Full text of "Portrait biographical album of Fulton Co., Illinois ... together with portraits and biographies of all the presidents of the United States and governors of the state"

L I B R_AR.Y

OF THL

U N IVERS ITY

Of ILLINOIS

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OF PROMINENT^ RiPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS

OF THE COUNTY

TOGETHER WITH- PORTRAITS -AND -BIOGRAPHIES-OF-ALL ■ THE

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CHICAGO:

BIOGKAPIIICAL I'UBLISHING CO.

1890.

pF(Ep/^§E.

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VjHE greatest of English historians, Macaui.ay, and one of tlie most brilliant writers ol
the present cenlar}^ has said: "The history' of acoiintrj' isbest told inarecord of the ■
lives of its people." In conformity with this idea the Foktrait and Biogkapuical
Album of this county has been prepare<l. Instead of going to must}' records, and
taking therefrom dry statistical matter tliat can be appreciated by but few, our
corps of writers have gone to tlic people, the men and women who have, by their
enterprise and industry, brought the county to a rank second to none among tiiose
corai)rising this great and noble State, and from their lips have the story of tlieir 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
ndustry and econom}- have accumulated wealth. It tells how others, with limited
advantages for securing an education, have become learned men and women, with an
influence extending througliout 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 wliosc names have
become famous. It tells of those in every walk in life who have striven to succeed, and
records how that success has usuallj- crowned their efforts. It tells also of many, very
manv, who, not seeking the applause of the world, have pursued "the even tenor of their way," content
to iuive it .said of them as Christ said of the woman performing a deed of mercy — "they have done v/hat
Xtliey could." It tells how that many in the pride and strengtli 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
i once more reigned in the land. In the life of every man and of everj' woman is a lesson tliat should not
r be lost upon those who follow after.

^ Coming genei-ations will appreciate this volume and preserve it as a sacred treasure, from the fact

■ -^ that it contains so much that would never find its wa^' into public records, .and which would otherwise be

-^i inaccessible. Great care has been taken in the compilation of the work and every opportunity possible

J5_given to those represented to insure correctness in what has been written, and the publishers flatter tiiem-

>0 selves that thej' give to their readers a work with few errors of consequence. In addition tollie biograph-

"^^ ical sketches, portraits of a number of representative citizens are given.

The faces of some, and biographical sketches of manj', 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

4 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 re|)eatcd calls were made

^-'^ their re.siden.ce or place of business.

Biographicai, Plblisiiixo Co.
Chicago, November, IS'JO.

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OF THE

GOVERNORS of ILLINOIS,

AND OFTHE

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FIRST PRESIDENT.

v a»rS'>^i^tt^(^iai»i'^.'i ^'i •.'i*:^! ;.'■ •..'i^'^ta^t^sa'^t^'^tS'a'^^'^^'^^^tSii'^'g^'^)

J HE Father of our Country was
'^w^born in Westmorland Co., Va.,
;;^ Feb. 22, 1732. His parents
'a 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 1(357,
and became a [)rosi)erous
planter. He had two sons,
Lawrence and John. The
former married Mildred Warner
and had tliree children, John,
Augustine and Mildred. Augus-
tine, the father of George, fiist
married Jane Butler, who bore
him four children, two of whom,
Lawrence and Augustine, reached
maturity. Of si.x children by his
second marriage, George was the
eldest, the others being Betty,
Samuel, Joiin Augustine, Charles
and Mildred.
.•\ugu-.,line Washijigton, the father of George, died
in 1743, leaving a large landed property. To his
eldest son, Lawrence, he bequeathed an estate on
tlie I'atomac, 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
matlnjiuarcs. His spellinsi v/as rather defective.

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

NVhen 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
abandonsd. Two years later he was appointed
surveyor to the immense estate of Lord Fairfax. \n
this business he spent three years in a rough frontier
life, gaining experience which afterwards proved vt:ry
essential to him. Pn 175 r, though only ig 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 Lidies 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 dennse the
estate of Mount Vernon was given to George.

U|)on the arrival of Robert Dinwiddle, as Lieuten-
ant-Governor of Virginia, in 1752, the militia wa?
reorganized, and the province divided into four mili-
tary districts, of which the northern was assignee 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. Tht

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

trip was a perilous one, and several limes he came near
losing his life, yet he returned in safety and furnished
a full and useful report of his expedition. A regiment
of 300 men was raised in Virginia and put in com-
mand of Col. Joshua Fry, and Major Washington was
commissioned lieutenant-colonel. Active war was
then begun against the French and Indians, in which
Washington took a most important part. In the
memorable event of July 9, 1755, known as Brad-
dock's defeat, Washington was almost the only officer
of distinction who escaped from the calamities of the
day with life and honor. The other aids of Braddock
ivere disabled early in the action, and W'ashington
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 levelino niy 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 jjromotion 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,
CO 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 (13andridge) Custis, the wealthy
widow of John Parke Custis.

When the British Parliament had closed the port
~i{ 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 memberof the Congress. He accepted
it on June 19, but upon the express condition that he
receive no salary. He would keep an exact account
of expenses and expect Congress lo pay them and
nothing more. It is not the object of this sketch to
trace the military acts of Washington, to whom the
fortunes and liberties of the people of this country
were so long confided. The war was conducted by
him under every possible disadvantage, and while his
forces often met with reverses, yet he overcame every
obstacle, and after seven years of heroic devotion
and matchless skill he gained liberty for the greatest
nation of earth. On Dec. 23, 17S3, 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, 17 89, Washington was unanimously
elected President. In his presidential career he was
subject to the peculiar trials incidental to a new
government ; trials from lack of confidence on the pan
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 alisolutely
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 sub-
ordinate officers and left to them the charge of mat-
ters in the field, which he superintended from his
home. In accepting the command he made the
reservation that he was not to be in the field until
it was necessary. In the midst of these preparations
his life was suddenly cut off. December 12, he took
a severe cold from a ride in the rain, which, settling
in h's throat, produced inflammation, and terminated
fatally on the night of the fourteenth. On the eigh-
teenth his body was borne wi'h military honors to its
final resting place, and interred in the family vault at
Mount Vernon.

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

The jierson of Washington was nnusally tali, erect
and well proportioned. His muscular strength was
great. His features were of a beautiful symmetrv.
He commanded respect without any appearance o*
haughtiness, and ever serious without Vwing dull.

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SECOND PRESIDENT.

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. ^o.'t^^i ^l

OHN ADAMS, the second
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 fanner 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
'sci-;ool of affliction," from which Iv; endeavored to
gain lelief by devoting himself, in addition, to the
study of law. For this purjxjse 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
cermed "the frightful engines of ecclesiastical coun-
cils, cf 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, iwssessing 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, (17(^5), the attempt of Parliamentary taxa-
tion turned him from law to politics. He took inirial
jteps toward holding, a town meeting, and the resolu-

tions he offered on the subject became very iwpulai
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 advocatesof the popular cause, and
was chosen a member of the General Court (the Leg-
lislature) in 1770.

Mr. Adams was chosen one of the first delegates
from Massachusetts to the first Continental Congreis,
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 moved
and carried a resolution in Congress that the Colonies
should assume the duties of self-government. He
was a prominent member of the committee of iive
appointed June 11, to prepare a declaration of inde-
pendence. This article was drawn by Jefferson, but
on Adams devolved the task of battling it through
Congress in a three days debate.

On the day after the Declaration of Independence
was passed, while his soul was yet warm with th^
glow of excited feeling, he wrote a letter to his wife
which, as we read it now, seems to have been dictated
by the spirit of prophecy. "Yesterday," he says, "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 ejioch 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.

!;;unes, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations
irom one end of the coniinent to the other, from this
time forward for ever. Vou will think me transjxjrted
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
the^e States; yet, tlirough 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
delegate to France, and to co-operate with Benijamin
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 tlie British cruis-
ers, who were seeking him. He left France June 17,
1779. In September of the same year he was again
ciiosen 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 pioposels. 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. ^Vhile in England, still drooping and desiwnd-
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.

T/hile 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 countr\men led by Mr. Jefferson.
Mr. Adams felt no symjiathy with the French peo])le
in their struggle, for he had no confidence in theiv
jx)wer 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 t824, his cup of haijpiness was filled
to the brim, by seeing his son elevated to the highest .
station in the gift of the people.

The fourth of July, 1S26, 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
customar)' 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 cttendants if he knew
what day it was? He replied, "O yes; it is the glor-
ious fourih of July — God bless it — God bless you all."
In the course of the day he said, "It is a great and
glorious day." The last words he uttered were,
"Jefferson survives." But he had, at one o'clock, re-
signed his spiiit into the hands of his God.

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

^fe»^r;-

WL,

THIRD PRESIDENT.

HOMAS JEFFERSON was
^ born April 2, 1743, at Shad-
l|5 well, Albermavle county, Va.

His parents were Peter and
Jane ( Randol[)h) 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-
been kept diligently at school
from the lime he was five year* of
age. In 1760 he entered William
and Mary College. Williamsburg was then the seat
of the Colonial Court, and it was the obodeof fashion
a.id splendor. Young Jefferson, who was then 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-
al)le 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 haid 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 wa?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
liim into active political life. In 1769 he was choser
a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses hi
1772 he married Mrs. JNIartha Skelton, a very beauti-
ful, wealthy and highly accomplished young widov.-

Upon Mr. Jefferson's large estate at Shadwell, tli^re
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 ye'
elegant architecture, which, next to Mount Vernon
became the most distinguished resort in our land.

In 1775 he was sent to the Cclonial Congress
where, though a silent member, his abilities as a
writer and a reasoner soon become known, and ho
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 Tiioinas 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 m.ade
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 —
who was charged with the preparation of that Dec-
laration, which, while it made known the wrongs of
America, was also to publish her to the world, free,
Boverign and independent. It is one of the most re-
markable papers ever written ; and did no other effort
ijf 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
Moniicello, 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 yeirs 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. J, 1794. In 1797, he was chosen Vice Presi-
dent, and four years later was elected President over
Mr. Adams, with Aaron Burr as Vice President. In
1804 he was re-elected with wonderful unanimity,
and George Clinton, Vice President.

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

In 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
:orty 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 \vhich his
declining years required, and ui^on 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 prejiarations 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 air of the fiftieth
anniversary. His prayer was heard — that day, whose
dawn was hailed with such rapture through our land,
burst upon his eyes, and then they were closed for-
ever. And what a noble consummation of a noble
life ! To die on that day, — the birthday of a nation,- -
the day v/hich 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 desiier-
ate struggle of the Revolution, they had cheered and
animated their desponding countr>'nien; for half a
century they had labored together for the good of
the country-; and now hand in hand they depart.
In their lives they had been united in the same great
cause of liberty, and in their deaths they were not
divided.

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

/ CZA^'^'-^ ^cyC(_ if-^oc^f t:-''K,

FOURTH PRESIDENT.

.'PriQES IIPDISOI].*

AMES IMADISON, "Father
of the Constitution," and fourth
J)" President of the United States,
was born March i6, 1757, and
died at his home in Virginia,
'j f^' June 28, 1S36. The name of
James Madison is inseparably con-
nected with most of the important
events in that heroic period of our
country during which the founda-
tions of this great repubhc were
laid. He was the last of the founders
of the Constitution of the United
States to lie 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 uix)n a very fine es-
tate called "Monti)elier," Orange Co.,
Va. The mansion was situated in
the midst of scenery highly pictur-
esque and romantic, on the west side
of South-west Mountain, at the foot of
Blue Ridge. It was but 25 miles from the home of
Jefferson at Monticello. The closest personal and
political attacliment existed between these illustrious
men, from their early youth until deatii.

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

prudent zeal; allowing himself, for months, but three
hours' sleep out of the 24. His health thus became so
seriously impaired that he never recovered any vigor
of constitution. He graduated in 177 i, with a feeble
body, with a character of utmost purity, and with a
mind higlily disciplined and ricjily stored with learning
which embellished and gave proficiency to his subsr '
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-woik of
a statesman. Being naturally of a religious turn of
mind, and his frail health leading him to think that
his life was not to be long, he directed especial atten-
tion to theological studies. Endowed with a mmd
singularly free from passion and prejudice, and with
almo.";! uneiiualled 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
('777)1 lis was a candidate for the General .Assembly.
He refused to treat the whisky-loving 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 tlie Executive Council.

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

/AMES 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, 17 87, 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
was represented. George Washington was chosen
president of the convention; and the present Consti-
tution of the United States was then and there formed.
There was, perhaps, no mind and no pen more ac-
tive in framing this immortal document than the mind
and the pen of James Madison.

The Constitution, adopted by a vote Si 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 ixjwer at home and little respect
abroad. Mr. Madison was selected by tne 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 occui)ied
so prominent a position in the very peculiar society
wliich has constituted our republican court as Mrs.
Mndison.

Mr. Madison served as Secretai-y 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 ex|)osed 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 brouglit
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. Tiiis right of search and im-
pressment, no efforts of our Government could induce
the British cabinet to relinquish.

On the iSth of June, 1S12, President Madison gave
his appioval to an act of Congress dechiring 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. Tliis is
not the place to describe the various adventuras of
this war on the land and on the water. Our infan.
navy then laid the foundations of its renown in grap-
pling with the most formidable power which ever
swept the seas. The contest commenced in earnest
by the appearance of a British fleet, early in Februaiy,
1813, in Cliesapeake Bay, declaring nearly the whole
coast of the LTnited 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 tlie
metropolis. The whole populaticn 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 bei^\g
captured. But few hours elapsed ere the Presidential
Mansion, the Capitol, and all the public buildings in
Washington were in flames.

The war closed after two years of fighting, and on
Feb. 13, 1815, the treaty of peace was signed at Ghent.

On the 4th of March, 1S17, his second term of
ofl^ice 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.

^^^

FIFTH PRESIDENT.

)-mk

53=^1*

PIIQES ll]OI]ItOE.

ww^

L^^

AMES MONROE, the fiftli
.President of The United States,
was born in Westmoreland Co.,
Va., April 28, 1758. His early
life was passed at the place of
nativity. Hi3 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 C'ongress assertibled at Phila-
delphia to deliberate upon the un-
just and manifold oppressions of
(Ireat Britian, declared the separa-
tion of the Colonies, and [jromul-
gated the Declaration of Indepen-
dence. Had he been l)orn ten years before it is highly
probable that he would have been one of the signers
of that celebrated instnimem. At this time he left
scliool and enlisted among the patriots.

He joined the army when everything looked hope-
less and gloomy. The number of deserters increased
from day to day. The invading armies came pouring
in ; and the tories not only favored the cause of the
mother country, but disheartened the new recruits,
who were sufficiently terrified at the prospect of con-
tsnding 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 ]}ro-
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 thecam-
l)aigns of 1777 and 1778, in the actions of Brandy
wine, (iermantown and Monmouth, lie continued
aid-de-canip ; 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 aside the knapsack for the green bag;
but on the invasions of the enemy, served as a volun
teer, during the two years of his legal pursuits.

In 1782, he was elected from King George county,
a member of the Leglislature of Virginia, and by that
l)ody he was elevated to a seat in the E.xecutive
Council. He was thus honored with the confidence
of his fellow citizens at 23 years of age ; and having
at this early period displayed some of that ability
and 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 Uniud States.
Deeplyas Mr. Monroefsh the imperfectionsof theold
Confederacy, he was opposed to the new Constitution,
ihinking, with many others of 'he Republican parly,
that it gave too much power to the Central Government,
and not enough to the individual States. Still he re-
tained the esteem of his friends who were its warm
supporters, and who, notwithstanding his opposition
secured its adoption. In 1789, lie became a member
of the United States Senate ; which office he held for
four years. Every month the line of distinction be-
tween the two great parties which divided the nation,
the Federal and the Republican, was growing more
distinct. The two prominent iaeas which now sep-
arated them were, that the Republican party was in
sympathy with 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 iX3wer, as the Constitution would
warrant. The Fedeialists sympatliized 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 jxjwers. France had helped
us in the struggle for our liberties. All the despotisms
of Europe were now combined to prevent the French
from escaping from a tyranny a thousand-fold worse
than that which we had endured Col. Monroe, more
magnanimous than prudent, was anxious that, at
whatever hazard, we should help our old allies in
their extremity. It was the impulse of a generous
and noble nature. He violently opposed the Pres-
ident's proclamation as ungrateful and wanting in
magnanimity.

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

Shortly after his return to this countrv, Mr. Mon-
roe was elected Governor of Virginia, and held the
office for three yeais. He was again sent to France to
co-operate with Chancellor Livingston in obtaining
the vast territor)' then known as the Province of
Louisiana, which France had but shortly before ob-
tained from Spain. Their united efforts were suc-
cessful. For the comparatively small sum of fifteen
millions of dollars, the entire territorj' of Orleans and
district of Louisiana were added to the United States.
This was probably tlie largest transfer of real estate
which was ever made in all the historj- 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 tlie 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 imder
Madison. While in this office war with England was
declared, the Secretary of War resigned, and during
these tr)'ing 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. LTpon the return of
peace he resigned the Department of War, but con-
tinued in the office of Secretary of State until the ex-
|)in)tion of Mr. Madison's adniinstration. 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 tYie 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
tiaie the United States had recognized the indeper.d-
ence of the South American states, and did not wish
to have European (lowers 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 jxiwers 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 purjiose of oppressing
or controlling American governments or provinces in
any other light than as a manifestation bv European
liow'ers of an unfriendly disixisition toward the United
States." This doctrine immediately affected the course
of foreign governments, and has become the approved
sentiment of the United States.

hx 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, 1S31

j, 5, Ai

Ciyry^

SIXTH PRESIDENT.

" " JOr^I] QUI1]6Y ^D}?nQg.

w '/IS

I It I ■<"^-^ ,1ft --"'■- -a- -^"^ A'\'^V^ 'JS^'^Y-^ »l^^^" ' wti*'^"-^ ■Tt^'^'i*^ itt.*^"^"' '^ ■v* '^-^ If, *vV'^^ .a. -."t^ .a., -o."^ .m. ■vMgj ja -o.'^^ jh. v m> i

OHN OUINCY ADAMS, the
sixth President of the United
i^SStates, was born in the rural
home of his honored fatiier,
John Adams, m Quincy, Mass.,
on the I I th cf July, 1767. His
mother, a woman of exalted
worth, watched over his childhood
during the almost constant ab-
sence of his father. When luit
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 ol hostile British cruisers. The bright,
animated boy spent a year and a half in Pan's, 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
cour.try, in 1779, ere he was again sent abroad Again
(Or.n Quincy accompanied his father. At Paris he
applied himself with great diligence, for si.\ months,
to .-.tudy; then accompained his father to Holland,
where he entered, first a school in .Amsterdam, then
the University at Leyden. About a year from this
time, in 178 1, 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, H.iniburg and
Bremen. This long journey he took alone, in the
winter, when in his si.xteenth year. Again he resumed
his studies, under a private tutor, at Hague. Thence,

in the spring of i7cS2, he accompanied his father ic
Paris, traveling leisurely, and forming acquaintance
with the most distinguislied men on the Continent-
examining arcnitectural remains, galleries of paintings
and all renowned works of art. At Paris lie 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. Afte"
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 >vlio 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 ]ire-
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 lie was immediately admit-
ted to the deliberations of Messrs. Jay and I'inckney,
assisting fhein in negotiating a commercial treaty with
Gieat Brilian. After thus s)iending a fortniglit ir,
London, he proceeded to the Hague.

In July, 1797, he left the Hague to go to Portugal as
minister pleniix)tcntiary. On his way to Portugal,
upon arriving in London, he met with despatches
directing him to the court of Beiiin, but rc(piesling
him to remain in London until he should receive his
instructions. \\'hile w;:iting he was married to an
American lady to whom he had been previously en-
gaged, — Miss Louisa Catherine Johnson, daughter
of Mr. Joshua Johnson, American consul In I ondon ;
a lady endownd with that beauty and those accom-
plishment which eminently fitted her to move in t'm
elevated sphere for which she was destined.

♦o

JOHN QUINCY ADAMS.

He reached Berlin with his wife in November, 1797 ;
where he remained until July, 1799, when, having ful-
filled all the pur[X)ses of iris mission, lie 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 .A.dams 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 importai'.t
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.
-A-dams Secretary of State. Taking leave of his num-
erous friends in public and private life in Europe, he
1 sailed in June, 1819, for the United States. On the
i8th 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 the close of Mr. Monroe's second
term of office, new candidates began to be presented
for the Presidency. The friends of Mr. Adams brought
forward his name. It was an exciting campaign.
Party spirit was never more bitter. Two hundred and
sixty electoral votes were cast. Andrew Jackson re-
ceived ninety-nine; John Quincy Adams, eighty-four;
William H. Crawford, forty -one; Henry Clay, thirty-
seven. .As there was no choice by the people, the
fiuestion went to the House of Representatives. Mr.
Clay gave the vote of Kentucky to Mr. Adams, and
he was elected.

The friends of all the disappointed candidates now
combined in a venomous and persistent assault upon
Mr. Adams. There is nothing more disgraceful in
*i>.S pa.'^t 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 homein
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
ixjrlentous 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 rnorning, and the last to
leave his seat in the evening. Not a measure could
be brought forward and escape his scruuny. '1 he
battle which Mr. Adams fought, almost singly, against
the proslavery party in the Government, was sublime
in Its moral dating 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 pra)er which his mother taught him in
his infant years.

On the 2 1 st 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, '' I am content" These were the
last words of the grand "Old Man Eloquent."

T^t

ZjO^fL^^C^

^L^^^

-Z-'

SE VENTH PRESIDENT.

i33^^^,Sn'^Si(UVmi^

NDREW JACKSON, the
ith President of the
' L'nhed States, was born in
W'axhaw 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 \Va.\haw 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.

Wiien only thirteenyears old he joined the voUin-
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
Dlovv at the head of the helpless young prisoner.
.\ndrew 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 (mite
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 'i- •>'. ilaining their exchange,

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

Andrew supported himself in various ways, s i;h 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 conditionsof the divorce had just been
definitely settled by the first husband. The marriage
ceremony was performed a second time, but the occur-
rence was often used by his enemies to bring Mr.
Jackson into disfavor.

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

In January, 1796, the Territory of Tennessee then
containing nearly eighty thousand inhabitants, the
people met in convention at 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 niemlcr in,
the National House of Representatives. Andre>v Jack-i
son was chosen that member. Mounting his horse he
rode to Philedelphia, where Congress then 1 eld its

ANDRE \V JACKSON.

sjsjij.is, — a distance of about eight hundred miles.

Jackson was an earnest advocate of the Demo-
cratic party. Jefferson was his idol. He admired
iionaparte, loved France and hated England. As Mr.
Jackson took, his seat, Gjn. Washington, whose
second term of office was then expiring, delivered his
last speech to Congress. A couuniltee 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 he was chosen Judge of the Supreme Court
of his State, which position he held fjr six years.

When the war of 181 2 with tireat Britian com-
menced, Madison occupied the Presidential chair.
Aaron Burr sent word to tlvs President that there was
an unknown man in the West, Andrew Jackson, who
would do credit to a commission if one were con-
ferred u[X)n him. Just at that time Gen. Jackson
offered his services and those of twenty-five hundred
volunteers. His offer was accepted, and the troops
were assembled at Nashville.

As the British were hourly expected to make an at-
tack 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 genlleman
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. AVhile he was
lingering njxin 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 theTallauoosa 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 brea.st-
work of logs and brush. Here nine hundred warriors,
with an ami)le suplyof arms were assembled.

The fort was stormed. The fight was utterly des-
perate. Not an Indian would accept of quarter. AV'hcn
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
perha|)s never been surpassed. From the shock of
her death he never recovered.

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

^ 7 ^/Z^^ ^^^Z^? U^L^,.z.^

EIGHTH PRESIDENT.

WW^ V^l] MREI].

^^^.^

ARTIN VAN BUREN, ihe
eighth President of the
United States, was born at
Kinderhooiv, N. Y., Dec. 5,
1782. He died at the same
place, July 24, 1S62. 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,
w 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
lX)litical 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 Holhuid
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
law. As he had not a collegiate education, seven
years of study in a law-office were required of liim
before he could be admitted to the bar. Inspired witii
J. lofty ambition, and conscious of his powers, he pur-
sued his studies with indefatig.ible industry. After
spending six ye:ir< in an office in 'vj native vilbige.

he went to the city of New York, and prosecuted liis
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 listeninig 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 strengtli by contending in the-
courts with some of the ablest men who have adorned
the bar of his State.

Just before leaving Kinderhook for Hudson, Mi.
Van Buren married a lady alike distinguished for
beauty and accomplishments. After twelve short
years she sank into tiie grave, the victim of consump-
tion, leaving her husband and four sons to weep over
her loss. For twenty-five years, Mr. Van Buren was
an earnest, successful, assiduous lawyer. The record
of those years is barren in items of public interest.
In 18 1 2, when thirty years of age, he was chosen to
the State Senate, and gave his strenuous support to
Mr. Madison's adminstration. In 1815, he was ap-
pointed Attorney-General, and the next year moved
to Albany, the capital of tlie State.

'.V'iiile he was acknowledged as one of the most
jjominent leaders of the Democratic party, he had

MA R TIN VA N B UREN.

ihe moral courage to avow that true democracy did
not reiiuire 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 182 I he was elected a member of the United
States Seriate; and in the same year, he took a seat
in the convention to revise the constitution of his
native State. His course in this convention secured
the approval of men of all parties. No one could
doubt the singleness of his endeavors to promote the
interests of all classes in the community. In the
Senate of tlie 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
ihe Senate. He had been from the beginning a de-
termined opposer of the Administration, adopting the
'State Rights" view in opposition to what was
deemed the Federal proclivities of Mr. Adams.

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, secretly and
Ete.-'lthily accomplish the most gigantic results. By
these powers it is said that he outv/itted Mr. Adams,
Mr. Clay, Mr. Webster, and secured results which
few thought then could be accomplished.

When Andrew Jackson was elected President he
apjxiinted Mr. Van Buren Secretary of State. This
position he resigned in 1831, and was immediately
apixjinted Minister to England, where he went the
same autumn. The Senate, however, when it met,
refsed 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 tlie 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
tive. On the 20th 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 jjanic 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 liis 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; enjoyir.g in a healthy old
age, probably far more happiness than he had before
experienced amid the stormy scenes of his active life-

^ ;^/fe-2.^^^K^

NINTH PRESIDENT.

^^ILLIAAr HEX

■■^^ — f^r

KY HARRISfCNI.

ILLIAM HENRY HARRI-
SON, the ninth President of
the United States, was horn
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, was 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 antl cultivated society could give. Hav-
i.ig received a thorough comuion-school education, he
entered Hampden Sidney College, wiiere he graduated
witli honor soon after the deatli of his fatliei. He
-hen rejiaired to Philadelphia to study medicine under
the instructions of Dr. Rush and the guardianshii) of
lObert Morris, both of whom were, with his father,
ligners of the Declaration of Independence.

Jpon the outbreak of the Indian troubles, and not-
withstanding the '■emonstrances of his friends, he
ai)ar.dored his medical studies and entered the army,
-(aving obtained a commission of Ensign from Presi-

dent Washington. He was then but 19 years old.
From that time he passed gradually upward in rank
until he became aid to General Wayne, after whose
death he resigned his commission. He was then ap-
pointed Secretary of the North-western Territory. This
Territory .vas 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
\\'isconsin, was called the "Indiana 'I'erritory." 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 resotinding 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. Flarrisoi.
reigned was filled with many tribes of Indians. Abou'

U. 0. ILL LIB.

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 ni which he might
engage. He was inspired with the highest enthusiasm,
and had long regarded with dread and with hatred
tlie 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
I hey dwelt.

liut the Prophet was not merely anorator: he was,
i 1 the superstitious minds of the Indians, invested
with the superhuman dignity of a medicine-man or a
ni-igician. With an enthusiasm unsurpassed by Peter
the Hermit rousing Europe to the crusades, he went
frum tribe to tribe, assuming that he was specially sent
by the Great Si)irit.

Gov. Harrison made many attempts to conciliate
the Indians, but at last the war came, and at Tippe-
canoe the Indians were routed with great slaughter.
October 28, 18 12, his army began its march. When
near the Prophet's town three Indians of rank made
their appearance and inquired why Gov. Harrison was
aporoaching them in so hostile an attitude. After a
short conference, arrangements were made for a meet-
ing the next day, to agree upon terms of peace.

But Gov. Harrison was too well acquainted with
the Indian character to be deceived by such protes-
tations Selecting a favorable spot for his night's en-
campment, 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 mornint:, 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 creiit as" near as possi-
ble, and just then, with a savage yell, rushed, with all
the desperation which superstition and passion most
liighly 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 accompained 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, searching out every remote farm-house, burn-
ing, plundering, scalping, torturing, the wide frontier
was plunged into a state of consternation whicli 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
D..'troit, 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 sharin?
with them their fatigue. His whole baggage, while
, pursuing the foe up the Thames, was carried in a
valise; and his bedding consisted of a single blanket
lashed over his saddle. Thirty-five British officers,
his prisoners of war, supped with him after the battle.
The only fare he could give them was beef roasted
before the fire, without bread or salt.

In 18 1 6, Gen. Harrison was chosen a member ol
the National House of Representatives, to represent
the District of Ohio. In Congress he proved an
active member; and whenever he sjwke, it was with
force of reason and power of eloquence, wliich arrested
the attention of all the members.

In 1S19, 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 1S36, the friends of Gen. Harrison brough!: him
forward as a candidate for the Presidency against
Van Buren, but he was defeated. At the close of
Mr. Van Buren's term, he was re-nomii^ated by his
party, and Mr. Harrison was unanimously nominated
by the Whigs, with John Tyler for the Vice Presidency.
The contest was very animated. Gen. Jackson gave
all his influence to prevent Harrison's election ; but
his triumph was signal.

The cabinet which he formed, with Daniel Webstei
at its head as Secretary of State, vvas 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
pleurisv-fever and after a few days of violent sick-
, ness, died on the 4th of April ; just one month after
his inausuration as President of the United States.

'^vn.

TENTH PRESIDENT.

:,,^m JOHM T Y

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 p.irtly with Edmund
\%i Randolph, one of the most distin-
guished lawyers of Virginia.

At nineteen years of age, ne
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
fiCt retained. When but twenty-one years of age, he
was almost unanimoi.sly e'ected to a seat in the State
Eagislature. He connected himself with the Demo-
cratic party, and warmly advocated the measures of
Jefferson and Madison. For five successive years he
w.!s elected to the I^egislature, 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 <<)vern-

ment, a protective tariff, and advocatmg a strict con-
struction of the Constitution, and the most careful
vigilance over State rights. His labors in Congress
were so arduous that before the close of his second
term he found it necessary to resign and retire to his
estate in Charles-city Co., to recruit his health. He,
however, soon after consented to take his seat in the
State Legislature, where his influence was powerful
in [iromoting 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. T\ler 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 ui)on slavery, resist-
ing all projects of internal improvements by tlic 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 piinciples 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
Iiis profession. There was a cplit in the Democratic

JOHN TYLER.

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

By the Southern Whigs, he was sent to the national
convention at Harrisburg to nominate a President in
'839. The majority of votes were given to Gen. Har-
rison, a genuine Whig, much to the disappointment of
the South, who wished for Henry Clay. To concili-
ate the Southern Whigs and to secure their vote, the
convention then nominated John Tyler for Vice Pres-
ident. It was well known that he was not in sympa-
thy with the Whig party in the Noith : but the Vice
President 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-
(jened that a Whig President, and, in reality, a
Democratic Vice President were chosen.

In 1841, Mr. Tyler was inaugurated Vice Presi-
dent of the United States. In one short month from
that time. President Harrison died, and Mr. Tyler
thuj .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 ix)sition of exceeding
delicacy and difficulty. All his longlife he had been
opjxjsed to the main i)rinciples of the party which had
brought him into power. He had ever been a con-
sistent, hone~t man, with an unbleniLshed record.
Gen. Harrison had selected a Whig cabinet. Should
he retain them, and thus suiround 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
^'elected 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 isuaaested, however, that he ^vould

approve of a bill drawn up upon such a plan as he
proposed. Such a bill was accordingly prepared, and
privately Eubrnitted to him. He gave it his approval.
It ;vas 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 necessaiy to resign,
forced out by the pressure of his Whig friends. Thus
the four years of Mr. Tyler's unfortunate administra-
tion ])assed sadly away. No one was satisfied. The
land was filled with murmurs and vitu])eration. Whigs
and Democrats alike assailed him. More and more,
however, he brought himself into svmpathy with his
old friends, the Democrats, until at the close of his term,
he gave his whole influence to the support of Mr.
Polk, the Democratic candidate for his successor.

On the 4th of March, 1845, he retired from the
harassments of office, tothe regret of neitherparty, and
probably to his own unspeakable lelief. 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 jxissessing
brilliant powers of conversation, his family circle was
the scene of unusual 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. Cal-
houn had inaugurated, President Tyler renounced his
allegiance to the United States, and joined the Confed-
erates. He was chosen a member of their Congress;
and while engaged in active measures to destroy, b"
force of arms, the Government over which he had
once presided, he was taken sick and soon died.

C'C-

,J^

V7"i^><C.

ELE VENTH PRESIDENT.

JAMES K. FOILK,

■V'«Kj

AMES K. POLK, the eleventh

resident 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 tiie above place, as one of the

first pioneers, in 1735.

In the year i3o6, with his wife
and children, and soon after fol-
lowed by most of the members of
the Polk famly, Samuel Polk emi-
grated some two or three hundred
miles farther west, to the rich valley
of the Duck River. Here in the
midst of the wilderness, in a region
which was subsequently called Mau-
ry Co., they reared their log huts,
and established their homes. In the
iiard toil of a new farm in the wil-
derness, James K. Polk spent the
early years of his childhood end
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
liiin methodical in his habits, had taught him punct-
uality and industry, and had inspired iiim with lofty
principles of morality. His health was frail ; and his
father, fearing that he might not be able to endure a

sedentary life, got a situation for him behind 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 sopliomore
class in the University of North Carolina, at Chapel
Hill. Here he was one of the most exemplaiy 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. Polk's health was at this
time much impaired by the assiduity with whicli he
had prosecuted his studies. After a short season of
relaxation he went to Nashville, and entered the
office of Felix Grundy, to study law. Here Mr. Polk
renewed his acquaintance with Andrew Jackson, who
resided on his plantation, the Hermitage, but a few
miles from Nashville. They had probably been
sligh'.ly acquainted before. .

Mr. Polkjs 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 jiis
party friends. His skill as a speaker was such that
he was popularly called the Na|X)leon of the stump.
He was a man of unblemished morals, genial and

/AMES K. POLK.

OTurterus in his bearing, and with that sympathetic
nature in the jo) s and griefs of others which ever gave
him troops of friends. In 1823, Mr. Polk was elected
to the Legislature of Tennessee. Here he gave his
strong influence towards the election of his friend,
Mr. Jackson, to the 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-
tinuec' in that office. He then voluntarily withdrew,
only that he might accept the Gubernatorial chair
of Tf^nnessee. In Congress he was a laborious
meiwber, 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
|)as3ed by the House as he withdrew on the 4th of
March, 1839.

In accordance with Southern usage, Mr. Polk, as a
candidate for Governor, canvassed the State. He was
elected by a large majority, and on the 14th of Octo-
ber, 1839, took the oath of office at Nashville. In 1841,
his term of office expired, and he was again the can-
didate of the Democratic party, but was defeated.

On the 4th of March, iS45,Mr. Polk was inaugur-
ated President of tlie United States. The verdict of
the country in favor of the annexation of Texas, exerted
its influence upon Congress ; and the last act of the
administration of President Tyler was to affix his sig-
nature to a joint resolution of Congress, passed on the
3d of March, approving of the annexation of Texas to
the American Union. As Mexico still claimed Texas
as one of her provinces, the Mexican minister,
Almonte, immediately demanded his passports and
left tlie 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 nieantime, Gen. Taylor was sent

with an army into Texas to hold the country. He \>'as
sent first to Nueces, which the Mexicans said wis 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 01:
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. Polk's administration
with great vigor. Gen. Taylor, whose army was first
called one of "observation," then of "occupation,"
then of " invasion, "was sent forward to Monterey. The
feeble Mexicans, in every encounter, were hopelessly
and awfully slaughtered. The day of judgement
alone can reveal the misery which this war caused.
It Vv^as 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 wert;
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 isthofjune, 1S49, in the fifii'-fourth
year of his age, greatly mourned by his couiurymeu.

'y^cx^<:::A.^:pc.-^yy^y(pcyy^

TWELFTH PRESIDENT.

^^,-^r-^

-'^" ^^^ ACHARV TAYLOR, twelfth

(^ President of the United States,
'^ was born on the 24th of Nov.,
.j\ 1784, in Orange Co., Va. His
Jo 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 liis
wife and two children, emigrated
to Kentucky, where he settled in
the pathless wilderness, a few
miles from Louisville. In thisfront-
?i\7 ier home, away from civilization and
I all its refinements, yjung 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
•ho Indians who were ravaging the frontiers. There
is little to be-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 he joined the troops which were stationed
at New Orleans under Gen. Wilkinson. Soon after
this he married Miss Margaret Smith, a young lady
■roni one of the first families of Maryland.

Immediately after the declaration of war with Eng-
land, in 18 1 2, 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,
Jcd by Tecumseh. Its garrison consisted of a broken

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

Early in the autumn of i8i?, the Indians, stealthily,
and in large numbers, moved ujxin 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 Caj)t. 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. Tiie savages suc-
ceeded in setting fire to one of the block-houses-
Until si.x o'clock in tlie morning, tiiis awful conflict
continued. The savages tiien, baffled at every point,
and gnashing their teeth with rage, retired. Capt.
Taylor, for tliis gallant defence, was promoted to the
rank of major by brevet.

Until the close of the war. Major Ta\lur was placed
in such situations tiiat he saw but little more of active
service. He was sent far away into the depths of the
wilderness, to Fort Crawford, on F'ox 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 eflicient part.

For twenty-four years Col. Taylor was engaged in
the defence of the frontiers, in scenes so remote, and in
employments so obscure, that his name was unknown
oeyond 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 promised they should do. The services rendered
he;e secured for Col. Taylor the high appreciation of
ihe Government; and as a reward, he was elevated
tc he rank of brigadier-general by brevet ; and soon
after, in May, 1838, was appointed to the chief com-
mand of the United States troops in Florida.

After two years of sucti wearisome employment
amidst the everglades of the peninsula, Gen. Taylor
obtained, at his own request, a change of command,
r.nd was stationed over the Department of the South-
west. This field embraced Louisiana, Mississippi,
Alabama and Georgia. Establishing his headquarters
ai 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
l)y the United States. Soon the war with Me.\ico
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 everjwhere 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
f-iniplicity, 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 po])ularity in bringing forward the unpolished, un-
lettered, honest soldier as their candidate for the
Presidency. Gen. Taylor was astonished at the an-
nouncement, and for a time would not listen to it; de-
claring that he was not at all qualified for such an
office. So little interest had he taken in politics that,
for forty years, he had not cast a vote. It was not
without chagrin that several distinguished statesmen
■who had been long years in the public service found
•l.iir 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
wrfiter 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 E.\-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, vi'hile slavery
stood at the door to bar her out. Gen. Taylor found
the political conflicts in Washington to be far more
trjdng 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 gih of July, r85o.
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 short
few men have ever had a more comfortaoie, labor-
saving contempt for learning of every kind."

Z^^-2^

^^C^^^^i-'-t^ixru)

THIRTEENTH PRESIDENT.

;;S<S>S":S<S>S's^r^!S»5'-"Si^j;"5-*:J-i;iS-»?S!S-s«5!S-3>5;i,c<4»S'-^

^'MILLflRn FILLMDRE.

i-!'

'I4-

"iM- — ^

^^^ii'&-'

ILLARD FILLMORE, thir-
teenth I'residentofthe Lniiteii
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 humlile cir-
cumstances. Of his mother, the
daughter of Dr. Abiathar Millard,
^\ of Pittsfield, Mass., it lias 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 conseiiuence 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, rt-hi< h he occasionally attended were
very imperfect institutions; and books were scarce
snd expensive. There was nothing then in his char-
acter to indicate the brilliant career u]X)n 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 fur 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 cf gentlemanly demeanor. It so happened tha'.
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,
r.o 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 sucli
money as he needed. Most gratefully the generous
offer was accepted.

There is in many minds a strange delusion abou';
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
nnd then enters a law office, who is by no means 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 1S26, 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 parlies,
Ihat his courtesy, ability and integrity, won, to a very
unusual degrt e the respect of his associates.

In the autumn of 1832, he was elected to a seat in
the United States Congress. He entered that troubled
irena 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 e.xpe •
rience as a representative gave hnn 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 uixsn 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 tiumpet-tones all over the land. But
it was necessary to associate with him on the same
ticket some man of l-eputation as a statesman.

Under the influence of these considerations, the
namesofZachary 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
Filln.ore 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 Secretar)- of State.

Mr. Fillniore had very serious difficulties to contend
with, since the opposition had a majority in both
Houses. He did everything in his power tocontiliate
the South ; but the pro-slavery party in the South felt
the inadequacy of all measuresof transient conciliation.
The population of the free States was so rapidly in-
creasing over that of the slave States that it was in-
evitable that the power of the Government should
soon pass into the hands of the free States. The
famous compromise measures were adopted under Mr.
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, iSIr. 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 S, 1874,

FOURTEENTH PRESIDENT

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c-;o^':;r> ^'-FRflNKLIN PIERCE.-^ .^^|:;jpvs^^

RANKLIN PIERCE, the
loLirteenth 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 liome 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. Theneighljors
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. Witiiout 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 Bovvdoin College, at Brunswick, Me He was
one of the most popular young men in the college.
The purity cf his moral character, the unvarying
courtesy of his demeanor, his rank as a scholar, and

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

Upon graduating, in the year 1824, Franklin Pierce
conimenced 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 every
station with which her husband was honoied. Of the

FRANKLIN FIERCE.

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

In tlie year 183S, Mr. Pierce, with growing fame
and increasing business as a lawyer, took up his
residence in Concord, the capital of New Hampshire.
President Polk, upon his accession to office, appointed
Mr. Pierce attorney-general of the United States; but
the offer was declined, in consequence of numerous
professional engagements at home, and the precariuos
state of Mrs. Pierce's health. He also, about the
same time declined the nomination for governor by the
Democratic party. The war with Mexico called Mr.
Pierce in the army. Receiving the appointment of
brigadier-general, he embarked, with a portion of his
troops, at Newport, R. I., on the 27th of May, 1S47.
He took an 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-
ir.ous 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,
and in thirty-five ballotings no one had obtained a
two-thirds vote. Not a vote thus far had been thrown
for Gen. Pierce. Then the Virginia delegation
brought forward his name. There were fourteen
more ballotings, during which Gen. Pierce constantly
gained strength, until, at the forty-niiith 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 Pieice
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 e.xperienced. The controversy be-
tween slavery and freedom was then approaching its
culminating point Ii became evident that there was
an "irrepressible conflict " between them, and that
this Nation could not long exist " half slave and half
free." President Pierce, during the whole of his ad-
ministration, did every thing he could to conciliate
the South ; but it was all in vain. The conflict every
year grew more violent, and threats of the dissolution
of the Union were borne to the North on every South-
ern breeze.

Such was the condition of affairs when President
Pierce approached the close of his four-years' term
of office. The North had become thoroughly alien-
ated from him. The anti-slavery sentiment, goaded
by great outrages, had been rapidly increasing; all
the intellectual ability and social worth of President
Pierce were forgotten in deep re[)rehension of his ad-
ministrative acts. The slaveholders of the South, also,
unmindful of the fidelity with which he had advo-
cated ti'iose 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 gladencd by his material bounty.

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I'IFTEENTH PRESIDENT.

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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 Franlilin Co., Penn., on
i^ijSi the 23d of April, 1791. The place
where the humble cabin of his
father stuod was called Stony
Batter. It was a wild and 10-
ijteM mantic spot in a gorge of the moun-
tains, with towering summits rising
grandly all around. His fatlier
was a r^ative of the north of Ireland ;
a poor man, who had emigrated in
1 7 S3, with little property save his
own strong arms. 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 Hie. In this se-
cluded home, where James was born, he remained
for eight years, enjoying but few social or intellectual
advantagos. 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. Mis
progress was rapid, and at the age of fourteen, he
entered Dickinson College, at Carlisle. Here he de-
veloped remarkable taler.t, and took liis stand among
the first scholars in the institution. His application
to study was intense, and yet his native powers e 1-

abled him to master the most abstruse subjects with
facility.

In the year 1S09, he graduated with the highest
honors of his class. He was then eighteen years of
age; tall and graceful, vigorous in healtli, 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 tiie bar in 1812, when he was
but twenty-one years of age. Very rapidly lie 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
icn 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 v>rofession, having ac-
quired an ample fortune.

Gen. Jackson, upon his elevation to '.lie Presidency,
apjwinted Mr. Buchanan minister to Russia. The
duties of his mission he performed with ability, which
gave satisfaction to all parties. Upon his return, in
1833, he was elected to a seat in the United States
Senate. He there met, as his associates, Webster,
Clay, Wright and Calhoun. He advocated the meas-
ures proposed by President Jackson, of ni. king repn-

MMES BUCHANAi\.

sais auaiiist France, to enforce the payment of our
claims against that country; and defended the course
of the Presi.dent in his unprecedented and wholesale
removal from office of those who were not tlie 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 tiie 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 slaver)', 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."

U|X)n Mr. Polk's accession to the Presidency, Mr.
Buchanan became Secretary of State, and as such,
took his share of the resix)nsibility 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 territor)' 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 pi^rpetuation and extension
of slavery, and brought all the energies of his mind
to bear against the Wilmot Proviso. He gave his
cordial approval to the compromise measures of 1S50,
which included the fugiiive-slave law. Mr. Pierce,
upon his election to the Presidency, honored Mr.
Buchanan 'with the mission to England.

In the year 1856, a national Democratic conven-
tion nominated Mr. Buchanan for the Presidency. The
political conflict was one of the most severe in which
our country has ever engaged. All the friends of
sl.avery 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-
•eived 114 electoral votes. Mr. Buchanan received
174, and was elected. The popular vote stood
r, 340,618, for Fremont, t-,:24,75o for Buchanan. On
March 4th. 1857, Mr. Buchanan was inaugurated.

Mr. Buchanan was far advanced in life. Only four
•'ears were wanting to fill up his threescore years and
ten. His own friends, those with whom he had been
allied in jxjlitical 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.
[n this emergency, Mr. Buchanan was hopelessly be-
wildered He could not, with his long-avowed prin-

cii)les, 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 opix)nents 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 uix)n his sword-hilt, he exclaimed. " The
Union must and shall be preserved!"

South Carolina seceded in December, i860; nearly
three months before the inauguration of President
Lincoln. i\Ir. Buchanan looked on in listless despair.
The rebel flag was raised in Charleston : Fort Sumpter
was besieged ; our forts, navy-yards and =irsenals
were seized ; our depots of military stores were plun-
dered ; and our custom-houses and post-offices were
appropriated by the rebels.

The energj' of the rebels, and the imbecility of our
Executive, were alike marv'elous. 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 countr)' has ex-
perienced. His best friends cannot recall it with
pleasure. And still more de|,lorable 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 countrv's
banner should triumph over the flag of the rebellion.
He died at his Wheatland retreat, June i, 1868.

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SIXTEENTH F a HS/VEiVT.

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BRAHAM LINCOLN, the
sixteenth President of tlie
i# United States, was born in
Hardin Co., Ky., Feb. 12,
1809. About the year 1780, a
_^. man by the name of Abraham
*^' Lincohi left Virginia with his
family and moved into the then
wildsof Kentucky. Only two years
after this emigration, still a young
man, while working one day in a
field, was stealtliily 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 liis
father's death. This Thomas was
the father of Abraham Lincoln, the
' President of the United States

whose name must henceforth fo-^ever be enrolled
with the most prominent in tiie 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 rend
or write. As soon as he was able to do anything for
himself, he was compelled to leave ihe cabin*of his
starving mother, and push out into the world, a frieiid-
.ess, wandering boy, seeking work. He hired him-
self out, and thus spent the whole of his youth as a
laborer in the fields of others.

When twenty-eight years of age he buill 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 .-Xbraham Lincoln, the subject of
this sketch. The mother of Abraham was a noble
woman, gentle, loving, jiensive, 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 3ge, his father sold his

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

Abraham soon become the scribe of the uneducated
couDiuinity aroimd him. He could not liave had u
better school than this to teach him to put thoughts
into words. He also became an eager reader, 'i'he
books he could obtain were few ; but these he read
and re-read until they were almost committed lo
memory.

As the years rolled on, the lot of this lowly family
was the usual lot of humanity. Thi're were joys and
griefs, weddings and funerals. Abraham's sister
Sarah, to whom he was tenderly attached, was mar-
ried when a child of but fourteen years of age, and
soon died. The family was gradually scattered. Mr.
Thomas Lincoln sold out his squatter's claim in 1830,
and emigrated to ALacon 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 their
small lot of enclosed prairie planted with corn, when
he announced to his father his intention to leave
liome, and to go out into the world and seek his for-
tune. Little did he or his friends imagine how bril-
liant that fortune was to be. He saw the value of
education and was intensely earnest to improve his
mind to the utmost of his power. He saw the ruin
which ardent spirits were causing, and became
strictly temperate; refusing to allow a drop of intoxi-
cating liquor to pass his lips. And he had read in
God's word, " Thou shalt not take the name of the
Lord thy God in vain ;" and a i)rofane expression he
was never heard to utter. Religion he revered. His
morals were pure, and he was uncontaminated by a
single vice.

Young Abraham worked for a time as a hired laborer
among the farmers. Then he went to Springfield,
where he was employed in building a large flat-boat.
In this he took a herd of swine, floated them down
the Sangamon to the Illinois, and thence l)y the Mis-
sissi[)pi to New Orleans, ^^'hatever Abraham Lin-
coln undertook, he performed so faithfully as to give
great satisfacticn to his employers. In this advc;i-

ABRAHAM LINCOLN.

tare his employers were so well pleased, that upon
his return tiiey placed a store and luill under his care.

1,1 1S32, 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
j\lr. 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 miies to Vandalia, then the capital. In
1836 he was re-elected to the Legislature. Here it
was he first met Stephen A. Douglas. In 1839 he re-
moved to Springfield and began the practice of law.
His success with the jury was so great that he was
soon engaged in almost every noted case in the circuit.

In 1854 the great discussion began between Mr.
Lincoln and Mr. Douglas, on the slavery question.
In the organization of the Republican party in Illinois,
in 1856, he took an active part, and at once became
one of the leaders in that party. Mr. Lincoln's
speeches in opposition to Senator Douglas in the con-
test in 1858 for a seat in the Senate, form a most
notable part of his history. The issue was on the
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 i6ih of June, i860. The delegates and
strangers who crowded the city amounted to twenty-
five thousand. An immense building called "The
Wigwam," was reared to accommodate the Conven-
tion. There were eleven candidates for whom votes
were thrown. William H. Seward, a man whose fame
as a statesman had long filled the land, was tiie most
orominent. It was generally supposed he would be
tlie 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 aslittle 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
cnly, if second, to that of Washington.

Election day came and Mr. Lincoln received 180
electoral votes out of 203 cast, and was, therefore,
constitutionally elected President of the United States.
The tirade of abuse that was poured upon this good

and merciful man, especially by the slaveholders, was
greater than upon any other man ever elected to this
high position. In February, i86i, Mr. Lincoln started
for Washington, stopping in all the large cities on his
way making speeches. The whole journey was frought
with much danger. Many of the Southern States had
already seceded, and several attempts at assassination
were afterwards brought to light. .A gang in Balti-
more had arranged, upon his arrival to "get up a row,"
and in the confusion to make sure of his death with
revolvers and hand-grenades. A detective unravelled
the plot. -^ secret and special train was provided to
take him from HarrisL'urg, 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 had
started the telegraph-'wires were cut. Mr. Lincoln
reached Washington in safety and was inaugurated,
although great anxiety was felt by all loyal people

In the selection of his cabinet Mr. Lincoln gave
to Mr Seward the Department of State, and to other
prominent opponents before the convention he gave
important positions.

During no other administration have the duties
devolving upon the President been so manifold, 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 i86i, however, plans had Ijeen
made for his assassination,and he at last fell a victim
to oneof thein. 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, witli his characteristic kindliness of heart, that
it would be a disappointment if he should fail them,
very reluctantly consented to go. While listening to
the play an actor by the name of John Wilkes Booth
entered the box where the President and family were
seated, and fired a bullet into his brains. He died the
next morning at seven o'clock.

Never before, in the history of the world was a nation
plunged into such deep grief by the death of its ruler.
.Strong men met in the streets and wept in speechless
anguish. It is not too much to say that a nation was
in tears. His was a life which will fitly become a
model. His name as the savior of his country will
live with that of W'ashington's, its father; his co':;ntr)'-
men being unable to decide whiih is the greater.

'>:^^:^:^:^t5^5^r-/

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
^r}M was born December 29, 1808,
pjl^fl in Raleigh, N. C. His parents,
/^!a«i,J belonging to the class of the
"poor whites " of the Soutii,Tvere
in such circumstances, that tlicy
could not confer even tne slight-
est advantages of education upon
tlieir child. When Andrew was five
years of age, his father accidentally
lost nis life while heiorically endeavoring to save a
friend from drowning. Until ten years of age, Andrew
was a ragged boy about the streets, supported by the
labor of his mother, who obtained her living with
her own hands.

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

He accordingly applied himself to tiie alplial)ct, and
with tlie assistance of some of his fellow-workmen,
lecirned his letters. He then called upon the gentle-
man to borrow the book of speeches. The owner,

pleased with his zeal, not only gave him the book
but assisted him in learning to combine the letters
into words. Under such difficulties he pressed oi.
ward laboriously, spending usually ten or twelve houi-s
at work in the shop, and then robbing himself of rest
and recreatio;~ to devote such time vs he could to
reading.

He went to Tennessee in 1826, and located af:
Greenville, where he married a young lady who p^is
sessed some education. Under her instructions hf
learned to write and cipher. He became prominen':
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 Van
Buren's claims to the Presidency, in opposition to thos..
of Gen. Harrison. In this campaign he acquired mucli
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 imiwrtant post for ten years. In
1853, he was elected Governor of Tennessee, and
was re-elected in 1855. In all these resiwnsible posi-
tions, he discharged his duties with distinguished abi'.-

ANDREW JOHNSON.

ity, and proved himself the warm friend of the work-
ing classes. In 1S57, Mr. Johnson was elected
United States Senator.

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

Mr. Johnson was neverashamedof his lowly origin:
on the contrary, he often took pride in avowing that
he owed his distinction to his own exertions. "Sir,'"
said he on the floor of the Senate, " I do not forget
that I am a mechanic ; neither do I forget that Adam
was a tailor and sewed fig-leaves, and that our Sav-
ior was the son of a carpenter."

In the Charleston-Baltimore convention of i8l-o, iie
was the choice of the Tennessee Democrats for the
Presidency. In 186 1, when the purpose of the South-
ern Democracy became apparent, he took a decided
stand in favor of the Union, and held that " slavery
must be held subordinate to the Union at whatever
cost." He returned to Tennessee, and repeatedly
imperiled his own life to protect the Unionists of
Tennesee. Tennessee having seceded from the
Union, President Lincoln, on March 4th, 1862, ap-
pointed him Military Governor of the State, and 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 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 itwansistency 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 impotently,
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 Grgmt, on the 5th of
March. On the 27th of July, 1875, the ex-President
made a visit to his daughter's home, near Carter
Station, Tenn. When he started on his journey, he was
apparently in his usual vigorous he.ilth, 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 th^3d of August,
with every demonstration of respect.

/^^2^

ztr

EIGHlJiENTH FRESIDENT.

^'^J^z2»sA®m^J^^^^:^^^^

LYSSES S. GR.\NT, the
^ eighteenth President of the
I' United States, was born on
the 29th of April, 1822, of
Christian parents, in a humble
home, at Point Pleasant, on the
banks of the Ohio. Shortly after
his father moved to George-
town, Brown Co., O. In this re-
mote frontier hamlet, Ulysses
received a common-school edu-
cation. At the age of seven-
teen, in the year 1839, he entered
■ the Military Academy at West
Point. Here he was regarded as a
ioiid, sensible )oung 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
Jndians.

The war with Mexico came. Lieut. Grant was
:5eiit with his regiment to Corpus Christi. His first
battle was at Palo Alto. There was no chance here
for the exhibition of either skill or heroism, nor at
Resacade la Paluia, iiis second battle. At the battle
nf Monterey, his third engagement, it is said that
.ne performed a signal service of daring and skillful
horsemanship. His i)rigade had exhausted its am-
munition. A messenger must be sent for more, along
a route ex[)osed 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 anir^l, ran the gauntlet in entire safety.

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

At the close of the Mexican War, Capt. Grant re-
turned with his regiment to New York, and was again
sent to one of the military posts on the frontier. The
discovery of gold in California causing an immense
tide of emigration to flow to the Pacific shores, Capt.
Grant was sent with a battalion to Fort Dallas, in
Oregon, for the protection of the interests of the im-
migrants. Life was wearisome in those wilds. Capt.
Grant resigned his commission and returned to the
States; and having married, entered upon the cultiva-
tion of a small farm near St. Louis, Mo. He had but
little skill as a farmer. Finding his toil not re-
munerative, he turned to mercantile life, entering into
the leather business, with a younger brother, at Ga-
lena, 111. This was in the year i860. As the tidings
of the rebels firing on Fort Sumpter reached the ears
of Capt. Grant in his counting-room, he said, —
"Uncle Sam has educated me for the army; tliough
I have served him througli one war, I do not feel that
I have yet repaid the debt. I am still ready todischarge
my obligations. I shall therefore buckle on my sword
and see Uncle Sam through this war too."

He went into the streets, raised a company of vol-
unteers, and led them .as their captain to Springfield,
the capital of the State, where their services were
offered to Gov. Yates. Tiie Governor, impressed by
the zeal and straightforward executive ability of Capt.
Grant, gave him a desk in his office, to assist in the
volunteer organization that was being formed in the
State in behalf of the Government. On the 15th of

UL YSSES S. GRA NT.

June, (86i, 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
ihat 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 Henrj-
won another victory. Then came the brilliant fight
at Fort Donelson. The nation was electrified by the
victor)', and the brave leader of the boys in blue was
immediately made a M.-ijor-General, and the militarj'
jistrict of Tennessee was assigned to him.

Like all great captains, Gen. Grant knew well how
to secure the results of victory. He immediately
cashed 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 sevent)'-two can-
non. The fall of Vicksburg was by far the most
severe blow which the reliels 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 Te.xas, 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 tc the aid
of Gens. Rosecrans and Tliomas at Chattanooga, and
by a wonderful series of strategic and technical meas-
ures put the Union Army in fighting condition. Then
followed the bloody battles at Chattanooga, Lookout
Mountain and Missionary Ridge, in which the rebels
were routed with great loss. This won for him un-
bounded praise in the North. On the 4th of Febru-
ary, 1864, Congress revived the grade of lieutenant-
general, and the rank was conferred on Gen. Grant.
He repaired to Washington to receive his credentials
and enter upon \hf duties of his new office.

Gen. Grant decided as soon as he took charge of
ihe army to concentrate the \videly-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
conrinent seemed to tremble under the tramp of these
majestic armies, rushing to the decisive battle field.
Steamers were crowded with troops. Railway trains
were burdened with closely packed thousands. His
plans were comprehensive and involved a series of
campaigns, which were executed \vith remarkable en-
ergy and ability, and were consummated at the sur-
render of Lee, April g, 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 countr)' brought him conspicuously forward as the
Republican candidate for the Presidential chair.

At the Republican Convention held at Chicago.
May 21, 1 868, he was unanimously nominated for the
Presidency, and at the autumn election received a
majority of the popular vote, and 2r4 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
elector.il votes being cast for him.

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

He was the most prominent candidate before the
Republican National Convention in 1S80 for a re-
nomination for President. He went to New York and
embarked in the brokerage business under the firm
nanieof Grant & Ward. The latter proved a villain,
wrecked Grant's fortune, and for larcenv was sent to
the penitentiarj'. 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,
18S5, the nation went in mourning over the death of
the illustrious General.

y^-^^^

NINETEENTH PEES/DENT.

'^■^tia'^«^'^'^'4^tt&tiSit;ga'^t;gi'»^ui£ia:<tj,>'i,-;^ V^ -. '. '

•i '. 'i ■, 'i". ". •. 'i-. '.•.'■■- '

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-
tane ovt-f caking the family, George Hayes left Scot-
land in 1680, and settled in Windsor, Conn. His sou
Cleorge wai born in Windsor, and remained there
during his li7e. 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 scythe-j at Bradford, Conn. Rutherford Hayes,
son of Ezekiel aiid grandfather of President Hayes, was
l)orn in New Haven, in August, 1756. He was a farmer,
blacksmith and tavern-keeper. He emigrated to
Vermont at an utiknown date, settling in Brattleboro,
where he established a hotel. Here his son Ruth-
erford Hayes the father of President Hayes, was

born. He was married, in September, 18 13, to Sophia
Biichard, of Wilmington, Vt., whose ancestors emi-
grated thither from Connecticut, they having been
among the wealthiest and best famlies of Norwich.
Her ancestry on the male side are traced back to
1635, to John Birchard, one of the principal founders
of Norwich. Both of her grandfathers were soldiers
in the Revolutionary War.

The father of President Hayes was an industrious
frugal and opened-hearted man. He was of a me
chanical turn, and could mend a plow, knit a stock-
ing, or do almost anything else that he choose to
undertake. He was a member of the Church, active
in all the benevolent enterprises of the town, and con-
ducted his business on Christian principles. After
the close of the war of 181 2, for reasons inexplicable
to his neighbors, he res'olved 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, r822, 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

v»

RUTHJiKFORn B. HAVES:

subject of this sketch was so feeble at birth that he
was not expected to Uve beyond a month or two at
most. As the months went by he grew weaker and
weaker, so that the neighbors were in the habit of in-
quiring from time to time '" if Mrs. Hayes' baby died
last night." On one occasion a neighbor, who was on
familiar terms with the family, after alluding to the
boy's big head, and the mother's assiduous care of
nim, 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 1S25, his older brother was
drowned, he became, if possible, still dearer to his
mother.

The boy was seven years old before he w^ent to
school. His education, however, was not neglected.
He probably learned as much from his mother and
fister 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
in his education ; and as the boy's health had im-
proved, and he was making good progress in his
studies, he proposed to send him to college. His pre-
paration commenced with a tutor at home; bat he
was afterwards sent for one year to a professor in the
Wesleyan University, in Middletown, Conn. He en-
tered Kenyon College in 1838, at the age of sixteen,
and was graduated at the head of his class in 1842.

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

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

In 1849 he iridved to ('incmnati, where his ambi-
tion found a new stimulus. For several years, how-
ever, his progress was slow. Two events, occurring at
this period, had a jiowerful influence upon his subse- '
quent life. One of these was his marrage with Miss
Lucy Ware Webb, daughter of Dr. James Webb, of
Chilicolhe; the other was his introduction to the Cin-
cinnati Literary Club, a body embracing among its
iiiembers suck men as'^hief Justice Salmon P. Chase,

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

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

In 1861, when the Rebellion broke out, he was ar
the zenith of his professional I'f ,. 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 79th Ohio
regiment, but he refused to leave his old comrades
and go among strangers. Subsequently, however, he
was made Colonel of his old regiment. At the battle
of South Mountain he received a wound, and while
faint and bleeding displayed courage and fortitude
that won admiration from all.

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

In 1864, Gen. Hayes was elected to Congress, frcni
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 come to Washington until I can come by
the way of Richmond." He was re-elected in 1866.

In 1867, Gen Hayes was elected Governor of Ohio,
over Hon. Allen G. Thunnan, a populai Democrat.
In 1869 was re-elected over George H. Pendleton.
He was elected Governor for the third term in T87i^.

]n 1876 he was the standard bearer of the Repub-
lican Party in the Presidential contest, and after a
hard long contest was cliosen President, and was in
augurated Monday, March 5, 1875. He served his
full term, not, hcwever, with satisfaction to his party,
but his administration was an average o;\ =

TiVENTIETH PRESIDENT.

%><^:^

.'If

AMES A. GARFIELD, twen-
tieth President of the United
States, was born Nov. 19,
1S31, in the woods of Orange,
Cuyahoga Co., O His par-
ents were Abram and EHza
'^ (Ballou) Garfield, both of New
England ancestry and from fami-
lies well known in the early his-
tory of that section of our coun-
try, but had moved to the \Vestern
Reserve, in Ohio, early in its settle-
ment.

The house in which James A. was
Ijorn was not unlike the houses of
poor Ohio farmers of that day. It
..as about 20x30 feet, built of logs, with the spaces be-
.vi^een the logs filled with clay. His father was a
.iard working farmer, and he soon had his fields
cleared, an orchard planted, and a log barn built.
Die household comprised the father and mother and
dneir four children — Mehetabel, 'I'liomas, Mary and
Tames. _ 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
Fhomas about ten years old. No one, perhaps, can
(ell how much James was indcMed to his biother's
tcil and self sacrifice during the twenty years suc-
ceeding his father's death, but undoubtedly very
much. He now lives in Michigan, and the two sis-
•' itrs live in .Solon, O., near their birtliplace.

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 liis 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, youtli and manliood, neither did they
ever forget him. When in the highes,t seats of honor
the humblest fiiend of his boyhood' was as kindly
greeted as ever. Tlie poorest laborer was sure of the
sympathy of one who had known all tlie bitterness
of want and the sweetness of bread earned by the
sweat of the brow. He was ever the simple, ijlain,
modest gentleman.

The highest ambition of young Garfield until \\i
was about sixteen years old was to be a captain o.f
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 fftr his cousin, Amos
Letcher, on the Ohio & Pennsylvania Canal. He re-
mained at this work but a short time when he wen"
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. Tiiis 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 wav
He then became both teacher and jiupil. He soon
"e-xhausted Hiram "<ind needed more; hence, in the
fall of 1854, he entered Williams College, from whicli
he graduated in 1S56, taking one of the highest hon-
ors of his class. Pie afterwards returned to Hiram
College as its President. As above slated, he early
united with the Christian or Diciples Church at
Hiram.^and was ever .after a devoted, zealous mem-
ber, often preaching in its pulpit and places where
he happened to be. Dr. Noah Porter, President of
Yale College, says of him in reference to his religion :

9«

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 judgmeni: there is no more interesting feature of
Jiis 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 comnmnions
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
:;hurch 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-
Varian charity for all 'who loveourLord 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,
jn 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 1 86 1 was admitted to the bar. The great
Rebellion broke out in the early part ^f 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 infantr)-
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. to, 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 history 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 Gei? Garfield was
elected to Congress in the fall of 1862 from the
Nineteenth District of Ohio. This section of Ohio
had been represented in Congress for si.xty years
mainly by two men — Elisha Whittlesey and Joshua
R. Giddings. It was not without a struggle that he
resigned his place in the army. At the time he en-
tered Congress he was the youngest member in that
body. Therms he remained by successive re-
elections until he was elected President in 1880.
Of nis 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 i,
tribunel of the American people, in regard to whict
you will not find, if you wish mstruction, 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."

Uixsn Jan. 14, 1880, Gen. Garfield was elected to
the U. S. Senate, and on the eighth of June, of llie
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 peojjle, 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 Blaine, a man stepped behind
him, drew a revolver, and fired directly at his back.
The President tottered and fell, luid as he did so the
assassin fired a second shot, the bullet cutting the
left coat sleeve of his victim, but inflicting no furthei
injury. It has been very truthfully said that this was
" the shot that was heard round the world " Never
before in the historj' 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 countrj- and the world tlie
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 tlie
ocean, where he had been taken shortly ])revious. 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.

TWENTY-FIRST PRESIDENT.

1^ C^iiJl^li^iLMi^J^ ^

HESTER A. ARTHUR,

„. twenty-first Presi-^.^m uf the

gfUnited States, was born in

Franklin Courty, Vermont, on

Tt>T^vJP?4-Mifo the fifthofOdobcr, 1830, andis

'^^i^^'s^MiK; the oldest of a family of two

sons and five daughters. His

father was the Rev. Dr. William

Arthur, aBaptistc' .rgyman, who

emigrated to tb'.s counti7 from

the county Antrim, Ireland, in

his i8th year, and died in 1875, in

Newtonville, neai .A.lbany, after a

long and successful ministr)--

Young Arthur was educated at
Union College, S( henectady, where
he excelled in all his studies. Af-
ter his graduation he taught school
j T in Vermont for two years, and at
the expiration ef that time came to
New York, with $500 in his pocket,
and catered the office of ex-Judge
E. D. Culver as student. After
being admitted to the bar he formed
a partnership with his intimate friend and room-mate,
Henry D. Gardiner, with the intention of practicing
in the West, and for three months they roamed about
in the Western States in search of an eligible site,
but in the end returned to New York, where they
hung out their shingle, and entered upon a success-
ful career almost from the start. General Arthur
soon afterward niairpd 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
nomuiation 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,
Wni. 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 loo 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
.\rthur 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

lOO

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 fimi. 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, t88o. This was perhaps the greatest political
convention that ever assembled on the continent. It
was composed of the 'wading 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 countr)'. Gen. Hancock, the standard-bearer of
the Democratic party, was a popular man, and his
party made a valiant fight for his election.

Finally the election came and the country's choice
.vas Garfield and Arthur. They were inaugurated
March 4, 1881, as President and Vice-President.
A few months only had passed ere the newly chosen
President was the victim of the assassin's bullet. Then
came terrible weeks of suffering, — those moments of
anxious suspense, when the hearts of all civilized na-

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

At last God in his mercy relieved President Gar-
field from further suffering, and the world, as never
before in its histor}' over the death of any other
man, wept at his bier. Then it became the duty of
the Vice President to £:ssume the responsibilities of
the high office, and he took the oath in New York.
Sept. 20, 1 88 1. 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 imjxjrtant measures were to be immediately
decided by him ; and still farther to embarrass him he
did not fail to realize under what circumstances he
became President, and knew the feelings of many on
this point. Under these trying circumstances President
Arthur took the reins of the Government in his own
hands ; and, as embarrassing as were the condition of
affairs, he happily surprised the nation, acting so
wisely that but few criticised his administration.
He served the nation well and faithfully, until the
close of his administration, March 4, 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-
rj'ing 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

^y7^€rL£yr

Clc^c^/oyiy^Z^^

TWENTY-SECOND PRESIDENT.

'°3

>^J

^^1

L^-c>^y^<L>-^

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 wliich 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 m 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
Ponipey 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 011 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 firur 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 [)osition 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

104

S. GROVER CLEVELAND.

calling for life, and, reversing the traditional order,
ne left the city to seek his fortune, instead of going
to a city. He first thought of Cleveland, Ohio, as
there was some charm in that name for him; but
before proceeding to that place he went to Buffalo to
isk the advice of his uncle, Lewis F. Allan, a noted
stock-breeder of that place. The latter did not
speak enthusiastically. " What is it you want to do,
my boy ? " he asked. " Well, sir, I want to study
law," was the reply. ''Good gracious!" remarked
ihe 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 Grover's persistency won, and
ne was finally permitted to come as an office boy and
Save the use of the law library, for the nominal sum
of $3 or S4. 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 ^vinte^ was a memorably severe one, his
shoes were out of repair and his overcoat — he had
Done — 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 cferks and students, as they thought that
was enough to scare young Grover out of his plans ;
out indue time he mastered that cumbersome volume.
Then, as ever after\vard, however, Mr. Cleveland
exhibited a talent for executiveness rather than for
chasing principles through all their metaphysical
possibiUties. " Let us quit talking and go and do
it," was practically his motto.

The first public office to which Mr. Cleveland was
ejected 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 punishment upon two
criminals. In i88i he was elected Mayor of the
City of Buffalo, on the Democratic ticket, with es-
pecial reference to the bringing about certain reforms

in the administration of the municipal affairs of that
city. In this office, as well as that of Sheriff, his
performance of dat)' has generally been considered
fair, with possibly a few exceptions which were fer-
reted out and magnified during the last Presidential
campaign. As a specimen of his plain language in
a veto message, we quote from one vetoing an iniqui-
tous street-cleaning contract: "This is a time for
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 peopls and to worse
than squander the people's money." The New York
Sun afterward very highly commended Mr. Cleve-
land's administration as Mayor of Buffalo, and there-
upon recommended him for Governor of the Empire
State. To the latter office he was elected in 1882,
and his administration of the affairs of State was
generally satisfactory. The mistakes he made, if
any, were made verj' public throughout the nation
after he was nominated for President of the United
States. For this high office he was nominated July
II, 18S4, by the National Democratic Convention at
Chicago, when other competitors were Thomas F.
Bayard, Roswell P. Flower, Thomas A. Hendricks,
Benjamin F. Butler, Allen G. 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. Blaine. President Cleve-
land resigned his office as Governor of New York in
Januar)', 18S5, in order to prepare for his duties as
the Chief Executive of the United States, in which
capacity his term commenced at noon on the 4th of
March, 18S5. For his Cabinet officers he selected
the following gentlemen: For Secretary of State,
Thomas F. Bayard, of Delaware ; Secretary of the
Treasury, Daniel Manning, of New York ; Secretary
of War, William C. Endicott, of Massachusetts;
Secretary of the Navy, William C. Whitney, of New
York ; Secretary of the Interior, L. Q. C. Lamar, of
Mississippi; Postmaster-General, WilHam F. Vilas,
of Wisconsin ; Attorney-General, A. H. Garland, of
Arkansas.

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

c>V^

iZ.y^^'---7\^'i.*^'^(^-«^

TWENTY-THIRD PRESIDENT.

lu:

..o*o..@^<^..<>*o..

; i:NJAMIN HARRISON, the
Iwcnty-third President, is
tlio 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 to sign the
death warrant of the king. He subse-
quently paid for this with his life, being
hung Oct. 13, IGGO. His descendants
came to America, and the next of the
family that appears in history is Benja-
r.:in Harrison, of Virginia, great-grand-
father of the subject of this sketch, and
after whom he .was named. Benjamin Harrison
was a member of the Continental Congress during
the ye.ars i774-5-C, and was one of the original
signers of the Declaration of Independence. He
was three times elected Governor of Virginia.
Gen AViiliam Iliniy ilnrrison, the son of the

distinguished patriot of the Revolution, after a suc-
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. r>0, 1833. His life up to
the time of his graduation by the Miami University,
at O.xford, 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 t'a^
daughter of Dr. Scott, Principal of a female schoo
at Oxford. After graduating he determined to en-
ter upon the study of the law. He went to Cin
einnali and then read law for two years. At the
expiration of that time young Harrison receiv-il th"
only inheritance of his life; his aunt dying left him
a lot valued at $800. He regarded this legacy as t
fortune, and decided to get married at once, tak3
tliis money and go to some Eastern town ancl 'oe-
gin the practice of law. He sold his lot, and with
the monej' in his pocket, he started out wita bis
young wife to fight for a place in the world, lie

lOS

BKN,*AMJN ilARRlSON.

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

In 186C Mr. Harrison was nominated for the
position of Supreme Court Reporter, and then be-
gan his experience as a stump speuke; He can-
vassed the State thoroughlj^, and was elected by a
handsome majority. In 18G2 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 thei'efore 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
lie 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-
irg Indiana with his regiment until the fall of 18G4
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 terra. He then started to rejoin Sher-
2:an, but on the way was stricken down with scarlet
:ever, and after a most tr3nng siege made his way
to the front in time to participate in the closing
incidents of the war.

In 1868 Gen. Harrison declined z re-election as
_-«porter, and resumed the practice of law. In 1876
£8 was a candidate for Governor. Although de-
eated, the brilliant campaign hb made won for him
' a National reputation, and he was much sought, es-
pecially in the East, to make speeches. In 1880,
iiS usual, he took an active part in the campaign,
and was elected to the United States Senate. Here
be served six years, and Tzas known as one of the
«blest men, best lawyer-- .aid strongest debaters iu

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 countiy. The
convention which assembled in Chicago in June and
named Mr. Harrison as the chief standard bearer
of the Republican party, w-as great in every partic-
ular, and on this account, and the attitude it as-
sumed u^oa the vital questions of the day, chief
among which was the tariff, awoke a deep interest
in the campaign throughout the Nation. Shortl3'
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 his
power as a debater, he was called upon at an un-
commonlj' earl}' age to take part in the discussion
of the great questions that then began to agitate
the country. He was an uncompromising anti
sla^•erv man, and was matched against some of tl;e
most eminent Democratic speakers of his State.
No man who felt the touch of his blade decired to
be pitted with him again. With all his eloq-'ence
as an orator he never spoke for oratorical, effect,
but his words always went like bullets to the mark
He is purclj' American in his ideas and is a siilcr
did tj-pe of the American statesman. Gifted wit'i;
quick perception, a logical mind and a ready tongue,
he is one of the most distinguished impromptu
speakers iu the Nation. Manj" of these sjieeches
sparkled with the rarest of eloquence and contained
arguments of greatest weight. Maiij' of his terse
statements liavc already become aphorisms. Origi-
nal ill tliought, precise iu logic, terse in statement,
yet withal faultless in eloquence, he is recognized as
the sound statesman and brill iauj orator o- ta^ day

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GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS,

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' HADRACH

BOND, the first
Governor of Illinois after its
organization as a State, serving
from 1818 to 1822, was born in
Frederick County, Maryland,
in the year 1773, and was
raised a farmer on his father's
plantation, receiving only a plain
English education. He emigrated
to this State in 1794, when it was a
part of the "Northwest Territory,"
continuing in the vocation in which
he had been brought up in his native
State, in the " New Design," near
Eagle Creek, in what is now Monroe
County. He served several terms as
a member of the General Assembly
of Indiana Territory, after it was organized as such,
and in 1812-14 he was a Delegate to the Twelfth
and Thirteenth Congresses, taking his seat Dec. 3,
181 2, and serving until Oct. 3, 1814. These were
the times, the reader will recollect, when this Gov-
ernment had its last struggle with Great Britain.
Theyear x8i2 is also noted in the history of this
State as that in which the first Territorial Legislature
was held. It convened at Kaskaskia, Nov. 25, and
adjourned Dec. 26, following.

While serving as Delegate to Congress, Mr. Bond
was instrumental in procuring the right of pre-emj)-
ton on the public domain. On the expiration of his
lenn at Washington he was appointed Receiver of
Public Moneys at Kaskaskia, then the capital of the
Territory. In company with John G. Comyges,

Thomas H. Harris, Charles Slade, Michael Jones,
Warren Brown, Edward Humphries and Charles W
Hunter, he became a proprietor of the site of the
initial city of Cairo, which they hoped, from its favor-
able location at the junction of the two great
rivers near the center of the Great West, would
rapidly develop into a metropolis. To aid tiie enter-
prise, they obtained a special charter from the Legis-
lature, incorporating both the City and the Bank of
Cairo.

In 1818 Mr. Bond was elected the first Governor
of the State of Illinois, being inaugurated Oct. 6
that year, which was several weeks before Illinois
was actually admitted. The facts are these: In
January, 18 18, tlie Territorial Legislature sent a peti-
tion to Congress for the admission of Illinois as a
State, Nathaniel Pope being then Delegate. The
petition was granted, fixing the northern line of the
State on the latitude of the southern extremity of
Lake Michigan; but the bill was afterward so amend-
ed as to extend this line to its present latitude. In
July a convention was called at Kaskaskia to draft a
constitution, which, however, was not submitted ti
the people. By its provisions, supreme judges, pros
ecuting attorneys, county and circuit judges, record-
ers and justices of the peace were all to be appointed
by the Governor or elected by the Legislature. This
constitution was accepted by Congress Dec. 30. At
that time Illinois comprised but eleven counties,
namely, Randolph, Madison, Gallatin, Johnson,
Pope, Jackson, Crawford, Bond, Union, Washington
and Franklin, the northern portion of the State be-
ing mainly in Madison County. Thus it appears
that Mr. Bond was honored by the naming of a

SHAVRACH BOND.

county before he was elected Governor. The present
county of Bond is of small Umitations, about 60 to 80
miles south of Springfield. For Lieutenant Governor
the people chose Pierre Menard, a prominent and
worthy Frenchman, after whom a county in this State
is named. In this election there were no opposition
candidates, as the popularity of these men had made
tlieir promotion to the chief offices of the S^ate, even
before the constitution was drafted, a foregone con-
clusion.

The principal points that excited the people in
reference to political issues at this period were local
or "internal improvements," as they were called,
State banks, location of the capital, slavery and the
personal characteristics of the proposed candidates.
Mr. Bond represented the "Convention party," for
introducing slavery into the State, supported by Elias
Kelt Kane, his Secretary of State, and John Mc-
Lean, while Nathaniel Pope and John P. Cook led
the anti-slavery element. The people, however, did
not become very much excited over this issue until
1820, when the famous Missouri Compromise was
adopted by Congress, limiting slavery to the south
of the parallel of 36° 30' except in Missouri. While
this nieasure settled the great slavery controversy,
so far as the average public sentiment was tempor-
arily concerned, until 1854, when it was repealed
under the leadership of Stephen A. Douglas, the issue
as considered locally in this State was not decided
until 1824, after a most furious campaign. (See
sketch of Gov. Coles.) The ticket of 18 18 was a
compromise one. Bond representing (moderately) the
pro-slavery sentiment and Menard the anti-slavery.

An awkward element in the State government
under Gov. Bond's administration, was the imperfec-
tion of the State constitution. The Convention
wished to have Elijah C. Berry for the first Auditor
of Public Accounts, but, as it was believed that the
new Governor would not appoint him to the office,
the Convention declared in a schedule that " an
auditor of public accounts, an attorney general and
such other officers of the State as may be necessary,
may be appointed by the General Assembly." The
Constitution, as it stood, vested a very large appoint-
ing power in the Governor; but for the purpose of
getting one man into office, a total change was made,
and the power vested in the Legislature. Of this
provision the Legislature took advantage, and de-

clared that State's attorneys, canal commissioners,
bank directors, etc., were all " officers of the State "
and must therefore be appointed by itself independ-
ently of the Governor.

During Gov. Bond's administration a general law
was passed for the incorporation of academies and
towns, and one authorizing lotteries. The session of
1822 authorized the Governor to appoint commis-
sioners, to act in conjunction with like commissioners
appointed by the State of Indiana, to report on the
practicability and expediency of improving the navi-
gation of the Wabash River; also inland navigation
generally. Many improvements were recommended,
some of which have been feebly worked at even till
the present day, those along the Wabash being of no
value. Also, during Gov. Bond's term of office, the
capital of the State was removed from Kaskaskia to
Vandalia. In 1S20 a law was passed by Congress
authorizing this State to open a canal through the
public lands. The State appointed commissioners
lo explore the route and prepare the necessary sur-
veys and estimates, preparatory to its execution;
but, being unable out of its own resources to defray
the expenses of the undertaking, it was abandoned
until some time after Congress made the grant of
land for the purpose of its construction.

On the whole. Gov. Bond's administration was
fairly good, not being open to severe criticism from
any party. In 1824, two years after the expiration
of his term of office, he was brought out as a candi-
date for Congress against the formidable John P.
Cook, but received only 4,374 votes to 7,460 for the
latter. Gov. Bond was no orator, but had made
many fast friends by a judicious bestowment of liis
gubernatorial patronage, and these worked zealously
for him in the campaign.

In 1827 ex-Gov. Bond was appointed by tiie Leg-
islature, with Wm. P. McKee and Dr. Gershom
Jayne, as Commissioners to locate a site for a peni-
•tentiary on the Mississippi at or near Alton.

Mr. Bond was of a benevolent and convivial dis-
position, a man of shrewd observation and clear ap-
preciation of events. His person was erect, stand-
ing six feet in height, and after middle life became
portly, weighing 200 pounds. His features were
strongly masculine, complexion dark, hair jet and
eyes hazel ; was a favorite witli tiie ladies. He died
April II, 1830, in peace and contentment.

Ld^^<"UA2) CcrtJ^

GO VERNOJiS OF JLLIA'OIS.

£t)war5 Coles.

^<s$<iiii>^^

DWARI' COLES, second
Governor of Illinois, 1823-
i. 6, was born Dec. 15, 1786,
in Albemarle Co., Va., on
the old family estate called
«>^i,_3 " Enniscorthy," on the
Green Mountain. His fath-
er, John Coles, was a Colonel in the
Revolutionary War. Having been fit-
ted for college by private tutors, he
was sent to Hampden Sidney, where
he remained until the autumn of 1805,
when he was removed to William and
(^vhu'SJ Mary College, at Williamsburg, Va.
^5.^itS^ This college he left in the summer of
1S07, a short time before the final and graduating
examination. Among his classmates were Lieut.
Gen. Scott, President John Tyler, Wm. S. Archer,
United States Senator from Virginia, and Justice
Baldwin, of the United States Supreme Court. The
President of the latter college. Bishop Madison, was
a cousin of President James Madison, and that cir-
cumstance was the occasion of Mr. Coles becoming
personally acquainted with the President and re-
ceiving a position as his private secretary, 1809-15.
The family of Coles was a prominent one in Vir-
ginia, and their mansion was the seat of the old-
fashioned Virginian hospitality. It was visited by
such rotables as Patrick Henry, Jefferson, Madison,
Monroe, the Randolphs, Tazewell, Wirt, etc. At the
age of 23, young Coles found himself heir to a plant-
ation and a considerable number of slaves. Ever
since his earlier college days his attention had been
drawn to the question of slavery. He read every-

thing on the subject that came in his way, and
listened to lectures on the rights of man. The mo'rL;
he reflected upon the subject, the more impossible
was it for him to reconcile the immortal declaration
"that all men are born free and equal " with the
practice of slave-holding. He resolved, therefore, to
free his slaves the first opportunity, and even remove
his residence to a free State, One reason which de-
termined him to accept the appointment as private
secretary to Mr. Madison was because he believed
that through the acquaintances he could make at
Washington he could better determine in what par;
of the non-slaveholding portion of the Union he woulc
prefer to settle.

The relations between Mr. Coles and President
Madison, as well as Jefferson and other distinguished
men, were of a very friendly character, arising from
the similarity of their views on the question of slavery
and their sympathy for each other in holding doc-
trines so much at variance with the prevailing senti-
ment in their own State.

In 1857, he resigned his secretaryship and spent a
portion of the following autumn in exploring the
Northwest Territory, for the purpose of finding a lo-
cation and purchasing lands on which to settle his
negroes. He traveled with a horse and buggy, with
an extra man and horse for emergencies, through
many parts of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Missouri,
determining finally to settle in Illinois. At this time,
however, a misunderstanding arose between our
Government and Russia, and Mr. Coles was selected
to repair to St. Petersburg on a special mission, bear-
ing important papers concerning the matter at issue.
The result was a conviction of the Emperor (Alex-

ii6

EDWARD COLES.

ander) of the error comiiiitted by his minister at
Wiishington, and tlie consequent withdrawal of the
the latter from the post. On his return, Mr. Coles
visited other \)arts of Europe, especially Paris, where
he was introduced to Gen. Lafayette.

In the spring of 1819, he removed with all his
negroes from Virginia to Edwardsville, III, with the
intention of giving them their liberty. He did not
make known to them his intention until one beautiful
morning in April, as they were descending the Ohio
River. He lashed all the boats together and called
all the negroes on deck and made them a short ad-
dress, concluding his remarks by so expressing him-
self that by a turn of a sentence he proclaimed in
the shortest and fullest manner that they were no
longer slaves, but free as he was and were at liberty
to proceed with him or go ashore at their pleas-
ure. A description of the effect upon the negroes is
best desciibed in his own language :

"The effect upon them was electrical. They stared
at n-.e and then at each other, as if doubting the ac-
curacy or reality of what they heard. In breathless
silence they stood before me, unable to utter a word,
but with countenances beaming with expression which
no words could convey, and which no language
can describe. As they began to see the truth of
what they had heard, and realize their situation, there
came on a kind of hysterical, giggling laugh. After
a pause of intense and unutterable emotion, bathed
in tears, and with tremulous voices, they gave vent to
their gratitude and implored the blessing of God
on me."

Before landmg he gave them a general certificate
of freedom, and afterward conformed more particu-
larly with the law of this State requiring that each
individual should have a certificate. This act of
Mr. Coles, all the more noble and heroic considering
the overwhelming pro-slavery influences surrounding
him, has challenged the admiration of every philan-
thropist of modern times.

March 5, 1819, President Monroe appointed Mr.
Coles Registrar of the Land Office at Edwardsvihe,
at that time one of the principal land offices in the
State. While acting in this capacity and gaining
many friends by his ixjliteness and general intelli-
gence, the greatest struggle that ever occurred in
Illinois on the slavery question culminated in the
furious contest characterizing the campaigns and
elections of 1822-4. ^'i the summer of 1823, when a
new Governor was to be elected to succeed Mr.
Bond, the pro-slavery element divided into factions,
putting forward for the executive office Joseph
Phillips, Chief Justice of the State, Thomas C.
IJrowne and Gen. Junes B. Moore, of the State Mil-
itia. The anti-slavery element united upon Mr.
Coles, and, after one of the most bitter campaigns,
succeeded in electing him as Governor. His i)lural-
ity over Judge PhiUips was only 59 in a total vote of

over 8,000. The Lieutenant Governor was elected
by the slavery men. Mr. Coles' inauguration speech
was marked by calmness, deliberation and such a
wise expression of appropriate suggestions as to
elicit the sanction of all judicious politicians. But
he compromised not with evil. In his message to
the Legislature, the seat of Government being then
at Vandalia, he strongly urged the abrogation of the
modified form of slavery whi';h then existed in this
State, contrary to the Ordinance of 1787. His posi-
tion on this subject seems the more remarkable, when
it is considered that he was a minority Governor, the
population of Illinois being at that lime almost ex-
clusively from slave-holding States and by a large
majority in favor of the perpetuation of that old relic
of barbarism. The Legislature itself was, of course,
a reflex of the popular sentiment, and a majority of
them were led on by fiery men in denunciations of
the conscientious Governor, and in curses loud and
deep upon him and all his friends. Some of the
public men, indeed, went so far as to head a sort of
mob, or " shiveree " party, who visited the residence
of the Governor and others at Vandalia and yelled
and groaned and spat fire.

The Constitution, not establishing or permitting
slavery in this State, was thought therefore to be
defective by the slavery politicians, and they desired
a State Convention to be elected, to devise and sub-
mit a new Constitution; and the dominant politics
of the day was "Convention" and "anti-Conven-
tion." Both parties issued addresses to the people,
Gov. Coles himself being the author of the address
published by the latter party. This address revealed
the schemes of the conspirators in a masterly man-
ner. It is difficult for us at this distant day to esti-
mate the critical and extremely delicate situation in
which the Governor was placed at that time.

Our hero maintained himself honorably and with
supreme dignity throughout his administration, and
in his honor a county in this State is named. He
was truly a great man, and tiiose who lived in
this State during his sojourn here, like those who
live at the base of the mountain, were too near to see
and recognize the greatness that overshadowed them.

Mr. Coles was married Nov. 28, 1833, by Bishop
De Lancey, to Miss Sally Logan Roberts, a daughter
of Hugh Roberts, a descendant of Welsh ancestry,
who cami to this country with Wm. Penn in 1682.

After the expiration of his term of service. Gov.
Coles continued his residence in Edwardsville, sup-
erintending his farm in the vicinity. He was fond
of agriculture, and was the founder of the first agri-
cultural society in the State. On account of ill
health, however, and having no family to tie him
down, he spent much of his time in Eastern cities.
About 1832 he changed his residence to Philadel-
phia, where he died July 7, 1S68, and is buried at
Woodland, near that city.

' O <:y^-Ciyi^^^i<^

GO VERNORS OF ILLINOIS.

^> • ^■•

111, 1 a 11, K d w a^f d.K •

--.<^.<4#^^>.-

INIAN EDWARDS, Govenioi-
from 1827 to 1830, was a son
of Benjamin Edwards, and
was born in Montgomery
J County, Maryland, in March,
r^ I77S- His domestic train-
■''*'' ing was well fitted to give
his mind strength, firmness and
honorable principles, and a good
foundation was laid for the elevated
character to which he afterwards
attained. His parents were Bap-
tists, and very strict in their moral
piinciples. His education in early
youth was in company with and
partly under the tuition of Hon. \Vm .
Wirt, whom his father patronized
^^ and who was more than two years

older. An intimacy was thus
formed between them which was lasting for life. He
was farther educated at Dickinson College, at Car-
lisle, Pa. He ne.xt commenced the study of law, but
before completing his course he moved to Nelson
County, Ky., to open a farm for his father and to
purchase homes and locate lands for his brothers and
sisters. Here he fell in the company of dissolute
companions, and for several years led the life of a
spendthrift. He was, however, elected to the Legis-
lature of Kentucky as the Representative of Nelson
ilounty before he was 2 1 years of age, and was re-
elected by an almost unanimous vote.

^^*>

In 1798 he was licensed to practice law, and the
following year was admitted to the Courts of Tennes-
see. About this time he left Nelson County for
Russellville, in Logan County, broke away from his
dissolute companions, commenced a reformation and
devoted himself to severe and laborious study. He
then began to rise rapidly in his profession, and soon
became an eminent lawyer, and inside of four years
he filled in succession the offices of Presiding Judge
of the General Court, Circuit Judge, fourth Judge of
the Court of Appeals and Chief Justice of the State,
— all before he was 32 years of age! In addition, in
1802, he received a commission as Major of a battal-
ion of Kentucky militia, and in 1804 was chosen a
Presidential Elector, on the Jefferson and Clinton
ticket. In 1S06 he was a candidate for Congress,
but withdrew on being promoted to the Court of
Appeals.

Illinois was organized as a separate Territory in
the spring of 1809, when Mr. Edwards, then Chief
Justice of the Court of Appeals in Kentucky, received
from President Madison the appointment as Gover-
nor of the new Territory, his commission bearing date
April 24, r8o9. Edwards arrived at Kaskaskia in
June, and on the i itii of that month took the oath of
office. At the same time he was appointed Superior
tendent of the United States Saline, this Government
interest then developing into considerable proportions
in Southern Illinois. Although during the first three
years of his administration he had the power to make
new counties and appoint all the officers, yet he always
allowed the people of each county, by an informal

NINIAN EDWARDS.

vote, to select their own officers, both civil and mili-
tary. The noted John J. Crittenden, afterward
United States Senator from Kentucky, was appointed
by Gev. Edwards to the office of Attorney General of
the Territory, which office was accepted for a short
time only.

The Indians in iSio committing sundry depreda-
tions in the Territory, crossing the Mississippi from
the Territory of Louisiana, a long corresfxjndence fol-
lowed between the respective Governors concerning
the remedies, which ended in a council with the sav-
ages at Peoria in 1S12, and a fresh interpretation of
ihe treaties. Peoria was depopulated by these de-
predations, and was not re-settled for many vears
afterward.

As Gov. Edwards' term of office expired by law in
1S12, he was re-appointed for another term of three
years, and again in 1815 for a third term, serving
until the organization of the State in the fall of 1818
t.nd the inauguration of Gov. Bond. At this time
ex-Gov. Edwards was sent to the United States
Senate, his colleague being Jesse B. Thomas. As
•senator, Mr. Edwards took a conspicuous part, and
acquitted himself honorably in all the measures that
came up in that body, being well posted, an able de-
bater and a conscientious statesman. He thought
seriously of resigning this situation in 182 1, but was
persuaded by his old friend, Wm. Wirt, and others to
continue in office, which he did to the end of the
term.

He was then appointed Minister to Mexico by
President Monroe. About this time, it appears that
Mr. Edwards saw suspicious signs in the conduct of
\Vm. H. Crawford, Secretary of the United States
Treasury, and an ambitious candidate for the Presi-
dency, and being implicated by the latter in some of
his statements, he resigned his Mexican mission in
order fully to investigate the charges. The result
was the exculpation of Mr. Edwards.

Pro-slavery regulations, often termed "Black Laws,"
cisgraced the statute books of both the Territory and
he State of Illinois during the whole of his career in
.his commonwealth, and Mr. Edwards always main-
tained the doctrines of freedom, and was an important
;xtor in the great struggle which ended in a victory
for his party in 1824.

In 18267 the Winnebago and other Indians com-
mitted sou-e depredations in the northern part of the

State, and the white settlers, who desired the land=:
and wished to exasperate the savages into an evacu-
ation of the country, magnified the misdemeanors of
the aborigines and thereby produced a hostility be-
tween the races so great as to precipitate a little war,
known in history as the "Winnebago War." A few
chases and skirmishes were had, when Gen. Atkinson
succeeded in capturing Red Bird, the Indian chief,
and putting him to death, thus ending the contest, at
least until the troubles commenced which ended in
the " Black Hawk War " of 1832. In the interpre-
tation of treaties and execution of their provisions
Gov. Edwards had much vexatious work to do. The
Indians kept themselves generally within the juris-
diction of Michigan Territory, and its Governor,
Lewis Cass, was at a point so remote that ready cor-
respondence with him was difficult or impossible.
Gov. Edwards' administration, however, in regard to
the protection of the Illinois frontier, seems to have
been very efficient and satisfactory.

For a considerable portion of his time after his re-
moval to Illinois, Gov. Edwards resided upon his
farm near Kaskaskia, which he had well stocked with
horses, cattle and sheep from Kentucky, also with
fruit-trees, grape-vines and shrubbery. He estab-
lished saw and grist-mills, and engaged extensively
in mercantile business, having no less than eight or ten
stores in this State and Missouri. Notwithstanding
the arduous duties of his office, he nearly always pur-
chased the goods himself with which to supply the
stores. Although not a regular practitioner of medi-
cine, he studied the healing art to a considerable ex-
tent, and took great pleasure in prescribing for, and
taking care of, the sick, generally without charge.
He w.is also liberal to the poor, several widows and
ministers of the gospel becoming indebted to hmi
even for their homes.

He married Miss Elvira Lane, of Maryland, in
1803, and they became the affectionate parents of
several children, one of whom, especially, is weli'
known to the people of the " Prairie State," namely,
Ninian Wirt Edwards, once the Superintendent c'
Public Instruction and still a resident of Springfield
Gov. Edwards resided at and in the vicinity of Kas-
kaskia from 1809 to 1S18; in Edwardsville (named
after him) from that time to 1824; and fro;n the lat-
ter date at Belleville, St. Clair County, until his
death, July 20, 1833, of Asiatic ciiolera. Edwards
County is also named in his honor.

