. In March, 1864, he was married to
Miss Mary E. Brown, a native of East Fork Town-
ship, Montgomery County, and the daughter of
Harrison Brown.

Following his marriage, our subject located on
the farm where he now lives. He is now the
owner of six hundred, and twenty-seven acres of
land, all under cultivation except a portion which
is in pasture. On this place he has a neat resi-
dence and substantial outbuildings. He has ever

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

311

been identified with the best interests of tlie
count} 7 , and his intelligence, enterprise and many
estimable qualities have acquired for him a popu-
larity not derived from any factitious circum-
stance, but a spontaneous and permanent tribute
to his merit. He ships stock to all parts of the
country, and annually sends out seventy-five car-
loads of cattle, horses and hogs. At the present
time, he has ninety-five head of cattle and many
horses and hogs. He is the oldest stock-buyer in
the county, and ships largely to Buffalo, St. Louis,
Pittsburgh and Cleveland. He ships about twenty
carloads of hay per year, and is one of the most
thorough-going, wide-awake agriculturists of his
section. His present residence, a two-story frame
building, was erected in 1870, and everything
about the place indicates that a practiced hand is
at the helm.

Mr. and Mrs. Young were the parents of three
sons and one daughter, as follows: William H.,
Clement (deceased), Gertie and Orvil B. The
three surviving children are at home. Mr. Young
has passed his entire life in this county, and here,
surrounded by peace and plenty, and with his
children near, he will pass the remainder of his days.
He and his wife have contributed liberally to all
worthy enterprises and are among the most influ-
ential and respected citizens in the community.
In politics, he is a Democrat, and a strong sup-
porter of his party. He has held many public
offices, among them those of Supervisor of East
Fork Township and School Director. He is a
member of Donnellson Lodge No. 255, A. F. &
A. M., and takes an active interest in that order.

EORGE H. MUELLER, a wealthy and well-
II < known farmer of Raymond, Montgomery
^|[ County, was born in Frankfort on-the-
Main, Germany, April 7, 1836, and is a son of
John Frederick and Dorothea Mueller. The lat-
ter's father was a gardener, and died about a
month before the birth of our subject. George is

the youngest of six children, five sons and a
daughter, who, with one exception, are yet living.

Our subject attended school in his native land
until fourteen years of age, and, being an apt
scholar, acquired a good education. He was then
apprenticed to the blacksmith's trade, and served a
term of three years, after which he followed that
occupation for a year in his native land. In 1854
he came to America and joined his brother, John
Fred, who had preceded him some five years, and was
living on a farm near Belleville, 111. George
worked in his employ for three years, and upon
the expiration of that time went to St. Louis and
worked at his trade in a carriage factory for some
years. There we find him at the breaking out of
the Civil War, but at the first call of his adopted
country for troops he promptly responded, and on
the 22d of April, 1861, his name was enrolled
among the boys in blue of Company G, First
Missouri Volunteer Infantry.

Two days later Mr. Mueller was commissioned
Sergeant of his company. He participated in the
bloody battle of Wilson's Creek, where the regi-
ment suffered greatly. The troops then returned
to St. Louis, and were re-organized as the First
Missouri Artillery. Mr. Mueller took part in the
Fremont campaign through Missouri. He also
participated in the battle of New Madrid, the
capture of Island No. 10, and was in the siege of
Corinth, the battles of Perrysville, Nashville and
Chickamauga, and was in Starvation Camp at
Chattanooga from September 19, 1863, until June
10, 1864, when he was discharged, having served
three years. During all this time he was ever at
his post. Never for one day was he off duty dur-
ing the whole time of his service. The last year
he held the olHce of Quartermaster Sergeant.

After his discharge Mr. Mueller procured a pass-
port and made a visit to his native country,
where he remained until the spring of 1865, when
he once more came to Illinois and again worked
on his brother's farm for three years. On the 22d
of April, 1869, he married Miss Christina Lottz, a
German lady. Three children have been born of
their union: John Fred, George Henry and Annie
Maggie, aged, respectively, twenty-two, twenty-
one and twenty years, all of whom are still under

312

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

the parental roof. The Mueller household is the
abode of hospitality, and the members of the
family rank high in social circles.

Immediately after his marriage Mr. Mueller
began farming on his own account near Carlin-
ville, where he remained for one year, and then
he rented a farm in Zanesville, Montgomery
County, where he resided until 1879, in which
year he came to Raymond and purchased the fine
and extensive farm on which he now resides. He
is one of the leading farmers and stock-raisers of
the community, and has been very successful in
his efforts, until now he is numbered among the
county's most prominent and substantial citizens.
In politics he was identified with the Republican
party until about two years ago, when he joined
the Democracy. He and his family are members
of the German Lutheran Church.

ifDOLPHE BREUCHAUD is a dealer in
7 I grain and coal in Greenville, Bond
County, and one of its leading business
men. For a number of years he has
been connected with its interests and the com-
munity recognizes in him one of its best citizens.
He is widely known throughout the county and
we feel assured that this record of his life will
prove of interest to many of our readers.

Mr. Breuchaud was born in Switzerland, March
3, 1833, and is a son of David and Mary (Cuche)
Breuchaud, who were also natives of Switzerland.
The grandfather, Samuel Breuchaud, was also born
in that country, but his ancestors were of French
lineage, having been driven from France on ac-
count of religious persecutions. David Breuchaud
immigrated with his family to America in the year
1849, landing in New Orleans, whence he made
his way up the river to Illinois. He located first
in Highland, Madison County, where he engaged
in farming, having purchased one hundred and
eighty acres of partially improved land. He

made his home upon that farm until 1865, then
sold out and came to Bond Count}-, and located
in Greenville, where he lived retired until his
death in 1888, at the age of eighty-two years. The
mother died in Madison County at the age of
fifty-eight years. They had a family of seven
sons and five daughters, of whom ten are yet liv-
ing.

Adolphe Breuchaud, whose name heads this rec-
ord, was highly educated in Switzerland; he also at-
tended college in Germany for a year, and during
vacations engaged in teaching. He was sixteen
years of age when he came with his parents to
America. During the first five years of his ar-
rival he worked at farming, and after locating in
Greenville followed any occupation that he could
secure, whereby he might earn an honest dollar.
He also learned the trades of a carpenter, brick-
layer and plasterer and afterward engaged in bus-
iness as a contractor and builder. He was very
successful in this line and often employed as many
as ten men. For fourteen years he carried on
business as a contractor, and many of the build-
ings in this city and surrounding country stand as
monuments to his handiwork and enterprise.

It was in 1855 that Mr. Breuchaud was united
in marriage to Miss Rose Giron, of Switzerland,
and unto them have been born four sons and a
daughter, as follows: Henry, John, Robert, Dud-
ley and Ada. The family is one of prominence
in this community and its members rank high in
social circles.

In 1870 Mr. Breuchaud began dealing in grain,
and in 1880 purchased two and three-fourths
acres of land bordering on the Vandalia Railroad,
where he built an elevator, and then purchased
another, for $3,500, after which he spent about
$1,500 in repairs. These are run by a forty-horse
power engine and have a capacity of eighty
thousand bushels of wheat. He is doing an excel-
lent business and furnishes employment to four
men besides his two sons. He has built a fine of-
fice on Main Street and in addition to this and
his home property owns a farm which he rents.
In politics he is a stalwart Republican, and is a
member of the Plymouth Church. Mr. Breuchaud
is truly a self-made man, who by his own indus-

LIBRARY
OF THE

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

315

trious efforts and strict attention to business has
steadily worked his way upward to a position of
wealth and affluence. He is a man of unswerving
honesty, whose word is as good as his bond,
and the confidence of the entire community is
bis.

>i ' i i 1H

GEORGE M. SANDERS. In the

P eace f u l agricultural life which our subject
now leads there is little suggestion of the
military deeds of merit by which he earned his
Captain's commission; only in the title will the
stranger know that he is a veteran of the late war.
Mr. Sanders was born in Maryland, January 18,
1830. He was the eldest of a family of nine chil-
dren born to Henry L. and Mary (Hall) Sanders.
Our subject's father was of German ancestrj r
and was born in Maryland, May 5, 1810. His
maternal grandfather served in the War of 1812,
and was also in the battle of New Orleans. His
mother, Mary Hall, was of Irish extraction. Aside
from these brief facts but little is known of the
early history of these families. In 1837, when
our subject was a boy of but seven years, his par-
ents made their way to Illinois and settled in what
is now Jersey County. There young Sanders
grew up much the same in his habits and the
manner of rearing as other farmer lads. The in-
tervals of attendance at school were filled with
farm duties and such pioneer sports as the fertile
minds of the young people of that ilay could sug-
gest. Of his brothers and sisters only three are liv-
ing. They are: Samuel K., who served in the late
war for three years, and who now lives in Cali-
fornia; Jesse \V., who gave his country one year's
service, and who lives now at Atwater, 111.; and
Sarah A., who is the wife of John B. Kirkland, of
Litchfield.

About 1850, our subject's parents with their
household effects and their children went to Mont-
gomery County and located on the farm where T.
T. Smith now lives, two miles southwest of the
village of AValshville. There the parents died, the

father February 28, 1863, and the mother January
8, 1864, both deaths occurring while the Captain
was fighting for the honor of the country which
his forefathers had fought to organize as a free and
independent nation. It was on the above-named
farm in Walshville that our subject was tilling
the soil when the war broke out. On the first call
for troops, he tendered his services, but as so many
eagerly sprang forward in answer to the three
months' call, some were rejected and he was
among the number. On the second call, August
2, 1861, we find his name on the roll of Company
L, of the Third Illinois Cavalry, Col. E. A. Carr's
regiment, and was at once made Quartermaster-
Sergeant, and in October, 1862, was promoted to
the office of Orderly-Sergeant. Later, he was
commissioned Second Lieutenant and in June,
1863, he was advanced to First Lieutenant, and in
May, 1865, he was promoted to the rank of Cap-
tain of his company.

Capt. Sanders was with Gen. Fremont in the
Southwest in the fall of 1861, and with Gen.
Curtis' army at Pea Ridge in March, 1862. He
was detached from his regiment with part of his
company in Central Missouri from July to Octo-
ber, 1862, and with the command of Col. S. H.
Boyd was engaged in scouting with Gen. Sher-
man's army in his attack on and defeat of Hayes
Bluff in the rear of Vicksburg. In January, 1863,
he was detailed in his company as escort for Head-
quarters, Thirteenth Army Corps, where he re-
mained through the siege and capture of Vicks-
burg and Jackson, Miss., and the battles of Champ-
ion Hills and Black River Bridge. He was with
Gen. Banks' army in Louisiana from October,
1863, to January, 1864, and at Memphis, Tenn.,
when Gen. Forrest made his memorable raid. After
going with his command to Ft. Snelling in the
Northwest and from there on the Devil's Lake ex-
pedition in Dakota, he was finally discharged,
October 10, 1865, after having served his country
with marked distinction for more than four years.

August 13, 1863, while home on a leave of
absence from the army, our subject was married to
Miss Eveline Maryman, who was a native of this
State. Of the seven children born of this union
six are now living. Marcia A. died when two

316

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

years of age; Nora B. is engaged in the millinery
business at Salem, 111.; William Chalmers is a grad-
uate of the Jacksonville Business College and is
now a book-keeper in the Deaf and Dumb Insti-
tute of that place; Mary A. is a teacher in the
public school of Sorento and also teaches music,
being a fine performer; Clara A., Rufus H. and
Eunice E. are now being educated in the Sorento
schools.

For twenty years after the war, Capt. Sanders
was book-keeper for a large flouring mill in Car-
lyle, this State. He came to Sorento in 1886, and
here has a very pleasant home. He owns a farm
of about one hundred and eighty-seven acres in
Clinton County. Political^', he was reared an
Abolitionist and is now a strong Republican. Na-
turally, he is greatly interested in the Grand
Army of the Republic. In church relations, he is
an exemplary Baptist and is a life member of the
American Baptist Publication Society, which has
headquarteis at Philadelphia. Throughout his
life, he has been an advocate of temperance
principles, which lie supports both by example and
precept.

A. BLACK, M. D. The gentleman whose
sketch now claims our attention is one of the
most successful physicians of the county,
where he has lived and labored for so many
years. The birth of Dr. Black took place near
Salem, Marion County, 111., July 2, 1835. He is
the son of Willis H. Black, who was a native of
Kentucky, born in Barren County, June 8, 1806.
He was reared in Tennessee and came to Illinois
some time in the '20s and located in Clinton
County, where he married the mother of our
subject. She was Emilia Hensley, a native of
Kentucky, born in Hopkins County, June 13, 18l"4.
Her parents brought her to Illinois when she was
but a small child.

The paternal grandfather of our subject was a
native of Kentucky, and his maternal grandfather,

Joseph Hensley, left no record of his birth. The
father of our subject was killed in Marion County,
111., January 22, 1864, while attempting to arrest
deserters, and the mother passed from earth Feb-
ruary 8, 1892. They were the parents of a large
family, namely: Joseph F.; Eliza, the widow of
George Journey, of Hays City, Kan.; Lucy, the
wife of James M. Crowell, of Shelby, Ala.;
Thomas C., of Shelby, Ala.; Mary, the wife of
Charles F. Norris, of Clinton County, 111., are
those now living beside our subject; and those
who have passed away are: Margaret D. Will-
iams, Julia E. Baird, Elizabeth A.; Robert W., who
died at the age of one year and eight months; and
Willis H., Jr., who died when one month old.

Our subject is the eldest sou and second child,
and was reared in his native place and received his
first schooling at the district schoolhouse and then
went to college at Salem. At the age of twenty-
one Mr. Black began the life of a teacher, and
after three terms of teaching he began the study
of medicine under the guidance of Dr. William
Hill, now of Bloomington, 111. This was in 1857,
and our subject remained with him until 1860,
when he located in the town of Keenville, Wayne
County, 111. The next year came the call for
troops and he enlisted in Company D, Forty-ninth
Illinois Infantry, as a private, but January 1>
1863, he was put on duty as Assistant Surgeon,
which position he held until September, 1865. He
was through the battles of Ft. Donelson, Shiloh,
siege of Corinth, Little Rock, Pleasant Hill, and
many other of the minor battles and long marches
which were harder to endure than the real danger
of the pitched battle. The last engagement in
which Dr. Black took part was the battle of Nash-
ville. During the Red River campaign, there
were forty days when the regiment was under fire
without ceasing.

After the war, our subject returned to Salem,
and remained until October, 1865, and then
located at Fillmore, in Montgomery County. He
remained there for two years, but he came to Mul-
berry Grove in 1867, where he remained until
1871, when he saw a better opening in Fairview
and located here. His marriage to Miss M. J.
Mood}- took place March 15, 1865. She is a

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

317

native of Indiana, and is the daughter of John
D. Moody. Dr. and Mrs. Black are the parents of
seven living children: Ellen II., the wife of
John B. Defrees, of Logan County, 111.; Jennie A.,
Mary L., John II., Julia G., Frank B. and Emilia M.
Dr. Black is a Republican in his political opin-
ions, and believes in expressing them whenever
he thinks he can accomplish good by so doing.
He has been Assessor of Pleasant Mound Township
and is School Treasurer of the same, and also a
valued member of Colby Post No. 301, G. A. R.,
at Greenville, 111.

LPHEUS C. JORDAN. Harvel Township,
Montgomery County, is favorably located
in the midst of a wonderfully fertile tract,
that yields a rich return for the attention
given it by industrious farmers. A drive through
this township will show that all of its inhabitants
are well-to-do, if not wealthy. Our subject is one
of the fortunate possessors of a fine farm located
in this section, his farm being on section 6, and it
is conspicuous for the improvements that are found
upon it.

Mr. Jordan is a native of Trumbull Count}',
Ohio, and was born January 10, 1841, a sort of
William and Catherine (Rummel) Jordan. The
former was a native of the Quaker State and the
latter came from Maryland. In the fall of 1844,
our subject's parents emigrated to Greene County,
111., from Ohio. The country was comparatively
wild at that time and the advantages were very
few. There was a large family of children to be
reared and educated, who, at the same time, had
to contribute their quota to the common family
support. Of these but five are living at the pres-
ent time. The children were: William F., de-
ceased; Mrs. Angelica Robley, a widow; Cyrus,
a resident of Montgomery County; Lewis W., also
of Montgomery; Catherine E., who is the widow
of H. A. Collier, a resident of Parsons, Kan.; and
our subject.

In 1853, Alpheus Jordan moved to Macoupin
County in company with his parents, and in 1854
they removed to Montgomery County and settled
in Harvel Township, on section 8, and were the
first settlers there. The nearest dwelling to them
was four miles distant. Their home was made on
the unbroken prairie, and one of the brothers of
our subject turned the first furrow on the farm.
Alpheus was then but fourteen years old, though
his training before that time had been amid pio-
neer scenes, and as the years were passed lie was
made to feel the responsibility of a pioneer's life,
and to know that upon him as well as others
rested the making of the country. His school
days were passed in the district schools of the vi-
cinity and his advantages were limited. Perhaps
his war experience gave him as much of a stimulus
as any tiling else for a more extended knowledge.

Mr. Jordan enlisted in Company D, of the Thir-
ty-third Illinois Infantry, in August of 1861, and
with his regiment was detailed to duty in the army
of the Southwest. He was a participant in the bat-
tles of Fredericktown, Mo., and Champion Hills and
was at the siege of Vicksburg. In the last-named
fight he was twice slightly wounded. He also
fought in minor engagements, and after this hon-
orable service was discharged, August 26, 1864.

After leaving the army our subject returned to
Montgomery County. He felt that the making of
his domestic life was before him, and with this end
in view besought Miss Marcia C. Creswell to be-
come his wife, and they were married August 6,
1874. The lady is a native of the Prairie State.
Mr. and Mrs. Jordan are the parents of eight chil-
dren, whose names are, Alpheus C., Jr., Robert P.,
Ethel D., Alice C., Frederick, Blanche F., Grace
and Lula Inne. They are a small community in
themselves and their difference in disposition and
temperament makes a pleasing social life.

Our subject owns one hundred and sixty acres
of land, which is all under a high state of cultiva-
tion. Politically, he pins his faith to the garment
of no party, being thoroughly independent in his
ideas both of government and governors. Educa-
tional matters that tend toward advancement in
methods have always received his hearty endorse-
ment when the adoption of the new offered any ad-

318

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

vantage over the old methods. Mr. Jordan was
honored during the year 1879 by being elected as
Supervisor of Harvel Township. During the time
that he held this office, ho discharged his duties to
the entire satisfaction of his constituents. He is
identified with the Farmers' Mutual Benefit Asso-
ciation.

JOHN WOLTMANN. There is in the devel-
opment of a successful life a principle which
is a lesson to every man, a lesson leading to
^ higher and more honorable positions than
the ordinary. Let a man be industriously ambi-
tious, and honorable in his ambitions, and he will
rise, whether having the prestige of family or the ob-
scurity of poverty. These reflections are called
forth by the study of the life of John Woltmann,
who is one of the most enterprising and prosperous
merchants of Nokomis.

Mr. Woltmann is a German by birth and educa-
tion, and was born at Norden, on the North Sea,
August 27, 1858. Although young in years, he
has accumulated considerable property, and not
only is he a very successful business man, but one
whose career has ever been upright and honorable.
His father, Arnedt Woltmann, for nearly thirty
years a miller in the Fatherland, was a man of ex-
cellent judgment and great honesty. Our subject
inherited much of his enterprise and industry from
his father, and early in life became desirous of get-
ting a liberal education. When ten years old lie was
possessed of more zeal than the majority of boys
at that age, and was inclined to spend too much
time with his books. In 1868, he came with his
parents to the New World and settled with them
at Nokomis, 111., where he pursued his studies
closely and with much earnestness, his aim being
to become a preacher in the Lutheran Church, of
which he and his parents were adherents.

At the age of nineteen years, young Woltmann
was delving in the classics in Concordia University,
Springfield. He continued there for two years,

when his health failed, and he was compelled to
give up his studies and the cherished plan of be-
coming a minister. He tried teaching the German
language in the public schools for a time, as well
as instructing a private class, but this proved too
trying upon his weak constitution and was aban-
doned. Afterward he began clerking in the store
of Charles Auwater, of Nokomis, but he was not
long contented with a clerkship, and early in 1882
he established himself in the grocery business on a
small scale. From the start his business prospered,
until now he is the head of one of the leading
general stores in the thriving town of Nokomis.

For three successive j'ears Mr. Woltmann was a
member of the Town Board and has held other
local positions. In all these he has discharged the
duties in a very satisfactory manner and is compe-
tent to fill almost anj r position. In politics, he is
a strong supporter of Democratic principles, and
his vote has ever been cast with that party. He is
an exemplary member of the Lutheran Church, a
liberal contributor to its interests, and an earnest
advocate of all good work. In him the community
has a faithful and unswerving friend, ever alert to
serve its best interests, and one who can be relied
upon at all times. He is a man of more than the
ordinary intelligence, and is a representative citi-
zen of the county. He was married in the fall of
1884 to Miss Minnie Nantkes, the daughter of a
prominent and wealthy farmer, and they have two
children, Arnold and Jesse.

^p^l A. SIHLER, M. D. Probably no physician
jl| , in the vicinity of Litchfield is more thor-
^^4! oughly equipped for his profession than is
the gentleman whose name heads this sketch. His
studies have been widely extended, and prosecuted
under exceptional advantages. He asks no odds
of ancestors, rank or position to lend color to his
ability in his chosen profession. The writer, aside
from the knowledge of his professional skill, knows
but the barest facts concerning his career.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

319

Dr. Sihler was bora at Simeoe, Ontario, May 28,
1862. He was educated at Colegate Institute at
Siracoe, and distinguished himself in such a man-
ner as to encourage him to enter the professional
life that he lias chosen. He prosecuted his med-
ical studies at Magill Medical University, receiving
his sheepskin with the Class of '83. After com-
pleting his studies, he spent one 3 r ear in Germany,
and there had access to the laboratories of the
special scientists. Thus equipped, and with an ex-
tended knowledge of pathological and biological
subjects, lie has settled in the midst of the Litch-
fleld community, ready to alleviate such human
suffering as should present itself to his attention.

APT. MICHAEL OHLMAN. This in brief
is the sketch of a man whose present sub-
stantial position in life has been reached
entirely through his own perseverance, and the
facts connected with his operations and their re-
sults only show what a person with courage and
enlightened -views can accomplish. His reputation
for honesty and integrity has been tried and not
found wanting; his financial ability has been more
than once put to the test, but never without credit
to himself; his social qualities are well known and
appreciated, and he has hosts of friends, whose
confidence and esteem are his highest eulogium.
He is a wealthy farmer of Audubon Township,
Montgomery County, and is an important factor in
Third Party politics.

Born in Strausberg (then in the domain of France
but now in the German empire) in September, 1822,
our subject is a son of Michael and Gertrude Ohl-
man, with whom he emigrated to America in 1832.
The} 7 landed at Baltimore, Md., and as the little
means the father had accumulated had been used
in the journey to this country, he was at once
compelled to look about him for employment.
Soon afterward, he and his son, the subject of this
sketch, who was then a lad of ten years, obtained
work at breaking stone for the paving of the streets

in Washington, D. C. In this way, they saved a
small amount of money, and, being anxious to reach
the West, purchased a poor old broken-down stage
horse and a rickety old wagon, into which all their
earthly possessions were loaded, and started out
on their Westward journey. At Wheeling, W. Va.,
their horse died and other means of travel had to
be found. They built a flatboat, in which they
loaded their goods, and after many hardships and
trials reached Cairo, where they stayed for a short
time, but eventually they removed to St. Louis,
where the father and young Michael labored until
1838.

By this time, they had accumulated consider-
able means, and with it Mr. Olilman purchased a
large tract of land in Missouri, on which Michael
labored cheerfully and faithfully until he was
seventeen years of age, when he began working on
flatboats on the Mississippi River. At the end of
two years, he commenced to work on steamboats,
and was promoted until he became pilot of one
of the boats. He was economical in his expendi-
tures, and although he had little or no education
he had an object in life, and he invested his money
judiciously in river-boat stock and in time be-
came the owner and commander of the " Star of
the West." With this boat, a small fortune was
made, but it was finally sunk in the river. Later,
after spending a large amount of money, it was
raised and refitted, only to be burned a short time
after.

Subsequently, Mr. Ohlman became commander
of the "D. A. January." in which he owned a five-
eighths interest, and for five years commanded it
and did a most successful business. With this
boat alone, it is said, he made a fortune. He sailed
it on the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, and dur-
ing the first part of the Civil War his profits were
enormous. In 1862, he secured a contract from
the Government, but the operation of a private
boat at this time, on account of its doubtful nature,
was a risky calling and a proposition was made to
sell it to the Government, which was accepted.

Capt. Ohlman then came to Montgomery County
and made large investments of his fortune in land,
and here he has quietly lived ever since. He has
one of the finest farms in this section of the coun-

320

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

try. His estate comprises about eight hundred
acres, and upon it he has a beautiful mansion, from
which a fine view of the country can be had for
many miles around. Mr. Ohlman has not been ac-
tively engaged in farming for many years, but has
placed the management of his magnificent estate
in the hands of his sons, while he looks after the
finances. He was reared a Democrat, but some
three 3'ears ago cast his lot with the Third or
People's Party, and has devoted much of his time
and money in furthering the interests of what he
believes to be the coining great party. He attends
all of the conventions of his party, and his voice is
often heard in its councils. Starting in life with
little or no education, he has been a close student
and but few men in his locality are more thought-
ful readers or better posted on the general topics
of the day than is he.

Capt. Ohlman was married in 1859 to Miss
Theresa Buebach, who was born in Cincinnati,
Ohio, of German parents. Their union resulted
in the birth of nine children, six of whom are liv-
ing: Cecil, who is the wife of Alfred Wyand, of
Pana, 111.; William, who is a graduate of the St.
Louis University, also of Notre Dame of South
Bend, Ind.; Ida, who is the wife of Joseph W.
Wild, the talented newspaper editor of Nokomis;
Alexander and James, who are in charge of the
farming and stock-raising interests of their fa-
ther's large estate; Lizzie, an intelligent young
lady, is now receiving her education.

THEODORE ROGERS, JR., is a native of the
county and State in which he has found a
permanent home. In Pitman Township,
Montgomery Count}', he owns one hundred and
twenty acres of fine farming land on section 15.
Upon this place he resides, devoting his attention
to the cultivation of the soil and the proper im-
provement of the farm.

Mr. Rogers was born in Montgomery County,

111., December 13, 1848. He is a son of Hardin
and Martha (Hamilton) Rogers, both of whom
were natives of the State of Kentucky. Hardin
Rogers came to Montgomery County, and at an
early day settled in what is now known as Pitman
Township. His judgment told him that the best
place on which to locate would be upon the edge
of some timber land, for in such a location there
would always be water, and the scarcity of that
article was one of the most distressing features in
pioneer life in the Prairie State. The family home
was in the wilderness in a cabin made of logs, and
there the children were reared, meanwhile endur-
ing all the privations incident to life in a newly-
settled country.

The surviving children of this family are as fol-
lows: Anthony; LaFayctte; Lucinda, the widow of
Millard Wood; and Theodore. In spite of the
difficulties of their early lives, these children be-
came honored members of society and performed
the duties required of them in as efficient a man-
ner as do many of those who have had more ad-
vantages and fewer obstacles to struggle against.
The beloved father of this family, Hardin Rogers,
was removed by death when our subject was only
five years old. He was one of the most respected
of the early settlers of the township and his death
was deeply lamented by his family and neighbors.
The mother of our subject is now in her seventy-
eighth year and is living on the same farm to
which she came with her husband in those early
days. Although deprived of his assistance and
companionship, she has managed the estate with
good judgment and has reared her family in com-
fort. She is one of the venerable pioneer women
of the State and her reminiscences of those early
davs are both interesting and instructive. She is
a faithful member of the Christian Church.

Theodore Rogers, our subject, is a young and
enterprising man, one of the foremost in his sec-
tion of country. He keeps himself well posted on
all public affairs and votes with the great Republi-
can party, which he regards as the friend of the
manufacturer, the consumer and the laborer alike.
His early ed'ucational advantages were very lim-
ited, although he embraced every opportunity that
came in his way to acquire knowledge. Mont-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

321

gomery County has become noted throughout the
State for its fine farms and solid, successful busi-
ness men. and among the latter the majority have
made themselves what they are, and Mr. Rogers is
no exception to the rule, as he can regard with
pardonable pride the success which has attended
his efforts. His one hundred and twenty acres
show the result of intelligent cultivation, and his
large barnyard, filled with sleek, well-fed cattle,
testifies to his prosperity, while fences and neat
outbuildings, which are kept in good repair, indi-
cate that he is a man who believes that nothing
adds to the prosperous look of a farm like a proper
regard for appearance.

M. IIFLBERT & JOSEPH W. AVILD. The

history of a newspaper reminds one of the
appearance of an actor on the stage. AV hat-
ever may be the individual joy or grief, the cause
thereof must be suppressed. Deatli may be lurk-
ing in the home of the vivacious comedian, but
the audience demand smiles and jests in return
for their money. The personality of the editor ap-
pears but little in the sheet, though there is the
under-current of influence that individualizes the
paper. AVhat would the Globe-Democrat have
been without Grady, the Tribune without Greeley,
the Courier-Journal without AVatterson? So the
individuality of the proprietors is shown in the
sheet, the history of which we shall touch upon
lightly.

The Free Press was born, so to speak, in July,
1878. It was originally a small advertising sheet,
but not long after was enlarged and flung to the
breeze as a popular newspaper educator, and an
advocate of the Democratic principles. The Press
was the first to appear before the public. Its edi-
tor, Mr. Hulbert, later purchased the Nokomis
Gazette, which had been established some eight
years previously, and consolidated the two under
the name of the Free Press Gazette, and the whole
was launched on the sea of independent politics,
and as such has since been conducted,

In 1880, Mr. Hulbert, who is a far-sighted news-
paper man, realizing that there was a large and
continually growing population of German-read-
ing people in his locality, started a German sheet
with the suggestive name of the Deutsch Amerikaner.
The fortunes of these papers are so closely united
with the history of its editors that we here give a
brief biographical sketch of each.

E. M. Hulbert of the firm of Hulbert & AVild, the
wide-awake editor and publishers of the Free Press
Gazette and Deutsch Amerikaner, was born at Pitts-
field, Pike County, 111., July 22,1858. He is the
only son of AV. M. and Laura (Tooley) Hulbert.
His father is a native of the old Bay State, having
been born near Boston. He was one of the early
settlers in Pike County, having located there more
than forty years ago. For many years he was en-
gaged largely in the manufacture of brick, and at
this writing (1892) is living near Nokomis, where
he owns a farm. He came to this county about
1864. Mr. Hulbert's mother was a native of New
York, who passed from this life when our subject
was a lad of nine years of age. His father con-
tracted a second marriage and young Hulbert
grew up on the home farm much as do other
farmer boys, receiving a fair education in the pub-
lic schools of Nomokis.

Early in his boyhood days our subject displayed
a great taste for the printing business, and when
but thirteen years of age became possessed of a
toy press, which he kept in his sleeping room at
home. His love for the business grew with him,
and at eighteen he enterprisingly established the
Nokomis Free Press, which was received as has
been above stated. Upon the establishment of the
Deutsch Amerikaner he associated with himself
Joseph AV. Wild, a thorough German scholar, and
then it was that he purchased and brought to No-
komis the first power press ever used in Montgom-
ery County, and the new addition proved to be a
winning card in his fast-increasing business. Some
eight years later he disposed of a half -interest in
the entire plant to Mr. AVild, and at the same time
the firm took up, in addition to their newspaper
business, the real-estate and insurance business,
which they have carried on with marked finan-
cial success.

322

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD,

Mr. Hulbert is in every sense of the word a
thorough business man, which has been attested
by the growth of his incipient boyhood love of
printing into his present large interests. Aside
from his newspaper, real-estate and insurance bus-
inesses, he is one of the Directors in the Nokomis
Building & Loan Association. Socially, he is gen-
ial and affable, but he appears to the best advan-
tage when on, his own ground, that of a business
man.

In 1878, Mr. Hulbert married Miss May L. Wet-
more now a native of Madison County, and
daughter of R. E. Wetmore, a prominent fanner in
South Dakota. The home circle of our subject m-
includes three bright children, whose names are as
follows: Winifred, Walter R. and Gertrude. Fra-
ternally, Mr. Hulbert is a prominent member of
the Odd Fellows and is also a Knight of Pythias.

1 OSEPH W. WILD, the associate editor of
the Free Press Gazette and Deutscli Ameri-
kaner, was born near Bayfield, in Huron
County, Ontario, Canada, on the 6th of
March, 1856. He is the elder of the two chil-
dren born to Joseph and Crescentia (Vogt)
Wild, both of whom were born in German}', the
former in Baden and the latter in Wuertenberg.
During the revolt in 1848, while still in his native
land, our subject's father identified himself with
the Revolutionists, and like many others of his
countrymen found that ^America was a genial
country in which to take refuge, and in 1848 he
located on a farm in Huron County, Ontario, where
he still lives.

Our subject was but three years of age when be-
reft of his mother. His baby sister, one year
younger, is now the wife of Herman Kaupp, of St.
Louis. His father again married and reared an
additional family of three boys and eight girls.
Young Wild grew up on his father's farm, receiv-
ing a very fair education until sixteen vears of
age. He was then seized with the desire to learn

the printer's trade and finally got his father's con-
sent to enter the office of the Berliner Journal in
Berlin, Canada, the same being owned and edited
by an uncle, John Motz.

With his uncle as preceptor, Mr. Wild mastered
the art of printing, and remained in the Journal
office until 1879, when he determined to seek fame
and fortune in the United States, so turned his
steps Westward. .He worked for a time in a news-
paper office in Detroit, thence went to St. Louis,
where he was employed in a job office until he
came to Nokomis, in the spring of 1881, to take
charge of the editorial department of the Deutscli
Amerikaner, which had a short time previously
been established by his present partner. As above
stated, he became a partner eight years later. Mr.
Wild is a very energetic business man and has
done his full share in making the large newspaper
the success that it is, and also in conducting the
real-estate and insurance business of the firm.
Personally, he is a whole-souled man, hale-fellow-
well-met with the best of all classes of people, and
a general favorite with everyone in his locality.

September 14, 1886, Mr. Wild was united in
mairiage with Miss Ida M., daughter of a wealthy
and retired steamboat captain, Michael Ohlman.
Two bright children have been the result of this
union, Olivia T. and Ionia E. Our subject was
born and reared, and is a strong adherent of, the
Roman Catholic faith. He is one of the charter
members of the Catholic Knights of Illinois, a
Catholic organization of Nokomis.

,ILLIAM SIDES. Although the develop-
ment of the Northern twin Carolina has
been so comparatively slow that its na-
tives have seemed to merit the nickname, "The
Tiir Heels," facetiously given them during the war
of the Rebellion by a witty native of Massachu-
setts, still during the last decade the rich mineral
sub-stratus have called attention to the State, and

LIBRARr
Of THE

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

325

have added wonderfully to its enterprise and
growth. It is a mystical, beautiful land, whose
Eastern shore is washed by the blue Atlantic, the
Western boundary lined with mountains whose
pine-clad domes are wreathed in the low-hanging
clouds. Happy are the conditions of life in such
a land, happy the man who is born there, and this
was the native State of our subject, William Sides.

In 1847, occurred the birth of our subject. His
parents were Mathias and Sarah (Boss) Sides, the
former being a farmer and cooper. W.hen our
young hero was but a sturdy lad of four years, his
parents determined to remove to Illinois, and lo-
cated on a farm near the city of Nokomis, in Mont-
gomery County. Like so many of the men who
form the brawn and sinew of our national life,
young Sides grew up in rural life. He received
but a common-school education, but such as it was,
it tended in the right direction to develop his
natural fibre.

On the breaking out of the Civil War, the sub-
ject of our sketch was a youth full of fire and pa-
triotism. Although his parents strongly objected to
his leaving home with military intent, his heart
was on the battlefield, and in imagination he was
the hero of many a battle. He yielded to parental
authority for some time, but when the State's neces-
s'ity was felt, and call after call came for volun-
teers, he could no longer brook delay, and took the
case into his own hands and ran away from home.
May 22, 1864, we find him enrolled in Company
C, of the One Hundred and Forty-third Illinois
Infantry, and he was mustered in as a private at
Mattoon, whence the company with which he was
was sent to Cairo, this State, thence to Memphis,
Tenn. While in the last-named city, Mr. Sides was
detailed to do guard duty for a time. He was then
sent to Helena, Ark., where lie remained until his
time expired, and he was mustered out of service
at Mattoon, September 26, 1864.

Although our subject's military service extended
over only four months, such was the exposure and
privation to which he was subjected that his health
was shattered, and for a time his life hung by a
slender thread. On recuperating he engaged in
farming until 1888, when he sold his agricultural
interests and came to Nokomis, where he has since

engaged in the general mercantile business, and is
at the present time a prominent merchant in this
city.

Mr. Sides was united in marriage in the year
1876, at which time Miss Alice Wells became
his wife. Mrs. Sides is a native of the Buck-
eye State, and she is a capable and attractive
woman, who has been a loving helpmate to her
husband. Their family comprises seven children,
whose names are: Clarence, Bertie E., Willie. Tru-
die, Maudie, Stella and Laura. Mr. Sides keeps up
his relations with his war comrades, and is a de-
voted member of the Grand Arm 3' of the Republic.
Politically, he is an ardent admirer of the beauty
of the principles of the Republican party, and Har-
rison, McKinley and Blaine are in his estimation
as much heroes in this time of peace, as were the
generals on the battlefield. Mr. Sides is one of
the ablest and stanches! citizens of Nokomis.

/ AMES F. Will T WORTH. The head of the
very extensive mercantile house of J. F.
Whitwoith & Company at Sorento, and one
of the prominent merchants in that place,
was born at Mulberry Grove, Bond County, this
State, December 18, 1856. He was the sixth in
order of" birth of a family of nine children that
were at the same time the comfort and care of
their fond parents, Marcus L. and Jane (White)
Whitworth.

Marcus L. Whitworth was born near Nashville,
Tenn., December 12, 1822, and was the second of
a family of ten children, four 003-8 and six girls.
The ancestry of the Whitworth family can easily
be traced back in the history of the country for
more than two centuries. Great-grandfather Whit-
worth emigrated with a brother from Lancaster,
England, the place of their nativity, and first settled
in Maryland, but soon moved to Tennessee and
located land not far from Nashville. There John
Whitworth, the father of Marcus L., was born, grew
to manhood, and was an extensive land and slave
owner. The old homestead where John Whitworth

326

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

first settled, and where John, Jr., was born and
died, is still in the Whitworth family.

Our subject belongs to a family the members
of which form a brilliant galaxy of social and
financial lights. The surviving members who still
reside in the South are men of large wealth and
prominence. The father of our subject was reared
on the home plantation, and there received a
liberal education. For many years lie was a slave-
holder, but whether from dislike of the institution
of slavery or not, we cannot tell, he left his native
State and came to Illinois in 1846.

Marcus L. spent some time in White County,
where he became acquainted with Jane White, the
sixteen-year-old daughter of William and Nancy
White, prominent and wealthy farmers of that
count}'. The following year they were married,
the groom taking his young bride to Nashville,
where they resided until 1854, when they returned
to White County. The following year they located
near Mulberry Grove, where the}' purchased and
improved a farm, and where the father died in
February of 1880.

Briefly we have given an outline of the ante-
cedents of the man whose history is the basis of
this sketch. That of his brothers and sisters is
very briefly as follows; Sarah is the widow of
Henry Parrott, who died in 1889; Martha is the
wife of Edward Moss, a farmer in Arkansas;
Marcus L., Jr., is a farmer in Bond County; Mary
is the wife of William N. Anthony, also a farmer in
Bond Count}'; Florence is the wife of Walter W.
Mitchell, the junior member of the firm of which
our subject is the head.

The original of our sketch grew to maturity on
the home farm and received a fair education. He
must have made rapid strides in his boyhood days,
for at the age of fifteen years we find him teaching
school, and at the age of eighteen a student at the
Shurtleff College of Upper Alton. After completing
his education he went to Kansas and was success-
fully engaged in stock business for two years. He
then returned to Illinois and was for two years en-
gaged in farming, and afterward he established him-
self in the mercantile business in Sorento, where he
has built up one of the largest mercantile houses in
Bond County,

Success has seemed to force itself upon our
subject, for while he is a business man of more
than ordinary ability, his advancement has been
most marked among other positions of trust that
he has held. He is now the Mayor of the town,
and is ever active in the upbuilding of the place.
Mr Whitworth was married in August of 1887 to
Miss Annie (Saathoff), daughter of Henry Saathoff,
a wealthy German-American who now lives near
Sorento. They have two children: Delia, a bright
girl of four summers, and George J., who is two
years of age.

M OSEPH McKINNEY. We take pleasure in
presenting to the readers of this volume a
history in outline of the gentleman whose
name appears above, and who was for
years a prominent and much-esteemed resident
of Harvel Township, Montgomery County. Mr.
McKinney was a native of that good old South-
ern State which has produced so many noted
men among statesmen and orators. He was born
in Virginia, October 10, 1815.

Mr. McKinney came to Illinois among the ear-
liest settlers that were here. Jt is doubtful, how-
ever, whether he did, at that early day, much pio-
neer work, for he was but a little chap of four
years of age when he came here with his parents,
they having made the journey hither with horses
and wagon. He was soon, however, inducted into,
the mysteries and methods of pioneer agricultural
life. They settled first in Jersey County, and
there our subject grew to manhood. He was true
to his calling, and devoted himself to that through-
out a long and useful life.

While still a resident of Jersey County, the origi-
nal of this sketch married Nancy Thornton.
This union was productive of four children, three
of whom still survive. They are: James, John and
Charlotte. In the fall of 1871, the f amity moved
to Montgomery County, and settled upon the farm
that they still occupy. Bereft of his first wife, he

TORTEAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

327

contracted a second marriage, which was solem-
nized in March. 1861. His bride was Miss Eliza-
beth A. Pettit, a native of Burlington County,
N. J., where she was born January 2, 1835. She
was a daughter of Joseph and Sarah Pettit, also
natives of New Jersey. From this marriage seven
children were born. Their names are: Joseph F.,
George D., Rosetta, Lizzie 8., Mary M., William H.
and Zeddie R.

Mr. McKinney departed this life February 5,
1881, having almost completed the three-score
years and ten generally allotted to man. He was
greatly respected by all who knew him, having led
an upright, honorable and useful life. His estate
comprised eighty acres of land, upon which the
family now resides. He was a kind husband and
loving, indulgent father, and enjoyed the confi-
dence of his neighbors and townsmen. For years
the principles of the Democratic party had been
held dear by him. Mrs. McKinney, when twenty-
five years of age, came to Sangamon County, mak-
ing that her residence for a short time, then came
to Montgomer3' County witli her husband, and
has since lived a contented and useful life. She
is a devoted member of the Christian Church, and
one of the women whom the community delights
to honor.

0*% ANGRATZ BOLL, ex-Postmaster of Green-
l) ville. who is now living retired, is one of

f the worthy citizens that German}' has fur-
Jj, -nished Bond County. He was born in Ba-
den, May 10, 1826, and is a son of John and Lib-
erata (Weigerly) Boll, also natives of German}',
where the father was an extensive farmer.