GO VERNGRS OF ILLINOIS.

OHN REYNOLDS, Governor 1831-
l ^ 4, was born in Montgomery Coun-
ty, Pennsylvania, Feb. 26, 1788.
His father, Robert Reynolds and
his mother, nee Margaret Moore,
were both natives of Ireland, from
which country they emigrated to
the United States in 1785, land-
ing at Philadelphia. The senior
Reynolds entertained an undying
hostility to the British Govern-
ment. When the subject of this
sketch was about six months old,
his parents emigrated with him to
Tennessee, where many of their
relatives had already located, at the base of the
Copper Ridge Mountain, about 14 miles northeast of
the present city of Knoxville. There they were ex-
Dosed to Indian depredations, and were much molest-
ed by them. In 1794 they moved into the interior
of the State. They were poor, and brought up their
children to habits of manual industry.

In 1800 the family removed to Kaskaskia, 111., with
eight horses and two wagons, encountering many
' Hardships on the way. Here young Reynolds passed
the most of his childhood, while his character began
to develop, the most prominent traits of which were
ambition and energy. He also adopted the principle
and practice of total abstinence from intoxicating
liquors. In 1807 the family made another removal,

this time to the " Goshen Settlement," at the foot of
the Mississippi bluffs three or four miles southwest
of Edwardsville.

On arriving at his 20th year, Mr. Reynolds, seeing
that he must look about for his own livelihood and
not yet having determined what calling to pursue,
concluded first to attend college, and he accordingly
went to such an institution of learning, near Knox-
ville, Tenn., where he had relatives. Imagine his
diffidence, when, after passing the first 20 years of
his life without ever having seen a carpet, a papered
wall or a Windsor chair, and never having lived in a
shingle-roofed house, he suddenly ushered himself
into the society of the wealthy in the vicinity of
Knoxville ! He attended college nearly two years,
going through the principal Latin authors; but it
seems that he, like the rest of the world in modern
times, had but very little use for his Latin in after
life. He always failed, indeed, to exhibit any good
degree of literary discipline. He commenced the
study of law in Knoxville, but a pulmonary trouble
came on and compelled him to change his mode
of life. Accordinjjly he returned home and re-
cuperated, and in 1812 resumed his college and
law studies at Knoxville. In the fall of 1812 he was
admitted to the Bar at Kaskaskia. About this time
he also learned the French language, which he
practiced with pleasure in conversation with his
family for many years. He regarded this language
as being superior to all others for social intercourse

124

JOHN REYNOLDS.

From his services in the West, in the war oi 1812,
he obtained the sobriquet of the " Old Ranger." He
was Orderly Sergeant, then Judge Advocate.

Mr. Reynolds opened his first law office in the
winter and spring of 1814, in the French village of
Cahokia, then the capital of St. Clair County.

In the fall of 181S he was elected an Associate
Justice upon the Supreme Bench by the General
Assembly. In 1825 he entered more earnestly than
ever into the practice of law, and the very next year
was elected a member of the Legislature, where he
acted independently of all cliques and private inter-
ests. In 1828 the Whigs and Democrats were for
the first time distinctively organized as such in Illi-
nois, and the usual party bitterness grew up and
raged on all sides, while Mr. Reynolds preserved a
iudicial calmness and moderation. The real animus
if the campaign was " Jackson " and " anti-Jackson,"
'he former party carrying the State.

In August, 1830, Mr. Reynolds was elected Gov-
ernor, amid great e.xcitement. Installed in office, he
did all within his power to advance the cause of edu-
cation, internal improvements, the Illinois & Mich-
igan Canal, the harbor at Chicago, settling the coun-
try, etc.; also reccmmended the winding up of the
State Bank, as its affairs had become dangerously
complicated. In his national politics, he was a
moderate supporter of General Jackson. But the
most celebrated event of his gubernatcrial admin-
istration was the Black Hawk War, which occurred
in 1832. He called out the militia and prosecuted
the contest with commendable diligence, appearing
in ijerson on the battle-grounds during the most
critical periods. He was recognized by the President
as Major-General, and authorized by him to make
treaties with the Indians. By the assistance of the
genf.ral Government the war was terminated witliout
much bloodshed, but after many serious fights. This
war, as well as everything else, was materially re-
tarded by the occurrence of Asiatic cholera in the
West. This was its first appearance here, and was
the next event in prominence during Gov. Reynolds'
term.

South Carolina nullification corning up at this time,
t was heartily condemned by both President Jackson
^.nd Gov. Reynolds, who took precisely the same
grounds as the Unionists in the last war.

On the termination of his gubernatorial term in
.834, Gov. Reynolds was elected a Member of Con-
gress, still coi:sidering himself a backwoodsman, as
' e had scarcely been outside of the Slate since he
became of age, and had spent nearly all his youthful
iays in the wildest region of the frontier. His first
move in Congress was to adopt a resolution that in
all elections made by the House for officers the votes
should be given viva voce, each member in his place
naming aloud the person for whom he votes. This
created considerable heated discussion, but was es-

sentially adopted, and remained the controlling prin-
ciple for many years. The ex-Governor was scarcely
absent from his seat a single day, during eight ses-
sions of Congress, covering a period of seven year-.,
and he never vacillated in a party vote; but he failed
to get the Democratic party to foster his " National
Road" scheme. He says, in "My Own Times" (a
large autobiography he published), that it was only
by rigid economy that he avoided insolvency while in
Washington. During his sojourn in that city he was
married, to a lidy of the place.

In 1837, while out of Congress, and in company
with a few others, he built the first railroad in the
Mississippi Valley, namely, one about six miles long,
leading from his coal mine in the Mississippi bluft'to
the bank of the river opposite St. Louis. Having not
the means to purchase a locomotive, they operated it
by horse-power. The next spring, however, the com-
pany sold out, at great sacrifice.

In 1839 the ex-Governor was appointed one of the
Canal Commissioners, and authorized to borrow
money to prosecute the enterprise. Accord'ngly, he
repaired to Philadelphia and succeeding in obtaining
a million dollars, which, however, was only a fourth
of what was wanted. The same year he and his
wife made at our of Europe. This year, also, ^Ir.
Reynolds had the rather awkward little responsibility
of introducing to President Van Buren the noted
Mormon Prophet, Joseph Smith, as a " Latter-Day
Saint ! "

In 1846 Gov. Reynolds was elected a member of
the Legislature from St. Clair County, more particu-
larly for the purpose of obtaining a feasible charter
for a macadamized road from Belleville to St. Louis,
a distance of nearly 14 miles. This was immediately
built, and was the first road of the kind in the State.
He was again elected to the Legislature in 1852, when
he was chosen Speaker of the House. In i86o, aged
and infirm, he attended the National Democratic
Convention at Chadeston, S. C, as an anti-Douglas
Delegate, where he received more attention from the
Southern Delegates than any other member. He
supiwrted Breckenridge for the Presidency. After
the October elections foreshadowed the success of
Lincoln, he published an address urging the Demo-
crats to rally to the support of Douglas. Immedi-
ately preceding and during the late war, his corre-
spondence evinced a clear sympathy for the Southern
secession, and about the first of March, i86r, he
urged upon the Buchanan officials tlie seizure of the
treasure and arms in the custom-house and arsenal
at St. Louis. Mr. Reynolds was a rather talkative
man, and apt in all the Western phrases and catch-
words that ever gained currency, besides many cun-
ning and odd ones of his own manufacture.

He was married twice, but had no children. He
died in Belleville, in May, 1865, just after the close
of the war.

GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS.

127

/;w~tT''^^^^^ I LLI AM LEE D. EWING,
("^ Governor of Illinois Nov. 3
": to 17, 1834, was a native
uf Kentucky, and probably
of Scotch ancestry. He had
a fine education, was a gentle-
man of polished manners and
refined sentiment. In 1830 John Rey-
nolds was elected Governor of the State,
and Zadok Casey Lieutenant Governor,
and for the principal events that followed,
and the characteristics of the times, see
sketch of Gov. Reynolds. The first we
see in history concerning Mr. Ewing, in-
forms us that he was a Receiver of Pul)lic
Moneys at Vandalia soon after the organization of
tftib State, and that the public moneys in his hands
v.-ere deposited in various banks, as they are usually
.'•'•thv ^Tesent day. In 1823 the State Bank was
obbed, by which disaster Mr. Ewing lost a thousand-
dollar deposit.

The subject of this sketch had a commission as
(olonel in the Black Hawk War, and in emergencies
he acted also as Major. In the summer of 1832,
'■"/hen '.-was rumored among the whites that Black
Hawk and his men had encamped somewhere on
Rock Rive;-, Gen. Henry was sent on a tour of
reconnoisance, and with orders to drive the Indians
from the State. After some opposition from his
rubordinate officers, Henry resolved to proceed up
Rock River in search of the enemy. On the 19th of
July, early in the morning, five baggage wagons.

-» ■ ? ■ < -

camp equipage and all heavy and cumbersome arti-
cles were piled up and left, so that the army migh;
make speedy and forced marches. For some miles
the travel was exceedingly bad, crossing swamjis
and the worst thickets; but the large, fresh trail
give life and animation to the Americans. Gen.
Dodge and Col. Ewing were both actmg as Majors,
and composed the " spy corps " or vanguard of the
army. It is supposed the army marched nearly 50
miles this day, and the Indian trail they followed
became fresher, and was strewed with much property
and trinkets of the red-skins that they had lost or
thrown away to hasten their march. During the
following night there was a terrific thunder-storm, and
the soldiery, with all their appurtenances, were thor-
oughly drenched.

On approaching nearer the Indians the next day.
Gen. Dodge and Major Ewing, each commanding a
battalion of men, were placed in front to bring on the
l)attle, but the savages were not overtaken this day
Forced marches were continued until they reached.
Wisconsin River, where a veritable battle ensued,
resulting in the death of about 68 of Black Hawk's
men. The next day they continued the chase, and
as soon as he discovered the trail of the Indians
leading toward the Mississippi, Maj. Ewing formed
liis battalion in order of battle and awaited the order
of Gen. Henry. The latter soon appeared on the
ground and ordered a charge, which directly resulted
in chasing the red warriors across the great riven
Maj, Ewing and his command proved particularly
efficient in war, as it seems they were the chief actors
in driving the main body of the Sacs and Foxes, in-

128

WILLIAM L. D. EWING.

eluding Black Hawk himself, across the Mississippi,
while Gen. Atkinson, commander-in-chief of the ex-
pedition, with a body of the army, was hunting for
them in another direction.

In the above affair Maj. Ewmg is often referred to
as a "General," wh.ich title he had derived from his
connection with the militia.

It was in the latter part of the same year (1832)
that Lieutenant Governor Casey was elected to Con-
gress and Gen. Ewing, who had been elected to the
Senate, was cliosen to preside over that body. At
the August election of 1S34, Gov. Reynolds was also
elected to Congress, more than a year ahead of the
time at which he could actually take his seat, as was
then the law. His predecessor, Charles Slade, had
just died of Asiatic cholera, soon after the elec-
tion, and Gov. Reynolds was chosen to serve out his
unexpired term. Accordingly he set out for Wash-
ington in November of that year to take his seat in
Congress, and Gen. Ewing, by virtue of his office as
President of the Senate, became Governor of the
State of Illinois, his term covering only a period of
15 days, namely, from the 3d to the 17th days, in-
clusive, of November. On the 17th the Legislature
met, and Gov. Ewing transmitted to that body his
message, giving a statement of the condition of the
affairs of the State at that time, and urging a contin-
uance of the policy adopted by his predecessor; and
on the same day Governor elect Joseph Duncan
was sworn into office, thus relieving Mr. Ewing from

the responsible situation. This is the only time that
such a juncture has happened in the history of Illi-
nois.

On the 29th of December, 1835, Gen. Ewing was
elected a United States Senator to serve out the
unexpired term of Elias Kent Kane, deceased. The
latter gentleman was a very prominent figure in the
eariy politics of Illinois, and a county in this State is
named in his honor. The election of Gen. Ewing to
the Senate was a protracted struggle. His competi-
tors were James Semple, who afterwards held several
important offices in this State, and Richard M.
Young, afterward a United States Senator and a
Supreme Judge and a man of vast influence. On
the first ballot Mr. Semple had 25 votes. Young 19
and Ewing 18. On the eighth ballot Young was
dropped ; the ninth and tenth stood a tie ; but on
the 1 2th Ewing received 40, to Semple 37, and was
accordingly declared elected. In 1837 Mr. Ewing
received some votes for a continuance of his term in
Congress, when Mr. Young, just referred to, was
elected. In 1842 Mr. Ewing was elected State
Audit-^r on the ticket with Gov. Ford.

Gen. Ewing was a gentleman of culture, a lawyer
by profession, and was much in public life. In person
he was above medium height and of heavy build,
with auburn hair, blue eyes, large-sized head and
short face. He was genial, social, friendly and
affable, with fair talent, though of no high degree of
originality. He died March 25, 1846.

GO VERNORS OF ILLINOIS.

«3«

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OSEPH DUNCAN, Governor
1834-8, was born at Paris,
Ky., Feb. 23, 1794. At the
tender age of 19 years he en-
listed in the war against Great
Britain, and as a soldier he
acquitted himself with credit. He
was an Ensign under the daunt-
less Croghan at Lower Sanduhky,
or Fort Stephenson. In Illinois
he first appeared in a public capa-
city as Major-Geneval of the ]\Iilitia,
position which his military fame
had procured him. Subsequently
he became a State Senator from
Jackson County, and is honorably
mentioned for introducing the first bill providing for
a free-school system. In 1826, when the redoubt-
able John P. Cook, who had previously beaten such
men as John McLean, Elias Kent Kane and ex-
Gov. Bond, came up for the fourth time for Congress,
Mr. Duncan was brought forward against him by his
friends, greatly to the surprise of all the politicians.
As yet he was but little known in the State. He was
an original Jackson man at that time, being attached
to his political fortune in admiration of the glory of
his militaty achievements. His chances of success
against Cook were generally regarded as hopeless,
but he entered upon the campaign undaunted. His
speeches, though short and devoid of ornament, were
full of good sense. He made a diligent canvass of
the State, Mr. Cook being hindered by the condition of
his health. The most that was expected of Mr.
Duncan, under the circumstances, was that he would

obtain a respectable vote, but without defeating Mr,
Cook. The result of the campaign, however, was a
source of surprise and amazement to both friends
and foes, as Mr. Duncan came out 641 votes ahead!
He received 6,321 votes, and Mr. Cook 5,680. Un-
til this denotiemcnt, the violence of party feeling
smoldering in the breasts of the people on account
of the defeat of Jackson, was not duly appreciated.
Aside from the great convention struggle of 1824, no
other than mere local and pergonal considerations
had ever before controlled an election in Illinois.

From the above date Mr. Duncan retained his
seat in Congress until his election as Governor in
.August, 1834. The first and bloodless year of the
Black Hawk War he was appointed by Gov. Rey-
nolds to the position of Brigadier-General of the
volunteers, and he conducted his brigade to Rock
Island. But he was absent from the State, in Wash-
ington, during the gubernatorial campaign, and did
not personally participate in it, but addressed circu-
lars to his constituents. His election was, indeed,
attributed to the circumstance of his absence, be-
cause his estrangement from Jackson, formerly his
political idol, and also from the Democracy, largely
in ascendency in the State, was complete ; but while
his defection was well known to his Whig friends,
and even to the leading Jackson men of this State,
the latter were unable to carry conviction of that fact
to the masses, as mail and newspaper facilities at
that day were far inferior to those of the present
time. Of course the Governor was much abused
afterward by the fossilized Jackson men who re-
garded party ties and affiliations as above all
other issues that could arise; but he was doubtless

132

JOSEPH DUNCAN.

Eincere in his opposition to the old hero, as the latter
iiad vetoed several important western measures
which were dear to Mr. Duncan. In his inaugural
message he threw off the mask and took a bold stand
rgain St the course of the President. The measures
'.e recommended in his message, however, were so
desirable that the Legislature, although by a large
majority consisting of Jackson men, could not refrain
from endorsing them. These measures related
ruainly to banks and internal improvements.

It was while Mr. Duncan was Governor that the
people of Illinois went whirling on with bank and in-
ternal improvement schemes that well nigh bank-
nipted the State. The hard times of 1837 came on,
and the disasters that attended the inauguration of
diese plans and the operation of the banks were mu-
tually charged upon the two political parties. Had
any cr-e man autocratic power to introduce and
carry on any one of these measures, he would proba-
bly have succeeded to the satisfaction of the public ;
r.ut as many jealous men had hold of the same plow
nandle, no success followed and each blamed the other
for the failure. In this great vortex Gov. Duncan
was carried along, suffering the like derogation of
character with his fellow citizens.

At the height of the excitement the Legislature
" provided for " railroads from Galena to Cairo, Alton
to Shawneetown, Alton to Mount Carmel, Alton to tlie
eastern boundary of the State in the direction of
Terre Haute, Quincy via Springfield to the Wabasli,
Bloon-.ington to Pekin, and Peoria to Warsaw, — in all
about r, 300 miles of road. It also provided for the
improvement of the navigation of the Kaskaskia.
Illinois, Great and Little Wabash and Rock Rivers ;
also as a placebo, $200,000 in money were to be dis-
tributed to the various counties wherein no improve-
ments were ordered . to be made as above. The
estimate for the expenses for all these projects was
;laced at a little over $10,000,000, which was not
more inan half enough! That would now be equal to
saddling upon the State a debt of $225,000,000! It
was sufficient to bankrupt the State several times
over, even counting all the possible benefits.

One of the most exciting events that ever occurred
ba. this fair State was the murder of Elijah P. Love-
ioy in the fall of r837, at Alton, during Mr. Duncan's
term as Governor. Lovejoy was an " Abolitionist,"
editing the Observer at that place, and the pro-
slavery slums there formed themselves into a mob,

and after destroying successively three presses be-
longing to Mr. Lovejoy, surrounded the warehouse
where the fourth press was stored away, endeavoring
to destroy it, and where Lovejoy and his friends
were entrenching thernselves, and shot and killed the
brave reformer!

About this time, also, the question of removing the
State capital again came up, as the 20 years' limit for
its existence at Vandalia was drawing to a close.
There was, of course, considerable excitement over
the matter, the two main points competing for it be-
ing Springfield and Peoria. The jealousy of the lat-
ter place is not even yet, 45 years afterward, fully
allayed.

Gov. Duncan's term expired in 1838. In 1842
he was again proposed as a candidate for the Execu-
tive chair, this time by the Whig party, against Adam
W. Snyder, of St. Clair County, the nominee of the
Democrats. Charles W. Hunter was a third candi-
date for the same position. Mr. Snyder, however, died
before the campaign had advanced very far, and his
party substituted Thomas Ford, who was elected,
receiving 46,9or votes, to 38,584 for Duncan, and
909 for Hunter. The cause of Democratic success
at this time is mainly attributed to the temporary
support of the Mormons which they enjoyed, and the
want of any knowledge, on the part of the masses,
that Mr. Ford was opposed to any given [xjlicy en-
tertained in the respective localities.

Gov. Duncan was a man of rather limited educa-
tion, but with naturally fine abilities he profited
greatly by his various public services, and gathered
a store of knowledge regarding public affairs which
served him a ready purpose. He possessed a clear
judgment, decision, confidence in himself and moral
courage to carry out his convictions of light. In his
deportment he was well adapted to gain the admira-
tion of the people. His intercourse with them was
both affable and dignified. His portrait at the Gov-
ernor's mansion, from which the accompanying was
made, represents him as having a swarthy complex-
ion, high cheek bones, broad forehead, piercing black
eyes and straight black hair.

He was a liberal patron of the Illinois College at
Jacksonville, a member of its Board of Trustees, and
died, after a short illness, Jan. 15, 1S44, a devoted
member of the Presbyterian Ciiurch, leaving a wife
but no children. Two children, born to them, had
died in infancy.

'<?^*

^(::^i^-rYo-±^!:^

GO VERNORS OF ILLINOIS.

«3S

-i*

^nHOMAS CARLIN, the sixth
^ Governor of the State of
Illinois, serving from 1S38
to 1S42, was also a Ken-
tuckian, being born near
Frankfort, that State, July
iS, 1789, of Irish paternity.
The opportunities for an education
being very meager in his native
place, he, on approaching years of
judgment and maturity, applied
himself to those branches of learn-
ing that seemed most important,
and thus became a self-made man ;
and his taste for reading and
study remained with hini through
In 1803 his father removed
10 Missouri, then a part of " New Spain," where he
died in iSio.

In 18 1 2 young Carlin came to Illinois and 'partici-
pated in all the "ranging" service incident to the
war of that period, proving himself a soldier of un-
daunted bravery. In 1814 he married Rebecca
Huitt, and lived for four years on the bank of the
Mississippi River, opposite the mouth of the Mis-
souri, where he followed farming, and then removed
to Greene County. He located the town site of Car-
n>'tor.,in that county, and in 1825 made a liberal
donation of land for county building purposes. He
was the first Sherifif of that county after its separate
organization, and afterward was twice elected, as a
Jackson Democrat, to the Illinois Senate. In the
Black Hawk War he commanded a spy battalion, a
post of considerable danger. In 1834 he was ap-
pointed by President Jackson to the position of
Receiver of Public Moneys, and to fulfill the office

more conveniently he removed to the city of Quincy.

While, in 1838, the unwieldy internal improvement
system of the State was in full operation, with all its
expensive machinery, amidst bank suspensions
throughout the United States, a great stringency in
the money market everywhere, and Illinois bonds
forced to sale at a heavy discount, and the " hardest
times "existing that the people of the Prairie State
ever saw, the general election of Stale officers was
approaching. Discreet men who had cherished the
hope of a speedy subsidence of the public infatua-
tion, met with disappointment. A Governor and
Legislature were to be elected, and these were now
looked forward to for a repeal of the ruinous Stale
policy. But the grand scheme had not yet lost its
dazzling influence upon the minds of the people.
Time and experience had not yet fully demonstrated
its alter absurdity. Hence the question of arresting
its career of profligate expenditures did not become
a leading one with the dominant party during the
camp.iign, and most of the old members of the Leg-
islature were returned at this election.

Under these circumstances the Democrats, in State
Convention assembled, nominated Mr. Carlin for the
office of Governor, and S. H. Anderson for Lieuten-
ant Governor, while the Whigs nominated Cyrus Ed-
wards, brother of Ninian Edwards, formeriy Governor,
and W. H. Davidson. Edwards came out strongly
for a continuance of the State policy, while Carli;
remained non-committal. This was the first tunc
that the two main [wliiical parties in this Slate were
unembarrassed by any third party in ihe field. The
result of the election was: Carlin, 35,573 ; Ander-
son, 30,335 ; Edwards, 29,629 ; and Davidson, 28,-

7I.S-

Upon the meeting of the subsequent Legislature
(1839), the retiring Governor CDuncan) in his mcs-

t36

THOMAS CARLTN.

sage spoke in emphatic terms of the impolicy of the
internal improvement system, presaging the evils
threatened, and uiged that body to do their utmost
to correct the great error ; yet, on the contrary, the
Legislature not only decided to continue the policy
but also added to its burden by voting more appro-
priations and ordering more improvements. Although
the money market was still stringent, a further loan
of $4,000,000 was ordered for the Illinois & Mich-
igan Canal alone. Cn'cago at that time began to
loom up and promise to be an important city, even
the great emporium of the West, as it has since in-
deed came to be. Ex-Gov. Reynolds, an incompe-
tent financier, was commissioned to effect the loan,
and accordingly hastened to the East on this respons-
ible errand, and negotiated the loans, at considera-
ble sacrifice to the State. Besides this embarrassment
to Carlin's administration, the Legislature also de-
clared that he had no authority to appoint a Secretary
of State until a vacancy existed, and A. P. Field, a
Whig, who had already held the post by appointment
through three administrations, was determined to
keep the place a while longer, in spite of Gov. Car-
lin's preferences. The course of the Legislature in
this regard, however, was finally sustained by the
Supreme Court, in a quo warranto case brought up
before it by John A. McClernand, whom the Gov-
ernor had nominated for the office. Thereupon that
dignified body was denounced as a "Whig Court!"
endeavoring to establish the principle of life-tenure
of office.

A new law was adopted re-organizing the Judici-
ary, and under it five additional Supreme Judges
were elected by the Legislature, namely, Thomas
Ford (afterward Governor), Sidney Breese, Walter B.
Scates, Samuel H. Treat and Stephen A. Douglas —
all Democrats.

It was daring Cov. Carlin's administration that the
noisy campaign of '"Tippecanoe and Tyler too " oc-
curred, resulting in a Whig victory. This, however,
did net affect Illinois politics very seriously.

Another prominent event in the West during Gov.
Carlin's term of office was the excitement caused by
the Mcrmons and their removal from Independence,
Mo., to Nauvoo, 111., in 1840. At the same time
they began to figure somewhat in State politics. On
account of tlieir believing — as they thought, accord-
ing to the New Testament — that they should have

" all things common," and that consequently " all
the earth " and all that is upon it were the" Lord's "
and therefore the property of his " saints," they
were suspected, and correctly, too, of committing
many of the deeds of larceny, robbery, etc., that
were so rife throughout this country in those days.
Hence a feeling of violence grew up between the
Mormons and "anti-Mormons." In the State of
Missouri the Mormons always supported the Dem-
ocracy until they were driven out by the Democratic
government, when they turned their support to the
Whigs. They were becoming numerous, and in the
Legislature of 1840-r, therefore, it became a matter
of great interest with both parties to conciliate these
people. Through the agency of one John C. Ben-
nett, a scamp, the Mormons succeeded in rushing
through the Legislature (both parties not daring to
oppose) a charter for the city of Nauvoo which vir-
tually erected a hierarchy co-ordinate with the Fed-
eral Government itself. In the fall of 1841 the
Governor of Missouri made a demand upon Gov.
Carlin for the body of Joe Smith, the ^lormon leader,
as a fugitive from justice. Gov. Carlin issued the
writ, but for some reason it was returned unserved.
It was again issued in 1842, and Smith was arrested,
but was either rescued by his followers or discharged
by the municipal court on a writ of habeas corpus.

In December, 1841, the Democratic Convention
nominated .\dam W. Snyder, of Belleville, for Gov-
ernor. As he had been, as a member of the Legisla-
ture, rather friendly to the Mormons, the latter
naturally turned their support to the Democratic
party. The next spring the Whigs nominated Ex-
Gov. Duncan for the same office. In the meantime
the Mormons began to grow more odious to the
masses of the people, and the comparative prospects
of the respective parties for success became very
problematical. Mr. Snyder died in May, and
Thomas Ford, a Supreme Judge, was substituted as
a candidate, and was elected.

At the close of his gubernatorial term, Mr. Carlin
removed back to his old home at Carrollton, where
he spent the remainder of his life, as before his ele-
vation to office, in agricultural pursuits. In 1S49
he served out the unexpired term of J. D. Fry in the
Illinois House of Representatives, and died Feb. 4.
1852, at his residence at Carrollton, leaving a wife
and seven children.

■'^A-t^t^t^^Ck^

GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS.

*39

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3H0MAS FORD, Governor
from 1842 to 1846, and au-
thor of a very interesting
history of Illinois, was born
at Uniontown, Pa., in the
year 1 800. His mother, after
the death of her first hus-
band (Mr. Forquer), married Rob-
ert Ford, who was killed in 1802,
by the Indians in the mountains
of Pennsylvania. She was conse-
quently left in indigent circum-
stances, with a large family, mostly
gids. With a view to better her
condition, she, in 1804, removed to
Missouri, where it had been cus-
tomary by the Spanish Govern-
ment to give land to actual settlers; but upon her
arrival at St. Louis she found the country ceded to
the United States, and the liberal policy toward set-
tlers changed by the new ownership. After some
sickness to herself and family, she finally removed to
Illinois, and settled some three miles south of Water-
loo, but the following year moved nearer the Missis-
sippi bluffs. Here young Ford received his first i

schooling, under the instructions of a Mr. Humphrey,
for which he had to walk three miles. His mother,
though lacking a thorough education, was a woman
of superior mental endowments, joined to energy
and determination of character. She inculcated in
her children those high-toned principles which dis-
tinguished her sons in ^^ublic life. She exercised a
rigid economy to provide her children an education ;
but (ieorge Forquer, her oldest son (six years older
than Thomas Ford), at an early age had to quit
school to aid by his labor in the support of the family.
He afterward became an eminent man in Illinois
affairs, and but for his early death would probably
have been elected to the United States Senate.

Young Ford, with somewhat better opportunities,
received a better education, though limited to the
curriculum of the common school of those pioneer
times. His mind gave early promise of superior en-
dowments, with an inclination fur mathematics. His
proficiency attracted the attention of Hon. Daniel P.
Cook, who became his efficient patron and friend.
The latter gentleman was an eminent Illinois states-
man who, as a Member of Congress, obtained a grant
of 300,000 acres of land to aid in completing the
Illinois & Michigan Canal, and after whom the
county of Cook was named. Through the advice of

I4e

THOMAS I^RD.

this j^entleinaii, Mr. Ford turned his attention to the
study of hxw; but Forquer, then merchandising, re-
s^-irdini.; liis education defective, sent him to Transyl-
vania University, wliere, however, he remained but
one term, owing to Forquer's failure in business. On
his return he alternated his law reading with teach-
ing school for support.

In 1829 Gov. Edwards appointed him Prosecuting
Attorney, and in 1831 he was re-appointed by Gov.
Reynolds, and after that he was four times elected a
Judge by the Legislature, without opposition, twice a
Circuit Judge, once a Judge of Chicago, and as As-
sociate Judge of the Supreme Court, when, in 1841,
the latter tribunal was re-organized by the addition
of five Judges, all Democrats. Ford was assigned to
the Ninth Judicial Circuit, and while in this capacity
he was holding Court in Ogle County he received a
notice of his nomination by the Democratic Conven-
tion for the office of Governor. He immediately re-
signed his place and entered upon the canvass. In
August, 1842, he was elected, and on the 8th of De-
cember following he was inaugurated.

All the offices which he had held were unsolicited
by him. He received them upon the true Jefferson-
ian principle, — Never to ask and never to refuse
office. Both as a lawyer and as a Judge he stood
deservedly high, but his cast of intellect fitted him
rather for a writer upon law than a practicing advo-
cate in the courts. In the latter capacity he was void
of the moving power of eloquence, so necessary to
success with juries. As a Judge his opinions were
"ound, lucid and able expositions of the law. In
practice, he was a stranger to the tact, skill and in-
sinuating address of the politician, but he saw through
ihe arts of demagogues as well as any man. He was
()lain in his demeanor, so i^iuch so, indeed, that at
one time after the expiration of his term of office,
during a session of the Legislature, he was taken by
a stranger to be a seeker for the position of door-
keeper, and was waited upon at his hotel near mid-
night by a knot of small office-seekers with t!ie view
of effecting a " combination ! "

Mr. Ford had not the " brass " of the ordinary
politician, nor that impetuosity which characterizes a
political leader. He cared little for money, and
hardly enough for a decent support. In person he
was of small stature, slender, of dark complexion,
with black hair, sharp features, deep-set eyes, a
pointed, aquiline nose having a decided twist to one
side, and a small mouth.

The three most important events in Gov. Ford's
administration were the establishment of the high
iinancial credit of the State, the " Mormon War "and
.he Mexican War.

In the first of these the Governor proved himself
*.c be en;inentlv wise. On coming into office he found
►he State iiadly paralyzed by the ruinous efiTects of
the notorious "internal improvement" schemes of

the preceding decade, with scarcely anything to
show by way of "improvement." The enterprise
that seemed to be getting ahead more than all the
rest was the Illinois & Michigan Canal. As this
promised to be the most important thoroughfare,
feasible to the people, it was well under headway in
its construction. Therefore the State policy was
almost concentrated upon it, in order to rush it onto
completion. The bonded indebtedness of the State
was growing so large as to frighten the people, and
they were about ready to entertain a proposition for
repudiation. But the Governor had the foresight to
recommend such measures as would maintain the
public credit, for which every citizen to-day feels
thankful.

But perhaps the Governor is remembered more for
his connection with the Mormon troubles than for
anything else; for it was during his term of office
that the " Latter-Day Saints " became so strong at
Nauvoo, built their temple there, increased their num-
bers throughout the country, committed misdemean-
ors, taught dangerous doctrines, suffered the loss of
theirleader, Jo Smith, by a violent death, were driven
out of Nauvoo to the far West, etc. Having been a
Judge for so many years previously, Mr. Ford of
course was non-committal concerning Mormon affairs,
and was therefore claimed by both parties and also
accused by each of sympathizing too greatly with the
other side. Mormonism claiming to be a system of
religion, the Governor no doubt was "between two
fires," and felt compelled to touch the matter rather
" gingerly," and doubtless felt greatly relieved when
that pestilential people left the State. Such compli-
cated matters, especially when religion is mixed up
with them, expose every person participating in
them to criticism from all parties.

The Mexican War was begun in the spring of
1845, and was continued into the gubernatorial term
of Mr. Ford's su;cessor. The Governor's connection
with this war, however, was not conspicuous, as it
was only administrative, commissioning officers, etc.

Ford's " History of Illinois " is a very readable and
entertaining work, of 450 small octavo pages, and is
destined to increase in value with the lapse of time.
It exhibits a natural flow of compact and forcible
thought, never failing to convey the nicest sense. In
tracing with his trenchant pen the devious operations
of the professional politician, in which he is inimit-
able, his account is open, perhaps, to the objection
that all his contemporaries are treated as mere place-
seekers, while many of them have since been judged
by the people to be worthy statesmen. His writings
seem slightly open to the criticism that they exhibit
a little splenetic partiality against those of his con-
temporaries who were prominent during Iiis term of
office as Governor.

The death of Gov. Ford took place at Peoria, 111.,
Nov. 2, 1S50.

GO VERNORS OF ILLINOIS.

*43

j^m^Y />.^y7^^

Augustus €. French.

^?e<vx^/Xi:f

Augustus c. French,

Governor of Illinois from
1S46 to 1852, was born in
the town of Hill, in the
State of New Hampshire,
Aug. 2, 1808. He was a
descendant in the fourth
generation of Nathaniel
French, who emigrated from England
in 1687 and settled in Saybury, Mass.
In early life young French lost his
father, but continued to receive in-
struction from an exemplary and
Christian mother until he was 19 years
old, when she also died, confiding to
his care and trust four younger broth-
ers and one sister. He discharged his trust with
parental devotion. His education in early life was
such mainly as a common school afforded. For a
brief period he attended Dartmouth College, but
from pecuniary causes and the care of his brothers
and sister, he did not graduate. He subsequently
read law, and was admitted to the Bar in 1831, and
shortly afterward removed to Illinois, settling first at
Albion, Edwards County, where he established him-
self in the practice of law. The following year he
removed to Paris, Edgar County. Here he attained
eminence in his profession, and entered public life
by representing that county in the Legislature. A
strong attachment sprang up between him and Ste-
plien A. Douglas.

In 1839, Mr. French was appointed Receiver of
the United States Land Office at Palestine, Craw-
ford County, at which place he was a resident when

elevated to the gubernatorial chair. In 1844 he was
a Presidential Elector, and as such he voted for
James K. Polk.

The Democratic State Convention of 1846, meet-
ing at Springfield Feb. 10, nominated Mr. French
for Governor. Other Democratic candidates were
Lyman Trumbull, John Calhoun (subsequently of
Lecompton Constitution notoriety), V\' alter B. Scates.
Richard M. Young and A. W. Cavarly,— an array of
very able and prominent names. Trumbull was per-
haps defeated in the Convention by the tumor that
he was opposed to the Illinois and Michigan Canal,
as he had been a year previously. For Lieutenant
Governor J. B. Wells was chosen, while other candi-
dates were Lewis Ross, Wm. McMurtry, Newton
Cloud, J. B. Hamilton and W. W. Thompson. The
resolutions declared strongly against the resuscita-
tion of the old State Banks.

The Whigs, who were in a hopeless minority, held
their convention June 8, at Peoria, and selected
Thomas M. Kilpatrick, of Scott County, for Governor,
and Gen. Nathaniel G. Wilco.x, of Schuyler, for
Lieutenant Governor.

In the campaign the latter exposed Mr. French's
record and connection with the passage of the in-
ternal improvement system, urging it against his
election; l)ut in the me-intime the war with Mexico
broke out, regarding which the Whig record was un-
popular in this State. The war was the absorbing
and dominating question of the period, svveeping
every other political issue in its course. Tlie elec-
tion in August gave Mr. French 58,700 votes, and
Kilpatrick only 36,775. Richard Eells, Abolitionist
candidate for the same office, received 5,152 vot^s

144

AUGUSTUS C. FRENCH.

By the new Constitution of 184S, a new election for
State officers was ordered in November of that year,
before Gov. French's term was half out, and he was
re-elected for the term of four years. He was there-
fore the incumbent for six consecutive years, the
only Governor of this State who has ever served in
that capacity so long at one time. As there was no
organized opposition to his election, he received 67,-
453 votes, to S>639 fo"" Pierre Menard (son of the
first Lieutenant Governor), 4,748 for Charles V.
Dyer, 3,834 for W. L. D. Morrison, and 1,361 for
James L. D. Morrison. But VVm. McMurtry, of
Knox County, was elected Lieutenant Governor, in
place of Joseph B. Wells, who was before elected
and did not run again.

Governor French was inaugurated into ofiice dur-
ing the progress of the Mexican War, which closed
during the summer of 1847, although the treaty of
Guadalupe Hidalgo was not made until Feb. 2,
1848. The policy of Gov. French's party was com-
mitted to that war, but in connection with that affair
he was, of course, only an administrative officer.
During his term of office, Feb. 19, 1847. the Legisla-
ture, by special permission of Congress, declared that
all Government lands sold to settlers should be im-
mediately subject to State taxation ; before this they
were exempt for five years after sale. By this ar-
rangem.ent the revenue was materially increased.
About the same time, the distribution of Government
land warrants among the Me.xican soldiers as bounty
threw upon the market a great quantity of good
lands, and this enhanced the settlement of the State.
The same Legislature authorized, with the recom-
mendation of the Governor, the sale of the Northern
Cross Railroad (from Springfield to Meredosia, the
first in the State and now a section of the Wabash,
St. Louis & Pacific) It sold for $100,000 in bonds,
although it had cost the State not less than a million.
The salt wells and canal lands in the Saline reserve
in Gallatin County, granted by the general Govern-
ment to the State, were also authorized by the
Governor to be sold, to apply on the State debt. In
1850, for the first time since 1839, the accruing State
revenue, exclusive of specific appropriations, was
sufficient to meet the current demands upon the
treasur)'. The aggregate taxable property of the
State at this time was over $100,000,000, and the
population 851,470.

In 1849 the Legiaiature adopted the township or-
ganization law, which, however, proved defective,
and was properly amended in 1 851. At its session
in the latter year, the General Assembly also passed
a law to exempt homesteads from sale on executions
This beneficent measure had been repeatedly atge<3
upon that body by Gov. French.

In 1850 some business men in St. Louis con\-
menced to build a dike opposite the lower part of
their city on the Illinois side, to keep the Mississippi
in its channel near St. Louis, instead of breaking
away from them as it sometimes threatened to do.
This they undertook without permission from the
Legislature or Executive authority of this State ; and
as many of the inhabitants then* complained that
the scheme would inundate and ruin much valuable
land, there was a slight conflict of jurisdictions, re-
sulting in favor of the St. Louis project; and since
then a good site has existed there for a city (East St.
Louis), and now a score of railroads center there.

It was in September, 1850, that Congress granted
to this State nearly 3,000,000 acres of land in aid of
the completion of the Illinois Central Railroad,
which constituted the most important epoch in the
railroad — we might say, internal improvement — his-
tory of the State. The road was rushed on to com-
pletion, which accelerated the settlement of the in-
terior of the State by a good class of industrious citi-
zens, and by the charter a good income to the State
Treasury is paid in from the earnings of the road.

In 1 85 I the Legislature passed a law authorizing
free stock banks, v/hich was the source of much leg-
islative discussion for a number of years.

But we have not space further to particularize
concerning legislation. Gov. French's administra-
tion was not marked by any feature to be criticised,
while the country was settling up as never before.

In stature. Gov. French was of medium height,
squarely built, light complexioned, with ruddy face
and pleasant countenance. In manners he was
plain and agreeable. By nature he was somewhat
diffident, but he was often very outspoken in his con-
victions of duty. In public speech he was not an
orator, but was chaste, earnest and persuasive. In
business he was accurate and methodical, and in his
administration he kept up the credit of the State.

He died in 1865, at his home in Lebanon, St
Glair Co., 111.

\ u

GO VEKNORS OF ILLINOIS.

'47

^^\ ^. J^Initeson.

-■«■ :=^ <^-<M>-$s>$

'- ^^ V)EL A. MATTESON, Governor
^j,#** 1853-6, was born Aug. 8, 1808,
*^' ■■''■'■■ in Jefferson County, New York,
to which place his father had re-
moved from Vermont three years
before. His father was a farmer
in fair circumstances, but a com-
mon English education was all
that his only son received. Young
Joel first tempted fortune as a
small tradesman in Prescott,
Canada, before he was of age.
He returned from that place to
his home, entered an academy,
taught school, visited the prin-
cipal Eastern cities, improved a farm Iiis father hail
given him, made a tour in tiie South, worked tlierc
in building railroads, experienced a storm on the
Gulf of Mexico, visited the gold diggings of Northern
Georgia, and returned via Nashville to St. Louis and
through Illinois to his father's home, when he mar-
ried. In 1833, having sold his farm, he removed,
vvith his wife and one child, to Illinois, and entered
a claim on Government land near the head of An
Sable River, in what is now Kendall County. At
ihat time there were not more tlian two neighbors
within a range of ten miles of his place, and only
'hree or four houses between Iiim and Chicago. He
opened a large farm. His family was boarded 12

miles away while he erected a house on his claim,
sleeping, during this time, under a rude pole shed.
Here his life was once placed in imminent peril by
a huge prairie rattlesnake sharing his bed.

In 183s he bought largely at the Government land
sales. During the speculative real-estate mania whicli
broke out in Chicago in 1836 and spread over the State,
he sold his lands under the inflation of that period
and removed to Joliet. In 1S38 he became a heavy
contractor on the Illinois & Michigan Canal. Upon
the completion of his job in i84r, when hard limes
prevailed, business at a stand, contracts paid in State
scrip; when all the public works except the canal
were abandoned, the State offered for sale 700 tons
of railroad iron, which was purchased by Mr. Mat-
teson at a bargain. This he accepted, shipped and
sold at Detroit, realizing a very handsome profit,
enough to pay off all jiis canal debts and leave him a
surplus of several thousand dollars. His enterprise
ne.xt prompted him to start a woolen mill at Joliet,
m which he prospered, and which, after successive
enlargements, became an enormous establishment.

In 1S42 he was first elected a State Senator, but,
by a bungling apiiortionment, John Pearson, a Senator
holdiiig over, was found to be in the same district,
and decided to be entitled to represent it. Mat-
teson's seat was declared vacant. Pearson, however
with a nobleness difficult to appreciate in this day of

r48

JOEL A. MATTESON.

greed for office, unwilling to represent his district
under the circumstances, immediately resigned his
unexpired term of two years. A bill was passed in a
few hours ordering a new election, and in ten days'
time Mr. Matteson was returned re-elected and took
his seat as Senator. From his well-known capacity
as a business man, he was made Chairman of the
Committee on Finance, a position he held during
this half and two full succeeding Senatorial terms,
discharging its important duties with ability and faith-
fulness. Besides his extensive woolen-mill interest,
when work was resumed on the canal under the new
loan of $[,600,000 he again became a heavy con-
tractor, and also subsequently operated largely in
building railroads. Thus he showed himself a most
energetic and thorough business man.

He was nominated for Governor by the Demo-
cratic State Convention which met at Springfield
April 20, 1852. Other candidates before the Con-
vention were D. L. Gregg and F. C. Sherman, of
Cook ; John Dement, of Lee ; Thomas L. Harris, of
Menard; Lewis W. Ross, of Fulton ; and D. P. Bush,
of Pike. Gustavus Koerner, of St. Clair, was nom-
inated for Lieutenant Governor. For the same offices
the Whigs nominated Edwin B. Webb and Dexter A.
Kiiowlton. Mr. Matteson received 80,645 votes at
the election, while Mr. Webb received 64,408. Mat-
teson's forte was not on the stump; he had not cul-
tivated the art of oily flattery, or the faculty of being
all things to all men. His intellectual qualities took
rather the direction of efficient executive ability. His
turn consisted not so much in the adroit manage-
ment of party, or the powerful advocacy of great gov-
ernmental principles, as in those more solid and
enduring operations which cause the physical devel-
opment and advancement of a State, — of commerce
and business enterprise, into which he labored with
success to lead the people. As a politician he was
just and liberal in his views, and both in official and
private life he then stood untainted and free from
blemish. As a man, in active benevolence, social
I'irtues and all the amiable qualities of neighbor or
citizen, he had few su])eriors. His messages present
a perspicuous array of facts as to the condition of the
State, and are often couched in forcible and elegant
diction.

The greatest excitement during his term of office
was the repeal of the Missouri Compromise, by Con-

gress, under the leadership of Stephen A. Douglas in
1854, when the bill was passed organizing the Terri-
tory of Kansas and Nebraska. A large portion of
the Whig party of the North, through their bitter op-
position to the Democratic party, naturally drifted
into the doctrine of anti-slavery, and thus led to what
was temporarily called the "Anti-Nebraska" party,
while the followers of Douglas were known as " Ne-
braska or Douglas Democrats." It was during this
embryo stage of the Republican party that Abraham
Lincoln was brought forward as the "Anti-Nebraska"
candidate for the United States Senatorship, while
Gen. James Shields, the incumbent, was re-nom-
inated by the Democrats. But after a fewballotings
in the Legislature (1855), these men were dropped,
and Lyman Trumbull, an Anti-Nebraska Democrat,
was brought up by the former, and Mr. Matteson,
then Governor, by the latter. Qn the nth ballot
Mr. Trumbull obtained one majority, and was ac-
cordingly declared elected. Before Gov. Matteson's
term expired, the Republicans were fully organized
as a national party, and in 1S56 put into the field a
full national and State ticket, carrying the State, but
not the nation.

The Legislature of 1S55 passed two very import-
ant measures, — the present free-school system and a
submission of the Maine liquor law to a vote of the
people. The latter was defeated by a small majority
of the popular vote.

During the four years of Gov. Matteson's admin-
istration the taxable wealth of the State was about
trebled, from $t37,8t8,o79 to $349,95r,272 ; the pub-
lic debt was reduced from $17,398,985 to $12,843,-
144; taxation was at the same time reduced, and llie
State resumed paying interest on its debt in New
York as fast as it fell due ; railroads were increased
in their mileage from something less than 400 to
about 3,000 ; and the population of Chicago was
nearly doubled, and its commerce more than quad-
rupled.

Before closing this account, we regret that we have
to say that Mr. Matteson, in all other respects an
upright man and a good Governor, was implicated
in a false re-issue of redeemed canal scrio, amount-
ing to $224,t82.66. By a suit in the Sangamon Cir-
cuit Court the State recovered the principal and all
the interest excepting $27,500.

He died in the winter of 1872-3, at Chicago.

GO VERNORS OF ILLINOIS.

151

iL.

(i^ii

'^«§§>'^':^'^«ga^'S•^^'^l^if^'^'t.^^^^^'>a'^:^^a»'i^t^a'r'^Jl•^^>'|igi'^^ 1 1 1

[LLIAM H. BISSELL, Gov-
ernor 1857-60, was born
B(S April 25, iSii, in the
State of New York, near
Painted Post, Yates County.
His parents were obscure,
honest. God-fearing people,
uiio reared their children under the daily
example of industry and frugality, accord-
ing to the custom of that class of Eastern
society. Mr. Bissell received a respecta-
l)le but not thorough academical education.
By assiduous application he acquired a
knowledge of medicine, and in his early
manhood came West and located in Mon-
roe County, this State, where he engaged in the
practice of that profession. But he was not enam-
ored of his calling: he was swayed by a broader
ambition, to such an extent that the mysteries of the
healing art and its arduous duties failed to yield him
further any charms. In a few years he discovered
his choice of a profession to be a mistake, and when
lie approached the age of 30 he sought to begin
anew. Dr. Bissell, no doubt unexpectedly to him-
self, discovered a singular facility and charm of
speech, the exercise of which acquired for him a
ready local notoriety. It soon came to be under-

stood that he desired to abandon his profession and
take up that of the law. During terms of Court he
would spend his time at the county seat among the
members of the Bar, who extended to him a ready
welcome.

It was not strange, therefore, that he should drift
into public life. In 1840 he was elected as a Dem-
ocrat to the Legislature from Monroe County, and
was an efficient member of that body. On his re-
turn home he qualified himself for admission to the
Bar and speedily rose to the front rank as an advo-
cate. His powers of oratory were captivating. With a
pure diction, charming and inimitable gestures,
clearness of statement, and a remarkable vein of sly
humor, his efforts before a jury told with irresistible
effect. Hfe was chosen by the Legislature Prosecut-
ing Attorney for tiie Circuit in which he lived, and
in that position he fully discharged his duty to the
State, gained the esteem of the Bar, and seldom
failed to convict the offender of the law.

In stature he was somewhat tall and slender, and
with a straight, military bearing, he presented a dis-
tinguished appearance. His complexion was dark,
his head well poised, though not large, his address
pleasant and manner winning. He was exemplary
in his habits, a devoted husband and kind parent.
He was twice married, the first time to Miss James,

'5 =

WILLIAM H. BlSSELl.

of Monroe County, by whom he had two children,
both daughters. She died soon after the year 1840,
and Mr. B. married for his second wife a daughter
of Elias K. Kane, previously a United States Senator
from this State. She survived him but a short time,
and died without issue.

When the war with Mexico was declared in 1846,
Mr. Bissell enlisted and was elected Colonel of his
regiment, over Hon. Don Morrison, by an almost
unanimous vote, — 807 to 6. Considering the limited
opportunities he had had, he evinced a high order of
military talent. On the bloody field of Buena Vista
he acquitted himself with intrepid and distinguished
ability, contributing with his regiment, the Second
Illinois, in no small degree toward saving the waver-
ing fortunes of our arms during that long and fiercely
contested battle.

After his return home, at the close of the war, he
was elected to Congress, his opponents being the
Hons. P. B. Fouke and Joseph Gillespie. He served
two terms in Congress. He was an ardent politician.
During the great contest of 1850 he voted in favor
of the adjustment measures; but in 1S54 he opposed
the repeal of the Missouri Compromise act and
therefore the Kansas-Nebraska bill of Douglas, and
thus became identified with the nascent Republican
party.

During his first Congressional term, while the
Southern members were following their old practice
of intimidating the North by bullying language,
and claiming most of the credit for victories in the
Mexican War, and Jefferson Davis claiming for the
Mississippi troops all the credit for success at Buena
Vista, Mr. Bissell bravely defended the Northern
troops ; whereupon Davis challenged Bissell to a duel,
which was accepted. This matter was brought ujj
against Bissell when he was candidate for Governor
and during his term of office, as the Constitution of
this State forbade any duelist from holding a State
office.

In 1856, when the Republican party first put forth
a candidate, John C. Fremont, for President of the
United States, the same party nominated Mr. Bissell
for Governor of Illinois, and John Wood, of Quincy,
for Lieutenant Governor, while the Democrats nomi-
nated Hon. W. A. Richardson, of Adams County,
for Governor, and Col. R. J. Hamilton, of Cook
County, for Lieutenant Governor. The result of the

election was a plurality of 4,729 votes over Richard-
son. The American, or Know-Nothing, party had a
ticket in the field. The Legislature was nearly bal-
anced, but was politically opposed to the Governor.
His message to the Legislature was short and rather
ordinary, and was criticised for expressing the sup-
posed obligations of the people to the incorporators
of the Illinois Central Railroad Company and for re-
opening the slavery question by allusions to the
Kansas troubles. Late in the session an apportion-
ment'bill, based upon the State census of 1855, was
passed, amid much partisan strife. The Governor
at first signed the bill and then vetoed it. A furious
debate followed, and the question whether the Gov-
ernor had tlie authority to recall a signature was
referred to the Courts, that of last resort deciding in
favor of the Governor. Two years afterward another
outrageous attempt was made for a re-apportionment
and to gerrymander the State, but the Legislature
failed to pass the bill over the veto of the Governor.

It was during Gov. Bissell's administration that
the notorious canal scrip fraud was brought to light,
'mplicating ex-Gov. Matteson and other prominent
State officials. The principal and interest, aggregat-
ing $255,500, was all recovered by the State except-
ing ,$27,500. (See sketch of Gov. Matteson.)

In 1S59 an attempt was discovered to fraudu-
lently refund the Macalister and Stebbins bonds and
thus rob the State Treasury of nearly a quarter of a
million dollars. The State Government was impli-
cated in this aff"air, and to this day remains unex-
plained or unaloned for. For the above, and other
matters previously mentioned. Gov. Bissell has been
severely criticised, and he has also been most shame-
fully libelled and slandered.

On account of exposure in the army, the remote
cause of a nervous form of disease gained entrance
into his system and eventually developed paraplegia,
affecting his lower extremities, which, while it left
his body in comparative health, deprived him of loco-
motion except by the aid of crutches. While he was
generally hopeful of ultimate recovery, this myste-
rious disease pursued him, without once rela.xing its
stealthy hold, to the close of his life, March 18,
i860, over nine months before the expiration of hia
gubernatorial term, at the early age of 48 years. He
died in the faith of the Roman Catholic Church. 0/
which he harx been a member since 1S54.

GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS.

'55

l0lra lil00ll.

*«♦

;( )HN WOOD, Governor 1860-1, and
^^^*» the first settler of Quincy, 111.,
was born in the town of Sempro-
nius (now Moravia), Cayuga Co.,
N. Y., Dec. 20, 1798. He was
the second child and only son of
Dr. Daniel Wood. His mother,
nee Catherine Craiise, was of
German parentage, and died
while he was an infant. Dr.
Wood was a learned and skillful
physician, of classical attain-
ments and proficient in several
modern lai.guages, who, after
serving throughout the Revolu-
tionary War as a Surgeon, settled on the land granted
him by the Government, and resided there a re-
spected and leading influence in his section until his
death, at the ripe age of 92 years.

The subject of this sketch, impelled by the spirit
of Western adventure then pervading everywhere,
left his home, Nov. 2, 181S, and passed the succeed-
ing winter in Cincinnati, Ohio. The following sum-
mer he pushed on to Illinois, landing at Shawneetown.
and spent the fall and following winter in Calhoun
County. In 1820, in company with Willard Keyes,
he settled in Pike County, about 30 miles southeast
of Quincy, where for the next two years he pursued
farming. In 1S21 he visited "the Bluffs" (as the
present site of Quincy was called, then uninhabited)
and, pleased with its prospects, soon after purchased
a quarter-section of land near by, and in the follow-
ing fall (1822) erected near the river a small cabin.

18 X 20 feet, the first building in Quincy, of which
he then became the first and for some months tiie
only occupant.

About this time he visited his old friends in YW".
County, chief of whom was William Ross, the lead-
ing man in building up the village of Atlas, of that
county, which was thought then to be the possible
commencement of a city. One day they and others
were traveling together over the country between the
two points named, making observations on the com-
parative merits of the respective localities. On ap-
proaching the Mississippi near i\Ir. Wood's place,
the latter told his companions to follow him and he
would show them where he was going to build a city.
They went about a mile off the main trail, to a high
point, from which the view in every direction was
most magnificent, as it had been for ages and as yet
untouched by the hand of man. Before them swept
by the majestic Father of Waters, yet unburdened by
navigation. After Mr. Wood had expatiated at
length on the advantages of the situation, Mr. Ross
replied, " But it's too near Atlas ever to amount to
anything!"

Atlas is still a cultivated farm, and Quincy is a
city of over 30,000 population.

In 1824 Mr. Wood gave a newspaper notice,
as the law then prescribed, of his intention to apply
to the General Assembly for the formation of a new
county. This was done the following winter, result-
ing m the establishment of the present Adams
County. During the next summer Quincy was se-
lected as the county seat, it and the vicinity then
containing but four adult male residents and halt'

'SO

JOHN WOOD.

that number of females. Since that period Mr.
Wood resided at the place of his early adoption un-
til his death, and far more than any other man was
he identified with every measure of its progress and
history, and almost continuously kept in public jiosi-
tions.

He was one of the early town Trustees, and after
the place became a city he was often a member of
the City Council, many times elected Mayor, in the
face of a constant large opposition political majority.
In 1850 he was elected to the State Senate. In 1856,
on the organization of the Republican party, he was
chosen Lieutenant Governor of the State, on the
ticket with Wm. H. Bissell for Governor, and on the
death of the latter, March 18, i860, he succeeded to
the Chief Executive chair, which he occupied until
Gov. Yates was inaugurated nearly ten months after-
ward.

Nothing very marked characterized the adminis-
tration of Gov. Wood. The great anti-slavery cam-
paign of i860, resulting in the election of the honest
Illinoisan, Abraham Lincoln, to the Presidency of the
United States, occurred during the short period
while Mr. Wood was Governor, and the excitement
and issues of that struggle dominated over every
other consideration, — indeed, supplanted them in a
great measure. The people of Illinois, during all
that time, were passing the comparatively petty strifes
under Bissell's administration to the overwhelming
issue of preserving the whole nation from destruction.

In 1861 ex-Gov. Wood was one of the five Dele-
gates from Illinois to the " Peace Convention " at
VVashingtoii, and in April of the same year, on the
breaking out of the Rebellion, he was appointed

Quartermaster-General of the State, which position
he held tliroughout the war. In 1864 he took com-
mand as Colonel of the 137th 111. Vol. Inf., with
whom he served until the period of enlistment ex-
pired.

Politically, Gov. Wood was always actively identi-
fied witli the Whig and Republican parties. Few
men have in personal experience comprehended so
many surprising and advancing local changes as
vested in the more than half century recollections of
Gov. Wood. Sixty-four years ago a solitary settler
on the "Bluffs," with no family, and no neighbor
within a score of miles, the world of civilization away
beliind him, and the strolling red-m.an almost his
only visitant, he lived to see growing around him,
and under his auspices and aid, overspreading the
wild hills and scraggy forest a teaming city, second
only in size in the State, and surpassed nowhere in
beauty, prosperity and promise ; whose people recog-
nize as with a single voice the proverbial honor and
liberality that attach to the name and lengthened
life of their pioneer settler, "the old Governor."

Gov. Wood was twice married, — first in January,
1826, to Ann M. Streeter, daughter of Joshua Streeter,
formerly of Salem, Washington Co., N. Y. They had
eight children. Mrs. W. died Oct. 8, 186;^, and in
June, 1S65, Gov. Wood married Mrs. Mary A., widow
of Rev. Joseph T. Holmes. Gov. Wood died June 4,
1880, at his residence in Quincy. Four of his eight
children are now living, namely: Ann E., wife of
Gen. John Tillson; Daniel C, who married Marv J.
Abernethy ; John, Jr., who married Josephine Skinner,
and Joshua S., who married Annie Bradley. The
last mentioned now resides at Atchison, Kansas, and
all the rest are still at Quincy.

'wPl

GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS.

'59

ESblA;CTPTV^^^^7v:\r-v;. \. v\ .v,\ v A^^-vCv-yf. v^.A,v.<t,.i^YV

ll^.i©l\ard ITalfef^.

'^Si*-

t^ICHARD YATES, the "War
^"^ Governor," 1 86 1-4, was born
i>» Jan. 18, 18 18, on the banks of
J, the Ohio River, at Warsaw,
■^ Gallatin Co., Ky. His father
^ moved in 1831 to Illinois, and
after stopping for a time in
Springfield, settled at Island
Grove, Sangamon County. Here,
after attending school, Richard joined
the family. Subsequently he entered
Illinois College at Jacksonville,
where, in 1S37, he graduated with
first honors. He chose for his pro-
fession the law, the Hon. J. J. Har-
din being his instructor. After ad-
mission to the Bar he soon rose to distinction as an
advocate.

Gifted witli a fluent and ready oratory, he noon
appeared in the political hustings, and, being a
passionate admirer of the great Whig leader of the
West. Henry Clay, he joined his political fortunes to
■he party of his idol. In 1840 he engaged with great
=rdor in the exciting " hard cider " campaign for
riarrison. Two years later he was elected to the
Legislature from Morgan County, a Democratic
stronghold. He served three or four terms in the
Legislature, and such was the fascination of his ora-
f^ry that by 1850 his large Congressional District,
extending from Morgan and Sangamon Counties
1 orth to include LaSalle, unanimously tendered him
fne Whig nomination for Congress. His Democratic
opponent was Maj. Thomas L. Harris, a very pop-
v,lar man who had won distinction at the battle of
Cerro Gordo, in the Mexican War, and who had
ijcaten Hon. Stephen T. Logan for the same position,

two years before, by a large majority. Yates wa."
elected. Two years later he was re-elected, over
John Calhoun.

It was during Yates second term in Congress tiuit
the great question of the repeal of the Missouri Coin-
l)romise was agitated, and the bars laid down for re-
opening the dreaded anti-slavery question. He toi)lc
strong grounds against the repeal, and thus became
identified with the rising Republican party. Conse-
quently he fell into the minority in his district, which
was pro-slavery. Even then, in a third contest, lie
fell behind Major Harris only 200 votes, after the
district had two years before given Pierce 2,000
majority for President.

The Republican State Convention of r86o met at
Decatur May g, and nominated for the office of Gov-
ernor Mr. Yates, in preference to Hon. Norman B.
Judd, of Chicago, and Leonard Swett, of Blooming-
ton, two of the ablest men of the State, wlio were
also candidates before the Convention. Francis A.
Hoffman, of DuPage County, was nominated for
Lieutenant Governor. This was the year when Mr.
Lincoln was a candidate for President, a period re-
meijibered as characterized by the great whidpool
which precipitated the bloody War of the Rebellion.
The Douglas Democrats nominated J. C. Allen of
Crawford County, for Governor, and Lewis W. Ro-s,
of Fulton County, for Lieutenant Governor. The
Breckenridge Democrats and the Bell-Everett party
had also full tickets in the field. After a most fear-
ful campaign, the result of the election gave Mr.
Yates 172,196 votes, and Mr. Allen 159,253. Mr.
Yates received over a thousand more votes than did
Mr. Lincoln himself.

Gov. Yates occupied the chair of State during the

i6o

RICHARD YATES.

most critical period of our country- 's history. In the
fate of the nation was involved that of each State.
The life struggle of the former derived its sustenance
from the loyalt)' of the latter; and Gov. Yates
seemed to realize the situation, and proved himself
both loyal and wise in upholding the Government.
He had a deep hold upon the affections of the
people, won by his moving eloquence and genial
manners. Erect and symmetrical in person, of pre-
possessing appearance, with a winning address and a
magnetic power, few men possessed more of the ele-
ments of jwpularity. His oratory was scholarly and
captivating, his hearers hardly knowing why they
were transjxjrted. He was social and convivial. In
the latter respect he was ultimately carried too far.

The very creditable military efforts of this State
during the War of the Rebellion, in putting into the
field the enormous number of about 200,000 soldiers,
were ever promptly and ably seconded by his excel-
lency ; and the was ambitious to deserve the title of
"the soldier's friend." Immediately after the battle of
Shiloh he repaired to the field of carnage to look
after the wounded, and his appeals for aid were
promptly responded to by the people. His procla-
mations calling for volunteers were impassionate
appeals, urging uixju the people the duties and re-
quirements of patriotism ; and his special message
in 1863 to the Democratic Legislature of this State
pleading for material aid for the sick and wounded
soldiers of Illinois regiments, breathes a deep fervor
of noble sentiment and feeling rarely equaled i.i
beauty or felicity of expression. Generally his mes-
sages on jxjlitical and civil affairs were able and com-
prehensive. During his administration, however,
there were no civil events of an engrossing character,
although two years of his time were replete with
partisan quarrels of great bitterness. Military ar-
rests, Knights of the Golden Circle, riot in Fulton
County, attempted suppression of the Chicago Times
and the usurping State Constitutional Convention of
1S62, were the chief local topics that were exciting
during the Governor's term. This Convention assem-
bled Jan. 7, and at once took the high iX)sition that
' he law calling it was no longer binding, and that it
: ad supreme power; that it represented a virtual
assemblage of the whole people of the State, and was
sovereign in the exercise of all power necessary to
effect a peaceable revolution of the State Government

and to the re-establishment of one for the "happiness.,
prosperity and freedom of the citizens," limited only
by the Federal Constitution. Notwithstanding the
law calling the Convention required its members to
take an oath to supix)rt the Constitution of the State
as well as that of the general Government, they
utterly refused to take such oath. They also as-
sumed legislative powers and passed several imjx)rt-
ant "laws!" Interfering with the (then) present
executive duties, Gov. Yates was provoked to tell
them plainly that " he did not acknowledge the right
of the Convention to instruct him in the performance
of his duty."

In 1863 the Governor astonished the Democrats
by " proroguing " their Legislature. This body, after
a recess, met June 2, that year, and soon began to
waste time upon various partisan resolutions ; and,
while the two houses were disagreeing u[X)n the
question of adjourning ««* die, the Governor, having
the authority, in such cases, surprised them all by
adjourning them " to the Saturday next preceding the
first Monday in January, 1865 ! " This led to great
excitement and confusion, and to a reference of the
Governor's act to the Supreme Court, who decided in
his favor. Then it was the Court's turn to receive
abuse for weeks and months afterward.

During the autumn of 1864 a conspiracy was de-
tected at Chicago which had for its object the liber-
ation of the prisoners of war at Camp Douglas, the
burning of the city and the inauguration of rebellion
in the North. Gen. Sweet, who had charge of the
camp at the time, first had his suspicions of danger
aroused by a number of enigmatically worded letters
which passed through the Camp postoffice. A de-
tective afterward discovered that the rebel Gen.
Marmaduke was in the city, under an assumed
name, and he, with other rebel officers — Grenfell,
Morgan, Cantrell, Buckner Morris, and Charles
Walsh — was arrested, most of whom were convicted
by a court-martial at Cincinnati and sentenced to
imprisonment, — Grenfell to be hung. The sentence
of the latter was afterward commuted to imprison-
ment for life, and all the others, after nine months'
imprisonment, were pardoned.

In March, 1873, Gov. Yates was appointed a Gov-
ernment Director of the Union Pacific Railroad, in
which office he continued until his decease, at St.
Louis, Mo., on the 27th of November following.

GGVERA'ORS OF ILLINOIS.

163

Michard J. Oqlesby
%

-^^.

-^3.

-;rf :'^UCHARD J. OGLESBY, Gov-
ernor 1865-8, and re-elected
in 1872 and 1884, was born
July 25, 1824, in Oldham Co.,
Ky., — the State which might
f^X""^ be considered the " mother of
Illinois Governors." Bereft of
his parents at the tender age
%> of eight years, his early education
was neglected. When 12 years of
age, and after he had worked a year
and a half at tlie carpenter's trade,
he removed with an uncle, Willis
Oglesby, into whose care he had
been committed, to Decatur, this
State, where he continued his ap-
prenticeship as a mechanic, working si.K months for
Hon. E. O. Smith.

In 1844 he commenced studying law at .Spring-
field, with Judge Silas Robbins, aud read with him
one year. He was admitted to the Bar in 1845, and
commenced the practice of his chosen profession at
Sullivan, the county seat of Moultrie (bounty.

The next year the war with Mexico was com-
menced, and in June, 1846, Mr. Oglesby volunteered,
was elected First Lieutenant of Co. C, Fourth Illinois
Regiment of Volunteers, and participated in the bat-
tles of Vera Cruz and Cerro Gordo.

On his return he sought to perfect his law studies
by attending a course of lectures at Louisville, but
on the breaking out of the California "gold fever" in
1849, he crossed the plains and mountains to the
new Eldorado, driving a six-mule team, with a com-

pany of eight men, Henry Prather being the leader.

In 1852 he returned home to Macon County, and
was placed that year by the Whig party on the ticket
of Presidential Electors. In r8s6 he visited Europe,
Asia and Africa, being absent 20 months. On his
return home he resumed the practice of law, as a
member of the firm of Gallagher, Wait & Oglesby.
In 1S58 he was the Republican nominee for the
Lower House of Congress, but was defeated by the
Hon. James C. Robinson, Democrat. In i860 he
was elected to the Illinois State Senate ; and on the
evening the returns of this election were coming in,
Mr. Oglesby had a fisticuff encounter with " Cerro
Gordo Williams," in which he came out victorious,
and which was regarded as " the first fight of the
Rebellion." The following spring, when the war
had commenced in earnest, his ardent nature
quickly responded to the demands of patriotism and
he enlisted. The extra session of the Legislature
elected him Colonel of the Eighth Illinois Infantry,
the second one in the State raised to suppress the
great Rebellion.

He was shortly entrusted with important com-
mands. For a time he was stationed at Bird's Point
and Cairo; in April he was promoted Brigadier Gen-
eral ; at Fort Donelson his brigade was in the van,
i)eing stationed on the right of General Grant's army
and the first brigade to be attacked. He lost 500
men before re-inforcements arrived. Many of these
men were from Macon County. He was engaged in
the battle of Corinth, and, in a brave charge at this
place, was shot in the left lung with an ounce ball,
and was carried from the field in expectation of im-

1 64

RICHARD J. OGLESBY.

mediate death. That rebel ball he carries to this
day. On his partial recovery he was promoted as
Major General, for gdlantry, his commission to rank
from November, 1862. In the spring of 1S63 he
was assigned to the command of the i6th Army
Corps, but, owing to inability fron the effects of his
wound, he relinquished tliis command in July, that
year. Gen. Grant, however, refused to accept his
resignation, and he was detailed, in December folio w-
ing, to court-martial and try the Surgeon General of
the Army at Washington, where he remained until
May, 1864, whin he returned home.

The Republican, or Uiion, State Convention of

1864 was held at Springfield, May 25, when Mr.
Oglesby was nominated for the office of Governor,
while other candidates before the Convention were
Allen C. Fuller, of Boone, Jesse K. Dubois, of Sanga-
mon, and John M. Palmer, of Macoupin. VVm.
Bross, of Chicago, was nominated for Lieutenant
Governor. On the Democratic State ticket were
James C. Robinson, of Clark, for Governor, and S.
Corning Judd, of Fulton, for Lieutenant Governor.
The general election gave Gen. Oglesby a majority
of about 31,000 votes. The Republicans had also a
majority in both thj Legislature and in the repre-
sentation in Congress.

Gov. Oglesby was duly inaugurated Jan. i-j, 1865.
The day before tlie first time set for his installation
de.ith visited his lu ne at Decatur, and took from it
his only son, an intelligent and sprightly lad of six
years, a great favorite of the bereaved parents. This
caused the inauguration to be po3t|X)ned a week.

The political events of the Legislative session of

1865 were the election of ex-Gov. Yates to the
United .States Senate, and the ratification of the 13th
amend. nent to the Constitution of the United States,
abolishing slavery. This session also signalized
itself by repealing the notorious " black laws," part
of which, although a dead letter, had held their place
upon the statute books since 1S19. Also, laws re-
quiring the registration of voters, and establishing a
State Board of Equalization, were passed by this Leg-
islature. But the same body evinced that it was cor-
ruptly influenced by a mercenary lobby, as it adopted
some bad legislation, over the Governor's veto, nota-
bly an amendment to a charter for a Chicago horse
railway, granted in 1859 for 25 years, and now
sought to be extended 99 years. As this measure
was promptly passed ov;r his veto by both branches
of the Legislature, he deemed it useless further to
attempt to check their headlong career. At this
session no law of a general useful character or public
interest was perfected, unless we count such the
•urning over of the canal to Chicago to be deepened.
The session of 1867 was still more productive of
private and special acts. Many omnibus bills were
proposed, and some passed. Tiie contests over tiie
..Dcaiion of the Industrial College, the Cipital, the

Southern Penitentiary, and the canal enlargement
and Illinois River improvement, dominated every
thing else.

During the year 1872, it became evident that if
the Republicans could re-elect Mr. Oglesby to ihe
office of Governor, they could also elect him to the
United States Senate, which they desired to do.
-Accordingly they re-nominated him for the Execu-
tive chair, and placed upon the ticket with him for
Lieutenant Governor, John L. Beveridge, of Cook
County. On the other side the Democrats put into
the field Gustavus Koerner for Governor and John
C. Black for Lieutenant Governor. The election
gave the Republican ticket majorities ranging from
35,334 to 56,174, — the Democratic defection being
caused mainly by their having an old-time Whig and
.Abolitionist, Horace Greeley, on the national ticket
for President. According to the general understand-
ing had beforehand, as soon as the Legislature met
it elected Gov. Oglesby to the United States Senate,
whereupon Mr. Beveridge became Governor. Sena-
tor Oglesby 's term expired March 4, 1S79, having
served his party faithfully and exhibited an order of
statesmanship beyond criticism.

During the campaign of 1884 Mr. Oglesby was
nominated for a "third term" as E.xecutive of the
State of Illinois, against Carter H. Harrison, Mayor
of Cliicago, nominated by the Democrats. Both
gentlemen "stumped " the State, and while the peo-
ple elected a Legislature which was a tie on a joint
ballot, as between the two parties, they gave the
jovial " Dick" Oglesby a majority of 15,018 for Gov-
ernor, and he was inaugurated Jan. 30, 1S85. The
Legislature did not fully organize until this date, on
account of its equal division between the two main
parties and the consequent desperate tactics of each
party to checkmate the latter in the organization of
the House.

• Gov. Oglesby is a fine-appearing, affable man, with
regular, well defined features and rotund face. In
stature he is a little above medium height, of a large
frame and somewhat fleshy. His physical appear-
ance is striking and prepossessing, while his straight-
out, not to say bluff, manner and speech are well
calculated favorably to impress the average masses.
-Ardent in feeling and strongly committed to the pol-
icies of his party, he intensifies Republicanism
among Republicans, while at the same time his jovial
and liberal manner prevents those of the opposite
party from hating him.

He is quite an effective stump orator. With vehe-
ment, passionate and scornful tone and gestures,
tremendous physical power, which in speaking he
exercises to the utmost; with frequent descents to
the grotesque; and with abundant homely compari-
sons or frontier figures, expressed in the broadest
vernacular and enforced with stentorian emphasis,
he delights a promiscuous audience beyond measure.

&._#^^^:^--

GO VERNORS OF ILLINOIS.

IU7

J o HN M. Pa l mer

liOHN Mc AULEY PALMER, Gov-
ernor 1869-72, was born on
Eagle Creek, Scott Co., Ky.,
Sept. 13, 1S17. During his in-
fancy, his father, who had been
a soldier in the war of 18 12, re-
moved to Christian Co., Ky.,
where lands were cheap. Here
the future Governor of the great
Prairie State spent his childhood
and received such meager school-
ing as the new and sparsely set-
tled country afforded. To this
he added materially by diligent
reading, for which he evinced an
eaily aptitude. His father, an ardent Jackson man,
was also noted for his anti-slavery sentiments, which
he thoroughly impressed upon his children. In 1831
he emigrated to Illinois, settling in Madison County.
Here tlie labor of improving a farm was pursued for
about two years, when the death of Mr. Palmer's
noiher broke up the family. About this time Alton
College was opened, on tlie "manual labor " system,
and in the spring of 1834 young Palmer, with his
elder brother, Elihu, entered this school and remained
18 months. Next, for over three years, he tried
variously coopering, peddling and school-teaching.

Duiing the summer of 1838 he formed the ac-
quain'Lince of Stephen A. Douglas, then making his

first canvass for Congress. Young, eloquent and in
political accord with Mr. Palmer, he won his confi-
dence, fired his ambition and fixed his purpose. The
following winter, while teaching near Canton, he be-
gan to devote his spare time to a desultory reading
of law, and in the spring entered a law office at Car-
linville, making his home with his elder brother,
Elihu. (The latter was a learned clergyman, of con-
siderable orginality of thought and doctrine.) On
the next meeting of the Supreme Court he was ad-
mitted to the Bar, Douglas being one of his examiners.
He was not immediately successful in his profession,
and would have located elsewhere than Carlinville
had he the requisite means. Thus his early poverty
was a blessing in disguise, for to it he now attributes
the success of his life.

From 1839 on, while he diligently pursued his
profession, he participated more or less in local
politics. In 1843 he became Probate Judge. Ip
1847 '^s ^^^s elected to the State Constitutional Con
vention, where he took a leading part. In 1852 Ik
was elected to the State Senate, and at the special
session of February, 1854, true to the anti-slaverj
sentiments bred in him, he took a firm stand in op
position to the repeal of the Missouri Compromise,
and when the Nebraska question became a [lart]
issue he refused to receive a re-nomination for ths
Senatorship at the hands of the Democracy, issuinj,
a circular to that effect. A few weeks afterward

7r,s

JOHN MC AULEY PALMER.

ho .vever, hesitating to break with his party, he par-
iliipated in a Congressional Convention which nonii-
r. L. Harris against Richard Yates, and which
anqualifiedly approved the principles of the Kansas-
Nebraska act. But later in the campaign he made
the plunge, ran for the Senate as an Anti-Nebraska
Democrat, and was elected. The following winter
he put in nomination for the .United States Sejiate
Mr. Trumbull, and was one of the five steadfast men
who voted for liim until all the Whigs came to their
support and elected their man.

In 1856 he was Chairman of the Republican State
Convention at Bloomington. He ran for Congress in
1859, but was defeated. In i860 he was Republican
Presidential Elector for the State at large. In 1861
he was appointed one of the five Delegates (all Re-
publicans) sent by Illinois to the peace congress at
Washington.

When the civil conflict broke out, he offered his
services to his country, and was elected Colonel of the
14th 111. Vol. Inf, and participated in the engagements
at Island No. 10; at Farir.ington, where he skillfully
extricated his command from a dangerous position ;
at Stone River, where his division for several hours,
Dec. 31, 1862, held the advance and stood like a
rock, and for his gallantry there he was made Major
Ceneral; at Chickamauga, where his and Van Cleve's
divisions for two hours maintained their position
when they were cut off" by overpowering numbers.
Under Gen. ShermaUj he was assigned to the i4lh
.\rniv Corps and participated in the .\tlanta campaign.
At Peacii-Tree Creek his prudence did much to avert
disaster. In February, 1865, Gen. Palmer was as-
Figned to the military administration of Kentucky,
which was a . delicate post. That State was about
half rebel and half Union, and those of the latter
element were daily fretted by the loss of their slaves.
He, who had been bred to the rules of common law,
trembled at the contemplation of his extraordinary
power ovjr the persons and property of his fellow
men, with which he was vested in his capacity as
military Governor; and he exhibited great caution in
the execution of the duties of his post.

Gen. Palmjr was nominated for Governor of Illi-
nois by the Republican State Convention which met
at Pe )ri I M.iy 6, 186S, and his nomination would
l)robably have been made by acclamation had he not
oersi^ten^ly declared that he could not accept a can-

didature for the office. The result of the ensuing
election gave Mr. Palmer a majority of 44,707 over
John R. Eden, the Democratic nominee.

On the meeting of the Legislature in January,
1869, the first thing to arrest public attention was
that portion of the Governor's message which took
broad State's rights ground. This and some minor
points, which were more in keeping with the Demo-
cratic sentiment, constituted the entering wedge fir
the criticisms and reproofs he afterward received
from the Republican party, and ultimately resulted
in his entire aleniation from the latter element. The
Legislature just referred to was noted for the intro-
duction of numerous bills in the interest of private
parties, which were embarrassing to the Governor.
Among the public acts passed was that which limited
railroad charges for passenger travel to a maximum
of three cents per mile ; and it was passed over the
Governor's veto. Also, they passed, over his veto,
the "tax-grabbing law" to pay r^.ilrosd subscriptions,
the Chicago Lake Front bill, etc. The new State
Constitution of 1870, far superior to the old, was a
peaceful " revolution" which took place during Gov.
Palmer's term of office. The suffering caused by the
great Chicago Fire of October, 187 1, was greatly
alleviated by the prompt responses of his excellency.

Since the expiration of Gov. Palmers 's term, he has
been somewhat prominent in Illinois politics, and
has been talked of by many, especially in the Dem-
ocratic party, as the best man in the State for a
United States Senator. His business during life has
been that of the law. Few excel him in an accurate
appreciation of the depth and scope of its principles.
The great number of his able veto messages abun-
dantly testify not only this but also a rare capacity to
point them out. He is a logical and cogent reasoner
and an interesting, forcible and convincing speaker,
though not fluent or ornate. Without brilliancy, his
dealings are rather with facts and ideas than with
appeals to passions and prejudices. He is a patriot
and a statesman of very high order. Physically he is
above the medium height, of robust frame, ruddy
complexion and sanguine-nervous temperament. He
lias a large cranial development, is vivacious, social
in disposition, easy of approach, unostentatious in his
liabits of life, democratic in his habits and manners
and is a true American in his fundamental princiiilc
of statesmanship.

GO VERNORS OF ILLINOIS.

17T

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tiVrlir^

OHN LOWRiE BEVER-
IDGE, (Governor 1S7 -1-6, was
■■'^ born 111 the town of Green-
wich, Washington Co., N. Y.,
July 6, 1S24. His parents
were George and Ann Bever-
idge. His father's parents, An-
drew and Isabel Bcveridge, be-
fore their marriage emigrated
from Scotland just before the
Revolutionary War, settling in
Washington County. His father
was the eldest of eight brothers, the
youngest of whom was 60 years of
age when the first one of the num-
ber died. His mother's parents,
James and Agnes Hoy, emigrated
from Scotland at the close of tlic
Revolutionary War, settling also in
Washington Co., N. Y., with their
first-born, whose " native land " was
the wild ocean. His parents and
grandparents lived beyond the time
allotted to man, their average age
being over 80 years. They belonged to the " Asso-
ciate Cliurch," a seceding Presbyterian body of

America from the old Scotch school ; and so rigid
was the training of young Beveridge that he never
heard a sermon from any other minister except that
of his own denomination until he was in his lytli
year. Later in life he became a member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, wliich relation he still
holds.

Mr. Beveridge received a good common-school ed-
ucation, but his parents, who could obtain a livelihood
only by rigid economy and industry, could not send
him away to college. He was raised upon a farm,
and was in liis i8th year when the family removed
to De Kalb County, this State, when that section was
very sparsely settled. Chicago had less than 7,000
inhabitants. In this wild West he continued as a
farm laborer, teaching school during the winter
months to supply the means of an education. In the
fill of 1842 he attended one term at the academy at
Granville, Putnam Co., 111., and subsequently several
terms at the Rock River Seminary at Mount Morris,
Ogle Co., 111., completing the academic course. At
this time, the fall of 1845, ^'^ parents and brothers
were anxious to have him go to college, even though
he had not money sufficient; but, njt willing to bur-
den the family, he packed his trunk and with only
$40 in money started South to seek his fortune.

JOHN L. BEVERIDGE.

Vvjor, alone, witliout friends and influence, he thus
entered upon the battle of life.

First, he taught school in Wilson, Overton and
Jackson Cos., Tenn., in which experience he under-
went considerable mental drill, both in book studies
and in the ways of the world. He read law and was
admitted to the Bar, in the South, bat did not learn
to love the institution of slavery, although he ad-
mired many features of Southern character. In De-
cember, 1847, he returned North, and Jan. 20, 1S48,
he married Miss Helen M. Judson, in the old Clark-
Street M. E. church in Chicago, her father at that
time being Pastor of the society there. In the spring
of 1848 he returned with his wife to Tennessee,
where his two children. Alia May and Philo Judson,
were born.

In the fall of 1S49, through the mismanagement
of an associate, he lost what little he had accumu-
lated and was left in debt. He soon managed to
earn means to pay his debts, returned to De Kalb
Co., 111., and entered upon the practice of his pro-
fession at Sycamore, the county seat. On arrival
from the South he had but one-quarter of a dollar in
money, and scanty clothing and bedding for himself
and family. He borrowed a little money, practiced
law, worked in public offices, kept books for some of
the business men of the town, and some railroad en-
gineering, till the spring of 1854, when he removed
to Evanston, 12 miles north of Chicago, a place then
but recently laid out, under the supervision of the
Northwestern University, a Methodist institution.
Of the latter his father-in-law was then financial
agent and business manager. Here Mr. Beveridge
prospered, and the next year (1855) opened a law
office in Chicago, where he found the battle some-
what hard; but he persevered with encouragement
and increasing success.

Aug. 12, 1861, his law partner. Gen. John F.
Farnsworth, secured authority to raise a regiment of
cavalry, and authorized Mr. Beveridge to raise a
company for it. He succeeded in a few days in rais-
ing the company, of course enlisting himself along
with it. The regiment rendezvoused at St. Charles,
m., was mustered in Sept. 18, and on its organiza-
tion Mr. B. was elected Second Major. It was at-
tached, Oct. ir, to tiie Eighth Cavalry and to the
Army of tlie Potomac. He served wit'.i tlie regiment
until November, 1863, participating in some 40 bat-

tles and skirmishes : was at Fair Oaks, the seven days
fight around Richmond, Fredericksburg, Chancellors-
ville and Gettysburg. He commanded the regiment
the greater part of the summer of 1S63, and it was while
lying in camp this year that he originated the policy
of encouraging recruits as well as the fighting capac-
ity of the soldiery, by the wholesale furlough system.
It worked so well that many other officers adopted
it. In the fall of this year he recruited another com-
pany, against heavy odds, in January, 1864, was
commissioned Colonel of the 17th 111. Cav., and
skirmished around in Missouri, concluding with the
reception of the surrender of Gen. Kirby Smith's
army in Arkansas. In 1865 he commanded various
sub-districts in the Southwest. He was mustered
out Feb. 6, 1S66, safe from the casualties of war and
a stouter man than when he first enlisted. His men
idolized him.

He then returned to Chicago, to practice law, with
no library and no clientage, and no political experi-
ence except to help others into office. In the fall of
1S66 he was elected Sheriff of Cook County, serving
one term; next, until November, 1870, he practiced
law and closed up the unfinished business of his
office. He was then elected State Senator; in No-
vember, 187 1, he was elected Congressman at large;
in November, 1S72, he was elected Lieutenant Gov-
ernor on the ticket with Gov. Oglesby; the latter be-
ing elected to the U. S. Senate, Mr. Beveridge became
Governor, Jan. 2r, 1873. Thus, inside of a few
weeks, he was Congressman at large. Lieutenant
Governor and Governor. The principal events oc-
curring during Gov. Beveridge 's administration were:
The completion of the revision of the statutes, begun
in 1869; the partial success of tlie "farmers' move-
ment;" " Haines' Legislature " and Illinois' exhibit at
the Centennial.

Since the close of his gubernatorial term ex-Gov.
Beveridge has been a member of the firm of Bever-
idge & Dewey, bankers and dealers in commercial
paper at 7 1 Dearborn Street (McCormick Block),
Chicago, and since November, 1 881, he has also been
Assistant United States Treasurer : office in the
Government Building. His residence is still at Ev-
anston.

He has a brother and two sisters yet residing in
De Kalb County — James H. Beveridge, Mrs. Jennet
Henry and Mrs. Isabel French.

GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS.

I7S

Seelb- y M. Cullom,

*:y ■'U^' ■» '-i-i

' HELBY M. CULLOM, Gover-
r.or iS77-83,is the sixth child
of the late Richard N. Cullom,
and was bora Nov. 22, 1829, in
Wayne Co., Ky., where his fa-
ther then resided, and whence
both the Illinois and Tennessee
branches of the family originated. In
the following year the family emi-
grated to the vicinity of Washington,
Tazewell Co., 111., when that section
was very sparsely settled. They lo-
cated on Deer Creek, in a grove at
the time occupied by a party of In-
dians, attracted there by the superior
hunting and fishing afforded in that
vicinity. The following winter was
known as the " hard winter," the snow being very
deep and lasting and the weather severely cold; and
the family had to subsist mainly on boiled corn or
hominy, and some wild game, for several weeks. In
the course of time Mr. R. N. Cullom became a jjrom-
inent citizen and was several times elected to the
Legisl'ature, both before and after the removal of the
cajiital from Vaudalia to Springfiv^ld. He died about

'873-

Until about 19 years of age young Cullom grew up
to agricultural pursuits, attendi-.ig school as he had
opportunity during the winter. Witlitn this time,
nov/ever, he spent several months teaching' school

and in the following summer he "broke prairie "with
an ox team for the neighbors. With the money ob-
tained by these various ventures, he undertook a
course of study at the Rock River Seminary, a
Methodist institution at Mt. Morris, Ogle County;
but the sudden change to the in-door life of a stu-
dent told severely upon his health, and he was taken
home, being considered in a hopeless condition. While
at Mt. Morris he heard Hon. E. B. Washburne make
his first speech.

On recovering health, Mr. Cullom concluded to
study law, under tlie instruction of Abraham Lincoln,
at Springfield, who had by this time attained some
notoriety as an able lawyer; but the latter, being ab-
sent from his office most of the time, advised Mr.
Cullom to enter the office of Stuart & Edwards.
After about a year of study there, however, his health
failed again, and he was obliged to return once more
to out-door life. Accordingly he bought hogs for
packing, for A. G. Tyngj '» I'eoria, and while he re-
gained his health he gained in purse, netting $400 in
a few weeks. Having been admitted to the Bar, ho
went to .Springfield, where he was soon elected City
.'Vttoruey, on the .\nti-Nebraska ticket.

In 1856 he ran on the Fillmore ticket as a Presi-
dential Elector, and, although failing to be elected as
such, he was at tiie same time elected a Re|)rescnta-
tive in the Legislature from Sangamon County, by a
local coalition of the American and Republican par-
ties. On the organization of the House, he received
the vote of the Fillmore men for Speaker. Practicing;

176

SHELBY M. CULLOM.

law until 1S60, he was again elected to the Legisla-
ture, as a Republican, while the county went Demo-
cratic on the Presidential ticket. In January follow-
ing he was elected Speaker, probably the youngest
man who had ever presided over an Illinois Legis-
lature. After the session of 1861, he was a candidate
for the State Constitutional Convention called for
that year, but was defeated, and thus escaped the
disgrace of being connected with that abortive parly
scheme to revolutionize the State Government. In
1862 he was a candidate for the State Senate, but
was defeated. The same year, however, he was ap-
pointed by President Lincoln on a Government
Commission, in company with Gov. Boutwell of
Massachusetts and Cnarles A. Dana, since of the
N"ew York Sun, to investigate the affairs of the
Quartermaster's and Commissary Departments at
Cairo. He devoted several months to this duty.

In 1864 he enteted upon a larger political field,
being nominated as the Republican candidate for
Congress from the Eighth (Springfield) District, in
opposition to the incumbent, JohnT. Stuart, who had
been elected in 1862 by about 1,500 majority over
Leonard Swett, then of Bloomington, now of Chicago.
The result was the election of Mr. Cullom in Novem-
ber following by a majority of 1,785. In 1866 he
was re-elected to Congress, over Dr. E. S. Fowler, by
the magnificent majority of 4 103! In 1868 he was
again a candidate, defeating the Hon. B. S. Edwards,
another of his old preceptors, by 2,884 votes.

During his first term in Congress he served on the
Committee on Foreign Affairs and Expenditures in
the Treasury Department; in his second term, on
the Committees on Foreign Affairs and on Territories ;
and in his third term he succeeded Mr. Ashley, of
Ohio, to the Chairmanship of the latter. He intro-
duced a bill in the House, to aid in the execution of
law in Utah, which caused more consternation among
the Mormons than any measure had previously, but
which, though it passed the House, failed to pass tlie
Senate.

The Republican Convention which met May 25,
1876, nominated Mr. Cullom for Governor, while the
other contestant was Gov. Beveridge. For Lieuten-
ant-Governor they nominated Andrew Shuman, editor
of the Chicago Journal. For the same offices the
Democrats, combining with the Anti-Monopolists,
placed in nomination Lewis Steward, a wealthy

farmer and manufacturer, and A. A. Glenn. The
result of the election was rather close, Mr. Cullom
obtaining only 6,800 majority. He was inaugurated
Jan. 8, 1877.

Great depression prevailed in financial circles at
this time, as a consequence of the heavy failures of
1873 and afterward, the effect of which had seemed
to gather force from that time to the end of Gov.
Cullom's first administration. This unspeculative
period was not calculated to call forth any new
issues, but the Governor's energies were at one time
put to task to quell a spirit of insubordination that
had been begun in Pittsburg, Pa., among the laboring
classes, and transferred to Illinois at Chicago, East
St. Louis and Braidwood, at which places laboring
men for a short time refused to work or allow others
to work. These disturbances were soon quelled and
the wheels of industry again set in motion.

In May, i88o, Gov. Cullom was re-nominated by
the Republicans, against Lyman Trumbull, by the
Democrats; and although theformer party was some-
what handicapped in the campaign by a zealous
faction opposed to Grant for President and to Grant
men for office generally, Mr. Cullom was re-elected
by about 314,565, to 277,532 for the Democratic State
ticket. The Greenback vote at the same tmie was
about 27,000. Both Houses of the Legislature again
became Republican, and no representative of the
Greenback or Socialist parties were elected. Gov.
Cullom was inaugurated Jan. 10, 1S81. In his mes-
sage he announced that the last dollar of the State
debt had been provided for.

M.irch 4, 1883, the term of David Davis as United
States Senator from Illinois e.\p:red, and Gov. Cul-
lom was chosen to succeed him. This promoted
Lieutenant-Governor John M. Hamilton to the Gov-
ernorship. Senator Cullom's term in the United
States Senate will expire March 4, 1889.

Ai a practitioner oflaw Mr. C. has been a member
of the firm of Cullom, Scholes & Mather, a! Spring-
field ; and he has also been President of the State
National Bank.

He has been married twice, — the first time Dec.
12, 1855, to Miss Hannah Fisher, by whom he had
two daughters; and the second time May 5, 1863,
to Julia Fisher. Mrs. C is a member of the Method-
ist Episcopal Church, with which religious body Mr.
C. is also in sympathy.

yfS^ifes-

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GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS.

'79

A :^L/>s>s> :^^

N;i^^*;is-«>^:Ke^s;g^i^sis^S;C*^$;;&>s*;::*#S;g<^;K^**;-;ij<j^s;;^

^^^^

^«s-^^

OHN MARSHALL HAMIL-
^j, TON, Governor 1883-5, ^^^
born May 28, 1847, in a log
liouse upon a farm about two
miles from Richwood, Union
County, Ohio. His father was
Samuel Hamilton, the eldest son
of Rev. VVm. Hamilton, who, to-
gether with his brother, the Rev.
\' Samuel Hamilton, was among the
early pioneer Methodist preachers in
Ohio. The mother of the subject of
this sketch was, before her marriage,
Mrs. Nancy McMoiris, who was
born and raised in Fauquier or Lou-
doun County, Va., and related to the
two large families of Youngs and Marshalls, well
known in that commonwealth; and from the latter
family name was derived the middle name of Gov.
Hamilton.

In March, 1854, Mr. Hamilton's father sold out
his little pioneer forest home in Union County, C,
and, loading his few household effects and family
(of six children) into two emigrant covered wagons,
moved to Roberts Township. Marshall Co., 111., being
21 days on the route. Swamps, unbridged streams
and innumerable hardships and privations met them
on their way. Their new home had been previously
selected by the father. Here, after many long years
of toil, they succeeded in payii.g for the land and
making a coinforfal>le. home. John was, of course,

brought up to hard manual labor, with no schooling
except three or four months in the year at a common
country school. However, he evinced a capacity
and taste for a high order of self-education, by
studying or reading what books he could borrow, as
the family had but very few in the house. Much of
his study he prosecuted by the light of a log fire in
the old-fashioned chimney place. The financial
panic of 1S57 caused the family to come near losing
their home, to pay debts ; but the father and two
sons, William and John, "buckled to'' and perse
vered in hard labor and economy until they redeemed
their place from the mortgage.

When the tremendous excitement of the political
campaign of 1S60 reached the neighborhood of Rob-
erts Township, young Hamilton, who had been
brought up in the doctrine of anti-slavery, took a zeal-
ous [)art in favor of Lincoln's election. Making speci.il
efforts to procure a little money to buy a uniform, he
joined a company of Lincoln Wide-Awakes at M.ng-
nolia, a village not far away. Directly after the
ensuing election it became evident that trouble
would ensue with the South, and this Wide-Awake
company, like many others throughout the country,
kept up its organization and transformed itself into a
military company. During the ensuing summer they
met often for drill and became proficient ; but wheji
they offered themselves for the war, young Hamilton
was rejected on account of his youth, he being then
but .14 years of age. During the winter of 1863-4 lie
attended an academy at Henry, Marshall County.

i8o

JOHN MARSHALL HAMILTON.

and in the following May he again enlisted, for the
fourth time, when he was placed in the 141st 111.
Vol. Inf., a regiment then being raised at Elgin, 111.,
for the 100-day service. He took with him 13 other
lads from his neighborhood, for enlistment in the
service. This regiment operated in Soulhwesteni
Kentucky, for about five months, under Gen. Paine.
The following winter, 1864-5, •^'■- Hamilton taught
school, and during the two college years 1865-7, he
went through three years of tlie curriculum of the
Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio. Tlie
third year he graduated, the fourth in a class of 46^
in the classical department. In due time he received
the degree of M. A. For a few months he was the
Principal of Marshall " College " at Henry, an acad-
emy under the auspices of the M. E. Church. By
this time he had commenced the study of law, and
after earning some money as a temporary Professor
of Latin at the Illinois Wesleyan University at
Bloomington, he entered the law office of Weldon,
Tipton & Benjamin, of that city. Each member of
this firm has since been distinguished as a Judge.
.Admitted to the Bar in May, 1870, Mr. Hamilton
was given an interest in the same firm, Tipton hav-
ing been elected Judge. In October following he
formed a partnership with J. H. Rowell, at that time
Prosecuting Attorney. Their business was then
small, but they increased it to very large proportions,
practicing in all grades of courts, including even the
U. S. Supreme Court, and this partnersliip continued
unbroken until Feb. 6, 1883, when Mr. Hamilton
was sworn in as Executive of Illinois. On the 4th
of March following Mr. Rowell took his seat in Con-
gress.