Our subject was one of five children, and the
only one who grew to maturity. He was highly
educated in his native land, both in literary studies
and in music. He followed farming until 1854,
when he bade good-bye to the scenes of his child-
hood and crossed the Atlantic. He had been pre-
viously married on the 24th of August, 1849, to

Miss Veronica Jehle, and unto them were born
three children, Emma, William- and August, with
whom they started to America, but the last-named,
a babe of eighteen months, died while en route,
and was buried in the sea. They reached New
York October 29, 1854, and at once started for St.
Louis. While on the way the trunks, valued at
$300, were lost, and no settlement was ever made
for them.

After two weeks spent in St. Louis, Mr. Boll lo-
cated in Highland, 111., where he engaged in the
manufacture of boots and shoes for three months.
He then removed to Pocahontas, where he re-
mained for three years. While there he worked
at his trade for a year, after which he taught
music and German, and was also engaged !n farm-
ing. The year 1857 witnessed his arrival in
Greenville, where he accepted a position with Col.
Reed, a manufacturer of boots and shoes, with
whom he remained a trusted employe for eight
years, and, during the Colonel's absence in the
army, was foreman in the business. In 1866, he
purchased a stock of boots and shoes, and also car-
ried on boot and shoe making until the 17th of
September, 1870, when he was appointed Post-
master of Greenville by President Grant. He
filled the office acceptably for almost twelve years,
and resigned on the 14th of February, 1882.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Boll have been born five
children, of whom Emma is the eldest; Julia is
wife of Frank Heger. formerly Cashier in Hoile's
Bank, but now head book-keeper in a bank in
Denver, Colo.; Fannie married Theodore Roth, n
merchant of Smithborough, and died May 9, 1892;
August, connected with the St. Louis Republic;
and William, one of the proprietors of the Sun,
published in Red Oak, Montgomery County, Iowa.
In connection with Charles Clark, the latter also
founded the Sun, of Greenville.

On retiring from office, Mr. Boll, with his wife,
made a trip to Europe. They spent six months in
travel, visiting the principal cities and points in
the Old World, and during their absence Mr. Boll
\v:i> a correspondent of the Greenville Sun. He
has also been a correspondent of a St. Louis paper.
In politics, he is a Democrat, while in religious
faith both he and his wife are members of the RQ.

328

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

man Catholic Church, in which he serves as organ-
ist. They have a beautiful home on Harris Ave-
nue. Mr. Boll also owns several residences and a
business house in this city. He is a man of ster-
ling worth and strict integrity, alike true to every
public and private trust. He has been the archi-
tect of his own fortune, and has built wisely and
well, gaining for himself a handsome competence,
which places him among the substantial citizens
of the community.

I OHN J. SUTTON, Justice of the Peace and
one of the representative and highly re-
spected citizens of Greenville, was born in
the city of Brotherly Love, on the 16th of
April, 1832. The family is of English origin.
The grandparents, Edmund and Jane (Richardson)
Sutton, came to America in 1820, and located in
Pennsylvania. The grandfather was a farmer, but
in later years lived a retired life, making his home
in the city of Philadelphia. Himself and wife
were members of the Society of Friends. They
had a family of eleven children, nine of whom
grew to manhood and womanhood,

Robert Sutton, father of our subject, was born
in England, and came with his parents to this
country. He resided first in Philadelphia, and
married Hannah Stockdale, daughter of John Stock-
dale, a farmer and stock dealer, who spent his en-
tire life in his native land. His family numbered
twelve children. Mrs. Sutton crossed the briny
deep in 1818. After their marriage they located
on a farm in Philadelphia County, where the father
of our subject carried on agricultural pursuits for
a period of five years. He then removed to Bucks
County, where he followed farming until 1840,
which year witnessed his arrival in St. Louis
County, Mo. He there followed his chosen occu-
pation until 1845, when he became a resident of
Clinton County, 111., and there he remained until
his death, which occurred in 1873, His wife sur-

vived him several years and was called to the home
beyond in 1882. He was a Republican in politics,
and witli the Presbyterian Church both held mem-
bership. Their family numbered four children,
but our subject has only one brother now living,
Edmund, a resident of St. Louis.

John J. Sutton, whose name heads this record,
quietly spent the days of his boyhood upon his
father's farm, and his education was acquired in
Bucks County, Pa., supplemented by about six
months' attendance at the common schools in Clin-
ton County, 111. He remained at home aiding in
the labors of the farm until after his parents'
death, and then assumed its management, carrying
on operations along that line until 1884, when he
removed to Greenville and was elected to his pres-
ent office, the duties of which he has discharged
with a promptness and fidelity that have won him
the commendation of all concerned.

Mr. Sutton has purchased city property in the
east part of the town, and, besides this, owns a one
hundred and sixty acre farm in Clinton County,
and other land in Madison County. In politics,
he is a stalwart Republican, and has ably filled the
offices of Supervisor, Town Collector, School
Trustee and School Director. He was also Justice
of the Peace for three and a-half years in Clinton
County. He is a faithful member and Trustee of
the Presbyterian Church, is a stalwart advocate of
temperance principles and is an honorable, upright
man, who takes an active interest in all that per-
tains to the welfare of the community and its up-
building. He is a valued citizen, and one well
deserving representation in this volume.

S. D. ROBERTS, who died September 17,
1892, was one of the old settlers of Bond
4i \\\ County, and resided on section 3, Mulberry
rove Township. He was one of the most
prominent farmers of the county, and has had a
life full of interest.

Our subject was born in Henry County, Ky., Sep-

LIBRARY

I HE
UNIVERSITY ot ILLINOIS

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

331

tember 15, 1822, the same year his father, who was
one of the early settlers of the county, made his
advent into it. The latter was born in Bardstown,
Ky., in the year 1780, and he was reared in this
place. After he came to Illinois, he settled on land
which he obtained from the Government, but did
not make that place a permanent home. He only
remained there for about two years, and then went
into Montgomery County and located at Vanbur-
ensberg, where lie remained for many years. The
first marriage of Mr. Roberts took place in Ken-
tuck}', and his wife bore the maiden name of Sarah
Simmons. She was a native of Henry County, Ky.,
where she was reared, and died after her removal
into Montgomery County. She was the noble
mother of thirteen children, and all of these grew
to maturity. All of them married with one ex-
ception, and reared families, and these have spread
over the country and everywhere have borne the
name without reproach.

MONTI CELLO SPRINKLE, D. D. S., of

Nokomis, has a patronage that is large and
constantly on the increase, which desirable
state of affairs has been brought about by
a thorough knowledge of his profession, prompt-
ness in filling his engagements, and the painstaking
and careful manner in which he performs all his
work. He keeps a full line of dental supplies, fully
equal to the requirements of that progressive pro-
fession, including all the most improved apparatus
and materials, and all his dealings are character-
ized by fair and honorable methods.

Our subject was born in Knox County, Ind.,
March 2, 1864, the son of Col. John H. E. and Bar-
bara (Hrouillette) Sprinkle, whose ancestors became
residents of this country during the early Colonial
times, but history is a little vague as to the exact
time that they came, or where they came from.
It is, however, known that Henry Sprinkle, the
grandfather, was born near Hagerstown, Washing-
ton County, Md., in 1757, and in 1807 was mar-

ried to Elizabeth Ernst. He was the owner of a
large plantation and became an extensive slave-
holder. He lived to the ripe old age of ninety
years, dying in 1851.

Col. Sprinkle, the father of the subject of this
sketch, was born in Wythe County, Va., in 1822,
and in 1845 went to Knox County, Ind., to take
up his residence on land purchased by his father
from the Shakers in 1835. He became a very
prominent and wealthy farmer in that section of
country. He was a life-long Democrat, and under
the administration of President Buchanan held
an appointment in the United States Land Office,
and later was Disbursing Agent under the same
President, as well as a United States Marshal. He
is now living retired in Vincennes, Ind. He was
married to Miss Barbara, a daughter of Capt. Pierre
Brouillette, a prominent and early French settler
and a great admirer of Gen. Harrison. The mother
was born in Vincennes, Ind., in 1821, and died in
1890, at the old home. A brother of our subject,
Welcome B., is a prominent physician of Oaktown,
Ind. It was on his father's farm that Dr. Sprinkle
first saw the light of day, and there his early life
was spent in attending the public schools. At the
age of seventeen he entered the High School of
Dayton, Ohio, from which he was graduated three
years later with honors.

Our subject then began the study of dentistry
under Dr. T. B. Jirard. of Vincennes, Ind., and in
1882 became principal demonstrator at the New
York College of Dental Surgery, from which he
was graduated in 1884. In 1885, he was graduated
from the Indiana Dental College, and soon after-
ward began practicing his chosen profession at
Carlisle, Ind., but at the expiration of one year
came to Nokomis, reaching this city in the month
of March, 1886. He is a post-graduate of the
Dental Association of the United States, is a mem-
ber in good standing of the Illinois State Dental
Association, as well as of the Dental Protective Asso-
ciation of the United States. He has been success-
ful in his practice, and has a fine suite of rooms,
which are fitted up in a tasteful and elegant man-
ner. An educated and polished gentleman, he is
a general favorite in social and professional circles
and is an enterprising citizen, of whom the people

332

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

of Nokomis may well feel proud. His local prac-
tice is very large, as is also his practice from ad-
joining counties, and he is considered to be one
of the most popular of dental practitioners.

GS. UPSTONE. For a number of years past
the city of Nokomis lias been noted far and
wide for its excellent mercantile establish-
ments, and particularly that conducted by Mr. Up-
stone, who is one of the first-class business men of
the place. In his active career through life he has
gained to an unlimited extent the confidence and
esteem always awarded integrity, honor and in-
dustry, and is now one of the foremost men of the
county. He is progressive in his ideas, pleasing
and courteous in his manner, and well understands
how to suit the desires and wishes of his patrons.
He is now President of the Town Board, and is
active in his support of all laudable enterprises.

Mr. Upstone is a Canadian by birth, having
been born in Button Township, Brome County,
Province of Quebec, Canada, near the Vermont
line, in 1835, and is of English-Scotch ancestry.
His father, John Upstone, was born in London,
England, and his mother, Jane (Sinclair) Upstone,
was a native of Edinburgh, Scotland. The parents
emigrated to Canada in 1832, and in that country
the father followed the occupation of a farmer.
Young Upstone was reared to the arduous duties
of the farm, and as lie had to labor most assidu-
ously during his youth, his education received
very little attention. When eight years of age
his mother died, and he grew up deprived of the
loving care and helpful words of that parent. His
early life was one of hardship and privation, but
he was possessed of much determination, great
energy, and an unusual amount of enterprise.

Upon the breaking out of the Civil War, our
subject was in Ripley County, Ind., and when the
tocsin of war sounded, he was filled with patriotism
for his adopted land* so on the 3d of June, 1861,

he donned his suit of blue, shouldered his musket,
and enlisted in Company G, Thirteenth Indiana
Infantry, as a private. He was mustered in at
Indianapolis and was at once sent to Virginia.
Soon afterward he participated in the battle of
Rich Mountain, in that State, and here had his
first taste of fire from the enemy. After this he
was on guard duty and engaged in skirmish-
ing in Maryland until his command was plunged
into the battle of Winchester. Following this the
command marched up the Shenandoah Vallej-, and
crossed the mountai ns into the Luray Valley, where
he and a number of his companions were detached
from the regiment and sent back to the Shenan-
doah Valley, the objective point being Winchester.
The}- were surprised at Kerntown, May 23, 1862,
by a detachment of cavalry from Gen. Bank's
army, and taken prisoner, being conveyed to that
death trap, Belle Island. Here our subject suffered
the horrors of starvation to such an extent, that
when released in September he was a physical
wreck and weighed butone hundred pounds, when
he had entered a strong man, weighing one hun-
dred and ninety pounds. After his return, he
was sent to Parole Camp, at Annapolis, and there
remained until exchanged. When able to join his
regiment, which at that time was at Suffolk, Va.,
his health was so blattered by his life in the Rebel
prison, that he was not able to stand the hardships
of war further, and upon a surgeon's certificate of
disability (the physician saving lie could not live
thirty days), he returned to his home in Indiana.
He soon regained health and strength, however,
and determined to again enter the service.

On the loth of July, 1864. our subject enlisted in
the Mississippi Squadron of the United States
navy, and was assigned to duty on the " Fair
Play No. 17," of the Mississippi Squadron. He
held the commission of Master Mate, which is
equal to the rank of Second Lieutenant in the
army, and was in service on the lower Missis-
sippi, Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers. After the
surrender of Gen. Lee, our subject went up the
Red River to Shreveport, with his command, and
there Gen. Dick Taylor surrendered to them. In
all the expeditions Mr. Upstone was ever active in
the performance of his duty, and displayed much

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

333

bravery and faithfulness. After the surrender of
Dick Taylor, the squadron was ordered to Cairo,
July 23, 1865, and there our subject was dis-
charged on the 27th of August of that year.

Soon afterward Mr. Upstone came to Nokomis.
111., worked on a farm for a short time, and then
spent two years in the South. In the years 1869-
70, he served as Superintendent of the farm at the
Illinois Industrial University, and while there he
met with an accident that nearly cost him his life,
and from which he was laid up for more than a
year. After recovering, he engaged in the drug
business in Nokomis, and since then he has been a
prominent factor in business circles, owning at
present a large general store. He is a prominent
member of Cottingham Post No. 236, G. A. R.,
having been one of the charter members, one of
its first officers, and in 1889, its Commander. A
stalwart Republican in his political views, he is no
small factor in local politics, in which he has
always been a leader. He has filled many of the
local offices, among them being Assessor and Col-
lector, while at the present time he is President of
the Town Board. A good business man, a shrewd
politician and a very pleasant gentleman, it is a
pleasure to meet or have any dealings with him.

Mr. Upstone was married on the 1st of Jan-
ary, 1870, to Miss Catherine Day, a native of the
Buckeye State, and they have one child, a daugh-
ter named Martha, a charming young lady in her
teens.

ON. ,1. M. TRU1TT. The Bar of Mont-
gomery County has furnished to the State
and nation some of their ablest legislators,
congressmen, senators and executive offi-
cers, and consists of men who will take rank with
the best in the land in all that constitutes talent,
forensic and advisory. Among its prominent
members stands Hon. J. M. Truitt, who is a
gentleman of rare attainments, and a citizen of
whom any State might well be proud. He is a
logical reasoner, and in debate is forcible, decisive in

statement, and is possessed of magnetic eloquence,
which renders his declamation of the most con-
vincing order. In the zenith of his manhood, his
days will doubtless be long multiplied, and his
fame grow brighter in the minds of his neighbors,
who are ever ready to do him honor.

Born in Trimble County, Ky., February 28, 1842,
our subject was the son of Samuel and Cynthia A.
(Carr) Truitt, the father a native of Henry
County, Ky., born December 28, 1818, and the
mother born in Indiana in 1818 also. The elder Mr.
Truitt followed the occupation of a farmer, and
became very successful in his chosen calling. He
was of English descent, and the mother is sup-
posed to be of Scotch origin. She is still living.
Of the seven children born to this worthy couple,
one daughter and six sons, two died in infancy.
Our subject, who is second in order of birth of the
above-mentioned children, was but three years of
age when he was broght by his parents to Greene
County, 111. His first educational advantages were
received in the subscription school at Fayette,
that county, and he remained at home assisting
his father on the farm until 1862, when he en-
listed to fight for the Old Flag.

Our subject joined Company B, One Hundred
and Seventeenth Illinois Infantry as a private,
and shortly afterward was promoted to Orderly
Sergeant, which position he held for two years.
He was then promoted to the rank of Second Lieu-
tenant, and served in that capacity until the close
of the war. He was in many severe battles, in-
cluding Ft. Blakely, and fought bravely for the
Union. He was honorably discharged and mus-
tered out at Springfield, 111., August 5, 1865, and
subsequently spent some time at McKendree Col-
lege, of Lebanon, 111. In 1866 he came to Hills-
boro, and commenced studying law with Judge J.
J. Phillips, with whom he remained until 1872.
He was then elected to the Twenty-eighth General
Assembly, and represented his count3' in that
body for two years.

Following this Mr. Truitt returned to Hillsboro,
and has practiced his profession here ever since.
He is the owner of one of the finest libraries in
the State. In 1876 he was one of the electors of
the Republican party, and in 1880 was Repub-

334

K)RTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

lican Elector-at-Large of the State, and in 1880
and 1884 was a delegate to the National Republi-
can Convention. Mr. Truitt is one of the oldest
members of the Grand Army of the Republic in
the State, and belongs to the F. D. Hubbel Post
No. 403, of which lie has been Commander. He
is also a member of Lodge No. 51, A. F. <fe
A. M. at Hillsboro, and takes an interest in this or-
ganization. He is one of the most prominent ;
men of the county, and in every walk of life has
conducted himself with honor and renown. His
practice is highly remunerative, and he enjoys the
enviable reputation with court, counsel and
client, of a practitioner scrupulously accurate in
statement and in every action or position gov-
erned by the nicest sense of professional honor.
On October 1, 1867, he married MissJennie Black-
man, a native of Hillsboro, born May 6, 1847, and
the daughter of George and Hannah J. Blackmail.
Mr. and Mrs. Truitt are the parents of two chil-
dren, viz.: Ida and Earl B.

/,.., BEL STELL RANDOLPH has passed the
i-\\ uneventful life of a farmer, and has con-

tinued steadily to pursue "the even tenor
of his way," and is now classed among
the prosperous farmers of Montgomery County.
His farm is located in the midst of one of the
finest agricultural centers of this county, and his
laud is conceded to be among the best in the
vicinity; and this is saying not a little, for on
every hand may be seen superior farms, whose
appearance denotes thrift and prosperity. He is
one of the early pioneers of Bois D'Arc Town-
ship and a representative citizen, giving his
hearty support to all enterprises for the good of
the community.

Our subject was born in Somerset County, N.
J., on the 5th of August, 1831, and his j
parents, Lewis and Mar}' (Compton) Randolph,
were also natives of that State. In 1837, the
parents emigrated to what is now Jersey County,
111., of which they were among the early settlers

The father survived until October 8, 1892, when,
mourned by all who knew him, he passed to his
final rest. His death removed a pioneer of Illi-
nois and an upright, kind-hearted man. In Jer-
sey County our subject grew to manhood, and as
he was trained to the arduous duties of the farm
at an early age, it was but natural, perhaps, that,
when starting out for himself, he should choose
agricultural pursuits as his occupation in life.
He first cultivated the soil with a wooden plow,
and at one time drove as many as ten yoke of
oxen to break the sod. His early schooling was
received in the primitive log schoolhouse of those
days, and although he had not the advantages
offered at the present time, he improved every
moment and became thoroughly familiar with all
the branches then taught. He has since been a
great observer and reader, is well posted on all
important subjects, and is mainly self-educated.

Lewis Randolph entered one section of land
with a Mexican laud warrant in what is now Bois
D'Arc Township, and in 1855 he sent our sub-
ject here to plant Bois D'Arc hedge around it. In
1860, the latter came here and located on his pres-
ent farm, where he has remained ever since. He
owns two hundred acres of land, one hundred
and sixty acres in Montgomery County, and has
devoted his energies to putting his farm in good
tillable condition. June 9, 1869, Mr. Randolph
was wedded to Miss Minerva Edwards, a native of
Sciota, Ohio, born October 27, 1838, and the
daughter of Andrew and Mary (Darlington) Ed-
wards, the former a native of Pennsylvania and
the latter of Ohio. In 1848, she moved with her
parents to Jersey County, 111., where they were
among the first settlers. She was reared to
womanhood in that county, and is one of four
children, now living, born to her parents, the
others being Henry, William and George.

Mr. Randolph is one of the five children, now
living, born to his parents : Abel; Harriet, wife
of T. Moore; Catherine, wife of James Clopp;
Ruth and Peter. An elder sister, Almira, and a
younger brother, Moore, are deceased. Unto Mr.
and Mrs. Randolph one son has been born, Henry
M. In his political views, Mr. Randolph supports
the principles of the Republican party, and takes

RESIDENCE OF WILLIAM WEBSTER, SEC. 18.,NOKOMIS. TR, MONTGOMERY CO., ILL.

,v d! -' *

A/'/.: : -.

,-,~A*,:.tt-,.LS.

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RESIDENCEOF ABEL RANDOLPH , 5EC.5.,BOIS D'ARC TP, MONTGOMERY CO., ILL.

LIBRARY

Ot T

UNIVERSITY

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

337

a deep interest in local polities. He is held in
high esteem by the entire community, and enjoys
the distinction to which an old settler is entitled.
He is active in all worthy enterprises that have
for their object the upbuilding of the county, and
is a public-spirited citizen. lie and his wife hold
membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church,
and are active meml>ers in the same. They take
much interest in social circles, and are esteemed in
the community in which they reside. By indus-
try and good management they have gathered
around them many of the comforts and conven-
iences of life, and can now sit down and enjoy
the fruits of their labor. Their long lives have
been replete with good deeds, and no residents of
the county are more highly respected.

ypILLIAM WEBSTER, Every comm un ity has
among its citizens a few men of recognized
^"^ influence and ability, who by their system-
atic and thorough method of work attain to a suc-
cess which is justly deserved. That a lifetime
spent in the pursuit of one's calling will result in
substantial success, especially if perseverance and
energy are applied, is found to be true in the case
of Mr. Webster, who from boyhood has given the
occupation of agriculture the principal part of his
attention. He is now a resident of Nokomis Town-
ship, Montgomery County. A native of England,
he was born in Yorkshire, near Bradford, in 1827.
The parents of our subject, George and Martha
(Gath) Webster, were natives of England, and
the father followed the occupation of a wheel-
wright. In 1841, the latter emigrated to America
and located at Shelby ville, Ind., where he engaged
in the manufacture of wagons. He also owned a
farm near that place, and was engaged both as a
farmer and a manufacturer for many years. He
accumulated considerable property and was a man
of much enterprise and ambition. His death oc-
curred at Shelbyville, Ind., in 1874, his wife hav-
ing passed away a few years prior to his demise.
Of their children, James is a prominent physician
at Colfax, Ind., and Charles F. is a civil engineer

at Indianapolis. The eldest son, William, was
fairly educated for his day, but when quite young
was obliged to take the management of his father's
farm, on which he worked until 1851, when he
came to Illinois. After reaching this State, he lo-
cated on a farm near Cherry Valley, Winnebago
County, and after remaining there for a year and
a-lialf, he went to Iowa, where he was engaged in
farming for about five years. He subsequently
spent one year in Missouri, and in 1860 crossed
the plains to Denver, Colo.