In July, 187 1, Mr. Hamilton married Miss Helen
M. Williams, the daughter of Prof. \Vm. G, Williams,
Professor of Greek in the Ohio Wejleyan University.
Mr. and Mrs. H. have two daughters and one son.

In 1876 Mr. Hamilton was nominated by the Re-
publicans for the State Sen.ite, over other and older
competitors. He took an active part '■ 0:1 the stump "
in the campaign, for the success of his party, and was
sleeted by a majority of 1,640 over his Democratic-
Greenback opponent. In the Senate he served on
the Committees on Judiciary, Revenue, State Insti-
tutions, Appropriations, Education, and on Miscel'-
lany ; and during the contest for the election of a
U. S. Senator, the Republicans endeavoring to re-

elect John A. Logan, he voted for the war chief on
every ballot, even alone when all the other Republi-
cans had gone over to the Hon. E. B. Lawrence and
the Democrats and Independents elected Judge
David Davis. At this session, also, was passed the
first Board of Health and Medical Practice act, of
which Mr. Hamilton was a champion, agair;; , ;
much opposition that the bill was several times
" laid on the table." Also, this session authorized
the location and establishment of a southern peri-
tentiary, which was fixed at Chester. In the session
of 1879 Mr. Hamilton was elected Vxt.%\A&xA fro tern.
of the Senate, and was a zealous supporter of John
A. Logan for the" U. S. Senate, who war, this time
elected without any trouble.

In May, 1880, Mr. Hamilton was nominated on
the Republican ticket for Lieutenant Governor, his
principal competitors before the Convention being
Hon. Wm. A. James, ex- Speaker of the House of
Representatives, Judge Robert Bell, of Wabash
County, Hon. T. T. Fountain, of Perry County, and
Hon. M. M. Saddler, of Marion County. He engaged
actively in the campaign, and his ticket was elected
by a majority of 41,200. As Lieutenant Governor,
he presided almost continuously over the Senate in
the 32d General .Assembly and during the early days
of the 33d, until he succeeded to the Governorship.
When the Legislature of 1883 elected Gov. Cullom
to the United States Senate, Lieut. Gov. Hamilton
succeeded him, under the Constitution, taking the
oath of office Feb. 6, 1883. He bravely met all the
annoyances and embarrassments incidental upon
taking up another's administration. The principal
events with which Gov. Hamilton was connected as
the Chief Executive of the State were, the mine dis-
aster at Braidwood, the riots in St. Clair and Madison
Counties in May, 1883, the appropriations for the
State militia, the adoption of the Harper high-license
liquor l.iw, the'vetoof a dangerous railroad bill, etc.

The Governor was a Delegate at large to the
National Republican Convention at Chicago in June,

1884, where his first choice for President was John
A. Logan, and second choice Chester A. .\rthur; but
he afterward zealously worked for the election of Mr.
Blaine, true to his party.

Mr. Hamilton's term as Governor expired Jan. 30,

1885, wlien the great favorite "Dick" Oglesby was
inauourated.

J25*Nk,

JOSEPH w. fifi-:r.

183

4i»^

.^e.'iS^i Sit

> •o*o..@>>,A^..o«o. -v

■9*

osKPH WILSON FIFf:R. This
1
5: distiiiguisLed gentleman was

(*^t« elected Governor of Illinois
,%'•■ November 6, 1888. He was
[ \. popularly known daring the
^ X' campaign as "Private Joe." He
had served with great devotion
to his country during the Ke-
bellion. in the Thirty-third
Illinois Infantry. A native of
Virginia, he was born in 1840.
His parents, John and ^larj-
(Daniels) Fifer, were American
born, though of (German de-
scent. His father was a brick
and stone mason, and an old
Henry Clay Whig in politics. John and Mary
Fifer had nine children, of whom Joseph was the
sixth, and naturally witli so large a family it was
.all the father could do to keep the wolf from the
door; to say nothing of giving his children any-
thing like good educational advantages.

Young Joseph attended school some in Vir-
ginia, but it w!us not a good school, and when
his father removed to the West, iu 1857, Joseph had
not advanced much further than the "First Reader."

■^T

Our subject was sixteen then and suffered a great
misfortune iu the loss of his mother. After the deal h
of Mrs. Fifer, which occurred in Missouri, tlie
family returned to Virginia, but remained only a
short time, as during the same year Mr. Fifer
came to Illinois. He settled in McLean County and
started a brickyard. Here Joseph and his broth-
ers were put to work. The elder Fifer soon
bought a farm near Bloomington and began life as
an agriculturalist. Here Joe worked and .attended
the neighboring school. He alternated farm-work,
brick-la3ing, and going to the district school for
the succeeding few years. It was all work and no
play for Joe, j^et it by no means niade a dull buy
of him. All the time he was thinking of the great
world outside, of which he had caught a glimpse
when coming from Virginia, yet he did not know
just how he was going to get out into it. He
could not feel that the woods around the new
farm and the log cabin, in which the family lived,
were to hold him.

The opportunity to get out into the world was
soon offered to young Joe. He traveled a dozen
miles barefoot, in company' with his brother (ieorge,
and enlisted in Company C, 33d Illinois Infantry;
he being then twenty years old. In a few day

184

JOSEPH W. FIFER.

tl'.e regiment was sent to Camp Butler, and then
over into Missouri, and saw some vigorous service
tliere. After a second time lielping to cliase Price
out of Missouri, tlie 33d Kegiment went down
to Milliken's Bend, and for several weeks ■• Private
Joe" worked on Grant's famous ditcii. The regi-
ment then joined the forces operating against Port
(iibson and Vicksburg. Joe was on guard duty in
the front ditches when the flag of surrender was
run \\\) on the 4th of July, and stuck the ba^-onet
of his gun into the embankment and went into the
cit}' with the vanguard of I'nion soldiers.

The next da3% Jul3' 5, the 38d joined the force
after Johnston, who had been threatening Grant's
rear; and tinally an assault w;is made on him at
Jackson, Miss. In this charge -^Private Joe" fell, ter-
ribly' wounded. He was loading his gun when a
minie-ball struck him and passed entirel}" through
ins body. He was regarded as mortally wounded.
His brother, George, who had Ijeen made a Lieu-
tenant, proved to be tlie means of saving his life.
Tlie Surgeon told him unless he had ice liis brotlier
Joe cf)uld not live. It was fifty miles to the nearest
point where ice could be obtained, and the roads
were rough. .\^ comrade, a McLean county man, who
liad been wounded, offered to make the trip. An
ambulance was secured and the brother soldier
started on thejournej-. He returned with the ice.
but the trii). owing to the roughness of tlie I'oads.
was very hard on him. After a few months' care-
ful nursing Mr. Fifer was able to come home. The
33d came home on a furlough, and when the
boys were ready to return to the tented field,
young Fifer was ready to go with them: for he was
determined to finish liis term of three 3^ears. He
was mustered out in October, 1864. having been
in the service three years and two months.

••Private Joe" came out of the arm}' a tall,
tanned, and awkward young man of twent\'-four.
About all he possessed was ambition to be some-
bod}- — and pluck. Though at an age when most
men have finished their college course, the 3-oung
soldier saw that if he was to be anybody- he must
have an education. Yet he had no means to ena-
ble him to enter school as most 3'oung men do.
He was determined to have an education, however,
and that to him meant success. For the followina:

four years he struggled with his books. He entered
Wesleyan University Jan. 1. 1865. He was not a
brilliant student, being neither at the head nor the
foot of liis class. He was in great earnest, how-
ever, studied hard and came forth witii a well-
stored and disciplined mind.

Immediately after being graduated he entei-ed
an ofHce at Bloomington as a law student. He had
alre.adj' read law some, and as he continued to work
hard, with the spur of poverty and promptings of
ambition ever with him, he was ready to hang out
his professional shingle in 1869. Being triist-
worthj' he soon gathered about him some influen-
tial friends. In 1871 he was elected Corporation
Counsel of Bloomington. In 1872 he was elected
State's Attorney of McLean Count}-. This office
he held for eight j'ears, when he took his seat in
the State Senate. Here he served for four years.
His ability to perform abundance of hard work
made him a most valued member of the Legisla-
ture.

^Ir. Fifer was married in 1870 to Gertie, daugh-
ter of William J. Lewis, of Bloomington. Mr.
Fifer is six feet in height and is spare, weighing-
only I.jU pounds. He has a swarth}- complexion,
keen black ej'es. quick movement, and possesses :v
frank and sympathetic nature, .and naturally makes
friends wherever he goes. During the late Guber-
natorial campaign his visits throughout the State
proved a great power in his behalf. His liappv
facult}' of winning the confidence and good wishes
of those with whom he comes in personal contact is a
source of great popularit}', especiallv during a polit-
ical l)attle. As a speaker he is fluent, his hiugu.age
is good, voice clear and agreeable, and manner
forcible. His manifest earnestness in what he s.ivs
as well as his tact as a public speaker, and his elo-
quent and forceful language, makes him a most
valuable campaign orator and a powerful pleader
at the bar. At the Republican State Convention,
held in May. 188S, ^Ir. Fifer was chosen .as its candi-
date for (Governor. He proved a popular nominee,
and the name of •• Private Joe " became familiar
to everyone throughout the State. He waged a
vigorous campaign, was elected by a good m.ijority.
and in due time assumed the duties of the Chief
Executive of Illinois.

fa« — •

■^.o^j^o;

^6)*^

mmm &

^..<=?:-^??'.

^^^'^

M INTRODUQTORY.i^

"»°,C[-JE 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
'"i.rtr''i'J': y themselves and to their posterity,
oJ ti^'^r-' p'rs demand that a record of their lives
-^, Vr^ r\-^ 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 whicli the names and actions of the
people who contributed to raise this country from its
primitive state may be preserved. Surely and ra[)idly
the great and aged men, who in their j^rinie entered
the w-ildenjess and claimed the virgin soil as their
heritage, are passing to tlicir graves. The number re-
maining wliocan relate the incidents of tlie first days
jf settlement is becoming small indeed, so that an
actual necessity exists for the collection and [jreser-
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 tiieir best works and the most earnest
efforts of their friends to perserve the memory of
their lives. The means employed to prevent oblivion
and to perpetuate their memory has been in propor-
tion to the amount of intelligence they possessed.
Th: pyramids of Egypt were built to perpetuate the
names and deeds of their great rulers. The exhu-
mations made by the archeologists of Egypt from
buried Memphis indicate a desire of those people

to perpetuate the memory of their achievements.
The erection of the great obelisks were for the same
purpose. Coming down to a later period, we find the
Greeks and Romans erecting mausoleums and monu-
ments, and carving out statues to chronicle tlieir
great achievements and carry them down the ages.
It is also evident that the Mound-builders, in piling
up their great mounds of earth, had but this idea —
to leave something to show that they had lived. All
these works, though many of them costly in the e.x-
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 e.xtent and perpetual in its action ; and
this is through the art of printing.

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

The scythe of Time cuts down all ; nothing of the
physical man is left. The monument which his chil-
dren or friends may erect to his memory in the ceme-
tery will crumble into dust and pass away; but his
life, his achievements, the 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 jwrtraits, for the same reason we col-
lect the attainable facts of their history. Nor do we
think it necessary, as we speak only truth of them, to
wait until they are dead, or until those who know
iheni are gone: to do this we are ashamed only to
pul)lish to the world the history of those whose lives
are unworthy of public record.

PORTHAIT AND HIOGRAlMlfcAL ALliUM.

191

'^i

— >-5-^& — °<sS-<ai!l)>-»e-o — ■» {< -

;| LEXANDKK HULL. M. D.,
' Ba of I>ewistovvn, is one of the
most eminent members of the
medical i)rofession in Central
Uliiiois, and not only has he
been honored and distinguisliod
as a physician and surgeon who
has met with more than usual
success in his chosen profession,
but for his excfileut record as
a civic officer, and for the ]iart
he has always taken in the cause of
education and other interests tend-
ing to advance the material pros-
perity of the county. Me has also shown himself
a business man of more than ordinary ability, and
although he has been very lil)eral and charitable to
tlu! i)oor, and has given largely of his means
toward the support of all jirojects tending to alle-
viute human suffering and promote their happiness,
lie has acquired a large competency, and is re-
garded as one of the wealthy and most inHuential citi-
zens of this county. Among those inseparably
identified with the advance of this county, is Dr.
Hull, whose portrait appears on the opposite page,
and before giving a more extended mention of his
history, it might be well to give briefly that o! liis
ancestry. His paternal grandfather. ,Iohn Hull,
was of Euglisli descent but a native of ^Lar\ land,
from which place he removed to Virginia, near
Hari)er's Feny, in 171)8. 'I'lience, in 1807, he. with
a large family, four sons and seven daughters, re-
moved to Licking County. Ohio, not in wagons,
but on pack-horses and on foot, through an un-
broken wilderness, inhabited mostly by Indians,
and onl}- now and then a white man to be seen.

Here he passed the remainder of his life, surrounded
by most of his children, until the time of his death,
at the age of eighty-five years.

His son Philip, the father of our subject, was
born in Harrison Count\-, Md., in 1795, and was
twelve years of age when he accompanied his fam-
ily from \'irginia to Licking County, Ohio. He
there enlisted in tlie War of 1812, and by re.ison
of his seiH'iccs drew a pension in his old age. There
also in 1820 he married Sarah, dalighter of Alex-
ander iMcCracken who was born in the North of
Ireland but of Scotch ancestry. During the Revo-
lutionary War he was brought to this country veiy
nuich against his will as a soldier in the British
Army, was taken prisoner by the Americans and
not released until the close of the war, when he re-
turneil to his native isle. Butso well pleased was he
with what he saw of America, that he soon came
back and settled near lirownsville, Fayette County.
Pa. Shortly afterward he married a Miss Eaton,
and they made this their home for many years, aild
in the meantime reared a largo family of children.
'While yet in Ireland he was converted to Chris-
tianity under the influence and preaching of Adam
Clark, and soon after he united with tlie Methodist
Clinrrh. and became noted as a minister. In 1817 he
and family removed from Pennsylvania to Mus-
kingum County, Ohio, where he resided until his
lieath at the advanced age of nearly ninety years.
He performed most C)f the marriage ceremonies and
preached the greater number of the funeral ser-
mons within the vicinity of his home for one third
of a century in the early days of Ohio, as many of
the older people of this county who knew Liim
there can attest.

In the fall of 1838 Philip Hull left Licking
County, Ohio, to seek a home in the then Far
West, and accompanied l)y his wife and children
made ilie trij) overland in wagons to li'ulton

192

PORTRAIT A^;D BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

County arriving in Lewistown on the 10th of De-
cember. In the spring of 1839 lie bought and
moved on to a tract of land, one hundred and sixty
acres, near the present site of .Suiithfield, on which
was a lo§ cabin and a fen- acres of land fenced and
broken. After living in the cabin for a short lime
a comfortable frame house was built, and the farm
was otherwise improved; but for many }'ears deer
and wild turke3's were plent3^ in the neighborhood
and throughout the county. In the fall of 1S45
he, in company with many of his neighbors, hauled
wheat in waguns to Chicago, two hundred miles
distant, taking with them provisions and horse
feed, camping out, consuming three weeks in mak-
ing the trip. The}' sold their wheat at forty-seven
cents per busliel, and bouglit such articles as were
essential to the family and returned, being well
jileased with their trip and the speculation. These
were the days of hard times, hardships and per-
plexities. There were then no railroads, nor were
there any for many years afterward. But how
changed the scenes, circumstances and conditions
since then.

The parents of our subject continued to reside
on the old homestead until 186.5, when they sold it
to Jacob Zigler, who now occupies it. an(\, regards
it as the best farm in Cass Township. They how-
ever soon bought another, within a mile of Lewis-
town, where the}' resided until the time of their
death, which occurred in 1881 after long lives —
sixty-four years having been spent together in
happy married life. The father died at tlie age of
eight-nine }-ears, and the mother at the .age of
eighty-thi'ee, and both are interred in the Lewis-
tiiwn Cemeterj-. Their children all reside in Lew-
istown — one, a single daughter, and the other
is married to James H. Randall, the father of Dr.
R. A. and Philip Randall, who are engaged in the
drug business in Lewistown, the former being a
finely educated phj-sician and a graduate of Rush
]\Iedical College.

Capt. W. W. Hull, the only brother of our sub-
ject, made an overland trip to California in the
|)ioiieer days of that .Slate, and remained there for
.•■everal 3'ears. Returning home a short time before
the Civil War he entered upon a mercantile busi-
ness in Lewistown, but upon the Ineaking out of
the conflict he enlisted in Company H.. Seventeenth
Regiment. Illinois Infantry, and was chosen Cap- '
Uiin of his company, continuing as such until the
close of the war. He merited the praise and high
esteem in which he was held, as a true patriot and
brave soldier. .Since the war he has been regarded
as one of the leaders of the Republican party, and
has filled nunirrous offices of trust and responsi-
bihty. In 1866 he was a candidate for Sheriff of
Fulton County ou the Republican ticket and

although his party was largelj- in the minority he
was beaten only two votes by the Democratic can-
didate, David J. Waggoner. The Captain was ap-
poinleil Postmaster at Lewistown. serving in this
as in other positions, with credit to himself, and it
niaj- be said of him that he was the only Republi-
can Postmaster in Fulton County who held over
and retained his ]iosition through the entire Cleve-
land administration. The Captain has one child, a
son — Edgar — who is in the revenue department,
at Peoria.

Dr. Hull was but a mere boy when he came with
his ])arents from Ohio to this count}- in 1838. Be-
ing anxious to obtain an education, and the oppor-
tunities and means being limited, for only occa-
sionall}' would a common or district school be taught
and then only for three months in the year, he la-
bored on his father's farm in the da3-time and studied
at night. By dint of hard labor and close applica-
tion to his studies, he fitted himself for teaching, and
at the age of seventeen years taught his first school
in his father's neighborhood with credit to himself
and to the satisfaction of his patrons. Thus he
continued working, teaching and studying until he
acquired a good and liberal education, including to
some extent, the languages. His attention was
quite early directed to the study of medicine, and
as soon as he had earned and laid up a few hundred
dollars he commenced the study with his cousin. Dr.
Abram Hull, then of this county. After complet-
ing the ofHee readings he attended a course of lec-
tures at St. Louis, and the following year entered
Rush Medical College, Chicago, from which insti-
tution he was graduated with honor in 1850, and
in May, thereafter, he located in Cuba, this count}*,
virtually commencing his practice where he was
reared, and in a vev3' short time his practice was
large, lucrative and quite extended. He has per-
formed numerous and diflicult surgical operations;
in fact there is scarcely an operation in the whole
list but what he has jterformed, and with nniform
success. In the practice of medicine he has always
been successful, and always had a large business.
For three years prior and up to the time he re-
niove<l to Lewistown, which was in the fall of 1860,
he had in his employ an excellent phy-sician. Dr.
LaFayette Gray, uncle to John A. Gray, a promi-
nent lawyer of the Lewistown Bar.

In the memorable campaign of 1860 the friends
of Dr. Hull induced him to accept the nomination
for the office of Clerk of the Circuit Court and
Recorder, to which he was elected. That he dis-
<-liarucd the duties of his office in a satisfactory
manner was abundantl3' proven b3' his re-election
to a second term in 1864. The Doctor did not en-
tirely relinquish his medical pursuits and the prac-
tice of his ))rofessiou when elected to the office, as

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

lO.-J

his official labors were performed very considerably
bj' (loputics. Yet. he never lost sioht of the various
details of tlie otiice, ami saw tiiat everytiiin.ir ^vas
done in the very best possilile manner, meanwhile
keeping posted up in the medical literature of the
day, and occasionally performing some important
surgical operation. In fad it is said that some of
the best and raf)sl important operations were per-
forjned while in olliee. and after he closed his
connection therewith he entercil again into the
practice with his usual vigor and entljusiasm. and
thus he has continued to the present time. Perhaps
but few men outside of the large cities have per-
formed more important surgical operations than
he, and but few have h.ad a larger experience in the
treatment of chronic diseases. His knowledge of
the profession and his long continued practice have
given him an extenib^l consultation jiractice.

Dr. Hull, as President: Dr. .1. V. Harris, Secre-
tary, of Canton ; and Dr. J. W. Welch, Treasurer, of
Cuba, com|)ose the Examining Hoard for Pensions
at Lewistown, and have acted as such for five or
more years. The fact that they are retained by the
incoming and adverse administration, is proof that
their work has been well and impartially done, and
to the satisfaction of the Government and the sol-
diers as well. Perhaps but few Boards have been
more painstaking in their examinaticms, or have
treated the soldiers more considerately, carefully
and kindly tlian this Board.

Politically Dr. Hull has always been identified
with the Democratic party. He is a member of the
State and other medical societies, and in reference
to his views and ideas concerning the practice of
meilicine he is orthodox, liberal, and yet indepen-
dent. He is a great reader, a deep thinker, broad
in views, religions, philosophical and social. He
h,as attained an enviable position as a man of in-
fluence in the county, while his course in life has
been such as to win for him tlie admiration and es-
teem of a large circle of acquaintances. He has
written frequently for medical journals, newspa-
pers, etc., and wields a ready and pointed pen. As
stated of him, he has always taken great interest in
educational matters, and especially in his own
town. He is President of the Board of Education
in Lewistown, and has been for the last sixteen
years. Dr. Hull is not only public-s[)iril,ed and en-
ergetic, hut he is social, cordial, and a man of good
morals, strictly temperate in his habits, and posses-
sing the manners of a gentlcinan. He is well cal-
cnlated to make and retain friends, and is one of
the best known citizens of Fulton County.

Dr. Hull was married in November. 18.J7, to
MissN. Perraelia Heckird,of this county, and they
have but one child, a daughter Carrie, now twenty-
three years of age, and singK". And upon her the

father has doted ami done everything in his power
to elevate her socially', morally, ajid in educational
and literary pursuits. I'pon her in these directions
he has spent thousands of dollars, and she has prof-
ited largely by it. She has attended the best col-
leges in Illinois and in ihe East, and isperhapsone
of the best educated young ladies in this portion of
the State. She is now taking musical instruction
in Boston. In the case of Dr. Hull the fact is
demonstrated that success is attributed to his en-
ergy and indomitable perseverance, ami those (piali-
ties which giv(! him

"The strength to dare, the nerve to meet
Whatever threatens with defeat
An all-indomitable will."

-€-*^ ^

Wi 1). .lOHNSON, foreman of the painting
de|)artment of Parlin & Orendorff's manu-
factory in Canton, w.'is born in Newark,
Newcastle C(junty, Del., October 17, 1840. He is
the son of James C. and JMartha (Caldwell) John-
son, and his grandparents came respectively from
Ireland and Scotland. His father was born in New
York, spent some j'ears in Penn.iylvania and
removed thence to Delaware while still a young
man. In 1860 he changed his place of residence to
New Jersey, where he died in 1882 at the age
of seventy-five years. His marriage had been solem-
nized in P(!nnsylvania. which was the native State of
his wife. The union was blessed by the birth of
three children, to whom the mother bade adieu
in 1818 when called from time to eternity, she be-
ing then but thirt3'-two years of age.

The father of our subject subsequently married
Miss Sarah Hickman, and to them was born one
child, — Lola. After the death of his second wife
Mr. Johnson married Miss lilary Case, who is still
living. To this union were born three children, who
are stdl living. The own brother of our subject,
James T. Johnson, w.as graduated from Delaware
College and was for many years I'resident of the
La Grange (Ga.) Female Seminary. During the
war he was pressed into the service of the Confed-
erate Army upon two occasions, but each time was
released about two weeks after his conscription on
account of his eminence as an educator. Ho is still

194

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

living in lliL' SouUicni rily, now cashier of a bank.
Tlie otbfi- child of our subject's tuother is M.ir-
waret E.. the wife of J. T. Conover. of Fleininglon,
N. .1.

Tlie subject of our sketch remained witli liis
f.'itiier until after he liad leaclied liis seven iceiilh
year, receiving a fair education in the common
schools and at the age of sixteen entering the Del-
aware College. One of his sclioolmates there was
Senator Anthonj- M. Higgins. of Delaware, loung
Johnson had been attending the college but a year
wlien the institutiou was broken up and be began
his personal work in life. In 1861 he went to New
Jersey, which State lie made his home until he
tofik up his residence in Canton. At Clinton, in
1862, he enlisted in Conipan3' E, Thirty-first New
.7erse3' Infantry, and being mustered in at Fleming-
ton, was sent to the defense of Wastiington.
remaining in or near that city several months. He
look an active part in the battle of Chancellorsville
and also at Fredericksburg. He had enlisted as a
private, but was elected Fourth Sergeant of his
coniiianj', and after serving as such for a period of
three months, w.is advanced to be First Sergeant,
anil continued in that capacity until discharged.

The regiment was enlisted for nine months,
and at the expiration of that time was mustered
out of the service and disbanded, the last march
l>eing from Falmouth to Washington — a distance
of one hundred miles — which they covered in less
tiian three days' time. Immediatel}' after his dis-
charge Mr. Johnson came West, and in February
following his arrival in this State enlisted in Com-
pany I, Fifty-first Illinois Infantry , and upon the
organization of the company was elected Orderlj^
Sergeant. The troops were first sent to Texas and
stationed in Port Lavaca on Matagorda BaN", and
later were at Nashville and New Orleans, doing
[)ust and camp duty until discharged in September,
1865.

In Boston, in 1869. Mr. Johnson was married to
Miss Mary Colville, a native of Canada who, after
ten j-ears of happy wedded life dieil in LaGrange,
Ga., where she had gone for her health. She left
two children — Stella and Maggie — both of whom
live in Canton. Mr. Johnson was again mairied in
1881, the lady of his choice being Miss Belle Com-

stoek, a native of Woonsocket, Conn., and the
ceremony being solemnized at Detroit. This lady
breathed lier last in 1884, and our subject was once
more united iu matrimony, this time at Canton. 111.,
in September, 1889. with Miss Kittie Flory, of
Clear Springs. Md. Mrs. Johnson is a faithful
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and
both she and her husband have numbers of warm
personal friends, both in Canton and throughout
the countj'.

At the beginning of his business career in this
Slate ilr. Johnson worked for Mr. Parlin in the
capacity of a common hand, but in three years'
time was promoted to his present position — that of
foreman of the painting dei)artment. He li.is had
a share in the municipal offices, having been City
Clerk in 1880, and in 1890 he received the ap-
pointment of Census Enumerator for this place.
He is interested in the social orders, being a charter
member of the Masonic Lodge in Canton, a Knight
of Pythias and a United >A'orkman. He has been an
active political worker, and was for many j-ears
manager of the Canton Opera House.

F. KOBBINS, manufacturer of and dealer
in marble and granite, both imported and
domestic, is one of the most reliable busi-
ness men of Canton. He carries a large line
of goods, varying from the common grades to that
which is fit for the sculpter's chisel, and is there-
fore able to supply the needs of various classes,
from those in humble financial circumstances _to
the capitalist. He is deserving of the patronage of
the jieople and secures a large proportion of the
trade in his line of business. He comes of English
ancestry and his kinsmen in both maternal and
p.aternal lines have for several generations held im-
portant social and commercial positions in the
United States.

Our subject is a son of John and Edee S. (Cum
mings) Robbins, natives of New Hampshire and-
Maine respectively. They removed with their fam-
ily to St. Clair. Mich., in 18.52, and there for two
years the father carried on a farming and milling

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

195

business. At the expiration of lliat time he ro-
moverl to Quincj-, Kj'., at wiiicli iioiiil he was en-
Sageil in the himber business. lUil after a few
years he quitted tlie Blue Grass State and journe}'-
ing northwest located in Canton in the year 1856.
lie purchased a good farm in Buckheart Township,
but retired from agricultural life some years since.
The mother passed away to her final resting' place,
May 18, 1880, and the father died in September.
1890. The latter iiad re.iclied an advanced age, his
natal day having been June 26, 1801. The paren-
tal family included .1. J., born March 23, 1837;
Edee Klizabcth. born September 9, 1838, and now
deceased and J. F.. of whom we write.

The subject of tliis biographical sketch was born
in Newport, Me., August 22, 1843, and remained
at home until he ha<l reached his eighteenth j'ear,
at which age he enlisted in Company A, Fifty- fifth
Illinois Infantry. They were mustered in at Chi-
cago, and then sent to St. Louis where they were in
l)arracks awhile, and then went to Paducah, Ry.,
drilling and |)eiforming the various camp duties.
They next went up the Tennessee River to Pitts-
burg Landing, where they took part in the battle,
and where Mr. Kobbins was severely injured by
some flying missile. After the fight he was placed in
the Held hospital, and from there sent to Hamburg,
Tenn., where he remained a week or so, after-
wards going to Benton Barracks, St. Louis. He
was finally discharged by order of the surgeon as
unable to resume service. Mr. Kobbins suffered
greatly even after reaching home, and it was quite
a while before he was able to attend to business of
any kind.

Our subject having in a measure regained his
health, commenced to learn the marble cutting
trade with .Sanford A- Barrows at Canton. Finish-
ing his apprenticeship in a year's time, he was em-
ployed by this firm for a long time, and traveled
for them in ditferent directions. Finally, in 1879,
Mr. Robbins bought out the business, and has con-
tinued to run it most successfully up to the present
writing. He carries a lar<re sujiply of marble, and
is the oldest man in his line of business in the city.
Mr. Robbins married Miss Jennie Watson, of
Canton, on M.ay 28, 1871. She was a native of Ohio
and a daughter of Stanley and Celia ( Woodhouse)

Watson.' Of this union have been born three chil-
dren, viz: Walter, Fcbruarj' 29, 1872; Leona, Au-
gust 5, 1873, and Clifford, October 3, 1877. The
subject of our sketch is a highly respected gen-
tleman, and one who possesses a great amount
of information. Being a constant reader and in-
terested in ancient matters, he has collected a num-
ber of i)reliistoric relics, and those of our Indians
and Mound Builders.

'• » ^-

S. STETSON. Of the citizens of Farming-
ton, few are so well and none more favor
abl}' known than the subject of this sketch,
who has resided in this city since the
spring of 1856. During this long period he
has made many warm friends, who hold him in
the highest esteem for his integrity of charac-
ter and genial disposition. After a prosperous
career in the commercial world he now rests
from active labor and is passing his last days
in peace and quietude. He is pre-eminentl}- a self-
made man, meriting great praise for the noble
manner in whicli he has at all times overcome ob-
stacles placed in his way. He w.as eighty-five years
of age on January 10, 1890, and is now unable to
care for himself, but receives the best of care from
his devoted wife.

Before giving the principal facts in the life of
Mr. Stetson, a few words with reference to his lin-
eage will not be amiss. His father, Oliver Stetson,
was a carpenter and joiner by trade, and with his
parents, three brothers and two sisters emigrated
from Connecticut in 1800 and located in Otsego
County, N. Y. In the spring of 1804 he was united
in marriage with Mar}' Stewart, the daughter of
John Stewart, and they immediately commenced
housekeeping. A few months later he look his
wife and household goods to her father's liouse,
while he went South to seek employment for the
winter season. He proceeded as far as St. Francis-
ville. Mo., and there died.

In the home of liis grandfather Stewart, the sub-
ject of this sketch was horn January 10, 1S05, and
under the tender care of these loving relatives

Ht(5

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

passed liis ycmth iinlil he was able to care for him-
self. His mother suhsequenth- married Aldrich
Baicora, by whom she had seven children, all de-
eensed. She passed away in 1852 at the age of six-
ty-five years. Nothing of special interest occurred
in the life of our subject until the fall of 1820, when
he became interested in the subject of religion and
related his experience to the First Baptist Church
at Butternuts, Otsego CounDy, N. Y., and was re-
ceived into its fellowship and baptized by Elder
Adams, their pastor, January 7. 1821. Since that
time he has lived a consistent Christian life. In
1840 he was elected a Deacon to fill a vacancy-
caused by the death of Deacon Lull.

In his youth our subject attended the district
schools and was eng.iged in various kinds of work.
In the spring of 1820 he and Mr. Chapin engaged
as partners in the wheelwright trade under the
firm name of Chapin & Stetson. They were thus
employed in Noble vi lie for two years. Mr. Stet-
son was united in marriage April 27, 1826, with
Miss Eliza Robinson, and began their wedded life
in a house rented of Mr. Chapin. In 1828. Mr.
Stetson moved to what is now known as Stetson-
ville, and buying a house and fifteen acres of land,
built, the following year, a shop where he manu-
factured wagons, sleighs and coffins. Finding his
house too small for his family and help, in 1836 he
purchased a more commodious residence and sixty-
three acres of land.

Early in the year 1838, Mr. Stetson sold his
fifteen-acre tract, and fitting one room of his house
for a store, purchased a small stock of dry-goods,
etc., and commenced in the mercantile business,
which he carried on in connection with farming
and the manufacture of potash. He subsequently
built a good store and dwelling house at a cost
of $2,500 and later [)urchased two hundred and
fourteen acres of adjoining land, and erected
house and b.irn, and other buildings suitable
for dairying. In the fall of 185-1 he resolved
to locate in the West, and upon his arrival in
Farmington, 111., was so well pleased with the land
and the prospects that he purchased of A. D. Reed
a store for $2,000 cash. Here he commenced mer-
chandising in partnership with his son, in the fall
of 1 855 the firm being J. S. Stetson <fe Son. They

were prosperous, doing a good business until 1860,
when the partnership was dissolved and the stock
and store sold to George Stetson for «8,500.

Upon the arrival of the family in Farmington in
the spring of 1856, Mr. Stetson purchased a house
and two acres of land of Mr. Underbill for 12.000;
this residence he still occupies. Mrs. Stetson died
of consumption February 9,1863, aged sixty years.
She was the mother of seven children, namelv
Mary Jane, born August 23. 1827 and died at the
age of tweuty-two years; George, born November
30, 1829; David R., December 5. 1831; Fannie
M.. March 8, 1834; Sally Ann. May 6, 1836;
Charles A.. May 4. 1840 and John Lee, January 7,
1846.

On June 14. 1864, Mr Stetson was united in the
holy bonds of wedlock "iih Mrs. Elvira McColiuni.
with whom he had been formerly acquainted
in Morris, Otsego County, N. Y. She was feeble,
and lived but a short time after their union, dying
of consumption June 23, 1854, aged fifty-two years.
Mr. Stetson afterward contracted a matrimonial al-
liance with Mrs. Mary Maxfield. a resident of
Springfield. Otsego County, N. Y. They were mar-
ried May 16, 1866 and came immediately to Farm-
ington. accompanied by the aged mother of Mrs.
Stetson, to whom they gave the most devoted care
until her death, February 28, 1883, at the great age
of ninety-two years.

During the many years of their happy wedded
life, Mrs. Stetson has been a true companion of our
subject and an untiring worker in his behalf. She
is a member of the Baptist Church at Farmington,
and has contributed liberally to its support, at one
time giving 8230 to pay the balance due on the
parson.age. She was born in Warren County. N.
Y. and received a common-school- education. .She
became the mother of two childreu^Orlando and
Minnie, both of whom died in youth. She is the
friend of temperance and everything calculated to
advance the interests of the county.

Mr. Stetson is highly respected as a man of
probity and honor. When he came to Farmington
he found the Baptist Church weak and unable to
support a pastor, but he and his wife and daughter
joined the feeble band and be has sine e served as
Deacon and has been one of the main supporters of

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

197

the L'liurcli in supply preafhing anil in builtlinfr the
house of worshii) at a cost of xo.OOO. He is well-
known in the Otsego (New Yorii) Association, and
in the Peoria Associalion, having served the latter
as Treasurer for about eiglit venrs. He was orig-
inally a Democrat anil voted that ticket until 1840
since whicli time he has su|)ported the Hepulilican
party and its principles. He served four years as
Police Magistrate and in oilier ways aided the
thriving town of Farmingloii.

NDREW TIMMONS is the owner and oc-
cupant of one of the most valuable farms
I'i in the county, its location being on sec-
tions 2, 11 and 12. Young Hickory Town-
ship. His entire landed proiiorty consists of four
iiundred and sixtv-one acres which is divided into
three improved places and cost from ^."5') to $70
per acre. It is fertilized by never-failing water
from springs, every acre being tillable. One hun-
dred and sixty-six acres are rented and the balance
is operate! by Mr. Timmons himself. He raises
full-blooded and graded .Shorthorn cattle, Berk-
shire and Poland-China swine, and also feeds stock
for shipment. I.a.st year he sold one hundred and
cightj- hogs. On the home farm there are two sub-
stantial residences and two commodious barns, each
40.\G0 feet. Farm scales, modern machinery and
every convenience for the domestic and farm econ-
omy will be found there.

Our subject who is the oldest child of his par-
ents, was born near Circleville. Ohio, July 10,1838.
He was seven years old when he accompanied his
parents West, the journey being made in a "prairie
schooner." He was reared on a farm in Knox
Count}', where he began driving oxen to a plow
when not more than eight ^ears old. He aided as
his strength would permit in the improvement of
the raw land, taking advantage first of the subscrip-
tion and afterward of the free schools, wherein his
educational privileges were very fair. He was a
young man of eighteen years when bis father re-
moved to this county and he continued to assist his

parent until he was of age. He then went to Henry
County, locating near Bishops Hill, where he rented
a farm for a year. Corn was but eight cents a
bushel and other farm products brought so low a
price that he found existence a hard struggle.
Sir. Timmons therefore went into Knox County,
! bought twenty .acres and after oi)erating it two
: years sold it and rented his f.ather's jjlaee a year.
In the spring of 1805 he went to Kansas by rail,
sending a team overland, and rented a farm in
Douglas County, near Baldwin City. He lost his
crop and in six months returned to this .State over-
land to begin a new career here. He bought sixty
.acres on Swigle Creek to which he subsequently
added twenty acres, still later trading sixty for an
adjoining farm of one hundred and lwenty-(ive
acres. On his estate, which then consisted of one
Imndred and forty-five acres on sections 11 and 12,
he made his home for some time. He was burnt
out but rebuilt and after a time l)ought the
Roberts place, an improved farm of one hundred
and sixty-six acres on section 12. In 1887 he bar-
gained for one hundred and fifty acres on section 2,
known as the old Fisher [ilace, for which he w.as to
pa}' $10,500. His failure to pay for this place was
prophesied, but contrary to the expectations of his
neighbors, he was clear of debt in less than three
j'ears, and that after paying the highest price tliat
had been given for land here.

In his endeavors to advance his fortunes .Mr.
Timmons has been assistad by a faithful companion,
whose prudent management of household affairs
and words of counsel and encouragement are highly
valued. This ladj' who was formerly known .as Miss
Sarah Campbell, was born near Attica. Ind.. in
Warren County, and became the wife of our sub-
ject in Maquon, Knox County, III., in 1860. The
iiapp}' union has been blest b}' the birth of four
children — l-'anny, Johnson, Arthur and Mina. The
eldest child w<is formerly a school teacher, but is
now the wife of Charles Ulm who lives on tiic farm
of our suliject. Johnson makes his home also here;
Arthur and Mina still reside under the parental
roof.

Mr. Timmons was elected Commissioner of
Highwaj'S but resigned the place after a year's ser-
vice. He has served efficiently in the position of

198

PORTRAIT AIS'D BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

Sc-hool Director, has contributed to tiie building of
churches and to other enterprises which promise to
benelil tlie community, and exercises generous
hospitality. He is a Democrat and during recent
}-ears has been stronger in the faith than ever before.
Our subject is a son of Stephen S. and Lucinda
(Emery) Timraons. tlie former bc^rn in Higliland
and the latter in Picliavvay County. C)l)io. Mrs.
Timmons was a daugliter of the Rev. Stephen
Emery, a local minister of tlie Jletiiodist Episcopal
Churcli, wlio finallj' came to Knox County, 111.,
and after farming there ten years bought a home-
steader's claim in Linn County, Kaii., removed
thither and made that his home during the rem-
nant of his days. Stephen Timmons followed farm-
ing in Pickaway County. Ohio, for somej'ears. then
sold his property and came to Illinois. He hart but
•^5 when he reached this county, but with the same
eiitei'prisiiig spirit which characterizes his son, lie
set to work undismayed to secure a good home.
After having rented land in Fairview Townshii) a
few years, he bought in Knox County and dirt well
there financially. When hereturnert to this county
he bought property in Young Hickory Township
where he now lives retired on a farm of some three
hundred acres. He has reached the age of seventy-
seven years. Like his son, he votes the Democratic
ticket. His worthy companion died in Young
Hickory Township, December 23, 1863. The chil-
dren younger than our subject are, Peter who lives
on section 1, Young Hickory Township; Mrs. Sarah
Combs, of Knox County; Mrs. Margaret Johnson,
fif Sliermau County. Kan.; and Joseph, of London
Mills.

-*J-fc-

AMUEL WILLCOXEN, a wealthy citi-
zen of Buckheart Township, has for nian^'
years been identified with its farming inter-
ests as one of its most practical, wide-awake
and business-like farmers and stock-raisers. He is
a native of Ashe County, N. C, born October 12,
1813. His father, the Rev. Squire Willcoxen, was
• for many years a Baptist preacher. He was also a
North C.irolinian bj' birth and was married in the
State of his nativity to Sarah Tatrira, a daughter

of James Tatrim and a native of North Carolina.
The Rev. Mr. Willcoxen w-as a son of Samuel Will-
coxen and he served in th.e War of 1812.

When our subject was about three years old the
faiiiil}' removed from North Carolina to Kentucky,
where they remained twelve j'ears, and then carae
to this county about 1828. Thus his parents were
among the first settlers of this part of HIinois, lo-
cating in a place called Slabtown. Five years later
they moved into what is now Buckheart Township,
west of the present home of our subject on section
5, and were among the pioneers of the township.
Here the father's death occurred on his farm in
1837 at the age of fifty-nine years. They were tiie
parents of nine children, six girls and three boys,
and Samuel, of whom we write, was the seventh of
the family.

Our subject was reared among the pioneer scenes
in Kentucky and experienced also all the hardships
and privations of pioneer life in Fulton County.
After coming here he attended the old Tatrim school,
which was conducted on the subscription plan, and
tliere he learned to read, write and cipher. He
remained with his parents until he was twenty-
seven years of age, when he married and established
a home of his own. taking as his wife Miss Lucinda
Carner, of this township. She was born in Ken-
tuckj' and was brought to this State when she was
quite young by lier parents, who were [)ioneer set-
tlers here. She has been a very useful assistant to
her husband in the acquirement of his property
and has been a devoted mother to their children, of
whom they have had three: Ellen, wife of Elijah
Johnson; George W.. wlio resides on the old home-
stead, and one who died in infancj'.

B\' wise thrift and pnidrnce, by tlie dint of liaid
and unremitting labor, by careful manageincnl,
shrewdness and foresight in the transaction of
business, Mr. Willcoxen has placed himself among
the most well to-do members of the farming popu-
lation of Buckheart Township. He is very skillful
as a farmer and has his farm well-stocked with cat-
tle, horses and hogs of high grades. Before he
divided his land w'itli his children lie had nine
hundred acres of choice farming land. He still
retains possession of two hundred acres which is
under a high state of cultivation and finely itn-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

199

proved. After marriage he first settled on the old
homestead that belonged to his father, and besides
carrying that on managed one of his mother's and
he lived on it forty-six years, when he bought his
present farm on section 11, Hiiekheart Township,
comprising one hundred and lifty-foiir acres, and
is considered one of the most valuable in the local-
ity. It is supplied with substantial buildings, in-
cluding a large and comfortably furnished I'esidenee
and one of the best brick barns in the neighbor-
hood.

As an early settler of Buckheart Township and as
one of its most able farmeis. who has done much
for its development, our subject occupies a [ironii-
nenl place among the pioneers of this locality and
of the county. lie and his wife are devoted mem-
bers of the Baptist Cliurch, contributing tlicir
quota to its support and helping along its every
good work.

APT. WILLIAM BOYD, Deputy County
, Clerk and Assistant Treasurer of Fulton

^^' County, has long been connected with the
civic life of this part of Illinois, and no public olli-
cial is held in higher estimation for pr.actical aliil-
ity and iine personal character than he. lie was a
brave C)fncer in the I'nion ranks during the late
war, and did noble service for his adopted country.
Capt. Boyd was born August 1. 1830. in the prov-
ince of Ulster, County Antrim, Irel.and. His fa-
ther. John Boyd, was a native of the same county
as was his father, Hugh Boyd, who was of early
Scotch ancestry. He was a farmer, and so far as
known, S|)ent his entire life in County Antrim.
The father of our subject was well-educated, and
when a j'OUTig man taught school, and was also en-
gaged as a music teacher, and as a civil engineer.
He spent his entire life in the county of his birth,
dying in 1840, when sixty years of age. The
maiden name of his wife was Ann Taggart, and she
was born in the North of Iieland. She was twice
married, the name of her tirst husband having been
Keenan.

After the death of the father of our subject, his

mother came to America with live of her eight chil-
dren, .letting sail from Port Rush, early in April,
proceeding from there to Liverpool, and thence to
New York, landing in that city earl\- in June. She
Went directly to Wooster, Ohio, and there her re-
maining days were passed, her death occurring in
18r)l. The names of her children were: Hannah
(daughter of her first marriage); Hugh, Ann, Jen-
nie, John, Robert, William .'uid James. John died
in County Antrim, and the others came to Amer-
ica. Hannah died a few years after her arrival
here; Ann married Hugh Price, and settled near
Columbus, Ohio; Jennie married Joseph Woods,
and settled near Gallion, Ohio; Hugh located in
Wooster, and died there; Robert also died in Woos-
ter; James located in Columbus.

The subject of this biographical sketch was but
twelve 3'ears old when he came to America with his
mother. As she was in limited circumstances, the
brave, manly little lad had to set about earning his
own living at an early age. When he was thirteen
years old, he commenced to learn the trade of a
shoemaker, and followed that until 1849. In that
jear he went to Columbus, and in 1857 came from
that city to Lewistown, where he was engaged at
his trade until 18C2.

Capt. Boyd was mostly reared and educated un-
der the institutions of this country-, and early im-
bibed a love for it and became thoroughly Ameri-
canized. During the first months of the great
struggle between the North and South, he watched
the course of events with intense interest, and as
soon as practicable. Laid aside his work to take u|)
arms in defense of the country that had given him
a home. In the month of August. 18G2, he enlisted
in Company II, One Hundred and Third Illinois
Infantr}-, and was mustered in as First Lieutenant,
at Peoria, August 2. In November, he was sent
with his regiment to Bolivar, Tenn., and thence to
La Grange. In December he started for Vicksburg
with Gen. Grant. Commuidcation being cut off
Grant's army went to J.ackson, and there the regi-
ment of our subject was quartered for the winter.
On the return of spring, he and his comrades re-
turned to La Grange, anil there spent a short time,
and were dispatched to Vicksburg from that place
to guard the rear of the Federal army, and aided

200

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

in defeat in uf Jolinston's atlempt to reinforce tliat
city. After tlie fall of Vicksbuig, our subject
went to Jackson and fought gallantly in llie battle
witli tlie enemy at that place. From there his regi-
ment pushed on to Black River, and rested until
fall, and then marched. to Clialtanooga, and did
good service in the battle of Missionary Ridge.
The men were next sent to the relief of Burnside
at Knoxville, and then retired to Scottsboro, Ala.
A few weeks later our gallant young officer accom-
panied by his men, started for Georgia, having been
sent there to attract, the attention of the rebels and
draw them away from Sherman, who had gone on
his Meridian raid. Returning to Scottsboro, the
One Hundred and Third Illinois, nftcr a short rest,
went on another reconnoitering expedition, n>arch-
ing to Cleveland, Tenn., and back to Scottsboro.
May 1, 1864, it joined Sherman's forces, accom-
panied him on the Atlanta campaign. dt)ing noble
service in the principal battles on that long and
ever memorable march. Capt. Boyd and the sol-
diers under him aided in the siege and capture of
Atlanta, fought in the battle of Atlanta Pass, and
after that went witii the army to the Chattahoocliie
River. Our subject received an injur}- that re-
sulted in the loss of one eye, and he was obliged to
resign his commission and give up military life for
which he vvas so eminently litled. His course
througliout his service had marked him as a soldier
who was prompt in obeying orders, was cool and
courageous in any emergency, and as an officer in-
spired his men to brave deeds. His superiors, ap-
preciating these fine qualities, had promoted him to
the rank of captain before his retirement.

After he left the army, Capt. Boyd returned to
Lewistown, and in 1865 established hinjself in the
hardware business, and continued it until 1873,
when he was appointed to his present position as
Deputy County Clerk, and he then sold out his
business interests. As before mentioned, he is As-
sistant Treasurer, and has made a good record in
both offices. His political aililiations are with the
Republicans. Religiously, he is a sound Presby-
terian, and both he and Mrs. Boyd are church mem-
bers. He is identified with the Independent Order
of Mutual Aid.

Our subject has been twice married. In 1852

Sarah S. Miner became his wife. She was a native
of Gratiot, Licking County, Ohio, and a daughter
of Francis and Myra (.Jordan) Miner. Her death
occurretl in 1860. Of the three children born of
her wedded life, tivo are now living: Carrie mar-
ried Alexander Wetherell, and lives near Lima,
Ohio; Ida married Dr. II. P. Stipp, of Sonora. Cal.
The Captain's second marriage, which was solemn-
ized in 1861, was with Miss Lucy J. Foote. a na-
tive of Iowa. There are two children living of the
second marriage: Mrs. Grace Lillie, of Lewistown;
and Wilhird.

Nt„4\ A.RTIN M. WAUGHTEL. Among the
young farmers of this county are many
li" who are pursuing their course in life with
great energy and much skill, and thereliy
attaining satisfactory results. One of this num-
ber is the gentlem;ui above named, who is located
on section 26, Cass Township, occupying the farm
on which his birth took place August 23, 18,i9. His
est.ate consists of one hundred acres, nearly all of
wliicli is improved, and he carries on general agri-
cultural work, raising both grain an<l slock. Cattle
and hogs are the domestic animals which he raises
in the greatest numbers, but he has some fine speci-
mens of horseflesh, among them a team of three-
vear old Normans, weighing three thousand and
thirty-live pounds.

Henry Waughtel, the father of our subject, was
born in Ohio in 1812, but former generations of
the family -had lived in Virginia. He mirrried Mar-
garet Markley, a native of the same State as him-
self, their marriage taking place in this State, to
which both had come in childhood. Mr. Waughtel
belonged to a family which was one of the first to
make a settlement in this part of the Mississippi
Valley. He w.as the first Supervisor of Cass Town-
ship, taking the olHce in 1850. He fought during
the Black Hawk War. He breathed his last in
1885, but his widow still lives and nine of their
twelve children survive.

Our subject received a good common-school edu-
cation and from earl}- boyhood was accustomed to

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAlMUt'AL ALHl'M

201

take part in farm work, to wliicli he lias (•oiitiiuietl
to give his attention, lie began life for himself
when twenty years old, marrying Philena Orwig,
a (laughter of John and Amanda (Hancock) Orwig,
who were ol<l settlers in this ('onuty. The young
couple took possession of forty acres of land
owned by the husband, wliich he operated suc-
cessfully. His wife, who was born in IHCi:?, died
in August, 1884, leaving two sons — John and
IMilton. Mr. Waughtel was again married in Sep-
tember, 1885, his bride being iSarali M. Hinder-
liter, a daughter of Julius Hinderliter. wlio was
one of the old settlers of Cass Township. This
lady was born in 1862, received a good educa-
tion in the common schools, and the home train-
ing which fitted her for the duties of a horae-
kcei)er. She has borne hor husband two children,
one of whom is now living, a son, William.

Mr. Wanghtel has from hi§ early manhood been
more or less closely connected with the |)ub-
lic affairs of the section in which lie lives. He be-
came Sciiool Director in Di.slrict No. 6 as soon as
he was old enough to hold the oUice and is still
its incumbent. At the age of twenty-three years
he was elected Township Collector and served in
that cap.aeity until elected Supervisor, in which he
is now serving his fourth term. He has always
taken an active interest in politics and is one of
the principal workers in the township; he has been
a delegate to county conventions and is now a
committeeman.

. ^— , - ''*-^^=n::^^ ^-,i — ' , . — ;■

^^^ . — ' S:^3i=^», *— » ^— ^ — '

yASHINGTON F. KANDOLI'H. a veteran
of the late war and a well-known farmer
of Canton Townshi[), was born in Joshua
Township, this countj', Januaiy 11, 1812. the
youngest child of John F. and Nancy (Rawalt)
Randolph. He was reared to manhood on his fa-
ther's farm in the place of his birth and made his
home with his parents until his marriage. After
that he settled in Canton Township, where he has
since lived. Ho has always been engaged in farm-
ing with the exception of the two years tiiat he
spent in the army during the war, and he has a

choice f;uiii of eighty acres on section 8, which is
well-improved.

Our subject was one of the bravo volunteers
during the late (JIvil War. He enlisted in the
month of August, 18()2. the year that he attained
his majority, in Company C, One Hundred and
Third Hlinois Infantry and served with credit two
years.

Mr. Randolph was married in Canton Township
to Miss Mar}-, a daughtei' of Homer and Susan
Moore, early pioneers of Fidton County. The
mother, a daughtei- (if John llugen. is living at a
venerable age and is one of the oldest settlers re-
maining in Fulton County. Mrs. Randolph is a
native of Canton Townsliii). Her marriage with
our subject has brougiit them these three chil-
dren: Minnie F.. Lola F.. and Homer F.

Mr. Randolph is a devoted advocate of the
I'roliibition party in politics. H(! has been School
Director and has .served his township well in that
capacity. He is a man of exemplary habits, and
is classed among our most worthy citizens. Mrs.
Randolph, who is held in like respect, is a mem-
ber of the Uaptisl Church.

-^ ^#-^ ■ -—

^RED 0. I'lTI

f(jrnier manager of tlie ex-
tensive livery business founded in Canton
b}' Morrell lligbie, was born in 18.^(). He
is the son of Norris and Elizabeth (Granger) Pitt,
who reside in Peoria and have made that city their
home during the jiast twenty-five years. The
father is the proprietor of a merchant tailoring
establishment, but does none of the actual work
himself, having other inteiests which occupy his
time, except tliat portion which 'ho devotes to the
oversight of the business. He deals quite exten-
sively in Western hinds, and has a prominent pLace
among the Aldermen of the city. He has always
been actively eng.aged in politics, and is generally
known and esteemed throughout the community.
He has five sons, two of whom are in Chicago and
two in Peoria.

The subject of this biographical sketch passed
his childhood and ^outli in Peoria, and there ob-

•202

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

tained a good education in the High School. Upon
first entering the business world he learned his
father's trade, and was connected with him until
1879, wlien he opened a merchant tailoring estab-
lishiiient in Canton. This he carried on success-
fully until his marriage, which occurred during the
ensuing jear. He tlien made his home in Peoria
for a twelvemonth, but at the expiration of that
time returned to Canton, where he pursued his
chosen business until 1885. At that time the fail-
ing health of his father-in-law, Morrell Higbie,
forced him to abandon hard work and Mr. Pitt was
called upon to assume the management of his
liverj- business. He is an eminently successful
business man. and has gained wide popularity by
his genial, happy disposition and strict integrity'.
Mr. Pitt was fortunate in liis choice of a wife,
Miss Frank Higbie being a 30ung lad3' possessed
of a good education, pleasing manners and the
character and disposition calculated to make a
happy home. Tiie congenial couple are the pf.r-
ents of two cliildren — Lucy and Bessie. Mr. Pitt
is a member of the social order of tiie Knights of
Pythias.

i,OAH R. KNOWLES, who is engaged in
farming and stock-raising on section 15,

^ Pleasant Township, where he owns a good
farm, is a veteran of the late war. He was born
in Sussex County. Del., April 19, 1841, to William
W. and Elizabetli (Phillips) Knowles, natives re-
spective]\' of Delaware and Maryland.

Mr. and 5lrs. Knowles removed to Somerset
Count}^ Md. when their son, Noah, of whom we
write, was ten or twelve j'cars old, and there the}*
lived a number of" years. Thej' subsequently re-
moved to Dorchester County, that State and re-
mained there till the fail of 1860, when they came
to Illinois and took up their residence in Fulton
County. In 1865 the parents removed to Nebraska,
where they are living at the present time. Their
wedded life has been blessed to them b^- the birth
of seven children, of whom five survive, namely:
Noah R.; George W., a resident of Johnson County,
Neb. ; Angeline, wife of John Turner of Nebraska;

S. T. T. who makes his home in Missouri; and Sena,
wife of James Turner, of Nebraska.

Our subject had but limited educational advanta-
ges in the common schools of Maryland and Dela-
ware, but he made the best of them. After coming
to Fultim County he worked on a farm b^- the
month for G. C. Cooper, receiving in payment for
his labor $10 a month and his board, continuing
thus employed for about three years. In March,
1864 he enlisted in Company H., Twentj'-eighth
Illinois Infantry, and bore an honorable part in the
war. He was with his regiment at the siege of
Spanish Fort, and he fought in many minor skir-
mishes, besides doing much scouting and provost
duty. He served principally in Tennessee, Missis-
sippi, Louisiana and Alabama and gave proof of
excellent soldierl}' qualities. While in the array
his e)'esight was much injured owing to exposure
and he suffered all the hardships and privations
incidental to life on the l)attlefleld. He was hon-
orably discharged in March, 1866 in Texas, where
he was doing guard duty, and he was mustered out
at Springfield the following April. The value of
his services during the time he was in the array
have been recognized by the Government which
grants him a pension of iS16 a month.

Since the war our subject has given his attention
to farming, and in the spring of 1879 settled on
liis present farm on section 15, Pleasant Township.
Here he has eighty acres of land which is fenced
into convenient fields, is admirably tilled and is
provided with all the necessary buildings and good
farming machinery. Mr. Knoules enjoys the es-
teem and confidence of his fellow-citizens, as his
conduct in all the affairs of life has ever been hon-
orable and upright. In his political views he is a
sound Republican. Socially, he is connected with
the Grand Army, being a member of the Post at
Ipava. Though he docs not belong to any church
he contributes liberally to the support of religious
causes.

The marriage of our subject to I\Iiss Irena
Cooper was celebrated in Januar}', 1867, and has
been productive of much happiness to both. To
them have been born two cliildren, Cora, wife of
Elmer Porter, of this place, and one child who
died in infancj'. Mrs. Knowles is a daughter of
Levin Cooper, whose biography appears elsewhere
in this volume.

<J<3^

J, /^/Y/v^^

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

207

'^f' AMES H. McCALL. This gentleman was a
conspicuous figure in tiie history of Central
Illinois for nearly forty years. He was :i resi-
'fi^!/' 'lent of Peoria, and later of Canton, the lat-
ter city being his home when his career was cut
short by death. In addition to a brief outline of
his life, wc append some notices from the press,
and fraternal resolutions which sufliciently indicate
the place which he held in the mind of the i)ublic.
We also present to the reader portraits of Mr. and
Mrs. McCall.

Jar.u'S Harvey McCall was born in 1809, in the
city of ISallimore, .Md.. of Scotch parents. In 1814,
he removed with his parents to York County, Pa.,
and lived on a farm until he was sixteen years of
age. In 1825 he went into Lancaster County, of
the same State, and was tliere engaged in farming
and sawniillino; until the spring of 1S;5,5, when iie
with his eldest sister, emigrated to I'eoria, 111. hi
tlie fall of tliat same year he rented a grist and saw-
mill on Kickapoo Creek, and after working there
for six months, returned to town, and followed car-
pentering for a year, then alternating that with
farming until 1839, when he, with John Monroe,
built and loaded a tlatboat witli produce, which
they took to Xew Orleans. After returning he en-
gaged in feeding cattle and hogs, and built the first
j)ens in Peoria, feeding with the slop fi-oui Capt. A.
S. Cole's distillery, which was the first distillery
erected in I'eoria.

Mr. McCall, in .\piil, 1846, received injuries, and
was unable to work for several months. In the
spring of 1847, he entered into a partnership in the
sawmill business, and continued there for two years,
then they built an addition of a gristmill, and just
as It was completed it burned to the ground. In
the fall of 1800, he had rebuilt on the old site, and
was running a custom mill, and in the spring of
1852, the first copartnership of Moss, Bradley ife
Co., (the company being McCall, ami afterward
MeCall ik Frazer) was formed. Here he was iJiter-
ested until the fall of 1862, when he removed to
Canton, 111., to take personal supervision of a dis-
tillery, which he had previously bought. Here he
helped to establish tlie First National Bank of Can-
ton, of which he was Presideiil from the time of
its establishment to tlie day of his death.

On June 10. 1845. :Mr. McCall was married to
.Miss Louisa Raj-mond, and to them were born four
children, dangliters, whose record is as follows:
iM.aggie L., wife of Dr. James Entwistle, of C!ii-
cago; Carrie O., who married Georg(> A. Black,
and resides in Omaha, Ncib. ; Josie K., wife of Will-
iam Babcock, Jr.. of Canton, and Agnes M., who
became the wife of Charles Levings, of Chicago.
Mr. McCall cast his first vote for Andrew Jackson,
and was during his entire life a stanch Democrat.
He was always an active politician, and as such
was influential in the councils of his party.

During the fall of 1872 Mr. McCall went to Cali-
fornia on business, and on his way back home met
men whose acquaintance gave him the desire to in-
vestigate part of the mining interests of the Western
country, and on June 16, 1873. he started to do
so. From that time he was among the mountains,
and alll'.ougli it was a disagreeable task to him. he
w'rote more often than usual to his .family, always
sayinn; he was enjoying good health and spirits, and
the day before he was taken sick, wrote home the
same good news, w'liich letter was not received un-
til the day after tin; telegram announcing his death.
The following extracts from the different p;ipers
will partially show the high regard in which he w.as
held in the community, anil also give many items
of interest, for tritles assume an importance not
their own when ct)nneeted with those who have
been loved and lost:

From the Canton Jiegistcr, September 5, 1873:
S.vi) Ai'i'LiCTiON — Sudden Dkatii of
J. II. McCm.i..

On Tuesday last the citizens of Canton were
startled and pained by a report tluit Mr. .lames H.
McCall was dead. An inquiry developed the fact
that tlie rejiort was in all probability^ true, although
the dispatch announcing the fact was very unsatis-
factorj', not to say mysterious. It w.as as follows:
Elko, Nevada, September 1st, 1873.

Geokok a. Br-ACK Canton, III.:

I leave here on the 5 v. ji. train with the remains
of J. H. McCall. Meet me at Bureau Junction.
[.Signed] A. B. Ciiai'.man,

Nothing more vvas learned by, or known to the
family concerning the matter. A letter was re-
ceived from Mr. McCall on Tuesday evening, dated
August 27. in which he writes concerning some
business, and this letter was written by Mr. McCall

268

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

in llie clear and concise manner peculiar to him in
business matters.

Mr. Chapman, who sends the dispatch, formerly
lived in Joliot. 111., and Mr. MuCall became ac-
quainted with hira when in the \Vest a year ago.
Tlie family knew nothing of him. only that lie is
engaged in business at Mountain City, near Elko,
Nev.

Mr.. George A. Black, a son-in-law of Mr. Mc-
Call, started for Omaha, Tuesday, to meet tlie re-
mains, and bring them home; and Col. A. C. Bab-
cock. Mr. McCall's partner, will also meet them
tiiere. They are expected to arrive in the city to-
day, Friday.

Up to noon of Thur.sday, tliere liad been nothing
further in relation to Jlr. McCall's death received,
and there is a hope yet indulged that there may be
a mistake.

Mr. McCail has been one of tlie most enterpris-
ing and public-spirited citizens of Canton, and all
have felt that not his family alone, but the whole
community have sustained an irreiiarable loss. His
remains will be interred in the Canton cemelerj'.

From the Canton Register, September 12, 1873:

De.\th of J. H. McCall.

HIS FUNERAL.

Tiie reported death of Mr. J. H. McCall. men-
tioned by us last week, proved to be onl\- too true,
dispatches from G. A. Black confiiniing the sad news
being received on Thursday evening, just after our
paper was primed.

A. B. Chapman, Esq., a merchant of .Mountain
City. Nev.. who was with Mr. McCall, the greater
portion of the time since tlie latter has been in the
West, has furnished us the following particulars:

Jlr. MoCall had been in liis usual good health up
to the morninir of the 29th ult.. when he was taken
at Mountain City with what appeared to be a con-
gestive chill, from the effects of which he was un-
conscious for sonie time. After coming out of
the chill, consciousness returned, and he at once
announced to Mr. Chapman and his attendants that
lie would not recover, and that it would be uselesiS
to send for a pliysician. A team and driver had
been procured by Mr. Chapman, and was just read^-
to start, when Mr. McCall told lliem to stop, as he
would not live long enough for a physician to
reach him. Jlountain City is only a mining town,
and to obtain a physician it was necessary to send
to Elko, ou the Union Pacific Railro.ad, distant
eighty-six miles from Mountain City. The stage
time between the two points is two days.

After giving directions to Mr. Cliapmau concern-
ing some business matters, sending messages to
loved ones at home, and requesting that Mr. Chap-

man accompany his remains to Canton, at 3:.S0
p. M., on the 30th, he died.

It was impossible to get a coffin, or even himlier
to make one, at Mountain City, and j\lr. Chapman
was compelled to put the body in a rough box,
packed in ice, and haul it over a rough mountain
road in an oi>en wagon to Elko. He started at 1 1
o'clock p. M.. on the 30lh. arriving at Elko at 1 p.
M., on the first of .September. Xot being able to
obtain a casket there, a cofBn was procured, sealed
in zinc, and then enclosed in a box, and at 5 p. m..
on the 1st inst., he started for Omaha. At Omaha
he was met by Mr. and Mrs. G. A. Black, and Col.

A. C. Babcock, who accompanied the remains
home, arriving here at 10:45 a. m , Friday, the 5th.

The remains were met at the depot, and taken
in charge by a committee, consisting of Mes^rs.
William Babcock, J. W. Ingersoll, C. T. Heald, A.

B. Hulil, and H. L. Wright, on the part of the citi-
zens, and W. B. Gleason, .S. Y. Thornton, J. H.
Stipp, W. H. Craig and .1. C. Brinkerlioff. on the
part of the Masonic fraternity. The remains were
taken into the depot building, the colHii opened,
and the bod\' identified. An examiualion was also
made, at the request of friends, by Drs. .Swisher
and Wright, to ascertain if death had ensued from
natural causes.

The remains were then conveyed to his late resi-
dence where they were cared for until Saturday, at
two o'clock, when the funeral took place.

The Masonic fraternity met at their hall at half-
past one o'clock, and formed in procession under
direction of W. B. Gleason. as Marshal, with C. N.
llenkle and \V. H. Craig as assistants. Preceded
by the Cornet Band, they marched to the late resi-
dence of the deceased, where the^' were met b}' the
committee of citizens above mentioned. The re-
mains were taken in charge, and conveyed to the
Congregational Churcli. J. H. Stipp, J. jM. Fox. G.
S. McConnell, S. P. Slocum, W. H. Smith, and J.
R. McQuiad. acting as pall bearers.

The funeral services at the church were con-
ducted by the Rev. H. B. Smith, of Peoria, who
delivered an impressive and feeling address, basing
his remarks on the second and third verses of the
seventh chapter of EcclesLastes:

"It is better to go to the house of mourninfc,
than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the
end of all men; ami the living will lay it to his
heart."

"Sorrow is better than laughter, for by the s.ad-
ness of the countenance the heart is made better."

At the close of the services the h} mn "Scotland,"
a favorite tune of Mr. McCall's was sung by the
choir, and a procession was again formed, the band
and Miisonic fraternity- in the front, followed h^-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

209

the hearse and family then a long line of citizens
on foot and upwards of fifty vehicles in the rear.
The procession proceeded to the cemetery, where
the lemains were interred with the beautiful funeral
service of tlie Masonic fraternitv, conducted by Dr.
Sylvester Stevens, of Knoxville, an old and es-
teemed friend of Mr. McCail's.

During the funeral services the banks were closed,
and business to a great extent suspended. A num-
ber of the Masonic fraternity from Lewistown
Fairview, and other places, besides many others,
came to pay the last tribute of respect to their de-
parted friend.

And thus was laid to re«t one of nature's noble-
men. It is but seldom that one is called upon to
record tlie decease of a man who will be as greatly
missed, in all the walks of life, as James II. McCall.
Althougli a resident of Canton only some ten or
twelve years, lie had so identified himself with all the
best interests and material advancement of tiiecity
and of the county, that he was perhai)s more widely
known than many of our older citizens; and where
known, his name was synonymous with integrity,
justice, honor, and business cai)acity. I'o.ssessed of
ample means, he was ever ready to use them in
public enterptises, and for general good.

In his private life he was known far and wide
for his genero.us, unostentatious hospitality, his ex-
tensive cliarities, and benevolent nature. In his
domestic life he was noted for the almost idolatrous
love for his family. Of a happy and joyous na-
ture himself, he impressed himself so upon all who
came in contact with him in the family circle, and
never was too much occupied, or ever loo much
troubled in spirit to endeavor to make all about
him happy. And never did he appear more lov-
able than in his last days at home, when sur-
rounded by the young friends of his affection.ate
children, he showed that his heart was as young as
any there, and that he could and did enjoy the
sports and esteem the friendship of the youngest
present. Ilis was a heart that never would grow
old, and a warm loving nature that nothing could
over chill so long as the life current coursed through
his veins, lie was a good man. Peace to his ashes.
From the Fulton County Ledger, September 12,
1873:

FCIITHEU PaKTICULAKS of TlIK DkATH op

James H. McCall.
We last week informed our readers of the death of
James H. McCall. Esq. of this city, but could give
none of the particulars, as nothing w.as known ex-
cept the dispatch from Mr. A. B. Chapman, of
Mountain City, Nev., one of the men interested
with him ill mining operations in that vicinity.
The body of Mr. McCall arrived here on Friday

morning, accompanied through by Mr. Chapman,
and met at Omaha by his son-in-law, Mr. George
A. Black, and Col. A. C. Babcock. A committee
from the Masonic Loilge, and also of citizens, and
a large number of our people, were at tlie depot
when the train arrived. The remains were taken
to tlie house, where they remained until Saturday
afternoon, when they were interred in the Canton
cemetery.

At one o'clock v. m., on Saturday, Morning Star
Lodge A. F. & A. M. met in their rooms and
formed in procession and marched to the Imuse,
preceded by the Canton band, which had volun-
teered for the occasion, and escorted the remains to
the Congregational Church, where services were
held, the Rev. Mr. Smith of the rniversalist Church,
Peoria, preaching the sermon. The church w.as
crowded.

The attendance at the cemetery was the largest
wo have ever seen at a funeral in this city. The en-
tire city seemed to turn out to pa>- this last tribute
to him who was one of our best, most liberal and
enterprising citizens. A number tif M.asons >Tere
here from Lewistown and Fairview Lodge.

James H. JlcCall was sixty-four years of age in
June last. lie was born in Baltimore, Md.; came
West in 1835, soon after settling in Peoria. In
1845 he married Jliss L. Raymond, of Peoria, who
with their four children, daughters, survive him.
In the fall of 18C2 he removed his family to Can-
ton, and has since resided here. He has been one
of our most active business men, and by economy,
industry and uprightness had amassed a large
amount of pro|)erty. At the time of his death lie
was President of the First National Bank of this
cilv'. and the owner of a large amount of stock.
Early last sp'-ing Mr. McCall iiad a severe attack
of congestion of the liver, and his attending phy-
sician. Dr. Fleming, then informed him that if he
should ever have another attack of the disease, it
w^ould cause his death. About the last of iMay or
the first of June, he went West to prospect as to
the value of certain silver mines, in which the Mr.
Chapman mentioned above and others were inter-
ested, and which were n presented to liira as very
valuable hist fall, while he was returning from a
trip to California, by some of the parties, whom he
met on the cars, and who were anxious to get some
parties with capital to take an interest in them. He
liad assured himself that there was a fortune in the
enterprise. He had himself selected specimens of
an average yield of quartz, and had them assayed,
and they produced ^449.32 to the ton, which was
considered veiy rich; and having satisfied himself
of the value of the mines, he had made arrange-
ments to invest in the enterprise.

210

PORTRAIT A>'D BlUURAPlllCAL ALBUM.

On Friday morning, 29lh ult., lie was taiven sicic
wilh congestion of the liver, and fell llial liis time
was sliorl in tliis world, lie sent for Mr. Cliap-
nian, told Inni about liis affairs and what disposi-
tion was to be made of what he had witli him. That
a day or two before he had refeived a draft for
§1,000, and of this he wanted S600 used to pay
some bills he had contractt-d, and the remainder to
be used in takino; his body home to Canton. There j
was no physician nearer tlian Elko, in Kevada, a
town eiiihty-six miles north of Mountain City, and
about six lumdred miles by rail from San Francisco.
Mr. Chapman proposeil to send for a physician, but
Mr. McCall said it w.as no use — a physician couhi
do him no good if there, and he would be dead be-
fore one could reach him. And in a little more
than twenty-four hours from the lime he was taken,
he was a corpse. His remains were taken to Elko,
where they were placed in a zinc case, soldered
tight, and thus brought home.

His death will be a great loss, not only to his
family ami friends, but to our little city also. As
we said last week, he was ever ready to lend a help-
ing hand to the needy, and was one of the foremost
in anything which pertained to the growth and in-
terest of our little city. But death is no respecter
of persons. The rich and the poor, the high" and
the low, must all bow before him, and in a day and
an hour that we know not of, are we called upon to
yield to bis cold embrace.

We learn from the Peoria Democrat that ^Ir. Mc-
Call served for several j-ears .as a member of the
City Council of Peoria, commencing in 18.5.5. The
Democrat very truthfully says:

"As a man, .as a neighbor, and as a citizen, we
can only speak of Mr. McCall in terms of commen-
dation; sociable, cheerful, amiable, and generous,
his society was sough i, by all classes, and by the
young and the old. Those who have i)artaken of
"his hos()itality in the years that are gone, will not
soon forget the pleasant family circle of which he
was the head. It is within the bounds of truth to
say that few men were more greatly blessed in the
home which their own exclions have endowed,
than James H. McCall. A spirit of affectioli and
Irusl prevailed the whole circle, and those who en-
tered it were compelled to drink of its influence."

From the Peoria National Democrat, September
6, 1873:

Anothek oi' TiiK Old Men Gone.

The friends of .Tames II. McCall, formerly a resi-
dent of this city, but latterly a resident of Canton,
in Fulton County, were sadly surprised on Thnrs-
d:i\' last, bv a telegram published in the Democrat

of that day, of the death of that gentleman in Ne-
vada, the previous d.ay. The ))ainfulness of the
circumstances was intensified by the vagueness of
the report. None of the attending fads were given,
onl\' the bare mention that he was dead, leaving
the imagination to supply the cause and incidents
of de.itli, and these, as the deceased was known to
have in his possession a considerable amount of
money, naturally led to the conclusion that violence
had been used, and that murder had been commit-
ted.

Later dispatches, however, relieved the minds of
the friends of that mistake, and state that he died
of congestive chills. His death was sudden and un-
ex|)ected. On the 27th ult. he wrote to his family
a letter which they received on the day of his ileath.
and gave directions relative to some business mat-
ters, and in it there is no indication of ill-health.
He was taken sick on the morning of the 29th, and
died the afternoon of the following day.

We have no information at hand relative to the
nativity or age of the deceased. He first became
known to the writer of this sketch while in the
City Council of Peoria, where he served some four
or five years, commencing in 1855. He was then
engaged in business with Capt. W. .S. Moss, now
of California, and was considered one of our best
and most respected business men. Soon after that
time he removed to Canton, where he has since re-
sided, and there, as here, his interest in business
affairs was reached. Several months ago his atten-
tion was called to a mining operation in the new
State of Nevada, and after due consideration, he
concluded to embark in it. and it was while carry-
ing out that determination that he met his death.
As soon as the f.act of his death was announced, his
son-in-law, Mr. George A. Black, started to meet
the train on which the body was to be brought, and
it was expected that the sad cortege would arrive
in Canton yesterday, and that there the obsequies
would be celebrated. We may receive intelligence
from that place before this number of our pajier
goes to press.

Few men have exhibited a greater show of pub-
lic spirit than the deceased. He was always ready
to assist, wilh his purse and his hands as well as his
advice, anv feasilde project for public improve-
ments, the friend of education, and a leader in many
benevolent an<l generous enter|)rises. We might
cite hundreds of cases where he has proven these
assertions true, but it is unnecessary to do so, for
his works in this regard were known to all his
neighbors and acquaintances. He was one whom
his adopted city can illy spare.

Mr. JNIcCall was a devotefl member of the Ma-
sonic fraternity, and until increasing years led him

PORTRAl r AM) BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

211

to oftener seek tlie delights of the home circle, was I
a regultir attendant of the order, and we have licard
him expre>;.s the belief that it was one of tlie licst
means yet devised to awaken the hearts of nuMi lo
the too often neglected virtues of benevolence luxl
charilj-. The society of which he wns a menilier
ver}' properly take charge of the remains, follow
tliem in their last journey, and deposit them in the
place appointed for all living.

The t)low is a severe one upon Ihe family so sud-
denly bereaved, but they have the infinite cimsola
tion that the deceased neglected no duty, shirked :
no responsii)ility. nor wronged any iixlividnal; that j
he goes home with a clear record and the prayers
of the needy as his demit from the earthly lodge.
.Seldom are we called upon to chronicle the death j
of a man in all respects so commendable as .lames
H. McCall.

MASONIC NOTICE.

Members of Peoria Lodge No. 15, are requested
to meet at the Toledo. Peoria & Western depot, at
11:30 A. M., this (Saturday) morning, for the pur-
jiose of attending the funeral of onr late brother, J.
11. McCall, of Canton.

,1. F. Hazzaku, W. M.

From the Peoria Daily Transcript, September 8,

KS7:5:

FuNiiUAL OF James H. McCaij..

The funeral of James IL McCall which took place
in Canton on Saturday, was the largest ever held
in that city. The Masonic fraternity, of which the
deceased was an honored member, did all iu their
power to add by their rites lo the solemnity of the
occasion. Rev. II. B. Smith, pastor of the I'niver-
Sftlist Churcli in this city, olliciated as clergyman.
The cemetery was crowded with those anxious to
do honor lo the memory of a man well known and
respected in the country at lartre. and revered and
loved in his own more immediate circle of friends
and relatives.

From the Klko, (Nev.) Independent, September
13.

i)ii;i>

In Mountain City, Nev., August ;30, 1S7M. J. II.
McCall, a native of Canton, 1!!,, aged sixty-two
years.

Deceased was President of the Peoria Nevada
Smelling and Relining Company, operaling in
Bruno, and was temporarily sojourning in XorLli-
ern Nevada attending to the interests of the com-
pany. As it wiU be at least some satisfaction to
his bereaved family and his numerous friends to
know that in his last moments nothing was left un-
done to alleviate his suffciings. wc will rncnlion
that Messrs. Chapman, Fisk and llazeltinc, and iMes-

dames Fisk and Walsh, and others did all in their
power to smooth his pathway '-to tliat undircovered
country from whose bourne no travrler returns,''
Being loth to leave him in the land of tlie stranger,
far from family an<l friends, Col. A. B. Chapman
at once started with the remains to Canton, 111..
Mr. McCall's former liorne. While a large circle
of friends vvill miss his accuslome<I cheering pres-
ence, let us console oui'selves with the triought that
our loss is his gain, and tliat he has only gone be-
fore across mystic river.

Resolutions of the 3fusunfs.
To the Worshipful Master, Warden, and Breth-
ren of Morning Star Lodge, No. 31), A. F. cl' A. M.
Masons. Canton, 111. :

We your committee appointed to di-aft resolu-
tions upon the death of our worthy brother, James
H. McCall, would i-espectfully submil th'.' follow-
ing:

WiiEUEAS. It has pl(>aseil the (Jrand Master of
the uiriverse, in the dispensation of His providence,
to remove from this world to the (irand Lodge
above, and to rest from his labors here, our worthy
anil esteemed brother-, .lames II. McCall:

Resolred, That in the death of br-other McCall,
the fraternity has lost a farthfirl member; the com-
munity au enterprising and upright crtizen; the
wife a devoted husband, and the children an affec-
tionate parent.

Resolved. That while we jjlace a record of our
brother's decease among the archives of this lodge
and huinbly bow to the will of our divine Master,
we woirld express our deep regret that we have
been called upon to mourn the loss of onr deceased
bi-other, cut down in the nselulrress of his life.

Resolved. That we deeply symi)alhize with the
f.amily of our late brother in their sudden bereave-
ment! an<l direct the Secretary to send them a copy
of these resolutions, under the seal of tlie lodge.

Resolcedfiirlher. That these resolutions be spread
upon the records of the lodge, and the Secretary
certify a copy to Peoria Lodge, No. 1'), of which
brother McCall was a member.

All of which is resiiectfully submitted.
[Signed] James II. Stiim',

J. C. BUINKERIIOFF,

S. Y. Thornton,

Iv II. ClJllTIS,

\V. B. Gleason.

^SAIAH PRICKPyrr. Tins countv is the home

I of a goodly number of men who began LIreir

'it, life-work without capital other than lliat

afforded by their native abilities, the education

212

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

which was obtainerl in pioneer scliools and the in-
dustrious haliits whieli the3- were taught in boy-
hood. Tailing up the battle of life with a deter-
mined spirit, they have succeeded in surrounding
themselves with comfort, bestowing upon their
offspring good advantages in the wa3' of home care
and educational privileges, and while accumulating
property have won the thorough respect of their
fellow-men. One of this number is Isaiah Prick-
ett, a resident of Lewistown Township, where he
owns two hundred and twenty acres of land, also
having the title to eighteen hundred acres of swamp
land in Waterford To'-vnship.

Tradition states that three brothers bv the name
of Prickett emigrated from England to America
during the early Colonial days, one locating in
Virginia and the others farther south. From tlie
former is descended ?)ur subject, whose grandfather
was killed b3- Indians, having his career cut short
before he had reached the prime of life. His son,
Nicholas, the father of our subject, grew to man-
hood in his native State, and there married Cath-
erine Knapp, an estimable woman of German
ancestry who was born in Pennsylvania. After
their marriage the young couple removed to Oliio,
making their home iu Clermont Count}- for a time
and then removing to Clarke County, where the
wife breathed her last in 1847.

The father of our subject bought a mill site on
Buck Creek at the landing known as Lagonda, now
included in the city of Springfield and occupied by
the Champion Agricultural Implement Works. In
company with his brother he built a mill which
was one of the first put up in that count}'. About
1826 he visited Vermilion County, III., with the in-
tention of buying laud and locating, but was taken
sick and died at the liome of his friend, Aek Mor-
gan. Our subject was thus left fatherless when
ten years old, his birth having taken place in
Clarke County, Ohio, March 7, 181 P. During his
youth he attended the pioneer schools, the temple
of learning in which he pursued his studies being
built of logs, heated by a fireplace, and hav-
ing the light admitted through greased paper which
covered the opening cut from the logs. It was
supplied with home-made furniture, the benches
being of slabs with wooden pins for legs, and desks

being unknown except one around the sides of the
room where the advanced scholars stood to write,
this being a board laid on wooden pins projecting
from the walls.

Young Prickett began his life's labors as a farm
hand, receiving §6.25 per month when seventeen
years old, and the following year driving a team
from Lagonda at §13 per month. In 1836 he emi-
grated to Indiana, making the removal willi a
team and took his place among the early settlers
in Noble County, where there were more Indians
than white men at the date of his arrival. He
bought a tract of Government land and built a
log house, but a few months later sold the place
and entered another tract upon which he also built.
Before moving into his new house, however, he
sold the land and entered still another tract, where
he cleared a considerable acreage. There he made
his home until 1852 when, on account of the un-
healthfulness of the region, he started with his
family for the Prairie State. They left the home
which he had rented on the 1st of September and
eleven days later arrived in Lewistown, since
which time they have made this county their
home.

Mr. Prickett lived on his brother's farm until
February, 1 854, then bought a tract where he now
resides. A clearing of eight acres and a hewed
log house constituted the improvements. The
farm now contains one hundred and thirty acres,
has been suj.plied with well-built, commodious and
conveniently-located frame buildings and the other
improvements which might be expected of an ener-
getic man. Eighty acres of section 10, of the same
township, together with the swamp land before
mentioned, have been purchased by our subject,
who has shown himself a thorough farmer, a wor-
thy citizen and a good neighbor. i

The home of our subject is -presided over by an
estimable woman who, prior to November 20,
1834, was known .as Miss Eliza Laughridge. She
is a daughter of Abraham and Su.«an (Nelson)
Laughridge, natives of the Old Dominion, who are
numbered among the pioneers of Ohio, to which
State they removed in 1817. In Greene County,
thai State. Mrs. Prickett was born September 13,
1818. She received the education usual to the

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

213

sons and (iaiigliters of pioneers in a section where
sciiools were early inslituteii, together with the
training In useful (ionicstie knowledge wliich lias
qualifii'd her lo thoroughly discharge her duties as
housekeeper, wife and mother.

Of the children born to IMr. and Mrs. Prickett
four are now living — John is settled on his own
home in Lewistown Township; Nicholas A. still
remains under the parental roof; Susan C. is the
wife of Orville M. Macomber; Eliza J. is the wife
of John Rlaconiber. A son, Harrison, died in Lew-
ist(jwn in 18B7. lie devoted four years of his life
lo the service of his country, being Captain of
Company A, Fifty-fifth Illinois Infiintr}'. Mr.
I'lickctt was a Whig- until 18.')G. when the Repub-
lican party was organized and he. like niost of his
associates, took his stand in the ranks of the new
organization, to wiiose principles he has stanchly
adhered from that dav to this.

lU^OX. WILLIAM N. CLINE, M. 1). Success
y in any profession can oidy be attained
^ tlirough industry and study, and the good
physician must necessarily be the hardest of
workers and best of students. Fulton County is
proud to number among her physicians the one with
whose name we will introduce this sketch. His career
presents a remarkable example of wh.al may b(> ac-
complished by assiduous application and unremit-
ting toil. A most conscientious man, whatever he
undertakes is done llioroughly. In one respect he
differs from tlic majority of the human race, in that
age mellows and softens his nature, instead of the
reverse, as is often the case. With every onward
movement made in the science to which he has de-
yoted his life, he is familiar, and time lias served
only to enlarge his vic«"s and broaden his ideas.

In Rockingham County, \'a.. Dr. Clinew.as born
December 20, 18-20, to Joseph and Isabella (Pence)
('line, botli of whom were natives of the Old Do-
minion. The father was of German, and the mother
of Scotch-Irish descent. They were marrie<i in
Virginia, where for many years .afterward they con-
tinued to reside, removing thence to Ohio, where

the mother died. The father removed to Illinois
in 185.5, and died in 18()8. To them were born
seven children, four of whom are living at this
writing, namely: Mrs. Albright, of Rockford, 111.;
Josci)h C, George W., ani William N. The father
and mother were worthy people who gave to their
children all the advantages [)ossiljle, and reared
them to worthy manhood and womanhood. Their
honorable and upright lives were not the least of
the heritage which they transmitted to tiicir chil-
ili'en.

In the parental family, our subject was the eld-
est child, and until lifteen years of age, resided at
the old honu'slead in Virginia. The father was a
man of great prominence, having represented his
district in the Legislalnie of N'irijinia for a long
period .of years, and being besides connected with
public works of the State, and a magistrate of the
County Court. William N. accompanied his frither
to Ohio, and in 1840, having determined upon a
professional career, became a student in the Jeft'er-
son Meilical College. I'liiladelphia; he had previ-
ously received a thorough training in a private
school in Virginia, as well as in the schools of
Ohio. Thus, by thorough application and close
study, he laid the foundation f(jrhis future success.

In 1842 the Doctor came West, locating in what
was then Centerville, but now Cuba, III., aii'l be-
ginning the practice of medicine at once. His
thorough training and previous experience in Ohio
inaile it comparatively e.asy for him to win the con-
lidence of the people, and his success was assured
from the start. His practice increased rapidly eac^h
year, and his long experience now reinlers his opin-
ions and decisions valuable. Hy means of his en-
ergy, tact, and liberality, he is able to materially
advance the interests of the community where he
resides.

Dr. Cline has been twice married, his first wife
being Miss Lois, daughter of .Martin and Susan
Webster, the father a wealthy agriculturalist of
Lewistown Township, this county. Mrs. Cline was
born in the State of New York, near Chautauqua,
and received an excellent education, of which, prior
to her marriage, she made use in ISeaching. Her
union with our subject took place May 30, 1844,
and tiiey had a family of five children, two of

214

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

•whom are decensed. Tlie three now living, are:
Mrs. F. E. Kiiiirsbury, of Des Moines, Iowa; Clara
L., (Mrs. Merrill). who lives in Rialto, Cal., and Ross
C -who is City Ticket Agent for the Wabash Rail-
road at Toledo, Ohio. Mrs. Cline died in 18G6.

The second union of our subject was celebrated
December 21, 1869, when Mrs. Jane S. Talcott, of
East Hartford, Conn., became liis bride. She was a
native of Connecticut, where she_received a good
education, and was at one time a teacher in the
seminary at IMancliosler. She is a most intellectual
and cultivated lady, and wins friends wherever she
f,'oes. She comes of illustrious ancestrj', being a
member of one of the most highly respected fami-
lies in Connecticut, and who vvere of aristocratic
Puritan origin. Her parents, Solomon and Pliebe
Spencer, were natives of Connecticut, and are now
deceased.

In whatever community Dr. Cline has resided, he
has alwa\ s held impditant offices, and has taken a
a prominent [)nrt in the management of public af-
fairs. Poliiically. he is a stanch Democrat, and a
strong advocate of temiierance. On the adoption
of township organization he was for a number of
years a member of the Board of Suiiervisors from
Putnian Township, later was for one terra School
Commissioner of Fulton County. He represented
the county in the Statu Legislature in 1855-56, and
in 1857 was elected President of the Mississippi &"
Wabash Railway (now lliat [jortion of tlie Toledo,
Peoria & Western, between Peoria, 111., and Keo-
kuk, Iowa) then in process of construction.

At the commencement of the war, railroad build-
ing ceased, and Dr. Cline accepted the Presidency
of the Farmers' and ilerchants' Insurance Com-
pany, Quincy, III., which position he held six years;
iie then resigned as I'resident of that company to
accept the same position with the Fulton County
Coal ('ompany at Cuba. In 1877 he again resumed
the practice of his profession, which he still con-
tinues. He is now, and has been since its organ-
ization. President of the Cuba Library Association,
:in iustitutidu of which he is very proud. He is
now, and has for several years been President of
the Cuba Improvement Association, and of the
Cuba Building and Loan Association, the latter or-
ganization being one of great benefit to the county.

It will thus be seen that for forty years he has held
positions of trust, responsibility and honor, con-
ferred upon him by iiis fellow-citizens or associates
in business. Gifted by nature with high endow-
ments, he lias cultivated these to the utmost, and
his indefatigable labor has brought to him the es-
teem of his fellow-men.

ilLs^, UGH F. HILLPOT. There is always a vast
amount of interest felt in the private life of
those brave men who gave up home, famil}'
and friends to tiglit for their country, and
there undergo all the privations and hardships
chaiacteristic of a soldier's life. Such bravery is
highly appreciated am9ng all the civilized nations
upon the earth and everybody feels an interest in
hearing of the private life of a soldier, and es-
pecially of one who won such an enviable reputa-
tion as did the subject of our sketch, and who was
numbered' among "the boys" delegated to guard
the corpse of Abraham Lincoln when he was
assassinated.

Mr. Ilillpot is the veteran dry-goods merchant
of Fairview, having been engaged in business there
ever since he came out of tlie army. His father,
Jacob F. Hillpot, was a native of Bucks County,
Pa., and followed the occupation of an agriculturist.
lie died at, the age of fifty-five years. The mother
of our subject bore the maiden name of Julia Frank-
enfield, was also a native of Bucks County and
was descended from an old Penns3'lvania family.
Her ancestors came in a very early day fiom
Holland. She died at the age of thirty-three years,
after having become the mother of six children,
viz: Reed, who is a blacksmith and residing in
Fairview; Hugh F., our subject; Jonas who was in
the War of 1812, was a farmer and met his death
accidentally by falling off a iiaymow; George is a
painter and lives in Fairview; Lovina who died
at the age of eighteen, and an infant. After the
death of our subject's mother, Mr. Hillpot married
Mary Most who bore him six children, four of
whom lived to the age of manhood and woman-
hood; Mary Ellen, now Mrs. Fratz and residing in

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

215

Pliiladelpliia; Eilizabetli wlio is manierl also resifles
in that city, as does also Jacob and Grier.

Our subject was born in Bucks County, Pa.,
September 1"2, 1833, where he [lassed his youtliful
days on a farm until reaching his twenty-first
birthday. lie then commenced to learn the trade
of a bl.acksmith and worked faithfully at it for
three years in New .lersey. His brother, who was
living in Fairview, wrote for our subject to join him
an<l accepting the invitation, he reached Fairview
November 22, ISfjT. He then engaged in the
blacksmith business in partnership with his brother
and a Mr. A3-ers, and continued thus until 1861
when the partnership was dissolved and the year
following our subject enlisted in the army. He
joined Company D, One Hundred and Third In-
fanlr}-. Thej- drilled at Fairview and Peoria and
from the latter city in the fall of 1862, went
through Blooraington and Cairo to Bolivar, Tenn.,
where they at once commenced skirniishiug. They
were next sent to La Grange, Tenn., and from that
point to Holly Springs, thence to Waterford and
reached Jackson, in the same State, where they
wintcied.

Mr. Ilillpiit received a severe sunstroke wliile
engaged in the siege of Vicksburg and was entirely
unconscious for several weeks. His company was
ordered to Corinth and luka, at which latter place
Mr. Hillpot was again the victim of a sunstroke
while building a fortification and was in the hospi-
tal at Memphis, Tenn., for some time but upon
reaching St. Louis, I\lo., was discharged from the
regular service and assigned to the reserve corps —
Company V. With his company he went to Wash-
ington. I). C and upon the evening when Presi-
dent Lincoln was assassinated, they were called to
assist the police in controlling the crowd. A few
of the soldiers — our subject among the number —
were selected to guard the body of our martyred
President for three days and nights. At the close
of the war he received his honorable discharge at
Washington, July 18, 1805.

February 28, 1866, Mr. Hillpot was united in
marriage with Miss Sarah Wan Liew, daughter of
Cornelius and Mary (Suydara) Van Liew. Mrs.
Hillpot came to Fairview with her two brothers
who are prosperous farmers in this county. Of her

union with our su'ijcct there have been born two
children — Jchn \'. L. who is a graduate of the
(ialesburg Business College, has th(^ entire charge
of his father's store, and Eli/nbeth C, who is a
charming young laily of eighteen jcars, makes her
home with her parents.

The Kepublicau part}' numbers Mr. Hillpot as
one of its stanch adherents, although previous to
the war he was a Democrat. He is a charter mem-
ber of Blair Post, G. A. R., at Fairview. Owing
to ill-health brought aljout by the sunstroke re-
ceived during tlu' war, Mr. Hillpot is unable to
take charge of his business, but finds a competent
sulistitute in his son. He is an exceedingly popular
man in the cummunity and has accumulated a
goodly amount of the " almighty dollar."

APT. JOHN S. SMITH. No one is more
, universally esteemed in Farmiugton than

i^y the old soldier whose name appears at the
head of this sketch. Whenever Farmiugton cele-
lirates, Capt. Smith aids with money and work;
wlienever she liecorates Capt. Smith is there; when-
ever any great political or other publico event oc-
curs Capt. Smith is promptly on hand to .act as
master of ceremonies. His military experience gives
him a special litncss for organizing and conducting
such affairs, and his comrades of the Grand Army,
among whom he is a great favorite, are certain to
desire his leadership in an^^thing in which they bear
a part. Notwithstanding the prominent position
which our subject thus occupies so frequentlj' he
is one of the most unostentatious of men, always
preferring an inconspicuous position and never fail-
ing to withdraw from the public gaze as soon as his
duties will |)erinit.

The father of our subject was another .lohn
Smith, a native of Kentucky, whither his parents
had emigrated from Germany. For twenty j-ears
he was Justice of the Peace in Harrison County,
Tnd. He was au intimate friend of the father of
Judge Gresham, who while he was Sheriff in that
county was shot by a man whom he was trying to
arrest. The prisoner was biought before Justice

216

PORTRAIT AND BIOORAPHICAL ALRUM.

Smith for examination and bound over for trial.
Mr. Smitii was a w heel w right and manufacturer of
caniif^es. He married Nancy Grant who was dis-
tantly related to tho famous general of that name.

The parents of our subject removed to Fulton
County. 111., many years ago. locating on a tract of
land Ave miles west of Canton. Mr. Smitli soon
sold his farm and about 1840 established in Farm-
ington the first enterprise of a manufactuiing na-
ture in the city. It was a carding and cloth-dressing
factory. The projjrietor subsequently removed to
West Jersey, Stark County, where he engaged in
his olden occupation of the manufacture ot wagons.
He died in ISGG at the age of seventy-two years.
He was quite prominent in church circles. His
eldest brotiier. a leading scientist and electrician of
this State, is the inventor of the electrical apparatus
by means of which teelli may ba extracted without
pain.

The mother of our subject died at the age of
forty-tvco years, leaving seven children named re-
spectively, Theresa A., Elias, George L.. John
Springle, iMartha C, Mary and Adeline. The fa-
ther married a second time, having- by liis last union
one son — Abner.

Capt. Smith was born at Corydon, Harrison
County, Ind., March 28, 1833. His first recollec-
tions are of farm life in Fulton County, 111. He
atti-nded the early schools, receiving an ordinary
education, in addition to which he was carding boy
in the mill, worked with his father in the wagon-
making trade and on the farm in the summer time.
At the age of eighteen years he began a regular
two j'ears' apprenticeship as a house, carriage and
sign painter, continuing to work at his trade until
the needs of his country determined him to take up
arms in her defense. He enlisted August 16, 1862,at
Farmington in the One Hundred and Third Illinois
Infantry. He assisted in recruiting a company and
was elected by the boys Second Lieutenant of Com-
pany C. The troops were drilled at Camp Peoria.
mustered into service tlicre and sent to the front,
Lieut. Smith was retained as Post Commander at
Peoria while the rest of the regiment were in Ten-
nessee, but in December joined them at Waterford,
Miss.

Resuming his position as Second Lieutenant, tiie

first heavy engagement in which our subject took
part was the battle at Vicksburg. this being fol-
lowed by that at Black River where he was detailed
to act as Captain of another company. At Jackson
hard fighting and close quarters were the fate of
the boys, who not long afterward again met the
enemy at Buzzards Roost. Tenn.. whither our subject
had been sent in February, 186 I, to support Gen.
John M. Palmer. At Resaea Lieut. Smith had a
narrow escape from a piece of a shell, but there, as
on other battlefields, he escaped unhurt. The
man3' skirmishes in which he and his company were
engaged are beyond the limits of mention in a
sketch like this. The prominent battles in which
he took part after those mentioned were Dallas,
New Hope Cliurch, Noonday Creek, Kenesaw
Mountain, Roswell Mills and the battle of Atlanta.
Prior to the, last he had charge of a detachment
scouting through Alabama under orders from Gen.
Sherman, their object being to secure horses for
recruiting the artillery and anjbulance supply and
finding out the position and strength of the guer-
rillas. During the month of January', 1864, he was
aid-de-camp on the brigade staff of Col. Dickerman.

After having participated in the engagement at
Atlanta July 22, 1864, Lieut. Smith was elected
Captain of Company I, One Hundred and Third
Illinois Infantrj', and a few days later appointed
Assistant Quartermaster, guarding stores in that
city about a month. He was then permanently de-
tailed under Col. Garber and served as Assistant
Quartermaster, having charge of the hospital stores
of the Fifteenth Armj- Corps. As such, he acted
at Atlanta, Chattanooga, Nashville, New York Cit^-,
Hilton Head, S. C, Charleston, Moorehead City,
N. C, and Newbern, being at the latter place when
Johnston surrendered. There he was discharged by
reason of the close of the war about June 1, 1865.
He had fought in the whole Atlanta cani|:aign
which was rated by Gen. Sherman as one hundred
days of solid fighting. He was never wounded but
at Kenesaw had fojir bullet holes through his hlouse.

Returning to his home our subject settled down
to his trade, at which he continued to work until
1870 when, on account of ill-health caused by
painting, he embarked in the general merchandise
business. In the crisis of 1873 he suffered the loss

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

of about $3,000 which iicniiy niiiu'il him fiiinn-
eially and oblis^ed him t(i practically begin anew.
He turned his attention to the business of lire in-
surancfe and collections, and is at present Secretar}'
of the Farmers' JIutnal Insurance Companj'. He
is a Notary Public and Justice of the Peace, hav-
ing been elected to the latter position six years
since and re-clocled in 188'.). He has been Notary
for an equal length of time.

In 1877 our subject enlisted in llio State service,
becoming a member of the Fourth Illinois National
Guards and being elected by ever}- vote of Com-
pany E to the Captainc}', which he held two and a
half years. He is a steadfast Republican, well
acquainted with many of tlie leading politicians of
the .State and very popular in political circles. He
has never sought political honors, but has done
good service for the party, having been a member
of the County Central Committee twelve years and
of the Executive Committee five years; he is still
serving on the latter. Capt. Smith voted for Gen.
Fremont in 1856 and from that day has never failed
to cast a straight Rei)ublican ballot at every Pres-
idential election except during the year 1864, when
he was absent from the polls by reason of his pres-
ence amid scenes of conflict.

On three different occasioni C'ai)t. Smith hasl)een
solicited to accept the office of Sheriff, but persist-
ently declined. He was one of the prime movers
in organizing the Grand Army Post in Farming-
ton, and served efficiently as its Commander for
two years. He is a Deacon in the Congregational
Church and has been Trustee and Superintendent
of the Sunday-school several years. He is the owner
of the Mason House Block in which he is domiciled
and he likewise owns a line residence on Fort
.Street. He carries on a stock farm, making a spe-
cially of sheep, he and his wife owning a tract of
one hundred and forty acres of land.

In the fall of 1861 Mr. Smith ^yas united in mar-
riage with Miss Harriet, daughter of Jacob Hand,
formerly Supervisor of Farniington Township and
a well-known capitalist therein. Mrs. Smith was a
good, true woman who faithfuU}' discharged the
duties which she saw before her as long as her
strength would permit. She was called hence in
1886. and two years later our subject was marrie i

a second time, his compnuiou on (his occasion be-
ing Mrs. Caroline Wilcox. The present Mrs. Smith
is a daughter of Luther and Nancy (Wilson)
Birge. Deacon Birge is well-known as one of the
original Abolitionists of this .section, who with the
assistance of our subject conducted several loads
of slaves away at various times on the underground
railroad.

E^Nf^

lALTHASER JACOBS. For varied reasons
^ numbers of foreigners come each year from
Euiopean countries to make for themselves
homes in the United States and here i)ursue
the tr.ade or profession which they learned in their
native land. To this class belongs the subject of
our present sketch, he having been born in one of
the Rhine Provinces, in Germany, November 25,
1827. His parents, Peter and Mary (Rechner)
Jacobs, never came to America, the father dying
previous to the time of our sul)ject's journey hither
and the mother passing away from earthly scenes
in the year 1864. The parental family consisted
of eight children, all living except John, the first-
born. The survivors are: George. Joseph, Jacob,
Balthaser, Anloiie, I'llizabeth and Mary, and all
but our subject reside in l!ieir native land.

Mr. Jacobs spent his early years on his father's
f:irm and obtained a fair common-school education,
also learning the trade of a wagon-maker. He
started for America in 1850, and upon reaching
the New World spent three weeks in New York
City, and then went to Buffalo, where he worked at
his trade. At a later date he was a carpenter in
the country around Buffalo and Niagara Falls,
and in 1855 came to this State, settling in Polo,
where for a year he remained doing carpenter's
work.

The young man then pnrciiased eighty acres of
Land which he cultivated until the year 1865, from
which time until 1869 he traveled throughout the
State. Finally locating in Canton he began gar-
dening on a sm.'dl scale and has continued the occu-
pation up to the present time, and gradually
increased his business until he is now one of the

218

PORTRAIT AND BlOGRArillCAL ALBUM.

leading nurserymen of the place. lie began with
three lots, a quarter of an acre, on which he laiseii
the earliest and best potatoes in the market, and
now owns eleven lots on Ehn Street, with one anc
a half on WLite Street, in the heart of the city, anc
has three greenhouses 'unl two duelling houses.
He does a large gardening business and has the
leading trade as a florist; he is also engaged in
berry culture.

Jn May, 1877, Mr. .Tacobs was united in mar-
riage with Miss Maria Walter, daughter of Conrad
Walter, and a native of (iermany. !Mrs. Jacobs is
an excellent housewife and is devoted to the inter-
ests of her family, the circle including four sous —
George, Carl, Lewis and John, and a babe un-
named.

Our subject is a Catholic, and his wife belongs to
the Unitarian Church. The}' are religions people,
and embrace every passing opportunity to .'advance
the interests and welfare of their neighbors and
friends. JMr. Jacobs is well and favorably known
in business circles as a thrifty, industrious and
honest man who manages his affairs in a most svs-
tematic way. As a citizen he is law-abiding, sober
and quiet, attending strictly to his own atfairs. and
for over twenty years he has been regarded as one
of the best of the German born citizens of the
countv.

(i^T'OSTER G. SMUrH operates three hundred
iN© ^""^ twent}' acres, of which he owns eighty
/!}> ~~ acres, situated in Fairview Township. His
entire time and attention is devoted to farming
and stock-raising; he breeds thoroughbred Short-
horn cattle and .Shropshire sheep, and has a herd of
thoroughbreds and fort}' graded Siiort horns. He
is justl}' proud of his fine horses, and has met with
success in this line also. Both in business and so-
cial circles he is extensively known, and though
not a member of any church is active in advancing
the inte:ests of all religious matters. He is Chair-
man of the Executive committee of the Methodist
Cemetery Association, known as the Foster Ceme-
ter}'.

Socially, Mr, Smith is a jjrominent member of

the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, having
attained the highest degree in that order. He is a
member of Patriarchs Militant, and represented
Fairview Lodge, No. 120, at the State Grand Lodge
of Springfield and Cairo, and also visited the Sover-
eign Grand Lodge at Columbus, Ohio, in 1889.
He first belonged to Morning Star Lodge, No. "20,
I. O. O. F., at Piaeerville, Cal. His interest in his
lodge h.is been at all times great and he is well and
favorably kno«n to fraternity circles. He belongs
to tlie Fulton Encampment. No. .il, at Farmington,
and the Canton Oriental of the Patriarchs Militant,
No. 33.

With the pioneer historj- of Fulton County the
father of our subject was very closely identified.
He was born in Madison County, Ohio, his family
having emigrated there from Virginia. He bore
the name of Jonathan Smith, and the date of liis
birth was September 11, 1808. He was united in
marriage in the Buckeye State with Ann Foster,
who was also born there, and they came to Illinois
in 1837, buying two eighty-acre tracts of land at
the Government land sales in ( jiiiney. Tlie father
had visited this county in 1833, and was favoralily
impressed with the outlook here. Two years later
he came and raised a crop, and in 1837 located on
section 35, where he lived until called home.

The father became the owner of five hundred
and forty acres in Fairview Township and four
hundred and eight}' acres in Iowa. He began life
without means, having been left an orphan at the
early age of ten years. So well did he succeed in
his efforts that, as stateil above, before his death he
became the owner of one thousand and twenty
acres of land in Illinois and Iowa. When quite
young he was compelled to hire out, receiving for
his services from ^7 to ><10 per month, and thus was
his beginning matle. He died February 25, 1886,
after attaining to the age of seventy -seven years,
fi\ e months and fourteen days. The mother's
death occurred Feliruary 17, 1888. at the age of
seventy-one years, five months and eighteen days.

To Jonnthan and Ann (Foster) Smith were born
nine children, as follows: Sarah Jane, Foster G,,
Mary E., Ellen A., .lohn H., America A., Alice M.,
Martha F. aiul one who died in iiifancy unnamed.
Sarah is the wife of A. J. McCombs, and lives in

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

219

Fail-view Township; Mary E. is the wife of .John
Bi-oiulCiolil, a fiuit "jrower of California; Ellen A.
married Di'. S. B. Beer, of Fnirview ; Julm II. mar-
ried Mary A. Wyckoff, and is a farnuT in Marsiiall
County, Iowa; America .\. is the wife of W. T. (icii-
tle. a farmer of Fairvit'w Township; Alice M. autl
Martha V. are living' witli tlieir brother on the old
homestead.

He of whom we write was born April 21. 1.S40.
on the Smith liomestead. and passed his life in the
usual manner of fanners' lads in frontier countries.
AVhen he had reacheil maturity lie made an extended
trip to California, in 18G1, and engaged in the
lumber business and niiniuL; operations. He passed
nine years there, and finally reluctantly returned
East and has since engaged as a farmer and stock-
raiser. He is highly esteemed in this communit}'
as a man of probity and honor, and his life of in-
dustry and enterprise has brought him success
from a financial point ofview and a high position
in the county which is his native liome.

ylLLlAM PARLl^'. There is probably no
resident of this county whose work is so
widely known as that of the gentleman
above named, who is the pioneer nianufsicturer of
the noted Canton Clipper Plow. Since the day
when he landed in this place, then a small village,
he has instituted and carried to successful operation
a mammoth business enterprise, has materially- as-
sisted in the ujibuilding of the flourishing city, and
won for liimself a comfortable fortune. These
results have left him the same unostentatious and
kindly man he was before Fortune had smiled
upon him. To the men employed in the establish-
ment lie is a sympathizing friend, possessing their
confidence in a rcmarkal>le degree. He is the old-
est continuous plow manufacturer in the entire
Northwest.

Mr. Parliii was born in Acton. Mass., Januai-3'
21, 1817, being the fouith of five children born to
Wainer and Lydia (Davis) Parlin. His parents
were natives of the same count\- as himself and the

fathers of each were Revolutionary soldiers. A
cousin of (jrandfatlier Davis, one Capt. Davis, was
the first officer killed at Concord. The Parlins are
of English descent. Warner Parlin was a farmer
by occu|)aUon and of considerable prominence in
the vicinity of his home. He passed his days in tlie
old Bay State, dying about the year 1838 in tlie
sixty-seventh year of his age. His wife also breathed
her last in her native State. Of their children he
of wliom \vc write and an elder brother are all
that survive.

Our subject passed his boyhood on the farm,
pursuing the advantages open to him in the com-
mon schools. Having no taste for agriculture, he
determined to learn the trade of a blacksmith aiul
in his seventeenth year entered upon an a|)prentice-
ship. By the time he became of age he had
mastered all departments of the business and was
ready to begin work as a journeyman. He traveled
throughout his own Slate and tlien drifted west to
St. Louis, Mo., stopping for a lime and working at
his trade. After settling his bills he started North
on a steamboat, arriving at Copperas Creek Land-
ing on the Illinois River on llie Eourth of .Tul^',
1840. After paying his passage his finances were
reduced to twenty-five cents which he expended in
reaching Canton. He little dreamed of what awaited
him in the village that he entered with a kit con-
sisting of three hammers tied up in a leathern
apron.

Mr. Parlin at once applied for work and was em-
ployed by R. C. Cultoii. His first work was done
on Monday morning, July 6. Mr. F'.mry went
to the shop to get a froe made for splitting lath to
plaster on, wishing it to be about half the size of a
cooper's froe. Mr. Culton had a job on hand and
as Mr. Emr3' was in a luirr}-, asked his new journey-
man if he could make the utensil. Tlie prompt
reiily was, •• I will try, sir." Selecting a suitable
piece of iron and getting his fire in shape he drew
and turned the e^e, with the next heat shaped the
froe nearly half way. and with the third finished it.
Mr. Eniry, who was himself a blacksmith, always
declareil that it was the quickest and most mechani-
cal piece of work he had ever seen done. He then
and tliere predicted a successful future for the
young stranger. Tlie iiiipleiiienl then made by

220

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

onr subject was presented to him by a son of its
original owner on July 4, 1890, wlien friends
galliererl to celebrate tlie fiftieth aiiiuvcrsar3' of iiis
arrival in Canton.

After workino for Mr. Culton a year, young
Parlin was taken into partnership by him. the
connection continuing two years and being then
dissolved by mutual consent. Mr. Parlin then
started in business on his own account, his first
shop being a very cheap one, scarcely more than a
shed, but under its humble roof he laid the founda-
tion of the preseDt]magnificent Canton Plow Works.
At first he devoted himself to general blacksmith-
ing during the summer and to making a few plows
in the winter, hammering the moldboard l)y hand
out of wrought iron. He also made other tools
needed by the farmers, proving himself quite a
benefactor to the community in those earl}' da3-s.
As his business increased he built a brick shop
which is still standing and in use as a part of his
present works. In 1873 the large three-story brick
building, 2G0x300 feet in dimensions, was erected,
furnished with an engine of 125-horse power and
various kinds of machinery adapted for the busi-
ness.

The establishment at present furnishes employ-
ment for three hundred and twenty-five to three
hundred and fifty men. The Canton Clipper Plow
has been sold in every part of the civilized world
and has been ship|)ed in quite a number to the
British possessions, also to Mexico and South Amer-
ica. Although this implement is the most noted
of the manufacUires of tlie company-, their cultiva-
tors and harrows also bear a good reputation. Five
traveling salesmen are kept on the road obtaining
orders. In 1853 Mr. Parlin took W. J. Orendoiff
in as a partner and in 1867 the firm was merged
into an incorporated company under the State laws.
Upon tlie reorganization William Parlin became
President, W. J. Orendorff Vice President and
Treasurer, and W. H. Parlin Secretary.

At the home of the bride in Orion Township
January 7, 1845. Mr. Parlin was united in marriage
with Miss Caroline Orendortl. daughter of John
Orendorff, Esq., wlio came to this county in 1825,
from Sduih Carolina. She is a sister of W. J.
Orendorff of the P16w Company. During the

many j'ears in which she has been the honored
companion of our subject she has been worthily
carrying out her obligations as a wife and mother
and fulfilling the duties she owes to society. She
and her husband have had four children, two sons
and two daughters. Artemus F., the first-born,
has been removed from them by death. The only
son now living is the Secretary and Manager of
the compan}'. Clara E., the third child, is j'et with
her parents; Alice C, is the wife of Charles E.
Ingersoll, a dealer in lumber in Canton.

Mr. Parlin has filled several offices of trust, hav-
ing been Supervisor of Canton Township, a mem-
ber of the City Council one term, and of the
School Board for a much more extended period.
In politics he is a stanch Republican. He is proud
of the fact that his first Presidential vote was cast
for the Whig candidate, William Henry Harrison,
and that he has lived to see a grandson of that
official filling the same exalted station. He is a
member of Morning Star Lodge, Xo. 734, A. F. &
A. M., and was President of thel]\Lasonic Mutual
Benefit Society for twelve years. His attractive
residence with its beautiful grounds is pointed out
to every visitor of the city "as the home of]a man
whom all delight to honor, joining in the wish ex-
pressed on the anniversarv of his advent intoQthe
count}' — that man}' more may[|be allotted]^him be-
fore his life's work is complete.

ILLIAM T. GENTLE. There is not a
%r\//i' more successful resident of Fairviow

\^^ Township than is the subject of our sketch
who is widely known as the successful owner of
fine Shropshire sheep. His estate is peculiarly
well adapted to stock-raising, and he has been in
that business during the years intervening between
boyiiood and the present date. At this writing he
has on hand about three hundred thoroughbreds
and high grades. He received his start from
George Allen, of AUerton. 111.

Mr. Gentle was born in Hamilton County, Ohio,
about four miles from Cincinnati. His jiarents
came to this State in 1855. settling in Farmington

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

221

Township. Tin' father died in 1S79. at the age of
fifty-five; the mother is still living and makes her
home with our sulijeet, being now sixty-three years
of age. To Iheiii were born four i-liihlren, viz:
William T.; .John W .. who resides in Iowa, mar-
rie<l .Miss Lou Terwilliger of London Mills, 111.;
Hester A., who married L. C". .lolmson, die(i at her
home in Iowa, leaving three child;eu; Thomas E.
makes his liome in Prescott, Iowa.

Our subject's parents and all the ehildren with the
exceiition of William T. moved to Creston, Iowa
in ISTtiand there the father died in 1879. Tlie
the mother returne<i to live with our subject. The
birth of Mr. Gentle took plaee September 24, 184C,
and he was only nine j'cars of age when he came
to Illinois. His education was received partly in
lliis State and partly in Ohio, and he reached
man's estate on his father's farm in Farmington
Township. In 1869 Mr. Gentle married Miss
America A. .Smith, the si.vth child of Jonathan
Smith, deceased, one of the wealthiest citizens who
ever resided in Faii-view Town8hi|i. Her brother,
Foster G. Smith, is re|>resented in another part of
this Alium. Her birth occurred in Fairview
Township where the most of her birlli was passed.
She attended school at Yates City. Of their union
have been born three children, viz: Lacie O., Min-
nie A. and Matlie F. Misses Lacie and Minnie A.
are students at the State Normal at Bloomington,
thus fitting themselves to enjoy the wealth and
comforts of their beaulifvd home in the highest
possible manner, and to add sunsliine to an already
happy home.

The subject of this sketch is the owner of t)ne
hundred and luiiety acres of valuabh; land on sec-
tion 26. He is a member of the Independent Or-
der Odd of Fellows lodge at Fairview and has been
through the chairs in same, and is also a member of
the Modern \A'oodmen lodge. Mrs. (ientle and
her two eldest daughters are members of the
l-)augliters of Rebecca lodge in Fairview Town-
ship, and Mrs. Oentle is holding tlie Noble Grand
Chair for the secoml term. Both our subject and
his wife are members of the Providence Chapel,
Methodist Episcopal Church, and the former is
Trustee. The entire family are active workers for
the Sunday-school and other worthy causes that

benefit anil adxtince the interests of hiimanity. He
believes in protection to Americar, industries. Mr.
(Jentle has h.ad possession of his] present farm for
three years and it is one of the finest in the;sur-
rounding country. His fame and |)opularity have
extended much beyond the limits of the township
and his genial, cordial manners^have gainedOhim
the friendship of all wlio'have beenfassocialed with
him either in commercial or social circles.

||RENUS T. SCl'DDER. There is in the de-
ll velopment of every successful life a lesson to
tL ever3- one; for if a man is industriously ambi-
tious and honorable in his ambition, he will un-
doubtedly rise to a position of i)romiiu'nce. whether
having the |)restige of family and wealth, or the
obscurity of poverty. We are led to these reflec-
tions in reviewing the life of Mr. .Scudder, who is
a dealer in drugs and toilet articles in Farmington.
He has attained his present enviable position as a
competent and popular druggist b)- indomitable
energy and a laudable desire to reach the top round
of the ladder of fortune.

At present Mr. Scud<ler is engaged in a nourish-
ing business, and owns in addition to his elegant
store, a residence on East Street, in the northern
part of the city. He is a gentlemrui of excellent
taste and fine personal appearance, and has many
warm friends in the coinmunitj' where he makes his
home. He has engaged in his present business
since September, 1889, and is doing a flourishing
tiade. In addition to his drug business Mr.
Scudder is well posted in the inaiiageraent of tele-
phone lines and fixtures, having charge of the
telei)lu)ne olDce, which is located in the back [lart
of his large store.

The birth of our subject occurred in New York
State, August 8, 18.51, and his |)arents were John
T. and Sarah A. (Taft) Scu<lder, natives of New
York. He received a good education in the com-
mon schools, and his father being a physician of
considerable talent, our subject had an inherited
tendency toward the study of medicine, and was
thus prepared to become an excellent [jharmacist.

222

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

In 1881 be opened a dnio-store in Fannington,
and for seven years continued to do a first-elass
business. Selling out his interest in 1888, he
worked for two years in the Nebraska Telephone
Exchange.

As before stated the father of our subject was an
exi)prt in the "healing art," and after settling in
Prairie City, 111., in 1853, continued to practice his
chosen profession and enjoyed a large and lucrative
practice. His death occurred there in August,
1867, after he had attained his fort3--fiflh year.
The mother is still living, and is over sixty
years of age. She bore her husband ten children,
of whom six survive, viz.: Irenus T., our subject;
Albert 1).. Miner R.. Ida M.. John L. and Clem-
ent V.

A very important event in the life of our sub-
ject was his marriage, which was celebrated
February 4. 18S.5, with ISIrs. Caroline Negly, of
Farniington. Mrs. Scudder is a most estimable
woman, a devoted wife and a good neighbor. She
was born December 20, 1846, and was the daughter
of M. A. and C. Brown, both of wlioni are de-
ceased. Mr. Scudder is a strong Democrat in his
political opinions; socially, he is a member of the
Masonic fraternity, and is universally conceded to
bea business man of unusual ability.

^=^EORGE BURNETT is noted for his indus-
'11 (--, trious habits and enterprising spirit, and is
^^^^ the oldest settler of Fairview Township who
is engaged in- any active pursuit. When only five
years of age he was brought to this count}' by his
parents, William and Sarah(Poland)Burnett, but his
birth occurred in Harrison Count}', W. Ya., April
19. 1830. The trip from Virginia to this State was
made in 1835, in a wagon pulled b}' three horses.
The parents sought a new home and found it in Ful-
ton County. 111., where the father bought a claim
with a cabin on it for SIOO. He entered the land
from the Government and at once started to work
to improve it. They went to Ellisville to mill and
the coinitry around was in a purely primeval state.
The lirst school our subject attended was where

Lyons graveyard is now located, and he can give a
most interesting description of this country in its
pioneer daj's when game abounded on ever}' side
having seen fourteen or fifteen deer in a herd many
a time. Breaking up and clearing land and farm-
ing engaged his time and attention from an early
period in life. He has turned acres of the virgin
sod of the State of Illinois, and has had a long and
prosperous career as an agriculturist.

INIr. Burnett was married in 1854 to Miss Abigail
Barbee, daughter of Franklin and Lucinda (Mer-
ris) Barbee, natives of Virginia and Canada re-
spectively. Her parents were married in' Ohio,
where she was born, and later moved to Illinois,
settling in Scott County and in 1853 coming to
Fulton County. Mrs. Burnett was only seven-
teen years of age wiien she was married and to
her and our subject have been born four chil-
dren: John F. married Miss Eliza Pratt, who died
in 1888 leaving four chililren; he is now in charge
of the home farm; Eliza E., married Henry Rist
and lived in Fremont County, Iowa, where she
died in 1880 at the age of twenty-two years; Mary
C. died when seventeen years cf age; Clymena R.
is the wife of Joseph T. Gourley. and has one child,
Blanche R. Mr. Burnett has noted with great sat-
isfaction all the improvements in the way of farm
machinery and the general progress throughout his
county. He is opposed to secret societies and
gives strict attention to his business in which he
has met with marked success. He is also giving
much attention to stock-raising and is very proud
of his horses. The principal part of his wealth has
been accumulated in the pork producing industry.
He is a member of the Rei)ublican party, and re-
ligiously, he and his estimable wife belong to the
United Brethren Church.

Our subject's father was a native of County
Tyrone, Ireland, and left that country when only
eighteen years of age. coming to the Uniteil States
and settling in ^'irginia where he married the
mother of our subject. They came to Illinois from
Virginia in 1835 and were numbered among the pio-
neers of Fairview Township, locating on section 18.
The motberdied in 1859 when fifty seven years of
age and the father in 1862 when sixty-one years
old. To them wore born twelve children: viz:

'o-\^\yy^ iy\n.ZAj(iJ,

^"yy^^

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

225

Rachel, who married John Roberts, died at Ipava
leaving five children; Elizabeth, who married John
Ilubunks, lived in Iowa. She died at the home of
her fiillier leaving six children; John, wlio resides
in Davis County, Iowa, married Charlotte Johnson
and has had thirteen children; George is the sub-
ject of our sketch; Martin died in infanc_y; Mary,
wlio married Reuben Hungerford, lives in Metrop-
olis, III.; James lives in Fairvicw Townsliii), of
wliich he is one of the well-to-do farmers. He was
twice married; Margaret died when twenty-tliree
years of age; Sarah A., the wife of Benjamin
Sampson, lives in Warren Count}', HI., and is the
mother of seven children; Martha, was tlie wife of
Alex. Pliillippi, and at her death left two children;
Anettie is the wife of Wm. Boden, of Sacramento,
Cal.. and lias two children; William, who married
Neosha Davis, died in 1888 when forty years of
age.

\T]OSEPH VINTON HARRIS, M. D. The
city of Canton is not without her share of
members of tiie learned professions, who are
a credit to the pursuit they have chosen and
to the town itself. Among ihose who have taken
up the calling of a medical practitioner is Dr.
Harris vvho devotes himself assiduously to his prac-
tice and tiie scientific investigations which will en-
hance his professional knowledge and skill. He is
well citalilished in reiuitalion as a pliysician and is
recognized as among Ihe able practitioners of Cen-
tral Illinois.

Before outlining tlie life history of our subject it
maj' be well to make a brief record regarding liis
parents. His fathfr, Coll)crt Harris, was born in
Prince George's County, Md., July 30, 1798. In
182G he located in Belmont County, Ohio, on a
tract of land which lie leaserl for ten years. He
cleared and cultivated it until tiie expiration of his
lease, when he bought one hundred and sixty acres
in Monroe County and removing tiiillicr resided
tiiere until his death, which occiu'red March 2-1,
18.T.'i. He left a widuw and eleven cliildren. Of
the latter si.\ only are now living. The mother

died in March, 1853. She bore the maiden name
of Catherine E. Crupijei-, and was born in Leesburg,
Loudoun County, V.a. July 8, 1808.

The subject of this biographical notice was the
sixth son of his parents and was born in Jlonroe
County, Ohio, October 22, 1839. He entered the
common schools and further advanced his knowl-
edge by an attendance at Fairview (Ohio) Acad-
emy. He then turned to teaching as a temporary
expedient, continuing to make his home in Fair-
view and pursuing his peaceful pedagogical labors
in the country. In 1860 he took up the study of
medicine in the ollice of Dr. .1. T. McPherson of
Cambridge, Ohio, and in due time took his first
course of lectures al llie medical college in Cleve-
land.

Upon the breaking out of the Civil War the
Doctor enlisted ii: the Union Army November 7,
18G1, as he considered his duty to his country par-
amount to his desire to become a physician. He
was enrolled in Comjjany H, Sixty-fifth Ohio In-
fantry', Col. Charles G. Harkcr commanding. The
regiment was assigned to the Army of the Cumber-
land, under command of Gen. Buell, and became a
part of the Fourth Armj' Corps. His regiment
took part in a number of the most noted conflicts
of the war, among them being Sliiloh, Holly
Springs. Stone River, Chickamauga, Kenesaw
Mount.-un, Franklin and Nashville. The interven-
ing time was spent in skirmishing, marching and
the various important, although monotonous, (bfties
of cani|)aigu life.

At Decatur, Alii., in the fall of 1864, Dr. Harris
was shot in the hip. and from the effects of the
wound he was kept at Howard Hospital in Nash-
ville for three months. He then rejoined his reg-
iment, serving until the close of the war and was
mustered out JNIay 12, 186.5. lie had been pro-
moted from the ranks to the position of Hospital
Steward and Acting Assistant Surgeon, in w hich po-
sitions he was enabled to relieve suffering and aid
in restoring his comrades to health, while at the
same time he gained an experience which has been
of great value to him in hili'r years.

After his discharge Dr. Harris returned to Ohio,
but the same fall removed to Canton where he pur-
sued his practice about five 3'ears. He then I'ntered

226

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

Rush Medical College in Chicago and after com-
pleting his second course of lectures was graduated
in 187L He resumed his professional labors in
Canton and has long been considered a permanent
member of the fraternity here.

October 19, I860, the rites of wedlock were cele-
brated between Dr. Harris and Miss Ellen S. Platt-
enburg. at that time a resident of this city. She
is a daughter of Perry and Ellon S. (Doddridge)
Plattenburg. and was born in Wellsburg, Va., her
mother also being a native of the Old Dominion.
She came to this State with her parents when quite
young and grew to maturity here, receiving a good
education and a careful home training. Her union
with our subject has been blest by the birth of
two children — Ellen E. and Joseph Perr3-.

Dr. Harris belongs to the State Medical Society
and is a member of the Lewistown Board of Exam-
ining Surgeons for pensions. He belongs to Morn-
ing Star Lodge, No. 734, A. F. and A. M., and has
attained the Thirt3'-secoud degree of the Ancient
Scottish Rite Masonry. Politically, he is, and
always has been, an earnest and stanch Republican.
His pleasant home in the midst of agreeable sur-
roundings is one of the notable centers of the
social life of the cultured society of the cit\-.

In connection with this biographical review we
are pleased to present, elsewhere in this volume, a
lithographic portrait of Dr. Harris.

-^^

^^-^- HARLES C. EHRENHART is prosperously
conducting in Lewistown an extensive ag-
^J ricultural implement business. He owns the
handsome brick block, a large building 42x80 feet
in dimensions, on South Main Street, where he is
established, and he is one of the solid men of the
city.

Our subject is a Bavarian 1)3- birth, born in the
German Fatherland in the month of November,
1850. His father, Michael Ehrenhart, w,as a native
of the same locality as himself, and a son of one
Mathew Ehrenhart, the latter having been born in
Austria and going from there to Bavaria during
llie lime of the Austrian Revolution, spending the

remainder of his life there. The father of our sub-
ject was reared to agricultural pursuits, and when
a 3'oung man entered the army in accordance with
the laws of (iermany, and for nine or ten years
served as a soldier. In 1866 he came to America
with his eight children, setting sail from Rotterdam
in the month of October, and landing at New York
the following January-. He came to Illinois, and
for a time lived in Rio Township, Knox Counl3'.
At the expiration of three j'ears he removed from
there to Galesburg, and was in the emplo3' of the
Chicago, Burlington & Quinc3- Railroad the en-
suing seven j'ears. He still resides in that city.

The maiden name of the mother of our subject
was Susannah Lantz, and she was also of Bavarian
birth. She died in Bavaria in 1863 or 1864, and
her death was a serious loss to her fauiilv. She
and her husband reared eight children, named
Phillip, Charles, Amelia, Mathew, Frank. Martha,
Fred and Mary.

The son of whom this sketch is written w.as
carefully trained l)3- his worthy' parents in all that
goes to make an honest man and a good citizen ; and
in the public schools of his native place, which he
attended most of the time quite steadil3- till he came
to America in 1866, he received an excellent edu-
cation. The first two or three 3'ears after his
arrival in this country he w.as employed on the farm
with his father in Knox Count3'. We next hear of
him as a clerk in a grocery store in Galesburg, and
his six 3'ears experience in that capacity in that
place proved of invaluable service to him, and there
he laid the foundation of his career as a business
man. His next eniploymenl was as agent for sew-
ing machines in Iowa. He spent three seasons there
verj' profitahl3', and then located permanentlj- in
Lewistown in the month of September, 1877. Here
he engaged in the butchering business, continuing
in that some six years. After that he turned his
attention to the lumber trade, and one year later
added the sale of agricultural implements, and is
still conducting the implement business, which he
has extended greatlj', and is in receipt of a good
income from that source.

Mr. Ehrenhart and Miss Eliza Brookmeier united
their lives and fortunes Januar3' 5, 1877, and their
marriage has been productive of much domestic

PORTRAIT AND BrOGRAPIlICAl. ALBUM.

227

felicity. Four eliildien. Lillie. Amelia, Annie and
Clifton, complete their pleasant lionie ciicle. Mrs.
Kbrenhart is a native of Iowa, .and .1 dausi;liter of
Jacob Biooknieicr. a native of Wuvtembuis;, Ger-
many, and a pioneer of Iowa. She is a sincere
Christian and an esteemed member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church.

Mr. Ehrenhart is an ambitious, wide-awake man,
whose capabilities, industry and methodical business
habits have been the making of ium.a'id given him
good financial standing in this comnuinily. He
belongs to Lewistown Lodge, No. 33.0, 1. G. 0. F.,
and to Commonwealth Lodge, No. Gl, M. A.

'^ AMES GRIGGS is one of the oldest settlers
of Fulton County, to which he came as earl^-
as the yeru- 1829. Long years of raerito-
f(®/' rious conduct in private and public life have
won for him a r(:pntation which is the choicest
heritage he can leave to bis posterity when called
from time to eternity. He is the owner and occu-
pant of one hundred and sixty acres of finely
imi)roved land on section 1, Orion Township, and
is cl.assed among those who make of agriculture
both an art and a science. He combines qualities
of two prominent nationalities, being of German an-
cestry in the paternal line and French in the ma-
ternal.

The parents of our subject, George and Sarah
(Harker) Griggs, removed from the Empire State
to Peoria County, 111., in 1829. The country to
which they had come was full of Indians and they
endured raanj' trials from the savages, particularly
after the outbreak of the Black Hawk War in 1830.
The father was a soldier during the War of 1812.
The parents were rewarded for all their trials and
privations by seeing their family grow to honored
raanhood and womanhood. The circle comprised
eight children, whose record is as follows: Harvey
married Elizabeth Long, now deceased, and makes
his home in Peoria County ; Pruella married Will-
iam Thurston, their home being in Elmwood, Peo-
ria County; Mary is unmarried and lives with her
brother James of this notice; Franklin I), married

Deborah Largent and lives in Farmington; Asen-
eth, who is now deceased, was the wife of (George
Champ; Susan, also deceased, was the wife of
William Bown; Jeremiah married Eunice Yaw
and lives at Oak Hill, Peoria ('ount3'.

The birthplace of our subject was Cayuga
County, N. Y.. and his natal day June 10, 1819.
After reaching in.".turity he was united in marriage
to Miss Mary Ann Bown who died within a year
after their mairiage. He was joined in wedlock
with his present wife, formerly Duleena E. Mc-
Mains, in 1856 and the union has been blessed by
the birth of live childien. The first-born, (George
W., married Belle Gruniger and lives in Peorif
Countj-; Edwin E. married Maude Frank, tliei:
home being in this township; Mary Ann became
llie wife of Frank .lacobs a resident of Peiu'ia
County; Susan, is unm.arricd and is still making
her home under the |i;ircntal roof and engaged in
the profession of teacliing. All the children have
been given good educations and three have been
engaged in teaching.

Mr. Griggs and the various members of his
family take a great interest in educational matters
which he has assisted .as a School Director for over
twenty-five years. His first Presidential vole was
cast for Martin ^'an Buren and f(jr years he has ad-
hered to the doctrines of Democracy as firmly as
when he first adaijtcd them. He is a Baptist in his
religious faith.

^ ESSE HEYLIN, editor of the Lewistown
Lance, a weekly paper devoted to the inter-
ests of the Republican party and the people,
;' is a native of this county and is one of whom
it may well be proud, for, though he is a young
tiian, he has already won his way to distinction as a
journalist of signal ability.

Fanners Township is the place of the birth of
our subject and December 15, 18G5, the date of
that important event in his life. His father. Henry
Ileylin, was of English birth and antecedents, the
city of London the place of his nativity. His
father, whose name was Joseiih Ilo^liu, was also

228

PORTRAIT AND HIOGRAPIIICAL ALBUM.

bdiTi in that great metropolis. Me was a silk man-
ufacturer and carried on tliat business in London
some years. He came to America before tiie war,
located at first in Fulton County, where he resided
for a time, and then took up his residence in New
York City, where his remaining days were p.assed.
lie reared four ciiildren, who weie named, Joseph
(r.. Mary, William and Henry. Mary died in Lon-
don when quite young, and Joseph still resides
there. William and llenr}' came to this countrj',
and William engaged in the silk and tassel business
in New York City and there died.

The father of our suliject was reared and edu-
cated in Lon<lon, and came to the Ihiiled States
aliout 1840. He located in New York City, and soon
became a sailor, followed the sea some years in a
whaling vessel, and during the Mexican War was
in the marine service. After that he came to Illi-
nois and followed the trade of a carpenter in Ber-
nadolte Township, .\fter a few years he removed
to Farmers Township where he dwelt until death
rounded out his life April 29, 1886. The maiden
name of his wife was Eliza L. McQueen. She was
born in Syracuse, N. Y.;her father, John McQueen
was also a native of that State, and a farmer of
tliat place. He remove<l from New York to Mis-
souri and settled near Jefferson City where he
bought land and improved a good farm, which re-
mained his home until his death The maiden
name of his wife, the grandmother of our subject,
was Mary Scott. She was born in New York City
and spent her last years at the home of her son-in-
law in Missouri. The mother of our subject resides
in Farmers Township. She reared four children,
John, Ellen, Joseph and Jesse. Joseph died at the
age of twenty -six years ; John lives in Frontier
County. Neb.; Ellen married George Carrison,
since deceased and lives in Farmers Township.

Jesse Heylln, of whom we write, was given iiis
first schooling in the home district and his learn-
ing was further advanced 1)3- his attendance at the
Normal School at Macomb, and later he pursued a
course of study at Jennings Seminary at Aurora.
He thus obtained a sound basis for his future pro-
fessional career. At the age of eighteen he com-
menced teaching, and was thus quite steadily
engaged for the three ensuing years. In 1887 he

went to Garden City, Kan. as a proof reader and
night reporter on the Garden City Daily Sentinel.
Five months later, so well appreciated were his ser-
vices, he was appointed city editor of that sheet,
which position he held until he resigned it in 1888.
He then returned home and commenced teaching,
continuing thus emiiioyed one year. August 2,
1889, Mr. Heylin established the Lewistown Lance,
a carefully edited paper issued weeklj', having its
full share of patronage from the reading public.

Finergj', patience and perseverance have accom-
plished their good work in the efforts of our subject
to establish a newspaper that shall be readable and
justif}' its claim as a wide-awa.ve, public-spirited
journal of sound literary merit, and a pure family
paper, one of the best of its kind luiblished in this
part of Illinois.

HESTER B. CHURCHILL, a well-known
farmer of Joshua Township, is classed
among the pioneers of this county who
lave dtnie good service in advancing its agricultu-
ral development. He is a native of the .State of
New York, and was born in 1824. He came to
Fulton County in 1837, and cast in his lot with the
pioneers whom he found woi'king zealously to i)ro-
mole the growth of this section of the country.
He entered at that lime his present homestead
on wiiich he has resided for more than foity years.
He has evolved a fine farm from the wild tract of
land that he purchased from the Goverment. has
it under excellent improvement, and provided with
good buildings.

Prior to coming to this State, Mr. Churchill was
married in 1847 to Miss Catherine M. Turkic, who
has been a devoted helpmate an<l an active assist-
ant in the pioneer labors of her husband. Nine
children have been born to them, as follows: Har-
riett, Mildon, Chester, Leonard, Washington,
George, William, Stephen and Kate. Of these the
following are deceased: Mildon, Chester, Leonard,
AVashington, George and William. Stephen is a
resident of .loshua Township; Kate married Homer
Randolph, and lives in Canton Township. Mrs.

PORTRAFT AND BIOGRAPrilCAL ALBUM.

229

Churchill is a zealous and active worker in the
Christian Church, of which slie is a devoted
member.

In pioneer limes -Mr. Ciiurcliill was widely known
as one of the best musicians in this i)nrt of the
countrj'. His services were in constant demand to
])]ay llie violin for countiy dances, as the young
people would rather have "old Church,"' as they
called liiiu. than any one else, and he would be
called to go even as far as Peoria to furnish music
for j)arties. Ills children have inherited his musical
gifts and are well-trained musicians. Our subject
cast his llrst Ijallot in this county, and has alw.ays
voted the Democratic ticket, lie h.is taken an
active part in educational matters and has been Di-
rector of schools in his own town-ihip for over
twenty years. At oiu> time he was a prominent
member of the Grange when that t)rder was Bour-
isliing.

^ AMKS K. WELCH, iM. IJ., is one of the most
eminent physicians practicing his i)rofession
within the limits of this count}', and he is
((®l/ also closely connected with its business in-
terests as a druggist in Cuba, his place of residence,
and with its public life as Chairman of the County
Ik)ard of Su[)ervisors.

The Doctor is a native of Nelson County, K\'.,
born September 4, 184.5. His father, .lames W., was
also a native of Kentucky .as was his mother, whose
maiden name was Mary Swaze)'. They married and
lived in that State until 1818, and then touk up
their residence among the pioneers of McDouough
Ciiunty, this Slate, where they remained until their
death; the mother dieil in 185() and the father in
187S. At one lime he w.as engaged in business at
Blandiusville.

Our sutjject was one of eighteen children of whom
eight are now living. When four years old lie ac-
comi)anied his parents to Illinois and received his
eleinenlary education in the district schools of
McDouough County. During his >-outh he received
a severe wound which prevented his entering the
army when the Rebellion broke out. He had a de-
cided talent for medicine, and entered upon his

stuilies for that profession with enthusiasm, was
graduated with honor from the Kei)kuk Mediial
College in the class of '65 and is a line cxponenl <>(
the Allopathic school of medicine.

After leaving college. Dr. Welch established him-
self as a physician in Cuba, and for twenty-four
3ears has been in active practice. He has a laii;e
patronage that extends far beyond the limits of the
village and township, having an experience of
ivventy-live years in Ibis locality and being im-
mensely popular with all cLasses. Seven j'ears ago
he opened a drug store here on the northwest corner
of the Square, a year and a half ago removed to the
northeast corner where he is now located, his office
being in the store. He is carrying on a fine busi-
ness and has here a well-stocked, commodious
store, replete with all the appointments of the best
establishments in the county.

The energy of our subject has by no me;ins
been confined to the management of h;s practice
and his drug business, but he has engaged in var-
ifuis enterprises. In 1878 he opened a livery stable
and for some time managed an extensive business.
In 1868 he bought a farm of one hundred and
twenty acres in Putman Township and carried it on
by proxy for several years but he now rents both
the livery barn and the farm.

Dr. Welch and Miss iSIalinda Clayberg were mar-
ried in 1808. Their wedded life was happy but was
too soon brought to a close by the early death of
Mrs. Welch in 1874. She left two children — Lucy
B. and Maggie IM. — the latter of whom lives with
her uncle Dr. P. C. Clayberg, now of St Louis.
Our subject was married again in 1878 to Elizabeth
E. Wilson, daughter of William H. and Margaret
(Laswell) Wilson, who were among the oldest pio-
neer families of this county. Iler mother died in
1884. Her father still survives at the age of sev-
enty years. Mrs. Welch was born in this county in
18.i6 and received her education in the public
schools. She is a fine woman in every respect, de-
voted to the interests of her husband and children
and knows well how to care for her household.
The following four children have been born of this
marriage, Roy, Mamie, James W., and F^thel Fay.
Prominent- in the medical world and in the busi-
ness circles of this part of Illinois, Dr. Welch is

230

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

also |ire-eniiiient in its public life, as a man of his
progressive mind, executive and tiuancial ability
is needed to aid in the guidance of civic affairs and
he has held many offices of responsibility with dis-
tinction. He has been a member of the Town
Council and President of that honorable body for
years. He is serving his sixth term as one of the
County Board of Suitervisors, representing Puttnan
Township, and is now acting for a second time as
Chairman of the Board, he having served in that
capacity in 1888. He has always been a Demo-
crat and stands high in the councils of his party.

In 1886 our subject was appointed United States
Examiner of Pensions and still retains that posi-
tion b}' request of the old soldiers of this county,
although a Republican administration is at the head
of national affairs. He is a member of the Ma-
sonic Order at Cuba and has been Secretary of the
same. He also belongs to the Indei)endent Order
of Odd F"ellowsof Cuba, is identified with the An-
cient Order of United Workmen and is JNIedical
Examiner and a member of the Modern Woodmen
and also of the Mutual Aid Suciety. He and his
wife are among the leading members of the Chris-
tian Church of wliich he has been a Trustee, and she
has been acti kfely identified with the Sunday-school.

•^fV '^K^

^^^EORGE WASHINGTON SEATON. Even
il (^— , a cursory view of the Inisiuess establish-
'^J4^ ments of Canton will reveal the fact that

the\' are in charge of men of tact, push and
good judgment. In the goods upon their shelves,
llie order which characterizes them, and the honor-
able, courteous way in which patrons are treated,
they vie with those of much larger cities. One of
these flourishing establishments is the grocery store
of our subject, who carries a large and well-select-
ed stock, and occupies a favorable location on the
east side of the square.

The grandfather of our subject, John Seaton, was
a native of Germany, whose home after emigra-
tion was in Tennessee. There James Seaton, the
father of our subject, was born and roared. He

icnioved to Indiana about 1817, there marrying
Winifred Roberts. This Uuly was a native of Ken-
tucky, but in her girlhood had accompanied her
father, Thomas Roberts, to the Iloosier Stale.
James Seaton was engaged in tilling the soil, and
made the Iloosier State his home during all of his
later ye.irs. His widow died on the same place in
1882. full of jears and honors. She was the mother
of four sons and two daughters, one son and one
daughter being now deceased.

The birth of our subject took i)lace in Crawford
County, Ind., near Leavenwortii, May 9. 1833.
Ilis carh' boyhood was spent in attendance at the
common schools near his home, and he subsequently
continued his studies in a private school in Ken-
tucky, having relatives there with whom he could
make his home. When about eighteen years old
he began his mercantile experience as a clerk in
the dry goods store of IT. F. <k J. W. Ingersoll, in
Canton, ren'aiuing in the establisinnent five years.
He then formed a partnership with R. B. L'nder-
wood, and under the firm name of Seaton & Un-
derwood embarked in the dry-goods business. The
connection continued until 18G2 when the business
was disposed of. and Mr. Seaton became a partner
with A. C. Bahcock, the nevv firm doing an exten-
sive business during the war, and continuing some
j'ears longer, when they were swei)t out In' fire.
sustaining a heavy loss. The firm was dissolved
b3' mutual consent, and Mr. Seaton connected him-
self witli W. r>. Gleason it Co., in the dry -goods
l).usiness. He remained an attache of that firm
until 1885 when he opened a grocery store on the
south side of the square. January I, 1S90, he re-
moved to his present site with increased facilities
to accommodate his growing trade.

Mr. Seaton was fortunate in his choice of a life
comi*anion, winning Miss Louisa Culton, daughter
of Robert Culton of this city. The marriage rites
were celebrated at the home of the bride in 1858,
and the congenial union has lieen blessed by the
birth of six children. They are named respect-
ively, William P.. Anna, Charles A., Kate, Fred-
erick and George Washington. Anna is the wife
of Fred Patec, of Peoria; Kate ma'-ried W. E.
Gill, of Canton; the eldest son and Charles are
traveling salesmen, and Frederick is clerk in a dry-

PORTRAIT AND 1510GRAPMICAL ALBUM.

231

goods store. Tlic joungest son is still altenrliiig
school. Mrs. Sc.ilon ilicil Lii 1879, .nnil our suliji'ct
was ngaiii married September 6, 1^91), to Miss .M.
V. Downing, of Canton.

Mr. Scatiin was liii' lirst cigar insi)('ctor of Can-
ton, and acted in tliat capacity two years, lie has
served as Ahh'rnian from the First Ward five
terms, .and is still discharging the duties of that
jjositinn, working faithfully to advance the inter-
ests of his constituents and the cit>' at large. lie
is a mcinher of Morning Star Lodge, No. 734, F.
& A. M. He belongs to the Re|)ublican party, and
is steadfast in the support of the princii)les in which
he tinnly believes.

Vf/ ACOB PERRY MAUS is one of the success-
ful farmers in Liverpool Township, to whom
fortune has been exceedingly generous in
her gifts. He is a native-born citizen of
Fulton County, Liverpool Township, the place of
his birth and December 26, 1850, the date thereof.
He is ,1 son of .lacob Mans, who was a well-known
pioneer of this county and was prominent in its
early development.

The father of our subject was born in Carroll
County, Md., Octoljcr 12. 1814. His father. who.«e
name was the same as his ovvn. was a native of
Adams County. Pa., and a son of George Mans,
who was born in Holland an<l came to America
about the time of the Revolution, settling in Penn-
sylvania. The grandfather of our subject moved
to Marylanil in early life and there carried on busi-
ness as a farmer and miller, he being the proprie-
tor of a good farm on which stood a mill. He was
killed at the age of seventy-four j-ears by the fall-
ing of a wall of his mill.

The father of our subject was reared on a farm
in Maryland and learned the trade of a miller. He
was married in that Stale to Mary Forniwalt who
was born there Septemlier (J, 1818. Immediately
after marriage the young couple came to Fult<Mi
County in the spring of 1810, making the journej'
by wagon to Pittsburg, Pa., thence by boat by llie
w.ay of the Ohio, Mississippi anil Illinois Rivers,

anil landing at Liverpool. Mr, Maus bought one
hundred and sixty acres of laud on s^•ction 13, Liv-
erpool Townshii), and at once entered upon its im-
provement. He fou:i<l the surrounding country in
a wild, sp.'ir.-ely settled condition and deer, wild
turkeys and other game abounded in the woods.
Only about tvveiity .acres of his entire land were
cleared and as there was much v.-duable timber
standing there, he soon erected a sawmill on Buck-
heart Creek which he had in operation for about
(ifteen years, also having a gristmill in connection
with it. "While carrying on his milling business he
devoted himself at the same time to farming and
at dilliercnt periods bought land until his estate
embraced four hundred and eighty acres at the
lime of his death. He placed upon it many valu-
aiile improvements, including a fine brick residence
which he built in 18G1 and a large barn,

Mr, Maus deparled this life August 29, 1888,
and it is doubtful if in this whole coiiuty the death
of any man has been more sincerely mourned. He
was beloved in the family circle, by his neighbors,
and by r.ll who met him in a business way. An ar-
dent Christian and a member of the Methodist
Church he was instrumgntal in advancing all re-
ligious Causes. He was a member tif the Demf)cratic
party and was well known in political circles and
in public life. For a period of ten or twelve years
he represented Liverpool Tt)wnshi[), as a member
of the County Board of Supervisors and he was also
School Treasurer. His good wife preceded him in
death, dying May 19, 1878. She was a consistent
Christian woman and a member of the Methodist
Church for a great many years. The following is
recorded of their three children: .losephus II. born
November 2."). 1 81 1, died .lanuaiy 23, 184.5; John
William, born February 12, 1848, died March 11,
18()1; .lacol) Perry, their youngest son, is the sub-
ject of this biographical review.

Our suijject passed his youth on the home farm,
attending the primitive pioneer scdiools duiing the
winter season and hidpiiig his father during the
summer months. Since the death of the latter he
has managed the farm ahnie with excellent success.
He has two hundred and fifty acres of choice land
under his care, and his land lying princip.ally on
the Illinois River bottom, is of exceptional feriil-

232

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

ity and is quite productive. He resides in the
house liiat his father Ijuilt, which is one of tlie
largest Iiricli residences in the county, and the other
farm buildings are of a substantial order and the
large red frame barn is one of the most commodious
in this section.

Mr. Mans was married September 21, 1876, to
Lottie E. Morton, a native of Fulton County. She
was born May 12, 1859, and is a daughter of Rich-
ard W. Morion. Her father was born in Estill
County, Ky., April 15, 1819. "When he was eleven
years old he came to Fulton County in 1830, with
his uncle, Elijah Wilcoxen. He is slill living on a
small farm on section 2, Liverpool Township. He
has been three times married. Hiebard Morton,
the paternal grandfather of Mrs. Maus, was captain
of a boat on tlie Ohio River. He married JNlary
Wilcosen, who wa.< born in Ashe County, N. C,
and was a grand-niece of Daniel Boone, the noted
Kentucky pioneer. Capt. Morton died in 1820.

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Maus has resulted
in the birth of these four children: Marv L., born
April 29, 1881; Clara G., June 15. 1883; Myrtle
M., June 28, 1885; and Frank M.. September 28,
1887.

Mr. Maus is an active, intelligent fai-raer.who h.is
a good understanding of his calling. He is kind
and generous in his relations with others and is
generally [jopular among his fellow citizens. He
is an ardent Democrat in politics. He has served
one term as Road Commissioner of his township,
and ever manifests an interest in its welfare.

^OHN W. GRAHAM. The principal feature
of interest in the history of a Kation. State
or count}- is necessarily the people, who by
their own success and enterprise have added
to the renown of the place in which they live. In
view of this fact a history of this county would be
decidedly incomplete without a description of the
life, surroundings and successes of John W. Gra-
ham, a prosperous and well-known resident of Can-
ton. His birth occurred at this i)lace June 16.
1850, he being the son of John G. and Lvdia
(Wills) Graham.

The father of our subject was born in Saratoga
County. N. Y.. November 17, 1817. and was the
son of John Graham, a native of the Green Moun-
tain State. He became a teacher in one of the
leading colleges in his native State, and later as a
civil engineer surveyed the roadbed for the Chi-
cago, Burlington & Quinc}- Railroad. For his
services he was paid in State script which he ex-
changed in Ciiicago for the merchandise with which
he first stocked his store in tiiis county. He was
a wide-awake, enterprising merchant and real-estate
dealer, was also engaged in speculating and to a
considerable extent interested in agriculture. He
was a man of unusual prominence and served as
Legislator through several terms and was Chair-
man of the Constitutional Convention of tlie .State.
He died at his home in this count}' in JanuaiT,
1869.

The mother of our subject was born in Cumber-
land County, Pa., February 10, 1815. and died in
Canton, March 30, 1886. Siic was a daughter of
McKinnej- Wills and was highly connected, being
close!}' related to some of the most prominent men
the country has ever known. Mnj. Charles W.
Wills, a gallant soldier who achieved fame in the
Illinois troops, is a nephew of hers, and her brother
James Wills, an early pioneer of this county, is
well remembered by the old citizens. She w.as also
connected with several residents of Chicago, amonof
whom are James and Washington AA^ills. who fioure
[irominently in mercantile circles and are members
of the Board of Trade in that city. She was a mem-
ber of one of the oldest and most aristocratic fam-
ilies in the State of Pennsylvania, her ancestors
having resided there for over one hundred years.
The Wills family came originally from Scotland;
on the maternal side she was of Irish descent.

The gentleman whose name introduces these
paragraphs received his educational training in his
native place, where he has continued to make his
home. In the early years he received most excel-
lent atttnlion frr-m his mother, who was universall}'
recognized as a woman of singularly noble charac-
ter. His education has been very thorough and
indeed the family, one and all, have devoted an
unusual anuiunt of attention to belles-lettres and
educational matters and are cultured and refined.

#j:

.,=^^'

y '^

<^^^^- ^5P

^-m

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

235

Mr. 'Grah.im inherited ti large fortune from his

father and has addeil to it until at the present writ-
ing he is a very wealth}' man. His father had en-
tered ten thousand acres of land in Illinois and
about fifteen thons'ind in Iciwa and six or eigiit
thousand acres are now in possession of the son. He
has retired from active business, simpi}' attending to
the letting out of his money and the supervision
of his estates an<l those of his sisters. He and his
sisters rank very liigh in the esteem of their numer-
ous acciuainlauces and friends.

^^OL. THOMAS HAMER. On the opposite
iff _ page is presented a lithographic portrait of
^^T this gentleman, who is one of the represen-
tative citizens and prominent residents of Fulton
Count}-. He has distinguished himself in various
walks of life, both as a brave .otticer in the late
war, a promiiiciit civilian, an able statesman, ami a
successful man of business. He is an old settler of
this section, and has long been influential in its
])olitical and scicial life, and has been a potent
factor in advancing its commerce and agriculture,
and its material interests generally. For many
years a resident of \'ermont, the Colonel is living
in one of the most attractive homes of this beauti-
ful village. He has retired from business, but is
active in public life as State Senator, reiiresenting
Fulton and Knox Counties in the General Assem-
bly of Illinois.

Our subject is derived from line Revolutionary
stock, both his paternal and maternal grandparents
having done good service in the struggle of Amer-
ican Colonists for freedom from the motlier couri-
try. He was born in White Deer Township, Union
County, Pa., June 1, 1818. His parents were James
and Elizabeth (Seibert) Ilamer, who were natives
of Northumberland and Lancaster Counties, Pa.,
respectively, his father having been born in March,
1784, and his iiiolher in Fcl)ruary, 178(). The
paternal grandparents. Thomas and Ellen (Lyon)
Hamer. came from Scotland lo this country ])rior
to tlic Revolution and settled in Northumberland

County, Pa., taking up their .abode in Chillisquaque
Township oil a large tract of land.

Thomas Hamer became a prominent man in
those parts. He was the first Sheriff of Xorthum-
berland County, and served in the Revolution as
Caiitain under Gen. Greene, and filled various
ofliccs. He was the father of the following chil-
dren — James, Thomas, William, Joseph, Jesse,
Abraham, John, Elizabeth, Nancy and Wyllie, all
of whom married and reared families, having set-
tled in various States. VVilliam moved to lirowii
County, Ohio. He had a son, Thomas L. Hamer.
who became a prominent attorney, and commanded
an Ohio Brigade as Brigadier-General in the Mexi-
can AVar. He represented his district in Congress,
and appointed Gen. (irant to West Point. His
brilliant career was cut short at the close of the
Mexican W.ar by his untimely death at the age of
forty-five, at Ft. Ihown, Tex.

The maternal grand|)arents of our sul)jcct were
Joseph and l^lizabeth ((Jilbert) Seibert, who came
to this country from Prussia in Colonial times, and
located in Union County, Pa. He w.as a farmer by
occupation. In the struggle of the Colonists for
indei)eiidcnce he gave his services to his adopted
country and was a good soldier iluriiigthe Revolu-
tion. Mis children were: John, Josci)h, Elizabeth,
Sarah and Christina.

The fatl'.er of our sulijcct served in the War of
1812 in the company of his brother. Capt. Thomas
Ilamer, and was afterward Ca[)tain of a militia
regiment, lie was married in I'nion County, Pa.,
and in the fall of 184G with his family emigrated
to Illinois, traveling from Pittsl)urg by boat to St.
Louis, whence they made their w.a}' with a wagon
to Vermont. The father located in this township
on eighty acres of land on section 19. and resided
there until within Ihice years of his di-alli. in the
summer of 1871. IJis wife |)recoded him to the
otlier shore, dying in the winter of 1870 in Ver-
nnjut N'illage. They were devoted Christians, and
while they lived in Pi'nn.sylvania vvere members of
the P.aptist Church, but after coming to Illinois
they united with the Christi;iii Church, and re-
mained true to that faith. Mr. and Mrs, Ilamer
were the parents of the following nine children:
James who came to Ogle County, 111., in 1844;

236

PORTRAIT AND BTOOR APIIICAL ALBUM.

Margaret: Ellen, who died in Pennsylvniiiu ;
Thomas, Joseph, John; Elizabulh. ihe wife of Sam-
uel Doebler; Sarah, the wife of Benjamin Swartz,
and Samuel, who died in 1851. Margaret is the
wife of the Rev. Adnah A. Hecox. a prominent
Methodist minister of California. She keeps the
light-house at Santa Cruz, Cal.. having been ap-
pointed to that position by Abraham Lincoln.

Col. Thomas Ilanier i)asscd the early years of
his life on his father's farm, and was given the ad-
vantap'es of a substantial education in the English
branches at Wilton Academy. At the age of six-
teen he entered upon a practical training for a
mercantile career by becoming clerk in a store, and
he was thus engaged in his native State until he
came to Illinois, when he acted in a like capacity
for Joab Mershon. of Vermont, remaining with
him two years. He established himself in business
in 1S.50. and carried it on successfully until 1861,
when he sold it to his cousins. Edward and Patter-
son Hamer. He subs« quently devoted liimself to
his country and [latriotically gave his services for
the defense of the dear old flag.

With characteristic energy, and a military fervor
inherited from his ancestors, our subject set about
the ^ork of aiding to raise a regiment for the ser-
vice, and was prominent in enlisting and equipping
the Eighty-fourth Illinois Infantry, commanded by
Col. Lewis II. Walters, and was himself appointed
Lieutenant-Colonel of the regiment by Gov. Yates.
He proved to be a most courageous and efficient
officer; his military career was brought to a close,
however, at the battle of Stone River, as he was
there so wounded and disabled thai he was ren-
dered unfit for further service. He had three horses
shot under him while leading his men to charge
the enemy, and in the thickest of the fight he was
wounded in his left breast, had his left shoulder
broken and his right knee injured. Notwithstand-
ing the serious injuries he sustained that day, the
gallant and determined Colonel appeared on the
field the next day and assumed the command of
his men. They were so delighted at the heroism
and fortitude displayed by their valiant leader
that they gave him a gold watch as a testimonial
of their a<liniration of his conduct. He was
obliged to resign his commission after that on ac-

count of his physical condition, and after the bat-
tle of Chickamaiiga he was honorably discharged
from the army.

In connection with the military life of our sub-
ject we will add the following incident, gleaned
from an article in the Chicago Inter Ocean, of his
(^arl}' career, relating "How ami Why Fulton
County's Industrious Legislator Failed to Become
a West Pointer." Young Hamer entered the office
of his cousin. Congressman Thomr^s L. Hamer,
in Ohio, after he left his home in the Keystone
State, and while there a vacancj' occurred at West
Point, which it was his cousin's i)rivilege to (ill,
and he suggested to his young relative that he be-
come a cadet at the famous military school. Our
subject gladly availed himself of the opportunity
thus offered to gain a military education, and laid
aside his law books and went to Washington. His
commission was made out and he was waiting to
go where he was to receive several months pre-
liminary training, when his cousin came to him one
day and said: "Tom, this arrang='ment I made
for \o\\ to go to West Point is all spoiled. Here's
a letter I just got from Jesse Grant asking me to
j appoint his son. Now Grant is an influential man
] in ra\' district out in Ohio. The district is very
j close. I want his influence, but I don't want any
charge of nepotism brought against me. I want to
have Grant's influence, so. Tom. I'll have to with-
draw your name and get Grant's son appointed in
your place." Our subject could do nothing better
than to gracefully yield the point and withdriiw.
which he did. Gen. Grant never forgot the Hamers,
and during his Presidenc}' wIumi his influence was
asked to have the Colonel's son Le Ray appointed
to West Point, he promptly an<l cheerfully pre-
ferred the request for the appointment, which was
concurred in by .Secretar}' Lincoln. Much to our
subject's disappointment his S((n finally decided
not to accept the appointment, but the General's
kindly offices in the matter have never been for-
gotten.

After his return from the South our subject was
unable to get out for six months, liut as soon as he
recovered sufficiently he resumed business, built a
line store and carried on a large and profitable
Ir.ade until 1878, when he leased bis building, sold

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

237

bis business, and retired. He also managed a farm
of eight}' acres besides attending to liis otiierafifairs.
Cdl. llamer lias been a conspicuous figure in the
pujjlic and political life of town and county from
early days. He lias represented Vermont as a nicin-
ber of the County Board of Supervisors four terms,
and lias held vnrious local offices. lie has i)eeii a
delegate to nearly every State Convention since he
came to Illinois, first as a Whig, and after the for-
mation of the Republican part\- as its representative.
In lb48 the Whigs nominated him for the Lower
House of the Legislature, and although he had a
Democratic majorit}' of nine hundred to overcome,
he came within three votes of being elected. In
1852 ho was again nominated, and this time was
elected, but was counted out. He was prominei tly
mentioned as a candidate for Congress, and was
urged b}- his friends to accept the nomination, but
declined anil used his influence for Gen. Post. In
the fall of 188fi the Colonel was elected to the
Lower House of the State Legislature, and so ac-
ceptably did he serve in that capacity, that he was
elected to the State Senate in 1888 to represent
Pulton and Knox Counties in that honoralile body,
of which" he is still a member. His long experience
as a business man and as a politician has been of
value to him in his legislative career, and his course
as a statesman has justified bis selection as Repre-
sentative and as State Senator by bis constituents.

As a member of various important committees
while in the Lower House, he was instrumental in
bringing about much needed legislation to protect
and ailvance the interests of the State and people.
He was Chairman of the Committee on Enrolling
and Engrossing bills, served as a member of the
House and Finance Committee, and was a meml)er
of the Committee for Appropriations, State Insti-
tutions, Canal and River Improvements, Sanitary
Affairs and State and Municipal Indebtedness. In
the Sen.ate the Colonel has been Chairman of the
Committee on Finance and Claims, has been one of
the Committee on State Charitable Institutions,
Canals .and Rivers, Federal Relations, Roads, High-
w.ays and Bridges, and Exacntive Department.

Col. Hamer has been a prominent member of the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows for forty eight
years, and originated the Vermont lodge, and he

has been connected with the Ancient, Free and
Accepted Masons for thirty years. Religiously, he
is a member of tlie Methodist Episcopal Churcli,
while his wife lielongs to the Universalist Church,
lie is po|)ular with all with wlioiii he associats. lie
is gifted with a frank, generous nature, is a lover
of fun, and is a witty and entertaining conversa-
tionalist, lie has gathered a never ending fund of
anecdotes, and it never more interesting than when
he is relating some story of his experiences of the
war, of life in camp and on the battlefield.

Our suliject has Ijcen twice married. March 25,
1850, his union with Miss Harriet E. Johnson was
solemnized. She was a daughter of Franklin and
Hopy (King) .lolinson, who came to this State
from Herkimer County, N. Y., and were early set-
tlers of Vermont, where jNIr. Johnson w.as a pioneer
druggist. Seven children were horn to our subject
by that marriage, of whom four boys died when
from two to four years of age, and one daughter at
the age of six years. The children living are:
Wyllie, wife of Ansel Ainrine; and Le Ray. The
latter is States Attorney at Oklahoma. He is well
educated, a graduate of Abingdon College and
Bloominglon Law School. He stands high in busi-
ness and political circles, and is an orator of ability.
Mrs. Hamer departed this life April 1.3, 1871, at
the age of forty years, leaving behind her a good
record as wife, motlicr and friend. She was a sin-
cere Christian. In early life, with her husband she
was a member of the Congregational Church, but
the exigencies of the war broke up that church, so
many of its members were removed, and she after-
ward connected herself with the Methodist Episco-
pal Church. The marriage of our suliject to his
present wife, formerly Miss Maryette Johnson, a
sister of his first wife, was coi summated August
10, 1876, and has been productive of mutual happi-
ness.

- orx> .

ESSE W. STRONG is the editor and pro-
prietor of the Canton liepublican, one of tljo
numerous papers of this county which lays
just claim to a liberal share of public pat-
ronage and enjoys it. The sheet is a six column,

238

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

eioriii-paj^e paper, neatly printed upon a ()Ower press
find issued on Tliiirsday of eacli week. It is de-
voted to tlie a<l viuiceraent of Independent i)rinci-
ples and the political issues of the daj' are well
handled by its editor. Its local columns are well
arranged, its items of news are well selected, and
in ever}' respect it is a creditable sheet. The plant
is owned by Mr. Strong, who purchased it about
September 1.5, 1890. The journal was established
in June, 1877, under the name of the Advertiser
and c(jnducte(l independently of political partisan-
ship. The name was afterward changed to the
Ti'/ncs and again to the Fulton liejniblk-an, the last
change being made in 1880 when the present name
was adopted. It is now the leading Independent
paper of the county.

The gentleman with whose name this sketch is
introduced is a native of the city in which he is
in'u- carrying on his journalistic labors, having been
l)orn April 9, 1859. He is the 30ungest son of Dr.
O. G. and Bethina (Pavey) Strong, of whom a
more extended notice will be found elsewhere in
this volume. After receiving a fundamental edu-
cation in the public schools he spent some time in
study at Columbus. Ohio, and upon his return to
ills home took up the newspaper business. (Toing
to St. Louis, Mo., he was em[)loyed on the I'ost-
Dispatch and Journal and then having returned to
Canton for a time was a member of the force on
the Register.

In July, 1880, Mr. Strong went to Buffalo, N.
Y., where he liebl a position on the Courier until
December, 1881, when he returned to Canton with
his health much impaired. For a few months ids
chief endoavoi' was to restore bis ph3'sical forces to
their ronnal condition, and after regaining his
strength he began work on the Canton Register in
July, 1882. He held a position in that office prac-
tically until July, 1889, wiien he resigned to take
charge of the journal he is now ably conducting.

Hy reason of his general intelligence, his good
breeding and upright character. 'Sir. Strong is re-
spected by those who enjoy the pleasure of his
acquaintance. He is looked upon as one of the
rising members of the journalistic profession and
one whose power is likely to be felt still more
strongly in years to come. He is a member of the

social order of Red Men. Februarys, 1886, our
subject led to the hymeneal altar. Miss Carrie .Strong
of Union City, Ohio. This cultured young lady
is the second daughter of Augustus and Lucina
Strong. Of the above union two children have
been born; Olive and Belhina.

/p^ILBERT HATHAWAY. No name is more
III (— , honored or more worthy of reverence among
^^^(5j those of the noble pioneers of Peoria
County, by whose labors it was established on a
firm foundation of emhuing prosperity, than that
of this gentleman, who has played an important
part in the agricultural, political and religious de-
velopment of Jubilee Townshi|), and so of the
county. In his work he was much pr(^)spere(l, ac-
cumulating a goodly amount of property, and is
now living retired in Farmington, Fulton Count}-,
where he is quietly and pleasantly passing the de-
clining years of a life well spent in all that goes
to make a true man and a good citizen.

Our subject was born July 27, 1818, about sixty
miles from the Canada line in the wilds ^A Somer-
set (now Franklin) County, Me., the place of his
birth KingsQeld Tov/nship, which was named in
honor of .Maine's first Goveriior, King, who bought
a very large tract of land in the northern part of
the State, which w.as divided u}) into three towns —
Concord, Lexington and Kingstield. The Ilatha-
ways came from England, and Deacon Hathaway
is a direct descemlant of one Col. Kbenezer Hatha-
way, who was sent to this country by the English
Government in charge of one of the English trooiis
in one of the Colonial wars. He settled at Assonet,
Mass., and there reared a family. He did good
service as an officer in the French and Indian War.
His son Gilbert was born at Assonet, and as a
middle-aged man removed to Oxford Connly, Me.,
anil was among the pioneer settlers of Livermore.
He was accompanied hither by his wife and thirteen
children, of whom our subject's father is the eighth
in order of birth.

Luther Hathaway, the father of our suliject,
married, in Oxford County, Miss Clarissa W. Hinds,

PORTRAIT AND lilOGRAPIIICAI. AI.IJUM.

239

a native of Massacliiisctts, who was taken to Maine
by lior paieiils. wIid were of Soutoli (lesceiit. Tlio
falliui- of our subject followed fariniiiij in Maine for
scveial 3'cars, Init linally removed to I'coria Count}-
with his family and was a pioneer settler of iJi'im-
tield Township. In after years he and his wife
lived retifed in Brinilield \'illage, where she died in
1 iS7o^ nt the age of eighty years. She had always
been a consistent Christian, as had her husband.
After her death he lived at times with our subject
and al limes with the twin sister of ouv subject,
.Mrs. Preston, of Fulton County, in whose home he
died August 14, 187G, rounding out a long life of
eighty-six years, seven months and fourteen days.

Deacon Hathaway was reared in the woods of
Maine, amid pleasant scenes, and one of bis first
recollections is of the beautiful golden sunsets over
Mt. Ahram. lie was one of a familj- of eight chil-
dren, named as follows: IJoadicea, Edwin I!., Gil-
bert and Tryphena (twins) Christopher Coluiid)us,
Hannah, Salome K.. and (4eorge W. He was edu-
cated in the common schools of his native State
and was brougiit up to habits of industry on a farm
by bis worthy parents. In his youth be was greatlv
interested in reading an account of the Black Hawk
^^■ar. and from its description obtained a good idea
of the State of Illinois and was fired with the am-
bitious desire to try life on its wild prairies. His
mother dul not wish him to leave home, thinking
iiim loo 3'oung, and then, too, his eldest brother,
Kdwin, had gone from them, sailing away on the
ocean, and had settleil in South Carolina some years
before, and bis family had lost all trace of him.
Gilbert's parents seeing that he was still very de-
sirous togo westward,decided that his father should
visit Illinois to see tlu^ country and liud out whether
the Indians had left tiie State and whether it w:is
iKdiitable. Conse(|uenl 1\ he st.arte(l for the Far
West in 1837, and after his ai-rival in Illinois wrote
to his famil}' stating that everjthing was all right.

INIr. Hathaway says, with reference to bis father's
coming here, "AVe were poor as poverty-, and father
had to go to Massachusetts to borrow money to
come out with." Our suliject started for his des-
tination May 10, 1S;3.S. with but $11 in his pocket.
He traveled with two families, who were going to
Jackson County, Mich., and he drove one team to

help pay his way. When he arrived in Jackson

County, Mich., his uuiney was all gone and he was
in debt besidi's. With characteristic honesty he
stayed there until he had earned money to repay
his indebtedness, working on a farm for three
months, it taking two months to obtain the re-
fpiired sum. He then started on his way and went
as far as his money woukl cai-ry him, whii'li was
iu)t a great distance, as in his igiu)raiu'e he had ac-
cepted in payment for his work paper money which
was called in Icical pfirlance," '•shinplastcrs," which
was not lawful currency oidy in the immeiliate
neighborhood of where it was manufactured. So
when he had traveled some distance he found his
money was useless, and when he arrived at St. Jo-
se|)h he was obliged to go to work again. For ten
days he was employed in a stable as hostler. A
boat was just then being re|)aired at St. Joseph,
which i)lied between that place and Chicago, and
J\Ir. Hathaway engaged as fireman on board to save
the expense of his passage, and received besides
sixty-two and one-half cents \>ov day for his work.
Arriving at Chicago he found a dii'ty village built
among the sloughs and s^^amps, with no indication
of its present size and importance as the second
city in populalion in this country. He paid for
having his trunk or chest taken to Peoria from
there, and he started on foot for this county. He
subsequently took passage on a river boat to Peo-
ria, and when he landed there had just eiglitcen and
three-fourth cents in his pocket. From there he
walked out to a friend who lived in Trivoli Town-
ship, Peoria County.

Mr. Hathaway and his father worked hard, earning
money enough to send home for the mother and I he
rest of the children the next year. Our subject
l)ep;an work at 810 a month to buy a farm for his
father and mulher. He performed much pioneer
labor, and by unceasing industry finally established
a home of his own and became well-to-do. For
many years he owned a valuable and highly im-
proved farm f)f one hnndred and forty acres in
Jubilee Township. He was an able and practical
business man and dealt a good deal in real estate,
and in that way became quite wealthy. In the
month of September, 1883, he gave up active busi-
ness as a farmer and removed to his present com-

•2l(>

PORTRAIT AND BTO(tRAPIIICAL ALBUM.

luiiiililiMDiiimodioiis home in Fartnington. of whifh
lio is still a highly respected citizen.

Ill 18.50 Deacon Hathaway was married to Mrs.
Maria AVillard, daughter of Levi and Barbara
(Stearns) Sabin. natives of Vermont. At the time
of her marriage with our subject she was the
widow of A'pheus Willard, to whom she had been
married in Vermont in 1825. They were pioneer
settlers of Brimlield, Peoria County, coming here
in 1838. By that marriage she became the mother
of the following children: Isaac, who died in in-
fancy; William A., Frances M., Cynthia A., Henry
C. Lot S., and Abbie R. William died in 1865,
leaving a wife and two children — Frank A. and
Mary B. ; Frances is the wife of George P. Burt, a
retired carpenter of Galva, and they have four
children — Frank H., Theresa AV., Flora M., Sophia
S.; Cynthia died at the age of fifteen years; Henry,
a prominent citizen and meicliant of Pittsburg,
Kan., married Miss Ellen Moore, and thej' have two
children — Lavon and Alice; Lot. a real-estate dealer
at Seattle, Wash., married Ellen Davidson, and they
have two children — Maj' G. and Lee A. Lot S.
Willard was a Major on McPherson's staff during
the Civil War. Abbie is the wife of Albert Mar-
shall, a well-to-do farmer of Jubilee Township, and
they have eight children — Birdie A., Cora, Ernest
W., William A. Harry E.. Janie M., Nellie M. and
Stella R.

Deacon Hathaway's life career has been directed
by energy, perseverance, stabilit}- of character and
good business habits, combined \rith honorable and
conscientious dealings, and his course furnishes an
excellent example to the young men who are just
starting out in the world to seek fortune's favors.
He enjoys a higii personal standing throughout the
count}', where the most busy 3-ears of his life w-ere
passed, and is held in consideration wherever
known. While a resident of Jubilee To^wnship he
w.as revy prominent in its public affairs and was
for a long time one of its most valued officials. He
represented the township as a memljer of the
County Board of Supervisors two 3- cars. He was
Assessor five years, Collector four years, and School
Treasurer for twentj'-seven consecutive years. No
man has done more to forward the religious inter-
ests of his community than the Deacon. He helped

ItuiM e\eiy cliuich in Brimfield, except the Catho-
lic, and officiated .is Deacon in tlie Bapt'sl Church
of that place several years. He has also acted in
that capacity in the church of thiit denomination
in Farmington. He has a creditable record as a
Republican, he being a firm ally of that party. Be-
fore its organization he was a Whig, and he has
voted for the following for President: Gen. AV. H.
Harrison in 1840, well remembering the log-cabin
craze; Fremont, in 1856; Lincoln, in 1860 and
1864; Grant, in 1868 and 1872; Hayes, in 1876:
Garfield, in 1880; Blaine, in 1884; Harrison, in
1888. Though Mr. Hathawa}- is stronglj- in favor
of temperance he is not a third part\' man.

a^^HEODORE O. WHITENACK. There is
(Im^^ something about the life of a i)rosperous
^^^ and popular j^oung man very pleasant to
contemplate; something that gives encouragement
to those seeking to make for themselves desirable
positions in life. Such an example is given in the
person of Theodore Whitenack, who is generally
conceded to deserve unlimited praise for the suc-
cess he has attained and for the strict integrity of
his business transactions. He is a native-born citi-
zen of this county, and is now numbered among
the intelligent farmers of Liverpool Township. In
the fall of 1882 he bought his present farm of one
hundred and three acres on section 9. Under our
subject's careful management the farm has been
placed under excellent cultivation and is now a
neat and well-ordered piece of property, comparing
favorably with any other farm in the neighborhood
in point of tillage and improvement. Here Mr.
AA'hitenack is engaged in cultivating his land and
in raising stock to a considerable extent with a very
good profit.

Peter AVhitcnack, the father of our subject, was
born in the State of New York in 1820. His fa-
ther, who bore the same name as himself was a na-
tive of Pennsylvania. The Whitenack famil}' are
of German antecedents and its representatives in
America are descended from two brothers who
came to America from Holland in Colonial times

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

241

in the early part of the eighteenth eeutiuj'. The
grandfather of our subject was a farmer in Penn-
sylvania, and finally removed from that State to
J\ew York, where he passed his last days on a farm.

Tlie father of our suliject was born and reared
on a farm in Western New York, and in early life
he became [)roprielor of a farm of eight}' acres in
that part of the country u[)on wliich he lived until
1850. In that year he settled up his affairs in that
State and took up his residence in Canton, this
count}', making tlie journey from his old home by
rail and boat. lie and his family resided in Canton
two years and tlien settled on a farm in Canton
Township. Later Mr. Whitenack moved to Union
Township, and farmed there about six years. At
the expiration of that time he took up his resi-
dence at EUisville. In ISC') he removed to Bryant
in Buckheart 'I'ownship. and for twenty years was
engaged in business as a blacksmith at that point.
Since tliat time he has made his home witli our sub-
ject. The wife who lias journ(!yed witli him so far
on life's road, lives with him and devotes herself to
his comfort. Her maiden name was Sarah S. El-
wood, and she w.is born in the State of New York
in 1825. Both the parents of our subject are de-
voted Christians and members of tlie Methodist
Church. Mr. Whitenack is a firm Republican in
his political sentiments. He held tlie office of Jus-
tice of the Peace in this townsliip four years.

Our subject is one of four children of whom he
and his sister Iletlie are the only survivors. Tlie
names of those deceased are, Isadore and Jennie.
Theodore Whitenack was born in Canton, January
23. 1855. He was but an infant when his parents
moved to the country where he was reared (ui a
farm. He attended school some in the country but
g'lined his education mainly in the villages of EUis-
ville anil Bryant. When he was twenty-one years
of age he began his independent career as a farmer
on a rented farm of si.xty acres in Buckheart Town-
ship. He rented land for about six years and then
purchased his present farm as before mentioned.

Our subject by his marriage with Lavina Hum-
mell, April 2, 1876, secured a wife who has
greatly aided hiin in making their pleasant home.
Mrs. Whiten.ack was born in Bryant this county,
August 11, 1854. She is a daughter of William

Huniiiiell a native of Licking County, Ohio, who
came to this county in 1831, and was one of its
early settlers. He was a farmer and continued to
carry on that occupation until the time of his death
at the age of seventy-two years. The maiden name
of Mrs. Whitenack's mother was Nancy M. Wil-
coxen, and she belonged to a noted family whose
history appears elsewhere in this Album. She died
at the age of sixty-nine years and thus closed
a well-spent life. Our subject and his wife had
three chiblren, namely : Grace T.. Anna Blanche
(deceased) and Leota C. Mrs. Whitenack is a de-
voted member of the Christian Church and is well
thought of by all about her.

Our subject is a member of the Republican party.
He is active in public life and in the spring of 1889
was elected to the important office of Supervisor to
represent Liverpool Township on the County
Board of Supervisors, to which position he was re-
elected in 1890. He has served as School Director
for nine years and does all that he can to advance
educational interests in his township. He possesses
many ple.asant social qu.alities and has a host of
warm friends who delight in his success.

AVID BEESON, President of the Canton
National Bank, has gained an enviable repu-
tation in the financial world for honesty,
uprightness and liberality. He began the labors
of life when quite young, undertaking his own
support at the early age of thirteen 3'ears, and has
in all positions proved himself to be the soul of
honor, a friend of the iioor and distressed and a
perfect gentleman. He has never been ambitious.
in fact is of a retiring disposition, but his qualifi-
cations are such that he has been pushed forward
by .admiring friends to the high position which he
holds at present.

The family of which our subject is a member
has been represented in this country for at least two
centuries, Jacob Beeson being the founder of the
American branch. He h.ad three sons, one of whom
settled in N'irginia. The great-grandfather of our
subject was Henry Bce.ion, whu lived and died in

242

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

Martinsburg, W. Va.. breathing his last in 1S17,
when in his seventj--eigUtb \-ear. The grandfather
of our subject was Jesse Beeson, who was born in
Unionton-n. Pa., July 8, 1768, anfl returned to his
birthplace during the latter years of his life, dying
there June 8, 1842. Much of his active life was
spent in Martinsburg, W. Va., in tlie occup.ition of
a miller. He married Julia Ann Swcaringen, a na-
tive of Maryland, whose natal day was Februar\'
11. 1773. and whose death occurred December 23,
1797. They reared a familj* of two children —
Edward S. and Samuel, the latter of whom was born
April 8. 1794, and died October 17, 1818.

Edward S. Beeson was born December 12, 1795,
and dieil Januarj' 14, 1852. He followed the busi-
ness of a miller in Virginia until about 1830, when
he removed to Indiana, in which Slate he continued
the same business some five years. He then went
to Ohio and engaged in the sale of merchandise at
Beeson's Cross Roads, now known as Samautha.
At one time he was Sheriff of Highland County
and later resumed his trade, running what was then
known as Reece's, but now as Foraker's Mill. In
the spring of 1850 he came to Canton, 111., and en-
gaged in the milling business, but the next jear
removed to Farmington, where he died not long
after, his death being caused by inhaling steam
from a boiler explosion while engaged in a search
for his son, our subject.

The mother of our subject bore the maiden name
of Julianna Ridgeway and was born in Frederick
County, Va., August 31, 1802. Her parents were
David and Martha Ridgeway. After the death of
her husband she removed again to Canton where
she breathed her last August 2, 1863. She was the
mother of eight children, two of whom died in in-
fancy. Of the living the subject of this sketch is
the third in order of birth. The others are Martha,
who was born August 29, 1826, and is now living
in Healdsburg. Cal., being the widow of Joe S.
Jlillsap, a prominent minister of the Methodist
Church; Edward R., born April 2, 1833, a mer-
chant and stockman in Franklin County. Kan.;
Jesse A., born February- 10, 1841, and now a
prominent business man in Bloomington, this State.
The last named was a soldier in Companj' II, Sev-
euteenth Illinois Infantry, going promptly at the

first call, was discharged for disability in 1803. but
re-enlisted the following j-ear and received his final
discharge in 18G5. He received an injury at Ft.
Donelson from the effects of which he has never
recovered. Two daughters have died within the
last decade — Virginia A. who was born August 27,
1836. and died August 13, 1882, and Julia, whose
natal day occurred November 27, 1844, and whose
death occurred August 12, 1886.

The birth of David Beeson. the subject of this
notice, occurred at Hillsboro, Highland County,
Ohio. October 12. 1838. Having been left father-
less soon after he entered his teens, he became -i
clerk for SuUej' & Trace^', general merchants and
buyers of produce, and was subsequently connected
with H. C. Adams in the mercantile business tw^o
3ears. The establishment was then closed out and
Mr. Beeson engaged with Hulitt & Atwater, with
whom he remained nine years. He afterward
clerked for a Mr. Mills in a dry-goods house and
also for a yiv. Huisley. He next went into the
private bank of C. T. Ilealds, and the First Na-
tional Bank being started a short time afterward
he was retained in the new institution ,is book-
keeper for sixteen years, during which time he also
acted as Assistant Cashier and Teller and held a
position as Director.

In 1882 Mr. Beeson severed his connection
with this bank, having the previous year com-
menced the clothing business in a firm known as
"Dave it Dick." he being the senior member and
Richard Dirilbiss the junior member. After three
jears Mr. Beeson withdrew from the firm on ac-
count of his health and for some time w.as not en-
gaged in active business pursuits. At the annual
meeting of the National Bank Directors he, in
companj- with others, withdrew and organized a
private banking institution known as C. T. Heald
<fe Co.. and in 1887 they organized under the name
of Canton National Bank, at which time Mr. Beeson
was elected President.

The subject of this sketch h.as never married and
passes the most of his time in reading and travel-
ing. He has an excellent library in which he
spends many hapjiy hours, eiojoying the best
thoughts of great men and thoughtfully studying
their utterances. In recent years he has visited his

O-i^c^i^ J^t.^^

ry^'

^^^

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

245

birthplace and localities in which his ancestors
lived anil died, finding mnch to interest him in the
scenery and associations. lie is a worth\' repre-
sentative of a family upon whose name there is no
blemish, generation after generation having lived
quiet and useful lives and been highly esteemed
citizens in their respective communities. He has
in his possession an Irish iiazel cane which has been
in tlie family for more tiian two centuries and was
brouoht to thi<i country by tlie original ancestor of
the American branch of tlie family.

<il IklLLIAM T. DAVIDSON, the well-known
\/^/// editor and prtiprietor of the Fulton Demo-
V^w crat, the leading paper, of this count\-, has
exercised a marked inlluence on the affairs of this
section of Illinois, and even of the entire State, not
only professionally, but as a iirogressive, public-
spirited citizen, and lias aided in guiding its
political destiny, as well as in guarding and advanc-
ing its dearest intcre,«ts materiall3', social!}- and
morally.

Mr. Davidson is a native of this State, a member
of a distingnisiied family, and a descendant of
sterling pioneer stock. He was born in the town
of Petersburg, Menard t'ounly, February 8, 1837.
His father, Isham G. Davidson, was born in Soutii
Carolina, Novemlier 11, 1802, and was a son of
William Coke Davidson, a native of the same
State. The latter was reared and married in South
Carolina, and resided there till 1809. In th.it
year he emigrated with his family to that part of
the Northwestern Territory now included in the
State of Illinois, the removal thither being maile
in rude carts entirely of wood, the wheels having
been sawed from the end of a log. The journey
was entirel}^ b_v land, and the greater part of the
waj- led through a trackless forest inhabited by
hostile Indians. The family finally arrived in
safety at its destination, located three miles south
of the present site of Jvl wards ville, Madison County,
and was one of the earliest to settle there.

The grandfather of our subject made a claim to
a tract of Government land, on wliich he erected a
log cabin, and then entered upon the hard pioneer
task of im[)ri)ving a farm from the wilderness. At
that time there were but fevv settlements in the
whole territory now embracing this .State; there
were no markets for produce, St. Louis being then
but a trading post, and .as there were likewise no
mills the pioneers were home livers, maintaining
life from the products of the soil and from wild
game, which was plenty. There were many Indians
in the territory, and the few settlers were obliged
to gather together and Ijuild forts and stockades,
in which thej^ resided several 3'ears after Mr.
Davidson's removal thither. He was a resident of
that part of the countr.y till his death from milk
sickness in 1820. The maiden name of his wife
was Hannah Bankhead. After his death she mar-
ried a second time, becoming the wife of Joshua
Delaplain, and her death occurred iu INIadison
Countj- in lvS31. She reared six children, the fruit
of her first marriage, namely: James, Isham G.,
George, Jackson, Klizabeth .'uid Millotson, the two
hitter of whom are still living.

Isham I)avids(jn, the father of our subject, was
seven years oki when the f;imily moved from their
distant South Carolina home to the wilds of Illinois.
He was reared on the frontier in Madison County,
to agricultural pursuits. In the year IS.'U), in the
vigor of a stalwart manhood he became a pioneer
of Petersburg, where he built and operated a flour-
mill, and also engaged in a mercantile business.
He was pros|)ering. when he met with serious
financial losses, his mill being burned in 1837, and
all his other possessions w^ere swept away in the
monetary crisis of that year. In 18r)8 he came to
Lewistown and look a contract to run a stage line
between this city and Springfield. He made his
home here till his death at a ripe old age in 1878.

The maiden name of the mother of our subject
was .Sarah Ann Springer. .She was born near
Springfield, Mercer County, Ivy., June 2, 1810,
and was the eldest child of John and Susanna
Springer. Her father was a direct descendant of
Charles Christopher 8|)ringcr, who was born in
Sweden, his father being Don to the King of
Sweden, and minister to various countries. Charles

246

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALHUM.

Christopher, or Carl, as he was called, was educated
in London, and at tiie as^e of twent_v, while out late
one night, was kidnapped and brought to Virginia,
wiiere he was sold as a slave, and was in bond;ige
for five years. At the expiration of that period
about the j'ear 1092, he went to Wilmington,
Del., to a Swedish settlement. He soon became
prominent among his compatriots, who made him
Justice of the Peace. He also read sermons for
them and conducted their religious services till he
wrote to the King of Sweden, and secured a minister
for them, and also Swedish books, etc. He assisted
in building the famous old Swedish Church that is
still standing, and was Church Warden and Clerk
during the rest of his life. lie married in Dela-
ware and reared a large family, his son Charles suc-
ceeding him as Church Warden and Clerk. He
died in 1738 and was buried in frt)nt of the church
where a subsequent enlargement of the building
enclosed his tomb, and an arch in the church shows
where he lies.

The grandson of this noted gentleman, Charles
Springer, was married in 1756 to Susanna Seeds,
settling near Fredericksburg, Md., where he reared
a family and died. Robert Fulton was one of his
wife's bondsmen. She moved to Kentucky in 1 780,
with her son .Tohn, who had married in Maryland.
He was in the Indian War in Kentuckj' in 1784.
His son John, the father of Sarah Ann, was born
in Harrod's Fort, now Harrodsburg, Ky., in Janu-
ary, 1784. but when quite young his family moved
to Danville, and thence to a farm near Springfield,
where he was principally reared. lie was there
married and there his first child, Sarah Ann, was
born. The mother, Susanna Sage was of English
extraction, her parents, John and Frances Sage,
having emigrated to Virginia before her birth, and
subsequently to Kentucky, where she was married
to John Springer in 1 809.

After the birth of their first child in June, 1810,
Mr. Springer, not wishing to rear a cliild in a slave
state, decided to remove to Illinois, and in the
nutunin of that year, started with three otiier
families, moving their effects together with their
families in tlie famous old Kentucky wagons. They
arrived at their destination late in that same year
and pre-empted land in what is now Bond County,

and began life in a primitive way in their new
home. But alas! for their hopes of a peacefu and
prosperous life in the far West. In June of the
following year, 1811, the Indians began their
horrible butchering of the helpless settlers, and
they were forced to leave their peaceful occupations
and erect a fort for their defense.

It will be interesting to know how liiese early
settlers constructed the fort which was their sole
refuge from the blood thirsty savages, who gathered
in large forces for their utter desiruction. They
selected a suitable place about a half a mile from
Shoal Creek, on the edge of the prairie, and then
proceeded to cut logs fifteen feet mi length and
split them into slabs four inches in thickness, and
from one to two feet in width. These they sharp-
ened !it the upper end like a picket fence, and dig-
ging a trench two feet deep, proceeded to set the
slabs, each overlapping another half its width, thus
giving them a wall or stockade as it was called
eight inches in thickness and thirteen feet high on
the inside. Outside the stockade the settlers dug
a trench several feet deep and four or five feet in
width, making it seventeen or eighteen feet in
height from the bottom of the trench outside.
Tills was to prevent the Indians from scaling the
walls. The only ope. ing in the wall was a double
gate fastened to a movable post in the centre. This
was secured by four heav3r bars of wood crossing
the gate and fastening into a post on either side.

Inside the walls, and some distance from them,
eight block hou,ses were erected, their inside corners
being so close together that only one person could
pass between. Tliey were built of logs, and con-
structed after the following fashion: The lower
rooms were sixteen feet square, with no windows,
and but one door which opened into the circular
court in the middle of the fort. The ceiling of
these rooms was just high enough for a man to
stand erect, and was made of hewn logs closely
fitted together, which also formed the floor of the
room above, and extended two feet be3-6nd lli(> walls
of the lower room on each side,the upper room being *
four feet larger in the square than the room btlow.
Tl e walls were then built up about seven feet on
the outer side, being made to slope a foot or eight-
een inches toward the inner side of the circle.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAl'lIlCAL ALBUM.

247

The clapboard coverings were held in |)l:ice by
weigbt-poles, as tUey were called, logs several
inclios ill diameter. On tiicse sloping roofs the
sentries could lie protected as behind an embank-
ment and see what was going on outside the
stockade. The only entrance to the upper room of
the house was through a trap door, !)>• means of a
ladder, which in case of attack could be drawn up
and the door securely fastened down. In the floor-
ing of this room where it jutted beyond the room
below and also in the walls of the lower room were
port-holes near together, so that if the people
within were besieged they could fire on the Indians.

As soon as the walls of the fort were done, the
settlers moved in, living in rail pens till the houses
could be erected. And here Sarah Ann spent four
years of her earl^' life, and from within these walls
date her first recollections of home and passing
events. After spending four years at Fort Jones,
as it was c died, their situation became so desperate,
that the little company decided to make the attempt
to reach Camp Russell, the garrison, distant forty
miles from Fort Jones, and six miles from the
jiresent site of Kdwardsville. Accordingly carts
were made wholly of wood, each large enough to
contain one family, and the small amount of house-
hold goods that could be taken on so perilous a
journey, and each drawn by one horse. The little
parly started by daylight, and traveled all day and
far into the night without being molested, and
reached the g.irrison in safety.

Soon afterward Mr. Springer and others of the
refugees from Fort Jones concluded it would be
safer and more convenient to take up land in tbe
vicinity of tlie garrison, which they accordingly
did. Mr. Springer pre-empting a quarter-section five
miles southwest of Edwardsville. And there, hav-
ing boug t the lanfl of the G'lvernment as soon an
it care into the market, he spent the remainder of
his life, d3Mng of cholera in the epidemic of 1849.
In tiiat pioneer home his ilaughler Sarah grew to
womanhood, and at the age of sixteen years mar-
ried Isham Davidson. Her vivid recollections of
fort life, its perils and privations; its miraculous
escapes from death; and her life of toil and hard-
ship such as women of that day had to endure,
would form a chapter of unusual interest in the

history of the pioneer women of the State, of whom
she is a noble representative.