Shortly afterward, Mr. Webster returned to Illi-
nois, located in Madison County, and on the 13th
of August, 1862, enlisted in Company K, Eightieth
Illinois Infantry, as a private. He was sent to the
front at Louisville, Ky., where his regiment joined
the Army of the Cumberland under Gen. McCook.
He was first under fire at Perryville, Ky., and
for three years was in active service, fighting
bravely for his country. For some time after the
battle of Perryville he was on guard duty at Mun-
fordville and engaged in scouting after Morgan's
army. He spent the winter of 1862-63 at Mun-
fordville and, after participating in the battle of
Milton, in the spring of 1863 he started with
Strait's brigade on a campaign through Tenn-
essee and Georgia. At Rome, Ga., he was taken
sick and was sent to the hospital at Nashville,
which accounts for the fact that he was not taken
prisoner with his regiment. He rejoined his reg-
iment after it had been exchanged and returned to
Nashville. Later, he took an active part in the
battle of Mission Ridge, being in the Eleventh
Army Corps, under Gen. Howard, and afterward
went with Gen. Sherman's command to Kuoxville,
to relieve Gen. Burnside, who was being besieged
by Longstreet.

After remaining in Chattanooga during the win-
ter of 1863-64, the army started on the Atlanta Cam-
paign in the spring of the following year, and our
subject participated in all the battles of that noted
campaign, among them those of Dalton, Resaca,
Marietta and the fall of Atlanta. On his return
to Nashville, he fi.ught in the battles of Pulaski
and Franklin. Afterward the army was re-organ-
ized and his regiment was assigned to the Third
Brigade, First Division, Fourth Army Corps. He

338

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

accompanied Gen. Sherman on his raid into North
Carolina, and while at Greenville heard of the
assassination of President Lincoln. He was soon
ordered to Camp Ilarker at Nashville, and there
remained uutil mustered out June 10, 1865. He
was discharged at Springfield on the 19th of the
same month.

After the war, Mr. Webster remained in Mad-
ison County, 111., until the spring of 1866, then he
came to Montgomery County and was engaged in
farming near Litchfield for eleven years. In 1877,
he came to Nokomis Township and has here been
engaged in tilling the soil ever since. He has
met with substantial results in this occupa-
tion and is now the owner of a fine farm of
nearly five hundred acres, all in a high state of
cultivation. He is one of the highly respected,
influential and wealthy farmers of his community.
He was married in Indiana, in 1848, to Miss Olivia
Smith, a native of the Hoosier State, and the
daughter of Jonas and Abigail Smith, the father a
prominent farmer of that State. Their union was
blessed by the birth of the following-named chil-
dren: G. W., a successful attorney of Nokomis;
G. H., a farmer of Nokomis Township and a prom-
inent factor in local politics; and Walter, also a
farmer in Nokomis Township. The mother of these
children died in Iowa in 1856.

The second marriage of Mr. Webster occurred in
1858 and united him with Rachel Wallace, who
died March 20, 1889, leaving four children, as fol-
lows: Clara, who married D. Bote, a farmer by
occupation; Jessie, the wife of C. H. Rhine, who
resides on one of Mr. Webster's farms; Orpha, who
married Charles Sullivan, a farmer of Roundtree
Township, and Minnie, who resides at home. Polit-
ically, Mr. Webster is now and has always been a
stanch Republican.

1 LEAZAR H. WHITE, a prominent farmer
of Bond County, resides on his two hun-
/i 1 ^ dred and more acres of fine land two miles
northwest of Greenville, 111. The subject of this

sketch was born where he now lives, October 5,
1835, and was the sou of John B. White, who was
a native of Rutherford Count3 r , N. C.

Thomas White, our subject's grandfather, was a
native of the old North Stale, and was of Irish
birth, and became a teacher and farmer in North
Carolina. He made two trips north on horseback
prospecting and looking out fine land in the State,
and in 1820 he brought his family by wagon and
located on section 9 in this township, where he
entered three hundred and twenty acres of land.
He was one of the first settlers and built a log
cabin here.

The red men became his familiar visitors,
and among them Mr. White found many who pos-
sessed fine traits of character. Deer and wolves
abounded in the country, and wil'd turkeys flew
over the streams, but as he was no hunter he
did not pursue any of the wild creatures for sport.
During the summers he farmed, and when the
months of deep winter settled down over the land
he taught school. He was the first teacher in
Bond County, and at that time all of the schools
were on the subscription plan. Mr. White was a
giant in size and strength, weighing three hun-
dred and thirty-three pounds, and he accomplished
much in his life. His demise occurred at the age
of seventy-six years, and in him the Presbyterian
Church lost a member who had always performed
his full duty. In politics, he was a Whig and
later became a Republican.

The father of our subject came here when about
thirty years of age, and here found the lady who
became his wife. He settled upon the present farm,
built a log house, and developed the farm and be-
came the owner of two hundred and seventy-five
acres. His stock was considered fine, and he car-
ried on his farming in a careful manner. In the
eighty-fourth year of his age he passed away, hav-
ing been a member in good standing in the Pres-
byterian Church. In politics, he was a Republi-
can, and h:id been a Whig in his earlier days.

The mother of our subject was Margaret Robi-
son, a native of North Carolina, who came here
with her parents when but a little girl and settled
in Madison County, near Edwardsville. She was
the mother of eight children: Mary, now Mrs.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

839

Elam; Thomas W., deceased; Boriah R.; Harriet,
now Mrs. Robison; John M., ileceased; Samuel E.;
James A., deceased; and Eleazar II. The mother
had been a member of the Presbyterian Church,
and her neighbors and family missed a good, kind
woman when she was called away at the age of
forty -six years.

Our subject was reared on the home place on
which he now resides, and was educated in the
pioneer schoolhouse, and remembers the slab
benches, and big wide chimney made of mud and
sticks. In his day, deer and wolves were still seen
in great numbers around his home, and one of the
duties of the young boys in the families was to
carefully close the sheep pens, as the wolves did
not tire of mutton if the boys sometimes did. At
the death of his father, our subject took the home-
stead, and later was married to Mrs. Harriet A.
Goodson, who was born in this township. Four
children were born to them: Ida E., John B., Hat-
tie A. and George W.

John Goodson, Mrs. White's father, was born
in Logan Count}', Ky., on the 7th of March,
1801, and his father was William Goodson, a
native of New England, who, with his father, was
an early settler of Logan County, Ky. There Mrs.
Goodson 's father married, and moved to this county
in 1826. The trip was made by wagon and all
camped by the roadside at night by a fire of logs.
One night the fire grew low, and while they were
all asleep a panther crept up and was just about to
spring upon the baby, when its father awoke and
snatched a firebrand and drove the animal away.
This child lived to become the mother of sixteen
children.

The land which Mr. Goodson entered he lived
upon until the time of his death, which occurred in
1863, when he was about sixty-two years old. He
was a Cumberland Presbyterian and services were
held in his house. The father of Mrs. White married
in Kentucky, and had three children when he came
to Illinois in 1826. At that time, lie entered land
on the southeast quarter of section 27, in this
township, and there built a log house and worked
very hard. At the time of his death, he owned
four hundred acres of land, which he had obtained
by good management. In his politics, he was a

Democrat before the war, but during that struggle
he became a Republican. A man of sound judg-
ment and great foresight, he predicted many things
at the outbreak of the war which came to pass
afterward. He was a member of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church.

The mother of Mrs. White was Elizabeth Perry,
who was born in Logan County, Ky., June 7, 1800.
She became the mother of twelve children, eleven
of whom she reared to maturity. She had em-
braced the faith of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church and died September 15, 1844. The land
which is owned by our subject comprises two hun-
dred and one and one-half acres, all of which is
contained in one body and is mostly improved.
He has successfully combined grain and stock-rais-
ing and has bred some very tine horses. Both Mr.
and Mrs. White belong to the Presbyterian Church,
in which the whole family far back has taken great
interest. Formerly our subject was a Republican,
but he now affiliates with the People's partv, and
at present is acceptably filling the office of School
Director.

f ,l LBERT F. GWYN. Our subject is a prom-
Ol incnt merchant of Sorento, and to him be-

longs the credit of starting the first store
in the town. He is a native of Bond
County, and was born not far from his present
place of residence, March 5, 1842, being next to
the eldest in a family of five children, comprising
three sons and two daughters, that were born to
Alexander and Cinderella (McCaslin) Gwyn. Of
this family there are but two now living, our sub-
ject and his eldest brother, William T., who resides
at Peru, Kan.

Alexander Gwyn was born in Maur County,
Tenn., in 1809. His father, whose name was also
Alexander, was born in the same place in 1785.
Mrs. Alexander Gwyn was a native of Princeton,
Ky., and she and her husband came to the Prairie'

340

PORTRAIT AM? BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

State about 1830, and located in Bond Count}-,
where Mr. Gwyn died in 1851. The original of
this sketch was reared on a farm and received a
fair education. On the breaking out of the Civil
War lie enlisted in the service of his country as a
private in Company I, of the Sixth Illinois Cav-
alry, joining his company October 2, 1861.

It would be a long and tedious tale to attempt
to follow Mr. Gwyn minutely through his more
than four years of brilliant service. We will,
however, give the more important events that
transpired. He was in the forty-eight days' siege
at Port Hudson and his regiment was the first to
enter Port Hudson. He then campaigned through
Alabama, Middle and Western Tennessee, and
fought Hood at Florence, Ala.; he was in the bat-
tle of Nashville, and also in that hottest of battles
Franklin; and was on the memorable Grierson
Raid, which stationed at LaGrange a detachment
of one hundred and twenty-five detailed men, of
whom our subject was one. They were sent in
advance to locate the enemy, and after riding all
day through the mud and rain, worn out, wet and
hungry, they wrapped themselves in their blankets,
and on March 29, 1863, laid down on the cold,
wet ground to rest. While sleeping they were
surprised by a murderous band of rebels, who out-
numbered them three to one. As their deadly fire
was poured upon the sleeping soldiers, the latter
sprang to their feet, and, though it would have
been the natural impulse under such circumstances
to turn and run, they held their ground, and
after a desperate fight completely defeated the
enemy.

We give herewith the order issued by the Com-
manding General on this occasion, and which
fully explains itself:
' Headquarters First Division,

Sixteenth Army Corps,

LAGRANGE, TENS., April 2, 1863.

"General Order No. 46, by direction of Maj.
Gen. S. A. Hurlbut, commanding Sixteenth Army
Corps:

"The General commanding the First Division
returns thanks to the cavalry which, under
the command of Lieut.-Col. Loomis, of the
Sixth Illinois Cavalry, so gallantly repulsed an

attack made upon them at midnight, by a rebel
force outnumbering them threefold, near Kelmont,
Tenn., on the 29th of March, 1863. By such de-
termined fighting glory is won, and we cannot
think-of our brave men springing from their slum-
ber, aroused by a murderous volley, and rushing
upon the foe and routing him, without a thrill of
pride. Well does our country merit such glorious
service, and may all our troops loyally render it
wherever opportunity may be afforded. It is
hereby ordered that a copy of this order be ad-
dressed to each commissioned and non-commis-
sioned officer and private who participated in the
affair referred to, as evidence of his bravery and
good conduct.

" By command of Brig.-Gen. William Soule
Smith, commanding First Division.

" To Private Alfred F. Gwyn, Company I, of the
Sixth Illinois Cavalry."

In fact, it has been stated, in an order issued by
the commanding officer, that this cavalry accom-
plished feats that were not thought possible for
cavalry to do; that they never attacked a fort they
did not take, and never defended a line they did
not hold. For more than a year our subject never
had a tent or other shelter. He endured such
privations for more than four years that his coun-
try might be saved. He was finally discharged,
November 24, 1865.

Mr. Gwyn was married in 1864, while home on
on his veteran's furlough, his bride being Miss
Lydia A. Curlee, From this union two children
have been born: Nellie, the wife of W. D. Wirt,
who is Mr. Gwyn's partner in business; and Jessie,
a young lady who is now completing her educa-
tion. The subject of this sketch resumed his
farming operations after returning from the war,
and continued to be thus employed until 1871, at
which time he turned his attention to the mercan-
tile business, and located at Elm Point, where he
remained for six years. The succeeding five
years, or from 1876 to 1882, he was in business at
Hillsboro. In 1882, when the town of Sorento
was being laid out, he was the first on the ground.
He built the first building and sold the first goods
from the place, and also was the first Postmaster.
He has ever been an ardent Republican, and is a

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

341

member in high standing of the Grand Army of
the Republic. Fraternally, he is a member of the
Modern Woodmen. At the present time of writ-
ing(1892) Mr.Kjrvryn is completing the finest resi-
dence in Sorento. Here he expects to pass the
evening of life surrounded by his family.

ON. ,1. B. LANE is ranked among the rep-
resentative citizens of Montgomery County,
and there is probably no one more de-
serving of mention than he, for his resi-
dence within its borders lias extended over a con-
siderable portion of his life. During this time he
has served in various official capacities and always
with such satisfactory results that naught but
words of commendation have been bestowed upon
him. He was born in Cheshire County, N. H.,
September 10, 1826, a son of Dr. T. L. Lane, who
was born in Marlborougli, N. II., September 1, 1800.
He attended school at Groton, Mass., and at Han-
over, N. H., and graduated from an educational
institution of the latter place in 1824.

For the practice of his profession Dr. Lane first
located in Sullivan, N. H., in 1825, but removed
from there in 1832 to Lunenburgh, Vt., where he
remained two years. Gilsum, N. H., next became
his home, where he remained until 1838, and from
there removed to Daysville, 111., and in 1841 be-
came a resident of Fillmore, where he was called
from life September 1, 1849. His father, Capt.
John Lane, was born in Lunenburgh, Mass., and
obtained his title in the Revolutionary War, in
which he was a courageous and faithful soldier.
He was of English descent. The wife of Dr. T. L.
Lane was Miss Roxanna Harvey, a native of Mass-
achusetts, where she was born August 2, 1802.

The maternal grandfather, lumber Harvey, was
born in the old Bay State in 1755, and during the
Revolutionary War attained to the rank of Sergeant
He was of English lineage. Dr. T. L. Lane and
Roxanna Harvey were married at Marlborougli,
N. H., October 25, 1825, and became the parents of

two sons and two daughters: J. B., the subject of
this sketch, who is the eldest of the family;
Jane A., born November 25, 1828, died May 6,
1836; Timothy was born April 2, 1830, and died
April 20, 1832; and Mary J., born December 15,-
1837, the wife of Andrew J.Richmond, of Oregon.
J. B. Lane remained with his father and mother
until their respective deaths, and in 1860 started
a store in what was Old Fillmore, of which place
he was appointed Postmaster in 1854, and very
efficiently filled the position until Cleveland's ad-
ministration, when he was displaced. Upon the
election of Harrison, his son took the office. The
town of Fillmore is built on the farm which was
owned by Mr. Lane, and it was owing to his exer-
tions that the village was founded. He was first
married on the 9th of March, 1848, to Miss Sarah
Harris, who died July 4, 1851, having borne her
husband a son, Timothy, who is a resident of Fill-
more. Mr. Lane's second marriage was celebrated
on the 3rd of February, 1852, Rachel S. Bost, a
daughter of Jacob and Margaret (Cress) Bost, be-
coming his wife. She was born in Cabarrus County,
N. C., and at the age of seven years became a res-
dent of Montgomery County, 111., where she has
since resided.

This union resulted in the birth of seven chil-
dren: Margaret is the wife of Rev. Hiram L. Greg-
orys minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
and a resident of California; Torrance H. is associ-
ated with his father in the mercantile business;
Augusta F., widow of George W. Lewey, is assis-
tant in the post-office at Fillmore; Ora E., a suc-
cessful farmer, resides at Fillmore; Carrie M. and
Ella L. are at home. Mr. Lane is the owner of
four hundred acres of land in and adjoining the
village of Fillmore, where he and his son conduct
a large general mercantile establishment. They
keep a large and well-selected stock of goods,
which they dispose of at very reasonable rates, and
their efforts to please their patrons, their genial
and cordial manners and upright business methods
have made their house a very popular and liber-
ally patronized one.

Mr. Lane is a pronounced Republican, and on
that ticket was elected Associate Judge in 1869.
During his four years of service in that position jus-

342

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

tice was meted out with an impartial hand, and
decisions were made after careful and painstaking
study of the evidence adduced. He was also a
popular and intelligent Justice of the Peace and
adjusted the difficulties of his neighbors in a, man-
ner very satisfactory to all concerned. Mr. Lane
was at ono time the owner of six hundred acres of
land, but gave each of his boys considerable real-
estate, and was also very liberal with his daughters.
He is a prominent citizen of his own township,
and is respected and esteemed for his sterling in-
tegrity, sound judgment, broad intelligence and
progressive ideas.

MINDRUP. Agriculture has one
of its most energetic representatives among
the German population of Nokorois Town-
ship, Montgomery County, in the gentleman whose
name appears at the head of this sketch. A prosperous
and progressive farmer, Mr. Mindrup is a native of
Germany, having been born in Oslerland, December
6, 1836. His father was a farmer, with all the ideas of
thrift and industry common and necessary to the
German agriculturist. Our subject was reared on the
home farm, and in the intervals of duties incident
to a farmer lad, he received a common-school ed-
ucation, which was, however, very different from
the education received by the boys of to-da3 r .

Our subject's parents both passed away in their
native land, and when young Mindrup had reached
his majority he emigrated to America, his advent
hither taking place in 1857. He at once proceeded
to Illinois, and located on a farm near Mount Olive,
in Macoupin County. There he continued until
1868, when he came to this county and purchased
eighty acres of land in Nokomis Township. When
all that thrift and energy could do was done for
this small tract, and it had been made to blossom
like the rose, he later added a larger tract to the
original purchase.

A home procured, our subject cast about for the
right woman to give it indeed a home atmosphere,

Miss Lena Husman proved to be his heart's choice,
and they were united in marriage March 2, 1865.
She also was of German birth and parentage.
Nine children have taken their place in the pleas-
ant home, in which kindness and appreciation are
the chief characteristics. A great affliction was
laid upon the eldest son, whose name is Harmon.
When but two years of age, the child had a severe
illness, and as a result of this he lost the power of
speech and hearing. He is now a student in the
deaf and dumb school at Jacksonville, 111., and his
progress there is gratifying to himself and parents.
The other children are still at home, and are
named as follows: Lizzie, PYederikie, Richard, An-
nie, Henry, Otto, Etta and Lena. The older children
are receiving every advantage afforded by the
public schools of their vicinity for a thorough and
practical education, and will doubtless take their
places as respected citizens in the localities chosen
for their homes. Mr. Mindrup is an ardent ad-
herent of the Republican party in theory, but
takes but little active interest in politics, aside
from casting his vote.

OHN S. HALL, a very prominent fanner of
Pleasant Mound Township, Bond County,
111., was born in Jefferson County, Va.,
within eight miles of Charleston, Jaiuiary
17,1813. His present home is located on section
7, in Pleasant Mound, where he has a farm of four
hundred and fifty acres and a house beautifully
placed on a gravel bank in the midst of a natural
grove.

The father of our subject was Joshua M. Hall, a
native of Jefferson County, Va., born in 1780. He
was a farmer and also a boatman on the Potomac,
and died in his native county at the age of fifty-
eight years. Ilis father was of English extraction
and bore the same name as himself. The mother
of our subject was Charlotte (Strider) Hall, and
was a native of the same county and State as
her husband. She lived to be but fifty-nine years

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

343

old. Her father was Isaac Strider, a native of Ger-
man}', who was one of the early settlers of the
State of Virginia. The family of Mr. and Mrs.
Hall consisted of six children, all of whom grew
to maturity, married, and reared families that are
now scattered over the United States.

Our subject is the third child and oldest son of
his parents' family. He was reared and educated
in his native place and received a common-school
education. In 1831, he came to Bond County, 111.,
and bought the farm where he now resides, but re-
turned to Virginia in February, 1832, though in
the following year he came back, traveling on
horseback and by stage and river. In February,
1837, he married Miss Jane M., the daughter of
Middleton Smith, who was also born in Virginia,
in Morgan County. Mrs. Hall reached Bond
County, 111., in 1833, with her parents. Mr. and Mrs.
Hall were the parents of eight children, of whom
six were daughters and two sons. They are:
Sarah V., deceased wife of Eugene Seymour; Mary
O., wife of E. P. McMurran, who is Postmaster
at Smithborough; Charlotte, wife of E. V. Gaskins,
of Zion Township, Bond County; John S., residing
near his father; Ellen A., wife of Thomas Milton,
of Montgomery County, 111.; William C., residing
in Greenville; Emma, wife of O. E. Bennett, a com-
mercial traveler; and Frances I., wife of Gilbert
Guller, of Smithborough. All of our subject's
children were born on the farm where he now re-
sides, and they have all been happily married and
he is now the proud grandfather of eight children.

Our subject has a farm of four hundred and
fifty acres, almost all of which is fenced and culti-
vated. When he located on this place it was all
wild land, and it must be a great satisfaction to
him to see how his efforts have been rewarded.
Fields of waving grain and nodding corn have
taken the place of the wilderness that first pre-
sented itself to his gaze when he made his trip
herein 1831. He lias found it most profitable to
lie n general farmer, and has made considerable
money in the raising of fine stock. His first Pres-
idential vote was cast for William Henry Harrison
in 1836, and in 1840 he again voted the same
ticket, and has been a Whig and a Republican ever
since. He has held the ollice of School Director

for a number of years. At one time he owned
six hundred acres of land- in the county, but now
finds that four hundred and fifty are quite as much
as he cares to manage. He is well known and is
highly regarded as one of the old settlers of the
place.