After her marriage with Mr. Davidson in October,
Ifi'iO, this remarkable lady lived for several years
near Edwardsville, and one year in Upper Alton,
where almost daily for weeks she fed volunteers
returning from the Black Hawk War. In 1836
they removed to Petersburg, Menard Counly, Illi-
nois, where her husband engaged in merchandising
and milling. Petersburg was tlien a small hamlet,
which had never had a religious service of any
kind within its borders. Instead, a "groggery," as
it was called, was set up on a vacant lot directly
opposite their dwelling, and here, quite soon after
she and her husband removed to the place, and
during his absence, on the occasion of a horse
race, Mrs. Davidson was forced to endure the
scene of perhaps two hundred men in all stages of
intoxication, swearing, fighting, etc. During the
day, and nearly the entire night the sounds of
unholy revelry polluted the air. To a woman of
her refinement and spirit this was revolting, and
she felt she could not live amid such scenes w'ith
no Cliristian |)rivileges. Accord ir.gly wlicii the
Methodist Episcopal Conference met in Spiingdeld,
twentv-two miles distant from Petersburg, but a
short time subsequently, she attended it in person
and requested that a missionary might be sent to
tlicin. Her appeal was listened to and granted in
the person of her uncle, the Rev. Levi Springer,
who held regular services at Petersburg during
the ensuing two years, followed b}- Rev. Michael
Sliunck, w-lio was an inmate of llic home of the
Davidsons while they staid in lliat part of tlie
State. The services were held in llicir dwelling
till Mr. Davidson built a schoolliouse for the
double purpose of holding school and divine ser-
vices within its walls. But the opposition to
Christianity was so strong that the schoolliouse
was soon burned, and the devoted band of worship-
pers were again obliged to have their meetings in
the Davidson home. Before the end of their three
years' stay in Petersburg, Mr. and Mrs. Davidson
had the happiness of seeing the little church of
which they and two or three others formed the
nucleus, grown into a goodly company of Christian
people. During those years and subsequent ones

248

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

Mrs. Davidson often entertained in her house those
veteran pioneer preachers, Peter Cartwright, Peter
Akers, George and William Riilledge, Henry Sum-
mers, and many others prominent in the annals of
Methodism. She has also entertained Stephen A.
Douglas, .\braliam Lincoln, and other notalile men
of their day.

After the panic of '37 had swept aw.ay his entire
wealth Mr. Daviilson became contractor of the
stage route from Lewistown to Springfield, and re-
moved his family to Lewistown in the autumn of
1S38. In 1840 he purchased a little home on the
outskirts of the city, and he and his wife began life
anew in a log cabin. Here Mrs. Davidson was
happy and contented because it was home, and her
friends were as welcome as in more prosperous
daj-s. And when a few years later the cabin gave
place to a more commodious cottage it was and
ever has been a home for all who claim its hos-
pitality. This venerable lady is still living, honored
and cherished by her children, and regarded with
feelings of respect and affection far beyond her
home circle, as in a long and useful life she has
made many warm friends, who have been indebted
to her for wise counsel and helpfulness.

]\Iother Davidson has been the mother of eight
children, four of whom were born in ^Madison
County, where two died infancy. One, William
T., was born in Petersburg, and three were born in
Lewistown. Two of her sons, James M. (editor of
the Carthage Republican) and William T., are
editors of prominent county papers. Mary F.,
Luc}' E., and Eliliu S. are dead. Her youngest
daughter, Sarah M. B., inherits in a full degree the
strength of character and literary talent of her
brothers, and is a lady of marked culture. She is
an able writer, possessing fine descriptive powers,
and it is to her graceful pen that we are indebted
for the foregoing vivid account of her mother's
early life and of pioneer times. Mrs. Davidson's
daughter Sarah and an orphan grandson reside with
her and cheer her declining years in the cottage
which has 'oeen her home for half a century. .She
has endured with fortitude and resignation the
sorrows that have fallen to her lot in the death of
those nearest and dearest to her. Her husband,
witli whom she traveled life's road for more than

fifty years, has been removed from her presence,
and a son, two daughters and several grandchildren
have also gone to their last resting place since she
came to Lewistown. Her descendants now living
in 18i)0 number three children and nineteen grand-
children and great-grandchildren.

William T. Davidson, th(^ subject of this bio-
graphical review, was but a small child when his
parents brought him to Lewistown, and here he
was reared amid pioneer influences. His early
education was secured in the disti-ict school, wliicii
was conducted on the subscription plan. At the
youthful age of twelve 3'ears he was compelled to
leave school to earn his own living. His first em-
ployment was teaming produce from Lewistown to
the Liverpool and Peoria markets, and on the re-
turn trip he loaded his wagon with merchandise,
or with stone and sand which was used in building
many of the early stores and other buildings of
Lewistown. He was thus engaged till he was
seventeen years old, and then, as an apprentice in
the printing office of the Lewistown liepublicnn^
he entered upon that career that eventuplly led
him to the editorial chair of the Fulton Democrat,
which he has so abl}' filled for more than thirty
years.

He worked nine months in the llejmbUcan ottice,
and then as the paper was discontinued, he went to
Peoria as compositor In 1854 the Daily Herald,
the first daily paper ever published in Peoria, was
established by George W. Ranney, editor and
jiroprietor. Our subject secured a'position to set
type in that office when it was first opened, and
the following eighteen months was engaged on that
and other |)apers in that city and at Tiskilwa and
Macomb. In June. 1855 he was called to Lewis-
town to assist his brother James in founding the
F'ulton Democrat. In 1856 he returned to Peoria
and helped to found the Peoria Transcript, now
the most prominent paper in Central Illinois. Re-
turning to Lewistown, our subject becnme half-
owner and assistant editor of the Fultoii Democrat
in July, 1858, and the 11th of the following No-
vember he bought his brother's interest in the
paper, and from that time to the present has been
sole editor and proprietor of the Democrat,

Mr. Davidson has devoted his best energies to

PORTRAIT AM) 11I()( ; KA I'll ICAL ALRU.M.

249

his work of niaUing a newspaper that slionkl educate
its conslitiii'iicy and be a iiolcnt factor in the np-
liiiildiii!)- of city and connty. This he has acconi-
|iiislicd, and the journal which owes its strength
and high position to his genius is read far and
wide, perhaps having a larger circulation than any
similar provincial newspaper, and has iiclped to
mold public opinion on many of the im[)ortant
questions of the day. The Deinocrat is a sound
family paper, well supplied with solid and useful
information, as well as with lighter matter, keeping
its readers wcll-infornud on current topics and the
affairs of this anti other countries, and one of its
interesting features is the correspondence from
various localities in the county.

Mr. l^avidson is a man of strong convictions
and does not hesitate to express tiiem freely and
frankly, and with all the vigor he can command.
Man^- a time his sharp, caustic pen has done good
service in spurring on his party to victory, or in
exi)osing fraud and corruption, whether found in
the ranks of the Republicans or Democrats, among
civic otiicials or private citizens. Through his
columns he has usually supported the Democratic
party, but holds himself independent, and has
never been moved by mone^- considerations or
personal preferences. His readers know that whom-
soever or whatsoever he sup|)orts or disapproves,
his course is actuated by conscientious motives and
after careful consideration. The usual amount of
praise and fault-linding has been measured out to
him as an editor, but his character as a man of
honor, integrity and public spirit has never been
questioned. His manly attitude in regard to the
temperance question is well-known, as he is a radi-
cal prohibitionist, his influence being felt through-
out this section of the country, which is attested by
the fact that Lewistown, his home, is the center of
one of the largest prohibition districts in the Stale.

Our sul)ject is connected with the following
social organizations: Lewistown Lodge. No. 104,
A. F. & A. j\L; Havana Chapter, R. A. M.; and
Damascus Commandory, No. 42, K. T. He is a
lover of home and is eminently happ3^ in his do-
mestic relations. He was married January 24,
18G0, to Miss Lucinda M. Miner, a native of Co-
lumbus, Ohio, and a daughter of Francis and Myra

(Jordan) Miner. Seven children have been born
to J\Ir. and Mrs. Davidson. — Harold L.. Mabel
(who died in infancy). Bertha, Frances. Lulu I\L.
Nell c (who died in infancy), and JLaude.

The readers of this volume will be pleased to
notice elsewhere on its pages a lilhograi)hic i)or-
trait of Mr. Davidson.

-^^

lEORGE H. HETRICK. proprietor of the
Transfer Line at Canton, is a man who has
always met with success in worldly' affairs,
and one who ranks high in commercial circles.
Being an old settler in this county he is well known,
and that he is highly respected it needs but a men-
tion of his name to prove. Fortune having smiled
u|)on his efforts, he is numbered among t,he wealthy
citizens of the place, having a good business and
owning a fine residence, where he and his family
enjoy all the comforts that heart can desire and
money purchase.

William Hetrick, the great-grandfather of our
subject, w.as the founder of the family in America,
coming to this country when quite a young man
and settling in Pennsylvania. He was a farmer by
occupation and continued to make his home in the
Keystone State. The next in the direct line of de-
scent was Robert Hetrick, who was born in Penn-
sylvania, lived in Virginia for some years, but re-
turned to his n.ative State to die. He married a
Miss Smith, and to them were born three children,
the youngest of whom was the father of our sub-
ject. Ui)on him the name of Robert w.as bestowed.
After reaching manhood he married Catherine
Bellman, daughter of George and Mary Bellman,
whose ancestors came from Germany many years
ago. She was born about a mile from Gettysburg,
Pennsylvania.

Robert Hetrick i)ursued the calling of a farmer,
and for 3'ears served his fellow-citizens in the ca-
pacity of Constable, and was also Sheriff of Cum-
berland County for some time. He was a well ed-
ucated man, much interested in the progress of civ-
ilization, and his home was a great resort for min-
isters of the German Baptist, Methodist Episcopnl

250

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

and otiier denominations. To himself and his
good wife ten childi'en were burn, of whom those
now deceased are: Caroline, Eliza Jane, Kate, Car-
oline 2d, Mary Ellen and Jennie. 'J'he living
are: Joiui, now a stock-raiser and farmer in Linn
County, Mo.; Ann, wife of Augustus Stoner, a
boot and shoe dealer in Ilarrisburg, Pa.; the sub-
ject of our sketch, and Mary Ellen, wife of Will-
iam Jacobi, a machinist of Ilarrisburg.

The birth of George B. Hetrick occurred in
Cumberland Countj-, Pa., near Harrisburg, Janu-
ary 29, lb27. Repassed his youth in his native
State, starting for himself in the business world at
the early age of fourteen, and vvorking for his un-
cle, George Bellman, at stage-driving and teaming.
In a short time he saved enough money to pur-
chase a team of his own, and drove a stage in Pitts-
burg, and later in Northumberland. In 1852 he
came West, and for several years made his home
in Rushville, this State, still earning his living by
teaming. In comi)any with his brother he took con-
tracts for carrying the mail, one route being be-
tween Burlington, Iowa, and Springfield, 111., an-
other from Rushville to Jacksonville, and the con-
tracts covering five routes.

Selling out his mail contracts Mr. Iletrick re-
turned to liis former occupation for a time, then be-
gan farming near Iluntsville, Schuyler County,
where he resided two years. In the fall of 1860 he
came to Canton, where he has continued to make
his home. Immediately after locating here he took
a contract to carry the mail between Elmwood and
Livingston, but after faithfully discharging tiie
duties of a carrier twoj'ears, sold out and returned
to his favorite occupation, teaming. He was the
first to haul goods from the dc[)ot to the merchants
and now has four teams and some very fine wagons,
his entire outfit being kept up in first-class style.
There is scarcely an hour in the day when at least
three of his teams are not in use.

In 1818 Mr. Helrick was united in marriage
with Miss Amanda Pollinger. a native of Cumber-
land County, Pa., and a friend and schoolmate of
his early years. She is a daughter of George and
Matilda (Ettcr) Pollinger, natives of the Keystone
State. She is a woman of fine character and has
been a devoted member of the Presbyterian Church

since her early girlhood. She has borne her hus-
band ten cliildren, of whom the living are: Robert,
a commercial traveler who makes his home in Can-
ton; Kale, wife of R. M. Truax, of Morgan Park.
Cliicago; William, a resident of Canton; Anna
and (J race, who are with their parents; Jessie, wife
of John M«ore, of Buckheart Township, this
county. The deceased are : Ellen, George, James
and Dot. Mr. Hetrick and his family are regular
attendants at the Presbyterian Church, and al-
though none but his wife hold membership, all aid
in vaiious phases of church work, and are classed
among the moral members of societj'.

iB^^:<

SCAR J. BOYER. There are few professions
which require the amount of diligent study
and general information that is essential to
the knowledge of law. To master legal terras un-
derslandingly, one must first possess a good edu-
cation, and must in addition to this have great
concentration of thought. What could call forth
more admiration than a forcible speech well deliv-
ered; or appeal more earnestly to the human heart
than an enthusiastic defense of some poor man,
whose chances for living depend entirely upon his
attorney's eloquence.' Among the gentlemen wlio
realize the full importance of this calling, and add
dignity to the profession, ranks Oscar J. Bo\'er,
attorney at law. Canton.

William Boj'er, the great-grandfather of our sub-
ject, escaped from France during the revolution in
that country, and coming to America participated
in the Revolutionary War. He settled in Delaware,
where his son John, grandfather of our subject,
was born. This gentleman went to Ohio, locating
near Zanesville, whence he came to Fulton Countj-,
III., in the \'ear 1842, dying here about 1860. His
family consisted of five children — Caleb, the father
of our subject; John, who is now deceased; Robert,
who lives in Warren County; Rachel, wife of
Henry Byers. of Lewistown Township; and Sarah,
wife of James Frederick, of Lee Township.

Caleb Pioyer was born near Zanesville, Ohio,
September 3, 1821. He is now living in Cass

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

251

T()wii>hi|), tliis ooiinty, at the nge of sixlj'-six ; luiil
his wife, who is tlie same age, is still alive and well.
He has been a farmer and local preaeher of tiie
liiiled Ilielliren faitli and enjoys an envialile rep-
utalion. He has four chihlren. the subject of this
notice being the (irst-ljorn. The otiiers are.Iohn W..
Norris ('., and Dellie. wife of Zenie Morey, of
Downer County. The mother bore the maiden
name of .'^:irah Baughman. Her ancestors came to
America before the devolution, settling irj Virginia,
wlience the faii)il_\- moved to Ohio at an early d.ay.
In tlte i'.uci<eye Slate Mrs. Buyer opened her eyes
to tlie light. .Somewhere in the '40s the Baughmans
came to Illinois, locating on Tottens Prairie, Cass
Township, this eount\'.

The subject of this sketch was born .Inly 4, 18C1,
in Cass Township, this county. He remained with
his parents until he liad reached his sixteenth year,
having in the meantime received a common-school
education. lie then took a course in the Gem City
Business College in Quincy, after wliich lie liegan
reading law with Barrere i^' Grant. While master-
ing the legal profession he taught school several
terms, and when twenty -one years of age passed a
very creditable examination at Springfield, and al-
th()UL;h so young, was licensed by the Supreme
Court to practice law. In the fall of 1882 he came
to Canton and opened an office, practicing alone
until late in the year 1888, when he became one of
tlie firm of Gallagher & Boyer.

Wr. Boyev was married in August, 1885, to Miss
l\Iinerva A. Snider, of Buckheart Township, who
was born January 7, 186(3. and is a dauglitcr of John
II. and .lemima (Bowman) Snider. Mrs. Boyer's
family are of Southern descent, her parents coming
from East Tennessee and Kentucky respectively.
Her marriage rites were celebrated at Canton, and
the happy union has been blessed by the birth of
one child — Bessie B. By her intelligen.ce, good
breeding and fine character, Mrs. Boyer is fitted
for the station she occupies as the wife of a rising
member of the bar, and the guiding power in
a happy home.

Mr. Boyer is a young man of unusn.al ability,
who has gained several important cases by moans
of his unmistakable intelligence and el-.Tpiencc.
He has always taken great interest in political

matters, being a strong Republican, but has no
personal .aspirations for jiidilic ollice, choosing to
devote himself to his profession. Bowdng to the
wishes of tlie people, however, he rc|iresented the
township in the Bfiard of Supervisors in 1886-87,
and is again serving in that capacity. The delegates
to the County Convenlion have been instrucled to
nominate him as the choice of their constituency for
the Legislature. He is a member of the M.asonic;
fraternity, the Knights of Pythias, and the Modern
Woodmen of America, Mr. Boyer is a lover
of line horses and is interested in the breeding
of standard-bred Ilambletonian and Mambrino-
I'atchen horses; at the head of his stud being
Clipper Sprague Pilot, dam Mambrino Patchen.

ACOB BRIMMER lias a well-ordered and
finely appointed farm on section 6, Farm-
ington Township, and he is considered one of
the first farmers of the township in regard
to his skill and practical knowledge of agriculture.
He was born in Rensselaer County, N. Y., December
11, 1832, to Jacob and Matilda (.Saunders) Brim-
mer. The Brimmers arc of mingled .Scotch and
German ancestry.

In the fall of 1854, our subject came to this State
in company with John S. Green. They put their
teams and all their worldly effects aboard a boat at
Sacketts Ilarljor, and came by water to Chicago,
and from there made their way to their destination
in this county, following the Illinois Ki ver the most
of the way. After his arrival here Mr. Brimmer
began to till a [larlof the large tract of seren hun-
dred and sixt}' acres of land Lii.it had been entered
in this township by his father and John S. Green
together the previous spring. Coming here in the
prime of a strong, manly, vigorous maiUiood, Mr.
Brimmer has accomplished iniicii and has placed
liimscif among the substantial c'ilizens of Farming-
ton Townshii). He owns here and is operating one
of the finest cultivated and best managed farms in
this part of the county. Its two hundred acres are
amply supplied with commodious buildings and
all appliances for prosecuting agriculture ad van-

252

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

tageou?l\'. His stock presents a sleek, well-kept
appearance, and is of standard grades.

One of the most important events in the life of
our subject was his marriage in the month of
February, 1858, to Miss Sarah A. Saunders, a
daughter of Lyman and Sirrilla Saunders. Their
wedded life has been as felicitous as usually falls
to the lot of mortals, and has been blessed to them
by the birth of three children: Ambrose, who died
at the age of three years; Sirrilla; and AdajM., who
married William Purvianco, agent of the Iowa
Central Railway, at Abingdon, III.

Mr. Brimmer is a stalwart among the Democrats
of this section. He is a man of good calibre, of ex-
cellent habits, and of a keen, intelligent mind. He
has served on tiie jury, and is at all times prompt
in fulfilling his obligations as a citizen.

"^AMES STOCKDALE. A simple narration
of facts regarding the life of an individual
is undoubtedly the best biographical history
that can be written of him. Therefore we
shall not endeavor to elaborate upon the incidents
In the career of the gentleman whose name heads
this sketch. His present home is in Canton, in or
near which place he has been living about forty
years. He has now partially retired from business
affairs, deriving his principal income from loaning
money and tlie rents on his real estate.

Mr. Stockdale is a native of Yorkshire, England,
having been horn April 29, 1814. His father,
William Stockdale, was of Scotch descent and born
at Kirkbourti, near Driffield. He emigrated to
America in May, 1830, and died the following fall,
a widow and six children surviving him. The
mother of our subject was Mary, daughter of Roger
Cook, who died in Cicero, N. Y.

Our subject, who was the eldest child, learned
the butcher's trade in Hull, England, and after
coming to America worked at it in Syracuse and
Buffalo, N. Y. He also spent two years on the
lakes as mate of a schooner. He was married in
Goodrich, LTpper Canada, to Miss Harriot Cutting,
a native of Sussex, England. Her father, Sidney

Cutting, was in the employ of the Canada Company,
building up a town and also laboring as a boat
builder. Soon after his marriage Mr. Stockdale
went to Columbus, Ohio, securing employment in
jMitchell's pork house. After a time he opened a
meat market on the Ohio canal at the junction of
the Columbus Feeder, keeping the stand two 3'ears
and furnishing the boats with meat. He next went
to St. Louis, JIo., in 1839. remaining in that city
nearly ten years.

The next removal of Mr. Stockdale was to Can-
ton, III., where, in 1850, he opened the first regular
meat market in the place; although he had been
there in the fall of 1848-49 slaughtering hogs. This
he carried on until the fall of 1854, when he
formed a partnership with James H. Stipp and
Thompson Maple. During the winter of 1854 the
company packed about fifteea thousand hogs, the
proceeds of the sale amounting to nearly $200,000.
Mr. Stockdale was eng.aged in this enterprise during
the winters until 1859 when he bought the interest
of his partners. He carried it on alone about ten
years: then sold the establishment. It was some
years afterwards burned. He then carried on a
meat shop a few years, and farmed.

Having invested in a tract of land not far from
the town, Mr. Stockdale removed his family thither
in 1865, giving his attention to agriculture until the
fall of 1877. He then sold the farm, returned to Can-
ton and built a cider mill, which he runs for custom
business, making as mucli as three thousand barrels
in a season. He has two large presses with a
capacity of one hundred barrels per day and does
the grinding and pressing b}' steam. Except dur-
ing the season when the mill is in operation he is
practically retired from business.

Mr. Stockdale has been twice married, his first
companion having born him six children. Of this
circle three are now living. Amelia P. is Assistant
Superintendent in the Home of the Friendless in
Chicago; Fhebe H. is the wife of John Hollings-
worth whose home is near Monroe City, Mo.,
eighteen miles west of Hannibal; Albert J. is a
telegraph operator on the Chicago, Burlington &
(■iuincy Railroad. The present wife of our subject
bore the maiden of Rachael Penny. She was
born ill England and came to this country in child-

_M.^ iV

■iS

V, ^*-

ISAAC HARRIS.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBIJM.

255

hood, her home at the time of her marriage being
in Canton. This union has resulted in the birth of
six ciiiidren. as follows: Ilattie E., a bookkeeper for
P. P. Mast & Co., in Peoria; Grace M., wife of
Wilton Vandevonder; Laura, deceased; Maud,
.lames E., and Mattie, at home.

Mr. Stockdale served as Assistant Township
Supervisor two years and was afterward elected
Supervisor, serving in that unpacity an equal length
of time. For several years he was a member of
the Odd Fellows order. In political matters he
afliiiates with the Republican party, being one of
the most stanch supporters of the jsrinciples laid
down in its platform. In the first campaign of
Lincoln he organized nearly twenty Union Leagues
in Fulton County. (Juietly pursuing his course
in life, honorably discharging all his obligations,
and manifesting an intelligent interest in the affairs
of the community', State and nation, he is numbered
among the respectable citizens and successful men in
this vicinity.

Three of Mr. Stockdale's sons participated in
the late war. \\illi;un ('., enlisted in Company H,
Seventeenth Illinois Infantry, and received the
commission of First Lieutenant; Sidney A., was a
member of tlie Eighth Illinois Infantry, afterward
transferred to Gen. Kellogg's corps and appointed
Provost Marshal in Tennessee, having his head-
quarters at Nashville. He was for some time on
the staff of Gen. Grant, and was appointed Col-
lector of Internal Revenue for sixteen parishes in
Loul.siana, which was among the first a|)pointments
made by Grant after he became President. When
Senator Kellogg was appointed Collector of Cus-
toms at New Orleans, Sidney became his Deputy.
Albert J., was a drummer boy in the One Hundred
and Third Illinois Infantry anfi served in this ca-
pacity until discharged.

Sfjapa:

\f SAAC HARRIS. The name of Harris is known
and respected throughout Fulton Count}^ as
belonging to one of the earliest pioneers of this
section of the countrv, in wliose honor the town-
ship of Harris was named. The present represent-

ative of the family is a son of the old pioneer, and
was himself a pioneer. For many years he has
been an important factor in the agricultural life of
the township of Bernadotte and is one of its most
venerated and highly esteemed citizens.

Our subject was born In Licking County, Ohio,
February 21, 1813. His parents were of Pennsyl-
vania birth. They came to Fulton Count}- in 1827,
and in 1834 removed to what is now Harris Town-
ship, which was named in honor of John Harris,
the father. He was a prominent settler here for
many years, dying at the venerable age of ninety-
five years. His wife was eighty-six j'ears old at
the time of her death. In the history of Fulton
County, wc find the following concerning Mr. Har-
ris' settlement here: "Harris Township, which
borders upon the western boundary of the county
was named in honor of John Harris, its first settler.
He removed here from Bernadotte Township, and
located on section 18, as early as 1827." It is said
that for several years he followed the occupation of
hunting, finding abundance of game in the native
forc)(^ and upon the broad, beautiful, unculiivaled
prairies. It is said that when he first visited this
region he made the journey to and from Ohio on
foot.

The subject of this sketch remained with his par-
ents until he was within twenty-two d.ays of being
twenty -one years old. At that youthful age he
married and established a home of his own, taking
as his bride Margaret, daughter, of John and
Rachael Sinnetl, to vrhom ha was married January
30. 1834. Their pleasant wedded life was brought
to an end after nine years by the premature death
of the wife March 11, 1813. Their union resuUccl
in the birth of five children, four daughters and
one son, of whom the following is recorded: Em-
ily born November 17, 1834. married J. L. Clif-
ford, and died February 14. 1880; Mary, born
August 11, 1836, married AV'illiam DeFord in
October, 1855; he is a butcher by trade, and
they live in Smithfield, Cass Township; William
H. was born on the 13th of Febru.ary. 1831),
enlisted in 1862 in Company H, One Hundred and
Third Illinois Infantry, and was killed at the battle
of Lookout ]\rountain in 1863; Rhoda. born Febru-
ary 24, 1811, married Edivard Fennel in July,

256

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

1858, and they live on their own farm of two hun-
dred acres in Wa^-ne County, Iowa; Margaret, born
March 1 1, 1843, married Jolin Wheeler. October
30. 1S64, and they live on a leased farm of three
hundrod ami twenty acres in Putnian Township.

Mr. Harris was married to his present estimable
wife June 22, 1843. She was formerly JlargaretJ.
Littlejohn, and is a daughter of Abraham and Sa-
rah Litllejohn. The union of our subject and his
wife h:!S been blessed to them by the birth of ten
children, of whom the following is recorded: Perr}-,
born August 10. 1844, is married and lives on
a homestead in the State of 2sebraska; Sarah,
born April 27, 1846, married Samuel Chambers
and they live on a farm in Bern.ado'tte Township;
Xaucy, born February 20, 1847, married John Cru-
sen, who is a butcher, and thej' live in Cuba, Put-
man Township: John L. born February S, 1850,
lives on his farm of one hundred and sixty acres
in Cass Towushi|); Michael R.. born March 15,
1852. owns a farm of one hundred and sixty acres
in the .State of Nebraska; Lana, born Januarj-
8, 1855, married Jesse Nate, a dairyman, and the}'
live in Lewistowu; Emma Jane, born September 7,
1858, married George Stockhara, and thej' live on
tlieir farm of one hundred and ten acres in Lewis-
town Township; Julia E.. born December 16, 1860,
married William Freeman, whose biograjjhy will be
found elsewhere in this book; Elmira M., born Feb-
ruary 28, 1 865, married William Johnson, and lives
on part of her father's farm; Amanda E., born
Januar}' 19. 1857, died at the age of nine months.

.Soon after our subject's first marriage he en-
tered one hundred and twenty-eight acres of
land in Harris Township. After living on it two
years he bought one hundred and sixty acres on
section 13, Bernadotte Township, where he has re-
sided ever since. It is in ever}- respect a good
farm, supplied wilii ample buildings, under the
best of cultivation and highly productive. Our sub-
ject has been a hard working man. In his3-oungcr
days he usetl to walk from Lewislown to where he
now lives, cut two cords of wood and walk back
again the same day, which feat no one but a ver}-
strong, active man could have perforn)cd. He has
worked for tifty cents a d.'iy in the harvest-field.

Mr. Han is ha,s been a witness of the many

if(i))

changes that have made this a well-developed
country and which have been brought about in a
great measure by the introduction of modern m.a-
chinery that has so greatly facilitated the work of
harvesting. He is a man of strong constitution
and comes of a hardy, long-lived race, havingaboift
one hundred relatives now living. He has fi ve wid-
owed sisters and three brothes, the youngest of whom
is sixty years old, and among his descendants he can
count seventy-five grand children and great graml-
chihlren. His mother-in-law, Mrs. Littlejohn. is liv-
ing with him and has attained the remarkable old
age of ninetj-two years. Mr. Harris is a consist-
ent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
and in politics is a sturdy Republican. His por-
trait is presented on another page of this volume.

vOHN POLHEMUS. The name that heads
this sketch is one long and worthily identi-
fied with Joshua Township, and no history
of this immediate vicinity would be com.
plete without a biograjthical review of the life of
Mr. Polhcmus. From a perusal of this necessarily'
brief and incomplete life record, it will be seen that
from earliest jouth to tiie present time his days
have not been uselessly or idly spent. He is a man
of more than ordinaiT energy and force of ciiar-
acter and one much respected in business circles.

Our subject was boru in the State of New Jer-
sey, M.ay 4, 1830, a son of Daniel G. and .Maria
Polhemus, who were also natives of that State, both
being descendants of Holland ancestry. In the
springof 1838, the parents with their entire family
left the State of their nativity and coming to Illi-
nois, settled in Fairview. The father bought four
hundred acres of land near the present site of the
town of that name and the Polhemus family have
since contributed largely to the growth and pros-
jierity of this enterprising town which is only twc
miles from their residence. The father became one
of the most useful pioneers of this section and here
passed his remaining da^-s. dying in the month ' of
January, 1883, at a ripe old age. His wife died
April 1, 1879, and thej' are both sleeping their last

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

257

slee[) in the cemetery at Fairvicw. They were the
parents of seven children — John, Ralph, Emily,
Henry, Garrett. Matilda and Mary, of whom tlie
first three are deceased and the others are living in
Fulton County.

John Polhenuis received his education in tlie
common school and remained with his parents at
the old homestead until he had attained the age of
twenty-tiiree years. On February 4, 1S62, he was
wedded to Miss Anna Stout, whqse parents were of
New Jersey birth. Shortly after his marrianc Mr.
Polhemus enlisted as a private in the One Hundred
and Third Illinois Infantry, Company I), under
command of Capt. Wicas, and went into camp at
Peoria. After one month spent there he marched
with his regiment to Bolivar, Tenn., and took part
in the battles of Tallahatcliee, Vicksburg, Lookout
Mountain and Kenesaw Mountain. Mr. Polhemus
and his comrades accompanied Sherman to the sea
and bore an honorable part in all the engagements
of that famous campaign. He was in the army
three years and during all that time never lost .a
day on account of ill health, but was always
prompt in reporting for duty. He showed many
valiant, soldierly qualities, was cool and courage-
ous in battle, and was always faithful and efficient
at all times and in all phces. At Dalton, Ga., Mr.
Polhemus was captured on the skirmish line by the
rebels, but he overpowered the guard in a personal
encounter, succeeded in taking his gun and gaining
his libert\% by this exploit escaping the hoi'rors of
the rebel prison at Andersonvillc. He was cap-
tured a second time and a second time he managed
to escape, though shot at twice while fleeing. At
Lookout Mountain he was wounded and at Atlanta
a rifle ball struck the brass plate of his belt, his life
being saved bj' the plate. Mr. Polhemus still pre-
serves the ball and belt which he cherishes highly
as a relic of his soldier days.

At the close of the war Mr. Polhemus was hon
orabl}^ discharged from the service and returned
home with an excellent railitnrj' record. He has
since devoted himself to fi'rming, having pur-
chased a good farm on section 5, Joshua Township,
after he left the army. He has greatlj' increased
the value of his land since it came into his posses-
sion and has upon it many neat and well ari'anged

improvements. He]pays close attention to his du-
ties, is skillful in carrying on;liis "operations and is
meeting with well deserved success. He and his
wife have here a cozy, eomfoi'table home. Their
married life has been productive to them of much
hapijiness and has brought to them eight children,
and the following is .the record of the four living:
Daniel, born April 13, 1855; Charles. October 20,
185fi ; Emily, February 23, 1 860, and Harry, Febru-
ary 14, 1861. The children 'have been carefully
trained to useful lives, and are all residents of Ful-
ton County.

The subject of our sketch was a giilhmt and brave
soldier and one who must always be remembered in
recounting the famous victories and numerous dan-
gers of the great Civil War. He is a member of
the L. P. Blair Post, G. A. R., at Fairview. He is
a citizen who^is most highly respected and well-
liked by the entire community and in all the affair.s
of life he has conducted himself creditably and
honorably.

'i^^-

ELMER ELLSAVORTH WHITEHEAD, the
enterprising editor of the Fairview Bee, is
. ' a young gentleman possessed of those happy

traits of character that enable him to keep up the
liveliness of the Bee with all ease, and talent that
is much admired throughout this community.
There is certainly no position in life that requires
more energy, good judgment and education than
does editorial work. Mr. Whitehead was ushered
into this world at Canton, July 10. 1861, and is
the son of Savill and Anna (Ogden) Whitehead.

Savill Whitehead was born in Oldham, Lancashire,
England, as was also his wife. He was a machinist by
trade and upon leaving his native shores located in
Canton, where he is still living -and following his
trade in hi.s own shops. He rendered his country
good service by joining the ranks of the Fnion
Army during the late Civil War. The parental
family of our subject included nine children,
namely: two who died in infancy in iMigland,
Joseph, born in England, and who is foreman on
the Canton Lerlc/er. at Canton; Mary, who resides
in Chicago; John J., who died at the early age of

■2r)S

roirrii.viT and 15I()(;rai'11jcal album.

(1111^ :uul (iiK'-luill' 3'wus; oiii' subjuoL w;is next, in
orcJer u( liirtli; l<hi M., a resident of Canton; Vved
G., who (lied when two years old and AUiert. who
makes his home in Canton.

Our subject passed liis chiltUiood in. Iiis niitive
place, attending tlie public and liigli schools in
Canton, and completing liis education at Toland's
College in that city. When seventeen years of
age he entered the Ledger office as type-setter and
"printer's devil," (be it understood that he was by
no means possessed of satanic nature except in
newspaper phraseolog}', kind reader). After filling
his laborious and far from congenial position for
about two years, and in the meantime developing
liis talent for journalistic work, he next connected
liimself with the Vermont Chronicle, but after
chronicling news foi- about six months, he
workeil on the Burlington Haivkeye — that most
amufing of all ])apers. His next venture was with
the Canton Register, after wliieh he was with the
]>cwistown Democrat and the Havana Republican.
Isatnrally this varied experience admirablj' fitted
him to take charge of a ])aper, and since coming to
Fairview he has been busy, not as a bee, buton the
Bee. This paper was established Jann.iry 3, 1883,
by V. B.Phillips.

Mr. Whitelicad bought out the owners of the
Bee the same j'ear in whicli it was estalilished and
lias continued to make it a breezy and interesting
sheet up to the present t,ime. His is not a "bee"
that stings, but one that "buzzes" in a most musi-
cal manner, and flies regularly into about three
hundred and lifty homes that would be lost with
out their spicy little visitor.

In June, 188G, our subject was united in mar-
riage with Miss Lillian M. Odie, of Havana, and
daughter of William Odle. Her father is a retired
merchant and slie is tlie third in order of birth of
till' four chihlriMi liorn to her paients. Mrs. White-
head is a graduate of the Havana High School and
a most estimable woman. Her union with our sub-
ject lias been blest by the liirth of two children —
Violet and Hoyd Nelson.

Mr. and Mrs. Whitehead have a comfortable
iiome in the central |iart of the village, and lure
thej^ entertain many a brilliant visitor and in their
cozy parlor numerous "bon-raots" tly about. Our

(©

subject is a member of the Fairview Lodge, No. 120,
I. O. O. F., of which he is Secretary. IIis wife is a
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In
politics our subject is an Indepen<lent. In addition
to his editorial duties, he has a nice business in job
work and is gaining ground so rapidly in this
work that the older printing houses through the
county should look to their laurels. He is a veiy
popular man and especially so in his own town-
ship, having served as Township Clerk through
1880 and 188'J.

OHN G. ACKERSON, a veteran of the late
war who is now connected with the agri-
cultural interests of Liverpool Township, is
a native of this county. He vv.as born Feb-
ruary 15, 1831, in the i)ioneer home of his parents,
Abram and Eleanor (Kent) Ackerson, in Lewistown
Township. His father was one of the very earliest
settlers of this county, coming here from Ohio, his
native State. He was a son of Garrett Ackerson,
who was a native of New York. The Ackersons
are supposed to have originated in Holland. The
grandfather of our subject was a faimer and also
engaged iu carpentering. In the early days of the
settlement of Ohio he removed from New York to
that State and became one of its pioneers. He
cleared a farm which he owned and operated un-
till 1827, when he came by wagon to Fulton
County and was among the first to locate in Lew-
istown Township, settling on a tract of timber
land three miles northeast from the present site
of the city, for which he paid -^^1.20 ac acre. The
Indians had not then left the country which was in
a very sparsely settled condition, and deer, wild
hogs and turkeys abounded. The grandfather de-
veloped a farm and remained a resident of tliis
county until his ileatli at a venerable age in 1862.
The father of our subject came to this county in
1828, about a j-ear later than his father's removal
to this section. His father gave him forty acres of
land, and Iu; actively entered upon the pioneer task
of preparing it for farming jiurposes. His work
was intermitted for a time by the Black Hawk War,

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

259

in wliicli lie served as a soldier. Tie lived in lliis
Cdiiiity milil Ills death with llu; exei!|il on of two
years icsideiice in Jlasoii County. He died on our
subjeel's farm in J>iverpool T(j\vnsliip, in 18(58. at
the age of tifty-six ^ears. He was a man of exem-
plary habits and was a member of the chnreh
nearly all his life, belorginij lii\st to the church of
the I'nited Brethren and later to the Methodist
Chnreh. His wife, who was u native of Ohio,
lived to the age of sixty-seven years and then gave
up her life with the cabTiness and sereidty that at-
tends the death of faithful believers. She was iden
tified with the Southern Methodist Church for
many 3'ears. Five children were horn to the par-
ents of our subject, of whom four grew to matu-
rity, namelj': Almarinda (deceased), John (J.,
Abram W., C'atheiine (deceased), and Klizabeih,
(Mrs. Wheadon).

Our subject passed his youth on a farm in this,
his native count}-, and in the common schools ob-
taine(i a limited education. Tlie schoolhouse
which he attended was a rude log structure with
slab seats and fnrnisliings quite in keeping with
the day. He remained at home and assisted in
the management of tlie farm until lie was twen-
ty-nine years old. In .July, 1862, he determined to
tlirow aside his work and take part in the great
war that was then being waged, and he enlisted in
Company B, Eighty-fifth Illinois Regiment, for a
term of three 3ears. His company was drilled for
two weeks at Peoria .and w.as then sent to Louis-
ville, K_v. From there our subji^'t and his com-
rades went to Crab Orchard, the pride of the Blue
Grass State in the way of watering [jlaces, and
thiMc Ihey took jjart in a bnttle •■uid skirmi.sli that
lasted a whole day. At this place, Mr. Ackcu'son
was taken sick with a bilious attack, and was re-
moved to the regimental hospital at Nashville,
Teiiii., where he remained until February, 18G3,
and was then discharged on account of physical
disability. So greatly did his he.iltii snflfer from
the hardships that he had to endure while in the
army that he felt the effects of his illness for a 3'ear
after his return home.

In 1872 our subject removed to Cowley
County, Kan., where he bought a quarter section
of land, lie broke but si.\ty-live acres and raised

a good croi) of corn during his two years residence
there. At the end of that time he sold oul.and com-
ing back to Fulton County, bcmght one hundred
and fifty-eight acres that he now owns, ,a part of
which is on the Illinois River bottoms, where the
Soil is very rich and productive. He has ever since
been a resident of Liverpool Township, and li.as de-
voted himself to tilling the soil and raising stock.
He has jiut many good inii)roveinents vipon his
pl.ace, has everything necessary for conducting
agricullure. and from his well tilled (ields reaps
good harvests.

In the month of June, 1872. Mr. Aekerson and
Miss May Wallwoi Ih were united in marriage. Mrs.
Aekerson is a native of the State of New York,
and came to this .State with her parents who settled
near Fairbury. Mr. and IMrs. Aekerson have made
for themselves a pleasant hom<! and they enjoy the
friendship of many in their community. Politically
Mr. Aekerson is identified wiili the Democratic
part}'. He has held the oflices of Road Commis-
sioner, Constable and School Director at different
times and no one is more willing than he to help in
forwarding the best interests of l-ivcrpool Town-
ship.

r->^ A T H A N 1 F L \ ITTUM. While Fulton
County has much in the way of natural re-
iL\ sources and commercial transaction.s to com-
mend it to the public at large, the chief interest
centers upon the lives of those citizens who have
achieved success for themselves and at the same
time benefited the community in which they re-
side. Prominent among these men is he whose
name heads this sketch. Ire having been one of the
early pioneers and taken an active part in laying
the fouiulation for the present prosperity of the
county.

Grandfather \ittum was one of the first settlers
in New Hampshire, cutting his way into the forest,
and receiving the deed to a large tract of Land for
his settlement. His son Tuftine was the first boy
born in the town of .Sandwich. On growing to
manhood he married Dolly Weed, who was the
first girl born in .Moilonboro, N. H., and whose

260

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

parents, Moses and Dolly (Mugget) Weed, were
vciy early settlers in the Granite State and had
been warm friends of the Vittums for many j-ears.
Tuftine Vittum and his wife resided in their na-
tive State throughout the entire course of their
lives. To them were born three children — Na-
thaniel, Daniel and Sallj-. An uncle of our sub-
ject fought in the Revolutionar3- War and many
relatives participated in the War of 1812.

Nathaniel Vittum was born in Sandwich, N. H.,
March 30, 1804, and grew to manhood in his na-
tive State, following farming as an occupation.
He at one time owned an hotel and was also in-
terested in the stage business. In 1825 he was
married to Miss Clara Palmer, a daughter of John
and Sallie (Cannistcr) Palmer, who was from earl}'
infancy a near neighbor of Mr. "N'ittum and is but
four months his junior, having been born August
17. 1804. Her ancestors in both the paternal and
maternal lines were from Holland. Mr. and Mrs.
Vittum are the parents of three children — .Sarah,
who married Joseph Drake, both being now de-
ceased; Daniel W., a prosperous farmer and wide-
awake business man of this countA'; and Martin,
who died at an early age.

Mr. and Mrs. \'ittum came to this county- from
their native State in the year 1847. pui'chasing
large tracts of land which embraced about five
hilndred acres. Their son had previously visited
this section in company with au uncle, and con-
sidering it a most desirable place of residence, had
located here, and the father coming to visit him.
was equally well pleased. Mr. Vittum continued
his agricultural o|ierations until his advancing
jears impaired his health and he retired from
business. He li.as been an active, hard-working
man. ilevoting much time to financial matters,
but having achieved success, is now enjoying life
in a most comfortable waj-. He and his wife,
who h.as been his faithful companion for sixt}'-
Bve years, occupj' a cozy home in Canton, where
they are surrounded bj' admiring friends.

Mr. Vittum h.as taken great interest in polities,
both in his native State and Illinois, and h.as on
man}- occasions been urgefl to become a candi-
date for office, an honor which he kindly but
firmly declined. He was an old acquaintance of

"Long John" Wnntworlh, and man}' times while
hoys together in New Hampshire, they hauled
wood to boil maple .syrup. Indeed, the Went-
worths. Vittums and Weeds were upon very inti-
mate terms and the subject of our sketch frequently
visited Mr. Wentworth iu Chicago. Both Mr.
and Mrs. Vittum have been connected with the
Congregational Church for half a century.

^•M

€^-B-

EZEKIAH CATTRON who is well known
J and honored in this section of the county,
is distinguished as being one of the oldest
'i^' residents of Hickory Township, where he
has a large and valuable farm. He is (me of the
most extensive landholders of Fulton Count}-, and
as a prominent farmer has been a i)0tont agent in
advancing the growth of this portion of Illinois.

Mr. Cattron was born in .Sullivan County, East
Tennessee, May 26, 1813, to Valentine and Frances
(Bohannon) Cattron, natives respectively of Vir-
ginia and North Carolina. At an early day the
father of our subject left Tennessee with his family
and started on an exploring tour in search of a
pleasant location and iu 1820 arrived in Washington
County. Ind. They settled three miles south of Salem
and engaged in farming there four years. In 1825
the family moved to Bartholemew County the same
State, four miles north of the city of Columbus,
where Mr. Cattron obtained a lease of a school
section. In a short time he sold his It.ase and we
next hear of him in Fountain County. Ind., where
he took possession of eighty acres of land, which
he continued to occupy for a period of ten years.
He then traded that land for a tract of land in La
Porte County, and afler the death of his wife which
took place April 15, 1832, he sent his son, our sub-
ject, to improve his last purchase. In 1834 he re-
moved to that place and while be was residing
there bought a quarter section of land in Ple.asant
Township, t'ulton County. On the 30th of April,
1837, the family came to this county and settled on
said land, and the father and our subject made an
additional purcliase of a half section of land in
Decrfield and Young Hickory Townships.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

261

The fatlier of our siibjt^cl died February 4, 1840.
He had been verj' much prospered and at the time
of his deUh owned land in the followiu<r four towu-
sliip;:: Hickory-, Fairview, Josiija and Deorlield,
whieh property is now in possession of our subject.
He remained with liis father durinii tlie life of the
latter, afforded him material assistance in the ac-
quisition of his fortune, and to-da}' is one of the
wealthy men of his county. He has further in-
cieased the acreage of his estate by various i)ur-
chases and now owns twelve huudrcil acres of
choice and valuable land in Fultt>u County. The
farm on which he resides is [ileasrintly located on
section G, Hickory Township, and the improve-
ments on it are of the best class. Mr. Cattron, al-
though on the shad}' side of life is yet vigorous,
and man.ages his affairs with the old time abilitj'
and sound judgment. Tlie work that he has done
to advance the welfare of the county and to help
build up its schools and churches, and so elevate
its social, moral and religious status, entitles him
to a high place among the pioneers of Fulton
County.

.Mr. Cattron was married July 4, 1839, to
Rachael Alcott, their marriage taking place in Fair-
view Township. Her parents came from New
Jersey and were of Scotch-Irish descent, while he
s|)rings from German ancestry. Four children
have blessed the wedded life of our subject and his
wife, all of whom are living in Fulton County, and
their record is as follows: Mary Eliza, born July
20, 1840^; Josiah A., January 8, 1842; .lohn Milton,
April 4, 1844; and Israel Valentine, September
I."), 184fi.

.Mr. Cattron and his good wife joined the Meth-
odist Episcopal Church, December 4, 1850. and
have been connected with it ever since as two of
its most consistent and valued members, wdio are
deeply interested in all religious matters and will-
ingly contribute to all worth}' causes. Mr. Cattron
has been a true Republican since the formation of
tlie iiarty. He has borne a prominent part in the
public life of this section, and has served in various
important offices. For three years he was a School
Commissioner, for two j'ears a Road Commissioner,
a Justice of the Peace for the same length of time,
was a member of the County Board of Supervisors

one year, and he sat on the first grand jury that
was ever convened in this county. He has also
interested himself in educational matters as a
teacher. He obtained his education in Washington
and Fountain Counties, Ind. under jlifBculties, as
ho had to walk a distance of three miles over a
rough, dreary read in order to get to the primitive
pioneer school which he attended. After coming
to tliis State he utilized his education liy leaching
school one year (1838) two miles west of Canton.
He is a generous, open-hearted gentleman, and is
re.ady at all times to do what wealth and good
feeling can accomplish both in liusiness and social
circles. His genial nature, as well as his unusual
liberality, has made numerous friends for him in
the community with which he has been identiOed
for more than half a century.

M\ ARTIN RUSSELL, General Insurance

Iji y^ Agent, Canton. Nothing more full}' illus-
y A trates the rapid strides the world has made
in civilization during the last few centur-
ies, than the manifold and varied occupations found
to exist in large and small cities; and the immense
amount of insurance carried both on individual life
and property, is indeed surprising when we see the
estimate In plain figures. With every succeeding
year business is becoming more and more brisk,
and bread-winners must work faithfully and well
to attend properly to the duties found in each line
of work. But tact and industry combined always
bring about a happy result, as is seen in the case of
Martin. Russell, whose sketch now claims attention.
I\Ir. Russell is an Englishman by birth, having
first seen the light of day in that country, March 2,
1823, and had reached his second year when his
parents, John and Hannah (Ray) Russell, left their
English liome to seek a new one in the United
States. The father was an agriculturist, and settled
in the State of Vermont, at Barnard, and there
continued to live through the greater part of his
time up to his death. The mother died in that
State about 1834, leaving three children, viz: Cyn-

262

.PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

tliia. wife of Ceber Sniitb, of Pittsford, Vt. ; John,
resident of Barnard, Vt.; and the subject of our
sketch.

According to the custom of those days, Mr.
Russell's father bound him out when he was four
years old and he continued to serve until he had
reached his seventeenth year. The remembrance
of those years is not attended with any great
amount of pleasure, although Mr. Russell recalls
the lady of the house with gratitude, she having
always been kind and considerate and doing all in
her power to make life more endurable to him. He
received no literary instruction, although his father
had arranged for him to attend school two months
each 3-ear. He had been ambitious to acquire an
education and had obtained a certain amount of
knowledge b^' studying at night after a hard day's
work, dreading the penalty of a whippihg if the
light of his tallow dip was discovered by the
man to whom he was bound. After leaving this
place he worked for a few raoutlis on a farm in the
same neighborhood, then attended a select sciiool
three months, after which he came West to Mans-
field, Ohio.

This was in 184i, and Mr. Russell taught for a
short time but in the ensuing year came to Illinois,
settling first at Shabbona and continuing to make
that his home until 1850. While there he took up
the insurance business and is now about the oldest
man in his line of work in the entire State. He went
to California by the overland route in 1850 and his
experience throughout the trip wasexceedingl3- in-
teresting. He had tiie misfortune to lose the diary
which he had been keeping, but an excellent mem-
orj- enables him to recount the most interesting in-
cidents as well as the most trying experiences in
which he bore a part. He learnod what hunger is,
as the last mouthful of food was eaten when the
pai-ty was yet five iiundre<l miles from San Fran-
cisco. The grass on the plains had not started as
early as usual that j-ear and it was necessary' to put
the horses on short allowance and give to ihcm
some of the provision that had been made for the
human beings.

After a short experience as a miner on the Yuba
River Mr. Russell returned home, crossing Central
America and continuing his journey to New York

bj' water. The coach and four with which t!io
journey across Central America was made was pic-
turesque, if not modern. The vehicle consisted of
two large wheels cut from the redwood tree, set on
a sapling for an axle, while the bed of the coach was
of rawhides and the top a canopy of leaves sup-
ported by saplings. This rude conveyance was
drawn by Mexican oxen. Mr. Russell saw many
wonderful sights, but was not averse to making his
home in the Prairie State when his tour was com-
pleted. He settled in DeKalb Countj^ after having
passed some time in the East, and continued his in-
surance business, investing some money in a valu-
able farm. This he sold in 1866 at which time he
located in Galesburg, whence he removed to Can-
ton in the summer of 1872. As general insurance
agent, liis duties have extended over the greater
part of the United States and it is a distinct com-
pliment to Illinois that after so much wandering he
invariablj' returned here.

Mr. Russell represents some of the best compan-
ies in America, among them being the Ohio Farm
ers. Glens Falls, Jersey Citj', State Investment, of
Calif(>rnia. Denver, of Colorado and the ^Etna Life
Insurance, of Hartford, Conn. He is still as actively
engaged in business as ever, employing office help
in the carrying on of his labors. His home is a
happy one, presided over by a native of Water-
town, N. Y., who bore the maiden name of Cath-
erine Hall. She became his wife in 1845, the
marriage rites being celebrated in DeKalb County,
this State. Mr. and Mrs. Russell have four chil-
dren, named respectively, Viola. Emma, Frank and
AVili.

Mr. Russell is a Royal Arch JIason, and has
taken the council degrees. He does not belong to
an\- church, but is a very moral man and lives re-
ligion in his dail^' habits as nearlj- as possible.
Being a self-marle man he is well prepared to un-
derstand the trials and hardships of which life is
too often composed, and loses no opportunity to
help those less fortunate than himself. Once at
the bottom round of the ladder of fame and for-
tune, Mr. Russell has climbed round by round, un-
til he stands to day upon the topmost one. and
merits additional praise for having climbed with-
out assistance of anv kind.

.*>

•m /.

^iy4^^^.

a^^^^W^ (^j^jiA^^

PORTRAIT AXI) BIOGRAPHICAL ALIUTM.

2 Of)

ARTIN BEEBE. This untciprising and
progressive farmer, whose portrait is shown
* on the opposite page, is the owner of what
is known as the Ducl< Island Farm, con-
sisting of lifleen hundred and ninety- acres of
land on sections 33, 34 and 35, Banner Township.
Nine luindred acres are under ciiltivaiion, pro-
ducing from forty to fifty bushels of wheat and
from seventy to one hundred bushels of corn per
acre. Mr. Beebe is extensivel}' engaged in rais-
ing corn and iiogs, although other products are not
neglected. His residence on section 33, presents
an ai)[)earauce of comfort and homelikeness, and is
accompanied by the numerous buildings needful
to the prosecution of the work of the place.

Our subject was born in Chemung County,
N.Y.,April 6, 1819, toHezekiah and Sarah (Boyer)
Beebe. He was reared on a farm, removing with
his parents to LaGrange County, Ind., in 1837,
and remaining there until 1839. In December of
that year he came to this count}-, employing him-
self at work by the month for two years. He
next learned the trade of a cooper, at which he
worked about fifteen years. In 1849 Mr. Beebe
bought a smsiU farm in Banner Township, near
Utica. and in 1860 purchased the Island Farm
from John N. AVillard, of St. Louis, Mo. Here
he has mada his home since tiiat time, devoting
himself assiduously to the pursuit of his chosen
calling and reaping a satisfactory reward for his
perseverance, intelligence and prudence.

Mr. Beebe has been twice married, the first union
having been C(ins\immated in 1847. His bride
was Miss Diana Sayles, an efficient and affectionate
lady, with whom he lived happil}' until her death,
January 8, 18()2. She left five children, whose
record is as follows: Henry C!aj-, born April 12,
1851, married Clara Rosecarap; Clara A., born
January 28, 1853, died at the age of eighteen
}'ears; Marcus T., born F'ebruary I, 1856, married
Polly Harris and lives in Missouri; Josephine,
born March 28, 1858, married William Ringliouse
in October, 1886, and now lives in Mason County;
Orrin. born February' 29, 1861, married Miss Min-
nie Riloy and lives in Bucklieart Township, this
county.

The second marriage of our subject was cele-

brated November 24. 1870, the bride being Miss
Kinma l^lem. who, while devoted to her family and
their interests, finds time and op[)orluiiily for
kindly intercourse with her many friends. This
marriage has resulted in the liirlh of the following
sons and daughter: John, born .luly 27, 1873;
Amos, January 1, 1875; Hector, .lune 24, 1877;
Frederick, July 28, 1879; Carrol. January 14,
1882: Sheldon, September 5, 1884; Mary Belle,
December 22, 1887.

When he became old enough to vote. Mr. Beebe
was an old-line Whig, and on the formation of the
Republican party identified himself with it, but
is now a member of the Greenback party. lie is
not an active participant in political affairs, pre-
ferring to give his attenti':)n to his personal pur-
suits and the joys of domestic and social life. He
is respected, as his merits deserve, by all who are
acquainted with his character and attainments.

■ — -5-

^^ W. HOBBS, now living in Mound Town-
- ship, McDonough County, was one of the
JK earl}' pioneers of this county, who was for
many years closely identified with its industrial in-
terests, as one of its most successful farmers and
skillful mechanics, and is eminently worthy of a
place among its representative men in this I'.io-
ORAPHICAL Album.

Mr. Hobbs was born in Maryland, not far from
the city of Baltimore, in 1817. When he was a
child his parents took him to the pioneer wilds of
Jefferson County, Ohio, of which they were early
settlers. In his youth he was apprenticed to a
blacksmith by the name of James Simeral, and
during the term of his apprenticeship received his
board and clothes. At the expiration of that time
he went to work with a noted mechanic, Joseph
Fields, and toiled hard for the meagre sum of 82
a month, from which he had to clothe himself,
and his board. He followed his trade for two
years, and then made a trip to New Orleans on
the river. He afterward worked in Washington,
Pa., the year of the cholera, until all emplo3ment
was suspended on account of the dreaded disease.

266

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

In 1834 he came North from New Orleans, whither
lie had been sojourning, and norlied in George-
town, Oliio, until 1835, when he came to Illinois.
He landed at the mouth of the Spoon River, in
company with two blacksmiths and two clothiers
who had come from Philadelphia.

Mr. Hobbs and Joseph McCoy, who came with
liira. worked at the blacksmith's business that
year in Monmouth. We may mention in this con-
nection that our subject still has the old anvil
with which he worked in that place over Qfty-fire
years ago. It iiad been bought by his father-in-
law from a person in the East, and when it was
sold with the other effects of the old gentleman,
Mr Ilobbs bought it at the rate of twenty cents a
pound. It is of English manufacture and is of the
best make. Our subject and his partner pursued
their calling very profitablj- at Jlonmouth, and at
the end of the first six months had ^106 each. The
former very judiciously invested his when ho
came to Harris Township from Monmouth in the
spring of 1836, in a tract of eighty acres of land.
He still worked at his calling, however, in tiie vil-
lage of Marietta, where he lived, with the excep-
tion of the time of his residence in Lewistown during
the war, until aliout nine years ago, when he sold
out and removed to his present place of residence
in McDonough County. He had three hundred
acres of land in Fulton County, and a full section
in McDonough Count}', which he had purchased
wiien it w.as cheap. He engaged extensively in
raising stock and carried on the business in part-
nership with Mr. Wilson. At the breaking out of
the war they had five hundred head of cattle, and
as pasture was plentiful and cheap, they made
money fast. This count}- is greatly indebted to
our subject for what he did toward improving
stock in the early days bj' the introduction of
horses, cattle and hogs of a high grade. He be-
lieved in raising none but good stock, and when-
ever he made a purchase alw.ays bought the best in
the market.

When Mr. Hobbs came here he had an idea
that if he should be able to get forty acres of land
he would be well off, and when he obtained
eighty acres he considered himself quite rich.
With characteristic enteri)risc he decided that he

would have an orchard, and he senf'to 'an old
Quaker friend to have him send him a lot of fruit
trees such as he thought he would want. His friend
sent him one hundred apple trees and a variety of
pears, which he planted, and they afterward be-
came famous for their fine fruit. From one of his
trees our subject often sold as much as $50 worth
of fruit each year, and his orchard was regarded as
one of the finest in all the country around.

Our subject was married April 20, 1837, to Miss
Eliza Humphrey, and their wedded life of more
than fift}' years duration luas been one of great
felicity. Mrs. Hobbs is a most excellent woman,
of many Christian virtues, and is a true member of
the Methodist Episcopal Church. She is a daugh-
ter of William Humphrey, of Ohio. His brother,
John Humphrey, of Warren County, 111., was a
Colonel in the Black Hawk War. Mr. and Mrs.
Hobbs are fine people, and are in every way worthy
of the high regard in which they are held by the
people among whom thej- have settled. They have
had six children, four sons and two daughters, of
whom the following is recorded : George F. was a
young married man of thirty-six 3'ears when he died,
his wife having died before him; John, who is
married, owns and occupies a large tract of land
which his father purchased in Cass County, Mo.;
Jane married James Walhice, a druggist at Lewis-
town, and they have one daughter; Addison, who
bought of his father the old home place of two
hundred acres of land l\'ing near Marietta, is mar-
ried and has two sons and four daughters; Martha
married A. J. Franklin, a merchant of Los Angeles.
Cal., and the}' have three children; William, at
home, living on the farm near his father, is mar-
ried and has three children.

-^5=?-

ENRY I. WEAVER is numbered among
I) the enterprising stock farmers of Deerfield
Township. He sells but a portion of grain
but devotes the entire produce of his faira
to the stock which he raises and buys. His home
is on the old homestead, which consists of eighty
acres on section 3, all under good cultivation, well

PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUiM.

'267

improved and abundantly supplied with whatever
is needful in order to successfully prdseiule the
owner's occiii):ition. Mr. "Weaver is a representa-
tive of a family long known and highly honored in
this eoiuity. where settlement was made by his
grandparents in the spring of 1835. During the
period of mure than half a century that has elapsed
since then, the record of the family and tlH>se who
have married into it has been one of exceptional
morality. Not only have they been free from
haliitnal profanity, drunkenness and other vices, bnt
they have also escaped arrest for any cause how-
ever slight, and have lived in peace and harmony
with those about them.

William Weaver, grandfather of our subject, was
born in Lancaster County, Pa., in 1791. His wife,
Mary Cornwell, was born in Washington County,
Mav 14, 1797, and their marriage rites were cele-
brated at Cannonsbury. In April, 1H35, the couple
located on section 2, Deerfield Township, this
county, where the wife died April 19, 1855, and the
husband April 1 1, 1879. In the family of this good
couple was a son Joshua, whose birth took place in
Green County, Pa., December 30, 1820. After
reaching years of maturity he won for his wife
Eliza A. Martin, who was born in Muhlenburg
County, Ky., May 19, 1826, but at ihe time of her
marriage was living in this county. The wedding
took place in Deerfield Township October 21, 1^51,
and the union has resulted in the birth of three sons
and one daughter. Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Weaver
are now living in Ellisville.

The gentleman whose name introduces this
sketch is the third son born to thecou|)le just men-
tioned, and opened his eyes to the light of day
March G, 1859. He has spent his entire life in the
township among whose citizens he has high rank,
and to her public schools owes his educational train-
in". He remained an inmate of his parents' home
until his marriage, when he established himself on
the homestead, buying the land from his father.
The lady whom he won for his helpmate and com-
panion and with whom he was united in marriage
December 20, 1882, bore the maiden name of
Marmry K. Mitchell. She is a daughter of Mathew
H.and Calphurnia (Wheeler) Mitchell, and like her
husband, was born in Deerfield Township, her natal

day having been May 24, 1863. Her father was
born in Montgomery County, this Slate, and her
mother in New York.

Mr. and Mrs. ^\'eaver of this sketch are the par-
ents of three bright boys — IIari-y Dale, born Au-
gust 12, 1883; Joshua Clare, born April 13, 1885;
Ross, born September 26, 1889. Mr. Weaver is a
Republican and takes suflicient interest in politics
to be at the jioUs every election daj- and cast a
straight ballot. lie has served in the capacity of
Township Supervisor and School Director. He and
his wife belong to Ellisville Lodge, No. 401, I. O.
G. T., and are members of the Methodist flpisco-
pal Church. Mr. Weaver is Recording Secretary of
the congregation at the Sharon Church and ."super-
intendent of the Sunday-sehool, and lakes a deep
interest in church work. He and his wife are highly
regarded by the members of the community, per-
petuating as they are the excellent record of the
Weaver familj-.

ILLIAM MELLOR, a well-known member
of the bar, practicing his profession in A'er-
^y/ mont. was a brave olllcer in the late war in
which he did noble service for his adopted eountr\\
He has long taken a prominent part in Ihe civic
and political life of county and town, and has
filled with abilit}', many olllccs of trust and re-
sponsibility.

Royton, a place near Manchester, England, was
where our sul)ject w.as born May 23, 1830. His
father, William ]Mellor,was a native' of ibe same
town and was a son of another William Mellor,
who was also a native of that town and his father
and great-grandfather were born in the villnyo of
Mellor, three miles from Royton. The grcai-great-
grandfather of our subject was a miller and man-
aged a mill on the River Irk, and spent his entire
life there. The great-grandfather of our subject
seems to have inherited his father's trade and made
his living by it in his native village of Melloi-, of
which he was a life-long resident. The grandfatlier
of our subject w.as reared to agriciilluial [)uisuits,

268

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

and after marriage removed to Raj'ton, en ojaged iu
farming near there,and there made liis Lome until lie
was gathered to his fathers.

The father of our subject was reared and edu-
cated in Royton. He removed to Manchester in
1833 and engaged in the cotton brokerage business
until his death in 1812. He married Susannah Kaye.
She was born near Royton and was a daughter of
James J. Kaye, a native of the same place, as were
his ancestors for many generations. He was a far-
mer and spent his entire life in the town of his
birth. Mrs. Mellor died in Manchester in 1851.
8he and her husband reared a family of six chil-
dren as follows : Susannali, Betsey, Hannah. Travis,
William and James. Travis and William were the
only members of the family who ever came to
America. Travis settled at Bushnell. this State,
and still resides there.

William Mellor. of this sketch, attended school
near iliddleton and received an excellent educa-
tion. In 1847, he carae to America, accompanied
bj' his bride, setting sail from Liveipool in the
good ship "Enterprise" of the Black Ball line, and
landing at New York, in the month of August.
They came directly to Illinois to join his brolhei.
coming bj- the Hudson River and Erie Canal to
Buffalo, and thence bj' Lake Erie to Pennsj'lvania,
where the}' traveled on the canal to Beaver, that
State, and from there to Alleghany, Ohio, and
thence to the Mississippi and uji that river and
the Illinois to Sharp's landing in Schuyler Count}-,
and from there by team to McDonough County.
Mr. Mellor was employed in farming there until
the fall of 1848,and in the spring of 1849,caine from
there to Vermont, and began life here as a clerk
for Stephens it Wynans. He was with them three
and one-half years and then engaged in the mer-
cantile business as a member in the 6rm of Heizer
<fe Co. In 1857 the firm was dissolved and onr
subject after that traveled in the Southern States,
selling nursery stock until 1859. He then re-
turned to Vermont and was engaged in clerking
forllenr}- Mershon until the war broke out.

During his travels in the South. ^Ir. Mellor had
noted its attitude toward the North, and on his re-
turn in a public speech he had warned the people
of coming hostilities, and after the rebellion broke

out, watched its course with interest. In April,
1862, he offered his services to defend the Stars
and Stripes, enlisting in Company F. One Hundred
and Third Illinois Infantry. He was mustered in
as a private at Peoria, October 2, and a few days
later was elected Second Lieutenant of his company
and before leaving that cit}' was recommended as
Quartermaster. He went to Tennessee with his
regiment and spent the winter there. He was then
detailed a member of Gen. Steele's staff at La
Grange, Tenn., and was with him until he was suc-
ceeded by Gen. Corse, who appointed him as a mem-
ber of his staff. He occupied that position'until the
General was wounded at Missionary' Ridge,and after
that was one of Gen. Woolcot's staff until April 7,
1864. On that day while with a foraging expedi-
tion at ilud Creek, near Stevenson. Ala., Lieut.
Mellor was taken prisoner bj' the rebels, who took
him to Libb}', from there to Atlanta, and thence to
Andersonville, where he was confined six weeks.
From that prison he was sent to Marion.where he was
incarcerated until August, 1864. Savannah, Ga.,
was his next destination, and after that he was taken
to Charleston. S. C where he was exchanged with
other sick soldiers, and on his arrival at Annapolis,
Md., was given a furlough.

In Februar}-, 1865, Lieut. Mellor was ordered to
Camp Chase, Ohio, to report for duty, and was
made Adjutant of the parole camp there, which po-
sition he held until March, 1865. In tliat month
he was appointed Quartermaster at the parole
camp, Benton Barracks, Mo. and acted in that ca-
pacity there until May. 1865, where he was honor-
abl}' discharged from further military service.

Our subject returned to Vermont, and gave his
attention to the study of law, was admitted to the
bar, and had a good general practice until 1886.
Since that time his business has been in connection
with railroads, securing right of way etc.

In June, 1847. Mr. Mellor married Charlotte
Cowan, a native of Manchester, England, and a
daughter of William and ^largaret Cowan, who
were also of English birth. He and his wife are
very pleasantly situated, and of their marriage three
children have come — George, Robert and Luella.
George married Belle Argo, and the\- have one
child — Pearl; Robert, married Maggie Ringland,

PCJRTKAir AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

269

and lln'V have three children — MabeL Marj" and
William; LuoUa, married George McCnbe, and tliey
have one son — William B.

Mr. Mellor was formerlj' a Democrat, but has
been a Repultliean since the war. He has served
as Town Clerk. Collector and Cornmissioncr of
of Highways and lias represented Vermont on the
County Board of Sui)ervisors. He served eight
years as :i member of the State Board of Kquiliza-
tion. has heeii delegate to numerous county and
district conventions, and has been Chairman of the
County Central Committee.

—Hi

lEORGE K. LINDZEY. How frequently is
(— -, it the case that natural ability and energj'
combined accomplish truly wonderful re-
sults, raising a man from the obscurity of povert3-
to the importance and publicity that great wealth
brings. Truly, what is commonly called '-self-
made men," are nsuall.y those that occupy the high-
est positions both in National and .State affairs, and
reach higher positions in the commercial world
than those wliose childhood was surrounded by
every opportunity.

The subject of the present sketch commenced
life with virtually nothing, so far as finances go;
and has b}- dint of good judgment, pleasing ad-
dress and energy, amassed quite a comfortable for-
tune. At this writing he has retired from active
business, and passes his d.ays at his handsome resi-
dence on Main Street in Farmington. His health
is poor indeed, and it was partially for this reason
that he concluded to settle in this cit}-, hoping the
pDre atmosphere and pleasant society found here
would benefit him.

Mr. IJndzoy was born in Worcester County, m
the State of Massachusetts, being the son of Will-
iam Lindzey, and his natal day fell upon the 12th
of February, 1843. His earliest recollections are
of Greenville, a little cotton manufacturing vil-
lage about ten miles from Providence, where he
attended school for a time. However, the greater
part of his education was received, in the common

schools of Fairview Township, and much of his
youth was spent on a farm.

December 2, 18.S0, our subject was united in
marriage with Mi.ss Martha Williams, of Hillsbo-
rough, Ohio, daughter of Addison and Margaret
(Noble) Williams. Her graudfallier, Daniel Will-
iams, was a native of North Carolina, but emi-
grated to Ohio at an early date. He was of Scotch-
Irish descent. Her father was born in Highland
County, Ohio, and in that State marrieil. The
mother died in ISoO. at the age of thirty-two, leav-
ing five children, only two of whom reached ma-
turity, viz.: INIartha (Mrs. Lindzey), and .lohn N.,
who is a carpenter and lives in Decatur, 111. He
married Miss Martha Lynn, of Sullivan, 111. Soon
after sustaining the sad loss of his beloved com-
panion, Mr. Williams moved to Iowa, but in a
short time removed to the State of Indiana, where
he married. His daughter was brought up by her
paternal grandparents, and when they died she
went to live with an aunt, Mrs. Ca"oline Rogers,
ne:ir llillsboro, Ohio. Jhs. Liudzey's father served
through the late war. He w.as severely wounded at
Richmond, where he was taken prisoner and allowed
to languish aw.a}- in Andersonville Prison, in the
spring of the year that witnessed the restoration of
peace throughout the country.

Our subject and his wife have never been blessed
with children. They are both exceedingly popu-
lar in the community in which they reside, and
possessing all the comforts of life, watch the 3ears
glide swiftlj- by. They settled here in 181)0, tak-
ing possessing of the residence they had built dur-
ing the preceding year. Mr. Lindzey cast his first
Presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln, and is still
a strong supporter of the Republican party, j He is
generally respected for bis strict integrity and high
sense of honor, both in the great and small affairs
of life. He owns a considerable amount of real
estate in Farmington and other places. He is besides,
interested in stock- raising,' owning some extra fine
horses and cattle.

Our subject's father, W^illiam Lindzey, was an
Englishman b}' birth and education, and for many
years after reaching manhood worked in the cotton
and woolen manufactories of that country. After
coming to the United States he continued his work

270

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

in these maiiuf:Kloiies through the Eastern cities,
moving from place to place in the States of Con-
necticut and Rhode Island; and in the fall of 1850
removed from the latter State to Illinois, making
the trip bj- boat and rail to New York Cit3', and
then up the Hudson, and finally bj- waj' of the
Great Lakes, Illinois Canal and Illinois River to
the mouth of Copperas 'Creek. After reaching
this State he purchased one hundred and sixty
acres of land in Fairview Township. He next re-
moved to Yates City, where he owned real estate.
His death occurred in the year 1876, after he had
.Tttained his seventy -second birthday. AVilliam
L'lidzey was married in England to ]Miss Hannah
Dix. and after the birth of three children came to
America, as above stated. Thej^ were the parents
of ten children, named as follows: John, Caroline,
Emma, Matilda, Hai-riet, Hannah. James, George,
and two who died while j'oung.

To such men as our subject the United Slates
owes her present enviable reputation in commer-
cial circles — men who, not afraid of personal hard
ship and the trials that in an active career without
financial assistance only too naturally come to each
life, are strong and brave enough to carry out
Hamlet's advice, an'l ••by opposing troubles, end
them."

RANCIS R. BRO'SYN is one of those worthy
citizens who have won a comfortable fortune
b}' the exercise of unflagging industrj', wise
ecouomj- and good judgment in the conduct of the
business to which the\- have devoted themselves.
Ilis home in Lewistown Township is one of the most
attractive of the farm residences within its bounds,
and everywhere upon the estate one sees evidences
of the qualities which have won for its owner his
worldly success and good standing in the com-
munity-.

Mr. Brown is of P'rench stock, his grandfather,
John Brown, having been a native of France, where
he grew to manhood. Accompanied by two brothers
he came to America, making his first location in
Maryland, where he resided a number of years. At
the time of the early settlement of Kentucky, he

bought a tract consisting of one hundred and sixt}'
acres of timber land between Flemingsburg and
Maysville and made that his home during the re-
mainder of his life. There was a cabin on the
place and he erected a large hewed log house where
he kept an inn. He was a slave-owner in Maryland
and having taken his chattels with him to Kentucky,
they cleared the land. He himself practiced his
profession of a ph3-sioian. His wife, a native of
Wales, bore the maiden name of Lurania Rollins.
She also died on the homestead, her remains being
deposited beside those of her husband in Fitch's
Churchyard, two and a half miles north of Flem-
ingsburg.

Among the eight children reared b}' the couple
above mentioned was a son, Joshua, whose birth
occurred ten miles below Baltimore, Md. He re-
ceived a fine education in his native State but did
not adopt professional life. He was a young man
when his parents removed to Keutuck}', where, in
1819, he was married to Rhoda Hughes. This lady
w.TS born in Virginia, being a daugliter of John and
Fannie llughf s. who were numbered among the ear-
liest settlers of Fleming County. Ky.. their location
being four and a li.alf miles from Flemingsburg.
Mr. Hughes bought a tract of timber land which
he cleared and improved as fast as possible, making
it his home 'mtil death. For many years after his
arrival the Indians were much more numerous than
the whites, and the settlers were obliged on numer-
ous occasions to repair to the stoek.ades to avoid
death at the hands of the sav.ages. AVild game of
all kinds was, of course, abundant.

The father of our subject built a cabin on his
father's homestead, where he resided four j-ears
after his marriage, then bought a quarter section of
timber land on the Horseshoe Bend in Mason
County. He cleared quite a tract of land and was
doing well financiall}' when called upon to pav a
security debt which ruined him. causing the loss of
his farm. Going to Mt. Carmel he built a double
hewed log house and shop, and engaging in the
shoemaker's trade continued there four 3'ears. In
Fleming County he met with the loss of his de-
voted companion who died when her son. our
subject, was eighteen months old. The bereaved
husband and father after atime removed loClermont

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

•271

County. Oliio, where he was manieil the secoml
time, to Miss Catherine Nocsiiiger. and after some
years to Fiiltou County, 111., thence lo Jackson
County, Iowa, where he entered into rest.

Tiic gentleman of whom we write was born in
Fleming County, Ky., July 7, 1821. and was live
years old when his fatlicr removed to Ohio. In
that State he remained until the fall of 1814, when
he took up his residence in this State, coming
tliithcr by means of tlie Ohio, Mississippi and Illi-
noisKivers and disembarking at Liverpool Landing
on the 12tli of October, with ¥2.37^} cents in his
pocket. He had visited this section the preceding-
spring and traded liis horse, saddle, biidle and gun
for a tract of Government land upon which a cabin
stood. Here he took up his residence with his
sister, who made him a comfortable home until he
took a wife. It was necessary for liiui to find em-
pl03'ment and he was soon at work, splitting rails
at twenty-tive cents per hundred. At this he em-
ployed the hours of daylight, clearing his land at
night; when there was no moon he would work bv
the light afforded by a burning brush heap.

In 181(3 Mr. I'.rown sold his claim for $100 and
rented a farm in I'utnam Township. At tliat lime
there was no railroad communicalion in this vicin-
ity and the river towns were the markets to which
all produce was hauleil. frequently over veiy hard
roads. Wheat sold as low as twenty-five cents per
bushel and other produce at proportionate rates,
and yet. by dint of pi'udence and unflagging in-
dustry, men prospered. Mr. Brown after operating
as a renter twelve years, purcliased one hundred
and thirty-three acres of bind included in his
present farm which now consists of one hundred
and seventy-three acres.

The capable .and devoted companion lo whose
wistlom in the management of hou.sehold affairs and
good counsel, Mr. Brown owed much during his
struggling years, was Nanc}' Laws, a native of Cul-
peper County, Va., and daughter of .Samuel and
Polly (Rector) Laws. Their mairiage rites were
celebrated in the spring of 18l.i, and for a jxM-iod
of nearly half a century they shared each other's
joys and sorrows. Mrs. Brown wiis called hence
June 17, 1890, at the age of sixty-eight years, seven
months and seventeen days. She was the mother

of live cliilili-eii. four of whom are now living,
namely: Martin, who lives in Kansas; Rhoda A.,
wife of Ijorenzo I). Boyer; (ieorge W., whose home
is in l>ewisl(.iwn Township; Martha K., wife of
Eugene Churchill, who resides ii; Buckhearl Town-
ship.

ORRISON DARLAND is one of the old-
est settlers in the county and ranks with
the leading farmers, allhough he is now
' retired from active labor, tlic manage-

ment of the estate being in the hands of his sons,
lie lias been a very hard-working man and well de-
serves the rest he is enjo3'ing and the competence
he has secured. He owns a valuable tract of land
in Young Hickory Township, comprising three
hundred and twenty acres on sections 1 o and 25,
and another tract of forty acres on section 11.

Our subject is the fourth child of Isaac and
•lane (Morrison) Darland. His father was Ijorn in
Kentucky, grew to manhood there and then made
his way to Ohio, locating in Preble County. There
he married the good wom.an who shared his joys
and sorrows for many years. Like liimself, she
was a native of the Blue (irass Stale. After iiis
marriage Jlr. Darland cleared a farm, which was
his home until the death of his wife, when he be-
came an inmate of the households of his c hildren.
He spent two years in this county, but returned lo
Ohio prior to his demise.

Politicall3-, he was an old-line Whig. Tln' mem-
l)ers of the parental family arc: John, who died
in Ohio; Benjamin, now living in Marble Rock,
Iowa; Harrison, who died in Ohio; our subject;
Xan Lew, who (lied in Iowa; Nathan, a resident
of Kansas; Isaac, who died in that State; Hannah
and Catherine, who died in Ohio. Van Lew be-
longed to an Iowa regiment in the Civil AVar and
contracted a disease from which he dicrl soon alter
his return lo his home.

Our subject was born near Paris, Preble County,
Ohio, November 8, 1812. His school privileges
were limited, consisting of attendance in the win-
ter in the old-fashioned log schoolhouse, where
instruction was su|)|)lied under the subscription

272

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

system. He was eavly set to work on the farm,
and being unusu.illy large and strong for his
years, had to put his slioulder to the wheel in
quite heavy labor. Being obliged to chop, burn
and clear timber, he early became an adept at
using the ax. He remained with his father long
after he was of age and was the last of the boys to
leave the home fireside. The idea finally grew
upon him of visiting the broad prairies of Illinois,
of which he had heard so much, and of selecting a
location in which to make himself a home. He.
therefore, in 1835, came on horseback through the
Indiana and Illinois mud to this county, where he
soon purchased land.

Mr. Darland located near Fairview on a quar-
ter section, and bu3'ing another horse, set to work
to improve his estate. He built a rude log house
and other necessary buildings, and when the land
was somewhat improved had an opportunity to sell
it to advantage. He, therefore, disposed of it and
bought an equal amount east of Fairview, this
also being raw land. Here he used cattle in break-
ing the sod and cultivating the soil. In those
early days the market was Copperas Creek Laud-
ing, to and from which all produce and goods must
be hauled. The principal crops at that time were
wheat and rye, whereas at present the fields are
mostly covered with corn. Mr. Darland split hun-
dreds of rails with which to fence his farm, and
otherwise exerted his powerful physical forces,
which were far above the average.

About 1845 Mr. Darland sold his property in
Fairview Township and bought one hundred and
sixty acres of his present estate, already somewhat
improved. He added to the permanent work which
had been done. He now has a growing orchard of
five acres of apple and peach trees, which he set
out on land grubbed by himself at noons, when, as
he says, he was resting. Energj- and perseverance
secured the meed of success, and year by year the
circumstances of our subject improved. In 1870
he bought an additional quarter section adjoining
his first purchase in the township, paying §40 per
acre. This he has also improved, making two
farms with the necessary- buildings. His forty-acre
tract is timber land. He has always raised a good
grade of cattle and hogs, and has also bred some

very line drafi anil diiving horses. He is an ex-
cellent judge of horse tlesli, and his farm has been
well supplied with equines. About a decade since
he retired from active life, and his sons are car-
rying on the work which he so well instituted.

The first marriage of Mr. Darland took place in
Fairview Township, June 2, 1838. His bride was
Miss Ann Shreeves, who was born in Franklin
Count}', December 19, 1809. Her father, Thomas
Shreeves, is numbered among the early settlers of
this county. The death of Mrs. Ann Darland oc-
curred October 26, 1850. .She left &ve children —
Milton I., Mar}' J., Benjamin M., Marion Foster
and Thomas S. Mary J. is now the wife of Asa
White, of Young Hickory Township; Benjamin M.
enlisted in Company B., One Hundred and Third
Illinois Infantry, during the first year of the war,
was taken sick, sent home on a furlough and died
about a year after his eni-ollment. The other chil-
dren died here.

January 26, 1851, Mr. Darland was united in
marriage with Mrs. Jane ( Rest) Henry, the cere-
mony taking place in Young Hickory Township.
The bride was a daughter of Jacob Rest, was born
near Connellsville, Pa., February 24. 1820, and
lived in her native place until nineteen years old.
She had no school advantages and is self-educated,
and has likewise acquired a good knowledge of the
domestic arts. Her manners are those of a friendly,
gracious woman, who meets with due respect from
her acquaintances. In 1838 she accompanied her
parents to this county, coming overland and being
four weeks on the way. She remained at home
until her marriage to Jacob Henry, July 2, 1841.
The husband was born in >iew Jersey, came to this
county with his uncle in the early days, and engaged
in farming. He often hauled wheat to Chicago,wlien
two weeks were consumed in the trip. After mar-
riage Mr. and Mrs. Henry located on Spoon River,
in Young Hickory Township, where the husband
died in 1846. He owned a good farm, but the
administrator took such advantage of the widow
that she lost the little estate. She had two children,
a son and a daughter. John enlisted in Company
B, One Hundred and Third Illinois Infantry, in
1862. At Chattanooga he was shot in the leg. ne-
cessitating the amputation of that nienilicr. A

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

275

seconrl amputation became necessary, and this
caused his ih'ath. Tlie daugliter, Hiuinah. raairied
J. S. McFailand and lives in London Mills.

Tlie present Mrs. Darland is the mother of four
cluldren bj- her last union. The first-born, .lo-
sopli, a prominent farmer in Fairview Township, is
represented elsewhere in this work; Eliza and Ellen
are deceased; Morrison W., an enterprising _vouth,
is in charge of the home farm. Mrs. Dorland is
a member of the Christian (liurch. Some facts
regarding her ancestry may be found in the biog-
iai)liy of Mrs. Lewis Shofers, wiiich is included
in this Album.

Mr. Darland has been Commissioner of High-
ways, School Director and Trustee at various
limes. He has served on grand and petit jnries.
In politics he stanehly supports Democracj', never
failing to east his vote for the candidates who are
pledged to uphold its principles.

^ ACOr. BROWN. The life of this gentleman,
whose portrait is represented on the oppo-
site page, and who is one of the wealtiiiest
farmers of the county, furr^ishes a good les-
son to youths who must begin their careers as he
did, with no means. A perusal of the following
paragraphs will indicate by what means he has con-
quered adverse circumstances, and gained his pre-
sent proud position among his fellow-men. He is
l)roliably of Irish ancestry in the paternal line, as
his grandfather Brown, wiio is known to iiave been
a Revolutionary soldier, is believed to have been a
native of the Emerald Isle. From Ills maternal an-
cestors Mr. Brown derives a capacity for iiard work,
rigid economy, and persistence which almost in-
variably eiiaracterize those of Germ.an lineage.

Grandfather Brown is numbered among the early
settlers of Ohio, wiiere he followed farming until
his death. There his son, George, tiie father of
our subject, was born and reared, following in the
father's footsteps sis a tiller of the soil. He held
various local offices in the township in which he
lived, was Democratic in politics, and quite radical
in his views. At the time of his dealii, which oc-

curred in Licking County, he was a member of the
Presbyterian Church. He lived to the advanced
age of four-score and ten years. His wife was
Nancy Lamb, a native of Germany, who came to
America with her parents when eighteen years old.
She was living in Harrison County, Ohio, when
married to Mr. Brown. She was a consistent mem-
ber of the Methodist Church until her death, which
occurred when she was seventy-one years old. She
bore him twelve children, and reared eleven to ma-
turity, namely: Raciiel, Jane, Jackson, William,
Susan, Jacob, Mar}- Ann, Nancy, Joseph, Sarah and
Washington.

The maternal grandfather of our subject was
John Lamb, a (Tcrman who emigrated to America
when in middle life. He was almost penniless when
he reached this country, but settled in Ohio, and
industriously following a farmer's life, accumulated
considerable property. He lived to a ripe old age,
honored and respected as a worthy citizen, and con-
sistent church member. He and his wife were
buried at Moorefield, Harrison County, Ohio.

The subject of this biographical notice, w.as born
February 24, 1826, in Harrison County, Ohio,
reared on a farm, and spent his boyhood in home
duties, and attending school. The building in which
he pursued his studies, was a rude log schoolhouse
with a large open firepl.ace, puncheon .seats, a log
out out for a window, and no desk, but a slab fast-
ened to, the wall, and extending around the room
for a writing table. Mr. Brown began life on his
own account when of age, his first emijloyment be-
ing farm work at ^4 per month. After receiving
those wages eight months, he was able to obtain -^7
per month. In IMarch, 1848, he came to this county
via the rivers, landing at Havana with but §5 in his
pocket. His capital was industry, and he soon
found use for it with Nathan Strode, for whom he
worked nine months at ^13 per month.

For three years after his arrival here 5Ir. Br<;wn
worked on farms by the day or month, saving $2.50
of his earnings, and becoming the possessor of a
good horse besides. With the money he made the
first payment on eighty acres of land on section 21 ,
Isabel Township, getting seven years' time on the
balance of the ><700, at which the place was valued.
Long before this time had expired he was able to

276

PORTRAIT AND P.IOO UAl'HICAL ALBUM.

pay off his indebtedness, and buy other property.
He has purchased land from time to time until he
now owns nearly twelve hundred acres, the greater
part of which is under a higli state of cultivation.
His first residence was an 18x20 foot, one story
frame, in which he lived until I860, when he built
his present mansion, one of the finest in the countj'.
It also is a frame, well designed and finely built,
the cost having been 64,010 in cash, besides the
owner's own labor. Mr. Brown built his main barn
In 1860, and at a later date erected two others and
two granaries. He has farmed verj- extensively,
and raised a great deal of stock, winning his great-
est success in grain, wool, and hogs.

51 r. Brown secured for his life companion. Miss
Priscilla Cornell, between whom and himself mar-
riage rites were celebrated August 23, 1853. Mrs.
Brown was born in Meigs County, Ohio, October
26, 1834, and is a daughter of William and Mary
(Westfall) Cornell. Both parents were born in
Virginia, whence the mother went to Ohio with her
parents in an early day. Mr. Cornell removed to
the Buckeye State upon attaining his majoi'ity, and
was one of the early settlers and farmers in Meigs
County. He was a member of the Methodist
Church, and a Republican in politics. Mrs. Cor-
nell was also a Methodist. She died at the early
age of twent3'-four years, leaving three children —
Priscilla, Lj'dia.T., and Richard.

Tlie family of Mr. and Mrs. Brown consists of
ten children living, and one deceased: Thomas A.
was born June 19, 1854; Marj' E., June 17, 1856;
Nancy E., March 11, 1858; George N.. December
10, 1860; William R., November 27, 1862; Robert
E., December 24. 1864; Rosetta J., April 21, 1867;
Harvey R. July 3, 1869; Calvin J., September 20,
1871; Harry M., June 7, 1874; Frederick A., April
19, 1880. Harry died May 25, 1888, in his four-
teenth year. The mother of this interesting famil}'
is a member of the Methodist Church, has manj'
friends throughout the community, and in home
and social life has been useful in her day and gen-
eration. The father, honest in his dealings, intel-
ligent, reliable and kindl}', maj- well be considered
one of the most worthy citizens of the county. He
has held various local offices in his township, is in-
terested in divers good works, and ready to bear

such a part as he can in the progress of the coun-
try. Prior to the Rebellion, he was a Democrat,
but since that time has been a Re|)ubliean.

|>;ILLIAM' ATEN was a pioneer of this
county, and is one of the most highly es-
fj teemed residents of Woodland Township,
with whose agricultural growth he has been closely
connected for more tiian forty years. In the mean-
time he has developed a choice farm, pleasantly
located on section 7, from the wilderness that he
found when he came here, and has placed it under
substantial improvement.

Our subject was born in that section of West
Virginia known as the Pan Handle, October 8,
1821. His father, William Aten, was a native of
New Jersej', while his grandfather, Aaron Aten, is
supposed to have been a native of Delaware.
Richard Aten, the great-grandfather of our sub-
ject, was probably a native of Long Island. The
first representative of the Aten family to come to
America came from Belgium, and landed on these
shores in 1741. The great-grandfather of our sub-
ject ran a ferrj' on the Delaware River, and lived
to be quite an old man. Aaron Aten served in the
Revolutionary War six months, and took part in
the battles of Braudywine and Germantown. He
was once wounded in the leg. He farmed in Dela-
ware until 1792, and then moved to Western Penn-
sylvania, and settled at the point where Beaver,
Washington and Alleghen}^ Counties come together.
He made the trip over the mountains with a team
and wagon, and was one of the very first settlers
in that part of the State. He erected a log cabin
and cleared a farm, on which he spent the remnant
of his life, d^'ing at the age of eighty-two years.
He was a very religious man, and was first a mem-
ber of the Dutch Reformed Church and later of
the Presbyterian.

The father of our subject passed his early life on
a farm in Pennsylvania, and after marriage moved
across the line into West Virginia. He bought two
hundred acres of land there, and cleared half of it.
He was a man of persevering industr3% and by thrift

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

277

and euoiiom}- became quite well-to-do. He was a
faithful raemher of the Presbyterian Church. His
death occurred on his homestead in West Virginia
at the age of eighty-four years. .Jane (Anderson)
Aten, his wife, was, so far as known, a native of
Virginia. She was a kind motherly woman, and a
member of the Seceders* Church. She died at the
age of flfly-two years. Seven of the eight children
wliom she bore grew to maturity: Aaron II., John
('.. Richard, Koliert. William, Mary (Mis. Mc-
CliHg) and Nancy. William Anderson, the maternal
grandfather of our subject, was a native of Ire-
land, and when a young man cane to this country
and settled in Pennsylvania, where he engaged in
his occupation as a farmer. He was a member of
the Seceders' Church. He died in Pennsylvania,
just as he had attained tiie meridian of life.

William Aten, of this sketch, was reared on his
father's farm in Hancock County, Ya., and at-
tended the pioneer schools of the period, taught in
log schoolhouses, with slab benches, open fire-
places and greased paper windows. When a young
man he served two years at the tailor's bench, and
so injured his health that he made atrip South to
recuperate. He spent two years in that region,
and then returned Northward. At the age of
twenty-one he began life for himself, and after that
spent one year on the old home place, and then
came Westward. He landed in this county in the
month of March. 1844, and entered three forty-
acre tracts, walking to (^uincy, 111., a distance of
ninety miles, to make the entry at the land-oflice.
Two of these forty -acre tracts were in \'ermont
Township, and one in Astoria. He erected a
hewed log house on his land in the former place,
and cleared several acres of his hoiliestead. I'our
3'ears later he sold out, and bought the one hun-
dred and sixtj' acres on section 7. in Woodland
Township on which he now resides. A log cabin,
a log barn, and a few acres cleared, constituted all
the improvements, and all else that has been done
to make it what it is to-d.ay, one of the neatest and
most attractive farms in the localit}', is the work
of his own hand. He lived in the old logcal)in four
years, and then replaced it by another more commo-
dious, in which he dwelt until 1873, when he
erected his present substantial, roomy brick resi-

dence. He has been an indefatigable worker, and
has prospered abundantly. He has always kept a
book account of his sales of produce, stock, etc.,
and in the forty years he has lived on this place
has sold over $40,000 worth of produce.

Maj' 14, 1846, was the date of the marriage of
our subject with Eli/.id)eth Pittenger, who w.as born
in \'irginia in 1824. They have had ten children,
namely: Melissa J., Sarah C, Elizabeth, Emma,
.Tohn P., William N., Frank, Henry M., Ida JI. and
Mary E. Mr. Aten and his wife have been con-
nected with the Presbyterian Church since 1841,
and he has been an Elder since 1854. The sin-
cerity of their Christian faith is exemplified in their
daily lives, which are guided by the highest princi-
ples of right. Politically, Mr. Aten was reared a
Democrat, and was a follower of that part\- imtil
18(50. He then changed to Republicanism on ac-
count of his hatied of slavery, and remained
with the Republican part}' until six years ago, when
he identified himself with the Prohibitionists. He
is a thoroughly upright, moral m;m, and is zeal-
ous in all good works to promote the religions and
social welfare of his township. Mr. Aten has a wide
acquaintance on account of his man_y years resi-
dence in this county, and occupies a warm (jl.ace in
the hearts of the entire community, by whom he is
affectionately known as "Uncle Billy."

ORSEN BEARCE, the owner and occu|)ant
of a well-improved farm in Lewistown
Township, is numbered among the intelli-
gent, industrious and prosperous .agriculturists
of this productive count}'. His home farm com-
prises one hundred and tweni}' acres upon which a
line brick house has been erected, together with a
full line of frame barns, granaries, sheds, etc. iAIr.
Bearcc owns another Irjict of improved land, con-
sisting of eighty acres on section 10, and a forty-
acre tract on section 4.

Eli A. Bearce. the father of our subject, was born
in Connecticut, his father, .losiah Bearce, being
|)resumably a native of the same State. The latter
spent his last 3'ears in New York of which his son

278

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

lia'i become a resideut. Eli Benree remained in his
native State until sixteen years ok), when heaccom-
paniel Dr. Beecher to New York, intending to
stud}' medicine with that gentleman. On the death
of the Doctor, which occurred soon after, the j'oung
uian abandoned his intention and turned his talents
to account in teaching school during the winter and
farming during the remainder of the year. He was
married in the Empire State iu 1816, and continued
to reside there until 1821. when he determined to
emigrate to the West. He built a flatboat at Olean
Point, loaded his goods, and with his wife and two
children floated down the Alleghany and Ohio
Rivers to Sliawnectown, 111.

A forty-acre tract of land in New York had been
traded by Mr. Bearce for a cjuarter section now in-
cluded in Fulton County. His means were very
limited, however, and he did not think best to un-
dertake life in tlie wilderness, therefore renting a
tract near Shan'neetown he remained there three
years. In April. 1S21, he made his way to Fulton
County with a team, but even then did not locate
on the land for which he had traded. He rented a
fariu near Lewist^wn which at that time contained
one store, a log jail, log courthouse, its few inhabi-
tants living in log houses.

At the close of the season Mr. Bearce traded a
yoke of oxen and a wagon, for one hundred acres of
land two and one-half miles north of the village
.ind in 1825 built a log house thereon to which he
removed his family. Indians were still more num-
erous than whites throughout this section, and for
a number of years deer, wild turkeys and other
game was abundant. There were no railroads for
many years, the river towns being the nearest
markets. The pioneer labors of 'Sir. Bearce were
brought to a close by his death, February 18, 1857.
He was a soldier in the \Var of 1812.

The maiden name of the mother of our subject
w.as Sarah Austin. She was a native of the Emjjire
Stateand spent her last years with her children. She
reared seven children, the second of whom is the
subject of this biographical notice. Hannah mar-
rit'd Jacob Shaw ver and now lives in Lewistown; Lu-
cinda is the wife of Jonathan Bordner,of Lewistown
township; Maria, who is now deceased, w.as the wife
of Moses Bordner, who died in Lee Township in

1889; Franklin is now living near Clarinda, Iowa;
Mary is the wife of James U'interbottom, their
home being in Kansas.

Orsen Bearce was born in Monroe County, N. Y.,
April 1, 1819, and w.is therefore two years old
when he became a resident of Illinois. He was
reared on the farm in the development of which he
early liegan to bear such a part as his strength
would permit. His studies were carried on in the
pioneer schools first taught in the log house with
its homemade furniture, the only desk being a board
around the side of the building, at which the larger
scholars did their writing. The facts noted in re-
gard to his parents' home and surroundings are
sufficient to indicate the manner of life under which
he became persevering, industrious and vigorous.
He remained with his parents until he was twenty-
three years old, although he had previously begun
the improvement of a portion of the farm which
he now occupies. His first purchase was of eighty
.icres, to which he soon added forty acres, the whole
being heavily timbered when bought by him. Its
present beautiful appearance and good value is a
standing monument to the qualities which he has
exhibited since boyhood.

March 23, 1842, Mr. Bearce was united in mar-
riage with Betsy Brown,a native of Licking County%
Ohio, who p.assed away September 9, 1852. after a
comparatively brief wedded life. She was the
mother of five children whose record is as follows:
Icy Ann married Jonas Evans and now lives in Ne-
braska; Catherine, who is now dead, was the wife of
John Hunter; Sarah L. married Aaron Orrindale,
their home being near Bradford, Stark County:
Frances married Henry Ryan and lives iu Lewis-
town Township; Leonard died in infancy. Mr.
Bearce was again married. April 3, 1853, his com-
panion on this occasion being Miss Jane Mc-
Neil, a native of Lewistown and daughter of one
of the hardy pioneers of this county. Her father
was John McNeil, a native of Hillsboro, N, H.,who
removed with his parents to Indiana, where he was
married when about twenty-one years old to .Sarah,
daughter of Jacob and Margaret (Smith) Young-
man, pioneers of the Hoosier State. Mr. McNeil
after locating in this county followed his trade of
a carpenter in Lewistown. finally opening a cabinet

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

279

shop which he operated some j'ears. but eveiilually
biiyiiiij; a farm north of town and turning: his at-
tention to agriculture, lie died on liis estate in Fel)-
ruary, l.SfJT. lie was originally a Whig and later a
Re|)ublican in politics, and he and his wife lielonged
to the Methodist Kpiscojial Church.