Yj=!SDWARD IIOOG, wholesale and retail

|W| dealer in flour, feed, hides and wool, con-

jl =^ ducting his business at the corner of State

and Edwards Streets, Litchfield, is a man of fine

character and excellent business habits, and is

regarded as an active factor in extending the

commercial interests of the city. He is of pioneer

antecedents, his father being one of the early

settlers of this State.

The parents of our subject were Constantino and
Charlotta (Muiemann) Hoog. The senior Mr.
Hoog was born in Baden-Baden, Germany, about
sixty-five years ago, and when quite a young man
emigrated to this country and settled at Staunton,
111. From Staunton he removed to Carlinville,
where he married, and afterward moved to Litch-
field, in the year !So5. He was one of the oldest
merchants doing business on State Street, and had
represented the Second Ward as Alderman for two
successive terms, and filled the position with honor
to himself and satisfaction to his constituency.
The family of Constantino Hoog and his wife con-
sisted of five children: Our subject; Anna; Lena,
wife of Edwin Austin; Ida, a school teacher at
Mt. Olive; and Lottie, who remains at home.

Our subject received his education at the
High Schools of Litchfield and Jones' Com-
mercial College of St. Louis. He first embarked
on his business career by opening a store where
he dealt in hides and wool, succeeding his
father in this line. lie made a success of this
venture from the first, and soon added flour and
feed departments, and thus built up a large trade
in the vicinity of Litchfield. He is also a stock-
holder in the Litchfield Hotel Company,

344

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

On the 23d of October, 1884, our subject mar-
ried Miss Minnie Johnson, daughter of Mr. W. H.
Johnson, a business man of this city. Miss John-
son was born in Carlinville. They have one child
living, Arthur Valentine, whose birthday occurs
on Valentine's Day. Waldo, the younger child,
died on the first anniversary of his birthday.

Mr. Hoog has built a fine home on the corner of
State and Burr Streets, where he has resided for
the past two years. He occupies a rising position
among the foremost young men in Litchficld, is
very popular and wields quite an influence in
social and fraternal circles. He is likewise held in
good repute by the citizens in general, for his hon-
orable character and energetic nature.

AYFIELD TRUITT, well known as a suc-
cessful farmer of Montgomery County,
IS was born at Carlton, Trimble County, Ky.,
November 2, 1839, and is the son of Sam-
uel and Cynthia A. (Colbert) Truitt. The father
of our subject was born December 28, 1818, in
Kentucky, into which State his father had come
from Virginia, becoming one of the early settlers
there. The mother of our subject was also a Ken-
tuckian, and was born March 16, 1818. The father
was a farmer by occupation, and moved his family
into Illinois iu 1842. He settled near Fayette,
Greene County, on a farm, and continued there un-
til the gold fever of 1849 struck the country, when
he went to California. He went with a party from
Alton, and remained about two years, but, believ-
ing that Illinois was a better State, he returned to
Greene County. In November, 1851, he moved
into Montgomery County, where he settled on a
farm four miles west of Ilillsboro.

When the Bee Line Railroad was being con-
structed, our subject's father had a contract to
grade a mile between Butler and Litchfield. but he
died in February, 1863. He steadfastly refused to
accept any office but that of School Director, and
was a man greatly respected. The mother of our

subject married for a second husband Richard Col-
bert, and after his death she married Edward Gun-
newalt. She still lives. The children born to the
parents of our subject were as follows: Warren, who
now represents the Government as United States
District Judge at Alaska, went to Oregon in 1870,
and there began the practice of law. He is married
and has two children. J. M. lives in Hillsboro, 111.;
Cynthia Ann died in infancy; Russell resides in
Walla Walla, Wash., where he practices medicine;
and Oliver H. died when young.

Our subject was reared on a farm, and attended
the country school, beside which he had the ad-
vantage of two terms at Ilillsboro. He remained
with his parents until he had reached his twenty-
first year, and then he married Frances E. McAdams,
October 3, 1861. She was the daughter of Thomas
and Mary McAdams, and was born and reared
about five miles south of Hillsboro. At her death,
which occurred April 23, 1869, she left three
children. James M. lives in Roodhouse and is
an engineer on the Chicago & Alton Railroad.
He married Belle Stone, and has two children.
Thomas has gone West, and is now engaged in
mining in Montana; and Francis died in infancy.
Our subject married a second time, his wife being
Margaret E., the daughter of Jacob and Mary
Kessinger, natives of Kentucky. Three children,
William M., Elmer and Lester, have been born of
this union.

Mr. Truilt has been a prominent man in his dis-
trict. He has held the office of Supervisor since
1884, with the exception of one year. His early
teaching had made him a Democrat, but in 1872 he
saw occasion to look at public matters in a dif-
ferent light, and he has been a Republican since.
While serving as Supervisor, he has had charge of
the most important committees. He was Chair-
man of the Committee on Public Buildings one
year, and is now a member of the Finance Com-
mittee. He has been a member of the Township
Central Committee for five years. For three years
he was Highway Commissioner in Bois D'Arc
Township.

After his marriage, our subject farmed the home
place west of Ilillsboro, and remained there until
1867, at which time he sold out and moved south

LIBRARY

Of I HE
UNIVERSITY ot ILLINOIS

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

347

of Hillsboro. He went to Missouri and Kansas in
the fall of 1870-71, and when lie returned he lo-
cated on a farm in Montgomery County, remain-
ing there from 1872 until 1878. He then settled
on liis present farm, where he has three hundred
acres of finely improved land. The place is farmed
by himself and his brother, J. M. Truitt, in partner-
ship. These gentlemen are well known and highly
connected throughout the county.

eHARLES WHITEHOUSE, who resides on
section 7, Walshville Township, is one of
the most extensive land-owners of Mont-
gomery County, and is widely known throughout
this part of the State. He well deserves represen-
tation in this volume, and with pleasure we pre-
sent to our readers this record of his life. He was
born in the kingdom of Prussia, Germany, Decem-
ber 14, 1833, and is the youngest in a family of
five sons and one daughter born unto William
and Margaretta (Elsbein) Whitehouse. In the
Fatherland the name was spelled Whiteliaus. Our
subject was reared to manhood upon the farm
and was educated in accoidance with the laws of
his native land.

In 1853, when at the age of twenty years,
Charles Whitehouse determined to seek his fortune
in the New World, whither four of his brothers
had preceded him. The family name was changed
by William for his neighbors began calling him
Whitehouse, and he soon found it necessary to
assume that name, which the other brothers also
took. The name of Whitehouse is now known
for miles in ail directions, for the members of the
family have mounted far up the ladder of fame
and fortune. William, who died many years ago,
left a vast estate of nearly three thousand acres
of as fine land as can be found in Illinois,
and to ttiis his heirs are constantly adding.

After coming to this country, our subject
worked as a farm hand for about four years and

then purchased eighty acres of land in Macoupin
County. Five years later he purchased the farm
on which he now resides. As his financial resources
have increased, he has made other purchases, until
at this writing his landed possessions aggregate
nine hundred and twenty acres. He has not only
been a successful farmer, but has also won pros-
perity as a land speculator and coal operator.

In 1856, Mr. Whitehouse was married to Miss
Fuge Arkabauer. She died in 1887, leaving five
children, namely: Martha, wife of Fred Neimann,
Jr., a wealthy young farmer; Annie, at home;
and Harmon and Charles, who manage the fa-
ther's farm. Hannah is deceased. Mr. Whitehouse
was a second time married, in 1888, the lady of
his choice being Mrs. Annie (Johnson) Arkebauer,
a native of Hanover, Germany. They are prom-
inent and highly respected people, who hold an
enviable position in social circles.

In addition to his farming interests, Mr. White-
house has been connected with the opening up of
various coal mines in this Iocalit3 r . He is a man of
superior business ability and, with a fertile mind
directing industrious hands, he has achieved suc-
cess. In politics, he is a Republican. He served
for one term as Town Supervisor, and was again
nominated, but the election proved a tie and in
casting lots Mr. Whitehouse was the loser. He
has never been an office-seeker, for he prefers to
devote his entire attention to his large property,
which he personally oversees, although he takes
no active part in the work. He is a member of
the German Lutheran Church and for many years
was one of its officers.

illOMAS M. JETT. "Some men are born
great, some achieve greatness, and some
have greatness thrust upon them." The
subject of this sketch is one of those men who
achieve their own success. Most of our public
men, and men who have legitimately grown rich,
are men of intelligence, integrity and perseverance.

348

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Of this class Mr. Jett is an honored member. He
is intensely patriotic and American in sentiment;
a representative man of his type, in full sympathy
with the progress of the times.

Thomas M. Jett was born near Greenville, Bond
County, 111., May 1, 1862. His father, Stephen J.
Jett, was a native of Virginia, though he came with
his parents to Illinois at a very early age, so that
the most interesting memories of his childhood are
connected with his home in the Sucker State.

Mr. Jett, the grandfather of our subject, was an
extensive planter in the Old Dominion and
owned a great many slaves. The mother of our
subject was born in North Carolina in 1829. Her
maiden name was Nancy Booher. Her father, John
Booher. was among the earty settlers of Mont-
gomery County, 111. Thus we learn that two of
the Old Colony States are represented in our sub-
ject and that he traces his lineage from the brave
men and women whose stout hearts and noble deeds
"made and preserved us a nation."

Stephen J. Jett was a prosperous farmer, doing
much to advance the interests of agriculture in his
vicinity, hence, the early life of our subject was
spent on the farm. He attended the common
school of his neighborhood, laying well the
foundations for the liberal education which he
later secured in college at Valparaiso, Ind., gradu-
ating from the scientific department of that insti-
tution with high honor in 1884. From his earliest
years, he was a favorite with his associates, and his
quick, intellect and studious habits, together with a
frank and friendly manner, won for him many a
bright prophecy in regard to his future.

After his graduation, our subject became a
teacher in the public schools of both Bond and
Montgomery Counties, during which time he com-
menced to read law, and in March, 1885, he be-
came a student in the ollice of Judge Phillips, of
llillsboro. In June, 1887, he was admitted to the
Bar and soon after located at Nokomis, where he
first hung out his shingle. It was not long before
his logic, eloquence and ability attracted the atten-
tion of his brother attorneys and the citizens of
Montgomery County, and in the spring of 1889 lie
was brought to the front by his party and elected
to the responsible office of State's Attorney for that

county, the duties of which office he lias performed
for the past three years to the great satisfaction of
his constituents and much credit to himself. Dur-
ing the convention in the spring of 1892, he was
renominated for another four-year term with but
little or no opposition.

Mr. Jett selected his life companion in the per-
son of Miss Mollie Clotfelter, and their marriage
was celebrated on the 24th of December, 1889.
One child, Ross W., has been born to this union.
Mrs. Jett's father, James W. Clotfelter, is a promi-
nent farmer and stock-raiser of Hillsboro. Like
his father and grandfather before him, Thomas M.
Jett is an enthusiastic Democrat, and a leader in
their councils. He is a prominent member of the
Masonic fraternity, also a member of the Knights
of Pythias, and one of the county's most energetic,
and thorough-going citizens. He is a man of fine
personal appearance, and magnetic influence. A
bright future is opening before him. He is in the
prime of life mentally as well as in his physical
health. From his past record, we judge that what-
ever may betide him in the future, there will be no
occasion to doubt his honesty of purpose and de-
votion to duty. Logical in thought, terse in
speech, pleasant in address, when he speaks he
wins respect and commands attention. Illinois has
no brighter or more genial man than Thomas M.
Jett.

JAMES C. WHITE, a prominent farmer and
an old settler of La Grange Township, is
i the owner of three hundred and thirty-five
acres of land in Bond County, and is a
man well and favorably known. The ancestors of
our subject were among those pioneers who came
into the State from Virginia and Kentucky, where
their names are yet well represented.

James White was the father of our subject and
his native State was Kentucky, and from there
also came Stephen White, the grandfather, who
in that section carried on the various employments
of carpentering, tanning and farming. He made

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

349

the journey into the wilderness in 1817, by wagon,
and took up one hundred and sixty acres of land
on suction 25, in this township, and here he died
five years later. The father of our subject came
here in 1822 and entered forty acres and here
liuilt a log house, and raised and cribbed a crop of
corn, after which, having thus proved the fertility
of the soil, he returned to Kentucky and brought
his family here in the spring of 1823.

At that time the Indians had not all departed
for other hunting-grounds, and deer and wolves
still remained, and, if they could have thought,
no doubt their opinions of the invading strangers
would have been no more flattering than were
those of the noble red men. At this place
James White developed a small farm, but died
in the year 1844, at the age of fifty-four years.
The mother of our subject was Nancy Owens, and
she was born in Rockingham County, Va., where
she was reared and became the mother of eight
children, viz: Clayborn M., Shelton M., John II.,
Fannie M., Stephen R., Ambrose H., James C. and
Catherine J. The mother died here in 1853, at
the age of sixty-five y ears, both she and her
husband having been consistent members of the
church which Alexander Campbell gave his life-
time to establish. Mr. White was a Democrat, as
had been his ancestors.

The maternal grandfather of our subject was
Mason Owens, who was a native of Virginia and
served for seven years in the Revolutionary War,
which he entered at the age of sixteen as a drum-
mer boy. After the struggle was over he
learned the trade of a wheelwright, as he possessed
mechanical genius and could fashion almost any-
thing, and also carried on farming. He was one
of the early settlers of Kentucky, and also of
Montgomery County, 111., where he died at the
age of eighty-six years.

Our subject was reared on the farm where his
birth took place March 11, 1826. His school days
were spent in the old log schoolhouse which
he needs no artist to paint and hang on his wall.
He remembers well the long walk to reach there,
and the rough slab seats, the wide chimney of
sticks, the one window covered with greased
paper, and the latch string hanging oul, which old

custom has been taken in modern days for a sym-
bol of hospitality. His school days were few, for
the cattle had to be closely watched, and he was
the one to assist in caring for the stock. At one
time, our subject remembers seeing a herd of deer,
numbering forty-five, feeding with his neighbor's
cattle, and the wolves were so bold that unless
the pigs and sheep were carefully guarded they
would not only take tribute, but could be depended
upon to carry off the proverbial lion's share.

As soon as he was regarded in the family as of
enough account to be trusted to make a bargain,
our subject was sent to St. Louis to sell wheat
and hogs, which he hauled all the way, making
the trip in five days, which necessitated a camp-
ing out on the way. These trips were usually
made by several farmers at the same time, as their
numbers were a protection against savages and
wild beasts. At the age of eighteen years, our
subject began working for himself, and lie received
fifty cents per day. This was preliminary to his
marriage, which took place December 16, 1852,
when he espoused Nancy J. Wood, who was born
in this township April 12, 1831. Her people were
very early settlers here, and a sketch of her fam-
ily appears below.

The father of Mrs. White was Charles Wood, and
her grandfather was Thomas Wood, and both weie
natives of South Carolina, of German descent. The
ancestors came to this country in Colonial times.
The grandfather was a farmer and miller, who re-
moved to this county about 1829, and died here
at an advanced age. The father of Mrs. White
was a mechanical genius and could work at the
carpenter's trade, take a hand at bricklaying,
or make a piece of furniture; in fact, he must have
been a man who would have proved himself a per-
fect mine of usefulness in a pioneer settlement.
His arrival here was in a two-wheeled cart, in
which he came across the mountains, being two
months on the way, and camping out during the
nights. He reached here in 1826.

Mr. Wood reached this county with $40, and
he then took up eighty acres of Government land
and later took eighty more, and, as lie prospered, he
took more until he finally owned over one thousand
acres. lie built a log cabin and settled on section

350

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD,

29, in this township, where he farmed very exten-
sively and raised great numbers of cattle, sheep
and hogs. Just at this time, he was drafted into
the army for the Black. Hawk War, but before he
started the war ended. At that time deer and
wolves were plentiful, and thousands of prairie
chickens flew over the land. No game laws were
necessary at that time. Mr. Wood was not much
of a hunter for sport, but he could use his rifle
with good effect when he so desired, and many
were the hungry wolves prowling around his high
sheep pen who bit the dust from a shot from that
same rifle.

There were several small stores in the neighbor-
hood, but Mr. Wood was obliged to haul all of
his produce to St. Louis over Indian trails,
the trip often requiring five days to accomplish.
His death took place when he was sixty-nine
years of age. The mother of Mrs. White was
Sarah McCormick, who was born in Scotland and
came to America with her parents when a child.
She reared eight children, as follows: Caroline,
Eli, Ezra, Nancy Jane, David (deceased), John,
Sarah A. and Ira. The mother died at the ripe
age of sixty-nine, a good and noble woman, and
a member of the Baptist Church. Mr. Wood
had been a strong Abolitionist, notwithstanding
the fact that he had been reared in South Caro-
lina, the first State to secede in the late war.

Mrs. White was reared here and attended the
same kind of school in which her husband re-
ceived the rudiments of his education. After
marriage, Mr. and Mrs. White settled in the home
place and lived there until 1860, when they re-
moved here. This was not Government land, but
Mr. White has made all of the improvements and
lias now three hundred and thirty-five acres of
fine fertile land. He carries on a system of mixed
farming and also handles some stock, although
he now rents almost all his land, as he does not
desire to pass his latter days in toil. He is a
carpenter by trade and has done some building.
His home residence is a comfortable large frame
house, which he built in 1860.

In politics, Mr. White is a Democrat and be-
lieves in the principles taught by that great party.
Mrs. White is a good, kind woman, a consistent

member of the Church of Christ. This worthy
couple have never had any children of their own,
but under the safe shelter of their roof and by
their fireside twenty-seven friendless little ones
have found a welcome and a home. No words of the
biographer could place this good man and woman
more favorably before the public, and this RKCOKD
is proud to show to the future this example of
true Christianity. "Inasmuch as ye have done it
unto the least of these, ye have done it unto
me."

.IIOMAS T. BAKER, D. D. S., is a popular
young dentist, who is located at the corner
of State and Kirkharu Streets, in Litchfield.
He has been in business here since 1889, and has a
constantly increasing practice. The State of Ken-
tucky was the home of his parents, William T. and
Mar}' (Hough) Baker, who came to Illinois a num-
ber of years ago, but the father died when Thomas
T. was an infant. Our subject was born in this
city, July 26, 1866, and this has since been his
home, where he has been known as a manly boy,
an ambitious student, and now a successful profes-
sional man. He has shown energy and persever-
ance, and his home people have shown by their
patronage that they have every confidence in his
skill and ability.

Mr. Baker was educated in the schools of this
place, and was graduated from the High School in
1885. He lost no time in the choice of a profes-
sion, but immediately entered the office of Dr.
Barefoot, and remained with him for three years.
He took his first course of lectures in Indianapolis,
and later attended the Missouri Dental College, at
St. Louis, from which he was graduated in the
Class of '90. Upon his return, he immediately be-
gan to practice his profession. He entered into
partnership with Dr. W. A. Alexander, and the
firm continued until 1890, when Dr. Baker bought
out his partner's interest, and now continues the
business with -a student assistant. He has built up
a large and lucrative practice, and has all of the

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

351

appliances which render the labor of a dentist one
of relief instead of one of pain. His work com-
pares favorably with that of older practitioners,
and what he has not yet learned by experience, he
overbalances by his new methods and late discov-
eries of science.

Our subject has always been interested in music,
and is now a member of the band. He is also iden-
tified with the order of the Knights of Pythias. He
is considered one of the desirable members of the
social circles of Litchfleld, and one who will make
his mark in his profession.

L. SETTLEMIRE is the enterpris-
ing and popular proprietor of the Wabash
Elevator, which is located north of the de-
pot in Litchfleld. His father, David O. Settlemire,
was born in Cape Girardeau, Mo., and came to Jer-
sey County, 111'., in his boyhood, when the country
was as yet unsettled. Amid pioneer surroundings
lie there grew to maturity, and on starting out in
life for himself, he became a mechanic. Later, he
went to Carlinville, and engaged in the grain busi-
ness. While at Gillespie he established a mill, and
conducted both lines from 1860 until 1867, when
he sold out and embarked in the grain business at
this place. He built an elevator here that has a
capacity of twenty-five thousand bushels of grain.
Mr. Settlemire 's marriage occurred at Carlinville,
the bride being Miss Sarah J. Adams, who is still liv-
ing. To them were born two children, our subject,
and lola E., who became the wife of W. A. Aruthers,
of the Mt. Vernon Car Company. David O. Settle-
mire was one of the organizers of the Car Company,
and for ten or twelve years was the President of
what was called the Litchfleld Car Company. In
April, 1890, he established the Mt. Vernon Car
Works, in which he is the main stockholder, :ind
of which he has been President. He has been a
very active and progressive man in the locality,
and has done much to make the city what it is. He

has always been interested in the grain and eleva-
tor business, but January 1, 1892, he sold this busi-
ness to his son George, and now gives his time en-
tirely to the Mt. Vernon Car Company.

The birth of our subject took place July 26,
1851, and after completing his education in the
schools of this city, he immediately went into busi-
ness. The grain business was not new to him, as
he had been acquainted with elevators all of his
life, and he took entire charge of the one built by
liis father. He does an extensive business, and
ships to Eastern and Southern markets, while his
trade in the local market is also large.

The marriage of Mr. Settlemire took place in
November, 1887, when he was united in marriage
with Miss Ella E., daughter of Hon. P. B. Updyke,
who is an old and respected citizen of this place.
Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Set-
tlemire: David P. and Wilber Linn. The family
of which Mr. Settlemire is a member has been
identified with the progress of the nation through
several generations. His life has been such as to
add lustre to the honored name he bears, and he has
acquired prosperity by close industry and the ex-
ercise of excellent judgment.