The parents of Jolui McNeil were Daniel aud
Martha (Parker) McNeil, the father being a farmer
in his native New England many years. After
spending some time in Indiana he finally became a
pioneer of this count}', locating near Astoria where
he continued his agricultural labors for a long
period. His death took place at the home of his
son in Lewistown. His wife was born in London-
derry, N. H., being a daughter of Alexander and
Nancy (Dickey) Parker,the latter of whom was the
daughter of William and Elizabeth Dickey, who
settled in Londonderry immediately after their
emigration in 1725. Mrs. Daniel McNeil died on the
farm near Astoria when full of years.

Our subject and his present wife have ten chil-
dren: Reuben now lives in Ltwistown Township,
established in a home of his own ; Eliza is the wife
of Frank Lee, her home being in the same town-
ship; Annie, John, Charlie, Jacob, Nellie, Frank,
and tvvo who died in infancy complete the family
circle. Mr. Bearce was formerly a Whig but has
been a Republican since the formation of the party.
He is a member of Lewistown Lodge, No. 104, F.
& A. M. lie is a believer in the doctrine of univer-
sal salvation.

^^E

^f^RANCIS M. WILLIAMS. Prominent
TsSi' among the citizens of Fulton County wiio
\ have materially contributed to its prosper-

ity, is the subject of this sketch. He is one of its
ablest and most brainy farmers and stock-raisers,
and has been a conspicuous figure in its civic life
for many years. He is the proprietor of one of
the largest and best equipped farms in Harris
Township, and here he and his family have one of
the best appointed and most attractive homes in
this part of the State.

Our subject is the representative of an old pio-

neer family of Illinois, and many incidents of Lis
early life here are of interest and are incorporated
in this biography. He was born in Adams
County, Ohio, December 1, 1833. His parents,
John and Nancy (Smullcv) Williams, were natives
of the same place. The Williams family originated
in Wales, and the Smalley family was of mingled
Irish and Dutch extraction. His mother was the
daughter of Isaac and Nancy Smalley, who came
from the East, crossing the Alleghanys with pack
horses. David Smalley, the father of Isaac, who
was the descendant of an old American family,
served in the Revolutionary War. He was a per-
sonal actpiaintance of Gen. W^asliington, and it is
said that in early life he had many a bout with him
in wrestling, but it is not stated which was the
best man. John WMUiams was the son of John and
Mary "Williams, who went from Maryland to Ohio
in a very early day. John Williams, Sr., had two
sons in the War of 1812.

In 1836 John Williams, Jr., the father of our
subject came to this State with his family, and lo-
cated in Winnebago County, near where the city
of Rockford now stands, there being then but one
house on the present site. He had come from
Ohio with three yoke of oxen and a prairie schooner,
and making good time, was but six weeks on
the road. He squatted on a piece of land, and
when he first settled there was surrounded by In-
dians who came to his house to beg. All the fam-
ily had to eat, except some wild meat, which was
very scarce, was cornuical made by pounding corn
in an old iron kettle with a wooden pestle. Mr.
Williams made a little addition to their fare by
raising some buckwheat on the sod, which was
ground in an old-fashioned coffee mill. After he
had lived there three years, a man came along with
a load of hogs which he was taking to Galena, and
l\Ir. Williams bought one. This was the first ani-
mal of the kind introduced into the county, and
our subject, then a child of five or six years, made
of it a great pet, and would stay with it for hours
at a time. His sole playmates in his early youth
were the little Indians of the Pottawattomie tribe,
and in pl.aying with them he became familiar with
their language, ami could speak it quite well. He
can remember the ccreinunics at that time of the

280

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

death of a chief of the tribe, whom his men placed on
a log, which they chipped off with their tomahawks,
with his gun, tomahawk, pipe and tobacco around
him. The3" built a fence around this novel
bier, on which the Sachem lav until his skeleton
fell to pieces. Ills last resting place was right on
the ground where the city of Bclvidere now stands.
Mr. Williams' first trip to mill was with an ox-
team and cart loaded with corn, and he journeyed
to where the city of Joliet now stands. He was
gone from home three weeks, as he iiad to go into
camp and wait his turn, so many had preceded
him. His wife was much worried about his long
absence and almost gave him up as dead, as she
heard nothing of hira from the time he started out
until his return. Their place was only about four
miles from the battle ground of Stillnian's defeat,
which occurred in the Black Hawk War. They
left there in 1844. and removed to McLean County
near where the town of Lexington now is and eigh-
teen miles from Bloomington. In the fall of 1847
the family came to the faim where our subject now
lives and here his parents passed their remaining
years, he dying in 1868 and she in 1873. They
'had six children, all of whom survive except one,
John Jefferson, who died when young. The others
are: Sarah Jane, our subject, Elizabeth, Isaac N.,
and Andrew Allen.

F. M. Williams, of this biographical review,
gained his early education as best he could. He
being the eldest child, much depended on him in
helping his father carry on his farming. But he
wiis ambitious to train his mind, he being studious
and scholarly, and he attended one term at the
Farroington Academy, then entered Hedding Col-
lege, at Abingdon, where he pursued a fine course
of studj-. He was thus well equipped for his chosen
calling, that of farming, and he returned to the
homestead and resumed the pursuit of agriculture.
In 1862 he married Miss Sarah Foster, a native of
this county, born near Fairview, and a daughter of
William and Hannah Foster. Her parents came
here from near Columbus, Ohio, and were very
early settlers of this section of the State. Of this
marriage ten children have been born to our sub-
ject and his amiable wife, of whom eight are now
living and are with their parents. They are named

as follows: Florence D., who has been well edu-
cated and carefully trained for a teacher, to which
profession she has devoted herself for three j'ears,
and is regarded as one of the best in the county;
Odus C, an enterprising young man; Harry L.,
Charles C, Idola A., Adda V., George Emerson,
and Chalmers C, the youngest member of the fam-
ily. Mary May, the third child, died at the age of
sixteen years; Luella died in infancj*.

After marriage Mr. Williams moved to Lee
Township, and bought seventj- acres of land in its
native wildness. which he brought under the plow
in the course of a few years, and he ad<led thereto
one hundred and sixty-six acres, the most of which
he developed. In 1866 he bought his father's
place, after disposing of his Lee Township prop-
ert}'. This homestead then comprised two hundred
and twenty-eight acres, and he has since added two
hundred and fort^' to it, a good share of which he
has under a fine state of cultivation, and Tie has
here one of the finest places to be found in the
township. He has greatly increased its value since
it came into his possession bj- the man3' substantial
improvements that he has made, including the
commodious residence that he erected in 1884,
which is one of the handsomest dwellings in this
locality. It is neatly and tastefuUv furnished,
marking the presence of an intelligent and cultured
household, and among its choicest adornments is
the well-selected library of the best authors of
modern times and many of the past. Mr. Williams
owes his present prosperous circumstances solely
to his own persistent labors. He began life as a
teacher after leaving college, and in that way
earned his first $400, which he judiciously invested
in land, on which he located at the time of his
marriage. He thinks that his first thousand dollars
was the hardest to acquire.

In his career our suliject has shown himself to be
possessed in a marked degree of those faculties th.at
are lequisite to success — sagacity, far-reaching
forethought and practical tenacity of purpose.
Underlying all these traits are those high principles
that have gained him the confidence of his fellow-
citizens, and have caused them to elect him to im-
portant offices of trust and responsibility. He is
Democratic in his political aflSliations, and while in

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

281

Lee Township was Collector two terms, and Supir-
visor for .1 like leiiijlli of time. Since lie has been a
resident of Harris he has represented tlie towiisliip
on the County Board of Supervisors four terms.
During his official career lie was instrumental in
making appropriations for l)uilding iron bridges
across Spoon River, Shaw's Creek and Pearsol's
Branch. He was a member of the Board at the
time of the Chicago fire, wiien the railway sinking
fund was appropriated for the use of food and
clothing for the suflerers. As there was no money
in the treasury which they could legally use to meet
the demand, our subject made a motion to restore
the -original fund to the county treasury, wliich
was done. He was one of the committee that pur-
chased a portion of the land for the County Poor
Farm. Mr. Williams has been a life-long Ciiristian,
and a consistent member of the Methodist Episco-
pal Church since he was twelve years old, and he
has taken an active part in the Sunday-school and
in all religious matters. He has been School Di-
rector, of wliich office he is still an incumbent, and
has been a School Trustee for man}' j-ears.

"itSi^ AVID B. THOMPSON. It affords us pleas-
ure to place before our readers an outline
of the iiistory of this young geiillenian
wlio is one of the enterprising dealers of
London Mills. His grandfather Thompson was
burn in P>nglaiid and emigrated to New Jersey. He
married a Scotch lady who bore a family among
whom was a son, Robert 1). The latter was bom in
Warren County. N. .1., and until thirteen years old
lived in his native State. He then went to Clermont
County, Ohio, with his parents, traveling in the
oldlirae fashion with a wagon and team. He hel|)ed
clear a farm and soon began dealing in horses.
While still but a youth he would buy horses and
drive them to New Jersey for sale. After his mar-
riage he ran an hotel at Ivlcnton some fifteen years
and also carried <jn a farm.

In December. 1855, Robert Thompson came to
Central Illinois accompanied by his wife and nine
children. The family and household goods were

brought in three wagons. Mr. 'i'hoinpson settled in
Chesiiut Townsiiip,'] Knox County, ^buying', land
wliich he improved and addetl to from time to time
until he owned five hundred and thirty-five acres in
one body. He dealt in slock, feeding and shipping
in quite large numbers. He still owns three hun-
dred and thirty-five acres of farm land which is
furnished with good buildings and other improve-
ments. In 1888 he bought a residence at Maquon
and retired to that town to spend his days in leisurely
enjoyment. He hasjUwaj-sjbecn interested in" the
educational advancement of the country and has
liberally 'supported [schools and churches. His
suffrage is given to Democratic principles and cau-
didates.

Mr. Thompson has been twice married, his first
wife having been Sarah Sloan, who was born and
died in Ohio. His second wife was Amy J. Bear-
more who was born in Warren County, N. J., and
reared and educated there. Her father was born in
England but died in New Jersey. Mrs. Am}-
Thompson died in Maquon, May 13, 1889. She was
the mother of seven children, four of whom grew to
maturity. Of these our subject is the first-born.
The others are, Charles, now a farmer in Oklahoma;
Mrs. Ella Gibson, died in Audubon Count}', Iowa,
June 29, 1890, and Lillie M., who is still with her
father. The first marriage of Mr. Thompson re-
sulted in the birth of eleven children, eight of
whom lived to mature years. The oldest, James,
lives in Butler County, Kan., is a Methodist Episco-
pal minister and a merchant; Elizabeth is now Mrs.
Applcgaie, of Johnson County, Iowa; William went
to Iowa many years ago, was a prominent stockman
there, became wealthy and in 1883 removed to
Butler City, Kan., and engaged in mercantile pur-
suits; Thomas B. is a farmer in Lucas County, Iowa;
Mrs. Alice Hogan lives in Warren County, this
State; Mrs. Melvinia Freemole lives in Butler
County, Kan.; Robert resides in Davis County,"
Iowa; Mrs. Jane Dillie lives in Brown, Dak.

The gentleman of whom we write was born Jan-
uary 14, 1855, near Edenton, Clermont County,
Ohio. The following December he came with his
parents to this State and was reared in Chestnut
Townsliii), Kno.K County. Like many farmers'
sons he was early set to work and when ten years

282

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

old began to plow corn and bei>r a pai-t in other la-
bors, being able to fill the place of a full hand in
the harvest field when fourteen ^ears old. He has
helped break ))rairie with oxen, and has a consider-
able knowledge of the labors necessary in develop-
ing a new country. His school privileges were
somewhat limited, but he has always endeavored to
keep posted regarding general topics of interest,
and fit himself for accurate calculations in business
affairs.

Young Tliompsou remained with his fatiier until
he was of age, then rented a farm belonging to his
Ijareuts for five years. At ihe expiration of that
period he made Warren Count}' his home one year,
still pursuingthe calling of a farmer. In February,
1882, he came to London Mills, bought an old
building, converted it into a store and put in a
stock of hardware. The following Ma\- he built a
frame store,the first large one in the town, which was
20x40 feet. Into this he put his goods but in Jul}'
sold out and rented the store. He then engaged in
the sale of agricultural implements and finding
his new enterprise a success, put his goods into his
own building in 1884. There he carried on his busi-
ness until 1 886, when he sold the building and opened
an establishment on his present site. He bought an
eighth of a block, put up a building with sheds for
machinery, and now sells all kinds of agricultural
implements, including windmills and pumps, has a
good trade in buggies, and also carries harness.
Having begun at the bottom of the ladder, he has
worked his waj' upward step b}' step until he has
reached a position of prominence among business
men. He owns several town lots upon which he
has built residences, one being occupied by himself.

Mr. Tliompson was united in marriage with Miss
Clara A. Nichols, in Knoxville, March 26, 1879.
His wife was born in Galesburg, received an ex-
cellent education there and was engaged in teach-
ing for eight years. She is the daughter of John
and Mary Nichols, formerly of Sweden. She is not
only well educated, but possesses a noble Christian
character and bears a prominent part in the various
progressive and elevating movements of society.
Mr. and Mrs. Thompson have one child, a bright
boj' named Robert D.

Mr. Thompson is now Justice of the Peace and

serving his second term as Commissioner of High-
ways. He was a member of the fii'st Village Board
of Trustees, of which he was President one year,
and has been Treasurer of the village. He belongs
to London Lodge, No. 734. I. O. O. F., is Past
Grand and has twice been a deleg.ate to the Grand
Lodge. He firmly believes that the principles of
Demo(;racy are best adapted to the welfare of the
Nation and therefore supports them with his vote
and personal influence. He has won a prominent
position in social circles, as well as in municip.al and
business affairs. Mrs. Thompson is Secretary of the
Women's Christian Temperance Union, of London
Mills and belongs to the Methodist Episcopal
Church.

\|]OHN C. MOORE came to Fulton County as
early as 1843, and as one of its pioneers has
' done his share of the hard labor necessary
to develoj) its agricultural resources. His
work has been blessed to him. and he is now passing
his declining years in honorable retirement, enjoy-
ing the competence tjat he has gathered together.
Mr. Moore was born in Washington County, Pa.,
December 17, 1817. He was reared and received
his schooling in his native place, and in the early
years of a stalwart manhood made his way to Ful-
ton County, and cast in his lot with its early settlers.
He first located on section 27, Bernadotte Town-
ship, where he bought ninety acres of land which
he improved into a good farm and there reared his
children. After his last wife died he took up his
residence with his j'oungest son and is still a wel-
come inmate of his home. He still owns the old
homestead, his son-in-law, Anthony C. Ernst, rent-
ing the place. It is provided with the necessarj'
buildings and the soil is admirably tilled, making
it a verj' productive and valuable piece of propertj'.
AVhen he first came here he was extensively engaged
in raising sheep and in 1843-44 herded eleven hun-
dred on the branch of the Spoon River.

Mr. Moore was not married until after he came
to this county. In 1845, he married Elizabeth J.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALRUM.

285

Walters, ami their iiiiinn brought to them four
children, two sons ami two daughters, of whom the
following is recorded: Mary Ann, tlie oldest, born
November 16, 1845, died and was buried in the
Walters Cemetery, in Hernadotte Township; Walter
T., tlie next in order of birth, was born April C,

1847, married Mary L. St. Clair, and tiiey live in
McDonongh County, 11!.; Martlia L., born in March,

1848, married Anderson Clark, and they lire on a
farm of one hundred and sixty acres belonging to
them in McDonougli County; William II., born
October 6, 1851, married ^larllia, daughter of
Joseph and Lucy J. McMillan, and they reside on
their own farm of one liundred and sixty acres in
Bernadotte Township. Mrs. Moore, tlie motiier of
tliese children, departed this life June 28. 1852, and
was buried in the Walters Cemetery.

Our subject married for his second wife Miss
Mary Jane Scott. They had four children born
to them, two sons and two daughters, as follows:
John I., born August 5, 1853, deceased ; Nancy A.,
born November 10, 1855, married Anthony C.
Ernst, and they live on the old homestead on section
27; .Samuel R., born June 2, 1858, married Lucinda,
daughter of Dr. J. M. and Mary E. Steel, and they
reside on their own farm of ninety-six acres on
section 27, of Bernadotte Township; Alice, born in
January, 1862, died in the month of Jiilj-, the same
year. Mrs. Moore's death occurred in August,
1862, and her mortal remains were placed in Wal-
ters Cemetery. Tlie maiden name of Mr. Moore's
third wife was Ellen C. McCullough. She lived
until March 2, 1880, and then passed away, and is
now sleeping her last sleep in Walters Cemetery.

Our subject has led a peaceful, quiet life. He
has never been on but one jury and that was Itefore
a justice of the peace, and he never had a lawsuit in
this country and has never testified as a witness.
He has aimed to deal justly by his fellow-men and
has been honorable in his dealings. He was for
several years a School Director and Road master.
The first vote he ever cast was for Gen. Harrison
in 1840. He now gives his support to the man and
not to the pai ty, and has not taken a very active
part in ])olitics of late years. He is a worthy
member of the Presbyterian Church and contributes
liberally to thesu[)porl of the (iospel. Our subject

comes of a long-lived and hardy race and has a
I sister living at an advanced age. He has eighteen
I grandchildren and one great-grandchild to perpetu-
ate his name.

)HOMAS BERRY. Among the residents of
Fulton Cotmty who have prosecuted their
life work successfully and are now enjoying
the/ruits of their prudence and encrg3-,surrouiided
with comforts, able to journey through scenes of
beauty and grandeur and indulge in other recrea-
tions suited to their years an<l according with their
tastes, is tlie gentleman above named, whose por-
trait a|)pears on the opposite page and who is
well and favorabl}- known to many of our read-
ers. He is now occupying a pleasant home in
Table Grove, having disposed (_)f his large estate to
his children for a sullicient consideration to affoi'd
himself and familj' a maintainancc during the re-
mainder of their lives. The residence which he
built in 1882 is an ornament to the village, and is
the center of social and domestic joys, being pre-
sided over by an estimable woman and brigliteiicd
b^- the presence of two daughters.

Mr. Berry is a native of England, Ijorn at Stan-
ford, Berkshire, July 12, 182G. He was seven
years of age when iiis parents, Joseph and Elizabeth
Berr}', emigrated to Canada, where they made their
home seven 3'ears, thence removing to McDonough
County, III. After a short time they bought a farm
five mdes north of Table Grove and while they
were living upon it our subject received six months'
schooling. Being the youngest of tlie family, he
was indulged when he desired to remain away from
school and so received but a meagiv education. At
the age of twenty years he began working at Ver-
mont, in a mill which his brother and himself had
bought and repaired so that they were able to
grind wheat and corn, and saw lumber. This es-
tablishment was operated by our subject some four
years.

During this time .Mr. lierr^' led to the Inmeneal
Miss Nellora II. Harris, their marriage rites being
celebrated in the spring of 1851. The cajjable and

286

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

affectionate wife survived until January 20, 1879,
six chiklreii being born to lier, four of wlioin now
survive. Tliese are: Prudence E., who still re-
sides with lier father; James J., who with liis wife
and two children — Archie and Alice— occupies the
old liomestead; Clara C, wife of Jolin L. Powell,
Assistant Cashier in the State National Bank, of
Wichita, Kan., and the mother of two children —
Clarence B. and Herbert L.; Nellora A., who oc-
cupies lier wonted place at the home fireside.

When Mr. Berry disposed of his interest in the
mill he purchased a farm in McDonough Count}',
within a half mile of the Fulton County line and
three miles from his present residence. Tliere was
a log house on the place, about forty acres of which
were surrounded by a very poor fence, but ere
longtiie entire quarter section was in a fine state of
cultivation, and improved with tlie buildings,
fences, etc., which an energetic man always ))laces
about liim. The estate was added to until, when
he retired to town life, Mr. .Berry owned five luin-
dred acres of most excellent land.

A second matrimonial alliance was contracted by
Mr. Berry. November 6, 1870, his bride being Miss
Hannah C, daughter of Samuel and Phebe A.
(Allen) Beers. Mr. Beers was a native of Oliio in
which State he also breathed his last. Jlrs. Berrj-
was born in Knox Count}-, that State, and grew to
womanhood in possession of much useful knowl-
edge, excellent principles, and great kindliness of
heart. She is a graud-daugliter of John and Cliar-
ity Allen, of New Jersey, her grandfather having
been a Revolutioiiarj- soldier.

In 1885 i\Ir. Berry with liis entire family, inckid-
ing a son-in-law, a daughter-inlaw and two grand-
cliildren, visited the exposition at New Orleans and
tlien journeyed by the Southern Pacific Railroad to
California,passing afongthe Rio Grande River and
slopping at various places of interest, among which
were the city ofMonlerey, the Yosemite ^'alley,and
the Big Tree groves .at Mariposa County, Cal.
They camped three weeks at the hot spring at San
Juan, and continued to Oregon overland, staging it
one hundred and twenty miles over the roughest
road in America, and returning to their honie over
the Northern Pacific Railroad. The stage in wliich
they journeyed w.as drawn by six horses, but in

going up hill could not make as good time as a man
could In' walking. This slowness was more than
com|)cnsated for.however, by the rush with which
they came down the slopes, the speed and danger-
ous surroundings of rocks and precipices being suf-
ficient to make the hair of the passengers rise. The
six months and ten ilays spent in travel and recre-
ation is a period upon which the family can look
back with unmixed delight, as no accidents marred
their pleasure.

During the days of slaverj- as an American in-
stitution, our subject and his brother Henrj- were
ardent abolitionists and many a poor refugee did
they assist over the Quiney route of the under-
ground railroad. The general plan was to take
the refugees from Quincy in the daj'-time in a close
covered carriage, stopping the first night be^youd
Ellison's .Station. Thence they would journey on
horseback by night, halts being made at Henrj'
Berry "s, Lavinus Sperry's and Bernadotte. They
would cross the river by fording, continuing their
journey on foot by easy stages, whence tliey would
be shipped to Canada on board any lake craft which
could be secured.

On one occasion our subject had piloted two
fine looking mulattocs who told him their master
had failed and that they were mortgaged to St.
Louis firms. The da>- after they had passed Henry
Berry's, two sheriffs from St. Louis came thither
looking for such "property." The motlier of our
subject was blind and the sheriffs pretended to her
that tliey were abolitionists desirous of buying
land near the Berrys, whom they knew to be of
that stripe. They questioned her regarding runa-
ways but having been satisfied from whisperings
that she liad heard that all was not right, she gave
them no satisfactory answers. They finally asked
if any consideration would induce hir to tell tliem
where the fugitives were. She replied that if she
had the whole world she would give it for her eye-
sight, but slic would not betray a slave or assist in
restoring him to bondage. After watching the
bridge over Sjjoon River two days and nights the
sheriffs departed, their expected prey being by this
time many miles away on their ro.ad to freedom.

A somewhat amusing incident connected with
the underground railroad was the remark of a very

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALHUM.

287

black but intelligent man who was brought to Mr.
Horry's very late one ni!;lit. Wliilo the horses
were being pri'ii.ired mother Rerry gave him food,
and when doing so remarked thai it was raliier
late at night to be traveling. The fugitive quietly
responded "it suits my complexion better." Henry
Berry was once arrested for helping fugitive slaves,
the laws being very stringent, but the only thing
that could be proven against liim was that he
had said he saw the "nigger" kick a dog. As at
the time he was lieli)iug a negro to Missouri in or-
der tliat he might rescue his wife, it was thought a
queer w.iy in helping to rescue a man to take him
directly toward bondage. This man mack' three
different trips before he managed to get liis wife
away from slaver^-, coming on foot from Canada
and undergoing man}' perils. Hewas very light and
could easily pass for a white man under ordinary
circumstances.

For years Mr. Berry worked for tiie good of tlie
Uepul)lican party, but lie is now laboring ar-
dently for prohibition, standing high in the coun-
cils of that political party and being a member of
tlie rroliibition Club.

SAAC B. WITCHELL, Postmaster of Vermont,
is well known as an old settler of this place
ili and is greatly respected for those qualities of
head and heart that have won hiiu the esteem and
confidence of all with whom he associates. He is
popular in his otiicial capacity and is discharging
the duties of his position witli eharacleristic (idelity
and greatly to the satisfaction of all concerned.

A native of Ohio. .Mr. Witchell was born in Bel-
luont'County, June 12, 1818. He is a son of .lolin
Witchell, who wr.s a native of Scotland. The fatlier
of the latter, bearing the same name .as himself, was
likewise of Scottish birth. He was reared and mar-
ried in the land of the heather and removed from
there to England. He established himself in the
banking business in Leeds, ami in 1 806, emigrated
to America and was an earlj' settler of Belmont
County, Ohio. He bought an improved farm and
resided there some years. He then sold his place

and invested his money in a stock companj' and

so lost all he li.ad. He returned to England and
died in liecds. His wife, whose maiden name was
Mary Tatehau, was also a native of Scotland, and
she too died in Leeds. Thev reared three children
— Mary, Ann and John.

The latter was eleven ^ears old when he accom-
panied his parents to America. He was bred on a
farm, and lived with his parents until fifteen years
old. He was then sent to the Weston school, a t^»ua-
ker educational institution, and when not devoting
his time to his books was engaged in working on
a farm. He lived there three or four years, ac-
quiring a substantial education, and then re-
turned home. He engaged in farming in Belmont
Count3\ and resided there with the exception of
three jears spent in Guernsey County, until 1836.
In that year he started with a three horse team for
Indiana, taking his wife and children with him,and
after his arrival located at Richmond. Two 3'ears
were spent there, and then he removed to Henry
County, where he bought an improved farm on
which lie made his home until 181.'3. when he sold
out and went to Jay Count}-. Three years later
he came to ^'ermont, settled in the village and re-
sided there some years. Kansas was his next des-
tination and going there in 1859, he passed nearly
four years in that State. Returning to this place,
he died here about 1870. Prior tonu)ving to Kan-
sas he and his wife went to England where they
spent one year.

The maiden name of the mother of our subject
was Bathsheba Foulk. Her native place was in
Bucks County. Pa. Her father, Iska Foulk, is
thought to have been born in Scotland. He was
marrieil in Pennsylvania, to .lane Barton, a native
of that State. He was a farmer and weaver, de-
voting a part of his time to each em|)loyuient. He
died in Belmont County, Ohio. The mother of our
subject departed this life in ^■ernlont in 1880. She
reared three children, Jane, Mary and Isaac.

Isaac M'itchell was about seventeen years old
when he went to Indiana with his jiarents. and he
continued to live with them until 18)0. In that
year he came to ^'ermont and found here a small
hamlet, and the surrcuiuding country sparsely set-
tled and covered with liml)ei in wlilcli deer, wild

288

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

turkeys and other game roamed at will. Mr.
Witc'liell began life here as an engineer in a steam
gristmill, which position he held, four j'ears. After
that he operated an engine at his father-in-law's
mill three years. He then built a sawmill in con-
nection with his fatherin-law and managed it suc-
cessfully some years. He subsequently gave his
attention to selling and repairing boilers through-
out the country. He was thus profitably engaged
ten years, and since then has carried on various
kinds of business.

In the year 1843, our subject secured a good and
faithful wife in the person of Sarah A. Burr. She
was a native of Harrison County, Ohio, and :i
daughter of Jesse and Martha Burr. Her death
July 11, 1865, was a severe blow to her family,
for she was a true, womanly woman, possessing
many excellent traits of character, that gained her
the respect and consideration of all with whom she
came in contact. The following six of the nine
children born of her marriage with our subject were
reared to maturity: Adeline, Burr, Eva, John,
Martha and Walter.

Mr. Witchell was in early life a Whig, and in
in 1840, cast his vote for Gen. Harrison. He was
in full sympathy with the organizers of the Repub-
lican party, and as soon as it was formed fell into
the ranks and has remained true to it ever since
He was appointed Postmaster in March, 1889. His
selection for the imp(jrtant office was a wise one
and received the hearty api)roval of all his fellow-
citizens. For fifty years he has been a strong
Temperance man and has used his influence in
forwarding the cause. He has taken an important
part in the government of the village, and for
three years was President of the Village Board. He
is prominent in local politics and was Chairman of
the township Republican Committee thirty years.

In an account of the Asiatic cholera epidemic
that raged in Fulton County in 1851, the unremit-
ting and arduous services of our subject in caring
for the sick and dying received honorable mention.
While many fled from the scene of affliction, lie was
one of the faithful few, who heroically stood at
the post of duty to the bitter end. Night and
d.ay from June until September, with character-
istic self-sacrilicc, and pitying kindness, he admin-

istered to the afflicted, doing all that he could to
allay their distress, and he tenderly assisted in the
burial of the dead. He witnessed many sad scenes
with an aching heart. Men who assisted in bury-
ing a victim of the dread disease in the morning,
were often stricken with the cholera and would he
dead before night. About seventy died in this
neighborhood in a few weeks time, our subject be-
ing one of the small number who escaped.

EWIS LLOYD JONES, a prosperous far-
)) mer and mine owner of Orion Township,
having a fine farm, underlying which is a
valuable strata of coal, is one of the prominent citi-
zens of Fulton County and is active in its public
life. He is of Welsh origin and antecedents, born
in Mertli3r-T3'dfil, Glamorganshire, Wales, March
16, 1827. His parents, Thomas and Hannah (Lloyd)
Jones, were natives of the same town, and there
they spent their entire life, dying at an advanced
age. The father was a miner by occupation. They
had a family of twelve children, of whom the fol-
lowing is the record: Thomas, born October 31,
1820, now lives at Dutch Gap, Luzerne County,
Pa.; Benjamin, born September 11, 1822, is now a
resident of Australia; William, born January 16,
1825, was killed by one of his subordinates while
in English Government employ; Lewis L., our
subject; Catherine, born January 31, 1829, died at
home unmarried; Noah, born Februaiy 1, 1830,
went to California and engaged in gold mining,
and was there murdered in 1853 or 1854; Ruth,
born January 1, 1833, married Thomas Jenkins, and
died near Scranton, Pa.; Ebenezer, born December
10, 1834, now resides in Mason County, Mo.; Na-
honii, born November 30, 1836, married John
Blamey, and lives in Scranton, Pa.; Myriam, born
September 1, 1838, is married and lives in Scran-
ton, Ps.; Joseph, born March 20, 1841, now lives
in Canton; Hannah, born September 26, 1843, mar-
ried William Jones, and lives in Russia.

The subject of this biography received a limited
education in his native town, where he subsequently
followed the occupation of a miner until 1849.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALIUM.

28 'J

Ambitious to see more of life and to better his
tinaiicial cMUnlition. in the opening years of a vigor-
ous manlioud, he left liis old home on the ifith of
February, in the year just mentioned, and em-
barking on a sailinji-vessel at Liver|iool, Kngland,
crossed the Atlantic to this country, landing at
New Orleans about the ICtli of the following
Ai)ril. From there he proceeded up the Mississip])!
and JMissouri Rivers to Council liluffs, and thence
went by ox-team to I'tah, where he engaged in
farming the succeeding eight years. He was, how-
ever, not satisfied with the country and his pros-
pects there, and he then came eastward as far as
St. Louis, Mo., and for five or six years was en-
gaged in mining in that vicinity. He next came
to Canton, in this State, and followed the same call-
ing there until 1870. In that j^ear he bought the
place where he now resides on section .SO, Orion
Township. It comprises one hundred and sixty
.acres of excellent farming land, whicli is well
cultivated and is amply supplied with neatand sub-
stantial buildings, and is in all respects a well-
ordered farm. After locating on this place Mr.
Jones soon began to prospect for coal, and finallj'
developed a five foot vein of excellent quality,
which he has continued to work up to the present
time, and derives from that source a good income.
Some years he has employed as many as thirty
miners, but at present is working only five or six
men in the winter season.

While in Utah Mr. Jones was married, in No-
vember, 1849, to Elizabeth (Morgan) Davis, widow
of .lames Davis, who is a native of the same town
as himself, and came to America in the same ves-
sel on which he crossed the Atlantic. She has
been to him a true wife, and is thoroughly devoted
to his interests. Of their family the following is
noted: Lewis M., now a farmer in Sheridan
Count}', Neb.; Elizabeth, wife of Ephraim Grim,
of Canton; Catherine, deceased; Thom.is, of Can-
ton ; Margaret, wife of George Gilmore, of Canton;
David, who died in infancy; and Hannah, who
married Albert Kiser, and lives near the homestead.
Hannah was adopted when a babe of a year old.
William Davis Jones, a son of Mrs. Jones by her
first marriage, lives at home and assists our sub-
ject in the management of the farm.

Since Mr. Jones has resided here he has been

prominently identified with its public and political
lite, and is a sound and consistent Democrat. He
is a man of much energy, tact and businesis capac-
ity, and his fellow-townsincn have not failed to
recognize his superior merits and (pialitications. and
have caHed him to responsible oltices. He has
lilk'd the i)Osition of .Supervisor for four years, and
is now prominently mentioned b}' his party for
County Treasurer. Mr. .lones is a member of the
Josephite, or anti-))olygamist branch of the Mormon
Church, and is consideri^d one of the most substan-
stantial as well as one of the best-respected citi-
zens.

— im^ —

EMERSON CLARK, senior jmrtner in the
firm of E. Clark cfe Hro., proprietors of Clark
-J) Bros. Meat Market, Farmington. is undoubt-
edly the most successful nnin in his lino in this town
if not in the county, and he is tlic oldest butcher
here. He is regarded as a man of exceptional in-
tegrity and standing in the financi.al world, and he
is [trominent in Masonic circles and in the public
life of his community.

Mr. Clark was born in Randolph, Mass., June 8,
1817. He is the son of Elislia V. Clark, a native
of the same town as himself. His mother, Mehita-
ble N. Thayer, was born in CJuincy, Mass. When
he was a young man the father was a shoemaker for
some years, and then went to (Juincy, where he was
engaged .as a butcher from 1S14 to 1846. In the
latter year he returned to Randolph, and was em-
ployed in the same tr.ade there. In 1866 he de-
cided to act on the suggestions and solicitations of
his old-time friend, Alvin Kidder, (of whom see
sketch on another page of this work) to come to
Farmington and embark in the meat business here.
Accordingly he removed with his entire family
from bis Eastern home to this State. He was then
in very ordinary' circumstances, but he acquired a
competence from his business as proprietor of a
meat market, and in 1877 sold out to his son of
whom we write.

The earl}' boyhootl and manhood of our subject
were passed in his natire Massachusetts town, and

290

PORTRAIT a:SD BIOGRAPHICAL ALliUM.

lie icceived his educalion in its public schools. He
began to work at llie butcher business while 3-et a
young man. and accumulated sufficient capital to
buy his father out, as before mentioned. The first
three years after he purchased the business he
operated it alone, but in 1880 he formed a partner-
sliip with his brother, and since that time it has
been carried on under the firm name of E. Clark &
Bro. In 1887 the brothers built their present tine
brick store, which is 20x60 feet in dimensions, is
fitted with all modern improvements, having ample
conveniences for the preservation of fresh meats,
etc. In no business does Farniington assume such
a metropolitan air as in the meat market line, and
certainly the establishment of E. Clark tt Bro., with
its neat fixtures, would do justice to cities of far
greater pretensions.

The firm entered into the poultry and egg
business in 1880 in connection with their meat
trade, and they operate in Chicago and various
other points in this State and in Iowa, buying and
dressing poultry at four different places. Mr. Clark
is rapidl}" becoming a wealth}' man. for besides his
meat business, he has mone}' invested in real estate
at Sioux Citj", Iowa, and at various other places in
the AVest.

Our subject is very liappy in his domestic rela-
tions, having married in 1872. Sliss Emma Waite,
who is to him all that a loving and devoted wife
can be, and to their two children, Bessie W. and
Eugene A'., is a tender and wise mother. Their
pleasant residence is a commodious, two-story frame
dwelling, finely located on the south side of Xer-
non Street. Farmington.

Mr. Clark is one of the most important factors
in promoting the growth and prosperity of the
village of Farmington. he being a progressive, lib-
eral, public-spirited man, and in social and educa-
tional matters he is pre-eminent. He joined the
Masonic fraternitj' in the winter of 1868-69. He
took the chapter degree at Yates Cit}- in 1870-
71. He took the order of Knighthood at Gales-
burg in 1880 and has taken nine degrees in all and
is one of the State lecturers of the order. In poli-
tics he gives his allegiance to the Democratic party.
He has never sought office but at the solicitation of
his fellow-citizens he has at three or four different

times within the past twelve years taken the posi-
tion of Township Clerk, of which office lie is at
present an incumbent; and he is also serving as
City Clerk of Farmington, whicli position he has
held six 3ears. from 187.j to 1880, and was chosen
a second time in 1889.

e)^»"

lELT. GEORGE WASHINGTON CONE.

It is a well-known fact that circumstances in
may make or m.ir the prospects of a
man to a certain extent, but a determined spirit
will bend even the force of circumstances to its
will. The career of Lieut. Cone since his arrival
upon the stage of human action is abundant [iroof
of this trite saying.

The subject of our sketch is the fifth son of Jo-
seph Cone, founder of Farmington, and a man of
extensive fame. He was born in Harrington,
Conn., July 10. 1821. and received an excellent
education, attending the common sciiools, and
afterward the academj- of his native place. He
was onl\' a bo}' of tliirtcen summers when he came
with his father to Illinois, and continued to live at
home up to the time of his marriage. After his
arrival in tliis State lie attended school at the Peo-
ria Academy, which was at that time under the
charge of the Rev. David Page. Possessing great
natural ability and a fondness for study, our sub-
ject found no difliculty in mastering the depths of
•■hidden lore."

Lieut. Cone w.as twice married. In 1850 he was
united in hymeneal bonds with Miss Harriet Berge.
daughter of Deacon Luther Berge. a famous Abol-
itionist and temperance man. and well known to
the pioneers of Illinois. To our subject and wife
have been born four children, viz.: Cordelia, who
died while in infancy; Frank, who died when six
j'ears old; Everett Luther, who resides at home;
and George C, who is a student at the I'niversity
of Illinois, at Champaign.

Our subject owns much real estate, and has lived
in several different places, and carried on a [iros-
perous dry-goods business at Elmwood for about
seven years. But while he was enjoying life at

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUISI.

291

timt lime the war lnoke mil. and he eiilisteil in Com ■
panj' I, of tiie Scvent\-seveiilh Illinois Infantry, in
tlie fall of 1862. Fie was under command of Col.
Grier, who afterward became a (Jener.-il. The
coinpany was mustered in at Peoria, and after a
brief time spent there in drilling they left for the
frontier, and our subj"et was elected Sergeant by
the company. Their |)rospcctive point was Lex-
ington, K}-.. and th"\- marched from Covington to
Lexington, from there to Louisville, and from tliat
citj- took a boat for Jlemphis and ^'ieks")urg■. and
were present at the battle of \ieksburg. Thej-
were eng.aged at Port Gibson, Haines Bluff, Arkan-
sas Post, where they took six thousand prisoners.
Champion Hill and Black Kiver Bridge. For val-
iant service ou'- subject was promoted to be Lieuten-
ant. In the battle of Vickshurg he was shot
tbrought his left ankle, and was on crutches for
eight months, and was honorably discharged on
account of physical disal)ility at New Orleans in
November, 1863. He returned home scarcely more
than ,1 physical wreck, but with a war record of
which an\' man may be justl\' proud. In politics
he is in sympathy with the Republican part}-, but
is no office-seeker. In 1863 he went to Memphis
and bought mill property there, but sold same and
never received pay for it, and this transaction
pract'cally ruine<l him financially. He is noted
for integrity, and is a man of great moral force,
and is slightly inclined towards the Swcdenborgian
religion.

- oo? -

^|7 EWIS SCHAFER. This gentleman may
I (@ truly be called a self-made man, as will be
/1L^^ seen by the perusal of his history. He oc-
cupies a finelj'-improved farm in Young Hickory
Township and ranks among the highly-respected
citizens of the county by reason of his intelli-
gence, his sterling character and reliable citizen-
ship. He is an enterprising farmer, prudently
changing his crops in order to keep up the fertility
of the soil, and devoting the greater amount of his
land to grain without neglecting other articles of
produce. He raises graded hogs, cattle and Nor-
man horses, and has his estate well supplied with

orchards and groves. Neat fences enclose and sub-
divide tiie one hundred and thirty acres which he
owns, and good buildings are f.avorably located
upon it. The land is well supplied with springs,
has been tiled wherever necessary and improveil in
cvevy \mvt.

Jacob Schafer, the father of our sulijcct. was
born in Ilesse-Darmstadt, (lermany, and reared on
a farm. When seventeen 3 ears old he was drafted
into the army of Napoleon Bonaparte, who at that
time invaded Hesse Darmstadt. He marched to
JNloscow. Russia, suffering much en route, as he be-
came footsore and otherwise practically unfit for
the journey. After three 3-ears of army life he
became one of Napoleon's bod^'-guard. In the
fifth year he was wounded in the heel and his horse
killed. He Lay b}' the side of the dead animal
twelve hours, when a loose horse passed and he
m.inaged to secure the animal. He had his foot in
the stirrup ready to mount when a shell took off
the horse's head. Mr. Schafer thought it wise to
'•l.ay low" until assistance arrived, when he was
taken to the hospital. He partially recovered from
his wound, and was then honorably discharged,
lie drew a pension of §78 a year. He was a per-
sonal friend of Louis Napoleon, and never could
bear to hear an^' one speak ill of him.

In the town of Naunheim, where he made his
home, Mr. Schafer held oflice and was in prosper-
ous circumstances. As the time approached when
his oldest son would be obliged to enter the army
according to the German laws, he sold his property
and in 1832 bade adieu to his native land. He left
Bremen on an English sailing-vessel, and thirty-
six days later landed in Baltimore with his wife
and four children. He went to Bedford County,
Pa., bought an unbroken tract of land and settled
down in the woods. He built a log house, cleared
his farm, .and had it nicely- improved when stricken
with paralj'sis. He breathed his last in 1834, at
the age of forty-four years. He was a member of
the Lutheran Church. His wife, formerly Eliza-
beth Conrad, was the (hiughter of a farmer in
Hesse Darmstadt. .She remained with her older
daughter until 1849, then came to this State and
died in Fairview Township in the fall of 1851.
She w.as then sixt3--six j-ears old. The parental

292

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

family consisted of Mrs. Margeret Schaff, who
died in Cooper Countj\ Mo., in 1872; Jacob, who
died in Fair view Township, this county, in 1852;
Elizabetii, wife of Dr. Smith, of Medway: and our
subject.

In Naunheim, Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, the
eyes of our subject opened to the light July 18,
1825. At the usual age he began attending school,
continuing his studies until the family emigrated.
While on the way to America he narrowly es-
caped drowning, being on deck when a huge wave
liroke over the vessel, sweeping him away from
his mother. lie clutched at the ropes and so es-
caped a waterjf grave. He saw icebergs and whales
and experienced an ocean storm of three daj-s
duration. After three n-eeks spent in Baltimore
he became an inmate of the log house in the
forests of Bedford County, Pa., where he remained
until the death of the father broke up the family.
When he was ten years old he went to live with a
Lutheran preacher, the Rev. Mr. Yeager, with
whom he made his home for some years. He
worked hard on the farm and in the winter would
spend a day in school and then remain out two
days ti) tramp out grain with a iiorse, or do other
work. When fourteen years old he was apprenticed
to his brother to learn the trade of a tailor, and at
tlie age of twenty was set free.

Prior to tliis lime young Schafer had but a few
months' schooling, and he at once entered school.

After close application for two mouths his health
compelled him to leave school, and he secured a
clerkship in Jlartinsburg, remaining there until
1848. He then started West with his brother,
intending to go to Booneville, Mo. They came
down the Ohio River to St. Louis, when the Mis-
souri was found to be very low, and they came
n|i to Copi)eras Creek Landing, 111. Our subject
liked the appearance of the countrj", determined
to remain, and the da}' after his landing hired out
to John W. Sliinn, merchant and druggist in
Canton. He remained in the employ of that gen-
tleman a year, and then, in partnership with his
brother, began farming in Fairview Township.
The connection continued until the brother's death.

For some time our subject continued to clerk,
being employed by Majile <V Piper, but the illness

of his brother took him to the farm, where he
afterward remained. Wild game was then plenti-
ful, deer abounding in great numbers. In 1854
he rented a farm in Young Hickory Township, but
two j'ears later removed to McDonough Count}',
buying eighty acres of raw land not far from (Jood
Hope. His nearest neighbor on the west was five
five miles awa}'. He improved the land with
good buildings, making it his home until 1863,
when he sold out and returned to this county.
He then bought sixty acres of his present estate,
which was partly improved, and upon which he
continued the work which had [^been begun. His
labors included grubbing from the timber and
the breaking of uncultivated portions. In 1878
he bought seventy acres, also parti}' improved,
and now has both tracts in excellent condition.
The estate is four miles from London Mills, ly-
ing partly on section 23, and partly on section 22.

In Young Hickory jTownship, September 1. 1853:
marriage rites were solemnized between 31. Schafer
and Jliss Susan Rest. This estimable lady was
born near Connellsville, Pa., July 5, 1832, and in
1838 accompanied her parents to this county.
The removal was made with two wagons drawn
by horses, and consumed a considerable period of
time. INIrs. Schafer was reared and educated
here, attending the common schools, where her
writing exercises were done with a quill pen and
her text books were by authors now unknown
to pupils. She learned to hackle flax, si)in, weave
and perform other household duties, which were
then considered necessary parts of a girl's educa-
tion.

Mrs. Schafer is a lineal descendant of John and
Barbara (Striker) Rest, natives of Germany, who,
after coming to America, located in Fayette County,
Pa. There their son Jacob was born February 15.
1795. AVhen of a suitable age he learned the
trade of a clock-maker, but later engaged in mill-
ing. He remained in his native State until Octo-
ber, 1838, when he came West with his family,
settling in Fairview Township, this county. He
remained in his native State until October, 1838,
when he came West with his family, settling in
Fairview Township, this county. After a few
years he bought one hundred and sixty acres on

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

293

section 23, Young Hickory Townsliip, lechiimed
the land from its raw condition and placed it
under good improvements. He prospered finan-
ciall}-, becoming quite well-to-do. He was quite a
famous hunter and fisherman. He killed many
deer, frequently bringing down two in a day.
lie was originally a member of the Whig party,
but in later years was a Democrat. He was act-
ive in religious work, being a Class-Leader and
chorister in the New Light Christian Chnvch. He
helped to build the first sclioolhouse in the neigh-
borhood and a house of worship. He died in
1872, at the age of seventy-seven years.

'rhf> wife of Jacob Rest and mother of Mrs.
^Schafer was Mary Orban, who was born in Vny-
elte County, Pa., and died in Kllisville in 1874,
when nearlj' four-score years old. She had twelve
children, of whom we note the following: John is
now living in Fairview Township; Mrs. Barbara
Hamilton died in Liveriiool Township; IMrs. Jane
Dorland lives in Young Hickory Township; Henry
makes his home in Iowa; Mrs. Elizabeth White
died in Y'oung Hickory Township; Mrs. Nancy
Hendricks lives in Texas; Mrs. ^lary Hendricks
lives in the same State; Mrs. Caroline Irons lives
in Young Ilickor}' Township; the next on the
family roll is the wife of our subject; Mrs. Julia
A. Beer died in Deerfield Township; Jacob died
in Young Hickory Township; Mrs. Rowena Palmer
died in Iowa. Jacob served his country during the
Civil War in the One Hundred and Third Illinois
Infantry-.

The family of our subject and his good wife
consists of three children — Mary E., Frank P. and
Webster L.; Jacob B. died January 26, 1860. They
also have as inmates of their household two
orphan children of a sister of i\lr. Schafcr, the
younger of whom was three years old when
their father dietl. Other members of the family did
not seem to concern themselves about the chil-
dren, and our subject, who had known what it
was to be left fatherless, sent his younger son for
them. They now have a good home and are as
lovingly cared for as were the children who are
Mr. and Mrs. Schafer's by ties of blood. Their
daughter was married to Anderson Matler, who died
in the year 1889. and has one daughter — Phebe

B. ; she follows the profession of school-teaching
and is self-su|iporting. Frank Shafer married Lib
Shoemaker and lives on a part of his father's
farm; Webster, who has attended the college at
Bushnell, is still a member of the home circle.

In 1849 Mr. Schafer taught a rate bill school
in Young Hickory Township, in 1853 taught again,
and in 1864 held his third and last school. He has
been School Director and Trustee for yeais, was
Collector one jear and has been Township Clerk
ten years. He is a member of the Odd Fellow's
lodge, at EUisville, in which he has passed through
the Chairs. His son Frank is also identified with
it. Politically, he is a Democrat, and he has fre-
quently served as a delegate to county conven-
tions and as a member of the Central Committee.
Mrs. Schafer belongs to the Christian Church.

♦^^

^^ HARLES S. PHELPS, a highly respected
j|( ^1, resident of Lewistown, is extensively iden-
^^' tilled with the agricidtural interests of this
county. He is a fine representative of an honored
pioneer family and is a native-born citizen of this
State who has materially contributed to its wel-
fare.

Mr. Phelps was born at Oquawka, July 17,1836.
His father, Cupl. William Phelps, was born No-
vember 1, 1809, in Cattaraugus County, N. Y.,
of which his father, Ste[)hen I'helps, a native of
New England, was an early settler. The grand-
father of our subject continued in his [)ioneer
home a few years and then again took up the
westward march and came to Illinois, locating in the
Sangomoo Country, as Sangamon County was then
called. That was long before the Capital was lo-
cated at Springfield, and settlements were few and
far between in that wild region. Mr. Phelps'
stay in that region was only for a short time and
he then came to Lewistown and was a pioneer mer-
chant here, opening a store with a small stock of
goods which he had brought from .St. Louis. The
Indians were numerous in this section of the
country, and a great deal of his trading was done
with them. He was a man of much enterprise, and

294

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

became quite prospered, and as the town and
country settled up, his business was extended, and
he carried it on successrull\- until his dcatii about
1840, when a prominent and valued citizen was
removed from the community-. He was quite eon-
spicious in i)olitical and public affairs, being a
Whig in part3' affiliations, and at an early daj'
he served as one of the Board of County Com-
missioners.

The father of our subject was about ten years
old when he came with his parents to Illinois.
Some time before he attained his majority his father
give him his time in the winter season, and he in-
heriting a commercial spirit, engaged in trade with
the Indians, and thus early became acquainted with
their modes of living, customs and characters.
Later when the Indians were removed from here
he went vvith them to that portion of Dakota now
in( luded in the State of Iowa, and remained among
them several years. By kind treatment he gained
their confidence, learned their language, and be-
came good friends with Keokuk, Black Hawk and
other noted chiefs. In 18.30, President Jackson
jjresented Keokuk's wife with a handsome pres-
ent, consisting of an elegant cabinet. She after-
wards gave it to Mrs. Phelps,raother of our subject,
who gave it to him and lie treasures it as a valued
memento.

During those early times, for awhile Mr. Phelps
commanded a boat on the Mississippi River, and
was at one time Captain of the steamer "Pavillion."
He was one of the early explorers of the lead re-
gions around Galena. lu 1846 he returned to
Lewistown and bought quite large tracts of farm
lands in the vicinity and engaged extensively in
agricultural pursuits. He remained a resident here
until 1885, then went to Hastings, Neb., and with
the exception of a few visits here, spent his last
years there, his death occurring October 16. 1889.
The maiden name of his wife was Caroline Kelse}'
and she was also a native of Cattaraugus County,
N. V. Her father Simeon Kelsey, is supposed to
been have a native of the same State. He came
to Illinois in an earl}- day and was a prominent
pioneer of Lewistown. He dealt in stock, and
was quite prospered. He made several trips to the
lead mines near Galena, for the purpose of inves-

tigating their merits, and invested money in them.
He made his home in Lewistown until death closed
his mortal career.

Much of the first ten years of the life of our sub-
ject was passed among the Indians in Iowa,
which was at tliat time principally inhabited b}'
the aboriginies, tliere being but few white settlers
excepting along the streams. During his childhood
his motlier was sick, so he was reared b\- a squaw.
He learned to talk in the Indian language and be-
came expert with the bow and arrow, and often
shot deer, antelope and other wild game that was
then plentiful in that region. When lie was ten
years old his parents returned to Fulton Count}',
and he attended the city schools at Lewistown
where he laid the basis of a solid education. He
subsequently pursued a two j'ears' course of study
at the Catholic College at St. Louis. After leav-
ing that institution he went to Fannin County,
Tex., for a visit, and was induced to utilize his
learning b}- teaching a term of school, which was
conducted on the subscription plan, there being no
free schools there, and was taught in a log cabin.
In the spring he went to New Orleans and thence
came by way of the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers
as far as Havana, this State. He theu established
himself in business as a grain dealer at Point Isa-
bella, and carried it on there with good financial
success until 18G9.

In that year Mr. Phelps returned to this county
and has since given his attention to agriculture on
this fertile soil. He is the proprietor of a valuable
farm, finely located one and one-half miles from
the city, and containing three hundred and twenty
acres of land highly cultivated and capable' of
yielding large harvests. It isampl}^ supplied with
well-ordered buildings, with good modern machin-
ery and eveiy appliance for conducting farming
operations after the best methods. In 1886, Mr.
Phelps removed to Lewistown and has lived there
ever since in one of the attractive residences in
the city.

To the lady who presides over his pleasant home,
and renders it one of coziness and happiness, onr
subject was united in marriage in 1858. Mrs.
Phelps' maiden name was Louisa Pickering, and
she was born in Ohio. Her parents, Dillon and

PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

•iilf)

Ann Pickering wore natives of Ohio and Marj'Iand
respectively. IMr. :uk1 Mis. Pliilps have two ciiil-
(hcn, Mary L. anil Fiank. Mary L., married James
T. Kwan. and lives in Lewislown Township; Frank,
wild lives on the homo farm married Florence
Smith, and llioy have four children, viz: Captain
Charles, Merlon. Bernard, and a babe as yet un-
named.

Mr. Phelps is n man of excellent business liabits
and stands well in financial circles. He takes an
intelligent interest in politics and is a faithful ad-
herent to the Republican party. He was enroll-
ing; oilicer during the war and was twice wounded
while faithfully discharging his duties. He is .at
the present time .Tustice of the Peace, aud is fill-
ing that ofiice with characteristic ability. He and
his wife are people of social importance and Mrs.
Phelps is an esteemed member of the Presbyterian
Church.

OHX FOUTCH. It is impossible for those
who are reared amid the comforts of our
present civilization, to fully realize the strug-
gle through which the pioneers passed in
opening up the countr}' which is now considered a
vast garden spot, capable of supplying the wants of
its numerous inhaliitants and thousands of dwellers
in other parts of the world. The picture presented
by our imagination, vivid as it seems to us, bears
but a faint resemblance to the reality, yet even this
suflices to thrill our hearts with gratitude to all
those who bore a part in work on the frontier. The
subject of this sketcli is one of the early settlers of
the county and lias just reason to be proud of his
labors and tlic success be lias achieved. His home
is in Isabel Township, tiic estate comprising four
hundred and forty acres of improved land and the
residence being a beautiful brick structure as at-
tractive and well built as any in the town.f,hip.

Our subject is a lineal descendaiit of Abram
Foutch, a native of the Jsew England States, who
served from the beginning to the clo.se of the Revo-
lution and laid down his arms, covered with scars.
He then settled in Virginia, resuming his former

occupation of farming, but after a considerable
time removed to Indiana tosjieiid his last days with
his son John, n"ar Connersville. He breathed his
last at the advanced age of ninet3'-six years.

The above-mentioned John Foutch was born and
reared on a farm in Virginia .and shortly after his
marriage crossed the mountains on pack horses to
Bourbon County, Ky. There he was one of the
first settlers, taking up Government land upon
which he built a small log cabin, making it his
home about ten years. He next located in Western
Ohio near the Indiana line, but after a short time
changed his abode to the other -side, in Franklin
County, Ind. Here again he was one of the lirst
settlers. Various wild animals roamed through the
country, deer being [ilentiful and bears frequently
.seen. On leased land Mr. Foutch built a cabin
from buckeye logs and in the course of time be-
came the owner of a large farm, on which he pur-
sued extensive operations. In the summer of 182.'!
he sold it and became a resident of Sangamon
County, 111. The journey to the new home was
made with an ox-team and consumed twenty-one
days. The route la^' through a wilderness with
here and tliere a section that had been opened up
to settlement, and the family slept in the wagon or
under a tent at nigiit.

Jlr. Foutch purch.ased Government land, erected
a log cabin which was afterward supplanted by a
commodious brick house, and carried on farm work
until he had passed the age of four-score, when he
closed his eyes in death. He had seived under
Gen. Harrison in Indiana during the Indian War.
He was a member of the Baptist Church as was his
wife, whose consistent Christian character made her
highly respected. Mis. I<"out<'h, formerly Nancy
Whirril, was born in .Maryland and died in Sanga-
mon County, when about three-score and ten years
old. She was the mother of ten children.

In the famil}' of the couple just mentioned our
subject is numbered. He was horn in Bourbon
County, Ky., October 2.5, 1806, and spent the
greater part of his boyhood in Indiana, working on
the farm as his strength would permit and attending
the pioneer schools. The schoolhouscs were con-
structed of round logs and had rough slab benches
with wooden pin legs for scats. The windows were

2 .10

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

made bj' cutting unfa log on each side of the build-
ing and pasting greased pajjcr over the liole. The
writing desks were slabs resting on pins driven in
the wall and extended around the sides of the
rooms. The schools were supported by tuition p?id
by each pupil, and the teacher boarded round.
Young Foutch was seventeen years old when he
came with bis parents to this State driving a team
on the wa}'. After reaching Sangamon County lie
spent four or five years in breaking prairie with a
huge plow drawn by three or four j'oke of oxen.
As he was the oldest child at home the brunt of the
work fell upon him. During the first years of his
residence here he frequenll}' saw sixt}' and seventy
head of deer in a herd.

When he had attained his majority young Foutch
began working for himself and took to himself a
companion in life. His marriage was solemnized
in Sangamon County and there he farmed until the
spring of 1832, when he came to this count}- and
settled on one hundred and sixty acres still occu-
pied by him ou section 22, Isabel Township. He
had purchased this land with a soldier's warrant
tnid settled upon it with virtuallj- nothing in the
way of capital. He was one of the earliest settlers
and says that the other pioneers were as poor as
himself. Indians still roamed in considerable num-
bers over this section of the State and various wild
animals were plentiful. Mr. Foutch killed many a
deer and wild turkey, and also brought down coons,
his great recreation being hunting, in which he took
delight.

The original dwelling on the homestead was a
little hewed log hut put up by Mr. Foutch, having
a hole for a wind(jw but no glass, a board being
used for a shutter. During the first few years our
siil>ject did teaming and any other work he could
liiid by which to earn an honest dollar, while en-
deavoring to cultivate the land he had obtained
and bring it to a condition that would supply his
wants. The farm was all prairie and the large
timber which now covers a portion of it has been
grown since he took possession. Other important
changes have taken place since the days when he
was obliged to go to Springfield to get his grist
ground, among them being -the nearness of good
mills, markets and neighbors. Mr. Foutch has been

an unusually hardworking man and has carried on
extensive agricultural operations, but of late years
he has retired from the toils of life. He has added
to his original purchase from time to time until he
has a(;quired his present large acreage.

The first marriage of our subject was solemnized
in the fall of 1826, his bride being Miss Johoda
Ka}'. That worthy woman died in middle life after
having borne four children, two of whom, James
and Francis M., grew to maturity. Mr. Foutch
was again married May 8. 1817, to Miss Letitia
Ferris, who still lives to share in all his joys as
she has previously done in his struggles. She is
the mother of nine children, eight of whom grew
to maturity and six are still living. The survivors
are John, Thomas, Mrs. Louisa Lacost, Charles,
Edward and Mrs. Anna Loarsh. Those who died
in maturit}^ were William ; Abraham L. ; and David,
who died March 31, 1890, aged thirt3--four years.

Mrs. Foutch was born in Franklin County, this
State, Jul}^ 17, 1817, and is one of nine children
comprising the family of David and Louisa (Little)
Ferris. Her parents were born in Tennessee and
are numbered among the early settlers of Franklin
County, this State, where the father died at the .age
of fifty j-enrs and the mother at the age of four-
score.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Foutch have been members
of the New Light Church for manj- 3ears and are
regarded as efficient and consistent members. M.--.
Foutch is a Republican and ha? held some of the
minor offices in the township.

'qiOHEFH KRISCIIKE. proprietor of a meat
market in Canton, is one of the prosperous
business men of the city, and is prominent
is^j/' in its public life. He was born in Austria,
January 20, 1828, in the village of Gropolbusdorf.
He was second in a family of three children of
Ignatz and Regina Krischke. In 1833. by the
death of his father, Joseph was left an orphan. He
lived among strangers eleven j-ears. and from the
age of six years until he was eleven years old he
attended the village school. At that time he began

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

297

working out fof a butcher, serving witli him an
apprenticesliip of tlirec years. After that lie trav-
eled as a journeyuian from 184C until 1854, work-
ing in various places. In the month of September,
the latter year, he ambitiou-^ly resolved to try bis
fortunes in a fc'^eign country, and coming to the
United States, lauded in New York City, and from
there made bis way to Chicago, where be spent
two weeks. When he landed in this country lie
was quite ignorant of the English language, but he
finally acquired a substantial knowledge of it and
uses it with lluenc)'. From Ciiicago he went to
LaSalle, where he spent two j'cars, and then we
hear of him at Ft. Madison, Iowa, where nine
months of his life were passed. In the month of
October, 1857, he retraced his steps eastward as
far as Canton, and here ho entered the employ of
Frank Moyer, the proprietor of a meat market.
He was with him ten months, and acquired the
knack of liandling meat to tiie best advantage and
a thorough knowedge of the trade in all its details.

Thus well equipped, Mr. Ivrischke embarked in
the butchering business on his own account, Octo-
ber 15, 1858. in a shop on the west side of the
square. He subsequent!}' built his large brick store,
and occupies the rear of it, and has here a neat and
well fitted up establishment, and carries an exten-
sive line of good meats of all kinds. He is well
patronized by the citizens of Canton, and has built
up a lucrative business. His building is two sto-
ries in height, fronting south, and he rents all that
part which he does not occupy. It is in a good
location, and his market is one of the princii)al
ones of the place.

Mr. Krischke was married in Jul}-, 1858, to Miss
Mary Johnson, of Canton. She is a native of
Kentucky, born in Lewis County. Her father,
Shepherd Johnson, was an early settler of Fulton
County, coming here in 1854. Mr. and Mrs.
Krischke have eight children living, three boys and
five girls, whom they have named Frank, Charley,
Edward, Alice. Maj', Elizabeth, Stella and Jlaudc.

Our subject's business capacitj', energy and
sound sense have been duly recognized b}- his fel-
low-citizens .as valuable traits in a civic official,
and they have often called him to oflices of trust
and rcsponsibilit)'. In 1887 ho was elected M.ij'or

of Canton, and while in that ollico he guarded the
intorosls of the city with vigilance. He served as
Alderman several terms, and is a member of the
present City Council, representing the Third Ward.
Ho belongs to Morning .Star Lodge, No. 734, A. F. iV
A. M., also to Canton Chapter, No. fi8, R. A. M., and
to Canton Council, No. 23. In politics, he is rather
conservative as to National and .State matters, giving
hi.s support, however, to the Democratic party, and
he has often served as delegate to county- con-
ventions. He began life with limited means, but
by industry, thrift and tact has acquired a hand-
some property. His residence at No. 208, Lewis-
town Street, is one of the pleasant homes of Can-
ton.

THEODORE C. ENGLE is classed among the
intelligent, keen, and thoroughly wide-
VV^=s!^ awake farmers and stock raisers of this
county who are contributing so much to its material
prosperity. He is the son of one of the pioneers of
this section, and is the proprietor of the fine old
homestead that his father developed in Bernadotte
Township. It is located on section 1, and is one of
the model farms in this vicinitj" as it is kept up to
the highest point in every respect, is supplied with
neat and well-ordered buildings and evuvy variet}'
of the most approved mo;lern niachincrv and is
well stocked.

The parents of our subject, Jesse and Mary B.,
(llelllngs) Engle, were natives of Philadelphia
Count)', Pa. The father was born in If^OS, and
died in this county in 1868, and all that is mortal
of him is now lying in Lewistown cemeterj". The
mother was born in the cits' of Philadel|)hia in 1 806,
died in this county and is lying besiile her husband.
They were pioneers of Fulton County, coming
here as early as 1838, and did their share of the
work of its development. They were greatly re-
spected for their sterling worth and manj' excellent
qualities of head and heart.

He of whom we write was born in the city of
Philadelphia, September 26, 1835. He obtained
the most of his scliooling in the district schools of
Bernadotte and Lewistown Township, and spent one

298

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

3'ear at the Farmington Academy, where he pursued
a good practical course of stud}'. He was scarce!}'
more than two j'ears of age wlien his parents came
to this county, and he remained with them until he
•married in Februar}', 1856, and established a home
of his own. He was at that time wedded to Miss
Harriet F.. daughter of Ira and Frances Hill. Of
tiiat marriage four daughters were born: Mary F.,
Alice E.. Emma C. and Carrie. The first wife of
our subject died February 12, 18G1, and all that
was mortal was deposited in Lewislown cemetery.

The second marriage of our subject was witii
Temperance L., a d.aughter of Jacob and Marj- Har-
wich. Ten children resulted from that marriage,
two girls and eight boys, of whom there are three
boys and one girl now living, namely: Robert E..
Henr}- P., Everett .and DoUic. Our subject and his
wife sustained great sorrow in the death of their
remaining children who were named Frank N.,
Harry, Ada, Charley. Oliver P. and John L. The
mother of these children died January 19, 1881.
December 17, 1884, Mr. Engle was married to bis
present wife, Caudace Barrett, who presides well
over his home and looks carefully after the com-
forts of the inmates of the household.

After his first marriage our subject resided a part
of the time in Bernadotte Township, and a part of
the time in Lewistown, and whs engaged in various
kinds of business, principally farming. After his
second marriage he settled on the old homestead
where he now resides. This is a beautiful and well-
kept farm of two hundred and fort^'-four acres.and
the substantial improvements that he has made
upon it add greatly to its attractiveness and value.
He has erected a commodious and well-built two-
stor}' frame house, 26x16 feet in dimensions, with
an L, 20x24 feet; also a roomj' frame barn, oGx 10
feet in dimensions, besides granaries, corn cribs
and all other necessary improvements to make it a
first-class farm. Mr. Engle has a steam thresher, a
clover huller, feed mill, a self binding mower, a
pulverizer and manv other pieces of fine farming
machinery. About one hundred yards from his
house Mr. Engle has a steam brick and tile factorj'
and he also owns a sawmill and is conducting the
manufacture of brick, tile and lumber with char-
acteristic energj- and with the success that had at-

tended all his enterprises. He pays some attention

to stock-raising and has eleven fine horses, for one
of which, a three-fourths Percheron stallion, he
once refused *400.

As will be seen by the perusal of this sketch,our
subject is one of the most active and enterprising
business men and agriculturists in this part of the
count}' and he has already accumulated a com-
fortable competence. He is not connected with any
church organization, but his life is one of upright-
ness and morality, and is guided by high principles.
In politics he is a Republican and has been since
1858.

f OHX G. PORTER was a pioneer of this
count}', and for more than forty years has
been an important factor in promoting its
agricultural and industrial interests, and in
advancing its upbuilding. He is a skillful farmer
and is managing a large, finely improved farm,
and at the same time is conducting a good busi-
ness as a stonemason, bricklayer and plasterer. His
interests are centered in Woodland Township, where
he has made his home ever since he came to the
county.

Mr. Porter was born in County Tyrone, in the
Xorth of Ireland. August 12. 1812. His father,
John G. Porter, was also a native of that p.art of
Ireland. He was the boss mason for Bishop Porter,
who occupied next to the highest bishopric in Ire-
land for thirty-three ye.ars. The father of our sub-
ject had charge of the men who took care of the
parks and pleasure grounds, and in one park there
were two thousand deer. Mr. Porter was a mem-
ber of the Church of England and died true to the
faith at the age of sixty-six years. Early in life
he had married Mary Hanna, who was born in
County Tyrone, Ireland, and was also a member of
the Church of England. She lived to be fifty-five
years old. Her father lived to the venerable age
of ninety years.

Our subject was one of eight children. He was
given excellent educational advantages in his boy-
hood as he attended school very steadily during

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

299

the week, and Siinflay-school every Sunday. Wlioii
lie w.is fourteen years of age his uncle, John
Ilanna, a rosidcnt of Quebec, Canada, urged liim
to couiu to Aniciica and make his home with him.
The bright, adventurous lad eagerly accepted his
uncle's invitation, but on the first day of the voy-
age he was so sea-sick that he heartily wished him-
self back on terra firina and offered the captain of
the vessel $250 to land him. at which the cai)tiiin
laughed. He was, however, kindlj' cared for by the
lady passengers on board the ship, and his misery
was brought to a close at tin; end of six weeks,
when the vessel arrived in harbor at Quebec. Mr.
Porter staid with his uncle in that city one year,
and lielped him in his store. His next venture
was to go to New York Citj-. where he bound him-
self for a period of five years for his board and
clothes to learn the four trades of bricklaying, stone-
masonry, stonccutting and plastering. He served
throughout the entire length of his ai)prenticefihip
and thoroughly mastered each calling. He worked
at thcui in New York City, Harlem, Brooklyn,
and many other places, and received very high
wages. He sagaciously judged that in a newly -set-
led country like the State of Hlinois, a young man
of calibre and ability woidd find a fine opening for
the exercise of his various callings, and in the
spring of 1846 he emigrated to this county. He
traveled the first four hundred miles of his jour-
nc}' in a stage over the mountains, and while at a
way station sipping a cup fif tea his hand satcliel
and ii200 were stolen. From Pittsburg he trav-
eled by water to St. Louis, and thence up the Mis-
sissippi and Illinois Rivers to this jiart of tlic
countrv.

Our subject had previously traded some land in
Genesee County, N. Y., for land here, and on his
arrival he bought more land, making in all four
hundred and eight}' acres. The two first years that
he lived here were spent partly at his trades in
St. Louis and partly in developiiig his land here.
Three hundred and thirty acres of his estate la\'
in Warren County, and one hundred and sixty
acres in Woodland Township. He settled on the
latter quarter, which was all lieavily timbered, and
he built a small frame house and a log stable. He
cleared about forty acres of that place, and then

disposed of it iit an [advance on the original price,
and bought one hundred and sixty acres on section
11, the same township. He^has worked at improv-
ing his farm and at his various callings ever since,
and has prospered well. He now has three hun-
dred acres of land finely cultivated, supplied with
ample buildings and every] convenience for carry-
ing on agriculture.

Mr. I'orler was first married, in 1837, to Miss
Eliza Guyan. She died childless in middle life.
His second marriage, which wassolemnizeTl in 1842,
was with Kliza A. Snodgrass, who was born in Har-
rison County, Jnd.. .July 24. 1824. Of this mar-
riage ten children have been born, eight of whom
grew to maturity: Sarah J. (IVIrs. Shields), Julia
(Mrs. Atkins), John W., William A., Emory D.,
Alexander (deceased), Catherine A. (Mrs. Martin),
and Addison G. Blr. and Sirs. I'orter have been
members of the Christian Church for thirtj'-Qve
j'ears. In politics he has given an unswerving alle-
giance to the Democratic party. He is an honest,
intelligent man, has true Irish wit, and is a favor-
ite with all.

NDREW J. HORTON, who represents
Woodland Township on the County Board
of Supervisors, is a farmer by occu|)atioii.
(§/' He was an ofiicer in the late war and won

a military record that reflects honor on the soldiery
of this, his adoi)ted .State. He was born in New
Castle Township, Coshocton County. Ohio, October
28, 1835. His father, AVilliam Horton, was a na
live of the same county and was born in 1811. He
was a son of Thomas Horton, who was a Virginian
by birth. Ezra Horton, the great-grandfather of
our subject, was also a native of \'irginia. The
Hortons came originally from Ireland.

Ezra Horton was a farmer and he emigrated from
his old A'irginia home to Ohio, in a very early day
and settled on the present site of Mohawk village,
he being one of the first settlers there. There his
remaining years were passed and he died at a ripe
old age. The grandfather of our subject accom-
panicil his l);uents Iv Ohio when a boy. He was

300

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

there reared and became a very extensive farmer
in Cosliocton County, and owned considerable land
there. His farm was well improved, had a fine
large brick house and two large liarns, and was well
supplied witli fruit troes of all kinds. Mr. Horton
sold his place there and came to this county in the
month of October, 18o3, and purchased a farm of
two hundred and twenty acres just south of Sum-
mum, Woodland Township, where he resided until
death roundi'd out his carrer in 1801. at upwards of
eighty years old. lie was a stanch Democrat in
politics.

The father of our subject was reared on his
father's farm in Coshocton County, and learned
the trade of a carpenter. When a young man he
came to Fulton County, arriving here October 22,
1853, making the trip with four teams ani a wagon,
having left his old home October 1. He had pur-
chased the northwest quarter of section 20, Wood-
land Township, before coming here, and he then
settled on it. He also entered forty acres of Gov-
ernment land across the road and bought fort}'
acres joining it. He farmed extensively and w.as
greatly prosi)ered. He sold a part of his original
purchase to our subject and his brother, and bought
out the heirs to his father's estate near Summum,
which he subsequently sold a few years later for $70
an acre. He then invested in lands in Hancock
County, 111., and as land greatlj' depreciated during
the panic of 1873 he lost heavily. He afterwards
bought property in Astoria and lived there five
years. He then made his home with his son Jeffer-
son until his death, which occurred very suddenly.
He was a Democrat in his political views and was
active in the pulilic life of the township, holding
various local oflices. He married Sarah Dennis, a
native of Knox County, Ohio, who is still living.
She is the mother of thirteen children, nine of whom
are living: .lane, Sabina, Polh^ Louisa, Alwilda,
Andrew J., Washington, Thomas J., and Abram.
Four are deceased.

Andrew .T. Horton was reared in Coshocton
County, Ohio, until he was eighteen years of age.
He attended school some but as soon as large
enough to work, he lived out. The first summer
that he worked for others his only p.a3'ment was his
board and clothes. The second summer he received

$8 per month. After coming here he worked on
his father's farm until the war broke out. He was
then in the prime and vigor of early manhood, and
on August 22, 1862, he enlisted in Company H,
Eighty-fifth Illinois Infantry, and was mustered in
as Third Sergeant. He fought bravely in the bat-
tles of Perry ville and Stone River and at the latter
place was taken prisoner by Gen. Wheeler's men,
and was held from December, 1862, until the latter
p.art of March, 1863, when he was exchanged at St.
Louis. He joined his regiment in time to take an
.active part in the battle of Chickamauga, and he
was engaged in several lively skirmishes following
that battle and then came the battles of Kenesaw,
Peach Tree Creek, and the taking of Atlanta. Our
subject did good service in several skirmishes that
were fought with the enemy on the way from At-
lanta to Savannah. His courageous, self-reliant
spirit, his devotion to his duty, and the ability with
which he executed all orders won the approval of
his superiors and gained him deserved promotion
to the position of First Lieutenant. He was mus-
tered out June 15, 1865, having won honors as a
soldier and an ollicer of which he and his may well
be proud. During his service he was never in a
hospital or in a wagon or on horseback, except for
about three hours ride in a wagon.

After his return from the seat of war, our subject
purchased the eighty acres of land, on which he
now resides, of his father. He has given his atten-
tion exclusivel}' to farming ever since, and besides
raising grain is rearing stock with good profit. He
is pr.actical and wide-awake in the management of
his agricultural affairs and the neat and finely im-
proved appearance of his farm betokens thrift and
good care on the pait of tlie owner.

June 25, 1857, Mr. Horton's marriage with Miss
Polly Horn was duly celebrated. Mrs. Horton was
born in Knox Count}^ Ohio, May 14, 1837, and
came to this county with her parents in the early
days of its settlement. Five of the six children
born to her and our svibject are living: Thomas .T.,
Julia, Mrs. Hare; Charles, deceased; Sallie, Will-
iam and Dolly. Mrs. Horton is a very capable
woman and during her husband's absence at the
time of the war, she and her two oldest children
were left at home and she very ably managed af-

<?— ^-'^-0^ U^''y<-^-t.-'<--''i.yU/

"^.t,

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

3oa

fairs and siip[iortefl them comfortably. She is a
member of the Christian Churrii and an earnest
worker in the fold.

Mr. Ilorton is one of onr best citizens, and is de-
servedly i)0|)nlar with all who know him. His fel-
low-citizens, aiipreciating the fact that a man of
his calibre and understanding, would make a good
civic ollicial, have elected him to represent AVood-
land Township ou the County Board of Supervisors
and he is now serving his third terra in that im-
portant office. He has also held the position of
Road Commissioner for twelve years and has done
good service for his township in the minor oflices.
Politically he is a sound Democrat and uses his in-
tluence for the interest of the party.

■^-^^I^f-^-

^^>ZIAS G. STRONG, M. D. This honored
member of the medical profession, whose
reputation has been established in Canton
for many years, is a native of the Buckeye State.
His father, Ozias Strong, Sr., was a farmer and
likewise a prominent attorney, serving as a magis-
trate at Wilkcsville forty years. There he breathed
his last when in the eighty-fifth year of his age.
His father, Horatio Strong, was of English and Irish
descent, and a native of Massachusetts, and his
mother was of Scotch descent. His wife boie the
maiden name of Annis Gregory, and was a native
of Connecticut, of Scotch ancestry.

Our subject was born on the parental acres, in
Meigs County, Ohio, August 12, 1818. He was
reared on the farm, (irst attending the common
schools and then entering Athens Academy, at
Athens, Ohio. He began studying medicine with Dr.
J. H. Smith, of Meigs County, and after taking a
course of lectures at Starling Medical College, Co-
lumbus, began his practice in his native county.
After three years residence there he removed to
St. Louis, Mo., where he continued his professional
labors for a short time, subsequently removing to
Hannibal to engage in mercantile pursuits. He en-
tered into partnershi[) with Messrs. Smith & Dick,
and under the firm name of Smith, Dick & Co. a
large business was (■unducte<l for three years. Dr.

Strong went to LaGrange to engage in the tobacco
business, his partners having sold out and left him
to sustain a heavy loss. During his residence in
Hannibal he was Marshal and also Collector of
City Revenue, having been elected to those offices
in 1853.

After his removal to LaGrange Dr. Strong was
elected Recorder and Police Magistrate. During
these years he had changed his views in relation
to the practice of medicine, abandoning the theo-
ries of the Allopathic school and becoming a con-
vert to those of Homeopathy. After private prepar-
ation he entered the Homeopathic Medical College,
at St. Louis, from which he was graduated in
1858, Immediately opening an office in Canton,
where he has since resided. He devoted himself
assiduously to the duties of his profession, build-
ing up a large practice and proving unusually suc-
cessful in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases
His practice has amounted to more than $80,000'
and near •?! 00,000, a large sum for a place of this
size. His labor is, of course, not confined to the
town itself, but includes a large extent of the sur-
rounding country.

Dr. Strong luas been twice married, his first com-
panion having been Miss Bethena E. Pavey, of
Hannibal, Mo., whose death took place in this city.
She left five children — Jared D., George W., Charles
H., Jesse W. and Lizzie L. George W. is now
manager of a large book concern in Buffalo, N.Y.;
Charles H. is a graduate of the Homeopathic Col-
lege in New York, and is now practicing medicine
in Providence, R. 1.; Jesse W., proprietor and edi-
tor of the Canton Republican, having ])urchased
the paper September 18, 1890, is mentioned at
greater length elsewhere in this volume; Lizzie is
the wife of C. H. Atwater, of (Juincy, III.

The present wife of Dr. Strong bore the maiden
name of Maggie Linabery. She was born in Mor-
ris County, N. J., and came West with her parents
in childhood, growing to maturity in this county.
The qualities of her mind and heart fit her for a
useful career, and she has as many calls upon her
attention as suffice to keep her hands and brain
employed. First of all are her home duties, and
beyond this her influence extends throughout a
Wv'd circle.

304

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

Dr. Strong is a member of the American Institute
of Homeopathy, and has been identifier! witii the
Masonic fraternity for many years. He is rather
conservative in prilities, affiliating- witii Lhe Demo-
cratic party. Not only is' his professional reputa-
tion one of the btst, but by reason of his faithful
discharge of his duties as a private citizen his ex-
cellent charaeter^'and great intelligence, he is looked
upon with great respect by his professional associ-
ates and his fellow-citizens in general.

The attention of the reader[^iSj directed to the
lithographic portrait of/Mr. Strong, which may ^"be
found on another page.

^,EV. WILLIAM BURGESS. Pastor of the
Congregational Cliurch, Canton. While
there are many avenues by which mental
ability leads to distinction, there is scarcely
one of more benefit to humanity as a family, than
that of caring for the immortal soul. A pastor's
dutv entails upon him a great deal of responsibility',
fur not only must he guide people safel3' through
the shoals of this world, but prepare them for a
safe passage into the unknown world. Among the
men who have labored early and late to accomplish
this purpose, and to be of inestimable benefit to
frail humanity, ranks the Rev. William Burgess.

Our subject was ushered into life at Norwich,
England, on May 26. 1843, being the son of Will-
iam and Elizabeth (Taylor) Burgess. The father
died when our subject was only nine years of age,
and thus he is a self-made man in the true sense
of that term. Being very desirous of entering the
ministry, he was aided in the accomplishment of
this ambition by a philanthropic gentleman of his
native place. Dr. Burgess, after completing his
education and being fully prepared to preach the
Gospel as a Methodist minister,suddenly discovered
when in his twentieth year, that he could not en-
tirely agree with this denomination in their doc-
trines, and so renounced for a time the idea of
preaching.

Our subject upon reaching his twenty-first year
began a lecturing lour thiough the United King-

dom, preaching social reform and temperance, and
also giving extensive lectures upon historical sub-
jects. For a period of seventeen years he continued
to lecture, in the meantime contributing to several
journals in England, and in 1875, became the
founder and editor of the Medical Enquirer, at
Liverpool. The chief object was to resist the
thought of nece;sary vice, and he was unusuallj'
well qualified to discuss this great question in all
its manifold aspects. When the end was accom-
plished the publication ceased after a three year's
run. It had a free distribution and w.as supported
bj' several wealthy men. Its effect was to repeal
the law which it antagonized, the late disclosures in
the Pall Mall Gazelle being brought .about by the
agit.ation and by the efforts of the Medical En-
quirer. A leading paper in speaking of the Rev.
Burgess as a lecturer, says, "He has a pleasnnt and
attractive appearance, is a bright, ready and lively
speaker, has a clear ringing voice and commands
the attention of his audience at the beginning. His
delivery is good, his manner earnest, and he handles
his subject as one perfectly at home."

The subject of our sketch moved with his family
to America in September, 1880, locating at Toronto.
His first act was to found the Canada Citizen, a
social reform paper which is slill running. After
taking cljarge of said paper for aliout two years, he
sold out his interest in same and accepted a call to
the ministry. After being ordained pastor of the
Congregational Church at Listowel, Ontario, he
published a book called '-Land. Labor and Liquor."
Our subject remained in charge of that church un-
til January ls88, and in 1890, he came to Canton,
111,, and is pastor of the First Congregational
Church in this city. He is editing a paper, The
Church Bells.

Rev. Mr. Burgess's mother died in Liverpool at
an advanced age, the father having died raanj' years
before as above stated. They were the parents of
five children, of whom our subject is the eldest. The
otiiers are, Edward, editor of a paper called Day-
light, a radical sheet published in Norwich, Eng-
land; Amelia, Lydia and Emma, the latter of whom
is deceased.

Mr. Burgess was married in Norwich in 1865, to
Miss Frances A. Miles, a native of that town. To

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

305

them have been born;eighl;ehil(hTn. viz: William
Edw.'inl, pailianientai'V corresponilenl of the Mon-
treal Herald; Emma, Arthur, Frank, Roscoe,
Queenie, Lillie and Wilfred. Our subject is a mem-
ber of the Royal Temple of Temperance, and
has a linejmedal which was presented to him on his
coming to the States from Canada. He is at worjc
on a new book, Ciie^title^of which will probably be,
"The Wreck of Wealth." He is an indefatigable
worker, and almost brilliant orator.

IRAM PRESTON. There is in the business
world onlj- one kind of man who can success-
fully combat the many disadvantages and
trials and come boldly to the front, and
that is the man of superior intelligence and force
of character, and one who also is the happy pos-
sessor of that energy that seems somehow to be the
magic wand that transforms a poor beginning into
a flattering ending. And to tliis class belongs Hir.im
Preston, a man who by strict integrity', shrewdness
of judgment and good management has risen to the
top round of the ladder of fortune.

Mr. Preston was born in Franklin County, Me.,
■January 23, 1817, being the son of Peter and Mary
(Winslow) Preston, natives of Massachusetts. His
parents were married in the State of Maine. The
father was reared on a farm near Martha's Vine-
yard, but when a young man went to Maine and
|)urchased one hundred acres of land in F'ranklin
County, where he devoted his whole time and at-
tention to farming up to the time of his death,
which occurred after he had reached his eighty-
savenlh year. He was a member of the Methodist
Cluuch, and in politics was first a Whig and after-
ward a Democrat. The mother died in the same
place when eighty -six years old and was also a
faithful member of the Methodist Church. To
tlieir union were born eight children, all of whom
reached matiuity, viz., Sally, Ezekial, Mary Ann,
Lucinda, Hiram, Jane, Percilla, and Hannah. Only
three of this number are living at the present time.
Mr. Preston attended school in his native
county during tlie winter months and worked on

the farm in the sunmu'r. The schoolhouses of
those times were exceedingly rustic in appearance,
but turned out many pupils who in after life prof-
ited by the rudiments of knowledge planted there
and became famous. When twenty years of age he
commenced a business career for himself and at
first worked out for others, receiving §10 each
month for his services, and continiifd this means
of livelihood until he cine to this county. He
owned one hundred acres of land, which was cov-
ered with heavy timber, aiul in the fall of 1839 he
sold this property in Maine, having cleared it, and
came to the State of Illinois. He came to Chicago
b3' water, rail and stage, and walked from that
point to Brimfield, Peoria County. He settled near
Brimfield, where he bought one hundred and sixty
acres of land. He at once built a frame house and
commenced to clear up his property, which was in
a very wild state. The following year he sold out
and came to F\dton County, and bought forty acres
of land in Buckheart Township that had a saw and
grist mill on it. He lived there twelve years and
made a great success both of the farm and of the
mill, but after selling that place he came to Liver-
pool Township and bought eighty acres of laud on
section 11, where he now lives. He built bis pres-
ent handsome frame house in 1 SGI, and has both
farmed and raised stock ,on an extensive scale.
Lately he retired from labor and rents most of his
land.

The subject of our sketch married Miss Tryphena
Ilathawaj' in 1841. She was a native of Maine and
lived to be sixty-five years old, A faithful mem-
ber of the Methodist Church and a devout Chris-
tian, her death was a very peaceful one, she pass-
ing away in her home here and being laid to rest
in a private burial ground In this township. To
our subject and his wife vvere born seven children,
viz: Lydia, F^dwin, Charles, Winslow, Frank and
Ostin.

Mr. Preston was again married in 1881 to Han-
nah Ilathawaj', sister of his lirst wife, who was born
on the 9th of May, 1828. Mrs. Preston is a mem-
ber of the Baptist Church. Our subject is a prom-
inent man in this community and has held many
public offices of trust. For the pasi twenty six
years he has been School Treasurer, and for a period

306

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

of twenty-two years had charge of the postofflce at
Maple's Mill, an oflSce which lie resigned in 1880,
and besidesyHiis he was Town Clerk for sixteen
j'ears. facts that convej- some idea of the high es-
teem in which he is held and tell something of the
popularity ho has always enjoyed. In political be-
lief he is a Democrat.

*, I^ILLIAM BRI:BNER has lived in the vi-
\/\Jl' cinity of Farmington for tlie past thirty-
V5^ live years, and is one of the most active
and stirring men to be met with in this vicinity.
lie began life as a stonemason and has progressed
from the position of a wage-worker to that of a
contractor and builder, the owner of a good prop-
erty, and has finail}- turned his attention to farm-
ing. Mr. Brebner is one of nine children born to
John and Ann (.Smith) Brebner, whose home was in
Scotland. He is the oul^- one of the family that
has come to America. His living brothers and sis-
ters bear the names of Ann, Alexander. Margaret,
John, Adam, Elizabeth and Marj-, one having died
in earlj' life. The mother died at the age of forty-
six and the father lived to be scventj'-seven years
old. They were in comfortable circumslaucts, the
occupants of a good farm.

Our subject was born in Aberdeenshire, Scotland,
March 29, 1828, and although brought up on a
farm, received excellent educational advantages.
When sixteen years old he was apprenticed to a
stonecutter and after serving three years began
work as a journeyman in the country about thirty
miles from Aberdeen. Having heard much regard-
ing the gold fields of California, he made up his
mind to go thither and seek his fortune. In the
month of April, 1853, he sailed from Glasgow on
the "Marchioness of Clydesdale," arriving in New
York after a voj'age of thirtj'-flve days. He con-
tinued his journe_y as far as Canada, where he had
friends, and finding wages good there abandoned
his intention of visiting California.

Mr. Brebner worked at his trade in the Dominion
until the 1st of April, 1854, when he came into the
States and made his wav to Peoria where not a rail-

road had yet been built. Not being able to find
work to suit him he went to the northern part of
the State and worked at Dixon. Rockford and Ga-
lena for various periods. In the spring of 1855,
he returned to the central part of the State and lo-
cating at Farmington became a contractor of ma-
sonry. He was thus engaged until e.irly in the
'70s when he turned his attention to agriculture.
He owns ninety acres of land in Trivoli Township.
Peoria County, which he has successfully operated.

Mr. Brebner was married in 1857, to Miss Caro-
line Nelson who bore him three children — William,
John and Frank. The firstborn died in iufanty.
John married Tenny Cole, and has two children —
Caroline and James F. ; their home is at Liberty
Center, Iowa, and the husband is engaged in farm-
ing. Frank resides in East Portland, Ore. Our sub-
ject was married a second time, March 1, 1865, his
bride being Miss Susan Potter. This union has
been blest by the birth of three children — Fanny
E., May and Walter S. Fanny E. is now in a Chi-
cago hospital, pursuing the work which will fit her
for the duties of a professional nurse. She has al-
read}' demonstrated her S3'mpathetic nature and
aptitude for the care of the sick and suffering, by
work done at tlie time of the Chats worth disaster.
She was on board the ill-fated excursion train, and
having escaped serious injury, spent some time in
care of those who were less fortunate than herself.
Her heroism and devotion to the injured ones was
noted in the columns of. the newspapers in flattering
terms. The second child of the present Mrs. Breb-
ner died young. Walter S. is now learning the car-
penter's trade at Galesburg.

Mrs. Susan Brebner is the j'oungest child horn
to William and Rachel (Wells) Potter. Her pa-
ternal grandfather was an Englishman and both her
parents were born in New Jersey. They came to
the Prairie State in 1837, and settled in this county
six miles east of Canton where thej' purchased about
ninety acres of land. Mrs. Potter died when her
daughter Susan was an infant. Mr. Potter subse-
quently married a lady from New York City, and
in 1847, purchased a farm in Trivoli Township,
Peoria County, three miles east of Farmington. He
died there in May, 1877, at the age of eight3--one
years. He had served in the War of 1812. The

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

307

brothers and sisters of Mrs. Brebner are, Hamilton,
whose homo is in Canton; Harriet, wife of Cahin
Brcrd who died in Canton; Alice, wife of Jacob
.Siivernail of tlie .same town; Isa.ac, wiio died nn-
mari'ied ; llannali. widow of .lacob Wiliiison. who
lives in Toulon; Plieho A„ who wasilrowned in tlie
Ohio River by falling overboard from a boat;
Jenny, wife of Edward Emmons wluise home is in
Rockford.

Mrs. Brebner is a native of this .State. She
attended the i)ulilic schools, completing her
education at Farmington. She kee|>s herself well in-
formeil regarding topics of general interest, faith-
fully discharges the duties which lie before her,and
wins many friends by her good qualities.

Mr. Brebner cast his first Presidential vole for
Abraham Lincoln, having taken out his natinaliza-
tion papers soon after he came to the State. He is
a stanch member of the Republican party, under-
stands well the political issues of the day and firmly
believes that he is right in his judgment regarding
them. For six years he did efficient service as a
school officer, and on onj occasion was a candidate
for Supervisor of Trivoli Township, but was beaten
in the race by three votes.

|AXDOLPII HALL. In recalling the labors
which have made of this count}' a region
ii \V noted for its agricultural resources, we
*^p) feel a glow of admiration for all who bore
a part in the scenes of the early days, and take great
pleasure in noting prominent incidents in their
lives. One of the oaily settlers of Farmers Town-
ship is the worthy gentleman above named, who
has abundanll}- shown his industry and good judg-
ment by the accumulation of an excellent estate,
well supplied with the imi)rovements which make
life in the country enjoyable, and add to the value
of property. He possesses the hospitable spirit and
cordial manners which belong to all natives of tlie
Blue Grass State, and which are also distinguishing
characteristics of the pioneers in any sections of
the country. Honorable in his (healings, well-in-
formed regarding topics of general interest, and

able to relate many an interesting event in connec-
tion with the early setlleniunt of the township, his
companionship is desinible and hi.s reputation ex-
cellent.

The birth i>f Mr. ibill Look place in Wnsliiiigton
County, Ky., September 4, lb2;5, and his residence
in Illinois began when he was a youlli of fifteen
years. At that period in his lil'c he accompanied
his parents, Joel and Mary (Clark) Hall, to Mc-
Donough County, iheir home for a few 3'ears being
in the vicinity of Macomb. In 1843 they removed
to Pennington's Point. Three years later our sub-
ject was united in marriage with ]\Iiss Alraeda L.
Woods, a capable and efficient woman who has
nobly borne her |)art in building up the prosiierity
of the family and fitting its younger members for
usefulness and honor. The happy union has been
blessed bj' the birlh of five children.

The eldest son, Platte, w.as stricken down within
a few days of his majority, and the bright promise
of his future swallowed up by death. The older
daughter, Mary Cornelia, is the wife of Josiah
Hammer, of McDonough County : she has one
daughter, Delia, who married Frank Harlan, and
also has one child. As the mother of Mrs. Hall is
yet living, baby Mabel is the fifth generation of
females in the family now living. Three of these
were born in McDonough Count}', Mrs. Hall in
Erie Count}', Pa., and Mrs. Woods in the Empire
State. A picture representing the five — INIrs. Cor-
nelia Woods, Mrs. Alincda Ilall, Mrs. Mary Ham-
mer, Mrs. Delia Harlan and little Mabel — is of
great interest, not only to the family but to all
visitors whom they receive. The second son of our
subject and his good wife is Millard DeWitt, who
with his wife, son and daugliter. resides in Table
Grove. In McDonough County lives the youngest
son, Leonard Grow, with his wife and one child.
The second daughter and fourth child of Mr. and
Mrs. Hall is Genevra, wife of F'raiik Ward, of
Table Grove, their family including several chil-
dren.

Our subject bought the first improved farm of
eighty acres in McDonough County. His house
was built bj' himself, he hewing the logs and split-
ting the shingles, which were of black walnut
from his own land, forty acres of which was timber.

308

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

The house was 16x22 feet in dimensions. A few
years after it was constructed Mr. Hall covered it
with boards, wliich were sawed bi" liis brother-in-
law in a portable mill on the place. To the origi-
nal eight}- acres he added until his estate amounted
to two hundred acres, all of which had been re-
claimed by himself from its primitive condition,
except about thirty acres which was plowed when
he purchased it. He resided upon the farm until
1882, when he left it to lake possession of a com-
fortable home in Table Grove. In the early days
Mr. Hall hauled wheat to Beardstown, about twenty-
five miles distant, and thought himself fortunate
when he could get fifty cents per bushel, nearly
half of which was consumed by the expenses of re-
maining overnight. The first hogs driven to that
place sold for §2 per hundred, which was considered
a high price, good dressed pork having previously
been disposed of in Macomb for $1.25 per hun-
dred.

The early settlers generally owed all they raised
to the neighboring storekecper.thcir sole trouble be-
ino-to turn the products of their farms over to their
creditor, the 1st of January being the usual time
of settlement. By a special arrangement they
sometimes obtained a little money with which to
pay taxes. All grain was cut with a cradle, and it
was generally tramped out with horses. Mi-s. Hall
vividly remembers seeing the wheat thrown in a
pile, and horses driven around it until the thresh-
ing was completed. The first chimneys were of
sod built on the outside of the log houses, and all
cooking was done at an open fire, except in rare
instances.

Mr. Hall is one of four sons and seven daughters
born to his parents, all of whom are now living in
this section of the Stale in convenient visiting dis-
tance. He is the only Republican in his father's
family, but his own sons and sons-in-law belong to
the same party as himself.

Salem Woods, the father of Mrs. Hall, emigrated
from the Keystone State to JIcDonough County in
1831, prior to the Black Hawk War, in which
father Hall took part. Mr. Woods was a harness-
maker in Erie, Pa., and having traded for a piece
of land somewhere in the Vv'est, started on foot to
look uj) his new estate. He made his way over the

mountains and through the wilderness to the vicin-
ity in which he supposed his land to be, but was
then at a loss to locate it. He heard a rooster crow,
and going whence the sound came, found the home
of Stewart Pennington, who helped him to locate
the land, of which he had a plat and description.
He then returned to the East and brought his wife
and family, the journey being made in a wagon.
The boards from the roof of his wagon were used
as a door to the first house he built on his farm.
This home was of logs, notched and fastened to the
sleepers with wooden pins, no nails being used in
its construction. The floor was of split logs. Mr.
Woods had the first cook stove in the county, it
being shipped from the East to Chicago, whither it
was brought in a wagon by the owner and Harvey
Harris. An old fashioned chest with a lid, which
was made to ship goods in, is still preserved in the
famil}'.

Mrs. Hall is the only daughter of her parents,
but they have likewise four sons. One of these,
Edward, was born in this State, and still lives on
the farm on which he first saw the light. Mr.
Woods was an Abolitionist of the deepest dye, and
he and his children naturally became Republicans.
They are of the Universalist faith.

lif^^HOMAS DEEMS, a native-born citizen of
this count}', is now one of its foremost busi-

^^' ness men, he being one of the leading gro-
cers of Lewistown, a member of the firm of Deems
& Slack. He was born on a farm in Lewistown
Township, July 21, 1841, and come of a respected
pioneer family of this section of the Slate.

John Deems, the father of our subject, was a
native of Washington County, Pa., born on a farm
five miles north of Brownsville, November 18,
1809. He was a son of Adam Deems, who is su|)-
posed to have been a native of the same locality.
The father of the tatter, Martin Deems, is thought
to have been born in Germany, and was one of
the earliest settlers of Washington County. He
secured a title to quite a tract of land, the bounda-
ries being defined by blazed trees. He made his

PORTRAIT AND BrOGRAPMICAL ALBUM.

300

home there until desith closed his mortal career.
He reared a family of six sons and two daughters.
His son Adam grew to'man's estate on the old
homestead in his native county amid its primitive
pioneer scenes. There were no railways there for
many years aft.^r his birth. Alany of tlie farmors
were distillers and used to ship their liquor and
produce on flatboats to New Orleans, and theie
disposed of the boat and its contents and walivcd
back to their homes, many weeks being consumed
in the journey. All communication with the East
was by teams. The grandfather of our subject al-
ways lived in the place of his birth and engaged
in farming there until his demise. The maiden
name of his wife was Sarah Rolland, who was born
in the same county as himself. Her parents, Henry
and Mary Rolland, were pioneers of that section of
the country, making their removal thither from
Eastern Pennsj'lvania with pack-horses. The grand-
mother of our subject survived her husband many
years and died in Fulton County, at the age of
sixty-three.

John Deems was nineteen j'ears old when he
left his native county to join his brother Thomas
in JIuskingura County, Ohio, where he served an
apprenticeship of three years to learn the trade of
a blacksmith. After he had acquired a thorough
knowledge of his calling he worked for Ids brother
three J'ears, and then formed a partnership with him
which continued two years. At the expiration of
that time he went to Sidney. Shelby County, and
was one of the early settlers of that place and es-
tablished himself there as a blacksmith on his own
account. All the iron, which was procured at Pitts-
burg, was brought to that place by the waj' of the
Ohio River and Cincinnati, and thence by canal to
Pickaway, twelve miles distant. Mr. Deems wrought
all the horse shoes and the nails that he used,and the
charcoal that he burned in his furnace was also of
his own manufacture. He continued in business
there until tlie fall of 1810.

In 1839 the father visited Fulton County on
horseback and bought one hundred and sixty
acres of timber land, three-fourths of a mile east
of the village of Lewistown. After making his
purchase he sold his horse and returned by stage
to his home in Ohio. In tlie fall of 1840 he started.

with his wife and three children, with two horses
and a wagon for their future dwelling-place in the
Prairie State. They spent the first winter in Lewis-
town, and during that time he built a house on
his land and at once began the improvement of
the latter. For some years Liverpool, a point on
the Illinois River, was the most flourishing town of
the county, and was the market for all the grain
raised. Mr. Deems improved the greater part of
his land, bought eighty acres adjoining and re
sided there until 1884, and then moved to town to
his present home, where he now lives in honorable
retirement.

Mr. Deems was married in October, 1841, to
Plirebe Brown. She was born in Virginia, in Au-
gust, 1809, and was but an infant when her parents
removed to the primeval wilds of Muskingum
County, Ohio, where she was reared. She died
January 1, 1887, at a venerable age. She was the
mother of eight children, whose names are Amanda,
Joseph, Eliza, Thomas, Lorena. Mary, George,
and Cornelia. Joseph served in the late war in
Company A, Fifty-fifth Illinois Infantr\', three
years and was twice severely wounded. He now
lives in Lewistown.

The gentleman whose life is recorded in these
lines received the preliminaries of his education in
the pioneer schools of this his native county. The
first one that he attended was taught in a log
scboolhouse, and the seats were rude benches
made of slabs with wooden pins for legs. There
were no desks, but holes were bored in the logs,
wooden pins were inserted and boards laid on top
of them, extending the length of each side of the
house, which were used by the larger scholars on
which to write. Our subject's education was further
extended by the excellent course of study that he
pursued in Fulton Seminary in 1860 and 1861.
and in 1865 he was a student at Hedding College,
at Abingdon.

Mr. Deems took part in the great war that was
waged between the North and the South in the
opening years of his manhood, and is a fine repre-
sentative of those noble citizen-soldiers who sacri-
ficed much and risked their all in their devotion
to their countr3\ August 8, 1862, he threw aside
all personal aims and ambitions and enlisted in

310

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

Company H, One Hundred and Third Illinois In-
fantry, was mustered into service at Peoria Octo-
ber 2, and in November of that year went with the
regiment to Tennessee, where lie and his comrades
were quartered for the winter. From there they
were sent to Vicksburg, Miss., and guarded the
rear of the Federal army, preventing Johnston from
reinforcing the rebels during the memorable siege
of that city. After the fall of Vicksburg our sub-
ject's regiment went to Jackson, Miss., and en-
gaged in battle with Johnston's troops at that
place; went thence to Black River, where the sol-
diers rested until the fall, when they inarched to
Chattanooga to take part in the battle of Missiou-
arv Ridge, where Mr. Deems was transferred to Com-
pany H, Twenty-third Regiment Veteran Reserve
Corps. He was sent to Benton Barracks, they
being on detached dut^', and remained until he was
mustered out, June 20, 18G5.

At the close of his service our subject came
back to Lewistown and quietly resumed bis studies
at Heading College, remaining in that institution
during the fall and winter terms. In the spring
of 1866 he engaged in the mercantile busi-
ness in Lewistown, and was thus eniplo3'ed until
1869, when on account of ill-health he was obliged
to relinquish it. The ensuing two j^ears he re-
mained on his father's farm and spent one j'ear in
Kansas. Returning to Lewistown, he became a
(;lerk for Ross & Hinds, remaining with them one
year, and then acting in the same capacity for
Phelps & Proctor for a period of eight years. At
the expiration of that time he once more resumed
business on his own account and has continued it
with marked success. In 1886 he formed a part-
nersliip with his present partner, J. S. Slack, under
the tirm name of Deems & Slack. They have hero a
commodious, finely-appointed store, and carry a
full line of groceries, china, glass, woodenware,
etc., and deal to some extent in fruits and produce,
besides having a bakery in connection with their
grocery. By strict attention tt) their business in
all its details, by promptness and method, and by
courteous treatment and fair dealings with their
customers, the}- have built up a large trade and
are well patronized liy the best people of the citv.

Mr. and Mrs. Deems have here a very cliarrn-

ing home, and of their happy wedded life have
come two children— Jessie and Mary. Mrs. Deems'
maiden name was Laura Benton, and her mar-
riage with our subject was contracted in Septem-
ber, 1880. She is a native of this county, born in
Bernadotte Township, and is a daughter of Harsha
J. and Marian (Lee) Benton, natives of Phila-
delphia, Pa., and Springfield, 111., respectiveh-. and
pioneers of this section of the country.

Mr. Deems thoroughly • identifies himself with
whatever will best promote the highest interests f)f
this, his native county, his liberalit}' helping for-
ward man}' schemes for its improvement, and he
is numbered among its most loyal citizens. His
record as a soldier is kept in remembrance by his
connection with Thomas Lay ton Post, No. 121,
G. A. R.. He belongs to the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows, being a member of Fulton Lodge,
No. 51. In politics he is a decided Republican.

'>^:^?H^^5^^-^-

'*>^:9-

•^.^HOMAS COOK has lived in Fulton County
'''^^ since 1858 and during that lime has ac-
quired a solid reputation as a straightfor-
ward, honorable man, and as a thrifty, hard working,
capable farmer. Since 1874 he has been a factor
in the agricultural life iu this section of the country,
and has managed his well-equipped farm on sections
20 and 22, with skill and profit since it came into
his possession at that time.

He is a native of Kilmena Parish, County Mayo,
Ireland, where he was born in 1823. His parents
were also natives of that place and he resided with
them until 1849. In that year he married Bridget,
daughter of Hubert and N'ancy (Moran) Golden,
who was born in the same year and the same place
as himself.

Our subject soon left his 3'oung bride in their
native village, that he might cross the waters and
make a more comfortable home for her in Amer-
ica. After landing on these shores he made his
way to Pittsburg, Pa.,whence he went a short time
afterwards to St. Louis, Mo., where he remained
about five years engaged in steamboating. When
he had been there two years and was comfortably

JP^S

!4-^-

^^^-^^-2^ ^O

^C/'ThC^

WRITTEN AT SI YEARS.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

313

fixeil his wife juinocl liim. and in 1858, they came to
this county and hicnted in Lewislown, which was
tlien a very small place. While llieie Mr. Cook
engaged in various kinds of business and flnallj^
bought, in the year 1874, one hundred and four
acres of land on sections 20 and 22. Heinadotte
Townshi(). where he now resides. He has seventy-
live acres of his land under fine cultivation, has a
good iiouse, liarn and otiier necessary buildings
that go to make up a good and well-improved
farm. He has a self-binder, a mower, and all other
modern machinery that is in use on a first-class
farm. His farm is well-stocke I with cattle, horses
and hogs of standard gr.'ides.

Jlr. and Jlrs. Cook have had six children boTn to
thc-n of whom three died young and tliree are liv-
ing — Thomas, Mary and Bridget. Mr. Cook has
worked hard in the accumulation of his properly
and has received valuable aid from his wife who is
a cheerful, ca|)ableand willing helpmate. He is of a
peaceable, kind and obliging disposition and has
never had a law suit in his life or was he ever on
a jurv. He has always attended strictly to his own
affairs, letting other people's business alone and al-
ways gets along well with his neighbors. He be-
grudges happiness to no one, is no man's enemy
and has no enemies of his own, but on the contrary
has ni.iny friends. In politics he is a Democrat; in
religion a Catholic.

ENRY CONE. To show the mettle of the
111 man it is not necessary to enter the marts
of a crowded cit^', take a place among the
dwellers on the tented field, or journey far
from home and friends in order to make wonderful
discoveries. Opportunities are not lacking even
amid the peaceful surroundings of pastoral life, to
teach high living, high thinking, and sliovv ener-
getic action for individual and public good. The
subject of this biogra|ihical notice is one who has
prospered by steady industry, and l)y ever keeping
in view the great i>rinciple of doing to others as he
would be done bj'. He has found abundant oppor-
tunities during the course of his long life, to |iro-

mote the welf:ire of his fellow-men by assisting in
their wortliy umlertakings and by suggesting or in-
stituting movements which ten<i to mental or moral
culture.

'J'he gentleman of whom we write is tiie eldest
of six I)rolhers, whose father, .loseph Cone, was the
founder of Farmington, naming it in iionor of a
Connecticut town in which he was reared. Their
mother, Elizabeth Candee, was, like her husband,. a
native of Connecticut. The parental history is
noted at some length in the biographical sketch of
Spencer Cone, a brother of our subject, which is
included in this volume. A sketch of another
brother, George W. Cone, a farmer near Farming-
inglon, will also be found in this volume. Besides
these the fraternal band included Joseph, David C.
and Charles. Joseph, a farmer, now lives at Ash-
land, Neb.; his wife, former!}' Mary Ann Miles,
died in 1888. David married Harriet Cutler and
had four children — Eddie, George, Joseph and
Hattie; his homo was in Kansas at the time of his
death, in 1885. Charles is a gold miner at Shasta,
Cal.

The subject of this notice opened his eyes to the
light in Oxford, Conn., September 17, 1801). While
he was still an infant his parents removed to Har-
winton, where he was reared on a farm and where
d.ay after daj' he followed the old wooden mould-
board plow on his father's large estate of three
hundred acres. Among the stones of the Connecticut
hillsides the barefooted lad learned the lessons of
industry-, perseverance and self-reliance, which fitted
him for life upon the frontier to which he accom-
panied the other members of the parental family in
the spring of 1834. The previous j'car. in com •
pany with his father and his brother Joseph, lie
h.ad visited the Prairie Slate, prospecting, a site in
Fullon County being ileterminod upon.

Our subject courted and married Miss Sophia
D. Hoadley, the wedding ceremony taking place
March 19, 1834, and the young couple coming
Westward as soon as they could pack their house-
hold effects for the journey. The Erie Canal, Lake
Erie and the Ohio Canal were traversed to Ports-
mouth, Ohio, where the party took boats for St.
Louis and Peoiia. There they hired teams to bring
them to what was known as the Mercli.ant Settle-

314

PORTRAIT AND BIUUKAPHICAL ALBUM.

ment, which they reached in June. Mr. Cone says
'•A more fertile tract or one supporting a more
luxuriant vegetation, no man's e3'es ever viewed."
The father of our subject bad paid $300 ai)ieee for
three squatter's claims, upon which log cabins had
been built, and in these rude edifices the various
members of the family were housed upon reaching
their destination. Our subject at once set about
breaking, fencing, and otherwise preparing the land
for crops, swinging a maul from morning until
night, like many another Illinois rail-splitter. Many
hardships were endured by the new settlers, but
Mr. Cone says "I liked this country, for I was glad
and contented."

The first great sorrow of Mr. Cone's life was the
death of his first-born, Elizabeth C, who died at
the age of ten years. A still greater blow befell
him in September 184G when his companion crossed
to the other shore. She left four children — Sophia,
H. Jennie H., ]S^ellie M. and Luther Hoadley. The
eldest of these married ■\Villiam Field, of Boston, at
one time a dr^'-goods merchant in Farmington and
now a real-estate dealer in Los Angeles, Cal.; the
second daughter married Silas H.ays. of Blooming-
ton, 111., and the}' also are now living in the Golden
State; Nellie M. married Daniel James, of Burling-
ton, Iowa, their home now being on a farm near
Grinnell; Luther II. remains at Farmington, of
which he is one of the most popular residents.

Mr. Cone was married a second time, in Septem-
ber, 1847, his bride being Miss Mary Eggleston, a
natire of Oneida Count}-, N. Y. This union has
been blessed by the birth of three children, of
whom the first-born, a son, Henr3-,died when three
j'ears old. Merritt H., a farmer near Farmington,
married Miss Mary Jack and has three children ;
Maggie E. married Morrison M. Alsbury, formcrlj'
of Springfield, their home now being in Boston,
where both are acquiring fame in the musical
world, the one as a violinist and the other as a
vocal teacher.

Mr. Cone has alwaj-s been a farmer an(! has
raised thousands of bushels of wheat, corn and
other cereals, as well as hundreds of dollars worth
of cattle, hogs and horses. Although now eighty-
one j-ears old, he is hale and heart}', in full posses-
sion of all his faculties, and as interested in the

work going on about him as when he was looking
forward in early youth. He attributes his remark-
able health and mental preservation to the fact that
he has always been a temperate man and of regular
habits. His description of early pioneer experien-
ces is given with historical accuracy and a fascina-
tion equal to that of a romance. His wealth is the
product of industry and economy, as he has never
engaged in speculations of any kind. He is known
as one of the most responsitile men and most
prompt to meet his obligations, of the State. He
and his son Luther own in common an estate of
about three hundred acres adjoining Farmington
on the northeast, which is well improved, with
three residences, one the old Joseph Cone home,
which is now occupiedby our subject. Besides his
interest in this estate Mr. Cone owns four hundred
and eighty acres in Thayer County. Xeb.

Mr. Cone took a very active part with his father
in bringing the Chicago, Burlington <fe Quincy
Railroad through to Farmington. They subscribed
83,000 in stock, which practically amounted to a
donation, and a few years later subscribed liberally
to tlie Elmwood branch of the same road. Our
subject got out timber from his own woods, hewed
it. and built nearly all the bridges between Farm-
ington and Elmwood. All this work and donation
proved a loss, as the road, although graded, was
never completed. Mr. Cone has always done all he
could toward supporting the religious and educa-
tional institutions of this country. He has served
as School Director and prides himself upon the fact
that Farmington has an excellent High School. He
is of a rather quiet, retiring nature, never craving
office or putting himself forward in public affairs.
Recognizing his impartiality, his fellow-citizens
while he was living in Knox County were pleased
to elect him Justice of the Peace, which position
he held four years.

The virgin vote of Mr. Cone was given to Gen.
Jackson. He supported the Whig party and their
leaders, Williiim Henry Harrison and Henry Clay,
for the latter of whom he twice deposited his bal-
lot. When the Republican p.arty was organized he
identified himself with it. voting for Gen. F"remont
and afterward helping to elect Lincoln in 1860-64.
He has supported Grant, Hayes, Garfield, Blaine,

POUTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

315

and Hariison willi all the ardor of a firm Repub-
liciiii. lie bas bonu' a laroje part of the expense
connected with the Iniilding and support of the
Congregational Cluirch in Fariuington. Taking a
retrospective view of his life he recalls mistakes, as
who can not? but rejoices in the fact that his aim
bas been the -prize of the high calling" and that
he has^grown gray in the service of the Lord.
That his declining years may be like the golden
rays of the setting sun, bright with promise, and
like the autumn filled with sheaves, Is the wish of
his many sincere friends, who will be pleased to
notice his portrait on another page.

1^=^ AMUEL FACKLER comes of sterling pio-
^^^ neer stock, his parents, Franklin and Caro-
"^/t))) ''"® (I'C!>''.y) Fackler, having been early
^==^ settlers of this county and his father a pio-
neer blacksmith of Astoria, the birthplace and
present residence of our subject. The latter is now
numbered among the euterjirising, progressive, sub-
stantial business men of his native county, and is
no unimportant factor in advancing its material
interests. He has a large, well-appointed hardware
store in Astoria, and commands an (extensive trade
not only in tlie village but among the citizens of
the outlying country.

Mr. Fackler was born in this town, December 3,
1842. He is a son of the late well-known Franklin
Fackler, who was born in Augusta County-, Ya.,
December 3. 1807. His father, .Samuel Fackler,
was, it is thought, born in Pennsylvania. lie was
a tanner by trade, and carried on that business in
Stanton, Augusta County, ^'a., wliere lie spent his
last years.

The father of our subject went to live with an
uncle in Loudoun County when he was a boy and
he learned the trade of a blacksmith. He subse-
quently returned to Augusta County, and there
took unto himself a wife and followed his trade
there until 1835. In the ftill of that year, willi his
wife and one child, he started with a pair of horses
and a wagon for the wilds of the Prairie .State,
taking cooking utensils along and cooking and

camping by the waj' at noon and night. The little
party finally arrived at its destination in Fulton
{/'ounty after thirty days' traveling. Mr. Fackler
first located near the present site of Table Grove.
The country around was very thinly inhabited, and
where Vermont now stands, a thriving and nour-
ishing village, there was but one house. Mr. Fack-
ler built a log cabin, in which his family found
shelter the ensuing winter, and in the spring of
183G removed from there to the village of Wash-
ington, which was the first name given to Astoria.
There were at that time only two log houses and
one store where now a busy and prosperous town is
located. The father of our subject erected a black-
smith shop in the village, which was the first one
built there, and he actively engaged at his calling
there until the new village was laid out half a mile
distant and named Astoria. He then removed his
business to the new village and was the first black-
smith in that place. He bought property and built
a substantial dwelling and sliop, and continued to
carry on his trade, with the exception of two years
when he was engaged in farming near Summura,
until his death, which occurred December 15. 1887.
The mother of our subject was born in Shenan-
doah County, Ya. Her father, John Deary, was a
native of Pennsylvania. He was left an orphan at
an early age, and after he had attained manhood he
went to Augusta County, Ya., and there married.
He was a shoemaker and followed his trade in Vir-
ginia until 1835. In that 3'car he became a pioneer
of Fulton Count3-, buying a tract of Government
land near Table Grove. It consisted of wild prai-
rie and there was a double log house on the
place when he purchased it, in which he lived with
his family five 3'ears. His wife dying, he then re-
moved from there to Astoria and bought a home in
which he lived retired until his death. The maiden
name of his wife was Jane jNIcMullen. She was
born in Penns3dvania. The mother of our subject
lived witii her parents until her marriage, and was
earl3' taught to spin and weave. In the first years
of her married life she cooked by the fireplace and
clad her children in homespun garments of her own
manufacture. This venerable lady now makes her
home with her daughter, Jlrs. Nelson. .She has
witnessed almost the entire development of this part

SIG

PORTKAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALliUM.

of Illinois from a]|wilderness to a well settled and
\vealth}- county'. The early part of her life was
passed amid pioneer scenes and she did not see a
railroad uniil she was uearlj' fifty years of age.
Mrs. Fackler reared the following six cliildren to
useful lives: James F., who resides in Astoria; J.
Thomas, of Astoria; J. A.; Mrs. Nelson, of Astoria;
Samuel, our subject; Lizzie, Mrs. Anderson, who
lives in Henr3' County, Iowa; and Fannie, Mrs.
Jones, who resides in Astoria. Mr. and Mrs. Fack-
ler were greatly respected b}- the people among
wiiom tiiev lived for so many years. The}' were
true Christians, and both joined the Methodist
Episcopal Church in llieir j-ounger days, though
ihe mother had been reared to the Lutheran faith.

Samuel Fackler, of whom we write, gleaned his
early education in the pioneer schools of Astoria,
anil when large enough commenced to help his fa-
ther in the shop. At the age of nineteen he entered
upon his mercantile career, engaging as a clerk in
the general store of W. H. Scripps. He continued
in that capacitj"^ twenty j-ears and in 1883 resigned
in Older to engage in the hardware business. He
has since devoted his entire attention to it, and has
Diiilt up one of the most extensive and profitable
trades in this line in this part of the county. He
lias a iiandsome. commodious, and convenientlj- ar-
ranged store, and carries a full stock of hardware,
stoves, tins, etc.

The marriage of Mr. Fackler with Miss Belle
Piice, a native of Fayette County, Pa., and a daugh-
ter of Benjamin Price, was solemnized in 1868.
Five children were born of that union — George,
Lillie, Nellie, Grace, and Bessie. In the month of
April, 1884, the pleasant home of our subject was
invaded by death and the loving wife and devoted
mother was taken from the place in the household
lliat she had so nobly filled. She was a true, wo-
manly woman, possessing a fine disposition and
olh'jr pleasant qualities that endeared her to man^-
be3"ond the home circle. She joined the Methodist
Episcopal Church before her marriage, and was al-
ways a consistent member thereof.

ftlr. Fackler is a sagacious, practical man of
business, possessing the necessary foresight, finan-
cial ability and tenacity' of purpose, requisite to
success in any walk, and his affairs are managed

with scrupulous honesty and with a conscientious
regard for the rights of others. His honorable
course in business, his frank and courteous bearing,
his warm-hearted nature that makes his friendship
so desirable, have won him the confidence of the
entire community and have given him a high place
in the regard of all with whom he associates, either
in a business or social way. In him the Methodist
Episcojial Church, which he joined before marriage,
finds one of its most earnest anti valued members,
who is prominent in its affairs and who carries his
religion into his every day life. In politics he is a
Republican. He has taken an important part in the
local Government, has served one j^ear as a mem-
ber of the Town Council, and is a member of the
School Board. He is identified with Astoria Camp
of M. AV. A., and Astoria Lodge, A. O. U. W.

J?I| LBERTK. TATE, editor and proprietor of
/Uli the Astoria Argus, is a wide-awake young
journalist and is successfully conducting
>j^ an excellent family newpapei'. He is also

an enterprising man of business, dealing in real es-
tate and representing five different insurance com-
panies.

Mr. Tate is a native of this State, born in Ma-
comb, McDonough Count}', February 28, 1861.
He is a son of the well known Richard Tate, who
was born in what is now Carter County, Ky.. July
5, 183L His father, David Tate, was a native of
the same countj' and a son of one of the pioneers
of Kentucky, who early located in Green County,
and there spent his last j'ears. The grandfather
of our subject was reared and married in the
count}- of his nativity, taking for his wife Miss
Nancy AVilson. He learned the trade of a tanner
and engaged in that in connection with farming
during his residence in Green County. In 1845,
he came from Kentucky to Illinois, bringing with
him his wife and six children. He stopped a short
time in Henderson Count}-, and then located in
McDonough County, buying a tract of land about
two miles south of Macomb. That town was then
but a hamlet and the surrounding country was

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

317

thinly iiiliiibited. Mr. Tate lived on his t';irin in
th.at vicinity several j'ears, and then bought prop-
erty in the village of Macomb, and resided there
until 1871. In that year he sold his properly there
iinil moved to Arkansas, lie lived a short time in
lliro, and there shortly alter his arrival his wife
died at the age of sixty-eight years. Mr. Tate
subsequently removed to Washington County, and
still resides on the farm he then purchased, he be-
ing now quite an old man.

Richard Tate was fourteen years old when
his i)arcnt8 came to Illinois. He was bred to a
farmer's life on the old homestead, and continued
to lire with his father and mother until he estab-
lislied a home of his own. He learned the trade of
a tanner and brick moulder, and after he assumed
the cares of married life he settled in Macomb and
was occupied at his trades some years. lie finally en-
tered the employ of the Chicago, Burlington &
Quincy Railroad Company in the contractor's de-
partment, and has remained with that company most
of the time .since. He married Kmeline Hall, who
was born in ^laxwell, Washington County, Ky.,
October 17, 1837, and is a daughter of Joel and
Mary (Clark) Hall. Two children have tilessed the
marriage of .Mr. and Mrs. Tate, Eflie and our sub-
ject. Their (laughter resides with them.

The gentleman of whom this sketch is written
was reared in Macomb, and received excellent ed-
ucational advantages in its public schools. When
he w.as fourteen years old he commenced to work
on a farm at $Io per month. He was thus em-
ployed for a few months in the fall and then
clerked in a fruit store a few weeks. August 10,
1875, he <'ntered the oUice of tlse Macomb Eagle
and for four years thereafter, served an appren-
ticeship to learn the printer's trade. After that
he went to Chicago and was employed in the oflice
of the Tiiitcs four months and then worked on the
Prairie Farmer a few months and subsequently was
engaged in a job office on Dearborn Street. He re-
mained in Chicago about a year and we next hear
of him in a printing office in Warsaw, where he was
emplo3'ed six months. At the expiration of that
time he returned to IMacomb and studied dentistry
awhile. He abandoned that, hf)wever, and resumed
the printer's trade in the oflice of the daily liejMbli-

can-Eef/ister at Galesburg. From there he went to
Bushuell and worked in the oflice of the Gleaner.
On account of ill health he gave up oflice work for
awhile and went to Iowa, whither he was sent by
the l^nion Publishing Compan}', of Springfield, to
assist in compiling county histories. A j'ear later
he entered the employ of the Illi)wis State Journal,
and six months after that went back to Macomb as
foreman in the oflice of the Macomb Eagle.

He retained that position one year, and then
bought the Astoria Argus, and has edited and
published this paper ever since. His experience
in various printing offices and on various papers,
was invaluable to him in his new work, and laid a
solid foundation for his career as a journalist. His
paper is well managed, and is published in a neat
and attractive form, is bright and interesting and
keeps aptice with the times. For a young man of
his energ}' and capacity for work, his labors as an
editor are not sufficient to take up his time, so our
subject has branched out in other directions, and,
as before mentioned, is engaged in the insurance
business, .as agent for five different companies, and
he also makes money by his dealings in realty.

Mr. Tate was wedded to Miss Bertha Farr, .Sep-
tember 25, 1884. Mrs. Tate is a native of Astoria
Township, and a daughter of John and Nina Farr.
The names of the children that have been born to
our subject and his wife in their pleasant hotne are :
Mildred F. and Albert Dean. Mr. and Mrs. Tate
are people of high personal character, and are
greatly esteemed by the entire community. They
are members of the Christian Church. Mr. Tate
belongs to Astoria Lodge No. 100, A. F. & A.
M. and Astoria Camp, M. W. A. No. 381.

^*. ..,-.'.,^,.**..'^".V.i . A-

ENOCH THOJIPSON is one of those pro-
gressive wide-aw.ake farmers, who find both
■ pleasure and ijrofit in cidtivating the soil,

and by means of dignity and abilitj' tend to raise
the standard of their chosen occupation. Beside
agricultural pursuits, he is also interested in stock-
raisini;, and owns a valuable estate on section 2(),

318

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

Pleasant Township. He is a native of Coshocton
County, Ohio, being born there on the 1 7th of Maj-,
1836.

His parents,Joshua and Emily (Williams) Thomp-
son, were natives of New Jersey' and Maryland re-
spectivelj', the former being of Scotcli descent. A
kinsman on the maternal side figured prominently
in tiie Revolutionar}' War, and his Grandfather
Williams was one of the earliest settlers in Coshoc-
ton Count}', building one of the first houses in that
section of the State of Ohio. His father was twice
married and had ten children, of whom the follow-
ing .ire living at this date: Margery-, wife of W.
Richards of Iowa; Permeiia, wife of John Potter,
of Putnam County, Mo.; Elizabeth, now Mrs.
Foster and living in Coshocton Count}-, Ohio;
George, who resides in Warsaw, Ohio; Lydia, wife
of William Bourel of Richland Count}-, III., and
Enoch, whose sketch now claims attention.

Mr. Thompson reached manhood's estate in his
native place, and at an early age commenced to do
work of various kinds. His education was some-
what limited, and his knowledge has been gained
chiefly by reading. In the winter of 1857, he
moved to McDonough County, this State, and for
more than a year engaged in farm work. He then
went to Putnam County, Mo., then in a few months
back to JlcDonough County, and later to Schuyler
County, 111., but after six months in the latter place
came to Fulton County, and has since continued to
reside here.

Our subject enlisted in the late war on the 19th
of August in the year 1861, in Company H, Third
Illinois Cavalry, and became part of the Western
Army, first under Gen. Fremont, then Gen. Hal-
leck, and later under Gen. Curtiss. He performed
the duties of the ordinary cavalryman, and took
part in many skirmishes. He served until Septem-
ber 25, 1862, at which time he returned to his pres-
ent place of residence.

Mr. Thompson was married September 15, 1864,
to Miss Mary E. Thompson, native of Woodland
Township, and daughter of Anthony and Lucy
(Shields) Thompson, natives of Coshocton County,
Ohio and Harrison County, Ind. Her father moved
to Fulton County some time in the '40s, having
ridden the entire distance from his native State on

horseback, and w.is one of the first settlers of Wood-
land Township. Her gr.ind parents came to Fulton
County in the fall of 1830, settling in Woodland
Township. To her parents were born nine chil-
dren, of whom six are living, viz: Mary (wife of
our subject); Benjamin F.; Nancy, wife of John W.
Hagan; Sarah C, wife of W. H. Smith; Minerva J.
wife of Harvey Shelley; Martha, wife of Thornton
A. Bourel. Her father was a member of the Baptist
Church, and was a most succcssful^agricullurist.

To our subject and [wife has been born one
daughter, Julia C. He settled on his present farm
in 1865, continuing to reside here since" that"_date.
He has cleared the land and cultivated the soil un-
til his farm is very valuable. Mr. Thompson is a
very popular man and has held public offices from
time to time. At present he is serving as Highway
Commissioner. He is a member of the Democratic
party and true in all respects to his party princi-
ples. He is a member of the Grand Army Post at
Summum,and is well known and much respected by
all who have the pleasure of his acquaintance. Mrs.
Thompson is a faithful member of the Baptist
Church, and both she and her husband endeavor at
all times to advance the interests of the commun-
ity.

ARON LINGENFELTER. All the loyal
Americans will agree that the old soldiers
who sacrificed home comforts, endured
(^' hardships, and braved dangers during the

days of the Nation's peril, are deserving of remem-
brance. The historian cannot detail the lives spent
on the tented field, but he can mention the chief
evtnts by which the gallant soldier secured victory,
too often, alas, at the price of manly vigor and
missing limbs. AVerc there no other reasons than
his army life, we should be glad to present to our
readers an outline of the history of Aaron Lingen-
felter. a worthy farmer of Banner Township, liv-
ing on section 19.

Mr. Lingenfelter was born in Blair County, Pa.,
November 8, 1841, being a son of Jacob and Sarah
(CKaar) Lingenfelter. The parents removed to this
county in the spring of 1848, locating on section

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

319

18, Bueklieart Township, where our subject grew
to his twentieth j'ear, spending his dajs in llie man-
ner usual to farmers' sons, and studying in the dis-
trict school. On August 9, 1861, he responded to
his eountrj-'s call, and enlisted in Compan}' A.,
Fifth-fiflh Illinois Infantr)', Capt. Presson and Col.
Stewart being his commanding officers. The regi-
ment formed a part of the Seventh Division of the
Array of the Tennessee until November, when the
Fifteenth Army Corps was organized, and it was
incori)orated therein. It took part in thirty-two
battles, and was under Are one hundred and twenty-
five days.

The first engagement in which our subject par-
ticipated was Shiloh, where the battle was opened
by the Fifty-fifth, .Sunday morning, April 6, 1862,
on the extreme right. The regimental loss in
killed, wounded, and missing, wastwo hundred and
seventyrcight men. The next contest was Russell
Mouse, in June, followed by the siege of Corinth,
lasting twenty days, after which a march was made
to Memphis, and camp life enjoyed while the re-
organization was taking place. We next find the
Fifty-fifth moving down the Mississippi and taking
part in tlie battle of Chickasaw Bayou, whence it
was compelled to withdraw after a four-days en-
gagement, during which Capt. Shleieh was killed.

Going up the Arkansas, Ft. Heinman was cap-
tured after a contest of two days, January 10 and
11, 1863, and the regiment then took transports to
Milliken's Bend, in front of Vicksburg. On April
27, the boys went to Haines Bluff to draw the at-
tention of the confederate forces while Gen. Grant
crossed at ( irand (iulf, sixty -five miles below the
city. On May IJ thej' followed at the same cross-
ing, and fought in the battle of Champion Hill,
then went on to take part in the siege of Jackson.
Miss., returning to participute in the siege of Vicks-
burg. After the fall of that city, the corps went to
the relief of Gen. Thomas j\,t Chattanooga, crossing
the Tennessee on pontoons, and floating down
stream at midnight. The battle was fi^ught, then
Burnside re-inforced at Knoxville, and Larkins-
ville, Ala., visited, when the term for whicli Mr.
Lingenfelter had enlisted expired.

In April, 18C4, Mr. Lingcrfeltcr re-enlisted for
three jears or during the war. He received a fur-

lough of thirty days, and visited his father and
friends in the North, rejoining his comrades at
Kenesaw Mountain, June 20. Up to this time he
had escaped injury, and had been present at ever}'
roll-call, except when on furlough. At Kenesaw.
June 27, he received two wounds, one in the leg
and one in the side, but as -they were only flesh
wounds, be remained with his company. July 22,
he had his left forefinger shot ofi" while the company
was retaking a batterj', and the gallant captain,
J. M. Augustin, lost his life.

Mr. Lingenfelter subsequently took part in all
the engagements on the march to the sea, begin-
ning in November, 1864. At Statesboro, Ga., he
was one of five men sent on a foraging expedition,
and was captured by the confederates. When An-
dersonville stared him in the face he made his es-
cape to the Union lines, being shot at b}' the guard,
the ball hitting a handkerchief in his pocket, and
making twenty-two holes in it.

After the capture of Savannali the reginient
marched north through the Carolinas, and on
March 21, 1865, Mr. Lingenfelter received the gun-
shot wound that disabled him for life. He was
shot through the right shoulder, by reason of
which the right arm is now four inches shorter than
the left. The wound prevented our subject from
any further active participation in armj' service,
and after remaining in different hospitals until July
22, he was discharged, when his time lacked but
eighteen days of four years. Mr. Lingenfelter
never drank a drop of liquor until after he was
wouiKlcd. He draws a pension of $3G pei monlli.

Mr. Lingenfelter returned to this county July
•29. and resumed the arts of peace, hampered in his
efft)rts by his crippled condition, but full of en-
ergy, determination and grit. He has been able to
live comfortablj', to school his children well, to im-
prove his place, and, better than all else,.has gained
tli(> confidence and esteem of those about him. He
owns eighty acres of fine land, that in the qualit}-
and quantit}- per acre of its crops will compare
favorably with any in the vicinity. Mr. Lingen-
felter always votes the Republican ticket. He has
been School Director three years, and discharges
his duty in a satis factorj' manner. The family
worshii> in the ^Iclhodist Kpiscoinil Church.

320

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

In charge of the household economy of the Lin-
g(!nfelter estate is a capable and loving woman,
formerly known as Miss Charity Hedge. She be-
came tiie wife of our subject, Marcli 17, 1870, and
is tiie mother of tiiree children: Lizzie C, born
.Sei>tember 22, 1S72; Ernest, November 24, 1874;
and Minerva M., September 19, 1881.

/^ ONRAD MARKLEY. Among llie early set-
jl( ^^ tiers of this county was tlie Marlvle^' familj',
^^^ and its present representative, the subject of
tliis biography, is now one of its wealtiiy and most
prost)erous farmers. He was an important factor
in the })ioneci' labors that laid tlie solid foundation
of tlie present prosperity of tliis section of the
countrj',and having accumulated a liandsome prop-
erly is enabled to spend liis declining years free
from the hard work and cares of his early life, in
one of the most comfortable homes of DeerBeld
Township, of wliich lie has been a lu'omincnt resi-
dent many ye.irs.

Tlie paternal great-grandfather of our subject
was born in German}', while liis maternal great-
grandfather was a native of Fruace. His grand-
father on his fatlier's side was born in Somerset
County, Pa., and his grandfather on his mother's
side was born in the Mohawk River Valley, in New
York. Tlie parents of our subject, Jonathan and
Elizabeth (Cline) Markley, were natives of Penn-
sylvania. The}' migrated to this county in 1834,
arriving at Canton on the 1st of October. They
located on section 31, Fairview Township, and re-
mained until the fall of 1841. They then removed
to Eliisville, where the father died in 1842. After
her husband's death the mother of our subject re-
turned to the old homestead in Fairview Township
RiKi thence went to Kansas, where her death oc-
curred in 1874.

Conrad Markley was born October 10, 1817, in
an humble pioneer home in Ashland County, Ohio.
His education was conducted in a primitive log
schoolhouse of the early times. He was a stalwart
youth of seventeen years when he accompanied his
parents to their new home in this county. He re-

mained with them until he married, March 31, 1842,
Ruth, daughter of Benjamin and Amanda (Cone)
Foster, becoming his wife on that date. Mrs.
Markley is also a native of Ohio and was born in
Madison County, ,lnly 15, 1823. Her marriage
with our subject has been blessed by ten children,
of whom the first two were twins and died very
young. The others are as follows: Amanda, wife
of John Walick, of Montgomery County, Kan.,
Louie, wife of George W. Lippy, also of Montgom-
ery County, Kan.; Lewis Cass, vvho married Lauia
Aldiidge and lives in Sumner County, Kan.; Mar-
garet A. is the wife of Josiah Cattron, of Hickory
Township; John A., who is a bachelor residing on
a farm in Kansas and does his own housework;
Tliomas F., who married Josephine Turner and
lives in Hickory Township; Andrew Jackson, a
bachelor living in Kansas; Josiah V.. who lives with
his parents. Mr. and Mrs. Markley reared their
children carefully, giving them good educational
advantages, and he has given them a good start in
life. He gave each of his boys, at the age of twenty-
two, eighty acres of land in Kansas, a goud team,
wagon and harness and $100, and did equally well
by his daughters. One boy sold his eighty acres to
his brother for iB3,000. The younger son, who re-
sides at home, receives a good income from the
rental of his eighty acres of land.

Mr. iSIarkley resided on his mother's farm for four
years after he was married. When he first began
his career as a.i independent farmer he had nothing
but his wife, to whose capable and devoted assist-
ance he owed much of his after prosfierity, and nil
his personal property was vested in a cow. He had
besides about $600 security debt to ixay. In the
Sjjring of 1848, having worked hard and accom-
plished much, he came out even with the world
and with a team, wagon and harness, the latter be-
ing a contrivance made by himself, with chain tugs
and an old strap for back- band. The wagon was also
a [irimitive affair, manufactured partly in Canton
and partly by himself and his friends. "With this
outfit he started to build up a home, locating on
section 2, Deerfleld Township, where he now resides.
He has met with more than ordinary success in the
prosecution of his calling, and has now a finely im-
proved homestead of two hundred acres, eighty

9^x^6//

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

323

acres on section 2, and one hundred and twenty
acres on section 31, Fairview Township. He is
now taking the world eas)'. mailing oiccasionai
visits to his children in Kansas. He still lias iiis
farm under his management, though he does hut
little work himself, lie and his good wife living in
peace and contentment and enjoying the fruits of
tlu'ir united labors.

Mr. Marklcy is one of the old settlers here, and
the only man now living in this township who w.'is
here when he came, is Charles B. Edmonson, wiiose
sketch will be found on another jiage of this work.
He has so conducted himself both in pulilic and in
private life as to honor the citizenship of this place
and has borne an important part in its civic life. He
has held the oth'ce of Supervisor for many years,
was Assessor for a number of years, and Road Com-
missioner and School Director. He cast his first
vote for Martin Van Huren. ami has alwaj's stood
stanchly by the Democratic I'arty.

, UDLEY M. SIIIPP is one of the shrewdest
and most intelligent agriculturists of Isa-
bel Township, as is shown b}- the success
which has crowned his efforts. His home
is on section 27, and his real estate comprises over
six hundred acres of the very best land. He oi)er-
ates about five hundred acres, wiiicli furnishes him
a field for very extensive operations in the crops
best suited to the situation and the soil on which
he works. ^Inch of the laml is in the Spoon River
bottom and ^Ir. Sliipp was the first to begin the
construction of a levee to protect the land against
overflow. The levee has now been extended by
other farmers until it is five miles in length. Mr.
Shiiip's portion of it cost him liHtOO. Tl-.e enter-
prise was begun by him in l.sG7. and he was the
first man in this vicinity to raise cro[)S on the bot-
tom.

The grandfather of our subject was John Shipp,
jirobiibly born in \'irginia, whence he removed to
Kentucky in a very early day, when panthers and
bears were numerous there. He was verj- fond of
hunting and in the luirsuit of that pleasuie had

several narrow escapes from being killed by pan-
thers. On one occasion he was resting on a log in
the woods when he heard a crackling in the brush
behind hira and turned just in time to raise his
trusty rifle and shoot a panther which was spring-
ing n[)ou him. He was a farmer and a distiller of
peach brandy and apple jack. He lived to be more
than fourscore years old, breathing his last in Hart
County, Ky.

Walker Shipp, the father of our subject, was born
in Taylor County, Ky., reared on a farm there and
continued to make the county his home until 1835.
He then located in Hart County in a section where
deer were plentiful, and the memory of our subject
includes the sight of his father shooting those ani-
mals. Mr. Shipp came to Central Illinois in the
winter of 18(>4, and lived with our subject from
that time until his death, which took place when he
was (ift3'-eight years old. He was a. Democrat un-
til the outbreak of the Civil War, after which he
gave Ills allegiance to the Republican part}'. He
was an earnest Christian, identified with the Ba()-
tist Church.

The mother of our subject was known in her
girlhood as Rebecca Mardis. Like her husband she
was born in Taylor County, Ky., and was a con-
sistent member of the Baptist Church. She passed
away at the age of sixtj'-fivc years, in the Indian
Territory, where she was living with a daughter.
She was the mother of eight children, all of whom
wrew to maturity although three have now crossed
the river of death. The subject of this notice is the
first-born. The others are, Marion F., .Tohn R., Ma-
linda, Sally, James M., JMrs. Ellen Jackson and
Mrs. Harriet Seaj'. Malinda, Sally and Harriet are
deceased.

The gentleman whose name introduces this life
history was born in Taylor County, Ky., October 1 1 ,
1832, and accompanied his parents to Hart County
when he was two years old. He attended school in the
primitive log cabin with its slab benches, greased
paper windows and writing desks around the walls,
where each scholar jiaid a quarterly fee for tuition
and the teacher boarded round. His school attend-
ance was mainly during the winter months and the
summers were devoted to work on the farm in
which he. as the oldest of the familw bore a promi-

324

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

nent part. Young Shipp was but twenty jears old
when he married and began life for himself. He
purchased over one hundred acres of land in La
Rue County and began housekeeping in a hewed
log dwelling. A year later he sold the property
and moved on his father's place in Hart County
where he farmed until 1855.

In October of that year Mr. Shipp started for
this count}-, making the trip with a team and wagon,
but wlien he reached Richland Count}', this State,
the roads were so bad that he remained there dur-
ing the winter, coming o.i here in the spring. He
settled near Petersburg and began working in a
sawmill in which be subsequently bought an inter-
est. The venture proved a poor investment and he
finall}' sold out his interest and removed to Havana,
remaining there a short time and then hiring out
on a farm at 120 per month. The next j'ear he
raised a crop on shares and continued so to do
about five years.

In 1864, Mr. Shipp bought one hundred and
sixty-four acres on section 24, Isabel Township,
where twenty-five acres had been broken and a log
cabin built. He replaced the rude dwelling by a
somewhat better one made of hewed logs, which
was his home twelve years. Four years after his
first purchase he bought one hundred and sixty
acres adjoining on the same section, and in 1872
purchased the land be now lives upon on section 27.
Still later he added eighty acres, having prospered
greatly in his undertakings as a tiller of the soil
and in raising large numbers of animals. The fine
frame dwelling now occupied by his family was
put up by him in 1881. In construction, design
and situation it ranks among the very best in the
township. It stands on a high hill overlooking
the valley, thus giving it* occupants a beautiful
view over hill and dale, valley and plain, where
fields of yellow grain, orchards, groves and tasteful
farm buildings present a charming picture to the
eye.

Mr. Shipp has been twice married. The first
union was consummated December 15, 1850, the
bride being Miss Mary E. Seay who was born in
Kentucky in 1834. She became the mother of three
children upon svhom were bestowed the names of
Charles J., George W. and John VC. The youngest

of the group is the onl}- one now living. The
mother died March 21, 1883, strong in the faith of
the Baptist Church of which she had long been a
member.

Mr. Shipp contracted a second matrimonial alli-
ance October 31. 1883, when he was united to
Sarah E. Landis. a native of this count}', born in
Bernadotte Township, October 9, 1852. The pres-
ent Mrs. Shipp is a daughter of John and Phebe
(Littlejohn) Landis, the former of whom was a na-
tive of Pennsylvania and the latter of Ohio. Mr.
and Mrs. Landis were early settlers in this county
and the husband died on their farm in Bernadotte
Township,at the age of fifty-two years. Mrs. Landis
is still living. She is a member of the Free Meth-
odist Church. The second marriage of^ our subject
has been blest to himself and wife in the birth of
three children — Dudley L., Bruce and Flossy D.

Mr. Shipp brings. tojthe consideration of all sub-
jects presented to his mind, the shrewdness and
cautious judgment that have characterized his agri-
cultural c3reer.~[^He is a firm believer in the po-
litical doctrines of the Republican party and there-
fore casts his vote with that element. He has helil
the offices of Road Commissioner and School Trus-
tee for fourteen years, and has also been the incum-
bent of other minor offices. He belongs to Lewis-
town Lodge, Xo. 51. I. 0. O. F. He is identified
with the Baptist, and Mrs. Shipp with the Metho-
dist Church.

Elsewhere in this volume will be noticed a litho-
graphic portrait of Mr. Shipp.

— #-#-

ILLIAM TEMPLE TOLER, M. D., de-
1/ ceased, was for many years one of the
'5^^ most prominent physicians of Fulton
County, and at his death his profession w.is de-
prived of one of its noblest representatives, and
the citizenship of the community suffered a sad
loss. He was a resident of Astoria during nearly
the whole of his professional life, and had built up
in this village one of its most beautiful and at-
tractive homes.

Dr. Toler was a native of Virginia, born near

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

5-2 •)

the city of Richmond, November 27, 1827. For
the history of his parents, Thomas and Mary (Hun-
ton) Toler, sec biography of Dr. 15. C. Toler, wliich
may be found on anotlier page of this volume.
Our subject laid a. solid foundation for his medical
education under the tuition of his father, who
trained him carefullj- in the English branches and
in the classics. He commenced to study for his
profession under the instruction of Dr. O'Neal, of
liath. III., and subsequently entered the Louis-
ville, Jvy.. Medical College, from which he was
graduated in 1851. He began his career as a
physician at Otto, tiiis county, wlience he came
three years later to Astoria. For nearly thirty
j-pars he activel}- pursued his high calling here,
having a large practice, extending even beyond
the limits of the county. He became noted for
his rare skill in the treatment of difficult cases,
and was considered the finest physician in this sec-
tion of tiie country, standing at the head of his
profession.

In the month of September, 1882, Dr. Toler's
great, warm heart was stilled forever, and bis
weary brain and over-taxed body found rest in
death. He was mourned by many far be\ond his
sorrowing home circle, as he was the beloved
physician and cherished friend in many a house-
hold where his presence had brought healing, or
had soothed the last hours of the dying. He was
rarely adapted to his profession by nature and
temperament, possessing, as he did, refined, sym-
pathetic feelings, a high sense of honor, a clear
brain, stcnily nerve, and other essentials of the
true physeian. His daily intercourse with others
was marked by a genial, courteous temper and
considerate kindness. Though he was a quiet and
unassuming man, he w.as an influence for much
wood in the conununity where so much of his life
was passed, as his every deed and act were guided
by the liigiiesl principles of truth, integrity and
morality. He w.as a Christian man in every sense
of the term, and his place in the Christian Church
of Astoria, where his name was the synonym of
love and charity, can never be filled. He was one
of its leading incuil)ers, was foremost in its every
good work, and for years was an Elder of the
cliuich. We (■.'uinot tliink tliat such a life can come

to naught, but we reverently believe that he has
now entered -'upon broader fields of action and
duty, where nobler struggles shall task the strength
and more precious crowns award the victor, where
the hopes and dreams of earth shall be turned to
sight, and the broken circles of life be rounded to
the perfect orb."

Dr. Toler and Miss Sarah A. Morrow were mar-
ried in the month of April, 1857. Mrs. Toler was
born in North Carolina May M, 1831. Her father,
Arthur Morrow, was a native of either Nortli Caro-
lina or Virginia. He married Jani^ Campbell, who
was born in the former State. They lived in
North Carolina until about 1832, and then came to
Illinois, making the removal thither with teams,
cooking and camping by the waj' at night. The3'
first settled in Greene County, and subsequently
took up their residence in Mason County, of which
they were pioneers. In 1851 Mr. Morrow came to
Fnlton County with his family, and after living a
number of years in Waterford Township he came
to Astoria and spent the remainder of his life here.
His wife died in Mason County. They reared
eight children, two sons and six daughters.

Mrs. Toler was ver}' young when her parents
brought lier to Illinois, and she remained with
them until her marriage, receiving a careful train-
ing in household duties that eminently- fitted her
to preside over a home of her own. She is a true,
generous-hearted, womanly woman, and holds a
warm place in the affections of those about her.
She is one of the valued members of the same
church with which her husband's name is indissol-
nbly connected. Three of the children born of her
marriage with our subject are now living — Temple
E., Alice E. and John C. Temple, a merchant of
Astoria, married Miss Emma McHue. and they
have two children — Mabel and William; Alice
married George Rice, a merchant of Astoria, and
tiiey have two children — Bessie and Ilattic. John
C, a druggist at Galesburg, 111., has been twice
muried. He was first wedded to Miss Dolla Kost,
who died, leaving one child, Mildred. He was
subsequently married to Mrs. Eva (Kost) Merrill.
a sister of his former wife.

Dr. and Mrs. Toler in the kindness of their he.uts
adopted liieir niece. Miss Lizzie Morrow, when she

326

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

was an infant, and reared her as tenderly as if she
were their own daughter. She married Charles
Home, a resident of San Diego. C.il.

Dr. Toler was a man of much practical business
talent and financial ability, and by the judicious
investment of his money acquired a valuable prop-
perty. and became one of the wealth}' men of As-
toria. He was prominent in social circles as a
member of Astoria Lodge, No. 100, A. F. A- A. M.

-€-*-^

^-^

JOHN F. RANDOLPH. This county is pre-
eminently the home of the agriculturist, and
ever3-where Ihrougliout its expanse the ej-es
of the traveler rest upon thoroughly culti-
vated fields, fine orchards, substantial buildings and
all the appurtenances which indicate well-directed
and successful efforts. The estates which are held
bj' its many farmers are not, as a general thing, so
wide in extent as those of the dwellers in the prai-
rie Stales beyond the Mississippi, but are more val-
uable on account of their exceeding fertility and
fine improvements. One of the largest landowners
in this countj- is John F. Randolph, who is the
fortunate possessor of eiglit hundred and sixty
acres in Joshua and Canton Townships. His dwell-
ing stands on section 19, Canton Township, and is
a commodious and well-built structure, accompan-
ied by the various outbuildings which are neces-
sar}- to carr}- on the work in which the owner is
eng.aged. Besi<le8 this fine property. Mr. Randolph
owns other real estate in Canton, where he has
erected a brick building known as Randolph's
Block.

The fatiier of our subject also bore the name of
John F., and was born in Yates Countj-,N. Y. He
married Nancy Rawalt, a native of the Keystone
State, and their first home was made in Utica, Ind.
They remained there a few years, the husband be-
ing engaged in teacliing and running a flatboat
down the river to New Orleans. In September,
1835, the}- came to this county, settling in Joshua
Township, where tiie}- continued to live until called
hence. Mr. Randolph became the owner of a large
tract of land, and was one of tiie most extensive

agriculturists of those early days. As a pioneer la-
borer in the development of the county, and an
active participant in all matters of public import-
ance, he proved a benefactor to the community in
which he lived. For many years he was one of the
throe County Commissioners. He and his wife
were of a religious turn of mind, and Mr. Randolph
was an enthusiast regarding the doctrines of Swe-
denborg.

Our subject was the fourth in a family of ten
children, five sons and five daughters. He was
born in Utica. Ind.. M.iy 26, 1833. and was there-
fore a child of two ^-ears when brought to this
count3^ His earliest recollections are of the pio-
neer surroundings and his earliest labors were those
of a frontiersman's son. He grew to manhood in
Joshua Township, and after the death of his father,
which occurred in Aprd, 1845, virtually had charge
of the farm. He continued to reside thereon with
his mother until his marriage, when he settled on
the location he still occupies in Canton Township.

The wife of Mr. Randolph bore the maiden name
of Louisa Havermale. She was born in the Buck-
e3'e State INIarch 3, 1836, and accompanied her par-
ents, Peter .and Maria (Gardenhour) Havermale, to
this count}' about 1845. Her parents lived for a
short time in Farmington Township, then settled iu
Joshua Township, where the balance of their lives
was spent. After having passed many years in
wedded bliss, in death they wee not long divided,
the wife passing away March 24, and the husband
March 27, 1888. The ceremony which united the
lives and fortunes of Mr. Randolph and Miss Hav-
ermale took place February 14, 1856. They have
five living children — Flora, Thurston, Viola, Artie,
and Johnie. The oldest of these is now the wife of
Alba Page, and lives in the State of ^Vashinglon;
Viola is the wife of George Miller, of Uanton
Township. Mr. and Mrs. Randolph have lost one
child, Orpha, wlio died when a year and a half old;
Artie and John are at home, while Thurston is en-
gaged in business in Wallace. Idaiio.

Mr. Randolph is undoubtedly the leading mem-
ber of the Patrons of Husbandry in this county,
taking great interest in the work of the order, and
ready at all times to assist in its affairs. He form-
erly acted with the Republican party, but is now

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

327

identified with the Union Labor p.iily, and in sym-
palliy with the lefonn movements in the I'nilcd
States. He is liberal in his religious views, while his
wife is a member of the JMethodist Cliiireh. His
ability and interest in the good of those about bim,
was long sinee recognized by his neighboi's, wlio
called upon lum to serve as Sehool Director, in
■whicli ofHce he has laliored for some twenty years.
The line property belonging to our subject is a
standing mor.ument to the energy whieli he has put
forth in the labors of life, and the good judgment
which has characterized his efforts, while his iiigh
Standing among his fellow-men, is an equally sat-
isfactory proof of his worth as a neighbor and citi-
zen.

!<) LISHA K. SAUNDERS, commonly known
as Squire Saunders, is a very popular and
highly respected citizen of Liverpool Town-
sliip, where his marked ability', honest and indus-
trious habits have won him numerous friends. Our
subject was born in Niagara County, N. Y.. Jan-
uary 19, 1827, being the son of Hiram and Pame-
lia (Maynard) Saunders, natives of Yates County,
N. Y. The father was born in 1797, and died in
Canton, August 9, 1873; the mother was born in
1804, and died at the age of twenty-two in Niagara
Count}', N. Y. The Saunders family were of
Scotch descent, and our subject's fatiier was reared
on a farm in Yates County, but when twenty-one
years of age took a contract on the Erie Canal,
where he worked for three years. At a later date
he removed to Niagara County, where he engaged
in farming for two years, and then came to Illinois,
making the trip on a raft down the AUegiiany to
Pittsburg, and the rest of tlie way by steamboat on
the Ohio, Mississippi and Illinois Rivers, finally
landing at Galena, this State. He came to Fulton
County in 1832, and established a ferry across the
Rock River at Dixon; but when the Black Hawk
War broke out, he gave up the ferry, and enlisted in
the army under Capt. Nelson Ball, and served three
months, during which time he participated in sev-
eral skirmishes, at New Boston , Little York, and
other places. After the war he settled down in

Henderson County, this State, and bought one hun-
dred and sixty acres of land, hi 18.^2 he sold his
farm and came to Fulton County with his children.
The JMaynard family so far as is known were of
Irish descent.

Mr. Saunders came to Illinois with his father in
1832, and settled in what was then known as War-
ren County, but is now Henderson C'ounty. His
youth was spent on a farm, and he attended school
tlu'ough the winter, and worked at farming through
the summer. After reaching his twentieth year, he
commenced working for himself in a brickyard,
where he received in compensation for his ser-
vices S12 per month. He remained there three
months, and then for one year worked in a sawmill
and continued in this way until after his marriage,
at which time he settled in Putnam Township on a
rented farm. But after two 3'ears he bought his
present place on section 1, Liverpool Township, and
on this estate he resides at the present time. When
he bought this land it was covered with heavy tim-
ber, but now it is pretty well cleared, and much of
it is well cultivated. Besides farming, he is largely
interested in stock-raising.

The subject of our sketch was married February
4, 1855, to Miss Sarah Beckstead, who was born
June 3, 1 834, and was a daughter of George Beck-
stead, who was a native of Canada. The Beckstead
family is of German descent. To Mr. and Mrs.
Saunders have been born ten children, eight cf
whom are living, viz.: G. Edgar. John L., Hiram
D., Henry F., Leonard E., Caroline P. (Mrs. War-
field), Orelia (Mrs. Kendall), and Glafa. Mrs.
Saunder's father, George Beckstead, was born in
Williamsburgh, Canada, was married there and re-
mained in the Dominion until 1834, at which time he
came to tliis country, and settled in Canton, from
which place he moved to Buckheart Townshii), and
from there he moved to the west half of section 1,
which he i)urchased and improved. He built a saw-
mill there about 1848. and continued to run it for
five or six years. At the end of that time he re-
moved to Putnam Township, where he remained
for four years, and then returned here and purchased
one hundred and sixty acres of land. He was a
member of the Mormon Church, and in politics af-
filiated with the Democratic party. He married

328

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

3Iiss DinaL Meddab, who was also a Canadian by
iiirth, and to whom were born eight children, seven
of whom grew to maturity, viz.; Mary E. (Mrs.
Pollitt), Sarah A. (Mrs. Saunders), John A., Eliza
J. (Mrs. Edwards), Orelia A. (Mrs. Pollitt), Martha
S. (Mrs. Uarker), and Caroline (Mrs Ests).

Our subject is in sympathy with the Democratic
party in politics. He has held the office of Justice
of the Peace for fourteen years; was Constable for
one term in Putnam Count3'; was Assessor for one
term; and is at the present writing, School Di-
rector.

.=..e-J^

n SAAC F. RANDOLl'H. What presents a pleas-
anter picture than old age gracefully reached
\ fitter a well-spent and prosperous life? There
is something very pleasant in looking back upon
the j-ears that intervene between childhood and age,
and living in memory all the triumpiis and joys of
years spent in an effort to l)enctjt self and neigh-
bors at the same time. And such is the case with
Mr. and Mrs. Randolph, who at the age of seventy-
nine and seventy-six respectively, are both strong
and active, and comfortably fixed in a financial
waj'. True, they have experienced the usual
amount of "ups and downs" that come almost in-
variably in a bu.sy career, but on the whole they
have known much of success and happiness. This
is in a great measure due to the fact that they have
passed their days in peace, free from the dissipa-
tions and vexations of the gay world.

Mr. Randolph has made his home in this State
for more than fifty years, devoting his attention
mostl}' to agricultural pursuits. His birth occur-
red near Rahway. N. J., being the son of Benjamin
and Phoebe (Tucker) Randoljih, natives of that
State. His grandfather, Jeremiah Randolph, was
also born in New Jersey, and his father came from
Scotland before the Revolutionary' War. The lat-
ter was a carpenter b}' trade, and an extensive land-
owner, and at an early age trained his son to habits
of strict temperance and industry.

Our subject remained at home up to the date of
his naarriage, which took place in 1831. The lady
of his choice was Miss .lulia Holt(:>n, native of New-

market, N. J., and daughter of Martin and Eunice
(Bartow) Holton. The Holtons were of English
blood, while the Bartows were of German extrac-
tion. Mrs. Randolph's fatlier was a blacksmith by
trade, and died in the year 18.51, at the age of
eighty-one, while on a visit in Illinois. Her mother
died when seventy-seven years of age, and to her
marriage were born eleven children, seven of whom
reached maturity, viz: Elizalieth, Ephraim, Sarah,
Precilla, Julia, Eunice, and Joseph.

The subject of our sketch was born March 29,
1 811, being one of the Qve children born to his
parents who grew to mature years, the others be-
ing: Sarah, Charlotte, Louisa, and Phcebe. After
their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Randolph made their
home on farms in Elizabeth and New Market, N.
J., until 1839, at which time they removed to Illi-
nois, making the journey in a wagon. This trip,
though long and tiresome, was quite enjoyable ow-
ing to the fact that three other wagons filled with
relatives of Mr. Randolph came with them. They
started from New Jersey in November, and did not
reach Farmington until Januarj- 3, 1840. Mr.
Randolph bought land in Trivoli Township, Peo-
ria County, the estate embracing thirty acres, and
built a nice house. However, he traded property
several times, and Snally became the owner of one
hundred and sixty acres, and naturally had the
trouble common to pioneers who must break up
and cultivate the soil on new land.

To Mr. and Mrs. Randolph have been born three
children, viz: j\Iary A., Louisa C, and Margaret
E. Mary A. married Jacob Berdine, a farmer of
Hancock County, 111., and has four children — Ran-
dolph, Anna L., Flora, and Charles. Of these Anna
L. married Millord McFarland, a blacksmith at
Powelton, and has one child, Robert; Flora, who
is now Mrs. John Thornbur, resides in Hancock
County, and has three children — Grace, Harry, and
one unuamed; Charles is man led and lives in Ne-
braska, and has one child. Louisa married Thomas
Dunlap, resides in Wyoming, and has four chil-
dren — Anna, Julia R., William, and James. Mag-
gie marrieil Crcorge W. Smith, and makes her home
in Farmington.

Mr. Randoli)h is in sj'mpathy with the l\opub-
lican party, and a strong sui)portcr of his party

PORTRAIT AND BlOGRArillCAL ALBUM.

329

principles. lie was at one time a Democi'at, but
cliangeil from that party because he could not agree
with them on the slavery question. He lived at
Canton twelve or fourteen years, and lias been
popular and highlj' respected in all communities
where he has resided. Both Mr. and Mrs. Ran-
dolph are members of the Baptist Church, and con-
tributed liberally to building this church at Farra-
ington.

"'v^#^ — 1 < « ^

=^i=t:^ '-i~-

ILLIAM S. COOPER. Among the rising
young men of Fulton County, native and
to the manor born, none is more worthy of
representation in this Bioghai'iiical Alhuji, than
this gentleman. He comes of good old New Eng-
land Mood, and of Revolutionar}' stock. His fa-
ther, Francis A. Cooper, was born in Pennsylvania,
December 4, 1834. He removed with bis parents
to Coshocton County, Ohio, when he was about
eight years old, and there he was reared on a
farm. In 1854, he emigrated to tliis county, and
being a man of considerable education, and of a
fine, well-balanced mind, his services were gladly
accepted as a teacher by the pioneers whom he
found here. He also gave his attention to farm-
ing, renting land for about three years, when he
purchased eighty acres on section 22, Woodland
Township. There were but little improvements on
the place at the time he purchased it, but in the
years of hard labor that followed he cleared and
improved the greater part of it, and thus greatly
increased its original value.

Mr. Cooper was married to Miss Angeline Pot-
ter, December 9, 1862. She was born in Luzerne
County, Pa., August 26, 1842. Her father was
born in Pennsylvania in 1810. He was a farmer
and came to this county with his family in 1854.
He purchased a tract of land in Woodland Town
ship, where he lived until his death at a ripe old
age in 1865. He was a man of sincere Christian
principles, and a member of the Missionary Baptist
Church nearly all his life. He was decidedly a Re-
publican, in his political views. The maternal
great-grandfather of our subject was a native of
New J^ngland, wiiere he carried on farming. He

served in the Revolution. The Potter family came
from England in early Colonial times.

The father of our subject was a Democrat in poli-
tics, and was active in local affairs. He held the
olKce of Clerk of the township, and other minor
ofiices. His death, April 21, 1866. called hence
one of our most stable and respected citizen. The
mother of our subject is still living, and makes her
home on the old homestead. She is a woman of
true Christian piety, and a valued member of the
Ba[itist Church. She has two children, William S.,
!ind Francis A.

William S. Cooper was born December 2, 1863.
He has farmed the home place for ten years, and is
raising some stock of good grades. He has just
completed a fine frame house, which has cost him
*1,000. He is decidedly with the Democratic party
in polities, and is now serving his third year as
Clerk of Woodland Township. His clear, intelli-
gent mind, his tact and business qualifications, emi-
nently fit him forthisofflce. He is finely educated,
having been a close student of books since he
gleaned his early education in the district schools.
He is a fine penman, and this gift was assiduously
cultivated while he was in attendance at the Val-
paraiso Business College during the winter of
1889-90. He is still a student in that college, and
will complete his course and be graduated the com-
ing winter.

EREMIAH P. WOLF. A prominent place
among the agriculturists of this county is
the just meed of the efforts of the gentleman
above named, who is located on section I,
Canton Township. His farm, which consists of two
hundred and twenty-five acres, is a highly produc-
tive tract, the fertility of which has been kept above
par by^ a wise rotation of crops and the use of the
best fertilizing agents. A first-class set of Duildings
has been erected upon it and the other improve-
ments made which stamp it as the home of one who
believes in progress and enterprise. Mr. Wolf
lives surrounded with all the comforts of life and
may well be gratified with his financial standing.
Our subject is a son of Thomas F. and Joanna

330

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

(Coleman) Wolf, the former a native of Virginia
and llie latter of New Jersey. Their marriage was
the first celebrated in this county and they were
the first settlers in Orion Township, to which they
removed after having lived for a time in Canton
Township. Mr. Wolf toolc an active part in the
political affairs of the vicinity and held numerous
tfiwnship offices. For many years he was a Justice
of the Peace. He breathed liis last February 3,
1863, in Orion Township, where the widow died
July 27, 1881. Both had been active members of
the Methodist -Church and for many years religious
services were held at their home. Thej' had a large
family, nine of their children living to maturity
and five dying in early life.

Jeremiali P. Wolf was tlie fifth child in the pa-
rental family and born in Orion Township Decem-
ber 3, 1841. His studies were pursued in the log-
school house of his native township, and in com-
mon with the sons of other farmers he early learned
the details of an agricultur,al career. He resided
under the parental roof until his marriage, first as
an inmate of his father's household, and after the
death of that parent, as his mother's helper and
comfort. After his marriage he i)urchased the old
homestead on which he continued to reside until
December, 1881. At that time he sold the propert}'
and removed to Canton Township where he had
bought property some time before.

The ceremony which transformed Miss Emma
Wise into Mrs. J. P. Wolf, took place on the farm
they now occupy, September 25, 1870. The estate
was then owned by the bride's parents, Samuel and
Susan (Keller) Wise, who were very early settlers
in this count}^ Both Mr. and Mrs. Wise were born
in Pennsjdvania and died on their faim in this
township. Upon coming to this section Mr. Wise
had engaged in milling in Canton, but after resid-
ing there several years turned his attention to agri-
culture. He and liis wife belonged to the Metho-
dist Episcopal Church and constantly endeavored
to carry out the principles of their faith in their
daily walk and conversation. Their family con-
sisted of thirteen children, of whom Mrs. Wolf was
the youngest.

The wife of our subject was born in tliis town-
ship January 4, 1850, and educated in the county

schools. She possesses one of those noble char-
acters which make the name of woman revered
wherever it is uttered, and is conscientious in the
discharge of every duty which she owes to her be-
loved companion and children. She has borne her
husband seven children— Luella, George W., Bertha
M., William C, Harry, Alta E. and Jeremiah P.
William C. and Harry died in their infancy.

Mr. Wolf is a representative Democrat, has taken
an active part in local atTairs and has been called
upon to serve his fellow-citizens in various public
capacities. He was Supervisor of Orion Township
twelve years, htis held the same office iri Canton
Township three years, and has been School Director
for a quarter of a century. In 1 882, he was elected
County Treasurer and honorably: discharged the
duties of the office four years. He and his wife are
active and efficient members of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church and are highly esteemed by those
wlio know them, for their consistent and. useful
lives.

NOCII RAWALT. This gentleman belongs
to the number of honorable, industrious
men, formerly living in Fulton County, who
have joined the silent majority and rest from their
earthly labors. He was born in Indiana, November
IG. 1827, and died in this county October 2, 1885,
leaving a widow and seven children together with
many friends, to mourn his loss.

The life of Mr. Rawalt was marked with no
event of unusual importance until after he had
grown to manhood. His early days were spent in
the usual manner, pursuing such studies as the
schools of the time .and section gave command of,
and in learning lessons of industry and energj- on a
farm. His marriage was solemnized in 1848 in this
county and the same j'ear he and his bride removed
to Iowa. A home was made in Warren Count3',
but after a sojourn of two years the family became
residents of Jefferson County, whence they returned
iiither in a few 3-ears.

Mr. Rawalt bought one hundred and three acres
of land in Lee Township on section 6, built thereon
and im[)roved the place. He afterward added one

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

331

hundred and nine acres, making up a beautiful
farm of two hundred and twelve acres, all of wiiieh
was placed under cultivation and brought to a fine
condition. He was a very hard-working man and
in connection with his farming operated a thresher
and clover-huller during the season.

In 1863, Mr. Rawalt enlisted in Company F,
Eighth Illinois Cavahy, and after serving as a
valiant soldier about two years received an honor-
able discharge at Wasliington and returned to his
Lome in 1865. He resumed his peaceful occupation
of agriculture and continued to pursue it zealously
and intelligently until called hence. He discharged
the duties of various local offices, among them
being that of School Director, Commissioner of
Highways and Justice of the Peace. He was a
liberal contributor to every good cause and won
the respect of those sbout him by his manly life
and cliaracter. He was a Republican in politics.
He belonged to the Masonic fraternity and was in-
terred with the rites of the order at Prairie City.

Tlie widow of Enoch Rawalt now has full control
of the farm and business, and still makes her home
on the estate where she spent so many j-ears witli
her loved companion. She bore the maiden name
of Caroline Miller and was born in Alaryiand, on
the hanks of the Potomac River, March 30, 1828.
She received her education in''Ohio where she was
reared to the age of eighteen years, when she ac-
companied her parents to this State, where about
two years later she became the wife of our subject.
She is the oldest cliild born to her i)arents, John and
Sus.annah (Hovermill) Miller, her brothers and sis-
ter bearing the names of John L, Benjamin F.,
Daniel L. and Sarah. Mr. and Mrs. Miller were
born in Maryland, married there and after a few
years of wedded life removed to Ohio. Some time
later tiiey came to tliis State, locating near Canton
where Mr. Miller breathed his last in 1864, and his
widow in 1886.

There were born to Mr. and Mrs. Rawalt the fol-
lowing sons and dauglitcrs: Warren married Effie
Chayney and lives in Lee townsliip; John M. still
lives at the old home; Jones F. married Carrie
Snider and lives in Lee Township; Bonnie married
George Hopes who died January 2, 1890; Delia
and Charles still remain with their mother; James

is at home. In the possession and under the con-
trol of the family there are six hundred and thirty
acres of good land, all in Lee Township, and all
except eighty acres accumulated since the war. It
has been done by strict attention to business and
hard work, the sons following in their father's
footsteps and Mrs. Rawalt herself having proved a
valuable assistant to her husband and counselor to
her children. She is deserving of the respect con-
ferred upon her as one of the most useful raemlters
of the community.

-^^Z

:^^i^

OICHOLAS McCREARY lives in honorable
/ retirement in one of the many substantial
1 homes in Canton, his residence l)eing pleas-

antlj' located on the corner of Oak and Fourth
Streets. He was one of the pioneers of this county,
was active in its agricultural developments and ac-
quired a handsome competence that enables him
to pass his declining years in comfort, and free
from the necessity of hard labor and care which
was his portion in earlier life.

Mr. McCreary is a native of Maryland, born in
Hartford County, April 9, 1816. His parents were
Archie and Rachel McCreary, the former of whom
was also a native of that State, and there passed
his entire life in pursuit of his calling as a farmer.
Nicholas was but three 3'ears old when his father
died. His education was obtained in private schools
as there were no public schools in his boyhood. In
liis fifteenth year he was sent to learn the trade of
manufacturing fine wire cloth and all kinds of wire
goods. He followed that calling in the city of
Wheeling, Va., about a month, then returned to
Baltimore and worked in a wire cloth mill until
1837.

After that Mr. McCreary returned to Mar3'land
and "in the city of Baltimore was married, January
16, 1838, to Miss Frances A. Hughs, of that city,
and a daughter of James Hughs, Esq. The fol-
lowing June Mr. McCreaiy packed all his posses-
sions in a one-horse wagon and started for this
part of the country, which was then known as a
part of the Great West, Canton being the oliject-

332

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

ivi; point of bis journey. For nine weeks he and
his wife were on the way, the roads being so
bad that some days they could not travel more
than eight miles. Arriving at Canton, he pur-
chased eighty acres of scliool land in what is now
Buekheart Township. He settled on it and after-
ward cleared his title from the Government by the
payment of §1.25 per acre. Three years later he
sold that tract of land and bought in its place one
hundred and sixty acres in Putnam Township. He
moved with his family to his new farm Februar3-
22. 1842, and actively entered upon its improve-
ment. He developed it into a choice farm, and
for man}- 3ears was actively engaged in general
farming and was an extensive feeder of hogs and
cattle, from the sale of winch he niade money
rapidly. He continued to live there until 1887,
when he retired to Canton to enjoy more at his
leisure the comfortable property that he had accu-
mulated, and since then he has made his home
here.

The first wife of our subject died November 27,
1846, leaving four cliildreu — J. H. lives in Joshua
'Sbwnship; .John L.. a resident of Missouri; Pa-
melia J., wife of .John S. IMyers; and William H.
March 18, 1847, Mr. McCrcary was married to his
present wife, who was then Mrs. Martha Ashworth.
She was a widow at the time she was wedded to
our subject and her maiden name was Moran. She
was horn in the city of Baltimore, Md., in 1818.
Her father wss Richard L. Moran. and the maiden
name of her mother was Hannah Hayden. Her
m:iiriage with our subject has brought them nine
children: P' ranees A., deceased ; Sarah M., wife of
Mark Saunders; Susannah, wife of S. L. Gorham;
Martha, widow of John A. Jameson; Elizabeth
Ann; Julia E.. now Mrs. Lew R. Emory; Kate L.,
wife of M. L. Emor}'; Alice, wife of George Mor-
row; and George A., who died at the age of seven
months.

Mr. McCreary served as School Director con-
tinuousl}' for a period of twent3--Lwo years. He
and his wife are devoted members of the Meth-
odist Episcopal Church. ]SIr. McCrearj' holds one
of the offices of the Church Board, and has taken
an active part in Sundaj'-school work, and was Su-
perintendent of the Sundaj'-school a number of

years. While he was a resident of his farm he es-
tablished the Pleasant Grove Sunda^'-school. In
politics he is a sturdy Republican. He first voted
for William Henry Harrison for President, and
the last vote he cist was in favor of that gentle-
man's grandson.

XDREW ROCK. Tn every State of the
Union the (lerman-American citizens are
to be found, making their way steadih" on-
ward in the accumulation of property and
securing their moans bv honest industry, prudent
economy' and untiring zeal. In this county a
prominent position among agriculturists and land-
owners is held by the gentleman above named,
who is a native of Hesse-Darmstadt, born Feb-
ruary 15, 1841. His parents, Simon and Elizabeth
(Shnur) Rock, were born in the same province and
came to this county in 1855. They made their first
home here in Fairview Township, but in October,
of the same year, located on section 14, Deerfield
Township, where they subsequenth* died, the fa-
ther July 12, 1889, and the mother January 17,
1890.

Our subject gained a considerable part of his edu-
cation in his native laud, but continued his studies
in this country. He remained with his parents until
twentv-oue 3'ears old, then worked by the month
on a farm until his marriage, February 3, 1863, to
Anna, daughter of Philip and Catherina Erb. Soon
afterward he rented a farm of his father-in-law.
upon which he made his home five 3'ears, at the
same time operating other lands which he rented.
At the expiration of that time he bought one hun-
dred and sixt3' acres on section 36, Deerfield
Township, where he now resides. He has since
purchased eights' acres on section 35, and eighty-
two acres on section 4, of the same township, and
one hundred and fort}- acres on section 1. Cass
Township. This makes a fine estate of four hun-
dred and sixt3'-two acres of good land, the acquisi-
tion of which is almost entirely' due to the personal
efforts of the owner.

The home farm of our subject is furnished with

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

333

an excellent frame house, substantial barns and all
necessary improvements, botli it and tbe one in
Cass Townsliip are well stocked. Tiie latter is also
supplied witli a frame house, a good barn and oUier
improvements. When iMr. Hock first started to
work he received but $5 per month and he never
got more than §15. From this sti|)end be saved
money and made his lirst outlay for real estate,
continuing' to economize and labor hard in order
to build up a good home for his family and bestow
upon- tiiem the man^' comforts and privileges which
be desired. He has always been liberal toward
those about him, never turning from his door a
man that was in need if it was possible to assist
him. He is endeavoring to rear his children in
such a manner that they may also be useful in the
world, and they are already assisting him in his
labors.

The family of Mr. and Mrs. Rock consists of one
daughter and seven sons, named respectively :
Lewis W., .John P., Simon E., CUiarles A., William
A., Clara E., Franklin U. and George M. All are
at home except the eldest, who is married and lives
on section 4, of the same townsbii). The 3-onnger
boys are so thoroughly "chips of the old block"
that Mr. Rock finds it unneccessary to hire help, as
they are able to give him all that he needs. Mr.
Rock, altliough ostensibly a Democrat, is not so
radical but that he will vote for the man who is
best fitted to discliarge tlie duties of office, even if
he is numbered in other part3- ranks. He has been
Collector two years and .Supervisor two years. His
religious membership is in the Lutheran Church,
where he has held the offices of Deacon and
Trustee.

ENJAMIN TAYLOR, M. D., a retired
physician, practiced his profession in Ver-
'!^}))\1I mont several years. In 1882 he begun to
give his attention to the culture of fruit,
and has a fine fruit farm of forty-seven and one-
tliird acres a half mile from the citj', which he is
managing ver}- successfully. He has here a val-
uable orchard of four hundred apple trees, two
hundred pear trees, and a few of peach, plum, etc.,

besides eleven acres devoted to small fruils. He
finds a ready sale for his fruit, which is of a superior
quality and comprises many clioice varieties.

The Doctor is a Pennsylvanian by birth, born in
Chester County, April 5, 1821). He springs from
the same family from which came the lafe Bayard
Taylor, traveler, poet and author, and at the time
of his death United States Minister to tlie German
Court. Tlie father of our subject, whose given
name was like his own, is thought to have been
born in the same county as his son, while his fa-
ther, Abraham Taylor, was either born in England
or was a native of this country and born of Eng-
lish parents. He was a resident of Chester County
during his last years.

Benjamin Taylor, Sr., was reared to agricultur.al
pursuits, and followed farming all her days. He
married Hannah Richardson, who spent her entire
life in Chester Count3', surviving her husband
many years. Mr. Taylor bought a farm in Penns-
bury Township, Chester County, and there he died
in 1832. He and bis wife were the parents of
tliirteen children, of whom seven were reared,
namely: Benjamin, Eliza, Xewton, Clarissa, Caleb,
Sarah and Hannah. Newton served in the Mexi-
can War, and died two or three days after his re-
turn from disease contracted in tbe army. Hannah
married Emmor Way, and lives in Chester County.
Caleb lives in Wilmington, Del.

The subject of this sketch was next to the young-
est child in the parental famil3'. He attended
school quite steadily in his youth, and later only
in the winter seasons, as he had to work on his fa-
ther's farm the rest of the year. He remained in
Chester County until 18.50, and in the fall of that
year emigrated westward, coming by rail to Johns-
town, Pa., thence by canal to Pittsburg, from there
by the Ohio, Mississippi and Illinois Rivers to
Sharp's Landing, in Schuyler County, this State,
whence he made bis way to McDonough County.
He there bought a tract of wild land, located in
Eldorado Township. At that time the prairie was
sparsely settled, as the early pioneers had selected
the timber land, thinking the open prairie worth-
less for agricultural purposes. Deer were abund-
ant and furnished good fare for the table of the
settlers. The Doctor's first work was to erect a

331

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

log cabin on his tract of praiiie, and he then brolie
forty acres of land and sowed it to wheat. The
next year he traded that place for a tract of im-
proved land adjoining. About that time he de-
ci(led to turn his attention to medicine, and
immediatelj' entered upon his studies with Dr.
Ebenezer Clark, a pioneer ph3'sician of Industry
Township.

In 1855, our subject started upon his career as a
pb3sician. In 1857, he sold his McDonough
Count}' farm, and removing to Sheridan County,
Mo., purchased a farm joining Keatville, the
county seat. He resided there until the spring of
18G0, when he sold his place to an advantage and
returning to Illinois, established himself in his pro-
fession in Vermont, and was activel}* engaged in
his vocation here several }'ears. Though he has now
nliandoned his professional life, his old friends
and patients often call upon him to administer to
their ills, preferring his services to those of the
younger doctors who have taken his place.

In 1853, Dr. Taylor contracted a matrimonial
alliance with Miss Mary Clark, a native of the
S'ate of New York, and a daughter of Ebenezer
and Julia Clark. Of the children of that marriage
tlie following five are living — Annie, Marietta,
Clara, Elmer and Howard. Our subject's union
with his present wife was consummated in 1870.
Mrs. Taylor was formerly Miss Gabriella Gibson, a
native of McDonough County, and a daughter of
William and Mary Gibson. The Doctor and his
wife have six children living, as follows: William,
Fr.mk, Jesse, Lillie, Maude and Blanche.

F. HUFFORD, Attorney-at-Law, Canton.
A life time spent in pursuing one calling-
will almost certainly result in substantial
success, especiallj^ jf energy' and persever-
ance are applied, and such is undoubtedly the case
with Mr. Ilufford, who, frorn early boyhood has
given the stud}' of law his chief time and attention.
IMr. Hufford is a son of Francis M. and Hannah
(Bull) Ilufford, and was born in Buckheart Town-
ship, on the 6tli of March, 1858. While an in-

fant he sustained the sad loss of his mother; and
was but four 3'ears old when his father was killed
in the army. Left tlius, in the tender years of
childhood, without either of his natural protec-
tors his fate would indeed have been sad, but
for the fact that an aunt took charge of him,
kindl}' giving him tlie same loving care and atten-
tion that his parents would have bestowed upon
him. He attended the district school of his neigh-
borhood, and even there evinced a natural aptitude
for stud}', and when older took an academic course
in Bushnell and Dixon at the Normal Schools.
After graduating with honors from these institutes,
he entered the Bloomington law school, where he
graduated with a diploma in June, 1887. Previous
to entering the latter-named school he had read
law with Daniel Abbott, of Canton.

Onr subject first located in Quincy and there
practiced his profession most successfully for a pe-
riod of two 3ears, in partnership with Gen. M. M.
Bane. Returning to Canton, he practiced alone
until 1890, at that time entering into a partner-
ship with R. J. Millard, the Brm name being, Huf-
ford ife Millard. The}' do a general law business,
and are besides agents for several good Fire Insu-
rance Companies. The}' are fast making a reputa-
tion in the legal world, and are recognized as one
of the best firms in Canton. Our subject is a gen-
tleman of superior moral worth, having gained the
confidence of all who knew him from boyhood to
manhood. He is a member of Morning Star Lodge
No. 116, A. F. <fe A. M. at this place and also be-
longs to Gem City Lodge No. 357, at Quinc3-.

Mr. Hufford 's grandfather, George Hufford, was
of German descent. He lived first in Virginia, af-
terwards in the Blue Grass State, and came to
Illinois settling in Fulton County. He had seven
children, viz: Eliza, James, Nancy, Mary, Francis
M., Levi and Wesley. Our subject's father was
born in Kentucky, but came with his parents to
Illinois while yet an infant. The father was an ag-
riculturist until the breaking out of the w^r, when
he .enlisted in Compan}' A, Fifty-fifth Illinois
Infantry. He continued to serve with this reg-
iment up to the time of the battle of Shiloh,
when he was cajjtured with Gen. B. M. Prentiss'
command. He died from disease contracted in

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

335

the service in the hospital at IMetnphis, Tenn., on
the November 19, 1863. To his nmiriage two chil-
dreu had been born, viz: Margery, and M. F.
Mr. Hufford's mother was a daughter of William
Bull, who was of English descent.

The subject of our sketch fully understands the
true meaning of the word success, and though
quite a young man lias achieved a reputation that
many an older and more experienced man might
envy iiim. Realizing that -'life is earnest," he has
at all times and under all circumstances endeavored
to make the most of his talents.

RA .7. GRAHAM, one of the younger farmers
of the county, owns and occupies a portion of
the parental homestead in Isabel Township.
He was horn thereon August 24, 1850, reared amid
the surroundings of farm life and attended school in
the logschoolhouse of that period. The temple of
learning was furnished with scats made of slabs, with
wooden pins for legs, and the other primitive con-
veniences which our forefathers so well knew. The
advantages for acquiring an education were very
poor and our subject learned much more at home
than at school. As might be expected, he began assist-
ing in farm work as soon as he was large enough
and became proficient in its various departments at
an early age.

At the age of twenty-two years our subject began
working for himself, laboring by the month for
several years. After the death of his father in the
summer of 187.j, he and his brother, Jesse P.,
bought the homestead of three hundred and twenty
acres. They farmed it together for thirteen years,
sold off fifty-six acres and tiien divided the remain-
der, our subject taking possession of the south half
of the propcrt}-. It is supplied with comfortable
quarters for man and beast and shelter for the
crops produced by the industrious efforts of the
owner. Mr. Graham possesses considerable mechan-
ical genius and is able to supply himself with con-
veniences that he might otherwise be denied.

Although his sciiool advantages were not equal

to those cnjo3'ed by the j'outh of this day, Mr.
Graiiam has improved the opportunities afforded
him to acquire information on various topics, and
is classed among the intelligent, as well as the hon-
est, hard-working citizens. He has held some of
the minor ofiices in the township and casts his vote
with the Democrats. His congenial home-life is
secured through the companionship of an estimable
lad}' who became his wife December 24, 1886. She
was born in this county, near Smithfleld, is a daugh-
ter of Gedion and Matilda Graham, and bears the
given name of Rachel M. .Siic is a eousin of her
husband, therefore of equally good blood, and was
reared to habits of usefulness, developing her ex-
cellent traits of character.

John and William Graham, father and grand-
father of our subject, were born in Maryland,
whither the preceding generation had come from
Ireland. William Graham served in the War of
1812 under Gen. Harrison. When about in middle
life he crossed the mountains with a team and
wagon and settled in Piqua Countv, Ohio. Six
years later he removed to Ross County, in which
he' sj^ient the remnant of his days, dying at the age
of sixty-seven years, and being interred in tiie
cemetery at Brown's Chapel. His occupation was
that of a farmer and his character a reputable one.

John Graham was born October 1, 1804, and
was the eldest of six children, the others bearing
the names of George W., Jefferson, William, Eliza-
beth (Mrs. DeV^air),nnd Ira J. He was about four
years old when his pa.rents removed to Ohio, where
he was reared on the farm and attended the pioneer
schools in Piqua and Ross Counties. He was mar-
ried in Faj-ette County and settled on a rented
farm, occupying it until 1842, when he removed to
this State and count}-. He made the journey with
team and wagon, and upon his arrival here had but
fifty cents in money. Finding a neighbor who
seemed to be in poorer circumstances than himself,
he loaned his small amount of casii to that gen-
tleman.

The first settlement made by Mr. Graham was in
the Spoon River Bottom, but a year later he pur-
chased three hundred and twenty acres on section
21, Isabel Township. Deer and wolves were nu-
merous in this vicinit}- at that tiriie and he did

336

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

considerable hunting. His land was covered with
a heav^- growth of timber, which he cut down,
gradually bringing the acreage under thorough
cultivation. His first dwelling thereon was a log
house which was occupied eigiiteen j-ears. after
which a fine, commodious frame residence became
the family home. Excellent improvements of va-
rious kinds were mpde, aud Mr. Graham reaped
the result of his eflforts in abundant crops; his
death occurred July 31, 1873.

Tlie mother of our subject bore the maiden
name of Malinda Thomas, and was born in Fayette
County. Ohio. March 23. 1818. She is still living
on the homestead. Her father. John Thomas, was
of Scot.cb-Irish descent, and her mother, Elizabeth
(Emberline) Thomas, was the daughter of a lad3-
and gentleman, who had emigrated from Germany
to this country. The record of the children of
John and ^lalinda (Thomas) Graham is as follows:
Maliala, born February 6, 1837; William A. Janu-
ary 22, 1839; Elizabeth J., November 3, 1840;
Thomas J.. October 26, 1842; Mary E., February
18. 1845; Francis M., June 22, 1848; Ira J.. Au-
gust 24, 1850; George W., December 30, 1852;
Jesse P., ^larch 13, 1855 ; Jasper R.. September 23,
1857; and James O., August 18, 1860.

-5- — ■

j^ARRISON AZBELL. It is a' well estab-
lished fact that a man of natural ability, if
possessed of integrity- and energy, can ac-
complish almost anj- given purpose in life.
Ever}- daj' furnishes examples of men who com-
menced a business career empty handed, and in a
brief period of time accumulated considerable for-
tunes.

Our subject was one of the early pioneers of Ful-
ton County, and resides on section 13, Pleasant
Township. His birth occurred in Belmont County,
Ohio, February 22, 1836, he being a sou of William
and Sarah (Southers) Azbell. His paternal ances-
tors were from the Emerald Isle, and those on the
maternal side were of E'.iglish descent. When only
ten years of age, he removed with his |)arents from
Ohio to this county, and the father settled upon

the farm where our subject now makes his home.
The place at that lime embraced onh' thirt}' acres
of broken laud, and the only dwelling place was a
small log cabin, but by means of perseverance and
energy the father soon had this land under cultiva-
tion.

Our subject's parents had twelve children, of
whom the following arc living, viz: William, who
lives in Pleasant Township; Eliza, who is now
Mrs. .Smith, and lives in Havana, 111.; Alexander,
who lives here; Lorenzo, who resides in Isabel
Township; Benjamin in Pleasant Township; Har-
rison, our subject; Julia O.. wife of J. H. Smith,
who lives in Isabel Township; and Maria, wife of
Thomas G. Linderman, of Pleasant Township. The
father died some time in the '50s, and in his death the
communit\- lost a man who had long been engaged
in advancing both his own interests and those of his
neighbors. He was a Democrat in politics. He
w.as widelv known throughout this looalit}-, and en-
jojed the esteem and confidence of all who knew
him. Our subject's mother died several years .ago.

Mr. Azboll grew to manhood in this county, sur-
rounded on every side liy nature clothed in her
primitive dress, and naturallv passed through the
privations and hardships common to pioneer life.
But this is a busy work-a-d.ay world, aud energy
soon counts in the race of life. At an early age he
turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, and
has always found farm life very agreeable. True,
his education was not very extensive, since the ad-
vantages offered young people in those days were
few, but b}- reading and careful attention to the
events of the day he has educated himself very
highly.

The subject of our sketch was married October
17, 1876, to Nancj- .T. .Smith, born in Missouri, and
daughter of Daniel Smith. This union was blessed
with one daughter, who is now deceased. Mr. Az-
bell owns one hundred and twenty acres of land
that is splendidly cultivated. He also has a fine
barn and a handsome residence. The barn is espe-
cially attractive, being 36x54 feet in dimension,
and one of the best in the township. His sjmpp-
thies are with the Democratic party, and he is al-
ways a strong advocate of those political measures
that promise to benefit his count}- and .State. He

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

337

is a public-spirited man, and one who bas met with
success in liis journey througii life. As a success-
ful agriculturist he has won an enviable reputation
in commercial circles, and is accorded higb esteem
and confidence. His life furnishes an example that
busy "bread-winners" would do well to imitate.

/^ HARLES HOWARD is well known tlirough-
flf^L out this section, as he has been a resident
^^^ of this county as boy and man for nearly
sixty years. He has witnessed with patriotic pridf
the greater part of its growth and has assisted its
development in various ways, and at one time was
prominent in its political and civic life. His home
is now in Harris Township, where' he has a well-
improved and well-appointed farm.

Mr. Howard was born June 26, 1822, in^Morgan
County Ohio. In 1831 he came to this State with
liis parents, Samuel and Anna (Alderman) Howard.
Thej' locatc^d in Farmers Townsliip and sold tliat
claim before the land came into]market, his father
then buying a piece of wild land on the Lewis-
town and Bernadotte road, not far from the village
of Bernadotte, Bernadotte Township. Our sub-
ject can well remember hearing tlie wolves iiowl
in Table Grove, when they lived in their pioneer
home there. His parents were verj' poor and their
only wealth consisted in a team of oxen. The first
summer of their residence here, the crops failed
and in the following winter provisions were high
and tlie family had a hard time to get along. The
wolves killed two of the oxen, so Mr. Howard iiad
to abandon his land the next summer, ten acres of
which he had broken, and he sold his claim to
Robert Iluglies. He then rented a piece of land
near Isaac Cadwalleder. He and his family win-
tered there one season and the next winter he
bouglit a tract of land. He was an honest, hard-
working man, and in time became better ofif.

Our subject was reared amid pioneer scenes, and
the life of self-sacrifice and hard toil early made
him self-reliant and resourceful. After he attained
manhood he married and established himself in
life, taking as his wife Miss Susan Clemm, a davigh-

ter of Samuel Clemm. They had two children —
Samuel B. and Nancy E. Samuel lives at liome
with his parents. He married Miss Ruth Hollister
and they have seven children. Nancy E. is the
wife of Sylvester E. Mead, a farmer of Marietta,
his farm adjoining tlie town; they have one child.

Tlie marriage of our subject had taken place
February 13, 1844, and lie had takey up his resi-
dence in Cass Township. In 1855 he removed to
Marietta, selling his place on the Spoon River, and
in that town he entered into the mercantile busi-
ness. From that he went into politics, and wag
elected Countj' Treasurer. Thereupon he went tc
live at Lewistown, the county seat.

Mr. Howard held that important office four years
and in the management of its affairs showed gooc
financial ability, clear discernment and sound in-
tegrity. At the expiration of his term he removed
back to the village of Marietta and bought a farm
of one hundred and twenty acres near by, and has
since given his attention wholly to agriculture, never
caring to mingle further in public life. In politi-
cal views he is a Democrat, and has always stood
firmly by his part}'. In religion, he is a strong Meth-
odist, and has been a faithful member of the church
ever since he identified himself with it.

-4»E> —

'Yl EWIS C. BREEDEN is prominent in the
I (@ social, literary and political life of this
j ^V", county as editor of the Lcwiston N'ews, a
journal ably conducted in the interests of the
Democratic parly; and as Secretar3' of the County
Central Democratic Committee. He is a native of
the county, born in Woodland Township, October
14, 1861. His paternal grandfather, Lewis Bree-
den, was a native of Virginia, and from there dur-
ing some period of his life he went to Indiana, and
thence came to Illinois in 1848, and located among
the pioneers of Pike County. He now resides in
the village of Summum, in this county, and is sev-
enty-eight years old. His life-record has been such
as to secure him respect and esteem from all who
know him. Ilis wife, who is the stay and comfort of

338

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

his ilecliuiug years, was a native of the State of
New York, and her maiden name was Anna Handee.

.Toliii II. Breedeu, the father of our subject, was
born in the pioneer home of his parents in Indiana.
He was young when he accompanied them to Pilte
County, this Slate, and tliere he was reared on a
farm. Heiwas a studious lad, eagerlj^ taking ad-
vantage of jever3' opportunity for securing an edu-
cation, and while yet in his teens tauglit school.
He was ambitious to become a doctor, and at the
age of twenty-two commenced the study of raedi
cine and became a student of Rush Medical Col-
lege, of Chicago. At the close of his medical
education he established himself in Summum, and
has been in active practice there since, and is one
of the leading pliysicians of the county, standing
deservedly higli in his profession.

The maiden name of the mother of our subject
was Sarah Stoner. .She was born in Ohio, and is a
daughter of Joseph Stoner. The wedded life of
iierself and Dr. Breeden has been one of mutual
happiness and contentment, and has been blessed
to them b}' the birth of three children, whom they
have carefully educated and trained to useful and
honorable lives, whose names arc as follows: Har-
vey O., Lewis C. and DoUie. Harvey' is pastor of
the Central Christian Church at Des Moines, Iowa.