POSTER F. WAIT, a prominent farmer of
Bond County, was born in Central Town-
ship, November 14, 1837. He is also one
of the brave veterans of the late war. His father
came to this State in 1818 and became one of the
most prominent men of his times. The family his-
tory is given in full in the sketch of Henry W.Wait,
of this township. Our subject was reared upon the
farm and was educated in the early schools of the
time and place, but at the age of twenty-one he
became a student at the University at Burlington,
Iowa, and took a course in book-keeping and some
literary studies also. Two years were pleasantly
spent here, but in May, 1864, he entered Compaq-
F, One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Illinois Infantry,
and was mustered into the service of the Union

352

PORTRAIT ANT) BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

army at Mattoon, 111. He did service in Missouri,
on the Iron Mountain Railway and in St. Louis,
doing guard duty, and was mustered out October
1, 1864.

The marriage of our subject took place June 10,
1863, when Miss Margaret Corrie became his wife.
She was born in this county March 13, 1843, and
seven children have been the result of her union
with Mr. Wait. Four of these are living, as fol-
lows: Sarah L. married Austin W. Grant and lives
in Tulare County, Cal.; Mabel V., lone C. aud
Lillian B. are at home. William F., George L.
and Foster are deceased.

After his marriage, our subject settled on a place
near the home farm, and in 1865 removed to Mad-
ion County, where he remained upon a farm his
father owned until 1868, when he returned to the
old home farm and settled there. He now possesses
two hundred and fourteen acres, all in one body
and all improved. He carries on mixed farming
and has become known as a breeder of fine stock.
His improvements have all been substantial ones
and those which add to the value of a place.

In his political opinions our subject is a Repub-
lican and is always very outspoken upon the sub-
jects of public interest. His relationship with
the Grand Army Post in Greenville is very
pleasant, and his position in the county is one of
esteem, both on account of his own admirable
qualities and also on account of his family rela-
tionship.

J~~ OSEPH BIGHAM. The oldest members of
a community are doubly entitled to the re-
spect and esteem of their neighbors when
their long lives have been replete with acts
of kindness, and their whole career marked by
integrity and uprightness. The time-honored and
respected gentleman whose name appears at the
head of this sketch makes his home on section 20,
East Fork Township, Montgomery Count}'. His
native home was in Hagerstown, Washington

County, Md., where he was born January 27,
1804. His father, Joseph Bigham, was a native of
Pennsylvania, and his father, Hugh Bigham, was
also born in the Keystone State, of Irish parentage.
Our subject's great-grandfather, Bryan Bigham,
was born on the Green Isle of Erin, and came to
America at a period antedating the Revolutionary
War.

Joseph Bigham, father of our subject, selected
his wife in the person of Miss Elizabeth Eenbich,a
native of Pennsylvania and the daughter of Chris-
topher Eenbich, who was of German descent. Our
subject was one of a family of children born to
this union, and was reared in his native count}',
receiving a fair education in the common schools.
When fourteen years of age, he began learning the
shoemaker's trade and followed this for many
years. Industrious, enterprising and progressive
he prospered in his chosen calling and became one
of the substantial men of his locality.

Our subject was married the first time in Wash-
ington County, Md., in 1830, to Miss Mary
A. Kcrshner, who was born in that county and
State, and to them were born seven children,
named in the order of their births as follows:
Samuel K. and Mary A., deceased; Emannel K.,
born in Maryland in January, 1835, and married
Miss Laura M. McGahey, who with his wife now
resides on the farm with our subject; Catherine J.
E., the wife of Louis Tice, of Greenville, 111.; James
H., of Kansas; Charles II., of Bond County, 111.;
and John W., of Arkansas. Mr. Bigham's second
marriage was with Adelia Paisley, who bore him
one daughter, S. M., who is now the wife of Harri-
son Hanner. The children now living have pros-
pered in their various occupations and are highly
esteemed in whatever community they make their
home.

Mr. Bigham came to Montgomery County, 111.,
in 1845, and took up land from the Government.
Although the land was wild upon which he settled,
and the implements he used to cultivate his land
rude and unhandy, the soil was rich, and as the
work of clearing progressed and the crops were put
in, it yielded a rich return. Now, when well along
in years, this worthy gentleman has a good farm
of two hundred acres all under cultivation, and

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

353

eighty acres of timber, and can now sit down and
enjoy the fruit of his labor. For many years lie
has been identified with the interests of Mont-
gomery County and in him the community lias a
faithful and unswerving friend, ever alert to serve
its best interest and generous in his contributions
toward every movement tending to the general
advancement.

Mr. Bigham's pleasant residence is a home in-
deed, and is at once a monument and a reward
of patient continuance in well-doing, hard toil and
sober living. He ranks as a noticeable illustration
of that indomitable push and energy which char-
acterize men of will and determination. His first
Presidential vote was cast for Jackson, but he is
now a stanch Republican.

OHN W. ROSE, the efficient and capable
Clerk of the city of Litchfield, has occupied
his present office for the past ten years, and
during the entire time has given entire satis-
faction.

Mr. Rose was born in Grisham Township, near
the present site of Donnellson, October 16, 1847,
and has the honor of being the son of two worthy
people, Henry and Leah (Meisenheimer) Rose, the
former of whom was one of the early settlers of the
county, having come from his native State, Ken-
tucky. His good wife was a native of North
Carolina and both were of German descent. These
two parents died when their son, our subject, was
still quite young, the father passing away when
John was only three years old, and the mother
leaving the little helpless fellow a year later.

This child, who was destined to be our subject,
grew to manhood in his native county and received
a good common-school education. During this
time he had no permanent home, but he was a
plucky fellow and never allowed anything to dis-
courage him. Desiring more of an education than
was afforded by the public schools, he earned suf-

ficient money to carry him through a course at
Lincoln University, Lincoln, III. After finishing
his course he returned to his native place and en-
gaged in school teaching, following this avocation
for twelve years, from 1868 to 1881, although not
all the time in Illinois, as he was at Independence,
Kan., from 1872 to 1874, teaching in the city
schools. During all of his experience as a teacher
he gave entire satisfaction, and the educational in-
terests lost a valuable advocate and promoter
when Mr. Rose abandoned that pursuit to respond
to the call of his city.

In 1883 the City Council appointed Mr. Rose,
without regard to politics, to fill a vacancy in the
position of Clerk. So creditably did he serve, that
he was elected the following year for a full term
and has been re-elected ever since. It would be
impossible to find any one who could fill the posi-
tion in any more creditable manner than this in-
telligent gentleman does. Upon his appointment
to office Mr. Rose concluded to represent several
insurance firms, and now is the agent of twelve of
the best corporations of that nature. In addition
to the very fine business he is attending to in
that line, he deals in real estate, and is a Notary
Public, although he only aims to carry on the in-
surance business in addition to the duties of his
office. By virtue of his office of Notary Public he
is able to do conveyancing.

Mr. Rose is a member of Charter Oak Lodge, A.
F. and A. M.; Elliott Chapter and St. Omer Com-
mandery, and has been the Master of the lodge for
five years. He was honored in 1883 by be-
ing appointed Deputy Grand Lecturer for the State
of Illinois. In 1890 Mr. Rose was appointed Grand
Examiner by Grand Master John M. Pierson, of
Godfrey, which honorable and important position
he still retains. In politics lie upholds the
principles of Democracy, but his wife just as ar-
dently sustains the principles of the Republican
party.

Mr. Rose married Miss Mary J. Green, the daugh-
ter of Thomas and Amanda Green, of Raymond
Township. This lady first saw the light of day in
Fail-field County, Ohio. The day that saw these
two people made one was October 20, 1870, and
since that time fourchildreu have come to brighten

354

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

their home, but two died in infancy; those sur-
viving are: Pearl J. and Mabel. Mr. and Mrs.
Rose are prominent members of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, of which Mr. Rose is Secretary
and Treasurer of the Board of Stewards. Mrs. Rose
is a Director in the Litchfield Library Association
and also is one of the Grand Officers of the Order
of the Eastern Star, a connection of the Masonic
order.

Such people as these make a city important in a
county, and if all the citizens of Litchfield had its
interests as much at heart as Mr. Rose and his
estimable and capable wife, the city would soon be
one of the first in this portion of the State.

__
~^} -C ' T

\fOHN BURKHARDT. We who have been
born under the most advantageous circum-
stances of American life, enjoying the prin-
ciples and freedom secured to us under
our republican form of Government, feel a pecu-
liar fraternity for representatives of the Swiss
nation, that republic which is now the oldest in
existence, and we feel a pride in the stories of Tell
and the loyal mountaineers who would yield no
obeisance to the Austrians. The farmer of whom
we write, and who now resides in the town of So-
rento, was born in Switzerland, Canton of Berne,
November 17, 1841.

John Burkhardt is a son of Peter and Kate
(Martin) Burkhardt. His father, who was an hotel-
keeper in the Old Country, died when he was but
a child of three years, after which he became
an inmate of an uncle's home. Up to his sixteenth
year he attended school, and there gained a good
practical education. When but a boy, he entered
a clothing house in order to learn the business, and
with the restlessness of youth he determined to
seek new fields in which to make his fortune. In
1857 he came to America, borrowing the money
to pay his expenses. He at once proceeded to Bond
County, and here remained for two years; then, in
1859, he crossed the plains to Pike's Peak, thence

going to California. There he engaged in the min-
ing business for five years, and made a small for-
tune, but, as was often the case, he was finalty left
with but a mere pittance, having been beaten out
of his earnings by his partners. Sickening of camp
life, he returned to Bond County via the Isthmus
and New York, and was for a time employed on a
farm, and then became proprietor of a cider fac-
tory, in which he made some monej'.

Our subject finally purchased forty acres of
land adjoining the town of Greenville. This he
sold, with a handsome profit, at $100 per acre. In
1876, he married Miss Augusta Siemens, daughter
of the late Christian Siemens, of Sorento, and im-
mediately after the marriage the couple settled on
a large farm near Greenville. Mr. Burkhardt was
engaged in agricultural work until 1883, when he
came to Sorento and built the large hotel known
as The Southern, and which he still owns. This he
ran until a year ago, when he went to live on a
fine farm inherited by his wife at her father's death.
Since coming here he has rented his hotel prop-
erty, which brings him a comfortable income.

Of the seven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Burk-
hardt, only five are living: Johnnie, Ida, Arthur,
Albert and Winnie. All are being educated in the
schools at Sorento. Robert E. and Estella W. are
deceased. Mr. Burkhardt is a Republican of the
most pronounced kind. Socially, he is identified
with the Modern Woodmen. In church matters,
he and his family attend the German-Lutheran
Church.

ILLIAM SIECK. This

and

w,iijLji*\ni. k5-L^\_/ik. A ii 10 prominent
wealthy German-American farmer of Bond

County is located in La Grange Township
on a fine farm, which his own untiring industry
has gained for him. He was born in the prov-
ince of Hanover, Germany, March 4, 1830. After
attending the common schools of his native
place, at the age of fourteen he commenced to
learn the tailor's trade, to which he served an ap-
prenticeship of four years.

LIBRARY

Of THE

UNIVERSITY of ILLINOIS

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

357

According to the custom of his country, Mr.
Sieck worked for three years as a journeyman,
and then resolved to come to America. The city
of Baltimore was reached July 3, 1853, after
which he proceeded to Washington, D. C., and
there worked at his trade as a journeyman for
about six years. Meanwhile he saved enough
money to purchase a tailor shop in that city, a
fact which spoke well for his thrift and economy.
His money, amounting to some $30, which he had
saved for a beginning in the New World, was
stolen from him on the way over, and he was
in a penniless condition when he reached these
shores.

The tailoring business which our subject con-
ducted in Washington was very successful, and he
had a large and lucrative trade, numbering among
his patrons some of the best-dressed public men
of the day Jefferson Davis, Stephen A. Douglas,
and many senators, congressmen and members of
the marine corps.

Our subject was married in the city of Washing-
ton to Miss Catherine Kaiser, who was born in the
province of Hesse, Germany, and came to Amer-
ica in 1851. Thej' became the parents of six chil-
dren, as follows: Louise, August, William J.,
Sabrina (Mrs. White), Henry and Charley. In
1880, our subject sold out his business in Wash-
ington and, coining West to Illinois, bought his
present farm of three hundred and fifty-five acres,
which he made his home. He has spent several
thousand dollars in improvements here and has
one of the finest farms in the county. His stock
and horses bring him profitable returns, and he
sells many hogs. His land, in the perfect state of
cultivation to which he has brought it, yields
large crops of grain.

Our subject was reared a Lutheran and still
belongs to that church, and has always liberally
contributed to its support. In his political opin-
ions, he is a Republican, having earl}' decided
that the principles enunciated by that party were
most in accordance with his views. Although
still cherishing a warm feeling for his native land,
he has become thoroughly Americanized. His
fellow-citizens have several times elected him
Road Commissioner, and so popular is he with his

neighbors that in 1888 he was offered the nomi-
nation of Representative, but he would not accept.
Among the residents of the township none are
more highly regarded for the sterling traits of
character which make up a good citizen, kind
neighbor and Christian man, than the original of
this sketch. He has shown what one man can
accomplish by hard work and close attention to
whatever he may have in hand, and what man
has done there is always a chance for man to do
again.

/p... F. WEAVER, a prominent citizen of No-
LM komis, 111., was born in Madison County,

(B this State, near Edwardsville, September
8, 1838, a son of John and Anna Marian
(Handshy) Weaver, and a grandson of John
Weaver, who came to America from Switzerland in
1804, settling in Fan-field County, Ohio, near Lan-
caster. Here John Weaver, the father of the subject
of this sketch, was born in 1816, his father having
died just prior to his birth. Henry Handshy, the
grandfather on the mother's side, also came from
Switzerland, in 1808, and located at Harper's Ferry,
Md., where his daughter, Anna Mariah, was born
in 1811. In 1833, she became a resident of Madi-
son County, 111., and the following year Mr.
Weaver located there, their marriage taking place
in 1836. The mother died on the 4th of July,
1891, at the advanced age of eighty years, but the
father is still a resident of Madison Count}', near
where he settled more than half a century ago. He
has now attained the age of seventy-six years.

A. F. Weaver was born and reared on a farm,
and grew up as did other farmers' boys, attending
school and tilling the soil until his seventeenth
year, at which time he entered the Ohio Wesleyan
University, at Delaware, Ohio, from which he was
graduated in 1861. On the 9th of August, 1862,
his name could be found on the rolls of Company
D, One Hundred and Seventeenth Illinois Infan-
try, as a Sergeant, and he at once went to Memphis,

358

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Term., where his regiment did guard and picket
duty for nearly a year and one-half, but during
this time several trips were made to the interior
and valuable service was rendered to the Union
army. They went to Helena, Ark., also to Holly
Springs, and during the siege of Vicksburg were on
the ground, but were held in reserve, and were not
actively engaged in the campaign. The army was
re-organized at Vicksburg in January, 1864, and
Mr. Weaver's regiment was attached to the Third
Brigade, Third Division of the Sixteenth Army
Corps, commanded by Gen. A. J. Smith. He was
in the expedition led by Gen. Sherman in Feb-
ruary, 1864, against Meridian, Miss., and was a
participant in several severe skirmishes, quite a
severe battle being fought near Jackson, Miss. The
enemy were driven out of Meridian, and the place
was captured, and after destroying the railroads
and other property, they returned to Vicksburg
early in March, and then the command to which
he belonged was sent down to the river to join
Gen. Banks in an expedition up the Red River.
They were to meet him at Alexandria, but (inding
the river blockaded they disembarked at Simsport,
and marched across the country to the rear of Ft.
De Rusy, where they engaged the enemy and cap-
tured the lort and some twelve or fourteen pieces
of artillery, together with a number of prisoners
and a large amount of commissary stores. They
then proceeded to Alexandria, where they were
soon joined by Banks and his army, after which
they proceeded up the river and marched in the
direction of Shreveport, La.

Mr. Weaver's brigade guarded the rear of
Bunks' army, and on the 8th of April engaged the
enemy at Mansfield, after which it covered Banks'
retreat down the river, beating back the enemy at
Yellow Bayou and other points. This expedition
lasted for seventy-six days, and during sixty-six
days of this time his command was under the ene-
my's fire. They next started on an expedition
under Gen. Smith to Tupelo, Miss., where they
met and defeated Forrest's army, after which they
went to Memphis, and a short time later started
for Holly Springs, thence went South to Ox-
ford. They were soon ordered back to Memphis,
and up the river to Cairo, thence to St. Louis, af-

ter which they were in different parts of Missouri
looking after the rebels under Gen. Price. They
met him at Franklin, drove him out of the place,
and followed him across the State, then gave up
the chase and returned to St. Louis. They then
took passage on board boats for Nashville, to join
Gen. Thomas, where they arrived December 1,
1864, and on the 15th they attacked Gen. Hood,
the command to which Mr. Weaver belonged mak-
ing the advance; the first shot from the rebels'
guns passed directly under Mr. Weaver's foot as
he was in the act of taking a step. The second
day's fight resulted in the routing of Hood, after
which they camped at Eastport, Miss., fora month,
and about the 1st of February, 1865, they em-
barked on transports for Cairo, from which they
went to New Orleans. In that city they camped
on the old battleground of New Orleans of the
War of 1812, and in the latter part of March they
joined Gen. Can by at Mobile Bay, and assisted him
in destroying Spanish Fort and Ft. Blakely. They
next went to Montgomery, Ala., but after two
days' marching received the joyful news that Lee
had surrendered. They then went to Montgomery,
where they remained until July 16, 1865, when
they were ordered to Springfield to be mustered
out, and on August 10 were discharged.

Our subject at once returned to Madison County,
III., and the following January, 1866, he was mar-
ried to Miss Martha A. Dunn, of Zanesville, Ohio,
after which he farmed in that county for two
years. Since then he has been a resident of Mont-
gomery County, and is the owner of a good farm
near Nokomis, which he tilled for about fifteen
years, then removed to town and opened a mer-
cantile establishment, but retired from this busi-
ness, and for the past two years has been engaged
in the insurance business in addition to looking
after his farm, which consists of two hundred
and forty acres. He owns sixty acres near No-
komis, where his fine residence is located. He has
been a life-long Democrat, and has filled a number
of local offices. He is a Mason, and for many
years has been Secretary of his lodge. He and his
wife became the parents of the following children:
Lorena, wife of G. \V. Churchill, Jr., of Godfrey,
111.; Winnie, Dunn, Hattie, Earl and Harry. Two

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

359

children died in infancy. Mr. Weaver is a well-
known and highly honored man of business, and
his upright walk through life has won him numer-
ous friends. His war record was a very honorable
and clean one, and naught has ever been said de-
rogatory to his honor. Dunn, a boy of fifteen
years, has been attending school since the age of
six years, and during that time has been absent six
days, and never tardy. Hattie has a record equally
good during her seven years of school-life she has
been absent five days, and tardy once.

R. GUM, a retired farmer of Bond County,
111., and now a valued resident of Old Rip-
ley, has devoted almost his entire life to
the successful cultivation of the Western
prairies, and has watched with eager and intelli-
gent interest the growth and upward progress of
the neighborhood and county which have been his
home for over fifty years. Born July 10, 1822,
our subject was but two years old when his
parents emigrated from his birthplace, Colum-
bus, Ohio, and settled in Madison County, Ind.,
in 1824.

Mrs. Isaac Gum, the mother of our subject, was
of Scotch descent, but as she died when the son, J.
R., of whom we write was very young, he never
learned much of her early history or antecedents.
His father, Isaac Gum, was a native of Virginia,
and a pioneer settler in Ohio. His wife had shared
his home and with him experienced many cares and
the privations of frontier life, and when, after
years of faithful devotion, she died in 1825, her
death was indeed an irreparable loss. The father
remained with his children in Indiana for a num-
ber of years, but in 1839 he located with his fam-
ily in Illinois, settling in Bond County, where he
died in 1848.

Our subject was one of a family of nineteen
children, of whom but five are now surviving.
Sarah, the widow of Charles Wall, resides in Rip-
ley Township. Catherine, who married a man of

the same name, but no relation of the family, is
the wifeof Lemuel Gum, and lives near St. Joseph,
Mo. Elizabeth is the wife of James Jones, a suc-
cessful farmer of Madison County, 111. Perry is
now a citizen of Alton. Our subject, J. R., was
among the youngest of the large family of brothers
and sisters. He had but very limited advantages
for an education, and is mainly a self-made man.
The occupation of his life has confined him to a daily
round of general agricultural duties, and through
unflagging industry and patient toil he has won
an independence, and now makes his home in Old
Ripley with his sons.

In 1845, J. R. Gum and Alvina File were united
in marriage. The wifeof our subject was a daugh-
ter of Daniel File, an early settler of the county.
Mrs. Gum, who was a highly esteemed lady, died
in 1878, after becoming the mother of five chil-
dren, three of whom are yet living and reside
within easy distance of the old homestead. Sarah
Jane is the wife of Elisha Ray, a well-known and
prosperous farmer in Ripley. Isaac, the present
Tax Collector of the Township, a prominent factor
in local politics and a successful business man, was
born June 14, 1858. He received a good educa-
tion in the public schools of the county, and about
five years ago he bought an interest in the mer-
cantile business with his brother E. R. at Old Rip-
ley. After a time, other affairs requiring his at-
tention, he disposed of his share of the business to
E. R., who became sole proprietor of the store.
Isaac is politically a strong Democrat, and has held
his present official position of Tax Collector for
three terms, discharging the duties of his office
with prompt fidelity and energetic service. In
1879, he was married to Miss Elizabeth A. Ray, a
native of the town of Ripley. Mr. and Mrs. Isaac
Gum are the parents of a bright young girl, Alice
Ethel.

E. R. Gum, a leading merchant and progressive
citizen of Old Ripley, is the youngest son of our
subject, and was born Februaiy 24, 1863, the
last child to come into the family group. He re-
mained on the farm with his father long after his
mother's death, and was twenty-five years old
when, in 1888, he entered into the mercantile
business at Old Ripley with his brother. He had

360

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

well improved the advantages of study in the pub-
lic schools and engaged with efficient ability in
the duties of mercantile life. Continuing his in-
terests in the store in Old Ripley, he also managed
a store at Alton Junction for a time, but when he
became the sole owner of his present prosperous
establishment, he disposed of his interest at Alton
Junction. Now, giving his undivided time to his
large and rapidly increasing business, he finds but
little leisure, yet, taking a deep interest in local
and National affairs, is widely known as a pro-
gressive citizen.

July 3, 1887, E. R. Gum and Miss Rosella Peter-
son were united in marriage, and are now the
happy parents of two promising children, Mabel
and Clarence E. A lovely little infant, Florence,
died at the age of five months in the spring of 1892.
Mrs. Gum is the daughter of Daniel Peterson, an old
settler of the county, and was herself born within
its boundaries. This attractive lady has a wide ac-
quaintance and many friends.

The Gum family represents a long line of sturdy
Whigs and Democrats, but E. R. Gum has departed
from the paths of his ancestors and affiliates with
the Republicans.

APT. EDWIN T. SAMMONS, the genial
and popular Postmaster of Hillsboro, 111.,
and for many years a prominent builder
and contractor of the township, was born in
Montgomery County, N. Y., March 12, 1835.
He was the youngest of a large family who
were in moderate circumstances, and he was early
taught the value of time and money. His fa-
ther was by trade both tanner and miller. He was a
resolute, capable man, anxious to provide for his
children and gave them the benefit of the public
schools.

John Sammons was, like his son, a native of
New York State, but the blood of Old England
coursed through his veins, as his forefathers were
born and bred in the Queen's dominions. The

mother of our subject was also of English descent,
as her father, Benjamin Standring, was an English-
man by birth. He was a thorough machinist, and es-
pecially understood the manufacture of various
machines for factory use, and built the first card-
ing machine ever made in America. His home
was in Bridgeport, Mass., in which place his
daughter Emma was born.

Miss Emma was married to John Sammons in
New York State. The young couple settled in
Montgomery County, and were blessed with a
large family of bright, healthy children. Six sons
and Bve daughters came into the home and all
grew up to adult age. Four brothers and three
sisters are now left of the family group that once
clustered around the fireside. The names of these
children are: Benjamin, John C., Leonard, Edwin;
Eliza, the widow of William Bedell; Mary F., the
wife of John T. Maddux; and Catherine, widow
of B. F. Hallock.

Edwin T. was only a little fellow when his par-
ents removed to Lewis County, N. Y. Here Ed-
win attended school regularly through his boyhood.
When about seventeen years of age he learned
the trade of a carpenter, and having served a three
years' apprenticeship determined to seek a more
lucrative field of labor. June 14, 1854, was the
date of his arrival in Hillsboro, 111., where he
soon found ready employment as a contractor and
builder. Our subject steadily prospered in his
new home, and on August 6, 1855, wedded Miss
Elizabeth F. Boone, a native of the town and a
general favorite with a large circle of friends.

Mr. and Mrs. Sammons have two living children,
Mary and Ida, while their only son, Frank, is de-
ceased. From the early part of 1854, our subject
devoted himself untiringly to business, which he
was rapidly extending, when, in 1862, the Govern-
ment made its most earnest appeals for more vol-
unteers. National existence was doubly imper-
illed, and our subject's patriotic heart echoed the
nation's cry. He responded to his country's call
without further delay, and enlisted in Company
D, One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Illinois In-
fantry as a private. There were sad hearts in
Hillsboro when this regiment marched away
and was shortly after ordered to the front. Fa-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

361

there, brothers, sons and neighbors from Mont-
gomery and adjacent counties had enlisted under
its banner and many never returned. Mr. Sam-
inons participated in many a gallant engagement
and in common with all the brave boys suffered
privations, but he escaped the flying bullets
of the enemy, the capture and the prison-pen.
Fearless by nature and. prompt in action, he re-
ceived well-deserved promotion, advancing stead-
ily from the ranks, and served as Orderly Sergeant,
Second Lieutenant, afterward First Lieutenant,
and finally, in 1864, was promoted to the Cap-
taincy of Company D, and was mustered out in
1865 at the head of the company.

The war ended, Capt. Sammons returned to
his home and resumed business. Our subject
wears the insignia of the Grand Army the bronze
button many of which are seen all over tbe
land, and his heart is as Io3 r al and true as it
was thirty years ago. Mr. Sammons is a Republi-
can and was appointed Postmaster two years ago.
The duties of his office have been discharged in a
most acceptable manner, and he numbers his
friends by the score.

IMEON W. HUBBARD, a prominent farmer
and a man well known all over the county,
is the subject of the present sketch. He
was born on his present farm August 7,
1842, and his father was Philip Hubbard, who was a
native of North Carolina, and his grandfather also,
as far as known, was a native of the old North State.
The family were originally from England, and the
grandfather died here.

The father of our subject came here when the
country was unsettled, in 1827, having made the
journey by wagon. He entered land just west of
this farm, and here built a log cabin, and lived in
it witli only a ground floor. Later, he sold this
place, and entered his present farm from the Gov-
ernment, and upon this he built a log house. This
was a rude dwelling, but it was comfortable with

the hewed puncheon floor, and open fireplace with
its mud and stick chimney. The Indians were nu-
merous and were often seen, and deer and wolves
were abundant, and the latter could be heard at
night, and very often killed the sheep of the
settlers.

Almost all of the trading was done in St. Louis,
and very small was the sum received for the pro-
duce. Mr. Hubbard owned and mostly developed
two hundred and ninety acres of land, was a hard
worker, and one who was always busy. Later, he
hauled the most of the, goods to the Greenville
stores, and he was the one who hauled the stone
for the old Methodist Church from St. Louis. He
died at the age of sixty-five years, his death
occurring January 14, 1862. He was a Democrat
in his politics, and voted with that party.

The mother of our subject was Emily Smith-
wick, who was a native of North Carolina. She
reared eight out of her eleven children: Eliza, now

I Mrs. Smith; John M.; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Gerry;
John R.; Melvina, now Mrs. Etzler; Albert; Sim-

I eon; and Emily. The mother is still living in her
eighty-ninth year. She endured all of the hard-
ships of pioneer life, and when younger spun all
of the clothes worn by her family.

Our subject was reared here on the farm, and at-
tended the pioneer log schoolhouse, with its slab
benches with the pin legs, and obtained what edu-
cation he could in this primitive dwelling, as the
terms were very short in those days. He remem-
bers seeing deer and wolves in his boyhood, and has
made the trip to St. Louis with grain many times.
His father died when he was nineteen years of
age, and the whole management of the farm fell
upon his young shoulders. Finally, he bought the
rights of the other heirs,and became sole owner.
The marriage of Mr. Hubbard took place March

; 30, 1864, to Margaret E.Floyd, who was born in
Mills Township, in this county, and one child was
bom to them, Ollie,who is the wife of George Grube.
Mr. Hubbard has two hundred and eleven acres of
improved land, and has carried on mixed farming
and stock-raising. He has bought and shipped
stock for the past twent\ r -five years. His places of
shipment are Chicago and Indianapolis. He is

: well known all over the county, and has been a

362

POKTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

witness of the most of the development that has
taken place. Mrs. Hubbard is a member of the
Methodist Church and an excellent Iad3 r .

In politics, Mr. Hubbard is a Democrat, and was
a candidate for Sheriff of Bond County in 1886,
and, although the county was four hundred votes
Republican, our subject was defeated by only one
hundred and seven votes. He has served as School
Trustee for three terms, and is a man well thought
of in his neighborhood. His farm and house are
in fine condition and show prosperity upon the
face of them.

jfclLLIAM C. GRACEY, an influential and
prosperous agriculturist of Shoal Creek
Township, Bond County, 111., resides upon
a highly-cultivated farm, so located that it com-
mands a fine view of the surrounding country and
the adjoining town of Soreuto. The handsome
residence, pleasantly located upon an eminence, is
most attractive, and with its well-kept grounds
and acres rich in harvest, suggests the wise and
thrifty management of its energetic owner. On
a farm in Bond County, a few miles west of Green-
ville, our subject was born, February 19, 1835,
the seventh of a family of ten children.

The father and mother were William and Isa-
bella (Harris) Gracey, the former born in 1788 in
North Carolina, but whose father was a native of
Ireland,who had immigrated to America long before
the Revolutionary War, in which he took a prom-
inent part, serving witli distinction in the struggle
for independence and National liberty. The ma-
ternal grandfather of our subject was a Scotch-
man, and he too arrived in the New World before
the troublous days of '76, and early became a
law-abiding citizen of the United States. William
Gracey, the father of our subject, was the young-
est of three brothers, John and Joseph being his
elders.

In 1823, John, who was an ambitious man,

journeyed to Illinois, to see if the reports of the
advantages which this State was said to offer
settlers were true. He was pleased with the soil
and climate, and the next year, 1823, the remain-
der of tiic family followed him here, the venera-
ble grandfather accompanying them to their new
home. John settled in Madison County, where he
resided until the day of his death. The other
members of the family located in Bond County,
near Greenville, upon the homestead afterward
the birthplace of William C. Grandfather Gracey
passed peacefully away in 1825, and in 1839
his son, the fathej' of our subject, also died. His
wife survived him until March, 1839, and Uncle
Joseph, who was a vigorous man, lived to remove
to Macoupin County in 1862, and died there four
years later.

The brothers and sisters who gathered together
in the old homestead were Harvey Rush, the eld-
est, who died when he was twenty-one years of
age; Rachael D., now residing near Dallas, Tex.,
married William McGahey, who died during
the Civil War while at the front caring for his
soldier son, who was sick in the hospital in which
the father himself, struck down by sudden illness,
breathed his last; Margaret, who married William
Robinson, and died two years later, leaving one
child; Mary, who married Jefferson McCormack,
died after four years of wedded life, and left no
issue; Marcus D. Lafayette, a ranchman, wealthy
and energetic, who lives near Dallas, Tex.; Casper
Grundy, also a resident of Dallas, Tex.; Emory,
also an influential ranchman, located in the same
vicinity; Isabella, the wife of William Senter.
who died in Texas, leaving three children. The
youngest sister was scalded to death, when only
two years of age, by pulling down a pot of boiling
coffee from the stove. The youngest brother was
a Captain in the Confederate army during the
late war.

After the death of his father, Mr. Gracey went
to Macoupin County to live, and in 1854 married
Miss Sarah J., daughter of James and Margaret
(McLean) McGahey, who settled in Illinois in
1826, having removed hither from their native
State, North Carolina. Mr. Gracey finally returned
to Bond County, with his wife, and is located

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

363

on the valuable homestead where he and his fam-
ily now reside. Mr. and Mrs. Gracey have had
five children: Edward P., a prominent lumber
merchant of Soreuto; James R., a prosperous
stock-raiser, residing in Hall County, Tex.; Ada
A., the wife of Dr. N. H. Jackson, a well-known
physician of Greenville; Dora, the widow of Her-
111:111 Siemens; and Delia Mary, a teacher in the
public schools of Sorento, and a graduate of
Almira College, in Greenville, 111. These sons
and daughters of our subject all occup}' honorable
and influential positions, and have the respect and
confidence of the conmunity in which they
were raised and carefully trained to become useful
and upright citizens.

William Gracey, his ancestors and descendants,
were and are stanch Democrats, and although not
politicians, in the ordinary acceptation of the
term, are all interested in the conduct of public
office, both National and local. Mr. Gracey is a
valued member of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church, and together with his family has mate-
rially aided in extending the good work and influ-
ence of the organization.

H. HKNSEN. Although quite a young
man, this gentleman already has consider-
able weight in the community where he re-
sides, a fact which is easily accounted for
by his strong principles, his active interest in the
welfare of all around him, and the pleasant man-
ners which are the crowning charm of a fine
nature.

Mr. Henscn was born in Hamburg, Germany,
March 22, 1860. He is the son of Frederick and
Hannah llensen, who came to the United States in
1868, and settled in Henry County, this State,
where he received his education. Aftei leaving
school, our subject learned the trade of a butcher,
and from that occupation drifted into the poultry
business, and from that has built up a large whole-
sale and cold-storage business. Success has un-

doubtedly crowned this gentleman's efforts, as the
receipts of last years business prove, the amount
being $365,000. He gives employment in the win-
ter time to about two hundred men and boys, and
the different branches of his large enterprise are
at Virden, Carlinville, Carrollton, Palmyra, Jersey-
viile, Raymond, Bunker Hill. Shipman, Litch field
and Roodhouse.

Our subject has built up this extensive business
within the last eight years, and commenced this
enterprise with a capital of $250. To say that he
has made a big success but faintly expresses the
idea, for few men can see such encouraging re-
sults from the labor of a lifetime, let alone the
work of eight years. Mr. Hensen finds time to
engage in other enterprises as well as the business
above referred to, and is a member of the Litch-
fleld Hotel Company. In social life, he is a member
of the Knights of Pythias and the Independent Or-
der of Odd Fellows. For many years he has been
interested in the Litchfield Fire Department, and
is now foreman of Hose Company No. 1.

On the 25th of February, 1887, our subject be-
came united in marriage with Maria C. Gable, of
Gillespie, 111., and their family now consists of
two children, Blanche Irene and Warren Harold.

In politics, Mr. Hensen has always been a Demo-
crat, and takes great interest in the success of his
party. At the same time, he extends to those who
differ from him in political faith that toleration
which he demands for himself. As a business
man, he has been successful beyond the ordinary
lot of man, and enjoys the reputation of being
clear-headed. He is deliberate in his judgments,
a good judge of men, and universally esteemed
for his integrity and social qualities. A marked
characteristic is his faculty of adapting himself to
circumstances, and a rule of his life is to make the
best of everything. He is a man of even tem-
perament, and, while prosperity has never caused
him to be elated overmuch, his nature is too sturdy
to permit of his being cast down by misfortune
and disappointments. In his business and pri-
vate relations, he has sustained a manliness of
character that has won for him universal confi-
dence and esteem. Notwithstanding his success
while yet young, he has none of the pretense of a

364

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

vain man and none of the hesitancy of a weak
one, but moves about his business with the fullest
consciousness of his ability to manage and con-
duct it in detail.

JM. WEBER is the popular editor of the
Nokomis Journal, a paper that is published
in the interests of the Republican party and
wields a wide-spread influence in the local
politics of Montgomery County. This paper is up
to the times, and its editorial department is well
conducted, and is noted for the able manner in
which the general topics of the day are handled.
Mr. Weber was born in Walshville, Montgomery
County, 111., May 28, 1869, the eldest of three chil-
dren born to A. J. and Mary A. (Gunter) Weber,
the former of whom was also born in this county,
to which section the grandfather, M. J. Weber, had
come at a very early date. Young Weber grew up
very much the same as did other farmers' boys,
and received his initiatory training in the common
schools, but he finished his studies at Irving. His
father was for some years a machinist, but is now a
contractor and builder in Litchfield.

When quite a lad, our subject became enamored
of the printing business, and persuaded his father
to buy him a small press, which he kept under
his bed, and at times when he was not occupied
with his studies at school he was printing cards for
his schoolmates. Notwithstanding the fact that
his mother considered this work a nuisance, he was
not to be foiled in his business enterprise, and, tak-
ing his outfit, press and all, under his arm, he
started out to find Another "office," and before
night he had rented a room. In 1887, he estab-
lished himself as a job printer, and the business
grew from the start. Two years later, he estab-
lished the Irving Times, a small sheet, which he
edited until about the 1st of January, 1891, when
lie sold it, and the following April came to Noko-
mis and established the Nokomis Journal, a five-
column quarto, eight-page sheet, which is uncom-
promisingly Republican.

Mr. Weber is an able and somewhat aggressive
writer, but his paper from the very start has grown
in public f:\vor, and has been a financial success.
His whole soul is in his work, and if perseverance,
intelligence and sound judgment can accomplish
anything, Mr. Weber will doubtless become emi-
nent in his calling. He is very popular in the so-
cial circles of Nokomis, his genial and cordial man-
ner and his intelligence and keen wit making him
a favorite and winning him friends wherever he
goes.

In the year 1889, he married Miss Delia L. Lipe,
a daughter of Jacob L. Lipe, a minister of the
Lutheran Church at Irving, a member of a family
prominent in the history of Montgomery County.
Mr. and Mrs. Weber are the parents of three chil-
dren: Chester Carl, Burnice Grace and an infant
named Eva Myrtle.

[/ OHN KRAGER. There are o many German-
American citizens filling responsible and
honorable positions in every department in
the Union, that future records which bear
the marks of careful research and an appreciation
of sociological results will trace in the national
character the Teutonic element and find a cause for
the national greatness. Honest, independent, pru-
dent and thorough, they infuse the best spirit into
whatever business they may enter. Our subject is
one of this nationality and his influence is colored
by the usual characteristics.

Mr. Krager, who is a prosperous German-Ameri-
can farmer and stock-raiser of Harvel Township,
Montgomery County, is a native of Prussia. He
was born July 3, 1846, his parents being Christian
and Elizabeth Krager, both of whom were natives
of Germany. As a boy he received the training
which is compulsory in his native land, and nt the
age of twenty immigrated to the United States,
coming hither on a steamer from Bremen. After
a voyage of twelve clays, he lauded in New York

LIBRARY

Of I HE

UNIVERSITY ot ILLINOIS

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

367

City and proceeded at once to Macoupin Count}',
111. He was engaged as a farm hand for several
years and was fortunate in that lie received, on the
average, about $20 per month in the busy season.
Out of this small sum he managed to save enough
to rent a farm for himself in Montgomery Count}'.
Later lie went to Christian County, 111., where he
conducted a farm as a renter for several years. In
1881 he came to Montgomery County and settled
on the farm where he now lives. He is the owner
of three hundred and twenty acres of excellently
cultivated land.

Our subject was married June 23, 1874, his bride
being Miss Paulina Baker, who was born in Chris-
tian County. She is a daughter of Richard and
Ann Baker, of the same county. From this union
four children were born; they are: Joseph R.,
John C., Elizabeth A. and Frank. Mr. Krager has
served one term as a School Director, having been
elected to the position as one of the strong mem-
bers of the Democratic constituency in this locality.
While devoting himself first of all to the improve-
ment and cultivation of his farm and the proper
rearing of his family, our subject is a public-spirited
and progressive citizen. In church relations he and
his family are Roman Catholics and are as devoted
as the people of this church usually are.

' OHN H. GORDON, M. D. In the town of
Pocahontas resides one of the best-known
physicians in the county of Bond. He has
reached the age of fifty years and now occu-
pies a position in the medical world which is most
desirable and gratifying, as his opinion is consid-
ered convincing by his medical brethren, and his
skill is recognized by patients throughout the
State. This position has not been gained without
effort, for Dr. Gordon has been a close student for
many years, in order to qualify himself for any
case that may come to him,

The subject of this notice was born at Hunts-
ville, Ala,, October 29, 1842. Hjs father, pr f James

Gordon, now of Greenville, this State, was born
in North Carolina, in 1818. Hugh Gordon, the
grandfather, was also a native of North Carolina,
and descended from a Scotch father who was one
of the first settlers in the old North Stale.
Grandfather Gordon carried on the trade of ma-
chinist, was a man of much natural ability, and
the constructor of the first cotton gins in the
State of North Carolina. He employed several
men and carried on an extensive business for that
time. In 1848 he removed to Elizabeth town, Ark.,
where he conducted a similar business, and died at
the age of sixty-four years. A strong Whig, he
was well known in the various localities in which
he lived, and his influence was exerted in behalf
of measures for the public good. His religious
connection was with the Methodist Church.

The father of our subject was reared in North
Carolina and early began the study of medicine,
graduating from the medical college at Memphis.
His practice extended throughout North Carolina,
Alabama, Arkansas and Mississippi. He is now one
of the oldest practitioners atGreenville, this State.
An honorary degree from the Missouri Medical
College, at St. Louis, was conferred upon him, on ac-
count of his having so many sons in the profession,
there being seven at that time. At the age of six
months, our subject was taken from Alabama to
Mississippi, where he resided with his parents until
he was six years old, and then he removed with
them to Russellville, Ark., where he grew to matur-
ity. He attended school there until the age of
fourteen years, when he entered his father's office
for the purpose of studying medicine, and read
with his father until he was nineteen years old.

After marriage, our subject practiced three
years with Dr. Brigham, a leading physician of Ar-
kansas. In August, 1864, he moved here, and in
October of that year he entered the St. Louis Med-
ical College, and in connection with his regular
course took a special course on female diseases.
One year was spent there and then he returned
here and practiced for a period covering ten years.
Then, taking his brother, Dr. W. P. Gordon, into
partnership with him, he returned to St. Louis and
completed his course in the Missouri Medical Col-
. from whjch hq was graduated in 1876, Sim"

368

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

that time the practice of the Doctor has been a
great success, both in medicine and surgery. He
has a fine assortment of the latest instruments for
surgical work, to which he has given much atten-
tion, and he is called in every important case of
this kind in the county.

The marriage of Dr. Gordon took place Decem-
ber 15, 1861, to Emily Elva Torrence, who was
born in North Carolina, December 11, 1844. The
Doctor and his accomplished wife were school-
mates in Arkansas City, having met in a private
academy which is now known as the Russellville
College. Fourteen children have been born to
this couple, only five of whom are now living.
Dr. William E. is a practicing physician in
Old Ripley, this county; Charles C. is also a phy-
sician, and assists his father in his practice; James
L., Kate E. and George D. complete the circle of
surviving children. Nancy J. died at the age of
ten years. All the others died in infancy.