The subject of this brief biographical review is
liberally educated. He pursued a course of stud}'
at Abingdon College, and then entered Butler Dni-
versit}'^ at Irvington. Ind., one of the finest insti-
tutions of learning in the West, and was a student
there for four years. He inherited scholarly^ estates
and applied himself closely to his books, and was
graduated with honor in the class of 1884. He was
well equipped for any career that he might choose
to follow, and as he had a decided inclination to-
wards journalism, he bought the office and appur-
tenances of the Lewistown News, and has since de-
voted himself to the management of the pajier in
connection with job printing. The paper is well
conducted, is a bright, newsy, original sheet, au<l
has a good circulation that is by no means confined
to party lines, for though our subject is true to the
principles of the Democratic party, he is by no
means unrestrietingiy aggressive, and is not offen-
sive in his defense of party issues. He is one of

the rising j'oung men of the county, with a promis-
ing future before him. He possesses pleasant social
qualities and is popular among his associates. He
is a prominent member of the Kenneth Lodge, No.
140, Knights of Pythias.

February 2, 1888, Mr. Breeden and Miss Susie
Wertman, a native of Lewistown Township, and a
daughter of John and Sarah Wertman, were united
in marriage. The home that the}' have established
in Lewistown is pleasant and attractive, and is the
center of a charming hospitality.

, AVID A. PHILLIPS. Everybody in Orion
))) Township knows David Phillips, who re-
sides on section 1 , where he has a fine farm
of two hundred acres, which his son man-
ages while lie is activeh' engaged in wagon-making,
painting, etc. He is a whole-souled, liberal-spirited
citizen, and his man}' genial, pleasant qualities make
him poi)ular with the entire community.

Our subject comes of fine old Revolutionary
stock, his paternal grandf.ather, Luke Phillips' serv-
ing in the Continental Army, seven years and three
months during the Revolution. Mr. Phillips' par-
ents. Neliemiah and Rhoba Phillips were natives of
Rhode Island. His mother's maiden name was
Hopkins, and she was a daughter of Stephen Hop-
kins, the grandson of Benoni Hopkins. John Brown,
an uncle of Mrs. Phillips was one of the leaders
engaged in throwing the tea overboard in Boston
Harbor. The parents of our subject had nine chil-
dren, of whom the following six are still living:
Nancy, wife of lleman Ilolcomb; Morgan, who
married Miss Houghtalen ,and resides in Peoria
County; David A., the subject of this sketch; Rhoba,
wife of Jacob Bevierof Stockbridge, Mich.; Henry
"\V., who married .Susan Irons and lives in Ne-
braska; Achsah, wife of Lorenzo Brunson of
Wayne County, Mich.

The subject of this biographical review was
born in the .State of New York, October 18, 1820.
In early manhood he came westward as far as Ft.
Wayne, Ind., and in that place it was his good
fortune to meet with Miss Rebecca I. Knox, whom

/y^^^70'^c^

^LCy^

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

lie persuaded to share with him his life and fortunes,
and to her he is greatly indebted for his present
prosperous circumstances. Their union has been
blessed with seven children, viz: Albina, married
William Milam of Lincoln, Neh.; Anetta, wife of
John Bown of Lane County, Ore.; Orlando, who
married Emma Tindall and lives in Farmington;
Ira Melvin, who married Belle Loman and lives in
Peoria County; Edgar A., who married Ida Opie
and lives with his father; Sewanl Lincoln,who mar-
ried Cora Gamble and lives in Peoria County, and
Mary E., who resides at home.

When a bo}- Mr. Phillips learned the trade of a
tanner, and afterward acquired that of a carpenter
and also wagon-making and painting. He came to
Orion Township in 1874, and opened a shop for
the manufacture of wagons and also identified him-
self with the agricultural interests of the place and
has a well-improved farm. Mr. Phillips is skillful
in his calling and h3' well directed and incessant
labor, has accumulated a comfortable property, and
is conducting a good business which brings iiim in
an excellent income. He is a man of stead3' habits,
is a kind and helpful neighbor and is in ever}- way
to be relied on. He is a loyal and law abiding citi-
zen, interested in the welfare of his country, and
has always attiliated with the Republican party
which finds in him a true supporter.

-S^^- —

\Y| AMES M. WHITE. On the opposite page
is presented a portrait of this gentleman,
who is one of the heroes of the late war, in
which he fought bravely and sacrificed
much for the sake of his country. He is the son of
a pioneer of this county, and now resides with his
l)rother on tlie old liomestead that his father im-
proved from the wilderness on section 11, Berna-
dotte Township.

The parents of our subject, William and Malinda
(Januarj-) White, were natives respectively of
Greenbrier County, W. Ya., and Adams County,
Ohio. They passed the early years of their mar-
ried life in Ohio, and caaio from there to Cuba,
this county, in 18-i'J. They lived there one year,

and then located on the farm of eight}' acres, where
our subject now lives, and here their declining
years were passed in peace and comfort.

The subject of this biographical review was born
in Greene County, Ohio, August 25, 1836. He re-
ceived his schooling in the district schools of his
native State and of Illinois. He was here reared to
the life of a farmer. When the war broke out, he
was among the first to lay aside his work and vol-
unteer to aid in defending the stars and stripes. He
enlisted in the Fifty fifth Illinois Infantry, and
bore a gallant part in the following battles: Pitts-
burg Landing, Corinth, Arkansas Post, and in the
siege and capture of Vicksburg, where he was ac-
tive in the two charges; he also fought at Jackson,
Miss., and in many other engagements and skirm-
ishes. The battle of Kenesaw Mountain, in which
he engaged June 26, 1864, will ever be memorable
to him, as it was there he was wounded and crip-
pled for life. He was struck on the right knee with
a musket ball which shattered his leg, rendering
amputation necessary on the same day. He pa-
tiently endured the severe sufferings caused by the
operation, and was removed to Resaca, Ga., whence
he was taken to Rome, in the same .State, and thence
to Springfield, 111. He remained in the hospital in
that city until he was honorably discharged from
the service June 1, 1865.

After his bitter experiences of life on Southern
battlefields and in the hospitals, our subject re-
turned to his old home. lie had won a military
record that placed him high among the brave sol-
diers who so nobly fought for the Union, and to
whose unflinching courage and steadfast adherence
to the cause we owe it to-day that our glorious flag
is waving over a free and undivided country. He
served long and faithfully, and showed on every
occasion that he possessed the true soldierly quali-
ties valued by a leader, and proving to him that
his men will fatie every danger without question
and perform every duty with conscientious fidel-
ity. In two years after he enlisted, he veteranized
with his regiment, and was with it until he was in-
capacitated for further service by his wound.

Since tlie close of the war, Mr. White has lived
quietly on the old homestead with his brother. He
is so crippled that he is unable to do much hard la-

342

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

bor, but his sister-in-law Buds him of great assist-
ance in caring for the children, and in doing the
tlioiisand and one nameless little acts that are so
helpful. He is partly indeianifled for what he has
suffered for the sake of his country, Ity a pension
from the (Government. He received $24 per month
until 1888, when the sum was increased to §36 a
month. He cast his first vote for President, for
liuehanan, the only Democrat he ever voted for,
and is sorr^- he did so. He has ever been a loyal
citizen, both in time of peace and in time of war,
and is well known throughout the community as an
honest, upright and warm hearted man.

-,R^ ^ =^

' LEXANDER SLACK is one of the most
EM intelligent and practical members of the
farming community, that is building up
and carrying on the extensive agricultural
interests of Farmington Township. He is a son of
.lobn Slack, a native of Derbj"sliire, England, where
he carried on business as a shuttle-maker for many
years. He died in the land of his birth when sixty-
six years old. His wife was Ann Gardshideand she
was also a native of Derbyshire. She was his sec-
ond wife and the mother of eight children, of whom
tlie following seven grew to maturity: Alexander,
Deborah, Moses, Josiah, Nathaniel G., Robert,
Francis and Margaret. Aaron, who died in in-
fancy, and ISIoses were twins; Deborah is now
Mrs. Hilton and resides in Abilene, Kan.; Moses
lives in California; Josiah, a graduate of Rusli
jMedical College, Chicago, practiced medicine at
Cuba for several years after the late war in which
he was Captain of a company in the Nineteenth
Illinois Infantry. Nathaniel was also a doctor and
practiced in Rushville, 111. some twenty-five years.
He died there in August, 1887; Robert enlisted in
the One Hundred and Third Illinois Infantry, and
gave up his life for the country of his adoption;
Frances married .Toab Shinn, and died in 1878;
Margaret is the wife of Wallace Shryock.

Alexander Slack was born in a small vill.age by
the name of Mellor in Derbyshire, F^ngland, April
21, 1822. He began to work in the cotton mills

at the early age of eight years. This deprived
him of his schooling, and as he was a bright boy,
his old schoolmaster, Mr. Blackshaw, who took a
liking to him, expressed regrets at the; idea of his
having to leave school at so tender an age, but his
father's limited circumstances forced him to with-
draw the child that he might help in supporting
the family. At the age of twenty-two, our subject
married February 14, 1844, Miss Esther Cross, a
native of Manchester. Her father, Thomas Cross,
was at one time a soldier in the English army, and
took part in the battle of Waterloo. His eyes were
injured and he was a pensioner from the Royal
Treasury. In later life he became a twister in a
factory. The maiden name of his wife was Esther
Jackson. They were the parents of the following
twelve children: John, George, Charlotte, James,
Mary Ann, Ann, Mary, Esther. Thomas, Elizabeth,
Alice andSarah.

Mr. and Mrs. Slack have had two children: John
who died in England at the age of one Syear; and
William H. The latter is a resident of Farmington
Township. He married Nettie Leeper and they
have four children — Stella May, Albert Lee, Lora
Alexander and Arthur Ray.

Our subject and his estimable wife came to
America in 1846, landing in New York, October
12. Their destination was Woonsocket, R. I. There
Mr. and Mrs. Slack engaged as weavers in a cot-
ton-mill, and were thus employed three j-ears. He
did not like the confinement necessitated by his
work, and wishing to become more independent and
have more freedom of action, he came to Illinois
in 1849 by the way of the Erie Canal and the
Great Lakes.

After he arrived in this State he embarked on the
La Salle Canal and journej-ed on that until he ar-
rived at the Illinois River, and on that stream con-
tinued on his way to Copperas Creek landing.
When he came to his destination he had x450 in
his pocket, with which he purchased forty acres of
land in Farmington Township. He ha.s done well
at his calling and now owns a well-improved farm
of eighty' acres on which he has a substantial home
where he and his family- enjoy the comforts of life.
He possesses a keen intellect, is broad and progres-
sive in his views. He is a close observer and a

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

313

careful reader, and is lhoroiiglil\- in sympathy v.itii
movements of a political, social and religious or-
der. In regard to the latter po'nt he is a free
thinker, having been brought around to this state
of mind l)y long and careful stud}'. lie became a
voter in 1856. and voted for John C. Fremont for
President. He is at present identified with the
Democratic party and is an advocate of tariflf re-
form.

■S^}^'

<« IVILLIAM G. SWARTZ. Among the goodly
\rJ// number of farmers of Fulton County, who
V^^ have won a competence from the product-
ive soil and have retired to enjoy tlie fruits of their
industr3', is the gentleman above named. He has
long been a prominent citizen of Young Hickory
Township, in which he has acted as Justice of the
Peace for twenty four years. His fine farm consists
of two hundred and forty acres on sectionl2, and
with its beautiful groves, orcliard, well-tilled fields
and comfortable buildings, is an attractive feature
in the landscajje. The acreage has been devoted
principally to raising corn and feeding cattle and
hogs, which Jlr. Swartz has both raised and bought
in considerable numbers. The cattle are of high
grade and some fine horses are also bred on the
place.

Mr. Swartz is of German ancestry in the paternal
line and comes of old Pennsylvania families. His
grandfather .Swartz was a farmer in tliat State and
iiis father, Henry Swartz, learned the trade of a
tanner and currier. He removed from his native
county of "Washington to Pleasant L'nity, West-
moreland County, wiiere he successfully carried on
a tanyard and later engaged in farming. He was
successful in worldl}' affairs and a useful member
of the community. At various times he served as
Assessor and Collector and was also a member of
the Board of County Commissioners for years. As
Class-Leader in the Methodist Episcopal Church he
assisted in religious work for years.

The mother of our subject bore the maiden
name of Margaret Gardner, and was a native of
Westmoreland County, Pa. Her father, Christo-
pher Gardner, was born in Adams County, but

spent many years of his life at Pleasant Unity. He
was a miller and followed his trade and farming.
After the death of her husband Mrs. Swartz came
West, bought a farm in tiiis locality and lived
thereon until her death, in 1873. She was a con-
sistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Her children are William G., of whom we write;
Mrs. Caroline Phillippi, who lives in Young Hick-
ory Township; Mrs. Elizabeth Reamer, in Prairie
City; Catherine, who died in Galesburg in 1873;
Mrs. Marj' Phillippi, in Hancock Count}'; Mrs.
lAicia Welty, in Young Hickory Township; John,
of London Mills; Christopher, who died in 1865;
Henry, in London Mills; Alexander, a civil en-
gineer in California. John, Christopher and Henry
t)elonged to Company B, One Hundred and Third
Illinois Infantrj-, serving their country from
1862 until the close of the war. Christopher was
Wounded at the battle of Missionar}- Ridge and
died from the effects of tlie wound soon after the
war. Jolin held the rank of First Lieutenant.

Our subject was born in Pleasant Unity, Pa.,
October 7, 1825. When old enough to do so he
learned the trade of a tanner and currier and became
a partner with his father. He did not like the
business, the work being too heavy for his health,
which was not the best, and after the connection
iiad continued three years it was dissolved. Tlie
young man then began teaching school, but this
occupation proved no more agreeable to him and
in the spring of 1851 lie came West. Reaching tliis
county and the home of his grandfather Gardner,
tie taught school one summer, then returned to his
native State, spent the winter and again came to
Illinois.

Mr. Swartz then bought eighty acres of the land
he now owns, which was devoid of any improve-
ments except a log cabin. The new owner taught
a term, after which he gave his entire attention to
the improvement of his farm and its thorough cul-
tivation. He has added to his original acreage and
placed the estate in the fine condition before noted.
The log house in which he first resided was replaced
in 1859-60 by a brick dwelling, the material for
which was made by himself.

The marriage of Mr. Swartz and Miss Elizabeth
Welty took place in the Ke3stone State, January

344

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

15, 1857. The bride was born in Pleasant Unity
and exhibited the sterling traits of character which
■won the respect of those who knew her and are held
in reverent rememhrance by her family. She entered
into rest May 22. 1890. The family of Mr. and
Mrs. Swartz includes two living children and a son,
John, who died when sixteen jears old. Anna V.
is the wife of John B. Hagaman, their home being
in Fairview Township; Harry is married and lives
in the old home with his father.

Mr. Swartz filled the office of Supervisor one term.
He isademitted member of the Masonic Lodge at
Fairview,and has a letter from the Methodist Epis-
copal Church at Midway, which is now extinct.
He belongs to the Democratic party, has frequently
been a delegate to count}' conventions and was
Central Committeeman two years. Ilis fellow-men
hold him in good repute as a man of honorable
character, intelligence and usefulness.

^^^EORGE W. CURFMAN is a fine represen-
III (— ., tativp of the brave soldiers who fought so
^^jjj nobly in the late war, and to whose un-
flinching courage and unswerving loyalty it is due
that our glorious banner waves over a free and
undivided countr}-. He is a highly respected resi-
dent of Harris Township, where he is acting as the
efficient agent of the Toledo, Peoria and Warsaw
Railway Company, at the station at the village of
Seville.

Our subject is a son of one of the early pioneer
families of this count}', of which he is a native,
born at Barker's Grove, jVIarch 2, 1843. His par-
ents, Adam and Elizabeth Curfman, were natives
respectively of Frederick County, Md. and Vir-
ginia, the former born in 1791, and the latter in
1806. They were married in Franklin County,
Ohio, in 1831, and came immediately to this county,
and began their wedded life in a primitive pioneer
home at Lewistown. They located on the banks of
Big Creek, on what is now known as the Ike Harris
place, and there Mr. Curfman made his first clear-
ing. He and his wife lived there the ensuing year,
but during the year of the Black Hawk War he took

his wife and the one child that had been l)orn to
them in the meantime, to ]Mason City for safety, and
while there stayed in the blockhouse and watched
the Indians. After the close of hostilities with the
savages in 1833, the family removed to where the
village of Marietta now stands, and there Mr. Curf-
man built t'ae first house that was ever erected in
thai town. He lived there two years and then en-
tered a piece of land at Barker's Grove, where he
remained nnlil about 1845. when he came to Harris
Township, and settled on section 12. He opened
up a farm here on which he dwelt until 1855, when
he sold it, having traded for it in the first pl.ace.
To the last place he purchased he had been given a
forged deed, and the rightful owner subsequently
took possession of the land and in his old age the
father of our subject was left without a home, when
George was a lad of twelve years. After that mis-
fortune Mr. Curfman went to Cass Township in
1858 and rented a farm and there made his home
until death closed his mortal career February 7,
1882, at the venerable age of ninety-one years, he
having arrived at that age the September previous.
He was a soldier in the War of 1812, and was in all
respects an honest, upright man.

George Curfman, of whom we write, was reared
in this his native county and gleaned his education
in its district schools. When the war broke out he
was a youth of eighteen years, and with enthusias-
tic ardor and patriotism he resolved to give his
services to his country, and if need be sacrifice his
life for the old flag. October 19, 18G1, he enlisted
at Canton in Company D, Fifty-fifth Illinois In-
fantrj'. From Chicago his regiment was dispatched
to the South and our subject had the honor of tak-
ing an active part in thirty-three different bat-
tles, among which were those fought at Shiloh,
Corinth, Champion Hills. Jackson (Miss.), Black
River and Vicksburg. He was present at the as-
saults on that city and he fought at Missionary
Ridge, Kenesaw Mountains, did good service at
Atlanta, at Ezra Church and at Jonesboro. Mr.
Curfman was one of the brave men who attacked Ft.
McCallister and engaged with the enemy at Benton-
ville, N. C, which was the last of the many big
battles in which he fought. He was an actor in
many skirmishes, took part with his regiment in

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

345

all its fights and was under fire one hundred days.
He was with Sherman in his march to the sea and
througli tlie Carolinas to Washington where he
tooli part in the Grand Review.

Mr. Curfman had a long and honorable eareer as
a soldier, lacking but a few da>s of four years' con-
tinnous service. During tliat time he liad veteran-
ized after three years for anotlier tliree years, or
during tlie war. He was twice wounded; once at
tlie battle of Keuesaw by a piece of shell, but he
pluckily remained with his regiment, and vvas again
hit by a musket ball the 10th of August, l.S(J4. in
front of Atlanta. The latter wound laid him up
for about two weeks, but he sturdily refused to go
to the hosi)ital. He still bears the scars so bravely
won by him while defending his country's honor.
After the Grand Review the rest of the army was
mustered out, but the Second Division of the Fif-
teenth Corps,which included our subject's regiment,
was sent to Little Rock, Ark., where he and his
comrades continued in service two months, and
were then honorably discharged and sent liome.

After his long and hard experience of life in the
army our subject returned to Fulton County, and
quietly resumed farming, the occupation to which
he had been bred. In 1872 he obtained the com-
panionship and help of a good wife in his labors, by
his marriage to Miss Phrebe J. Watson, of Smith-
field, the daughter of A. S. Watson, a well-known
man of this county. Since their marriage Mr. and
Mrs. Curfman have lived in Harris Township, where
he has held the position of agent for the past five
years, at the Seville station on the Toledo, Peoria
(k Warsaw Railway. He also operates the engine
for the pumping works in connection with his other
duties. He is prompt and faithful in^the discharge
of his duties, devoting his best energies to looking
after the interests of the (company that employs
him, and is regarded bj^ the officials of the road
as one of their most useful men.

Five children have blessed their marriage to our
subject and his amiable wife, whom they have
named: Charles C, Mary Ellen, Joseph Martin,
John L., and Lula May. Mr. Curfman is a Re-
publican in politics, but does not care to take a very
active part in the political life of the town, though
the value of his citizenship is never questioned.

He proved his loyalty by his conduct during the
war. He was then often in the midst of verv hotly
contested battles, and of one of these the history
of his regiment states that five hundred and twelve
men went into the light, and in two hours and
twenty minutes, two hundred and forty-eight of
them had been slain by the eneui^' or severely
wounded, and twenty-six were taken prisoners.

•"S=§ ' "^ I— I— I

] M. WATSON. It is imjiossible in a brief
biographical sketch to render full justice to
prominent men, and yet there are some who
are so intimately and clearly identified with
the county's welfare, and whose names are so fa-
miliar to all that it is only justice to dwell upon
what the}' have done and the influence of their ca-
reer u])on others, not as empty words of praise, but
the plain statement of a plain truth. To this class
belongs J. M. Watson, commonlj' called "Roe"
Watson, Assessor of Cass Township, who is a young
man of indisputable abilit}', and good business
habits, and one alike popular in social and mercan-
tile circles. He is an active, wide-awake farmer,
and has won great success in pursuing this, his fa-
vorite occupation.

Our subject's birth occurred on section 29, this
township on the 19th of Jul}-, 1852, he being
the son of John D. and Catharine (Cameron) Wat-
son, natives of Indiana and Illinois, respectively.
His fatiier is numbered among the pioneer settlers
in this State, and experienced all the hardships and
privations incidental to a residence in an unde-
veloped country. He was called upon to mourn
the loss of his beloved wife in 1856. To them had
been born three children, all of whom reached rna-
turit}', but of whom our subject is the only one liv-
ing at the present writing. His father was married
again and now makes his home in Oregon.

The subject of our sketch was the recipient of a
common-school education, but at an early age man-
ifested a lively interest in educational matters, and
an amount of industry and integrity of purpose
that could but result in success. Following the
footsteps of his father he has always devoted his

34G

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALIJUM.

attenliou to farming, with the exception of a few
years during which time he tried railroading. At
the early age of twenty-one he commenced to make
a business record for himself, and is now the owner
of a valuable estate near Smithfield, and also of an
elegant residence.

Mr. Watson was married April 3, 1873, to ^liss
M-ry C. Cable, daughter of Solomon Cable, and
immediately after his marriage settled upon his
present farm, which comprises one hundred and
forty acres of excellent land all in a body, one hun-
dred acres of which are in a sfate of perfect culti-
vation. Besides agiiculture, he is also largely in-
terested in stock-raising, buying and selling all the
time.

To Mr. and Mrs. Watson have been born six chil-
dren, viz: Carrie B., Sadie C, Josie M., James H.,
John H., and William E. all of whom are living at
the present date. Our subject is a member of
SmithCeld Lodge No. 103, I. O. O. F., and
has held the office of Treasurer, and others of
equal importance. He takes an active interest in
political issues, voting the Democratic ticket, and
has at various times been a delegate to conventions.
His interest in school matters is very pronounced,
and his children are all receiving excellent instruc-
tion. Mr. Watson is classed among the pre-eminenllj^
successful agriculturists of Cass Township, and has
lost no opportunity for improving his estate, or
contributing to the general welfare of the com-
munity who hold him in such high esteem.

^^EORGE FOUTS. This gentleman is the
ll (=, owner and occupant of a productive tract
^^/^ of land on section 12, Lee Township, which
he purchased and took possession of in the spring
of 1870. The farm consists of one hundred and
thirty-five and a quarter acres, bears the usual im-
provements, and is so managed as to bring forth
abundant crops of good qualitj'.

Our subject comes of a good familj', being a son
of Michael and Elizabeth (Kuhn) Fonts, who were
natives of the Keystone State. From that common-

wealth they came to Ellisville, this county, in 1852.
The mother passed away in 1871, and the father
breathed his last in Iowa ten years later. Jlr.
Fonts was an o\vn cousin of the well-known Simon
Cameron. Our subject is a twin of John Fonts,
now living in Ellisville, their natal day having
been February 18, 182G. Their native place was
Huntingdon County, Pa., and iu the district schools
they were educated. In the fall of 1850, he of
whom wc write was married, and immediately af-
terward engaged in digging iron ore at SIG per
month. The man who could obtain that remunera-
tion was considered an extra hand.

Our subject accompanied his parents to this
county in 1852, and locating at Ellisville, worked
at the carpenter's trade and wagon-making until
1870. During that period he made three trips
across the plains, spending one winter in Salt Lake
City. He next located on the estate which he still
occupies, from the operation of which he has been
gaining a good maintenance, and laj'ing up some-
thing against a rainy day.

The good wife of Mr. Fonts was born in Penn-
sylvania, Januar}' 19, 1828, and was known in her
maidenhood as Miss Eliza M.- Shaffer. She is a
daughter of Adam and Elizabeth (Lowe) Shaffer,
who were natives of Pennsylvania, and are now de-
ceased, the mother having died in 1852, and the
father in 1875. Mrs. Fonts is the third child and
eldest daughter in a group consisting of four boj's
and four girls. She became the wife of our subject.
November 11, 1850. and has striven hard to be a
capable helpmate and a wise mother. She is a con-
sistent member of the Lutheran Church, an excel-
lent housekeeper, and is well liked by all who know
her.

Mr. and Mrs. Fonts have had fourteen children.
Three sons and three daughters died when young.
The living are Frank F., born March 3, 1856, and
still living with his parents; FAla. M., born M.ay 11,
1858, now the wife of Charles Staton, living at
Lewistown; Agnes S., born December 13, 1859.
still at home; Clara A., born October 27, 1861, and
living in Colorado; George W., born August 28,
1864, who married Amanda Lathbury, and lives at
Lewistown; Robert Sherman, born September 9,
1866, now living iu Shelby City, Iowa; Emma La

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

347

Rue. born December 2. 1869, a teacher in this
county-; Flora Belle, born February 17, 1873. at-
tending the Normal School at Lewistown with llie
expectation of being graduated in the spring.

Mr. Fonts was a Whig nnlil after the organiza-
tion of the Republican party, when he gave his
support to the new inslitulion. but he takes no ac-
tive part in politics of late. He belongs to the
Odd Fellows fraternity, has held all the offices in
the lodge, and has been a representative to the
Grand Lodge of the State; is a member of Ijodge
No. 78. He has had his full share of local oflices,
having been Koad Commissioner of the township
three years. School Director nine years. and I'athmas-
ter during a long period. He was also elected to the
office of Justice of the Peace, but would not .ac-
cept. Mr. Fonts is not identified with any relig-
ious body, but is a liberal contributor to the sup-
port of the church, and manifests a deep interest in
other good works.

-^¥r

"JOSEPH C. MYERS, has met with more than
ordinary success as one of the most skillful
and wide-awake farmers and stock-raisers of
this county, and, while yet in the prime of
life, has been enabled to retire practically from
business. He has a beautiful home in Canton, oc-
cupying one of the finest residence properties of
the city, pleasantly located on North Main Strset.
Mr. Myers was born September 3, 1 844, in F'rank-
lin County, Pa., He was the fifth child in a family
of thirteen children born to Henry and Maria
(Eshelraan) Myers, natives of the Keystone State.
In 1848 they settled among the pioneers of this
county ou a farm in Canton. They resided tliere
one year, then settled permanently in Farming-
ton, where the father gave his attention to agricul-
tural pursuits. He is still living on his homestead
there, and is now in his seventy-eighth year, hav-
ing been born November 2, 1813. His wife was
born September 11, 1817, a daughter of John Esh-
elman, who was a native of Germany. The Myers
family was also of German descent.

Joseph C. Myers of whom this sketch is written.

nas about four years old when his parents brought
him to this county. He gleaned a good education
in the Farmington schools, and as early as nine
years of .age, began to help his father on the farm.
When he was sixteen years old, he began to assist
in operating a tlu-cshing machine, which was hired
by the farmers in the township. This w.as too hanl
work for a youth of his 3-ears, and it impaired his
health, which has never been as good as it was be-
fore. He remained with his parents until he reached
his twentj'-first year, when he began farming on
his own account. He bought stock, which he fed
and sold, and occasionally he sent hogs to the Chi-
cago market. lie continued thus actively engaged
in the stock business for seventeen years, and dur-
ing the past four years of that period, dealt exten-
sively in fine horses, matching and selling them and
he h.as won the highest |)rizes of any man in Ful-
ton Count}' for well-matched and well-bred teams,
and has sold a span of horses for ^62.5.

Mr. Mj-ers still owns his farm of two hundred
and seventy .acres of choice land, situated on the
line, part of which lies in Canton, and part in
Farmington Township, which he rents on shares.
It is amply supi)lied with neat and well-ordered
buildings, .and with the finest of farming machin-
ery. He still p.a3S mucli attention to the breeding
of fine Poland-China hogs, though he has retired
from general farming. In 1888 he left his home-
stead, and coming to Canton, purchased a large
and fine residence, with its beautiful surroundings,
known as the Harry Balton place, where he is en-
jo3'ing all the luxuries and comforts that make life
worth living. In his career .as a farmer and stock-
raiser, he has displayed more than ordinary capa-
city, as he began life with but little means, and
even had to go in debt for his first plow, but he
has conquered all the difficulties that lay in his
path, has risen above adversitj', and is one of the
moneyed men of the city of Canton to-day. He is
generous and public-spirited as a citizen, is upright
as a man, and in his domestic relations is all that a
kind husband and good father should be, while his
neighbors ever find him friendly and obliging. In
politics he is rather conservative, voting in Na-
tional and State matters with the Democrats.

Mr. and Mrs. Myers began their pleasant wedded

348

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

life in the month of January, 1871, and to them
have come two daughters, Blanche L., and Mabel
lone, vvho is attending school in Canton. Prior to
her marriage, Mrs. IMyers was Mary J. Swilzer, of
Farmington Township. She was born and reared
in this county, and is a daughter of Jesse and Aba-
rilla Switzer, who were early pioneers of the
county, coming here in 1836.

^ EVY McVeigh DONNELLY, who is ably
I /?§) managing tlie large Leaman estate in Har-
jjL^^ ris Township, is a prominent citizen of this
part of the countj-, and is widely known as one of
Its leading politicians. 5Ir. Donnelly is a native of
Ohio, the place of liis birth in Licking County, and
the date thereof August 27, 1841. His parents
were James and Evaline (Jenkins) Donnelly. His
mother was a daughter of Levy and Mary Jenkins,
of Ohio. .She died when he was tiiree weeks old.
and he was reared by his uncle John McVeigli.
He lived in Ohio until he was thirteen years old,
when, in 1854, his uncle moved to Fulton County.
I!!., and settled six miles west of Canton, where
now is the station of Civer. In 1856, he removed
to Lee Township, where lie resided until 1858, wiien
he bought a farm tiiree miles from Marietta.

Mr. Donnelly grew to manhood on that farm,
.and wlien his uncle and aunt became so feeble from
old age that they could not care for themselves, he
cared for them until tliey died, his aunt dying Feb-
ruary 10, 1862. and his uncle August 4. 1864.
The}- were very kind to him, and he never knew
what it was to lack a mother's love, or a father's
care. Indeed, he knew no other father than his
uncle, as his own had remarried after his mother's
death, and moving to Kansas, had died there. Our
subject chose to follow the occupation to which ho
hail been reared, and has become one of the most
practical and substantial citizens of Harris Town-
ship. After marriage he lived in Marietta from
the fall of 1868 until the fall of 1883. During that
time he started a store there, which he soon sold
out, and for eleven years was Constable of the
town. He was first elected Justice of the Peace in

1879, and has held that ofBce continuously since
that time. In 1883 he removed to his present place
of residence on the R. F. Leaman estate, which com-
prises some seven hundred acres of land, on whicli
is a valuable stone quarry of fine sandstone for
building purposes. Mr. Donnelly, is managing this
quarry for tlie widow of Mr. Leaman, who resides
in Cincinnati, Ohio, and to whom he makes
monthly reports. Under his able and energetic
management, the quarry is turning out a great
quantitj' of sandstone that is bringing in a hand-
some income to its owner, who gives our subject a
fine salary in repaj-ment for his services which she
appreciates.

At tlie age of twenty, Mr. Donnelly was married
to Miss Ann Maria More\-, a daughter of Zenas J.
and Anna Jlorey. Her father came from New
York, and her mother from her l)irth|)lace in Ohio,
and they were married herein pioneer times. Mrs.
Donnellj' is a native of Fulton Count}-, and is in
every respect worthy of the regard with which she
inspires her neighbors and friends. Her marriage
with our subject, has been blessed by the birth of
six daughters and one son. and one daughter and
the son ai-e now deceased, both dying in infancy,
Anna P^veiine at the age of eighteen months. Those
living are Ida Allealha.who lives at home, and is one
of the finest educated, and best teachers in the
township, and now presides over the school in her
father's district; Tillie B., who is the wife of Jo-
seph M. Jackson, of Peoria, who is an employe on
the Toledo, Peoria & Western Railroad, and they
have one boy. Earl D.; Carrie Ma\-, who is the wife
of Leroj' Beers, a farmer of Webster City, Iowa,
and they have one boy, Ezra D. ; Nora Maria is a
miss at home attending school; and Nellie Luella.
the youngest of tlie family, also at home. ^liss Ida
and her two .sisters next to her are very fine pen-
men.

Mr. Donnell}- is gifted with the shrewdness, keen-
ness, tact and decisive energy, that amply fit him
for the important office of Sheriff, for which his
fellow Democrats have nominated him, and there
is no doubt that if he is elected he will discharge
the duties devolving upon him w-ith masterly abil-
ity, promptness and impartiality. In his nomina-
tion for this office, although there were five other

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

351

prominent candidates, he received a majority over
all at tiie primary meeting held by his party Au-
gust 2, whifh shows his good standing with his fel-
low Democrats. He lias been up before for this
office, hut having failed of nomination in the cau-
cus, with hearty good will, he would give his sup-
port to ihe fortunate candidate. He is a man of
agreeable and affable manners, and is popular with
his associates. In his political views lie is a de-
cided Democrat. He is one of the most active
politi<!ians, and has always voted for the good of
Ills party. He has been a delegate to almost every
county convention for the last twenty years. Mr.
Donnelly was reared in the Christian Church, and
has never departed from its faith, its high princi-
liles early instilled into his mind, having always
guided his life work. Our subject is a member of
the I. 0. O. F. of Good Faith Lodge No. 752,
Cuba, 111.

W^ of tliis

j>ILLIAM W. BROWN. On the opposite
is presented a lithographic portrait of
old settler of Fulton County, who
has been a farmer of Lewistown Townsiiip for
forty-two years, in the meantime clearing and de-
veloiiing a fine farm, where he has a comfortable
home. His enviable position in life is due to his
own unaided efforts, as he was early compelled to
commence the battle of life on his own account.
Adversity developed the sterling traits of his char-
acter, and while acquiring for himself a compe-
tency he has at the same time assisted in the
development of the resources of his township and
county, her present proud position among other
States being due in no small measure to his pioneer
labors. He is a native of tiie Buckeye State, and
w.as born in Hopewell Township, Licking County,
July 9, 1822.

The fatiier of Mr. Brown, who bore the same
name as himself, was a native of Washington
County, Pa., and a son of James Brown, who was
born near Dublin, Ireland. The latter was reared
in the land of his nativity, and coining to America
when a young man. located in Pennsylvania and
there engaged in farming during the remainder of

his days. The father of our subject was bred to
the life of a farmer and in early manhood became
a pioneer of Licking County, Ohio. He bought
a tract of Government land and built a log house,
in which humble home his son, of whom we write,
was born. Thej' lived the primitive life necessi-
tated by their pioneer surroundings, and the mother
used to spin end weave, dressed her family in
homespun and cooked their food before the rude
fireplace. The country was sparsely inhabited, and
deer, wolves, panthers and otiier wild beasts roamed
at will through the forests. Mr. Brown cleared a
farm, erected a substantial set of hewed-log build-
ings, and there his life was rounded out when
eighty-three 3rears of age.

The mother of our subject, who was Isabella
Wills prior to her marriage, was a native of New
Jersey. She was a daugliter of William Wills, who
was of Irish birth. He came to America with two
brothers, David and Robert, and first settled in
New Jersej'. From there lie removed to Licking
County, Ohio, and was one of the earliest pioneers
of Hopewell Township. He cleared a farm and
made it his home until death called him hence. His
daughter, Mrs. Brown, died on the home farm in
Licking County, and now lies buried beside her
husband in the Hanover churchyard. Both were
devoted members of the Presbyteri.in Church.
They reared a family of nine children, and five of
them still live.

William Brown, of this sketch, passed his early
life in his native county, and was educated in its
pioneer schools, that were taught in a rude log
house with home-made furniture, split logs with
pins inserted for legs serving for seats, and boards
laid on wooden pegs that were inserted in holes in
the wall, took the place of desks on which the larger
scholars wrote. He lived with his parents until
1818 and then came to Illinois, accom[)anied by his
bride, and after seventeen days' travel by team
arrived in Fulton County. His first purchase here
was of a tract of forty acres of land in Lewistown
Township, of which two acres cleared and a log
cabin constituted the only improvements.

After living there two years Mr. Brown bought
two hundred and sixteen acres of timber land, in-
cluding his present farm, located on section 36, of

352

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

Lewistown Township, and section 31, of Liverpool
Township. Having no mone3% he was oblige'! to
go in debt for it. His first work was to cut away
the brush to make room for the log house which he
built at once. He has been a resident here ever
since, and hy steady and downright hard pioneer
labor has cleared the greater part of his land and
developed it into a very desirable farm with all the
necessary improvements. His agricultural vent-
ures have brougbt him in money, and he has added
forty acres to his homestead and no^s- has two
hundred and fifty-six acres of well cultivated and
pasture land. So many j'ears spent in this locality
have given him an extensive acquaintance, and all
who know him respect him not only as a worthy
pioneer, but in his character as a good citizen and
a man of many excellent traits. In his politics he
is a sturdy Democrat.

Mr. Brow-n's marriage with Miss Angeline Eord-
ner was solemnized Januarj- 26, 1848. She was
born in Dauphin County, and was a daughter of
Peter and Christina Bordner. For her parental
history see sketch of Moses Bordner. on another
page of this Biogr.vphical Album. For more than
thirty years the wife of our subject walked by
Ids side, faithfully shared the toils and sacrifices of
their pioneer life, and heliied him to become pros-
perous, and her der.th iu 1884 was a sad loss to him.
Three of their six children are now living. Sarali
M. married William Heikes; Christina Isabelle
married Franklin Woods; James H. is the name of
the son.

JV.^Oir- :

-4f

< — -«■• >»<: • < ■

fcHOMAS W. WILSON, a man universally
f,'/sv. popular, and one who has achieved great
success in life, furnishes the subject for the
present sketch, and we are pleased to represent such
a public-spirited and courteous gentleman in our
Album. Many years ago David Wilson was born
in the State of Tennessee, and after a prosperous
period of farming in his native place, moved to the
Blue Grass State, settling in Knox County, after-
ward removing to Harrison County, Ind., where he

died. He was the grandfather of our subject, and
a man well calculated to give noble principles to
the younger members of his household. At the
time he removed to Kentucky, his son, Joseph, fa-
ther of our subject, was a lad of ten summers, and
there he continued to reside up to the time he
reached his twentieth year. He then went with the
family to Harrison County. Ind., making the trip
b\- wagon through a wild country, and being num-
bered among the pioneers at that i>laoe. He pur-
chased land in the woods, where he built a rude
log cabin, and commenced to clear the land pre-
paratory to cultivating the soil. He soon had his
one hundred and sixty acres under good cultiva-
tion, and continued lo make that his home until
1855, at which date be sold bis estate and removed
to Fulton County, making this trip by w.ay of the
Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, and in this county he
died after attaining his eight}--third year. He was
married in 1833. to Miss Mary Rogers, a native of
Virginia, and to them were born two children, viz:
Thomas, our subject, and Margaret, who is now
Mrs. Amos Kinzer, and resides in Sedgwick. Kan.

Mr. Wilson at an early age attended school, and
received all the educational advantages possible in
those days when the schoolhouses were rude, and
the information imparted in them was meagre in-
deed. Indiana at that time possessed none of the
advanced ideas that at the present time make it a
popular place for educational matters. He worked
on a farm through the summer, thus becoming f.a-
miliar with the duties of agricultural life, and when
twenty years of age. he moved to Fulton County,
where he bought one hundred and twenty acres of
land on section 6, Kerton Township. The land was
not cultivated, and nature r.an riot, so he had a
great deal of hard work to clear the ground, and
bring his property to its present value. He built
a log cabin 18x20 feet in dimensions, and h.as con-
tinued from time to time, both to improve and add
to his farm. He purchased fifty-eight acres of
river-bottom land on section 4. in 1888. Besides
farming he is interested in stock-raising, and is re-
garded as a most progressive and energetic farmer.

Our subject on the loth of February, 1855. mar-
ried Miss JIartha A. Deweese, of Harrison County,
Ind., whose birth occurred December 11, 1839, and

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

353

who is a daughter of John Deweese. Her father
was a native of Kentucky, removed to Indiana at
an early date, and at the present writing is imking
his liome in Ivansas witli his son. Mr. and Mrs.
Wilson are the happy parents of eighteen children,
viz.: .Sarah P., Joseph W., John W., Mary S., Mar-
garet E., Charles S., Amos L.. Lafayette. Nandora,
Emmett C. Laura B., Louis E., Mattie, Hayes,
Thomas J., Gertrude. Abbie G., and Roseoe C.

Mrs. WilbOn has been a faithful member of the
Methodist Church since girlhood, and is a lovely
Christian woman, and one very popular with all
who know- her. M'. Wilson is a member of the Re-
publican party. He has held many otBces of pub-
lic trust, having served as Road Commissioner,
School Trustee, and Collector for this township.
Indeed, his popularity is great, and extends through-
out the count)'.

-€-^-^-

OHN S. LEP], The agricultural regions of
America have given a foothold to many a
poor 30ung man, who bj^ reason of his de-
termination to succeed, his industrious habits
and his quick appreciation of favorable circumstan-
ces. has overtaken Dame Fortune and won his crown .
One of this class, residing ic Lewistown Township,
is the gentleman above named, who is now num-
bered amoDg the solid men of the township, in
which he virtually commenced his career as a
farm laborer. His home farm consists of one hun-
dred and twenty acies of well improved cultivated
and pasture land, upon which stands a complete
line of good buildings. In addition to this he is
the owner of a tract comprising one hundred and
fifty acres on sections 9 and 16. and a quarter of
section 12.

In order to appreciate the efforts and qualities
which have led to the success of our subject, it may
be well to say a few words regarding his parents
and his earl)' home. His father, Barton Lee, was
born thirteen miles from Baltimore, Md., and there
reared to manhood. During the early settlement
of the Blue Grass State he went thither, locating in
Lewis County, where he purchased a tract of heav-

ily timbered land. There he began a clearing,
building in the wilderness a hewed log house in
which our subject opened his e3-es to the light
November 12, 1823. The father cleared and im-
proved his estate, continuing to reside upon it un-
til 1842, when he passed through the valley of the
shadow of death. His good wife, formerly Ruth
Smith, a native of Lewis County, died in 1825.
Eight of her children were reared to malurity. but
the only one now living is oui subject, the young-
est member of the family.

Mr. Lee was reared in his native county, pursu-
ing his education in the subscription schools, which
were carried on in a primitive log schoolhouse. As
soon as he was large enough to do so, he began to
bear his share in the farm work, continuing to take
a greater and greater part therein as his years and
strength increased. He worked with his father until
the death of the latter, and then continued on the
home farm until 1 846. At that time he accompanied
a neighbor to the Prairie .State, their journej' beino-
made with a four-horse team. Here Mr. Lee souo-ht
employment in the occupation to which he had been
reared and was soon engaged by the month as a
farm hand.

In 1849 Mr. Lee was enaliled to purchase eighty
acres of heavily-timbered lamL of which twelve
acres had been cleared and upon which a log cabin
stood. There he began housekeeping in 1850, in a
few years being able to purchase the eighty acres
adjoining, making a good farm upon which he re-
sided thirty-three years. He cleared the greater
part of the first eighty, built good frame buildings
and surrounded himself with the comforts which
his energy had won and his industry deserved. In
1883 he rented this land on section 12, and bought
that upon which he now resides. In the meantime
he had purchased the other property mentioned
and placed his financial affairs on a sound basis.

November 14, 1850, the interesting ceremony
occurred which gave Mr. Lee a faithful and effi-
cient companion. His bride, formerly Miss Emily
Walker, was born in Lewis Count}', K3'., to Will-
iam and Nancy Walker. The happy union has been
blessed by the birth of three children, but one of
whom was reared to mature years. This was Will-
iam F., who was born in 1851 and died in 1888.

354

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

He was educated in this county, becoming well
informed, and following in his father's footsteps as
a man of industrious habits and good principles.
October 3, 1877, he was united in marriage with
Eliza Bearce, daughter of Orsen and Jane Bearce,
whose sketch appears in this volume. She is a na-
tive of Lewistown Township, and is an intelligent,
whole-souled woman. She and her four children,
Ralph, Jennie, Mary E., and John Orsen, live with
our subject, whose home is made cheerful and pleas-
ant by her efforts. Mr. Lee is a firm believer in
the principles of Democracy.

f ACOB SH AWVER. One by one the old set-
tlers of the county are departing to the
bourne whence no traveler returns, leaving
behind them records more or less worthy of
study, and examples more or less worthy of emula-
tion. One of this number is the late Jacob Shaw-
ver. who is well remembered bj- all who knew him,
ns n man of great industry, good judgment, and
the personal character which won a high degree of
respect from those with whom he associated. Finan-
cially speaking, he was a self-made man, having
begun his career in life with no other capital than
that erabrnced in his brain, his will power, and his
physical ability. When removed bj- death, June
22, 1874, he was the owner of a fine estate of nearly
three hundred acres in Lewistown Township, which
is still held in the famil3\

Mr. Shawver was of German ancestr\-. a son of
John Shawver, who, so far as is known, was a na-
tive of Pennsylvania, and was himself born in
L'nion Countv- November 4, 1804. His father
being a farmer, he was reared with a knowledge of
agricultural pursuits, and with the educational ad-
vantages which at that period of the century were
possible in the country. He learned the trade of
a cf)rab-maker, and finally engaged in the business
for a time, later turning his attention to agricul-
ture.

Our subject removed from his native State to
Ohio, residing in Clarke County until 1836, when,
in company with his brother, he started for Illi-

nois, their mode of convej-ance being a wagon
drawn b^- four horses. He located near Lewistown,
and with his brother engaged at the blacksmith's
trade, but ere long bought a tract of timber land.
He began at once to clear a farm, building a log
house in which he lived for some years. He then
sold his property and bought a tract on section 10,
Lewistown Township, from his father-in-law, mak-
ing that his home during the remainder of his life.

The marriage of Mr. Shawver occurred Septem-
ber 20, 1838, his bride being Miss Hannah Bearce.
This worthy woman was born in Monroe County,
N. Y., April 3, 1817, being a daughter of Eli H.
and Sarah (Austin) Bearce. (See sketch of Orsen
Bearce on another page in this Album). She was
five years old when she came to Illinois with her
parents, and she has lived to witness the wonderful
development of this county, of which she is one of
the ver}' oldest living settlers. During her early
years her mother had no stove, doing her cooking
and performing other household duties at the open
fireplace. She also spun and wove, and in the
knowledge of those useful arts instructed her daugh-
ter, who became proficient with the wheel and shut-
tle. In 1889, Mrs. Shawver removed to the count}'
seat, where she is ^-et living. She is the mother
of ten children, viz: Sarah J., Elizabeth, John,
Araanda.Jacoh, Wesle}', Franklin deceased in child-
hood, Sophia, George, and Ilarvej'.

John Austin, the maternal grandfather of Mrs.
Shawver, was a native of the Empire State, and a
farmer by occupation. After residing in New York
many years, he started to move to Illinois, coming
via the rivers. He had been in poor health for
some time, and died at St. Louis, Mo., while en-
route to his new home. His wife, formerly Miss
Hannah Frost, came on to this .State, and spent her
last years in this county.

The farm formerly operated by the subject of
this sketch is now occu|)ied and carried on by his
son George, who is engaged in fanning and stock-
raising. He was born on the homestead. October
3. 1860. and was but fourteen 3ears old when his
father de|)arted this life. Four years later the man-
ngement of the estate devolved upon him, and he
has since been carrying on his labors there. He is
numbered among the enterprising, progressive and

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

355

intelligent young fanners of the township, and is
looked upon with respect as a worthy follower in
the footsteps of his progenitor. At the residence
of George W. and Elizabeth Ford, iu this town-
ship, on New Year's day, 1889, he was united in
marriage with Miss Ad^lie, daughter of the host
and hostess, a young lady who has many frieuds in
this section where she is well known.

StjSAAC N. WILLIAMS. The visitor in Lee
Township would not long be in ignorance of
^ the name and character of the gentleman above
named, who is numbered among her agriculturists,
his home being on section 27. He is one of six chil-
dren born to John and Nancy (Smallev) AVilliams,
hor parents having been natives of Adams County,
Ohio. Thence they removed to Winnebago County,
this State, residing thei'e for a decade and then lo-
cating in Harris Towushii), this count}'. Here the
father passed away in 1870, the mother surviving
until 1872. All their cluhtren are living except the
youngest son.

The gentleman whose name introduces this
sketch was born in Winnebago County, July 12,
1840. He pursued his studies in the district schools,
supplementing the knowledge there obtained by
one term at the Bushnell High School. The at-
tempts made against the Union aroused in him a de-
sire to battle for his country, and in 1862, he en-
listed in Company C, Fifty-fifth Illinois Infantr}'.
His brother Andrew was one of the gallant sixty
thousand who marched with Sherman to the sea
and bore his part in the principal battles of that
world-famed event. He remained with his com-
rades until the close of the war, receiving his dis-
charge in May, 1865, and returning to his father's
home with an honorable record.

Mr. Williams continued to make his home with
his parents until his marriage, in the fall of 1870,
when he established himself on the farm he still oc-
cupies. His estate now consists of two hundred and
eighty -seven acres of excellent land, all under cul-
tivation and well improved. Its present condition
is due to the efforts of our subject, who has had a

two-story frame house of convenient arrangement
and homelike appearance erected, together with a
barn and other outbuildings such as he finds useful.
The place is well stocked with domestic animals and
machinery, and general farmwork is carried on
successfully.

On September 25, 1870, the riles of wedlock were
celebrated between our subject and Sarah, daugh-
ter of Daniel and Orilla (Wells) Gantz. Mrs. Wil-
liams was born in Brown County, this State, April
2, 1850, and is the youngest and only living child
of her parents. She had two sisters and one
brother. Her parents were born in Ohio and re-
moved thence to Brown County where both died
about 1869. Mrs. Williams is a lady of intelli-
gence, domestic acquirements and excellent char-
acter, having many warm friends and being deeply
loved by the members of her family. She has
borne her husband two sons and two daughters —
Budgie, Mary, Grace and Floyd.

Mr. and Mrs. Williams and their two oldest chil-
dren belong to the Good Tenijdars Order and Mr.
Williams is Lodge Deputy. The particular society
with which they are identified is Clieck Row Lodge
of Lee Townshi|), which numbers about one hun-
dred and fifteen members and occupies a pleasant
hall, 30x40 feet, which is the only hall known to
have been built in the country' by and especially
for a lodge. Mr. Williams was reared as a Demo-
crat but now votes the temperance ticket on all oc-
casions and works earnestly for the advancement of
the Prohibition part}'. He has held the township
offices of Supervisor, Collector and Assessor. He
belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church, is
Steward thereof and Superintendent of the Sunday-
school.

SAIAH C. WORLEY, Master in Chancery, of
Fulton County, an honored citizen of Lewis-
, town, and a distinguished veteran officer of
the late war, has been for man\' years identified
with the civic life of this county and is classed
among the ablest men who are at the bead of the
judicial department of its government.

Mr. Worlev was born on a farm near Carlisle,

356

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

Cumberland County, Pa., and is a son of Daniel and
Mary Worley. He was but two 3'ears old when
his parents moved to Ohio and settled in Richland
County, and lie was only seven yeais old, when he
had the misfortune to lose his father. His boyhood
was still further saddened by the death of his mother
at a Liter period, and he went to live with his
brother Nathan for a time. At the youthful age of
fourteen years, the manly, self-reliant lad com-
menced the battle of life on his own account. A
venturesome, enterprising spirit brought him from
Ohio, to this State in 1849, and from that time he
has made his home in Lewistown, with the exception
of the time he passed in the South during the war.
He was engaged at various kinds of occupation un-
til twenty years of age, wiien he accepted the posi-
tion of assistant in the office of the Circuit Clerk,
remaining there until 1862.

The patriotism of our subject was roused by the
great struggle that was carried on between the North
and South during the late conflict, and August 1,
1862 he volunteered in defense of the honor of his
country ,enlisting in Company A, One Hundred and
Third Illinois Infantiy. His superior qualifications
gave him the position of Second Lieutenant of his
company, he being mustered into service in that ca.
pacity. Later he was promoted to be First Lieu-
tenant, and fought bravel}* with his regiment in the
battles of Vicksburg, Jackson, Memphis and Mis-
sionar3- Ridge, and did valuable service while with
Sherman in his march to Atlanta and the sea,
fighting with the enemy in many an important en-
gagement of that campaign. From Savannah,
Lieut. Worley accompanied the victorious army to
South Carolina. He was taken sick at Beaufort and
bis gallant militar3' career was tliere brought to a
close, as on consultation with Gen. Howard, that
officer perceiving the bad condition of his health,
advised him to resign his commission, and he did so.

After leaving the arm3-, our subject returned to
Lewistown. and as soon as able resumed his position
as Deput}- Count3' Clerk, retaining it until 1873.
His long and valued services in that capacit3' earned
him merited promotion to the office of Clerk of the
County Court, to which he was elected in the year
mentioned. He held that office b3' re-election nine
years until he was appointed in 1883, Master in

Chancery and has been in this position ever since.
Our subject has been twice married. Ilis first mar-
riage which was consumaled in 1 862. was to Amanda
L. Clark. She was a native of Lewistown, and a
daughter of Charles and Am3- Clark, natives re-
spectively of Pennsylvania and Ohio. Mrs. Wor-
ley departed this life ilay 14. 1888. Mr. Worley
was married a second time, June 4, 1890, taking as
his wife Emma Alice Dyckes. She is a native of
this county, born in the town of Bernadotte, and a
daughter of Joseph and Lucinda D3-ckes, of whom
see sketch on another page of this volume. B\' his
first marriage, Mr. AVorle3' became the father of
two children, Am3' Mabel and William Clark.

Mr. Worle3" possesses thoughtful, clear mind, an
intellect well balanced, and executive talent of a
high order, and his constant re-appointment to the
important office of which he is an incumbent.shows
the high estimate placed upon his services as Mas-
ter in Chanceiy. He is a true Christian gentleman,
I and in him and his amiable wife the Presbyterian
Church finds two of its leading members. Politicall3-
he is a Democrat, one of the most intelligent sup-
porters of his part3' in this vicinity. He has aided
in the management of civic affairs, as a member of
the City Council and of the local School Board.
He belongs to Lewistown Lodge, No. 104, A. F. i
A. M.

<*, I^ILLIAM AVILSON, M.D., the oldest physi-
\/iJl/ '^^^^ '" London IMills, has been of great
W^ assistance to the communit3' in building
up the town. He has been interested in real estate,
has built a score of houses and still owns village
propert3-. He has filled nearly ever3' office in the
township, taken a part in the workings of the social
orders, and in addition to all this, has had a large
practice in his profession. His mind has been well
developed, his inemor3' stored with facts and prin-
ciples pertaining to the science of medicine, and
with all the strength of an energetic nature he has
made use of his knowledge.

Dr. Wilson is the eldest of the four children born
to Dr. Samuel and Mahala (McFarland) Wilson.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

357

The parental history will be founrl in the slietch of
his brother, Dr. H. L. Wilson, in this Album. Our
subject was reared in the village of Hermon, Knox
County, where his eyes had opened to the light
July 8, 1848. During his youth he attended the
common schools and Abingdon College and in 1864,
enlisted in Company K, Seventh Illinois Cavalry,
was mustered in at Peoria and served until July,
1865. Soon after the war he began studying medi-
cine, his father being his preceptor. He removed
with his parents to Iowa and entered the medical
department of the University of Iowa City, and
was graduated from that institution in 1875, as
physician and surgeon. He at once located at Lon-
don IMills, being the first physician to open an
office here. He worked up a fine practice and has
been ver}' successful in his efforts to ameliorate suf-
fering and preserve life.

The lady whom Dr. Wilson won for his wife and
with whom he was united in marriage in Iowa, in
1872, bore the maiden name of Jennie A. Hall. She
was born in Oskaloosa, Iowa, in 1852; she i.s a lady
of culture and stands side by side with her husband
in her knowledge of medicine. She studied that
profession in the University at Iowa City, taking a
special course the same year as her husband. She
was Postmistress in London Mills from 1887 to
1889, and is a popular member of the societ}- here.
Doctor and Mrs. Wilson have one child, a son,
Samuel A.

Dr. Wilson belongs to the Independent Order of
Odd-Fellows in this place and to Joe Mower Post,
No. 107, G. A. R. ; he is also identified with the
Masonic fraternity at Abingdon. In politics he is a
Democrat of the Jackson ian order.

-^^

— f-

ATTHEW MITCHELL owns and occupies
a favorably-located estate on section 27,
DeerBeld Townsliip. The land is carefully
and intelligently tilled, and the place is
well stocked, there being fourteen he.ad of cattle,
six of horses and sixty of hogs upon it at this
writing. The usual farm implements and various
machines, including reapers, mowers, etc., are also

to be found there, and the improvements which
have been made bear evidence to the enterprise
and good judgment of the owner. The dwelling
is a well-built, two-story frame house, 16x26 feet
with an L 18x20. A large barn, 2Gx40 feet, filled
with hay, and various outbuildings, occupy con-
venient positions and afford ample shelter for stock
and crops.

The subject of this sketch is the second son born
to Ebenezer and Mary (Shofer) Mitchell, whose
entire family- consisted of five sons and one daugh-
ter. The parents emigrated to this county, in 1849,
from the Buckeye State, locating on section 16,
Deerfield Township. The father breathed his last
December 13, 1849, while still quite a 3'oung man,
having been born February 28, 1804. The mother,
whose natal day was March 25, 1814, survived un-
til September 17, 1868.

Matthew Mitchell opened his eyes to the liglit
August 28, 1839, in Franklin County, Ohio, and
received bis education in the district schools of
that county and the township in which his parents
located after removal. He worked by the month
on a farm until the war broke out, when he was one
of the first to respond to the call made by Presi-
dent Lincoln for seventy-five thousand volunteers.
August 13, 1861, he was enrolled in Companj^ A,
Fifty-fifth Illinois Infantry, and, following the for-
tunes of his regiment, he took part in many of the
most important engagements of the war. The list
of battles in which he bore a valiant part includes
Shiloh, Russell House, Corinth, Chickasaw Bayou,
Arkansas Post, Snyder Bluff, Vicksburg, the siege
of Vicksburg, Keuesaw Mountain, Atlanta, Ezra
Chapel, Jonesboro, Clinton, Statesboro, Ft. McAl-
ister. Savannah, Duck Branch. North and South
Edisto, Columliia and Bcntonville.

At the battle of Vicksburg, May 19, 1863, Mr.
Mitchell received a wound in the thigh from a
niinie ball, which laid him up until the following
March. He then returned to his regiment with
which he was able to continue until the close of
the war, receiving his discharge on the 24th of
August, 1865. He returned to this county and
resumed the peaceful occupation of a farmer, some-
times operating a farm, and again working by the
month until after his marri.'xge, when he located

358

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

upon the land he still occupies. The farm consists
of eigiity acres, and although not so large as many
in the count}' is capable of affording a good main-
tenance to our subject and his faniil}-.

For nearly twent}' years an efflcieut and sympa-
thizing heljimale sliared in the various fortunes of
our subject. This lady, whose maiden name was
Deborah C. Glass, became his wife October 16,
1870. She was born in Deerfleld Township, Octo-
ber 7, 1843, being a daughter of Samuel and Mar-
garet (Myers) Glass. Her death took place .January
31, 1890, and her remains w^ere followed to their
resting place in Fiatt Cemetery by many friends
who sympathized in the grief of the afHicted fam-
il\-. The home of Mr. Mitchell is brightened by
the presence of six children, named respectivelj",
John W., Minnie J., Mary M., Rosa M., Bertha E.
and Franklin M. The eldest daughter was born in
the spring of 1874 and is therefore able to fill her
mother's place as housekeeper and look after the
welfare of the younger children.

Mr. Mitchell is a Republican but takes no active
part in political work, except to deposit his ballot.
He is an honest, upright man, a consistent member
of the Free Will Baptist Church, is well known in
the county and well liked by his acquaintances.

^' ILO HARLAN is a well-known and influ-
ential citizen of Young Hickor}' Township
and bears a prominent part in the various
affairs of the township. He is social, be-
nevolent and energetic, has a good war record and
an established reputation as a farmer. He is now
filling the office of Township Collector, and in
previous years has held school offices. To what-
ever position he is called he brings a determina-
tion to faithfidly serve bis fellow-men and deal
honorably in every particular.

The ancestral history of Mr. Harlan may be read
in the sketch of A. J. Harlan, which occupies
another page in this volume. He is -the third in a
family of nine children and was born near Wil-
mington, Clinton County, Ohio, March 13, 1840.
He had three miles to go to school, but the insti-

tutions of learning were good and he laid a fair
foundation before the age of ten years. At that
time his parents, with seven children, started for
Polk County, Iowa, their method of travel being
a team and wagon. They were three weeks in
reacliing this county, which the father liked so well
that he remained. He was of a mechanical turn,
able to take up almost any trade, and had on his
farm in the Buckeye State been engaged in brick-
making. After concluding to remain here, he en-
gaged in that work for David Cowman. In the
spring of 1852 he continued on to his previous
destination with two wagons drawn by oxen, cross-
ing the Mississippi on a ferry at Burlington, and
spending two or three months in breaking Iowa
prairie. In July he returned to Central Illinois,
took up his abode in Abingdon and pursued vari-
ous occupations until 1853. He then farmed near
London Mills, and in the spring of 1854 settled
on one hundred and sixty acres in the township
which is still the home of his son.

Mllo Harlan attended the subscription schools in
the winter, sitting on a slab bench in a log house
heated by a fire-place, and in the summer drove
oxen and otherwise helped on the farm. When the
war broke out two of his brothers enlisted, and
when, in August, 1862, a call was issued for six
hundred thousand men, he volunteered, becoming
a member of Company G, Eighty-third Illinois
Infantr\-. He was mustered into the service at
Galesburg. being first sent to Cairo, then to Fts.
Henry and Donelson. The regiment was kept on
detached service much of the time, doing guard
duty and raiding the country in Kentucky, Ten-
nessee and Alabama. The}' had many skirmishes
with the enemy and took part in the second battle at
Ft. Donelson and the second fight at Nashville.
After the former our subject was promoted to the
rank of Corporal. He served until the close of the
war, took part in the review at Nashville June 20,
1865, was then mustered out, and going to Chi-
cago, received an honorable discharge. Although
minie balls had pierced his hat he escaped bodily
injury.

When ready to resume the arts of peace, Mr.
Harlan took charge of his father's farm and after
a time bought out the other heirs. He has made

£^S

y^^-^e.U,yl/L^

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

361

many iiiiprovements upon tbe place, among them
being a comfortable dwelling; and two barns, one
.30x46 feet and the other 30x18 feet in dimensions.
Tbe latter is usedjis a shelter for the cattle, which
are yrailed Shorthorns. Formerly Mr. Harlan kept
full-blooded Short-horns and raised sheep of the
best wool-producing breeds. lie also, in connection
with his brother A. J., bought sheep, cattle and
bogs quite extensively for two or three years, and
then abandoned that business as it was overdone.
He raises quite large numbers of cattle and hogs,
and fecdSjdroves ofjthe latter. He likewise raises
Clydesdale and Norman horses of high grade. His
estate comprises one hundred and sixty acres on
section 3, situated about one mile from London
Mills. It is fenced into convenient fields and cul-
tivated by means of the latest farm machinery. It
is supplied with natural groves, evergreens have
also been sot out and some raised from seed.

Mr. Hailan formerly belonged to the Odd Fel-
low's' Lodge, at London Mills. He is now identi-
fied with the Masonic fraternity at Fairview. He is
a member of Joe Mower Post, No. 107. G. A. R.,
in which he has held every office but Commander.
He was Quartermaster of the Encampment in 1888.
It would be hard to find a stanoher Repulilican
than he, or one better able to give a reason for
his political faith. He has represented his associ-
ates in count}' and Congressional conventions. He
discharges the duties of citizenship in a reliable
manner, and the only fault his neighbors have to
find with him is, that he has never married. His
home is not, however, devoid of woman's presence,
as he has his beloved mother with him.

• — •>. -o^o. ■$«^v>■v1S••'>♦«• —

^/OHN S. GREEN.. There is always more or
less curiosity to know the true and inner
historj' of men who have been long and
favorably identified with the social and
business interests of an}' community, and undoubt-
edly the biograph}' of Mr. Green will prove inter-
esting alike to old and joung. Brought up to a
knowledge of farm duties, he naturally chose the
avocation of a farmer, when it became necessary

for him to select a calling in life. His experience
has been wide and varied, and although advanced
in 3ears he is well preserved an<l quite active.

The subject of this sketch is the son of .John and
Sarah Green, natives of Berlin, N. Y. The parental
family comprised ten children, ns follows: Martin,
Horace, Maxom, Steven, John, Hampton, Rob-
ert, Burton, Nathaniel, and I.,ewis, all of whom
reached years of maturity. He of whom we write
was born in the State of New York, June 19, 18-21,
and passed his childhood upon a farm, wlure he
was taught habits of industry and self-denial. He
received excellent educational advantages, prepar-
atory to business life, but did not of course receive
any special literary training in the common schools.
He was capable of taking the finest collegiate
course, and had a natural inclination for study, but
belonging to a large family and that being a time
when the education of children was not so thorough
as at present, he was forced to content himself with
a moderate amount of learning.

When read}' to establish a home of his own, Mr.
Green was united in marriage \yith Miss Caroline
Saunders, their union being solemnized (Jctdber 31,
1847. Mrs. Green is the daughter of Peleg and
Hannah (Saunders) Saunders, both natives of New
York. Mrs. Green was born in lierlin. New Yoik,
in 18:!1, and was reared to womanhood under the
[)arental roof. She earl}' became proficient in those
housewifely qualities which add so much to the at-
tractiveness of a home, and has proved a devoted
wife and wise mother. Of their six children the
following is recorded: Peleg, a farmer in Fulton
County, 111., married Miss Jane Burbridge and
has five children. Ida resides in Knox County and
is the wife of Menzo Rapalee. They have one
child. Lenora was first united in marriage with
Ste|)hen Greggs, by whom she had two children.
After the death of Mr. Greggs she married John
Fink, of Knox County. Burton married Miss Sarah
Wilcox and lives in Fulton County. Herbert mar-
ried Flora Daikeman, and the}' have two children.
John resides on the old homestead. His wife bore
the maiden name of Ida Thurman, and the}- have
two children. Mr. Green gave all his children a
good start in life and they settled within three •
miles of the parental homo. In l\Lay, 1851, Mr.

36'^

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

Green and bis wife, in company witli Jacob Brim-
mer, came to Fulton County to visit some relatives
of Mrs. Green, who had located here. Mr. Green
and Mr. Brimmer were so delighted with the soil
that they immediately purchased seven hundred
acres of fine land in Ivnox and Fulton Counties.
Mr. Green then returned to bis home in Jefferson
Countj-, N. Y.. and disposed of his property there,
prior to removing to Illinois. In the fall of 1854
he returned to Fulton Coiiuty, accompanied by bis
family. The following spring he planted his first
crop, which brought to him such a fine harvest that
be became fully satisfied with the richness of the
soil. His history since coming to this place has been
that of a thoroughly progressive man and what-
ever he has undertaken has proved successful.

Mr. Green is a man of vast experience, whose
wealth and enterprise have given him social pres-
tige in this community and have enabled him to
give to his children a thorough education. Al-
though be has given each of his sons considerable
laad, he still retains in his possession a highly cul-
tivated farm of three hundred and twentj- acres in
Farniington and Salem Townships. Ho and bis
wife are esteemed members of the Seventh D.ay
Baptist Church. Politically, Mr. Green was first a
AVhi2. but upon the organization of the Republican
party, cast his ballot and used his influence in its
interest. He is unusually keen--itted and is able
at a o-lance to place the correct valuation upon
men and things. He is held in high esteem b^- his
fellow-citizens and is consulted upon many affairs
of importance, whether of public or private nature.
In connection with this biographical review the
reader will notice on another page a portrait of
Mr. Green.

-'^^y

ORTER J. GREEN is a well-to-do farmer
)l) and stock-raiser of this county, owning a
valuable farm, of which one hundred acres
lie on section 5. and sixt}- acres on section
6. Farmington Township. He is a native of Rens-
selaer County, N. Y. His father, Jonathan Green,
was born in the same eouutj'. He was there mar-
ried to Miranda Himes, and of the nine children

born to them the following is recorded: Antoinette
married Barber Green and lives in Adams, Mass. ;
Samuel resides in Zilonite, Mass. ; Margaret, who
lives in Rhode Island, has been twice married, first
to Mr. Lamb and afterward to Mr. Green; Pris-
cilla lives in Adams. Mass.; AVilliam died at the age
of twenty-two; Porter, our subject; Amj* died at
the age of nineteen ; D^-er is a resident of Nebraska;
Ambrose, of Rhode Isl?nd. The father died in
Rensselaer C'ountj-, and the mother then removed
back to Massachusetts, where her life was brought
to a close at the age of eighty years.

The subject of this biographical review was born
November 12, 1841, He was well trained by his
worth}' parents, and started out in life well pre-
pared to fight its battles. He early .adopted the
calling of a farmer and has met with success in his
pursuits. He purchased his present homestead in
1880, This is provided with a neat and substantial
set of buildings, including a fine new barn which
was erecte<l in 1889, The farm is first class in all
its appointments and is one of the most desirable
places in the neighborhood.

Our subject was married in .lefferson Count}-,
his native State, to Miss Matilda Brimmer, a daugh-
ter of Jacob and Matilda (Saunders) Brimmer,
Her father came to Fulton County in 1854 and
became a very well-to-do man. He died in the .State
of New York in January, 1886, at the .advanced
of eighty-two years. His widow is still living in
Jefferson County, X. Y., and is in her scventj'-
ninth year. Of the eight children born of their
marriage seven grew to maturity, namely. Jacob,
Nathan, Electa, Maiy. Matilda. Ambrose and Sarah.
Mrs. Green was born in Jefferson County, N. Y.
She is a capable woman, and knows well bow to
manage the affairs of her household. Two chikiren
are the fruit of her marri.ige with our subject —
Arthur, who lives at home, and Nellie. The latter
is the wife of Nelson Wright, of Farmington
Township, and the}' have one child — Lloyd, a beau-
tiful, black-eyed boy.

Mrs. (Saunders) Brimmsr and Mrs. John S.
Green are the only survivors of the Saunders fam-
ily. The Brimmers were Methodists in their relig-
ious views, the Saunders were Seventh-Day Baptists
and the Greens were Baptists. Thus our subject

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

363

and his wife receiver) an early religious training,
are people of earnest Christian belief and among
the leading members of the Baptist Church of
Farmir.gton. As a true citizen should be, Mr.
Green is interested in politics and is a stanch ad-
herent of the Republican party.

^P^HOMAS WEESE. who ranks among the
(f^^^ prosperous agriculturists of Pleasant Town-
^^^J ship, was born in Fulton Count}' July 2nd,
1849. His parents, John and Elizabeth, commonly
called Betsy, Weese, were among the early settlers
of this county, the father having been born in the
State of Tennessee. He was quite a young m.an
when he came here, and was throe times married,
oui' subject being the only child born to his first
marriage. lie settled in Pleasant Township while
the country around here was scarcely more than a
'■forest primeval" and like most of the pioneers was
forced to endure many hardships and privations.
He was a man possessing great strength of charac-
ter and excellent judgment, and was largel}'
instrumental in bringing about the wonderful
transformation that changed a land covered with
timber to fertile and valuable farms. He was, in
[jolitics, in sympathj' with the Democratic party,
and took great interest in supporting all political
matters that tended to the improvement of county
aud State. He also exerted great influence in social
circles and was a man much beloved and respected
by his neighbors. He left a large and valuable es-
tate, at the time of his death.

The subject of our sketch inherited sufficient
money to give him a good atart in life, and the
scenes familiar to his childhood are all in this
county, and his interest in the progress of Pleasant
Township is therefore naturally very great. He
has at all times given his attention to agriculture
and is a most successful and enterprising farmer,
having cultivated his lands after the most improved
methods and making a real science of farming. His
educational advantages were the best that time af-
forded, but he received none of the polish of the
higher branches of study that one fluds at the pres-

ent time in the schools throughout the country.
The schoolhouse he attended was merely a little
log cabin and t)ic furniture within was truly primi-
tive in character, consisting of split-slab seats, and
other things quite in keeping with these. A ruder
construction could scarcely be imagined, and situ-
ated as it was in the midst of an uncultivated
country it presented a picture that lingers long in
memory. Our subject has always been fond of
reading and has taken much pleasure in keeping
posted on literary matters of the day. He is a
most elegant and cultured gentleman and one whose
many excellent traits are fully appreciated by the
community in which he resides.

Mr. "Weese married Miss Maggie Athy, a native
of Mason County, III., and to this union have been
born six children, four of whom are now living —
Dickson, Ilattie, Effle and Mary. Our subject owns
one hundred and fifty-four acres of valuable land,
all of which is well cultivated. He is a member of
the Democratic party and a strong supporter of his
party principles. He is a man well and favorably
known and one whom we are pleased to represent in
our Album.

ARTIN B. MASON. The world is crowded
with men and women trying each to gain
success through the different avenues of
money-making, and day after day the
ceaseless round of duty goes on; some giving atten-
tion to |>rofessional callings, some "buying and
selling" in commercial headquarters, and still
others cultivating the soil. It is a pretty generallv
conceded f.act that the agriculturist leads the freest
and easiest life, since his time is his own through
much of each year. And certainl}' to no class of
'•bread winners" are we indebted for more beneficial
results than to the farmer.

Our subject at the present time is identified with
the latter-named class, and it would be dilTicult to
find a more genial, intellectual, or courteous gen-
tleman than Mr. Mason. At one time he was in the
hotel business at Farmington, and made a good
"mine host." But after continuing in that business

364

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

for several years in conneclion with his brother
James, oar sul)ject moved to a farm in Knox
County, about two miles from Yates Cit}', and there
became an extensive land owner. However, he re-
turned to this county, settling on a small farm one
mile from Farmington, where he owns a nice resi-
dence and fifteen acres of oround.

Blr. Mason was born in F.ayotte County. Pa.,
on the sixth day of May, 1808, his parents
being Jacob and Catherine (Biddinger) Mason,
natives of Penns3lvania and Virginia respectivelj*.
His earliest recollections are of life in Ohio, where
he attended school in a little log house for three
months during the winter. Tlie father moved with
his family to this place in 1837, going into the liotel
business. In 1842 the subject of our sketch mar-
ried Miss Mar}' A. .Slosson, who was born in Tro^',
New York, and is a daugiiter of Dutcher and .Sarali
(Sampson) Slosson, natives of New York and
Massachusetts respectively. Mrs. Mason reached
maidenhood at Troy, coming with iier parents to
Illinois in the year ISoo. To Mr. and Mrs. iVIason
have been born seven children, viz: Charles H., who
married Miss Melissa Coon, has three children, and
resides at Fairfield, Iowa; Sarah J.; Harriet K., who
married James Broherd, and died without leaving
any children; Catherine; Willfam J., who married
Miss .Mary Yager, lives in Yates City, and has one
child; TSlavy A., now Mrs. Charles F. Coon, has
three children, and makes her home at Holdridgc,
I'hfclps County, Neb. ; and Martin S., who mar-
ried Miss Clara Rider, has one child and lives in
Farmington.

The subject of our sketch is a member of the
Masonic order No. 320. is a rarmber of the Yates
City Lodge, and belongs to a Commandery at
Galesburg. He is verj^ prominently connected
with this fraternity. He has held several public
offices, being at one time County Commissioner
of Knox County, and Supervisor of Salem Town
ship.

Mr. and Mrs. Mason and their family belong to
the Universalist Church. Mr. Mason having helped
to build the church of this denomination both at
Farmington and at Yates City.

Our subject's father was fifty-seven j-cars old at
llie lime of his death; the mother lived to be past

seventy. To them were born four children, viz:
Martin, James and Nanc^- (deceased), and Wil-
liam. The fatiier moved from Pennsylvania to
Ohio in 181 1, where he followed agrieulluial pur-
suits. He was at one time Justice of the Peace in
the latter named State. The subject of our skeleli
has many celebrated ancestors and has inherited
much social culture.

iKORGE C. SHUMAKER is an enterprising

^ and intelligent farmer, and is successfullj'
l|j managing two hundred and seventy acres
of land, which he rents, Ij'ing partly in Farmington,
where he makes his residence, and partly in Canton
Township. He was born in \Vashington County,
Md., near Rohrersville. His parents. Jonathan and
Mahala (Branderberg) Shuraaker, were also natives
of Maryland. The paternal grandfather of our sub-
ject, and also his maternal grandfather, came from
Germany to this eountrj'.

The father of our subject was a farmer.and in 1837
came westward and tried life in Oliio, Illinois and
Missouri, but not liking this part of the country he
returned to his native JNLaryland. and died there in
1874, at tlie ago of sixty-three years. The mother
of our subject also died in that State. She and her
husband had seven children, four of whom grew to
maturity and are still living as follows: George C,
Otho James, C\'ster Rupley and Frederick T.
O. J. lives in Middletown, Md., and all the others,
with the exception of our subject, reside in that
State.

George C. Shumaker, of this biographical sketch,
was born November 20, 1800. His boyhood and
youth were passed in Maryland, where he was
reared on a farm and gained a sound practical
knowledge of agricultural pursuits. In 1883.
ambitious to better his financial condition, he
determined to see what he could accomplish on the
fertile soil of the Prairie State, and he made his
way from his old home to this county. He worked
out i\v(\ years by the month, and carefully saved
his earnings, and was enabled to marry and estab-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

365

lish a home for himself. He is now actively en-
gaged in his calling, renting one hundred and
twenty acres of land in P'armington, and une
hundred and fifty acres in Canton Township. The
land is under good cultivation and he manages to
get from it a full return in Sue harvests for his out-
lay of labor and expense.

Mr. Shuraaker and Miss .Tennie K. Slifer, united
their lives and fortunes on the 27th of December,
1887, and have established a home where coziness
and comfort abound, and that is, in fact, one of the
pleasantest abodes in the neighborhood. Mrs.
Shumaker is a daughter of William and Ellen
(Potter) Slifer, and she was born, reared and mar-
ried in Maryland. She was the only child of her
father, wiio died when she was young. Her
mother married a second time, becoming the wife
of Mr. Andrew Reader. By that marriage she had
five children, namely: Cornelius James, Fannie L.,
Daviil G., Jersey J., Charles C. i^'annie is the wife
of Charles L. Castle, a farmer, and they have two
children. Mrs. Shumaker is a devoted Christian
and is a member of the United Brethren Cliurch
in Maryland. Her marriage with our subject has
been blessed b^- the birth of one child — Roy C. Mr.
Shumaker is a-stalvvart defender of the Democrats
in politics.

THARINE KEELING, whose sketch now
invites attention, is one of the oldest men
in the State of Illinois, having in the
course of his long life witnessed many
changes and an immense amount of progress in the
State, and also having accumulated a considerable
fortune. Longevity for some reasons and in some
cases is not a desirable thing, but it certai-nly gives
a man a vast amount of valuable experience, and
gains him a larger number of successes than can be
accomplished in a shorter span of years.

Mr. Keeling's birth occurred in Elizabethtown,
Hardin County, Ky., on the 12th of May, 1823,
being the son of Lewis and Lydia (Hovvey) Keel-
ing. When only three 3-ears of age our subject
moved with his parents to the State of Illinois, the

faniil}' leaving the beautiful Blue Grass country
for no other reason than that the idea of slavery
was distasteful to them, and as tliat custom pre-
vailed everywhere south of "Mason and Dixon's
line," they were forced to seek a northern iiome.
They first located in Jacksonville, but after two
years removed to Springfield, where the father
purchased a grist and saw mill on the south fork
of the Sangamon River; and the earliest recollec-
tions of our subject date back to the "old mill" by
the river side, where he sijent many happy days in
his childhood. The business proved very success-
ful, and the father previous to his death was an ex-
tensive landowner, owning several thousand acres
of valuable timber and prairie land along the San-
gamon River. He died in 1856, being sixty-one
years old; the mother had died about twenty years
before, when only thirty-six 3'ears of age. To them
were born nine children, viz.: Eldridge, Atharine;
Singleton, Hayden, Lydia and Lc)uisa are deceased;
America; Lewis, deceased; and William.

Our subject's paternal grandfather, William
Keeling, was a Methodist minister, and his birth-
place was in England. He married in that country
Miss Susan Grant, and upon coming to America
settled first in Virginia, but afterward removed to
Kentucky. Our subject's maternal grandfather,
Joseph Howey, was born in the State of Virginia,
and married Mrs. Cecelia McKinney. They were
all of Scotch-Irish descent, and settled in Virginia
about the time of the Colonial War.

Jlr. Keeling"s father -being interested in the
brick business, he learned that when a boy of four-
teen summers, going to a pay school through
three months of the twelve, which was taught by
Dr. Springer, father of Congressman Springer.
Our subject was a neighbor of Abraham Lincoln,
and was well acquainted with him.

The subject of our sketch left home at the age
of eighteen, when his father was married the sec-
ond time, and commenced to work for himself in
the brick business, employing a number of hands
and clearing Si, 000 the first year. He continued
this field of labor for a period of fifty-two years,
turning out a tremendous amount of brick and
tile.

Mr. Keeling was married in 18-18, to Miss Mary

366

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

Jane Wilson, daughter of Sanuiel and Maria (Bro-
lierd) AVilson. She was born in Hamilton County,
Ohio, and her father was b^- birth and education a
Scotchman — Edinburgh being his native place. To
Jlr. and Mrs. Wilson were born seven children,
viz.: Thomas J., Marj' Jane, M.aria. Ellen, Marga-
ret, Amanda, and James, who died in youth. Our
subject and his wife have been blessed with six
children, viz.: Oscar H., Marj' Helen. Alice A.,
Annie M., Clara Inez and Jesse L., all of whom
are prosperous and talented.

Mr. Keeling voted for Henr}- Clay in 1844, and
for the Whig candidates until the organization of
the Republican party, at which time he commenced
to sui)port that party. He is a member of the
Baptist Church, having been connected with that
denomination for forty years. Mrs. Keeling also
Vjclongs to this church. The subject of our sketch
is a great reader, and possessing a retentive mem-
ory is a most interesting cornpanion, and much es-
teemed both for his intellectualit3- and his man}-
excellent traits of character.

ILLIAM H. COZINE is known as one of
\\\A/// ^^^ most skillful and intelligent machinists
^^/ and blacksmiths in all Fulton County, and
his business as such, which he is conducting in
Lewislown. is extensive and lucrative. He is
prominent in the puljlic life of this uuinicipalit}" as
a member of the C'it\- Council, and his active in-
terest in its welfare and sagacious, well-trained
mind make his aid invaluable as a civic official.

January 4, 1841, was the date of the birth of
our subject in Hendricks County. Ind. His great-
grandfather, Garrett Cozine, was a native of Penn-
sylvania and was of earlj- German ancestry. He
■was reared and married in Peuns3'lvania and re-
moved from there to Kentucky. He became a
pioneer of Mercer County, where he dwelt until
1835. Once more he became a pioneer, removing
from thence to the wilds of Hendricks County.
Ind., where he bought land and impioved a farm.
He there died at the ripe old age of eight^'-four
years, his wife having died tn^o years previously at

the same age. Her maiden name was Shuman and
she was born in German}'.

Cornelius Cozine, the grandfather of our subject,
was a farmer and spent his entire life in Keutuck}-.
The maiden name of his wife was Jennie Vanars-
dale, and she w.'is also a native of Kentu(;ky. Their
son Garrett, father of our subject, was born in that
State, near Harrisburg. in Jlcreer County. He
emigrated from there to Indiana, aud became an
early settler of Hendricks Count}-. He was ac-
companied thither b}- his wife and children, and
they took up their abode on a tract of timber land,
which he had leased. He cleared much of it, and
lived on it until 1852. Again he became a pioneer
and in that 3-ear started westward with his wife and
five children, and came to Fulton County. On his
arrival here he leased a farm for a time, and then
bought one in Lewistown Townsiiip, which lie de-
veloped into a fine piece of property and there
death rounded out his busy life in 1888. His wifa
had preceded him in death, dying in 1872. Her
maiden name was Snsan R. Beadles. She was a
daughter of John Beadles and a granddaughter of
Jsiel Beadles. For her family historv see sketch of
N. Beadles.

William Cozine. of whom these lines are written,
was one of thirteen children, and was a lad of ten
5'ears when became to this county with his parents.
He has a vivid remembrance of his early home in
Hendricks County, and of the incidents of pioneer
life there. There w-ere no railroads in Indiana
when he was a child and that section of the counlr}-
wiiere his people lived was sparsely settled. The
nearest mill was at Indianapolis, twenty-six miles
distant, and it was operated by a tread power. The
highw.ays of travel were rough and at timess almost
imp.assable, and a rude corduroj' road extended
most of the way from Hendricks County to In-
dianapolis. William attended school and assisted
on his father's farm until he was eighteen 3-ears old,
when he engaged with Joseph Yarnell .as an ap-
prentice to learu of him the trade of a blacksmith.
He subsequently went into the plow shops of Thomas
.Stanbury. and worked under his instruction a year
and a half, his motive being to more thoroughly
learn the trade of a machinist, for which he seemed
to have a particular genius. He then opened a

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

367

machine aud blacksmith shop in Lewistown ami wiih
the exception of llnee years, has carried on busi-
ness in this city continuously since that time. He
is celebrated as a fine workman and he employs
only the most skilled men and has Iniilt up an ex-
tensive trade.

In 1862 Mr. Cozine was wedded to Ann Eliza
Herbert. The estimable lady is a native of Lew-
istown and a daughter of James and Anna (01m-
stead) Herbert. Hai'ry, the first child of our
subject and his wife, died when six years old. They
have three children living: Charles H., Willard C,
and Blanche.

Mr. Cozine is classed among the best citizens of
the city, both as regards -his private life, which is
irreproachable, and his civic capacitj' in which he
has acted without, stain. His fellow-citizens ap-
preciating his worth, his sound business talent and
gtnuine integrity have called him to take Dart in
the management of municipal affairs and he is now
serving his eighth year as a member of the Cit^'
Council. He uses his political influence in favor
of the Democratic party. Religiously, he and his
wife, who are sincere Christian people, are members
of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

^AMES NELSON, Superintendent of Claire
Coal Company, at Middle Grove. Scotland
has contributed her full quota to the popu-
lation and development of the great West,
and her sons have been found almost uniformly
thrifty and industrious, and especiall3^ is this true
in the case of James Nelson. Coming from the
land where flows the "bonny Dee," and where the
purple heather clothes the ground with a bright and
seemingly unl)roken carpet, he possesses all the
poetic genius and love of the beautiful which seems
somehow an innate principle of every Scotchman's
nature. Although a comparative stranger in this
city, Mr. Nelson has by his ready wit, courtesy,
and kindness of heart won for himself the esteem
of this community.

Mr. Nelson was born in IloUey Town, Scotland,
and there surrounded l;i\- the beauties of his native

land, passed a happy childhood. His father, Alex
Nelson, and his mother, who previous to her
marriage was Miss Annie Kirkwood. were natives
of Scotland and were married in that country, and
their five children were born there before they emi-
grated to America in 1864. Upon first reaching
the United States they settled in Pittsburg, and
la^er in Ohio, where the father died in 1885, hav-
ing attained his sixty-seventh year. The mother
is at the present writing living in Ohio, and is
sixty-eight years of age, and her children were
named respectively: Alex; John (who was killed
by a baseball when fourteen years of age); Jane.
Ellen, and James.

Our subject's birth occurred on February 19,
1845, and his recollections of bonny Scotland are
very pleasant indeed. His educational advantages
were excellent, and he lost no opportunity to im-
prove his mind. At the early age of ten years he
began to work in a colliery, and when fifteen j'ears
of age enlisted in the Seventy-eighth Highlanders,
and was on the point of departing for the Cape of
Good Hope, but was recalled home by his parents,
and seeing how much the idea distressed his mother,
concluded to abandon the ranks and sailed for Amer-
ica in 1 860. He Landed in Now York in August,
and going to New Jersey began to work on a farm,
but not being accustomed to that kind of work he
soon abandoned it and went to PennS3lvania, where
he engaged in coal mining for four months* and
was at a later day engaged in the same business in
Maryland. In the latter named State he lost his
heait to Miss Elizabeth Allen, who was like him-
self a native of Scotland, and after a nine months'
courtship they were married on November 10,
1862, in the city of Pittsburg, and there made
their home for a time. One child was born to them,
Annie, who died when only eighteen months old.

Mr. Nelson enlisted in 18G4 in Company A, One
Hundred and Twenty-fifth Pennsylvania Infantry,
and was mustered into service at Camp Wilkins,
and discharged at Pittsburgh. Pa., in the fall of the
following 3'oar. He then turned his attention to
coal mining at Uniontown, Ky., and while there
fell a victim to the ague, which is so prevalent in
that State. He was engaged in mining through
different parts of Virginia, Ohio, Pennsjdvania,

368

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALP,UM.

IMaryland, Kentuck}-, and Illinois, and has traveled
tliroiigh the greater portion of seventeen States.
He took possession of the Claire Coal Company in
September of tiie year 1889, a company which is
turnino; out one hundred and forty tons of lump
coal per daj-, and engages forty miners. Of this
business our subject is well prepared to take charge,
having had a most extensive experience. Though
at (iresent so closely identified with the business
and social affairs of Middle Grove, his residence is
at Gloucester, Ohio.

To Mr. and Mrs. Nelson have been born six sons
and four daughters, of whom one is dead, and the
following living, viz: Annie, Alex, Frank, James
Bruce, Nettie, Robert, "Willie, Mary and Andrevv.
Our subject was ordained to preach in the Metho-
dist Church iji 1873, at Mt. Yernon, Ohio. He is a
Good Templar, and took an active interest in or-
ganizing the lodge at Middle Grove, and takes
pleasure in alwa3'S supporting the Prohibition ticket
with his vole and influence. Mr. Nelson at tlie
time of his residence in Ohio was Deputy High
Chief Ruler of the Independent Order of Recha-
bites. He is an unusually intellectual man, and his
extensive travels have given him a clear insight
into the social and business customs both of the
United States and Scotland.

-^^

^ACOB DARLING is acceptably filling the
position of Police Magistrate of Astoria. He
came to this place more than forty j-ears
ago, and has ever since been one of its
most useful citizens. He was born September
5, 1827, on a farm near "Warsaw, Coshocton County.
Ohio. His father. Isaac Darling, was born on the
south br.anch of the Potomac River in Virginia,
and was a son of Rcjbert Darling, who is thought
to have been born in Ireland of Scotch (larentage.
The latter on coming to America settled in \'ir-
ginia, and" subsequently remc vcd from there to
Ohio in 1806, and was a pioneer of Coshocton
County. The removal was made with teams, and
the greater part of the way lay through a wilder-
u'-ss. There were but a few families living in

Coshocton County at the time and the Indians
still lingered about their old hunting grounds in
that part of the State. Mr. Darling bought a tract
of heavilj- timbered land and built a log house to
shelter his family. There were no markets and the
people lived almost entirelj^ on the products of
their land and on venison, bear meat and other
game which was abundant. The grandfather of
our subject cleared quite a tract of laud, and lived
in his pioneer home until his death. He raised flax
and kept sheep and bis wife used to card, spin and
weave the wool and flax, and made all the cloth in
the family. Her maiden name was Catherine Passen.
She also died on the home farm. She was the
mother of twelve children; eight sons and four
ilaughters.

Isaac Darling was twelve 3'ears old wher. his par-
ents removed to Ohio. He assisted his father in
clearing the farm, and resided thereon until his
marriage,when he bought land across the Walhold-
ing River from his old home. Fort}' acres of
land were cleared and a log house stood on tlie
clearing, which was afterward the birthplace of our
subject. The father erected a substantial brick
house in 1839, and in tliat made his home until his
death during the war. He lived to see that part
of Ohio in which he settled, develop from a wilder-
ness into a well settled and wealth}' county, and he
contributed his quota to advance its growth.

The fatlier of our subject was twice married. The
maiden name of his first wife, the subject's mother,
was Mahala Severns. Her father, Joseph Severns,
was a native of Wales and a pioneer of Coshocton
County. Mrs. Darling died in 1832. There were
.«ix children born of her marriage; four sons and
two daughters. Mr. Darling's second wife was
Jane Severns. a cousin to his firjt wife. She died
two years after her husband's death.

Jacob Darling, of whom we write, grew to man's
estate in his native county, and at the age of twenty-
one commenced work at the trade of a carpenter.
He resided in Coshocton County until 1848, when
he went to Indiana, and spent the winter in that
State. In the spring of 1849 he started on horse-
back for this county, and after a very pleasant
and agreeable journe}' arriveil hero safely, and
located in Astoria. He found here only a small

1^m\.

Harrison Putman

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

371

village, and men of his calling were in demand to
assist in building up the country. He worked at
his trade until the _year 1852, and then was clecied
Constable. He served in that ofHce continuously
until 1885. a i)erio<l of thirty-three years, and
made an invaluable otlieial. lu 1885 Mr. Darling
was appointed Postmaster of Astoria, and served
with acceptation until after the change of adminis-
tration. During the time he was Constable he
acled four terms as Collector of Taxes. In 1890
Mr. Darling was elected to the important office of
Police Magistrate of Astoria. He is discharging
the duties thus devolving upon him with sound
judgment, rare discrimination, tact and fairness,
and the peoi)le are well satisfied with his manner of
conducting the affairs of his ollice.

Mr. Darling and Miss Matilda Fleming were
married in the month of October, 1849. Mrs.
Darling is a native of Coshocton County, Ohio,
and a daughter of John Fleming. Six children
have blessed her happy union with our subject,
whose names are as follows: Isaac M., Oliver L.,
George N., Clement L., Lee Roos and Hugh II.

,>tS5<«r-' ^*^°=^"p=°^' '

ARTIN V. PUTMAN is a prominent and
wealthy farmer of Canton, 111. He is a
^^ native of this county, and a representative
of an old and well-known pioneer family,
in whose honor Putman Township, the place of his
birth, was named. He was born December 28,
1843, ani is the sixth of ten children born to Har-
rison and Malinda (Fouts) I'ulman.

Harrison Putman, whose portrait appears on the
opposite page and who is a retired farmer living
in Canton, was born in Gibson County, Ind., De-
cember 3, 1811. His father. Hazel Putman, was a
native of N'orth Carolina. His mother, Isabel
(Fouts) Putman, was a daughter of David Fouts,
and a native of North Carolina. She and her hus-
band removed to Indiana in an early day of its
settlement soon after their marriage, becoming-
pioneers of Gibson County. A few years later they
removed to a farm near Evansville.

Harrison Putman was the oldest of a family of
seven children, and passed his youthful days on the
old homestead near Evansville. He was eleven
years old when he came to Fulton County with his
parents who located in what became Putman Town-
ship; the latter was named in honor of his father,
who bought a large tract of timber land, for which
he afterward secured a patent and carried on trade
there as a blacksmith and gunsmith. Both father
and mother died in this county. He was a member
of the Baptist, and she of the Methodist Episcopal
Church.

The father of our subject remained with his par-
ents until he was twenty-one years old, when he
began farming on his own account in Putman
Township. He was very fortunate in the pursuit
of his calling, acquiring a handsome fortune and a
farm containing several hundred acres of choice
land. In 1872 he retired from his farm in Putman
Township to Canton, where he has since made his
home. He was married November 15, 1832, to
IMalinda Fouts, a daughter of David and Mary
Fouts. She was born July 27, 1814, and after a
happy wedded life of nearly fifty-eight years dura-
tion, she died in the month of April, 1890.

Martin Putman, the subject of this sketch, was
bred to manhood on his father's old homestead in
Putman Township. He attended school at the
Iliatt schoolhouse during the winter months and
woi'ked on the farm in the summer. One winter he
was a pupil in a Canton school. He remained an
inmate of the parental household till he attained
his twenty-first year, when he began his career as a
farmer on eighty acres of land given him by his
father. Success has attended his efforts, and he is
now a substantial and well-to-do farmer and stock-
raiser. His fine farm of two hundred and sixty-
four acres in Putman Township is well cultivated
and higlil}' improved. He has erected on it good
buildings, and has it well stocked, as before his re-
moval to Canton he was an extensive feeder of
cattle and hogs. He has been very successful as a
wheat raiser, and has also raised large crops of
corn. He continued to reside on his farm till 1884,
when he removed to Canton that he might give his
children beUer opportunities for an education. In
the western part of the town he built a neat and

372

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

eomniodious residence whicli is sliarled 1)3' beauti-
ful native hard maple trees that afiford a most
grateful and refreshing shelter during the summer
months.

March 14, 1867, was the date of the marriage of
our subject with IMiss Hannah Newton of Putman
Township. .She is a daughter of Dr. Newton, a
prominent phj'sican of the county, who came here
from Connecticut. Mr. and Mrs. Putman liave had
four children; Kate N.. Leuella M., Ma}- M. and
Gean Gale who died in infancj".

AYhile he was a resident of Putman Township,
Mr. Putman took a prominent part in educational
matters as a member of the School Board and also
as School Director for a number of j-ears. In poli-
tics he upholds the policj' of the Democratic party.
He is a man of good mental endowments, frank and
straightforward, and is liighl\- regarded by all who
know him or have had dealings with him.

7 ESSE POLLOCK, an old pioneer of Fulton
County, is now one of its most substantial
farmeis and