Our subject has >a fully-equipped and well-ar-
ranged office of three rooms general office, drug
room and private consulting room. Every Wed-
nesdaj' is devoted to the treatment of female troub-
les, in which he is assisted by his wife, who isa well-
read medical woman, and certainly is a true
helpmate for her husband. Great success has at-
tended the Doctor's practice, and he lias been par-
ticularly happy in the treatment of female diseases.
He has erected the most elegant frame residence in
Pocahontas, which is also one of the finest in Bond
County. It is two and one-half stories in height,
with attic, and is 39x42 feet in dimensions. The
architectural designs were prepared by Dr. Gordon
himself, and the work was left in the hands of a su-
perior man, who has finished each suite of rooms in
differently carved wood. The furnishings are also
of modern style, and the home is a model of ele-
gance and good taste.

Since he was fourteen years of age our subject
has been a member of the Methodist Church; his
wife is also a member of this church, and their con-
nection has always been an active one. In his
"politics, the Doctor is a Republican, and has had
experiences different from many who belong to the
ranks. While living in Russellville, Ark., during
the late war, lie was conscripted into Ue Confeder-

ate army, although he was not in sympathy with
the cause. On account of sickness he was dis-
charged, but shortly after he was again forced into
the service. He and another man of like sentiments
were left to guard fifteen Northern prisoners who
were sentenced to be shot. The guards turned the
prisoners loose and all came North together, and it
was in this way that our subject located here.

Dr. Gordon is a member of Gordon Masonic
Lodge, which was so named in honor of his father.
He is also a member of the Gordon Camp of the
Modern Woodmen and the Ancient Order of Uni-
ted Workmen. The State, County and District
Medical Associations claim him as a member, and
he has been a delegate to the State society and has
been Vice-president and Director of the county
association.

STAV A. REESE, who is the able pro-
prietor and manager of the G. A. Reese
Bottling Works, is a native of the city of
Li tch field, where he established himself in business
in September, 1891, for the purpose of manufac-
turing soda water, ginger ale, seltzer and mineral
waters. His factory is located near the Wabash
Railroad depot, and he keeps constantly employed
at least three men, while so greatly has his work
increased of late that henceforth it will be neces-
sary to have the assistance of not less than five
men. He supplies all the trade in his own line
that can be reached by the roads to which he is
convenient.

Mr. Reese was born in this city July 4, 1868. He
is a son of Frederick and Christina (Guyer) Reese,
the former being one of the oldest settlers here,
and both of whom came from Germany. Freder-
ick Reese was for man}' years engaged in the fur-
niture business, and is well known throughout the
city and county. Our subject received his educa-
tion in his native place, and after completing his
course at school was engaged as c jerk in a grocery
store,

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

369

Four years and a-half subsequent to the connec-
tion just named, our subject was proprietor of a
cigar store, after which he built the factory men-
tioned above. He has in his establishment all the
latest improvements that enter into his business,
and is constantly adding to it as his trade de-
mands. Although hit> work in this direction is of
recent date, he has already built up a fine trade.

In addition to his business interests, our subject
is the owner of considerable real estate in Litch-
field. As a young man, his advancement in life
has been very rapid, and promises well for the
future. He is a member of the Dreibund. Mr.
Reese is one of a family of six .children born to his
parents: Anna; Minnie, who is the wife of George
Schutt; August, William and Herman, besides the
original of this sketch.

ROBERT B. HAGOOD, a retired farmer of
Hillsboro, has long been among the lead-
ing agriculturists of Montgomery County.
He is a Kentuckian by birth, a native of
Todd County, and was born February 15, 1825.
His father, Buckner Hagood, Jr., was born in South
Carolina, and his grandfather, Buckner Hagood,
Sr., was supposed to be a native of the Pine Tree
State. Rosanna Hagood, our subject's grand-
mother, was of Irish birth and came to America
when thirteen years of age. The mother of our sub-
ject bore the maiden name of Ellen Paden, and was
born in South Carolina in 1788. Her father,
John Paden, was also a native of South Carolina,
and sojourned during almost his entire life in his
early home.

The parents of our subject were united in mar-
riage in Todd County, Ky., and there settled on a
farm. Buckner Hagood died in 1837 or 1838, and
was buried from the old homestead to which he
had brought his bride so many years before. He
and his wife became the parents of four children,
but two clied. jp infancy, John was a bftbe of eigh-

teen months when he died; Thomas passed away
when about one year old. James S. died in 1876,
leaving our subject the sole representative of an
honest family and honored name.

When, in 1838, the widowed mother removed
with her two sons to Montgomery County, 111.,
Robert was thirteen years old and a manly, earnest
boy. He received instruction in the schools of
his new home, and did such work as he found to
do. He remained with his mother until her
death, and then he and his brother stayed for
some time in the lonely house. This proved
a very unsatisfactory method of housekeep-
ing, and in December, 1872, Robert B. and
Miss Esther Hughes were united in marriage.
Mrs. Hagood is a pleasing lady of lovely character
and was born in Ross County, Ohio, March 23, 1839.
Her parents gave her the advantages obtainable in
their neighborhood and she was well fitted to make
the home of her husband a happy one. Mr. and
Mrs. Hagood became the parents of one son, James
B. A brave manly boy, full of life and strength,
the idol of the home, he gave his life for another
and perished while trying to save a drowning
companion. The shadow of this bereavement
rested heavily upon the home, which had been
gladdened by his morry presence.

The management of the farm, its general agri-
culture and stock-raising, kept our subject busily
employed for many years. Financially prosperous,
he had well earned a rest, and in 1890 he retired
from active work and removed to Ilillsboro. The
farming properties which Mr. Hagood has accumu-
lated are located in various townships of Mont-
gomery County. He has two finely-improved
farms in East Fork Township, eighty and seventy-
eight acres, respectively; two in Witt Township,
of forty and eighty acres, and ninety acres of very
choice land in Irving Township. These farms
are all situated in an unusually excellent agricul-
tural district and form valuable possession.

Mr. and Mrs. Hagood enjoy most pleasant
church and social relations. They are members of
the Presbyterian Church, in which our subject has
long been one of the Deacons. Mr. Hagood is in-
dependent in politics, the man and not the party
determining his yote, He is, however, an upre.

370

yORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

lenting Prohibitionist. Deacon Hagood, as he
is familiarly known among his friends and neigh-
bors, is singularly free from the debasing habits
which enslave so many of his fellow-men. He has
never used liquor nor smoked nor chewed to-
bacco, the use of which weed he considers morally
and physically injurious.

AMES Y. DAVIS. The following bio-
graphical sketch is a memorial offered as a
loving tribute by the widow who was for
many years the loving companion and help-
mate of James Y. Davis, and is intended to pre-
serve a few facts for his children and friends that
may be of interest in years to come. Mr. Davis
died April 5, 1884. That he was a good and use-
ful citizen whose life had not been spent in vain
was attested by the fact that he was generally
mourned by those who were comparative stran-
gers to his personal life, as well as by the members
of his family.

Mr. Davis was born at Bethel, or on the site of
what is now Reno, Bond County, this State, No-,
vember 14, 1842. He was a son of Ira B. andEda
(Harned) Davis, both natives of Tennessee, who
settled in Bond County in early years. After some
severe trials in pioneer work, the father died in
July, 1877. The widow married A. Dixon, her
decease occurring in September, 1891.

Our subject enlisted in the service of his country
June 11, 1861, joining Company D, of the Twenty-
second Illinois Infantry. He served for more than
three years and was finally mustered out July 7,
1864. lie participated in many of the desperate
struggles that made our" Civil War a notable
epoch in the world's history, being a participant
in the battles of Belmont. Island No. 10, Pittsburg
Landing, Farmington, Corinth, Nashville, Stone
River, Chickarnauga and Mission Ridge. Although
he was wounded three times, he was never off duty,
parrying his bit of rebej Jcad. jn his body to the

grave, it being a badge of honor of which he was
justly proud.

May 29, 1865, Mr. Davis married Helen M.
Harned. She was a native of Hancock County,
111., and a daughter of William S. and Sarah H.
(McKaig) Harned, her mother being a native of
Dayton, Ohio, and her father of Texas. Mr. and
Mrs. Davis were the parents of live children, whose
names are Eda, Ida, James Benson, Sadie H. and
Clyde. The eldest daughter is the wife of John
McClenny, of Reno; Ida married Charles Lohman
and lives in Jefferson County, Kan.; James is sin-
gle and makes his home with his mother on the
farm. The two youngest children are still pursu-
ing their studies. Mrs. Davis has a delightful
home on the farm improved and cultivated by her
husbnnd, with the able assistance of her sons, and
she has continued the management in such a way
that it shows not the slightest deterioration.

' BRAM BOURQUIN, though still compar-
atively a .young man, has become well-
known in agricultural circles, and is rec-
ognized as a careful, energetic farmer,
who, by his advanced ideas and progressive hab-
its, has done much to improve the farming inter-
ests of this section. He is not only prominent as
a tiller of the soil, but as a citizen and neighbor is
held in the highest esteem. He has one of the
finest and best improved farms of Montgomery
County and is one of its wealthiest and most in-
fluential men. He is a native of the Buckeye
State, and was born in Tuscarawas Count}-, Octo-
ber 15, 1854, being the youngest of three children
born to A. L. and Mary A. (Beichenot) Bour-
quin.

The father was born in Switzerland, near the
French frontier, August 20, 1809, and continued
to reside there until 1837, when the advantages to
be derived from a residence in America induced
him to emigrate to the United States, lie crossed
the ocean and located in Ohio, where he soon

RES. OF MRS. HELEN M . DAVIS , 5EC.I0..5HOAL GREEK TP BOND CO., ILL.

RES. OF ABRAM BOURQUIN ,SEC. <28. NO KOMIS TR MONTGOMERY COJLL.

LIBRA**

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

373

amassed a fortune. His wife, whose maiden name
was Mary A. Beichenot, was a native of France,
but came to this country early in life. She died
in 1857, when our subject was about three years
of age. Mr. Bourquin passed away on the farm
in Ohio where he had first settled, April 21, 1879.
He was a worthy and much-esteemed citizen. By
industry and close attention to his chosen occupa-
tion he had gathered around him many of the
comforts of life, and at the time of his death left
a competency.

The subject of this sketch, being the son of
wealthy parents, received every advantage for a
good education, and can read, write and speak the
French and English languages with equal fluency.
When twenty-one years of age he was ambitious
to start out to " hoe his own row " in life, and
had no desire to fall back on his wealthy parents
for a start. He came to the Prairie State, and for
a time was engaged in a sewer-pipe manufactory.
Later, he went to work on a farm, but when his
father died, in 1879, he came into possession of one-
third of the estate, which gave him a goodly for-
tune. Soon after this he bought his fine farm of
four hundred acres, near Nokomis, began improv-
ing and developing it, and now has one of the
best estates in Montgomery County. He built his
elegant residence, one of the best in the county,
in 1888, and everything about the place indicates
the owner to be a man of energy and ambition. It
must not be inferred that Mr. Bourquin, having
inherited a fortune, is engaged in spending it, for
this is far from the truth. He is one of the most
pushing and ambitious fanners of the county, and
has steadily increased his fortune from the start.

Edward, the brother of our subject, is a promi-
nent merchant of Independence, Kan., and his
sister Adellie is the wife of Benjamin J. Rickets,
of Colorado. In 1882, Mr. Bourquin made an ex-
tended European tour, visiting England, Scot-
land, France, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, and
other countries. While traveling through Switz-
erland he was impressed with the beauty of the
Swiss cattle, and after returning to this country
purchased a small herd. He has made a great suc-
cess in breeding them, and two of his thorough-
bred cows, at the blooded stock show in Chicago,

took the premium for making a greater amount of
butter in one and three days than any cows in
this country, that is, in a public test. As his is
one of the few herds of this stock in the country,
Mr. Bourquin is very proud of it.

Our subject is a strong advocate of the princi-
ples of the Republican part}-, as was his father,
but he has too much to do on his extensive farm to
give much of his attention to political matters.
He was married in 1886 to Miss Augusta Cagnet,
a native of Wayne County, Ohio, but of French
ancestry. One child has blessed this union, a
bright little girl, Jessie, who is now about five
years of age.

ELOS VAN DEUSEN, Cashier of the
Beach, Davis & Co. Bank, is one of the
prominent men of the little city of Litch-
field, 111. He holds the position of Presi-
dent of the School Board, and is in every way a
gentleman whose sketch it gives us pleasure to
place in this RKCORD. Mr. Van Deusen was born
in Allcgany County, N. Y., December 9, 1823,
and was the son of Joshua B. and Lucia (Gros-
venor) Van Deusen, who were of Dutch and English
descent respectively, and whose ancestors were,
perhaps, some of the worth}' burghers who assisted
bluff old Peter Stuyvesant to establish the Dutch
race in New York. The mother of our subject was
a member of one of the best-known families in the
Empire State.

When our subject was three years old, the fam-
ily moved to Jamestown, N. Y., and there he was
reared and educated and there he suffered the loss
of his kind father. . In 1846, he went to Dayton,
Ohio, and at that place began the boot, shoe
and leather business, and this proved so remun-
erative that he continued at it until 1857. In
this cit}' of Ohio, he married Miss Henrietta M.
Snyder, February 19, 1852, daughter of Charles
and Elizabeth Snyder, of Dayton, Ohio, and in
1857 he took a trip of observation through the

374

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

State of Illinois, and decided to become a resident
here. This was a very small place at that time,
1858, but he saw its possibilities. He was very
loyal, and when the call for troops for the late war
was heard in the country, our subject decided that
it was his duty to go.

Mr. Van Deusen became a member of the Sixth
Missouri Infantry, and he raised a company of
soldiers, and was made Captain. The enlistment
took place at the Arsenal at St. Louis in June,
1861. The regiment was sent south and was kept
at Pilot Knob until the fall and was then ordered
to Tipton, Mo., where Fremont was commanding.
It was then sent to Springfield, Mo., in November,
1861, and then returned to guard the Pacific Rail-
road until spring. They were then ordered to
Pittsburg Landing, in April, 1862, and there put
with Gen. Sherman's division, and were actively
engaged with him during the whole time of the
war.

Our soldier was no carpet knight. He partici-
pated in some of the hardest fought battles of the
war, was at the siege and capture of Vicksburg
and the battles around Chattanooga and Mission-
ary Ridge, and was in all of those weary marches
around Knoxville to relieve Burnside, Wright and
Clay. Ho was at the siege of Atlanta and in the
fighting through Georgia and then at Petersburg
and Alexandria. After the surrender at Raleigh
of Johnson he went to Washington, where the
great review took place which celebrated the
return of peace. He was mustered out of the ser-
vice at St. Louis, in September, 1865, and was then
entitled to be addressed as Colonel. His promo-
tion to the office of Lieutenant-Colonel took place
in 1864, and he was in that position in all the
campaigns of that year and was made Colonel by
Gov. Fletcher at the close of the war. His service
covered more than four years and he came out of
the struggle without a scratch, although his clothes
had been shot through several times.

After his return to the peaceful walks of life,
our subject was made City Magistrate for a period
of four years. In 1871, he entered the bank of
Beach, Davis <fe Co., as Cashier, which position he
still holds. He is the senior cashier of all others in
the city, and is a member of the firm. When the

Litchfield Car <fe Machine Company was formed
he became a stockholder and Director, as he was one
of the organizers. As Director of the Oil City
Building and Saving Association, with a capital
stock of $1,000,000, he has given satisfaction and
has been President of it, and also a Director in the
Litchfield Homestead and Loan Association, of
which he has also been President and was one of
its organizers.

With the growth of the city and increasing land
values and advancing rentals, Mr. Van Deusen
saw that a safe investment would be real estate,
and besides his beautiful home on North Street he
owns other property, and is interested with M. M.
Martin in the ice houses and reservoir west of
town. This property is valued at $30,000, and the
business is a wholesale one, St. Louis being the
nearest market. The capacity of the ice houses
is eight thousand tons.

Our subject is one of the public-spirited men
who do a town good. It was through his influence,
among others, that the railroads have come into
the place. The individual responsibility of the
bank in which Mr. Van Deusen is interested is
$300,000. He has served on the School Board at
different times and also was City Treasurer for
twelve years, and was instrumental in getting
many of the schoolhouses built. He belongs to
the Grand Army of the Republic of Litchfield, in
which he is most highly regarded, and he is a man
of whom his city may be proud.

AMES S. McDAVID. Among the most suc-
cessful and thorough-going business men of
Coffcen, 111., is James S. McDavid, who was
V born in what is now Bond County, Novem-
ber 11, 1842, and is the only son of William C. and
Martha L. (Hunter) McDavid, both natives of the
Slicker State, the father born in Montgomery
County, March 1, 1820, and the mother in Bond
County.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

375

Our subject's paternal grandfather, William Mc-
David, was a native of Virginia, who was born
in Scott County, and remained there until about
fifteen years of age, when he went with his brother,
James McDavid, to Missouri. Later he enlisted in
the War of 1812 and participated in the battle of
New Orleans. In Juno, 1820, he came to Mont-
gomery County, and located in East Fork Town-
ship, where he entered land from the Government,
paying $2 per acre for it, in installments. He and
his wife came on horseback and brought all their
worldly goods with them. They erected a log
cabin, 14x14 feet, and with very little furniture be-
gan their career as pioneer settlers. On this farm
he resided just forty-six years to a day, dying on
the 14th of February, 1866,when seventy-five years
of age. His father, Patrick McDavid, was born in
Scotland and came to America when a young man,
locating in Virginia. His wife was born in Ireland.
William McDavid married Elizabeth Johnson, a
native of Tennessee where she was reared; she
lived to be eighty-three years of age. Her father,
Jesse Johnson, it is supposed was a native of Ten-
nessee.

The grandparents of our subject were married
in Franklin County, Tenn., by Squire Haulen in
1819, and directlj' afterward came to Montgomery
County, locating on section 34, township 8. They
were the parents of nine children, five sons and
four daughters, all natives of Montgomery County
and East Fork Township, and all of whom grew to
mature years with the exception of one, the
youngest, who died when about seven years of
age. Only four sons are now living in this county.
William C. McDavid passed his youthful days in
his native place, and, as he was obliged to walk
four miles to attend school, his scholastic training
did not amount to much, for he seldom attended
more than three months in a year. After leaving
the district school, he finished in a log schoolhouse
in Hillsboro, and remained with his parents until
twenty-one years of age. He was first married
March 11, 1841, to Miss Martha L. Hunter, a native
of Bond County, and one son was born of this
marriage, James S., the subject of this sketch.
Following his marriage, Mr. McDavid located on
section 34, on a forty-acre farm, and as there had

been no improvements made he went to work to
clear and develop his place. He erected a small
log house and gradually gathered around him
many of the comforts and conveniences of life.
He owned atone time four hundred acres but gave
his son one hundred acres, his daughter eighty-five
acres, and has retained two hundred acres for him-
self. When starting out for himself, he owned
two horses, a cow and calf and fort}' acres of land.
After the death of his first wife, he married Miss
Lydia C. Wilson, September 2, 1856, and five chil-
dren blessed this union, two daughters and three
sons: Sylvester, deceased; L.J., of Hillsboro; Emily
E., wife of D. C. Nislcr, of East Fork Township;
Dr. John Logan; and Nancy L., deceased. In his
political affiliations, Mr. McDavid is a Democrat
and has held a number of local positions. He was
Constable for four years and Justice of the Peace
forty years. For fifty years, he has been an Elder
in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and is one
of the pioneers and much-respected and honored
citizens of the county. He was a member of the
Masonic fraternity.

James S. McDavid was born in what is now
Bond County on the llth of November, 1842. He
assisted his father on the farm until twenty-one
years of age and received a fair education in the
common schools. In 1864, he began working by
the month on a farm for his uncle, James B. Mc-
David, and continued with him until 1865, when
he enlisted in Company K, Third Illinois Cavalry,
which was stationed at Eastport, Miss. About one
month later, Gen. Lee's army surrendered and our
subject's command was sent to- Minnesota and Da-
kota to fight the Indians. There he remained a
little over seven months, and on the 30th of Sep-
tember, 1865, they were mustered out at Ft. Snell-
ing, Minn., and discharged at Springfield, 111., on
the 19th of October, 1865.

Returning to Montgomery County, our subject
entered the school room as a teacher and followed
this very successful!}- for about twenty-five years,
in the meantime attending Hillsboro Academy. In
1864, he had attended the Mt. Zion Seminaiy for
one term, the summer prior to his entering the
army. In September, 1890, he embarked in the
coal business and is now Secretary of the Coffeen

376

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

<fe Copps Company, at Coffeen, and also the Treas-
urer of the company. This company employs on
an average about seventy-five men and is doing
a rushing business.

On the 31st of August, 1870, Mr. McDavid mar-
ried Miss S. A. Mitchell, a native of Missouri, born
in Monroe County, and reared in Macon County,
and to them have been born four children, two
daughters and two sons. The eldest died in infancy;
Martha C. died when seven years of age; L. S. and
James M. Socially, Mr. McDavid is a member of
the Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association, Modern
Woodmen of America and Lodge No. 368, K. of P.,
of Coffeen. Our subject is a Democrat but was a Re-
publican until G rover Cleveland was nominated.
He has been Township Clerk for East Fork Town-
ship three terms, Supervisor three years, and Chair-
man of the Board the last year. He was Superin-
tendent and President of the Village Board in
1891, and is now Trustee or Alderman of the city.
He was School Treasurer in East Fork Township
for ten years.

EJ. GROSS. In compiling an account of
the different business enterprises of the
county of Montgomery, we desire particu-
larly to call attention to Mr. Gross, who is one of
the successful hardware merchants of the thriving
little town of Coffeen. The thrift and energy dis-
played in the management of his affairs are appar-
ent when you enter his store, and his pleasant,
genial manner and upright, honorable conduct
have won him many friends and patrons. He is
one among the prominent men who have largely
contributed toward building up the mercantile
fame of the above-mentioned town, and whose es-
tablishment affords an apt illustration of the pro-
gress and development of the place.

Mr. Gross was born in Freeport, 111., June 14,
1859, and is a descendant of sturdy German stock,
his father, Joseph Gross, being a native of that
country. When a young man, the elder Mr. Gross

decided to cross the ocean to America, and after
reaching this continent he loc